Ultra Low Specific Contact Resistivity in Metal-Graphene Junctions via Atomic Orbital Engineering

A systematic investigation of graphene edge contacts is provided. Intentionally patterning monolayer graphene at the contact region creates well-defined edge contacts that lead to a 67% enhancement in current injection from a gold contact. Specific contact resistivity is reduced from 1372 {\Omega}m for a device with surface contacts to 456 {\Omega}m when contacts are patterned with holes. Electrostatic doping of the graphene further reduces contact resistivity from 519 {\Omega}m to 45 {\Omega}m, a substantial decrease of 91%. The experimental results are supported and understood via a multi-scale numerical model, based on density-functional-theory calculations and transport simulations. The data is analyzed with regards to the edge perimeter and hole-to-graphene ratio, which provides insights into optimized contact geometries. The current work thus indicates a reliable and reproducible approach for fabricating low resistance contacts in graphene devices. We provide a simple guideline for contact design that can be exploited to guide graphene and 2D material contact engineering.Comment: 26 page

Metabolic control of hyaluronan synthases

Hyaluronan (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan composed by repeating units of D-glucuronic acid (GlcUA) and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) that is ubiquitously present in the extracellular matrix (ECM) where it has a critical role in the physiology and pathology of several mammalian tissues. HA represents a perfect environment in which cells can migrate and proliferate. Moreover, several receptors can interact with HA at cellular level triggering multiple signal transduction responses. The control of the HA synthesis is therefore critical in ECM assembly and cell biology; in this review we address the metabolic regulation of HA synthesis. In contrast with other glycosaminoglycans, which are synthesized in the Golgi apparatus, HA is produced at the plasma membrane by HA synthases (HAS1-3), which use cytoplasmic UDP-glucuronic acid and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine as substrates. UDP-GlcUA and UDP-hexosamine availability is critical for the synthesis of GAGs, which is an energy consuming process. AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is considered a sensor of the energy status of the cell and is activated by low ATP:AMP ratio, leads to the inhibition of HA secretion by HAS2 phosphorylation at threonine 110. However, the most general sensor of cellular nutritional status is the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway that brings to the formation of UDP-GlcNAc and intracellular protein glycosylation by O-linked attachment of the monosaccharide \u3b2-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAcylation) to specific aminoacid residues. Such highly dynamic and ubiquitous protein modification affects serine 221 residue of HAS2 that lead to a dramatic stabilization of the enzyme in the membranes

ZERO-DIVISORS AND IDEMPOTENTS IN QUANDLE RINGS

The paper develops the theory of quandle rings introduced by the authors in a recent work. Orderability of quandles is investigated and many interesting examples of such quandles are given. It is proved that quandle rings of left or right orderable quandles which are semi-latin have nozero-divisors. Idempotents in quandle rings of certain interesting quandles are computed and used to determine sets of maximal quandles in these rings. Understanding of idempotents is further applied to determine automorphism groups of these quandle rings. Also, commutator width of quandle rings is introduced and computed in a few cases

Smoking ban policies in Italy and the potential impact of the so-called sirchia law: state of the art after eight years.

Objective. The aim of the present work is to describe the state of the art of tobacco habits in Italy, eight years after the law was introduced. Methods. Time series analyses, based on estimates of smoking prevalence/consumption derived from the openly available data of national surveys performed during the 2001–2013 period, were performed. Data have been expressed in percentage of smokers and daily cigarettes consumption. Time changes are expressed as expected annual percentage change (EAPC). Results. Over time, the percentage of Italian smokers shows a constant and statistically significant decrease (from 28.9% in 2001 to 20.6% in 2013, EAPC = −2.6%, and P<0.001). Regarding data stratified by gender, we found a stronger reduction among men (EAPC = −2.9%, P<0.001) than in women (EAPC = −2.5%, P<0.001). Similarly, the consumption of tobacco smoking, measured as the number of daily cigarettes smoked, registered a downward trend (P<0.001). No join point (time point when a significant trend change is detected) resulted from the trend analysis. Conclusions. Data show a constant decrease of tobacco consumption in Italy, with no join point related to the introduction of the banning law. These findings require to reflect on the priorities of the smoking banning policies that may be focused on other intervention activities such as to increase the price of cigarettes

Hyaluronan: Biosynthesis and signaling

Background Hyaluronan is a critical component of extracellular matrix with several different roles. Besides the contribution to the tissue hydration, mechanical properties and correct architecture, hyaluronan plays important biological functions interacting with different molecules and receptors. Scope of review The review addresses the control of hyaluronan synthesis highlighting the critical role of hyaluronan synthase 2 in this context as well as discussing the recent findings related to covalent modifications which influence the enzyme activity. Moreover, the interactions with specific receptors and hyaluronan are described focusing on the importance of polymer size in the modulation of hyaluronan signaling. Major conclusions Due to its biological effects on cells recently described, it is evident how hyaluronan is to be considered not only a passive component of extracellular matrix but also an actor involved in several scenarios of cell behavior. General significance The effects of metabolism on the control of hyaluronan synthesis both in healthy and pathologic conditions are critical and still not completely understood. The hyaluronan capacity to bind several receptors triggering specific pathways may represent a valid target for new approach in several therapeutic strategies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Matrix-mediated cell behaviour and properties

Magnetron High Power System Design

This paper describes the design of an X-Band Magnetron to Linear Accelerator (LINAC) High Power Transfer System consisting in an 8 resonant cavities Magnetron connected to a dedicated vacuum Dielectric Window (DW). A main analytical design of devices is shown with compact formulas and is followed by numerical optimization. Electromagnetic and Thermomechanical coupling between these devices is described, particular attention has been given to the Magnetron power coupling and DW matching. A Multiphysics modeling is proposed to consider thermal-structural effects due to the cathode heating for the Magnetron and the Joule effect for the DW. Thermal induced degradation of the device performances are estimated and proper materials and shapes are chosen in order to ensure the desired behavior of the system in operative conditions. The proposed study provided the evaluation of the Magnetron Working Points and DW Scattering parameters in Thermo-mechanical operative conditions. Technological strategies for device coupling are shown