Anisotropic magnetoresistance of bulk carbon nanotube sheets

We have measured the magnetoresistance of stretched sheets of carbon nanotubes in temperatures ranging from 2 K to 300 K and in magnetic fields up to 9 T, oriented either perpendicular or parallel to the plane of the sheets. The samples have been partially aligned by post-fabrication stretching, such that the direction of stretching was either parallel or perpendicular to the direction of applied electric current. We have observed large differences between the magnetoresistance measured under the two field orientations, most pronounced at the lowest temperatures, highest fields, and for the laterally-aligned sample. Treatment of the sheets with nitric acid affects this anisotropy. We analyzed the results within the theoretical framework of weak and strong localization and concluded that the anisotropy bears the mark of a more unusual phenomenon, possibly magnetically-induced mechanical strain.Comment: 34 pages, 10 figure

Antiferromagnetic domain walls in lightly doped layered cuprates

Recent ESR data shows rotation of the antiferromagnetic (AF) easy axis in lightly doped layered cuprates upon lowering the temperature. We account for the ESR data and show that it has significant implications on spin and charge ordering according to the following scenario: In the high temperature phase AF domain walls coincide with (110) twin boundaries of an orthorhombic phase. A magnetic field leads to annihilation of neighboring domain walls resulting in antiphase boundaries. The latter are spin carriers, form ferromagnetic lines and may become charged in the doped system. However, hole ordering at low temperatures favors the (100) orientation, inducing a pi/4 rotation in the AF easy axis. The latter phase has twin boundaries and AF domain walls in (100) planes.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures (1 eps). v2: no change in content, Tex shadow problem cleare

A symmetry classification for a class of (2+1)-nonlinear wave equation

In this paper, a symmetry classification of a $(2+1)$-nonlinear wave equation $u_{tt}-f(u)(u_{xx}+u_{yy})=0$ where $f(u)$ is a smooth function on $u$, using Lie group method, is given. The basic infinitesimal method for calculating symmetry groups is presented, and used to determine the general symmetry group of this $(2+1)$-nonlinear wave equation

Aluminum Oxide Layers as Possible Components for Layered Tunnel Barriers

We have studied transport properties of Nb/Al/AlOx/Nb tunnel junctions with ultrathin aluminum oxide layers formed by (i) thermal oxidation and (ii) plasma oxidation, before and after rapid thermal post-annealing of the completed structures at temperatures up to 550 deg C. Post-annealing at temperatures above 300 deg C results in a significant decrease of the tunneling conductance of thermally-grown barriers, while plasma-grown barriers start to change only at annealing temperatures above 450 deg C. Fitting the experimental I-V curves of the junctions using the results of the microscopic theory of direct tunneling shows that the annealing of thermally-grown oxides at temperatures above 300 deg C results in a substantial increase of their average tunnel barriers height, from ~1.8 eV to ~2.45 eV, versus the practically unchanged height of ~2.0 eV for plasma-grown layers. This difference, together with high endurance of annealed barriers under electric stress (breakdown field above 10 MV/cm) may enable all-AlOx and SiO2/AlOx layered "crested" barriers for advanced floating-gate memory applications.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure

Seasonal dynamics of Arctic soils: Capturing year-round processes in measurements and soil biogeochemical models

The Arctic is undergoing rapid changes in climate, altering the status and functioning of high-latitude soils and permafrost. The vast majority of studies on Arctic soils and permafrost are conducted during the summer period due to ease of accessibility, sampling, instrument operation, and making measurements, in comparison to during winter and transition seasons. However, there is increasing evidence that microbial activity continues in Arctic soils outside of the summer period. Moreover, it is becoming clear that understanding the seasonal dynamics of Arctic soils is of critical importance, especially considering that the under-studied winter is the period that is most sensitive to climate warming. Soil biogeochemical models have advanced our understanding of the functioning and fate of soils in the Arctic, however it is vital that seasonality in biotic and abiotic processes is accurately captured in these models. Here we synthesize recent investigations and observations of the year-round functioning of Arctic soils, review soil biogeochemical modelling frameworks, and highlight certain processes and behaviors that are shaped by seasonality and thus warrant particular consideration within these models. More attention to seasonal processes will be critical to improving datasets and soil biogeochemical models that can be used to understand the year-round functioning of soils and the fate of the soil carbon reservoir in the Arctic

Phase I clinical study of the recombinant antibody toxin scFv(FRP5)-ETA specific for the ErbB2/HER2 receptor in patients with advanced solid malignomas

INTRODUCTION: ScFv(FRP5)-ETA is a recombinant antibody toxin with binding specificity for ErbB2 (HER2). It consists of an N-terminal single-chain antibody fragment (scFv), genetically linked to truncated Pseudomonas exotoxin A (ETA). Potent antitumoral activity of scFv(FRP5)-ETA against ErbB2-overexpressing tumor cells was previously demonstrated in vitro and in animal models. Here we report the first systemic application of scFv(FRP5)-ETA in human cancer patients. METHODS: We have performed a phase I dose-finding study, with the objective to assess the maximum tolerated dose and the dose-limiting toxicity of intravenously injected scFv(FRP5)-ETA. Eighteen patients suffering from ErbB2-expressing metastatic breast cancers, prostate cancers, head and neck cancer, non small cell lung cancer, or transitional cell carcinoma were treated. Dose levels of 2, 4, 10, 12.5, and 20 μg/kg scFv(FRP5)-ETA were administered as five daily infusions each for two consecutive weeks. RESULTS: No hematologic, renal, and/or cardiovascular toxicities were noted in any of the patients treated. However, transient elevation of liver enzymes was observed, and considered dose limiting, in one of six patients at the maximum tolerated dose of 12.5 μg/kg, and in two of three patients at 20 μg/kg. Fifteen minutes after injection, peak concentrations of more than 100 ng/ml scFv(FRP5)-ETA were obtained at a dose of 10 μg/kg, indicating that predicted therapeutic levels of the recombinant protein can be applied without inducing toxic side effects. Induction of antibodies against scFv(FRP5)-ETA was observed 8 days after initiation of therapy in 13 patients investigated, but only in five of these patients could neutralizing activity be detected. Two patients showed stable disease and in three patients clinical signs of activity in terms of signs and symptoms were observed (all treated at doses ≥ 10 μg/kg). Disease progression occurred in 11 of the patients. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that systemic therapy with scFv(FRP5)-ETA can be safely administered up to a maximum tolerated dose of 12.5 μg/kg in patients with ErbB2-expressing tumors, justifying further clinical development

Magnetic properties of glass-ceramics obtained by crystallization of iron-rich borosilicate glasses

Abstract The specific dynamic magnetic response and magnetic relaxation phenomena in magnetite-based glass-ceramics by controlled crystallization of Fe-rich borosilicate glasses with 25 wt% Fe2O3, in the presence of two types of nucleating agents, Cr2O3 and P2O5, were investigated. The magnetic response is complex and shows contributions arising from two subsystems: a system with collective characteristics, superspin-glass like, and another one with single particle characteristics (superparamagnetic) with dipolar interaction. The nucleating agents have strong influence on the characteristic temperatures and anisotropy energy