Large magneto-optical Kerr effect in noncollinear antiferromagnets Mn3X_{3}X (XX = Rh, Ir, or Pt)

Magneto-optical Kerr effect, normally found in magnetic materials with nonzero magnetization such as ferromagnets and ferrimagnets, has been known for more than a century. Here, using first-principles density functional theory, we demonstrate large magneto-optical Kerr effect in high temperature noncollinear antiferromagnets Mn$_{3}X$ ($X$ = Rh, Ir, or Pt), in contrast to usual wisdom. The calculated Kerr rotation angles are large, being comparable to that of transition metal magnets such as bcc Fe. The large Kerr rotation angles and ellipticities are found to originate from the lifting of the band double-degeneracy due to the absence of spatial symmetry in the Mn$_{3}X$ noncollinear antiferromagnets which together with the time-reversal symmetry would preserve the Kramers theorem. Our results indicate that Mn$_{3}X$ would provide a rare material platform for exploration of subtle magneto-optical phenomena in noncollinear magnetic materials without net magnetization

Mycotic keratitis caused by concurrent infections of exserohilum mcginnisii and candida parapsilosis

BACKGROUND: Mycotic keratitis in human cornea has been rarely reported to be associated with a co-infection of filamentous fungi and yeast. This paper aims to report a case of mycotic keratitis concurrently infected by Exserohilum mcginnisii and Candida parapsilosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A Chinese female presented two superposed corneal infiltrates with different size and texture on her left eye. In vivo confocal microscopy showed hyper-reflective multiple linear with highly branching structures distributing in the anterior corneal stroma. Inoculations of the corneal lesion scrape concurrently grew two similar superposed colonies on Sabouraud dextrose and chocolate agar plate. The larger colony exhibited mould, cottony and floccose at the edge, while the smaller one showed creamy and shiny surface. Modified slide culture for mould revealed hyphae were septate, and conidia were brown, smooth-walled, cylindrical to slight clavate with 6 to 13 pseudosepta. Based on the morphology of microscopic and macroscopic characteristics, the mould was identified as Exserohilum mcginnisii. Smear of the non-mould colony showed ellipse or ovoid budding yeast-like cells with abundant pseudomycelium. Vitek Yeast Biochemical Card test identified the yeast as Candida parapsilosis. With treatment of combined oral itraconazole with topical amphotericin B, a complete resolution of the corneal infiltrate was achieved within 1.5 months. CONCLUSION: This is the first documented case of human corneal infection by Exserohilum mcginnisii, and also the first report providing evidence of mycotic keratitis in human cornea concurrently infected by filamentous fungi and yeast

A review of microgrid development in the United States – A decade of progress on policies, demonstrations, controls, and software tools

Microgrids have become increasingly popular in the United States. Supported by favorable federal and local policies, microgrid projects can provide greater energy stability and resilience within a project site or community. This paper reviews major federal, state, and utility-level policies driving microgrid development in the United States. Representative U.S. demonstration projects are selected and their technical characteristics and non-technical features are introduced. The paper discusses trends in the technology development of microgrid systems as well as microgrid control methods and interactions within the electricity market. Software tools for microgrid design, planning, and performance analysis are illustrated with each tool's core capability. Finally, the paper summarizes the successes and lessons learned during the recent expansion of the U.S. microgrid industry that may serve as a reference for other countries developing their own microgrid industries