This paper presents results of statistical analysis of RTN in highly scaled HKMG FETs. A robust algorithm to extract multiple-trap RTN is proposed and applied to show that RTN can cause serious variation even when HKMG and undoped channel are introduced. We further focus on hysteretic behavior caused by RTN with time constants much longer than the circuit timescale. This reveals that RTN also induces novel instabilities such as short-term BTI and logic delay uncertainty. Extraction of RTN in SRAM arrays is also presented to discuss its impact on operational stability.

Nanoparticle assemblies with long-range packing order and preferred crystallographic orientation of building blocks, i.e., mesocrystals, are of high interest not only because of their unique physical properties but also due to their complex structure and morphogenesis. In this study, faceted mesocrystals have been assembled from the dispersion of truncated cubic-shaped iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized by oleic acid (OA) molecules using the nonsolvent “gas phase diffusion technique” into an organic solvent. The effects of synthesis conditions as well as of the nanoparticle size and shape on the structure and morphogenesis of mesocrystals were examined. The interactions of OA-capped iron oxide nanoparticles with solvent molecules were probed by analytical ultracentrifugation and double difference pair distribution function analysis. It was shown that the structure of the organic shell significantly depends on the nature and polarity of solvent molecules. For the nonpolar solvents, the interaction of the aliphatic chains of OA molecules with the solvent molecules is favorable and the chains extend into the solvent. The solvation shell around the nanoparticles is more extended in nonpolar and more compact in polar solvents. There is a clear trend for more spherical particles to be assembled into the fcc superlattice, whereas less truncated cubes form rhombohedral and tetragonal structures. The observed changes in packing symmetry are reminiscent of structural polymorphism known for “classical” (atomic and molecular) crystals.

Asymmetric membranes, which mimic the structure and functions of human skin, have been extensively pursued as ideal skin tissue engineering constructs. In this study, we demonstrated that nanostructured asymmetric membranes can be prepared by the self-organization of chemically heterogeneous bilayer electrospun membranes in aqueous solutions. Structurally, the skin layer consists of hydrophobic β-glucan butyrate nanofibers and its inner layer consists of hydrophilic β-glucan acetate nanofibers. After the electrospinning process, both of the layers are in a dense state. When placed in water, the skin layer absorbs little water and still remains dense, but the fibers in the inner layer become extensively hydrated and spontaneously reorganize into a fully stretched structure, resulting in a significant volume increase and a density decrease of the inner layer. SEM imaging showed that β-glucan ester nanofibers exhibited a bead-free and uniform structure. Contact angle measurement and swelling tests showed that the inner layer was highly hydrophilic with extensive swelling, but the skin layer was highly hydrophobic with little swelling. Mechanical tests indicated that the nanofibrous asymmetric membranes had good mechanical properties in both the dry and wet states. In vitro cytocompatibility tests showed that nanofibrous asymmetric membranes could promote the adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. A preliminary in vivo study performed on a full thickness mouse skin wound model demonstrated that the nanofibrous asymmetric membranes significantly accelerated the wound healing process by promoting re-epithelialization, tissue remodeling and collagen deposition. Taken together, our study provides a novel model for the design and fabrication of nanostructured asymmetric membranes, and our β-glucan based nanofibrous asymmetric membranes could be used as an advanced platform for skin tissue engineering.

Flexible polyaniline films doped by H2SO4-HClO4 multiple acids were synthesized and their electrochromic mechanism was studied for the first time from the aspects of polarons and roughness by means of...

With increasing attention toward novel sterilization methods, plasma sterilization has gained more and more interest. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. In this paper, we investigated the inactivation of Escherichia coli using dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma in saline water. There were three processes shown in the survival curve, namely, during the preparation period, the reaction period, and the saturation period. Observations under a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and detection by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) supplied adequate details regarding these processes. Based on these results, we infer that during the preparation period, the main process is the accumulation of chemical substances. During the reaction period, adequate amounts of chemicals decompose and denature cell membranes and macromolecules to kill bacteria in large quantities. During the saturation period, the killing effect decreases because of the protection by clustered cells and the saturation of pH. This study of sterilizing processes systematically reveals the mechanisms of plasma sterilization. IMPORTANCE Compared with traditional methods, plasma sterilization has advantages of high efficiency, easy operation, and environmental protection. This may be more suitable for air and sewage sterilization in specific spaces, such as hospitals, laboratories, and pharmaceutical factories. However, the mechanisms of sterilization are still relatively unknown, especially for bactericidal activities. Knowledge of sterilization processes provides guidance for practical applications. For example, the bactericidal action mainly occurs during the reaction period, and the treatment time can be set based on the reaction period, which could save a lot of energy. The results of this study will help to improve the efficiency of plasma sterilization devices.