Search

Understanding the role that subgradients play in various second-order variational analysis constructions can help us uncover new properties of important classes of functions in variational analysis. Focusing mainly on the behavior of the second subderivative and subgradient proto-derivative of polyhedral functions, i.e., functions with polyhedral convex epigraphs, we demonstrate that choosing the underlying subgradient, utilized in the definitions of these concepts, from the relative interior of the subdifferential of polyhedral functions ensures stronger second-order variational properties such as strict twice epi-differentiability and strict subgradient proto-differentiability. This allows us to characterize continuous differentiability of the proximal mapping and twice continuous differentiability of the Moreau envelope of polyhedral functions. We close the paper with proving the equivalence of metric regularity and strong metric regularity of a class of generalized equations at their nondegenerate solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the switching dynamics of a 75°-canted Spin–orbit torque (SOT) device with an in-plane easy axis using the micro-magnetic simulation. The switching time (τ) is evaluated from the time evolution of the magnetization. The device with a strong out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy (μ0Hkeff = −0.08 T) shows τ = 0.19 ns while a device with a strong in-plane magnetic anisotropy (μ0Hkeff = −0.9 T) shows τ = 0.32 ns. The increase of the damping constant (α) results in the increase of τ for both devices and the sub-nanosecond switching could be retained as α < 0.14 in the device with μ0Hkeff = −0.08 T, while this was achieved as α < 0.04 in the device with μ0Hkeff = −0.9 T. Furthermore when the field-like coefficient (β) is increased, it leads to a decrease in τ, which can be reduced to 0.03 ns by increasing β to 1 in the device with μ0Hkeff = −0.08 T. In order to achieve the same result in the device with μ0Hkeff = −0.9 T, β must be increased to 6. These results indicate a way to achieve ultrafast field-free SOT switching of a few tens of picoseconds in nanometer-sized magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of second-order smoothness for objective functions of optimization problems can provide valuable information about their stability properties and help us design efficient numerical algorithms for solving these problems. Such second-order information, however, cannot be expected in various constrained and composite optimization problems since we often have to express their objective functions in terms of extended-real-valued functions for which the classical second derivative may not exist. One powerful geometrical tool to use for dealing with such functions is the concept of twice epi-differentiability. In this paper, we study a stronger version of this concept, called strict twice epi-differentiability. We characterize this concept for certain composite functions and use it to establish the equivalence of metric regularity and strong metric regularity for a class of generalized equations at their nondegenerate solutions. Finally, we present a characterization of continuous differentiability of the proximal mapping of our composite functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Training on multiple diverse data sources is critical to ensure unbiased and generalizable AI. In healthcare, data privacy laws prohibit data from being moved outside the country of origin, preventing global medical datasets being centralized for AI training. Data-centric, cross-silo federated learning represents a pathway forward for training on distributed medical datasets. Existing approaches typically require updates to a training model to be transferred to a central server, potentially breaching data privacy laws unless the updates are sufficiently disguised or abstracted to prevent reconstruction of the dataset. Here we present a completely decentralized federated learning approach, using knowledge distillation, ensuring data privacy and protection. Each node operates independently without needing to access external data. AI accuracy using this approach is found to be comparable to centralized training, and when nodes comprise poor-quality data, which is common in healthcare, AI accuracy can exceed the performance of traditional centralized training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic magnetic properties of Ta-O/Co20Fe60B20 bilayer films are strongly influenced by the oxidation condition of the Ta-O layer. The oxidation of the Ta-O layer by a slight amount of oxygen with a pressure (POxygen) of 0.03 Pa decreases in-plane damping constant (αIP), and increases the effective magnetization (4πMs,eff). Then, both αIP and 4πMs,eff maintain their values by increasing POxygen up to 0.3 Pa. The out-of-plane damping constant (αOP) showed a similar tendency to that of αIP against POxygen, although αOP is much smaller than αIP in every POxygen. αOP reaches to 0.0033 for sample oxidized at 0.03 Pa. It was suggested that αIP consists of both the intrinsic damping and the extrinsic damping, while αOP is closer to the intrinsic damping. The control of αOP and αIP by the oxidation would be beneficial in designing the high frequency spintronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal film over nanosphere (MFON) metasurfaces have numerous applications, specifically as nanosensors for bio and chemical detection. Additionally, their interesting optical properties have also attracted the attention of many research groups. In this work, we study the influence of the metallic underlayer on the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect of the MFON structure. Two sets of MFON on silicon and mirror substrates were prepared for SERS measurement with rhodamine 6G. Experimental results show that the mirror layer boosts the SERS signal by two to five times. Finite difference time domain simulation was performed to gain insights into this improvement. Numerical results show that metallic underlayer helps to increase the concentration of the electric field at the hot spots. Moreover, it reflects the Raman signal via the extraordinary optical transmission channel of the MFON structure, improving the back-scattered Raman signal collection efficiency. Both of these effects can contribute to the increase of the SERS signal in agreement with the experimental results. More importantly, it provides an additional tool to tailor the optical properties of MFON metasurfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the expectations for more consistent and higher density thickened and paste tailings in the minerals industry increase, so do the demands on flocculation performance within gravity thickeners. Low solids feed suspensions are delivered at a high velocity to center feedwells, which not only serve to dissipate the feed's momentum and evenly distribute the solids, but are also the primary means by which polymer flocculant solutions are distributed across the fine particle to form fast settling (but fragile) aggregates. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool for optimizing the design and performance of unit operations used to achieve particle aggregation and sedimentation. Early CFD feedwell modeling gave predictions on the solids and fluid flows, which were useful for identifying discharge asymmetry and short-circuiting currents, but did not give major insights into aggregation states. Incorporating a population balance (PB) model of aggregate growth and breakage made it possible to capture the critical impacts of shear, residence time and solids concentration that characterize polymer-bridging flocculation, in particular the potential for prolonged higher shear conditions to give excessive breakage. This created a unique capability for understanding the complex balance between the hydrodynamic and physical chemistry requirements for flocculation, enabling systematic CFD studies of different design and operation elements. Some of the main conclusions on feedwell design optimization are outlined. Potential future applications of CFD outputs in feed-forward thickener control are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second-order sufficient conditions for local optimality have been playing an important role in local convergence analysis of optimization algorithms. In this paper, we demonstrate that this condition alone suffices to justify the linear convergence of the primal-dual sequence, generated by the augmented Lagrangian method for piecewise linear-quadratic composite optimization problems, even when the Lagrange multiplier in this class of problems is not unique. Furthermore, we establish the equivalence between the second-order sufficient condition and the quadratic growth condition of the augmented Lagrangian problem for this class of composite optimization problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection and removal of poor-quality data in a training set is crucial to achieve high-performing AI models. In healthcare, data can be inherently poor-quality due to uncertainty or subjectivity, but as is often the case, the requirement for data privacy restricts AI practitioners from accessing raw training data, meaning manual visual verification of private patient data is not possible. Here we describe a novel method for automated identification of poor-quality data, called Untrainable Data Cleansing. This method is shown to have numerous benefits including protection of private patient data; improvement in AI generalizability; reduction in time, cost, and data needed for training; all while offering a truer reporting of AI performance itself. Additionally, results show that Untrainable Data Cleansing could be useful as a triage tool to identify difficult clinical cases that may warrant in-depth evaluation or additional testing to support a diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical transport properties of a 100-nm-width (La,Pr,Ca)MnO3 nanowire sample were investigated using terahertz (THz) time domain spectroscopy. When the electric field of incident THz pulses was parallel to the nanowires, we obtained their intrinsic THz conductivity. The temperature-dependent dc conductivity and metallic fraction were simultaneously estimated by analyzing the THz conductivity using a metal-insulator composite model. The evaluated dc conductivity closely reproduced that measured by electrical probe measurement. The metallic fraction showed the evolution of electric domains from the metallic state at temperatures below 100K to the insulating state at temperatures above 150K through a coexistence region, which was in consistence with the phase-separated scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with synchronous metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinomas often present associated locoregional symptoms and a risk of life-threatening primary tumour progression. Few data have been published about the use of radiation therapy in the management of newly diagnosed metastatic disease associated with advanced locoregional disease. In this article, we aim to determine the role of radiation therapy of the primary tumour in the overall therapeutic strategy for these diseases. We further address radiation therapy modalities (technique, volumes, and fractionation) in such a context. We conducted a literature survey on locoregional radiotherapy for newly diagnosed metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Several retrospective studies have reported that locoregional radiotherapy is associated with improved overall survival of patients with synchronous metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. However, data about modalities such as timing of radiotherapy in the overall strategy, dose, fractionation and delineation volumes are scarce. Two schematic situations can be distinguished with respect to prognosis and treatment adaptations: polymetastatic/bulky or oligometastatic disease. In polymetastic/bulky disease associated with poor prognosis, standard-of-care is systemic therapy, but locoregional radiotherapy can be discussed either upfront, mainly for symptomatic palliation, or as consolidation after downsizing obtained by systemic therapy. As for oligometastatic disease, with the rise in use of efficacious and well-tolerated local ablative treatments of metastases, aggressive curative-intent locoregional radiotherapy can be considered with or without systemic therapy. Because locoregional disease is a major cause of disease failure in patients with synchronous metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, aggressive locoregional radiation therapy to the primary tumour may be discussed in the initial management of the disease where systemic therapy alone may not induce sufficient primary tumour reduction. With recent technological advances in radiotherapy, the delivery of radiotherapy is safe and feasible even in metastatic setting. Clinical trials assessing radiotherapy use for metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-range flocks are composed of hens that prefer to spend majority of their time in shed (”stayers”) and hens that prefer to spend majority of their time on the range (”rangers”). Both sub-populations differ significantly in egg production and the underlying mechanism for different performance is not known. Gastrointestinal transit time of digesta has been shown to affect nutrient digestion and absorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of range usage and body weight on the gastrointestinal passage rate of commercial free-range laying hens. Forty-two commercial Lohmann brown hens were classified as heavy (≤2.03 ± 0.3 kg) or light (≤1.75 ± 0.03 kg) hens and as rangers (accessed the range for > 79% of the available days) or stayers (accessed the range for < 9.39% of available days). Hens were orally inoculated using titanium dioxide (TiO2) marker. At 1, 2, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 36 h post inoculation (p.i.), various gastrointestinal organs were collected to determine the TiO2 content in each section; hens were also sampled for organ weight and digesta pH. Main effects of range usage and body weight and their interactions were compared. An interaction was observed between range usage and body weight at 1 h and 6 h p.i., where heavy stayers showed a significantly longer retention time of chyme in the stomach at 1 h p.i. compared to light stayers (P = 0.010). On contrary, 6 h p.i., light stayers had significantly more TiO2 in the crop compared to heavy stayers (P = 0.009). In conclusion, body weight and range use had a minor impact on digesta passage rate of hens subject to this research. It can therefore be assumed that this would not play a major role in influencing the egg performance of different flock sub-populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper conducts a second-order variational analysis for an important class of nonpolyhedral conic programs generated by the so-called second-order/Lorentz/ice-cream cone Q . From one hand, we prove that the indicator function of Q is always twice epi-differentiable and apply this result to characterizing the uniqueness of Lagrange multipliers together with an error bound estimate in the general second-order cone programming setting involving twice differentiable data. On the other hand, we precisely calculate the graphical derivative of the normal cone mapping to Q under the metric subregularity constraint qualification and then give an application of the latter result to a complete characterization of isolated calmness for perturbed variational systems associated with second-order cone programs. The obtained results seem to be the first in the literature in these directions for nonpolyhedral problems without imposing any nondegeneracy assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic properties of Co film in Pt/Co/α-Cr2O3/Pt/α-Al2O3 structure were investigated. Co layer thickness tCo dependence of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy density K reveals that the bulk magnetic anisotropy plays an important role in the system in addition to the interfacial anisotropy. Damping constant α monotonically increases with the decrease of tCo but not proportionally to 1/tCo. Both K and α increase with the increase of Pt layer thickness tPt from 3 nm to 5 nm and keeps almost constant in the tPt range between 5 nm to 20 nm. These results are of importance to understand the magnetization switching behavior driven by the magneto-electric (ME) effect as well as to design the spintronics device using the ME effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the effect of the capping layer on the thermal tolerance of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with free layer of MgO/CoFeB/spacer layer/CoFeB/MgO/capping layers (CoFeB, Ru, or Ta). We observe the largest perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy density for the free layer with CoFeB capping layer using Ta spacer after annealing at 400°C for 1 h. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) line analysis along film normal direction reveals the absorption of oxygen in MgO by Ta in the stack with Ta capping layer and Ru diffusion into CoFeB free layer in the stack with Ru capping layer, which could cause the reduction of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. We also evaluate annealing temperature dependence of magnetic properties for the MTJ stacks with different spacer layer. We again observe the largest perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy density for the MTJ stack using the CoFeB capping layer. The present study reveals that CoFeB capping layer is effective for achieving improved robustness against annealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of fracture despite having a higher areal bone mineral density. This meta-analysis showed that compared with controls, diabetic patients had a lower trabecular bone score (TBS) than non-diabetic individuals, suggesting that TBS can be a useful measurement for the assessment of fracture risk in diabetic patients. Introduction: The association between type 2 diabetes and trabecular bone score (TBS) has not been clear. The present study sought to answer the specific question of whether patients with type 2 diabetes have a lower TBS than those without diabetes. Methods: Using electronic and manual search, we identified 12 studies that had examined the association between type 2 diabetes and TBS between 2013 and 2019. These studies involved 35,546 women and 4962 men aged 30 years and older. We extracted the mean and standard deviation of TBS for patients with and without diabetes. The synthesis of effect sizes was done by the random effects meta-analysis model. Results: Patients with diabetes had significantly lower TBS than those without diabetes, with standardized mean difference being − 0.31 (95% CI, − 0.45 to − 0.16). The difference was greater in women (− 0.50; 95% CI, − 0.69 to − 0.32) than in men (− 0.04; 95% CI, − 0.17 to 0.10). Compared with normal individuals, those with prediabetes had significantly lower TBS (d = − 0.13; 95% CI, − 0.23 to − 0.04; P = 0.005). There was heterogeneity between the studies, with the index of inconsistency (I2) ranging from 92% (in women) to 69.5% (in men). Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes have a lower TBS than non-diabetic individuals, suggesting that TBS can be a useful measurement for the assessment of fracture risk in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the magnetic and electrical properties of double CoFeB–MgO interface magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with various W insertion layer thicknesses $t_{\mathrm {W}}$ annealed at 400 °C and evaluated $t_{\mathrm {W}}$ dependence of thermal stability factor $\Delta $ , intrinsic critical current $I_{\mathrm {C0}}$ and damping constant $\alpha $. It was found that spin-transfer torque efficiency ($\Delta /I_{\mathrm {C0}}$) values increased with decreasing $t_{\mathrm {W}}$ as compared with the same MTJ size $D$. $\alpha $ measured by ferromagnetic resonance increased with an increase in $t_{\mathrm {W}}$ , which is consistent with those calculated from $\Delta /I_{\mathrm {C0}}$. This result indicates that lower damping constant of MTJ with thin W insertion layer contributes to higher $\Delta /I_{\mathrm {C0}}$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroendocrine theories of brain development posit that androgens play a crucial role in sex‐specific cortical growth, although little is known about the differential effects of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on cortico‐limbic development and cognition during adolescence. In this context, the National Institutes of Health Study of Normal Brain Development, a longitudinal study of typically developing children and adolescents aged 4‐24 years (n=433), offers a unique opportunity to examine the developmental effects of androgens on cortico‐limbic maturation and cognition. Using data from this sample, our group found that higher testosterone levels were associated with left‐sided decreases in cortical thickness (CTh) in post‐pubertal boys, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, compared to right‐sided increases in CTh in somatosensory areas in pre‐pubertal girls. Prefrontal‐amygdala and prefrontal‐hippocampal structural covariance (considered to reflect structural connectivity) also varied according to testosterone levels, with the testosterone‐related brain phenotype predicting higher aggression levels and lower executive function, particularly in boys. By contrast, DHEA was associated with a pre‐pubertal increase in CTh of several regions involved in cognitive control in both boys and girls. Covariance within several cortico‐amygdalar structural networks also varied as a function of DHEA levels, with the DHEA‐related brain phenotype predicting improvements in visual attention in both boys and girls. DHEA‐related cortico‐hippocampal structural covariance, on the other hand, predicted higher scores on a test of working memory. Interestingly, there were significant interactions between testosterone and DHEA, such that DHEA tended to mitigate the anti‐proliferative effects of testosterone on brain structure. In sum, testosterone‐related effects on the developing brain may lead to detrimental effects on cortical functions (ie, higher aggression and lower executive function), whereas DHEA‐related effects may optimise cortical functions (ie, better attention and working memory), perhaps by decreasing the influence of amygdalar and hippocampal afferents on cortical functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Chlorogenic acid ( CGA) is a quinic acid conjugate of caffeic acid, and a phytochemical found in many fruits and beverages that acts as an antioxidant. The present study investigated the effects of CGA supplementation during in vitro maturation (IVM), on in vitro development of porcine oocytes, to improve the porcine in vitro production ( IVP) system. Oocytes were matured either without (control) or with CGA (10, 50, 100 and 200 μM). Subsequently, the matured oocytes were fertilized and cultured in vitro for 7 day. The rates of maturation, fertilization and blastocyst formation of oocytes matured with 50 μM CGA were significantly ( p < .05) higher than those of the control oocytes. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one of the reactive oxygen species and induces DNA damage in porcine oocytes. When oocytes were matured with 1 mM H2O2 to assess the protective effect of CGA, 50 μM CGA supplementation improved the maturation rate and the proportion of DNA-fragmented nuclei in oocytes compared with control oocytes matured without CGA. Moreover, when oocytes were matured with either 50 μM CGA (control) or caffeic acid (10, 50 and 100 μM), the rates of maturation, fertilization and the blastocyst formation of oocytes matured with 50 μM CGA were similar to those of oocytes matured with 10 and 50 μM caffeic acid. Our results suggest that CGA has comparable effects to caffeic acid, and IVM with 50 μM CGA is particularly beneficial to IVP of porcine embryos and protects oocytes from DNA damage induced by oxidative stress. Supplementation of CGA to the maturation medium has a potential to improve porcine IVP system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature-dependent conductivities at dc and terahertz (THz) frequency region (σTHz(ω,T)) were obtained for a strongly correlated (La0.275Pr0.35Ca0.375)MnO3 (LPCMO) film using THz time domain spectroscopy. A composite model that describes σTHz(ω,T) for LPCMO through the insulator-metal transition (IMT) was established by incorporating Austin-Mott model characterizing the hopping of localized electrons and Drude model explaining the behavior of free electrons. This model enables us to reliably investigate the dc transport dynamics from THz conductivity measurement, i.e., simultaneously evaluate the dc conductivity and the competing composition of metal and insulator phases through the IMT, reflecting the changes in microscopic conductivity of these phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents new ab initio relativistic calculations using the multiconfiguration Dirac– Hartree–Fock method of some OI and OIII transition lines detected in B-type and Wolf–Rayet stars. Our results are the first able to be presented in both the length and velocity gauges, with excellent gauge convergence. Compared to previous experimental and theoretical uncertainties of up to 50 per cent, our accuracies appear to be in the range of 0.33–5.60 per cent, with gauge convergence up to 0.6 per cent. Similar impressive convergence of the calculated energies is also shown. Two sets of theoretical computations are compared with earlier tabulated measurements. Excellent agreement is obtained with one set of transitions but an interesting and consistent discrepancy exists between the current work and the prior literature, deserving of future experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precisely size-controlled and crystalline (La0.275Pr0.35Ca0.375)MnO3 (LPCMO) nanobox array structures were fabricated down to 30 nm in wall-width by the three-dimensional nanotemplate pulsed laser deposition technique. The hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy in LPCMO nanobox array structures showed the existence of the satellite on the Mn 2p3/2 peak at 203 K with a higher intensity than that in the LPCMO film even at 153 K. This result indicated that the insulator-metal transition (IMT) in the nanobox array structures occurred at the higher IMT temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep soil mixing (DSM) to form in-ground shear walls has been used to remediate against the potential effects of earthquake-induced liquefaction on many projects. A grid pattern of soil-cement walls act as a confined shear box, which can provide additional shear stiffness and strength for sites to withstand liquefaction. Current design practice for DSM grids commonly relies on the strain compatibility assumption, where the DSM walls and confined soil are assumed to experience the same shear strain. In this paper, the distributions of shear stresses and strains in liquefiable soil deposits treated with DSM grids are investigated using three-dimensional linear elastic finite-element analyses of unit cells. Parametric analyses are performed for a range of geometries, relative stiffness ratios, and dynamic loadings. These linear elastic results provide a baseline against which future nonlinear modeling results can be compared, but they are also sufficient for demonstrating that shear stress reductions are less than predicted by the assumption of shear strain compatibility. Modifications to the shear strain compatibility equation are presented, which improve its agreement with the results of these analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully revealed genetic risk variants for schizophrenia (SCZ). However, the vast majority of GWAS largely comprise European samples. As a result, the derived polygenic risk scores (PRS) show decreased predictive power when applied to non-European populations. Objectives: A long-term scientific cooperation between the Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Hanoi Medical University aims to address this limitation by recruiting a large genetic cohort of comprehensively phenotyped schizophrenia patients and controls in Vietnam. Methods: A pilot study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry of the Medical University Hanoi in 2017. Data collection encompassed i) genome-wideSNPgenotyping of 200 schizophrenia patients and 200 control subjects ii) structured interviews to assess symptom severity (PANSS), iii) clinical parameters (e.g. duration of illness, medication) and demography. Results: SCZ-PRS of the pilot sample (N=400) were generated using different training data sets: i) European, ii) East-Asian and iii) mixed GWAS summary statistics from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium's latest discovery sample. Most variance explained was observed using a mixed discovery sample (R2liability=0.053, p=3.11*10-8, Pd <0.5), followed by PRS based on the East-Asian summary statistics (R2liability=0.0503, p=6.78*10-8, Pd <1) and the European sample (R²liability=0.0363, p = 4.26*10-6, Pd <0.01.). Conclusions: With this pilot project we established an efficient recruitment, genotyping and data analysis pipeline. Our results corroborate previous findings indicating that transferability of PRS across populations depends on the ancestral composition of the initial discovery dataset. We therefore aim to expand data collection efforts in the future in order to improve risk prediction across diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 557.7 nm green line and the 297.2 nm ultraviolet line in oxygen have been studied extensively due to their importance in astrophysics and atmospheric science. Despite the enormous effort devoted to these two prominent transition lines over 30 years, and in fact going back to 1934, the ratio of their transition probabilities remains a subject of major discrepancies amongst various theoretical calculations for many decades. Moreover, theoretical results are inconsistent with available laboratory results, as well as recent spacecraft measurements of Earth's airglow. This work presents new relativistic theoretical calculations of the transition probabilities of these two photoemission lines from neutral oxygen using the multi-configuration Dirac–Hartree–Fock method. Our calculations were performed in both length and velocity gauges in order to check for accuracy and consistency, with agreement to 8%. Whilst remaining a challenging computation, these results directly bear upon interpretations of plasma processes and ionization regimes in the universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:We tested the potential role of abdominal visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissues, waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) as prognostic factors in patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer (clinical stage T1b-2b, and Gleason Score (GS)=7 and prostate-specific antigen PSA level <15 ng ml−1, or GS 6 and PSA between 10 and 20 ng ml−1) treated with ultrasound-based image-guided radiotherapy.Methods:VAT, SAT and WC (measured from planning abdominal computed tomography) and BMI were compared with clinical and pathologic factors using univariate analyses. Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate whether obesity indices significantly predicted biochemical disease free-survival (bDFS).Results:Of the 112 eligible patients, 30 (27%) were obese. Median BMI at baseline was 27.5 kg m−2 (range, 19.2-51.5 kg m−2). Greater abdominal adiposity, WC and BMI were significantly associated with younger age at diagnosis and increased prostate volume (P=0.003 and P=0.002, respectively). No significant correlation between obesity measures and T-stage, GS, PSA or percentage of positive cores at biopsy was found. On Cox regression analyses, none of the obesity measures predicted for bDFS. No association was observed between obesity indices and surrogate markers of biochemical failure as PSA nadir (nPSA) or time to nPSA.Conclusions:Abdominal adiposity, WC and BMI are associated with younger age at diagnosis and greater prostate volume but not with an increased risk of biochemical failure in patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androgens can protect neurones from injury, although androgen neuroprotection is not well characterised in terms of either specificity or mechanism. In the present study, we compared the ability of androgens to protect neurones against a panel of insults, empirically determined to induce cell death by apoptotic or non-apoptotic mechanisms. Three criteria defining but not inclusive of apoptosis are: protection by caspase inhibition, protection by protein synthesis inhibition and the presence of pyknotic nuclei. According to these criteria, β-amyloid, staurosporine, and Apoptosis Activator II induced cell death involving apoptosis, whereas hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), iron, calcium ionophore and 3-nitropropionic acid induced cell death featuring non-apoptotic characteristics. Pretreatment of hippocampal neurones with testosterone or dihydrotestosterone attenuated cell death induced by β-amyloid, staurosporine and Apoptosis Activator II, but none of the other insults. The anti-oxidant Trolox did not reduce cell death induced by β-amyloid, staurosporine and Apoptosis Activator II, but did protect against H2O2 and iron. Similarly, a supra-physiological concentration of oestrogen reduced cell death induced by H2O2 and iron, an effect not observed with androgens. We also show that activation of oestrogen pathways was not necessary for androgen neuroprotection. These data suggest that androgens directly activate a neuroprotective mechanism specific to inhibition of cell death involving apoptosis. Determining the specificity of androgen neuroprotection may enable the development of androgen compounds for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four hundred and six soil samples collected from five schoolyards in Mai Trung Commune, Bac Giang Province, Northern Vietnam, from 2005 to 2007 were examined for helminth eggs using a sucrose centrifugal flotation method. The soils around latrines was found to be heavily contaminated with Ascaris sp. eggs. The contamination rate of Ascaris sp. eggs at each school and prevalence of ascariasis among the school children showed a positive correlation (P<0.05). This indicated that examination of soil from the area around latrines for Ascaris sp. eggs is a useful method to estimate the prevalence of ascariasis among school children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the identification of a new form of autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia.

Dietary calcium deficiency may increase fracture risk. In girls, 29.4% of fracture cases and 11.8% of controls without fracture had a history of milk-free diet. The odds ratio (OR) for fracture with a milk-free diet in girls was 4.6, p < 0.01. In boys, 23% of cases and 19% of controls had a history of a milk-free diet; OR = 1.3, NS). A milk-free diet due to cow’s milk allergy is associated with increased fracture risk in girls. An intake of calcium below the reference daily intake (RDI) of 800–1200 mg/day during growth is thought to increase fracture risk even though convincing evidence for this view is scarce. The paucity of evidence may be partly due to many trial participants being calcium replete. Children and adolescents with cow’s milk allergy (CMA) avoid milk and have a calcium intake below the RDI. The aim of this study was to examine the association between consumption of a milk-free diet and fracture risk. In this case-control study conducted in Poland, 57 boys and 34 girls aged 2.5–20 years with fractures (cases) were randomly matched by age and sex with 171 boys and 102 girls without fractures (controls). Weight and height were examined using standard methods. Bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Conditional logistic regression and Bayesian analyses were used to determine the proportion of the fracture risk attributable to a milk-free diet. In girls, 29.4% of cases and 11.8% of controls had a history of milk-free diet producing an odds ratio (OR) for fracture associated with a milk-free diet of 4.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–15.5, p < 0.01). In boys, 23% of cases and 19% of controls had a history of a milk-free diet; OR = 1.3 (95% CI: 0.6–2.7, NS). If the prevalence of CMA in the population is 5%, only 6.7% of the fractures occurring are attributable to CMA and the associated nutritional deficit. Cow’s milk allergy is associated with increased fracture risk in girls. Whether this association is due to the illness, calcium deficit or a deficit in other milk nutrients is uncertain. These data suggest that the contribution of milk-free diet to fracture liability among children and adolescents is modest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST) as the simplest and most widely studied score among the clinical indices for predicting osteoporosis. However, the clinical usefulness of this score in different populations has not been systematically studied. Several factors contribute to the relatively poor performance of OST, including the prevalence of osteoporosis in the populations under review and the relationships between age, weight and BMD.

High resolution S1?S0 fluorescence excitation spectra of tryptamine have been observed in the collision-free environment of a supersonic molecular beam. Each origin band has been assigned to a unique conformer of the isolated molecule based on its observed rotational constants. For the first time, subbands have been detected in the rotationally resolved spectra of bands Cblue and D. A possible hindered motion is proposed to account for the appearance of these subbands. This motion connects the minima associated with the Antipy and Antiph conformers, and thus explores new regions of the energy landscape of this important biomolecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safer and more effective human rotavirus (HRV) vaccines are needed. We evaluated oral priming with attenuated WaHRV (AttHRV) followed by boosting with two intranasal (IN) doses of VP2/6 virus-like particles (2/6 VLP) with immunostimulating complexes (ISCOM) to determine if this regimen induces protection against diarrhoea and viral shedding in the gnotobiotic pig model. IgM, IgA and IgG antibody titres in serum and intestinal contents were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serum neutralizing antibody titres were measured by a virus neutralization (VN) test. Seven groups of neonatal gnotobiotic pigs were vaccinated at post-inoculation days (PID) 0, 10 and 21 and challenged with virulent WaHRV at PID 28. The vaccine groups included: (1, 2) oral priming with AttHRV and boosting with two IN immunizations with 2/6 VLP–ISCOM (Att + 2/6 VLP–ISCOM) at VLP concentrations of 250 µg or 25 µg; (3, 4) three IN immunizations with 2/6 VLP–ISCOM at VLP concentrations of 250 µg or 25 µg (2/6 VLP–ISCOM); (5) three oral immunizations with AttHRV (3×AttHRV); (6) one oral immunization with AttHRV (1×AttHRV); (7) controls (ISCOM matrix and/or diluent). The pigs that received 3×AttHRV or Att + 2/6 VLP250–ISCOM had the highest protection rates against diarrhoea upon challenge at PID 28 with virulent WaHRV. The IgA antibody titres to HRV in intestinal contents were significantly higher in the Att + 2/6 VLP250–ISCOM group than in all other groups prechallenge (PID 28). Serum VN antibody titres were statistically similar after the first inoculation among the groups given AttHRV, but at PID 28 VN antibody titres were significantly higher for the 3×AttHRV and Att + 2/6 VLP250–ISCOM groups than for the 1×AttHRV group suggesting that boosting with 2/6 VLP also boosted VN antibody responses. In humans, intestinal IgA antibodies have been correlated with protection against symptomatic reinfection. Thus the vaccine regimen of one oral dose of AttHRV and two IN immunizations with 2/6 VLP250–ISCOM may be an alternative to multiple-dose live oral vaccines in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The G arvan Fracture Risk Calculator predicts risk of osteoporotic fractures. We evaluated its predictive performance in 16,682 women and 2839 men from Manitoba, Canada, and found significant risk stratification, with a strong gradient across scores. The tool outperformed clinical risk factors and bone mineral density for fracture risk stratification. Introduction: The optimal model for fracture risk estimation to guide treatment decision-making remains controversial. Our objective was to evaluate the predictive performance of the Garvan Fracture Risk Calculator (FRC) in a large clinical registry from Manitoba, Canada. Methods: Using the population-based Manitoba Bone Mineral Density (BMD) registry, we identified women and men aged 50–95 years undergoing baseline BMD assessment from September 1, 2012, onwards. Five-year Garvan FRC predictions were generated from clinical risk factors (CRFs) with and without femoral neck BMD. We identified incident non-traumatic osteoporotic fractures (OFs) and hip fractures (HFs) from population-based healthcare data sources to March 31, 2018. Fracture risk was assessed from area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Cox regression analysis and calibration ratios (5-year observed/predicted) were assessed for risk quintiles. All analyses were sex stratified. Results: We included 16,682 women (mean age 66.6 + / − SD 8.7 years) and 2839 men (mean age 68.7 + / − SD 10.2 years). During a mean observation time of 2.6 years, incident OFs were identified in 681 women and 140 men and HFs in 199 women and 22 men. AUROC showed significant fracture risk stratification with the Garvan FRC. Tool predictions without BMD were better than from age or decreasing weight, and the tool with BMD performed better than BMD alone. Garvan FRC with BMD performed better than without BMD, especially for HF prediction (AUROC 0.86 in women, 0.82 in men). There was a strong gradient of increasing risk across Garvan FRC quintiles (highest versus lowest, hazard ratios women 5.75 and men 3.43 for any OF; women 101.6 for HF). Calibration differences were noted, with both over- and underestimation in risk. Conclusions: Garvan FRC outperformed CRFs and BMD alone for fracture risk stratification, particularly for HF, but may require recalibration for accurate predictions in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of surface modification treatment (SMT) on the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and the thermal tolerance of top-pinned magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with a Co/Pt synthetic ferrimagnetic coupling reference layer. Applying an SMT to the bottom Pt layer increased the PMA of the overlying Co/Pt multilayer. X-ray diffraction spectrum analysis revealed that the SMT resulted in a higher crystallinity and smaller lattice spacing in the Co/Pt multilayer in the thinner bottom Pt layer, which may have increased the PMA in the Co/Pt multilayer. The tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio of the MTJ with SMT increased as the annealing temperature was increased up to 400 °C; conversely, the TMR ratio of the MTJ without SMT decreased at an annealing temperature of 400 °C. Evaluation of the m-H loops revealed that, after annealing at 400 °C, the reference layers in the MTJs after SMT possessed better magnetic properties than those in the MTJs without an SMT; this is attributable to the higher PMA of the reference layers with SMT. EDX line analysis revealed that SMT suppressed Pt diffusion to the MgO barrier, resulting in a higher thermal tolerance and larger PMA of the reference layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In Australia and many other countries, free-range eggs can be sold at significantly higher prices than cage eggs. Mislabelling cage eggs as free-range eggs and vice versa has been documented, and has a significant impact on consumer trust and egg consumption. The development of methods to identify eggs produced from different production systems is necessary to satisfy consumer demand. Aims: The objective of this study was to determine whether eggshell mineral composition could be used as a way to differentiate eggs originating from each production system. Our hypothesis was that birds with access to soil would have higher levels of trace minerals in shells. Methods: Eggs were randomly collected from six commercial caged and six commercial free-range flocks in Australia. Twelve eggshell samples from each flock were analysed for mineral composition (Ca, P, Mg, Na, Al, B, Cu, Mn, Fe, K, S and Zn) by using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Key results: The results showed that free-range eggshells contained significantly higher contents of macro-minerals (P, Mg and Na) but lower contents of micro-minerals (Cu, Fe, K, S and Mn) than the cage eggshells (P < 0.05). For all minerals measured, a high variability was noted within and between production systems. Conclusions: Analysis of eggshell mineral composition may not be effective for determining the origin of eggs. Implications: Systematic studies of the bird's environment, including analysis of mineral composition in diets, pastures, soil and drinking water are required for comprehensive evaluation of the influences of production systems of laying hens on mineral composition of eggs and eggshells. Mislabelling of cage eggs as free-range eggs and vice versa has been documented, and has a significant impact on consumer trust and egg consumption. The objective of this study was to determine whether eggshell mineral composition could be used as a way to differentiate eggs originating from each production system. The findings showed a high variability in eggshell mineral composition within and between production systems; thus, analysis of eggshell mineral composition may not be an effective means of differentiating the origin of eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: This study was conducted to determine suitable conditions for an experimental method in which the CRISPR/Cas9 system is introduced into in vitro‐produced porcine zygotes by electroporation. In the first experiment, when putative zygotes derived from in vitro fertilization (IVF) were electroporated by either unipolar or bipolar pulses, keeping the voltage, pulse duration and pulse number fixed at 30 V/mm, 1 msec and five repeats, respectively, the rate of blastocyst formation from zygotes electroporated by bipolar pulses decreased compared to zygotes electroporated by unipolar pulses. In the second experiment, the putative zygotes were electroporated by electroporation voltages ranging from 20 V/mm–40 V/mm with five 1‐msec unipolar pulses. The rate of cleavage and blastocyst formation of zygotes electroporated at 40 V/mm was significantly lower (p < .05) than that of zygotes electroporated at less than 30 V/mm. Moreover, the apoptotic nuclei indices of blastocysts derived from zygotes electroporated by voltages greater than 30 V/mm significantly increased compared with those from zygotes electroporated by voltages less than 25 V/mm (p < .05). When zygotes were electroporated with Cas9 mRNA and single‐guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting site in the FGF10 exon 3, the proportions of blastocysts with targeted genomic sequences were 7.7% (2/26) and 3.6% (1/28) in the embryos derived from zygotes electroporated at 25 V/mm and 30 V/mm, respectively. Our results indicate that electroporation at 25 V/mm may be an acceptable condition for introducing Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA into pig IVF zygotes under which the viability of the embryos is not significantly affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined ionoregulatory characteristics of two species of characiform fish and two species of cichlids that are not native to the Rio Negro, an extremely ion-poor, acidic tributary of the Amazon River, in order to gain insight into the origin of the specializations possessed by Rio Negro fish. The two characiform species examined, Congo tetras (Phenacogrammus interruptus) and black neon tetras (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi), had high-affinity/high-capacity transporters that produce high rates of uptake in dilute water. Na+ uptake for both was pH insensitive (down to pH 3.5). Exposure to 100 μmol L−1 phenamil had no effect on Na+ uptake in either species, while exposure to 1 mmol L−1 NH4Cl− (high external ammonia [HEA]) slightly stimulated Na+ uptake in Congo tetras. Exposure to “Na+-free” water significantly inhibited Na+ uptake (by 65%–85%) but had no effect on net ammonia flux. The two cichlid species examined, convict cichlids (Amatitlania siquia) and red point cichlids (Archocentrus sp.), had high-affinity but low-capacity transporters that yield low rates of uptake in dilute media. Sodium transport was pH sensitive and completely inhibited at pH 3.5. Phenamil exposure inhibited Na+ uptake by 60% in convict cichlids but had no effect on red point cichlids, and exposure to HEA reduced Na+ uptake in both species by 70%–85%. Exposure to “Na+-free” water reduced Na+ uptake by 80%–85%, and in convict cichlids it also reduced net ammonia flux by about 50%. The ionoregulatory characteristics described for both groups are strikingly similar to those for Rio Negro species, and we suggest that they may be ancestral physiological traits for these two groups. Further, if this is the case, it seems likely that these traits existed before the Rio Negro and may explain the great success of these species-rich groups in colonizing the river despite its challenging chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The effect of calcium supplementation on bone loss in 32 controlled trials in postmenopausal women," by Nordin that was published in the 2009 issue.

The article presents information about several errors in papers that appear in the September 2005 issue of the journal "Molecular Physics." In a paper p-methoxyphenethylamine appeared as p-methoxyphenethylamineu. In another paper, a name A.B. Myers was mentioned as A.B. Myels.

We investigated the effects of sputtering conditions for the deposition of an Iridium (Ir) layer in a [Co/Pt]m/Co/Ir/[Co/Pt]n/Co/W/CoFeB synthetic antiferromagnetic reference layer (Ir-SyF) on the magnetic properties and tunnel magnetoresistance ratio (TMR ratio) of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) stacks annealed at 400 °C for 1 h. The exchange coupling field ($H_{\mathrm {ex}}$) of Ir-SyF was improved by reducing the energy of Ir recoil ions and two times larger than that with Ru-SyF. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry line analysis revealed greater interlayer diffusion in Ir when Ir was sputtered by using a conditions with large recoiled energy. This could cause the deterioration of the $H_{\mathrm {ex}}$ of the Ir-SyF. Despite the larger $H_{\mathrm {ex}}$ , the TMR ratio of the MTJ with Ir-SyF is smaller than that with Ru-SyF. The $m$ – $H$ curve of MTJ with Ru-SyF showed a large plateau region around zero magnetic field, whereas that with Ir-SyF did not. These results indicated the degradation of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in the top part of the Co/Pt multilayer with CoFeB reference layer and a large biquadratic coupling effect in the thin Ir layer. This causes the deterioration of the TMR ratio of the MTJ with Ir-SyF. TEM image of the Co/Pt layer in the MTJ with Ir shows some lattice defects. The EDX line analysis revealed that a large amount of Pt in the top Co/Pt layer diffused toward CoFeB reference layer in the Ir-SyF, resulting in the degradation of PMA. The structural analysis by X-ray diffraction showed the lattice spacing of CoPt (111) in Ir-SyF to be larger than that in Ru-SyF, indicating the occurrence of strain relaxation at the Co/Pt interface. These crystallographic changes in Ir-SyF might be related to a larger Pt diffusion. Suppression of Pt diffusion as well as low damage Ir deposition in the reference layer is crucial to utilize Ir-SyF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Can an artificial intelligence (AI) model predict human embryo ploidy status using static images captured by optical light microscopy?Summary Answer: Results demonstrated predictive accuracy for embryo euploidy and showed a significant correlation between AI score and euploidy rate, based on assessment of images of blastocysts at Day 5 after IVF.What Is Known Already: Euploid embryos displaying the normal human chromosomal complement of 46 chromosomes are preferentially selected for transfer over aneuploid embryos (abnormal complement), as they are associated with improved clinical outcomes. Currently, evaluation of embryo genetic status is most commonly performed by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), which involves embryo biopsy and genetic testing. The potential for embryo damage during biopsy, and the non-uniform nature of aneuploid cells in mosaic embryos, has prompted investigation of additional, non-invasive, whole embryo methods for evaluation of embryo genetic status.Study Design, Size, Duration: A total of 15 192 blastocyst-stage embryo images with associated clinical outcomes were provided by 10 different IVF clinics in the USA, India, Spain and Malaysia. The majority of data were retrospective, with two additional prospectively collected blind datasets provided by IVF clinics using the genetics AI model in clinical practice. Of these images, a total of 5050 images of embryos on Day 5 of in vitro culture were used for the development of the AI model. These Day 5 images were provided for 2438 consecutively treated women who had undergone IVF procedures in the USA between 2011 and 2020. The remaining images were used for evaluation of performance in different settings, or otherwise excluded for not matching the inclusion criteria.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: The genetics AI model was trained using static 2-dimensional optical light microscope images of Day 5 blastocysts with linked genetic metadata obtained from PGT-A. The endpoint was ploidy status (euploid or aneuploid) based on PGT-A results. Predictive accuracy was determined by evaluating sensitivity (correct prediction of euploid), specificity (correct prediction of aneuploid) and overall accuracy. The Matthew correlation coefficient and receiver-operating characteristic curves and precision-recall curves (including AUC values), were also determined. Performance was also evaluated using correlation analyses and simulated cohort studies to evaluate ranking ability for euploid enrichment.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: Overall accuracy for the prediction of euploidy on a blind test dataset was 65.3%, with a sensitivity of 74.6%. When the blind test dataset was cleansed of poor quality and mislabeled images, overall accuracy increased to 77.4%. This performance may be relevant to clinical situations where confounding factors, such as variability in PGT-A testing, have been accounted for. There was a significant positive correlation between AI score and the proportion of euploid embryos, with very high scoring embryos (9.0-10.0) twice as likely to be euploid than the lowest-scoring embryos (0.0-2.4). When using the genetics AI model to rank embryos in a cohort, the probability of the top-ranked embryo being euploid was 82.4%, which was 26.4% more effective than using random ranking, and ∼13-19% more effective than using the Gardner score. The probability increased to 97.0% when considering the likelihood of one of the top two ranked embryos being euploid, and the probability of both top two ranked embryos being euploid was 66.4%. Additional analyses showed that the AI model generalized well to different patient demographics and could also be used for the evaluation of Day 6 embryos and for images taken using multiple time-lapse systems. Results suggested that the AI model could potentially be used to differentiate mosaic embryos based on the level of mosaicism.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: While the current investigation was performed using both retrospectively and prospectively collected data, it will be important to continue to evaluate real-world use of the genetics AI model. The endpoint described was euploidy based on the clinical outcome of PGT-A results only, so predictive accuracy for genetic status in utero or at birth was not evaluated. Rebiopsy studies of embryos using a range of PGT-A methods indicated a degree of variability in PGT-A results, which must be considered when interpreting the performance of the AI model.Wider Implications Of the Findings: These findings collectively support the use of this genetics AI model for the evaluation of embryo ploidy status in a clinical setting. Results can be used to aid in prioritizing and enriching for embryos that are likely to be euploid for multiple clinical purposes, including selection for transfer in the absence of alternative genetic testing methods, selection for cryopreservation for future use or selection for further confirmatory PGT-A testing, as required.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): Life Whisperer Diagnostics is a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent company, Presagen Holdings Pty Ltd. Funding for the study was provided by Presagen with grant funding received from the South Australian Government: Research, Commercialisation, and Startup Fund (RCSF). 'In kind' support and embryology expertise to guide algorithm development were provided by Ovation Fertility. 'In kind' support in terms of computational resources provided through the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Activate Program. J.M.M.H., D.P. and M.P. are co-owners of Life Whisperer and Presagen. S.M.D., M.A.D. and T.V.N. are employees or former employees of Life Whisperer. S.M.D, J.M.M.H, M.A.D, T.V.N., D.P. and M.P. are listed as inventors of patents relating to this work, and also have stock options in the parent company Presagen. M.V. sits on the advisory board for the global distributor of the technology described in this study and also received support for attending meetings.Trial Registration Number: N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We restore the genus Paraunisaccoides (Haploporidae), synonymised earlier with the genus Skrjabinolecithum. Adult worms, detected in Vietnamese mullet fish, were highly similar to trematodes described as P. lobolecithum via digestive and genital system structures and relative organ arrangement. Differences are expressed as absence and presence of pads on the hermaphrodite duct, respectively, and the disjunction of some metric parameter values, namely body, ovary and eggs. Ribosomal DNA sequences, based on the phylogenetic analysis of Haploporidae, indicates that new worms represent a sister clade to Unisaccus tonkini. Genetic divergence between new worms and Skrjabinolecithum species can be interpreted as intergeneric. Based on morphological and molecular data, we recognise Paraunisaccoides as a valid genus within Waretrematinae and worms from Vietnam as a new species of this genus, P. elegans n. sp. Other worms detected in Vietnamese mugilids are morphologically similar to representatives of Paraunisaccoides и Skrjabinolecithum. However, molecular-based phylogenetic analysis showed that these trematodes are closely related to Unisaccus tonkini; the genetic divergence between them is at the interspecific level, despite considerable differences in vitellarium structure as intergeneric character. Accepting the priority of molecular results, we include these new worms into the genus Unisaccus as new species, Unisaccus halongi n. sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effect of magnetic coupling (the energy constant of unit area $J_{\text {cpl}}$) between CoFeB free layers on thermal stability factor $\Delta $ in magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with CoFeB/MgO double interfacial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (IPMA). We newly introduced $J_{\text {cpl}}$ in models for calculations, which were based on magnetic domain propagation model when MTJ diameter $d$ is larger than critical diameter $d_{\text {c}}$ and magnetization coherent rotation model when $d \le d_{\text {c}}$. With increasing $J_{\text {cpl}}$ , $\Delta $ increases and saturates when $J_{\text {cpl}}$ is over a critical value $J_{\mathrm {cpl\_{}c}}$. Magnetostatic coupling constants ($J_{\text {stat}}$) between the free layers were also calculated. $J_{\text {stat}}$ is much smaller than $J_{\mathrm {cpl\_{}c}}$ and cannot maximize $\Delta $ by itself, so an interlayer exchange coupling (the critical energy constant of unit area $J_{\mathrm {ex\_{}c}}$) is required to cover the difference between $J_{\mathrm {cpl\_{}c}}$ and $J_{\text {stat}}$. $J_{\mathrm {ex\_{}c}}$ also rapidly increases with the decrease in $d$ and reaches a plateau of 0.15 mJ/m2 in $d \le 30$ nm. MTJ devices with the smallest $J_{\text {ex}}\,\,(=0.01 \text {mJ/m}^{2}$) and a moderate PMA (constant per unit area $K_{\text {eff}} t^{\ast }$) were made and $\Delta s$ were evaluated by experiments. The experimental $\Delta s$ were fitted by the calculations with adjusting stiffness constants $A_{s}$. The calculated $\Delta s$ and the experimental $\Delta s$ were in good agreement when $A_{s}$ had a smaller value than that of the blanket film. Since the experimentally used $J_{\text {ex}}$ value was almost 0, $\Delta $ values were estimated when $J_{\text {ex}}$ was a greater value of 0.15 mJ/m2. As a result, 30% enhancement of $\Delta $ was obtained at the smallest $d = 20$ nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with four synthetic anti-ferromagnetically coupled Co/Pt layers (quad-SyF) and investigated their magnetic and transport properties. The quad-SyF comprised four Co/Pt layers and three 0.9 nm-thick Ru coupling layers, which consisted of Co/[Co/Pt] ${}_{a}$ /Ru/Co/[Co/Pt] ${}_{b}$ /Ru/Co/[Co/Pt] ${}_{c}$ /Ru/Co/[Co/Pt] ${}_{d}$ from top to bottom. The exchange coupling field ($H_{\mathrm {ex}}$) reached a maximum of 1 T when the values of $a$ , $b$ , $c$ , and $d$ were 1, 2, 2, and 1, respectively. The tunnel magnetoresistance ratio of the MTJ with the quad-SyF and the second-peak conventional double-SyF increased as the annealing temperature was increased up to 400 °C, whereas that of the MTJ with the first-peak conventional double-SyF degraded at temperatures of more than 350 °C in blanket films. A 55 nm diameter MTJ with quad-SyF was found to be stable even against an external magnetic field up to 300 mT. On the contrary, in the conventional double-SyF, the reference-layer (RL) magnetization direction flips at around 250 mT. The shift magnetic field of the MTJ with quad-SyF becomes approximately zero when the values of $a$ , $b$ , $c$ , and $d$ are 1, 4, 1, and 2, respectively. No back-hopping of the MTJ with quad-SyF was observed even for the write pulsewidth ($t_{W}$) down to 10 ns. On the contrary, an MTJ with conventional double-SyF exhibited back-hopping. In the patterned MTJ with conventional double-SyF, as the MTJ size decreases, the coercive field of Co/Pt significantly increases and $H_{\mathrm {ex}}$ decreases, causing the $m$ – $H$ curve of the RL to cross the zero magnetic field. This enables both parallel and antiparallel configurations for the top and bottom Co/Pt layers in double-SyF at the zero magnetic field, which could induce back-hopping. However, the $m$ – $H$ curves of the RL in the patterned MTJ with quad-SyF are far from the zero magnetic field owing to the high $H_{\mathrm {ex}}$ and low $H_{c}$ , which could lead to the suppression of back-hopping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]