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SUMMARY Purpose The first objective was to determine if the dual-curing of self-adhesive resin cement (SAC) with reduced light penetrating through zirconia had an effect on interfacial gap of zirconia restorations. The second purpose was to examine whether pretreatment methods for universal adhesive affected interfacial gap. The last aim was to compare the microhardness of SAC polymerized under different zirconia thicknesses. Methods and Materials This study evaluated self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200, 3M ESPE) after different pretreatment with universal adhesive (Single Bond Universal, 3M ESPE) under different polymerization conditions. CAD/CAM inlay cavities were prepared on extracted third molars. Translucent zirconia restorations were milled using Katana UTML (Kuraray). The teeth were divided into three groups: Groups I, II, and III in which the restoration thicknesses were 1, 2, and 3 mm. Each Group had three subgroups according to different pretreatment methods. For subgroup-1, no pretreatment was done on the prepared cavity. For subgroup-2, universal adhesive was applied and light-cured before cement placement (precure method). For subgroup-3, universal adhesive was applied; however, light-curing was done after cement placement (cocure method). After thermo-cycling, the interfacial gap at the restoration-tooth interface was investigated using swept-source optical coherence tomography imaging. Finally, microhardness was measured for SAC under different zirconia thicknesses. For statistical analysis, the interfacial gap was analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test the effect of cavity depth and pretreatment. In terms of each cavity depth and pretreatment, the interfacial gap was compared using one-way ANOVA and Scheffe’s test. One-way ANOVA was also performed for comparison of the Vickers hardness results. Results Different thicknesses of the restoration resulted in differences in interfacial gaps except between the precure method of Groups I and II (p Conclusion Interfacial gap of zirconia restorations can differ depending on the material thickness, pretreatment, and activation mode. Reduced light intensity penetrating through zirconia may lead to higher interfacial gap percentage and lower microhardness of the self-adhesive resin cement. Application of a universal adhesive showed similar or reduced interfacial gaps in the cement space.

In this paper, we use IVI-octahedron ideals and IVI-octahedron bi-ideals to discuss some characterizations of special semigroups, e.g., an intra-regular semigroup, a semigroup which is semilattice of left [respectively, right] simple semigroups or simple left groups and a semigroup which is a semilattice of groups and a [respectively, left and right] simple semigroups. Finally, we define an IVIO-simple [IVIOL-simple and IVI) R-simple] semigroup and study some of its properties and we give a characterization of a semisimple semigroup by IVIOIs.

Poststernotomy pain (PSP), a primary concern after sternotomy, can negatively affect patients' satisfaction with surgery and quality of life. Many clinical trials have been conducted to examine the usefulness of lidocaine patches (LPs) for postoperative pain control for multiple types of surgery; however, the results of these trials are inconsistent. In addition, little is known about the use of LPs after cardiac procedures that require sternotomy. This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to determine the efficacy of the 5% LP application at the sternotomy site for reducing PSP and rescue opioid consumption.The patients were randomly assigned to receive either the 5% LP or the placebo patch on each side of the incision site immediately after the surgery. The intensity of pain at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after the patch application; the total dose of rescue opioids; incidence of nausea, vomiting, and sleep disturbance; and use of antiemetics were compared between the 2 groups.Fifty-seven (31 in the LP group and 26 in the placebo group) patients were included. The pain intensity was significantly lower in the LP group at each time point (66%-68% pain reduction, P 0.001, interaction of time × treatment P = 0.69). In addition, the total dose of rescue opioids used for 48 h was significantly lower in the L group (27.2% reduction, P = 0.008). No significant differences were found in other outcome variables between the 2 groups.The application of a 5% LP on each side of the sternotomy site can reduce PSP and additional opioid use without significant adverse effects in patients undergoing sternotomy. Thus, it can be considered as a standard and routine modality along with other analgesic medications for the management of PSP. Clinical Trial Registry in South Korea identifier: KCT0000476.

A magnetic nanostructure for auto-oscillation, induced by spin-transfer torque, is fabricated by cosputtering permalloy with cobalt. Although the system does not meet the critical size and current requirements for direct auto-oscillation, magnetic signals resulting from spin wave excitation and magnetic fluctuations are measured by a Brillouin light scattering (BLS) system. From the analysis of the BLS spectrum, the threshold current for auto-oscillation is estimated to be 27.3% lower in Py1− xCo x ( x = 0.2095) than in Py1− xCo x ( x = 0.0). It is surmised that the cobalt in permalloy improves the efficiency of transferring spin toque for auto-oscillation.

The rapid emergence of graphene has attracted numerous efforts to explore other two-dimensional materials. Here, we combine first-principles calculations and Boltzmann theory to investigate the structural, electronic, and thermoelectric transport properties of monolayer C

We suggest coherent switching of canted antiferromagnetic (AFM) spins using spin-orbit torque (SOT) in a small magnet. The magnetic system of orthoferrite features biaxial easy anisotropy and the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, which is perpendicular to the easy axes and therefore creates weak magnetization $(\mathbit{m})$. A dampinglike component of the SOT induces N\'eel reorientation along one of the easy axes and then exerts torque on $\mathbit{m}$, leading to tilting of the N\'eel order $\mathbit{l}$. The torque on the magnetization becomes stronger due to coupling with the induced Oersted field or the fieldlike component of the SOT, enhancing the tilting of $\mathbit{l}$. Therefore, $\mathbit{l}$ is found to experience deterministic switching after the SOT is turned off. Based upon both numerical and analytical analysis of the coherent switching, exclusive OR (XOR) logic gates are also found to be implemented in a single magnetic layer. In addition, we investigate how magnetic parameters affect the critical reorientation angle and current density in a simple layered structure of platinum and a canted AFM. Our findings are expected to provide an alternative spin-switching mechanism for ultrafast applications such as spin logic and electronic devices.

A virtual reality (VR) tour of the operating theatre could reduce preoperative anxiety by providing a realistic experience for children. This randomized clinical trial was designed to determine whether parental co-experience of preoperative VR tour through a mirroring display could further reduce preoperative anxiety. Eighty children scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into either the control or mirroring group. Children in the control group watched a 4-min immersive VR video showing the operating theatre and explaining the preoperative process, via a head mounted display. In the mirroring group, parents of children watched the same video through mirroring display concurrently while their child experienced the immersive VR tour. Preoperative anxiety and satisfaction score were measured. Eighty children completed the final analysis (control group = 40 and mirroring group = 40). Preoperative anxiety of children ( p = 0.025) and parents ( p = 0.009) were lower in the mirroring group compared with the control group. Parents’ satisfaction in the mirroring group was significantly higher than those in the control group ( p = 0.008). Parental co-experience of the VR tour with children through mirroring the display was effective in reducing preoperative anxiety in both children and parents.

We developed a hard X-ray spectrometer for the purpose of measuring X-ray emission spectrum excited by using single X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) pulses. A highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) crystal was placed in the von Hamos geometry to focus X-rays of the equal energy on a specific point in detector plane. The spectrometer was tested at PAL-XFEL using Ni and NiO films. The Ni $${K_{{\beta _{13}}}}$$ X-ray emission line excited by using a single X-ray pulse was successfully resolved. If the much weaker Ni $${K_{{\beta _{25}}}}$$ line is to be observed, data must be accumulated with a few thousands of X-ray pulses. The spectrometer energy resolving power, E/ΔE, was estimated to be 7500. This spectrometer can be utilized to conduct various X-ray emission and absorption measurements using XFELs.

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors. Citation Format: Chung IY, Hur H, Lee J, Lee JW, Youn HJ, Han K, Kim NW, Jung S-Y, Kim Z, Kim KS, Lee MH, Han S-H, Jung SH. Withdrawn [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-12-02.

Owing to tunability of MTJ stack characteristics based on perpendicular magnetic anisotropy control via sophisticated magnetic material engineering, STT-MRAM can meet a wide range of product specifications for various applications: 1) flash-type applications such as microcontroller and AI inferencing device and 2) SRAM-type applications such as frame buffer memory. However each application has different reliability challenges. In this paper, we discuss the reliability requirements for Flash-type and SRAM-type STT-MRAM, verifying superb reliability of highly tunable STT-MRAM technology.

Liquid drops on deformable soft substrates exhibit quite complicated wetting behavior as compared to those on rigid solid substrates. We report on a soft wetting behavior of Co nanoparticles (NPs) on a sapphire substrate during pulsed laser-induced dewetting (PLID). Co NPs produced by PLID wetted the sapphire substrate with a contact angle near 70&deg, which is in contrast to typical dewetting behavior of metal thin films exhibiting contact angles greater than 90&deg, In addition, a nanoscale &gamma, Al2O3 wetting ridge about 15 nm in size and a thin amorphous Al2O3 interlayer were observed around and beneath the Co NP, respectively. The observed soft wetting behavior strongly indicates that the sapphire substrate became soft and deformable during PLID. Moreover, the soft wetting was augmented under PLID in air due to the formation of a CoO shell, resulting in a smaller contact angle near 30&deg

This study aimed to investigate morphological differences between idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) and secondary ERM due to peripheral break (SEPB) and to identify clinical characteristics in eyes with SEPB to facilitate peripheral retinal examination. The retrospective cross-sectional study involved 93 consecutive eyes in 91 patients who underwent ERM removal surgery. Eyes were divided into two groups: the macular pucker group and the idiopathic ERM group. En-face Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images, fundus photographs, severity of metamorphopsia (M-score) and clinical characteristics of each group were compared. ERM extent and eccentricity (ratio of the shortest and longest distances from the foveal center to the boundary) were obtained through en-face OCT imaging. Fundus photographs were used to judge whether the membrane was turbid or not. Patients with SEPB were younger than patients with idiopathic ERM (61.3 ± 7.5 vs. 66.6 ± 8.3 years; p

Thermoelectric properties of a black phosphorus/blue phosphorus van der Waals heterostructure are investigated by using first-principles calculations and Boltzmann transport theory for both electrons and phonons. It is found that the heterostructure is both energetically and kinetically stable even at higher temperature. Compared with those of the constituent black and blue phosphorus monolayers, the thermoelectric performance of the heterostructure is significantly enhanced due to sharply decreased thermal conductivity caused by the presence of van der Waals interactions, as well as obviously reduced band gaps and multi-valley structures resulting from type-II band alignment. As a consequence, the room temperature ZT value can reach 1.6, which is much higher than those of the components. Furthermore, we obtain ZT over 2.0 in a wide temperature range from 400 to 800 K, and a maximum ZT of ∼3.2 can be realized at 700 K, which is surprisingly good for systems consisting of light elements only.

Azimuthal anisotropy in high-multiplicity small system collisions is often quantified by the harmonic modulations cn = ‹cos (nΔφ)› in di-hadron azimuthal correlations, with a non-flow baseline subtraction using correlation functions in low-multiplicity events. We present mathematical evaluations for three different baseline subtraction methods; i) the template fit method, ii) the reference fit method, and iii) the c1 scaling method. We describe conceptual differences among the three methods. These methods are compared and examined using a toy Monte Carlo model with various realistic cn values implemented in high-multiplicity events. Our results show the reference fit method is more stable than the template fit method because the reference fit does not estimate the flow yield. On the other hand, the template fit method can evaluate the flow effect reasonably, for the case where the flow does not contain c1 factor.

The rapid emergence of graphene has attracted numerous efforts to explore other two-dimensional materials. Here, we combine first-principles calculations and Boltzmann theory to investigate the structural, electronic, and thermoelectric transport properties of monolayer C3N, which exhibits a honeycomb structure very similar to graphene. It is found that the system is both dynamically and thermally stable even at high temperature. Unlike graphene, the monolayer has an indirect band gap of 0.38 eV and much lower lattice thermal conductivity. Moreover, the system exhibits obviously larger electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficients for the hole carriers. Consequently, the ZT value of p-type C3N can reach 1.4 at 1200 K when a constant relaxation time is predicted by the simple deformation potential theory. However, such a larger ZT is reduced to 0.6 if we fully consider the electron–phonon coupling. Even so, the thermoelectric performance of monolayer C3N is still significantly enhanced compared with that of graphene, and is surprisingly good for low-dimensional thermoelectric materials consisting of very light elements.

Topological semimetals have attracted tremendous attention from the science community owing to their exotic electronic structures. It is generally assumed that metallic or similar systems exhibit rather poor thermoelectric performance due to very small Seebeck coefficients. Here we demonstrate by first-principles calculations and Boltzmann transport theory that the Dirac semimetal Na2AgSb is an exception because of its strong band asymmetry around the Fermi level. In addition, the system shows ultralow lattice thermal conductivity caused by the rattling of the Na atoms in the cage-like framework of Ag and Sb atoms. As a consequence, one can realize certain decoupling of the thermoelectric transport coefficients, and a considerable ZT value of 1.3 can be reached at 300 K in the p-type Na2AgSb. The present work highlights the promising possibility of semimetals or similar systems for high-performance thermoelectric applications.

Aim To examine the properties of Schisandrin C as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant compound, and whether its characteristics promote mitochondrial biogenesis in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). Methodology HDPCs were extracted from fresh third molars and cultured for experiments. Reactive oxidative stress (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) formation were analyzed by a Muse cell analyzer. Western blotting and gelatin zymography were used to identify the presence of anti-oxidants, as well as anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial biogenesis with specific antibody. An unpaired Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results Schisandrin C inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory molecules; interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2/9), NO production, ROS formation, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) translocation (P < 0.05) through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Schisandrin C increased the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes as well as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) through the phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-Akt) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) pathways (P < 0.05). The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of Schisandrin C promoted mitochondrial biogenesis. Conclusions Schisandrin C has the potential to reduce inflammation and oxidation, and to promote mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, Schisandrin C may be considered for use as an anti-inflammatory compound for oral inflammation through mitochondrial biogenesis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background A virtual reality (VR) tour of the operating theatre before anaesthesia could provide a realistic experience for children. This study was designed to determine whether a preoperative VR tour could reduce preoperative anxiety in children. Methods Children scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomized into a control or VR group. The control group received conventional information regarding anaesthesia and surgery. The VR group watched a 4-min video showing Pororo, the famous little penguin, visiting the operating theatre and explaining what is in it. The main outcome was preoperative anxiety, assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS) before entering the operating theatre. Secondary outcomes included induction compliance checklist (ICC) and procedural behaviour rating scale (PBRS) scores during anaesthesia. Results A total of 69 children were included in the analysis, 35 in the control group and 34 in the VR group. Demographic data and induction time were similar in the two groups. Children in the VR group had a significantly lower m-YPAS score than those in the control group (median 31·7 (i.q.r. 23·3–37·9) and 51·7 (28·3–63·3) respectively; P < 0·001). During anaesthesia, the VR group had lower ICC and PBRS scores than the control group. Conclusion This preoperative VR tour of the operating theatre was effective in alleviating preoperative anxiety and increasing compliance during induction of anaesthesia in children undergoing elective surgery. Registration number: UMIN000025232 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr).

Electrical spin switching in an antiferromagnet is one of the key issues for both academic interest and industrial demand in new-type spin devices because an antiferromagnetic system has a negligible stray field due to an alternating sign between sub-lattices, in contrast to a ferromagnetic system. Naturally, questions arise regarding how fast and, simultaneously, how robustly the magnetization can be switched by external stimuli, e.g., magnetic field and spin current. First, the exploitation of ultrafast precessional motion of magnetization in antiferromagnetic oxide has been studied intensively. Regarding robustness, the so-called inertia-driven switching scenario has been generally accepted as the switching mechanism in antiferromagnet system. However, in order to understand the switching dynamics in a canted antiferromagnet, excited by magnetic field, accurate equation of motion and corresponding interpretation are necessary. Here, we re-investigate the inertia-driven switching process, triggered by the strict phase matching between effective driving field, dh/dt, and antiferromagnetic order parameters, l. Such theoretical approaches make it possible to observe the static parameters of an antiferromagnet, hosting Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM) interaction. Indeed, we estimate successfully static parameters, such as DM, exchange, and anisotropy energies, from dynamical behaviour in YFeO3, studied using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.

It was generally assumed that weak van der Waals interactions exist between neighboring layers in the two-dimensional group-IV chalcogenides. Using PbSe as a prototypal example, however, we find additional strong coupling between the Pb-Pb layers, as evidenced by detailed analysis of the differential charge density. The coupling resembles covalent-like bond and exhibits strong harmonicity around the equilibrium distance, which can be fine tuned to obviously reduce the phonon thermal conductivity but slightly change the electronic transport of PbSe. As a consequence, a maximum ZT value of 2.5 can be realized at 900 K for the p-type system. Our work offers an effective and feasible design strategy to enhance the thermoelectric performance of similar layered structures.

We demonstrate a novel way of integrating STT-MRAM for on-chip hybrid memory which exhibits either features of high-retention or high-speed implemented in separate zones in a single chip. For satisfying high-temperature retention requirement, tailored MTJs are shown to support > 10 year retention at 220°C. For high-speed operation, critical improvements have been made in terms of TMR, short fail probability, overdrive and write error rate. The new integration provides a manufacturable way of combining diverse memory components by modulating non-volatility of STT-MRAM without affecting within-chip distributions of critical properties.

In the development of spin-based electronic devices, a particular challenge is the manipulation of the magnetic state with high speed and low power consumption. Although research has focused on the current-induced spin-orbit torque based on strong spin-orbit coupling, the charge-based and the torque-driven devices have fundamental limitations: Joule heating, phase mismatching and overshooting. In this work, we investigate numerically and theoretically alternative switching scenario of antiferromagnetic insulator in one-dimensional confined nanowire sandwiched with two electrodes. As the electric field could break inversion symmetry and induce Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction and pseudo-dipole anisotropy, the resulting spiral texture takes symmetric or antisymmetric configuration due to additional coupling with the crystalline anisotropy. Therefore, by competing two spiral states, we show that the magnetization reversal of antiferromagnets is realized, which is valid in ferromagnetic counterpart. Our finding provides promising opportunities to realize the rapid and energy-efficient electrical manipulation of magnetization for future spin-based electronic devices., Comment: 19 pages, 5 figures

The characteristics of parametric spin-wave pumping are investigated in three rectangular permalloy blocks with in-plane aspect ratios of 12, 6, and 4. Micro-Brillouin light scattering (BLS) spectroscopy is utilized to detect the intrinsic properties of excited spin waves under various excitation conditions of an external magnetic field and microwave power. Based on the theoretical dispersion relation and BLS intensity and its spatial profile, the parametric spin wave with a frequency of f sw = 5 .6 GHz is found to be excited in fundamental mode in a block of largest aspect ratio while the other block have higher-order or edge-localized modes along the width direction. The data shows that the nature of spin waves is quite sensitive on the conditions of sample geometry, applied field and microwave power. Thus, with the appropriate combination of the three parameters, it would be possible to control the nature of spin wave in each block simultaneously, which increase the blocks’ potential in magnonic applications, such as spin-logic and interferometer.

The effects of the reduction ratio (RR) on the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) properties of the Zn-22 wt.% Al (Zn-22Al) alloy were investigated. Various grain sizes from 0.68 to 1.13 μm were obtained by controlled RRs. Tensile and LCF tests were carried out at room temperature. Superplasticity and cyclic softening were observed. Strength and ductility of the rolled Zn-22Al alloy increased with the RR, owing to the decrease in its grain size. The RR did not affect the cyclic softening behavior of the alloy. The fatigue life of the alloy decreased with increasing strain amplitude, while the fatigue life first decreased and then increased with increasing RR. The longest fatigue life was observed for the alloy rolled at a RR of 60%. A bilinear Coffin-Manson relationship was observed to hold true for this alloy.

Half-Heusler compounds usually exhibit relatively higher lattice thermal conductivity that is undesirable for thermoelectric applications. Here we demonstrate by first-principles calculations and Boltzmann transport theory that the BiBaK system is an exception, which has rather low thermal conductivity as evidenced by very small phonon group velocity and relaxation time. Detailed analysis indicates that the heavy Bi and Ba atoms form a cage-like structure, inside which the light K atom rattles with larger atomic displacement parameters. In combination with its good electronic transport properties, the BiBaK shows a maximum n-type ZT value of 1.9 at 900 K, which outperforms most half-Heusler thermoelectric materials.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) have been identified to influence cell behaviors through epigenetic post-transcriptional gene regulation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the role of miR-3196 in the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer.Human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) were obtained and cultured. The expression level of miR-3196 in breast cancer tissues was detected using Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The effects of miR-3196 on the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells were analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and TUNEL assay, respectively. In addition, the interaction between miR-3196 expression and erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (ERBB3) expression, as well as the mechanism of miR-3196 regulating ERBB3 in breast cancer, were also addressed by RT-PCR, Western blot, and luciferase reporter gene assay.MiR-3196 was lowly expressed in breast cancer tissues. Overexpression of miR-3196 could repress the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of breast cancer cells via targeting the 3'UTR of ERBB3.Our findings provide novel insights into the role of miR-3196 in breast cell proliferation and apoptosis. Meanwhile, this study suggests that miR-3196 can serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Background Microaspiration past the tracheal tube cuffs causes ventilator-associated pneumonia. The objective of the current study was to evaluate whether creating negative pressure between the tracheal double cuffs could block the fluid passage past the tracheal tube cuffs. Methods A new negative pressure system was devised between the double cuffs through a suction hole in the intercuff space. Blue-dyed water was instilled above the cuff at negative suction pressures of − 54, − 68, − 82, − 95, − 109, − 122, and − 136 cmH2O, and the volume leaked was measured in an underlying water trap after 10 min. Leakage tests were also performed during positive pressure ventilation, and using higher-viscosity materials. The actual negative pressures delivered at the hole of double cuffs were obtained by placing microcatheter tip between the intercuff space and the artificial trachea. Results No leakage occurred past the double cuff at − 136 cmH2O suction pressure at all tracheal tube cuff pressures. The volume leaked decreased significantly as suction pressure increased. When connected to a mechanical ventilator, no leakage was found at − 54 cmH2suction pressure. Volume of the higher-viscosity materials (dynamic viscosity of 63–108 cP and 370–430 cP) leaked was small compared to that of normal saline (0.9–1.1 cP). The pressures measured in the intercuff space corresponded to 3.8–5.9% of those applied. Conclusions A new prototype double cuff with negative pressure in the intercuff space completely prevented water leakage. The negative pressure transmitted to the tracheal inner wall was a small percentage of that applied.

Antiferromagnetic insulators (AFIs) have attracted much interest from many researchers as promising candidates for use in ultrafast, ultralow-dissipation spintronic devices. As a fast method of reversing magnetization, precessional switching is realized when antiferromagnetic N\'eel orders $l=({\mathbf{s}}_{1}+{\mathbf{s}}_{2})/2$ surmount the magnetic anisotropy or potential barrier in a given magnetic system, which is described well by the antiferromagnetic plane pendulum (APP) model. Here, we report that, as an alternative switching scenario, the direct coupling of an electric field with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction, which stems from spin-orbit coupling, is exploited for optimal switching. We derive the pendulum equation of motion of antiferromagnets, where DM torque is induced by a pulsed electric field. The temporal DM interaction is found to not only be in the form of magnetic torques (e.g., spin-orbit torque or magnetic field) but also modifies the magnetic potential that limits $l$ 's activity; as a result, appropriate controls (e.g., direction, magnitude, and pulse shape) of the induced DM vector realize deterministic reversal in APP. The results present an approach for the control of a magnetic storage device by means of an electric field.

Although crowberry is a relatively under-utilized wild berry, it holds considerable potential for application in the food and cosmetic industries due to its high phenolic content. In this study, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities of crowberry were investigated to shed light on its potential health benefits. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 1,1-dephenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical scavenging, reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity. The crude 70 % ethanol extract, ethyl acetate and butanol fraction of the fruit showed strong antioxidant activity. In addition, the ethyl acetate fraction showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and significant inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. These findings suggested that the ethyl acetate fraction of the crude 70 % ethanol extract could serve as a useful source of dietary supplements. Furthermore, the analysis of correlation between the phytochemical content and biological activity of crowberry suggested that phenolic compounds could be the major contributors to the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the fruit extract. Taken together, these results suggested that crowberry fruits could serve as potential antioxidant and antidiabetic supplements.

Number of vertebrae is associated with body size and meat productivity in pigs. The aim of this study was to identify QTL and associated positional candidate genes affecting the number of thoracic vertebrae (THO). A genomewide association study was conducted in a large resource population derived from an F intercross between Landrace and Korean native pigs using the Porcine SNP 60K BeadChip and the genomewide complex trait analysis (GCTA) program based on a linear mixed-effects model. A total of 38,385 SNP markers from 1,105 F progeny were analyzed for the THO trait after filtering for quality control. A total of 90 genomewide significant SNP markers (1.30 × 10) on SSC 7 covering a 20-Mb region were identified for THO in this study. Several previous studies also mapped QTL for vertebral numbers in this region. The strongest association signals were detected at ASGA0035500 (-value = 4.46 × 10; 103,574,383 bp) and DIAS0000795 (-value = 4.46 × 10; 103,594,753 bp). The QTL region on SSC 7 for THO encompasses and , which are previously described candidate genes for vertebral number variation. To refine the QTL region, a haplotype-based linkage and linkage disequilibrium (LALD) analysis using the DualPHASE program was applied because subsequent conditional association and haplotype block analyses could not resolve the region that contains the 2 loci. The LALD analysis refined the critical region to a 533.9-kb region including ; was located outside the critical region. The gene encoding latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein 2 is involved in bone metabolisms. Based on these data, we propose as a positional candidate gene for THO in pigs. After further functional studies and verification of the association in other independent populations, these results could be useful for optimizing breeding programs that improve THO and other economically important traits in pigs.

Roller-compacted concrete (RCC) has been used for decades in many pavement applications due to its economic cost and high construction speed. However, due to the lack of deep researches and experiences, this material has not been widely employed. An RCC mixture with appropriate consistency can induce high compacted density, while high density can induce good aggregate interlock and high strength. Consistency of RCC is mainly known to define its constructability. However, it was not well specified how this property may affect other properties of a constructed RCC pavement (RCCP). This study suggested the possibility of an ideal range of consistency that may provide adequate quality of RCCP. In this research, five sections of RCCP consisted of both 13 mm and 19 mm aggregate sections were investigated. The effects of consistency on compacted depth, strength, international roughness index (IRI), skid resistance are examined. From this study, a new range of consistency is suggested for RCCP application., {"references":["Larson, J. L. Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement Design Practices for Intermodal Freight Terminals at the Port of Tacoma. Presented at Facing the Challenge. The intermodal Terminal of the Future, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2-5 March (pp. 22-29). Washington, D.C., 1986.","Logie, C. V. and J. E. Oliverson. Burlington Northern Railroad Intermodal Hub Faculty. Concrete International, Vol. 9, No. 2, 1987, pp. 37-41.","Bordes P., \"L'enduit superficiel – Couche de roulement sur sables et graves traités aux liants hydrauliques et béton compacté,\" Bulletin de Liaison du Laboratoire des Ponts et Chaussées, No. 138, Juillet–Août, 1985, pages 73–80","ASTM C1170 / C1170M. Standard Test Method for Determining Consistency and Density of Roller-Compacted Concrete Using a Vibrating Table.","ACI 325.10R-95. Report on Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavements.","Marchand, J., Gagne R., Ouellet E. and Lepage S. (1997). \"Mixture proportioning of roller-compacted concrete: a review\". ACI Special Publication, Vol. 171.","ASTM D1557. Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2,700 kN-m/m3)","Sayers, M.W et al. (1986) Guidelines for Conductiing and Calibrating Road Roughness Measurements. World Bank Technical Paper Number 46. The World Bank, Washington, D.C."]}