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Low temperature is an important environmental factor that affects the growth and development of trees and leads to the introduction of failure in the genetic improvement of trees.

Objective To evaluate effectiveness of regular and modified drill templates used to guide cervical anterior transpedicular screw (ATPS) placement. Methods This study included 15 adult cadaveric specimens. Computed tomography images were imported into Mimics software. Three-dimensional modeling of all cervical vertebrae was done, and the ideal trajectories were designed for ATPSs. Models of regular and modified templates were designed for every level on the left or right side randomly. After three-dimensional printing, 2 types of templates were used to guide the insertion. Postoperative computed tomography scans were used to measure deviations between real and ideal trajectories in the direction and positioning of entry points. The deviations in the 2 groups were compared using paired t test. Results There were 120 templates and ATPSs fabricated and placed. Postoperative images showed that 7 screws perforated pedicles in the regular group, with an accuracy rate of 88.3%. Deviations between real and ideal trajectories in cranially inclined angles and extroversive angles were 1.13° ± 0.61° and 0.97° ± 0.60°, respectively, and deviations of entry point position in the x-axis and y-axis were 0.72 ± 0.38 mm and 0.95 ± 0.47 mm, respectively. In the modified group, there were 2 malposition screws with accuracy rate of 96.7%. Deviations in cranially inclined angles were 0.66° ± 0.53° and 0.66° ± 0.55° in extroversive angles, respectively, and deviations in entry point positions in the x-axis and y-axis were 0.45 ± 0.37 mm and 0.51 ± 0.34 mm, respectively. The differences in deviations between groups were statistically significant. Conclusions Compared with regular drill templates, modified drill templates can provide higher accuracy and stronger trajectory control in ATPS insertions.

Background. The apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells reduces the number of nucleus pulposus cells in intervertebral disc tissue, resulting in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important regulatory role in abnormal cell proliferation and apoptosis. Methods. The miR-27a-3p expressions in degenerative NP tissue and cells were measured via qPCR. The impacts of miR-27a-3p on the proliferation and apoptosis of human NP cells were evaluated by flow cytometry assays, MTT assays, and western blot analyses. In addition, target scan and luciferase reporter assay were applied to confirm that RASSF5 was directly binding to miR-27a-3p. Western blot was applied to assess the relationship between miR-27a-3p, RASSF5 and MST1/LATS1, and RAS/RAC1 signaling pathway. Results. MiR-27a-3p was downregulated in degenerative NP tissues and cells by comparison with the control group. MiR-27a-3p overexpression enhanced cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis of NP cells, while the above factors showed an opposite tendency after in the miR-27a-3p inhibitor group. The western blot experiment similarly suggested mir-27a-3p apparently downregulated apoptosis-related proteins (Bax and caspase-3) and upregulated antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl-2). In addition, RASSF5 was confirmed to be directly regulated by miR-27a-3p using the luciferase reporter assay. Overexpressed RASSF5 could reverse the effects caused by miR-27a-3p mimic. Finally, miR-27a-3p could downregulate RASSF5 and affected the MST1/LATS1 and RAS/RAC1 pathway. Conclusion. MiR-27a-3p may target RASSF5 and enhance cell proliferation and imped cell apoptosis of the nucleus pulposus cells via the MST1/LATS1 and RAS/RAC1 pathway, lessening the degeneration of intervertebral discs.

Low temperature is an important environmental factor that affects the growth and development of trees and leads to the introduction of failure in the genetic improvement of trees. Acer pseudosieboldianum is a tree species that is well-known for its bright red autumn leaf color. These trees are widely used in landscaping in northeast China. However, due to their poor cold resistance, introduced A. pseudosieboldianum trees suffer severe freezing injury in many introduced environments. To elucidate the physiological indicators and molecular mechanisms associated with freezing damage, we analyzed the physiological indicators and transcriptome of A. pseudosieboldianum, using kits and RNA-Seq technology. The mechanism of A. pseudosieboldianum in response to freezing stress is an important scientific question. In this study, we used the shoots of four-year-old A. pseudosieboldianum twig seedlings, and the physiological index and the transcriptome of A. pseudosieboldianum under low temperature stress were investigated. The results showed that more than 20,000 genes were detected in A. pseudosieboldianum under low temperature (4 °C) and freezing temperatures (−10 °C, −20 °C, −30 °C, and −40 °C). There were 2505, 6021, 5125, and 3191 differential genes (DEGs) between −10 °C, −20°C, −30°C, −40 °C, and CK (4 °C), respectively. Among these differential genes, 48 genes are involved in the MAPK pathway and 533 genes are involved in the glucose metabolism pathway. In addition, the important transcription factors (MYB, AP2/ERF, and WRKY) involved in freezing stress were activated under different degrees of freezing stress. A total of 10 sets of physiological indicators of A. pseudosieboldianum were examined, including the activities of five enzymes and the accumulation of five hormones. All of the physiological indicators except SOD and GSH-Px reached their maximum values at −30 °C. The enzyme activity of SOD was highest at −10 °C, and that of GSH-Px was highest at −20 °C. Our study is the first to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the differential genes (DEGs) involved in A. pseudosieboldianum under freezing stress at different temperatures at the transcriptome level. These results may help to clarify the molecular mechanism of cold tolerance of A. pseudosieboldianum and provide new insights and candidate genes for the genetic improvement of the freezing tolerance of A. pseudosieboldianum.

We present thermal expansion studies on single-crystalline LaFe 1 - x Co x AsO with doping levels of x = 0, 0.026, and 0.034, and on BaFe 2 As 2 . Anomalies in the thermal expansion coefficient α enable reading off the structural and magnetic transition temperatures T S and T N . The evolution of the orthorhombic distortion at T S is illustrated by length changes of the a- and b-axes and the experimentally determined orthorhombicity δ . The results are compared to BaFe2As2. Finally, the electronic phase diagram is discussed.

In this work we revisit the phase diagram of Co-doped LaFeAsO using single crystals and thermodynamic methods. From magnetic susceptibility studies, we track the doping evolution of the antiferromagnetic phase to reveal a continuous suppression of ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}$ up to 5% Co doping. To study the evolution of the so-called nematic phase, the temperature dependence of the length changes along the $a$ and $b$ orthorhombic directions, $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}L/{L}_{0}$, was determined by high-resolution capacitance dilatometry. The results clearly show a gradual reduction of the orthorhombic distortion $\ensuremath{\delta}$ and of ${T}_{\mathrm{S}}$ with increasing Co content up to 4.5%, while it is completely suppressed for 7.5% Co. Bulk superconductivity was found in a small doping region around 6% Co content, while both ${T}_{\mathrm{c}}$ and the superconducting volume fraction rapidly drop in the neighboring doping regime. Ultimately, no microscopic coexistence between the superconducting and magnetic phases can be assessed within our resolution limit, in sharp contrast with other iron-pnictide families, e.g., electron- and hole-doped ${\mathrm{BaFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$.

Interactions between nematic fluctuations, magnetic order and superconductivity are central to the physics of iron-based superconductors. Here we report on in-plane transverse acoustic phonons in hole-doped ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Na}}_{x}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ measured via inelastic x-ray scattering, and extract both the nematic susceptibility and the nematic correlation length. By a self-contained method of analysis, for the underdoped ($x=0.36$) sample, which harbors a magnetically ordered tetragonal phase, we find it hosts a short nematic correlation length $\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\sim}10\text{ }\text{ }\AA{}$ and a large nematic susceptibility ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{nem}}$. The optimal-doped ($x=0.55$) sample exhibits weaker phonon softening effects, indicative of both reduced $\ensuremath{\xi}$ and ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{nem}}$. Our results suggest short-range nematic fluctuations may favor superconductivity, placing emphasis on the nematic correlation length for understanding the iron-based superconductors.

Interactions between nematic fluctuations, magnetic order and superconductivity are central to the physics of iron-based superconductors. Here we report on in-plane transverse acoustic phonons in hole-doped Sr_{1-x}Na_{x}Fe_{2}As_{2} measured via inelastic x-ray scattering, and extract both the nematic susceptibility and the nematic correlation length. By a self-contained method of analysis, for the underdoped (x=0.36) sample, which harbors a magnetically ordered tetragonal phase, we find it hosts a short nematic correlation length ξ∼10 Å and a large nematic susceptibility χ_{nem}. The optimal-doped (x=0.55) sample exhibits weaker phonon softening effects, indicative of both reduced ξ and χ_{nem}. Our results suggest short-range nematic fluctuations may favor superconductivity, placing emphasis on the nematic correlation length for understanding the iron-based superconductors.

The nature of the hidden-order (HO) state in ${\mathrm{URu}}_{2}{\mathrm{Si}}_{2}$ remains one of the major unsolved issues in heavy-fermion physics. Recently, torque magnetometry, x-ray diffraction, and elastoresistivity data have suggested that the HO phase transition at ${T}_{\mathrm{HO}}\ensuremath{\approx}\text{ }17.5\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$ is driven by electronic nematic effects. Here, we search for thermodynamic signatures of this purported structural instability using anisotropic thermal expansion, Young's modulus, elastoresistivity, and specific-heat measurements. In contrast to the published results, we find no evidence of a rotational symmetry breaking in any of our data. Interestingly, our elastoresistivity measurements, which are in full agreement with published results, exhibit a Curie-Weiss divergence, which we however attribute to a volume and not to a symmetry-breaking effect. Finally, clear evidence for thermal fluctuations is observed in our heat-capacity data, from which we estimate the HO correlation length.

Screen technologies have been found to have adverse outcomes on people’s well-being and mental health if used excessively however findings have varied depending on the screen type being assessed. The impact of prolonged TV-watching on mental health has been well established, whereas the influence of computers, the internet, and mobile phones is still being debated. Research exploring total screen use in adults is surprisingly lacking. The current study examined the relationship between Screen Time and well-being in adults, including positive relationships, meaning, and loneliness. The study is possibly the first to investigate how much pleasure and meaning people feel during screen use and their mediating effects. Using a correlational study design, participants (N = 139) reported their hours spent on all screen devices per day, how much pleasure and meaning they experience during screen use on average, and their general well-being levels. Screen Time was not found to be significantly correlated with well-being; and screen use experiences did not mediate any of the screen time and well-being relationships. However, screen use meaning was positively associated with overall well-being and positive relationships. This finding prompts a review of the importance of screen time for well-being, suggesting that this may be a limited approach. Other factors related to screen quality may be equal if not more important for well-being. Limitations and implications for maintaining or enhancing well-being while using screen devices are discussed.

The nature of the hidden-order (HO) state in URu_{2}Si_{2} remains one of the major unsolved issues in heavy-fermion physics. Recently, torque magnetometry, x-ray diffraction, and elastoresistivity data have suggested that the HO phase transition at T_{HO}≈ 17.5 K is driven by electronic nematic effects. Here, we search for thermodynamic signatures of this purported structural instability using anisotropic thermal expansion, Young's modulus, elastoresistivity, and specific-heat measurements. In contrast to the published results, we find no evidence of a rotational symmetry breaking in any of our data. Interestingly, our elastoresistivity measurements, which are in full agreement with published results, exhibit a Curie-Weiss divergence, which we however attribute to a volume and not to a symmetry-breaking effect. Finally, clear evidence for thermal fluctuations is observed in our heat-capacity data, from which we estimate the HO correlation length.

Superconductivity in FeSe has recently attracted a great deal of attention because it emerges out of an electronic nematic state of elusive character. Here we study both the electronic normal state and the superconducting gap structure using heat-capacity measurements on high-quality single crystals. The specific-heat curve, from 0.4 K to ${T}_{c}=9.1\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, is found to be consistent with a recent gap determination using Bogoliubov quasiparticle interference [P. O. Sprau et al., Science 357, 75 (2017)]; however, only if nodes are introduced on either the electron or the hole Fermi-surface sheets. Our analysis, which is consistent with quantum-oscillation measurements, relies on the presence of one hole and one electron band only, and thus the fate of the theoretically predicted second electron pocket remains mysterious.

An intriguingly complex phase diagram of Na-doped SrFe2As2 is uncovered using high-resolution thermal-expansion, magnetization and heat-capacity measurements. The detailed temperature dependence of the orthorhombic distortion and the anisotropy of the uniform magnetic susceptibility provide evidence for nine distinct electronic phases near the transition region between stripe antiferromagnetism and unconventional superconductivity. In particular, we report the finding of a new magnetic phase which competes surprisingly strongly with superconductivity. From theoretical studies we propose that this phase is a double-Q phase consisting of a mixture of symmetry-distinct commensurate magnetic orders with a peculiar temperature-dependent magnetic moment reorientation., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, and Supplementary Material

We report an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of the iron-based superconductor family, Ba_{1-x}Na_{x}Fe_{2}As_{2}. This system harbors the recently discovered double-Q magnetic order appearing in a reentrant C_{4} phase deep within the underdoped regime of the phase diagram that is otherwise dominated by the coupled nematic phase and collinear antiferromagnetic order. From a detailed temperature-dependence study, we identify the electronic response to the nematic phase in an orbital-dependent band shift that strictly follows the rotational symmetry of the lattice and disappears when the system restores C_{4} symmetry in the low temperature phase. In addition, we report the observation of a distinct electronic reconstruction that cannot be explained by the known electronic orders in the system.

We present high-resolution thermal-expansion and specific-heat measurements of single crystalline α-RuCl

The nematic susceptibility of ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Na}}_{x}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ single crystals is studied by measuring the Young's modulus using a three-point-bending setup in a capacitance dilatometer over a wide doping range. Particular emphasis is placed on the behavior within the double-Q antiferromagnetic ${C}_{4}$ re-entrant phase. Here, we surprisingly still observe a sizable nematic susceptibility in spite of the well-developed magnetic order, consistent with recent theoretical calculations. Outside the ${C}_{4}$ re-entrant region, the behavior is very similar to that of K-doped ${\mathrm{BaFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$. A significant coupling of superconductivity to the shear modulus is observed and is discussed in terms of strong competition between the superconducting and magnetic phases.

We present high-resolution thermal-expansion and specific-heat measurements of single crystalline alpha-RuCl3. An extremely hysteretic structural transition expanding over 100 K is observed by thermal- expansion along both crystallographic axes, which we attribute to a change of stacking sequence of the RuCl3 layers. Three magnetic transitions are observed, which we link to the different stacking sequences. Using our data and thermodynamic relations, we derive the uniaxial and hydrostatic pressure derivatives of all three magnetic transitions. Our results demonstrate that magnetic order should be totally suppressed by very moderate pressures of 0.3 GPa to 0.9 GPa. Finally, we discuss why our results differ from recent hydrostatic pressure measurements and suggest a possible route to reaching the spin-liquid state in alpha-RuCl3., Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures

To observe the effects of micro-invasive embedding combined with montelukast sodium and simple montelukast sodium for children cough variant asthma (CVA).A total of 240 patients were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, 120 cases in each one. Considering of cases dropping, 101 patients in the observation group and 105 cases in the control group were included. Montelukast sodium chewable tablets were applied before sleep for 3 months in the control group, 5 mg a time, once a day. Based on the treatment as the control group, micro-invasive embedding was used for 3 months in the observation group, twice in the first month and once in the other two months. The acupoints were Feishu (BL 13), Danzhong (CV 17), Dingchuan (EX-B 1), and Zusanli (ST 36). Follow-up was conducted 9 months after treatment in the two groups. The cough score, serum immunoglobulin (IgE, IgG, IgA), platelet activating factor (PAF) were observed before and after treatment. The indices were compared before and after treatment and at follow-up, including pulmonary function indices[peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), forced expiratory volume at the 1st second (FEV1)], and small airway function indices[forced expiratory flow rate with remaining 25% vital capacity (MEF25%), forced expiratory flow rate with remaining 50% vital capacity (MEF50%), forced expiratory flow rate with remaining 75% vital capacity (MEF75%) and mid expiratory flow rate (MEF25%-75%)]. Also, the total effects were evaluated.①The total effective rate in the observation group was 93.1% (94/101), which was better than 87.6% (92/105) in the control group (Micro-invasive embedding combined with montelukast sodium achieved de-finite effect for children CVA, which can improve the body's immune and microcirculation. The effect is better than that of simple montelukast sodium on improving small airway function, etc.

Thermal expansion and magnetostriction of single-crystalline R2PdSi3 (R = Ho, Dy) have been investigated by means of high-precision capacitance dilatometry and by specific heat studies. Pronounced ...

The nature of the nematic state in FeSe remains one of the major unsolved mysteries in Fe- based superconductors. Both spin and orbital physics have been invoked to explain the origin of this phase. Here we present experimental evidence for frustrated, short-range magnetic order, as suggested by several recent theoretical works, in the nematic state of FeSe. We use a combination of magnetostriction, susceptibility and resistivity measurements to probe the in-plane anisotropies of the nematic state and its associated fluctuations. Despite the absence of long-range magnetic order in FeSe, we observe a sizable in-plane magnetic susceptibility anisotropy, which is responsible for the field-induced in-plane distortion inferred from magnetostriction measurements. Further we demonstrate that all three anisotropies in FeSe are very similar to those of BaFe2As2, which strongly suggests that the nematic phase in FeSe is also of magnetic origin., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures

The low-temperature electronic phase diagram of ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Na}}_{x}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$, obtained using high-resolution thermal-expansion and specific-heat measurements, is shown to be considerably more complex than previously reported, containing nine different phases. Besides the magnetic ${C}_{2}$ and reentrant ${C}_{4}$ phases, we find evidence for an additional, presumably magnetic, phase below the usual spin-density-wave transition, as well as a possible incommensurate magnetic phase. All these phases coexist and compete with superconductivity, which is particularly strongly suppressed by the ${C}_{4}$-magnetic phase due to a strong reduction of the electronic entropy available for pairing in this phase.

We evaluated the trajectory and the entry points of anterior transpedicular screws (ATPS) in the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ). This study aimed at investigating the feasibility of ATPS fixation in the CTJ. Application of an ATPS in the lower cervical spine has been reported; however, there were no reports exploring the feasibility of anterior transpedicular screw fixation in the CTJ. CT scans were performed in 50 cases and multiplanar reformation was used to measure the related parameters on pedicle axis view at C6–T2. Transverse pedicle angle, outer pedicle width, pedicle axis length, distance transverse intersection point (DtIP), sagittal pedicle angle, anterior vertebral body height, outer pedicle height, and distance sagittal intersection point (DsIP) were measured. The prozone of CTJ was divided into three different regions, which were named as the “manubrium region”, the region “above” and “below” the manubrium. The distribution of the trajectory of sagittal pedicle axes was recorded in the three regions and the related data were statistically analyzed. There was no statistical difference in gender (P > 0.05). The transverse pedicle angle decreased from C6 (46.77° ± 2.72°) to T2 (20.62° ± 5.04°). DtIP increased from C6 to T2. DsIP was an average of 7.17 mm. The sagittal pedicle axis lines of the C6 and C7 were located in the region above the manubrium. T1 was mainly in the manubrium region followed by the region above the manubrium. T2 was mainly located in the manubrium region followed by the region below the manubrium. Implantation of ATPS at C6, C7, and some T1 is feasible through the low anterior cervical approach, while it is almost impossible to approach T2 that way.

High qualities Raman spectra of pyridine carboxylic acid in silver colloidal solution and on silver-coated ITO glass at near infrared laser excitation were obtained in this article. The calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) were used to analysis the absorption behavior of these molecules. By comparing the experimental frequencies with the calculated ones, it can be concluded that the carboxylate-to-metal interaction is the key factor during the adsorption process, and the nitrogen-to-metal coordination seemed to play a secondary role in the process.

High quality Raman spectrum of picolinic acid aqueous solution with ultraviolet (UV) excitation of 325 nm was obtained in this article. The state of picolinic acid in aqueous solution has been investigated over a wide range of solution pH values. The distinct changes of UV-Raman spectra accompanied with the pH variations indicate the changes of molecule structure. The calculations based on density functional theory were used to analyze the states of picolinic acid in aqueous solution. By comparing the experimental frequencies with the calculated ones, it can be concluded that when pH value varies from high to low, the picolinic acid tends to change from the anion form to the zwitterion that have the intermolecular hydrogen COOH⋯N bond.

We present temperature-dependent in-plane resistivity measurements on FeSe single crystals under He-gas pressure up to 800 MPa and magnetic fields $B\ensuremath{\le}10$ T. A sharp phase transition anomaly is revealed at the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic transition at ${T}_{s}$ slightly below 90 K. ${T}_{s}$ becomes reduced with increasing pressure in a linear fashion at a rate $d{T}_{s}/dP\ensuremath{\simeq}\ensuremath{-}31$ K/GPa. This is accompanied by a $P$-linear increase of the superconducting transition temperature at ${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\sim}8.6$ K with $d{T}_{c}/dP\ensuremath{\simeq}+5.8$ K/GPa. Pressure studies of the normal-state resistivity highlight two distinctly different regimes: for $Tg{T}_{s}$, i.e., in the tetragonal phase, the in-plane resistivity changes strongly with pressure. This contrasts with the state deep in the orthorhombic phase at $T\ensuremath{\ll}{T}_{s}$, preceding the superconducting transition. Here, a $T$-linear resistivity is observed the slope of which does not change with pressure, pointing against a spin-fluctuation origin of this term. Resistivity studies in varying magnetic fields both at ambient and finite pressure reveal clear changes of the magnetoresistance, $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\propto}{B}^{2}$, upon cooling through ${T}_{s}$. Our data are consistent with a reconstruction of the Fermi surface accompanying the structural transition.

We report on the development of a sensitive dilatometer based upon an atomic force microscope piezocantilever. This dilatometer is designed to measure the elastic properties of bulk materials in extreme conditions, such as temperatures down to 25 mK and magnetic fields up to 16 T. The layered heavy fermion superconductor and its non-magnetic analog are measured to demonstrate their use in detecting phase transitions and quantum oscillations. In addition, using this dilatometer, a simultaneous multi-axis dilation measurement is performed. This compact dilatometer has many advantages, such as its ability to measure very small samples with sub-mm lengths at low temperature and small field dependence, and its ability to rotate, while it works well irrespective of whether it is in a changing liquid or gas environment (i.e. within a flow cryostat or mixing chamber).

Greedy forwarding is widely adopted in geographic routing protocols for VANETs since it selects the neighbor that is geographically closer to the destination as the next hop and is considered efficient. Because of the highly dynamic network topology and various impairment of radio signal, the link chosen according to the greedy algorithm regardless of the link state is unstable to a large extent, and frequent retransmissions lead to a waste of the network bandwidth and longer end to end delay. To address the issue, the paper proposed a new routing metric called expected one-transmission advance (EOA) to select the next hop to construct the route. The EOA of a certain node means the expected advance that a packet can make towards the destination through one transmission if choose the node as the next hop. The node with largest EOA is chosen as the intermediate node. The EOA metric balances the efficiency and reliability of the routing. We evaluate the performance of EOA by simulation and the result demonstrates significant reductions of end to end delay and increases of throughput compared to the traditional geographic routing protocol using greedy forwarding.

Superconducting iron chalcogenide FeSe has the simplest crystal structure among all the Fe-based superconductors. Unlike other iron pnictides, FeSe exhibits no long range magnetic order accompanying the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic structural distortion, which raises the fundamental question about the role of magnetism and its associated spin fluctuations in mediating both nematicity and superconductivity. The extreme sensitivity of FeSe to external pressure suggests that chemical pressure, induced by substitution of Se by the smaller ion S, could also a be good tuning parameter to further study the coupling between superconductivity and nematicity and to obtain information on both the Fermi-surface changes and the symmetry of the superconducting state. Here we study the thermodynamic properties of Fe(Se$_{1-x}$S$_{x}$) for 3 compositions, $x=0$, 0.08 and 0.15, using heat-capacity and thermal-expansion measurements. With increasing S content we observe a significant reduction of the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic transition temperature T$_{s}$. However, this suppression of T$_{s}$ is counterintuitively accompanied by an enhancement of the orthorhombic distortion $\delta$ below T$_c$, which clearly indicates that superconductivity favors the nematic state. In parallel, the superconducting transition temperature T$_{c}$ is sizeably enhanced, whereas the increase of the Sommerfeld coefficient $\gamma_{n}$ is quite moderate. In the T$\to$ 0 limit, an unusually large residual density of states is found for $x>0$ indicative of significant substitution-induced disorder. We discuss these observations in the context of $s+d$ superconducting-state symmetry., Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures - Ref 23 corrected

We present measurements of the thermal expansion coefficient $\alpha$ of polycrystalline RFeAsO (R = La,Ce,Pr,Sm,Gd). Anomalies at the magnetic ordering transitions indicate a significant magneto-elastic coupling and a negative pressure dependence of $T_{\rm N}$ . The structural transitions are associated by large anomalies in $\alpha$. Rare earth magnetic ordering in CeFeAsO, PrFeAsO, and SmFeAsO yields large positive anomalies at low temperatures., Comment: accepted

Ag nanoparticles, organized on indium tin oxide (ITO) surface, can act as a new surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) active substrate as well as a dry electrode. Compared with the traditional SERS-active substrate, its notable advantage is that the microcosmic changes of the film can be reflected by the SERS spectrum during the investigation of the film's electrical and other macroscopic characteristics. To illuminate the above-mentioned property of this new substrate, a series of n-hydroxybenzoic acids (n-HBA; n = p, m and o) was tested as probe molecules by SERS technique. These SERS spectra indicate that the significant changes of frequencies as well as intensities, respectively, arise from the changes of the adsorption behavior along with the proportional variation of molecules and silver nanoparticles. Excellent SERS signals prove that the silver nanoparticles-coated ITO is a highly SERS-active substrate and can efficiently reflect the microcosmic property of the film, which suggest it has promising potential of being a new technique for further application in the field of thin-film research.