Enhanced response over wavelength range of 7-12 µm for quantum wells in asymmetric micro-pillars.

Efficient coupling in broad wavelength range is desirable for wide-spectrum infrared light detection, yet this is a challenge for intersubband transition in semiconductor quantum wells (QWs). High-Q cavities mostly intensify the absorption at peak wavelengths but with shrinking bandwidth. Here, we propose a novel approach to expand the operating spectral range of the Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors (QWIPs).

Enhanced absorption of infrared light for quantum wells in coupled pillar-cavity arrays.

Periodic pillars of semiconductor in sub-wavelength size can serve multiple roles as diffracting, trapping and absorbing light for effective photoelectric conversion which has been intensively studied in the visible range. Here, we design and fabricate the micro-pillar arrays of AlGaAs/GaAs multi quantum wells(QWs) for high performance detection of long wavelength infrared light. Compared to its planar counterpart, the array offers 5.

[Efficacy and safety of body-insulated acupuncture needle for electrical stimulation at rabbit scia-tic nerve trunk].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of electrical stimulation at the rabbit sciatic nerve trunk with the body-insulated acupuncture needle whose body is painted with insulating material.

Methods: Eighteen male New Zealand rabbits were randomized into the body-insulated acupuncture needle (BIAN), the general acupuncture needle (GAN), and the blank control groups，with 6 rabbits in each group. The rats'sciatic nerve trunks in BIAN and GAN groups were stimulated by electroacupuncture with the body-insulated acupuncture needle (only allowing the uncoated needle handle and tip to conduct electricity) and the general acupuncture needle, separately.

Efficacy and feasibility of amniotic membrane for the treatment of burn wounds: A meta-analysis.

Background: Burns cause a huge economic burden to society, and the wounds can be very difficult to manage. Clinical experience suggests that amniotic membrane (AM) is an economical and effective biological dressing for burns. However, few systematic reviews or meta-analyses have been published on such use.

1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits transforming growth factor β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition via β-catenin pathway.

Background: The transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proven associated with the pathogenesis of asthmatic airway remodeling, in which the Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays an important role, notably with regard to TGF-β1. Recent studies have shown that 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(1α, 25(OH)2D3) inhibits TGF-β1-induced EMT, although the underlying mechanism have not yet been fully elucidated.

Methods: Alveolar epithelial cells were exposed to 1α, 25(OH)2D3, ICG-001, or a combination of both, followed by stimulation with TGF-β1.

Erasure of striatal chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-associated extracellular matrix rescues aging-dependent decline of motor learning.

Cognitive decline is a feature of aging. Accumulating evidence suggests that the brain extracellular matrix (ECM) is involved in the process of aging-dependent cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration by regulating synaptic neurotransmission and affecting neuroplasticity. Age-related changes in brain structure and cognition are not uniform across the whole brain.

The effect of inhibiting glycinamide ribonucleotide formyl transferase on the development of neural tube in mice.

Background: Folate deficiency is closely related to the development of neural tube defects (NTDs). However, the exact mechanism is not completely understood. This study aims to induce murine NTDs by inhibiting one of the folate metabolic pathways, de novo purine synthesis and preliminarily investigate the potential mechanisms.

[Maize Hybrid Seed Purity Identification Based on Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) and Transmittance (NIT) Spectra].

This article explore the feasibility of using Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) and Transmittance (NIT) Spectroscopy (908.1-1677.2 nm wavelength range) to identify maize hybrid purity, and compare the performance of NIR and NIT spectroscopy.

Nanoscale imaging of the photoresponse in PN junctions of InGaAs infrared detector.

Electronic layout, such as distributions of charge carriers and electric field, in PN junction is determinant for the photovoltaic devices to realize their functionality. Considerable efforts have been dedicated to the carrier profiling of this specific region with Scanning Probe Microscope, yet reliable analysis was impeded by the difficulty in resolving carriers with high mobility and the unclear surface effect, particularly on compound semiconductors. Here we realize nanometer Scanning Capacitance Microscopic study on the cross-section of InGaAs/InP photodetectors with the featured dC/dV layout of PN junction unveiled for the first time.

Self-induced uniaxial strain in MoS2 monolayers with local van der Waals-stacked interlayer interactions.

Strain engineering is an effective method to tune the properties of electrons and phonons in semiconductor materials, including two-dimensional (2D) layered materials (e.g., MoS2 or graphene).

[Source and health risk assessment of heavy metals in ambient air PM10 from one coking plant].

To investigate the sources and health risk of heavy metals in ambient air PM10 from the coking plant, the PM10 in the air around one coking plant was collected in June 2012. Then the heavy metals concentrations in PM10 were tested by the microwave-ICP-MS method. Furthermore, the USEPA's human exposure assessment model was applied to preliminarily evaluate the human health risks of the heavy metals in air particulate matter.

Single InAs nanowire room-temperature near-infrared photodetectors.

Here we report InAs nanowire (NW) near-infrared photodetectors having a detection wavelength up to ∼1.5 μm. The single InAs NW photodetectors displayed minimum hysteresis with a high Ion/Ioff ratio of 10(5).

Distinct photocurrent response of individual GaAs nanowires induced by n-type doping.

The doping-dependent photoconductive properties of individual GaAs nanowires have been studied by conductive atomic force microscopy. Linear responsivity against the bias voltage is observed for moderate n-doped GaAs wires with a Schottky contact under illumination, while that of the undoped ones exhibits a saturated response. The carrier lifetime of a single nanowire can be obtained by simulating the characteristic photoelectric behavior.

Depression, anxiety and influencing factors in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Background: Psychological distress has been widely studied in many cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, but the condition in acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate levels of depression and anxiety and their influencing factors in APE patients.

Methods: Sixty consecutive patients with APE were subjected to investigation of depression and anxiety by the Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and 60 community-based subjects were enrolled as controls.

Inhibition of allergic airway inflammation by antisense-induced blockade of STAT6 expression.

Background: The signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) expression in lung epithelial cells plays a pivotal role in asthma pathogenesis. Activation of STAT6 expression results in T helper cell type 2 (Th2) cell differentiation leading to Th2-mediated IgE production, development of allergic airway inflammation and hyperreactivity. Therefore, antagonizing the expression and/or the function of STAT6 could be used as a mode of therapy for allergic airway inflammation.