Critical current modulation induced by an electric field in superconducting tungsten-carbon nanowires

The critical current of a superconducting nanostructure can be suppressed by applying an electric field in its vicinity. This phenomenon is investigated throughout the fabrication and electrical characterization of superconducting tungsten-carbon (W-C) nanostructures grown by Ga+ focused ion beam induced deposition (FIBID). In a 45 nm-wide, 2.7 mu m-long W-C nanowire, an increasing side-gate voltage is found to progressively reduce the critical current of the device, down to a full suppression of the superconducting state below its critical temperature. This modulation is accounted for by the squeezing of the superconducting current by the electric field within a theoretical model based on the Ginzburg-Landau theory, in agreement with experimental data. Compared to electron beam lithography or sputtering, the single-step FIBID approach provides with enhanced patterning flexibility and yields nanodevices with figures of merit comparable to those retrieved in other superconducting materials, including Ti, Nb, and Al. Exhibiting a higher critical temperature than most of other superconductors, in which this phenomenon has been observed, as well as a reduced critical value of the gate voltage required to fully suppress superconductivity, W-C deposits are strong candidates for the fabrication of nanodevices based on the electric field-induced superconductivity modulation

Review of magnetic nanostructures grown by focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID)

We review the current status of the use of focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID) for the growth of magnetic nanostructures. This technique relies on the local dissociation of a precursor gas by means of an electron beam. The most promising results have been obtained using the Co₂(CO)₈ precursor, where the Co content in the grown nanodeposited material can be tailored up to more than 95%. Functional behaviour of these Co nanodeposits has been observed in applications such as arrays of magnetic dots for information storage and catalytic growth, magnetic tips for scanning probe microscopes, nano-Hall sensors for bead detection, nano-actuated magnetomechanical systems and nanowires for domain-wall manipulation. The review also covers interesting results observed in Fe-based and alloyed nanodeposits. Advantages and disadvantages of FEBID for the growth of magnetic nanostructures are discussed in the article as well as possible future directions in this field.Financial support by several projects is acknowledged: MAT2014-51982-C2-1-R, MAT2014-51982-C2-2-R and MAT2015-69725-REDT from MINECO (including FEDER funding), CELINA COST Action CM1301, Aragón Regional Government through project E26, FP7 Marie Curie Fellowship 3DMAGNANOW, EPSRC Early Career Fellowship EP/M008517/1 and Winton Fellowship

Catalytic bi-reforming of methane for carbon dioxide ennoblement

New processes that may reduce the net carbon emissions and contribute to a more circular economy are needed. Bi-reforming of methane (BRM) is a promising method for syngas production, with a hydrogen-to-carbon monoxide ratio of two in the reaction products, relevant for example when the purpose is methanol synthesis. In this work, reaction studies were carried out over a nickel-based catalyst varying the temperature (798-1123 K). Three main temperature zones have been identified; a low temperature zone where the conversion of carbon dioxide is almost null, a middle temperature range where steam reforming of methane (SRM) is dominant while the conversion of carbon dioxide via dry reforming of methane (DRM) is low, and finally a high temperature range where DRM becomes more significant. The results show that syngas can be successfully produced using this process. For the range of operating conditions studied, the carbon dioxide and methane conversions increase with temperature, reaching 40% and 100%, respectively at the largest temperature studied. However, the production of syngas in a molar ratio of 1:2 for CO-to-H-2 requires the use of high temperatures. Most probably the nickel agglomerates on top of the gamma-alumina support are responsible for the poor catalyst performance. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd

Identification of transcripts with enriched expression in the developing and adult pancreas

The expression profile of different developmental stages of the murine pancreas and predictions of transcription factor interactions, provides a framework for pancreas regulatory networks and development

Tuning shape, composition and magnetization of three-dimensional cobalt nanowires grown by Focused Electron Beam Induced Deposition (FEBID)

Electron beam induced deposition of 3D cobalt nanowires with simultaneous high metallic content (≈80% at.) and small diameter (<100 nm) has been achieved by optimization of the growth parameters. Two different growth modes have been identified, denoted as radial and linear. In the radial mode, the wire diameter is at least  ≈120 nm and the Co content is greater than  ≈85% at. In the linear mode, the diameter is smaller than 80 nm and the Co content is at best  ≈80% at. A sharp transition between both growth modes can occur inside a single nanowire for certain experimental conditions. Electron holography measurements indicate that in optimized Co nanowires the magnetic induction is high enough for applications in spintronics, magnetic sensing and actuation at the nanoscale.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity through projects No. MAT2014-51982C2-1-R, MAT2014-51982C2-2-R and MAT2015-69725-REDT, including FEDER funds and by the Aragon Regional Government (Construyendo Europa desde Aragón) through project E26, with FEDER funding. This work was conducted within the framework of the COST Action CM1301 (CELINA). AFP acknowledges funding from a EPSRC Early Career Fellowship EP/M008517/1 and from a Winton Fellowship. In order to comply with EPSRC policy on research data, all metadata associated to this publication can be accessed via https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.8106. JP-N grant is funded by the Ayuda para Contratos Predoctorales para la Formación de Doctores, Convocatoria Res. 05/06/15 (BOE 12/06/15) of the Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación in the Subprograma Estatal de Formación of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) with the participation of the European Social Fund

Effectiveness of a clinical practice guideline implementation strategy for patients with anxiety disorders in primary care: cluster randomized trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Anxiety is a common mental health problem seen in primary care. However, its management in clinical practice varies greatly. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have the potential to reduce variations and improve the care received by patients by promoting interventions of proven benefit. However, uptake and adherence to their recommendations can be low.</p> <p>Method/design</p> <p>This study involves a community based on cluster randomized trial in primary healthcare centres in the Madrid Region (Spain). The project aims to determine whether the use of implementation strategy (including training session, information, opinion leader, reminders, audit, and feed-back) of CPG for patients with anxiety disorders in primary care is more effective than usual diffusion.</p> <p>The number of patients required is 296 (148 in each arm), all older than 18 years and diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and panic attacks by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV). They are chosen by consecutive sampling.</p> <p>The main outcome variable is the change in two or more points into Goldberg anxiety scale at six and twelve months. Secondary outcome variables include quality of life (EuroQol 5D), and degree of compliance with the CPG recommendations on treatment, information, and referrals to mental health services. Main effectiveness will be analyzed by comparing the patients percentage improvement on the Goldberg scale between the intervention group and the control group. Logistic regression with random effects will be used to adjust for prognostic factors. Confounding factors or factors that might alter the effect recorded will be taken into account in this analysis.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>There is a need to identify effective implementation strategies for CPG for the management of anxiety disorders present in primary care. Ensuring the appropriate uptake of guideline recommendations can reduce clinical variation and improve the care patients receive.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ISRCTN: <a href="http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN83365316">ISRCTN83365316</a></p

Enrichment of trace elements in the clay size fraction of mining soils

Reactive waste dumps with sulfide minerals pro- 14 mote acid mine drainage (AMD), which results in water and 15 soil contamination by metals and metalloids. In these systems, 16 contamination is regulated by many factors, such as mineral- 17 ogical composition of soil and the presence of sorption sites 18 on specific mineral phases. So, the present study dedicates 19 itself to understanding the distribution of trace elements in 20 different size fractions (<2-mm and <2-μm fractions) of min- 21 ing soils and to evaluate the relationship between chemical 22 and mineralogical composition. Cerdeirinha and Penedono, 23 located in Portugal, were the waste dumps under study. The 24 results revealed that the two waste dumps have high degree of 25 contamination by metals and arsenic and that these elements 26 are concentrated in the clay size fraction. Hence, the higher 27 degree of contamination by toxic elements, especially arsenic 28 in Penedono as well as the role of clay minerals, jarosite, and 29 goethite in retaining trace elements has management implica- 30 tions. Such information must be carefully thought in the reha- 31 bilitation projects to be planned for both waste dumps

Nanoscale chemical and structural study of Co-based FEBID structures by STEM-EELS and HRTEM

Nanolithography techniques in a scanning electron microscope/focused ion beam are very attractive tools for a number of synthetic processes, including the fabrication of ferromagnetic nano-objects, with potential applications in magnetic storage or magnetic sensing. One of the most versatile techniques is the focused electron beam induced deposition, an efficient method for the production of magnetic structures highly resolved at the nanometric scale. In this work, this method has been applied to the controlled growth of magnetic nanostructures using Co₂(CO)₈. The chemical and structural properties of these deposits have been studied by electron energy loss spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy at the nanometric scale. The obtained results allow us to correlate the chemical and structural properties with the functionality of these magnetic nanostructures.The authors acknowledge the Spanish Ministry of Science for the financial support through Project No. MAT2008-06567-C02, including FEDER funding, the Aragon Regional Government Grant No. E26. RFP acknowledges F. De la Peña, K. March, and R. Arenal for the scientific discussions. RFP also acknowledges the Spanish Ministry of Science for the funding through a postdoctoral contract

Effect of Cr(V) on reproductive organ morphology and sperm parameters: An experimental study in mice

BACKGROUND: Cr(V) species are formed during the intracellular reduction of Cr(VI), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. In this study, the acute toxicity of a physiologically stable Cr(V) compound, [Cr(V)-BT](2- )(BT = bis(hydroxyethyl)aminotris(hydroxymethyl)methane) was investigated in the male reproductive system of sexually mature 60-day-old male ICR-CD1 mice. METHODS: Eight-week-old animals were subcutaneously injected daily with a dose of ca 8 μmol of Cr/mouse, during 5 days. The control group was injected with 0.5 mL of BT buffer. Testis and epididymis morphology was evaluated using light and transmission electron microscopy. Epididymal sperm counts, motility and acrosome integrity were also assayed using standard methods. RESULTS: Seminiferous epithelium abnormalities were detected in the Cr(V)-BT experimental group, including intraepithelial vacuolation, and remarkable degeneration of Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and spermatids. The premature release of germ cells into the tubular lumen was also evident. Histological evaluation of epididymal compartments revealed apparently normal features. However, the epididymal epithelium presented vacuolation. [Cr(V)-BT](2- )induced a reduction in sperm acrosome integrity. However, sperm motility and density were not significantly affected. CONCLUSION: This in vivo study using a Cr(V) compound, provides evidence for the potential reproductive hazards caused on male reproductive system by species containing chromium in intermediate oxidation states