Unconventional superconductivity and novel quantum order

Superconductors have many unusual properties not observed in normal metals. The superconducting state is attributed to the pairing of electrons. Conventional forms of superconductivity are produced by distortions in the underlying crystal structure of the material. Recently, it has become evident that not all forms of superconductivity can be explained in this way. The way pairing occurs has to be redressed in these materials. Of particular interest is the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity and the consequences this may have on pair formation.     

Rapid measurement of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) derived perfusion fraction for clinical magnetic resonance imaging

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the reliability of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model derived parameters D and f and their dependence on b value distributions with a rapid three b value acquisition protocol.

Materials and methods

Diffusion models for brain, kidney, and liver were assessed for bias, error, and reproducibility for the estimated IVIM parameters using b values 0 and 1000, and a b value between 200 and 900, at signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) 40, 55, and 80. Relative errors were used to estimate optimal b value distributions for each tissue scenario. Sixteen volunteers underwent brain DW-MRI, for which bias and coefficient of variation were determined in the grey matter.

Results

Bias had a large influence in the estimation of D and f for the low-perfused brain model, particularly at lower b values, with the same trends being confirmed by in vivo imaging. Significant differences were demonstrated in vivo for estimation of D (P = 0.029) and f (P < 0.001) with [300,1000] and [500,1000] distributions. The effect of bias was considerably lower for the high-perfused models. The optimal b value distributions were estimated to be brain_500,1000, kidney_300,1000, and liver_200,1000.

Conclusion

IVIM parameters can be estimated using a rapid DW-MRI protocol, where the optimal b value distribution depends on tissue characteristics and compromise between bias and variability.

     

Parallelization of the Scale‐Changing Technique in Grid Computing environment for the electronmagnetic simulation of multi‐scale structures

A parallel computing approach to run fast and full‐wave electromagnetic simulation of complex structures in Grid Computing environment is presented. In this study, we show how Grid Computing improves speed and/or reliability over that provided by a single computer, while typically being much more cost‐effective than single computers of comparable speed or reliability. An efficient monolithic (unique) formulation for the electromagnetic modelling of complex (multi‐scale) structures, i.e. structures that exhibit multiple metallic patterns whose sizes cover a large range of scales, is used here. This approach, named the Scale‐Changing Technique, is based on the cascade of multi‐modal Scale‐Changing Networks, each network modelling the electromagnetic coupling between two successive scale levels. These networks can be first computed separately, in an adaptive use of Grid Computing architecture nature, and then cascaded for the global electromagnetic simulation. Based on this technique, a fast computer algorithm was developed and tested in the Grid‐Computing environment. For illustration purposes, the electromagnetic analysis of multi‐scale structures, applied to phase‐shifter elements and an example of infinite passive reflectarray, was carried out. The obtained results have confirmed the effectiveness of such an approach compared with sequential computing. This approach shows very good computation performance while keeping the same accuracy. Besides, this method is very promising for optimizing circuit with multiple design parameters to handle and for the global electromagnetic simulation of multi‐scale and/or oer‐sized structures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Micron-Scale Soft Actuators Fabricated from Multi-Shell Polystyrene Particle-Gold Nanoparticle Nanohybrids

Actuators made of soft matter are needed for a variety of fields ranging from biomedical devices to soft robotics to microelectromechanical systems. While there are a variety of excellent methods of soft actuation known, the field is still an area of intense research activity as new niches and needs emerge with new technology development. Here, a soft actuation system is described, based on a core-multi-shell particle, which moves via photothermal expansion. The system consists of a novel polystyrene-based thermally expandable microsphere, with a secondary shell of a silicate-silane graft copolymer, to which gold nanoparticles are covalently linked. The gold nanoparticles act as photothermal nano-transducers, converting light energy into the thermal energy necessary for microsphere expansion, which in turn results in material movement. Actuation is shown in isolated particles in thermal and photothermal regimes using metal ceramic heaters or 520 nm laser illumination, respectively. Macroscale actuation is demonstrated by making a composite material of particles suspended in the transparent elastomer polydimethylsiloxane. The sample demonstrates an inchworm-like movement by starting from an arched geometry. Overall, this work describes a new particle-based actuation method for soft materials, and demonstrates its utility in driving the movement of a composite elastomer.     

Identification of miR-20a-5p as Robust Normalizer for Urine microRNA Studies in Renal Cell Carcinoma and a Profile of Dysregulated microRNAs

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the third most frequent urinary malignancy and one of the most lethal. Current diagnostic and follow-up techniques are harmful and unspecific in low-grade tumors. Novel minimally invasive markers such as urine microRNAs (miRNAs) are under study. However, discrepancies arise among studies in part due to lack of consent regarding normalization. We aimed to identify the best miRNA normalizer for RCC studies performed in urine samples together with a miRNA profile with diagnostic value and another for follow-up. We evaluated the performance of 120 candidate miRNAs in the urine of 16 RCC patients and 16 healthy controls by RT-qPCR followed by a stability analysis with RefFinder. In this screening stage, miR-20a-5p arose as the most stably expressed miRNA in RCC and controls, with a good expression level. Its stability was validated in an independent cohort of 51 RCC patients and 32 controls. Using miR-20a-5p as normalizer, we adjusted and validated a diagnostic model for RCC with three miRNAs (miR-200a-3p, miR-34a-5p and miR-365a-3p) (AUC = 0.65; Confidence Interval 95% [0.51, 0.79], p = 0.043). let-7d-5p and miR-205-5p were also upregulated in patients compared to controls. Comparing RCC samples before surgery and fourteen weeks after, we identified let-7d-5p, miR-152-3p, miR-30c-5p, miR-362-3p and miR-30e-3p as potential follow-up profile for RCC. We identified validated targets of most miRNAs in the renal cell carcinoma pathway. This is the first study that identifies a robust normalizer for urine RCC miRNA studies, miR-20a-5p, which may allow the comparison of future studies among laboratories. Once confirmed in a larger independent cohort, the miRNAs profiles identified may improve the non-invasive diagnosis and follow-up of RCC.     

Photoreduction of Shewanella oneidensis Extracellular Cytochromes by Organic Chromophores and Dye‐Sensitized TiO2

The transfer of photoenergized electrons from extracellular photosensitizers across a bacterial cell envelope to drive intracellular chemical transformations represents an attractive way to harness nature's catalytic machinery for solar‐assisted chemical synthesis. In Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 (MR‐1), trans‐outer‐membrane electron transfer is performed by the extracellular cytochromes MtrC and OmcA acting together with the outer‐membrane‐spanning porin ? cytochrome complex (MtrAB). Here we demonstrate photoreduction of solutions of MtrC, OmcA, and the MtrCAB complex by soluble photosensitizers: namely, eosin Y, fluorescein, proflavine, flavin, and adenine dinucleotide, as well as by riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide, two compounds secreted by MR‐1. We show photoreduction of MtrC and OmcA adsorbed on Ru^II‐dye‐sensitized TiO₂ nanoparticles and that these protein‐coated particles perform photocatalytic reduction of solutions of MtrC, OmcA, and MtrCAB. These findings provide a framework for informed development of strategies for using the outer‐membrane‐associated cytochromes of MR‐1 for solar‐driven microbial synthesis in natural and engineered bacteria.     

A user-guided personalization methodology to facilitate new smart home occupancy

Smart homes are becoming increasingly popular in providing people with the services they desire. Activity recognition is a fundamental task to provide personalised home facilities. Many promising approaches are being used for activity recognition; one of them is data-driven. It has some fascinating features and advantages. However, there are drawbacks such as the lack of ability to providing home automation from the day one due to the limited data available. In this paper, we propose an approach, called READY (useR-guided nEw smart home ADaptation sYstem) for developing a personalised automation system that provides the user with smart home services the moment they move into their new house. The system development process was strongly user-centred, involving users in every step of the system’s design. Later, the user-guided transfer learning approach was introduced that uses an old smart home data set to enhance the existing smart home service with user contributions. Finally, the proposed approach and designed system were tested and validated in the smart lab that showed promising results.

     

Influence and adjustment goals: Sources of cultural differences in ideal affect.

Previous studies have found that in American culture high-arousal positive states (HAP) such as excitement are valued more and low-arousal positive states (LAP) such as calm are valued less than they are in Chinese culture. What specific factors account for these differences? The authors predicted that when people and cultures aimed to influence others (i.e., assert personal needs and change others' behaviors to meet those needs), they would value HAP more and LAP less than when they aimed to adjust to others (i.e., suppress personal needs and change their own behaviors to meet others' needs). They test these predictions in 1 survey and 3 experimental studies. The findings suggest that within and across American and Chinese contexts, differences in ideal affect are due to specific interpersonal goals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Normality and impairment following profound early institutional deprivation: A longitudinal follow-up into early adolescence.

Longitudinal analyses on normal versus impaired functioning across 7 domains were conducted in children who had experienced profound institutional deprivation up to the age of 42 months and were adopted from Romania into U.K. families. Comparisons were made with noninstitutionalized children adopted from Romania and with nondeprived within-U.K. adoptees placed before the age of 6 months. Specifically, the validity of the assessment, the degree of continuity and change in levels of functioning from 6 to 11 years, and the factors in the pre- and postadoption environment accounting for heterogeneity in outcome were examined. Pervasive impairment was significantly raised in children experiencing institutional deprivation for ≥6 months of life, with a minority within this group showing no impairment. There was no additional significant effect of duration of deprivation beyond the 6-month cutoff, and few other predictors explained outcome. The pattern of normality/impairment was mainly established by 6 years of age, with considerable continuity at the individual level between 6 and 11 years. The findings are discussed in terms of the possibility of a sensitive period for development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)