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Summary Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) have accumulated tremendous interest recently due to their high conductivity and excellent figures of merit in electromagnetic interference shielding and other applications. Large-area freestanding films of MXenes are important for versatility in application; however, alternative processing methods are needed for large-scale production. In this work, we demonstrate fabrication of Ti3C2Tx MXene freestanding films through drop-casting onto hydrophobic plastic substrates. Freestanding MXene films prepared using the drop-casting method can be fabricated in large areas (>125 cm2) and thicknesses (23.2 μm), and have smooth surfaces (14 nm RMS roughness) while maintaining high electrical conductivity (~7,000 S cm−1). Moreover, these MXene films can be micropatterned in three dimensions by processing on commercially available microstructured plastics, resulting in a 38% increase in normalized electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency compared with flat films. The results presented here suggest a scalable path toward creating MXene freestanding films for prototypes and industrialization.

Older adults are susceptible to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes as a consequence of their age and, in some cases, underlying health conditions (1). A COVID-19 outbreak in a long-term care skilled nursing facility (SNF) in King County, Washington that was first identified on February 28, 2020, highlighted the potential for rapid spread among residents of these types of facilities (2). On March 1, a health care provider at a second long-term care skilled nursing facility (facility A) in King County, Washington, had a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, after working while symptomatic on February 26 and 28. By March 6, seven residents of this second facility were symptomatic and had positive test results for SARS-CoV-2. On March 13, CDC performed symptom assessments and SARS-CoV-2 testing for 76 (93%) of the 82 facility A residents to evaluate the utility of symptom screening for identification of COVID-19 in SNF residents. Residents were categorized as asymptomatic or symptomatic at the time of testing, based on the absence or presence of fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms on the day of testing or during the preceding 14 days. Among 23 (30%) residents with positive test results, 10 (43%) had symptoms on the date of testing, and 13 (57%) were asymptomatic. Seven days after testing, 10 of these 13 previously asymptomatic residents had developed symptoms and were recategorized as presymptomatic at the time of testing. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing cycle threshold (Ct) values indicated large quantities of viral RNA in asymptomatic, presymptomatic, and symptomatic residents, suggesting the potential for transmission regardless of symptoms. Symptom-based screening in SNFs could fail to identify approximately half of residents with COVID-19. Long-term care facilities should take proactive steps to prevent introduction of SARS-CoV-2 (3). Once a confirmed case is identified in an SNF, all residents should be placed on isolation precautions if possible (3), with considerations for extended use or reuse of personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed (4).

On February 28, 2020, a case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was identified in a woman resident of a long-term care skilled nursing facility (facility A) in King County, Washington.* Epidemiologic investigation of facility A identified 129 cases of COVID-19 associated with facility A, including 81 of the residents, 34 staff members, and 14 visitors; 23 persons died. Limitations in effective infection control and prevention and staff members working in multiple facilities contributed to intra- and interfacility spread. COVID-19 can spread rapidly in long-term residential care facilities, and persons with chronic underlying medical conditions are at greater risk for COVID-19-associated severe disease and death. Long-term care facilities should take proactive steps to protect the health of residents and preserve the health care workforce by identifying and excluding potentially infected staff members and visitors, ensuring early recognition of potentially infected patients, and implementing appropriate infection control measures.

Objective: To analyze gastroschisis annual incidence, mortality rates, and trends in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul from the year 2000 to the year 2017. Method: Population-based study with the analysis of the temporal trend of gastroschisis annual incidence and mortality rates. Data were obtained from the Live Birth Information System and the Mortality Information System, with the analysis performed by polynomial regression modeling. Results: There were 2,612,532 live births, 705 hospitalizations, and 233 deaths due to gastroschisis. The annual incidence of gastroschisis was 2.69 per 10,000 live births. The annual incidence rate increased by 85% in the total period (p = 0.003), and mortality was 33% in the 2000-2017 period. Maternal age < 25 years was a risk factor for gastroschisis (p < 0.001). Children were more likely to be born weighing < 2,500 g (p < 0.001) and with a gestational age < 37 weeks (p < 0.001). The annual incidence trend was to increase, and the mortality trend was to decrease. Conclusion: Similar to what has been described in several regions/countries, there was a trend showing an 85% increase in the annual incidence of gastroschisis (p = 0.003) and the mortality was 33% with a trend of decreasing (p = 0.002).

Background Hemolytic blood samples are the number one cause for specimen rejection at emergency departments. Triggered by unsuitable blood sampling material or incorrect handling and a related strong vacuum force, hemolytic samples often must be retaken. The objective of this study was to assess whether correct manual aspiration using S-Monovette® could reduce the number of hemolytic samples. Methods Between January and April 2019, a head-to-head study was conducted. Whereas in the first eight weeks, all specimens were collected using Vacutainer®, in the second eight weeks, blood was taken using S-Monovette® in aspiration mode. Specimens were categorized into five classes (0–30, 31–50, 51–75, 76–100, and 101+ mg/dl of cell-free hemoglobin) and for the statistical analyses, all samples exceeding 30 mg/dl were classified as hemolytic. Results Data were collected on 4794 blood specimens (Vacutainer®: 2634 samples, S-Monovette®: 2160 samples). While the percentage of non-hemolytic samples (HI of 0–30 mg/dl) was substantially higher for specimens drawn by S-Monovette® (95.7 %) than Vacutainer® (83.0 %), the opposite was true for all HI categories above 30 mg/dl. Importantly, the reduction of hemolytic samples took place immediately following the imposition of S-Monovette® and remained stable at a low level until the end of the study. Conclusions Based on our results, we conclude that switching to S-Monovette® in manual aspiration mode in the blood sampling process could be highly beneficial, not only from a financial point of view, but also with regards to reducing unnecessary tasks and stress for nursing staff and improving patient outcome overall., Highlights • S-Monovette® in aspiration mode reduces hemolytic samples by a factor of four at emergency departments. • Various stakeholders affected by poor quality blood samples could benefit. • The inconvenience due to redundant blood samples could be significantly reduced.

IntroductionPulmonary alveolar proteinosis related to mutations in the methionine tRNA synthetase (MARS1) gene is a severe, early-onset disease that results in death before the age of 2 years in one-third of patients. It is associated with a liver disease, growth failure and systemic inflammation. As methionine supplementation in yeast models restored normal enzymatic activity of the synthetase, we studied the tolerance, safety and efficacy of daily oral methionine supplementation in patients with severe and early disease.MethodsFour patients received methionine supplementation and were followed for respiratory, hepatic, growth and inflammation-related outcomes. Their course was compared to those of historical controls. Reactive oxygen species production by patient monocytes before and after methionine supplementation was also studied.ResultsMethionine supplementation was associated with respiratory improvement, clearance of the extracellular lipoproteinaceous material and discontinuation of whole-lung lavage in all patients. The three patients who required oxygen or noninvasive ventilation could be weaned off within 60 days. In addition, liver dysfunction, inflammation and growth delay improved or resolved. At a cellular level, methionine supplementation normalised the production of reactive oxygen species by peripheral monocytes.ConclusionMethionine supplementation was associated with important improvements in children with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis related to mutations in the MARS1 gene. This study paves the way for similar strategies for other tRNA synthetase deficiencies.

OBJECTIVES:. We sought to validate prognostic scores in coronavirus disease 2019 including National Early Warning Score, Modified Early Warning Score, and age-based modifications, and define their performance characteristics. DESIGN:. We analyzed prospectively collected data from the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial. National Early Warning Score was collected daily during the trial, Modified Early Warning Score was calculated, and age applied to both scores. We assessed prognostic value for the end points of recovery, mechanical ventilation, and death for score at enrollment, average, and slope of score over the first 48 hours. SETTING:. A multisite international inpatient trial. PATIENTS:. A total of 1,062 adult nonpregnant inpatients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia. INTERVENTIONS:. Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial 1 randomized participants to receive remdesivir or placebo. The prognostic value of predictive scores was evaluated in both groups separately to assess for differential performance in the setting of remdesivir treatment. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:. For mortality, baseline National Early Warning Score and Modified Early Warning Score were weakly to moderately prognostic (c-index, 0.60–0.68), and improved with addition of age (c-index, 0.66–0.74). For recovery, baseline National Early Warning Score and Modified Early Warning Score demonstrated somewhat better prognostic ability (c-index, 0.65–0.69); however, National Early Warning Score+age and Modified Early Warning Score+age further improved performance (c-index, 0.68–0.71). For deterioration, baseline National Early Warning Score and Modified Early Warning Score were weakly to moderately prognostic (c-index, 0.59–0.69) and improved with addition of age (c-index, 0.63–0.70). All prognostic performance improvements due to addition of age were significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:. In the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial 1 cohort, National Early Warning Score and Modified Early Warning Score demonstrated moderate prognostic performance in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019, with improvement in predictive ability for National Early Warning Score+age and Modified Early Warning Score+age. Area under receiver operating curve for National Early Warning Score and Modified Early Warning Score improved in patients receiving remdesivir versus placebo early in the pandemic for recovery and mortality. Although these scores are simple and readily obtainable in myriad settings, in our data set, they were insufficiently predictive to completely replace clinical judgment in coronavirus disease 2019 and may serve best as an adjunct to triage, disposition, and resourcing decisions.

Background Mental–somatic multimorbidity in general hospital settings is associated with long hospital stays, frequent rehospitalization, and a deterioration of disease course, thus, highlighting the need for treating hospital patients more holistically. However, there are several challenges to overcome to address mental health conditions in these settings. This study investigated hospital personnel’s perceived importance of and experiences with mental–somatic multimorbidities of patients in hospital settings in Basel, Switzerland, with special consideration of the differences between physicians and nurses. Methods Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses (n = 10) and physicians (n = 8) in different hospitals located in Basel, Switzerland. An inductive approach of the framework analysis was used to develop the themes. Results Four themes emerged from the data analysis: 1) the relevance of mental–somatic multimorbidity within general hospitals, 2) health professionals managing their emotions towards mental health, 3) knowledge and competencies in treating patients with mental–somatic multimorbidity, and 4) interprofessional collaboration for handling mental–somatic multimorbidity in hospital settings.The mental–somatic multimorbidities in general hospital patients was found to be relevant among all hospital professionals, although the priority of mental health was higher for nurses than for physicians. This might have resulted from different working environments or in efficient interprofessional collaboration in general hospitals. Physicians and nurses both highlighted the difficulties of dealing with stigma, a lack of knowledge of mental disorders, the emphasis place on treating somatic disorders, and competing priorities and work availability, which all hindered the adequate handling of mental–somatic multimorbidity in general hospitals. Conclusion To support health professionals to integrate mental health into their work, proper environments within general hospitals are needed, such as private rooms in which to communicate with patients. In addition, changes in curriculums and continuing training are needed to improve the understanding of mental–somatic multimorbidities and reduce negative stereotypes. Similarly, interprofessional collaboration between health professionals needs to be strengthened to adequately identify and treat mentally multimorbid patients. A stronger focus should be placed on physicians to improve their competencies in considering patient mental health in their daily somatic treatment care.

Rationale Femtosecond (fs) laser ablation ion sources have allowed for improved measurement capabilities and figures of merit of laser ablation based spectroscopic and mass spectrometric measurement techniques. However, in comparison to longer pulse laser systems, the ablation plume from fs lasers is observed to be colder, which favors the formation of polyatomic species. Such species can limit the analytical capabilities of a system due to isobaric interferences. In this contribution, a double‐pulse femtosecond (DP‐fs) laser ablation ion source is coupled to our miniature Laser Ablation Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LIMS) system and its impact on the recorded stoichiometry of the generated plasma is analyzed in detail. Methods A DP‐fs laser ablation ion source (temporal delays of +300 to – 300 ps between pulses) is connected to our miniature LIMS system. The first pulse is used for material removal from the sample surface and the second for post‐ionization of the ablation plume. To characterize the performance, parametric double‐ and single‐pulse studies (temporal delays, variation of the pulse energy, voltage applied on detector system) were conducted on three different NIST SRM alloy samples (SRM 661, 664 and 665). Results At optimal instrument settings for both the double‐pulse laser ablation ion source and the detector voltage, relative sensitivity coefficients were observed to be closer (factor of ~2) to 1 compared with single‐pulse measurements. Furthermore, the optimized settings worked for all three samples, meaning no further optimization was necessary when changing to another alloy sample material during this study. Conclusions The application of a double‐pulse femtosecond laser ablation ion source resulted in the recording of improved stoichiometry of the generated plasma using our LIMS measurement technique. This is of great importance for the quantitative chemical analysis of more complex solid materials, e.g., geological samples or metal alloys, especially when aiming for standard‐free quantification procedures for the determination of the chemical composition.

We present a Laser Ablation Ionization Mass Spectrometer (LIMS) for the sensitive, chemical analysis of solid matter as an analytical instrument on a landed spacecraft on the Moon, as a possible application in the ARTEMIS program of NASA. Our LIMS system is compact, features simple and robust operation, and is based on current measurement capabilities of a real-size prototype system. Our LIMS instru-ment can be part of the payload of a rover, can be portable for field excursions of astronauts, or be part of an instrument suite at the lunar base for detailed investigations of samples collected in the field. LIMS measurements provide chemical analysis within seconds, detection of trace elements at the ppm level and below, without sample preparation to support investigations from pure scientific interest all the way to in situ resource utilization (ISRU) related tasks. The LIMS instrument is a reflectron-type time-of-flight mass spectrometer coupled to a femtosecond laser for ablation and ionization of sample material for mass spectrometric analysis of solid samples. The LIMS was originally designed for the application on Mercury surface and since then was continuously developed further for in situ research on planetary surfaces. We operated a fully functional LIMS prototype that has been operated for many years in our laboratory. It has a mass resolution up to 900, with an accuracy of the mass scale of 500 ppm, a detection limit around 10 ppb depending on mass, and a dynamic range of 8 decades, which allows for quantitative measurements of almost all elements in laser ablation mode. Furthermore, it enables the detection of complex molecules in laser desorption mode. With every laser pulse a small amount of sample material is removed, thus, when staying at the same spot the sequence of mass spectra resulting from these laser pulses can be used to derive a depth profile of the atomic composition at the sampled location, allowing, for example, to penetrate through the space weathered layer on grains and rocks to access the true chemical composition of the material. We combined our LIMS system with a high-resolution microscope camera system (MCS), which has its own multi-color sample illumination. MCS has an optical resolution of 2 μm for detailed optical investigation of the sample. In this way, mass spectrometric analysis and imaging information are available from the exact same location on the sample. Microscope images provide characterization of a sample for context analysis and supporting mineralogical classifications. For the demonstration of performance of our miniature LIMS system, we will present exemplary studies conducted on suitable sample materials that are relevant for in situ space exploration, that includes e.g., the identification of the mineralogy of hetero-geneous samples, as well as element and isotope studies conducted on lunar and chondritic meteorites, which allows studies of in situ radio-isotope geochronology.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are attracting significant interests in the nanoelectronics community due to their various electrical properties, atomic-scale thickness, and mechanical flexibility. The current challenge to fabricate high performance 2D materials-based electronic devices is the poor quality of the metal contacts, the difficulty to pattern dopants, and the high fabrication cost. To overcome these challenges, here, we show that using thermal scanning probe lithography (t-SPL), record performing high-quality metal contacts can be fabricated cost-effectively on 2D materials, resulting in high performance 2D materials-based field effect transistors. Moreover, we show that by integrating t-SPL with a gas flow chamber, t-SPL can be used to achieve nanoscale bipolar doping of 2D materials. This t-SPL method opens a new way to cost-effectively fabricate high performance 2D materials-based nanoelectronic devices and can be easily scaled up using parallel probe arrays.

Background High morbidity and mortality have been observed in patients with cancer and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, there are limited data on antimicrobial use, coinfections, and viral shedding. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 28, 2020 and June 15, 2020 to characterize antimicrobial use, coinfections, viral shedding, and outcomes within 30 days after diagnosis. Cycle threshold values were used as a proxy for viral load. We determined viral clearance, defined as 2 consecutive negative results using severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction results through July 30, 2020. Results Seventy-one patients were included with a median age of 61 years; 59% had a solid tumor. Only 3 patients had documented respiratory bacterial coinfection. Empiric antibiotics for pneumonia were prescribed more frequently early in the study period (February 29–March 28, 2020; 12/34) compared to the later period (March 29–June 15, 2020; 2/36) (P = .002). The median number of days from symptom onset to viral clearance was 37 days with viral load rapidly declining in the first 7–10 days after symptom onset. Within 30 days of diagnosis, 29 (41%) patients were hospitalized and 12 (17%) died. Each additional comorbidity was associated with 45% lower odds of days alive and out of hospital in the month following diagnosis in adjusted models. Conclusions Patients at a cancer center, particularly those with multiple comorbidities, are at increased risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19. Prolonged viral shedding is frequently observed among cancer patients, and its implications on transmission and treatment strategies warrant further study.

International audience; Pesticides are applied in large quantities to agroecosystems worldwide. To date, few studies assessed the occurrence of pesticides in organically managed agricultural soils, and it is unresolved whether these pesticide residues affect soil life. We screened 100 fields under organic and conventional management with an analytical method containing 46 pesticides (16 herbicides, 8 herbicide transformation products, 17 fungicides, seven insecticides). Pesticides were found in all sites, including 40 organic fields. The number of pesticide residues was two times and the concentration nine times higher in conventional compared to organic fields. Pesticide number and concentrations significantly decreased with the duration of organic management. Even after 20 years of organic agriculture, up to 16 different pesticide residues were present. Microbial biomass and specifically the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, a widespread group of beneficial plant symbionts, were significantly negatively linked to the amount of pesticide residues in soil. This indicates that pesticide residues, in addition to abiotic factors such as pH, are a key factor determining microbial soil life in agroecosystems. This comprehensive study demonstrates that pesticides are a hidden reality in agricultural soils, and our results suggest that they have harmful effects on beneficial soil life.

The JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) of the European Space Agency (ESA) will investigate Jupiter and its icy moons Europa, Ganymede and Callisto, with the aim to better understand the origin and evolution of our Solar System and the emergence of life. The Neutral gas and Ion Mass spectrometer (NIM) is one of six instruments of the Particle Environment Package (PEP) on board the JUICE spacecraft. PEP will measure neutral atoms and molecules, the ion population, and the electron population over an energy range covering from meV to MeV. The NIM instrument is designed to measure the chemical and isotope composition of the exospheres of three of Jupiter’s satellites, the icy moons, both, during several flybys and during its final destination in Ganymede orbit. From measurements of the exosphere, we will derive the chemical composition of the surface, which will allow us a better understanding of the icy moons formation processes, interactionprocesses with the magnetospheric plasma and energetic particles of Jupiter’s magnetospheric system. The NIM instrument is a compact time-of-flight mass spectrometer allowing measurements of thermal neutral molecules and ionospheric ions. To minimize the background radiation on the detector and protect electronics against the harsh radiation environment around Jupiter, elaborated radiation shielding was designed. NIM consists of two major subunits, namely, the ion-optical system and the electronics. This study presents details on the technical design and the results obtained from the calibration campaigns of different subsystems of the flight instrument including a mass range of m/z 1 to 650, a mass resolution m/Δm of at least 750 (FWHM), and an instantaneous dynamic range of almost 6 decades. These results are discussed in detail with respect to the scientific requirements. This performance in combination with its radiation tolerance allows for both a detailed analysis of the chemical composition of Jupiter’s icy moons’ exospheres and ionospheres, and to explore environments, where formation of life might be possible.

Searches for the past and present life on the planetary surfaces will be involving multilevel characterisation of the planetary rocks and soils within potentially habitable environments. Some up to three billion years old stromatolites or fossilised bacterial colonies are particularly interesting. They are found on the Earth and thought to be earliest life forms preserved within the terrestrial sedimentary rocks and can be a benchmark for searches of bio-relevant objects on planetary surfaces. By combining the microscope-camera system and mass analyser one can identify micro-fossilised material within the rocks by means of specific morphological details and characteristic chemical composition. We discuss the results of the studies on ancient microfossils obtained by space-born instrumentation, microscope-camera system combined with laser mass spectrometer. Both, the microscope imaging and chemical analyses can be conducted with micrometre spatial resolution. We demonstrate that the morphological record is helpful but not sufficient to identify bio-relevant material. Yet, while combined with elemental and isotope and with help depth profiling method, the compositional analysis can distinguish between abiotic and biological nature of the material. Detection of biosignature in measurements of fossilised materials with a miniature laser ablation ionisation mass analyser. [1] M. Tulej, A. Neubeck, M. Ivarsson, A. Riedo, M.B. Neuland, S. Meyer, P. Wurz, Chemical Composition of Micrometer-Sized Filaments in an Aragonite Host by a Miniature Laser Ablation/Ionization Mass Spectrometer, Astrobiology, 15 (2015) 669-682. [2] A. Neubeck, M. Tulej, M. Ivarsson, C. Broman, A. Riedo, S. McMahon, P. Wurz, S. Bengtson, Mineralogical determination in situ of a highly heterogeneous material using a miniaturized laser ablation mass spectrometer with high spatial resolution, International Journal of Astrobiology, 15 (2016) 133-146. [3] R. Wiesendanger, D. Wacey, M. Tulej, A. Neubeck, M. Ivarsson, V. Grimaudo, P. Moreno-Garcia, A. Cedeno-Lopez, A. Riedo, P. Wurz, Chemical and optical identification of micrometer-sized 1.9 billion-year-old fossils by combining a miniature laser ablation ionization mass spectrometry system with an optical microscope, Astrobiology, 18 (2018) 1071-1080. [4] A. Riedo, A. Bieler, M. Neuland, M. Tulej, P. Wurz, Performance evaluation of a miniature laser ablation time-of-flight mass spectrometer designed for in situ investigations in planetary space research, Journal of Mass Spectrometry, 48 (2013) 1-15. [5] M. Tulej, A. Riedo, M.B. Neuland, S. Meyer, P. Wurz, N. Thomas, V. Grimaudo, P. Moreno-Garcia, P. Broekmann, A. Neubeck, M. Ivarsson, CAMAM: A Miniature Laser Ablation Ionisation Mass Spectrometer and Microscope-Camera System for In Situ Investigation of the Composition and Morphology of Extraterrestrial Materials, Geostand Geoanal Res, 38 (2014) 441-466.

BackgroundProgrammes for collective smoking cessation, based on the British model Stoptober, are proposed by public health units in many countries. There is a need for data estimating the rate at which participants in these programmes are successful in quitting smoking. We report a prospective study carried out as part of a large-scale collective cessation programme conducted in Switzerland in 2017.Methods1112 participants among the 7008 smokers enrolled in the collective cessation programme were recruited before the start of the attempt. Continuous abstinence was measured 10 days, 3 months and 6 months after the start of the attempt. Participants who dropped out at follow-up were considered to have failed the attempt (worst-case scenario).ResultsThe continuous abstinence rate was at least 37.9% at 10-day follow-up, 18.8% at 3-month follow-up and 13.1% at 6-month follow-up. Similar levels of continuous abstinence as the worst-case scenario were found in sensitivity analyses including those whose quit attempt started before the beginning of the programme and where multiple imputation was used to replace dropouts. Sensitivity analyses using complete cases or an indicator of abstinence which allows occasional lapses found around double the abstinence rates.ConclusionsOur results support the potential usefulness of large-scale collective cessation campaigns and suggest that such programmes based on social networks are promising areas for future smoking cessation programme activity.

Understanding the atomistic origin of defects in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, their impact on the electronic properties, and how to control them is critical for future electronics and optoelectronics. Here, we demonstrate the integration of thermochemical scanning probe lithography (tc-SPL) with a flow-through reactive gas cell to achieve nanoscale control of defects in monolayer MoS2. The tc-SPL produced defects can present either p- or n-type doping on demand, depending on the used gasses, allowing the realization of field effect transistors, and p-n junctions with precise sub-μm spatial control, and a rectification ratio of over 104. Doping and defects formation are elucidated by means of X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and density functional theory. We find that p-type doping in HCl/H2O atmosphere is related to the rearrangement of sulfur atoms, and the formation of protruding covalent S-S bonds on the surface. Alternatively, local heating MoS2 in N2 produces n-character.

Infection by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy demands greater attention from the health authorities due to the risk of placental transmission, which can have devastating consequences to the foetus and newborn. This study was conducted in a high-risk prenatal care outpatient clinic of a university teaching hospital. Pregnant women screened for specific IgM and IgG anti -T. gondii, attended from January 2009 to August 2018 were included. From 530 suspected patients, 218 were followed up and they presented positive IgM and IgG anti- T. gondii. From these patients, 83 (38.0%) had low IgG avidity, 39 (18%) seroconverted in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, 19 (8.7%) had no avidity test, 69 (31.6%) had high IgG avidity after 16 weeks of gestation, five had recurrent chorioretinitis (2.2%) and three (1.3%) were seropositive to HIV. Complementary diagnoses were made in 30/48 (62.5%) of the patients revealing the presence of specific IgA antibodies raised to T. gondii; 3/63 (4.8%) peripheral blood samples and 1/57 (1.8%) amniotic fluid sample. There were eight foetal deaths, one case of neonatal hepatomegaly and one case of T. gondii DNA detected in a peripheral blood sample. Of the 139 newborn deliveries at the teaching hospital, there was a 38% loss of follow-up. The prevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis was 1.2 cases/1,000 live births in this study area, according to the retrospective survey of cases. Prenatal treatment may have helped to reduce the risk of vertical transmission.

With the rapidly expanding pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, there is concern that solid organ transplant recipients will be particularly vulnerable to infection and may experience a more severe clinical course. We report four cases of COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients including recipients of kidney, liver, lung, and heart transplants. We describe each patient's medical history including transplantation history, their clinical presentation and workup, and their course from diagnosis to either hospital discharge or to improvement in symptoms. These reports demonstrate a range of symptoms, clinical severity, and disease course in solid organ transplant recipients with COVID-19, including two hospitalized patients and two patients managed entirely in the outpatient setting.

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is associated with respiratory-related disease and death. Assays to detect virus-specific antibodies are important to understand the prevalence of infection and the course of the immune response. Methods Quantitative measurements of plasma or serum antibodies to the nucleocapsid and spike proteins were analyzed using luciferase immunoprecipitation system assays in 100 cross-sectional or longitudinal samples from patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A subset of samples was tested both with and without heat inactivation. Results At >14 days after symptom onset, antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, whereas antibodies to spike protein were detected with 91% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Neither antibody levels nor the rate of seropositivity were significantly reduced by heat inactivation of samples. Analysis of daily samples from 6 patients with COVID-19 showed anti-nucleocapsid and spike protein antibodies appearing between days 8 and 14 after initial symptoms. Immunocompromised patients generally had a delayed antibody response to SARS-CoV-2, compared with immunocompetent patients. Conclusions Antibody to the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 is more sensitive than spike protein antibody for detecting early infection. Analyzing heat-inactivated samples with a luciferase immunoprecipitation system assay is a safe and sensitive method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies., An immunoprecipitation assay detected antibody to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleocapsid protein with high sensitivity and specificity even after heat inactivation of plasma. This assay was more sensitive than detection of antibody to the spike protein.

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2, the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is associated with respiratory-related morbidity and mortality. Assays to detect virus-specific antibodies are important to understand the prevalence of infection and the course of the immune response.MethodologyQuantitative measurements of plasma or serum antibodies by luciferase immunoprecipitation assay systems (LIPS) to the nucleocapsid and spike proteins were analyzed in 100 cross-sectional or longitudinal samples from SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. A subset of samples was tested with and without heat inactivation.ResultsFifteen or more days after symptom onset, antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, while antibodies to spike protein were detected with 91% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Neither antibody levels nor the rate of seropositivity were significantly reduced by heat inactivation of samples. Analysis of daily samples from six patients with COVID-19 showed anti-nucleocapsid and spike antibodies appearing between day 8 to day 14 after initial symptoms. Immunocompromised patients generally had a delayed antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 compared to immunocompetent patients.ConclusionsAntibody to the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 is more sensitive than spike protein antibody for detecting early infection. Analyzing heat-inactivated samples by LIPS is a safe and sensitive method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Dynamic mode atomic force microscopy phase imaging is known to produce distinct contrast between graphene areas of different atomic thickness. But the intrinsic complexity of the processes controlling the tip motion and the phase angle shift excludes its use as an independent technique for a quantitative type of analysis. By investigating the relationship between the phase shift, the tip-surface interaction, and the thickness of the epitaxial graphene areas grown on silicon carbide, we shed light on the origin of such phase contrast, and on the complex energy dissipation processes underlying phase imaging. In particular, we study the behavior of phase shift and energy dissipation when imaging the interfacial buffer layer, single-layer, and bilayer graphene regions as a function of the tip-surface separation and the interaction forces. Finally, we compare these results with those obtained on differently-grown quasi free standing single- and bilayer graphene samples.

This case series describes the clinical presentation, characteristics, and outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted to the intensive care unit at a public hospital in Washington State in February 2020, including initial reports of cardiomyopathy in one-third of the patients.

Through-silicon-via (TSV) technology enables 3D integration of multiple 2D components in advanced microchip architectures. Key in the TSV fabrication is an additive-assisted Cu electroplating process in which the additives employed may get embedded in the TSV body. This incorporation negatively influences the reliability and durability of the Cu interconnects. Here, we present a novel approach toward the chemical analysis of TSVs which is based on femtosecond laser ablation ionization mass spectrometry (fs-LIMS). The conditions for LIMS depth profiling were identified by a systematic variation of the laser pulse energy and the number of laser shots applied. In this contribution, new aspects are addressed related to the analysis of highly heterogeneous specimens having dimensions in the range of the probing beam itself. Particularly challenging were the different chemical and physical properties of which the target specimens were composed. Depth profiling of the TSVs along their main axis (approach 1) revealed a gradient in the carbon (C) content. These differences in the C concentration inside the TSVs could be confirmed and quantified by LIMS analyses of cross-sectionally sliced TSVs (approach 2). Our quantitative analysis revealed a C content that is ∼1.5 times higher at the TSV top surface compared to its bottom. Complementary Scanning Auger Microscopy (SAM) data confirmed a preferential embedment of suppressor additives at the side walls of the TSV. These results demonstrate that the TSV filling concept significantly deviates from common Damascene electroplating processes and will therefore contribute to a more comprehensive, mechanistic understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

Sn solder bumps on Cu pillars and the quantification of incorporated organic impurities are of urgent interest to the microchip industry. In this report, the fundamentals of laser–matter interaction using femtosecond laser ablation ionization mass spectrometry (fs-LIMS) are described, including studies on the ablation rate of a dual layer system Sn/Cu as well as on three different laser ablation approaches that (i) address the highly different material properties of Sn and Cu and (ii) allow for a significant reduction of side-wall contributions, which is a crucial prerequisite for chemical depth profiling.

Scientific objectives of current and future space missions are focused on the investigation of the origin and evolution of the solar system with the particular emphasis on habitability and signatures of past and present life. For in situ measurements of the chemical composition of solid samples on planetary surfaces, the neutral atmospheric gas and the thermal plasma of planetary atmospheres, the application of mass spectrometers making use of time-of-flight mass analysers is a technique widely used. However, such investigations imply measurements with good statistics and, thus, a large amount of data to be analysed. Therefore, faster and especially robust automated data analysis with enhanced accuracy is required. In this contribution, an automatic data analysis software, which allows fast and precise quantitative data analysis of time-of-flight mass spectrometric data, is presented and discussed in detail. A crucial part of this software is a robust and fast peak finding algorithm with a consecutive numerical integration method allowing precise data analysis. We tested our analysis software with data from different time-of-flight mass spectrometers and different measurement campaigns thereof. The quantitative analysis of isotopes, using automatic data analysis, yields results with an accuracy of isotope ratios up to 100 ppm for a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 104 . We show that the accuracy of isotope ratios is in fact proportional to SNR-1 . Furthermore, we observe that the accuracy of isotope ratios is inversely proportional to the mass resolution. Additionally, we show that the accuracy of isotope ratios is depending on the sample width Ts by Ts0.5 . Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Background High morbidity and mortality has been observed with COVID-19 infection; however, there are limited data on clinical characteristics including exposures, coinfections, and antimicrobial use among cancer patients. We aimed to better characterize clinical features and outcomes in this population. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR between February 28, 2020 and May 3, 2020. We obtained demographic and clinical data including coinfections, antimicrobial use and outcomes at 30 days after diagnosis. Results Of 60 patients reviewed, the median age was 62 years (range 22–98) and 43% were male. 34 (57%) patients had solid tumors and 16 (27%) hematologic malignancies. Breast (12%), colorectal (8%) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (8%) were the most prevalent cancers. 34 (57%) had ≥ 2 comorbidities. The majority of identified exposures were from long-term care facilities (LTCF) (27%) or household contacts (25%) (Fig 1). The most common symptoms at diagnosis were cough (72%), fevers/chills (57%), shortness of breath (38%), nasal congestion/rhinorrhea (35%), and diarrhea (30%). 18 (31%) patients were prescribed at least one course of antibiotics within 30 days of diagnosis; antibiotics were prescribed to 54% of hospitalized patients (Fig 2). 6 (10%) had a documented bacterial infection; of these, 3 were respiratory coinfections. No viral or fungal copathogens were reported. 26 (43%) patients were hospitalized, 9 (15%) admitted to intensive care, and one (2%) required mechanical ventilation. 12 (20%) died within 30 days of diagnosis (Fig 3); of these, 10 (83%) had ≥ 2 comorbidities and 8 (67%) had LTCF exposure. Conclusion COVID-19 is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cancer patients, particularly among older age groups with multiple comorbidities and those with LTCF exposure. More than half of cases appeared to acquire SARS-CoV-2 from LTCF or household exposures, indicating need for infection prevention and family/caregiver education. Despite few documented bacterial coinfections, antibiotic use within 30 days of diagnosis was common and likely empiric due to limited diagnostics in the era of COVID-19. Disclosures Steven A. Pergam, MD, MPH, Chimerix, Inc (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Global Life Technologies, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Merck & Co. (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Sanofi-Aventis (Other Financial or Material Support, Participate in clinical trial sponsored by NIAID (U01-AI132004); vaccines for this trial are provided by Sanofi-Aventis) Alpana Waghmare, MD, Amazon (Grant/Research Support)Amazon (Employee, Shareholder)Ansun Biopharma (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Kyorin Pharmaceuticals (Advisor or Review Panel member)

The application of a novel UV fs Laser Ablation Ionization Mass Spectrometry approach for chemical depth profiling of low-melting point, high surface roughness SnAg solder bump features is presented. The obtained submicrometer resolved three-dimensional compositional data reveal unprecedented information on the distribution of individual elements inside the solder bump matrix. Moreover, the determination of matrix-matched relative sensitivity coefficients allows the first report on quantitative assessment of the SnAg alloy composition. These results significantly contribute to an in-depth understanding of the SnAg plating process. This experimental procedure may find application in future additive performance screening.

Long-term SARS-CoV-2 shedding was observed from the upper respiratory tract of an immunocompromised patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acquired hypogammaglobulinemia. Shedding of SARS-CoV-2 genomic and subgenomic RNA was observed up to 105 days, and infectious virus up to 70 days past the initial diagnosis. The infection was not cleared after a first treatment with convalescent plasma, suggesting limited impact on SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was no longer detected several weeks after a second transfusion of convalescent plasma. There was marked within-host genomic evolution of SARS-CoV-2, with continuous turnover of dominant viral variants. However, replication kinetics in VeroE6 cells and primary human alveolar epithelial tissues were not affected. Our data indicate that certain immunocompromised patients may shed infectious virus for longer durations than previously recognized. Detection of of subgenomic RNA is recommended in persistently SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals as a proxy for shedding of infectious virus. Funding: This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). T.A.B. is supported by the Medical Research Council UK (MR/S007555/1). The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics is supported by Wellcome Centre grant 203141/Z/16Z. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no competing interests.

Tobacco dependence is a complex phenomenon in which physical and psychological components go hand in hand, and it is often considered as one of the major barriers to quit smoking. However, we still need to increase our understanding of the processes through which tobacco dependence relates to smoking cessation. This research aimed to investigating whether changes in smoker versus ex-smoker (abstainer) self-concept account for the association between tobacco dependence and successful smoking cessation. We used longitudinal data drawn from the evaluation of a smoking cessation intervention. A sample of smokers enrolled in the program filled in a questionnaire at the beginning of the intervention (baseline: N = 779), 6 months later (i.e., at the end of the intervention: T1, N = 532), and 9 months later (T2; N = 387). We assessed tobacco dependence (baseline), smoker versus ex-smoker self-concept (baseline, T1, and T2) and smoking status (baseline, T1 and T2). Tobacco dependence was negatively associated with smoking cessation maintenance, and this effect was mediated by changes in self-concept: The greater tobacco dependence, the lower the likelihood that former smokers develop an ex-smoker self-concept during the program, which results in relapse at T1 or T2. Successful smoking cessation interventions should provide strategies preventing the negative effects of tobacco dependence on identity transition.

Laser ablation ionization mass spectrometry studies on polished surface structures of hard, high melting point multicomponent interconnect structures using our femtosecond-laser time-of-flight mass spectrometer have previously been proven capable of providing spatially resolved chemical depth profile data at the micro- and nanometer level. Transfer of experimental protocols tailored to suit such type of samples to low melting point materials with high surface roughness, however, is highly challenging, as thermal effects caused by interactions of the laser light with the targeted surface play a severe role in the latter case and may significantly deteriorate the analysis outcome. In this contribution we present a dedicated and detailed comparison of the distinct effects of near infrared and ultraviolet irradiation on the ablation process in femtosecond laser ablation ionization mass spectrometry studies on low melting point materials. As model substrate we use high surface roughness, as- deposited SnAg solder alloy, a material of major industrial relevance in microchip fabrication. We will demonstrate herein that polydimethylsiloxane replica casting is possible also from granularly structured, high surface roughness samples. Characterization of the laser ablation craters as well as of their polydimethylsiloxane replicas is carried out by mass spectrometric analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging, and furthermore, as a novel approach for this purpose, by white light interferometry. Integration of all obtained results signifi-cantly adds to the detailed understanding of laser ablation processes on low melting point, high surface roughness materials and allows identifying optimal depth profiling conditions for these demanding samples.

The last decade witnessed considerable progress in the development of laser ablation/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LI-TOFMS). The improvement of both the laser ablation ion sources employing femtosecond lasers and the method of ion coupling with the mass analyser led to highly sensitive element and isotope measurements, minimisation of matrix effects, and reduction of various fractionation effects. This improvement of instrumental performance can be attributed to the progress in laser technology and accompanying commercialisation of fs-laser systems, as well as the availability of fast electronics and data acquisition systems. Application of femtosecond laser radiation to ablate the sample causes negligible thermal effects, which in turn allows for improved resolution of chemical surface imaging and depth profiling. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor ns-LIMS, fs-LIMS, which employs fs-laser ablation ion sources, has been developed in the last two decades as an important method of chemical analysis and will continue to improve its performance in subsequent decades. This review discusses the background of fs-laser ablation, overviews the most relevant instrumentation and emphasises their performance figures, and summarizes the studies on several applications, including geochemical, semiconductor, and bio-relevant materials. Improving the chemical analysis is expected by the implementation of laser pulse sequences or pulse shaping methods and shorter laser wavelengths providing current progress in mass resolution achieved in fs-LIMS. In parallel, advancing the methods of data analysis has the potential of making this technique very attractive for 3D chemical analysis with micrometre lateral and sub-micrometre vertical resolution.

A heart rate (HR) feedback control system for end-effector gait rehabilitation robots was previously developed and successfully tested, but oxygen uptake ( $ \dot {{\rm V}}{\rm O}_2 $ ) is thought to better characterize physiological exercise intensity. The aim of the present study was to identify and compare $ \dot {{\rm V}}{\rm O}_2 $ and HR dynamics, and to develop and test a $ \dot {{\rm V}}{\rm O}_2 $ controller for an end-effector robot operated in stair climbing mode. Six able-bodied subjects were recruited for controller testing. Command response, disturbance rejection and robustness were assessed by means of three quantitative outcome measures: root-mean-square (RMS) error of $ \dot {{\rm V}}{\rm O}_2 $ ( $ {\rm RMSE}_{\dot{\rm V}O_2} $ ), average control signal power ( $ P_{\Delta P} $ ) and RMS error of volitionally controlled power ( $ {\rm RMSE}_P $ ). The nominal first-order linear model for $ \dot {{\rm V}}{\rm O}_2 $ had time constant $ \tau =52.4 $ s and steady-state gain k=0.0174 (l/min)/W. The mean time constant $ \tau = 67.3 $ s for HR was significantly higher than for $ \dot {{\rm V}}{\rm O}_2 $ , where $ \tau = 53.4 $ (p=0.048). Command responses for a target $ \dot {{\rm V}}{\rm O}_2 $ profile gave consistent and accurate tracking with $ {\rm RMSE}_{\dot{\rm V}O_2} = 0.198 \pm 0.070 $ l/min, $ P_{\Delta P} = 2.15 \pm 0.70 $ W2 and $ {\rm RMSE}_P = 39.2 \pm 15.4 $ W ( $ {\rm mean} \pm {\rm SD} $ ). Disturbance rejection performance was also found to be satisfactory. The results of the controller tests confirm the feasibility of the proposed $ \dot {{\rm V}}{\rm O}_2 $ feedback control strategy. Robustness was verified as the single LTI controller was specific to only one of the subjects and no difference in outcome values was apparent across all subjects. Subject-specific variability in breath-by-breath respiratory noise is the main challenge in feedback control of $ \dot {{\rm V}}{\rm O}_2 $ .

The study of the nanomechanics of graphene $-$ and other 2D materials $-$ has led to the discovery of exciting new properties in 2D crystals, such as their remarkable in-plane stiffness and out of plane flexibility, as well as their unique frictional and wear properties at the nanoscale. Recently, nanomechanics of graphene has generated renovated interest for new findings on the pressure-induced chemical transformation of a few-layer thick epitaxial graphene into a new ultra-hard carbon phase, named diamene. In this work, by means of a machine learning technique, we provide a fast and efficient tool for identification of graphene domains (areas with a defined number of layers) in epitaxial and exfoliated films, by combining data from Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) topography and friction force microscopy (FFM). Through the analysis of the number of graphene layers and detailed \r{A}-indentation experiments, we demonstrate that the formation of ultra-stiff diamene is exclusively found in 1-layer plus buffer layer epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide (SiC) and that an ultra-stiff phase is not observed in neither thicker epitaxial graphene (2-layer or more) nor exfoliated graphene films of any thickness on silicon oxide (SiO$_{2}$)., Comment: 30 pages, 7 figures

BACKGROUND Anatomic factors associated with static posterior translation of the humeral head with or without glenohumeral osteoarthritis are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that there is an association between glenoid wear, glenoid version, and/or anteroposterior acromial tilt. METHODS Ninety-nine patients with glenohumeral joint degeneration involving advanced glenoid cartilage wear and/or rotator cuff disease scheduled for anatomic or reverse total shoulder replacement underwent standardized conventional radiographic and computed tomographic shoulder imaging. Measurements included glenoid version, humeral torsion, posterior acromial slope, and critical shoulder angle. The glenoid shape was classified according to Walch et al, and the integrity of the rotator cuff was assessed. RESULTS Patients with glenoid type B2 or C had a median of 4° more glenoid retroversion (P = .022), a 5° less steep acromion (posterior acromial slope, 61° vs 56°; P = .004), and a higher combined score (glenoid version minus slope; odds ratio, 0.93 [95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.97]; P

In this contribution highly sensitive and quantitative analytical methodologies based on femtosecond Laser Ablation Ionization Mass Spectrometry (fs-LIMS) for the analysis of model systems and state-of-the-art Cu interconnects are reviewed and discussed. The method development introduces in a first stage a 1D chemical depth profiling approach on electrodeposited Cu films containing periodically confined organic layers. Optimization of measurement conditions on these test platforms enabled depth profiling investigations with vertical resolution at the nm level. In a second stage, a matrix-free laser desorption methodology was developed that allowed for preliminary molecular identification of the embedded organic contaminants beyond elementary composition. These studies provided specific fragmentation markers in the lower mass range, which support a previously proposed reaction mechanism responsible for successful leveling employing a new class of plating additives for Damascene processes. Further combined LIMS and Scanning Auger Microscopy (SAM) studies on through-silicon-vias (TSV) interconnects confirmed the embedment upon plating of the organic additives at the upper side-walls of the TSV channel in the boundary between the Cu seed layer and the electrodeposited Cu.

Two-dimensional semiconductors, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), exhibit a variety of properties that could be useful in the development of novel electronic devices. However, nanopatterning metal electrodes on such atomic layers, which is typically achieved using electron beam lithography, is currently problematic, leading to non-ohmic contacts and high Schottky barriers. Here, we show that thermal scanning probe lithography can be used to pattern metal electrodes with high reproducibility, sub-10-nm resolution, and high throughput (105 μm2 h−1 per single probe). The approach, which offers simultaneous in situ imaging and patterning, does not require a vacuum, high energy, or charged beams, in contrast to electron beam lithography. Using this technique, we pattern metal electrodes in direct contact with monolayer MoS2 for top-gate and back-gate field-effect transistors. These devices exhibit vanishing Schottky barrier heights (around 0 meV), on/off ratios of 1010, no hysteresis, and subthreshold swings as low as 64 mV per decade without using negative capacitors or hetero-stacks. Thermal scanning probe lithography can be used to pattern metal electrodes in direct contact with monolayer MoS2, creating field-effect transistors that exhibit vanishing Schottky barrier heights, high on/off ratios of 1010, no hysteresis, and subthreshold swings as low as 64 mV per decade.

State-of-the-art three-dimensional very large-scale integration (3D-VLSI) relies, among other factors, on the purity of high-aspect-ratio Cu interconnects such as through-silicon-vias (TSVs). Accurate spatial chemical analysis of electroplated TSV structures has been proven to be challenging due to their large aspect ratios and their multi-material composition (Cu and Si) with distinct physical properties. Here, we demonstrate that these structures can be accurately analyzed by femto-second (fs) laser beam ablation techniques in combination with ionization mass spectrometry (LIMS). We specifically report on novel preparation approaches for the post-ablation analysis of craters formed upon TSV depth profiling. The novel TSV sample preparation is based on deep and material-selective reactive-ion etching of the Si matrix surrounding the Cu interconnects thus facilitating systematic focusedion- beam (FIB) investigations of the high-aspect-ratio TSV structures upon ablation. The particular structure of the TSV analyte combined with the ∅beam > ∅Cu-TSV condition allowed for an in-depth investigation of fundamental laser ablation processes, particularly focusing on the re-deposition of ablated material at the inner side-walls of the LIMS craters formed. This phenomenon is of imminent importance for the ultimate quantification in any laser ablation-based depth profiling. In addition, we have developed a new method which allows the unambiguous determination of the crossing-point of the Si/Cu║bare Si interface upon Cu-TSV depth profiling which is based on pronounced, depth-dependent changes in the mass-spectrometric detection of those Six y+species formed upon the LIMS depth erosion.

End-effector robots for gait training have potential for cardiovascular fitness therapy. We developed and tested a heart rate (HR) controller for end-effector robots, operated in stair-climbing mode. The structure has an inner loop for volitional control of exercise work rate and an automatic outer loop to compute target work rate and control HR. Feedback design focused on disturbances caused by HR variability, by shaping the input-sensitivity function to give low-pass loop characteristics. Using five able-bodied subjects, command response tests revealed consistent, accurate and stable performance for all subjects with root-mean-square (RMS) HR tracking error bpm (mean ± SD) and average control signal power W2. Disturbances in cadence were successfully rejected with RMS HR tracking error bpm and average control signal power W2. Feasibility of the HR control strategy for end-effector robots was proven. The controller showed consistent behaviour for all command response and disturbance rejection...

Integrated optically inspired wave-based processing is envisioned to outperform digital architectures in specific tasks, such as image processing and speech recognition. In this view, spin waves represent a promising route due to their nanoscale wavelength in the gigahertz frequency range and rich phenomenology. Here, a versatile, optically inspired platform using spin waves is realized, demonstrating the wavefront engineering, focusing, and robust interference of spin waves with nanoscale wavelength. In particular, magnonic nanoantennas based on tailored spin textures are used for launching spatially shaped coherent wavefronts, diffraction-limited spin-wave beams, and generating robust multi-beam interference patterns, which spatially extend for several times the spin-wave wavelength. Furthermore, it is shown that intriguing features, such as resilience to back reflection, naturally arise from the spin-wave nonreciprocity in synthetic antiferromagnets, preserving the high quality of the interference patterns from spurious counterpropagating modes. This work represents a fundamental step toward the realization of nanoscale optically inspired devices based on spin waves.

Performance studies of a microscope camera system (MCS) and a laser ablation/ionisation mass spectrometer (LIMS) instrument (referred to here as a laser mass spectrometer or LMS) are presented. These two instruments were designed independently for in situ analysis of solids on planetary surfaces and will be combined to a single miniature instrument suite for in situ chemical and morphological analysis of surface materials on planetary bodies. LMS can perform sensitive chemical (elemental isotope and molecular) analyses with spatial resolution close to micrometre sized grains. It allows for studies with mass resolution (M/M) up to 800 in ablation mode (elemental composition) and up to 1500 in desorption mode (molecular analysis). With an effective dynamic range of at least eight orders of magnitude sensitive and quantitative measurements can be conducted of almost all elements and isotopes with a concentration larger than a few ppb atoms. Hence in addition to the major element composition which is important for the determination of mineralogical constituents of surface materials trace elements can also be measured to provide information on mineral formation processes. Highly accurate isotope ratio measurements can be used to determine in situ geochronology of sample material and for investigations of various isotope fractionation processes. MCS can conduct optical imagery of mm sized objects at several wavelengths with micrometre spatial resolution for the characterisation of morphological surface details and to provide insight into surface mineralogy. Furthermore MCS can help in the selection of sample surface areas for further mass spectrometric analysis of the chemical composition. Surface auto fluorescence measurements and images in polarised light are additional capabilities of the MCS to identify either fluorescing minerals or organic materials if present on the analysed surface for further investigation by LMS. The results obtained by investigations of NIST reference materials amino acid films and a natural graphite sample embedded in silicate rock are presented to illustrate the performance of the instruments and their potential to deliver chemical information for mineral and organic phases in their geological context.

Chemical analysis of ancient residues of pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparations such as balms or ointments is made problematic by the high complexity of these mixtures, composed of organic and inorganic materials. Consequently, a multi-analytical approach and special caution in the interpretation of the results are necessary. In order to contribute to the improvement of analytical strategies for the characterization of complex residues and to reconstruct ancient medical practices, a replica of a pharmaceutical formulation of the seventeenth century was prepared in the laboratory according to a historically documented recipe. In a round robin exercise, a portion of the preparation was analysed as a blind sample by 11 laboratories using various analytical techniques. These included spectroscopic, chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods. None of the laboratories was able to completely reconstruct the complex formulation, but each of them gave partial positive results. The round robin exercise has demonstrated that the application of a multi-analytical approach can permit a complete and reliable reconstruction of the composition. Finally, on the basis of the results, an analytical protocol for the study of residues of ancient medical and pharmaceutical preparations has been outlined. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.

Mobile robots are valuable tools for education because of both the enthusiasm they raise and the multidisciplinary nature of robotics technology. Mobile robots give access to a wide range of fields, such as complex mechanics, sensors, wireless transmission, mathematics, and computer science. However, despite their potential as educational tools, robots are still not as widespread in schools as they could be. In this article, we identify five key reasons: lack of diversity, high cost, non-inclusive design, lack of educational material, and lack of stability over time. Then, we describe our answers to these problems, as we implemented them in the Thymio project: a mature mass-produced open-hardware robot, at a low price, with a multiage and gender-neutral feature set, and with a design promoting creativity, facilitating learning, and providing a wide range of interaction possibilities from built-in behaviors to text programming, passing through different visual programming environments. We highlight some neglected key issues that differentiate open-source hardware from open-source software, for instance the legal uncertainty of designing open hardware using professional computer-aided design (CAD) tools and the difficulty to distribute the development. Our solution to these being to increase the awareness of CAD editors to open-source hardware and to provide a two-layer development model for hardware., IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine, 24 (1), ISSN:1070-9932, ISSN:1558-223X

High-speed detector systems with high dynamic range and pulse width characteristics in the sub-nanosecond regime are mandatory for high resolution and highly sensitive time-of-flight mass spectrometers. Typically, for a reasonable detector area, an impedance-matched anode design is necessary to transmit the registered signal fast and distortion-free from the anode to the signal acquisition system. In this report, a high-speed microstrip multi-anode multichannel plate detector is presented and discussed. The anode consists of four separate active concentric anode segments allowing a simultaneous readout of signal with a dynamic range of about eight orders of magnitude. The impedance matched anode segments show pulse width of about 250 ps, measured at full width at half maximum, and rise time of ∼170 ps, measured with an oscilloscope with a sampling rate of 20 GS/s and 4 GHz analogue bandwidth. The usage of multichannel plates as signal amplifier allowed the design of a lightweight, low power consuming, and compact detector system, suitable, e.g., for the integration into space instrumentation or portable systems where size, weight, and power consumption are limited parameters.

Direct quantitative and sensitive chemical analysis of solid materials with high spatial resolution, both in lateral and vertical direction is of high importance in various fields of analytical research, ranging from in situ space research to the semiconductor industry. Accurate knowledge of the chemical composition of solid materials allows a better understanding of physical and chemical processes that formed/altered the material and allows e.g. to further improve these processes. So far, state-of-the-art techniques such as SIMS, LA-ICP-MS or GD-MS have been applied for chemical analyses in these fields of research. In this report we review the current measurement capability and the applicability of our Laser Ablation/Ionisation Mass Spectrometer (instrument name LMS) for the chemical analysis of solids with high spatial resolution. The most recent chemical analyses conducted on various solid materials, including e.g. alloys, fossils and meteorites are discussed.

Key performance features of a miniature laser ablation time-of-flight mass spectrometer designed for in situ investigations of the chemical composition of planetary surfaces are presented. This mass spectrometer is well suited for elemental and isotopic analysis of raw solid materials with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. In this study, ultraviolet laser radiation with irradiances suitable for ablation (< 1 GW/cm2) is used to achieve stable ion formation and low sample consumption. In comparison to our previous laser ablation studies at infrared wavelengths, several improvements to the experimental setup have been made, which allow accurate control over the experimental conditions and good reproducibility of measurements. Current performance evaluations indicate significant improvements to several instrumental figures of merit. Calibration of the mass scale is performed within a mass accuracy (Δm/m) in the range of 100 ppm, and a typical mass resolution (m/Δm) ~600 is achieved at the lead mass peaks. At lower laser irradiances, the mass resolution is better, about (m/Δm) ~900 for lead, and limited by the laser pulse duration of 3 ns. The effective dynamic range of the instrument was enhanced from about 6 decades determined in previous study up to more than 8 decades at present. Current studies show high sensitivity in detection of both metallic and non-metallic elements. Their abundance down to tens of ppb can be measured together with their isotopic patterns. Due to strict control of the experimental parameters, e.g. laser characteristics, ion-optical parameters and sample position, by computer control, measurements can be performed with high reproducibility. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.