The carbonized bacterial cellulose networks can be described as a three-dimensional web built of entangled and interconnected cellulose ribbons. The width and thickness of the nanoribbons are in the order of tens of nanometers and a few nanometers, respectively. A higher magnification shows that each ribbon assembly is composed of a number of extended chains of bacterial fibrils (Figure 2b). These fibrils are seen to be in close contact with one another and to twist as a whole.

The structure of BC carbonization at 1,200°C is almost the same as that of carbonization at 800°C, which formed branched nanoribbon networks. However, after carbonization at 1,400°C, branches of the nanoribbon seemed to be broken and the three-dimensional structure degraded to Palbociclib order two dimensions. The width of the nanoribbon was Selleckchem JQ-EZ-05 narrower than those shown in Figure 2a,c. Figure 2 TEM images of CBC pyrolyzed. At (a,b) 800°C, (c) 1,200°C, and (d) 1,400°C, respectively. Microwave electromagnetic properties of CBC The relative complex permittivity (ϵ r   = ϵ′ - jϵ″) was measured in the frequency range of

2 to 18 GHz. The real (ϵ′) and imaginary (ϵ″) parts of permittivity for the composites with 20 wt.% CBC loadings pyrolyzed at different temperatures are presented as a function of the frequency in Figure 3a,b. Both the real and the imaginary permittivities presented high values. The complex permittivity spectra reveal the behaviors of electrical Selleck GSK1210151A conduction and dielectric relaxation of the composites. Upon increasing the temperature, Tangeritin the permittivity plots for the specimen displayed a firstly increasing and then diminishing response. At 1,200°C, the values of both ϵ′ and ϵ″ were the highest. The two mechanisms responsible for the dielectric properties were analyzed. First, there are many mobile charge carriers (electrons or holes) with great mobility in CBC that interact with electromagnetic fields by oscillating when irradiated, just like those in carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Second, it is proposed that the web-like networks in CBC also established bridges for mobile

charge carriers along which they can move freely. These additional channels interact with the electromagnetic field over a short range, resulting in high permittivity. With an increase in the pyrolysis temperature, the degree of graphite order increased as discussed above; and thus, there were more mobile charge carriers. However, the web-like networks of carbon nanofiber was somehow destroyed when the pyrolysis temperature increased beyond 1,200°C (as shown in Figure 2d). Therefore, it is understandable that the CBC pyrolyzed at 1,200°C exhibited the highest permittivity. In addition, it is noteworthy that the magnitudes of the loss tangent (tan δ e  = ϵ″/ϵ′) approached 1, even exceeded 1, especially for that sample pyrolyzed at 1,200°C.

Surg Today 2000, 30:750–3.PubMedCrossRef 87. Lock G: Acute intestinal ischaemia. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroeterol 2001, 15:83–98.CrossRef 88. Acosta S, Ogren M, Sternby NH, Bergquist D, Bjorck M: Clinical implication of management of acute thromboembolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery. Autopsy findings in 213 patients. Ann Surg 2005, 241:516–522.PubMedCrossRef 89. Boley SJ, Feinstein FR, Sammartano R, Brandt LJ, Sprayregen S: New concepts in the management of emboli of the superior mesenteric artery. Surg Gynecol EPZ-6438 ic50 Obstet 1981, 153:561–569.PubMed 90. Mansour MA: Management of acute mesenteric ischemia. Arch Surg 1999, 134:328–330.PubMedCrossRef 91. Wyers MC: Acute mesenteric ischemia: diagnostic

approach and surgical treatment. Semin Vasc Surg 2010, 23:9–20.PubMedCrossRef 92. Herbert GS, Steele SR: Acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia. Surg Clin N Am 2007, 87:1115–1134.PubMedCrossRef 93. Stout CL, Masserchmidt CA, Leake AE, Veale WN, Stokes GK, Panneton JM: Retrograde open mesenteric stenting for acute mesenteric ischemia is a viable alternative for emergent revascularization. Vasc Endovascular Surg

2010,44(5):368–371.PubMedCrossRef 94. Knechtle SJ, Davidoff AM, Rice RP: Penumatosis intestinalis surgical management and clinical outcome. Ann Surg 1990, 212:160–165.PubMedCrossRef 95. Perlemuter G, Chaussade Selleck GSK2879552 S, Soubrane O, et al.: Multifocal stenosing ulcerations of the small intestine revealing vasculitis associated with C2 deficiency. Gastroenterology

1996, 110:1628–1632.PubMedCrossRef Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Authors’ contributions VC, CoFe: Contributed both as first author, participating in study conception, in analysis and interpretation of data, in manuscript draft and Phospholipase D1 revision and in giving the final approval. AL, CF, MG, SDS, PAD: Participate in manuscript draft and revision and in giving the final approval.”
“Background The majority of cases of acute colonic obstruction is secondary to colorectal cancer. Up to 20% of patients with colonic cancer present with symptoms of acute obstruction [1–4]. Emergency surgery for acute colonic obstruction is associated with a significant risk of mortality and morbidity and with a high percentage of stoma creation (Combretastatin A4 manufacturer either temporary or permanent)[1, 2, 5, 6]. Whereas right-sided colonic obstructions are usually treated by one-stage resection with primary anastomosis for all patients but the frailest [1], controversy continues to revolve around emergency management of obstructed left colon cancer (OLCC). Indeed several options for OLCC are available (Figure 1): Figure 1 Treatment Options for OLCC. 1. loop colostomy (C) or loop ileostomy and subsequent resection (2 or 3 staged procedure)   2. primary resection with end colostomy: Hartmann’s procedure (HP);   3. primary resection and anastomosis (PRA): a. total/subtotal colectomy (TC)   b. segmental colectomy, (SC) i. with intra-operative colonic irrigation (ICI)   ii.

These diseases are usually chronic, such as pulmonary infections in intubated patients

and for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), bronchiectasis, diffuse panbronchiolitis [1, 2] and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One reason why treating these infections is difficult is the production Sepantronium cell line of biofilms by P. aeruginosa [3]. Organisms in the biofilm become more resistant than planktonic bacteria to physical and chemical attacks, such as by chemotherapeutic reagents. Discovering substances that inhibit biofilm formation and/or disrupt established biofilms is essential for treating these diseases. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a mucolytic agent that has anti-bacterial properties. NAC also decreases biofilm formation by a variety of bacteria [4–6] and reduces the production of an extracellular polysaccharide matrix, while promoting the disruption of mature biofilms [4, 7]. The effect of NAC on P. aeruginosa biofilms has not been extensively studied, and a better understanding of bacterial responses to NAC may facilitate its use as a biofilm inhibitor. Thus, we investigated the effects of NAC for (i) anti-bacterial properties, (ii) detachment of biofilms, (iii) viable cells in biofilms and (iv) production Ilomastat nmr of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) by P. aeruginosa. Results Susceptibility of P. aeruginosa strains to NAC and the in vitro interactive effects of NAC and ciprofloxacin

Twenty P. aeruginosa strains were isolated from respiratory samples. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of NAC for 18 P. aeruginosa isolates were 10 to 40 mg/ml, and MICs for another 2 isolates were > 40 mg/ml. The combination of NAC and ciprofloxacin demonstrated either synergy (50%) or no Angiogenesis inhibitor interaction (50%) against the P. aeruginosa strains; antagonism was not observed. Interpretations of biofilm production Using the criteria of Stepanovic et al, P. aeruginosa strains were divided into the following categories: 3 (15%) were weak biofilm Farnesyltransferase producers;

10 (50%) were moderate biofilm producers; 7 (35%) were strong biofilm producers. Effects of NAC on biofilms of P. aeruginosa PAO1 and quantitative analysis using COMSTAT software As shown in Figure 1, biofilms were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and three-dimensional images were reconstructed by Olympus FV10-ASM1.7 Software. A GFP-plasmid was inserted into PAO1, which allowed the detection of live bacteria by fluorescence. Observed by CLSM, PAO1 grew in a characteristic pattern with a lawn of bacterial growth on the surface. These results showed that NAC disrupted and inhibited PAO1 biofilms, fluorescence and thickness decreased after exposure to NAC, and there was an NAC dose-dependent effect. Almost no fluorescence was detected after 10 mg/ml NAC treatment, indicating that very few to no live PAO1 were present. Decreased GFP detection levels were associated with increasing concentrations of NAC in each fixed scanning area (Figure 2). Figure 1 Biofilms of P.

” Item 24, What motivates you to take your osteoporosis medication? Item 25, How motivated are you to keep taking your osteoporosis medication? Perceptions (ten Vactosertib in vivo source items) Level of bone fragility; inability to notice osteoporosis evolution; concern about osteoporosis diagnosis; concerns (falls, fractures, disability); treatment constraints; easy to take treatment; treatment efficacy; inability to notice treatment beneficial effects; treatment side-effects Item 16, Do you feel that your osteoporosis medication is easy to take? Item 18, Are the instructions for taking your osteoporosis medication inconvenient for you? Behaviour

(13 source PF-02341066 concentration items) Forgetting/skipping treatment; tricks for remembering treatment; involvement of patient (for BMD test, in decision-making, consulting regularly, seeking information); daily life adaptation to osteoporosis; daily life adaptation to treatment; motivations to take treatment; intention to continue treatment Item 21, Do you ever forget to take your osteoporosis medication? Item 22, Do you ever skip your medication because of unexpected circumstances? Item 23, How do you remind yourself to take your osteoporosis medication? Item 30, “I have become used to taking buy SYN-117 my osteoporosis medication.” Item 31, “I make sure to carefully follow

Rebamipide the instructions I’m given about taking my osteoporosis medication.” Information (three source items) Need more information/explanation about osteoporosis or treatment; information

from friends or relations; consistency of information Item 17, Did you receive specific instructions on how to take your osteoporosis medication? Item 32, “The instructions for taking my osteoporosis medication are clear enough.” Patient features (seven source items) Age; diagnosis of osteoporosis; family history of osteoporosis; fracture history; history of BMD testing; treatment; reimbursement None retained The wordings of the French and English version of the questionnaire, as well as the scoring system are provided in Electronic Supplementary Material. ADEOS-12: 12-item adherence and osteoporosis questionnaire BMD bone mass densitometry Other adherence measures The study also assessed medication adherence using two other non-specific adherence measures that had been validated previously, the MPR [20] and the MMAS [21]. The MPR is defined as the ratio between the length of time for which a patient is in possession of prescribed medication and the time since the first prescription. The MPR was determined from data on all medication prescribed since 2002 (first availability of the Thalès database).

Recently, a population-based survey performed by Hinztpeter et al. in Germany which included over 4,000 adults Stem Cells inhibitor reported that 57% (95% CI, 55.5–58.5) of the participants had serum 25OHD levels <50 nmol/L [18]. In Great Britain, a population-based study performed by Hyppönen et al. reported comparable data with a mean 25OHD level of 60.3 nmol/L (95% CI, 59.5–61.0) and 15% (95% CI, 14.4–16.5) of the included 45-year-old participants with serum 25OHD levels <40 nmol/L [19]. Although we are aware of the fact that comparison between our study results and existing evidence is hampered by methodological differences, it seems that prevalence rates

of vitamin D deficiency in our study population of Dutch IBD patients might be comparable with prevalence rates in the general population of neighbouring countries. Exposure to ultraviolet light Seasonal variation of serum 25OHD PFT�� mw is caused by the strong dependence on the exposure to sunlight, especially in people living at high latitudes. Ultraviolet light stimulates the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) in the skin and is therefore essential for optimal vitamin D levels [20]. With regard to the 25OHD3 half-life of 2 months, the highest annual see more vitamin D levels in the northern hemisphere are expected in August/September

and the lowest in February/March [21]. This annual variation has been observed by Hintzpeter et al. reporting maximum serum 25OHD Cisplatin levels in September and minimum levels in March [18]. The important physiologic effects of ultraviolet light are directly reflected in our results concerning the determinants for vitamin D deficiency. In summer, ultraviolet exposure in terms of preferred sun exposure when outdoors (p  =  0.020), regular solarium visits (p  =  0.003) and sun holidays

in the last 6 months (p  <  0.001) are of importance for adequate vitamin D levels. During winter, the participants had to rely on the exposure to ultraviolet light by regular solarium visits (p  <  0.001) or visiting sunny holiday destinations (p  =  0.047) to obtain an adequate vitamin D status. Dietary intake, smoking and body mass index In the Netherlands, only a few nutritional products (i.e. fatty fish and margarine) contain vitamin D3 (Dutch dietary products do not contain vitamin D2), and the intake of dietary sources is minimal [17, 22]. The effects of dietary intake of vitamin D are relatively poor in this study, resulting in no significant effects of fatty fish intake in summer or winter. Concerning lifestyle factors, the highly significant positive effect of smoking on vitamin D levels is remarkable. To our knowledge, no physiologic mechanism exists which can explain this extraordinary association, and these results may be caused by measurement interferences. Recently, Grimnes et al.

1987; Lavergne and Leci click here 1993; Schansker and Strasser 2005). These instruments can also be used to study the S-states (oxidation states S0, S1, S2, S3 and S4) of

the oxygen evolving complex of PSII. A series of STFs induces period-4 oscillations in the F O-level as a function of the S-states (see Delosme 1972; Delrieu 1998; PLX3397 ic50 Ioannidis et al. 2000 for examples of such measurements). To probe the oxidation of reduced Q A following a saturating flash, there are two possible approaches: (1) The easiest method makes use of low-intensity modulated light, which excites only a small fraction of the PSII RCs per unit of time. Figure 2 shows an example of such a measurement. For control samples, in which re-oxidation of Q A − via forward electron transport can occur, this approach works well. However, when the sample is inhibited, e.g., by an electron transfer inhibitor such as DCMU (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea), which displaces Q B from its binding site (Velthuys 1981; Lavergne 1982b), the low-intensity modulated light leads to the accumulation of a considerable population selleck compound of Q A − complicating the analysis of the experiment,

because re-oxidation of Q A − by recombination with the donor side is much slower than forward electron transport to Q B.   (2) The second method uses a combination of a STF followed by a probe flash that probes the redox state of Q A at the time of the probe flash (this is called a pump–probe experiment) (Mauzerall

1972; Robinson and Crofts 1983). The intensity of the probe flash is much lower than that of the STF. In this case, the experiment is repeated many times and each time at a variable time Idoxuridine t after the STF, a probe flash is given to probe the redox state of Q A. In this way, the re-oxidation kinetics are constructed point by point. The actinic light problem, described above for DCMU inhibited samples, does not exist in this case. On the other hand, identical samples do not exist, and therefore, the biological variability between samples will lead to experimental noise and the need for repetitions to obtain smooth kinetics. To make different phases in the re-oxidation kinetics visible, the use of a logarithmic time scale has been introduced (see e.g., Cser and Vass 2007). Commercial equipment to make this type of measurements is the superhead fluorometers (Photon Systems Instruments, Brno, Czech Republic), which can also be used to measure OJIP transients and saturating pulse protocols (see below).   Complementary techniques for flash fluorescence measurements are thermoluminescence (TL) (reviewed by Vass and Govindjee 1996; Misra et al. 2001a, b; Ducruet and Vass 2009) and delayed fluorescence (DF) (recently reviewed by Goltsev et al. 2009) measurements that provide specific information on recombination reactions within PSII RCs. Flash fluorescence measurements are frequently used to study PSII mutants (e.g., Etienne et al. 1990; Nixon et al.

These results are important in the process of making efficient luminescent thin films (including energy transfer to other species such as rare earth ions) for future applications in lighting and telecommunication based on ZnO-NCs. Acknowledgements We thank

the SINGA programme for the financial support to P. Baudin. K. Pita would like to thank the Singapore MoE for the Tier 1 programme for financing this work. C. Couteau and G. Lérondel would like to acknowledge the France-Singapore programme Merlion for contributing to the collaboration of this work. References 1. Chan YF, Su W, Zhang CX, Wu ZL, Tang Y, Sun XQ, Xu HJ: Electroluminescence from ZnO-nanofilm/Si-micropillar heterostructure HM781-36B molecular weight arrays. Opt Exp 2012, 20:24280–24287.CrossRef 2. Zhang XL, Hui KS, Hui KN: High photo-responsivity ZnO UV detectors fabricated by RF reactive sputtering. Mater Res Bull 2013, 48:305–309.CrossRef 3. Chong MK, Vu QV, Pita K: Red emission through radiative energy transfer from wavelength-tunable Zn 1-x Cd x O layers to Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ phosphor films. Electrochem Solid St 2010, 13:J50-J52.CrossRef 4. Komuro S, Katsumata T, Morikawa T: 1.54 μm emission dynamics of erbium-doped

zinc-oxide thin films. Appl Phys Lett 2000, 76:3935–3937.CrossRef 5. Panigrahi S, Bera A, Basak D: Ordered dispersion of ZnO quantum dots in SiO 2 matrix and its strong emission properties. J Colloid Interf Sci 2011, 353:30–38.CrossRef 6. Shin JW, Lee JY, No YS, Kim TW, click here Choi WK: Formation mechanisms of ZnO nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous Zn 2 x Si 1- x O 2 layer due to sputtering and annealing. J Alloy Compd 2011, 509:3132–3135.CrossRef 7. Pankratov V, Osinniy V, Larsen AN, Nielsen BB: ZnO nanocrystals/SiO 2 multilayer structures fabricated

by RF-magnetron sputtering. Physica B 2009, 404:4827–4830.CrossRef 8. Kiliani G, Schneider R, Litvinov D, Gerthsen D, Fonin M, Rudiger U, Leitenstorfer A, Bratschitsch R: Ultraviolet photoluminescence many of ZnO quantum dots sputtered at room-temperature. Opt Exp 2011, 19:1641–1647.CrossRef 9. Mayer G, Fonin M, Rudiger U, Schneider R, Gerthsen D, Janben N, Bratschitsch R: The structure and optical properties of ZnO nanocrystals embedded in SiO 2 fabricated by radio-frequency sputtering. Nanotechnology 2009, 20:075601.CrossRef 10. Letailleur AA, Grachev SY, Barthel E, Sondergard E, Nomenyo K, Couteau C, Mc Murtry S, Lérondel G, Charlet E, Peter E: High efficiency white luminescence of alumina doped ZnO. J Lumin 2011, 131:2646–2651.CrossRef 11. Bouguerra M, Samah M, Belkhir MA, Chergui A, Gerbous L, Nouet G, Chateigner D, Madelon R: selleck chemicals llc Intense photoluminescence of slightly doped ZnO–SiO 2 matrix. Chem Phys Lett 2006, 425:77–81.CrossRef 12. Fu Z, Yang B, Li L, Dong W, Jia C, Wu W: An intense ultraviolet photoluminescence in sol–gel ZnO–SiO 2 nanocomposites.

Molecular testing is the only way for early detection of breast cancer. Mutational analysis for a limited set of founder

mutations requires much less time, resources, and labor than complete sequencing. Recommendations can be made for public health action on molecular genetic testing. The increased public awareness of the nature and prevalence of breast cancer may result in an increased demand for genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility. It is valuable to offer genetic testing to newly diagnosed cases with breast cancer for the purpose of clinical management and as a mean to identify presymptomatic carrier relatives for prevention. Acknowledgements Thanks go to Dr. Elsayed S. Abdel- Razik for his valuable assistance in graphic processing. References 1. Marcus JN, Watson P, click here Page DL, Narod SA, Lenoir GM, Tonin P: Hereditary breast cancer: buy CCI-779 pathobiology, prognosis, and BRCA1and BRCA2

gene linkage. Cancer 1996, 77:697–709.PubMedCrossRef 2. Omar S, Khaled H, Gaafar R, Zekry AR, Eissa S, El-Khatib O: Breast cancer in Egypt: a review of disease presentation and detection strategies. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal 2003, 9:448–463.PubMed 3. Parker SL, Tong T, Bolden S, Wingo PA: Cancer statistics. Cancer J Clin 1997, 47:5–27.CrossRef 4. Shattuck-Eidens D, Oliphant A, McCuire M, McBride C, Gupte J: BRCA1 sequence analysis in women at high check details risk for susceptibility mutations. Risk factor analysis and implications for genetic testing. JAMA 1997, 278:1242–1250.PubMedCrossRef 5. Rebbeck TR: Inherited

genetic predisposition in breast cancer. A population-based perspective. Cancer 1999,86(Suppl):1673–1681.CrossRef 6. Miki Y, Swensen J, Shattuck-Eidens D, Futreal PA, Harshman K, Tavigian S: A strong candidate for the breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1. Science 1994, 266:66–71.PubMedCrossRef 7. Wooster R, Neuhaussen SL, Mangion J, Quick Y, Ford D, Collin N: Localization of a breast cancer susceptibility gene; BRCA2, to chromosome 13q 12 .i 3 . Science learn more 1994, 265:2088–2090.PubMedCrossRef 8. Chapman MS, Verma IM: Transcriptional activation by BRCA1. Nature 1996, 382:678–679.PubMedCrossRef 9. Scully R, Chen J, Plug A, Xiao Y, Weaver D, Feunteun J: Association of BRCA1 with RaD51 in mitotic and meiotic cells. Cell 1997, 88:265–275.PubMedCrossRef 10. Tavtigian SV, Simard J, Rommers J, Couch F, Shattuck-Eidens D, Neuhausen S: The complete BRCA2 gene and mutations in chromosome 13q-linked kindreds. Nat Genet 1996, 12:333–337.PubMedCrossRef 11. Chen J, Silver P, Walpita D, Cantor B, Gazdar F, Tomlinson G: Stable interaction between the products of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 tumor suppressor genes in mitotic and meiotic cells. Mol Cell 1998, 2:317–328.PubMedCrossRef 12. Yoshida K, Miki M: Role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 as regulators of DNA repair, transcription, and cell cycle in response to DNA damage. Cancer Sci 2004, 95:866–871.PubMedCrossRef 13.

A bioinformatic analysis of Pmp sequence and structure demonstrates that four of these encoded Pmps (PmpEFGH) vary consistently in relationship to the described phenotype, and these changes

include alterations of the net negative charge of the Pmp protein (Additional file 2: Tables S1-S2 and Additional file 3: Table S2). It is, however, preliminary to assess any property of a single protein or small set of proteins with the attachment efficiency distinction among strains. The recently developed genetic transformation system will be a critical technology Abemaciclib solubility dmso in directly assessing such TSA HDAC research buy relationships in this species [3]. The second phenotype investigated in our study was the formation of secondary inclusions within infected cells. This property of C. trachomatis strains varies not only between C. trachomatis serovars, but also between strains GNS-1480 solubility dmso within serovars [23]. An intriguing result was the identification of high secondary inclusion formers in crosses between parents that exhibited very low secondary inclusion formation phenotypes (Table 1, Figure 7). While interpretations of this result are preliminary,

it appears that the phenotype is associated with two or more regions of the genome, and that a specific combination of genotypes at these positions is required for the high secondary inclusion formation phenotype to be manifested. Continued examination of novel recombinants, including backcrosses to integrate more parental genome into recombinant strains will add clarity to the phenotypes GBA3 we have discussed. We also continue to use the recombinants as tools to understand the basic processes associated with genetic exchange in the chlamydiae. Conclusion The described experiments characterize in detail the products of genetic exchange by C. trachomatis in vitro. Sequences representing over 1/3 of the chlamydial chromosome can be incorporated during these crosses. Selected phenotypes can be segregated in these crosses. This approach can be combined with the novel DNA transformation technologies being developed in these bacteria, leading

to novel approaches for determining the relationship between genetic makeup and chlamydial phenotype, both in vitro and in vivo. Methods Chlamydial strains and selection for resistance Antibiotic resistant C. trachomatis strains J/6276rif, RC-J/6276tet-rif, F(s)/70rif, F(s)/70tet-rif L2-434ofl,DUW/3Cx ofl, L1/440/LNrif or L3/404/LNrif were generated as previously described [5]. Briefly, strains were grown in McCoy cells at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1 in media containing sub-inhibitory concentrations, equivalent to half the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the appropriate drug. Serial passages of these strains were cultured in the media containing desired antibiotics until resistant mutants emerged or until passage was completely negative. Some strains required several attempts until resistant mutants were isolated.

Such peaks have been observed in several experiments and have been interpreted as the signatures of MFs [15–19]. Unfortunately, a zero-bias anomaly might also occur under similar conditions due to a Kondo resonance once the magnetic field has suppressed the superconducting gap enough to permit the screening of a localized spin [18, 24], and these experiments are not spatially resolved to selleck screening library detect the position of the MFs. Additionally, in many instances, the presence

of disorder can also result in spurious zero-bias anomalies even when the system is not topological [25–27]. Except zero-bias conductance peak, the Josephson effect is another signature which can demonstrate Majorana particles in the hybrid semiconductor-superconductor junction [20, 28, 29]. However, most of the recent experiments proposed and carried out have focused on electrical INCB024360 nmr scheme, and the observation of Majorana signature based on electrical methods

still remains a subject of debate. Meanwhile, other effective methods, such as optical technique [30, 31], for detecting MFs in the hybrid semiconductor/superconductor heterostructure have received less attention until now. In recent years, nanostructures such as quantum dots (QDs) and nanomechanical resonators (NRs) have been obtained significant progress in modern nanoscience and nanotechnology. QD, as a simple stationary atom with well optical property [32], lays the foundation for numerous possible applications [33]. On the other hand, NRs are applied to ultrasensitive detection of mechanical signal [34], mass [35, 36], mechanical displacements [37], and spin [38] due to their high natural frequencies

and see more large quality factors [39]. Further, the hybrid system where a QD is coupled to the NR also attracts much interest [40–42]. Based on the advantages of QD or NR, several groups propose a scheme for detecting MFs via the QD [43–48] or the NR [49] coupled to the nearby MFs. Here, we will propose an optical scheme to detect the existence of MFs in such a hybrid semiconductor/superconductor heterostructure via a hybrid QD-NR system. In the present article, we consider a scheme closed to that of the recent experiment by Mourik SPTLC1 et al. [15]. Compared with zero-bias peaks and the Josephson effect, we adopt an optical pump-probe technique to detect MFs. The nonlinear optical Kerr effect, as a distinct signature for demonstrating the existence of MFs in the hybrid semiconductor/superconductor heterostructure, is the main result of this work. Further, in our system (see Figure 1), the NR as a phononic cavity will enhance the nonlinear optical effect significantly, which makes MFs more sensitive to be detected. Figure 1 Sketch of the proposed setup for optically detecting MFs. An InSb semiconductor nanowire (SNW) with strong spin-orbit interaction (SOI) in an external aligned parallel magnetic field B is placed on the surface of a bulk s-wave superconductor (SC).