Carriers recombination processes in charge trapping memory cell by simulation

We have evaluated the effects of recombination processes in a charge storage layer, either between trapped electrons and trapped holes or between trapped carriers and free carriers, on charge trapping memory cell＇s performances by numerical simulation. Recombination is an indispensable mechanism in charge trapping memory. It helps charge convert process between negative and positive charges in the charge storage layer during charge trapping memory programming/erasing operation. It can affect the speed of programming and erasing operations.     

X-ray spectra induced by slow highly charged Ar q + ions in collision with Nb surface

The X-ray spectra of Nb surface induced by Ar ^q+ (q = 16,17) ions with the energy range from 10 to 20 keV/q were studied by the optical spectrum technology. The experimental results indicate that the multi-electron excitation occurred as a highly charged Ar¹⁶⁺ ion was neutralized below the metal surface. The K shell electron of Ar¹⁶⁺ was excited and then de-excited cascadly to emit K X-ray. The intensity of the X-ray emitted from K shell of the hollow Ar atom decreased with the increase of projectile kinetic energy. The intensity of the X-ray emitted from L shell of the target atom Nb increased with the increase of projectile kinetic energy. The X-ray yield of Ar¹⁷⁺ is three magnitude orders larger than that of Ar¹⁶⁺. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.10774149 and 10405025)     

Ultraviolet and visible upconversion luminescence of Tm(0.1)Yb(5):FOV oxyfluoride nanophase vitroceramics

The ultraviolet upconversion luminescence of Tm³⁺ ions sensitized by Yb³⁺ ions in oxyfluoride nanophase vitroceramics when excited by a 975 nm diode laser was studied. An ultraviolet upconversion luminescence line positioned at 363.6 nm was found. It was attributed to the fluorescence transition of ¹D₂→³H₆ of Tm³⁺ ion. Several visible upconversion luminescence lines at 450.7 nm, (477.0 nm, 462.5 nm), 648.5 nm, (680.5 nm, 699.5 nm) and (777.2 nm, 800.7 nm) were also found, which result respectively from the fluorescence transitions of ¹D₂→³F₄, ¹G₄→³H₆, ¹G₄→³F₄, ³F₃→³H₆ and ³H₄→³H₆ of Tm³⁺ ion. The careful measurement and analysis of the variation of upconversion luminescence intensity F as a function of the 975 nm pumping laser power P prove that the upconversion luminescence of ¹D₂ state is partly a five-photon upconversion luminescence, and the upconversion luminescence of ¹G₄ state and ³H₄ state are respectively the three-photon and two-photon upconversion luminescence. The theoretical analysis suggested that the upconversion mechanism of the 363.6 nm ¹D₂→³H₆ upconversion luminescence is partly the cross energy transfer of {³H₄(Tm³⁺), ³F₄(Tm³⁺), ¹G₄(Tm³⁺)→¹D₂(Tm³⁺)} and {¹G₄(Tm³⁺)→³F₄(Tm³⁺), ³H₄(Tm³⁺)→¹D₂(Tm³⁺)} between Tm³⁺ ions. In addition, the upconversion luminescence of ¹G₄ and ³H₄ state results respectively from the sequential energy transfer {²F_5/2(Yb³⁺)→²F_7/2(Yb³⁺), ³H₄(Tm³⁺)→¹G₄(Tm³⁺)} and {²F_5/2(Yb³⁺) →²F_7/2(Yb³⁺), ³F₄(Tm³⁺)→³F₂(Tm³⁺)} from Yb³⁺ ions to Tm³⁺ ions. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 10674019)     

Upregulation of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and gelatinases in human atherosclerosis infected with Chlamydia pneumoniae: the potential role of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in the progression of atherosclerosis

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection implicated as an important etiologic factor of atherosclerosis, especially in coronary artery disease (CAD), was found in vitro to be associated with the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). An extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN)/ membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) system which induces and activates MMPs, is suggested to be functional and were upregulated in the failing myocardium. However, the upstream regulation of MMPs by C. pneumoniae within atheroma itself remains unclear. We evaluated the seroepidemiologic study of C. pneumoniae infection in CAD patients (n= 391) and controls (n=97) and performed histopathological and in vitro analysis in atherosclerotic vascular tissues obtained from patients with seropositive to C. pneumoniae (n=20), by using immunochemistry for C. pneumoniae, EMMPRIN/MT1-MMP, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The seropositive rates of both anti-C. pneumoniae IgG and IgA were 56.7% in CAD group and 43.3% in control group (P=0.033). Seropositive rate was increased in subgroups of CAD patients without conventional coronary risk factors compared to those with conventional risk factors. Immunoreactivities of EMMPRIN, MT1-MMP, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were increased in the atheromatous plaque itself, predominantly in immunoreactive macrophages/mononuclear cells to C. pneumoniae. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that EMMPRIN and MMP-2 were detected more prominently in atherosclerotic tissues infected with C. pneumoniae compared to control tissues. Zymographic analysis revealed that activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were more increased in atherosclerotic tissues infected with C. pneumoniae compared to control tissues. The present study demonstrated upstream regulation of MMPs can be induced by C. pneumoniae within atheromatous plaque itself. These findings help to understand the potential role of C. pneumoniae in the progression of atherosclerosis.     

Osmium tetroxide-(QN)2PHAL in an ionic liquid: a highly efficient and recyclable catalyst system for asymmetric dihydroxylation of olefins

In Os-catalysed asymmetric dihydroxylation using NMO as a co-oxidant, the combination of an ionic liquid and the new bis-cinchona alkaloid 2 generated in situ from (QN)2PHAL during reaction provided a simple and practical approach to the recycling of both catalytic components (osmium tetraoxide and chiral ligand).     

First total synthesis of natural 6-epiplakortolide e

[reaction: see text] Natural 6-epiplakortolide E was first synthesized from readily available 1-bromo-10-phenyldecane in 10 steps by using singlet oxygen-mediated Diels-Alder reaction to form cyclic peroxide followed by a directed iodolactonization to give the peroxylactone core.     

Total synthesis of the mycolactones

[structure: see text] The first total synthesis of the mycolactones is reported. This work unambiguously confirms our earlier relative and absolute stereochemical assignment of the mycolactones.     

Simulation of 3-D radiation beam patterns propagated through a planar interface from ultrasonic phased array transducers

Phased array transducers are quite often mounted on solid wedges with specific angles in many practical ultrasonic inspections of thin plates <10 mm in their thickness or welded joints with convex crowns. For the reliable application of phased array techniques with testing set-up, it is essential to have thorough understanding on the characteristics of radiation beam pattern produced in the interrogated medium. To address such a need, this paper proposes a systematic way to calculate full 3-D radiation beam patterns produced in the interrogated solid medium by phased array transducers mounted on a solid wedge. In order to investigate the characteristics of radiation beam patterns in steel, simulation is carried out for 7.5 MHz array transducers mounted on an acrylic wedge with the angle of 15.45 degrees with various of steering angles and/or focal planes.     

Mid-infrared pulses generated from the mixing output of an amplified, dual-wavelength Ti:sapphire system

We demonstrate the generation of femtosecond mid-infrared pulses by direct difference-frequency mixing in a AgGaS(2) crystal of two intense pulses from a dual-wavelength oscillator that have been simultaneously amplified in a single regenerative amplifier. A pulse energy of as much as 1.6 muJ was achieved at wavelengths of 9-11 mum.