High resolution scanning gate microscopy measurements on InAs/GaSb nanowire Esaki diode devices

Gated transport measurements are the backbone of electrical characterization of nanoscale electronic devices. Scanning gate microscopy （SGM） is one such gating technique that adds crucial spatial information, accessing the localized properties of semiconductor devices. Nanowires represent a central device concept due to the potential to combine very different materials. However, SGM on semiconductor nanowires has been limited to a resolution in the 50-100 nm range. Here, we present a study by SGM of newly developed III-V semiconductor nanowire InAs/GaSb heterojunction Esaki tunnel diode devices under ultra-high vacuum. Sub-5 nm resolution is demonstrated at room temperature via use of quartz resonator atomic force microscopy sensors, with the capability to resolve InAs nanowire facets, the InAs/GaSb tunnel diode transition and nanoscale defects on the device. We demonstrate that such measurements can rapidly give important insight into the device properties via use of a simplified physical model, without the requirement for extensive calculation of the electrostatics of the system. Interestingly, by precise spatial correlation of the device electrical transport properties and surface structure we show the position and existence of a very abrupt （〈10 nm） electrical transition across the InAs/GaSb junction despite the change in material composition occurring only over 30-50 nm. The direct and simultaneous link between nanostructure composition and electrical properties helps set important limits for the precision in structural control needed to achieve desired device performance.     

Glyconanomaterials: Emerging applications in biomedical research

Carbohydrates constitute the most abundant organic matter in nature, serving as structural components and energy sources, and mediating a wide range of cellular activities. The emergence of nanomaterials with distinct optical, magnetic, and electronic properties has witnessed a rapid adoption of these materials for biomedical research and applications. Nanomaterials of various shapes and sizes having large specific surface areas can be used as multivalent scaffolds to present carbohydrate ligands. The resulting glyconanomaterials effectively amplify the glycan-mediated interactions, making it possible to use these materials for sensing, imaging, diagnosis, and therapy. In this review, we summarize the synthetic strategies for the preparation of various glyconanomaterials. Examples are given where these glyconanomaterials have been used in sensing and differentiation of proteins and cells, as well as in imaging glycan-medicated cellular responses.      

DIVE—A platform for multi-user virtual environments

The Distributed Interactive Virtual Environment (DIVE) is an experimental software platform for the development of multi-user virtual reality applications. DIVE uses active replication and reliable multicast protocols to distribute data between participants. The distribution model enables a large number of users and applications to participate and interact in the same virtual environment. The DIVE platform offers a wide range of interaction support and user-related abstractions to ease the task of application and user interface construction.     

Copper smelting in Boliden’s Rönnskär works described

As much of the production as possible in Ronnskar works is handled during the day shift. This requires three times as large furnaces and casting machines as three shifts and involves a considerable outlay of capital, but the labor force is reduced approximately two thirds with production costs decreased to a corresponding degree.     

The use of a pharmacophore model for identification of novel ligands for the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABAA receptor

A Catalyst pharmacophore model has been developed for the benzodiazepine site within the GABA(A) receptor complex. The model is based on a pharmacophore model originally proposed by Cook and co-workers (Drug Des. Discovery 1995, 12, 193-248) and further developed by Kahnberg et al. (J. Med. Chem. 2002, 45, 4188-4201). The Catalyst pharmacophore model has been validated by using a series of flavonoids with varying affinities for the benzodiazepine receptor and has then been used as a search query in database searching with the aim of finding novel structures which have the possibility to be modified into novel lead compounds. Five of the hits from the database searching were purchased and their affinities for the benzodiazepine site of the GABA(A) receptor were determined. Two of the compounds displayed K(i) values below 10 microM. The substance showing highest potency in-vitro displayed an affinity of 121 nM making it an interesting compound for optimization. The false positive compounds (K(i) values >10 microM affinities) have been analysed in terms of conformational energy penalties and possibilities for hydrogen bond interactions. The analysis clearly demonstrates the need for post processing of Catalyst hits.