One-dimensional electrical contact to a two-dimensional material.

Heterostructures based on layering of two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene and hexagonal boron nitride represent a new class of electronic devices. Realizing this potential, however, depends critically on the ability to make high-quality electrical contact. Here, we report a contact geometry in which we metalize only the 1D edge of a 2D graphene layer. In addition to outperforming conventional surface contacts, the edge-contact geometry allows a complete separation of the layer assembly and contact metallization processes. In graphene heterostructures, this enables high electronic performance, including low-temperature ballistic transport over distances longer than 15 micrometers, and room-temperature mobility comparable to the theoretical phonon-scattering limit. The edge-contact geometry provides new design possibilities for multilayered structures of complimentary 2D materials.

Hofstadter's butterfly and the fractal quantum Hall effect in moiré superlattices.

Electrons moving through a spatially periodic lattice potential develop a quantized energy spectrum consisting of discrete Bloch bands. In two dimensions, electrons moving through a magnetic field also develop a quantized energy spectrum, consisting of highly degenerate Landau energy levels. When subject to both a magnetic field and a periodic electrostatic potential, two-dimensional systems of electrons exhibit a self-similar recursive energy spectrum. Known as Hofstadter's butterfly, this complex spectrum results from an interplay between the characteristic lengths associated with the two quantizing fields, and is one of the first quantum fractals discovered in physics. In the decades since its prediction, experimental attempts to study this effect have been limited by difficulties in reconciling the two length scales. Typical atomic lattices (with periodicities of less than one nanometre) require unfeasibly large magnetic fields to reach the commensurability condition, and in artificially engineered structures (with periodicities greater than about 100 nanometres) the corresponding fields are too small to overcome disorder completely. Here we demonstrate that moiré superlattices arising in bilayer graphene coupled to hexagonal boron nitride provide a periodic modulation with ideal length scales of the order of ten nanometres, enabling unprecedented experimental access to the fractal spectrum. We confirm that quantum Hall features associated with the fractal gaps are described by two integer topological quantum numbers, and report evidence of their recursive structure. Observation of a Hofstadter spectrum in bilayer graphene means that it is possible to investigate emergent behaviour within a fractal energy landscape in a system with tunable internal degrees of freedom.

High-resolution extracellular stimulation of dispersed hippocampal culture with high-density CMOS multielectrode array based on non-Faradaic electrodes.

We introduce a method to electrically stimulate individual neurons at single-cell resolution in arbitrary spatiotemporal patterns with precise control over stimulation thresholds. By exploiting a custom microelectronic chip, up to 65,000 non-Faradaic electrodes can be uniquely addressed with electrode density exceeding 6500 electrodes mm(-2). We demonstrate extracellular stimulation of dispersed primary hippocampal neuronal cultures using the chip at single-cell resolution.

Boron nitride substrates for high-quality graphene electronics.

Graphene devices on standard SiO(2) substrates are highly disordered, exhibiting characteristics that are far inferior to the expected intrinsic properties of graphene. Although suspending the graphene above the substrate leads to a substantial improvement in device quality, this geometry imposes severe limitations on device architecture and functionality. There is a growing need, therefore, to identify dielectrics that allow a substrate-supported geometry while retaining the quality achieved with a suspended sample. Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is an appealing substrate, because it has an atomically smooth surface that is relatively free of dangling bonds and charge traps. It also has a lattice constant similar to that of graphite, and has large optical phonon modes and a large electrical bandgap. Here we report the fabrication and characterization of high-quality exfoliated mono- and bilayer graphene devices on single-crystal h-BN substrates, by using a mechanical transfer process. Graphene devices on h-BN substrates have mobilities and carrier inhomogeneities that are almost an order of magnitude better than devices on SiO(2). These devices also show reduced roughness, intrinsic doping and chemical reactivity. The ability to assemble crystalline layered materials in a controlled way permits the fabrication of graphene devices on other promising dielectrics and allows for the realization of more complex graphene heterostructures.

AN ARRAY OF MONOLITHIC FBAR-CMOS OSCILLATORS FOR MASS-SENSING APPLICATIONS.

We present a monolithic, solidly-mounted CMOS-FBAR oscillator array for mass sensing applications. Thin-film bulk acoustic resonators (FBAR) are an effective platform for sensitive biological and chemical detection, where their high operating frequencies make them many times more sensitive than a quartz crystal microbalance. By monolithic integration with CMOS drive circuitry, we aim to overcome the spatial limitations of externally-coupled resonators to build dense sensor arrays without specialized fabrication techniques. The sensors in this work are constructed in a 6 × 4 array atop a 0.18µm CMOS active substrate, and mass sensitivity comparable to off-chip FBAR sensors is demonstrated.

Natural DNA mixtures generated in fraternal twins in utero.

Analysis of multiple genetic loci using short tandem repeats (STR) is widely used in human identity testing because the extensive polymorphism at these loci allows for a high degree of discrimination among individuals. We recently received a forensic case that included several pieces of evidence and reference blood samples. Upon initial testing, one of the suspects had a DNA profile that included three alleles at four of the nine loci tested (vWA, FGA, TH01, and D5S818). At each locus, two of the alleles appeared to be "major" alleles with a third "minor" allele present. The profile appeared to be a mixture of two people. Contamination of this first reference sample was suspected and a second, unopened blood specimen was requested from this individual. The DNA profile from this second reference specimen was identical to that of the original specimen at each locus. One of the evidence samples also displayed an identical mixed DNA profile matching that of the reference specimens mentioned above. The relative peak heights of the two "major" and one "minor" allele remained constant in all three samples. Additional background information revealed that the suspect had not received a bone marrow transplant or blood transfusion. However, it was disclosed that this individual is a fraternal (dizygotic) twin. We hypothesize that an exchange of blood cells between the fetuses occurred in utero and that the additional alleles present in these reference samples are derived from cells contributed by his twin sibling. No additional specimens from the suspect or his twin could be obtained for confirmation, and our hypothesis remains untested. Forensic scientists should be aware of this possibility when faced with a DNA profile in which extra alleles at multiple loci are detected.

Loss of heterozygosity detected in a short tandem repeat (STR) locus commonly used for human DNA identification.

Short tandem repeat (STR) markers are commonly used in basic genetic research and in human identification testing. Clinically, STRs can be used to study genetic alterations in tumors. A genetic deletion common to many types of cancer is referred to as the loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Numerous examples of LOH in cancer have been described and some have been mapped to areas located in close proximity to markers employed in human identity testing. Despite this fact, LOH has rarely been observed for STR loci commonly employed in forensic testing. Recently, for medico-legal purposes, we were asked to determine whether a tissue biopsy originated from a particular individual. For a reference source we assessed two specimens, one from normal tissue and one from cancerous tissue. When both reference specimens were used to generate DNA profiles, we observed LOH at one STR locus, D13S317. As demonstrated in other cancers only the cancerous biopsy demonstrated LOH. The forensic community should be cognizant of these unusual circumstances because, as identification of human DNA continues to be used more extensively, certain instances will arise in which reference material will not be readily available. In these situations, archived specimens may be employed as a reference source. Clinical specimens such as tissue biopsies should be used with caution if they have not been confirmed to contain normal tissue.

3-substituted thieno[2,3-b][1,4]thiazine-6-sulfonamides. A novel class of topically active carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

3-Aminoalkyl derivatives of thieno[2,3-b][1,4]thiazine-6-sulfonamide were prepared for evaluation as topically active ocular hypotensive agents. The compounds described were found to be excellent in vitro inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase II and in vivo to lower intraocular pressure in three rabbit models of ocular hypertension. Compounds 20A, 20B, and 20C met the requirement of formulation as a 1% solution at pH 5.2, but none of the compounds described exhibited greater activity in the normotensive albino rabbit, the alpha-chymotrypsin-treated albino rabbit, or the normotensive pigmented rabbit than MK-927 or MK-507, the present clinical candidates.

Topically active carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. 4. [(Hydroxyalkyl)sulfonyl]benzene and [(hydroxyalkyl)sulfonyl]thiophenesulfonamides.

For several decades a tantalizing goal for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma has been the development of a topically active carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Recent results from several research groups indicate that considerable progress has been made toward this objective. In this report, we present the design and synthesis of (hydroxyalkyl)sulfonyl-substituted benzene- and thiophenesulfonamides. These compounds exhibit inhibition of carbonic anhydrase II in the nanomolar range and lower intraocular pressure in the alpha-chymotrypsinized rabbit model of ocular hypertension after topical instillation.

Topically active carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. 3. Benzofuran- and indole-2-sulfonamides.

Derivatives of benzofuran- and indole-2-sulfonamide were prepared for evaluation as topically active ocular hypotensive agents. These compounds were found to be excellent inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase and to lower intraocular pressure in a rabbit model of ocular hypertension. However, the development of these compounds for clinical use was precluded by the observation that they cause dermal sensitization in guinea pigs. A correlation between electrophilicity, as assessed by in vitro reactivity with reduced glutathione, and dermal sensitization potential was further documented.

L-662,583 is a topically effective ocular hypotensive carbonic anhydrase inhibitor in experimental animals.

1. L-662,583 was a potent inhibitor in vitro of purified, human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase II, possessing an IC50 of 0.7 nM. The IC50 values for MK-927, acetazolamide and methazolamide were 13.0 nM, 10.8 nM and 21.2 nM, respectively. 2. A 1 h pretreatment with one 50 microliters drop of a 0.1% solution of L-662,583 blocked carbonic anhydrase activity in a homogenate of the iris + ciliary body of albino rabbits by 63%. Similar treatment with 0.1% suspensions of acetazolamide and methazolamide elicited inhibitions of 30% and 20%, respectively. This ex vivo model indirectly assesses the ability of an agent to enter the rabbit eye. 3. Concentrations of L-662,583 in the cornea, aqueous humour and iris + ciliary body of albino rabbits were determined by h.p.l.c. at predetermined times after the instillation (one drop of 50 microliters) of a 2% solution of L-662,583. Peak levels for cornea (47.4 micrograms g-1), aqueous humour (4.51 micrograms ml-1) and iris + ciliary body (9.61 micrograms g-1) occurred at 0.5, 2 and 1 h after instillation, respectively. 4. The experimentally elevated intraocular pressure of the right eye of rabbits, induced by prior intraocular injection of alpha-chymotrypsin, was maximally decreased by 4.5 mmHg, 6.2 mmHg and 9.8 mmHg after the instillation (one drop of 50 microliters) of 0.01%, 0.1% and 0.5% solutions of L-662,583, respectively. All three concentrations lowered intraocular pressure at all time points from 1 h up to and including 5 h, the last recorded time point. The unilateral instillation of L-662,583 (0.5%) into the contralateral, left eye failed to lower the elevated intraocular pressure of the untreated, right eye. This finding indicates that the site of action of topically applied L-662,583 in this paradigm is local. The ocular normotensive, albino rabbit was much less susceptible than the ocular hypertensive rabbit to the intraocular pressure lowering effect of topically applied L-662,583, with a 2% solution maximally decreasing intraocular pressure by 2.3 mmHg. 5. Unilateral ocular hypertension was elicited in the right eye of sedated, cynomolgus monkeys by argon laser-induced photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork. The instillation (one drop of 50 microL) of L-662, 583 (2%) significantly lowered the elevated intraocular pressure of the right eye at all time points from 1 h up to and including 5 h. The maximum decline was 8.3 mmHg at 3 h and this represented a reduction of 23% from the corresponding baseline value of 36.8 mmHg. The intraocular pressure of the hypertensive, right eye was maximally decreased by 4.1 mmHg and 4.8 mmHg after the instillation of 0.5% and 1% solutions of L-662,583, respectively. Like the rabbit, the normotensive eye of cynomolgus monkeys was more resistant than the hypertensive eye to the ocular hypotensive action of L-662, 583, as indicated by the inability of 0.5% and 1% solutions of the agent to lower intraocular pressure. L-662,583 (2%) maximally reduced the intraocular pressure of normotensive monkey eyes by 2.4 mmHg at 2 h. 6. L-662,583 is structurally different from MK-927, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that lowers the intraocular pressure of glaucoma patients following the instillation of a 2% solution. These preclinical observations indicate that L-662,583, like MK-927, is a water-soluble carbonic anhydrase inhibitor which, on topical administration, lowers intraocular pressure by virtue of an action confined to within the eye.

Topically active carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. 2. Benzo[b]thiophenesulfonamide derivatives with ocular hypotensive activity.

Derivatives of benzo[b]thiophene-2-sulfonamide were prepared to investigate their potential utility as topically active inhibitors of ocular carbonic anhydrase. Such an agent would be useful in the treatment of glaucoma. Among the compounds described are 6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophene-2-sulfonamide (16) and its acetate ester (23), which are among the most potent ocular hypotensive agents in this class, as assessed in the alpha-chymotrypsinized rabbit. These compounds were selected for clinical evaluation.

Effects of a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor on bone resorption in organ culture.

We have examined the effects of a potent inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase (CA), 5-(3-hydroxybenzoyl)2-thiophenesulfonamide (HTS), and compared them with the effects of acetazolamide (AZ) and ethoxzolamide (EX) on bone resorption in organ cultures in fetal rat long bones under control unstimulated conditions and in response to PTH, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D3], and interleukin-1 (IL-1). The relative potencies of HTS, EX, and AZ for inhibition of CA and bone resorption were similar. HTS inhibited control resorption at 10(-5) to 3 X 10(-5) M, while EX at 10(-4) M inhibited and AZ was ineffective. In the presence of PTH, the inhibitory effect of HTS was seen at concentrations as low as 3 X 10(-6) M and was maximal at 3 X 10(-5) M. EX was inhibitory at 10(-5) M and maximal at 10(-4) M, while AZ at 10(-4) M only partially inhibited PTH-stimulated bone resorption. The responses to PGE2 (10(-7) M), 1,25-(OH)2D3 (10(-9) M), and IL-1 (50 U/ml) were inhibited by HTS at 10(-5) M, while AZ at 10(-4) M was ineffective against PGE2 and 1,25-(OH)2D3. The effect of HTS did not appear to be due to nonspecific toxicity, since after 2 days of treatment at 3 X 10(-5) M and 3 days of recovery, the bone resorptive response to PTH was completely restored. Moreover, HTS at 3 X 10(-5) M did not inhibit the incorporation of labeled proline or thymidine into fetal rat long bones. HTS was more potent as an inhibitor when the CO2 concentration in the gas phase was reduced from 5% to 2% and the pH was increased from 7.2 to 7.5, consistent with an effect on CA-mediated hydrogen ion generation.

Diffusion of chloride ions in the mucus on the oesophagus of Enophrys bison, a marine teleost fish.

Microelectrodes sensitive to Cl- have been used to estimate the diffusion coefficient for Cl- in the mucus on the oesophagus of a marine teleost fish, Enophrys bison. The estimate was 0.231 X 10(-5) cm2s-1. This value is significantly less than the value in saline or in seawater. The technique was based on a simple interpretation of Ficks 1st law. The flux of Cl- across an isolated, everted preparation of oesophagus was compared to the concentration gradient of Cl- within the mucous layer and its thickness and the surface area of the preparation available to diffusion.