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Magnetic skyrmions are promising building blocks for developing information storage and computing devices. It can be stabilized in a ferromagnetic thin film with the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI). The moving ferromagnetic skyrmion may show the skyrmion Hall effect, that is, the skyrmion shows a transverse shift when it is driven by a spin current. Here, we numerically and theoretically study the current-driven dynamics of a ferromagnetic nanoscale skyrmion in the presence of the anisotropic DMI, where the skyrmion has an elliptical shape. The skyrmion Hall effect of the elliptical skyrmion is investigated. It is found that the skyrmion Hall angle can be controlled by tuning the profile of the elliptical skyrmion. Our results reveal the relation between the skyrmion shape and the skyrmion Hall effect, which could be useful for building skyrmion-based spintronic devices with a preferred skyrmion Hall angle. Also, our results provide a method for the minimization of the skyrmion Hall angle for applications based on in-line motion of skyrmions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Mutations in two type‐3 receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), KIT and FLT3, are common in both acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and systemic mastocytosis (SM) and lead to hyperactivation of key signalling pathways. A large number of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed that target either FLT3 or KIT and significant clinical benefit has been demonstrated in multiple clinical trials. Given the structural similarity of FLT3 and KIT, it is not surprising that some of these TKIs inhibit both of these receptors. This is typified by midostaurin, which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for mutant FLT3‐positive AML and for KIT D816V‐positive SM. Here, we compare the in vitro activities of the clinically available FLT3 and KIT inhibitors with those of midostaurin against a panel of cells expressing a variety of oncogenic FLT3 or KIT receptors, including wild‐type (wt) FLT3, FLT3‐internal tandem duplication (ITD), FLT3 D835Y, the resistance mutant FLT3‐ITD+ F691L, KIT D816V, and KIT N822K. We also examined the effects of these inhibitors in vitro and in vivo on cells expressing mutations in c‐CBL found in AML that result in hypersensitization of RTKs, such as FLT3 and KIT. The results show a wide spectrum of activity of these various mutations to these clinically available TKIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is well documented that circulating dendritic cells (DCs) have specialized features during many kinds of physiological and pathological conditions, there are few reports about the features of DCs in the peripheral blood of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. We investigated the quantitative and component features of DCs and their implications in MG. Peripheral blood samples from different kinds of MG patients were collected and their clinical characteristics were recorded. Using flow cytometry, we distinguished circulating DC subsets [plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and myeloid DCs (mDCs)] and enumerated their densities in peripheral blood. Absolute numbers of circulating pDCs were significantly decreased in naïve MG patients compared with healthy controls, resulting in a markedly lower ratio of the pDC to mDC percentage in total circulating DCs (pDCs/mDCs), suggesting an imbalance in the proportions of the two main circulating DC subsets. The clinical status of MG patients was improved after drug treatment, together with increased pDCs/mDCs. In a longitudinal follow-up, we observed that circulating mDCs were significantly reduced after 1 month of therapy with a corticosteroid and immunosuppressant, resulting in recovery of pDCs/mDCs. Although the exact meaning of the proportion change in circulating DC subsets is unknown, pDCs/mDCs might reflect the balance between the autoimmune response and immune tolerance of a patient. Moreover, changes in pDCs/mDCs during treatment might be a promising marker to predict the efficacy of a specific drug used for MG patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil nematodes are ubiquitous in terrestrial ecosystems. Nematodes are one of the most abundant groups of soil invertebrates, and they influence ecosystem processes and functions. Plant litter is a fundamental factor in controlling the structure of belowground communities. The addition of nitrogen (N) can restructure soil nematode communities by affecting the quantity and quality of litter input into soil. However, little is known about how N and litter interact to affect nematode communities. We examined the response of soil nematodes to the addition of N and litter manipulation (i.e. initial litter, removal, addition) in a 6‐year field experiment in grassland, and quantified the effects of additions of N and litter on nematode abundance, diversity and community structure through the plant community and nutrients in soil. There were interactive effects between additions of N and litter on nematode numbers and trophic group abundance, the Shannon–Wiener index (H′) and the maturity index. The addition of litter without that of N increased the total and trophic group abundance, whereas the addition of N and litter decreased nematode H′ and the maturity index. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that the addition of N decreased herbivore abundance through increasing plant N concentration, and directly decreased fungivore abundance and indirectly decreased bacterivore and omnivore predator abundance through fungivores. The positive effects of litter addition on nematodes without the addition of N and its negative effects on treatments with the addition of N suggested that without added N, increased litter accumulation could benefit the soil nematode community. However, under scenarios of N deposition, grassland management that reduced litter accumulation, such as grazing and mowing, could also benefit soil nematode communities. Highlights: There were interactive effects between additions of N and litter on nematode communityN addition decreased nematode abundance and diversity in litter addition treatmentsWithout N addition, litter addition increased nematode abundance and diversityNematodes were affected mainly through decreased fungivore abundance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Spintronic devices based on domain wall (DW) devices have attracted great interest. • Domain wall racetrack memory has the potential for high-density storage. • Precise control of domain wall motion is a challenge. • We have studied the use of nanoscale compositional variation to pin the domain walls. • To achieve nanoscale compositional mixing, Cr crossbars were used. • Moreoever, we have carried out a novel minor loop investigation of magnetoresistance. • Minor loop study has provided a better understanding of the underlying physics. Abstract Magnetic domain wall memory technology, wherein the information is stored in magnetic domains of multiple magnetic nanowires, is a potential concept proposed to store the large amount of digital data in the near future, which is generated due to the widespread use of social media and computing devices. However, one of the technological challenges which remains to be solved in domain wall memory is the controllable pinning of the domain walls at the nanometer scale. Here, we demonstrate the possibility to stabilize domain walls with nanoscale modification of magnetic properties by using thermal diffusion of elements from crossbar configuration. We have inspected and evaluated the magnetic properties of the nanowires using Kerr microscopy. The pinning field induced by Cr diffusion of our Ni 80 Fe 20 nanowire was estimated to be about 8 kA/m as determined from minor loop (magnetoresistance vs. magnetic field) measurements. The proposed concept can potentially be used in future domain wall memory applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Prepared Nd-Fe-B films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy at lower temperature. • Improved magnetic anisotropy and c-axis orientation by Tb additions. • Demonstrated correlations between as-deposited amorphous crystallized films. • Revealed the origination of crystallographic properties of annealed Nd-Fe-B films. Abstract Nd-Fe-B films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy are important for various applications. Most common process to prepare Nd-Fe-B thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is the heteroepitaxy process. Here, Nd-Fe-B thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy were prepared by a two-step process. Amorphous and magnetically soft thin films were first deposited. Crystallized, magnetic hard thin films were obtained by rapid thermal annealing of the as-deposited films. A clear correlation between perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of annealed state and the domain configuration in the as-deposited state was noticed. Films prepared without substrate heating, with additions of Tb show perpendicular coercivity which is larger than 24 kOe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of pulmonary methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased over the last 2 decades. Two concentrations—a postdistributive and a trough—are currently used to estimate the area under the curve (AUC) of vancomycin, an antibiotic routinely used to treat these infections, to achieve the target AUC/minimum inhibitory concentration of ≥400 mg·h/L in ensuring optimal dosing of this drug. This study evaluated precision and bias in estimating vancomycin AUCs obtained either from a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model by using a single trough concentration or from standard PK equation–based 2‐point monitoring approach. AUCs were either obtained from a single trough concentration–fitted model or derived from a model fitted by 2 concentration points. Children ≥2 years of age with CF received intravenous vancomycin at 2 centers from June 2012 to December 2014. A population PK model was developed in Pmetrics to quantify the between‐subject variability in vancomycin PK parameters, define the sources of PK variability, and leverage information from the population to improve individual AUC estimates. Twenty‐three children with CF received 27 courses of vancomycin. The median age was 12.3 (interquartile range [IQR] 8.5–16.6) years. From the individual vancomycin PK parameter estimates from the population PK model, median AUC was 622 (IQR 529–680) mg·h/L. Values were not significantly different from the AUC calculated using the standard PK equation‐based approach (median 616 [IQR 540–663] mg·h/L) (P =.89). A standard PK equation‐based approach using 2 concentrations and a population PK model‐based approach using a single trough concentration yielded unbiased and precise AUC estimates. Findings suggest that options exist to implement AUC‐based pediatric vancomycin dosing in patients with CF. The findings of this study reveal that several excellent options exist for centers to implement AUC‐based pediatric vancomycin dosing for patients with CF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skyrmion-based spin torque nano-oscillators are potential next-generation microwave signal generators. However, ferromagnetic skyrmion-based spin torque nano-oscillators cannot reach high oscillation frequencies. In this work, we propose to use the circular motion of an antiferromagnetic skyrmion to create an oscillation signal in order to overcome this obstacle. Micromagnetic simulations demonstrate that the antiferromagnetic skyrmion-based spin torque nano-oscillators can produce high frequencies (tens of GHz). Furthermore, the speed of the circular motion for an antiferromagnetic skyrmion in a nanodisk is analytically derived, which agrees well with the results of numerical simulations. Our findings are useful for the understanding of the inertial dynamics of an antiferromagnetic skyrmion and the development of future skyrmion-based spin torque nano-oscillators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acetaminophen (paracetamol, APAP) is widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic drug in children and neonates. A number of enzymes contribute to the metabolism of acetaminophen, and genetic factors might be important to explain variability in acetaminophen metabolism among individuals.Methods: The current investigation utilized a previously published parent-metabolite population pharmacokinetic model describing acetaminophen glucuronidation, sulfation, and oxidation to examine the potential role of genetic variability on the relevant metabolic pathways. Neonates were administered 30-min intravenous infusions of acetaminophen 15 mg/kg every 12 h (< 28 weeks' gestational age [GA]) or every 8 h (≥ 28 weeks GA) for 48 h. A total of 18 sequence variations (SVs) in UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), sulfotransferase (SULT), and cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes from 33 neonates (aged 1-26 days) were examined in a stepwise manner for an effect on the metabolic formation clearance of acetaminophen by glucuronidation (UGT), sulfation (SULT), and oxidation (CYP). The stepwise covariate modeling procedure was performed using NONMEM® version 7.3.Results: Incorporation of genotype as a covariate for one SV located in the UGT1A9 gene promoter region (rs3832043, - 118 > insT, T9 > T10) significantly improved model fit (likelihood ratio test, p < 0.001) and reduced between-subject variability in glucuronide formation clearance. Individuals with the UGT1A9 T10 polymorphism, indicating insertion of an additional thymidine nucleotide, had a 42% reduction in clearance to APAP-glucuronide as compared to their wild-type counterparts.Conclusion: This study shows a pharmacogenetic effect of an SV in the UGT1A9 promoter region on the metabolism of acetaminophen in neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The longitudinal CoCrPt thin films have been prepared on CrW underlayer at room temperature. The dependence of CoCrPt’s structure and magnetic properties on the Pt content was investigated. The addition of platinum element in the CoCrPt magnetic layer increases the lattice constant and longitudinal coercivity of the CoCrPt thin films. The coercivity mechanism of the CoCrPt thin film is analyzed by using the micromagnetic models, with careful discussions of the uniaxial crystalline anisotropy and the magnetostriction. It is found that the magnetostriction effects play an important role on the coercivity mechanisms when the Pt content is more than 15 at. % Pt concentrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New soft magnetic head materials, the nanocrystalline FeCoAlOC thin films, were prepared by introducing C element in epoxy resin during rf sputtering of FeCoAlO films. When Al2O3 was cosputtered with FeCo, soft magnetic properties of thin films were highly improved: the coercive force decreases from dozen of oersted to several oersted (Hch∼4.8 Oe and Hce∼6.5 Oe). With further addition of carbon, the thin films exhibit excellent soft magnetic properties and good high frequency response: the coercivity is as low as 1.0 Oe, with saturation Bs>20 kG, permeability μ′>500 when f≤1.0 GHz, and cutoff frequency around 1.7 GHz. The measurement of microstructure shows that the good magnetic properties are correlated with the small gain size of film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PTPN11 oncogene encodes the cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2, which, through its role in multiple signaling pathways, promotes the progression of hematological malignancies and other cancers. Here, we employ high-throughput screening to discover a lead chemical scaffold, the benzothiazolopyrimidones, that allosterically inhibits this oncogenic phosphatase by simultaneously engaging the C-SH2 and PTP domains. We improved our lead to generate an analogue that better suppresses SHP2 activity in vitro. Suppression of Erk phopsphorylation by the lead compound is also consistent with SHP2 inhibition in AML cells. Our findings provide an alternative starting point for therapeutic intervention and will catalyze investigations into the relationship between SHP2 conformational regulation, activity, and disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increases in fruit weight of cultivated vegetables and fruits accompanied the domestication of these crops. Here we report on the positional cloning of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling fruit weight in tomato. The derived allele of Cell Size Regulator (CSR-D) increases fruit weight predominantly through enlargement of the pericarp areas. The expanded pericarp tissues result from increased mesocarp cell size and not from increased number of cell layers. The effect of CSR on fruit weight and cell size is found across different genetic backgrounds implying a consistent impact of the locus on the trait. In fruits, CSR expression is undetectable early in development from floral meristems to the rapid cell proliferation stage after anthesis. Expression is low but detectable in growing fruit tissues and in or around vascular bundles coinciding with the cell enlargement stage of the fruit maturation process. CSR encodes an uncharacterized protein whose clade has expanded in the Solanaceae family. The mutant allele is predicted to encode a shorter protein due to a 1.4 kb deletion resulting in a 194 amino-acid truncation. Co-expression analyses and GO term enrichment analyses suggest association of CSR with cell differentiation in fruit tissues and vascular bundles. The derived allele arose in Solanum lycopersicum var cerasiforme and appears completely fixed in many cultivated tomato’s market classes. This finding suggests that the selection of this allele was critical to the full domestication of tomato from its intermediate ancestors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the good stability and high mobility, magnetic skyrmions are considered for information carriers in future racetrack memory and spintronic devices. Here, we study the effect of the barrier at the edges on the dynamics of skyrmions in the Co/Pt bilayer racetrack, where the barrier is induced by a higher perpendicular magnetic anisotropy due to the hard magnetic material attached to the racetrack edges. In particular, we study the dynamics of skyrmions in the racetrack with a rectangular notch on one side of the boundary barrier. We systematically investigate the effect of the boundary barrier on the longitudinal velocity of the skyrmion. Compared with the model with no boundary force, it is found that when the repulsive effect of the boundary barrier just overcomes the Magnus force, the longitudinal velocity of the skyrmion can be increased significantly. We also find that a rectangular notch at the edge can be used to enrich the dynamics of the skyrmion. Based on the dynamic behaviors of skyrmions, we realize the skyrmion-based logic AND, OR, NOT, NAND and NOR gates and the diode in the same racetrack. In particular, the logic NOT, NAND and NOR gates are implemented in a reconfigurable way. Our results may be helpful for understanding the dynamics of skyrmions and may contribute to the design of non-volatile spintronic devices with integrated multiple functions and ultra-low energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• JAK2 inhibitors could be a therapeutic candidate for MG treatment. • JAK2 inhibitors rebuilds the balance of CD4+ Th cells by suppressing Th17 cells and promoting Treg cells. • JAK2 inhibitors balances Th17/Treg cells via regulating the JAK2/STAT3-AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. An imbalance in Th17/regulatory T (Treg) cells is the major pathogenic mechanism underlying myasthenia gravis (MG). JAK2 inhibitors selectively inhibit JAK2 and reduce inflammatory responses. However, there have been no studies examining the therapeutic effects of JAK2 inhibitors in the context of MG. Here, an experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG) rat model was established to explore the therapeutic effect of JAK2 inhibitors on EAMG rats immunized with the AChR α-subunit (97–116 peptide). A JAK2 inhibitor was administered to EAMG rats both in vivo and in vitro. The following experimental methods were used to evaluate the effects of JAK2 inhibitors. The behavioral scores and body weights of the rats were assessed on alternate days. Serum anti-AChR (97–116) IgG and cytokine levels were detected using ELISA. CD4+ T cell subsets and related transcription factors in mononuclear cells were detected using flow cytometry and qPCR, respectively. The expression levels of protein molecules in the signaling pathway were detected by western blotting, and the neuromuscular junctions were observed using immunofluorescence. The results revealed that JAK2 inhibitors could regulate Th17/Treg balance in vivo and in vitro. JAK2 inhibitors reduced the immune response in EAMG rats (including reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and postsynaptic membrane complement deposition), improved clinical symptoms, and increased AChR aggregation in the postsynaptic membrane. Meanwhile, this study demonstrated that JAK2 inhibitor treatment suppressed the phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 and AKT/mTOR pathways and decreased the expression level of the IL-23 receptor. This study reveals that there is crosstalk between the JAK2/STAT3 and AKT/mTOR pathways in EAMG rats. JAK2 inhibitors can ameliorate EAMG by regulating Th17/Treg balance by inhibiting both signaling pathways. Our study provides new potential therapeutic targets for MG immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current scenario, crop productivity is being challenged by decreasing soil fertility. To cope up with this problem, different beneficial microbes are explored to increase the crop productivity with value additions. In this study, Brassica napus L., an important agricultural economic oilseed crop with rich source of nutritive qualities, was interacted with Piriformospora indica , a unique root colonizing fungus with wide host range and multifunctional aspects. The fungus-treated plants showed a significant increase in agronomic parameters with plant biomass, lodging-resistance, early bolting and flowering, oil yield and quality. Nutritional analysis revealed that plants treated by P. indica had reduced erucic acid and glucosinolates contents, and increased the accumulation of N, Ca, Mg, P, K, S, B, Fe and Zn elements. Low erucic acid and glucosinolates contents are important parameters for high quality oil, because oils high in erucic acid and glucosinolates are considered undesirable for human nutrition. Furthermore, the expression profiles of two encoding enzyme genes, Bn-FAE1 and BnECR , which are responsible for regulating erucic acid biosynthesis, were down-regulated at mid- and late- life stages during seeds development in colonized plants. These results demonstrated that P. indica played an important role in enhancing plant growth, rapeseed yield and quality improvement of B. napus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable transport of magnetic skyrmions is required for any future skyrmion-based information processing devices. Here, we present a micromagnetic study of the in-plane current-driven motion of a skyrmion in a ferromagnetic nanotrack with spatially sinusoidally varying Gilbert damping and/or non-adiabatic spin-transfer torque (STT) coefficients. It is found that the skyrmion moves in a sinusoidal pattern as a result of the spatially varying Gilbert damping and/or non-adiabatic STT in the nanotrack, which could prevent the destruction of the skyrmion caused by the skyrmion Hall effect. The results provide a guide for designing and developing the skyrmion transport channel in skyrmion-based spintronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism underlying the intestinal transport of COS is not well understood. Here, transcriptome and proteome analyses were performed to identify potential critical molecules involved in COS transport. Enrichment analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes in the duodenum of the COS-treated mice were mainly enriched in transmembrane and immune function. In particular, B2 m, Itgb2, and Slc9a1 were upregulated. The Slc9a1 inhibitor decreased the transport efficiency of COS both in MODE-K cells (in vitro) and in mice (in vivo). The transport of FITC-COS in Slc9a1-overexpressing MODE-K cells was significantly higher than that in empty vector-transfected cells (P < 0.01). Molecular docking analysis revealed the possibility of stable binding between COS and Slc9a1 through hydrogen bonding. This finding indicates that Slc9a1 plays a crucial role in COS transport in mice. This provides valuable insights for improving the absorption efficiency of COS as a drug adjuvant. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-crystal diamond (SCD) is a prominent semiconductor material due to its superior mechanical and physical properties. From the viewpoint of practical application, a low vacuum or atmospheric environment are preferred. Here we systematically investigated the effect of ambient gas pressure on the quality-factor (Q-factor) of SCD micro cantilevers, and analyzed the disparate energy dissipation mechanisms. The Q-factor around 7500 was found to be almost stable for ambient pressure <10 Pa, then decreased sharply by about three orders of magnitude with the pressure increasing up to 105 Pa gradually. The ambient pressure ranging from 10−3 to 105 Pa can be defined as intrinsic, molecular, and viscous regimes by Knudsen number. We found that the Q-factors of the SCD cantilevers can be well described by the analytical models corresponding to the three regimes. The air pressure induced damping was investigated for single-crystal diamond micro cantilevers from high vacuum to atmosphere pressure by measuring the quality factors of the resonators. Three different energy loss mechanisms were identified corresponding to the intrinsic, molecular, and viscous regimes. [Display omitted] • Single-crystal diamond micro cantilevers are fabricated by smart-cut method. • The gas damping is investigated as a functional of pressure from 10-3 Pa to 105Pa for different diamond cantilevers. • The Q-factors of the cantilevers under variational pressures satisfied well with the analytical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress (HS)-induced intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis may play a pivotal role in intestinal barrier dysfunction in animals. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which HS induces apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells is still poorly understood. Herein, a eukaryotic expression vector for an HSP70 gene was constructed and transfected into intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). Afterward, functional proteomics approaches followed by liquid-chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used to identify interacting proteins. Analysis of HSP70 transfected IPEC-J2 cells revealed 246 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), and functional annotation indicated that most DEPs were primarily related to ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and apoptosis. Furtherly, the apoptosis rate and expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins in HSP70 transfected IPEC-J2 cells were detected, we found that the expression of caspase-3, PARP, and Bax were increased, but Bcl-2 were decreased in transfected cells. Lastly, an in vitro and in vivo heat stress model were established to explore the role of HSP70 in intestinal epithelia cell apoptosis. The results of in vitrol study showed that HS-induced cellular apoptosis and increases of caspase-3, PARP, and Bax, but decreased of Bcl-2 in IPEC-J2 cells. In vivo study, the cell apoptosis were induced significantly in the duodenum, cecum, and colon of heat stressed pigs, and upregulation of HSP70 was also detected in colon tissues. Therefore, it has been shown that HSP70 plays a crucial role in heat stress-induced apoptosis and may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of epithelial cell apoptosis induced by heat stress in pigs. • The overexpression of HSP70 activated the signaling pathways of cell adhesion, molecule response, and cell apoptosis. • The expression of pro-apoptotic proteins increased and the anti-apoptotic proteins decreased in HSP70-overexpressed cells. • Heat stress induced intestinal epithelia cell apoptosis was related to increase of HSP70 in pigs. • This study provide a new insights into the molecular mechanisms of epithelial cell apoptosis induced by heat stress in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The immune regulation of chitosan oligosaccharide has been explored through TMT-based proteomic analysis of intestinal mucosa. • The expression of related molecular genes was verified by ELISA, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR. • COS was primarily distributed in the stomach, duodenum, and kidney in early stage after exposure. • Oral administration of COS can significantly enhance mucosal immunity by activating the sIgA secretion pathway in mice. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) plays a vital role in improving the host system and mucosal immune function. So far, the impact of COS on mucosal immune response in the early stage of oral administration is not well understood. Herein, the distribution of COS after oral gavage and the protein expression changes related to innate immune by tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomic analysis were investigated. The results revealed that COS was mainly distributed in the stomach, duodenum, and kidney and increased the number of monocytes and lymphocytes in peripheral blood. A total of 21,677 proteins and 7,483 protein groups were identified. Among them, 338 significant differentially expressed proteins were screened, including 205 upregulated and 133 downregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the intestinal immune network for the IgA production pathway was activated, pIgR, MHCI, MHCII, Itgb2, Itgb7, and B2m were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of the above molecular genes was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR. We found that the expressions of IgA, MHCII, TGF-β1, IL-6, and pIgR were significantly increased (P < 0.05) 1 h after exposure to COS. The protein and mRNA expression of pIgR and MHCI were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at 0.5 h, while the AID protein level was significantly increased (P < 0.05) 1.5 h after COS exposure. The expression of MHCII and H2-Q10 was significantly increased (P < 0.05) by 1 h and 2 h post-exposure to COS. In conclusion, oral administration of COS can significantly enhance intestinal mucosal immunity in mice by activating the SIgA secretion pathway. These results suggest that COS can be used as an oral vaccine or drug adjuvant for small intestinal mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub-clinical autistic-like traits (ALTs) are continuously distributed in the general population and genetically linked to autism. Although identifying the neurogenetic backgrounds of ALTs might enhance our ability to identify those of autism, they are largely unstudied. Here, we have examined the neuroanatomical basis of ALTs and their association with the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) rs2254298A, a known risk allele for autism in Asian populations which has also been implicated in limbic–paralimbic brain structures. First, we extracted a four-factor structure of ALTs, as measured using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, including ‘prosociality’, ‘communication’, ‘details/patterns’ and ‘imagination’ in 135 neurotypical adults (79 men, 56 women) to reduce the genetic heterogeneity of ALTs. Then, in the same population, voxel-based morphometry revealed that lower ‘prosociality’, which indicates strong ALTs, was significantly correlated to smaller regional grey matter volume in the right insula in males. Males with lower ‘prosociality’ also had less interregional structural coupling between the right insula and the ventral anterior cingulate cortex. Furthermore, males with OXTR rs2254298A had significantly smaller grey matter volume in the right insula. These results show that decreased volume of the insula is a neuroanatomical correlate of ALTs and a potential intermediate phenotype linking ALTs with OXTR in male subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of \Bi2{\O}3 addition on the structural and magnetic properties of NiCuZn-Tb ferrites with composition \Ni0.5{\Cu}0.25{\Zn}0.25{\Tb}0.1{\Fe}1.9{\O}4+{\xBi}2{\O}3 has been investigated, where values of x (in wt %) are 0, 1, 2 and 3. Samples were prepared by the sol-gel auto combustion synthesis. The crystallographic, structural and magnetic properties of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrography, vibrating sample magnetometer and permeability measurements. Cubic spinel structure was observed from the XRD pattern for all the samples, implying that the \Bi2{\O}3 additives did not form a visible second phase in \leq 2 wt% of \Bi2{\O}3. Microstructural studies showed that \Bi2{\O}3 forms a liquid-like phase and promotes the grain growth. The average grain size increased for \leq 2 and then decreased for > 2 wt% of \Bi2{\O}3 content. The maximal grain size appears with 2 wt% \Bi2{\O}3. These characteristics evidently affect the magnetic properties, such as saturation magnetization (Ms) and permeability of the NiCuZn-Tb ferrites. \Bi2{\O}3 increase the Ms, bulk density (dB) and permeability effectively, while excessive \Bi2{\O}3 concentration results in the abnormal grain growth and decrease of Ms and dB. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Nanoporous composite oxides Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6–Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SFM–SDC) have been prepared by a facile one-step method as cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The SFM–SDC composite materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The EIS results exhibit that SFM–SDC40 (wt% 60:40) cathode has encouraging electrochemical performance with low polarization resistance (R p) on YSZ (Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2) electrolyte. Subsequently, bi-layer cathodes SDC/SFM–SDC are fabricated, and excellent electrochemical performance of such composite cathodes are observed. We demonstrate that the SDC interlayer significantly decreases the R p of cathode and accelerates the charge transfer process. As a result, the R p of the SDC/SFM–SDC40 bi-layer cathodes is almost 50% less than that of SFM–SDC40 cathode on YSZ electrolyte at 800 °C, and R p is only 0.11 Ω cm2. Compared with single cells without an interlayer, the anode-supported single cells with SDC interlayer exhibit enhancement in overall power performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Co2+ substituted lithium ferrite. [•] Structure changes from order to disorder. [•] Coercivity increased with Co2+ substitution. [•] Blocking temperature increased whereas Curie temperature decreased with Co2+ substitution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nanoparticles of CoDyFeO were synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion method. Four samples were synthesized from precursor solutions having different pH values in the range of 2.5-10. X-ray diffraction patterns were analyzed to determine the crystal phase of CoDyFeO nanoparticles synthesized at different pH. The XRD patterns confirm the formation of cubic spinel structure for CoDyFeO nanoparticles synthesized at different pH values. However the single phase is obtained only at pH 7.5, while γ and α-FeO phases appeared at pH 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0. Transmission electron microscopy shows that the structural morphology of the nanoparticles is highly dependent on the pH concentration. Particle size varies in between 24 and 36 nm with respect to change in pH concentration of the sample. Particle size increases to 36 nm with increase in pH up to 7.5 followed by a decrease in particle size for further increase in pH value. Magnetic properties were explored by vibrating sample magnetometry. The variation in pH during the synthesis process changes the size and structural morphology of the nanoparticles, which ultimately causes the variation in the values of the magnetic parameters such as saturation magnetization and coercivity. Infrared spectroscopy is employed to determine the local symmetry in the crystalline solids and to shed light on the ordering phenomenon under the influence of different pH values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are a class of isopeptidases that regulate ubiquitin dynamics through catalytic cleavage of ubiquitin from protein substrates and ubiquitin precursors. Despite growing interest in DUB biological function and potential as therapeutic targets, few selective small-molecule inhibitors and no approved drugs currently exist. To identify chemical scaffolds targeting specific DUBs and establish a broader framework for future inhibitor development across the gene family, we performed high-throughput screening of a chemically diverse small-molecule library against eight different DUBs, spanning three well-characterized DUB families. Promising hit compounds were validated in a series of counter-screens and orthogonal assays, as well as further assessed for selectivity across expanded panels of DUBs. Through these efforts, we have identified multiple highly selective DUB inhibitors and developed a roadmap for rapidly identifying and validating selective inhibitors of related enzymes. [Display omitted] • High-throughput screen of ∼50k compound library against 8 deubiquitinases • Identification and validation of selective inhibitors for individual DUBs • Study demonstrates importance of validation experiments as part of hit triage • Generation of robust dataset of compound activities against selected DUBs Deubiquitinases (DUBs) have emerged as therapeutically interesting targets due to their involvement in protein turnover in cells. Varca et al. describe a multi-DUB high-throughput screen and orthogonal validation campaign to identify new tool compounds for elucidating DUB function and provide a roadmap for future DUB inhibitor screens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Li0.5MnxCr0.5Fe2 - xO4 (x = 0.0\--1 in the steps of 0.25) were synthesized by sol-gel auto combustion method, aiming to study the structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of ordered and disordered Li-ferrite related to the concentration of the substituted Mn^3+ ions. X-ray diffraction measurements were used for analyzing the structural parameters of the prepared samples. Superstructure lines are observed for Li0.5Cr0.5Fe2O4 and disappear at higher levels of Mn^3+ substitution. TEM images demonstrate that the particle size is uniform and are in good crystalline form. Saturation magnetization decreased from 51 to 24 emu/g, whereas coercivity varies from 90–170 Oe with Mn^3+ substitution. Permeability measurements were carried out as a function of temperature. Initial permeability (\mui) decreased with the increasing Mn^3+ substitution. The dc resistivity increased with the Mn^3+ substitution. Dielectric constant decreased with the increasing frequency and it also decreased with the increasing Mn^3+ substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family and twin studies have indicated that genetic factors have an important role in panic disorder (PD), whereas its pathogenesis has remained elusive. We conducted a genome-wide copy number variation (CNV) association study to elucidate the involvement of structural variants in the etiology of PD. The participants were 2055 genetically unrelated Japanese people (535 PD cases and 1520 controls). CNVs were detected using Genome-Wide Human SNP array 6.0, determined by Birdsuite and confirmed by PennCNV. They were classified as rare CNVs (found in <1% of the total sample) or common CNVs (found in 5%). PLINK was used to perform global burden analysis for rare CNVs and association analysis for common CNVs. The sample yielded 2039 rare CNVs and 79 common CNVs. Significant increases in the rare CNV burden in PD cases were not found. Common duplications in 16p11.2 showed Bonferroni-corrected P-values <0.05. Individuals with PD did not exhibit an increased genome-wide rare CNV burden. Common duplications were associated with PD and found in the pericentromeric region of 16p11.2, which had been reported to be rich in low copy repeats and to harbor developmental disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders and dysmorphic features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Panic disorder (PD) is a severe and chronic psychiatric disorder with genetic components underlying in its etiology. The Phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) gene has been reported to be associated with several psychiatric disorders. Several studies indicated that PDE4B may be involved in the regulation of anxiety and depression. Therefore, we investigate the association of PDE4B with PD in the Japanese population. Methods: We genotyped 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PDE4B in 231 PD cases (85 males and 146 females) and 407 controls (162 males and 245 females). Differences in the genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies between the two groups were compared. Results: We found a significant association between PDE4B and PD in the haplotype analysis (haplotype C-T-T-A, permutation P =0.031, OR=1.81, 95% CI=1.30–2.51). Sex-specific analyses demonstrated that PDE4B was associated with PD in females in the allele/genotype and haplotype analyses (rs10454453, allele P =0.042, genotype P =0.0034; haplotype C-T-T-A, permutation P =0.028). Conclusion: Our results suggest that PDE4B may play a role in the pathophysiology of PD in the Japanese population. Replication studies using larger samples will be needed for more reliable conclusions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Recent studies have suggested that oxytocin affects social cognition and behavior mediated by the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in amygdala in humans as well as in experimental animals. Genetic studies have revealed a link between the OXTR gene and the susceptibility to autism spectrum disorders (ASD), especially in the social dysfunctional feature of ASD. Methods: We examined the relationship between amygdala volume measured with manual tracing methodology and seven single nucleotide polymorphisms and one haplotype-block in OXTR, which were previously reported to be associated with ASD, in 208 socially intact Japanese adults with no neuropsychiatric history or current diagnosis. Results: The rs2254298A allele of OXTR was significantly associated with larger bilateral amygdala volume. The rs2254298A allele effect on amygdala volume varied in proportion to the dose of this allele. The larger the number of rs2254298A alleles an individual had, the larger their amygdala volume. Such an association was not observed with hippocampal volume or with global brain volumes, including whole gray, white matter, and cerebrospinal-fluid space. Furthermore, two three–single nucleotide polymorphism haplotypes, including rs2254298G allele, showed significant associations with the smaller bilateral amygdala volume. Conclusions: The present results suggest that OXTR might be associated with the susceptibility to ASD, especially in its aspects of social interaction and communication mediated by a modulation of amygdala development, one of the most distributed brain regions with high density of OXTR. Furthermore, amygdala volume measured with magnetic resonance imaging could be a useful intermediate phenotype to uncover the complex link between OXTR and social dysfunction in ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study Cu x Mg0.5−x Zn0.5Fe2O4 (x=0–0.5) nanoparticles and thin films were prepared by sol–gel processing. The morphologies of nanoparticles were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS) was employed to determine the site preference of the constitutive elements. Magnetic dynamics of the nanoparticles was studied by the measurement of AC magnetic susceptibility versus temperature at different frequencies. The phenomenological Néel–Brown and Vogel–Fulcher models were employed to distinguish between interacting or non-interacting system. Results exhibited that there is strong interaction between fine particles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the thin films indicate the formation of single-phase cubic spinel structure. Atomic force microscope (AFM) was employed to evaluate the surface morphologies of the prepared thin films. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was employed to probe magnetic properties of samples. It was found that with an increase in the amount of copper, the saturation of magnetization and initial permeability increase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Cu x Mg0.5−x Zn0.5Fe2O4 (x =0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) ferrites were prepared by sol–gel method. The effect of copper content on the structural and magnetic properties was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and magnetic susceptometer. Results show that single spinel ferrite particles were prepared by controlling the type and amount of additive. Copper content has significant influence on magnetic properties of prepared samples. It was found that with increasing copper in Cu x Mg0.5−x Zn0.5Fe2O4, saturation magnetizations along with grain size were increased while the values of coercivity were decreased. The variation of effective magnetic susceptibility exhibits almost linear trend with magnetic field. A frequency-dependence peak was observed in ac magnetic susceptibility versus temperature for fine particles which is well fitted by Vogel–Fulcher model. It was proved that there is strong magnetic interaction among prepared nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The quantitatively limited use of hydrogen peroxide in supercritical water allows for the in situ formation of iron oxides and graphitic carbon from ferrocene in one step. The structure of the particles prepared at 400–500°C is comprised of nano- to micro-meter size of magnetite and maghemite cores covered with graphitic carbon shells. The morphology and size of the core–shell particles and the phase composition of iron-oxide cores are different dependent on the preparation conditions. The particles prepared at 400°C contain, as dominant iron-oxide phase, the magnetite core particles ranging from nano- to micro-meter scales with no morphological regularity, while those prepared at 500°C are comprised of hexagram shape and micro-meter size of maghemite cores. The observed morphology, the dimension of the core particles, and the dominant phase composition suggested that the iron-oxide cores would be formed through the oxidation of iron(II) to iron(III) and two different hydrolysis paths. Furthermore, the higher preparation temperature of 500°C has shown a tendency to form smaller crystallite sizes of polycrystalline iron-oxide cores. The decrease of subcrystal sizes in the vicinity of superparamagnetic thresholds effects the reduction of coercivity in the ferromagnetic hysteresis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In many mammalian species, including pigs, heat stress (HS) detrimentally leads to epithelium damage and increases intestinal permeability. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not thoroughly investigated yet. This study aimed to examine the RIP1/RIP3-ERK1/2 signaling pathway that regulates the expression of tight junction proteins in HS-treated pigs. In in vitro cultured intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2), HS induced the expression of tight junction proteins, ZO-1, claudin-1, and claudin-4, that are regulated by the ERK1/2-MAPK signaling pathway. Further, high expression of HSP70 in IPEC-J2 cells induced a significant decrease in receptor-interacting protein 1/3 (RIP1/3), phosphorylated ERK, and tight junction protein claudin-1 (P < 0.05). Necrostatin-1 (A selective inhibitor of RIPK1) suppressed the upregulation of phosphorylated ERK1/2 induced by HS, indicating that the RIP1/RIP3 regulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation in IPEC-J2 under heat stress. In addition, HS significantly damaged the intestinal morphology characterized by reduction of villus length and crypt depth in in vivo porcine model. Moreover, the expression of tight junction, ZO-1, and claudin-4 were downregulated, whereas phosphorylated p38 and ERK1/2 were upregulated in the duodenum of heat-stressed pigs. Interestingly, a decrease in ZO-1 and claudin-1 was observed in the colon, where phosphorylated ERK1/2 was similar to that in the duodenum. Our results demonstrate that RIP1/RIP3-ERK1/2 signaling pathway regulates the expression of tight junction proteins in HS-pigs. This finding further advances the intestinal barrier function's underlying mechanisms associated with signaling regulation. • A heat stress induced porcine inflammatory bowel disease model was constructed successfully. • Heat stress induced down – regulation of tight junction proteins play a vital role in the development inflammatory bowel disease in pigs. • Heat stress induced down-regulation of tight junction proteins was via ERK1/2 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Doped ferrites were fabricated by usual ceramic sintering method. The ferrite powders possess hexagonal shape and are well separated from one another. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), vector network analyzer and a.c. susceptometer were used to analyze structures, electromagnetic and microwave absorption properties of prepared ferrites. The results showed that the magnetoplumbite structures for all the samples have been formed. Also the present investigation demonstrates that microwave absorber using BaFe9Mn1.5Ti1.5O19/polyvinylchloride can be fabricated for the applications over 15GHz, with reflection loss more than −25dB for specific frequencies, by controlling the molar ratio of the substituted ions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thin films of Ba-Me ferrites are synthesized by reactive rf diode sputtering of a BaO · nFe[sub 2]O[sub 3] ceramic target. Quartz plates subjected to preliminary annealing are used as substrates. The influence of the barium ion content on the crystalline and magnetic properties and the microstructure of the prepared films is investigated, and the interrelation between the quantity dH[sub c]/dT and the microstructure of the film is considered. The prepared films satisfy the requirements for materials used as information carriers with a superhigh recording density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A smart supercapacitor was fabricated by loading a thermosensitive polymer P(NIPAM-co-SPMA) onto the surface of NiAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanowalls grown on a flexible Ni foil substrate, which displays temperature-triggered on–off ion channels for controlling the electrochemical behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) catalyze the removal of ubiquitin, thereby reversing the activity of E3 ubiquitin ligases and are central to the control of protein abundance and function. Despite the growing interest in DUBs as therapeutic targets, cellular functions for DUBs remain largely unknown and technical challenges often preclude the identification of DUB substrates in a comprehensive manner. Here, we demonstrate that treatment with potent DUB inhibitors coupled to mass spectrometry-based proteomics can identify DUB substrates at a proteome-wide scale. We applied this approach to USP7, a DUB widely investigated as a therapeutic target and identified many known substrates and additional targets. We demonstrate that USP7 substrates are enriched for DNA repair enzymes and E3 ubiquitin ligases. This work provides not only a comprehensive annotation of USP7 substrates, but a general protocol widely applicable to other DUBs, which is critical for translational development of DUB targeted agents. • Commonly used DUB inhibitors show a wide range of selectivity and cellular activity • Cellular proteomics of USP7, USP47, USP25, USP28, USP30, UCHL1, and USP1 inhibitors • Use of multiple USP7 inhibitors to confirm known and new targets of USP7 • Practical insights for profiling DUB inhibitors earlier in the development pipeline Bushman et al. profile commonly used inhibitors of deubiquitinating enzymes to assess their biochemical selectivity and cellular activity. USP7 is used to demonstrate proof-of-concept for using potent and selective inhibitors of deubiquitinating enzymes to identify their substrates by mass spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted protein degradation (TPD) refers to the use of small molecules to induce ubiquitin-dependent degradation of proteins. TPD is of interest in drug development, as it can address previously inaccessible targets. However, degrader discovery and optimization remains an inefficient process due to a lack of understanding of the relative importance of the key molecular events required to induce target degradation. Here, we use chemo-proteomics to annotate the degradable kinome. Our expansive dataset provides chemical leads for ∼200 kinases and demonstrates that the current practice of starting from the highest potency binder is an ineffective method for discovering active compounds. We develop multitargeted degraders to answer fundamental questions about the ubiquitin proteasome system, uncovering that kinase degradation is p97 dependent. This work will not only fuel kinase degrader discovery, but also provides a blueprint for evaluating targeted degradation across entire gene families to accelerate understanding of TPD beyond the kinome. • A global map of kinase degradability provides chemical leads for >200 kinases • Open-access chemical proteomics resource (https://proteomics.fischerlab.org) • Large-scale chemical exploration of key variables for targeted protein degradation • Multi-targeted degraders uncover fundamentals of ubiquitin-mediated protein turnover A synthetic chemistry and chemo-proteomics platform used to annotate the "degradable kinome" provides chemical leads for developing degraders of approximately 200 distinct kinase targets and offers new general design principles for developing future kinase degraders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in demand, artificially planting Chinese medicinal materials (CHMs) has also increased, and the ensuing pesticide residue problems have attracted more and more attention. An optimized quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method with multi-walled carbon nanotubes as dispersive solid-phase extraction sorbents coupled with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was first proposed for the detection of deltamethrin in complex matrix Corydalis yanhusuo. Our results demonstrate that using the optimized QuEChERS method could effectively extract the analyte and reduce background interference from Corydalis. Facile synthesized gold nanoparticles with a large diameter of 75 nm had a strong SERS enhancement for deltamethrin determination. The best prediction model was established with partial least squares regression of the SERS spectra ranges of 545~573 cm−1 and 987~1011 cm−1 with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9306, a detection limit of 0.484 mg/L and a residual predictive deviation of 3.046. In summary, this article provides a new rapid and effective method for the detection of pesticide residues in CHMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-17-expressing CD4+ T helper 17 (Th17) cells are considered to be critical regulators of thymic inflammation in AChR-MG patients. However, Th17 cells are functionally heterogeneous and circulating Th17 subsets are incompletely understood in AChR-MG patients. Here, we studied characteristics of Th17 subsets in peripheral blood from treatment-naïve AChR-MG patients, patients treated with immunosuppressants, as well as healthy controls. We found increased frequencies of circulating Th1-like Th17 (Th1/17) (IFN-γ + IL-17 + CD4 + CD3+) cells, which declined earlier than conventional Th17 (IFN-γ − IL-17 + CD4 + CD3+) cells in patients who respond well to immunosuppression treatment. Additionally, circulating Th1/17 cell frequencies were found to correlate positively with disease severity. Further, compared to conventional Th17 cells, Th1/17 cells showed an elevated expression of IFNG, TBX21, IL23R, CSF2 , and a reduced expression of AHR and IL10. Taken together, our results suggest circulating Th1/17 cells may serve as a biomarker of disease severity and provide a strong rationale for early intervention in AChR-MG patients. • Circulating Th1/17 cell frequencies increased significantly in AChR-MG patients. • Circulating Th1/17 cell frequencies declined earlier than Th17 in patients who respond well to immunosuppressant treatment. • Circulating Th1/17 cell frequencies correlated positively with disease severity. • Circulating Th1/17 cells demonstrated a pathogenic, pro-inflammatory molecular profile. • Circulating Th1/17 cells may serve as a biomarker of disease severity and a target for early intervention in AChR-MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Antiskyrmion manipulated by voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy gradient. • The skyrmion hall effect suppressed using the bilayer antiskyrmions. • The bilayer antiskyrmions move faster than the skyrmion-antiskyrmion pair. • The relations of antiskyrmion velocities and the coupling strength are explored. Magnetic skyrmions could serve as information carriers in next-generation information storage and processing devices. Effective manipulation of the skyrmion motion is a vital task for realizing skyrmion-based applications. Skyrmion motion driven by voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) has been proposed, of which the investigation is mostly focused on the dynamics of skyrmions. Here, using micromagnetic simulations we show that antiskyrmions can be effectively driven by the VCMA gradient in the presence of the anisotropic Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. We find that the antiskyrmion shows a transverse motion, i.e., the skyrmion Hall effect, induced by the VCMA gradient. As the skyrmion number of an antiskyrmion is opposite to that of a skyrmion, the anisotropy gradient-induced motion of ferromagnetically coupled skyrmion-antiskyrmion pair and antiferromagnetically coupled skyrmion-skyrmion and antiskyrmion-antiskyrmion pairs do not show the skyrmion Hall effect. We find that the velocity-driving force relations of these three combinations are different. Our results may provide guidelines for building future skyrmion-based information processing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the penetration of distributed power sources in the power grid is getting higher and higher, the adverse effects are also increasing. It is necessary to adopt control technology to make the distributed power source participate in the power regulation of the power system. In this paper, a multifunctional high-power grid source simulator system is presented. For wider control bandwidth and better performance, a high-power, back-to-back converter and an auxiliary lower-power, back-to-back converter connected in cascade mode topology is proposed in this paper. The basic principle and implementation method of virtual synchronous generator (VSG) in the high-power, back-to-back converter are described to reflect the same power frequency characteristics and voltage regulation characteristics as synchronous generators. Amplitude closed-loop control is proposed to realize zero steady-state error in the lower-power, back-to-back converter, also with line impedance imitation. Meanwhile, a constant-impedance, constant-current, and constant-power (ZIP) load model is used to emulate static load in the grid simulator system. At last, a set of experimental results for a 2 MW grid simulator system is provided to verify the effectiveness and validity of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High saturation magnetization FeCo(Fe65 Co35)/Co films with 4πM8 about 24 kG were prepared by facing targets sputtering (FTS). A well-defined in-plane uniaxial anisotropy and excellent soft magnetic properties were obtained with a hard axis coercivity of Hch = 3 Oe by inserting a thin Co underlayer. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD) results indicate that the Co underlayer changed the main diffraction line from (200) in the FeCo single layer to (110) in the FeCo/Co films. The Co underlayer significantly reduced the average grain size from ∼74 nm for FeCo single layer to ∼8.2 nm for FeCo/Co films. A smoother surface and a narrower grain size distribution were observed in FeCo/Co films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5 × 25 mm FeCoAlO gradient composition thin film was prepared with composite target by using RF magnetron sputtering. The Al-O composition gradient along the length direction of the film was introduced by Al2O3 chips asymmetrically arrayed on a Fe70Co30 target disk. The film was divided into five equal segments. All samples showed a low coercive force Hc of 4 - 8 Oe. The saturation magnetization 4πMs increased continuously from 17.3 kGs for sample 1 (has more Al-O content) to 19.7 kGs for sample 5 and it was consistent with the increasing of Fe-Co composition. Meanwhile, these samples showed different anisotropy behaviors relating with Al-O composition. The sample 1 exhibited the same magnetization curve along the directions of G| and G⊥ (G| and G⊥ are parallel and perpendicular to the direction of the Al-O composition gradient, respectively). In both of G| & G⊥ directions, the sample 1 showed a resonance frequency (fr) of around 2.6 - 3.0 GHz, while, in G| direction, it showed a high value of real permeability μ′. The sample 5 exhibited a distinct in-plane uniaxial anisotropy and a good high-frequency response of 3.0 GHz resonance frequency. So these films having gradient composition exhibit are suggested for the use in integrated magnetic devices working in the GHz frequency range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FeCoAlO thin films with good soft magnetic properties were fabricated by using RF magnetron sputtering. In order to obtain good high-frequency performance, the in-plane uniaxial anisotropy was tuned by combining the effects of in situ magnetic field and the gradient of Al-O concentration. The composition gradient was controlled by using an asymmetric target and different Ar gas flow rates changing from 5 sccm to 17.5 sccm. It was found that at the range of Ar gas flow rate from 7.5 sccm to 15 sccm, the films showed an excellent high-frequency performance: the resonance frequency was beyond 3.0 GHz and the real permeability μ′ had a high value of ∼200 at low-frequency side. In particular, the film prepared at the Ar gas flow rate of 15 sccm showed a resonance frequency of 4.0 GHz. Large resonance frequency can be attributed to the high in-plane uniaxial anisotropy field which was induced by stress and the external magnetic field. The high values of permeability and resonance frequency enable the FeCoAlO thin films to be one of the important candidates for microwave applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn1 - xCoxFe2O4 (x = 0-1 in a step of 0.2) nanoparticles with different range of particle size including 5-10 nm and 200-250 nm have been prepared by sol-gel process. Mössbauer spectra at room temperature indicated that, with increasing cobalt content, there is a transition from paramagnetic to magnetically ordered-ferrimagnetic state. Magnetic properties were measured at 300 and 10 K using a Quantum Design MPMS-5S SQUID magnetometer. It was found that with an increase in cobalt content the saturation magnetization and coercivity increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soft magnetic FeCoAlO thin films with different response at high frequency were prepared by using RF magnetron sputtering. Two different configurations of the sputtering targets were used: the Al2O3 chips were placed on Fe70Co30 disk either uniformly dispersed on the sputtering area (Target-A) or dispersed on the half side of the sputtering area (Target-B). It was found that, although, the films deposited from both of Target A and B possessed good soft magnetic properties and in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, they showed different behaviors at high frequency. The films deposited by using Target-A have mean permeability of 500 and a cut-off frequency (fr) of around 780 MHz, while the films deposited by using Target-B have mean permeability of 200 and a fr of 3.4 GHz. The higher fr of the later corresponds to the higher uniaxial anisotropic field in the films deposited by using the Target-B, which due to an extra anisotropy induced by the stress resulted from gradient of the Al-O composition. By adjusting the configuration of Target-B, the permeability & fr can be tuned to satisfy the different requirements for certain industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]