Nanodomain structure of single crystalline nickel oxide.

In this work we present a comprehensive study of the domain structure of a nickel oxide single crystal grown by floating zone melting and suggest a correlation between point defects and the observed domain structure. The properties and structure of domains dictate the dynamics of resistive switching, water splitting and gas sensing, to name but a few. Investigating the correlation between point defects and domain structure can provide a deeper understanding of their formation and structure, which potentially allows one to tailor domain structure and the dynamics of the aforementioned applications. A range of inhomogeneities are observed by diffraction and microscopy techniques. X-ray and low-energy electron diffraction reveal domains on the submicron- and nanometer-scales, respectively. In turn, these domains are visualised by atomic force and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), respectively. A comprehensive transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study reveals inhomogeneities ranging from domains of varying size, misorientation of domains, variation of the lattice constant and bending of lattice planes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy indicate the crystal is Ni deficient. Density functional theory calculations-considering the spatial and electronic disturbance induced by the favourable nickel vacancy-reveal a nanoscale distortion comparable to STM and TEM observations. The different inhomogeneities are understood in terms of the structural relaxation induced by ordering of nickel vacancies, which is predicted to be favourable.

Nanoclusters and nanolines: the effect of molybdenum oxide substrate stoichiometry on iron self-assembly.

The growth of Fe nanostructures on the stoichiometric MoO2/Mo(110) and oxygen-rich MoO2+x /Mo(110) surfaces has been studied using low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and density functional theory calculations. STM results indicate that at low coverage Fe nucleates on the MoO2/Mo(110) surface, forming small, well-ordered nanoclusters of uniform size, each consisting of five Fe atoms. These five-atom clusters can agglomerate into larger nanostructures reflecting the substrate geometry, but they retain their individual character within the structure. Linear Fe nanocluster arrays are formed on the MoO2/Mo(110) surface at room temperature when the surface coverage is greater than 0.6 monolayers. These nanocluster arrays follow the direction of the oxide rows of the strained MoO2/Mo(110) surface. Slightly altering the preparation procedure of MoO2/Mo(110) leads to the presence of oxygen adatoms on this surface. Fe deposition onto the oxygen-rich MoO2+x /Mo(110) surface results in elongated nanostructures that reach up to 24 nm in length. These nanolines have a zigzag shape and are likely composed of partially oxidised Fe formed upon reaction with the oxygen-rich surface.

Polarization conversion-based molecular sensing using anisotropic plasmonic metasurfaces.

Anisotropic media induce changes in the polarization state of transmitted and reflected light. Here we combine this effect with the refractive index sensitivity typical of plasmonic nanoparticles to experimentally demonstrate self-referenced single wavelength refractometric sensing based on polarization conversion. We fabricated anisotropic plasmonic metasurfaces composed of gold dimers and, as a proof of principle, measured the changes in the rotation of light polarization induced by biomolecular adsorption with a surface sensitivity of 0.2 ng cm(-2). We demonstrate the possibility of miniaturized sensing and we show that experimental results can be reproduced by analytical theory. Various ways to increase the sensitivity and applicability of the sensing scheme are discussed.

[CLINICO-EXPERIMENTAL SUBSTANTIATION OF INTRAABDOMINAL PLASTY FOR UMBILICAL HERNIAS].

The impact of various methods of plasty, using net implants, on results of umbilical hernias treatment was studied in experimental and clinical investigation. The umbilical hernias plasty was performed in accordance to the IPOM (intraperitoneal on lay mesh) method, application of which have permitted to reduce a hospital stay of the patients as well as their period of social rehabilitation, and to guarantee the best cosmetic effect in comparison with such while making umbilical hernias plasty in accordance to a sub lay method.

An analytic approach to modeling the optical response of anisotropic nanoparticle arrays at surfaces and interfaces.

Anisotropic nanoparticle (NP) arrays with useful optical properties, such as localized plasmon resonances (LPRs), can be grown by self-assembly on substrates. However, these systems often have significant dispersion in NP dimensions and distribution, which makes a numerical approach to modeling the LPRs very difficult. An improved analytic approach to this problem is discussed in detail and applied successfully to NP arrays from three systems that differ in NP metal, shape and distribution, and in substrate and capping layer. The materials and anisotropic NP structures that will produce LPRs in desired spectral regions can be determined using this approach.

Fabrication of [001]-oriented tungsten tips for high resolution scanning tunneling microscopy.

The structure of the [001]-oriented single crystalline tungsten probes sharpened in ultra-high vacuum using electron beam heating and ion sputtering has been studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The electron microscopy data prove reproducible fabrication of the single-apex tips with nanoscale pyramids grained by the {011} planes at the apexes. These sharp, [001]-oriented tungsten tips have been successfully utilized in high resolution scanning tunneling microscopy imaging of HOPG(0001), SiC(001) and graphene/SiC(001) surfaces. The electron microscopy characterization performed before and after the high resolution STM experiments provides direct correlation between the tip structure and picoscale spatial resolution achieved in the experiments.

[AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE HISTOLOGICAL FIBRO GENESIS ABILITIES IN THE AREA OF IMPLANTATION OF ALOTRANSPLANTATES APPLYING INTRAABDOMINAL AND PREPERITONEAL PLASTIC SURGERY].

The histological fibro genesis abilities in the area of implantation of allotransplantates applying intraabdominal and preperitoneal plastic surgery were examined during experimental research. The experiment involved 12 Russian chinchilla rabbits. The animals were spitted into two groups: I group--operated using IPOM methodology (intraperitonealonlaymesh, n = 6) with the installation "Proceed" mesh made by "Ethicon", group II--modeling preperitoneal plastics with the installation of "Ethicon's Ultrapro" mesh (n = 6). After removing the animals from the experiment, the implants with adhering musculo-aponeurotic tissue layer were excised and sent for histological examination. At the same time the severity of the inflammatory process were rated, the composition of the inflammatory infiltrate, germination of the connective tissue through the pores of the prosthesis and neovascularization. Analyzing the research data of histological connective abilities complexes formed in the area of the allotransplants implantation using intra-abdominal and pre-peritoneal plastic during the experiment, we can conclude that intra-abdominal installation of mesh prostheses reduces the severity of inflammatory changes surrounding tissues and reduces the probability of seroma formation in comparison with the placement of the pre-peritoneal implant.

Atomically resolved STM imaging with a diamond tip: simulation and experiment.

The spatial resolution of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) can be enhanced using light element-terminated probes with spatially localized electron orbitals at the apex atom. Conductive diamond probes can provide carbon atomic orbitals suitable for STM imaging with sub-Ångström lateral resolution and high apex stability crucial for the small tunneling gaps necessary for high-resolution experiments. Here we demonstrate that high spatial resolution can be achieved in STM experiments with single-crystal diamond tips, which are generally only considered for use as probes for atomic force microscopy. The results of STM experiments with a heavily boron-doped, diamond probe on a graphite surface; density functional theory calculations of the tip and surface electronic structure; and first-principles tunneling current calculations demonstrate that the highest spatial resolution can be achieved with diamond tips at tip-sample distances of 3-5 Å when frontier p-orbitals of the tip provide their maximum contribution to the tunneling current. At the same time, atomic resolution is feasible even at extremely small gaps with very high noise in the tunneling current.

[Research of the durability of connective tissue complexes formed in the implantation area of various types of allograft during the experiment].

The aim of the study is to examine in the experiment on the animals the mechanical properties of connective tissue complexes formed in alloplasty area using the intraperitoneal on lay mesh and sublay methodologies with further comparison of them. The experiment has been conducted on 12 rabbits of Russian chinchilla breed. Animals were distributed in the following way: the first group--operated by intraperitoneal on lay mesh methodology (n = 6) through implantation of composite grid Proceed with one-side celullose coating produced by "Ethicon" company. The second group--performed modeling of preperitoneal plastic using two-component composite grid with large-pores Ultrapro produced by "Ethicon" company (n = 6). For the tensometric evaluation of the strength of implant integration into the red wall was used entire area of anterior red wall together with the implanted transplant. According to the deflection diagrams and dynamometer rates defined the maximum burden rates which is equivalent of muscular tissue budge against polymeric matrix. Statistically significant distinctions during 14 days were not detected; however strength during 30 days in the first group was 3 times higher than in the second group. We consider that the methodology of intraperitoneal on lay mesh can be considered as operation of choice of surgery treatment of the umbilical hernias.

Beyond the Heisenberg model: anisotropic exchange interaction between a Cu-tetraazaporphyrin monolayer and Fe3O4(100).

The exchange coupling of a single spin localized at the central ion of Cu-tetraazaporphyrin on a magnetite(100) surface has been studied using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). Sum rule analysis of the XMCD spectra results in Cu spin and orbital magnetic moments as a function of the applied external field at low temperatures (20 K). The exchange coupling is positive for magnetization direction perpendicular to the surface (ferromagnetic) while it is negative for in-plane magnetization direction (antiferromagnetic). We attribute the anisotropy of the Heisenberg exchange coupling to an orbitally dependent exchange Hamiltonian.

Magnetic properties of planar nanowire arrays of Co fabricated on oxidized step-bunched silicon templates.

Planar nanowire (NW) arrays of Co grown on oxidized step-bunched Si(111) templates exhibit room temperature ferromagnetic behaviour for wire widths down to 25 nm. Temperature and thickness dependent magnetization studies on these polycrystalline NW arrays show that the magnetic anisotropy of the NW array is dominated by shape anisotropy, which keeps the magnetization in-plane with easy axis parallel to the wires. This shape related uniaxial anisotropy is preserved even at low temperatures (10 K). Thickness dependent studies reveal that the magnetization reversal is governed by the curling mode reversal for thick wires whereas thinner wires exhibit a more complex behaviour which is related to thermal effects and size distribution of the crystal grains that constitute the NWs.

Growth and ordering of Ni(II) diphenylporphyrin monolayers on Ag(111) and Ag/Si(111) studied by STM and LEED.

The room temperature self-assembly and ordering of (5,15-diphenylporphyrinato)nickel(II) (NiDPP) on the Ag(111) and Ag/Si(111)-(√3 × âˆš3)R30° surfaces have been investigated using scanning tunnelling microscopy and low-energy electron diffraction. The self-assembled structures and lattice parameters of the NiDPP monolayer are shown to be extremely dependent on the reactivity of the substrate, and probable molecular binding sites are proposed. The NiDPP overlayer on Ag(111) grows from the substrate step edges, which results in a single-domain structure. This close-packed structure has an oblique unit cell and consists of molecular rows. The molecules in adjacent rows are rotated by approximately 17° with respect to each other. In turn, the NiDPP molecules form three equivalent domains on the Ag/Si(111)-(√3 × âˆš3)R30° surface, which follow the three-fold symmetry of the substrate. The molecules adopt one of three equivalent orientations on the surface, acting as nucleation sites for these domains, due to the stronger molecule-substrate interaction compared to the case of the Ag(111). The results are explained in terms of the substrate reactivity and the lattice mismatch between the substrate and the molecular overlayer.

Controlled in situ growth of tunable plasmonic self-assembled nanoparticle arrays.

Self-assembled silver nanoparticle (NP) arrays were produced by deposition at glancing angles on transparent stepped Al2O3 templates. The evolution of the plasmonic resonances has been monitored using reflection anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) during growth. It is demonstrated that the morphology of the array can be tailored by changing the template structure, resulting in a large tunability of the optical resonances. In order to extract detailed information on the origin of the measured dichroic response of the system, a model based on dipolar interactions has been developed and the effect of tarnishing and morphological dispersion addressed.

Memory and threshold resistance switching in Ni/NiO core-shell nanowires.

We report on the first controlled alternation between memory and threshold resistance switching (RS) in single Ni/NiO core-shell nanowires by setting the compliance current (I(CC)) at room temperature. The memory RS is triggered by a high I(CC), while the threshold RS appears by setting a low I(CC), and the Reset process is achieved without setting a I(CC). In combination with first-principles calculations, the physical mechanisms for the memory and threshold RS are fully discussed and attributed to the formation of an oxygen vacancy (Vo) chain conductive filament and the electrical field induced breakdown without forming a conductive filament, respectively. Migration of oxygen vacancies can be activated by appropriate Joule heating, and it is energetically favorable to form conductive chains rather than random distributions due to the Vo-Vo interaction, which results in the nonvolatile switching from the off- to the on-state. For the Reset process, large Joule heating reorders the oxygen vacancies by breaking the Vo-Vo interactions and thus rupturing the conductive filaments, which are responsible for the switching from on- to off-states. This deeper understanding of the driving mechanisms responsible for the threshold and memory RS provides guidelines for the scaling, reliability, and reproducibility of NiO-based nonvolatile memory devices.

Self-limited growth of triangular PtO2 nanoclusters on the Pt(111) surface.

The high temperature oxidation of the Pt(111) surface with molecular oxygen has been studied using scanning tunnelling microscopy and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). Results indicate a self-limited growth of well-ordered PtO2 nanoclusters which have an O-Pt-O trilayer structure. Each nanocluster has a triangular shape and nucleates at the Pt(111) surface step edge due to the mobility of Pt atoms. The triangular PtO2 nanoislands on the upper and lower Pt(111) terraces represent two mirror domains with the mirror plane perpendicular to the substrate and aligned along the [Formula: see text] direction of the latter. LEED data obtained from the nanostructured PtO2/Pt(111) surface show a characteristic (2 x 2) pattern. Different oxidation conditions lead to the formation of chemisorbed oxygen on the Pt(111) surface alongside PtO2 nanoclusters. Oxygen adsorbs on the surface forming a variety of structures which result in (3 x 3), (5 x 5) and (7 x 7) LEED patterns.

The reversibility of phase transitions in Ti/Co core/shell nanometre-sized particles.

Molecular dynamics simulations have been employed to investigate the thermal response of unsupported Ti/Co core/shell particles with sizes between 2 and 10 nm. Co shells undergo a martensitic hcp-to-fcc phase transformation at temperatures dependent on the particle radius. Ti cores with radii of 2 nm or smaller also undergo the hcp-to-fcc transition. In the presence of Ti cores with radius larger than 2 nm, Co shells 2-4 nm thick exhibit hysteretic effects in the phase transformation. In particular, the transition temperatures under heating and cooling conditions are different. This determines the stabilization of the metastable fcc Co phase, related to the accumulation of lattice defects in the shell as a consequence of local atomic strains at the Ti/Co interface.

Bi-substitution-induced magnetic moment distribution in spinel Bi(x)Co(2-x)MnO(4) multiferroic.

We report the near-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy (NEXAFS) at the Co/Mn L(3,2) edge and oxygen K edge of the well-characterized Bi-substituted Co(2)MnO(4) multiferroic samples. The evolution of peak features in NEXAFS spectra of the Co/Mn L(3,2) edge and O K edge show the Bi-induced redistribution of magnetic cations (Co/Mn). The variation in valence states of Co and Mn in all the substituted compositions is consistent with the observed ferrimagnetic behaviour of the samples. Magnetization data show the decrease in molecular field complementing the ferrimagnetism. The role of Bi in the enhancement of magnetic interactions as well as the appearance of ferroelectricity in Bi(x)Co(2-x)MnO(4) (0≤x≤0.3) is discussed.

Room-temperature self-assembly of equilateral triangular clusters via Friedel oscillations.

We report on the formation of equilateral triangular clusters hollow inside with 5-6 atoms per side, self-assembled on Ni adislands grown on Rh(111). The observation of standing wave patterns on the Ni adislands and the Rh(111) indicates that the self-assembly is mediated by Friedel oscillations. In this context, we propose a model based on the energy of interaction between adsorbates, which explains the formation of the clusters as a result of the assembly of rows of 5-6 adatoms.

Planar nanowire arrays formed by atomic-terrace low-angle shadowing.

A relatively simple method for preparation of planar nanowire arrays on vicinal substrates by molecular beam epitaxy is presented. The atomic step-and-terrace morphology of vicinal substrates is used to produce a shadowing effect on a highly collimated molecular beam at an oblique incidence to the substrate. The collimation is achieved by placing the evaporation source at a large working distance (40-100 cm) from the substrate. The method's capabilities have been demonstrated by preparation of arrays of Ag and Au nanowires on vicinal Si(111) and alpha-Al2O3 (0001) substrates. Nanowires with a width of down to 10-15 nm and a thickness of 1.5 nm have been readily achieved.