Effects of Fluorine Plasma Treatment on the Electronic Structure of Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition HfO2

We investigated the effects of fluorine treatments on the electrical properties and electronic structures of plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition HfO2 gate oxides, depending on the treatment process. Pre- and postoxide-deposition fluorine treatments were carried out using CF4 plasma. Improved dielectric properties were achieved by predeposition treatment, while degradation of electrical properties was observed for postdeposition treatment. Based on the electronic structure analysis using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structures, we found that the enhanced dielectric properties of the pretreated HfO2 are induced by the defect passivation and conduction-band offset increase. (C) 2009 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3089976] All rights reserved.open111010sciescopu

Plasma-Enhanced ALD of TiO2 Thin Films on SUS 304 Stainless Steel for Photocatalytic Application

Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) of TiO2 thin films using Ti(NMe2)(4) [tetrakis(dimethylamido) Ti] and O-2 plasma were prepared on stainless steel to show the self-cleaning effect. The TiO2 thin films deposited on stainless steel have high growth rate, large surface roughness, and low impurities. The film deposited below 200 degrees C was amorphous, while the films deposited at 300 and 400 degrees C showed anatase and rutile phases, respectively. The contact angle measurements on crystalline PE-ALD TiO2 thin films exhibited superhydrophilicity after UV irradiation. The TiO2 thin film with anatase phase deposited at 300 degrees C showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency, which is higher than on Activ glass or thermal ALD TiO2 films. We suggest that anatase structure and large surface area of TiO2 thin film on stainless steel are the main factors for the high photocatalytic efficiency. (C) 2009 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3095515] All rights reserved.X117sciescopu

Assessments Related to the Physical, Affective and Cognitive Domains of Physical Literacy Amongst Children Aged 7–11.9 Years: A Systematic Review

Background Over the past decade, there has been increased interest amongst researchers, practitioners and policymakers in physical literacy for children and young people and the assessment of the concept within physical education (PE). This systematic review aimed to identify tools to assess physical literacy and its physical, cognitive and affective domains within children aged 7–11.9 years, and to examine the measurement properties, feasibility and elements of physical literacy assessed within each tool. Methods Six databases (EBSCO host platform, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Education Research Complete, SPORTDiscus) were searched up to 10th September 2020. Studies were included if they sampled children aged between 7 and 11.9 years, employed field-based assessments of physical literacy and/or related affective, physical or cognitive domains, reported measurement properties (quantitative) or theoretical development (qualitative), and were published in English in peer-reviewed journals. The methodological quality and measurement properties of studies and assessment tools were appraised using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments risk of bias checklist. The feasibility of each assessment was considered using a utility matrix and elements of physical literacy element were recorded using a descriptive checklist. Results The search strategy resulted in a total of 11467 initial results. After full text screening, 11 studies (3 assessments) related to explicit physical literacy assessments. Forty-four studies (32 assessments) were relevant to the affective domain, 31 studies (15 assessments) were relevant to the physical domain and 2 studies (2 assessments) were included within the cognitive domain. Methodological quality and reporting of measurement properties within the included studies were mixed. The Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy-2 and the Passport For Life had evidence of acceptable measurement properties from studies of very good methodological quality and assessed a wide range of physical literacy elements. Feasibility results indicated that many tools would be suitable for a primary PE setting, though some require a level of expertise to administer and score that would require training. Conclusions This review has identified a number of existing assessments that could be useful in a physical literacy assessment approach within PE and provides further information to empower researchers and practitioners to make informed decisions when selecting the most appropriate assessment for their needs, purpose and context. The review indicates that researchers and tool developers should aim to improve the methodological quality and reporting of measurement properties of assessments to better inform the field. Trial registration PROSPERO: CRD4201706221

Interface roughness effect between gate oxide and metal gate on dielectric property

We report a simple theoretical model based on experimental data about the interface roughness effect between gate oxide and metal gate on dielectric. From the analytic approach, we confirm that the increase in interface roughness generates the decrease in the dielectric constant as well as the increase in the leakage current. We checked the interface roughness effect between high-kappa HfO2 gate oxides and Ru gates by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD). The ALD Ru gate showed better dielectric properties (high dielectric constant and low leakage current) and lower interface roughness than the PVD Ru metal gate. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.X111111sciescopu

Mel-18, a mammalian Polycomb gene, regulates angiogenic gene expression of endothelial cells

Mel-18 is a mammalian homolog of Polycomb group (PcG) genes. Microarray analysis revealed that Mel-18 expression was induced during endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) differentiation and correlates with the expression of EC-specific protein markers. Overexpression of Mel-18 promoted EPC differentiation and angiogenic activity of ECs. Accordingly, silencing Mel-18 inhibited EC migration and tube formation in vitro. Gene expression profiling showed that Mel-18 regulates angiogenic genes including kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), claudin 5, and angiopoietin-like 2. Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that Mel-18 plays a significant role in the angiogenic function of ECs by regulating endothelial gene expression. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.X1165sciescopu

Undetactable levels of genotoxicity of SiO2 nanoparticles in in vitro and in vivo tests [Erratum]

Kwon JY, Kim HL, Lee JY, et al. Int J Nanomedicine. 2014;9(Suppl 2):173–181.The title of the paper “Undetactable levels of genotoxicity of SiO2 nanoparticles in in vitro and in vivo tests” should read “Undetectable levels of genotoxicity of SiO2 nanoparticles in in vitro and in vivo tests”.Read the original articl

Undetactable levels of genotoxicity of SiO2 nanoparticles in in vitro and in vivo tests

Jee Young Kwon,1,* Hye Lim Kim,1,* Jong Yun Lee,2 Yo Han Ju,2 Ji Soo Kim,2 Seung Hun Kang,1 Yu-Ri Kim,3 Jong-Kwon Lee,4 Jayoung Jeong,4 Meyoung-Kon Kim,3 Eun Ho Maeng,2 Young Rok Seo1 1Department of Life Science, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Dongguk University, Seoul, 2Korea Testing and Research Institute, 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 4Toxicological Research Division, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea *These authors contributed equally to this work and should be considered co-first authors Background: Silica dioxide (SiO2) has been used in various industrial products, including paints and coatings, plastics, synthetic rubbers, and adhesives. Several studies have investigated the genotoxic effects of SiO2; however, the results remain controversial due to variations in the evaluation methods applied in determining its physicochemical properties. Thus, well characterized chemicals and standardized methods are needed for better assessment of the genotoxicity of nanoparticles.Methods: The genotoxicity of SiO2 was evaluated using two types of well characterized SiO2, ie, 20 nm (-) charge (SiO2EN20(-)) and 100 nm (-) charge (SiO2EN100(-)). Four end point genotoxicity tests, ie, the bacterial mutation assay, in vitro chromosomal aberration test, in vivo comet assay, and in vivo micronucleus test, were conducted following the test guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) with application of Good Laboratory Practice.Results: No statistically significant differences were found in the bacterial mutation assay, in vitro chromosomal aberration test, in vivo comet assay, and in vivo micronucleus test when tested for induction of genotoxicity in both two types of SiO2 nanoparticles.Conclusion: These results suggest that SiO2 nanoparticles, in particular SiO2EN20(-) and SiO2EN100(-), are not genotoxic in both in vitro and in vivo systems under OECD guidelines. Further, the results were generated in accordance with OECD test guidelines, and Good Laboratory Practice application; it can be accepted as reliable information regarding SiO2-induced genotoxicity. Keywords: genotoxicity test, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development test guideline, Good Laboratory Practice, silica dioxid

Direct utilization of expired waste acetaminophen as organic anode in lithium-ion batteries

202405 bcrcVersion of RecordOthersHong Kong Polytechnic UniversityBasic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) - Ministry of Education(National Research Foundation of KoreaMinistry of Education (MOE), Republic of KoreaNational Research Council for Economics, Humanities & Social Sciences, Republic of Korea)Nano Material Technology Development Program through the NRF(National Research Foundation of Korea)Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityNational Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) - Ministry of Education(National Research Foundation of KoreaMinistry of Education (MOE), Republic of KoreaNational Research Council for Economics, Humanities & Social Sciences, Republic of Korea)NRF(National Research Foundation of Korea)Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) - Korea government (MOTIE)(Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE), Republic of KoreaKorea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation & Planning (KETEP))PublishedC