Search

Abstract This study is the first one that investigates in detail the bacterial intercellular response to the high density of crystallographic defects including vacancies created in Cu by high pressure torsion. To this aim, samples were deformed by high pressure torsion and afterward, their antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus were analyzed in adhesion tests. As a reference an annealed sample was applied. To avoid the influence of surface roughness, specially elaborated conditions for surface preparation were employed, which do not introduce defects and assure comparable surface roughness. The analysis of the chemical composition and thickness of passive layers by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that they were comparable for nanostructured and micrograined samples, consisting of Cu2O and CuO, and a thickness of 6 nm. The interface bacterium-substrate was prepared by a focused ion beam and further analyzed by scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. High pressure torsion processed Cu shows enhanced anti-adhesion properties while in contact with S. aureus than micrograined Cu. There is a linear correlation between luminous intensity and grain size−0.5. The bacterial intercellular defence mechanism includes the creation of Cu2O nanoparticles and the increased concentration of sulphur-rich compounds near these nanoparticles.

Abstract Economic activities in the South Brazilian Shelf (SBS) are concentrated on the coast, causing several impacts. To balance biodiversity and habitat conservation in coastal and marine areas with human activities relevant to society, it is important to identify and understand those sectors and pressures. We conducted an analysis to assess ecosystem risks from multiple drivers and pressures in the continental shelf that extends from the Southernmost point of Brazil (Chuí) to Cabo Frio cape, in Rio de Janeiro State. We used the Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) methodology, a framework for implementing ecosystem-based management grounded on five steps: scoping, indicator development, ecosystem assessment, risk analysis, and management strategy evaluation. This work presents the scoping step consisting of a semi-quantitative assessment identifying sector–pressure–ecological component pressure pathways. Subsequently, these pathways were scored using expert judgment supported by literature and data, regarding their level of overlap with each ecosystem component, frequency of occurrence, and degree of impact, enabling estimation of the magnitude of impact risk arising from each one of the sectors and pressures. The assessment involved 20 experts from multiple disciplines and backgrounds. To validate the results, we conducted a thorough literature review and engaged in further discussions with relevant stakeholders. As a result, 16 sectors and 19 pressures were identified as impacting 18 ecological components. Fishing, land-based industry, tourism and recreation, wastewater, and coastal infrastructure represented the main economic sectors impacting the area. The major associated pressures were the incidental catch of species, the introduction of contaminants and organic matter into the water, and the generation of waste. The most affected ecosystem components were, in turn, those located on or close to the coast, such as mangroves, saltmarshes, and rocky reefs while the preeminent impacted taxonomic groups were elasmobranchs, seabirds, reptiles, mammals, and bony fish. The literature review supported the expert assessment, and the stakeholders’ workshop endorsed our findings. Additionally, this assessment highlights the need to implement public policies that focus on reducing the impact of the most influential sectors and pressures and the necessity of strengthening research and monitoring. Identifying these priorities for integrated coastal and marine management is crucial, and our research outcomes can be key in promoting regional ocean sustainability.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although women seem to be more susceptible to pain, there are few studies comparing the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) diagnoses between women and men. Thus, this study aimed to verify the influence of gender on Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and their comorbidities in a Brazilian sample. METHODS: Patients were assessed using the RDC/TMD. Diagnoses were obtained for Axis I (myofascial pain, disc displacement, and other joint conditions) and Axis II (depressive symptoms, chronic pain, somatization, and limitation of mandibular function). Logistic regression models were used to verify whether there is a difference in the prevalence and odds of developing TMD between women and men. RESULTS: The sample included 310 patients. Women had more myofascial pain and were more likely to develop it (73.04%; OR: 1.91; IC 95%: 1.08 - 3.39), as well as more joint disorders (54.78%; OR: 2.07; IC 95%: 1.08 - 3.99), in comparison to men. Furthermore, women composed the majority of the sample, more often sought treatment, and had more severe levels of depressive symptoms, somatization of pain, limitation of mandibular function, and myofascial pain. CONCLUSION: Women have more TMD and are more likely to develop it, and also show more severe levels of depressive symptoms, pain somatization, limited mandibular function, and myofascial pain.

The oxidation of chromium in air at 700 °C was investigated with a focus on point defect behavior and transport during oxide layer growth. A comprehensive set of characterization techniques targeted characteristics of chromium oxide microstructure and chemical composition analysis. TEM showed that the oxide was thicker with longer oxidation times and that, for the thicker oxides, voids formed at the metal/oxide interface. PAS revealed that the longer the oxidation time, there was an overall reduction in vacancy-type defects, though chromium monovacancies were not found in either case. EIS found that the longer oxidized material was more electrochemically stable and that, while all oxides displayed p-type character, the thicker oxide had an overall lower charge carrier density. Together, the results suggest anion oxygen interstitials and chromium vacancy cluster complexes drive transport in an oxidizing environment at this temperature, providing invaluable insight into the mechanisms that regulate corrosion.

Abstract The ERG (ETS-related gene) transcription factor is linked to various types of cancer, including leukemia. However, the specific ERG domains and co-factors contributing to leukemogenesis are poorly understood. Drug targeting a transcription factor such as ERG is challenging. Our study reveals the critical role of a conserved amino acid, proline, at position 199, located at the 3’ end of the PNT (pointed) domain, in ERG’s ability to induce leukemia. P199 is necessary for ERG to promote self-renewal, prevent myeloid differentiation in hematopoietic progenitor cells, and initiate leukemia in mouse models. Here we show that P199 facilitates ERG’s interaction with the NCoR-HDAC3 co-repressor complex. Inhibiting HDAC3 reduces the growth of ERG-dependent leukemic and prostate cancer cells, indicating that the interaction between ERG and the NCoR-HDAC3 co-repressor complex is crucial for its oncogenic activity. Thus, targeting this interaction may offer a potential therapeutic intervention.

Marika Musielak,1– 3 Agnieszka Boś-Liedke,4 Oliwia Piwocka,1– 3 Katarzyna Kowalska,5 Roksana Markiewicz,6 Aleksandra Lorenz,7 Paweł Bakun,2,8 Wiktoria Suchorska1,3 1Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; 2Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; 3Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland; 4Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland; 5Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; 6NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland; 7Faculty of Agronomy, Horticulture and Bioengineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland; 8Chair and Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, PolandCorrespondence: Marika Musielak, Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Garbary 15, Poznan, 61-866, Poland, Tel +48505372 290, Email marikamusielak@gmail.comPurpose: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor in women, which most often originates from the epithelial tissue of the breast gland. One of the most recommended kinds of treatment is radiotherapy (RT), but irradiation (IR) can affect not only the cancer tumor but also the healthy tissue around it. Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) were proposed as a radiosensitizing agent for RT which would allow for lower radiation doses, reducing the negative radiation effects on healthy tissues. The main objective of the study is to assess the dependence on the radiosensitivity of BC (MDA-MB-231) and normal mammary gland epithelial cells (MCF12A) to ionizing radiation, caused by functionalized AuNPs under diverse conditions.Methods: The viability, uptake, reactive oxygen species induction, and mitochondrial membrane potential in cells were analyzed applying a time and concentration-dependent manner. After different incubation times with AuNPs, cells were exposed to 2 Gy. The determination of radiation effect in combination with AuNPs was investigated using the clonogenic assay, p53, and γH2AX level, as well as, Annexin V staining.Results: Our results highlighted the strong need for assessing the experimental conditions’ optimization before the AuNPs will be implemented with IR. Moreover, results indicated that AuNPs did not act universally in cells.Conclusion: AuNPs could be a promising tool as a radiotherapy sensitizing agent, but it should be specified and deeply investigated under what conditions it will be applied taking into consideration not only AuNPs modifications but also the model and experimental conditions.Keywords: oncology, nanotechnology, nanoparticles, radiotherapy, breast cancer

Abstract The first-order statistical (FOS) and second-order texture analysis on basis of Gray-Level Co-occurence Matrix (GLCM) were obtained to assess metabolic, volumetric, statistical and radiomic parameters of cervical cancer in response to chemotherapy, recurrence and age of patients. The homogeneous group of 83 patients with histologically confirmed IIIC1–IVB stage cervical cancer were analyzed, retrospectively. Before and after chemotherapy, the advancement of the disease and the effectiveness of the therapy, respectively, were established using [18F] FDG PET/CT imaging. The statistically significant differences between pre- and post-therapy parameters were observed for SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG, MTV, asphericity (ASP, p = 0.000, Z > 0), entropy (E, p = 0.0000), correlation (COR, p = 0.0007), energy (En, p = 0.000) and homogeneity (H, p = 0.0018). Among the FOS parameters, moderate correlation was observed between pre-treatment coefficient of variation (COV) and patients’ recurrence (R = 0.34, p = 0.001). Among the GLCM textural parameters, moderate positive correlation was observed for post-treatment contrast (C) with the age of patients (R = 0.3, p = 0.0038) and strong and moderate correlation was observed in the case of En and H with chemotherapy response (R = 0.54 and R = 0.46, respectively). All correlations were statistically significant. This study indicates the remarkable importance of pre- and post-treatment [18F] FDG PET statistical and textural GLCM parameters according to prediction of recurrence and chemotherapy response of cervical cancer patients.

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic value of asphericity (ASP) and standardized uptake ratio (SUR) in cervical cancer patients. Retrospective analysis was performed on a group of 508 (aged 55 ± 12 years) previously untreated cervical cancer patients. All patients underwent a pretreatment [18F]FDG PET/CT study to assess the severity of the disease. The metabolic tumor volume (MTV) of the cervical cancer was delineated with an adaptive threshold method. For the resulting ROIs the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was measured. In addition, ASP and SUR were determined as previously described. Univariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis with respect to event free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), freedom from distant metastasis (FFDM) and locoregional control (LRC) was performed. Additionally, a multivariate Cox regression including clinically relevant parameters was performed. In the survival analysis, MTV and ASP were shown to be prognostic factors for all investigated endpoints. Tumor metabolism quantified with the SUVmax was not prognostic for any of the endpoints (p > 0.2). The SUR did not reach statistical significance either (p = 0.1, 0.25, 0.066, 0.053, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the ASP remained a significant factor for EFS and LRC, while MTV was a significant factor for FFDM, indicating their independent prognostic value for the respective endpoints. The alternative parameter ASP has the potential to improve the prognostic value of [18F]FDG PET/CT for event-free survival and locoregional control in radically treated cervical cancer patients.

Abstract Flash lamp annealing (FLA) with millisecond pulse durations is reported as a novel curing method for pore precursor's degradation in thin films. A case study on the curing of dielectric thin films is presented. FLA-cured films are being investigated by means of positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in order to quantify the nm-scale porosity and post-treatment chemistry, respectively. Results from positron annihilation reveal the onset of the formation of porous voids inside the samples at 6 ms flash treatment time. Moreover, parameter's adjustment (flash duration and energy density) allows for identifying the optimum conditions of effective curing. Within such a systematic investigation, positron results indicate that FLA is able to decompose the porogen (pore precursors) and to generate interconnected (open porosity) or isolated pore networks with self-sealed pores in a controllable way. Furthermore, FTIR results demonstrate the structural evolution after FLA, that help for setting the optimal annealing conditions whereby only a residual amount of porogen remains and at the same time a well-densified matrix, and a hydrophobic porous structures are created. Raman spectroscopy suggests that the curing-induced self-sealing layer developed at the film surface is a graphene oxide-like layer, which could serve as the outside sealing of the pore network from intrusions.

High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) are prospective materials for nuclear fusion reactors and were irradiated in this study at a broad range of energetic ion fluences. Different ion masses (Cu and Au ions) and energies (3 and 5 MeV) were selected to investigate dpa (displacement per atom) development, radiation defect accumulation based on prevailing collision processes (Au ions) and ionization processes (Cu ions) in various HEAs. The studied HEAs differ in terms of elemental composition, internal morphology (grain structure) and other modifiers. Dpa values of 1 to ∼66 were achieved at Cu and Au ion fluences from 4 × 1014 to 1.3 × 1016 ions.cm−2 at room temperature, which generated varying levels of lattice damage. Theoretical simulations were performed to estimate the energy stopping and dpa depth distribution using SRIM code and compared with Au-concentration depth profiles determined by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry for Au-ions with 3 MeV ion energy. The prevailing energy losses of ions via ionization processes for Cu-5 MeV ions were found to increase the damage through lattice strain and probable lattice distortion, although the main defect introduction is expected to occur via collisions during nuclear stopping. Structural modification and defect accumulation were investigated by positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS), which revealed a broader damaged layer with defects, where HEA-Nb (NbCrFeMnNi) exhibited the least damage accumulation from chosen alloys with no strong relation to the Au-5 MeV ion implantation fluence, whereas strong defect accumulation was recorded in the Au-ion implanted Eurofer97 used for comparison and HEA-Co (CoCrFeMnNi). PAS analysis also allowed defect sizes to be determined as an additional structural characteristic. The observed trends were also confirmed by thermal property analysis, with a worsening of thermal effusivity recorded after the irradiation in HEA-Co and Eurofer97. The worsening of the thermal properties was confirmed by the layer thickness, where the layer identified by PAS was found to be broader than the SRIM theoretical predictions. Nanoindentation measurements confirmed less pronounced radiation hardening of HEA-Nb relative to that observed in HEA-Co and Eurofer97. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed layer thicknesses in reasonable agreement with the dpa depth profiles. The thermal effusivity decreased in the surface-irradiated layer in all investigated samples, the least influenced material was HEA-Nb.

Magneto-ionics, understood as voltage-driven ion transport in magnetic materials, has largely relied on controlled migration of oxygen ions. Here, we demonstrate room-temperature voltage-driven nitrogen transport (i.e., nitrogen magneto-ionics) by electrolyte-gating of a CoN film. Nitrogen magneto-ionics in CoN is compared to oxygen magneto-ionics in Co3O4. Both materials are nanocrystalline (face-centered cubic structure) and show reversible voltage-driven ON-OFF ferromagnetism. In contrast to oxygen, nitrogen transport occurs uniformly creating a plane-wave-like migration front, without assistance of diffusion channels. Remarkably, nitrogen magneto-ionics requires lower threshold voltages and exhibits enhanced rates and cyclability. This is due to the lower activation energy for ion diffusion and the lower electronegativity of nitrogen compared to oxygen. These results may open new avenues in applications such as brain-inspired computing or iontronics in general.

The nondestructive investigation of single vacancies and vacancy clusters in ion-irradiated samples requires a depth-resolved probe with atomic sensitivity to defects. The recent development of short-pulsed positron beams provides such a probe. Here, we combine depth-resolved Doppler broadening and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopies to identify vacancy clusters in ion-irradiated Fe and measure their density as a function of depth. Despite large concentrations of dislocations and voids in the pristine samples, positron annihilation measurements uncovered the structure of vacancy clusters and the change in their size and density with irradiation dose. When combined with transmission electron microscopy measurements, the study demonstrates an association between the increase in the density of small vacancy clusters with irradiation and a remarkable reduction in the size of large voids. This, previously unknown, mechanism for the interaction of cascade damage with voids in ion-irradiated materials is a consequence of the high porosity of the initial microstructure.

Advancement of optoelectronic and high-power devices is tied to the development of wide band gap materials with excellent transport properties. However, bipolar doping (n-type and p-type doping) and realizing high carrier density while maintaining good mobility have been big challenges in wide band gap materials. Here P-type and n-type conductivity was introduced in β-Ga2O3, an ultra-wide band gap oxide, by controlling hydrogen incorporation in the lattice without further doping. Hydrogen induced a 9-order of magnitude increase of n-type conductivity with donor ionization energy of 20 meV and resistivity of 10-4 Ω.cm. The conductivity was switched to p-type with acceptor ionization energy of 42 meV by altering hydrogen incorporation in the lattice. Density functional theory calculations were used to examine hydrogen location in the Ga2O3 lattice and identified a new donor type as the source of this remarkable n-type conductivity. Positron annihilation spectroscopy measurements confirm this finding and the interpretation of the experimental results. This work illustrates a new approach that allows a tunable and reversible way of modifying the conductivity of semiconductors and it is expected to have profound implications on semiconductor field. At the same time, it demonstrates for the first time p-type and remarkable n-type conductivity in Ga2O3 which should usher in the development of Ga2O3 devices and advance optoelectronics and high-power devices.

Flexomagnetism refers to the modification of the magnetic properties of a material due to inhomogeneous strain, and offers a promising pathway to the control and manipulation of magnetism. Here, Makushko et al. explore flexomagnetism in antiferromagnetic thin films of Cr2O3, demonstrating a gradient of the Néel temperature as a result of an inhomogeneous strain.

Cu2O offers a lot of potential for several optoelectronic applications. Here, the authors present a low temperature, fast and scalable approach to deposit Cu2O films with low resistivity, which is correlated to the defect landscape in the material.

Epitaxial growth of the three-dimensional topological semimetal Cd3As2 on semiconductor substrates enables its use and integration in device applications. Epitaxy also provides an avenue for varying and controlling point defects through modification of the chemical potential during growth. In turn, knowledge of the point defects that are generated in Cd3As2 epilayers will aid the interpretation of electron transport behavior and guide growth efforts to produce material with low defect densities. Point defects in Cd3As2 epilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy with varying As/Cd flux ratios are probed by positron annihilation spectroscopy. We find that lower As/Cd flux ratios produce higher concentrations of point defects. Remarkably, the measurements indicate that the average defect size is larger than a monovacancy. The data presented here contribute to an evolving picture of vacancy point defects in Cd3As2 and can be used to direct future investigation of the defect-transport relationships in this emerging electronic material.

Abstract The oxidation of chromium in air at 700 °C was investigated with a focus on point defect behavior and transport during oxide layer growth. A comprehensive set of characterization techniques targeted characteristics of chromium oxide microstructure and chemical composition analysis. TEM showed that the oxide was thicker with longer oxidation times and that, for the thicker oxides, voids formed at the metal/oxide interface. PAS revealed that the longer the oxidation time, there was an overall reduction in vacancy-type defects, though chromium monovacancies were not found in either case. EIS found that the longer oxidized material was more electrochemically stable and that, while all oxides displayed p-type character, the thicker oxide had an overall lower charge carrier density. Together, the results suggest anion oxygen interstitials and chromium vacancy cluster complexes drive transport in an oxidizing environment at this temperature, providing invaluable insight into the mechanisms that regulate corrosion.

Short-duration rainfall extremes are associated with a range of societal hazards, notably pluvial flooding but in addition, e.g., erosion-driven nutrient transport and point-source contamination. Fundamental for all analysis, modelling and risk assessment related to short-duration rainfall extremes is the access to and analysis of high-resolution observations. In this study, sub-daily rainfall observations from 543 meteorological stations in the Nordic–Baltic region were collected, quality-controlled and consistently analyzed in terms of records, return levels, geographical and climatic dependencies, time of occurrence of maxima and trends. The results reflect the highly heterogeneous rainfall climate in the region, with longitudinal and latitudinal gradients as well as local variability, and overall agree with previous national investigations. Trend analyses in Norway and Denmark indicated predominantly positive trends in the period 1980–2018, in line with previous investigations. Gridded data sets with estimated return levels and dates of occurrence (of annual maxima) are provided open access. We encourage further efforts towards international exchange of sub-daily rainfall observations as well as consistent regional analyses in order to attain the best possible knowledge on which rainfall extremes are to be expected in present as well as future climates. HIGHLIGHTS Sub-daily annual rainfall maxima have been collected from national observation networks in the Nordic–Baltic region, including a total of 543 stations.; A consistent regional analysis of records, return levels, geographical and climatic dependencies, time of occurrence of maxima and trends is performed.; Gridded data sets with return levels and time of occurrence are provided open access.;

Rapid changes of the biosphere observed in recent years are caused by both small and large scale drivers, like shifts in temperature, transformations in land-use, or changes in the energy budget of systems. While the latter processes are easily quantifiable, documentation of the loss of biodiversity and community structure is more difficult. Changes in organismal abundance and diversity are barely documented. Censuses of species are usually fragmentary and inferred by often spatially, temporally and ecologically unsatisfactory simple species lists for individual study sites. Thus, detrimental global processes and their drivers often remain unrevealed. A major impediment to monitoring species diversity is the lack of human taxonomic expertise that is implicitly required for large-scale and fine-grained assessments. Another is the large amount of personnel and associated costs needed to cover large scales, or the inaccessibility of remote but nonetheless affected areas.To overcome these limitations we propose a network of Automated Multisensor stations for Monitoring of species Diversity (AMMODs) to pave the way for a new generation of biodiversity assessment centers. This network combines cutting-edge technologies with biodiversity informatics and expert systems that conserve expert knowledge. Each AMMOD station combines autonomous samplers for insects, pollen and spores, audio recorders for vocalizing animals, sensors for volatile organic compounds emitted by plants (pVOCs) and camera traps for mammals and small invertebrates. AMMODs are largely self-containing and have the ability to pre-process data (e.g. for noise filtering) prior to transmission to receiver stations for storage, integration and analyses. Installation on sites that are difficult to access require a sophisticated and challenging system design with optimum balance between power requirements, bandwidth for data transmission, required service, and operation under all environmental conditions for years. An important prerequisite for automated species identification are databases of DNA barcodes, animal sounds, for pVOCs, and images used as training data for automated species identification. AMMOD stations thus become a key component to advance the field of biodiversity monitoring for research and policy by delivering biodiversity data at an unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution.

The South Mid Atlantic Ridge comprises three main oceanic islands in the equatorial and tropical portions of the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are isolated from each other and equidistant from both the continental margins of South America and Africa, sharing common patterns but with different types of human use and pressures. Moreover, the areas beyond national jurisdiction between those islands are visited and exploited by distant fishing fleets and include large areas of shipping activity for commodities. Here, a pioneering integrated ecosystem assessment (IEA) process is constructed for the region among Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Archipelago (Brazil), Saint Helena Island and Ascension Island (UK overseas territories). For that, we used a qualitative assessment of risks arising from anthropogenic activities, representing a novel contribution to the field. The Options for Delivering Ecosystem-Based Marine Management (ODEMM) approach was applied to trace sector–pressure–component pathways. A ‘linkage framework’ was outlined including pressures affecting each ecosystem component, and supported a process of knowledge attributions that scored the impact risks. All results were validated with regional stakeholders through workshops, including local and international management bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and scientists. The approach focused on a significant area among encompassing the open ocean, shallow and deep-sea biomes, analyzing the main sectors and pressures affecting the ecological components. Our results identified 14 sectors and 16 key pressures associated with 23 ecosystem components, totaling 780 impact chains. Fishing, shipping, wastewater, and tourism/recreation appeared as the top impacting sectors. Fishing and shipping were the most connected with ecosystem components links. Litter, species extraction, contaminants, and bycatch were the pressures that had the highest risk of impact values. Lastly, demersal and pelagic fish and pelagic and demersal elasmobranchs were the groups with the highest risk related to overall impacts, which were supported by local and regional evidence from long term monitoring programs and local studies. Our study demonstrated that these seemingly pristine islands and oceanic waters are already experiencing human impacts that should be addressed by local both conservation measures and international agreements. We also highlight the pressures that should be prioritized for better monitoring and policy, as well as those linkage components that have been less investigated.

Electric-field-controlled magnetism can boost energy efficiency in widespread applications. However, technologically, this effect is facing important challenges: mechanical failure in strain-mediated piezoelectric/magnetostrictive devices, dearth of room-temperature multiferroics, or stringent thickness limitations in electrically charged metallic films. Voltage-driven ionic motion (magneto-ionics) circumvents most of these drawbacks while exhibiting interesting magnetoelectric phenomena. Nevertheless, magneto-ionics typically requires heat treatments and multicomponent heterostructures. Here we report on the electrolyte-gated and defect-mediated O and Co transport in a Co3O4 single layer which allows for room-temperature voltage-controlled ON-OFF ferromagnetism (magnetic switch) via internal reduction/oxidation processes. Negative voltages partially reduce Co3O4 to Co (ferromagnetism: ON), resulting in graded films including Co- and O-rich areas. Positive bias oxidizes Co back to Co3O4 (paramagnetism: OFF). This electric-field-induced atomic-scale reconfiguration process is compositionally, structurally, and magnetically reversible and self-sustained, since no oxygen source other than the Co3O4 itself is required. This process could lead to electric-field-controlled device concepts for spintronics.

Abstract The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the effects of individual-level and tooth-level factors on apical periodontitis (AP) in an urban population in southern Brazil. A random sample of digital panoramic radiographs (n = 545) from a dental school database was evaluated. The diagnosis of AP was determined by using a dichotomous scale (yes/no). AP was assessed according to gender, age, presence and quality of endodontic treatment (ET), presence of an intracanal post, coronal condition, and dental group. Data were analyzed descriptively and through multilevel Poisson regression analysis, considering teeth characteristics (level 1) nested in individuals (level 2). In this sample of 545 participants, the prevalence of AP was 49.5% (n =2 70) and ET was 43.5% (n = 237). Considering 13,595 teeth, AP was identified in 596 (4.4%) and ET in 617 (4.5%). Of the teeth with ET, 153 (24.8%) presented AP. Among individual-level factors, the disease was not significantly associated with gender or age. For tooth-level factors, AP was significantly associated with ET quality: teeth with short fillings (< 3 mm) and teeth with over-fillings had 2.77 (CI: 1.95–3.94, p < 0.001) and 1.08 (CI: 0.39–2.98, p < 0.001) higher prevalence of AP, respectively. There was no association between AP and age, gender, dental group, coronal condition, or the presence of an intracanal post. AP was highly prevalent in this population, and multilevel analysis indicated a significant association with ET quality.

Abstract Investigation of differences in derived [18F]FDG PET metabolic and volumetric parameters among three different software programs in lung cancer. A retrospective analysis was performed on a group of 98 lung cancer patients who underwent a baseline [18F]FDG PET/CT study. To assess appropriate delineation methods, the NEMA phantom study was first performed using the following software: Philips EBW (Extended Brilliance Workstation), MIM Software and Rover. Based on this study, the best cut-off methods (dependent on tumour size) were selected, extracted and applied for lung cancer delineation. Several semiquantitative [18F]FDG parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG and MTV) were assessed and compared among the three software programs. The parameters were assessed based on body weight (BW), lean body mass (LBM) and Bq/mL. Statistically significant differences were found in SUVmean (LBM) between MIM Software and Rover (4.62 ± 2.15 vs 4.84 ± 1.20; p

In this work, the radiation responses of Zr/Nb nanostructured metallic multilayers (NMMs) are studied. The nanostructures with different layer thicknesses were deposited on Si (111) substrate by using magnetron sputtering and were subjected to heavy-ion irradiation at room temperature with different fluences. Nanoindentation, XRD, DFT, SIMS, and Variable Energy Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy (VEPAS) techniques were used to study the type and distribution of defects, and strain within the material as well as the changes in the hardness of the structures as a function of damage. Our results suggest that the strain and the irradiation hardening are layer thickness- and damage-dependent while they are independent of the type of irradiated ions. The magnitude of hardening decreases with decreasing individual layer thickness indicating that the number of interfaces has a direct effect on the radiation tolerance enhancement. For thin layers with a periodicity of 27 nm (Zr/Nb27), a transition from hardening to softening occurs at high fluence, and a saturation point is reached in thick layers with a periodicity of 96 nm (Zr/Nb96). The as-deposited thin multilayers presented a significantly higher atomic-scale disorder which increases with ion irradiation compared to the thick multilayers. VEPAS reveals the vacancy defects before and after irradiation that contribute to the presented strain. Based on the findings, thin nanostructured Zr/Nb multilayered structures possess excellent radiation resistance due to the high density of interfaces that act as sinks for radiation-induced point defects.