390 research outputs found
Physisorption of an electron in deep surface potentials off a dielectric surface
We study phonon-mediated adsorption and desorption of an electron at
dielectric surfaces with deep polarization-induced surface potentials where
multi-phonon transitions are responsible for electron energy relaxation.
Focusing on multi-phonon processes due to the nonlinearity of the coupling
between the external electron and the acoustic bulk phonon triggering the
transitions between surface states, we calculate electron desorption times for
graphite, MgO, CaO, (\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3), and (\text{SiO}_2) and electron
sticking coefficients for (\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3), CaO, and (\text{SiO}_2). To
reveal the kinetic stages of electron physisorption, we moreover study the time
evolution of the image state occupancy and the energy-resolved desorption flux.
Depending on the potential depth and the surface temperature we identify two
generic scenarios: (i)adsorption via trapping in shallow image states followed
by relaxation to the lowest image state and desorption from that state via a
cascade through the second strongly bound image state in not too deep
potentials and (ii)adsorption via trapping in shallow image states but followed
by a relaxation bottleneck retarding the transition to the lowest image state
and desorption from that state via a one step process to the continuum in deep
potentials.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figure
Modeling and Experimental Investigation of Resonant Viscosity and Mass Density Sensors Considering their Cross-Sensitivity to Temperature
AbstractIn this contribution we discuss a generalized, reduced order model for resonant viscosity and mass density sensors which considers also the devices’ cross sensitivities to temperature. The applicability of the model is substantiated by experimental results from measurements obtained with a circular steel tuning fork in various liquids and temperatures. Advantages of this model are its simplicity, its general applicability for resonant mass density and viscosity sensors which furthermore facilitates the comparison of different sensors
Electron surface layer at the interface of a plasma and a dielectric wall
We study the potential and the charge distribution across the interface of a
plasma and a dielectric wall. For this purpose, the charge bound to the wall is
modelled as a quasi-stationary electron surface layer which satisfies Poisson's
equation and minimizes the grand canonical potential of the wall-thermalized
excess electrons constituting the wall charge. Based on an effective model for
a graded interface taking into account the image potential and the offset of
the conduction band to the potential just outside the dielectric, we
specifically calculate the potential and the electron distribution for
magnesium oxide, silicon dioxide and sapphire surfaces in contact with a helium
discharge. Depending on the electron affinity of the surface, we find two
vastly different behaviors. For negative electron affinity, electrons do not
penetrate into the wall and an external surface charge is formed in the image
potential, while for positive electron affinity, electrons penetrate into the
wall and a space charge layer develops in the interior of the dielectric. We
also investigate how the electron surface layer merges with the bulk of the
dielectric.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures, accepted versio
Point defect dynamics in bcc metals
We present an analysis of the time evolution of self-interstitial atom and
vacancy (point defect) populations in pure bcc metals under constant
irradiation flux conditions. Mean-field rate equations are developed in
parallel to a kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) model. When only considering the
elementary processes of defect production, defect migration, recombination and
absorption at sinks, the kMC model and rate equations are shown to be
equivalent and the time evolution of the point defect populations is analyzed
using simple scaling arguments. We show that the typically large mismatch of
the rates of interstitial and vacancy migration in bcc metals can lead to a
vacancy population that grows as the square root of time. The vacancy cluster
size distribution under both irreversible and reversible attachment can be
described by a simple exponential function. We also consider the effect of
highly mobile interstitial clusters and apply the model with parameters
appropriate for vanadium and iron.Comment: to appear in Phys. Rev.
Observation of a New Type of Low Frequency Waves at Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
We report on magnetic field measurements made in the innermost coma of
67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in its low activity state. Quasi-coherent,
large-amplitude (), compressional magnetic field
oscillations at 40 mHz dominate the immediate plasma environment of the
nucleus. This differs from previously studied comet-interaction regions where
waves at the cometary ion gyro-frequencies are the main feature. Thus classical
pick-up ion driven instabilities are unable to explain the observations. We
propose a cross-field current instability associated with newborn cometary ion
currents as a possible source mechanism.Comment: 6 pages, 3 Figure
The effect of radical right fringe parties on main parties in Central and Eastern Europe : Empirical evidence from manifesto data
Do radical right fringe parties affect main parties in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)? Using data from the Manifesto Project, we analyze the relationship between radical right fringe parties’ and main parties’ policy programs regarding sociocultural issues in six post-communist countries of CEE. Even though radical right fringe parties have participated in government in several of these countries, and in Hungary a fringe party has become the country’s second largest party, our analysis shows that the sociocultural issues in radical right fringe party manifestos do not systematically relate to the changes in main party manifestos regarding those issues. Even if some of the main parties in our study might often agree with the radical right fringe parties, our analysis shows that the latter do not directly influence the policy priorities of the main parties
Multiscale multimodal characterization and simulation of structural alterations in failed bioprosthetic heart valves
Calcific degeneration is the most frequent type of heart valve failure, with rising incidence due to the ageing population. The gold standard treatment to date is valve replacement. Unfortunately, calcification oftentimes re-occurs in bioprosthetic substitutes, with the governing processes remaining poorly understood. Here, we present a multiscale, multimodal analysis of disturbances and extensive mineralisation of the collagen network in failed bioprosthetic bovine pericardium valve explants with full histoanatomical context. In addition to highly abundant mineralized collagen fibres and fibrils, calcified micron-sized particles previously discovered in native valves were also prevalent on the aortic as well as the ventricular surface of bioprosthetic valves. The two mineral types (fibres and particles) were detectable even in early-stage mineralisation, prior to any macroscopic calcification. Based on multiscale multimodal characterisation and high-fidelity simulations, we demonstrate that mineral occurrence coincides with regions exposed to high haemodynamic and biomechanical indicators. These insights obtained by multiscale analysis of failed bioprosthetic valves may serve as groundwork for the evidence-based development of more durable alternatives. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Bioprosthetic valve calcification is a well-known clinically significant phenomenon, leading to valve failure. The nanoanalytical characterisation of bioprosthetic valves gives insights into the highly abundant, extensive calcification and disorganization of the collagen network and the presence of calcium phosphate particles previously reported in native cardiovascular tissues. While the collagen matrix mineralisation can be primarily attributed to a combination of chemical and mechanical alterations, the calcified particles are likely of host cellular origin. This work presents a straightforward route to mineral identification and characterization at high resolution and sensitivity, and with full histoanatomical context, hence providing design cues for improved bioprosthetic valve alternatives
Multiscale Multimodal Characterization and Simulation of Structural Alterations in Failed Bioprosthetic Heart Valves.
Calcific degeneration is the most frequent type of heart valve failure, with rising incidence due to the ageing population. The gold standard treatment to date is valve replacement. Unfortunately, calcification oftentimes re-occurs in bioprosthetic substitutes, with the governing processes remaining poorly understood. Here, we present a multiscale, multimodal analysis of disturbances and extensive mineralisation of the collagen network in failed bioprosthetic bovine pericardium valve explants with full histoanatomical context. In addition to highly abundant mineralized collagen fibres and fibrils, calcified micron-sized particles previously discovered in native valves were also prevalent on the aortic as well as the ventricular surface of bioprosthetic valves. The two mineral types (fibres and particles) were detectable even in early-stage mineralisation, prior to any macroscopic calcification. Based on multiscale multimodal characterisation and high-fidelity simulations, we demonstrate that mineral occurrence coincides with regions exposed to high haemodynamic and biomechanical indicators. These insights obtained by multiscale analysis of failed bioprosthetic valves may serve as groundwork for the evidence-based development of more durable alternatives. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Bioprosthetic valve calcification is a well-known clinically significant phenomenon, leading to valve failure. The nanoanalytical characterisation of bioprosthetic valves gives insights into the highly abundant, extensive calcification and disorganization of the collagen network and the presence of calcium phosphate particles previously reported in native cardiovascular tissues. While the collagen matrix mineralisation can be primarily attributed to a combination of chemical and mechanical alterations, the calcified particles are likely of host cellular origin. This work presents a straightforward route to mineral identification and characterization at high resolution and sensitivity, and with full histoanatomical context, hence providing design cues for improved bioprosthetic valve alternatives
Structural, Functional, and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Substrate Scope of the Novel Nitrating Cytochrome P450 TxtE
A novel cytochrome P450 enzyme, TxtE, was recently shown to catalyze the direct aromatic nitration of L-tryptophan. This unique chemistry inspired us to ask whether TxtE could serve as a platform for engineering new nitration biocatalysts to replace current harsh synthetic methods. As a first step toward this goal, and to better understand the wild-type enzyme, we obtained high-resolution structures of TxtE in its substrate-free and substrate-bound forms. We also screened a library of substrate analogues for spectroscopic indicators of binding and for production of nitrated products. From these results, we found that the wild-type enzyme accepts moderate decoration of the indole ring, but the amino acid moiety is crucial for binding and correct positioning of the substrate and therefore less amenable to modification. A nitrogen atom is essential for catalysis, and a carbonyl must be present to recruit the αB′1 helix of the protein to seal the binding pocket
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