On-chip integrated vertically aligned carbon nanotube based super- and pseudocapacitors.

On-chip energy storage and management will have transformative impacts in developing advanced electronic platforms with built-in energy needs for operation of integrated circuits driving a microprocessor. Though success in growing stand-alone energy storage elements such as electrochemical capacitors (super and pseusocapacitors) on a variety of substrates is a promising step towards this direction. In this work, on-chip energy storage is demonstrated using architectures of highly aligned vertical carbon nanotubes (CNTs) acting as supercapacitors, capable of providing large device capacitances. The efficiency of these structures is further increased by incorporating electrochemically active nanoparticles such as MnOx to form pseudocapacitive architectures thus enhancing device capacitance areal specific capacitance of 37 mF/cm2. The demonstrated on-chip integration is up and down-scalable, compatible with standard CMOS processes, and offers lightweight energy storage what is vital for portable and autonomous device operation with numerous advantages as compared to electronics built from discrete components.

Hall and field-effect mobilities in few layered p-WSe2 field-effect transistors.

Here, we present a temperature (T) dependent comparison between field-effect and Hall mobilities in field-effect transistors based on few-layered WSe2 exfoliated onto SiO2. Without dielectric engineering and beyond a T-dependent threshold gate-voltage, we observe maximum hole mobilities approaching 350 cm(2)/Vs at T = 300 K. The hole Hall mobility reaches a maximum value of 650 cm(2)/Vs as T is lowered below ~150 K, indicating that insofar WSe2-based field-effect transistors (FETs) display the largest Hall mobilities among the transition metal dichalcogenides. The gate capacitance, as extracted from the Hall-effect, reveals the presence of spurious charges in the channel, while the two-terminal sheet resistivity displays two-dimensional variable-range hopping behavior, indicating carrier localization induced by disorder at the interface between WSe2 and SiO2. We argue that improvements in the fabrication protocols as, for example, the use of a substrate free of dangling bonds are likely to produce WSe2-based FETs displaying higher room temperature mobilities, i.e. approaching those of p-doped Si, which would make it a suitable candidate for high performance opto-electronics.

The structure of the ternary Eg5-ADP-ispinesib complex.

The human kinesin Eg5 is responsible for bipolar spindle formation during early mitosis. Inhibition of Eg5 triggers the formation of monoastral spindles, leading to mitotic arrest that eventually causes apoptosis. There is increasing evidence that Eg5 constitutes a potential drug target for the development of cancer chemotherapeutics. The most advanced Eg5-targeting agent is ispinesib, which exhibits potent antitumour activity and is currently in multiple phase II clinical trials. In this study, the crystal structure of the Eg5 motor domain in complex with ispinesib, supported by kinetic and thermodynamic binding data, is reported. Ispinesib occupies the same induced-fit pocket in Eg5 as other allosteric inhibitors, making extensive hydrophobic interactions with the protein. The data for the Eg5-ADP-ispinesib complex suffered from pseudo-merohedral twinning and revealed translational noncrystallographic symmetry, leading to challenges in data processing, space-group assignment and structure solution as well as in refinement. These complications may explain the lack of available structural information for this important agent and its analogues. The present structure represents the best interpretation of these data based on extensive data-reduction, structure-solution and refinement trials.

Ferrocene derived carbon nanotubes and their application as electrochemical double layer capacitor electrodes.

We report on the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by direct thermal decomposition of ferrocene (Fe(C5H5)2). Our studies indicate that presence of a small amount of sulfur along with the ferrocene in the decomposition process strongly affects the quality of the CNTs produced and is crucial for obtaining thin diameter nanotubes. Raman spectroscopic investigations suggest that the atomic ratio of sulfur to the total iron plus sulfur content of approximately 0.09 yields CNTs with highly crystalline structure having diameters ranging from 0.85 nm to 1.75 nm. Electrochemical double layer capacitor electrodes fabricated from these CNTs show impressive energy storage properties, capable of delivering a maximum power density of approximately 27 KW/kg and energy density of approximately 2.12 Wh/Kg.

Time and temperature dependence of multi-walled carbon nanotube growth on Inconel 600.

The growth kinetics of vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on conductive substrates is investigated by synthesizing MWNTs at different growth temperatures and measuring ex situ the length of the nanotubes as a function of growth duration. A typical 'root growth' mechanism (saturation of MWNT lengths with increasing growth duration) was observed. The value of the activation energy (E(a)≈136 ± 5 kJ mol(-1)) of the MWNT growth reaction is suggestive of carbon diffusion through the bulk of the iron catalyst particle versus diffusion on its surface. These findings will help in optimizing MWNT growth on conductive substrates for various applications.

First-principles study of defect-induced magnetism in carbon.

We have studied the role of defects on the magnetic properties of carbon materials using first-principles density functional methods. We show that, while the total magnetization decreases both for diamond and graphite with increase in vacancy density, the magnetization decreases more rapidly for graphitic structures. The presence of nitrogen nearby a vacancy is shown to produce larger macroscopic magnetic signals as compared to a standalone carbon vacancy. The results indicate the possibility of tuning magnetization in carbon by controlled defect generation and doping.

Detection of micronucleus and abnormal nucleus in erythrocytes from the gill and kidney of Labeo bata cultivated in sewage-fed fish farms.

Determination of genotoxic effect in fish, micronucleus test as well as the study of the abnormal shape of nuclei is a suitable measure, in which the presence or absence of genotoxins can be detected in water. In the present study, micronuclei and abnormal nuclei frequencies were scored in the gill and kidney erythrocytes of the fish Labeo bata grown in the sewage-fed fish farms of East Calcutta wetlands. Three experimental sites were chosen, namely, Bantala, Chowbaga and Chingrihata (basically these sites have sewage-fed fishponds), which were compared with fishponds of no sewage influence as the control area. Highly significant differences (P<0.001) were noticed for micronucleus frequencies in the gill and kidney erythrocytes of experimental fishes, where kidney erythrocytes showed an increased value than gill erythrocytes without any statistical differences. The frequencies of nuclear abnormalities such as necrotic cells, apoptotic cells, notch nucleated cells and binucleated cells were also counted separately for gill and kidney erythrocytes, in which significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05) increased values were obtained in comparison to control populations. These genotoxicity results confirmed that the sewage-fed ponds contain genotoxic metals such as Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb, Mn, Fe through wastewater and sludge because of the direct use of sewage water without pretreatment which may lead to health risks among humans through chronic consumption of fish from these experimental fish ponds. Other vertebrates grown in sewage-fed ponds may also suffer a certain amount of genotoxic substances.

Direct growth of aligned carbon nanotubes on bulk metals.

There are several advantages of growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) directly on bulk metals, for example in the formation of robust CNT-metal contacts during growth. Usually, aligned CNTs are grown either by using thin catalyst layers predeposited on substrates or through vapour-phase catalyst delivery. The latter method, although flexible, is unsuitable for growing CNTs directly on metallic substrates. Here we report on the growth of aligned multiwalled CNTs on a metallic alloy, Inconel 600 (Inconel), using vapour-phase catalyst delivery. The CNTs are well anchored to the substrate and show excellent electrical contact with it. These CNT-metal structures were then used to fabricate double-layer capacitors and field-emitter devices, which demonstrated improved performance over previously designed CNT structures. Inconel coatings can also be used to grow CNTs on other metallic substrates. This finding overcomes the substrate limitation for nanotube growth which should assist the development of future CNT-related technologies.

Irradiation-induced magnetism in carbon nanostructures.

Nitrogen (15N) and carbon (12C) ion implantations with implant energy of 100 keV for different doses were performed on nanosized diamond (ND) particles. Magnetic measurements on the doped ND show ferromagnetic hysteresis behavior at room temperature. The saturation magnetization (M(s)) in the case of 15N implanted samples was found to be higher compared to the 12C implanted samples for dose sizes greater than 10(14) cm(-2). The role of structural modification or defects along with the carbon-nitrogen (C-N) bonding states for the observed enhanced ferromagnetic ordering in 15N doped samples is explained on the basis of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements.

Flow-induced planar assembly of parallel carbon nanotubes and crossed nanotube junctions.

We report the in-situ assembly of carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition of hydrocarbon precursor (a solution of ferrocene dissolved in isopropyl alcohol). We utilized the vapor stream inside the reaction chamber to comb carbon nanotubes along the same direction and obtained two-dimensional (planar) assembly of nanotubes with tunable distributions. When the carbon source was flowing at a relatively higher rate of approximately 0.2 ml/min, most of nanotubes were driven along the vapor flow direction during their growth process and formed a thin freestanding mat featured with a parallel arrangement, whereas a lower flowing rate (approximately 0.05 ml/min) only resulted in random spider-web structures consisting of crossed nanotube junctions with a variety of configurations (e.g., "+", "Y", "T" shapes and twists). The measured direction-dependent electrical resistance of these two assemblies was in agreement with respective structures, which was anisotropic for parallel nanotubes and nearly isotropic for random networks. Such large-area planar carbon nanotube arrays with controlled orientation and various junction configurations will facilitate the design and fabrication of electronic and mechanical devices.

Carbon nanotube filters.

Over the past decade of nanotube research, a variety of organized nanotube architectures have been fabricated using chemical vapour deposition. The idea of using nanotube structures in separation technology has been proposed, but building macroscopic structures that have controlled geometric shapes, density and dimensions for specific applications still remains a challenge. Here we report the fabrication of freestanding monolithic uniform macroscopic hollow cylinders having radially aligned carbon nanotube walls, with diameters and lengths up to several centimetres. These cylindrical membranes are used as filters to demonstrate their utility in two important settings: the elimination of multiple components of heavy hydrocarbons from petroleum-a crucial step in post-distillation of crude oil-with a single-step filtering process, and the filtration of bacterial contaminants such as Escherichia coli or the nanometre-sized poliovirus ( approximately 25 nm) from water. These macro filters can be cleaned for repeated filtration through ultrasonication and autoclaving. The exceptional thermal and mechanical stability of nanotubes, and the high surface area, ease and cost-effective fabrication of the nanotube membranes may allow them to compete with ceramic- and polymer-based separation membranes used commercially.

Mobility of carbon nanotubes in high electric fields.

The influence of electric fields on carbon nanotubes is experimentally demonstrated. Alignment of nanotubes along field lines, directed motion of nanotubes between electrodes separated by several thousand micrometers, and impressive solid-state actuation behavior of nanotube-embedded structures are demonstrated, taking into account the polarization and charging of the nanotubes. These effects are reported for long strands of nanotubes, nanotubes dispersed on substrates, and nanotube-embedded polymer strips. The relative magnitude of the field responsible for polarization and directed motion was found to be dependent on the morphology of the nanotubes used. These observations may foreshadow novel electromechanical applications for nanotube elements.

Higher coverage gas adsorption on the surface of carbon nanotubes: evidence for a possible new phase in the second layer.

We present adsorption isotherm results for Ne, CH4, and Xe on bundles of close-ended single-wall carbon nanotubes, for coverages above the completion of the first layer. We find a small, sharp, substep present in the second-layer data for Ne and CH4, and a weaker feature, that produces an isothermal compressibility peak, for Xe. The size and location of the feature allows its tentative identification as a new, second-layer, one-dimensional phase, in which the atoms sit atop high binding energy sites in the second layer.

Elongation factor-1 alpha is a selective regulator of growth factor withdrawal and ER stress-induced apoptosis.

To identify genes that contribute to apoptotic resistance, IL-3 dependent hematopoietic cells were transfected with a cDNA expression library and subjected to growth factor withdrawal. Transfected cells were enriched for survivors over two successive rounds of IL-3 withdrawal and reconstitution, resulting in the identification of a full-length elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1alpha) cDNA. Ectopic EF-1alpha expression conferred protection from growth factor withdrawal and agents that induce endoplasmic reticulum stress, but not from nuclear damage or death receptor signaling. Overexpression of EF-1alpha did not lead to growth factor independent cell proliferation or global alterations in protein levels or rates of synthesis. These findings suggest that overexpression of EF-1alpha results in selective resistance to apoptosis induced by growth factor withdrawal and ER stress.

Possible existence of a higher coverage quasi-one-dimensional phase of argon adsorbed on bundles of single-walled carbon nanotubes.

We present results of Ar adsorption isotherms at very low coverages in the first layer and, beyond monolayer completion, on bundles of close-ended single-walled carbon nanotubes. The low coverage results were used to determine the isosteric heat of adsorption and the binding energy of Ar in the groove sites in the first layer. The higher coverage results show evidence of the possible formation of a second-layer groove phase, beyond monolayer completion. Our results for higher coverages are compared with recent computer simulations for this system.

Existence of novel quasi-one-dimensional phases of atoms adsorbed on the exterior surface of close-ended single wall nanotube bundles.

We present results of adsorption measurements for Xe and Ar which confirm experimentally the formation of one-dimensional phases for these gases when adsorbed on the outer surfaces of close-ended single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) bundles. The existence of such phases had been predicted in recent computer simulations, but had remained, until the present work, unconfirmed. Experimental results for Xe and Ar on close-ended bundles of SWNT's are compared to, and found in substantial quantitative agreement with, those obtained in the computer simulation studies. The characteristics of the phases formed appear to be strongly influenced by steric effects.

Growth factor signaling in cell survival: implications for cancer treatment.

Cells of multicellular organisms require extracellular signals to survive. Numerous studies have implicated a variety of intracellular signaling pathways, including PI-3 kinase/Akt, Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Jak/signal transducers and activators of transcription, as effectors of these extracellular trophic factors. Binding of growth factors to their respective receptors results in the activation of individual and combined pathways resulting in pleiotropic effects on cellular biochemistry. Over the past decade, investigation of these pathways has provided insight into the mechanism of cell survival and apoptosis itself. The results of these studies are providing new clues for therapeutic intervention in human disease. In this review, we focus on advances in our current understanding of the receptor signaling pathways that regulate apoptosis. Implications for the pharmacological manipulation of apoptosis in the treatment of cancer are also discussed.

Akt and Bcl-xL promote growth factor-independent survival through distinct effects on mitochondrial physiology.

A comparison of Akt- and Bcl-x(L)-dependent cell survival was undertaken using interleukin-3-dependent FL5.12 cells. Expression of constitutively active Akt allows cells to survive for prolonged periods following growth factor withdrawal. This survival correlates with the expression level of activated Akt and is comparable in magnitude to the protection provided by the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-x(L). Although both genes prevent cell death, Akt-protected cells can be distinguished from Bcl-x(L)-protected cells on the basis of increased glucose transporter expression, glycolytic activity, mitochondrial potential, and cell size. In addition, Akt-expressing cells require high levels of extracellular nutrients to support cell survival. In contrast, Bcl-x(L)-expressing cells deprived of interleukin-3 survive in a more vegetative state, in which the cells are smaller, have lower mitochondrial potential, reduced glycolytic activity, and are less dependent on extracellular nutrients. Thus, Akt and Bcl-x(L) suppress mitochondrion-initiated apoptosis by distinct mechanisms. Akt-mediated survival is dependent on promoting glycolysis and maintaining a physiologic mitochondrial potential. In contrast, Bcl-x(L) maintains mitochondrial integrity in the face of a reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, which develops as a result of the low glycolytic rate in growth factor-deprived cells.

Genotoxic effects after in vivo exposure of vegetable extracts containing heavy metals from the Dhapa area of Calcutta, India. I. Effects of cauliflower, spinach and radish.

Several reports have indicated that the sewage-fed vegetables of the Dhapa area, near the city of Calcutta, contain a very high amount of heavy metals. Currently 800 ha of land is being utilised throughout the year to cultivate more than eight types of vegetables, with a production of about 147 tonnes per day. A major population of Calcutta consumes these vegetables grown in the Dhapa area. Recently there has been huge pressure on the State Government to ban vegetables grown in the Dhapa area for human consumption. For this reason, we have studied the genotoxic effects of some of the most commonly used vegetable extracts from the Dhapa area after in vivo acute exposure in mice as measured by chromosomal aberrations (CA) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) to find out the minimum threshold dose to induce CA and SCE. Three different concentrations of the three most commonly used vegetable extracts (cauliflower, spinach, radish) were fed by gavage to mice for the study of CA and SCE. A significant increase in CA was observed only at the highest concentration of all the vegetable extract-treated groups when compared with the solvent control. A significant increase in SCE were observed in the middle and high doses of spinach and only the high dose of cauliflower and radish extract-treated series when compared with distilled water control. The lowest dose was equivalent to approximately 1 kg of vegetables consumed by a human (60 kg body weight) in a day. The middle and high doses of each vegetable extract were much higher than the normal amount of vegetables that a human can consume per day. So the minimum dose for inducing SCE and CA was much higher than the amount a human can consume in a day. Therefore this study indicates that these vegetables are safe for human consumption up to a certain limit, and attention should be given to reducing the heavy metal contents in the soil and sewage of the Dhapa area to thus reduce the heavy metal concentrations in the vegetables.

Gases Do not adsorb on the interstitial channels of closed-ended single-walled carbon nanotube bundles

We have experimentally determined the binding energies of Xe, CH4, and Ne on samples of closed-ended single-wall nanotube (SWNT) bundles. We find values for these quantities which are larger by approximately 75% on the SWNT samples than the values found for the same adsorbates on planar graphite. We have also determined the monolayer capacity of a SWNT sample using Xe and Ne adsorption. A comparison of all of our results leads us to conclude that none of the gases studied adsorb on the interstitial channels in the SWNT bundles.