Sharif Digital Repository

Hydrogen storage capacities of raw, oxidized, purified and Fe-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were studied by electrochemical method. Based on transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopic data, thermal oxidation removed defective graphite shells at the outer walls of MWCNTs. The analysis results indicated that the acid treatment dissolved most of the catalysts and opened some tips of the MWCNTs. Thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results illustrated that by oxidation and purification of MWCNTs, the weight loss peak shifts toward a higher temperature. N2 adsorption isotherms of the purified and oxidized MWCNTs showed an increase in N2... 

Centralized and cloud computing-based network architectures are the promising tracks of future communication systems where a large scale compute power can be virtualized for various algorithms. These architectures rely on high-performance communication links between the base stations and the central computing systems. On the other hand, massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology is a promising solution for base stations toward higher spectral efficiency. To reduce system complexity and energy consumption, 1-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are leveraged with the cost of lowering the signal quality. To recover the lost information, more sophisticated algorithms, like... 

This paper introduces a quantization noise robust algorithm for object's shape prediction in a video sequence. The algorithm is based on pixel representation in the undecimated wavelet domain for tracking of the user-defined shapes contaminated by the compression noise of video sequences. In the proposed algorithm, the amplitude of coefficients in the best basis tree expansion of the undecimated wavelet packet transform is used as feature vectors (FVs). FVs robustness against quantization noise has been achieved through inherent denoising and edge component separation in the best basis selection algorithm. The algorithm uses these FVs to track the pixels of small square blocks located at the... 

The welding behavior of the Fe-Co-7 wt% V ultra-thin foils was examined using the Nd:YAG laser welding method. Scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction were used to investigate microstructural changes and fracture mechanism of the weld joints. Tensile test and microhardness measurement were employed in order to study the mechanical behaviors of the welds. Microstructural observations indicated that a bimodal grain size distribution is seen in the fusion zone. It was found that the fracture surfaces of the welds consist of both cleavage sites and dimples. It was also revealed that the cleavage sites are mainly located in the coarse grain zone while numerous dimples... 

Smart drug delivery systems (DDSs) have attracted the attention of many scientists, as carriers that can be stimulated by changes in environmental parameters such as temperature, pH, light, electromagnetic fields, mechanical forces, etc. These smart nanocarriers can release their cargo on demand when their target is reached and the stimulus is applied. Using the techniques of nanotechnology, these nanocarriers can be tailored to be target-specific, and exhibit delayed or controlled release of drugs. Temperature-responsive nanocarriers are one of most important groups of smart nanoparticles (NPs) that have been investigated during the past decades. Temperature can either act as an external... 

Introduction: It is 23 years since carbon allotrope known as carbon nanotubes (CNT) was discovered by Iijima, who described them as "rolled graphite sheets inserted into each other". Since then, CNTs have been studied in nanoelectronic devices. However, CNTs also possess the versatility to act as drug- and gene-delivery vehicles.Areas covered: This review covers the synthesis, purification and functionalization of CNTs. Arc discharge, laser ablation and chemical vapor deposition are the principle synthesis methods. Non-covalent functionalization relies on attachment of biomolecules by coating the CNT with surfactants, synthetic polymers and biopolymers. Covalent functionalization often... 

Introduction: Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have recently been studied as novel and versatile drug and gene delivery vehicles. When CNT are suitably functionalized, they can interact with various cell types and are taken up by endocytosis.Areas covered: Anti-cancer drugs cisplatin and doxorubicin have been delivered by CNT, as well as methotrexate, taxol and gemcitabine. The delivery of the antifungal compound amphotericin B and the oral administration of erythropoietin have both been assisted using CNT. Frequently, targeting moieties such as folic acid, epidermal growth factor or various antibodies are attached to the CNT-drug nanovehicle. Different kinds of functionalization (e.g., polycations)... 

New achievements in the realm of nanoscience and innovative techniques of nanomedicine have moved micro/nanoparticles (MNPs) to the point of becoming actually useful for practical applications in the near future. Various differences between the extracellular and intracellular environments of cancerous and normal cells and the particular characteristics of tumors such as physicochemical properties, neovasculature, elasticity, surface electrical charge, and pH have motivated the design and fabrication of inventive "smart" MNPs for stimulus-responsive controlled drug release. These novel MNPs can be tailored to be responsive to pH variations, redox potential, enzymatic activation, thermal...