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Abstract Model calibration plays an important role in reducing the discrepancy between the simulation value and the measured data. The calibrated building thermal performance model will better guide the building retrofit and optimized operation. At present, however, researchers often calibrate building thermal performance model based on monthly data, and there are a few studies on hourly model calibration. In this paper, a stepwise calibration method for residential building thermal performance model based on hourly heat consumption data is proposed. This method mainly includes the following two key steps: (1) Sensitivity analysis. Morris sensitivity analysis method is adopted to reduce the number of calibrated parameters and improve the efficiency of model calibration. (2) Stepwise calibration. The building thermal parameters and the occupant behavior related parameters are distinguished, and proposing a calibration method for the schedule of occupant behavior related parameters. The effects of different processing methods for occupant behavior related parameters on the accuracy of calibration results are analyzed. A case study is demonstrated in a residential building with satisfying results. The Morris sensitivity analysis method reduces the number of calibrated parameters from 14 to 6. On the basis of the calibration for building thermal parameter, three calibration schemes for different occupant behavior related parameters are compared. Compared with before calibration, the MBE and CV(RMSE) of the best calibration scheme are reduced from −81.71% and 83.89% to −2.91% and 15.90%. The results meet the limits of model calibration accuracy in ASHRAE Guideline 14, IPMVP and FEMP standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and occurs at a higher frequency in male individuals. Little is known about the role of the long intergenic noncoding RNA for kinase activation (LINK-A) in NSCLC, so in the present study we assessed its potential role on cell proliferation in NSCLC. Methods: Expression levels of LINK-A in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were detected by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. LINK-A was knocked down and overexpressed separately in A549 cells and NCI-H1299 cells. The effect of LINK-A expression on cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. The correlation between LINK-A and hexokinase II (HKII) expression was investigated by Western blot and HKII Activity Assay. Glucose consumption and lactate production assay were used to investigate the aerobic glycolysis in NSCLC cells. The effect of LINK-A in vivo was determined by xenograft assay. Results: LINK-A expression levels were increased in NSCLC tissues compared with normal tissues. Moreover, LINK-A expression was positively correlated with NSCLC clinicopathological characteristics and survival rate, while knockdown of LINK-A reduced NSCLC cell proliferation. LINK-A expression was also positively correlated with HKII, and NSCLC cells with low LINK-A expression were found to have significantly reduced HKII protein expression, accompanied by a reduction in enzyme activity levels. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that LINK-A expression affected glucose consumption and lactate production through regulation of HKII expression. Conclusion: These data suggest that the functions of LINK-A in NSCLC might play a key role in tumor progression and that LINK-A could be a promising predictive biomarker and potential therapeutic target for NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We have demonstrated the chemical reaction, charge and energy transfer process using photoelectron spectroscopy for near-infrared organic light-emitting diodes. [•] Based on the result of this paper, we can achieve the optimal device efficiency by certain of ErF3 dopant concentration, which is useful for the research of NIR-OLED. [•] The study on the electroluminescence mechanism is crucial for the applying of ErF3 doped NIR-OLED. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The DUV optoelectronic synapse was fabricated on the MOCVD-deposited a-GaO x film. • The information written into the bionic synapse is non-volatile. • The synapse can mimic the transition from short-term memory to long-term memory. Optoelectronic bionic synapses, integrating sensing and processing capabilities, help to break through the limitations of von Neumann structure and are promising in smart sensors, AI robots etc. fields. Here, we fabricated a deep ultraviolet (DUV) optoelectronic bionic synapse with an amorphous gallium oxide (a-GaO x) film deposited by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). DUV illumination pulses could be facilely written into the bionic synapse, and the written information exhibits non-volatility. By manipulating the illumination pulse number, the pulse width, and the pulse power density, the synapse is capable of transitioning from short-term memory (STM) to long-term memory (LTM), effectively emulating the learning-memory behavior of human brains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The surface chemical composition of β-Ga 2 O 3 films is discussed in depth. • The component of O 1s with the binding energy around 531.8 eV is attributed to surface lattice O atoms. • The defects inside the β-Ga 2 O 3 films were analyzed by HRTEM. β gallium oxide (β-Ga 2 O 3) is an ultrawide bandgap semiconductor with great potential for solar-blind ultraviolet detection, power devices, and gas sensing. However, the understanding of the surface properties of β-Ga 2 O 3 remains insufficient. Here, epitaxial growth of β-Ga 2 O 3 films was carried by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on sapphire substrates. The surface chemical composition, surface layer crystalline properties, and surface morphology of the β-Ga 2 O 3 films were discussed and analyzed in detail. By comparing the atomic ratios of O/Ga, the surface morphology, and the crystalline properties of the films, we attribute the component of O 1s with the binding energy around 531.8 eV to surface lattice O atoms. Moreover, the one-dimensional defects inside the surface layers and the near-interface regions of the films were observed at atomic scale by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). By comparing the lattice fringes of different facets, the geometric phase uniformity, and the distribution of strain, we found that the crystalline quality of the surface layers is much higher than the near-interface regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the problem of transmission line galloping monitoring for optical power grounded waveguides (OPGWs) in external field environments, we propose a low-noise monitoring array based on adjacent sensors with low reflectivity fiber Bragg grating (FBG). We analyze the interference signal models for adjacent FBG sensors, and based on them, a noise suppression method by using adaptive filter input is constructed. Then we simulate the noise suppression effect of the proposed algorithm under different noise conditions. Finally, we deploy the low-noise OPGW transmission line galloping monitoring system based on low reflectivity FBGs in China's western autonomous prefecture with a 220 kV transmission line. The experimental results show that, after adaptive filtering using adjacent sensors, the average noise power spectral density is reduced by 6.5 dB, and the algorithm optimizes the monitoring intensity spectrum. Oscillation events of about 100 m can be clearly observed within the monitoring interval. It creates certain conditions for further improving the typical event classification data processing and pattern recognition database for OPGWs and demonstrates promising prospects for engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insecticyanin is a blue pigment found in the epidermis and hemolymph of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. Two distinct full-length eDNA species were isolated and shown to encode the two major isoelectric forms of insecticyanin, the a form (INS-a) and b form (INS-b). Sequence analysis of the two cDNA clones, pE1-11 and pE3-12, reveals that both contain an 618-bp open reading frame which predicts an 189-amino-acid protein and an 17-amino-acid signal peptide. Comparison of the deduced INS-a and INS-b proteins show 13 amino acid differences, of which six are conserved. Three amino acid substitutions are also found between the deduced INS-b sequence and the sequenced INS-b protein isolated from the hemolymph. Isolation and characterization of live genomic clones revealed that pE1-11 and pE3-12 come from two different genes. Both INS-a and INS-b genes have four exons interrupted by three introns at the same positions. The two genes share 93% nucleotide similarity in the coding region. Moreover, the 'TATA box' and 'CAAT box' are completely conserved in the putative promoter regions of the two genes. Primer extension revealed that both INS-a and INS-b genes begin their transcription at position -52 relative to their translation initiation codon, ATG. We conclude that the two genes are the result of gene duplication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor-associated macrophages M2 (TAM2), which are highly prevalent infiltrating immune cells in the stroma of pancreatic cancer (PC), have been found to induce an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, thus enhancing tumor initiation and progression. However, the immune therapy response and prognostic significance of regulatory genes associated with TAM2 in PC are currently unknown. Based on TCGA transcriptomic data and single-cell sequencing data from the GEO database, we identified TAM2-driven genes using the WGCNA algorithm. Molecular subtypes based on TAM2-driven genes were clustered using the ConsensusClusterPlus algorithm. The study constructed a prognostic model based on TAM2-driven genes through Lasso-COX regression analysis. A total of 178 samples obtained by accessing TCGA were accurately categorized into two molecular subtypes, including the high-TAM2 infiltration (HMI) cluster and the low-TAM2 infiltration (LMI) cluster. The HMI cluster exhibits a poor prognosis, a malignant tumor phenotype, immune-suppressive immune cell infiltration, resistance to immunotherapy, and a high number of genetic mutations, while the LMI cluster is the opposite. The prognostic model composed of six hub genes from TAM2-driven genes exhibits a high degree of accuracy in predicting the prognosis of patients with PC and serves as an independent risk factor. The induction of TAM2 was employed as a means of verifying these six gene expressions, revealing the significant up-regulation of BCAT1, BST2, and MERTK in TAM2 cells. In summary, the immunophenotype and prognostic model based on TAM2-driven genes offers a foundation for the clinical management of PC. The core TAM2-driven genes, including BCAT1, BST2, and MERTK, are involved in regulating tumor progression and TAM2 polarization, which are potential targets for PC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coupled ultrasonic extraction process of curcumin from Curcuma longa L enhanced by the graphene-oxide-assisted solvent was developed. The yield was investigated in relation to extraction temperature, extraction time, ethanol volume fraction, and graphene oxide concentration. Response surface methodology was used to develop a quadratic model of the yield and extraction process. The optimum extraction parameters with the highest yield were obtained and the economic value was then assessed. Results showed that the coupling process could reduce the extraction time, extraction temperature, and ethanol volume fraction while improving the extraction yield. The optimal process parameters were 50.0°C extraction temperature, 1.5 h extraction time, 60.0% ethanol volume fraction, and 1.0 mg/g graphene oxide concentration. The highest extraction yield was 64.9 mg/g, which was better than that have been reported. It can save an estimated $1507 in production expenses for every ton of turmeric under the optimal extraction process. Moreover, the reduction in extraction temperature and ethanol volume fraction also means a safer and cleaner production environment, which highlights the greater potential application prospect of the extraction process developed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) is a family of intracellular cytoplasmic transcription factors involved in many biological functions in mammalian signal transduction. Among them, STAT3 is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses. Despite the advances in the treatment of pancreatic cancer in the past decade, the prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer remains poor. STAT3 has been shown to play a pro-cancer role in a variety of cancers, and inhibitors of STAT3 are used in pre-clinical and clinical studies. We reviewed the relationship between STAT3 and pancreatic cancer and the latest results on the use of STAT3 inhibitors in pancreatic cancer, with the aim of providing insights and ideas around STAT3 inhibitors for a new generation of chemotherapeutic modalities for pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have demonstrated that the thickness of the catalyst layer plays a significant role in the morphology and the material quality of the InN nanocolumns grown on Si(111) substrate by plasma-assisted molecular beam expitaxy using vapor-liquid-solid method. A systematic investigation of In catalyst films was undertaken, revealing that high density uniform InN can not be obtained when the In catalyst is either too thin or too thick and the appropriate thickness of the deposited In was 1 nm. The influence of V/III radio on the growth procedure is also discussed, and as proved, a higher V/III radio is necessary to be used to get high density nanocolumns and improved optical property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through Indium beam irradiation toward the substrate before growing, high density uniform InN nanocolumns were obtained on p-GaAs(0 0 1) substrate and their possible one dimensional (1D) growth mechanism was analyzed. Rocking curves of all samples showed that Indium beam irradiation method had improved the crystal quality largely, which might be an effective way to release the strain between hexagonal InN(0 0 0 1) and cubic GaAs(0 0 1) with large lattice mismatch. Through quantitative analysis of XPS spectra gotten by in situ measurement, it was found that the InN stoichiometric ratio of all three samples were close to 1:1, which revealed that there was no residual metal at the tip of our nanocolumns. No catalyst or residual metal left could keep its electronic and optical property intact. All three samples showed strong photoluminescence at room temperature. To effectively release the strain and get well surface and interface are important for heterojunction optoelectronic device based on InN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A PDMS coated PTFE separation membrane for gaseous aromatic water was explored. • Effective separation properties of the prepared PDMS/PTFE membranes were found. • The medicinal components of the obtained essential oils meet the EP standard. • Membrane separation mechanism of gaseous peppermint aromatic water was revealed. This study harnessed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-coated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite (PDMS/PTFE) membranes for the separation of peppermint aromatic water in vapor state. The effects of the PDMS coatings' morphology structure on the separation performance of the membrane were investigated. The vapor permeation process, selective-permeation mechanism, and membrane stability were explored. Results showed that the separation effect of the membranes depended on the degree of polymerization of PDMS coating. Almost no water molecules can pass through the membrane during the 6 h separation process, and the separation factor was as high as 668. The main pharmacodynamic components in the separated permeate were L-menthol, L-menthone, and menthyl acetate, accounting for 49.16 %, 26.3 %, and 5.46 %, respectively, which conformed to the standard of the European Pharmacopoeia. The parameters of membrane separation showed that the maximum permeability coefficients of L-menthol, L-menthone, menthyl acetate, and water were 40.80, 20.28, 4.211, and 0.3945, respectively, at 105 °C and 65 kPa. This finding indicated that the large difference in permeability coefficient was the key to the excellent selectivity of the PDMS/PTFE membrane for separating volatile pharmaceutical components and water molecules in the peppermint aromatic-water system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β gallium oxide (β-Ga 2 O 3) is a promising material for the detection of solar-blind ultraviolet (SBUV). The quality of β-Ga 2 O 3 crystal has a crucial influence on the performance of the photodetectors (PDs). In this paper, SBUV PDs were fabricated on high quality homoepitaxial β-Ga 2 O 3 films grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Both photoconductor PD and Schottky barrier diode (SBD) PD were prepared. The PDs showed excellent performance. For the photoconductor PD, the responsivity and EQE under the illumination of 254 nm light at 20 V bias were respectively 1.08 A/W and 5.32 × 102%. For the SBD PD, the I 254 /I dark at −20 V was 320, and the corresponding rejection ratio I 254 /I 365 was 42. • Solar-blind ultraviolet photodetectors were fabricated on high quality homoepitaxial β-Ga 2 O 3 films grown by MOCVD. • Both photoconductor photodetector and SBD photodetector were fabricated. • The photodetectors showed excellent detection performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Snowflake-like multi-layered ZnO with porous structure is synthesized through a facile hydrothermal process and followed by calcinating process. The pore size of the multilayered ZnO is controlled by just regulating the calcination temperature. X-diffraction (XRD) patterns reveal that the precursor obtained by hydrothermal method is zinc hydroxide carbonate (ZnHC) 1 [1] Zinc hydroxide carbonate (ZnHC). , after being calcinated, pure wurtzite ZnO is got. TEM and SEM demonstrate the existence of the porosity and the variation of the pore size (ranges from tens of nanometers to hundreds of nanometers). The photocatalytic property is investigated by Xenon Lamp and sunlight. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Thymosin β10 (TMSB10) has been reported to play a protumorigenic role in a majority of solid cancers. However, the existence of TMSB10 in immune microenvironment may contribute to the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma has not been previously explored.Method: TAMs-associated TMSB10 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 184 lung adenocarcinomas. Xenograft mice model was established to investigate the effect of TMSB10 shRNA on TAMs phenotypes. The macrophages phenotype associated cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA after treated with TMSB10 shRNA or scramble. Furthermore, the target proteins were detected by immunoblotting.Results: We found that high TAMs-associated TMSB10 expression was significantly correlated with the advanced TNM stage and T3/T4 tumor size. And high TAMs-associated TMSB10 expression was significantly correlated with poor overall and progression-free survival of lung adenocarcinoma, acting as an independent prognostic factor for lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, we investigated the biological functions of TMSB10 in macrophages in vivo and in vitro. TMSB10 knockdown dramatically reduced TAMs, THP-1 and RAW264.7 cell proliferation, and promoted macrophages phenotype conversion of M2 to M1, and TMSB10 knockdown reduced the levels of p-Akt (Sec473), p-mTOR (Sec2448) and p-p70S6K (Thr389) without effect on Akt, mTOR and p70S6K expression.Conclusions: These results demonstrate that TAMs-associated TMSB10 promotes tumor growth through increasing TAMs M2 conversion and proliferation via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, providing a promising tumor biomarker for predicting prognosis and a potential therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly sensitive H 2 gas sensor based on n-WO 3 /p-PdO heterostructure has been fabricated. Using hydrothermal method, through tuning the pH value of the solution, WO 3 nanospindles were synthesized. SEM reveals its uniform morphology; XRD result shows its high crystal quality; N 2 adsorption/desorption result proves its relatively high specific surface area. Through first soaking then calcinating method, PdO was loaded on the surface of WO 3 nanospindles. XPS and HRTEM together have proved the fabrication of the heterostructure between n-WO 3 /p-PdO. The gas sensing device was fabricated by coating the PdO loaded WO 3 paste on a ceramic substrate with silver palladium interdigital electrodes. After loaded into the test chamber, preheated to the required temperature and injecting a certain amount of H 2 , the sensing procedure was done. With optimal ratio of loaded PdO to WO 3 (3 at%), the sensor shows the best gas sensitivity at 150 °C. To 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 ppm H 2 , the sensor shows the response values (R a /R g) of 1.3, 7, 23, 37 and 76, in the response time of 9s, 8s, 5s, 3s and 1s, respectively. The quasi-one dimensional (QOD) character of WO 3 nanospindle, the well-performance heterostructure between WO 3 and PdO and the optimal ratio of loaded PdO to WO 3 together make the sensor own strong sensing ability towards H 2. The such well-performance H 2 gas sensor based on n-WO 3 /p-PdO heterostructure reminds us that the WO 3 /PdO system has supplied a good material platform to explore the fabrication of ultrasensitive and stable H 2 gas sensor. Image 1 • Quasi-1D WO 3 nanospindles were synthesized by facile hydrothermal method. • P-type PdO with strong catalytic ability to H 2 was loaded on n-type WO 3 nanospindles. • The sensor based on n-WO 3 /p-PdO heterostructure was fabricated. • Towards H 2 , the detection limit of the sensor is 1 ppm, within 9 s. • The H 2 gas sensor shows good stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lung cancer is the malignant tumor with the fastest increase in morbidity and mortality and the greatest threat to human health and life. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is emerging as an important regulator in many cancers. Recently, it was found that lncRNA prostate cancer associated transcript 1 (PCAT-1) was up-regulated in lung cancer, playing oncogenic roles. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism of PCAT-1 remains unknown.Material and Methods: The expression levels of PCAT-1 and miR-324-5p were analyzed by real-time PCR, and RAP1A expression was determined by western blotting. RNA pull-down, luciferase and western blotting assays were used to examine the target relationship between PCAT-1 and miR-324-5p or that between miR-324-5p and RAP1A. The functional effects of PCAT-1 and miR-324-5p were examined using cell viability and cell apoptosis assays.Results: PCAT-1 overexpression remarkably promoted cell proliferation and suppressed cell apoptosis. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that PCAT-1 can interact with miR-324-5p and repress its expression, thereby increasing the expression of its target RAP1A. Additionally, rescue experiments revealed that PCAT-1 served as an oncogene partly through sponging miR-324-5p and upregulating RAP1A in lung cancer cells.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that on account of the dual function of pro-proliferation and anti-apoptosis, PCAT-1/miR-324-5p/RAP1A may be novel candidates for application in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Redefine the heating load patterns with people behavior and temperature related sub-patterns. • GMM clustering algorithm is used for heating load patterns in-depth identification. • A case study with four typical operation patterns is analyzed. • The prediction accuracy improvement with clustering result is proved. Abstract The identification of heating load patterns, also known as load profiles, is of vital importance to effective management and operation of district heating system (DHS). Clustering algorithms have been successfully applied in identifying heating load patterns. In this paper, we propose that the heating load patterns should be analyzed more specifically, and Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) clustering is selected to extract sub-patterns. The novelty of this paper is that a new GMM clustering is applied to identify temperature related sub-pattern and people behavior related sub-pattern, and the clustering result is further utilized to improve the accuracy of prediction models. An energy station in Tianjin is used as case studies and four typical operation patterns are found with their characteristic of occur time and energy signature, which are defined as working pattern, on-duty pattern, daytime–nighttime pattern and nighttime–daytime pattern. The results reveal that this proposed method can make an in-depth identification of heating load patterns and also proves that the prediction accuracies of regression and artificial intelligence model are significantly improved by utilizing the GMM clustering results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although pulmonary fibrosis (PF) causes respiratory failure and death, effective therapies for PF have not been developed. Oxymatrine (OMT), an active ingredient in the Chinese herb Sophora flavescens, exerts antifibrotic effects; however, its effect on PF remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine whether OMT decreases transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced PF in human lung cancer A549 cells by inhibiting apoptosis and targeting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. To construct a PF cell model, A549 cells were stimulated with TGF-β1. The experimental groups were as follows: control (untreated cells grown in complete medium), TGF-β1 (cells treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1), OMT (cells treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1 and 0.25, 0.50, or 1.00 mg/ml OMT), and OMT + LY294002 (cells treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1, 1.0 mg/ml OMT. and 25 µmol/l LY294002). The effects of OMT on cell morphology (via electron microscopy), apoptosis (via Annexin V-PI staining), mitochondrial apoptosis signaling [using JC-1 method to analyze mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)], and Bcl-2, as well as Bax expression (via western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction), were analyzed. OMT significantly protected cells against TGF-β1-induced PF by inhibiting apoptosis. The specific manifestations were cell injury, as evidenced by morphological changes and decreased MMP. Following OMT treatment, the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax increased, whereas that of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 decreased. The PI3K/AKT-specific inhibitor LY294002 significantly inhibited the ameliorative effects of OMT on TGF-β1-induced apoptosis. Collectively, OMT attenuated TGF-β1-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, OMT may be a promising drug for PF treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near infrared light-emitting diode (LED) based on p-NiO/n-InN/n-GaN was realized by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) combined with radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering. The device exhibited diode-like rectifying current–voltage characteristics with a turn-on voltage of 1.0 V. Under forward bias, prominent near infrared (NIR) emissions were observed at peak around 1570 nm at room temperature. The NIR emission was ascribed to the band-edge emission of InN epilayer based on the photoluminescence spectrum and band diagram of the heterojunction. Moreover, the study of the LED in terms of the stability was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The n-InN/p-NiO/GaN heterojunction was fabricated by using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) combined with radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The device exhibited typical rectification characteristic with a turn-on voltage of ~1.5 V. Under forward bias, a dominant near infrared emission (NIR) peaked around 1565 nm was detected at room temperature. The NIR emission was attributed to the band-edge emission of InN film according to the photoluminescence spectrum of InN layer. Furthermore, the mechanism of the current transport and light emission was tentatively discussed in terms of the band diagrams of the heterojunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) consisting of n-InN/p-NiO/p-Si heterostructure by using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) combined with radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The device exhibited diode-like rectifying current–voltage characteristics and had a turn-on voltage of 2.0 V. Under forward bias, a prominent narrow near infrared (NIR) emission peaked around 1565 nm was observed at room temperature. The NIR emission was demonstrated to come from the band-edge emission of InN layer. Moreover, the study of the LED in terms of the stability and efficiency were also discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NiO films were prepared on GaN substrate by depositing an InN epilayer on GaN by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) and then growing NiO films on InN epilayer by radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering. We studied the effect of InN epilayers on structure, surface morphology, electrical and optical properties of NiO films using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Hall and optical absorption measurement. It was found that the NiO films grown with InN epilayer exhibited better crystalline qualities with more coalescent surface morphologies and an enhancement of the electrical properties. Moreover, the effect of vacuum annealing on the crystalline qualities of the NiO films was also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives The catalase ( CAT) T/ C at codon 389 in the exon 9 polymorphism has been implicated in susceptibility to vitiligo but a large number of studies have reported inconclusive results. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between the catalase gene polymorphism (389 C> T) and the risk of vitiligo. Methods A meta-analysis was carried out to analyse the association between 389 C> T and vitiligo risk. Results Eight case-control studies with 2923 cases and 4237 controls were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that there was no association between this polymorphism and vitiligo ( TT + CT versus CC: OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.98-1.20, P = 0.11, T versus C: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.99-1.16, P = 0.092). In a subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant association between the CAT gene 389 C> T polymorphism and vitiligo susceptibility was found in Caucasians ( TT + CT versus CC: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.98-1.35, P = 0.08; T versus C: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.97-1.19, P = 0.173) and Asians ( TT + CT versus CC: OR = 1.12, 95% CI =0.93-1.34, P = 0.23; T versus C: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.94-1.21, P = 0.321). Conclusions Our results suggest that 389 C> T may not contribute to vitiligo susceptibility. However, larger primary studies with the consideration of gene-environment and gene-gene interactions are still required to further evaluate the interaction of CAT gene polymorphism with vitiligo susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

InN epilayers were deposited on nitrided sapphire substrates using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) system. The physical properties of InN films under different growth temperatures were thoroughly studied. The XRD results indicated that as-prepared InN films without Indium droplets were preferentially oriented in the c-axis direction. The SEM results showed that the InN films grown in a two-dimensional mode with a thickness of ∼200 nm under the growth temperature of 460 °C. In addition, the optical absorption measurement exhibited that the energy bandgap of InN films was around 0.75–0.81eV and the PL spectra of the epilayers revealed an infrared emission. Moreover, the electrical properties of the films were discussed by Hall effect in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) consisting of n-ZnO/p-NiO/p-Si heterostructure by using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) combined with radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The devices exhibited diode-like rectifying current–voltage characteristics and had a turn-on voltage of 6.8 V. Under forward bias, a prominent broad emission peaked around 400–650 nm was observed at room temperature. The asymmetric electroluminescence (EL) spectra were consisted of two apparent bands, which located at 420 and 495 nm corresponding to the violet and green luminescence, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanism of the light emission was tentatively discussed in terms of the band diagrams of the heterojunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

InN epilayers were prepared on c -plane (0001) sapphire substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE). We studied the effect of nitridation on structure, surface morphology, electrical and optical properties of InN films using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Hall and photoluminescence (PL) measurement. The results showed a significant improvement of the crystalline qualities and surface morphologies and enhancement of the electrical and optical properties for InN films grown after nitridation. Moreover, the energy band-gap of InN films were also determined by optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe condition with limited therapeutic options and characterized by increased fibroblast activation and progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix. Ghrelin, a gastrointestinal hormone, has been reported to possess protective roles in lung diseases including pulmonary fibrosis. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the protective effects of ghrelin remain unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of ghrelin on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo and the possible mechanism of action. It was found that ghrelin significantly attenuated TGF-β1-induced fibrotic responses in human lung fibroblast (IMR-90) cells and bleomycin (BLM)-induced fibrotic lung tissues. Meanwhile, ghrelin decreased the expressions of miR-125a-5p and phosphorylated smad2/3 and increased protein expressions of Kruppel-like factor 13 (KLF13) in vivo and in vitro. Ghrelin–induced anti-fibrotic effects and smad2/3 downregulation in TGF-β1-stimulated IMR-90 cells were markedly reversed by miR-125a-5p mimics and KLF13 siRNA. Furthermore, miR-125a-5p directly targeted KLF13 in IMR-90 cells. Our findings suggest that ghrelin attenuates TGF-β1-induced pulmonary fibrosis via the miR-125a-5p/KLF13 axis, which supports ghrelin as a new therapeutic agent against pulmonary fibrosis by antagonizing the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. [Display omitted] • Ghrelin attenuates TGF-β1-induced pulmonary fibrosis via the miR-125a-5p/KLF13 axis. • Targeting the miR-125a-5p/KLF13 axis reversed ghrelin-induced smad2/3 downregulation. • TGF-β1 regulated the miR-125a-5p/KLF13 axis in a smad-independent non-canonical manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report the growth of atomically smooth N-polar GaN on c-plane sapphire by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. A two-step growth technique was adopted; low-temperature growth of GaN buffer before high-temperature GaN growth. The complete two-dimensional N-polar GaN growth process was recorded by in situ reflectance. The phase composition of the low-temperature GaN was examined by X-ray diffraction pole figure measurements. The thickness of the low-temperature GaN buffer dramatically affected the crystalline and electronic properties of the N-polar GaN. A very small full width at half maximum for the (0002) X-ray rocking curve, 51arcs, was obtained for 700-nm-thick N-polarity GaN by optimizing the buffer thickness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Normally, surface of c-axis oriented YBCO films grown by MOCVD are found to be populated by micron-sized outgrowths with elemental compositions such as Ba–Cu–O and Cu–O. For both low and high current applications with the YBCO films, these surface outgrowths should be eliminated. In this study, it is found that by using a simple processing technique of decreasing appropriately the sublimation temperature of the Cu-based precursor, the surface outgrowths can be essentially subdued. At the same time it is qualitatively predictable that J c of these smoother YBCO films will be lowered. However, experimentally, it is found that at appropriate YBCO film growth conditions, the lowered J c value is acceptable for most applications. Actually, a surface outgrowth covered YBCO film made by photo-assisted MOCVD, with film composition Y:Ba:Cu as 1:1.2:1.5, has its J c being 3.4MA/cm2 (0T, 77K). As composition of YBCO film is changed to 1:0.9:1.2 by lowering the sublimation rate of the Cu-based precursor, then there are no more outgrowths on surface, with its J c being 2.6MA/cm2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is well-known that there is a relatively small temperature window for the growth of epitaxial and c-axis oriented YBCO thin films by various methods. In this study, this window was more precisely examined for YBCO film growths by photo-assisted MOCVD. At specified total reactor pressure of 4.6torr, and specified respective partial pressures for the oxidizing agents, O2 and N2O at 1.7torr and 1.1torr, the film growths were tested at several substrate temperature (T s) points from 780°C to 864°C. The film growth time for each test was 3min. As to compositional purity, purity in c-axis orientation, and crystal structural quality of these tested films by using photo-assisted MOCVD technique, it was found that for the growth of purely c-axis oriented YBCO thin films with high crystalline quality, the appropriate growth temperature range (or “T s window”) was from about 800°C to 830°C, at relevant pressures as specified above. T c and J c of a typical YBCO film sample grown within this “T s window”, i.e., 810°C, were found as 90K and 1.32MA/cm2 (77K, 0Oe) respectively by magnetization measurements. It is noticeable that this film, and other purely c-axis oriented YBCO films are all single-crystal like and dense, with no SEM visible grain boundary or void. The causes of precipitates found on top surface of these c-axis oriented YBCO films are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Superconducting YBa2Cu3O7− x thin films were deposited on LaAlO3 (100) substrates by a photo-assisted metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique. In our experiment, growth temperature, chamber pressure and growth time were all fixed; the only process variable was the susceptor inclination angle (Φ) between the axis of gas inlet and the susceptor surface. It was found that the growth rate of YBCO films increases monotonically as Φ increases, whereas the superconducting critical current density (J c) has a maximum (1.2×106 A/cm2) near Φ =22.5°. The experimental results were found to be well correlated with the three-dimensional simulations of gas flow inside the MOCVD reactor, with Φ being the only process variable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) thin-film transistors (TFTs) have been fabricated using spin-coated polymeric gate insulators, including polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and a novel poly(methylmethacrylate-co-glycidylmethacrylate) (P(MMA-co-GMA)). These devices behaved fairly well and showed satisfactory p-type electrical characteristics. The transistor with P(MMA-co-GMA) gate insulator showed higher field-effect mobility, μ FET =1.22×10−2 cm2/Vs, larger on/off current ratio, I on/I off =7×103 and lower threshold voltage, V T =−8V, compared with the transistor with PMMA gate insulator (μ FET =5.89×10−3 cm2/Vs, I on/I off =2×103 and V T =−15V). The higher mobility of CuPc on P(MMA-co-GMA) was attributed to better ordering and enhanced crystallinity within the CuPc film and the better CuPc/P(MMA-co-GMA) interface, as observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. The correlation between the structural properties and the device performance of CuPc films grown on different polymeric gate insulators is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Several series of phthalocyanines (Pcs) and metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) were prepared and characterized by MS, 1H NMR, UV–vis and elemental analysis, which were consistent with the proposed structures. These Pcs and their metal complexes are synthesized using 3-(2-isopropyl-5-methylphenoxyl)phthalonitrile or 4-(2-isopropyl-5-methylphenoxyl)phthalonitrile as the starting material in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene(DBU) as the catalyst. An original UV–vis absorption investigation of these compounds is performed. Obvious hypochromic effect of Q-bands was found with the increment of temperature from 293K to 333K. B-bands did not show the analogous tendency. The hypochromic effect originates from conversion of Pc framework as a result of thermal vibration, which reduces the localization of π-electron system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film was grown on CaF2 (11–21) substrate by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) and the structure, surface morphology and the opto-electrical properties of the film were investigated. It was found that preferential c-axis oriented ZnO film was highly transparent and quite smooth. In photoluminescence (PL) spectrum at 10K, the neutral donor bound exciton (D0X) emission was identified at 3.362eV (I4), the neutral acceptor bound exciton (A0X) emission at 3.346eV (I9). Free A- and B-exciton emissions at 3.374eV and 3.386eV, respectively, as well as the phonon replicas of free A-exciton and D0X were also observed, indicating high optical quality of the ZnO film. Temperature-dependent PL spectra demonstrated that the free exciton emission was dominant at a temperature larger than 215K. Hall measurement showed that the ZnO/CaF2 film exhibited n-type conduction, with the resistivity of 114Ωcm and the Hall mobility of 15.7cm2/Vs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ZnO films were successfully deposited on c-plane sapphire substrates by low-pressure MOCVD using Diethylzinc (DEZn) and oxygen. The c-axis oriented ZnO films were grown on sapphire at the temperature of 600°C with different ZnO buffer layer thicknesses between 5 and 55 nm. The effects of ZnO buffer layer on crystallinity, surface morphology and optical properties of ZnO films were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, respectively. It was found that surface morphology, structural and optical properties of the films depended on the thickness of the buffer layer. The ZnO film grown on the 15 nm thick ZnO buffer layer shows a flat and dense surface, the good structural and optical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High-quality ZnO films were grown on epi-GaN predeposited on c-Al2O3 substrates using low-pressure metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Detailed study of the X-ray diffraction spots and patterns by different diffractometers showed high structural perfection of the zinc oxide layer, which indicated that the growth of ZnO film was strongly c-oriented. The full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the ω-rocking curve was 0.39°. Surface morphology of the films studied by AFM showed that the growth of the ZnO film followed the regular hexagonal column structure with about 500 nm grain diameter. Zn and O elements in the deposited ZnO/GaN/Al2O3 films were investigated and compared by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), in which the dissociative O and Zn atom peak was hardly observed. The ratio of O/Zn atoms of the film was about 1 with O-rich. Photoluminescence spectra of the ZnO films grown on epi-GaN showed dominating exciton emission peak, and the deep-level emission which was obvious on ZnO/Al2O3 film had hardly been observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The ZnO films were deposited on (0 0 1)Si substrate by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Annealing was performed in air for 60 min at 800°C. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples showed sharp diffraction peaks for ZnO(0 0 2), which indicated that the films were highly c-axis oriented. Zn and O elements in the as-deposited ZnO film were investigated and compared with those in the annealed ZnO film by using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). XPS spectra showed that ZnO films changed from Zn-rich to O-rich after being annealed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

β gallium oxide (β-Ga 2 O 3) homoepitaxy films were grown on (2 ‾ 01) β-Ga 2 O 3 substrates by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The effect of growth temperature on the crystalline quality was measured and systematically analyzed. The results showed the growth temperature played an important role in crystalline quality of β-Ga 2 O 3. The optimized single crystalline β-Ga 2 O 3 film was grown at 750 °C, and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of X-ray diffraction (XRD) rocking curve was 21.6 arcsec, smaller than that of the β-Ga 2 O 3 substrate (26.3 arcsec). The film exhibited a greatly smooth surface and the root-mean-square (RMS) roughness was 0.68 nm. And the arrangement of atoms inside the film was in good accordance with lattice constants of β-Ga 2 O 3. In addition, the effect of the band structure on the luminescent properties of β-Ga 2 O 3 was discussed. • The crystalline quality of the optimized film was superior to that of the substrate. • Atomic arrangement inside the β-Ga 2 O 3 films was displayed. • The effect of band structure on the luminescent properties of β-Ga 2 O 3 was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room-temperature NIR-EL is found to be near 891 nm that effectively covers the first optical communication window near 850 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An n-InN nanodots/p-Si(1 1 1) heterojunction diode was fabricated by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The device shows clear rectifying behaviour with a turn-on voltage of approximately 1.2 V at room temperature. The near-infrared electroluminescence (EL) can be observed under forward bias, which covers a wide wavelength range. In comparison with the photoluminescence spectra, the maximum of the EL spectra has a blueshift which is probably due to the size quantization effect of small-sized InN nanodots and their stronger contribution to the EL intensity. On the other hand, there is an obvious enhancement of the less dominant transitions on the short wavelength side of the EL spectra, which may arise from the recombination of the injected holes with the extremely high-density surface electrons of InN nanodots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]