Optimization and Characterization of Indium Arsenide Quantum Dots for Application in III-V Material Solar Cells

In this work, InAs quantum dots grown by organometallic vapor-phase epitaxy (OMVPE) are investigated for application in III − V material solar cells. The first focus is on the opti- mization of growth parameters to produce high densities of uniform defect-free quantum dots via growth on 2 vicinal GaAs substrates. Parameters studied are InAs coverage, V/III ratio and growth rate. QDs are grown by the Stranski-Krastanov (SK) growth mode on (100) GaAs substrates misoriented toward (110) or (111) planes with various degrees of misorientation from 0◦ to 6◦. Atomic force microscopy results indicated that as misorientation angle increased toward(110),criticalthicknessforquantumdotformationincreasedwithθc =1.8ML,1.9ML and 2.0ML corresponding to 0◦, 2◦ and 6◦, respectively. Results for quantum dots grown on (111) misoriented substrates indicated, on average, that higher densities of quantum dots were achieved, compared with similar growths on substrates misoriented toward (110). Most no- tably, a stable average number density of 8 × 1010cm−2 was observed over a range of growth rates of 0.1ML/s − 0.4ML/s on (111) misoriented substrates compared with a decreasing number density as low as 2.85 × 1010cm−2 corresponding to a growth rate of 0.4ML/s grown on (110) misoriented substrates. p-i-n solar cell devices with a 10-layer quantum dot super- lattice imbedded in the i-region were also grown on (100) GaAs substrates misoriented 0◦, 2◦ and 6◦ toward (110) as well as a set of devices grown on substrates misoriented toward (111). Device results showed a 1.0mA/cm2 enhancement to the short-circuit current for a v 2◦ misoriented device with 2.2ML InAs coverage per quantum dot layer. Spectral response measurements were performed and integrated spectral response showed sub-GaAs bandgap short-circuit contribution which increased with increasing InAs coverage in the quantum dot layers from 0.04mA/cm2/ML, 0.28mA/cm2/ML and 0.19mA/cm2/ML corresponding to 0◦, 2◦ and 6◦ misorientation, respectively. The second focus of this study was on the OMVPE growth of InAs quantum dots in a large-area commercial reactor. Quantum dot growth parameters require careful balancing in the large-scale reactor due to different thermodynamic and flow profiles compared with smaller- area reactors. The goal of the work was to control the growth process in order to produce high densities of uniform quantum dots for inclusion in double and triple junction III − V material solar cells. Initial growth proved unsuccessful due to lack of familiarity with the process but through balancing of injector flows of alkyl gasses, coherent and optically active quantum dots were able to first be formed at low densities (0.5 − 0.7 × 1010cm−2). Further optimization included increased quantum dot growth times leading to number densities in the (2.1−2.7×1010cm−2) with improved optical performance as measured by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Finally, an investigation of GaAs spacer layer thickness for improved opti- cal coupling was performed, indicating that a combined low temperature and high temperature GaAs thickness of 9.3nm led to strong PL intensity indicating good optical coupling of QD layers. Ge/(In)GaAs double junction solar cells were grown and fabricated with and without quantum dots in the (In)GaAs cell to investigate the effect of quantum dot inclusion on device performance. AM 0 measurements showed an average increase of 1.0mA/cm2 in short-circuit current for these devices. Integrated spectral response measurements revealed a contribution to vi short-circuit current of 0.02mA/cm2/QDlayer which is consistent with reports seen in literature. The current improvement for the double junction solar cells motivated the investigation of quantum dot inclusion in the (In)GaAs junction of a Ge/(In)GaAs/InGaP triple junction solar cell. AM0 measurements on these cells did not reveal any increase in current for quantum dot enhanced devices over a baseline device. Integrated spectral response for each junction revealed an increase of 0.3mA/cm2 in current for the middle junction and the top junction, respectively, compared with baseline results for these junctions, but also that the InGaP top junction was current limiting. This potentially is due to poor material quality in the InGaP junction as a result of quantum dot inclusion in the junction beneath it or to strain effects re- sulting from quantum dot inclusion. This current limiting nature of the top junction may have led to a reduced efficiency for quantum dot devices compared with a baseline and further opti- mization is required in order increase the efficiency of the quantum dot device compared with a baseline device

High-resolution mapping of fluoroquinolones in TB rabbit lesions reveals specific distribution in immune cell types.

Understanding the distribution patterns of antibiotics at the site of infection is paramount to selecting adequate drug regimens and developing new antibiotics. Tuberculosis (TB) lung lesions are made of various immune cell types, some of which harbor persistent forms of the pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. By combining high resolution MALDI MSI with histology staining and quantitative image analysis in rabbits with active TB, we have mapped the distribution of a fluoroquinolone at high resolution, and identified the immune-pathological factors driving its heterogeneous penetration within TB lesions, in relation to where bacteria reside. We find that macrophage content, distance from lesion border and extent of necrosis drive the uneven fluoroquinolone penetration. Preferential uptake in macrophages and foamy macrophages, where persistent bacilli reside, compared to other immune cells present in TB granulomas, was recapitulated in vitro using primary human cells. A nonlinear modeling approach was developed to help predict the observed drug behavior in TB lesions. This work constitutes a methodological advance for the co-localization of drugs and infectious agents at high spatial resolution in diseased tissues, which can be applied to other diseases with complex immunopathology

International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force Consensus Proposal: Diagnostic approach to epilepsy in dogs

This article outlines the consensus proposal on diagnosis of epilepsy in dogs by the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force. The aim of this consensus proposal is to improve consistency in the diagnosis of epilepsy in the clinical and research settings. The diagnostic approach to the patient presenting with a history of suspected epileptic seizures incorporates two fundamental steps: to establish if the events the animal is demonstrating truly represent epileptic seizures and if so, to identify their underlying cause. Differentiation of epileptic seizures from other non-epileptic episodic paroxysmal events can be challenging. Criteria that can be used to make this differentiation are presented in detail and discussed. Criteria for the diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy (IE) are described in a three-tier system. Tier I confidence level for the diagnosis of IE is based on a history of two or more unprovoked epileptic seizures occurring at least 24 h apart, age at epileptic seizure onset of between six months and six years, unremarkable inter-ictal physical and neurological examination, and no significant abnormalities on minimum data base blood tests and urinalysis. Tier II confidence level for the diagnosis of IE is based on the factors listed in tier I and unremarkable fasting and post-prandial bile acids, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain (based on an epilepsy-specific brain MRI protocol) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Tier III confidence level for the diagnosis of IE is based on the factors listed in tier I and II and identification of electroencephalographic abnormalities characteristic for seizure disorders. The authors recommend performing MRI of the brain and routine CSF analysis, after exclusion of reactive seizures, in dogs with age at epileptic seizure onset 6 years, inter-ictal neurological abnormalities consistent with intracranial neurolocalisation, status epilepticus or cluster seizure at epileptic seizure onset, or a previous presumptive diagnosis of IE and drug-resistance with a single antiepileptic drug titrated to the highest tolerable dose

International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus proposal: Medical treatment of canine epilepsy in Europe

In Europe, the number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) licensed for dogs has grown considerably over the last years. Nevertheless, the same questions remain, which include, 1) when to start treatment, 2) which drug is best used initially, 3) which adjunctive AED can be advised if treatment with the initial drug is unsatisfactory, and 4) when treatment changes should be considered. In this consensus proposal, an overview is given on the aim of AED treatment, when to start long-term treatment in canine epilepsy and which veterinary AEDs are currently in use for dogs. The consensus proposal for drug treatment protocols, 1) is based on current published evidence-based literature, 2) considers the current legal framework of the cascade regulation for the prescription of veterinary drugs in Europe, and 3) reflects the authors’ experience. With this paper it is aimed to provide a consensus for the management of canine idiopathic epilepsy. Furthermore, for the management of structural epilepsy AEDs are inevitable in addition to treating the underlying cause, if possible

International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus report on epilepsy definition, classification and terminology in companion animals

Dogs with epilepsy are among the commonest neurological patients in veterinary practice and therefore have historically attracted much attention with regard to definitions, clinical approach and management. A number of classification proposals for canine epilepsy have been published during the years reflecting always in parts the current proposals coming from the human epilepsy organisation the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). It has however not been possible to gain agreed consensus, “a common language”, for the classification and terminology used between veterinary and human neurologists and neuroscientists, practitioners, neuropharmacologists and neuropathologists. This has led to an unfortunate situation where different veterinary publications and textbook chapters on epilepsy merely reflect individual author preferences with respect to terminology, which can be confusing to the readers and influence the definition and diagnosis of epilepsy in first line practice and research studies. In this document the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF) discusses current understanding of canine epilepsy and presents our 2015 proposal for terminology and classification of epilepsy and epileptic seizures. We propose a classification system which reflects new thoughts from the human ILAE but also roots in former well accepted terminology. We think that this classification system can be used by all stakeholders

2015 ACVIM Small Animal Consensus Statement on Seizure Management in Dogs

This report represents a scientific and working clinical consensus statement on seizure management in dogs based on current literature and clinical expertise. The goal was to establish guidelines for a predetermined, concise, and logical sequential approach to chronic seizure management starting with seizure identification and diagnosis (not included in this report), reviewing decision‐making, treatment strategies, focusing on issues related to chronic antiepileptic drug treatment response and monitoring, and guidelines to enhance patient response and quality of life. Ultimately, we hope to provide a foundation for ongoing and future clinical epilepsy research in veterinary medicine

Systematic review of antiepileptic drugs’ safety and effectiveness in feline epilepsy

Understanding the efficacy and safety profile of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in feline epilepsy is a crucial consideration for managing this important brain disease. However, there is a lack of information about the treatment of feline epilepsy and therefore a systematic review was constructed to assess current evidence for the AEDs’ efficacy and tolerability in cats. The methods and materials of our former systematic reviews in canine epilepsy were mostly mirrored for the current systematic review in cats. Databases of PubMed, CAB Direct and Google scholar were searched to detect peer-reviewed studies reporting efficacy and/or adverse effects of AEDs in cats. The studies were assessed with regards to their quality of evidence, i.e. study design, study population, diagnostic criteria and overall risk of bias and the outcome measures reported, i.e. prevalence and 95% confidence interval of the successful and affected population in each study and in total