Wideband 'black silicon' for mid-infrared applications

In this paper, we investigate the absorption of mid-infrared light by low resistivity silicon textured via deep reactive ion etching. An analytical description of the wave propagation in black silicon texture is presented, showing agreement with the experiment and the computational analysis. We also study the dependence of absorption spectrum of black silicon structure on the electrical conductivity of silicon substrate. The structures investigated unveil wideband, all-silicon infrared absorbers applicable for infrared imaging and spectroscopy with simple CMOS compatible fabrication suitable for optoelectronic integration. © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd

High-conductivity silicon based spectrally selective plasmonic surfaces for sensing in the infrared region

Plasmonic perfect absorbers have found a wide range of applications in imaging, sensing, and light harvesting and emitting devices. Traditionally, metals are used to implement plasmonic structures. For sensing applications, it is desirable to integrate nanophotonic active surfaces with biasing and amplification circuitry to achieve monolithic low cost solutions. Commonly used plasmonic metals such as Au and Ag are not compatible with standard silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Here we demonstrate plasmonic perfect absorbers based on high conductivity silicon. Standard optical lithography and reactive ion etching techniques were used for the patterning of the samples. We present computational and experimental results of surface plasmon resonances excited on a silicon surface at normal and oblique incidences. We experimentally demonstrate our absorbers as ultra-low cost, CMOS-compatible and efficient refractive index sensing surfaces. The experimental results reveal that the structure exhibits a sensitivity of around 11 000 nm/RIU and a figure of merit of up to 2.5. We also show that the sensing performance of the structure can be improved by increasing doping density. � 2016 IOP Publishing Ltd

LWIR all-atomic layer deposition ZnO bilayer microbolometer for thermal imaging

We propose an all-ZnO bilayer microbolometer, operating in the long-wave infrared regime that can be implemented by consecutive atomic layer deposition growth steps. Bilayer design of the bolometer provides very high absorption coefficients compared to the same thickness of a single ZnO layer. High absorptivity of the bilayer structure enables higher performance (lower noise equivalent temperature difference and time constant values) compared to single-layer structure. We observe these results computationally by conducting both optical and thermal simulations. © 2017 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

All-Silicon Ultra-Broadband Infrared Light Absorbers

Absorbing infrared radiation efficiently is important for critical applications such as thermal imaging and infrared spectroscopy. Common infrared absorbing materials are not standard in Si VLSI technology. We demonstrate ultra-broadband mid-infrared absorbers based purely on silicon. Broadband absorption is achieved by the combined effects of free carrier absorption, and vibrational and plasmonic absorption resonances. The absorbers, consisting of periodically arranged silicon gratings, can be fabricated using standard optical lithography and deep reactive ion etching techniques, allowing for cost-effective and wafer-scale fabrication of micro-structures. Absorption wavebands in excess of 15 micrometers (5-20 μm) are demonstrated with more than 90% average absorptivity. The structures also exhibit broadband absorption performance even at large angles of incidence (θ = 50°), and independent of polarization. © 2016 The Author(s)

A specific case in the classification of woods by FTIR and chemometric: discrimination of Fagales from Malpighiales

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic data was used to classify wood samples from nine species within the Fagales and Malpighiales using a range of multivariate statistical methods. Taxonomic classification of the family Fagaceae and Betulaceae from Angiosperm Phylogenetic System Classification (APG II System) was successfully performed using supervised pattern recognition techniques. A methodology for wood sample discrimination was developed using both sapwood and heartwood samples. Ten and eight biomarkers emerged from the dataset to discriminate order and family, respectively. In the species studied FTIR in combination with multivariate analysis highlighted significant chemical differences in hemicelluloses, cellulose and guaiacyl (lignin) and shows promise as a suitable approach for wood sample classification

Transcriptome Kinetics of Circulating Neutrophils during Human Experimental Endotoxemia

Polymorphonuclear cells (neutrophils) play an important role in the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and the development of sepsis. These cells are essential for the defense against microorganisms, but may also cause tissue damage. Therefore, neutrophil numbers and activity are considered to be tightly regulated. Previous studies have investigated gene transcription during experimental endotoxemia in whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, the gene transcription response of the circulating pool of neutrophils to systemic inflammatory stimulation in vivo is currently unclear. We examined neutrophil gene transcription kinetics in healthy human subjects (n = 4) administered a single dose of endotoxin (LPS, 2 ng/kg iv). In addition, freshly isolated neutrophils were stimulated ex vivo with LPS, TNFα, G-CSF and GM-CSF to identify stimulus-specific gene transcription responses. Whole transcriptome microarray analysis of circulating neutrophils at 2, 4 and 6 hours after LPS infusion revealed activation of inflammatory networks which are involved in signaling of TNFα and IL-1α and IL-1β. The transcriptome profile of inflammatory activated neutrophils in vivo reflects extended survival and regulation of inflammatory responses. These changes in neutrophil transcriptome suggest a combination of early activation of circulating neutrophils by TNFα and G-CSF and a mobilization of young neutrophils from the bone marrow

Manipulating the Hype: contemporary art's response to media cliches

Manipulating the Hype addresses art’s reaction to the barrage of signs produced by the media. The paper researches contemporary art’s response to clichéd media stereotypes and elucidates artists’ multifaceted perspective on overtly obvious yet widely embraced paradigms marketed by the media. Contemporary art’s strategic reconfiguration of media stereotypes is a valuable introspection upon the superficiality and impracticability of advertising and entertainment industry constructs. By reconsidering the mediated image, art has the ability to inspire reevaluation of cultural values. The thesis additionally attempts to ascertain the reinterpretation of media stereotypes as a common thread linking principal art movements and historically significant artworks from around the world since 1960. How does contemporary art respond to the extensive cultural influence of the media? Is a reaction to mass media a thematic commonality linking contemporary artists in the age of globalization? Manipulating the Hype is a dual outcome investigation comprised of written thesis and studio practice. The written thesis combines experience from a lengthy professional practice with historical and theoretical research. The visual thesis consists of twelve photographic works taken at on the Big Island of Hawaii. The images juxtapose artificial icons of power from popular culture with the natural force of the active lava flow. The process of research discloses how the advertising and entertainment industries capitalize upon innate human desires through the manipulative proliferation of archetypal imagery. Furthermore, the thesis establishes the widespread retort to media clichés as a palpable commonality in studio practices worldwide. The findings in the research make evident that although contemporary art does not have sufficient influence to reform the media, it can heighten public awareness of media tactics

Definitions and incidence of cardiac syndrome X: review and analysis of clinical data

There is no consensus regarding the definition of cardiac syndrome X (CSX). We systematically reviewed recent literature using a standardized search strategy. We included 57 articles. A total of 47 studies mentioned a male/female distribution. A meta-analysis yielded a pooled proportion of females of 0.56 (n = 1,934 patients, with 95% confidence interval: 0.54–0.59). As much as 9 inclusion criteria and 43 exclusion criteria were found in the 57 articles. Applying these criteria to a population with normal coronary angiograms and treated in 1 year at a general hospital, the attributable CSX incidence varied between 3 and 11%. The many inclusion and exclusion criteria result in a wide range of definitions of CSX and these have large effects on the incidence. This shows the need for a generally accepted definition of CSX

JOURNAL OF THE PANCREAS

Pancreatic cancer belongs to the most aggressive cancer types, with an incidence rate equallig mortality rate. It is well-known that type 2 diabetes is a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Interestingly, several studies have shown that pancreatic cancer can also lead to type 2 diabetes, as part of the pancreatic cancer induced paraneoplastic syndrome. Multiple factors have been proposed to be involved in the interaction between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Adrenomedullin, a multifunctional hormone, is nominated as a strong candidate influencing the connection of pancreatic cancer with diabetes. Evidence so far suggest that adrenomedullin upregulation is linked with pancreatic cancer growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Most importantly, adrenomedullin exerts paracrine effects on pancreatic beta cells impairing insulin secretion, causing glucose intolerance, and thus leading to beta cell dysfunction. This review will explain recent advances regarding the involvement of adrenomedullin in pancreatic cancer and pancreatic cancer-associated diabetes