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RF-plasma MBE was used to epitaxially grow 4 – 100-nm-thick metallicβ-Nb2N thin films on hexagonal SiC substrates. When theN/Nb flux ratios are greater than one, the most critical parameter forhigh-quality β-Nb2N is the substrate temperature. The X-raydiffraction (XRD) of films grown between 775 °C and 850 °Cdemonstrates pure β-Nb2N phase formation which was alsoconfirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electronmicroscopy measurements. Using the (0002) and (21$\bar 3$1) XRD peaks of a β-Nb2N film grown at 850°C reveals a 0.68% lattice mismatch to the 6H-SiC substrate. Thissuggests that β-Nb2N can be used for high-qualitymetal/semiconductor heterostructures that cannot be fabricated at present.
This chapter discusses the development of the adult population of Leydig cells from the stem cell precursor through the progenitor and immature Leydig cell stages. The morphogenetic events of early testis differentiation are controlled by the Sry (sex-determining region on the Y chromosome) gene. Lack of luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation results in reduced steroidogenic enzyme activities and in Leydig cell atrophy. As men age, progressive decreases in serum concentrations of testosterone occur. Associated with these decreases are significant health consequences, including reduced sexual function, energy, muscle function, and bone density, and increased frailty and cognitive impairment. A number of hypotheses have been put forward over the years to explain changes that occur in aging cells, including late-onset gene expression, telomere shortening, gene modifications, changes in the immune system, and accumulated reactive oxygen-induced damage to DNA, lipids, and/or proteins.