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At least 1,081 records · Page 60

Multifunctional Biomedical Imaging in Physiological and Pathological Conditions Using a NIR-II Probe

Contrasted with imaging in the visible (400–650 nm) and near-infrared window I (NIR-I, 650–900 nm) regions, imaging in near-infrared window II (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm) is a highly promising in vivo imaging modality with improved resolution and deeper tissue penetration. Here, a small molecule NIR-II dye,5,5'-(1H,5H-benzo[1,2-c:4,5-c'] bis[1,2,5]thiadiazole)-4,8-diyl)bis(N,N-bis(4-(3-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)propyl)phenyl) thiophen-2-amine), is successfully encapsulated into phospholipid vesicles to prepare a probe CQS1000. The novel NIR-II probe is studied for in vivo multifunctional biological imaging. The results of this study indicate that the NIR-II vesicle CQS1000 can noninvasively and dynamically visualize and monitor many physiological and pathological conditions of circulatory systems, including lymphatic drainage and routing, angiogenesis of tumor, and vascular deformity such as arterial thrombus formation and ischemia with high spatial and temporal resolution. More importantly, by virtue of the favorable half-life of blood circulation of CQS1000, NIR-II imaging is capable of aiding precise resection of tumor such as osteosarcoma and accelerating the process of lymph node dissection to complete sentinel lymph node biopsy for better decision making during the tumor surgery. Overall, CQS1000 is a highly promising NIR-II probe for multifunctional biomedical imaging in physiological and pathological conditions, surpassing traditional NIR-I imaging modality and pathologic assessments for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Labeling of Phosphatidylinositol Lipid Products in Cells through Metabolic Engineering by Using a Clickable myo -Inositol Probe

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) lipids control critical biological processes, so aberrant biosynthesis often leads to disease. As a result, the capability to track the production and localization of these compounds in cells is vital for elucidating their complex roles. In this paper, we report the design, synthesis, and application of clickable myo -inositol probe 1 a for bioorthogonal labeling of PI products. To validate this platform, we initially conducted PI synthase assays to show that 1 a inhibits PI production in vitro. Fluorescence microscopy experiments next showed probe-dependent imaging in T-24 human bladder cancer and Candida albicans cells. Growth studies in the latter showed that replacement of myo -inositol with probe 1 a led to an enhancement in cell growth. Lastly, fluorescence-based TLC analysis and mass spectrometry experiments support the labeling of PI lipids. This approach provides a promising means for tracking the complex biosynthesis and trafficking of these lipids in cells.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

New Colorimetric and Fluorometric Fluoride Ion Probe Based on Anthra[1,9-cd]pyrazol-6(2H)-one

New colorimetric and fluorometric fluoride ion probe, anthra[1,9-cd]pyrazol- 6(2H)-one (1), was synthesized by one-step condensation. The probe 1 shows F{sup −}-selective color change from colorless to pink and appearance of red fluorescence. The fluorescence quantum yield of free probe 1 in DMSO was calculated to be 0.03. After addition of 15 equiv. of F{sup −}, its fluorescence quantum yield can be increased to 0.37. The analytical detection limit for F{sup −} was 2.8 × 10{sup − 7} M. {sup 1}H NMR analysis and DFT calculation show that the F{sup −}-induced colorimetric and fluorometric responses of 1 are driven by deprotonation process. .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Full counting statistics as a probe of quantum coherence in a side-coupled double quantum dot system

We study theoretically the full counting statistics of electron transport through side-coupled double quantum dot (QD) based on an efficient particle-number-resolved master equation. It is demonstrated that the high-order cumulants of transport current are more sensitive to the quantum coherence than the average current, which can be used to probe the quantum coherence of the considered double QD system. Especially, quantum coherence plays a crucial role in determining whether the super-Poissonian noise occurs in the weak inter-dot hopping coupling regime depending on the corresponding QD-lead coupling, and the corresponding values of super-Poissonian noise can be relatively enhanced when considering the spins of conduction electrons. Moreover, this super-Poissonian noise bias range depends on the singly-occupied eigenstates of the system, which thus suggests a tunable super-Poissonian noise device. The occurrence-mechanism of super-Poissonian noise can be understood in terms of the interplay of quantum coherence and effective competition between fast-and-slow transport channels. -- Highlights: •The FCS can be used to probe the quantum coherence of side-coupled double QD system. •Probing quantum coherence using FCS may permit experimental tests in the near future. •The current noise characteristics depend on the quantum coherence of this QD system. •The super-Poissonian noise can be enhanced when considering conduction electron spin. •The side-coupled double QD system suggests a tunable super-Poissonian noise device.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Demonstration of femtosecond broadband X-rays from laser wakefield acceleration as a source for pump-probe X-ray absorption studies

Here, we present X-ray absorption measurements near the K-edge of laser heated aluminum in a pump-probe configuration using X-rays generated in a laser wakefield accelerator. A 30 fs duration laser pulse from the Hercules laser system was split into two beamlines, with one used to heat a 4 $μ$m thickness Al foil and the second to drive a laser wakefield accelerator. The laser-heated plasma was probed at various pump- probe delays using the femtosecond duration X-rays generated by betatron oscillations of the electrons in the wakefield. We observe an apparent blue-shift of the K-edge occurring on a sub-picosecond timescale in the transmission spectra.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Comparing simulated and observed EMIC wave amplitudes using in situ Van Allen Probes’ measurements

In this study, we perform a statistical study calculating electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave amplitudes based off in situ plasma measurements taken by the Van Allen Probes’ (1.1–5.8 R e ) Helium, Oxygen, Proton, Electron (HOPE) instrument. Calculated wave amplitudes are compared to EMIC waves observed by the Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science on board the Van Allen Probes during the same period. The survey covers a 22-month period (1 November 2012 to 31 August 2014), a full Van Allen Probe magnetic local time (MLT) precession. The linear theory proxy was used to identify EMIC wave events with plasma conditions favorable for EMIC wave excitation. Two hundred and thirty-two EMIC wave events (103 H + -band and 129 He + -band) were selected for this comparison. Nearly all events selected are observed beyond L = 4. Results show that calculated wave amplitudes exclusively using the in situ HOPE measurements produce amplitudes too low compared to the observed EMIC wave amplitudes. Hot proton anisotropy (Ahp) distributions are asymmetric in MLT within the inner (L < 7) magnetosphere with peak (minimum) A hp , ~0.81 to 1.00 (~0.62), observed in the dawn (dusk), 0000 < MLT ≤ 1200 (1200 < MLT ≤ 2400), sectors. Measurements of A hp are found to decrease in the presence of EMIC wave activity. A hp amplification factors are determined and vary with respect to EMIC wave-band and MLT. Lastly, He + -band events generally require double (quadruple) the measured A hp for the dawn (dusk) sector to reproduce the observed EMIC wave amplitudes.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Detection of secondary phases in duplex stainless steel by magnetic force microscopy and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy

The secondary phase transformations in a commercial super duplex stainless steel were investigated by micro-chemical analyses and high resolution scanning probe microscopy. Energy dispersive X-ray and electron probe detected ferrite and austenite as well as secondary phases in unetched aged duplex stainless steel type 25Cr-7Ni-3Mo. Volta potential indicated that nitride and sigma appeared more active than ferrite, while secondary austenite and austenite presented a nobler potential. Reversal order in nobility is thought to be attributable to the potential ranking provided by oxide nature diversity as a result of secondary phase surface compositions on steel. After eutectoid transformation, secondary austenite was detected by electron probe microanalysis, whereas atomic force microscopy distinguished this phase from former austenite by image contrast. Magnetic force microscopy revealed a “ghosted” effect on the latter microstructure probably derived from metal memory reminiscence of mechanical polishing at passivity and long range magnetic forces of ferrite phase. - Highlights: • Nobility detection of secondary phases by SKPFM in DSS particles is not a straightforward procedure. • As Volta potential and contrast are not always consistent SKPFM surface oxides is thought played an important role in detection. • AFM distinguished secondary austenite from former austenite by image contrast though SEM required EPMA.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Community-Driven Methods for Open and Reproducible Software Tools for Analyzing Datasets from Atom Probe Microscopy

Atom probe tomography, and related methods, probe the three-dimensional architecture of a material. The software tools that microscopists use, and how these tools are connected into workflows, makes a substantial contribution to the accuracy and precision of such a material characterization experiment. Typically, we adapt methods from other communities like mathematics, data science, computational geometry, artificial intelligence, or scientific computing. We also realize that improving on research data management is a challenge when it comes to align with the FAIR data stewardship principles. Faced with this global challenge, we are convinced that collaborating is useful. Here, we report the results and challenges with an inter-laboratory call for developing test cases for several types of atom probe software tools. The results support why defining detailed recipes of software workflows and sharing these recipes is necessary and rewarding: Open source tools and (meta)data exchange can help to make our day-to-day data processing tasks become more efficient, the training of new users and knowledge transfer become easier, and assist us with automated quantification of uncertainties to gain access to substantiated results.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Light-Dependent Impedance Spectra and Transient Photoconductivity in a Ruddlesden–Popper 2D Lead–Halide Perovskite Revealed by Electrical Scanned Probe Microscopy and Accompanying Theory

Electric force microscopy was used to record the light-dependent impedance spectrum and the probe transient photoconductivity of a film of butylammonium lead iodide, BA 2 PbI 4 , a 2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite semiconductor. The impedance spectrum of BA 2 PbI 4 showed modest changes as the illumination intensity was varied up to 1400 mW cm –2 , in contrast with the comparatively dramatic changes seen for 3D lead–halide perovskites under similar conditions. BA 2 PbI 4 ’s light-induced conductivity had a rise time and decay time of ~100 μs, 10 4 slower than expected from direct electron–hole recombination yet 10 5 faster than the conductivity-recovery times recently observed in 3D lead–halide perovskites and attributed to the relaxation of photogenerated vacancies. What sample properties are probed by electric force microscope measurements remains an open question. A Lagrangian-mechanics treatment of the electric force microscope experiment was recently introduced by Dwyer, Harrell, and Marohn which enabled the calculation of steady-state electric force microscope signals in terms of a complex sample impedance. Here this impedance treatment of the tip–sample interaction is extended, through the introduction of a time-dependent transfer function, to include time-resolved electrical scanned probe measurements. Here, it is shown that the signal in a phase-kick electric force microscope experiment, and therefore also the signal in a time-resolved electrostatic force microscope experiment, can be written explicitly in terms of the sample’s time-dependent resistance (i.e., conductivity).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Differentiation of surface and bulk conductivities in topological insulator via four-probe spectroscopy

Topological insulators, with characteristic topological surface states, have emerged as a new state of matter with rich potentials for both fundamental physics and device applications. However, the experimental detection of the surface transport has been hampered by the unavoidable extrinsic conductivity associated with the bulk crystals. Here we show that a four-probe transport spectroscopy in a multi-probe scanning tunneling microscopy system can be used to differentiate conductivities from the surface states and the coexisting bulk states in topological insulators. We derive a scaling relation of measured resistance with respect to varying inter-probe spacing for two interconnected conduction channels, which allows quantitative determination of conductivities from both channels. Using this method, we demonstrate the separation of 2D and 3D conduction in topological insulators by comparing the conductance scaling of Bi 2 Se 3 , Bi 2 Te 2 Se, and Sb-doped Bi 2 Se 3 with that of a pure 2D conductance of graphene on SiC substrate. We also report the 2D conductance enhancement due to the surface doping effect in topological insulators. This technique can be applied to reveal 2D to 3D crossover of conductance in other complex systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Direct Four-Probe Measurement of Grain-Boundary Resistivity and Mobility in Millimeter-Sized Graphene

Grain boundaries (GBs) in polycrystalline graphene scatter charge carriers, which reduces carrier mobility and limits graphene applications in high-speed electronics. Here we report the extraction of the resistivity of GBs and the effect of GBs on carrier mobility by direct four-probe measurements on millimeter-sized graphene bicrystals grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). To extract the GB resistivity and carrier mobility from direct four-probe intragrain and intergrain measurements, an electronically equivalent extended 2D GB region is defined based on Ohm’s law. Measurements on seven representative GBs find that the maximum resistivities are in the range of several kΩ·μm to more than 100 kΩ·μm. Furthermore, the mobility in these defective regions is reduced to 0.4–5.9‰ of the mobility of single-crystal, pristine graphene. Similarly, the effect of wrinkles on carrier transport can also be derived. We report the present approach provides a reliable way to directly probe charge-carrier scattering at GBs and can be further applied to evaluate the GB effect of other two-dimensional polycrystalline materials, such as transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Quantitative Comparison of Dye and Ultrasmall Fluorescent Silica Core–Shell Nanoparticle Probes for Optical Super-Resolution Imaging of Model Block Copolymer Thin Film Surfaces

In recent years, high-resolution optical imaging in the far field has provided opportunities for alternative approaches to nanocharacterization traditionally dominated by electron and scanning probe microscopies. Here in this paper, we report the optical super-resolution imaging of model block copolymer (BCP) thin film surface nanostructures through stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM). We compare a set of surface-functionalized fluorescent core–shell silica nanoparticles encapsulating two different organic dyes, Cy3 and Cy5, with the corresponding free dyes in STORM. Using various click-type chemistries, these probes are covalently attached to the surface of specific blocks of BCP thin films, enabling selective block labeling and optical visualization. We demonstrate that the enhanced brightness of these particle probes offers distinct advantages over conventional dye labeling, outperforming one of the best STORM dyes available (Cy5).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Simultaneous Observations of Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) Waves and Pitch Angle Scattering During a Van Allen Probes Conjunction

On 22 December 2015, the two Van Allen Probes observed two sets of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave bursts during a close conjunction when both Probe A and Probe B were separated by 0.57 to 0.68 R E . Here, the EMIC waves occurred during an active period in the recovery phase of a coronal mass ejection-driven geomagnetic storm. Both spacecraft observed EMIC wave bursts that had similar spatial structure within a 1–2 min time delay. The EMIC waves occurred outside the plasmasphere, within ΔL ≈ 1–2 of the plasmapause and within a few degrees in magnetic latitude of the equatorial plane. The spatial structure of the EMIC wave bursts may have been related to the proton drift paths outside the plasmasphere and influenced by total magnetic field strength variations associated with solar wind pressure enhancements. The EMIC waves were observed in a narrow L shell region from L ≈ 4.55–5.32 between 10 and 11 magnetic local time (MLT) on the outbound halves of the spacecraft orbits and from L ≈ 4.82–5.51 between 13 and 14 MLT on the inbound halves of the spacecraft orbits. However, Pc1 pulsations were observed on the ground over a broad range of local times. The anisotropy of the proton pitch angle distributions was enhanced when the EMIC waves were observed. Although the overall radiation belt response during this storm was dominated by acceleration and transport processes, the EMIC waves produced local pitch angle scattering of 13–15 keV protons and 2.1–2.6 MeV electrons, consistent with calculations of the expected resonant energies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Probing topological quantum matter with scanning tunnelling microscopy

The search for topological phases of matter is evolving towards strongly interacting systems, including magnets and superconductors, where exotic effects emerge from the quantum-level interplay between geometry, correlation and topology. Over the past decade or so, scanning tunnelling microscopy has become a powerful tool to probe and discover emergent topological matter, because of its unprecedented spatial resolution, high-precision electronic detection and magnetic tunability. Scanning tunnelling microscopy can be used to probe various topological phenomena, as well as complement results from other techniques. We discuss some of these proof-of-principle methodologies applied to probe topology, with particular attention to studies performed under a tunable vector magnetic field, which is a relatively new direction of recent focus. Finally, we then project the future possibilities for atomic-resolution tunnelling methods in providing new insights into topological matter.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Measurement of axial neutral density profiles in a microwave discharge ion thruster by laser absorption spectroscopy with optical fiber probes

In order to reveal the physical processes taking place within the ''{mu}10'' microwave discharge ion thruster, internal plasma diagnosis is indispensable. However, the ability of metallic probes to access microwave plasmas biased at a high voltage is limited from the standpoints of the disturbance created in the electric field and electrical isolation. In this study, the axial density profiles of excited neutral xenon were successfully measured under ion beam acceleration by using a novel laser absorption spectroscopy system. The target of the measurement was metastable Xe I 5p{sup 5}({sup 2}P{sup 0}{sub 3/2})6s[{sup 3}/{sub 2}]{sup 0}{sub 2} which absorbed a wavelength of 823.16 nm. Signals from laser absorption spectroscopy that swept a single-mode optical fiber probe along the line of sight were differentiated and converted into axial number densities of the metastable neutral particles in the plasma source. These measurements revealed a 10{sup 18} m{sup -3} order of metastable neutral particles situated in the waveguide, which caused two different modes during the operation of the {mu}10 thruster. This paper reports a novel spectroscopic measurement system with axial resolution for microwave plasma sources utilizing optical fiber probes.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Swinging reciprocating Mach probes for the high field side scrape-off layer in DIII-D

A new pair of in situ reciprocating Mach probes termed swing probes has been deployed on the DIII-D centerpost for the 2012 experimental campaign. When not deployed, the entire assembly is housed in a <5 cm space underneath the centerpost tiles. This design is unique in that the probe swings vertically through the edge plasma, taking measurements along a 180 Degree-Sign arc with a 20 cm radius. The motion is powered by actuator coils that interact with the tokamak's magnetic field. Two electrodes maintain a Mach-pair orientation throughout the swing and provide measurements of saturation current, electron temperature, and parallel flow speeds up to the separatrix.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Optical emission diagnostics with electric probe measurements of inductively coupled Ar/O{sub 2}/Ar-O{sub 2} plasmas

Physical properties of low-pressure inductively coupled argon, oxygen, and Ar-O{sub 2} mixture plasmas are investigated using optical emission spectroscopy (OES) combined with an rf-compensated Langmuir probe measurement. In each gas discharge, the electron density and the electron temperature were obtained by using the probe. The electron temperature was also obtained by OES models and compared with that measured by the probe. The electron temperature was observed to decrease with increasing power and pressure and also observed to decrease with increasing Ar content. Argon metastable densities were calculated based on an optical transition model. In Ar-O{sub 2} discharges, the dissociation fraction of O{sub 2} molecules was estimated using optical emission actinometry. The dissociation fraction was observed to increase with increasing power and Ar content.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Wall current probe: A non-invasive in situ plasma diagnostic for space and time resolved current density distribution measurement

In the context of low temperature plasma research, we propose a wall current probe to determine the local charged particle fluxes flowing to the chamber walls. This non-intrusive planar probe consists of an array of electrode elements which can be individually biased and for which the current can be measured separately. We detail the probe properties and present the ability of the diagnostic to be used as a space and time resolved measurement of the ion and electron current density at the chamber walls. This diagnostic will be relevant to study the electron transport in magnetized low-pressure plasmas.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗