On CD-AFM bias related to probe bending

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ukraintsev, V. A.; Orji, N. G.; Vorburger, T. V.; Dixson, R. G.; Fu, J.; Silver, R. M.

2012-03-01

Critical Dimension AFM (CD-AFM) is a widely used reference metrology. To characterize modern semiconductor devices, very small and flexible probes, often 15 nm to 20 nm in diameter, are now frequently used. Several recent publications have reported on uncontrolled and significant probe-to-probe bias variation during linewidth and sidewall angle measurements [1,2]. Results obtained in this work suggest that probe bending can be on the order of several nanometers and thus potentially can explain much of the observed CD-AFM probe-to-probe bias variation. We have developed and experimentally tested one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) models to describe the bending of cylindrical probes. An earlier 1D bending model reported by Watanabe et al. [3] was refined. Contributions from several new phenomena were considered, including: probe misalignment, diameter variation near the carbon nanotube tip (CNT) apex, probe bending before snapping, distributed van der Waals-London force, etc. The methodology for extraction of the Hamaker probe-surface interaction energy from experimental probe bending data was developed. To overcome limitations of the 1D model, a new 2D distributed force (DF) model was developed. Comparison of the new model with the 1D single point force (SPF) model revealed about 27 % difference in probe bending bias between the two. A simple linear relation between biases predicted by the 1D SPF and 2D DF models was found. This finding simplifies use of the advanced 2D DF model of probe bending in various CD-AFM applications. New 2D and three-dimensional (3D) CDAFM data analysis software is needed to take full advantage of the new bias correction modeling capabilities.

Instrumentation and Metrology for Nanotechnology

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-01-29

dimension measurements of 3D structures, overlay, defect detection, and analysis . Critical dimension ( CD ) measurement must account for sidewall shape and...critical dimension measurements of 3D structures, overlay, defect detection, and analysis . CD measurement must account for sidewall shape and line...energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis on films containing as-prepared FePt nanoparticles revealed a distribution of particle compositions. Although

Donor states in a semimagnetic Cd1 -xinMnxin Te /Cd1 -xoutMnxout Te Double Quantum Well

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalpana, Panneer Selvam; Nithiananthi, Perumal; Jayakumar, Kalyanasundaram

2017-02-01

The theoretical investigation has been carried out on the binding energy of donor associated with the electrons confined in a Cd1 -xinMnxin Te /Cd1 -xoutMnxout Te Double Quantum Well (DQW) as a function of central barrier width for various well dimensions and impurity locations in the barrier and the well. The magnetic field can act as a tool to continuously change the interwell coupling inside this DQW systems and its effect on donor binding has also been studied. Moreover, the polaronic corrections, which is due to the strong exchange interaction between the magnetic moment of Mn2+ ion and the spin of the confined carrier, to the binding energy of the hydrogenic donor impurity has also been estimated with and without the application of magnetic field. The binding energy of the donor impurity is determined by solving the Schrodinger equation variationally in the effective mass approximation and the effect due to Bound Magnetic Polaron (BMP) is included using mean field theory with the modified Brillouin function. The results are reported and discussed.

Phenotypic and Causal Structure of Conduct Disorder in the Broader Context of Prevalent Forms of Psychopathology

PubMed Central

Lahey, Benjamin B.; Waldman, Irwin D.

2011-01-01

Background A better understanding of the nature and etiology of conduct disorder (CD) can inform nosology and vice-versa. We posit that any prevalent form of psychopathology, including CD, can be best understood if it is studied in the context of other correlated forms of child and adolescent psychopathology using formal models to guide inquiry. Methods Review of both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of the place of CD in the phenotypic and causal structure of prevalent psychopathology, with an emphasis on similarities and differences between CD and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Papers were located using Web of Science by topic searches with no restriction on year of publication. Results Although some important nosologic questions remain unanswered, the dimensional phenotype of CD is well defined. CD differs from other disorders in its correlates, associated impairment, and course. Nonetheless, it is robustly correlated with many other prevalent dimensions of psychopathology both concurrently and predictively, including both other “externalizing” disorders and some “internalizing” disorders. Based on emerging evidence, we hypothesize that these concurrent and predictive correlations result primarily from widespread genetic pleiotropy, with some genetic factors nonspecifically influencing risk for multiple correlated dimensions of psychopathology. In contrast, environmental influences mostly act to differentiate dimensions of psychopathology from one another both concurrently and over time. CD and ODD share half of their genetic influences, but their genetic etiologies are distinct in other ways. Unlike most other dimensions of psychopathology, half of the genetic influences on CD appear to be unique to CD. In contrast, ODD broadly shares nearly all of its genetic influences with other disorders and has little unique genetic variance. Conclusions CD is a relatively distinct syndrome at both phenotypic and etiologic levels, but much is revealed by studying CD in the context of its causal and phenotypic associations with other disorders over time. Advancing and refining formal causal models that specify the common and unique causes and biological mechanisms underlying each correlated dimension of psychopathology should facilitate research on the fundamental nature and nosology of CD. PMID:22211395

Experimental investigation on discharge coefficient for a combined broad crested weir-box culvert structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guven, A.; Hassan, M.; Sabir, Shahin

2013-09-01

This study investigates the hydraulic characteristics of simultaneous flow over broad crested weir and through box (square) culverts experimentally. The variation of discharge coefficient (Cd) of the combined structure with various affective parameters such as upstream head, length of culvert, culvert inlet shape, culvert internal dimension, weir crest height, weir side slope angle, and weir width was analyzed. For this purpose 12 glass models of combined broad crested weirs and box culverts were manufactured and tested in a laboratory flume of 12 m. Discharge coefficient predicting equations were developed as a function of the dimensionless terms. The overall results showed that Cd increases as the ratio of the total head of water above the weir crest to the height of the weir crest H/P increases for all the models and for each flow state (weir and combined). Cd values increased as the head increased for all the models tested as culvert flow only, and also with decreasing of the angle between crest of the weir with the sides.

Gaps analysis for CD metrology beyond the 22nm node

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunday, Benjamin; Germer, Thomas A.; Vartanian, Victor; Cordes, Aaron; Cepler, Aron; Settens, Charles

2013-04-01

This paper will examine the future for critical dimension (CD) metrology. First, we will present the extensive list of applications for which CD metrology solutions are needed, showing commonalities and differences among the various applications. We will then report on the expected technical limits of the metrology solutions currently being investigated by SEMATECH and others in the industry to address the metrology challenges of future nodes, including conventional CD scanning electron microscopy (CD-SEM) and optical critical dimension (OCD) metrology and new potential solutions such as He-ion microscopy (HeIM, sometimes elsewhere referred to as HIM), CD atomic force microscopy (CD-AFM), CD small-angle x-ray scattering (CD-SAXS), high-voltage scanning electron microscopy (HV-SEM), and other types. A technical gap analysis matrix will then be demonstrated, showing the current state of understanding of the future of the CD metrology space.

CD control with defect inspection: you can teach an old dog a new trick

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Utzny, Clemens; Ullrich, Albrecht; Heumann, Jan; Mohn, Elias; Meusemann, Stefan; Seltmann, Rolf

2012-11-01

Achieving the required critical dimensions (CD) with the best possible uniformity (CDU) on photo-masks has always played a pivotal role in enabling chip technology. Current control strategies are based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) based measurements implying a sparse spatial resolution on the order of ~ 10-2 m to 10-1 m. A higher spatial resolution could be reached with an adequate measurement sampling, however the increase in the number of measurements makes this approach in the context of a productive environment unfeasible. With the advent of more powerful defect inspection tools a significantly higher spatial resolution of 10-4 m can be achieved by measuring also CD during the regular defect inspection. This method is not limited to the measurement of specific measurement features thus paving the way to a CD assessment of all electrically relevant mask patterns. Enabling such a CD measurement gives way to new realms of CD control. Deterministic short range CD effects which were previously interpreted as noise can be resolved and addressed by CD compensation methods. This in can lead to substantial improvements of the CD uniformity. Thus the defect inspection mediated CD control closes a substantial gap in the mask manufacturing process by allowing the control of short range CD effects which were up till now beyond the reach of regular CD SEM based control strategies. This increase in spatial resolution also counters the decrease in measurement precision due to the usage of an optical system. In this paper we present detailed results on a) the CD data generated during the inspection process, b) the analytical tools needed for relating this data to CD SEM measurement and c) how the CD inspection process enables new dimension of CD compensation within the mask manufacturing process. We find that the inspection based CD measurement generates typically around 500000 measurements with a homogeneous covering of the active mask area. In comparing the CD inspection results with CD SEM measurement on a single measurement point base we find that optical limitations of the inspection tool play a substantial role within the photon based inspection process. Once these shift are characterized and removed a correlation coefficient of 0.9 between these two CD measurement techniques is found. This finding agrees well with a signature based matching approach. Based on these findings we set up a dedicated pooling algorithm which performs on outlier removal for all CD inspections together with a data clustering according to feature specific tool induced shifts. This way tool induced shift effects can be removed and CD signature computation is enabled. A statistical model of the CD signatures which relates the mask design parameters on the relevant length scales to CD effects thus enabling the computation CD compensation maps. The compensation maps address the CD effects on various distinct length scales and we show that long and short range contributions to the CD variation are decreased. We find that the CD uniformity is improved by 25% using this novel CD compensation strategy.

Full-chip level MEEF analysis using model based lithography verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Juhwan; Wang, Lantian; Zhang, Daniel; Tang, Zongwu

2005-11-01

MEEF (Mask Error Enhancement Factor) has become a critical factor in CD uniformity control since optical lithography process moved to sub-resolution era. A lot of studies have been done by quantifying the impact of the mask CD (Critical Dimension) errors on the wafer CD errors1-2. However, the benefits from those studies were restricted only to small pattern areas of the full-chip data due to long simulation time. As fast turn around time can be achieved for the complicated verifications on very large data by linearly scalable distributed processing technology, model-based lithography verification becomes feasible for various types of applications such as post mask synthesis data sign off for mask tape out in production and lithography process development with full-chip data3,4,5. In this study, we introduced two useful methodologies for the full-chip level verification of mask error impact on wafer lithography patterning process. One methodology is to check MEEF distribution in addition to CD distribution through process window, which can be used for RET/OPC optimization at R&D stage. The other is to check mask error sensitivity on potential pinch and bridge hotspots through lithography process variation, where the outputs can be passed on to Mask CD metrology to add CD measurements on those hotspot locations. Two different OPC data were compared using the two methodologies in this study.

Critical dimension control using ultrashort laser for improving wafer critical dimension uniformity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avizemer, Dan; Sharoni, Ofir; Oshemkov, Sergey; Cohen, Avi; Dayan, Asaf; Khurana, Ranjan; Kewley, Dave

2015-07-01

Requirements for control of critical dimension (CD) become more demanding as the integrated circuit (IC) feature size specifications become tighter and tighter. Critical dimension control, also known as CDC, is a well-known laser-based process in the IC industry that has proven to be robust, repeatable, and efficient in adjusting wafer CD uniformity (CDU) [Proc. SPIE 6152, 615225 (2006)]. The process involves locally and selectively attenuating the deep ultraviolet light which goes through the photomask to the wafer. The input data for the CDC process in the wafer fab is typically taken from wafer CDU data, which is measured by metrology tools such as wafer-critical dimension-scanning electron microscopy (CD-SEM), wafer optical scatterometry, or wafer level CD (WLCD). The CD correction process uses the CDU data in order to create an attenuation correction contour, which is later applied by the in-situ ultrashort laser system of the CDC to locally change the transmission of the photomask. The ultrashort pulsed laser system creates small, partially scattered, Shade-In-Elements (also known as pixels) by focusing the laser beam inside the quartz bulk of the photomask. This results in the formation of a localized, intravolume, quartz modified area, which has a different refractive index than the quartz bulk itself. The CDC process flow for improving wafer CDU in a wafer fab with detailed explanations of the shading elements formation inside the quartz by the ultrashort pulsed laser is reviewed.

An Assessment of Critical Dimension Small Angle X-ray Scattering Metrology for Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Settens, Charles M.

2015-01-01

Simultaneous migration of planar transistors to FinFET architectures, the introduction of a plurality of materials to ensure suitable electrical characteristics, and the establishment of reliable multiple patterning lithography schemes to pattern sub-10 nm feature sizes imposes formidable challenges to current in-line dimensional metrologies. Because the shape of a FinFET channel cross-section immediately influences the electrical characteristics, the evaluation of 3D device structures requires measurement of parameters beyond traditional critical dimension (CD), including their sidewall angles, top corner rounding and footing, roughness, recesses and undercuts at single nanometer dimensions; thus, metrologies require sub-nm and approaching atomic level measurement uncertainty. Synchrotron criticalmore » dimension small angle X-ray scattering (CD-SAXS) has unique capabilities to non-destructively monitor the cross-section shape of surface structures with single nanometer uncertainty and can perform overlay metrology to sub-nm uncertainty. In this dissertation, we perform a systematic experimental investigation using CD-SAXS metrology on a hierarchy of semiconductor 3D device architectures including, high-aspect-ratio contact holes, H2 annealed Si fins, and a series of grating type samples at multiple points along a FinFET fabrication process increasing in structural intricacy and ending with fully fabricated FinFET. Comparative studies between CD-SAXS metrology and other relevant semiconductor dimensional metrologies, particularly CDSEM, CD-AFM and TEM are used to determine physical limits of CD-SAXS approach for advanced semiconductor samples. CD-SAXS experimental tradeoffs, advice for model-dependent analysis and thoughts on the compatibility with a semiconductor manufacturing environment are discussed.« less

Within-wafer CD variation induced by wafer shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chi-hao; Yang, Mars; Yang, Elvis; Yang, T. H.; Chen, K. C.

2016-03-01

In order to meet the increasing storage capacity demand and reduce bit cost of NAND flash memories, 3D stacked vertical flash cell array has been proposed. In constructing 3D NAND flash memories, the bit number per unit area is increased as increasing the number of stacked layers. However, the increased number of stacked layers has made the film stress control extremely important for maintaining good process quality. The residual film stress alters the wafer shape accordingly several process impacts have been readily observed across wafer, such as film deposition non-uniformity, etch rate non-uniformity, wafer chucking error on scanner, materials coating/baking defects, overlay degradation and critical dimension (CD) non-uniformity. The residual tensile and compressive stresses on wafers will result in concave and convex wafer shapes, respectively. This study investigates within-wafer CD uniformity (CDU) associated with wafer shape change induced by the 3D NAND flash memory processes. Within-wafer CDU was correlated with several critical parameters including different wafer bow heights of concave and convex wafer shapes, photo resists with different post exposure baking (PEB) temperature sensitivities, and DoseMapper compensation. The results indicated the trend of within-wafer CDU maintains flat for convex wafer shapes with bow height up to +230um and concave wafer shapes with bow height ranging from 0 ~ -70um, while the within-wafer CDU trends up from -70um to -246um wafer bow heights. To minimize the within-wafer CD distribution induced by wafer warpage, carefully tailoring the film stack and thermal budget in the process flow for maintaining the wafer shape at CDU friendly range is indispensable and using photo-resist materials with lower PEB temperature sensitivity is also suggested. In addition, DoseMapper compensation is also an alternative to greatly suppress the within-wafer CD non-uniformity but the photo-resist profile variation induced by across-wafer PEB temperature non-uniformity attributed to wafer warpage is uncorrectable, and the photo-resist profile variation is believed to affect across-wafer etch bias uniformity to some degree.

Sub-50 nm metrology on extreme ultra violet chemically amplified resist—A systematic assessment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maas, D. J., E-mail: diederik.maas@tno.nl; Herfst, R.; Veldhoven, E. van

2015-10-15

With lithographic patterning dimensions decreasing well below 50 nm, it is of high importance to understand metrology at such small scales. This paper presents results obtained from dense arrays of contact holes (CHs) with various Critical Dimension (CD) between 15 and 50 nm, as patterned in a chemically amplified resist using an ASML EUV scanner and measured at ASML and TNO. To determine the differences between various (local) CD metrology techniques, we conducted an experiment using optical scatterometry, CD-Scanning Electron Microscopy (CD-SEM), Helium ion Microscopy (HIM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). CD-SEM requires advanced beam scan strategies to mitigate samplemore » charging; the other tools did not need that. We discuss the observed main similarities and differences between the various techniques. To this end, we assessed the spatial frequency content in the raw images for SEM, HIM, and AFM. HIM and AFM resolve the highest spatial frequencies, which are attributed to the more localized probe-sample interaction for these techniques. Furthermore, the SEM, HIM, and AFM waveforms are analyzed in detail. All techniques show good mutual correlation, albeit the reported CD values systematically differ significantly. HIM systematically reports a 25% higher CD uniformity number than CD-SEM for the same arrays of CHs, probably because HIM has a higher resolution than the CD-SEM used in this assessment. A significant speed boost for HIM and AFM is required before these techniques are to serve the demanding industrial metrology applications like optical critical dimension and CD-SEM do nowadays.« less

Sub-50 nm metrology on extreme ultra violet chemically amplified resist—A systematic assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maas, D. J.; Fliervoet, T.; Herfst, R.; van Veldhoven, E.; Meessen, J.; Vaenkatesan, V.; Sadeghian, H.

2015-10-01

With lithographic patterning dimensions decreasing well below 50 nm, it is of high importance to understand metrology at such small scales. This paper presents results obtained from dense arrays of contact holes (CHs) with various Critical Dimension (CD) between 15 and 50 nm, as patterned in a chemically amplified resist using an ASML EUV scanner and measured at ASML and TNO. To determine the differences between various (local) CD metrology techniques, we conducted an experiment using optical scatterometry, CD-Scanning Electron Microscopy (CD-SEM), Helium ion Microscopy (HIM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). CD-SEM requires advanced beam scan strategies to mitigate sample charging; the other tools did not need that. We discuss the observed main similarities and differences between the various techniques. To this end, we assessed the spatial frequency content in the raw images for SEM, HIM, and AFM. HIM and AFM resolve the highest spatial frequencies, which are attributed to the more localized probe-sample interaction for these techniques. Furthermore, the SEM, HIM, and AFM waveforms are analyzed in detail. All techniques show good mutual correlation, albeit the reported CD values systematically differ significantly. HIM systematically reports a 25% higher CD uniformity number than CD-SEM for the same arrays of CHs, probably because HIM has a higher resolution than the CD-SEM used in this assessment. A significant speed boost for HIM and AFM is required before these techniques are to serve the demanding industrial metrology applications like optical critical dimension and CD-SEM do nowadays.

Photomask linewidth comparison by PTB and NIST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergmann, D.; Bodermann, B.; Bosse, H.; Buhr, E.; Dai, G.; Dixson, R.; Häßler-Grohne, W.; Hahm, K.; Wurm, M.

2015-10-01

We report the initial results of a recent bilateral comparison of linewidth or critical dimension (CD) calibrations on photomask line features between two national metrology institutes (NMIs): the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany. For the comparison, a chrome on glass (CoG) photomask was used which has a layout of line features down to 100 nm nominal size. Different measurement methods were used at both institutes. These included: critical dimension atomic force microscopy (CD-AFM), CD scanning electron microscopy (CD-SEM) and ultraviolet (UV) transmission optical microscopy. The measurands are CD at 50 % height of the features as well as sidewall angle and line width roughness (LWR) of the features. On the isolated opaque features, we found agreement of the CD measurements at the 3 nm to 5 nm level on most features - usually within the combined expanded uncertainties of the measurements.

Impact of Oppositional Defiant Disorder Dimensions on the Temporal Ordering of Conduct Problems and Depression across Childhood and Adolescence in Girls

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hipwell, Alison E.; Stepp, Stephanie; Feng, Xin; Burke, Jeff; Battista, Deena R.; Loeber, Rolf; Keenan, Kate

2011-01-01

Background: Little is known about the role of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) dimensions on the temporal unfolding of conduct disorder (CD) and depression in girls between childhood and adolescence. Method: The year-to-year associations between CD and depressive symptomatology were examined using nine waves of annually collected data (ages 8…

Detecting measurement outliers: remeasure efficiently

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ullrich, Albrecht

2010-09-01

Shrinking structures, advanced optical proximity correction (OPC) and complex measurement strategies continually challenge critical dimension (CD) metrology tools and recipe creation processes. One important quality ensuring task is the control of measurement outlier behavior. Outliers could trigger false positive alarm for specification violations impacting cycle time or potentially yield. Constant high level of outliers not only deteriorates cycle time but also puts unnecessary stress on tool operators leading eventually to human errors. At tool level the sources of outliers are natural variations (e.g. beam current etc.), drifts, contrast conditions, focus determination or pattern recognition issues, etc. Some of these can result from suboptimal or even wrong recipe settings, like focus position or measurement box size. Such outliers, created by an automatic recipe creation process faced with more complicated structures, would manifest itself rather as systematic variation of measurements than the one caused by 'pure' tool variation. I analyzed several statistical methods to detect outliers. These range from classical outlier tests for extrema, robust metrics like interquartile range (IQR) to methods evaluating the distribution of different populations of measurement sites, like the Cochran test. The latter suits especially the detection of systematic effects. The next level of outlier detection entwines additional information about the mask and the manufacturing process with the measurement results. The methods were reviewed for measured variations assumed to be normally distributed with zero mean but also for the presence of a statistically significant spatial process signature. I arrive at the conclusion that intelligent outlier detection can influence the efficiency and cycle time of CD metrology greatly. In combination with process information like target, typical platform variation and signature, one can tailor the detection to the needs of the photomask at hand. By monitoring the outlier behavior carefully, weaknesses of the automatic recipe creation process can be spotted.

Contour metrology using critical dimension atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orji, Ndubuisi G.; Dixson, Ronald G.; Vladár, András E.; Ming, Bin; Postek, Michael T.

2012-03-01

The critical dimension atomic force microscope (CD-AFM), which is used as a reference instrument in lithography metrology, has been proposed as a complementary instrument for contour measurement and verification. Although data from CD-AFM is inherently three dimensional, the planar two-dimensional data required for contour metrology is not easily extracted from the top-down CD-AFM data. This is largely due to the limitations of the CD-AFM method for controlling the tip position and scanning. We describe scanning techniques and profile extraction methods to obtain contours from CD-AFM data. We also describe how we validated our technique, and explain some of its limitations. Potential sources of error for this approach are described, and a rigorous uncertainty model is presented. Our objective is to show which data acquisition and analysis methods could yield optimum contour information while preserving some of the strengths of CD-AFM metrology. We present comparison of contours extracted using our technique to those obtained from the scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the helium ion microscope (HIM).

Reduction of across-wafer CDU via constrained optimization of a multichannel PEB plate controller based on in-situ measurements of thermal time constants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiffany, Jason E.; Cohen, Barney M.

2004-05-01

As line widths approach 90nm node in volume production, post exposure bake (PEB) uniformity becomes a much larger component of the across wafer critical dimension uniformity (CDU). In production, the need for PEB plate matching has led to novel solutions such as plate specific dose offsets. This type of correction does not help across wafer CDU. Due to unequal activation energies of the critical PEB processes, any thermal history difference can result in a corresponding CD variation. The rise time of the resist to the target temperature has been shown to affect CD, with the most critical time being the first 5-7 seconds. A typical PEB plate has multi-zone thermal control with one thermal sensor per zone. The current practice is to setup each plate to match the steady-state target temperature, ignoring any dynamic performance. Using an in-situ wireless RTD wafer, it is possible to characterize the dynamic performance, or time constant, of each RTD location on the sensing wafer. Constrained by the zone structure of the PEB plate, the proportional, integral and derivative (PID) settings of each controller channel could be optimized to reduce the variations in rise time across the RTD wafer, thereby reducing the PEB component of across wafer CDU.

Effects of gas flow rate on the etch characteristics of a low- k sicoh film with an amorphous carbon mask in dual-frequency CF4/C4F8/Ar capacitively-coupled plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Bong-Soo; Lee, Hea-Lim; Lee, Nae-Eung; Kim, Chang-Young; Choi, Chi Kyu

2013-01-01

Highly selective nanoscale etching of a low-dielectric constant (low- k) organosilicate (SiCOH) layer using a mask pattern of chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) amorphous carbon layer (ACL) was carried out in CF4/C4F8/Ar dual-frequency superimposed capacitively-coupled plasmas. The etching characteristics of the SiCOH layers, such as the etch rate, etch selectivity, critical dimension (CD), and line edge roughness (LER) during the plasma etching, were investigated by varying the C4F8 flow rate. The C4F8 gas flow rate primarily was found to control the degree of polymerization and to cause variations in the selectivity, CD and LER of the patterned SiCOH layer. Process windows for ultra-high etch selectivity of the SiCOH layer to the CVD ACL are formed due to the disproportionate degrees of polymerization on the SiCOH and the ACL surfaces.

Insights on correlation dimension from dynamics mapping of three experimental nonlinear laser systems.

PubMed

McMahon, Christopher J; Toomey, Joshua P; Kane, Deb M

2017-01-01

We have analysed large data sets consisting of tens of thousands of time series from three Type B laser systems: a semiconductor laser in a photonic integrated chip, a semiconductor laser subject to optical feedback from a long free-space-external-cavity, and a solid-state laser subject to optical injection from a master laser. The lasers can deliver either constant, periodic, pulsed, or chaotic outputs when parameters such as the injection current and the level of external perturbation are varied. The systems represent examples of experimental nonlinear systems more generally and cover a broad range of complexity including systematically varying complexity in some regions. In this work we have introduced a new procedure for semi-automatically interrogating experimental laser system output power time series to calculate the correlation dimension (CD) using the commonly adopted Grassberger-Proccacia algorithm. The new CD procedure is called the 'minimum gradient detection algorithm'. A value of minimum gradient is returned for all time series in a data set. In some cases this can be identified as a CD, with uncertainty. Applying the new 'minimum gradient detection algorithm' CD procedure, we obtained robust measurements of the correlation dimension for many of the time series measured from each laser system. By mapping the results across an extended parameter space for operation of each laser system, we were able to confidently identify regions of low CD (CD < 3) and assign these robust values for the correlation dimension. However, in all three laser systems, we were not able to measure the correlation dimension at all parts of the parameter space. Nevertheless, by mapping the staged progress of the algorithm, we were able to broadly classify the dynamical output of the lasers at all parts of their respective parameter spaces. For two of the laser systems this included displaying regions of high-complexity chaos and dynamic noise. These high-complexity regions are differentiated from regions where the time series are dominated by technical noise. This is the first time such differentiation has been achieved using a CD analysis approach. More can be known of the CD for a system when it is interrogated in a mapping context, than from calculations using isolated time series. This has been shown for three laser systems and the approach is expected to be useful in other areas of nonlinear science where large data sets are available and need to be semi-automatically analysed to provide real dimensional information about the complex dynamics. The CD/minimum gradient algorithm measure provides additional information that complements other measures of complexity and relative complexity, such as the permutation entropy; and conventional physical measurements.

Insights on correlation dimension from dynamics mapping of three experimental nonlinear laser systems

PubMed Central

McMahon, Christopher J.; Toomey, Joshua P.

2017-01-01

Background We have analysed large data sets consisting of tens of thousands of time series from three Type B laser systems: a semiconductor laser in a photonic integrated chip, a semiconductor laser subject to optical feedback from a long free-space-external-cavity, and a solid-state laser subject to optical injection from a master laser. The lasers can deliver either constant, periodic, pulsed, or chaotic outputs when parameters such as the injection current and the level of external perturbation are varied. The systems represent examples of experimental nonlinear systems more generally and cover a broad range of complexity including systematically varying complexity in some regions. Methods In this work we have introduced a new procedure for semi-automatically interrogating experimental laser system output power time series to calculate the correlation dimension (CD) using the commonly adopted Grassberger-Proccacia algorithm. The new CD procedure is called the ‘minimum gradient detection algorithm’. A value of minimum gradient is returned for all time series in a data set. In some cases this can be identified as a CD, with uncertainty. Findings Applying the new ‘minimum gradient detection algorithm’ CD procedure, we obtained robust measurements of the correlation dimension for many of the time series measured from each laser system. By mapping the results across an extended parameter space for operation of each laser system, we were able to confidently identify regions of low CD (CD < 3) and assign these robust values for the correlation dimension. However, in all three laser systems, we were not able to measure the correlation dimension at all parts of the parameter space. Nevertheless, by mapping the staged progress of the algorithm, we were able to broadly classify the dynamical output of the lasers at all parts of their respective parameter spaces. For two of the laser systems this included displaying regions of high-complexity chaos and dynamic noise. These high-complexity regions are differentiated from regions where the time series are dominated by technical noise. This is the first time such differentiation has been achieved using a CD analysis approach. Conclusions More can be known of the CD for a system when it is interrogated in a mapping context, than from calculations using isolated time series. This has been shown for three laser systems and the approach is expected to be useful in other areas of nonlinear science where large data sets are available and need to be semi-automatically analysed to provide real dimensional information about the complex dynamics. The CD/minimum gradient algorithm measure provides additional information that complements other measures of complexity and relative complexity, such as the permutation entropy; and conventional physical measurements. PMID:28837602

Pattern fidelity in nanoimprinted films using CD-SAXS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Ronald L.; Soles, Christopher L.; Lin, Eric K.; Hu, Walter; Reano, Ronald M.; Pang, Stella W.; Weigand, Steven J.; Keane, Denis T.; Quintana, John P.

2005-05-01

The primary measure of process quality in nanoimprint lithography (NIL) is the fidelity of pattern transfer, comparing the dimensions of the imprinted pattern to those of the mold. As a potential next generation lithography, NIL is capable of true nanofabrication, producing patterns of sub-10 nm dimensions. Routine production of nanoscale patterns will require new metrologies capable of non-destructive dimensional measurements of both the mold and the pattern with sub-nm precision. In this article, a rapid, non-destructive technique termed Critical Dimension Small Angle X-ray Scattering (CD-SAXS) is used to measure the cross sectional shape of both a pattern master, or mold, and the resulting imprinted films. CD-SAXS data are used to extract periodicity as well as pattern height, width, and sidewall angles. Films of varying materials are molded by thermal embossed NIL at temperatures both near and far from the bulk glass transition (TG). The polymer systems include a photoresist, representing a mixture of a polymer and small molecular components, and two pure homopolymers. Molding at low temperatures (T-TG < 40°C) produces small aspect ratio patterns that maintain periodicity to within a single nanometer, but feature large sidewall angles. While the pattern height does not reach that of the mold until very large imprinting temperatures (T-TG ~ 70°C), the pattern width of the mold is accurately transferred for T-TG > 30°C. In addition to obtaining basic dimensions, CD-SAXS data are used to assess the origin of loss in pattern fidelity.

Large Exciton Energy Shifts by Reversible Surface Exchange in 2D II-VI Nanocrystals.

PubMed

Zhou, Yang; Wang, Fudong; Buhro, William E

2015-12-09

Reaction of n-octylamine-passivated {CdSe[n-octylamine](0.53±0.06)} quantum belts with anhydrous metal carboxylates M(oleate)2 (M = Cd, Zn) results in a rapid exchange of the L-type amine passivation for Z-type M(oleate)2 passivation. The cadmium-carboxylate derivative is determined to have the composition {CdSe[Cd(oleate)2](0.19±0.02)}. The morphologies and crystal structures of the quantum belts are largely unaffected by the exchange processes. Addition of n-octylamine or oleylamine to the M(oleate)2-passivated quantum belts removes M(oleate)2 and restores the L-type amine passivation. Analogous, reversible surface exchanges are also demonstrated for CdS quantum platelets. The absorption and emission spectra of the quantum belts and platelets are reversibly shifted to lower energy by M(oleate)2 passivation vs amine passivation. The largest shift of 140 meV is observed for the Cd(oleate)2-passivated CdSe quantum belts. These shifts are attributed entirely to changes in the strain states in the Zn(oleate)2-passivated nanocrystals, whereas changes in strain states and confinement dimensions contribute roughly equally to the shifts in the Cd(oleate)2-passivated nanocrystals. Addition of Cd(oleate)2, which electronically couples to the nanocrystal lattices, increases the effective thickness of the belts and platelets by approximately a half of a monolayer, thus increasing the confinement dimension.

Mixing noise reduction for rectangular supersonic jets by nozzle shaping and induced screech mixing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rice, Edward J.; Raman, Ganesh

1993-01-01

Two methods of mixing noise modification were studied for supersonic jets flowing from rectangular nozzles with an aspect ratio of about five and a small dimension of about 1.4 cm. The first involves nozzle geometry variation using either single (unsymmetrical) or double bevelled (symmetrical) thirty degree cutbacks of the nozzle exit. Both converging (C) and converging-diverging (C-D) versions were tested. The double bevelled C-D nozzle produced a jet mixing noise reduction of about 4 dB compared to a standard rectangular C-D nozzle. In addition all bevelled nozzles produced an upstream shift in peak mixing noise which is conducive to improved attenuation when the nozzle is used in an acoustically treated duct. A large increase in high frequency noise also occurred near the plane of the nozzle exit. Because of near normal incidence, this noise can be easily attenuated with wall treatment. The second approach uses paddles inserted on the edge of the two sides of the jet to induce screech and greatly enhance the jet mixing. Although screech and mixing noise levels are increased, the enhanced mixing moves the source locations upstream and may make an enclosed system more amenable to noise reduction using wall acoustic treatment.

Clean focus, dose and CD metrology for CD uniformity improvement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Honggoo; Han, Sangjun; Hong, Minhyung; Kim, Seungyoung; Lee, Jieun; Lee, DongYoung; Oh, Eungryong; Choi, Ahlin; Kim, Nakyoon; Robinson, John C.; Mengel, Markus; Pablo, Rovira; Yoo, Sungchul; Getin, Raphael; Choi, Dongsub; Jeon, Sanghuck

2018-03-01

Lithography process control solutions require more exacting capabilities as the semiconductor industry goes forward to the 1x nm node DRAM device manufacturing. In order to continue scaling down the device feature sizes, critical dimension (CD) uniformity requires continuous improvement to meet the required CD error budget. In this study we investigate using optical measurement technology to improve over CD-SEM methods in focus, dose, and CD. One of the key challenges is measuring scanner focus of device patterns. There are focus measurement methods based on specially designed marks on scribe-line, however, one issue of this approach is that it will report focus of scribe line which is potentially different from that of the real device pattern. In addition, scribe-line marks require additional design and troubleshooting steps that add complexity. In this study, we investigated focus measurement directly on the device pattern. Dose control is typically based on using the linear correlation behavior between dose and CD. The noise of CD measurement, based on CD-SEM for example, will not only impact the accuracy, but also will make it difficult to monitor dose signature on product wafers. In this study we will report the direct dose metrology result using an optical metrology system which especially enhances the DUV spectral coverage to improve the signal to noise ratio. CD-SEM is often used to measure CD after the lithography step. This measurement approach has the advantage of easy recipe setup as well as the flexibility to measure critical feature dimensions, however, we observe that CD-SEM metrology has limitations. In this study, we demonstrate within-field CD uniformity improvement through the extraction of clean scanner slit and scan CD behavior by using optical metrology.

Gas Flows in Rocket Motors. Volume 3. Appendix D. Computer Code Listings

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-08-01

Information Service, where it will be available to the general public, including foreign nationals. Prepared for the Astronautics Laboratory (AFSC) Air Force...SYMIMETRIC TRANSONIC NOZZLE FLOW~ IN CENEPAL COORDINATE SYSTEM C+ USING TIME ITERATIVE CD/’CD SCHEME * c VIITH THIN-LAYER APPROXIMATED NAVIER-STOIKE’S...Q( 1,1, 2) ,RHOU( 1, 1)), DIMENSION ADD(4) DIMENSION PRE(4,4), PADD (4) C SAI-DIRECTION ENTRY ADDX COF:F=O.125D0*OMEGAX DO 70 J=I,,JL DO 70 I=1,IL IF

Genetic variation in bioaccumulation and partitioning of cadmium in Theobroma cacao L.

PubMed

Lewis, Caleb; Lennon, Adrian M; Eudoxie, Gaius; Umaharan, Pathmanathan

2018-06-02

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential heavy metal that is toxic to both plants and animals and chocolates have been identified as a contributor to the human dietary Cd intake. One hundred accessions representing the various genetic groups and hybrid populations in Theobroma cacao L. held at the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad were evaluated for leaf and bean cadmium levels with three tree replications. Representative samples of soil from the drip zone around each tree were evaluated for bioavailable cadmium. Although there were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) among genetic groups for leaf and bean Cd much of the variation was between accessions. There was a 13-fold variation in bean Cd and a 7-fold variation in leaf Cd between accessions despite the bioavailable Cd in the soil being uniform. There were differences in the level of partitioning into beans evident by significant variation (P ≤ 0.05) in bean Cd as a percentage of the cumulative leaf and bean Cd concentration (15-52%) between accessions. Although in general there was a higher concentration of cadmium in the testa than the cotyledon of the cocoa bean there was considerable genetic variation. These results point to the potential of using a genetic strategy to mitigate cadmium within cocoa beans either through breeding or through the use of low cadmium uptake rootstocks in grafting. The results will fuel further work into the understanding of mechanisms and genetics of cadmium uptake and partitioning in cocoa. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Advanced in-line metrology strategy for self-aligned quadruple patterning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Robin; Breton, Mary; L'herron, Benoit; Mendoza, Brock; Muthinti, Raja; Nelson, Florence; De La Pena, Abraham; Le, Fee li; Miller, Eric; Sieg, Stuart; Demarest, James; Gin, Peter; Wormington, Matthew; Cepler, Aron; Bozdog, Cornel; Sendelbach, Matthew; Wolfling, Shay; Cardinal, Tom; Kanakasabapathy, Sivananda; Gaudiello, John; Felix, Nelson

2016-03-01

Self-Aligned Quadruple Patterning (SAQP) is a promising technique extending the 193-nm lithography to manufacture structures that are 20nm half pitch or smaller. This process adopts multiple sidewall spacer image transfers to split a rather relaxed design into a quarter of its original pitch. Due to the number of multiple process steps required for the pitch splitting in SAQP, the process error propagates through each deposition and etch, and accumulates at the final step into structure variations, such as pitch walk and poor critical dimension uniformity (CDU). They can further affect the downstream processes and lower the yield. The impact of this error propagation becomes significant for advanced technology nodes when the process specifications of device design CD requirements are at nanometer scale. Therefore, semiconductor manufacturing demands strict in-line process control to ensure a high process yield and improved performance, which must rely on precise measurements to enable corrective actions and quick decision making for process development. This work aims to provide a comprehensive metrology solution for SAQP. During SAQP process development, the challenges in conventional in-line metrology techniques start to surface. For instance, critical-dimension scanning electron microscopy (CDSEM) is commonly the first choice for CD and pitch variation control. However, it is found that the high aspect ratio at mandrel level processes and the trench variations after etch prevent the tool from extracting the true bottom edges of the structure in order to report the position shift. On the other hand, while the complex shape and variations can be captured with scatterometry, or optical CD (OCD), the asymmetric features, such as pitch walk, show low sensitivity with strong correlations in scatterometry. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is known to provide useful direct measurements of the pitch walk in crystalline arrays, yet the data analysis is influenced by the incoming geometry and must be used carefully. A successful implementation of SAQP process control for yield improvement requires the metrology issues to be addressed. By optimizing the measurement parameters and beam configurations, CDSEM measurements distinguish each of the spaces corresponding to the upstream mandrel processes and report their CDs separately to feed back to the process team for the next development cycle. We also utilize the unique capability in scatterometry to measure the structure details in-line and implement a "predictive" process control, which shows a good correlation between the "predictive" measurement and the cross-sections from our design of experiments (DOE). The ability to measure the pitch walk in scatterometry was also demonstrated. This work also explored the frontier of in-line XRD capability by enabling an automatic RSM fitting on tool to output pitch walk values. With these advances in metrology development, we are able to demonstrate the impacts of in-line monitoring in the SAQP process, to shorten the patterning development learning cycle to improve the yield.

Robust resolution enhancement optimization methods to process variations based on vector imaging model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xu; Li, Yanqiu; Guo, Xuejia; Dong, Lisong

2012-03-01

Optical proximity correction (OPC) and phase shifting mask (PSM) are the most widely used resolution enhancement techniques (RET) in the semiconductor industry. Recently, a set of OPC and PSM optimization algorithms have been developed to solve for the inverse lithography problem, which are only designed for the nominal imaging parameters without giving sufficient attention to the process variations due to the aberrations, defocus and dose variation. However, the effects of process variations existing in the practical optical lithography systems become more pronounced as the critical dimension (CD) continuously shrinks. On the other hand, the lithography systems with larger NA (NA>0.6) are now extensively used, rendering the scalar imaging models inadequate to describe the vector nature of the electromagnetic field in the current optical lithography systems. In order to tackle the above problems, this paper focuses on developing robust gradient-based OPC and PSM optimization algorithms to the process variations under a vector imaging model. To achieve this goal, an integrative and analytic vector imaging model is applied to formulate the optimization problem, where the effects of process variations are explicitly incorporated in the optimization framework. The steepest descent algorithm is used to optimize the mask iteratively. In order to improve the efficiency of the proposed algorithms, a set of algorithm acceleration techniques (AAT) are exploited during the optimization procedure.

Optical studies of CdSe/HgSe and CdSe/Ag2Se core/shell nanoparticles embedded in gelatin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azhniuk, Yu M.; Dzhagan, V. M.; Raevskaya, A. E.; Stroyuk, A. L.; Kuchmiy, S. Ya; Valakh, M. Ya; Zahn, D. R. T.

2008-11-01

CdSe/HgSe and CdSe/Ag2Se core-shell nanoparticles are obtained by colloidal synthesis from aqueous solutions in the presence of gelatin. Optical absorption, luminescence, and Raman spectra of the nanoparticles obtained are measured. The variation of the optical spectra of CdSe/HgSe and CdSe/Ag2Se core-shell nanoparticles with the shell thickness is discussed. Sharp non-monotonous variation of the photoluminescence spectra at low shell coverage is observed.

Coaxially gated in-wire thin-film transistors made by template assembly.

PubMed

Kovtyukhova, Nina I; Kelley, Brian K; Mallouk, Thomas E

2004-10-13

Nanowire field effect transistors were prepared by a wet chemical template replication method using anodic aluminum oxide membranes. The membrane pores were first lined with a thin SiO2 layer by the surface sol-gel method. Au, CdS (or CdSe), and Au wire segments were then sequentially electrodeposited within the pores, and the resulting nanowires were released by dissolution of the membrane. Electrofluidic alignment of these nanowires between source and drain leads and evaporation of gold over the central CdS (CdSe) stripe affords a "wrap-around gate" structure. At VDS = -2 V, the Au/CdS/Au devices had an ON/OFF current ratio of 103, a threshold voltage of 2.4 V, and a subthreshold slope of 2.2 V/decade. A 3-fold decrease in the subthreshold slope relative to that of planar nanocrystalline CdSe devices can be attributed to coaxial gating. The control of dimensions afforded by template synthesis should make it possible to reduce the gate dielectric thickness, channel length, and diameter of the semiconductor segment to sublithographic dimensions while retaining the simplicity of the wet chemical synthetic method.

Deep machine learning based Image classification in hard disk drive manufacturing (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rana, Narender; Chien, Chester

2018-03-01

A key sensor element in a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is the read-write head device. The device is complex 3D shape and its fabrication requires over thousand process steps with many of them being various types of image inspection and critical dimension (CD) metrology steps. In order to have high yield of devices across a wafer, very tight inspection and metrology specifications are implemented. Many images are collected on a wafer and inspected for various types of defects and in CD metrology the quality of image impacts the CD measurements. Metrology noise need to be minimized in CD metrology to get better estimate of the process related variations for implementing robust process controls. Though there are specialized tools available for defect inspection and review allowing classification and statistics. However, due to unavailability of such advanced tools or other reasons, many times images need to be manually inspected. SEM Image inspection and CD-SEM metrology tools are different tools differing in software as well. SEM Image inspection and CD-SEM metrology tools are separate tools differing in software and purpose. There have been cases where a significant numbers of CD-SEM images are blurred or have some artefact and there is a need for image inspection along with the CD measurement. Tool may not report a practical metric highlighting the quality of image. Not filtering CD from these blurred images will add metrology noise to the CD measurement. An image classifier can be helpful here for filtering such data. This paper presents the use of artificial intelligence in classifying the SEM images. Deep machine learning is used to train a neural network which is then used to classify the new images as blurred and not blurred. Figure 1 shows the image blur artefact and contingency table of classification results from the trained deep neural network. Prediction accuracy of 94.9 % was achieved in the first model. Paper covers other such applications of the deep neural network in image classification for inspection, review and metrology.

Sequence variations and two levels of MCT1 and CD147 expression in red blood cells and gluteus muscle of horses.

PubMed

Koho, N M; Mykkänen, A K; Reeben, M; Raekallio, M R; Ilves, M; Pösö, A R

2012-01-01

MCT1-CD147 complex is the prime lactate transporter in mammalian plasma membranes. In equine red blood cells (RBCs), activity of the complex and expression of MCT1 and CD147 is bimodal; high in 70% and low in 30%. We studied whether sequence variations contribute to the bimodal expression of MCT1 and CD147. Samples of blood and cremaster muscle were collected in connection of castration from 24 horses. Additional gluteus muscle samples were collected from 15 Standardbreds of which seven were known to express low amounts of CD147 in RBCs. The cDNA of MCT1 and CD147 together with a promoter region of CD147 was sequenced. The amounts of MCT1 and CD147 expressed in RBC and muscle membranes were measured by Western blot and mRNA levels in muscles by qPCR. MCT1 and CD147 were expressed in 20 castrates, and in four only were traces found. Sequence variations found in MCT1 were not linked to MCT1 expression. In CD147 linked heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) 389A>G (Met(125)Val) and 990C>T (3'-UTR) were associated to low expression of CD147. Also a mutation 168A>G (Ile(51)Val) in CD147 was associated to low MCT1 and CD147 expression. Low MCT1 and CD147 mRNA levels in gluteus were found in Standardbreds with low CD147 expression in RBCs. The results suggest that sequence variations affect the expression level of CD147, but do not explain its bimodality. The levels of MCT1 and CD147 mRNA correlated with the expression of CD147 and suggest that bimodality of their expression is regulated at transcriptional level. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Propagation of resist heating mask error to wafer level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babin, S. V.; Karklin, Linard

2006-10-01

As technology is approaching 45 nm and below the IC industry is experiencing a severe product yield hit due to rapidly shrinking process windows and unavoidable manufacturing process variations. Current EDA tools are unable by their nature to deliver optimized and process-centered designs that call for 'post design' localized layout optimization DFM tools. To evaluate the impact of different manufacturing process variations on final product it is important to trace and evaluate all errors through design to manufacturing flow. Photo mask is one of the critical parts of this flow, and special attention should be paid to photo mask manufacturing process and especially to mask tight CD control. Electron beam lithography (EBL) is a major technique which is used for fabrication of high-end photo masks. During the writing process, resist heating is one of the sources for mask CD variations. Electron energy is released in the mask body mainly as heat, leading to significant temperature fluctuations in local areas. The temperature fluctuations cause changes in resist sensitivity, which in turn leads to CD variations. These CD variations depend on mask writing speed, order of exposure, pattern density and its distribution. Recent measurements revealed up to 45 nm CD variation on the mask when using ZEP resist. The resist heating problem with CAR resists is significantly smaller compared to other types of resists. This is partially due to higher resist sensitivity and the lower exposure dose required. However, there is no data yet showing CD errors on the wafer induced by CAR resist heating on the mask. This effect can be amplified by high MEEF values and should be carefully evaluated at 45nm and below technology nodes where tight CD control is required. In this paper, we simulated CD variation on the mask due to resist heating; then a mask pattern with the heating error was transferred onto the wafer. So, a CD error on the wafer was evaluated subject to only one term of the mask error budget - the resist heating CD error. In simulation of exposure using a stepper, variable MEEF was considered.

The Structure of Self-Serving Cognitive Distortions: A Validation of the "How I Think" Questionnaire in a Sample of Italian Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bacchini, Dario; De Angelis, Grazia; Affuso, Gaetana; Brugman, Daniel

2016-01-01

This study aims to investigate the structure of self-serving cognitive distortions (CD), evaluating the psychometric properties of the How I Think Questionnaire in a sample of Italian adolescents. A confirmatory factor analysis supported the distinction between four categories of CD and the use of a single second-order dimension of CD. Reliability…

Gamma ray detector modules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Capote, M. Albert (Inventor); Lenos, Howard A. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

A radiation detector assembly has a semiconductor detector array substrate of CdZnTe or CdTe, having a plurality of detector cell pads on a first surface thereof, the pads having a contact metallization and a solder barrier metallization. An interposer card has planar dimensions no larger than planar dimensions of the semiconductor detector array substrate, a plurality of interconnect pads on a first surface thereof, at least one readout semiconductor chip and at least one connector on a second surface thereof, each having planar dimensions no larger than the planar dimensions of the interposer card. Solder columns extend from contacts on the interposer first surface to the plurality of pads on the semiconductor detector array substrate first surface, the solder columns having at least one solder having a melting point or liquidus less than 120 degrees C. An encapsulant is disposed between the interposer circuit card first surface and the semiconductor detector array substrate first surface, encapsulating the solder columns, the encapsulant curing at a temperature no greater than 120 degrees C.

Effect of lateral size and thickness on the electronic structure and optical properties of quasi two-dimensional CdSe and CdS nanoplatelets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bose, Sumanta; Fan, W. J., E-mail: ewjfan@ntu.edu.sg; Zhang, D. H.

2016-04-14

The effect of lateral size and vertical thickness of CdSe and CdS nanoplatelets (NPLs) on their electronic structure and optical properties are investigated using an effective-mass envelope function theory based on the 8-band k ⋅ p model with valence force field considerations. Volumetrically larger NPLs have lower photon emission energy due to limited quantum confinement, but a greater transition matrix element (TME) due to larger electron-hole wavefunction overlap. The optical gain characteristics depend on several factors such as TME, Fermi factor, carrier density, NPL dimensions, material composition, and dephasing rate. There is a red shift in the peak position, moremore » so with an increase in thickness than lateral size. For an increasing carrier density, the gain spectrum undergoes a slight blue shift due to band filling effect. For a fixed carrier density, the Fermi factor is higher for volumetrically larger NPLs and so is the difference between the quasi-Fermi level separation and the effective bandgap. The transparency injection carrier density (and thus input current density threshold) is dimension dependent and falls for volumetrically larger NPLs, as they can attain the requisite exciton count for transparency with a relatively lower density. Between CdSe and CdS, CdSe has lower emission energy due to smaller bandgap, but a higher TME due to lower effective mass. CdS, however, has a higher so hole contribution due to a lower spin-orbit splitting energy. Both CdSe and CdS NPLs are suitable candidates for short-wavelength LEDs and lasers in the visible spectrum, but CdSe is expected to exhibit better optical performance.« less

A porous Cd(II) metal-organic framework with high adsorption selectivity for CO2 over CH4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Chunlan

2017-05-01

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted a lot of attention in recent decades. We applied a semi-rigid four-carboxylic acid linker to assemble with Cd(II) ions to generate a novel microporous Cd(II) MOF material. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals the different two dimension (2D) layers can be further packed together with an AB fashion by hydrogen bonds (O4sbnd H4⋯O7 = 1.863 Å) to construct a three dimension (3D) supermolecular architecture. The resulting sample can be synthesized under solvothermal reactions successfully, which exhibits high selectivity adsorption of CO2 over CH4 at room temperature. In addition, the obtained sample was characterized by thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), elemental analysis (CHN) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD).

Genome-Wide Association Studies Identify Heavy Metal ATPase3 as the Primary Determinant of Natural Variation in Leaf Cadmium in Arabidopsis thaliana

PubMed Central

Chao, Dai-Yin; Silva, Adriano; Baxter, Ivan; Huang, Yu S.; Nordborg, Magnus; Danku, John; Lahner, Brett; Yakubova, Elena; Salt, David E.

2012-01-01

Understanding the mechanism of cadmium (Cd) accumulation in plants is important to help reduce its potential toxicity to both plants and humans through dietary and environmental exposure. Here, we report on a study to uncover the genetic basis underlying natural variation in Cd accumulation in a world-wide collection of 349 wild collected Arabidopsis thaliana accessions. We identified a 4-fold variation (0.5–2 µg Cd g−1 dry weight) in leaf Cd accumulation when these accessions were grown in a controlled common garden. By combining genome-wide association mapping, linkage mapping in an experimental F2 population, and transgenic complementation, we reveal that HMA3 is the sole major locus responsible for the variation in leaf Cd accumulation we observe in this diverse population of A. thaliana accessions. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence of HMA3 from 149 A. thaliana accessions reveals the existence of 10 major natural protein haplotypes. Association of these haplotypes with leaf Cd accumulation and genetics complementation experiments indicate that 5 of these haplotypes are active and 5 are inactive, and that elevated leaf Cd accumulation is associated with the reduced function of HMA3 caused by a nonsense mutation and polymorphisms that change two specific amino acids. PMID:22969436

The differential effect of genetic variation on soluble CD14 levels in human plasma and milk.

PubMed

Guerra, Stefano; Carla Lohman, I; LeVan, Tricia D; Wright, Anne L; Martinez, Fernando D; Halonen, Marilyn

2004-09-01

The protein CD14 is a pattern recognition receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Whether genetic variation has the same influence on soluble CD14 (sCD14) levels in human plasma and milk remains to be determined. We measured sCD14 levels in plasma during pregnancy (n = 196) and in milk in the postpartum (n = 152) for women genotyped for the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions -1619, -550, and -159 from the transcription start site of the CD14 gene. Plasma- and milk-sCD14 levels differed significantly both by CD14/-1619 and CD14/-550 genotypes and by haplotypes. Most interestingly, sCD14 levels were regulated differentially by the same genetic variants in plasma and milk, with the CD14/-550T allele and the corresponding are ATC haplotype associated with high sCD14 in milk but low sCD14 in plasma. A correlation between sCD14 levels in plasma and milk was absent (r = 0.091, P = NS). Our findings suggest the existence of cell-specific regulation mechanisms of CD14 gene expression.

Morning surge of ventricular arrhythmias in a new arrhythmogenic canine model of chronic heart failure is associated with attenuation of time-of-day dependence of heart rate and autonomic adaptation, and reduced cardiac chaos.

PubMed

Zhu, Yujie; Hanafy, Mohamed A; Killingsworth, Cheryl R; Walcott, Gregory P; Young, Martin E; Pogwizd, Steven M

2014-01-01

Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) exhibit a morning surge in ventricular arrhythmias, but the underlying cause remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if heart rate dynamics, autonomic input (assessed by heart rate variability (HRV)) and nonlinear dynamics as well as their abnormal time-of-day-dependent oscillations in a newly developed arrhythmogenic canine heart failure model are associated with a morning surge in ventricular arrhythmias. CHF was induced in dogs by aortic insufficiency & aortic constriction, and assessed by echocardiography. Holter monitoring was performed to study time-of-day-dependent variation in ventricular arrhythmias (PVCs, VT), traditional HRV measures, and nonlinear dynamics (including detrended fluctuations analysis α1 and α2 (DFAα1 & DFAα2), correlation dimension (CD), and Shannon entropy (SE)) at baseline, as well as 240 days (240 d) and 720 days (720 d) following CHF induction. LV fractional shortening was decreased at both 240 d and 720 d. Both PVCs and VT increased with CHF duration and showed a morning rise (2.5-fold & 1.8-fold increase at 6 AM-noon vs midnight-6 AM) during CHF. The morning rise in HR at baseline was significantly attenuated by 52% with development of CHF (at both 240 d & 720 d). Morning rise in the ratio of low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) HRV at baseline was markedly attenuated with CHF. DFAα1, DFAα2, CD and SE all decreased with CHF by 31, 17, 34 and 7%, respectively. Time-of-day-dependent variations in LF/HF, CD, DFA α1 and SE, observed at baseline, were lost during CHF. Thus in this new arrhythmogenic canine CHF model, attenuated morning HR rise, blunted autonomic oscillation, decreased cardiac chaos and complexity of heart rate, as well as aberrant time-of-day-dependent variations in many of these parameters were associated with a morning surge of ventricular arrhythmias.

Morning Surge of Ventricular Arrhythmias in a New Arrhythmogenic Canine Model of Chronic Heart Failure Is Associated with Attenuation of Time-Of-Day Dependence of Heart Rate and Autonomic Adaptation, and Reduced Cardiac Chaos

PubMed Central

Zhu, Yujie; Hanafy, Mohamed A.; Killingsworth, Cheryl R.; Walcott, Gregory P.; Young, Martin E.; Pogwizd, Steven M.

2014-01-01

Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) exhibit a morning surge in ventricular arrhythmias, but the underlying cause remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if heart rate dynamics, autonomic input (assessed by heart rate variability (HRV)) and nonlinear dynamics as well as their abnormal time-of-day-dependent oscillations in a newly developed arrhythmogenic canine heart failure model are associated with a morning surge in ventricular arrhythmias. CHF was induced in dogs by aortic insufficiency & aortic constriction, and assessed by echocardiography. Holter monitoring was performed to study time-of-day-dependent variation in ventricular arrhythmias (PVCs, VT), traditional HRV measures, and nonlinear dynamics (including detrended fluctuations analysis α1 and α2 (DFAα1 & DFAα2), correlation dimension (CD), and Shannon entropy (SE)) at baseline, as well as 240 days (240d) and 720 days (720d) following CHF induction. LV fractional shortening was decreased at both 240d and 720d. Both PVCs and VT increased with CHF duration and showed a morning rise (2.5-fold & 1.8-fold increase at 6 AM-noon vs midnight-6 AM) during CHF. The morning rise in HR at baseline was significantly attenuated by 52% with development of CHF (at both 240d & 720d). Morning rise in the ratio of low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) HRV at baseline was markedly attenuated with CHF. DFAα1, DFAα2, CD and SE all decreased with CHF by 31, 17, 34 and 7%, respectively. Time-of-day-dependent variations in LF/HF, CD, DFA α1 and SE, observed at baseline, were lost during CHF. Thus in this new arrhythmogenic canine CHF model, attenuated morning HR rise, blunted autonomic oscillation, decreased cardiac chaos and complexity of heart rate, as well as aberrant time-of-day-dependent variations in many of these parameters were associated with a morning surge of ventricular arrhythmias. PMID:25140699

High variation of individual soluble serum CD30 levels of pre-transplantation patients: sCD30 a feasible marker for prediction of kidney allograft rejection?

PubMed

Altermann, Wolfgang; Schlaf, Gerald; Rothhoff, Anita; Seliger, Barbara

2007-10-01

Previous studies have suggested that the pre-transplant levels of the soluble CD30 molecule (sCD30) represent a non-invasive tool which can be used as a biomarker for the prediction of kidney allograft rejections. In order to evaluate the feasibility of sCD30 for pre-transplantation monitoring the sera of potential kidney recipients (n = 652) were collected four times in a 3 months interval. Serum from healthy blood donors (n = 203) served as controls. The sCD30 concentrations of all samples were determined using a commercially available ELISA. This strategy allowed the detection of possible variations of individual sCD30 levels over time. Heterogeneous sCD30 concentrations were found in the samples obtained from individual putative kidney transplant recipients when quarterly measured over 1 year. Total 95% of serum samples obtained from healthy controls exhibited sCD30 values <30 U/ml, whereas most recipients displayed higher serum levels (>30 U/ml). Total 524 patients (80.4%) constantly exhibited serum concentrations of <100 U/ml during the period investigated, whereas 109 patients (16.7%) showed variations by exceeding the proposed 'cut off' of 100 U/ml for one to three times. The frequency of samples exhibiting sCD30 values >100 U/ml was significantly lower than that previously reported. The high degree of variation does not allow the stratification of patients into high and low immunological risk groups based on a single sCD30 value > 100 U/ml. Due to the heterogeneity of sCD30 levels during time course and the high values of SD, its implementation as a pre-transplant marker cannot be justified to generate special provisions for the organ allocation to patients with single sCD30 values > 100 U/ml.

Mass Spectrometry Method to Measure Membrane Proteins in Dried Blood Spots for the Detection of Blood Doping Practices in Sport.

PubMed

Cox, Holly D; Eichner, Daniel

2017-09-19

The dried blood spot (DBS) matrix has significant utility for applications in the field where venous blood collection and timely shipment of labile blood samples is difficult. Unfortunately, protein measurement in DBS is hindered by high abundance proteins and matrix interference that increases with hematocrit. We developed a DBS method to enrich for membrane proteins and remove soluble proteins and matrix interference. Following a wash in a series of buffers, the membrane proteins are digested with trypsin and quantitated by parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry methods. The DBS method was applied to the quantification of four cell-specific cluster of differentiation (CD) proteins used to count cells by flow cytometry, band 3 (CD233), CD71, CD45, and CD41. We demonstrate that the DBS method counts low abundance cell types such as immature reticulocytes as well as high abundance cell types such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When tested in 82 individuals, counts obtained by the DBS method demonstrated good agreement with flow cytometry and automated hematology analyzers. Importantly, the method allows longitudinal monitoring of CD protein concentration and calculation of interindividual variation which is difficult by other methods. Interindividual variation of band 3 and CD45 was low, 6 and 8%, respectively, while variation of CD41 and CD71 was higher, 18 and 78%, respectively. Longitudinal measurement of CD71 concentration in DBS over an 8-week period demonstrated intraindividual variation 17.1-38.7%. Thus, the method may allow stable longitudinal measurement of blood parameters currently monitored to detect blood doping practices.

Personality risk profile for conduct disorder and substance use disorders in youth.

PubMed

Anderson, Kristen G; Tapert, Susan F; Moadab, Ida; Crowley, Thomas J; Brown, Sandra A

2007-10-01

The five factor model of personality is a useful metric to describe personality profiles associated with maladaptive functioning. Using the NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), we examined a conceptually based profile of high neuroticism, low agreeableness and low conscientiousness among 243 youth (aged 13-18 years) with varying degrees of conduct disorder (CD) and substance use disorders (SUD). Comparisons of the NEO-FFI personality dimensions between CD/SUD youth and adolescent siblings (N=173), and relations between the personality dimensions and behavioral indicators of conduct disorder and substance involvement were examined. Youth with CD and SUD had greater neuroticism, lower agreeableness, and lower conscientiousness than siblings of a similar age. The NEO-FFI scales predicted aggression and substance involvement for both probands and siblings in this cross-sectional investigation. These findings support the role for personality in models of the etiology and persistence of conduct disorder and substance use disorders.

Mass-dependent cadmium isotopic variations in nature with emphasis on the marine environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Anne-Désirée; Galer, Stephen J. G.; Abouchami, Wafa

2009-01-01

We report a survey of natural mass-dependent cadmium isotope fractionation measured by thermal ionization mass spectrometry using a double-spike technique (DS-TIMS). Over sixty samples of natural terrestrial Cd from diverse environments, including MORB, OIB, continental loess, hydrogenic and hydrothermal ferromanganese deposits, and sphalerites (both oceanic and from major continental ore deposits) were analysed. Our results are expressed in terms of ɛ 112/110Cd, which are deviations in 112Cd/ 110Cd from our in-house JMC Cd standard in parts per 10 4. The total ɛ 112/110Cd variation is relatively small, with a range of only 5 ɛ-units, and is one-to-two orders of magnitude smaller than that previously found in meteorites. The MORB, OIB and loess ɛ 112/110Cd values are similar and provide a good estimate for the bulk silicate Earth (BSE) value which is - 0.95 ± 0.12 relative to our Cd standard (ɛ 112/110Cd = + 0.16 relative to Münster JMC Cd). Taken together, these data suggest little Cd isotope fractionation takes place during crust-mantle segregation. Cd isotopic compositions of continental sphalerite (ZnS) deposits worldwide and high-temperature oceanic hydrothermal sulphides show remarkably similar ɛ 112/110Cd values, consistent with our estimate for the BSE. In contrast, mid-temperature oceanic sulphides from a single extinct hydrothermal chimney display over 4 ɛ-units variation — along with the most negative values. These variations are most probably caused by precipitation/redissolution of sulphide phases en route within the hydrothermal system. The ɛ 112/110Cd variability found in worldwide marine Fe-Mn deposits reflects the seawater Cd isotope signal upon precipitation from ambient seawater. A decrease in ɛ 112/110Cd is observed in passing from shallow-water Fe-Mn deposits to those from deeper waters (> 2000 m depth). This shift is explained by biological fractionation related to the uptake of dissolved seawater Cd by phytoplankton in the upper water column. The relatively uniform ɛ 112/110Cd values close to zero at great depths are consistent with regeneration and remineralization of Cd at depth. Our data suggest that Cd isotopes - much like the Cd/Ca ratio in foraminifera - could potentially serve as a proxy for past changes in biological productivity. The temporal Cd isotope record in a Fe-Mn crust archive at 2000 m depth from the NE Atlantic suggests no gross long-term changes in Cd cycling took place over the past 8 Ma.

Variation of Greenness across China's Universities: Motivations and Resources

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhao, Wanxia; Zou, Yonghua

2018-01-01

Purpose: This study aims to examine the cross-institutional variation in university greenness and analyze its underlying dynamics. Design/methodology/approach: This study constructs a University Greenness Index (UGI) and conducts multivariate regression. Findings: This study finds variation within two dimensions; in the vertical dimension,…

The role of the sca-1+/CD31- cardiac progenitor cell population in postinfarction left ventricular remodeling.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaohong; Hu, Qingsong; Nakamura, Yasuhiro; Lee, Joseph; Zhang, Ge; From, Arthur H L; Zhang, Jianyi

2006-07-01

Cardiac stem cell-like populations exist in adult hearts, and their roles in cardiac repair remain to be defined. Sca-1 is an important surface marker for cardiac and other somatic stem cells. We hypothesized that heart-derived Sca-1(+)/CD31(-) cells may play a role in myocardial infarction-induced cardiac repair/remodeling. Mouse heart-derived Sca-1(+)/CD31(-) cells cultured in vitro could be induced to express both endothelial cell and cardiomyocyte markers. Immunofluorescence staining and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis indicated that endogenous Sca-1(+)/CD31(-) cells were significantly increased in the mouse heart 7 days after myocardial infarction (MI). Western blotting confirmed elevated Sca-1 protein expression in myocardium 7 days after MI. Transplantation of Sca-1(+)/CD31(-) cells into the acutely infarcted mouse heart attenuated the functional decline and adverse structural remodeling initiated by MI as evidenced by an increased left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, a decreased LV end-diastolic dimension, a decreased LV end-systolic dimension, a significant increase of myocardial neovascularization, and modest cardiomyocyte regeneration. Attenuation of LV remodeling was accompanied by remarkably improved myocardial bioenergetic characteristics. The beneficial effects of cell transplantation appear to primarily depend on paracrine effects of the transplanted cells on new vessel formation and native cardiomyocyte function. Sca-1(+)/CD31(-) cells may hold therapeutic possibilities with regard to the treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Polarizability and binding energy of a shallow donor in spherical quantum dot-quantum well (QD-QW)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahmani, K.; Chrafih, Y.; M’Zred, S.; Janati, S.; Zorkani, I.; Jorio, A.; Mmadi, A.

2018-03-01

The polarizability and the binding energy is estimated for a shallow donor confined to move in inhomogeneous quantum dots (CdS/HgS/CdS). In this work, the Hass variational method within the effective mass approximation in used in the case of an infinitely deep well. The polarizability and the binding energy depend on the inner and the outer radius of the QDQW, also it depends strongly on the donor position. It’s found that the stark effect is more important when the impurity is located at the center of the (QDQW) and becomes less important when the donor moves toward the extremities of the spherical layer. When the electric field increases, the binding energy and the polarizability decreases. Its effects is more pronounced when the impurity is placed on the center of the spherical layer and decrease when the donor move toward extremities of this spherical layer. We have demonstrated the existence of a critical value {≤ft( {{{{R_1}} \\over {{R_2}}}} \\right)cri} which can be used to distinguish the tree dimension confinement from the spherical surface confinement and it’s may be important for the nanofabrication techniques.

Improving OCD time to solution using Signal Response Metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Fang; Zhang, Xiaoxiao; Vaid, Alok; Pandev, Stilian; Sanko, Dimitry; Ramanathan, Vidya; Venkataraman, Kartik; Haupt, Ronny

2016-03-01

In recent technology nodes, advanced process and novel integration scheme have challenged the precision limits of conventional metrology; with critical dimensions (CD) of device reduce to sub-nanometer region. Optical metrology has proved its capability to precisely detect intricate details on the complex structures, however, conventional RCWA-based (rigorous coupled wave analysis) scatterometry has the limitations of long time-to-results and lack of flexibility to adapt to wide process variations. Signal Response Metrology (SRM) is a new metrology technique targeted to alleviate the consumption of engineering and computation resources by eliminating geometric/dispersion modeling and spectral simulation from the workflow. This is achieved by directly correlating the spectra acquired from a set of wafers with known process variations encoded. In SPIE 2015, we presented the results of SRM application in lithography metrology and control [1], accomplished the mission of setting up a new measurement recipe of focus/dose monitoring in hours. This work will demonstrate our recent field exploration of SRM implementation in 20nm technology and beyond, including focus metrology for scanner control; post etch geometric profile measurement, and actual device profile metrology.

Assessing fluctuating evolutionary pressure in yeast and mammal evolutionary rate covariation using bioinformatics of meiotic protein genetic sequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dehipawala, Sunil; Nguyen, A.; Tremberger, G.; Cheung, E.; Holden, T.; Lieberman, D.; Cheung, T.

2013-09-01

The evolutionary rate co-variation in meiotic proteins has been reported for yeast and mammal using phylogenic branch lengths which assess retention, duplication and mutation. The bioinformatics of the corresponding DNA sequences could be classified as a diagram of fractal dimension and Shannon entropy. Results from biomedical gene research provide examples on the diagram methodology. The identification of adaptive selection using entropy marker and functional-structural diversity using fractal dimension would support a regression analysis where the coefficient of determination would serve as evolutionary pathway marker for DNA sequences and be an important component in the astrobiology community. Comparisons between biomedical genes such as EEF2 (elongation factor 2 human, mouse, etc), WDR85 in epigenetics, HAR1 in human specificity, clinical trial targeted cancer gene CD47, SIRT6 in spermatogenesis, and HLA-C in mosquito bite immunology demonstrate the diagram classification methodology. Comparisons to the SEPT4-XIAP pair in stem cell apoptosis, testesexpressed taste genes TAS1R3-GNAT3 pair, and amyloid beta APLP1-APLP2 pair with the yeast-mammal DNA sequences for meiotic proteins RAD50-MRE11 pair and NCAPD2-ICK pair have accounted for the observed fluctuating evolutionary pressure systematically. Regression with high R-sq values or a triangular-like cluster pattern for concordant pairs in co-variation among the studied species could serve as evidences for the possible location of common ancestors in the entropy-fractal dimension diagram, consistent with an example of the human-chimp common ancestor study using the FOXP2 regulated genes reported in human fetal brain study. The Deinococcus radiodurans R1 Rad-A could be viewed as an outlier in the RAD50 diagram and also in the free energy versus fractal dimension regression Cook's distance, consistent with a non-Earth source for this radiation resistant bacterium. Convergent and divergent fluctuating evolutionary pressure could be studied with extension to genetic sequences in organisms in possible astrobiology conditions, with the assumption that the continuation of a book of life would require meiotic proteins everywhere in the universe.

Developmental trends in the interaction between auditory and linguistic processing.

PubMed

Jerger, S; Pirozzolo, F; Jerger, J; Elizondo, R; Desai, S; Wright, E; Reynosa, R

1993-09-01

The developmental course of multidimensional speech processing was examined in 80 children between 3 and 6 years of age and in 60 adults between 20 and 86 years of age. Processing interactions were assessed with a speeded classification task (Garner, 1974a), which required the subjects to attend selectively to the voice dimension while ignoring the linguistic dimension, and vice versa. The children and adults exhibited both similarities and differences in the patterns of processing dependencies. For all ages, performance for each dimension was slower in the presence of variation in the irrelevant dimension; irrelevant variation in the voice dimension disrupted performance more than irrelevant variation in the linguistic dimension. Trends in the degree of interference, on the other hand, showed significant differences between dimensions as a function of age. Whereas the degree of interference for the voice-dimension-relevant did not show significant age-related change, the degree of interference for the word-dimension-relevant declined significantly with age in a linear as well as a quadratic manner. A major age-related change in the relation between dimensions was that word processing, relative to voice-gender processing, required significantly more time in the children than in the adults. Overall, the developmental course characterizing multidimensional speech processing evidenced more pronounced change when the linguistic dimension, rather than the voice dimension, was relevant.

Estimation of quality of life in Cypriot patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Tsoukka, Maria; Jelastopulu, Eleni; Lavranos, Giagkos; Charalambous, George

2017-01-07

To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients suffering with idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Greek validated version of the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire was used for evaluating the quality of life of IBD patients. The questionnaire was distributed to 100 consecutive patients suffering from IBD and presenting for a clinic appointment at the endoscopy unit of Larnaca General Hospital during the period from October to November 2012. The criteria for participating in this study were constituted by the documented diagnosis of either ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) after endoscopy and histologic examination at least 6 months before the study, adult patients (18 years old or older), the capability of verbal communication and the patient's written consent for attending this study. The majority of the questionnaires were completed by a nurse practitioner who specializes in IBD patient care. Regarding the physical dimension in patients with UC, males scored significantly higher than females (4.2 vs 3.4, P = 0.023). Higher scores were also observed in UC patients younger than 35 or older than 50 years (4.0 and 4.2 vs 3.2, respectively, P = 0.021). The psychological dimension revealed similar results in patients with UC, with males, and older ages scoring higher (5.0 vs 3.0, P = 0.01 and 4.7 vs 2.7, P < 0.5, respectively), whereas regarding CD higher scores were observed in married compared to unmarried (3.83 vs 2.33, P = 0.042). No statistical differences in any parameters in the social dimension were observed. Regarding the treatment of, patients with CD, overall higher scores were observed when treated with biological factors compared to standard therapy in all dimensions but with statistical significant difference in the social dimension (5.00 vs 3.25, P = 0.045). The study reveals a negative impact of IBD on HRQoL. Increased risks are age and gender in patients with UC and family status in patients with CD.

The effects of variation of an irrelevant dimension on same-different visual judgments.

PubMed

Ballesteros, S; Manga, D

1996-06-01

In a series of experiments observers judged whether two visual tachistoscopically presented shapes were the same or different in a relevant dimension, and had to ignore the graded variation on an irrelevant dimension that appeared concurrently with the relevant dimension. Experimental results from judgments in orientation, size and brightness failed to support the normalization hypothesis. The hypothesis predicts a monotonous increase in RTs with the increasing degree of disparity in the irrelevant dimension in same as well as in different comparisons. The results were interpreted in terms of the type of dimensions used to construct the shapes. It was suggested that with separable stimulus dimensions normalization would not be necessary. However, interference might appear when the stimuli to be compared were generated from a combination of more integral dimensions.

Genetic variation in metallothionein and metal-regulatory transcription factor 1 in relation to urinary cadmium, copper, and zinc

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adams, Scott V., E-mail: sadams@fhcrc.org; Barrick, Brian; Christopher, Emily P.

Background: Metallothionein (MT) proteins play critical roles in the physiological handling of both essential (Cu and Zn) and toxic (Cd) metals. MT expression is regulated by metal-regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF1). Hence, genetic variation in the MT gene family and MTF1 might influence excretion of these metals. Methods: 321 women were recruited in Seattle, WA and Las Cruces, NM and provided demographic information, urine samples for measurement of metal concentrations by mass spectrometry and creatinine, and blood or saliva for extraction of DNA. Forty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the MTF1 gene region and the region of chromosome 16 encodingmore » the MT gene family were selected for genotyping in addition to an ancestry informative marker panel. Linear regression was used to estimate the association of SNPs with urinary Cd, Cu, and Zn, adjusted for age, urinary creatinine, smoking history, study site, and ancestry. Results: Minor alleles of rs28366003 and rs10636 near the MT2A gene were associated with lower urinary Cd, Cu, and Zn. Minor alleles of rs8044719 and rs1599823, near MT1A and MT1B, were associated with lower urinary Cd and Zn, respectively. Minor alleles of rs4653329 in MTF1 were associated with lower urinary Cd. Conclusions: These results suggest that genetic variation in the MT gene region and MTF1 influences urinary Cd, Cu, and Zn excretion. - Highlights: • Genetic variation in metallothionein (MT) genes was assessed in two diverse populations. • Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MT genes were associated with mean urinary Cd, Cu and Zn. • Genetic variation may influence biomarkers of exposure, and associations of exposure with health.« less

The effects of rearing light level and duration differences on the optic nerve, brain, and associated structures in developing zebrafish larvae: a light and transmission electron microscope study.

PubMed

Chapman, George B; Tarboush, Rania; Connaughton, Victoria P

2012-03-01

The ultrastructure of the optic nerve, brain, and some associated structures of larval zebrafish, grown under three different light regimens were studied. Fish grown under cyclic light (control), constant dark (CD), and constant light (CL) were studied for 4 and 8 days postfertilization (dpf). We also studied the control and CD fish at 15 dpf. The brains of the control and CL fish were larger at 4 dpf than at 8 dpf. In all 4 dpf fish, the brain occupied the entire expanse between the two retinas and the optic nerve extended the shortest distance between the retina and the brain. The 15 dpf zebrafish had the smallest brain size. Groups of skeletal muscle cells associated with the optic nerves became visible in all older larvae. In the 15 dpf larvae, bulges and dilations in the optic nerve occurred as it reached the brain and optic chiasms occurred proximal to the brain. Electron microscopy yielded information about myelinated and unmyelinated axons in the optic nerve, the dimensions of neurotubules, neurofilaments, and myofilaments, including a unique variation in actin myofilaments, and a confirmation of reported myosin myofilament changes (but with dimensions). We also describe the ultrastructure of a sheath-like structure that is confluent over the optic nerve and the brain, which has not been described before in zebrafish. Also presented are images of associated fibroblasts, epithelial cells lining the mouth, cartilage plates, blood vessels, nerve bundles, and skeletal muscle cells, most of which have not been previously described in the literature. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Integration of Cadmium Accumulation, Subcellular Distribution, and Physiological Responses to Understand Cadmium Tolerance in Apple Rootstocks

PubMed Central

Zhou, Jiangtao; Wan, Huixue; He, Jiali; Lyu, Deguo; Li, Huifeng

2017-01-01

Cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential and highly toxic element causing agricultural problems. However, little information is available about the variation in Cd tolerance among apple rootstocks and its underlying physiological regulation mechanisms. This study investigated Cd accumulation, subcellular distribution, and chemical forms as well as physiological changes among four apple rootstocks exposed to either 0 or 300 μM CdCl2. The results showed that variations in Cd tolerance existed among these rootstocks. Cd exposure caused decline in photosynthesis, chlorophyll and biomass in four apple rootstocks, which was less pronounced in M. baccata, indicating its higher Cd tolerance. This finding was corroborated with higher Cd tolerance indexes (TIs) of the whole plant in M. baccata than those in the other three apple rootstocks. Among the four apple rootstocks, M. baccata displayed the lowest Cd concentrations in roots, wood, and leaves, the smallest total Cd amounts as well as the lowest BCF. In apple rootstocks, it was found that to immobilize Cd in cell wall and soluble fraction (most likely in vacuole) and to convert it into pectate- or protein- integrated forms and undissolved Cd phosphate forms may be the primary strategies to reduce Cd mobility and toxicity. The physiological changes including ROS, carbohydrates and antioxidants were in line with the variations of Cd tolerance among four apple rootstocks. In comparison with the other three apple rootstocks, M. baccata had lower concentrations of ROS in roots and bark, H2O2 in roots and leaves and MDA in roots, wood and bark, but higher concentrations of soluble sugars in bark and starch in roots and leaves, and enhanced antioxidants. These results indicate that M. baccata are more tolerant to Cd stress than the other three apple rootstocks under the current experiment conditions, which is probably related to Cd accumulation, subcellular partitioning and chemical forms of Cd and well-coordinated antioxidant defense mechanisms. PMID:28638400

How to obtain accurate resist simulations in very low-k1 era?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiou, Tsann-Bim; Park, Chan-Ha; Choi, Jae-Seung; Min, Young-Hong; Hansen, Steve; Tseng, Shih-En; Chen, Alek C.; Yim, Donggyu

2006-03-01

A procedure for calibrating a resist model iteratively adjusts appropriate parameters until the simulations of the model match the experimental data. The tunable parameters may include the shape of the illuminator, the geometry and transmittance/phase of the mask, light source and scanner-related parameters that affect imaging quality, resist process control and most importantly the physical/chemical factors in the resist model. The resist model can be accurately calibrated by measuring critical dimensions (CD) of a focus-exposure matrix (FEM) and the technique has been demonstrated to be very successful in predicting lithographic performance. However, resist model calibration is more challenging in the low k1 (<0.3) regime because numerous uncertainties, such as mask and resist CD metrology errors, are becoming too large to be ignored. This study demonstrates a resist model calibration procedure for a 0.29 k1 process using a 6% halftone mask containing 2D brickwall patterns. The influence of different scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and their wafer metrology signal analysis algorithms on the accuracy of the resist model is evaluated. As an example of the metrology issue of the resist pattern, the treatment of a sidewall angle is demonstrated for the resist line ends where the contrast is relatively low. Additionally, the mask optical proximity correction (OPC) and corner rounding are considered in the calibration procedure that is based on captured SEM images. Accordingly, the average root-mean-square (RMS) error, which is the difference between simulated and experimental CDs, can be improved by considering the metrological issues. Moreover, a weighting method and a measured CD tolerance are proposed to handle the different CD variations of the various edge points of the wafer resist pattern. After the weighting method is implemented and the CD selection criteria applied, the RMS error can be further suppressed. Therefore, the resist CD and process window can be confidently evaluated using the accurately calibrated resist model. One of the examples simulates the sensitivity of the mask pattern error, which is helpful to specify the mask CD control.

Poverty index with time-varying consumption and income distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chattopadhyay, Amit K.; Kumar, T. Krishna; Mallick, Sushanta K.

2017-03-01

Starting from a stochastic agent-based model to represent market exchange in a developing economy, we study time variations of the probability density function of income with simultaneous variation of the consumption deprivation (CD), where CD represents the shortfall in consumption from the saturation level of an essential commodity, cereal. Together, these two models combine income-expenditure-based market dynamics with time variations in consumption due to income. In this new unified theoretical structure, exchange of trade in assets is only allowed when the income exceeds consumption-deprivation while CD itself is endogenously obtained from a separate kinetic model. Our results reveal that the nature of time variation of the CD function leads to a downward trend in the threshold level of consumption of basic necessities, suggesting a possible dietary transition in terms of lower saturation level of food-grain consumption, possibly through an improvement in the level of living. The new poverty index, defined as CD, is amenable to approximate probabilistic prediction within a short time horizon. A major achievement of this work is the intrinsic independence of the poverty index from an exogenous poverty line, making it more objective for policy formulation as opposed to existing poverty indices in the literature.

Poverty index with time-varying consumption and income distributions.

PubMed

Chattopadhyay, Amit K; Kumar, T Krishna; Mallick, Sushanta K

2017-03-01

Starting from a stochastic agent-based model to represent market exchange in a developing economy, we study time variations of the probability density function of income with simultaneous variation of the consumption deprivation (CD), where CD represents the shortfall in consumption from the saturation level of an essential commodity, cereal. Together, these two models combine income-expenditure-based market dynamics with time variations in consumption due to income. In this new unified theoretical structure, exchange of trade in assets is only allowed when the income exceeds consumption-deprivation while CD itself is endogenously obtained from a separate kinetic model. Our results reveal that the nature of time variation of the CD function leads to a downward trend in the threshold level of consumption of basic necessities, suggesting a possible dietary transition in terms of lower saturation level of food-grain consumption, possibly through an improvement in the level of living. The new poverty index, defined as CD, is amenable to approximate probabilistic prediction within a short time horizon. A major achievement of this work is the intrinsic independence of the poverty index from an exogenous poverty line, making it more objective for policy formulation as opposed to existing poverty indices in the literature.

Limits on the Time Evolution of Space Dimensions from Newton's Constant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasseri, Forough

Limits are imposed upon the possible rate of change of extra spatial dimensions in a decrumpling model Universe with time variable spatial dimensions (TVSD) by considering the time variation of (1+3)-dimensional Newton's constant. Previous studies on the time variation of (1+3)-dimensional Newton's constant in TVSD theory had not include the effects of the volume of the extra dimensions and the effects of the surface area of the unit sphere in D-space dimensions. Our main result is that the absolute value of the present rate of change of spatial dimensions to be less than about 10-14 yr-1. Our results would appear to provide a prima facie case for ruling the TVSD model out. We show that based on observational bounds on the present variation of Newton's constant, one would have to conclude that the spatial dimension of the Universe when the Universe was "at the Planck scale" to be less than or equal to 3.09. If the dimension of space when the Universe was "at the Planck scale" is constrained to be fractional and very close to 3, then the whole edifice of TVSD model loses credibility.

SU-8 negative photoresist for optical mask manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogdanov, Alexei L.

2000-06-01

The requirements for better control, linearity, and uniformity of critical dimension (CD) on photomasks in fabrication of 180 and 150 nm generation devices result in increasing demand for thinner, more etching durable, and more sensitive e-beam resists. Novolac based resists with chemical amplification have been a choice for their sensitivity and stability during etching. However, difficult CD control due to the acid catalyzer diffusion and quite narrow post exposure bake (PEB) process window are some of the major drawbacks of these resists. SU-8 is recently introduced to the market negative photoresist. High sensitivity, fairly good adhesion properties, and relatively simple processing of SU-8 make it a good substitution for novolac based chemically amplified negative e-beam resists in optical mask manufacturing. The replacement of traditional chemically amplified resists by SU- 8 can increase the process latitude and reduce resist costs. Among the obvious drawbacks of SU-8 are the use of solvent- based developer and demand of oxygen plasma for resist removal. In this paper the use of SU-8 for optical mask manufacturing is reported. All steps of resist film preparation, exposure and development are paid a share of attention. Possibilities to use reactive ion etching (RIE) with oxygen in order to increase resist mask contrast are discussed. Special exposure strategy (pattern outlining) was employed to further improve the edge definition. The resist PEB temperature and time were studied to estimate their weight in overall CD control performance. Specially designed test patterns with 0.25 micrometer design rule could be firmly transferred into a chromium layer both by wet etching and ion milling. Influence of exposure dose variation on the pattern CD change was studied.

Hybrid Metrology and 3D-AFM Enhancement for CD Metrology Dedicated to 28 nm Node and Below Requirements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Foucher, J.; Faurie, P.; Dourthe, L.

2011-11-10

The measurement accuracy is becoming one of the major components that have to be controlled in order to guarantee sufficient production yield. Already at the R and D level, we have to come up with the accurate measurements of sub-40 nm dense trenches and contact holes coming from 193 immersion lithography or E-Beam lithography. Current production CD (Critical Dimension) metrology techniques such as CD-SEM (CD-Scanning Electron Microscope) and OCD (Optical Critical Dimension) are limited in relative accuracy for various reasons (i.e electron proximity effect, outputs parameters correlation, stack influence, electron interaction with materials...). Therefore, time for R and D ismore » increasing, process windows degrade and finally production yield can decrease because you cannot manufactured correctly if you are unable to measure correctly. A new high volume manufacturing (HVM) CD metrology solution has to be found in order to improve the relative accuracy of production environment otherwise current CD Metrology solution will very soon get out of steam.In this paper, we will present a potential Hybrid CD metrology solution that smartly tuned 3D-AFM (3D-Atomic Force Microscope) and CD-SEM data in order to add accuracy both in R and D and production. The final goal for 'chip makers' is to improve yield and save R and D and production costs through real-time feedback loop implement on CD metrology routines. Such solution can be implemented and extended to any kind of CD metrology solution. In a 2{sup nd} part we will discuss and present results regarding a new AFM3D probes breakthrough with the introduction of full carbon tips made will E-Beam Deposition process. The goal is to overcome the current limitations of conventional flared silicon tips which are definitely not suitable for sub-32 nm nodes production.« less

Biometric study of the internal dimensions of subglottis and upper trachea in adult Indian population.

PubMed

Prasanna Kumar, S; Ravikumar, A

2014-01-01

The anatomy of the larynx and trachea is well described in literature, however the intraluminal dimensions and contour of the subglottis has not been well documented. Subglottis and trachea are dynamic structures and the internal dimensions and contours have been studied only on cadavers or by plain radiograph which has many technical and measurement errors. No data is available about the internal dimensions of the subglottic and trachea in Indian population. This is the first documented study to measure the dimensions of the trachea and subglottis in Indian population. The aim of this study is to measure the internal dimensions and contour of the subglottis and upper trachea of adult Indian population. We conducted cross-sectional, observational study in a university hospital in south India to measure the dimensions of the internal subglottic and upper tracheal lumen. CT scan with 3D reconstruction with multiplanar sections was used for precise measurements. Forty-eight subjects (30 male and 18 female) who had undergone CT scan of the neck and thorax for reasons other than airway compromise were included in the study. The internal coronal diameter (CD), sagittal diameter (SD), and circumference was measured at various levels from 5 to 70 mm below the level of glottis, in the subglottis and upper trachea. Measurements of the scan for each subject were done independently by a radiologist and ENT surgeon and average of the two were documented values of each subject. These measurements were then statistically analyzed using SSPS software. The mean CD of adult Indian male ranged from 13.18 to 17.68 mm. The average intraluminal circumference ranged from 48.82 mm at the subglottis 5 mm from the glottis to a maximum of 54.96 at 30 mm. The mean CD of adult Indian female ranged from 8.7 to 15.34 mm The average intraluminal circumference ranged from 36.5 at 5 mm and a maximum of 43.05 at 70 mm. The 95% CI for the coronal, sagittal and circumference of the subglottis and upper trachea for both genders have been calculated and discussed. We have observed that the average intraluminal dimensions of the subglottis and upper trachea in south Indian population is less than that reported in western literature and earlier studies.

Topographic distribution of EEG alpha attractor correlation dimension values in wake and drowsy states in humans.

PubMed

Kalauzi, Aleksandar; Vuckovic, Aleksandra; Bojić, Tijana

2015-03-01

Organization of resting state cortical networks is of fundamental importance for the phenomenon of awareness, which is altered in the first part of hypnagogic period (Hori stages 1-4). Our aim was to investigate the change in brain topography pattern of EEG alpha attractor correlation dimension (CD) in the period of transition from Hori stage 1 to 4. EEG of ten healthy adult individuals was recorded in the wake and drowsy states, using a 14 channel average reference montage, from which 91 bipolar channels were derived and filtered in the wider alpha (6-14 Hz) range. Sixty 1s long epochs of each state and individual were subjected to CD calculation according to the Grassberger-Procaccia method. For such a collection of signals, two embedding dimensions, d={5, 10}, and 22 time delays τ=2-23 samples were explored. Optimal values were d=10 and τ=18, where both saturation and second zero crossing of the autocorrelation function occurred. Bipolar channel CD underwent a significant decrease during the transition and showed a positive linear correlation with electrode distance, stronger in the wake individuals. Topographic distribution of bipolar channels with above median CD changed from longitudinal anterior-posterior pattern (awake) to a more diagonal pattern, with localization in posterior regions (drowsiness). Our data are in line with the literature reporting functional segregation of neuronal assemblies in anterior and posterior regions during this transition. Our results should contribute to understanding of complex reorganization of the cortical part of alpha generators during the wake/drowsy transition. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) and Candidate Genes for Cadmium Tolerance in Populus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Induri, Brahma R; Ellis, Danielle R; Slavov, Gancho

2012-01-01

Knowledge of genetic variation in response of Populus to heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) is an important step in understanding the underlying mechanisms of tolerance. In this study, a pseudo-backcross pedigree of Populus trichocarpa and Populus deltoides was characterized for Cd exposure. The pedigree showed significant variation for Cd tolerance thus enabling the identification of relatively tolerant and susceptible genotypes for intensive characterization. A total of 16 QTLs at logarithm of odds (LOD) ratio > 2.5, were found to be associated with total dry weight, its components, and root volume. Four major QTLs for total dry weight were mapped tomore » different linkage groups in control (LG III) and Cd conditions (LG XVI) and had opposite allelic effects on Cd tolerance, suggesting that these genomic regions were differentially controlled. The phenotypic variation explained by Cd QTL for all traits under study varied from 5.9% to 11.6% and averaged 8.2% across all QTL. Leaf Cd contents also showed significant variation suggesting the phytoextraction potential of Populus genotypes, though heritability of this trait was low (0.22). A whole-genome microarray study was conducted by using two genotypes with extreme responses for Cd tolerance in the above study and differentially expressed genes were identified. Candidate genes including CAD2 (CADMIUM SENSITIVE 2), HMA5 (HEAVY METAL ATPase5), ATGTST1 (Arabidopsis thaliana Glutathione S-Transferase1), ATGPX6 (Glutathione peroxidase 6), and ATMRP 14 (Arabidopsis thaliana Multidrug Resistance associated Protein 14) were identified from QTL intervals and microarray study. Functional characterization of these candidate genes could enhance phytoremediation capabilities of Populus.« less

Pedagogical Design Considerations in Sex Education on Interactive Multimedia Using CD-Rom: An Example of Sexual Intercourse

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldman, Juliette D. G.; Torrisi-Steele, Geraldine

2005-01-01

Human sexuality is a significant issue for educators to understand and teach about, and for young people to learn about. The development of interactive multimedia technologies has added a range of new dimensions associated with designing pedagogies for sex education on Interactive Multimedia (IMM). Here, a module on CD-Rom on Sexuality and Human…

CD-measurement technique for hole patterns on stencil mask

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishikawa, Mikio; Yusa, Satoshi; Takikawa, Tadahiko; Fujita, Hiroshi; Sano, Hisatake; Hoga, Morihisa; Hayashi, Naoya

2004-12-01

EB lithography has a potential to successfully form hole patterns as small as 80 nm with a stencil mask. In a previous paper we proposed a technique using a HOLON dual-mode critical dimension (CD) SEM ESPA-75S in the transmission mode for CD measurement of line-and-space patterns on a stencil mask. In this paper we extend our effort of developing a CD measurement technique to contact hole features and determine it in comparison of measured values between features on mask and those printed on wafer. We have evaluated the width method and the area methods using designed 80-500 nm wide contact hole patterns on a large area membrane mask and their resist images on wafer printed by a LEEPL3000. We find that 1) the width method and the area methods show an excellent mask-wafer correlation for holes over 110 nm, and 2) the area methods show a better mask-wafer correlation than the width method does for holes below 110 nm. We conclude that the area calculated from the transmission SEM image is more suitable in defining the hole dimensions than the width for contact holes on a stencil mask.

Value of HIV patients with regular follow-up as in-house internal controls of flow cytometry measurement of lymphocyte subsets.

PubMed

de Carvalho Bittencourt, Marcelo; Kohler, Chantal; Henard, Sandrine; Rabaud, Christian; Béné, Marie C; Faure, Gilbert C

2013-01-01

Quality assessment in flow cytometry cannot obey the same rules as those applicable to the measurement of chemical analytes. However, regular follow-up of known patients may provide a robust in-house control of cell subsets evaluation. Sequential blood samples assessed for 32 HIV patients over several years and showing good stability were retrospectively assessed to establish coefficient of variations of the percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ cells, and CD4+ absolute counts (ACs). Mean relative standard variations for the whole cohort were of 0.04, 0.14, 0.08, and 0.18 for CD3%, CD4%, CD8%, and CD4 ACs, respectively. In-house follow-up of regularly checked compliant patients is a good alternative to traditional and costly repeatability and reproducibility studies for the validation of routine flow cytometry. © 2013 International Clinical Cytometry Society. Copyright © 2013 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

Value of HIV patients with regular follow-up as in-house internal controls of flow cytometry measurement of lymphocyte subsets.

PubMed

de Carvalho Bittencourt, Marcelo; Kohler, Chantal; Henard, Sandrine; Rabaud, Christian; Béné, Marie C; Faure, Gilbert C

2013-07-08

Background. Quality assessment in flow cytometry cannot obey the same rules as those applicable to the measurement of chemical analytes. However, regular follow-up of known patients may provide a robust in-house control of cell subsets evaluation. Methods. Sequential blood samples assessed for 32 HIV patients over several years and showing good stability were retrospectively assessed to establish coefficient of variations of the percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ cells and CD4+ absolute counts. Results. Mean relative standard variations for the whole cohort were of 0.04, 0.14, 0.08 and 0.18 for CD3%, CD4% CD8% and CD4 absolute counts respectively. Discussion. In-house follow up of regularly checked compliant patients is a good alternative to traditional and costly repeatability and reproducibility studies for the validation of routine flow cytometry. © 2013 Clinical Cytometry Society. Copyright © 2013 Clinical Cytometry Society.

Classification of genetic variation for cadmium tolerance in Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] using physiological traits and molecular markers.

PubMed

Xie, Yan; Luo, Hongji; Hu, Longxing; Sun, Xiaoyan; Lou, Yanhong; Fu, Jinmin

2014-08-01

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic pollutants that caused severe threats to animal and human health. Bermudagrass is a dominant species in Cd contaminated soils, which can prevent Cd flow and spread. The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic variations in major physiological traits related to Cd tolerance in six populations of Bermudagrass collected from China, and to examine the genetic diversity and relationships among these accessions that vary in Cd tolerance using molecular markers. Plants of 120 accessions (116 natural accessions and 4 commercial cultivars) were exposed to 0 (i.e. control) or 1.5 mM CdSO4·8/3H2O for 3 weeks in hydroponic culture. Turf quality, transpiration rate, chlorophyll content, leaf water content and growth rate showed wide phenotypic variation. The membership function method was used to comprehensively evaluate Cd-tolerance. According to the average subordinate function value, four accessions were classified as the most tolerant genotypes and four accessions as Cd-sensitive genotypes. The trend of Cd tolerance among the six studied populations was as follows: Hunan > South China > North China > Central China > West South China and Xinjiang population. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the majority of accessions from the same or adjacent regions were clustered into the same groups or subgroups, and the accessions with similar cadmium tolerance displayed a close phylogenetic relationship. Screening genetically diverse germplasm by combining the physiological traits and molecular markers could prove useful in developing Cd-tolerant Bermudagrass for the remediation of mill tailings and heavy metal polluted soils.

Design principles for HgTe based topological insulator devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengupta, Parijat; Kubis, Tillmann; Tan, Yaohua; Povolotskyi, Michael; Klimeck, Gerhard

2013-07-01

The topological insulator properties of CdTe/HgTe/CdTe quantum wells are theoretically studied. The CdTe/HgTe/CdTe quantum well behaves as a topological insulator beyond a critical well width dimension. It is shown that if the barrier (CdTe) and well-region (HgTe) are altered by replacing them with the alloy CdxHg1-xTe of various stoichiometries, the critical width can be changed. The critical quantum well width is shown to depend on temperature, applied stress, growth directions, and external electric fields. Based on these results, a novel device concept is proposed that allows to switch between a normal semiconducting and topological insulator state through application of moderate external electric fields.

Enumeration of antigen-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes by single-platform, HLA tetramer-based flow cytometry: a European multicenter evaluation.

PubMed

Heijnen, Ingmar A F M; Barnett, David; Arroz, Maria J; Barry, Simon M; Bonneville, Marc; Brando, Bruno; D'hautcourt, Jean-Luc; Kern, Florian; Tötterman, Thomas H; Marijt, Erik W A; Bossy, David; Preijers, Frank W M B; Rothe, Gregor; Gratama, Jan W

2004-11-01

HLA class I peptide tetramers represent powerful diagnostic tools for detection and monitoring of antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells. The impetus for the current multicenter study is the critical need to standardize tetramer flow cytometry if it is to be implemented as a routine diagnostic assay. Hence, the European Working Group on Clinical Cell Analysis set out to develop and evaluate a single-platform tetramer-based method that used cytomegalovirus (CMV) as the antigenic model. Absolute numbers of CMV-specific CD8(+) T cells were obtained by combining the percentage of tetramer-binding cells with the absolute CD8(+) T-cell count. Six send-outs of stabilized blood from healthy individuals or CMV-carrying donors with CMV-specific CD8(+) T-cell counts of 3 to 10 cells/microl were distributed to 7 to 16 clinical sites. These sites were requested to enumerate CD8(+) T cells and, in the case of CMV-positive donors, CMV-specific subsets on three separate occasions using the standard method. Between-site coefficients of variation of less than 10% (absolute CD8(+) T-cell counts) and approximately 30% (percentage and absolute numbers of CMV-specific CD8(+) T cells) were achieved. Within-site coefficients of variation were approximately 5% (absolute CD8(+) T-cell counts), approximately 9% (percentage CMV-specific CD8(+) T cells), and approximately 17% (absolute CMV-specific CD8(+) T-cell counts). The degree of variation tended to correlate inversely with the proportion of CMV-specific CD8(+) T-cell subsets. The single-platform MHC tetramer-based method for antigen-specific CD8(+) T-cell counting has been evaluated by a European group of laboratories and can be considered a reproducible assay for routine enumeration of antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells. (c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Quantification of Cells with Specific Phenotypes I: Determination of CD4+ Cell Count Per Microliter in Reconstituted Lyophilized Human PBMC Prelabeled with Anti-CD4 FITC Antibody

PubMed Central

Stebbings, Richard; Wang, Lili; Sutherland, Janet; Kammel, Martin; Gaigalas, Adolfas K; John, Manuela; Roemer, Bodo; Kuhne, Maren; Schneider, Rudolf J; Braun, Michael; Engel, Andrea; Dikshit, Dinesh K; Abbasi, Fatima; Marti, Gerald E; Paola Sassi, Maria; Revel, Laura; Kim, Sook-Kyung; Baradez, Marc-Olivier; Lekishvili, Tamara; Marshall, Damian; Whitby, Liam; Jing, Wang; Ost, Volker; Vonsky, Maxim; Neukammer, Jörg

2015-01-01

A surface-labeled lyophilized lymphocyte (sLL) preparation has been developed using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells prelabeled with a fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody. The sLL preparation is intended to be used as a reference material for CD4+ cell counting including the development of higher order reference measurement procedures and has been evaluated in the pilot study CCQM-P102. This study was conducted across 16 laboratories from eight countries to assess the ability of participants to quantify the CD4+ cell count of this reference material and to document cross-laboratory variability plus associated measurement uncertainties. Twelve different flow cytometer platforms were evaluated using a standard protocol that included calibration beads used to obtain quantitative measurements of CD4+ T cell counts. There was good overall cross-platform and counting method agreement with a grand mean of the laboratory calculated means of (301.7 ± 4.9) μL−1 CD4+ cells. Excluding outliers, greater than 90% of participant data agreed within ±15%. A major contribution to variation of sLL CD4+ cell counts was tube to tube variation of the calibration beads, amounting to an uncertainty of 3.6%. Variation due to preparative steps equated to an uncertainty of 2.6%. There was no reduction in variability when data files were centrally reanalyzed. Remaining variation was attributed to instrument specific differences. CD4+ cell counts obtained in CCQM-P102 are in excellent agreement and show the robustness of both the measurements and the data analysis and hence the suitability of sLL as a reference material for interlaboratory comparisons and external quality assessment. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:25655255

Maintenance of genetic variation in human personality: Testing evolutionary models by estimating heritability due to common causal variants and investigating the effect of distant inbreeding

PubMed Central

Verweij, Karin J.H.; Yang, Jian; Lahti, Jari; Veijola, Juha; Hintsanen, Mirka; Pulkki-Råback, Laura; Heinonen, Kati; Pouta, Anneli; Pesonen, Anu-Katriina; Widen, Elisabeth; Taanila, Anja; Isohanni, Matti; Miettunen, Jouko; Palotie, Aarno; Penke, Lars; Service, Susan K.; Heath, Andrew C.; Montgomery, Grant W.; Raitakari, Olli; Kähönen, Mika; Viikari, Jorma; Räikkönen, Katri; Eriksson, Johan G; Keltikangas-Järvinen, Liisa; Lehtimäki, Terho; Martin, Nicholas G.; Järvelin, Marjo-Riitta; Visscher, Peter M.; Keller, Matthew C.; Zietsch, Brendan P.

2012-01-01

Personality traits are basic dimensions of behavioural variation, and twin, family, and adoption studies show that around 30% of the between-individual variation is due to genetic variation. There is rapidly-growing interest in understanding the evolutionary basis of this genetic variation. Several evolutionary mechanisms could explain how genetic variation is maintained in traits, and each of these makes predictions in terms of the relative contribution of rare and common genetic variants to personality variation, the magnitude of nonadditive genetic influences, and whether personality is affected by inbreeding. Using genome-wide SNP data from >8,000 individuals, we estimated that little variation in the Cloninger personality dimensions (7.2% on average) is due to the combined effect of common, additive genetic variants across the genome, suggesting that most heritable variation in personality is due to rare variant effects and/or a combination of dominance and epistasis. Furthermore, higher levels of inbreeding were associated with less socially-desirable personality trait levels in three of the four personality dimensions. These findings are consistent with genetic variation in personality traits having been maintained by mutation-selection balance. PMID:23025612

Intraspecific variation in cadmium tolerance and accumulation of a high-biomass tropical tree Averrhoa carambola L.: implication for phytoextraction.

PubMed

Dai, Zi-yun; Shu, Wen-sheng; Liao, Bin; Wan, Cai-yun; Li, Jin-tian

2011-06-01

Averrhoa carambola L., a high-biomass tropical tree, has recently been shown to be a strong accumulator of cadmium (Cd) and has great potential for Cd phytoextraction. In the present study, field studies and a controlled-environment experiment were combined to establish the extent of variation in Cd tolerance and accumulation at the cultivar level using 14 to 19 cultivars of A. carambola. The results indicated that all cultivars tested could accumulate Cd at high but different levels, and that Cd tolerance also varied greatly between these cultivars. It is confirmed that the high Cd tolerance and accumulation capacity are species-level and constitutional traits in A. carambola. However, no correlation was detected between tolerance index and accumulation of Cd in different cultivars, suggesting that the two traits are independent in this woody Cd accumulator. More importantly, cultivar Wuchuan Sweet (WCT) was shown to have the highest Cd-extraction potential; it yielded a high shoot biomass of 30 t ha(-1) in 230 d, and extracted 330 g ha(-1) Cd in the aerial tissues grown in Cd-contaminated field soil, which accounted for 12.8% of the total soil Cd in the top 20 cm of the soil profile.

Genotype variations in cadmium and lead accumulations of leafy lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and screening for pollution-safe cultivars for food safety.

PubMed

Zhang, Kun; Yuan, Jiangang; Kong, Wei; Yang, Zhongyi

2013-06-01

Heavy-metals in polluted soils can accumulate in plants and threaten crop safety. To evaluate the risk of heavy-metal pollution in leafy lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), two pot experiments were conducted to investigate Cd and Pb accumulation and transfer potential in 28 cultivars of lettuce and to screen for low-Cd and low-Pb accumulative cultivars. In the three treatments, 5.2-fold, 4.8-fold and 4.8-fold differences in the shoot Cd concentration were observed between the cultivars with the highest and the lowest Cd concentrations, respectively. This genotype variation was sufficiently large to identify low-Cd accumulative genotypes to reduce Cd contamination in food. Cadmium accumulation in the low-Cd accumulative genotypes was significantly positively correlated with Pb accumulation. At the cultivar level, Cd and Pb accumulation in lettuce was stable and genotype-dependent. High Pb soil levels did not affect shoot Cd accumulation in lettuce. Lettuce was concluded to be at high risk for Cd pollution and low risk for Pb pollution. Among the tested cultivars, cvs. SJGT, YLGC, N518, and KR17 had the lowest Cd and Pb accumulation abilities in shoots and are thus important parental material for breeding pollution-safe cultivars to minimize Cd and Pb accumulation.

Genetic variation in CD38 and breastfeeding experience interact to impact infants’ attention to social eye cues

PubMed Central

Krol, Kathleen M.; Monakhov, Mikhail; Lai, Poh San; Ebstein, Richard P.; Grossmann, Tobias

2015-01-01

Attending to emotional information conveyed by the eyes is an important social skill in humans. The current study examined this skill in early development by measuring attention to eyes while viewing emotional faces in 7-mo-old infants. In particular, we investigated individual differences in infant attention to eyes in the context of genetic variation (CD38 rs3796863 polymorphism) and experiential variation (exclusive breastfeeding duration) related to the oxytocin system. Our results revealed that, whereas infants at this age show a robust fear bias (increased attention to fearful eyes), their attention to angry and happy eyes varies as a function of exclusive breastfeeding experience and genetic variation in CD38. Specifically, extended exclusive breastfeeding duration selectively enhanced looking preference to happy eyes and decreased looking to angry eyes. Importantly, however, this interaction was impacted by CD38 variation, such that only the looking preferences of infants homozygous for the C allele of rs3796863 were affected by breastfeeding experience. This genotype has been associated with reduced release of oxytocin and higher rates of autism. In contrast, infants with the CA/AA genotype showed similar looking preferences regardless of breastfeeding exposure. Thus, differences in the sensitivity to emotional eyes may be linked to an interaction between the endogenous (CD38) and exogenous (breastfeeding) availability of oxytocin. These findings underline the importance of maternal care and the oxytocin system in contributing to the early development of responding to social eye cues. PMID:26371313

Mechanisms of cadmium-induced chronotoxicity in mice.

PubMed

Miura, Nobuhiko; Ashimori, Atsushige; Takeuchi, Asuka; Ohtani, Katsumi; Takada, Naoko; Yanagiba, Yukie; Mita, Masaharu; Togawa, Masako; Hasegawa, Tatsuya

2013-01-01

Biological defense factors show diurnal variations in their expression levels or activities. These variations can induce the different sensitivity to external toxicants of a day. We reported earlier that mice showed clear diurnal variation of cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity, i.e., chronotoxicity. In this report, we investigated additional new evidences for the cadmium (Cd)-induced chronotoxicity, and considered the mechanisms contributed to this chronotoxicity. Male C57BL/6J mice were injected with CdCl₂ (6.4 mg/kg, one shot) intraperitoneally at 6 different time points of a day (zeitgeber time (ZT); ZT2, ZT6, ZT10, ZT14, ZT18 or ZT22) followed by monitoring the mortality until 14 days after the injection. We observed extreme difference in survival numbers: surprisingly, all mice died at ZT2 injection while all mice survived at ZT18 injection. Moreover, in non-lethal dose of Cd (4.5 mg/kg), the values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) used as indexes of hepatotoxicity markedly increased at ZT6 injection while mostly unchanged at ZT18 injection. To consider the mechanisms of this extreme diurnal variation, we examined biochemical studies and concluded that the diurnal variation was not caused by the differences in hepatic Cd level, basal hepatic metallothionein (MT) level, and induction level or induction speed of hepatic MT. We suggested that one of the candidate determination factors was glutathione. We believe that the "chronotoxicology" for metal toxicity may be classic, yet new viewpoint in modern toxicology field.

Self-compensating design for reduction of timing and leakage sensitivity to systematic pattern dependent variation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Puneet; Kahng, Andrew B.; Kim, Youngmin; Sylvester, Dennis

2006-03-01

Focus is one of the major sources of linewidth variation. CD variation caused by defocus is largely systematic after the layout is finished. In particular, dense lines "smile" through focus while isolated lines "frown" in typical Bossung plots. This well-defined systematic behavior of focus-dependent CD variation allows us to develop a self-compensating design methodology. In this work, we propose a novel design methodology that allows explicit compensation of focus-dependent CD variation, either within a cell (self-compensated cells) or across cells in a critical path (self-compensated design). By creating iso and dense variants for each library cell, we can achieve designs that are more robust to focus variation. Optimization with a mixture of iso and dense cell variants is possible both for area and leakage power, with the latter providing an interesting complement to existing leakage reduction techniques such as dual-Vth. We implement both heuristic and Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) solution methods to address this optimization, and experimentally compare their results. Our results indicate that designing with a self-compensated cell library incurs ~12% area penalty and ~6% leakage increase over original layouts while compensating for focus-dependent CD variation (i.e., the design meets timing constraints across a large range of focus variation). We observe ~27% area penalty and ~7% leakage increase at the worst-case defocus condition using only single-pitch cells. The area penalty of circuits after using either the heuristic or MILP optimization approach is reduced to ~3% while maintaining timing. We also apply our optimizations to leakage, which traditionally shows very large variability due to its exponential relationship with gate CD. We conclude that a mixed iso/dense library combined with a sensitivity-based optimization approach yields much better area/timing/leakage tradeoffs than using a self-compensated cell library alone. Self-compensated design shows an average of 25% leakage reduction at the worst defocus condition for the benchmark designs that we have studied.

Resist heating effect on e-beam mask writing at 75 kV and 60 A/cm2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benes, Zdenek; Deverich, Christina; Huang, Chester; Lawliss, Mark

2003-12-01

Resist heating has been known to be one of the main contributors to local CD variation in mask patterning using variable shape e-beam tools. Increasingly complex mask patterns require increased number of shapes which drives the need for higher electron beam current densities to maintain reasonable write times. As beam current density is increased, CD error resulting from resist heating may become a dominating contributor to local CD variations. In this experimental study, the IBM EL4+ mask writer with high voltage and high current density has been used to quantitatively investigate the effect of resist heating on the local CD uniformity. ZEP 7000 and several chemically amplified resists have been evaluated under various exposure conditions (single-pass, multi-pass, variable spot size) and pattern densities. Patterns were designed specifically to allow easy measurement of local CD variations with write strategies designed to maximize the effect of resist heating. Local CD variations as high as 15 nm in 18.75 × 18.75 μm sub-field size have been observed for ZEP 7000 in a single-pass writing with full 1000 nm spots at 50% pattern density. This number can be reduced by increasing the number of passes or by decreasing the maximum spot size. The local CD variation has been reduced to as low as 2 nm for ZEP 7000 for the same pattern under modified exposure conditions. The effectiveness of various writing strategies is discussed as well as their possible deficiencies. Minimal or no resist heating effects have been observed for the chemically amplified resists studied. The results suggest that the resist heating effect can be well controlled by careful selection of the resist/process system and/or writing strategy and that resist heating does not have to pose a problem for high throughput e-beam mask making that requires high voltage and high current densities.

Primary Care Physicians’ Evaluation and Treatment of Depression

PubMed Central

Epstein, Steven A.; Hooper, Lisa M.; Weinfurt, Kevin P.; DePuy, Venita; Cooper, Lisa A.; Harless, William G.; Tracy, Cynthia M.

2009-01-01

Little is known about how patient and primary care physician characteristics are associated with quality of depression care. The authors conducted structured interviews of 404 randomly selected primary care physicians after their interaction with CD-ROM vignettes of actors portraying depressed patients. Vignettes varied along the dimensions of medical comorbidity, attributions regarding the cause of depression, style, race/ethnicity, and gender. Results show that physicians showed wide variation in treatment decisions; for example, most did not inquire about suicidal ideation, and most did not state that they would inform the patient that there can be a delay before an antidepressant is therapeutic. Several physician characteristics were significantly associated with management decisions. Notably, physician age was inversely correlated with a number of quality-of-care measures. In conclusion, quality of care varies among primary care physicians and appears to be associated with physician characteristics to a greater extent than patient characteristics. PMID:18832109

Exposure of chick embryos to cadmium changes the extra-embryonic vascular branching pattern and alters expression of VEGF-A and VEGF-R2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gheorghescu, Anna Kaskova; Tywoniuk, Bartlomiej; Complex and Adaptive Systems Laboratory, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4

Cadmium (Cd) has several industrial applications, and is found in tobacco products, a notable source of human exposure. Vascular endothelial cells are key targets of Cd toxicity. Here, we aim to quantify the alteration to vascular branching pattern following Cd exposure in the chick extra-embryonic membrane (EEM) using fractal analysis, and explore molecular cues to angiogenesis such as VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 expression following Cd treatment. Chicken embryos were incubated for 60 h to Hamburger–Hamilton developmental stage 16–17, then explanted and treated with 50 μL of 50 μmol cadmium acetate (CdAc) or an equivalent volume of equimolar sodium acetate (NaAc). Imagesmore » of embryos and their area vasculosa (AV) were captured and analyzed at 4 different time points (4, 8, 24 and 48 h) following treatment. Vascular branching in the AV was quantified using its fractal dimension (D{sub f}), estimated using a box counting method. Gallinaceous VEGF ELISA was used to measure the VEGF-A concentration in the EEM following treatment, with determination of the relative expression of VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Vascular branching increased monotonically in the control group at all time points. The anti-angiogenic effect of Cd exposure on the AV was reflected by a significant reduction in D{sub f} when compared with controls. D{sub f} was more markedly reduced in cultures with abnormal embryos. The expression of VEGF-A protein, and VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 mRNA were reduced in Cd-exposed EEMs. Both molecules contribute to growth, vessel sprouting and branching processes, which supports our findings using fractal analysis. - Highlights: • The chick area vasculosa was undersized in embryos exposed to 50 μM cadmium acetate. • Fractal dimension was reduced in the AV after Cd exposure, indicating decreased branching. • VEGF-A protein was decreased in Cd-treated extraembryonic membranes. • VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 mRNA was decreased in Cd-treated extraembryonic membranes. • Vascular effects were more notable in malformed embryo's AVs after Cd exposure.« less

Tip Characterization Method using Multi-feature Characterizer for CD-AFM

PubMed Central

Orji, Ndubuisi G.; Itoh, Hiroshi; Wang, Chumei; Dixson, Ronald G.; Walecki, Peter S.; Schmidt, Sebastian W.; Irmer, Bernd

2016-01-01

In atomic force microscopy (AFM) metrology, the tip is a key source of uncertainty. Images taken with an AFM show a change in feature width and shape that depends on tip geometry. This geometric dilation is more pronounced when measuring features with high aspect ratios, and makes it difficult to obtain absolute dimensions. In order to accurately measure nanoscale features using an AFM, the tip dimensions should be known with a high degree of precision. We evaluate a new AFM tip characterizer, and apply it to critical dimension AFM (CD-AFM) tips used for high aspect ratio features. The characterizer is made up of comb-shaped lines and spaces, and includes a series of gratings that could be used as an integrated nanoscale length reference. We also demonstrate a simulation method that could be used to specify what range of tip sizes and shapes the characterizer can measure. Our experiments show that for non re-entrant features, the results obtained with this characterizer are consistent to 1 nm with the results obtained by using widely accepted but slower methods that are common practice in CD-AFM metrology. A validation of the integrated length standard using displacement interferometry indicates a uniformity of better than 0.75%, suggesting that the sample could be used as highly accurate and SI traceable lateral scale for the whole evaluation process. PMID:26720439

Development of a new delivery system consisting in 'drug-in cyclodextrin-in PLGA nanoparticles'.

PubMed

Mura, Paola; Maestrelli, Francesca; Cecchi, Matteo; Bragagni, Marco; Almeida, Antonio

2010-01-01

A combined approach based on drug cyclodextrin (CD) complexation and loading into PLGA nanoparticles (NP) has been developed to improve oxaprozin therapeutic efficiency. This strategy exploits the solubilizing and stabilizing properties of CDs and the prolonged-release and targeting properties of PLGA NPs. Drug-loaded NPs, prepared by double-emulsion, were examined for dimensions, zeta-potential and entrapment efficiency. Solid-state studies demonstrated the absence of drug-polymer interactions and assessed the amorphous state of the drug-CD complex loaded into NPs. Drug release rate from NPs was strongly influenced by the presence and kind of CD used. The percentage released at 24 h varied from 16% (plain drug-loaded NPs) to 50% (drug-betaCD-loaded NPs) up to 100% (drug-methylbetaCD-loaded NPs). This result suggests the possibility of using CD complexation not only to promote, but also to regulate drug release rate from NPs, by selecting the proper type of CD or CD combination.

Altered time structure of neuro-endocrine-immune system function in lung cancer patients.

PubMed

Mazzoccoli, Gianluigi; Vendemiale, Gianluigi; De Cata, Angelo; Carughi, Stefano; Tarquini, Roberto

2010-06-21

The onset and the development of neoplastic disease may be influenced by many physiological, biological and immunological factors. The nervous, endocrine and immune system might act as an integrated unit to maintain body defense against this pathological process and reciprocal influences have been evidenced among hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pineal gland and immune system. In this study we evaluated differences among healthy subjects and subjects suffering from lung cancer in the 24-hour secretory profile of melatonin, cortisol, TRH, TSH, FT4, GH, IGF-1 and IL-2 and circadian variations of lymphocyte subpopulations. In ten healthy male volunteers (age range 45-66) and ten male patients with untreated non small cell lung cancer (age range 46-65) we measured melatonin, cortisol, TRH, TSH, FT4, GH, IGF-1 and IL-2 serum levels and percentages of lymphocyte subpopulations on blood samples collected every four hours for 24 hours. One-way ANOVA between the timepoints for each variable and each group was performed to look for a time-effect, the presence of circadian rhythmicity was evaluated, MESOR, amplitude and acrophase values, mean diurnal levels and mean nocturnal levels were compared. A clear circadian rhythm was validated in the control group for hormone serum level and for lymphocyte subsets variation. Melatonin, TRH, TSH, GH, CD3, CD4, HLA-DR, CD20 and CD25 expressing cells presented circadian rhythmicity with acrophase during the night. Cortisol, CD8, CD8(bright), CD8(dim), CD16, TcRdelta1 and deltaTcS1 presented circadian rhythmicity with acrophase in the morning/at noon. FT4, IGF-1 and IL-2 variation did not show circadian rhythmicity. In lung cancer patients cortisol, TRH, TSH and GH serum level and all the lymphocyte subsubsets variation (except for CD4) showed loss of circadian rhythmicity. MESOR of cortisol, TRH, GH, IL-2 and CD16 was increased, whereas MESOR of TSH, IGF-1, CD8, CD8(bright), TcRdelta1 and deltaTcS1 was decreased in cancer patients. The melatonin/cortisol mean nocturnal level ratio was decreased in cancer patients. The altered secretion and loss of circadian rhythmicity of many studied factors observed in the subjects suffering from neoplastic disease may be expression of gradual alteration of the integrated function of the neuro-immune-endocrine system.

Altered time structure of neuro-endocrine-immune system function in lung cancer patients

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The onset and the development of neoplastic disease may be influenced by many physiological, biological and immunological factors. The nervous, endocrine and immune system might act as an integrated unit to mantain body defense against this pathological process and reciprocal influences have been evidenced among hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pineal gland and immune system. In this study we evaluated differences among healthy subjects and subjects suffering from lung cancer in the 24-hour secretory profile of melatonin, cortisol, TRH, TSH, FT4, GH, IGF-1 and IL-2 and circadian variations of lymphocyte subpopulations. Methods In ten healthy male volunteers (age range 45-66) and ten male patients with untreated non small cell lung cancer (age range 46-65) we measured melatonin, cortisol, TRH, TSH, FT4, GH, IGF-1 and IL-2 serum levels and percentages of lymphocyte subpopulations on blood samples collected every four hours for 24 hours. One-way ANOVA between the timepoints for each variable and each group was performed to look for a time-effect, the presence of circadian rhythmicity was evaluated, MESOR, amplitude and acrophase values, mean diurnal levels and mean nocturnal levels were compared. Results A clear circadian rhythm was validated in the control group for hormone serum level and for lymphocyte subsets variation. Melatonin, TRH, TSH, GH, CD3, CD4, HLA-DR, CD20 and CD25 expressing cells presented circadian rhythmicity with acrophase during the night. Cortisol, CD8, CD8bright, CD8dim, CD16, TcRδ1 and δTcS1 presented circadian rhythmicity with acrophase in the morning/at noon. FT4, IGF-1 and IL-2 variation did not show circadian rhythmicity. In lung cancer patients cortisol, TRH, TSH and GH serum level and all the lymphocyte subsubsets variation (except for CD4) showed loss of circadian rhythmicity. MESOR of cortisol, TRH, GH, IL-2 and CD16 was increased, whereas MESOR of TSH, IGF-1, CD8, CD8bright, TcRδ1 and δTcS1 was decreased in cancer patients. The melatonin/cortisol mean nocturnal level ratio was decreased in cancer patients. Conclusion The altered secretion and loss of circadian rhythmicity of many studied factors observed in the subjects suffering from neoplastic disease may be expression of gradual alteration of the integrated function of the neuro-immune-endocrine system PMID:20565977

Expression of CTLA-4 (CD152) on human medullary CD4+ thymocytes.

PubMed

Castan, J; Klauenberg, U; Kalmár, P; Fleischer, B; Bröker, B M

1998-06-01

CTLA-4 (CD152) is a T cell surface receptor with sequence homology to the co-stimulatory molecule CD28. The molecule, which is essential for the inhibitory regulation of the immune response, becomes transiently expressed on mature T cells after stimulation in vitro. In situ, CTLA-4+ T cells are enriched in the light zones of the germinal centers in human peripheral lymphoid organs. In this study we have studied expression of CTLA-4 in human thymus in situ. CTLA-4 was expressed on about one third of CD4+/CD8-/CD1- medullary thymocytes. CTLA-4 was acquired by a subset of immature (CD1+) thymocytes and lost from the mature (CD1-) subpopulation within 48 h of cell culture, suggesting that the expression on medullary thymocytes is transient. The demonstration of CTLA-4 on a substantial subpopulation of mature CD4+ thymocytes adds a new dimension to the understanding of this important molecule. When contemplating application of anti-CTLA-4 for therapy its potential influence on T cell maturation has to be taken into account.

The Variation of Root Exudates from the Hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii under Cadmium Stress: Metabonomics Analysis

PubMed Central

Luo, Qing; Sun, Lina; Hu, Xiaomin; Zhou, Ruiren

2014-01-01

Hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the variation of root exudates from the hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii under the stress of cadmium (Cd). S. alfredii was cultured for 4 days in the nutrient solution spiked with CdCl2 at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 40, and 400 µM Cd after the pre-culture. The root exudates were collected and analyzed by GC-MS, and 62 compounds were identified. Of these compounds, the orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) showed that there were a distinct difference among the root exudates with different Cd treatments and 20 compounds resulting in this difference were found out. Changing tendencies in the relative content of these 20 compounds under the different Cd treatments were analyzed. These results indicated that trehalose, erythritol, naphthalene, d-pinitol and n-octacosane might be closely related to the Cd stabilization, phosphoric acid, tetradecanoic acid, oxalic acid, threonic acid and glycine could be attributed to the Cd mobilization, and mannitol, oleic acid, 3-hydroxybutanoic acid, fructose, octacosanol and ribitol could copy well with the Cd stress. PMID:25545686

Evaluation of carbon nanotube probes in critical dimension atomic force microscopes.

PubMed

Choi, Jinho; Park, Byong Chon; Ahn, Sang Jung; Kim, Dal-Hyun; Lyou, Joon; Dixson, Ronald G; Orji, Ndubuisi G; Fu, Joseph; Vorburger, Theodore V

2016-07-01

The decreasing size of semiconductor features and the increasing structural complexity of advanced devices have placed continuously greater demands on manufacturing metrology, arising both from the measurement challenges of smaller feature sizes and the growing requirement to characterize structures in more than just a single critical dimension. For scanning electron microscopy, this has resulted in increasing sophistication of imaging models. For critical dimension atomic force microscopes (CD-AFMs), this has resulted in the need for smaller and more complex tips. Carbon nanotube (CNT) tips have thus been the focus of much interest and effort by a number of researchers. However, there have been significant issues surrounding both the manufacture and use of CNT tips. Specifically, the growth or attachment of CNTs to AFM cantilevers has been a challenge to the fabrication of CNT tips, and the flexibility and resultant bending artifacts have presented challenges to using CNT tips. The Korea Research Institute for Standards and Science (KRISS) has invested considerable effort in the controlled fabrication of CNT tips and is collaborating with the National Institute of Standards and Technology on the application of CNT tips for CD-AFM. Progress by KRISS on the precise control of CNT orientation, length, and end modification, using manipulation and focused ion beam processes, has allowed us to implement ball-capped CNT tips and bent CNT tips for CD-AFM. Using two different generations of CD-AFM instruments, we have evaluated these tip types by imaging a line/space grating and a programmed line edge roughness specimen. We concluded that these CNTs are capable of scanning the profiles of these structures, including re-entrant sidewalls, but there remain important challenges to address. These challenges include tighter control of tip geometry and careful optimization of scan parameters and algorithms for using CNT tips.

UV-light induced fabrication of CdCl2 nanotubes through CdSe/Te nanocrystals based on dimension and configuration control.

PubMed

Zeng, Jie; Liu, Chi; Huang, Jianliu; Wang, Xiaoping; Zhang, Shuyuan; Li, Gongpu; Hou, Jianguo

2008-05-01

Since the discovery of WS2 nanotubes in 1992 ( Nature 1992, 360, 444), there have been significant research efforts to synthesize nanotubes and fullerene-like hollow nanoparticles (HNPs) of inorganic materials ( Nat. Nanotechnol. 2006, 1, 103) due to their potential applications as solid lubrications ( J. Mater. Chem. 2005, 15, 1782), chemical sensing ( Adv. Funct. Mater. 2006, 16, 371), drug delivering ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 7316), catalysis ( Adv. Mater. 2006, 18, 2561), or quantum harvesting ( Acc. Chem. Res. 2006, 39, 239). Nanotubes can be produced either by rolling up directly from layer compounds ( Nature 2001, 410, 168) or through other mechanisms ( Adv. Mater. 2004, 16, 1497) such as template growth ( Nature 2003, 422, 599) and decomposition ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 4841). The Kirkendall effect, a classical phenomenon in metallurgy ( Trans. AIME 1947, 171, 130), was recently exploited to fabricate hollow 0-D nanocrystals ( Science 2004, 304, 711) as well as 1-D nanotubes ( Nat. Mater. 2006, 5, 627). Although the dimension of resulting hollow nanostructures depends on precursors, the hollow nanomaterials can also be organized into various dimensional nanostructures spontaneously or induced by an external field. In this letter, we report, for the first time, the UV-light induced fabrication of the ends-closed 1-D CdCl2 nanotubes from 0-D CdSe solid nanocrystals through the Kirkendall effect and the head-to-end assembled process. Our results demonstrate the possibility to control the dimension (0-D to 1-D) and the configuration (solid to hollow) of nanostructures simultaneously and have implications in fabricating hollow nano-objects from zero-dimensional to multidimensional.

Variation in Care of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Patients in Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Partners: Role of Gastroenterologist Practice Setting in Disease Outcomes and Quality Process Measures.

PubMed

Weaver, Kimberly N; Kappelman, Michael D; Sandler, Robert S; Martin, Christopher F; Chen, Wenli; Anton, Kristen; Long, Millie D

2016-11-01

As variation in care has previously been linked to quality, we aimed to describe variations in inflammatory bowel diseases care by gastroenterology (GI) practice setting. We performed a cross-sectional study within the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Partners and used bivariate analyses to compare patient characteristics by GI practice setting (GI-academic [GIA], GI-private, or GI-other). Regression models were used to describe the effects of provider type on steroid use, disease activity, and the quality of life. The study included 12,083 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (7576 with Crohn's disease [CD] and 4507 with ulcerative colitis [UC]). Nearly 95% reported visiting a GI provider annually. Also, CD patients seen by GIA were younger, better educated, used less 5-aminosalicylate agents, and had higher biologic and immunomodulator use (P < 0.001 for all). On multivariate analysis of CD patients, GIA used less steroids when compared with GI-private (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-1.06) or GI-other (odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.89). GIA patients were more likely to be in remission, have flu vaccine, and have better quality of life. UC patients seen by GIA were younger, had more hospitalizations, and previous surgery (P < 0.001 for all). No differences existed for steroid use, remission, flu vaccine, or quality of life for UC care on bivariate or multivariate analyses. Significant variations in care patterns and quality measures exist for CD across GI provider types, without similar variation in UC care. Interventions to reduce variations in care could improve the quality of care in CD.

Irradiation resistance of intravolume shading elements embedded in photomasks used for CD uniformity control by local intra-field transmission attenuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zait, Eitan; Ben-Zvi, Guy; Dmitriev, Vladimir; Oshemkov, Sergey; Pforr, Rainer; Hennig, Mario

2006-05-01

Intra-field CD variation is, besides OPC errors, a main contributor to the total CD variation budget in IC manufacturing. It is caused mainly by mask CD errors. In advanced memory device manufacturing the minimum features are close to the resolution limit resulting in large mask error enhancement factors hence large intra-field CD variations. Consequently tight CD Control (CDC) of the mask features is required, which results in increasing significantly the cost of mask and hence the litho process costs. Alternatively there is a search for such techniques (1) which will allow improving the intrafield CD control for a given moderate mask and scanner imaging performance. Currently a new technique (2) has been proposed which is based on correcting the printed CD by applying shading elements generated in the substrate bulk of the mask by ultrashort pulsed laser exposure. The blank transmittance across a feature is controlled by changing the density of light scattering pixels. The technique has been demonstrated to be very successful in correcting intra-field CD variations caused by the mask and the projection system (2). A key application criterion of this technique in device manufacturing is the stability of the absorbing pixels against DUV light irradiation being applied during mask projection in scanners. This paper describes the procedures and results of such an investigation. To do it with acceptable effort a special experimental setup has been chosen allowing an evaluation within reasonable time. A 193nm excimer laser with pulse duration of 25 ns has been used for blank irradiation. Accumulated dose equivalent to 100,000 300 mm wafer exposures has been applied to Half Tone PSM mask areas with and without CDC shadowing elements. This allows the discrimination of effects appearing in treated and untreated glass regions. Several intensities have been investigated to define an acceptable threshold intensity to avoid glass compaction or generation of color centers in the glass. The impact of the irradiation on the mask transmittance of both areas has been studied by measurements of the printed CD on wafer using a wafer scanner before and after DUV irradiation.

Effect of environmental conditions on variation in the sediment-water interface created by complex macrofaunal burrows on a tidal flat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koo, Bon Joo; Kwon, Kae Kyoung; Hyun, Jung-Ho

2007-11-01

We quantified the increase in the sediment-water interface created by the burrowing activities of the resident macrofaunal community and its variation with respect to the physical conditions of the habitat on a tidal fat. We investigated environmental factors and dimensions of macrofaunal burrows with respect to tidal height and vegetation during spring and summer at three sites. A resin-casting method was used to quantify the dimensions of all burrows at each site. The dimensions of macrofaunal burrows varied both temporally and spatially and the increase in the sediment-water interface reached a maximum of 311%, ranging from 20 to 255% under different habitat conditions. The sediment-water interface depended on the duration of exposure resulting from tidal height, increased temperatures resulting from seasonality, and marsh plant density. Burrows were deeper and more expansive at both higher tidal levels and higher temperatures in summer. Burrow dimensions were sharply reduced with the disappearance of adult macrofauna in areas where the roots of the marsh plant Suaeda japonica were dense. The significance of this study lies in quantifying the burrow dimensions of the entire macrofaunal community, rather than just a single population, and confirming their spatial and temporal variation with respect to physical conditions of the habitat. Environmental factors responsible for variation in burrow dimensions are discussed.

Short health scale: A valid measure of health-related quality of life in Korean-speaking patients with inflammatory bowel disease

PubMed Central

Park, Soo-Kyung; Ko, Bong Min; Goong, Hyeon Jeong; Seo, Jeong Yeon; Lee, Sang Hyuk; Baek, Hae Lim; Lee, Moon Sung; Park, Dong Il

2017-01-01

AIM To evaluate the short health scale (SHS), a new, simple, four-part visual analogue scale questionnaire that is designed to assess the impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), in Korean-speaking patients with IBD. METHODS The SHS was completed by 256 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Individual SHS items were correlated with inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ) dimensions and with disease activity to assess validity. Test-retest reliability, responsiveness and patient or disease characteristics with probable association with high SHS scores were analyzed. RESULTS Of 256 patients with IBD, 139 (54.3%) had UC and 117 (45.7%) had CD. The correlation coefficients between SHS questions about “symptom burden”, “activities of daily living”, and “disease-related worry” and their corresponding dimensions in the IBDQ ranged from 0.62 to 0.71, compared with correlation coefficients ranging from -0.45 to -0.61 for their non-corresponding dimensions. There was a stepwise increase in SHS scores, with increasing disease activity in both CD and UC (all P values < 0.001). Reliability was confirmed with test-retest correlations ranging from 0.68 to 0.90 (all P values < 0.001). Responsiveness was confirmed with the patients who remained in remission. Their SHS scores remained unchanged, except for the SHS dimension “disease-related worry”. In the multivariate analysis, female sex was associated with worse “general well-being” (OR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.02-5.08) along with worse disease activity. CONCLUSION The SHS is a valid and reliable measure of HRQOL in Korean-speaking patients with IBD. PMID:28596689

Short health scale: A valid measure of health-related quality of life in Korean-speaking patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Park, Soo-Kyung; Ko, Bong Min; Goong, Hyeon Jeong; Seo, Jeong Yeon; Lee, Sang Hyuk; Baek, Hae Lim; Lee, Moon Sung; Park, Dong Il

2017-05-21

To evaluate the short health scale (SHS), a new, simple, four-part visual analogue scale questionnaire that is designed to assess the impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), in Korean-speaking patients with IBD. The SHS was completed by 256 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Individual SHS items were correlated with inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ) dimensions and with disease activity to assess validity. Test-retest reliability, responsiveness and patient or disease characteristics with probable association with high SHS scores were analyzed. Of 256 patients with IBD, 139 (54.3%) had UC and 117 (45.7%) had CD. The correlation coefficients between SHS questions about "symptom burden", "activities of daily living", and "disease-related worry" and their corresponding dimensions in the IBDQ ranged from 0.62 to 0.71, compared with correlation coefficients ranging from -0.45 to -0.61 for their non-corresponding dimensions. There was a stepwise increase in SHS scores, with increasing disease activity in both CD and UC (all P values < 0.001). Reliability was confirmed with test-retest correlations ranging from 0.68 to 0.90 (all P values < 0.001). Responsiveness was confirmed with the patients who remained in remission. Their SHS scores remained unchanged, except for the SHS dimension "disease-related worry". In the multivariate analysis, female sex was associated with worse "general well-being" (OR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.02-5.08) along with worse disease activity. The SHS is a valid and reliable measure of HRQOL in Korean-speaking patients with IBD.

Enriching rice with Zn and Fe while minimizing Cd risk

PubMed Central

Slamet-Loedin, Inez H.; Johnson-Beebout, Sarah E.; Impa, Somayanda; Tsakirpaloglou, Nikolaos

2015-01-01

Enriching iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content in rice grains, while minimizing cadmium (Cd) levels, is important for human health and nutrition. Natural genetic variation in rice grain Zn enables Zn-biofortification through conventional breeding, but limited natural Fe variation has led to a need for genetic modification approaches, including over-expressing genes responsible for Fe storage, chelators, and transporters. Generally, Cd uptake and allocation is associated with divalent metal cations (including Fe and Zn) transporters, but the details of this process are still unknown in rice. In addition to genetic variation, metal uptake is sometimes limited by its bioavailability in the soil. The availability of Fe, Zn, and Cd for plant uptake varies widely depending on soil redox potential. The typical practice of flooding rice increases Fe while decreasing Zn and Cd availability. On the other hand, moderate soil drying improves Zn uptake but also increases Cd and decreases Fe uptake. Use of Zn- or Fe-containing fertilizers complements breeding efforts by providing sufficient metals for plant uptake. In addition, the timing of nitrogen fertilization has also been shown to affect metal accumulation in grains. The purpose of this mini-review is to identify knowledge gaps and prioritize strategies for improving the nutritional value and safety of rice. PMID:25814994

YieldStar based reticle 3D measurements and its application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaenkatesan, Vidya; Finders, Jo; ten Berge, Peter; Plug, Reinder; Sijben, Anko; Schellekens, Twan; Dillen, Harm; Pocobiej, Wojciech; Jorge, Vasco G.; van Dijck, Jurgen

2016-09-01

YieldStar (YS) is an established ASML-built scatterometer that is capable of measuring wafer Critical Dimension (CD), Overlay and Focus. In a recent work, the application range of YS was extended to measure 3D CD patterns on a reticle (pattern CD, height, Side Wall Angle-SWA). The primary motivation for this study came from imaging studies that indicated a need for measuring and controlling reticle 3D topography. CD scanning electron microscope (CD-SEM), Atomic force microscope (AFM), 3D multiple detector SEM (3D-SEM) are the preferred tools for reticle metrology. While these tools serve the industry well, the current research to the impact of reticle 3D involves extensive costs, logistic challenges and increased reticle lead time. YS provides an attractive alternative as it can measure pattern CD, SWA and height in a single measurement and at high throughput. This work demonstrates the capability of YS as a reticle metrology tool.

Variations of B cell subpopulations in peripheral blood of healthy Mexican population according to age: Relevance for diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies.

PubMed

Berrón-Ruíz, L; López-Herrera, G; Ávalos-Martínez, C E; Valenzuela-Ponce, C; Ramírez-SanJuan, E; Santoyo-Sánchez, G; Mújica Guzmán, F; Espinosa-Rosales, F J; Santos-Argumedo, L

Peripheral blood B cells include lymphocytes at various stages of differentiation, each with a specific function in the immune response. All these stages show variations in percentage and absolute number throughout human life. The numbers and proportions of B subpopulation are influenced by factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, and lifestyle. This study establishes reference values according to age of peripheral blood B cell subtypes in healthy Mexican population. Peripheral blood from healthy new-borns and adults were analysed for total B cell subpopulations, using surface markers such as CD19, IgM, IgD, CD21, CD24, CD27, and CD38, to identify naïve, memory with and without isotype switch, double-negative, transitional, and plasmablast cells. We observed a significant variation in terms of frequency and absolute counts between all groups analysed. Values from each B cell subpopulation show variations according to age. In order to attempt to elucidate reference values for B cell subpopulation, the present study evaluated a population sample of healthy blood donors from this region. Values reported here can also be used as a tool for diagnosis of diseases in which B cell maturation is affected. Copyright © 2016 SEICAP. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Chronodisruption in lung cancer and possible therapeutic approaches.

PubMed

Mazzoccoli, Gianluigi; Tarquini, Roberto; Durfort, Tiphanie; Francois, Jean-Christophe

2011-10-01

A customary temporal organization of physiological functions and biological processes is necessary to maintain body homeostasis and an altered body time structure may favour carcinogenesis. There is growing evidence that GH stimulates cancer growth, IGF1 may have a role in carcinogenesis and cancer promotion, GH-IGF1 axis, TRH, TSH, thyroxine, melatonin and cortisol modulate immune cell function and the immune system is often dysfunctional in patients with malignancies. The aim of our study was to evaluate GH-IGF1 axis, hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, melatonin, cortisol, lymphocyte subsets and IL2 in lung cancer patients. Peripheral blood samples were collected at 4-hour intervals in a 24-hour period from eleven healthy male subjects (age range 35-53 years) and nine male patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (age range 43-63 years). In each blood sample, lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, CD20+, CD25+, HLA-DR+, γδTcR bearing cells) were analyzed and GH, IGF1, TRH, TSH, FT4, melatonin, cortisol and IL2 were measured. Circadian rhythmicity was evaluated and MESOR, amplitude and acrophase values were compared. In healthy subjects a significant circadian rhythm could be demonstrated with midday peaks for CD8+, CD16+, γδTCR expressing cells and cortisol, and peaks during the night for CD3+, CD4+, GH, TSH and melatonin. A borderline significant rhythm was also observed for CD20+, with a peak late in the evening. IGF1, TRH, FT4 and IL2 values did not show rhythmic variation. In cancer patients a significant circadian rhythm could be demonstrated with diurnal peak for CD16+ and peaks during the night for CD4+ and melatonin. GH, IGF1, TRH, TSH, FT4, cortisol and IL2 values did not show rhythmic variation. MESOR of CD8+ (P<0.0001), CD20+ (P=0.05), γδTCR expressing cells (P=0.01), IGF1 (P<0.001) and TSH (P=0.032) was higher in healthy subjects, whereas MESOR of CD16+ (P<0.0001), CD25+ (P=0.001), GH (P<0.001), TRH (P=0.002), FT4 (P=0.030), cortisol (P=0.01) and IL2 (P=0.02) was higher in cancer patients. Amplitude of circadian variation of γδTCR expressing cells (P=0.01), TSH (P<0.001) and cortisol (P=0.01) was higher in healthy subjects, whereas amplitude of circadian variation of CD4+ was higher in cancer patients (P=0.02). In conclusion, non-small cell lung cancer patients show severe alterations of periodic and quantitative characteristics of neuroendocrine and immune parameters with loss of circadian rhythmicity and internal desynchronization, leading to chronodisruption. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Flow cytometric determination of quantitative immunophenotypes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Redelman, Douglas; Ensign, Wayne; Roberts, Don

2001-05-01

Immunofluorescent flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood leucocytes is most commonly used to identify and enumerate cells defined by one or more clusters of differentiation (CD) antigens. Although less widely employed, quantitative tests that measure the amounts of CD antigens expressed per cell are used in some situations such as the characterization of lymphomas and leukocytes or the measurement of CD38 on CD3plu8pluT cells in HIV infected individuals. The CD antigens used to identify leukocyte populations are functionally important molecules and it is known that under- or over-expression of some CD antigens can affect cellular responses. For example, high or low expression of CD19 on B cells is associated with autoimmune conditions or depressed antibody responses, respectively. In the current studies, the quantitative expression of CD antigens on T cells, B cells and monocytes was determined in a group of age and sex-matched Marines at several times before and after training exercises. There was substantial variation among these individuals in the quantitative expression of CD antigens and in the number of cells in various populations. However, there was relatively little variation within individuals during the two months they were examined. Thus, the number of cells in leukocyte sub-populations and the amount of CD antigens expressed per cell appear to comprise a characteristic quantitative immunophenotype.

Genome-wide association studies identify heavy metal ATPase3 as the primary determinant of natural variation in leaf cadmium in Arabidopsis thaliana

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Understanding the mechanism of cadmium (Cd) accumulation in plants is important to help reduce its potential toxicity to both plants and humans through dietary and environmental exposure. Here, we report a study to uncover the genetic basis underlying natural variation in Cd accumulation in a world-...

Seasonal variations in the concentrations of metals in Crassostrea corteziensis from Sonora, México.

PubMed

García-Rico, L; Tejeda-Valenzuela, L; Burgos-Hernández, A

2010-08-01

This study examines seasonal variations in the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Hg in experimentally cultured Crassostrea corteziensis, an oyster species known to have high resistance to physical and chemical stressors. The highest levels of Cd (4.92 mg/kg), Cu (3.45 mg/kg), and Pb (0.67 mg/kg) were detected in oyster samples collected during the summer, while Hg concentrations were similar (0.03 to 0.04 mg/kg) throughout all seasons. Results indicate that except for Cd, Crassostrea corteziensis accumulates metals to levels below those recommended by the US. FDA and the Mexican government. For Cd, its concentration correlates more strongly with the temperature of the oyster's environment rather than to the oyster growth cycle.

Cadmium toxicity in Maize (Zea mays L.): consequences on antioxidative systems, reactive oxygen species and cadmium accumulation.

PubMed

Anjum, Shakeel Ahmad; Tanveer, Mohsin; Hussain, Saddam; Bao, Mingchen; Wang, Longchang; Khan, Imran; Ullah, Ehsan; Tung, Shahbaz Atta; Samad, Rana Abdul; Shahzad, Babar

2015-11-01

Increased cadmium (Cd) accumulation in soils has led to tremendous environmental problems, with pronounced effects on agricultural productivity. Present study investigated the effects of Cd stress imposed at various concentrations (0, 75, 150, 225, 300, 375 μM) on antioxidant activities, reactive oxygen species (ROS), Cd accumulation, and productivity of two maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars viz., Run Nong 35 and Wan Dan 13. Considerable variations in Cd accumulation and in behavior of antioxidants and ROS were observed under Cd stress in both maize cultivars, and such variations governed by Cd were concentration dependent. Exposure of plant to Cd stress considerably increased Cd concentration in all plant parts particularly in roots. Wan Dan 13 accumulated relatively higher Cd in root, stem, and leaves than Run Nong 35; however, in seeds, Run Nong 35 recorded higher Cd accumulation. All the Cd toxicity levels starting from 75 μM enhanced H2O2 and MDA concentrations and triggered electrolyte leakage in leaves of both cultivars, and such an increment was more in Run Nong 35. The ROS were scavenged by the enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase in response to Cd stress, and these antioxidant activities were higher in Wan Dan 13 compared with Run Nong 35 at all Cd toxicity levels. The grain yield of maize was considerably reduced particularly for Run Nong 35 under different Cd toxicity levels as compared with control. The Wan Dan 13 was better able to alleviate Cd-induced oxidative damage which was attributed to more Cd accumulation in roots and higher antioxidant activities in this cultivar, suggesting that manipulation of these antioxidants and enhancing Cd accumulation in roots may lead to improvement in Cd stress tolerance.

[Assessment of sulfasalazine and hydroxichloroqine hepatotoxicity in patients with rheumatic arthritis and isolated HBS-antigen positivity].

PubMed

Petrov, A V

2004-01-01

Findings were based on long-period survey (12-16 month) of 39 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and isolated persistent HBS-antigen. The patients were prescribed Hydroxichloroqine (H) and Sulfasolin (SF). Clinical data, laboratory tests, ultrasonic diagnostics to evaluate liver condition have been analyzed. HBs, Hbe-antigenes, DNA-virus B hepatitis blood test, nucleus dimensions, proliferative FGA response test and immune CD 8+, CD 14+ and CD 16+ cells to Fas-induced apoptosis were taken. SF therapy was found to be more hepatotoxic and likely to activate a latent virus B hepatitis as compared with Hydroxichloroqine and combine H and SF therapies. Triggering replication of virus B hepatitis occurs against a background of decreasing in functional activity of CD 14+ and CD 16+ cells. The immune critical level needed to activate VHB was determined.

Stony Endocarp Dimension and Shape Variation in Prunus Section Prunus

PubMed Central

Depypere, Leander; Chaerle, Peter; Mijnsbrugge, Kristine Vander; Goetghebeur, Paul

2007-01-01

Background and Aims Identification of Prunus groups at subspecies or variety level is complicated by the wide range of variation and morphological transitional states. Knowledge of the degree of variability within and between species is a sine qua non for taxonomists. Here, a detailed study of endocarp dimension and shape variation for taxa of Prunus section Prunus is presented. Method The sample size necessary to obtain an estimation of the population mean with a precision of 5 % was determined by iteration. Two cases were considered: (1) the population represents an individual; and (2) the population represents a species. The intra-individual and intraspecific variation of Prunus endocarps was studied by analysing the coefficients of variance for dimension and shape parameters. Morphological variation among taxa was assessed using univariate statistics. The influence of the time of sampling and the level of hydration on endocarp dimensions and shape was examined by means of pairwise t-tests. In total, 14 endocarp characters were examined for five Eurasian plum taxa. Key Results All linear measurements and index values showed a low or normal variability on the individual and species level. In contrast, the parameter ‘Vertical Asymmetry’ had high coefficients of variance for one or more of the taxa studied. Of all dimension and shape parameters studied, only ‘Triangle’ differed significantly between mature endocarps of P. insititia sampled with a time difference of 1 month. The level of hydration affected endocarp dimensions and shape significantly. Conclusions Index values and the parameters ‘Perimeter’, ‘Area’, ‘Triangle’, ‘Ellipse’, ‘Circular’ and ‘Rectangular’, based on sample sizes and coefficients of variance, were found to be most appropriate for further taxonomic analysis. However, use of one, single endocarp parameter is not satisfactory for discrimination between Eurasian plum taxa, mainly because of overlapping ranges. Before analysing dried endocarps, full hydration is recommended, as this restores the original dimensions and shape. PMID:17965026

Heavy metals in water, sediments, plants and fish of Kali Nadi U. P. (India)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ajmal, M.; Uddin, R.; Khan, A.U.

1988-01-01

The distribution of heavy metals viz., Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the water, sediments, plants and fish samples collected from the Kali Nadi (India) have been determined. The studies have shown that there was considerable variation in the concentration of heavy metals from one sampling station to the other which may be due to the variation in the quality of industrial and sewage wastes being added to the river at different places. The orders of the concentration of heavy metals in water, sediments, plants (Eicchornia crassipes) and fish (Heteropnuestes fossilis) were Fe > Znmore » > Cu > Mn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Cd; Fe > Zn > Mn > Ni > Cr > Co > Cu > Pb > Cd; Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Co > Pb > Cr > Cd and Fe > Zn > Mn > Ni > Pb >Co > Cr > Cu > Cd, respectively.« less

Two-layer critical dimensions and overlay process window characterization and improvement in full-chip computational lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sturtevant, John L.; Liubich, Vlad; Gupta, Rachit

2016-04-01

Edge placement error (EPE) was a term initially introduced to describe the difference between predicted pattern contour edge and the design target for a single design layer. Strictly speaking, this quantity is not directly measurable in the fab. What is of vital importance is the relative edge placement errors between different design layers, and in the era of multipatterning, the different constituent mask sublayers for a single design layer. The critical dimensions (CD) and overlay between two layers can be measured in the fab, and there has always been a strong emphasis on control of overlay between design layers. The progress in this realm has been remarkable, accelerated in part at least by the proliferation of multipatterning, which reduces the available overlay budget by introducing a coupling of overlay and CD errors for the target layer. Computational lithography makes possible the full-chip assessment of two-layer edge to edge distances and two-layer contact overlap area. We will investigate examples of via-metal model-based analysis of CD and overlay errors. We will investigate both single patterning and double patterning. For single patterning, we show the advantage of contour-to-contour simulation over contour to target simulation, and how the addition of aberrations in the optical models can provide a more realistic CD-overlay process window (PW) for edge placement errors. For double patterning, the interaction of 4-layer CD and overlay errors is very complex, but we illustrate that not only can full-chip verification identify potential two-layer hotspots, the optical proximity correction engine can act to mitigate such hotspots and enlarge the joint CD-overlay PW.

Mid-infrared Plasmonic Circular Dichroism Generated by Graphene Nanodisk Assemblies.

PubMed

Kong, Xiang-Tian; Zhao, Runbo; Wang, Zhiming; Govorov, Alexander O

2017-08-09

It is very interesting to bring plasmonic circular dichroism spectroscopy to the mid-infrared spectral interval, and there are two reasons for this. This spectral interval is very important for thermal bioimaging, and simultaneously, this spectral range includes vibrational lines of many chiral biomolecules. Here we demonstrate that graphene plasmons indeed offer such opportunity. In particular, we show that chiral graphene assemblies consisting of a few graphene nanodisks can generate strong circular dichroism (CD) in the mid-infrared interval. The CD signal is generated due to the plasmon-plasmon coupling between adjacent nanodisks in the specially designed chiral graphene assemblies. Because of the large dimension mismatch between the thickness of a graphene layer and the incoming light's wavelength, three-dimensional configurations with a total height of a few hundred nanometers are necessary to obtain a strong CD signal in the mid-infrared range. The mid-infrared CD strength is mainly governed by the total dimensions (total height and helix scaffold radius) of the graphene nanodisk assembly and by the plasmon-plasmon interaction strength between its constitutive nanodisks. Both positive and negative CD bands can be observed in the graphene assembly array. The frequency interval of the plasmonic CD spectra overlaps with the vibrational modes of some important biomolecules, such as DNA and many different peptides, giving rise to the possibility of enhancing the vibrational optical activity of these molecular species by attaching them to the graphene assemblies. Simultaneously the spectral range of chiral mid-infrared plasmons in our structures appears near the typical wavelength of the human-body thermal radiation, and therefore, our chiral metastructures can be potentially utilized as optical components in thermal imaging devices.

Effect of cadmium-selenide quantum dots on the conductivity and photoconductivity of nanocrystalline indium oxide

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Il’in, A. S., E-mail: as.ilin@physics.msu.ru; Fantina, N. P.; Martyshov, M. N.

The effect of cadmium-selenide quantum dots addition on the electrical and photoelectric properties of nanocrystalline indium oxide with nanocrystal dimensions in the range from 7 to 40 nm is studied. By impedance spectroscopy, it is shown that the addition of quantum dots substantially influences the resistance of interfaces between In{sub 2}O{sub 3} crystals. A change in the character of the photoconductivity spectrum of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} upon the addition of CdSe quantum dots is detected, and it is established that this change depends on the In{sub 2}O{sub 3}-nanocrystal dimensions. An energy band diagram is proposed to explain the observed changemore » in the photoconductivity spectrum of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} upon the addition of CdSe quantum dots.« less

Development of critical dimension measurement scanning electron microscope for ULSI (S-8000 series)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ezumi, Makoto; Otaka, Tadashi; Mori, Hiroyoshi; Todokoro, Hideo; Ose, Yoichi

1996-05-01

The semiconductor industry is moving from half-micron to quarter-micron design rules. To support this evolution, Hitachi has developed a new critical dimension measurement scanning electron microscope (CD-SEM), the model S-8800 series, for quality control of quarter- micron process lines. The new CD-SEM provides detailed examination of process conditions with 5 nm resolution and 5 nm repeatability (3 sigma) at accelerating voltage 800 V using secondary electron imaging. In addition, a newly developed load-lock system has a capability of achieving a high sample throughput of 20 wafers/hour (5 point measurements per wafer) under continuous operation. To support user friendliness, the system incorporates a graphical user interface (GUI), an automated pattern recognition system which helps locating measurement points, both manual and semi-automated operation, and user-programmable operating parameters.

The study of CD side to side error in line/space pattern caused by post-exposure bake effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jin; Guo, Eric; Ge, Haiming; Lu, Max; Wu, Yijun; Tian, Mingjing; Yan, Shichuan; Wang, Ran

2016-10-01

In semiconductor manufacturing, as the design rule has decreased, the ITRS roadmap requires crucial tighter critical dimension (CD) control. CD uniformity is one of the necessary parameters to assure good performance and reliable functionality of any integrated circuit (IC) [1] [2], and towards the advanced technology nodes, it is a challenge to control CD uniformity well. The study of corresponding CD Uniformity by tuning Post-Exposure bake (PEB) and develop process has some significant progress[3], but CD side to side error happening to some line/space pattern are still found in practical application, and the error has approached to over the uniformity tolerance. After details analysis, even though use several developer types, the CD side to side error has not been found significant relationship to the developing. In addition, it is impossible to correct the CD side to side error by electron beam correction as such error does not appear in all Line/Space pattern masks. In this paper the root cause of CD side to side error is analyzed and the PEB module process are optimized as a main factor for improvement of CD side to side error.

Admittance of MIS-Structures Based on HgCdTe with a Double-Layer CdTe/Al2O3 Insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dzyadukh, S. M.; Voitsekhovskii, A. V.; Nesmelov, S. N.; Sidorov, G. Yu.; Varavin, V. S.; Vasil'ev, V. V.; Dvoretsky, S. A.; Mikhailov, N. N.; Yakushev, M. V.

2018-03-01

Admittance of MIS structures based on n( p)- Hg1-xCdxTe (at x from 0.22 to 0.40) with SiO2/Si3N4, Al2O3, and CdTe/Al2O3 insulators is studied experimentally at 77 K. Growth of an intermediate CdTe layer during epitaxy results in the almost complete disappearance of the hysteresis of electrophysical characteristics of MIS structures based on graded-gap n-HgCdTe for a small range of the voltage variation. For a wide range of the voltage variation, the hysteresis of the capacitance-voltage characteristics appears for MIS structures based on n-HgCdTe with the CdTe/Al2O3 insulator. However, the hysteresis mechanism differs from that in case of a single-layer Al2O3 insulator. For MIS structures based on p-HgCdTe, introduction of an additional CdTe layer does not lead to a significant decrease of the hysteresis phenomena, which may be due to the degradation of the interface properties when mercury leaves the film as a result of low-temperature annealing changing the conductivity type of the semiconductor.

Links between CD147 function, glycosylation, and caveolin-1.

PubMed

Tang, Wei; Chang, Sharon B; Hemler, Martin E

2004-09-01

Cell surface CD147 shows remarkable variations in size (31-65 kDa) because of heterogeneous N-glycosylation, with the most highly glycosylated forms functioning to induce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production. Here we show that all three CD147 N-glycosylation sites make similar contributions to both high and low glycoforms (HG- and LG-CD147). l-Phytohemagglutinin lectin binding and swainsonine inhibition experiments indicated that HG-CD147 contains N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V-catalyzed, beta1,6-branched, polylactosamine-type sugars, which account for its excess size. Therefore, CD147, which is itself elevated on invasive tumor cells, may make a major contribution to the abundance of beta1,6-branched polylactosamine sugars that appear on invasive tumor cells. It was shown previously that caveolin-1 associates with CD147, thus inhibiting CD147 self-aggregation and MMP induction; now we show that caveolin-1 associates with LG-CD147 and restricts the biosynthetic conversion of LG-CD147 to HG-CD147. In addition, HG-CD147 (but not LG-CD147) was preferentially captured as a multimer after treatment of cells with a homobifunctional cross-linking agent and was exclusively recognized by monoclonal antibody AAA6, a reagent that selectively recognizes self-associated CD147 and inhibits CD147-mediated MMP induction. In conclusion, we have 1) determined the biochemical basis for the unusual size variation in CD147, 2) established that CD147 is a major carrier of beta1,6-branched polylactosamine sugars on tumor cells, and 3) determined that caveolin-1 can inhibit the conversion of LG-CD147 to HG-CD147. Because it is HG-CD147 that self-aggregates and stimulates MMP induction, we now have a mechanism to explain how caveolin-1 inhibits these processes. These results help explain the previously established tumor suppressor functions of caveolin-1.

Life history strategy and the HEXACO personality dimensions.

PubMed

Manson, Joseph H

2015-01-16

Although several studies have linked Life History Strategy (LHS) variation with variation in the Five Factor Model personality dimensions, no published research has explored the relationship of LHS to the HEXACO personality dimensions. The theoretically expected relationship of the HEXACO Emotionality factor to LHS is unclear. The results of two studies (N = 641) demonstrated that LHS indicators form part of a factor along with HEXACO Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and (marginally) Honesty-Humility. People higher on these dimensions pursue a slower LHS. Neither Openness nor Emotionality was associated with this factor. Holding LHS constant, social involvement with kin was consistently predicted by higher Emotionality and was not consistently predicted by any other HEXACO factor. These results support a view of Emotionality as part of an LHS-independent personality dimension that influences the provision and receipt of kin altruism.

Organizational performance impacting patient satisfaction in Ontario hospitals: a multilevel analysis.

PubMed

Koné Péfoyo, Anna J; Wodchis, Walter P

2013-12-05

Patient satisfaction in health care constitutes an important component of organizational performance in the hospital setting. Satisfaction measures have been developed and used to evaluate and improve hospital performance, quality of care and physician practice. In order to direct improvement strategies, it is necessary to evaluate both individual and organizational factors that can impact patients' perception of care. The study aims were to determine the dimensions of patient satisfaction, and to analyze the individual and organizational determinants of satisfaction dimensions in hospitals. We used patient and hospital survey data as well as administrative data collected for a 2008 public hospital report in Ontario, Canada. We evaluated the clustering of patient survey items with exploratory factor analysis and derived plausible dimensions of satisfaction. A two-level multivariate model was fitted to analyze the determinants of satisfaction. We found eight satisfaction factors, with acceptable to good level of loadings and good reliability. More than 95% of variation in patient satisfaction scores was attributable to patient-level variation, with less than 5% attributable to hospital-level variation. The hierarchical models explain 5 to 17% of variation at the patient level and up to 52% of variation between hospitals. Individual patient characteristics had the strongest association with all dimensions of satisfaction. Few organizational performance indicators are associated with patient satisfaction and significant determinants differ according to the satisfaction dimension. The research findings highlight the importance of adjusting for both patient-level and organization-level characteristics when evaluating patient satisfaction. Better understanding and measurement of organization-level activities and processes associated with patient satisfaction could contribute to improved satisfaction ratings and care quality.

Multipronged CD4 T cell effector and memory responses cooperate to provide potent immunity against respiratory virus

PubMed Central

Strutt, Tara M.; McKinstry, K. Kai; Marshall, Nikki B.; Vong, Allen M.; Dutton, Richard W.; Swain, Susan L.

2014-01-01

Summary Over the last decade, the known spectrum of CD4 T cell effect or subsets has become much broader and it has become clear that there are multiple dimensions by which subsets with a particular cytokine commitment can be further defined, including their stage of differentiation, their location and most importantly, their ability to carryout discrete functions. Here we focus on our studies that highlight the synergy among discrete subsets, especially those defined by helper and cytotoxic function, in mediating viral protection and on distinctions between CD4 T cell effectors located in spleen, draining lymph node, and in tissue sites of infection. What emerges is a surprising multiplicity of CD4 T cell functions that indicate a large arsenal of mechanisms by which CD4 T cells act to combat viruses. PMID:23947353

Stromal Vascular Fraction Transplantation as an Alternative Therapy for Ischemic Heart Failure: Anti-inflammatory Role

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The aims of this study were: (1) to show the feasibility of using adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) as an alternative to bone marrow mono nuclear cell (BM-MNC) for cell transplantation into chronic ischemic myocardium; and (2) to explore underlying mechanisms with focus on anti-inflammation role of engrafted SVF and BM-MNC post chronic myocardial infarction (MI) against left ventricular (LV) remodelling and cardiac dysfunction. Methods Four weeks after left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, 32 Male Lewis rats with moderate MI were divided into 3 groups. SVF group (n = 12) had SVF cell transplantation (6 × 106 cells). BM-MNC group (n = 12) received BM-MNCs (6 × 106) and the control (n = 10) had culture medium. At 4 weeks, after the final echocardiography, histological sections were stained with Styrus red and immunohistochemical staining was performed for α-smooth muscle actin, von Willebrand factor, CD3, CD8 and CD20. Results At 4 weeks, in SVF and BM-MNC groups, LV diastolic dimension and LV systolic dimension were smaller and fractional shortening was increased in echocardiography, compared to control group. Histology revealed highest vascular density, CD3+ and CD20+ cells in SVF transplanted group. SVF transplantation decreased myocardial mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-1, TIMP-1 and inhibited collagen deposition. Conclusions Transplantation of adipose derived SVF cells might be a useful therapeutic option for angiogenesis in chronic ischemic heart disease. Anti-inflammation role for SVF and BM transplantation might partly benefit for the cardioprotective effect for chronic ischemic myocardium. PMID:21453457

Characterization of integrated optical CD for process control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jackie; Uchida, Junichi; van Dommelen, Youri; Carpaij, Rene; Cheng, Shaunee; Pollentier, Ivan; Viswanathan, Anita; Lane, Lawrence; Barry, Kelly A.; Jakatdar, Nickhil

2004-05-01

The accurate measurement of CD (critical dimension) and its application to inline process control are key challenges for high yield and OEE (overall equipment efficiency) in semiconductor production. CD-SEM metrology, although providing the resolution necessary for CD evaluation, suffers from the well-known effect of resist shrinkage, making accuracy and stability of the measurements an issue. For sub-100 nm in-line process control, where accuracy and stability as well as speed are required, CD-SEM metrology faces serious limitations. In contrast, scatterometry, using broadband optical spectra taken from grating structures, does not suffer from such limitations. This technology is non-destructive and, in addition to CD, provides profile information and film thickness in a single measurement. Using Timbre's Optical Digital Profililometry (ODP) technology, we characterized the Process Window, using a iODP101 integrated optical CD metrology into a TEL Clean Track at IMEC. We demonstrate the Optical CD's high sensitivity to process change and its insensitivity to measurement noise. We demonstrate the validity of ODP modeling by showing its accurate response to known process changes built into the evaluation and its excellent correlation to CD-SEM. We will further discuss the intrinsic Optical CD metrology factors that affect the tool precision, accuracy and its correlation to CD-SEM.

Large variations in ocular dimensions in a multiethnic population with similar genetic background.

PubMed

Niu, Zhiqiang; Li, Jun; Zhong, Hua; Yuan, Zhonghua; Zhou, Hua; Zhang, Yang; Yuan, Yuansheng; Chen, Qin; Pan, Chen-Wei

2016-03-07

We aimed to describe the ethnic variations in ocular dimensions among three ethnic groups with similar genetic ancestry from mainland of China. We included 2119 ethnic Bai, 2202 ethnic Yi and 2183 ethnic Han adults aged 50 years or older in the study. Ocular dimensions including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), vitreous chamber depth (VCD) and lens thickness (LT) were measured using A-scan ultrasonography. Bai Chinese had longer ALs (P < 0.001), deeper ACDs (P < 0.001) but shallower VCDs (P < 0.001) compared with the other two ethnic groups. There were no ethnic variations in LTs. Diabetes was associated with shallower ACDs and this association was stronger in Bai Chinese compared with Yi or Han Chinese (P for interaction = 0.02). Thicker lenses were associated with younger age (P = 0.04), male gender (P < 0.001), smoking history (P = 0.01), alcohol intake (P = 0.03), the presence of cataract (P < 0.001), and the presence of diabetes (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in ocular dimensions among different ethnic groups with small differences in genetics but large variations in cultures and lifestyles.

Variational extension of the mean spherical approximation to arbitrary dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velázquez, Esov S.; Blum, Lesser; Frisch, Harry L.

1997-10-01

We generalize a variational principle for the mean spherical approximation for a system of charged hard spheres in 3D to arbitrary dimensions. We first construct a free energy variational trial function from the Debye-Hückel excess charging internal energy at a finite concentration and an entropy obtained at the zero-concentration limit by thermodynamic integration. In three dimensions the minimization of this expression with respect to the screening parameter leads to the mean spherical approximation, usually obtained by solution of the Ornstein-Zernike equation. This procedure, which interpolates naturally between the zero concentration/coupling limit and the high-concentration/ coupling limit, is extended to arbitrary dimensions. We conjecture that this result is also equivalent to the MSA as originally defined, although a technical proof of this point is left for the future. The Onsager limit T ΔS MSA / ΔE MSA → 0 for infinite concentration/coupling is satisfied for all d ≠ 2, while for d=2 this limit is 1.

Temperature-assisted photochemical construction of CdS-based ordered porous films with photocatalytic activities on solution surfaces.

PubMed

Huang, Zhenxun; Sun, Fengqiang; Zhang, Yu; Gu, Kaiyuan; Zou, Xueqiong; Huang, Yuying; Wu, Qingsong; Zhang, Zihe

2011-04-15

Taking a colloidal monolayer floating on the surface of a precursor solution as template, free-standing CdS/Cd composites and pure CdS (CdS-based) ordered porous films had been prepared by a temperature-assisted photochemical strategy. After irradiation with UV-light and heat treatment, the films formed hemi-spherical pores due to the preferable deposition of CdS and Cd onto the PS spheres during the photochemical and interfacial reactions. When the temperature increased from 15 to 60°C, the air/water interface gradually changed into a vapor/water interface on the surface of the solution, resulting in variations of the final compositions. The optical properties of the films were hence changed. Because of the free-standing characteristic, the ordered porous films were first transferred on surface of polluted solutions as photocatalysts, which was a new mode in application of photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activities of films showed regular variations with the compositions in photodegradation of Rhodamine B. This method provides a simple route for tuning the properties of porous films through control of its composition and a flexible application of films on any surface. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of magnetic field on the donor impurity in CdTe/Cd1-xMnxTe quantum well wire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalpana, P.; Reuben, A. Merwyn Jasper D.; Nithiananthi, P.; Jayakumar, K.

2016-05-01

The donor impurity binding energy in CdTe / Cd1-xMnxTe QWW with square well confinement along x - direction and parabolic confinement along y - direction under the influence of externally applied magnetic field has been computed using variational principle in the effective mass approximation. The spin polaronic shift has also been computed. The results are presented and discussed.

Decoration of wide bandgap semiconducting materials for enhancing photoelectrochemical efficiency of PEC systems.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakranov, N.; Zhabaikhanov, A.; Kudaibergenov, S.; Ibraev, N.

2018-03-01

The production of photoanodes based on wide-band gap materials such as TiO2 is economically viable because of the low cost of synthesis methods. Contrary to economic aspects, wide-band gap semiconductor materials have a significant disadvantage due to low sensitivity to photons of visible light. To increase the photoactive parameters of the material of the electrodes in the visible range, the methods for decorating nanomasses of titanium dioxide by narrow-gap semiconductors are used. One of the most suitable narrow-gap semiconductor materials are CdS and Fe2O3. Controlled deposition of such materials on wide-gap semiconductors allows to regulate both the diffusion time of charge carriers and the band structure of TiO2/Fe2O3 and TiO2/CdS composites. The dimensions of the structure of the photoelectrode material of the cell have a large influence on the characteristics of the photocatalyst created. Thus, in the hematite structures of nanometre dimension, the rate of recombination of charge carriers fades away in comparison with bulk structures. Reducing the size of CdS structures also positively affects the nature of the photocatalytic reaction.

Roughness and uniformity improvements on self-aligned quadruple patterning technique for 10nm node and beyond by wafer stress engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Eric; Ko, Akiteru; O'Meara, David; Mohanty, Nihar; Franke, Elliott; Pillai, Karthik; Biolsi, Peter

2017-05-01

Dimension shrinkage has been a major driving force in the development of integrated circuit processing over a number of decades. The Self-Aligned Quadruple Patterning (SAQP) technique is widely adapted for sub-10nm node in order to achieve the desired feature dimensions. This technique provides theoretical feasibility of multiple pitch-halving from 193nm immersion lithography by using various pattern transferring steps. The major concept of this approach is to a create spacer defined self-aligned pattern by using single lithography print. By repeating the process steps, double, quadruple, or octuple are possible to be achieved theoretically. In these small architectures, line roughness control becomes extremely important since it may contribute to a significant portion of process and device performance variations. In addition, the complexity of SAQP in terms of processing flow makes the roughness improvement indirective and ineffective. It is necessary to discover a new approach in order to improve the roughness in the current SAQP technique. In this presentation, we demonstrate a novel method to improve line roughness performances on 30nm pitch SAQP flow. We discover that the line roughness performance is strongly related to stress management. By selecting different stress level of film to be deposited onto the substrate, we can manipulate the roughness performance in line and space patterns. In addition, the impact of curvature change by applied film stress to SAQP line roughness performance is also studied. No significant correlation is found between wafer curvature and line roughness performance. We will discuss in details the step-by-step physical performances for each processing step in terms of critical dimension (CD)/ critical dimension uniformity (CDU)/line width roughness (LWR)/line edge roughness (LER). Finally, we summarize the process needed to reach the full wafer performance targets of LWR/LER in 1.07nm/1.13nm on 30nm pitch line and space pattern.

The heritage of pathogen pressures and ancient demography in the human innate-immunity CD209/CD209L region.

PubMed

Barreiro, Luis B; Patin, Etienne; Neyrolles, Olivier; Cann, Howard M; Gicquel, Brigitte; Quintana-Murci, Lluís

2005-11-01

The innate immunity system constitutes the first line of host defense against pathogens. Two closely related innate immunity genes, CD209 and CD209L, are particularly interesting because they directly recognize a plethora of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Both genes, which result from an ancient duplication, possess a neck region, made up of seven repeats of 23 amino acids each, known to play a major role in the pathogen-binding properties of these proteins. To explore the extent to which pathogens have exerted selective pressures on these innate immunity genes, we resequenced them in a group of samples from sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and East Asia. Moreover, variation in the number of repeats of the neck region was defined in the entire Human Genome Diversity Panel for both genes. Our results, which are based on diversity levels, neutrality tests, population genetic distances, and neck-region length variation, provide genetic evidence that CD209 has been under a strong selective constraint that prevents accumulation of any amino acid changes, whereas CD209L variability has most likely been shaped by the action of balancing selection in non-African populations. In addition, our data point to the neck region as the functional target of such selective pressures: CD209 presents a constant size in the neck region populationwide, whereas CD209L presents an excess of length variation, particularly in non-African populations. An additional interesting observation came from the coalescent-based CD209 gene tree, whose binary topology and time depth (approximately 2.8 million years ago) are compatible with an ancestral population structure in Africa. Altogether, our study has revealed that even a short segment of the human genome can uncover an extraordinarily complex evolutionary history, including different pathogen pressures on host genes as well as traces of admixture among archaic hominid populations.

Incidence and Prevalence of Celiac Disease and Dermatitis Herpetiformis in the UK Over Two Decades: Population-Based Study

PubMed Central

West, Joe; Fleming, Kate M; Tata, Laila J; Card, Timothy R; Crooks, Colin J

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVES: Few studies have quantified the incidence and prevalence of celiac disease (CD) and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) nationally and regionally by time and age groups. Understanding this epidemiology is crucial for hypothesizing about causes and quantifying the burden of disease. METHODS: Patients with CD or DH were identified in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink between 1990 and 2011. Incidence rates and prevalence were calculated by age, sex, year, and region of residence. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) adjusted for age, sex, and region were calculated with Poisson regression. RESULTS: A total of 9,087 incident cases of CD and 809 incident cases of DH were identified. Between 1990 and 2011, the incidence rate of CD increased from 5.2 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval (CI), 3.8–6.8) to 19.1 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI, 17.8–20.5; IRR, 3.6; 95% CI, 2.7–4.8). The incidence of DH decreased over the same time period from 1.8 per 100,000 to 0.8 per 100,000 person-years (average annual IRR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94–0.97). The absolute incidence of CD per 100,000 person-years ranged from 22.3 in Northern Ireland to 10 in London. There were large regional variations in prevalence for CD but not DH. CONCLUSIONS: We found a fourfold increase in the incidence of CD in the United Kingdom over 22 years, with large regional variations in prevalence. This contrasted with a 4% annual decrease in the incidence of DH, with minimal regional variations in prevalence. These contrasts could reflect differences in diagnosis between CD (serological diagnosis and case finding) and DH (symptomatic presentation) or the possibility that diagnosing and treating CD prevents the development of DH. PMID:24667576

Assembly of 4-, 6- and 8-connected Cd(II) pseudo-polymorphic coordination polymers: Synthesis, solvent-dependent structural variation and properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Zhao-Hao; Xue, Li-Ping, E-mail: lpxue@163.com; Miao, Shao-Bin

2016-08-15

The reaction of Cd(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}·4H{sub 2}O, 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid (H{sub 2}tdc) and 1,2-bis(imidazol-1′-yl)methane (bimm) by modulating solvent systems yielded three highly connected pseudo-polymorphic coordination polymers based on different dinuclear [Cd{sub 2}(CO{sub 2}){sub 2}] subunits bridged by carboxylate groups. Single crystal structural analyses reveal structural variation from 4-connected 2D sql layer, 6-connected 2-fold interpenetrated 3D pcu to 8-connected 3D bcu-type network in compounds 1–3. The structural dissimilarity in the structures dependent on the coordination environments of Cd(II) ions and linking modes of mixed ligand influenced by different solvent systems during the synthesis process. Moreover, thermogravimetric and photoluminescence behaviors of 1–3 weremore » also investigated for the first time, and all the complexes emit blue luminescence in the solid state. - Graphical abstract: Key Topic. Different solvent systems modulated three Cd(II) pseudo-polymorphic coordination polymers based on thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate and 1,2-bis(imidazol-1′-yl)methane mixed ligands. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Three solvent-dependent Cd(II) pseudo-polymorphic coordination polymers have been synthesized. • Structural variation from 4-connected 2D layer, 6-connected 2-fold interpenetrated 3D net to 8-connected 3D net. • All complexes emit blue luminescence.« less

Genetic variation in metallothionein and metal-regulatory transcription factor 1 in relation to urinary cadmium, copper, and zinc

PubMed Central

Adams, Scott V.; Barrick, Brian; Freney, Emily P.; Shafer, Martin M.; Makar, Karen; Song, Xiaoling; Lampe, Johanna; Vilchis, Hugo; Ulery, April; Newcomb, Polly A.

2015-01-01

Background Metallothionein (MT) proteins play critical roles in the physiological handling of both essential (Cu and Zn) and toxic (Cd) metals. MT expression is regulated by metal-regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF1). Hence, genetic variation in the MT gene family and MTF1 might therefore influence excretion of these metals. Methods 321 women were recruited in Seattle, WA and Las Cruces, NM and provided demographic information, urine samples for measurement of metal concentrations by mass spectrometry and creatinine, and blood or saliva for extraction of DNA. Forty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the MTF1 gene region and the region of chromosome 16 encoding the MT gene family were selected for genotyping in addition to an ancestry informative marker panel. Linear regression was used to estimate the association of SNPs with urinary Cd, Cu, and Zn, adjusted for age, urinary creatinine, smoking history, study site, and ancestry. Results Minor alleles of rs28366003 and rs10636 near the MT2A gene were associated with lower urinary Cd, Cu, and Zn. Minor alleles of rs8044719 and rs1599823, near MT1A and MT1B, were associated with lower urinary Cd and Zn, respectively. Minor alleles of rs4653329 in MTF1 was associated with lower urinary Cd. Conclusions These results suggest that genetic variation in the MT gene region and MTF1 influences urinary Cd, Cu, and Zn excretion. PMID:26529669

Flexible, High-Speed CdSe Nanocrystal Integrated Circuits.

PubMed

Stinner, F Scott; Lai, Yuming; Straus, Daniel B; Diroll, Benjamin T; Kim, David K; Murray, Christopher B; Kagan, Cherie R

2015-10-14

We report large-area, flexible, high-speed analog and digital colloidal CdSe nanocrystal integrated circuits operating at low voltages. Using photolithography and a newly developed process to fabricate vertical interconnect access holes, we scale down device dimensions, reducing parasitic capacitances and increasing the frequency of circuit operation, and scale up device fabrication over 4 in. flexible substrates. We demonstrate amplifiers with ∼7 kHz bandwidth, ring oscillators with <10 μs stage delays, and NAND and NOR logic gates.

Live-monitoring of Te inclusions laser-induced thermo-diffusion and annealing in CdZnTe crystals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zappettini, A.; Zambelli, N.; Benassi, G.

2014-06-23

The presence of Te inclusions is one of the main factors limiting performances of CdZnTe crystals as X-ray detectors. We show that by means of infrared laser radiation it is possible to move and anneal tellurium inclusions exploiting a thermo-diffusion mechanism. The process is studied live during irradiation by means of an optical microscope equipment. Experimental conditions, and, in particular, energy laser fluence, for annealing inclusions of different dimensions are determined.

Three-dimensional profile extraction from CD-SEM image and top/bottom CD measurement by line-edge roughness analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaguchi, Atsuko; Ohashi, Takeyoshi; Kawasaki, Takahiro; Inoue, Osamu; Kawada, Hiroki

2013-04-01

A new method for calculating critical dimension (CDs) at the top and bottom of three-dimensional (3D) pattern profiles from a critical-dimension scanning electron microscope (CD-SEM) image, called as "T-sigma method", is proposed and evaluated. Without preparing a library of database in advance, T-sigma can estimate a feature of a pattern sidewall. Furthermore, it supplies the optimum edge-definition (i.e., threshold level for determining edge position from a CDSEM signal) to detect the top and bottom of the pattern. This method consists of three steps. First, two components of line-edge roughness (LER); noise-induced bias (i.e., LER bias) and unbiased component (i.e., bias-free LER) are calculated with set threshold level. Second, these components are calculated with various threshold values, and the threshold-dependence of these two components, "T-sigma graph", is obtained. Finally, the optimum threshold value for the top and the bottom edge detection are given by the analysis of T-sigma graph. T-sigma was applied to CD-SEM images of three kinds of resist-pattern samples. In addition, reference metrology was performed with atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). Sensitivity of CD measured by T-sigma to the reference CD was higher than or equal to that measured by the conventional edge definition. Regarding the absolute measurement accuracy, T-sigma showed better results than the conventional definition. Furthermore, T-sigma graphs were calculated from CD-SEM images of two kinds of resist samples and compared with corresponding STEM observation results. Both bias-free LER and LER bias increased as the detected edge point moved from the bottom to the top of the pattern in the case that the pattern had a straight sidewall and a round top. On the other hand, they were almost constant in the case that the pattern had a re-entrant profile. T-sigma will be able to reveal a re-entrant feature. From these results, it is found that T-sigma method can provide rough cross-sectional pattern features and achieve quick, easy and accurate measurements of top and bottom CD.

Spatial distribution of Cd and Cu in soils in Shenyang Zhangshi Irrigation Area (SZIA), China*

PubMed Central

Sun, Li-na; Yang, Xiao-bo; Wang, Wen-qing; Ma, Li; Chen, Su

2008-01-01

Heavy metal contamination of soils, derived from sewage irrigation, mining and inappropriate utilization of various agrochemicals and pesticides, and so on, has been of wide concern in the last several decades. The Shenyang Zhangshi Irrigation Area (SZIA) in China is a representative area of heavy metal contamination of soils resulting from sewage irrigation for about 30 years. This study investigated the spatial distribution and temporal variation of soil cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) contamination in the SZIA. The soil samples were collected from the SZIA in 1990 and 2004; Cd and Cu in soils was analyzed and then the spatial distribution and temporal variation of Cd and Cu in soils were modeled using Kriging methods. The results show that long-term sewage irrigation had caused serious Cd and Cu contamination in soils. The mean and the maximum of soil Cd are markedly higher than the levels in second grade standard soil (LSGSS) in China, and the maximum of soil Cu is close to the LSGSS in China in 2004 and is more than the LSGSS in China in 1990. The contamination magnitude of soil Cd and the soil extent of Cd contamination had evidently increased since sewage irrigation ceased in 1992. The contamination magnitude of soil Cu and the soil extent of Cu contamination had evidently increased in topsoil, but obviously decresed in subsoil. The soil contamination of Cd and Cu was mainly related to Cd and Cu reactivation of contaminated sediments in Shenyang Xi River and the import of Cd and Cu during irrigation. The eluviation of Cd and Cu in contaminated topsoil with rainfall and irrigation water was another factor of temporal-spatial variability of Cd and Cu contamination in soils. PMID:18357631

Genetic Diversity, Rather than Cultivar Type, Determines Relative Grain Cd Accumulation in Hybrid Rice

PubMed Central

Sun, Liang; Xu, Xiaxu; Jiang, Youru; Zhu, Qihong; Yang, Fei; Zhou, Jieqiang; Yang, Yuanzhu; Huang, Zhiyuan; Li, Aihong; Chen, Lianghui; Tang, Wenbang; Zhang, Guoyu; Wang, Jiurong; Xiao, Guoying; Huang, Daoyou; Chen, Caiyan

2016-01-01

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic element, and rice is known to be a leading source of dietary Cd for people who consume rice as their main caloric resource. Hybrid rice has dominated rice production in southern China and has been adopted worldwide. The characteristics of high yield heterosis of rice hybrids makes the public think intuitively that the hybrid rice accumulates more Cd in grain than do inbred cultivars. A detailed understanding of the genetic basis of grain Cd accumulation in hybrids and developing Cd-safe rice are one of the top priorities for hybrid rice breeders at present. In this study, we investigated genetic diversity and grain Cd levels in 617 elite rice hybrids collected from the middle and lower Yangtze River Valley in China and 68 inbred cultivars from around the world. We found that there are large variations in grain Cd accumulation in both the hybrids and their inbred counterparts. However, we found grain Cd levels in the rice hybrids to be similar to the levels in indica rice inbreds, suggesting that the hybrids do not accumulate more Cd than do the inbred rice cultivars. Further analysis revealed that the high heritability of Cd accumulation in the grain and the single indica population structure increases the risk of Cd over-accumulation in hybrid rice. The genetic effects of Cd-related QTLs, which have been identified in related Cd-QTL mapping studies, were also determined in the hybrid rice population. Four QTLs were identified as being associated with the variation in grain Cd levels; three of these loci exhibited obvious indica-japonica differentiations. Our study will provide a better understanding of grain Cd accumulations in hybrid rice, and pave the way toward effective breeding for high-yielding, low grain-Cd hybrids in the future. PMID:27708659

Multi-Material Front Contact for 19% Thin Film Solar Cells.

PubMed

van Deelen, Joop; Tezsevin, Yasemin; Barink, Marco

2016-02-06

The trade-off between transmittance and conductivity of the front contact material poses a bottleneck for thin film solar panels. Normally, the front contact material is a metal oxide and the optimal cell configuration and panel efficiency were determined for various band gap materials, representing Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS), CdTe and high band gap perovskites. Supplementing the metal oxide with a metallic copper grid improves the performance of the front contact and aims to increase the efficiency. Various front contact designs with and without a metallic finger grid were calculated with a variation of the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) sheet resistance, scribing area, cell length, and finger dimensions. In addition, the contact resistance and illumination power were also assessed and the optimal thin film solar panel design was determined. Adding a metallic finger grid on a TCO gives a higher solar cell efficiency and this also enables longer cell lengths. However, contact resistance between the metal and the TCO material can reduce the efficiency benefit somewhat.

Organizational performance impacting patient satisfaction in Ontario hospitals: a multilevel analysis

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Patient satisfaction in health care constitutes an important component of organizational performance in the hospital setting. Satisfaction measures have been developed and used to evaluate and improve hospital performance, quality of care and physician practice. In order to direct improvement strategies, it is necessary to evaluate both individual and organizational factors that can impact patients’ perception of care. The study aims were to determine the dimensions of patient satisfaction, and to analyze the individual and organizational determinants of satisfaction dimensions in hospitals. Methods We used patient and hospital survey data as well as administrative data collected for a 2008 public hospital report in Ontario, Canada. We evaluated the clustering of patient survey items with exploratory factor analysis and derived plausible dimensions of satisfaction. A two-level multivariate model was fitted to analyze the determinants of satisfaction. Results We found eight satisfaction factors, with acceptable to good level of loadings and good reliability. More than 95% of variation in patient satisfaction scores was attributable to patient-level variation, with less than 5% attributable to hospital-level variation. The hierarchical models explain 5 to 17% of variation at the patient level and up to 52% of variation between hospitals. Individual patient characteristics had the strongest association with all dimensions of satisfaction. Few organizational performance indicators are associated with patient satisfaction and significant determinants differ according to the satisfaction dimension. Conclusions The research findings highlight the importance of adjusting for both patient-level and organization-level characteristics when evaluating patient satisfaction. Better understanding and measurement of organization-level activities and processes associated with patient satisfaction could contribute to improved satisfaction ratings and care quality. PMID:24304888

1H NMR study of inclusion compounds of phenylurea derivatives in β-cyclodextrin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dupuy, N.; Barbry, D.; Bria, M.; Marquis, S.; Vrielynck, L.; Kister, J.

2005-04-01

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1H NMR), which has become an important tool for the study "in situ" of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) complexes, was used to study and structurally characterize the inclusion complexes formed between β-CD and isoproturon, fenuron, monuron and diuron. The high variation of the chemical shifts from the proton located inside the cavity (H-3, H-5 and H-6) coupled with the non variation of the one located outer sphere of the β-CD (H-1, H-2 and H-4) provided clear evidence of the inclusion phenomena. Two-dimensional rotating frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY) experiments were carried out to further support the proposed inclusion mode.

Natural Polymorphisms in Tap2 Influence Negative Selection and CD4∶CD8 Lineage Commitment in the Rat

PubMed Central

Tuncel, Jonatan; Haag, Sabrina; Yau, Anthony C. Y.; Norin, Ulrika; Baud, Amelie; Lönnblom, Erik; Maratou, Klio; Ytterberg, A. Jimmy; Ekman, Diana; Thordardottir, Soley; Johannesson, Martina; Gillett, Alan; Stridh, Pernilla; Jagodic, Maja; Olsson, Tomas; Fernández-Teruel, Alberto; Zubarev, Roman A.; Mott, Richard; Aitman, Timothy J.; Flint, Jonathan; Holmdahl, Rikard

2014-01-01

Genetic variation in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) affects CD4∶CD8 lineage commitment and MHC expression. However, the contribution of specific genes in this gene-dense region has not yet been resolved. Nor has it been established whether the same genes regulate MHC expression and T cell selection. Here, we assessed the impact of natural genetic variation on MHC expression and CD4∶CD8 lineage commitment using two genetic models in the rat. First, we mapped Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) associated with variation in MHC class I and II protein expression and the CD4∶CD8 T cell ratio in outbred Heterogeneous Stock rats. We identified 10 QTLs across the genome and found that QTLs for the individual traits colocalized within a region spanning the MHC. To identify the genes underlying these overlapping QTLs, we generated a large panel of MHC-recombinant congenic strains, and refined the QTLs to two adjacent intervals of ∼0.25 Mb in the MHC-I and II regions, respectively. An interaction between these intervals affected MHC class I expression as well as negative selection and lineage commitment of CD8 single-positive (SP) thymocytes. We mapped this effect to the transporter associated with antigen processing 2 (Tap2) in the MHC-II region and the classical MHC class I gene(s) (RT1-A) in the MHC-I region. This interaction was revealed by a recombination between RT1-A and Tap2, which occurred in 0.2% of the rats. Variants of Tap2 have previously been shown to influence the antigenicity of MHC class I molecules by altering the MHC class I ligandome. Our results show that a restricted peptide repertoire on MHC class I molecules leads to reduced negative selection of CD8SP cells. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing how a recombination between natural alleles of genes in the MHC influences lineage commitment of T cells. PMID:24586191

Helium like impurity in CdTe/ Cd1-xMnxTe semimagnetic semiconductors under magnetic field: Dimensionality effect on electron - Electron interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalpana, Panneer Selvam; Jayakumar, Kalyanasundaram

2017-11-01

We study the effect of magnetic field on the Coulomb interaction between the two electrons confined inside a CdTe/Cd1-xMnxTe Quantum Well (QW), Quantum Well Wire (QWW) and Quantum Dot (QD) for the composition of Mn2+ ion, x = 0.3. The two particle Schrodinger equation has been solved using variational technique in the effective mass approximation. The results show that the applied magnetic field tremendously alters the Coulomb interaction of the electrons and their binding to the donor impurity by shrinking the spatial extension of the two particle wavefunction and leads to tunnelling through the barrier. The qualitative phenomenon involved in such variation of electron - electron interaction with the magnetic field has also been explained through the 3D - plot of the probability density function.

Transforming growth factor beta1 gene variation Leu10Pro affects secretion and function in hepatic cells.

PubMed

Gu, Xing; Ji, Xin; Shi, Le-Hua; Yi, Chang-Hong; Zhao, Yun-Peng; Wang, Ai-Hua; Lu, Lun-Gen; Yu, Wen-Bo; Gao, Chun-Fang

2012-11-01

Our previous work revealed transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1) gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis. However, no further study of functional substitution in hepatic cells has yet been reported. This study was designed to uncover the functional mechanisms of TGFβ1 gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Two recombinant TGFβ1 expression plasmids containing TGFβ1 codon 10 Leu/Pro variation were constructed with CMV promoter and transfected into human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2 and SMMU 7721), hepatic stellate cells (LX-2), and immortalized hepatocytes (L02). The secretion capacities of TGFβ1 protein in the transfected cells were determined by ELISA. Apoptosis, proliferative activity, and expression of CD 105, CD83, and CD80 were also measured by use of flow cytometry. The ELISA results showed that cells transfected with CMV-Pro10 were more capable of TGFβ1 secretion than those transfected with CMV-Leu10. Functionally, CMV-Pro10 was more apoptosis-protective and induced more proliferation than CMV-Leu10 in transfected hepatic cells. Pro10 up-regulated expression of CD105 and down-regulated expression of CD83. TGFβ1 gene Leu10Pro variation in signal peptide has significant effects on TGFβ1 secretion and functions in hepatic cells.

Matching OPC and masks on 300-mm lithography tools utilizing variable illumination settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palitzsch, Katrin; Kubis, Michael; Schroeder, Uwe P.; Schumacher, Karl; Frangen, Andreas

2004-05-01

CD control is crucial to maximize product yields on 300mm wafers. This is particularly true for DRAM frontend lithography layers, like gate level, and deep trench (capacitor) level. In the DRAM process, large areas of the chip are taken up by array structures, which are difficult to structure due to aggressive pitch requirements. Consequently, the lithography process is centered such that the array structures are printed on target. Optical proximity correction is applied to print gate level structures in the periphery circuitry on target. Only slight differences of the different Zernike terms can cause rather large variations of the proximity curves, resulting in a difference of isolated and semi-isolated lines printed on different tools. If the deviations are too large, tool specific OPC is needed. The same is true for deep trench level, where the length to width ratio of elongated contact-like structures is an important parameter to adjust the electrical properties of the chip. Again, masks with specific biases for tools with different Zernikes are needed to optimize product yield. Additionally, mask making contributes to the CD variation of the process. Theoretically, the CD deviation caused by an off-centered mask process can easily eat up the majority of the CD budget of a lithography process. In practice, masks are very often distributed intelligently among production tools, such that lens and mask effects cancel each other. However, only dose adjusting and mask allocation may still result in a high CD variation with large systematical contributions. By adjusting the illumination settings, we have successfully implemented a method to reduce CD variation on our advanced processes. Especially inner and outer sigma for annular illumination, and the numerical aperture, can be optimized to match mask and stepper properties. This process will be shown to overcome slight lens and mask differences effectively. The effects on lithography process windows have to be considered, nonetheless.

Compensation of long-range process effects on photomasks by design data correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Jens; Bloecker, Martin; Ballhorn, Gerd; Belic, Nikola; Eisenmann, Hans; Keogan, Danny

2002-12-01

CD requirements for advanced photomasks are getting very demanding for the 100 nm-node and below; the ITRS roadmap requires CD uniformities below 10 nm for the most critical layers. To reach this goal, statistical as well as systematic CD contributions must be minimized. Here, we focus on the reduction of systematic CD variations across the masks that may be caused by process effects, e.g. dry etch loading. We address this topic by compensating such effects via design data correction analogous to proximity correction. Dry etch loading is modeled by gaussian convolution of pattern densities. Data correction is done geometrically by edge shifting. As the effect amplitude has an order of magnitude of 10 nm this can only be done on e-beam writers with small address grids to reduce big CD steps in the design data. We present modeling and correction results for special mask patterns with very strong pattern density variations showing that the compensation method is able to reduce CD uniformity by 50-70% depending on pattern details. The data correction itself is done with a new module developed especially to compensate long-range effects and fits nicely into the common data flow environment.

Color generalization across hue and saturation in chicks described by a simple (Bayesian) model.

PubMed

Scholtyssek, Christine; Osorio, Daniel C; Baddeley, Roland J

2016-08-01

Color conveys important information for birds in tasks such as foraging and mate choice, but in the natural world color signals can vary substantially, so birds may benefit from generalizing responses to perceptually discriminable colors. Studying color generalization is therefore a way to understand how birds take account of suprathreshold stimulus variations in decision making. Former studies on color generalization have focused on hue variation, but natural colors often vary in saturation, which could be an additional, independent source of information. We combine behavioral experiments and statistical modeling to investigate whether color generalization by poultry chicks depends on the chromatic dimension in which colors vary. Chicks were trained to discriminate colors separated by equal distances on a hue or a saturation dimension, in a receptor-based color space. Generalization tests then compared the birds' responses to familiar and novel colors lying on the same chromatic dimension. To characterize generalization we introduce a Bayesian model that extracts a threshold color distance beyond which chicks treat novel colors as significantly different from the rewarded training color. These thresholds were the same for generalization along the hue and saturation dimensions, demonstrating that responses to novel colors depend on similarity and expected variation of color signals but are independent of the chromatic dimension.

The LER/LWR metrology challenge for advance process control through 3D-AFM and CD-SEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faurie, P.; Foucher, J.; Foucher, A.-L.

2009-12-01

The continuous shrinkage in dimensions of microelectronic devices has reached such level, with typical gate length in advance R&D of less than 20nm combine with the introduction of new architecture (FinFET, Double gate...) and new materials (porous interconnect material, 193 immersion resist, metal gate material, high k materials...), that new process parameters have to be well understood and well monitored to guarantee sufficient production yield in a near future. Among these parameters, there are the critical dimensions (CD) associated to the sidewall angle (SWA) values, the line edge roughness (LER) and the line width roughness (LWR). Thus, a new metrology challenge has appeared recently and consists in measuring "accurately" the fabricated patterns on wafers in addition to measure the patterns on a repeatable way. Therefore, a great effort has to be done on existing techniques like CD-SEM, Scatterometry and 3D-AFM in order to develop them following the two previous criteria: Repeatability and Accuracy. In this paper, we will compare the 3D-AFM and CD-SEM techniques as a mean to measure LER and LWR on silicon and 193 resist and point out CD-SEM impact on the material during measurement. Indeed, depending on the material type, the interaction between the electron beam and the material or between the AFM tip and the material can vary a lot and subsequently can generate measurements bias. The first results tend to show that depending on CD-SEM conditions (magnification, number of acquisition frames) the final outputs can vary on a large range and therefore show that accuracy in such measurements are really not obvious to obtain. On the basis of results obtained on various materials that present standard sidewall roughness, we will show the limit of each technique and will propose different ways to improve them in order to fulfil advance roadmap requirements for the development of the next IC generation.

The protective effect of character maturity in child aggressive antisocial behavior.

PubMed

Kerekes, Nóra; Falk, Örjan; Brändström, Sven; Anckarsäter, Henrik; Råstam, Maria; Hofvander, Björn

2017-07-01

Childhood aggressive antisocial behavior (CD) is one of the strongest predictors of mental health problems and criminal behavior in adulthood. The aims of this study were to describe personality profiles in children with CD, and to determine the strength of association between defined neurodevelopmental symptoms, dimensions of character maturity and CD. A sample of 1886 children with a close to equal distribution of age (9 or 12) and gender, enriched for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric problems were selected from the nationwide Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden. Their parents rated them according to the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory following a telephone interview during which information about the children's development and mental health was assessed with the Autism-Tics, AD/HD and other Comorbidities inventory. Scores on the CD module significantly and positively correlated with scores on the Novelty Seeking temperament dimension and negatively with scores on character maturity (Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness). In the group of children with either neurodevelopmental or behavioral problems, the prevalence of low or very low character maturity was 50%, while when these two problems coexisted the prevalence of low or very low character maturity increased to 70%. Neurodevelopmental problems (such as: oppositional defiant disorder, symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder) and low scores on character maturity emerged as independently significant predictors of CD; in a multivariable model, only oppositional defiant symptoms and impulsivity significantly increased the risk for coexisting CD while a mature self-agency in a child (Self-Directedness) remained a significant protective factor. These results suggest that children's willpower, the capacity to achieve personally chosen goals may be an important protective factor - even in the presence of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric problems - against progressing into persistent negative outcomes, such as aggressive antisocial behaviors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The CD control improvement by using CDSEM 2D measurement of complex OPC patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chou, William; Cheng, Jeffrey; Lee, Adder; Cheng, James; Tzeng, Alex C.; Lu, Colbert; Yang, Ray; Lee, Hong Jen; Bandoh, Hideaki; Santo, Izumi; Zhang, Hao; Chen, Chien Kang

2016-10-01

As the process node becomes more advanced, the accuracy and precision in OPC pattern CD are required in mask manufacturing. CD SEM is an essential tool to confirm the mask quality such as CD control, CD uniformity and CD mean to target (MTT). Unfortunately, in some cases of arbitrary enclosed patterns or aggressive OPC patterns, for instance, line with tiny jogs and curvilinear SRAF, CD variation depending on region of interest (ROI) is a very serious problem in mask CD control, even it decreases the wafer yield. For overcoming this situation, the 2-dimensional (2D) method by Holon is adopted. In this paper, we summarize the comparisons of error budget between conventional (1D) and 2D data using CD SEM and the CD performance between mask and wafer by complex OPC patterns including ILT features.

The Role of Node Restriction on Cadmium Accumulation in the Brown Rice of 12 Chinese Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars.

PubMed

Huang, Gaoxiang; Ding, Changfeng; Guo, Fuyu; Li, Xiaogang; Zhou, Zhigao; Zhang, Taolin; Wang, Xingxiang

2017-11-29

For selection or breeding of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars with low Cd affinity, the role of node Cd restriction on Cd accumulation in brown rice was studied. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the concentration of Cd in different sections of 12 Chinese rice cultivars. The results indicated that the Cd accumulation in the brown rice was mainly dependent on the root or shoot Cd concentration. Among the cultivars with nearly equal shoot Cd concentrations, Cd accumulation in brown rice was mainly dependent on the transport of Cd in the shoot. However, the Cd transport in the shoot was significantly restricted by the nodes, especially by the first node. Furthermore, the area of the diffuse vascular bundle in the junctional region of the flag leaf and the first node was a key contributor to the variations in Cd restriction by the nodes.

"I Cannot Be Worried": Living with Chagas Disease in Tropical Bolivia.

PubMed

Forsyth, Colin J

2017-01-01

Chagas disease (CD) profoundly affects the social and emotional dimensions of patients' lives, and disproportionately impacts poor, marginalized populations in Latin America. Biomedical treatment for CD fails to reach up to 99% of the people affected, and in any case seldom addresses the emotional health or socioeconomic conditions of patients. This study examines patient strategies for coping with CD in the department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. In this ethnographic study, semistructured interviews took place from March-June 2013 with 63 patients who had previously tested positive for CD. During the fieldwork period, participant observation was conducted and patient family members, providers, community members, and public health officials were consulted. Patients often experienced emotional distress when diagnosed with CD, yet were generally unable to find biomedical treatment. Respondents stressed the need to avoid powerful emotions which would worsen the impact of CD symptoms. To manage CD, patients embraced a calm state of mind, described in Spanish as tranquilidad, which partially empowered them to return to a normal existence. In the perceived absence of biomedical treatment options, patients seek their own means of coping with CD diagnosis. Rather than fatalism or resignation, patients' emphasis on maintaining calm and not worrying about CD represents a pragmatic strategy for restoring a sense of normalcy and control to their lives. Programs focused on treatment of CD should remain mindful of the emotional and social impact of the disease on patients.

Morphological and physiological changes exhibited by a Cd-resistant Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides strain and its cadmium removal capacity.

PubMed

Bartolomé, M C; Cortés, A A; Sánchez-Fortún, A; Garnica-Romo, M G; Sánchez-Carrillo, S; Sánchez-Fortún, Sebastián

2016-12-01

Changes induced on freshwater microalga Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides (Dc(wt)) acclimated in the laboratory until their survival in culture media enriched with cadmium 100 µM have been studied. Cadmium removal by living cells of this Cd-resistant (Dc(CdR100)) strain was tested in cultures exposed to 100 µM Cd during 30 days. Cell dimensions were measured under light microscopy, and cell growth was studied. Photosynthetic yield (ΦPSII) was analyzed and the photosynthetic oxygen development and respiration response was obtained. Results show that Dc(CdR100) strain exhibited significant cell morphology changes in comparison to Dc(wt) cells, which affected both surface area and cell biovolume. Malthusian fitness analysis showed that Dc(CdR100) strain living in Cd-enriched culture had developed a lower capacity of nearly 50% growth, and its photosynthetic oxygen development and respiration response were significantly reduced in both light and dark photosynthetic phases. Dc(CdR100) strain showed a very high capacity to remove cadmium from the aquatic environment (over 90%), although most of the removed heavy metal (≈70%) is adhered to the cell wall. These specific characteristics of Dc(CdR100) cells suggest the possibility of using this strain in conjunction with Dc(wt) strain as bioelements into a dual-head biosensor, and in bioremediation processes on freshwater polluted with Cd.

Type of monocyte immunomagnetic separation affects the morphology of monocyte-derived dendritic cells, as investigated by scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Kowalewicz-Kulbat, M; Ograczyk, E; Krawczyk, K; Rudnicka, W; Fol, M

2016-12-01

Dendritic cells (DCs) are increasingly being used for multiple applications and are useful tools for many immunotherapeutic strategies. The understanding of the possible impact of the DCs-generation methods on the biological capacities of these cells is therefore essential. Although the immunomagnetic separation is regarded as a fast and accurate method yielding cells with the high purity and efficiency, still little is known about its impact on the properties of the generated DCs. The aim of this study was to compare the morphology of the monocyte derived dendritic cells (MoDCs), generated from monocytes selected with anti-CD14 mAbs (positive separation) and treated with anti-CD3, -CD7, -CD16, -CD19, -CD56, -CD123, glycophorin A (negative separation), using laser scanning microscopy. We found that the type of the immunomagnetic separation method used strongly influences the shape and cell dimension of the MoDCs. We observed that the height of both immature and LPS-matured DCs generated from monocytes isolated by negative separation was significantly higher compared to the cells obtained by positive separation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vacuum energy in Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet anti-de Sitter gravity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kofinas, Georgios; Olea, Rodrigo

2006-10-15

A finite action principle for Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet anti-de Sitter gravity is achieved by supplementing the bulk Lagrangian by a suitable boundary term, whose form substantially differs in odd and even dimensions. For even dimensions, this term is given by the boundary contribution in the Euler theorem with a coupling constant fixed, demanding the spacetime to have constant (negative) curvature in the asymptotic region. For odd dimensions, the action is stationary under a boundary condition on the variation of the extrinsic curvature. A well-posed variational principle leads to an appropriate definition of energy and other conserved quantities using the Noether theorem, andmore » to a correct description of black hole thermodynamics. In particular, this procedure assigns a nonzero energy to anti-de Sitter spacetime in all odd dimensions.« less

Resolving critical dimension drift over time in plasma etching through virtual metrology based wafer-to-wafer control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Ho Ki; Baek, Kye Hyun; Shin, Kyoungsub

2017-06-01

As semiconductor devices are scaled down to sub-20 nm, process window of plasma etching gets extremely small so that process drift or shift becomes more significant. This study addresses one of typical process drift issues caused by consumable parts erosion over time and provides feasible solution by using virtual metrology (VM) based wafer-to-wafer control. Since erosion of a shower head has center-to-edge area dependency, critical dimensions (CDs) at the wafer center and edge area get reversed over time. That CD trend is successfully estimated on a wafer-to-wafer basis by a partial least square (PLS) model which combines variables from optical emission spectroscopy (OES), VI-probe and equipment state gauges. R 2 of the PLS model reaches 0.89 and its prediction performance is confirmed in a mass production line. As a result, the model can be exploited as a VM for wafer-to-wafer control. With the VM, advanced process control (APC) strategy is implemented to solve the CD drift. Three σ of CD across wafer is improved from the range (1.3-2.9 nm) to the range (0.79-1.7 nm). Hopefully, results introduced in this paper will contribute to accelerating implementation of VM based APC strategy in semiconductor industry.

High-NA optical CD metrology on small in-cell targets enabling improved higher order dose control and process control for logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cramer, Hugo; Mc Namara, Elliott; van Laarhoven, Rik; Jaganatharaja, Ram; de la Fuente, Isabel; Hsu, Sharon; Belletti, Filippo; Popadic, Milos; Tu, Ward; Huang, Wade

2017-03-01

The logic manufacturing process requires small in-device metrology targets to exploit the full dose correction potential of the modern scanners and process tools. A high-NA angular resolved scatterometer (YieldStar S-1250D) was modified to demonstrate the possibility of OCD measurements on 5x5µm2 targets. The results obtained on test wafers in a logic manufacturing environment, measured after litho and after core etch, showed a good correlation to larger reference targets and AEI to ADI intra-field CDU correlation, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of OCD on such small targets. The data was used to determine a reduction potential of 55% for the intra-field CD variation, using 145 points per field on a few inner fields, and 33% of the process induced across wafer CD variation using 16 points per field full wafer. In addition, the OCD measurements reveal valuable information on wafer-to-wafer layer height variations within a lot.

Nanostructured Electron-Selective Interlayer for Efficient Inverted Organic Solar Cells.

PubMed

Song, Jiyun; Lim, Jaehoon; Lee, Donggu; Thambidurai, M; Kim, Jun Young; Park, Myeongjin; Song, Hyung-Jun; Lee, Seonghoon; Char, Kookheon; Lee, Changhee

2015-08-26

We report a unique nanostructured electron-selective interlayer comprising of In-doped ZnO (ZnO:In) and vertically aligned CdSe tetrapods (TPs) for inverted polymer:fullerene bulkheterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. With dimension-controlled CdSe TPs, the direct inorganic electron transport pathway is provided, resulting in the improvement of the short circuit current and fill factor of devices. We demonstrate that the enhancement is attributed to the roles of CdSe TPs that reduce the recombination losses between the active layer and buffer layer, improve the hole-blocking as well as electron-transporting properties, and simultaneously improve charge collection characteristics. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of PTB7:PC70BM based solar cell with nanostructured CdSe TPs increases to 7.55%. We expect this approach can be extended to a general platform for improving charge extraction in organic solar cells.

Defect printability of ArF alternative phase-shift mask: a critical comparison of simulation and experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozawa, Ken; Komizo, Tooru; Ohnuma, Hidetoshi

2002-07-01

An alternative phase shift mask (alt-PSM) is a promising device for extending optical lithography to finer design rules. There have been few reports, however, on the mask's ability to identify phase defects. We report here an alt-PSM of a single-trench type with undercut for ArF exposure, with programmed phase defects used to evaluate defect printability by measuring aerial images with a Zeiss MSM193 measuring system. The experimental results are simulated using the TEMPEST program. First, a critical comparison of the simulation and the experiment is conducted. The actual measured topographies of quartz defects are used in the simulation. Moreover, a general simulation study on defect printability using an alt-PSM for ArF exposure is conducted. The defect dimensions, which produce critical CD errors, are determined by simulation that takes into account the full 3-dimensional structure of phase defects as well as a simplified structure. The critical dimensions of an isolated bump defect identified by the alt-PSM of a single-trench type with undercut for ArF exposure are 300 nm in bottom dimension and 74 degrees in height (phase) for the real shape, where the depth of wet-etching is 100 nm and the CD error limit is +/- 5 percent.

Quantum mechanical derivation of the Wallis formula for π

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Friedmann, Tamar, E-mail: tfriedma@ur.rochester.edu; Hagen, C. R., E-mail: hagen@pas.rochester.edu

2015-11-15

A famous pre-Newtonian formula for π is obtained directly from the variational approach to the spectrum of the hydrogen atom in spaces of arbitrary dimensions greater than one, including the physical three dimensions.

Optical critical dimension metrology for directed self-assembly assisted contact hole shrink

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dixit, Dhairya; Green, Avery; Hosler, Erik R.; Kamineni, Vimal; Preil, Moshe E.; Keller, Nick; Race, Joseph; Chun, Jun Sung; O'Sullivan, Michael; Khare, Prasanna; Montgomery, Warren; Diebold, Alain C.

2016-01-01

Directed self-assembly (DSA) is a potential patterning solution for future generations of integrated circuits. Its main advantages are high pattern resolution (˜10 nm), high throughput, no requirement of high-resolution mask, and compatibility with standard fab-equipment and processes. The application of Mueller matrix (MM) spectroscopic ellipsometry-based scatterometry to optically characterize DSA patterned contact hole structures fabricated with phase-separated polystyrene-b-polymethylmethacrylate (PS-b-PMMA) is described. A regression-based approach is used to calculate the guide critical dimension (CD), DSA CD, height of the PS column, thicknesses of underlying layers, and contact edge roughness of the post PMMA etch DSA contact hole sample. Scanning electron microscopy and imaging analysis is conducted as a comparative metric for scatterometry. In addition, optical model-based simulations are used to investigate MM elements' sensitivity to various DSA-based contact hole structures, predict sensitivity to dimensional changes, and its limits to characterize DSA-induced defects, such as hole placement inaccuracy, missing vias, and profile inaccuracy of the PMMA cylinder.

Concentrations of cadmium, Cobalt, Lead, Nickel, and Zinc in Blood and Fillets of Northern Hog Sucker (Hypentelium nigricans) from streams contaminated by lead-Zinc mining: Implications for monitoring

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schmitt, C.J.; Brumbaugh, W.G.; May, T.W.

2009-01-01

Lead (Pb) and other metals can accumulate in northern hog sucker (Hypentelium nigricans) and other suckers (Catostomidae), which are harvested in large numbers from Ozark streams by recreational fishers. Suckers are also important in the diets of piscivorous wildlife and fishes. Suckers from streams contaminated by historic Pb-zinc (Zn) mining in southeastern Missouri are presently identified in a consumption advisory because of Pb concentrations. We evaluated blood sampling as a potentially nonlethal alternative to fillet sampling for Pb and other metals in northern hog sucker. Scaled, skin-on, bone-in "fillet" and blood samples were obtained from northern hog suckers (n = 75) collected at nine sites representing a wide range of conditions relative to Pb-Zn mining in southeastern Missouri. All samples were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), Pb, nickel (Ni), and Zn. Fillets were also analyzed for calcium as an indicator of the amount of bone, skin, and mucus included in the samples. Pb, Cd, Co, and Ni concentrations were typically higher in blood than in fillets, but Zn concentrations were similar in both sample types. Concentrations of all metals except Zn were typically higher at sites located downstream from active and historic Pb-Zn mines and related facilities than at nonmining sites. Blood concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Co were highly correlated with corresponding fillet concentrations; log-log linear regressions between concentrations in the two sample types explained 94% of the variation for Pb, 73-83% of the variation for Co, and 61% of the variation for Cd. In contrast, relations for Ni and Zn explained <12% of the total variation. Fillet Pb and calcium concentrations were correlated (r = 0.83), but only in the 12 fish from the most contaminated site; concentrations were not significantly correlated across all sites. Conversely, fillet Cd and calcium were correlated across the range of sites (r = 0.78), and the inclusion of calcium in the fillet-to-blood relation explained an additional 12% of the total variation in fillet Cd. Collectively, the results indicate that blood sampling could provide reasonably accurate and precise estimates of fillet Pb, Co, and Cd concentrations that would be suitable for identifying contaminated sites and for monitoring, but some fillet sampling might be necessary at contaminated sites for establishing consumption advisories. ?? 2009 US Government.

Do key dimensions of seed and seedling functional trait variation capture variation in recruitment probability?

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

1. Plant functional traits provide a mechanistic basis for understanding ecological variation among plant species and the implications of this variation for species distribution, community assembly and restoration. 2. The bulk of our functional trait understanding, however, is centered on traits rel...

Integrated Care for the Terminally Ill: Variations in the Utilization of Formal Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meyers, Allan R.; And Others

1983-01-01

A review of 85 patients who received home care for terminal illness showed that a small proportion of patients use a relatively high volume of both in-patient and home care services. Data suggest that there are two dimensions of service utilization: a medical dimension and a social dimension. (Author/RC)

Linear dimension reduction and Bayes classification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decell, H. P., Jr.; Odell, P. L.; Coberly, W. A.

1978-01-01

An explicit expression for a compression matrix T of smallest possible left dimension K consistent with preserving the n variate normal Bayes assignment of X to a given one of a finite number of populations and the K variate Bayes assignment of TX to that population was developed. The Bayes population assignment of X and TX were shown to be equivalent for a compression matrix T explicitly calculated as a function of the means and covariances of the given populations.

Dimensions of Experience: Exploring the Heterogeneity of the Wandering Mind.

PubMed

Wang, Hao-Ting; Poerio, Giulia; Murphy, Charlotte; Bzdok, Danilo; Jefferies, Elizabeth; Smallwood, Jonathan

2018-01-01

The tendency for the mind to wander to concerns other than the task at hand is a fundamental feature of human cognition, yet the consequences of variations in its experiential content for psychological functioning are not well understood. Here, we adopted multivariate pattern analysis to simultaneously decompose experience-sampling data and neural functional-connectivity data, which revealed dimensions that simultaneously describe individual variation in self-reported experience and default-mode-network connectivity. We identified dimensions corresponding to traits of positive-habitual thoughts and spontaneous task-unrelated thoughts. These dimensions were uniquely related to aspects of cognition, such as executive control and the ability to generate information in a creative fashion, and independently distinguished well-being measures. These data provide the most convincing evidence to date for an ontological view of the mind-wandering state as encompassing a broad range of different experiences and show that this heterogeneity underlies mind wandering's complex relationship to psychological functioning.

Leaching variations of heavy metals in chelator-assisted phytoextraction by Zea mays L. exposed to acid rainfall.

PubMed

Lu, Yayin; Luo, Dinggui; Liu, Lirong; Tan, Zicong; Lai, An; Liu, Guowei; Li, Junhui; Long, Jianyou; Huang, Xuexia; Chen, Yongheng

2017-11-01

Chelant-enhanced phytoextraction method has been put forward as an effective soil remediation method, whereas the heavy metal leaching could not be ignored. In this study, a cropping-leaching experiment, using soil columns, was applied to study the metal leaching variations during assisted phytoextraction of Cd- and Pb-polluted soils, using seedlings of Zea mays, applying three different chelators (EDTA, EDDS, and rhamnolipid), and artificial rainfall (acid rainfall or normal rainfall). It showed that artificial rainfall, especially artificial acid rain, after chelator application led to the increase of heavy metals in the leaching solution. EDTA increased both Cd and Pb concentrations in the leaching solution, obviously, whereas EDDS and rhamnolipid increased Cd concentration but not Pb. The amount of Cd and Pb decreased as the leaching solution increased, the patterns as well matched LRMs (linear regression models), with R-square (R 2 ) higher than 90 and 82% for Cd and Pb, respectively. The maximum cumulative Cd and Pb in the leaching solutions were 18.44 and 16.68%, respectively, which was amended by EDTA and acid rainwater (pH 4.5), and followed by EDDS (pH 4.5), EDDS (pH 6.5), rhamnolipid (0.5 g kg -1 soil, pH 4.5), and rhamnolipid (pH 6.5).

Recent temporal variations of trace metal content in an Italian white wine.

PubMed

Illuminati, Silvia; Annibaldi, Anna; Truzzi, Cristina; Scarponi, Giuseppe

2014-09-15

For the first time in Italy, the temporal variations of Cd, Pb and Cu content in an Italian white wine were studied over the period 1995-2010. A previously set up and optimized Square-Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetric technique was used. Cd showed a first decrease (∼30%) due to the use of pesticides with progressively low Cd residues. Since 2000 Cd had constant and extremely low values (0.17±0.07 μg L(-1)). A significant decrease (∼74%) from 1995 to 2010 was observed for Pb (mean concentration, 18±10 μg L(-1)) probably due to the recent decrease in Pb emissions in the atmosphere following the phasing out of metal from gasoline (in Italy since 2002). The Cu reduction (mean value, 32±15 μg L(-1)) of ∼74% from 1995 to 2010 was related to the use of phytoiatric products with a progressively low Cu content. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Non-Rayleigh control of upper-ocean Cd isotope fractionation in the western South Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Ruifang C.; Galer, Stephen J. G.; Abouchami, Wafa; Rijkenberg, Micha J. A.; de Baar, Hein J. W.; De Jong, Jeroen; Andreae, Meinrat O.

2017-08-01

We present seawater Cd isotopic compositions in five depth profiles and a continuous surface water transect, from 50°S to the Equator, in the western South Atlantic, sampled during GEOTRACES cruise 74JC057 (GA02 section, Leg 3), and investigate the mechanisms governing Cd isotope cycling in the upper and deep ocean. The depth profiles generally display high ε 112 / 110Cd at the surface and decrease with increasing depth toward values typical of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW). However, at stations north of the Subantarctic Front, the decrease in ε 112 / 110Cd is interrupted by a shift to values intermediate between those of surface and bottom waters, which occurs at depths occupied by North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW). This pattern is associated with variations in Cd concentration from low surface values to a maximum at mid-depths and is attributed to preferential utilization of light Cd by phytoplankton in the surface ocean. Our new results show that in this region Cd-deficient waters do not display the extreme, highly fractionated ε 112 / 110Cd reported in some earlier studies from other oceanic regions. Instead, in the surface and subsurface southwest (SW) Atlantic, when [Cd] drops below 0.1 nmol kg-1, ε 112 / 110Cd are relatively homogeneous and cluster around a value of +3.7, in agreement with the mean value of 3.8 ± 3.3 (2SD, n = 164) obtained from a statistical evaluation of the global ocean Cd isotope dataset. We suggest that Cd-deficient surface waters may acquire their Cd isotope signature via sorption of Cd onto organic ligands, colloids or bacterial/picoplankton extracellular functional groups. Alternatively, we show that an open system, steady-state model is in good accord with the observed Cd isotope systematics in the upper ocean north of the Southern Ocean. The distribution of ε 112 / 110Cd in intermediate and deep waters is consistent with the water mass distribution, with the north-south variations reflecting changes in the mixing proportion of NADW and either AABW or AAIW depending on the depth. Overall, the SW Atlantic Cd isotope dataset demonstrates that the large-scale ocean circulation exerts the primary control on ε 112 / 110Cd cycling in the global deep ocean.

Enabling CD SEM metrology for 5nm technology node and beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorusso, Gian Francesco; Ohashi, Takeyoshi; Yamaguchi, Astuko; Inoue, Osamu; Sutani, Takumichi; Horiguchi, Naoto; Bömmels, Jürgen; Wilson, Christopher J.; Briggs, Basoene; Tan, Chi Lim; Raymaekers, Tom; Delhougne, Romain; Van den Bosch, Geert; Di Piazza, Luca; Kar, Gouri Sankar; Furnémont, Arnaud; Fantini, Andrea; Donadio, Gabriele Luca; Souriau, Laurent; Crotti, Davide; Yasin, Farrukh; Appeltans, Raf; Rao, Siddharth; De Simone, Danilo; Rincon Delgadillo, Paulina; Leray, Philippe; Charley, Anne-Laure; Zhou, Daisy; Veloso, Anabela; Collaert, Nadine; Hasumi, Kazuhisa; Koshihara, Shunsuke; Ikota, Masami; Okagawa, Yutaka; Ishimoto, Toru

2017-03-01

The CD SEM (Critical Dimension Scanning Electron Microscope) is one of the main tools used to estimate Critical Dimension (CD) in semiconductor manufacturing nowadays, but, as all metrology tools, it will face considerable challenges to keep up with the requirements of the future technology nodes. The root causes of these challenges are not uniquely related to the shrinking CD values, as one might expect, but to the increase in complexity of the devices in terms of morphology and chemical composition as well. In fact, complicated threedimensional device architectures, high aspect ratio features, and wide variety of materials are some of the unavoidable characteristics of the future metrology nodes. This means that, beside an improvement in resolution, it is critical to develop a CD SEM metrology capable of satisfying the specific needs of the devices of the nodes to come, needs that sometimes will have to be addressed through dramatic changes in approach with respect to traditional CD SEM metrology. In this paper, we report on the development of advanced CD SEM metrology at imec on a variety of device platform and processes, for both logic and memories. We discuss newly developed approaches for standard, IIIV, and germanium FinFETs (Fin Field Effect Transistors), for lateral and vertical nanowires (NW), 3D NAND (three-dimensional NAND), STT-MRAM (Spin Transfer Magnetic Torque Random-Access Memory), and ReRAM (Resistive Random Access Memory). Applications for both front-end of line (FEOL) and back-end of line (BEOL) are developed. In terms of process, S/D Epi (Source Drain Epitaxy), SAQP (Self-Aligned Quadruple Patterning), DSA (Dynamic Self-Assembly), and EUVL (Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography) have been used. The work reported here has been performed on Hitachi CG5000, CG6300, and CV5000. In terms of logic, we discuss here the S/D epi defect classification, the metrology optimization for STI (Shallow Trench Isolation) Ge FinFETs, the defectivity of III-V STI FinFETs,, metrology for vertical and horizontal NWs. With respect to memory, we discuss a STT-RAM statistical CD analysis and its comparison to electrical performance, ReRAM metrology for VMCO (Vacancy-modulated conductive oxide) with comparison with electrical performance, 3D NAND ONO (Oxide Nitride Oxide) thickness measurements. In addition, we report on 3D morphological reconstruction using CD SEM in conjunction with FIB (Focused Ion Beam), on optimized BKM (Best Known Methods) development methodologies, and on CD SEM overlay. The large variety of results reported here gives a clear overview of the creative effort put in place to ensure that the critical potential of CD SEM metrology tools is fully enabled for the 5nm node and beyond.

Carotenoid production and phenotypic variation in Azospirillum brasilense.

PubMed

Brenholtz, Gal Reem; Tamir-Ariel, Dafna; Okon, Yaacov; Burdman, Saul

2017-06-01

We assessed the occurrence of phenotypic variation in Azospirillum brasilense strains Sp7, Cd, Sp245, Az39 and phv2 during growth in rich media, screening for variants altered in colony pigmentation or extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production. Previous studies showed that EPS-overproducing variants of Sp7 appear frequently following starvation or growth in minimal medium. In contrast, no such variants were detected during growth in rich media in the tested strains except for few variants of phv2. Regarding alteration in colony pigmentation (from pink to white in strain Cd and from white to pink in the others), strain Sp7 showed a relatively high frequency of variation (0.009-0.026%). Strain Cd showed a lower frequency of alteration in pigmentation (0-0.008%), and this type of variation was not detected in the other strains. In A. brasilense, carotenoid synthesis is controlled by two RpoE sigma factors and their cognate ChrR anti-sigma factors, the latter acting as negative regulators of carotenoid synthesis. Here, all tested (n = 28) pink variants of Sp7 carried mutations in one of the anti-sigma factor genes, chrR1. Our findings indicate that, in A. brasilense, phenotypic variation is strain- and environment-dependent and support the central role of ChrR1 in regulation of carotenoid production. Copyright © 2017 Institut Pasteur. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Virtual standardized patients: an interactive method to examine variation in depression care among primary care physicians

PubMed Central

Hooper, Lisa M.; Weinfurt, Kevin P.; Cooper, Lisa A.; Mensh, Julie; Harless, William; Kuhajda, Melissa C.; Epstein, Steven A.

2009-01-01

Background Some primary care physicians provide less than optimal care for depression (Kessler et al., Journal of the American Medical Association 291, 2581–90, 2004). However, the literature is not unanimous on the best method to use in order to investigate this variation in care. To capture variations in physician behaviour and decision making in primary care settings, 32 interactive CD-ROM vignettes were constructed and tested. Aim and method The primary aim of this methods-focused paper was to review the extent to which our study method – an interactive CD-ROM patient vignette methodology – was effective in capturing variation in physician behaviour. Specifically, we examined the following questions: (a) Did the interactive CD-ROM technology work? (b) Did we create believable virtual patients? (c) Did the research protocol enable interviews (data collection) to be completed as planned? (d) To what extent was the targeted study sample size achieved? and (e) Did the study interview protocol generate valid and reliable quantitative data and rich, credible qualitative data? Findings Among a sample of 404 randomly selected primary care physicians, our voice-activated interactive methodology appeared to be effective. Specifically, our methodology – combining interactive virtual patient vignette technology, experimental design, and expansive open-ended interview protocol – generated valid explanations for variations in primary care physician practice patterns related to depression care. PMID:20463864

Body frame dimensions are related to obesity and fatness: Lean trunk size, skinfolds, and body mass index.

PubMed

Henneberg, Maciej; Ulijaszek, Stanley J

2010-01-01

We explore relationships between BMI and skinfolds and anthropometric variables reflecting variation in lean body frame. Data on the middle class adult Australian women (n = 1260) collected in 2002 during a National Body Size and Shape Survey were used. Standard measurements of stature, weight, skeletal dimensions (shoulder width, hip width, chest width, and depth, limb lengths), circumferences of head, trunk, limbs and triceps, subscapular and abdominal skinfolds were taken. Techniques for measurements of skeletal frame minimized the inclusion of adipose tissue thickness. Analysis of variance and parametric and nonparametric correlations were used. Vertical dimensions show weak correlations with fatness, while body frame circumferences and transverse dimensions are consistently, significantly, and substantially correlated with fatness, each explaining from 3 to 44% of variation in skinfold thickness. Skeletal dimensions explain up to 50% of variation in skinfold thickness (multiple regression). Especially high correlations with skinfold thickness occur for chest width, depth, and hip width (r range from 0.42 to 0.66). Body frame dimensions reflect largely trunk volume and the trunk/limb proportions. Larger lean trunk size is associated with greater fatness. Since the size of the abdominal cavity, and thus the gastrointestinal system (GI), is reflected in the trunk size, we speculate that larger frame may predispose to obesity in two ways: (1) larger stomachs require greater bulk of food to produce feeling of satiety as mediated through antral distension, (2) larger GIs may absorb more nutrients. Frame size may help to detect the risk of obesity among young adults. 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

How Long Was the Coast of Ireland? Investigating the Variation of the Fractal Dimension of Maps over Time

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCartney, M.; Myers, D.; Sun, Y.

2008-01-01

The divider dimensions of a range of maps of Ireland dating from 1567 to 1893 are evaluated, and it is shown that for maps produced before 1650 the fractal dimension of the map can be correlated to its date of publication. Various classroom uses and extensions are discussed. (Contains 2 figures.)

Spatial luminescence imaging of dopant incorporation in CdTe Films

DOE PAGES

Guthrey, Harvey; Moseley, John; Colegrove, Eric; ...

2017-01-25

State-of-the-art cathodoluminescence (CL) spectrum imaging with spectrum-per-pixel CL emission mapping is applied to spatially profile how dopant elements are incorporated into Cadmium telluride (CdTe). Emission spectra and intensity monitor the spatial distribution of additional charge carriers through characteristic variations in the CL emission based on computational modeling. Our results show that grain boundaries play a role in incorporating dopants in CdTe exposed to copper, phosphorus, and intrinsic point defects in CdTe. Furthermore, the image analysis provides critical, unique feedback to understand dopant incorporation and activation in the inhomogeneous CdTe material, which has struggled to reach high levels of hole density.

Feature-Based Change Detection Reveals Inconsistent Individual Differences in Visual Working Memory Capacity.

PubMed

Ambrose, Joseph P; Wijeakumar, Sobanawartiny; Buss, Aaron T; Spencer, John P

2016-01-01

Visual working memory (VWM) is a key cognitive system that enables people to hold visual information in mind after a stimulus has been removed and compare past and present to detect changes that have occurred. VWM is severely capacity limited to around 3-4 items, although there are robust individual differences in this limit. Importantly, these individual differences are evident in neural measures of VWM capacity. Here, we capitalized on recent work showing that capacity is lower for more complex stimulus dimension. In particular, we asked whether individual differences in capacity remain consistent if capacity is shifted by a more demanding task, and, further, whether the correspondence between behavioral and neural measures holds across a shift in VWM capacity. Participants completed a change detection (CD) task with simple colors and complex shapes in an fMRI experiment. As expected, capacity was significantly lower for the shape dimension. Moreover, there were robust individual differences in behavioral estimates of VWM capacity across dimensions. Similarly, participants with a stronger BOLD response for color also showed a strong neural response for shape within the lateral occipital cortex, intraparietal sulcus (IPS), and superior IPS. Although there were robust individual differences in the behavioral and neural measures, we found little evidence of systematic brain-behavior correlations across feature dimensions. This suggests that behavioral and neural measures of capacity provide different views onto the processes that underlie VWM and CD. Recent theoretical approaches that attempt to bridge between behavioral and neural measures are well positioned to address these findings in future work.

Training across Cultures: What To Expect.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weech, William A.

2001-01-01

Discusses four critical dimensions that help explain the variation in cultural expectations: (1) egalitarianism versus hierarchy; (2) individualism versus collectivism; (3) achievement versus relationship orientation; and (4) loose versus tight structure. Explains how to apply these dimensions in training. (JOW)

Spatial variation in carrier dynamics along a single CdSSe nanowire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blake, Jolie C.; Eldridge, Peter S.; Gundlach, Lars

2014-10-01

Ultrafast charge carrier dynamics along individual CdSxSe1-x nanowires has been measured. The use of an improved ultrafast Kerr-gated microscope allows for spatially resolved luminescence measurements along a single nanowire. Amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) was observed at high excitation fluences. Position dependent variations of ultrafast ASE dynamics were observed. SEM and colorimetric measurements showed that the difference in dynamics can be attributed to variations in non-radiative recombination rates along the wire. The dominant Shockley-Read recombination rate can be extracted from ASE dynamics and can be directly related to charge carrier mobility and defect density. Employing ASE as a probe for defect densities provides a new sub-micron spatially resolved, contactless method for measurements of charge carrier mobility.

Synthesis and characterization of cadmium-calcium hydroxyapatite solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xin; Zhu, Yi-nian; Dai, Liu-qin

2014-06-01

A series of cadmium-calcium hydroxyapatite solid solutions was prepared by an aqueous precipitation method. By various means, the characterizations confirmed the formation of continuous solid solutions over all ranges of Cd/(Cd+Ca) atomic ratio. In the results, both lattice parameters a and c display slight deviations from Vegard's rule when the Cd/(Cd+Ca) atomic ratio is greater than 0.6. The particles change from smaller acicular to larger hexagonal columnar crystals as the Cd/(Cd+Ca) atomic ratio increases from 0-0.60 to 0.60-1.00. The area of the phosphate peak for symmetric P-O stretching decreases with the increase in Cd/(Cd+Ca) atomic ratio, and the peak disappears when the Cd/(Cd+Ca) atomic ratio is greater than 0.6; the two phosphate peaks of P-O stretching gradually merge together for the Cd/(Cd+Ca) atomic ratio near 0.60. These variations can be explained by a slight tendency of larger Cd ions to occupy M(2) sites and smaller Ca ions to prefer M(1) sites in the structure.

Construction of 6-thioguanine and 6-mercaptopurine carriers based on βcyclodextrins and gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Sierpe, R; Noyong, Michael; Simon, Ulrich; Aguayo, D; Huerta, J; Kogan, Marcelo J; Yutronic, N

2017-12-01

As a novel strategy to overcome some of the therapeutic disadvantages of 6-thioguanine (TG) and 6-mercaptopurine (MP), we propose the inclusion of these drugs in βcyclodextrin (βCD) to form the complexes βCD-TG and βCD-MP, followed by subsequent interaction with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), generating the ternary systems: βCD-TG-AuNPs and βCD-MP-AuNPs. This modification increased their solubility and improved their stability, betting by a site-specific transport due to their nanometric dimensions, among other advantages. The formation of the complexes was confirmed using powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and one and two-dimensional NMR. A theoretical study using DFT and molecular modelling was conducted to obtain the more stable tautomeric species of TG and MP in solution and confirm the proposed inclusion geometries. The deposition of AuNPs onto βCD-TG and βCD-MP via sputtering was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy. Subsequently, the ternary systems were characterized by TEM, FE-SEM and EDX to directly observe the deposited AuNPs and evaluate their sizes, size dispersion, and composition. Finally, the in vitro permeability of the ternary systems was studied using parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Advances in Serials Management. Volume 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hepfer, Cindy, Ed.; Gammon, Julia, Ed.; Malinowski, Teresa, Ed.

In order to further discussion and support constructive change, this volume presents the following eight papers on various dimensions of serials management: (1) "CD-ROMs, Surveys, and Sales: The OSA [Optical Society of America] Experience" (Frank E. Harris and Alan Tourtlotte); (2) "Management and Integration of Electronic Journals into the…

Application of HRV-CD for estimation of life expectancy in various clinical disorders.

PubMed

Almoznino-Sarafian, Dorit; Sarafian, Gideon; Zyssman, Itzhak; Shteinshnaider, Miriam; Tzur, Irma; Kaplan, Ben-Zion; Berman, Sylvia; Cohen, Natan; Gorelik, Oleg

2009-12-01

Low heart rate variability (HRV) was found in various medical conditions including heart failure and acute myocardial infarction. Decreased HRV in these conditions predicted poor prognosis. HRV was estimated in 133 unselected inpatients with relevant clinical bedside conditions by non-linear analysis derived from chaos theory, which calculates the correlation dimension (CD) of the cardiac electrophysiologic system (HRV-CD). Mean HRV-CD in the entire group was 3.75+/-0.45. Heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmia, low serum potassium, renal dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with reduced HRV-CD compared to their counterparts [3.6 vs. 3.9 (P<.001), 3.65 vs. 3.87 (P=.005), 3.58 vs. 3.8 (P=.01), 3.38 vs. 3.81 (P=.02), 3.59 vs. 3.8 (P=.04), and 3.66 vs. 3.82 (P=.04), respectively]. Stepwise logistic regression showed heart failure to be the condition most significantly associated with low HRV-CD (odds ratio 4.2, 95% confidence interval 1.90-9.28, P<.001). In the entire group, decreased HRV-CD (< or =3.75 vs. >3.75) was associated with lower survival (P=.01). Mortality of diabetic patients with HRV-CD < or =3.75 exceeded the mortality in patients with HRV-CD >3.75 (P=.02). Heart failure, renal dysfunction or age over 70 combined with HRV-CD < or =3.75 also appeared to be associated with augmented mortality. Diminished HRV-CD is associated with heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmia, renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus and low serum potassium. Among the latter, heart failure is most significantly associated with decreased HRV-CD. Decreased HRV-CD values, especially in diabetics, are also associated with lower survival.

Expression of two isoforms of CD44 in human endometrium.

PubMed

Behzad, F; Seif, M W; Campbell, S; Aplin, J D

1994-10-01

The distribution of the cell-surface adhesion glycoprotein CD44 in human endometrium was examined by immunofluorescence using six monoclonal antibodies to epitopes common to all forms of the molecule, and by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunoreactivity was observed throughout the menstrual cycle in stroma, vessels, glandular, and luminal epithelium. Variations in staining intensity were observed, especially in the epithelial compartment. CD44 was also expressed strongly by decidualized stromal cells of first-trimester pregnancy. No systematic variation of immunoreactivity was observed with stages of the normal cycle, but a fraction (25%) of the specimens lacked reactivity in the epithelium. To determine the molecular size of the epithelial isoform, an immunoprecipitation technique was developed using surface-radioiodinated, detergent-extracted glands. This indicated the presence at the cell surface of a single dominant CD44E species with an approximate molecular mass of 130 kDa. RT-PCR was used to investigate the isoforms present in whole endometrial tissue, isolated gland fragments, and Ishikawa endometrial carcinoma cells. Complementary DNA produced from total endometrial mRNA was PCR-amplified across the splice junction between exons 5 and 15. Transcripts corresponding to the hyaluronate receptor CD44H as well as a larger isoform were identified. CD44H was absent, or very scarce, in cDNA from purified gland epithelium. In contrast, Ishikawa cells expressed this form abundantly. The glands and Ishikawa cells also expressed CD44E containing sequences encoded by exons 12, 13, and 14. These data demonstrate the presence of CD44 in human endometrium and decidua, and show that different isoforms of CD44 are associated with tissue compartments in which different functional roles can be anticipated.

Interobserver variation in CD30 immunohistochemistry interpretation; consequences for patient selection for targeted treatment.

PubMed

Koens, Lianne; van de Ven, Peter M; Hijmering, Nathalie J; Kersten, Marie José; Diepstra, Arjan; Chamuleau, Martine; de Jong, Daphne

2018-05-14

CD30 immunohistochemistry (IHC) in malignant lymphoma is used for selection of patients in clinical trials using brentuximab vedotin, an antibody drug-conjugate targeting the CD30 molecule. For reliable implementation in daily practice and meaningful selection of patients for clinical trials, information on technical variation and interobserver reproducibility of CD30 IHC staining is required. We conducted a 3-round reproducibility assessment of CD30 scoring for categorized frequency and intensity, including a technical validation, a "live polling" pre- and post-instruction scoring round, and a web-based round including individual scoring with additional IHC information to mimic daily diagnostic practice. Agreement in all three scoring rounds was poor to fair (κ=0,12 to 0,35 for CD30 positive tumor cell percentage, and κ=0,16 to 0,41 for staining intensity), even when allowing for one category of freedom in percentage of tumor cell positivity (κ=0,30 to 0,61). The first round with CD30 staining performed in 5 independent laboratories showed objective differences in staining intensity. In the second round, about half of the pathologists changed their opinion on CD30 frequency after a discussion on potential pitfalls, highlighting hesitancy in decision-making. Using fictional cut-off points for percentage of tumor cell positivity, agreement was still suboptimal (κ=0,35 to 0,60). Lack of agreement in cases with heterogeneous expression is shown to influence patient eligibility for treatment with brentuximab vedotin both in clinical practice and within the context of clinical trials, and limits the potential predictive value of the relative frequency of CD30 positive neoplastic cells for clinical response. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Generation of 320 mW at 10.20 μm based on CdSe long-wave infrared crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jian; Yuan, Ligang; Zhang, Yingwu; Chen, Guo; Cheng, Hongjuan; Gao, Yanzhao

2018-06-01

CdSe single crystal, with the sizes of ∼54 mm in diameter and ∼25 mm in length, was grown by a high pressure vertical gradient freeze (HPVGF) technique using (0 0 1)-oriented seed. The CdSe crystal was characterized with transmission spectrophotometer. The transmission spectra showed that the infrared transmission was above 68% and the mean absorption coefficient was 0.041 cm-1 in the range of 2.5-20 μm. Using fabricated CdSe crystal with the dimensions of 6 mm × 10 mm × 44 mm, we demonstrated an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) pumped by a 2.05 μm Ho:YLF laser at a pulse repetition frequency of 5 kHz. Up to 320 mW output was obtained at the idler wavelength of 10.20 μm with a pump power of 18.06 W. 320 mW at 10.20 μm, to our knowledge, was the highest power obtained with a 2.05 μm laser-pumped CdSe OPO.

Immune system alterations in lung cancer patients.

PubMed

Mazzoccoli, G; Grilli, M; Carughi, S; Puzzolante, F; De Cata, A; La Viola, M; Giuliani, A; Urbano, N; Tarquini, R; Perfetto, F

2003-01-01

The immune system plays an important role in the defense against neoplastic disease and immune responses show temporal changes related to circadian variations of antibodies, total lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and cell mediated immune responses. In this study we evaluate. lymphocyte subpopulations and interleukin-2 (IL-2) serum levels in peripheral blood samples collected at four-hour intervals for 24-hours starting at 06.00 h from ten healthy subjects aged 65-79 years (mean age +/- s.e. 67.28 +/- 3.11) and from ten subjects suffering from untreated non small cell lung cancer aged 65-78 years (mean age +/- s.e. 68.57 +/- 1.81). Areas under the curve, mean diurnal levels (mean of 06.00-10.00-14.00 h) and mean nocturnal levels (mean of 18.00-22.00-02.00 h) were calculated, and the presence of circadian rhythmicity was evaluate. When we compared AUC values there was a decrease in CD8bright (T suppressor subset) and an increase in CD16 (natural killer cells) and of IL-2 serum levels in cancer patients. When we compared mean diurnal levels, CD8 (T suppressor/cytotoxic subset) and CD8bright levels were lower, and CD16 levels were higher in cancer patients. When we compared mean nocturnal levels, CD16 and CD25 (T and B activated lymphocytes with expression of the a chain of IL-2 receptor) levels were higher, while CD8, CD8bright, CD20 (total B-cells), TcRd1 (epitope of the constant domain of d chain of T-cell receptor 1) and dTcS1 (epitope of the variable domain of d chain of T-cell receptor1) levels were lower in cancer patients. A clear circadian rhythm was validated for the time-qualified changes in CD4, CD20, HLA-DR with acrophase at night, and CD8, CD8 bright, CD8 dim, CD16, TcRd1 and dTcS1 with acrophase in the morning in the control group. A clear circadian rhythm was validated for the time-qualified changes in CD4 with acrophase at night, in the group of cancer patients. Results obtained in our study show that lung cancer is associated with anomalies of proportion and circadian variations of lymphocyte subsets that must be considered when adoptive immunotherapy has to be planned.

Orbitals, Occupation Numbers, and Band Structure of Short One-Dimensional Cadmium Telluride Polymers.

PubMed

Valentine, Andrew J S; Talapin, Dmitri V; Mazziotti, David A

2017-04-27

Recent work found that soldering CdTe quantum dots together with a molecular CdTe polymer yielded field-effect transistors with much greater electron mobility than quantum dots alone. We present a computational study of the CdTe polymer using the active-space variational two-electron reduced density matrix (2-RDM) method. While analogous complete active-space self-consistent field (CASSCF) methods scale exponentially with the number of active orbitals, the active-space variational 2-RDM method exhibits polynomial scaling. A CASSCF calculation using the (48o,64e) active space studied in this paper requires 10 24 determinants and is therefore intractable, while the variational 2-RDM method in the same active space requires only 2.1 × 10 7 variables. Natural orbitals, natural-orbital occupations, charge gaps, and Mulliken charges are reported as a function of polymer length. The polymer, we find, is strongly correlated, despite possessing a simple sp 3 -hybridized bonding scheme. Calculations reveal the formation of a nearly saturated valence band as the polymer grows and a charge gap that decreases sharply with polymer length.

Relationship between psychosocial stress dimensions and salivary cortisol in military police officers 1

PubMed Central

Tavares, Juliana Petri; Lautert, Liana; Magnago, Tânia Solange Bosi de Souza; Consiglio, Angélica Rosat; Pai, Daiane Dal

2017-01-01

Abstract Objective: to analyze the relationship between psychosocial stress dimensions and salivary cortisol in military police officers. Method: cross-sectional and analytical study with 134 military police officers. The Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) Model scale has been used to assess psychosocial stress. Salivary cortisol was collected in three samples. The following tests were used: Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA, Bonferroni, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn. Pearson and Spearman correlation methods were used, as well as multiple linear regression. Cortisol at night showed an ascending statistical association with the psychosocial reward (p=0.004) and a descending association with the effort-impairment scores (p=0.017). Being part of the Special Tactical Operations Group (GATE) and the diastolic blood pressure explained 13.5% of the variation in cortisol levels on waking up. The sectors GATE, Special Patrol of the Elite Squad of the Military Police and Motorcyclists explained 21.9% of the variation in cortisol levels 30-minute after awakening. The variables GATE sector and Effort Dimension explained 27.7% of the variation in cortisol levels at night. Conclusion: it was evidenced that salivary cortisol variation was influenced by individual, labor and psychosocial variables. PMID:28443994

Relationship between psychosocial stress dimensions and salivary cortisol in military police officers.

PubMed

Tavares, Juliana Petri; Lautert, Liana; Magnago, Tânia Solange Bosi de Souza; Consiglio, Angélica Rosat; Pai, Daiane Dal

2017-04-20

to analyze the relationship between psychosocial stress dimensions and salivary cortisol in military police officers. cross-sectional and analytical study with 134 military police officers. The Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) Model scale has been used to assess psychosocial stress. Salivary cortisol was collected in three samples. The following tests were used: Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA, Bonferroni, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn. Pearson and Spearman correlation methods were used, as well as multiple linear regression. Cortisol at night showed an ascending statistical association with the psychosocial reward (p=0.004) and a descending association with the effort-impairment scores (p=0.017). Being part of the Special Tactical Operations Group (GATE) and the diastolic blood pressure explained 13.5% of the variation in cortisol levels on waking up. The sectors GATE, Special Patrol of the Elite Squad of the Military Police and Motorcyclists explained 21.9% of the variation in cortisol levels 30-minute after awakening. The variables GATE sector and Effort Dimension explained 27.7% of the variation in cortisol levels at night. it was evidenced that salivary cortisol variation was influenced by individual, labor and psychosocial variables.

Tracing source pollution in soils using cadmium and lead isotopes.

PubMed

Cloquet, C; Carignan, J; Libourel, G; Sterckeman, T; Perdrix, E

2006-04-15

Tracing the source of heavy metals in the environment is of key importance for our understanding of their pollution and natural cycles in the surface Earth reservoirs. Up to now, most exclusively Pb isotopes were used to effectively trace metal pollution sources in the environment. Here we report systematic variations of Cd isotope ratios measured in polluted topsoils surrounding a Pb-Zn refinery plant in northern France. Fractionated Cd was measured in soil samples surrounding the refinery, and this fractionation can be attributed to the refining processes. Despite the Cd isotopic ratios being precisely measured, the obtained uncertainties are still large compared to the total isotopic variation. Nevertheless, for the first time, Cd isotopically fractionated by industrial processes may be traced in the environment. On the same samples, Pb isotope systematics suggested that materials actually used by the refinery were not the major source of Pb in soils, probably because refined ore origins changed over the 100 years of operation. On the other hand, Cd isotopes and concentrations measured in topsoils allowed identification of three main origins (industrial dust and slag and agriculture), assuming that all Cd ores are not fractionated, as suggested by terrestrial rocks so far analyzed, and calculation of their relative contributions for each sampling point. Understanding that this refinery context was an ideal situation for such a study, our results lead to the possibility of tracing sources of anthropogenic Cd and better constrain mixing processes, fluxes, transport, and phasing out of industrial input in nature.

Identification and quantification analysis of nonlinear dynamics properties of combustion instability in a diesel engine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Li-Ping, E-mail: yangliping302@hrbeu.edu.cn; Ding, Shun-Liang; Song, En-Zhe

The cycling combustion instabilities in a diesel engine have been analyzed based on chaos theory. The objective was to investigate the dynamical characteristics of combustion in diesel engine. In this study, experiments were performed under the entire operating range of a diesel engine (the engine speed was changed from 600 to 1400 rpm and the engine load rate was from 0% to 100%), and acquired real-time series of in-cylinder combustion pressure using a piezoelectric transducer installed on the cylinder head. Several methods were applied to identify and quantitatively analyze the combustion process complexity in the diesel engine including delay-coordinate embedding, recurrencemore » plot (RP), Recurrence Quantification Analysis, correlation dimension (CD), and the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE) estimation. The results show that the combustion process exhibits some determinism. If LLE is positive, then the combustion system has a fractal dimension and CD is no more than 1.6 and within the diesel engine operating range. We have concluded that the combustion system of diesel engine is a low-dimensional chaotic system and the maximum values of CD and LLE occur at the lowest engine speed and load. This means that combustion system is more complex and sensitive to initial conditions and that poor combustion quality leads to the decrease of fuel economy and the increase of exhaust emissions.« less

Identification and quantification analysis of nonlinear dynamics properties of combustion instability in a diesel engine.

PubMed

Yang, Li-Ping; Ding, Shun-Liang; Litak, Grzegorz; Song, En-Zhe; Ma, Xiu-Zhen

2015-01-01

The cycling combustion instabilities in a diesel engine have been analyzed based on chaos theory. The objective was to investigate the dynamical characteristics of combustion in diesel engine. In this study, experiments were performed under the entire operating range of a diesel engine (the engine speed was changed from 600 to 1400 rpm and the engine load rate was from 0% to 100%), and acquired real-time series of in-cylinder combustion pressure using a piezoelectric transducer installed on the cylinder head. Several methods were applied to identify and quantitatively analyze the combustion process complexity in the diesel engine including delay-coordinate embedding, recurrence plot (RP), Recurrence Quantification Analysis, correlation dimension (CD), and the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE) estimation. The results show that the combustion process exhibits some determinism. If LLE is positive, then the combustion system has a fractal dimension and CD is no more than 1.6 and within the diesel engine operating range. We have concluded that the combustion system of diesel engine is a low-dimensional chaotic system and the maximum values of CD and LLE occur at the lowest engine speed and load. This means that combustion system is more complex and sensitive to initial conditions and that poor combustion quality leads to the decrease of fuel economy and the increase of exhaust emissions.

Atomic-resolution characterization of the effects of CdCl2 treatment on poly-crystalline CdTe thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paulauskas, T.; Buurma, C.; Colegrove, E.; Guo, Z.; Sivananthan, S.; Chan, M. K. Y.; Klie, R. F.

2014-08-01

Poly-crystalline CdTe thin films on glass are used in commercial solar-cell superstrate devices. It is well known that post-deposition annealing of the CdTe thin films in a CdCl2 environment significantly increases the device performance, but a fundamental understanding of the effects of such annealing has not been achieved. In this Letter, we report a change in the stoichiometry across twin boundaries in CdTe and propose that native point defects alone cannot account for this variation. Upon annealing in CdCl2, we find that the stoichiometry is restored. Our experimental measurements using atomic-resolution high-angle annular dark field imaging, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope are supported by first-principles density functional theory calculations.

Some factors affecting efficiencies of n-CdS/p-CdTe thin film solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morris, G. C.; Das, S. K.; Tanner, P. G.

1992-02-01

Electrodeposited CdS and CdTe thin films have been fabricated into solar cells with a CdS/CdTe heterojunction. The CdTe films were made by varying two parameters, viz. the concentration of tellurium ions in the deposition solution and the quasi-rest potential (QRP) of the deposit. The properties of the completed cells were examined as a function of those preparation variables. Cell efficiency varied with both QRP and tellurium ion concentration. Whilst chemical analytic methods showed no compositional variation between cells, morphological studies showed that the most efficient cells had the largest grain size. Electrical and capacitance measurements were used to show that the density of interband states and of junction interface states increased with structural imperfection. The major losses in the solar cell parameters increased with increased polycrystalline structure.

Accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility of Artemis very high-frequency digital ultrasound arc-scan lateral dimension measurements

PubMed Central

Reinstein, Dan Z.; Archer, Timothy J.; Silverman, Ronald H.; Coleman, D. Jackson

2008-01-01

Purpose To determine the accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility of measurement of lateral dimensions using the Artemis (Ultralink LLC) very high-frequency (VHF) digital ultrasound (US) arc scanner. Setting London Vision Clinic, London, United Kingdom. Methods A test object was measured first with a micrometer and then with the Artemis arc scanner. Five sets of 10 consecutive B-scans of the test object were performed with the scanner. The test object was removed from the system between each scan set. One expert observer and one newly trained observer separately measured the lateral dimension of the test object. Two-factor analysis of variance was performed. The accuracy was calculated as the average bias of the scan set averages. The repeatability and reproducibility coefficients were calculated. The coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated for repeatability and reproducibility. Results The test object was measured to be 10.80 mm wide. The mean lateral dimension bias was 0.00 mm. The repeatability coefficient was 0.114 mm. The reproducibility coefficient was 0.026 mm. The repeatability CV was 0.38%, and the reproducibility CV was 0.09%. There was no statistically significant variation between observers (P = .0965). There was a statistically significant variation between scan sets (P = .0036) attributed to minor vertical changes in the alignment of the test object between consecutive scan sets. Conclusion The Artemis VHF digital US arc scanner obtained accurate, repeatable, and reproducible measurements of lateral dimensions of the size commonly found in the anterior segment. PMID:17081860

Characterization of core/shell structures based on CdTe and GaAs nanocrystalline layers deposited on SnO2 microwires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghimpu, L.; Ursaki, V. V.; Pantazi, A.; Mesterca, R.; Brâncoveanu, O.; Shree, Sindu; Adelung, R.; Tiginyanu, I. M.; Enachescu, M.

2018-04-01

We report the fabrication and characterization of SnO2/CdTe and SnO2/GaAs core/shell microstructures. CdTe or GaAs shell layers were deposited by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering on core SnO2 microwires synthesized by a flame-based thermal oxidation method. The produced structures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope (HR-STEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman scattering and FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that the SnO2 core is of the rutile type, while the shells are composed of CdTe or GaAs nanocrystallites of zincblende structure with the dimensions of crystallites in the range of 10-20 nm. The Raman scattering investigations demonstrated that the quality of the porous nanostructured shell is improved by annealing at temperatures of 420-450 °C. The prospects of implementing these microstructures in intrinsic type fiber optic sensors are discussed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patil, B. N.; Acharya, S. A., E-mail: saha275@yahoo.com

In the present work ZnS-CdS composite was prepared by hydrothermal method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm formation of nano particles, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images exhibit nanoscale dimensions of as synthesized individual phases. UV/VIS spectra were recorded for evaluation of photophysical properties. The composite was explored as photocatalysts to study dye degradation using methylene blue in aqueous slurry under irradiation of 663 nm wavelength and congo red under irradiation of 493 nm wavelength. Under the same conditions the photocatalytic activity of the individual phases ZnS and CdS were also examined. The ZnS-CdS composite is found inmore » enhancing the rate of photo degradation of toxic dyes as compare to ZnS and CdS individually in presence of visible light. This ZnS based metal sulphide/oxide semiconductor nanocomposites are high potential material for Photo-degradation of toxic dyes, and act as good photocatalyst in visible light.« less

Mask characterization for CDU budget breakdown in advanced EUV lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolsky, Peter; Strolenberg, Chris; Nielsen, Rasmus; Nooitgedacht, Tjitte; Davydova, Natalia; Yang, Greg; Lee, Shawn; Park, Chang-Min; Kim, Insung; Yeo, Jeong-Ho

2012-11-01

As the ITRS Critical Dimension Uniformity (CDU) specification shrinks, semiconductor companies need to maintain a high yield of good wafers per day and a high performance (and hence market value) of finished products. This cannot be achieved without continuous analysis and improvement of on-product CDU as one of the main drivers for process control and optimization with better understanding of main contributors from the litho cluster: mask, process, metrology and scanner. In this paper we will demonstrate a study of mask CDU characterization and its impact on CDU Budget Breakdown (CDU BB) performed for an advanced EUV lithography with 1D and 2D feature cases. We will show that this CDU contributor is one of the main differentiators between well-known ArFi and new EUV CDU budgeting principles. We found that reticle contribution to intrafield CDU should be characterized in a specific way: mask absorber thickness fingerprints play a role comparable with reticle CDU in the total reticle part of the CDU budget. Wafer CD fingerprints, introduced by this contributor, may or may not compensate variations of mask CD's and hence influence on total mask impact on intrafield CDU at the wafer level. This will be shown on 1D and 2D feature examples in this paper. Also mask stack reflectivity variations should be taken into account: these fingerprints have visible impact on intrafield CDs at the wafer level and should be considered as another contributor to the reticle part of EUV CDU budget. We observed also MEEF-through-field fingerprints in the studied EUV cases. Variations of MEEF may also play a role for the total intrafield CDU and may be taken into account for EUV Lithography. We characterized MEEF-through-field for the reviewed features, the results to be discussed in our paper, but further analysis of this phenomenon is required. This comprehensive approach to characterization of the mask part of EUV CDU characterization delivers an accurate and integral CDU Budget Breakdown per product/process and Litho tool. The better understanding of the entire CDU budget for advanced EUVL nodes achieved by Samsung and ASML helps to extend the limits of Moore's Law and to deliver successful implementation of smaller, faster and smarter chips in semiconductor industry.

The action of the (free) [InlineMediaObject not available: see fulltext.] theory in six spacetime dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henneaux, Marc; Lekeu, Victor; Matulich, Javier; Prohazka, Stefan

2018-06-01

The action of the free [InlineMediaObject not available: see fulltext.] theory in six spacetime dimensions is explicitly constructed. The variables of the variational principle are prepotentials adapted to the self-duality conditions on the fields. The (3, 1) supersymmetry variations are given and the invariance of the action is verified. The action is first-order in time derivatives. It is also Poincaré invariant but not manifestly so, just like the Hamiltonian action of more familiar relativistic field theories.

Cadmium and lead in cocoa powder and chocolate products in the US Market.

PubMed

Abt, Eileen; Fong Sam, Jennifer; Gray, Patrick; Robin, Lauren Posnick

2018-06-01

Cocoa powder and chocolate products are known to sometimes contain cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) from environmental origins. A convenience sample of cocoa powder, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and cocoa nib products was purchased at retail in the US and analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to assess Cd and Pb concentrations. Cd and Pb were evaluated in relation to the percent cocoa solids and to the reported origin of the cocoa powder and chocolate products. Cd ranged from 0.004 to 3.15 mg/kg and Pb ranged from

Distribution and bioavailability of cadmium in ornithogenic coral-sand sediments of the Xisha archipelago, South China Sea.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaodong; Lou, Chuangneng; Xu, Liqiang; Sun, Liguang

2012-09-01

Total cadmium (Cd) concentrations in four ornithogenic coral-sand sedimentary profiles displayed a strong positive correlation with guano-derived phosphorus, but had no correlation with plant-originated organic matter in the top sediments. These results indicate that the total Cd distributions were predominantly controlled by guano input. Bioavailable Cd and zinc (Zn) had a greater input rate in the top sediments with respect to total Cd and total Zn, and a positive correlation with total organic carbon (TOC) derived from plant humus. Multi-regression analysis showed that the total Cd and TOC explained over 80% of the variation of bioavailable Cd, suggesting that both guano and plant inputs could significantly influence the distribution of bioavailable Cd, and that plant biocycling processes contribute more to the recent increase of bioavailable Cd. A pollution assessment indicates that the Yongle archipelago is moderately to strongly polluted with guano-derived Cd. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mask characterization for critical dimension uniformity budget breakdown in advanced extreme ultraviolet lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolsky, Peter; Strolenberg, Chris; Nielsen, Rasmus; Nooitgedacht, Tjitte; Davydova, Natalia; Yang, Greg; Lee, Shawn; Park, Chang-Min; Kim, Insung; Yeo, Jeong-Ho

2013-04-01

As the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors critical dimension uniformity (CDU) specification shrinks, semiconductor companies need to maintain a high yield of good wafers per day and high performance (and hence market value) of finished products. This cannot be achieved without continuous analysis and improvement of on-product CDU as one of the main drivers for process control and optimization with better understanding of main contributors from the litho cluster: mask, process, metrology and scanner. We will demonstrate a study of mask CDU characterization and its impact on CDU Budget Breakdown (CDU BB) performed for advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography with 1D (dense lines) and 2D (dense contacts) feature cases. We will show that this CDU contributor is one of the main differentiators between well-known ArFi and new EUV CDU budgeting principles. We found that reticle contribution to intrafield CDU should be characterized in a specific way: mask absorber thickness fingerprints play a role comparable with reticle CDU in the total reticle part of the CDU budget. Wafer CD fingerprints, introduced by this contributor, may or may not compensate variations of mask CDs and hence influence on total mask impact on intrafield CDU at the wafer level. This will be shown on 1D and 2D feature examples. Mask stack reflectivity variations should also be taken into account: these fingerprints have visible impact on intrafield CDs at the wafer level and should be considered as another contributor to the reticle part of EUV CDU budget. We also observed mask error enhancement factor (MEEF) through field fingerprints in the studied EUV cases. Variations of MEEF may play a role towards the total intrafield CDU and may need to be taken into account for EUV lithography. We characterized MEEF-through-field for the reviewed features, with results herein, but further analysis of this phenomenon is required. This comprehensive approach to quantifying the mask part of the overall EUV CDU contribution helps deliver an accurate and integral CDU BB per product/process and litho tool. The better understanding of the entire CDU budget for advanced EUVL nodes achieved by Samsung and ASML helps extend the limits of Moore's Law and to deliver successful implementation of smaller, faster and smarter chips in semiconductor industry.

Effect of water management variation on As and Cd accumulation or rice grain

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Because of the current interest in As accumulation in rice, we examined rice grain As and Cd levels from a field test evaluating the effect of irrigation water management. The original study was conducted to test water saving production methods because limitation on water supply is constraining prod...

CD4 Enumeration Technologies: A Systematic Review of Test Performance for Determining Eligibility for Antiretroviral Therapy

PubMed Central

Peeling, Rosanna W.; Sollis, Kimberly A.; Glover, Sarah; Crowe, Suzanne M.; Landay, Alan L.; Cheng, Ben; Barnett, David; Denny, Thomas N.; Spira, Thomas J.; Stevens, Wendy S.; Crowley, Siobhan; Essajee, Shaffiq; Vitoria, Marco; Ford, Nathan

2015-01-01

Background Measurement of CD4+ T-lymphocytes (CD4) is a crucial parameter in the management of HIV patients, particularly in determining eligibility to initiate antiretroviral treatment (ART). A number of technologies exist for CD4 enumeration, with considerable variation in cost, complexity, and operational requirements. We conducted a systematic review of the performance of technologies for CD4 enumeration. Methods and Findings Studies were identified by searching electronic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE using a pre-defined search strategy. Data on test accuracy and precision included bias and limits of agreement with a reference standard, and misclassification probabilities around CD4 thresholds of 200 and 350 cells/μl over a clinically relevant range. The secondary outcome measure was test imprecision, expressed as % coefficient of variation. Thirty-two studies evaluating 15 CD4 technologies were included, of which less than half presented data on bias and misclassification compared to the same reference technology. At CD4 counts <350 cells/μl, bias ranged from -35.2 to +13.1 cells/μl while at counts >350 cells/μl, bias ranged from -70.7 to +47 cells/μl, compared to the BD FACSCount as a reference technology. Misclassification around the threshold of 350 cells/μl ranged from 1-29% for upward classification, resulting in under-treatment, and 7-68% for downward classification resulting in overtreatment. Less than half of these studies reported within laboratory precision or reproducibility of the CD4 values obtained. Conclusions A wide range of bias and percent misclassification around treatment thresholds were reported on the CD4 enumeration technologies included in this review, with few studies reporting assay precision. The lack of standardised methodology on test evaluation, including the use of different reference standards, is a barrier to assessing relative assay performance and could hinder the introduction of new point-of-care assays in countries where they are most needed. PMID:25790185

Normal CD4 Count Range among Healthy Nigerian Population in Ilorin.

PubMed

Afolabi, J K; Fadeyi, A; Desalu, O O; Durotoye, I A; Fawibe, A E; Adeboye, M A N; Olawumi, H O; Babatunde, A S; Ernest, S K; Aderibigbe, S A; Saadu, R; Salami, A K; Aboyeji, A P

For the establishment and monitoring of the immune status, CD4 count is critical. To determine the CD4 count range of apparently healthy Nigerians resident in Ilorin and compare with the national value. An automated blood analyzer was used to determine the full blood count and CD4 count. The percentage of CD4 count was derived by using other variables. Of the 1205 participants, the reference CD4 count (percentage of CD4) range for adult was 400 to 1288 cells/mm 3 (19%-48%) and for children was 582 to 3652 cells/mm 3 (17%-50%). CD4 count and percentage of CD4 were significantly ( P = .001) higher in females than in males, and the CD4 count declined significantly with increasing age ( r = -.174, P ≤ .0001). The percentage of CD4 count shows less variation with age ( r = -.051, P = .076). Adult residents of Ilorin had significantly lower absolute mean CD4 count (808 ± 260) than that of the national reference values of 847.0 ± 307.0 cells/mm 3 ( P = .001). We therefore advocate the use of CD4 count range derived in this study is lower than that of the national reference values.

Spectroscopic ellipsometry studies on ZnCdO thin films with different Cd concentrations grown by pulsed laser deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Shuai; Li, Qingxuan; Ferguson, Ian; Lin, Tao; Wan, Lingyu; Feng, Zhe Chuan; Zhu, Liping; Ye, Zhizhen

2017-11-01

A set of Zn1-xCdxO thin films with different Cd concentrations was deposited on quartz substrates by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). The properties of these films were investigated by variable angle and temperature dependent spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The experimental Zn1-xCdxO thin films showed a red shift in the absorption edge with increasing Cd contents at room temperature. For ZnCdO films with the similar Cd concentration, it has been found that the film thickness has important effects on the optical constants (n, k). The variations of optical constants (n, k) and the band gap, E0, with temperature (T) in 25 °C-600 °C for a typical Zn0.95Cd0.05O sample were obtained. The E0 vs T relationship is described by a T- quadratic equation.

Acoustic, Flow Related, and Performance Related Experimental Results for Generation 1.5 High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) 2-Dimensional Exhaust Nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salikuddin, M.; Wisler, S.; Majjigi, R.

2004-01-01

The principle objectives of the current program were to experimentally investigate the repeatability of acoustic and aerodynamic characteristics of 2D-CD mixer-ejector nozzles and the effects on the acoustic and aerodynamic characteristics of 2D mixer-ejectors due to (1) the configurational variations, which include mixers with aligned CD chutes, aligned convergent chutes, and staggered CD chutes and aerodynamic cycle variables, (2) treatment variations by using different treatment materials, treating the ejector with varying area, location, and treatment thickness for a mixer-ejector configuration, and (3) secondary inlet shape (i.e., a more realistic inlet) and the blockage across the inlet (a possible fin-like structure needed for installation purpose) by modifying one of the inlet of a mixer-ejector configuration. The objectives also included the measurement dynamic pressures internal to the ejector for a few selected configuration to examine the internal noise characteristics.

CDO budgeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nesladek, Pavel; Wiswesser, Andreas; Sass, Björn; Mauermann, Sebastian

2008-04-01

The Critical dimension off-target (CDO) is a key parameter for mask house customer, affecting directly the performance of the mask. The CDO is the difference between the feature size target and the measured feature size. The change of CD during the process is either compensated within the process or by data correction. These compensation methods are commonly called process bias and data bias, respectively. The difference between data bias and process bias in manufacturing results in systematic CDO error, however, this systematic error does not take into account the instability of the process bias. This instability is a result of minor variations - instabilities of manufacturing processes and changes in materials and/or logistics. Using several masks the CDO of the manufacturing line can be estimated. For systematic investigation of the unit process contribution to CDO and analysis of the factors influencing the CDO contributors, a solid understanding of each unit process and huge number of masks is necessary. Rough identification of contributing processes and splitting of the final CDO variation between processes can be done with approx. 50 masks with identical design, material and process. Such amount of data allows us to identify the main contributors and estimate the effect of them by means of Analysis of variance (ANOVA) combined with multivariate analysis. The analysis does not provide information about the root cause of the variation within the particular unit process, however, it provides a good estimate of the impact of the process on the stability of the manufacturing line. Additionally this analysis can be used to identify possible interaction between processes, which cannot be investigated if only single processes are considered. Goal of this work is to evaluate limits for CDO budgeting models given by the precision and the number of measurements as well as partitioning the variation within the manufacturing process. The CDO variation splits according to the suggested model into contributions from particular processes or process groups. Last but not least the power of this method to determine the absolute strength of each parameter will be demonstrated. Identification of the root cause of this variation within the unit process itself is not scope of this work.

CCL3L1-CCR5 genotype influences durability of immune recovery during antiretroviral therapy of HIV-1–infected individuals

PubMed Central

Ahuja, Sunil K; Kulkarni, Hemant; Catano, Gabriel; Agan, Brian K; Camargo, Jose F; He, Weijing; O'Connell, Robert J; Marconi, Vincent C; Delmar, Judith; Eron, Joseph; Clark, Robert A; Frost, Simon; Martin, Jeffrey; Ahuja, Seema S; Deeks, Steven G; Little, Susan; Richman, Douglas; Hecht, Frederick M; Dolan, Matthew J

2008-01-01

The basis for the extensive variability seen in the reconstitution of CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-infected individuals receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is not fully known. Here, we show that variations in CCL3L1 gene dose and CCR5 genotype, but not major histocompatibility complex HLA alleles, influence immune reconstitution, especially when HAART is initiated at <350 CD4+ T cells/mm3. The CCL3L1-CCR5 genotypes favoring CD4+ T cell recovery are similar to those that blunted CD4+ T cell depletion during the time before HAART became available (pre-HAART era), suggesting that a common CCL3L1-CCR5 genetic pathway regulates the balance between pathogenic and reparative processes from early in the disease course. Hence, CCL3L1-CCR5 variations influence HIV pathogenesis even in the presence of HAART and, therefore, may prospectively identify subjects in whom earlier initiation of therapy is more likely to mitigate immunologic failure despite viral suppression by HAART. Furthermore, as reconstitution of CD4+ cells during HAART is more sensitive to CCL3L1 dose than to CCR5 genotypes, CCL3L1 analogs might be efficacious in supporting immunological reconstitution. PMID:18376407

High dose gamma ray exposure effect on the properties of CdSe nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narula, Chetna; Chauhan, R. P.

2018-03-01

We report high dose gamma-ray (γ-ray) induced modifications incurred by polycrystalline cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanowires of 80 nm diameter. The nanowires have been synthesized using polycarbonate template assisted electro-deposition technique. The samples were irradiated with 60Co γ-radiation at a dose rate of 4.533 kGy/h for different time intervals with doses varying from 0 to 400 kGy. The effects of γ rays on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of nanowires are discussed. XRD patterns of as-synthesized and gamma irradiated CdSe nanowires did not show any phase transformations but the variation in relative intensity was observed. The crystallite size evaluated using Scherrer's formula was found to vary. The optical parameters were obtained using UV-vis spectrometer measurements of absorption. Band gap was found to decrease with γ irradiation up to a dose of 300 kGy after which it was seen to increase. Refractive index and optical dielectric constants were also evaluated. Subjection of γ-radiation also brings about key changes in the electrical properties of CdSe nanowires. The attained data shows that the electrical conductivity varies with absorbed dose. The variations in the properties of CdSe nanowires can be considered as a consequence of ionization process, defect production and its annihilation.

Young Children's Perceptions of the Dimensions of Sound.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McMahon, Olive

School children frequently fail to adequately understand terms associated with musical pitch although research shows that even infants with normal hearing can perceptually discriminate fine pitch variations. This study investigated children's perceptions of dimensions of sound by focusing on their choice of musical sounds and relevant…

Assessing Preschoolers' Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Urbana, IL.

There are 11 behavioral dimensions which parents and preschool teachers can use in assessing the development of preschool children. These dimensions are: (1) sleeping; (2) eating; (3) toilet habits; (4) range of affect or emotion; (5) variations in play; (6) curiosity; (7) acceptance of authority; (8) initiative; (9) interest; (10) spontaneous…

Sub-Optical Lithography With Nanometer Definition Masks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartley, Frank T.; Malek, Chantal Khan; Neogi, Jayant

2000-01-01

Nanometer feature size lithography represents a major paradigm shift for the electronics and micro-electro-mechanical industries. In this paper, we discuss the capacity of dynamic focused reactive ion beam (FIB) etching systems to undertake direct and highly anisotropic erosion of thick evaporated gold coatings on boron-doped silicon X-ray mask membranes. FIB offers a new level of flexibility in micro fabrication, allowing for fast fabrication of X-ray masks, where pattern definition and surface alteration are combined in the same step which eliminates the whole lithographic process, in particular resist, resist development, electro-deposition and resist removal. Focused ion beam diameters as small as 7 nm can be obtained enabling fabrication well into the sub-20 nm regime. In preliminary demonstrations of this X-ray mask fabrication technique 22 nm width lines were milled directly through 0.9 microns of gold and a miniature mass spectrometer pattern was milled through over 0.5 microns of gold. Also presented are the results of the shadow printing, using the large depth of field of synchrotron high energy parallel X-ray beam, of these and other sub-optical defined patterns in photoresist conformally coated over surfaces of extreme topographical variation. Assuming that electronic circuits and/or micro devices scale proportionally, the surface area of devices processed with X-ray lithography and 20 nm critical dimension X-ray masks would be 0.5% that of contemporary devices (350 nm CD). The 20 CD mask fabrication represents an initial effort - a further factor of three reduction is anticipated which represents a further order-of-magnitude reduction in die area.

Rubik's Tesseract.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Velleman, Dan

1992-01-01

Through the use of graphic computer simulation, this paper analyzes the combinatorial and geometric mathematics underlying a four-dimensional variation of the Rubik's Cube. This variation is called the Rubik's Tesseract and has dimensions, 3 x 3 x 3 x 3. (JJK)

Cadmium Isotope Variations in Bulk Chondrites: The Effect of Thermal Neutron Capture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toth, E. R.; Schönbächler, M.; Friebel, M.; Fehr, M. A.

2017-07-01

Cadmium isotope data will be presented for bulk carbonaceous and enstatite chondrites, and acid leachates of Jbilet Winselwan (CM). Results of bulk samples show Cd isotope variations that are in good agreement with models of thermal neutron capture.

Cyclodextrin inclusion complex formation and solid-state characterization of the natural antioxidants alpha-tocopherol and quercetin.

PubMed

Koontz, John L; Marcy, Joseph E; O'Keefe, Sean F; Duncan, Susan E

2009-02-25

Cyclodextrin (CD) complexation procedures are relatively simple processes, but these techniques often require very specific conditions for each individual guest molecule. Variations of the coprecipitation from aqueous solution technique were optimized for the CD complexation of the natural antioxidants alpha-tocopherol and quercetin. Solid inclusion complex products of alpha-tocopherol/beta-CD and quercetin/gamma-CD had molar ratios of 1.7:1, which were equivalent to 18.1% (w/w) alpha-tocopherol and 13.0% (w/w) quercetin. The molar reactant ratios of CD/antioxidant were optimized at 8:1 to improve the yield of complexation. The product yields of alpha-tocopherol/beta-CD and quercetin/gamma-CD complexes from their individual reactants were calculated as 24 and 21% (w/w), respectively. ATR/FT-IR, 13C CP/MAS NMR, TGA, and DSC provided evidence of antioxidant interaction with CD at the molecular level, which indicated true CD inclusion complexation in the solid state. Natural antioxidant/CD inclusion complexes may serve as novel additives in controlled-release active packaging to extend the oxidative stability of foods.

Variation in primary and culture-expanded cells derived from connective tissue progenitors in human bone marrow space, bone trabecular surface and adipose tissue.

PubMed

Qadan, Maha A; Piuzzi, Nicolas S; Boehm, Cynthia; Bova, Wesley; Moos, Malcolm; Midura, Ronald J; Hascall, Vincent C; Malcuit, Christopher; Muschler, George F

2018-03-01

Connective tissue progenitors (CTPs) embody the heterogeneous stem and progenitor cell populations present in native tissue. CTPs are essential to the formation and remodeling of connective tissue and represent key targets for tissue-engineering and cell-based therapies. To better understand and characterize CTPs, we aimed to compare the (i) concentration and prevalence, (ii) early in vitro biological behavior and (iii) expression of surface-markers and transcription factors among cells derived from marrow space (MS), trabecular surface (TS), and adipose tissues (AT). Cancellous-bone and subcutaneous-adipose tissues were collected from 8 patients. Cells were isolated and cultured. Colony formation was assayed using Colonyze software based on ASTM standards. Cell concentration ([Cell]), CTP concentration ([CTP]) and CTP prevalence (P CTP ) were determined. Attributes of culture-expanded cells were compared based on (i) effective proliferation rate and (ii) expression of surface-markers CD73, CD90, CD105, SSEA-4, SSEA-3, SSEA-1/CD15, Cripto-1, E-Cadherin/CD324, Ep-CAM/CD326, CD146, hyaluronan and transcription factors Oct3/4, Sox-2 and Nanog using flow cytometry. Mean [Cell], [CTP] and P CTP were significantly different between MS and TS samples (P = 0.03, P = 0.008 and P= 0.0003), respectively. AT-derived cells generated the highest mean total cell yield at day 6 of culture-4-fold greater than TS and more than 40-fold greater than MS per million cells plated. TS colonies grew with higher mean density than MS colonies (290 ± 11 versus 150 ± 11 cell per mm 2 ; P = 0.0002). Expression of classical-mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) markers was consistently recorded (>95%) from all tissue sources, whereas all the other markers were highly variable. The prevalence and biological potential of CTPs are different between patients and tissue sources and lack variation in classical MSC markers. Other markers are more likely to discriminate differences between cell populations in biological performance. Understanding the underlying reasons for variation in the concentration, prevalence, marker expression and biological potential of CTPs between patients and source tissues and determining the means of managing this variation will contribute to the rational development of cell-based clinical diagnostics and targeted cell-based therapies. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Capturing the true burden of dystonia on patients: the Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile (CDIP-58).

PubMed

Cano, S J; Warner, T T; Linacre, J M; Bhatia, K P; Thompson, A J; Fitzpatrick, R; Hobart, J C

2004-11-09

To develop a new rating scale for measuring the health impact of cervical dystonia (CD) that includes patients' perceptions and complements existing observer dependent clinician rating scales. Scale development was in three stages. In Stage 1, a large pool of items was generated from patient interviews (n = 25), expert opinion, and literature review. In Stage 2, these items were administered by postal survey to people with CD. The resulting data were analyzed using Rasch item analysis to construct, from the item pool, a rating scale that satisfied criteria for rigorous measurement. In Stage 3, the measurement properties of this rating scale were examined in an independent sample of people with CD. In Stage 1, 150 items concerning the health impact of CD were generated. In Stage 2, 556 people completed questionnaires (87% response rate) and a 58-item rating scale measuring the health impact of CD in eight areas was constructed (CD Impact Profile, CDIP-58). In Stage 3, CDIP-58 data from 391 people (87% response rate) were received. Analyses supported the measurement of eight unidimensional constructs (infit mean square range 0.62 to 1.50), item calibration (33.37 to 67.56), and patient separation statistics (2.59 to 3.38). Items demonstrated stable calibrations in subgroups of people with CD supporting the stability of the CDIP-58. The CDIP-58 is a reliable and valid patient-based rating scale measuring the health impact of CD in eight health dimensions.

Anatomical Variations of the Circulus Arteriosus in Cadaveric Human Brains

PubMed Central

Gunnal, S. A.; Farooqui, M. S.; Wabale, R. N.

2014-01-01

Objective. Circulus arteriosus/circle of Willis (CW) is a polygonal anastomotic channel at the base of the brain which unites the internal carotid and vertebrobasilar system. It maintains the steady and constant supply to the brain. The variations of CW are seen often. The Aim of the present work is to find out the percentage of normal pattern of CW, and the frequency of variations of the CW and to study the morphological and morphometric aspects of all components of CW. Methods. Circulus arteriosus of 150 formalin preserved brains were dissected. Dimensions of all the components forming circles were measured. Variations of all the segments were noted and well photographed. The variations such as aplasia, hypoplasia, duplication, fenestrations, and difference in dimensions with opposite segments were noted. The data collected in the study was analyzed. Results. Twenty-one different types of CW were found in the present study. Normal and complete CW was found in 60%. CW with gross morphological variations was seen in 40%. Maximum variations were seen in the PCoA followed by the ACoA in 50% and 40%, respectively. Conclusion. As it confirms high percentage of variations, all surgical interventions should be preceded by angiography. Awareness of these anatomical variations is important in neurovascular procedures. PMID:24891951

Morphometric variations of the 7th cervical vertebrae of Zulu, White, and Colored South Africans.

PubMed

Kibii, Job M; Pan, Rualing; Tobias, Phillip V

2010-05-01

The 7th cervical vertebrae of 240 cadavers of South African Zulu, White, and Colored population groups were examined to determine morphometric variation. White and Colored females had statistically significant narrower cervical anteroposterior diameters than their male counterparts, whereas no statistically significant difference between sexes of the Zulu population group was observed in this variable. In addition, although Zulu and Colored females had statistically significant narrower cervical transverse diameters than their male counterparts, there was no statistically significant variation between South African white males and females in this respect. The findings indicate that sexual dimorphism is more apparent in the vertebral centrum, across the three population groups, where males had significantly larger dimensions in centrum anteroposterior diameter, height, and width than their female counterparts. The study further reveals that sexual dimorphism is more apparent when one compares aspects of the 7th cervical vertebra between sexes within the same population group. Overall, the dimensions of the various variates of the vertebra are substantially smaller in women than in men. The smaller dimensions, particularly of the centrum, may be the result of lower skeletal mass in women and render them more vulnerable to fractures resulting from compression forces. 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Advanced methods for preparation and characterization of infrared detector materials. [crystallization and phase diagrams of Hg sub 1-x Cd sub x Te

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lehoczy, S. L.

1979-01-01

Crystal growth of Hg sub 1-x Cd sub x Te and density measurements of ingot slices are discussed. Radial compositional variations are evaluated from the results of infrared transmission edge mapping. The pseudo-binary HgTe-CdTe phase diagram is examined with reference to differential thermal analysis measurements. The phase equilibria calculations, based on the 'regular association solution' theory (R.A.S.) are explained and, using the obtained R.A.S. parameters, the activities of Hg, Cd, and Te vapors and their partial pressures over the pseudo-binary melt are calculated.

Surface tension modelling of liquid Cd-Sn-Zn alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fima, Przemyslaw; Novakovic, Rada

2018-06-01

The thermodynamic model in conjunction with Butler equation and the geometric models were used for the surface tension calculation of Cd-Sn-Zn liquid alloys. Good agreement was found between the experimental data for limiting binaries and model calculations performed with Butler model. In the case of ternary alloys, the surface tension variation with Cd content is better reproduced in the case of alloys lying on vertical sections defined by high Sn to Zn molar fraction ratio. The calculated surface tension is in relatively good agreement with the available experimental data. In addition, the surface segregation of liquid ternary Cd-Sn-Zn and constituent binaries has also been calculated.

The multi-mode polarization modulation spectrometer: part 1: simultaneous detection of absorption, turbidity, and optical activity.

PubMed

Arvinte, Tudor; Bui, Tam T T; Dahab, Ali A; Demeule, Barthélemy; Drake, Alex F; Elhag, Dhia; King, Peter

2004-09-01

Circular dichroism (CD) is an important spectroscopic technique for monitoring chirality and biological macromolecule conformation. However, during a CD measurement, absorbance, light scattering/turbidity, and fluorescence can also be detected. The simultaneous measurement of these different spectral features for a single sample is the basis of a multi-mode optical spectrometer. This allows time-efficient gathering of complementary information and provides a scheme to ensure that CD measurements are reliable. Aspects of circular polarization differential light scattering, pH, and temperature variation of a protein (antibody) solution are described. A procedure to help ensure that CD measurements are reliable is described.

Peripheral blood CD34+KDR+ endothelial progenitor cells are determinants of subclinical atherosclerosis in a middle-aged general population.

PubMed

Fadini, Gian Paolo; Coracina, Anna; Baesso, Ilenia; Agostini, Carlo; Tiengo, Antonio; Avogaro, Angelo; de Kreutzenberg, Saula Vigili

2006-09-01

Disruption of the endothelial layer is the first step in the atherogenic process. Experimental studies have shown that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in endothelial homeostasis and repair. Conversely, EPC depletion has been demonstrated in the setting of established atherosclerotic diseases. With this background, we evaluated whether variations in the number of EPCs are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy subjects. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), levels of circulating EPCs, and cardiovascular risk were compared in 137 healthy subjects. Six subpopulations of progenitor cells were determined by flow cytometry on the basis of the surface expression of CD34, CD133, and KDR antigens: CD34(+), CD133(+), CD34(+)CD133(+), CD34(+)KDR(+), CD133(+)KDR(+), and CD34(+)CD133(+)KDR(+). Among different antigenic profiles of EPCs, only CD34(+)KDR(+) cells were significantly reduced in subjects with increased IMT. Specifically, CD34(+)KDR(+) cells were inversely correlated with IMT, even after adjustment for hsCRP and 10-year Framingham risk and independently of other cardiovascular parameters. Depletion of CD34(+)KDR(+) EPCs is an independent predictor of early subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy subjects and may provide additional information beyond classic risk factors and inflammatory markers.

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate Clusters the Cell Adhesion Molecule CD44 and Assembles a Specific CD44-Ezrin Heterocomplex, as Revealed by Small Angle Neutron Scattering

DOE PAGES

Khajeh, Jahan Ali; Ju, Jeong Ho; Gupta, Yogesh K.; ...

2015-01-08

The cell adhesion molecule CD44 regulates diverse cellular functions, including cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, cell motility, migration, differentiation, and growth. In cells, CD44 co-localizes with the membrane-cytoskeleton adapter protein Ezrin, which links the CD44 assembled receptor signaling complexes to the cytoskeletal actin and organizes the spatial and temporal localization of signaling events. Here we report that the cytoplasmic tail of CD44 (CD44ct) is largely disordered and adopts an autoinhibited conformation, which prevents CD44ct from binding directly to activated Ezrin in solution. Binding to the signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphlate (PIP2) disrupts autoinhibition in CD44ct, and activates CD44ct to associate with Ezrin.more » Further, using contrast variation small angle neutron scattering, we show that PIP2 mediates the assembly of a specific hetero-tetramer complex of CD44ct with Ezrin. This study reveals a novel autoregulation mechanism in the cytoplasmic tail of CD44 and the role of PIP2 in mediating the assembly of multimeric CD44ct-Ezrin complexes. We hypothesize that polyvalent electrostatic interactions are responsible for the assembly of multimeric PIP2-CD44-Ezrin complexes.« less

Role of freeze-thaw cycles and chlorpyrifos insecticide use on diffuse Cd loss and sediment accumulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fangli; Ouyang, Wei; Hao, Fanghua; Jiao, Wei; Shan, Yushu; Lin, Chunye

2016-06-01

Freeze-thaw cycles are predicted to increase in cold temperate regions. The potential influence of the interactions of freeze-thaw cycles and agrochemicals on the release of Cd into river water is unknown. In this study, the interactions of freeze-thaw cycles and chlorpyrifos (FC) on Cd mobility in soils were analysed. The spatial variability of soil Cd under long-term intensive tillage in a freeze-thaw agro-system was also identified. The temporal variation of sediment Cd was detected based on analysis of the sediment geochemistry. The results showed that FC increased soil Cd mobility, with an increase of approximately 10% in CaCl2-extractable Cd. The increased mobile fractions of water-soluble and exchangeable Cd originated from the decreased fraction of Fe-Mn-oxide-associated Cd and organic matter-bound Cd. The total Cd content in the surface soil followed the zonally decreasing trend of dry land > paddy land > natural land. The Cd concentrations and sedimentation rates of the sediment core generally increased from 1943 to 2013 due to agricultural exploration and farmland irrigation system construction, indicating an increase of the Cd input flux into water. The results provide valuable information about the soil Cd transport response to the influence of climatic and anthropogenic factors in cold intensive agro-systems.

Interpreting Biglan's "Hard-Soft" Dimension of Disciplinary Variation. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hargens, Lowell L.

Anthony Biglan (1973) proposed a typology of academic disciplines that identified three dimensions of academics' perceptions of the similarity of fields of scholarship: (1) "hard-soft", (2) "pure-applied", and (3) "life-non-life". Derek Price (1965) suggested that bibliographic data could be used to provide an…

The Helium Atom and Isoelectronic Ions in Two Dimensions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patil, S. H.

2008-01-01

The energy levels of the helium atom and isoelectronic ions in two dimensions are considered. The difficulties encountered in the analytical evaluation of the perturbative and variational expressions for the ground state, promote an interesting factorization of the inter-electronic interaction, leading to simple expressions for the energy. This…

The Learning Organization: Variations at Different Organizational Levels

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weldy, Teresa G.; Gillis, William E.

2010-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of managers, supervisors, and employees from different organizations relevant to the seven dimensions of a learning organization (LO), and the two dimensions of knowledge and financial performance. Design/methodology/approach: The perceptions of 143 organizational members from…

Benefit on health-related quality of life of adherence to gluten-free diet in adult patients with celiac disease.

PubMed

Casellas, Francisco; Rodrigo, Luis; Lucendo, Alfredo J; Fernández-Bañares, Fernando; Molina-Infante, Javier; Vivas, Santiago; Rosinach, Mercé; Dueñas, Carmen; López-Vivancos, Josefa

2015-04-01

Celiac disease (CD) affects health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients suffering it. The exclusion of gluten from the diet (GFD) improves HRQOL, but involves difficulties in following the diet that could adversely affect HRQOL. To determine the effect of adherence to the diet on HRQOL of adult CD patients. A prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study of CD patients treated with a GFD for longer than 1 year. Adherence to the GFD was measured using the Morisky scale, and health status using the specific CD-QOL questionnaire and the generic EuroQol-5D questionnaire. 366 patients from 7 hospitals were included: 71.5% of patients reported a perfect treatment adherence, 23.5% unintentional poor adherence and 5% intentional poor adherence. Good adherence to a GFD was related to a higher mean score onthe CD-QOL (75 vs. 68, respectively, p < 0.05) and EuroQol-5D (0.9 vs. 0.8, respectively, p < 0.05). Ease of adherence to a GFD was also related to a better HRQOL (total CD-QOL score of 82 vs. 67 in patients who consider the GFD difficult to follow, p < 0.05). Good symptom control was also related to a better HRQOL (total CD-QOL score of 78 vs. 67 in asymptomatic vs. symptomatic patients, p < 0.01). The worse scored dimension of CD-QOL was related to "inadequate treatment". In CD, good adherence to a GFD and adequate symptom control result in improved HRQOL. Many patients consider that the lack of therapeutic alternatives to diet worsens their quality of life.

Mapping of Ionomic Traits in Mimulus guttatus Reveals Mo and Cd QTLs That Colocalize with MOT1 Homologues

PubMed Central

Lowry, David B.; Sheng, Calvin C.; Zhu, Zhirui; Juenger, Thomas E.; Lahner, Brett; Salt, David E.; Willis, John H.

2012-01-01

Natural variation in the regulation of the accumulation of mineral nutrients and trace elements in plant tissues is crucial to plant metabolism, development, and survival across different habitats. Studies of the genetic basis of natural variation in nutrient metabolism have been facilitated by the development of ionomics. Ionomics is a functional genomic approach for the identification of the genes and gene networks that regulate the elemental composition, or ionome, of an organism. In this study, we evaluated the genetic basis of divergence in elemental composition between an inland annual and a coastal perennial accession of Mimulus guttatus using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population. Out of 20 elements evaluated, Mo and Cd were the most divergent in accumulation between the two accessions and were highly genetically correlated in the RILs across two replicated experiments. We discovered two major quantitative trait loci (QTL) for Mo accumulation, the largest of which consistently colocalized with a QTL for Cd accumulation. Interestingly, both Mo QTLs also colocalized with the two M. guttatus homologues of MOT1, the only known plant transporter to be involved in natural variation in molybdate uptake. PMID:22292026

Growth and Characterization of Chalcogenide Alloy Nanowires with Controlled Spatial Composition Variation for Optoelectronic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nichols, Patricia

The energy band gap of a semiconductor material critically influences the operating wavelength of an optoelectronic device. Realization of any desired band gap, or even spatially graded band gaps, is important for applications such as lasers, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), solar cells, and detectors. Compared to thin films, nanowires offer greater flexibility for achieving a variety of alloy compositions. Furthermore, the nanowire geometry permits simultaneous incorporation of a wide range of compositions on a single substrate. Such controllable alloy composition variation can be realized either within an individual nanowire or between distinct nanowires across a substrate. This dissertation explores the control of spatial composition variation in ternary alloy nanowires. Nanowires were grown by the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The gas-phase supersaturation was considered in order to optimize the deposition morphology. Composition and structure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Optical properties were investigated through photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The chalcogenides selected as alloy endpoints were lead sulfide (PbS), cadmium sulfide (CdS), and cadmium selenide (CdSe). Three growth modes of PbS were identified, which included contributions from spontaneously generated catalyst. The resulting wires were found capable of lasing with wavelengths over 4000 nm, representing the longest known wavelength from a sub-wavelength wire. For CdxPb1-xS nanowires, it was established that the cooling process significantly affects the alloy composition and structure. Quenching was critical to retain metastable alloys with x up to 0.14, representing a new composition in nanowire form. Alternatively, gradual cooling caused phase segregation, which created heterostructures with light emission in both the visible and mid-infrared regimes. The CdSSe alloy system was fully explored for spatial composition variation. CdSxSe1-x nanowires were grown with composition variation across the substrate. Subsequent contact printing preserved the designed composition gradient and led to the demonstration of a variable wavelength photodetector device. CdSSe axial heterostructure nanowires were also achieved. The growth process involved many variables, including a deliberate and controllable change in substrate temperature. As a result, both red and green light emission was detected from single nanowires.

Combined effects of temperature acclimation and cadmium exposure on mitochondrial function in eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica gmelin (Bivalvia: Ostreidae).

PubMed

Cherkasov, Anton S; Ringwood, Amy H; Sokolova, Inna M

2006-09-01

Cadmium and temperature have strong impacts on the metabolic physiology of aquatic organisms. To analyze the combined impact of these two stressors on aerobic capacity, effects of Cd exposure (50 microg/L) on mitochondrial function were studied in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) acclimated to 12 and 20 degrees C in winter and to 20 and 28 degrees C in fall. Cadmium exposure had different effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics of oysters depending on the acclimation temperature. In oysters acclimated to 12 degrees C, Cd exposure resulted in elevated intrinsic rates of mitochondrial oxidation, whereas at 28 degrees C, a rapid and pronounced decrease of mitochondrial oxidative capacity was found in Cd-exposed oysters. At the intermediate acclimation temperature (20 degrees C), effects of Cd exposure on intrinsic rates of mitochondrial oxidation were negligible. Degree of coupling significantly decreased in mitochondria from 28 degrees C-acclimated oysters but not in that from 12 degrees C- or 20 degrees C-acclimated oysters. Acclimation at elevated temperatures also increased sensitivity of oyster mitochondria to extramitochondrial Cd. Variation in mitochondrial membrane potential explained 41% of the observed variation in mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate synthesis and proton leak between different acclimation groups of oysters. Temperature-dependent sensitivity of metabolic physiology to Cd has significant implications for toxicity testing and for extrapolation of laboratory studies to field populations of aquatic poikilotherms, indicating the importance of taking into account the thermal regime of the environment.

A multicolor flow cytometric assay for measurement of platelet-derived microparticles.

PubMed

Mobarrez, Fariborz; Antovic, Jovan; Egberg, Nils; Hansson, Mona; Jörneskog, Gun; Hultenby, Kjell; Wallén, Håkan

2010-03-01

Flow cytometry (FCM) is the most commonly used method for detection of platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs), but it is poorly standardized and mainly used for "bedside" analyses in fresh samples. If PDMPs could be analyzed in previously frozen samples it would increase the usefulness of the method. However, cell membrane fragments from contaminating cells created during freezing/thawing may cause artifacts and disturb measurements. PDMPs were labeled with monoclonal antibodies directed against CD42a and CD62P, or CD42a and CD142. The PDMP gate was determined using forward scatter (FSC) and CD42a expression. The mean fluorescence intensities (MFIs) of CD62P or CD142 positive particles were translated into MESF -values (Molecules of Equivalent Soluble Fluorochrome) using a standard curve. FITC-labeled phalloidin (which binds to intracellular actin) was used to detect destroyed cells/cell fragments. Phalloidin-positive particles were significantly more common in supernatants of frozen/thawed platelet rich and platelet poor plasma samples compared with supernatants of platelet free plasma. High-speed centrifugation was then used to obtain PDMP samples with low contamination of cell fragments. Electron microscopy showed that these samples contained numerous round stained particles with cellular membranes of a size of 100-700 nm. Reproducibility experiments using plasma samples from healthy individuals showed that the coefficients of variation (CVs) of MESF values of CD62P and CD142 (both intra- and interassay) were <10%, and the variation between two cytometers in two different laboratories was <5%. We also found that PDMP expression of CD142 (i.e. tissue factor [TF]) and CD62P (i.e P-selectin) was around two times higher in samples from type 1-diabetes patients compared with those from healthy controls (p<0.001). The use of MESF values to quantify PDMP expression of P-selectin and TF yields reproducible data and enables comparison of data between laboratories. If high-speed centrifugation is performed, contamination of cell fragments is low in frozen/thawed samples. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Migration from Mexico to the US and Conduct Disorder: A Cross-National Study

PubMed Central

Breslau, Joshua; Borges, Guilherme; Saito, Naomi; Tancredi, Daniel J.; Benjet, Corina; Hinton, Ladson; Kendler, Kenneth S.; Kravitz, Richard; Vega, William; Aguilar-Gaxiola, Sergio; Medina-Mora, Maria Elena

2013-01-01

Context Twin studies suggest that Conduct Disorder (CD) is under substantial genetic influence, which is stronger for aggressive than for non-aggressive symptoms. Studies of migrating populations offer an alternative strategy for separating environmental and genetic influences on psychopathology. Objective To examine variation in the prevalence of CD associated with migration from Mexico to the US and whether this variation is similar for aggressive and non-aggressive CD symptoms and symptom profiles. Design The prevalence of CD, different types of CD symptoms and CD symptom profiles were compared across three generations of people of Mexican origin with increasing levels of exposure to American culture: families of origin of migrants (in Mexico), children of Mexican migrants raised in the US and Mexican-American children of US-born parents. Setting General population surveys conducted in Mexico and the US using the same diagnostic interview. Participants Adults age 18–44 in the household population of Mexico and the household population of people of Mexican descent in the US. Main Outcome Measures CD criteria assessed using the World Mental Health version of the Composite International Diagnostic Instrument (WMH-CIDI). Results Compared with families of origin of migrants, risk of CD is lower in the general population of Mexico (OR=0.54, 95% CI 0.19–1.51), higher in children of Mexican-born immigrants who are raised in the US (OR=4.12, 95% CI 1.47–11.52) and higher still in Mexican-American children of US-born parents (OR=7.64, 95% CI 3.20–18.27). The association with migration is markedly weaker for aggressive than for non-aggressive symptoms. Conclusions The prevalence of CD increases dramatically across generations of the Mexican-origin population following migration to the US. This increase is of larger magnitude for non-aggressive than for aggressive symptoms, consistent with the suggestion that non-aggressive symptoms are more strongly influenced by environmental factors than aggressive symptoms. PMID:22147845

Season and region of birth as risk factors for coeliac disease a key to the aetiology?

PubMed Central

Namatovu, Fredinah; Lindkvist, Marie; Olsson, Cecilia; Ivarsson, Anneli; Sandström, Olof

2016-01-01

Background Coeliac disease (CD) incidence has increased in recent decades, characterised by variations according to sex, age at diagnosis, year of birth, month of birth and region of birth. Genetic susceptibility and exposure to gluten are the necessary factors in CD aetiology, although several environmental factors are considered. Methods A nationwide prospective cohort longitudinal study was conducted consisting of 1 912 204 children aged 0–14.9 years born in Sweden from 1991 to 2009. A total of 6569 children were diagnosed with biopsy-verified CD from 47 paediatric departments. Using Cox regression, we examined the association between CD diagnosis and season of birth, region of birth and year of birth. Results Overall, CD risk was higher for children born during spring, summer and autumn as compared with children born during winter: adjusted HR for spring 1.08 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.16), summer 1.10 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.18) and autumn 1.10 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.18). Increased CD risk was highest if born in the south, followed by central Sweden when compared with children born in northern Sweden. Children diagnosed at <2 years had an increased CD risk if born in spring while those diagnosed at 2–14.9 years the risk was increased for summer and autumn births. The birth cohort of 1991–1996 had increased CD risk if born during spring, for the 1997–2002 birth cohort the risk increased for summer and autumn births, while for the birth cohort of 2003–2009 the risk was increased if born during autumn. Conclusions Season of birth and region of birth are independently and jointly associated with increased risk of developing CD during the first 15 years of life. Seasonal variation in infectious load is the likely explanation. PMID:27528621

Do key dimensions of seed and seedling functional trait variation capture variation in recruitment probability?

PubMed

Larson, Julie E; Sheley, Roger L; Hardegree, Stuart P; Doescher, Paul S; James, Jeremy J

2016-05-01

Seedling recruitment is a critical driver of population dynamics and community assembly, yet we know little about functional traits that define different recruitment strategies. For the first time, we examined whether trait relatedness across germination and seedling stages allows the identification of general recruitment strategies which share core functional attributes and also correspond to recruitment outcomes in applied settings. We measured six seed and eight seedling traits (lab- and field-collected, respectively) for 47 varieties of dryland grasses and used principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis to identify major dimensions of trait variation and to isolate trait-based recruitment groups, respectively. PCA highlighted some links between seed and seedling traits, suggesting that relative growth rate and root elongation rate are simultaneously but independently associated with seed mass and initial root mass (first axis), and with leaf dry matter content, specific leaf area, coleoptile tissue density and germination rate (second axis). Third and fourth axes captured separate tradeoffs between hydrothermal time and base water potential for germination, and between specific root length and root mass ratio, respectively. Cluster analysis separated six recruitment types along dimensions of germination and growth rates, but classifications did not correspond to patterns of germination, emergence or recruitment in the field under either of two watering treatments. Thus, while we have begun to identify major threads of functional variation across seed and seedling stages, our understanding of how this variation influences demographic processes-particularly germination and emergence-remains a key gap in functional ecology.

Characteristics of depth-sensing coplanar grid CdZnTe detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Zhong; Sturm, Ben W.

2005-12-01

The latest depth-sensing coplanar grid CdZnTe detectors have been tested. Two of these have dimensions 1.5×1.5×1.0 cm 3 and one is a cylindrical detector with 1.5 cm diameter and 1.0 cm length, all of them using the third-generation coplanar anode design. Energy resolutions of 2.0% and 2.4% FWHM at 662 keV γ-ray energies were obtained. Detector performance has been observed experimentally as a function of depth of the γ-ray interaction, and as a function of radial position near the anode surface. The measured results show the improvement of the third-generation anode design. Material uniformity of CdZnTe crystals manufactured by eV Products have been directly observed and compared on two 1.5×1.5×1.0 cm 3 detectors.

Effects of Callous-Unemotional Traits on the Association Between Parenting and Child Conduct Problems.

PubMed

Crum, Kathleen I; Waschbusch, Daniel A; Bagner, Daniel M; Coxe, Stefany

2015-12-01

The current study investigated whether and how callous-unemotional traits (CU) moderated the association between specific parenting practices and child conduct problems (CP) with a special consideration of informant patterns. Associations between CU, ODD and CD symptom severity, and the parenting practices of deficient monitoring, positive involvement, and negative/ineffective discipline were examined across parent and teacher reports on 851 elementary-school students. Relative to children with low CU, in children with high CU: (1) positive parenting was associated with lower CD, but increased ODD; (2) negative/ineffective discipline was associated with increased ODD; (3) deficient monitoring was associated with increased CD. Results were not robust across informants. These findings suggest that in the context of CU, the associations between parenting and CP differ based on parenting characteristics, CP dimensions, and informant, and that families may benefit from treatment targeting specific parenting practices based on CP symptom profiles.

Understanding the Complexity of Temperature Dynamics in Xinjiang, China, from Multitemporal Scale and Spatial Perspectives

PubMed Central

Chen, Yaning; Li, Weihong; Liu, Zuhan; Wei, Chunmeng; Tang, Jie

2013-01-01

Based on the observed data from 51 meteorological stations during the period from 1958 to 2012 in Xinjiang, China, we investigated the complexity of temperature dynamics from the temporal and spatial perspectives by using a comprehensive approach including the correlation dimension (CD), classical statistics, and geostatistics. The main conclusions are as follows (1) The integer CD values indicate that the temperature dynamics are a complex and chaotic system, which is sensitive to the initial conditions. (2) The complexity of temperature dynamics decreases along with the increase of temporal scale. To describe the temperature dynamics, at least 3 independent variables are needed at daily scale, whereas at least 2 independent variables are needed at monthly, seasonal, and annual scales. (3) The spatial patterns of CD values at different temporal scales indicate that the complex temperature dynamics are derived from the complex landform. PMID:23843732

Application of focused ion beam for the fabrication of AFM probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolomiytsev, A. S.; Lisitsyn, S. A.; Smirnov, V. A.; Fedotov, A. A.; Varzarev, Yu N.

2017-10-01

The results of an experimental study of the probe tips fabrication for critical-dimension atomic force microscopy (CD-AFM) using the focused ion beam (FIB) induced deposition are presented. Methods of the FIB-induced deposition of tungsten and carbon onto the tip of an AFM probe are studied. Based on the results obtained in the study, probes for the CD-AFM technique with a tip height about 1 μm and radius of 20 nm were created. The formation of CD-AFM probes by FIB-induced deposition allows creating a high efficiency tool for nanotechnology and nanodiagnostics. The use of modified cantilevers allows minimizing the artefacts of AFM images and increasing the accuracy of the relief measurement. The obtained results can be used for fabrication of AFM probes for express monitoring of the technological process in the manufacturing of the elements for micro- and nanoelectronics.

Thermal analysis of Bridgman-Stockbarger growth. [mercury cadmium telluride single crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knopf, F. W.

1979-01-01

A thermal analysis of a cylindrical HgCdTe sample in a Bridgman-Stockbarger crystal growth configuration was conducted with emphasis on the thermal profile, interface shape and position, and the thermal gradients at the liquid-solid interface. Alloys of HgTe and CdTe with compositions approximating 20 percent CdTe, 80 percent HgTe were used. This composition results in a bandgap suited for the detection of 10.6 micron CO2 radiation. The sensitivity of the sample thermal characteristics to important growth parameters, such as thermal diffusivities, thermal conductivities, furnace temperature profile, ampoule dimensions, and growth velocity was assessed. Numerical techniques and associated computational models necessary to analyze the heat transfer process within the sample and the Bridgman-Stockbarger boundary conditions were developed. This thermal analysis mode was programmed in FORTRAN V, and is currently operational on the MSFC Univac 1100 system.

Literacy in Somali: Linguistic Consequences.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Biber, Douglas; Hared, Mohamed

1991-01-01

Linguistic consequences of literacy in Somalia are examined in a review of the literature and through a study of five dimensions of variation among Somali registers and the expansion of linguistic variation in Somali resulting from the introduction of written registers. (36 references) (LB)

Structural and optical properties of Ni-doped CdS thin films prepared by chemical bath deposition method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Premarani, R.; Saravanakumar, S., E-mail: sarophy84@gmail.com; Chandramohan, R.

2015-06-24

The structural and optical behavior of undoped Cadmiun Sulphide (CdS) and Ni-doped CdS thinfilms prepared by Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) technique is reported. The crystallite sizes of the thinfilms have been characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). The particle sizes increase with the increase of Ni content in the CdS thinfilms. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) results indicated that CdS thinfilms is made up of aggregate of spherical-like particles. The composition was estimated by Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-ray (EDX) and reported. Spectroscopic studies revealed considerable improvement in transmission and the band gap of the films changes with addition of Nimore » dopant that is associated with variation in crystallite sizes in the nano regime.« less

Spatial Distribution of Dopant Incorporation in CdTe

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guthrey, Harvey; Moseley, John; Colegrove, Eric

2016-11-21

In this work we use state-of-the-art cathodoluminescence (CL) spectrum imaging that provides spectrum-per-pixel mapping of the CL emission to examine how dopant elements are incorporated into CdTe. Emission spectra and intensity are used to monitor the spatial distribution of additional charge carriers through characteristic variations in the CL emission based on theoretical modeling. Our results show that grain boundaries play a role in the incorporation of dopants in CdTe, whether intrinsic or extrinsic. This type of analysis is crucial for providing feedback to design different processing schedules that optimize dopant incorporation in CdTe photovoltaic material, which has struggled to reachmore » high carrier concentration values. Here, we present results on CdTe films exposed to copper, phosphorus, and intrinsic doping treatments.« less

Representations of Pitch and Timbre Variation in Human Auditory Cortex

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Pitch and timbre are two primary dimensions of auditory perception, but how they are represented in the human brain remains a matter of contention. Some animal studies of auditory cortical processing have suggested modular processing, with different brain regions preferentially coding for pitch or timbre, whereas other studies have suggested a distributed code for different attributes across the same population of neurons. This study tested whether variations in pitch and timbre elicit activity in distinct regions of the human temporal lobes. Listeners were presented with sequences of sounds that varied in either fundamental frequency (eliciting changes in pitch) or spectral centroid (eliciting changes in brightness, an important attribute of timbre), with the degree of pitch or timbre variation in each sequence parametrically manipulated. The BOLD responses from auditory cortex increased with increasing sequence variance along each perceptual dimension. The spatial extent, region, and laterality of the cortical regions most responsive to variations in pitch or timbre at the univariate level of analysis were largely overlapping. However, patterns of activation in response to pitch or timbre variations were discriminable in most subjects at an individual level using multivoxel pattern analysis, suggesting a distributed coding of the two dimensions bilaterally in human auditory cortex. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Pitch and timbre are two crucial aspects of auditory perception. Pitch governs our perception of musical melodies and harmonies, and conveys both prosodic and (in tone languages) lexical information in speech. Brightness—an aspect of timbre or sound quality—allows us to distinguish different musical instruments and speech sounds. Frequency-mapping studies have revealed tonotopic organization in primary auditory cortex, but the use of pure tones or noise bands has precluded the possibility of dissociating pitch from brightness. Our results suggest a distributed code, with no clear anatomical distinctions between auditory cortical regions responsive to changes in either pitch or timbre, but also reveal a population code that can differentiate between changes in either dimension within the same cortical regions. PMID:28025255

Long-term feeding ecology and habitat use in harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena from Scandinavian waters inferred from trace elements and stable isotopes.

PubMed

Fontaine, Michaël C; Tolley, Krystal A; Siebert, Ursula; Gobert, Sylvie; Lepoint, Gilles; Bouquegneau, Jean-Marie; Das, Krishna

2007-01-17

We investigated the feeding ecology and habitat use of 32 harbour porpoises by-caught in 4 localities along the Scandinavian coast from the North Sea to the Barents Sea using time-integrative markers: stable isotopes (delta13C, delta15N) and trace elements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, total Hg and Cd), in relation to habitat characteristics (bathymetry) and geographic position (latitude). Among the trace elements analysed, only Cd, with an oceanic specific food origin, was found to be useful as an ecological tracer. All other trace elements studied were not useful, most likely because of physiological regulation and/or few specific sources in the food web. The delta13C, delta15N signatures and Cd levels were highly correlated with each other, as well as with local bathymetry and geographic position (latitude). Variation in the isotopic ratios indicated a shift in harbour porpoise's feeding habits from pelagic prey species in deep northern waters to more coastal and/or demersal prey in the relatively shallow North Sea and Skagerrak waters. This result is consistent with stomach content analyses found in the literature. This shift was associated with a northward Cd-enrichment which provides further support to the Cd 'anomaly' previously reported in polar waters and suggests that porpoises in deep northern waters include Cd-contaminated prey in their diet, such as oceanic cephalopods. As stable isotopes and Cd provide information in the medium and the long term respectively, the spatial variation found, shows that harbour porpoises experience different ecological regimes during the year along the Scandinavian coasts, adapting their feeding habits to local oceanographic conditions, without performing extensive migration.

Rapid evolution of binding specificities and expression patterns of inhibitory CD33-related Siglecs in primates

PubMed Central

Padler-Karavani, Vered; Hurtado-Ziola, Nancy; Chang, Yung-Chi; Sonnenburg, Justin L.; Ronaghy, Arash; Yu, Hai; Verhagen, Andrea; Nizet, Victor; Chen, Xi; Varki, Nissi; Varki, Ajit; Angata, Takashi

2014-01-01

Siglecs are sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectins that recognize sialoglycans via amino-terminal V-set domains. CD33-related Siglecs (CD33rSiglecs) on innate immune cells recognize endogenous sialoglycans as “self-associated molecular patterns” (SAMPs), dampening immune responses via cytosolic immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs that recruit tyrosine phosphatases. However, sialic acid-expressing pathogens subvert this mechanism through molecular mimicry. Meanwhile, endogenous host SAMPs must continually evolve to evade other pathogens that exploit sialic acids as invasion targets. We hypothesized that these opposing selection forces have accelerated CD33rSiglec evolution. We address this by comparative analysis of major CD33rSiglec (Siglec-3, Siglec-5, and Siglec-9) orthologs in humans, chimpanzees, and baboons. Recombinant soluble molecules displaying ligand-binding domains show marked quantitative and qualitative interspecies differences in interactions with strains of the sialylated pathogen, group B Streptococcus, and with sialoglycans presented as gangliosides or in the form of sialoglycan microarrays, including variations such as N-glycolyl and O-acetyl groups. Primate Siglecs also show quantitative and qualitative intra- and interspecies variations in expression patterns on leukocytes, both in circulation and in tissues. Taken together our data explain why the CD33rSiglec-encoding gene cluster is undergoing rapid evolution via multiple mechanisms, driven by the need to maintain self-recognition by innate immune cells, while escaping 2 distinct mechanisms of pathogen subversion.—Padler-Karavani, V., Hurtado-Ziola, N., Chang, Y.-C., Sonnenburg, J. L., Ronaghy, A., Yu, H., Verhagen, A., Nizet, V., Chen, X., Varki, N., Varki, A., Angata, T. Rapid evolution of binding specificities and expression patterns of inhibitory CD33-related Siglecs in primates. PMID:24308974

[Spatial variations of heavy metals in precipitation at Mount Taishan region].

PubMed

Wang, Yan; Liu, Xiao-Huan; Jin, Ling-Ren; Yue, Tai-Xing; Wang, De-Zhong; Wang, Wen-Xing

2007-11-01

Zn, Al, Mn, Fe, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, As, Cd in rain samples collected from two sites at Mount Taishan region were determined by ICP-MS, to evaluate the spatial variation characteristics of heavy metals in precipitation. Individual rain events were sampled for one whole year from Jan. to Dec. 2006. High concentrations of heavy metals were found at both sites, indicating serious heavy metal pollution. Zn was the most abundant element, accounting for 54% - 57% of the total metals concentrations. Its volume-weighted mean concentrations of precipitation at Mt-top and Mt-foot sites were 92.94 microg/L and 70.41 microg/L respectively. The following elements were Fe, Al and Mn and their concentrations were much higher than toxic heavy metals (As, Cd and Cd) except Pb (8.04 microg/L and 7.79 microg/L at two sites respectively). Comparison results between two sites suggested that heavy metal characteristics of precipitation at two sites were different, due to the influences of different ambient air conditions. Correlation analysis between two sites showed that Al, Mn, Fe, As, Cd, Pb influenced by air mass origin greatly, while Ni, Cu, Zn affected by other different factors.

Integrated approach to improving local CD uniformity in EUV patterning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Andrew; Hermans, Jan; Tran, Timothy; Viatkina, Katja; Liang, Chen-Wei; Ward, Brandon; Chuang, Steven; Yu, Jengyi; Harm, Greg; Vandereyken, Jelle; Rio, David; Kubis, Michael; Tan, Samantha; Dusa, Mircea; Singhal, Akhil; van Schravendijk, Bart; Dixit, Girish; Shamma, Nader

2017-03-01

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography is crucial to enabling technology scaling in pitch and critical dimension (CD). Currently, one of the key challenges of introducing EUV lithography to high volume manufacturing (HVM) is throughput, which requires high source power and high sensitivity chemically amplified photoresists. Important limiters of high sensitivity chemically amplified resists (CAR) are the effects of photon shot noise and resist blur on the number of photons received and of photoacids generated per feature, especially at the pitches required for 7 nm and 5 nm advanced technology nodes. These stochastic effects are reflected in via structures as hole-to-hole CD variation or local CD uniformity (LCDU). Here, we demonstrate a synergy of film stack deposition, EUV lithography, and plasma etch techniques to improve LCDU, which allows the use of high sensitivity resists required for the introduction of EUV HVM. Thus, to improve LCDU to a level required by 5 nm node and beyond, film stack deposition, EUV lithography, and plasma etch processes were combined and co-optimized to enhance LCDU reduction from synergies. Test wafers were created by depositing a pattern transfer stack on a substrate representative of a 5 nm node target layer. The pattern transfer stack consisted of an atomically smooth adhesion layer and two hardmasks and was deposited using the Lam VECTOR PECVD product family. These layers were designed to mitigate hole roughness, absorb out-of-band radiation, and provide additional outlets for etch to improve LCDU and control hole CD. These wafers were then exposed through an ASML NXE3350B EUV scanner using a variety of advanced positive tone EUV CAR. They were finally etched to the target substrate using Lam Flex dielectric etch and Kiyo conductor etch systems. Metrology methodologies to assess dimensional metrics as well as chip performance and defectivity were investigated to enable repeatable patterning process development. Illumination conditions in EUV lithography were optimized to improve normalized image log slope (NILS), which is expected to reduce shot noise related effects. It can be seen that the EUV imaging contrast improvement can further reduce post-develop LCDU from 4.1 nm to 3.9 nm and from 2.8 nm to 2.6 nm. In parallel, etch processes were developed to further reduce LCDU, to control CD, and to transfer these improvements into the final target substrate. We also demonstrate that increasing post-develop CD through dose adjustment can enhance the LCDU reduction from etch. Similar trends were also observed in different pitches down to 40 nm. The solutions demonstrated here are critical to the introduction of EUV lithography in high volume manufacturing. It can be seen that through a synergistic deposition, lithography, and etch optimization, LCDU at a 40 nm pitch can be improved to 1.6 nm (3-sigma) in a target oxide layer and to 1.4 nm (3-sigma) at the photoresist layer.

Assessment of potential soybean cadmium excluder cultivars at different concentrations of Cd in soils.

PubMed

Zhi, Yang; He, Kangxin; Sun, Ting; Zhu, Yongqiang; Zhou, Qixing

2015-09-01

The selection of cadmium-excluding cultivars has been used to minimize the transfer of cadmium into the human food chain. In this experiment, five Chinese soybean plants were grown in three soils with different concentrations of Cd (0.15, 0.75 and 1.12mg/kg). Variations in uptake, enrichment, and translocation of Cd among these soybean cultivars were studied. The results indicated that the concentration of Cd in seeds that grew at 1.12mg/kg Cd in soils exceeded the permitted maximum levels in soybeans. Therefore, our results indicated that even some soybean cultivars grown on soils with permitted levels of Cd might accumulate higher concentrations of Cd in seeds that are hazardous to human health. The seeds of these five cultivars were further assessed for interactions between Cd and other mineral nutrient elements such as Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn. High Cd concentration in soil was found to inhibit the uptake of Mn. Furthermore, Fe and Zn accumulations were found to be enhanced in the seeds of all of the five soybean cultivars in response to high Cd concentration. Cultivar Tiefeng 31 was found to fit the criteria for a Cd-excluding cultivar under different concentrations of Cd in soils. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Uptake, sequestration and tolerance of cadmium at cellular levels in the hyperaccumulator plant species Sedum alfredii

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tian, Shengke; Xie, Ruohan; Wang, Haixin

Sedum alfredii is one of a few plant species known to hyperaccumulate cadmium (Cd). Uptake, localization, and tolerance of Cd at cellular levels in shoots were compared in hyperaccumulating (HE) and non-hyperaccumulating (NHE) ecotypes of Sedum alfredii. X-ray fluorescence images of Cd in stems and leaves showed only a slight Cd signal restricted within vascular bundles in the NHEs, while enhanced localization of Cd, with significant tissue- and age-dependent variations, was detected in HEs. In contrast to the vascular-enriched Cd in young stems, parenchyma cells in leaf mesophyll, stem pith and cortex tissues served as terminal storage sites for Cdmore » sequestration in HEs. Kinetics of Cd transport into individual leaf protoplasts of the two ecotypes showed little difference in Cd accumulation. However, far more efficient storage of Cd in vacuoles was apparent in HEs. Subsequent analysis of cell viability and hydrogen peroxide levels suggested that HE protoplasts exhibited higher resistance to Cd than those of NHE protoplasts. These results suggest that efficient sequestration into vacuoles, as opposed to rapid transport into parenchyma cells, is a pivotal process in Cd accumulation and homeostasis in shoots of HE S. alfredii. This is in addition to its efficient root-to-shoot translocation of Cd.« less

CD11b activation suppresses TLR-dependent inflammation and autoimmunity in systemic lupus erythematosus

PubMed Central

Faridi, Mohd Hafeez; Khan, Samia Q.; Zhao, Wenpu; Lee, Ha Won; Altintas, Mehmet M.; Zhang, Kun; Kumar, Vinay; Armstrong, Andrew R.; Carmona-Rivera, Carmelo; Dorschner, Jessica M.; Schnaith, Abigail M.; Li, Xiaobo; Ghodke-Puranik, Yogita; Moore, Erica; Irizarry-Caro, Jorge; Zhang, Tingting; Day, Rachael; Stoub, Darren; Hoffmann, Victoria; Khaliqdina, Shehryar Jehangir; Bhargava, Prachal; Santander, Ana M.; Torroella-Kouri, Marta; Issac, Biju; Cimbaluk, David J.; Zloza, Andrew; Prabhakar, Rajeev; Deep, Shashank; Jolly, Meenakshi; Koh, Kwi Hye; Reichner, Jonathan S.; Bradshaw, Elizabeth M.; Chen, JianFeng; Moita, Luis F.; Yuen, Peter S.; Li Tsai, Wanxia; Singh, Bhupinder; Reiser, Jochen; Nath, Swapan K.; Niewold, Timothy B.; Vazquez-Padron, Roberto I.

2017-01-01

Genetic variations in the ITGAM gene (encoding CD11b) strongly associate with risk for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here we have shown that 3 nonsynonymous ITGAM variants that produce defective CD11b associate with elevated levels of type I interferon (IFN-I) in lupus, suggesting a direct link between reduced CD11b activity and the chronically increased inflammatory status in patients. Treatment with the small-molecule CD11b agonist LA1 led to partial integrin activation, reduced IFN-I responses in WT but not CD11b-deficient mice, and protected lupus-prone MRL/Lpr mice from end-organ injury. CD11b activation reduced TLR-dependent proinflammatory signaling in leukocytes and suppressed IFN-I signaling via an AKT/FOXO3/IFN regulatory factor 3/7 pathway. TLR-stimulated macrophages from CD11B SNP carriers showed increased basal expression of IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) and IFN-β, as well as increased nuclear exclusion of FOXO3, which was suppressed by LA1-dependent activation of CD11b. This suggests that pharmacologic activation of CD11b could be a potential mechanism for developing SLE therapeutics. PMID:28263189

Insight into the expression variation of metal-responsive genes in the seedling of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera).

PubMed

Chaâbene, Zayneb; Rorat, Agnieszka; Rekik Hakim, Imen; Bernard, Fabien; Douglas, Grubb C; Elleuch, Amine; Vandenbulcke, Franck; Mejdoub, Hafedh

2018-04-01

Phytochelatin synthase and metallothionein gene expressions were monitored via qPCR in order to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in Cd and Cr detoxification in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera). A specific reference gene validation procedure using BestKeeper, NormFinder and geNorm programs allowed selection of the three most stable reference genes in a context of Cd or Cr contamination among six reference gene candidates, namely elongation factor α1, actin, aldehyde dehydrogenase, SAND family, tubulin 6 and TaTa box binding protein. Phytochelatin synthase (pcs) and metallothionein (mt) encoding gene expression were induced from the first days of exposure. At low Cd stress (0.02 mM), genes were still up-regulated until 60th day of exposure. At the highest metal concentrations, however, pcs and mt gene expressions decreased. pcs encoding gene was significantly up-regulated under Cr exposure, and was more responsive to increasing Cr concentration than mt encoding gene. Moreover, exposure to Cd or Cr influenced clearly seed germination and hypocotyls elongation. Thus, the results have proved that both analyzed genes participate in metal detoxification and their expression is regulated at transcriptional level in date palm subjected to Cr and Cd stress. Consequently, variations of expression of mt and pcs genes may serve as early-warning biomarkers of metal stress in this species. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mass Cytometry Analysis Reveals the Landscape and Dynamics of CD32a+ CD4+ T Cells From Early HIV Infection to Effective cART.

PubMed

Coindre, Sixtine; Tchitchek, Nicolas; Alaoui, Lamine; Vaslin, Bruno; Bourgeois, Christine; Goujard, Cecile; Avettand-Fenoel, Veronique; Lecuroux, Camille; Bruhns, Pierre; Le Grand, Roger; Beignon, Anne-Sophie; Lambotte, Olivier; Favier, Benoit

2018-01-01

CD32a has been proposed as a specific marker of latently HIV-infected CD4 + T cells. However, CD32a was recently found to be expressed on CD4 + T cells of healthy donors, leading to controversy on the relevance of this marker in HIV persistence. Here, we used mass cytometry to characterize the landscape and variation in the abundance of CD32a + CD4 + T cells during HIV infection. To this end, we analyzed CD32a + CD4 + T cells in primary HIV infection before and after effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and in healthy donors. We found that CD32a + CD4 + T cells include heterogeneous subsets that are differentially affected by HIV infection. Our analysis revealed that naive ( N ), central memory ( CM ), and effector/memory ( Eff/Mem ) CD32a + CD4 + T-cell clusters that co-express LILRA2- and CD64-activating receptors were more abundant in primary HIV infection and cART stages. Conversely, LILRA2 - CD32a + CD4 + T-cell clusters of either the T N , T CM , or T Eff/Mem phenotype were more abundant in healthy individuals. Finally, an activated CD32a + CD4 + T Eff/Mem cell cluster co-expressing LILRA2, CD57, and NKG2C was more abundant in all HIV stages, particularly during primary HIV infection. Overall, our data show that multiple abundance modifications of CD32a + CD4 + T-cell subsets occur in the early phase of HIV infection, and some of which are conserved after effective cART. Our study brings a better comprehension of the relationship between CD32a expression and CD4 + T cells during HIV infection.

Fractal based modelling and analysis of electromyography (EMG) to identify subtle actions.

PubMed

Arjunan, Sridhar P; Kumar, Dinesh K

2007-01-01

The paper reports the use of fractal theory and fractal dimension to study the non-linear properties of surface electromyogram (sEMG) and to use these properties to classify subtle hand actions. The paper reports identifying a new feature of the fractal dimension, the bias that has been found to be useful in modelling the muscle activity and of sEMG. Experimental results demonstrate that the feature set consisting of bias values and fractal dimension of the recordings is suitable for classification of sEMG against the different hand gestures. The scatter plots demonstrate the presence of simple relationships of these features against the four hand gestures. The results indicate that there is small inter-experimental variation but large inter-subject variation. This may be due to differences in the size and shape of muscles for different subjects. The possible applications of this research include use in developing prosthetic hands, controlling machines and computers.

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate Clusters the Cell Adhesion Molecule CD44 and Assembles a Specific CD44-Ezrin Heterocomplex, as Revealed by Small Angle Neutron Scattering*

PubMed Central

Chen, Xiaodong; Khajeh, Jahan Ali; Ju, Jeong Ho; Gupta, Yogesh K.; Stanley, Christopher B.; Do, Changwoo; Heller, William T.; Aggarwal, Aneel K.; Callaway, David J. E.; Bu, Zimei

2015-01-01

The cell adhesion molecule CD44 regulates diverse cellular functions, including cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, cell motility, migration, differentiation, and growth. In cells, CD44 co-localizes with the membrane-cytoskeleton adapter protein Ezrin that links the CD44 assembled receptor signaling complexes to the cytoskeletal actin network, which organizes the spatial and temporal localization of signaling events. Here we report that the cytoplasmic tail of CD44 (CD44ct) is largely disordered. Upon binding to the signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), CD44ct clusters into aggregates. Further, contrary to the generally accepted model, CD44ct does not bind directly to the FERM domain of Ezrin or to the full-length Ezrin but only forms a complex with FERM or with the full-length Ezrin in the presence of PIP2. Using contrast variation small angle neutron scattering, we show that PIP2 mediates the assembly of a specific heterotetramer complex of CD44ct with Ezrin. This study reveals the role of PIP2 in clustering CD44 and in assembling multimeric CD44-Ezrin complexes. We hypothesize that polyvalent electrostatic interactions are responsible for the assembly of CD44 clusters and the multimeric PIP2-CD44-Ezrin complexes. PMID:25572402

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate clusters the cell adhesion molecule CD44 and assembles a specific CD44-Ezrin heterocomplex, as revealed by small angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaodong; Khajeh, Jahan Ali; Ju, Jeong Ho; Gupta, Yogesh K; Stanley, Christopher B; Do, Changwoo; Heller, William T; Aggarwal, Aneel K; Callaway, David J E; Bu, Zimei

2015-03-06

The cell adhesion molecule CD44 regulates diverse cellular functions, including cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, cell motility, migration, differentiation, and growth. In cells, CD44 co-localizes with the membrane-cytoskeleton adapter protein Ezrin that links the CD44 assembled receptor signaling complexes to the cytoskeletal actin network, which organizes the spatial and temporal localization of signaling events. Here we report that the cytoplasmic tail of CD44 (CD44ct) is largely disordered. Upon binding to the signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), CD44ct clusters into aggregates. Further, contrary to the generally accepted model, CD44ct does not bind directly to the FERM domain of Ezrin or to the full-length Ezrin but only forms a complex with FERM or with the full-length Ezrin in the presence of PIP2. Using contrast variation small angle neutron scattering, we show that PIP2 mediates the assembly of a specific heterotetramer complex of CD44ct with Ezrin. This study reveals the role of PIP2 in clustering CD44 and in assembling multimeric CD44-Ezrin complexes. We hypothesize that polyvalent electrostatic interactions are responsible for the assembly of CD44 clusters and the multimeric PIP2-CD44-Ezrin complexes. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Root-to-shoot Cd translocation via the xylem is the major process determining shoot and grain cadmium accumulation in rice

PubMed Central

Uraguchi, Shimpei; Mori, Shinsuke; Kuramata, Masato; Kawasaki, Akira; Arao, Tomohito; Ishikawa, Satoru

2009-01-01

Physiological properties involved in divergent cadmium (Cd) accumulation among rice genotypes were characterized using the indica cultivar ‘Habataki’ (high Cd in grains) and the japonica cultivar ‘Sasanishiki’ (low Cd in grains). Time-dependence and concentration-dependence of symplastic Cd absorption in roots were revealed not to be responsible for the different Cd accumulation between the two cultivars because root Cd uptake was not greater in the Cd-accumulating cultivar ‘Habataki’ compared with ‘Sasanishiki’. On the other hand, rapid and greater root-to-shoot Cd translocation was observed in ‘Habataki’, which could be mediated by higher abilities in xylem loading of Cd and transpiration rate as a driving force. To verify whether different abilities in xylem-mediated shoot-to-root translocation generally account for the genotypic variation in shoot Cd accumulation in rice, the world rice core collection, consisting of 69 accessions which covers the genetic diversity of almost 32 000 accessions of cultivated rice, was used. The results showed strong correlation between Cd levels in xylem sap and shoots and grains among the 69 rice accessions. Overall, the results presented in this study revealed that the root-to-shoot Cd translocation via the xylem is the major and common physiological process determining the Cd accumulation level in shoots and grains of rice plants. PMID:19401409

Transhistorical variations in personality and their association with experiences of parental rearing.

PubMed

Lundberg, M; Perris, C; Schlette, P; Adolfsson, R

1999-10-01

A population sample comprised of 765 subjects (367 males and 398 females), in the age range of 15-81 years, completed the EMBU, a reliable questionnaire aimed at assessing experiences of parental rearing, and the TCI, a self-report questionnaire aimed at assessing dimensions of temperament and character. The study had three main aims: 1) to verify, on a larger scale, previous findings suggesting the occurrence of significant associations between experiences of parental rearing and aspects of temperament and character, 2) to assess possible variations in temperament and character in cohorts of subjects who have grown up in different historical epochs, and 3) to investigate to what extent transgenerational differences in parental rearing are detectable in different associations with various dimensions of personality. Several, albeit small, significant and meaningful associations between experiences of parental rearing and both temperament and character dimensions have been found, adding support to the robustness of previously reported results obtained in an independent smaller series. Also, several significant differences among subjects in different age groups have been found, both concerning temperament variables and character dimensions. Finally, the results show that associations between experiences of parental rearing and dimensions of temperament and character are most pronounced in subjects belonging to the youngest cohort and almost nil in the cohort comprising the oldest subjects.

Photon-induced formation of CdS nanocrystals in selected areas of polymer matrices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Athanassiou, Athanassia; Cingolani, Roberto; Tsiranidou, Elsa

2007-10-08

We demonstrate light-induced formation of semiconductor quantum dots in TOPAS registered polymer matrix with very high control of their size and their spatial localization. Irradiation with UV laser pulses of polymer films embedding Cd thiolate precursors results in the formation of cadmium sulfide nanocrystals well confined in the irradiation area, through a macroscopically nondestructive procedure for the host matrix. With increasing number of laser pulses, we accomplish the formation of nanoparticles with gradually increasing dimensions, resulting in the dynamic change of the spectra emitted by the formed nanocomposite areas. The findings are supported by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopymore » measurements.« less

The effects of the bottom anti-reflective coating with different baked temperatures and thicknesses on nanoscale patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Jie; Li, Ling; Chen, Weidong

2015-12-01

The bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) material can enhance the resolution of the nanopatterns structures in laser interference lithography process. In this study, WIDE-B ARC material was investigated to confirm the reduction of the vertical standing wave which leads to defect of nanopatterns. And the critical dimension (CD) of 100 nm L/S patterns with and without the application of BARC material was fabricated by laser interference lithography technology. The compared results showed that BARC can effectively reduce CD swing and obtain more uniform nanopatterns. Meanwhile, we also verified the influence of cured temperature and film thickness of BARC on the uniformity of nanopatterns.

Pollutant levels in discarded fish species by Spanish trawlers operating in the Great Sole Bank and the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

PubMed

Antelo, Luis T; Ordóñez-Del Pazo, Tatiana; Lopes, Carla; Franco-Uría, Amaya; Pérez-Martín, Ricardo I; Alonso, Antonio A

2016-07-15

Organic and inorganic pollutant levels were determined for the most discarded species from trawlers operating in Great Sole and Spanish coastal fishing grounds. Results for heavy metals indicated that Cd can reach values higher than legal limits for some species and tissues, while Hg and Pb concentrations are below established values. No significant variation was noticed with fishing grounds, but both season influences in the case of Pb and interspecies variation for Hg and Cd have been detected. Valorization recommendations could be therefore established according to the levels found in the different species. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spatial variability of soil total and DTPA-extractable cadmium caused by long-term application of phosphate fertilizers, crop rotation, and soil characteristics.

PubMed

Jafarnejadi, A R; Sayyad, Gh; Homaee, M; Davamei, A H

2013-05-01

Increasing cadmium (Cd) accumulation in agricultural soils is undesirable due to its hazardous influences on human health. Thus, having more information on spatial variability of Cd and factors effective to increase its content on the cultivated soils is very important. Phosphate fertilizers are main contamination source of cadmium (Cd) in cultivated soils. Also, crop rotation is a critical management practice which can alter soil Cd content. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of long-term consumption of the phosphate fertilizers, crop rotations, and soil characteristics on spatial variability of two soil Cd species (i.e., total and diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable) in agricultural soils. The study was conducted in wheat farms of Khuzestan Province, Iran. Long-term (27-year period (1980 to 2006)) data including the rate and the type of phosphate fertilizers application, the respective area, and the rotation type of different regions were used. Afterwards, soil Cd content (total or DTPA extractable) and its spatial variability in study area (400,000 ha) were determined by sampling from soils of 255 fields. The results showed that the consumption rate of di-ammonium phosphate fertilizer have been varied enormously in the period study. The application rate of phosphorus fertilizers was very high in some subregions with have extensive agricultural activities (more than 95 kg/ha). The average and maximum contents of total Cd in the study region were obtained as 1.47 and 2.19 mg/kg and DTPA-extractable Cd as 0.084 and 0.35 mg/kg, respectively. The spatial variability of Cd indicated that total and DTPA-extractable Cd contents were over 0.8 and 0.1 mg/kg in 95 and 25 % of samples, respectively. The spherical model enjoys the best fitting and lowest error rate to appraise the Cd content. Comparing the phosphate fertilizer consumption rate with spatial variability of the soil cadmium (both total and DTPA extractable) revealed the high correlation between the consumption rate of P fertilizers and soil Cd content. Rotation type was likely the main effective factor on variations of the soil DTPA-extractable Cd contents in some parts (eastern part of study region) and could explain some Cd variation. Total Cd concentrations had significant correlation with the total neutralizing value (p < 0.01), available P (p < 0.01), cation exchange capacity (p < 0.05), and organic carbon (p < 0.05) variables. The DTPA-extractable Cd had significant correlation with OC (p < 0.01), pH, and clay content (p < 0.05). Therefore, consumption rate of the phosphate fertilizers and crop rotation are important factors on solubility and hence spatial variability of Cd content in agricultural soils.

Evaluation of an Integrated Framework for Biodiversity with a New Metric for Functional Dispersion

PubMed Central

Presley, Steven J.; Scheiner, Samuel M.; Willig, Michael R.

2014-01-01

Growing interest in understanding ecological patterns from phylogenetic and functional perspectives has driven the development of metrics that capture variation in evolutionary histories or ecological functions of species. Recently, an integrated framework based on Hill numbers was developed that measures three dimensions of biodiversity based on abundance, phylogeny and function of species. This framework is highly flexible, allowing comparison of those diversity dimensions, including different aspects of a single dimension and their integration into a single measure. The behavior of those metrics with regard to variation in data structure has not been explored in detail, yet is critical for ensuring an appropriate match between the concept and its measurement. We evaluated how each metric responds to particular data structures and developed a new metric for functional biodiversity. The phylogenetic metric is sensitive to variation in the topology of phylogenetic trees, including variation in the relative lengths of basal, internal and terminal branches. In contrast, the functional metric exhibited multiple shortcomings: (1) species that are functionally redundant contribute nothing to functional diversity and (2) a single highly distinct species causes functional diversity to approach the minimum possible value. We introduced an alternative, improved metric based on functional dispersion that solves both of these problems. In addition, the new metric exhibited more desirable behavior when based on multiple traits. PMID:25148103

How fields vary.

PubMed

Krause, Monika

2018-03-01

Field theorists have long insisted that research needs to pay attention to the particular properties of each field studied. But while much field-theoretical research is comparative, either explicitly or implicitly, scholars have only begun to develop the language for describing the dimensions along which fields can be similar to and different from each other. In this context, this paper articulates an agenda for the analysis of variable properties of fields. It discusses variation in the degree but also in the kind of field autonomy. It discusses different dimensions of variation in field structure: fields can be more or less contested, and more or less hierarchical. The structure of symbolic oppositions in a field may take different forms. Lastly, it analyses the dimensions of variation highlighted by research on fields on the sub- and transnational scale. Post-national analysis allows us to ask how fields relate to fields of the same kind on different scales, and how fields relate to fields on the same scale in other national contexts. It allows us to ask about the role resources from other scales play in structuring symbolic oppositions within fields. A more fine-tuned vocabulary for field variation can help us better describe particular fields and it is a precondition for generating hypotheses about the conditions under which we can expect to observe fields with specified characteristics. © London School of Economics and Political Science 2017.

Endoglin (CD105) expression in sinonasal polyposis.

PubMed

Ottaviano, Giancarlo; Cappellesso, Rocco; Mylonakis, Ioannis; Lionello, Marco; Favaretto, Niccolò; Giacomelli, Luciano; Spoladore, Cristiano; Marchese-Ragona, Rosario; Marino, Filippo; Staffieri, Alberto; Martini, Alessandro; Marioni, Gino

2015-11-01

Despite appropriate surgical therapy, 5-10 % of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and nasal polyps (NP) experience disease recurrences. It has been suggested that angiogenesis may relate to the pathogenesis and prognosis of CRS with NP. Endoglin (CD105) is a component of the receptor complex of transforming growth factor-beta, a pleiotropic cytokine that modulates angiogenesis. A series of patients treated surgically for CRS with NP was analyzed to assess the relationship between CD105 expression, main clinicopathological features, and recurrence rate. The immunohistochemical expression of CD105 was assessed in 70 patients consecutively operated for CRS with NP. In the univariate setting, the presence of CD105 (1/0) showed a trend towards a significant association with increasing NP dimensions (p = 0.054). Intensity of CD105 reaction was also significantly associated with NP size (0.04) and with an eosinophilic histology (p = 0.048). In our multivariate setting, only asthma (p = 0.016), hypereosinophilia (p = 0.022), and preoperative polyposis score (p = 0.046) retained their independent prognostic significance in relation to NP recurrence. Further efforts are needed to elucidate the biological, angiogenic and proliferative mechanisms behind recurrent NP. Our preliminary results support the clinical utility of extra postoperative care, in terms of closer follow-ups and medication with oral anti-histamines, topical and/or oral steroids, and antileukotrienes in patients with asthma, advanced nasal polyposis at presentation, and serum hypereosinophilia.

A new critical dimension metrology for chrome-on-glass substrates based on s-parameter measurements extracted from coplanar waveguide test structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nwokoye, Chidubem A.; Zaghloul, Mona; Cresswell, Michael W.; Allen, Richard A.; Murabito, Christine E.

2006-10-01

The technical objective of the work reported here is to assess whether radio-frequency (RF) measurements made on coplanar waveguide (CPW) test structures, which are replicated in conducting material on insulating substrates, could be employed to extract the critical dimension (CD) of the signal line using its center-to-center separation from the groundlines as a reference. The specific near-term objective is to assess whether this CPW-based CD-metrology has sensitivity and repeatability competitive with the other metrology techniques that are now used for chrome-on-glass (COG) photomasks. An affirmative answer is encouraging because advancing to a non-contact and non-vacuum implementation would then seem possible for this application. Our modeling of specific cases shows that, when the pitch of the replicated lines of the CPW is maintained constant, the sensitivity of its characteristic impedance to the CDs of the signal and ground lines is approximately 60 Ω/μm. This is a potentially useful result. For the same implementation, the quantity ∂C/∂w has a value of approximately 45 (pF/m)/μm, which appears to be large enough to provide acceptable accuracy.

Amendment damages the function of continuous flooding in decreasing Cd and Pb uptake by rice in acid paddy soil.

PubMed

Ye, Xinxin; Li, Hongying; Zhang, Ligan; Chai, Rushan; Tu, Renfeng; Gao, Hongjian

2018-01-01

Combinations of remediation technologies are needed to solve the problem of soil contamination in paddy rice, due to multiple potential toxic elements (PTEs). Two potential mitigation methods, water management and in-situ remediation by soil amendment, have been widely used in treatment of PTE-polluted paddy soil. However, the interactive relationship between soil amendment and water management, and its influence on the accumulation of PTEs in rice are poorly understood. Greenhouse pot experiments were conducted to examine the effects of phosphate amendment on Cd and Pb availability in soil and their influence on Cd and Pb uptake into rice, on Fe and P availability in soil, and on the alteration of Fe amount and compartment on root surface among different water management strategies. Results indicated that Cd and Pb content in the shoot and grain were significantly affected by the different water management strategies in nonamended soils, and followed the order: wetting irrigation > conventional irrigation > continuous flooding. The application of phosphate amendment significantly decreased the variations of Cd and Pb absorption in shoot and grain of rice among different water treatments. The reasons may be attributed to the enhancement of P availability and the decrease of Fe availability in soil, and the decreased variations of Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ content in root coating after the application of phosphate amendment. These results suggested that the simultaneous use of phosphate amendment and continuous flooding to immobilize Cd and Pb, especially in acid paddy soils, should be avoided. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The role of epigenetic variation in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

The focus of the present review is on the extent to which epigenetic alterations influence the development of systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed at nuclear self-antigens. A DNA methylation defect in CD4+ T cells has long been observed in idiopathic and drug-induced lupus. Recent studies utilizing high-throughput technologies have further characterized the nature of the DNA methylation defect in lupus CD4+ T cells. Emerging evidence in the literature is revealing an increasingly interconnected network of epigenetic dysregulation in lupus. Recent reports describe variable expression of a number of regulatory microRNAs in lupus CD4+ T cells, some of which govern the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1. While studies to date have revealed a significant role for epigenetic defects in the pathogenesis of lupus, the causal nature of epigenetic variation in lupus remains elusive. Future longitudinal epigenetic studies in lupus are therefore needed. PMID:22044622

Can differential nutrient extraction explain property variations in a predatory trap?

PubMed Central

Blamires, Sean J.; Piorkowski, Dakota; Chuang, Angela; Tseng, Yi-Hsuan; Toft, Søren; Tso, I-Min

2015-01-01

Predators exhibit flexible foraging to facilitate taking prey that offer important nutrients. Because trap-building predators have limited control over the prey they encounter, differential nutrient extraction and trap architectural flexibility may be used as a means of prey selection. Here, we tested whether differential nutrient extraction induces flexibility in architecture and stickiness of a spider's web by feeding Nephila pilipes live crickets (CC), live flies (FF), dead crickets with the web stimulated by flies (CD) or dead flies with the web stimulated by crickets (FD). Spiders in the CD group consumed less protein per mass of lipid or carbohydrate, and spiders in the FF group consumed less carbohydrates per mass of protein. Spiders from the CD group built stickier webs that used less silk, whereas spiders in the FF group built webs with more radii, greater catching areas and more silk, compared with other treatments. Our results suggest that differential nutrient extraction is a likely explanation for prey-induced spider web architecture and stickiness variations. PMID:26064618

Individual dual-emitting CdS multi-branched nanowire arrays under various pumping powers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, S.; Zhao, F. Y.; Li, Y.; Song, G. L.; Li, A.; Chai, K.; Liang, L.; Ma, Z.; Weller, D.; Liu, R. B.

2016-10-01

High-quality Tin doped Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) comb-like nanostructures have been synthesized by a simple in situ seeding chemical vapor deposition process. The color-tunable dual emission of these comb-like nanostructures is demonstrated by changing the excitation power intensity. In fact, the color-tunable emission is in principal due to the variation of the dual emission intensity, which is proven by photoluminescence spectra and real color photoluminescence charge-coupled device images. Especially for different parts in the nano comb, the emission color can be varied even under the same pumping power. This is mainly due to the difference in local structure. By comparison, the color variation was not observed in pure CdS multi-branched nanostructures. The lifetime results demonstrate that the green emission originate from the recombination of free excitons. The origin of red emission is from the recombination of the dopant-induced intrinsic or extrinsic defect states. These findings provide potential applications of laser assisted anti-counterfeit label and micro-size monitors.

Antioxidant defense gene analysis in Brassica oleracea and Trifolium repens exposed to Cd and/or Pb.

PubMed

Bernard, F; Dumez, S; Brulle, F; Lemière, S; Platel, A; Nesslany, F; Cuny, D; Deram, A; Vandenbulcke, F

2016-02-01

This study focused on the expression analysis of antioxidant defense genes in Brassica oleracea and in Trifolium repens. Plants were exposed for 3, 10, and 56 days in microcosms to a field-collected suburban soil spiked by low concentrations of cadmium and/or lead. In both species, metal accumulations and expression levels of genes encoding proteins involved and/or related to antioxidant defense systems (glutathione transferases, peroxidases, catalases, metallothioneins) were quantified in leaves in order to better understand the detoxification processes involved following exposure to metals. It appeared that strongest gene expression variations in T. repens were observed when plants are exposed to Cd (metallothionein and ascorbate peroxidase upregulations) whereas strongest variations in B. oleracea were observed in case of Cd/Pb co-exposures (metallothionein, glutathione transferase, and peroxidase upregulations). Results also suggest that there is a benefit to use complementary species in order to better apprehend the biological effects in ecotoxicology.

Near field optical probe for critical dimension measurements

DOEpatents

Stallard, Brian R.; Kaushik, Sumanth

1999-01-01

A resonant planar optical waveguide probe for measuring critical dimensions on an object in the range of 100 nm and below. The optical waveguide includes a central resonant cavity flanked by Bragg reflector layers with input and output means at either end. Light is supplied by a narrow bandwidth laser source. Light resonating in the cavity creates an evanescent electrical field. The object with the structures to be measured is translated past the resonant cavity. The refractive index contrasts presented by the structures perturb the field and cause variations in the intensity of the light in the cavity. The topography of the structures is determined from these variations.

Dentition of moustached tamarins (Saguinus mystax mystax) from Padre Isla, Peru, part 1: quantitative variation.

PubMed

Tornow, Matthew A; Ford, Susan M; Garber, Paul A; de Sa Sauerbrunn, Edward

2006-07-01

Analyses of dental variation in geographically restricted, wild populations of primates are extremely rare; however, such data form the best source for models of likely degrees of variation within and between fossil species. Data from dental casts of a geographically restricted population of moustached tamarins (Saguinus mystax mystax) from Padre Isla, Peru, document high levels of dental variability, as measured by coefficients of variation, in a nonsexually dimorphic species, despite its isolation and small population size. Like other primates, moustached tamarins show lower variability in the dimensions of the first molars and increased variability in the dimensions of the final molars in the toothrow. Moustached tamarins from Padre Isla have a distinctive pattern of variability in the remaining teeth, including more stable tooth lengths in the anterior and posterior portions of the toothrow, and more stable tooth widths in the midregion of the toothrow. High variability in incisor width may be due to age effects of a distinctive diet and pattern of dental wear.

Local Electronic Structure Changes in Polycrystalline CdTe with CdCl 2 Treatment and Air Exposure

DOE PAGES

Berg, Morgann; Kephart, Jason M.; Munshi, Amit; ...

2018-03-12

Postdeposition CdCl 2 treatment of polycrystalline CdTe is known to increase the photovoltaic device efficiency. However, the precise chemical, structural, and electronic changes that underpin this improvement are still debated. In this work, spectroscopic photoemission electron microscopy was used to spatially map the vacuum level and ionization energy of CdTe films, enabling the identification of electronic structure variations between grains and grain boundaries (GBs). In vacuo preparation and inert transfer of oxide-free CdTe surfaces isolated the separate effects of CdCl 2 treatment and ambient oxygen exposure. Qualitatively, grain boundaries displayed lower work function and downward band bending relative to grainmore » interiors, but only after air exposure of CdCl 2-treated CdTe. Analysis of numerous space charge regions at grain boundaries showed an average depletion width of 290 nm and an average band bending magnitude of 70 meV, corresponding to a GB trap density of 10 11 cm –2 and a net carrier density of 10 15 cm –3. Finally, these results suggest that both CdCl 2 treatment and oxygen exposure may be independently tuned to enhance the CdTe photovoltaic performance by engineering the interface and bulk electronic structure.« less

CD10/NEP in non-small cell lung carcinomas. Relationship to cellular proliferation.

PubMed Central

Ganju, R K; Sunday, M; Tsarwhas, D G; Card, A; Shipp, M A

1994-01-01

The cell surface metalloproteinase CD10/neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP) hydrolyzes a variety of peptide substrates and reduces cellular responses to specific peptide hormones. Because CD10/NEP modulates peptide-mediated proliferation of small cell carcinomas of the lung (SCLC) and normal fetal bronchial epithelium, we evaluated the enzyme's expression in non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). Bronchoalveolar and large cell carcinoma cell lines had low levels of CD10/NEP expression whereas squamous, adenosquamous, and adenocarcinoma cell lines had higher and more variable levels of the cell surface enzyme. Regional variations in CD10/NEP immunostaining in primary NSCLC specimens prompted us to correlate CD10/NEP expression with cell growth. In primary carcinomas of the lung, clonal NSCLC cell lines and SV40-transformed fetal airway epithelium, subsets of cells expressed primarily CD10/NEP or the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Cultured airway epithelial cells had the lowest levels of CD10/NEP expression when the highest percentage of cells were actively dividing; in addition, these cells grew more rapidly when cell surface CD10/NEP was inhibited. NSCLC cell lines had receptors for a variety of mitogenic peptides known to be CD10/NEP substrates, underscoring the functional significance of growth-related variability in CD10/NEP expression. Images PMID:7962523

Local Electronic Structure Changes in Polycrystalline CdTe with CdCl 2 Treatment and Air Exposure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Berg, Morgann; Kephart, Jason M.; Munshi, Amit

Postdeposition CdCl 2 treatment of polycrystalline CdTe is known to increase the photovoltaic device efficiency. However, the precise chemical, structural, and electronic changes that underpin this improvement are still debated. In this work, spectroscopic photoemission electron microscopy was used to spatially map the vacuum level and ionization energy of CdTe films, enabling the identification of electronic structure variations between grains and grain boundaries (GBs). In vacuo preparation and inert transfer of oxide-free CdTe surfaces isolated the separate effects of CdCl 2 treatment and ambient oxygen exposure. Qualitatively, grain boundaries displayed lower work function and downward band bending relative to grainmore » interiors, but only after air exposure of CdCl 2-treated CdTe. Analysis of numerous space charge regions at grain boundaries showed an average depletion width of 290 nm and an average band bending magnitude of 70 meV, corresponding to a GB trap density of 10 11 cm –2 and a net carrier density of 10 15 cm –3. Finally, these results suggest that both CdCl 2 treatment and oxygen exposure may be independently tuned to enhance the CdTe photovoltaic performance by engineering the interface and bulk electronic structure.« less

Does plant architectural complexity increase with increasing habitat complexity? A test with a pioneer shrub in the Brazilian Cerrado.

PubMed

Silveira, F A O; Oliveira, E G

2013-05-01

Understanding variation in plant traits in heterogeneous habitats is important to predict responses to changing environments, but trait-environment associations are poorly known along ecological gradients. We tested the hypothesis that plant architectural complexity increases with habitat complexity along a soil fertility gradient in a Cerrado (Neotropical savanna) area in southeastern Brazil. Plant architecture and productivity (estimated as the total number of healthy infructescences) of Miconia albicans (SW.) Triana were examined in three types of vegetation which together form a natural gradient of increasing soil fertility, tree density and canopy cover: grasslands (campo sujo, CS), shrublands (cerrado sensu strico, CE) and woodlands (cerradão, CD). As expected, plants growing at the CS were shorter and had a lower branching pattern, whereas plants at the CD were the tallest. Unexpectedly, however, CD plants did not show higher architectural complexity compared to CE plants. Higher architectural similarity between CE and CD plants compared to similarity between CS and CE plants suggests reduced expression of functional architectural traits under shade. Plants growing at the CE produced more quaternary shoots, leading to a larger number of infructescences. This higher plant productivity in CE indicates that trait variation in ecological gradients is more complex than previously thought. Nematode-induced galls accounted for fruit destruction in 76.5% infructescences across physiognomies, but percentage of attack was poorly related to architectural variables. Our data suggest shade-induced limitation in M. albicans architecture, and point to complex phenotypic variation in heterogeneous habitats in Neotropical savannas.

Pahoehoe toe dimensions, morphology, and branching relationships at Mauna Ulu, Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crown, David A.; Baloga, Stephen M.

Pahoehoe toe dimensions, morphology, and branching relationships were analyzed in flows emplaced during 1972 at Mauna Ulu, a satellitic shield on the east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i. In order to characterize regions within flow fields dominated by networks of pahoehoe toes, measurements of toe length, width, thickness, and orientation were completed for 445 toes at 13 sites. Variations in site characteristics, including slope, substrate, and position in the flow field allow an evaluation of the effects of such parameters on toe dimensions. Toe surface morphology (ropy or smooth), local flow lobe position (interior or margin), and connective relationships between toes were documented in the form of detailed toe maps. These maps show the number of branches connecting a given toe to other toes in its local pahoehoe network and illustrate branching patterns. Statistical analyses of toe dimensions and comparisons of pahoehoe toe study sites and sub-populations combined with field observations, evaluation of toe maps, and qualitative examination of toe dimension size distributions show the following: (a) Although there are significant variations at a given site, toes typically have mean lengths (101cm) greater than mean widths (74cm) and mean widths greater than mean thicknesses (19cm) sites that have mean widths greater than mean lengths are those with lower slopes. (b) Where significant site-to-site variations in mean values of a given toe dimension were apparent, these differences could not be directly related to site characteristics. (c) Ropy toes have significantly larger mean values of length, width, and number of branches than smooth toes, and toes with three or more branches have greater lengths, widths, and thicknesses than toes with two or fewer branches, suggesting concentration of flow in these toe types. (d) The skewness of all size distributions of toe length and width to larger values suggests that toes are transitional to larger sheets and channels, consistent with field observations; and (e) Two distinct types of branching patterns (called monolayer and centrally ridged) were observed in preserved pahoehoe flow lobes. The significant variability in measured toe dimensions at Mauna Ulu suggests that toe dimensions are influenced by numerous locally defined, random factors, and that an approach based on stochastic methods can be used to model pahoehoe flow emplacement.

Genetic sharing and heritability of paediatric age of onset autoimmune diseases

PubMed Central

Li, Yun R.; Zhao, Sihai D.; Li, Jin; Bradfield, Jonathan P.; Mohebnasab, Maede; Steel, Laura; Kobie, Julie; Abrams, Debra J.; Mentch, Frank D.; Glessner, Joseph T.; Guo, Yiran; Wei, Zhi; Connolly, John J.; Cardinale, Christopher J.; Bakay, Marina; Li, Dong; Maggadottir, S. Melkorka; Thomas, Kelly A.; Qui, Haijun; Chiavacci, Rosetta M.; Kim, Cecilia E.; Wang, Fengxiang; Snyder, James; Flatø, Berit; Førre, Øystein; Denson, Lee A.; Thompson, Susan D.; Becker, Mara L.; Guthery, Stephen L.; Latiano, Anna; Perez, Elena; Resnick, Elena; Strisciuglio, Caterina; Staiano, Annamaria; Miele, Erasmo; Silverberg, Mark S.; Lie, Benedicte A.; Punaro, Marilynn; Russell, Richard K.; Wilson, David C.; Dubinsky, Marla C.; Monos, Dimitri S.; Annese, Vito; Munro, Jane E.; Wise, Carol; Chapel, Helen; Cunningham-Rundles, Charlotte; Orange, Jordan S.; Behrens, Edward M.; Sullivan, Kathleen E.; Kugathasan, Subra; Griffiths, Anne M.; Satsangi, Jack; Grant, Struan F. A.; Sleiman, Patrick M. A.; Finkel, Terri H.; Polychronakos, Constantin; Baldassano, Robert N.; Luning Prak, Eline T.; Ellis, Justine A.; Li, Hongzhe; Keating, Brendan J.; Hakonarson, Hakon

2015-01-01

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are polygenic diseases affecting 7–10% of the population in the Western Hemisphere with few effective therapies. Here, we quantify the heritability of paediatric AIDs (pAIDs), including JIA, SLE, CEL, T1D, UC, CD, PS, SPA and CVID, attributable to common genomic variations (SNP-h2). SNP-h2 estimates are most significant for T1D (0.863±s.e. 0.07) and JIA (0.727±s.e. 0.037), more modest for UC (0.386±s.e. 0.04) and CD (0.454±0.025), largely consistent with population estimates and are generally greater than that previously reported by adult GWAS. On pairwise analysis, we observed that the diseases UC-CD (0.69±s.e. 0.07) and JIA-CVID (0.343±s.e. 0.13) are the most strongly correlated. Variations across the MHC strongly contribute to SNP-h2 in T1D and JIA, but does not significantly contribute to the pairwise rG. Together, our results partition contributions of shared versus disease-specific genomic variations to pAID heritability, identifying pAIDs with unexpected risk sharing, while recapitulating known associations between autoimmune diseases previously reported in adult cohorts. PMID:26450413

Advanced plasma etch technologies for nanopatterning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wise, Rich

2012-03-01

Advances in patterning techniques have enabled the extension of immersion lithography from 65/45nm through 14/10nm device technologies. A key to this increase in patterning capability has been innovation in the subsequent dry plasma etch processing steps. Multiple exposure techniques such as litho-etch-litho-etch, sidewall image transfer, line/cut mask and self-aligned structures have been implemented to solution required device scaling. Advances in dry plasma etch process control, across wafer uniformity and etch selectivity to both masking materials and have enabled adoption of vertical devices and thin film scaling for increased device performance at a given pitch. Plasma etch processes such as trilayer etches, aggressive CD shrink techniques, and the extension of resist trim processes have increased the attainable device dimensions at a given imaging capability. Precise control of the plasma etch parameters affecting across design variation, defectivity, profile stability within wafer, within lot, and across tools have been successfully implemented to provide manufacturable patterning technology solutions. IBM has addressed these patterning challenges through an integrated Total Patterning Solutions team to provide seamless and synergistic patterning processes to device and integration internal customers. This paper will discuss these challenges and the innovative plasma etch solutions pioneered by IBM and our alliance partners.

[A validation of the MOS-HIV quality of life measure in HIV-infected patients in Mexico].

PubMed

Peña de León, Edilberto; Aguilar Gaytán, Sandra Socorro; Suárez Mendoza, Aldo Antonio; Reyes Terán, Gustavo

2007-05-01

To validate the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey (MOS-HIV) quality of life instrument for its application in clinical research in Mexico. The data for this study were collected between April, 2002, and February, 2004. An expert committee combined two Spanish-language translations of the MOS-HIV questionnaire. The new questionnaire's feasibility was assessed in a group of 32 HIV-infected persons by measuring how long they took to complete the questionnaire and the numbers of items they left unanswered. The questionnaire was then applied to a group of 120 HIV-positive patients and to a control group of 102 HIV-negative individuals. The following questionnaire characteristics were evaluated: (1) internal reliability (Cronbach alpha coefficient), (2) discriminant validity (the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves derived from the scores of the two groups), and (3) convergent validity (the Spearman correlation coefficients for the scores of the HIV-positive patients on the 11 MOS-HIV dimensions and their scores on the analog visual scale of the European Quality of Life 5-Dimensional format (EQ-5D) questionnaire, a list of symptoms, the viral load, and the CD4 cell count). The mean response time with the questionnaire was 10 minutes and 22 seconds, and the mean number of unanswered items was 0.62. With each of the 11 dimensions of the questionnaire, the Cronbach alpha coefficient was at least 0.75. The mean scores obtained by the two groups were different for 9 of the 11 dimensions, and the 95% confidence intervals of the areas under the ROC curves did not include the value of 0.5 for 8 of the dimensions. The absolute value of the Spearman correlation coefficient was less than 0.3 for the CD4 cell count and for the viral load, and it was greater than 0.3 for each dimension and the scores on the list of symptoms and on the analog visual scale of the EQ-5D questionnaire. The MOS-HIV measure is valid for use in clinical research among HIV-infected persons in Mexico.

Nutritional status of children with coeliac disease.

PubMed

Aurangzeb, B; Leach, S T; Lemberg, D A; Day, A S

2010-07-01

The main aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of children with newly diagnosed Coeliac disease (CD)with comparison to matched controls. A further aim was to assess relationships between presentation patterns and nutrition in childhood CD. The nutritional status of newly diagnosed CD was assessed by anthropometry, Bioelectrical Impedance and serum leptin levels, and contrasted to age and gender matched controls. Twenty-five children with CD (mean age of 8.2 +/- 4.5 years) and 25 control children (mean age 8.1 +/- 4.4.) were enrolled. Thirteen (52%) children with CD had gastrointestinal symptoms with 14 having a family history of CD. At presentation 8.7% were wasted, 4.2% were stunted and 20.8% overweight, although none were obese. Mean height and weight for age, other nutritional parameters and serum leptin did not differ between the groups. Serum leptin correlated with BMI in both groups. Children with CD more commonly present with atypical symptoms than with classical features. Variations in nutrition (under to overnutrition) may be seen at diagnosis, without relationship to the presence of symptoms. Leptin levels were not altered specifically in the setting of CD. Nutritional assessment remains important in the assessment and management of CD in children.

Distinct activation phenotype of a highly conserved novel HLA-B57-restricted epitope during dengue virus infection

PubMed Central

Townsley, Elizabeth; Woda, Marcia; Thomas, Stephen J; Kalayanarooj, Siripen; Gibbons, Robert V; Nisalak, Ananda; Srikiatkhachorn, Anon; Green, Sharone; Stephens, Henry AF; Rothman, Alan L; Mathew, Anuja

2014-01-01

Variation in the sequence of T-cell epitopes between dengue virus (DENV) serotypes is believed to alter memory T-cell responses during second heterologous infections. We identified a highly conserved, novel, HLA-B57-restricted epitope on the DENV NS1 protein. We predicted higher frequencies of B57-NS126–34-specific CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals undergoing secondary rather than primary DENV infection. However, high tetramer-positive T-cell frequencies during acute infection were seen in only one of nine subjects with secondary infection. B57-NS126–34-specific and other DENV epitope-specific CD8+ T cells, as well as total CD8+ T cells, expressed an activated phenotype (CD69+ and/or CD38+) during acute infection. In contrast, expression of CD71 was largely limited to DENV epitope-specific CD8+ T cells. In vitro stimulation of cell lines indicated that CD71 expression was differentially sensitive to stimulation by homologous and heterologous variant peptides. CD71 may represent a useful marker of antigen-specific T-cell activation. PMID:23941420

Distinct activation phenotype of a highly conserved novel HLA-B57-restricted epitope during dengue virus infection.

PubMed

Townsley, Elizabeth; Woda, Marcia; Thomas, Stephen J; Kalayanarooj, Siripen; Gibbons, Robert V; Nisalak, Ananda; Srikiatkhachorn, Anon; Green, Sharone; Stephens, Henry A F; Rothman, Alan L; Mathew, Anuja

2014-01-01

Variation in the sequence of T-cell epitopes between dengue virus (DENV) serotypes is believed to alter memory T-cell responses during second heterologous infections. We identified a highly conserved, novel, HLA-B57-restricted epitope on the DENV NS1 protein. We predicted higher frequencies of B57-NS1(26-34) -specific CD8(+) T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals undergoing secondary rather than primary DENV infection. However, high tetramer-positive T-cell frequencies during acute infection were seen in only one of nine subjects with secondary infection. B57-NS1(26-34) -specific and other DENV epitope-specific CD8(+) T cells, as well as total CD8(+) T cells, expressed an activated phenotype (CD69(+) and/or CD38(+)) during acute infection. In contrast, expression of CD71 was largely limited to DENV epitope-specific CD8(+) T cells. In vitro stimulation of cell lines indicated that CD71 expression was differentially sensitive to stimulation by homologous and heterologous variant peptides. CD71 may represent a useful marker of antigen-specific T-cell activation. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Human immunotoxicologic markers of chemical exposures: preliminary validation studies.

PubMed

Wartenberg, D; Laskin, D; Kipen, H

1993-01-01

The circulating cells of the immune system are sensitive to environmental contaminants, and effects are often manifested as changes in the cell surface differentiation antigens of affected populations of cells, particularly lymphocytes. In this investigation, we explore the likelihood that variation in the expression of the surface markers of immune cells can be used as an index of exposure to toxic chemicals. We recruited 38 healthy New Jersey men to study pesticides effects: 19 orchard farmers (high exposure); 13 berry farmers (low exposure); and 6 hardware store owners (no exposure). Immunophenotyping was performed assaying the following cell surface antigens: CD2, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD20, CD26, CD29, CD45R, CD56, and PMN. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods. There were no significant differences among the groups with respect to routine medical histories, physical examinations, or routine laboratory parameters. No striking differences between groups were seen in univariate tests. Multivariate tests suggested some differences among groups and limited ability to correctly classify individuals based on immunophenotyping results. Immunophenotyping represents a fruitful area of research for improved exposure classification. Work is needed both on mechanistic understanding of the patterns observed and on the statistical interpretation of these patterns.

Scorpion-Toxin Mimics of CD4 in Complex with Human Immunodeficiency Virus gp120: Crystal Structures, Molecular Mimicry, and Neutralization Breadth

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Chih-chin; Stricher, Francois; Martin, Loic

The binding surface on CD4 for the HIV-1 gp120 envelope glycoprotein has been transplanted previously onto a scorpion-toxin scaffold. Here, we use X-ray crystallography to characterize atomic-level details of gp120 with this transplant, CD4M33. Despite known envelope flexibility, the conformation of gp120 induced by CD4M33 was so similar to that induced by CD4 that localized measures were required to distinguish ligand-induced differences from lattice variation. To investigate relationships between structure, function, and mimicry, an F23 analog of CD4M33 was devised. Structural and thermodynamic analyses showed F23 to be a better molecular mimic of CD4 than CD4M33. F23 also showed increasedmore » neutralization breadth, against diverse isolates of HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIVcpz. Our results lend insight into the stability of the CD4 bound conformation of gp120, define measures that quantify molecular mimicry as a function of evolutionary distance, and suggest how such evaluations might be useful in developing mimetic antagonists with increased neutralization breadth.« less

Interfacial scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) of chalcogenide/metal hybrid nanostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saad, Mahmoud M.; Abdallah, Tamer; Easawi, Khalid; Negm, Sohair; Talaat, Hassan

2015-05-01

The electronic structure at the interface of chalcogenide/metal hybrid nanostructure (CdSe-Au tipped) had been studied by UHV scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) technique at room temperature. This nanostructure was synthesized by a phase transfer chemical method. The optical absorption of this hybrid nanostructure was recorded, and the application of the effective mass approximation (EMA) model gave dimensions that were confirmed by the direct measurements using the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) as well as the high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The energy band gap obtained by STS agrees with the values obtained from the optical absorption. Moreover, the STS at the interface of CdSe-Au tipped hybrid nanostructure between CdSe of size about 4.1 ± 0.19 nm and Au tip of size about 3.5 ± 0.29 nm shows a band bending about 0.18 ± 0.03 eV in CdSe down in the direction of the interface. Such a result gives a direct observation of the electron accumulation at the interface of CdSe-Au tipped hybrid nanostructure, consistent with its energy band diagram. The presence of the electron accumulation at the interface of chalcogenides with metals has an important implication for hybrid nanoelectronic devices and the newly developed plasmon/chalcogenide photovoltaic solar energy conversion.

Effects of hard mask etch on final topography of advanced phase shift masks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hortenbach, Olga; Rolff, Haiko; Lajn, Alexander; Baessler, Martin

2017-07-01

Continuous shrinking of the semiconductor device dimensions demands steady improvements of the lithographic resolution on wafer level. These requirements challenge the photomask industry to further improve the mask quality in all relevant printing characteristics. In this paper topography of the Phase Shift Masks (PSM) was investigated. Effects of hard mask etch on phase shift uniformity and mask absorber profile were studied. Design of experiments method (DoE) was used for the process optimization, whereas gas composition, bias power of the hard mask main etch and bias power of the over-etch were varied. In addition, influence of the over-etch time was examined at the end of the experiment. Absorber depth uniformity, sidewall angle (SWA), reactive ion etch lag (RIE lag) and through pitch (TP) dependence were analyzed. Measurements were performed by means of Atomic-force microscopy (AFM) using critical dimension (CD) mode with a boot-shaped tip. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) cross-section images were prepared to verify the profile quality. Finally CD analysis was performed to confirm the optimal etch conditions. Significant dependence of the absorber SWA on hard mask (HM) etch conditions was observed revealing an improvement potential for the mask absorber profile. It was found that hard mask etch can leave a depth footprint in the absorber layer. Thus, the etch depth uniformity of hard mask etch is crucial for achieving a uniform phase shift over the active mask area. The optimized hard mask etch process results in significantly improved mask topography without deterioration of tight CD specifications.

Study of modification methods of probes for critical-dimension atomic-force microscopy by the deposition of carbon nanotubes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ageev, O. A., E-mail: ageev@sfedu.ru; Bykov, Al. V.; Kolomiitsev, A. S.

2015-12-15

The results of an experimental study of the modification of probes for critical-dimension atomicforce microscopy (CD-AFM) by the deposition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to improve the accuracy with which the surface roughness of vertical walls is determined in submicrometer structures are presented. Methods of the deposition of an individual CNT onto the tip of an AFM probe via mechanical and electrostatic interaction between the probe and an array of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) are studied. It is shown that, when the distance between the AFM tip and a VACNT array is 1 nm and the applied voltage is withinmore » the range 20–30 V, an individual carbon nanotube is deposited onto the tip. On the basis of the results obtained in the study, a probe with a carbon nanotube on its tip (CNT probe) with a radius of 7 nm and an aspect ratio of 1:15 is formed. Analysis of the CNT probe demonstrates that its use improves the resolution and accuracy of AFM measurements, compared with the commercial probe, and also makes it possible to determine the roughness of the vertical walls of high-aspect structures by CD-AFM. The results obtained can be used to develop technological processes for the fabrication and reconditioning of special AFM probes, including those for CD-AFM, and procedures for the interoperational express monitoring of technological process parameters in the manufacturing of elements for micro- and nanoelectronics and micro- and nanosystem engineering.« less

Improved shallow trench isolation and gate process control using scatterometry based metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudolph, P.; Bradford, S. M.

2005-05-01

The ability to control critical dimensions of structures on semiconductor devices is essential to improving die yield and device performance. As geometries shrink, accuracy of the metrology equipment has increasingly become a contributing factor to the inability to detect shifts which result in yield loss. Scatterometry provides optical measurement that better enables process control of critical dimensions. Superior precision, accuracy, and higher throughput can be achieved more cost effectively through the use of this technology in production facilities. This paper outlines the implementation of Scatterometry based metrology in a production facility. The accuracy advantage it has over conventional Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) measurement is presented. The Scatterometry tool used has demonstrated repeatability on the order of 3σ < 1 nm at STI-Etch-FICD for CD and Trench Depth (TD), and Side Wall Angle (SWA) measurements to within 0.1 degrees. Poly CD also shows 3σ < 1 nm, and poly thickness measurement 3σ < 2.5 Å. Scatterometry has capabilities which include measurement of CD, structure height and trench depth, Sidewall angle (SWA), and film thickness. The greater accuracy and the addition of in-situ Trench depth and sidewall angle have provided new measurement capabilities. There are inherent difficulties in implementing scatterometry in production wafer fabs. Difficulties with photo resist measurements, film characterization and stack set-up will be discussed. In addition, there are challenges due to the quantity data generated, in how to organize and store this data effectively. A comparison of the advantages and shortcomings of the method are presented.

Thermochemical investigations in the system Cd–Gd

PubMed Central

Reichmann, Thomas L.; Ganesan, Rajesh; Ipser, Herbert

2014-01-01

Vapour pressure measurements were performed in terms of a non-isothermal isopiestic method to determine vapour pressures of Cd in the system Cd–Gd between 693 and 1045 K. From these results thermodynamic activities of Cd were derived as a function of temperature for the composition range 52–86 at.% Cd. By employing an adapted Gibbs–Helmholtz equation, partial molar enthalpies of mixing of Cd were obtained for the corresponding composition range, which were used to convert the activity values of Cd to a common average sample temperature of 773 K. The relatively large variation of the activity across the homogeneity ranges of the phases Cd2Gd and Cd45Gd11 indicates that they probably belong to the most stable intermetallic compounds in this system. An activity value of Gd for the two phase field Cd6Gd+L was available from literature and served as an integration constant for a Gibbs–Duhem integration. Integral Gibbs energies are presented between 51 and 100 at.% Cd at 773 K, referred to Cd(l) and α-Gd(s) as standard states. Gibbs energies of formation for the exact stoichiometric compositions of the phases Cd58Gd13, Cd45Gd11, Cd3Gd and Cd2Gd were obtained at 773 K as about −19.9, −21.1, −24.8, and −30.0 kJ g atom−1, respectively. PMID:25328283

Cadmium Accumulation Risk in Vegetables and Rice in Southern China: Insights from Solid-Solution Partitioning and Plant Uptake Factor.

PubMed

Yang, Yang; Wang, Meie; Chen, Weiping; Li, Yanling; Peng, Chi

2017-07-12

Solid-solution partitioning coefficient (K d ) and plant uptake factor (PUF) largely determine the solubility and mobility of soil Cd to food crops. A four-year regional investigation was conducted in contaminated vegetable and paddy fields of southern China to quantify the variability in K d and PUF. The distributions of K d and PUF characterizing transfers of Cd from soil to vegetable and rice are probabilistic in nature. Dynamics in soil pH and soil Zn greatly affected the variations of K d . In addition to soil pH, soil organic matter had a major influence on PUF variations in vegetables. Heavy leaching of soil Mn caused a higher Cd accumulation in rice grain. Dietary ingestion of 85.5% of the locally produced vegetable and rice would have adverse health risks, with rice consumption contributing 97.2% of the risk. A probabilistic risk analysis based on derived transfer function reveals the amorphous Mn oxide content exerts a major influence on Cd accumulation in rice in pH conditions below 5.5. Risk estimation and field experiments show that to limit the Cd concentration in rice grains, soil management strategies should include improving the pH and soil Mn concentration to around 6.0 and 345 mg kg -1 , respectively. Our work illustrates that re-establishing a balance in trace elements in soils' labile pool provides an effective risk-based approach for safer crop practices.

Effect of deuteration on hydrogen bonding: A comparative concentration dependent Raman and DFT study of pyridine in CH3OH and CD3OD and pyrimidine in H2O and D2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Anurag; Gangopadhyay, Debraj; Popp, Jürgen; Singh, Ranjan K.

2012-12-01

The relative effect of hydrogen bonding of pyrimidine (Pyr) in H2O/D2O and pyridine (Py) in CH3OH/CD3OD has been analyzed using Raman Difference Spectroscopic (RDS) technique and DFT calculations. This study is focused on analyzing the concentration dependent variation of linewidth, peak position and intensity of ring breathing mode of Py and Pyr. The ring breathing mode of Pyr in H2O and D2O has three components; due to free Pyr, lighter complexes of mPyr + nH2O/D2O and heavier complexes of mPyr + nH2O/D2O. The pyridine molecules, however, show only two components in CH3OH and CD3OD. Of these two components, one corresponds to free Py and the other inhomogeneously broadened profile corresponds to all mPy + nCH3OH/CD3OD complexes. The variation of peak position and linewidth establishes the role of dipole moment of complexes and the diffusion in the mixture. In case of CD3OD solution splitting was observed in ˜1030 cm-1 band of Py, where an additional band at ˜1034 cm-1 appears at x(Py) ⩽ 0.4. However, this band remains single at all concentrations in case of CH3OH solvent.

Rural-Urban Migration in D-Dimensional Lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espíndola, Aquino L.; Penna, T. J. P.; Silveira, Jaylson J.

The rural-urban migration phenomenon is analyzed by using an agent-based computational model. Agents are placed on lattices which dimensions varying from d =2 up to d =7. The localization of the agents in the lattice defines that their social neighborhood (rural or urban) is not related to their spatial distribution. The effect of the dimension of lattice is studied by analyzing the variation of the main parameters that characterizes the migratory process. The dynamics displays strong effects even for around one million of sites, in higher dimensions (d =6, 7).

Influence of dilution with organic solvents on emission spectra of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumakura, Mitsutaka; Kinan, Asuka; Moriyasu, Takeshi

2017-04-01

The emission spectra of CdSe/ZnS core-shell dots have been monitored after the dilution of their toluene solution with organic solvents (toluene, n-hexane, diethyl ether, acetone, ethanol, and methanol). In addition to the well-known difference of the emission efficiency according to the solvent, we found their time variation depending on the solvent. From the discussion based on the solubility of the capping organic ligand, hexadecylamine (HDA), to each solvent it is suggested that the observed time variation is caused by the liquation of the capping molecules form the dot surface and the resulting change of the number of the trap site for charges in the quantum dot.

Formation and Characterization of Gold Nanoparticles

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

nanowires are useful because they can be grown almost dislocation free, due to their nano dimension. The quality of crystalline materials is diminished by...real substrate temperature was obtained from the calibration based on the melting points of indium (In), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn...hydrogen fluoride In indium MBE molecular beam epitaxy NH3OH ammonium hydroxide RHEED reflection high-energy electron diffraction Se selenium SEM

The influence of cadmium contamination and salinity on the survival, growth and phytoremediation capacity of the saltmarsh plant Salicornia ramosissima.

PubMed

Pedro, Carmen A; Santos, Márcia S S; Ferreira, Susana M F; Gonçalves, Sílvia C

2013-12-01

The major aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of Salicornia ramosissima on Cadmium phytoremediation under distinct salinities and, consequently, the toxic effects on the plant's development. A greenhouse experiment was performed, using two Cd concentrations (50 and 100 μg l(-1)) in different salinities (0, 5 and 10). Mortality and weight variation, observed at the end of the experiment, showed significant differences between some treatments, meaning that these variables were affected by the salinity and Cd concentrations. The highest Cd accumulation was detected in the roots, and decreased with the increase of salinity and Cd concentration. S. ramosissima is a potential candidate for Cd phytoremediation at salinities close to 0 and its capabilities in Cd phytoaccumulation and phytoestabilization proved to be quite interesting. The optimization of phytoremediation processes by S. ramosissima could turn possible the use of this plant in the recovery of contaminated ecosystems. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lymphocyte Antigen 75 Polymorphisms Are Associated with Disease Susceptibility and Phenotype in Japanese Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PubMed

Hirayama, Atsuhiro; Joshita, Satoru; Kitahara, Kei; Mukawa, Kenji; Suga, Tomoaki; Umemura, Takeji; Tanaka, Eiji; Ota, Masao

2016-01-01

Recent genome-wide association studies have rapidly improved our understanding of the molecular pathways leading to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Although several reports have demonstrated that gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with susceptibility to IBD, its precise genetic factors have not been fully clarified. Here, we performed an association analysis between lymphocyte antigen 75 ( LY75 ) genetic variations and IBD susceptibility or phenotype. SNPs were genotyped in 51 CD patients, 94 UC patients, and 269 healthy controls of Japanese ethnicity. We detected a significant relationship with CD susceptibility for the rs16822581 LY75 SNP ( P = 0.045). One haplotype (GT, P = 0.042) was also associated with CD susceptibility, while another carrying the opposite SNP (CA) was linked to an absence of surgical history for CD. Our findings confirm that LY75 is involved in CD susceptibility and may play a role in disease activity in the Japanese population.

Colloidal Random Terpolymers: Controlling Reactivity Ratios of Colloidal Comonomers via Metal Tipping

DOE PAGES

Pavlopoulos, Nicholas G.; Dubose, Jeffrey T.; Hartnett, Erin D.; ...

2016-07-26

We report on a versatile synthetic m-shell nanoparticles (NPs) in the backbone, along with semiconductor CdSe@CdS nanorod (NR), or tetrapod (TP) side chain groups. A seven-step colloidal total synthesis enabled the synthesis of well-defined colloidal comonomers composed of a dipolar Au@CoNP attached to a single CdSe@CdS NR, or TP, where magnetic dipolar associations between Au@CoNP units promoted the formation of colloidal co- or terpolymers. The key step in this synthesis was the ability to photodeposit a single AuNP tip onto CdSe@CdS NR or TP that enables selective seeding of a dipolar CoNP onto the AuNP seed. In conclusion, we showmore » that the variation of the AuNP size directly controlled the size and dipolar character of the CoNP tip, where the size modulation of the Au and Au@CoNP tips is analogous to control of comonomer reactivity ratios in classical copolymerization processes.« less

Automated CD-SEM recipe creation technology for mass production using CAD data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawahara, Toshikazu; Yoshida, Masamichi; Tanaka, Masashi; Ido, Sanyu; Nakano, Hiroyuki; Adachi, Naokaka; Abe, Yuichi; Nagatomo, Wataru

2011-03-01

Critical Dimension Scanning Electron Microscope (CD-SEM) recipe creation needs sample preparation necessary for matching pattern registration, and recipe creation on CD-SEM using the sample, which hinders the reduction in test production cost and time in semiconductor manufacturing factories. From the perspective of cost reduction and improvement of the test production efficiency, automated CD-SEM recipe creation without the sample preparation and the manual operation has been important in the production lines. For the automated CD-SEM recipe creation, we have introduced RecipeDirector (RD) that enables the recipe creation by using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data and text data that includes measurement information. We have developed a system that automatically creates the CAD data and the text data necessary for the recipe creation on RD; and, for the elimination of the manual operation, we have enhanced RD so that all measurement information can be specified in the text data. As a result, we have established an automated CD-SEM recipe creation system without the sample preparation and the manual operation. For the introduction of the CD-SEM recipe creation system using RD to the production lines, the accuracy of the pattern matching was an issue. The shape of design templates for the matching created from the CAD data was different from that of SEM images in vision. Thus, a development of robust pattern matching algorithm that considers the shape difference was needed. The addition of image processing of the templates for the matching and shape processing of the CAD patterns in the lower layer has enabled the robust pattern matching. This paper describes the automated CD-SEM recipe creation technology for the production lines without the sample preparation and the manual operation using RD applied in Sony Semiconductor Kyusyu Corporation Kumamoto Technology Center (SCK Corporation Kumamoto TEC).

How much is enough? An analysis of CD measurement amount for mask characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ullrich, Albrecht; Richter, Jan

2009-10-01

The demands on CD (critical dimension) metrology amount in terms of both reproducibility and measurement uncertainty steadily increase from node to node. Different mask characterization requirements have to be addressed like very small features, unevenly distributed features, contacts, semi-dense structures to name only a few. Usually this enhanced need is met by an increasing number of CD measurements, where the new CD requirements are added to the well established CD characterization recipe. This leads straight forwardly to prolonged cycle times and highly complex evaluation routines. At the same time mask processes are continuously improved to become more stable. The enhanced stability offers potential to actually reduce the number of measurements. Thus, in this work we will start to address the fundamental question of how many CD measurements are needed for mask characterization for a given confidence level. We used analysis of variances (ANOVA) to distinguish various contributors like mask making process, measurement tool stability and measurement methodology. These contributions have been investigated for classical photomask CD specifications e.g. mean to target, CD uniformity, target offset tolerance and x-y bias. We found depending on specification that the importance of the contributors interchanges. Interestingly, not only short and long-term metrology contributions are dominant. Also the number of measurements and their spatial distribution on the mask layout (sampling methodology) can be the most important part of the variance. The knowledge of contributions can be used to optimize the sampling plan. As a major finding, we conclude that there is potential to reduce a significant amount of measurements without loosing confidence at all. Here, full sampling in x and y as well as full sampling for different features can be shortened substantially almost up to 50%.

The clinical usefulness of the new LPE specifier for subtyping adolescents with conduct disorder in the DSM 5.

PubMed

Jambroes, Tijs; Jansen, Lucres M C; Vermeiren, Robert R J M; Doreleijers, Theo A H; Colins, Olivier F; Popma, Arne

2016-08-01

In DSM 5, conduct disorder (CD) has been expanded with a new specifier 'with Limited Prosocial Emotions' (LPE) in addition to the age-of-onset (AoO) subtyping, and is thought to identify a severe antisocial subgroup of CD. However, research in clinical practice has been scarce. Therefore, the current study will examine differences in clinical symptoms between subtypes of CD, based on both subtyping schemes. Subsequently, it will investigate whether the LPE specifier explains unique variance in aggression, added to the AoO subtyping. A sample of 145 adolescents with CD (51 % male, mean age 15.0) from a closed treatment institution participated in this study. CD diagnoses and AoO subtype were assessed using a structured diagnostic interview. The LPE specifier was assessed using the callous-unemotional dimension of the Youth Psychopathy Traits Inventory (YPI). Self-reported proactive and reactive aggression, rule-breaking behavior and internalizing problems within the subtypes were compared. Youth with childhood-onset CD and LPE showed significantly more aggression than adolescent-onset CD without LPE (proactive aggression: F = 3.1, p < 0.05, reactive aggression: F = 3.7, p < 0.05). Hierarchical regression revealed that the LPE specifier uniquely explained 7 % of the variance in reactive aggression, additionally to the AoO subtyping. For proactive aggression, the interaction between AoO and the LPE added 4.5 % to the explained variance. Although the LPE specifier may help to identify a more aggressive subtype of CD in adolescents, the incremental utility seems to be limited. Therefore, clinical relevance of the LPE specifier in high-risk adolescent samples still needs to be investigated thoroughly.

A simple route to shape controlled CdS nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nejo, Ayorinde O.; Nejo, Adeola A.; Pullabhotla, Rajasekhar V. S. R.; Revaprasadu, Neerish

2013-02-01

We report the synthesis of CdS nanoparticles in the form of spheres, triangles and wire-like structures. The method involves the reaction of reduced sulfur with a cadmium salt followed by thermolysis in hexadecylamine (HDA). The different shapes were obtained by variation of reaction conditions such as reaction time, temperature and cadmium source. The optical studies show the particles to be quantum confined and luminescent at room temperature.

Evidence for a role of the oxytocin system, indexed by genetic variation in CD38, in the social bonding effects of expressed gratitude

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Oxytocin is thought to play a central role in promoting close social bonds via influence on social interactions. The current investigation targeted interactions involving expressed gratitude between members of romantic relationships because recent evidence suggests gratitude and its expression provides behavioral and psychological ‘glue’ to bind individuals closer together. Specifically, we took a genetic approach to test the hypothesis that social interactions involving expressed gratitude would be associated with variation in a gene, CD38, which has been shown to affect oxytocin secretion. A polymorphism (rs6449182) that affects CD38 expression was significantly associated with global relationship satisfaction, perceived partner responsiveness and positive emotions (particularly love) after lab-based interactions, observed behavioral expression of gratitude toward a romantic partner in the lab, and frequency of expressed gratitude in daily life. A separate polymorphism in CD38 (rs3796863) previously associated with plasma oxytocin levels and social engagement was also associated with perceived responsiveness in the benefactor after an expression of gratitude. The combined influence of the two polymorphisms was associated with a broad range of gratitude-related behaviors and feelings. The consistent pattern of findings suggests that the oxytocin system is associated with solidifying the glue that binds adults into meaningful and important relationships. PMID:24396004

ADP ribosyl-cyclases (CD38/CD157), social skills and friendship.

PubMed

Chong, Anne; Malavasi, Fabio; Israel, Salomon; Khor, Chiea Chuen; Yap, Von Bing; Monakhov, Mikhail; Chew, Soo Hong; Lai, Poh San; Ebstein, Richard P

2017-04-01

Why some individuals seek social engagement while others shy away has profound implications for normal and pathological human behavior. Evidence suggests that oxytocin (OT), the paramount human social hormone, and CD38 that governs OT release, contribute to individual differences in social skills from intense social involvement to extreme avoidance that characterize autism. To explore the neurochemical underpinnings of sociality, CD38 expression of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) was measured in Han Chinese undergraduates. First, CD38 mRNA levels were correlated with lower Autism Quotient (AQ), indicating enhanced social skills. AQ assesses the extent of autistic-like traits including the propensity and dexterity needed for successful social engagement in the general population. Second, three CD157 eQTL SNPs in the CD38/CD157 gene region were associated with CD38 expression. CD157 is a paralogue of CD38 and is contiguous with it on chromosome 4p15. Third, association was also observed between the CD157 eQTL SNPs, CD38 expression and AQ. In the full model, CD38 expression and CD157 eQTL SNPs altogether account for a substantial 14% of the variance in sociality. Fourth, functionality of CD157 eQTL SNPs was suggested by a significant association with plasma oxytocin immunoreactivity products. Fifth, the ecological validity of these findings was demonstrated with subjects with higher PBL CD38 expression having more friends, especially for males. Furthermore, CD157 sequence variation predicts scores on the Friendship questionnaire. To summarize, this study by uniquely leveraging various measures reveals salient elements contributing to nonkin sociality and friendship, revealing a likely pathway underpinning the transition from normality to psychopathology. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nondestructive Investigation of Heterojunction Interfacial Properties Using Two-Wavelength Raman Spectroscopy on Thin-Film CdS/CdTe Solar Cells.

PubMed

Zeng, Guanggen; Harrison, Paul; Kidman, Ali; Al-Mebir, Alaa; Feng, Lianghuan; Wu, Judy

2016-09-01

Raman spectra specific to CdS and CdTe were obtained on the CdS/CdTe heterojunction interface by employing two excitation wavelengths of λ1 = 488 nm and λ2 = 633 nm, respectively, from the glass side of Glass/FTO/CdS/CdTe/HgTe:Cu:graphite/Ag solar cells fabricated using pulsed-laser deposition (PLD). This two-wavelength Raman spectroscopy approach, with one wavelength selected below the absorption edge of the window layer (λ2 in this case), allows nondestructive characterization of the CdS/CdTe heterojunction and therefore correlation of the interfacial properties with the solar cell performance. In this study, the evolution of the interfacial strain relaxation during cell fabrication process was found to be affected not only by the inter-diffusion of S and Te corresponding to the formation of CdSxTe1-x ternary alloy with a various x from ∼0.01 to ∼0.067, but also by the variation in misfit dislocations (MDs) at CdS/CdTe interface from Raman TO/LO ratio ∼2.85 for as-deposited sample to TO/LO ∼4.44 for the cells post treatment. This is consistent with the change of the Urbach energy from 0.03 eV to 0.09 eV, indicative of the deterioration of crystalline quality of CdTe at interface although improved CdTe crystalline quality was observed away from the interface after the CdCl2 annealing. This difference crucially impacted on the rectification characteristics of the CdS/CdTe heterojunction and therefore the solar cell performance. © The Author(s) 2016.

Pathological significance and prognostic roles of densities of CD57+ cells, CD68+ cells, and mast cells, and their ratios in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Nakanishi, Hiromi; Miyata, Yasuyoshi; Mochizuki, Yasushi; Yasuda, Takuji; Nakamura, Yuichiro; Araki, Kyohei; Sagara, Yuji; Matsuo, Tomohiro; Ohba, Kojiro; Sakai, Hideki

2018-05-19

The immune system is closely associated with malignant behavior in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Therefore, understanding the pathological roles of immune cells in tumor stroma is essential to discuss the pathological characteristics of RCC. In this study, the clinical significance of densities of CD57+ cells, CD68+ cells, and mast cells, and their ratios were investigated in patients with clear cell RCC. The densities of CD57+, CD68+, and mast cells were evaluated by immunohistochemical techniques in 179 patients. Proliferation index (PI), apoptotic index (AI), and microvessel density (MVD) were evaluated by using anti-Ki-67, anti-cleaved caspase-3, and anti-CD31 antibodies, respectively. The density of CD57+ cell was negatively correlated with grade, pT stage, and metastasis, although densities of CD68+ cell and mast cell were positively correlated. Ratios of CD68+ cell/CD57+ cell and mast cell/CD57+ cell were significantly correlated with grade, pT stage, and metastasis. Survival analyses showed that the CD68+ cell/CD57+ cell ratio was a significant predictor for cause-specific survival by multi-variate analyses (hazard ratio=1.41, 95% confidential interval=1.03-1.93, P=.031), and was significantly correlated with PI, AI, and MVD (r=.47; P <. 001, r=-.31, P<.001, and r=.40, P<.001, respectively). In conclusion, CD57+ cell, CD68+ cell, and mast cell played important roles in malignancy in clear cell RCC. The CD68+ cell/CD57+ cell ratio was strongly correlated with pathological features and prognosis in these patients because this ratio reflected the status of cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Influence of the baking process for chemically amplified resist on CD performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasaki, Shiho; Ohfuji, Takeshi; Kurihara, Masa-aki; Inomata, Hiroyuki; Jackson, Curt A.; Murata, Yoshio; Totsukawa, Daisuke; Tsugama, Naoko; Kitano, Naoki; Hayashi, Naoya; Hwang, David H.

2002-12-01

CD uniformity and MTT (Mean to Target) control are very important in mask production for the 90nm node and beyond. Although it is well known that baking temperatures influence CD control in the CAR (chemically amplified resist) process for mask patterning, we found that 2 other process factors, which are related to acid diffusion and CA- reaction, greatly affect CD performance. We used a commercially available, negative CAR material and a 50kV exposure tool. We focused on the baking process for both PB (Pre Baking) and PEB (Post Exposure Bake). Film densification strength was evaluated from film thickness loss during PB. Plate temperature distribution was monitored with a thermocouple plate and IR camera. CA-reactions were also monitored with in-situ FTIR during PEB. CD uniformity was used to define the process influence. In conclusion, we found that airflow control and ramping temperature control in the baking process are very important factors to control CD in addition to conventional temperature control. These improvements contributed to a 30 % of reduction in CD variation.

Hybrid morphology dependence of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

A nanocrystal thin-film solar cell operating on an exciton splitting pattern requires a highly efficient separation of electron-hole pairs and transportation of separated charges. A hybrid bulk-heterojunction (HBH) nanostructure providing a large contact area and interpenetrated charge channels is favorable to an inorganic nanocrystal solar cell with high performance. For this freshly appeared structure, here in this work, we have firstly explored the influence of hybrid morphology on the photovoltaic performance of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells with variation in CdSe nanoparticle morphology. Quantum dot (QD) or nanotetrapod (NT)-shaped CdSe nanocrystals have been employed together with CdTe NTs to construct different hybrid structures. The solar cells with the two different hybrid active layers show obvious difference in photovoltaic performance. The hybrid structure with densely packed and continuously interpenetrated two phases generates superior morphological and electrical properties for more efficient inorganic bulk-heterojunction solar cells, which could be readily realized in the NTs:QDs hybrid. This proved strategy is applicable and promising in designing other highly efficient inorganic hybrid solar cells. PMID:25386107

Hybrid morphology dependence of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells.

PubMed

Tan, Furui; Qu, Shengchun; Zhang, Weifeng; Wang, Zhanguo

2014-01-01

A nanocrystal thin-film solar cell operating on an exciton splitting pattern requires a highly efficient separation of electron-hole pairs and transportation of separated charges. A hybrid bulk-heterojunction (HBH) nanostructure providing a large contact area and interpenetrated charge channels is favorable to an inorganic nanocrystal solar cell with high performance. For this freshly appeared structure, here in this work, we have firstly explored the influence of hybrid morphology on the photovoltaic performance of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells with variation in CdSe nanoparticle morphology. Quantum dot (QD) or nanotetrapod (NT)-shaped CdSe nanocrystals have been employed together with CdTe NTs to construct different hybrid structures. The solar cells with the two different hybrid active layers show obvious difference in photovoltaic performance. The hybrid structure with densely packed and continuously interpenetrated two phases generates superior morphological and electrical properties for more efficient inorganic bulk-heterojunction solar cells, which could be readily realized in the NTs:QDs hybrid. This proved strategy is applicable and promising in designing other highly efficient inorganic hybrid solar cells.

A Brief Chronicle of CD4 as a Biomarker for HIV/AIDS: A Tribute to the Memory of John L. Fahey.

PubMed

Kagan, Jonathan M; Sanchez, Ana M; Landay, Alan; Denny, Thomas N

Foundational cellular immunology research of the 1960s and 1970s, together with the advent of monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry, provided the knowledge base and the technological capability that enabled the elucidation of the role of CD4 T cells in HIV infection. Research identifying the sources and magnitude of variation in CD4 measurements, standardized reagents and protocols, and the development of clinical flow cytometers all contributed to the feasibility of widespread CD4 testing. Cohort studies and clinical trials provided the context for establishing the utility of CD4 for prognosis in HIV-infected persons, initial assessment of in vivo antiretroviral drug activity, and as a surrogate marker for clinical outcome in antiretroviral therapeutic trials. Even with sensitive HIV viral load measurement, CD4 cell counting is still utilized in determining antiretroviral therapy eligibility and time to initiate therapy. New point of care technologies are helping both to lower the cost of CD4 testing and enable its use in HIV test and treat programs around the world.

Charge transfer in photorefractive CdTe:Ge at different wavelengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shcherbin, K.; Odoulov, S.; Ramaz, F.; Farid, B.; Briat, B.; von Bardeleben, H. J.; Delaye, P.; Roosen, G.

2001-10-01

The charge transfer processes in photorefractive CdTe:Ge were modeled using the data of optical absorption, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. Within the developed model the variations in the photorefractive properties of different CdTe:Ge samples are explained by differences in the relative concentrations of donor and trap centers. The existence of two different centers of comparable concentrations, each in two charge states, allows charge redistribution between them and gives rise to optical sensitization of some CdTe:Ge samples for photorefractive recording under an auxiliary illumination. In the present article we follow the proposal of pseudo-3D presentation of light-induced absorption to distinguish the main charge transfer processes at different excitation energies and explain the sensitization of CdTe:Ge for photorefractive recording at 1.06, 1.32 and 1.55 μm by light with appropriate wavelength.

Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Growth and Metabolic Profile of Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.

PubMed Central

Xie, Yan; Hu, Longxing; Du, Zhimin; Sun, Xiaoyan; Amombo, Erick; Fan, Jibiao; Fu, Jinmin

2014-01-01

Metabolic responses to cadmium (Cd) may be associated with variations in Cd tolerance in plants. The objectives of this study were to examine changes in metabolic profiles in bermudagrass in response to Cd stress and to identify predominant metabolites associated with differential Cd tolerance using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Two genotypes of bermudagrass with contrasting Cd tolerance were exposed to 0 and 1.5 mM CdSO4 for 14 days in hydroponics. Physiological responses to Cd were evaluated by determining turf quality, growth rate, chlorophyll content and normalized relative transpiration. All these parameters exhibited higher tolerance in WB242 than in WB144. Cd treated WB144 transported more Cd to the shoot than in WB242. The metabolite analysis of leaf polar extracts revealed 39 Cd responsive metabolites in both genotypes, mainly consisting of amino acids, organic acids, sugars, fatty acids and others. A difference in the metabolic profiles was observed between the two bermudagrass genotypes exposed to Cd stress. Seven amino acids (norvaline, glycine, proline, serine, threonine, glutamic acid and gulonic acid), four organic acids (glyceric acid, oxoglutaric acid, citric acid and malic acid,) and three sugars (xylulose, galactose and talose) accumulated more in WB242 than WB144. However, compared to the control, WB144 accumulated higher quantities of sugars than WB242 in the Cd regime. The differential accumulation of these metabolites could be associated with the differential Cd tolerance in bermudagrass. PMID:25545719

Effects of cadmium exposure on growth and metabolic profile of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers].

PubMed

Xie, Yan; Hu, Longxing; Du, Zhimin; Sun, Xiaoyan; Amombo, Erick; Fan, Jibiao; Fu, Jinmin

2014-01-01

Metabolic responses to cadmium (Cd) may be associated with variations in Cd tolerance in plants. The objectives of this study were to examine changes in metabolic profiles in bermudagrass in response to Cd stress and to identify predominant metabolites associated with differential Cd tolerance using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Two genotypes of bermudagrass with contrasting Cd tolerance were exposed to 0 and 1.5 mM CdSO4 for 14 days in hydroponics. Physiological responses to Cd were evaluated by determining turf quality, growth rate, chlorophyll content and normalized relative transpiration. All these parameters exhibited higher tolerance in WB242 than in WB144. Cd treated WB144 transported more Cd to the shoot than in WB242. The metabolite analysis of leaf polar extracts revealed 39 Cd responsive metabolites in both genotypes, mainly consisting of amino acids, organic acids, sugars, fatty acids and others. A difference in the metabolic profiles was observed between the two bermudagrass genotypes exposed to Cd stress. Seven amino acids (norvaline, glycine, proline, serine, threonine, glutamic acid and gulonic acid), four organic acids (glyceric acid, oxoglutaric acid, citric acid and malic acid,) and three sugars (xylulose, galactose and talose) accumulated more in WB242 than WB144. However, compared to the control, WB144 accumulated higher quantities of sugars than WB242 in the Cd regime. The differential accumulation of these metabolites could be associated with the differential Cd tolerance in bermudagrass.

Fate of Cd in Agricultural Soils: A Stable Isotope Approach to Anthropogenic Impact, Soil Formation, and Soil-Plant Cycling.

PubMed

Imseng, Martin; Wiggenhauser, Matthias; Keller, Armin; Müller, Michael; Rehkämper, Mark; Murphy, Katy; Kreissig, Katharina; Frossard, Emmanuel; Wilcke, Wolfgang; Bigalke, Moritz

2018-02-20

The application of mineral phosphate (P) fertilizers leads to an unintended Cd input into agricultural systems, which might affect soil fertility and quality of crops. The Cd fluxes at three arable sites in Switzerland were determined by a detailed analysis of all inputs (atmospheric deposition, mineral P fertilizers, manure, and weathering) and outputs (seepage water, wheat and barley harvest) during one hydrological year. The most important inputs were mineral P fertilizers (0.49 to 0.57 g Cd ha -1 yr -1 ) and manure (0.20 to 0.91 g Cd ha -1 yr -1 ). Mass balances revealed net Cd losses for cultivation of wheat (-0.01 to -0.49 g Cd ha -1 yr -1 ) but net accumulations for that of barley (+0.18 to +0.71 g Cd ha -1 yr -1 ). To trace Cd sources and redistribution processes in the soils, we used natural variations in the Cd stable isotope compositions. Cadmium in seepage water (δ 114/110 Cd = 0.39 to 0.79‰) and plant harvest (0.27 to 0.94‰) was isotopically heavier than in soil (-0.21 to 0.14‰). Consequently, parent material weathering shifted bulk soil isotope compositions to lighter signals following a Rayleigh fractionation process (ε ≈ 0.16). Furthermore, soil-plant cycling extracted isotopically heavy Cd from the subsoil and moved it to the topsoil. These long-term processes and not anthropogenic inputs determined the Cd distribution in our soils.

[Ex vivo expansion and clonal variation of CD34(+)CD59(+) cells from bone marrow in children with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria].

PubMed

Xiao, Juan; Wu, Yong-Ji; Han, Bing; Dong, Hong-Yan; Chen, Shi-Ping

2013-08-01

To investigate the isolation, purification and ex vivo expansion of CD34(+)CD59(+) cells from the bone marrow of children with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), to evaluate the capability of long-term hematopoietic reconstruction of the expanded CD34(+)CD59(+) cells, and to provide a laboratory basis for novel treatment of PNH. CD34(+)CD59(+) cells were isolated from the bone marrow mononuclear cells of children with PNH using immunomagnetic beads and flow cytometer in sequence. The isolated cells were subjected to ex vivo expansion in the presence of different combinations of hematopoietic growth factors for two weeks. The colony-forming cells and long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-ICs) were cultured and counted. The optimal combination of hematopoietic growth factors for ex vivo expansion was stem cell factor+interleukin (IL)-3+IL-6+FLT3 ligand+thrombopoietin+ery-thropoietin, and maximum expansion (30.4 ± 6.7 folds) was seen on day 7 of days 4 to 14 of ex vivo expansion. After ex vivo expansion, CD34(+)CD59(+) cells remained CD59-positive, retained strong capability of forming colony-forming units, and could still form LTC-ICs. There was no significant difference in capability of forming LTC-ICs between CD34(+)CD59(+) cells before and after expansion. The expansion capability of CD34(+)CD59(+) cells from children with PNH was significantly lower than that of CD34(+) cells from normal controls (P<0.01). The CD34(+)CD59(+) cells from children with PNH can be expanded in vitro. Post-expansion CD34(+)CD59(+) cells retain capability of long-term hematopoietic reconstruction. CD34(+)CD59(+) cells showed no trend towards PNH clone during culture. Ex vivo expansion of CD34(+)CD59(+) cells from children with PNH might be practical in performing autologous transplantation clinically for these children.

No simple answers for the Finnish and Russian Karelia allergy contrast: Methylation of CD14 gene.

PubMed

Khoo, Siew-Kim; Mäkelä, Mika; Chandler, David; Schultz, En Nee; Jamieson, Sarra E; Goldblatt, Jack; Haahtela, Tari; LeSouëf, Peter; Zhang, Guicheng

2016-11-01

Finnish and Russian Karelian children have a highly contrasting occurrence of asthma and allergy. In these two environments, we studied associations between total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) with methylation levels in cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14). Five hundred Finnish and Russian Karelian children were included in four groups: Finnish children with high IgE (n = 126) and low IgE (n = 124) as well as Russian children with high IgE (n = 125) and low IgE (n = 125). DNA was extracted from whole blood cells and pyrosequenced. Three CpG sites were selected in the promoter region of CD14. Methylation levels in two of the three CpG sites were higher in the Finnish compared to Russian Karelian children. In the promoter area of CD14, the Finnish compared to Russian children with low IgE had a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in methylation levels at the Amp5Site 2. Likewise, the Finnish compared to Russian children with high IgE had a significant (p = 0.003) increase in methylation levels at the Amp5Site 3. In Russian children with low vs. high IgE, there were significant differences in methylation levels, but this was not the case on the Finnish side. In the regression analysis, adding the methylation variation of CD14 to the model did not explain the higher asthma and allergy risk in the Finnish children. The methylation levels in the promoter region of CD14 gene were higher in the Finnish compared to Russian Karelian children. However, the methylation variation of this candidate gene did not explain the asthma and allergy contrast between these two areas. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Near field optical probe for critical dimension measurements

DOEpatents

Stallard, B.R.; Kaushik, S.

1999-05-18

A resonant planar optical waveguide probe for measuring critical dimensions on an object in the range of 100 nm and below is disclosed. The optical waveguide includes a central resonant cavity flanked by Bragg reflector layers with input and output means at either end. Light is supplied by a narrow bandwidth laser source. Light resonating in the cavity creates an evanescent electrical field. The object with the structures to be measured is translated past the resonant cavity. The refractive index contrasts presented by the structures perturb the field and cause variations in the intensity of the light in the cavity. The topography of the structures is determined from these variations. 8 figs.

3-D reservoir characterization of the House Creek oil field, Powder River Basin, Wyoming

USGS Publications Warehouse

Higley, Debra K.; Pantea, Michael P.; Slatt, Roger M.

1997-01-01

This CD-ROM is intended to serve a broad audience. An important purpose is to explain geologic and geochemical factors that control petroleum production from the House Creek Field. This information may serve as an analog for other marine-ridge sandstone reservoirs. The 3-D slide and movie images are tied to explanations and 2-D geologic and geochemical images to visualize geologic structures in three dimensions, explain the geologic significance of porosity/permeability distribution across the sandstone bodies, and tie this to petroleum production characteristics in the oil field. Movies, text, images including scanning electron photomicrographs (SEM), thin-section photomicrographs, and data files can be copied from the CD-ROM for use in external mapping, statistical, and other applications.

Variation at Extra-epitopic Amino Acid Residues Influences Suppression of Influenza Virus Replication by M158-66 Epitope-Specific CD8+ T Lymphocytes.

PubMed

van de Sandt, Carolien E; Pronk, Mark R; van Baalen, Carel A; Fouchier, Ron A M; Rimmelzwaan, Guus F

2018-06-01

Influenza virus-specific CD8 + T lymphocytes (CTLs) contribute to clearance of influenza virus infections and reduce disease severity. Variation at amino acid residues located in or outside CTL epitopes has been shown to affect viral recognition by virus-specific CTLs. In the present study, we investigated the effect of naturally occurring variation at residues outside the conserved immunodominant and HLA*0201-restricted M1 58-66 epitope, located in the influenza virus M1 protein, on the extent of virus replication in the presence of CTLs specific for the epitope. To this end, we used isogenic viruses with an M1 gene segment derived from either an avian or a human influenza virus, HLA-transgenic human epithelial cells, human T cell clones specific for the M1 58-66 epitope or a control epitope, and a novel, purposely developed in vitro system to coculture influenza virus-infected cells with T cells. We found that the M gene segment of a human influenza A/H3N2 virus afforded the virus the capacity to replicate better in the presence of M1 58-66 -specific CTLs than the M gene segment of avian viruses. These findings are in concordance with previously observed differential CTL activation, caused by variation at extra-epitopic residues, and may reflect an immune adaptation strategy of human influenza viruses that allows them to cope with potent CTL immunity to the M1 58-66 epitope in HLA-A*0201-positive individuals, resulting in increased virus replication and shedding and possibly increasing disease severity. IMPORTANCE Influenza viruses are among the leading causes of acute respiratory tract infections. CD8 + T lymphocytes display a high degree of cross-reactivity with influenza A viruses of various subtypes and are considered an important correlate of protection. Unraveling viral immune evasion strategies and identifying signs of immune adaptation are important for defining the role of CD8 + T lymphocytes in affording protection more accurately. Improving our insight into the interaction between influenza viruses and virus-specific CD8 + T lymphocyte immunity may help to advance our understanding of influenza virus epidemiology, aid in risk assessment of potentially pandemic influenza virus strains, and benefit the design of vaccines that induce more broadly protective immunity. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Design and development of hyaluronan-functionalized polybenzofulvene nanoparticles as CD44 receptor mediated drug delivery system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Licciardi, Mariano; Scialabba, Cinzia; Giammona, Gaetano; Paolino, Marco; Razzano, Vincenzo; Grisci, Giorgio; Giuliani, Germano; Makovec, Francesco; Cappelli, Andrea

2017-06-01

A tri-component polymer brush (TCPB ), composed of a polybenzofulvene copolymer bearing low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) on the surface of its cylindrical brush-like backbone and oligo-PEG fractions, was employed in the preparation of 350 nm nanostructured drug delivery systems capable of delivering the anticancer drug doxorubicin. The obtained drug delivery systems were characterized on the basis of drug loading and release, dimensions and zeta potential, morphology and in vitro cell activity, and uptake on three different human cell lines, namely the bronchial epithelial 16HBE, the breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7, and the colon cancer HCT116 cells. Finally, the ability of doxorubicin-loaded TCPB nanoparticles (DOXO-TCPB) to be internalized into cancer cells by CD44 receptor mediated uptake was assessed by means of uptake studies in HCT cells. These data were supported by anti-CD44-FITC staining assay. The proposed TCPB nanostructured drug delivery systems have many potential applications in nanomedicine, including cancer targeted drug delivery.

Characterization of 193-nm resists for optical mask manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fosshaug, Hans; Paulsson, Adisa; Berzinsh, Uldis; Magnusson, Helena

2004-12-01

The push for smaller linewidths and tighter critical dimension (CD) budgets forced manufacturers of optical pattern generators to move from traditional i-line to deep ultraviolet (DUV) resist processing. Entering the DUV area was not without pain. The process conditions, especially exposure times of a few hours, put very tough demands on the resist material itself. However, today 248nm laser writers are fully operating using a resist process that exhibits the requested resolution, CD uniformity and environmental stability. The continuous demands of CD performance made Micronic to investigate suitable resist candidate materials for the next generation optical writer using 193nm excimer laser exposure. This paper reports on resist benchmarking of one commercial as well as several newly developed resists. The resists were investigated using a wafer scanner. The data obtained illustrate the current performance of 193nm photoresists, and further demonstrate that despite good progress in resist formulation optimization, the status is still a bit from the required lithographic performance.

Synthesis of modified cyclic and acyclic dextrins and comparison of their complexation ability

PubMed Central

Jicsinszky, László; Sohajda, Tamás; Puskás, István; Fenyvesi, Éva

2014-01-01

Summary We compared the complex forming ability of α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins (α-CD, β-CD and γ-CD) with their open ring analogs. In addition to the native cyclodextrins also modified cyclodextrins and the corresponding maltooligomers, functionalized with neutral 2-hydroxypropyl moieties, were synthesized. A new synthetic route was worked out via bromination, benzylation, deacetylation and debenzylation to obtain the 2-hydroxypropyl maltooligomer counterparts. The complexation properties of non-modified and modified cyclic and acyclic dextrins were studied and compared by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) using model guest compounds. In some cases cyclodextrins and their open-ring analogs (acyclodextrins) show similar complexation abilities, while with other guests considerably different behavior was observed depending on the molecular dimensions and chemical characteristics of the guests. This was explained by the enhanced flexibility of the non-closed rings. Even the signs of enantiorecognition were observed for the chloropheniramine/hydroxypropyl maltohexaose system. Further studies are planned to help the deeper understanding of the interactions. PMID:25550750

Cd (II) and holodirected lead (II) 3D-supramolecular coordination polymers based on nicotinic acid: Structure, fluorescence property and photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Etaiw, Safaa El-din H.; Abd El-Aziz, Dina M.; Marie, Hassan; Ali, Elham

2018-05-01

Two new supramolecular coordination polymers namely {[Cd(NA)2(H2O)]}, SCP 1 and {[Pb(NA)2]}, SCP 2, (NA = nicotinate ligand) were synthesized by self-assembly method and structurally characterized by different analytical and spectroscopic methods. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction showed that SCP 1 extend in three dimensions containing bore structure where the 3D- network is constructed via interweaving zigzag chains. The Cd atom coordinates to (O4N2) atoms forming distorted-octahedral configuration. The structure of SCP 2 extend down the projection of the b-axis creating parallel zigzag 1D-chains connected by μ2-O2 atoms and H-bonds forming a holodirected lead (II) hexagonal bi-pyramid configuration. SCP 2 extend to 3D-network via coordinate and hydrogen bonds. The thermal stability, photoluminescence properties, photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue dye (MB) under UV-irradiation and sunlight irradiation were also studied.

Relationship between sensitizer concentration and resist performance of chemically amplified extreme ultraviolet resists in sub-10 nm half-pitch resolution region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozawa, Takahiro; Santillan, Julius Joseph; Itani, Toshiro

2017-01-01

The development of lithography processes with sub-10 nm resolution is challenging. Stochastic phenomena such as line width roughness (LWR) are significant problems. In this study, the feasibility of sub-10 nm fabrication using chemically amplified extreme ultraviolet resists with photodecomposable quenchers was investigated from the viewpoint of the suppression of LWR. The relationship between sensitizer concentration (the sum of acid generator and photodecomposable quencher concentrations) and resist performance was clarified, using the simulation based on the sensitization and reaction mechanisms of chemically amplified resists. For the total sensitizer concentration of 0.5 nm-3 and the effective reaction radius for the deprotection of 0.1 nm, the reachable half-pitch while maintaining 10% critical dimension (CD) LWR was 11 nm. The reachable half-pitch was 7 nm for 20% CD LWR. The increase in the effective reaction radius is required to realize the sub-10 nm fabrication with 10% CD LWR.

The link between callous-unemotional traits and neural mechanisms of reward processing: An fMRI study.

PubMed

Veroude, Kim; von Rhein, Daniel; Chauvin, Roselyne J M; van Dongen, Eelco V; Mennes, Maarten J J; Franke, Barbara; Heslenfeld, Dirk J; Oosterlaan, Jaap; Hartman, Catharina A; Hoekstra, Pieter J; Glennon, Jeffrey C; Buitelaar, Jan K

2016-09-30

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits, i.e., unconcernedness and lack of prosocial feelings, may manifest in Conduct Disorder (CD), but also in Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These disorders have been associated with aberrant reward processing, while the influence of CU traits is unclear. Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), we examined whether CU traits affect the neural circuit for reward. A Monetary Incentive Delay (MID) task was administered to 328 adolescents and young adults with varying levels of CU traits: 40 participants with ODD/CD plus ADHD, 101 participants with ADHD only, 84 siblings of probands with ADHD and 103 typically developing (TD) individuals. During reward anticipation, CU traits related negatively to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity, independent of ADHD symptoms and ODD/CD diagnosis. Our results indicate that CU traits are a valuable dimension for assessing the neural basis of reward processing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

CD and defect improvement challenges for immersion processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehara, Keisuke; Ema, Tatsuhiko; Yamasaki, Toshinari; Nakagawa, Seiji; Ishitani, Seiji; Morita, Akihiko; Kim, Jeonghun; Kanaoka, Masashi; Yasuda, Shuichi; Asai, Masaya

2009-03-01

The intention of this study is to develop an immersion lithography process using advanced track solutions to achieve world class critical dimension (CD) and defectivity performance in a state of the art manufacturing facility. This study looks at three important topics for immersion lithography: defectivity, CD control, and wafer backside contamination. The topic of defectivity is addressed through optimization of coat, develop, and rinse processes as well as implementation of soak steps and bevel cleaning as part of a comprehensive defect solution. Develop and rinse processing techniques are especially important in the effort to achieve a zero defect solution. Improved CD control is achieved using a biased hot plate (BHP) equipped with an electrostatic chuck. This electrostatic chuck BHP (eBHP) is not only able to operate at a very uniform temperature, but it also allows the user to bias the post exposure bake (PEB) temperature profile to compensate for systematic within-wafer (WiW) CD non-uniformities. Optimized CD results, pre and post etch, are presented for production wafers. Wafer backside particles can cause focus spots on an individual wafer or migrate to the exposure tool's wafer stage and cause problems for a multitude of wafers. A basic evaluation of the cleaning efficiency of a backside scrubber unit located on the track was performed as a precursor to a future study examining the impact of wafer backside condition on scanner focus errors as well as defectivity in an immersion scanner.

Sources of heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils of a rapidly industrializing area in the Yangtze Delta of China.

PubMed

Xu, Xianghua; Zhao, Yongcun; Zhao, Xiaoyan; Wang, Yudong; Deng, Wenjing

2014-10-01

The rapid industrialization and urbanization in developing countries have increased pollution by heavy metals, which is a concern for human health and the environment. In this study, 230 surface soil samples (0-20cm) were collected from agricultural areas of Jiaxing, a rapidly industrializing area in the Yangtze Delta of China. Sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) and multivariate factorial kriging analysis (FKA) were used to identify and explore the sources of heavy metal pollution for eight metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, Hg and As). Localized hot-spots of pollution were identified for Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd with area percentages of 0.48 percent, 0.58 percent, 2.84 percent, 2.41 percent, 0.74 percent, and 0.68 percent, respectively. The areas with Hg pollution covered approximately 38 percent whereas no potential pollution risk was found for As. The soil parent material and point sources of pollution had significant influences on Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd levels, except for the influence of agricultural management practices also accounted for micro-scale variations (nugget effect) for Cu and Zn pollution. Short-range (4km) diffusion processes had a significant influence on Cu levels, although they did not appear to be the dominant sources of Zn and Cd variation. The short-range diffusion pollution arising from current and historic industrial emissions and urbanization, and long-range (33km) variations in soil parent materials and/or diffusion jointly determined the current concentrations of soil Pb. The sources of Hg pollution risk may be attributed to the atmosphere deposition of industrial emission and historical use of Hg-containing pesticides. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Current matching using CdSe quantum dots to enhance the power conversion efficiency of InGaP/GaAs/Ge tandem solar cells.

PubMed

Lee, Ya-Ju; Yao, Yung-Chi; Tsai, Meng-Tsan; Liu, An-Fan; Yang, Min-De; Lai, Jiun-Tsuen

2013-11-04

A III-V multi-junction tandem solar cell is the most efficient photovoltaic structure that offers an extremely high power conversion efficiency. Current mismatching between each subcell of the device, however, is a significant challenge that causes the experimental value of the power conversion efficiency to deviate from the theoretical value. In this work, we explore a promising strategy using CdSe quantum dots (QDs) to enhance the photocurrent of the limited subcell to match with those of the other subcells and to enhance the power conversion efficiency of InGaP/GaAs/Ge tandem solar cells. The underlying mechanism of the enhancement can be attributed to the QD's unique capacity for photon conversion that tailors the incident spectrum of solar light; the enhanced efficiency of the device is therefore strongly dependent on the QD's dimensions. As a result, by appropriately selecting and spreading 7 mg/mL of CdSe QDs with diameters of 4.2 nm upon the InGaP/GaAs/Ge solar cell, the power conversion efficiency shows an enhancement of 10.39% compared to the cell's counterpart without integrating CdSe QDs.

Creating Body Shapes From Verbal Descriptions by Linking Similarity Spaces.

PubMed

Hill, Matthew Q; Streuber, Stephan; Hahn, Carina A; Black, Michael J; O'Toole, Alice J

2016-11-01

Brief verbal descriptions of people's bodies (e.g., "curvy," "long-legged") can elicit vivid mental images. The ease with which these mental images are created belies the complexity of three-dimensional body shapes. We explored the relationship between body shapes and body descriptions and showed that a small number of words can be used to generate categorically accurate representations of three-dimensional bodies. The dimensions of body-shape variation that emerged in a language-based similarity space were related to major dimensions of variation computed directly from three-dimensional laser scans of 2,094 bodies. This relationship allowed us to generate three-dimensional models of people in the shape space using only their coordinates on analogous dimensions in the language-based description space. Human descriptions of photographed bodies and their corresponding models matched closely. The natural mapping between the spaces illustrates the role of language as a concise code for body shape that captures perceptually salient global and local body features. © The Author(s) 2016.

Temporal and spatial variations of Gutenberg-Richter parameter and fractal dimension in Western Anatolia, Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayrak, Erdem; Yılmaz, Şeyda; Bayrak, Yusuf

2017-05-01

The temporal and spatial variations of Gutenberg-Richter parameter (b-value) and fractal dimension (DC) during the period 1900-2010 in Western Anatolia was investigated. The study area is divided into 15 different source zones based on their tectonic and seismotectonic regimes. We calculated the temporal variation of b and DC values in each region using Zmap. The temporal variation of these parameters for the prediction of major earthquakes was calculated. The spatial distribution of these parameters is related to the stress levels of the faults. We observed that b and DC values change before the major earthquakes in the 15 seismic regions. To evaluate the spatial distribution of b and DC values, 0.50° × 0.50° grid interval were used. The b-values smaller than 0.70 are related to the Aegean Arc and Eskisehir Fault. The highest values are related to Sultandağı and Sandıklı Faults. Fractal correlation dimension varies from 1.65 to 2.60, which shows that the study area has a higher DC value. The lowest DC values are related to the joining area between Aegean and Cyprus arcs, Burdur-Fethiye fault zone. Some have concluded that b-values drop instantly before large shocks. Others suggested that temporally stable low b value zones identify future large earthquake locations. The results reveal that large earthquakes occur when b decreases and DC increases, suggesting that variation of b and DC can be used as an earthquake precursor. Mapping of b and DC values provide information about the state of stress in the region, i.e. lower b and higher DC values associated with epicentral areas of large earthquakes.

Decoupled dimensions of leaf economic and anti-herbivore defense strategies in a tropical canopy tree community.

PubMed

Chauvin, K McManus; Asner, G P; Martin, R E; Kress, W J; Wright, S J; Field, C B

2018-03-01

Trade-offs among plant functional traits indicate diversity in plant strategies of growth and survival. The leaf economics spectrum (LES) reflects a trade-off between short-term carbon gain and long-term leaf persistence. A related trade-off, between foliar growth and anti-herbivore defense, occurs among plants growing in contrasting resource regimes, but it is unclear whether this trade-off is maintained within plant communities, where resource gradients are minimized. The LES and the growth-defense trade-off involve related traits, but the extent to which these trade-off dimensions are correlated is poorly understood. We assessed the relationship between leaf economic and anti-herbivore defense traits among sunlit foliage of 345 canopy trees in 83 species on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. We quantified ten traits related to resource allocation and defense, and identified patterns of trait co-variation using multivariate ordination. We tested whether traits and ordination axes were correlated with patterns of phylogenetic relatedness, juvenile demographic trade-offs, or topo-edaphic variation. Two independent axes described ~ 60% of the variation among canopy trees. Axis 1 revealed a trade-off between leaf nutritional and structural investment, consistent with the LES. Physical defense traits were largely oriented along this axis. Axis 2 revealed a trade-off between investments in phenolic defenses versus other foliar defenses, which we term the leaf defense spectrum. Phylogenetic relationships and topo-edaphic variation largely did not explain trait co-variation. Our results suggest that some trade-offs among the growth and defense traits of outer-canopy trees may be captured by the LES, while others may occur along additional resource allocation dimensions.

Investigation of hyper-NA scanner emulation for photomask CDU performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poortinga, Eric; Scheruebl, Thomas; Conley, Will; Sundermann, Frank

2007-02-01

As the semiconductor industry moves toward immersion lithography using numerical apertures above 1.0 the quality of the photomask becomes even more crucial. Photomask specifications are driven by the critical dimension (CD) metrology within the wafer fab. Knowledge of the CD values at resist level provides a reliable mechanism for the prediction of device performance. Ultimately, tolerances of device electrical properties drive the wafer linewidth specifications of the lithography group. Staying within this budget is influenced mainly by the scanner settings, resist process, and photomask quality. Tightening of photomask specifications is one mechanism for meeting the wafer CD targets. The challenge lies in determining how photomask level metrology results influence wafer level imaging performance. Can it be inferred that photomask level CD performance is the direct contributor to wafer level CD performance? With respect to phase shift masks, criteria such as phase and transmission control are generally tightened with each technology node. Are there other photomask relevant influences that effect wafer CD performance? A comprehensive study is presented supporting the use of scanner emulation based photomask CD metrology to predict wafer level within chip CD uniformity (CDU). Using scanner emulation with the photomask can provide more accurate wafer level prediction because it inherently includes all contributors to image formation related to the 3D topography such as the physical CD, phase, transmission, sidewall angle, surface roughness, and other material properties. Emulated images from different photomask types were captured to provide CD values across chip. Emulated scanner image measurements were completed using an AIMS TM45-193i with its hyper-NA, through-pellicle data acquisition capability including the Global CDU Map TM software option for AIMS TM tools. The through-pellicle data acquisition capability is an essential prerequisite for capturing final CDU data (after final clean and pellicle mounting) before the photomask ships or for re-qualification at the wafer fab. Data was also collected on these photomasks using a conventional CD-SEM metrology system with the pellicles removed. A comparison was then made to wafer prints demonstrating the benefit of using scanner emulation based photomask CD metrology.

Plant functional types are more efficient than climate in predicting spectrums of trait variation in evergreen angiosperm trees of tropical Australia and China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Togashi, H. F.; Prentice, I. C. C.; Atkin, O. K.; Bloomfield, K. J.; Bradford, M.; Weerasinghe, L. K.; Harrison, S. P.; Evans, B. J.; Liddell, M. J.; Wang, H.; Cao, K. F.; Fan, Z.

2015-12-01

The representation of Plant Functional Types (PFTs) in current generation of Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs) is excessively simplistically. Key ecophysiological properties, such as photosynthesis biochemistry, are most times merely averaged and trade-off with other plant traits is often neglected. Validation of a PFT framework based in photosynthetic process is crucial to improve reliability of DGVMs. We present 431 leaf-biochemical and wood level measurements in evergreen angiosperm trees of tropical forests in Australia and China that were divided in four spectrums of plant trait variation: metabolic, structural, hydraulic and height dimensions. Plant traits divided in each of these dimensions adopt survival strategies reflected more clearly by trade-off within each spectrum, and in some extent across spectrums. Co-ordination theory (that Rubisco- and electron-transport limited rates of photosynthesis are co-limiting) and least-coast theory (that intercellular to ambient CO2 concentration minimizes the combined costs per unit carbon assimilation, regulating maximum height and wood density) expectations matched PFT (which takes in account canopy position and light access, and life spam) variation. Our findings suggest that climate (air moisture, air temperature, light) has lower power representing these dimensions, in comparison to the PFT framework.

High-temporal-resolution CdTe nuclear stethoscope for cardiac γ-ventriculography: preclinical evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eclancher, Bernard; Arntz, Y.; Chambron, Jacques; Prat, Vincent; Perret, C.; Karman, Miklos; Pszota, Agnes; Nemeth, Laszlo

1999-10-01

A hand-size probe including 64 elementary 5 X 5 X 2 mm CdTe detectors has been optimized to detect the (gamma) tracer 99Tc in the heart left ventricle. The system, has been developed, not for imaging, allowing acquisitions at 33 Hz to describe the labeled blood volume variations. The (gamma) -counts variations were found accurately proportional to the known volume variations of an artificial ventricle paced at variable rate and systolic volume. Softwares for on line data monitoring and for post-processing have been developed for beat to beat assessment of cardiac performance at rest and during physical exercise. The evaluation of this probe has been performed on 5 subjects in the Nucl Dep of Balatonfured Cardiology Hospital. It appears that the probe needs to be better shielded to work properly in the hot environment of the ventricle, but can provide reliable ventriculography, even under heavy exercise load, although the ventricle volume itself is unknown.

Impacts of geochemical and environmental factors on seasonal variation of heavy metals in a coastal lagoon Yucatan, Mexico.

PubMed

Arcega-Cabrera, F; Garza-Pérez, R; Noreña-Barroso, E; Oceguera-Vargas, I

2015-01-01

This study investigated the influence of geochemical and environmental factors on seasonal variation in metals in Yucatan's Chelem lagoon. Anthropogenic activities discharge non-treated wastewater directly into it with detrimental environmental consequences. Accordingly, this study established the spatial and temporal patterns of fine grain sediments and concentrations of heavy metals. Multivariate analyses showed fine grain facies deposition, transition sites dominated by fine grain transport, and fine grain erosion sites. Spatial and temporal variations of heavy metals concentration were significant for Cd, Cu, Cr, and Pb. As, Cd, and Sn were as much as 12 times higher than SQuiRTs standards (Buchman 2008). The results indicate that aquifer water is bringing metals from relatively far inland and releasing them into the lagoon. Thus, it appears that the contamination of this lagoon is highly complex and must take into account systemic connections with inland anthropogenic activates and pollution, as well as local factors.

The influence of biochar type on long-term stabilization for Cd and Cu in contaminated paddy soils.

PubMed

Li, Hongying; Ye, Xinxin; Geng, Zhigang; Zhou, Hongjian; Guo, Xisheng; Zhang, Yunxia; Zhao, Huijun; Wang, Guozhong

2016-03-05

Long-term effect of biochar on PTEs (potential toxic elements) immobilization depends upon biochar own property and its aging process in soil. To understand the role of biachar type on PTEs stabilization, two types of biochar, corn-straw-derived biochar (CB) and hardwood-derived biochar (HB), were compared for their efficacy in achieving a stable decrease in the bio-availability of Cd and Cu in soils. The 3-year pot-culture experiment showed that HB reduced the concentration of CaCl2-extractable Cd and Cu by 57.9 and 63.8% in soil, and Cd and Cu uptake by 63.6 and 56.3% in rice tissue respectively, in the first year, whereas these values increased in the next two years. On the other hand, CB decreased these values steadily year by year. At the end of the 3 years, CB at 5% level had lowered the levels of CaCl2-extractable Cd and Cu by 53.6 and 66.8%, respectively. These variations between CB and HB were due to the differences in the way the two types of biochar age in the soil. The aging process was simulated in the laboratory, and the XPS results showed that the oxidization of the biochars introduced more oxygen-containing groups (especially carboxyl) on the surface of CB than HB, leading to a correspondingly greater number of oxygenated binding sites for Cd and Cu in the case of CB. The content of lignin was the major factor resulting in the variation of oxidation degree in two biochars. These results suggest that it is important to select the right kind of biochar to stably decrease the bio-availability of potential toxic elements (Cd and Cu) in contaminated soils. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estimating genetic and phenotypic parameters of cellular immune-associated traits in dairy cows.

PubMed

Denholm, Scott J; McNeilly, Tom N; Banos, Georgios; Coffey, Mike P; Russell, George C; Bagnall, Ainsley; Mitchell, Mairi C; Wall, Eileen

2017-04-01

Data collected from an experimental Holstein-Friesian research herd were used to determine genetic and phenotypic parameters of innate and adaptive cellular immune-associated traits. Relationships between immune-associated traits and production, health, and fertility traits were also investigated. Repeated blood leukocyte records were analyzed in 546 cows for 9 cellular immune-associated traits, including percent T cell subsets, B cells, NK cells, and granulocytes. Variance components were estimated by univariate analysis. Heritability estimates were obtained for all 9 traits, the highest of which were observed in the T cell subsets percent CD4 + , percent CD8 + , CD4 + :CD8 + ratio, and percent NKp46 + cells (0.46, 0.41, 0.43 and 0.42, respectively), with between-individual variation accounting for 59 to 81% of total phenotypic variance. Associations between immune-associated traits and production, health, and fertility traits were investigated with bivariate analyses. Strong genetic correlations were observed between percent NKp46 + and stillbirth rate (0.61), and lameness episodes and percent CD8 + (-0.51). Regarding production traits, the strongest relationships were between CD4 + :CD8 + ratio and weight phenotypes (-0.52 for live weight; -0.51 for empty body weight). Associations between feed conversion traits and immune-associated traits were also observed. Our results provide evidence that cellular immune-associated traits are heritable and repeatable, and the noticeable variation between animals would permit selection for altered trait values, particularly in the case of the T cell subsets. The associations we observed between immune-associated, health, fertility, and production traits suggest that genetic selection for cellular immune-associated traits could provide a useful tool in improving animal health, fitness, and fertility. The Authors. Published by the Federation of Animal Science Societies and Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY 2.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/).

Evaluation of proteome alterations induced by cadmium stress in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultures.

PubMed

Lopes Júnior, Cícero Alves; Barbosa, Herbert de Sousa; Moretto Galazzi, Rodrigo; Ferreira Koolen, Hector Henrique; Gozzo, Fábio Cesar; Arruda, Marco Aurélio Zezzi

2015-09-01

The present study evaluates, at a proteomic level, changes in protein abundance in sunflower leaves in the absence or presence (at 50 or 700mg) of cadmium (as CdCl2). At the end of the cultivation period (45 days), proteins are extracted from leaves with phenol, separated by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE), and excised from the gels. The differential protein abundances (for proteins differing by more than 1.8 fold, which corresponds to 90% variation) are characterized using nESI-LC-MS/MS. The protein content decreases by approximately 41% in plants treated with 700mg Cd compared with control plants. By comparing all groups of plants evaluated in this study (Control vs. Cd-lower, Control vs. Cd-higher and Cd-lower vs. Cd-higher), 39 proteins are found differential and 18 accurately identified; the control vs. Cd-higher treatment is that presenting the most differential proteins. From identified proteins, those involved in energy and disease/defense (including stress), are the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain, transketolase, and heat shock proteins are the most differential abundant proteins. Thus, at the present study, photosynthesis is the main process affected by Cd in sunflowers, although these plants are highly tolerant to Cd. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High Resolution Dopant Profiles Revealed by Atom Probe Tomography and STEM-EBIC for CdTe Based Solar Cells

DOE PAGES

Poplawsky, Jonathan D.; Li, Chen; Paudel, Naba; ...

2016-01-01

Segregated elements and their diffusion profiles within grain boundaries and interfaces resulting from post deposition heat treatments are revealed using atom probe tomography (APT), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and electron beam induced current (EBIC) techniques. The results demonstrate how these techniques complement each other to provide conclusive evidence for locations of space charge regions and mechanisms that create them at the nanoscale. Most importantly, a Cl dopant profile that extends ~5 nm into CdTe grains interfacing the CdS is shown using APT and STEM synergy, which has been shown to push the pn-junction into the CdTe layer indicative ofmore » a homojunction (revealed by STEM EBIC). In addition, Cu and Cl concentrations within grain boundaries within several nms and µms from the CdS/CdTe interface are compared, Na segregation of <0.1% is detected, and S variations of ~1–3% are witnessed between CdTe grains close to the CdS/CdTe interface. The segregation and diffusion of these elements directly impacts on the material properties, such as band gap energy and n/p type properties. Optimization of the interfacial and grain boundary doping will lead to higher efficiency solar cells.« less

Compositional redistribution during casting of Hg sub 0.8 Cd sub 0.2 Te alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Su, Ching-Hua; Perry, G. L. E.; Szofran, F. R.; Lehoczky, S. L.

1986-01-01

A series of Hg(0.8)Cd(0.2)Te ingots was cast both vertically and horizontally under well-defined thermal conditions by using a two-zone furnace with isothermal heat-pipe liners. The main objective of the experiments was to establish correlations between casting parameters and compositional redistribution and to develop ground-based data for a proposed flight experiment of casting of Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te alloys under reduced gravity conditions. The compositional variations along the axial and radial directions were determined by precision density measurements, infrared transmission spectra, and X-ray energy dispersion spectrometry. Comparison between the experimental results and a numerical simulation of the solidification process of Hg(0.8)Cd(0.2)Te is described.

Inflammation-induced CD69+ Kupffer cell feedback inhibits T cell proliferation via membrane-bound TGF-β1.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiang; Jiang, Zhengping; Gu, Yan; Liu, Yanfang; Cao, Xuetao; Han, Yanmei

2016-12-01

Kupffer cells, tissue-resident macrophage lineage cell, are enriched in vertebrate liver. The mouse F4/80 + Kupffer cells have been subclassified into two subpopulations according to their phenotype and function: CD68 + subpopulation with potent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and phagocytic capacities, and CD11b + subpopulation with a potent capacity to produce T helper 1 cytokines. In addition, CD11b + Kupffer cells/macrophages may be migrated from the bone marrow or spleen, especially in inflammatory conditions of the liver. For analyzing diverse Kupffer cell subsets, we infected mice with Listeria monocytogenes and analyzed the phenotype variations of hepatic Kupffer cells. During L. monocytogenes infection, hepatic CD69 + Kupffer cells were significantly induced and expanded, and CD69 + Kupffer cells expressed higher level of CD11b, and particularly high level of membrane-bound TGF-β1 (mTGF-β1) but lower level of F4/80. We also found that clodronate liposome administration did not eliminate hepatic CD69 + Kupffer cell subset. We consider the hepatic CD69 + Kupffer cell population corresponds to CD11b + Kupffer cells, the bone marrow-derived population. Hepatic CD69 + Kupffer cells suppressed Ag-nonspecific and OVA-specific CD4 T cell proliferation through mTGF-β1 both in vitro and in vivo, meanwhile, they did not interfere with activation of CD4 T cells. Thus, we have identified a new subset of inflammation-induced CD69 + Kupffer cells which can feedback inhibit CD4 T cell response via cell surface TGF-β1 at the late stage of immune response against infection. CD69 + Kupffer cells may contribute to protect host from pathological injure by preventing overactivation of immune response.

G-Quadruplex conformational change driven by pH variation with potential application as a nanoswitch.

PubMed

Yan, Yi-Yong; Tan, Jia-Heng; Lu, Yu-Jing; Yan, Siu-Cheong; Wong, Kwok-Yin; Li, Ding; Gu, Lian-Quan; Huang, Zhi-Shu

2013-10-01

G-Quadruplex is a highly polymorphic structure, and its behavior in acidic condition has not been well studied. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra were used to study the conformational change of G-quadruplex. The thermal stabilities of the G-quadruplex were measured with CD melting. Interconversion kinetics profiles were investigated by using CD kinetics. The fluorescence of the inserted 2-Aminopurine (Ap) was monitored during pH change and acrylamide quenching, indicating the status of the loop. Proton NMR was adopted to help illustrate the change of the conformation. G-Quadruplex of specific loop was found to be able to transform upon pH variation. The transformation was resulted from the loop rearrangement. After screening of a library of diverse G-quadruplex, a sequence exhibiting the best transformation property was found. A pH-driven nanoswitch with three gears was obtained based on this transition cycle. Certain G-quadruplex was found to go through conformational change at low pH. Loop was the decisive factor controlling the interconversion upon pH variation. G-Quadruplex with TT central loop could be converted in a much milder condition than the one with TTA loop. It can be used to design pH-driven nanodevices such as a nanoswitch. These results provide more insights into G-quadruplex polymorphism, and also contribute to the design of DNA-based nanomachines and logic gates. © 2013.

Concentrations and geographical variations of selected toxic elements in meat from semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in mid- and northern Norway: evaluation of risk assessment.

PubMed

Hassan, Ammar Ali; Brustad, Magritt; Sandanger, Torkjel M

2012-05-01

Meat samples (n = 100) from semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) were randomly collected from 10 grazing districts distributed over four Norwegian counties in 2008 and 2009. The main aim was to study concentrations and geographical variations in selected toxic elements; cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V) in order to assess the risk associated with reindeer meat consumption. Sample solutions were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma high resolution mass spectrometer (ICP-HRMS), whereas analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analyses. Geographical variations in element concentrations were revealed, with As and Cd demonstrating the largest geographical differences. No clear geographical gradient was observed except for the east-west downward gradient for As. The As concentrations were highest in the vicinity of the Russian border, and only Cd was shown to increase with age (p < 0.05). Sex had no significant effect on the concentration of the studied elements. The concentrations of all the studied elements in reindeer meat were generally low and considerably below the maximum levels (ML) available for toxic elements set by the European Commission (EC). Thus, reindeer meat is not likely to be a significant contributor to the human body burden of toxic elements.

Theileria parva antigens recognized by CD8+ T cells show varying degrees of diversity in buffalo-derived infected cell lines.

PubMed

Sitt, Tatjana; Pelle, Roger; Chepkwony, Maurine; Morrison, W Ivan; Toye, Philip

2018-05-06

The extent of sequence diversity among the genes encoding 10 antigens (Tp1-10) known to be recognized by CD8+ T lymphocytes from cattle immune to Theileria parva was analysed. The sequences were derived from parasites in 23 buffalo-derived cell lines, three cattle-derived isolates and one cloned cell line obtained from a buffalo-derived stabilate. The results revealed substantial variation among the antigens through sequence diversity. The greatest nucleotide and amino acid diversity were observed in Tp1, Tp2 and Tp9. Tp5 and Tp7 showed the least amount of allelic diversity, and Tp5, Tp6 and Tp7 had the lowest levels of protein diversity. Tp6 was the most conserved protein; only a single non-synonymous substitution was found in all obtained sequences. The ratio of non-synonymous: synonymous substitutions varied from 0.84 (Tp1) to 0.04 (Tp6). Apart from Tp2 and Tp9, we observed no variation in the other defined CD8+ T cell epitopes (Tp4, 5, 7 and 8), indicating that epitope variation is not a universal feature of T. parva antigens. In addition to providing markers that can be used to examine the diversity in T. parva populations, the results highlight the potential for using conserved antigens to develop vaccines that provide broad protection against T. parva.

Concentrations and Geographical Variations of Selected Toxic Elements in Meat from Semi-Domesticated Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in Mid- and Northern Norway: Evaluation of Risk Assessment

PubMed Central

Hassan, Ammar Ali; Brustad, Magritt; Sandanger, Torkjel M.

2012-01-01

Meat samples (n = 100) from semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) were randomly collected from 10 grazing districts distributed over four Norwegian counties in 2008 and 2009. The main aim was to study concentrations and geographical variations in selected toxic elements; cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V) in order to assess the risk associated with reindeer meat consumption. Sample solutions were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma high resolution mass spectrometer (ICP-HRMS), whereas analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analyses. Geographical variations in element concentrations were revealed, with As and Cd demonstrating the largest geographical differences. No clear geographical gradient was observed except for the east-west downward gradient for As. The As concentrations were highest in the vicinity of the Russian border, and only Cd was shown to increase with age (p < 0.05). Sex had no significant effect on the concentration of the studied elements. The concentrations of all the studied elements in reindeer meat were generally low and considerably below the maximum levels (ML) available for toxic elements set by the European Commission (EC). Thus, reindeer meat is not likely to be a significant contributor to the human body burden of toxic elements. PMID:22754467

Variations in Latino Parenting Practices and Their Effects on Child Cognitive Developmental Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Von Figueroa-Moseley, Colmar; Ramey, Craig T.; Keltner, Bette; Lanzi, Robin G.

2006-01-01

This research examines variations in parenting and its effects on child cognitive outcomes across Latino subgroups from a national sampling that utilized a subset of 995 former Head Start Latino parents and children. Comparisons of the Parenting Dimension Inventory scaled scores revealed Latino subgroup differences on nurturance and consistency.…

Improvement of Effective Communication--The Case of Subtraction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olteanu, Constanta; Olteanu, Lucian

2012-01-01

The research study this article is based on aims to implement research knowledge to teaching, that is, the concept of critical aspects and dimensions of variation used in the variation theory. To do this, the researchers worked with willing teachers to explore how to make mathematics teaching more effective. This paper illustrates how teachers…

Properties of Diamond and Diamond-Like Clusters in Nanometric Dimensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halicioglu, Timur; Langhoff, Stephen R. (Technical Monitor)

1996-01-01

Variations in materials properties of small clusters of nanometric dimensions were investigated. Investigations were carried out for diamond and diamond-like particles in spherical shapes. Calculations were performed for clusters containing over 1000 carbon atoms. Results indicate that as the cluster size diminishes, (i) the average cohesive energy becomes weaker, (ii) the excess surface energy increases, and (iii) the value for stiffness decreases.

Early Individuality: Behavioral Dimensions in One-Year-Olds and Dimensional Stability in Infancy. Uppsala Psychological Reports, No. 252, 1979.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hagekull, Berit; And Others

The purpose of the study was to establish dimensions of functioning accounting for interindividual variation in behavior in the later infancy period and to investigate the stability of the dimensional structure during the infancy period. Factor analyses were performed on parent questionnaire data for 357 infants, aged 11 to 15 months. An 8-factor…

Cadmium sulfide solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stanley, A. G.

1975-01-01

Development, fabrication and applications of CdS solar cells are reviewed in detail. The suitability of CdS cells for large solar panels and microcircuitry, and their low cost, are emphasized. Developments are reviewed by manufacturer-developer. Vapor phase deposition of thin-film solar cells, doping and co-evaporation, sputtering, chemical spray, and sintered layers are reviewed, in addition to spray deposition, monograin layer structures, and silk screening. Formation of junctions by electroplating, evaporation, brushing, CuCl dip, and chemiplating are discussed, along with counterelectrode fabrication, VPD film structures, the Cu2S barrier layer, and various photovoltaic effects (contact photovoltage, light intensity variation, optical enhancement), and various other CdS topics.

Diamagnetic susceptibility of a hydrogenic donor in a group IV-VI quantum dot-quantum well heterostructure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Saravanamoorthy, S. N.; Peter, A. John, E-mail: a.john.peter@gmail.com

2016-05-23

Electronic properties of a hydrogenic donor impurity in a CdSe/Pb{sub 0.8}Cd{sub 0.2}Se/CdSe quantum dot quantum well system are investigated for various radii of core with shell materials. Confined energies are obtained taking into account the geometrical size of the system and thereby the donor binding energies are found. The diamagnetic susceptibility is estimated for a confined shallow donor in the well system. The results show that the diamagnetic susceptibility strongly depends on core and shell radii and it is more sensitive to variations of the geometrical size of the well material.

A comparison of techniques for nondestructive composition measurements in CdZnTe substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tobin, S. P.; Tower, J. P.; Norton, P. W.; Chandler-Horowitz, D.; Amirtharaj, P. M.; Lopes, V. C.; Duncan, W. M.; Syllaios, A. J.; Ard, C. K.; Giles, N. C.; Lee, Jaesun; Balasubramanian, R.; Bollong, A. B.; Steiner, T. W.; Thewalt, M. L. W.; Bowen, D. K.; Tanner, B. K.

1995-05-01

We report an overview and a comparison of nondestructive optical techniques for determining alloy composition x in Cd1-xZnxTe substrates for HgCdTe epitaxy. The methods for single-point measurements include a new x-ray diffraction technique for precision lattice parameter measurements using a standard highresolution diffractometer, room-temperature photoreflectance, and low-temperature photoluminescence. We compare measurements on the same set of samples by all three techniques. Comparisons of precision and accuracy, with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of different techniques, are presented. In addition, a new photoluminescence excitation technique for full-wafer imaging of composition variations is described.

Extended short wavelength infrared HgCdTe detectors on silicon substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, J. H.; Hansel, D.; Mukhortova, A.; Chang, Y.; Kodama, R.; Zhao, J.; Velicu, S.; Aqariden, F.

2016-09-01

We report high-quality n-type extended short wavelength infrared (eSWIR) HgCdTe (cutoff wavelength 2.59 μm at 77 K) layers grown on three-inch diameter CdTe/Si substrates by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). This material is used to fabricate test diodes and arrays with a planar device architecture using arsenic implantation to achieve p-type doping. We use different variations of a test structure with a guarded design to compensate for the lateral leakage current of traditional test diodes. These test diodes with guarded arrays characterize the electrical performance of the active 640 × 512 format, 15 μm pitch detector array.

Symptom Dimensions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Obsessive Beliefs.

PubMed

Cordeiro, Trinette; Sharma, Mahendra P; Thennarasu, Kandavel; Reddy, Y C Janardhan

2015-01-01

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a heterogeneous condition with a few major symptom dimensions. These symptom dimensions are thought to have unique clinical and neurobiological correlates. There seems to be a specific relation between OCD symptom dimensions and obsessive beliefs, but the findings are not consistent across studies. There is also a paucity of literature from culturally diverse settings. One of the reasons for the varied findings could be due to the method employed in measuring OCD symptoms. In this study, we examined the relation between symptom dimensions and obsessive beliefs using the Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale and the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire respectively in 75 patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition OCD. Perfectionism predicted both aggressive and symmetry dimensions whereas responsibility beliefs predicted sexual and religious dimensions. The findings suggest that certain obsessive beliefs predicted certain OCD symptom dimensions, but results are not entirely consistent with the published literature suggesting the possibility of cross-cultural variations. That the symptom dimensions have unique belief domains support the argument that symptom dimensions could be targeted to reduce the heterogeneity in etiological and treatment studies of OCD. Therapeutic interventions may have to aim at modifying unique belief domains underlying certain symptom dimensions rather than having generic cognitive-behavioral strategies.

Second Korean guidelines for the management of Crohn's disease

PubMed Central

Park, Jae Jun; Ye, Byong Duk; Kim, Jong Wook; Park, Dong Il; Yoon, Hyuk; Im, Jong Pil; Lee, Kang Moon; Yoon, Sang Nam; Lee, Heeyoung

2017-01-01

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, progressive, and disabling inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with an uncertain etiopathogenesis. CD can involve any site of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, and is associated with serious complications, such as bowel strictures, perforations, and fistula formation. The incidence and prevalence rates of CD in Korea are still lower compared with those in Western countries, but they have been rapidly increasing during the recent decades. Although there are no definitive curative modalities for CD, various medical and surgical therapies have been applied for the treatment of this disease. Concerning CD management, there have been substantial discrepancies among clinicians according to their personal experience and preference. To suggest recommendable approaches to the diverse problems of CD and to minimize the variations in treatment among physicians, guidelines for the management of CD were first published in 2012 by the IBD Study Group of the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases. These are the revised guidelines based on updated evidence, accumulated since 2012. These guidelines were developed by using mainly adaptation methods, and encompass induction and maintenance treatment of CD, treatment based on disease location, treatment of CD complications, including stricture and fistula, surgical treatment, and prevention of postoperative recurrence. These are the second Korean guidelines for the management of CD and will be continuously revised as new evidence is collected. PMID:28239314

Defect printability of alternating phase-shift mask: a critical comparison of simulation and experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozawa, Ken; Komizo, Tooru; Kikuchi, Koji; Ohnuma, Hidetoshi; Kawahira, Hiroichi

2002-07-01

An alternative phase shift mask (alt-PSM) is a promising device for extending optical lithography to finer design rules. There have been few reports, however, on the mask's ability to identify phase defects. We report here an alt-PSM of a dual-trench type for KrF exposure, with programmed quartz defects used to evaluate defect printability by measuring aerial images with a Zeiss MSM100 measuring system. The experimental results are simulated using the TEMPEST program. First, a critical comparison of the simulation and the experiment is conducted. The actual measured topography of quartz defects are used in the simulation. Moreover, a general simulation study on defect printability using an alt-PSM for ArF exposure is conducted. The defect dimensions, which produce critical CD errors are determined by simulation that takes into account the full 3-dimensional structure of phase defects as well as a simplified structure. The critical dimensions of an isolated defect identified by the alt-PSM of a single-trench type for ArF exposure are 240 nm in bottom diameter and 50 degrees in height (phase) for the cylindrical shape and 240 nm in bottom diameter and 90 degrees in height (phase) for the rotating trapezoidal shape, where the CD error limit is +/- 5%.

Line-width roughness of advanced semiconductor features by using FIB and planar-TEM as reference metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takamasu, Kiyoshi; Takahashi, Satoru; Kawada, Hiroki; Ikota, Masami

2018-03-01

LER (Line Edge Roughness) and LWR (Line Width Roughness) of the semiconductor device are an important evaluation scale of the performance of the device. Conventionally, LER and LWR is evaluated from CD-SEM (Critical Dimension Scanning Electron Microscope) images. However, CD-SEM measurement has a problem that high frequency random noise is large, and resolution is not sufficiently high. For random noise of CD-SEM measurement, some techniques are proposed. In these methods, it is necessary to set parameters for model and processing, and it is necessary to verify the correctness of these parameters using reference metrology. We have already proposed a novel reference metrology using FIB (Focused Ion Beam) process and planar-TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) method. In this study, we applied the proposed method to three new samples such as SAQP (Self-Aligned Quadruple Patterning) FinFET device, EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography) conventional resist, and EUV new material resist. LWR and PSD (Power Spectral Density) of LWR are calculated from the edge positions on planar-TEM images. We confirmed that LWR and PSD of LWR can be measured with high accuracy and evaluated the difference by the proposed method. Furthermore, from comparisons with PSD of the same sample by CD-SEM, the validity of measurement of PSD and LWR by CD-SEM can be verified.

Photomask etch system and process for 10nm technology node and beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandrachood, Madhavi; Grimbergen, Michael; Yu, Keven; Leung, Toi; Tran, Jeffrey; Chen, Jeff; Bivens, Darin; Yalamanchili, Rao; Wistrom, Richard; Faure, Tom; Bartlau, Peter; Crawford, Shaun; Sakamoto, Yoshifumi

2015-10-01

While the industry is making progress to offer EUV lithography schemes to attain ultimate critical dimensions down to 20 nm half pitch, an interim optical lithography solution to address an immediate need for resolution is offered by various integration schemes using advanced PSM (Phase Shift Mask) materials including thin e-beam resist and hard mask. Using the 193nm wavelength to produce 10nm or 7nm patterns requires a range of optimization techniques, including immersion and multiple patterning, which place a heavy demand on photomask technologies. Mask schemes with hard mask certainly help attain better selectivity and hence better resolution but pose integration challenges and defectivity issues. This paper presents a new photomask etch solution for attenuated phase shift masks that offers high selectivity (Cr:Resist > 1.5:1), tighter control on the CD uniformity with a 3sigma value approaching 1 nm and controllable CD bias (5-20 nm) with excellent CD linearity performance (<5 nm) down to the finer resolution. The new system has successfully demonstrated capability to meet the 10 nm node photomask CD requirements without the use of more complicated hard mask phase shift blanks. Significant improvement in post wet clean recovery performance was demonstrated by the use of advanced chamber materials. Examples of CD uniformity, linearity, and minimum feature size, and etch bias performance on 10 nm test site and production mask designs will be shown.

Effect of chloride in soil solution on the plant availability of biosolid-borne cadmium.

PubMed

Weggler, Karin; McLaughlin, Michael J; Graham, Robin D

2004-01-01

Increasing chloride (Cl) concentration in soil solution has been shown to increase cadmium (Cd) concentration in soil solution and Cd uptake by plants, when grown in phosphate fertilizer- or biosolid-amended soils. However, previous experiments did not distinguish between the effect of Cl on biosolid-borne Cd compared with soil-borne Cd inherited from previous fertilizer history. A factorial pot experiment was conducted with biosolid application rates of 0, 20, 40, and 80 g biosolids kg(-1) and Cl concentration in soil solution ranging from 1 to 160 mM Cl. The Cd uptake of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Halberd) was measured and major cations and anions in soil solution were determined. Cadmium speciation in soil solution was calculated using GEOCHEM-PC. The Cd concentration in plant shoots and soil solution increased with biosolid application rates up to 40 g kg(-1), but decreased slightly in the 80 g kg(-1) biosolid treatment. Across biosolid application rates, the Cd concentration in soil solution and plant shoots was positively correlated with the Cl concentration in soil solution. This suggests that biosolid-borne Cd is also mobilized by chloride ligands in soil solution. The soil solution CdCl+ activity correlated best with the Cd uptake of plants, although little of the variation in plant Cd concentrations was explained by activity of CdCl+ in higher sludge treatments. It was concluded that chlorocomplexation of Cd increased the phytoavailability of biosolid-borne Cd to a similar degree as soil (fertilizer) Cd. There was a nonlinear increase in plant uptake and solubility of Cd in biosolid-amended soils, with highest plant Cd found at the 40 g kg(-1) rate of biosolid application, and higher rates (80 g kg(-1)) producing lower plant Cd uptake and lower Cd solubility in soil. This is postulated to be a result of Cd retention by CaCO3 formed as a result of the high alkalinity induced by biosolid application.

Cadmium tolerance and accumulation in cultivars of a high-biomass tropical tree (Averrhoa carambola) and its potential for phytoextraction.

PubMed

Li, J T; Liao, B; Lan, C Y; Ye, Z H; Baker, A J M; Shu, W S

2010-01-01

Averrhoa carambola is a high-biomass tropical tree that has been identified as a Cd accumulator. In the present study, field survey, pot, and hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the variation of Cd tolerance and accumulation in cultivars of A. carambola as well as its potential for phytoextraction. In the field survey, it was found that concentrations of Cd in aerial tissues of A. carambola varied greatly among sites and cultivars. The Cd bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and Cd removals by the field-grown A. carambola differed significantly among sites but not among cultivars. Nonetheless, all four carambola cultivars investigated were able to accumulate considerably high concentrations of Cd in their shoots, which indicated that the 4-yr-old carambola stands could remove 0.3 to 51.8% of the total Cd content in the top 20-cm soil layer. When cultured in Cd-spiked soils, the carambola cultivar Hua-Di always showed higher Cd tolerance than the other cultivars; however, this tendency was not confirmed by hydroponic experiment. The Cd BCFs of cultivar Thailand grown in soils with 6 and 12 mg Cd kg(-1) were highest among cultivars, whereas this trend was reversed at 120 mg Cd kg(-1) treatment. Nevertheless, the pot- and hydroponics-grown carambola cultivars generally showed higher capacities to tolerate and accumulate Cd, compared with the control species. The present results indicate that a strong ability to tolerate and accumulate Cd seems to be a trait at the species level in A. carambola, although some degree of variances in both Cd tolerance and accumulation exists among cultivars.

Variability of fractal dimension of solar radio flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatt, Hitaishi; Sharma, Som Kumar; Trivedi, Rupal; Vats, Hari Om

2018-04-01

In the present communication, the variation of the fractal dimension of solar radio flux is reported. Solar radio flux observations on a day to day basis at 410, 1415, 2695, 4995, and 8800 MHz are used in this study. The data were recorded at Learmonth Solar Observatory, Australia from 1988 to 2009 covering an epoch of two solar activity cycles (22 yr). The fractal dimension is calculated for the listed frequencies for this period. The fractal dimension, being a measure of randomness, represents variability of solar radio flux at shorter time-scales. The contour plot of fractal dimension on a grid of years versus radio frequency suggests high correlation with solar activity. Fractal dimension increases with increasing frequency suggests randomness increases towards the inner corona. This study also shows that the low frequency is more affected by solar activity (at low frequency fractal dimension difference between solar maximum and solar minimum is 0.42) whereas, the higher frequency is less affected by solar activity (here fractal dimension difference between solar maximum and solar minimum is 0.07). A good positive correlation is found between fractal dimension averaged over all frequencies and yearly averaged sunspot number (Pearson's coefficient is 0.87).

Improved mask-based CD uniformity for gridded-design-rule lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faivishevsky, Lev; Khristo, Sergey; Sagiv, Amir; Mangan, Shmoolik

2009-03-01

The difficulties encountered during lithography of state-of-the-art 2D patterns are formidable, and originate from the fact that deep sub-wavelength features are being printed. This results in a practical limit of k1 >=0.4 as well as a multitude of complex restrictive design rules, in order to mitigate or minimize lithographic hot spots. An alternative approach, that is gradually attracting the lithographic community's attention, restricts the design of critical layers to straight, dense lines (a 1D grid), that can be relatively easily printed using current lithographic technology. This is then followed by subsequent, less critical trimming stages to obtain circuit functionality. Thus, the 1D gridded approach allows hotspot-free, proximity-effect free lithography of ultra low- k1 features. These advantages must be supported by a stable CD control mechanism. One of the overriding parameters impacting CDU performance is photo mask quality. Previous publications have demonstrated that IntenCDTM - a novel, mask-based CDU mapping technology running on Applied Materials' Aera2TM aerial imaging mask inspection tool - is ideally fit for detecting mask-based CDU issues in 1D (L&S) patterned masks for memory production. Owing to the aerial nature of image formation, IntenCD directly probes the CD as it is printed on the wafer. In this paper we suggest that IntenCD is naturally fit for detecting mask-based CDU issues in 1D GDR masks. We then study a novel method of recovering and quantifying the physical source of printed CDU, using a novel implementation of the IntenCD technology. We demonstrate that additional, simple measurements, which can be readily performed on board the Aera2TM platform with minimal throughput penalty, may complement IntenCD and allow a robust estimation of the specific nature and strength of mask error source, such as pattern width variation or phase variation, which leads to CDU issues on the printed wafer. We finally discuss the roles played by IntenCD in advanced GDR mask production, starting with tight control over mask production process, continuing to mask qualification at mask shop and ending at in-line wafer CDU correction in fabs.

Soluble CD30 serum level--an adequate marker for allograft rejection of solid organs?

PubMed

Schlaf, G; Altermann, W W; Rothhoff, A; Seliger, B

2007-11-01

The CD30 molecule, a 120 kDa cell surface glycoprotein, is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) superfamily and was originally identified on the surface of Reed-Sternberg cells and anaplastic large cell lymphomas in Hodgkin's disease patients. In addition to lymphoproliferative disorders the expression of CD30 was found in both activated CD8+ and CD4+ Th2 cells which lead to the activation of B-cells and consequently to the inhibition of the Th1-type cellular immunity. The membrane-bound CD30 molecule can be proteolytically cleaved, thereby generating a soluble form (sCD30) of about 85 kDa. Low serum levels of soluble CD30 were found in healthy humans, whereas increased sCD30 serum concentrations were detected under pathophysiological situations such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, certain viral infections and adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma. In addition, it has recently been suggested that pre- or post-transplant levels of sCD30 represent a biomarker for graft rejection associated with an impaired outcome for transplanted patients. We here review (i) the current knowledge of the clinical significance of sCD30 serum levels for solid organ transplantations and (ii) our own novel data regarding inter- and intra-individual variations as well as time-dependent alterations of sCD30 levels in patients. (iii) Based on this information the implementation of sCD30 as predictive pre-transplant or post-transplant parameter for solid organ transplantation is critically discussed.

Inline detection of Chrome degradation on binary 193nm photomasks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dufaye, Félix; Sippel, Astrid; Wylie, Mark; García-Berríos, Edgardo; Crawford, Charles; Hess, Carl; Sartelli, Luca; Pogliani, Carlo; Miyashita, Hiroyuki; Gough, Stuart; Sundermann, Frank; Brochard, Christophe

2013-09-01

193nm binary photomasks are still used in the semiconductor industry for the lithography of some critical layers for the nodes 90nm and 65nm, with high volumes and over long periods. However, these 193nm binary photomasks can be impacted by a phenomenon of chrome oxidation leading to critical dimensions uniformity (CDU) degradation with a pronounced radial signature. If not detected early enough, this CDU degradation may cause defectivity issues and lower yield on wafers. Fortunately, a standard cleaning and repellicle service at the mask shop has been demonstrated as efficient to remove the grown materials and get the photomask CD back on target.Some detection methods have been already described in literature, such as wafer CD intrafield monitoring (ACLV), giving reliable results but also consuming additional SEM time with less precision than direct photomask measurement. In this paper, we propose another approach, by monitoring the CDU directly on the photomask, concurrently with defect inspection for regular requalification to production for wafer fabs. For this study, we focused on a Metal layer in a 90nm technology node. Wafers have been exposed with production conditions and then measured by SEM-CD. Afterwards, this photomask has been measured with a SEM-CD in mask shop and also inspected on a KLA-Tencor X5.2 inspection system, with pixels 125 and 90nm, to evaluate the Intensity based Critical Dimension Uniformity (iCDU) option. iCDU was firstly developed to provide feed-forward CDU maps for scanner intrafield corrections, from arrayed dense structures on memory photomasks. Due to layout complexity and differing feature types, CDU monitoring on logic photomasks used to pose unique challenges.The selection of suitable feature types for CDU monitoring on logic photomasks is no longer an issue, since the transmitted intensity map gives all the needed information, as shown in this paper. In this study, the photomask was heavily degraded after more than 18,000 300mm wafers exposed and the cleaning brought it back almost to its original state after manufacture. Wafer CD, photomask CD and iCDU results can be compared, before and after a standard mask shop cleaning. Measurement points have be chosen in logic areas and SRAM areas, so that their respective behaviours can be studied separately. Transmitted maps before and after cleaning were analysed in terms of CD shift and CDU degradation. The delta map shows a nice correlation with photomask CD shift. iCDU demonstrated the capability to detect a reliable CD range degradation of 5nm on photomask by a comparison between a reference inspection and the current inspection. Die to die inspection mode provides also valuable data, highlighting the degraded chrome sidewalls, more in the photomask centre than on the edges. Ultimately, these results would enable to trigger the preventive cleanings rather than on predefined thresholds. The expected gains for wafer fabs are cost savings (adapted cleanings frequency), increased photomask availability for production, longer photomask lifetime, no additional SEM time neither for photomask nor on wafer.

Conditions for successful data assimilation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morzfeld, M.; Chorin, A. J.

2013-12-01

Many applications in science and engineering require that the predictions of uncertain models be updated by information from a stream of noisy data. The model and the data jointly define a conditional probability density function (pdf), which contains all the information one has about the process of interest and various numerical methods can be used to study and approximate this pdf, e.g. the Kalman filter, variational methods or particle filters. Given a model and data, each of these algorithms will produce a result. We are interested in the conditions under which this result is reasonable, i.e. consistent with the real-life situation one is modeling. In particular, we show, using idealized models, that numerical data assimilation is feasible in principle only if a suitably defined effective dimension of the problem is not excessive. This effective dimension depends on the noise in the model and the data, and in physically reasonable problems it can be moderate even when the number of variables is huge. In particular, we find that the effective dimension being moderate induces a balance condition between the noises in the model and the data; this balance condition is often satisfied in realistic applications or else the noise levels are excessive and drown the underlying signal. We also study the effects of the effective dimension on particle filters in two instances, one in which the importance function is based on the model alone, and one in which it is based on both the model and the data. We have three main conclusions: (1) the stability (i.e., non-collapse of weights) in particle filtering depends on the effective dimension of the problem. Particle filters can work well if the effective dimension is moderate even if the true dimension is large (which we expect to happen often in practice). (2) A suitable choice of importance function is essential, or else particle filtering fails even when data assimilation is feasible in principle with a sequential algorithm. (3) There is a parameter range in which the model noise and the observation noise are roughly comparable, and in which even the optimal particle filter collapses, even under ideal circumstances. We further study the role of the effective dimension in variational data assimilation and particle smoothing, for both the weak and strong constraint problem. It was found that these methods too require a moderate effective dimension or else no accurate predictions can be expected. Moreover, variational data assimilation or particle smoothing may be applicable in the parameter range where particle filtering fails, because the use of more than one consecutive data set helps reduce the variance which is responsible for the collapse of the filters.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Topsoil around Beijing Metropolis

PubMed Central

Sun, Ranhao; Chen, Liding

2016-01-01

The topsoil around Beijing metropolis, China, is experiencing impacts of rapid urbanization, intensive farming, and extensive industrial emissions. We analyzed the concentrations of Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr from 87 topsoil samples in the pre-rainy season and 115 samples in the post-rainy season. These samples were attributed to nine land use types: forest, grass, shrub, orchard, wheat, cotton, spring maize, summer maize, and mixed farmland. The pollution index (PI) of heavy metals was calculated from the measured and background concentrations. The ecological risk index (RI) was assessed based on the PI values and toxic-response parameters. The results showed that the mean PI values of Pb, Cr, and Cd were > 1 while those of Cu, Ni, and Zn were < 1. All the samples had low ecological risk for Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Cr while only 15.35% of samples had low ecological risk for Cd. Atmospheric transport rather than land use factors best explained the seasonal variations in heavy metal concentrations and the impact of atmospheric transport on heavy metal concentrations varied according to the heavy metal types. The concentrations of Cu, Cd, and Cr decreased from the pre- to post-rainy season, while those of Ni, Pb, and Zn increased during this period. Future research should be focused on the underlying atmospheric processes that lead to these spatial and seasonal variations in heavy metals. The policymaking on environmental management should pay close attention to potential ecological risks of Cd as well as identifying the transport pathways of different heavy metals. PMID:27159454

Hepatoprotective effect of Arctium lappa root extract on cadmium toxicity in adult Wistar rats.

PubMed

de Souza Predes, Fabricia; da Silva Diamante, Maria Aparecida; Foglio, Mary Ann; Camargo, Camila de Andrade; Camargo, Camila Almeida; Aoyama, Hiroshi; Miranda, Silvio Cesar; Cruz, Bread; Gomes Marcondes, Maria Cristina Cintra; Dolder, Heidi

2014-08-01

This study was performed to determine the effects of Arctium lappa (Al) to protect against cadmium damage in the rat liver. Male rats received a single i.p. dose of CdCl2 (1.2 mg/kg body weight (BW)) with or without Al extract administered daily by gavage (300 mg/kg BW) for 7 or 56 days. After 7 days, Al caused plasma transaminase activity to diminish in groups Al (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT)) and CdAl (GPT). After 56 days, GOT and GPT plasma activities were reduced in the Cd group. No alteration in plasma levels of creatinine, total bilirubin, and total protein were observed. GOT liver activity increased in the Cd group. No alteration was observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and malondialdehyde (MDA) dosage. In the Cd group, hepatocyte proportion decreased and sinusoid capillary proportion increased. In the Al and CdAl groups, the nuclear proportion increased and the cytoplasmic proportion decreased. The hepatocyte nucleus density reduced in Cd and increased in the Al group. After 56 days, there was no alteration in the Cd group. In Al and CdAl groups, the nuclear proportion increased without cytoplasmic proportion variation, but the sinusoid capillary proportion was reduced. The hepatocyte nucleus density decreased in the Cd group and increased in the Al and CdAl groups. In conclusion, the liver function indicators showed that A. lappa protected the liver against cadmium toxicity damage.

Structure of Lie point and variational symmetry algebras for a class of odes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ndogmo, J. C.

2018-04-01

It is known for scalar ordinary differential equations, and for systems of ordinary differential equations of order not higher than the third, that their Lie point symmetry algebras is of maximal dimension if and only if they can be reduced by a point transformation to the trivial equation y(n)=0. For arbitrary systems of ordinary differential equations of order n ≥ 3 reducible by point transformations to the trivial equation, we determine the complete structure of their Lie point symmetry algebras as well as that for their variational, and their divergence symmetry algebras. As a corollary, we obtain the maximal dimension of the Lie point symmetry algebra for any system of linear or nonlinear ordinary differential equations.

Objectively measured muscle fatigue in Crohn's disease: correlation with self-reported fatigue and associated factors for clinical application.

PubMed

van Langenberg, D R; Della Gatta, P; Warmington, S A; Kidgell, D J; Gibson, P R; Russell, A P

2014-02-01

The association of fatigue with decreased physical performance and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood in Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to measure and compare self-reported fatigue with skeletal muscle fatigue in CD subjects and healthy controls, and to identify associated factors that may be amenable to change. Demographic and clinical data were collected and fatigue assessed using the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) in 27 consecutive CD patients and 22 matched healthy controls. Circulating cytokines and growth factors were measured. The rate of quadriceps muscle fatigue was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer as the decrement of force with 30 contractions performed over a 5-minute period. Compared with healthy controls, CD patients reported greater levels of fatigue (mean global FIS score 45.3 vs 10.5, physical dimension score 12.3 vs 2.7 respectively; each p<0.01) and muscle fatigue (-5.2 vs -1.3 Nm min(-1); p<0.05). The two indices were correlated (r = -0.52 in CD; p<0.01). Patients with CD had lower mean serum IGF-1 levels (16.1 vs 25.4 pmol/L, p<0.01) and higher oxidative stress (TBARS assay 4.3 vs 3.9 μM, p<0.05). On multivariate analysis, low serum vitamin D, IGF-1 and magnesium, and higher IL-6 levels were associated with increased muscle fatigue (all p ≤ 0.05). Subjects with CD had more muscle fatigue than matched healthy controls and this correlated well with self-reported fatigue. Of circulating factors that were independently associated with increased muscle fatigue, vitamin D, magnesium and IGF-1 could be targeted in future studies to reduce fatigue and improve physical performance. © 2013.

Remediation of cadmium-contaminated soil by extraction with para-sulphonato-thiacalix[4]arene, a novel supramolecular receptor.

PubMed

Li, Yushuang; Hu, Xiaojun; Song, Xueying; Sun, Tieheng

2012-08-01

Batch extractions were conducted to evaluate the performance of para-sulphonato-thiacalix[4]arene (STC[4]A), a novel supramolecular receptor, for removing cadmium (Cd) from soil. The extraction mechanism was investigated by determination of the conditional stability constants (log K) of the STC[4]A-Cd complex. The influences of various variables were examined, including pH, contact time, and extractant concentration. The Cd extraction efficiency increased with increasing pH, reaching the maximum at pH 11 and then declining at higher pH values. This pH dependence was explained by the variation in the log K value of the STC[4]A-Cd complex along with pH change. When the STC[4]A dose was increased to an STC[4]A:Cd molar ratio of 2.5:1, Cd was exhaustively removed (up to 96.8%). The comparison experiment revealed that the Cd extraction performance of STC[4]A was almost equivalent to that of EDTA and significantly better than that of natural organic acids. STC[4]A extraction could efficiently prevent co-dissolution of soil minerals. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in clams and sediments from an impacted estuary by the oil industry in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico: concentrations and bioaccumulation factors.

PubMed

Ruelas-Inzunza, J; Spanopoulos-Zarco, P; Páez-Osuna, F

2009-12-01

With the objective of estimating the temporal variation and bioavailability of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in Coatzacoalcos estuary, the biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) were calculated. For this purpose, surficial sediments and clams from 14 selected sites were collected during three climatic seasons. In surficial sediments, highest levels of Cd and Cu were measured during the rainy season near to the industrial area of Minatitlan, while highest concentrations of Pb and Zn were registered during the windy season in sediments collected near to the industrial area of Coatzacoalcos. Considering all the sampling seasons and bivalve species, average metal concentrations followed the order Zn > Cu > Cd > Pb. BSAF ranged from 0.01 (Pb) in Corbicula fluminea during the hot season to 25.1 (Cd) in Polymesoda caroliniana during the windy season. BSAF of Cd, Cu and Zn were higher during the windy season; in the case of Pb, the dry season was the time when such figure was more elevated. It can be stated that Polymesoda caroliniana is a net accumulator of Cd and Zn and a weak accumulator of Pb for the studied estuary.

Investigation on synthesis, growth and characterization of CdIn2S2Se2 single crystal grown by vertical Bridgman method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vijayakumar, P.; Ramasamy, P.

2017-06-01

CdIn2S2Se2 polycrystalline material has been synthesized by melt oscillation method. Vertical Bridgman method was used to grow a good quality CdIn2S2Se2 single crystal. The crystalline phase and growth orientation were confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction pattern and unit cell parameters were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The structural uniformity of CdIn2S2Se2 was studied using Raman scattering spectroscopy at room temperature. The stoichiometric composition variation along the CdIn2S2Se2 was measured using energy dispersive spectrometry. The transmission spectra of CdIn2S2Se2 single crystal gave 42% transmission in the NIR region. Thermal property of CdIn2S2Se2 has been studied using differential thermal analysis. Thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity were also measured. Electrical property was measured using Hall Effect measurement and it confirms the n-type semiconducting nature. The hardness behavior has been measured using Vickers micro hardness measurement and the indentation size effect has been observed.

Evidence for a role of the oxytocin system, indexed by genetic variation in CD38, in the social bonding effects of expressed gratitude.

PubMed

Algoe, Sara B; Way, Baldwin M

2014-12-01

Oxytocin is thought to play a central role in promoting close social bonds via influence on social interactions. The current investigation targeted interactions involving expressed gratitude between members of romantic relationships because recent evidence suggests gratitude and its expression provides behavioral and psychological 'glue' to bind individuals closer together. Specifically, we took a genetic approach to test the hypothesis that social interactions involving expressed gratitude would be associated with variation in a gene, CD38, which has been shown to affect oxytocin secretion. A polymorphism (rs6449182) that affects CD38 expression was significantly associated with global relationship satisfaction, perceived partner responsiveness and positive emotions (particularly love) after lab-based interactions, observed behavioral expression of gratitude toward a romantic partner in the lab, and frequency of expressed gratitude in daily life. A separate polymorphism in CD38 (rs3796863) previously associated with plasma oxytocin levels and social engagement was also associated with perceived responsiveness in the benefactor after an expression of gratitude. The combined influence of the two polymorphisms was associated with a broad range of gratitude-related behaviors and feelings. The consistent pattern of findings suggests that the oxytocin system is associated with solidifying the glue that binds adults into meaningful and important relationships. © The Author (2014). Published by Oxford University Press. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Characterization of Long SiAION Ceramic Tubes for Gun Barrel Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-01

sintering kinetics during the sintering of regions with different starting densities can all lead to the production of tubes with gradients in strength and...variations of dimensions. These gradients and deviations from anticipated dimensions all detract from the ability of the manufactured product to be...characteristics of the tubes can be introduced at various steps in the production process. When the powder is initially loaded to be cold

Instability of standing waves for Klein-Gordon-Zakharov equations with different propagation speeds in three space dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gan, Zaihui; Zhang, Jian

2005-07-01

This paper is concerned with the standing wave for Klein-Gordon-Zakharov equations with different propagation speeds in three space dimensions. The existence of standing wave with the ground state is established by applying an intricate variational argument and the instability of the standing wave is shown by applying Pagne and Sattinger's potential well argument and Levine's concavity method.

Variations in rest vertical dimension: effects of standing posture in edentulous patients.

PubMed

Makzoume, Joseph E

2007-01-01

The orientation of a patient's head changes, depending on whether he or she is sitting or standing in a relaxed upright position. An edentulous patient's vertical dimension at rest may show variations that can result in an inaccurate determination of his or her occlusal vertical dimension. This study recorded the rest vertical dimension (RVD) established among 60 totally edentulous subjects who were standing in the position of greatest comfort (self-balance position) and compared it with the patients' RVD when they were seated in a relaxed upright position, with the Frankfort Plane parallel to the horizontal. The RVD was measured (in mm) between two dots located on the midline of the face. Two measurements were made: one when the patient was seated upright and relaxed (with the Frankfort Plane parallel to the horizontal) with no head support, and the other when the patient was standing relaxed on both feet in a self-balance position. Five alternated measurements were made for each subject in each position. A mean RVD was calculated for each subject in each body posture and the mean values from both positions were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test (alpha = 0.05). No significant differences were noted between the RVD of the seated and standing positions (P = 0.67).

Age and CD161 Expression Contribute to Inter-Individual Variation in Interleukin-23 Response in CD8+ Memory Human T Cells

PubMed Central

Abraham, Clara; Cho, Judy H.

2013-01-01

The interleukin-23 (IL-23) pathway plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of multiple chronic inflammatory disorders, however, inter-individual variability in IL-23-induced signal transduction in circulating human lymphocytes has not been well-defined. In this study, we observed marked, reproducible inter-individual differences in IL-23 responsiveness (measured by STAT3 phosphorylation) in peripheral blood CD8+CD45RO+ memory T and CD3+CD56+ NKT cells. Age, but not gender, was a significant (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, r = −0.37, p = 0.001) source of variability observed in CD8+CD45RO+ memory T cells, with IL-23 responsiveness gradually decreasing with increasing age. Relative to cells from individuals demonstrating low responsiveness to IL-23 stimulation, CD8+CD45RO+ memory T cells from individuals demonstrating high responsiveness to IL-23 stimulation showed increased gene expression for IL-23 receptor (IL-23R), RORC (RORγt) and CD161 (KLRB1), whereas RORA (RORα) and STAT3 expression were equivalent. Similar to CD4+ memory T cells, IL-23 responsiveness is confined to the CD161+ subset in CD8+CD45RO+ memory T cells, suggesting a similar CD161+ precursor as has been reported for CD4+ Th17 cells. We observed a very strong positive correlation between IL-23 responsiveness and the fraction of CD161+, CD8+CD45RO+ memory T cells (r = 0.80, p<0.001). Moreover, the fraction of CD161+, CD8+CD45RO+ memory T cells gradually decreases with aging (r = −0.34, p = 0.05). Our data define the inter-individual differences in IL-23 responsiveness in peripheral blood lymphocytes from the general population. Variable expression of CD161, IL-23R and RORC affects IL-23 responsiveness and contributes to the inter-individual susceptibility to IL-23-mediated defenses and inflammatory processes. PMID:23469228

Assembly of P3HT/CdSe nanowire networks in an insulating polymer host.

PubMed

Heo, Kyuyoung; Miesch, Caroline; Na, Jun-Hee; Emrick, Todd; Hayward, Ryan C

2018-06-27

Nanoparticles may act as compatibilizing agents for blending of immiscible polymers, leading to changes in blend morphology through a variety of mechanisms including interfacial adsorption, aggregation, and nucleation of polymer crystals. Herein, we report an approach to define highly structured donor/acceptor networks based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and CdSe quantum dots (QDs) by demixing from an insulating polystyrene (PS) matrix. The incorporation of QDs led to laterally phase-separated co-continuous structures with sub-micrometer dimensions, and promoted crystallization of P3HT, yielding highly interconnected P3HT/QD hybrid nanowires embedded in the polymer matrix. These nanohybrid materials formed by controlling phase separation, interfacial activity, and crystallization within ternary donor/acceptor/insulator blends, offer attractive morphologies for potential use in optoelectronics.

Argumentation Tasks in Secondary English Language Arts, History, and Science: Variations in Instructional Focus and Inquiry Space

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Litman, Cindy; Greenleaf, Cynthia

2018-01-01

This study drew on observations of 40 secondary English language arts, history, and science lessons to describe variation in opportunities for students to engage in argumentation and possible implications for student engagement and learning. The authors focused their analysis on two broad dimensions of argumentation tasks: (1) "Instructional…

Brief Self-Report Scales Assessing Life History Dimensions of Mating and Parenting Effort.

PubMed

Kruger, Daniel J

2017-01-01

Life history theory (LHT) is a powerful evolutionary framework for understanding physiological, psychological, and behavioral variation both between and within species. Researchers and theorists are increasingly integrating LHT into evolutionary psychology, as it provides a strong foundation for research across many topical areas. Human life history variation has been represented in psychological and behavioral research in several ways, including indicators of conditions in the developmental environment, indicators of conditions in the current environment, and indicators of maturation and life milestones (e.g., menarche, initial sexual activity, first pregnancy), and in self-report survey scale measures. Survey scale measures have included constructs such as time perspective and future discounting, although the most widely used index is a constellation of indicators assessing the K-factor, thought to index general life history speed (from fast to slow). The current project examined the utility of two brief self-report survey measures assessing the life history dimensions of mating effort and parenting effort with a large undergraduate sample in the United States. Consistent with the theory, items reflected two inversely related dimensions. In regressions including the K-factor, the Mating Effort Scale proved to be a powerful predictor of other constructs and indicators related to life history variation. The Parenting Effort Scale had less predictive power overall, although it explained unique variance across several constructs and was the only unique predictor of the number of long-term (serious and committed) relationships. These scales may be valuable additions to self-report survey research projects examining life history variation.

Charge transport mechanism analysis of Al/CdS:Sr{sup 2+}/ITO device under dark and light

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Datta, Joydeep; Das, Mrinmay; Dey, Arka

2016-05-06

In this study, we have synthesized CdS:Sr{sup 2+} by hydrothermal technique. Material property has been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. XRD data revealed that there are mixed phases of CdS and SrS in the synthesized sample. The optical band gap of the material was estimated as 3.15 eV from UV-vis data. The synthesized material has been applied in metal-semiconductor device and transport properties have been analyzed by measuring current–voltage characteristics under dark and light conditions at room temperature. Variation in different device parameters like ideality factor, barrier height and series resistance ofmore » Al/CdS:Sr{sup 2+}/ITO device were analyzed by using Cheung’s function.« less

Cadmium remobilization from shoot to grain is related to pH of vascular bundle in rice.

PubMed

Zhang, Bing-Lin; Ouyang, You-Nan; Xu, Jun-Ying; Liu, Ke

2018-01-01

The remobilization of cadmium (Cd) from shoots to grain is the key process to determine the Cd accumulation in grain. The apoplastic pH of plants is an important factor and signal in influencing on plant responding to environmental variation and inorganic elements uptake. It is proposed that pH of rice plants responds and influences on Cd remobilization from shoots to grain when rice is exposed to Cd stress. The results of hydroponic experiment showed that: pH of the rice leaf vascular bundles among 3 cultivars was almost increased, pH value of 1 cultivar was slightly increasing when rice plants were treated with Cd. The decrease degree of H + concentration in leaf vascular bundles was different among cultivars. The cultivar with higher decreasing in H + concentration, showed higher Cd transfer efficiency from shoots to grain. The H + concentration of leaf vascular bundles under normal condition was negatively correlated to cadmium accumulation in leaf. Moreover, pH change was related to Cd accumulation in shots and remobilization from shoots to grain. Uncovering the role of pH response is a key component for the understanding Cd uptake and remobilization mechanism for rice production. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Leaf economics and hydraulic traits are decoupled in five species-rich tropical-subtropical forests.

PubMed

Li, Le; McCormack, M Luke; Ma, Chengen; Kong, Deliang; Zhang, Qian; Chen, Xiaoyong; Zeng, Hui; Niinemets, Ülo; Guo, Dali

2015-09-01

Leaf economics and hydraulic traits are critical to leaf photosynthesis, yet it is debated whether these two sets of traits vary in a fully coordinated manner or there is room for independent variation. Here, we tested the relationship between leaf economics traits, including leaf nitrogen concentration and leaf dry mass per area, and leaf hydraulic traits including stomatal density and vein density in five tropical-subtropical forests. Surprisingly, these two suites of traits were statistically decoupled. This decoupling suggests that independent trait dimensions exist within a leaf, with leaf economics dimension corresponding to light capture and tissue longevity, and the hydraulic dimension to water-use and leaf temperature maintenance. Clearly, leaf economics and hydraulic traits can vary independently, thus allowing for more possible plant trait combinations. Compared with a single trait dimension, multiple trait dimensions may better enable species adaptations to multifarious niche dimensions, promote diverse plant strategies and facilitate species coexistence. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/CNRS.

Influence of nano-TiO2 particles on the bioaccumulation of Cd in soybean plants (Glycine max): A possible mechanism for the removal of Cd from the contaminated soil.

PubMed

Singh, Jiwan; Lee, Byeong-Kyu

2016-04-01

Phytoremediation is a highly efficient technique for the elimination of trace elements from contaminated soils through the shoots and roots of plants. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) on Cd uptake by soybean plants. The objective of the present research was to examine the potential to improve the phytoextraction of Cd by the application of nano-TiO2 particles. The results showed that an addition of Cd to the soil significantly decreased plant growth and the biomass, pigment and protein contents. Increases in the proline content and malondialdehyde (MDA) indicate that Cd toxicity stresses the plants. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to determine variations in functional groups due to the Cd taken up into the shoot and root tissues of plants. An application of nano-TiO2 particles restricts Cd toxicity by increasing the photosynthetic rate and growth parameters of the plants. The uptake of Cd was also increased from 128.5 to 507.6 μg/plant with an increase in the nano-TiO2 concentration from 100 to 300 mg/kg in the soil. The application of nano-TiO2 significantly enhanced Cd uptake in the plants. The results of this study thus demonstrate that an application of nano-TiO2 can increase Cd uptake and minimize Cd stress in soybean plants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extensive CD4 and CD8 T-cell cross-reactivity between alphaherpesviruses1

PubMed Central

Dong, Lichun; Russell, Ronnie M.; Barlow, Russell S.; Haas, Juergen G.; Ramchandani, Meena S.; Johnston, Christine; Buus, Soren; Redwood, Alec J.; White, Katie D.; Mallal, Simon A.; Phillips, Elizabeth J.; Posavad, Christine M.; Wald, Anna; Koelle, David M.

2015-01-01

The alphaherpesvirinae subfamily includes HSV types 1 and 2 and the sequence-divergent pathogen varicella zoster virus (VZV). T cells, controlled by TCR and HLA molecules that tolerate limited epitope amino acid variation, might cross-react between these microbes. We show that memory PBMC expansion with either HSV or VZV enriches for CD4 T cell lines that recognize the other agent at the whole virus, protein, and peptide levels, consistent with bi-directional cross-reactivity. HSV-specific CD4 T cells recovered from HSV seronegative persons can be partially explained by such VZV cross-reactivity. HSV-1-reactive CD8 T cells also cross-react with VZV-infected cells, full-length VZV proteins, and VZV peptides, and kill VZV-infected dermal fibroblasts. Mono- and cross-reactive CD8 T cells use distinct TCRB CDR3 sequences. Cross-reactivity to VZV is reconstituted by cloning and expressing TCRA/TCRB receptors from T-cells that are initially isolated using HSV reagents. Overall, we define 13 novel CD4 and CD8 HSV-VZV cross-reactive epitopes and strongly imply additional cross-reactive peptide sets. Viral proteins can harbor both CD4 and CD8 HSV/VZV cross-reactive epitopes. Quantitative estimates of HSV/VZV cross-reactivity for both CD4 and CD8 T cells vary from 10-50%. Based on these findings, we hypothesize host herpesvirus immune history may influence the pathogenesis and clinical outcome of subsequent infections or vaccinations for related pathogens, and that cross-reactive epitopes and TCRs may be useful for multi-alphaherpesvirus vaccine design and adoptive cellular therapy. PMID:26810224

Spatial Variability and Distribution of the Metals in Surface Runoff in a Nonferrous Metal Mine

PubMed Central

Ren, Bozhi; Chen, Yangbo; Zhu, Guocheng; Wang, Zhenghua; Zheng, Xie

2016-01-01

The spatial variation and distribution features of the metals tested in the surface runoff in Xikuangshan Bao Daxing miming area were analyzed by combining statistical methods with a geographic information system (GIS). The results showed that the maximum concentrations of those five kinds of the metals (Sb, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd) in the surface runoff of the antimony mining area were lower than the standard value except the concentration of metal Ni. Their concentrations were 497.1, 2.0, 1.8, 22.2, and 22.1 times larger than the standard value, respectively. This metal pollution was mainly concentrated in local areas, which were seriously polluted. The variation coefficient of Sb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cd was between 0.4 to 0.6, wherein the Sb's spatial variability coefficient is 50.56%, indicating a strong variability. Variation coefficients of the rest of metals were less than 50%, suggesting a moderate variability. The spatial structure analysis showed that the squared correlation coefficient (R 2) of the models fitting for Sb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cd was between 0.721 and 0.976; the ratio of the nugget value (C 0) to the abutment value (C + C 0) was between 0.0767 and 0.559; the semivariogram of Sb, Zn, Ni, and Pb was in agreement with a spherical model, while semivariogram of Cu and Cd was in agreement with Gaussian model, and both had a strong spatial correlation. The trend and spatial distribution indicated that those pollution distributions resulting from Ni, Pb, and Cd are similar, mainly concentrated in both ends of north and south in eastern part. The main reasons for the pollution were attributed to the residents living, transportation, and industrial activities; the Sb distribution was concentrated mainly in the central part, of which the pollution was assigned to the mining and the industrial activity; the pollution distributions of Zn and Cu were similar, mainly concentrated in both ends of north and south as well as in west; the sources of the metals were widely distributed. PMID:27069713

Real-time tracking of cell cycle progression during CD8+ effector and memory T-cell differentiation

PubMed Central

Kinjyo, Ichiko; Qin, Jim; Tan, Sioh-Yang; Wellard, Cameron J.; Mrass, Paulus; Ritchie, William; Doi, Atsushi; Cavanagh, Lois L.; Tomura, Michio; Sakaue-Sawano, Asako; Kanagawa, Osami; Miyawaki, Atsushi; Hodgkin, Philip D.; Weninger, Wolfgang

2015-01-01

The precise pathways of memory T-cell differentiation are incompletely understood. Here we exploit transgenic mice expressing fluorescent cell cycle indicators to longitudinally track the division dynamics of individual CD8+ T cells. During influenza virus infection in vivo, naive T cells enter a CD62Lintermediate state of fast proliferation, which continues for at least nine generations. At the peak of the anti-viral immune response, a subpopulation of these cells markedly reduces their cycling speed and acquires a CD62Lhi central memory cell phenotype. Construction of T-cell family division trees in vitro reveals two patterns of proliferation dynamics. While cells initially divide rapidly with moderate stochastic variations of cycling times after each generation, a slow-cycling subpopulation displaying a CD62Lhi memory phenotype appears after eight divisions. Phenotype and cell cycle duration are inherited by the progeny of slow cyclers. We propose that memory precursors cell-intrinsically modulate their proliferative activity to diversify differentiation pathways. PMID:25709008

Real-time tracking of cell cycle progression during CD8+ effector and memory T-cell differentiation.

PubMed

Kinjyo, Ichiko; Qin, Jim; Tan, Sioh-Yang; Wellard, Cameron J; Mrass, Paulus; Ritchie, William; Doi, Atsushi; Cavanagh, Lois L; Tomura, Michio; Sakaue-Sawano, Asako; Kanagawa, Osami; Miyawaki, Atsushi; Hodgkin, Philip D; Weninger, Wolfgang

2015-02-24

The precise pathways of memory T-cell differentiation are incompletely understood. Here we exploit transgenic mice expressing fluorescent cell cycle indicators to longitudinally track the division dynamics of individual CD8(+) T cells. During influenza virus infection in vivo, naive T cells enter a CD62L(intermediate) state of fast proliferation, which continues for at least nine generations. At the peak of the anti-viral immune response, a subpopulation of these cells markedly reduces their cycling speed and acquires a CD62L(hi) central memory cell phenotype. Construction of T-cell family division trees in vitro reveals two patterns of proliferation dynamics. While cells initially divide rapidly with moderate stochastic variations of cycling times after each generation, a slow-cycling subpopulation displaying a CD62L(hi) memory phenotype appears after eight divisions. Phenotype and cell cycle duration are inherited by the progeny of slow cyclers. We propose that memory precursors cell-intrinsically modulate their proliferative activity to diversify differentiation pathways.

Continuous Microreactor-Assisted Solution Deposition for Scalable Production of CdS Films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ramprasad, Sudhir; Su, Yu-Wei; Chang, Chih-Hung

2013-06-13

Solution deposition offers an attractive, low temperature option in the cost effective production of thin film solar cells. Continuous microreactor-assisted solution deposition (MASD) was used to produce nanocrystalline cadmium sulfide (CdS) films on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates with excellent uniformity. We report a novel liquid coating technique using a ceramic rod to efficiently and uniformly apply reactive solution to large substrates (152 mm × 152 mm). This technique represents an inexpensive approach to utilize the MASD on the substrate for uniform growth of CdS films. Nano-crystalline CdS films have been produced from liquid phase at ~90°C,more » with average thicknesses of 70 nm to 230 nm and with a 5 to 12% thickness variation. The CdS films produced were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-Ray diffraction to demonstrate their suitability to thin-film solar technology.« less

A study on dependence of the structural, optical and electrical properties of cadmium lead sulphide thin films on Cd/Pb ratio

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nair, Sinitha B., E-mail: sinithanair@gmail.com, E-mail: anithakklm@gmail.com; Abraham, Anitha, E-mail: sinithanair@gmail.com, E-mail: anithakklm@gmail.com; Philip, Rachel Reena, E-mail: reenatara@rediffmail.com

2014-10-15

Cadmium Lead Sulphide thin films with systematic variation in Cd/Pb ratio are prepared at 333K by CBD, adjusting the reagent-molarity, deposition time and pH. XRD exhibits crystalline-amorphous transition as Cd% exceeds Pb%. AFM shows agglomeration of crystallites of size ∼50±5 nm. EDAX assess the composition whereas XPS ascertains the ternary formation, with binding energies of Pb4f{sub 7/2} and 4f{sub 5/2}, Cd3d{sub 5/2} and 3d{sub 3/2} and S2p at 137.03, 141.606, 404.667, 412.133 and 160.218 eV respectively. The optical absorption spectra reveal the variance in the direct allowed band gaps, from 1.57eV to 2.42 eV as Cd/Pb ratio increases from 0.2more » to 2.7, suggesting possibility of band gap engineering in the n-type films.« less

Slow-Injection Growth of Seeded CdSe/CdS Nanorods with Unity Fluorescence Quantum Yield and Complete Shell to Core Energy Transfer.

PubMed

Coropceanu, Igor; Rossinelli, Aurelio; Caram, Justin R; Freyria, Francesca S; Bawendi, Moungi G

2016-03-22

A two-step process has been developed for growing the shell of CdSe/CdS core/shell nanorods. The method combines an established fast-injection-based step to create the initial elongated shell with a second slow-injection growth that allows for a systematic variation of the shell thickness while maintaining a high degree of monodispersity at the batch level and enhancing the uniformity at the single-nanorod level. The second growth step resulted in nanorods exhibiting a fluorescence quantum yield up to 100% as well as effectively complete energy transfer from the shell to the core. This improvement suggests that the second step is associated with a strong suppression of the nonradiative channels operating both before and after the thermalization of the exciton. This hypothesis is supported by the suppression of a defect band, ubiquitous to CdSe-based nanocrystals after the second growth.

Effect of Helical Slow-Wave Circuit Variations on TWT Cold-Test Characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kory, Carol L.; Dayton, J. A., Jr.

1998-01-01

Recent advances in the state of the art of computer modeling offer the possibility for the first time to evaluate the effect that slow-wave structure parameter variations, such as manufacturing tolerances, have on the cold-test characteristics of helical traveling-wave tubes (TWT's). This will enable manufacturers to determine the cost effectiveness of controlling the dimensions of the component parts of the TWT, which is almost impossible to do experimentally without building a large number of tubes and controlling several parameters simultaneously. The computer code MAFIA is used in this analysis to determine the effect on dispersion and on-axis interaction impedance of several helical slow-wave circuit parameter variations, including thickness and relative dielectric constant of the support rods, tape width, and height of the metallized films deposited on the dielectric rods. Previous computer analyzes required so many approximations that accurate determinations of the effect of many relevant dimensions on tube performance were practically impossible.

Effect of Helical Slow-Wave Circuit Variations on TWT Cold-Test Characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kory, Carol L.; Dayton, James A., Jr.

1997-01-01

Recent advances in the state of the art of computer modeling offer the possibility for the first time to evaluate the effect that slow-wave structure parameter variations, such as manufacturing tolerances, have on the cold-test characteristics of helical traveling-wave tubes (TWT's). This will enable manufacturers to determine the cost effectiveness of controlling the dimensions of the component parts of the TWT, which is almost impossible to do experimentally without building a large number of tubes and controlling several parameters simultaneously. The computer code MAFIA is used in this analysis to determine the effect on dispersion and on-axis interaction impedance of several helical slow-wave circuit parameter variations, including thickness and relative dielectric constant of the support rods, tape width, and height of the metallized films deposited on the dielectric rods. Previous computer analyses required so many approximations that accurate determinations of the effect of many relevant dimensions on tube performance were practically impossible.

Effect of Helical Slow-Wave Circuit Variations on TWT Cold-Test Characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kory, Carol L.; Dayton, James A., Jr.

1998-01-01

Recent advances in the state of the art of computer modeling offer the possibility for the first time to evaluate the effect that slow-wave structure parameter variations, such'as manufacturing tolerances, have on the cold-test characteristics of helical traveling-wave tubes (TWT's). This will enable manufacturers to determine the cost effectiveness of controlling the dimensions of the component parts of the TWT, which is almost impossible to do experimentally without building a large number of tubes and controlling several parameters simultaneously. The computer code MAxwell's equations by the Finite Integration Algorithm (MAFIA) is used in this analysis to determine the effect on dispersion and on-axis interaction impedance of several helical slow-wave circuit parameter variations, including thickness and relative dielectric constant of the support rods, tape width, and height of the metallized films deposited on the dielectric rods. Previous computer analyzes required so many approximations that accurate determinations of the effect of many relevant dimensions on tube performance were practically impossible.

Nonlinear Network Description for Many-Body Quantum Systems in Continuous Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruggeri, Michele; Moroni, Saverio; Holzmann, Markus

2018-05-01

We show that the recently introduced iterative backflow wave function can be interpreted as a general neural network in continuum space with nonlinear functions in the hidden units. Using this wave function in variational Monte Carlo simulations of liquid 4He in two and three dimensions, we typically find a tenfold increase in accuracy over currently used wave functions. Furthermore, subsequent stages of the iteration procedure define a set of increasingly good wave functions, each with its own variational energy and variance of the local energy: extrapolation to zero variance gives energies in close agreement with the exact values. For two dimensional 4He, we also show that the iterative backflow wave function can describe both the liquid and the solid phase with the same functional form—a feature shared with the shadow wave function, but now joined by much higher accuracy. We also achieve significant progress for liquid 3He in three dimensions, improving previous variational and fixed-node energies.

Colossal magnetocapacitive effect in differently synthesized and doped CdCr 2S 4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krohns, S.; Schrettle, F.; Lunkenheimer, P.; Tsurkan, V.; Loidl, A.

2008-12-01

In the present work, we address the question of an impurity-related origin of the colossal magnetocapacitive effect in the spinel system CdCr 2S 4. We demonstrate that a strong variation in the dielectric constant below the magnetic transition temperature or in external magnetic fields also arises in crystals prepared without chlorine. This excludes that an inhomogeneous distribution of chlorine impurities at the surface or in the bulk material gives rise to the unusual effects in the spinel multiferroics. In addition, we show that the colossal magnetocapacitive effects can also be generated in chlorine-free ceramic samples of CdCr 2S 4, doped with indium.

Reference values of lymphocyte sub-populations in healthy human immunodeficiency virus-negative Iranian adults.

PubMed

Kamallou, Atefeh; Haji Abdolbaghi, Mahbobeh; Mohraz, Minoo; Rasolinejad, Mernaz; Karbasi, Ehsan; Ansaripour, Bita; Soltani, Samaneh; Rezaei, Arezou; Khalili, Neda; Amirzargar, Aliakbar

2014-12-01

Lymphocyte subsets enumeration is considered prominent in the management of primary and acquired immunodeficiency disorders. Because of local variations due to race, age, gender, and environmental conditions on lymphocyte subsets, and to improve the accuracy of interpretation of laboratory findings, reference intervals must be determined in every population. To establish a normal reference range for CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ and CD56+ lymphocytes in a healthy Iranian adult population using flowcytometry. Blood samples were collected from 221 HIV seronegative individuals, including 112 females and 109 males, with ages ranging from 20 to 40 years old. The percentage of lymphocytes expressing either of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 and CD56 surface markers were determined by flowcytometry assay. Total mean percentage and absolute count of lymphocyte subsets were as follows: CD3+: 70.90 ± 7.54%, 1800.87 ± 471.09 cells/µl; CD4+: 41.04 ± 7.86%, 1039.99 ± 338.02 cells/µl; CD8+: 31.11 ± 6.60%, 783.95 ± 234.87 cells/µl; CD19+: 12.77 ± 4.56%, 328.37 ± 153.17 cells/µl; CD56+: 15.53 ± 6.34%, 388.62 ± 176.17 cells/µl, respectively. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes for the studied population was 1.39 ± 0.48. Significant differences were observed between male and female subjects indicating that the average percentage of CD3+ cells (p=0.017) and CD4+ T cells (p=0.003) were higher in the female population, whereas the average percentage of CD19+ cells (p=0.02) tended to be higher among males. However, investigations on the CD56+ NK cell and CD8+ T cell sub-populations did not show any statistical differences between the two genders. In comparison with reports of other populations, we were confronted with different results. Establishing reference values of lymphocyte subsets for each population is helpful in achieving standard criteria for the prognosis of HIV infection. Therefore, normal ranges established by this survey can be used as a reference for decisions made in clinical practice.

ArF scanner performance improvement by using track integrated CD optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jacky; Yu, Shinn-Sheng; Ke, Chih-Ming; Wu, Timothy; Wang, Yu-Hsi; Gau, Tsai-Sheng; Wang, Dennis; Li, Allen; Yang, Wenge; Kaoru, Araki

2006-03-01

In advanced semiconductor processing, shrinking CD is one of the main objectives when moving to the next generation technology. Improving CD uniformity (CDU) with shrinking CD is one of the biggest challenges. From ArF lithography CD error budget analysis, PEB (post exposure bake) contributes more than 40% CD variations. It turns out that hot plate performance such as CD matching and within-plate temperature control play key roles in litho cell wafer per hour (WPH). Traditionally wired or wireless thermal sensor wafers were used to match and optimize hot plates. However, sensor-to-sensor matching and sensor data quality vs. sensor lifetime or sensor thermal history are still unknown. These concerns make sensor wafers more suitable for coarse mean-temperature adjustment. For precise temperature adjustment, especially within-hot-plate temperature uniformity, using CD instead of sensor wafer temperature is a better and more straightforward metrology to calibrate hot plates. In this study, we evaluated TEL clean track integrated optical CD metrology (IM) combined with TEL CD Optimizer (CDO) software to improve 193-nm resist within-wafer and wafer-to-wafer CD uniformity. Within-wafer CD uniformity is mainly affected by the temperature non-uniformity on the PEB hot plate. Based on CD and PEB sensitivity of photo resists, a physical model has been established to control the CD uniformity through fine-tuning PEB temperature settings. CD data collected by track integrated CD metrology was fed into this model, and the adjustment of PEB setting was calculated and executed through track internal APC system. This auto measurement, auto feed forward, auto calibration and auto adjustment system can reduce the engineer key-in error and improve the hot plate calibration cycle time. And this PEB auto calibration system can easily bring hot-plate-to-hot-plate CD matching to within 0.5nm and within-wafer CDU (3σ) to less than 1.5nm.

Association Study between an SNP in CD147 and Its Expression With Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Jiangsu Chinese Population.

PubMed

Yan, Jinchuan; Mao, Yu; Wang, Cuiping; Wang, Zhongqun

2015-10-01

CD147 is an important molecule in the inflammation and proteolysis process. This molecule crucially contributes to the initial and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. A single nucleotide polymorphism in CD147 gene, the rs8259 T/A in the 3'-untranslated region, is responsible for its expression in various cells. This study assessed whether the genetic variation rs8259 is associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and CD147. A total of 943 ACS subjects and 439 stable angina subjects, and 851 controls were genotyped for rs8259 polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA-sequencing method. Plasma soluble CD147 (sCD147) level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD147 mRNA and protein expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were tested by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. We found that TT genotype and T-allele frequency of CD147 rs8259 in ACS patients were much lower than the other patient groups. Significant difference was not observed between stable angina and controls. CD147 T allele was negatively related to ACS. ACS patients exhibited the highest CD147 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma sCD147 level. The plasma sCD147 levels in the culprit vessel were higher than those in the radial artery. In ACS patients, AA gene carriers had the highest CD147 levels, whereas TT gene carriers had the lowest CD147 levels. Linear regression analysis showed that genotypes and disease conditions contributed 49% to the change of the plasma CD147 level. These results suggested that the single nucleotide polymorphism of CD147 gene rs8259 T/A was associated with ACS susceptibility. Allele T gene may decrease the relative risk of suffering from ACS through downregulation of CD147 expression.

Ameliorative Effects of Dietary Selenium Against Cadmium Toxicity Is Related to Changes in Trace Elements in Chicken Kidneys.

PubMed

Zhang, Runxiang; Wang, Yanan; Wang, Chao; Zhao, Peng; Liu, Huo; Li, Jianhong; Bao, Jun

2017-04-01

The ameliorative effects of selenium (Se) against cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity have been reported extensively. However, few studies have assessed the effects of multiple ions simultaneously on the variations of elements. In this study, the changes in Se, Cd, and 26 other element concentrations were investigated in chicken kidneys. One hundred and twenty-eight 31-week-old laying hens were fed a diet supplemented with either Se, Cd, or both Se and Cd for 90 days. The ion content was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We found that the Se, Cd, and combined Se and Cd treatments significantly affected the trace elements in the chicken kidneys. The Cd supplement caused ion profile disorders, including reduced concentrations of V, Cr, Mn, Mo, As, Ba, Hg, Ti, and Pb and increased Si, Cu, Li, Cd, and Sb. The Se supplement reduced the contents of Co, Mo, and Pb and increased the contents of Cr, Fe, and Se. Moreover, Se also increased the concentrations of Cr, Mn, Zn, and Se and decreased those of Li and Pb, which in contrast were induced by Cd. Complex interactions between elements were analyzed, and both positive and negative correlations among these elements are presented. The present study indicated that Se can help against the negative effects of Cd and may be related to the homeostasis of the trace elements in chicken kidneys.

The role of ABO blood groups in Crohn's disease and in monitoring response to infliximab treatment.

PubMed

Yu, Qiao; Wang, Lingyun; Zhang, Shenghong; Feng, Ting; Li, Li; Chen, Baili; Chen, Minhu

2016-09-01

The variation in ABO blood groups is reported to be associated with multiple diseases. Infliximab (IFX) has been widely used in the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD). We aim to investigate the distribution of ABO blood groups in Chinese patients with CD and to explore its impact on response to IFX. Patients with CD were consecutively recruited to the study between 2007 and 2014. CD patients receiving IFX therapy were followed for at least two years. In 293 patients with CD, most patients (40.6%) had blood type O (119/293). The odds ratio (OR) of CD in blood type O patients was 1.06 (95%CI: 0.6-1.86; p=0.84) compared to all other blood types. Among those CD patients, 107 patients received IFX treatment. One year after the first course of IFX, a significant association was found between the overall ABO system and outcomes of IFX treatment (p<0.001). CD patients with blood type AB (OR=4.42, 95% CI: 1.04-18.76; p=0.044) were more likely to achieve mucosal healing, while CD patients with blood type A had a high risk of losing response (OR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.15-0.96; p=0.040). ABO blood groups are not associated with prevalence of CD. Patients with blood type AB had a better response to IFX while those with blood type A appeared to have a risk of losing response to IFX.

Correlation between CD34 expression and chromosomal abnormalities but not clinical outcome in acute myeloid leukemia.

PubMed

Fruchart, C; Lenormand, B; Bastard, C; Boulet, D; Lesesve, J F; Callat, M P; Stamatoullas, A; Monconduit, M; Tilly, H

1996-11-01

The hemopoietic stem cell marker CD34 has been reported to be a useful predictor of treatment outcome in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Previous data suggested that CD34 expression may be associated with other poor prognosis factors in AML such as undifferentiated leukemia, secondary AML (SAML), and clonal abnormalities involving chromosome 5 and 7. In order to analyze the correlations between the clinicopathologic features, cytogenetic and CD34 expression in AML, we retrospectively investigated 99 patients with newly diagnosed AML: 85 with de novo disease and 14 with secondary AML (SAML). Eighty-six patients who received the same induction chemotherapy were available for clinical outcome. Defining a case as positive when > or = 20% of bone marrow cells collected at diagnosis expressed the CD34 antigen, forty-five patients were included in the CD34 positive group. Ninety patients had adequate cytogenetic analysis. Thirty-two patients (72%) with CD34 positive AML exhibited an abnormal karyotype whereas 15 patients (28%) with CD34 negative AML had abnormal metaphases (P < 0.01). Monosomy 7/7q- or monosomy 5/5q- occurred in 10 patients and 8 of them expressed the CD34 antigen (P < 0.05). All patients with t(8;21) which is considered as a favorable factor in AML had levels of CD34 >/= 20% (P < 0.05). We did not find any association between CD34 expression and attainment of complete remission, overall survival, or disease-free survival. In conclusion, the variations of CD34 expression in AML are correlated with cytogenetic abnormalities associated both with poor and favorable outcome. The evaluation of the correlations between CD34 antigen and clinical outcome in AML should take into account the results of pretreatment karyotype.

Pre- and post-transplant monitoring of soluble CD30 levels as predictor of acute renal allograft rejection.

PubMed

Wang, Dong; Wu, Guo-Jun; Wu, Wei-Zhen; Yang, Shun-Liang; Chen, Jin-Hua; Wang, He; Lin, Wen-Hong; Wang, Qing-Hua; Zeng, Zhang-Xin; Tan, Jian-Ming

2007-06-01

Identification of renal graft candidates at high risk of impending acute rejection (AR) and graft loss may be helpful for patient-tailored immunosuppressive regimens and renal graft survival. To investigate the feasibility with soluble CD30 (sCD30) as predictor of AR, sCD30 levels of 70 patients were detected on day 0 pre-transplant and day 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 30 post-transplant. AR episodes in 6 months were recorded and then patients were divided into Group AR (n=11) and Group UC (n=59). Results showed that the patients had higher pre-transplant sCD30 levels than healthy people. A significant decrease of sCD30 was observed on the first day post-transplant and continued until day 14 post-transplant. Soluble CD30 presented a stable level from day 14 to 30 post-transplant. Pre-transplant sCD30 levels of Group AR were much higher than those of Group UC (P<0.001). Patients of Group AR also had higher sCD30 levels than those of Group UC on day 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 (P<0.001). The sCD30 level presented a significantly delayed decrease in the patients of Group AR. Statistical results showed that the highest value of area under ROC curve (0.95) was obtained on day 5 post-transplant, suggesting that sCD30 levels on day 5 are of high predictive value. Therefore, sCD30 level may be a good marker of increased alloreactivity and of significant predictive value. It's necessary to monitor the variation of sCD30 in the early period post-transplant.

Search for Nucleosynthetic Cadmium Isotope Variations in Bulk Carbonaceous Chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toth, E. R.; Schönbächler, M.; Friebel, M.; Fehr, M. A.

2016-08-01

New high-precision Cd isotope data will be presented for bulk carbonaceous chondrites, such as Allende and Murchison. Volatile element isotope anomalies and their potential nucleosynthetic sources will be discussed.

Implementation and benefits of advanced process control for lithography CD and overlay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zavyalova, Lena; Fu, Chong-Cheng; Seligman, Gary S.; Tapp, Perry A.; Pol, Victor

2003-05-01

Due to the rapidly reduced imaging process windows and increasingly stingent device overlay requirements, sub-130 nm lithography processes are more severely impacted than ever by systamic fault. Limits on critical dimensions (CD) and overlay capability further challenge the operational effectiveness of a mix-and-match environment using multiple lithography tools, as such mode additionally consumes the available error budgets. Therefore, a focus on advanced process control (APC) methodologies is key to gaining control in the lithographic modules for critical device levels, which in turn translates to accelerated yield learning, achieving time-to-market lead, and ultimately a higher return on investment. This paper describes the implementation and unique challenges of a closed-loop CD and overlay control solution in high voume manufacturing of leading edge devices. A particular emphasis has been placed on developing a flexible APC application capable of managing a wide range of control aspects such as process and tool drifts, single and multiple lot excursions, referential overlay control, 'special lot' handling, advanced model hierarchy, and automatic model seeding. Specific integration cases, including the multiple-reticle complementary phase shift lithography process, are discussed. A continuous improvement in the overlay and CD Cpk performance as well as the rework rate has been observed through the implementation of this system, and the results are studied.

Comparable “risks” at the socioeconomic status extremes: Preadolescents’ perceptions of parenting

PubMed Central

LUTHAR, SUNIYA S.; LATENDRESSE, SHAWN J.

2015-01-01

This study was focused on contextual variations in the parenting dimensions salient for preadolescent adjustment. The sample consisted of 614 sixth graders from two communities, one low and the other high income. Parenting dimensions included those known to be significant in each socioeconomic context: isolation from parents (emotional and physical), and parents’ emphasis on achievements (overall expectations and emphasis on integrity over success). Adjustment outcomes included subjective well-being as well as school competence. Contradicting stereotypes, results showed that on average, very affluent children can perceive their parents as emotionally and physically unavailable to the same degree that youth in serious poverty do. The ramifications for adjustment also seem to be largely similar: Closeness to parents was beneficial for all, just as criticism was deleterious. Even after considering the quality of parent–child relationships, parents’ physical absence (e.g., at dinner) connoted vulnerability for distress and for poor school performance in both groups. The connotations of a few parenting dimensions varied by context and gender; these variations are discussed as are overall implications for future research and practice. PMID:15971767

Nano-hetero functional materials for photocatalytic hydrogen generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tongying, Pornthip

This dissertation focuses on designing nanomaterials and investigating their photocatalytic response for H2 generation. Hydrogen has gained a lot of attention as a new source of sustainable energy. It can be used to directly generate power in fuel cells and to produce liquid fuels such as methanol. Water splitting is an ideal (clean) way of producing H2 because it uses water and sunlight, two renewable resources. To explore the use of nanostructures and particularly nanostructure heterojunctions for photocatalytic H2 generation, four different systems have been synthesized: (i) CdSe nanowires (NWs), (ii) CdSe/CdS core/shell NWs, (iii) CdSe NWs decorated with Au or Pt nanoparticles, and (iv) CdSe/CdS NWs decorated with Au or Pt nanoparticles. This is motivated by (a) the fact that CdSe NWs absorb light from the UV to the near infrared (b) the NW morphology simultaneously enables us to explore the role of nanoscale dimensionality in photocatalytic processes (c) a CdS coating can enhance photogenerated carrier lifetimes, and (d) metal nanoparticles are catalytically active and can also enhance charge separation efficiencies. Charge separation and charge transfer across interfaces are key aspects in the design of efficient photocatalysts for solar energy conversion. Femtosecond transient differential absorption (TDA) spectroscopy has been used as a tool to reveal how semiconductor/semiconductor and metal/semiconductor heterojunctions affect the charge separation and hydrogen generation efficiencies of these hybrid photocatalysts. The use of this technique in concert with hydrogen evolution tests also reveal how CdS, CdSe and metal NP interact within metal NP decorated CdSe and CdSe/CdS NWs during photocatalytic hydrogen generation reactions. Electron transfer events across both semiconductor/semiconductor and metal/semiconductor heterojunctions are followed to identify where H 2 is evolved and the role each heterojunction plays in determining a system's overall efficiency. To extend my study beyond 1D CdSe NWs, 2D CdSe nanosheets (NSs) have been synthesized. The use of cation exchange allows synthesizing micrometer-sized crystalline thin CdSe nanosheets (NSs), otherwise difficult to produce directly through solution-based methods. Starting from cubic-phased Cu2-xSe NSs as a template, CdSe NSs are obtained by cation exchange of copper to cadmium. This exchange reaction preserves the 2D morphology of the starting NSs and also retains the cubic crystal structure. Resulting CdSe NSs have a lateral size up to 6 mum and an average of thickness approximately 6 nm. Such large lateral dimensions are advantageous for single sheet optical measurements and for applications in optical and electronic devices.

Use of sEMG in identification of low level muscle activities: features based on ICA and fractal dimension.

PubMed

Naik, Ganesh R; Kumar, Dinesh K; Arjunan, Sridhar

2009-01-01

This paper has experimentally verified and compared features of sEMG (Surface Electromyogram) such as ICA (Independent Component Analysis) and Fractal Dimension (FD) for identification of low level forearm muscle activities. The fractal dimension was used as a feature as reported in the literature. The normalized feature values were used as training and testing vectors for an Artificial neural network (ANN), in order to reduce inter-experimental variations. The identification accuracy using FD of four channels sEMG was 58%, and increased to 96% when the signals are separated to their independent components using ICA.

A fractal analysis of quaternary, Cenozoic-Mesozoic, and Late Pennsylvanian sea level changes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsui, Albert T.; Rust, Kelly A.; Klein, George D.

1993-01-01

Sea level changes are related to both climatic variations and tectonic movements. The fractal dimensions of several sea level curves were compared to a modern climatic fractal dimension of 1.26 established for annual precipitation records. A similar fractal dimension (1.22) based on delta(O-18/O-16) in deep-sea sediments has been suggested to characterize climatic change during the past 2 m.y. Our analysis indicates that sea level changes over the past 150,000 to 250,000 years also exhibit comparable fractal dimensions. Sea level changes for periods longer than about 30 m.y. are found to produce fractal dimensions closer to unity and Missourian (Late Pennsylvanian) sea level changes yield a fractal dimension of 1.41. The fact that these sea level curves all possess fractal dimensions less than 1.5 indicates that sea level changes exhibit nonperiodic, long-run persistence. The different fractal dimensions calculated for the various time periods could be the result of a characteristic overprinting of the sediment recored by prevailing processes during deposition. For example, during the Quaternary, glacio-eustatic sea level changes correlate well with the present climatic signature. During the Missourian, however, mechanisms such as plate reorganization may have dominated, resulting in a significantly different fractal dimension.

CD11b regulates antibody class switching via induction of AID.

PubMed

Park, Seohyun; Sim, Hyunsub; Kim, Hye-In; Jeong, Daecheol; Wu, Guang; Cho, Soo Young; Lee, Young Seek; Kwon, Hyung-Joo; Lee, Keunwook

2017-07-01

The integrin CD11b, which is encoded by the integrin subunit alpha M (ITGAM), is primarily expressed on the surface of innate immune cells. Genetic variations in ITGAM are among the strongest risk factors for systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies. However, the regulatory function of CD11b in the antibody responses remains unclear. Here, we report the induction of CD11b in activated B2 B cells and define its unexpected role in immunoglobulin heavy chain class switch recombination (CSR). LPS-activated B cells lacking CD11b yielded fewer IgG subtypes such as IgG1 and IgG2a in vitro, and immunization-dependent CSR and affinity maturation of antibodies were severely impaired in CD11b-deficient mice. Notably, we observed the reduced expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), an enzyme that initiates CSR and somatic hypermutation, and ectopic expression of AID was sufficient to rescue the defective CSR of CD11b-deficient B cells. LPS-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and IκBα was attenuated in CD11b-deficient B cells, and hyperactivation of IκB kinase 2 restored the defective AID expression and CSR, which implied that CD11b regulates the NF-κB-dependent induction of AID. Overall, our experimental evidence emphasized the function of CD11b in antibody responses and the role of CD11b as a vital regulator of CSR. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photoluminescent enhancement of CdSe/Cd(1-x) Zn(x)S quantum dots by hexadecylamine at room temperature.

PubMed

Yang, Jie; Yang, Ping

2012-09-01

CdSe/Cd(1-x) Zn(x)S core/shell quantum dots (QDs) were fabricated in 1-octadecene via a two step synthesis. CdSe cores were first prepared using CdO, trioctylphosphine (TOP) selenium, and stearic acid. Subsquently, a Cd(1-x) Zn(x)S shell coating was carried out using zinc acetate dihydrate, cadmium acetate dihydrate, TOPS, and hexadecylamine (HDA) starting materials in the friendly organic system under relatively low temperature. The absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra have a significant red shift after the coverage of Cd(1-x)Zn(x)S shell on CdSe cores. The X-ray diffraction analysis of samples confirmed the formation of core/shell structure. The PL quantum yields (QYs) of CdSe/Cd(1-x)Zn(x)S QDs were improved gradually with time at room temperature. This is ascribed to the surface passivation of HDA to the QDs during store. This phenomenon was confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared spectrum of samples. Namely, HDA does not capped on the surface of as-prepared QDs, in which a low PL QYs was observed (less than 10%). Being storing for certain time, HDA attached to the surface of the QDs, in which the PL QYs increased (up to 31%) and the full width at half maximum of PL spectra decreased. Moreover, the fluorescence decay curve of the core/shell QDs is closer to a biexponential decay profile and has a longer average PL lifetime. The variation of average PL lifetime also indicated the influence of HDA during store.

Molecular structures of the inclusion complexes beta-cyclodextrin-1,2-bis(4-aminophenyl)ethane and beta-cyclodextrin-4,4'-diaminobiphenyl; packing of dimeric beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes.

PubMed

Giastas, Petros; Yannakopoulou, Konstantina; Mavridis, Irene M

2003-04-01

The present investigation is part of an ongoing study on the influence of the long end-functonalized guest molecules DBA and BNZ in the crystal packing of beta-cyclodextrin (betaCD) dimeric complexes. The title compounds are 2:2 host:guest complexes showing limited host-guest hydrogen bonding at the primary faces of the betaCD dimers. Within the betaCD cavity the guests exhibit mutual pi...pi interactions and between betaCD dimers perpendicular NH...pi interactions. The DBA guest molecule exhibits one extended and two bent conformations in the complex. The BNZ guest molecule is not planar inside betaCD, in contrast to the structure of BNZ itself, which indicates that the cavity isolates the molecules and forbids the pi...pi stacking of the aromatic rings. NMR spectroscopy studies show that in aqueous solution both DBA and BNZ form strong complexes that have 1:1 stoichiometry and structures similar to the solid state ones. The relative packing of the dimers is the same in both complexes. The axes of two adjacent dimers form an angle close to 20 degrees and have a lateral displacement approximately 2.45 A, both of which characterize the screw-channel mode of packing. Although the betaCD/BNZ complex indeed crystallizes in a space group characterizing the latter mode, the betaCD/DBA complex crystallizes in a space group with novel dimensions not resembling any of the packing modes reported so far. The new lattice is attributed to the three conformations exhibited by the guest in the crystals. However, this lattice can be transformed into another, which is isostructural to that of the betaCD/BNZ inclusion complex, if the conformation of the guest is not taken into account.

Influence of wide band gap oxide substrates on the photoelectrochemical properties and structural disorder of CdS nanoparticles grown by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method

PubMed Central

Malashchonak, Mikalai V; Korolik, Olga V; Streltsov, Еugene А; Kulak, Anatoly I

2015-01-01

Summary The photoelectrochemical properties of nanoheterostructures based on the wide band gap oxide substrates (ZnO, TiO2, In2O3) and CdS nanoparticles deposited by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method have been studied as a function of the CdS deposition cycle number (N). The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) passes through a maximum with the increase of N, which is ascribed to the competition between the increase in optical absorption and photocarrier recombination. The maximal IPCE values for the In2O3/CdS and ZnO/CdS heterostructures are attained at N ≈ 20, whereas for TiO2/CdS, the appropriate N value is an order of magnitude higher. The photocurrent and Raman spectroscopy studies of CdS nanoparticles revealed the occurrence of the quantum confinement effect, demonstrating the most rapid weakening with the increase of N in ZnO/CdS heterostructures. The structural disorder of CdS nanoparticles was characterized by the Urbach energy (E U), spectral width of the CdS longitudinal optical (LO) phonon band and the relative intensity of the surface optical (SO) phonon band in the Raman spectra. Maximal values of E U (100–120 meV) correspond to СdS nanoparticles on a In2O3 surface, correlating with the fact that the CdS LO band spectral width and intensity ratio for the CdS SO and LO bands are maximal for In2O3/CdS films. A notable variation in the degree of disorder of CdS nanoparticles is observed only in the initial stages of CdS growth (several tens of deposition cycles), indicating the preservation of the nanocrystalline state of CdS over a wide range of SILAR cycles. PMID:26734517

Influence of wide band gap oxide substrates on the photoelectrochemical properties and structural disorder of CdS nanoparticles grown by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method.

PubMed

Malashchonak, Mikalai V; Mazanik, Alexander V; Korolik, Olga V; Streltsov, Еugene А; Kulak, Anatoly I

2015-01-01

The photoelectrochemical properties of nanoheterostructures based on the wide band gap oxide substrates (ZnO, TiO2, In2O3) and CdS nanoparticles deposited by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method have been studied as a function of the CdS deposition cycle number (N). The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) passes through a maximum with the increase of N, which is ascribed to the competition between the increase in optical absorption and photocarrier recombination. The maximal IPCE values for the In2O3/CdS and ZnO/CdS heterostructures are attained at N ≈ 20, whereas for TiO2/CdS, the appropriate N value is an order of magnitude higher. The photocurrent and Raman spectroscopy studies of CdS nanoparticles revealed the occurrence of the quantum confinement effect, demonstrating the most rapid weakening with the increase of N in ZnO/CdS heterostructures. The structural disorder of CdS nanoparticles was characterized by the Urbach energy (E U), spectral width of the CdS longitudinal optical (LO) phonon band and the relative intensity of the surface optical (SO) phonon band in the Raman spectra. Maximal values of E U (100-120 meV) correspond to СdS nanoparticles on a In2O3 surface, correlating with the fact that the CdS LO band spectral width and intensity ratio for the CdS SO and LO bands are maximal for In2O3/CdS films. A notable variation in the degree of disorder of CdS nanoparticles is observed only in the initial stages of CdS growth (several tens of deposition cycles), indicating the preservation of the nanocrystalline state of CdS over a wide range of SILAR cycles.

Monte Carlo simulation of edge placement error

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Shinji; Okada, Soichiro; Shimura, Satoru; Nafus, Kathleen; Fonseca, Carlos; Estrella, Joel; Enomoto, Masashi

2018-03-01

In the discussion of edge placement error (EPE), we proposed interactive pattern fidelity error (IPFE) as an indicator to judge pass/fail of integrated patterns. IPFE consists of lower and upper layer EPEs (CD and center of gravity: COG) and overlay, which is decided from the combination of each maximum variation. We succeeded in obtaining the IPFE density function by Monte Carlo simulation. In the results, we also found that the standard deviation (σ) of each indicator should be controlled by 4.0σ, at the semiconductor grade, such as 100 billion patterns per die. Moreover, CD, COG and overlay were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA); we can discuss all variations from wafer to wafer (WTW), pattern to pattern (PTP), line edge roughness (LWR) and stochastic pattern noise (SPN) on an equal footing. From the analysis results, we can determine that these variations belong to which process and tools. Furthermore, measurement length of LWR is also discussed in ANOVA. We propose that the measurement length for IPFE analysis should not be decided to the micro meter order, such as >2 μm length, but for which device is actually desired.

Spatial and temporal variation of heavy metal risk and source in sediments of Dongting Lake wetland, mid-south China.

PubMed

Liang, Jie; Liu, Jiayu; Yuan, Xingzhong; Zeng, Guangming; Lai, Xu; Li, Xiaodong; Wu, Haipeng; Yuan, Yujie; Li, Fei

2015-01-01

Surface sediments of Dongting Lake wetland were collected from ten sites to investigate variation trend, risk and sources of heavy metal distribution in dry seasons of 2011∼2013. The three-year mean concentrations (mg/kg) of Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg and As were 91.33, 36.27, 54.82, 4.39, 0.19 and 25.67, respectively, which were all higher than the corresponding background values. Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) were used for the assessment of pollution level of heavy metals. The pollution risk of Cd, Hg and As were great and that of Cr needed urgent attention because of its obvious increase. Pollution load index (PLI) and geographic information system (GIS) methods were conducted to assess spatial and temporal variation of heavy metal contamination. Results confirmed an increased contamination contribution inflow from Xiang River. Multivariate statistical analyses were applied to identify contribution sources of heavy metal, which showed anthropogenic origin mainly from mining, smelting, chemical industry and agricultural activity.

Structural characterization and observation of variable range hopping conduction mechanism at high temperature in CdSe quantum dot solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinha, Subhojyoti; Kumar Chatterjee, Sanat; Ghosh, Jiten; Kumar Meikap, Ajit

2013-03-01

We have used Rietveld refinement technique to extract the microstructural parameters of thioglycolic acid capped CdSe quantum dots. The quantum dot formation and its efficient capping are further confirmed by HR-TEM, UV-visible and FT-IR spectroscopy. Comparative study of the variation of dc conductivity with temperature (298 K ≤ T ≤ 460 K) is given considering Arrhenius formalism, small polaron hopping and Schnakenberg model. We observe that only Schnakenberg model provides good fit to the non-linear region of the variation of dc conductivity with temperature. Experimental variation of ac conductivity and dielectric parameters with temperature (298 K ≤ T ≤ 460 K) and frequency (80 Hz ≤ f ≤ 2 MHz) are discussed in the light of hopping theory and quantum confinement effect. We have elucidated the observed non-linearity in the I-V curves (measured within ±50 V), at dark and at ambient light, in view of tunneling mechanism. Tunnel exponents and non-linearity weight factors have also been evaluated in this regard.

Shear localization and size-dependent strength of YCd 6 quasicrystal approximant at the micrometer length scale

DOE PAGES

Song, Gyuho; Kong, Tai; Dusoe, Keith J.; ...

2018-01-24

Mechanical properties of materials are strongly dependent of their atomic arrangement as well as the sample dimension, particularly at the micrometer length scale. Here in this study, we investigated the small-scale mechanical properties of single-crystalline YCd 6, which is a rational approximant of the icosahedral Y-Cd quasicrystal. In situ microcompression tests revealed that shear localization always occurs on {101} planes, but the shear direction is not constrained to any particular crystallographic directions. Furthermore, the yield strengths show the size dependence with a power law exponent of 0.4. Shear localization on {101} planes and size-dependent yield strength are explained in termsmore » of a large interplanar spacing between {101} planes and the energetics of shear localization process, respectively. The mechanical behavior of the icosahedral Y-Cd quasicrystal is also compared to understand the influence of translational symmetry on the shear localization process in both YCd 6 and Y-Cd quasicrystal micropillars. Finally, the results of this study will provide an important insight in a fundamental understanding of shear localization process in novel complex intermetallic compounds.« less

Shear localization and size-dependent strength of YCd 6 quasicrystal approximant at the micrometer length scale

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Song, Gyuho; Kong, Tai; Dusoe, Keith J.

Mechanical properties of materials are strongly dependent of their atomic arrangement as well as the sample dimension, particularly at the micrometer length scale. Here in this study, we investigated the small-scale mechanical properties of single-crystalline YCd 6, which is a rational approximant of the icosahedral Y-Cd quasicrystal. In situ microcompression tests revealed that shear localization always occurs on {101} planes, but the shear direction is not constrained to any particular crystallographic directions. Furthermore, the yield strengths show the size dependence with a power law exponent of 0.4. Shear localization on {101} planes and size-dependent yield strength are explained in termsmore » of a large interplanar spacing between {101} planes and the energetics of shear localization process, respectively. The mechanical behavior of the icosahedral Y-Cd quasicrystal is also compared to understand the influence of translational symmetry on the shear localization process in both YCd 6 and Y-Cd quasicrystal micropillars. Finally, the results of this study will provide an important insight in a fundamental understanding of shear localization process in novel complex intermetallic compounds.« less

Theoretical study of β- and γ-cyclodextrin complexes with ferrocene-containing azoles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiselev, S. S.; Snegur, L. V.; Simenel, A. A.; Davankov, V. A.; Il'in, M. M.; Borisov, Yu. A.

2017-12-01

The interaction between cyclodextrins (β- and γ-CD) and ferrocenyl azoles (i.e., pyrazole ferrocenes (I, III-V) and benzimidazole ferrocenes (VI, VII)), along with 1-ferrocenylethanol (II), each in the form of (R)- and (S)-enantiomers, in forming inclusion complexes is studied for the first time using detailed quantum chemical calculations. Compounds are calculated in terms of the density functional theory (DFT), using the Becke-Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) approach in the 6-31G* basis sets. For the considered CD complexes with enantiomers of I-VII, structures in which a guest partially enters a host cavity from the side of the heterocyclic substituent (pyrazole or benzimidazole) are found to be energetically advantageous. It is shown that for successful resolution of (R,S)-enantiomers on chiral phases containing cyclodextrins, we must consider the interaction between outer hydroxyl groups on the CD cone's surface, in addition to the correspondence of geometric dimensions. The calculated data correlate well with the data from the chromatographic separation of guest enantiomers on cyclodextrin sorbents.

Identification of novel mutations in CD2BP1 gene in clinically proven rheumatoid arthritis patients of south India.

PubMed

Kumar, Bhattaram Siddhartha; Kumar, Pasupuleti Santhosh; Sowgandhi, Nannepaga; Prajwal, Bhattaram Manoj; Mohan, Alladi; Sarma, Kadainti Venkata Subbaraya; Sarma, Potukuchi Venkata Gurunadha Krishna

2016-08-01

Pyogenic Arthritis, Pyoderma gangrenosum, and Acne (PAPA syndrome) is a rare autosomal dominant, auto-inflammatory disease that affects joints and skin. The disease results due to mutations in the cluster of differentiation 2 binding protein 1 (CD2BP1) gene on chromosome 15q24.3. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common, genetically complex disease that affects the joints with occasional skin manifestations. Studies related to the pathophysiology of inflammation in these two disorders show a certain degree of overlap at genetic level. The present study was done to confirm the existence of such a genetic overlap between PAPA syndrome and RA in south Indian population. In the present study 100 patients who were clinically diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis and 100 apparently healthy controls were chosen and the 15 exons of CD2BP1 gene were PCR-amplified and sequenced. The sequence analysis showed that in exon 3 thirty eight patients revealed presence of novel heterozygous missense mutations p.Glu51Asp, p.Leu57Arg and p.Ala64Thr. In exons 6, 10 and 14 eight patients showed 44 novel missense mutations and two patients showed novel frame shift mutations p.(Met123_Leu416delinsThr) and p.(Thr337Profs*52) leading to truncated protein formation. Such mutations were not seen in controls. Further, the in silico analysis revealed the mutant CD2BP1 structure showed deletion of Cdc15 and SH3 domains when superimposed with the wild type CD2BP1 structure with variable RMSD values. Therefore, these structural variations in CD2BP1 gene due to the mutations could be one of the strongest reasons to demonstrate the involvement of these gene variations in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A scatterometry based CD metrology solution for advanced nodes, including capability of handling birefringent layers with uniaxial anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ke, Chih-Ming; Hu, Jimmy; Wang, Willie; Huang, Jacky; Chung, H. L.; Liang, C. R.; Shih, Victor; Liu, H. H.; Lee, H. J.; Lin, John; Fan, Y. D.; Yen, Tony; Wright, Noelle; Alvarez Sanchez, Ruben; Coene, Wim; Noot, Marc; Yuan, Kiwi; Wang, Vivien; Bhattacharyya, Kaustuve; van der Mast, Karel

2009-03-01

A brand new CD metrology technique that can address the need for accuracy, precision and speed in near future lithography is probably one of the most challenging items. CDSEMs have served this need for a long time, however, a change of or an addition to this traditional approach is inevitable as the increase in the need for better precision (tight CDU budget) and speed (driven by the demand for increase in sampling) continues to drive the need for advanced nodes. The success of CD measurement with scatterometry remains in the capability to model the resist grating, such as, CD and shape (side wall angle), as well as the under-lying layers (thickness and material property). Things are relatively easier for the cases with isotropic under-lying layers (that consists of single refractive or absorption indices). However, a real challenge to such a technique becomes evident when one or more of the under-lying layers are anisotropic. In this technical presentation the authors would like to evaluate such CD reconstruction technology, a new scatterometry based platform under development at ASML, which can handle bi-refringent non-patterned layers with uniaxial anisotropy in the underlying stack. In the RCWA code for the bi-refringent case, the elegant formalism of the enhanced transmittance matrix can still be used. In this paper, measurement methods and data will be discussed from several complex production stacks (layers). With inclusion of the bi-refringent modeling, the in-plane and perpendicular n and k values can be treated as floating parameters for the bi-refringent layer, so that very robust CD-reconstruction is achieved with low reconstruction residuals. As a function of position over the wafer, significant variations of the perpendicular n and k values are observed, with a typical radial fingerprint on the wafer, whereas the variations in the in-plane n and k values are seen to be considerably lower.

Tracing metal sources in core sediments of the artificial lake An-Dong, Korea: Concentration and metal association.

PubMed

Choi, Mansik; Park, Jongkyu; Cho, Dongjin; Jang, Dongjun; Kim, Miseon; Choi, Jongwoo

2015-09-15

The concentration and source of trace metals in the artificial lake An-Dong, which has widespread abandoned mines and a Zn smelter upstream of the drainage basin, were investigated. Soils (18ea), stream waters (15ea) and sediments (15ea) in the main channel and five tributaries downstream of the Zn smelter towards the lake (~ 50 km downstream) were collected. And two core sediments were also taken from the middle of the lake. All samples were analyzed for trace metals in bulk and in a 1N HCl-leached fraction. Although the soil and stream sediments consisted mostly of sand-sized grains, concentrations of metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) were very high in all samples, including soils, stream waters and sediments at sites near the Zn smelter. However the metal concentrations decreased rapidly downstream, suggesting that the area of impact of the smelter lies within 5 km. Highly enriched metal concentrations were also found in dated core sediments from the lake; while the highest concentrations of Co, Ni, As, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were detected in the bottom of the sediment core (dated 1980) they decreased towards 2000, and only Cu, Zn and Cd concentrations increased again in present-day samples. Since the temporal variation in metal concentrations appeared consistent with historical variation in ore mining and Zn smelter production rates, a model combining the production rates of each was developed, which estimated 3%, 12% and 7% contributions from Zn smelter compared to ore mining production rate to levels of Cu, Cd and Zn, respectively, suggesting the different pathways by different sources. In addition, analysis of Cd/Zn and Cu/Zn ratios showed that contamination from ore mining decreased from 1980 to 2000, and smelting processes were most likely responsible for metal enrichment (Cu, Cd and Zn) from 2000 to the present. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Agricultural soil contamination from As and Cd and its responses to landscape heterogeneity at multiple scales in Guangzhou, China].

PubMed

Xu, Hui Qiu; Huang, Yin Hua; Wu, Zhi Feng; Cheng, Jiong; Li, Cheng

2016-10-01

Based on 641 agricultural top soil samples (0-20 cm) and land use map in 2005 of Guangzhou, we used single-factor pollution indices and Pearson/Spearman correlation and partial redundancy analyses and quantified the soil contamination with As and Cd and their relationships with landscape heterogeneity at three grid scales of 2 km×2 km, 5 km×5 km, and 10 km×10 km as well as the determinant landscape heterogeneity factors at a certain grid scale. 5.3% and 7.2% of soil samples were contaminated with As and Cd, respectively. At the three scales, the agricultural soil As and Cd contamination were generally significantly correlated with parent materials' composition, river/road density and landscape patterns of several land use types, indicating the parent materials, sewage irrigation and human activities (e.g., industrial and traffic activities, and the additions of pesticides and fertilizers) were possibly the main input pathways of trace metals. Three subsets of landscape heterogeneity variables (i.e., parent materials, distance-density variables, and landscape patterns) could explain 12.7%-42.9% of the variation of soil contamination with As and Cd, of which the explanatory power increased with the grid scale and the determinant factors varied with scales. Parent materials had higher contribution to the variations of soil contamination at the 2 and 10 km grid scales, while the contributions of landscape patterns and distance-density variables generally increased with the grid scale. Adjusting the distribution of cropland and optimizing the landscape pattern of land use types are important ways to reduce soil contamination at local scales, which urban planners and decision makers should pay more attention to.

Long-term variations of the riverine input of potentially toxic dissolved elements and the impacts on their distribution in Jiaozhou Bay, China.

PubMed

Wang, Changyou; Guo, Jinqiang; Liang, Shengkang; Wang, Yunfei; Yang, Yanqun; Wang, Xiulin

2018-03-01

The concentrations of the potentially toxic dissolved elements (PTEs) As, Hg, Cr, Pb, Cd, and Cu in the main rivers into Jiaozhou Bay (JZB) during 1981-2006 were measured, and the impact of the fluvial PTE fluxes on their distributions in the bay was investigated. The overall average concentration in the rivers into JZB ranged from 8.8 to 39.6 μg L -1 for As, 10.1 to 632.6 ng L -1 for Hg, 4.1 to 3003.6 μg L -1 for Cr, 8.5 to 141.9 μg L -1 for Pb, 1.1 to 34.2 μg L -1 for Cd, and 13.2 to 1042.8 μg L -1 for Cu. The interannual average concentration variations of the PTEs in these rivers were enormous, with maximum differences of 41-21,680 times, while their relative seasonal changes were far smaller with maximum differences of 3-12 times. The total annual fluvial fluxes for As, Hg, and Cr into JZB exhibited the inverse "U" pattern, while those for Pb and Cd showed the "N" pattern. As a whole, the total annual Cu flux presented a growing tendency from 1998 to 2006. In general, the changing trends of the PTE concentrations in JZB were similar to those of their annual fluxes from the rivers, indicating a great impact of their fluvial fluxes on their distributions in JZB. The annual concentration of Cd in the bay almost remained constant and differed from the fluvial flux of Cd. The diversified pattern of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) represented China's approach to industrialization as "improving while developing."

National Utilization and Forecasting of Ototopical Antibiotics: Medicaid Data Versus "Dr. Google".

PubMed

Crowson, Matthew G; Schulz, Kristine; Tucci, Debara L

2016-09-01

To forecast national Medicaid prescription volumes for common ototopical antibiotics, and correlate prescription volumes with internet user search interest using Google Trends (GT). National United States Medicaid prescription and GT user search database analysis. Quarterly national Medicaid summary drug utilization data and weekly GT search engine data for ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone (CD), ofloxacin (OF), and Cortisporin (CS) ototopicals were obtained from January 2008 to July 2014. Time series analysis was used to assess prescription seasonality, Holt-Winter's method for forecasting quarterly prescription volumes, and Pearson correlations to compare GT and Medicaid data. Medicaid prescription volumes demonstrated sinusoidal seasonality for OF (r = 0.91), CS (r = 0.71), and CD (r = 0.62) with annual peaks in July, August, and September. In 2017, OF was forecasted to be the most widely prescribed ototopical, followed by CD. CS was the least prescribed, and volumes were forecasted to decrease 9.0% by 2017 from 2014. GT user search interest demonstrated analogous sinusoidal seasonality and significant correlations with Medicaid data prescriptions for CD (r = 0.38, p = 0.046), OF (r = 0.74, p < 0.001), CS (r = 0.49, p = 0.008). We found that OF, CD, and CS ototopicals have sinusoidal seasonal variation with Medicaid prescription volume peaks occurring in the summer. After 2012, OF was the most commonly prescribed ototopical, and this trend was forecasted to continue. CS use was forecasted to decrease. Google user search interest in these ototopical agents demonstrated analogous seasonal variation. Analyses of GT for interest in ototopical antibiotics may be useful for health care providers and administrators as a complementary method for assessing healthcare utilization trends.

Risk assessment, spatial distribution, and source apportionment of heavy metals in Chinese surface soils from a typically tobacco cultivated area.

PubMed

Liu, Haiwei; Wang, Haiyun; Zhang, Yan; Yuan, Jumin; Peng, Yaodong; Li, Xiuchun; Shi, Yi; He, Kuanxin; Zhang, Qiming

2018-06-01

The heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the surface soils of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) fields in Jiangxi Province were analyzed, and the mean heavy metal concentrations were 3.55, 0.19, 25.89, 14.96, 0.25, 10.89, 27.80, and 44.00 mg/kg, respectively. Spatial distribution analysis showed that the highest concentrations were recorded in the north-western, south-western, and mid-eastern parts of the study area. The index of geo-accumulation and pollution index indicated modest enrichment with Cd and Hg, which were the only two metals posing a potentially high ecological risk to the local agricultural environment. The health risk assessment showed no considerable non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic risks for children and adults from these elements. The principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) found that the variations in the Cr and Ni concentrations were largely on account of the soil parent rocks, but the As, Cd, Cu, and Hg variations in the soil were largely owing to agricultural practices of years. However, the main factor influencing Pb and Zn was atmospheric deposition.

Distribution of trace metals in surface seawater and zooplankton of the Bay of Bengal, off Rushikulya estuary, East Coast of India.

PubMed

Srichandan, Suchismita; Panigrahy, R C; Baliarsingh, S K; Rao B, Srinivasa; Pati, Premalata; Sahu, Biraja K; Sahu, K C

2016-10-15

Concentrations of trace metals such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), vanadium (V), and selenium (Se) were determined in seawater and zooplankton from the surface waters off Rushikulya estuary, north-western Bay of Bengal. During the study period, the concentration of trace metals in seawater and zooplankton showed significant spatio-temporal variation. Cu and Co levels in seawater mostly remained non-detectable. Other elements were found at higher concentrations and exhibited marked variations. The rank order distribution of trace metals in terms of their average concentration in seawater was observed as Fe>Ni>Mn>Pb>As>Zn>Cr>V>Se>Cd while in zooplankton it was Fe>Mn>Cd>As>Pb>Ni>Cr>Zn>V>Se. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of Fe was highest followed by Zn and the lowest value was observed with Ni. Results of correlation analysis discerned positive affinity and good relationship among the majority of the trace metals, both in seawater and zooplankton suggesting their strong affinity and coexistence. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Surface Cleaning of Si(211) for Molecular-Beam Epitaxy Deposition of Infrared Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaime-Vasquez, M.; Jacobs, R. N.; Benson, J. D.; Stoltz, A. J.; Almeida, L. A.; Bubulac, L. O.; Chen, Y.; Brill, G.

2010-07-01

We report an assessment of the reproducibility of the HF cleaning process and As passivation prior to the nucleation of ZnTe on the Si(211) surface using temperature desorption spectroscopy, ion scattering spectroscopy, and electron spectroscopy. Observations suggest full H coverage of the Si(211) surface with mostly monohydride and small amounts of dihydride states, and that F is uniformly distributed across the top layer as a physisorbed species. Variations in major contaminants are observed across the Si surface and at the CdTe-ZnTe/Si interface. Defects act as getters for impurities present on the Si surface, and some are buried under the CdTe/ZnTe heterostructure. Overall, the data show evidence of localized concentration of major impurities around defects, supporting the hypothesis of a physical model explaining the electrical activation of defects in long-wave infrared (LWIR) HgCdTe/CdTe/Si devices.

The duckweed Wolffia globosa as an indicator of heavy metal pollution: Sensitivity to Cr and Cd.

PubMed

Grag, P; Chandra, P

1994-01-01

The potential of Wolffia globosa, a profusely occurring rootless duckweed, was evaluated as an indicator of metal pollution in the water bodies. Plants of W. globosa were cultured in 3% Hoagland's nutrient medium which was supplemented with 0.05, 0.1, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L of Cr and Cd. Plants showed substantial accumulation of both the metals at lowest concentrations. For example, at 0.05 ppm, the concentration factor (Cf) value for Cr was significantly higher (5616) than for Cd (1018). A high level of tolerance was shown by the plants to both Cr and Cd. The results show that the plants are sensitive to the variations in metal concentration and are capable of high metal enrichment at very low ambient concentration of the metals. This information may be useful for detecting metals in the water.

Synthesis and spectroscopic study of CdS nanoparticles using hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AL-Mamoori, Mohammed H. K.; Mahdi, Dunia K.; Al-Shrefi, Saif M.

2018-05-01

In this work, cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (powder) with diameter 50.8 nm was prepared using hydrothermal method. The structural and optical properties of CdS nanoparticles was studied by X-ray diffraction, FESEM, EDS, FTIR, UV-Diffuse Reflectance spectroscopy and Photoluminance spectrum. X-ray diffraction reveal the formation the purity of prepared phase of CdS particles with hexagonal wurtzite structure with particle size 31.8nm by using sheerer equation. The energy dispersion scattering (EDS) examination explains that the sample is composed of a large amount of Cd and S which are exactly CdS nanoparticles and there is a very small trace of (Zn) and (O) element observed because of there is a small pollutions in the measurement place of samples. FESEM shows the spherical shape of nanoparticles with around 50.8 nm diameter. The optical absorption spectral study identified the red shift of the sample in comparison to bulk ZnO in three dimensions. Photoluminance spectrum (PL) at room temperature showed that there are two luminescence peaks at 433.14 nm and 518.21nm. Samples demonstrate a sharp emission band at around 433.18 nm, which is attributed to the typical exciton luminescence. The broad band at 518.21nm which were attributed to the trapped luminescence. The green emission band at 518.21 nm was associated with the emission due to electronic transition from the conduction band to an accepter level due to interstitial sulphur ion.

A comparison investigation of optical, structural and luminescence properties of CdOxTe1-x and CdTexSe1-x nanoparticles prepared by a simple one pot method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiprotich, Sharon; Onani, Martin O.; Dejene, Francis B.

2018-04-01

We present L-cysteine capped CdOXTe1-X and CdTeXSe1-X nanoparticles (NPs) prepared in one pot. The as-prepared CdOXTe1-X NPs were found to have a hexagonal crystal structure of CdTe with a cubic phase of CdO. There was, however, change in phase to cubic type when 2 mM of Se was introduced into the CdTe at 60 min of reaction time. The average crystallite sizes obtained from X-ray diffraction analysis for CdOXTe1-X and CdTeXSe1-X NPs were in the range of 10-36 nm. The diffraction peaks shifted to higher diffraction angle with longer growth time. Scanning electron microscope images display change in shape and size as reaction progress. Photoluminescence (PL) emission was observed to shift from 510-566 nm and 620-653 nm for CdOXTe1-X and CdTeXSe1-X NPs respectively followed by variation in the peak intensities. The emission spectra displayed a good symmetry and a narrow full width at half maximum ranging from 41 to 100 nm in both cases. The absorbance analysis of the as-prepared NPs displayed well-resolved absorption bands. The optical band gaps of the as-prepared NPs were found to decrease with increase in reaction time. Reaction parameters such as pH, reaction time, reaction temperature and the molar concentration could have major effects on the optical properties of the as-prepared nanoparticles hence their need to control them.

Solving next generation (1x node) metrology challenges using advanced CDSEM capabilities: tilt, high energy and backscatter imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaoxiao; Snow, Patrick W.; Vaid, Alok; Solecky, Eric; Zhou, Hua; Ge, Zhenhua; Yasharzade, Shay; Shoval, Ori; Adan, Ofer; Schwarzband, Ishai; Bar-Zvi, Maayan

2015-03-01

Traditional metrology solutions are facing a range of challenges at the 1X node such as three dimensional (3D) measurement capabilities, shrinking overlay and critical dimension (CD) error budgets driven by multi-patterning and via in trench CD measurements. Hybrid metrology offers promising new capabilities to address some of these challenges but it will take some time before fully realized. This paper explores new capabilities currently offered on the in-line Critical Dimension Scanning Electron Microscope (CD-SEM) to address these challenges and enable the CD-SEM to move beyond measuring bottom CD using top down imaging. Device performance is strongly correlated with Fin geometry causing an urgent need for 3D measurements. New beam tilting capabilities enhance the ability to make 3D measurements in the front-end-of-line (FEOL) of the metal gate FinFET process in manufacturing. We explore these new capabilities for measuring Fin height and build upon the work communicated last year at SPIE1. Furthermore, we extend the application of the tilt beam to the back-end-of-line (BEOL) trench depth measurement and demonstrate its capability in production targeting replacement of the existing Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) measurements by including the height measurement in the existing CDSEM recipe to reduce fab cycle time. In the BEOL, another increasingly challenging measurement for the traditional CD-SEM is the bottom CD of the self-aligned via (SAV) in a trench first via last (TFVL) process. Due to the extremely high aspect ratio of the structure secondary electron (SE) collection from the via bottom is significantly reduced requiring the use of backscatter electrons (BSE) to increase the relevant image quality. Even with this solution, the resulting images are difficult to measure with advanced technology nodes. We explore new methods to increase measurement robustness and combine this with novel segmentation-based measurement algorithm generated specifically for BSE images. The results will be contrasted with data from previously used methods to quantify the improvement. We also compare the results to electrical test data to evaluate and quantify the measurement performance improvements. Lastly, according to International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) from 2013, the overlay 3 sigma requirement will be 3.3 nm in 2015 and 2.9 nm in 2016. Advanced lithography requires overlay measurement in die on features resembling the device geometry. However, current optical overlay measurement is performed in the scribe line on large targets due to optical diffraction limit. In some cases, this limits the usefulness of the measurement since it does not represent the true behavior of the device. We explore using high voltage imaging to help address this urgent need. Novel CD-SEM based overlay targets that optimize the restrictions of process geometry and SEM technique were designed and spread out across the die. Measurements are done on these new targets both after photolithography and etch. Correlation is drawn between the two measurements. These results will also be compared to conventional optical overlay measurement approaches and we will discuss the possibility of using this capability in high volume manufacturing.

Standardization of the CFU-GM assay: Advantages of plating a fixed number of CD34+ cells in collagen gels.

PubMed

Dobo, Irène; Pineau, Danielle; Robillard, Nelly; Geneviève, Frank; Piard, Nicole; Zandecki, Marc; Hermouet, Sylvie

2003-10-01

We investigated whether plating a stable amount of CD34(+) cells improves the CFU-GM assay. Data of CFU-GM assays performed with leukaphereses products in two transplant centers using a commercial collagen-based medium and unified CFU-GM scoring criteria were pooled and analyzed according to the numbers of CD34(+) cells plated. A first series of 113 CFU-GM assays was performed with a fixed number of mononuclear cells (i.e., a variable number of CD34(+) cells). In these cultures the CFU-GM/CD34 ratio varied according to the number of CD34(+) cells plated: median CFUGM/CD34 ratios were 1/6.2 to 1/6.6 for grafts containing <2% CD34(+) cells, vs. 1/10.2 for grafts containing > or =2% CD34(+) cells. The median CFU-GM/CD34 ratio also varied depending on pathology: 1/9.3 for multiple myeloma (MM), 1/6.8 for Hodgkin's disease (HD), 1/6.5 for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and 1/4.5 for solid tumors (ST). A second series of 95 CFU-GM assays was performed with a fixed number of CD34(+) cells (220/ml). The range of median CFU-GM/CD34 ratios was narrowed to 1/7.0 to 1/5.2, and coefficients of variation for CFU-GM counts decreased by half to 38.1% (NHL), 36.1% (MM), 49.9% (HD), and 22.4% (ST). In addition, CFU-GM scoring was facilitated as the percentages of cultures with >50 CFU/GM/ml decreased from 6.7% to 43.8% when a variable number of CD34(+) cells was plated, to 4.5% to 16.7% when 220 CD34(+) cells/ml were plated. Hence, plating a fixed number of CD34(+) cells in collagen gels improves the CFU-GM assay by eliminating cell number-related variability and reducing pathology-related variability in colony growth.

Impact of Antibody Bioconjugation on Emission and Energy Band Profile of CdSeTe/ZnS Quantum Dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torchynska, T. V.; Gomez, J. A. Jaramillo; Polupan, G.; Macotela, L. G. Vega

2018-03-01

The variation of the photoluminescence (PL) and Raman scattering spectra of CdSeTe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) on conjugation to an antibody has been investigated. Two types of CdSeTe/ZnS QD with different emission wavelength (705 nm and 800 nm) were studied comparatively before and after conjugation to anti-pseudorabies virus antibody (AB). Nonconjugated QDs were characterized by Gaussian-type PL bands. PL shifts to higher energy and asymmetric shape of PL bands was detected in PL spectra of bioconjugated QDs. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering effect was exhibited by the bioconjugated CdSeTe/ZnS QDs, indicating that the excitation light used in the Raman study generated electric dipoles in the AB molecules. The optical bandgap of the CdSeTe core was calculated numerically as a function of its radius based on an effective mass approximation model. The energy band diagrams for non- and bioconjugated CdSeTe/ZnS QDs were obtained, revealing a type II quantum well in the CdSeTe core. The calculations show that AB dipoles, excited in the bioconjugated QDs, stimulate a change in the energy band diagram of the QDs that alters the PL spectrum. These results could be useful for improving the sensitivity of QD biosensors.

Dynamic changes in radial oxygen loss and iron plaque formation and their effects on Cd and As accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

PubMed

Wang, Xun; Yao, Haixin; Wong, Ming Hung; Ye, Zhihong

2013-12-01

Temporal variations and correlations between radial oxygen loss (ROL), iron (Fe) plaque formation, cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) accumulation were investigated in two rice cultivars at four different growth stages based upon soil pot and deoxygenated solution experiments. The results showed that there were significant differences in ROL (1.1-16 μmol O(2) plant(-1) h(-1)), Fe plaque formation (4,097-36,056 mg kg(-1)), Cd and As in root tissues (Cd 77-162 mg kg(-1); As 49-199 mg kg(-1)) and Fe plaque (Cd 0.4-24 mg kg(-1); As 185-1,396 mg kg(-1)) between these growth stages. ROL and Fe plaque increased dramatically from tillering to ear emergence stages and then were much reduced at the grain-filling stage. Furthermore, significantly positive correlations were detected between ROL and concentrations of Fe, Cd and As in Fe plaque. Our study indicates that increased Fe plaque forms on rice roots at the ear emergence stage due to the increased ROL. This stage could therefore be an important period to limit the transfer and distribution of Cd and As in rice plants when growing in soils contaminated with these toxic elements.

Identification of quantitative trait loci and candidate genes for cadmium tolerance in Populus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Induri, Brahma R; Ellis, Danielle R; Slavov, Goncho T.

2012-01-01

Understanding genetic variation for the response of Populus to heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) is an important step in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of tolerance. In this study, a pseudo-backcross pedigree of Populus trichocarpa Torr. & Gray and Populus deltoides Bart. was characterized for growth and performance traits after Cd exposure. A total of 16 quantitative trait loci (QTL) at logarithm of odds (LOD) ratio 2.5 were detected for total dry weight, its components and root volume. Major QTL for Cd responses were mapped to two different linkage groups and the relative allelic effects were in opposing directions on themore » two chromosomes, suggesting differential mechanisms at these two loci. The phenotypic variance explained by Cd QTL ranged from 5.9 to 11.6% and averaged 8.2% across all QTL. A whole-genome microarray study led to the identification of nine Cd-responsive genes from these QTL. Promising candidates for Cd tolerance include an NHL repeat membrane-spanning protein, a metal transporter and a putative transcription factor. Additional candidates in the QTL intervals include a putative homolog of a glutamate cysteine ligase, and a glutathione-S-transferase. Functional characterization of these candidate genes should enhance our understanding of Cd metabolism and transport and phytoremediation capabilities of Populus.« less

Cadmium accumulation characteristics of low-cadmium rice (Oryza sativa L.) line and F1 hybrids grown in cadmium-contaminated soils.

PubMed

Li, Kun; Yu, Haiying; Li, Tingxuan; Chen, Guangdeng; Huang, Fu

2017-07-01

Cadmium (Cd) pollution has threatened severely to food safety and human health. A pot experiment and a field experiment were conducted to investigate the difference of Cd accumulation between rice (Oryza sativa L.) lines and F 1 hybrids in Cd-contaminated soils. The adverse effect on biomass of rice lines was greater than that of F 1 hybrids under Cd treatments in the pot experiment. The variations of Cd concentration among rice cultivars in different organs were smaller in stem and leaf, but larger in root and ear. Average proportion of Cd in root of F 1 hybrids was 1.39, 1.39, and 1.16 times higher than those of rice lines at the treatment of 1, 2, and 4 mg Cd kg -1 soil, respectively. Cd concentrations in ear of F 1 hybrids were significantly lower than rice lines with the reduction from 29.24 to 50.59%. Cd concentrations in brown rice of all F 1 hybrids were less than 0.2 mg kg -1 at 1 mg Cd kg -1 soil, in which Lu98A/YaHui2816, 5406A/YaHui2816, and C268A/YaHui2816 could be screened out as cadmium-safe cultivars (CSCs) for being safe even at 2 mg Cd kg -1 soil. C268A/YaHui2816 showed the lowest Cd concentration in root among F 1 hybrids, while Lu98A/YaHui2816 and 5406A/YaHui2816 showed lower capability of Cd translocation from root to shoot under Cd exposure, which eventually caused the lower Cd accumulation in brown rice. The lower level of Cd translocation contributed to reducing the accumulation of Cd in brown rice had been validated by the field experiment. Thus, Lu98A/YaHui2816, 5406A/YaHui2816, and C268A/YaHui2816 could be considered as potential CSCs to cultivate in Cd-contaminated soils (<2 mg Cd kg -1 soil).

Chino del tomate virus:Relationships to Other Begomoviruses and Identification of A-Component Variants that Affect Symptom Expression.

PubMed

Brown, J K; Ostrow, K M; Idris, A M; Stenger, D C

2000-05-01

Phylogenetic and distance analyses place Chino del tomate virus (CdTV) in the New World clade of begomoviruses and indicate that CdTV and Tomato leaf crumple virus (TLCrV) are closely related strains of the same virus. One cloned CdTV A component (pCdTV-H6), when inoculated to tomato with the B component (pCdTV-B52), produced mild symptoms and low DNA titers. Another cloned CdTV A component (pCdTV-H8), when coinoculated to tomato with the B component, produced moderate leaf curling and veinal chlorosis similar to that of TLCrV. Coinoculation of both CdTV A components and the B component to tomato produced wild-type chino del tomate (CdT) disease symptoms consisting of severe leaf curling, veinal and interveinal chlorosis, and stunting. The two CdTV A components were nearly identical, except at nucleotide positions 1,722 and 2,324. The polymorphism at nucleotide 1,722 resulted in a change at Rep amino acid 261. The second polymorphism at nucleotide 2,324 resulted in changes at Rep amino acid 60 and AC4 amino acid 10. Two chimeric A components constructed by reciprocal exchange of a fragment bearing the polymorphic site at nucleotide 1,722 were evaluated for symptom phenotype. One chimeric A component (pCdTV-H86) produced wild-type CdT symptoms when coinoculated to tomato with the B component. The reciprocal chimeric A component (pCdTV-H68), when coin-oculated to tomato with the B component, also produced severe leaf curling, veinal chlorosis, and stunting. However, pCdTV-H68 induced less obvious interveinal chlorosis than wild-type or pCdTV-H86. Examination of A component genotypes recovered from tomato coinoculated with pCdTV-H6 and pCdTV-H8 indicated that recombination occurred to produce a genotype identical to pCdTV-H86. These results indicate that subtle genotypic variation has significant effects on symptom expression and may explain phenotypic differences observed among isolates and cloned DNAs of CdTV and TLCrV.

{sup 110,116}Cd({alpha},{alpha}){sup 110,116}Cd elastic scattering and systematic investigation of elastic {alpha} scattering cross sections along the Z=48 isotopic and N=62 isotonic chains

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kiss, G. G.; Fueloep, Zs.; Gyuerky, Gy.

2011-06-15

The elastic scattering cross sections for the reactions {sup 110,116}Cd({alpha},{alpha}){sup 110,116}Cd at energies above and below the Coulomb barrier are presented to provide a sensitive test for the {alpha}-nucleus optical potential parameter sets. Additional constraints for the optical potential are taken from the analysis of elastic scattering excitation functions at backward angles which are available in literature. Moreover, the variation of the elastic {alpha} scattering cross sections along the Z=48 isotopic and N=62 isotonic chain is investigated by the study of the ratios of the {sup 106,110,116}Cd({alpha},{alpha}){sup 106,110,116}Cd scattering cross sections at E{sub cm{approx_equal}}15.6and18.8 MeV and the ratio of themore » {sup 110}Cd({alpha},{alpha}){sup 110}Cd and {sup 112}Sn({alpha},{alpha}){sup 112}Sn reaction cross sections at E{sub cm{approx_equal}}18.8 MeV, respectively. These ratios are sensitive probes for the {alpha}-nucleus optical potential parametrizations. The potentials under study are a basic prerequisite for the prediction of {alpha}-induced reaction cross sections (e.g., for the calculation of stellar reaction rates in the astrophysical p or {gamma} process).« less

Nature and origin of upper crustal seismic velocity fluctuations and associated scaling properties: Combined stochastic analyses of KTB velocity and lithology logs

USGS Publications Warehouse

Goff, J.A.; Holliger, K.

1999-01-01

The main borehole of the German Continental Deep Drilling Program (KTB) extends over 9000 m into a crystalline upper crust consisting primarily of interlayered gneiss and metabasite. We present a joint analysis of the velocity and lithology logs in an effort to extract the lithology component of the velocity log. Covariance analysis of lithology log, approximated as a binary series, indicates that it may originate from the superposition of two Brownian stochastic processes (fractal dimension 1.5) with characteristic scales of ???2800 m and ???150 m, respectively. Covariance analysis of the velocity fluctuations provides evidence for the superposition of four stochastic process with distinct characteristic scales. The largest two scales are identical to those derived from the lithology, confirming that these scales of velocity heterogeneity are caused by lithology variations. The third characteristic scale, ???20 m, also a Brownian process, is probably related to fracturing based on correlation with the resistivity log. The superposition of these three Brownian processes closely mimics the commonly observed 1/k decay (fractal dimension 2.0) of the velocity power spectrum. The smallest scale process (characteristic scale ???1.7 m) requires a low fractal dimension, ???1.0, and accounts for ???60% of the total rms velocity variation. A comparison of successive logs from 6900-7140 m depth indicates that such variations are not repeatable and thus probably do not represent true velocity variations in the crust. The results of this study resolve disparity between the differing published estimates of seismic heterogeneity based on the KTB sonic logs, and bridge the gap between estimates of crustal heterogeneity from geologic maps and borehole logs. Copyright 1999 by the American Geophysical Union.

Variance Function Regression in Hierarchical Age-Period-Cohort Models: Applications to the Study of Self-Reported Health

PubMed Central

Zheng, Hui; Yang, Yang; Land, Kenneth C.

2012-01-01

Two long-standing research problems of interest to sociologists are sources of variations in social inequalities and differential contributions of the temporal dimensions of age, time period, and cohort to variations in social phenomena. Recently, scholars have introduced a model called Variance Function Regression for the study of the former problem, and a model called Hierarchical Age-Period-Cohort regression has been developed for the study of the latter. This article presents an integration of these two models as a means to study the evolution of social inequalities along distinct temporal dimensions. We apply the integrated model to survey data on subjective health status. We find substantial age, period, and cohort effects, as well as gender differences, not only for the conditional mean of self-rated health (i.e., between-group disparities), but also for the variance in this mean (i.e., within-group disparities)—and it is detection of age, period, and cohort variations in the latter disparities that application of the integrated model permits. Net of effects of age and individual-level covariates, in recent decades, cohort differences in conditional means of self-rated health have been less important than period differences that cut across all cohorts. By contrast, cohort differences of variances in these conditional means have dominated period differences. In particular, post-baby boom birth cohorts show significant and increasing levels of within-group disparities. These findings illustrate how the integrated model provides a powerful framework through which to identify and study the evolution of variations in social inequalities across age, period, and cohort temporal dimensions. Accordingly, this model should be broadly applicable to the study of social inequality in many different substantive contexts. PMID:22904570

The existence of parenting styles in the owner-dog relationship.

PubMed

Herwijnen, Ineke R van; van der Borg, Joanne A M; Naguib, Marc; Beerda, Bonne

2018-01-01

Parents interact with children following specific styles, known to influence child development. These styles represent variations in the dimensions of demandingness and responsiveness, resulting in authoritarian, authoritative, permissive or uninvolved parenting. Given the similarities in the parent to child and owner to dog relationships, we determined the extent to which parenting styles exist in the owner to dog relationship using the existing Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire for the parent-child relationship and an adapted version for dog owners. Items on the parenting of children/dogs were rated for applicability on a five-point Likert scale by 518 Dutch dog owning parents. Principal Component Analyses grouped parenting propensities into styles, with some marked differences between the findings for children and dogs. Dog-directed items grouped into an authoritarian-correction orientated style, incorporating variation in demandingness and focussing on correcting a dog for behaviour verbally/physically, and in two styles based on authoritative items. An authoritative-intrinsic value orientated style reflected variation in mainly responsiveness and oriented on the assumed needs and emotions of the animal. A second authoritative-item based style, captured variations in demandingness and responsiveness. We labelled this style authoritative-training orientated, as it orientated on manners in teaching a dog how to behave in social situations. Thus, we defined dog-directed parenting styles and constructed a Dog-Directed Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire along the lines of the existing theoretical framework on parenting styles. We did not find a dog-directed parenting style of being permissive or uninvolved, which we attribute to a study population of devoted dog owners and our findings should be interpreted with this specific study population in mind. We found evidence of dog-directed parenting styles and provide a fundament for determining their possible impact on the different aspects of a dog's life.

Multivariate Analysis of Genotype-Phenotype Association.

PubMed

Mitteroecker, Philipp; Cheverud, James M; Pavlicev, Mihaela

2016-04-01

With the advent of modern imaging and measurement technology, complex phenotypes are increasingly represented by large numbers of measurements, which may not bear biological meaning one by one. For such multivariate phenotypes, studying the pairwise associations between all measurements and all alleles is highly inefficient and prevents insight into the genetic pattern underlying the observed phenotypes. We present a new method for identifying patterns of allelic variation (genetic latent variables) that are maximally associated-in terms of effect size-with patterns of phenotypic variation (phenotypic latent variables). This multivariate genotype-phenotype mapping (MGP) separates phenotypic features under strong genetic control from less genetically determined features and thus permits an analysis of the multivariate structure of genotype-phenotype association, including its dimensionality and the clustering of genetic and phenotypic variables within this association. Different variants of MGP maximize different measures of genotype-phenotype association: genetic effect, genetic variance, or heritability. In an application to a mouse sample, scored for 353 SNPs and 11 phenotypic traits, the first dimension of genetic and phenotypic latent variables accounted for >70% of genetic variation present in all 11 measurements; 43% of variation in this phenotypic pattern was explained by the corresponding genetic latent variable. The first three dimensions together sufficed to account for almost 90% of genetic variation in the measurements and for all the interpretable genotype-phenotype association. Each dimension can be tested as a whole against the hypothesis of no association, thereby reducing the number of statistical tests from 7766 to 3-the maximal number of meaningful independent tests. Important alleles can be selected based on their effect size (additive or nonadditive effect on the phenotypic latent variable). This low dimensionality of the genotype-phenotype map has important consequences for gene identification and may shed light on the evolvability of organisms. Copyright © 2016 by the Genetics Society of America.

Fault Tolerant Paradigms

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-26

say that A is a JL(m,d,)-embedding of S into Cm. Linear JL(m,d,)-embeddings are closely related to the Restricted Isometry Property [9, 4, 18...holds ∀x ∈ Cd containing at most s nonzero coordinates. In this case we will say that A is RIP(s,). In particular, the following theorem due to Krahmer...implement reliable edge detector functions, especially in the presence of noise. Needless to say , the same issues exist in two dimensions, as

Investigation of associations of ARMS2, CD14, and TLR4 gene polymorphisms with wet age-related macular degeneration in a Greek population

PubMed Central

Sarli, Antonia; Skalidakis, Iosif; Velissari, Aliki; Koutsandrea, Chryssanthi; Stefaniotou, Maria; Petersen, Michael B; Kroupis, Christos; Kitsos, George; Moschos, Marilita M

2017-01-01

Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial degenerative ocular disease that leads to loss of central vision. Functional gene polymorphisms have already been associated with the disease (for example, ARMS2 A69S, rs10490924). Aim The goal of our study was to verify the correlation of the aforementioned ARMS2 variation with the disease, to examine, for the first time, the role of the CD14 C260T variation (rs2569190), and to investigate the association of two TLR4 polymorphisms (Asp299Gly or rs4986790 and Thr399Ile or rs4986791) in a Greek population with the wet form of AMD. Patients and methods Genomic DNAs were isolated from blood samples of 103 healthy controls and 120 Greek patients with wet AMD who were age- and sex-matched, and all of whom were clinically evaluated. For the genotyping of all selected polymorphisms, polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed. Results and conclusions This study confirmed the association between the ARMS2 variation and AMD, detecting the T risk allele in a significantly higher frequency in the patient group, compared with the control subjects (45% vs 29.13%, P<0.001, odds ratio [OR] 1.99, confidence interval 1.34–2.95). For the CD14 polymorphism, no statistically significant correlation was observed. As for the TLR4 polymorphisms, the percentage of heterozygotes increased from 2.9% to 11.7% in the patient population for Asp299Gly and from 1.9% to 10% for the Thr399Ile polymorphism (ORs 4.40 [P=0.01] and 5.61 [P=0.0088], respectively). Although our ARMS2 and CD14 results provided definite conclusions, the role of innate immunity TLR4 gene awaits further investigation in larger AMD populations with more clinical data collected on past microbial infections. PMID:28794612

Automated aerial image based CD metrology initiated by pattern marking with photomask layout data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Grant; Choi, Sun Young; Jung, Eui Hee; Seyfarth, Arne; van Doornmalen, Hans; Poortinga, Eric

2007-05-01

The photomask is a critical element in the lithographic image transfer process from the drawn layout to the final structures on the wafer. The non-linearity of the imaging process and the related MEEF impose a tight control requirement on the photomask critical dimensions. Critical dimensions can be measured in aerial images with hardware emulation. This is a more recent complement to the standard scanning electron microscope measurement of wafers and photomasks. Aerial image measurement includes non-linear, 3-dimensional, and materials effects on imaging that cannot be observed directly by SEM measurement of the mask. Aerial image measurement excludes the processing effects of printing and etching on the wafer. This presents a unique contribution to the difficult process control and modeling tasks in mask making. In the past, aerial image measurements have been used mainly to characterize the printability of mask repair sites. Development of photomask CD characterization with the AIMS TM tool was motivated by the benefit of MEEF sensitivity and the shorter feedback loop compared to wafer exposures. This paper describes a new application that includes: an improved interface for the selection of meaningful locations using the photomask and design layout data with the Calibre TM Metrology Interface, an automated recipe generation process, an automated measurement process, and automated analysis and result reporting on a Carl Zeiss AIMS TM system.

Carbon-nanotube probes for three-dimensional critical-dimension metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, B. C.; Ahn, S. J.; Choi, J.; Jung, K. Y.; Song, W. Y.

2006-03-01

We fabricate three kinds of carbon nanotube (CNT) probes to be employed in critical dimension atomic force microscope (CD-AFM). Despite unique advantages in its size and hardness, use of nanotube tip has been limited due to the lack of reproducible control of CNT orientation and its shape. We proposed that CNT alignment issues can be addressed based on the ion beam bending process, where a CNT free-standing on the apex of an AFM tip aligns itself in parallel to the FIB direction so that its free end is directed toward the ion source, with no external electric or magnetic field involved. The process allowed us to embody cylindrical probes of CNT diameters, and subsequently two additional types of CNT tips. One is ball-ended CNT tip which has, at the end of CNT tip, side-protrusions of tungsten/amorphous carbon in the horizontal dithering direction. The other is 'bent' CNT tip where the end of CNT is bent to a side direction. Using the former type of CNT tip, both sides of trench/line sidewall can be measured except for bottom corners, while the corners can be reached with the latter type, but the only one sidewall can be measured at a tip setting. The three types of tips appear to satisfy the requirements in both the size and accessibility to the re-entrant sidewall, and are awaiting actual test in CD-AFM.

Regional geochemistry of metal-contaminated surficial sediments and seagrasses in upper Spencer Gulf, South Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiller, K. G.; Merry, R. H.; Zarcinas, B. A.; Ward, T. J.

1989-05-01

Surficial sediments, shallow sediment cores and seagrass samples were collected over an area of about 600 km 2 of upper Spencer Gulf, South Australia, adjacent to a major lead-zinc smelter. Regional variation in heavy metal contents was studied in relation to different pathways of contamination from the smelter complex, and geochemical association with natural constituents of the sediments. About 300 km 2 were contaminated to some extent. Areas of appreciable contamination (10 × background) were greatest for Cd and least for As, with Pb and Zn intermediate. Regional trends of heavy metals in the sediment reflected inputs of pollutants from both liquid effluents and atmospheric fallout, modified by tidal currents. Total accessions to Germein Bay were estimated to be at least 25 000 tonnes each of Pb and Zn and 500 tonnes of Cd and As. Arsenic differed both in its distribution with sediment depth and in its geochemical associations when compared to Pb, Zn and Cd. Correlation of Cd with the fine fraction (< 20 μm) permitted a normalization of data which accounted for marked regional variations in sediment grain size and provided a better basis of assessing the regional impact of pollution. Metal concentrations in Posidonia leaves were highly correlated with total and EDTA extractable metal concentrations in the sediments, and may provide a more sensitive indicator of metal dispersion. Background levels of metals in Posidonia were not found in our study area.

Development and validation of a fluorescent microsphere immunoassay for soluble CD30 testing.

PubMed

Pavlov, Igor; Martins, Thomas B; Delgado, Julio C

2009-09-01

Testing for soluble CD30 (sCD30), an indicator of Th2 immune response, is a useful prognostic marker in solid organ transplantation, lymphoproliferative disorders, autoimmunity, and various parasitic diseases. In this study we report the development and validation of a fluorescent microsphere immunoassay for the detection of sCD30 in serum, plasma, and culture supernatants. The dynamic range of this assay is 1 to 400 ng/ml, and the rate of recovery of various concentrations of recombinant sCD30 ranges from 97 to 116% (average recovery, 105%). The test showed a high degree of precision in both intra-assay and interassay studies (coefficients of variation, as high as 7% and 8%, respectively), with a sensitivity of 1 ng/ml. The normal reference range calculated for a cohort of 151 healthy individuals was 1 to 29 ng/ml. The clinical usefulness of the sCD30 fluorescent microsphere immunoassay was demonstrated by showing that levels of sCD30 have a positive correlation with specimens containing high titers of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies and high titers of immunoglobulin G against Leishmania species. Given the multiplexing potential of the sCD30 fluorescent microsphere immunoassay reported in this study, it is expected that testing of sCD30 concentrations along with those of other cytokines will become an important diagnostic tool for selected immunological and inflammatory diseases where Th2-type cytokine responses have been reported.

Development and Validation of a Fluorescent Microsphere Immunoassay for Soluble CD30 Testing▿

PubMed Central

Pavlov, Igor; Martins, Thomas B.; Delgado, Julio C.

2009-01-01

Testing for soluble CD30 (sCD30), an indicator of Th2 immune response, is a useful prognostic marker in solid organ transplantation, lymphoproliferative disorders, autoimmunity, and various parasitic diseases. In this study we report the development and validation of a fluorescent microsphere immunoassay for the detection of sCD30 in serum, plasma, and culture supernatants. The dynamic range of this assay is 1 to 400 ng/ml, and the rate of recovery of various concentrations of recombinant sCD30 ranges from 97 to 116% (average recovery, 105%). The test showed a high degree of precision in both intra-assay and interassay studies (coefficients of variation, as high as 7% and 8%, respectively), with a sensitivity of 1 ng/ml. The normal reference range calculated for a cohort of 151 healthy individuals was 1 to 29 ng/ml. The clinical usefulness of the sCD30 fluorescent microsphere immunoassay was demonstrated by showing that levels of sCD30 have a positive correlation with specimens containing high titers of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies and high titers of immunoglobulin G against Leishmania species. Given the multiplexing potential of the sCD30 fluorescent microsphere immunoassay reported in this study, it is expected that testing of sCD30 concentrations along with those of other cytokines will become an important diagnostic tool for selected immunological and inflammatory diseases where Th2-type cytokine responses have been reported. PMID:19605595

Changes in antioxidant activity, total phenolic and abscisic acid constituents in the aquatic plants Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Myriophyllum triphyllum Orchard exposed to cadmium.

PubMed

Sivaci, Aysel; Sivaci, E Ridvan; Sökmen, Münevver

2007-07-01

Changes in antioxidant activity, total phenolic and abscisic acid (ABA) constituents of Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Myriophyllum triphyllum Orchard, cadmium (Cd) aqueous macrophytes, were investigated exposed to 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16 mg l(-1) Cd concentrations. M. triphyllum exhibited strong antioxidant activity but not M. spicatum before and after exposure. Free radical scavenging activity of M. triphyllum was significantly affected from the Cd concentrations and a significant increase was observed at 6 mgl(-1) Cd concentration. Total phenolic constituent and ABA concentration of M. triphyllum is higher than that of M. spicatum with or without heavy metal exposure (P < 0.05). While total phenolic constituents of both species were not significantly affected from Cd concentrations except for 6 mgl(-1) Cd concentration ABA contents did. ABA content of M. triphyllum increased from 1.81 +/- 0.10 microg g(-1 )(control) to 5.13 +/- 0.15 microg g(-1) at 16 mg l(-1) Cd concentration and increase was from 0.59 +/- 0.08 microg g(-1) (control) to 2.05 +/- 0.10 microg g(-1) for M. spicatum at the same Cd concentration. Both species accumulated ABA indicating submerge plants can also accumulate ABA and its concentration increase with increasing Cd concentration. Such studies as this one may be important for evaluation of the metabolic variations of toxic metal tolerant macrophytes that grown in polluted aqueous ecosystem.

The structural basis of chicken, swine and bovine CD8αα dimers provides insight into the co-evolution with MHC I in endotherm species

PubMed Central

Liu, Yanjie; Li, Xin; Qi, Jianxun; Zhang, Nianzhi; Xia, Chun

2016-01-01

It is unclear how the pivotal molecules of the adaptive immune system (AIS) maintain their inherent characteristics and relationships with their co-receptors over the course of co-evolution. CD8α, a fundamental but simple AIS component with only one immunoglobulin variable (IgV) domain, is a good example with which to explore this question because it can fold correctly to form homodimers (CD8αα) and interact with peptide-MHC I (p/MHC I) with low sequence identities between different species. Hereby, we resolved the crystal structures of chicken, swine and bovine CD8αα. They are typical homodimers consisting of two symmetric IgV domains with distinct species specificities. The CD8αα structures indicated that a few highly conserved residues are important in CD8 dimerization and in interacting with p/MHC I. The dimerization of CD8αα mainly depends on the pivotal residues on the dimer interface; in particular, four aromatic residues provide many intermolecular forces and contact areas. Three residues on the surface of CD8α connecting cavities that formed most of the hydrogen bonds with p/MHC I were also completely conserved. Our data propose that a few key conserved residues are able to ensure the CD8α own structural characteristics despite the great sequence variation that occurs during evolution in endotherms. PMID:27122108

ψ-Epistemic Models are Exponentially Bad at Explaining the Distinguishability of Quantum States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leifer, M. S.

2014-04-01

The status of the quantum state is perhaps the most controversial issue in the foundations of quantum theory. Is it an epistemic state (state of knowledge) or an ontic state (state of reality)? In realist models of quantum theory, the epistemic view asserts that nonorthogonal quantum states correspond to overlapping probability measures over the true ontic states. This naturally accounts for a large number of otherwise puzzling quantum phenomena. For example, the indistinguishability of nonorthogonal states is explained by the fact that the ontic state sometimes lies in the overlap region, in which case there is nothing in reality that could distinguish the two states. For this to work, the amount of overlap of the probability measures should be comparable to the indistinguishability of the quantum states. In this Letter, I exhibit a family of states for which the ratio of these two quantities must be ≤2de-cd in Hilbert spaces of dimension d that are divisible by 4. This implies that, for large Hilbert space dimension, the epistemic explanation of indistinguishability becomes implausible at an exponential rate as the Hilbert space dimension increases.

Temporal and spatial variation of morphological descriptors for atmospheric aerosols collected in Mexico City

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

China, S.; Mazzoleni, C.; Dubey, M. K.; Chakrabarty, R. K.; Moosmuller, H.; Onasch, T. B.; Herndon, S. C.

2010-12-01

We present an analysis of morphological characteristics of atmospheric aerosol collected during the MILAGRO (Megacity Initiative: Local and Global Research Observations) field campaign that took place in Mexico City in March 2006. The sampler was installed on the Aerodyne mobile laboratory. The aerosol samples were collected on nuclepore clear polycarbonate filters mounted in Costar pop-top membrane holders. More than one hundred filters were collected at different ground sites with different atmospheric and geographical characteristics (urban, sub-urban, mountain-top, industrial, etc.) over a month period. Selected subsets of these filters were analyzed for aerosol morphology using a scanning electron microscope and image analysis techniques. In this study we investigate spatial and temporal variations of aerosol shape descriptors, morphological parameters, and fractal dimension. We also compare the morphological results with other aerosol measurements such as aerosol optical properties(scattering and absorption) and size distribution data. Atmospheric aerosols have different morphological characteristics depending on many parameters such as emission sources, atmospheric formation pathways, aging processes, and aerosol mixing state. The aerosol morphology influences aerosol chemical and mechanical interactions with the environment, physical properties, and radiative effects. In this study, ambient aerosol particles have been classified in different shape groups as spherical, irregularly shaped, and fractal-like aggregates. Different morphological parameters such as aspect ratio, roundness, feret diameter, etc. have been estimated for irregular shaped and spherical particles and for different kinds of soot particles including fresh soot, collapsed and coated soot. Fractal geometry and image processing have been used to obtain morphological characteristics of different soot particles. The number of monomers constituting each aggregate and their diameters were measured and used to estimate an ensemble three-dimensional (3-d) fractal dimension. One-dimensional (1-d) and two-dimensional (2-d) fractal geometries have been measured using a power-law scaling relationship between 1-d and 2-d properties of projected images. Temporal variations in fractal dimension of soot-like aggregates have been observed at the mountaintop site and spatial variation of fractal dimension and other morphological descriptors of different shaped particles have been investigated for the different ground sites.

Image Descriptors for Displays

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-02-01

Information available for shape recognition in the dot field . What we do is to open up a nw dimension of the display, a dimension of color variation. The...line in a random location in the field of view (b); this is followed by a line mask and response choices (c). Accuracy feedback (d) follows response...dot field (c) and then gives a :4 /button response to indicate whether or not he thinks the triangle is present. Accuracy feedback (d) follows the

Quantitative analyses of variability in normal vaginal shape and dimension on MR images

PubMed Central

Luo, Jiajia; Betschart, Cornelia; Ashton-Miller, James A.; DeLancey, John O. L.

2016-01-01

Introduction and hypothesis We present a technique for quantifying inter-individual variability in normal vaginal shape, axis, and dimension, and report findings in healthy women. Methods Eighty women (age: 28~70 years) with normal pelvic organ support underwent supine, multi-planar proton-density MRI. Vaginal width was assessed at five evenly-spaced locations, and vaginal axis, length, and surface area were quantified via ImageJ and MATLAB. Results The mid-sagittal plane angles, relative to the horizontal, of three vaginal axes were 90± 11, 72± 21, and 41± 22° (caudal to cranial, p < 0.001). The mean (± SD) vaginal widths were 17± 5, 24± 4, 30± 7, 41± 9, and 45± 12 mm at the five locations (caudal to cranial, p < 0.001). Mid-sagittal lengths for anterior and posterior vaginal walls were 63± 9 and 98 ± 18 mm respectively. The vaginal surface area was 72 ± 21 cm2 (range: 34 ~ 164 cm2). The coefficient of determination between any demographic variable and any vaginal dimension did not exceed 0.16. Conclusions Large variations in normal vaginal shape, axis, and dimensions were not explained by body size or other demographic variables. This variation has implications for reconstructive surgery, intravaginal and surgical product design, and vaginal drug delivery. PMID:26811115

Selectivity of photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction modulated with electron transfer from size-tunable quantized energy states of CdSe nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Hyunjin; Kim, Whi Dong; Lee, Kangha; Lee, Seokwon; Kang, Gil-Seong; Joh, Han-Ik; Lee, Doh C.

2018-01-01

We investigate the product selectivity of CO2 reduction using NiO photocathodes decorated with CdSe quantum dots (QDs) of varying size in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. Size-tunable and quantized energy states of conduction band in CdSe QDs enable systematic control of electron transfer kinetics from CdSe QDs to NiO. It turns out that different size of CdSe QDs results in variation in product selectivity for CO2 reduction. The energy gap between conduction band edge and redox potential of each reduction product (e.g., CO and CH4) correlates with their production rate. The size dependence of the electron transfer rate estimated from the energy gap is in agreement with the selectivity of CO2 reduction products for all reduction products but CO. The deviation in the case of CO is attributed to sequential conversion of CO into CH4 with CO adsorbed on electrode surface. Based on a premise that the CdSe QDs would exhibit similar surface configuration regardless of QD size, it is concluded that the electron transfer kinetics proves to alter the selectivity of CO2 reduction.

Continuous blade coating for multi-layer large-area organic light-emitting diode and solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chun-Yu; Chang, Hao-Wen; Chang, Yu-Fan; Chang, Bo-Jie; Lin, Yuan-Sheng; Jian, Pei-Siou; Yeh, Han-Cheng; Chien, Hung-Ta; Chen, En-Chen; Chao, Yu-Chiang; Meng, Hsin-Fei; Zan, Hsiao-Wen; Lin, Hao-Wu; Horng, Sheng-Fu; Cheng, Yen-Ju; Yen, Feng-Wen; Lin, I.-Feng; Yang, Hsiu-Yuan; Huang, Kuo-Jui; Tseng, Mei-Rurng

2011-11-01

A continuous roll-to-roll compatible blade-coating method for multi-layers of general organic semiconductors is developed. Dissolution of the underlying film during coating is prevented by simultaneously applying heating from the bottom and gentle hot wind from the top. The solvent is immediately expelled and reflow inhibited. This method succeeds for polymers and small molecules. Uniformity is within 10% for 5 cm by 5 cm area with a mean value of tens of nanometers for both organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and solar cell structure with little material waste. For phosphorescent OLED 25 cd/A is achieved for green, 15 cd/A for orange, and 8 cd/A for blue. For fluorescent OLED 4.3 cd/A is achieved for blue, 9 cd/A for orange, and 6.9 cd/A for white. For OLED with 2 cm by 3 cm active area, the luminance variation is within 10%. Power conversion efficiency of 4.1% is achieved for polymer solar cell, similar to spin coating using the same materials. Very-low-cost and high-throughput fabrication of efficient organic devices is realized by the continuous blade-only method.

Self-assembly behavior of a linear-star supramolecular amphiphile based on host-guest complexation.

PubMed

Wang, Juan; Wang, Xing; Yang, Fei; Shen, Hong; You, Yezi; Wu, Decheng

2014-11-04

A star polymer, β-cyclodextrin-poly(l-lactide) (β-CD-PLLA), and a linear polymer, azobenzene-poly(ethylene glycol) (Azo-PEG), could self-assemble into a supramolecular amphiphilic copolymer (β-CD-PLLA@Azo-PEG) based on the host-guest interaction between β-CD and azobenzene moieties. This linear-star supramolecular amphiphilic copolymer further self-assembled into a variety of morphologies, including sphere-like micelle, carambola-like micelle, naan-like micelle, shuttle-like lamellae, tube-like fiber, and random curled-up lamellae, by tuning the length of hydrophilic or hydrophobic chains. The variation of morphology was closely related to the topological structure and block ratio of the supramolecular amphiphiles. These self-assembly structures could disassemble upon an ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation.

Color-tunable and high-efficiency organic light-emitting diode by adjusting exciton bilateral migration zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shengqiang; Wu, Ruofan; Huang, Jiang; Yu, Junsheng

2013-09-01

A voltage-controlled color-tunable and high-efficiency organic light-emitting diode (OLED) by inserting 16-nm N,N'-dicarbazolyl-3,5-benzene (mCP) interlayer between two complementary emitting layers (EMLs) was fabricated. The OLED emitted multicolor ranging from blue (77.4 cd/A @ 6 V), white (70.4 cd/A @ 7 V), to yellow (33.7 cd/A @ 9 V) with voltage variation. An equivalent model was proposed to reveal the color-tunable and high-efficiency emission of OLEDs, resulting from the swing of exciton bilateral migration zone near mCP/blue-EML interface. Also, the model was verified with a theoretical arithmetic using single-EML OLEDs to disclose the crucial role of mCP exciton adjusting layer.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McLaughlin, M.J.; Tiller, K.G.; Beech, T.A.

Elevated Cd concentrations have been observed in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers from commercial crops in certain regions of southern Australia. Reasons for enhanced Cd uptake by tubers were investigated by a survey of commercial crops and associated soils. Eighty-nine sites were selected and paired tuber and soil samples taken. Concentration of Cd in tubers was compared to potato variety, tuber elemental composition, and chemical-physical characteristics of topsoil (0-150) and subsoil (150-300 mm). Tuber Cd concentrations were positively related to soil electrical conductivity (EC) and extractable Cl (R{sup 2} = 0.62, P < 0.001) in the topsoil, with extractable Clmore » accounting for more variation than EC. Tuber Cd concentrations were not strongly related (R{sup 2} = 0.23, P < 0.05) to potato variety alone. However, inclusion of variety and EDTA-extractable Zn with water-extractable Cl in a multivariate model resulted in a small but significant improvement in the variance accounted for by the model (R{sup 2} = 0.73, p < 0.001). Tuber Cd was unrelated to tuber concentrations of P or tuber but was positively related to concentrations of major cations in the tuber particularly Na. Soil pH, total C, EDTA-extractable Cd, or particle-size distribution were not correlated to tuber Cd concentrations, either singly or after inclusion in a multivariate model with soil Cl concentrations. As Cl is known to mobilize soil Cd and increase its phytoavailability, elevated Cd concentrations in potato tubers in southern Australia appear to be largely a result of the use of saline irrigation waters. 41 refs., 5 figs., 4 tabs.« less

Small bowel video capsule endoscopy in Crohn's disease: What have we learned in the last ten years?

PubMed

Lucendo, Alfredo J; Guagnozzi, Danila

2011-02-16

Since its introduction in 2001, capsule endoscopy (CE) has become the most important advance in the study of small bowel disease, including Crohn's disease (CD). This technique has been demonstrated to be superior to all other current forms of radiological investigation in detecting mucosal abnormalities of small bowel nonstricturing CD. CE has proven to be extremely useful in diagnosing CD in patients with inconclusive findings from ileocolonoscopy and x-ray-based studies. Almost half of all patients with CD involving the ileum also present lesions in proximal intestinal segments, with the small bowel being exclusively involved in up to 30% of all CD cases. Despite the widespread use of CE, several questions concerning the utility of this technique remain unanswered. The lack of commonly agreed diagnostic criteria for defining CD lesions with the aid of CE may have had an influence on the variation in diagnostic results for CE reported in the literature. The utility of CE in monitoring CD and in guiding therapy has also been proposed. Furthermore, CE could be a useful second-line technique for patients with an established diagnosis of CD and unexplained symptoms. Finally, as no threshold for CD diagnosis has been agreed upon, a severity scale of mucosal disease activity has not been universally followed. None of the available activity indexes based on CE findings has been independently validated. This article discusses several cutting-edge aspects of the usefulness of CE in CD 10 years after its introduction as a sensible method to study the small intestine.

Small bowel video capsule endoscopy in Crohn’s disease: What have we learned in the last ten years?

PubMed Central

Lucendo, Alfredo J; Guagnozzi, Danila

2011-01-01

Since its introduction in 2001, capsule endoscopy (CE) has become the most important advance in the study of small bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease (CD). This technique has been demonstrated to be superior to all other current forms of radiological investigation in detecting mucosal abnormalities of small bowel nonstricturing CD. CE has proven to be extremely useful in diagnosing CD in patients with inconclusive findings from ileocolonoscopy and x-ray-based studies. Almost half of all patients with CD involving the ileum also present lesions in proximal intestinal segments, with the small bowel being exclusively involved in up to 30% of all CD cases. Despite the widespread use of CE, several questions concerning the utility of this technique remain unanswered. The lack of commonly agreed diagnostic criteria for defining CD lesions with the aid of CE may have had an influence on the variation in diagnostic results for CE reported in the literature. The utility of CE in monitoring CD and in guiding therapy has also been proposed. Furthermore, CE could be a useful second-line technique for patients with an established diagnosis of CD and unexplained symptoms. Finally, as no threshold for CD diagnosis has been agreed upon, a severity scale of mucosal disease activity has not been universally followed. None of the available activity indexes based on CE findings has been independently validated. This article discusses several cutting-edge aspects of the usefulness of CE in CD 10 years after its introduction as a sensible method to study the small intestine. PMID:21403813

Mechanics of Thin Films

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-06

dependence of the dimensions H, D of the results of Lau et al. [14] in which the angular the plastic zone on the hardening exponent n for variation of the...01 0. 03 04MMS 10I Trh~knea (m) l| Thcrm (a-) FIG. 8. Variation of k., and t/kf, vst for EBE TiO1/AO at5- and 10-g films deposited on silicon [Table

Comparing the Robustness of High-Frequency Traveling-Wave Tube Slow-Wave Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chevalier, Christine T.; Wilson, Jeffrey D.; Kory, Carol L.

2007-01-01

A three-dimensional electromagnetic field simulation software package was used to compute the cold-test parameters, phase velocity, on-axis interaction impedance, and attenuation, for several high-frequency traveling-wave tube slow-wave circuit geometries. This research effort determined the effects of variations in circuit dimensions on cold-test performance. The parameter variations were based on the tolerances of conventional micromachining techniques.

Resilience linked to personality dimensions, alexithymia and affective symptoms in motor functional neurological disorders.

PubMed

Jalilianhasanpour, Rozita; Williams, Benjamin; Gilman, Isabelle; Burke, Matthew J; Glass, Sean; Fricchione, Gregory L; Keshavan, Matcheri S; LaFrance, W Curt; Perez, David L

2018-04-01

Reduced resilience, a construct associated with maladaptive stress coping and a predisposing vulnerability for Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), has been under-studied compared to other neuropsychiatric factors in FND. This prospective case-control study investigated self-reported resilience in patients with FND compared to controls and examined relationships between resilience and affective symptoms, personality traits, alexithymia, health status and adverse life event burden. 50 individuals with motor FND and 47 healthy controls participated. A univariate test followed by a logistic regression analysis investigated group-level differences in Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) scores. For within-group analyses performed separately in patients with FND and controls, univariate screening tests followed by multivariate linear regression analyses examined factors associated with self-reported resilience. Adjusting for age, gender, education status, ethnicity and lifetime adverse event burden, patients with FND reported reduced resilience compared to controls. Within-group analyses in patients with FND showed that individual-differences in mental health, extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness positively correlated with CD-RISC scores; post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity, depression, anxiety, alexithymia and neuroticism scores negatively correlated with CD-RISC scores. Extraversion independently predicted resilience scores in patients with FND. In control subjects, univariate associations were appreciated between CD-RISC scores and gender, personality traits, anxiety, alexithymia and physical health; conscientiousness independently predicted resilience in controls. Patients with FND reported reduced resilience, and CD-RISC scores covaried with other important predisposing vulnerabilities for the development of FND. Future research should investigate if the CD-RISC is predictive of clinical outcomes in patients with FND. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Eliciting Taiwanese high school students' scientific ontological and epistemic beliefs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Tzung-Jin; Tsai, Chin-Chung

2017-11-01

This study employed the interview method to clarify the underlying dimensions of and relationships between students' scientific ontological and epistemic beliefs. Forty Taiwanese high school students were invited to participate in this study. Through content analysis of the participants' interview responses two ontological dimensions including 'status of nature' and 'structure of nature' were identified and found to be associated with each other. The two epistemic dimensions 'knowledge' and 'knowing' aligned with past literature were also categorised. Besides five pattern variations in terms of the aforementioned four dimensions were recognised based on the students' philosophical stances on their scientific ontological and epistemic beliefs. According to the Chi-square test results both dimensions of scientific ontological beliefs were significantly related to the two dimensions of scientific epistemic beliefs respectively. In general the students who endorsed a more sophisticated ontological stance regarding the status and structure of nature tended to express a more mature epistemic stance toward scientific knowledge and ways of knowing. The results suggest that the maturation of students' scientific epistemic beliefs may serve as a precursor and the fundamental step in promoting the sophistication of students' scientific ontological beliefs.

The relation between the bifactor model of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory and conduct problems in adolescence: Variations across gender, ethnic background, and age.

PubMed

Zwaanswijk, Wendy; Veen, Violaine C; van Geel, Mitch; Andershed, Henrik; Vedder, Paul

2017-08-01

The current study examines how the bifactor model of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) is related to conduct problems in a sample of Dutch adolescents (N = 2,874; 43% female). It addresses to what extent the YPI dimensions explain variance over and above a General Psychopathy factor (i.e., one factor related to all items) and how the general factor and dimensional factors are related to conduct problems. Group differences in these relations for gender, ethnic background, and age were examined. Results showed that the general factor is most important, but dimensions explain variance over and above the general factor. The general factor, and Affective and Lifestyle dimensions, of the YPI were positively related to conduct problems, whereas the Interpersonal dimension was not, after taking the general factor into account. However, across gender, ethnic background, and age, different dimensions were related to conduct problems over and above the general factor. This suggests that all 3 dimensions should be assessed when examining the psychopathy construct. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

A new approach to pattern metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ausschnitt, Christopher P.

2004-05-01

We describe an approach to pattern metrology that enables the simultaneous determination of critical dimensions, overlay and film thickness. A single optical system captures nonzero- and zero-order diffracted signals from illuminated grating targets, as well as unpatterned regions of the surrounding substrate. Differential targets provide in situ dimensional calibration. CD target signals are analyzed to determine average dimension, profile attributes, and effective dose and defocus. In turn, effective dose and defocus determines all CDs pre-correlated to the dose and focus settings of the exposure tool. Overlay target signals are analyzed to determine the relative reflectivity of the layer pair and the overlay error between them. Compared to commercially available pattern metrology (SEM, optical microscopy, AFM, scatterometry and schnitzlometry), our approach promises improved signal-to-noise, higher throughput and smaller targets. We have dubbed this optical chimera MOXIE (Metrology Of eXtremely Irrational Exuberance).

Coordination of physiological and structural traits in Amazon forest trees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patiño, S.; Fyllas, N. M.; Baker, T. R.; Paiva, R.; Quesada, C. A.; Santos, A. J. B.; Schwarz, M.; Ter Steege, H.; Phillips, O. L.; Lloyd, J.

2011-05-01

Many plant traits covary in a non-random manner reflecting interdependencies associated with "ecological strategy" dimensions. To understand how plants modulate their structural investments to best maintain and utilise their physiological capabilities, data on leaf and leaflet size and the ratio of leaf area to sapwood area (ΦLS) obtained for 1040 tree species located in 53 tropical forest plots across the Amazon Basin were incorporated into an analysis utilising existing data on species maximum height (Hmax), seed size, leaf mass per unit area (MA), foliar nutrients and δ13C and branch xylem density (ρx). Utilising a common principal components approach allowing eigenvalues to vary between two soil fertility dependent species groups, five genetically controlled trait dimensions were identified. The first involves primarily cations, foliar carbon and MA and is associated with differences in foliar construction costs. The second relates to the classic "leaf economic spectrum", but with increased individual leaf areas and a higher ΦLS newly identified components. The third relates primarily to increasing Hmax and hence variations in light acquisition strategy involving greater MA, reductions in ΦLS and less negative δ13C. Although these first three dimensions were more important for species from high fertility sites the final two dimensions were more important for low fertility species and were associated with variations linked to reproductive and shade tolerance strategies. Environmental conditions also influenced structural traits with ρx decreasing with increased soil fertility and decreasing with increased temperatures. This soil fertility response appears to be synchronised with increases in foliar nutrient concentrations and reductions in foliar [C]. Leaf and leaflet area and ΦLS were less responsive to the environment than ρx. Thus although genetically determined foliar traits such as those associated with leaf construction costs coordinate independently of structural characteristics, others tend to covary with leaf size, ΦLS, S tolerance strategies. Several traits such as MA and [C] are important components of more than one dimension with their ambiguous nature reflecting different underlying causes of variation. Environmental effects on structural and physiological characteristics are also coordinated but in a different way to the gamut of linkages associated with genotypic differences.

Black hole thermodynamics from a variational principle: asymptotically conical backgrounds

DOE PAGES

An, Ok Song; Cvetič, Mirjam; Papadimitriou, Ioannis

2016-03-14

The variational problem of gravity theories is directly related to black hole thermodynamics. For asymptotically locally AdS backgrounds it is known that holographic renormalization results in a variational principle in terms of equivalence classes of boundary data under the local asymptotic symmetries of the theory, which automatically leads to finite conserved charges satisfying the first law of thermodynamics. We show that this connection holds well beyond asymptotically AdS black holes. In particular, we formulate the variational problem for N = 2 STU supergravity in four dimensions with boundary conditions corresponding to those obeyed by the so called ‘subtracted geometries’. Wemore » show that such boundary conditions can be imposed covariantly in terms of a set of asymptotic second class constraints, and we derive the appropriate boundary terms that render the variational problem well posed in two different duality frames of the STU model. This allows us to define finite conserved charges associated with any asymptotic Killing vector and to demonstrate that these charges satisfy the Smarr formula and the first law of thermodynamics. Moreover, by uplifting the theory to five dimensions and then reducing on a 2-sphere, we provide a precise map between the thermodynamic observables of the subtracted geometries and those of the BTZ black hole. Finally, surface terms play a crucial role in this identification.« less

Black hole thermodynamics from a variational principle: asymptotically conical backgrounds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

An, Ok Song; Cvetič, Mirjam; Papadimitriou, Ioannis

The variational problem of gravity theories is directly related to black hole thermodynamics. For asymptotically locally AdS backgrounds it is known that holographic renormalization results in a variational principle in terms of equivalence classes of boundary data under the local asymptotic symmetries of the theory, which automatically leads to finite conserved charges satisfying the first law of thermodynamics. We show that this connection holds well beyond asymptotically AdS black holes. In particular, we formulate the variational problem for N = 2 STU supergravity in four dimensions with boundary conditions corresponding to those obeyed by the so called ‘subtracted geometries’. Wemore » show that such boundary conditions can be imposed covariantly in terms of a set of asymptotic second class constraints, and we derive the appropriate boundary terms that render the variational problem well posed in two different duality frames of the STU model. This allows us to define finite conserved charges associated with any asymptotic Killing vector and to demonstrate that these charges satisfy the Smarr formula and the first law of thermodynamics. Moreover, by uplifting the theory to five dimensions and then reducing on a 2-sphere, we provide a precise map between the thermodynamic observables of the subtracted geometries and those of the BTZ black hole. Finally, surface terms play a crucial role in this identification.« less

CD4 Lymphocyte Enumeration and Hemoglobin Assessment Aid for Priority Decisions: A Multisite Evaluation of the BD FACSPresto™ System

PubMed Central

Thakar, Madhuri; Angira, Francis; Pattanapanyasat, Kovit; Wu, Alan H.B.; O’Gorman, Maurice; Zeng, Hui; Qu, Chenxue; Mahajan, Bharati; Sukapirom, Kasama; Chen, Danying; Hao, Yu; Gong, Yan; Indig, Monika De Arruda; Graminske, Sharon; Orta, Diana; d’Empaire, Nicole; Lu, Beverly; Omana-Zapata, Imelda; Zeh, Clement

2017-01-01

Background: The BD FACSPresto™ system uses capillary and venous blood to measure CD4 absolute counts (CD4), %CD4 in lymphocytes, and hemoglobin (Hb) in approximately 25 minutes. CD4 cell count is used with portable CD4 counters in resource-limited settings to manage HIV/AIDS patients. A method comparison was performed using capillary and venous samples from seven clinical laboratories in five countries. The BD FACSPresto system was assessed for variability between laboratory, instrument/operators, cartridge lots and within-run at four sites. Methods: Samples were collected under approved voluntary consent. EDTA-anticoagulated venous samples were tested for CD4 and %CD4 T cells using the gold-standard BD FACSCalibur™ system, and for Hb, using the Sysmex® KX-21N™ analyzer. Venous and capillary samples were tested on the BD FACSPresto system. Matched data was analyzed for bias (Deming linear regression and Bland-Altman methods), and for concordance around the clinical decision point. The coefficient of variation was estimated per site, instrument/operator, cartridge-lot and between-runs. Results: For method comparison, 93% of the 720 samples were from HIV-positive and 7% from HIV-negative or normal subjects. CD4 and %CD4 T cells venous and capillary results gave slopes within 0.96–1.05 and R2 ≥0.96; Hb slopes were ≥1.00 and R2 ≥0.89. Variability across sites/operators gave %CV <5.8% for CD4 counts, <1.9% for %CD4 and <3.2% for Hb. The total %CV was <7.7% across instrument/cartridge lot. Conclusion: The BD FACSPresto system provides accurate, reliable, precise CD4/%CD4/Hb results compared to gold-standard methods, irrespective of venous or capillary blood sampling. The data showed good agreement between the BD FACSPresto, BD FACSCalibur and Sysmex systems. PMID:29290885

CD4 Lymphocyte Enumeration and Hemoglobin Assessment Aid for Priority Decisions: A Multisite Evaluation of the BD FACSPresto™ System.

PubMed

Thakar, Madhuri; Angira, Francis; Pattanapanyasat, Kovit; Wu, Alan H B; O'Gorman, Maurice; Zeng, Hui; Qu, Chenxue; Mahajan, Bharati; Sukapirom, Kasama; Chen, Danying; Hao, Yu; Gong, Yan; Indig, Monika De Arruda; Graminske, Sharon; Orta, Diana; d'Empaire, Nicole; Lu, Beverly; Omana-Zapata, Imelda; Zeh, Clement

2017-01-01

The BD FACSPresto ™ system uses capillary and venous blood to measure CD4 absolute counts (CD4), %CD4 in lymphocytes, and hemoglobin (Hb) in approximately 25 minutes. CD4 cell count is used with portable CD4 counters in resource-limited settings to manage HIV/AIDS patients. A method comparison was performed using capillary and venous samples from seven clinical laboratories in five countries. The BD FACSPresto system was assessed for variability between laboratory, instrument/operators, cartridge lots and within-run at four sites. Samples were collected under approved voluntary consent. EDTA-anticoagulated venous samples were tested for CD4 and %CD4 T cells using the gold-standard BD FACSCalibur ™ system, and for Hb, using the Sysmex ® KX-21N ™ analyzer. Venous and capillary samples were tested on the BD FACSPresto system. Matched data was analyzed for bias (Deming linear regression and Bland-Altman methods), and for concordance around the clinical decision point. The coefficient of variation was estimated per site, instrument/operator, cartridge-lot and between-runs. For method comparison, 93% of the 720 samples were from HIV-positive and 7% from HIV-negative or normal subjects. CD4 and %CD4 T cells venous and capillary results gave slopes within 0.96-1.05 and R 2 ≥0.96; Hb slopes were ≥1.00 and R 2 ≥0.89. Variability across sites/operators gave %CV <5.8% for CD4 counts, <1.9% for %CD4 and <3.2% for Hb. The total %CV was <7.7% across instrument/cartridge lot. The BD FACSPresto system provides accurate, reliable, precise CD4/%CD4/Hb results compared to gold-standard methods, irrespective of venous or capillary blood sampling. The data showed good agreement between the BD FACSPresto, BD FACSCalibur and Sysmex systems.

Toxicological responses of Laeonereis acuta (Polychaeta, Nereididae) after acute, subchronic and chronic exposure to cadmium.

PubMed

Dolagaratz Carricavur, Arantxa; Chiodi Boudet, Leila; Romero, María Belén; Polizzi, Paula; Marcovecchio, Jorge Eduardo; Gerpe, Marcela

2018-03-01

The objective of this study was to analyze the toxicological responses of the estuarine polychaete Laeonereis acuta after acute (96h), subchronic (7 days) and chronic (14 days) exposure to cadmium (Cd). Concentrations of metallothioneins (MT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total Cd and metal-rich granules (MRG) were evaluated. Seasonal variations of MT and LPO levels in the wild were also measured. Polychaetes were obtained in the Quequén estuary located southeast of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. For the acute toxicity assay, individuals were exposed to 10; 30, 65; 310; 600; 1300; 2000; 4300; 8100; 16300µgCdL -1 , which included levels of environmental relevance and median lethal concentrations (LC 50 ) for related species of polychaete. Based on 96h LC 50 values, polychaetes were exposed to sublethal doses of Cd. The concentrations for both subchronic and chronic assays were: 10; 30; 65; 310; 600; 1300; 2000; 4300µgCdL -1 . The 96h LC 50 value was 8234.9µgL -1 , which was within the values reported for other species of polychaete, indicating a high tolerance to Cd. MT induction was not observed for any time exposure. In additoin, LPO levels showed no differences with respect to control levels, which indicated an absence of oxidative damage caused by Cd. However, the total Cd and MRG-Cd concentrations in L. acuta in all tested treatments showed significant differences with respect to control levels. L. acuta were able to accumulate Cd in their tissues in the form of granules which are the main mechanism of Cd detoxification. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

All-integrated and highly sensitive paper based device with sample treatment platform for Cd2+ immunodetection in drinking/tap waters.

PubMed

López Marzo, Adaris M; Pons, Josefina; Blake, Diane A; Merkoçi, Arben

2013-04-02

Nowadays, the development of systems, devices, or methods that integrate several process steps into one multifunctional step for clinical, environmental, or industrial purposes constitutes a challenge for many ongoing research projects. Here, we present a new integrated paper based cadmium (Cd(2+)) immunosensing system in lateral flow format, which integrates the sample treatment process with the analyte detection process. The principle of Cd(2+) detection is based on competitive reaction between the cadmium-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-bovine serum albumin-gold nanoparticles (Cd-EDTA-BSA-AuNP) conjugate deposited on the conjugation pad strip and the Cd-EDTA complex formed in the analysis sample for the same binding sites of the 2A81G5 monoclonal antibody (mAb), specific to Cd-EDTA but not Cd(2+) free, which is immobilized onto the test line. This platform operates without any sample pretreatment step for Cd(2+) detection thanks to an extra conjugation pad that ensures Cd(2+) complexation with EDTA and interference masking through ovalbumin (OVA). The detection and quantification limits found for the device were 0.1 and 0.4 ppb, respectively, these being the lowest limits reported up to now for metal sensors based on paper. The accuracy of the device was evaluated by addition of known quantities of Cd(2+) to different drinking water samples and subsequent Cd(2+) content analysis. Sample recoveries ranged from 95 to 105% and the coefficient of variation for the intermediate precision assay was less than 10%. In addition, the results obtained here were compared with those obtained with the well-established inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICPES) and the analysis of certificate standard samples.

CD38 expression and immunoglobulin variable region mutations are independent prognostic variables in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but CD38 expression may vary during the course of the disease.

PubMed

Hamblin, Terry J; Orchard, Jenny A; Ibbotson, Rachel E; Davis, Zadie; Thomas, Peter W; Stevenson, Freda K; Oscier, David G

2002-02-01

Although the presence or absence of somatic mutations in the immunoglobulin variable region (IgV(H)) genes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) identifies subtypes with very different prognoses, the assay is technically complex and unavailable to most laboratories. CD38 expression has been suggested as a surrogate marker for the 2 subtypes. IgV(H) mutations and CD38 expression in 145 patients with B-CLL with a long follow-up were compared. The 2 assays gave discordant results in 41 patients (28.3%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Binet stage, IgV(H) mutations and CD38 were independent prognostic indicators. Median survival time in patients whose cells had unmutated IgV(H) genes and expressed CD38 was 8 years; in those with mutated IgV(H) genes not expressing CD38, it was 26 years. For those with discordant results, median survival time was 15 years. Thus, although CD38 expression does not identify the same 2 subsets as IgV(H) mutations in CLL, it is an independent risk factor that can be used with IgV(H) mutations and clinical stage to select patients with B-CLL with the worst prognoses. Using cryopreserved cells taken at intervals during the course of the disease, however, changes of CD38 expression over time were demonstrated in 10 of 41 patients. Causes of the variation of CD38 expression require further study. Additional prospective studies are required for comparing CD38 expression with other prognostic factors and for taking sequential measurements during the course of the disease.

Early endothelial damage detected by circulating particles in baboons fed a diet high in simple carbohydrates in conjunction with saturated or unsaturated fat.

PubMed

Shi, Qiang; Hodara, Vida; Meng, Qinghe; Voruganti, V Saroja; Rice, Karen; Michalek, Joel E; Comuzzie, Anthony G; VandeBerg, John L

2014-01-01

Studies have shown that high-fat diets cause blood vessel damage, however, assessing pathological effects accurately and efficiently is difficult. In this study, we measured particle levels of static endothelium (CD31+ and CD105+) and activated endothelium (CD62E+, CD54+ and CD106+) in plasma. We determined individual responses to two dietary regimens in two groups of baboons. One group (n = 10), was fed a diet high in simple carbohydrates and saturated fats (the HSF diet) and the other (n = 8) received a diet high in simple carbohydrates and unsaturated fats (the HUF diet). Plasma samples were collected at 0, 3, and 7 weeks. The percentages of CD31+ and CD62E+ particles were elevated at 3 weeks in animals fed either diet, but these elevations were statistically significant only in animals fed the HUF diet. Surprisingly, both percentages and counts of CD31+ particles were significantly lower at week 7 compared to week 0 and 3 in the HSF group. The median absolute counts of CD105+ particles were progressively elevated over time in the HSF group with a significant increase from week 0 to 7; the pattern was somewhat different for the HUF group with significant increase from week 3 to 7. The counts of CD54+ particles exhibited wide variation in both groups during the dietary challenge, while the median counts of CD106+ particles were significantly lower at week 3 than at week 0 and week 7. Endothelial particles exhibited time-dependent changes, suggesting they were behaving as quantifiable surrogates for the early detection of vascular damage caused by dietary factors.

Consistency of the initial cell acquisition procedure is critical to the standardization of CD34+ cell enumeration by flow cytometry: results of a pairwise analysis of umbilical cord blood units and cryopreserved aliquots.

PubMed

Flores, Ana I; McKenna, David H; Montalbán, M Angeles; De la Cruz, Javier; Wagner, John E; Bornstein, Rafael

2009-04-01

The CD34+ cell content is a predictive factor for engraftment and survival after umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation. The high variability in the CD34 assay results in different recommended cell doses for infusion across transplant centers and also limits the clinical utility of the CD34+ cell counts provided by cord blood banks (CBBs). This bi-institutional study was intended to understand the sources of this variability. The level of CD34 agreement between the University of Minnesota (UM) and the Madrid CBB (MCBB) was evaluated on 50 UCB units before and after cryopreservation. Two cryopreserved vials per unit were thawed and processed at both laboratories. Dual-platform ISHAGE-based flow cytometry was used for CD34 enumeration. Postthaw nucleated cell recoveries were similar. However, whereas CD34+ cell enumeration before freezing was 0.35 +/- 0.22 percent, the results after thawing were 0.98 +/- 0.65 and 0.57 +/- 0.39 percent at UM and MCBB, respectively. Bland-Altman plots analysis ruled out the interchangeability of MCBB and UM CD34 values. Differences in the initial cell acquisition settings accounted for most of the CD34 discrepancy, which was no longer present after normalization of the forward scatter threshold for cell acquisition. The standardization of CD34+ cell enumeration by flow cytometry is strongly reliant on a consistent initial cell acquisition procedure. The interlaboratory variation can be minimized by using frozen cell aliquots as reference samples. Both requisites should be considered for CD34 testing and UCB unit selection by regulatory institutions involved with cord blood banking and transplantation.

Solar cells based on electrodeposited thin films of ZnS, CdS, CdSSe and CdTe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weerasinghe, Ajith R.

The motivations of this research were to produce increased efficiency and low-cost solar cells. The production efficiency of Si solar cells has almost reached their theoretical limit, and reducing the manufacturing cost of Si solar cells is difficult to achieve due to the high-energy usage in material purifying and processing stages. Due to the low usage of materials and input energy, thin film solar cells have the potential to reduce the costs. CdS/CdTe thin film solar cells are already the cheapest on $/W basis. The cost of CdTe solar cells can be further reduced if all the semiconducting layers are fabricated using the electrodeposition (ED) method. ED method is scalable, low in the usage of energy and raw materials. These benefits lead to the cost effective production of semiconductors. The conventional method of fabricating CdS layers produces Cd containing waste solutions routinely, which adds to the cost of solar cells.ZnS, CdS and CdS(i-X)Sex buffer and window layers and CdTe absorber layers have been successfully electrodeposited and explored under this research investigation. These layers were fully characterised using complementary techniques to evaluate the material properties. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) studies, optical absorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy were utilised to evaluate the material properties of these solid thin film layers. ZnS and CdS thin film layers were electrodeposited from Na-free chemical precursors to avoid the group I element (Na) to reduce deterioration of CdTe devices. Deposition parameters such as, growth substrates, temperature, pH, growth cathodic voltage, stirring rate, time and chemical concentrations were identified to fabricate the above semiconductors. To further optimise these layers, a heat treatment process specific to the material was developed. In addition, the deposition parameters of CdTe layers were further optimised. This research programme has demonstrated that electrodeposited ZnS, CdS and CdTe thin film layers have material characteristics comparable with those of the materials reported in the literature and can be used in thin film solar cell devices. Furthermore, the electrolytes were used for up to two years, reducing the wastage even further, in comparison to other fabrication methods, such as chemical bath deposition. Several large-area semiconducting layers were successfully fabricated to test the scalability of the method. Nano-rods perpendicular to the glass/FTO surface with gaps among grains in CdS layers were observed. In order to reduce the possible pinholes due the gaps, a deposition of a semiconducting layer to cover completely the substrate was investigated. CdS(i-X)Sex layers were investigated to produce a layer-by-layer deposition of the material. However it was observed the surface morphology of CdS(j.X)Sex is a function of the growth parameters which produced nano-wires, nano-tubes and nano-sheets. This is the first recording of this effect for a low temperature deposition method, minimising the cost of producing this highly photosensitive material for use in various nano technology applications.The basic structure experimented was glass/conducting-glass/buffer layer/window material/absorber material/metal. By utilising all the semiconducting layers developed, several solar cell device structures were designed, fabricated and tested. This included a novel all-electrodeposited multi-layer graded bandgap device, to enhance the absorption of solar photons. The device efficiencies varied from batch to batch, and efficiencies in the range (3-7)% were observed. The variations in chemical concentrations, surface states and the presence of pin-hole defects in CdS were the main reasons for the range of efficiencies obtained. In the future work section, ways to avoid these variations and to increase efficiencies are identified and presented.