Surface modification effects on defect-related photoluminescence in colloidal CdS quantum dots.

PubMed

Lee, TaeGi; Shimura, Kunio; Kim, DaeGwi

2018-05-03

We investigated the effects of surface modification on the defect-related photoluminescence (PL) band in colloidal CdS quantum dots (QDs). A size-selective photoetching process and a surface modification technique with a Cd(OH)2 layer enabled the preparation of size-controlled CdS QDs with high PL efficiency. The Stokes shift of the defect-related PL band before and after the surface modification was ∼1.0 eV and ∼0.63 eV, respectively. This difference in the Stokes shifts suggests that the origin of the defect-related PL band was changed by the surface modification. Analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the surface of the CdS QDs before and after the surface modification was S rich and Cd rich, respectively. These results suggest that Cd-vacancy acceptors and S-vacancy donors affect PL processes in CdS QDs before and after the surface modification, respectively.

Immobilization of recombinant pectate lyase from Clostridium thermocellum ATCC-27405 on magnetic nanoparticles for bioscouring of cotton fabric.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Soumyadeep; Jagan Mohan Rao, Tingirikari; Goyal, Arun

2017-01-01

Recombinant pectate lyase from family 1 polysaccharide lyase (PL1B) was immobilized on synthesized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) after 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride activation. At 70 mg/mL MNPs 100% binding of 1 mg/mL PL1B was achieved. The immobilized PL1B-MNP displayed activity of 20.3 and 18.2 U/mg against polygalacturonic acid and citrus pectin, respectively, which was higher than the activity of free PL1B, on the same substrates of 17.8 and 16.2 U/mg. The immobilized PL1B-MNP showed 32 fold and 14 fold enhanced thermal stability at 80°C and 90°C, respectively as compared with free PL1B at same temperatures. At high temperature the immobilized PL1B-MNP retained its activity for a longer duration than free PL1B. The immobilized PL1B-MNP could be reused till five cycles and after that it retained 70% of initial activity. It could be easily recovered from the reaction mixture with the help of a magnet. Bioscouring of cotton fabric was carried out with immobilized PL1B-MNP which showed efficient removal of pectin from the fabric surface. The enhanced wettability of fabric resulted in the decrease of the water absorbing time period from 3 min taken by the free PL1B treated fabric to 15 s taken by the immobilized PL1B-MNP treated fabric. As per our knowledge this is the first attempt of bioscouring of coarse cotton fabric by pectinase immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:231-244, 2017. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Quasi-continuum photoluminescence: Unusual broad spectral and temporal characteristics found in defective surfaces of silica and other materials

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

Laurence, Ted A., E-mail: laurence2@llnl.gov; Bude, Jeff D.; Shen, Nan

2014-02-28

We previously reported a novel photoluminescence (PL) with a distribution of fast decay times in fused silica surface flaws that is correlated with damage propensity by high fluence lasers. The source of the PL was not attributable to any known silica point defect. Due to its broad spectral and temporal features, we here give this PL the name quasi-continuum PL (QC-PL) and describe the features of QC-PL in more detail. The primary features of QC-PL include broad excitation and emission spectra, a broad distribution of PL lifetimes from 20 ps to 5 ns, continuous shifts in PL lifetime distributions with respectmore » to emission wavelength, and a propensity to photo-bleach and photo-brighten. We found similar PL characteristics in surface flaws of other optical materials, including CaF{sub 2}, DKDP, and quartz. Based on the commonality of the features in different optical materials and the proximity of QC-PL to surfaces, we suggest that these properties arise from interactions associated with high densities of defects, rather than a distribution over a large number of types of defects and is likely found in a wide variety of structures from nano-scale composites to bulk structures as well as in both broad and narrow band materials from dielectrics to semiconductors.« less

Tuning of structural, light emission and wetting properties of nanostructured copper oxide-porous silicon matrix formed on electrochemically etched copper-coated silicon substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naddaf, M.

2017-01-01

Matrices of copper oxide-porous silicon nanostructures have been formed by electrochemical etching of copper-coated silicon surfaces in HF-based solution at different etching times (5-15 min). Micro-Raman, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that the nature of copper oxide in the matrix changes from single-phase copper (I) oxide (Cu2O) to single-phase copper (II) oxide (CuO) on increasing the etching time. This is accompanied with important variation in the content of carbon, carbon hydrides, carbonyl compounds and silicon oxide in the matrix. The matrix formed at the low etching time (5 min) exhibits a single broad "blue" room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) band. On increasing the etching time, the intensity of this band decreases and a much stronger "red" PL band emerges in the PL spectra. The relative intensity of this band with respect to the "blue" band significantly increases on increasing the etching time. The "blue" and "red" PL bands are attributed to Cu2O and porous silicon of the matrix, respectively. In addition, the water contact angle measurements reveal that the hydrophobicity of the matrix surface can be tuned from hydrophobic to superhydrophobic state by controlling the etching time.

Application of hybrid SiO2-coated CdTe nanocrystals for sensitive sensing of Cu2+ and Ag+ ions.

PubMed

Cao, Yongqiang; Zhang, Aiyu; Ma, Qian; Liu, Ning; Yang, Ping

2013-01-01

A new ion sensor based on hybrid SiO2 -coated CdTe nanocrystals (NCs) was prepared and applied for sensitive sensing of Cu(2+) and Ag(+) for the selective quenching of photoluminescence (PL) of NCs in the presence of ions. As shown by ion detection experiments conducted in pure water rather than buffer solution, PL responses of NCs were linearly proportional to concentrations of Cu(2+) and Ag(+) ions < 3 and 7 uM, respectively. Much lower detection limits of 42.37 nM for Cu(2+) and 39.40 nM for Ag(+) were also observed. In addition, the NC quenching mechanism was discussed in terms of the characterization of static and transient optical spectra. The transfer and trapping of photoinduced charges in NCs by surface energy levels of CuS and Ag2 S clusters as well as surface defects generated by the exchange of Cu(2+) and Ag(+) ions with Cd(2+) ion in NCs, resulted in PL quenching and other optical spectra changes, including steady-state absorption and transient PL spectra. It is our hope that these results will be helpful in the future preparation of new ion sensors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Arsenic in Soils and Forages from Poultry Litter-Amended Pastures

PubMed Central

Ashjaei, Shadi; Miller, William P.; Cabrera, Miguel L.; Hassan, Sayed M.

2011-01-01

In regions of concentrated poultry production, poultry litter (PL) that contains significant quantities of trace elements is commonly surface-applied to pastures at high levels over multiple years. This study examined the effect of long-term applications of PL on soil concentrations of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), and the uptake of these elements by bermuda grass grown on Cecil (well-drained) and Sedgefield (somewhat poorly-drained) soils. The results showed that concentrations of As, Cu, and Zn in soils that had received surface-applied PL over a 14-year period were significantly greater than untreated soil at 0–2.5 and 2.5–7.5 cm depths. However, the levels were well below the USEPA loading limits established for municipal biosolids. Arsenic fractionation showed that concentrations of all As fractions were significantly greater in PL-amended soils compared to untreated soils at 0–2.5 and 2.5–7.5 cm depths. The residual fraction was the predominant form of As in all soils. The water-soluble and NaHCO3-associated As were only 2% of the total As. Significant differences were found in concentrations of these trace elements and phosphorus (P) in forage from PL-amended soils compared to that in untreated plots. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, As, and P were significantly greater in forage from Sedgefield amended soil compared to Cecil soil, but were in all cases below levels of environmental concern. PMID:21655135

PL-PatchSurfer: a novel molecular local surface-based method for exploring protein-ligand interactions.

PubMed

Hu, Bingjie; Zhu, Xiaolei; Monroe, Lyman; Bures, Mark G; Kihara, Daisuke

2014-08-27

Structure-based computational methods have been widely used in exploring protein-ligand interactions, including predicting the binding ligands of a given protein based on their structural complementarity. Compared to other protein and ligand representations, the advantages of a surface representation include reduced sensitivity to subtle changes in the pocket and ligand conformation and fast search speed. Here we developed a novel method named PL-PatchSurfer (Protein-Ligand PatchSurfer). PL-PatchSurfer represents the protein binding pocket and the ligand molecular surface as a combination of segmented surface patches. Each patch is characterized by its geometrical shape and the electrostatic potential, which are represented using the 3D Zernike descriptor (3DZD). We first tested PL-PatchSurfer on binding ligand prediction and found it outperformed the pocket-similarity based ligand prediction program. We then optimized the search algorithm of PL-PatchSurfer using the PDBbind dataset. Finally, we explored the utility of applying PL-PatchSurfer to a larger and more diverse dataset and showed that PL-PatchSurfer was able to provide a high early enrichment for most of the targets. To the best of our knowledge, PL-PatchSurfer is the first surface patch-based method that treats ligand complementarity at protein binding sites. We believe that using a surface patch approach to better understand protein-ligand interactions has the potential to significantly enhance the design of new ligands for a wide array of drug-targets.

PL-PatchSurfer: A Novel Molecular Local Surface-Based Method for Exploring Protein-Ligand Interactions

PubMed Central

Hu, Bingjie; Zhu, Xiaolei; Monroe, Lyman; Bures, Mark G.; Kihara, Daisuke

2014-01-01

Structure-based computational methods have been widely used in exploring protein-ligand interactions, including predicting the binding ligands of a given protein based on their structural complementarity. Compared to other protein and ligand representations, the advantages of a surface representation include reduced sensitivity to subtle changes in the pocket and ligand conformation and fast search speed. Here we developed a novel method named PL-PatchSurfer (Protein-Ligand PatchSurfer). PL-PatchSurfer represents the protein binding pocket and the ligand molecular surface as a combination of segmented surface patches. Each patch is characterized by its geometrical shape and the electrostatic potential, which are represented using the 3D Zernike descriptor (3DZD). We first tested PL-PatchSurfer on binding ligand prediction and found it outperformed the pocket-similarity based ligand prediction program. We then optimized the search algorithm of PL-PatchSurfer using the PDBbind dataset. Finally, we explored the utility of applying PL-PatchSurfer to a larger and more diverse dataset and showed that PL-PatchSurfer was able to provide a high early enrichment for most of the targets. To the best of our knowledge, PL-PatchSurfer is the first surface patch-based method that treats ligand complementarity at protein binding sites. We believe that using a surface patch approach to better understand protein-ligand interactions has the potential to significantly enhance the design of new ligands for a wide array of drug-targets. PMID:25167137

Arsenic speciation and reactivity in poultry litter

USGS Publications Warehouse

Arai, Y.; Lanzirotti, A.; Sutton, S.; Davis, J.A.; Sparks, D.L.

2003-01-01

Recent U.S. government action to lower the maximum concentration levels (MCL) of total arsenic (As) (10 ppb) in drinking water has raised serious concerns about the agricultural use of As-containing biosolids such as poultry litter (PL). In this study, solid-state chemical speciation, desorbability, and total levels of As in PL and long-term amended soils were investigated using novel synchrotronbased probing techniques (microfocused (??) synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) and ??-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopies) coupled with chemical digestion and batch experiments. The total As levels in the PL were as high as ???50 mg kg-1, and As(II/III and V) was always concentrated in abundant needle-shaped microscopic particles (???20/ ??m x 850 ??m) associated with Ca, Cu, and Fe and to a lesser extent with S, CI, and Zn. Postedge XANES features of litter particles are dissimilar to those of the organo-As(V) compound in poultry feed (i.e., roxarsone), suggesting possible degradation/transformation of roxarsone in the litter and/or in poultry digestive tracts. The extent of As desorption from the litter increased with increasing time and pH from 4.5 to 7, but at most 15% of the total As was released after 5 d at pH 7, indicating the presence of insoluble phases and/or strongly retained soluble compounds. No significant As accumulation (< 15 mg kg-1) was found in long-term PL-a mended agricultural surface soils. This suggests that As in the PL may have undergone surface and subsurface transport processes. Our research results raise concerns about long-term PL amendment effects on As contamination in surrounding soilwater environments.

Corn yield and nutrient uptake response to subsurface-lateral bands application of poultry litter

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Poultry litter is nutrient rich and traditionally land-applied by broadcast on the soil surface which can lead to potential environmental hazards. This application method leaves PL vulnerable to transport from the field to nearby water bodies and contributes significant amounts of greenhouse gases (...

Silicon Nanoparticles with Surface Nitrogen: 90% Quantum Yield with Narrow Luminescence Bandwidth and the Ligand Structure Based Energy Law.

PubMed

Li, Qi; Luo, Tian-Yi; Zhou, Meng; Abroshan, Hadi; Huang, Jingchun; Kim, Hyung J; Rosi, Nathaniel L; Shao, Zhengzhong; Jin, Rongchao

2016-09-27

Silicon nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely accepted as an alternative material for typical quantum dots and commercial organic dyes in light-emitting and bioimaging applications owing to silicon's intrinsic merits of least toxicity, low cost, and high abundance. However, to date, how to improve Si nanoparticle photoluminescence (PL) performance (such as ultrahigh quantum yield, sharp emission peak, high stability) is still a major issue. Herein, we report surface nitrogen-capped Si NPs with PL quantum yield up to 90% and narrow PL bandwidth (full width at half-maximum (fwhm) ≈ 40 nm), which can compete with commercial dyes and typical quantum dots. Comprehensive studies have been conducted to unveil the influence of particle size, structure, and amount of surface ligand on the PL of Si NPs. Especially, a general ligand-structure-based PL energy law for surface nitrogen-capped Si NPs is identified in both experimental and theoretical analyses, and the underlying PL mechanisms are further discussed.

Dosimetric properties of a Solid Water High Equivalency (SW557) phantom for megavoltage photon beams.

PubMed

Araki, Fujio

2017-07-01

The dosimetric properties of the recently developed SW557 phantom have been investigated by comparison with those of the existing SW457 phantom in megavoltage photon beams. The electron fluence ratio φ pl w , and chamber ionization ratio k pl , of water to SW457 and water to SW557 for 4-15MV photons were calculated as a function of depth using Monte Carlo simulations, and compared with measured values. Values of φ pl w for SW457 were in the range of 1.004-1.014 for 4MV, and 1.014-1.018 for 15MV photons. The φ pl w for SW557 ranged from 1.005 to 1.008 for 4MV and from 1.010 to 1.015 for 15MV photons and the variation of φ pl w with depth for each beam energy was within ±0.5%. Values of k pl were obtained with a PTW 30013 Farmer-type ionization chamber. The k pl for SW457 ranged from 0.997 to 1.011 for 4-15MV photons. Values of k pl for SW557 were almost unity for 4 and 6MV photons, while in the case of 10 and 15MV photons they were less than 1.006, excepting the build-up region. The measured and calculated k pl values of water to SW557 were in the range of 0.997-1.002 and 1.000-1.006, respectively, for 4-15MV photons, at a depth of 10cm with a source-to-axis distance of 100cm. The measured and calculated k pl values were in agreement within their uncertainty ranges. As a water-equivalent phantom, SW557 can be used with a dosimetric difference within±0.6%, for 4-15MV photons, and is more water-equivalent than SW457 in megavoltage photon beams. Copyright © 2017 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An investigation into the role of macromolecules of different polarity as passivating agent on the physical, chemical and structural properties of fluorescent carbon nanodots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alas, Melis Ozge; Genc, Rukan

2017-05-01

In this study, comparative evaluation of fluorescent carbon nanodots (C-Dots) prepared using carob molasses was reported by screening various biocompatible macromolecules as passivating agent (PA). Incorporation of PAs with different molecular weight, polarity, and chemical structure was examined, and compared with the polyethylene glycol (PEG, Mn = 10 kN) passivated and pristine C-Dots. Not only the fluorescence properties but also many other features including size, crystal structure, colloidal conductivity, resistance to photobleaching, quantum yield, and UV-modulated surface interaction of them with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as ROS production were investigated. Photoluminescence (PL) capacity of C-Dots was found to be associated with the number of surface alkyl groups and polymeric hydrogen bounding present on the C-Dot surface (increased number is associated with decreased PL) while surface conductivity of C-Dots in water was proportional to the PL intensity. More importantly, C-Dots with relatively poorer fluorescent were investigated in various organic solvents (hexane, methanol, acetone, ethanol, dimethylformamide (DMF), and DMSO). As happens with the fluorescent dyes, their PL intensities were significantly enhanced (even for pristine C-Dots) depending on the solvent characteristics. All of the C-Dots synthesized were further evaluated by means of UV-induced generation of ROS and inhibition of ROS by using H2O2 as model. In contrary to other carbonaceous nanomaterials, they did not show any ROS generation, on the contrary, they showed ROS scavenging activity that can be modulated by UV-irradiation ( λ exc = 365 nm). PEG and alginate passivated C-Dots inhibited H2O2 activity at LC50 values below 10 mg/mL.

Photoluminescence and capacitance voltage characterization of GaAs surface passivated by an ultrathin GaN interface control layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anantathanasarn, Sanguan; Hasegawa, Hideki

2002-05-01

A novel surface passivation technique for GaAs using an ultrathin GaN interface control layer (GaN ICL) formed by surface nitridation was characterized by ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) photoluminescence (PL) and capacitance-voltage ( C- V) measurements. The PL quantum efficiency was dramatically enhanced after being passivated by the GaN ICL structure, reaching as high as 30 times of the initial clean GaAs surface. Further analysis of PL data was done by the PL surface state spectroscopy (PLS 3) simulation technique. PL and C- V results are in good agreement indicating that ultrathin GaN ICL reduces the gap states and unpins the Fermi level, realizing a wide movement of Fermi level within the midgap region and reduction of the effective surface recombination velocity by a factor of 1/60. GaN layer also introduced a large negative surface fixed charge of about 10 12 cm -2. A further improvement took place by depositing a Si 3N 4 layer on GaN ICL/GaAs structure.

Studying of kinetics of rear earth ion (REI) nanoscale complex formation by resonant energy transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ignatova, Tetyana; Pristinski, Denis; Rotkin, Slava V.

2011-03-01

We observed formation of nanoscale complexes between multivalent REIs (Tb and Eu) and negatively charged DNA wrapped SWNTs, ionized in the water solution. Foerster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) was found to be an ideal method to confirm the complex formation. Because of its high sensitivity and non-destructive characterization approach FRET can be used to trace the kinetics of the complex formation. Strong dependence of SWNT photoluminescence (PL) on the REI concentration was detected and interpreted as a competition between the REI absorption on the SWNTs and subsequent FRET enhanced PL and the SWNT agglomeration followed by PL quenching. We measured the distance between REI and SWNT which appears to be much shorter than the one from their relative concentration in solution. We speculate that Manning condensation of the REIs on the SWNT/DNA surface happens thereby significantly reducing their spacing and making FRET possible.

Photoinduced fluorescence intensity oscillation in a reaction-diffusion cell containing a colloidal quantum dot dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komoto, Atsushi; Maenosono, Shinya

2006-09-01

The nonlinear spontaneous oscillation of photoluminescence (PL) intensity in an ensemble of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), which differs from the fluorescence intermittency of a single QD, is investigated. The PL intensity in a QD dispersion slowly oscillates with time under continuous illumination. The oscillatory behavior is found to vary with changing QD concentration, solvent viscosity, volume fraction of irradiated region, and irradiation intensity. On the basis of the Gray-Scott model [Chemical Oscillation and Instabilities: Non-linear Chemical Kinetics (Clarendon, Oxford, 1994); J. Phys. Chem. 89, 22 (1985); Chem. Eng. Sci. 42, 307 (1987)], and its comparison with the experimental results, it is revealed that the following processes are important for PL oscillation: (1) mass transfer of QDs between the illuminated and dark regions, (2) autocatalytic formation of vacant sites on QD surfaces via photodesorption of ligand molecules, and (3) passivation of vacant sites via photoadsorption of water molecules.

Photoinduced fluorescence intensity oscillation in a reaction-diffusion cell containing a colloidal quantum dot dispersion.

PubMed

Komoto, Atsushi; Maenosono, Shinya

2006-09-21

The nonlinear spontaneous oscillation of photoluminescence (PL) intensity in an ensemble of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), which differs from the fluorescence intermittency of a single QD, is investigated. The PL intensity in a QD dispersion slowly oscillates with time under continuous illumination. The oscillatory behavior is found to vary with changing QD concentration, solvent viscosity, volume fraction of irradiated region, and irradiation intensity. On the basis of the Gray-Scott model [Chemical Oscillation and Instabilities: Non-linear Chemical Kinetics (Clarendon, Oxford, 1994); J. Phys. Chem. 89, 22 (1985); Chem. Eng. Sci. 42, 307 (1987)], and its comparison with the experimental results, it is revealed that the following processes are important for PL oscillation: (1) mass transfer of QDs between the illuminated and dark regions, (2) autocatalytic formation of vacant sites on QD surfaces via photodesorption of ligand molecules, and (3) passivation of vacant sites via photoadsorption of water molecules.

Alkyl Chain Ordering of Asymmetric Phosphatidyicholines Adsorbed at a Liquid-Liquid Interface

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-05-30

the blood bind to the PL surface and begin to hydrolyze the triglyceride core and only a small fraction of the phospholipids, such that the core...which surface-adsorbed proteins are able to hydrolyze the triglyceride core has been shown to depend on the acyl chain composition of monolayer PCs...in the commercial use of natural phosphatidylcholines (or lecithins ) as emulsifiers, including their use in delivery of water-insoluble drugs (Davis

Correlation between optical properties surface morphology of porous silicon electrodeposited by Fe3+ ion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mabrouk, Asma; Lorrain, N.; Haji, M. L.; Oueslati, Meherzi

2015-01-01

In this paper, we analyze the photoluminescence spectra (PL) of porous silicon (PS) layer which is elaborated by electrochemical etching and passivated by Fe3+ ions (PSF) via current density, electro-deposition and temperature measurements. We observe unusual surface morphology of PSF surface and anomalous emission behavior. The PSF surface shows regular distribution of cracks, leaving isolated regions or ;platelets; of nearly uniform thickness. These cracks become more pronounced for high current densities. The temperature dependence of the PL peak energy (EPL) presents anomalous behaviors, i.e., the PL peak energy shows a successive red/blue/redshift (S-shaped behavior) with increasing temperature that we attribute to the existence of strong potential fluctuations induced by the electrochemical etching of PS layers. A competition process between localized and delocalized excitons is used to discuss these PL properties. In this case, the potential confinement plays a key role on the enhancement of PL intensity in PSF. To explain the temperature dependence of the PL intensity, we have proposed a recombination model based on the tunneling and dissociation of excitons.

Photoassisted photoluminescence fine-tuning of gold nanodots through free radical-mediated ligand-assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tseng, Yu-Ting; Cherng, Rochelle; Harroun, Scott G.; Yuan, Zhiqin; Lin, Tai-Yuan; Wu, Chien-Wei; Chang, Huan-Tsung; Huang, Chih-Ching

2016-05-01

In this study, we have developed a simple photoassisted ligand assembly to fine-tune the photoluminescence (PL) of (11-mercaptoundecyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium bromide-capped gold nanodots (11-MUTAB-Au NDs). The 11-MUTAB-Au NDs (size: ca. 1.8 nm), obtained from the reaction of gold nanoparticles (ca. 3 nm) and 11-MUTAB, exhibited weak, near-infrared (NIR) PL at 700 nm with a quantum yield (QY) of 0.37% upon excitation at 365 nm. The PL QY of the Au NDs increased to 11.43% after reaction with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA) for 30 min under ultraviolet (UV) light, which was accompanied by a PL wavelength shift to the green region (~520 nm). UV-light irradiation accelerates 11-MUA assembly on the 11-MUTABAu NDs (11-MUA/11-MUTAB-Au NDs) through a radical-mediated reaction. Furthermore, the PL wavelength of the 11-MUA/11-MUTAB-Au NDs can be switched to 640 nm via cysteamine under UV-light irradiation. We propose that the PL of the Au NDs with NIR and visible emissions was originally from the surface thiol-Au complexes and the Au core, respectively. These dramatically different optical properties of the Au NDs were due to variation in the surface ligands, as well as the densities and surface oxidant states of the surface Au atoms/ions. These effects can be controlled by assembling surface thiol ligands and accelerated by UV irradiation.In this study, we have developed a simple photoassisted ligand assembly to fine-tune the photoluminescence (PL) of (11-mercaptoundecyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium bromide-capped gold nanodots (11-MUTAB-Au NDs). The 11-MUTAB-Au NDs (size: ca. 1.8 nm), obtained from the reaction of gold nanoparticles (ca. 3 nm) and 11-MUTAB, exhibited weak, near-infrared (NIR) PL at 700 nm with a quantum yield (QY) of 0.37% upon excitation at 365 nm. The PL QY of the Au NDs increased to 11.43% after reaction with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA) for 30 min under ultraviolet (UV) light, which was accompanied by a PL wavelength shift to the green region (~520 nm). UV-light irradiation accelerates 11-MUA assembly on the 11-MUTABAu NDs (11-MUA/11-MUTAB-Au NDs) through a radical-mediated reaction. Furthermore, the PL wavelength of the 11-MUA/11-MUTAB-Au NDs can be switched to 640 nm via cysteamine under UV-light irradiation. We propose that the PL of the Au NDs with NIR and visible emissions was originally from the surface thiol-Au complexes and the Au core, respectively. These dramatically different optical properties of the Au NDs were due to variation in the surface ligands, as well as the densities and surface oxidant states of the surface Au atoms/ions. These effects can be controlled by assembling surface thiol ligands and accelerated by UV irradiation. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00795c

Bovine serum albumin adsorption on functionalized porous silicon surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tay, Li-Lin; Rowell, Nelson L.; Lockwood, David J.; Boukherroub, Rabah

2004-10-01

The large surface area within porous Si (pSi) and its strong room temperature photoluminescence (PL) make it an ideal host for biological sensors. In particular, the development of pSi-based optical sensors for DNA, enzyme and other biochemical molecules have become of great interest. Here, we demonstrate that the in-situ monitoring of the pSi PL behaviour can be used as a positive identification of bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein adsorption inside the porous matrix. Electrochemically prepared pSi films were first functionalized with undecylenic acid to produce an organic monolayer covalently attached to the porous silicon surfaces. The acid terminal group also provided favourable BSA binding sites on the pSi matrix sidewalls. In-situ PL spectra showed a gradual red shift (up to 12 meV) in the PL peak energy due to the protein incorporation into the porous matrix. The PL then exhibited a continuous blue shift after saturation of the protein molecules in the pores. This blue shift of the PL peak frequency and a steady increase in the PL intensity is evidence of surface oxidation. Comparing the specular reflectance obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) before and after BSA incubation confirmed the adsorption of protein in the pSi matrix.

Influence of growth temperature on bulk and surface defects in hybrid lead halide perovskite films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Weina; Anand, Benoy; Liu, Lihong; Sampat, Siddharth; Bearden, Brandon E.; Malko, Anton V.; Chabal, Yves J.

2016-01-01

The rapid development of perovskite solar cells has focused its attention on defects in perovskites, which are gradually realized to strongly control the device performance. A fundamental understanding is therefore needed for further improvement in this field. Recent efforts have mainly focused on minimizing the surface defects and grain boundaries in thin films. Using time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, we show that bulk defects in perovskite samples prepared using vapor assisted solution process (VASP) play a key role in addition to surface and grain boundary defects. The defect state density of samples prepared at 150 °C (~1017 cm-3) increases by 5 fold at 175 °C even though the average grains size increases slightly, ruling out grain boundary defects as the main mechanism for the observed differences in PL properties upon annealing. Upon surface passivation using water molecules, the PL intensity and lifetime of samples prepared at 200 °C are only partially improved, remaining significantly lower than those prepared at 150 °C. Thus, the present study indicates that the majority of these defect states observed at elevated growth temperatures originates from bulk defects and underscores the importance to control the formation of bulk defects together with grain boundary and surface defects to further improve the optoelectronic properties of perovskites.The rapid development of perovskite solar cells has focused its attention on defects in perovskites, which are gradually realized to strongly control the device performance. A fundamental understanding is therefore needed for further improvement in this field. Recent efforts have mainly focused on minimizing the surface defects and grain boundaries in thin films. Using time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, we show that bulk defects in perovskite samples prepared using vapor assisted solution process (VASP) play a key role in addition to surface and grain boundary defects. The defect state density of samples prepared at 150 °C (~1017 cm-3) increases by 5 fold at 175 °C even though the average grains size increases slightly, ruling out grain boundary defects as the main mechanism for the observed differences in PL properties upon annealing. Upon surface passivation using water molecules, the PL intensity and lifetime of samples prepared at 200 °C are only partially improved, remaining significantly lower than those prepared at 150 °C. Thus, the present study indicates that the majority of these defect states observed at elevated growth temperatures originates from bulk defects and underscores the importance to control the formation of bulk defects together with grain boundary and surface defects to further improve the optoelectronic properties of perovskites. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06222e

Highly Stable Near-Unity Photoluminescence Yield in Monolayer MoS2 by Fluoropolymer Encapsulation and Superacid Treatment.

PubMed

Kim, Hyungjin; Lien, Der-Hsien; Amani, Matin; Ager, Joel W; Javey, Ali

2017-05-23

Recently, there has been considerable research interest in two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) for future optoelectronic applications. It has been shown that surface passivation with the organic nonoxidizing superacid bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide (TFSI) produces MoS 2 and WS 2 monolayers whose recombination is at the radiative limit, with a photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) of ∼100%. While the surface passivation persists under ambient conditions, exposure to conditions such as water, solvents, and low pressure found in typical semiconductor processing degrades the PL QY. Here, an encapsulation/passivation approach is demonstrated that yields near-unity PL QY in MoS 2 and WS 2 monolayers which are highly stable against postprocessing. The approach consists of two simple steps: encapsulation of the monolayers with an amorphous fluoropolymer and a subsequent TFSI treatment. The TFSI molecules are able to diffuse through the encapsulation layer and passivate the defect states of the monolayers. Additionally, we demonstrate that the encapsulation layer can be patterned by lithography and is compatible with subsequent fabrication processes. Therefore, our work presents a feasible route for future fabrication of highly efficient optoelectronic devices based on TMDCs.

Gypsum's influence on corn yield and p loss from an eroded southern piedmont soil

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Gypsum (CaSO4) has been shown to reduce dissolved P in surface water runoff from pastures fertilized with poultry litter (PL). However, limited research has evaluated gypsum’s influence on P loss under row crops. Moreover, can gypsum effectively reduce P loss when applied only to grass buffer strips...

Influence of flue gas desulfurization gypsum on reducing soluble phosphorus in successive runoff events from a coastal plain bermudagrass pasture

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Controlling the potential threat that pasture systems which have been intensively fertilized with poultry litter (PL) pose to accelerate eutrophication of surface waters has become a major issue in the southeastern U.S. Gypsum has been identified as a promising management tool for ameliorating the ...

Anionized and cationized hemeundecapeptides as probes for cell surface charge and permeability studies: differentiated labeling of endothelial plasmalemmal vesicles

PubMed Central

1985-01-01

To obtain small membrane markers easily accessible to the charged groups of the cell surface, we prepared, from hemeundecapeptide (HUP), three derivatives that maintain the peroxidatic activity: the anionized hemeundecapeptide, Mr 1,963, estimated diameter 1.68 nm, pl 3.5, for the detection of basic groups; and both a cationized hemeundecapeptide containing predominantly tertiary amino groups, Mr 2,215, estimated diameter 1.75 nm, pl 9.0, and a cationized hemeundecapeptide containing only primary amino groups, Mr 2,271, estimated diameter 1.75 nm, pl 10.6, for labeling acidic residues. The markers were perfused in situ in mice to label the luminal surface of fenestrated endothelium of pancreatic capillaries. Specimens were processed through the cytochemical reaction for peroxidatic activity and examined by electron microscopy. The anionized HUP and HUP (pl 4.85) marked the plasmalemma proper, the coated pits, and the membrane and diaphragms of plasmalemmal vesicles and transendothelial channels. The cationized HUP containing predominantly tertiary amino groups (pl 9.0) decorated all cell surface components with the exception of plasmalemmal vesicles and channels; the latter were, however, labeled by the cationized HUP containing only primary groups (pl 10.6), which suggests that these structures contain on their luminal surface very weak acidic residues of high pKa values. The fact that the membrane of plasmalemmal vesicles can discriminate against permeant cationic macromolecules only up to a pl of approximately 9.0 indicates that in the electrostatic restriction there is a charge limit. In the case of fenestrated capillary endothelium, the upper charge limit seems to be a pl of approximately 9.0. In these vessels, the charge discrimination is effective for molecules as small as 2 nm. PMID:3968182

Anionized and cationized hemeundecapeptides as probes for cell surface charge and permeability studies: differentiated labeling of endothelial plasmalemmal vesicles.

PubMed

Ghinea, N; Simionescu, N

1985-02-01

To obtain small membrane markers easily accessible to the charged groups of the cell surface, we prepared, from hemeundecapeptide (HUP), three derivatives that maintain the peroxidatic activity: the anionized hemeundecapeptide, Mr 1,963, estimated diameter 1.68 nm, pl 3.5, for the detection of basic groups; and both a cationized hemeundecapeptide containing predominantly tertiary amino groups, Mr 2,215, estimated diameter 1.75 nm, pl 9.0, and a cationized hemeundecapeptide containing only primary amino groups, Mr 2,271, estimated diameter 1.75 nm, pl 10.6, for labeling acidic residues. The markers were perfused in situ in mice to label the luminal surface of fenestrated endothelium of pancreatic capillaries. Specimens were processed through the cytochemical reaction for peroxidatic activity and examined by electron microscopy. The anionized HUP and HUP (pl 4.85) marked the plasmalemma proper, the coated pits, and the membrane and diaphragms of plasmalemmal vesicles and transendothelial channels. The cationized HUP containing predominantly tertiary amino groups (pl 9.0) decorated all cell surface components with the exception of plasmalemmal vesicles and channels; the latter were, however, labeled by the cationized HUP containing only primary groups (pl 10.6), which suggests that these structures contain on their luminal surface very weak acidic residues of high pKa values. The fact that the membrane of plasmalemmal vesicles can discriminate against permeant cationic macromolecules only up to a pl of approximately 9.0 indicates that in the electrostatic restriction there is a charge limit. In the case of fenestrated capillary endothelium, the upper charge limit seems to be a pl of approximately 9.0. In these vessels, the charge discrimination is effective for molecules as small as 2 nm.

Energy transfer networks: Quasicontinuum photoluminescence linked to high densities of defects

DOE PAGES

Laurence, Ted A.; Ly, Sonny; Bude, Jeff D.; ...

2017-11-06

In a series of studies related to laser-induced damage of optical materials and deposition of plastics, we discovered a broadly emitting photoluminescence with fast lifetimes that we termed quasicontinuum photoluminescence (QC-PL). Here in this paper, we suggest that a high density of optically active defects leads to QC-PL, where interactions between defects affect the temporal and spectral characteristics of both excitation and emission. We develop a model that predicts the temporal characteristics of QC-PL, based on energy transfer interactions between high densities of defects. Our model does not explain all spectral broadening and redshifts found in QC-PL, since we domore » not model spectral changes in defects due to proximity to other defects. However, we do provide an example of a well-defined system that exhibits the QC-PL characteristics of a distribution in shortened lifetimes and broadened, redshifted energy levels: an organic chromophore (fluorescein) that has been dried rapidly on a fused silica surface. Recently, we showed that regions of fused silica exposed to up to 1 billion high-fluence laser shots at 351 rm nm at subdamage fluences exhibit significant transmission losses at the surface. Here, we find that these laser-exposed regions also exhibit QC-PL. Increases in the density of induced defects on these laser-exposed surfaces, as measured by the local transmission loss, lead to decreases in the observed lifetime and redshifts in the spectrum of the QC-PL, consistent with our explanation for QC-PL. In conclusion, we have found QC-PL in an increasing variety of situations and materials, and we believe it is a phenomenon commonly found on surfaces and nanostructured materials.« less

Energy transfer networks: Quasicontinuum photoluminescence linked to high densities of defects

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

Laurence, Ted A.; Ly, Sonny; Bude, Jeff D.

In a series of studies related to laser-induced damage of optical materials and deposition of plastics, we discovered a broadly emitting photoluminescence with fast lifetimes that we termed quasicontinuum photoluminescence (QC-PL). Here in this paper, we suggest that a high density of optically active defects leads to QC-PL, where interactions between defects affect the temporal and spectral characteristics of both excitation and emission. We develop a model that predicts the temporal characteristics of QC-PL, based on energy transfer interactions between high densities of defects. Our model does not explain all spectral broadening and redshifts found in QC-PL, since we domore » not model spectral changes in defects due to proximity to other defects. However, we do provide an example of a well-defined system that exhibits the QC-PL characteristics of a distribution in shortened lifetimes and broadened, redshifted energy levels: an organic chromophore (fluorescein) that has been dried rapidly on a fused silica surface. Recently, we showed that regions of fused silica exposed to up to 1 billion high-fluence laser shots at 351 rm nm at subdamage fluences exhibit significant transmission losses at the surface. Here, we find that these laser-exposed regions also exhibit QC-PL. Increases in the density of induced defects on these laser-exposed surfaces, as measured by the local transmission loss, lead to decreases in the observed lifetime and redshifts in the spectrum of the QC-PL, consistent with our explanation for QC-PL. In conclusion, we have found QC-PL in an increasing variety of situations and materials, and we believe it is a phenomenon commonly found on surfaces and nanostructured materials.« less

Energy transfer networks: Quasicontinuum photoluminescence linked to high densities of defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laurence, Ted A.; Ly, Sonny; Bude, Jeff D.; Baxamusa, Salmaan H.; Lepró, Xavier; Ehrmann, Paul

2017-11-01

In a series of studies related to laser-induced damage of optical materials and deposition of plastics, we discovered a broadly emitting photoluminescence with fast lifetimes that we termed quasicontinuum photoluminescence (QC-PL). Here, we suggest that a high density of optically active defects leads to QC-PL, where interactions between defects affect the temporal and spectral characteristics of both excitation and emission. We develop a model that predicts the temporal characteristics of QC-PL, based on energy transfer interactions between high densities of defects. Our model does not explain all spectral broadening and redshifts found in QC-PL, since we do not model spectral changes in defects due to proximity to other defects. However, we do provide an example of a well-defined system that exhibits the QC-PL characteristics of a distribution in shortened lifetimes and broadened, redshifted energy levels: an organic chromophore (fluorescein) that has been dried rapidly on a fused silica surface. Recently, we showed that regions of fused silica exposed to up to 1 billion high-fluence laser shots at 351 rm nm at subdamage fluences exhibit significant transmission losses at the surface. Here, we find that these laser-exposed regions also exhibit QC-PL. Increases in the density of induced defects on these laser-exposed surfaces, as measured by the local transmission loss, lead to decreases in the observed lifetime and redshifts in the spectrum of the QC-PL, consistent with our explanation for QC-PL. We have found QC-PL in an increasing variety of situations and materials, and we believe it is a phenomenon commonly found on surfaces and nanostructured materials.

Potential Bacillus probiotics enhance bacterial numbers, water quality and growth during early development of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

PubMed

Nimrat, Subuntith; Suksawat, Sunisa; Boonthai, Traimat; Vuthiphandchai, Verapong

2012-10-12

Epidemics of epizootics and occurrence of multiresistant antibiotics of pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture have put forward a development of effective probiotics for the sustainable culture. This study examined the effectiveness of forms of mixed Bacillus probiotics (probiotic A and probiotic B) and mode of probiotic administration on growth, bacterial numbers and water quality during rearing of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in two separated experiments: (1) larval stages and (2) postlarval (PL) stages. Forms of Bacillus probiotics and modes of probiotic administration did not affect growth and survival of larval to PL shrimp. The compositions of Bacillus species in probiotic A and probiotic B did not affect growth and survival of larvae. However, postlarvae treated with probiotic B exhibited higher (P<0.05) growth than probiotic A and controls, indicating Bacillus probiotic composition affects the growth of PL shrimp. Total heterotrophic bacteria and Bacillus numbers in larval and PL shrimp or culture water of the treated groups were higher (P<0.05) than in controls. Levels of pH, ammonia and nitrite of the treated shrimp were significantly decreased, compared to the controls. Microencapsulated Bacillus probiotic was effective for rearing of PL L. vannamei. This investigation showed that administration of mixed Bacillus probiotics significantly improved growth and survival of PL shrimp, increased beneficial bacteria in shrimp and culture water and enhanced water quality for the levels of pH, ammonia and nitrite of culture water. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Isolation, purification, characterization and bioactivities of a glucan from the root of Pueraria lobata.

PubMed

Xu, Can; Qin, Ningbo; Yan, Chunyan; Wang, Shumei

2018-05-23

The root of Pueraria lobata is considered to be a medicinal and edible herb for the treatment of diabetes, and it has a long history of application in China. To explore the constituents responsible for the anti-hyperglycemic activities of P. lobata, a water-soluble polysaccharide (PL70-1-1) was isolated and purified by using a DEAE-Cellulose 52 anion exchange column and a Sephacryl S-100 gel filtration column. Its molecular weight (2584 Da) was determined by high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC). Its structure was deduced by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), monosaccharide composition analysis, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). It was deduced that PL70-1-1 was a glucan, and its main chain consisted of (1→)-linked β-d-glucose, (1→4)-linked α-d-glucose, (1→4, 6)-linked β-d-glucose, and (1→3)-linked α-d-glucose, and the branch chain consisted of (1→)-linked β-d-glucose. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that PL70-1-1 had a needle-like shape, and the surface had a scaly texture. The Congo red experiment showed that PL70-1-1 did not have a triple-helix structure. In addition, PL70 and PL70-1 displayed selective inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase in vitro. PL70 had remarkable α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. However, PL70-1-1 exhibited outstanding α-amylase inhibitory activity, with an IC50 of 3.945 μM in vitro. This indicated that its activity was 417 times higher than the positive control acarbose. PL70-1-1 may be beneficial as an α-amylase inhibitor, reducing the postprandial blood glucose level and treating type 2 diabetes.

Quantum Dots' Photo-luminescence Line Shape Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, Muchuan; Decca, Ricardo

Two usual phenomena observed in quantum dots (QDs) photo-luminescence (PL) spectra are line broadening and energy shift between absorption and emission peaks. They have been attributed to electron-phonon coupling and surface trapping during the PL process. Although many qualitative work describing these phenomena has been carried out, quantitative results are far less common. In this work, a semi-empirical model is introduced to simulate steady state QDs' PL processes at room temperature. It was assumed that the vast majority of radiative recombination happens from surface trapped states. Consequently, the PL line shape should be highly modulated by transition rates between states in the conduction band and between them and surface trapping states. CdSe/ZnS (core/shell) colloidal QD samples with different sizes were used to examine the model. The model was able to successfully reproduce the PL spectra of these samples even when the excitation happens within the emission spectra, giving raise to up-conversion events. This model might help understand and make more precise predictions of QDs' PL spectra and could also aid on the design of QDs' optical devices.

Water-soluble CdTe nanocrystals under high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yan-Cheng

2015-02-01

The application of static high pressure provides a method for precisely controlling and investigating many fundamental and unique properties of semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs). This study systematically investigates the high-pressure photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved carrier dynamics of thiol-capped CdTe NCs of different sizes, at different concentrations, and in various stress environments. The zincblende-to-rocksalt phase transition in thiol-capped CdTe NCs is observed at a pressure far in excess of the bulk phase transition pressure. Additionally, the process of transformation depends strongly on NC size, and the phase transition pressure increases with NC size. These peculiar phenomena are attributed to the distinctive bonding of thiols to the NC surface. In a nonhydrostatic environment, considerable flattening of the PL energy of CdTe NCs powder is observed above 3.0 GPa. Furthermore, asymmetric and double-peak PL emissions are obtained from a concentrated solution of CdTe NCs under hydrostatic pressure, implying the feasibility of pressure-induced interparticle coupling.

Workshop on MQW Mixing and its Application to Optoelectronic Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

21st SEPTEMBER 1990 L Approvsd to; Puiic~ zeleaaeg serc .., 90 ! ;>:.01. . 𔃻 i OR 3ANISING COMMITTEE: . . . . B L Weiss (Chairman) University of...temperature photoluminescence ( PL ) and PL excitation (PLE) spectroscopies were used to monitor exciton energies before and after processing. After RTA...generated near the surface. Spatially resolved PL spectroscopy verified that the lateral diffusion of surface vacancies was less than that of the

Co-adsorption of water and oxygen on GaN: Effects of charge transfer and formation of electron depletion layer.

PubMed

Wang, Qi; Puntambekar, Ajinkya; Chakrapani, Vidhya

2017-09-14

Species from ambient atmosphere such as water and oxygen are known to affect electronic and optical properties of GaN, but the underlying mechanism is not clearly known. In this work, we show through careful measurement of electrical resistivity and photoluminescence intensity under various adsorbates that the presence of oxygen or water vapor alone is not sufficient to induce electron transfer to these species. Rather, the presence of both water and oxygen is necessary to induce electron transfer from GaN that leads to the formation of an electron depletion region on the surface. Exposure to acidic gases decreases n-type conductivity due to increased electron transfer from GaN, while basic gases increase n-type conductivity and PL intensity due to reduced charge transfer from GaN. These changes in the electrical and optical properties, as explained using a new electrochemical framework based on the phenomenon of surface transfer doping, suggest that gases interact with the semiconductor surface through electrochemical reactions occurring in an adsorbed water layer present on the surface.

Using liquid and solid state NMR and photoluminescence to study the synthesis and solubility properties of amine capped silicon nanoparticles.

PubMed

Giuliani, J R; Harley, S J; Carter, R S; Power, P P; Augustine, M P

2007-08-01

Water soluble silicon nanoparticles were prepared by the reaction of bromine terminated silicon nanoparticles with 3-(dimethylamino)propyl lithium and characterized with liquid and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. The surface site dependent 29Si chemical shifts and the nuclear spin relaxation rates from an assortment of 1H-29Si heteronuclear solid state NMR experiments for the amine coated reaction product are consistent with both the 1H and 13C liquid state NMR results and routine transmission electron microscopy, ultra-violet/visible, and Fourier transform infrared measurements. PL was used to demonstrate the pH dependent solubility properties of the amine passivated silicon nanoparticles.

Synthesis of zinc oxide porous structures by anodization with water as an electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shetty, Amitha; Nanda, Karuna Kar

2012-10-01

We report a simple, reliable and one-step method of synthesizing ZnO porous structures at room temperature by anodization of zinc (Zn) sheet with water as an electrolyte and graphite as a counter electrode. We observed that the de-ionized (DI) water used in the experiment is slightly acidic (pH=5.8), which is due to the dissolution of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere forming carbonic acid. Porous ZnO is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) studies. The current-transient measurement is carried out using a Gamry Instruments Reference 3000 and the thickness of the deposited films is measured using a Dektak surface profilometer. The PL, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used to confirm the presence of ZnO phase. We have demonstrated that the hybrid structures of ZnO and poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) exhibit good rectifying characteristics. The evaluated barrier height and the ideality factor are 0.45 eV and 3.6, respectively.

The Probable Explanation for the Low Friction of Natural Joints.

PubMed

Pawlak, Zenon; Urbaniak, Wieslaw; Hagner-Derengowska, Magdalena; Hagner, Wojciech

2015-04-01

The surface of an articular cartilage, coated with phospholipid (PL) bilayers, plays an important role in its lubrication and movement. Intact (normal) and depleted surfaces of the joint were modelled and the pH influence on the surface interfacial energy, wettability and friction were investigated. In the experiments, the deterioration of the PL bilayer was controlled by its wettability and the applied friction. The surrounding fluid of an undamaged articular cartilage, the synovial fluid, has a pH value of approximately 7.4. Buffer solutions were formulated to represent the synovial fluid with various pH values. It was found that the surface interfacial energy was stabilised at its lowest values when the pH varied between 6.5 and 9.5. These results suggested that as the PL bilayers deteriorated, the hydration repulsion mechanism became less effective as friction increased. The decreased number of bilayers changed the wettability and lowered PL lubricant properties.

Effects of long-term poultry litter application on phosphorus soil chemistry and runoff water quality.

PubMed

Reiter, Mark S; Daniel, Tommy C; DeLaune, Paul B; Sharpley, Andrew N; Lory, John A

2013-11-01

Continuous application of poultry litter (PL) significantly changes many soil properties, including soil test P (STP); Al, Fe, and Ca concentrations; and pH, which can affect the potential for P transport in surface runoff water. We conducted rainfall simulations on three historically acidic silt loam soils in Arkansas, Missouri, and Virginia to establish if long-term PL applications would affect soil inorganic P fractions and the resulting dissolved reactive P (DRP) in runoff water. Soil samples (0-5 cm depth) were taken to find sites ranging in Mehlich-3 STP from 20 to 1154 mg P kg. Simulated rainfall events were conducted on 3-m plots at 6.7 cm h, and runoff was collected for 30 min. Correlation between Mehlich-3 and runoff DRP indicated a linear relationship to 833 mg Mehlich-3 P kg. As Mehlich-3 STP increased, a concomitant increase in soil pH and Ca occurred on all soils. Soil P fractionation demonstrated that, as Mehlich-3 STP generally increased above 450 mg P kg (from high to very high), the easily soluble and loosely bound P fractions decreased by 3 to 10%. Water-insoluble complexes of P bound to Al and Ca were the main drivers in the reduction of DRP in runoff, accounting for up to 43 and 38% of total P, respectively. Basing runoff DRP concentration projections solely on Mehlich-3 STP may overestimate runoff P losses from soils receiving long-term PL applications due to dissolution of water-insoluble Ca-P compounds. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

Phosphine-free synthesis of high-quality reverse type-I ZnSe/CdSe core with CdS/CdxZn1 - xS/ZnS multishell nanocrystals and their application for detection of human hepatitis B surface antigen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Huaibin; Yuan, Hang; Niu, Jin Zhong; Xu, Shasha; Zhou, Changhua; Ma, Lan; Li, Lin Song

2011-09-01

Highly photoluminescent (PL) reverse type-I ZnSe/CdSe nanocrystals (NCs) and ZnSe/CdSe/CdS/CdxZn1 - xS/ZnS core/multishell NCs were successfully synthesized by a phosphine-free method. By this low-cost, 'green' synthesis route, more than 10 g of high-quality ZnSe/CdSe/CdS/CdxZn1 - xS/ZnS NCs were synthesized in a large scale synthesis. After the overgrowth of a CdS/CdxZn1 - xS/ZnS multishell on ZnSe/CdSe cores, the PL quantum yields (QYs) increased from 28% to 75% along with the stability improvement. An amphiphilic oligomer was used as a surface coating agent to conduct a phase transfer experiment, core/multishell NCs were dissolved in water by such surface modification and the QYs were still kept above 70%. The as-prepared water dispersible ZnSe/CdSe/CdS/CdxZn1 - xS/ZnS core/multishell NCs not only have high fluorescence QYs but also are extremely stable in various physiological conditions. Furthermore, a biosensor system (lateral flow immunoassay system, LFIA) for the detection of human hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was developed by using this water-soluble core/multishell NCs as a fluorescent label and a nitrocellulose filter membrane for lateral flow. The result showed that such ZnSe/CdSe/CdS/CdxZn1 - xS/ZnS core/multishell NCs were excellent fluorescent labels to detect HBsAg. The sensitivity of HBsAg detection could reach as high as 0.05 ng ml - 1.

Numerical simulation study of polar lows in Russian Arctic: dynamical characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verezemskaya, Polina; Baranyuk, Anastasia; Stepanenko, Victor

2015-04-01

Polar Lows (hereafter PL) are intensive mesoscale cyclones, appearing above the sea surface, usually behind the arctic front and characterized by severe weather conditions [1]. All in consequence of the global warming PLs started to emerge in the arctic water area as well - in summer and autumn. The research goal is to examine PLs by considering multisensory data and the resulting numerical mesoscale model. The main purpose was to realize which conditions induce PL development in such thermodynamically unusual season and region as Kara sea. In order to conduct the analysis we used visible and infrared images from MODIS (Aqua). Atmospheric water vapor V, cloud liquid water Q content and surface wind fields W were resampled by examining AMSR-E microwave radiometer data (Aqua)[2], the last one was additionally extracted from QuickSCAT scatterometer. We have selected some PL cases in Kara sea, appeared in autumn of 2007-2008. Life span of the PL was between 24 to 36 hours. Vortexes' characteristics were: W from 15m/s, Q and V values: 0.08-0.11 kg/m2 and 8-15 kg/m2 relatively. Numerical experiments were carried out with Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF), which was installed on supercomputer "Lomonosov" of Research Computing Center of Moscow State University [3]. As initial conditions was used reanalysis data ERA-Interim from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Numerical experiments were made with 5 km spatial resolution, with Goddard center microphysical parameterization and explicit convection simulation. Modeling fields were compared with satellite observations and shown good accordance. Than dynamic characteristics were analyzed: evolution of potential and absolute vorticity [4], surface heat and momentum fluxes, and CAPE and WISHE mechanisms realization. 1. Polar lows, J. Turner, E.A. Rasmussen, 612, Cambridge University press, Cambridge, 2003. 2. Zabolotskikh, E. V., Mitnik, L. M., & Chapron, B. (2013). New approach for severe marine weather study using satellite passive microwave sensing. Geophysical Research Letters, 40(13), 3347-3350. doi:10.1002/grl.50664 3. V. Sadovnichy, A. Tikhonravov, Vl. Voevodin, and V. Opanasenko "Lomonosov": Supercomputing at Moscow State University. In Contemporary High Performance Computing: From Petascale toward Exascale (Chapman & Hall/CRC Computational Science), pp.283-307, Boca Raton, USA, CRC Press, 2013. 4. B. J. Hoskins, M.E. McIntyre, A.W. Robertson, On the use and significance of isentropic potential vorticity maps, Quarterly journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, OCTOBER 1985, № 470, vol. 111(6).

Localized surface plasmon and exciton interaction in silver-coated cadmium sulphide quantum dots

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

Ghosh, P.; Rustagi, K. C.; Vasa, P.

2015-05-15

Localized surface plasmon and exciton coupling has been investigated on colloidal solutions of silver-coated CdS nanoparticles (NPs), synthesized by gamma irradiation. Two broad photoluminescence (PL) bands (blue/red) corresponding to band to band and defect state transitions have been observed for the bare and coated samples. In case of bare CdS NPs, the intensity of the red PL peak is about ten times higher than the blue PL peak intensity. However, on coating the CdS NPs with silver, the peak intensity of the blue PL band gets enhanced and becomes equal to that of the red PL band. High-resolution transmission electronmore » microscopic (HRTEM) images adequately demonstrate size distribution of these metal/semiconductor nanocomposites. UV-Vis absorption studies show quantum confinement effect in these semiconductor quantum dot (SQD) systems. Absorption spectrum of silver-coated SQDs shows signature of surface plasmon-exciton coupling which has been theoretically verified.« less

Decontamination of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on green onions using pulsed light (PL) and PL-surfactant-sanitizer combinations.

PubMed

Xu, Wenqing; Chen, Haiqiang; Huang, Yaoxin; Wu, Changqing

2013-08-16

Imported green onion has been associated with three large outbreaks in the USA. Contamination has been found on both domestic and imported green onions. The objective of our study was to investigate Escherichia coli O157:H7 inactivation efficacy of pulsed light (PL) as well as its combination with surfactant and/or sanitizers on green onions. Green onions were cut into two segments, stems and leaves, to represent two different matrixes. Stems were more difficult to be decontaminated. Spot and dip inoculation methods were compared and dipped inoculated green onions were found to be more difficult to be decontaminated. Results showed that 5s dry PL (samples were not immersed in water during PL treatment) and 60s wet PL (samples were immersed in water and stirred during PL treatment) treatments provided promising inactivation efficacy (>4log10CFU/g) for spot inoculated stems and leaves. For dip inoculated green onions, 60s wet PL treatment was comparable with 100ppm chlorine washing, demonstrating that PL could be used as an alternative to chlorine. To further increase the degree of microbial inactivation, combined treatments were applied. PL combined with surfactant (SDS) was found to be more effective than single treatments of PL, SDS, chlorine, citric acid, thymol, and hydrogen peroxide, and binary combined treatments of PL with one of those chemicals. Addition of chlorine or hydrogen peroxide to the PL-SDS combination did not further enhanced its microbial inactivation efficacy. The combination of PL and 1000ppm of SDS reduced the E. coli O157:H7 populations dip inoculated on the stems and leaves of green onions by 1.4 and 3.1log10CFU/g, respectively. Our findings suggest that PL could potentially be used for decontamination of E. coli O157:H7 on green onions, with wet PL added with SDS being the most effective PL treatment. © 2013.

Spatially resolved surface-related exciton polariton dynamics in a single ZnO tetrapod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Fangfang; Sun, Liaoxin; Zhang, Bo; Wang, Hailong

2018-02-01

The band-edge emission lifetime in a single ZnO tetrapod is studied by using the time-resolved confocal micro-photoluminescence (TR- μPL) spectroscopic technique at room temperature. By performing μPL and TR- μPL mapping along the tapered arm of tetrapod, we observe whispering gallery mode (WGM) polaritons and find that the predominant radiative lifetime of exciton polaritons decreases linearly with increasing the surface-to-volume ratio of the sample. This behavior is ascribed to the surface electric field induced enhancement of the radiative decay rate of the exciton-like polaritons coupling with LO phonons.

Broadband enhancement of photoluminance from colloidal metal halide perovskite nanocrystals on plasmonic nanostructured surfaces.

PubMed

Zhang, Si; Liang, Yuzhang; Jing, Qiang; Lu, Zhenda; Lu, Yanqing; Xu, Ting

2017-11-07

Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) as a new kind of promising optoelectronic material have attracted wide attention due to their high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield, narrow emission linewidth and wideband color tunability. Since the PL intensity always has a direct influence on the performance of optoelectronic devices, it is of vital importance to improve the perovskite NCs' fluorescence emission efficiency. Here, we synthesize three inorganic perovskite NCs and experimentally demonstrate a broadband fluorescence enhancement of perovskite NCs by exploiting plasmonic nanostructured surface consisting of nanogrooves array. The strong near-field optical localization associated with surface plasmon polariton-coupled emission effect generated by the nanogrooves array can significantly boost the absorption of perovskite NCs and tailor the fluorescence emissions. As a result, the PL intensities of perovskite NCs are broadband enhanced with a maximum factor higher than 8-fold achieved in experimental demonstration. Moreover, the high efficiency PL of perovskite NCs embedded in the polymer matrix layer on the top of plasmonic nanostructured surface can be maintained for more than three weeks. These results imply that plasmonic nanostructured surface is a good candidate to stably broadband enhance the PL intensity of perovskite NCs and further promote their potentials in the application of visible-light-emitting devices.

Tailoring the morphology of electrodeposited ZnO and its photoluminescence properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, H.; Mollar, M.; Marí, B.

2011-01-01

High density ZnO columnar films with well-aligned and well-perpendicular to the surface of film were electrodeposited on ITO substrates by using an electrolyte consisting of a mix of water and organic solvent namely dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The effect of mixing ratio of water and DMSO on the growth of film has been examined critically. SEM images have shown that well-oriented ZnO quasi-nano columns were formed perpendicular to the substrate. At the same time we found there are three kinds of competitions for growth of ZnO crystalmorphology i.e. column, rod and needle like. The needle like morphology has high density with well-aligned structure. The reasons for the growth of films of different morphology and their photoluminescence (PL) properties have been presented and discussed. It has been found that the three-dimensional (3D) ordered ZnO structure exhibits high intensity PL band which may shift their position and intensity with the varying conditions of depositions.

Influence of growth temperature on bulk and surface defects in hybrid lead halide perovskite films.

PubMed

Peng, Weina; Anand, Benoy; Liu, Lihong; Sampat, Siddharth; Bearden, Brandon E; Malko, Anton V; Chabal, Yves J

2016-01-21

The rapid development of perovskite solar cells has focused its attention on defects in perovskites, which are gradually realized to strongly control the device performance. A fundamental understanding is therefore needed for further improvement in this field. Recent efforts have mainly focused on minimizing the surface defects and grain boundaries in thin films. Using time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, we show that bulk defects in perovskite samples prepared using vapor assisted solution process (VASP) play a key role in addition to surface and grain boundary defects. The defect state density of samples prepared at 150 °C (∼10(17) cm(-3)) increases by 5 fold at 175 °C even though the average grains size increases slightly, ruling out grain boundary defects as the main mechanism for the observed differences in PL properties upon annealing. Upon surface passivation using water molecules, the PL intensity and lifetime of samples prepared at 200 °C are only partially improved, remaining significantly lower than those prepared at 150 °C. Thus, the present study indicates that the majority of these defect states observed at elevated growth temperatures originates from bulk defects and underscores the importance to control the formation of bulk defects together with grain boundary and surface defects to further improve the optoelectronic properties of perovskites.

Nonlinear optical probe of biopolymer adsorption on colloidal particle surface: poly-L-lysine on polystyrene sulfate microspheres.

PubMed

Eckenrode, Heather M; Dai, Hai-Lung

2004-10-12

A nonlinear optical technique--second harmonic generation (SHG)--has been applied to characterize the adsorption of poly-L-lysine on micrometer size polystyrene particles, whose surface is covered with negatively charged sulfonate groups, in aqueous solutions. Adsorption behavior of the biopolymer with two chain lengths (14 and 75 amino acid units; PL14 and PL75) has been examined. Centrifugation experiments were also performed to support the adsorption measurements made using SHG. The adsorption free energies of the two polymers PL75 and PL14 are determined as -16.57 and -14.40 kcal/mol, respectively. The small difference in the adsorption free energies of the two chain lengths, however, leads to dramatic difference in the concentration needed for saturated surface coverage: nearly 50 times higher concentration is needed for the smaller polymer. Under acidic colloidal conditions, polylysine is found to adsorb in a relatively flat conformation on the surface. The surface area that each polylysine molecule occupies is nearly 1 order of magnitude larger than the size of the molecule in its extended form. The low adsorption density is likely a result from Coulombic repulsion between the positive charges on the amino acid units of PL. The measurements demonstrate the utility of SHG as an efficient and sensitive experimental approach for measuring adsorption characteristics of bio/macromolecules on colloidal particles and define surface and colloidal conditions for achieving maximum surface coverage of a widely used biopolymer. Copyright 2004 American Chemical Society

Nutrient release and ammonium sorption by poultry litter and wood biochars in stormwater treatment.

PubMed

Tian, Jing; Miller, Valentina; Chiu, Pei C; Maresca, Julia A; Guo, Mingxin; Imhoff, Paul T

2016-05-15

The feasibility of using biochar as a filter medium in stormwater treatment facilities was evaluated with a focus on ammonium retention. Successive batch extractions and batch ammonium sorption experiments were conducted in both deionized (DI) water and artificial stormwater using poultry litter (PL) and hardwood (HW) biochars pyrolyzed at 400°C and 500°C. No measureable nitrogen leached from HW biochars except 0.07 μmol/g of org-N from 400°C HW biochar. PL biochar pyrolyzed at 400°C leached 120-127 μmol/g of nitrogen but only 7.1-8.6 μmol/g of nitrogen when pyrolyzed at 500°C. Ammonium sorption was significant for all biochars. At a typical ammonium concentration of 2mg/L in stormwater, the maximum sorption was 150 mg/kg for PL biochar pryolyzed at 400°C. In stormwater, ion competition (e.g. Ca(2+)) suppressed ammonium sorption compared to DI water. Surprisingly, ammonium sorption was negatively correlated to the BET surface area of the tested biochars, but increased linearly with cation exchange capacity. Cation exchange capacity was the primary mechanism controlling ammonium sorption and was enhanced by pyrolysis at 400°C, while BET surface area was enhanced by pyrolysis at 500°C. The optimal properties (BET surface area, CEC, etc.) of biochar as a sorbent are not fixed but depend on the target pollutant. Stormwater infiltration column experiments in sand with 10% biochar removed over 90% of ammonium with influent ammonium concentration of 2mg/L, compared to only 1.7% removal in a sand-only column, indicating that kinetic limitations on sorption were minor for the storm conditions studied. Hardwood and poultry litter biochar pyrolyzed at 500°C and presumably higher temperature may be viable filter media for stormwater treatment facilities, as they showed limited release of organic and inorganic nutrients and acceptable ammonium sorption. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Deposition kinetics of quantum dots and polystyrene latex nanoparticles onto alumina: role of water chemistry and particle coating.

PubMed

Quevedo, Ivan R; Olsson, Adam L J; Tufenkji, Nathalie

2013-03-05

A clear understanding of the factors controlling the deposition behavior of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), such as quantum dots (QDs), is necessary for predicting their transport and fate in natural subsurface environments and in water filtration processes. A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) was used to study the effect of particle surface coatings and water chemistry on the deposition of commercial QDs onto Al2O3. Two carboxylated QDs (CdSe and CdTe) with different surface coatings were compared with two model nanoparticles: sulfate-functionalized (sPL) and carboxyl-modified (cPL) polystyrene latex. Deposition rates were assessed over a range of ionic strengths (IS) in simple electrolyte (KCl) and in electrolyte supplemented with two organic molecules found in natural waters; namely, humic acid and rhamnolipid. The Al2O3 collector used here is selected to be representative of oxide patches found on the surface of aquifer or filter grains. Deposition studies showed that ENP deposition rates on bare Al2O3 generally decreased with increasing salt concentration, with the exception of the polyacrylic-acid (PAA) coated CdTe QD which exhibited unique deposition behavior due to changes in the conformation of the PAA coating. QD deposition rates on bare Al2O3 were approximately 1 order of magnitude lower than those of the polystyrene latex nanoparticles, likely as a result of steric stabilization imparted by the QD surface coatings. Adsorption of humic acid or rhamnolipid on the Al2O3 surface resulted in charge reversal of the collector and subsequent reduction in the deposition rates of all ENPs. Moreover, the ratio of the two QCM-D output parameters, frequency and dissipation, revealed key structural information of the ENP-collector interface; namely, on bare Al2O3, the latex particles were rigidly attached as compared to the more loosely attached QDs. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the nature of ENP coatings as well as organic molecule adsorption onto particle and collector surfaces to avoid underestimating ENP mobility in natural and engineered aquatic environments.

Water-Soluble Polymers with Strong Photoluminescence through an Eco-Friendly and Low-Cost Route.

PubMed

Guo, Zhaoyan; Ru, Yue; Song, Wenbo; Liu, Zhenjie; Zhang, Xiaohong; Qiao, Jinliang

2017-07-01

Photoluminescence (PL) of nonconjugated polymers brings a favorable opportunity for low-cost and nontoxic luminescent materials, while most of them still exhibit relatively weak emission. Strong PL from poly[(maleic anhydride)-alt-(vinyl acetate)] (PMV) from low-cost monomer has been found in organic solvents, yet the necessity of noxious solvents would hinder its practical applications. Herein, through a novel, eco-friendly, and one-step route, PMV-derived PL polymers can be fabricated with the highest quantum yield of 87% among water-soluble nonconjugated PL polymers ever reported. These PMV-derived polymers emit strong blue emission in both solutions and solids, and can be transformed into red-emission agents easily. These PL polymers exhibit application potentials in light-conversion agricultural films. It is assumed that this work not only puts forward a convenient preparation routine for nonconjugated polymers with high PL, but also provides an industrial application possibility for them. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A nonpolar, nonamphiphilic molecule can accelerate adsorption of phospholipids and lower their surface tension at the air/water interface.

PubMed

Nguyen, Phuc Nghia; Trinh Dang, Thuan Thao; Waton, Gilles; Vandamme, Thierry; Krafft, Marie Pierre

2011-10-04

The adsorption dynamics of a series of phospholipids (PLs) at the interface between an aqueous solution or dispersion of the PL and a gas phase containing the nonpolar, nonamphiphilic linear perfluorocarbon perfluorohexane (PFH) was studied by bubble profile analysis tensiometry. The PLs investigated were dioctanoylphosphatidylcholine (DiC(8)-PC), dilaurylphosphatidylcholine, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. The gas phase consisted of air or air saturated with PFH. The perfluorocarbon gas was found to have an unexpected, strong effect on both the adsorption rate and the equilibrium interfacial tension (γ(eq)) of the PLs. First, for all of the PLs, and at all concentrations investigated, the γ(eq) values were significantly lower (by up to 10 mN m(-1)) when PFH was present in the gas phase. The efficacy of PFH in decreasing γ(eq) depends on the ability of PLs to form micelles or vesicles in water. For vesicles, it also depends on the gel or fluid state of the membranes. Second, the adsorption rates of all the PLs at the interface (as assessed by the time required for the initial interfacial tension to be reduced by 30%) are significantly accelerated (by up to fivefold) by the presence of PFH for the lower PL concentrations. Both the surface-tension reducing effect and the adsorption rate increasing effect establish that PFH has a strong interaction with the PL monolayer and acts as a cosurfactant at the interface, despite the absence of any amphiphilic character. Fitting the adsorption profiles of DiC(8)-PC at the PFH-saturated air/aqueous solution interface with the modified Frumkin model indicated that the PFH molecule lay horizontally at the interface. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Photoluminescence and lasing properties of MAPbBr3 single crystals grown from solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aryal, Sandip; Lafalce, Evan; Zhang, Chuang; Zhai, Yaxin; Vardeny, Z. Valy

Recent studies of solution-grown single crystals of inorganic-organic hybrid lead-trihalide perovskites have suggested that surface traps may play a significant role in their photophysics. We study electron-hole recombination in single crystal MAPbBr3 through such trap states using cw photoluminescence (PL) and ps transient photoinduced absorption (PA) spectroscopies. By varying the depth of the collecting optics we examined the contributions from surface and bulk radiative recombination. We found a surface dominated PL band at the band-edge that is similar to that observed from polycrystalline thin films, as well as a weaker red-shifted emission band that originates from the bulk crystal. The two PL bands are distinguished in their temperature, excitation intensity and polarization dependencies, as well as their ps dynamics. Additionally, amplified spontaneous emission and crystal-related cavity lasing modes were observed in the same spectral range as the PL band assigned to the surface recombination. This work was funded by AFOSR through MURI Grant RA 9550-14-1-0037.

Surface-plasmon-enhanced photoluminescence of quantum dots based on open-ring nanostructure array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kannegulla, Akash; Liu, Ye; Cheng, Li-Jing

2016-03-01

Enhanced photoluminescence (PL) of quantum dots (QD) in visible range using plasmonic nanostructures has potential to advance several photonic applications. The enhancement effect is, however, limited by the light coupling efficiency to the nanostructures. Here we demonstrate experimentally a new open-ring nanostructure (ORN) array 100 nm engraved into a 200 nm thick silver thin film to maximize light absorption and, hence, PL enhancement at a broadband spectral range. The structure is different from the traditional isolated or through-hole split-ring structures. Theoretical calculations based on FDTD method show that the absorption peak wavelength can be adjusted by their period and dimension. A broadband absorption of about 60% was measured at the peak wavelength of 550 nm. The emission spectrum of CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots was chosen to match the absorption band of the ORN array to enhance its PL. The engraved silver ORN array was fabricated on a silver thin film deposited on a silicon substrate using focus ion beam (FIB) patterning. The device was characterized by using a thin layer of QD water dispersion formed between the ORN substrate and a cover glass. The experimental results show the enhanced PL for the QD with emission spectrum overlapping the absorption band of ORN substrate and quantum efficiency increases from 50% to 70%. The ORN silver substrate with high absorption over a broadband spectrum enables the PL enhancement and will benefit applications in biosensing, wavelength tunable filters, and imaging.

Solvothermal tuning of photoluminescent graphene quantum dots: from preparation to photoluminescence mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Bao-Ping; Zhang, Xiaoru; Shang, Bing-Bing; Xiang, Dongshan; Zhang, Shenghui

2018-02-01

Solvothermal synthesis was employed to tune the surface states of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Two series of GQDs with the particle sizes from 2.6 to 4.5 nm were prepared as follows: (I) GQDs with the same size but different oxygen degrees; (II) GQDs with different core sizes but the similar surface chemistry. Both the large sizes and the high surface oxidation degrees led to the redshift photoluminescence (PL) of GQDs. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) spectra from two series of GQDs were all in accordance with their PL spectra, respectively, which provided good evidence for the conjugated structures in GQDs responsible for PL. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

A comprehensive analysis of transfection-assisted delivery of iron oxide nanoparticles to dendritic cells.

PubMed

Toki, Shinji; Omary, Reed A; Wilson, Kevin; Gore, John C; Peebles, R Stokes; Pham, Wellington

2013-11-01

Polylysine (PL) has been used to facilitate dendritic cell (DC) uptake of super paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this work, we examined the effect of PL on cell toxicity and induction of cell maturation as manifested by the up-regulation of surface molecules. We found that PL became toxic to bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) at the 10 μg/ml threshold. Incubation of BMDCs with 20 μg/ml of PL for 1h resulted in approximately 90% cell death. However, addition of SPIO nanoparticles rescued DCs from PL-induced death as the combination of SPIO with PL did not cause cytotoxicity until the PL concentration was 1000 μg/ml. Prolonged exposure to PL induced BMDC maturation as noted by the expression of surface molecules such as MHC class II, CD40, CCR7 and CD86. However, the combination of SPIO and PL did not induce BMDC maturation at 1h. However prolonged exposure to SPIO nanoparticles induced CD40 expression and protein expression of TNFα and KC. The data suggest that the use of PL to enhance the labeling of DCs with SPIO nanoparticles is a dedicated work. Appropriate calibration of the incubation time and concentrations of PL and SPIO nanoparticles is crucial to the development of MRI technology for noninvasive imaging of DCs in vivo. The authors of this study present detailed data on toxicity and efficiency of polylysine-facilitated uptake of USPIO-s by dendritic cells for cell-specific MR imaging. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Effects of Bleaching Agents Combined with Regular and Whitening Toothpastes on Surface Roughness and Mineral Content of Enamel.

PubMed

Attia, Mariana Lerner; Cavalli, Vanessa; do Espírito Santo, Ana Maria; Martin, Airton Abrahão; D'Arce, Maria Beatriz Freitas; Aguiar, Flávio Henrique Baggio; Lovadino, José Roberto; do Rego, Marcos Augusto; Cavalcanti, Andréa Nóbrega; Liporoni, Priscila Christiane Suzy

2015-07-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate surface roughness and changes in the composition of enamel submitted to different bleaching protocols and toothbrushing with regular and whitening toothpastes. Bleaching treatment could promote morphological and chemical changes in enamel surface. Enamel blocks were randomized into nine groups (n=10) according to the bleaching treatment (no bleaching, control group; 6% hydrogen peroxide, HP; or 10% carbamide peroxide, CP) and toothpaste used (placebo, PL; regular, R; or whitening dentifrice, W). Bleaching was performed according to manufacturers' instructions and all groups were submitted to 30,000 cycles of simulated toothbrushing with toothpaste (PL, R, or W). Mineral content evaluation and enamel roughness were evaluated initially (T1), after bleaching (T2), and after toothbrushing (T3), using an energy-dispersive micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and profilometry, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed with two way ANOVA, Tukey, and Dunnett tests (5%). Enamel surface roughness was influenced by bleaching and toothbrushing. Surface roughness increased for the groups that brushed with the placebo dentifrice (CP+PL, HP+PL, C+PL) and for the control group that brushed with whitening dentifrice (C+W). Enamel Ca/P ratio decreased after bleaching, but toothbrushing, regardless of the dentifrice used, did not reduce the enamel mineral content. The bleaching treatment resulted in a decrease of enamel mineral content, but the studied dentifrices did not contribute to surface mineral loss.

Near-unity quantum yields from chloride treated CdTe colloidal quantum dots

DOE PAGES

Page, Robert C.; Espinobarro-Velazquez, Daniel; Leontiadou, Marina A.; ...

2014-10-27

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising materials for novel light sources and solar energy conversion. However, trap states associated with the CQD surface can produce non-radiative charge recombination that significantly reduces device performance. Here a facile post-synthetic treatment of CdTe CQDs is demonstrated that uses chloride ions to achieve near-complete suppression of surface trapping, resulting in an increase of photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) from ca. 5% to up to 97.2 ± 2.5%. The effect of the treatment is characterised by absorption and PL spectroscopy, PL decay, scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We find thismore » process also dramatically improves the air-stability of the CQDs: before treatment the PL is largely quenched after 1 hour of air-exposure, whilst the treated samples showed a PL QY of nearly 50% after more than 12 hours.« less

A solid phospholipid-bile salts-mixed micelles based on the fast dissolving oral films to improve the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Qing-yuan; Li, Xian-yi; Shen, Bao-de; Dai, Ling; Xu, He; Shen, Cheng-ying; Yuan, Hai-long; Han, Jin

2014-06-01

The phospholipid-bile salts-mixed micelles (PL-BS-MMs) are potent carriers used for oral absorption of drugs that are poorly soluble in water; however, there are many limitations associated with liquid formulations. In the current study, the feasibility of preparing the fast dissolving oral films (FDOFs) containing PL-BS-MMs was examined. FDOFs incorporated with Cucurbitacin B (Cu B)-loaded PL-sodium deoxycholate (SDC)-MMs have been developed and characterized. To prepare the MMs and to serve as the micellar carrier, a weight ratio of 1:0.8 and total concentration of 54 mg/mL was selected for the PL/SDC based on the size, size distribution, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and morphology. The concentration of Cu B was determined to be 5 mg/mL. Results showed that a narrow size distributed nanomicelles with a mean particle size of 86.21 ± 6.11 nm and a zeta potential of -31.21 ± 1.17 mV was obtained in our optimized Cu B-PL/SDC-MMs formulation. FDOFs were produced by solvent casting method and the formulation with 50 mg/mL of pullulan and 40 mg/mL of PEG 400 were deemed based on the physico-mechanical properties. The FDOFs containing Cu B-PL/SDC-MMs were easily reconstituted in a transparent and clear solution giving back a colloidal system with spherical micelles in the submicron range. In the in vitro dissolution test, the FDOFs containing Cu B-PL/SDC-MMs showed an increased dissolution velocity markedly. The pharmacokinetics study showed that the FDOFs containing PL-SDC-MMs not only kept the absorption properties as same as the PL-SDC-MMs, but also significantly increased the oral bioavailability of Cu B compared to the Cu B suspension ( p < 0.05). This study showed that the FDOFs containing Cu B-PL/SDC-MMs could represent a novel platform for the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs via oral administration. Furthermore, the integration with the FDOFs could also provide a simple and cost-effective manner for the solidification of PL-SDC-MMs.

Characterization of Weissella kimchii PL9023 as a potential probiotic for women.

PubMed

Lee, Yeonhee

2005-09-01

From more than 100 lactic acid bacteria, Weissella kimchii PL9023 was selected as producing the most hydrogen peroxide and was characterized as a probiotic for women. W. kimchii PL9023 inhibited the growth and adherence of vaginal isolates of Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae. The surface components involved in adherence of W. kimchii PL9023 to vaginal epithelial cells appeared to be glycoproteins, as determined by susceptibility to proteinase K, heat, or periodate. W. kimchii PL9023 did not produce harmful metabolites or enzymes. The results of this study suggest that W. kimchii PL9023 is a potential probiotic for vaginal health.

Ammonia volatilization loss from surface applied livestock manure.

PubMed

Paramasivam, S; Jayaraman, K; Wilson, Takela C; Alva, Ashok K; Kelson, Luma; Jones, Leandra B

2009-03-01

Ammonia (NH(3)) emission from livestock manures used in agriculture reduces N uptake by crops and negatively impacts air quality. This laboratory study was conducted to evaluate NH(3)emission from different livestock manures applied to two soils: Candler fins sand (CFS; light-textured soil, pH 6.8 and field capacity soil water content of 70 g kg(-1)) from Lake Alfred, Florida and Ogeechee loamy sand (OLS; medium-textured soil, pH 5.2 and field capacity soil water content of 140 g kg(-1)) from Savannah, Georgia. Poultry litter (PL) collected from a poultry farm near Douglas, Georgia, and fresh solid separate of swine manure (SM) collected from a farm near Clinton, North Carolina were used. Each of the soil was weighed in 100 g sub samples and amended with either PL or SM at rates equivalent to either 0, 2.24, 5.60, 11.20, or 22.40 Mg ha(-1) in 1L Mason jars and incubated in the laboratory at field capacity soil water content for 19 days to monitor NH(3) volatilization. Results indicated a greater NH(3) loss from soils amended with SM compared to that with PL. The cumulative NH(3)volatilization loss over 19 days ranged from 4 to 27% and 14 to 32% of total N applied as PL and SM, respectively. Volatilization of NH(3) was greater from light-textured CFS than that from medium-textured OLS. Volatilization loss increased with increasing rates of manure application. Ammonia volatilization was lower at night time than that during the day time. Differences in major factors such as soil water content, temperature, soil type and live stock manure type influenced the diurnal variation in volatilization loss of NH(3) from soils. A significant portion (> 50%) of cumulative NH(3) emission over 19 d occurred during the first 5-7 d following the application of livestock manures. Results of this study demonstrate that application of low rates of livestock manure (< or = 5.60 Mg ha(-1)) is recommended to minimize NH(3) emissions.

Deconvolution of mixtures with high plagioclase content for the remote interpretation of lunar plagioclase-rich regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serventi, Giovanna; Carli, Cristian; Sgavetti, Maria

2016-07-01

Anorthositic rocks are widespread on the lunar surface and have probably been formed by flotation of PL over a magma ocean. A large portion of pristine rocks are characterized by a low Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratio, and have been classified as ferroan anorthosite, and recently, after observation from SELENE Spectral Profiler,pure anorthosites regions with more than 98% PL have been recognized. In this paper, we analyze a set of mixtures with PL content similar to the ferroan anorthosites and to the pure anorthosite regions, using the Origin Software and the Modified Gaussian Model. We consider three plagioclases with varying FeOwt% contents (PL1, PL2 and PL3)andthree mafic end-members (1) 100% orthopyroxene, (2) 56% orthopyroxene and 44% clinopyroxene, and (3) 100% olivine (OL). The spectral parameters considered here are: band depth, band center, band width, c0 (the continuum intercept) and c1 (the continuum offset). Here we have shown that in pyroxene (PX)-bearing mixtures, the PX is distinguishable even in mixtures with only 1% PX and that PX band at ca. 900 nm is always deeper than PL1 band while PL2 and PL3 are deeperthan OPX 900 nm band from 95, 96% PL. In OL-bearing mixtures, OL detection limit is 2% when mixed with PL1, and 3% and 4% if mixed with PL2 and PL3. We also demonstrated how spectral parameters vary with PL%, and, generally, increasing the PL content: (1) 1250 nm band depth decreases when mixed with OL, while it deepens in mixtures with PX; (2) 1250 nm band centers generally move towards longer wavelength for PL1-bearing mixtures, while do not show significant variations considering PL2/PL3-mixtures; (3) 1250 nm band width of PL1 in E1 and E5-mixtures substantially widens while in other mixtures it only slightly varies. Here we also proposed an application to a real case, from Proclus crater, revealing how studying terrestrial analogues is fundamental to infer hypothesis on the mineralogical composition of a planetary surface, but also how the spectral convergence of spectra characterized by different compositions can led to misleading interpretations.

Evaluation of the water-equivalence of plastic materials in low- and high-energy clinical proton beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lourenço, A.; Shipley, D.; Wellock, N.; Thomas, R.; Bouchard, H.; Kacperek, A.; Fracchiolla, F.; Lorentini, S.; Schwarz, M.; MacDougall, N.; Royle, G.; Palmans, H.

2017-05-01

The aim of this work was to evaluate the water-equivalence of new trial plastics designed specifically for light-ion beam dosimetry as well as commercially available plastics in clinical proton beams. The water-equivalence of materials was tested by computing a plastic-to-water conversion factor, {{H}\\text{pl,\\text{w}}} . Trial materials were characterized experimentally in 60 MeV and 226 MeV un-modulated proton beams and the results were compared with Monte Carlo simulations using the FLUKA code. For the high-energy beam, a comparison between the trial plastics and various commercial plastics was also performed using FLUKA and Geant4 Monte Carlo codes. Experimental information was obtained from laterally integrated depth-dose ionization chamber measurements in water, with and without plastic slabs with variable thicknesses in front of the water phantom. Fluence correction factors, {{k}\\text{fl}} , between water and various materials were also derived using the Monte Carlo method. For the 60 MeV proton beam, {{H}\\text{pl,\\text{w}}} and {{k}\\text{fl}} factors were within 1% from unity for all trial plastics. For the 226 MeV proton beam, experimental {{H}\\text{pl,\\text{w}}} values deviated from unity by a maximum of about 1% for the three trial plastics and experimental results showed no advantage regarding which of the plastics was the most equivalent to water. Different magnitudes of corrections were found between Geant4 and FLUKA for the various materials due mainly to the use of different nonelastic nuclear data. Nevertheless, for the 226 MeV proton beam, {{H}\\text{pl,\\text{w}}} correction factors were within 2% from unity for all the materials. Considering the results from the two Monte Carlo codes, PMMA and trial plastic #3 had the smallest {{H}\\text{pl,\\text{w}}} values, where maximum deviations from unity were 1%, however, PMMA range differed by 16% from that of water. Overall, {{k}\\text{fl}} factors were deviating more from unity than {{H}\\text{pl,\\text{w}}} factors and could amount to a few percent for some materials.

Photoluminescence spectral reliance on aggregation order of 1,1-Bis(2'-thienyl)-2,3,4,5-tetraphenylsilole.

PubMed

Chen, Junwu; Xu, Bin; Yang, Kaixia; Cao, Yong; Sung, Herman H Y; Williams, Ian D; Tang, Ben Zhong

2005-09-15

1,1-Bis(2'-thienyl)-2,3,4,5-tetraphenylsilole (1) was prepared and characterized crystallographically. Silole 1 exhibited aggregation-induced emission (AIE) behavior like other 2,3,4,5-tetraphenylsiloles. Unexpectedly, aggregates formed in water/acetone (6:4 by volume) mixture emitted a blue light that peaked at 474 nm, while aggregates formed in the mixtures with higher water fractions emitted green light that peaked at 500 nm. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the aggregates formed in the mixture with water fraction of 60% were single crystals, while aggregates that formed in the mixture with water fraction of 90% were irregular and poorly ordered particles. The unusual PL spectral reliance on aggregation order was further confirmed by PL emissions of macroscopic crystal powders and amorphous powders of the silole in the dry state. PL spectral blue shifting was observed upon aging of the poorly ordered aggregates formed in mixtures with water fractions of 70-90%, and they finally exhibited the same blue emission as the crystalline aggregates. The as-deposited thin solid film was amorphous and it could be transformed to a transparent crystalline film upon treatment in the vapor of an ethanol/water (1:1 by volume) mixture, along with PL spectral blue shifting due to changing of aggregation order. It was also found that the crystalline film showed a blue-shifted absorption spectrum relative to the amorphous film and the shift of the absorption edge of the spectra could match that of corresponding PL spectra. The FT-IR spectrum of crystal powders of 1 displayed more vibration modes compared with that of amorphous powders, suggesting the existence of different pi-overlaps or different molecular conformations. The crystals of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4,5-pentaphenylsilole and hexaphenylsilole also showed blue-shifted PL emissions of their amorphous solids, with a comparable PL spectral shift of 1. Developing of a silole solution on a TLC plate readily brought about an amorphous thin layer. Our results suggest that crystalline films of AIE-active siloles are potential emissive layers for efficient blue OLEDs with stable color and long lifetime.

In situ air temperature and humidity measurements over diverse land covers in Greenbelt, Maryland, November 2013-November 2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carroll, Mark L.; Brown, Molly E.; Wooten, Margaret R.; Donham, Joel E.; Hubbard, Alfred B.; Ridenhour, William B.

2016-09-01

As our climate changes through time there is an ever-increasing need to quantify how and where it is changing so that mitigation strategies can be implemented. Urban areas have a disproportionate amount of warming due, in part, to the conductive properties of concrete and asphalt surfaces, surface albedo, heat capacity, lack of water, etc. that make up an urban environment. The NASA Climate Adaptation Science Investigation working group at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, conducted a study to collect temperature and humidity data at 15 min intervals from 12 sites at the center. These sites represent the major surface types at the center: asphalt, building roof, grass field, forest, and rain garden. The data show a strong distinction in the thermal properties of these surfaces at the center and the difference between the average values for the center compared to a local meteorological station. The data have been submitted to Oak Ridge National Laboratory Distributed Active Archive Center (ORNL-DAAC) for archival in comma separated value (csv) file format (Carroll et al., 2016) and can be found by following this link: http://daac.ornl.gov/cgi-bin/dsviewer.pl?ds_id=1319.

Glacier topography and elevation changes derived from Pléiades sub-meter stereo images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berthier, E.; Vincent, C.; Magnússon, E.; Gunnlaugsson, Á. Þ.; Pitte, P.; Le Meur, E.; Masiokas, M.; Ruiz, L.; Pálsson, F.; Belart, J. M. C.; Wagnon, P.

2014-12-01

In response to climate change, most glaciers are losing mass and hence contribute to sea-level rise. Repeated and accurate mapping of their surface topography is required to estimate their mass balance and to extrapolate/calibrate sparse field glaciological measurements. In this study we evaluate the potential of sub-meter stereo imagery from the recently launched Pléiades satellites to derive digital elevation models (DEMs) of glaciers and their elevation changes. Our five evaluation sites, where nearly simultaneous field measurements were collected, are located in Iceland, the European Alps, the central Andes, Nepal and Antarctica. For Iceland, the Pléiades DEM is also compared to a lidar DEM. The vertical biases of the Pléiades DEMs are less than 1 m if ground control points (GCPs) are used, but reach up to 7 m without GCPs. Even without GCPs, vertical biases can be reduced to a few decimetres by horizontal and vertical co-registration of the DEMs to reference altimetric data on ice-free terrain. Around these biases, the vertical precision of the Pléiades DEMs is ±1 m and even ±0.5 m on the flat glacier tongues (1σ confidence level). Similar precision levels are obtained in the accumulation areas of glaciers and in Antarctica. We also demonstrate the high potential of Pléiades DEMs for measuring seasonal, annual and multi-annual elevation changes with an accuracy of 1 m or better if cloud-free images are available. The negative region-wide mass balances of glaciers in the Mont-Blanc area (-1.04 ± 0.23 m a-1 water equivalent, w.e.) are revealed by differencing Satellite pour l'Observation de la Terre 5 (SPOT 5) and Pléiades DEMs acquired in August 2003 and 2012, confirming the accelerated glacial wastage in the European Alps.

Disentangling nonradiative recombination processes in Ge micro-crystals on Si substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pezzoli, Fabio; Giorgioni, Anna; Gallacher, Kevin; Isa, Fabio; Biagioni, Paolo; Millar, Ross W.; Gatti, Eleonora; Grilli, Emanuele; Bonera, Emiliano; Isella, Giovanni; Paul, Douglas J.; Miglio, Leo

2016-06-01

We address nonradiative recombination pathways by leveraging surface passivation and dislocation management in μm-scale arrays of Ge crystals grown on deeply patterned Si substrates. The time decay photoluminescence (PL) at cryogenic temperatures discloses carrier lifetimes approaching 45 ns in band-gap engineered Ge micro-crystals. This investigation provides compelling information about the competitive interplay between the radiative band-edge transitions and the trapping of carriers by dislocations and free surfaces. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the temperature dependence of the PL, combined with capacitance data and finite difference time domain modeling, demonstrates the effectiveness of GeO2 in passivating the surface of Ge and thus in enhancing the room temperature PL emission.

Effect of Ligand Exchange on the Photoluminescence Properties of Cu-Doped Zn-In-Se Quantum Dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Xiaofei; Xu, Jianping; Yang, Hui; Zhang, Xiaosong; Mo, Zhaojun; Shi, Shaobo; Li, Lan; Yin, Shougen

2018-04-01

The surface-bound ligands of a semiconductor nanocrystal can affect its electron transition behavior. We investigate the photoluminescence (PL) properties of Cu-doped Zn-In-Se quantum dots (QDs) through the exchange of oleylamine with 6-mercaptohexanol (MCH). Fourier transform infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, and mass spectrometry reveal that the short-chain MCH molecules are bound to the QD surface. The emission peaks remain unchanged after ligand exchange, and the PL quantum yield is reduced from 49% to 38%. The effects of particle size and defect type on the change in PL behavior upon ligand substitution are excluded through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis absorption, and PL spectroscopies. The origin of the decreased PL intensity is associated with increased ligand density and the stronger ligand electron-donating abilities of MCH-capped QDs that induce an increase in the nonradiative transition probability. A lower PL quenching transition temperature is observed for MCH-capped QDs and is associated with increasing electron-acoustic phonon coupling due to the lower melting temperature of MCH.

Preparation, characterization and properties of ZnO nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Jiaolian; Zhang, Xiaoming; Chen, Ruxue; Wang, Xiaohui; Zhu, Ji; Wang, Xiaomin

2017-06-01

In this paper, using the hydrothermal synthesis method, NaOH, Zn(NO3)2, anhydrous ethanol, deionized water as raw material to prepare ZnO nanomaterial, and by X ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) on the synthesis of nano materials, surface morphology and phase luminescence characterization. The results show that the nano materials synthesized for single-phase ZnO, belonging to the six wurtzite structure; material surface shaped, arranged evenly distributed, and were the top six party structure; ZnO nano materials synthesized with strong emission spectra, emission peak is located at 394nm.

Virtual Ligand Screening Using PL-PatchSurfer2, a Molecular Surface-Based Protein-Ligand Docking Method.

PubMed

Shin, Woong-Hee; Kihara, Daisuke

2018-01-01

Virtual screening is a computational technique for predicting a potent binding compound for a receptor protein from a ligand library. It has been a widely used in the drug discovery field to reduce the efforts of medicinal chemists to find hit compounds by experiments.Here, we introduce our novel structure-based virtual screening program, PL-PatchSurfer, which uses molecular surface representation with the three-dimensional Zernike descriptors, which is an effective mathematical representation for identifying physicochemical complementarities between local surfaces of a target protein and a ligand. The advantage of the surface-patch description is its tolerance on a receptor and compound structure variation. PL-PatchSurfer2 achieves higher accuracy on apo form and computationally modeled receptor structures than conventional structure-based virtual screening programs. Thus, PL-PatchSurfer2 opens up an opportunity for targets that do not have their crystal structures. The program is provided as a stand-alone program at http://kiharalab.org/plps2 . We also provide files for two ligand libraries, ChEMBL and ZINC Drug-like.

Antiobesity effects of Undaria lipid capsules prepared with scallop phospholipids.

PubMed

Okada, Tomoko; Mizuno, Yasuyuki; Sibayama, Shinichi; Hosokawa, Masashi; Miyashita, Kazuo

2011-01-01

Based on previous research findings, a capsule was developed containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid rich scallop phospholipids (PLs) with an incorporation of brown seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) lipids (ULs) containing fucoxanthin. The antiobesity effects of the capsules were evaluated with an animal model using 3-wk-old male KK-A(y) mice. Each group received different combinations of lipid (UL, PL, UL + PL, or UL + PL capsule) either incorporated into the diet or into drinking water. Animals were sacrificed after a 4-wk experimental feeding period, and adipose tissues and organs were dissected and weighed. Blood samples were obtained to determine plasma lipid profiles. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) mRNA expression levels were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, and UCP1 expression was determined by western blotting analysis. Treatment with either UL alone or UL + PL (capsule) through drinking water resulted in a significant reduction in body weight, compared to the control group. The total white adipose tissue weight of mice fed the UL + PL capsule in drinking water was significantly reduced. Both UCP1 and UCP1 mRNA expression in epididymal fat from mice fed the capsule were significantly higher than in the control group. These results suggest that incorporation of UL into scallop-derived PL by means of capsulation may lead to an additive increase in the antiobesity properties of these bioactive lipids.

The preparation and characterization of La doped TiO 2 nanoparticles and their photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liqiang, Jing; Xiaojun, Sun; Baifu, Xin; Baiqi, Wang; Weimin, Cai; Honggang, Fu

2004-10-01

In this paper, pure and La doped TiO2 nanoparticles with different La content were prepared by a sol-gel process using Ti (OC4H9)4 as raw material, and also were characterized by XRD, TG-DTA, TEM, XPS, DRS and Photoluminescence (PL) spectra. We mainly investigated the effects of calcining temperature and La content on the properties and the photocatalytic activity for degrading phenol of as-prepared TiO2 samples, and also discussed the relationships between PL spectra and photocatalytic activity as well as the mechanisms of La doping on TiO2 phase transformation. The results showed that La3+ did not enter into the crystal lattices of TiO2 and was uniformly dispersed onto TiO2 as the form of La2O3 particles with small size, which possibly made La dopant have a great inhibition on TiO2 phase transformation; La dopant did not give rise to a new PL signal, but it could improve the intensity of PL spectra with a appropriate La content, which was possibly attributed to the increase in the content of surface oxygen vacancies and defects after doping La; La doped TiO2 nanoparticles calcined at 600°C exhibited higher photocatalytic activity, indicating that 600°C was an appropriate calcination temperature. The order of photocatalytic activity of La doped TiO2 samples with different La content was as following: 1>1.5>3>0.5>5>0 mol%, which was the same as the order of their PL intensity, namely, the stronger the PL intensity, the higher the photocatalytic activity, demonstrating that there were certain relationships between PL spectra and photocatalytic activity. This could be explained by the points that PL spectra mainly resulted from surface oxygen vacancies and defects during the process of PL, while surface oxygen vacancies and defects could be favorable in capturing the photoinduced electrons during the process of photocatalytic reactions.

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.

High-density arrays of titania nanoparticles using monolayer micellar films of diblock copolymers as templates.

PubMed

Li, Xue; Lau, King Hang Aaron; Kim, Dong Ha; Knoll, Wolfgang

2005-05-24

Highly dense arrays of titania nanoparticles were fabricated using surface micellar films of poly(styrene-block-2-vinylpyridine) diblock copolymers (PS-b-P2VP) as reaction scaffolds. Titania could be introduced selectively within P2VP nanodomains in PS-b-P2VP films through the binary reaction between water molecules trapped in the P2VP domains and the TiCl(4) vapor precursors. Subsequent UV exposure or oxygen plasma treatment removed the organic matrix, leading to titania nanoparticle arrays on the substrate surface. The diameter of the titania domains and the interparticle distance were defined by the lateral scale present in the microphase-separated morphology of the initial PS-b-P2VP films. The typical diameter of titania nanoparticles obtained by oxygen plasma treatment was of the order of approximately 23 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) properties were investigated for films before and after plasma treatment. Both samples showed PL properties with major physical origin due to self-trapped excitons, indicating that the local environment of the titanium atoms is similar.

Depleted Nanocrystal-Oxide Heterojunctions for High-Sensitivity Infrared Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-28

from surface dangling bonds and behave as effective nonradiative recombination centers.17 Upon the growth of CdSe, the main PL peak exhibits a redshift...as nonradiative recombination sites and cause PL degradation. With a 4.5 ML CdSe shell, the QY drops to 4%. As seen in Fig. 6, the PL QY is

Enhanced explosive sensing based on bis(methyltetraphenyl)silole nanoaggregate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Bomina; Sohn, Honglae

2018-01-01

New photoluminescent bis(methyltetraphenyl)silole nanoaggregates for the detection of trinitrotoluene (TNT) were developed by using aggregation-induced emission property. Bis(methyltetraphenyl)silole nanoaggregates exhibited that photoluminescence (PL) intensity was increased when the water fraction was increased to 90% by volume. Relative PL efficiency of bis(methyltetraphenyl)silole nanoaggregates was exponentially increased to the percent of water fraction and particle diameter was dependent on solvent composition. Particle size of bis(methyltetraphenyl)silole nanoaggregates was tuned by controlling the water fraction by volume. Absolute quantum yield of bis(methyltetraphenyl)silole nanoaggregates in 90% water volume fraction were 32.4%, which increases by about 40 times. Detection of TNT was achieved from the quenching PL measurement of bis(methyltetraphenyl)silole nanoaggregates by adding the TNT. A linear Stern-Volmer relationship was observed for the detection of TNT.

Carrier confinement effects of InxGa1-xN/GaN multi quantum disks with GaN surface barriers grown in GaN nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Youngsin; Chan, Christopher C. S.; Taylor, Robert A.; Kim, Nammee; Jo, Yongcheol; Lee, Seung W.; Yang, Woochul; Im, Hyunsik

2018-04-01

Structural and optical properties of InxGa1-xN/GaN multi quantum disks (QDisks) grown on GaN nanorods by molecular beam epitaxy have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and micro-photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Two types of InGaN QDisks were grown: a pseudo-3D confined InGaN pillar-type QDisks embedded in GaN nanorods; and QDisks in flanged cone type GaN nanorods. The PL emission peak and excitation dependent PL behavior of the pillar-type Qdisks differ greatly from those of the flanged cone type QDisks. Time resolved PL was carried out to probe the differences in charge carrier dynamics. The results suggest that by constraining the formation of InGaN QDisks within the centre of the nanorod, carriers are restricted from migrating to the surface, decreasing the surface recombination at high carrier densities.

In Situ Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils with and without Alcohol on Oral Biofilm: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Quintas, Victor; Prada-López, Isabel; Carreira, María J.; Suárez-Quintanilla, David; Balsa-Castro, Carlos; Tomás, Inmaculada

2017-01-01

Currently, there is little evidence on the in situ antibacterial activity of essential oils (EO) without alcohol. This study aimed to evaluate in situ the substantivity and antiplaque effect on the plaque-like biofilm (PL-biofilm) of two solutions, a traditional formulation that contains EO with alcohol (T-EO) and an alcohol-free formulation of EO (Af-EO). Eighteen healthy adults performed a single mouthwash of: T-EO, Af-EO, and sterile water (WATER) after wearing an individualized disk-holding splint for 2 days. The bacterial viability (BV) and thickness of the PL-biofilm were quantified at baseline, 30 s, and 1, 3, 5, and 7 h post-rinsing (Test 1). Subsequently, each volunteer wore the splint for 4 days, applying two daily mouthwashes of: T-EO, Af-EO, and WATER. The BV, thickness, and covering grade (CG) of the PL-biofilm were quantified (Test 2). Samples were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy after staining with the LIVE/DEAD® BacLight™ solution. To conduct the computations of the BV automatically, a Matlab toolbox called Dentius Biofilm was developed. In test 1, both EO antiseptics had a similar antibacterial effect, reducing BV after a single rinse compared to the WATER, and keeping it below baseline levels up to 7 h post-rinse (P < 0.001). The mean thickness of the PL-biofilm after rinsing was not affected by any of the EO formulations and ranged from 18.58 to 20.19 μm. After 4 days, the T-EO and Af-EO solutions were significantly more effective than the WATER, reducing the BV, thickness, and CG of the PL-biofilm (P < 0.001). Although, both EO antiseptics presented a similar bactericidal activity, the Af-EO rinses led to more significant reductions in the thickness and CG of the PL-biofilm than the T-EO rinses (thickness = 7.90 vs. 9.92 μm, P = 0.012; CG = 33.36 vs. 46.61%, P = 0.001). In conclusion, both essential oils antiseptics had very high immediate antibacterial activity and substantivity in situ on the 2-day PL-biofilm after a single mouthwash. In the 4-day PL-biofilm, both essential oils formulations demonstrated a very good antiplaque effect in situ, although the alcohol-free formula performed better at reducing the biofilm thickness and covering grade. PMID:29218030

Consumption of milk-protein combined with green tea modulates diet-induced thermogenesis.

PubMed

Hursel, Rick; Westerterp-Plantenga, Margriet S

2011-08-01

Green tea and protein separately are able to increase diet-induced thermogenesis. Although their effects on long-term weight-maintenance were present separately, they were not additive. Therefore, the effect of milk-protein (MP) in combination with green tea on diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) was examined in 18 subjects (aged 18-60 years; BMI: 23.0 ± 2.1 kg/m(2)). They participated in an experiment with a randomized, 6 arms, crossover design, where energy expenditure and respiratory quotient (RQ) were measured. Green tea (GT)vs. placebo (PL) capsules were either given in combination with water or with breakfasts containing milk protein in two different dosages: 15 g (15 MP) (energy% P/C/F: 15/47/38; 1.7 MJ/500 mL), and 3.5 g (3.5 MP) (energy% P/C/F: 41/59/0; 146.4 kJ/100 mL). After measuring resting energy expenditure (REE) for 30 min, diet-induced energy expenditure was measured for another 3.5 h after the intervention. There was an overall significant difference observed between conditions (p < 0.001). Post-hoc, areas under the curve (AUCs) for diet-induced energy expenditure were significantly different (P ≤ 0.001) for GT + water (41.11 [91.72] kJ·3.5 h) vs. PL + water (10.86 [28.13] kJ·3.5 h), GT + 3.5 MP (10.14 [54.59] kJ·3.5 h) and PL + 3.5 MP (12.03 [34.09] kJ·3.5 h), but not between GT + 3.5 MP, PL + 3.5 MP and PL + water, indicating that MP inhibited DIT following GT. DIT after GT + 15 MP (167.69 [141.56] kJ·3.5 h) and PL + 15 MP (168.99 [186.56] kJ·3.5 h) was significantly increased vs. PL + water (P < 0.001), but these were not different from each other indicating that 15 g MP stimulated DIT, but inhibited the GT effect on DIT. No significant differences in RQ were seen between conditions for baseline and post-treatment. In conclusion, consumption of milk-protein inhibits the effect of green tea on DIT.

In situ chemical functionalization of gallium nitride with phosphonic acid derivatives during etching.

PubMed

Wilkins, Stewart J; Greenough, Michelle; Arellano, Consuelo; Paskova, Tania; Ivanisevic, Albena

2014-03-04

In situ functionalization of polar (c plane) and nonpolar (a plane) gallium nitride (GaN) was performed by adding (3-bromopropyl) phosphonic acid or propyl phosphonic acid to a phosphoric acid etch. The target was to modulate the emission properties and oxide formation of GaN, which was explored through surface characterization with atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and water contact angle. The use of (3-bromopropyl) phosphonic acid and propyl phosphonic acid in phosphoric acid demonstrated lower amounts of gallium oxide formation and greater hydrophobicity for both sample sets, while also improving PL emission of polar GaN samples. In addition to crystal orientation, growth-related factors such as defect density in bulk GaN versus thin GaN films residing on sapphire substrates were investigated as well as their responses to in situ functionalization. Thin nonpolar GaN layers were the most sensitive to etching treatments due in part to higher defect densities (stacking faults and threading dislocations), which accounts for large surface depressions. High-quality GaN (both free-standing bulk polar and bulk nonpolar) demonstrated increased sensitivity to oxide formation. Room-temperature PL stands out as an excellent technique to identify nonradiative recombination as observed in the spectra of heteroepitaxially grown GaN samples. The chemical methods applied to tune optical and physical properties of GaN provide a quantitative framework for future novel chemical and biochemical sensor development.

Action for Environmental Quality. Standards and Enforcement for Air and Water Pollution Control.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for setting and enforcing environmental quality standards for the nation. With the Clean Air Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-604) and the Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-500), the first truly nationwide control programs were established. This booklet is designed to inform the public…

Prospective Surface Marker-Based Isolation and Expansion of Fetal Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells From Human Term Placenta

PubMed Central

Patel, Jatin; Seppanen, Elke; Chong, Mark S.K.; Yeo, Julie S.L.; Teo, Erin Y.L.; Chan, Jerry K.Y.; Fisk, Nicholas M.

2013-01-01

The term placenta is a highly vascularized tissue and is usually discarded upon birth. Our objective was to isolate clinically relevant quantities of fetal endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) from human term placenta and to compare them to the well-established donor-matched umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived ECFCs. A sorting strategy was devised to enrich for CD45−CD34+CD31Lo cells prior to primary plating to obtain pure placental ECFCs (PL-ECFCs) upon culture. UCB-ECFCs were derived using a well-described assay. PL-ECFCs were fetal in origin and expressed the same cell surface markers as UCB-ECFCs. Most importantly, a single term placenta could yield as many ECFCs as 27 UCB donors. PL-ECFCs and UCB-ECFCs had similar in vitro and in vivo vessel forming capacities and restored mouse hind limb ischemia in similar proportions. Gene expression profiles were only minimally divergent between PL-ECFCs and UCB-ECFCs, probably reflecting a vascular source versus a circulating source. Finally, PL-ECFCs and UCB-ECFCs displayed similar hierarchies between high and low proliferative colonies. We report a robust strategy to isolate ECFCs from human term placentas based on their cell surface expression. This yielded much larger quantities of ECFCs than UCB, but the cells were comparable in immunophenotype, gene expression, and in vivo functional ability. We conclude that PL-ECFCs have significant bio-banking and clinical translatability potential. PMID:24106336

Guidelines for preparation of the 1996 state water quality assessments (305(b) reports)

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

NONE

1995-05-01

The Federal Water Polluton Control Act (PL92-500, commonly known as the Clean Water Act), establishes a process for States to use to develop information on the quality of the Nation`s water resources and to report this information to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Congress, and the citizens of this country. Each State must develop a program to monitor the quality of its surface and ground waters and prepare a report every 2 years describing the status of its water quality. EPA compiles the data from the State reports, summarizes them, and transmits the summaries to Congress alongmore » with an analysis of the status of water quality nationwide. This process, referred to as the 305(b) process, is an essential aspect of the Nation`s water pollution control effort.« less

Tungsten-doped TiO2/reduced Graphene Oxide nano-composite photocatalyst for degradation of phenol: A system to reduce surface and bulk electron-hole recombination.

PubMed

Yadav, Manisha; Yadav, Asha; Fernandes, Rohan; Popat, Yaksh; Orlandi, Michele; Dashora, Alpa; Kothari, D C; Miotello, Antonio; Ahuja, B L; Patel, Nainesh

2017-12-01

Recombination of photogenerated charges is the main factor affecting the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 . Here, we report a combined strategy of suppressing both the bulk as well as the surface recombination processes by doping TiO 2 with tungsten and forming a nanocomposite with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), respectively. Sol-gel method was used to dope and optimize the concentration of W in TiO 2 powder. UV-Vis, XPS, PL and time resolved PL spectra along with DFT calculations indicate that W 6+ in TiO 2 lattice creates an impurity level just below the conduction band of TiO 2 to act as a trapping site of electrons, which causes to improve the lifetime of the photo-generated charges. Maximum reduction in the PL intensity and the improvement in charge carrier lifetime was observed for TiO 2 doped with 1 at.% W (1W-TiO 2 ), which also displayed the highest photo-activity for the degradation of p-nitro phenol pollutant in water. Tuning of rGO/TiO 2 ratio (weight) disclosed that the highest activity can be achieved with the composite formed by taking equal amounts of TiO 2 and rGO (1:1), in which the strong interaction between TiO 2 and rGO causes an effective charge transfer via bonds formed near the interface as indicated by XPS. Both these optimized concentrations were utilized to form the composite rGO/1W-TiO 2 , which showed the highest activity in photo-degradation of p-nitro phenol (87%) as compared to rGO/TiO 2 (42%), 1W-TiO 2 (62%) and pure TiO 2 (29%) in 180 min. XPS and PL results revealed that in the present nanocomposite, tungsten species traps the excited electron to reduce the interband recombination in the bulk, while the interaction between TiO 2 and rGO creates a channel for fast transfer of excited electrons towards the latter before being recombined on the surface defect sites. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

AGOR 28: SIO Shipyard Representative Bi-Weekly Progress Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-18

ADA DBL)/ADA t/s  Lkr Md-2 (CG) 6  Sally Ride Gray Water Tank – Tank pressurized and boundaries inspected for leaks with ABS in...SPARES (VRS) LISTINGS, STATISTICS, AND LOCATIONS (DI-051 (VRS) for Pl 72428-03 Gray Water Discharge Pump)(R/ASR) 570/0 AGOR27 A051 STD Report...VENDOR RECOMMENDED SPARES (VRS) LISTINGS, STATISTICS, AND LOCATIONS ( DI-051 (VRS) for PL 72428-08 Hot Water Circ Pump)(R/ASR) 574/0 AGOR27 A055 TM

Near-infrared-emitting colloidal Ag2S quantum dots exhibiting upconversion luminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yanyan; Jiang, Danyu; Yang, Wei; Wang, Dandan; Zheng, Huiping; Du, Yuansheng; Li, Xi; Li, Qiang

2017-02-01

Ag2S quantum dots (QDs) coated with thioglycolic acid (Ag2S QDs-TGA) have been synthesized in an organic solvent via a stepwise addition of reagents. When excited by a 980 nm laser, the near-infrared-emitting colloidal Ag2S QDs-TGA exhibit upconversion luminescence (UCL). The observed photoluminescence (PL) was attributed to the presence of ligand-modified Ag2S on the QD surfaces. Hence, upon dilution of the solution, the PL intensity initially increased before subsequently decreasing, accompanied by a blue shift in the PL spectra. The PL phenomena can be attributed to the increase in the amount of ligand-modified Ag2S on the QD surfaces upon dilution, which in turn affected the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and re-emission of the surface energy level. The relations between the emission intensity of Ag2S QDs-TGA and the excitation power are investigated, and the results confirm that the UCL in Ag2S QDs-TGA can be ascribed to a two-photon-assisted absorption process via a real energy state.

Optical Characterizations of VCSEL for Emission at 850 nm with Al Oxide Confinement Layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokhtari, Merwan; Pagnod-Rossiaux, Philippe; Laruelle, Francois; Landesman, Jean-Pierre; Moreac, Alain; Levallois, Christophe; Cassidy, Daniel T.

2018-03-01

In-plane micro-photoluminescence (μ-PL) and micro-reflectivity measurements have been performed at room temperature by optical excitation perpendicular to the surface of two different structures: a complete vertical surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) structure and a VCSEL without the upper p-type distributed Bragg reflector (P-DBR). The two structures were both laterally oxidized and measurements were made on the top of oxidized and unoxidized regions. We show that, since the photoluminescence (PL) spectra consist of the cumulative effect of InGaAs/AlGaAs multi-quantum wells (MQWs) luminescence and interferences in the DBR, the presence or not of the P-DBR and oxide layers can significantly modify the spectrum. μ-PL mapping performed on full VCSEL structures clearly shows oxidized and unoxidized regions that are not resolved with visible light optical microscopy. Finally, preliminary measurements of the degree of polarization (DOP) of the PL have been made on a complete VCSEL structure before and after an oxidation process. We obtain an image of DOP measured by polarization-resolved μ-PL. These measurements allow us to evaluate the main components of strain.

A facile method to prepare "green" nano-phosphors with a large Stokes-shift and solid-state enhanced photophysical properties based on surface-modified gold nanoclusters.

PubMed

Cheng, C H; Huang, H Y; Talite, M J; Chou, W C; Yeh, J M; Yuan, C T

2017-12-15

Colloidal nano-materials, such as quantum dots (QDs) have been applied to light-conversion nano-phosphors due to their unique tunable emission. However, most of the QDs involve toxic elements and are synthesized in a hazardous solvent. In addition, conventional QD nano-phosphors with a small Stokes shift suffered from reabsorption losses and aggregation-induced quenching in the solid state. Here, we demonstrate a facile, matrix-free method to prepare eco-friendly nano-phosphors with a large Stokes shift based on aqueous thiolate-stabilized gold nanoclusters (GSH-AuNCs) with simple surface modifications. Our method is just to drop GSH-AuNCs solution on the aluminum foil and then surface-modified AuNCs (Al-GSH-AuNCs) can be spontaneously precipitated out of the aqueous solution. Compared with pristine GSH-AuNCs in solution, the Al-GSH-AuNCs exhibit enhanced solid-state PL quantum yields, lengthened PL lifetime, and spectral blue shift, which can be attributed to the aggregation-induced emission enhancement facilitated by surface modifications. Such surface-treatment induced aggregation of AuNCs can restrict the surface-ligand motion, leading to the enhancement of PL properties in the solid state. In addition, the Al-GSH-AuNCs nano-phosphors with a large Stokes shift can mitigate the aggregation-induced PL quenching and reabsorption losses, which would be potential candidates for "green" nano-phosphors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Temperature evolution on human teeth root surface after diode laser assisted endodontic treatment.

PubMed

Gutknecht, Norbert; Franzen, Rene; Meister, Jörg; Vanweersch, Leon; Mir, Maziar

2005-09-01

The thermal rise threshold of an 810-nm semi-conductor diode laser on the root surface when used in root canals in vitro for laser assisted root canal treatment is investigated in this study. A total of 50 human single-rooted extracted teeth were included. For this study, the canals were enlarged up to an apical size of ISO#50 file. Laser irradiation was performed with six different settings. Specimens were irradiated at 0.6-1 W output power at the distal end of the fiber and about 1-1.5 W output power in the continuous mode (CW) as two groups. In the third group, 0.6-1 W output power, 10 ms pulse length (PL) and 10 ms interval duration (ID) were selected. In three other groups 1-1.5 W output power were used with different PL and ID as following: PL 10 and ID 10 ms, PL 10 and ID 20 ms and PL 20 and ID 20 ms. The total irradiation time was from 5 to 20 s per canal with a 200 mum in diameter and 25 mm long tip. After laser treatment, the temperature changes at the outer root surface were registered by means of NiCr-Ni measuring sensors and a T 202 thermometer. The safe temperature threshold for applying this diode laser in root canal is considered as 7 degrees C increase. To avoid increasing the temperature changes at the outer root surface related to this threshold, following total irradiation times were found: 0.6-1 W output power (10 ms PL/10 ms ID): 20 s (s), 1-1.5 W output power (10 ms/10 ms and 20 ms/20 ms): 15 s, 0.6-1 W output power CW and 1-1.5 W output power (20 ms PL/10 ms ID): 10 s and 1-1.5 W output power CW: 5 s. In the first three groups, 5 s irradiation and 5 s rest period avoided a temperature increase above the threshold of 7 degrees C).

O electrolyte for bio-application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naddaf, M.; Almariri, A.

2014-09-01

Porous silicon (PS) has been prepared in the dark by anodic etching of n+-type (111) silicon substrate in a HF:HCl:C2H5OH:H2O2:H2O electrolyte. The processed PS layer is characterized by means of photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), water contact angle (CA) measurements, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and micro-Raman scattering. The CA of fresh PS layer is found to be ~142°. On aging at ambient conditions, the CA decreases gently to reach ~133° after 3 month, and then it is stabilized for a prolonged time of aging. The visible PL emission from the PS layer also exhibits a good stability against aging time. The FTIR and XPS measurements and analysis show that the stable aged PS layer has rather SiO2-rich surface. The micro/nanostructure nature of the PS layer is revealed from SEM and micro-Raman results and correlated to CA results. Stable hydrophobic surface of oxidized PS layer is attractive for bio-applications. The efficiency of the produced PS layers as an entrapping template for specific immobilization of IgG2a antibody via physical absorption process is demonstrated.

Serum-converted platelet lysate can substitute for fetal bovine serum in human mesenchymal stromal cell cultures.

PubMed

Mojica-Henshaw, Mariluz P; Jacobson, Pam; Morris, Julie; Kelley, Linda; Pierce, Jan; Boyer, Michael; Reems, Jo-Anna

2013-12-01

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is commonly used as a serum supplement for culturing human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). However, human cells grown in FBS, especially for extended periods, risk potential exposure to bovine immunogenic proteins and infectious agents. To address this issue, we investigated the ability of a novel human platelet serum supplement to substitute for FBS in hMSC cultures. Platelet lysate-serum (PL-serum) was converted from platelet lysate-plasma (PL-plasma) that was manufactured from pooled platelet-rich plasma (PRP) apheresis units. Growth factor levels and the number of residual intact platelets in PL-serum and PL-plasma were compared with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and flow cytometry, respectively. Proliferation responses of hMSCs cultured in PL-serum, PL-plasma, or FBS were assessed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, the immunophenotype of harvested hMSCs was evaluated by flow cytometry and tri-lineage differentiation potential was evaluated by assessing adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic development. Selected growth factor levels in PL-serum were not significantly different from PL-plasma (P > 0.05). hMSC cultures supplemented with PL-serum had comparable growth kinetics to PL-plasma, and hMSC yields were consistently greater than with FBS. hMSCs harvested from cultures supplemented with PL-serum, PL-plasma or FBS had similar cell surface phenotypes and maintained tri-lineage differentiation potential. PL-serum, similar to PL-plasma, can substitute for FBS in hMSC cultures. Use of PL-serum, in contrast to PL-plasma, has an added advantage of not requiring addition of a xenogeneic source of heparin, providing a completely xeno-free culture medium. Copyright © 2013 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Studying the influence of substrate conductivity on the optoelectronic properties of quantum dots langmuir monolayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Alwani, Ammar J.; Chumakov, A. S.; Begletsova, N. N.; Shinkarenko, O. A.; Markin, A. V.; Gorbachev, I. A.; Bratashov, D. N.; Gavrikov, M. V.; Venig, S. B.; Glukhovskoy, E. G.

2018-04-01

The formation of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) monolayers was studied by Langmuir Blodgett method. The fluorescence (PL) spectra of QD monolayers were investigated at different substrate type (glass, silicon and ITO glass) and the influence of graphene sheets layer (as a conductive surface) on the QDs properties has also been studied. The optoelectronic properties of QDs can be tuned by deposition of insulating nano-size layers of the liquid crystal between QDs and conductive substrate. The monolayer of QDs transferred on conductive surface (glass with ITO) has lowest intensity of PL spectra due to quenching effect. The PL intensity of QDs could be tuned by using various type of substrates or/and by transformed high conductive layer. Also the photooxidation processes of CdSe QDs monolayer on the solid surface can be controlled by selection of suitable substrate. The current-voltage (I–V) characteristics of QDs thin film on ITO surface was studied using scanning tunneling microscope (STM).

Investigation of critical inter-related factors affecting the efficacy of pulsed light for inactivating clinically relevant bacterial pathogens.

PubMed

Farrell, H P; Garvey, M; Cormican, M; Laffey, J G; Rowan, N J

2010-05-01

To investigate critical electrical and biological factors governing the efficacy of pulsed light (PL) for the in vitro inactivation of bacteria isolated from the clinical environment. Development of this alternative PL decontamination approach is timely, as the incidence of health care-related infections remains unacceptably high. Predetermined cell numbers of clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were inoculated separately on agar plates and were flashed with

Molecular characterization of the pL40 protein in Leptospira interrogans.

PubMed

Zhao, Wei; Chen, Chun-Yan; Zhang, Xiang-Yan; Lai, Wei-Qiang; Hu, Bao-Yu; Zhao, Guo-Ping; Qin, Jin-Hong; Guo, Xiao-Kui

2009-06-01

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic leptospires. The identification of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) conserved among pathogenic leptospires, which are exposed on the leptospiral surface and expressed during mammalian infection, has become a major focus of leptospirosis research. pL40, a 40 kDa protein coded by the LA3744 gene in Leptospira interrogans, was found to be unique to Leptospira. Triton X-114 fractionation and flow cytometry analyses indicate that pL40 is a component of the leptospiral outer membrane. The conservation of pL40 among Leptospira strains prevalent in China was confirmed by both Western blotting and PCR screening. Furthermore, the pL40 antigen could be recognized by sera from guinea pigs and mice infected with low-passage L. interrogans. These findings indicate that pL40 may serve as a useful serodiagnostic antigen and vaccine candidate for L. interrogans.

Control efficiency and expressions of resistance genes in tomato plants treated with ε-poly-l-lysine against Botrytis cinerea.

PubMed

Sun, Guangzheng; Wang, Han; Shi, Beibei; Shangguan, Nini; Wang, Yang; Ma, Qing

2017-11-01

The antifungal properties and the induction of resistance by ε-poly-l-lysine (ε-PL) were examined to reveal its potential in protecting tomato plants against Botrytis cinerea. As presented herein, ε-PL at 1200mg/L was found to have optimal in vitro antifungal activities, achieving an inhibition rate of 94.96%. In first-year field tests, ε-PL (1200mg/L) had a control effect of up to 79.07% against tomato grey mould. Similar results were obtained in the second year. In greenhouse experiments, ε-PL was observed to effectively reduce leaf infection, with an observed control rate at 89.22%. To define the molecular-genetic mechanisms, we compared the gene expression under four different conditions: sterile water sprayed plants (Control), Botrytis-infected plants (Inf), ε-PL-treated plants (ε-PL) and ε-PL-treated+infected plants (ε-PL+Inf). Quantitative PCR analysis at 36h after inoculation revealed that ε-PL+Inf plants exhibited significant expression and priming of several key Botrytis-induced genes in tomato. The results indicate that ε-PL promoted plant capacity of tomato to activate defense mechanisms upon pathogen attack. In total, these findings revealed that ε-PL should be an excellent biocontrol agent candidate that combined direct antifungal activity against B. cinerea and plant resistance capacity. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The Impact of Muscle Disuse on Muscle Atrophy in Severely Burned Rats

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-01

Following muscle collection from the right hindlimb, muscle isometric force of PL and SL was measured simultaneously in the left hindlimb under...37.5°C by manually adjusting the temperature of cir culating water in the rat surgical bed. The isometric force of the PL and SL muscles was then...the physiologic cross sectional area (CSA) of PL and SL was calculated using the following formula: CSA= ( muscle mass) × cos θ ( muscle fiber

Emission and Structure-Varying ZnO and Carbon Nanocrystal Composite in Mechanical Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torchynska, T.; Perez Millan, B.; Polupan, G.; Kakazey, M.

2018-03-01

Morphology, photoluminescence (PL), and Raman scattering spectra have been investigated for mixtures of ZnO+0.1%C nanocrystals (NCs) at different stages of mechanical processing (MP). The transformation of graphite into graphene monolayers covering the ZnO NC surface is revealed for the first MP stage. The interaction with oxygen has been detected in the second MP stage which leads to the dissolution of oxygen interstitials in the ZnO NCs and to the formation of graphene (graphite) oxides. Increasing the concentration of the oxygen interstitials in ZnO NCs also enhances the intensity stimulation of the orange PL band (2.18eV). Simultaneously, the PL band peaking at 2.82-2.90 eV is detected in the PL spectra of the ZnO+0.1%C NC mixture after MP for 9-90 min. Then, the variation of the ZnO NC shape, agglomeration of ZnO NCs, modification of ZnO defects and decreasing PL intensity have been detected after prolonged MP for 390 min. It is expected that short stages of MP can be useful for ZnO NC surface covering by graphene layers or graphene (graphite) oxides.

Long-period ground motions at near-regional distances caused by the PL wave from, inland earthquakes: Observation and numerical simulation of the 2004 Mid-Niigata, Japan, Mw6.6 earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furumura, T.; Kennett, B. L. N.

2017-12-01

We examine the development of large, long-period ground motions at near-regional distances (D=50-200 km) generated by the PL wave from large, shallow inland earthquakes, based on the analysis of strong motion records and finite-difference method (FDM) simulations of seismic wave propagation. PL wave can be represented as leaking modes of the crustal waveguide and are commonly observed at regional distances between 300 to 1000 km as a dispersed, long-period signal with a dominant period of about 20 s. However, observations of recent earthquakes at the dense K-NET and KiK-net strong motion networks in Japan demonstrate the dominance of the PL wave at near-regional (D=50-200 km) distances as, e.g., for the 2004 Mid Niigata, Japan, earthquake (Mw6.6; h=13 km). The observed PL wave signal between P and S wave shows a large, dispersed wave packet with dominant period of about T=4-10 s with amplitude almost comparable to or larger than the later arrival of the S and surface waves. Thus, the early arrivals of the long-period PL wave immediately after P wave can enhance resonance with large-scale constructions such as high-rise buildings and large oil-storage tanks etc. with potential for disaster. Such strong effects often occurred during the 2004 Mid Niigata earthquakes and other large earthquakes which occurred nearby the Kanto (Tokyo) basin. FDM simulation of seismic wave propagation employing realistic 3-D sedimentary structure models demonstrates the process by which the PL wave develops at near-regional distances from shallow, crustal earthquakes by constructive interference of the P wave in the long-period band. The amplitude of the PL wave is very sensitive to low-velocity structure in the near-surface. Lowered velocities help to develop large SV-to-P conversion and weaken the P-to-SV conversion at the free surface. Both effects enhance the multiple P reflections in the crustal waveguide and prevent the leakage of seismic energy into the mantle. However, a very thick (>3 km) cover of sediment above the source disrupts the coherent reflections to form the PL wave. This explains the weak close-range PL wave from the 2007 Off Niigata earthquake (Mw=6.6; h=16 km), which occurred near-by the 2004 event but located beneath the deep Echigo basin.

Electron injection from graphene quantum dots to poly(amido amine) dendrimers

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

Lin, T. N.; Inciong, M. R.; Santiago, S. R.

2016-04-18

The steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) are used to study the electron injection from graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers. The PL is enhanced by depositing GQDs on the surfaces of the PAMAM dendrimers. The maximum enhancement of PL with a factor of 10.9 is achieved at a GQD concentration of 0.9 mg/ml. The dynamics of PL in the GQD/PAMAM composite are analyzed, evidencing the existence of electron injection. On the basis of Kelvin probe measurements, the electron injection from the GQDs to the PAMAM dendrimers is accounted for by the work function difference between them.

Photoluminescence Lifetimes Exceeding 8 μs and Quantum Yields Exceeding 30% in Hybrid Perovskite Thin Films by Ligand Passivation

DOE PAGES

deQuilettes, Dane W.; Koch, Susanne; Burke, Sven; ...

2016-07-26

We study the effects of a series of post-deposition ligand treatments on the photoluminescence (PL) of polycrystalline methylammonium lead triiodide perovskite thin films. We show that a variety of Lewis bases can improve the bulk PL quantum efficiency (PLQE) and extend the average PL lifetime, , with large enhancements concentrated at grain boundaries. Notably, we demonstrate thin-film PLQE as high as 35 ± 1% and as long as 8.82 ± 0.03 μs at solar equivalent carrier densities using tri-n-octylphosphine oxide-treated films. Using glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we show that the ligands are incorporated primarilymore » at the film surface and are acting as electron donors. These results indicate it is possible to obtain thin-film PL lifetime and PLQE values that are comparable to those from single crystals by control over surface chemistry.« less

Investigation on surface-plasmon-enhanced light emission of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Zhenzhong; Li, Qiang; Fan, Qigao; Zhu, Yixin

2018-05-01

We demonstrate surface-plasmon (SP) enhanced light emission from InGaN/GaN near ultraviolet (NUV) multiple quantum wells (MQWs) using Ag thin films and nano-particles (NPs). Two types of Ag NP arrays are fabricated on the NUV-MQWs, one is fabricated on p-GaN layer with three different sizes of about 120, 160 and 240 nm formed by self-assembled process, while the other is embedded close to the MQWs. In addition, the influence of the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and localized surface plasmon (LSP) in NUV-MQWs has been investigated by photoluminescence (PL) measurement. Both PL measurements and theoretical simulation results show that the NUV light would be extracted more effectively under LSP mode than that of SPP mode. The highest enhancement of PL intensity is increased by 324% for the sample with NPs embedded in etched p-GaN near the MQWs as compared with the bare MQWs, also is about 1.24 times higher than the MQW sample covered with Ag NPs on the surface, indicating strong surface scattering and SP coupling between Ag NPs and NUV-MQWs.

Adaptive Path Control of Surface Ships in Restricted Waters.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

and Fn=0.116-- Random Walk Disturbance Model 31 6. Optimal Gains for Tokyo Mazu at H/T=- and Fn=0.116-- Random Walk Disturbance Model 39 7. RMS Cost J...yaw mass moment of inertia [kgm 2 V =21 /pL nondimensional yaw mass moment of inertia zz zz J optimal control or Weighted Least-Squares cost function...J RMS cost , eq. (70) J 5yaw added mass moment of inertia [kgm 2 iz=2Jz/pL nondimensional yaw added mass moment of inertia zz zz K Kalman-Bucy state

Effect of spatial restriction on the photoluminescent properties of carbon nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vostrikova, A. M.; Nikolaeva, A. N.; Bakal, A. A.; Shpuntova, D. V.; Mordovina, E. A.; Sukhorukov, G. B.; Sapelkin, A. V.; Goryacheva, I. Yu.

2018-04-01

Photoluminescent (PL) properties of carbon-based nanomaterials obtained on the base of sodium dextran sulfate (DS) were compared. DS water solution, dry powder and co-precipitated inside pores of CaCO3 microparticles solution were thermally treated and clear difference between these materials was found. Effect of spatial restriction of CaCO3 pores showed itself in the identity of PL properties for material, obtained by thermal and hydrothermal treatment; in the absence of CaCO3 microparticles the PL spectra were quite different.

Adsorption of trace elements from poultry litter by montmorillonite clay.

PubMed

Subramanian, Bhaskaran; Gupta, Gian

2006-01-16

Poultry litter (PL) is used as fertilizer on agricultural lands because of its high nutrient content. However, the litter also contains trace elements such as As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. On land application of PL, these trace elements may be absorbed by crops, leach into groundwater, or enter the aquatic system as run-off. The objective of this research was to study the effect of the addition of montmorillonite clay-mineral (CM) in reducing the release of trace elements from PL. Cd, Cu, and Zn showed significant decreases of 29, 34, and 22%, respectively, in PL aqueous leachate (compared with the control-PL without CM) on mixing with 0.05 g CM but no change in As, Co, and Cr concentrations was observed. Lead showed a significant increase in PL aqueous leachate on mixing with 0.2 g CM but Pb concentration was two orders of magnitude less than in CM aqueous leachate alone. On washing, the settled precipitate (PL+CM) in the centrifuge tubes with water (desorption study) most of the adsorbed metals (Cd 85%, Cu 61%, and Zn 100%) were released. The results of this study show that the addition of CM resulted in significant adsorption of Cd and Cu from PL.

Synthesis, Surface Modification and Optical Properties of Thioglycolic Acid-Capped ZnS Quantum Dots for Starch Recognition at Ultralow Concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tayebi, Mahnoush; Tavakkoli Yaraki, Mohammad; Ahmadieh, Mahnaz; Mogharei, Azadeh; Tahriri, Mohammadreza; Vashaee, Daryoosh; Tayebi, Lobat

2016-11-01

In this research, water-soluble thioglycolic acid-capped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized by the chemical precipitation method. The prepared QDs are characterized using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Results revealed that ZnS QDs have a 2.73 nm crystallite size, cubic zinc blende structure, and spherical morphology with a diameter less than 10 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy is performed to determine the presence of low concentrations of starch. Four emission peaks are observed at 348 nm, 387 nm, 422 nm, and 486 nm and their intensities are quenched by increasing concentration of starch. PL intensity variations in the studied concentrations range (0-100 ppm) are best described by a Michaelis-Menten model. The Michaelis constant ( K m) for immobilized α-amylase in this system is about 101.07 ppm. This implies a great tendency for the enzyme to hydrolyze the starch as substrate. Finally, the limit of detection is found to be about 6.64 ppm.

Soil burial method for plastic degradation performed by Pseudomonas PL-01, Bacillus PL-01, and indigenous bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shovitri, Maya; Nafi'ah, Risyatun; Antika, Titi Rindi; Alami, Nur Hidayatul; Kuswytasari, N. D.; Zulaikha, Enny

2017-06-01

Lately, plastic bag is becoming the most important pollutant for environment since it is difficult to be naturally degraded due to it consists of long hydrocarbon polymer chains. Our previous study indicated that our pure isolate Pseudomonas PL-01 and Bacillus PL-01 could degrade about 10% plastic bag. This present study was aimed to find out whether Pseudomonas PL01 and Bacillus PL01 put a positive effect to indigenous bacteria from marginal area in doing plastic degradation with a soil burial method. Beach sand was used as a representative marginal area, and mangrove sediment was used as a comparison. Plastics were submerged into unsterile beach sand with 10% of Pseudomonas PL-01 or Bacillus PL-01 containing liquid minimal salt medium (MSM) separately, while other plastics were submerged into unsterile mangrove sediments. After 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks, their biofilm formation on their plastic surfaces and plastic degradation were measured. Results indicated that those 2 isolates put positive influent on biofilm formation and plastic degradation for indigenous beach sand bacteria. Bacillus PL-01 put higher influent than Pseudomonas PL-01. Plastic transparent was preferable degraded than black and white plastic bag `kresek'. But anyhow, indigenous mangrove soil bacteria showed the best performance in biofilm formation and plastic degradation, even without Pseudomonas PL-01 or Bacillus PL-01 addition. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis complemented the results; there were attenuated peaks with decreasing peaks transmittances. This FTIR peaks indicated chemical functional group changes happened among the plastic compounds after 16 weeks incubation time.

Effect of pulsed light on activity and structural changes of horseradish peroxidase

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of pulsed light (PL) on the activity and structure of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in buffer solution. Enzyme residual activities were measured after PL. Surface topography, secondary, and tertiary structures of HRP were determined using ...

Microbial synthesis of poly(epsilon-lysine) and its various applications.

PubMed

Shih, Ing-Lung; Shen, Ming-Haw; Van, Yi-Tsong

2006-06-01

This review article deals with the microbial synthesis, physiochemical properties, and potential applications of poly-epsilon-lysine (epsilon-PL), which is a naturally occurring biomaterial that is water soluble, biodegradable, edible and non-toxic toward humans and the environment. The potential applications of epsilon-PL as food preservatives, emulsifying agent, dietary agent, biodegradable fibers, highly water absorbable hydrogels, drug carriers, anticancer agent enhancer, biochip coatings in the fields of food, medicine, agriculture and electronics are also discussed in this review.

Influence of thiol capping on the photoluminescence properties of L-cysteine-, mercaptoethanol- and mercaptopropionic acid-capped ZnS nanoparticles.

PubMed

Tiwari, A; Dhoble, S J; Kher, R S

2015-11-01

Mercaptoethanol (ME), mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and L-cysteine (L-Cys) having -SH functional groups were used as surface passivating agents for the wet chemical synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles. The effect of the thiol group on the optical and photoluminescence (PL) properties of ZnS nanoparticles was studied. L-Cysteine-capped ZnS nanoparticles showed the highest PL intensity among the studied capping agents, with a PL emission peak at 455 nm. The PL intensity was found to be dependent on the concentration of Zn(2+) and S(2-) precursors. The effect of buffer on the PL intensity of L-Cys-capped ZnS nanoparticles was also studied. UV/Vis spectra showed blue shifting of the absorption edge. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Adsorbed Molecules and Surface Treatment Effect on Optical Properties of ZnO Nanowires Grown by MOCVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jabri, S.; Souissi, H.; Sallet, V.; Lusson, A.; Meftah, A.; Galtier, P.; Oueslati, M.

2017-07-01

We have investigated the optical properties of ZnO nanowires grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) with nitrous oxide (N2O) as oxygen precursor. Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman measurements showed the influence of adsorbed molecules on the optical properties. Low-temperature (4 K) PL studies on the surface exciton (SX) at 3.3660 eV elucidated the nature and origin of this emission. In particular, surface treatment by annealing at high temperature under inert gas reduced the emission intensity of SX. Raman vibrational spectra proved that presence of a considerable amount of adsorbed molecules on the surface of ZnO nanowires plays a key role in the occurrence of surface excitons.

Electron Transfer as a Probe of the Interfacial Quantum Dot-Organic Molecule Interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, Mark D.

This dissertation describes a set of experimental and theoretical studies of the interaction between small organic molecules and the surfaces of semiconductor nanoparticles, also called quantum dots (QDs). Chapter 1 reviews the literature on the influence of ligands on exciton relaxation dynamics following photoexcitation of semiconductor QDs, and describes how ligands promote or inhibit processes such as emission, nonradiative relaxation, and charge transfer to redox active adsorbates. Chapter 2 investigates the specific interaction of alkylcarboxylated viologen derivatives with CdS QDs, and shows how a combination of steady-state photoluminescence (PL) and transient absorption (TA) experiments can be used to reveal the specific binding geometry of redox active organic molecules on QD surfaces. Chapter 3 expands on Chapter 2 by using PL and TA to provide information about the mechanisms through which methyl viologen (MV 2+) associates with CdS QDs to form a stable QD/MV2+ complex, suggesting two chemically distinct reactions. We use our understanding of the QD/molecule interaction to design a drug delivery system in Chapter 4, which employs PL and TA experiments to show that conformational changes in a redox active adsorbate may follow electron transfer, "activating" a biologically inert Schiff base to a protein inhibitor form. The protein inhibitor limits cell motility and may be used to prevent tumor metastasis in cancer patients. Chapter 5 discusses future applications of QD/molecule redox couples with an emphasis on efficient multiple charge-transfer reactions -- a process facilitated by the high degeneracy of band-edge states in QDs. These multiple charge-transfer reactions may potentially increase the thermodynamic efficiency of solar cells, and may also facilitate the splitting of water into fuel. Multiple exciton generation procedures, multi-electron transfer experiments, and future directions are discussed.

Nitride surface passivation of GaAs nanowires: impact on surface state density.

PubMed

Alekseev, Prokhor A; Dunaevskiy, Mikhail S; Ulin, Vladimir P; Lvova, Tatiana V; Filatov, Dmitriy O; Nezhdanov, Alexey V; Mashin, Aleksander I; Berkovits, Vladimir L

2015-01-14

Surface nitridation by hydrazine-sulfide solution, which is known to produce surface passivation of GaAs crystals, was applied to GaAs nanowires (NWs). We studied the effect of nitridation on conductivity and microphotoluminescence (μ-PL) of individual GaAs NWs using conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) and confocal luminescent microscopy (CLM), respectively. Nitridation is found to produce an essential increase in the NW conductivity and the μ-PL intensity as well evidence of surface passivation. Estimations show that the nitride passivation reduces the surface state density by a factor of 6, which is of the same order as that found for GaAs/AlGaAs nanowires. The effects of the nitride passivation are also stable under atmospheric ambient conditions for six months.

Structure of Human Pancreatic Lipase-Related Protein 2 with the Lid in an Open Conformation

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

Eydoux, Cecilia; Spinelli, Silvia; Davis, Tara L.

2008-10-02

Access to the active site of pancreatic lipase (PL) is controlled by a surface loop, the lid, which normally undergoes conformational changes only upon addition of lipids or amphiphiles. Structures of PL with their lids in the open and functional conformation have required cocrystallization with amphiphiles. Here we report two crystal structures of wild-type and unglycosylated human pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (HPLRP2) with the lid in an open conformation in the absence of amphiphiles. These structures solved independently are strikingly similar, with some residues of the lid being poorly defined in the electron-density map. The open conformation of the lidmore » is however different from that previously observed in classical liganded PL, suggesting different kinetic properties for HPLRP2. Here we show that the HPLRP2 is directly inhibited by E600, does not present interfacial activation, and acts preferentially on substrates forming monomers or small aggregates (micelles) dispersed in solution like monoglycerides, phospholipids and galactolipids, whereas classical PL displays reverse properties and a high specificity for unsoluble substrates like triglycerides and diglycerides forming oil-in-water interfaces. These biochemical properties imply that the lid of HPLRP2 is likely to spontaneously adopt in solution the open conformation observed in the crystal structure. This open conformation generates a large cavity capable of accommodating the digalactose polar head of galactolipids, similar to that previously observed in the active site of the guinea pig PLRP2, but absent from the classical PL. Most of the structural and kinetic properties of HPLRP2 were found to be different from those of rat PLRP2, the structure of which was previously obtained with the lid in a closed conformation. Our findings illustrate the essential role of the lid in determining the substrate specificity and the mechanism of action of lipases.« less

Structure of human pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 with the lid in an open conformation.

PubMed

Eydoux, Cécilia; Spinelli, Silvia; Davis, Tara L; Walker, John R; Seitova, Alma; Dhe-Paganon, Sirano; De Caro, Alain; Cambillau, Christian; Carrière, Frédéric

2008-09-09

Access to the active site of pancreatic lipase (PL) is controlled by a surface loop, the lid, which normally undergoes conformational changes only upon addition of lipids or amphiphiles. Structures of PL with their lids in the open and functional conformation have required cocrystallization with amphiphiles. Here we report two crystal structures of wild-type and unglycosylated human pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (HPLRP2) with the lid in an open conformation in the absence of amphiphiles. These structures solved independently are strikingly similar, with some residues of the lid being poorly defined in the electron-density map. The open conformation of the lid is however different from that previously observed in classical liganded PL, suggesting different kinetic properties for HPLRP2. Here we show that the HPLRP2 is directly inhibited by E600, does not present interfacial activation, and acts preferentially on substrates forming monomers or small aggregates (micelles) dispersed in solution like monoglycerides, phospholipids and galactolipids, whereas classical PL displays reverse properties and a high specificity for unsoluble substrates like triglycerides and diglycerides forming oil-in-water interfaces. These biochemical properties imply that the lid of HPLRP2 is likely to spontaneously adopt in solution the open conformation observed in the crystal structure. This open conformation generates a large cavity capable of accommodating the digalactose polar head of galactolipids, similar to that previously observed in the active site of the guinea pig PLRP2, but absent from the classical PL. Most of the structural and kinetic properties of HPLRP2 were found to be different from those of rat PLRP2, the structure of which was previously obtained with the lid in a closed conformation. Our findings illustrate the essential role of the lid in determining the substrate specificity and the mechanism of action of lipases.

Photoluminescence transient study of surface defects in ZnO nanorods grown by chemical bath deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbagiovanni, E. G.; Strano, V.; Franzò, G.; Crupi, I.; Mirabella, S.

2015-03-01

Two deep level defects (2.25 and 2.03 eV) associated with oxygen vacancies (Vo) were identified in ZnO nanorods (NRs) grown by low cost chemical bath deposition. A transient behaviour in the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the two Vo states was found to be sensitive to the ambient environment and to NR post-growth treatment. The largest transient was found in samples dried on a hot plate with a PL intensity decay time, in air only, of 23 and 80 s for the 2.25 and 2.03 eV peaks, respectively. Resistance measurements under UV exposure exhibited a transient behaviour in full agreement with the PL transient, indicating a clear role of atmospheric O2 on the surface defect states. A model for surface defect transient behaviour due to band bending with respect to the Fermi level is proposed. The results have implications for a variety of sensing and photovoltaic applications of ZnO NRs.

Large enhancement of UV luminescence emission of ZnO nanoparticles by coupling excitons with Ag surface plasmons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuiri, Probodh K.; Pramanik, Subhamay

2018-04-01

For an emitter based on bandgap emission, defect mediated emission has always been considered as the most important loss. Here, a novel approach which can overcome such emission loss is proposed using films of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) on Ag NPs embedded in silica. The effects of the size of Ag NPs on the enhancement of ultra-violet (UV) photoluminescence (PL) of ZnO NPs for such a system have been studied. For the ZnO NPs without Ag NPs, two emission bands have been seen: one in the UV region and the other one in the visible region. This UV PL emission intensity has been seen to increase significantly with a drastic reduction of the visible PL emission intensity in the case of the sample containing ZnO NPs on silica embedded Ag NPs. A linear increase in UV emission with increase in the size of Ag NPs has been found. For the largest size of Ag NPs (˜10 nm, considered in the present study), the PL emission enhancement becomes about 4 times higher than that of sample without Ag NPs. The observed enhancement of the UV PL emission was caused by coupling between spontaneous emission in ZnO and surface plasmons of Ag. The larger Ag NPs provided a larger scattering cross section in coupling surface plasmons to light leading to an increase in UV emission. Thus, it is possible to convert the useless defect emission to the useful excitonic emission with a large enhancement factor.

Ultrafast carrier dynamics and third-order nonlinear optical properties of AgInS2/ZnS nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Kuai; Yang, Yang; Wang, Junzhong; Tang, Xiaosheng; Xu, Qing-Hua; Wang, Guo Ping

2018-06-01

Broad photoluminescence (PL) emission, a large Stokes shift and extremely long-lived radiative lifetimes are the characteristics of ternary I–III–VI semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), such as CuInS2 and AgInS2. However, the lack of understanding regarding the intriguing PL mechanisms and photo-carrier dynamics limits their further applications. Here, AgInS2 and AgInS2/ZnS NCs were chemically synthesized and their carrier dynamics were studied by time-resolved PL spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the surface defect state, which contributed dominantly to the non-radiative decay processes, was effectively passivated through ZnS alloying. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy was also used to investigate the carrier dynamics, revealing the electron storage at the surface state and donor state. Furthermore, the two photon absorption properties of AgInS2 and AgInS2/ZnS NCs were measured using an open-aperture Z-scan technique. The improved third-order nonlinear susceptibility {χ }(3) of AgInS2 through ZnS alloying demonstrates potential application in two photon PL biological imaging.

Photoluminescence from Au nanoparticles embedded in Au:oxide composite films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Hongbo; Wen, Weijia; Wong, George K.

2006-12-01

Au:oxide composite multilayer films with Au nanoparticles sandwiched by oxide layers (such as SiO2, ZnO, and TiO2) were prepared in a magnetron sputtering system. Their photoluminescence (PL) spectra were investigated by employing a micro-Raman system in which an Argon laser with a wavelength of 514 nm was used as the pumping light. Distinct PL peaks located at a wavelength range between 590 and 680 nm were observed in most of our samples, with Au particle size varying from several to hundreds of nanometers. It was found that the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in these composites exerted a strong influence on the position of the PL peaks but had little effect on the PL intensity.

Effect of high dietary zinc on plasma ceruloplasmin and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activities in copper-depleted and repleted rats.

PubMed

Panemangalore, M; Bebe, F N

1996-01-01

The effect of moderately high dietary zinc (Zn) on the activities of plasma (PL) ceruloplasmin (CP), and PL and erythrocyte (RBC) copper (Cu), Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) was determined in weanling rats fed Cu-deficient (DEF; < 1 mg Cu/kg), marginal (MAR; 2 mg Cu/kg), or control (CON; 5 mg Cu/kg) copper diets containing normal or high Zn (HZn; 60 mg/kg) for 4 wk and supplemented with oral Cu (CuS; 5 mg/L) in drinking water for 0, 1, 3, or 7 d. PL Cu decreased (67% compared to CON; p < or = 0.05) in the DEF and increased to control level after 3 d of CuS; increased in the MAR group after 1 d of CuS. HZn reduced overall PL Cu by 27% in all groups, but did not alter the linear increase in PL Cu between 0 and 3 d of Cu S. PL CP activity altered concomitantly with PL Cu levels: The time course of increase in CP activity after 0-3 d of CuS was not influenced by HZn in the diet and CP declined in the DEF group by 92%. There was no correlation between dietary Cu level and PL CP. PL SOD activity decreased by 46% (p < or = .05) in the DEF group, increased to control activity after 1 d of CuS and declined slightly after 7 d; MAR diet did not alter PL SOD. HZn diet increased PL SOD activity in all groups by 150%, reduced activity in the DEF and MAR groups by 65 and 37% and delayed the recovery of PL SOD after CuS. RBC SOD declined in the DEF and MAR groups by 56 and 33% (p < or = 0.05) and did not respond to CuS; HZn diet did not influence RBC SOD activity. These data indicate that moderately high Zn in the diet reduces PL Cu, but not PL CP activity or the recovery of PL Cu or CP activity after oral CuS of Cu-deficient rats, modifies the response of PL SOD to dietary Cu, but does not influence RBC SOD activity.

Tuning Confinement in Colloidal Silicon Nanocrystals with Saturated Surface Ligands.

PubMed

Carroll, Gerard M; Limpens, Rens; Neale, Nathan R

2018-05-09

The optical properties of silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) are a subject of intense study and continued debate. In particular, Si NC photoluminescence (PL) properties are known to depend strongly on the surface chemistry, resulting in electron-hole recombination pathways derived from the Si NC band-edge, surface-state defects, or combined NC-conjugated ligand hybrid states. In this Letter, we perform a comparison of three different saturated surface functional groups-alkyls, amides, and alkoxides-on nonthermal plasma-synthesized Si NCs. We find a systematic and size-dependent high-energy (blue) shift in the PL spectrum of Si NCs with amide and alkoxy functionalization relative to alkyl. Time-resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopies reveal no change in the excited-state dynamics between Si NCs functionalized with alkyl, amide, or alkoxide ligands, showing for the first time that saturated ligands-not only surface-derived charge-transfer states or hybridization between NC and low-lying ligand orbitals-are responsible for tuning the Si NC optical properties. To explain these PL shifts we propose that the atom bound to the Si NC surface strongly interacts with the Si NC electronic wave function and modulates the Si NC quantum confinement. These results reveal a potentially broadly applicable correlation between the optoelectronic properties of Si NCs and related quantum-confined structures based on the interaction between NC surfaces and the ligand binding group.

Tuning Confinement in Colloidal Silicon Nanocrystals with Saturated Surface Ligands

DOE PAGES

Carroll, Gerard M.; Limpens, Rens; Neale, Nathan R.

2018-04-16

The optical properties of silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) are a subject of intense study and continued debate. In particular, Si NC photoluminescence (PL) properties are known to depend strongly on the surface chemistry, resulting in electron-hole recombination pathways derived from the Si NC band-edge, surface-state defects, or combined NC-conjugated ligand hybrid states. In this Letter, we perform a comparison of three different saturated surface functional groups - alkyls, amides, and alkoxides - on nonthermal plasma-synthesized Si NCs. We find a systematic and size-dependent high-energy (blue) shift in the PL spectrum of Si NCs with amide and alkoxy functionalization relative tomore » alkyl. Time-resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopies reveal no change in the excited-state dynamics between Si NCs functionalized with alkyl, amide, or alkoxide ligands, showing for the first time that saturated ligands - not only surface-derived charge-transfer states or hybridization between NC and low-lying ligand orbitals - are responsible for tuning the Si NC optical properties. To explain these PL shifts we propose that the atom bound to the Si NC surface strongly interacts with the Si NC electronic wave function and modulates the Si NC quantum confinement. Furthermore, these results reveal a potentially broadly applicable correlation between the optoelectronic properties of Si NCs and related quantum-confined structures based on the interaction between NC surfaces and the ligand binding group.« less

Mutual effects of copper and phosphate on their interaction with γ-Al2O3: combined batch macroscopic experiments with DFT calculations.

PubMed

Ren, Xuemei; Yang, Shitong; Tan, Xiaoli; Chen, Changlun; Sheng, Guodong; Wang, Xiangke

2012-10-30

The mutual effects of Cu(II) and phosphate on their interaction with γ-Al(2)O(3) are investigated by using batch experiments combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results of batch experiments show that coexisting phosphate promotes the retention of Cu(II) on γ-Al(2)O(3), whereas phosphate retention is not affected by coexisting Cu(II) at low initial phosphate concentrations (≤ 3.6 mg P/L). Cu-phosphate aqueous complexes control Cu(II) retention through the formation of type B ternary surface complexes (where phosphate bridges γ-Al(2)O(3) and Cu(II)) at pH 5.5. This deduction is further supported by the results of DFT calculations. More specifically, the DFT calculation results indicate that the type B ternary surface complexes prefer to form outer-sphere or monodentate inner-sphere binding mode under our experimental conditions. The enhancement of phosphate retention on γ-Al(2)O(3) in the presence of Cu(II) at high initial phosphate concentrations (>3.6 mg P/L) may be attributed to the formation of 1:2 Cu(II)-phosphate species and/or surface precipitates. Understanding the mutual effects of phosphate and Cu(II) on their mobility and transport in mineral/water environments is more realistic to design effective remediation strategies for reducing their negative impacts on aquatic/terrestrial environments. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Oxygen and relative humidity monitoring with films tailored for enhanced photoluminescence

DOE PAGES

Cui, Weipan; Liu, Rui; Manna, Eeshita; ...

2014-10-31

In this study, approaches to generate porous or doped sensing films, which significantly enhance the photoluminescence (PL) of oxygen optical sensors, and thus improve the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, are presented. Tailored films, which enable monitoring the relative humidity (RH) as well, are also presented. Effective porous structures, in which the O 2-sensitive dye Pt octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) or the Pd analog PdOEP was embedded, were realized by first generating blend films of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with polystyrene (PS) or with ethyl cellulose (EC), and then immersing the dried films in water to remove the water-soluble PEG. This approach creates pores (voids)more » in the sensing films. The dielectric contrast between the films’ constituents and the voids increases photon scattering, which in turn increases the optical path of the excitation light within the film, and hence light absorption by the dye, and its PL. Optimized sensing films with a PEG:PS ratio of 1:4 (PEG’s molecular weight M w ~8000) led to ~4.4× enhancement in the PL (in comparison to PS films). Lower M w ~200 PEG with a PEG:EC ratio of 1:1 led to a PL enhancement of ~4.7×. Film-dependent PL enhancements were observed at all oxygen concentrations. The strong PL enhancement enables (i) using lower dye (luminophore) concentrations, (ii) reducing power consumption and enhancing the sensor’s operational lifetime when using organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) as excitation sources, (iii) improving performance when using compact photodetectors with no internal gain, and (iv) reliably extending the dynamic range.« less

U.S. EPA, Pesticide Product Label, PURITY BACTERIOSTATIC WATER TREATMENT UNIT,MODEL 514C.C., 09/10/1982

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2011-04-21

... [ .... EEO PL"',lI.', Pl:>1S:. .. · nAG.',EEJ A€~f)EA~''''ETTlE RE::'f-o':'::l P,G'.H:JR;)S",lhPEt. ... ','.! Pf" g':-'" iI~~~ 2.- ~~. I.~r 0" S' l_t e I.l'l ~aM;: .I.,. ...

The Triple Roles of Glutathione for a DNA-Cleaving DNAzyme and Development of a Fluorescent Glutathione/Cu2+-Dependent DNAzyme Sensor for Detection of Cu2+ in Drinking Water.

PubMed

Wang, Shijin; Liu, Chengcheng; Li, Guiying; Sheng, Yongjie; Sun, Yanhong; Rui, Hongyue; Zhang, Jin; Xu, Jiacui; Jiang, Dazhi

2017-03-24

Pistol-like DNAzyme (PLDz) is an oxidative DNA-cleaving catalytic DNA with ascorbic acid as cofactor. Herein, glutathione was induced into the reaction system to maintain reduced ascorbic acid levels for higher efficient cleavage. However, data indicated that glutathione played triple roles in PLDz-catalyzed reactions. Glutathione alone had no effect on PLDz, and showed inhibitory effect on ascorbic acid-induced PLDz catalysis, but exhibited stimulating effect on Cu 2+ -promoted self-cleavage of PLDz. Further analysis of the effect of glutathione/Cu 2+ on PLDz indicated that H 2 O 2 played a key role in PLDz catalysis. Finally, we developed a fluorescent Cu 2+ sensor (PL-Cu 1.0) based on the relationship between glutathione/Cu 2+ and catalytic activity of PLDz. The fluorescent intensity showed a linear response toward the logarithm concentration of Cu 2+ over the range from 80 nM to 30 μM, with a detection limit of 21.1 nM. PL-Cu 1.0 provided only detection of Cu 2+ over other divalent metal ions. Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ could not interfere with Cu 2+ detection even at a 1000-fold concentration. We further applied PL-Cu 1.0 for Cu 2+ detection in tap and bottled water. Water stored in copper taps overnight had relatively high Cu 2+ concentrations, with a maximum 22.3 μM. Trace Cu 2+ (52.2 nM) in deep spring was detected among the tested bottled water. Therefore, PL-Cu 1.0 is feasible to detect Cu 2+ in drinking water, with a practical application.

Estimate of radon exposure in geothermal spas in Poland.

PubMed

Walczak, Katarzyna; Olszewski, Jerzy; Zmyślony, Marek

2016-01-01

Geothermal waters may contain soluble, radioactive radon gas. Spa facilities that use geothermal water may be a source of an increased radiation dose to people who stay there. It has been necessary to assess the exposure to radon among people: workers and visitors of spa centers that use geothermal waters. In 2013, workers of the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine measured concentrations of radon over the geothermal water surfaces in 9 selected Polish spa centers which use geothermal water for recreational and medicinal purposes. The measurements were performed by active dosimetry using Lucas scintillation cells. According to our research, the doses received by the personnel in Polish geothermal spas are < 0.6 mSv/year. In 1 of the investigated spas, the estimated annual dose to the staff may exceed 3 mSv/year. In Polish geothermal spas, neither the workers nor the visitors are at risk of receiving doses that exceed the safe limits. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

Photoluminescence in the characterization and early detection of biomimetic bone-like apatite formation on the surface of alkaline-treated titanium implant: state of the art.

PubMed

Sepahvandi, Azadeh; Moztarzadeh, Fathollah; Mozafari, Masoud; Ghaffari, Maryam; Raee, Nahid

2011-09-01

Photoluminescence (PL) property is particularly important in the characterization of materials that contain significant proportions of noncrystalline components, multiple phases, or low concentrations of mineral phases. In this research, the ability of biomimetic bone-like apatite deposition on the surface of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) substrates in simulated body fluid (SBF) right after alkaline-treatment and subsequent heat-treatment was studied by the inherent luminescence properties of apatite. For this purpose, the metallic substrates were treated in 5 M NaOH solution at 60 °C. Subsequently, the substrates were heat-treated at 600 °C for 1 h for consolidation of the sodium titanate hydrogel layer. Then, they were soaked in SBF for different periods of time. Finally, the possibility to use of PL monitoring as an effective method and early detection tool is discussed. According to the obtained results, it was concluded that the PL emission peak did not have any significant shift to the shorter or higher wavelengths, and the PL intensity increased as the exposure time increased. This research proved that the observed inherent PL of the newly formed apatite coatings might be of specific interest for histological probing and bone remodelling monitoring. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enzymatically oxidized phospholipids restore thrombin generation in coagulation factor deficiencies.

PubMed

Slatter, David A; Percy, Charles L; Allen-Redpath, Keith; Gajsiewicz, Joshua M; Brooks, Nick J; Clayton, Aled; Tyrrell, Victoria J; Rosas, Marcela; Lauder, Sarah N; Watson, Andrew; Dul, Maria; Garcia-Diaz, Yoel; Aldrovandi, Maceler; Heurich, Meike; Hall, Judith; Morrissey, James H; Lacroix-Desmazes, Sebastien; Delignat, Sandrine; Jenkins, P Vincent; Collins, Peter W; O'Donnell, Valerie B

2018-03-22

Hemostatic defects are treated using coagulation factors; however, clot formation also requires a procoagulant phospholipid (PL) surface. Here, we show that innate immune cell-derived enzymatically oxidized phospholipids (eoxPL) termed hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid-phospholipids (HETE-PLs) restore hemostasis in human and murine conditions of pathological bleeding. HETE-PLs abolished blood loss in murine hemophilia A and enhanced coagulation in factor VIII- (FVIII-), FIX-, and FX-deficient human plasma . HETE-PLs were decreased in platelets from patients after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). To explore molecular mechanisms, the ability of eoxPL to stimulate individual isolated coagulation factor/cofactor complexes was tested in vitro. Extrinsic tenase (FVIIa/tissue factor [TF]), intrinsic tenase (FVIIIa/FIXa), and prothrombinase (FVa/FXa) all were enhanced by both HETE-PEs and HETE-PCs, suggesting a common mechanism involving the fatty acid moiety. In plasma, 9-, 15-, and 12-HETE-PLs were more effective than 5-, 11-, or 8-HETE-PLs, indicating positional isomer specificity. Coagulation was enhanced at lower lipid/factor ratios, consistent with a more concentrated area for protein binding. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed binding of FII and FX to HETE-PEs. HETE-PEs increased membrane curvature and thickness, but not surface charge or homogeneity, possibly suggesting increased accessibility to cations/factors. In summary, innate immune-derived eoxPL enhance calcium-dependent coagulation factor function, and their potential utility in bleeding disorders is proposed.

Enzymatically oxidized phospholipids restore thrombin generation in coagulation factor deficiencies

PubMed Central

Slatter, David A.; Percy, Charles L.; Allen-Redpath, Keith; Gajsiewicz, Joshua M.; Brooks, Nick J.; Tyrrell, Victoria J.; Lauder, Sarah N.; Watson, Andrew; Dul, Maria; Garcia-Diaz, Yoel; Aldrovandi, Maceler; Heurich, Meike; Hall, Judith; Lacroix-Desmazes, Sebastien; Delignat, Sandrine; Jenkins, P. Vincent; Collins, Peter W.; O’Donnell, Valerie B.

2018-01-01

Hemostatic defects are treated using coagulation factors; however, clot formation also requires a procoagulant phospholipid (PL) surface. Here, we show that innate immune cell–derived enzymatically oxidized phospholipids (eoxPL) termed hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid–phospholipids (HETE-PLs) restore hemostasis in human and murine conditions of pathological bleeding. HETE-PLs abolished blood loss in murine hemophilia A and enhanced coagulation in factor VIII- (FVIII-), FIX-, and FX-deficient human plasma . HETE-PLs were decreased in platelets from patients after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). To explore molecular mechanisms, the ability of eoxPL to stimulate individual isolated coagulation factor/cofactor complexes was tested in vitro. Extrinsic tenase (FVIIa/tissue factor [TF]), intrinsic tenase (FVIIIa/FIXa), and prothrombinase (FVa/FXa) all were enhanced by both HETE-PEs and HETE-PCs, suggesting a common mechanism involving the fatty acid moiety. In plasma, 9-, 15-, and 12-HETE-PLs were more effective than 5-, 11-, or 8-HETE-PLs, indicating positional isomer specificity. Coagulation was enhanced at lower lipid/factor ratios, consistent with a more concentrated area for protein binding. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed binding of FII and FX to HETE-PEs. HETE-PEs increased membrane curvature and thickness, but not surface charge or homogeneity, possibly suggesting increased accessibility to cations/factors. In summary, innate immune-derived eoxPL enhance calcium-dependent coagulation factor function, and their potential utility in bleeding disorders is proposed. PMID:29563336

Exciton Recombination, Energy-, and Charge Transfer in Single- and Multilayer Quantum-Dot Films on Silver Plasmonic Resonators.

PubMed

Shin, Taeho; Cho, Kyung-Sang; Yun, Dong-Jin; Kim, Jinwoo; Li, Xiang-Shu; Moon, Eui-Seong; Baik, Chan-Wook; Il Kim, Sun; Kim, Miyoung; Choi, Jun Hee; Park, Gyeong-Su; Shin, Jai-Kwang; Hwang, Sungwoo; Jung, Tae-Sung

2016-05-17

We examine exciton recombination, energy-, and charge transfer in multilayer CdS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) on silver plasmonic resonators using photoluminescence (PL) and excitation spectroscopy along with kinetic modeling and simulations. The exciton dynamics including all the processes are strongly affected by the separation distance between QDs and silver resonators, excitation wavelength, and QD film thickness. For a direct contact or very small distance, interfacial charge transfer and tunneling dominate over intrinsic radiative recombination and exciton energy transfer to surface plasmons (SPs), resulting in PL suppression. With increasing distance, however, tunneling diminishes dramatically, while long-range exciton-SP coupling takes place much faster (>6.5 ns) than intrinsic recombination (~200 ns) causing considerable PL enhancement. The exciton-SP coupling strength shows a strong dependence on excitation wavelengths, suggesting the state-specific dynamics of excitons and the down-conversion of surface plasmons involved. The overlayers as well as the bottom monolayer of QD multilayers exhibit significant PL enhancement mainly through long-range exciton-SP coupling. The overall emission behaviors from single- and multilayer QD films on silver resonators are described quantitatively by a photophysical kinetic model and simulations. The present experimental and simulation results provide important and useful design rules for QD-based light harvesting applications using the exciton-surface plasmon coupling.

Exciton Recombination, Energy-, and Charge Transfer in Single- and Multilayer Quantum-Dot Films on Silver Plasmonic Resonators

PubMed Central

Shin, Taeho; Cho, Kyung-Sang; Yun, Dong-Jin; Kim, Jinwoo; Li, Xiang-Shu; Moon, Eui-Seong; Baik, Chan-Wook; Il Kim, Sun; Kim, Miyoung; Choi, Jun Hee; Park, Gyeong-Su; Shin, Jai-Kwang; Hwang, Sungwoo; Jung, Tae-Sung

2016-01-01

We examine exciton recombination, energy-, and charge transfer in multilayer CdS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) on silver plasmonic resonators using photoluminescence (PL) and excitation spectroscopy along with kinetic modeling and simulations. The exciton dynamics including all the processes are strongly affected by the separation distance between QDs and silver resonators, excitation wavelength, and QD film thickness. For a direct contact or very small distance, interfacial charge transfer and tunneling dominate over intrinsic radiative recombination and exciton energy transfer to surface plasmons (SPs), resulting in PL suppression. With increasing distance, however, tunneling diminishes dramatically, while long-range exciton-SP coupling takes place much faster (>6.5 ns) than intrinsic recombination (~200 ns) causing considerable PL enhancement. The exciton-SP coupling strength shows a strong dependence on excitation wavelengths, suggesting the state-specific dynamics of excitons and the down-conversion of surface plasmons involved. The overlayers as well as the bottom monolayer of QD multilayers exhibit significant PL enhancement mainly through long-range exciton-SP coupling. The overall emission behaviors from single- and multilayer QD films on silver resonators are described quantitatively by a photophysical kinetic model and simulations. The present experimental and simulation results provide important and useful design rules for QD-based light harvesting applications using the exciton-surface plasmon coupling. PMID:27184469

Antibiotic loaded calcium sulfate bead and pulse lavage eradicates biofilms on metal implant materials in vitro.

PubMed

Knecht, Cory S; Moley, James P; McGrath, Mary S; Granger, Jeffrey F; Stoodley, Paul; Dusane, Devendra H

2018-03-30

Pulse lavage (PL) debridement and antibiotic loaded calcium sulfate beads (CS-B) are both used for the treatment of biofilm related periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, the efficacy of these alone and in combination for eradicating biofilm from orthopaedic metal implant surfaces is unclear. The purpose of the study was to understand the efficacy of PL and antibiotic loaded CS-B in eradicating bacterial biofilms on 316L stainless steel (SS) alone and in combination in vitro. Biofilms of bioluminescent strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Xen41 and a USA300 MRSA Staphylococcus aureus SAP231 were grown on SS coupons for 3 days. The coupons were either, (i) debrided for 3 s with PL, (ii) exposed to tobramycin (TOB) and vancomycin (VAN) loaded CS-B for 24 h, or (iii) exposed to both. An untreated biofilm served as a control. The amount of biofilm was measured by bioluminescence, viable plate count and confocal microscopy using live/dead staining. PL alone reduced the CFU count of both strains of biofilms by approximately 2 orders of magnitude, from an initial cell count on metal surface of approximately 10 9 CFU/cm 2 . The antibiotic loaded CS-B caused an approximate six log reduction and the combination completely eradicated viable biofilm bacteria. Bioluminescence and confocal imaging corroborated the CFU data. While PL and antibiotic loaded CS-B both significantly reduced biofilm, the combination of two was more effective than alone in removing biofilms from SS implant surfaces. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:1-6, 2018. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A simple liquid extraction protocol for overcoming the ion suppression of triacylglycerols by phospholipids in liquid chromatography mass spectrometry studies.

PubMed

Araujo, Pedro; Tilahun, Ephrem; Breivik, Joar Fjørtoft; Abdulkader, Bashir M; Frøyland, Livar; Zeng, Yingxu

2016-02-01

It is well-known that triacylglycerol (TAG) ions are suppressed by phospholipid (PL) ions in regiospecific analysis of TAG by mass spectrometry (MS). Hence, it is essential to remove the PL during sample preparation prior to MS analysis. The present article proposes a cost-effective liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method to remove PL from TAG in different kinds of biological samples by using methanol, hexane and water. High performance thin layer chromatography confirmed the lack of PL in krill oil and salmon liver samples, submitted to the proposed LLE protocol, and liquid chromatography tandem MS confirmed that the identified TAG ions were highly enhanced after implementing the LLE procedure. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Single quantum dot emission by nanoscale selective growth of InAs on GaAs: A bottom-up approach

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

Patella, F.; Arciprete, F.; Placidi, E.

2008-12-08

We report on single dot microphotoluminescence ({mu}PL) emission at low temperature and low power from InAs dots grown by molecular beam epitaxy in nanoscale holes of a SiO{sub 2} mask deposited on GaAs(001). By comparing atomic force microscopy measurements with {mu}PL data, we show that the dot sizes inside the nanoholes are smaller than those of the dots nucleated on the extended GaAs surface. PL of dots spans a wide energy range depending on their size and on the thickness and composition of the InGaAs capping layer. Time-resolved PL experiments demonstrate a negligible loss of radiative recombination efficiency, proving highlymore » effective in the site-controlled dot nucleation.« less

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

Neale, Nathan R; Carroll, Gerard; Limpens, Rens

The optical properties of silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) are a subject of intense study and continued debate. In particular, Si NC photoluminescence (PL) properties are known to depend strongly on the surface chemistry, resulting in electron-hole recombination pathways derived from the Si NC band-edge, surface-state defects, or combined NC-conjugated ligand hybrid states. In this Letter, we perform a comparison of three different saturated surface functional groups - alkyls, amides, and alkoxides - on nonthermal plasma-synthesized Si NCs. We find a systematic and size-dependent high-energy (blue) shift in the PL spectrum of Si NCs with amide and alkoxy functionalization relative tomore » alkyl. Time-resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopies reveal no change in the excited-state dynamics between Si NCs functionalized with alkyl, amide, or alkoxide ligands, showing for the first time that saturated ligands - not only surface-derived charge-transfer states or hybridization between NC and low-lying ligand orbitals - are responsible for tuning the Si NC optical properties. To explain these PL shifts we propose that the atom bound to the Si NC surface strongly interacts with the Si NC electronic wave function and modulates the Si NC quantum confinement. These results reveal a potentially broadly applicable correlation between the optoelectronic properties of Si NCs and related quantum-confined structures based on the interaction between NC surfaces and the ligand binding group.« less

Electron beam induced and microemulsion templated synthesis of CdSe quantum dots: tunable broadband emission and charge carrier recombination dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guleria, Apurav; Singh, Ajay K.; Rath, Madhab C.; Adhikari, Soumyakanti

2015-04-01

CdSe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by a rapid and one step templated approach inside the water pool of AOT (sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate) based water-in-oil microemulsions (MEs) via electron beam (EB) irradiation technique with high dose rate, which favours high nucleation rate. The interplay of different experimental parameters such as precursor concentration, absorbed dose and {{W}0} values (aqueous phase to surfactant molar ratio) of MEs were found to have interesting consequences on the morphology, photoluminescence (PL), surface composition and carrier recombination dynamics of as-grown QDs. For instance, highly stable ultrasmall (∼1.7 nm) bluish-white light emitting QDs were obtained with quantum efficiency (η) of ∼9%. Furthermore, QDs were found to exhibit tunable broadband light emission extending from 450 to 750 nm (maximum FWHM ∼180 nm). This could be realized from the CIE (Commission Internationale d’Eclairage) chromaticity co-ordinates, which varied across the blue region to the orange region thereby, conferring their potential application in white light emitting diodes. Additionally, the average PL lifetime ≤ft( ≤ft< τ \\right> \\right) values could be varied from 18 ns to as high as 74 ns, which reflect the role of surface states in terms of their density and distribution. Another interesting revelation was the self-assembling of the initially formed QDs into nanorods with high aspect ratios ranging from 7 to 20, in correspondence with the {{W}0} values. Besides, the fundamental roles of the chemical nature of water pool and the interfacial fluidity of AOT MEs in influencing the photophysical properties of QDs were investigated by carrying out a similar study in CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide; cationic surfactant) based MEs. Surprisingly, very profound and contrasting results were observed wherein ≤ft< τ \\right> and η of the QDs in case of CTAB MEs were found to be at least three times lower as compared to that in AOT MEs.

Origin of blue photoluminescence from colloidal silicon nanocrystals fabricated by femtosecond laser ablation in solution.

PubMed

Hao, H L; Wu, W S; Zhang, Y; Wu, L K; Shen, W Z

2016-08-12

We present a detailed investigation into the origin of blue emission from colloidal silicon (Si) nanocrystals (NCs) fabricated by femtosecond laser ablation of Si powder in 1-hexene. High resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy observations confirm that Si NCs with average size 2.7 nm are produced and well dispersed in 1-hexene. Fourier transform infrared spectrum and x-ray photoelectron spectra have been employed to reveal the passivation of Si NCs surfaces with organic molecules. On the basis of the structural characterization, UV-visible absorption, temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL), time-resolved PL, and PL excitation spectra investigations, we deduce that room-temperature blue luminescence from colloidal Si NCs originates from the following two processes: (i) under illumination, excitons first form within colloidal Si NCs by direct transition at the X or Γ (Γ25 → Γ'2) point; (ii) and then some trapped excitons migrate to the surfaces of colloidal Si NCs and further recombine via the surface states associated with the Si-C or Si-C-H2 bonds.

Electrical and optical characterization of surface passivation in GaAs nanowires.

PubMed

Chang, Chia-Chi; Chi, Chun-Yung; Yao, Maoqing; Huang, Ningfeng; Chen, Chun-Chung; Theiss, Jesse; Bushmaker, Adam W; Lalumondiere, Stephen; Yeh, Ting-Wei; Povinelli, Michelle L; Zhou, Chongwu; Dapkus, P Daniel; Cronin, Stephen B

2012-09-12

We report a systematic study of carrier dynamics in Al(x)Ga(1-x)As-passivated GaAs nanowires. With passivation, the minority carrier diffusion length (L(diff)) increases from 30 to 180 nm, as measured by electron beam induced current (EBIC) mapping, and the photoluminescence (PL) lifetime increases from sub-60 ps to 1.3 ns. A 48-fold enhancement in the continuous-wave PL intensity is observed on the same individual nanowire with and without the Al(x)Ga(1-x)As passivation layer, indicating a significant reduction in surface recombination. These results indicate that, in passivated nanowires, the minority carrier lifetime is not limited by twin stacking faults. From the PL lifetime and minority carrier diffusion length, we estimate the surface recombination velocity (SRV) to range from 1.7 × 10(3) to 1.1 × 10(4) cm·s(-1), and the minority carrier mobility μ is estimated to lie in the range from 10.3 to 67.5 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) for the passivated nanowires.

Cerium-doped -Ni(OH)2 hexagon nanosheets: an effective photocatalyst for degradation of the emerging water pollutant naproxen.

PubMed

Regmi, Chhabilal; Maya-Flores, Etel; Lee, Soo Wohn; Rodríguez-González, Vicente

2018-06-21

Nickel hydroxide β-Ni(OH)2 hexagonal nanosheets were synthetized via a hydrothermal exfoliation process. The practical microwave assisted hydrothermal method facilitated obtain layered nickel 3D nanoplates with cerium functionalization in 5h. The as-produced nanostructures were characterized by XRD, XPS, FESEM, FT-IR, PL, UV-vis, and BET techniques. The hydroxilated structures are nano-thick hexagonal plates having sides with 28 nm in length and 5 nm of average thickness. UV and PL irradiation was used to study the photoactive properties in the degradation of a pharmaceutical emerging pollutant, naproxen. UV-vis spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) monitoring indicated that the Ni(OH)2-Ce nanostructures are an effective photocatalyst for naproxen degradation including 40 % of mineralization of this highly recalcitrant drug. The photocatalyst showed stability for two consecutive cycles, preserving its photoactive and structural characteristics. Ce3+ doped nanoplates and surface functionalized Ce4+ act as charge separators and scavenging agents for the enhanced photodegradation of naproxen. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Upconversion fluorescence tyrosine doped LaF3:Dy quantum dots useful in biolabeling and biotagging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Amit T.; Khandpekar, M. M.

2018-04-01

Water soluble hexahedral colloidal quantum dots (QDOTs) of Tyrosine doped LaF3:Dy have been synthesized by wet chemical route. The nanoparticles have been irradiated by microwave during synthesis for drying and also to reduce agglomeration. The coating of the LaF3:Dy nanoparticles by the amino acid tyrosine results in colloidal quantum dots. XRD studies indicates hexagonal lattice and confirms JCPDS data. The average particle size obtained by XRD and SEM are 22.89nm and 25.5nm respectively. The average sizes of nanorods obtained from TEM are 55 nm. The presence of elements has been verified with EDAX and ICP-AES technique. The SAED pattern of the samples shows sharp concentric rings indicating the crystalline nature of the synthesized nanoparticles. The FTIR spectra have been used to study the surface modification of the nanoparticles. The optical studies have been done using UV-visible and PL spectra. The PL spectra showed upconversion nature of the synthesized nanoparticles with sharp emission at 618 nm. The nanoparticles synthesized have potential application as biomaterials in bio imaging and biotagging.

Theoretical and experimental characterization of novel water-equivalent plastics in clinical high-energy carbon-ion beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lourenço, A.; Wellock, N.; Thomas, R.; Homer, M.; Bouchard, H.; Kanai, T.; MacDougall, N.; Royle, G.; Palmans, H.

2016-11-01

Water-equivalent plastics are frequently used in dosimetry for experimental simplicity. This work evaluates the water-equivalence of novel water-equivalent plastics specifically designed for light-ion beams, as well as commercially available plastics in a clinical high-energy carbon-ion beam. A plastic- to-water conversion factor {{H}\\text{pl,w}} was established to derive absorbed dose to water in a water phantom from ionization chamber readings performed in a plastic phantom. Three trial plastic materials with varying atomic compositions were produced and experimentally characterized in a high-energy carbon-ion beam. Measurements were performed with a Roos ionization chamber, using a broad un-modulated beam of 11  ×  11 cm2, to measure the plastic-to-water conversion factor for the novel materials. The experimental results were compared with Monte Carlo simulations. Commercially available plastics were also simulated for comparison with the plastics tested experimentally, with particular attention to the influence of nuclear interaction cross sections. The measured H\\text{pl,w}\\exp correction increased gradually from 0% at the surface to 0.7% at a depth near the Bragg peak for one of the plastics prepared in this work, while for the other two plastics a maximum correction of 0.8%-1.3% was found. Average differences between experimental and numerical simulations were 0.2%. Monte Carlo results showed that for polyethylene, polystyrene, Rando phantom soft tissue and A-150, the correction increased from 0% to 2.5%-4.0% with depth, while for PMMA it increased to 2%. Water-equivalent plastics such as, Plastic Water, RMI-457, Gammex 457-CTG, WT1 and Virtual Water, gave similar results where maximum corrections were of the order of 2%. Considering the results from Monte Carlo simulations, one of the novel plastics was found to be superior in comparison with the plastic materials currently used in dosimetry, demonstrating that it is feasible to tailor plastic materials to be water-equivalent for carbon ions specifically.

Characterization of iron in silicon by low-temperature photoluminescence and deep-level transient spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Minoru; Murakami, Susumu; Udono, Haruhiko

2018-03-01

We investigate the relationship between the intensity of band-edge (BDE) photoluminescence (PL) from 10 to 70 K and the concentration of iron diffused in boron-doped p-type silicon. Because of the nonradiative recombination activity of the interstitial iron-boron complex (FeiB center), the BDE-PL intensity at each temperature varies distinctively and systematically with the iron concentration, which means that this method has the potential to make the accurate measurements of a wide range of interstitial iron concentrations in silicon. The iron precipitates formed in the bulk and/or at the surface are found to exert much weaker recombination activity for excess carriers than FeiB center by exploiting both PL and deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements. The unexpected enhancement in BDE-PL intensity from iron-diffused silicon between 20 and 50 K is attributed to the passivation of the Si-oxide/Si interface by iron. For the samples diffused with trace amounts of iron, the iron concentration within 20 μm of the surface is significantly greater than that in the bulk, as measured by DLTS. This result is tentatively attributed to the affinity of iron with the Si-oxide.

Ultrafast carrier dynamics and third-order nonlinear optical properties of AgInS2/ZnS nanocrystals.

PubMed

Yu, Kuai; Yang, Yang; Wang, Junzhong; Tang, Xiaosheng; Xu, Qing-Hua; Wang, Guo Ping

2018-06-22

Broad photoluminescence (PL) emission, a large Stokes shift and extremely long-lived radiative lifetimes are the characteristics of ternary I-III-VI semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), such as CuInS 2 and AgInS 2 . However, the lack of understanding regarding the intriguing PL mechanisms and photo-carrier dynamics limits their further applications. Here, AgInS 2 and AgInS 2 /ZnS NCs were chemically synthesized and their carrier dynamics were studied by time-resolved PL spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the surface defect state, which contributed dominantly to the non-radiative decay processes, was effectively passivated through ZnS alloying. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy was also used to investigate the carrier dynamics, revealing the electron storage at the surface state and donor state. Furthermore, the two photon absorption properties of AgInS 2 and AgInS 2 /ZnS NCs were measured using an open-aperture Z-scan technique. The improved third-order nonlinear susceptibility [Formula: see text] of AgInS 2 through ZnS alloying demonstrates potential application in two photon PL biological imaging.

Quality Characterization of Silicon Bricks using Photoluminescence Imaging and Photoconductive Decay: Preprint

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

Johnston, S.; Yan, F.; Zaunbrecher, K.

2012-06-01

Imaging techniques can be applied to multicrystalline silicon solar cells throughout the production process, which includes as early as when the bricks are cut from the cast ingot. Photoluminescence (PL) imaging of the band-to-band radiative recombination is used to characterize silicon quality and defects regions within the brick. PL images of the brick surfaces are compared to minority-carrier lifetimes measured by resonant-coupled photoconductive decay (RCPCD). Photoluminescence images on silicon bricks can be correlated to lifetime measured by photoconductive decay and could be used for high-resolution characterization of material before wafers are cut. The RCPCD technique has shown the longest lifetimesmore » of any of the lifetime measurement techniques we have applied to the bricks. RCPCD benefits from the low-frequency and long-excitation wavelengths used. In addition, RCPCD is a transient technique that directly monitors the decay rate of photoconductivity and does not rely on models or calculations for lifetime. The measured lifetimes over brick surfaces have shown strong correlations to the PL image intensities; therefore, this correlation could then be used to transform the PL image into a high-resolution lifetime map.« less

Optical investigation of microscopic defect distribution in semi-polar (1-101 and 11-22) InGaN light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hafiz, Shopan; Andrade, Nicolas; Monavarian, Morteza; Izyumskaya, Natalia; Das, Saikat; Zhang, Fan; Avrutin, Vitaliy; Morkoç, Hadis; Özgür, Ümit

2016-02-01

Near-field scanning optical microscopy was applied to investigate the spatial variations of extended defects and their effects on the optical quality for semi-polar (1-101) and (11-22) InGaN light emitting diodes (LEDs). (1-101) and (11-22) oriented InGaN LEDs emitting at 450-470 nm were grown on patterned Si (001) 7° offcut substrates and m-sapphire substrates by means of nano-epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO), respectively. For (1-101) structures, the photoluminescence (PL) at 85 K from the near surface c+ wings was found to be relatively uniform and strong across the sample. However, emission from the c- wings was substantially weaker due to the presence of high density of threading dislocations (TDs) and basal plane stacking faults (BSFs) as revealed from the local PL spectra. In case of (11-22) LED structures, near-field PL intensity correlated with the surface features and the striations along the direction parallel to the c-axis projection exposed facets where the Indium content was higher as deduced from shift in the PL peak energy.

Polarized luminescence of nc-Si-SiO x nanostructures on silicon substrates with patterned surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michailovska, Katerina; Mynko, Viktor; Indutnyi, Ivan; Shepeliavyi, Petro

2018-05-01

Polarization characteristics and spectra of photoluminescence (PL) of nc-Si-SiO x structures formed on the patterned and plane c-Si substrates are studied. The interference lithography with vacuum chalcogenide photoresist and anisotropic wet etching are used to form a periodic relief (diffraction grating) on the surface of the substrates. The studied nc-Si-SiO x structures were produced by oblique-angle deposition of Si monoxide in vacuum and the subsequent high-temperature annealing. The linear polarization memory (PM) effect in PL of studied structure on plane substrate is manifested only after the treatment of the structures in HF and is explained by the presence of elongated Si nanoparticles in the SiO x nanocolumns. But the PL output from the nc-Si-SiO x structure on the patterned substrate depends on how this radiation is polarized with respect to the grating grooves and is much less dependent on the polarization of the exciting light. The measured reflection spectra of nc-Si-SiO x structure on the patterned c-Si substrate confirmed the influence of pattern on the extraction of polarized PL.

Voc Degradation in TF-VLS Grown InP Solar Cells

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

Sun, Yubo; Sun, Xingshu; Johnston, Steve

2016-11-21

Here we consider two hypotheses to explain the open-circuit voltage (VOC) degradation observed in thin-film vapor-liquid-solid (TF-VLS) grown p-type InP photovoltaic cells: bandgap narrowing and local shunting. First, a bandgap (Eg) narrowing effect is hypothesized, based on the surface inhomogeneity of VLS InP captured by the photoluminescence (PL) image. The PL data was used to estimate a spatially-resolved active VOC across surface of the InP sample. Combining this data with the effective Jsc allowed an assessment of the I-V characteristics of individual unit cells. Next, an H-SPICE diode compact model was utilized to reproduce the I-V characteristics of the wholemore » sample. We find a good fit to the I-V performance of TF-VLS grown InP solar cell. Second, a local shunting effect was also considered as an alternative explanation of the VOC degradation effect. Again, PL image data was used, and small local shunt resistance was added in arbitrary elementary unit cells to represent certain dark spots seen in the PL image and dictate the VOC degradation occurred in the sample.« less

Paeonia lactiflora Enhances the Adhesion of Trophoblast to the Endometrium via Induction of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Expression

PubMed Central

Park, Mi-Ju; Lee, Kyu Sup; Yoon, Youngjin; Kim, Hyung Sik; Lee, Jun Hee; Kwon, Sang-Mo; Lee, Syng-Ook; Kim, Keuk-Jun; Baek, Jin-Ho; Ha, Ki-Tae

2016-01-01

In the present study, we investigated the role of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. extract on embryo implantation in vitro and in vivo. A polysaccharides depleted-water extract of P. lactiflora (PL-PP) increased LIF expression in human endometrial Ishikawa cells at non-cytotoxic doses. PL-PP significantly increased the adhesion of the human trophectoderm-derived JAr spheroids to endometrial Ishikawa cells. PL-PP-induced LIF expression was decreased in the presence of a p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580 and an MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126. Furthermore, endometrial LIF knockdown by shRNA reduced the expression of integrins β3 and β5 and adhesion of JAr spheroids to Ishikawa cells. In vivo administration of PL-PP restored the implantation of mouse blastocysts in a mifepristone-induced implantation failure mice model. Our results demonstrate that PL-PP increases LIF expression via the p38 and MEK/ERK pathways and favors trophoblast adhesion to endometrial cells. PMID:26839969

Human platelet lysate as a fetal bovine serum substitute improves human adipose-derived stromal cell culture for future cardiac repair applications.

PubMed

Naaijkens, B A; Niessen, H W M; Prins, H-J; Krijnen, P A J; Kokhuis, T J A; de Jong, N; van Hinsbergh, V W M; Kamp, O; Helder, M N; Musters, R J P; van Dijk, A; Juffermans, L J M

2012-04-01

Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASC) are promising candidates for cell therapy, for example to treat myocardial infarction. Commonly, fetal bovine serum (FBS) is used in ASC culturing. However, FBS has several disadvantages. Its effects differ between batches and, when applied clinically, transmission of pathogens and antibody development against FBS are possible. In this study, we investigated whether FBS can be substituted by human platelet lysate (PL) in ASC culture, without affecting functional capacities particularly important for cardiac repair application of ASC. We found that PL-cultured ASC had a significant 3-fold increased proliferation rate and a significantly higher attachment to tissue culture plastic as well as to endothelial cells compared with FBS-cultured ASC. PL-cultured ASC remained a significant 25% smaller than FBS-cultured ASC. Both showed a comparable surface marker profile, with the exception of significantly higher levels of CD73, CD90, and CD166 on PL-cultured ASC. PL-cultured ASC showed a significantly higher migration rate compared with FBS-cultured ASC in a transwell assay. Finally, FBS- and PL-cultured ASC had a similar high capacity to differentiate towards cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, this study showed that culturing ASC is more favorable in PL-supplemented medium compared with FBS-supplemented medium.

Emission spectroscopy of divalent-cation-doped GaN photocatalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirai, Takeshi; Harada, Takashi; Ikeda, Shigeru; Matsumura, Michio; Saito, Nobuo; Nishiyama, Hiroshi; Inoue, Yasunobu; Harada, Yoshiyuki; Ohno, Nobuhito; Maeda, Kazuhiko; Kubota, Jun; Domen, Kazunari

2011-12-01

Photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectra of GaN particles doped with divalent cations (Mg2+, Zn2+, and Be2+), which promote photocatalytic overall water splitting, were investigated. The PL and TRPL spectra were mainly attributed to donor-acceptor pair recombination between the divalent cation dopants and divalent anion impurities (O2- and S2-) unintentionally introduced from raw materials, which form acceptor and donor levels, respectively. These levels are likely to provide holes and electrons required for photocatalytic reactions, contributing to the photocatalytic activity of the GaN-based photocatalysts for overall water splitting.

Human platelet lysate in mesenchymal stromal cell expansion according to a GMP grade protocol: a cell factory experience.

PubMed

Becherucci, Valentina; Piccini, Luisa; Casamassima, Serena; Bisin, Silvia; Gori, Valentina; Gentile, Francesca; Ceccantini, Riccardo; De Rienzo, Elena; Bindi, Barbara; Pavan, Paola; Cunial, Vanessa; Allegro, Elisa; Ermini, Stefano; Brugnolo, Francesca; Astori, Giuseppe; Bambi, Franco

2018-05-02

The use of platelet lysate (PL) for the ex-vivo expansion of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) was initially proposed by Doucet et al. in 2005, as an alternative to animal serum. Moreover, regulatory authorities discourage the use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) or other animal derivatives, to avoid risk of zoonoses and xenogeneic immune reactions. Even if many studies investigated PL composition, there still are some open issues related to its use in ex-vivo MSC expansion, especially according to good manufacturing practice (GMP) grade protocols. As an authorized cell factory, we report our experience using standardized PL produced by Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Meyer Transfusion Service for MSC expansion according to a GMP grade clinical protocol. As suggested by other authors, we performed an in-vitro test on MSCs versus MSCs cultured with FBS that still represents the best way to test PL batches. We compared 12 MSC batches cultured with DMEM 5% PL with similar batches cultured with DMEM 10% FBS, focusing on the MSC proliferation rate, MSC surface marker expression, MSC immunomodulatory and differentiation potential, and finally MSC relative telomere length. Results confirmed the literature data as PL increases cell proliferation without affecting the MSC immunophenotype, immunomodulatory potential, differentiation potential and relative telomere length. PL can be considered a safe alternative to FBS for ex-vivo expansion of MSC according to a GMP grade protocol. Our experience confirms the literature data: a large number of MSCs for clinical applications can be obtained by expansion with PL, without affecting the MSC main features. Our experience underlines the benefits of a close collaboration between the PL producers (transfusion service) and the end users (cell factory) in a synergy of skills and experiences that can lead to standardized PL production.

High Performance Photoluminescent Carbon Dots for In Vitro and In Vivo Bioimaging: Effect of Nitrogen Doping Ratios.

PubMed

Wang, Junqing; Zhang, Pengfei; Huang, Chao; Liu, Gang; Leung, Ken Cham-Fai; Wáng, Yì Xiáng J

2015-07-28

Photoluminescent carbon dots (CDs) have received ever-increasing attention in the application of optical bioimaging because of their low toxicity, tunable fluorescent properties, and ultracompact size. We report for the first time on enhanced photoluminescence (PL) performance influenced by structure effects among the various types of nitrogen doped (N-doped) PL CDs. These CDs were facilely synthesized from condensation carbonization of linear polyethylenic amine (PEA) analogues and citric acid (CA) of different ratios. Detailed structural and property studies demonstrated that either the structures or the molar ratio of PEAs altered the PL properties of the CDs. The content of conjugated π-domains with C═N in the carbon backbone was correlated with their PL Quantum Yield (QY) (up to 69%). The hybridization between the surface/molecule state and the carbon backbone synergistically affected the chemical/physical properties. Also, long-chain polyethylenic amine (PEA) molecule-doped CDs exhibit increasing photostability, but at the expense of PL efficiency, proving that the PL emission of high QY CDs arise not only from the sp(2)/sp(3) carbon core and surface passivation of CDs, but also from the molecular fluorophores integrated in the CDs. In vitro and in vivo bioimaging of these N-doped CDs showed strong photoluminescence signals. Good biocompatibility demonstrates their potential feasibility for bioimaging applications. In addition, the overall size profile of the as-prepared CDs is comparable to the average size of capillary pores in normal living tissues (∼5 nm). Our study provides valuable insights into the effects of the PEA doping ratios on photoluminescence efficiency, biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and optical bioimaging of CDs.

Hydrology of the Beryl-Enterprise area, Escalante Desert, Utah, with emphasis on ground water; With a section on surface water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mower, Reed W.; Sandberg, George Woodard

1982-01-01

An investigation of the water resources of the Beryl-Enterprise area, Escalante Desert, Utah (pl. 1), was made during 1976-78 as part of a cooperative program with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights. Wells were the most important source of water for all purposes in the Beryl-Enterprise area during 1978, but it has not always been so. For nearly a century after the first settlers arrived in about 1860, streams supplied most of the irrigation water and springs supplied much of the water for domestic and stock use. A few shallow wells were dug by the early settlers for domestic and stock water, but the widespread use of ground water did not start until the 1920's when shallow wells were first dug to supply irrigation water. Ground-water withdrawals from wells, principally for irrigation, have increased nearly every year since the 1920's. The quantity withdrawn from wells surpassed that diverted from surface sources during the mid-1940's and was about eight times that amount during the 1970's. As a result, water levels have declined measurably throughout the area resulting in administrative water-rights problems.The primary purpose of this report is to describe the water resources with emphasis on ground water. The surface-water resources are evaluated only as they pertain to the understanding of the ground-water resources. A secondary purpose is to discuss the extent and effects of the development of ground water in order to provide the hydrologic information needed for the orderly and optimum development of the resource and for the effective administration and adjudication of water rights in the area. The hydrologic data on which this report is based are given in a companion report by Mower (1981).

TiO2-BASED Composite Films for the Photodegradation of Oxytetracycline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hui; Guan, Ling-Xiao; Feng, Ji-Jun; Li, Fang; Yao, Ming-Ming

2015-02-01

The spread of the antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) has been thought as a threat to the safety of drinking water. In this paper, the photocatalytic activity of the nanocrystalline Fe/Ca co-doped TiO2-SiO2 composite film for the degradation of OTC was studied. The films were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and UV-Vis diffraction reflectance absorption spectra (DRS). The FE-SEM results indicated that the Fe/Ca co-doped TiO2-SiO2 film was composed of smaller nanoparticles compared to pure TiO2 or TiO2-SiO2 film. The BET surface area results showed that the specific surface area of the pure TiO2, TiO2-SiO2 and Ca2+/Fe3+ co-doped TiO2-SiO2 is 118.3 m2g-1, 294.3 m2g-1 and 393.7 m2g-1, respectively. The DRS and PL spectra revealed that the Fe/Ca co-doped TiO2-SiO2 film had strong visible light adsorption and diminished electrons/holes recombination. Experimental results showed that the Fe/Ca co-doped TiO2-SiO2 film is effective in the degradation of OTC under both UV and visible light irradiation.

Precision Landing and Hazard Avoidance Doman

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robertson, Edward A.; Carson, John M., III

2016-01-01

The Precision Landing and Hazard Avoidance (PL&HA) domain addresses the development, integration, testing, and spaceflight infusion of sensing, processing, and GN&C functions critical to the success and safety of future human and robotic exploration missions. PL&HA sensors also have applications to other mission events, such as rendezvous and docking. Autonomous PL&HA builds upon the core GN&C capabilities developed to enable soft, controlled landings on the Moon, Mars, and other solar system bodies. Through the addition of a Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) function, precision landing within tens of meters of a map-based target is possible. The addition of a 3-D terrain mapping lidar sensor improves the probability of a safe landing via autonomous, real-time Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA). PL&HA significantly improves the probability of mission success and enhances access to sites of scientific interest located in challenging terrain. PL&HA can also utilize external navigation aids, such as navigation satellites and surface beacons. Advanced Lidar Sensors High precision ranging, velocimetry, and 3-D terrain mapping Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) TRN compares onboard reconnaissance data with real-time terrain imaging data to update the S/C position estimate Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA) Generates a high-resolution, 3-D terrain map in real-time during the approach trajectory to identify safe landing targets Inertial Navigation During Terminal Descent High precision surface relative sensors enable accurate inertial navigation during terminal descent and a tightly controlled touchdown within meters of the selected safe landing target.

Fabrication of Polymer Microspheres for Optical Resonator and Laser Applications.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Yohei; Okada, Daichi; Kushida, Soh; Ngara, Zakarias Seba; Oki, Osamu

2017-06-02

This paper describes three methods of preparing fluorescent microspheres comprising π-conjugated or non-conjugated polymers: vapor diffusion, interface precipitation, and mini-emulsion. In all methods, well-defined, micrometer-sized spheres are obtained from a self-assembling process in solution. The vapor diffusion method can result in spheres with the highest sphericity and surface smoothness, yet the types of the polymers able to form these spheres are limited. On the other hand, in the mini-emulsion method, microspheres can be made from various types of polymers, even from highly crystalline polymers with coplanar, π-conjugated backbones. The photoluminescent (PL) properties from single isolated microspheres are unusual: the PL is confined inside the spheres, propagates at the circumference of the spheres via the total internal reflection at the polymer/air interface, and self-interferes to show sharp and periodic resonant PL lines. These resonating modes are so-called "whispering gallery modes" (WGMs). This work demonstrates how to measure WGM PL from single isolated spheres using the micro-photoluminescence (µ-PL) technique. In this technique, a focused laser beam irradiates a single microsphere, and the luminescence is detected by a spectrometer. A micromanipulation technique is then used to connect the microspheres one by one and to demonstrate the intersphere PL propagation and color conversion from coupled microspheres upon excitation at the perimeter of one sphere and detection of PL from the other microsphere. These techniques, µ-PL and micromanipulation, are useful for experiments on micro-optic application using polymer materials.

Replica exchange with solute tempering: A method for sampling biological systems in explicit water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Pu; Kim, Byungchan; Friesner, Richard A.; Berne, B. J.

2005-09-01

An innovative replica exchange (parallel tempering) method called replica exchange with solute tempering (REST) for the efficient sampling of aqueous protein solutions is presented here. The method bypasses the poor scaling with system size of standard replica exchange and thus reduces the number of replicas (parallel processes) that must be used. This reduction is accomplished by deforming the Hamiltonian function for each replica in such a way that the acceptance probability for the exchange of replica configurations does not depend on the number of explicit water molecules in the system. For proof of concept, REST is compared with standard replica exchange for an alanine dipeptide molecule in water. The comparisons confirm that REST greatly reduces the number of CPUs required by regular replica exchange and increases the sampling efficiency. This method reduces the CPU time required for calculating thermodynamic averages and for the ab initio folding of proteins in explicit water. Author contributions: B.J.B. designed research; P.L. and B.K. performed research; P.L. and B.K. analyzed data; and P.L., B.K., R.A.F., and B.J.B. wrote the paper.Abbreviations: REST, replica exchange with solute tempering; REM, replica exchange method; MD, molecular dynamics.*P.L. and B.K. contributed equally to this work.

Placenta-specific drug delivery by trophoblast-targeted nanoparticles in mice

PubMed Central

Zhang, Baozhen; Tan, Lunbo; Yu, Yan; Wang, Baobei; Chen, Zhilong; Han, Jinyu; Li, Mengxia; Chen, Jie; Xiao, Tianxia; Ambati, Balamurali K; Cai, Lintao; Yang, Qing; Nayak, Nihar R; Zhang, Jian; Fan, Xiujun

2018-01-01

Rationale: The availability of therapeutics to treat pregnancy complications is severely lacking, mainly due to the risk of harm to the fetus. In placental malaria, Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) accumulate in the placenta by adhering to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) on the surfaces of trophoblasts. Based on this principle, we have developed a method for targeted delivery of payloads to the placenta using a synthetic placental CSA-binding peptide (plCSA-BP) derived from VAR2CSA, a CSA-binding protein expressed on IEs. Methods: A biotinylated plCSA-BP was used to examine the specificity of plCSA-BP binding to mouse and human placental tissue in tissue sections in vitro. Different nanoparticles, including plCSA-BP-conjugated nanoparticles loaded with indocyanine green (plCSA-INPs) or methotrexate (plCSA-MNPs), were administered intravenously to pregnant mice to test their efficiency at drug delivery to the placenta in vivo. The tissue distribution and localization of the plCSA-INPs were monitored in live animals using an IVIS imaging system. The effect of plCSA-MNPs on fetal and placental development and pregnancy outcome were examined using a small-animal high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) imaging system, and the concentrations of methotrexate in fetal and placental tissues were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: plCSA-BP binds specifically to trophoblasts and not to other cell types in the placenta or to CSA-expressing cells in other tissues. Moreover, we found that intravenously administered plCSA-INPs accumulate in the mouse placenta, and ex vivo analysis of the fetuses and placentas confirmed placenta-specific delivery of these nanoparticles. We also demonstrate successful delivery of methotrexate specifically to placental cells by plCSA-BP-conjugated nanoparticles, resulting in dramatic impairment of placental and fetal development. Importantly, plCSA-MNPs treatment had no apparent adverse effects on maternal tissues. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that plCSA-BP-guided nanoparticles could be used for the targeted delivery of payloads to the placenta and serve as a novel placenta-specific drug delivery option. PMID:29774074

Photoluminescence of vapor and solution grown ZnTe single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biao, Y.; Azoulay, M.; George, M. A.; Burger, A.; Collins, W. E.; Silberman, E.; Su, C.-H.; Volz, M. E.; Szofran, F. R.; Gillies, D. C.

1994-04-01

ZnTe single crystals grown by horizontal physical vapor transport (PVT) and by vertical traveling heater method (THM) from a Te solution were characterized by photoluminescence (PL) at 10.6 K and by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Copper was identified by PL as a major impurity existing in both crystals, forming a substitutional acceptor, Cu Zn. The THM ZnTe crystals were found to contain more Cu impurity than the PVT ZnTe crystals. The formation of Cu Zn-V Te complexes and the effects of annealing, oxygen contamination and intentional Cu doping were also studied. Finally, the surface morphology analyzed by AFM was correlated to the PL results.

Impact of surface morphology on the properties of light emission in InGaN epilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kristijonas Uždavinys, Tomas; Marcinkevičius, Saulius; Mensi, Mounir; Lahourcade, Lise; Carlin, Jean-François; Martin, Denis; Butté, Raphaël; Grandjean, Nicolas

2018-05-01

Scanning near-field optical microscopy was used to study the influence of the surface morphology on the properties of light emission and alloy composition in InGaN epitaxial layers grown on GaN substrates. A strong correlation between the maps of the photoluminescence (PL) peak energy and the gradient of the surface morphology was observed. This correlation demonstrates that the In incorporation strongly depends on the geometry of the monolayer step edges that form during growth in the step-flow mode. The spatial distribution of nonradiative recombination centers — evaluated from PL intensity maps — was found to strongly anticorrelate with the local content of In atoms in the InGaN alloy.

The influence of conjugated alkynyl(aryl) surface groups on the optical properties of silicon nanocrystals: photoluminescence through in-gap states.

PubMed

Angı, Arzu; Sinelnikov, Regina; Heenen, Hendrik H; Meldrum, Al; Veinot, Jonathan G C; Scheurer, Christoph; Reuter, Karsten; Ashkenazy, Or; Azulay, Doron; Balberg, Isaac; Millo, Oded; Rieger, Bernhard

2018-08-31

Developing new methods, other than size and shape, for controlling the optoelectronic properties of semiconductor nanocrystals is a highly desired target. Here we demonstrate that the photoluminescence (PL) of silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) can be tuned in the range 685-800 nm solely via surface functionalization with alkynyl(aryl) (phenylacetylene, 2-ethynylnaphthalene, 2-ethynyl-5-hexylthiophene) surface groups. Scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy on single nanocrystals revealed the formation of new in-gap states adjacent to the conduction band edge of the functionalized SiNCs. PL red-shifts were attributed to emission through these in-gap states, which reduce the effective band gap for the electron-hole recombination process. The observed in-gap states can be associated with new interface states formed via (-Si-C≡C-) bonds in combination with conjugated molecules as indicated by ab initio calculations. In contrast to alkynyl(aryl)s, the formation of in-gap states and shifts in PL maximum of the SiNCs were not observed with aryl (phenyl, naphthalene, 2-hexylthiophene) and alkynyl (1-dodecyne) surface groups. These outcomes show that surface functionalization with alkynyl(aryl) molecules is a valuable tool to control the electronic structure and optical properties of SiNCs via tuneable interface states, which may enhance the performance of SiNCs in semiconductor devices.

Stabilizing hybrid perovskites against moisture and temperature via non-hydrolytic atomic layer deposited overlayers

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

Kim, In Soo; Martinson, Alex B. F.

2015-09-14

We utilized a novel non-hydrolytic (nh) surface chemistry to allow the direct synthesis of pinhole-fee oxide overlayers directly on conventional hybrid perovskite halide absorbers without damage. By utilizing water- free ALD Al 2O 3 passivation, a minimum of ten-fold increase in stability against relative humidity (RH) 85% was achieved along with a dramatically improved thermal resistance (up to 250 °C). We extend this approach to synthesize nh-TiO 2 directly on hybrid perovskites to establish its potential in inverted photovoltaic devices as a dual stabilizing and electron accepting layer, as evidenced by photoluminescence (PL) quenching.

The New Federal Drinking Water Act: Implications of its Implementation for the College and University Campus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mohatt, James V.

1977-01-01

Institutional involvement under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (PL93-523) may range from zero cost to sizable expenditures depending upon whether the institution can be defined as a water supplier, or a cooperative agent of another water supplier. (MJB)

Water Resources of the Basin and Range Carbonate-Rock Aquifer System, White Pine County, Nevada, and Adjacent Areas in Nevada and Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Welch, Alan H.; Bright, Daniel J.; Knochenmus, Lari A.

2008-01-01

INTRODUCTION This report summarizes results of a water-resources study for White Pine County, Nevada, and adjacent areas in east-central Nevada and western Utah. The Basin and Range carbonate-rock aquifer system (BARCAS) study was initiated in December 2004 through Federal legislation (Section 301(e) of the Lincoln County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2004; PL108-424) directing the Secretary of the Interior to complete a water-resources study through the U.S. Geological Survey, Desert Research Institute, and State of Utah. The study was designed as a regional water-resource assessment, with particular emphasis on summarizing the hydrogeologic framework and hydrologic processes that influence ground-water resources. The study area includes 13 hydrographic areas that cover most of White Pine County; in this report however, results for the northern and central parts of Little Smoky Valley were combined and presented as one hydrographic area. Hydrographic areas are the basic geographic units used by the State of Nevada and Utah and local agencies for water-resource planning and management, and are commonly defined on the basis of surface-water drainage areas. Hydrographic areas were further divided into subbasins that are separated by areas where bedrock is at or near the land surface. Subbasins are the subdivisions used in this study for estimating recharge, discharge, and water budget. Hydrographic areas are the subdivision used for reporting summed and tabulated subbasin estimates.

Culture of human cell lines by a pathogen-inactivated human platelet lysate.

PubMed

Fazzina, R; Iudicone, P; Mariotti, A; Fioravanti, D; Procoli, A; Cicchetti, E; Scambia, G; Bonanno, G; Pierelli, L

2016-08-01

Alternatives to the use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) have been investigated to ensure xeno-free growth condition. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of human platelet lysate (PL) as a substitute of FBS for the in vitro culture of some human cell lines. PL was obtained by pools of pathogen inactivated human donor platelet (PLT) concentrates. Human leukemia cell lines (KG-1, K562, JURKAT, HL-60) and epithelial tumor cell lines (HeLa and MCF-7) were cultured with either FBS or PL. Changes in cell proliferation, viability, morphology, surface markers and cell cycle were evaluated for each cell line. Functional characteristics were analysed by drug sensitivity test and cytotoxicity assay. Our results demonstrated that PL can support growth and expansion of all cell lines, although the cells cultured in presence of PL experienced a less massive proliferation compared to those grown with FBS. We found a comparable percentage of viable specific marker-expressing cells in both conditions, confirming lineage fidelity in all cultures. Functionality assays showed that cells in both FBS- and PL-supported cultures maintained their normal responsiveness to adriamycin and NK cell-mediated lysis. Our findings indicate that PL is a feasible serum substitute for supporting growth and propagation of haematopoietic and epithelial cell lines with many advantages from a perspective of process standardization, ethicality and product safety.

Highly Efficient In Vitro Reparative Behaviour of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Cultured with Standardised Platelet Lysate Supplementation.

PubMed

Marrazzo, Pasquale; Paduano, Francesco; Palmieri, Francesca; Marrelli, Massimo; Tatullo, Marco

2016-01-01

Dental pulp is an accessible source of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The perspective role of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in regenerative medicine demands an in vitro expansion and in vivo delivery which must deal with the safety issues about animal serum, usually required in cell culture practice. Human platelet lysate (PL) contains autologous growth factors and has been considered as valuable alternative to fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cell cultures. The optimum concentration to be added of such supplement is highly dependent on its preparation whose variability limits comparability of results. By in vitro experiments, we aimed to evaluate a standardised formulation of pooled PL. A low selected concentration of PL (1%) was able to support the growth and maintain the viability of the DPSCs. The use of PL in cell cultures did not impair cell surface signature typically expressed by MSCs and even upregulated the transcription of Sox2. Interestingly, DPSCs cultured in presence of PL exhibited a higher healing rate after injury and are less susceptible to toxicity mediated by exogenous H 2 O 2 than those cultured with FBS. Moreover, PL addition was shown as a suitable option for protocols promoting osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Taken together, our results indicated that PL is a valid substitute of FBS to culture and differentiate DPSCs for clinical-grade use.

Highly Efficient In Vitro Reparative Behaviour of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Cultured with Standardised Platelet Lysate Supplementation

PubMed Central

Palmieri, Francesca; Marrelli, Massimo

2016-01-01

Dental pulp is an accessible source of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The perspective role of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in regenerative medicine demands an in vitro expansion and in vivo delivery which must deal with the safety issues about animal serum, usually required in cell culture practice. Human platelet lysate (PL) contains autologous growth factors and has been considered as valuable alternative to fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cell cultures. The optimum concentration to be added of such supplement is highly dependent on its preparation whose variability limits comparability of results. By in vitro experiments, we aimed to evaluate a standardised formulation of pooled PL. A low selected concentration of PL (1%) was able to support the growth and maintain the viability of the DPSCs. The use of PL in cell cultures did not impair cell surface signature typically expressed by MSCs and even upregulated the transcription of Sox2. Interestingly, DPSCs cultured in presence of PL exhibited a higher healing rate after injury and are less susceptible to toxicity mediated by exogenous H2O2 than those cultured with FBS. Moreover, PL addition was shown as a suitable option for protocols promoting osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Taken together, our results indicated that PL is a valid substitute of FBS to culture and differentiate DPSCs for clinical-grade use. PMID:27774106

Effects of pulsed light treatments and pectin edible coatings on the quality of fresh-cut apples: a hurdle technology approach.

PubMed

Moreira, María R; Álvarez, María V; Martín-Belloso, Olga; Soliva-Fortuny, Robert

2017-01-01

Pulsed light (PL) treatments stand as an alternative for the shelf-life extension of fresh-cut products. The antimicrobial effects of PL are well known; however, its influence on quality attributes needs to be assessed. This study was aimed at evaluating the application of PL treatments in combination with pectin-based edible coatings enriched with dietary fiber for the preservation of fresh-cut apples. Dipping of fresh-cut apples in ascorbic acid/calcium chloride solution prior to pectin coating and PL treatments was effective to minimize browning and softening of apple surfaces. Incorporation of fiber in the pectin coating did not cause any change in microbial loads and sensory acceptability of apple cubes. Pectin-coated PL-treated apple pieces exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity values than fresh and PL control samples. At the end of storage, the combination of both treatments resulted in an almost 2 log CFU g -1 reduction of microbial counts. Sensory attribute scores did not fall below the rejection limit throughout 14 days, although the presence of off-odors limited the acceptability of the pectin-coated samples. The results demonstrate that PL treatments applied to pectin-coated fresh-cut apples may be used to maintain quality attributes, thus conferring prebiotic potential and extending the shelf-life of the product. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of simulated microgravity on surfactant and water balance of lung in animals with different resistance to stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryndina, Irina; Vasilieva, Natalia

Weightlessness is accompanied by redistribution of blood flow in lung, changes of lung volumes and gas exchange (Prisk et al., 2002; Grigoriev, Baranov, 2003). On the other hand, it is known that microgravity is considered as a kind of moderate stress (Grigoriev et al., 2004). Stress response may differ in animals resistant or vulnerable to stress (Sudakov, 2007). To study the effects of simulated microgravity upon lung, we used 20 male albino rats tested for behavior in the "open field" and than divided into active (stress resistant - SR ) and passive (stress vulnerable - CV) groups. Two mouse lines were used with similar goal - C57Bl/6 and BALB/c mice (n=16). According to data obtained earlier, BALB/c mice referred as more stress vulnerable, in contrast to C57BL/6 mice, which are considered to be relatively stress resistant (Flint et al., 2007). We have previously shown that changes in lung surfactant system after psychosocial stress or long-term immobilization are less pronounced in stress resistant rats (Vasilieva, Bryndina, 2012). The aim of this work is to study the properties and biochemical composition of pulmonary surfactant and lung water balance in rats and mice with different stress resistance in antiorthostatic suspension (AOS) of short and long duration. Simulated microgravity was reproduced according to procedure of Ilyin-Novikov in modification of Morey-Holton. The duration of exposure was 10 days for rats and 30 days for mice. The properties of pulmonary surfactant were assessed by the evaluation of surface activity (surface tension - ST), the content of total phospholipids (PL) and their fractions. Simultaneously we calculated the gravimetric water balance indices: lung coefficient, "dry residue" and wet-to-dry ratio. Total and extravascular lung fluid and pulmonary blood supply were estimated as well. The experiments demonstrated that there was a decrease of surface tension of surfactant films after 10-day AOS in both groups of rats (to a greater extent in SR individuals). These findings indicate that functional properties of pulmonary surfactant were enhanced due to the increased amount of total PL (twofold in SR rats and 35 % in SV ones) and higher content of phosphatidylcholine (more considerable in SR rats, 32 %). The level of lysophosphatidylcholine was increased, too. In mice, 30-day AOS led to the increase of pulmonary coefficient by 12% in C57BL/6 and 22% in BALB/c mice in comparison to control, a value of “dry residue" decreased by 21% and 13%, respectively. There were the opposite changes of pulmonary blood supply in C57BL/6 mice (increased by 43% above control value) and BALB/c mice (decreased by 51%). Surface-active properties of pulmonary surfactant decreased in both groups of animals, but in most degree in BALB/c mice. The amount of total PL was augmented, with high level of lysophosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine; phosphatidylcholine content was lower in BALB/c group compared to C57BL/6 one. Thus, the adaptation of lung to simulated microgravity depends on exposure duration and individual characteristics of explored animals (resistance or vulnerability to stress).

PWR PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR PL-3

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

Humphries, G. E.

1962-02-28

The pressurized water reactor preliminary design, the preferred design developed under Phase I of the PL-3 contract, is presented. Plant design criteria, summary of plant selection, plant description, reactor and primary system description, thermal and hydraulic analysis, nuclear analysis, control and instrumentatlon description, shielding description, auxiliary systems, power plant equipment, waste dispusal, buildings and tunnels, services, operation and maintenance, logistics, erection, cost information, and a training program outline are given. (auth)

The effects of human platelet lysate on dental pulp stem cells derived from impacted human third molars.

PubMed

Chen, Bo; Sun, Hai-Hua; Wang, Han-Guo; Kong, Hui; Chen, Fa-Ming; Yu, Qing

2012-07-01

Human platelet lysate (PL) has been suggested as a substitute for fetal bovine serum (FBS) in the large-scale expansion of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). However, the biological effects and the optimal concentrations of PL for the proliferation and differentiation of human DPSCs remain unexplored. We isolated and expanded stem cells from the dental pulp of extracted third molars and evaluated the effects of PL on the cells' proliferative capacity and differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo. Before testing, immunocytochemical staining and flow cytometry-based cell sorting showed that the cells derived from human dental pulp contained mesenchymal stem cell populations. Cells were grown on tissue culture plastic or on hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) biomaterials and were incubated with either normal or odontogenic/osteogenic media in the presence or absence of various concentrations of human PL for further investigation. The proliferation of DPSCs was significantly increased when the cells were cultured in 5% PL under all testing conditions (P < 0.05). However, this enhancement was inconsistent when the cells were cultured in 1% PL or in 10% PL; 10% PL significantly inhibited cell proliferation and was therefore excluded from further differentiation testing. Culture medium containing 5% PL also significantly promoted the mineralized differentiation of DPSCs, as indicated by the measurement of alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition under mineral-conditioned media (P < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy and modified Ponceau trichrome staining showed that the cells treated with 5% PL and mineralizing media were highly capable of integrating with the HA/TCP biomaterials and had fully covered the surface of the scaffold with an extensive sheet-like structure 14 d after seeding. In addition, 5% PL showed significantly positive effects on tissue regeneration in two in vivo transplantation models. We conclude that the appropriate concentration of PL enhances the proliferation and mineralized differentiation of human DPSCs both in vitro and in vivo, which supports the use of PL as an alternative to FBS or a nonzoonotic adjuvant for cell culture in future clinical trials. However, the elucidation of the molecular complexity of PL products and the identification of both the essential growth factors that determine the fate of a specific stem cell and the criteria to establish dosing require further investigation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improved photoluminescence efficiency in UV nanopillar light emitting diode structures by recovery of dry etching damage.

PubMed

Jeon, Dae-Woo; Jang, Lee-Woon; Jeon, Ju-Won; Park, Jae-Woo; Song, Young Ho; Jeon, Seong-Ran; Ju, Jin-Woo; Baek, Jong Hyeob; Lee, In-Hwan

2013-05-01

In this study, we have fabricated 375-nm-wavelength InGaN/AlInGaN nanopillar light emitting diodes (LED) structures on c-plane sapphire. A uniform and highly vertical nanopillar structure was fabricated using self-organized Ni/SiO2 nano-size mask by dry etching method. To minimize the dry etching damage, the samples were subjected to high temperature annealing with subsequent chemical passivation in KOH solution. Prior to annealing and passivation the UV nanopillar LEDs showed the photoluminescence (PL) efficiency about 2.5 times higher than conventional UV LED structures which is attributed to better light extraction efficiency and possibly some improvement of internal quantum efficiency due to partially relieved strain. Annealing alone further increased the PL efficiency by about 4.5 times compared to the conventional UV LEDs, while KOH passivation led to the overall PL efficiency improvement by more than 7 times. Combined results of Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) suggest that annealing decreases the number of lattice defects and relieves the strain in the surface region of the nanopillars whereas KOH treatment removes the surface oxide from nanopillar surface.

Atmospheric pressure organometallic vapor-phase epitaxial growth of (Al/x/Ga/1-x/)0.51In0.49P (x from 0 to 1) using trimethylalkyls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cao, D. S.; Kimball, A. W.; Stringfellow, G. B.

1990-01-01

This paper describes growth of (Al/x/Ga/1-x)0.51In0.49P layers (with x from 0 to 1) lattice-matched to (001)-oriented GaAs substrates by atmospheric-pressure OMVPE, using trimethylindium, trimethylaluminum, and trimethylgallium and PH3 as source materials in a horizontal reactor. Excellent surface morphologies were obtained over the entire range of Al compositions at a growth temperature of 680 C. Photoluminescence (PL) was observed for all samples with x values not below 0.52, with PL peak energies as high as 2.212 eV. The PL FWHM for Ga(0.51)In(0.49)P was 7.2 meV at 10 K and 35 meV at 300 K. At 10 K, the PL intensity was nearly a constant over the composition range from x = 0 to 0.52.

The Role of a Platelet Lysate-Based Compartmentalized System as a Carrier of Cells and Platelet-Origin Cytokines for Periodontal Tissue Regeneration.

PubMed

Babo, Pedro S; Cai, Xinjie; Plachokova, Adelina S; Reis, Rui L; Jansen, John A; Gomes, Manuela E; Walboomers, X Frank

2016-10-01

Currently available clinical therapies are not capable to regenerate tissues that are lost by periodontitis. Tissue engineering can be applied as a strategy to regenerate reliably the tissues and function of damaged periodontium. A prerequisite for this regeneration is the colonization of the defect with the adequate cell populations. In this study, we proposed a bilayered system composed of (1) a platelet lysate (PL)-based construct produced by crosslinking of PL proteins with genipin (gPL) for the delivery of rat periodontal ligament cells (rat-PDLCs); combined with (2) an injectable composite consisting of calcium phosphate cement incorporated with PL-loaded poly(d, l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres. This system was expected to promote periodontal regeneration by the delivery of adequate progenitor cells and providing a stable system enriched with adequate cytokines and growth factors for the orchestration of tissue regrowth in periodontal defects. The bilayered system was tested in a three-wall intrabony defect in rats and the healing of periodontal tissue was assessed 6 weeks after surgery. Results showed that the bilayered system was able to promote the regrowth of functional periodontal tissues, both with (cells + gPL) and without the loading of PDLCs (gPL). Significant connective tissue attachment (45.0 ± 15.0% and 64.0 ± 15.0% for gPL and cells + gPL group, respectively) and new bone area (33.8 ± 21% and 21.3 ± 3% for gPL and cells + gPL group, respectively) were observed. Nevertheless, rat PDLCs delivered with gPL construct in the defect area were hardly visible 6 weeks after surgery and did not contribute for the regeneration of new periodontal tissue. Overall, our findings show that the bilayered system promotes the stabilization of PL proteins on the root surface and has a positive effect in the repair of periodontal tissues both in quality and in quantity.

Nanostructuring-induced modification of optical properties of p-GaAs (1 0 0)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naddaf, M.; Saloum, S.

2009-10-01

A pulsed anodic etching method has been utilized for nanostructuring of p-type GaAs (1 0 0) surface, using HCl-based solution as electrolyte. The resulting porous GaAs layer is characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), room temperature photoluminescence (PL), Raman spectroscopy and optical reflectance measurements. AFM imaging reveals that the porous GaAs layer is consisted of a pillar-like of few nm in width distributed between more-reduced size nanostructures. In addition to the “infrared” PL band of un-etched GaAs, a strong “green” PL band is observed in the etched sample. The broad visible PL band of a high-energy (3.82 eV) excitation is found to compose of two PL band attributed to excitons confinement in two different sizes distribution of GaAs nanocrystals. The quantum confinement effects in GaAs nanocrystallites is also evidenced from Raman spectroscopy through the pronounced appearance of the transverse optical (TO) phonon line in the spectra of the porous sample. Porosity-induced a significant reduction of the specular reflection, in the spectral range (400-800 nm), is also demonstrated.

Preparation of Fe(3)O(4)@C@CNC multifunctional magnetic core/shell nanoparticles and their application in a signal-type flow-injection photoluminescence immunosensor.

PubMed

Chu, Chengchao; Li, Meng; Li, Long; Ge, Shenguang; Ge, Lei; Yu, Jinghua; Yan, Mei; Song, Xianrang

2013-11-01

We describe here the preparation of carbon-coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles that were further fabricated into multifunctional core/shell nanoparticles (Fe3O4@C@CNCs) through a layer-by-layer self-assembly process of carbon nanocrystals (CNCs). The nanoparticles were applied in a photoluminescence (PL) immunosensor to detect the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and CEA primary antibody was immobilized onto the surface of the nanoparticles. In addition, CEA secondary antibody and glucose oxidase were covalently bonded to silica nanoparticles. After stepwise immunoreactions, the immunoreagent was injected into the PL cell using a flow-injection PL system. When glucose was injected, hydrogen peroxide was obtained because of glucose oxidase catalysis and quenched the PL of the Fe3O4@C@CNC nanoparticles. The here proposed PL immunosensor allowed us to determine CEA concentrations in the 0.005–50 ng·mL-1 concentration range, with a detection limit of 1.8 pg·mL-1.

Improving Si solar cell performance using Mn:ZnSe quantum dot-doped PLMA thin film

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Poly(lauryl methacrylate) (PLMA) thin film doped with Mn:ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) was spin-deposited on the front surface of Si solar cell for enhancing the solar cell efficiency via photoluminescence (PL) conversion. Significant solar cell efficiency enhancements (approximately 5% to 10%) under all-solar-spectrum (AM0) condition were observed after QD-doped PLMA coatings. Furthermore, the real contribution of the PL conversion was precisely assessed by investigating the photovoltaic responses of the QD-doped PLMA to monochromatic and AM0 light sources as functions of QD concentration, combined with reflectance and external quantum efficiency measurements. At a QD concentration of 1.6 mg/ml for example, among the efficiency enhancement of 5.96%, about 1.04% was due to the PL conversion, and the rest came from antireflection. Our work indicates that for the practical use of PL conversion in solar cell performance improvement, cautions are to be taken, as the achieved efficiency enhancement might not be wholly due to the PL conversion. PMID:23787125

National Water Quality Inventory, 1976 Report to Congress.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. Office of Water Programs.

This report summarizes the state submissions and provides a national overview of water quality as required in Section 305(b) of the 1972 Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments (P.L. 92-500). Topics receiving the greatest coverage include toxic substances, quantitative assessments of the percentage of waters currently meeting the goals of…

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.

Microstructure optimization for high-performance PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+δ-La2NiO4+δ core-shell cathode of solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jin; Qiu, Peng; Xia, Meng; Jia, Lichao; Chi, Bo; Pu, Jian; Li, Jian

2018-03-01

Four PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+δ (PBSCF)-La2NiO4+δ (LN) core-shell cathodes, designated as PL-0, PL-1, PL-3 and PL-5, are prepared by infiltrating LN solution into PBSCF scaffold, and they are investigated in terms of the effect of LN thickness on their electrochemical performance. PL-3 with a continuous LN coating of a moderate average thickness (∼9 nm) demonstrates the lowest initial polarization resistance (0.51 Ω cm2) and highest power density (0.71 W cm-2) among all the cathodes. Polarized at 400 mA cm-2 and 700 °C for up to 40 h, the polarization resistance of all the prepared cathodes increases to approach a stable level after early stage decrease due to current activation, and PL-3 exhibits a slower average rate of performance degradation (25%). The electrochemical performance improvement is mainly attributed to that LN has a relatively high oxygen surface exchange coefficient and continuous LN coating depresses Sr segregation at PBSCF/LN interface.

Regional stratigraphy of the south polar layered deposits (Promethei Lingula, Mars): "Discontinuity-bounded" units in images and radargrams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guallini, Luca; Rossi, Angelo Pio; Forget, François; Marinangeli, Lucia; Lauro, Sebastian Emanuel; Pettinelli, Elena; Seu, Roberto; Thomas, Nicolas

2018-07-01

The Mars South Polar Layered Deposits (SPLD) are the result of depositional and erosional events, which are marked by different stratigraphic sequences and erosional surfaces. To unambiguously define the stratigraphic units at regional scale, we mapped the SPLD on the basis of observed discontinuities (i.e., unconformities, correlative discontinuities and conformities), as commonly done in terrestrial modern stratigraphy. This methodology is defined as "Discontinuity-Bounded Units" or allostratigraphy, and is complemented by geomorphological mapping. Our study focuses on Promethei Lingula (PL) and uses both high-resolution images (CTX, HiRISE) and radargrams (SHARAD) to combine surface and sub-surface observations and obtain a 3D geological reconstruction of the SPLD. One regional discontinuity (named AUR1) was defined within the studied stratigraphic succession and is exposed in several non-contiguous outcrops around PL as well as observed at depth within the ice sheet. This is the primary contact between two major depositional sequences, showing a different texture at CTX resolution. The lower sequence is characterized mainly by a "ridge and trough" morphology (Ridge and Trough Sequence; RTS) and the upper sequence shows mainly by a "stair-stepped" morphology (Stair-Stepped Sequence; SSS). On the basis of the observations, we defined two regional "discontinuity-bounded" units in PL, respectively coinciding with RTS and SSS sequences. Our stratigraphic reconstruction provides new hints on the major scale events that shaped this region. Oscillations in Martian axial obliquity could have controlled local climate conditions in the past, affecting the PL geological record.

Using RNA Interference to Reveal Genetic Vulnerabilities in Human Cancer Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-07-01

pl of RNase/DNase free water and performed PCR amplification in 50pl reaction volumes using Invitrogen’s Platinum® Pfx DNA Polymerase . To obtain a...destroyed1’ 2. This pathway, known as RNA interference (RNAi), has been exploited in organisms ranging from plants to fungi to animals for...experimentally alter its targeting capability. Indeed such strategies have previously succeeded in both plants and animals23󈧜. My initial studies

Intense photoluminescence from dried double-stranded DNA and single-walled carbon nanotube hybrid

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

Ito, M.; Kobayashi, T.; Ito, Y.

2014-01-27

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) show near-infrared photoluminescence (PL) when they are individually isolated. This was an obstacle to use photonic properties of SWNTs on a solid surface. We show that SWNTs wrapped with DNA maintain intense PL under the dry conditions. SWNTs are well isolated individually by DNA even when the DNA-SWNT hybrids are agglomerated. This finding opens up application of SWNTs to photonic devices.

33 CFR 236.3 - References.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false References. 236.3 Section 236.3 Navigation and Navigable Waters CORPS OF ENGINEERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WATER... QUALITY § 236.3 References. (a) PL 89-72 (b) ER 1105-2-10 (c) ER 1105-2-200 ...

Effective Surface Passivation of InP Nanowires by Atomic-Layer-Deposited Al2O3 with POx Interlayer.

PubMed

Black, L E; Cavalli, A; Verheijen, M A; Haverkort, J E M; Bakkers, E P A M; Kessels, W M M

2017-10-11

III/V semiconductor nanostructures have significant potential in device applications, but effective surface passivation is critical due to their large surface-to-volume ratio. For InP such passivation has proven particularly difficult, with substantial depassivation generally observed following dielectric deposition on InP surfaces. We present a novel approach based on passivation with a phosphorus-rich interfacial oxide deposited using a low-temperature process, which is critical to avoid P-desorption. For this purpose we have chosen a PO x layer deposited in a plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition (ALD) system at room temperature. Since PO x is known to be hygroscopic and therefore unstable in atmosphere, we encapsulate this layer with a thin ALD Al 2 O 3 capping layer to form a PO x /Al 2 O 3 stack. This passivation scheme is capable of improving the photoluminescence (PL) efficiency of our state-of-the-art wurtzite (WZ) InP nanowires by a factor of ∼20 at low excitation. If we apply the rate equation analysis advocated by some authors, we derive a PL internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 75% for our passivated wires at high excitation. Our results indicate that it is more reliable to calculate the IQE as the ratio of the integrated PL intensity at room temperature to that at 10 K. By this means we derive an IQE of 27% for the passivated wires at high excitation (>10 kW cm -2 ), which constitutes an unprecedented level of performance for undoped InP nanowires. This conclusion is supported by time-resolved PL decay lifetimes, which are also shown to be significantly higher than previously reported for similar wires. The passivation scheme displays excellent long-term stability (>7 months) and is additionally shown to substantially improve the thermal stability of InP surfaces (>300 °C), significantly expanding the temperature window for device processing. Such effective surface passivation is a key enabling technology for InP nanowire devices such as nanolasers and solar cells.

Effective Surface Passivation of InP Nanowires by Atomic-Layer-Deposited Al2O3 with POx Interlayer

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

III/V semiconductor nanostructures have significant potential in device applications, but effective surface passivation is critical due to their large surface-to-volume ratio. For InP such passivation has proven particularly difficult, with substantial depassivation generally observed following dielectric deposition on InP surfaces. We present a novel approach based on passivation with a phosphorus-rich interfacial oxide deposited using a low-temperature process, which is critical to avoid P-desorption. For this purpose we have chosen a POx layer deposited in a plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition (ALD) system at room temperature. Since POx is known to be hygroscopic and therefore unstable in atmosphere, we encapsulate this layer with a thin ALD Al2O3 capping layer to form a POx/Al2O3 stack. This passivation scheme is capable of improving the photoluminescence (PL) efficiency of our state-of-the-art wurtzite (WZ) InP nanowires by a factor of ∼20 at low excitation. If we apply the rate equation analysis advocated by some authors, we derive a PL internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 75% for our passivated wires at high excitation. Our results indicate that it is more reliable to calculate the IQE as the ratio of the integrated PL intensity at room temperature to that at 10 K. By this means we derive an IQE of 27% for the passivated wires at high excitation (>10 kW cm–2), which constitutes an unprecedented level of performance for undoped InP nanowires. This conclusion is supported by time-resolved PL decay lifetimes, which are also shown to be significantly higher than previously reported for similar wires. The passivation scheme displays excellent long-term stability (>7 months) and is additionally shown to substantially improve the thermal stability of InP surfaces (>300 °C), significantly expanding the temperature window for device processing. Such effective surface passivation is a key enabling technology for InP nanowire devices such as nanolasers and solar cells. PMID:28885032

Sensitized luminescence from water-soluble LaF3:Eu nanocrystals via partially-capped 1,10-phenanthroline: time-gated emission and multiple lifetimes.

PubMed

Irfanullah, Mir; Bhardwaj, Navneet; Chowdhury, Arindam

2016-08-02

Water dispersible citrate-capped LaF3:Eu(5%) nanocrystals (NCs) have been partially surface-functionalized by 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) via a ligand exchange method to produce novel water dispersed citrate/phen-capped LaF3:Eu(5%) NCs in which citrate ligands preserve the water dispersibility of the NCs and phen ligands act as sensitizers of surface Eu(3+)-dopant sites. The partial ligand exchange and the formation of water dispersed NCs have been monitored by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, as well as luminescence measurements at different time intervals during the reaction. These NCs display a distinct phen-sensitized Eu(3+)-emission profile with enhanced intensity in water as compared to the emission profile and intensity obtained upon direct excitation. Time-resolved (or time-gated) emission spectroscopy (TRES) has been used to probe PL dynamics of Eu(3+)-sites of LaF3:Eu(5%) NCs by taking advantage of selectively sensitizing surface Eu(3+)-dopant sites by phen ligands as well as by exciting all the Eu(3+)-sites in the NCs upon direct excitation. TRES upon direct excitation of the citrate-capped LaF3:Eu(5%) NCs reveals that Eu(3+)-dopants occupy at least three different sites, each with a different emission profile and lifetime, and emission from purely interior Eu(3+)-sites has been resolved due to their long lifetime as compared to the lifetime of purely surface and near surface Eu(3+)-sites. In contrast, the phen-sensitized emission from citrate/phen-capped LaF3:Eu(5%) NCs displays similar emission profiles and lifetimes in TRES measurements, which reveal that phen truly sensitizes purely surface dopant sites of the NCs in water, all of which have nearly the same local environment. The phen-sensitized Eu(3+)-emission of the NCs in water remains stable even upon addition of various buffer solutions at physiological pH, as well as upon addition of water-miscible organic solvents. Furthermore, the two-photon excitation (λex. = 720 nm) of these water-soluble phen-capped NCs produces bright red Eu(3+) emission, which reveals that these NCs are promising for potential applications in biological imaging.

Essential components for ex vivo proliferation of mesenchymal stromal cells.

PubMed

Fekete, Natalie; Rojewski, Markus Thomas; Lotfi, Ramin; Schrezenmeier, Hubert

2014-02-01

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are highly interesting candidates for clinical applications in regenerative medicine. Due to their low occurrence in human tissues, extensive in vitro expansion is necessary to obtain sufficient cell numbers applicable as a clinical dose in the context of cellular therapy. Current cell culture media formulations for the isolation and expansion of MSCs include fetal calf serum (FCS), human AB serum (ABS), or human platelet lysate (PL) as a supplement. However, these established supplements are inherently ill-defined formulations that contain a variety of bioactive molecules in varying batch-to-batch compositions and the risk of transmitting pathogens that escape routine screening procedures. In this study, we have comparatively characterized the capacity of commonly used basal media, such as the Minimum Essential Medium alpha (αMEM), Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium (IMDM), and RPMI 1640 as well as human- and animal-derived supplements, that is, PL, ABS, and FCS to stimulate cell proliferation. MSC proliferation was observed to be optimal in the PL-supplemented αMEM. Using a combinatorial approach, we then assessed a library of soluble factors, including mitogens (TGF-β1, Activin A, bFGF, EGF, IGF-I, PDGF-BB, and VEGF), chemokines (CCL21, CCL25, CXCL12, and RANTES), proteins (human serum albumin), lipids (e.g., oleic acid, linoleic acid, and arachidonic acid), and hormones (dexamethasone, insulin, and TSH), to create a defined medium as well as coating of cell culture surfaces to promote robust MSC proliferation in vitro. A combination of recombinant human factors partially met the nutritional requirements of bone marrow-derived MSCs, and was able to promote cell proliferation comparable to about 5% PL if supplemented with auxiliary 0.6%-1.2% PL. Maximal MSC proliferation was achieved by combining 5% PL with a cocktail of recombinant factors and did not depend on coating of cell culture surfaces.

WATEQF; a FORTRAN IV version of WATEQ : a computer program for calculating chemical equilibrium of natural waters

USGS Publications Warehouse

Plummer, Niel; Jones, Blair F.; Truesdell, Alfred Hemingway

1976-01-01

WATEQF is a FORTRAN IV computer program that models the thermodynamic speciation of inorganic ions and complex species in solution for a given water analysis. The original version (WATEQ) was written in 1973 by A. H. Truesdell and B. F. Jones in Programming Language/one (PL/1.) With but a few exceptions, the thermochemical data, speciation, coefficients, and general calculation procedure of WATEQF is identical to the PL/1 version. This report notes the differences between WATEQF and WATEQ, demonstrates how to set up the input data to execute WATEQF, provides a test case for comparison, and makes available a listing of WATEQF. (Woodard-USGS)

Blueish green photoluminescence from nitrided GaAs(100) surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimaoka, Goro; Udagawa, Takashi

1999-04-01

Optical and structural studies were made on the Si-doped (100)GaAs surfaces nitrided at a temperature between 650° and 750°C for 15 min in the flowing NH 3 gas. The wavelength of photoluminescence (PL) spectra were observed to be shortened from 820 nm of the GaAs nitrided at 650°C with increasing nitridation temperature. Blueish green PL with wavelengths of approx. 490 nm and 470 nm were emitted from the nitrided surfaces at 700° and 750°C, respectively. Results of AES and SIMS indicated that the surfaces are nitrided as GaAs 1- xN x, (0< x≤1) alloy layer, and the nitrided region also tended to increase as the temperature raised. High-resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM), transmission electron diffraction (TED) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) results showed that films peeled off from the nitrided surfaces consisted mainly of hexagonal, wurtzite-type gallium nitride (GaN) with stacking faults and microtwins.

National Water Quality Inventory, 1975 Report to Congress.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. Office of Water Programs.

This document summarizes state submissions and provides a national overview of water quality as requested in Section 305(b) of the 1972 Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments (P.L. 92-500). This report provides the first opportunity for states to summarize their water quality and to report to EPA and Congress. Chapters of this report deal…

RESEARCH PLAN FOR MICROBIAL PATHOGENS AND DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS IN DRINKING WATER

EPA Science Inventory

This research plan was developed to describe research needed to support EPA's development of drinking water regulations concerning disinfectants, disinfection by-products (DBPs) and microbial pathogens, focusing on key scientific and technical information needed. The research pl...

Alteration of the aPA ELISA by UV exposure of polystyrene microtiter plates.

PubMed

Goldberg, J S; Wagenknecht, D R; McIntyre, J A

1996-01-01

Interlaboratory inconsistencies in antiphospholipid antibody (aPA) solid phase assays have prompted controversy in clinical laboratory testing for aPA. We found that the aPA ELISA can be influenced by the type of microtiter plate utilized and by the conditions in which the plates are stored. By exposing 96-well, flat-bottom polystyrene microtiter plates to short wave UV light (254 nm), the aPA ELISA signal decreased in a UV dose-dependent manner. No effect was seen with long wave UV light (366 nm). These results were independent of the antibody isotype under study or the phospholipid (PL) antigen used: anionic phosphatidylserine (PS) and cardiolipin (CL), or zwitterionic phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Purified human beta 2-glycoprotein I (beta 2 GPI), a known cofactor for anionic PL, and rabbit anti-beta 2 GPI antisera were used to demonstrate that beta 2 GPI bound equally to UV treated and untreated microtiter plates. In contrast, recognition of beta 2 GPI on an anionic PL surface was decreased on UV treated plates, suggesting that UV exposure alters the lipid binding properties of the microliter plate. To determine whether UV exposure inhibited PL binding directly or caused a change in the way the PL was bound, the amount of PL bound to UV treated and untreated plates was measured by using fluorescent labeled PS and a fluorimeter. PS binding was decreased by 53% in UV treated wells as compared to untreated wells. These data show that short wave UV exposure reduces PL binding to polystyrene microtiter plates, thereby reducing the amount of beta 2 GPI bound to PL coated ELISA plates. Thus by using UV exposed microtiter plates, decreased or false-negative a PA ELISA results may be obtained for aPA positive plasmas.

Singlet Oxygen Generation Mediated By Silicon Nanocrystal Assemblies

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

Lattice fringes in Fig.3 d correspond to the (111) atomic planes of Si nanocrystals. Length scales are indicated. Downscaling of the stain etched PSi...intensity of 1W/cm2 in a time scale of a few hours a monolayer of oxygen is formed on the surface of Si nanocrystals. Fig. 8. Infrared absorption...solution. Fig. 10. PL intensity as a function of continuously prolonged etching of Si powder. Inset: PL suppression level (can be scaled as singlet

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium(III) in water, acetonitrile and trifluorethanol.

PubMed

Robinson, Wesley D; Richter, Mark M

2015-02-01

The spectroscopic, electrochemical and coreactant electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) properties of Ir(ppy)3 (where ppy = 2-phenylpyridine) have been obtained in aqueous buffered (KH2PO4), 50 : 50 (v/v) acetonitrile-aqueous buffered (MeCN-KH2PO4) and 30% trifluoroethanol (TFE) solutions. Tri-n-propylamine was used as the oxidative-reductive ECL coreactant. The photoluminescence (PL) efficiency (ϕem) of Ir(ppy)3 in TFE (ϕem ≈ 0.029) was slightly higher than in 50 : 50 MeCN-KH2PO4 (ϕem ≈ 0.0021) and water (ϕem ≈ 0.00016) compared to a Ru(bpy)32+ standard solution in water (Φem ≈ 0.042). PL and ECL emission spectra were nearly identical in all three solvents, with dual emission maxima at 510 and 530 nm. The similarity between the ECL and PL spectra indicate that the same excited state is probably formed in both experiments. ECL efficiencies (ϕecl) in 30% TFE solution (ϕecl = 0.0098) were higher than aqueous solution (ϕecl = 0.00092) system yet lower than a 50% MeCN-KH2PO4 solution (ϕecl = 0.0091). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hybrid optical materials of plasmon-coupled CdSe/ZnS coreshells for photonic applications

PubMed Central

Seo, Jaetae; Fudala, Rafal; Kim, Wan-Joong; Rich, Ryan; Tabibi, Bagher; Cho, Hyoyeong; Gryczynski, Zygmunt; Gryczynski, Ignacy; Yu, William

2013-01-01

A hybrid optical nanostructure of plasmon-coupled SQDs was developed for photonic applications. The coupling distances between the mono-layers of Au nanoparticles with a surface concentration of ~9.18 × 10−4 nm−2 and CdSe/ZnS SQDs with that of ~3.7 × 10−3 nm−2 were controlled by PMMA plasma etching. Time-resolved spectroscopy of plasmon-coupled SQDs revealed a strong shortening of the longest lifetime and ~9-fold PL enhancement. Polarization-resolved PL spectroscopy displayed linear polarization and depolarization at near- and far-field plasmon-coupling, respectively. The physical origin of PL enhancement could be attributable to both the large local field enhancement and the fast resonant energy transfer. PMID:23457661

Exploratory studies of the potential anti-cancer effects of creatine.

PubMed

Campos-Ferraz, P L; Gualano, B; das Neves, W; Andrade, I T; Hangai, I; Pereira, R T S; Bezerra, R N; Deminice, R; Seelaender, M; Lancha, A H

2016-08-01

Two experiments were performed, in which male Wistar Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats were inoculated with 4 × 10(7) tumor cells subcutaneously and received either creatine (300 mg/kg body weight/day; CR) or placebo (water; PL) supplementation via intragastric gavage. In experiment 1, 50 rats were given PL (n = 22) or CR (n = 22) and a non-supplemented, non-inoculated group served as control CT (n = 6), for 40 days, and the survival rate and tumor mass were assessed. In experiment 2, 25 rats were given CR or PL for 15 days and sacrificed for biochemical analysis. Again, a non-supplemented, non-inoculated group served as control (CT; n = 6). Tumor and muscle creatine kinase (CK) activity and total creatine content, acidosis, inflammatory cytokines, and antioxidant capacity were assessed. Tumor growth was significantly reduced by approximately 30 % in CR when compared with PL (p = 0.03), although the survival rate was not significantly different between CR and PL (p = 0.65). Tumor creatine content tended to be higher in CR than PL (p = 0.096). Tumor CK activity in the cytosolic fraction was higher in CR than PL (p < 0.0001). Blood pCO2 was higher in CT and CR than PL (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.004, respectively). HCO3 was augmented in CT compared to PL (p = 0.03) and CR (p = 0.001). Plasma IL-6 was lower and IL-10 level was higher in CR than PL (p = 0.03 and p = 0.0007, respectively) and TNF-alpha featured a tendency of decrease in CR compared to PL (p = 0.08). Additionally, total antioxidant capacity tended to be lower in CT than PL (p = 0.07). Creatine supplementation was able to slow tumor growth without affecting the overall survival rate, probably due to the re-establishment of the CK-creatine system in cancer cells, leading to attenuation in acidosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. These findings support the role of creatine as a putative anti-cancer agent as well as help in expanding our knowledge on its potential mechanisms of action in malignancies.

Recycling of silicon: from industrial waste to biocompatible nanoparticles for nanomedicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozlov, N. K.; Natashina, U. A.; Tamarov, K. P.; Gongalsky, M. B.; Solovyev, V. V.; Kudryavtsev, A. A.; Sivakov, V.; Osminkina, L. A.

2017-09-01

The formation of photoluminescent porous silicon (PSi) nanoparticles (NPs) is usually based on an expensive semiconductor grade wafers technology. Here, we report a low-cost method of PSi NPs synthesis from the industrial silicon waste remained after the wafer production. The proposed method is based on metal-assisted wet-chemical etching (MACE) of the silicon surface of cm-sized metallurgical grade silicon stones which leads to a nanostructuring of the surface due to an anisotropic etching, with subsequent ultrasound fracturing in water. The obtained PSi NPs exhibit bright red room temperature photoluminescence (PL) and demonstrate similar microstructure and physical characteristics in comparison with the nanoparticles synthesized from semiconductor grade Si wafers. PSi NPs prepared from metallurgical grade silicon stones, similar to silicon NPs synthesized from high purity silicon wafer, show low toxicity to biological objects that open the possibility of using such type of NPs in nanomedicine.

Effect of Silica Nanoparticles on the Photoluminescence Properties of BCNO Phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nuryadin, Bebeh W.; Faryuni, Irfana Diah; Iskandar, Ferry; Abdullah, Mikrajuddin; Khairurrijal, Khairurrijal

2011-12-01

Effect of additional silica nanoparticles on the photoluminescence (PL) performance of boron carbon oxy-nitride (BCNO) phosphor was investigated. As a precursor, boric acid and urea were used as boron and nitrogen sources, respectively. The carbon sources was polyethylene glycol (PEG) with average molecule weight 20000 g/mol.. Precursor solutions were prepared by mixing these raw materials in pure water, followed by stirring to achieve homogeneous solutions. In this precursor, silica nanoparticles were added at various mass ratio from 0 to 7 %wt in the solution. The precursors were then heated at 750 °C for 60 min in a ceramic crucible under atmospheric pressure. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum that characterized by spectrophotometer showed a single, distinct, and broad emission band varied from blue to near red color, depend on the PEG, boric acid and urea ratio in the precursor. The addition of silica nanoparticles caused the increasing of PL intensity as well as the shifting of peak wavelength of PL spectrum. The peak shifting of PL was affected by the concentration of silica nanoparticles that added into the precursor. We believe that the BCNO-silica composite phosphor becomes a promising material for the phosphor conversion-based white light-emitting diodes.

Novel Injectable Calcium Phosphate Bone Cement from Wet Chemical Precipitation Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hablee, S.; Sopyan, I.; Mel, M.; Salleh, H. M.; Rahman, M. M.; Singh, R.

2017-06-01

Calcium phosphate cement has been prepared via chemical precipitation method for injectable bone filling materials. Calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, and diammonium hydrogen phosphate, (NH4)2HPO4, were used as calcium and phosphorus precursors respectively. The synthesized powder was mixed with water at different powder-to-liquid (P/L) ratios, which was adjusted at 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2. The influence of P/L ratio on the injectability, setting time and mechanical strength of calcium phosphate cement paste has been evaluated. The synthesized powder appeared as purely hydroxyapatite with nanosized and agglomerated spherical particles. All cement pastes show excellent injectability except for the paste with P/L ratio 1.2. Calcium phosphate cement with P/L ratio 1.1 shows the ideal cement for bone filler application with good injectability, the initial and final setting times of 30 min and 160 min, and the compression strength of 2.47 MPa. The result indicated that the newly developed calcium phosphate cement is physically suitable for bone filler application. This paper presents our investigation on the effect of P/L ratio on the handling and mechanical properties of calcium phosphate cement prepared via wet chemical precipitation method.

Shell Thickness Dependence of Interparticle Energy Transfer in Core-Shell ZnSe/ZnSe Quantum Dots Doping with Europium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ni; Li, Shuxin; Wang, Caifeng; Li, Jie

2018-04-01

Low-toxic core-shell ZnSe:Eu/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were prepared through two steps in water solution: nucleation doping and epitaxial shell grown. The structural and morphological characteristics of ZnSe/ZnS:Eu QDs with different shell thickness were explored by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. The characteristic photoluminescence (PL) intensity of Eu ions was enhanced whereas that of band-edge luminescence and defect-related luminescence of ZnSe QDs was decreased with increasing shell thickness. The transformation of PL intensity revealed an efficient energy transfer process between ZnSe and Eu. The PL intensity ratio of Eu ions ( I 613) to ZnSe QDs ( I B ) under different shell thickness was systemically analyzed by PL spectra and time-resolved PL spectra. The obtained results were in agreement with the theory analysis results by the kinetic theory of energy transfer, revealing that energy was transmitted in the form of dipole-electric dipole interaction. This particular method of adjusting luminous via changing the shell thickness can provide valuable insights towards the fundamental understanding and application of QDs in the field of optoelectronics.

A novel ultrasensitive carboxymethyl chitosan-quantum dot-based fluorescence "turn on-off" nanosensor for lysozyme detection.

PubMed

Song, Yu; Li, Yang; Liu, Ziping; Liu, Linlin; Wang, Xinyan; Su, Xingguang; Ma, Qiang

2014-11-15

In this work, we developed an ultrasensitive "turn on-off" fluorescence nanosensor for lysozyme (Lyz) detection. The novel nanosensor was constructed with the carboxymethyl chitosan modified CdTe quantum dots (CMCS-QDs). Firstly, the CMCS-QDs were fabricated via the electrostatic interaction between amino groups in CMCS polymeric chains and carboxyl groups on the surface of QDs. In the fluorescence "turn-on" step, the strong binding ability between Zn(2+) and CMCS on the surface of QDs can enhance the photoluminescence intensity (PL) of QDs. In the following fluorescence "turn-off" step, the N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) section along the CMCS chains was hydrolyzed by Lyz. As a result, Zn(2+) was released from the surface of QDs, and the Lyz-QDs complexes were formed to quench the QDs PL. Under the optimal conditions, there was a good linear relationship between the PL of QDs and the Lyz concentration (0.1-1.2 ng/mL) with the detection limit of 0.031 ng/mL. The developed method was ultrasensitive, highly selective and fast. It has been successfully employed in the detection of Lyz in the serum with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nano-SiC region formation in (100) Si-on-insulator substrate: Optimization of hot-C+-ion implantation process to improve photoluminescence intensity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizuno, Tomohisa; Omata, Yuhsuke; Kanazawa, Rikito; Iguchi, Yusuke; Nakada, Shinji; Aoki, Takashi; Sasaki, Tomokazu

2018-04-01

We experimentally studied the optimization of the hot-C+-ion implantation process for forming nano-SiC (silicon carbide) regions in a (100) Si-on-insulator substrate at various hot-C+-ion implantation temperatures and C+ ion doses to improve photoluminescence (PL) intensity for future Si-based photonic devices. We successfully optimized the process by hot-C+-ion implantation at a temperature of about 700 °C and a C+ ion dose of approximately 4 × 1016 cm-2 to realize a high intensity of PL emitted from an approximately 1.5-nm-thick C atom segregation layer near the surface-oxide/Si interface. Moreover, atom probe tomography showed that implanted C atoms cluster in the Si layer and near the oxide/Si interface; thus, the C content locally condenses even in the C atom segregation layer, which leads to SiC formation. Corrector-spherical aberration transmission electron microscopy also showed that both 4H-SiC and 3C-SiC nanoareas near both the surface-oxide/Si and buried-oxide/Si interfaces partially grow into the oxide layer, and the observed PL photons are mainly emitted from the surface SiC nano areas.

Aptamer and 5-fluorouracil dual-loading Ag2S quantum dots used as a sensitive label-free probe for near-infrared photoluminescence turn-on detection of CA125 antigen.

PubMed

Jin, Hui; Gui, Rijun; Gong, Jun; Huang, Wenxue

2017-06-15

In this article, Ag 2 S quantum dots (QDs) were prepared by a facile aqueous synthesis method, using thiourea as a new sulfur precursor. Based on electrostatic interactions, 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) was combined with the aptamer of CA125 antigen to fabricate aptamer/5-Fu complex. The surface of as-prepared Ag 2 S QDs was modified with polyethylenimine, followed by combination with the aptamer/5-Fu complex to form Ag 2 S QDs/aptamer/5-Fu hybrids. During the combination of Ag 2 S QDs with aptamer/5-Fu complex, near-infrared (NIR) photoluminescence (PL) of QDs (peaked at 850nm) was markedly reduced under excitation at 625nm, attributed to photo-induced electron transfer from QDs to 5-Fu. However, the addition of CA125 induced obvious NIR PL recovery, which was ascribed to the strong binding affinity of CA125 with its aptamer, and the separation of aptamer/5-Fu complex from the surface of QDs. Hence, the Ag 2 S QDs/aptamer/5-Fu hybrids were developed as a novel NIR PL turn-on probe of CA125. In the concentration range of [CA125] from 0.1 to 10 6 ngmL -1 , there were a good linear relationship between NIR PL intensities of Ag 2 S QDs and Log[CA125], and a low limit of detection of 0.07ngmL -1 . Experimental results revealed the highly selective and sensitive NIR PL responses of this probe to CA125, over other potential interferences. In real human body fluids, this probe also exhibited superior analytical performance, together with high detection recoveries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Red-luminescence band: A tool for the quality assessment of germanium and silicon nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fraj, I.; Favre, L.; David, T.; Abbarchi, M.; Liu, K.; Claude, J. B.; Ronda, A.; Naffouti, M.; Saidi, F.; Hassen, F.; Maaref, H.; Aqua, J. N.; Berbezier, I.

2017-10-01

We present the photoluminescence (PL) emission of Silicon and Germanium nanocrystals (NCs) of different sizes embedded in two different matrices. Formation of the NCs is achieved via solid-state dewetting during annealing in a molecular beam epitaxy ultra-high vacuum system of ultrathin amorphous Si and Ge layers deposited at room temperature on SiO2. During the dewetting process, the bi-dimensional amorphous layers transform into small pseudo-spherical islands whose mean size can be tuned directly with the deposited thickness. The nanocrystals are capped either ex situ by silicon dioxide or in situ by amorphous Silicon. The surface-state dependent emission (typically in the range 1.74 eV-1.79 eV) exhibited higher relative PL quantum yields compared to the emission originating from the band gap transition. This red-PL emission comes from the radiative transitions between a Si band and an interface level. It is mainly ascribed to the NCs and environment features deduced from morphological and structural analyses. Power dependent analysis of the photoluminescence intensity under continuous excitation reveals a conventional power law with an exponent close to 1, in agreement with the type II nature of the emission. We show that Ge-NCs exhibit much lower quantum efficiency than Si-NCs due to non-radiative interface states. Low quantum efficiency is also obtained when NCs have been exposed to air before capping, even if the exposure time is very short. Our results indicate that a reduction of the non-radiative surface states is a key strategy step in producing small NCs with increased PL emission for a variety of applications. The red-PL band is then an effective tool for the quality assessment of NCs based structures.

Fate and Transport of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanomaterials in Sand Columns

PubMed Central

Lanphere, Jacob D.; Luth, Corey J.; Guiney, Linda M.; Mansukhani, Nikhita D.; Hersam, Mark C.; Walker, Sharon L.

2015-01-01

Abstract Research and development of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) (e.g., molybdenum disulfide [MoS2]) in electronic, optical, and catalytic applications has been growing rapidly. However, there is little known regarding the behavior of these particles once released into aquatic environments. Therefore, an in-depth study regarding the fate and transport of two popular types of MoS2 nanomaterials, lithiated (MoS2-Li) and Pluronic PF-87 dispersed (MoS2-PL), was conducted in saturated porous media (quartz sand) to identify which form would be least mobile in aquatic environments. The electrokinetic properties and hydrodynamic diameters of MoS2 as a function of ionic strength and pH were determined using a zeta potential analyzer and dynamic light scattering techniques. Results suggest that the stability is significantly decreased beginning at 10 and 31.6 mM KCl, for MoS2-PL and MoS2-Li, respectively. Transport study results from breakthrough curves, column dissections, and release experiments suggest that MoS2-PL exhibits a greater affinity to be irreversibly bound to quartz surfaces as compared with the MoS2-Li at a similar ionic strength. Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek theory was used to help explain the unique interactions between the MoS2-PL and MoS2-Li surfaces between particles and with the quartz collectors. Overall, the results suggest that the fate and transport of MoS2 is dependent on the type of MoS2 that enters the environment, where MoS2-PL will be least mobile and more likely be deposited in porous media from pluronic–quartz interactions, whereas MoS2-Li will travel greater distances and have a greater tendency to be remobilized in sand columns. PMID:25741176

Photo-stability and time-resolved photoluminescence study of colloidal CdSe/ZnS quantum dots passivated in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} using atomic layer deposition

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

Cheng, Chih-Yi; Mao, Ming-Hua, E-mail: mhmao@ntu.edu.tw; Graduate Institute of Electronics Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan

2016-08-28

We report photo-stability enhancement of colloidal CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) passivated in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} thin film using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. 62% of the original peak photoluminescence (PL) intensity remained after ALD. The photo-oxidation and photo-induced fluorescence enhancement effects of both the unpassivated and passivated QDs were studied under various conditions, including different excitation sources, power densities, and environment. The unpassivated QDs showed rapid PL degradation under high excitation due to strong photo-oxidation in air while the PL intensity of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} passivated QDs was found to remain stable. Furthermore, recombination dynamics of the unpassivated andmore » passivated QDs were investigated by time-resolved measurements. The average lifetime of the unpassivated QDs decreases with laser irradiation time due to photo-oxidation. Photo-oxidation creates surface defects which reduces the QD emission intensity and enhances the non-radiative recombination rate. From the comparison of PL decay profiles of the unpassivated and passivated QDs, photo-oxidation-induced surface defects unexpectedly also reduce the radiative recombination rate. The ALD passivation of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} protects QDs from photo-oxidation and therefore avoids the reduction of radiative recombination rate. Our experimental results demonstrated that passivation of colloidal QDs by ALD is a promising method to well encapsulate QDs to prevent gas permeation and to enhance photo-stability, including the PL intensity and carrier lifetime in air. This is essential for the applications of colloidal QDs in light-emitting devices.« less

Growth and characterization of AlInAsSb layers lattice-matched to GaSb

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tournet, J.; Rouillard, Y.; Tournié, E.

2017-11-01

We report on the growth by solid-source MBE of random-alloy AlxIn1-xAsySb1-y layers lattice-matched to (0 0 1)-GaSb substrates, with xAl ∈ [0.25; 0.75]. The samples quality and morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Nomarski microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Layers grown at 400 °C demonstrated smooth surfaces and no sign of phase decomposition. Samples with xAl ≤ 0.60 demonstrated photoluminescence (PL) at 300 K whereas samples with higher Al content only demonstrated PL at low temperature. Samples grown at 430 °C, in contrast, exhibited PL at low temperature only, whatever their composition. Inferred bandgap energies corroborate the estimation of a non-null quaternary bowing parameter made by Donati, Kaspi and Malloy in Journal of Applied Physics 94 (2003) 5814. Upon annealing, the PL peak energies increased, getting even closer to the theoretical values. These results are in agreement with recently published results on digital AlInAsSb alloys. Our work, which reports the first evidence for PL emission from random-alloy AlInAsSb layers lattice-matched to GaSb, opens the way to their use in optoelectronic devices.

Laser-induced Greenish-Blue Photoluminescence of Mesoporous Silicon Nanowires

PubMed Central

Choi, Yan-Ru; Zheng, Minrui; Bai, Fan; Liu, Junjun; Tok, Eng-Soon; Huang, Zhifeng; Sow, Chorng-Haur

2014-01-01

Solid silicon nanowires and their luminescent properties have been widely studied, but lesser is known about the optical properties of mesoporous silicon nanowires (mp-SiNWs). In this work, we present a facile method to generate greenish-blue photoluminescence (GB-PL) by fast scanning a focused green laser beam (wavelength of 532 nm) on a close-packed array of mp-SiNWs to carry out photo-induced chemical modification. The threshold of laser power is 5 mW to excite the GB-PL, whose intensity increases with laser power in the range of 5–105 mW. The quenching of GB-PL comes to occur beyond 105 mW. The in-vacuum annealing effectively excites the GB-PL in the pristine mp-SiNWs and enhances the GB-PL of the laser-modified mp-SiNWs. A complex model of the laser-induced surface modification is proposed to account for the laser-power and post-annealing effect. Moreover, the fast scanning of focused laser beam enables us to locally tailor mp-SiNWs en route to a wide variety of micropatterns with different optical functionality, and we demonstrate the feasibility in the application of creating hidden images. PMID:24820533

Spatial variation of vessel grouping in the xylem of Betula platyphylla Roth.

PubMed

Zhao, Xiping

2016-01-01

Vessel grouping in angiosperms may improve hydraulic integration and increase the spread of cavitations through redundancy pathways. Although disputed, it is increasingly attracting research interest as a potentially significant hydraulic trait. However, the variation of vessel grouping in a tree is poorly understood. I measured the number of solitary and grouped vessels in the xylem of Betula platyphylla Roth. from the pith to the bark along the water flow path. The vessel grouping parameters included the mean number of vessels per vessel group (VG), percentage of solitary vessels (SVP), percentage of radial multiple vessels (MVP), and percentage of cluster vessels (CVP). The effects of cambial age (CA) and flow path-length (PL) on the vessel grouping were analyzed using a linear mixed model.VG and CVP increased nonlinearly, SVP decreased nonlinearly with PL. In trunks and branches, VG and CVP decreased nonlinearly, and SVP increased nonlinearly with CA. In roots, the parameters had no change with CA. MVP was almost constant with PL or CA. The results suggest that vessel grouping has a nonrandom variation pattern, which is affected deeply by cambial age and water flow path.

Silencing of SlPL, which encodes a pectate lyase in tomato, confers enhanced fruit firmness, prolonged shelf-life and reduced susceptibility to grey mould.

PubMed

Yang, Lu; Huang, Wei; Xiong, Fangjie; Xian, Zhiqiang; Su, Deding; Ren, Maozhi; Li, Zhengguo

2017-12-01

Pectate lyase genes have been documented as excellent candidates for improvement of fruit firmness. However, implementation of pectate lyase in regulating fruit postharvest deterioration has not been fully explored. In this report, 22 individual pectate lyase genes in tomato were identified, and one pectate lyase gene SlPL (Solyc03g111690) showed dominant expression during fruit maturation. RNA interference of SlPL resulted in enhanced fruit firmness and changes in pericarp cells. More importantly, the SlPL-RNAi fruit demonstrated greater antirotting and pathogen-resisting ability. Compared to wild-type, SlPL-RNAi fruit had higher levels of cellulose and hemicellulose, whereas the level of water-soluble pectin was lower. Consistent with this, the activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were higher in SlPL-RNAi fruit, and the malondialdehyde concentration was lower. RNA-Seq results showed large amounts of differentially expressed genes involved in hormone signalling, cell wall modification, oxidative stress and pathogen resistance. Collectively, these data demonstrate that pectate lyase plays an important role in both fruit softening and pathogen resistance. This may advance knowledge of postharvest fruit preservation in tomato and other fleshy fruit. © 2017 The Authors. Plant Biotechnology Journal published by Society for Experimental Biology and The Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Fabrication of Si nanopowder and application to hydrogen generation and photoluminescent material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Yuki; Imamura, Kentaro; Matsumoto, Taketoshi; Kobayashi, Hikaru

2017-12-01

Si nanopowder is fabricated using the simple beads milling method. Fabricated Si nanopowder reacts with water in the neutral pH region between 7 and 9 to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen generation rate greatly increases with pH, while pH does not change after the hydrogen generation reaction. In the case of the reactions of Si nanopowder with strong alkaline solutions (eg pH13.9), 1600 mL hydrogen is generated from 1 g Si nanopowder in a short time (eg 15 min). When Si nanopowder is etched with HF solutions and immersed in ethanol, green photoluminescence (PL) is observed, and it is attributed to band-to-band transition of Si nanopowder. The Si nanopowder without HF etching in hexane shows blue PL. The PL spectra possess peaked structure, and it is attributed to vibronic bands of 9,10-dimethylantracene (DMA) in hexane solutions. The PL intensity is increased by more than 3,000 times by adsorption of DMA on Si nanopowder.

Optical studies of CdSe/PVA nanocomposite films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kushwaha, Kamal Kumar; Ramrakhaini, Meera

2018-05-01

The nanocomposite films of CdSe nanocrystals in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix were synthesized by environmental friendly chemical method. These composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction which indicates the hexagonal crystalline structure of CdSe with crystal size up to a few nm. The crystal size is found to decrease by increasing PVA Concentration. The photoluminescence (PL) characteristics of these composite films with varying concentration of PVA as well as Cd2+ content have been investigated. The PL peak of CdSe was observed at 510 nm and higher intensity is observed by increasing PVA concentration without any change in position of PL peak. Due to proper passivation of surface states non-radiative transition are reduced which enhance the PL intensity. By increasing concentration of Cd2+ content in the CdSe/PVA nanocomposite films, smaller CdSe nanocrystals were obtained giving higher intensity and blue shift in the PL peak due to enhanced oscillator strength and quantum confinement effect. The PL peak in green and blue region makes these composite films promising materials for optical display devices. The Refractive index of these composites was also measured at sodium line with the help of Abee's refractometer and was found in the range of 2.20-2.45. It is seen that refractive index varies with polymer concentration. This may be useful for their potential application in anti-reflection coating, display devices and optical sensors.

Synchrotron DUV luminescence micro-imaging to identify and map historical organic coatings on wood.

PubMed

Echard, Jean-Philippe; Thoury, Mathieu; Berrie, Barbara H; Séverin-Fabiani, Tatiana; Vichi, Alessandra; Didier, Marie; Réfrégiers, Matthieu; Bertrand, Loïc

2015-08-07

Deep ultraviolet (DUV) photoluminescence (PL) microimaging is an emerging approach to characterise materials from historical artefacts (see M. Thoury, J.-P. Echard, M. Réfrégiers, B. H. Berrie, A. Nevin, F. Jamme and L. Bertrand, Anal. Chem., 2011, 83, 1737-1745). Here we further assess the potential of the method to access a deeper understanding of multi-layered varnishes coating wooden violins and lutes. Cross-section micro samples from important 16(th)- to 18(th)-century instruments were investigated using synchrotron PL microimaging and microspectroscopy. Excitation was performed in the DUV and the near ultraviolet (NUV) regions, and emission recorded from the DUV to the visible region, at a submicrometric spatial resolution. Intercomparison of microspectroscopy and microimaging was made possible by radiometrically correcting PL spectra both in excitation and emission. Based on an optimised selection of emission and excitation bands, the specific PL features of the organic binding materials allowed a vastly enhanced discrimination between collagen-based sizing layers and oil/resin-based layers compared to epiluminescence microscopy. PL therefore appears to be a very promising analytical tool to provide new insights into the diversity of surface coating techniques used by instrument-makers. More generally, our results demonstrate the potential of synchrotron PL for studying complex heterogeneous materials beyond the core application of the technique to life sciences.

CdTe quantum-dot-modified ZnO nanowire heterostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahi, Kanchana; Singh, R. S.; Singh, Ajaya Kumar; Aleksandrova, Mariya; Khenata, Rabah

2018-03-01

The effect of CdTe quantum-dot (QD) decoration on the photoluminescence (PL) behaviour of ZnO nanowire (NW) array is presented in the present work. Highly crystalline and vertically 40-50 nm diameter range and 1 µm in length aligned ZnO NWs are synthesized using low-cost method. The crystallinity and morphology of the NWs are studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction methods.Optical properties of the nanowires are studied using photo-response and PL spectroscopy. CdTe QDs are successfully synthesized on ZnO nanowire surface by dip-coating method. ZnO NWs are sensitized with CdTe QDs characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and PL spectroscopy. The highly quenched PL intensity indicates the charge transfer at interface between CdTe QDs and ZnO NWs and is due to the formation of type-II heterostructure between QDs and NWs. Photo-response behaviour of heterostructure of the film is also been incorporated in the present work.

The Role of the Substrate on Photophysical Properties of Highly Ordered 15R-SiC Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mourya, Satyendra; Jaiswal, Jyoti; Malik, Gaurav; Kumar, Brijesh; Chandra, Ramesh

2018-06-01

We report on the structural optimization and photophysical properties of in situ RF-sputtered single crystalline 15R-SiC thin films deposited on various substrates (ZrO2, MgO, SiC, and Si). The role of the substrates on the structural, electronic, and photodynamic behavior of the grown films have been demonstrated using x-ray diffraction, photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The appropriate bonding order and the presence of native oxide on the surface of the grown samples are confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement. A deep-blue PL emission has been observed corresponding to the Si-centered defects occurring in the native oxide. Deconvolution of the PL spectra manifested two decay mechanisms corresponding to the radiative recombination. The PL intensity and carrier lifetime were found to be substrate- dependent which may be ascribed to the variation in the trap-density of the films grown on different substrates.

Photoluminescence Study of Plasma-Induced Damage of GaInN Single Quantum Well

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izumi, Shouichiro; Minami, Masaki; Kamada, Michiru; Tatsumi, Tetsuya; Yamaguchi, Atsushi A.; Ishikawa, Kenji; Hori, Masaru; Tomiya, Shigetaka

2013-08-01

Plasma-induced damage (PID) due to Cl2/SiCl4/Ar plasma etching of the GaN capping layer (CAP)/GaInN single quantum well (SQW)/GaN structure was investigated by conventional photoluminescence (PL), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and time-resolved and temperature-dependent photoluminescence (TRPL). SQW PL intensity remained constant initially, although plasma etching of the CAP layer proceeded, but when the etching thickness reached a certain amount (˜60 nm above the SQW), PL intensity started to decrease sharply. On the other hand, TEM observations show that the physical damage (structural damage) was limited to the topmost surface region. These findings can be explained by the results of TRPL studies, which revealed that there exist two different causes of PID. One is an increase in the number of nonradiative recombination centers, which mainly affects the PL intensity. The other is an increase in the quantum level fluctuation owing mainly to physical damage.

Evidence for edge state photoluminescence in graphene quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lingam, Kiran; Podila, Ramakrishna; Qian, Haijun; Serkiz, Steve; Rao, Apparao M.

2013-03-01

For a practical realization of graphene-based logic devices, opening of a band gap in graphene is crucial and has proved challenging. To this end, several synthesis techniques including unzipping of carbon nanotubes, chemical vapor deposition and other bottom-up fabrication techniques have been pursued for the bulk production of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs). However, only a limited progress has been made towards a fundamental understanding of the electronic and optical properties of GQDs. In particular, the origin of strong photoluminescence (PL) in GQDs, which has been attributed to the presence of emissive surface traps and/or the edge states in GQD, remains inconclusive to date. Here, we experimentally show that the PL is independent of the functional groups attached to the GQDs. Following a series of annealing experiments, we further show that the PL in GQDs originates from the edge states, and an edge-passivation subsequent to synthesis quenches PL. These results are consistent with comparative studies on other carbon nanostructures such as GNRs and carbon nano-onions.

Localized surface plasmon enhanced deep UV-emitting of AlGaN based multi-quantum wells by Al nanoparticles on SiO2 dielectric interlayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Ju; Wang, Shuai; Chen, Jingwen; Wu, Feng; Dai, Jiangnan; Long, Hanling; Zhang, Yi; Zhang, Wei; Feng, Zhe Chuan; Zhang, Jun; Du, Shida; Ye, Lei; Chen, Changqing

2018-05-01

In this paper, we report a 2.6-fold deep ultraviolet emission enhancement of integrated photoluminescence (PL) intensity in AlGaN-based multi-quantum wells (MQWs) by introducing the coupling of local surface plasmons from Al nanoparticles (NPs) on a SiO2 dielectric interlayer with excitons and photons in MQWs at room temperature. In comparison to bare AlGaN MQWs, a significant 2.3-fold enhancement of the internal quantum efficiency, from 16% to 37%, as well as a 13% enhancement of photon extraction efficiency have been observed in the MQWs decorated with Al NPs on SiO2 dielectric interlayer. Polarization-dependent PL measurement showed that both the transverse electric and transverse magnetic mode were stronger than the original intensity in bare AlGaN MQWs, indicating a strong LSPs coupling process and vigorous scattering ability of the Al/SiO2 composite structure. These results were confirmed by the activation energy of non-radiative recombination from temperature-dependent PL measurement and the theoretical three dimensional finite difference time domain calculations.

Significantly enhanced UV luminescence by plasmonic metal on ZnO nanorods patterned by screen-printing.

PubMed

Zhao, Jun; Cui, Shuyuan; Zhang, Xingang; Li, Wenqing

2018-08-31

A smart synthetic method is conceived to construct large batches of ZnO nanostructures to meet market demand for light-emitting diodes. Utilizing the localized surface plasmon resonance of metal nanoparticles (NPs) facilitates the recombination of electron-hole pairs and the release of photons. Compared to raw ZnO nanorods (NRs), ZnO NRs@HfO 2 @Al NPs show a ∼120× enhancement in ultraviolet (UV) photoluminescence (PL), while ZnO NRs@HfO 2 @Ag NPs show a six-fold enhancement. Because the surface plasmon energy of Al is nearer the ZnO band gap, the PL enhancement of ZnO NRs covered with Al is stronger than that of those covered with Ag. Based on this analysis, three-dimensional graphical ZnO NR arrays were manufactured by screen-printing, a mass production technique. After covering the arrays with layers of HfO 2 and Al NPs, the UV PL intensities of the corresponding substrates were increased by approximately 16×. This indicates the potential to mass-produce highly efficient optoelectronic devices.

Localized surface plasmon enhanced deep UV-emitting of AlGaN based multi-quantum wells by Al nanoparticles on SiO2 dielectric interlayer.

PubMed

He, Ju; Wang, Shuai; Chen, Jingwen; Wu, Feng; Dai, Jiangnan; Long, Hanling; Zhang, Yi; Zhang, Wei; Feng, Zhe Chuan; Zhang, Jun; Du, Shida; Ye, Lei; Chen, Changqing

2018-05-11

In this paper, we report a 2.6-fold deep ultraviolet emission enhancement of integrated photoluminescence (PL) intensity in AlGaN-based multi-quantum wells (MQWs) by introducing the coupling of local surface plasmons from Al nanoparticles (NPs) on a SiO 2 dielectric interlayer with excitons and photons in MQWs at room temperature. In comparison to bare AlGaN MQWs, a significant 2.3-fold enhancement of the internal quantum efficiency, from 16% to 37%, as well as a 13% enhancement of photon extraction efficiency have been observed in the MQWs decorated with Al NPs on SiO 2 dielectric interlayer. Polarization-dependent PL measurement showed that both the transverse electric and transverse magnetic mode were stronger than the original intensity in bare AlGaN MQWs, indicating a strong LSPs coupling process and vigorous scattering ability of the Al/SiO 2 composite structure. These results were confirmed by the activation energy of non-radiative recombination from temperature-dependent PL measurement and the theoretical three dimensional finite difference time domain calculations.

PatchSurfers: Two methods for local molecular property-based binding ligand prediction.

PubMed

Shin, Woong-Hee; Bures, Mark Gregory; Kihara, Daisuke

2016-01-15

Protein function prediction is an active area of research in computational biology. Function prediction can help biologists make hypotheses for characterization of genes and help interpret biological assays, and thus is a productive area for collaboration between experimental and computational biologists. Among various function prediction methods, predicting binding ligand molecules for a target protein is an important class because ligand binding events for a protein are usually closely intertwined with the proteins' biological function, and also because predicted binding ligands can often be directly tested by biochemical assays. Binding ligand prediction methods can be classified into two types: those which are based on protein-protein (or pocket-pocket) comparison, and those that compare a target pocket directly to ligands. Recently, our group proposed two computational binding ligand prediction methods, Patch-Surfer, which is a pocket-pocket comparison method, and PL-PatchSurfer, which compares a pocket to ligand molecules. The two programs apply surface patch-based descriptions to calculate similarity or complementarity between molecules. A surface patch is characterized by physicochemical properties such as shape, hydrophobicity, and electrostatic potentials. These properties on the surface are represented using three-dimensional Zernike descriptors (3DZD), which are based on a series expansion of a 3 dimensional function. Utilizing 3DZD for describing the physicochemical properties has two main advantages: (1) rotational invariance and (2) fast comparison. Here, we introduce Patch-Surfer and PL-PatchSurfer with an emphasis on PL-PatchSurfer, which is more recently developed. Illustrative examples of PL-PatchSurfer performance on binding ligand prediction as well as virtual drug screening are also provided. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surface Properties and Photocatalytic Activities of the Colloidal ZnS:Mn Nanocrystals Prepared at Various pH Conditions

PubMed Central

Heo, Jungho; Hwang, Cheong-Soo

2015-01-01

Water-dispersible ZnS:Mn nanocrystals (NC) were synthesized by capping the surface with mercaptoacetic acid (MAA) molecules at three different pH conditions. The obtained ZnS:Mn-MAA NC products were physically and optically characterized by corresponding spectroscopic methods. The UV-Visible absorption spectra and PL emission spectra showed broad peaks at 310 and 590 nm, respectively. The average particle sizes measured from the HR-TEM images were 5 nm, which were also supported by the Debye-Scherrer calculations using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. Moreover, the surface charges and the degrees of aggregation of the ZnS:Mn-MAA NCs were determined by electrophoretic and hydrodynamic light scattering methods, indicating formation of agglomerates in water with various sizes (50–440 nm) and different surface charge values accordingly the preparation conditions of the NCs (−7.59 to −24.98 mV). Finally, the relative photocatalytic activities of the ZnS:Mn-MAA NCs were evaluated by measuring the degradation rate of methylene blue (MB) molecule in a pseudo first-order reaction condition under the UV-visible light irradiation. As a result, the ZnS:Mn-MAA NC prepared at the pH 7 showed the best photo-degradation efficiency of the MB molecule with the first-order rate constant (kobs) of 2.0 × 10−3·min−1. PMID:28347105

Vitamin B6 Prevents IL-1β Protein Production by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation.

PubMed

Zhang, Peipei; Tsuchiya, Kohsuke; Kinoshita, Takeshi; Kushiyama, Hiroko; Suidasari, Sofya; Hatakeyama, Mizuki; Imura, Hisanori; Kato, Norihisa; Suda, Takashi

2016-11-18

Vitamin B6 includes six water-soluble vitamers: pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxamine (PM), pyridoxine (PN), and their phosphorylated forms. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) is an important cofactor for many metabolic enzymes. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that blood levels of PLP are significantly lower in patients with inflammation than in control subjects and that vitamin B6 has anti-inflammatory effects, with therapeutic potential for a variety of inflammatory diseases. Although one of our group previously demonstrated that PL inhibits the NF-κB pathway, the molecular mechanism by which vitamin B6 suppresses inflammation is not well understood. Here, we showed that both PL and PLP suppressed the expression of cytokine genes in macrophages by inhibiting Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated TAK1 phosphorylation and the subsequent NF-κB and JNK activation. Furthermore, PL and PLP abolished NLRP3-dependent caspase-1 processing and the subsequent secretion of mature IL-1β and IL-18 in LPS-primed macrophages. In contrast, PM and PN had little effect on IL-1β production. PLP, but not PL, markedly reduced the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in peritoneal macrophages. Importantly, PL and PLP reduced IL-1β production induced by LPS and ATP, or by LPS alone, in mice. Moreover, PL and PLP protected mice from lethal endotoxic shock. Collectively, these findings reveal novel anti-inflammatory activities for vitamin B6 and suggest its potential for preventing inflammatory diseases driven by the NLRP3 inflammasome. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Strain effect on the photoluminescence property of gold nanoclusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saravanan, K.; David, C.; Jayalakshmi, G.; Panigrahi, B. K.; Avasthi, D. K.

2018-02-01

Herein, we report the temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) properties of Au nanoclusters (NCs) embedded in a Si matrix. Gold NCs have been synthesized in Si by a multistep procedure that involves ion implantation and gold decoration by drive in annealing. Transmission electron microscopic studies reveal profuse nucleation of Au NCs, with mean sizes of ˜8 nm in the near-surface region. PL measurements in the range of 2 eV to 3.65 eV were carried out in the temperature range of 5 K to 300 K. The Au NCs exhibit PL emissions at 3 eV and 2.5 eV; these are attributed to the recombination of sp-band electrons with the holes of a deep lying d-band below the Fermi level in the vicinity of the L symmetry point of the Brillouin zone and the recombination of sp band electrons with the holes of the first d band below the Fermi level in the vicinity of the X symmetry point of the Brillouin zone, respectively. Temperature-dependent PL measurements show that the PL intensity of Au NCs initially decreases with the increase of temperature up to 50 K, and, thereafter, the intensity starts to increase and reaches a maximum at 150 K. A further increase in temperature causes the intensity to decrease. However, the PL intensity of Au NCs embedded in a sapphire matrix monotonically decreases with the increase of temperature. The present work discusses the plausible mechanism behind this unusual PL behaviour by invoking the role of strain at the NC-matrix interface.

Indirect selection of industrial tomato genotypes that are resistant to spider mites (Tetranychus urticae).

PubMed

Baier, J E; Resende, J T V; Faria, M V; Schwarz, K; Meert, L

2015-01-16

Acyl sugars present in the tomato Solanum lycopersicum 'LA-716' accession confer good levels of resistance to arthropod pests. The objective of the present study was to select F₂ plants from the interspecific cross Solanum pennellii 'LA-716' x Solanum lycopersicum 'Redenção' to assess resistance to spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) based on the leaf acyl sugar content and repellence tests. Four genotypes were selected with high leaflet acyl sugar content (RVTA-2010 pl#31, RVTA-2010 pl#75, RVTA-2010 pl#83, and RVTA-2010 pl#94), and an additional three genotypes with low acyl sugar content were also selected (RVTA-2010 pl#33, RVTA-2010 pl#39, and RVTA-2010 pl#73). The results from the in vivo tests used to confirm the selection of plants resistant to mites indicated that the genotypes with high acyl sugars content did not differ from the resistant parent LA-716. The negative correlation between acyl sugar content and the distance run by the mite along the leaflet surface confirmed the association between high and low allelochemical content and resistance. The medium degree of dominance (MDD) was estimated (MDD = -0.83), indicating that the high acyl sugar content was due to incomplete dominance of a recessive allele. A value of 81.85% was found for the broad sense heritability estimate, which suggests that most among-plant variation in the F2 generation is genetically based. Furthermore, 0.69 genes were estimated, which presumably confirms monogenic inheritance. Thus, indirect selection was an efficient method used to obtain industrial tomato plants that are resistant to spider mites.

Environmental Laws: Summaries of Major Statutes Administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-28

EPA to conduct health risk reduction and cost analyses for most new standards, authorized a state revolving loan fund (SRF) program to help public water...toxic substances; maintain an inventory of literature, research, and studies on the health effects of toxic substance contamination; provide medical care ...Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-311), and through 2007 by the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432). Table 16. Major

Properties of Unrelaxed InAs1-XSbX Alloys Grown on Compositionally Graded Buffers

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-07

beam epitaxy (MBE) as an alternative to HgCdTe for the fabrication of infrared (IR) photodetectors. These photodetector structures require the...FTIR) spectrometer equipped with a liquid-nitrogen cooled HgCdTe detector with a cut-off wavelength of 12 lm. The PL was excited by a 970 nm laser...characterized by surface roughness up to 10 nm for InAs0.56Sb0.44 samples. The PL and absorption spectra were measured with a Fourier-transform infrared

Water Pollution Control Across the Nation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Environmental Science and Technology, 1973

1973-01-01

Reviewed are accomplishments, problems, and frustrations faced by individual states in meeting requirements of P.L. 92-500, Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. State Environmental officials complain the new law may be a hindrance to established cleanup programs. Statistics and charts are given. (BL)

Gas/solid particulate phthalic esters (PAEs) in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana L.) needles and rhizosphere surface soils.

PubMed

Wang, Wen-xin; Fan, Chinbay Q

2014-07-15

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are used in many branches of industry and are produced in huge amounts throughout the world. An investigation on particulate- and gas-phase distribution of PAEs has been conducted between January 2011 and December 2012 in Nanjing (China). Masson pine (Pinus massoniana L.) needles and rhizosphere surface soils were sampled from urban to suburban/remote sites, to investigate the pine needle/soil distribution of PAEs. The results showed that the average total PAE concentration (gas+particle) was 97.0ngm(-3). The six PAE congeners considered predominantly existed in the gas phase and the average contribution of gas phase to total PAEs ranged from 75.0% to 89.1%. The PAE concentrations in rhizosphere soils and pine needles were positively correlated with their particulate- and gas-phase concentrations, respectively, which suggested that surface soils accumulated PAEs mainly through gravity deposition of particles and pine needle stomata absorbed PAEs mainly from the gas phase. The gas/particle partitioning (KP) and soil-pine needle ratio (Rs/n) were determined. Experimentally determined KP values correlated well with the subcooled liquid vapor pressures (PL). A set of interesting relationships of logRs/n-logKP-logPL was employed to explain the experimental findings of PAEs deposition to surface soils and to needles. This data set offered a unique perspective into the influence that Rs/n played in KP and correlated with PL. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Benzimidazole-functionalized Zr-UiO-66 nanocrystals for luminescent sensing of Fe3+ in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Yingying; Zhang, Hanzhuo; Lei, Fan; Liang, Mei; Qian, Xuefeng; Shen, Peilian; Xu, Hui; Chen, Zhihui; Gao, Junkuo; Yao, Juming

2017-01-01

Zr-based MOF structure UiO-66 exhibits unprecedented high thermal and chemical stability, making it to be one of the most used MOFs in various applications. Yet, the poor photoluminescent (PL) properties of UiO-66 limit its applications in luminescent sensing. Herein, a new benzimidazole-functionalized UiO-66 nanocrystal (UiO-66-BI) was successfully fabricated via microwave synthesis. UiO-66-BI displayed octahedral nanocrystal morphology with a diameter smaller than 200 nm and could disperse well in water and common organic solvents. UiO-66-BI demonstrated extended optical absorption in the visible-light region and efficiently improved PL emission compared with UiO-66 pristine. The sensing properties of UiO-66-BI nanocrystals towards different ions were studied, and the results demonstrated that UiO-66-BI showed excellent selective luminescent sensing of Fe3+ ions in water.

Benzimidazole-functionalized Zr-UiO-66 nanocrystals for luminescent sensing of Fe{sup 3+} in water

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

Dong, Yingying; Zhang, Hanzhuo; Lei, Fan

2017-01-15

Zr-based MOF structure UiO-66 exhibits unprecedented high thermal and chemical stability, making it to be one of the most used MOFs in various applications. Yet, the poor photoluminescent (PL) properties of UiO-66 limit its applications in luminescent sensing. Herein, a new benzimidazole-functionalized UiO-66 nanocrystal (UiO-66-BI) was successfully fabricated via microwave synthesis. UiO-66-BI displayed octahedral nanocrystal morphology with a diameter smaller than 200 nm and could disperse well in water and common organic solvents. UiO-66-BI demonstrated extended optical absorption in the visible-light region and efficiently improved PL emission compared with UiO-66 pristine. The sensing properties of UiO-66-BI nanocrystals towards different ionsmore » were studied, and the results demonstrated that UiO-66-BI showed excellent selective luminescent sensing of Fe{sup 3+} ions in water.« less

Freestanding silicon quantum dots: origin of red and blue luminescence.

PubMed

Gupta, Anoop; Wiggers, Hartmut

2011-02-04

In this paper, we studied the behavior of silicon quantum dots (Si-QDs) after etching and surface oxidation by means of photoluminescence (PL) measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). We observed that etching of red luminescing Si-QDs with HF acid drastically reduces the concentration of defects and significantly enhances their PL intensity together with a small shift in the emission spectrum. Additionally, we observed the emergence of blue luminescence from Si-QDs during the re-oxidation of freshly etched particles. Our results indicate that the red emission is related to the quantum confinement effect, while the blue emission from Si-QDs is related to defect states at the newly formed silicon oxide surface.

Color-tunable mixed photoluminescence emission from Alq3 organic layer in metal-Alq3-metal surface plasmon structure.

PubMed

Chen, Nai-Chuan; Liao, Chung-Chi; Chen, Cheng-Chang; Fan, Wan-Ting; Wu, Jin-Han; Li, Jung-Yu; Chen, Shih-Pu; Huang, Bohr-Ran; Lee, Li-Ling

2014-01-01

This work reports the color-tunable mixed photoluminescence (PL) emission from an Alq3 organic layer in an Au-Alq3-Au plasmonic structure through the combination of organic fluorescence emission and another form of emission that is enabled by the surface plasmons in the plasmonic structure. The emission wavelength of the latter depends on the Alq3 thickness and can be tuned within the Alq3 fluorescent spectra. Therefore, a two-color broadband, color-tunable mixed PL structure was obtained. Obvious changes in the Commission Internationale d'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates and the corresponding emission colors of Au-Alq3-Au samples clearly varied with the Alq3 thickness (90, 130, and 156 nm).

Color-tunable mixed photoluminescence emission from Alq3 organic layer in metal-Alq3-metal surface plasmon structure

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

This work reports the color-tunable mixed photoluminescence (PL) emission from an Alq3 organic layer in an Au-Alq3-Au plasmonic structure through the combination of organic fluorescence emission and another form of emission that is enabled by the surface plasmons in the plasmonic structure. The emission wavelength of the latter depends on the Alq3 thickness and can be tuned within the Alq3 fluorescent spectra. Therefore, a two-color broadband, color-tunable mixed PL structure was obtained. Obvious changes in the Commission Internationale d’Eclairage (CIE) coordinates and the corresponding emission colors of Au-Alq3-Au samples clearly varied with the Alq3 thickness (90, 130, and 156 nm). PMID:25328506

The effect of oral protease administration in the rat remnant kidney model.

PubMed

Sebeková, K; Dämmrich, J; Krivosíková, Z; Heidland, A

1999-12-01

It has been demonstrated that intraperitoneal administration of proteolytic enzymes ameliorates the progression of renal diseases in various animal models. In the present study, we employed the rat remnant kidney model to study the effectiveness of oral administration of proteases. Twenty male Wistar rats underwent sham operation (CTRL), while 25 were subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 NX). Rats were randomised into placebo (PL) (2 ml tap water/day by gavage), or Phlogenzym (E; fixed mixture of trypsin 2.42 mg, bromelain 4.54 mg, and rutozid 5.04 mg added as antioxidant, in 2 ml tap water daily by gavage) treated group. Duration of the study was 45 days. Rats were pair-fed. Enzyme treatment exerted salutary effects on various functional and morphological parameters. Proteinuria was higher in both 5/6 NX group rats throughout the study. Administration of proteases ameliorated its rise effectively (data at sacrifice: CTRL-PL 6.27 +/- 1.25, CTRL-E 9.27 +/- 0.99, 5/6 NX-PL 74.04 +/- 21.33, 5/6 NX-E 39.09 +/- 7.93 mg/24 h; P < 0.01). Increased urinary excretion of the fibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF-beta 1) was improved, too (CTRL-PL 0.349 +/- 0.051, CTRL-E 0.693 +/- 0.230, 5/6 NX-PL 3.044 +/- 0.540, 5/6 NX-E 1.390 +/- 0.238 ng/mumol creatinine; P < 0.05). At sacrifice, tubulointerstitial fibrosis was less pronounced in E-treated rats. Correspondingly, the volume fraction of tubulointerstitial tissue in the renal cortex was improved in 5/6 NX-E rats (CTRL-PL 9.9 +/- 0.2, CTRL-E 10.0 +/- 0.2, 5/6 NX-PL 17.9 +/- 1.8, 5/6 NX-E 13.8 +/- 0.9%; P < 0.05). The protein/DNA ratio in isolated glomeruli and tubules, as an estimate of glomerular matrix accumulation and hypertrophy of tubules, was enhanced in 5/6 NX groups and a tendency towards lower values was observed after E treatment. Renal function as evaluated by serum creatinine and urea levels was not influenced by the enzyme therapy. No between-group differences in blood pressure were observed. In summary, oral administration of proteolytic enzymes improved proteinuria and urinary TGF-beta 1 excretion, as well as the severity of tubulointerstitial fibrosis without signs of toxicity.

Surface passivation of mixed-halide perovskite CsPb(BrxI1-x)3 nanocrystals by selective etching for improved stability.

PubMed

Jing, Qiang; Zhang, Mian; Huang, Xiang; Ren, Xiaoming; Wang, Peng; Lu, Zhenda

2017-06-08

In recent years, there has been an unprecedented rise in the research of halide perovskites because of their important optoelectronic applications, including photovoltaic cells, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors and lasers. The most pressing question concerns the stability of these materials. Here faster degradation and PL quenching are observed at higher iodine content for mixed-halide perovskite CsPb(Br x I 1-x ) 3 nanocrystals, and a simple yet effective method is reported to significantly enhance their stability. After selective etching with acetone, surface iodine is partially etched away to form a bromine-rich surface passivation layer on mixed-halide perovskite nanocrystals. This passivation layer remarkably stabilizes the nanocrystals, making their PL intensity improved by almost three orders of magnitude. It is expected that a similar passivation layer can also be applied to various other kinds of perovskite materials with poor stability issues.

Spectroscopy of Single Free Standing Quantum Wells

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

Williams, M D; Hollars, C W; Huser, T

2006-03-14

We investigated the interaction of quantum confined exciton states GaAs quantum wells with native surface states. Single molecule photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, developed by T. Huser at LLNL was used to probe the unique bare quantum wells in the free standing quantum well structure. The latter was developed by the M. D. Williams at Clark Atlanta University. The goals of the project during this budget cycle were to procure samples containing GaAs free standing QWs, identify suitable regions for PL analysis at Lawrence Livermore, analyze the structures at room temperature and at liquid nitrogen temperatures. The specific regions of interest onmore » the sample structures were identified by scanning electron microscopy at Clark Atlanta prior to transport to LLNL. Previous attempts at other facilities using NSOM, cathodoluminescence, and conventional PL showed little luminescence activity at room temperature from the 200 {angstrom} thick wells. This suggested either excess recombination due to surface states in the quantum well region or insufficient absorption length for photoluminescence. The literature suggested that the effect of the defects could be eliminated by reducing the sample temperature below their associated activation energies. In our previous subcontract work with LLNL, a significant amount of effort was expended to modify the apparatus to allow low temperature measurements. The modifications were not successful and we concluded that in order to do the measurements at low temperature we would need to purchase a commercial optical cryostat to get reliable results. Ms. Rochelle Bryant worked during the summer as an intern at LLNL on the project under the supervision of C. Hollars and in collaboration with T. Huser and found that PL emission could be obtained at room temperature. This was a surprising result as the literature and our experience shows that there is no PL emission from GaAs at room temperature. We speculate that this is due to the small interaction region excited by the laser source. We proceeded with the project using this new found room temperature capability and have analyzed the effect of various chemical species on the PL emission from the GaAs QWs. We were able to observe some significant intensity modifications of the PL spectra with chemical adsorbants. This progress holds promise for the development of this structure as a chemical or biological sensor.« less

Ultrafast strong broadband light source generated in nanoscale plasmonic Au-AAO-Al structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Junbo; Yao, Linhua; Ma, Zongwei

we demonstrate an ultrafast strong broadband photoluminescence (PL) from Au-AAO-Al composite under low excitation power intensity of 3.8 34.5 GW /cm2. The emission wavelength is in the range of 450-1050 nm and the lifetime is under sub-nanosecond. Comparative studies of PL in Au-AAO-Al with different Au rod length and Au-AAO without Al coupling layer, together with the finite difference time domain (FDTD) calculations, present that the fast PL originates from the surface plasmon enhanced supercontinuum generation (SCG) in AAO membrane. The observations indicate that strong SCG could be realized in nanoscale plasmonic structures, which have promise applications in the minimization and integration of ultrafast lighting sources in photonic devices. National Natural Scientific Foundation of China (11404124).

Application of L-Aspartic Acid-Capped ZnS:Mn Colloidal Nanocrystals as a Photosensor for the Detection of Copper (II) Ions in Aqueous Solution

PubMed Central

Heo, Jungho; Hwang, Cheong-Soo

2016-01-01

Water-dispersible ZnS:Mn nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized by capping the surface with polar L-aspartic acid (Asp) molecules. The obtained ZnS:Mn-Asp NC product was optically and physically characterized using the corresponding spectroscopic methods. The ultra violet-visible (UV-VIS) absorption spectrum and photoluminescence (PL) emission spectrum of the NCs showed broad peaks at 320 and 590 nm, respectively. The average particle size measured from the obtained high resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) image was 5.25 nm, which was also in accordance with the Debye-Scherrer calculations using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. Moreover, the surface charge and degree of aggregation of the ZnS:Mn-Asp NCs were determined by electrophoretic and hydrodynamic light scattering methods, respectively. These results indicated the formation of agglomerates in water with an average size of 19.8 nm, and a negative surface charge (−4.58 mV) in water at ambient temperature. The negatively-charged NCs were applied as a photosensor for the detection of specific cations in aqueous solution. Accordingly, the ZnS:Mn-Asp NCs showed an exclusive luminescence quenching upon addition of copper (II) cations. The kinetic mechanism study on the luminescence quenching of the NCs by the addition of the Cu2+ ions proposed an energy transfer through the ionic binding between the two oppositely-charged ZnS:Mn-Asp NCs and Cu2+ ions. PMID:28335210

Surface terrain characteristics and monsoon season mass balance of debris-covered glaciers in the Khumbu Himal, Nepal, obtained from high resolution Pléiades imagery.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klug, Christoph; Nicholson, Lindsey; Rieg, Lorenzo; Sailer, Rudolf; Wirbel, Anna

2016-04-01

Debris-covered glaciers in the eastern Himalaya have pronounced surface relief consisting of hummocks and hollows, ice cliffs, lakes and former lake beds. This relief and spatially variable surface properties are expected to influence the spatially distributed surface energy balance and related ice mass loss and atmospheric interactions, but only a few studies have so far explicitly examined the nature of the surface terrain and its textures . In this work we present a new high-resolution digital terrain model (DTM) of a portion of the Khumbu Himal in the eastern Nepalese Himalaya, derived from Pléiades satellite imagery sampled in spring 2015. We use this DTM to study the terrain characteristics of five sample glaciers and analyse the inter- and intra- glacier variability of terrain characteristics in the context of glacier flow velocities and surface changes presented in previous studies in the area. In parallel to this analysis we also present the seasonal geodetic mass balance between spring and fall 2015, and relate it to the terrain properties, surface velocity and limited knowledge of the local lapse rates in meteorological conditions during this monsoon season.

Effect of plant resistance and BioAct WG (Purpureocillium lilacinum strain 251) on Meloidogyne incognita in a tomato-cucumber rotation in a greenhouse.

PubMed

Giné, Ariadna; Sorribas, Francisco J

2017-05-01

The effectiveness of combining resistant tomato with BioAct WG (Purpureocillium lilacinum strain 251, Pl251) against Meloidogyne incognita was assessed in a tomato-cucumber rotation in a greenhouse over 2 years. Additionally, the enzymatic activity of the fungus, the percentage of fungal egg and juvenile parasitism, cardinal temperatures and the effect of water potential on mycelial growth and the soil receptivity to Pl251 were determined in vitro. Plant resistance was the only factor that suppressed nematode and crop yield losses. Percentage of egg parasitism in plots treated with BioAct WG was less than 2.6%. However, under in vitro conditions, Pl251 showed protease, lipase and chitinase activities and parasitised 94.5% of eggs, but no juveniles. Cardinal temperatures were 14.2, 24-26 and 35.4 °C. The maximum Pl251 mycelial growth was at -0.25 MPa and 25 °C. Soil temperatures and water potential in the greenhouse were in the range of the fungus. However, soil receptivity was lower in greenhouse soil, irrespective of sterilisation, than in sterilised sand. Plant resistance was the only factor able to suppress nematode densities, disease severity and yield losses, and to protect the following cucumber crop. Environmental factors involved in soil receptivity could have negatively affected fungus effectiveness. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Platelet lysate embedded scaffolds for skin regeneration.

PubMed

Sandri, Giuseppina; Bonferoni, Maria Cristina; Rossi, Silvia; Ferrari, Franca; Mori, Michela; Cervio, Marila; Riva, Federica; Liakos, Ioannis; Athanassiou, Athanassia; Saporito, Francesca; Marini, Lara; Caramella, Carla

2015-04-01

The work presents the development of acellular scaffolds extemporaneously embedded with platelet lysate (PL), as an innovative approach in the field of tissue regeneration/reparation. PL embedded scaffolds should have a tridimensional architecture to support cell migration and growth, in order to restore skin integrity. For this reason, chondroitin sulfate (CS) was associated with sodium alginate (SA) to prepare highly porous systems. The developed scaffolds were characterized for chemical stability to γ-radiation, morphology, hydration and mechanical properties. Moreover, the capability of fibroblasts and endothelial cells to populate the scaffold was evaluated by means of proliferation test 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and confocal laser scanning microscopy study. The scaffolds, not altered by sterilization, were characterized by limited swelling and high flexibility, by foam-like structure with bubbles that formed a high surface area and irregular texture suitable for cell adhesion. Cell growth and scaffold population were evident on the bubble surface, where the cells appeared anchored to the scaffold structure. Scaffold network based on CS and SA demonstrated to be an effective support to enhance and to allow fibroblasts and endothelial cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells, HUVEC) adhesion and proliferation. In particular, it could be hypothesized that cell adhesion was facilitated by the synergic effect of PL and CS. Although further in vivo evaluation is needed, on the basis of in vitro results, PL embedded scaffolds seem promising systems for skin wound healing.

Carrot, Corn, Lettuce and Soybean Nutrient Contents are ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Biochar, the carbon-rich material remaining after pyrolysis of cellulosic and manure feedstocks, has the potential as a soil amendment to sequester carbon and to improve soil water-holding and nutrient properties- thereby enhancing plant growth. However, biochar produced from some feedstocks also could adversely affect crop quality by changing soil pH and reducing nutrients (e.g., Ca, K, Mg, N, Na, and P) in plant tissues. To evaluate effects of biochar on the nutrient quality of four crops, we conducted a greenhouse study using pots with: carrot (Daucus carota cv. Tendersweet), corn (Zea mays, cv. Golden Bantam), lettuce (Lactuca sativa, cv. Black-Seeded Simpson) and soybean (Glycine max cv. Viking 2265). Plants were grown in one of two South Carolina sandy Coastal Plain soils (Norfolk and Coxville Soil Series), along with biochar (1% by weight) produced from pine chips (PC), poultry litter (PL), swine solids (SS), switchgrass (SG), and two blends of pine chips plus poultry litter (PC/PL, 50/50% and 80/20%). Each of the feedstocks and feedstock blends was pyrolyzed at 350, 500, and 700 ̊ C to produce the biochar used to amend the Norfolk and Coxville soils. Effects of biochar on leaf nutrients (% dry weight) statistically varied with species, soil, feedstock and temperature and nutrient. For carrot and lettuce, the PL, PL/PC, and SS biochars generally decreased leaf N, Ca, Mg, and P; while PL and PL/PC increased K and Na. Biochars had little effect on lea

Internal stress induced natural self-chemisorption of ZnO nanostructured films

PubMed Central

Chi, Po-Wei; Su, Chih-Wei; Wei, Da-Hua

2017-01-01

The energetic particles bombardment can produce large internal stress in the zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film, and it can be used to intentionally modify the surface characteristics of ZnO films. In this article, we observed that the internal stress increased from −1.62 GPa to −0.33 GPa, and the naturally wettability of the textured ZnO nanostructured films changed from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. According to analysis of surface chemical states, the naturally controllable wetting behavior can be attributed to hydrocarbon adsorbates on the nanostructured film surface, which is caused by tunable internal stress. On the other hand, the interfacial water molecules near the surface of ZnO nanostructured films have been identified as hydrophobic hydrogen structure by Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection. Moreover, a remarkable near-band-edge emission peak shifting also can be observed in PL spectra due to the transition of internal stress state. Furthermore, our present ZnO nanostructured films also exhibited excellent transparency over 80% with a wise surface wetting switched from hydrophobic to hydrophilic states after exposing in ultraviolet (UV) surroundings. Our work demonstrated that the internal stress of the thin film not only induced natural wettability transition of ZnO nanostructured films, but also in turn affected the surface properties such as surface chemisorption. PMID:28233827

Internal stress induced natural self-chemisorption of ZnO nanostructured films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chi, Po-Wei; Su, Chih-Wei; Wei, Da-Hua

2017-02-01

The energetic particles bombardment can produce large internal stress in the zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film, and it can be used to intentionally modify the surface characteristics of ZnO films. In this article, we observed that the internal stress increased from -1.62 GPa to -0.33 GPa, and the naturally wettability of the textured ZnO nanostructured films changed from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. According to analysis of surface chemical states, the naturally controllable wetting behavior can be attributed to hydrocarbon adsorbates on the nanostructured film surface, which is caused by tunable internal stress. On the other hand, the interfacial water molecules near the surface of ZnO nanostructured films have been identified as hydrophobic hydrogen structure by Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection. Moreover, a remarkable near-band-edge emission peak shifting also can be observed in PL spectra due to the transition of internal stress state. Furthermore, our present ZnO nanostructured films also exhibited excellent transparency over 80% with a wise surface wetting switched from hydrophobic to hydrophilic states after exposing in ultraviolet (UV) surroundings. Our work demonstrated that the internal stress of the thin film not only induced natural wettability transition of ZnO nanostructured films, but also in turn affected the surface properties such as surface chemisorption.

Internal stress induced natural self-chemisorption of ZnO nanostructured films.

PubMed

Chi, Po-Wei; Su, Chih-Wei; Wei, Da-Hua

2017-02-24

The energetic particles bombardment can produce large internal stress in the zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film, and it can be used to intentionally modify the surface characteristics of ZnO films. In this article, we observed that the internal stress increased from -1.62 GPa to -0.33 GPa, and the naturally wettability of the textured ZnO nanostructured films changed from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. According to analysis of surface chemical states, the naturally controllable wetting behavior can be attributed to hydrocarbon adsorbates on the nanostructured film surface, which is caused by tunable internal stress. On the other hand, the interfacial water molecules near the surface of ZnO nanostructured films have been identified as hydrophobic hydrogen structure by Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection. Moreover, a remarkable near-band-edge emission peak shifting also can be observed in PL spectra due to the transition of internal stress state. Furthermore, our present ZnO nanostructured films also exhibited excellent transparency over 80% with a wise surface wetting switched from hydrophobic to hydrophilic states after exposing in ultraviolet (UV) surroundings. Our work demonstrated that the internal stress of the thin film not only induced natural wettability transition of ZnO nanostructured films, but also in turn affected the surface properties such as surface chemisorption.

Impact of farm management on expression of early mortality syndrome/acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (EMS/AHPND) on penaeid shrimp farms in Thailand.

PubMed

Boonyawiwat, V; Patanasatienkul, T; Kasornchandra, J; Poolkhet, C; Yaemkasem, S; Hammell, L; Davidson, J

2017-05-01

Asian shrimp farming industry has experienced massive production losses due to a disease caused by toxins of Vibrio bacteria, known as early mortality syndrome/acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (EMS/AHPND) for the last 5 years. The disease can cause up to 100% cumulative pond mortality within a week. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with AHPND occurrence on shrimp farms. A case-control study was carried out on shrimp farms in four provinces of Thailand. Factors related to farm characteristics, farm management, pond and water preparation, feed management, post-larvae (PL) shrimp and stock management were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified factors affecting AHPND occurrence at the pond level. Chlorine treatment, reservoir availability, use of predator fish in the water preparation, culture of multiple shrimp species in one farm and increased PL stocking density contributed to an increased risk of AHPND infection, while delayed first day of feeding, polyculture and water ageing were likely to promote outbreak protection. Additionally, the source of PL was found to be associated with AHPND occurrence in shrimp ponds, which requires further study at the hatchery level. Identification of these factors will facilitate the development of effective control strategies for AHPND on shrimp farms. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Influence of C or In buffer layer on photoluminescence behaviour of ultrathin ZnO film

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

Saravanan, K., E-mail: saravanan@igcar.gov.in; Jayalakshmi, G.; Krishnan, R.

We study the effect of the indium or carbon buffer layer on the photoluminescence (PL) property of ZnO ultrathin films deposited on a Si(100) substrate. The surface morphology of the films obtained using scanning tunnelling microscopy shows spherical shaped ZnO nanoparticles of size ∼8 nm in ZnO/C/Si and ∼22 nm in ZnO/Si samples, while the ZnO/In/Si sample shows elliptical shaped ZnO particles. Further, the ZnO/C/Si sample shows densely packed ZnO nanoparticles in comparison with other samples. Strong band edge emission has been observed in the presence of In or C buffer layer, whereas the ZnO/Si sample exhibits poor PL emission. The influencemore » of C and In buffer layers on the PL behaviour of ZnO films is studied in detail using temperature dependent PL measurements in the range of 4 K–300 K. The ZnO/C/Si sample exhibits a multi-fold enhancement in the PL emission intensity with well-resolved free and bound exciton emission lines. Our experimental results imply that the ZnO films deposited on the C buffer layer showed higher particle density and better exciton emission desired for optoelectronic applications.« less

Competition Between Resonant Plasmonic Coupling and Electrostatic Interaction in Reduced Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots.

PubMed

Karna, Sanjay; Mahat, Meg; Choi, Tae-Youl; Shimada, Ryoko; Wang, Zhiming; Neogi, Arup

2016-11-22

The light emission from reduced graphene oxide quantum dots (rGO-QDs) exhibit a significant enhancement in photoluminescence (PL) due to localized surface plasmon (LSP) interactions. Silver and gold nanoparticles (NPs) coupled to rGO nanoparticles exhibit the effect of resonant LSP coupling on the emission processes. Enhancement of the radiative recombination rate in the presence of Ag-NPs induced LSP tuned to the emission energy results in a four-fold increase in PL intensity. The localized field due to the resonantly coupled LSP modes induces n-π* transitions that are not observed in the absence of the resonant interaction of the plasmons with the excitons. An increase in the density of the Ag-NPs result in a detuning of the LSP energy from the emission energy of the nanoparticles. The detuning is due to the cumulative effect of the red-shift in the LSP energy and the electrostatic field induced blue shift in the PL energy of the rGO-QDs. The detuning quenches the PL emission from rGO-QDs at higher concentration of Ag NPs due to non-dissipative effects unlike plasmon induced Joule heating that occurs under resonance conditions. An increase in Au nanoparticles concentration results in an enhancement of PL emission due to electrostatic image charge effect.

Human platelet lysate is a feasible candidate to replace fetal calf serum as medium supplement for blood vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells.

PubMed

Hofbauer, Pablo; Riedl, Sabrina; Witzeneder, Karin; Hildner, Florian; Wolbank, Susanne; Groeger, Marion; Gabriel, Christian; Redl, Heinz; Holnthoner, Wolfgang

2014-09-01

As angiogenic and lymphangiogenic key players, endothelial cells (ECs) are promising candidates for vascular regenerative therapies. To culture ECs in vitro, fetal calf serum (FCS) is most often used. However, some critical aspects of FCS usage, such as possible internalization of xenogeneic proteins and prions, must be considered. Therefore, the aim of this project was to determine if human platelet lysate (hPL) is a suitable alternative to FCS as medium supplement for the culture of blood vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells. The usability of hPL was tested by analysis of endothelial surface marker expression, metabolic activity and vasculogenic potential of outgrowth ECs (OECs), human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs), and lymphatic ECs (LECs). Expression of EC markers CD31, VEGFR2, VE-cadherin and CD146 did not differ significantly between the EC types cultured in FCS or hPL. In addition, OECs, HUVECs and LECs formed tube-like structures on Matrigel when cultured in hPL and FCS. With the use of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromid assays, we found that the metabolic activity of OECs and LECs was slightly decreased when hPL was used. However, HUVECs and LECs did not show a significant decrease in metabolic activity, and HUVECs showed a slightly higher activity at low seeding densities. The use of hPL on different EC types did not reveal any substantial negative effects on EC behavior. Thus, hPL appears to be a favorable candidate to replace FCS as a medium supplement in the culture of ECs. Copyright © 2014 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Machado, Thales R.; QIO-UJI, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón; Sczancoski, Júlio C.

Defect-related photoluminescence (PL) in materials have attracted interest for applications including near ultraviolet (NUV) excitable light-emitting diodes and in biomedical field. In this paper, hydroxyapatite [Ca{sub 10}(PO{sub 4}){sub 6}(OH){sub 2}] nanorods with intense PL bands (bluish- and yellowish-white emissions) were obtained when excited under NUV radiation at room temperature. These nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical precipitation at 90 °C followed by distinct heat treatments temperatures (200–800 °C). Intense and broad emission profiles were achieved at 350 °C (380–750 nm) and 400 °C (380–800 nm). UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed band gap energies (5.58–5.78 eV) higher than the excitation energies (~3.54 and ~2.98more » eV at 350 and 415 nm, respectively), confirming the contribution of defect energy levels within the forbidden zone for PL emissions. The structural features were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. By means of these techniques, the relation between structural order-disorder induced by defects, chemical reactions at both lattice and surface of the materials as well as the PL, without activator centers, was discussed in details. - Graphical abstract: The self-activated photoluminescence emissions of chemically precipitated hydroxyapatite nanorods were improved by different heat treatment temperatures. - Highlights: • HA nanorods were synthesized with improved self-activated PL at room temperature. • PL profile and intensity dependents on the temperature of posterior heat treatments. • Bluish- and yellowish-white emissions under NUV excitation (350 and 415 nm). • Broad and intense profiles achieved at 350 °C (380–750 nm) and 400 °C (380–800 nm). • PL from the e′–h{sup •} recombination between defect energy levels within the band gap.« less

Periodic assessment of plasma sFlt-1 and PlGF concentrations and its association with placental morphometry in gestational hypertension (GH) - a prospective follow-up study.

PubMed

Jeevaratnam, Kamalan; Nadarajah, Vishna Devi; Judson, John Paul; Nalliah, Sivalingam; Abdullah, Mohd Farouk

2010-09-28

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy contributes to about 12% of maternal deaths in Malaysia and similarly worldwide. Early detection and adequate management are preventable strategies. Biochemical markers of abnormal angiogenesis would be more specific in early detection than routine blood pressure and proteinuria measurements. The aim of this study was to estimate maternal plasma PlGF and sFlt-1 levels in pregnant women with gestational hypertension at three intervals of pregnancy and correlate these biomarker levels with placental morphometry. Venous blood samples (antepartum, intrapartum and post partum periods) were drawn to estimate for sFlt-1 and PlGF levels while placental tissue samples were examined for placental morphometry. PlGF levels were lower in gestational hypertension (GH) compared to normotensive during antepartum and intrapartum period, whereas sFlt-1 levels were elevated in GH at antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum intervals during pregnancy. An inverse relationship between these two biomarkers was observed through correlation analysis. PlGF levels were inversely correlated with total villous surface area of the placental periphery (TCsa-C) and villous capillarization (VC-C) of the placental periphery. We established periodic values of for sFlt-1 and PlGF levels for the first time in an ethnically diverse Malaysian setting. We suggest the development of GH in women is related to defective capillarization. In demonstrating periodic changes, this study suggest the possibility of developing GH and other long term health complications as a result of prolonged exposure to sFlt-1. The correlation between PlGF levels and morphometric findings also support possible capillarization defect.

Extracorporeal Respiratory Support With a Miniature Integrated Pediatric Pump-Lung Device in an Acute Ovine Respiratory Failure Model.

PubMed

Wei, Xufeng; Sanchez, Pablo G; Liu, Yang; Claire Watkins, A; Li, Tieluo; Griffith, Bartley P; Wu, Zhongjun J

2016-11-01

Respiratory failure is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity all over the world. Therapeutic options to treat respiratory failure remain limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gas transfer performance of a newly developed miniature portable integrated pediatric pump-lung device (PediPL) with small membrane surface for respiratory support in an acute ovine respiratory failure model. The respiratory failure was created in six adult sheep using intravenous anesthesia and reduced mechanical ventilation at 2 breaths/min. The PediPL device was surgically implanted and evaluated for respiratory support in a venovenous configuration between the right atrium and pulmonary artery. The hemodynamics and respiratory status of the animals during support with the device gas transfer performance of the PediPL were studied for 4 h. The animals exhibited respiratory failure 30 min after mechanical ventilation was reduced to 2 breaths/min, indicated by low oxygen partial pressure, low oxygen saturation, and elevated carbon dioxide in arterial blood. The failure was reversed by establishing respiratory support with the PediPL after 30 min. The rates of O 2 transfer and CO 2 removal of the PediPL were 86.8 and 139.1 mL/min, respectively. The results demonstrated that the PediPL (miniature integrated pump-oxygenator) has the potential to provide respiratory support as a novel treatment for both hypoxia and hypercarbia. The compact size of the PediPL could allow portability and potentially be used in many emergency settings to rescue patients suffering acute lung injury. Copyright © 2016 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Laser exposure induced alteration of WS2 monolayers in the presence of ambient moisture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atkin, P.; Lau, D. W. M.; Zhang, Q.; Zheng, C.; Berean, K. J.; Field, M. R.; Ou, J. Z.; Cole, I. S.; Daeneke, T.; Kalantar-Zadeh, K.

2018-01-01

Photoluminescence (PL) emergence in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as WS2, has been one of the key attractions of such materials. However, there have been many observational contradictions in PL measurements presented in the past literature. This work addresses such issues. Firstly, the observational changes of the flakes’ PL patterns under exposure to various intensities of radiant exposure via laser sources are presented. These experiments show that these changes are a function of radiant exposure. Interestingly, it is observed that PL loss is accompanied by a change of the profile height for WS2 monolayers. In order to explore the fundamental mechanism for PL and height variations, laser irradiation was applied to monolayer WS2 flakes with varying radiant exposure to obtain PL maps, under the absence and presence of oxygen, H2O and nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere. It was seen that, after relatively high radiant exposure (>15 mJ µm-2), the PL pattern loss occurs only in the presence of atmospheric H2O molecules (45% humidity) and is also accompanied by an increase in height. Compositional analysis determined that this height increase was due to the substitution of surface S atoms with sulphate groups. This discovery represents an important step forward in understanding the necessary precautions when investigating optical properties of 2D TMDs in atmospheric conditions, and highlights the need for precise evaluation of the thresholds for radiant exposure at which specific reactions begin to occur. This knowledge is crucial for efficient and effective control of ambient operating conditions for optical characterisation of monolayer WS2 and TMDs in general.

Effect of Peptides' Binding on the Antimicrobial Activity and Biocompatibility of Protein-Based Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaisersberger Vincek, Maja

This work reveals the effect of coupling approach (chemical by using carbodiimide chemistry and grafting-to vs. grafting-from synthesis routes, and enzymatic by using transglutaminase) of a hydrophilic epsilon-poly-L-lysine (epsilonPL) and an amphiphilic oligo-acyl-lysyl (OAK) derivative (K-7alpha 12-OH) to wool fibers and gelatine (GEL) macromolecules, respectively, and substrates antibacterial activity against Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus bacteria after 1-24 h of exposure, as well as their cytotoxicity. Different spectroscopic (ultraviolet-visible, infrared, fluorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance) and separation techniques (size-exclusion chromatography and capillary zone electrophoresis) as well as zeta potential and potentiometric titration analysis, were performed to confirm the covalent coupling of epsilonPL/OAK, and to determine the amount and orientation of its immobilisation. The highest and kinetically the fastest level of bacterial reduction was achieved with wool/GEL functionalised with epsilonPL/OAK by chemical grafting-to approach. This effect correlated with both the highest grafting yield and conformationally the highly-flexible (brush-like) orientation linkage of epsilonPL/OAK, implicating on the highest amount of accessible amino groups interacting with bacterial membrane. However, OAK's amphipathic structure, the cationic charge and the hydrophobic moieties, resulted to relatively high reduction of S. aureus for grafting-from and the enzymatic coupling approaches using OAK-functionalised GEL. The epsilonPL/OAK-functionalised GEL did not induce toxicity in human osteoblast cells, even at 25-fold higher concentration than bacterial minimum inhibitory (MIC) concentration of epsilonPL/OAK, supporting their potential usage in biomedical applications. It was also shown that non-ionic surfactant adsorbs strongly onto the wool surface during the process of washing, thereby blocking the functional sites of immobilized epsilonPL and decreases its antibacterial efficiency.

Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System Predicts Periprocedural Bleeding Events in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

PubMed

Oimatsu, Yu; Kaikita, Koichi; Ishii, Masanobu; Mitsuse, Tatsuro; Ito, Miwa; Arima, Yuichiro; Sueta, Daisuke; Takahashi, Aya; Iwashita, Satomi; Yamamoto, Eiichiro; Kojima, Sunao; Hokimoto, Seiji; Tsujita, Kenichi

2017-04-24

Periprocedural bleeding events are common after percutaneous coronary intervention. We evaluated the association of periprocedural bleeding events with thrombogenicity, which was measured quantitatively by the Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System equipped with microchips and thrombogenic surfaces (collagen, platelet chip [PL]; collagen plus tissue factor, atheroma chip [AR]). Between August 2013 and March 2016, 313 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. They were divided into those with or without periprocedural bleeding events. We determined the bleeding events as composites of major bleeding events defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis and minor bleeding events (eg, minor hematoma, arteriovenous shunt and pseudoaneurysm). Blood samples obtained at percutaneous coronary intervention were analyzed for thrombus formation area under the curve (PL 24 -AUC 10 for PL chip; AR 10 -AUC 30 for AR chip) by the Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System and P2Y12 reaction unit by the VerifyNow system. Periprocedural bleeding events occurred in 37 patients. PL 24 -AUC 10 levels were significantly lower in patients with such events than those without ( P =0.002). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed association between low PL 24 -AUC 10 levels and periprocedural bleeding events (odds ratio, 2.71 [1.22-5.99]; P =0.01) and association between PL 24 -AUC 10 and periprocedural bleeding events in 176 patients of the femoral approach group (odds ratio, 2.88 [1.11-7.49]; P =0.03). However, PL 24 -AUC 10 levels in 127 patients of the radial approach group were not significantly different in patients with or without periprocedural bleeding events. PL 24 -AUC 10 measured by the Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System is a potentially useful predictor of periprocedural bleeding events in coronary artery disease patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

A new procedure to produce lignocellulosic anion exchangers from agricultural waste materials.

PubMed

Orlando, U S; Baes, A U; Nishijima, W; Okada, M

2002-07-01

Two lignocellulosic agricultural waste materials (LCM), sugarcane bagasse (BG) and rice hull (RH), were converted into weak-base anion exchanger and evaluated for their exchanger capacity for nitrate. Pure cellulose (PC) and pure alkaline lignin (PL) were also used as reference materials to elucidate possible reactivity in LCM. Epoxy and amino groups were introduced into BG, RH, PC and PL substrates after the reaction with epichlorohydrin and dimethylamine in the presence of pyridine and an organic solvent N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Amino group incorporation into cellulose decreased with the presence of water in the reaction mixture and increased with the reaction time and presence of a catalyst (pyridine). The highest maximum nitrate exchange capacity (Qmax) and yields of the prepared exchangers was obtained from PL (1.8 mmol g(-1) and 412.5%), followed by BG (1.41 mmol g(-1) and 300%), PC (1.34 mmol g(-1) and 166%) and RH (1.32 mmol g(-1) and 180%). The proposed synthetic procedure was effective in modifying PL, PC and LCM chemically resulting in a higher yield and nitrate removal capacity.

Responses of biofilm characteristics to variations in temperature and NH4(+)-N loading in a moving-bed biofilm reactor treating micro-polluted raw water.

PubMed

Zhang, Shuangfu; Wang, Yayi; He, Weitao; Wu, Min; Xing, Meiyan; Yang, Jian; Gao, Naiyun; Yin, Daqiang

2013-03-01

A pilot-scale moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) for biological treatment of micro-polluted raw water was operated over 400days to investigate the responses of biofilm characteristics and nitrification performance to variations in temperature and NH4(+)-N loading. The mean removal efficiency of NH4(+)-N in the MBBR reached 71.4±26.9%, and batch experiments were performed to study nitrification kinetics for better process understanding. Seven physical-chemical parameters, including volatile solids (VS), polysaccharides (PS) and phospholipids (PL) increased firstly, and then rapidly decreased with increasing temperature and NH4(+)-N loading, and properly characterized the attached biomass during biofilm development and detachment in the MBBR. The biofilm compositions were described by six ratios, e.g., PS/VS and PL/VS ratios showed different variation trends, indicating different responses of PS and PL to the changes in temperature and NH4(+)-N loading. Furthermore, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis revealed that increased NH4(+)-N loadings caused an enrichment of the nitrifying biofilm. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Proposed Barge Terminal Expansion, Packer River Terminal, Inc., South St. Paul, Dakota County, Minnesota.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-09-01

On 24 June 1974 Packer applied to the St. Paul District, Corps of Engineers (Corps) for a DOA permit under Section 10 of the River and Harbor Act of...exercised jurisdiction under Section 404 of P.L. 92-500 to the ordinary high water mark of the • Mississippi River, Thu’, even though the proposed project...Corps of Engineers was to expand their regulatory IT ril ct ion under Sect ion 404 of P.l.. 92-500 ,nd to promulgate new r- ’~giiI.,t .; ill conjunct

Experimental Verification and Revision of the Venting Rate Model of the Hazard Assessment Computer System and the Vulnerability Model.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-11-01

discharge of a nonvolatile liquid can be ob- tained by standard Bernoulli -type relations; it is: WLo = CDA LoPL (2[PT - P-/PL + - ZLh) 1/ (1110) In all...cargo outflow momentum is low (i.e., when the net positive pressure differ- ence across the puncture is near zero). The tests showed that the water...34Benedict-Webb- Rubin Ecuation of State for Methane at Cryogenic Condi- tions," Advances -in Crvccenic ’Encineerinc., 14, po. 49-54, Plen=m Press, 1969

Anisotropic visible photoluminescence from thermally annealed few-layer black phosphorus.

PubMed

Zhao, Chuan; Sekhar, M Chandra; Lu, Wei; Zhang, Chenglong; Lai, Jiawei; Jia, Shuang; Sun, Dong

2018-06-15

Black phosphorus, a two-dimensional material, with high carrier mobility, tunable direct bandgap and anisotropic electronic properties has attracted enormous research interest towards potential application in electronic, optoelectronic and optomechanical devices. The bandgap of BP is thickness dependent, ranging from 0.3 eV for bulk to 1.3 eV for monolayer, while lacking in the visible region, a widely used optical regime for practical optoelectronic applications. In this work, photoluminescence (PL) centered at 605 nm is observed from the thermally annealed BP with thickness ≤20 nm. This higher energy PL is most likely the consequence of the formation of higher bandgap phosphorene oxides and suboxides on the surface BP layers as a result of the enhanced rate of oxidation. Moreover, the polarization-resolved PL measurements show that the emitted light is anisotropic when the excitation polarization is along the armchair direction. However, if excited along zigzag direction, the PL is nearly isotropic. Our findings suggest that the thermal annealing of BP can be used as a convenient route to fill the visible gap of the BP-based optoelectronic and optomechanical devices.

Three dimensional characterization of GaN-based light emitting diode grown on patterned sapphire substrate by confocal Raman and photoluminescence spectromicroscopy.

PubMed

Li, Heng; Cheng, Hui-Yu; Chen, Wei-Liang; Huang, Yi-Hsin; Li, Chi-Kang; Chang, Chiao-Yun; Wu, Yuh-Renn; Lu, Tien-Chang; Chang, Yu-Ming

2017-03-30

We performed depth-resolved PL and Raman spectral mappings of a GaN-based LED structure grown on a patterned sapphire substrate (PSS). Our results showed that the Raman mapping in the PSS-GaN heterointerface and the PL mapping in the In x Ga 1-x N/GaN MQWs active layer are spatially correlated. Based on the 3D construction of E 2 (high) Raman peak intensity and frequency shift, V-shaped pits in the MQWs can be traced down to the dislocations originated in the cone tip area of PSS. Detail analysis of the PL peak distribution further revealed that the indium composition in the MQWs is related to the residual strain propagating from the PSS-GaN heterointerface toward the LED surface. Numerical simulation based on the indium composition distribution also led to a radiative recombination rate distribution that shows agreement with the experimental PL intensity distribution in the In x Ga 1-x N/GaN MQWs active layer.

Photoluminescence and reflectivity of polymethylmethacrylate implanted by low-energy carbon ions at high fluences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jun; Zhu, Fei; Zhang, Bei; Liu, Huixian; Jia, Guangyi; Liu, Changlong

2012-11-01

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) specimens were implanted with 30 keV carbon ions in a fluence range of 1 × 1016 to 2 × 1017 cm-2, and photoluminescence (PL) and reflectivity of the implanted samples were examined. A luminescent band with one peak was found in PL spectra excited by 480 nm line, but its intensity did not vary in parallel with ion fluence. The strongest PL occurred at the fluence of 5 × 1016 cm-2. Results from visible-light-excited micro-Raman spectra indicated that the formation of hydrogenated amorphous carbon structures in subsurface layer and their evolutions with ion fluence could be responsible for the observed PL responses. Measurements of the small-angle reflectance spectra from both the implanted and rear surfaces of samples in the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) range demonstrated a kind of both fluence-dependent and wavelength-related reflectivity variations, which were attributed to the structural changes induced by ion implantation. A noticeable reflectivity modification, which may be practically used, could be found at the fluence of 1 × 1016 cm-2.

Engineering of InN epilayers by repeated deposition of ultrathin layers in pulsed MOCVD growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mickevičius, J.; Dobrovolskas, D.; Steponavičius, T.; Malinauskas, T.; Kolenda, M.; Kadys, A.; Tamulaitis, G.

2018-01-01

Capabilities of repeated deposition of ultrathin layers by pulsed metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for improvement of structural and luminescence properties of InN thin films on GaN/sapphire templates were studied by varying the growth temperature and the durations of pulse and pause in the delivery of In precursor. X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and spatially-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were exploited to characterize the structural quality, surface morphology and luminescence properties. Better structural quality is achieved by using longer trimethylindium pulses. However, it is shown that the luminescence properties of InN epilayers correlate with the pause and pulse ratio rather than with their absolute lengths, and the deposition of 1.5-2 monolayers of InN during one growth cycle is optimal to achieve the highest PL intensity. Moreover, the use of temperature ramping enabled achieving the highest PL intensity and the smallest blue shift of the PL band. The luminescence parameters are linked with the structural properties, and domain-like patterns of InN layers are revealed.

Anisotropic visible photoluminescence from thermally annealed few-layer black phosphorus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Chuan; Sekhar, M. Chandra; Lu, Wei; Zhang, Chenglong; Lai, Jiawei; Jia, Shuang; Sun, Dong

2018-06-01

Black phosphorus, a two-dimensional material, with high carrier mobility, tunable direct bandgap and anisotropic electronic properties has attracted enormous research interest towards potential application in electronic, optoelectronic and optomechanical devices. The bandgap of BP is thickness dependent, ranging from 0.3 eV for bulk to 1.3 eV for monolayer, while lacking in the visible region, a widely used optical regime for practical optoelectronic applications. In this work, photoluminescence (PL) centered at 605 nm is observed from the thermally annealed BP with thickness ≤20 nm. This higher energy PL is most likely the consequence of the formation of higher bandgap phosphorene oxides and suboxides on the surface BP layers as a result of the enhanced rate of oxidation. Moreover, the polarization-resolved PL measurements show that the emitted light is anisotropic when the excitation polarization is along the armchair direction. However, if excited along zigzag direction, the PL is nearly isotropic. Our findings suggest that the thermal annealing of BP can be used as a convenient route to fill the visible gap of the BP-based optoelectronic and optomechanical devices.

Three dimensional characterization of GaN-based light emitting diode grown on patterned sapphire substrate by confocal Raman and photoluminescence spectromicroscopy

PubMed Central

Li, Heng; Cheng, Hui-Yu; Chen, Wei-Liang; Huang, Yi-Hsin; Li, Chi-Kang; Chang, Chiao-Yun; Wu, Yuh-Renn; Lu, Tien-Chang; Chang, Yu-Ming

2017-01-01

We performed depth-resolved PL and Raman spectral mappings of a GaN-based LED structure grown on a patterned sapphire substrate (PSS). Our results showed that the Raman mapping in the PSS-GaN heterointerface and the PL mapping in the InxGa1−xN/GaN MQWs active layer are spatially correlated. Based on the 3D construction of E2(high) Raman peak intensity and frequency shift, V-shaped pits in the MQWs can be traced down to the dislocations originated in the cone tip area of PSS. Detail analysis of the PL peak distribution further revealed that the indium composition in the MQWs is related to the residual strain propagating from the PSS-GaN heterointerface toward the LED surface. Numerical simulation based on the indium composition distribution also led to a radiative recombination rate distribution that shows agreement with the experimental PL intensity distribution in the InxGa1−xN/GaN MQWs active layer. PMID:28358119

Tunable violet-blue emission from 3 C-SiC nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, J.; Wu, H.; Chen, H. T.; Wu, X. L.; Xiong, X.

2009-04-01

Bulk quantities of straight and curled cubic silicon carbide nanowires (3 C-SiC NWs) are synthesized from the mixture of ZnS, Si, and C powders. The 3 C-SiC NWs are wrapped by amorphous SiO 2 shells with very thin thicknesses of less than 2.0 nm. The deionized water suspension of the as-made NWs shows a photoluminescence (PL) band centered at 548 nm, and a tunable violet-blue photoluminescence is observed as the excitation wavelength increases from 300 to 375 nm after the SiO 2 shell is removed. The PL band at 548 nm relates to the SiO 2 shell. Careful microstructural observation suggests that the tunable PL originates from the quantum confinement effect of 3 C-SiC nanocrystallites with sizes of several nm at the turning of the curled NWs.

Effect of different electrolytes on porous GaN using photo-electrochemical etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Heuseen, K.; Hashim, M. R.; Ali, N. K.

2011-05-01

This article reports the properties and the behavior of GaN during the photoelectrochemical etching process using four different electrolytes. The measurements show that the porosity strongly depends on the electrolyte and highly affects the surface morphology of etched samples, which has been revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Peak intensity of the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the porous GaN samples was observed to be enhanced and strongly depend on the electrolytes. Among the samples, there is a little difference in the peak position indicating that the change of porosity has little influence on the PL peak shift, while it highly affecting the peak intensity. Raman spectra of porous GaN under four different solution exhibit phonon mode E 2 (high), A 1 (LO), A 1 (TO) and E 2 (low). There was a red shift in E 2 (high) in all samples, indicating a relaxation of stress in the porous GaN surface with respect to the underlying single crystalline epitaxial GaN. Raman and PL intensities were high for samples etched in H 2SO 4:H 2O 2 and KOH followed by the samples etched in HF:HNO 3 and in HF:C 2H 5OH.

Localized-surface-plasmon enhanced emission from porous silicon by gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Wang, Hui; An, Zhenghua; Ren, Qijun; Wang, Hengliang; Mao, Feilong; Chen, Zhanghai; Shen, Xuechu

2011-12-01

The porous silicon (PS) samples, decorated by Au nanoparticles (NPs) possessing localized-surface-plasmon (LSP) resonance, are prepared by the conventional anodization method. Photoluminescence (PL) is studied systematically, in particular, its dependence on the excitation power. It is found that undecorated PS samples exhibit a saturation behavior in PL intensity with increasing the pumping laser power, while the luminescence of Au-decorated PS hybrid samples have a purely linear dependence on the excitation power. In the linear response region of PS samples, addition of metal NPs layer moderately suppresses the emission while, in the saturation region, the net emission is enhanced by approximately up to 4-fold. Several possible mechanisms are discussed. We believe that the observed PL enhancement in saturation region is dominantly due to the resonant coupling between the LSP of Au NPs and the electronic excitation of PS, which inhibits the nonradiative Auger recombination process at high excitation power. These results indicate that the plasmon effect could be useful for designing even more efficient optoelectronic devices such as super bright light emitting devices and solar cells with high efficiencies. Despite many challenges, Au NPs can potentially be applied to introduce LSP resonance for the future silicon-based optoelectronics or photonics.

Simultaneous enhancement of photo- and electroluminescence in white organic light-emitting devices by localized surface plasmons of silver nanoclusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jingting; Zhu, Wenqing; Shi, Guanjie; Zhai, Guangsheng; Qian, Bingjie; Li, Jun

2017-02-01

White organic light-emitting devices (WOLEDs) with enhanced current efficiency and negligible color shifting equipped with an internal color conversion layer (CCL) were fabricated. They were attained by embedding a single layer of silver nanoclusters (SNCs) between the CCL and light-emitting layer (EML). The simultaneous enhancement of the photoluminescence (PL) of the CCL and electroluminescence (EL) of the EML were realized by controlling the thickness and size of the SNCs to match the localized surface plasmon resonance spectrum with the PL spectrum of the CCL and the EL spectrum of the EML. The WOLED with optimal SNCs demonstrated a 25.81% enhancement in current efficiency at 60 mA cm-2 and good color stability over the entire range of current density.

Platelet lysate as a novel serum-free media supplement for the culture of equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Naskou, Maria C; Sumner, Scarlett M; Chocallo, Anna; Kemelmakher, Hannah; Thoresen, Merrilee; Copland, Ian; Galipeau, Jacques; Peroni, John F

2018-03-22

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) produced for clinical purposes rely on culture media containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) which is xenogeneic and has the potential to significantly alter the MSC phenotype, rendering these cells immunogenic. As a result of bovine-derived exogenous proteins expressed on the cell surface, MSCs may be recognized by the host immune system as non-self and be rejected. Platelet lysate (PL) may obviate some of these concerns and shows promising results in human medicine as a possible alternative to FBS. Our goal was to evaluate the use of equine platelet lysate (ePL) pooled from donor horses in place of FBS to culture equine MSCs. We hypothesized that ePL, produced following apheresis, will function as the sole media supplement to accelerate the expansion of equine bone marrow-derived MSCs without altering their phenotype and their immunomodulatory capacity. Platelet concentrate was obtained via plateletpheresis and ePL were produced via freeze-thaw and centrifugation cycles. Population doublings (PD) and doubling time (DT) of bone marrow-derived MSCs (n = 3) cultured with FBS or ePL media were calculated. Cell viability, immunophenotypic analysis, and trilineage differentiation capacity of MSCs were assessed accordingly. To assess the ability of MSCs to modulate inflammatory responses, E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes were cocultured with MSCs cultured in the two different media formulations, and cell culture supernatants were assayed for the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Our results showed that MSCs cultured in ePL media exhibited similar proliferation rates (PD and DT) compared with those cultured in FBS at individual time points. MSCs cultured in ePL showed a statistically significant increased viability following a single washing step, expressed similar levels of MSC markers compared to FBS, and were able to differentiate towards the three lineages. Finally, MSCs cultured in ePL efficiently suppressed the release of TNF-α when exposed to LPS-stimulated monocytes similar to those cultured in FBS. ePL has the potential to be used for the expansion of MSCs before clinical application, avoiding the concerns associated with the use of FBS.

Strong visible and near infrared photoluminescence from ZnO nanorods/nanowires grown on single layer graphene studied using sub-band gap excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biroju, Ravi K.; Giri, P. K.

2017-07-01

Fabrication and optoelectronic applications of graphene based hybrid 2D-1D semiconductor nanostructures have gained tremendous research interest in recent times. Herein, we present a systematic study on the origin and evolution of strong broad band visible and near infrared (NIR) photoluminescence (PL) from vertical ZnO nanorods (NRs) and nanowires (NWs) grown on single layer graphene using both above band gap and sub-band gap optical excitations. High resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies are carried out to reveal the morphology and crystalline quality of as-grown and annealed ZnO NRs/NWs on graphene. Room temperature PL studies reveal that besides the UV and visible PL bands, a new near-infrared (NIR) PL emission band appears in the range between 815 nm and 886 nm (1.40-1.52 eV). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies revealed excess oxygen content and unreacted metallic Zn in the as-grown ZnO nanostructures, owing to the low temperature growth by a physical vapor deposition method. Post-growth annealing at 700 °C in the Ar gas ambient results in the enhanced intensity of both visible and NIR PL bands. On the other hand, subsequent high vacuum annealing at 700 °C results in a drastic reduction in the visible PL band and complete suppression of the NIR PL band. PL decay dynamics of green emission in Ar annealed samples show tri-exponential decay on the nanosecond timescale including a very slow decay component (time constant ˜604.5 ns). Based on these results, the NIR PL band comprising two peaks centered at ˜820 nm and ˜860 nm is tentatively assigned to neutral and negatively charged oxygen interstitial (Oi) defects in ZnO, detected experimentally for the first time. The evidence for oxygen induced trap states on the ZnO NW surface is further substantiated by the slow photocurrent response of graphene-ZnO NRs/NWs. These results are important for tunable light emission, photodetection, and other cutting edge applications of graphene-ZnO based 2D-1D hybrid nanostructures.

The effect of Pb addition on the morphology of CdSe quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Young-Kuk; Cho, Young-Sang; Chung, Kookchae; Choi, Chul-Jin

2010-08-01

CdSe quantum dots had been synthesized with a hot injection method. It was shown that the addition of Pb ions in the initial precursor solution changed the morphology of CdSe nanocrystals from slightly prolate ellipsoid to branched rod. Photoluminescence (PL) of the branched nanocrystals showed rapid depression of emission intensity due to the morphological development to the branched nanocrystal induced by Pb addition. Low temperature PL spectrum indicated that the surface recombination of charge carrier resulted in the large depression of emission from the branched nanocrystal.

Detection of Human Ig G Using Photoluminescent Porous Silicon Interferometer.

PubMed

Cho, Bomin; Kim, Seongwoong; Woo, Hee-Gweon; Kim, Sungsoo; Sohn, Honglae

2015-02-01

Photoluminescent porous silicon (PSi) interferometers having dual optical properties, both Fabry-Pérot fringe and photolumincence (PL), have been developed and used as biosensors for detection of Human Immunoglobin G (Ig G). PSi samples were prepared by electrochemical etching of p-type silicon under white light exposure. The surface of PSi was characterized using a cold field emission scanning electron microscope. The sensor system studied consisted of a single layer of porous silicon modified with Protein A. The system was probed with various fragments of aqueous human immunoglobin G (Ig G) analyte. Both reflectivity and PL were simultaneously measured under the exposure of human Ig G. An increase of optical thickness and decrease of PL were obtained under the exposure of human Ig G. Detection limit of 500 fM was observed for the human Ig G.

Formation of InAs nanocrystals in Si by high-fluence ion implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komarov, F.; Vlasukova, L.; Wesch, W.; Kamarou, A.; Milchanin, O.; Grechnyi, S.; Mudryi, A.; Ivaniukovich, A.

2008-08-01

We have studied the formation of InAs precipitates with dimensions of several nanometers in silicon by means of As (245 keV, 5 × 10 16 cm -2) and In (350 keV, 4.5 × 10 16 cm -2) implantation at 500 °C and subsequent annealing at 900 °C for 45 min. RBS, SIMS, TEM/TED, RS and PL techniques were used to characterize the implanted layers. The surface density of the precipitates has been found to be about 1.2 × 10 11 cm -2. Most of the crystallites are from 3 nm to 6 nm large. A band at 1.3 μm has been registered in the low-temperature PL spectra of (As + In) implanted and annealed silicon crystals. The PL band position follows the quantum confinement model for InAs.

Synthesis and photophysics of conjugated azomethine polyrotaxanes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Resmerita, A.-M.; Farcas, F.; Rotaru, A.; Farcas, A.

2016-12-01

The photophysical properties of two polyazomethine polyrotaxanes (4•αCD and 4•TMS-αCD) composed of pyrene and triazole encapsulated into native and permodified α-cyclodextrin (αCD and TMS-αCD) cavities have been investigated and compared with those of the non-rotaxane 4 counterparts. Rotaxane formation results in improvements of the solubility in organic solvents, as well as better film forming ability combined with a high transparency. The polyrotaxane 4•TMS-αCD was soluble in toluene/DMF1/1 v/v mixture and displayed useful levels of thermal stability. The fluorescence spectroscopy of 4•αCD and 4•TMS-αCD shows an obvious blue shift both in excitation and emission spectra with respect to those of non-rotaxane counterparts. 4•TMS-αCD displays a continuous absorption spectrum, whereas the reference 4 does not show any absorption maximum, neither for its emission maximum, presumably because of its very low solubility in DMF. The improved fluorescence efficiency (ΦPL) of both polyrotaxanes is attributed to the hydrophobic micro-environment within αCD and TMS-αCD cavities. The surfaces of non-rotaxane 4 counterparts showed globular formations with an agglomeration tendency, while the encapsulated 4•αCD and 4•TMS-αCD rotaxane compounds exhibited smoother surfaces, comprised by smaller grains uniformly distributed on the surface of the solid films. The presence of the αCD and TMS-αCD in 4·αCD and 4•TMS-αCD polyrotaxanes affects the LUMO energy levels to a greater extent than its HOMO energy with respect to reference 4. The wetting properties of spin-coated film of 4•TMS-αCD in water (polar) and diiodomethane (apolar), indicates that TMS-αCD makes its surface more hydrophobic. The dispersive and polar components are lower than that of the reference compounds. The doping of the rotaxane structures with iodine (I2) indicated smaller improvements of electrical conductivity (σ) values, which presents a tradeoff with their better solubility, process ability, surface characteristics and ΦPL.

Daymet: Daily Surface Weather Data on a 1-km Grid for North America, Version 2.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devarakonda, R.

2014-12-01

Daymet: Daily Surface Weather Data and Climatological Summaries provides gridded estimates of daily weather parameters for North America, including daily continuous surfaces of minimum and maximum temperature, precipitation occurrence and amount, humidity, shortwave radiation, snow water equivalent, and day length. The current data product (Version 2) covers the period January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2013 [1]. Data are available on a daily time step at a 1-km x 1-km spatial resolution in Lambert Conformal Conic projection with a spatial extent that covers the North America as meteorological station density allows. Daymet data can be downloaded from 1) the ORNL Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) search and order tools (http://daac.ornl.gov/cgi-bin/cart/add2cart.pl?add=1219) or directly from the DAAC FTP site (http://daac.ornl.gov/cgi-bin/dsviewer.pl?ds_id=1219) and 2) the Single Pixel Tool (http://daymet.ornl.gov/singlepixel.html) and THREDDS (Thematic Real-time Environmental Data Services) Data Server (TDS) (http://daymet.ornl.gov/thredds_mosaics.html). The Single Pixel Data Extraction Tool [2] allows users to enter a single geographic point by latitude and longitude in decimal degrees. A routine is executed that translates the (lon, lat) coordinates into projected Daymet (x,y) coordinates. These coordinates are used to access the Daymet database of daily-interpolated surface weather variables. The Single Pixel Data Extraction Tool also provides the option to download multiple coordinates programmatically. The ORNL DAAC's TDS provides customized visualization and access to Daymet time series of North American mosaics. Users can subset and download Daymet data via a variety of community standards, including OPeNDAP, NetCDF Subset service, and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Map/Coverage Service. References: [1] Thornton, P. E., Thornton, M. M., Mayer, B. W., Wilhelmi, N., Wei, Y., Devarakonda, R., & Cook, R. (2012). "Daymet: Daily surface weather on a 1 km grid for North America, 1980-2008". Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Distributed Active Archive Center for Biogeochemical Dynamics (DAAC), 1. [2] Devarakonda R., et al. 2012. Daymet: Single Pixel Data Extraction Tool. Available [http://daymet.ornl.go/singlepixel.html].

Overcoming the bottleneck of platelet lysate supply in large-scale clinical expansion of adipose-derived stem cells: A comparison of fresh versus three types of platelet lysates from outdated buffy coat-derived platelet concentrates.

PubMed

Glovinski, Peter V; Herly, Mikkel; Mathiasen, Anders B; Svalgaard, Jesper D; Borup, Rehannah; Talman, Maj-Lis M; Elberg, Jens J; Kølle, Stig-Frederik T; Drzewiecki, Krzysztof T; Fischer-Nielsen, Anne

2017-02-01

Platelet lysates (PL) represent a promising replacement for xenogenic growth supplement for adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) expansions. However, fresh platelets from human blood donors are not clinically feasible for large-scale cell expansion based on their limited supply. Therefore, we tested PLs prepared via three methods from outdated buffy coat-derived platelet concentrates (PCs) to establish an efficient and feasible expansion of ASCs for clinical use. PLs were prepared by the freeze-thaw method from freshly drawn platelets or from outdated buffy coat-derived PCs stored in the platelet additive solution, InterSol. Three types of PLs were prepared from outdated PCs with platelets suspended in either (1) InterSol (not manipulated), (2) InterSol + supplemented with plasma or (3) plasma alone (InterSol removed). Using these PLs, we compared ASC population doubling time, cell yield, differentiation potential and cell surface markers. Gene expression profiles were analyzed using microarray assays, and growth factor concentrations in the cell culture medium were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the three PL compositions produced from outdated PCs, removal of Intersol and resuspension in plasma prior to the first freezing process was overall the best. This specific outdated PL induced ASC growth kinetics, surface markers, plastic adherence and differentiation potentials comparable with PL from fresh platelets. ASCs expanded in PL from fresh versus outdated PCs exhibited different expressions of 17 overlapping genes, of which 10 were involved in cellular proliferation, although not significantly reflected by cell growth. Only minor differences in growth factor turnover were observed. PLs from outdated platelets may be an efficient and reliable source of human growth supplement allowing for large-scale ASC expansion for clinical use. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 Inactivation, Color, and Bioactive Compounds Enhancement on Raspberries during Frozen Storage after Decontamination Using New Formula Sanitizer Washing or Pulsed Light.

PubMed

Xu, Wenqing; Chen, Haiqiang; Wu, Changqing

2016-07-01

Berries are normally washed before they are frozen. Washing with sanitizer and treatment with pulsed light (PL) were studied for their effectiveness to inactivate foodborne pathogens on raspberries during frozen storage, while maintaining or enhancing major quality parameters. Raspberries were inoculated with Salmonella or Escherichia coli O157:H7 and then underwent a washing treatment with citric acid plus sodium dodecyl sulfate (CA+SDS) or citric acid plus thymol (CA+THY) or treatment with PL (dry PL, water-assisted [wet] PL, and PL-SDS). Pathogen survival was determined immediately after treatments and during frozen storage at -20°C for 3 months. Washing with CA+SDS or CA+THY significantly reduced Salmonella (by 3.6 and 3.2 log CFU/g, respectively) and E. coli O157:H7 (by 4.1 and 3.7 log CFU/g, respectively). At the end of storage, washing with CA+SDS reduced Salmonella to 0.6 log CFU/g and E. coli O157:H7 to 0.5 log CFU/g; washing with CA+THY reduced Salmonella to 0.9 log CFU/g and E. coli O157:H7 to 0.5 log CFU/g. PL-SDS showed decontamination efficacy on raspberries, with 0.7 log CFU/g Salmonella and 0.9 log CFU/g E. coli O157:H7 surviving at the end of storage; in comparison, in the control, 1.6 log CFU/g Salmonella and 1.5 log CFU/g E. coli O157:H7 survived. Pathogen survival in raspberries that had been washed or treated with PL-SDS was significantly lower than in untreated raspberries. Major quality parameters, including color, total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, total bacterial count, and total yeast and mold counts, were evaluated on raspberries immediately after treatments and during frozen storage. Redness increased in PL-treated raspberries. At the end of storage, PL-treated raspberries had significantly higher total phenolic content and total anthocyanin content compared with control samples. Washing with sanitizers and treatment with PL decreased the total bacterial count and total yeast and mold counts on raspberries and maintained the low counts. Our findings suggest that washing with a sanitizer or treatment with PL could be used to process frozen raspberries for enhanced food safety and quality.

A summary of the occurrence and development of ground water in the southern High Plains of Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cronin, J.G.; Myers, B.N.

1964-01-01

The Southern High Plains of Texas occupies an area of about 22,000 square miles in n'Orthwest Texas, extending fr'Om the Canadian River southward. about 250 miles and fr'Om the New Mexico line eastward an average distance of about 120 miles. The economy of the area is dependent largely upon irrigated agriculture, and in 1958 about 44,000 irrigation wells were in operation. The economy of the area is also dependent upon the oil industry either in the f'Orm of oil and gas production or in the form of industries based on the producti'On of petroleum. The Southern High Plains of Tems is characterized. 'by a nearly flat land surface sloping gently toward. the southeast at an average of 8 to 10 feet per mile. Shallow undrained depressions or playas are characteristic of the plains surface, and during periods of heavy rainfall, runoff collects in the depressions to form temporary ponds or lakes. Stream drainage 'On the plains surface is poorly developed; water discharges over the eastern escarpment off the plains only during periods of excessive rainfall. The climate of the area is semiarid; the average annual precipitation is about 20 inches. About 70 percent of the precipitation falls during the growing season from April to September. Rocks of Permian age underlie the entire area and consist chiefly of red sandstone and shale containing nUmerous beds of gypsum and dolomite. The Permian rocks are not a source of water in the Southern High Plains, and any water in these rocks would probably be saline. The Triassic rocks underlying the 'S'Outhern Hi'gh Plains consist of three formations of the Dockum group: the Tecovas formation, the Santa Rosa sandstone. and the Chinle formation equivalent. The Tecovas and Chinle formation equivalent both consist chiefly of shale and sandy shale; however, the Santa Rosa sandstone consists mainly of medium to coarse conglomeratic sandstone containing some shale. Tbe formations of the Dockum group are capable of yielding small to moderate quantities of water in many parts of the Southern High Pl'ains; however, in practically all places the water is rather saline and pr

The PL6-Family Plasmids of Haloquadratum Are Virus-Related.

PubMed

Dyall-Smith, Mike; Pfeiffer, Friedhelm

2018-01-01

Plasmids PL6A and PL6B are both carried by the C23 T strain of the square archaeon Haloquadratum walsbyi , and are closely related (76% nucleotide identity), circular, about 6 kb in size, and display the same gene synteny. They are unrelated to other known plasmids and all of the predicted proteins are cryptic in function. Here we describe two additional PL6-related plasmids, pBAJ9-6 and pLT53-7, each carried by distinct isolates of Haloquadratum walsbyi that were recovered from hypersaline waters in Australia. A third PL6-like plasmid, pLTMV-6, was assembled from metavirome data from Lake Tyrell, a salt-lake in Victoria, Australia. Comparison of all five plasmids revealed a distinct plasmid family with strong conservation of gene content and synteny, an average size of 6.2 kb (range 5.8-7.0 kb) and pairwise similarities between 61-79%. One protein (F3) was closely similar to a protein carried by betapleolipoviruses while another (R6) was similar to a predicted AAA-ATPase of His 1 halovirus (His1V_gp16). Plasmid pLT53-7 carried a gene for a FkbM family methyltransferase that was not present in any of the other plasmids. Comparative analysis of all PL6-like plasmids provided better resolution of conserved sequences and coding regions, confirmed the strong link to haloviruses, and showed that their sequences are highly conserved among examples from Haloquadratum isolates and metagenomic data that collectively cover geographically distant locations, indicating that these genetic elements are widespread.

In Situ Air Temperature and Humidity Measurements Over Diverse Land Covers in Greenbelt, Maryland, November 2013-November 2015

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carroll, Mark L.; Brown, Molly E.; Wooten, Margaret R.; Donham, Joel E.; Hubbard, Alfred B.; Ridenhour, William B.

2016-01-01

As our climate changes through time there is an ever-increasing need to quantify how and where it is changing so that mitigation strategies can be implemented. Urban areas have a disproportionate amount of warming due, in part, to the conductive properties of concrete and asphalt surfaces, surface albedo, heat capacity, lack of water, etc. that make up an urban environment. The NASA Climate Adaptation Science Investigation working group at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, conducted a study to collect temperature and humidity data at 15 min intervals from 12 sites at the center. These sites represent the major surface types at the center: asphalt, building roof, grass field, forest, and rain garden. The data show a strong distinction in the thermal properties of these surfaces at the center and the difference between the average values for the center compared to a local meteorological station. The data have been submitted to Oak Ridge National Laboratory Distributed Active Archive Center (ORNL-DAAC) for archival in comma separated value (csv) file format (Carroll et al.,2016) and can be found by following this link: http:daac.ornl.govcgi-bindsviewer.pl?ds_id1319.

Biological Features of Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (hBMSC) Cultured with Animal Protein-Free Medium-Safety and Efficacy of Clinical Use for Neurotransplantation.

PubMed

Shichinohe, Hideo; Kuroda, Satoshi; Sugiyama, Taku; Ito, Masaki; Kawabori, Masahito; Nishio, Mitsufumi; Takeda, Yukari; Koike, Takao; Houkin, Kiyohiro

2011-09-01

The donor cell culture in animal serum-free medium is quite important for the clinical application of cell transplantation therapy. This study was aimed to test the hypothesis that the human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSC) expanded with fetal calf serum (FCS)-free, platelet lysate (PL)-containing medium retain their biological features favoring central nervous system regeneration. The hBMSC were cultured with 5% PL or 10% FCS. Their phenotypes were analyzed with flow cytometry, and their production of growth factors was quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Their capacity of neural differentiation was verified by immunocytochemistry. There was no significant difference in morphology and cell surface marker between the hBMSC-FCS and hBMSC-PL. Both of them were positive for CD44, CD90, CD105, and CD166 and were negative for CD34, CD45, and CD271. The production of human brain-derived neurotrophic factor, human hepatocyte growth factor, human β-nerve growth factor, and human platelet-derived growth factor-BB did not differ between the two groups, although the hBMSC-PL produced significantly more amount of TGF-β1 than the hBMSC-FCS. There was no significant difference in their in vitro differentiation into the neurons and astrocytes between the two groups. The hBMSC expanded with PL-containing medium retain their biological capacity of neural differentiation and neuroprotection. The PL may be a clinically valuable and safe substitute for FCS in expanding the hBMSC for cell therapy.

Measurement of photoluminescence from a twisted-nematic liquid crystal/dye cell for an application in an energy-harvesting display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohta, Masamichi; Itaya, Shunsuke; Ozawa, Shintaro; Binti, M. Azmi; Dianah, Nada; Fujieda, Ichiro

2016-09-01

One can convert a Luminescent Solar Concentrator (LSC) to an energy-harvesting display by scanning a laser beam on it. By incorporating a guest-host system of liquid crystal (LC) and dye materials in an LSC, the power of photoluminescence (PL) utilized for either display or energy-harvesting can be adjusted to the changes in ambient lighting conditions. We have measured basic characteristics of an LC/dye cell with twisted-nematic (TN) alignment. These are absorption of the laser light, PL radiation pattern, contrast of luminance, spreading of the PL generated by a narrow laser beam, and their dependencies on the bias. The results are similar to those of the LC/dye cell with antiparallel (AP) alignment with the following exceptions. First, absorption by the TN cell depends on the bias for both polarization components of the excitation light, while the AP cell exhibits a bias dependency only for the component polarized along the alignment direction. Second, the PL from the TN cell is mostly polarized along the alignment direction on the exit side of the cell while the PL from the AP cell is mostly polarized along its alignment direction. These observations can be attributed to the fact that the polarization plane of a linearly polarized light rotates as it propagated the TN-LC layer. For both AP and TN cells, low-intensity PL is observed from the whole cell surfaces. This can degrade the contrast of a displayed image. Bias application to the cell suppresses this effect.

Effects of curvature on rarefied gas flows between rotating concentric cylinders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dongari, Nishanth; White, Craig; Scanlon, Thomas J.; Zhang, Yonghao; Reese, Jason M.

2013-05-01

The gas flow between two concentric rotating cylinders is considered in order to investigate non-equilibrium effects associated with the Knudsen layers over curved surfaces. We investigate the nonlinear flow physics in the near-wall regions using a new power-law (PL) wall-scaling approach. This PL model incorporates Knudsen layer effects in near-wall regions by taking into account the boundary limiting effects on the molecular free paths. We also report new direct simulation Monte Carlo results covering a wide range of Knudsen numbers and accommodation coefficients, and for various outer-to-inner cylinder radius ratios. Our simulation data are compared with both the classical slip flow theory and the PL model, and we find that non-equilibrium effects are not only dependent on Knudsen number and accommodation coefficient but are also significantly affected by the surface curvature. The relative merits and limitations of both theoretical models are explored with respect to rarefaction and curvature effects. The PL model is able to capture some of the nonlinear trends associated with Knudsen layers up to the early transition flow regime. The present study also illuminates the limitations of classical slip flow theory even in the early slip flow regime for higher curvature test cases, although the model does exhibit good agreement throughout the slip flow regime for lower curvature cases. Torque and velocity profile comparisons also convey that a good prediction of integral flow properties does not necessarily guarantee the accuracy of the theoretical model used, and it is important to demonstrate that field variables are also predicted satisfactorily.

Highly luminescent material based on Alq3:Ag nanoparticles.

PubMed

Salah, Numan; Habib, Sami S; Khan, Zishan H

2013-09-01

Tris (8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) is an organic semiconductor molecule, widely used as an electron transport layer, light emitting layer in organic light-emitting diodes and a host for fluorescent and phosphorescent dyes. In this work thin films of pure and silver (Ag), cupper (Cu), terbium (Tb) doped Alq3 nanoparticles were synthesized using the physical vapor condensation method. They were fabricated on glass substrates and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy, atomic force microscope (AFM), UV-visible absorption spectra and studied for their photoluminescence (PL) properties. SEM and AFM results show spherical nanoparticles with size around 70-80 nm. These nanoparticles have almost equal sizes and a homogeneous size distribution. The maximum absorption of Alq3 nanoparticles is observed at 300 nm, while the surface plasmon resonant band of Ag doped sample appears at 450 nm. The PL emission spectra of Tb, Cu and Ag doped Alq3 nanoparticles show a single broad band at around 515 nm, which is similar to that of the pure one, but with enhanced PL intensity. The sample doped with Ag at a concentration ratio of Alq3:Ag = 1:0.8 is found to have the highest PL intensity, which is around 2 times stronger than that of the pure one. This enhancement could be attributed to the surface plasmon resonance of Ag ions that might have increased the absorption and then the quantum yield. These remarkable result suggest that Alq3 nanoparticles incorporated with Ag ions might be quite useful for future nano-optoelectronic devices.

Phospholipid-based solid drug formulations for oral bioavailability enhancement: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Fong, Sophia Yui Kau; Brandl, Martin; Bauer-Brandl, Annette

2015-12-01

Low bioavailability nowadays often represents a challenge in oral dosage form development. Solid formulations composed of drug and phospholipid (PL), which, upon contact with water, eventually form multilamellar liposomes (i.e. 'proliposomes'), are an emerging approach to solve such issue. Regarded as an 'improved' version of liposomes concerning storage stability, the potential and versatility of a range of such formulations for oral drug delivery have been extensively discussed. However, a systematic and quantitative analysis of the studies that applied solid PL for oral bioavailability enhancement is currently lacking. Such analysis is necessary for providing an overview of the research progress and addressing the question on how promising this approach can be on bioavailability enhancement. The current review performed a systematic search of references in three evidence-based English databases, Medline, Embase, and SciFinder, from the year of 1985 up till March 2015. A total of 112 research articles and 82 patents that involved solid PL-based formulations were identified. The majority of such formulations was intended for oral drug delivery (55%) and was developed to address low bioavailability issues (49%). A final of 54 studies that applied such formulations for bioavailability enhancement of 43 different drugs with poor water solubility and/or permeability were identified. These proof-of-concept studies with in vitro (n=31) and/or animal (n=23) evidences have been systematically summarized. Meta-analyses were conducted to measure the overall enhancement power (percent increase compared to control group) of solid PL formulations on drugs' solubility, permeability and oral bioavailability, which were found to be 127.4% (95% CI [86.1, 168.7]), 59.6% (95% CI [30.1, 89.0]), and 18.5% (95% CI [10.1, 26.9]) respectively. Correlations between the enhancement factors and in silico physiochemical properties of drugs were also performed to check if such approach can be used to identify the best candidates for oral solid PL formulation. In addition to scientific literature, 13 solid PL formulation-related patents that addressed the issue of low oral bioavailability have been identified and summarized; whereas no clinical study was identified from the current search. By providing systematic information and meta-analysis on studies that applied the principle of 'proliposomes' for oral bioavailability enhancement, the current review should be insightful for formulation scientists who wish to adopt the PL based approach to overcome the solubility, permeability and bioavailability issues of orally delivered drugs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Deposition of Bacillus subtilis spores using an airbrush-spray or spots to study surface decontamination by pulsed light.

PubMed

Levy, Caroline; Bornard, Isabelle; Carlin, Frédéric

2011-02-01

Microbial contamination on surfaces of food processing equipment is a major concern in industries. A new method to inoculate a single-cell layer (monolayer) of microorganisms onto polystyrene was developed, using a deposition with an airbrush. A homogeneous dispersion of Bacillus subtilis DSM 402 spores sprayed on the surface was observed using both plate count and scanning electron microscopy. No clusters were found, even with high spore concentrations (10(7) spores/inoculated surface). A monolayer of microorganisms was also obtained after deposition of 10 μL droplets containing 3×10(4) spores/spot on polystyrene disks, but not with a higher spore concentration. Pulsed light (PL) applied to monolayers of B. subtilis spores allowed log reductions higher than 6. As a consequence of clusters formation in spots of 10 μL containing more than 3×10(5) spores, log reductions obtained by PL were significantly lower. The comparative advantages of spot and spray depositions were discussed. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Additional and revised thermochemical data and computer code for WATEQ2: a computerized chemical model for trace and major element speciation and mineral equilibria of natural waters

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ball, James W.; Nordstrom, D. Kirk; Jenne, Everett A.

1980-01-01

A computerized chemical model, WATEQ2, has resulted from extensive additions to and revision of the WATEQ model of Truesdell and Jones (Truesdell, A. H., and Jones, B. F., 1974, WATEQ, a computer program for calculating chemical equilibria of natural waters: J. Res. U. S. Geol, Survey, v. 2, p. 233-274). The model building effort has necessitated searching the literature and selecting thermochemical data pertinent to the reactions added to the model. This supplementary report manes available the details of the reactions added to the model together with the selected thermochemical data and their sources. Also listed are details of program operation and a brief description of the output of the model. Appendices-contain a glossary of identifiers used in the PL/1 computer code, the complete PL/1 listing, and sample output from three water analyses used as test cases.

Room temperature synthesis of Mn2+ doped ZnS d-dots and observation of tunable dual emission: Effects of doping concentration, temperature, and ultraviolet light illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kole, A. K.; Tiwary, C. S.; Kumbhakar, P.

2013-03-01

Mn2+ doped (0-50.0 molar %) ZnS d-dots have been synthesized in water medium by using an environment friendly low cost chemical technique. Tunable dual emission in UV and yellow-orange regions is achieved by tailoring the Mn2+ doping concentration in the host ZnS nanocrystal. The optimum doping concentration for achieving efficient photoluminescence (PL) emission is determined to be ˜1.10 (at. %) corresponding to 40.0 (molar %) of Mn2+ doping concentration used during synthesis. The mechanism of charge transfer from the host to the dopant leading to the intensity modulated tunable (594-610 nm) yellow-orange PL emission is straightforwardly understood as no capping agent is used. The temperature dependent PL emission measurements are carried out, viz., in 1.10 at. % Mn2+ doped sample and the experimental results are explained by using a theoretical PL emission model. It is found that the ratio of non-radiative to radiative recombination rates is temperature dependent and this phenomenon has not been reported, so far, in Mn2+ doped ZnS system. The colour tuning of the emitted light from the samples are evident from the calculated chromaticity coordinates. UV light irradiation for 150 min in 40.0 (molar %) Mn2+ doped sample shows an enhancement of 33% in PL emission intensity.

Amending reduced fish-meal feeds with marine lecithin, but not soy lecithin, improves the growth of juvenile cobia and may attenuate heightened responses to stress challenge.

PubMed

Trushenski, J; Schwarz, M; Pessoa, W V N; Mulligan, B; Crouse, C; Gause, B; Yamamoto, F; Delbos, B

2013-02-01

Sparing of marine resources in aquafeeds can be environmentally and economically advantageous; however, fish meal (FM) replacement can affect the production performance and physiological competence. Phospholipids are increasingly understood to be involved in maintaining growth and vigour in fish and may be deficient in reduced FM formulations. Accordingly, we evaluated the growth and stress tolerance of juvenile cobia fed typical (50% FM) or reduced FM feeds (12% FM) with or without phospholipid amendment [1% marine lecithin (12% FM + Marine PL) or soy lecithin (12% FM + Soy PL)] for 6 weeks in triplicate tanks (N = 3) in a recirculation aquaculture system. The 50% FM feed yielded significantly superior growth and growth efficiency in comparison with the 12% FM and 12% FM+ Soy PL feeds, but the 12% FM+ Marine PL feed yielded comparable results to 50% FM feed. A low-water stress challenge induced elevated plasma glucose, cortisol and lactate levels in all treatments. However, a significant interaction (diet × stress) effect suggested a lesser cortisol response among fish fed the 12% FM+ Marine PL and 50% FM diets. These findings demonstrate that growth performance and, perhaps, resilience of cobia raised on reduced FM feeds may be improved by the addition of marine-origin phospholipid to the diet. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Modified Doxorubicin-Loaded Chitosan-Lipid Nanocarrier with Multi Polysaccharide-Lecithin Nanoarchitecture for Augmented Bioavailability and Stability of Oral Administration In Vitro and In Vivo.

PubMed

Su, Chia-Wei; Chiang, Min-Yu; Lin, Yu-Ling; Tsai, Nu-Man; Chen, Yen-Po; Li, Wei-Ming; Hsu, Chin-Hao; Chen, San-Yuan

2016-05-01

For oral anti-cancer drug delivery, a new chitosan-lipid nanoparticle with sodium dodecyl sulfate modification was designed and synthesized using a double emulsification. TEM examination showed that the DOX-loaded nanoparticles, termed D-PL/TG NPs, exhibited a unique core-shell configuration composed of multiple amphiphilic chitosan-lecithin reverse micelles as the core and a triglyceride shell as a physical barrier to improve the encapsulation efficiency and reduce the drug leakage. In addition, the D-PL/TG NPs with sodium dodecyl sulfate modification on the surface have enhanced stability in the GI tract and increased oral bioavailability of doxorubicin. In vitro transport studies performed on Caco-2 monolayers indicated that the D-PL/TG NPs enhanced the permeability of DOX in the Caco-2 monolayers by altering the transport pathway from passive diffusion to transcytosis. The in vivo intestinal absorption assay suggested that the D-PL/TG NPs were preferentially absorbed through the specialized membranous epithelial cells (M cells) of the Peyer's patches, resulting in a significant improvement (8-fold) in oral bioavailability compared to that of free DOX. The experimental outcomes in this work demonstrate that the D-PL/TG NPs provide an exciting opportunity for advances in the oral administration of drugs with poor bioavailability that are usually used in treating tough and chronic diseases.

Novel photoluminescence enzyme immunoassay based on supramolecular host-guest recognition using L-arginine/6-aza-2-thiothymine-stabilized gold nanocluster.

PubMed

Wang, Youmei; Lu, Minghua; Tang, Dianping

2018-06-30

A new photoluminescence (PL) enzyme immunoassay was designed for sensitive detection of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) via an innovative enzyme substrate, 6-aza-2-thiothymine-stabilized gold nanocluster (AAT-AuNC) with L-arginine. The enzyme substrate with strong PL intensity was formed through supramolecular host-guest assembly between guanidine group of L-arginine and AAT capped on the surface of AuNC. Upon arginase introduction, the captured L-arginine was hydrolyzed into ornithine and urea, thus resulting in the decreasing PL intensity. Based on this principle, a novel competitive-type immunoreaction was first carried out on AFB 1 -bovine serum albumin (AFB 1 -BSA) conjugate-coated microplate, using arginase-labeled anti-AFB 1 antibody as the competitor. Under the optimum conditions, the PL intensity increased with the increment of target AFB 1 , and allowed the detection of the analyte at concentrations as low as 3.2 pg mL -1 (ppt). Moreover, L-arginine-AAT-AuNC-based PL enzyme immunoassay afforded good reproducibility and acceptable specificity. In addition, the accuracy of this methodology, referring to commercial AFB 1 ELISA kit, was evaluated to analyze naturally contaminated or spiked peanut samples, giving well-matched results between two methods, thus representing a useful scheme for practical application in quantitative monitoring of mycotoxins in foodstuff. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of a liquid crystal/dye cell for a future application in display-integrated photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujieda, Ichiro; Itaya, Shunsuke; Ohta, Masamichi; Ozawa, Shintaro; Azmi, Nada Dianah Binti M.

2016-04-01

One can convert a luminescent solar concentrator to a display by scanning a laser beam on it. When a guest-host system of liquid crystal (LC) and dye materials are incorporated, absorption of excitation light and the radiation pattern of photoluminescence (PL) can be adjusted to changes in lighting condition. The resolution of a displayed image can be degraded by PL spreading in the LC/dye layer. Its contrast can be limited by the PL induced by ambient light. In the experiment, we fabricated a 22×25 mm2 cell that contained 0.5 wt. % coumarin 6 in a nematic LC host. The alignment was antiparallel and the gap was 6 μm. Using a blue laser beam of 0.04 mm FWHM, the PL intensity distribution was measured to be 0.20 mm FWHM at zero bias. It became slightly wider at 10 V. For contrast evaluation, we measured PL spectra under two conditions. First, the center of the cell was irradiated by a 1.7-mW blue laser beam. Second, the whole cell was uniformly exposed to light from a fluorescent lamp at illuminance of 800lx. The contrast of luminance was calculated to be 1.4×105. The optical power reaching its edge surfaces was measured and roughly agreed with the prediction by a simple model.

Prediction of the P-leaching potential of arable soils in areas with high livestock densities*

PubMed Central

Werner, Wilfried; Trimborn, Manfred; Pihl, Uwe

2006-01-01

Due to long-term positive P-balances many surface soils in areas with high livestock density in Germany are oversupplied with available P, creating a potential for vertical P losses by leaching. In extensive studies to characterize the endangering of ground water to P pollution by chemical soil parameters it is shown that the available P content and the P concentration of the soil solution in the deeper soil layers, as indicators of the P-leaching potential, cannot be satisfactorily predicted from the available P content of the topsoils. The P equilibrium concentration in the soil solution directly above ground water table or the pipe drainage system highly depends on the relative saturation of the P-sorption capacity in this layer. A saturation index of <20% normally corresponds with P equilibrium concentrations of <0.2 mg P/L. Phytoremediation may reduce the P leaching potential of P-enriched soils only over a very long period. PMID:16773724

Effects of surface morphology of ZnO seed layers on growth of ZnO nanostructures prepared by hydrothermal method and annealing.

PubMed

Yim, Kwang Gug; Kim, Min Su; Leem, Jae-Young

2013-05-01

ZnO nanostructures were grown on Si (111) substrates by a hydrothermal method. Prior to growing the ZnO nanostructures, ZnO seed layers with different post-heat temperatures were prepared by a spin-coating process. Then, the ZnO nanostructures were annealed at 500 degrees C for 20 min under an Ar atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and photoluminescence (PL) were carried out at room temperature (RT) to investigate the structural and optical properties of the as-grown and annealed ZnO nanostructures. The surface morphologies of the seed layers changed from a smooth surface to a mountain chain-like structure as the post-heating temperatures increased. The as-grown and annealed ZnO nanostructures exhibited a strong (002) diffraction peak. Compared to the as-grown ZnO nanostructures, the annealed ZnO nanostructures exhibited significantly strong enhancement in the PL intensity ratio by almost a factor of 2.

Photoluminescence of etched SiC nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, Polite D., Jr.; Rich, Ryan; Zerda, T. W.

2010-10-01

SiC nanowires were produced from carbon nanotubes and nanosize silicon powder in a tube furnace at temperatures between 1100^oC and 1350^oC. SiC nanowires had average diameter of 30 nm and very narrow size distribution. The compound possesses a high melting point, high thermal conductivity, and excellent wear resistance. The surface of the SiC nanowires after formation is covered by an amorphous layer. The composition of that layer is not fully understood, but it is believed that in addition to amorphous SiC it contains various carbon and silicon compounds, and SiO2. The objective of the research was to modify the surface structure of these SiC nanowires. Modification of the surface was done using the wet etching method. The etched nanowires were then analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence (PL). FTIR and TEM analysis provided valid proof that the SiC nanowires were successfully etched. Also, the PL results showed that the SiC nanowire core did possess a fluorescent signal.

Ratiometric photoluminescence sensing based on Ti3C2 MXene quantum dots as an intracellular pH sensor.

PubMed

Chen, Xu; Sun, Xueke; Xu, Wen; Pan, Gencai; Zhou, Donglei; Zhu, Jinyang; Wang, He; Bai, Xue; Dong, Biao; Song, Hongwei

2018-01-18

Intracellular pH sensing is of importance and can be used as an indicator for monitoring the evolution of various diseases and the health of cells. Here, we developed a new class of surface-functionalized MXene quantum dots (QDs), Ti 3 C 2 , by the sonication cutting and hydrothermal approach and further explored their intracellular pH sensing. The functionalized Ti 3 C 2 QDs exhibit bright excitation-dependent blue photoluminescence (PL) originating from the size effect and surface defects. Meanwhile, Ti 3 C 2 QDs demonstrate a high PL response induced by the deprotonation of the surface defects. Furthermore, combining the highly pH sensitive Ti 3 C 2 QDs with the pH insensitive [Ru(dpp) 3 ]Cl 2 , we developed a ratiometric pH sensor to quantitatively monitor the intracellular pH values. These novel MXene quantum dots can serve as a promising platform for developing practical fluorescent nanosensors.

Photoluminescence of Reduced Graphene Oxide Prepared from Old Coconut Shell with Carbonization Process at Varying Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayanti, Dwi Noor; Yogi Nugraheni, Ananda; Kurniasari; Anjelh Baqiya, Malik; Darminto

2017-05-01

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) powder has been prepared from coconut shells by carbonization process at 400°C, 600°C, 800°C and 1000°C for 5 hours at ambient air. In this study the exfoliation rGO was added into distilled water with variation of concentration solution using the sonication process for 3 hours and centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 20 minutes. The characterization were performed by using XRD and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The photoluminescence or rGO showed the peak of excitation and emission at wavelengths ranging from 340 nm to 800 nm. The PL emission spectra are at wavelength ranging from UV to visible region approaching red. Observation showed that the photoluminescence intensity was significantly increased by the increasing content of rGO in the solution. The influence of the varying temperature on the PL spectra will also be discussed in this study.

Enhancing the luminescence efficiency of silicon-nanocrystals by interaction with H+ ions.

PubMed

Cannas, Marco; Camarda, Pietro; Vaccaro, Lavinia; Amato, Francesco; Messina, Fabrizio; Fiore, Tiziana; Li Vigni, Maria

2018-04-18

The emission of silicon nanocrystals (Si-NCs), synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in water, was investigated on varying the pH of the solution. These samples emit μs decaying orange photoluminescence (PL) associated with radiative recombination of quantum-confined excitons. Time-resolved spectra reveal that both the PL intensity and the lifetime increase by a factor of ∼20 when the pH decreases from 10 to 1 thus indicating that the emission quantum efficiency increases by inhibiting nonradiative decay rates. Infrared (IR) absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments allow addressing the origin of defects on which the excitons nonradiatively recombine. The linear correlation between the PL and the growth of SiH groups demonstrates that H+ ions passivate the nonradiative defects that are located in the interlayer between the Si-NC core and the amorphous SiO2 shell.

Open circuit potential monitored digital photocorrosion of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aithal, Srivatsa; Dubowski, Jan J.

2018-04-01

Nanostructuring of semiconductor wafers with an atomic level depth resolution is a challenging task, primarily due to the limited availability of instruments for in situ monitoring of such processes. Conventional digital etching relies on calibration procedures and cumbersome diagnostics applied between or at the end of etching cycles. We have developed a photoluminescence (PL) based process for monitoring in situ digital photocorrosion (DPC) of GaAs/AlGaAs microstructures at rates below 0.2 nm per cycle. In this communication, we demonstrate that DPC of GaAs/AlGaAs microstructures could be monitored with open circuit potential (OCP) measured between the photocorroding surface of a microstructure and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode installed in the sample chamber. The excellent correlation between the position of both PL and OCP maxima indicates that the DPC process could be monitored in situ for materials that do not necessarily exhibit measurable PL emission.

Interfacial exciplex formation in bilayers of conjugated polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nobuyasu, R. S.; Araujo, K. A. S.; Cury, L. A.; Jarrosson, T.; Serein-Spirau, F.; Lère-Porte, J.-P.; Dias, F. B.; Monkman, A. P.

2013-10-01

The donor-acceptor interactions in sequential bilayer and blend films are investigated. Steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) were measured to characterize the samples at different geometries of photoluminescence collection. At standard excitation, with the laser incidence at 45° of the normal direction of the sample surface, a band related to the aggregate states of donor molecules appears for both blend and bilayer at around 540 nm. For the PL spectra acquired from the edge of the bilayer, with the laser incidence made at normal direction of the sample surface (90° geometry), a new featureless band emission, red-shifted from donor and acceptor emission regions was observed and assigned as the emission from interfacial exciplex states. The conformational complexity coming from donor/acceptor interactions at the heterojunction interface of the bilayer is at the origin of this interfacial exciplex emission.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Surface passivation of (100) InP by organic thiols and polyimide as characterized by steady-state photoluminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schvartzman, M.; Sidorov, V.; Ritter, D.; Paz, Y.

2001-10-01

A method for the passivation of indium phosphide, based on thiolated organic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) that form highly ordered, close-packed structures on the semiconductor surface, is presented. It is shown that the intensity of steady-state photoluminescence (PL) of n-type InP wafers covered with the thiolated SAMs increases significantly (as much as 14-fold) upon their covering with the monolayers. The ease with which one can tailor the outer functional groups of the SAMs provides a way to connect this new class of passivators with standard encapsulators, such as polyimide. Indeed, the PL intensity of SAM-coated InP wafers was not altered upon their overcoating with polyimide, despite the high curing temperature of the polymer (200 °C).

Luminescent properties of YVO4:Eu/SiO2 core-shell composite particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Amurisana; Lai, Hua; Yang, Yuming; Liu, Zhilong; Tao, Chunyan; Yang, Hua

2010-02-01

We report an efficient process for preparing monodisperse SiO2@Y0.95Eu0.05VO4 core-shell phosphors using a simple citrate sol-gel method and without the use of surface-coupling silane agents or large stabilizers. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra were used to characterize the resulting SiO2@Y0.95Eu0.05VO4 core-shell phosphors. The XRD results demonstrate that the Y0.95Eu0.05VO4 particles crystallization on the surface of SiO2 annealing at 800 °C is perfectly and the crystallinity increases with raising the annealing temperature. The obtained core-shell phosphors have a near perfect spherical shape with narrow size distribution (average size ca. 500 nm and an average thickness of 50 nm), are not agglomerated, and have a smooth surface. The thickness of the YVO4:Eu3+ shells on the SiO2 cores could be easily tailored by changing the mass ratio of shell to core ( W = [YVO4]/[SiO2]) ( 50 nm for W = 30%). The Eu3+ shows a strong PL luminescence (dominated by 5D0 - 7F2 red emission at 618 nm) under the excitation of 320 nm UV light. The PL intensity of Eu3+ increases with increasing the annealing temperature and the values of W.

[Influence of different sol-gel system on the luminescence of nanocrystalline ZnO powder].

PubMed

Guo, Shu-xia; Zhang, Xing-tang; Zhang, Zhong-suo; Zhao, Hui-ling; Li, Yun-cai; Huang, Ya-bin; Du, Zu-liang

2005-08-01

ZnO nanopowders were prepared by the sol-gel techniques with two kinds of solvent. Microstructure of powder samples was examined by XRD and TEM. The results indicate that the two ZnO samples have the same crystal and energy band structure. Their photoluminescence (PL) spectra in ultraviolet region are analogous, but their photoluminescence (PL) spectra in visible region are different. The reason is that the two kinds of solvent with different polarity result in the difference in configuration and distribution of the sample surface states in the two systems.

[Influence of different sol-gel systems on the luminescence of nanocrystalline ZnO powders].

PubMed

Guo, Shu-xia; Zhang, Zhong-suo; Zhang, Xing-tang; Zhao, Hui-ling; Li, Yun-cai; Huang, Ya-bin; Du, Zu-liang

2005-11-01

ZnO nanopowders were prepared by the sol-gel techniques with two kinds of solvent. Microstructure of the powdersamples was examined by XRD and TEM. The results indicate that two ZnO samples have the same crystal and energy band structure. Their photolurminescence (PL) spectra in the ultraviolet region are analogous, but their photoluminescence (PL) spectra in the visible region are different. The reason is that two kinds of solvent with different polarity result in the difference in configuration and distribution of the sample surface states in the two systems.

Improvement of organics removal by bio-ceramic filtration of raw water with addition of phosphorus.

PubMed

Sang, Junqiang; Zhang, Xihui; Li, Lingzhi; Wang, Zhansheng

2003-11-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of phosphorus addition on biological pretreatment of raw water. Experiments were conducted in pilot-scale bio-ceramic filters with raw water from a reservoir located in Beijing, China. The results demonstrated that phosphorus was the limiting nutrient for bacterial growth in the raw water investigated in this study. The measured values of bacterial regrowth potential (BRP) and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) of the raw water increased by 50-65% and 30-40% with addition of 50 microg of PO4(3-)-PL(-1), respectively. Addition of 25 microg of PO4(3-)-PL(-1) to the influent of bio-ceramic filter enhanced the percent removal of organics by 4.6, 5.7 and 15 percentage points in terms of COD(Mn), TOC and BDOC, respectively. Biomass in terms of phospholipid content increased by 13-22% and oxygen uptake rate (OUR) increased by 35-45%. The ratio of C:P for bacteria growth was 100:1.6 for the raw water used in this study. Since change of phosphorus concentrations can influence the performance of biological pretreatment and the biological stability of drinking water, this study is of substantial significance for waterworks in China. The role of phosphorus in biological processes of drinking water should deserve more attention.

Role of Defects and Adsorbed Water Film in Influencing the Electrical, Optical and Catalytic Properties of Transition Metal Oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qi

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) constitute a large group of materials that exhibit a wide range of optical, electrical, electrochemical, dielectric and catalytic properties, and thus making them highly regarded as promising materials for a variety of applications in next generation electronic, optoelectronic, catalytic, photonic, energy storage and energy conversion devices. Some of the unique properties of TMOs are their strong electron-electron correlations that exists between the valence electrons of narrow d- or f-shells and their ability to exist in variety of oxidation states. This gives TMOs an enormous range of fascinating electronic and other physical properties. Many of these remarkable properties of TMOs arises from the complex surface charge transfer processes at the oxide surface/electrochemical redox species interface and non-stoichiometry due to the presence of lattice vacancies that may cause significant perturbation to the electronic structure of the material. Stoichiometry, oxidation state of the metal center and lattice vacancy defects all play important roles in affecting the physical properties, electronic structures, device behavior and other functional properties of TMOs. However, the underlying relationships between them is not clearly known. For instance, the exchange of electrons between adsorbates and defects can lead to the passivation of existing defect states or formation of new defects, both of which affect defect equilibria, and consequently, functional properties. In depth understanding of the role of lattice defects on the electrical, catalytic and optical properties of TMOs is central to further expansion of the technological applications of TMO based devices. The focus of this work is to elucidate the interactions of vacancy defects with various electrochemical adsorbates in TMOs. The ability to directly probe the interactions of vacancy defects with gas and liquid phase species under in-operando conditions is highly desirable to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the charge transfer process. We have developed a spectroscopic technique for studying vacancy defects in TMOs using near-infrared photoluminescence (NIR-PL) spectroscopy and showed that this technique is uniquely suited for studying defect-adsorbate interactions. In this work, a series of studies were carried out to elucidate the underlying structure-defect-property correlations of TMOs and their role in catalyzing electrical and electrochemical properties. In the first study, we report a new type of electrical phase transition in p-type, non-stoichiometric nickel oxide involving a semiconductor-to-insulator-to-metal transition along with the complete change of conductivity from p- to n-type at room temperature induced by electrochemical Li+ intercalation. Direct observation of vacancy-ion interactions using in-situ NIR-PL show that the transition is a result of passivation of native nickel (cationic) vacancy defects and subsequent formation of oxygen (anionic) vacancy defects driven by Li+ insertion into the lattice. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy studies performed to examine the changes in the oxidation states of nickel due to defect interactions support the above conclusions. In the second study, main effects of oxygen vacancy defects on the electronic and optical properties of V2O5 nanowires were studied using in-situ Raman, photoluminescence, absorption, and photoemission spectroscopy. We show that both thermal reduction and electrochemical reduction via Li+ insertion results in the creation of oxygen vacancy defects in the crystal that leads to band filling and an increase in the optical band gap of V2O5 from 1.95 eV to 2.45 eV, an effect known as the Burstein-Moss effect. In the third study, we report a new type of semiconductor-adsorbed water interaction in metal oxides known as "electrochemical surface transfer doping," a phenomenon that has been previously been observed on hydrogen-terminated diamond, carbon nanotube, gallium nitride and zinc oxide. Most TMOs at room temperature are known to be strongly hydrated. We show that an adsorbed water film present on the surface of TMOs facilitates the dissolution of gaseous species and promotes charge transfers at the adsorbed-water/oxide interfaces. Further, we show the role of vacancy defects in enhancing catalytic processes by directly monitoring the charge transfer process between gaseous species and vacancy defects in non-stoichiometric p-type nickel oxide and n-type tungsten oxide using in-situ NIR-PL, electrical resistance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We find the importance of adsorbed water and vacancy defects in affecting catalytic, electronic, electrical, and optical changes such as insulator-to-metal transitions and radiative emissions during electrochemical reactions. In addition, we demonstrate that electrochemical surface transfer doping exists in another system, specifically, in gallium nitride, and the presence of this adsorbed water film present on the surface of GaN induces electron transfer from GaN that leads to the formation of an electron depletion region on the surface.

Photosynthetic metabolism and quality of Eugenia pyriformis Cambess. seedlings on substrate function and water levels.

PubMed

Scalon, Silvana P Q; Jeromini, Tatiane S; Mussury, Rosilda M; Dresch, Daiane M

2014-12-01

The aim of this research was to evaluate the quality and photosynthetic metabolism of "uvaia" seedlings (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess.) on different substrates and water regimes. The seeds were sown in tubes of 50 x 190 mm in the following substrates: Sand (S), Latosol + Sand (L + S) (1:1), Latosol + Sand + Semi Decomposed Poultry Litter (L + S1 + PL) ( 1:1:0.5), Latosol + Sand + Semi Decomposed Poultry Litter (L + S2 + PL) (1:2:0.5), Latosol + Bioplant® (L + B) (1:1), and the water levels assessed were 50, 75 and 100% of water retention capacity. At 60, 90, 120 and 150 days the seedlings were evaluated according to their chlorophyll index, leaf area (cm2) and Dickson Quality Index (DQI) and at 150 days their internal concentration of carbon (mol m-2 s-1), stomatal conductance (mol m-2 s-1), transpiration rate (mmol m-2 s-1), photosynthesis (µmol m-2 s-1) and efficiency of water use (µmol de CO2 / mmol de H2O). Until their 150th days, the seedlings had higher quality and photosynthetic metabolism when cultured with substrates containing latosol + sand + poultry litter on the two variations assessed and water retention capacity of 50%.

Oil palm waste and synthetic zeolite: an alternative soil-less growth substrate for lettuce production as a waste management practice.

PubMed

Jayasinghe, Guttila Y; Tokashiki, Yoshihiro; Kitou, Makato; Kinjo, Kazutoshi

2008-12-01

A study was conducted to assess the characteristics and the prospective utilization of oil palm waste (OP) and synthetic zeolite (SZ) developed by coal fly ash, as an alternative substrate to peat and commercial perlite for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production. The SZ, OP, sphagnum peat (PE), perlite (PL) and two different SZ-OP mixtures (v/v) at the ratio of 1 : 3 and 1 : 10 were utilized as the substrates under this study. The substrates formulated by mixing SZ with OP at the ratio of 1 : 3 and 1 : 10 showed improved substrate physical and chemical properties such as air space, bulk density, particle density, water-holding capacity, pH and electrical conductivity (EC), which were in the ideal substrate range when compared with PL. Furthermore, the water-holding capacity of the substrate having a 1 : 10 mixing ratio of SZ with OP was higher than that of the PL by 28.23%, whereas the bulk density was lower than that of PL by 35%. A greenhouse experiment was carried out to assess the influence of the substrates on the growth and development of lettuce. The shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight and number of leaves per plant of the lettuce grown in the 1 : 10 mixing ratio of SZ and OP were the highest, which showed increased values compared with that of PL by 11.56, 9.77, 3.48, 17.35 and 16.53%, respectively. The shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight and number of leaves per plant of the lettuce grown in the 1 : 10 mixing ratio of SZ and OP showed increased percentages compared with that of PE by 12.12, 11.37, 3.74, 23.66 and 17.50%, respectively. In addition, the growth and yield parameters of lettuce grown in the 1 : 3 mixing ratio and the OP did not show any significant difference with PL and PE but differed from the 1 : 10 mixing ratio. The results of the study suggest that the SZ-OP-based substrates and OP can be successfully utilized as alternatives to the commercial perlite and to substitute the conventional peat substrate for lettuce cultivation. In addition, this can be proposed as an alternative waste management practice.

Size-Dependent Biexciton Quantum Yields and Carrier Dynamics of Quasi-Two-Dimensional Core/Shell Nanoplatelets

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

Ma, Xuedan; Diroll, Benjamin T.; Cho, Wooje

Quasi-two-dimensional nanoplatelets (NPLs) possess fundamentally different excitonic properties from zero-dimensional quantum dots. We study lateral size-dependent photon emission statistics and carrier dynamics of individual NPLs using second-order photon correlation (g( 2)(τ)) spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) intensity-dependent lifetime analysis. Room-temperature radiative lifetimes of NPLs can be derived from maximum PL intensity periods in PL time traces. It first decreases with NPL lateral size and then stays constant, deviating from the electric dipole approximation. Analysis of the PL time traces further reveals that the single exciton quantum yield in NPLs decreases with NPL lateral size and increases with protecting shell thickness, indicatingmore » the importance of surface passivation on NPL emission quality. Second-order photon correlation (g( 2)(τ)) studies of single NPLs show that the biexciton quantum yield is strongly dependent on the lateral size and single exciton quantum yield of the NPLs. In large NPLs with unity single exciton quantum yield, the corresponding biexciton quantum yield can reach unity. In conclusion, these findings reveal that by careful growth control and core–shell material engineering, NPLs can be of great potential for light amplification and integrated quantum photonic applications.« less

A novel approach to obtain highly intense self-activated photoluminescence emissions in hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Machado, Thales R.; Sczancoski, Júlio C.; Beltrán-Mir, Héctor; Nogueira, Içamira C.; Li, Máximo S.; Andrés, Juan; Cordoncillo, Eloisa; Longo, Elson

2017-05-01

Defect-related photoluminescence (PL) in materials have attracted interest for applications including near ultraviolet (NUV) excitable light-emitting diodes and in biomedical field. In this paper, hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] nanorods with intense PL bands (bluish- and yellowish-white emissions) were obtained when excited under NUV radiation at room temperature. These nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical precipitation at 90 °C followed by distinct heat treatments temperatures (200-800 °C). Intense and broad emission profiles were achieved at 350 °C (380-750 nm) and 400 °C (380-800 nm). UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed band gap energies (5.58-5.78 eV) higher than the excitation energies ( 3.54 and 2.98 eV at 350 and 415 nm, respectively), confirming the contribution of defect energy levels within the forbidden zone for PL emissions. The structural features were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. By means of these techniques, the relation between structural order-disorder induced by defects, chemical reactions at both lattice and surface of the materials as well as the PL, without activator centers, was discussed in details.

Anticancer drug-DNA interactions measured using a photoinduced electron-transfer mechanism based on luminescent quantum dots.

PubMed

Yuan, Jipei; Guo, Weiwei; Yang, Xiurong; Wang, Erkang

2009-01-01

A sensing system based on the photoinduced electron transfer of quantum dots (QDs) was designed to measure the interaction of anticancer drug and DNA, taking mitoxantrone (MTX) as a model drug. MTX adsorbed on the surface of QDs can quench the photoluminescence (PL) of QDs through the photoinduced electron-transfer process; and then the addition of DNA will bring the restoration of QDs PL intensity, as DNA can bind with MTX and remove it from QDs. Sensitive detection of MTX with the detection limit of 10 nmol L(-1) and a linear detection range from 10 nmol L(-1) to 4.5 micromol L(-1) was achieved. The dependence of PL intensity on DNA amount was successfully utilized to investigate the interactions between MTX and DNA. Both the binding constants and the sizes of binding site of MTX-DNA interactions were calculated based on the equations deduced for the PL recovery process. The binding constant obtained in our experiment was generally consistent with previous reports. The sensitive and speedy detection of MTX as well as the avoidance of modification or immobilization process made this system suitable and promising in the drug-DNA interaction studies.

Size-Dependent Biexciton Quantum Yields and Carrier Dynamics of Quasi-Two-Dimensional Core/Shell Nanoplatelets

DOE PAGES

Ma, Xuedan; Diroll, Benjamin T.; Cho, Wooje; ...

2017-08-08

Quasi-two-dimensional nanoplatelets (NPLs) possess fundamentally different excitonic properties from zero-dimensional quantum dots. We study lateral size-dependent photon emission statistics and carrier dynamics of individual NPLs using second-order photon correlation (g( 2)(τ)) spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) intensity-dependent lifetime analysis. Room-temperature radiative lifetimes of NPLs can be derived from maximum PL intensity periods in PL time traces. It first decreases with NPL lateral size and then stays constant, deviating from the electric dipole approximation. Analysis of the PL time traces further reveals that the single exciton quantum yield in NPLs decreases with NPL lateral size and increases with protecting shell thickness, indicatingmore » the importance of surface passivation on NPL emission quality. Second-order photon correlation (g( 2)(τ)) studies of single NPLs show that the biexciton quantum yield is strongly dependent on the lateral size and single exciton quantum yield of the NPLs. In large NPLs with unity single exciton quantum yield, the corresponding biexciton quantum yield can reach unity. In conclusion, these findings reveal that by careful growth control and core–shell material engineering, NPLs can be of great potential for light amplification and integrated quantum photonic applications.« less

Effect of Sb in thick InGaAsSbN layers grown by liquid phase epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donchev, V.; Milanova, M.; Asenova, I.; Shtinkov, N.; Alonso-Álvarez, D.; Mellor, A.; Karmakov, Y.; Georgiev, S.; Ekins-Daukes, N.

2018-02-01

Dilute nitride InGaAsSbN layers grown by low-temperature liquid phase epitaxy are studied in comparison with quaternary InGaAsN layers grown at the same growth conditions to understand the effect of Sb in the alloy. The lattice mismatch to the GaAs substrate is found to be slightly larger for the InGaAsSbN layers, which is explained by the large atomic radius of Sb. A reduction of the band gap energy with respect to InGaAsN is demonstrated by means of photoluminescence (PL), surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy and tight-binding calculations. The band-gap energies determined from PL and ellipsometry measurements are in good agreement, while the SPV spectroscopy and the tight-binding calculations provide lower values. Possible reasons for these discrepancies are discussed. The PL spectra reveal localized electronic states in the band gap near the conduction band edge, which is confirmed by SPV spectroscopy. The analysis of the power dependence of the integrated PL has allowed determining the dominant radiative recombination mechanisms in the layers. The values of the refraction index in a wide spectral region are found to be higher for the Sb containing layers.

Antibody response to actinomyces antigen and dental caries experience: implications for caries susceptibility.

PubMed

Levine, Martin; Owen, Willis L; Avery, Kevin T

2005-06-01

Fluoridated dentifrices reduce dental caries in subjects who perform effective oral hygiene. Actinomyces naeslundii increases in teeth-adherent microbial biofilms (plaques) in these subjects, and a well-characterized serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response (Actinomyces antibody [A-Ab]) is also increased. Other studies suggest that a serum IgG antibody response to streptococcal d-alanyl poly(glycerophosphate) (S-Ab) may indicate caries experience associated strongly with gingival health and exposure to fluoridated water. The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between A-Ab response, oral hygiene, S-Ab response, and caries experience. Measurements were made of A-Ab and S-Ab concentrations, caries experience (number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth [DMFT], number of teeth surfaces [DMFS], and number of decayed teeth needing treated [DT]), exposure to fluoridated water (Flu), mean clinical pocket depth (PD; in millimeters), and extent of plaque (PL) and gingival bleeding on probing (BOP). A-Ab concentration, the dependent variable in a multiple regression analysis, increased with S-Ab concentration and decreased with PL and DMFT adjusted for Flu (R(2) = 0.51, P < 0.002). Residual associations with age, DMFS, DT, and BOP were not significant. In addition, an elevated A-Ab response, defined from immunoprecipitation and immunoassay measurements, indicated a significant, 30% reduction in DMFT after adjustment for significant age and Flu covariance (analysis of variance with covariance F statistic = 10.6, P < 0.003; S-Ab response and interactions not significant). Thus, an elevated A-Ab response indicates less caries in subjects performing effective oral hygiene using fluoridated dentifrices. Conversely, a low A-Ab response is suggestive of decreased A. naeslundii binding to saliva-coated apatite and greater caries experience, as reported by others.

Prolymphocytic leukaemia: surface morphology in 21 cases as seen by scanning electron microscopy and comparison with B-type CLL and CLL in 'prolymphocytoid' transformation.

PubMed

Polliack, A; Leizerowitz, R; Berrebi, A; Gamliel, H; Galili, N; Gurfel, D; Catovsky, D

1984-08-01

The surface architecture of leukaemic cells obtained from 21 cases of proven prolymphocytic leukaemia (PLL) and eight cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) with 'prolymphocytoid' transformation (PL-CLL) was compared with the cell surface morphology of leukaemic cells obtained from 46 cases of B-type CLL, using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). All cases were defined by cytochemistry, immunological markers and transmission electron microscopy prior to SEM examination. B-CLL cells showed the well-recognized spectrum of surface architecture described in earlier studies. The majority of cells had moderate numbers of short microvilli, although in a minority, cells with relatively smooth surfaces predominated. In seven of the eight cases of PL-CLL, cells were villous in nature and in this respect similar to CLL cells; however, more cells with dense microvilli were seen. The prolymphocytic cells were recognized by their larger size and in 18 of the 19 cases of B-derived PLL, villous cells predominated. Two cases of T-derived PLL showed variable cell surface morphology ranging from smooth to moderately villous. It appears that B-PLL cells are most frequently villous and display more surface microvilli than B-CLL cells. B-prolymphocytes display the surface features regarded as characteristic for neoplastic B-cells as seen in patients with B-type lymphoma and leukaemia.

Structural characterization and physicochemical features of new hybrid compound containing chlorate anions of cadmate (II)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lassoued, Mohamed Saber; Abdelbaky, Mohammed S. M.; Lassoued, Abdelmajid; Gadri, Abdellatif; Ammar, Salah; Ben Salah, Abdelhamid; García-Granda, Santiago

2017-08-01

The present paper reports the synthesis of a single crystal of a new organic-inorganic hybrid compound, with the formula (C6H14N2) CdCl4·H2O, by slow evaporation method at room temperature. It was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Hirshfeld surface, spectroscopy measurement, thermal study and photoluminescence (PL) properties. A preliminary SCXRD structural analysis revealed that it crystallized in the monoclinic system (space group P21/c) with the following unit cell parameters: a = 12.95823(16) Å, b = 14.92449(16) Å, c = 7.13838(9) Å and β = 103.2108(12)° with Z = 4. The refinement converged to R = 0.0164 and ωR = 0.0393. Its atomic arrangement can be described as an alternation of organic and inorganic layers along the a-axis. The crystal packing was governed by the N-H⋯Cl and O-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonding interaction between the 1.2-diammoniumcyclohexane cations, the [CdCl42n-]n anions and water molecule. The Hirshfeld surface analysis was conducted to investigate intermolecular interactions and associated 2D fingerprint plots, revealing the relative contribution of these interactions in the crystal structure quantitatively. Furthermore, the room temperature infrared (IR) spectrum of the title compound was recorded and analyzed on the basis of data found in the literature. Besides, the thermal analysis studies were performed, but no phase transition was found in the temperature range between 30 and 450 °C. The optical and PL properties of the compound were investigated in the solid state at room temperature and exhibited three bands at 225, 268 and 315 nm and a strong fluorescence at 443 nm.

Attachment of Quantum Dots on Zinc Oxide Nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seay, Jared; Liang, Huan; Harikumar, Parameswar

2011-03-01

ZnO nanorods grown by hydrothermal technique are of great interest for potential applications in photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. In this study we investigate the optimization of the optical absorption properties by a low temperature, chemical bath deposition technique. Our group fabricated nanorods on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate with precursor solution of zinc nitrate hexahydrate and hexamethylenetramine (1:1 molar ratio) at 95C for 9 hours. In order to optimize the light absorption characteristics of ZnO nanorods, CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots (QDs) of various diameters were attached to the surface of ZnO nanostructures grown on ITO and gold-coated silicon substrates. Density of quantum dots was varied by controlling the number drops on the surface of the ZnO nanorods. For a 0.1 M concentration of QDs of 10 nm diameter, the PL intensity at 385 nm increased as the density of the quantum dots on ZnO nanostructures was increased. For quantum dots at 1 M concentration, the PL intensity at 385 nm increased at the beginning and then decreased at higher density. We will discuss the observed changes in PL intensity with QD concentration with ZnO-QD band structure and recombination-diffusion processes taking place at the interface.

Human platelet lysate is a successful alternative serum supplement for propagation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

PubMed

Švajger, Urban

2017-04-01

Clinical protocols for dendritic cell (DC) generation from monocytes require the use of animal serum-free supplements. Serum-free media can also require up to 1% of serum supplementation. In addition, recommendations based on the 3Rs (Refinement, Reduction, Replacement) principle also recommend the use of non-animal sera in in vitro studies. The aim of this study was to explore the potential use of platelet lysate (PL) for generation of optimally differentiated DCs from monocytes. Cells were isolated from buffy coats from healthy volunteers using immunomagnetic selection. DCs were differentiated in RPMI1640 supplemented with either 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 10% AB serum or 10% PL with the addition of granulocyte monocyte colony stimulating factor and interleukin-4. Generated DCs were assessed for their morphology, viability, endocytotic capacity, surface phenotype (immature, mature and tolerogenic DCs) and activation of important signaling pathways. DC function was evaluated on the basis of their allostimulatory capacity, cytokine profile and ability to induce different T-helper subsets. DCs generated with PL displayed normal viability, morphology and endocytotic capacity. Their differentiation and maturation phenotype was comparable to FBS-cultured DCs. They showed functional plasticity and up-regulated tolerogenic markers in response to their environment. PL-cultured mature DCs displayed unhindered allostimulatory potential and the capacity to induce Th1 responses. The use of PL allowed for activation of crucial signaling proteins associated with DC differentiation and maturation. This study demonstrates for the first time that human PL represents a successful alternative to FBS in differentiation of DCs from monocytes. DCs display the major phenotypic and functional characteristics compared with existing culture protocols. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synoptic characteristics of heavy snowfalls at Busan of Korea caused by polar lows over the East/Japan Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jae-Won; Cha, Yumi; Kim, Hae-Dong

2018-02-01

The results of the present study prove that snowfall occurred due to the polar low (PL) in the Korean Peninsula and six cases of snowfall exceeding a snow depth of 2 cm over the past 16 years in Busan, South Korea. A strong northwesterly air current with a cold outbreak at the lower level passed through the Korean Peninsula and penetrated into the East/Japan Sea causing the generation and characteristics of a PL. However, a northeasterly air current due to a synoptic low (SL) in East Japan approached the east coast via the East/Japan Sea, which generated a wind field with mesoscale cyclonic circulation. In the center of this cyclone, a strong positive vorticity region was revealed from the lower level to the upper level. The air temperature in the center of the PL was warmer than the surrounding areas at the lower level. As the PL developed and the air temperature decreased, a rapid tropopause drop followed due to the effect of the cold core along with the cutoff low at the mid-level or the higher level. As a result, the stratification became more unstable. The PL moved into Busan as the cold core at the upper level rapidly moved to the lower latitudes, which formed an unstable region around Busan. The PL decayed because the cutoff low, the cold core, and the positive vorticity region at the upper level quickly moved to the east, thereby causing the stratification to stabilize. Also, because the approach to the Japanese Archipelago caused an increase in surface friction, the original structure could no longer be maintained.

Synopsis of Precision Landing and Hazard Avoidance (PL&HA) Capabilities for Space Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robertson, Edward A.

2017-01-01

Until recently, robotic exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and other solar system bodies relied upon controlled blind landings. Because terrestrial techniques for terrain relative navigation (TRN) had not yet been evolved to support space exploration, landing dispersions were driven by the capabilities of inertial navigation systems combined with surface relative altimetry and velocimetry. Lacking tight control over the actual landing location, mission success depended on the statistical vetting of candidate landing areas within the predicted landing dispersion ellipse based on orbital reconnaissance data, combined with the ability of the spacecraft to execute a controlled landing in terms of touchdown attitude, attitude rates, and velocity. In addition, the sensors, algorithms, and processing technologies required to perform autonomous hazard detection and avoidance in real time during the landing sequence were not yet available. Over the past decade, NASA has invested substantial resources on the development, integration, and testing of autonomous precision landing and hazard avoidance (PL&HA) capabilities. In addition to substantially improving landing accuracy and safety, these autonomous PL&HA functions also offer access to targets of interest located within more rugged and hazardous terrain. Optical TRN systems are baselined on upcoming robotic landing missions to the Moon and Mars, and NASA JPL is investigating the development of a comprehensive PL&HA system for a Europa lander. These robotic missions will demonstrate and mature PL&HA technologies that are considered essential for future human exploration missions. PL&HA technologies also have applications to rendezvous and docking/berthing with other spacecraft, as well as proximity navigation, contact, and retrieval missions to smaller bodies with microgravity environments, such as asteroids.

Optical properties of ion-beam-synthesized Au nanoparticles in SiO2 matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsieh, Chang-Lin; Oyoshi, Keiji; Chao, Der-Sheng; Tsai, Hsu-Sheng; Hong, Wei-Lun; Takeda, Yoshihiko; Liang, Jenq-Horng

2016-05-01

In recent years, gold (Au) nanoparticles have been synthesized via various methods and used in optical and biomedical detection. Au nanoparticles contain some remarkable dimension-dependent optical properties due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in Au nanoparticles which causes high absorption in visible light regions. Since SPR in well-crystallized Au nanoparticles can enhance the local electromagnetic field, it is thus expected that greater efficiency in the photoluminescence (PL) originating from oxygen deficiency centers (ODC) can be achieved in Au-implanted SiO2 matrix. In order to demonstrate the enhancement of PL, Au nanoparticles were formed in SiO2 film using ion beam synthesis and their optical and microstructural properties were also investigated in this study. The results revealed that a clear absorption peak at approximately 530 nm was identified in the UV-Vis spectra and was attributed to SPR induced by Au nanoparticles in SiO2. The SPR of Au nanoparticles is also dependent on thermal treatment conditions, such as post-annealing temperature and ambient. The Au nanoparticle-containing SiO2 film also displayed several distinctive peaks at approximately 320, 360, 460, and 600 nm in the PL spectra and were found to be associated with ODC-related defects and non-bridging oxygen hole centers (NBOHC) in SiO2. In addition, the PL peak intensities increased as post-annealing temperature increased, a finding contradictory to the defect recovery but highly consistent with the SPR tendency. A maximum PL emission was achieved when the Au-implanted SiO2 film was annealed at 1100 °C for 1 h under N2. Therefore, the existence of Au nanoparticles in SiO2 film can induce SPR effects as well as enhance PL emission resulting from defect-related luminescence centers.

A combined bottom-up/top-down approach to prepare a sterile injectable nanosuspension.

PubMed

Hu, Xi; Chen, Xi; Zhang, Ling; Lin, Xia; Zhang, Yu; Tang, Xing; Wang, Yanjiao

2014-09-10

To prepare a uniform nanosuspension of strongly hydrophobic riboflavin laurate (RFL) allowing sterile filtration, physical modification (bottom-up) was combined with high-pressure homogenization (top-down) method. Unlike other bottom-up approaches, physical modification with surfactants (TPGS and PL-100) by lyophilization controlled crystallization and compensated for the poor wettability of RFL. On one hand, crystal growth and aggregation during freezing was restricted by a stabilizer-layer adsorbed on the drug surface by hydrophobic interaction. On the other hand, subsequent crystallization of drug in the sublimation process was limited to the interstitial spaces between solvent crystals. After lyophilization, modified drug with a smaller particle size and better wettability was obtained. When adding surfactant solution, water molecules passed between the hydrophilic groups of surface active molecules and activated the polymer chains allowing them to stretch into water. The coarse suspension was crushed into a nanosuspension (MP=162 nm) by high-pressure homogenization. For long term stability, lyophilization was applied again to solidify the nanosuspension (sorbitol as cryoprotectant). A slight crystal growth to about 600 nm was obtained to allow slow release for a sustained effect after muscular administration. Moreover, no paw-licking responses and very slight muscular inflammation demonstrated the excellent biocompatibility of this long-acting RFL injection. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Designing MgFe2O4 decorated on green mediated reduced graphene oxide sheets showing photocatalytic performance and luminescence property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shetty, Krushitha; Lokesh, S. V.; Rangappa, Dinesh; Nagaswarupa, H. P.; Nagabhushana, H.; Anantharaju, K. S.; Prashantha, S. C.; Vidya, Y. S.; Sharma, S. C.

2017-02-01

Here, a green route has been reported to convert Graphene Oxide (GO) to reduced graphene oxide (RGO) using clove extract. A modest and eco-accommodating sol-gel strategy has been employed to prepare MgFe2O4 nanoparticles, MgFe2O4-RGO nanocomposite samples. The samples were analyzed by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microcopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Photoluminescence (PL) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). PXRD result revealed that the prepared samples were cubic spinel in nature. SEM results uncovered flake like surface morphology of the prepared nanomaterial. Better PL emission signature was observed when excited at 329 nm. PL studies demonstrated that the present samples were potential for the fabrication of white component of white light emitting diodes (WLEDs). Further, MgFe2O4-RGO nanocomposite showed enhanced photocatalytic movement (PCM) and photostability under Sunlight in the decomposition of Malachite Green (MG) compared to MgFe2O4. This can be attributed to the interaction of MgFe2O4 surface with RGO sheets which results in PL quenching, demonstrates that the recombination of photo-induced electrons and holes in MgFe2O4-RGO nanocomposite is more effectively inhibited. A possible mechanism for the enhanced properties of MgFe2O4-RGO nanocomposite was discussed. Moreover, MgFe2O4-RGO photocatalyst also showed easy magnetic separation with high reusability. These results unveil that the synthesized sample can be used in display applications and also as a potential photocatalyst.

An experimental and theoretical investigation on the optical and photocatalytic properties of ZnS nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Porta, F. A.; Nogueira, A. E.; Gracia, Lourdes; Pereira, W. S.; Botelho, G.; Mulinari, T. A.; Andrés, Juan; Longo, E.

2017-04-01

From the viewpoints of materials chemistry and physical chemistry, crystal structure directly determines the electronic structure and furthermore their optical and photocatalytic properties. Zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (NPs) with tunable photoluminescence (PL) emission and high photocatalytic activity have been obtained by means of a microwave-assisted solvothermal (MAS) method using different precursors (i.e., zinc nitrate (ZN), zinc chloride (ZC), or zinc acetate (ZA)). The morphologies, optical properties, and electronic structures of the as-synthesized ZnS NPs were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) isotherms for N2 adsorption/desorption processes, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), PL measurements and theoretical calculations. Density functional theory calculations were used to determine the geometries and electronic properties of bulk wurtzite (WZ) ZnS NPs and their (0001), (101 ̅0), (112 ̅0), (101 ̅1), and (101 ̅2) surfaces. The dependence of the PL emission behavior of ZnS NPs on the precursor was elucidated by examining the energy band structure and density of states. The method for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) was used as a probe reaction to investigate the photocatalytic activity of the as-Synthesised ZnS NPs under UV light irradiation. The PL behavior as well as photocatalytic activities of ZnS NPs were attributed to specific features of the structural and electronic structures. Increased photocatalytic degradation was observed for samples synthesized using different precursors in the following order: ZA

Aqueous CdPbS quantum dots for near-infrared imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Au, Giang H. T.; Y Shih, Wan; Tseng, S.-Ja; Shih, Wei-Heng

2012-07-01

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconducting nanocrystals that have photoluminescent (PL) properties brighter than fluorescent molecules and do not photo-bleach, ideal for in vivo imaging of diseased tissues or monitoring of biological processes. Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent light within the window of 700-1000 nm, which is separated from the major absorption peaks of hemoglobin and water, has the potential to be detected several millimeters under the surface with minimal interference from tissue autofluorescence. Here we report the synthesis and bioimaging demonstration of a new NIR QDs system, namely, CdPbS, made by an aqueous approach with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) as the capping molecule. The aqueous-synthesized, MPA-capped CdPbS QDs exhibited an NIR emission in the range of 800-950 nm with xi ≥ 0.3, where xi denotes the initial Pb molar fraction during the synthesis. Optimal PL performance of the CdPbS QDs occurred at xi = 0.7, which was about 4 nm in size as determined by transmission electron microscopy, had a rock salt structure and a quantum yield of 12%. Imaging of CdPbS QDs was tested in membrane staining and transfection studies. Cells transfected with CdPbS QDs were shown to be visible underneath a slab of chicken muscle tissue of up to 0.7 mm in thickness without the use of multiple-photon microscopy.

Does zero-water discharged technology enhance culture performance of pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei Boone.)?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suantika, Gede; Anggraeni, Jayanty; Hasby, Fahri Azhari; Yanuwiarti, Ni Putu Indah

2014-03-01

Litopenaeus vannamei or white leg shrimp is an introduced shrimp which has successfully cultured in Indonesia. In Indonesia, L. vannamei is commonly cultured on outdoor/earthen pond that requires renewal of water, less control in term of water quality and disease and attributed to unpredictable yield production. Based on the existing culture condition, a system that enable to minimize water consumption, improve the hygiene of the culture and at the same time maintain a more stable yield production is urgent to be developed by using a zero water discharge system. The system consists of: (a) culture tank - to retain and culture the shrimp; (b) CaCO3 grained - buffering agent and substrate of nitrifying bacteria; (c) aeration line - to provide O2 and homogenize the culture; (d) ancho (feeding) - to control an appropriate feed; (e) nitrifying bacteria adding - to consume ammonium and nitrite then convert it to nitrate, and also control pathogen Vibrio sp.; (f) diatom microalgae (Chaetoceros gracilis) - to uptake nitrate, bacteriostatic agent, feed source, provide O2 and shading. In this study, there were 2 treatments: the static culture (batch) system was set as control (K) (in 70 PL/m2), and culture system with zero-water discharge system which was inoculated by 0.02% v/v 106 CFU/ml of mixed culture nitrifying bacteria and diatom microalgae in 70 PL/m2 (P1). The white leg shrimp used in this experiment was at post larvae (PL) 10 and cultured in a batch system (1 × 1 × 0.5 m3 pond) during 2 months. Several parameters including survival rate, mean body weight, and water quality (salinity, temperature, pH, DO, ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate) were measured. Based on the results, biomass of P1 (237.12 ± 31.11) gram is significantly higher than control (K) (180.80 ± 12.26) gram (P< 0,05). Water quality during the culture period in all treatments were still in tolerance range of white leg shrimp post larvae, except ammonium concentration in control (K) (2.612 ± 0.56) mg/L which is significantly different from P1 (1.287 ± 0.49) mg/L. Based on this research, zero-water discharge technology using nitrifying bacteria and diatom microalgae can improve productivity of white shrimp by increasing the biomass and maintaining a stable water quality especially ammonium concentration.

Interfacial exciplex formation in bilayers of conjugated polymers.

PubMed

Nobuyasu, R S; Araujo, K A S; Cury, L A; Jarrosson, T; Serein-Spirau, F; Lère-Porte, J-P; Dias, F B; Monkman, A P

2013-10-28

The donor-acceptor interactions in sequential bilayer and blend films are investigated. Steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) were measured to characterize the samples at different geometries of photoluminescence collection. At standard excitation, with the laser incidence at 45° of the normal direction of the sample surface, a band related to the aggregate states of donor molecules appears for both blend and bilayer at around 540 nm. For the PL spectra acquired from the edge of the bilayer, with the laser incidence made at normal direction of the sample surface (90° geometry), a new featureless band emission, red-shifted from donor and acceptor emission regions was observed and assigned as the emission from interfacial exciplex states. The conformational complexity coming from donor/acceptor interactions at the heterojunction interface of the bilayer is at the origin of this interfacial exciplex emission.

Rarefaction effects in gas flows over curved surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dongari, Nishanth; White, Craig; Scanlon, Thomas J.; Zhang, Yonghao; Reese, Jason M.

2012-11-01

The fundamental test case of gas flow between two concentric rotating cylinders is considered in order to investigate rarefaction effects associated with the Knudsen layers over curved surfaces. We carry out direct simulation Monte Carlo simulations covering a wide range of Knudsen numbers and accommodation coefficients, and for various outer-to-inner cylinder radius ratios. Numerical data is compared with classical slip flow theory and a new power-law (PL) wall scaling model. The PL model incorporates Knudsen layer effects in near-wall regions by taking into account the boundary limiting effects on the molecular free paths. The limitations of both theoretical models are explored with respect to rarefaction and curvature effects. Torque and velocity profile comparisons also convey that mere prediction of integral flow parameters does not guarantee the accuracy of a theoretical model, and that it is important to ensure that prediction of the local flowfield is in agreement with simulation data.

Study on the Coupling Mechanism of the Orthogonal Dipoles with Surface Plasmon in Green LED by Cathodoluminescence.

PubMed

Feng, Yulong; Chen, Zhizhong; Jiang, Shuang; Li, Chengcheng; Chen, Yifan; Zhan, Jinglin; Chen, Yiyong; Nie, Jingxin; Jiao, Fei; Kang, Xiangning; Li, Shunfeng; Yu, Tongjun; Zhang, Guoyi; Shen, Bo

2018-04-16

We analyzed the coupling behavior between the localized surface plasmon (LSP) and quantum wells (QWs) using cathodoluminescence (CL) in a green light-emitting diodes (LED) with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) filled in photonic crystal (PhC) holes. Photoluminescence (PL) suppression and CL enhancement were obtained for the same green LED sample with the Ag NP array. Time-resolved PL (TRPL) results indicate strong coupling between the LSP and the QWs. Three-dimensional (3D) finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation was performed using a three-body model consisting of two orthogonal dipoles and a single Ag NP. The LSP–QWs coupling effect was separated from the electron-beam (e-beam)–LSP–QW system by linear approximation. The energy dissipation was significantly reduced by the z-dipole introduction under the e-beam excitation. In this paper, the coupling mechanism is discussed and a novel emission structure is proposed.

Sub-one-third wavelength focusing of surface plasmon polaritons excited by linearly polarized light.

PubMed

Wang, Jiayuan; Zhang, Jiasen

2018-05-28

We report the generation of a subwavelength focal spot for surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) by increasing the proportion of high-spatial-frequency components in the plasmonic focusing field. We have derived an analytical expression for the angular-dependent contribution of an arbitrary-shaped SPP line source to the focal field and have found that the proportion for high-spatial-frequency components can be significantly increased by launching SPPs from a horizontal line source. Accordingly, we propose a rectangular-groove plasmonic lens (PL) consisting of horizontally-arrayed central grooves and slantingly-arrayed flanking grooves on gold film. We demonstrate both numerically and experimentally that, under linearly polarized illumination, such a PL generates a focal spot of full width half maximum 274 nm at an operating wavelength of 830 nm. The method we describe provides guidance to the further structure design and optimization for plasmonic focusing devices.

Degradation of the Crystalline Structure of ZnS Ceramics under Abrasive Damage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shcherbakov, I. P.; Dunaev, A. A.; Chmel, A. E.

2018-04-01

Stability of optical elements based on ZnS ceramics to dust and rain erosion is usually estimated from the loss of material mass in a directional flow of solid particles or atmospheric precipitates. In this case, the mechanism of degradation and fracture of the surface layer of an optical element is not considered. The photoluminescence (PL) method was used for investigating the crystal lattice response to the abrasive action and the formation of cleavage in ZnS ceramics, which differ in manufacturing technology and, accordingly, in the grain size by two orders of magnitude. It is shown that during abrasive treatment of samples, their spectra exhibit changes typical of degradation of the crystal lattice of material grains. The PL spectra of cleavage surfaces reveal almost complete degradation of the structure of crystallite grains with a size from 1-2 to 100-200 μm.

Growth mechanism, surface and optical properties of ZnO nanostructures deposited on various Au-seeded thickness obtained by mist-atomization

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

Afaah, A. N., E-mail: afaahabdullah@yahoo.com; Aadila, A., E-mail: aadilaazizali@gmail.com; Asib, N. A. M., E-mail: amierahasib@yahoo.com

2016-07-06

In this paper, growth mechanisms of ZnO nanostructures on non-seeded glass, 6 nm and 12 nm Au seed layer obtained by mist-atomization was proposed. ZnO films were successfully deposited on glass substrate with different thickness of Au seed layer i.e. 6 nm and 12 nm. The surface and optical properties of the prepared samples were investigated using Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and photoluminescence (PL). FESEM micrograph show that ZnO nanostructure deposited on 6 nm Au seed layer has uniform formation and well distributed. From PL spectroscopy, the UV emission shows that ZnO deposited on 6 nm Au seedmore » layer has the more intense UV intensity which proved that high crystal quality of nanostructured ZnO deposited on 6 nm Au seed layer.« less

Microbial diversities (16S and 18S rDNA gene pyrosequencing) and environmental pathogens within drinking water biofilms grown on the common premise plumbing materials unplasticized polyvinylchloride and copper

EPA Science Inventory

Drinking water (DW) biofilm communities influence the survival of opportunistic pathogens, e.g. Legionella pneumophila, via parasitization of free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoebae. Yet knowledge about the microbial composition of DW biofilms developed on common in-premise pl...

Possibility of a quasi-liquid layer of As on GaAs substrate grown by MBE as observed by enhancement of Ga desorption at high As pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asai, K.; Feng, J. M.; Vaccaro, P. O.; Fujita, K.; Ohachi, T.

2000-06-01

The As vapor pressure dependence of the Ga desorption rate during molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth on GaAs( n11)A ( n=1-4 hereafter) substrates was studied by photoluminescence (PL) measurements at 12 K for undoped AlGaAs/GaAs asymmetric double quantum wells (ADQWs). Reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) oscillation measurements on a GaAs(100) surface were also used. Two K-cells of As solid sources (corresponding to beam equivalent pressures (BEPs) of 9.0×10 -6 and 4.5×10 -5 Torr) were used to change the As pressure rapidly. The Ga flux and substrate temperature were kept constant at 0.76 ML/s and 12 K, respectively, while the As flux changed from 7.6 (BEP 9.0×10 -6 Torr) to 32 ML/s (4.5×10 -5 Torr). With increasing As pressure, two separated PL peaks for the wide well (WW) of high index substrates were observed. This peak separation is attributed to a reduced well depth from an increasing Ga desorption rate. The energy differences of the PL peak depending on the off-angle from (111)A to (100) plane indicates an orientation-dependent Ga desorption rate. Moreover, amongst all ( n11)A and (100) planes, the Ga desorption rate was smallest from the (111)A surface. The increase of Ga desorption from the surface at high As pressures probably arose from an increasing coverage with a quasi-liquid layer (QLL).

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

Kumar, Pragati, E-mail: pkumar.phy@gmail.com; Agarwal, Avinash; Saxena, Nupur

The influence of swift heavy ion irradiation (SHII) on surface phonon mode (SPM) and green emission in nanocrystalline CdS thin films grown by chemical bath deposition is studied. The SHII of nanocrystalline CdS thin films is carried out using 70 MeV Ni ions. The micro Raman analysis shows that asymmetry and broadening in fundamental longitudinal optical (LO) phonon mode increases systematically with increasing ion fluence. To analyze the role of phonon confinement, spatial correlation model (SCM) is fitted to the experimental data. The observed deviation of SCM to the experimental data is further investigated by fitting the micro Raman spectra usingmore » two Lorentzian line shapes. It is found that two Lorentzian functions (LFs) provide better fitting than SCM fitting and facilitate to identify the contribution of SPM in the observed distortion of LO mode. The behavior of SPM as a function of ion fluence is studied to correlate the observed asymmetry (Γ{sub a}/Γ{sub b}) and full width at half maximum of LO phonon mode and to understand the SHII induced enhancement of SPM. The ion beam induced interstitial and surface state defects in thin films, as observed by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy studies, may be the underlying reason for enhancement in SPM. PL studies also show enhancement in green luminescence with increase in ion fluence. PL analysis reveals that the variation in population density of surface state defects after SHII is similar to that of SPM. The correlation between SPM and luminescence and their dependence on ion irradiation fluence is explained with the help of thermal spike model.« less

Growth and Characterisation of GaAs/AlGaAs Core-shell Nanowires for Optoelectronic Device Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Nian

III-V semiconductor nanowires have been investigated as key components for future electronic and optoelectronic devices and systems due to their direct band gap and high electron mobility. Amongst the III-V semiconductors, the planar GaAs material system has been extensively studied and used in industries. Accordingly, GaAs nanowires are the prime candidates for nano-scale devices. However, the electronic performance of GaAs nanowires has yet to match that of state-of-the-art planar GaAs devices. The present deficiency of GaAs nanowires is typically attributed to the large surface-to- volume ratio and the tendency for non-radiative recombination centres to form at the surface. The favoured solution of this problem is by coating GaAs nanowires with AlGaAs shells, which replaces the GaAs surface with GaAs/AlGaAs interface. This thesis presents a systematic study of GaAs/AlGaAs core-shell nanowires grown by metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD), including understanding the growth, and characterisation of their structural and optical properties. The structures of the nanowires were mainly studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmis- sion electron microscopy (TEM). A procedure of microtomy was developed to prepare the cross-sectional samples for the TEM studies. The optical properties were charac- terised by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Carrier lifetimes were measured by time-resolved PL. The growth of AlGaAs shell was optimised to obtain the best optical properties, e.g. the strongest PL emission and the longest minority carrier lifetimes. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Photoluminescent carbon dots synthesized by microwave treatment for selective image of cancer cells.

PubMed

Yang, Xudong; Yang, Xue; Li, Zhenyu; Li, Shouying; Han, Yexuan; Chen, Yang; Bu, Xinyuan; Su, Chunyan; Xu, Hong; Jiang, Yingnan; Lin, Quan

2015-10-15

In this work, a simple, low-cost and one-step microwave approach has been demonstrated for the synthesis of water-soluble carbon dots (C-dots). The average size of the resulting C-dots is about 4 nm. From the photoluminescence (PL) measurements, the C-dots exhibit excellent biocompatibility and intense PL with the high quantum yield (QY) at Ca. 25%. Significantly, the C-dots have excellent biocompatibility and the capacity to specifically target the cells overexpressing the folate receptor (FR). These exciting results indicate the as-prepared C-dots are promising biocompatible probe for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simulations of vertical disruptions with VDE code: Hiro and Evans currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xujing; Di Hu Team; Leonid Zakharov Team; Galkin Team

2014-10-01

The recently created numerical code VDE for simulations of vertical instability in tokamaks is presented. The numerical scheme uses the Tokamak MHD model, where the plasma inertia is replaced by the friction force, and an adaptive grid numerical scheme. The code reproduces well the surface currents generated at the plasma boundary by the instability. Five regimes of the vertical instability are presented: (1) Vertical instability in a given plasma shaping field without a wall; (2) The same with a wall and magnetic flux ΔΨ|plX< ΔΨ|Xwall(where X corresponds to the X-point of a separatrix); (3) The same with a wall and magnetic flux ΔΨ|plX> ΔΨ|Xwall; (4) Vertical instability without a wall with a tile surface at the plasma path; (5) The same in the presence of a wall and a tile surface. The generation of negative Hiro currents along the tile surface, predicted earlier by the theory and measured on EAST in 2012, is well-reproduced by simulations. In addition, the instability generates the force-free Evans currents at the free plasma surface. The new pattern of reconnection of the plasma with the vacuum magnetic field is discovered. This work is supported by US DoE Contract No. DE-AC02-09-CH11466.

Small amount of water induced preparation of several morphologies for InBO3:Eu3+ phosphor via a facile boric acid flux method and their luminescent properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Wen; Liang, Pan; Liu, Zhi-Hong

2017-05-01

Four kinds of morphologies for InBO3:Eu3+ phosphor have been prepared via a facile boric acid flux method only by adjusting the small amount of added water. The prepared samples have been characterized by XRD, FT-IR, and SEM. It was found that the size and morphology of the samples could be effectively controlled by adjusting reaction temperature, reaction time, especially the small amount of added water, which plays an extremely critical role in the controlling morphology. The possible growth mechanisms for microsphere and flower-like morphologies were further discussed on the basis of time-dependent experiments. Furthermore, the luminescence properties of prepared InBO3:Eu3+ samples have been investigated by photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The results show that the InBO3:Eu3+ phosphors show strong orange emissions under ultraviolet excitation at 237 nm. The monodisperse microsphere sample possesses the highest PL intensity among above four morphologies, which can be used as a potential orange luminescent material.

Medium optimization for ε-poly-L-lysine production by Streptomyces diastatochromogenes using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Guo, F; Zheng, H; Cheng, Y; Song, S; Zheng, Z; Jia, S

2018-02-01

Poly-ε-L-lysine is a natural homo-polyamide of L-lysine with excellent antimicrobial properties, which can be used as a novel preservative and has a wide range of applications. In this paper, the fermentation medium for ε-PL production by Streptomyces diastatochromogenes 6#-7 was optimized by Response Surface Methodology. The results of Plackett-Burman design showed that glucose, yeast extract and (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 were the major influencing factors in ε-PL production of S. diastatochromogenes 6#-7. The optimal concentrations of glucose, yeast extract and (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 were determined to be 60, 7·5 and 7·5 g l -1 according to Box-Behnken experiment and regression analysis, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the ε-PL yield in shake-flask fermentation was 0·948 ± 0·030 g l -1 , which was in good agreement with the predicted value of 0·970 g l -1 . The yield was improved by 43·1% from that with the initial medium. In 5 l jar-fermenter the ε-PL yield reached 25·5 g l -1 , which was increased by 56·4% from the original medium. In addition, the fermentation time was reduced from 174 to 120 h. Medium optimization is a very practical and valuable tool for fermentation industry to improve product yield and minimize by-products as well as reduce overall manufacturing costs. The response surface methodology is not new, but it is still a very effective method in medium optimization research. This study used ε-polylysine fermentation as an example to demonstrate how the product yield can be significantly increased by medium optimization through surface response methodology. Similar approach can be used in other microbial fermentations such as in pharmaceutical, food, agricultural and energy industries. As an example, ε-polylysine is one of a few newly approved natural food-grade antimicrobials for food and beverages preservations. Yield improvement is economically beneficial to not only ε-polylysine manufacturers but also to their users and consumers due to lower costs and price. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Novel microwave-assisted synthesis of porous g-C3N4/SnO2 nanocomposite for solar water-splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seza, A.; Soleimani, F.; Naseri, N.; Soltaninejad, M.; Montazeri, S. M.; Sadrnezhaad, S. K.; Mohammadi, M. R.; Moghadam, H. Asgari; Forouzandeh, M.; Amin, M. H.

2018-05-01

Highly porous nanocomposites of graphitic-carbon nitride and tin oxide (g-C3N4/SnO2) were prepared through simple pyrolysis of urea molecules under microwave irradiation. The initial amount of tin was varied in order to investigate the effect of SnO2 content on preparation and properties of the composites. The synthesized nanocomposites were well-characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, BET, FTIR, XPS, DRS, and PL. A homogeneous distribution of SnO2 nanoparticles with the size of less than 10 nm on the porous C3N4 sheets could be obtained, suggesting that in-situ synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles was responsible for the formation of g-C3N4. The process likely occurred by the aid of the large amounts of OH groups formed on the surfaces of SnO2 nanoparticles during the polycondensation reactions of tin derivatives which could facilitate the pyrolysis of urea to carbon nitride. The porous nanocomposite prepared with initial tin amount of 0.175 g had high specific surface area of 195 m2 g-1 which showed high efficiency photoelectrochemical water-splitting ability. A maximum photocurrent density of 33 μA cm-2 was achieved at an applied potential of 0.5 V when testing this nanocomposite as photo-anode in water-splitting reactions under simulated visible light irradiation, introducing it as a promising visible light photoactive material.

FABRICATION AND OPTOELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF MgxZn1-xO ULTRATHIN FILMS BY LANGMUIR-BLODGETT TECHNOLOGY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Dongyan; Feng, Qian; Jiang, Enying; He, Baozhu

2012-08-01

By transferring MgxZn1-xO sol and stearic acid onto a hydrophilic silicon wafer or glass plate, the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) multilayers of MgxZn1-xO (x:0, 0.2, 0.4) were deposited. After calcinations at 350°C for 0.5 h and at 500°C for 3 h, MgxZn1-xO ultrathin films were fabricated. The optimized parameters for monolayer formation and multilayer deposition were determined by the surface pressure-surface (Π-A) area and the transfer coefficient, respectively. The expended areas of stearic acid with MgxZn1-xO sols under Π-A isotherms inferred the interaction of stearic acid with MgxZn1-xO sols during the formation of monolayer at air-water interface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the crystal structures of MgxZn1-xO nanoparticles and ultrathin films. The surface morphologies of MgxZn1-xO ultrathin films were observed by scanning probe microscopy (AFM). And the optoelectronic properties of MgxZn1-xO were detected and discussed based on photoluminescence (PL) spectra.

Environmental concerns of roxarsone in broiler poultry feed and litter in Maryland, USA.

PubMed

Fisher, Daniel J; Yonkos, Lance T; Staver, Kenneth W

2015-02-17

Roxarsone has been used extensively in the broiler chicken industry. We reviewed the environmental concerns of this usage. To summarize, arsenic added to poultry feed as roxarsone ends up in poultry litter. Fresh litter contains predominately roxarsone, whereas aged litter contains predominately inorganic arsenic. Soil arsenic concentrations from long-term poultry litter applications can exceed Maryland arsenic soil background remediation standards. Due to continued soil accumulation, arsenic-amended litter use as fertilizer is thought to be unsustainable. Surface-applied roxarsone-amended litter does not influence deep aquifer arsenic concentrations but is transported as inorganic arsenic to receiving waters and very shallow groundwater after precipitation. Arsenic in some receiving waters and sediments from agriculturally dominated watersheds have levels above established criteria. Arsenic in fish and shellfish is mostly organic. Phosphorus-based nutrient management will tend to limit PL application rates in areas that have over-applied phosphorus relative to crop needs, resulting in decreased rates of arsenic application and accumulation. Despite most arsenic in surface soils being tightly bound, as surface soils become more enriched in arsenic, the potential for downward movement increases but is limited in most soils due to the high capacity for binding of arsenic to clay minerals and oxides of iron and aluminum in subsoil horizons. In 2012, Maryland passed a law banning the use of arsenic additives except nitarsone in poultry feed. In 2013, the USFDA withdrew approval of roxarsone, carbarsone, and arsanilic but is reviewing nitarsone.

Modulation of porphyrin photoluminescence by nanoscale spacers on silicon substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Y. C.; Zhang, Y.; Gao, H. Y.; Chen, L. G.; Gao, B.; He, W. Z.; Meng, Q. S.; Zhang, C.; Dong, Z. C.

2013-11-01

We investigate photoluminescence (PL) properties of quasi-monolayered tetraphenyl porphyrin (TPP) molecules on silicon substrates modulated by three different nanoscale spacers: native oxide layer (NOL), hydrogen (H)-passivated layer, and Ag nanoparticle (AgNP) thin film, respectively. In comparison with the PL intensity from the TPP molecules on the NOL-covered silicon, the fluorescence intensity from the molecules on the AgNP-covered surface was greatly enhanced while that for the H-passivated surface was found dramatically suppressed. Time-resolved fluorescence spectra indicated shortened lifetimes for TPP molecules in both cases, but the decay kinetics is believed to be different. The suppressed emission for the H-passivated sample was attributed to the weaker decoupling effect of the monolayer of hydrogen atoms as compared to the NOL, leading to increased nonradiative decay rate; whereas the enhanced fluorescence with shortened lifetime for the AgNP-covered sample is attributed not only to the resonant excitation by local surface plasmons, but also to the increased radiative decay rate originating from the emission enhancement in plasmonic "hot-spots".

Nanospherical-lens lithographical Ag nanodisk arrays embedded in p-GaN for localized surface plasmon-enhanced blue light emitting diodes

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

Wei, Tongbo, E-mail: tbwei@semi.ac.cn; Wu, Kui; Sun, Bo

2014-06-15

Large-scale Ag nanodisks (NDs) arrays fabricated using nanospherical-lens lithography (NLL) are embedded in p-GaN layer of an InGaN/GaN light-emitting diode (LED) for generating localized surface plasmon (LSP) coupling with the radiating dipoles in the quantum-well (QWs). Based on the Ag NDs with the controlled surface coverage, LSP leads to the improved crystalline quality of regrowth p-GaN, increased photoluminescence (PL) intensity, reduced PL decay time, and enhanced output power of LED. Compared with the LED without Ag NDs, the optical output power at a current of 350 mA of the LSP-enhanced LEDs with Ag NDs having a distance of 20 andmore » 35 nm to QWs is increased by 26.7% and 31.1%, respectively. The electrical characteristics and optical properties of LEDs with embedded Ag NPs are dependent on the distance of between Ag NPs and QWs region. The LED with Ag NDs array structure is also found to exhibit reduced emission divergence, compared to that without Ag NDs.« less

Effect of growth temperature on the epitaxial growth of ZnO on GaN by ALD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Särkijärvi, Suvi; Sintonen, Sakari; Tuomisto, Filip; Bosund, Markus; Suihkonen, Sami; Lipsanen, Harri

2014-07-01

We report on the epitaxial growth of ZnO on GaN template by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Diethylzinc (DEZn) and water vapour (H2O) were used as precursors. The structure and the quality of the grown ZnO layers were studied with scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) measurements and positron annihilation spectroscopy. The ZnO films were confirmed epitaxial, and the film quality was found to improve with increasing deposition temperature in the vicinity of the threshold temperature of two dimensional growth. We conclude that high quality ZnO thin films can be grown by ALD. Interestingly only separate Zn-vacancies were observed in the films, although ZnO thin films typically contain fairly high density of surface pits and vacancy clusters.

Enzymatic modification of egg lecithin to improve properties.

PubMed

Asomaning, Justice; Curtis, Jonathan M

2017-04-01

This research studied the enzymatic modification of egg yolk phospholipids and its effect on physicochemical properties. Egg yolk lipids were extracted with food grade ethanol and egg phospholipids (ePL) produced by deoiling with acetone. Vegetable oils were used to interesterify ePL utilizing Lipozyme®: sn-1,3 specific lipase. The enzymatic interesterification resulted in a single phase liquid product, whereas simple blending of the ePL and vegetable oil resulted in a product with two phases. In addition solid fat content decreased by 50% at -10°C and 94% at 35°C when compared with egg yolk lipids extract. A decrease in melting temperature resulted from the interesterification process. Interesterification improved emulsion stability index when used as an emulsifier in oil-in-water emulsion and compared to the native and soy lecithin. Enzyme reusability test showed retention of 63% activity after 10 cycles. Overall, the properties of native egg phospholipids were significantly enhanced in a potentially useful manner through interesterification. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Facile fabrication of CdSe/CdS quantum dots and their application on the screening of colorectal cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Hongfeng; Dong, Quanjin; Hu, Li; Tu, Shiliang; Chai, Rui; Dai, Qiaoqiong

2015-11-01

In this paper, a facile aqueous route to water-soluble CdSe/CdS quantum dots (QDs) under mild conditions has been developed. The samples were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The PL property of the QDs can be controlled by adjusting the reaction time. The CdSe/CdS QDs after 48-h reaction with size of 5 nm have the strongest PL intensity located at 553 nm, and the highest quantum yield of 19.9 %. The obtained QDs were applied for the colorectal cancer screening. The QDs could be conjugated with antibody of aldo-keto reductase family 1, member B10 (AKR1B10) for the detection of AKR1B10. The AKR1B10 in PBS/5 % serum solution with concentration of 1 ng/mL could be well calibrated, and the limit of detection could be lower than 0.05 ng/mL.

Bio-Inspired Aquaporinz Containing Double-Skinned Forward Osmosis Membrane Synthesized through Layer-by-Layer Assembly

PubMed Central

Wang, Shuzheng; Cai, Jin; Ding, Wande; Xu, Zhinan; Wang, Zhining

2015-01-01

We demonstrated a novel AquaporinZ (AqpZ)-incorporated double-skinned forward osmosis (FO) membrane by layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly strategy. Positively charged poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and negatively charged poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) were alternately deposited on both the top and bottom surfaces of a hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (H-PAN) substrate. Subsequently, an AqpZ-embedded 1,2-dioleloyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC)/1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium- propane (chloride salt) (DOTAP) supported lipid bilayer (SLB) was formed on PSS-terminated (T-PSS) membrane via vesicle rupture method. The morphology and structure of the biomimetic membranes were characterized by in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer using the attenuated total reflection technique (ATR-FTIR), and contact angle. Moreover, the FO performance of the resultant membrane was measured by using 2 M MgCl2 solution as draw solution and deionized (DI) water as feed solution, respectively. The membrane with a protein-to-lipid weight ratio (P/L) of 1/50 exhibits 13.2 L/m2h water flux and 3.2 g/m2h reversed flux by using FO mode, as well as 15.6 L/m2h water flux and 3.4 L/m2h reversed flux for PRO mode (the draw solution is placed against the active layer). It was also shown that the SLB layer of the double-skinned FO membrane can increase the surface hydrophilicity and reduce the surface roughness, which leads to an improved anti-fouling performance against humic acid foulant. The current work introduced a new method of fabricating high performance biomimetic FO membrane by combining AqpZ and a double-skinned structure based on LbL assembly. PMID:26266426

Emission and Dynamics of Charge Carriers in Uncoated and Organic/Metal Coated Semiconductor Nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaveh Baghbadorani, Masoud

In this dissertation, the dynamics of excitons in hybrid metal/organic/nanowire structures possessing nanometer thick deposited molecular and metal films on top of InP and GaAs nanowire (NW) surfaces were investigated. Optical characterizations were carried out as a function of the semiconductor NW material, design, NW size and the type and thickness of the organic material and metal used. Hybrid organic and plasmonic semiconductor nanowire heterostructures were fabricated using organic molecular beam deposition technique. I investigated the photon emission of excitons in 150 nm diameter polytype wurtzite/zincblende InP NWs and the influence of a few ten nanometer thick organic and metal films on the emission using intensity- and temperature-dependent time-integrated and time resolved (TR) photoluminescence (PL). The plasmonic NWs were coated with an Aluminum quinoline (Alq3) interlayer and magnesium-silver (Mg0.9:Ag0.1) top layer. In addition, the nonlinear optical technique of heterodyne four-wave mixing was used (in collaboration with Prof. Wolfgang Langbein, University of Cardiff) to study incoherent and coherent carrier relaxation processes on bare nanowires on a 100 femtosecond time-scale. Alq3 covered NWs reveal a stronger emission and a longer decay time of exciton transitions indicating surface state passivation at the Alq3/NW interface. Alq3/Mg:Ag NWs reveal a strong quenching of the exciton emission which is predominantly attributed to Forster energy-transfer from excitons to plasmon oscillations in the metal cluster film. Changing the Mg:Ag to gold and the organic Alq3 spacer layer to PTCDA leads to a similar behavior, but the PL quenching is strongly increased. The observed behavior is attributed to a more continuous gold deposition leading to an increased Forster energy transfer and to a metal induced band-bending. I also investigated ensembles of bare and gold/Alq3 coated GaAs-AlGaAs-GaAs core shell NWs of 130 nm diameter. Plasmonic NWs with Au coating reveal a significant reduction of the PL intensity compared with the uncoated NWs. Organic-plasmonic NWs with an additional Alq3 interlayer show a noticeably stronger PL intensity which increases with rising Alq3 spacer thickness. Metal induced band bending is mainly attributed to be responsible for the PL quenching. TR PL measurements support our interpretation by showing an increase in the exciton decay times as we increase the spacer thickness. Au coated NWs also reveal a strong polarization dependent absorption which is mainly due to the significant dielectric mismatch between the nanowires and the adjacent vacuum environment. Finally, the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and possible plasmonic NW lasing from hybrid plasmonic core-shell GaAs NW heterostructures was investigated. The plasmonic heterostructures are composed of either bare NWs on an Au coated glass substrate or Au coated NWs on a bare glass substrate. Intensity-dependent PL on plasmonic NW samples reveals a super linear increase of the PL intensities which is attributed to an ASE at a threshold energy fluence of 1 GW/cm 2. Measurements above the threshold power reveal few weakly resolved broad bands around the maximum emission of the PL band which suggest plasmonic film induced lasing. This interpretation is supported by the fact that lasing from such 100 nm narrow uncoated GaAs NWs is not possible.

Autofluorescence-Free Live-Cell Imaging Using Terbium Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Cardoso Dos Santos, M; Goetz, J; Bartenlian, H; Wong, K-L; Charbonnière, L J; Hildebrandt, N

2018-04-18

Fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) have become irreplaceable tools for advanced cellular and subcellular imaging. While very bright NPs require excitation with UV or visible light, which can create strong autofluorescence of biological components, NIR-excitable NPs without autofluorescence issues exhibit much lower brightness. Here, we show the application of a new type of surface-photosensitized terbium NPs (Tb-NPs) for autofluorescence-free intracellular imaging in live HeLa cells. The combination of exceptionally high brightness, high photostability, and long photoluminecence (PL) lifetimes for highly efficient suppression of the short-lived autofluorescence allowed for time-gated PL imaging of intracellular vesicles over 72 h without toxicity and at extremely low Tb-NP concentrations down to 12 pM. Detection of highly resolved long-lifetime (ms) PL decay curves from small (∼10 μm 2 ) areas within single cells within a few seconds emphasized the unprecedented photophysical properties of Tb-NPs for live-cell imaging that extend well beyond currently available nanometric imaging agents.

Photoluminescence and time-resolved carrier dynamics in thiol-capped CdTe nanocrystals under high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yan-Cheng; Chou, Wu-Ching; Susha, Andrei S.; Kershaw, Stephen V.; Rogach, Andrey L.

2013-03-01

The application of static high pressure provides a method for precisely controlling and investigating many fundamental and unique properties of semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs). This study systematically investigates the high-pressure photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved carrier dynamics of thiol-capped CdTe NCs of different sizes, at different concentrations, and in various stress environments. The zincblende-to-rocksalt phase transition in thiol-capped CdTe NCs is observed at a pressure far in excess of the bulk phase transition pressure. Additionally, the process of transformation depends strongly on NC size, and the phase transition pressure increases with NC size. These peculiar phenomena are attributed to the distinctive bonding of thiols to the NC surface. In a nonhydrostatic environment, considerable flattening of the PL energy of CdTe NC powder is observed above 3.0 GPa. Furthermore, asymmetric and double-peak PL emissions are obtained from a concentrated solution of CdTe NCs under hydrostatic pressure, implying the feasibility of pressure-induced interparticle coupling.

Effects of post-annealing treatment on the structure and photoluminescence properties of CdS/PS nanocomposites prepared by sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hong-yan

2016-03-01

CdS nanocrystals have been successfully grown on porous silicon (PS) by sol-gel method. The plan-view field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) shows that the pore size of PS is smaller than 5 μm in diameter and the agglomerates of CdS are broadly distributed on the surface of PS substrate. With the increase of annealing time, the CdS nanoparticles grow in both length and diameter along the preferred orientation. The cross-sectional FESEM images of ZnO/PS show that CdS nanocrystals are uniformly penetrated into all PS layers and adhere to them very well. photoluminescence (PL) spectra demonstrate that the intensity of PL peak located at about 425 nm has almost no change after the annealing time increases. The range of emission wavelength of CdS/PS is from 425 nm to 455 nm and the PL intensity is decreasing with the annealing temperature increasing from 100 °C to 200 °C.

Water-soluble multidentate polymers compactly coating Ag2S quantum dots with minimized hydrodynamic size and bright emission tunable from red to second near-infrared region.

PubMed

Gui, Rijun; Wan, Ajun; Liu, Xifeng; Yuan, Wen; Jin, Hui

2014-05-21

Hydrodynamic size-minimized quantum dots (QDs) have outstanding physicochemical properties for applications in multicolor molecular and cellular imaging at the level of single molecules and nanoparticles. In this study, we have reported the aqueous synthesis of Ag2S QDs by using thiol-based multidentate polymers as capping reagents. By regulating the composition of the precursors (AgNO3 and sulfur-N2H4·H2O complex) and multidentate polymers (poly(acrylic acid)-graft-cysteamine-graft-ethylenediamine), as well as the reaction time, Ag2S QDs (2.6-3.7 nm) are prepared, displaying tunable photoluminescence (PL) emission from red to the second near-infrared region (687-1096 nm). The small hydrodynamic thickness (1.6-1.9 nm) of the multidentate polymers yields a highly compact coating for the QDs, which results in the bright fluorescent QDs with high PL quantum yields (QYs: 14.2-16.4%). Experimental results confirm that the QDs have high PL stability and ultralow cytotoxicity, as well as high PLQYs and small hydrodynamic sizes (4.5-5.6 nm) similar to fluorescent proteins (27-30 kDa), indicating the feasibility of highly effective PL imaging in cells and living animals.

Humidity-Induced Photoluminescence Hysteresis in Variable Cs/Br Ratio Hybrid Perovskites.

PubMed

Howard, John M; Tennyson, Elizabeth M; Barik, Sabyasachi; Szostak, Rodrigo; Waks, Edo; Toney, Michael F; Nogueira, Ana F; Neves, Bernardo R A; Leite, Marina S

2018-06-21

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites containing Cs are a promising new material for light-absorbing and light-emitting optoelectronics. However, the impact of environmental conditions on their optical properties is not fully understood. Here, we elucidate and quantify the influence of distinct humidity levels on the charge carrier recombination in Cs x FA 1- x Pb(I y Br 1- y ) 3 perovskites. Using in situ environmental photoluminescence (PL), we temporally and spectrally resolve light emission within a loop of critical relative humidity (rH) levels. Our measurements show that exposure up to 35% rH increases the PL emission for all Cs (10-17%) and Br (17-38%) concentrations investigated here. Spectrally, samples with larger Br concentrations exhibit PL redshift at higher humidity levels, revealing water-driven halide segregation. The compositions considered present hysteresis in their PL intensity upon returning to a low-moisture environment due to partially reversible hydration of the perovskites. Our findings demonstrate that the Cs/Br ratio strongly influences both the spectral stability and extent of light emission hysteresis. We expect our method to become standard when testing the stability of emerging perovskites, including lead-free options, and to be combined with other parameters known for affecting material degradation, e.g., oxygen and temperature.

Role of molecular conformations in rubrene polycrystalline films growth from vacuum deposition at various substrate temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Ku-Yen; Wang, Yan-Jun; Chen, Ko-Lun; Ho, Ching-Yuan; Yang, Chun-Chuen; Shen, Ji-Lin; Chiu, Kuan-Cheng

2017-01-01

We report on the optical and structural characterization of rubrene polycrystalline films fabricated from vacuum deposition with various substrate temperatures (Tsub). Depending on Tsub, the role of twisted and planar rubrene conformational isomers on the properties of rubrene films is focused. The temperature (T)-dependent inverse optical transmission (IOT) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra were performed on these rubrene films. The origins of these IOT and PL peaks are explained in terms of the features from twisted and planar rubrene molecules and of the band characteristics from rubrene molecular solid films. Here, two rarely reported weak-peaks at 2.431 and 2.605 eV were observed from IOT spectra, which are associated with planar rubrene. Besides, the T-dependence of optical bandgap deduced from IOT spectra is discussed with respect to Tsub. Together with IOT and PL spectra, for Tsub > 170 °C, the changes in surface morphology and unit cell volume were observed for the first time, and are attributed to the isomeric transformation from twisted to planar rubrenes during the deposition processes. Furthermore, a unified schematic diagram in terms of Frenkel exciton recombination is suggested to explain the origins of the dominant PL peaks performed on these rubrene films at 15 K.

Reactive Oxygen Species Inactivation of Surfactant Involves Structural and Functional Alterations to Surfactant Proteins SP-B and SP-C

PubMed Central

Rodríguez-Capote, Karina; Manzanares, Dahis; Haines, Thomas; Possmayer, Fred

2006-01-01

Exposing bovine lipid extract surfactant (BLES), a clinical surfactant, to reactive oxygen species arising from hypochlorous acid or the Fenton reaction resulted in an increase in lipid (conjugated dienes, lipid aldehydes) and protein (carbonyls) oxidation products and a reduction in surface activity. Experiments where oxidized phospholipids (PL) were mixed with BLES demonstrated that this addition hampered BLES biophysical activity. However the effects were only moderately greater than with control PL. These results imply a critical role for protein oxidation. BLES oxidation by either method resulted in alterations in surfactant proteins SP-B and SP-C, as evidenced by altered Coomassie blue and silver staining. Western blot analyses showed depressed reactivity with specific antibodies. Oxidized SP-C showed decreased palmitoylation. Reconstitution experiments employing PL, SP-B, and SP-C isolated from control or oxidized BLES demonstrated that protein oxidation was more deleterious than lipid oxidation. Furthermore, addition of control SP-B can improve samples containing oxidized SP-C, but not vice versa. We conclude that surfactant oxidation arising from reactive oxygen species generated by air pollution or leukocytes interferes with surfactant function through oxidation of surfactant PL and proteins, but that protein oxidation, in particular SP-B modification, produces the major deleterious effects. PMID:16443649

Effect of mesogenic ligands on short and long-term spectral stability of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amaral, Jose; Betady, Edwin; Quint, Makiko; Martin, Denzal; Riahinasab, Sheida; Hirst, Linda; Ghosh, Sayantani

Surface modification of chemically synthesized CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) by performing a ligand-exchange can improve the optical properties, including short- and long-term photo-stability. Using a custom-designed mesogenic ligand, we significantly and advantageously alter the photophysical properties of CdSe/ZnS core-shell QDs. Our investigation is two-fold, as we follow the effect of ligand exchange on (1) the static and dynamic photoluminescence (PL) properties of QDs under continuous illumination, and (2) the temperature dependence of PL. We find that a reduction in Forster resonance energy transfer due to the ligand exchange process results in stabilizing both recombination lifetimes and emission intensity for over an hour of high power photo-excitation. Our temperature-dependent PL studies indicate thermally activated PL recovery at higher temperatures, and a lack of emission enhancement at low temperatures resulting from greater charge separation by the mesogenic ligands. We conclude that this process improves photoluminescence stability and sample longevity of QD films whose applications require long term resistance to photobleaching. This research was supported by funds from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Grant No. NNX15AQ01A, UCMEXUS-CONACYT, and National Science Foundation (NSF) Grants No. DMR-1056860, DMR-1359406 and CBET-1507551.

Photoluminescence enhancement of silicon quantum dot monolayer by plasmonic substrate fabricated by nano-imprint lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanagawa, Hiroto; Inoue, Asuka; Sugimoto, Hiroshi; Shioi, Masahiko; Fujii, Minoru

2017-12-01

Near-field coupling between a silicon quantum dot (Si-QD) monolayer and a plasmonic substrate fabricated by nano-imprint lithography and having broad multiple resonances in the near-infrared (NIR) window of biological substances was studied by precisely controlling the QDs-substrate distance. A strong enhancement of the NIR photoluminescence (PL) of Si-QDs was observed. Detailed analyses of the PL and PL excitation spectra, the PL decay dynamics, and the reflectance spectra revealed that both the excitation cross-sections and the emission rates are enhanced by the surface plasmon resonances, thanks to the broad multiple resonances of the plasmonic substrate, and that the relative contribution of the two enhancement processes depends strongly on the excitation wavelength. Under excitation by short wavelength photons (405 nm), where enhancement of the excitation cross-section is not expected, the maximum enhancement was obtained when the QDs-substrate distance was around 30 nm. On the other hand, under long wavelength excitation (641 nm), where strong excitation cross-section enhancement is expected, the largest enhancement was obtained when the distance was minimum (around 1 nm). The achievement of efficient excitation of NIR luminescence of Si-QDs by long wavelength photons paves the way for the development of Si-QD-based fluorescence bio-sensing devices with a high bound-to-free ratio.

TiO2 films with rich bulk oxygen vacancies prepared by electrospinning for dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaodong; Gao, Caitian; Wang, Jiangtao; Lu, Bingan; Chen, Wanjun; Song, Jie; Zhang, Shanshan; Zhang, Zhenxing; Pan, Xiaojun; Xie, Erqing

2012-09-01

Highly transparent nanocrystalline TiO2 films have been fabricated by electrospinning (ES) technique based on a transmutation process from as-spun nanofibers with an appropriate amount of tri-ethanolamine (TEOA) added to the precursor. A possible evolution mechanism of the transparent nanocrystalline TiO2 films is proposed. It is found that the films prepared via transmutation from electrospun nanofibers possess rich bulk oxygen vacancies (BOVs, PL band at 621-640 nm) by using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Contrastively, the dominant peak in PL spectrum of the spin-coated film is the emission from surface oxygen vacancies (SOVs, PL band at 537-555 nm). The electrospun TiO2 films with rich BOVs induce large open-circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF) improvements in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs), and thus a large improvement of energy conversion efficiency (η). In addition, these performance advantages are maintained for a double-layer cell with a doctor-bladed ˜7 μm top layer (P25 nanometer TiO2, Degussa) and an electrospun ˜3 μm bottom layer. The double-layer cell yields a high η of 6.01%, which has increased by 14% as compared with that obtained from a 10 μm thick P25 film.

TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT OF AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS FOR MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT

EPA Science Inventory

The innovative and alternative technology provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (PL 95-217) provide financial incentives to communities that use wastewater treatment alternatives to reduce costs or energy consumption over conventional systems. Some of these technologies have ...

Effect of annealing ambience on the formation of surface/bulk oxygen vacancies in TiO2 for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Lili; Zhang, Min; Guan, Zhongjie; Li, Qiuye; Yang, Jianjun

2018-01-01

The surface and bulk oxygen vacancy have a prominent effect on the photocatalytic performance of TiO2. In this study, TiO2 possessing different types and concentration of oxygen vacancies were prepared by annealing nanotube titanic acid (NTA) at various temperatures in air or vacuum atmosphere. TiO2 with the unitary bulk single-electron-trapped oxygen vacancies (SETOVs) formed when NTA were calcined in air. Whereas, TiO2 with both bulk and surface oxygen vacancies were obtained when NTA were annealed in vacuum. The series of TiO2 with different oxygen vacancies were systematically characterized by TEM, XRD, PL, XPS, ESR, and TGA. The PL and ESR analysis verified that surface oxygen vacancies and more bulk oxygen vacancies could form in vacuum atmosphere. Surface oxygen vacancies can trap electron and hinder the recombination of photo-generated charges, while bulk SETOVs act as the recombination center. The surface or bulk oxygen vacancies attributed different roles on the photo-absorbance and activity, leading that the sample of NTA-A400 displayed higher hydrogen evolution rate under UV light, whereas NTA-V400 displayed higher hydrogen evolution rate under visible light because bulk SETOVs can improve visible light absorption because sub-band formed by bulk SETOVs prompted the secondary transition of electron excited.

Electro-optic investigation of the n-alkanethiol GaAs(001) interface: Surface phenomena and applications to photoluminescence-based biosensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, Gregory M.

Semiconductor surfaces coupled to molecular structures derived from organic chemistry form the basis of an emerging class of field-effect devices. In addition to molecular electronics research, these interfaces are developed for a variety of sensor applications in the electronic and optical domains. Of practical interest are self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) comprised of n-alkanethiols [HS(CH2)n], which couple to the GaAs(001) surface through S-GaAs covalent bond formation. These SAMs offer potential functionality in terms of the requisite sensor chemistry and the passivation effect such coupling is known to afford. In this thesis, the SAM-GaAs interface is investigated in the context of a photonic biosensor based on photoluminescence (PL) variation. The scope of the work is categorized into three parts: i) the structural and compositional analysis of the surface using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ii) the investigation of electronic properties at the interface under equilibrium conditions using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, the Kelvin probe method, and XPS, and iii) the analysis of the electro-optic response under steady-state photonic excitation, specifically, the surface photovoltage (SPV) and PL intensity. Using a partial overlayer model of angle-resolved XPS spectra in which the component assignments are shown to be quantitatively valid, the coverage fraction of methyl-terminated SAMs is shown to exceed 90%. Notable among the findings are a low-oxide, Ga-rich surface with elemental As present in sub-monolayer quantities consistent with theoretical surface morphologies. Modal analysis of transmission IR spectra show that the SAM molecular order is sufficient to support a Beer-Lambert determination of the IR optical constants, which yields the observation of a SAM-specific absorbance enhancement. By correlation of the IR absorbance with the SAM dipole layer potential, the enhancement mechanism is attributed to the vibrational moments added by the electronic polarizability in the static field of the SAM. Lastly, the surface Fermi level position is determined by XPS and is used to interpret SPV results in terms of a thiol-induced reduction of the surface cross-section for minority carrier-capture. Numerical analysis confirms this result based on the carrier transport theory of PL intensity by means of a reduction of the surface recombination velocity. Keywords: photonics, biosensor, GaAs, self-assembled monolayers, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, photoluminescence, surface Fermi level, surface photovoltage.

The fissured East Yorkshire Chalk, UK - a 'sustainable' aquifer under stress ?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elliot, T.; Younger, P. L.; Chadha, D. S.

2003-04-01

The fissured Chalk is an important regional aquifer in East Yorkshire, UK, with a large potential for water supply to the Humberside region and especially the City of Hull. It has been exploited since the end of the 19th Century, but although there are more than a dozen long-established pumping wells in the Chalk these currently abstract only 7% of the total recharge the aquifer receives. The classical notion of ‘safe aquifer yield' equates the quantity of groundwater available for abstraction with the long-term natural recharge to the aquifer. An incautious hydrogeologist might be lead to conclude that this is a secure, under-developed resource. In this case study, the aquifer is shown to be already displaying early symptoms of hydrological stress (eg drought effects, overexploitation), and hydrogeochemical indicators point to further effects of anthropogenic pollution impacts in the unconfined aquifer and both recent and ancient saline intrusion in its semi-confined and confined zones. The hydrochemical evidence clearly reveals the importance both of recent aquifer management decisions and palaeohydrogeology in determining the distribution of water qualities within the aquifer. Waters encountered in the confined aquifer are identified as complex (and potentially dynamic) mixtures between recently recharged waters, modern seawater intrusion, and ancient seawater which entered the aquifer many millennia ago. Elliot, T. Younger, P.L. &Chadha, D.S. (1998) The future sustainability of groundwater resources in East Yorkshire - past and present perspectives. In H. Wheater and C. Kirby (Eds.) Hydrology in a Changing Environment, Vol. II, Proc. British Hydrological Society (BHS) International Conference, 6-10 July 1998, Exeter, UK. pp.21-31. Elliot, T., Chadha, D.S. &Younger, P.L. (2001) Water Quality Impacts and Palaeohydrogeology in the East Yorkshire Chalk Aquifer, UK. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 34(4): 385-398. Younger, P.L., Teutsch, G., Custodio, E., Elliot, T., Manzano, M. &Sauter, M. (2002) Assessments of the sensitivity to climate change of flow and natural water quality in four major carbonate aquifers of Europe. In Hiscock, K.M, Rivett, M.O., Davison, R.M. (Eds.), Sustainable Groundwater Development. Geological Society Special Publication No 193, The Geological Society, London, UK. pp.303-323.

Reducing Traffic Congestion: Using Market Prices to Enhance Mobility

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-01-01

This is the Department of Transportation's 1997 biennial report on the Congestion Pricing Pilot Program, as required by Section 1012(b) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, P.L. 102-240. The report highlights the significa...

Development of a portable petroleum by-products chemical sensor : phase III and IV.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-08-21

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are considered to have potential for chemical sensing application : because of their high surface to volume ratio and unique size tunable properties like : photoluminescence (PL). However, our study revealed for the f...

Characterization of nanostructured CuO-porous silicon matrix formed on copper-coated silicon substrate via electrochemical etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naddaf, M.; Mrad, O.; Al-zier, A.

2014-06-01

A pulsed anodic etching method has been utilized for nanostructuring of a copper-coated p-type (100) silicon substrate, using HF-based solution as electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the formation of a nanostructured matrix that consists of island-like textures with nanosize grains grown onto fiber-like columnar structures separated with etch pits of grooved porous structures. Spatial micro-Raman scattering analysis indicates that the island-like texture is composed of single-phase cupric oxide (CuO) nanocrystals, while the grooved porous structure is barely related to formation of porous silicon (PS). X-ray diffraction shows that both the grown CuO nanostructures and the etched silicon layer have the same preferred (220) orientation. Chemical composition obtained by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis confirms the presence of the single-phase CuO on the surface of the patterned CuO-PS matrix. As compared to PS formed on the bare silicon substrate, the room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) from the CuO-PS matrix exhibits an additional weak `blue' PL band as well as a blue shift in the PL band of PS (S-band). This has been revealed from XPS analysis to be associated with the enhancement in the SiO2 content as well as formation of the carbonyl group on the surface in the case of the CuO-PS matrix.

Emission dynamics of hybrid plasmonic gold/organic GaN nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadi, F.; Schmitzer, H.; Kunert, G.; Hommel, D.; Ge, J.; Duscher, G.; Langbein, W.; Wagner, H. P.

2017-12-01

We studied the emission of bare and aluminum quinoline (Alq3)/gold coated wurtzite GaN nanorods by temperature- and intensity-dependent time-integrated and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL). The GaN nanorods of ˜1.5 μm length and ˜250 nm diameter were grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Gold/Alq3 coated GaN nanorods were synthesized by organic molecular beam deposition. The near band-edge and donor-acceptor pair luminescence was investigated in bare GaN nanorods and compared with multilevel model calculations providing the dynamical parameters for electron-hole pairs, excitons, impurity bound excitons, donors and acceptors. Subsequently, the influence of a 10 nm gold coating without and with an Alq3 spacer layer was studied and the experimental results were analyzed with the multilevel model. Without a spacer layer, a significant PL quenching and lifetime reduction of the near band-edge emission is found. The behavior is attributed to surface band-bending and Förster energy transfer from excitons to surface plasmons in the gold layer. Inserting a 5 nm Alq3 spacer layer reduces the PL quenching and lifetime reduction which is consistent with a reduced band-bending and Förster energy transfer. Increasing the spacer layer to 30 nm results in lifetimes which are similar to uncoated structures, showing a significantly decreased influence of the gold coating on the excitonic dynamics.

Emission dynamics of hybrid plasmonic gold/organic GaN nanorods.

PubMed

Mohammadi, F; Schmitzer, H; Kunert, G; Hommel, D; Ge, J; Duscher, G; Langbein, W; Wagner, H P

2017-12-15

We studied the emission of bare and aluminum quinoline (Alq 3 )/gold coated wurtzite GaN nanorods by temperature- and intensity-dependent time-integrated and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL). The GaN nanorods of ∼1.5 μm length and ∼250 nm diameter were grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Gold/Alq 3 coated GaN nanorods were synthesized by organic molecular beam deposition. The near band-edge and donor-acceptor pair luminescence was investigated in bare GaN nanorods and compared with multilevel model calculations providing the dynamical parameters for electron-hole pairs, excitons, impurity bound excitons, donors and acceptors. Subsequently, the influence of a 10 nm gold coating without and with an Alq 3 spacer layer was studied and the experimental results were analyzed with the multilevel model. Without a spacer layer, a significant PL quenching and lifetime reduction of the near band-edge emission is found. The behavior is attributed to surface band-bending and Förster energy transfer from excitons to surface plasmons in the gold layer. Inserting a 5 nm Alq 3 spacer layer reduces the PL quenching and lifetime reduction which is consistent with a reduced band-bending and Förster energy transfer. Increasing the spacer layer to 30 nm results in lifetimes which are similar to uncoated structures, showing a significantly decreased influence of the gold coating on the excitonic dynamics.

A Surface Formulation for Characteristic Modes of Material Bodies

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-10-01

42 CHAPTER 3 4: CHARACTERISTIC MODES - A SURFACE FORMULATION 3.1 Theoretical Development The treatment of characteristic modes for perfectly...cgs* i + y mp ein•£ (A6 V; 1 TP At • CA6 I --- 4 1 o#i ajk(X MPcoeo* + umpsin# ) Iim n p-l1 Tp -Ax sin#i + Ay co* ] i (A-7) A4 APPWOIX II fill I vIal

Synthetic and natural plagioclases: iron variations and its influence on VNIR reflectance spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carli, Cristian; Orlando, Andrea; Borini, Daniele; Giuli, Gabriele; Serventi, Giovanna; Pratesi, Giovanni; Sgavetti, Maria

2017-04-01

Besides being one of the most important rock-forming phases, plagioclase (pl) is a common surface mineral in several Solar System bodies. In particular, pl is present in meteorites and lunar samples, both in lunar Highland, where it is the dominant phase, and Maria samples. Moreover, pl has been detected in Martian meteorites, as well as in HEDs. In visible and near-infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectroscopy this phase is characterized by a crystal field (C.F.) absorption band in iron-bearing samples. In particular, Burns (1993) summarized the electronic absorptions due to iron, pointing out: 1) a broad absorption around 1.25 μm related to a C.F. transition due to Fe2+ replacing Ca2+ in seven-fold coordinated sites; 2) narrow absorptions around 0.4 μm related to tetrahedrally coordinated Fe3+ ions replacing Al in the tetrahedral sites. A better understanding of the spectral properties of Fe2+-pl can be an important tool to investigate the spectral influence of pl in regolith material in which it can be mixed with variable amount of other components with variable abundance. This goal can be reached working on synthetic pl with variable FeO and An contents, which must be well characterized to be sure about the attribution of absorption bands seen in reflectance spectra, as well as working on well characterized (in term of An, iron amount and Fe2+/Fe3+) terrestrial pl. Future rover mission will have onboard hyperspectral instrument working in the VNIR with relative high spatial resolution and, so, with the possibility of measured pl crystals. For this reason, working more in detail on iron bearing plagioclase can be an important task. Here, we present our results on synthetic An90 mol% pl with different iron contents (0, 0.5 and 1.0 FeO wt%) with the aim to investigate the effects of iron substitution on the VNIR spectra of pl. Reagent-grade oxides and carbonates reactants used as starting materials were thoroughly mixed to ensure homogeneity. Each experimental charge weighed about 200 mg. All the experiments have been carried out in a Deltech vertical gas-mixing (CO - CO2) quenching furnace equipped with an oxygen fugacity probe. Temperatures were in the 1395 - 1580 ˚ C range and run duration varied from 15 min to 48 hours. The synthesis procedure envisaged two stages: 1) preparation of a glass from the starting material at high temperature (1550 or 1580 ˚ C); 2) annealing at lower T (1395 ˚ C). The produced pl were grinded and sieved at about <100 μm, VNIR reflectance and EXAFS spectra have been acquired to define the reflectance spectra and the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio on each experiment. Moreover, the obtained products were characterized by several techniques such as optical microscopy, XRD, SEM, EMPA, to assess the pl-crystallinity and its chemical composition. Spectra collected on synthetic samples are compared with those of natural pl, and the broad 1.25gμm C.F. absorption parameters have been related to Fe2+ abundance and Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio. Reference: Burns, R.G., 1993. Mineralogical Applications of Crystal Field Theory. Cambridge University Press, 551 pp.

Effect of lens care system on silicone hydrogel contact lens wettability.

PubMed

Guillon, Michel; Maissa, Cécile; Wong, Stéphanie; Patel, Trisha; Garofalo, Renée

2015-12-01

The purpose was to compare the effect of the repeated usage of two care systems (one hydrogen peroxide cleaning and disinfecting system and one polyaminopropyl biguanide (PHMB) containing multi-purpose system) with silicone hydrogel contact lenses worn for three months on a daily wear modality. A specific aspect of interest was of the effect of the care systems on contact lens wettability. Seventy-four symptomatic contact lens wearers, habitually wearing either ACUVUE(®) OASYS(®) (n=37) or PureVision™ (n=37), constituted the study population. The study was a two-arm prospective, investigator-masked, bilateral study of three-month duration to evaluate the effects of CLEAR CARE(®) compared with renu(®) fresh™. The subjects were randomized to one of the two lens care systems. Contact lens wettability and surface cleanliness were assessed with the Tearscope and reported in terms of pre-lens non-invasive break-up time (PL-NIBUT) and visible deposits. Baseline assessments at enrollment were with the subjects' own contact lenses worn for at least 6h when using their habitual PHMB-preserved care system and at the dispensing visit with new contact lenses. At the follow-up visits, the contact lenses were worn for at least 6h, and were at least 11 days old for ACUVUE(®) OASYS(®) and 25 days old for PureVision™. The results obtained showed that: (i) with CLEAR CARE(®), a significant improvement in contact lens wettability was recorded compared with the habitual care system at the three-month follow-up visit (mean median PL-NIBUT 5.8 vs. 4.0 s, p<0.001). Further, with this same lens care system a significant increase in wettability was observed at the three-month follow-up visit compared with dispensing (mean median PL-NIBUT 5.8 vs. 4.5s, p=0.022). (ii) Whereas no difference in contact lens wettability was observed at dispensing between the two lens care groups (mean PL-NIBUT: 4.5 vs. 4.2s, p=0.518), a significantly more stable pre-lens tear film was observed with CLEAR CARE(®) than with renu(®) fresh™ at both the two-month (mean PL-NIBUT: 4.6 vs. 3.7s, p=0.005) and three-month (mean PL-NIBUT: 5.8 vs. 4.2 s, p=0.028) visits. iii. With renu(®) fresh™, no significant differences were observed at the end of three months of use compared with either the habitual care system or the new contact lens solution (mean PL-NIBUT: 3M 4.2 vs. Disp 4.2 s (p=0.420) vs. enrolment habitual care solution 5.1s (p=0.734)). iv. With CLEAR CARE(®) significant increases in the incidence of surfaces free of both mucus (3 month 95%. vs. habitual solution 82% enrolment; p=0.005) and lipid (3 month 87% vs. habitual solution 72% enrolment; p=0.009) were observed. Significantly better contact lens wettability and surface cleanliness were achieved for ACUVUE(®) OASYS(®) and PureVision™ with CLEAR CARE(®) than with renu(®) fresh™ at the end of three months of use. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Strain Dependence of Photoluminescense of Individual Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nikolaev, Pavel N.; Leeuw, Tonya K.; Tsyboulski, Dmitri A.; Bachilo, Sergei M.; Weisman, Bruce; Arepalli, Sivaram

2007-01-01

We have investigated strain dependence of photoluminescense (PL) spectra of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT). Nanotubes were sparsely dispersed in a thin PMMA film applied to acrylic bar, and strained in both compression and extension by bending this bar in either direction in a homebuilt four-point bending rig. The average surface strain was measured with high accuracy by a resistive strain gage applied on top of the film. The near infrared imaging and spectroscopy were performed on the inverted microscope equipped with high numerical aperture reflective objective lens and InGaAs CCD cameras. PL was excited with a diode laser at either 658, 730 or 785 nm, linearly polarized in the direction of the strain. We were able to measure (n,m) types and orientation of individual nanotubes with respect to strain direction and strain dependence of their PL maxima. It was found that PL peak shifts with respect to the values measured in SDS micelles are a sum of three components. First, a small environmental shift due to difference in the dielectric constant of the surrounding media, that is constant and independent of the nanotube type. Second, shift due to isotropic compression of the film during drying. Third, shifts produced by the uniaxial loading of the film in the experiment. Second and third shifts follow expression based on the first-order expansion of the TB hamiltonian. Their magnitude is proportional to the nanotube chiral angle and strain, and direction is determined by the nanotube quantum number. PL strain dependence measured for a number of various nanotube types allows to estimate TB carbon-carbon transfer integral.

Water quality of surface runoff and lint yield in cotton under furrow irrigation in Northeast Arkansas.

PubMed

Adviento-Borbe, M Arlene A; Barnes, Brittany D; Iseyemi, Oluwayinka; Mann, Amanda M; Reba, Michele L; Robertson, William J; Massey, Joseph H; Teague, Tina G

2018-02-01

Use of furrow irrigation in row crop production is a common practice through much of the Midsouth US and yet, nutrients can be transported off-site through surface runoff. A field study with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, L.) was conducted to understand the impact of furrow tillage practices and nitrogen (N) fertilizer placement on characteristics of runoff water quality during the growing season. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design with conventional (CT) and conservation furrow tillage (FT) in combination with either urea (URN) broadcast or 32% urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) injected, each applied at 101kgNha -1 . Concentrations of ammonium (NH 4 -N), nitrate (NO 3 -N), nitrite (NO 2 -N), and dissolved phosphorus (P) in irrigation runoff water and lint yields were measured in all treatments. The intensity and chemical form of nutrient losses were primarily controlled by water runoff volume and agronomic practice. Across tillage and fertilizer N treatments, median N concentrations in the runoff were <0.3mgNL -1 , with NO 3 -N being relatively the highest among N forms. Concentrations of runoff dissolved P were <0.05mgPL -1 and were affected by volume of runoff water. Water pH, specific electrical conductivity, alkalinity and hardness were within levels that common to local irrigation water and less likely to impair pollution in waterways. Lint yields averaged 1111kgha -1 and were higher (P-value=0.03) in FT compared to CT treatments. Runoff volumes across irrigation events were greater (P-value=0.02) in CT than FT treatments, which increased NO 3 -N mass loads in CT treatments (394gNO 3 -Nha -1 season -1 ). Nitrate-N concentrations in CT treatments were still low and pose little threat to N contaminations in waterways. The findings support the adoption of conservation practices for furrow tillage and N fertilizer placement that can reduce nutrient runoff losses in furrow irrigation systems. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Specimen Design for Sustained Load Testing of Parallel-Laid Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastics.

DTIC Science & Technology

prepared by molding on a sheet of woven glass fabric and stripping this off just before bonding, to leave a roughened surface. The test specimens are 1/2 inch wide strips cut from the laminates. (Author, modified-PL)

Quenching of porous silicon photoluminescence by molecular oxygen and dependence of this phenomenon on storing media and method of preparation of pSi photosensitizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balaguer, María; Matveeva, Eugenia

2010-10-01

The quenching of porous silicon photoluminescence (pSi PL) by molecular oxygen has been studied in different storing media in an attempt to clarify the mechanism of the energy transfer from the silicon photosensitizer to the oxygen acceptor. Luminescent materials have been prepared by two methods: electrochemical anodizing and chemical etching. Different structural forms were used: porous layers on silicon wafer and two kinds of differently prepared powder. Dry air and liquid water were employed as storing media; quenching behaviour was under observation until total degradation of quenching properties. Singlet oxygen molecules generation through energy transfer from photoluminescent pSi was the only photosensitizing mechanism observed under dry gas conditions. This PL quenching process was preferentially developed at 760 nm (1.63 eV) that corresponds to the formation of the 1Σ singlet oxygen state. Oxidation of the pSi photosensitizer was the main factor that led to its total deactivation in a time scale of few weeks. Regarding water medium, different photosensitizing behaviour was observed. In watery conditions, two preferred energy levels were found: the one detected in dry gas and another centred at approximately 2.2 eV (550 nm). Formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) different from singlet oxygen, such as superoxide anion or superoxide radical, can be responsible for the second one. This second quenching process developed gradually after the initial contact of pSi photosensitizer with water and then degraded. The process lasted only several hours. Therefore, functionalization of the pSi photosensitizer is probably required to stabilize its PL and quenching properties in the watery physiological conditions required for biomedical applications.

Development of Primary Volatile Production in COMET C/20O9 Pl (GARRADD) During its 2011-2O12 Apparition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mumma, M. J.; {agamomo. :/; Vo; DiSanti, M. A.; Bonev, B. P.; Lippi, M.; Boehnhardt, H.; Keane, J. V.; Meech, K. J.; Blake, G. A.

2012-01-01

We quantified primary volatiles in comet C/2009 Pl (Garradd) through pre- and post-perihelion observations acquired during its apparition in 2011-12 [1,2,3]. Detected volatiles include H2O, CO, CH4, C2H2, C2H6, HCN, NH3, H2CO, and CH3OH. We present production rates and chemical abundance ratios (relative to water) for all species, and I-D spatial profiles for multiple primary volatiles. We discuss these findings in the context of an emerging taxonomy based on primary volatiles in comets [4]. We used three spectrometer/telescope combinations. On UT 20ll August 7 (Rh 2.4 AU) and September 17-21 (Rh 2.0 AU), we used CRIRES at ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) [1]. On September 8 and 9 (Rh 2.1 AU), we used NIRSPEC at Keck-2 and CSHELL at IRTF [2]. Using NIRSPEC on October 13 and 2012 January 08 (Rh 1.83 and 1.57 AU, respectively), we detected nine primary volatiles pre-perihelion, and six post-perihelion [3]. CO was enriched in Garradd while C2H2 was strongly depleted. C2H6 and CH3OH displayed abundances close to those measured for the majority of Oort cloud comets observed to date. The high fractional abundance of CO identifies comet C12009 P1 as a CO-rich comet. Spatial profiles revealed notable differences among individual primary species. Given the relatively large heliocentric distance of C/2009 Pl, we explored the effect of water not being fully sublimated within our field of view and we identi$, the "missing" water fraction needed to reconcile the retrieved abundance ratios with the mean values found for "organics-normal" comets.

Efficacies of designer biochars in improving biomass and nutrient uptake of winter wheat grown in a hard setting subsoil layer.

PubMed

Sigua, G C; Novak, J M; Watts, D W; Johnson, M G; Spokas, K

2016-01-01

In the Coastal Plains region of the United States, the hard setting subsoil layer of Norfolk soils results in low water holding capacity and nutrient retention, which often limits root development. In this region, the Norfolk soils are under intensive crop production that further depletes nutrients and reduces organic carbon (C). Incorporation of pyrolyzed organic residues or "biochars" can provide an alternative recalcitrant C source. However, biochar quality and effect can be inconsistent and different biochars react differently in soils. We hypothesized that addition of different designer biochars will have variable effects on biomass and nutrient uptake of winter wheat. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of designer biochars on biomass productivity and nutrient uptake of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a Norfolk's hard setting subsoil layer. Biochars were added to Norfolk's hard setting subsoil layer at the rate of 40 Mg ha(-1). The different sources of biochars were: plant-based (pine chips, PC); animal-based (poultry litter, PL); 50:50 blend (50% PC:50% PL); 80:20 blend (80% PC:20% PL); and hardwood (HW). Aboveground and belowground biomass and nutrient uptake of winter wheat varied significantly (p⩽0.0001) with the different designer biochar applications. The greatest increase in the belowground biomass of winter wheat over the control was from 80:20 blend of PC:PL (81%) followed by HW (76%), PC (59%) and 50:50 blend of PC:PL (9%). However, application of PL resulted in significant reduction of belowground biomass by about 82% when compared to the control plants. The average uptake of P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Al, Fe, Cu and Zn in both the aboveground and belowground biomass of winter wheat varied remarkably with biochar treatments. Overall, our results showed promising significance for the treatment of a Norfolk's hard setting subsoil layer since designer biochars did improve both aboveground/belowground biomass and nutrient uptake of winter wheat. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Feasibility study on the use of liquid crystal/dye cells for digital signage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itaya, Shunsuke; Azumi, Nada Dianah B. M.; Ohta, Masamichi; Ozawa, Shintaro; Fujieda, Ichiro

2016-03-01

Elongated dye molecules orient themselves with surrounding liquid crystal molecules. We propose to incorporate such a guest-host cell in a screen of a projection display. This configuration might be applied for digital signage to be installed on building walls. Dual-mode operation is realized by the bias applied to the cell. In display-mode, the dye molecules are oriented in parallel to the substrate of the cell. When excited by ultra-violet light, photoluminescence (PL) is generated. Because it is mostly perpendicular to the long axis of the molecule, it exits the cell efficiently. In powerharvesting mode, they are oriented vertically. The PL generated by ambient light is directed to edge surfaces where solar cells are mounted. In experiment, we fabricated a cell with commonly-available materials (coumarin 6 and a nematic liquid crystal). Anti-parallel alignment condition was adopted. We recorded PL spectra from the cell for the two excitation conditions. First, the center of the cell was irradiated by a 1.69mW blue laser beam. Second, the whole cell was uniformly exposed to the light from a fluorescent lamp at illuminance of 800lx. From the measured spectra for these cases, the contrast of luminance is calculated to be 3.2 ×105 . This factor is improved to 5 7.5×105 by attaching a polarizer sheet on the cell surface. The optical power reaching its edge surfaces is measured and it roughly agrees with the prediction by a simple model neglecting self-absorption. Development of phosphor materials with a large Stokes shift is desired to boost performance of the proposed system.

Spectral properties of Dy3+ doped ZnAl2O4 phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prakash, Ram; Kumar, Sandeep; Mahajan, Rubby; Khajuria, Pooja; Kumar, Vinay; Choudhary, R. J.; Phase, D. M.

2018-05-01

Herein, Dy3+ doped ZnAl2O4 phosphor was synthesized by the solution combustion method. The synthesized phosphor was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The phase purity of the phosphor was confirmed by the XRD studies that showed cubic symmetry of the synthesized phosphor. Under UV excitation (388 nm) the PL emission spectrum of the phosphor shows characteristic transition from the Dy3+ ion. A band gap of 5.2 eV was estimated from the diffused reflectance spectroscopy. The surface properties of the phosphor were studied using the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Side population cells of pancreatic cancer show characteristics of cancer stem cells responsible for resistance and metastasis.

PubMed

Niess, Hanno; Camaj, Peter; Renner, Andrea; Ischenko, Ivan; Zhao, Yue; Krebs, Stefan; Mysliwietz, Josef; Jäckel, Carsten; Nelson, Peter J; Blum, Helmut; Jauch, Karl-Walter; Ellwart, Joachim W; Bruns, Christiane J

2015-06-01

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed to underlie the initiation and maintenance of tumor growth and the development of chemoresistance in solid tumors. The identification and role of these important cells in pancreatic cancer remains controversial. Here, we isolate side population (SP) cells from the highly aggressive and metastatic human pancreatic cancer cell line L3.6pl and evaluate their potential role as models for CSCs. SP cells were isolated following Hoechst 33342 staining of L3.6pl cells. SP, non-SP, and unsorted L3.6pl cells were orthotopically xenografted into the pancreas of nude mice and tumor growth observed. RNA was analyzed by whole genome array and pathway mapping was performed. Drug resistant variants of L3.6pl were developed and examined for SP proportions and evaluated for surface expression of known CSC markers. A distinct SP with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into non-SP cells was isolated from L3.6pl (0.9 % ± 0.22). SP cells showed highly tumorigenic and metastatic characteristics after orthotopic injection. Transcriptomic analysis identified modulation of gene networks linked to tumorigenesis, differentiation, and metastasization in SP cells relative to non-SP cells. Wnt, NOTCH, and EGFR signaling pathways associated with tumor stem cells were altered in SP cells. When cultured with increasing concentrations of gemcitabine, the proportion of SP cells, ABCG2(+), and CD24(+) cells were significantly enriched, whereas 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment lowered the percentage of SP cells. SP cells were distinct from cells positive for previously postulated pancreatic CSC markers. The Hoechst-induced side population in L3.6pl cells comprises a subset of tumor cells displaying aggressive growth and metastasization, increased gemcitabine-, but not 5-FU resistance. The cells may act as a partial model for CSC biology.

Epidermal growth factor stimulates mouse placental lactogen I but inhibits mouse placental lactogen II secretion in vitro.

PubMed Central

Yamaguchi, M; Ogren, L; Endo, H; Thordarson, G; Kensinger, R; Talamantes, F

1992-01-01

This study was undertaken to determine whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) regulates the secretion of mouse placental lactogen (mPL)-I and mPL-II. Primary cell cultures were prepared from placentas from days 7, 9, and 11 of pregnancy and cultured for up to 5 days. Addition of EGF (20 ng/ml) to the medium resulted in significant stimulation of mPL-I secretion by the second day of culture in cells from days 7 and 9 of pregnancy and significant inhibition of mPL-II secretion by the third or fourth day of culture in cells from days 7, 9, and 11. Dose-response studies carried out with cells from day 7 of pregnancy demonstrated that the minimum concentration of EGF that stimulated mPL-I secretion and inhibited mPL-II secretion was 1.0 ng/ml. EGF did not affect the DNA content of the cells or cell viability, assessed by trypan blue exclusion, nor did it have a general effect on protein synthesis. There are three types of PL-containing giant cells in mouse placental cell cultures: cells that contain either mPL-I or mPL-II and cells that contain both hormones. Immunocytochemical analysis and the reverse hemolytic plaque assay indicated that EGF treatment was accompanied by a significant increase in the number of cells that produce mPL-I, but among the PL cells that contained mPL-I, there was no change in the fraction of cells that contained only mPL-I or the fraction that contained both mPL-I and mPL-II. In contrast, EGF treatment did affect the distribution of mPL-II among PL cells. In control cultures, about 75% of the cells that contained mPL-II also contained mPL-I, but in EGF-treated cultures, all of the cells that contained mPL-II also contained mPL-I. These data suggest that EGF regulates mPL-I and mPL-II secretion at least partly by regulating PL cell differentiation. PMID:1454826

Acceptors in bulk and nanoscale ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCluskey, M. D.

2012-02-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a semiconductor that emits bright UV light, with little wasted heat. This intrinsic feature makes it a promising material for energy-efficient white lighting, nano-lasers, and other optical applications. For devices to be competitive, however, it is necessary to develop reliable p-type doping. Although substitutional nitrogen has been considered as a potential p-type dopant for ZnO, theoretical and experimental work indicates that nitrogen is a deep acceptor and will not lead to p-type conductivity. This talk will highlight recent experiments on ZnO:N at low temperatures. A red/near-IR photoluminescence (PL) band is correlated with the presence of deep nitrogen acceptors. PL excitation (PLE) measurements show an absorption threshold of 2.26 eV, in good agreement with theory. Magnetic resonance experiments provide further evidence for this assignment. The results of these studies seem to rule out group-V elements as shallow acceptors in ZnO, contradicting numerous reports in the literature. If these acceptors do not work as advertised, is there a viable alternative? Optical studies on ZnO nanocrystals show some intriguing leads. At liquid-helium temperatures, a series of sharp IR absorption peaks arise from an unknown acceptor impurity. The data are consistent with a hydrogenic acceptor 0.46 eV above the valence band edge. While this binding energy is still too deep for many practical applications, it represents a significant improvement over the ˜ 1.3 eV binding energy for nitrogen acceptors. Nanocrystals present another twist. Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, surface states are especially important. Specifically, electron-hole recombination at the surface give rises to a red luminescence band. From our PL and IR experiments, we have developed a ``unified'' model that attempts to explain acceptor and surface states in ZnO nanocrystals. This model could provide a useful framework for designing future nanoscale ZnO devices.

Oxygen Isotope and Microtextural Evidence for Fluctuations in Fluid Pressure During Contact Metamorphism, Alta Aureole, Utah, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowman, J. R.; Valley, J. W.; Kita, N.

2006-12-01

Thin section-scale textures record a detailed history of prograde and retrograde reactions in the periclase (Per) zone of the Alta Stock aureole. New ion microprobe (SIMS) measurements (10 micron spot, ±0.2 permil, 1sd) of the oxygen isotope compositions of the carbonates preserving these textures provide evidence for at least two cycles of oscillation of fluid pressure (Pfl) between lithostatic (PL) and hydrostatic (Phyd) conditions during evolution of the inner aureole. Infiltration of water-rich fluids during prograde metamorphism converted dolomite (Dol) to Per + calcite (Cal) marble and caused significant 18O/16O depletion in the Dol protolith (Initial δ18O (Cal) > +25 permil), producing Cal with δ18O values of +11 permil. The SIMS values approximate oxygen isotope exchange equilibrium with the Alta stock, indicating that infiltrating fluids were likely magmatic. Exsolution of fluid from the crystallizing magma, coupled with geothermometry from the periclase zone marbles, requires Pfl> PL. Horizontally-oriented expansion cracks filled with brucite (Br) extend from Br pseudomorphs after periclase, and cut retrograde Dol that partially to completely rims the Br pseudomorphs. This earlier retrograde Dol is significantly depleted in 18O/16O relative to matrix Cal, with δ18O of +5 to +7.1 permil. These lower δ18O values indicate that meteoric water infiltrated into the Per marbles during cooling and resulting partial back reaction of Per + Cal to Dol, prior to the hydration of the remaining Per to Br. Influx of meteoric water requires sufficient increase in permeability to permit surface- derived meteoric water to penetrate to the estimated 4.5 km depth of this structural level of the Alta aureole, and suggests a resulting decrease in Pfl to hydrostatic pressure conditions. The horizontally-oriented expansion cracks associated with the Br pseudomorphs indicate that sub-vertical expansion accompanied hydration of Per to Br, requiring that Pfl increase again to values equal to and even slightly in excess of PL. Subsequent formation of a second generation of sub-vertical Dol veins with very low δ18O values (-1.9 to +1.2 permil) indicates another stage of infiltration involving even greater amounts of meteoric water, and a return to hydrostatic Pflconditions. Hence the detailed microtextures in the Per zone marbles, and their δ18O values, measureable with the spatial resolution capability of the ion microprobe, record a history of fluctuating fluid pressure between lithostatic and hydrostatic conditions in the inner Alta aureole. Such fluctuations should not be surprising. Contact metamorphic environments are characterized by strong spatial and temporal gradients in temperature, and a number of thermally-dependent factors (e.g., compaction, crystallization, reaction-generated porosity, thermally-controlled expansion and contraction) would then interact dynamically as sealing and cracking mechanisms to both increase and decrease permeability. Further, transient increases in fluid pressure would be expected from production of volatiles by metamorphic reactions and from multiple pulses of magmatic fluid produced during the assembly of an igneous intrusion.

TRAC-P1: an advanced best estimate computer program for PWR LOCA analysis. I. Methods, models, user information, and programming details

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

Not Available

1978-05-01

The Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC) is being developed at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL) to provide an advanced ''best estimate'' predictive capability for the analysis of postulated accidents in light water reactors (LWRs). TRAC-Pl provides this analysis capability for pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and for a wide variety of thermal-hydraulic experimental facilities. It features a three-dimensional treatment of the pressure vessel and associated internals; two-phase nonequilibrium hydrodynamics models; flow-regime-dependent constitutive equation treatment; reflood tracking capability for both bottom flood and falling film quench fronts; and consistent treatment of entire accident sequences including the generation of consistent initial conditions.more » The TRAC-Pl User's Manual is composed of two separate volumes. Volume I gives a description of the thermal-hydraulic models and numerical solution methods used in the code. Detailed programming and user information is also provided. Volume II presents the results of the developmental verification calculations.« less

Two strategies for phosphorus removal from reject water of municipal wastewater treatment plant using alum sludge.

PubMed

Yang, Y; Zhao, Y Q; Babatunde, A O; Kearney, P

2009-01-01

In view of the well recognized need of reject water treatment in MWWTP (municipal wastewater treatment plant), this paper outlines two strategies for P removal from reject water using alum sludge, which is produced as by-product in drinking water treatment plant when aluminium sulphate is used for flocculating raw waters. One strategy is the use of the alum sludge in liquid form for co-conditioning and dewatering with the anaerobically digested activated sludge in MWWTP. The other strategy involves the use of the dewatered alum sludge cakes in a fixed bed for P immobilization from the reject water that refers to the mixture of the supernatant of the sludge thickening process and the supernatant of the anaerobically digested sludge. Experimental trials have demonstrated that the alum sludge can efficiently reduce P level in reject water. The co-conditioning strategy could reduce P from 597-675 mg P/L to 0.14-3.20 mg P/L in the supernatant of the sewage sludge while the organic polymer dosage for the conditioning of the mixed sludges would also be significantly reduced. The second strategy of reject water filtration with alum sludge bed has shown a good performance of P reduction. The alum sludge has P-adsorption capacity of 31 mg-P/g-sludge, which was tested under filtration velocity of 1.0 m/h. The two strategies highlight the beneficial utilization of alum sludge in wastewater treatment process in MWWTP, thus converting the alum sludge as a useful material, rather than a waste for landfill.

Presence of photoluminescent carbon dots in Nescafe® original instant coffee: applications to bioimaging.

PubMed

Jiang, Chengkun; Wu, Hao; Song, Xiaojie; Ma, Xiaojun; Wang, Jihui; Tan, Mingqian

2014-09-01

The presence of the carbon dots (C-dots) in food is a hotly debated topic and our knowledge about the presence and the use of carbon dots (C-dots) in food is still in its infancy. We report the finding of the presence of photoluminescent (PL) C-dots in commercial Nescafe instant coffee. TEM analysis reveals that the extracted C-dots have an average size of 4.4 nm. They were well-dispersed in water and strongly photoluminescent under the excitation of ultra-violet light with a quantum yield (QY) about 5.5%, which were also found to possess clear upconversion PL properties. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization demonstrates that the C-dots contain C, O and N three elements with the relative contents ca. 30.1, 62.2 and 7.8%. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates that the C-dots are amorphous. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were employed to characterize the surface groups of the C-dots. The C-dots show a pH independent behavior by varying the pH value from 2 to 11. The cytotoxicity study revealed that the C-dots did not cause any toxicity to cells at a concentration as high as 20 mg/mL. The C-dots have been directly applied in cells and fish imaging, which suggested that the C-dots present in commercial coffee may have more potential biological applications. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Fluorescence properties of alloyed ZnSeS quantum dots overcoated with ZnTe and ZnTe/ZnS shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adegoke, Oluwasesan; Mashazi, Philani; Nyokong, Tebello; Forbes, Patricia B. C.

2016-04-01

Fluorescent alloyed ternary ZnSeS quantum dots (QDs) have been synthesized via the pyrolysis of organometallic precursors. The effects of passivation of ZnTe and ZnTe/ZnS shells on the optical properties of the ternary alloyed ZnSeS core have been studied. A ligand exchange reaction using L-cysteine as a capping ligand was used to obtain water-soluble nanocrystals. The nanocrystals were each characterized by UV/vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) of alloyed ZnSeS QDs was 14% and this value increased to 27% when ZnTe was overcoated around the surface but further coating with a ZnS shell decreased the PL QY slightly to 24%. This implies that ZnTe shell suppressed non-radiative recombination exciton states in the alloyed core while further layering with a ZnS shell offered no further improvement in suppressing the defect states. XPS analysis confirmed the presence of the first shell layering but showed a weakened intensity signal of S (2p) and Se (3d) for the ZnSeS/ZnTe/ZnS QDs. Our work demonstrates for the first time that shell passivation of alloyed Zn-based QDs can offer improved optical properties. We hope the optical information presented in this work will be useful in the selection of alloyed Zn-based QDs appropriate for the intended application.

Evaluation of thin epoxy system overlays for concrete bridge decks : interim report No. 1.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1986-05-01

Four epoxy overlay systems were applied to concrete bridge decks in north Louisiana to evaluate their performance as skid resistant surfaces primarily and also as concrete sealers. Dural Flexolith, Poly-Carb Flexogrid, and Con/Chem Cono/Crete were pl...

Anatomy of a Visible Light Activated Photocatalyst for Water Splitting

DOE PAGES

Phivilay, Somphonh Peter; Roberts, Charles; Gamalski, Andrew; ...

2018-06-08

The supported mixed oxide (Rh 2-yCr yO 3)/(Ga 1-xZn x)(N 1-xO x) photocatalyst, highly active for splitting of H 2O, was extensively characterized for its bulk and surface properties with the objective of developing fundamental structure-photoactivity relationships. Raman and UV-vis spectroscopy revealed that the molecular and electronic structures, respectively, of the oxynitride (Ga 1-xZn x)(N 1-xO x) support are not perturbed by the deposition of the (Rh 2-yCr yO 3) NPs. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, however, showed that the oxynitride (Ga 1-xZn x)(N 1-xO x) support is the source of excited electrons/holes and the (Rh 2-yCr yO 3) NPs greatly reducemore » the undesirable recombination of photoexcited electron/holes by acting as efficient electron traps as well as increase the lifetimes of the excitons. High Resolution-XPS and High Sensitivity-LEIS surface analyses reveal that the surfaces of the (Rh 2-yCr yO 3) NPs consist of Rh +3 and Cr +3 mixed oxide species. In Situ AP-XPS help to reveal that the Rh+3 and surface N atoms are involved in water splitting. Dispersed RhOx species on the (Ga 1-xZn x)(N 1-xO x) support and on CrO x NPs were found to be the photocatalytic active sites for H 2 generation and N and Zn sites from the (Ga 1-xZn x)(N 1-xO x) support are the photocatalytic active site for O 2 generation. The current investigation establishes the fundamental structure-photoactivity relationships of these visible light activated photocatalysts.« less

Anatomy of a Visible Light Activated Photocatalyst for Water Splitting

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

Phivilay, Somphonh Peter; Roberts, Charles; Gamalski, Andrew

The supported mixed oxide (Rh 2-yCr yO 3)/(Ga 1-xZn x)(N 1-xO x) photocatalyst, highly active for splitting of H 2O, was extensively characterized for its bulk and surface properties with the objective of developing fundamental structure-photoactivity relationships. Raman and UV-vis spectroscopy revealed that the molecular and electronic structures, respectively, of the oxynitride (Ga 1-xZn x)(N 1-xO x) support are not perturbed by the deposition of the (Rh 2-yCr yO 3) NPs. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, however, showed that the oxynitride (Ga 1-xZn x)(N 1-xO x) support is the source of excited electrons/holes and the (Rh 2-yCr yO 3) NPs greatly reducemore » the undesirable recombination of photoexcited electron/holes by acting as efficient electron traps as well as increase the lifetimes of the excitons. High Resolution-XPS and High Sensitivity-LEIS surface analyses reveal that the surfaces of the (Rh 2-yCr yO 3) NPs consist of Rh +3 and Cr +3 mixed oxide species. In Situ AP-XPS help to reveal that the Rh+3 and surface N atoms are involved in water splitting. Dispersed RhOx species on the (Ga 1-xZn x)(N 1-xO x) support and on CrO x NPs were found to be the photocatalytic active sites for H 2 generation and N and Zn sites from the (Ga 1-xZn x)(N 1-xO x) support are the photocatalytic active site for O 2 generation. The current investigation establishes the fundamental structure-photoactivity relationships of these visible light activated photocatalysts.« less

Nitridation of porous GaAs by an ECR ammonia plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naddaf, M.; Hullavarad, S. S.; Ganesan, V.; Bhoraskar, S. V.

2006-02-01

The effect of surface porosity of GaAs on the nature of growth of GaN, by use of plasma nitridation of GaAs, has been investigated. Porous GaAs samples were prepared by anodic etching of n-type (110) GaAs wafers in HCl solution. Nitridation of porous GaAs samples were carried out by using an electron-cyclotron resonance-induced ammonia plasma. The formation of mixed phases of GaN was investigated using the grazing angle x-ray diffraction method. A remarkable improvement in the intensity of photoluminescence (PL) compared with that of GaN synthesized by direct nitriding of GaAs surface has been observed. The PL intensity of nitrided porous GaAs at the temperature of 380 °C was found to be about two orders of magnitude higher as compared with the directly nitrided GaAs at the temperature of 500 °C. The changes in the morphology of nitrided porous GaAs have been investigated using both scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.

Tuning oxidation level, electrical conductance and band gap structure on graphene sheets by cyclic atomic layer reduction technique

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

Gu, Si-Yong; Hsieh, Chien-Te; Lin, Tzu-Wei

The present work develops an atomic layer reduction (ALR) method to accurately tune oxidation level, electrical conductance, band-gap structure, and photoluminescence (PL) response of graphene oxide (GO) sheets. The ALR route is carried out at 200 °C within ALR cycle number of 10–100. The ALR treatment is capable of striping surface functionalities (e.g., hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxylic groups), producing thermally-reduced GO sheets. The ALR cycle number serves as a controlling factor in adjusting the crystalline, surface chemistry, electrical, optical properties of GO sheets. With increasing the ALR cycle number, ALR-GO sheets display a high crystallinity, a low oxidation level, anmore » improved electrical conductivity, a narrow band gap, and a tunable PL response. Finally, on the basis of the results, the ALR technique offers a great potential for accurately tune electrical and optical properties of carbon materials through the cyclic removal of oxygen functionalities, without any complicated thermal and chemical desorption processes.« less

Color-coded multilayer photopatterned microstructures using lanthanide (III) ion co-doped NaYF4 nanoparticles with upconversion luminescence for possible applications in security.

PubMed

Kim, Won Jin; Nyk, Marcin; Prasad, Paras N

2009-05-06

We report a method for fabricating predefined photopatterns of upconversion nanophosphors using a chemical amplification reaction for direct writing of films with multilayer color-coded patterning for security applications. To photopattern the nanocrystal film we have synthesized rare-earth ion (Er(3+)/Yb(3+) or Tm(3+)/Yb(3+)) co-doped sodium yttrium fluoride (alpha-NaYF(4)) nanophosphors and functionalized the nanocrystal surfaces by incorporation of a photopatternable ligand such as t-butoxycarbonyl (t-BOC). The surface modification allows photopatterning of the nanophosphor solid state film. Furthermore, upconversion nanophosphors show a nearly quadratic dependence of the upconversion photoluminescence (PL) intensity on the excitation light power, and tailoring of the PL wavelength is possible by changing the lanthanide ions. We have demonstrated the capability of anchoring nanophosphors at desirable locations by a photolithography technique. The photopatterned films exhibit fixed nanophosphor structures clearly identifiable by strong upconversion photoluminescence under IR illumination which is useful for a number of applications in security.

Tuning oxidation level, electrical conductance and band gap structure on graphene sheets by cyclic atomic layer reduction technique

DOE PAGES

Gu, Si-Yong; Hsieh, Chien-Te; Lin, Tzu-Wei; ...

2018-05-12

The present work develops an atomic layer reduction (ALR) method to accurately tune oxidation level, electrical conductance, band-gap structure, and photoluminescence (PL) response of graphene oxide (GO) sheets. The ALR route is carried out at 200 °C within ALR cycle number of 10–100. The ALR treatment is capable of striping surface functionalities (e.g., hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxylic groups), producing thermally-reduced GO sheets. The ALR cycle number serves as a controlling factor in adjusting the crystalline, surface chemistry, electrical, optical properties of GO sheets. With increasing the ALR cycle number, ALR-GO sheets display a high crystallinity, a low oxidation level, anmore » improved electrical conductivity, a narrow band gap, and a tunable PL response. Finally, on the basis of the results, the ALR technique offers a great potential for accurately tune electrical and optical properties of carbon materials through the cyclic removal of oxygen functionalities, without any complicated thermal and chemical desorption processes.« less

Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Core/Shell ZnS:Mn/ZnO Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Jiang, Daixun; Cao, Lixin; Liu, Wei; Su, Ge; Qu, Hua; Sun, Yuanguang; Dong, Bohua

2009-01-01

In this paper the influence of ZnO shell thickness on the luminescence properties of Mn-doped ZnS nanoparticles is studied. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the average diameter of ZnS:Mn nanoparticles is around 14 nm. The formation of ZnO shells on the surface of ZnS:Mn nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) images, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. A strong increase followed by a gradual decline was observed in the room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra with the thickening of the ZnO shell. The photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra exhibited a blue shift in ZnO-coated ZnS:Mn nanoparticles compared with the uncoated ones. It is shown that the PL enhancement and the blue shift of optimum excitation wavelength are led by the ZnO-induced surface passivation and compressive stress on the ZnS:Mn cores.

Relationships between Chemical Characteristics and Phytotoxicity of Biochar from Poultry Litter Pyrolysis.

PubMed

Rombolà, Alessandro G; Marisi, Giovanni; Torri, Cristian; Fabbri, Daniele; Buscaroli, Alessandro; Ghidotti, Michele; Hornung, Andreas

2015-08-05

Three biochars were prepared by intermediate pyrolysis from poultry litter at different temperatures (400, 500, and 600 °C with decreasing residence times) and compared with biochars from corn stalk prepared under the same pyrolysis conditions. The phytotoxicity of these biochars was estimated by means of seed germination tests on cress (Lepidium sativum L.) conducted in water suspensions (at 2, 5, and 40 g/L) and on biochars wetted according to their water-holding capacity. Whereas the seeds germinated after 72 h in water suspensions with corn stalk biochar were similar to the control (water only), significant inhibition was observed with poultry litter biochars. In comparison to corn stalk, poultry litter generated biochars with higher contents of ash, ammonium, nitrogen, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and a similar concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Results from analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC-MS) indicated that nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NCCs) and aliphatic components were distinctive constituents of the thermally labile fraction of poultry litter biochar. The inhibition of germination due to poultry litter biochar produced at 400 °C (PL400) was suppressed after solvent extraction or treatment with active sludge. A novel method based on solid-phase microextraction (SPME) enabled the identification of mobile organic compounds in PL400 capable of being released in air and water, including VFAs and NCCs. The higher phytotoxicity of poultry litter than corn biochars was tentatively attributed to hydrophilic biodegradable substances derived from lipids or proteins removable by water leaching or microbial treatments.

Comparison of long-term outcome between anti-Jo1- and anti-PL7/PL12 positive patients with antisynthetase syndrome.

PubMed

Marie, I; Josse, S; Decaux, O; Dominique, S; Diot, E; Landron, C; Roblot, P; Jouneau, S; Hatron, P Y; Tiev, K P; Vittecoq, O; Noel, D; Mouthon, L; Menard, J-F; Jouen, F

2012-08-01

The aims of the present study were to: compare the characteristics between antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) patients with anti-Jo1 antibody and those with anti-PL7/PL12 antibody. The medical records of 95 consecutive patients with ASS were reviewed. Seventy-five of these patients had anti-Jo1 antibody; the other patients had anti-PL7 (n=15) or anti-PL12 (n=5) antibody. At ASS diagnosis, the prevalence of myalgia (p=0.007) and muscle weakness (p=0.02) was significantly lower in the group of anti-PL7/PL12-positive patients than in those with anti-Jo1 antibody; median value of CK (p=0.00003) was also lower in anti-PL7/PL12 patients. Anti-Jo1 positive patients developed more rarely myositis resolution (21.3% vs. 46.2%); in addition, the overall recurrence rate of myositis was higher in anti-Jo1 positive patients than in patients with anti-PL7/PL12 antibody (65.9% vs. 19.4%). Anti-Jo1-positive patients, compared with those with anti-PL7/PL12 antibody, more often experienced: joint involvement (63.3%vs. 40%) and cancer (13.3% vs. 5%). By contrast, anti-PL7/PL12 positive patients, compared with those with anti-Jo1 antibody, more commonly exhibited: ILD (90% vs. 68%); in anti-PL7/PL12 positive patients, ILD was more often symptomatic at diagnosis, and led more rarely to resolution of lung manifestations (5.6% vs. 29.4%). Finally, the group of anti-PL7/PL12 positive patients more commonly experienced gastrointestinal manifestations related to ASS (p=0.02). Taken together, although anti-Jo1 positive patients with ASS share some features with those with anti-PL7/PL12 antibody, they exhibit many differences regarding clinical phenotype and long-term outcome. Our study underscores that the presence of anti-Jo1 antibody results in more severe myositis, joint impairment and increased risk of cancer. On the other hand, the presence of anti-PL7/PL12 antibody is markedly associated with: early and severe ILD, and gastrointestinal complications. Thus, our study interestingly indicates that the finding for anti-Jo1 and anti-PL7/PL12 antibodies impacts both the long-term outcome and prognosis of patients with ASS. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (PL 14736) improves ligament healing in the rat.

PubMed

Cerovecki, Tomislav; Bojanic, Ivan; Brcic, Luka; Radic, Bozo; Vukoja, Ivan; Seiwerth, Sven; Sikiric, Predrag

2010-09-01

We improved medial collateral ligament (MCL) healing throughout 90 days after surgical transection. We introduced intraperitoneal, per-oral (in drinking water) and topical (thin cream layer) peptide therapy always given alone, without a carrier. Previously, as an effective peptide therapy, stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV, an anti-ulcer peptide effective in inflammatory bowel disease therapy (PL 14736)) particularly improved healing of transected tendon and muscle and wound healing effect including the expression of the early growth response 1 (egr-1) gene. After MCL transection BPC 157 was effective in rats when given once daily intraperitoneally (10 microg or 10 ng/kg) or locally as a thin layer (1.0 microg dissolved in distilled water/g commercial neutral cream) at the site of injury, first application 30 min after surgery and the final application 24 h before sacrifice. Likewise, BPC 157 was effective given per-orally (0.16 microg/ml in the drinking water (12 ml/day/rat)) until sacrifice. Commonly, BPC 157 microg-ng-rats exhibited consistent functional, biomechanical, macroscopic and histological healing improvements. Thus, we suggest BPC 157 improved healing of acute ligament injuries in further ligament therapy. (c) 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Tissue Source and Cell Expansion Condition Influence Phenotypic Changes of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Mangum, Lauren H.; Stone, Randolph; Wrice, Nicole L.; Larson, David A.; Florell, Kyle F.; Christy, Barbara A.; Herzig, Maryanne C.; Cap, Andrew P.

2017-01-01

Stem cells derived from the subcutaneous adipose tissue of debrided burned skin represent an appealing source of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) for regenerative medicine. Traditional tissue culture uses fetal bovine serum (FBS), which complicates utilization of ASCs in human medicine. Human platelet lysate (hPL) is one potential xeno-free, alternative supplement for use in ASC culture. In this study, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation in media supplemented with 10% FBS or 10% hPL was compared in human ASCs derived from abdominoplasty (HAP) or from adipose associated with debrided burned skin (BH). Most (95–99%) cells cultured in FBS were stained positive for CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD142. FBS supplementation was associated with increased triglyceride content and expression of adipogenic genes. Culture in hPL significantly decreased surface staining of CD105 by 31% and 48% and CD142 by 27% and 35% in HAP and BH, respectively (p < 0.05). Culture of BH-ASCs in hPL also increased expression of markers of osteogenesis and increased ALP activity. These data indicate that application of ASCs for wound healing may be influenced by ASC source as well as culture conditions used to expand them. As such, these factors must be taken into consideration before ASCs are used for regenerative purposes. PMID:29138638

Exciton emission from bare and hybrid plasmonic GaN nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadi, Fatemesadat; Kunert, Gerd; Hommel, Detlef; Ge, Jingxuan; Duscher, Gerd; Schmitzer, Heidrun; Wagner, Hans Peter

We study the exciton emission of hybrid gold nanoparticle/Alq3 (aluminiumquinoline)/wurtzite GaN nanorods. GaN nanorods of 1.5 μm length and 250 nm diameter were grown by plasma assisted MBE. Hybrid GaN nanorods were synthesized by organic molecular beam deposition. Temperature and power dependent time integrated (TI) and time resolved (TR) photoluminescence (PL) measurements were performed on bare and hybrid structures. Bare nanorods show donor (D0,X) and acceptor bound (A0,X) exciton emission at 3.473 eV and at 3.463 eV, respectively. TR-PL trace modeling reveal lifetimes of 240 ps and 1.4 ns for the (D0,X) and (A0,X) transition. 10 nm gold coated GaN nanorods show a significant PL quenching and (D0,X) lifetime shortening which is tentatively attributed to impact ionization of (D0,X) due to hot electron injection from the gold nanoparticles. This is supported by electron energy loss spectroscopy that shows a redshift of a midgap state transition indicating a reduction of a preexisting band-bending at the nanorod surface due to positive charging of the gold nanoparticles. Inserting a nominally 5 nm thick Alq3 spacer between the nanorod and the gold reduces the PL quenching and lifetime shortening. Plasmonic nanorods with a 30 nm thick Alq3 spacer reveal lifetimes which are nearly identical to uncoated GaN nanorods.

Reduction of cadmium uptake in rice endophytically colonized with the cadmium-tolerant bacterium Cupriavidus taiwanensis KKU2500-3.

PubMed

Punjee, Putthita; Siripornadulsil, Wilailak; Siripornadulsil, Surasak

2018-02-01

The effects of the cadmium (Cd)-tolerant bacterium Cupriavidus taiwanensis KKU2500-3 on the growth, yield, and Cd concentration in rice grains were investigated in the rice variety Phitsanulok 2 (PL2), which was cultivated in a hydroponic greenhouse. The numbers of Cd-tolerant bacteria isolated from the roots and shoots of plants under the RB (rice with bacteria) and RBC (rice with bacteria and Cd) treatments ranged from 2.60 to 9.03 and from 3.99 to 9.60 log cfu·g -1 of PL2, respectively. This KKU2500-3 strain was successfully colonized in rice, indicating that it was not only nontoxic to the plants but also became distributed and reproduced throughout the plants. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed attachment of the bacterium to the root surface, whereas the internally colonized bacteria were located in the vascular tissue, cell wall, and intercellular space. Although the Cd contents found in PL2 were very high (189.10 and 79.49 mg·kg -1 in the RC (rice with Cd) and RBC roots, respectively), the Cd accumulated inside the rice seeds at densities of only 3.10 and 1.31 mg·kg -1 , respectively; thus, the bacteria reduced the Cd content to 57.74% of the control content. Therefore, the colonizing bacteria likely acted as an inhibitor of Cd translocation in PL2.

Recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen and anionic phospholipids share a binding region in the fifth domain of β2-glycoprotein I (apolipoprotein H)

PubMed Central

Mehdi, Haider; Naqvi, Asma; Kamboh, M. lIyas

2008-01-01

Human β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) binds to recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg), but the location of the binding domain on β2GPI is unknown. It has been suggested that the lipid rather than the protein moiety of rHBsAg binds to β2GPI. Since β2 GPI binds to anionic phospholipids (PL) through its lipid binding region in the fifth domain of β2GPI, we predicted that this lipid binding region may also be involved in binding rHBsAg. In this study, we examined rHBsAg binding to two naturally occurring mutants of β2GPI, Cys306Gly and Trp316Ser, or evolutionarily conserved hydrophobic amino acid sequence, Leu313-Ala314-Phe315 in the fifth domain of β2GPI. The two naturally occurring mutations and two mutagenized amino acids, Leu313Gly or Phe315Ser, disrupted the binding of recombinant β2GPI (rβ2GPI) to both rHBsAg and cardiolipin (CL), an anionic PL. These results suggest that rHBsAg and CL share the same region in the fifth domain of β2GPI. Credence to this conclusion was further provided by competitive ELISA, where CL-bound rβ2GPI was incubated with increasing amounts of rHBsAg. As expected, pre-incubation of rβ2GPI with CL precluded binding to rHBsAg, indicating that CL and rHBsAg bind to the same region on β2GPI. Our data provide evidence that the lipid (PL) rather than the protein moiety of rHBsAg binds to β2GPI and that this binding region is located in the fifth domain of β2GPI, which also binds to anionic PL. PMID:18230366

Highly luminescent silica-coated CdS/CdSe/CdS nanoparticles with strong chemical robustness and excellent thermal stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Nianfang; Koh, Sungjun; Jeong, Byeong Guk; Lee, Dongkyu; Kim, Whi Dong; Park, Kyoungwon; Nam, Min Ki; Lee, Kangha; Kim, Yewon; Lee, Baek-Hee; Lee, Kangtaek; Bae, Wan Ki; Lee, Doh C.

2017-05-01

We present facile synthesis of bright CdS/CdSe/CdS@SiO2 nanoparticles with 72% of quantum yields (QYs) retaining ca 80% of the original QYs. The main innovative point is the utilization of the highly luminescent CdS/CdSe/CdS seed/spherical quantum well/shell (SQW) as silica coating seeds. The significance of inorganic semiconductor shell passivation and structure design of quantum dots (QDs) for obtaining bright QD@SiO2 is demonstrated by applying silica encapsulation via reverse microemulsion method to three kinds of QDs with different structure: CdSe core and 2 nm CdS shell (CdSe/CdS-thin); CdSe core and 6 nm CdS shell (CdSe/CdS-thick); and CdS core, CdSe intermediate shell and 5 nm CdS outer shell (CdS/CdSe/CdS-SQW). Silica encapsulation inevitably results in lower photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) than pristine QDs due to formation of surface defects. However, the retaining ratio of pristine QY is different in the three silica coated samples; for example, CdSe/CdS-thin/SiO2 shows the lowest retaining ratio (36%) while the retaining ratio of pristine PL QY in CdSe/CdS-thick/SiO2 and SQW/SiO2 is over 80% and SQW/SiO2 shows the highest resulting PL QY. Thick outermost CdS shell isolates the excitons from the defects at surface, making PL QY relatively insensitive to silica encapsulation. The bright SiO2-coated SQW sample shows robustness against harsh conditions, such as acid etching and thermal annealing. The high luminescence and long-term stability highlights the potential of using the SQW/SiO2 nanoparticles in bio-labeling or display applications.

Surface and interface of epitaxial CdTe film on CdS buffered van der Waals mica substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Y.-B.; Seewald, L.; Mohanty, Dibyajyoti; Wang, Y.; Zhang, L. H.; Kisslinger, K.; Xie, Weiyu; Shi, J.; Bhat, I.; Zhang, Shengbai; Lu, T.-M.; Wang, G.-C.

2017-08-01

Single crystal CdTe films are desirable for optoelectronic device applications. An important strategy of creating films with high crystallinity is through epitaxial growth on a proper single crystal substrate. We report the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of epitaxial CdTe films on the CdS/mica substrate. The epitaxial CdS film was grown on a mica surface by thermal evaporation. Due to the weak van der Waals forces, epitaxy is achieved despite the very large interface lattice mismatch between CdS and mica (∼21-55%). The surface morphology of mica, CdS and CdTe were quantified by atomic force microscopy. The near surface structures, orientations and texture of CdTe and CdS films were characterized by the unique reflection high-energy electron diffraction surface pole figure technique. The interfaces of CdTe and CdS films and mica were characterized by X-ray pole figure technique and transmission electron microscopy. The out-of-plane and in-plane epitaxy of the heteroepitaxial films stack are determined to be CdTe(111)//CdS(0001)//mica(001) and [1 bar2 1 bar]CdTe//[ 1 bar100]CdS//[010]mica, respectively. The measured photoluminescence (PL), time resolved PL, photoresponse, and Hall mobility of the CdTe/CdS/mica indicate quality films. The use of van der Waals surface to grow epitaxial CdTe/CdS films offers an alternative strategy towards infrared imaging and solar cell applications.

Solvatochromism in highly luminescent environmental friendly carbon quantum dots for sensing applications: Conversion of bio-waste into bio-asset

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pramanik, A.; Biswas, S.; Kumbhakar, P.

2018-02-01

Recently studies on synthesis and fluorescence based sensing in biocompatible carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have become a widely spoken topic of research due to the several advantageous properties of CQDs in compared to semiconductor quantum dots. In this work, we have reported the rarely reported solvatochromism along-with a high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (PLQY) of 22%. Samples have been synthesized by using a simple process of hydrothermal carbonization of a naturally occurring bio-waste i.e. Aegle marmelos leaves powder. The linear absorption and PL emission characteristics of CQDs have been studied in different solvent environments to explore the origin of the observed excitation dependent PL emissions characteristics of the sample. The interesting solvatochromic PL (SPL) behavior of CQDs are observed at an excitation wavelength of 325 nm by dispersing them in different polar protic and aprotic solvents, which suggest their possible applications as a replacement of solvatochromic dye molecules for sensing applications. Different polarity functions and molecular-microscopic solvent polarity parameter (ETN) are used to calculate the change in dipole moment (Δδ) of the solute-solvent system and the origin of SPL in CQDs has been explained. The SPL behavior of CQDs has been utilized for fluorescence sensing of organic liquids (Ethanol and Tetrahydrofuran) in water. Whereas, the photo-induced electron transfer mediated quenching in PL of aqueous dispersion of CQDs has led to development of ;turn off; fluorescence Fe3 + ion sensor with a detection limit of 0.12 μM. Therefore, this work may open a new avenue of conversion of a bio-waste into a fluorescent bio-asset.

Chemically and biologically-mediated fertilizing value of manure-derived biochar.

PubMed

Subedi, R; Taupe, N; Ikoyi, I; Bertora, C; Zavattaro, L; Schmalenberger, A; Leahy, J J; Grignani, C

2016-04-15

This study evaluates the potential of manure-derived biochars in promoting plant growth and enhancing soil chemical and biological properties during a 150day pot experiment. Biochars from pyrolysis of poultry litter (PL) and swine manure (SM) at 400 and 600°C, and a commonly available wood chip (WC) biochar produced at high temperature (1000°C) were incorporated to silt-loam (SL) and sandy (SY) soils on a 2% dry soil weight basis. Ryegrass was sown and moisture was adjusted to 60% water filled pore space (WFPS). The PL400 and SM400 biochars significantly increased (p<0.05) shoot dry matter (DM) yields (SL soil) and enhanced nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptake by the plants in both soils, compared to the Control. All biochars significantly increased the soil carbon (C) contents compared to the Control. Total N contents were significantly greater for PL400 and PL600 treatments in both soils. The dehydrogenase activity (DA) significantly increased for PL400 and SM400 treatments and was positively correlated with the volatile matter (VM) contents of the biochars, while β-glucosidase activity (GA) decreased for the same treatments in both soils. All biochars significantly shifted (p≤0.05) the bacterial community structure compared to the Control. This study suggests that pyrolysis of animal manures can produce a biochar that acts as both soil amendment and an organic fertilizer as proven by increased NPK uptake, positive liming effect and high soil nutrient availability, while WC biochar could work only in combination with fertilizers (organic as well as mineral). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Visible photoluminescence of color centers in LiF crystals for absorbed dose evaluation in clinical dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villarreal-Barajas, J. E.; Piccinini, M.; Vincenti, M. A.; Bonfigli, F.; Khan, R. F.; Montereali, R. M.

2015-04-01

Among insulating materials, lithium fluoride (LiF) has been successfully used as ionizing radiation dosemeter for more than 60 years. Thermoluminescence (TL) has been the most commonly used reading technique to evaluate the absorbed dose. Lately, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of visible emitting color centers (CCs) has also been explored in pure and doped LiF. This work focuses on the experimental behaviour of nominally pure LiF crystals dosemeters for 6 MV x rays at low doses based on photoluminescence (PL) of radiation induced CCs. Polished LiF crystals were irradiated using 6 MV x rays produced by a clinical linear accelerator. The doses (absorbed dose to water) covered the 1-100 Gy range. Optical absorption spectra show stable formation of primary F defects up to a maximum concentration of 2×1016 cm-3, while no significant M absorption band at around 450 nm was detected. On the other hand, under Argon laser excitation at 458 nm, PL spectra of the irradiated LiF crystals clearly exhibited the characteristic F2 and F+3 visible broad emission bands. Their sum intensity is linearly proportional to the absorbed dose in the investigated range. PL integrated intensity was also measured using a conventional fluorescence optical microscope under blue lamp illumination. The relationship between the absorbed dose and the integrated F2 and F+3 PL intensities, represented by the net average pixel number in the optical fluorescence images, is also fairly linear. Even at the low point defect densities obtained at the investigated doses, these preliminary experimental results are encouraging for further investigation of CCs PL in LiF crystals for clinical dosimetry.

β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB)-free acid attenuates circulating TNF-α and TNFR1 expression postresistance exercise.

PubMed

Townsend, Jeremy R; Fragala, Maren S; Jajtner, Adam R; Gonzalez, Adam M; Wells, Adam J; Mangine, Gerald T; Robinson, Edward H; McCormack, William P; Beyer, Kyle S; Pruna, Gabriel J; Boone, Carleigh H; Scanlon, Tyler M; Bohner, Jonathan D; Stout, Jeffrey R; Hoffman, Jay R

2013-10-15

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate-free acid (HMB-FA) and cold-water immersion (CWI) on circulating concentrations of TNF-α and monocyte TNF-α receptor 1 (TNFR1) expression. Forty resistance-trained men (22.3 ± 2.4 yr) were randomized into four groups [placebo (PL), HMB-FA, CWI, and HMB-FA-CWI] and performed an acute, intense exercise protocol (four sets of up to 10 repetitions of the squat, dead lift, and split squat). Participants also performed four sets of up to 10 repetitions of the squat at 24 and 48 h following the initial exercise bout. Blood was sampled before exercise (PRE), immediately postexercise (IP), and 30 min, 24 h, and 48 h postexercise (30P, 24P, and 48P, respectively). Circulating TNF-α was assayed, and TNFR1 expression on CD14+ monocytes was measured by flow cytometry. The exercise protocol significantly elevated TNF-α in only PL (P = 0.006) and CWI (P = 0.045) IP. Mean percent changes show that TNF-α significantly increased from PRE to IP for only PL and CWI groups (P < 0.05), whereas the percent change of TNF-α for HMB-FA and HMB-FA-CWI was not significant. TNFR1 expression was elevated in PL (P = 0.023) and CWI (P = 0.02) at 30P compared with PRE, whereas both HMB-FA-treated groups did not increase significantly. In conclusion, HMB-FA attenuated circulating TNF-α IP and TNFR1 expression during recovery compared with PL and CWI. HMB-FA supplementation may attenuate the initial immune response to intense exercise, which may reduce recovery time following intense exercise.

Effect of Preexercise Ingestion of Modified Amylomaize Starch on Glycemic Response While Cycling.

PubMed

Parks, Rachel B; Angus, Hector F; King, Douglas S; Sharp, Rick L

2018-01-01

Amylomaize-7 is classified as a resistant corn starch and is 68% digestible. When modified by partial hydrolysis in ethanol and hydrochloric acid its digestibility is 92%, yet retains its low glycemic and insulinemic properties. The purpose of this study was to characterize the metabolic response when modified amylomaize-7 or dextrose is consumed in the hour before exercise, and to compare the effect on performance of a brief high-intensity cycling trial. Ten male, trained cyclists were given 1 g/kg body mass of dextrose (DEX) or modified amylomaize-7 (AMY-7) or a flavored water placebo (PL) 45 min prior to exercise on a cycle ergometer. A 15-min ride at 60% W max was immediately followed by a self-paced time trial (TT) equivalent to 15 min at 80% W max . When cyclists consumed DEX, mean serum glucose concentration increased by 3.3 ± 2.1 mmol/L before exercise, compared to stable serum glucose observed for AMY-7 or PL. Glucose concentrations returned to baseline by pre-TT in all treatments. However, the mean post-TT glucose concentration of the DEX group was significantly lower than baseline, AMY-7, or PL. Serum insulin concentration increased nine-fold from baseline to preexercise in the DEX trial, whereas PL or AMY-7 remained unchanged. Time required to complete the performance trial was not significantly different between DEX, AMY-7 or PL. Preexercise ingestion of modified amylomaize-7 compared to dextrose resulted in a more stable serum glucose concentration, but did not offer a performance advantage in this high-intensity cycling trial.

California Emergency Drought Projects Waiver Pursuant to Section 436 of P.L. 113-76, Consolidated Appropriations Act

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Waiver request of the American Iron and Steel requirement of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 by the California Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for the use of non-domestic iron or steel for short-term emergency projects.

Nanoscale characterization of GaN/InGaN multiple quantum wells on GaN nanorods by photoluminescence spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Weijian; Wen, Xiaoming; Latzel, Michael; Yang, Jianfeng; Huang, Shujuan; Shrestha, Santosh; Patterson, Robert; Christiansen, Silke; Conibeer, Gavin

2017-02-01

GaN/InGaN multiple quantum wells (MQW) and GaN nanorods have been widely studied as a candidate material for high-performance light emitting diodes. In this study, GaN/InGaN MQW on top of GaN nanorods are characterized in nanoscale using confocal microscopy associated with photoluminescence spectroscopy, including steady-state PL, timeresolved PL and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). Nanorods are fabricated by etching planar GaN/InGaN MQWs on top of a GaN layer on a c-plane sapphire substrate. Photoluminescence efficiency from the GaN/InGaN nanorods is evidently higher than that of the planar structure, indicating the emission improvement. Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) prove that surface defects on GaN nanorod sidewalls have a strong influence on the luminescence property of the GaN/InGaN MWQs. Such surface defects can be eliminated by proper surface passivation. Moreover, densely packed nanorod array and sparsely standing nanorods have been studied for better understanding the individual property and collective effects from adjacent nanorods. The combination of the optical characterization techniques guides optoelectronic materials and device fabrication.

Free energy barrier for melittin reorientation from a membrane-bound state to a transmembrane state.

PubMed

Irudayam, Sheeba J; Pobandt, Tobias; Berkowitz, Max L

2013-10-31

An important step in a phospholipid membrane pore formation by melittin antimicrobial peptide is a reorientation of the peptide from a surface into a transmembrane conformation. Experiments measure the fraction of peptides in the surface state and the transmembrane state, but no computational study exists that quantifies the free energy curve for the reorientation. In this work we perform umbrella sampling simulations to calculate the potential of mean force (PMF) for the reorientation of melittin from a surface-bound state to a transmembrane state and provide a molecular level insight in understanding the peptide-lipid properties that influence the existence of the free energy barrier. The PMFs were calculated for a peptide to lipid (P/L) ratio of 1/128 and 4/128. We observe that the free energy barrier is reduced when the P/L ratio increases. In addition, we study the cooperative effect; specifically we investigate if the reorientation barrier is smaller for a second melittin, given that another neighboring melittin was already in the transmembrane orientation. We observe that indeed the barrier of the PMF curve is reduced in this case, thus confirming the presence of a cooperative effect.

Optical Absorption and Visible Photoluminescence from Thin Films of Silicon Phthalocyanine Derivatives

PubMed Central

Rodríguez Gómez, Arturo; Moises Sánchez-Hernández, Carlos; Fleitman-Levin, Ilán; Arenas-Alatorre, Jesús; Carlos Alonso-Huitrón, Juan; Elena Sánchez Vergara, María

2014-01-01

The interest of microelectronics industry in new organic compounds for the manufacture of luminescent devices has increased substantially in the last decade. In this paper, we carried out a study of the usage feasibility of three organic bidentate ligands (2,6-dihydroxyanthraquinone, anthraflavic acid and potassium derivative salt of anthraflavic acid) for the synthesis of an organic semiconductor based in silicon phthalocyanines (SiPcs). We report the visible photoluminescence (PL) at room temperature obtained from thermal-evaporated thin films of these new materials. The surface morphology of these films was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). AFM indicated that the thermal evaporation technique is an excellent resource in order to obtain low thin film roughness when depositing these kinds of compounds. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to investigate possible changes in the intra-molecular bonds and to identify any evidence of crystallinity in the powder compounds and in the thin films after their deposition. FTIR showed that there was not any important change in the samples after the thermal deposition. The absorption coefficient (α) in the absorption region reveals non-direct transitions. Furthermore, the PL of all the investigated samples were observed with the naked eye in a bright background and also measured by a spectrofluorometer. The normalized PL spectra showed a Stokes shift ≈ 0.6 eV in two of our three samples, and no PL emission in the last one. Those results indicate that the Vis PL comes from a recombination of charge carriers between conduction band and valence band preceded by a non-radiative relaxation in the conduction band tails. PMID:28788200

Rehabilitation Approaches in Macular Degeneration Patients

PubMed Central

Maniglia, Marcello; Cottereau, Benoit R.; Soler, Vincent; Trotter, Yves

2016-01-01

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a visual disease that affects elderly population. It entails a progressive loss of central vision whose consequences are dramatic for the patient’s quality of life. Current rehabilitation programs are restricted to technical aids based on visual devices. They only temporarily improve specific visual functions such as reading skills. Considering the rapid increase of the aging population worldwide, it is crucial to intensify clinical research on AMD in order to develop simple and efficient methods that improve the patient’s visual performances in many different contexts. One very promising approach to face this challenge is based on perceptual learning (PL). Through intensive practice, PL can induce neural plasticity in sensory cortices and result in long-lasting enhancements for various perceptual tasks in both normal and visually impaired populations. A growing number of studies showed how appropriate PL protocols improve visual functions in visual disorders, namely amblyopia, presbyopia or myopia. In order to successfully apply these approaches to more severe conditions such as AMD, numerous challenges have to be overcome. Indeed, the overall elderly age of patients and the reduced cortical surface that is devoted to peripheral vision potentially limit neural plasticity in this population. In addition, ocular fixation becomes much less stable because patients have to rely on peripheral fixation spots outside the scotoma whose size keeps on evolving. The aim of this review article is to discuss the recent literature on this topic and to offer a unified approach for developing new rehabilitation programs of AMD using PL. We argue that with an appropriate experimental and training protocol that is adapted to each patient needs, PL can offer fascinating opportunities for the development of simple, non-expensive rehabilitation approaches a large spectrum of visual functions in AMD patients. PMID:28082876

Zinc oxide nanowire gamma ray detector with high spatiotemporal resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayo, Daniel C.; Nolen, J. Ryan; Cook, Andrew; Mu, Richard R.; Haglund, Richard F.

2016-03-01

Conventional scintillation detectors are typically single crystals of heavy-metal oxides or halides doped with rare-earth ions that record the recombination of electron-hole pairs by photon emission in the visible to ultraviolet. However, the light yields are typically low enough to require photomultiplier detection with the attendant instrumental complications. Here we report initial studies of gamma ray detection by zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires, grown by vapor-solid deposition. The nanowires grow along the c-axis in a wurtzite structure; they are typically 80 nm in diameter and have lengths of 1- 2 μm. The nanowires are single crystals of high quality, with a photoluminescence (PL) yield from band-edge exciton emission in the ultraviolet that is typically one hundred times larger than the PL yield from defect centers in the visible. Nanowire ensembles were irradiated by 662 keV gamma rays from a Cs-137 source for periods of up to ten hours; gamma rays in this energy range interact by Compton scattering, which in ZnO creates F+ centers that relax to form singly-charged positive oxygen vacancies. Following irradiation, we fit the PL spectra of the visible emission with a sum of Gaussians at the energies of the known defects. We find highly efficient PL from the irradiated area, with a figure of merit approaching 106 photons/s/MeV of deposited energy. Over a period of days, the singly charged O+ vacancies relax to the more stable doubly charged O++ vacancies. However, the overall defect PL returns to pre-irradiation values after about a week, as the vacancies diffuse to the surface of these very thin nanowires, indicating that a self-healing process restores the nanowires to their original state.

Chitosan-immobilized pectinolytics with novel catalytic features and fruit juice clarification potentialities.

PubMed

Irshad, Muhammad; Murtza, Aimen; Zafar, Muddassar; Bhatti, Khizar Hayat; Rehman, Abdul; Anwar, Zahid

2017-11-01

Biological macromolecules are primarily composed of complex polysaccharides that strengthen microbial growth for the production of industrially relevant enzymes. The presence of polysaccharides in the form of the disrupted cell wall and cell materials are among major challenges in the fruit juice industry. The breakdown of such biological macromolecules including cellulose and pectin is vital for the juices processing. In this background, pectinolytic enzymes including polygalacturonase (PG), pectin lyase (PL), and pectin methylesterase (PME) were isolated from Aspergillus ornatus, statistically optimized and purified via ammonium sulfate fractionation (ASF), dialysis, and Sephadex G-100 gel permeation chromatography. After passing through Sephadex G-100 column, PG, PL, and PME were 2.60-fold, 3.30-fold, and 4.52-fold purified with specific activities of 475.2U/mg, 557.1U/mg, and 205.7U/mg. The active PG, PL, and PME, each separately, were surface immobilized using various concentrations of chitosan and dextran polyaldehyde as a macromolecular crosslinking agent. Prior to exploit for juice clarification purposes, various parameters including pH, thermal and Michaelis-Menten kinetic constants of purified and chitosan-immobilized fractions were investigated. A considerable improvement in the pH and thermal profiles was recorded after immobilization. However, the negligible difference between the K m and V max values of purified free and chitosan-immobilized fractions revealed that the conformational flexibility of pectinolytics was retained as such. A significant color and turbidity reductions were recorded after 60min treatment with CTS-PG, followed by CTS-PME, and CTS-PL. It can be concluded that the clarification of apples, mango, peach, and apricot juices was greatly affected by CTS-PG, CTS-PME, and CTS-PL treatments rendering them as potential candidatures for food industry applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a platelet lysate bilayered system for periodontal regeneration in a rat intrabony three-wall periodontal defect.

PubMed

Babo, Pedro S; Cai, Xinjie; Plachokova, Adelina S; Reis, Rui L; Jansen, John; Gomes, Manuela E; Walboomers, X Frank

2018-02-01

With currently available therapies, full regeneration of lost periodontal tissues after periodontitis cannot be achieved. In this study, a combined compartmentalized system was tested, composed of (a) a platelet lysate (PL)-based construct, which was placed along the root aiming to regenerate the root cementum and periodontal ligament, and (b) a calcium phosphate cement composite incorporated with hyaluronic acid microspheres loaded with PL, aiming to promote the regeneration of alveolar bone. This bilayered system was assessed in a 3-wall periodontal defect in Wistar rats. The periodontal healing and the inflammatory response of the materials were scored for a period up to 6 weeks after implantation. Furthermore, histomorphometrical measurements were performed to assess the epithelial downgrowth, the formation of alveolar bone, and the formation of new connective tissue attachment. Our data showed that the stabilization of platelet-origin proteins on the root surface increased the overall periodontal healing score and restricted the formation of long epithelial junctions. Nevertheless, the faster degradation of the cement component with incorporated hyaluronic acid microspheres compromised the stability of the system, which hampered the periodontal regeneration. Overall, in this work, we proved the positive therapeutic effect of the immobilization of a PL-based construct over the root surface in a combined compartmentalized system to assist predictable healing of functional periodontium. Therefore, after optimization of the hard tissue analogue, the system should be further elaborated in (pre)clinical validation studies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Formulation of topical bioadhesive gel of aceclofenac using 3-level factorial design.

PubMed

Singh, Sanjay; Parhi, Rabinarayan; Garg, Anuj

2011-01-01

The objective of this work was to develop bioadhesive topical gel of Aceclofenac with the help of response-surface approach. Experiments were performed according to a 3-level factorial design to evaluate the effects of two independent variables [amount of Poloxamer 407 (PL-407 = X1) and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose K100 M (HPMC = X2)] on the bioadhesive character of gel, rheological property of gel (consistency index), and in-vitro drug release. The best model was selected to fit the data. Mathematical equation was generated by Design Expert® software for the model which assists in determining the effect of independent variables. Response surface plots were also generated by the software for analyzing effect of the independent variables on the response. Quadratic model was found to be the best for all the responses. Both independent variable (X1 and X2) were found to have synergistic effect on bioadhesion (Y1) but the effect of HPMC was more pronounced than PL-407. Consistency index was enhanced by increasing the level of both independent variables. An antagonistic effect of both independent variables was found on cumulative percentage release of drug in 2 (Y3) and 8 h (Y4). Both independent variables approximately equally contributed the antagonistic effect on Y3 whereas antagonistic effect of HPMC was more pronounced than PL-407. The effect of formulation variables on the product characteristics can be easily predicted and precisely interpreted by using a 3-level factorial experimental design and generated quadratic mathematical equations.

Aggregation-induced emission in lamellar solids of colloidal perovskite quantum wells

PubMed Central

Jagielski, Jakub; Kumar, Sudhir; Wang, Mingchao; Scullion, Declan; Lawrence, Robert; Li, Yen-Ting; Yakunin, Sergii; Tian, Tian; Kovalenko, Maksym V.; Chiu, Yu-Cheng; Santos, Elton J. G.; Lin, Shangchao; Shih, Chih-Jen

2017-01-01

The outstanding excitonic properties, including photoluminescence quantum yield (ηPL), of individual, quantum-confined semiconductor nanoparticles are often significantly quenched upon aggregation, representing the main obstacle toward scalable photonic devices. We report aggregation-induced emission phenomena in lamellar solids containing layer-controlled colloidal quantum wells (QWs) of hybrid organic-inorganic lead bromide perovskites, resulting in anomalously high solid-state ηPL of up to 94%. Upon forming the QW solids, we observe an inverse correlation between exciton lifetime and ηPL, distinct from that in typical quantum dot solid systems. Our multiscale theoretical analysis reveals that, in a lamellar solid, the collective motion of the surface organic cations is more restricted to orient along the [100] direction, thereby inducing a more direct bandgap that facilitates radiative recombination. Using the QW solids, we demonstrate ultrapure green emission by completely downconverting a blue gallium nitride light-emitting diode at room temperature, with a luminous efficacy higher than 90 lumen W−1 at 5000 cd m−2, which has never been reached in any nanomaterial assemblies by far. PMID:29282451

Topology in colored tensor models via crystallization theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casali, Maria Rita; Cristofori, Paola; Dartois, Stéphane; Grasselli, Luigi

2018-07-01

The aim of this paper is twofold. On the one hand, it provides a review of the links between random tensor models, seen as quantum gravity theories, and the PL-manifolds representation by means of edge-colored graphs (crystallization theory). On the other hand, the core of the paper is to establish results about the topological and geometrical properties of the Gurau-degree (or G-degree) of the represented manifolds, in relation with the motivations coming from physics. In fact, the G-degree appears naturally in higher dimensional tensor models as the quantity driving their 1 / N expansion, exactly as it happens for the genus of surfaces in the two-dimensional matrix model setting. In particular, the G-degree of PL-manifolds is proved to be finite-to-one in any dimension, while in dimension 3 and 4 a series of classification theorems are obtained for PL-manifolds represented by graphs with a fixed G-degree. All these properties have specific relevance in the tensor models framework, showing a direct fruitful interaction between tensor models and discrete geometry, via crystallization theory.

Enhanced quantum yield of photoluminescent porous silicon prepared by supercritical drying

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

Joo, Jinmyoung; Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505; Defforge, Thomas

2016-04-11

The effect of supercritical drying (SCD) on the preparation of porous silicon (pSi) powders has been investigated in terms of photoluminescence (PL) efficiency. Since the pSi contains closely spaced and possibly interconnected Si nanocrystals (<5 nm), pore collapse and morphological changes within the nanocrystalline structure after common drying processes can affect PL efficiency. We report the highly beneficial effects of using SCD for preparation of photoluminescent pSi powders. Significantly higher surface areas and pore volumes have been realized by utilizing SCD (with CO{sub 2} solvent) instead of air-drying. Correspondingly, the pSi powders better retain the porous structure and the nano-sized siliconmore » grains, thus minimizing the formation of non-radiative defects during liquid evaporation (air drying). The SCD process also minimizes capillary-stress induced contact of neighboring nanocrystals, resulting in lower exciton migration levels within the network. A significant enhancement of the PL quantum yield (>32% at room temperature) has been achieved, prompting the need for further detailed studies to establish the dominant causes of such an improvement.« less

Production of ε-poly-lysine by Streptomyces albulus PD-1 via solid-state fermentation.

PubMed

Xu, Delei; Yao, Haiqing; Xu, Zhaoxian; Wang, Rui; Xu, Zheng; Li, Sha; Feng, Xiaohai; Liu, Youhua; Xu, Hong

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to produce ε-poly-lysine (ε-PL) by Streptomyces albulus PD-1 through solid-state fermentation (SSF) using agro-industrial residues. Maximum ε-PL production (86.62mg/g substrate) was obtained a mixed substrate of rapeseed cake and wheat bran (2:1, w/w) supplemented with glucose (4%, w/w), (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 (3%, w/w), with an initial moisture content of 65%, initial pH of 7.0 and inoculum size of 13% v/w, incubated at 30°C for 8days. The results of scanning electron microscopy indicated that the filamentous thallus could penetrate the substrate surface. Moreover, repeated-batch SSF was successfully conducted 8 times using 10% substrate as seeds for the next fermentation cycle, and the results suggest that repeated-batch SSF is more efficient because of the shortened lag phase. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on ε-PL production using the SSF process. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solvothermal synthesis of well-dispersed MF2 (M = Ca,Sr,Ba) nanocrystals and their optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaoming; Quan, Zewei; Yang, Jun; Yang, Piaoping; Lian, Hongzhou; Lin, Jun

2008-02-01

MF2 (M = Ca,Sr,Ba) nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized via a solvothermal process in the presence of oleic acid and characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, UV/vis absorption spectra, photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra, and lifetimes, respectively. In the synthetic process, oleic acid as a surfactant played a crucial role in confining the growth and solubility of the MF2 NCs. The as-prepared CaF2, SrF2 and BaF2 NCs present morphologies of truncated octahedron, cube and sheet in a narrow distribution, respectively. Possible growth mechanisms were proposed to explain these results. The as-prepared NCs are highly crystalline and can be well dispersed in cyclohexane to form stable and clear colloidal solutions, which demonstrate strong emission bands centred at 400 nm in photoluminescence (PL) spectra compared with the cyclohexane solvent. The PL properties of the colloidal solutions of the as-prepared NCs can be ascribed to the trap states of surface defects.

Installation Restoration Program. Phase II. Confirmation/Quantification Stage 2 for Griffiss Air Force Base, New York.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-20

Surface Cemennt/entonte Grout Rat 20/1 6" Diameter Bore "Ole 8 Foit B.G.S. Bentorito 4" Diameter POes" Schedle 409 Fee S.O.S.PVC Riser Pipe with...Casing with Locking Cap GRiser Pipe StickupGround Surface 2.2Fe Cement/BSentonite Grout Ratio 20/1 8" Diameter Bore Hole cv Ile- 3 Feet B.G.S...Ground Surface 4’. Ground Surface .0~ Cemtert/Bentonlte Grout Rat 20/1 8" Diamneter Bore Hole__ 4" Diameter Pl O Schedule 404 PVC Riser Pipe FetBGS

Optical properties of ZnO powder prepared by using a proteic sol-gel process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Bong-Joon; Woo, Hyun-Joo; Park, Ji-Yeon; Jang, Kiwan; Lim, Seung-Hyuk; Cho, Yong-Hoon

2013-03-01

We have studied the optical properties of ZnO powder synthesized by using a proteic sol-gel process with coconut water as the precursor. The energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and X-ray diffraction results show high purity of the synthesized ZnO powder. From the low-temperature (12 K) and power-dependent PL spectra, the donor-bound exciton, the acceptor-bound exciton, the donor-to-acceptor pair (DAP), and the phonon-replica of the DAP transition have been observed at 3.38, 3.34, 3.26, and 3.19 eV, respectively. The free exciton emission (˜3.3 eV) is also observed at 300 K in the temperature-dependent PL spectra.

Understanding the role of Si doping on surface charge and optical properties: Photoluminescence study of intrinsic and Si-doped InN nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, S.; Mi, Z.; Kibria, M. G.; Li, Q.; Wang, G. T.

2012-06-01

In the present work, the photoluminescence (PL) characteristics of intrinsic and Si-doped InN nanowires are studied in detail. For intrinsic InN nanowires, the emission is due to band-to-band carrier recombination with the peak energy at ˜0.64 eV (at 300 K) and may involve free-exciton emission at low temperatures. The PL spectra exhibit a strong dependence on optical excitation power and temperature, which can be well characterized by the presence of very low residual electron density and the absence or a negligible level of surface electron accumulation. In comparison, the emission of Si-doped InN nanowires is characterized by the presence of two distinct peaks located at ˜0.65 and ˜0.73-0.75 eV (at 300 K). Detailed studies further suggest that these low-energy and high-energy peaks can be ascribed to band-to-band carrier recombination in the relatively low-doped nanowire bulk region and Mahan exciton emission in the high-doped nanowire near-surface region, respectively; this is a natural consequence of dopant surface segregation. The resulting surface electron accumulation and Fermi-level pinning, due to the enhanced surface doping, are confirmed by angle-resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements on Si-doped InN nanowires, which is in direct contrast to the absence or a negligible level of surface electron accumulation in intrinsic InN nanowires. This work elucidates the role of charge-carrier concentration and distribution on the optical properties of InN nanowires.

Structural and Biochemical Analyses Reveal the Mechanism of Glutathione S-Transferase Pi 1 Inhibition by the Anti-cancer Compound Piperlongumine.

PubMed

Harshbarger, Wayne; Gondi, Sudershan; Ficarro, Scott B; Hunter, John; Udayakumar, Durga; Gurbani, Deepak; Singer, William D; Liu, Yan; Li, Lianbo; Marto, Jarrod A; Westover, Kenneth D

2017-01-06

Glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) is frequently overexpressed in cancerous tumors and is a putative target of the plant compound piperlongumine (PL), which contains two reactive olefins and inhibits proliferation in cancer cells but not normal cells. PL exposure of cancer cells results in increased reactive oxygen species and decreased GSH. These data in tandem with other information led to the conclusion that PL inhibits GSTP1, which forms covalent bonds between GSH and various electrophilic compounds, through covalent adduct formation at the C7-C8 olefin of PL, whereas the C2-C3 olefin of PL was postulated to react with GSH. However, direct evidence for this mechanism has been lacking. To investigate, we solved the X-ray crystal structure of GSTP1 bound to PL and GSH at 1.1 Å resolution to rationalize previously reported structure activity relationship studies. Surprisingly, the structure showed that a hydrolysis product of PL (hPL) was conjugated to glutathione at the C7-C8 olefin, and this complex was bound to the active site of GSTP1; no covalent bond formation between hPL and GSTP1 was observed. Mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of the reactions between PL and GSTP1 confirmed that PL does not label GSTP1. Moreover, MS data also indicated that nucleophilic attack on PL at the C2-C3 olefin led to PL hydrolysis. Although hPL inhibits GSTP1 enzymatic activity in vitro, treatment of cells susceptible to PL with hPL did not have significant anti-proliferative effects, suggesting that hPL is not membrane-permeable. Altogether, our data suggest a model wherein PL is a prodrug whose intracellular hydrolysis initiates the formation of the hPL-GSH conjugate, which blocks the active site of and inhibits GSTP1 and thereby cancer cell proliferation. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Structural and Biochemical Analyses Reveal the Mechanism of Glutathione S-Transferase Pi 1 Inhibition by the Anti-cancer Compound Piperlongumine*

PubMed Central

Harshbarger, Wayne; Gondi, Sudershan; Ficarro, Scott B.; Hunter, John; Udayakumar, Durga; Gurbani, Deepak; Singer, William D.; Liu, Yan; Li, Lianbo; Marto, Jarrod A.; Westover, Kenneth D.

2017-01-01

Glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) is frequently overexpressed in cancerous tumors and is a putative target of the plant compound piperlongumine (PL), which contains two reactive olefins and inhibits proliferation in cancer cells but not normal cells. PL exposure of cancer cells results in increased reactive oxygen species and decreased GSH. These data in tandem with other information led to the conclusion that PL inhibits GSTP1, which forms covalent bonds between GSH and various electrophilic compounds, through covalent adduct formation at the C7-C8 olefin of PL, whereas the C2-C3 olefin of PL was postulated to react with GSH. However, direct evidence for this mechanism has been lacking. To investigate, we solved the X-ray crystal structure of GSTP1 bound to PL and GSH at 1.1 Å resolution to rationalize previously reported structure activity relationship studies. Surprisingly, the structure showed that a hydrolysis product of PL (hPL) was conjugated to glutathione at the C7-C8 olefin, and this complex was bound to the active site of GSTP1; no covalent bond formation between hPL and GSTP1 was observed. Mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of the reactions between PL and GSTP1 confirmed that PL does not label GSTP1. Moreover, MS data also indicated that nucleophilic attack on PL at the C2-C3 olefin led to PL hydrolysis. Although hPL inhibits GSTP1 enzymatic activity in vitro, treatment of cells susceptible to PL with hPL did not have significant anti-proliferative effects, suggesting that hPL is not membrane-permeable. Altogether, our data suggest a model wherein PL is a prodrug whose intracellular hydrolysis initiates the formation of the hPL-GSH conjugate, which blocks the active site of and inhibits GSTP1 and thereby cancer cell proliferation. PMID:27872191

Genetic and Physiological Studies of Bacillus anthracis Related to Development of An Improved Vaccine

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-07-01

enzyme in a 1.5 ml Eppendorf tube. Appropriate amounts of distilled water and 1OX buffer were added to give a total volume of 100 pl. Reaction...mixtures were incubated in a 370 C water bath for 2 to 15 h. Digests were heated at 650C for 10 minutes to stop reactions and then resolved on agarose gels...430 C water bath with shaking (160 rpm) for 4 hours. The culture was transferred in a similar manner three additional times. Following the fourth

One-step microwave synthesis of photoluminescent carbon nanoparticles from sodium dextran sulfate water solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokorina, Alina A.; Goryacheva, Irina Y.; Sapelkin, Andrei V.; Sukhorukov, Gleb B.

2018-04-01

Photoluminescent (PL) carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have been synthesized by one-step microwave irradiation from water solution of sodium dextran sulfate (DSS) as the sole carbon source. Microwave (MW) method is very simple and cheap and it provides fast synthesis of CNPs. We have varied synthesis time for obtaining high luminescent CNPs. The synthesized CNPs exhibit excitation-dependent photoluminescent. Final CNPs water solution has a blue- green luminescence. CNPs have low cytotoxicity, good photostability and can be potentially suitable candidates for bioimaging, analysis or analytical tests.

A new look at the Lake Superior biomass size spectrum

EPA Science Inventory

We synthesized data from multiple sampling programs and years to describe the Lake Superior pelagic biomass size structure for two time periods separated by 5 years. The data consisted of water analyzed on a Coulter counter for algae, in situ measurements with a laser optical pl...

Caught in a Network: Recovery from Aromatase Inhibition

EPA Science Inventory

Fadrozole is an inhibitor of aromatase, an enzyme critical to estrogen synthesis. We exposed female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas, FHM) to 0 or 30 ug/L fadrozole for 8 days, and fish were then held in clean water for 8 extra days. We analyzed ex vivo steroid production, pl...

Nutrient source and tillage influences on nitrogen availability in a Southern Piedmont corn cropping system

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Combinations of conservation tillage and poultry litter (PL) can increase crop production in southeastern USA soils compared to conventional tillage (CT) and chemical fertilizer (CF). The reason for the beneficial response is usually attributed to improved water and nutrient availability. We evaluat...

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of ZnS nanobowl arrays via colloidal monolayer template

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Two-dimensional Zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanobowl arrays were synthesized via self-assembled monolayer polystyrene sphere template floating on precursor solution surface. A facile approach was proposed to investigate the morphology evolution of nanobowl arrays by post-annealing procedure. Photoluminescence (PL) measurement of as-grown nanoarrays shows that the spectrum mainly includes two parts: a purple emission peak at 382 nm and a broad blue emission band centering at 410 nm with a shoulder around 459 nm, and a blue emission band at 440 nm was obtained after the annealing procedure. ZnS nanoarrays with special morphologies and PL emission are benefits to their promising application in novel photoluminescence nanodevice. PMID:25246857

Umbilical Cord Blood Platelet Lysate as Serum Substitute in Expansion of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

PubMed

Shirzad, Negin; Bordbar, Sima; Goodarzi, Alireza; Mohammad, Monire; Khosravani, Pardis; Sayahpour, Froughazam; Baghaban Eslaminejad, Mohamadreza; Ebrahimi, Marzieh

2017-10-01

The diverse clinical applications for human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in cellular therapy and regenerative medicine warrant increased focus on developing adequate culture supplements devoid of animal-derived products. In the present study, we have investigated the feasibility of umbilical cord blood-platelet lysate (UCB-PL) as a standard substitute for fetal bovine serum (FBS) and human peripheral blood-PL (PB-PL). In this experimental study, platelet concentrates (PC) from UCB and human PB donors were frozen, melted, and sterilized to obtain PL. Quality control included platelet cell counts, sterility testing (viral and microbial), total protein concentrations, growth factor levels, and PL stability. The effects of UCB-PL and PB-PL on hMSCs proliferation and differentiation into osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes were studied and the results compared with FBS. UCB-PL contained high levels of protein content, platelet-derived growth factor- AB (PDGF-AB), and transforming growth factor (TGF) compared to PB-PL. All growth factors were stable for at least nine months post-storage at -70˚C. hMSCs proliferation enhanced following treatment with UCB-PL. With all three supplements, hMSCs could differentiate into all three lineages. PB-PL and UCB-PL both were potent in hMSCs proliferation. However, PB promoted osteoblastic differentiation and UCB-PL induced chondrogenic differentiation. Because of availability, ease of use and feasible standardization of UCB-PL, we have suggested that UCB-PL be used as an alternative to FBS and PB-PL for the cultivation and expansion of hMSCs in cellular therapy. Copyright© by Royan Institute. All rights reserved.

Synchronization of Combat Power at the Task Force Level: Defining a Planning Methodology

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

tachments) LOCATION SCT ARTY CAS AH SMOKE MORTAR FASCAM TI ME EST ACTUAL. Current Future LD PL 1 X Atk Porn PL 2 PL3 OBJ X PL 1 LD PL 2 FL3 OBJ PL 2 PL 1...learned in medical school to 138 identify the aorta only to arrive at St. Elsewhere, where they call it "the big blue boy .* Right now the US Army has a

Risedronate Prevents Early Radiation-Induced Osteoporosis in Mice at Multiple Skeletal Locations

PubMed Central

Willey, Jeffrey S.; Livingston, Eric W.; Robbins, Michael E.; Bourland, J. Daniel; Tirado-Lee, Leidamarie; Smith-Sielicki, Hope; Bateman, Ted A.

2009-01-01

Introduction Irradiation of normal, non-malignant bone during cancer therapy can lead to atrophy and increased risk of fracture at several skeletal sites, particularly the hip. This bone loss has been largely attributed to damaged osteoblasts. Little attention has been given to increased bone resorption as a contributor to radiation-induced osteoporosis. Our aims were to identify if radiation increases bone resorption resulting in acute bone loss, and if bone loss could be prevented by administering risedronate. Methods Twenty-week old female C57BL/6 mice were either: not irradiated and treated with placebo (NR+PL); whole-body irradiated with 2 Gy X-rays and treated with placebo (IR+PL); or irradiated and treated with risedronate (IR+RIS; 30μg/kg every other day). Calcein injections were administered 7 and 2 days before sacrifice. Bones were collected 1, 2, and 3 weeks after exposure. MicroCT analysis was performed at 3 sites: proximal tibial metaphysis; distal femoral metaphysis; and the body of the 5th lumbar vertebra (L5). Osteoclasts were identified from TRAP-stained histological sections. Dynamic histomorphometry of cortical and trabecular bone was performed. Circulating TRAP5b and osteocalcin concentrations were quantified. Results In animals receiving IR+PL, significant (P < 0.05) reduction in trabecular volume fraction relative to non-irradiated controls was observed at all three skeletal sites and time points. Likewise, radiation-induced loss of connectivity and trabecular number relative to NR+PL were observed at all skeletal sites throughout the study. Bone loss primarily occurred during the first week post-exposure. Trabecular and endocortical bone formation was not reduced until Week 2. Loss of bone volume was absent in animals receiving IR+RIS. Histology indicated greater osteoclast numbers at Week 1 within IR+PL mice. Serum TRAP5b concentration was increased in IR+PL mice only at Week 1 compared to NR+PL (P = 0.05). Risedronate treatment prevented the radiation-induced increase in osteoclast number, surface, and TRAP5b. Conclusion This study demonstrated a rapid loss of trabecular bone at several skeletal sites after whole-body irradiation. Changes were accompanied by an increase in osteoclast number and serum markers of bone loss. Risedronate entirely prevented bone loss, providing further evidence that an increase in bone resorption likely caused this radiation-induced bone loss. PMID:19747571

Current lipid extraction methods are significantly enhanced adding a water treatment step in Chlorella protothecoides.

PubMed

Ren, Xiaojie; Zhao, Xinhe; Turcotte, François; Deschênes, Jean-Sébastien; Tremblay, Réjean; Jolicoeur, Mario

2017-02-11

Microalgae have the potential to rapidly accumulate lipids of high interest for the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and energy (e.g. biodiesel) industries. However, current lipid extraction methods show efficiency limitation and until now, extraction protocols have not been fully optimized for specific lipid compounds. The present study thus presents a novel lipid extraction method, consisting in the addition of a water treatment of biomass between the two-stage solvent extraction steps of current extraction methods. The resulting modified method not only enhances lipid extraction efficiency, but also yields a higher triacylglycerols (TAG) ratio, which is highly desirable for biodiesel production. Modification of four existing methods using acetone, chloroform/methanol (Chl/Met), chloroform/methanol/H 2 O (Chl/Met/H 2 O) and dichloromethane/methanol (Dic/Met) showed respective lipid extraction yield enhancement of 72.3, 35.8, 60.3 and 60.9%. The modified acetone method resulted in the highest extraction yield, with 68.9 ± 0.2% DW total lipids. Extraction of TAG was particularly improved with the water treatment, especially for the Chl/Met/H 2 O and Dic/Met methods. The acetone method with the water treatment led to the highest extraction level of TAG with 73.7 ± 7.3 µg/mg DW, which is 130.8 ± 10.6% higher than the maximum value obtained for the four classical methods (31.9 ± 4.6 µg/mg DW). Interestingly, the water treatment preferentially improved the extraction of intracellular fractions, i.e. TAG, sterols, and free fatty acids, compared to the lipid fractions of the cell membranes, which are constituted of phospholipids (PL), acetone mobile polar lipids and hydrocarbons. Finally, from the 32 fatty acids analyzed for both neutral lipids (NL) and polar lipids (PL) fractions, it is clear that the water treatment greatly improves NL-to-PL ratio for the four standard methods assessed. Water treatment of biomass after the first solvent extraction step helps the subsequent release of intracellular lipids in the second extraction step, thus improving the global lipids extraction yield. In addition, the water treatment positively modifies the intracellular lipid class ratios of the final extract, in which TAG ratio is significantly increased without changes in the fatty acids composition. The novel method thus provides an efficient way to improve lipid extraction yield of existing methods, as well as selectively favoring TAG, a lipid of the upmost interest for biodiesel production.

Evaluation of agreement of placental growth factor (PlGF) tests and the soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1)/PlGF ratio, comparison of predictive accuracy for pre-eclampsia, and relation to uterine artery Doppler and response to aspirin.

PubMed

Navaratnam, Kate; Abreu, Patricia; Clarke, Helen; Jorgensen, Andrea; Alfirevic, Ana; Alfirevic, Zarko

2017-09-11

The objective of this study is to evaluate agreement between PlGF and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio tests and compare their predictive accuracy for pre-eclampsia in high-risk women. Also, to examine for associations of abnormal PlGF or sFlt-1/PlGF ratio with abnormal uterine artery Doppler and platelet response to aspirin. Prospective cohort study, 150 pregnant women at high risk of pre-eclampsia prescribed 75 mg aspirin daily. Uterine artery Dopplers were assessed at 20 +0 -23 +6 weeks. At 33 +0 -35 +6 weeks platelet function aspirin metabolites, PlGF and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were measured. Measures were all pre-eclampsia and pre-eclampsia requiring delivery prior to 37 weeks. Overall percent agreement was 89.3% for PlGF tests but 74.7-78% for PlGF tests and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. AUCs were 0.70-0.75 for prediction of any pre-eclampsia and 0.92-0.99 for preterm pre-eclampsia. We found a significant association between abnormal PlGF or sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and abnormal uterine artery Doppler (χ 2 5.47, p = .019), but no association with platelet response to aspirin (χ 2 0.12, p = .913). There were no associations between suboptimal aspirin adherence and either abnormal angiogenic markers or uterine artery Dopplers (χ 2 0.144, 0.038, p = .704, .846, respectively). There was good agreement between PlGF tests and limited agreement between PlGF tests and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. All tests have heightened predictive accuracy for preterm pre-eclampsia. Abnormal PlGF or sFlt-1/PlGF ratio relates to abnormal uterine artery Doppler but not platelet response to aspirin.

Identification and validation of multiple cell surface markers of clinical-grade adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells as novel release criteria for good manufacturing practice-compliant production.

PubMed

Camilleri, Emily T; Gustafson, Michael P; Dudakovic, Amel; Riester, Scott M; Garces, Catalina Galeano; Paradise, Christopher R; Takai, Hideki; Karperien, Marcel; Cool, Simon; Sampen, Hee-Jeong Im; Larson, A Noelle; Qu, Wenchun; Smith, Jay; Dietz, Allan B; van Wijnen, Andre J

2016-08-11

Clinical translation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) necessitates basic characterization of the cell product since variability in biological source and processing of MSCs may impact therapeutic outcomes. Although expression of classical cell surface markers (e.g., CD90, CD73, CD105, and CD44) is used to define MSCs, identification of functionally relevant cell surface markers would provide more robust release criteria and options for quality control. In addition, cell surface expression may distinguish between MSCs from different sources, including bone marrow-derived MSCs and clinical-grade adipose-derived MSCs (AMSCs) grown in human platelet lysate (hPL). In this work we utilized quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, and RNA-sequencing to characterize AMSCs grown in hPL and validated non-classical markers in 15 clinical-grade donors. We characterized the surface marker transcriptome of AMSCs, validated the expression of classical markers, and identified nine non-classical markers (i.e., CD36, CD163, CD271, CD200, CD273, CD274, CD146, CD248, and CD140B) that may potentially discriminate AMSCs from other cell types. More importantly, these markers exhibit variability in cell surface expression among different cell isolates from a diverse cohort of donors, including freshly prepared, previously frozen, or proliferative state AMSCs and may be informative when manufacturing cells. Our study establishes that clinical-grade AMSCs expanded in hPL represent a homogeneous cell culture population according to classical markers,. Additionally, we validated new biomarkers for further AMSC characterization that may provide novel information guiding the development of new release criteria. Use of Autologous Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate in Painful Knee Osteoarthritis (BMAC): Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01931007 . Registered August 26, 2013. MSC for Occlusive Disease of the Kidney: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01840540 . Registered April 23, 2013. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Multiple System Atrophy: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02315027 . Registered October 31, 2014. Efficacy and Safety of Adult Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Treat Steroid Refractory Acute Graft Versus Host Disease. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00366145 . Registered August 17, 2006. A Dose-escalation Safety Trial for Intrathecal Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01609283 . Registered May 18, 2012.

Consistent Pl Analysis of Aqueous Uranium-235 Critical Assemblies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fieno, Daniel

1961-01-01

The lethargy-dependent equations of the consistent Pl approximation to the Boltzmann transport equation for slowing down neutrons have been used as the basis of an IBM 704 computer program. Some of the effects included are (1) linearly anisotropic center of mass elastic scattering, (2) heavy element inelastic scattering based on the evaporation model of the nucleus, and (3) optional variation of the buckling with lethargy. The microscopic cross-section data developed for this program covered 473 lethargy points from lethargy u = 0 (10 Mev) to u = 19.8 (0.025 ev). The value of the fission neutron age in water calculated here is 26.5 square centimeters; this value is to be compared with the recent experimental value given as 27.86 square centimeters. The Fourier transform of the slowing-down kernel for water to indium resonance energy calculated here compared well with the Fourier transform of the kernel for water as measured by Hill, Roberts, and Fitch. This method of calculation has been applied to uranyl fluoride - water solution critical assemblies. Theoretical results established for both unreflected and fully reflected critical assemblies have been compared with available experimental data. The theoretical buckling curve derived as a function of the hydrogen to uranium-235 atom concentration for an energy-independent extrapolation distance was successful in predicting the critical heights of various unreflected cylindrical assemblies. The critical dimensions of fully water-reflected cylindrical assemblies were reasonably well predicted using the theoretical buckling curve and reflector savings for equivalent spherical assemblies.

Blood Substitutes: Effects on Drug Pharmacokinetics.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-01

stream of nitrogen gas. The residue was dissolved in 50 pl of mobile phase (45:55 acetonitrile:water, v/v; 0.50 g sodium lauryl sulfate /L; and 6.0 ml...concentrations of DZ were determined by HPLC. A mobile phase con- * sisting of 36:64 acetonitrile:water (v:v) with 1 g/L sodium dodecyl sulfate and 6.0...San Francisco, CA. d. Morphine Morphine sulfate Injectable, 10 mg/ml, was obtained from Wyeth, Philadelphia, PA. Morphine sulfate reference standard

An Analysis of Citizen Participation Programs Relating to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-500): Case Studies of the Washington County Project; State of Wisconsin; and Dane County, Wisconsin Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salmon, Elizabeth E.

The thesis, which presents an analysis of three Wisconsin citizen participation programs relating to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (Public Law 92-500), has identified the adult education role in teaching and applying skills, promoting growth in governmental understanding, assisting in public planning and…

Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Recurrent Thrombotic Events: Persistence and Portfolio

PubMed Central

Amory, Colum F.; Levine, Steve R.; Brey, Robin L.; Gebregziabher, Mulugeta; Tuhrim, Stanley; Tilley, Barbara C.; Simpson, Ann-Catherin N.; Sacco, Ralph L.; Mohr, J.P.

2015-01-01

Background There are very limited prospective data on the significance of persistent of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and recurrent thrombo-occlusive events (TOEs). We investigated the prognostic value of (1) two newer aPL assays, (2) an aPL portfolio, and (3) persistent aPL positivity following stroke. Methods 1,770 subjects from the APASS-WARSS study underwent further aPL testing for antibodies to phosphatidylserine (aPS) and β2-glycoprotein-I (anti-β2GPI) from stored sera. Follow-up aPL status was also tested in a subset of subjects. Primary analysis was based on time to any TOE (ischemic stroke, MI, TIA, DVT, PE, or systemic arterial occlusion)/death at 2 years. Cox proportional hazard analyses assessed whether aPL independently related to outcome. Results Persistent anti-β2GPI decreased the time to TOE/death after adjustment for potential confounders (HR=2.86, CI 1.21-6.76, p=0.017). When persistent anti-β2GPI was combined with another persistently positive aPL, time to TOE/death was also reduced (HR=3.79, CI 1.18-12.14, p=0.025). Neither persistent aCL, persistent aPS alone, nor a single positive anti-β2GPI or aPS was associated with decreased time to TOE/death. No single positive aPL, portfolio of baseline aPL, or any persistent aPL increased the rate of TOE/death. Conclusions Rates of TOE/death were not influenced by aPL results at baseline or follow-up. Persistent anti-β2GPI alone and with persistent second aPL were independently associated with decreased time to TOE/death. Persistent aPL, an aPL portfolio, and newer aPL in ischemic stroke patients are not helpful in predicting an increased rate of recurrent TOEs. PMID:26513489

Defect induced structural inhomogeneity, ultraviolet light emission and near-band-edge photoluminescence broadening in degenerate In2O3 nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Souvik; Sarkar, Ketaki; Wiederrecht, Gary P.; Schaller, Richard D.; Gosztola, David J.; Stroscio, Michael A.; Dutta, Mitra

2018-04-01

We demonstrate here defect induced changes on the morphology and surface properties of indium oxide (In2O3) nanowires and further study their effects on the near-band-edge (NBE) emission, thereby showing the significant influence of surface states on In2O3 nanostructure based device characteristics for potential optoelectronic applications. In2O3 nanowires with cubic crystal structure (c-In2O3) were synthesized via carbothermal reduction technique using a gold-catalyst-assisted vapor-liquid-solid method. Onset of strong optical absorption could be observed at energies greater than 3.5 eV consistent with highly n-type characteristics due to unintentional doping from oxygen vacancy ({V}{{O}}) defects as confirmed using Raman spectroscopy. A combination of high resolution transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and valence band analysis on the nanowire morphology and stoichiometry reveals presence of high-density of {V}{{O}} defects on the surface of the nanowires. As a result, chemisorbed oxygen species can be observed leading to upward band bending at the surface which corresponds to a smaller valence band offset of 2.15 eV. Temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was used to study the nature of the defect states and the influence of the surface states on the electronic band structure and NBE emission has been discussed. Our data reveals significant broadening of the NBE PL peak consistent with impurity band broadening leading to band-tailing effect from heavy doping.

Protective capping and surface passivation of III-V nanowires by atomic layer deposition

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

Dhaka, Veer, E-mail: veer.dhaka@aalto.fi; Perros, Alexander; Kakko, Joona-Pekko

2016-01-15

Low temperature (∼200 °C) grown atomic layer deposition (ALD) films of AlN, TiN, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, GaN, and TiO{sub 2} were tested for protective capping and surface passivation of bottom-up grown III-V (GaAs and InP) nanowires (NWs), and top-down fabricated InP nanopillars. For as-grown GaAs NWs, only the AlN material passivated the GaAs surface as measured by photoluminescence (PL) at low temperatures (15K), and the best passivation was achieved with a few monolayer thick (2Å) film. For InP NWs, the best passivation (∼2x enhancement in room-temperature PL) was achieved with a capping of 2nm thick Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. All othermore » ALD capping layers resulted in a de-passivation effect and possible damage to the InP surface. Top-down fabricated InP nanopillars show similar passivation effects as InP NWs. In particular, capping with a 2 nm thick Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} layer increased the carrier decay time from 251 ps (as-etched nanopillars) to about 525 ps. Tests after six months ageing reveal that the capped nanostructures retain their optical properties. Overall, capping of GaAs and InP NWs with high-k dielectrics AlN and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} provides moderate surface passivation as well as long term protection from oxidation and environmental attack.« less

An aligned porous electrospun fibrous membrane with controlled drug delivery - An efficient strategy to accelerate diabetic wound healing with improved angiogenesis.

PubMed

Ren, Xiaozhi; Han, Yiming; Wang, Jie; Jiang, Yuqi; Yi, Zhengfang; Xu, He; Ke, Qinfei

2018-04-01

A chronic wound in diabetic patients is usually characterized by poor angiogenesis and delayed wound closure. The exploration of efficient strategy to significantly improve angiogenesis in the diabetic wound bed and thereby accelerate wound healing is still a significant challenge. Herein, we reported a kind of aligned porous poly (l-lactic acid) (PlLA) electrospun fibrous membranes containing dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG)-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DS) for diabetic wound healing. The PlLA electrospun fibers aligned in a single direction and there were ellipse-shaped nano-pores in situ generated onto the surface of fibers, while the DS were well distributed in the fibers and the DMOG as well as Si ion could be controlled released from the nanopores on the fibers. The in vitro results revealed that the aligned porous composite membranes (DS-PL) could stimulate the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis-related gene expression of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) compared with the pure PlLA membranes. The in vivo study further demonstrated that the prepared DS-PL membranes significantly improved neo-vascularization, re-epithelialization and collagen formation as well as inhibited inflammatory reaction in the diabetic wound bed, which eventually stimulated the healing of the diabetic wound. Collectively, these results suggest that the combination of hierarchical structures (nanopores on the aligned fibers) with the controllable released DMOG drugs as well as Si ions from the membranes, which could create a synergetic effect on the rapid stimulation of angiogenesis in the diabetic wound bed, is a potential novel therapeutic strategy for highly efficient diabetic wound healing. A chronic wound in diabetic patients is usually characterized by the poor angiogenesis and the delayed wound closure. The main innovation of this study is to design a new kind of skin tissue engineered scaffold, aligned porous poly (l-lactic acid) (PlLA) electrospun membranes containing dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG)-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DS), which could significantly improve angiogenesis in the diabetic wound bed and thereby accelerate diabetic wound healing. The results revealed that the electrospun fibers with ellipse-shaped nano-pores on the surface were aligned in a single direction, while there were DS particles distributed in the fibers and the DMOG as well as Si ions could be controllably released from the nanopores on the fibers. The in vitro studies demonstrated that the hierarchical nanostructures (nanopores on the aligned fibers) and the controllable released chemical active agents (DMOG drugs and Si ions) from the DS-PL membranes could exert a synergistic effect on inducing the endothelial cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. Above all, the scaffolds distinctly induced the angiogenesis, collagen deposition and re-epithelialization as well as inhibited inflammation reaction in the wound sites, which eventually stimulated the healing of diabetic wounds in vivo. The significance of the current study is that the combination of the hierarchical aligned porous nanofibrous structure with DMOG-loaded MSNs incorporated in electrospun fibers may suggest a high-efficiency strategy for chronic wound healing. Copyright © 2018 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Complementary roles of benzylpiperazine and iodine 'vapor' in the strong enhancement of orange photoluminescence from CuI(1 1 1) thin film.

PubMed

Rawal, Takat B; Turkowski, Volodymyr; Rahman, Talat S

2014-05-07

We have employed density functional theory, corrected by the on-site electron-electron repulsion energy U, to clarify the mechanism behind the enhanced orange photoluminescence (PL) of a CuI(1 1 1) thin film conjugated with a benzylpiperazine (BZP) molecule in the presence of an iodine 'vapor' atom. Our results demonstrated that the adsorbed molecule and the 'vapor' atom play complementary roles in producing the PL. The latter, in attaching to the film surface, creates a hole-trapping surface state located ~0.25 eV above the valence band-edge of the film, in good agreement with ~0.2 eV reported in experiments. Upon photo-excitation of the BZP/CuI(1 1 1) system in the presence of surface iodine 'vapor' atoms, excited electrons are transferred into the conduction band of CuI, and holes are trapped by the 'vapor' atoms. These holes, in turn, quickly relax into the HOMO state of the BZP molecule, owing to the fact that the molecule adsorbs on the film surface in the immediate vicinity of a 'vapor' atom. Relaxed holes subsequently recombine with excited electrons in the conduction band of the CuI film, thereby producing a luminescence peak at ~2.1 eV, in qualitative agreement with experimental findings.

Ultralow Surface Recombination Velocity in Passivated InGaAs/InP Nanopillars

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The III–V semiconductor InGaAs is a key material for photonics because it provides optical emission and absorption in the 1.55 μm telecommunication wavelength window. However, InGaAs suffers from pronounced nonradiative effects associated with its surface states, which affect the performance of nanophotonic devices for optical interconnects, namely nanolasers and nanodetectors. This work reports the strong suppression of surface recombination of undoped InGaAs/InP nanostructured semiconductor pillars using a combination of ammonium sulfide, (NH4)2S, chemical treatment and silicon oxide, SiOx, coating. An 80-fold enhancement in the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of submicrometer pillars at a wavelength of 1550 nm is observed as compared with the unpassivated nanopillars. The PL decay time of ∼0.3 μm wide square nanopillars is dramatically increased from ∼100 ps to ∼25 ns after sulfur treatment and SiOx coating. The extremely long lifetimes reported here, to our knowledge the highest reported to date for undoped InGaAs nanostructures, are associated with a record-low surface recombination velocity of ∼260 cm/s. We also conclusively show that the SiOx capping layer plays an active role in the passivation. These results are crucial for the future development of high-performance nanoscale optoelectronic devices for applications in energy-efficient data optical links, single-photon sensing, and photovoltaics. PMID:28340296

Molecular Interactions between (−)-Epigallocatechin Gallate Analogs and Pancreatic Lipase

PubMed Central

Wang, Shihui; Sun, Zeya; Dong, Shengzhao; Liu, Yang; Liu, Yun

2014-01-01

The molecular interactions between pancreatic lipase (PL) and four tea polyphenols (EGCG analogs), like (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (−)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG), (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), and (−)-epigallocatechin (EC), were studied from PL activity, conformation, kinetics and thermodynamics. It was observed that EGCG analogs inhibited PL activity, and their inhibitory rates decreased by the order of EGCG>GCG>ECG>EC. PL activity at first decreased rapidly and then slowly with the increase of EGCG analogs concentrations. α-Helix content of PL secondary structure decreased dependent on EGCG analogs concentration by the order of EGCG>GCG>ECG>EC. EGCG, ECG, and EC could quench PL fluorescence both dynamically and statically, while GCG only quenched statically. EGCG analogs would induce PL self-assembly into complexes and the hydrodynamic radii of the complexes possessed a close relationship with the inhibitory rates. Kinetics analysis showed that EGCG analogs non-competitively inhibited PL activity and did not bind to PL catalytic site. DSC measurement revealed that EGCG analogs decreased the transition midpoint temperature of PL enzyme, suggesting that these compounds reduced PL enzyme thermostability. In vitro renaturation through urea solution indicated that interactions between PL and EGCG analogs were weak and non-covalent. PMID:25365042

Human platelet lysate supplementation of mesenchymal stromal cell delivery: issues of xenogenicity and species variability.

PubMed

Allen, Ashley B; Butts, Emily B; Copland, Ian B; Stevens, Hazel Y; Guldberg, Robert E

2017-10-01

Immunogenicity of fetal bovine serum (FBS) poses a problem for its use in the propagation of autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for cell therapy. Human platelet lysate (hPL), an enriched growth factor solution containing mitogenic and angiogenic cues, has potential utility in replacing FBS for human MSC (hMSC) delivery strategies. Despite its potentiation of hMSC number in vitro, little is known concerning its capacity to supplement implanted hMSC-seeded constructs and promote tissue regeneration in vivo. In this study, we tested the effects of incorporating hPL in cell-seeded constructs implanted subcutaneously into immunocompromised rats, investigated in vitro interactions between hPL and rat MSCs (rMSCs) and determined interspecies variability in the PL product [hPL vs rat PL (rPL)] and its effect on cultured MSCs (hPL/hMSCs vs rPL/rMSCs). The overarching aim was to determine the utility of hPL to foster MSC survival in preclinical rodent models. Exposure to hPL-supplemented media resulted in rMSC death, by a process attributable to heat-labile proteins, but not membrane attack complex formation. In the in vitro syngeneic model, the rodent product proved fundamentally distinct from the human product, with rPL having substantially lower growth factor content than hPL. Moreover, contrary to the positive effects of hPL on hMSC expansion, rPL did not reduce rMSC doubling time for the serum concentrations examined. When tested in vivo, hPL did not improve cell survival within hydrogel constructs through 2 weeks postimplantation. In summary, this study highlights the many facets of xenogenicity and interspecies variability that must be considered in the preclinical evaluation of hPL. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Dermaseptin 01 as antimicrobial peptide with rich biotechnological potential: study of peptide interaction with membranes containing Leishmania amazonensis lipid-rich extract and membrane models.

PubMed

Salay, Luiz C; Nobre, Thatyane M; Colhone, Marcelle C; Zaniquelli, Maria E D; Ciancaglini, Pietro; Stabeli, Rodrigo G; Leite, José Roberto S A; Zucolotto, Valtencir

2011-10-01

This article addresses the interactions of the synthetic antimicrobial peptide dermaseptin 01 (GLWSTIKQKGKEAAIAAA- KAAGQAALGAL-NH(2) , DS 01) with phospholipid (PL) monolayers comprising (i) a lipid-rich extract of Leishmania amazonensis (LRE-La), (ii) zwitterionic PL (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, DPPC), and (iii) negatively charged PL (dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol, DPPG). The degree of interaction of DS 01 with the different biomembrane models was quantified from equilibrium and dynamic liquid-air interface parameters. At low peptide concentrations, interactions between DS 01 and zwitterionic PL, as well as with the LRE-La monolayers were very weak, whereas with negatively charged PLs the interactions were stronger. For peptide concentrations above 1 µg/ml, a considerable expansion of negatively charged monolayers occurred. In the case of DPPC, it was possible to return to the original lipid area in the condensed phase, suggesting that the peptide was expelled from the monolayer. However, in the case of DPPG, the average area per lipid molecule in the presence of DS 01 was higher than pure PLs even at high surface pressures, suggesting that at least part of DS 01 remained incorporated in the monolayer. For the LRE-La monolayers, DS 01 also remained in the monolayer. This is the first report on the antiparasitic activity of AMPs using Langmuir monolayers of a natural lipid extract from L. amazonensis. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Energy and charge transfer effects in two-dimensional van der Waals hybrid nanostructures on periodic gold nanopost array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jun Young; Kim, Sun Gyu; Youn, Jong Won; Lee, Yongjun; Kim, Jeongyong; Joo, Jinsoo

2018-05-01

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting MoS2 and WSe2 flakes grown by chemical vapor deposition were mechanically hybridized. A hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) dielectric flake was inserted between MoS2 and WSe2 flakes to investigate the nanoscale optical properties of 2D van der Waals hybrid nanostructures. The fabricated MoS2/WSe2 and MoS2/h-BN/WSe2 van der Waals hybrid nanostructures were loaded on a periodic gold nanopost (Au-NPo) array to study energy and charge transfer effects at the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) condition. Nanoscale photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the 2D hybrid nanostructures were measured using a high-resolution laser confocal microscope (LCM). A shift of the LCM PL peak of the MoS2/WSe2 n-p hybrid nanostructures was observed owing to the charge transfer. In contrast, the shift of the LCM PL peak of the MoS2/h-BN/WSe2 n-insulator-p hybrid nanostructure was not considerable, as the inserted h-BN dielectric layer prevented the charge transfer. The intensity of the LCM PL peak of the MoS2/h-BN/WSe2 hybrid nanostructure considerably increased once the nanostructure was loaded on the Au-NPo array, owing to the energy transfer between the 2D materials and the Au-NPo array at the SPR condition, which was confirmed by the increase in the LCM Raman intensity.

The design of long wavelength planetary SAR sensor and its applications for monitoring shallow sub-surface of Moon and planets.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, K.

2015-12-01

SAR observations over planetary surface have been conducted mainly in two ways. The first is the subsurface sounding, for example Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) and Shallow Surface Radar (SHARAD), using ground penetration capability of long wavelength electromagnetic waves. On the other hand, imaging SAR sensors using burst mode design have been employed to acquire surface observations in the presence of opaque atmospheres such as in the case of Venus and Titan. We propose a lightweight SAR imaging system with P/L band wavelength to cover the vertical observation gap of these planetary radar observation schemes. The sensor is for investigating prominent surface and near-subsurface geological structures and physical characteristics. Such measurements will support landers and rover missions as well as future manned missions. We evaluate required power consumption, and estimate mass and horizontal resolution, which can be as good as 3-7 meters. Initial specifications for P/L dual band SARs for the lunar case at 130 km orbital altitude were designed already based on a assumptions that sufficient size antenna (>3m width diameter or width about 3m and >10kg weight) can be equipped. Useful science measurements to be obtained include: (1) derivation of subsurface regolith depth; 2) Surface and shallow subsurface radar imaging, together with radar ranging techniques such as radargrammetry and inteferometry. The concepts in this study can be used as an important technical basis for the future solid plant/satellite missions and already proposed for the 2018 Korean Lunar mission.

Surface and interface of epitaxial CdTe film on CdS buffered van der Waals mica substrate

DOE PAGES

Yang, Y. -B.; Seewald, L.; Mohanty, Dibyajyoti; ...

2017-03-31

We report single crystal CdTe films are desirable for optoelectronic device applications. An important strategy of creating films with high crystallinity is through epitaxial growth on a proper single crystal substrate. We report the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of epitaxial CdTe films on the CdS/mica substrate. The epitaxial CdS film was grown on a mica surface by thermal evaporation. Due to the weak van der Waals forces, epitaxy is achieved despite the very large interface lattice mismatch between CdS and mica (~21–55%). The surface morphology of mica, CdS and CdTe were quantified by atomic force microscopy. The near surface structures, orientations and texture of CdTe and CdS films were characterized by the unique reflection high-energy electron diffraction surface pole figure technique. The interfaces of CdTe and CdS films and mica were characterized by X-ray pole figure technique and transmission electron microscopy. The out-of-plane and in-plane epitaxy of the heteroepitaxial films stack are determined to be CdTe(111)//CdS(0001)//mica(001) and [more » $$\\overline{1}2\\overline{1}$$] CdTe//[$$\\overline{1}100$$] CdS//[010] mica, respectively. The measured photoluminescence (PL), time resolved PL, photoresponse, and Hall mobility of the CdTe/CdS/mica indicate quality films. Finally, the use of van der Waals surface to grow epitaxial CdTe/CdS films offers an alternative strategy towards infrared imaging and solar cell applications.« less

Surface and interface of epitaxial CdTe film on CdS buffered van der Waals mica substrate

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

Yang, Y. -B.; Seewald, L.; Mohanty, Dibyajyoti

We report single crystal CdTe films are desirable for optoelectronic device applications. An important strategy of creating films with high crystallinity is through epitaxial growth on a proper single crystal substrate. We report the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of epitaxial CdTe films on the CdS/mica substrate. The epitaxial CdS film was grown on a mica surface by thermal evaporation. Due to the weak van der Waals forces, epitaxy is achieved despite the very large interface lattice mismatch between CdS and mica (~21–55%). The surface morphology of mica, CdS and CdTe were quantified by atomic force microscopy. The near surface structures, orientations and texture of CdTe and CdS films were characterized by the unique reflection high-energy electron diffraction surface pole figure technique. The interfaces of CdTe and CdS films and mica were characterized by X-ray pole figure technique and transmission electron microscopy. The out-of-plane and in-plane epitaxy of the heteroepitaxial films stack are determined to be CdTe(111)//CdS(0001)//mica(001) and [more » $$\\overline{1}2\\overline{1}$$] CdTe//[$$\\overline{1}100$$] CdS//[010] mica, respectively. The measured photoluminescence (PL), time resolved PL, photoresponse, and Hall mobility of the CdTe/CdS/mica indicate quality films. Finally, the use of van der Waals surface to grow epitaxial CdTe/CdS films offers an alternative strategy towards infrared imaging and solar cell applications.« less

Influence of thermally induced structural and morphological changes, and UV irradiation on photoluminescence and optical absorption behavior of CdS nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osman, M. A.; El-Said, Waleed A.; Othman, A. A.; Abd-Elrahim, A. G.

2016-04-01

Polycrystalline cubic CdS nanoparticles (NPs) with a crystallite size ({{D}\\text{Sch}} ) ~3 nm were synthesized by chemical precipitation method at room temperature. Thermal induced structural and morphological changes have been investigated using x-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, x-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The influence of these changes on optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) characteristics have been studied. It was found that increasing annealing temperature (T a), results in structural phase transitions at 300 and 700 °C, increasing {{D}\\text{Sch}} and red shift of the optical band gap (E\\text{g}\\text{opt} ) due to the improvement in crystallinity. The photoluminescence emission spectrum of nonstoichiometric CdS (Cd-rich) nanopowder reveals emission bands at 365, 397, and 434 nm. Furthermore, PL spectrum of colloidal solution exhibits additional green and red emission bands at 535, 570 and 622 nm. To explain the mechanism of PL emission in CdS NPs, trapping and radiative recombination levels have been identified and the corresponding energy band diagrams are suggested. Annealing process results in an overall enhancement in PL intensity due to the improvement in crystallinity associated with the reduction of nonradiative surface state defects. Irradiation of CdS NPs colloidal solution at UV irradiation dose  <13 J cm-2 leads to the enhancement of PL quantum efficiency and blue shift of E\\text{g}\\text{opt} (i.e. photo-brightening) due to the decrease in the particle size deduced from Brus equation ≤ft({{D}\\text{Brus}}\\right) , This behavior is due to UV irradiation effects such as photopolymerization, the formation of CdSO4 passivation layers due to photooxidation and the reduction in {{D}\\text{Brus}} by photocorrosion process. At UV irradiation dose  <13 J cm-2, PL emission intensity continuously enhances without any change in both E\\text{g}\\text{opt} and {{D}\\text{Brus}} . This behavior is discussed in terms of electron filling model. Boltzmann curve fitting successfully describes the dependence of both {{D}\\text{Brus}} and E\\text{g}\\text{opt} on UV irradiation dose.

Induction of antiphospholipid antibodies by immunization with synthetic viral and bacterial peptides.

PubMed

Gharavi, E E; Chaimovich, H; Cucurull, E; Celli, C M; Tang, H; Wilson, W A; Gharavi, A E

1999-01-01

We previously induced pathogenic antibodies against anionic phospholipids (PL) in experimental animals by immunization with lipid-free purified human beta2glycoprotein I (beta2GPI). We hypothesized that antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are induced by in vivo binding of foreign beta2GPI to self-PL, thus forming an immunogenic complex against which aPL antibodies are produced. If this hypothesis is true, other PL-binding proteins that are products of ubiquitous viral/bacterial agents may also induce aPL. To test this hypothesis, groups of NIH/Swiss mice were immunized with synthetic peptides of viral and bacterial origin that share structural similarity with the putative PL-binding region of beta2GPI. Compared with the control groups, animals immunized with the peptides produced significantly higher levels of aPL and anti-beta2GPI antibodies. These findings demonstrate that some PL-binding viral and bacterial proteins function like beta2GPI in inducing aPL and anti-beta2GPI production, and are consistent with a role for such viral and bacterial proteins in inducing aPL antibody production in humans.

Solvent kinetic isotope effects of human placental alkaline phosphatase in reverse micelles.

PubMed Central

Huang, T M; Hung, H C; Chang, T C; Chang, G G

1998-01-01

Human placental alkaline phosphatase was embedded in a reverse micellar system prepared by dissolving the surfactant sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulphosuccinate (Aerosol-OT) in 2,2, 4-trimethylpentane. This microemulsion system provides a convenient instrumental tool to study the possible kinetic properties of the membranous enzyme in an immobilized form. The pL (pH/p2H) dependence of hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl phosphate has been examined over a pL range of 8.5-12.5 in both aqueous and reverse micellar systems. Profiles of log V versus pL were Ha-bell shaped in the acidic region but reached a plateau in the basic region in which two pKa values of 9.01-9.71 and 9.86-10.48, respectively, were observed in reverse micelles. However, only one pKa value of 9.78-10.27 in aqueous solution was detected. Profiles of log V/K versus pL were bell-shaped in the acidic region. However, they were wave-shaped in the basic region in which a residue of pKa 9.10-9.44 in aqueous solution and 8.07-8.78 in reverse micelles must be dehydronated for the reaction to reach an optimum. The V/K value shifted to a lower value upon dehydronation of a pKa value of 9.80-10.62 in aqueous solution and 11.23-12.17 in reverse micelles. Solvent kinetic isotope effects were measured at three pL values. At pL 9.5, the observed isotope effect was a product of equilibrium isotope effect and a kinetic isotope effect; at pL 10.4, the log V/K value was identical in water and deuterium. The deuterium kinetic isotope effect on V/K was 1.14 in an aqueous solution and 1.16 in reverse micelles. At pL 11.0 at which the log V values reached a plateau in either solvent system, the deuterium kinetic isotope effect on V was 2.08 in an aqueous solution and 0.62 in reverse micelles. Results from a proton inventory experiment suggested that a hydron transfer step is involved in the transition state of the catalytic reaction. The isotopic fractionation factor (pi) for deuterium for the transition state (piT) increased when the pH of the solution was raised. At pL 11.0, the piT was 1.07 in reverse micelles, which corresponds to the inverse-isotope effect of the reaction in this solvent system. Normal viscosity effects on kcat and kcat/Km were observed in aqueous solution, corresponding to a diffusional controlled physical step as the rate-limiting step. We propose that the rate-limiting step of the hydrolytic reaction changes from phosphate releasing in aqueous solution to a covalent phosphorylation or dephosphorylation step in reverse micelles. PMID:9461520

Solvent kinetic isotope effects of human placental alkaline phosphatase in reverse micelles.

PubMed

Huang, T M; Hung, H C; Chang, T C; Chang, G G

1998-02-15

Human placental alkaline phosphatase was embedded in a reverse micellar system prepared by dissolving the surfactant sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulphosuccinate (Aerosol-OT) in 2,2, 4-trimethylpentane. This microemulsion system provides a convenient instrumental tool to study the possible kinetic properties of the membranous enzyme in an immobilized form. The pL (pH/p2H) dependence of hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl phosphate has been examined over a pL range of 8.5-12.5 in both aqueous and reverse micellar systems. Profiles of log V versus pL were Ha-bell shaped in the acidic region but reached a plateau in the basic region in which two pKa values of 9.01-9.71 and 9.86-10.48, respectively, were observed in reverse micelles. However, only one pKa value of 9.78-10.27 in aqueous solution was detected. Profiles of log V/K versus pL were bell-shaped in the acidic region. However, they were wave-shaped in the basic region in which a residue of pKa 9.10-9.44 in aqueous solution and 8.07-8.78 in reverse micelles must be dehydronated for the reaction to reach an optimum. The V/K value shifted to a lower value upon dehydronation of a pKa value of 9.80-10.62 in aqueous solution and 11.23-12.17 in reverse micelles. Solvent kinetic isotope effects were measured at three pL values. At pL 9.5, the observed isotope effect was a product of equilibrium isotope effect and a kinetic isotope effect; at pL 10.4, the log V/K value was identical in water and deuterium. The deuterium kinetic isotope effect on V/K was 1.14 in an aqueous solution and 1.16 in reverse micelles. At pL 11.0 at which the log V values reached a plateau in either solvent system, the deuterium kinetic isotope effect on V was 2.08 in an aqueous solution and 0.62 in reverse micelles. Results from a proton inventory experiment suggested that a hydron transfer step is involved in the transition state of the catalytic reaction. The isotopic fractionation factor (pi) for deuterium for the transition state (piT) increased when the pH of the solution was raised. At pL 11.0, the piT was 1.07 in reverse micelles, which corresponds to the inverse-isotope effect of the reaction in this solvent system. Normal viscosity effects on kcat and kcat/Km were observed in aqueous solution, corresponding to a diffusional controlled physical step as the rate-limiting step. We propose that the rate-limiting step of the hydrolytic reaction changes from phosphate releasing in aqueous solution to a covalent phosphorylation or dephosphorylation step in reverse micelles.

P-31 NMR characterization of fertilizer residual P in cotton/corn fields

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant nutrient. However, over application of P to soils has raised concerns because excess P in runoff could result in eutrophication of fresh water bodies. A field experiment of poultry litter (PL) and chemical fertilizer (CF) to a Cecil soil used for cotton and corn...

Literature Review and Evaluation of Solid Sorbents for Water Sampling of Explosives

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

80-054. Denboske, J.V. (1981), personal communication, Johns Manville , Denver, CO. Gallant, R.F.; J.W. King, P.L. Kevins, and J.F. Piecewicz (1978...Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA, STP 686, 275-290. Johns - Manville (1980), "Chromosorbc century series porous polymer supports," product brochure no

Effects of dietary phospholipid level in cobia (Rachycentron canadum) larvae: growth, survival, plasma lipids and enzymes of lipid metabolism.

PubMed

Niu, J; Liu, Y J; Tian, L X; Mai, K S; Yang, H J; Ye, C X; Zhu, Y

2008-03-01

A study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary phospholipid (PL) levels in cobia (Rachycentron canadum) larvae with regard to growth, survival, plasma lipids and enzymes of lipid metabolism. Fish with an average weight of 0.4 g were fed diets containing four levels of PL (0, 20, 40 and 80 g kg(-1)dry matter: purity 97%) for 42 days. Final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG) and survival ratio were highest in the 8% PL diet group and mortality was highest in PL-free diet group. We examined the activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) in liver, lecithin-cholesterolacyltransferase (LCAT) in plasma as well as plasma lipids and lipoprotein. LCAT activity showed a decrease of more than two-fold in PL-supplemented diet groups compared with the PL-free diet group. HL activity was highest in the 8% PL diet group and the other three groups showed no difference. LPL activity was significantly higher in the PL-supplemented diet groups than in the PL-free diet group. The dietary intervention significantly increased plasma phospholipids and total cholesterol (TC) levels, and the higher free cholesterol (FC) level contributed to the TC level. However, the fish fed PL exhibited a significantly decreased plasma triglyceride (TG) level. The lipoprotein fractions were also affected significantly by the PL. The PL-supplemented diet groups had significantly higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) compared with the PL-free diet group, but showed a marked decrease in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). The results suggested that PL could modify plasma lipoprotein metabolism and lipid profile, and that the optimal dietary PL level may well exceed 80 g kg(-1) for cobia larvae according to growth and survival.

Opposite beta2-glycoprotein I requirement for the binding of infectious and autoimmune antiphospholipid antibodies to cardiolipin liposomes is associated with antibody avidity.

PubMed

Celli, C M; Gharavi, A E; Chaimovich, H

1999-01-12

The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) from two different populations (patients with autoimmune or infectious disorders) with cardiolipin (CL) arranged in a defined bilayer. beta2-Glycoprotein I (beta2GPI), an apolipoprotein that plays a critical role in the aPL binding to phospholipids, was quantified by dot blot in purified IgG-aPL samples, further classified according to apparent avidity to CL. In solid-phase assays, beta2GPI increased, preferentially, the binding of low-avidity autoimmune aPL to CL but inhibited the binding of low-avidity syphilitic aPL. In the absence of beta2GPI, both autoimmune and infectious aPL induced the leakage of the entrapped fluorescent probe, carboxyfluorescein (CF), from small unilamellar vesicles containing CL. aPL-induced probe leakage was protein concentration-dependent and characterized by a lag-phase onset of 100-120 min. beta2GPI increased the leakage rate induced by low-avidity autoimmune aPL only and inhibited the leakage induced by all syphilitic aPL. The following conclusions were provided: (1) in the absence of beta2GPI, autoimmune and infectious aPL bind to CL in a bilayer, inducing liposome leakage; (2) the leakage mechanism induced by aPL is suggested to be intravesicular; (3) beta2GPI requirement for phospholipid binding in both solid and fluid phase is associated to aPL avidity; (4) CL alone or the CL-beta2GPI complex are the most likely epitopes for autoimmune aPL; (5) aPL from syphilis patients can only form the CL-aPL complex, supporting that beta2GPI is not (part of) the target epitope.

Immunogenicity, reactogenicity and safety of the human rotavirus vaccine RIX4414 (Rotarix™) oral suspension (liquid formulation) when co-administered with expanded program on immunization (EPI) vaccines in Vietnam and the Philippines in 2006-2007.

PubMed

Anh, D D; Carlos, C C; Thiem, D V; Hutagalung, Y; Gatchalian, S; Bock, H L; Smolenov, I; Suryakiran, P V; Han, H H

2011-03-03

Evaluation of immunogenicity and safety of a 2-dose liquid formulation of human rotavirus vaccine, RIX4414 following WHO's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) schedule (0, 1, and 2 months; Month 0 indicates day of enrollment) in Vietnam and the Philippines. Infants aged 6-10 (mean=8.7 ± 1.07 weeks Vietnam) and 5-10 weeks (mean=6.6 ± 1.03 weeks Philippines) received two doses of RIX4414 vaccine (V) and one dose of placebo (PL) or three placebo doses concomitantly with commercially available diphtheria-tetanus-whole-cell pertussis, hepatitis B and oral poliovirus vaccines. The vaccination schedules were: V-V-PL, V-PL-V and PL-PL-PL (Vietnam); PL-V-V, V-PL-V and PL-PL-PL (Philippines). Anti-rotavirus seroconversion rate was assessed pre-vaccination and post-vaccination (ELISA cut-off=20 U/ml). 375 infants were enrolled in each country. Seroconversion rates at one month post-Dose 2 of RIX4414 were Vietnam 63.3% (95% CI: 54.3-71.6) in V-V-PL group and 81.5% (95% CI: 73.4-88) in V-PL-V group; Philippines 70% (95% CI: 61-78) in PL-V-V group and 59.2% (95% CI: 49.8-68) in V-PL-V group. Frequencies of solicited (8-day post-each dose) and unsolicited symptoms (31-day post-each dose) were similar. Two-doses of rotavirus vaccine administered within the WHO EPI offer flexibility in existing schedule, though both schedules provides good immune responses. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Probing Local Heterogeneity in the Optoelectronic Properties of Organic-Inorganic Perovskites Using Fluorescence Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Quilettes, Dane W.

Unregulated emission of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases into our atmosphere has led to an increase in the average global surface air temperature, to a disruption of weather patterns, and to the acidification of oceans all of which threaten the continued prosperity of our race and our planet. The transition to renewable sources of energy is therefore one of, if not the most, important challenge that the 21st century faces. Solar energy is predicted to play a major role in global energy production in the coming century, as the amount of energy hitting the earth's surface is far greater than the energy demands of industrialized human activity. Many current photovoltaic technologies show promise in contributing to a large fraction of global energy production, but in order to reach terawatt-scale production the photovoltaic modules will need to be scalable, cheap, and efficient. Perovskite-based photovoltaics hold exceptional potential in contributing to solar energy production. Thus far, the unprecedented rise in power conversion efficiencies over the past few years can be primarily attributed to improvements in film processing and device engineering. Although effective, the fundamental photophysical processes that govern charge generation, transport, recombination, and collection in these materials is still in its infancy. Historically in semiconductor technologies, this understanding has been essential in the rational design of optimized materials. Prior to these studies, much of the field had focused on bulk spectroscopic measurements to characterize the semiconducting properties of hybrid perovskite thin films. From our contributions as well as many others, microscopy has now given us a window into how this bulk behavior is composed of an ensemble of spatially varying structure and composition, which controls carrier transport and dynamics on the way to carrier extraction and power generation. This understanding has led to some exciting new discoveries on the rational design of materials and is leveraged to deploy chemical passivation techniques to improve the optoelectronic quality of the material, with the ultimate goal of improving photovoltaic power conversion efficiency. Reducing non-radiative recombination in semiconducting materials is a prerequisite for achieving the highest performance in a host of light-emitting and photovoltaic applications. In the first study described herein, we used confocal fluorescence microscopy correlated with scanning electron microscopy to spatially resolve the photoluminescence (PL) decay dynamics from films of nonstoichiometric organic-inorganic perovskites, CH3NH 3PbI3(Cl). The PL intensities and lifetimes varied between different grains in the same film, even for films that exhibited long bulk lifetimes. The grain boundaries were dimmer and exhibited faster non-radiative decay. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy showed a positive correlation between chlorine concentration and regions of brighter PL, while PL imaging revealed that chemical treatment with pyridine could activate previously dark grains. Next, to better elucidate the sources of these loss pathways, we performed a systematic study using confocal and widefield fluorescence microscopy to deconvolve the contributions from diffusion and non-radiative recombination which lead to the observed image heterogeneity. We showed that, in addition to local variations in non-radiative loss, carriers diffuse anisotropically due to heterogeneous intergrain connectivity. In addition to non-radiative recombination impeding material performance, we also showed that the materials exhibit a range of complex dynamic phenomena under illumination. We used a unique combination of confocal PL microscopy and chemical imaging to correlate the local changes in photophysics with composition in CH3NH 3PbI3 films under illumination. We demonstrated that the photo-induced "brightening" of the perovskite PL can be attributed to an order-of-magnitude reduction in trap state density. Next, we studied the effects of a series of post-deposition ligand treatments on the PL of polycrystalline methylammonium lead triiodide perovskite thin films. Using glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we showed that the ligands are incorporated primarily at the film surface and are acting as electron donors. These results indicate it is possible to obtain thin film PL lifetime and PLQE values that are comparable to those from single crystals by control over surface chemistry. Finally, we further characterized these TOPO treated films to show, with respect to material bandgap, these passivated films could demonstrate quasi-Fermi level splittings comparable to the highest performing GaAs solar cells, reaching 96% of the Shockley-Queisser limit. Importantly, we reported internal photoluminescence quantum efficiency values of 92% under one sun illumination intensity, which are the highest values achieved to date. These results suggest that the material optoelectronic quality has been nearly optimized and further increases in voltage and device efficiency will be obtained by integrating these types of surface passivation schemes into charge carrier selective interfaces. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Functionalized magnetic-fluorescent hybrid nanoparticles for cell labelling.

PubMed

Lou, Lei; Yu, Ke; Zhang, Zhengli; Li, Bo; Zhu, Jianzhong; Wang, Yiting; Huang, Rong; Zhu, Ziqiang

2011-05-01

A facile method of synthesizing 60 nm magnetic-fluorescent core-shell bifunctional nanocomposites with the ability to label cells is presented. Hydrophobic trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO)-capped CdSe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were assembled on polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles (MNP). Polyethyleneimine was utilized for the realization of multifunction, including attaching 4 nm TOPO capped CdSe@ZnS quantum dots onto magnetite particles, altering the surface properties of quantum dots from hydrophobic to hydrophilic as well as preventing the formation of large aggregates. Results show that these water-soluble hybrid nanocomposites exhibit good colloidal stability and retain good magnetic and fluorescent properties. Because TOPO-capped QDs are assembled instead of their water-soluble equivalents, the nanocomposites are still highly luminescent with no shift in the PL peak position and present long-term fluorescence stability. Moreover, TAT peptide (GRKKRRQRRRPQ) functionalized hybrid nanoparticles were also studied due to their combined magnetic enrichment and optical detection for cell separation and rapid cell labelling. A cell viability assay revealed good biocompatibility of these hybrid nanoparticles. The potential application of the new magnetic-fluorescent nanocomposites in biological and medicine is demonstrated. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

Synthesis of ZnSe and ZnSe:Cu quantum dots by a room temperature photochemical (UV-assisted) approach using Na2 SeO3 as Se source and investigating optical properties.

PubMed

Khafajeh, R; Molaei, M; Karimipour, M

2017-06-01

In this study, ZnSe and ZnSe:Cu quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized using Na 2 SeO 3 as the Se source by a rapid and room temperature photochemical (UV-assisted) approach. Thioglycolic acid (TGA) was employed as the capping agent and UV illumination activated the chemical reactions. Synthesized QDs were successfully characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). XRD analysis demonstrated the cubic zinc blend phase QDs. TEM images indicated that round-shaped particles were formed, most of which had a diameter of about 4 nm. The band gap of the ZnSe QDs was higher than that for ZnSe in bulk. PL spectra indicated an emission with three peaks related to the excitonic, surface trap states and deep level (DL) states. The band gap and QD emission were tunable only by UV illumination time during synthesis. ZnSe:Cu showed green emission due to transition of electrons from the Conduction band (CB) or surface trap states to the 2 T 2 acceptor levels of Cu 2 + . The emission was increased by increasing the Cu 2 + ion concentration, such that the optimal value of PL intensity was obtained for the nominal mole ratio of Cu:Zn 1.5%. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Optimization of methane production in anaerobic co-digestion of poultry litter and wheat straw at different percentages of total solid and volatile solid using a developed response surface model.

PubMed

Shen, Jiacheng; Zhu, Jun

2016-01-01

Poultry litter (PL) can be good feedstock for biogas production using anaerobic digestion. In this study, methane production from batch co-digestion of PL and wheat straw (WS) was investigated for two factors, i.e., total solid (2%, 5%, and 10%) and volatile solid (0, 25, and 50% of WS), constituting a 3 × 3 experimental design. The results showed that the maximum specific methane volume [197 mL (g VS)(‑1)] was achieved at 50% VS from WS at 5% TS level. It was estimated that the inhibitory threshold of free ammonia was about 289 mg L(--1), beyond which reduction of methanogenic activity by at least 54% was observed. The specific methane volume and COD removal can be expressed using two response surface models (R(2) = 0.9570 and 0.9704, respectively). Analysis of variance of the experimental results indicated that the C/N ratio was the most significant factor influencing the specific methane volume and COD removal in the co-digestion of these two materials.

Fabrication and properties of ZnO/GaN heterostructure nanocolumnar thin film on Si (111) substrate

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Zinc oxide thin films have been obtained on bare and GaN buffer layer decorated Si (111) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD), respectively. GaN buffer layer was achieved by a two-step method. The structure, surface morphology, composition, and optical properties of these thin films were investigated by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, infrared absorption spectra, and photoluminiscence (PL) spectra, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images indicate that the flower-like grains were presented on the surface of ZnO thin films grown on GaN/Si (111) substrate, while the ZnO thin films grown on Si (111) substrate show the morphology of inclination column. PL spectrum reveals that the ultraviolet emission efficiency of ZnO thin film on GaN buffer layer is high, and the defect emission of ZnO thin film derived from Zni and Vo is low. The results demonstrate that the existence of GaN buffer layer can greatly improve the ZnO thin film on the Si (111) substrate by PLD techniques. PMID:23448090

Fabrication and properties of ZnO/GaN heterostructure nanocolumnar thin film on Si (111) substrate.

PubMed

Wei, Xianqi; Zhao, Ranran; Shao, Minghui; Xu, Xijin; Huang, Jinzhao

2013-02-28

Zinc oxide thin films have been obtained on bare and GaN buffer layer decorated Si (111) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD), respectively. GaN buffer layer was achieved by a two-step method. The structure, surface morphology, composition, and optical properties of these thin films were investigated by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, infrared absorption spectra, and photoluminiscence (PL) spectra, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images indicate that the flower-like grains were presented on the surface of ZnO thin films grown on GaN/Si (111) substrate, while the ZnO thin films grown on Si (111) substrate show the morphology of inclination column. PL spectrum reveals that the ultraviolet emission efficiency of ZnO thin film on GaN buffer layer is high, and the defect emission of ZnO thin film derived from Zni and Vo is low. The results demonstrate that the existence of GaN buffer layer can greatly improve the ZnO thin film on the Si (111) substrate by PLD techniques.

Structure and optical properties of 2D layered MoS2 crystals implemented with novel friction induced crystal growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanabe, Tadao; Ito, Takafumi; Oyama, Yutaka

2018-03-01

We used X-ray diffraction, and Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies to examine the structure and optical properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) crystals grown by friction at the interface between two materials. MoS2 is produced chemically from molybdenum dithiocarbamates (MoDTC) in synthetic oil under sliding friction conditions. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate that the structure of the MoS2 is layered with the c-axis perpendicular to the surface. The MoS2 layer was formed on stainless steel and germanium by friction at the interface between these materials and high carbon chromium bearing steel. The number of layers is estimated to be N (N > 6) from the distance between the Raman frequencies of the E12g and A1g modes. For MoS2 grown on stainless steel, exciton peak is observed in the PL spectrum at room temperature. These results show that this friction induced crystal growth method is viable for synthesizing atomic layers of MoS2 at solid surfaces.

InGaAs quantum dots grown on B-type high index GaAs substrates: surface morphologies and optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, B. L.; Wang, Zh M.; Mazur, Yu I.; Strelchuck, V. V.; Holmes, K.; Lee, J. H.; Salamo, G. J.

2006-06-01

We systematically investigated the correlation between morphological and optical properties of InGaAs self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) grown by solid-source molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs (n 11)B (n = 9, 8, 7, 5, 3, 2) substrates. Remarkably, all InGaAs QDs on GaAs(n 11)B under investigation show optical properties superior to those for ones on GaAs(100) as regards the photoluminescence (PL) linewidth and intensity. The morphology for growth of InGaAs QDs on GaAs (n 11)B, where n = 9, 8, 7, 5, is observed to have a rounded shape with a higher degree of lateral ordering than that on GaAs(100). The optical property and the lateral ordering are best for QDs grown on a (511)B substrate surface, giving a strong correlation between lateral ordering and PL optical quality. Our results demonstrate the potential for high quality InGaAs QDs on GaAs(n 11)B for optoelectronic applications.

Drawing ellipses in water: evidence for dynamic constraints in the relation between velocity and path curvature.

PubMed

Catavitello, Giovanna; Ivanenko, Yuri P; Lacquaniti, Francesco; Viviani, Paolo

2016-06-01

Several types of continuous human movements comply with the so-called Two-Thirds Power Law (2/3-PL) stating that velocity (V) is a power function of the radius of curvature (R) of the endpoint trajectory. The origin of the 2/3-PL has been the object of much debate. An experiment investigated further this issue by comparing two-dimensional drawing movements performed in air and water. In both conditions, participants traced continuously quasi-elliptic trajectories (period T = 1.5 s). Other experimental factors were the movement plane (horizontal/vertical), and whether the movement was performed free-hand, or by following the edge of a template. In all cases a power function provided a good approximation to the V-R relation. The main result was that the exponent of the power function in water was significantly smaller than in air. This appears incompatible with the idea that the power relationship depends only on kinematic constraints and suggests a significant contribution of dynamic factors. We argue that a satisfactory explanation of the observed behavior must take into account the interplay between the properties of the central motor commands and the visco-elastic nature of the mechanical plant that implements the commands.

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

Han, Seong-Su, E-mail: seong-su-han@uiowa.edu; Han, Sangwoo; Kamberos, Natalie L.

Highlights: • PL inhibits the proliferation of B-ALL cell lines irrespective of GC-resistance. • PL selectively kills B-ALL cells by increasing ROS, but not normal counterpart. • PL does not sensitize majority of B-ALL cells to DEX. • PL represses the network of constitutively activated TFs and modulates their target genes. • PL may serve as a new therapeutic molecule for GC-resistant B-ALL. - Abstract: Piperlongumine (PL), a pepper plant alkaloid from Piper longum, has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. PL selectively kills both solid and hematologic cancer cells, but not normal counterparts. Here we evaluated the effect of PL onmore » the proliferation and survival of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), including glucocorticoid (GC)-resistant B-ALL. Regardless of GC-resistance, PL inhibited the proliferation of all B-ALL cell lines, but not normal B cells, in a dose- and time-dependent manner and induced apoptosis via elevation of ROS. Interestingly, PL did not sensitize most of B-ALL cell lines to dexamethasone (DEX). Only UoC-B1 exhibited a weak synergistic effect between PL and DEX. All B-ALL cell lines tested exhibited constitutive activation of multiple transcription factors (TFs), including AP-1, MYC, NF-κB, SP1, STAT1, STAT3, STAT6 and YY1. Treatment of the B-ALL cells with PL significantly downregulated these TFs and modulated their target genes. While activation of AURKB, BIRC5, E2F1, and MYB mRNA levels were significantly downregulated by PL, but SOX4 and XBP levels were increased by PL. Intriguingly, PL also increased the expression of p21 in B-ALL cells through a p53-independent mechanism. Given that these TFs and their target genes play critical roles in a variety of hematological malignancies, our findings provide a strong preclinical rationale for considering PL as a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of B-cell malignancies, including B-ALL and GC-resistant B-ALL.« less