300-Times-Increased Diffusive Skyrmion Dynamics and Effective Pinning Reduction by Periodic Field Excitation.

Thermally induced skyrmion dynamics, as well as skyrmion pinning effects, in thin films have attracted significant interest. While pinning poses challenges in deterministic skyrmion devices and slows down skyrmion diffusion, for applications in non-conventional computing, both pinning of an appropriate strength and skyrmion diffusion speed are key. Here, periodic field excitations are employed to realize an increase of the skyrmion diffusion by more than two orders of magnitude. Amplifying the excitation, a drastic reduction of the effective skyrmion pinning, is reported, and a transition from pinning-dominated diffusive hopping to dynamics approaching free diffusion is observed. By tailoring the field oscillation frequency and amplitude, a continuous tuning of the effective pinning and skyrmion dynamics is demonstrated, which is a key asset and enabler for non-conventional computing applications. It is found that the periodic excitations additionally allow stabilization of skyrmions at different sizes for field values that are inaccessible in static systems, opening up new approaches to ultrafast skyrmion motion by transiently exciting moving skyrmions.

Accentuated Peripheral Blood NK Cytotoxicity Forms an Unfavorable Background for Embryo Implantation and Gestation.

Problem Many studies have demonstrated the negative impact of high rates of NK cytotoxicity (NKc) on reproductive processes, but there is no agreement as to the appropriateness and feasibility of using the NKc for routine diagnostic in IVF patients. This study conducted a retrospective analysis of embryo transfer (ET) success rates and live birth rates (LBR) in patients with different NKc values. Method of study 1854 cycles of ET were selected and divided into three groups according to NKc levels, and randomized by anamnesis and age: normal (nNKc, n = 871), elevated (eNKc, n = 759), and reduced NKc (rNKc, n = 123). ET with donors' embryos (n = 101) were analyzed separately. NKc-to-K562 was measured in PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) by flow cytometry before ET. The patients did not obtain any additional treatments. Results Patients with eNKc, in addition to having reduced clinical pregnancy rates (OR1.59, p < 0.0001), had increased levels of subsequent pregnancy failures (OR2.545, p < 0.0001) when compared to nNKc patients. As a result, patients with eNKc had almost half the LBR than patients with nNKc (OR2.2, p < 0.0001). In patients with rNKc, LBR was also lowered. eNKc was equally unfavorable for implantation and delivery in cryo- or fresh cycles. Markedly, eNKc was much more unfavorable for reproduction than slightly elevated NKc. The donor's embryos were implanted irrespective of the recipient's NKc levels, but the later stages of pregnancy were worse in patients with eNKc. Conclusions Our findings highlighted the negative impact of high levels of NK cytotoxicity on pregnancy outcomes.