Cellular deformability is a promising biomarker for evaluating the physiological state of cells in medical applications.Microfluidics has emerged as a powerful technique for measuring cellular deformability.However,ex...Cellular deformability is a promising biomarker for evaluating the physiological state of cells in medical applications.Microfluidics has emerged as a powerful technique for measuring cellular deformability.However,existing microfluidic-based assays for measuring cellular deformability rely heavily on image analysis,which can limit their scalability for high-throughput applications.Here,we develop a parallel constriction-based microfluidic flow cytometry device and an integrated computational framework(ATMQcD).The ATMQcD framework includes automatic training set generation,multiple object tracking,segmentation,and cellular deformability quantification.The system was validated using cancer cell lines of varying metastatic potential,achieving a classification accuracy of 92.4%for invasiveness assessment and stratifying cancer cells before and after hypoxia treatment.The ATMQcD system also demonstrated excellent performance in distinguishing cancer cells from leukocytes(accuracy=89.5%).We developed a mechanical model based on power-law rheology to quantify stiffness,which was fitted with measured data directly.The model evaluated metastatic potentials for multiple cancer types and mixed cell populations,even under realworld clinical conditions.Our study presents a highly robust and transferable computational framework for multiobject tracking and deformation measurement tasks in microfluidics.We believe that this platform has the potential to pave the way for high-throughput analysis in clinical applications,providing a powerful tool for evaluating cellular deformability and assessing the physiological state of cells.展开更多
Developing high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density, rate capability and long cycle life are essential for the ever-growing practical application. Among all battery components, the binder...Developing high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density, rate capability and long cycle life are essential for the ever-growing practical application. Among all battery components, the binder plays a key role in determining the preparation of electrodes and the improvement of battery performance, in spite of a low usage amount. The main function of binder is to bond the active material, conductive additive and current collector together and provide electron and ion channels to improve the kinetics of electrochemical reaction. With the ever-increasing requirement of high energy density by LIBs, technical challenges such as volume expansion and active material dissolution are attracting worldwide attentions, where binder is thought to provide a new solution.There are two main categories (organic solvent soluble binder and water-soluble binder) and abundant polar functional groups providing adhesion ability. It is of great significance to timely summarize the latest progress in battery binders and present the principles for designing novel binders with both robust binding interaction and outstanding electrode stabilization function. This review begins with an introduction of the binding mechanism and the related binding forces, including mechanical interlocking forces and interfacial forces. Then, we discussed four different strategies (the enhancement of binding force,the formation of three-dimensional (3D) network, the enhancement of conductivity and binders with special functions) for constructing ideal binder system in order to satisfy the specific demands of different batteries, such as LIBs and lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Finally, some prospective and promising directions of binder design are proposed based on the existing and emerging binders and guide the development of the next-generation LIBs.展开更多
The quest for advanced energy storage devices with cheaper,safer,more resource-abundant storage has triggered intense research into zinc ion batteries(ZIBs).Among them,organic materials as cathode materials for ZIBs h...The quest for advanced energy storage devices with cheaper,safer,more resource-abundant storage has triggered intense research into zinc ion batteries(ZIBs).Among them,organic materials as cathode materials for ZIBs have attracted great interest due to their flexible structure designability,high theoretical capacity,environmental friendliness,and sustainability.Although numerous organic electrode materials have been studied and different redox mechanisms have been proposed in the past decade,their electrochemical performance still needs further improvement,and the mechanisms require further exploration.This paper provides a systematical overview of three types of organic materials(bipolar-type conductive polymer,n-type conjugated carbonyl compounds,and p-type material)on the energy storage mechanisms and distinct characteristics.We then focus on discussing the design strategies to improve electrochemical performance.Furthermore,the challenges and future research directions are discussed to provide a foundation for further developing organic-based ZIBs.展开更多
To the Editor:Heart failure(HF)is a global health problem with a high mortality rate.The various stimuli associated with HF can cause maladaptive remodeling,gradually weakening car-diac functions.Left ventricular assi...To the Editor:Heart failure(HF)is a global health problem with a high mortality rate.The various stimuli associated with HF can cause maladaptive remodeling,gradually weakening car-diac functions.Left ventricular assist device(LVAD)can improve advanced HF patients’cardiac functions,termed“reverse remodeling”.1 However,only a small percentage of patients who have received LVAD have experienced reverse remodeling.展开更多
Multivalent metal-ion batteries have attracted wide attention with the expectation of tackling the needs of large-scale electrochemical energy storage[1].Among them,rechargeable calcium(Ca)-ion batteries are known as ...Multivalent metal-ion batteries have attracted wide attention with the expectation of tackling the needs of large-scale electrochemical energy storage[1].Among them,rechargeable calcium(Ca)-ion batteries are known as a promising alternative to conventional lithium(Li)-ion batteries due to the high abundance of calcium(the fifth most abundant element in the earth’s crust)and its large theoretical capacity(2,073 m Ah cm^(-3))and potential(-2.87 V vs.standard hydrogen electrode,SHE)comparable to that of Li(-3.04 V vs.SHE).Furthermore,unlike monovalent cations,the divalent calcium cations favor a two-electron transfer to increase the specific energies[2].展开更多
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2019YFA0705104)partially sponsored by the General Research Fund under Project City U 11212920 and COCHE。
基金supported in part by InnoHK Project on[Project 1-5 Multimodal spectroscopy(MMS)&biosensor platforms for monitoring CVDs]at Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering(COCHE),in part by City University of Hong Kong(7020002,7005464,7005208,9667220)which is funded by the Research Grants Council(RGC),in part by Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board(9211276)in part by Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,China(CityU 21200921).
文摘Cellular deformability is a promising biomarker for evaluating the physiological state of cells in medical applications.Microfluidics has emerged as a powerful technique for measuring cellular deformability.However,existing microfluidic-based assays for measuring cellular deformability rely heavily on image analysis,which can limit their scalability for high-throughput applications.Here,we develop a parallel constriction-based microfluidic flow cytometry device and an integrated computational framework(ATMQcD).The ATMQcD framework includes automatic training set generation,multiple object tracking,segmentation,and cellular deformability quantification.The system was validated using cancer cell lines of varying metastatic potential,achieving a classification accuracy of 92.4%for invasiveness assessment and stratifying cancer cells before and after hypoxia treatment.The ATMQcD system also demonstrated excellent performance in distinguishing cancer cells from leukocytes(accuracy=89.5%).We developed a mechanical model based on power-law rheology to quantify stiffness,which was fitted with measured data directly.The model evaluated metastatic potentials for multiple cancer types and mixed cell populations,even under realworld clinical conditions.Our study presents a highly robust and transferable computational framework for multiobject tracking and deformation measurement tasks in microfluidics.We believe that this platform has the potential to pave the way for high-throughput analysis in clinical applications,providing a powerful tool for evaluating cellular deformability and assessing the physiological state of cells.
基金financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2019YFA0705104)Guangdong Province Science and Technology Department under Project (No. 2020A0505100014)。
文摘Developing high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density, rate capability and long cycle life are essential for the ever-growing practical application. Among all battery components, the binder plays a key role in determining the preparation of electrodes and the improvement of battery performance, in spite of a low usage amount. The main function of binder is to bond the active material, conductive additive and current collector together and provide electron and ion channels to improve the kinetics of electrochemical reaction. With the ever-increasing requirement of high energy density by LIBs, technical challenges such as volume expansion and active material dissolution are attracting worldwide attentions, where binder is thought to provide a new solution.There are two main categories (organic solvent soluble binder and water-soluble binder) and abundant polar functional groups providing adhesion ability. It is of great significance to timely summarize the latest progress in battery binders and present the principles for designing novel binders with both robust binding interaction and outstanding electrode stabilization function. This review begins with an introduction of the binding mechanism and the related binding forces, including mechanical interlocking forces and interfacial forces. Then, we discussed four different strategies (the enhancement of binding force,the formation of three-dimensional (3D) network, the enhancement of conductivity and binders with special functions) for constructing ideal binder system in order to satisfy the specific demands of different batteries, such as LIBs and lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Finally, some prospective and promising directions of binder design are proposed based on the existing and emerging binders and guide the development of the next-generation LIBs.
基金General Research Fund.Project:CityU,Grant/Award Number:11304921。
文摘The quest for advanced energy storage devices with cheaper,safer,more resource-abundant storage has triggered intense research into zinc ion batteries(ZIBs).Among them,organic materials as cathode materials for ZIBs have attracted great interest due to their flexible structure designability,high theoretical capacity,environmental friendliness,and sustainability.Although numerous organic electrode materials have been studied and different redox mechanisms have been proposed in the past decade,their electrochemical performance still needs further improvement,and the mechanisms require further exploration.This paper provides a systematical overview of three types of organic materials(bipolar-type conductive polymer,n-type conjugated carbonyl compounds,and p-type material)on the energy storage mechanisms and distinct characteristics.We then focus on discussing the design strategies to improve electrochemical performance.Furthermore,the challenges and future research directions are discussed to provide a foundation for further developing organic-based ZIBs.
基金City University of Hong Kong(No.9610430),which is funded by the Research Grants Council(RGC)Innovation and Technology Commission-Research Talent Hub(RTH)1e5。
文摘To the Editor:Heart failure(HF)is a global health problem with a high mortality rate.The various stimuli associated with HF can cause maladaptive remodeling,gradually weakening car-diac functions.Left ventricular assist device(LVAD)can improve advanced HF patients’cardiac functions,termed“reverse remodeling”.1 However,only a small percentage of patients who have received LVAD have experienced reverse remodeling.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China under Project 2019YFA0705104.
文摘Mechanical stability of flexible batteries is the guarantee for delivering stable performance.The interacting external and inner forces determine it.
文摘Multivalent metal-ion batteries have attracted wide attention with the expectation of tackling the needs of large-scale electrochemical energy storage[1].Among them,rechargeable calcium(Ca)-ion batteries are known as a promising alternative to conventional lithium(Li)-ion batteries due to the high abundance of calcium(the fifth most abundant element in the earth’s crust)and its large theoretical capacity(2,073 m Ah cm^(-3))and potential(-2.87 V vs.standard hydrogen electrode,SHE)comparable to that of Li(-3.04 V vs.SHE).Furthermore,unlike monovalent cations,the divalent calcium cations favor a two-electron transfer to increase the specific energies[2].
