Flexible MgO barrier magnetic tunnel junctions

Flexible electronic devices require the integration of multiple crucial components on soft substrates to achieve their functions. In particular, memory devices are the fundamental component for data storage and processing in flexible electronics. Here, we present flexible MgO barrier magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices fabricated using a transfer printing process, which exhibit reliable and stable operation under substantial deformation of the device substrates. In addition, the flexible MTJ devices yield significantly enhanced tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) of ~300 % and improved abruptness of switching, as residual strain in the MTJ structure induced by the fabrication process is released during the transfer process. This approach could be useful for a wide range of flexible electronic systems that require high performance memory components.Comment: Adv. Mat. (2016

Time-Specific Ecologic Niche Models Forecast the Risk of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in Dongting Lake District, China, 2005–2010

Background: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), a rodent-borne infectious disease, is one of the most serious public health threats in China. Increasing our understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of HFRS infections could guide local prevention and control strategies. Methodology/Principal Findings: We employed statistical models to analyze HFRS case data together with environmental data from the Dongting Lake district during 2005–2010. Specifically, time-specific ecologic niche models (ENMs) were used to quantify and identify risk factors associated with HFRS transmission as well as forecast seasonal variation in risk across geographic areas. Results showed that the Maximum Entropy model provided the best predictive ability (AUC = 0.755). Time-specific Maximum Entropy models showed that the potential risk areas of HFRS significantly varied across seasons. High-risk areas were mainly found in the southeastern and southwestern areas of the Dongting Lake district. Our findings based on models focused on the spring and winter seasons showed particularly good performance. The potential risk areas were smaller in March, May and August compared with those identified for June, July and October to December. Both normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and land use types were found to be the dominant risk factors. Conclusions/Significance: Our findings indicate that time-specific ENMs provide a useful tool to forecast the spatial and temporal risk of HFRS

Basaltic and Solution Reference Materials for Iron, Copper and Zinc Isotope Measurements

Iron, Cu and Zn stable isotope systems are applied in constraining a variety of geochemical and environmental processes. Secondary reference materials have been developed by the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (CAGS), in collaboration with other participating laboratories, comprising three solutions (CAGS-Fe, CAGS-Cu and CAGS-Zn) and one basalt (CAGS-Basalt). These materials exhibit sufficient homogeneity and stability for application in Fe, Cu and Zn isotopic ratio determinations. Reference values were determined by inter-laboratory analytical comparisons involving up to eight participating laboratories employing MC-ICP-MS techniques, based on the unweighted means of submitted results. Isotopic compositions are reported in per mil notation, based on reference materials IRMM-014 for Fe, NIST SRM 976 for Cu and IRMM-3702 for Zn. Respective reference values of CAGS-Fe, CAGS-Cu and CAGS-Zn solutions are as follows: δ56Fe = 0.83 ± 0.06 and δ57Fe = 1.20 ± 0.12, δ65Cu = 0.57 ± 0.05, and δ66Zn = -0.79 ± 0.12 and δ68Zn = -1.65 ± 0.24, respectively. Those of CAGS-Basalt are δ56Fe = 0.15 ± 0.05, δ57Fe = 0.22 ± 0.05, δ65Cu = 0.12 ± 0.07, δ66Zn = 0.17 ± 0.11, and δ68Zn = 0.34 ± 0.21 (2s)

Mixed mode partition theories for one dimensional fracture

This article was published in the journal, Engineering Fracture Mechanics [© Elsevier] and the definitive version is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013794411004218The crack in a double cantilever beam is the most fundamental one-dimensional fracture problem. It has caused considerable confusions due to its in-depth subtleness and complex entanglement with different theories and numerical simulations. The present paper presents completely analytical theories based on Euler and Timoshenko beam theories using a brand new approach which reveals the hidden mechanics of the problem. Orthogonal pairs of pure modes are found and used to partition mixed modes. The developed theories are extensively validated against numerical simulations using finite element methods. Moreover, the fracture mode partition space is thoroughly investigated and crack tip running contact is found which results in a region of pure mode II. The theories are finally applied to general one-dimensional fracture in beams and axisymmetric plates

Traditional Chinese medicine for smoking cessation: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may have special advantages in facilitating smoking cessation, but consensus on effectiveness is lacking. We aim to comprehensively review, update, and refine current evidence on TCM effectiveness and safety. Nine databases were searched from their inception up to 28 February 2023. Systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analysis of TCM for smoking cessation were identified and retrieved. Additional databases and hand searches of RCTs from included SRs were performed for data pooling. Cochrane ROB tools and AMSTAR-2 were used to evaluate the methodological quality of RCTs and SRs, respectively. RCT data are presented as relative risks (RR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using RevMan 5.4. Thirteen SRs involving 265 studies with 33081 participants were included. Among these 265 studies, 157 were duplicates (58.36%) and 52 were non-RCTs (19.62%). Combined with the remaining 56 RCTs identified through hand searches, 88 RCTs involving 12434 participants were finally included for data synthesis. All the SRs focused on acupoint stimulation, and the majority were of low or very low quality. The methodological quality of RCTs was either unclear or high risk. For continuous abstinence rate, TCM external interventions were better than placebo in 6 months to 1 year (RR=1.60; 95% CI: 1.14-2.25; I =27%; n=5533 participants). Compared with placebo, TCM external application was effective in reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and the effect was gradually stable and obvious in the fourth week (MD= -4.46; 95% CI: -5.43 - -3.49; n=165 participants). Twelve RCTs reported adverse events as outcome indicators for safety evaluation, and no serious adverse events occurred. Despite the methodological limitations of the original studies, our review suggests that TCM intervention shows potential effectiveness on the continuous abstinence rate. Extending the intervention time can enhance the effect of TCM on nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Referred to adverse events, more data for safety evaluation are required. [Abstract copyright: © 2023 Lu CL. et al.