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Aiming at the aerospace aircraft tie rod pipe fittings with indented riveted threaded bushing manufacturing, there are problems such as low connection strength, manufacturing cost and high weight, this paper innovates a new process of three-roll reduction and end extrusion thickening to form the aerospace thin-walled tie rods, and adopts the simufact finite element analysis (FEA) software to numerically analyse the forming process of the thin-walled fittings of A6061 aluminium alloy and analyse the equivalent plastic strain distribution, the change rule of the force-energy parameter, as well as the uniformity of the wall thickness in the process of rolling and squeezing, so that we can get the principle of rolling and squeezing forming and deformation rules of the thin-walled tie rods, and the results of the research provide the theoretical foundation for the domestic forming of the thin-walled tie rod pipe fittings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to acquire a soft magnetic film with low conductivity and large magnetic anisotropy, the strain-modulated magnetic anisotropy is studied in epitaxial MgFe2O4 (MFO) films. The MFO films with thicknesses of 25, 48, 75, and 110 nm are grown on the MgAl2O4 (MAO) (100) substrate using a pulsed laser deposition technique. Due to the large lattice-mismatch (3.34%) between MFO and MAO substrates, the interface exhibits a large tetragonal compressive strain. The results of field-dependent magnetization suggest the soft magnetic nature of all the measured MFO films. The analysis of angular dependent ferromagnetic resonance reveals the large uniaxial magnetic anisotropy energy (Ku) of −1.62 × 106 erg/cm3 in the highly strained 25 nm film, and Ku decreases with the increasing thickness due to strain relaxation. The observed large magnetic anisotropy in these highly strained MFO thin films is larger than most of the soft ferrite thin films, which arise due to tetragonal distortion and inverse magnetostriction. The epitaxial MFO thin films with enhanced magnetic anisotropy could be one of the potential candidates for spin filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical analysis on the magnetic properties of synthetic ferrimagnet (SyF), Ta/MgO/CoFeB/Ru/ CoFeB/MgO/Ta, is demonstrated via both static and dynamic techniques. With the Ru thickness being 2.3 nm, the coupling between two CoFeB layers becomes orthogonal, which can be used for spin-transfer-torque nano-oscillator (STNO). The fitting of angular dependent ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) allows the precise determination of magnetic anisotropy of each CoFeB layer, the relative magnetizations and the exchange field near the frequency of STNO applications. In addition, the mechanism of resonance broadening at out-of-plane direction is identified to be magnetic inhomogeneity by fitting the angular dependent linewidth of FMR spectra, which provides indispensable information for the future design of STNO devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, Ag/Bi0.9La0.1FeO3 (BLFO)/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 sandwich structure was grown epitaxially on SrTiO3 substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Short-circuit photocurrent (Ishort) and frequency dependence of the capacitance were investigated. It reveals that this heterostructure exhibits strong photocurrent responses, the orientation of Ishort depends strongly on the polarization orientations, and it varies monotonically from one orientation to the other as the polarization orientation switching gradually from upward (downward) to downward (upward), the Ishort value becomes zero when the film is in zero polarization states. The intensity of the Ishort can be strengthened by several times after thousands of bipolar electric pulses. Moreover, after polarization fatigue process of bipolar electric pulses or under light illumination, the capacitance of this sandwich structure is always bigger than the original state. However, the magnifying ratio of the capacitance after and before polarization fatigue process or under light illumination decrease with increasing the frequency in the C-f curves. These results suggest that polarization induced surface charge combined with migration of oxygen vacancies is the primary driving force for the varying of interfacial barriers and the oxygen vacancies density near the interface, which in turn leads to different orientations and values of Ishort as well as the differential interfacial capacitance. Our results indicate that the photovoltaic response in ferroelectric BLFO thin films could be further explored for solar light photovoltaic and other capacitor devices applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We include the effect of band non-parabolicity on photonic defect states within the Wannier theory, which improves the quadratic approximation adopted by Painter et al. [Phys. Rev. B 68, 035214 (2003)] for large-size defects, as well as extends the theory to a wider range of defect size. A 2D hexagonal photonic crystal is considered, and analyzed for the origin and degree of non-parabolicity in the 1st TE band around J-point, and for the effect of non-parabolicity on acceptor type cavity modes. The non-parabolicity is shown to derive primarily from the inherent anisotropy of band dispersion around the point. Overall, with the inclusion of non-parabolicity, (i) mode degeneracy is lowered, (ii) the 'binding energy' of a cavity mode is increased, and (iii) the cut-off of defect size for a given cavity mode is reduced, by as much as 35% in certain cases, in comparison with that calculated without the non-parabolicity. A simple 'overall effective mass' picture is provided for the understanding of non-parabolicity effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenetic analysis of all the black pepper cultivars in Malaysia is crucial to determine the morphological difference among them. The objective of this study is to ascertain the morphological distinctness and interrelationships among the cultivars to ensure registration of each variety under the Plant Variety Protection Act, as a prerequisite toward implementation of a monovarietal farm policy in the future. Cluster analysis revealed that cultivars “Semongok Aman” and “Semongok 1” have high distinctness values for identification; thus, varietal diagnosis for the two cultivars is easy. Cultivars “Nyerigai,” “India,” “Semongok Perak,” and “Semongok Emas” were grouped in the most diverse clusters among the ten cultivars studied. The four cultivars have a similarity index as high as 92%; however, investigation of leaf width, leaf width-length ratio, seed weight, and conversion rate (fresh to black pepper) gives the ability to determine the characteristic differences. Cultivars “Lampung Daun Lebar” and “Yong Petai” have a similarity of 96%; however, the two showed distinctive differences in leaf width, leaf length-width ratio, spike thickness, and spike length characteristics. On the contrary, cultivars “Kuching” and “Sarikei” showed the highest similarity index, at 98%, and thus are among the most difficult cultivars to diagnose the morphological difference. However, the principle component analysis showed that the fruit size and seed diameter were the important diagnostic key characteristics. Overall, the leaf width, leaf width-length ratio, fruit spike, and conversion rate characteristics are among the key characteristics to differentiate among cultivars of black pepper in Malaysia. At the same time, the principle component analysis carried out has enlightened some interrelationships on the morphological characteristics between cultivars. This information is crucial for the future of the plant varietal improvement program in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen vacancies in the SrTiO3 (STO) single crystal with two different cap layers, CoFe2O4 (CFO) and BiFeO3 (BFO), are investigated with the technique of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). EPR spectra show the resonance lines of the residual oxygen vacancy in air annealed STO, STO/CFO, and STO/BFO, showing the high sensitivity of EPR to the low concentration defects. The experimental results indicate that the oxide cap layers enhance the oxygen deficiency in bulk STO and the amount of oxygen vacancy is dependent on the electronegativity of metal ion in the cap layer. Accordingly, STO/BFO has a larger amount of oxygen vacancy than that of STO/CFO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an approach for electrically manipulating nuclear spins in n-GaAs using an on-chip microcoil. Optically injected spin-polarized electrons are used to generate a dynamic nuclear polarization via electron-nucleus hyperfine interaction with a characteristic time constant of ∼10 min. The saturated Overhauser field amplitude is on the order of several 10 mT and proportional to the spin polarization degree of the injected electrons. Applying an rf field resonant for the 75As nuclei, complete depolarization of 75As nuclear spins is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have synthesized a series of LuMn1-xFexO3 (0⩽x⩽0.2) samples and study the effect of Fe-doping on their magnetic and dielectric properties. The magnetic characterization indicates that with increasing Fe-content up to 0.2, the antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition temperature increases from 90 to 105 K. A corresponding shift in the peak-positions of specific heat and dielectric anomaly is observed, indicating a strong correlation between the magnetic ordering and the electric polarization. Further analysis suggests that the rising of AFM transition temperature with increasing Fe-content should be from the structural origin, in which the strength of AFM interaction as well as the electrical polarization is dependent on the in-plane lattice parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on floral biology of black pepper cultivars that cover anther dehiscence, pollen viability and stigma receptivity was carried out with the aim to improve the efficiency of intervarietal hybridisation in black pepper breeding work. In this study, 10 black pepper cultivars were used, namely 'Semongok Aman', 'Kuching', 'Semongok Emas', 'Semongok Perak', 'Semongok 1', 'Nyerigai', 'India', 'Lampung Daun Lebar', 'Sarikei' and 'Yong Petai'. The results show that anthesis in the 10 black pepper cultivars occurred between 10.25 pm and 10.50 pm. In the pollen viability study, results suggest that pollen are more viable between five and 10 hours after anther dehisced. However, there are variations among the cultivars for the optimum viable stage. For stigma receptivity, the results show that stigmas at Stage 2 (elongation and spreading of stigmata) and Stage 3 (complete emergence and wide spreading of stigmata) had better receptivity than Stage 1 (first appearance of stigmata). There was no difference in stigma receptivity stages among the 10 cultivars. This study thus, shows the most suitable time for intervarietal hybridisation via artificial pollination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetization reversal phenomena in submicron half-ring patterned wires with different corner structures have been investigated. The wires with corner structures of rectangular, semicircle, and triangular shapes were connected in series by two or five half-rings. The variation of domain structures with magnetic field is illustrated by electron transport measurements, simulation, and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) images. The switching behavior depends on the corner structures connecting the half-ring structures. These results are consistent with the domain pattern and magnetic phase shift observation provided by the MFM measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domain wall pinning force in the junctions (corners), with different shapes of square, semicircle, or triangle, of half-ring in-series wires is considered to study the current injection induced wall movements. This geometry has less thermal activation at the region of domain wall nucleation in contrast to notch structures. The wires with square corners have the largest domain pinning force to resist polarized current-induced magnetization reversal, judging from the largest slope in the current-field dependence (ΔI/ΔH=0.274). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spin pumping experiment at room temperature in periodic arrays of permalloy nanodots of different radii deposited onto a 3D topological insulator Bi2Se3 film. We measure the dc voltage signal generated by spin-to-charge conversion of the pumped spin current due to the spin-orbit coupling in the bulk of Bi2Se3. In the nanostructured samples, two resonance peaks are observed, associated with Kittel and inhomogeneous edge modes, respectively. This more complex modal composition in comparison to continuous systems may provide additional advantages for development of prospective spintronic devices. We support our experimental results by theoretical calculations, which are based on micromagnetic modeling of the magnetization dynamics under FMR excitation in a nanodot. A numerical approach to the calculation of the spin-pumping voltage is proposed, and the efficiency of spin-to-charge conversion is estimated for two nanostructured samples with different dot sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This discussion session concerned experimental and theoretical investigations of the atomistic properties underlying the energetics and kinetics of hydrogen trapping and diffusion in metallic systems. This article is part of the themed issue 'The challenges of hydrogen and metals'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The final session of the meeting consisted of a discussion panel to propose future directions for research in the field of hydrogen embrittlement and the potential impact of this research on public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of atomic-scale microstructural traps to limit the diffusion of hydrogen is one key strategy in the development of hydrogen-embrittlement–resistant materials. In the case of bearing steels, an effective trapping mechanism may be the incorporation of finely dispersed V-Mo-Nb carbides in a ferrite matrix. First, we charged a ferritic steel with deuterium by means of electrolytic loading to achieve a high hydrogen concentration. We then immobilized it in the microstructure with a cryogenic transfer protocol before atom probe tomography (APT) analysis. Using APT, we show trapping of hydrogen within the core of these carbides with quantitative composition profiles. Furthermore, with this method the experiment can be feasibly replicated in any APT-equipped laboratory by using a simple cold chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature-dependent electron spin resonance (ESR) is applied to investigate La0.9Sr0.1MnO3 nanoparticles incorporating with magnetization and electrical transport measurements. Ferromagnetism is observed at room temperature which is much higher than the TC value for bulk samples ( $\sim $ 150 K). The ESR analysis confirms the coexistence of multiple magnetic phases consistent with the field-dependent magnetization-temperature curves. By fitting ESR spectra, the room-temperature multiphases are identified as the mixture of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic states, similar to the Griffiths phase observed in bulk samples. The field-dependent resistivity shows colossal magnetoresistance effect up to room temperature. Based on our analysis, the size-effect-induced room-temperature ferromagnetism is strongly correlated with the enhancement of the Griffith phase separation temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of the kinetics of precipitation in aluminium alloys help to understand the role of quenched-in excess vacancies in the ageing process. Investigations of ageing in nanometre-sized samples are valuable because excess vacancies are believed to anneal out quickly while the alloy is still supersaturated with solute atoms. We prepare samples suitable for atom probe tomography (APT) with a sharp tip of some tens of nm radius and verify that they can be solutionised and quenched, after which they are still suitable for APT. The investigated Al-Zn alloy is known to show extremely strong clustering after quenching of the bulk material but we find that this clustering is completely suppressed in solutionised and quenched samples. Precipitation calculations explain this by a fast loss of vacancies, within seconds, during and after quenching. As such calculations also suggest that at elevated temperatures clustering could occur in the thermal equilibrium, we carry out exploratory ageing experiments on APT samples at 100°C and 135°C. No clusters are found in such samples, which could be related to experimental restrictions (Zn losses) or unfavourable nucleation conditions in nm-sized samples. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dresselhaus spin-orbit interaction is quantitatively investigated in a (110)-oriented GaAs quantum well by means of time- and spatially resolved Kerr rotation. The experimental results directly demonstrate a unidirectional out-of-plane spin-orbit interaction that linearly depends on the electron momentum along the [110] direction and vanishes for the electron momentum along the [001] direction. Spatially resolved measurements of the diffusion-driven spin precession dynamics provide evidence of the formation of a persistent spin-helix state in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring training workload via accelerometer-derived microsensors has been used extensively in professional team sports. However, a comparison of training states between starters and non-starts professional players in an entire season has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to examine to compare the workload parameters (i.e. the acute, chronic, acute/chronic workload ratio, metabolic power average, acceleration, and deceleration) between starters and non-starters players in four different periods of professional football season. This study followed a retrospective and longitudinal design. Twenty-one Iranian professional soccer players (age, 28.27 ± 3.78 years; height, 181.23 ± 7.08 cm; body mass, 74.45 ± 7.72 kg) completed an entire season in 2018–2019 and participated in this study. A wearable device with a tri-axial accelerometer (SPI HPU, GPSports systems) was used to monitor the locomotor profile during training sessions and matches over a forty-eight-weeks season (pre-season = week 1–5; early-season = week 6–19; mid-season = week 20–34; end-season = week 35–48). Body load was used to calculate acute (7 days), chronic workload (previous 3 weeks), and acute/chronic workload ratio. The metabolic power average, acceleration, and deceleration patterns were also calculated weekly. The starters exposed larger accumulation of acute and chronic workload in the mid-season (p = 0.008, d = −1.24; p = 0.006; d = −1.31) and end-season (p = 0.001, d = −1.66; p = 0.001; d = −1.62), respectively. The metabolic power average, acceleration, and deceleration were remarkably high in starters over all periods of the season (P > 0.05), excepted high-intensity deceleration zone for preseason (> −4 m/s2; p = 0.149). Starters accumulated large exposure of acute and chronic workload and high-intensity of locomotor characteristics over a full professional football season. Consideration to balance the deficiency of weekly workloads between line-up players and substitutes/reserve players is essential to establish beneficial approach of team square. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Although primary graft failure (PGF) after heart transplantation is a feared complication, most reports have come from Western countries. We analyzed the incidence in our hospital and tried to determine the predictive risk factors for PGF that require mechanical circulatory support or high dosage of inotropic agents after heart transplantation. We observed the long-term prognosis of patients successfully surviving PGF. Methods: For this retrospective review, 447 patients undergoing heart transplantation between January 1990 and January 2013 were enrolled in our study. We compared the clinical data between patients with PGF and without PGF. The risk factors associated with PGF were analyzed, and the long-term survival curve was analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: The incidence of PGF in our study was 36.2% (162 patients) and the overall PGF-related mortality rate was 17% (30 day in-hospital mortality). Independent risk factors for PGF included preoperative recipient hypoalbuminemia, high central venous pressure, United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) status 1A, dependence on inotropic agents, ventilator, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and longer ischemic time. Patients with PGF had poorer long-term survival than patients without PGF; the 1-year survival rate was 40% versus 76% (P < .01). The rate of weaning from ECMO for PGF was 46% (12 of 26 patients) and they have similar 1-year survival rates as non-EGF patients. Conclusions: Several recipient and donor variables significantly influenced the PGF after heart transplantation. The mortality rate was higher in patients with PGF. However, patients who survived PGF have similar mid-term and long-term survival as patients without PGF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigates the cortical abnormalities of early emotion perception in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) using gamma oscillations. Twenty-three MDD patients, twenty-five BD patients, and twenty-four normal controls were enrolled and their event-relatedmagnetoencephalographic responses were recorded during implicit emotional tasks. Our results demonstrated abnormal gamma activity within 100ms in the emotion-related regions (amygdala, orbitofrontal (OFC) cortex, anterior insula (AI), and superior temporal pole) in the MDD patients, suggesting that these patients may have dysfunctions or negativity biases in perceptual binding of emotional features at very early stage. Decreased left superior medial frontal cortex (smFC) responses to happy faces in the MDD patients were correlated with their serious level of depression symptoms, indicating that decreased smFC activity perhaps underlies irregular positive emotion processing in depressed patients. In the BD patients, we showed abnormal activation in visual regions (inferior/middle occipital and middle temporal cortices) which responded to emotional faces within 100ms, supporting that the BD patients may hyperactively respond to emotional features in perceptual binding. The discriminant function of gamma activation in the left smFC, right medial OFC, right AI/inferior OFC, and the right precentral cortex accurately classified 89.6% of patients as unipolar/bipolar disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Purification and characterization of a novel bacteriocin produced by strain Enterococcus faecium D081821. Methods and Results Enterococcus faecium D081821, isolated from the traditional Taiwanese fermented food dochi (fermented black beans), was previously found to produce a bacteriocin against Listeria monocytogenes and some Gram-positive bacteria. This bacteriocin, termed enterocin TW21, was purified from culture supernatant by ammonium sulfate precipitation, Sep- Pak C18 cartridge, ion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Mass spectrometry analysis showed the mass of the peptide to be approximately 5300·6 Da. The N-terminal amino acid sequencing yielded a partial sequence NH2- ATYYGNGVYx NTQK by Edman degradation, and it contains the consensus class IIa bacteriocin motif YGNGV in the N-terminal region. The open reading frame ( ORF) encoding the bacteriocin was identified from the draft genome sequence of Enterococcus faecium D081821, and sequence analysis of this peptide indicated that enterocin TW21 is a novel bacteriocin. Conclusions Enterococcus faecium D081821 produced a bacteriocin named enterocin TW21, the molecular weight and amino acid sequence both revealed it to be a novel bacteriocin. Significant and Impact of Study A new member of class IIa bacteriocin was identified. This bacteriocin shows great inhibitory ability against L. monocytogenes and could be applied as a natural food preservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of phase change memory (PCM) device non-idealities on the deep neural network (DNN) inference accuracy is systematically investigated. Based on the experimental PCM data, statistical models of device non-idealities were extracted and incorporated into our PyTorch-based simulation framework for evaluations on the CIFAR-10 dataset. Our specific results include: 1) nonlinear ${I}$ – ${V}$ could incur a significant accuracy degradation, but it can be eliminated depending on how the input activations are encoded (e.g., no degradation with pulse-encoding schemes); 2) resistance variation and read noise induce a relatively mild accuracy degradation (< 1% with experimentally fit model), which can be further mitigated through variation-aware training (VAT); 3) maximizing accuracy over a given operating temperature range is attained through a “temperature-specific weight remapping” method developed in this work, accuracy variance of < 3% is demonstrated over a temperature range of ${T} \pm 15 ^{\circ }\text{C}$ ; and 4) resistance drift leads to a significant accuracy degradation over time and is the most challenging non-ideality to address by algorithmic means alone (drift coefficient < 0.015 is needed to achieve < 3% degradation in ten years). A “weight transfusion” (WT) method has been proposed to effectively recover the inference accuracy by incrementally activating additional pre-trained neurons over time. The main overhead is the additional area to store pre-trained weights beforehand, which is likely affordable given the high density of MLC PCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To identify and characterize novel bacteriocins from Weissella hellenica 4-7. Methods and Results Weissella hellenica 4-7, isolated from the traditional Taiwanese fermented food sian-sianzih (fermented clams), was previously found to produce a bacteriocin active against Listeria monocytogenes and some other Gram-positive bacteria. Bacteriocin activity decreased slightly after autoclaving (121°C for 15 min), but was inactivated by protease K and trypsin. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed the bacteriocin mass to be approximately 3205·6 Da. N-terminal amino acid sequencing yielded a partial sequence, NH2- KGFLSWASKATSWLVGP, by Edman degradation. The obtained partial sequence showed high homology with leucocin B- TA33a; however, at least two different residues were observed. No identical peptide or protein was found, and this peptide was therefore considered to be a novel bacteriocin produced by W. hellenica 4-7 and termed weissellicin L. Conclusions The findings obtained in the current study suggest a novel bacteriocin produced by W. hellenica 4-7. Significance and Impact of the Study Bacteriocins from Weissella remain rare, and this study is the second report of a bacteriocin produced by W. hellenica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To isolate, characterize and identify lactic acid bacteria ( LAB) in yan-tsai-shin (fermented broccoli stems), a traditional fermented food in Taiwan. Methods and Results A total of 226 LAB were isolated; 111 cultures were isolated from samples collected from seven different markets and 115 from six fresh broccoli samples. These isolates were characterized phenotypically and then initially divided into nine groups (r1 to r9) using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA. Some isolates were further divided into four additional groups by other genetic analysis. The most common bacterial genera in yan-tsai-shin and fresh broccoli were Weissella, Lactococcus and Lactobacillus. Regional similarities in the LAB, with differences in diversity, were observed in this study. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA, rpoA, rpoB and pheS gene sequences, two strains were included in the genera Enterococcus and Lactococcus, respectively, and identified as potential novel species or subspecies. In addition, the novel enterococcal strain, and 33 L. lactis subsp. lactis and two Weissella cibaria strains were found to have bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS) producing abilities. Conclusions These results suggest that the LAB play important roles in the fermentation of yan-tsai-shin. Significance and Impact of the Study This is the first report describing the distribution and varieties of LAB existing in yan-tsai-shin and fresh broccoli. In addition, two potential novel LAB species or subspecies and one potential novel BLIS were also found in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetization dynamics induced by a pulsed magnetic field is investigated by time- and polarization-resolved photoluminescene measurements in (Cd,Mn)Te/(Cd,Mg)Te quantum wells. The magnetization dynamics of Mn2+ ions is found to be strongly dependent on the external static magnetic field. A dynamical response of the magnetization on a subnanosecond time scale is observed at zero static magnetic field, while it drastically slows down and approaches the spin-lattice relaxation time constant for a nonzero static field. Theoretical calculations emphasize the importance of local spin interactions that interplay with the Zeeman interaction for the observed magnetization dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To isolate and characterize bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance ( BLIS)-producing lactic acid bacteria from the intestine of grey mullet. Methods and Results Inhibitory activity against at least one or more indicator strains was observed in one Enterococcus thailandicus, one Enterococcus faecium and two Lactococcus garvieae strains. Enterococcus faecium B3-8 and Ent. thailandicus B3-22 showed the greatest inhibitory activities against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111 and were therefore further characterized. The results suggested that the inhibitory substances from the two strains showed similar characteristics with respect to sensitivity to heat and proteolytic enzymes. BLIS from Ent. thailandicus B3-22 was characterized by a broader inhibitory spectrum than that from Ent. faecium B3-8. SDS- PAGE revealed that the molecular size of partially purified BLISs from Ent. faecium B3-8 and Ent. thailandicus B3-22 was c. 5 and 3 kDa, respectively. The molecular mass of purified bacteriocin from Ent. thailandicus B3-22 was further determined to be 6319 Da by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry ( MALDI- TOF MS). The results indicated that BLIS from Ent. thailandicus B3-22 can effectively inhibit the growth of all tested L. garvieae strains. Conclusions The findings obtained in this study suggest the potential use of Ent. thailandicus B3-22 as a biocontrol agent against pathogenic L. garvieae in the aquaculture. Significance and Impact of the Study This is the first report describing the characteristics of BLIS from Ent. thailandicus that showed potential for use as a biocontrol agent in the aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic processes of resistance switching have been systemically investigated for the Ti/HfO2/Pt bipolar devices. Different transient characteristics were observed in the set and reset processes. The set process consisted of a waiting step and a following abrupt transition, whereas the reset process demonstrated a gradual resistance change. Nonlinear dependence of set time on pulse voltage was observed and explained by the thermally accelerated dielectric breakdown of local switching regions. The accumulation and dissipation effects observed for different pulse treatments strongly supported the proposed model, which suggests a possible approach to overcome the voltage-time dilemma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recent scholarship suggests the Flood motif and its literary representations may have emerged and developed relatively late in Sumerian literary traditions. To investigate how the Flood motif gained its entry in the literary traditions, the current study traces the dissemination of the temporal expression egir a-ma-ru ba-ur3-ra-ta 'After the Flood had swept over . . .' and its variants in Sumerian mythological and chronographic sources during the Old Babylonian period. This study seeks to demonstrate that when the Flood motif first emerged explicitly in Sumerian literary traditions it manifested as an innovative stylistic and temporal device for introducing the primeval time of origins as well as for marking the (re-)beginning of time. Coming to grips with this initial stage of development of the Flood motif will shed important light on some key conceptual and literary processes through which the Flood motif and its mythological and chronographic representations formed and evolved during the Old Babylonian period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on an experimental evidence of a significantly different dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) for localized and itinerant electrons in n-GaAs. Optically injected spin-polarized electrons are used to generate dynamic nuclear polarization via electron-nucleus hyperfine interaction. Using time resolved Kerr rotation measurements for probing the transient Overhauser field, the DNP time constants for itinerant and localized electrons are extracted to be 10 min and less than 1 min, respectively. This is attributed to a rapid DNP occurring in the vicinity of the donors followed by a delayed nuclear spin polarization in between the donor sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of acetylbritannilactone (ABL) on renal injury induced by acute exhaustive exercise in the rat. The exhaustive exercise induced kidney injury in rats was established by exhaustive swimming (ES). ABL (26 mg/kg) or polyglycol (control) were administrated orally by gastric gavage 24 h before training. Renal function, biochemical index, renal histopathological change, oxidative stress indices, renal cell apoptosis and inflammatory molecules were checked after ES, for 6 h and 24 h. It was found that immediately after exhaustive swimming, the serum urea and creatinine were significantly higher in ES rats, and the same for serum creatine kinase. All the values were reduced in the ES rats treated with ABL. The increase of superoxide dismutase activity and decrease of malondialdehyde content in the kidney were found in rats with ABL treatment. Tubular cell apoptosis at different time points after ES were significantly reduced by the ABL treatment. The increased expression of TNF-α and NF-κβ induced by ES was also significantly decreased by ABL treatment. Our results suggest that ABL protects rats from overtraining-induced kidney injury by inhibiting renal cell apoptosis and suppressing oxidative-stress generation and inhibiting inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of optically detected nuclear magnetic resonance is studied in n-GaAs via time-resolved Kerr rotation using an on-chip microcoil for rf field generation. Both optically allowed and optically forbidden NMR are observed with a dynamics controlled by the interplay between dynamic nuclear polarization via hyperfine interaction with optically generated spin-polarized electrons and nuclear spin depolarization due to magnetic resonance absorption. Comparing the characteristic nuclear spin relaxation rate obtained in experiment with master equation simulations, the underlying nuclear spin depolarization mechanism for each resonance is extracted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Radiotherapy is a useful component of treatment strategies for esophageal cancer. The role of autophagy in response to ionizing radiation was investigated in human esophageal squamous carcinoma cells. Cell viability and clonogenic survival assay were used to evaluate the radiosensitivity of autophagy inhibitor (3-MA) on esophageal squamous carcinoma cells. The percentage of apoptotic cells and cell cycle analysis were assessed by flow cytometry; DAPI staining was used to detect apoptotic cells. The expression of beclin-1 and LC3 was measured using a Western blot. The ultrastructural analysis was under the electron microscope. 6 Gy irradiation induced a massive accumulation of autophagosomes accompanied by strong upregulation of beclin-1 and LC3-II expression in TE-1 cells. Compared with radiation alone, 3-MA combined with radiation significantly decreased cell viability, as well as autophagic ratio, beclin-1, and LC3-II protein level. Inhibition of autophagy increased radiation-induced apoptosis and the percentage of G2/M-phase cells. Blockade of autophagy with 3-MA enhanced cytotoxicity of radiotherapy in human esophageal squamous carcinoma cells. It suggests that inhibition of autophagy could be used as adjuvant therapy to treat esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of fumarate on ruminal ammonia accumulation and fiber digestion in vitro and on feed intake and nutrient utilization in dairy does. Batch cultures of mixed rumen microorganisms were used to study effects of different concentrations of fumarate on fermentation with various N sources (ammonia as ammonium bicarbonate, casein amino acids, casein peptides, gelatin peptides) and feeds (bermudagrass hay, mixed diet of 60% bermudagrass hay plus 40% concentrate) for 6 and 24 h, respectively. Substrates were grouped into pairs for separate incubations. Monosodium fumarate was added to incubation tubes to achieve final concentrations of 0, 5, and 10 mM fumarate. More ammonia accumulated at the end of incubation with added ammonium bicarbonate. Ammonia concentration was higher for peptide compared with amino acid incubation, and for casein peptide compared with gelatin peptide. Addition of fumarate linearly decreased ammonia for all N sources and for feed substrates. For all substrate types, fumarate treatment increased acetate, propionate, and total volatile fatty acids (VFA), decreased acetate to propionate ratio, and tended to reduce branched-chain VFA. Digestion of feed neutral detergent fiber (NDF) by rumen microorganisms was improved by fumarate along with elevated endoglucanase and xylanase activities. In an animal metabolism experiment, 8 dairy does (4 per treatment) were used in a completely randomized design for 21 d. Does were fed a hay plus concentrate diet without (control) or with fumarate (6 g/head per day) supplementation to determine feed intake, whole-tract nutrient digestibility, and N utilization. Fumarate treatment did not affect weight change or feed intake but increased whole-tract digestion of gross energy, crude protein, and cellulose. Digested N was increased by fumarate supplementation; however, N retention was unaffected. Plasma glucose concentration was elevated with fumarate but urea N concentration remained unchanged. Fumarate addition had significant effects on rumen microbial fermentation by decreasing ammonia and branched-chain VFA, and by increasing acetate and propionate, and NDF digestion. These effects were reflected in the improvement in whole-tract gross energy, crude protein, and cellulose digestion and elevated plasma glucose concentration when dairy does were supplemented with fumarate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an approach to electrical control of the spin polarization in a diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) structure. A variable magnetic field induced by a micro-scale current loop magnetizes the Mn2+ ions in a CdMnTe/CdMgTe DMS quantum well, which via the sp-d exchange interaction polarizes photo-generated electron-hole pairs confined in the well. A maximum spin polarization degree of ±8.5% is obtained at 4.2 K without external magnetic field. The current-induced magnetic field and the current-generated heating of the spin system are quantitatively extracted by micro magneto-luminescence measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of hexagonal polycrystalline RMnO3 (R = Y, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu and Yb) samples are systematically prepared, and their temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility, specific heat and dielectric properties are measured, in order to investigate the origin of R-dependent dielectric behavior. The dielectric anomalies are found to be strongly correlated with the antiferromagnetic transitions. Both occur near the same temperatures (70∼100 K) and have a very similar R-dependency. Further analysis suggests that the origin of R-dependent dielectric anomalies in the ferroelectric phases could be the variation of strength of antiferromagnetic interaction via the change of in-plane lattice parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims:To study the efficacy of verteporfin photodynamic therapy (VPDT) retrospectively in the treatment of idiopathic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (ICNV) in an Asian population in correlation with number of treatments and age at treatment. This is the first report to compare the efficacy between single and multiple treatments.Methods:VPDT was administered according to protocol to 45 eyes in 45 patients aged 18–55 years diagnosed with active subfoveal ICNV between September 2003 and December 2005. In total 28 patients received a single VPDT treatment and the remaining 17 received multiple treatments. Collected measurements of visual acuity (VA) were plotted on a time-course model, and later dichotomized by age (18–45 vs46–55 years).Results:The 28 patients receiving a single VPDT treatment showed significant improvement in VA at 3-month follow-up. The 17 patients, who did not show improvement after the first treatment, received multiple VPDT treatments. Those patients showed an even clearer trend in VA improvement although significance was detected only at the 24th month. All patients showed a significant improvement in mean VA of 0.46 logMAR (P<0.01 compared to baseline) by the end of the 24-month observation period, although VPDT treatment for subfoveal ICNV appears to stabilize vision more rapidly in younger patients.Conclusions:ICNV patients who did not benefit from single VPDT treatments could receive multiple treatments, and showed a more significant improvement in visual acuity. These results are the first of their kind in ICNV treatment.Eye (2009) 23, 314–319; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6703073; published online 18 January 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spontaneously broken reflection and axial symmetries in the nuclear mean field and their necessary restorations in the laboratory frame are described in a natural way in the triaxial Reflection Asymmetric Shell Model. This recently developed theoretical model has been applied to explore the possibility that some superheavy nuclei may have an exotic shape, tetrahedral-like. The ground state band and the partner low-lying negative parity bands are calculated for the Cf isotopes and the results are in a good agreement with the available experimental data. The tetrahedral symmetry, realized at the first order with the nonaxial octupole Y32 deformation, plays an important role for understanding the low-lying band structures in transfermium and superheavy nuclei, but it is significantly obscured by the competing quadrupole deformation as well as the axial octupole component. The calculated reduced E3 transition probabilities between the low lying 2–-band states and the ground band states show a large enhancement of the nonaxial octupole collectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycelia of Antrodia cinnamomea (AC), an edible fungus native to Taiwan, were produced by submerged fermentation with various fermentation times in 250 mL, 5 and 500 L fermentors and were evaluated for the effect of fermentation products on the viabilities of Hep3B and HepG2 hepatoma cells and normal primary rat hepatocytes. The results showed that the ethanolic extracts of AC mycelia (from 250 mL fermentation for 8 wk and 5 and 500 L fermentations for 4 wk) possessed high antihepatoma activity. The IC50 of ethanolic extract of AC mycelia fermented for 8 wk in a 250 mL fermentor against Hep3B and HepG2 cells were 82.9 and 54.2 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the IC50 for Hep3B and HepG2, treated with ethanolic extract of AC mycelia fermented for 4 wk in the 5 L fermentor were 48.7 and 3.8 μg/mL, respectively. Those treated with ethanolic extract of AC mycelia fermented for 4 wk in the 500 L fermentor were 36.9 and 3.1 μg/mL, respectively. No adverse effects of all samples on normal primary rat hepatocytes were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To characterize bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS) from two dochi-isolated Enterococcus faecium. Methods and Results: Enterococcus faecium D081821 and D081833 were isolated from dochi (a traditional fermented food in Taiwan) and found to produce BLIS with inhibitory activities against Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, and Bacillus cereus. Strains D081821 and D081833 showed different growth temperatures and their BLIS showed different sensitivities to heat, proteolytic enzymes, and antibacterial spectra. Both BLIS were collected, partially purified, and analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). SDS-PAGE showed that both partially purified BLIS were approximately 3·0 kDa in size. Conclusions: These results indicate that E. faecium D081821 and D081833 produce different BLIS with strong antibacterial actions against the tested pathogenic bacteria. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results of this study suggest that two different BLIS from dochi-isolated lactic acid bacteria have potential for use as food preservatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nasal polyps (NP), a subgroup of chronic rhinosinusitis, are characterized by interleukin 5 (IL-5) mediated infiltration of eosinophils in sinus mucosa, leading to pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, thickening of the epithelial basement membrane and tissue edema. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) constitute a large group of Zn2+ dependent endopeptidases with the ability to degrade extracellular matrix and are possibly responsible for the development of tissue edema in chronic sinusitis. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) mRNA and to locate the distribution of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 by immunohistochemistry in ethmoid sinus mucosa in NP. Furthermore the correlation between IL-5 or IL-8 and MMP-2, MMP-9 or TIMP-1 is examined. Methods: Nasal polyps of 33 patients and 18 specimens of inferior turbinate mucosa were examined by real time RT-PCR for MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, IL-5 and IL-8 mRNA expression. Immunohistochemical labeling for MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was performed. Results: Differences between both locations were detectable for MMP-9 ( P < 0.001) and IL-5 ( P = 0.003) but not for MMP-2 ( P = 0.278), TIMP-1 ( P = 0.515) and IL-8 ( P = 0.386). Correlation was detected only between TIMP-1 and IL-5 ( r = 0.422, P = 0.014). Cytoplasmic staining of MMP-2 was present in the apical part of the ciliated cells, submucosal glands and in smooth muscle cells. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 was expressed in surface epithelium, in seromucous glands and in polymorphonuclear cells. Conclusions: Expression of MMP-9 and IL-5 mRNA are associated with NP. The correlation between IL-5 and TIMP-1 indicates the role of TIMP-1 in maintaining the homeostasis in NP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A soil isolate of Lactobacillus animalis was found to produce a bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS) with a wide inhibitory spectrum against Gram-positive bacteria. The isolate exhibited high BLIS production in broth containing surfactants, such as Tween 20 and 80, but low BLIS production in the absence of surfactants. Culture temperature also had an effect on BLIS production. This is the first report to study the production and characteristics of L. animalis BLIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To isolate, characterize and identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in dochi (fermented black beans), a traditional fermented food in Taiwan. Methods and Results: A total of 30 samples were collected from three different dochi producers and analysed after different periods of storage. Fifty-two cultures of LAB were isolated from dochi samples and the isolates were divided into classes by phenotype and then into groups by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA. Phenotypic and biochemical characteristics identified six different bacterial groups (A–F) and showed that the majority of the isolates were homofermentative LAB. Enterococcus faecium was the most abundant of the dochi-isolated LAB. All isolated LAB were able to grow in MRS broth containing 6% NaCl, but only Enterococcus, Pediococcus and Tetragenococcus species could grow in MRS broth containing 10% NaCl. Furthermore, antibacterial activities of isolates were determined, and four isolates showed inhibitory activities against the indicator strain Lactobacillus sakei JCM 1157T. Conclusions: These results suggest that Ent. faecium is the main LAB present during the fermentation of dochi. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first report describing the distribution and varieties of LAB that exist in the dochi fermentation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To isolate, characterize, and identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in suan-tsai (fermented mustard), a traditional fermented food in Taiwan. Methods and Results: Suan-tsai samples were collected at five time points from a fixed fermenting bucket. Fifty cultures were isolated from suan-tsai samples, and isolates were divided into classes by phenotype and then into groups by restriction-fragment length polymorphism analysis and sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA. Phenotypic and biochemical characteristics identified two different bacterial groups (A and B), and the results showed that Pediococcus pentosaceus was the most abundant LAB during the initial fermentation time. However, the more NaCl-tolerant species Tetragenococcus halophilus took the place of P. pentosaceus and became the most abundant LAB later. All isolates were grown in de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) broth containing 6% NaCl, but T. halophilus could grow only in MRS broth containing 10% NaCl. Conclusions: These results suggest that the LAB P. pentosaceus and T. halophilus play roles in the fermentation of suan-tsai. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first report describing the distribution and varieties of LAB that exist in the suan-tsai fermentation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a compact efficient diode-pumped acousto-optically Q-switched intracavity-frequency-tripled Nd:YVO4 blue laser. The optimum polarization state is experimentally investigated to optimize the output performance. Greater than 280 mW of 447-nm average power at a repetition rate of 25 kHz was generated with a 15-W diode pump power. At 25 kHz, the pulse width is shorter than 15 ns and the peak power is higher than 800 W. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction sequence of 3He(α,γ)7Be(α,γ)11C(p,γ)12N to CNO could be an alterative way of 3α →12C to convert 3He into CNO. It may become important in some specific environments, such as in a very massive star with low metallicity. Whether it is significant depends on the reactions involved, one of the important reactions is the 11C p-capture competing with its β + decay. The S factor for the 11C(p,γ)12N direct capture was obtained in our previous work. This work is to update the reaction rate by adding uncertainty and fitting with the Thielemann format. With the new rate, nucleosynthesis simulations are performed to study the bridge of the p-p chains to CNO through the above sequence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have identified previously thatPenicillium citrinumis the most prevalentPenicilliumspecies in the Taipei area. It is important to delineate the whole spectrum of allergenic components of this prevalent airborne fungus. The purpose of this study was to identify novelP. citrinumallergens through molecular cloning of allergen genes using a cDNA library ofP. citrinumand sera from patients with bronchial asthma.A lambda-Uni-ZAP XR-based cDNA library ofP. citrinumwas screened with sera from asthmatic patients. An IgE-binding cDNA clone was isolated and heterologously expressed inEscherichia coli. The frequency of IgE-binding to the expressed protein and the IgE reactivity to allergen subunits were analyzed by immunoblotting.An IgE-reactive cDNA clone (clone B) was isolated by plaque immunoassay. The cDNA insert is 876-bp long and encodes a 228-amino acid polypeptide with a calculated molecular mass of 25 035 Da. Protein database search with the deduced clone B sequence revealed that 121 (53%) and 82 (36%) of the 228 amino acids were identical to those of the elongation factor 1-beta (EF-1β) proteins from the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeand the parasiteEchinococcus granulosus, respectively. His-tagged recombinant clone B proteins were constructed and expressed inE. coli. Seven (8%) of the 92 serum samples from patients with bronchial asthma showed IgE-binding to the recombinant clone B protein. Among these seven positive sera, five demonstrated IgE-binding to the C-terminal fragment (aa 119–228) while the other two sera showed IgE reactivity to the N-terminal fragment (aa 1–118) of this newly identified EF-1β Penicilliumallergen.A novelP. citrinumallergen (Pen c24) was identified and characterized in the present study. Results obtained provide more information about allergens of prevalent airborne fungi and a basis to understand more about the IgE responses in human atopic disorders and in parasitic infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

y.-s. chen, f. yanagida and t. shinohara. 2005.To survey, and identify and classify the ecological distribution of lactic acid bacteria from soil in Japan and Taiwan.Acid-producing bacteria were isolated from 68 soil samples, collected from Japan and Taiwan, in the rhizospheres of fruit trees, from the floor of a henhouse and around a horse farm. All isolates were identified by physiological and genetic tests. Thirty-two of the 54 isolates were identified as lactic acid bacteria (LAB), 16 as spore-forming lactic acid bacteria, five asClostridiumand one asBacillus. These lactic acid bacteria represent five genera:Lactobacillus,Lactococcus,Enterococcus,LeuconostocandWeissella.A high rate of isolating lactic acid bacteria was obtained from soil.This study suggests that soil may be a common source for the isolation of lactic acid bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]