CRYOGENIC ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOSTRUCTURES

In this thesis, we present the design and applications of a cryogenic atomic force microscope (AFM) for characterization of nanostructures. The cryogenic AFM with a conductive tip can measure DC current through nanostructures. We use quartz tuning fork (QTF) as the force sensor. Unique coarse z motor design provides reliable autoapporach in the Z direction. AFM imaging with 10nm horizontal and ~2 angstrom vertical resolution has been achieved. We have used this AFM in the current-voltage characterization of diodes, and, with a modified sensing mechanism, electrical force microscopy (EFM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) have been demonstrated

Design of a Low-Voltage Distribution Transformer Based on Inductive Filtering

Adopting the connection group structure of Dd0yn11, this paper designs a novel low-voltage (LV) distribution transformer (DT) based on inductive filtering (IF), and verifies the proposed transformer through a comprehensive innovation experiment. Firstly, the functional relationship between valve-side harmonic current and grid-side current was derived according to the winding model, and the filtering features were obtained to compute the impedance between the valve- and grid-side windings. Next, the design calculation was carried out by the engineering magnetic circuit (EMC) method. After that, a three-dimensional (3D) model was established for the proposed transformer on ANSYS Maxwell. The simulation results show that the proposed transformer meets the design requirements on the relevant parameters, and eliminates the harmonic pollution in the grid. Finally, the proposed transformer was proved correct and effective through experiments, and found to stimulate studentsꞌ interest in learning and innovation

Trop2 expression contributes to tumor pathogenesis by activating the ERK MAPK pathway

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Trop2 is a cell-surface glycoprotein overexpressed by a variety of epithelial carcinomas with reported low to restricted expression in normal tissues. Expression of Trop2 has been associated with increased tumor aggressiveness, metastasis and decreased patient survival, but the signaling mechanisms mediated by Trop2 are still unknown. Here, we studied the effects murine Trop2 (mTrop2) exerted on tumor cellular functions and some of the signaling mechanisms activated by this oncogene.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>mTrop2 expression significantly increased tumor cell proliferation at low serum concentration, migration, foci formation and anchorage-independent growth. These <it>in vitro </it>characteristics translated to increased tumor growth in both subcutaneous and orthotopic pancreatic cancer murine models and also led to increased liver metastasis. mTrop2 expression also increased the levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 mediating cell cycle progression by increasing the levels of cyclin D1 and cyclin E as well as downregulating p27. The activation of ERK was also observed in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells overexpressing human Trop2.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These findings demonstrate some of the pathogenic effects mediated by mTrop2 expression on cancer cells and the importance of targeting this cell surface glycoprotein. This study also provides the first indication of a molecular signaling pathway activated by Trop2 which has important implications for cancer cell growth and survival.</p

Mesothelin confers pancreatic cancer cell resistance to TNF-α-induced apoptosis through Akt/PI3K/NF-κB activation and IL-6/Mcl-1 overexpression

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Previous studies showed that mesothelin (MSLN) plays important roles in survival of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells under anchorage dependent/independent conditions as well as resistance to chemotherapy. The recent success of intratumorally-injected adeno-encoded, chemo/radiation-inducible-promoter driven hTNF-α, (TNFerade) + gemcitabine in pre-clinical models of PC have renewed interest in use of TNF-α as a therapeutic component. To help find additional factors which might affect the therapy, we examined the resistance of MSLN-overexpressing pancreatic cancer cell lines to TNF-α-induced growth inhibition/apoptosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Stable MSLN overexpressing MIA PaCa-2 cells (MIA-MSLN), stable MSLN-silenced AsPC-1 cells (AsPC-shMSLN) and other pancreatic cells (MIA-PaCa2, Panc 28, Capan-1, BxPC3, PL 45, Hs 766T, AsPC-1, Capan-2, Panc 48) were used. NF-κB activation was examined by western blots and luciferase reporter assay. TNF-α induced growth inhibition/apoptosis was measured by MTT, TUNEL assay and caspase activation. IL-6 was measured using luminex based assay.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Compared to low endogenous MSLN-expressing MIA PaCa-2 and Panc 28 cells, high endogenous MSLN-expressing Capan-1, BxPC3, PL 45, Hs 766T, AsPC-1, Capan-2, Panc 48 cells were resistant to TNF-α induced growth inhibition. Stable MSLN overexpressing MIA-PaCa2 cells (MIA-MSLN) were resistant to TNF-α-induced apoptosis while stable MSLN-silenced AsPC1 cells (AsPC-shMSLN) were sensitive. Interestingly, TNF-α-treated MIA-MSLN cells showed increased cell cycle progression and cyclin A induction, both of which were reversed by caspase inhibition. We further found that MIA-MSLN cells showed increased expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-XL and Mcl-1; deactivated (p-Ser⁷⁵) BAD, and activated (p-Ser⁷⁰) Bcl-2. Constitutively activated NF-κB and Akt were evident in MIA-MSLN cells that could be suppressed by MSLN siRNA with a resultant increase in sensitivity of TNF-α induced apoptosis. Blocking NF-κB using IKK inhibitor wedelolactone also increased sensitivity to TNF-α-mediated cytotoxicity with concomitant decrease in Mcl-1. Blocking Akt using PI3K inhibitor also had a likewise effect presumably affecting cell cycle. MIA-MSLN cells produced increased IL-6 and were increased furthermore by TNF-α treatment. SiRNA-silencing of IL-6 increased TNF-α sensitivity of MIA-MSLN cells.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our study delineates a MSLN-Akt-NF-κB-IL-6-Mcl-1 survival axis that may be operative in PC cells, and might help cancer cells' survival in the highly inflammatory milieu evident in PC. Further, for the success of TNFerade + gemcitabine to be successful, we feel the simultaneous inhibition of components of this axis is also essential.</p

Adaptive sliding mode attitude control of 2-degrees-of-freedom helicopter system with actuator saturation and disturbances

The modelling uncertainties, external disturbance and actuator saturation issues will degrade the performance and even the safety of flight. To improve control performance, this study proposes an adaptive U-model based double sliding control (UDSMC) algorithm combined with a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) for a nonlinear two-degrees-of-freedom (2-DOF) helicopter system. Firstly, the adaptive RBFNN is designed to approximate the system dynamics with unknown uncertainties. Furthermore, two adaptive laws are designed to deal with unknown external disturbances and actuator saturation errors. The global stability of the proposed helicopter control system is rigorously guaranteed by the Lyapunov stability analysis, realizing precise attitude tracking control. Finally, the comparative experiments with conventional SMC and adaptive SMC algorithms conducted on the Quanser Aero2 platform demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed 2-DOF helicopter control algorithm

Polarization control in GaN nanowire lasers

We demonstrate polarization control in optically-pumped single GaN nanowire lasers fabricated by a top-down method. By placing the GaN nanowires onto gold substrates, the naturally occurring randomly orientated elliptical polarization of nanowire lasers is converted to a linear polarization that is oriented parallel to the substrate surface. Confirmed by simulation results, this polarization control is attributed to a polarization-dependent loss induced by the gold substrate, which breaks the mode degeneracy of the nanowire and forms two orthogonally polarized modes with largely different cavity losses

Annular-shaped emission from gallium nitride nanotube lasers

Annular-shaped lasing emission is demonstrated from gallium nitride nanotubes fabricated using a two-step top-down technique. By optically pumping, we observe a clear threshold of 1055 kW/cm2, a narrow spectral linewidth of 0.19 nm, and guided emission from the nanotubes. Lasing is also demonstrated in a liquid environment, with an approximate doubling in threshold observed. The nanotube lasers could be of interest for optical nanofluidic applications or applications benefiting from a hollow beam shape. More generally, the results indicate that cross-sectional shape control can be employed to manipulate the properties of nanolasers