Composition profiling InAs quantum dots and wetting layers by atom probe tomography and cross-sectional scanning tunnelling microscopy

This study compares cross-sectional scanning tunnelling microscopy (XSTM) and atom probe tomography (APT). We use epitaxially grown self-assembled InAs quantum dots (QDs) in GaAs as an exemplary material with which to compare these two nanostructural analysis techniques. We studied the composition of the wetting layer and the QDs, and performed quantitative comparisons of the indium concentration profiles measured by each method. We show that computational models of the wetting layer and the QDs, based on experimental data, are consistent with both analytical approaches. This establishes a link between the two techniques and shows their complimentary behaviour, an advantage which we exploit in order to highlight unique features of the examined QD material.Comment: Main article: 8 pages, 6 figures. Appendix: 3 pages, 5 figure

Trajectory Deflection of Spinning Magnetic Microparticles, the Magnus Effect at the Microscale

The deflection due to the Magnus force of magnetic particles with a diameter of 80 micrometer dropping through fluids and rotating in a magnetic field was measured. With Reynolds number for this experiment around 1, we found trajectory deflections of the order of 1 degree, in agreement within measurement error with theory. This method holds promise for the sorting and analysis of the distribution in magnetic moment and particle diameter of suspensions of microparticles, such as applied in catalysis, or objects loaded with magnetic particles.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures. Appendix with 6 figure

Synthesis, characterisation and gas permeation studies on microporous silica and alumina-silica membranes for separation of propane and propylene

Microporous silica membranes are known to exhibit molecular sieving effects. However, separation of nearly equal sized molecules is difficult to carry out by size exclusion. Introducing sorption selectivity and keeping the kinetics favourable to facilitate a good contribution of permeation from sorption is a possible solution to enhance selectivity of adsorbing molecules. Results are presented in this paper on the synthesis of a microporous silica membrane with commendable permselectivity between helium and propylene. Modifications are performed on the membrane to improve its almost non-selective nature to propylene/propane mixtures to give practical separation values. Gas separation results on the modified membranes are presented. Surface selectivity on the newly added alumina surface layer is identified as the helping mechanism in realising this separation

Excess portal venous long-chain fatty acids induce syndrome X via HPA axis and sympathetic activation

We tested the hypothesis that excessive portal venous supply of long-chain fatty acids to the liver contributes to the development of insulin resistance via activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) and sympathetic system. Rats received an intraportal infusion of the long-chain fatty acid oleate (150 nmol/min, 24 h), the medium-chain fatty acid caprylate, or the solvent. Corticosterone (Cort) and norepinephrine (NE) were measured as indexes for HPA axis and sympathetic activity, respectively. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by means of an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT). Oleate infusion induced increases in plasma Cort (Δ = 13.5 ± 3.6 µg/dl; P < 0.05) and NE (Δ = 235 ± 76 ng/l; P < 0.05), whereas caprylate and solvent had no effect. The area under the insulin response curve to the IVGTT was larger in the oleate-treated group than in the caprylate and solvent groups (area = 220 ± 35 vs. 112 ± 13 and 106 ± 8, respectively, P < 0.05). The area under the glucose response curves was comparable [area = 121 ± 13 (oleate) vs. 135 ± 20 (caprylate) and 96 ± 11 (solvent)]. The results are consistent with the concept that increased portal free fatty acid is involved in the induction of visceral obesity-related insulin resistance via activation of the HPA axis and sympathetic system.

Two-stage model-based design of cancer phase I dose escalation trials: evaluation using the phase I program of barasertib (AZD1152)

Introduction Modeling and simulation of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics has previously been shown to be potentially useful in designing Phase I programs of novel anti-cancer agents that show hematological toxicity. In this analysis, a two-stage model-based trial design was evaluated retrospectively using data from the Phase I program with the aurora kinase inhibitor barasertib. Methods Data from two Phase I trials and four regimens were used (n = 79). Using barasertib-hydroxy QPA plasma concentrations and neutrophil count data from only study 1A, a PKPD model was developed and subsequently used to predict the MTD and a safe starting dose for the other trials. Results The PKPD model based on data from the first study adequately described the time course of neutrophil count fluctuation. The two-stage model-based design provided safe starting doses for subsequent phase I trials for barasertib. Predicted safe starting dose levels were higher than those used in two subsequent trials, but lower than used in the other trial. Discussion The two-stage approach could have been applied safely to define starting doses for alternative dosing strategies with barasertib. The limited improvement in efficiency for the phase I program of barasertib may have been due to the fact that starting doses for the studied phase I trials were already nearly optimal. Conclusion Application of the two-stage model-based trial design in Phase I programs with novel anti-cancer drugs that cause haematological toxicity is feasible, safe, and may lead to a reduction in the number of patient treated at sub-therapeutic dose-levels

Magnetic Field Effects on Neutron Diffraction in the Antiferromagnetic Phase of UPt3UPt_3

We discuss possible magnetic structures in UPt$_3$ based on our analysis of elastic neutron-scattering experiments in high magnetic fields at temperatures $T<T_N$. The existing experimental data can be explained by a single-{\bf q} antiferromagnetic structure with three independent domains. For modest in-plane spin-orbit interactions, the Zeeman coupling between the antiferromagnetic order parameter and the magnetic field induces a rotation of the magnetic moments, but not an adjustment of the propagation vector of the magnetic order. A triple-{\bf q} magnetic structure is also consistent with neutron experiments, but in general leads to a non-uniform magnetization in the crystal. New experiments could decide between these structures.Comment: 5 figures included in the tex

Superconductivity in heavy-fermion U(Pt,Pd)3 and its interplay with magnetism

The effect of Pd doping on the superconducting phase diagram of the unconventional superconductor UPt3 has been measured by (magneto)resistance, specific heat, thermal expansion and magnetostriction. Experiments on single- and polycrystalline U(Pt1-xPdx)3 for x<= 0.006 show that the superconducting transition temperatures of the A phase, Tc+, and of the B phase, Tc-, both decrease, while the splitting DTc increases at a rate of 0.30(2)K/at.%Pd. We find that DTc(x) correlates with an increase of the weak magnetic moment m(x) upon Pd doping. This provides further evidence for Ginzburg-Landau scenarios with magnetism as the symmetry breaking field, i.e. the 2D E representation and the 1D odd parity model. Only for small splittings DTc is proportional to m^2(Tc+) (DTc<= 0.05 K) as predicted. The results at larger splittings call for Ginzburg-Landau expansions beyond 4th order. The tetracritical point in the B-T plane persists till at least x= 0.002 for B perpendicular to c, while it is rapidly suppressed for B||c. Upon alloying the A and B phases gain stability at the expense of the C phase.Comment: 25 pages text (PS), 8 pages with 14 figures (PS), submitted to Phys.Rev.

EQUIVALENCES BETWEEN STOCHASTIC SYSTEMS

Time-dependent correlation functions of (unstable) particles undergoing biased or unbiased diffusion, coagulation and annihilation are calculated. This is achieved by similarity transformations between different stochastic models and between stochastic and soluble {\em non-stochastic} models. The results agree with experiments on one-dimensional annihilation-coagulation processes.Comment: 15 pages, Latex. Some corrections made and an appendix adde

Maternal and Paternal Risk Factors for Cryptorchidism and Hypospadias: A Case–Control Study in Newborn Boys

Little is known on environmental risk factors for cryptorchidism and hypospadias, which are among the most frequent congenital abnormalities. The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for cryptorchidism and hypospadias, with a focus on potential endocrine disruptors in parental diet and occupation. In a case–control study nested within a cohort of 8,698 male births, we compared 78 cryptorchidism cases and 56 hypospadias cases with 313 controls. The participation rate was 85% for cases and 68% for controls. Through interviews, information was collected on pregnancy aspects and personal characteristics, lifestyle, occupation, and dietary phytoestrogen intake of both parents. Occupational exposure to potential endocrine disruptors was classified based on self-reported exposure and ratings of occupational hygienists based on job descriptions. Our findings indicate that paternal pesticide exposure was associated with cryptorchidism [odds ratio (OR) = 3.8; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.1–13.4]. Smoking of the father was associated with hypospadias (OR = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.8–8.2). Maternal occupational, dietary, and lifestyle exposures were not associated with either abnormality. Both abnormalities were associated with suboptimal maternal health, a lower maternal education, and a Turkish origin of the parents. Being small for gestational age was a risk factor for hypospadias, and preterm birth was a risk factor for cryptorchidism. Because paternal pesticide exposure was significantly associated with cryptorchidism and paternal smoking was associated with hypospadias in male offspring, paternal exposure should be included in further studies on cryptorchidism and hypospadias risk factors