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Recent reports of superconductivity and magnetism in single crystals of [Li 1− x Fe x OH]FeS show unexplained variations in both superconducting and magnetic properties. We investigate the effect of hydrothermal growth conditions on these properties and find that increasing the growth temperature systematically increases the superconducting transition temperature ( T c ), sharpens the magnetic transition, and decreases the scattering rate (Γ). The slow rate of T c suppression with increasing Γ indicates a conventional s -wave superconducting state according to the Abrikosov-Gorkov expression. Samples with higher scattering rate show broader magnetic transitions and a stronger temperature dependence in the magnetic susceptibility. These results identify disorder, due to interstitial iron impurities, as the unique internal parameter responsible for the unexplained variations in T c and magnetic ordering. We demonstrate the optimal hydrothermal growth conditions to minimize disorder and maximize T c in [Li 1− x Fe x OH]FeS crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study aimed at determining a cut-off point on a degree of difference (DOD) scale using cross-cultural consumer data for quality purposes. A group of 10 colas representing two critical off-notes at different concentrations were manufactured. The samples were assessed by a quality panel who determined the DODs and were also presented to consumers in Romania and the Netherlands who reported their likings for the samples. Results reported that the cut-off point in Romania was lower than the one originally decided by management. On the other hand, results obtained in the Netherlands indicated that the cut-off point was higher than in Romania but close to the one currently used. Results also showed that the quality of the cola present on each market as well as most of consumers’ characteristics influenced the value of the cut-off point. This study underlined the value of international consumer insight to validate quality systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, a prescriptive seismic design procedure for post-tensioned mass timber rocking wall lateral force–resisting systems is proposed. Unlike performance-based design approaches that employ nonlinear analysis, this procedure utilizes techniques and analysis procedures that are routinely applied in design industry practice as well as adhering to traditional approaches contained in current US standards. The design procedure targets providing a basis for prescriptive design of mass timber rocking wall lateral force–resisting systems and their future adoption into model codes. For illustration, the design approach is applied to an example building, with the building's performance validated through a nonlinear numerical model simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chemopreventive effects of zinc for esophageal cancer have been well documented in animal models. This prospective study explores if a similar, potentially chemopreventive action can be seen in Barrett's esophagus (BE) in humans. Aims: To determine if molecular evidence can be obtained potentially indicating zinc's chemopreventive action in Barrett's metaplasia. Methods: Patients with a prior BE diagnosis were placed on oral zinc gluconate (14 days of 26.4 mg zinc BID) or a sodium gluconate placebo, prior to their surveillance endoscopy procedure. Biopsies of Barrett's mucosa were then obtained for miRNA and mRNA microarrays, or protein analyses. Results: Zinc-induced mRNA changes were observed for a large number of transcripts. These included downregulation of transcripts encoding proinflammatory proteins (IL32, IL1β, IL15, IL7R, IL2R, IL15R, IL3R), upregulation of anti-inflammatory mediators (IL1RA), downregulation of transcripts mediating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (LIF, MYB, LYN, MTA1, SRC, SNAIL1, and TWIST1), and upregulation of transcripts that oppose EMT (BMP7, MTSS1, TRIB3, GRHL1). miRNA arrays showed significant upregulation of seven miRs with tumor suppressor activity (-125b-5P, -132-3P, -548z, -551a, -504, -518, and -34a-5P). Of proteins analyzed by Western blot, increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein, BAX, and the tight junctional protein, CLAUDIN-7, along with decreased expression of BCL-2 and VEGF-R2 were noteworthy. Conclusions: When these mRNA, miRNA, and protein molecular data are considered collectively, a cancer chemopreventive action by zinc in Barrett's metaplasia may be possible for this precancerous esophageal tissue. These results and the extensive prior animal model studies argue for a future prospective clinical trial for this safe, easily-administered, and inexpensive micronutrient, that could determine if a chemopreventive action truly exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional methods, such as the detection of total and fecal coliforms, and more recently enterococci, that are used to detect fecal pollution levels do not identify the source of the pollution. Despite a significant volume of research in this field, at present there is no common methodology to identify sources of fecal contamination affecting bathing and shellfish waters in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme magnetoresistance (XMR) in topological semimetals is a recent discovery which attracts attention due to its robust appearance in a growing number of materials. To search for a relation between XMR and superconductivity, we study the effect of pressure on LaBi. By increasing pressure, we observe the disappearance of XMR followed by the appearance of superconductivity at P≈3.5 GPa. We find a region of coexistence between superconductivity and XMR in LaBi in contrast to other superconducting XMR materials. The suppression of XMR is correlated with increasing zero-field resistance instead of decreasing in-field resistance. At higher pressures, P≈11 GPa, we find a structural transition from the face-centered cubic lattice to a primitive tetragonal lattice, in agreement with theoretical predictions. The relationship between extreme magnetoresistance, superconductivity, and structural transition in LaBi is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]