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High-brightness single photon sources (SPSs) are key components for practical quantum information processing systems. Although the performances of recently reported high-brightness SPSs are excellent, it remains challenging to match the emission wavelength of a quantum dot (QD) to the cavity since the high-Q cavity structures have narrow spectral bandwidths. Here, we propose a highly bright and broadband QD SPS that can be deterministically fabricated with a simple yet precise method. The optimized GaAs-polymer double solid immersion lens structure is capable of a brightness of 88% at 0.5 NA and has an operation band of 65 nm with a brightness of over 80% from numerical simulations. Experimentally, we achieved a brightness of 51.6% ± 2% and pure single photon emission [g(2)(0) = 0.029 ± 0.005] at saturation. We believe that our result can pave the way to a practical high-brightness QD SPS, considering its simple QD geometry together with its low cost and precise deterministic fabrication without using expensive and complicated e-beam lithography and dry etching processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of wet chemical treatments before treatment using (NH4)2S solutions in atomic layer deposition Al2O3/InGaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) interfaces are experimentally examined. It is found that no chemical treatment before sulfur passivation leads to high interface state density (Dit) in spite of the (NH4)2S treatment. Furthermore, the value of Dit is dependent among the pretreatments using NH4OH, HCl, and BHF solutions before the sulfur treatment. HCl + (NH4)2S and BHF + (NH4)2S combinations show the lowest values of Dit. In addition, all of the Al2O3/InGaAs MOS interfaces with the sulfur treatment show a small amount of arsenic oxide. Thus, much higher Dit of the interfaces with the sulfur treatment indicates that the amount of arsenic oxide is not a deterministic factor for Dit. On the other hand, the amount of arsenic oxide before the sulfur treatment is found to correlate with Dit after sulfur treatment. Also, the interfaces with higher Dit after the sulfur treatment show a larger number of sulfur atoms remaining at the interfaces. These experimental results mean that there is a strong correlation among Dit, the amount of arsenic oxide, and the number of sulfur atoms remaining at the Al2O3/InGaAs interfaces. As a result, we can interpret for the present experimental results that the sulfur treatment can have two opposite impacts on Dit at the Al2O3/InGaAs interfaces: the decrease in Dit due to etching of native oxides and suppression of oxidation by sulfur passivation and the increase in Dit due to defect generation through some interaction between sulfur and arsenic oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alginic acid is a polysaccharide obtained from brown algae, and its oligosaccharide has various functions such as antiviral, antitumor, immunoregulation, and antioxidant. However, because of its high viscosity, numerous studies have degraded the alginic acid by enzymes to improve its utilisation. In the present work, we characterised Sargassum fulvellum enzymatic extract (SFEE) using polysaccharide-degrading enzyme obtained from Shewanella oneidensis PKA 1008, and investigated its anti-inflammatory potential. S. fulvellum powder and crude enzyme were mixed at a ratio of 1:1 (v/v), and reacted at 30°C for 0 - 48 h to obtain the optimum degrading time. The changes in pH, colour, reducing sugar, and viscosity of SFEE were determined. The anti-inflammatory activity of SFEE was confirmed by measuring the expression level of nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-a, and L-1ß) in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The reducing sugar content was found to increase 2.75-fold at 24 h as compared to that at the initial reaction point, but pH and viscosity decreased significantly with increasing reaction time. SFEE showed a high inhibitory effect on the levels of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines. SFEE thus has great potential for development as a functional food and therapeutic material owing to its anti-inflammatory effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between substrate hole currents and interface state generation in Al2O3/InGaAs n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) is experimentally studied for the MOSFETs with three different Al2O3 thicknesses of 3.2, 5.2, and 8.2 nm. The constant positive gate bias stress is applied. Then, the substrate hole current, monitored in the carrier separation setup, is clearly observed for the InGaAs n-channel MOSFETs. It is found that the density of the generated interface states (ΔDit) is uniquely represented as a function of the total hole fluence (Nhole), given by integrating the substrate hole current over time, not the total electron fluence. This experimental result strongly supports that interface state generation is triggered by holes induced by electrical stress, regardless of the thickness of Al2O3. It is also found that ΔDit in 3.2- and 5.2-nm-thick Al2O3 MOSFETs, expressed by the universal single line against Nhole, is lower than that in 8.2-nm-thick Al2O3 MOSFETs, which can be explained by the difference of the origin of the hole generation in the Al2O3/InGaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor interface. Judging from the similarity of these features with ΔDit in SiO2/Si n-MOSFETs reported previously, the Al2O3/InGaAs interfaces have the same physical origin of interface state generation as SiO2/Si interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: To determine prevalence and clinical utility of pathogenic germline variants (PGV) in gastric and esophageal cancer patients using universal genetic testing approach.Methods: We undertook a prospective study of germline sequencing using an > 80 gene next-generation sequencing platform among patients with gastric and esophageal cancers receiving care at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center between April 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020. Patients were not selected based on cancer stage, family history of cancer, ethnicity, or age. Family cascade testing was offered at no cost.Results: A total of 96 patients were evaluated. Median age was 66 years, 80.2% were male, 89.6% were white. Nearly 39% of the cohort had esophageal cancer, 35.4% gastric cancer and 26% gastroesophageal junction cancers. Approximately half (52%) of the patients had metastatic disease. Pathogenic germline variants (PGV) were detected in 15.6% (n = 15) patients. The prevalence of PGV was 10.8% in esophageal cancer, 17.6% in gastric cancer and 20% in gastroesophageal cancer. Eighty percent of patients with a positive result would not have been detected by screening with standard guidelines for genetic testing. Most PGV detected included genes with high and moderate penetrance related to DNA damage response including BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 and ATM.Conclusions: Universal multi-gene panel testing in gastric and esophageal cancers was associated with detection of heritable mutations in 15% of patients. The majority of PGV would not be detected with current screening guidelines and are related to DNA damage response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental information on fragment emissions is important in understanding the dynamics of nuclear collisions and in the development of transport model simulating heavy-ion collisions. The composition of complex fragments emitted in the heavy-ion collisions can be explained by statistical models, which assume that thermal equilibrium is achieved at collision energies below 100 MeV/u. Our new experimental data together with theoretical analyses for light particles from Sn+Sn collisions at 270 MeV/u, suggest that the hypothesis of thermal equilibrium breaks down for particles emitted with high transfer momentum. To inspect the system's properties in such limit, the scaling features of the yield ratios of particles from two systems, a neutron-rich system of 132 Sn + 124 Sn and a nearly symmetric system of 108 Sn + 112 Sn , are examined in the framework of the statistical multifragmentation model and the antisymmetrized molecular dynamics model. The isoscaling from low energy particles agree with both models. However the observed breakdown of isoscaling for particles with high transverse momentum cannot be explained by the antisymmetrized molecular dynamics model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase Change Memory (PCM) has been proposed for use as a substitute for flash memory to satisfy the huge demands for high performance and reliability that promise to come in the next generation. In spite of its high scalability, reliability, and simple structure, high writing current, e.g., RESET current, has been a significant obstacle to achieving a high density in storage applications and the low power consumption required for use in mobile applications. We report herein on an attempt to determine the level of carbon incorporated into a GeSbTe (GST) film that is needed to reduce the RESET current of PCM devices. The crystal structure of the film was transformed into an amorphous phase by carbon doping, the stability of which was enhanced with increasing carbon content. This was verified by the small grain size and large band gap that are typically associated with carbon. The increased level of C-Ge covalent bonding is responsible for these enhancements. Thus, the resistance of the carbon doped Ge2Sb2Te5 film was higher than that for an undoped GST film by a factor of 2 orders of magnitude after producing a stable face-centered cubic phase by annealing. As a consequence, the PCM devices showed a significant reduction in RESET current as low as 23% when the carbon content was increased to 11.8 at. %. This can be attributed to the elevated SET resistance, which is proportional to the dynamic resistance of the PCM device, caused by the high resistance due to a carbon doped GST film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long-standing question in nuclear physics is whether chargeless nuclear systems can exist. To our knowledge, only neutron stars represent near-pure neutron systems, where neutrons are squeezed together by the gravitational force to very high densities. The experimental search for isolated multi-neutron systems has been an ongoing quest for several decades1, with a particular focus on the four-neutron system called the tetraneutron, resulting in only a few indications of its existence so far2–4, leaving the tetraneutron an elusive nuclear system for six decades. Here we report on the observation of a resonance-like structure near threshold in the four-neutron system that is consistent with a quasi-bound tetraneutron state existing for a very short time. The measured energy and width of this state provide a key benchmark for our understanding of the nuclear force. The use of an experimental approach based on a knockout reaction at large momentum transfer with a radioactive high-energy 8He beam was key.Experiment based on knocking out an alpha particle from a high-energy helium isotope shows a resonance-like structure that is consistent with a quasi-bound tetraneutron state existing for a very short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunnel Field Effect Transistors (tunnel FETs) have been proposed using In0.53Ga0.47As/InxGa1-xAs/ In0.53Ga0.47As Quantum Well (InxGa1-xAs QW) channels which improve their performance. It is expected in this structure that the high-In-content InxGa1-xAs QW layer with the lower bandgap can increase the tunneling current and resulting on-current (Ion), while the low-In-content In0.53Ga0.47As layer, where the source junction edge is mainly formed, can suppress the increase in the junction leakage current because of the higher bandgap. Considering the strain effect and the quantum confinement effect of the InxGa1-xAs QW layers, the In content and the QW thickness are designed carefully in terms of the reduction in the effective bandgap. The proposed tunnel FETs using the QW layers grown by Metal-organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy are fabricated, and the electrical and physical properties are systematically evaluated. It is found that the InxGa1-xAs QW can significantly enhance the performance of tunnel FETs. As expected in the calculation of the effective bandgap, the higher In content and thicker QW thickness lead to higher Ion, while the thinner QW thickness makes the sub-threshold swing (S.S.) steeper through the reduction in off-current (Ioff) and enhancement of carrier confinement. The minimum sub-threshold swing (S.S.min) of 62 mV/dec is obtained at VD =150mV for a tunnel FET with an In0.53Ga0.47As (2.6 nm)/In0.67Ga0.33As (3.2 nm)/ In0.53Ga0.47As (96.3 nm) QW structure. Also, the highest Ion of 11 μA/μm at VD =150mV and VG =1V, which is 8.5 times higher than 1.3 μA/μm of a control In0.53Ga0.47As tunnel FET, is obtained for a tunnel FET with an In0.53Ga0.47As (2.2 nm)/InAs (6.3 nm)/In0.53Ga0.47As (94.4 nm) QW structure. It is found that the InAs QW tunnel FETs with the InAs QW thicker than 5 nm significantly degrade by high junction leakage current attributed to the lattice relaxation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syndecan-1 (SDC-1), a transmembrane heparin sulphate proteoglycan predominantly expressed on epithelial cells, also exists in a soluble form through ectodomain shedding. SDC-1 expression and shedding may be modulated in the inflammatory milieu of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). We investigated SDC-1 expression in minor salivary glands (MSGs) and analysed the association between salivary or plasma levels of SDC-1 and clinical parameters in SS. We measured salivary and plasma SDC-1 levels via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and assessed the salivary flow rates (SFRs) in 70 patients with SS and 35 healthy subjects. Disease activity indices, serological markers, salivary gland scintigraphy, and MSG biopsy were evaluated in patients with SS. SDC-1 expression was upregulated on ductal epithelial cells in inflamed salivary glands. Salivary SDC-1 levels in patients significantly exceeded those in healthy subjects [median (interquartile range) 49.0 (20.7–79.1) vs 3.7 (1.7–6.3) ng/mL, p < 0.001] and inversely correlated with SFRs (r = −0.358, p = 0.032) and ejection fractions of the parotid (r = −0.363, p = 0.027) and submandibular (r = −0.485, p = 0.002) glands in salivary gland scintigraphy. Plasma SDC-1 levels were significantly correlated with the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (r = 0.507, p < 0.001) and EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (r = 0.267, p = 0.033). Focus scores were correlated with salivary SDC-1 levels (r = 0.551, p = 0.004). Salivary and plasma SDC-1 levels may constitute potential biomarkers for salivary gland function and disease activity, respectively, in SS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects and the anti-inflammatory activity of Sargassum muticum ethanol extract in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells and in a croton oil-induced mouse ear edema model. Pretreatment of lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells with Sargassum muticum ethanol extract (0.1-100 µg/ml) inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced production of nitric oxide, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of lipopolysaccharide-induced, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in the Sargassum muticum ethanol extract-treated group was also suppressed in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that Sargassum muticum ethanol extract induced anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting Mitogenactivated protein kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38) and nuclear factor kappa B, p65 phosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The antiinflammatory activity of Sargassum muticum ethanol extract in vivo was evaluated in the ear edema model of a croton oil-treated mouse. Compared to the untreated control, croton oil-induced ear edema was found to be reduced by about 33 % upon treatment with 250 mg/kg Sargassum muticum ethanol extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tetraneutron has attracted the attention of nuclear physicists during the past decades, but there is still no unambiguous confirmation of its existence or non-existence. A new experiment based on 8 He(p, 2p) 7 H{t+ 4 n } reaction, with direct detection of the four neutrons, has been carried out at RIBF, which can hopefully help to draw a definite conclusion on the tetraneutron system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of single quantum dots (QDs) into a planar Fabry–Pérot microcavity has been established as a direct and viable approach to vertically steer photons emitted from the quantum emitters, resulting in a strong increase in the source brightness, which becomes particularly evident when a lens with a low numerical aperture is used. However, the spectral bandwidth of QD–microcavity structures is limited and determined by their intrinsic quality factor; these structures are, thus, not ideal for the extraction of entangled photon pairs or for studies of exciton dynamics. We have found that, when a deterministic low-index solid immersion lens is placed on top of the QD in a QD–microcavity structure, the structure exhibits an enhancement in the bandwidth to 27 nm and a source brightness of 23%. The solid immersion lens is deterministically fabricated via two-photon absorption and can be remade several times without perturbing the QD, ensuring that the QD's intrinsic properties are preserved and ensuring its long-term reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study emissions of CO2 in the Baltimore, MD‐Washington, D.C. (Balt‐Wash) area, an aircraft campaign was conducted in February 2015, as part of the Fluxes of Atmospheric Greenhouse‐Gases in Maryland (FLAGG‐MD) project. During the campaign, elevated mole fractions of CO2 were observed downwind of the urban center and local power plants. Upwind flight data and Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model analyses help account for the impact of emissions outside the Balt‐Wash area. The accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of CO2 emissions estimates based on the mass balance approach were assessed for both power plants and cities. Our estimates of CO2 emissions from two local power plants agree well with their Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) records. For the 16 power plant plumes captured by the aircraft, the mean percentage difference of CO2 emissions was −0.3%. For the Balt‐Wash area as a whole, the 1𝜎 CO2 emission rate uncertainty for any individual aircraft‐based mass balance approach experiment was ±38%. Treating the mass balance experiments, which were repeated seven times within 9 days, as individual quantifications of the Balt‐Wash CO2 emissions, the estimation uncertainty was ±16% (standard error of the mean at 95% CL). Our aircraft‐based estimate was compared to various bottom‐up fossil fuel CO2 (FFCO2) emission inventories. Based on the FLAGG‐MD aircraft observations, we estimate 1.9 ± 0.3 MtC of FFCO2 from the Balt‐Wash area during the month of February 2015. The mean estimate of FFCO2 from the four bottom‐up models was 2.2 ± 0.3 MtC. Key Points: 1.9 ± 0.3 MtC of fossil fuel CO2 was emitted in Baltimore‐Washington during February 2015 based on data collected during seven aircraft flightsFour bottom‐up inventories indicate 2.2 ± 0.3 MtC of fossil fuel CO2 was emitted, in good agreement with our top‐down estimateThe uncertainty from a single flight segment was ±38% (1𝜎); data from seven flights yielded a precision of 16% at the 95% confidence level [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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1. Phosvitin, a major phosphoprotein found in egg yolk, has strong antioxidant activity. Activation of elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase by reactive oxygen species are related to the degradation of ECM and skin aging. The objective of this study was to determine the anti-elastase and anti-hyaluronidase activity of phosvitin. 2. Elastase from porcine pancreas and hyaluronidase from bovine testes were used to study the inhibitory activity of phosvitin. To elucidate the mechanism of enzyme inhibition, a Lineweaver-Burk plot was constructed. 3. Phosvitin inhibited elastase and hyaluronidase activity in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 value of phosvitin was 31.6 μg/ml and 1,270 μg/ml against elastase and hyaluronidase, respectively. The analysis of elastase and hyaluronidase kinetics indicated that the apparent Michaelis constant (appKm) was increased by phosvitin but the Vmax value was not affected. 4. In conclusion, phosvitin exhibited competitive inhibitory activity against elastase and hyaluronidase. Thus, phosvitin could be used as a natural anti-aging agent in the cosmetics industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of Myagropsis myagroides extract on tyrosinase activity. Inhibition of tyrosinase was observed in the presence of an n-hexane fraction of Myagropsis myagroides. Separation of the n-hexane fraction using silica gel column chromatography yielded the chloroform:methanol (50:1) fraction, which showed the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity. After several separation and purification steps, sargachromanol G, sargachromanol I, and mojabanchromanol b were obtained. These 3 chromene compounds displayed strong tyrosinase inhibitory activity. It could be concluded that Myagropsis myagroides is a potential source of natural antimelagenic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental results from spall tests on aluminum reveal the presence of a dense dislocation structure in an annulus around a void that grew under the tensile pulse when a shock wave was reflected at the free surface of the specimen. The proposition is that dislocation emission from the void surface under load is a viable mechanism for void growth. To understand void growth in the absence of diffusive effects, the interstitial-loop emission mechanism under tensile hydrostatic stress is investigated. First, the micromechanics of pile-up formation when interstitial loops are emitted from a void under applied macroscopic loading is reviewed. Demand for surface energy expenditure upon void-surface change is taken into consideration. It is demonstrated that in face-centered cubic metals loop emission from voids with a radius of ∼10 nm is indeed energetically possible in the hydrostatic stress environment generated by shock loading. On the other hand, the levels of hydrostatic stress prevalent in common structural applications are not sufficient to drive loops at equilibrium positions above a ∼10 nm void. However, for voids larger than about 100 nm, the energetics of loop emission are easily met as a necessary condition even under the low stress environment prevalent in structural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the fabrication of nanoelectromagnets and the magnetic capture of a single magnetic nanoparticle. The magnetic nanoparticles are extracted from magnetotactic bacteria and their diameter is approximately 50 nm. We show that a single nanoparticle is captured at each corner of the serpentine-shaped nanoelectromagnet, and the maximum magnetic field of 35 mT (and the maximum magnetic-field gradient of 4×105 T/m) is shown to be created at the capture spots of the nanoelectromagnet. It is also shown that there is a crossover between the magnetic force and the diffusion force at several hundred nm away from the magnet. This distance is comparable to the average interparticle distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum dot transistors and nanowire transistors are fabricated from a metal-semiconductor field-effect-transistor-type wafer and are characterized at low temperatures. Clear single-electron tunneling and various quantum effects, such as transport through excited states and negative differential resistance, are observed in our wire device. Our data suggest that the potential fluctuation of the heavily doped GaAs layer has a much larger characteristic length than interimpurity spacing, and that this is due to the low ionization rate (approximately 10%) of the dopant atoms at 4.2 K. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the interest in indoor spaces increases, there is a growing need for indoor spatial applications. As these spaces grow in complexity and size, research is being carried out towards effective and efficient representation. Omnidirectional images give a snapshot of interiors and give visually rich content, but only contain pixel data. For it to be used in providing indoor services, its limitations must be overcome. First, the images must be connected to each other to represent indoor space continuously based on spatial relationships that may be provided by topological data. Second, the objects and spaces that we see in these images must also be recognized. This paper presents a study on how to link omnidirectional images and an IndoorGML data without the need for data conversion, provision of reference data, or use of different data models in order to provide Indoor Location-Based Service (LBS). We introduce the use of the Spatial Extended Point (SEP) to characterize the relationship between the omnidirectional image and the topological data. Position information of the object is used to define a region of 3D space, to determine the inclusion relationship of an IndoorGML node. We conduct an experimental implementation of the integrated data in the form of a 3D Virtual Tour. The connection of the Omnidirectional images is demonstrated by a visualization of navigation through a hallway towards a room's interior delivered to the user through a clicking action on the image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-proton radioactivity is a unique tool to study the nuclear structure beyond the proton drip-line. Since its discovery in 2002, the known emitters have been 19Mg, 45Fe, 48Ni, 54Zn and 67Kr. 67Kr was observed for the first time at the RIKEN Nishina Center in 2015. Its decay energy was measured at 1690(17) keV with a branching ratio of 37(14)%. The halflife, 7:4(30) ms, was found in contradiction with theoretical calculations, pointing out effects of decay dynamics and nuclear deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The MAPK pathway plays a central role in regulation of several cellular processes, and its dysregulation is a hallmark of biliary tract cancer (BTC). Binimetinib (MEK162), a potent, selective oral MEK1/2 inhibitor, was assessed in patients with advanced BTC. Patients and Methods An expansion cohort study in patients who received ≤1 line of therapy for advanced BTC was conducted after determination of the maximum tolerated dose in this Phase 1 trial. Patients received binimetinib 60 mg twice daily. The primary objectives were to characterize the safety profile and pharmacokinetics of binimetinib in advanced BTC. Secondary objectives included assessment of clinical efficacy, changes in weight and lean body mass, and pharmacodynamic effects. Tumor samples were assessed for mutations in relevant genes. Results Twenty-eight patients received binimetinib. Common adverse events (AEs) were mild, with rash (82%) and nausea (54%) being most common. Two patients experienced grade 4 AEs, one generalized edema and the other pulmonary embolism. The pharmacokinetics in this patient population were consistent with those previously reported (Bendell JC et al., Br J Cancer 2017;116:575-583). Twelve patients (43%) experienced stable disease and two had objective responses (1 complete response, 1 partial response) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and stable metabolic disease by positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Most patients (18/25; 72%) did not have KRAS, BRAF, NRAS, PI3KCA, or PTEN mutations, nor was there correlation between mutation status and response. The average non-fluid weight gain was 1.3% for lean muscle and 4.7% for adipose tissue. Conclusion Binimetinib was well tolerated and showed promising evidence of activity in patients with BTC. Correlative studies suggested the potential for binimetinib to promote muscle gain in patients with BTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the interband and intersubband optical transitions in a parabolic quantum well with an applied electric field. Theory for the electronic and optical properties of a parabolic quantum well; Information on the interband and intersubband optical transitions; Conclusions.

Presents a study that examined the effects of free-carrier screening and valence band mixing on the gain-switching characteristics of a field-effect quantum well laser. Theoretical background; Calculation of the optical gain of the field-effect quantum well laser; Determination of the electronic structure of the quantum well.

Presents a study that investigated the effects of valence-band mixing on the gain and on the refractive index change of the quantum-well laser and the effect of an applied electric field perpendicular to the quantum wells for gain switching. Electronic properties of quantum wells; Gain and refractive index change of the quantum-well laser structure; Conclusion.

Presents a study that investigated the third-order nonlinear intersubband absorption in a semiconductor quantum well. Background on the optical properties of the two-dimensional electron gas in quantum wells; Analysis of the peak absorption for an optical intensity; Results and implications.

Examines the effects of various structure parameters such as grade potential, strain and quantum well size on the optical gain of single quantum-well lasers. Information on the technical applications of quantum-well lasers; Overview of previous studies on optimization model of quantum well lasers; Gain control model of quantum well laser.

The lower cyclic endurance of Phase Change Memory (PCM) devices limits the spread of its applications for reliable memory. The findings reported here show that micro-voids and excess vacancies that are produced during the deposition process and the subsequent growth in sputtered carbon-doped GeSbTe films is one of the major causes of device failure in PCM with cycling. We found that the size of voids in C15(Ge21Sb36Te43) films increased with increasing annealing temperature and the activation energy for the growth rate of voids was determined to be 2.22 eV. The film density, which is closely related to voids, varies with the deposition temperature and sputtering power used. The lower heat of vaporization of elemental Sb and Te compared to that for elemental Ge and C is a major cause of the low density of the film. It was possible to suppress void formation to a considerable extent by optimizing the deposition conditions, which leads to a dramatic enhancement in cyclic endurance by 2 orders of magnitude in PCM devices prepared at 300°C-300W compared to one prepared at 240°C-500W without change of compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose a nitrogen-incorporated GeBiTe ternary phase of N7.9(Ge46.9Bi7.2Te45.9) as a phase change material for reliable PCM (Phase Change Memory) with high speed operation. We found that the N7.9(Ge46.9Bi7.2Te45.9) film shows the resistance value of 40 kΩ after annealing at 440°C for 10 minutes, which is much higher than the value of 3.4 kΩ in the case of conventional N7.0(Ge22.0Sb22.0Te56.0) films. A set operation time of 14 nsec was achieved in the devices due to the increased probability of the nucleation by the addition of the elemental Bi. The long data retention time of 10 years at 85°C on the base of 1% failure was obtained as the result of higher activation energy of 2.52 eV for the crystallization compared to the case of N7.0(Ge22.0Sb22.0Te56.0) film, in which the activation energy is 2.1 eV. In addition, a reset current reduction of 27% and longer cycles of endurance as much as 2 order of magnitude compared to the case of N7.0(Ge22.0Sb22.0Te56.0) were observed at a set operation time of 14 nsec. Our results show that N7.9(Ge46.9Bi7.2Te45.9) is highly promising for use as a phase change material in reliable PCMs with high performance and also in forthcoming storage class memory applications, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formability of sheet metals is associated with their planar anisotropy, and finite element simulations have been applied to the sheet metal-forming process by describing the anisotropic behaviors using yield functions and hardening models. In this study, the evaluation of anisotropic constitutive models was performed based on the non-uniform height profile or earing in circular cylindrical cup drawing. Two yield functions, a quadratic Hill1948 and a non-quadratic Yld2000-2d model, were used under non-associated and associated flow rules, respectively, to simultaneously capture directional differences in yield stress and r value. The effect of the evolution of anisotropy on the earing prediction was also investigated by employing simplified equivalent plastic strain rate-dependent anisotropic coefficients. The computational results were in good agreement with experiments when the proper choice of the yield function and flow rule, which predicts the planar anisotropy, was made. Moreover, the accuracy of the earing profile could be significantly enhanced if the evolution of anisotropy between uniaxial and biaxial stress states was additionally considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The local delivery of antimicrobials is attractive for a number of reasons. Chitosan, a biodegradable polysaccharide sponge material, has been proposed as medium to deliver antibiotics directly to wounds. In this report we evaluate the safety and practicality of antimicrobial delivery via chitosan sponge. Method: We present the clinical course and systemic absorption characteristics of three cases of people with diabetic foot wounds treated with antibiotic soaked chitosan sponge (Sentrex BioSponge, Bionova Medical, Germantown, TN). The antibiotic sponge was made by reconstituting 1.2g tobramycin or 100mg doxycycline in 10-15ml saline and saturating the sponge with the solution. The sponge was then applied to the wounds. Serum levels of each respective antibiotic were evaluated after application. Additional in vitro studies were conducted evaluating elution of antibiotics from the chitosan sponge at established minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for Staphylococcus aureus over 28 days. Results: No patient experienced adverse local or systemic effects due to the sponge treatment. The measured serum levels applied antibiotics remained far less than established minimums after intravenous therapy. Each patient required further treatment, however local infection or contamination resolved during the course of their hospital stay after the chitosan/antibiotic application. Conclusion: The use of antibiotic-impregnated chitosan sponges appears a safe and effective mechanism of local delivery of antimicrobials in wounds. Future studies and clinical trials are ongoing to confirm these results and to guide clinical applications. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare with regard to the article or its content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated the degradation phenomena by interface reaction between terbium cobalt and a silicon-contained protective layer. Formation of cobalt-silicide; Possibility of reaction between cobalt and silicon; Discussion on coercivity changes during annealing.

Studies the polarization-dependent gain switching in a field-effect quantum-well laser with lateral current injection. Formulation used in the study; Application of the perturbation method and envelope-function approximation for the optical matrix element and transition energy; Conclusion of the study.

Previous studies have demonstrated that botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) attenuates orofacial nociception. However, there has been no evidence of the participation of the voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) in the antinociceptive mechanisms of BoNT-A. This study investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying the antinociceptive effects of BoNT-A in a male Sprague-Dawley rat model of trigeminal neuropathic pain produced by malpositioned dental implants. The left mandibular second molar was extracted under anesthesia, followed by a miniature dental implant placement to induce injury to the inferior alveolar nerve. Mechanical allodynia was monitored after subcutaneous injection of BoNT-A at 3, 7, or 12 d after malpositioned dental implant surgery. Subcutaneous injections of 1 or 3 U/kg of BoNT-A on postoperative day 3 significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia, although 0.3 U/kg of BoNT-A did not affect the air-puff threshold. A single injection of 3 U/kg of BoNT-A produced prolonged antiallodynic effects over the entire experimental period. Treatment with BoNT-A on postoperative days 7 and 12, when pain had already been established, also produced prolonged antiallodynic effects. Double treatments with 1 U/kg of BoNT-A produced prolonged, more antiallodynic effects as compared with single treatments. Subcutaneous administration of 3 U/kg of BoNT-A significantly inhibited the upregulation of Nav isoform 1.7 (Nav1.7) expression in the trigeminal ganglion in the nerve-injured animals. These results suggest that antinociceptive effects of BoNT-A are mediated by an inhibition of upregulated Nav1.7 expression in the trigeminal ganglion. BoNT-A is therefore a potential new therapeutic agent for chronic pain control, including neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the fourth leading cause of cancer death. Recently, MM-398 (nanoliposomal irinotecan) was shown to be associated with significant improvement in outcome measures with acceptable toxicities when combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin (LV) compared to 5-FU/LV alone in patients failing one line of gemcitabine-based therapy. There is a paucity of data evaluating the role of irinotecan in combination with 5FU in advanced pancreas cancer (APC). We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who received mFOLFIRI (minus bolus 5FU and LV). All patients with metastatic disease who had failed at least one line of gemcitabine-based therapy prior to receiving mFOLFIRI were included in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the continuous variables and adverse events (AEs), and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to calculate the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Forty patients were included in this analysis. Patients received 1-5 lines of prior therapy (25 % with more than 3 lines of prior therapy). The mean age at diagnosis was 60, and 98 % had ECOG of 1. The mean CA 19-9 at the start of therapy was 33,169 U/ml. The median PFS was 2.59 months [95 % confidence interval (CI) (1.90, 3.54)], and OS was 4.75 months [95 % CI (3.14, 8.98)]. The most common AEs included fatigue (98 %), neuropathy (83 %), anorexia (68 %), nausea (60 %) and constipation (55 %). Grade 3 toxicities included fatigue (13 %) and rash (3 %). There were no observed grade 4 toxicities. In this single-institution retrospective analysis, mFOLFIRI was found to be both tolerable and relatively effective in a heavily pretreated patient population with APC. Future prospective studies should consider evaluating the role of mFOLFIRI in refractory APC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pyrochemical process of used nuclear fuel, the purification of waste salts containing radioactive nuclides can greatly contribute to a radioactive waste reduction. For this reason, the purification of LiCl-KCl eutectic salt containing rare earth chlorides was performed using a series of the phosphorylation process and the distillation process. LiCl-KCl eutectic salt recovered from the purification had a very low concentration (<1 ppm) for the rare earth chlorides. The recycling feasibility of the recovered salt was verified through a uranium electro-deposition test using LiCl-KCl eutectic salt as the electrolyte. Based on these results, one body type of reactive distillation equipment with two top covers was designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pyrochemical extraction is one of the promising unit operations used in the pyrometallurgical process for the separation of actinides from fission products mixture with the aid of extracting the solvent and oxidant. A rigorous computational model for the simulation of multi-stage counter-current oxidative extraction was developed by using model equations, composed of a material balance and distribution relationships between the molten-salt and metal phase stream. The solutions were determined using the equation tearing algorithm. It was observed that this modeling approach allows us to provide simulations for the effect of the operating variables on the recovery of group actinides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]