1,077 research outputs found
Super-poissonian noise, negative differential conductance, and relaxation effects in transport through molecules, quantum dots and nanotubes
We consider charge transport through a nanoscopic object, e.g. single
molecules, short nanotubes, or quantum dots, that is weakly coupled to metallic
electrodes. We account for several levels of the molecule/quantum dot with
level-dependent coupling strengths, and allow for relaxation of the excited
states. The current-voltage characteristics as well as the current noise are
calculated within first-order perturbation expansion in the coupling strengths.
For the case of asymmetric coupling to the leads we predict
negative-differential-conductance accompanied with super-poissonian noise. Both
effects are destroyed by fast relaxation processes. The non-monotonic behavior
of the shot noise as a function of bias and relaxation rate reflects the
details of the electronic structure and level-dependent coupling strengths.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev. B, added reference
Frequency-Dependent Current Noise through Quantum-Dot Spin Valves
We study frequency-dependent current noise through a single-level quantum dot
connected to ferromagnetic leads with non-collinear magnetization. We propose
to use the frequency-dependent Fano factor as a tool to detect single-spin
dynamics in the quantum dot. Spin precession due to an external magnetic and/or
a many-body exchange field affects the Fano factor of the system in two ways.
First, the tendency towards spin-selective bunching of the transmitted
electrons is suppressed, which gives rise to a reduction of the low-frequency
noise. Second, the noise spectrum displays a resonance at the Larmor frequency,
whose lineshape depends on the relative angle of the leads' magnetizations.Comment: 12 pages, 15 figure
Shot noise in tunneling transport through molecules and quantum dots
We consider electrical transport through single molecules coupled to metal
electrodes via tunneling barriers. Approximating the molecule by the Anderson
impurity model as the simplest model which includes Coulomb charging effects,
we extend the ``orthodox'' theory to expand current and shot noise
systematically order by order in the tunnel couplings. In particular, we show
that a combined measurement of current and shot noise reveals detailed
information of the system even in the weak-coupling limit, such as the ratio of
the tunnel-coupling strengths of the molecule to the left and right electrode,
and the presence of the Coulomb charging energy. Our analysis holds for
single-level quantum dots as well.Comment: 8 page
Plasmonic Library Based on Substrate-Supported Gradiential Plasmonic Arrays
We present a versatile approach to produce macroscopic, substrate-supported arrays of plasmonic nanoparticles with well-defined interparticle spacing and a continuous particle size gradient. The arrays thus present a “plasmonic library” of locally noncoupling plasmonic particles of different sizes, which can serve as a platform for future combinatorial screening of size effects. The structures were prepared by substrate assembly of gold-core/poly(<i>N</i>-isopropylacrylamide)-shell particles and subsequent post-modification. Coupling of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) could be avoided since the polymer shell separates the encapsulated gold cores. To produce a particle array with a broad range of well-defined but laterally distinguishable particle sizes, the substrate was dip-coated in a growth solution, which resulted in an overgrowth of the gold cores controlled by the local exposure time. The kinetics was quantitatively analyzed and found to be diffusion rate controlled, allowing for precise tuning of particle size by adjusting the withdrawal speed. We determined the kinetics of the overgrowth process, investigated the LSPRs along the gradient by UV–vis extinction spectroscopy, and compared the spectroscopic results to the predictions from Mie theory, indicating the absence of local interparticle coupling. We finally discuss potential applications of these substrate-supported plasmonic particle libraries and perspectives toward extending the concept from size to composition variation and screening of plasmonic coupling effects
Mutual A domain interactions in the force sensing protein von Willebrand factor
The von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a glycoprotein in the blood that plays a central role in hemostasis. Among other functions, VWF is responsible for platelet adhesion at sites of injury via its A1 domain. Its adjacent VWF domain A2 exposes a cleavage site under shear to degrade long VWF fibers in order to prevent thrombosis. Recently, it has been shown that VWF A1/A2 interactions inhibit the binding of platelets to VWF domain A1 in a force-dependent manner prior to A2 cleavage. However, whether and how this interaction also takes place in longer VWF fragments as well as the strength of this interaction in the light of typical elongation forces imposed by the shear flow of blood remained elusive. Here, we addressed these questions by using single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS), Brownian dynamics (BD), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our SMFS measurements demonstrate that the A2 domain has the ability to bind not only to single A1 domains but also to VWF A1A2 fragments. SMFS experiments of a mutant [A2] domain, containing a disulfide bond which stabilizes the domain against unfolding, enhanced A1 binding. This observation suggests that the mutant adopts a more stable conformation for binding to A1. We found intermolecular A1/A2 interactions to be preferred over intramolecular A1/A2 interactions. Our data are also consistent with the existence of two cooperatively acting binding sites for A2 in the A1 domain. Our SMFS measurements revealed a slip-bond behavior for the A1/A2 interaction and their lifetimes were estimated for forces acting on VWF multimers at physiological shear rates using BD simulations. Complementary fitting of AFM rupture forces in the MD simulation range adequately reproduced the force response of the A1/A2 complex spanning a wide range of loading rates. In conclusion, we here characterized the auto-inhibitory mechanism of the intramolecular A1/A2 bond as a shear dependent safeguard of VWF, which prevents the interaction of VWF with platelets
Murine iPSC-Loaded Scaffold Grafts Improve Bone Regeneration in Critical-Size Bone Defects
In certain situations, bones do not heal completely after fracturing. One of these situations is a critical-size bone defect where the bone cannot heal spontaneously. In such a case, complex fracture treatment over a long period of time is required, which carries a relevant risk of complications. The common methods used, such as autologous and allogeneic grafts, do not always lead to successful treatment results. Current approaches to increasing bone formation to bridge the gap include the application of stem cells on the fracture side. While most studies investigated the use of mesenchymal stromal cells, less evidence exists about induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). In this study, we investigated the potential of mouse iPSC-loaded scaffolds and decellularized scaffolds containing extracellular matrix from iPSCs for treating critical-size bone defects in a mouse model. In vitro differentiation followed by Alizarin Red staining and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed the osteogenic differentiation potential of the iPSCs lines. Subsequently, an in vivo trial using a mouse model (n = 12) for critical-size bone defect was conducted, in which a PLGA/aCaP osteoconductive scaffold was transplanted into the bone defect for 9 weeks. Three groups (each n = 4) were defined as (1) osteoconductive scaffold only (control), (2) iPSC-derived extracellular matrix seeded on a scaffold and (3) iPSC seeded on a scaffold. Micro-CT and histological analysis show that iPSCs grafted onto an osteoconductive scaffold followed by induction of osteogenic differentiation resulted in significantly higher bone volume 9 weeks after implantation than an osteoconductive scaffold alone. Transplantation of iPSC-seeded PLGA/aCaP scaffolds may improve bone regeneration in critical-size bone defects in mice
- …