Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, in particular an in vitro method, for identifying B cells, comprising analyzing the methylation status of at least one CpG position in the mammalian gene region for Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), wherein a demethylation or lack of methylation of said gene region is indicative for a B cell, when compared to a non-B cell. The analyses according to the invention can identify B cells on an epi-genetic level and distinguish them from all other cells in complex samples, such as, for example, other blood or immune cells. The present invention furthermore provides an improved method for quantifying B cells, in particular in complex samples. The method can be performed without a step of purifying and/or enriching cells, preferably in whole blood and/or non-trypsinized tissue. Further claimed are kits and specific primers and probes for identifying methylation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for diagnosing mood disorder such as mania, depression and mania mixed using a circadian rhythm. According to the diagnostic method of the present disclosure, the condition of mood disorder can be diagnosed objectively and clearly based on the advance or delay of the circadian rhythm. That is to say, hypomania, mania, depression, mixed mania, etc. may be determined quickly and adequately so that appropriate therapeutic intervention can be made. In addition, according to the diagnostic method of the present disclosure, schizophrenia which is frequently confused with severe depression or bipolar disorder can be distinguished clearly. In addition, the selection of a therapeutic drug can be benefited greatly through this.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of detecting an altered gene expression levels in a subject suspected of having atopic dermatitis. Further described herein are methods of treating atopic dermatitis in a subject having an exhibiting an altered gene expression level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting preliminary stages of testicular germ cell tumors, more particularly testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN), in a subject and to the use of miR-371a-3p as a biomarker for the detection of TIN. It further relates to the use of miR-371a-3p-specific primers and/or miR-371a-3p-specific probes and of corresponding kits for the detection of TIN.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of detecting a wnt-?-catenin-mediated cancer and an immunotherapy resistant cancer by detecting the presence of an associated biomarker. Further, methods of threating the wnt-?-catenin-mediated cancer or immunotherapy resistant cancer are provided.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing between lung squamous cell carcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using a 22-gene biomarker signature is presented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for isolating DNA, such as cell-free DNA (cfDNA). In some embodiments, the cell-free DNA is from a subject having or suspected of having cancer and/or the cell-free DNA comprises DNA produced by a tumor. In some embodiments, the DNA isolated by the method is captured using a sequence-variable target region set and an epigenetic target region set, wherein the sequence-variable target region set is captured with a greater capture yield than the epigenetic target region set. In some embodiments, captured cfDNA of the sequence-variable target region set is sequenced to a greater depth of sequencing than captured cfDNA of the epigenetic target region set.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for use in detection of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) or indels. The methods may comprise enriching cell-free DNA molecules for a panel of genomic regions and deep sequencing the enriched cfDNA to detect the SNVs or indels.

Abstract: The invention provides a Siniperca chuatsi IL-6 gene and a detection method for a disease-resistant SNP marker. A cDNA sequence of S. chuatsi IL-6 gene is cloned, as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1. A IL-6 gene gDNA sequence containing an intron of the S. chuatsi IL-6 gene is cloned, as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2. A primer for amplifying a disease-resistant SNP locus is designed according to IL-6 gDNA sequence, and S. chuatsi IL-6 gene is amplified to obtain an amplification product which is sequenced, and the SNPs loci relevant to virus disease-resistance are found out and the SNP locus is determined according to DNA peak profile. The IL-6 cDNA full-length sequence and IL-6 gDNA full-length sequence are cloned firstly. The SNP locus relevant to virus disease resistance of S. chuatsi IL-6 gene is detected, thereby providing a new method for breeding of S. chuatsi.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting C. perfringens induced diseases in animals, the method comprising: a) collecting sample material of a specific animal or of a specific group of animals at consecutive points in time; b) determining the amount of a first marker and a second marker contained in the sample material; and c) determining the ratio of the first marker to the second marker contained in the sample material; wherein the first marker comprises a polynucleotide sequence being specific for the C. perfringens sub-species inducing the targeted disease; and the second marker comprises a polynucleotide being specific for the species C. perfringens; and wherein an increase in the ratio of the first marker to the second marker in the analyzed sample material over time is an indication of the targeted disease.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high-strength steel bar can include the steps of: reheating a steel slab at a temperature ranging from 1000° C. to 1100° C., the steel slab including a certain amount of carbon (C), silicon (Si), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), vanadium (V), nitrogen (N), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), and iron (Fe) and other inevitable impurities, The method can further include finish hot-rolling the reheated steel slab at a temperature of 850° C. to 1000° C., and cooling the hot-rolled steel to a martensite transformation start temperature (Ms (° C.)) through a tempcore process.

Abstract: A controlled thermal coefficient product manufacturing system and method is disclosed. The disclosed product relates to the manufacture of metallic material product (MMP) having a thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) in a predetermined range. The disclosed system and method provides for a first material deformation (FMD) of the MMP that comprises at least some of a first material phase (FMP) wherein the FMP comprises martensite randomly oriented and a first thermal expansion coefficient (FTC). In response to the FMD at least some of the FMP is oriented in at least one predetermined orientation. Subsequent to deformation, the MMP comprises a second thermal expansion coefficient (STC) that is within a predetermined range and wherein the thermal expansion of the MMP is in at least one predetermined direction. The MMP may be comprised of a second material phase (SMP) that may or may not transform to the FMP in response to the FMD.

Abstract: A ferritic stainless steel sheet is provided that has a chemical composition consisting of, in mass %, C: 0.001 to 0.020%, Si: 0.02 to 1.50%, Mn: 0.02 to 1.50%, P: 0.01 to 0.05%, S: 0.0001 to 0.01%, Cr: 10.0 to 25.0%, Ti: 0.01 to 0.30%, N: 0.001 to 0.030%, and optional elements, with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein: a grain size number is 6 or more; the ferritic stainless steel sheet satisfies the formulas [A+B?12.0/t], [X+Y?12.0/(t?0.3)] and [(X+Y)?(A+B)?5.0] with respect to crystal orientation intensities of a ferrite phase obtained by X-ray diffraction; and the sheet thickness is 1.0 mm or more.

Abstract: A high-strength steel includes a steel structure with: in area fraction, 60.0% to less than 90.0% of ferrite, 0% to less than 5.0% of unrecrystallized ferrite, 2.0% to 25.0% of martensite, 0% to 5.0% of carbide, and 0% to 3.0% of bainite; in volume fraction, more than 7.0% of retained austenite; in a cross-sectional view of 100 ?m×100 ?m, a value obtained by dividing number of retained austenite that are not adjacent to retained austenite whose crystal orientations are different by a total number of retained austenite being less than 0.80, an average crystal grain size of the ferrite being 6.0 ?m or less, an average crystal grain size of the retained austenite being 3.0 ?m or less, and a value obtained by dividing, by mass %, an average content of Mn in the retained austenite by an average content of Mn in steel being 1.50 or more.

Abstract: The high-strength hot-dip galvanized steel sheet, which includes a hot-dip galvanized coating layer on a surface of the steel sheet, has a component composition containing, in mass %, C: 0.07% to 0.20%, Si: 0.1% to 2.0%, Mn: 2.0% to 3.5%, P: 0.05% or less, S: 0.05% or less, and sol. Al: 0.005% to 0.1%, with the balance being Fe and incidental impurities; and has a steel microstructure containing, in area fraction, 60% or less of ferrite, 40% or more of tempered martensite, and 10% or less of fresh martensite and having a void number density of 1,500/mm2 or less in a bent portion in the VDA bending test.

Abstract: A method for producing a high-strength hot-dip galvannealed steel sheet, in which a high-strength steel sheet is used as a base material, includes a rolling step (x) of rolling a hot-dip galvannealed steel sheet with a coating layer having an Fe concentration of 8% to 17% by mass, and a heat treatment step (y) of heating the coated steel sheet which has been subjected to the rolling step (x) under the conditions satisfying the following formulae (1) and (2): (273+T)×(20+2×log10(t))?8000??(1) 40?T?160??(2) where T: heating temperature (° C.) of the coated steel sheet, and t: holding time (hr) at the heating temperature T.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for lithium extraction from aqueous sources are described herein. Divalent ions are removed using staged membrane separation. The aqueous source is subjected to a solvent extraction process that extracts lithium. Aqueous and organic phases of streams produced by the solvent extraction process are separated using electrical and/or gas flotation separation. The solvent is de-complexed to unload lithium. Streams produced by the de-complexing may be subjected to electrical and/or gas flotation separation. Solvent de-complexing can be performed using an electrical separator. Aqueous streams are pH adjusted for return to the environment.

Abstract: One object of the present disclosure is to provide a production method of magnesium hydride that is free of carbon dioxide and has high production efficiency, a power generation system that does not emit carbon dioxide or radiation using magnesium hydride, and an apparatus for producing magnesium hydride; therefore, the method for producing magnesium hydride of the present disclosure comprises a procedure for irradiating a magnesium compound different from magnesium hydride with hydrogen plasma, and a procedure for depositing a magnesium product containing magnesium hydride on a depositor for depositing magnesium hydride disposed within the range in which hydrogen plasma is present, wherein the surface temperature of the depositor is kept no more than a predetermined temperature at which magnesium hydride precipitates.

Abstract: A process for recovery of one or more elements, selected from precious metals and chalcophile metals, as herein defined, from materials containing precious and/or chalcophile metal/s, said process including: (i) contacting the material with an alkaline solution containing a lixiviant comprising an amino acid, or derivative thereof, and an alkali stable transition metal complex in order to form a leachate containing the precious metal and/or chalcophile metal; and (ii) recovering the precious metal and/or chalcophile metal from the leachate.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for generating a rare earth from a rare earth oxide, comprising the sequential steps of: (1) reducing temperature about the rare earth oxide to less than zero degrees Celsius; (2) reducing pressure to boil off contaminant water in a powder sample of the rare earth oxide at a molecular escape velocity not disturbing the powdered rare earth oxide; and (3) heating the rare earth oxide to greater than 1000° C. in the presence hydrogen gas while optionally: (1) collecting and determining mass of a water product to determine a consumption mass of the starting hydrogen gas in a main reaction process using the equation RE2O3+3H2?2RE+3H2O, wherein “RE” comprises at a rare earth and (2) injecting replacement hydrogen gas into the main reaction chamber up to the consumption mass.

Abstract: Provided is a corrosion-resistant CuZn alloy, in which: the Zn content is 36.8 to 56.5 mass % and the balance is Cu and inevitable impurities; and the ?-phase surface area percentage is 99.9% or greater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nickel-based self-fluxing alloy, a glass manufacturing member, a mold, and a glass gob transporting member having an improved slipperiness against a glass gob. A nickel-based self-fluxing alloy used in a glass manufacturing member for transporting or molding glass with a viscosity of log ?=3 to 14.6, comprises: boron (B) in an amount of ranging from 0 percent to 1.5 percent by mass; hard particles; and silicon (Si). Preferably, the amount of boron (B) ranges from 0 percent to less than 1.0 percent by mass. Preferably, the hard particles contain at least one of a carbide, a nitrides, an oxide and a cermet. Preferably, the nickel-based self-fluxing alloy comprises at least one metal selected from Group 4, 5 and 6 elements in an amount of ranging from 0 percent to 30 percent by mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aluminum matrix composite (AMC), and particularly to a method and apparatus for preparing an AMC with a high strength, a high toughness, and a high neutron absorption. The present invention combines a high-neutron-absorption and highly stable micro-B4C extrinsic reinforcement with an in-situ nano-reinforcement containing elements B, Cd, and Hf and having high neutron capture ability, achieves efficient absorption of neutrons by using the large cross-sectional area of the micro-reinforcement, achieves effective capture of rays penetrating gaps of the micro-reinforcement by means of the highly dispersed in-situ nano-reinforcement, and significantly improves the toughness of the composite material by means of the high-dispersion toughening effect of the nano-reinforcement, obtaining a particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composite (PAMC) having high toughness and high neutron absorption.

Abstract: Provided is a mixed powder for powder metallurgy that contains a readily available compound as a lubricant, does not need to contain a stain-causing metal soap, has excellent ejection properties, and can exhibit excellent fluidity without deteriorating the ejection properties even in the case of further containing carbon black. The mixed powder for powder metallurgy contains (a) an iron-based powder and (b) a lubricant, where the lubricant (b) contains a specific aliphatic amine.

Abstract: Provided are a laminate shaped article made of a maraging steel and having excellent toughness, a method for manufacturing the same, and a metal powder for laminate shaping. The laminate shaped article is made of a maraging steel comprising 0.1-5.0 mass % of Ti. When sis is performed on concentration distribution of Ti in a cross section parallel to a lamination direction of the above laminate shaped article, a length of a linear Ti-rich portion having a Ti concentration B of (1.5×A) or more with respect to an average Ti concentration A in the cross section is 15 ?m or less. In addition, the method for manufacturing the laminate shaped article uses a metal powder made of a maraging steel comprising 0.1-5.0 mass % of Ti, and a heat source output is set to 50-330 W and a scanning speed is set to 480-3000 mm/sec during the laminate shaping.

Abstract: The steel pipe according to the present disclosure contains a chemical composition consisting of, in mass %, C: more than 0.50 to 0.65%, Si: 0.05 to 0.50%, Mn: 0.05 to 1.00%, P: 0.025% or less, S: 0.0050% or less, Al: 0.005 to 0.100%, Cr: 0.30 to 1.50%, Mo: 0.25 to 3.00%, Ti: 0.002 to 0.050%, N: 0.0010 to 0.0100% and O: 0.0030% or less, with the balance being Fe and impurities. The steel pipe contains an amount of dissolved C within a range of 0.010 to 0.060 mass %. The tensile yield strength in the axial direction and the circumferential direction is 862 to 1069 MPa, and the yield ratio in the axial direction is 90% or more. The tensile yield strength in the circumferential direction is 30 to 80 MPa higher than the compressive yield strength in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A spinodal copper-nickel-tin alloy with a combination of improved impact strength, yield strength, and ductility is disclosed. The alloy is formed by process treatment steps including solution annealing, cold working and spinodal hardening. These include such processes as a first heat treatment/homogenization step followed by hot working, solution annealing, cold working, and a second heat treatment/spinodally hardening step. The spinodal alloys so produced are useful for applications demanding enhanced strength and ductility such as for pipes and tubes used in the oil and gas industry.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a plated steel material that can be used in an automobile, a household appliance, a building material, and the like, and more particularly, to a zinc alloy plated steel material having excellent surface quality and corrosion resistance, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A composite structure with an aluminum-based alloy layer containing boron carbide and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The composite structure includes a substrate with an open hole in that surface and the aluminum-based alloy layer containing boron carbide. The aluminum-based alloy layer is disposed in the open hole and contains aluminum, boron, carbon, and oxygen, wherein the content of aluminum is between 4 at. % and 55 at. %, the content of boron is between 9 at. % and 32 at. %, the content of carbon is between 13 at. % and 32 at. %, the content of oxygen is between 2 at. % and 38 at. %, and the ratio of the content of boron to carbon is between 0.3 and 2.7.

Abstract: A preparation method for a high-refractive index hydrogenated silicon film, a high-refractive index hydrogenated silicon film, a light filtering lamination and a light filtering piece. The method includes: (a) by magnetic controlled Si target sputtering, Si deposits on a base body, forming a silicon film, which (b) forms an oxygenic hydrogenated silicon film in environment of active hydrogen and active oxygen, the amount of active oxygen accounts for 4%-99% of the total amount of active hydrogen and active oxygen, or, a nitric hydrogenated silicon film in environment of active hydrogen and active nitrogen, the amount of active nitrogen accounts for 5%-20% of the total amount of active hydrogen and active nitrogen. Sputtering and reactions are separately conducted, Si first deposits on the base body by magnetic controlled Si target sputtering, and then plasmas of active hydrogen and active oxygen/nitrogen react with silicon for oxygenic or nitric SiH.

Abstract: A coated tool for hot stamping of coated or uncoated sheet metals, comprising a coated substrate surface to be in contact with the coated or uncoated metal sheet, wherein the coating in the coated substrate surface comprises one or more inferior layers and one or more superior layers, where the inferior layers are deposited closer to the substrate surface than the superior layers, and: the inferior layers are designed for providing load bearing capacity, the superior layers are designed for providing galling resistance, at least one superior layer is deposited having a multi-nanolayer structure wherein: one type of nanolayer is composed of at least 90 at.-% of chromium and nitrogen, a second type of nanolayer is composed of at least 90 at.-% of titanium, aluminum and nitrogen, a third type of nanolayer is composed of at least 90 at.-% of vanadium carbon and nitrogen.

Abstract: A module for operating a carrier of one or more substrates to be treated in a vacuum deposition method includes a frame provided with a plate receiving, on a first side, an electronic assembly comprising radio transmitter/receiver electronics, a processor card, motor controller electronics and a battery for supplying power to the module. The processor card has a program memory with a program for controlling the motor controller electronics according to data received from a remote apparatus provided with a radio transmitting/receiving device for communicating with the module's radio transmitter/receiver electronics and, on a second side, a device for operating the carrier, which device is provided with a first motor for rotating the carrier about a first axis parallel to the plate and with a second motor for rotating the carrier about a second axis perpendicular to the plate.

Abstract: A method for the production of a graphene layer structure, the method comprising providing a substrate on a heated susceptor in a reaction chamber, the chamber having a plurality of cooled inlets arranged so that, in use, the inlets are distributed across the substrate and have a constant separation from the substrate, rotating the heated susceptor at a rotation rate of at least 300 rpm, supplying a flow comprising a precursor compound through the inlets and into the reaction chamber to thereby decompose the precursor compound and form graphene on the substrate, wherein the inlets are cooled to less than 100° C., preferably 50 to 60° C., and the susceptor is heated to a temperature of at least 50° C. in excess of a decomposition temperature of the precursor, wherein the constant separation is at least 12 cm and preferably from 12 to 20 cm.

Abstract: Methods for selective deposition of silicon oxide films on metal or metallic surfaces relative to dielectric surfaces are provided. A dielectric surface of a substrate may be selectively passivated relative to a metal or metallic surface, such as by exposing the substrate to a silylating agent. Silicon oxide is then selectively deposited on the metal or metallic surface relative to the passivated oxide surface by contacting the metal surface with a metal catalyst and a silicon precursor comprising a silanol.

Abstract: Processing methods for forming iridium-containing films at low temperatures are described. The methods comprise exposing a substrate to iridium hexafluoride and a reactant to form iridium metal or iridium silicide films. Methods for enhancing selectivity and tuning the silicon content of some films are also described.

Abstract: A plasma cleaning apparatus includes a metal chamber, a gate assembly, a dielectric, and a high voltage electrode. The metal chamber is connected to a vacuum tube connecting the process chamber and the vacuum pump, and is provided with a first opening. The gate assembly includes a gate support fixed to the metal chamber around the first opening and having a second opening, and a gate coupled to the gate support and having a first position closing the second opening and a second position opening the second opening switchable with each other. The dielectric is coupled to the outside of the gate support around the second opening, and the high voltage electrode is positioned on an outer surface of the dielectric.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods for instantiating and quantum printing materials, such as elemental metals, in a nanoporous carbon powder.

Abstract: Methods of forming structures using a neutral beam, structures formed using a neutral beam, and reactor systems for forming the structures are disclosed. The neutral beam can be used to provide activated species during deposition of a layer and/or to provide activated species to treat a deposited layer.

Abstract: Exemplary semiconductor processing chambers may include a substrate support including a top surface. A peripheral edge region of the top surface may be recessed relative to a medial region of the top surface. The chambers may include a pumping liner disposed about an exterior surface of the substrate support. The chambers may include a liner disposed between the substrate support and the pumping liner. The liner may be spaced apart from the exterior surface to define a purge lumen between the liner and the substrate support. The chambers may include an edge ring seated on the peripheral edge region. The edge ring may extend beyond a peripheral edge of the substrate support and above a portion of the liner. A gap may be formed between a bottom surface of the edge ring and a top surface of the liner. The gap and the purge lumen may be fluidly coupled.

Abstract: Methods for depositing materials are described. The methods comprise maintaining a substrate support at a substrate support temperature which is lower than a precursor source temperature. The methods further comprise condensing or depositing a precursor on a substrate, and then curing condensed or deposited precursor to form a layer.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus, to which process control such as APC is applied, includes: a processing chamber in which plasma processing is performed on a sample; and a plasma processing control device which performs control to optimize a condition for plasma processing which recovers the status inside a processing chamber, in which plasma processing is performed, based on a waiting time from the time when plasma processing for a second lot, which is a lot immediately before a first lot, is completed to the time when plasma processing for the first lot is started, and the content of plasma processing for the second lot.

Abstract: Vapor deposition methods for depositing transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) films, such as rhenium sulfide thin films, are provided. In some embodiments TMDC thin films are deposited using a deposition cycle in which a substrate in a reaction space is alternately and sequentially contacted with a vapor phase transition metal precursor, such as a transition metal halide, a reactant comprising a reducing agent, such as NH3 and a chalcogenide precursor. In some embodiments rhenium sulfide thin films are deposited using a vapor phase rhenium halide precursor, a reducing agent and a sulfur precursor. The deposited TMDC films can be etched by chemical vapor etching using an oxidant such as O2 as the etching reactant and an inert gas such as N2 to remove excess etching reactant. The TMDC thin films may find use, for example, as 2D materials.

Abstract: A perovskite film, method of preparing thereof, and an optoelectronic device are provided. They are prepared by steps including preparing a mixture containing a first monomer and a second monomer which can be crosslinked in situ; performing an annealing process, and the first monomer and the second monomer are reacted in situ to form a first polymer which combines with the perovskite crystal grains formed by the perovskite precursor and is concentrated at a crystal grain boundary of the perovskite crystal grains to passivate the perovskite crystal grain defects, and then a perovskite film is formed by curing.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for anti-scale deposition coatings for use on surface, such as on oilfield parts. The coating includes a first, sublayer of a metal, ceramic, or metal-ceramic composite, which is characterized in having a hardness in excess of 35 HRC. The coating includes a second, top layer over the first layer, that is a polymer. A surface of the first layer may be conditioned to have a roughened or patterned topology for receipt of and adherence with the at least one top layer. The first layer may provide the coating with hardness, and the at least one top layer may provide the coating with low-friction and anti-scale properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for substantially nickel-free phosphating of a metallic surface, wherein a metallic surface is treated one after the other with the following compositions: i) with an alkaline, aqueous cleaner composition which comprises at least one water-soluble silicate, and ii) with an acidic, aqueous, substantially nickel-free phosphating composition which comprises zinc ions, manganese ions and phosphate ions. The invention also relates to the above cleaner composition itself and also to a metallic surface phosphate-coated by the above method, and to the use of said surface.

Abstract: A trivalent-chromium chemical conversion coating from which substantially no hexavalent chromium is released. The trivalent-chromium chemical conversion coating is one formed on the surface of a zinc or zinc-alloy deposit. In a brine spray test, the chemical conversion coating has unsusceptibility to corrosion (time required for white-rust formation) of 96 hours or longer. The chemical conversion coating has a hexavalent-chromium concentration less than 0.01 ?g/cm2 in terms of metal atom amount. The amount of hexavalent chromium released after 30-day standing in a thermo-hygrostatic chamber at a temperature of 80° C. and a humidity of 95% (amount of hexavalent chromium released when the coating is immersed in 100° C. water for 10 minutes) is smaller than 0.05 ?g/cm2.

Abstract: A substrate is coated with a multi-layer coating, comprising in order: (i) a first functional layer comprising ta-C, (ii) a second functional layer comprising ta-C, (iii) (a) a third functional layer comprising ta-C and a first intermediate layer comprising a carbide of a first element, or (b) a first intermediate layer comprising a carbide of a first element, and a second intermediate layer comprising the first element, wherein the ta-C has a hydrogen content less than 10% and an sp2 content less than 30%; wherein (i) the Young's modulus or (ii) the hardness or (iii) both the Young's modulus and the hardness independently stay the same or increase from layer to layer in (iii) (a) from the first intermediate layer to the first functional layer, or in (iii) (b) from the second intermediate layer to the first functional layer.

Abstract: A system and process for producing macro length carbon nanotubes is disclosed. A carbonate electrolyte including transition metal powder is provided between a nickel alloy anode and a nickel alloy cathode contained in a cell. The carbonate electrolyte is heated to a molten state. An electrical current is applied to the nickel alloy anode, nickel alloy cathode, and the molten carbonate electrolyte disposed between the anode and cathode. The resulting carbon nanotube growth is collected from the cathode of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes an electrochemical catalyst which contains: a metal oxide that is composed of one or more compounds selected from among zirconium oxide, cerium oxide, yttrium oxide, gadolinium oxide, samarium oxide, cobalt oxide and scandium oxide; and a metal variant, which has a valence that is different from the valence of the metal that constitutes the metal oxide.

Abstract: Provided is a photocathode structure including: a photocathode including silicon (Si); an intermediate layer formed on the photocathode, and including a silicon oxide (SiOx); and a protective layer foiled on the intermediate layer, and including a metal oxide, wherein the intermediate layer is a tunneling barrier configured to transfer charges from the photocathode to the protective layer by an electric field applied from an outside.