Modeling of a Cantilever-Based Near-Field Scanning Microwave Microscope

We present a detailed modeling and characterization of our scalable microwave nanoprobe, which is a micro-fabricated cantilever-based scanning microwave probe with separated excitation and sensing electrodes. Using finite-element analysis, the tip-sample interaction is modeled as small impedance changes between the tip electrode and the ground at our working frequencies near 1GHz. The equivalent lumped elements of the cantilever can be determined by transmission line simulation of the matching network, which routes the cantilever signals to 50 Ohm feed lines. In the microwave electronics, the background common-mode signal is cancelled before the amplifier stage so that high sensitivity (below 1 atto-Farad capacitance changes) is obtained. Experimental characterization of the microwave probes was performed on ion-implanted Si wafers and patterned semiconductor samples. Pure electrical or topographical signals can be realized using different reflection modes of the probe.Comment: 7 figure

Ab Initio Liquid Hydrogen Muon Cooling Simulations with ELMS in ICOOL

This paper presents new theoretical results on the passage of muons through liquid hydrogen which have been confirmed in a recent experiment. These are used to demonstrate that muon bunches may be compressed by ionisation cooling more effectively than suggested by previous calculations. Muon cooling depends on the differential cross section for energy loss and scattering of muons. We have calculated this cross section for liquid H2 from first principles and atomic data, avoiding traditional assumptions. Thence, 2-D probability maps of energy loss and scattering in mm-scale thicknesses are derived by folding, and stored in a database. Large first-order correlations between energy loss and scattering are found for H2, which are absent in other simulations. This code is named ELMS, Energy Loss & Multiple Scattering. Single particle trajectories may then be tracked by Monte Carlo sampling from this database on a scale of 1 mm or less. This processor has been inserted into the cooling code ICOOL. Significant improvements in 6-D muon cooling are predicted compared with previous predictions based on GEANT. This is examined in various geometries. The large correlation effect is found to have only a small effect on cooling. The experimental scattering observed for liquid H2 in the MUSCAT experiment has recently been reported to be in good agreement with the ELMS prediction, but in poor agreement with GEANT simulation.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figure

Using RNA-Based Therapies To Target the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease

RNA-based therapies are currently used for immunisation against infections and to treat metabolic diseases. They can modulate gene expression in immune cells and hepatocytes, but their use in other cell types has been limited by an inability to selectively target specific tissues. Potential solutions to this targeting problem involve packaging therapeutic RNA molecules into delivery vehicles that are preferentially delivered to cells of interest. In this review, we consider why the kidney is a desirable target for RNA-based therapies in cardiovascular disease and discuss how such therapy could be delivered. Because the kidney plays a central role in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis, many extant drugs used for preventing cardiovascular disease act predominantly on renal tubular cells. Moreover, kidney disease is a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a global health problem. Chronic kidney disease is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040, with around half of affected individuals dying from cardiovascular disease. The most promising strategies for delivering therapeutic RNA selectively to kidney cells make use of synthetic polymers and engineered extracellular vesicles to deliver an RNA cargo. Future research should focus on establishing the safety of these novel delivery platforms in humans, on developing palatable routes of administration and on prioritising the gene targets that are likely to have the biggest impact in cardiovascular disease

A Rock Evaluation Schema for Transporting Planning in Kentucky

The initial goal was to devise an engineering classification system for intact rock samples based on simple index tests which could be used to categorize Kentucky surface and near-surface rock types and assist Kentucky Department of Transportation personnel in planning for transportation facilities. While conducting the literature survey, several facts become apparent: a large number of rock classification systems, geologic and technical, general and specific, already existed; an equally large number of index tests had been devised; and there was a lack of communication among those involved in specialized areas of rock-related work (geologists, civil engineers, mining engineers, etc.), and, to some extent, among individuals within each field. It was evident from a careful study of existing classification systems and index testing procedures that developing yet another specialized classification system with associated index tests would not be a significant contribution. It was decided, therefore, to concentrate on development of an overall rock evaluation schema which, while useful for a specific purpose, would avoid the undesirable disparate characteristics of narrowness or over-generalization prevalent in many classification systems. It was desired also to develop the program format in such a way that accumulated information could be systematically stored for easy access and use. It was apparent that full development and implementation of a program of this nature would require years of further studies and cooperation of many individuals and organizations. Such a program, properly developed and used, would substantially contribute to an advancement and a delineation of the schema and guidelines for its implementation would be a worthy goal

A Rock Classification Schema

The need for engineering data on earth materials for use in site selection, design, construction, and maintenance of major engineering structures is generally accepted. Probably the most pressing need is for such data to use in preliminary considerations of site selection and design alternatives. Maps and(or) surveys giving the areal distribution of earth materials and their characteristics, together with topographic maps available for many areas, would permit much preliminary work on engineering structures to be done without the engineer ever having to leave his office