Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one kind of chronic inflammation disease. It affects not only joint, but often has the infringement outside the joint, such as internal organs. Besides the environmental factor, the heredity factor is involved in the pathogenesis of RA too. HLA-DR4 was found to play a role in RA pathogenesis in Taiwan. Because the DR4 positive patients actually are only one-half, other than HLA-DR gene may also be involved in RA pathogenesis. NF£eB plays an important role in immune inflammation. Activity of I£eB can affect NF£eB. I£eB£\ is a critical member in the I£eB protein family. Moreover, I£eBL is functionally similar to I£eB£\. Therefore we extrapolated polymorphisms of I£eBL gene and I£eB£\ gene of the RA patients and normal subjects. In this research, studies of these two genes from 79 RA patients and 81 normal subjects were divides into two parts. The first part used polymerase chain reaction, direct sequencing, special sequence polymerase chain reaction as well as limit fragment length polymorphism to study relations between I£eBL gene and HLA-DR4 and RA occurrence. The second part used polymerase chain reaction and limit fragment length polymorphism, to analyze relation between I£eB£\ gene and the RA occurrence. We found that there is significant increase of -421 -/A base deletion polymorphism in I£eBL gene from DR4 positive RA patients and -262 T/C polymorphism in I£eBL gene from DR4 negative RA patients. A significant reduction of -519 C/T polymorphism in I£eB£\ gene from DR4 negative RA patients was found too. In conclusion, polymorphisms of -421 -/A base deletion as well as -262 T/C in I£eBL gene may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA by alteration of I£eBL activity and thereafter binding of I£eBL to NF£eB.

Research groups around the world are looking to develop a qubit protected from decoherence for achieving quantum advantage in computations. This would have huge impact on the modern world. The applications are many from drug development to cryptography and many more  elds. Indium-Arsenide Nanowires with an epitaxially matched thin  lm of lead grown with Select-Area-Growth could prove to be a platform for building scalable qubits. The work in this thesis is to create a device capable of measuring the superconductivity of the samples InAs-Pb grown at the Center for Quantum Devices, Niels Bohr Institute. The InAs semiconducting nanowires serves as one dimensional system that could host Majorana Zero Modes if coupled to a superconductor such as Pb. The MZMs emerges at the edges of the nanowires. The device created is a 4-probe device that should be used to measure the induced topological superconductivity inside the device. The project was able to such a device using electron beam lithography techniques and development of the fabrication process of InAs-Pb SAG NW Devices was furthered.

Hybrid plasmonic-photonic structures were introduced as novel platforms for on-chip biochemical sensing and spectroscopy. By appropriate coupling of photonic and plasmonic modes, a hybrid architecture was realized that can benefit from the advantages of integrated photonics such as the low propagation loss, ultra-high Q modes, and robustness, as well as the advantages of nanoplasmonics such as extreme light localization, large sensitivities, and ultra-high field enhancements to bring about unique performance advantages for efficient on-chip sensing. These structures are highly sensitive and can effectively interact with the target biological and chemical molecules. It was shown that interrogation of single plasmonic nanoparticles is possible using a hybrid waveguide and microresonator-based structure, in which light is efficiently coupled from photonic structures to the integrated plasmonic structures. The design, implementation, and experimental demonstration of hybrid plasmonic-photonic structures for lab-on-chip biochemical sensing applications were discussed. The design goal was to achieve novel, robust, highly efficient, and high-throughput devices for on-chip sensing. The sensing scenarios of interest were label-free refractive index sensing and SERS. Nanofabrication processes were developed to realize the hybrid plasmonic-photonic structures. Silicon nitride was used as the material platform to realize the integrated photonic structure, and gold was used to realize plasmonic nanostructures. Special optical characterization setups were designed and implemented to test the performance of these nanoplasmonic and nanophotonic structures. The integration of the hybrid plasmonic-photonic structures with microfluidics was also optimized and demonstrated. The hybrid plasmonic-photonic-fluidic structures were used to detect different analytes at different concentrations. A complete course of research from design, fabrication, and characterization to demonstration of sensing applications was conducted to realize nanoplasmonic and integrated photonic structures. The novel structures developed in this research can open up new potentials for biochemical sensors with advanced on-chip functionalities and enhanced performances.

This diploma thesis deals with study of resonance modes of plasmonic structures. First part provides an overview of theoretical models, which explain the resonanace modes in plasmonic structures. Next part describes technology of electron beam lithography. First section of experimental part deas with technological processes leading to an improvement of resulting structures made by electron beam lithography that is followed by lift-off process. Last part focuses on a study of reflectance spactra of plasmonic antenas and the identification of resonance modes.

The research of III-nitride wide-bandgap semiconductor devices, such as laser diodes (LDs), ultra-violet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), has recently increased. Numerous opportunities exist for performance improvement in the wide bandgap semiconductor device structure, including material selection, compound compositions, polarization effects, and layer thicknesses. On the other hand, they can make optimization more challenging. It still takes a lot of resources to analyze and test complicated structures in a systematic manner. This dissertation creates a new path for device design by using TCAD and machine learning to deliver quick forecasts of III-nitride semiconductor device performance. The dissertation includes three major components. In Chapter 2, the TCAD-assisted HEMT device design is discussed. We demonstrate the performance improvement of using the new material BAlN as an interlayer in GaN/AlGaN HEMT devices and compare the various interlayer design alternatives for HEMTs. In chapter 3, we propose asymmetrical p-AlGaN/i-InGaN/n-AlGaN tunnel junctions (TJs) by combining machine learning (ML) with TCAD calculations. The resistances for 22254 various TJ structures were predicted by the model, which creates a tool for real-time TJ resistance prediction. Based on our TJ predictions, we proposed asymmetric TJ with higher Al content in the p-layer and lower TJ resistance. In Chapter 4, using the stacked XGBoost/LightGBM algorithm, we thoroughly examined the superlattice (SL) electron blocking layer (EBL) for AlGaN deep ultra-violet (DUV) LEDs. Based on the ML model, we suggest a low Al-content SL-EBL (1 nm/5 nm Al0.7Ga0.3N/Al0.58Ga0.42N) that is simpler, experimentally realizable and can greatly improve carrier transport. Additionally, we examine the prediction data and show how the composition and thickness affect the improvement of the IQE. The work contributes to the advancement of using SL-EBLs for high-efficiency DUV LEDs by providing methodical research on SL-EBLs. This dissertation presents novel approaches to the design of electrical and optical wide bandgap semiconductor devices, which opens up a new avenue for future research. It is possible that it might be used in a broad variety of fields, including illumination, sensing, disinfection, and power devices.

Variable pressure electron beam etching and lithography for Teflon AF has been demonstrated. The relation between dose and etching depth is tested under high vacuum and water vapor. High resolution structures as small as 75 nm half-pitch have been resolved. Several simulation tools were tested for surface plasmon excitation. Grating based dual mode surface plasmon excitation has been shown numerically and experimentally.

The current trend in pushing photo lithography to smaller and smaller resolutions is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive. Extreme ultra-violet lithography is an alternate method that has the potential to provide feature sizes down to 30 nm, however, it will come at an even greater cost. Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) is another lithographic technique which is promising to provide very high resolutions at a relatively low cost. Imprinting works by using a mold with a surface patterned with the required nano structures and pressing it into a substrate coated with a deformable polymer. Due to its direct pattern replication technique, it is very capable of reproducing three-dimensional structures, however limited research has been performed on this to date. In this study, investigations have been performed into developing a reliable process for creating SiN molds with sub-100 nm structures with variable height control. The process relies on a negative tone electron beam resist which can be patterned to various thicknesses by varying the exposure dosage. This allows for the creation of complex multi-layer structures in a single electron beam lithography step. These patterns then have been transferred into the SiN substrate by a single reactive ion etch. From here the mold is ready for use in imprinting. Study has also been performed into imprinting process as well. This includes the development of an imprint press, the manner in which NIL works. Investigations have been performed into the imprinting performance of 3D molds. Thermal expansion issues have been found and addressed, as have adhesion problems. Some other aspects of 3D NIL which have not been addressed in this study have been outlined in future work for further investigation.

The aimed of this study was to determine and compare seroprevalence of Bovine Leukosis between beef and dare cattle in the city of Catalão, Goiás and identify epidemiological factors that influence the disease. Twenty properties were chosen ten with dare ability and ten cut ability, comprising 120 animals of each one. The epidemiological variables considered were: ability (beef or dare), gender, age, replacement of animals on the property, needle exchange among animals, intense presence of vectors practice of milking, fomites sharing, veterinary care and supply of silage. Serum samples were examined by AGID - LEB and produced by TECPAR. In beef properties, 20 calves were positive (16.67%), whereas in dairy herd cattle 49 (40.83%) were positive for leukemia. In simple regression, there was an increase of probability of 3,45 times of the animal is seropositive for leukemia in dare ability. The age group with the highest percentage of positive was that of over 36 months. A higher positivity rate (34.57%) on the properties who do needle exchange than no standard exchange. When analyzed individually, needle exchange did not influence the frequency of the disease. In the multivariate analysis, needle exchange influenced the leukemia frequency, being higher in properties that practiced exchange. Vectors presence on the property and providing silage influence the greatest number of positive animals. Females had a higher percentage of positive animals for leukemia than males. Properties that practiced replecement of animals from other areas had lowest percentage of positivity. In properties where cows were milked, denotes to increase 1,28 times of chance of the animal been positive for leukemia. Fomites sharing practice influenced the higher positivity of the herd in the properties that used this practice. Failure of veterinary treatment was responsible for over 50% of cases of animals with leukemia. Of the ten risk factors, five were significant (ability, age, needle exchange, presence of vectors and supply of silage) when evaluated together for the presence of the disease and five as unrepresentative (sex, replacement of animals, milking, sharing fomites and veterinary care). In dairy cattle observed increase in the probability of being positive for leucosis more than 5,21 times. For each age group that evolves, is increased by 0,16times of the chance of finding disease. Already needle exchange represented an increase of 2,83 times of probability of having leukemia. Intense presence of vectors increased 7,14 times of chance to present leukemia. Providing silage represents an increase of 5,2 times of probability of bovine be positive. In multivariate regression, gender, replacement of animals, milking, sharing fomites and veterinary care together not correlate with seropositivity for enzootic bovine leukemia. 8.34% (20/240) of positive population belongs to beef cattle and 20.42% (49/240) belongs to dairy cattle. In conclusion, Enzootic Bovine Leukosis occurs most frequently in dairy cattle in the court, in the Catalan / GO region. The risk factors that together account for significant prevalence of the disease are: animals over 36 months, needle exchange, intense presence of vectors and supply of silage. / Objetivou-se determinar e comparar soroprevalência da Leucose Enzoótica Bovina entre bovinos de corte e leite no município de Catalão, Goiás e identificar fatores de risco que influenciam na doença. Foram escolhidas vinte propriedades, sendo dez com aptidão leite e dez com aptidão corte, contendo 120 animais de cada aptidão. As variáveis epidemiológicas consideradas foram: aptidão (leite ou corte), sexo, faixa etária, reposição de animais na propriedade, troca de agulhas entre animais, presença de vetores, prática de ordenha, compartilhamento de fômites, assistência veterinária e fornecimento de silagem. Amostras séricas foram examinadas pelo IDGA. Nas propriedades de corte, 20 bovinos foram positivos (16,67%), enquanto no rebanho leiteiro 49 bovinos (40,83%) foram positivos para leucose. Na regressão simples, observou-se aumento de probabilidade de 3,45 vezes de o animal ser soropositivo para leucose na aptidão leite. A faixa etária com maior porcentagem de positivos foi a de acima de 36 meses. Observou-se maior índice de positividade (34,57%) nas propriedades que praticam troca de agulhas do que não procedem a troca. Quando analisada individualmente, troca de agulha não influenciou na frequência da doença. Na análise multivariada troca de agulhas influenciou na frequência de leucose, sendo maior nas propriedades que praticavam troca. Presença de vetores na propriedade e fornecimento de silagem influenciaram no maior número de animais positivos. Fêmeas apresentaram maior percentual de animais positivos para leucose que machos. Propriedades que praticavam compra de animais de outros locais apresentaram menor percentual de reagentes. Nas propriedades onde vacas eram ordenhadas, denota-se incremento de 1,28 vezes na chance de o animal ser positivo para leucose. Prática de compartilhamento de fômites influenciou na maior positividade do rebanho nas propriedades que utilizavam tal prática. Falta de assistência veterinária foi responsável por mais de 50% dos casos de animais com leucose. Dos dez fatores de risco, cinco foram significantes (aptidão, faixa etária, troca de agulhas, presença de vetores e fornecimento de silagem) quando em conjunto, para a presença da doença e cinco como não representativos (sexo, reposição de animais, ordenha, compartilhamento de fômites e assistência veterinária). No gado de leite observou-se aumento na probabilidade de ser positivo para leucose de 5,21 vezes. Para cada faixa etária que se evolui, aumenta-se 0,16 vezes a chance de se encontrar doença. Já troca de agulha representou aumento de 2,83 vezes de probabilidade de ter leucose. Presença de vetores aumentou em 7,14 vezes a chance de apresentar leucose. Fornecimento de silagem representou aumento de 5,2 vezes na probabilidade do bovino ser positivo. Na regressão multivariada, variáveis sexo, reposição de animais, ordenha, compartilhamento de fômites e assistência veterinária, em conjunto, não apresentam correlação com soropositividade para leucose enzoótica bovina. 8,34% (20/240) da população positiva pertence ao gado de corte e 20,42% (49/240) pertence ao gado de leite. Conclui-se que Leucose Enzoótica Bovina ocorre com maior frequência no gado leiteiro que no de corte, na região de Catalão/GO. Fatores de risco que representam em conjunto significância para prevalência da doença são: animais acima de 36 meses, troca de agulha, presença de vetores e fornecimento de silagem. / Mestre em Ciências Veterinárias

Tato dizertční práce se zabývá výrbou a charakterizací plasmonických nanostruktur. Její první část začíná krátkým úvodem do plasmoniky s navazujícím přehledem metod, které jsou v dnešní době nejčastěji používány k výrobě a charakterizaci plasmonických nanostruktur. Druhá část se pak zaměřuje na samotný výzkum, který byl v rámci PhD studia realizován. Cílem prvních experimentů bylo prozkouat možnosti použití elektronové litografie za variabilního tlaku v procesní komoře pro výrobu plasmonických nanostruktur na nevodivých substrátech jako je např. sklo. Jelikož se jedná o materiály, které jsou velice často používány k přípravě plasmonických struktur pacujících v oblasti viditelného světla. Druhá sekce pak diskutuje některé specifické aspekty přípravy plasmonických mikrostruktur elektronovou litografií pro THz oblast. Poslední část se pak zaměřuje na funkční vlastnosti plasmonických nanostruktur, převážně pak na kvantitativní charakterizaci fáze dalekého pole indukovaného plasmonickými nanostrukturami a jejich aplikacemi v oblasti optických metapovrchů - uměle připravených povrchů, které mohou být použity jako planární optické komponenty. Práce demonstruje a diskutuje různé experimentální přístupy použití mimoosové holografické mikroskopie pro jejich charakterizaci.

The Si(100) surface and Ga surface phases up to 1 ML on their oxidation have been studied by XPS and LEED. The selective growth of Ga on the SiO2/Si structures fabricated by EBL has been analyzed using SEM and AFM methods. It was proved that Ga clusters grow in structures beside the oxide. The structure of alumina on Ni3Al(111) and NiAl(110) substrates was fully determined by combining the results of STM measurements and DFT simulations. It was determined the alumina/NiAl(110) does not form a suitable template for ordered Fe and Co clusters growth. However, the next research confirmed the alumina/Ni3Al(111) forms template appropriate to clusters growth purpose.