Thermoluminescent characteristics of UV-irradiated Aluminum nitride (AlN).

This paper presents results of studying the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of aluminum nitride (AlN) synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Previously to study the TL properties, the phosphor was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), photoluminescence (PL), and electron microscopy (EDS-SEM). TL studies were performed after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation using the whole spectrum of the xenon (Xe) lamp. XRD results show that AlN has a hexagonal crystalline structure. EDS-SEM analysis revealed the presence of oxygen (O) and Carbon (C) impurities in the powders. FT-IR spectroscopy lets us discuss the distribution of these impurities in the crystalline structure. The sample with 9.54% of C and 7.36% of O exhibits a TL glow curve with a predominant peak around 450 K, and according to the deconvolution method was found that the glow curve is composed by six peaks each one centered at 383, 446, 478, 540, 587 and 637 K. The TL response as a function of dose fits a logarithmic increasing function along the dose range studied: These results suggest that AlN is a promising material for application as a TL dosimeter for UV radiation.

The NRSF/REST transcription factor in hallmarks of cancer: From molecular mechanisms to clinical relevance.

The RE-1 silencing transcription factor (REST), or neuron restrictive silencing factor (NRSF), was first identified as a repressor of neuronal genes in non-neuronal tissue. Interestingly, this transcription factor may act as a tumor suppressor or an oncogenic role in developing neuroendocrine and other tumors in patients. The hallmarks of cancer include six biological processes, including proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, resistance to cell death, replicative immortality, inducing angiogenesis, and activating invasion and metastasis. In addition to two emerging hallmarks, the reprogramming of energy metabolism and evasion of the immune response are all implicated in the development of human tumors. It is essential to know the role of these processes as they will affect the outcome of alternatives for cancer treatment. Various studies in this review demonstrate that NRSF/REST affects the different hallmarks of cancer that could position NRSF/REST as an essential target in the therapy and diagnosis of certain types of cancer.