Russian Academy of Sciences

About: Russian Academy of Sciences is a government organization based out in Moscow, Russia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Laser. The organization has 272615 authors who have published 417512 publications receiving 4538835 citations. The organization is also known as: RAS & RAN.

Electronic transport in Y-junction carbon nanotubes

Abstract: Electronic transport measurements were performed on Y-junction carbon nanotubes. These novel junctions contain a large diameter tube branched into smaller ones. Independent measurements using good quality contacts on both individual Y junctions and many in parallel show intrinsic nonlinear transport and reproducible rectifying behavior at room temperature. The results were modeled using classic interface physics for a junction with an abrupt change in band gap due to the change in tube diameter. These Y-junction tubes represent new heterojunctions for nanoelectronics.

Microdiamond in high-grade metamorphic rocks of the Western Gneiss region, Norway

Abstract: Three grains of microdiamond were recovered from high-grade gneiss exposed in the Western Gneiss region, Norway. Identification and characterization of the diamond grains by Raman and infrared spectroscopy indicate the presence of substitutional impurities of H and N. Primary fluid inclusions in garnet and quartz in the diamond-bearing rock demonstrate the evolution of metamorphic volatile fluids from reduced N 2 -CO 2 compositions during the peak phase of metamorphism, to N 2 -CH 4 ± H 2 O–bearing compositions during retrograde metamorphism. Compatible geologic, petrologic, and fluid composition data imply a metamorphic origin for the microdiamonds; if so, the metamorphic and fluid conditions recorded by the microdiamonds and gneissic host may be applicable to microdiamond investigations in other high-pressure, regionally metamorphosed orogens.

Ion channels in cell proliferation and apoptotic cell death.

Abstract: Cell proliferation and apoptosis are paralleled by altered regulation of ion channels that play an active part in the signaling of those fundamental cellular mechanisms. Cell proliferation must--at some time point--increase cell volume and apoptosis is typically paralleled by cell shrinkage. Cell volume changes require the participation of ion transport across the cell membrane, including appropriate activity of Cl- and K+ channels. Besides regulating cytosolic Cl- activity, osmolyte flux and, thus, cell volume, most Cl- channels allow HCO3- exit and cytosolic acidification, which inhibits cell proliferation and favors apoptosis. K+ exit through K+ channels may decrease intracellular K+ concentration, which in turn favors apoptotic cell death. K+ channel activity further maintains the cell membrane potential, a critical determinant of Ca2+ entry through Ca2+ channels. Cytosolic Ca2+ may trigger mechanisms required for cell proliferation and stimulate enzymes executing apoptosis. The switch between cell proliferation and apoptosis apparently depends on the magnitude and temporal organization of Ca2+ entry and on the functional state of the cell. Due to complex interaction with other signaling pathways, a given ion channel may play a dual role in both cell proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, specific ion channel blockers may abrogate both fundamental cellular mechanisms, depending on cell type, regulatory environment and condition of the cell. Clearly, considerable further experimental effort is required to fully understand the complex interplay between ion channels, cell proliferation and apoptosis.

CW bismuth fibre laser

Abstract: A new fibre laser based on a bismuth-doped aluminosilicate glass fibre is proposed and fabricated. CW lasing is obtained in the spectral region between 1150 and 1300 nm. The fibres are fabricated by the method of modified chemical vapour deposition.