Geometry optimization for tunable band gap and wave guiding in periodic grid structures

A proper lattice structure consisting of homogeneous material is designed in this paper to investigate the maximum bandwidth of perfect lattice structures and tunable property of waveguide with linear geometric defect by means of selecting optimal geometric lattice cell. A simulation model based on finite element method is used to calculate dispersion curves and transmission spectrums of lattice structures with different geometric parameters. Meanwhile, a simplified theoretical model of unit cell, which considers the mass of grid bar and stiffness of node area, is applied to validate the accuracy of simulation result and may provide an effective approach for prediction of band gap lower boundary. Then, the validated numerical results show different orders of widest band gap that can be realized by different optimal geometric structures. Moreover, waveguide property can be effectively controlled and manipulated by changing defect parameters. The present study may establish theoretical and simulation foundation to control and manipulate band structures and other acoustic propagation characteristics of waveguide devices.

Application of Deep Eutectic Solvents in Food Analysis: A Review

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged recently as new and green solvents. DESs can be used for extraction and separation of both inorganic metallic components and organic compounds such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, sugars, and aromatic amines from food samples. DESs possess a tunable property simply by adjusting the ratio of hydrogen bond acceptors to the hydrogen bond donors. As a green extraction medium, DESs have various applications in the pretreatment process and improve the efficiency of different food analyses. This review summarizes the findings of recent studies on the development, production, application, and efficacy of DESs in the pretreatment process of various food analyses.

Viscoadaptation controls intracellular reaction rates in response to heat and energy availability

Summary/AbstractCells must precisely orchestrate thousands of reactions in both time and space. Yet reaction kinetics are highly dependent on uncontrollable environmental conditions such as temperature. Here, we report a novel mechanism by which budding yeast influence reaction rates through adjustment of intracellular viscosity. This “viscoadaptation” is achieved by production of two carbohydrates, trehalose and glycogen, which combine to create a more viscous cellular environment in which biomolecules retain solubility. We demonstrate that viscoadaptation functions as both an acute response to temperature increase as well as a homeostatic mechanism, allowing cells grown at temperatures spanning from 22°C to 40°C to maintain equivalent rates of intracellular diffusion and diffusion-controlled chemical reactions. Multiple conditions that lower ATP trigger viscoadaptation, suggesting that viscoadaptation may be a general cellular response to low energy. Viscoadaptation reveals viscosity to be a tunable property of cells through which they can regulate diffusion-controlled processes dynamically in response to a changing environment.

Fabrication of PAM/PMAA inverse opal photonic crystal hydrogels by a “sandwich” method and their pH and solvent responses

A “Sandwich” method was used to prepare PAM and PAM/PMAA IOHs with 3D ordered structures and optically tunable property. Both kinds of IOHs responded quickly and with high-sensitivity to various external stimuli such as pH, methanol and ethanol.