We report on the influence of structural disorder on the electrical properties of multilayer graphene (MLG). Exponential decreases in the conductance and transconductance with increase of defects in the MLG were observed, which could be explained by the percolation and the variable range hopping conduction. An enhancement of p-type nature with increasing disorders was considered to be the result of oxygen doping in the graphene sheets introduced by oxygen plasma. The rapid increase of low-frequency noise was attributed to the formation of conductive network through the continuum percolation, as the low-frequency noise could be increased by the enhanced carrier scattering at the defect sites. We hope that our result should suggest a simple method of tuning the electrical properties of graphene.

Objective The precise pathogenesis of empty nose syndrome (ENS) remains unclear. Various factors such as nasal aerodynamics and sensorineural dysfunction have been suspected, yet, evidence is limited. This study reported the first examination of both nasal aerodynamics and trigeminal sensory factors in actual ENS patients. Study Design Prospective case control. Methods We enrolled 6 patients diagnosed with ENS. Three patients had pre- and post-inferior turbinate (IT) reduction computed tomography (CT) scans, which allowed comparison of their nasal aerodynamics changes through Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulation. Their symptoms were confirmed through SNOT-22, ENS6Q, acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry findings. Nasal trigeminal sensitivity that potentially mediates their perception of airflow, was assessed via menthol lateralization detection thresholds (LDT) and compared with 14 healthy controls. Results Post-surgical reductions in nasal resistance were observed and significantly lower than normal (p<0.05). CFD analysis showed that, paradoxically for all ENS patients, IT reduction did not draw more airflow to the airway surrounding the ITs, but rather resulted in nasal airflow forming into a narrow jet towards the middle meatus region, leaving the airway surrounding the inferior turbinate with significantly reduced airflow intensity and air-mucosal interactions (inferior region flow percentage reduced from 35.7%±15.9% to post-surgery 17.7%±15.7, p<0.05; inferior wall-shear-stress, reduced from 7.5±4.2×10−2 Pa to 3.4±3.1×10−2 Pa, p<0.01). ENS patients also had significantly impaired menthol LDT compared to healthy controls (p<0.005). Conclusion The results indicated that a combinatory of factors, including paradoxically distorted nasal aerodynamic, impaired sensorineural sensitivity, and potential pre-disposing conditions, may contribute to the development of ENS.

Photocurrent of a single ZnO nanowire synthesized by a sol-gel route was investigated. In vacuum, the dark current was bigger but the photoresponse was slower than that in air, attributed to the release of the available charge carriers by the desorption of water molecules and the decrease of the exchange rates of molecular ions. Under the steady radiation of the ultraviolet light (λ=325nm), a gradual decrease of the photocurrent was noticeable, which can be explained in terms of the annihilation of the carriers by the replacement of hydroxyl groups (OH−) by O2−, resulting in the decrease of charge carriers.

Brain‒machine interface (BMI) is a promising technology that looks set to contribute to the development of artificial limbs and new input devices by integrating various recent technological advances, including neural electrodes, wireless communication, signal analysis, and robot control. Neural electrodes are a key technological component of BMI, as they can record the rapid and numerous signals emitted by neurons. To receive stable, consistent, and accurate signals, electrodes are designed in accordance with various templates using diverse materials. With the development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, electrodes have become more integrated, and their performance has gradually evolved through surface modification and advances in biotechnology. In this paper, we review the development of the extracellular/intracellular type of in vitro microelectrode array (MEA) to investigate neural interface technology and the penetrating/surface (non-penetrating) type of in vivo electrodes. We briefly examine the history and study the recently developed shapes and various uses of the electrode. Also, electrode materials and surface modification techniques are reviewed to measure high-quality neural signals that can be used in BMI.