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Introduction: The prevalence of sleep disorders (SD) has increased significantly in recent decades in parallel to the worldwide obesity epidemic. The presence of SD provides an increased risk of postoperative complications, requiring greater care in these patients. The gold standard for evaluation and diagnosis of SD is polysomnography, but it is an expensive and highly complex exam, making the questionnaires and scales more accessible for diagnosis and screening. Objectives: To evaluate the presence of SD and to analyze the influence of anthropometric measures on the scores of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), snoring (ERS) and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) in obese patients. Method: An observational, cross-sectional study performed from August 2015 to August 2016. The patients in the preoperative group of bariatric surgery of the University Hospital were submitted to anthropometric evaluation and application of the ESS, ERS and SSS during the preoperative physiotherapy evaluation. Results: Were evaluated 100 obese (78 women), mean age of 41.4±10.7 years and BMI of 46.1±7.8kg/m². SD were identified in 25% by ESS and 21% by SSS of obese. There were no differences between genders for the scales scores. The score of the ERS correlated itself with waist (r=0.20, p=0.04) and neck (r=0.33, p=0.001) circumferences. Conclusion: The use of scales for diagnosis of SD is useful in the follow-up of the preoperative of bariatric surgery and our study found that 25% of patients present daytime somnolence. We also observed the influence of waist and neck circumferences on increasing snoring scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon emerged as an important substrate material for photonics because of its transparency in the near infrared and its superior planar waveguide properties. Active optoelectronic devices in the infrared wave length regime need semiconductor heterostructures with smaller band gaps as silicon, preferably from the group IV material system. This paper describes fundamental properties of lattice mismatched group IV heterostructures on silicon and their synthesis with epitaxy methods. Special emphasis is given to the aspects of strain management in lattice mismatched device structures and to the realization of metastable non-equilibrium materials. Well-defined strain status is obtained by growth on virtual substrates which consist of silicon substrates with strain relaxed silicon germanium buffer layers. Epitaxy methods at low growth temperatures pushed the synthesis of germanium tin alloys with tin concentrations more than ten times the equilibrium value of about 1%. These achievements pave the way for silicon photonics to efficient light emission and mid infrared operation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

analyzing internal photoemission of electrons from Si/SiOx-passivated Ge into insulating HfO2 we found that insertion of additional La interlayer between SiOx and HfO2 leads to dramatic increase (more than by factor of 20) of the barrier transparency. However, no measurable variation of the interface barrier height is observed suggesting that La induces intermixing of near-interface oxide stack resulting in development of additional density of states corresponding to conduction band of LaOx and HfOx sub-networks. At the same time, photoemission results indicate the presence of discrete positive charges in the near-interface oxide layer which may explain the observed ∼1 V shift of capacitance-voltage curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed quantify dissipated power in a damper of automobile suspension to predict energy harvesting potential of a passenger car more accurately. Field measurements of power dissipation in a regenerative damper are still rare. The novelty is in using the broad database of real road profiles, a 9 degrees-of-freedom full-car model with real parameters, and a tyre-enveloping contact model. Results were presented as a function of road surface type, velocity and road roughness characterised by International Roughness Index. Results were calculated for 1600 test sections of a total length about 253.5 km. Root mean square of a dissipated power was calculated from 19 to 46 W for all four suspension dampers and velocity 60 km/h and from 24 to 58 W for velocity 90 km/h. Results were compared for a full-car model with a tyre-enveloping road contact, full-car and quarter-car models with a tyre–road point contact. Mean difference among three models in calculated power was a few per cent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors studied the correlation between the chemical bonding (CB) states and fixed charge (FC) states of Sr-silicate films grown on Si(100) substrates [Sr-silicate/Si(100)]. The Sr-silicate/ Si(100) samples were synthesized by silicate reaction of SrO layers on the Si substrates through the diffusion of Si atoms from the substrates by thermal annealing in oxygen atmosphere. The CB states and the FC states of the Sr-silicate/Si(100) samples were obtained from their O 1s core-level x-ray photoemission spectra and the shift in voltage from the flat band state in their capacitance- voltage curves, respectively. Peak fittings of the O 1s core-level spectra for each sample were carried out with the three components of Si-O, Si-O-Sr, and Sr-O bonds to determine the CB state. The thin Sr-silicate layers were mainly constructed of the Si-O-Sr component. With increasing thickness, the amount of Si-O-Sr component decreased while that of Sr-O increased. The thickness dependency of the FC density showed a good agreement with that of the Si-O-Sr component, revealing a clear correlation between FC and Sr-O-Si bonding. Our results suggest that silicate bonding plays an important role in FC generation in Sr-silicate systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In the present study, regenerated cellulose membrane with 'imprinted morphology' and low crystallinity was fabricated from the crystal cellulose/[Bmim]Cl solution. Spherulites of 1-butyl-3-methilimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) and cellulose/[Bmim]Cl solution were observed using polarized optical microscopy under certain condition. The fabricated cellulose membranes presented some particular characteristics compared with the membrane prepared from traditional cellulose/[Bmim]Cl solution. All the fabricated membranes were characterized by optical microscope, Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), thermo-gravimetric analysis, and mechanical testing. The images showed that the resulting membranes prepared from crystal cellulose/[Bmim]Cl solution were 'imprinted' with patterns which originated from the crystalline structure of [Bmim]Cl. The results of WAXD showed that the obtained cellulose membrane exhibited low diffraction peaks and crystallinity of approximately 24.57%. Furthermore, the low crystallinity led to the low mechanical property (27.5 MPa), thermal stability (315.4 °C), and high moisture regain (9.5%). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43798. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an investigation on the absorption mechanism of a GeSn photodetector with 2.4% Sn composition in the active region. Responsivity is measured and absorption coefficient is calculated. Square root of absorption coefficient linearly depends on photon energy indicating an indirect transition. However, the absorption coefficient is found to be at least one order of magnitude higher than that of most other indirect materials, suggesting that the indirect optical absorption transition cannot be assisted only by phonon. Our analysis of absorption measurements by other groups on the same material system showed the values of absorption coefficient on the same order of magnitude. Our study reveals that the strong enhancement of absorption for the indirect optical transition is the result of alloy disorder from the incorporation of the much larger Sn atoms into the Ge lattice that are randomly distributed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of 1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline derivatives (4-quinolones) based on a BSA [ N, O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide]-mediated cyclization of substituted 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-(alkyl/arylamino)prop-2-en-1-ones is described. The reaction belongs to a rare set of cyclizations in which a methoxy group serves as the leaving group. Reaction takes place by the action of silylating agent under mild conditions and provides high yields of pure products following simple aqueous work-up. The versatility of the approach is exemplified by a wide range of 1-alkyl/aryl 3-carboxylates and 3-nitriles that have been prepared. A crucial advantage of this approach is the facile availability of starting methoxy compounds enabling new synthetic possibilities as well as improved cost efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical properties of germanium tin (GeSn) alloys have been comprehensively studied with Sn compositions from 0 (Ge) to 12%. Raman spectra of the GeSn samples with various Sn compositions were measured. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra show a gradual shift of emission peaks towards longer wavelength as Sn composition increases. Temperature dependent PL shows the PL intensity variation along with the temperature change, which reveals the indirectness or directness of the bandgap of the material. As temperature decreases, the PL intensity decreases with Sn composition less than 8%, indicating the indirect bandgap GeSn; while the PL intensity increases with Sn composition higher than 10%, implying the direct bandgap GeSn. Moreover, the PL study of n-doped samples shows bandgap narrowing compared to the unintentionally (Boron) doped thin film with similar Sn compositions due to the doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HfO 2 , a simple binary oxide, exhibits ultra-scalable ferroelectricity integrable into silicon technology. This material has a polymorphic nature, with the polar orthorhombic (Pbc2 1 ) form in ultrathin films regarded as the plausible cause of ferroelectricity but thought not to be attainable in bulk crystals. Here, using a state-of-the-art laser-diode-heated floating zone technique, we report the Pbc2 1 phase and ferroelectricity in bulk single-crystalline HfO 2 :Y as well as the presence of the antipolar Pbca phase at different Y concentrations. Neutron diffraction and atomic imaging demonstrate (anti)polar crystallographic signatures and abundant 90°/180° ferroelectric domains in addition to switchable polarization with negligible wake-up effects. Density-functional-theory calculations indicate that the yttrium doping and rapid cooling are the key factors for stabilization of the desired phase in bulk. Our observations provide insights into the polymorphic nature and phase control of HfO 2 , remove the upper size limit for ferroelectricity and suggest directions towards next-generation ferroelectric devices.

A retrospective study of neoplasia was conducted from necropsy and histologic reports of 446 cranes representing all 15 extant species. Cases were obtained from the International Crane Foundation (ICF), Northwest ZooPath (NWZP), and six other zoologic institutions in the United States during 1993 to 2019. Only reports from ICF ( n = 61) and NWZP ( n = 374) were used for estimates of disease prevalence. Overall prevalence of neoplasia was 7.35% (32 of 435), with a metastasis rate of 31.8%. Seventeen types of neoplasms were identified. Geriatric cranes were the most common age class affected (60%). The digestive system was most frequently involved ( n = 12; 27.3%), followed by urinary ( n = 8; 18.2%) and integumentary systems ( n = 6; 13.6%). Carcinoma was the most common tumor type across all species ( n = 15; 34.0%) followed by benign epithelial tumors (adenomas; n = 11; 25.0%). Multiple neoplasms were observed in only one crane. Of the cases with metastasis, hematopoietic, reproductive, and respiratory tumors had 100% metastasis (2 of 2, 2 of 2, and 3 of 3, respectively), whereas tumors of the integumentary, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems had no evidence of metastasis (0 of 7, 0 of 3, and 0 of 1, respectively). Overall, Gruidae species were found to have a high prevalence of neoplasia but a low rate of metastasis compared with other avian species with the highest species-specific rates in Eurasian ( Grus grus ), demoiselle ( Anthropoides virgo ), and wattled cranes ( Bugeranus carunculatus ) (40.0%, 21.4%, and 19.0%, respectively). This is the first large-scale study of neoplasia in cranes.

Background: The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE) and the C825T polymorphism in the G-protein β3 subunit gene (GNB3) are associated with the efficacy of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE-5I) in erectile dysfunction. In addition, GNB3 genotypes could be associated with clinical worsening in pulmonary hypertension (PH) treated with PDE-5I. However, no studies have described the synergistic effects of gene polymorphisms on drug efficacy in patients with PH. Objectives: We aimed to examine the effects of combined ACE/GNB3 polymorphisms on the efficacy of PDE-5I in patients with PH. Methods: This was a retrospective uncontrolled study. Ninety patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH) were treated with PDE-5I. Freedom from clinical worsening and pre- and post-treatment parameters, including the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, were compared between patients with ACE/GNB3 II/TT and non-II/TT genotypes. Results: Time to clinical worsening was significantly longer in patients with the II/TT genotype than in those with the non-II/TT genotype (5-year freedom from clinical worsening: 100 vs. 48.8%, respectively; p = 0.018), even in patients with CTEPH alone. Post-treatment 6MWD and BNP levels in patients with the II/TT genotype tended to be better than those in patients with the non-II/TT genotype. The ACE/GNB3 genotype was a significant predictor of clinical worsening, even after adjusting for pulmonary vascular resistance and 6MWD. Conclusions:ACE and GNB3 polymorphisms may synergistically influence the efficacy of PDE-5I in patients with PH. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an investigation of normal-incidence GeSn-based p-i-n photodetectors (PDs) with a Ge0.94Sn0.06 active layer grown using sputter epitaxy on a Ge(100) substrate. A low dark current density of 0.24 A/cm² was obtained at a reverse bias of 1 V. A high optical responsivity of the Ge0.94Sn0.06/Ge p-i-n PDs at zero bias was achieved, with an optical response wavelength extending to 1985 nm. The temperature-dependent optical-response measurement was performed, and a clear redshift absorption edge was observed. This work presents an approach for developing efficient and cost-effective GeSn-based infrared devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation of the contact angle on a moving contact line is one of the important factors for the prediction of the liquid surface geometry contacting with solid. In this study the dynamic contact angle on an accelerating vertical glass rod is investigated both experimentally and numerically to elucidate the effect of the acceleration of the contact line. The experiment was held by using ethylene-glycol and its aqueous solution as test fluid. The measured contact angle in the transient state clearly deviated from that for the steady state, depending on the acceleration of the rod. Numerical simulation shows that the acceleration and the gravity terms in the momentum equation, which are relatively remarkable in macroscopic scale, are not responsible for such deviation in the contact angle. Rather, the dependence of the microscopic contact angle on the acceleration, estimated with the viscous bending model, should be the primary factor on the deviation of the contact angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reviews scientific and practical aspects of research on the metabolism of nitrates into nitrate (nitrite) reductase in the nitric oxide cycle in fish under hypoxic conditions. Literature data are given about enzymes involved in nitrate reductase reactions and how oxygen shortage affects their activity. The environmental factors that may participate in the processes of nitrate reduction to nitrites as well as the ones which may influence the kinetics of nitrate in fishes are considered. Examined results indicate that certain components of the conservative L-arginine-dependent nitric oxide cycle pass in a number of vertebrate animals. Then, the contour cycle of nitric oxide in the fish shows a wide range of diversity which is represented by phylogenetically ancient biochemical mechanisms of nitrite (nitrate) reductase. First of all, the presence or absence of hemoglobin is distinguished. Secondly, a wider range of expression of different myoglobin isoforms appears. Furthermore, the kinetics of nitrates in fish is distinctly dependent on abiotic environmental factors. The analysis of the literature confirms the thesis that nitrates are an important substrate for the nitrate (nitrite) reductase loop cycle of nitric oxide in fishes. Secondly, their role in the compensation of arginineindependent NO synthesis increases with decreasing oxygen levels in the environment. Thirdly, the provided research results are a basis for indicating xanthine oxidase and possibly the microflora of the digestive system as the basic units of the nitrate reductase system in the body of fish. The practical aspect of the question, in our opinion, is the most meaningful presence of numerous studies that emphasize the need to find physiological reactions that precede the formation of pathological changes induced by the influence of combined effects of nitrates and hypoxia on the organism of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ritualised displays are used by group-living animals in various contexts, such as when individuals join a group or flock. Only a few quantitative studies of the function of displays in species with fission-fusion social dynamics have been conducted to date. Here, we examined the arch display in red-crowned cranes (Grits japonensis) immediately after joining a flock. Behavioural observations indicated that the arch functions as a signal of both threat motivation and individual strength. Singletons had disadvantages in terms of competition over resources and were, therefore, expected to have higher threat motivation than pairs or families. Indeed, singletons performed the arch more frequently than did pairs or families. Performance of the arch was related to dominance: males and adults were more likely to perform the arch than females and sub-adults. The likelihood of performing the arch was positively associated with local group density, indicating that joiners arched in more competitive situations. Contextual analyses indicated that subsequent behaviour by a joiner was more aggressive and that nearby individuals more frequently showed behavioural responses when a joiner arched than when it did not. Together, this study shows that cranes demonstrate functional displays to potential competitors, and represents a rare example of the functional analysis of ritualised signals in non-songbird species with fission-fusion social dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High leptin concentrations have been linked to both obesity and an increased risk of dyslipidemia. Previous studies reported higher leptin levels in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) subjects compared with healthy subjects. As obesity is a determinant of serum lipids and lipoproteins in adults. Leptin might have a correlation with serum lipids and lipoproteins in OSAS subjects. The aim of this study was to examine correlation of leptin with serum lipid profile in male OSAS patients. In this tertiary hospital based cross-sectional study, one hundred thirty nonalcoholic and nonsmoker male subjects were indexed. Subjects with previous history of, liver disorder, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, end stage renal disease, heart failure, endocrine disorder, on systemic steroid or any continuous medication for last 6 months were excluded from the study. Anthropometric measurements, Polysomnography, fasting lipid profile and leptin assay was done. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS20. Leptin level was observed significantly positively correlated with only hypopnea events per hour in all studied oxygen desaturation indices while a strong significant positive correlation was found between leptin level and all studied obesity indices, BMI, NC, WC, HC and WHR. No correlation was observed between leptin level with total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL, TG and VLDL. The study brings to light that leptin is related only to obesity related parameters and not with serum lipids and lipoprotein levels in male OSAS subjects. We conclude that in our study setting, leptin was not correlated with serum lipids and lipoproteins in obstructive sleep apnea patients. It seems that, leptin was correlated exclusively only with obesity indices parameters i.e. BMI, NC, WC, HC and WHR of these subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the reactivity of the pyrazole derivative 1-[MeO(CH2)2]-3,5-Ph2-4-(CH2Fc)-(C3N2) ( 1, Fc = ferrocenyl) with Na2[PdCl4], Pd(OAc)2, and [MCl2(dmso)2] (M = Pd or Pt, dmso = dimethyl sulfoxide) has allowed us to isolate trans-[Pd{κ- N-(1-{MeO(CH2)2}-3,5-Ph2-4-{CH2Fc}-{C3N2})}2Cl2] ( 2), [Pd{κ2- C, N(1-{MeO(CH2)2}-3-{C6H4}-5-Ph-{C3N2})}{κ- N-(1-{MeO(CH2)2}-3,5-Ph2-4-{CH2Fc}-{C3N2})}Cl] ( 3), [Pd{κ2- C, N(1-{MeO(CH2)2}-3-{C6H4}-4-{CH2Fc}-5-Ph-{C3N2})}Cl(PPh3)] ( 4), and the trans ( 5) and cis ( 6) isomers of [Pt{κ- N-(1-{MeO(CH2)2}-3,5-Ph2-4-{CH2Fc}-{C3N2})}Cl2(dmso)]. Compound 1 acts as a N (in 2, 5, and 6) or (C,N)- donor ligand (in 4) and shows both binding modes in 3. The cytotoxic assessment of 1- 6 against MCF7, MDA-MB231 (breast), and HCT-116 (colon) cancer cell lines reveal that (1) 1 is more potent than 1-[MeO(CH2)2]-3,5-Ph2-(C3HN2) ( V), (2) 2- 6 have cytotoxic activity, (3) 2 and 3 are less active than 4- 6, and (4) 6 is the most potent compound against the three cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new and convenient method for the preparation of 3,4-dihydroquinazolines 5 with aryl and Ac groups at C(2) and N(3), respectively, has been developed. The key sequence is the formation of aza-phosphorane intermediates by the reaction of N-[2-(azidomethyl)phenyl]benzamides 1 with Ph3P, followed by intramolecular aza- Wittig reaction and 3-acetylation, which can be conducted in one-pot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of Sn surface segregation during the epitaxial growth of GeSn on Si (001) substrates was investigated by Auger electron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Sn surface segregation depends on the growth temperature and Sn content of GeSn layers. During Sn surface segregation, Sn-rich nanoparticles form and move on the surface during the deposition, which results in a rough surface owing to facet formation. The Sn-rich nanoparticles moving on the surface during the deposition absorb Sn from the periphery and yield a lower Sn content, not on the surface but within the layer, because the Sn surface segregation and the GeSn deposition occur simultaneously. Sn surface segregation can occur at a lower temperature during the deposition compared with that during postannealing. This suggests that the Sn surface segregation during the deposition is strongly promoted by the migration of deposited Ge and Sn adatoms on the surface originating from the thermal effect of substrate temperature, which also suggests that limiting the migration of deposited Ge and Sn adatoms can reduce the Sn surface segregation and improve the crystallinity of GeSn layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Sleep respiratory disorders (SRDs) are often found in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objective The aim was to establish the prevalence of risk to develop an SRD using the Clinical Berlin Questionnaire (CBQ) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) in patients with T2DM and verifying the correlation of anthropometric measurements and life quality (LQ) with ESS. Methods A descriptive and analytical study of a case series evaluating 208 patients with T2DM, submitted to clinical and biochemical evaluation and implementation of CBQ, ESS, and WHOQOL-bref to evaluate LQ. Results Mean age was 60.8 ± 8.8 years, and 65.4% were women. Most diabetics were overweight (36.1%), and 29.8% were class I obese. One-third had positive risk signals for a SRD, with 87.0 and 34.1% having high risk in CBQ and sleep disorders in ESS, respectively. There was a significant difference in the general LQ between the low- and high-risk groups in the CBQ. Conclusion In this scenario, it is noteworthy that the active search for sleep disorders must start from simple methods, such as application of protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an investigation on GeSn p-i-n waveguide photodetectors grown on a Ge-buffered Si wafer. In comparison with a reference Ge detector, the GeSn detector shows an enhanced responsivity in the measured energy range, mainly attributed to the smaller bandgap caused by Sn-alloying. Analysis of the quantum efficiency indicates that increasing the Sn content in the active layers can significantly shorten the required device length to achieve the maximum efficiency. The present investigation demonstrates the planar photodetectors desired for monolithic integration with electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin-film Ge09Sn01 structures were grown by reduced-pressure chemical vapor deposition and were fabricated into photoconductors on Si substrates using a CMOS-compatible process. The temperature-dependent responsivity and specific detectivity (D*) were measured from 300 K down to 77 K. The peak responsivity of 1.63 A/W measured at 1.55 μm and 77 K indicates an enhanced responsivity due to photoconductive gain. The measured spectral response of these devices extends to 2.4 μm at 300 K, and to 2.2 μm at 77 K. From analysis of the carrier drift and photoconductive gain measurements, we have estimated the carrier lifetime of this Ge09Sn01 thin film. The longest measured effective carrier lifetime of 1.0 x 10-6 s was observed at 77 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ge1-xSnx thin films with Sn composition up to 7% were epitaxially grown by chemical vapor deposition on silicon. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence was investigated and the peaks corresponding to the direct and indirect transitions were observed in a wavelength range from 1.6 to 2.2 µm. The exact peak positions obtained from Gaussian fitting were fitted with an empirical temperature dependent band-gap equation (Varshni relationship). The separation between direct and indirect peaks was equal to 0.012 eV for GeSn thin film with 7% Sn content at room temperature. This observation indicates that the indirect-to-direct crossover would take place at slightly higher Sn compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of the last 15-20 years on the isolation, synthesis, chemical modification, and biological activity of natural tricyclic quinazolines and their synthetic analogs were reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double heterostructure Ge/Ge1-xSnx/Ge light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with 6% and 8% Sn were grown on Si substrates using chemical vapor deposition. The electroluminescence emission spectra from the fabricated LEDs were investigated at room-temperature under different injection levels. The observed emission peaks at 0.645 eV and 0.601 eV are attributed to the direct bandgap transition of the Ge0.94Sn0.06 and Ge0.92Sn0.08 layers, respectively. Moreover, the integrated emission intensity increases as the Sn composition increases under the same injection condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectroscopy of internal photoemission of electrons from Ge and Ge1-xSnx(x≤0.08) alloys into amorphous Al2O3 is used to evaluate the energy of the semiconductor valence band top. It is found that in Ge and Ge1-xSnx the valence bands are aligned within the measurement accuracy (60.05 eV) irrespective of the strain imposed on the semiconductor or by the kind of passivating inter-layer applied between the semiconductor and alumina. This indicates that the Ge1-xSnx-stressor approach may be useful for strain engineering in p-channel Ge metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical properties and the Franz-Keldysh effect at the direct band gap of GeSn alloys with Sn concentrations up to 4.2% at room temperature were investigated. The GeSn material was embedded in the intrinsic region of a Ge heterojunction photodetector on Si substrates. The layer structure was grown by means of ultra-low temperature molecular beam epitaxy. The absorption coefficient as function of photon energy and the direct bandgap energies were determined. In all investigated samples, the Franz-Keldysh effect can be observed. A maximum absorption ratio of 1.5 was determined for 2% Sn for a voltage swing of 3V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder resulting in a myriad of adverse vascular risks, including altered inflammatory/anti-inflammatory adipokine balance. Recent studies are yet to agree on how this balance responds to the OSA severity. As it is customary in these studies to obtain a single blood sample in participants after completion of the nocturnal polysomnogram (PSG), we hypothesized that these adipokines' early ultradian pulsatility might contribute to the reported contradictory results. Methods: Fasting serum leptin and adiponectin were measured every 15 minutes for one hour in the morning after the diagnostic PSG for 13 adults recruited consecutively from the Salem VAMC Sleep Clinic between September 2006 and October 2007. Results: No differences in the timed paired samples of leptin (P=0.30) and adiponectin (P=0.28) were found in OSA participants (mean apnea-hypopnea index 21.1). Conclusion: Customary protocol of obtaining a single blood sample for leptin and adiponectin after nocturnal PSG seems appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex dielectric function of biaxially strained Ge1-xSnx (0≤x≤0.17) alloys grown on Ge (100) has been determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry from 1.2 to 4.7 eV. The effect of substitutional Sn incorporation and the epitaxial strain on the energy transitions E1, E1 + Δ1, E0′, and E2 of GeSn alloys is investigated. Our results indicate that the strained GeSn alloys show Ge-like electronic bandstructure with all the transitions shifted downward due to the alloying of Sn. The strain dependence of E1 and E1+Δ1 transitions is explained using the deformation potential theory, and values of -5.4±0.4 eV and 3.8±0.5 eV are obtained for the hydrostatic and shear deformation potentials, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives:In contrast to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA) in obese children has received lesser attention. As pediatric CSA is more prevalent than expected and adversely impacts health, this study aims to elucidate the major factors associated with central apnea index (CAI) and compare CSA between obese and non-obese children.Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed in a tertiary referral medical center. Children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) ranging from 2-18 years old were enrolled. All participants completed history taking, otolaryngological examination and overnight polysomnography. CSA was defined as having CAI exceeding 1 h−1. CAI and the prevalence of CSA were analyzed in children of different age groups, weight statuses and adenotonsillar sizes.Results:A total of 487 cases were included. The prevalence of CSA was 13.3% (65/487). CAI was negatively correlated with age (r=−0.32, P<0.001). Obese children had a significantly lower CAI than that of non-obese ones (0.20±0.36 vs 0.48±0.82 h−1, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated a relationship between CAI, age and obesity as 'CAI=0.883-0.055 × Age -0.22 × (Obesity)'.Conclusions:In children with SDB, younger ones have a significantly higher CAI than older ones. Additionally, obese children had a lower CAI than non-obese ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PP2A activator FTY720 has been shown to possess the anti-leukemic activity for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), however, the cell killing mechanism underlying its anti-leukemic activity has remained to be verified. We investigated the precise mechanisms underlying the apoptosis induction by FTY720, especially focusing on the roles of BH3-only proteins, and the therapeutic potency of FTY720 for CML. Enforced expression of either BCL2 or the dominant-negative protein of FADD (FADD.DN) partly protected CML cells from apoptosis by FTY720, indicating the involvement of both cell extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. FTY720 activates pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins: BIM, which is essential for apoptosis by BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and BID, which accelerates the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. Gene knockdown of either BIM or BID partly protected K562 cells from apoptosis by FTY720, but the extent of cell protection was not as much as that by overexpression of either BCL2 or FADD.DN. Moreover, knockdown of both BIM and BID did not provide additional protection compared with knockdown of only BIM or BID, indicating that BIM and BID complement each other in apoptosis by FTY720, especially when either is functionally impaired. FTY720 can overcome TKI resistance caused by ABL kinase domain mutations, dysfunction of BIM resulting from gene deletion polymorphism, and galectin-3 overexpression. In addition, ABT-263, a BH3-mimetic, significantly augmented cell death induction by FTY720 both in TKI-sensitive and -resistant leukemic cells. These results provide the rationale that FTY720, with its unique effects on BIM and BID, could lead to new therapeutic strategies for CML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of high strength weld metals with varying Al content are studied. The inclusions are characterised using energy dispersive X-ray analysis and electron diffraction. The tendency for alignment of the microstructure is characterised quantitatively using electron backscatter diffraction and a recently developed post-processing technique. Correlation is found between the inclusion phases present and the amount of aligned neighbouring grains in the microstructure. It is shown that amorphous Si-Al oxides form at low Al weld metal contents and an Mg-Al spinel at higher contents. The former is associated with less alignment of the microstructure and therefore higher impact toughness. The effect of these inclusions on the formation of the microstructure is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complexes of the type [PdX(PPh3)( 1)]X [ 1 = 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide; X = Cl- ( 2), Br- ( 3), I- ( 4), and SCN- ( 5)] have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses and IR, UV/Vis, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structure of complex 4 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The binding of the complexes with a purine base (guanosine) was investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, which showed the complexes to coordinate to guanosine through N7. A gel electrophoresis assay demonstrated the ability of 2- 5 to cleave DNA plasmid. All the complexes were tested in vitro by means of the MTT assay for their cytotoxicity against two murine cell lines, LM3 (mammary adenocarcinoma) and LP07 (lung adenocarcinoma), and compared with cisplatin. Complexes 2- 5 exhibited good cytotoxicity that surpasses that of cisplatin in the case of LM3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]