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In this work, we present an atomic-scale investigation of L10-FePt particles that are partly or fully embedded in a single-crystalline MgO matrix. Hundreds of particles in different orientations, of different sizes, and with different side contact facets are statistically and quantitatively analyzed. It is found that the presence of side contact facets does not introduce any misorientation in particles with the c axis out-of-plane (OP), even in those of small sizes. In addition, a markedly higher proportion of in-plane (IP) variants is found in smaller particles of sizes less than 10 nm, and most IP variants and the IP part in multi-variants have a large area of side contact facets or are even fully embedded. Those results can be explained by the fact that the transformation strain and interface strain jointly affect the particle orientation, and the competition between total strain energy in the film plane and in lateral planes plays a key role in determining particle orientation. Thus, a suggestion on the L10-FePt nanoparticle film production can be proposed that a moderate area of side contact facets may help keep a perfect OP orientation in the OP particles without increasing the proportion of IP variants. Additionally, our work can provide reference information on the variant orientation preference during a post-annealing process in nanoparticle films on a rough substrate or embedded in a matrix as well as in core–shell material systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free radical generation plays a key role in viral infections. While free radicals have an antimicrobial effect on bacteria or fungi, their interplay with viruses is complicated and varies greatly for different types of viruses as well as different radical species. In some cases, radical generation contributes to the defense against the viruses and thus reduces the viral load. In other cases, radical generation induces mutations or damages the host tissue and can increase the viral load. This has led to antioxidants being used to treat viral infections. Here we discuss the roles that radicals play in virus pathology. Furthermore, we critically review methods that facilitate the detection of free radicals in vivo or in vitro in viral infections. [Display omitted] • Here we are reviewing the process of translating nanotechnological advances to industry. • We further give a roadmap and discuss steps towards founding a company. • These include funding, building a network seeking support and the right expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The buckling and postbuckling behavior of two composite tow-steered shells with cutouts of different sizes is assessed using nonlinear finite element analysis and compared to experimental measurements. The cylindrical shells are manufactured using an automated fiber placement system, where the shells' fiber orientation angles vary continuously around the shell circumference from ±10 deg on the crown and keel to ±45 deg on the sides. One shell features thickness variations due to tow overlaps that result from application of all 24 tows during each pass of the fiber placement system. The second shell uses the system's tow drop/add capability to achieve a more uniform wall thickness without overlaps. Unreinforced cutouts of two different sizes--the first smaller cutout representing a passenger door on a commercial aircraft and the second larger cutout a cargo door--were machined into each of the two cylinders resulting in a total of four test cases. These cylinders were tested in axial compression and buckled elastically in previous work and are now analyzed using nonlinear finite element models to compare bifurcation buckling loads as well as the load-displacement response in the prebuckling and postbuckling regimes. For all four shells analyzed, the prebuckling stiffness, buckling load, and deformation mode sequence throughout the loading-unloading cycle is accurately reproduced by the models. In particular, the shells first buckle locally around the cutouts in a stable (supercritical) manner with only a slight decrease in axial stiffness, which occurs due to the favorable load redistribution facilitated by tow steering. The shells then buckle globally in an unstable (subcritical) manner with diamond-shaped buckles forming to the left and right (circumferential direction) of the cutouts. The buckling load of all shells with cutouts is at least 82% of the buckling load of the pristine shells without cutouts. Overall, the ability to sustain local buckling phenomena, and the relatively small reductions in global buckling load compared to pristine shells without cutouts, demonstrates the great potential of using tow steering to mitigate the adverse effects of cutouts in axially compressed shell structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant trastuzumab with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive metastatic gastric cancer. To conduct the research, we recruited 80 patients having human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive advanced gastric cancers between January 2020 and December 2021 admitted to our institution and randomly allocated them to the control and observation groups, each with 40 cases. Patients in the 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel group served as controls, while those in the observation group underwent a combination of trastuzumab and 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel. The short-term curative outcome of patients after neoadjuvant therapy was evaluated; the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, serum glycoprotein 19-9 and glycoprotein (carcinoembryonic antigen 72-4) were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Side effects experienced by patients in both groups were recorded when they occurred during therapy. The disease control rate and objective response rate of the observation group were found to be statistically and clinically higher than those of the control group (p<0.05), per the findings of the short-term effectiveness assessment. After treatment, there was a notable reduction in serum carcinoembryonic antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen 72-4 in both groups (both p<0.05) and the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen 72-4, carcinoembryonic antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen in the observation group were considerably lower than the control group (p<0.05). There was no evident difference between the two patient groups in adverse reactions. Trastuzumab combined with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel has high efficacy and safety in neoadjuvant therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive advanced gastric cancer patients and it can be popularized and applied as a new model of clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ToTEM, a multislice‐based image simulation software is developed for transmission electron microscope (TEM). This software implements the following major features: (i) capability of assigning three‐dimensional potentials of atom into multiple slices and precise introduction of phase shift caused by the sub‐pixel atomic position, (ii) employing CUDA coding and graphical processing units (GPU) with multithreading parallel algorithm based on the powerful batch (inverse) fast Fourier transform (FFT), which is especially beneficial for image simulation of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) or (integrated) differential phase contrast (I)DPC, (iii) design for efficiently generating large batch of data set of high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images. Image simulation acceleration for STEM has been verified by simulating a large‐scale SrTiO3. Additionally, iDPC image of MFI‐type zeolites with xylene molecules encapsulated in straight channels demonstrates the advantage of iDPC in detecting light molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to examine the rates of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after hospital discharge among COVID-19 survivors and to determine the associated risk factors. Methods: Adult COVID-19 survivors discharged from hospitals between March 2020 and March 2021 were asked to complete a questionnaire at 4 weeks after discharge. The Chinese version of the 22-item Impact of Event Scale -- Revised (IES-R) was used to measure symptoms of PTSD. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess symptoms of major depressive disorder. The 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was used to measure symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder. The rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD among discharged patients were determined, as were associations between psychosocial factors and outcome measures and predictors for moderate-to-severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Results: 96 men and 103 women aged 18 to 81 years returned the completed questionnaire. 12.1% to 20.1% of them reported symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Higher symptom severity was associated with higher perceived life threat, lower emotional support, lower disease severity upon admission, and longer hospital stay. Women had more PTSD symptoms than men, particularly when knowing someone under quarantine. Conclusion: COVID-19 survivors with higher perceived life threat, lower emotional support, lower disease severity upon admission, and longer hospital stay were associated with higher severity of symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Timely intervention should provide to at-risk survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-function divertor feedback control system has been built on Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) to treat the divertor heat load issue. With the real-time data of the Langmuir probes and the impurity seeding, the divertor electron temperature (Te,div) is well controlled to achieve the partial detachment phase. The first trial of the CD4 seeding for the Te,div reduction has been achieved on EAST long-pulse discharge. In the seeding phase, the Te,div was maintained close to 5 eV, and the surface temperature of the target plate (Tsurface,div) had a reduction of about 150 °C. The plasma stored energy had a reduction in the control phase, so it is necessary to find a way to keep the good plasma confinement in the next step. The CD4 injection also mitigated the low hybrid wave coupling rate in some degree. The big volume of the CD4 injection lifted the Greenwald density fraction from ∼0.4 to ∼0.7, which made the SOL into high recycling state. Most of the injected carbon particles were in the high ionized state, and with the lower of the Te,div, the tungsten line emission was suppressed obviously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offshore wind power construction will rapidly develop in the vast coastline area of eastern China as the main force of wind energy development in the next five years. The marine suction bucket foundation is the basic part of an offshore wind power structure and it has attracted extensive attention from scholars worldwide. The suction bucket foundation must not only bear the vertical load of the superstructure, but also withstand the long-term effects of dynamic loads from waves, wind, and earthquakes due to the harsh marine environment. To this end, the influence of the marine barrel foundation before and after seismic wave application on the antiliquefaction effect of sand is examined with the help of finite difference software FLAC 3D. The variation law of soil pore pressure, vertical settlement, and total stress under the magnitude 7 earthquake intensity is summarized. This variation law is explained through theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Full understanding of the thermomechanical behaviors of materials at high strain rates and high temperatures are of great importance from not only scientific meaning but also practical value in engineering structure design and safety assessment. Great efforts have been made for abilities of operation the split Hopkinson bars, the most popular technique for experimental determination of mechanical behaviors of materials over the strain rates from 102 to 104 s−1 over the past 70 years, at high temperatures since 1960s. A review of experiment work is presented in this paper to give an overview of the development of experimental techniques at high temperatures based on Hopkinson bar systems. The principles of the split Hopkinson bar requires the loading bars avoiding temperature gradient or keeping relatively low temperature when performing high temperature testing. Techniques such as performing temperature gradient corrections, rapid heating or using special designed automatically assembled systems were proposed by researchers to enable the operation of the split Hopkinson bars at temperature as high as possible. Moreover, to the application of high speed photographic technique for capturing the dynamic deformation process of the specimen in high temperature Hopkinson bar testing, some key issues of eliminating the strong thermal radiation induced lights oversaturation and de-blurring of images due to insufficient exposure at high temperature and high strain rate condition, as well as fabrication of high contrast speckle pattern for high temperature digital image correlation measurement were also proposed. The technique can now enable the split Hopkinson bar testing to be performed at high temperature up to 1873 K under the loading conditions of compression or tension with the in situ observation and full field measurement of deformation as well. The paper concludes with summaries of the most important achievements and highlighting of the prospects, trends and remaining challenges for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiently interfacing photonic with semiconductor qubits plays an important role in future quantum communication applications. In this paper, we model a photon to exciton interface based on an optically active gate-defined quantum dot (OAQD) embedded in a carefully designed photonic crystal cavity constraining its emission profile via the Purcell effect while maintaining a low enough quality factor to allow for electrical tuning of the emission wavelength. By matching the in-plane k-vector of a cavity mode and the reciprocal lattice constant of the photonic crystal, vertical emission is obtained. A back-reflection mirror located below the cavity and integrated as part of an already predefined process flow allows for not only the increasing of the light extraction efficiency but also the tailoring of the extracted beam profile to match that of a single mode fiber. We numerically show that a photon emitted by the OAQD can be coupled to the targeted free-space Gaussian beam with a probability above 50%, limited by electrode absorption. Further efficiency improvement up to 90% is possible by using indium tin oxide instead of gold as a gate material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the fluctuation of microgrid output and customer's demand, an optimal dispatching strategy for the combined cooling, heating, and power supply microgrid is proposed. The fluctuation of energy sources, such as a photovoltaic system and multiple loads, may affect the safety, economics, and stability in combined cooling, heating, and power microgrid operation. Therefore, the extreme learning machine optimized by particle swarm algorithm is used to improve the prediction accuracy of photovoltaic power generation, wind power generation, and load power. The regularization coefficient C and the kernel parameter λ of kernel extreme learning machine are regarded as the optimization targets of the particle swarm algorithm so that the prediction accuracy can be improved. Forecasted value of cooling, heating, and electricity microgrid system and new energy power generation as well as real-time electricity price, fuel unit price, etc. are considered in the operating cost. In order to minimize the operating cost and improve the energy utilization, an improved shuffled frog leaping algorithm is used to solve the cost minimization problem to give the equipment output dispatch strategy. Comparative simulation results can be found that under the same conditions, compared to the kernel extreme learning machine and the kernel extreme learning machine optimized by the genetic algorithm, the kernel extreme learning machine optimized by the particle swarm has faster convergence speed and higher prediction accuracy. Comparative simulations of microgrid dispatching on typical days in summer and winter are carried out. Compared with the cost of distribution, the cooling, heating, and power microgrid based on the improved shuffled frog leaping algorithm has obvious economic benefits and higher energy utilization property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, we used the growth, photosynthetic physiological parameters, and targeted metabolite analysis to evaluate the responses of Eleutherococcus senticosus in different shading treatments. The results showed that the moderate shading treatment (Z1) promoted the growth and inhibited photosynthesis of plants. The severe shading treatment (Z2) inhibited both the growth and photosynthesis of the plants. Besides, Z1 had no significant effect on the PSII, while Z2 inhibited the PSII. Most of the eight medicinal metabolites accumulated in the Z1. The C6C1- and C6C3-type phenolics accumulated in the Z1, and the C6C3C6-type in the Z2. In conclusion, the moderate shading treatment accumulated more defensive phenolics; this might be the reason for this shading condition promoting the growth and the accumulation of medicinal metabolites of the plant. The result of this study laid a theoretical foundation for the further study of shading treatments on the secondary metabolism of Eleutherococcus senticosus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-intensity compact D–D/D–T neutron generator with a thick adsorption target is designed with an intensity of 1012 n/s. In this work, a radio-frequency (RF) ion source ignited by an internal antenna is designed with magnetic mirror fields in both axial and radial directions, which can facilitate the confinement of high-density plasma and prolong the service life of the ion source. According to the finite element method software COMSOL Multiphysics, a high-current low-energy D+ beam transport line is simulated and designed with the deuterium beam of 200 keV/6 mA. In particular, the adsorption target is fixed at an angle of 45° with respect to the beam direction, which is beneficial to reduce the beam power density of the target. The simulation results show that the maximum temperature of the target surface is 171.0 °C, which would reduce deuterium or tritium release from the adsorption target. According to the Multi-layer computing model, neutron energy spectra, angular distributions and integrated yields of the compact D–D/D–T neutron generator are calculated and evaluated, corresponding to a thick adsorption target at the deuterium beam of 200 keV/6 mA. The compact D–D/D–T neutron generator can produce quasi-mono-energetic neutrons with energy of 2.45 or 14.1 MeV, respectively, corresponding to the neutron yields up to 6.06 × 109 and 1.18 × 1012 n/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pre-neutron-emission mass distribution is a critical physical constant in neutron-induced fission reaction. In this work, the Monte Carlo dropout neural network (MC-Dropout NN) method is applied to evaluate the pre-neutron-emission mass distributions of neutron-induced typical actinides (232Th, 235U, 238U, 237Np, 239Pu) fission. This method can reproduce precise mass distributions and give the uncertainty of predictions. Moreover, based on the MC-dropout NN learning of the existing experimental fission yields, the unknown yields and their uncertainty can be given. Finally, we predict pre-neutron-emission mass distributions of neutron-induced fission of 232Th and 238U at incident neutron energy below 45 MeV and study the influence of pre-fission neutrons on fission yields. Given the good agreements with experimental data, the neural network approach is a very useful tool in the field of nuclear data evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence of traumatic experience (TE) among patients in psychiatric settings in Hong Kong and the associations between TE and levels of distress and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Methods: 129 patients who have received inpatient psychiatric services were recruited. Their lifetime TE was assessed using the Life Event Checklist (LEC), and TE in psychiatric settings using the Psychiatric Experiences Questionnaire (PEQ). Their level of distress symptoms was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the level of anxiety and depressive symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: The prevalence of direct and indirect TE was 84.5%, as was the prevalence of TE in psychiatric settings. Common TE in psychiatric settings included witnessing another patient being taken down (61.2%), being put in restraints of any kind (41.1%), and witnessing another patient being physically assaulted by another patient (36.4%). TE in psychiatric settings associated with high prevalence of severe or extreme distress 1 week after the event included being forced to take medication against their will (52.2%), being threatened with physical violence (52.2%), and experiencing a physical assault (50.0%). Lifetime TE (the total number of LEC items reported) was associated with severity of distress and anxiety and depressive symptoms, whereas TE in psychiatric settings (the total number of PEQ items reported) was associated with severity of distress only. The total number of LEC items reported is the only predictor of levels of distress and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Lifetime TE and TE in psychiatric settings are common among patients with SMI. Trauma-informed care is suggested for mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With potent immunomodulatory activities, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to be a beneficial treatment option for diseases with aberrant immune responses such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we used NZBWF1 mice as a SLE animal model to examine immunomodulation of MSCs as well as to assess the role of Toll-like receptor signalling in this circumstance. We found that mice receiving MSCs had a significant decrease in severity of proteinuria at 20 and 22 weeks of age (p = 0.009 and p = 0.022, respectively). Serum anti-dsDNA levels were significantly lower compared with the control group (p = 0.016 and p = 0.036, respectively). C3 and C4 levels were significantly higher at 22 weeks of age (p = 0.046 and p = 0.016, respectively). Altered expression of inflammation-associated cytokine profiles in the serum was also noted in mice receiving MSCs. Down-regulation of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling in the liver was demonstrated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, ELISA and Western blotting. In addition to demonstrating the beneficial effects of MSC treatment in NZBWF1 mice, our study provided the first evidence for the association of MyD88-NF-κB signalling and MSC-mediated immunomodulation in this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced prostate cancer etiology is poorly understood. Few studies have examined associations of anthropometric factors (e.g. early adulthood obesity) with advanced prostate cancer risk. We carried out pooled analyses to examine associations between body fatness, height, and prostate cancer risk. Among 830 772 men, 51 734 incident prostate cancer cases were identified, including 4762 advanced (T4/N1/M1 or prostate cancer deaths) cases, 2915 advanced restricted (same as advanced, but excluding localized cancers that resulted in death) cases, 9489 high-grade cases, and 3027 prostate cancer deaths. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate study-specific hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI); results were pooled using random effects models. No statistically significant associations were observed for body mass index (BMI) in early adulthood for advanced, advanced restricted, and high-grade prostate cancer, and prostate cancer mortality. Positive associations were shown for BMI at baseline with advanced prostate cancer (HR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.95–1.78) and prostate cancer mortality (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.12–2.07) comparing BMI ≥35.0 kg/m2 with 21–22.9 kg/m2. When considering early adulthood and baseline BMI together, a 27% higher prostate cancer mortality risk (95% CI = 9% to 49%) was observed for men with BMI <25.0 kg/m2 in early adulthood and BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2 at baseline compared with BMI <25.0 kg/m2 in early adulthood and BMI <30.0 kg/m2 at baseline. Baseline waist circumference, comparing ≥110 cm with <90 cm, and waist-to-hip ratio, comparing ≥1.00 with <0.90, were associated with significant 14%–16% increases in high-grade prostate cancer risk and suggestive or significant 20%–39% increases in prostate cancer mortality risk. Height was associated with suggestive or significant 33%–56% risks of advanced or advanced restricted prostate cancer and prostate cancer mortality, comparing ≥1.90 m with <1.65 m. Our findings suggest that height and total and central adiposity in mid-to-later adulthood, but not early adulthood adiposity, are associated with risk of advanced forms of prostate cancer. Thus, maintenance of healthy weight may help prevent advanced prostate cancer. • Few have examined the role of early adulthood BMI and adult BMI changes on risk of advanced forms of prostate cancer. • Height in mid/late adulthood was positively associated with advanced prostate cancer risk and mortality. • BMI and waist circumference in mid/late adulthood was positively associated with advanced prostate cancer risk and mortality. • Change in BMI from early to mid/late adulthood were positively associated with advanced prostate cancer risk and mortality. • BMI in early adulthood was not associated with risk of advanced forms of prostate cancer and prostate cancer mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper matrix composites were fabricated through mixing fixed amount of reduced graphene oxide and the different amounts of titanium. The dried copper/titanium/reduced graphene oxide mixture powders were firstly obtained by the wet‐mixing process, and then the spark plasma sintering process realized their faster densification. In the as‐sintered bulk composites, the layered reduced graphene oxide network, uniform titanium particles and copper‐titanium solid solution are observed in copper matrix. Investigations on mechanical properties show that the as‐prepared bulk composites exhibit the hardness and compressive yield strength compared with single reduced graphene oxide added composites. Increased titanium addition resulted into higher hardness and strength. The relevant formation and failure mechanisms of the composites and their influence on mechanical properties were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electron energy-loss magnetic chiral dichroism (EMCD) technique has been generally applied to single-phase magnetic crystals while rarely used for composite structures. It is mainly due to the lack of in-depth understanding of EMCD in the latter case where an additional phase may present under or above the investigated magnetic phase in the electron beam path. Here, we report EMCD signals acquired on a 15-nm-thick magnetic iron film with different thicknesses of the MgO substrate underlayer. By comparison, for areas with total thicknesses of t = 0.59 λ and t = 1.02 λ expressed with the mean free inelastic path of electron λ , the relative dichroic signals at the Fe ‐ L 3 edge are 3.8 % ± 1.0 % and 3.5 % ± 1.6 % , respectively, demonstrating no significant difference within the error range. However, the dichroic signal intensity at the Fe ‐ L 2 edge peak is 77.6% larger in the thinner area of t = 0.59 λ. Accordingly, the extracted m L / m s ratio of Fe 3 d moments is 63% smaller in the thinner area even after the plural scattering is removed. Then, we confirm that the presence of an additional nonmagnetic phase under a magnetic iron crystal can noticeably affect the quantified value of the m L / m s ratio of iron moment determined from the EMCD measurements. Furthermore, the larger thickness of the underlayer may result in relatively higher valuation of the m L / m s ratio of the upper layer. A correction method, considering the different influence of the underlayer on the Fe ‐ L 3 and L 2 edges, is in demand for developing potential applications of the EMCD technique to such composite nanomaterial systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bio-orthogonal chemistry-based approach for fluorescent labelling of ribosomal RNA is described. It involves an adenosine analogue modified with trans-cyclooctene and masked 5′-phosphate group using aryl phosphoramidate. The incorporation into rRNA has been confirmed using agarose gel electrophoresis, as well as a highly sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method. Fluorescent labelling of rRNA has been achieved in live HeLa cells via an inverse electron demand Diels–Alder reaction with a tetrazine conjugated to an Oregon Green fluorophore. This communication describes the stepwise approach that led to the development and characterization of the probe. The results demonstrate a new strategy towards development of future fluorescent probes to investigate the biochemistry of nucleic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A change in the dimensionality of an energy band in a semiconductor is done by reducing the dimension of its physical size. Here, we show that by spatially deforming a two-layer heterostructure into a wrinkled pattern, the minimum of the energy profile transforms from a two-dimensional plane at the hetero-interface into a one-dimensional path that lies along the wrinkled edge. This change alters the carrier path, causing the carriers to travel along a one-dimensional sinusoidal path, which may lead to an application. The present investigation shows that the dimensionality of the energy profile can be engineered by changing the morphology of the epilayers and provides insight into possible applications of the wrinkled pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we use ultrafast optical pump-optical probe spectroscopy to probe the polaron dynamics in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO) thin films. The temporal evolution in transient reflectivity change ΔR/R exhibits two relaxing components: a fast component with a time constant of subpicosecond and a slow component with time constant ranging from tens of picoseconds to hundreds of picoseconds. The amplitude of the fast component, though has been seldom discussed before, exhibits the similar temperature dependence with that of the resistivity and the neutron scattering intensity due to nanoscale correlated polarons. The results strongly suggest that the fast photoinduced reflectivity change may have been due to the photoexcitation and trapping process of correlated Jahn–Teller polarons in the paramagnetic and ferromagnetic phases and, thus, implies the presence of electronic inhomogeneity in LCMO manganites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-step treatment by argon (Ar) and hydrogen plasma beam scanning was developed to modify the surface bonds of a hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) film on indium tin oxide glass. The modified a-C:H film is an excellent layer for liquid crystal alignment, on which the pretilt angle of a nematic liquid crystal (ZLI-2293) can be adjusted by the two-step scanning treatment. The chemical bonding characteristics of the as-scanned a-C:H films were measured using micro-Raman and x-ray photoemission spectroscopies. The antiparallel cells were filled with the nematic liquid crystal on the as-scanned a-C:H film to measure the pretilt angle. Experimental results indicate that the carbon dangling bonds are generated through a bond-breaking process during the Ar plasma beam scanning step (first step). The hydrogen plasma beam scanning step (second step) can passivate some of the carbon dangling bonds that are generated in the first step. The pretilt angle decreases as the hydrogen plasma beam scanning time increases. The decrease of pretilt angle is due to the formation of C–H bonds that passivate the a-C:H film and limit the formation of C–O bonds in air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Change in therapy for her RCC, from pazopanib to carbozonib, resulted in complete symptom resolution, as well as improvement in the small bowel wall thickening seen on CT and normalization of her serum biochemistry. A 73-year-old female with a diagnosis of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), treated with pazopanib, presented with a 3-year history of persistent loose, non-bloody diarrhea with associated fecal urgency and incontinence. [Extracted from the article]

A plasma beam scanning treatment has been developed to modify the surface of the hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) film on the indium tin oxide glass. The plasma beam scanning treatment makes the a-C:H film an excellent layer for liquid-crystal alignment. The qualities of a-C:H films were characterized by using atomic force microscope, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscope. The ultrathin a-C:H films were deposited at 50% CH4/(H2+CH4) gas ratio, 100 W radio-frequency power, and a gas pressure of 10 mtorr for 15 min by capacitive-coupled plasma chemical-vapor deposition method. The twist nematic cells were filled with liquid crystal (ZLI-2293) on the a-C:H film treated with different nitrogen plasma beam scanning time. The grooving mechanism is considered not responsible for the liquid-crystal (LC) alignment. Raman spectra suggest that a bond-breaking process of aromatic rings occurs in the a-C:H film. The O1s, C1s, and N1s core-level spectra support that the nitrogen plasma beam scanning treatment induces a bond-breaking process of aromatic rings to create available carbon dangling bonds for the formation of C–O bonds. The newly formed C–O bonds are “directional,” which favor the LC alignment on the a-C:H film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general, quantitative relationship between the photon-transport mean free path (l*) and resin sensitivity (DP) in multiple-scattering alumina/monomer suspensions formulated for ceramic stereolithography is presented and experimentally demonstrated. A Mie-theory-based computational method with structure factor contributions to determine l* was developed. Planar-source diffuse transmittance experiments were performed on monodisperse and bimodal polystyrene/water and alumina/monomer systems to validate this computational tool. The experimental data support the application of this l* calculation method to concentrated suspensions composed of nonaggregating particles of moderately aspherical shape and log-normal size distribution. The values of DP are shown to be approximately five times that of l* in the tested ceramic stereolithography suspensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single phase TiO[sub 2] thin films, of either rutile or anatase structure, have been prepared on SrTiO[sub 3](STO)(100) substrates by in situ pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Thermodynamically unfavorable, for films deposited on STO(100) substrate directly, pure anatase TiO[sub 2](001) films were formed even when a rutile TiO[sub 2] (110) substrate was used as a target. On the other hand, pure rutile TiO[sub 2](110) films were obtained by oxidizing PLD TiN films in-situ at temperatures higher than 700 °C. The optimized deposition conditions for preparing TiN and TiO[sub 2] films were reported. The crystalline structure, surface morphology, and electronic structure of these films were examined. A mechanism of the process of film formation is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) is occasionally seen in premature infants after surfactant treatment for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). These infants receive frequent chest radiographs (CXR) during and after hospitalization enabling long-term radiographic-clinical correlation. OBJECTIVE: To chart the natural evolution of CXR findings of PH in RDS and correlate radiographic patterns to supplemental oxygen requirement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical notes for gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and oxygen requirement were performed. CXRs were reviewed at 4 time-points; during PH, 28 days postnatal age, 36 weeks and at farthest available clinical follow-up. RESULTS: 18 infants born (2003–2016), GA (24–30 weeks); BW (482–1590 grams) were included. Mean onset of PH was 1.94 (0–5) days. 9/18 (50%) had IVH. 3 died during PH; all had IVH. During PH, CXR showed whiteout 9/18 (50%); patchy opacities 5/18 (27%); diffuse haziness 1/18 (6%) and no change 3/18 (17%). At 28 days postnatal age, CXR showed fine-interstitial (FI) markings 14/15 (93%) and whiteout 1/15 (7%). At 36 weeks,12/14 (85%) had FI and 2/14 (15%) developed cystic-interstitial changes. At farthest follow-up, FI 3/13 (23%); coarse-interstitial 4/13 (30%); peri-bronchial cuffing 5/13 (38%); normal 1/13 (9%) and the majority had hyperinflation 9/13 (69%). At discharge, 9/14 (64%) required home-oxygen and 5/14 (36%) were on room-air. At farthest follow-up, 6/14 (42%) required home-oxygen and 8/14 (58%) were on room-air. CONCLUSION: Premature infants that survive PH may later develop chronic lung disease of prematurity with an evolving interstitial pattern on CXR that clears overtime as they outgrow the need for supplemental oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The fragmentation and interfacial stress transfer of Cu 75 Zr 25 amorphous films with varying film thickness (h) on polyimide substrates were systematically investigated by using uniaxial tensile testing, in combination with in situ optical microscope and atomic force microscope characterizations. It is revealed that the interfacial stress transfer length increases monotonically as h increases. The interfacial stress transfer mechanism changes from elastic-plastic to approximately linear elastic at a critical point of h = 250 nm. This is related to h -dependent deformation-induced devitrification (DID) near the interfaces that the thinner Cu-Zr amorphous films display more DID. This study elucidates for the first time the effect of DID on the interfacial stress transfer, which will be helpful to design the interface with desired property for nanotechnological applications. Highlights • Fragmentation and interfacial stress transfer of Cu-Zr amorphous films were studied. • Interfacial stress transfer length increases as film thickness increases. • Thinner Cu-Zr amorphous films display more deformation-induced devitrification. • A crystallization gradient is induced by deformation along the film growth direction. • Interfacial stress transfer changes from elastic-plastic to linear elastic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrodeposited composite coatings consisting of reinforcement, solid lubricant and tough metallic matrix usually exhibit excellent tribological properties, including high resistance to wear and corrosion, low coefficient of friction, and other desired properties. However, if the distribution of the reinforcement is not homogeneous due to particle agglomeration, especially for fine or nano-sized particles, the performance of the coatings could be largely deteriorated. In the work, Cu-Sn-PTFE- TiO 2 composite coatings were made using a pulse electroplating process. Homogeneous distribution of TiO 2 particles in the coatings was achieved using highly homogeneous dispersion of nano TiO 2 Sol in the plating solution rather than directly dispersing the TiO 2 nanoparticles in the solution. Such fabricated Cu-Sn-PTFE- TiO 2 coatings showed smooth surface, refined grains and high micro-hardness, leading to excellent tribological properties and corrosion resistance. However, too much TiO 2 Sol led to changes in the solution's pH value, accompanied with agglomeration of the TiO 2 Sol, lowering the quality of the coatings with decreased resistance to failure during sliding wear tests. This study demonstrates that application of nanoparticle sol in a proper concentration range is an effective new approach to achieve homogeneous distribution of reinforcing nanoparticles in electrodeposited composite coatings for high wear resistance, low friction and corrosion resistance. • Homogeneous dispersion of TiO 2 nanoparticle in TiO 2 Sol containing plating solution resulted in Cu-Sn-PTFE-TiO2 composite coatings with homogeneously distributed nanoparticles in a fine-grained matrix. • With an appropriate TiO 2 Sol concentration, the Cu-Sn-PTFE-TiO 2 coating shows refined crystalline grain and high hardness, leading to improved tribological properties. • Too much TiO 2 Sol however promoted agglomeration of the TiO 2 Sol, thus deteriorating the coating. • The Sol is a new and effective method of making homogeneous nano-composite coatings with higher mechanical strength and improved tribological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We report the formation of wrinkles with tunable wavelength in Ag films and Mo films deposited on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and PDMS/Si substrates by magnetron sputtering at 50 °C. The PDMS-supported Ag films have the wrinkles with μm-sized wavelength, while the sub-μm-sized wrinkles are engendered in the Ag films on PDMS/Si substrates due to the constraint from the substrates. By contrary, Mo films with a similar thickness range exhibit wrinkles with μm-sized wavelength on the PDMS/Si substrates, much larger than that of Ag films on the same substrates. This indicates that the wrinkle wavelength in metal films depends closely on the substrates and the characteristics of metal films. The possible reasons for the discrepancy in wavelength between experiments and theoretical predictions are discussed. The wettability of the wrinkled surfaces is predominantly controlled by the length scale of the wrinkles. In the Ag films with sub-μm-sized wrinkles, droplet contact angle is highly sensitive to the surface roughness, i.e. , increasing quickly with the surface roughness. However, in the PDMS-supported Ag and PDMS/Si-supported Mo films both with μm-sized wrinkles, the contact angle raises slowly with the surface roughness. It is thus evident that a wettability spectrum derived from the wrinkling pattern can be artificially developed by tuning the wavelength in different length scales through controlling of substrates, metal films, and film thicknesses. Highlights • The wrinkles with tunable wavelength were created on metal film surfaces. • The wavelength can be tuned by the substrates, film constituent and thickness. • The wettability of the wrinkled surfaces was controlled by the wavelength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study reveals two-stage wrinkling behavior of Al films deposited on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates by magnetron sputtering at a high temperature. The hierarchical structures with nano-micro dual scale wrinkles were created in Al films. The micro-scale wrinkles originated from thermal contraction, with the wavelength increasing with increasing film thickness, while nano-scale wrinkles, with an almost unchanged wavelength, are induced by the expansion of the mixed layer on the PDMS surface. The results provide a facile method to produce the hierarchical wrinkled surfaces for functionality. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The accumulation of α‐synuclein is a hallmark in the pathogenesis of Parkinson′s disease (PD). Natural resistance‐associated macrophage protein‐1 (Nramp1) was previously shown to contribute to the degradation of extracellular α‐synuclein in microglia under conditions of iron overload. This study was aimed at investigating the role of Nramp1 in α‐synuclein pathology in the neurone under 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)/1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+) treatment. Methods: The expression of Nramp1 and pathological features (including iron and α‐synuclein accumulation) were examined in the dopaminergic neurones of humans (with and without PD) and of mice [with and without receiving chronic MPTP intoxication]. The effects of Nramp1 expression on low‐dose MPP+‐induced α‐synuclein expression and neurotoxicity were determined in human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells. Results: Similar to the findings in the substantia nigra of human PD, lower expression of Nramp1 but higher levels of iron and α‐synuclein were identified in the dopaminergic neurones of mice receiving chronic MPTP intoxication, compared to controls. In parallel to the loss of dopaminergic neurones, the numbers of glial fibrillary acidic protein‐ and ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule‐1‐positive cells were significantly increased in the substantia nigra of MPTP‐treated mice. Likewise, in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells exposed to low‐dose MPP+, Nramp1 expression and cathepsin D activity were decreased, along with an increase in α‐synuclein protein expression and aggregation. Overexpression of functional Nramp1 restored cathepsin D activity and attenuated α‐synuclein up‐regulation and neuronal cell death caused by MPP+ treatment. Conclusions: These data suggest that the neuronal expression of Nramp1 is important for protecting against the development of MPTP/MPP+‐induced α‐synuclein pathology and neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • In situ study on the buckling and post-buckling of Cu–Zr amorphous films. • A unique buckling and post-buckling behavior is observed. • A buckling map has been developed, including four buckling modes. • Formation of buckling modes are related to the size-dependent deformation. Abstract The buckling and post-buckling behavior of the Cu–Zr amorphous films is highly dependent on film thickness (h) and applied strain (ε). A buckling map has been developed with h and ε as axes, where four buckling modes are detected, including uncracked triangular buckle, cracked rectangular buckle, cracked triangular buckle, and patches. Formation of the four buckling modes will be discussed in terms of the film thickness and size-dependent deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this work, cohesive and adhesive properties of Ti thin films on polyimide substrates were studied systematically as a function of grain size by in situ optical microscopy, resistance measurements and synchrotron X-ray diffraction under uniaxial tensile testing. The characteristic of cohesive and adhesive behavior can be well reflected in the stress-strain curves determined by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Generally, the yield strength decreases while the cracking strain increases with increasing grain size, due to the constraint effect of grain size on dislocation activity. Different from the yield strength, the fracture strength is almost unchanged with grain size. The fracture toughness is found to increase as the grain size increases, which is attributed to the enhanced plasticity during fracture process. Additionally, the interfacial adhesion energy is determined to be 3.8 J m−2. The buckling strain increases with increasing grain size as a result of enhanced plastic dissipation. The formation of patches, instead of buckles, in Ti film with smaller grain size is ascribed to the low deformation capability of the film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Although case retrieval of Bayesian network has greatly promoted the application of CBR technique in engineering fields, it is facing huge challenges with the arrival of the era of big data. First, huge computation task of BN learning caused by big data seriously hampers the efficiency of case retrieval; Second, with the increasing data size, the accuracy of case retrieval becomes poorer and poorer because existing methods of improving probability learning become unfit for new situation. Aiming at the first problem, this paper proposes Within-Cross algorithm to assign computation task to improve the result of parallel data processing and gain better efficiency of case retrieval. For the second problem, this paper proposes a new method called Weighted Index Coefficient of Dirichlet Distribution (WICDD) algorithm, which first measures the influence of different factors on probability learning and then gives a weight to each super parameter of Dirichlet Distribution to adjust the result of probability learning. Thus with WICDD algorithm, the effect of probability learning is greatly improved, which then further enhances the accuracy of case retrieval. Finally, lots of experiments are executed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fragmentation of Cu75Zr25 amorphous films with varying film thickness on polyimide substrates has been investigated by uniaxial tensile testing, in combination with in situ electrical resistivity measurements, optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy. It is revealed that the cracking strain monotonically increases as decreases, which can be attributed to the constraint effect of film thickness on shear band formation and the columnar structures in the thicker films. Similarly, the buckling strain also increases with decreasing , with the delamination of Cu75Zr25 amorphous films following the strain energy criterion. The adhesion energy between Cu75Zr25 film and polyimide is estimated to be of ∼ 6.5 J m−2 based on the buckle geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The European Male Aging Study (EMAS) has recently defined strict diagnostic criteria for late‐onset hypogonadism (LOH) including the levels of serum total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT) and three sexual symptoms. However, there is no report on risk factors for LOH using these criteria. In this study, we investigated risk factors for LOH based on these criteria. We recruited 277 men (aged 36‐80 years) who completed both a health check‐up and two questionnaires (a health and lifestyle questionnaire, and a sexual function questionnaire). Data on parameters, such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), glucose, triglyceride (TG) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), were obtained from medical records of the hospital in Shantou. TT and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay, and FT was calculated. TT, FT, age, waist circumference, SBP and glucose showed significant differences between LOH‐positive and LOH‐negative individuals. Univariate regression analyses showed that age, waist circumference, SBP, glucose and health status were risk factors for LOH. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that TT was inversely correlated with waist circumference, glucose and SBP, and FT was inversely correlated with age, SBP and health status. In conclusion, age, waist circumference, SBP, glucose and health status were risk factors for LOH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimodal bioimaging probes have raised wide concern in recent years for remedying shortcomings inherent to one given imaging technology. Rare-earth upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) which can absorb low-energy photons and emit high energy photons have attracted great interest not only because of their unique application in upconversion luminescence imaging, but also because they can generate visible emission by near-infrared radiation (NIR) excitation. Here we have synthesized PEI capped Ln3+ doped NaGdF4 UCNPs in a one-pot facile hydrothermal method in order to meet the demand for upconversion luminescence (UCL) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) simultaneously. PEI used here endows these NPs with good water solubility and biocompatibility. The properties of the nanoparticles were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform-infrared, and upconversion luminescence spectra and magnetism. Further biocompatibility test has also been investigated. The results indicate that our synthesized nanoparticles have potential application in bio-imaging probes combining UCL and MRI modal imaging together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study which investigated submicron indium phosphide transferred electron devices. Method used to model the direct current characteristics of near-micron structures; Background on the physical origins of the length effect in submicron structures; Description of the static characteristics of transferred electron devices.

Presents a theoretical study of electron transport in the resonant-tunneling diode under the effects of an in-plane magnetic field. Description of the theoretical model; Results; Conclusions.

Presents information on a study which considered the swelling of a polymer glass by sorption of a small molecule penetrant in a regime characterized by so-called case-II diffusion. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion.

Presents information on a study which considered front formation and steady-state front motion in a one-dimensional polymer system undergoing case-II diffusion. Analysis of the problem with a steady-state moving front; Results of the study; Conclusions.

We present time-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy measurement of isothermal desorption of NH3 and ND3 from Cu(001) as a function of coverage. The desorption process is characterized by pseudo-first-order kinetics. The pseudo-first-order rate constant increases approximately exponentially as a function of adsorbed ammonia coverage. The results of an analysis based on a quasiequilibrium approximation which expresses the desorption rate in terms of a virial expansion in adsorbate coverage are reported. This demonstrates that the intermolecular interactions are dominated by short range repulsive lateral interactions, in qualitative accord with expectations of dipolar interactions. The results also suggest the existence of longer-range attractive interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]