泡沫与凝胶堵剂处理性能比较

在这篇文章中，我们研究了在作为封诸剂时，泡沫是否能显示出比凝胶更优越的处理性能。尤其考察了极限毛细管压力的概念是否可以在高渗透层中形成稳定的、低流度泡沫，同时在低渗透层中能防止泡沫的产生及伤害。使用C14～16磺化α－烯烃，测量了一种氮气泡沫在渗透率为7.5～900mD范围岩芯中的流度(回压750lb／ln2，104°F），使用的泡沫量为50％～95％，渗流速率0．5～100ft/d。我们广泛地研究了泡沫处理后，注盐水驱替时的残余阻力系数，实验研究结果表明泡沫比凝胶具有更优越的处理性能。该研究还发现：和像水一样交联体系比较，当渗透率在7.5mD以下的低渗透层和80mD以上的高渗透层中，泡沫显示出比较好的处理性能。     

Wafer-scale fabrication of polymer-based microdevices via injection molding and photolithographic micropatterning protocols

Because of their broad applications in biomedical analysis, integrated, polymer-based microdevices incorporating micropatterned metallic and insulating layers are significant in contemporary research. In this study, micropatterns for temperature sensing and microelectrode sets for electroanalysis have been implemented on an injection-molded thin polymer membrane by employing conventional semiconductor processing techniques (i.e., standard photolithographic methods). Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is chosen as the polymer substrate because of its high chemical and thermal stability. A COC 5-in. wafer (1-mm thickness) is manufactured using an injection molding method, in which polymer membranes (approximately 130 microm thick and 3 mm x 6 mm in area) are implemented simultaneously in order to reduce local thermal mass around micropatterned heaters and temperature sensors. The highly polished surface (approximately 4 nm within 40 microm x 40 microm area) of the fabricated COC wafer as well as its good resistance to typical process chemicals makes it possible to use the standard photolithographic and etching protocols on the COC wafer. Gold micropatterns with a minimum 5-microm line width are fabricated for making microheaters, temperature sensors, and microelectrodes. An insulating layer of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is prepared at a COC-endurable low temperature (approximately 120 degrees C) by using atomic layer deposition and micropatterning for the electrode contacts. The fabricated microdevice for heating and temperature sensing shows improved performance of thermal isolation, and microelectrodes display good electrochemical performances for electrochemical sensors. Thus, this novel 5-in. wafer-level microfabrication method is a simple and cost-effective protocol to prepare polymer substrate and demonstrates good potential for application to highly integrated and miniaturized biomedical devices.     

In situ measurements of ion-exchange processes in single polymer particles: laser trapping microspectroscopy and confocal fluorescence microspectroscopy

Ion-exchange processes of a cationic dye (Rhodamine B; RhB) were studied for individual polymer particles (diameter of 16-20 μm) by laser trapping microspectroscopy and confocal fluorescence laser microspectroscopy. The absorbance of RhB at 565 nm adsorbed on a cation-exchange particle increased linearly with the concentration of RhB in the aqueous phase, while it was independent of the particle diameter. Fluorescence intensity profile measurements of RhB along the particle diameter by confocal fluorescence microspectroscopy directly proved that ion exchange took place in the surface layer (～2-μm thickness) of the particle in the initial stage (1 h). Diffusion of RhB in the particle was very slow, and ion exchange proceeded gradually to the inner volume in the order of days. The ion-exchange processes were analyzed on the basis of simulation of the time course of the concentration profile of RhB in the particle, and the diffusion coefficient of RhB was determined to be (2-4) × 10(-11) cm(2)·s(-1).     

Case-control study of radon and lung cancer in New Jersey

Radon is known to cause lung cancer in humans; however, there remain uncertainties about the effects associated with residential exposures. This case-control study of residential radon and lung cancer was conducted in five counties in New Jersey and involved 561 cases and 740 controls. A year long alpha-track detector measurement of radon was completed for approximately 93% of all residences lived in at the time of interview (a total of 2,063). While the odds ratios (ORs) for whole data were suggestive of an increased risk for exposures >75 Bq m(-3), these associations were not statistically significant. The adjusted excess OR (EOR) per 100 Bq m(-3) was -0.13 (95% CI: -0.30 to 0.44) for males, 0.29 (95% CI: -0.12 to 1.70) for females and 0.05 (95% CI: -0.14 to 0.56) for all subjects combined. An analysis of radon effects by histological type of lung cancer showed that the OR was strongest for small/oat cell carcinomas in both males and females. There was no statistical heterogeneity of radon effects by demographic factors (age at disease occurrence, education level and type of respondent). Analysis by categories of smoking status, frequency or duration did not modify the risk estimates of radon on lung cancer. The findings of this study are consistent with an earlier population-based study of radon and lung cancer among New Jersey women, and with the North American pooling of case control radon seven studies, including the previous New Jersey study. Several uncertainties regarding radon measurements and assumptions of exposure history may have resulted in underestimation of a true exposure-response relationship.     

Direct electrochemistry of laccase immobilized on au nanoparticles encapsulated-dendrimer bonded conducting polymer: application for a catechin sensor

The direct electrochemistry of laccase was promoted by Au nanoparticle (AuNP)-encapsulated dendrimers (Den), which was applied for the detection of catechin. To increase the electrical properties, AuNPs were captured in the interiors of the dendrimer (Den-AuNPs) as opposed to attachment at the periphery of dendrimer. To prepare Den-AuNPs, the Au(III) ions were first coordinated in the interior of dendrimer with nitrogen ligands and then reduced to form AuNPs. The size of AuNPs encapsulated within the interior of the dendrimer was determined to be 1.7 +/- 0.4 nm. AuNPs-encapsulated dendrimers were then used to covalently immobilize laccase (PDATT/ Den(AuNPs)/laccase) through the formation of amide bonds between carboxylic acid groups of the dendrimer and the amine groups of laccase. Each layer of the PDATT/Den(AuNPs)/laccase probe was characterized using CV, EIS, QCM, XPS, SEM, and TEM. The PDATT/Den(AuNPs)/laccase probe displayed a well-defined direct electron-transfer (DET) process of laccase. The quasi-reversible redox peak of the Cu redox center of the laccase molecule was observed at -0.03/+0.13 V vs Ag/AgCl, and the electron-transfer rate constant was determined to be 1.28 s (-1). A catechin biosensor based on the electrocatalytic process by direct electrochemistry of laccase was developed. The linear range and the detection limit in the catechin analysis were determined to be 0.1-10 and 0.05 +/- 0.003 microM, respectively. Interference effects from various phenolic and polyphenolic compounds were also studied, and the general applicability of the biosensor was evaluated by selective analysis of real samples of catechin.     

Solid-phase extraction of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions from environmental samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS)

A new method using a column packed with Amberlite XAD-2010 resin as a solid-phase extractant has been developed for the multi-element preconcentration of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) ions based on their complex formation with the sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (Na-DDTC) prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometric (FAAS) determinations. Metal complexes sorbed on the resin were eluted by 1 mol L(-1) HNO3 in acetone. Effects of the analytical conditions over the preconcentration yields of the metal ions, such as pH, quantity of Na-DDTC, eluent type, sample volume and flow rate, foreign ions etc. have been investigated. The limits of detection (LOD) of the analytes were found in the range 0.08-0.26 microg L(-1). The method was validated by analyzing three certified reference materials. The method has been applied for the determination of trace elements in some environmental samples.     

Nanosized LiFePO4 cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

In this study, we prepared nano-particles of LiFePO4 as cathode material for lithium ion batteries by the solid-state reaction. A simple one-step heat treatment has been employed with control of heating temperature and heated LiFePO4 at 650 degrees C exhibited higher 125 mA h/g of the discharge capacity than 600 degrees C, 700 degrees C. To improve conductivity of the inter-particle, carbon coating was carried out by raw carbon or pyrene as carbon sources and their morphological properties of particles on the carbon coating was compared with by FE-SEM, TEM. From the FE-SEM results, the particles of carbon added LiFePO4 have much smaller size than LiFePO4 as below 300 nm. When adding pyrene (10 wt%), the carbon surrounded non-uniformly with surface of the particles compared with adding raw carbon which wrapped uniformly with carbon web and it was exhibited 152 mA h/g of the discharge capacity on LiFePO4/C composite cells at 10th cycle.     

A carbon nanotube needle biosensor

A carbon nanotube needle biosensor was developed to provide fast, cost effective and highly sensitive electrochemical detection of biomolecules. The sensor was fabricated based on an array of aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. A bundle of nanotubes in the array was welded onto the tip of a tungsten needle under a microscope. The needle was then encased in glass and a polymer coating leaving only the tip of the needle exposed. Cyclic voltammetry was performed to examine the redox behavior of the nanotube needle. The cyclic voltammetry results showed a steady-state response attributable to radial diffusion with a high steady-state current density. An amperometric sensor was then developed for glucose detection by physically attaching glucose oxidase on the nanotube needle. The amperometric response of these nanotube needles showed a high sensitivity with a low detection limit. It is expected that the nanotube needle can be sharpened to increase the sensitivity to the point where the current is almost too small to measure. The simple manufacturing method should allow commodity level production of highly sensitive electronic biosensors.     

Branching rates and growth functions in the outgrowth of dendritic branching patterns

The outgrowth of dendritic branching patterns proceeds by neurite elongation and branching. These actions are supported by growth cones, specialized dynamic structures at the tips of outgrowing neurites, in response to a multitude of intracellular and extracellular signals and mechanisms. Branching rates of growth cones and their temporal patterns thus reflect the extent and changes in these responses. The present study outlines a model framework to relate branching rates of individual growth cones with the growth rate of the entire dendritic tree. The branching rate of an individual growth cone is assumed to depend on the total number of growth cones at any given moment (representing competition between growth cones), on its position along the dendrite, and on a baseline component representing all other factors. Four different strategies are discussed for determining quantitatively these components from experimental data. The methods are applied in the analysis of dendritic trees of Wistar rat multipolar non-pyramidal neurons, quantitatively reconstructed at several developmental stages (Parnavelas J G and Uylings H B M 1980 Brain Res. 193 373-82, Uylings H B M, Parnavelas J G, Walg H and Veltman W A M 1980 Mikroskopie 37 220-4). It is shown that the baseline branching rate is a rapidly decreasing function of time, indicating the largest baseline drive for branching in the early days of outgrowth.