Enhanced gyrotropic birefringence and natural optical activity on electromagnon resonance in a helimagnet.

Spontaneous symmetry breaking in crystalline solid often produces exotic nonreciprocal phenomena. As one such example, the unconventional optical rotation with nonreciprocity, which is termed gyrotropic birefringence, is expected to emerge from the magnetoelectric coupling. However, the fundamental nature of gyrotropic birefringence remains to be examined. Here w`e demonstrate the gyrotropic birefringence enhanced by the dynamical magnetoelectric coupling on the electrically active magnon resonance, i.e. electromagnon, in a multiferroic helimagnet. The helical spin order having both polarity and chirality is found to cause the giant gyrotropic birefringence in addition to the conventional gyrotropy, i.e. natural optical activity. It is demonstrated that the optical rotation of gyrotropic birefringence can be viewed as the nonreciprocal rotation of the optical principal axes, while the crystallographic and magnetic anisotropies are intact. The independent control of the nonreciprocal linear (gyrotropic birefringence) and circular (natural optical activity) birefringence/dichroism paves a way for the optically active devices.

Candida auris: A pathogen difficult to identify, treat, and eradicate and its characteristics in Japanese strains.

Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant and emergent pathogen that has caused healthcare-associated infection outbreaks. Recently, C. auris has spread worldwide; nevertheless, it was unexpectedly rare before 2009. Based on the molecular epidemiological analysis, C. auris may independently emerge at specific areas at first and recently may be transmitted to other continents. As C. auris cannot be detected using conventional methods, internally transcribed spacers, D1/D2 regions of the 26S rDNA sequencing, and/or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry method can be selected as comparatively accessible choices. Thus, detection of C. auris using the conventional method might be underestimated. In Japan, all C. auris strains were isolated from ear specimen and not from invasive mycoses. Japan strains were classified as an East Asian clade under a single clone. Although colonization, virulence, and infection pattern are almost the same as with other Candida species, its antifungal resistance is different. Fluconazole resistance is notably common, but resistance to all three classes of antifungals (azole, polyene, and echinocandin) rarely exists. Once C. auris is detected, screening, emphasis on hand hygiene adherence, use of single-patient room isolation, contact precaution, surveillance, and eradication from the environment and patients are appropriately required for infection control.

Quantum-disordered state of magnetic and electric dipoles in an organic Mott system.

Strongly enhanced quantum fluctuations often lead to a rich variety of quantum-disordered states. Developing approaches to enhance quantum fluctuations may open paths to realize even more fascinating quantum states. Here, we demonstrate that a coupling of localized spins with the zero-point motion of hydrogen atoms, that is, proton fluctuations in a hydrogen-bonded organic Mott insulator provides a different class of quantum spin liquids (QSLs). We find that divergent dielectric behavior associated with the approach to hydrogen-bond order is suppressed by the quantum proton fluctuations, resulting in a quantum paraelectric (QPE) state. Furthermore, our thermal-transport measurements reveal that a QSL state with gapless spin excitations rapidly emerges upon entering the QPE state. These findings indicate that the quantum proton fluctuations give rise to a QSL-a quantum-disordered state of magnetic and electric dipoles-through the coupling between the electron and proton degrees of freedom.

Crystallization and vitrification of electrons in a glass-forming charge liquid.

Charge ordering (CO) is a phenomenon in which electrons in solids crystallize into a periodic pattern of charge-rich and charge-poor sites owing to strong electron correlations. This usually results in long-range order. In geometrically frustrated systems, however, a glassy electronic state without long-range CO has been observed. We found that a charge-ordered organic material with an isosceles triangular lattice shows charge dynamics associated with crystallization and vitrification of electrons, which can be understood in the context of an energy landscape arising from the degeneracy of various CO patterns. The dynamics suggest that the same nucleation and growth processes that characterize conventional glass-forming liquids guide the crystallization of electrons. These similarities may provide insight into our understanding of the liquid-glass transition.

Systematic review and assessment of systematic reviews examining the effect of periodontal treatment on glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: There have been several systematic reviews(SRs) on whether periodontal treatment for an individual with both periodontal disease and diabetes can improve diabetes outcomes. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct a systematic review (SR) of previous meta-analyses, and to assess the methodological quality of the SRs examining the effects of periodontal treatment and diabetes. (PROSPERO Registration # CRD 42015023470). STUDY DESIGN: We searched five electronic databases and identified previous meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials published through July 2015. In cases where the meta-analysis did not meet our criteria, the meta-analyses were recalculated. General characteristics of each included trial were abstracted, analyzed, and compared. The mean difference, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the I2 statistic were abstracted or recalculated. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews Instrument (AMSTAR) was used to assess methodological quality. RESULTS: Of the 475 citations screened, nine systematic reviews were included. In total, 13 meta-analyses included in nine SRs were examined. In comparability analyses, meta-analyses in four SRs did not meet our criteria, and were recalcuated. Of these 13 meta-analyses, 10 suggested significant effects of periodontal treatment on HbA1c improvement. Mean differences found in the 13 meta-analyses ranged from -0.93 to 0.13. AMSTAR assessment revealed six SRs with moderate and three with high overall quality. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that there is a significant effect of periodontal treatment on improvement of HbA1c in diabetes patients, although the effect size is extremely small. In addition to the small effect size, not all SRs could be considered of high quality.

High resolution NMR measurements using a 400MHz NMR with an (RE)Ba2Cu3O7-x high-temperature superconducting inner coil: Towards a compact super-high-field NMR.

Use of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) inner coils in combination with conventional low-temperature superconducting (LTS) outer coils for an NMR magnet, i.e. a LTS/HTS NMR magnet, is a suitable option to realize a high-resolution NMR spectrometer with operating frequency >1GHz. From the standpoint of creating a compact magnet, (RE: Rare earth) Ba2Cu3O7-x (REBCO) HTS inner coils which can tolerate a strong hoop stress caused by a Lorentz force are preferred. However, in our previous work on a first-generation 400MHz LTS/REBCO NMR magnet, the NMR resolution and sensitivity were about ten times worse than that of a conventional LTS NMR magnet. The result was caused by a large field inhomogeneity in the REBCO coil itself and the shielding effect of a screening current induced in that coil. In the present paper, we describe the operation of a modified 400MHz LTS/REBCO NMR magnet with an advanced field compensation technology using a combination of novel ferromagnetic shimming and an appropriate procedure for NMR spectrum line shape optimization. We succeeded in obtaining a good NMR line shape and 2D NOESY spectrum for a lysozyme aqueous sample. We believe that this technology is indispensable for the realization of a compact super-high-field high-resolution NMR.

The cumulative incidence of and risk factors for latent beaking in patients with autoimmune diseases taking long-term glucocorticoids and bisphosphonates.

SUMMARY: The incidence of beaking, which has been reported to precede atypical femoral fracture, was high and increased over 2 years in patients with autoimmune diseases who were taking bisphosphonates and glucocorticoids. Regular femoral X-rays are strongly recommended to screen for beaking, and bisphosphonate drug holidays should be considered. INTRODUCTION: Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) have been recently recognized as complications associated with bisphosphonate (BP) use. AFFs are considered to be stress fractures; localized periosteal thickening of the lateral cortex is often present at the fracture site; this thickening is termed "beaking." Beaking has been reported to precede AFF. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the incidence of latent beaking in patients with autoimmune diseases taking BPs and glucocorticoids and to identify risk factors for beaking. METHODS: A total of 125 patients with autoimmune diseases who were taking BPs and glucocorticoids was included; 116 patients underwent X-rays and analysis of serum and urine bone metabolic markers annually for 2 years. Mean patient age was 54.5 years; there were 105 (90.5%) females and the mean duration of disease was 13.2 years. Focal lateral cortical thickening in femoral X-rays was defined as beaking. RESULTS: Beaking was detected in 15 femora of 10 patients (8.0%) at the time of recruitment. Over the 2-year observation period, the incidence of beaking increased to 21 femora of 12 patients (10.3%), and a complete AFF at the location of beaking occurred in one patient. Beaking was associated with a longer duration of BP treatment (6.1 ± 1.0 years vs. 5.0 ± 2.9 years, p = 0.01). Age 40-60 years, BP therapy ≥4 years, and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with beaking. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of beaking was high, and increased over 2 years, in patients with autoimmune diseases who were taking BPs and glucocorticoids. Regular femoral X-rays are strongly recommended to screen for beaking. Long-term BP/glucocorticoid use was a risk factor for beaking in patients with autoimmune diseases; BP drug holidays should be considered.

Quantum Spin Liquid Emerging from Antiferromagnetic Order by Introducing Disorder.

Quantum spin liquids, which are spin versions of quantum matter, have been sought after in systems with geometrical frustration. We show that disorder drives a classical magnet into a quantum spin liquid through conducting NMR experiments on an organic Mott insulator, κ-(ET)_{2}Cu[N(CN)_{2}]Cl. Antiferromagnetic ordering in the pristine crystal, when irradiated by x rays, disappears. Spin freezing, spin gap, and critical slowing down are not observed, but gapless spin excitations emerge, suggesting a novel role of disorder that brings forth a quantum spin liquid from a classical ordered state.

Operation of a 400MHz NMR magnet using a (RE:Rare Earth)Ba2Cu3O7-x high-temperature superconducting coil: Towards an ultra-compact super-high field NMR spectrometer operated beyond 1GHz.

High-temperature superconductors (HTS) are the key technology to achieve super-high magnetic field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers with an operating frequency far beyond 1GHz (23.5T). (RE)Ba2Cu3O7-x (REBCO, RE: rare earth) conductors have an advantage over Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10-x (Bi-2223) and Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8-x (Bi-2212) conductors in that they have very high tensile strengths and tolerate strong electromagnetic hoop stress, thereby having the potential to act as an ultra-compact super-high field NMR magnet. As a first step, we developed the world's first NMR magnet comprising an inner REBCO coil and outer low-temperature superconducting (LTS) coils. The magnet was successfully charged without degradation and mainly operated at 400MHz (9.39T). Technical problems for the NMR magnet due to screening current in the REBCO coil were clarified and solved as follows: (i) A remarkable temporal drift of the central magnetic field was suppressed by a current sweep reversal method utilizing ∼10% of the peak current. (ii) A Z2 field error harmonic of the main coil cannot be compensated by an outer correction coil and therefore an additional ferromagnetic shim was used. (iii) Large tesseral harmonics emerged that could not be corrected by cryoshim coils. Due to those harmonics, the resolution and sensitivity of NMR spectra are ten-fold lower than those for a conventional LTS NMR magnet. As a result, a HSQC spectrum could be achieved for a protein sample, while a NOESY spectrum could not be obtained. An ultra-compact 1.2GHz NMR magnet could be realized if we effectively take advantage of REBCO conductors, although this will require further research to suppress the effect of the screening current.

Topological Hall effect in pyrochlore lattice with varying density of spin chirality.

The three-site spin correlation, S(i)·(S(j)×S(k)) on the neighboring triangular sites i, j and k, termed scalar spin chirality, can endow the conduction electron with a quantum Berry phase and resultant transverse (Hall) transport. The paramagnetic barely metallic state was prepared in hole-doped Y2Mo2O7 with pyrochlore lattice using a high-pressure synthesis method, which is further endowed with the spin chirality by partially replacing Y site with Tb (content x). The local spin chirality formed by the adjacent three Tb Ising moments on the pyrochlore lattice can couple to the conduction electrons to give rise to the topological Hall effect whose magnitude increases in proportion to x3 or the density of the Tb-moment triangular clusters.

Emergence of a diffusive metal state with no magnetic order near the Mott transition in frustrated pyrochlore-type molybdates.

The electron-correlation driven metal-insulator (Mott) transition in pyrocholore-type R2Mo2O7(R being rare-earth-metal ions) is accompanied by the change of the magnetic state from ferromagnetic to spin glass due to the competing double-exchange and superexchange interactions on the frustrated lattice. By application of high pressures on the compounds with Mott criticality, however, a new unique paramagnetic metal phase is observed to show up with nearly temperature-independent high resistivity close to the Ioffe-Regel limit. A possible non-Fermi-liquid character of this anomalously diffuse metallic state is argued in terms of the extended double-exchange model with the magnetically frustrated local S=1/2 spins.

Optical probe for anomalous Hall resonance in ferromagnets with spin chirality.

We have investigated the infrared optical Hall conductivity, sigma(xy)(omega) for band-filling-controlled ferromagnetic crystals of Nd2Mo2O7, revealing the dynamical properties of their anomalous Hall effect (AHE). A resonant structure and its systematic filling dependence were observed in the Hall conductivity spectra in the midinfrared region (typically at 0.1 eV), while similar effects were not discerned in the diagonal (longitudinal or ordinary) conductivity spectra. This property of sigma(xy)(omega) provides crucial and essential information to understand the microscopic mechanism of AHE including its dc limit. Specifically, the interband transition at the magnetic-monopole-like band-anticrossing point, which is split by spin chirality, is the dominant source in AHE.

Magnetic-field-induced ferroelectric state in DyFeO3.

Versatile and gigantic magnetoelectric (ME) phenomena have been found for a single crystal of DyFeO3. Below the antiferromagnetic ordering temperature of Dy moments, a linear-ME tensor component as large as alphazz approximately 2.4 x 10(-2) esu is observed. It is also revealed that application of magnetic field along the c axis induces a multiferroic (weakly ferromagnetic and ferroelectric) phase with magnetization [> or =0.5 microB/formula unit (f.u.)] and electric polarization (> or =0.2 microC/cm2) both along the c axis. Exchange striction working between adjacent Fe3+ and Dy3+ layers with the respective layered antiferromagnetic components is proposed as the origin of the ferroelectric polarization in the multiferroic phase.

Anomalous nernst effects in pyrochlore molybdates with spin chirality.

The transverse thermoelectric (Nernst) effect on pyrochlore molybdates is investigated experimentally. In Nd(2)Mo(2)O(7) and Sm(2)Mo(2)O(7) with the spin chirality, the Nernst signal, which mostly arises from the transverse heat current (or equivalently the transverse Peltier coefficient alpha(xy)), shows a low-temperature (20-30 K) positive extremum, whereas it is absent in (Gd(0.95)Ca(0.05))(2)Mo(2)O(7) with no single-spin anisotropy of the rare-earth ion and hence with no spin chirality. The correlation between the Hall conductivity sigma(xy) and alpha(xy) in Nd(2)Mo(2)O(7) also indicates the spin chirality plays a significant role in the spontaneous (anomalous) Nernst effect.

Scaling of anomalous hall resistivity in Nd2(Mo(1-x)Nb(x))2O7 with spin chirality.

We have investigated scaling of anomalous Hall resistivity with longitudinal resistivity (rho(xx)) in pyrochlore type Nd2(Mo(1-x)Nb(x))2O7 with spin chirality. Scattering rate of the conduction electron on the Mo sublattice can be varied with x from band transport to polaron hopping, while keeping the two-in-two-out structure of the Nd moments intact. The anomalous part of the Hall resistivity arising from the Mo spin chirality (rho(H)(chi)) shows a clear scaling behavior with rho(xx) (rho(H)(chi) proportional to rho(xx)0.39), in accord with a recent theoretical result based on the Berry phase mechanism in the hopping conduction regime.

Nature of the transition between a ferromagnetic metal and a spin-glass insulator in pyrochlore molybdates.

The metal-insulator transition has been investigated for pyrochlore molybdates R(2)Mo(2)O(7) with nonmagnetic rare-earth ions R. The dynamical scaling analysis of ac susceptibility reveals that the geometrical frustration causes the atomic spin-glass state. The reentrant spin-glass phase exists below the ferromagnetic transition. The electronic specific heat is enhanced as compared to the band calculation result, perhaps due to the orbital fluctuation in the half-metallic ferromagnetic state. The large specific heat is rather reduced upon the transition, likely because the short-range antiferromagnetic fluctuation shrinks the Fermi surface.

Mott-Anderson transition controlled by a magnetic field in pyrochlore molybdate.

The pyrochlore molybdate Gd2MO2O7 locates near the phase boundary between the ferromagnetic-metallic and the spin-glass insulating state. This metal-insulator transition is governed on a large energy scale by the electron-correlation effect, while the geometrical frustration causes the random potential. The magnetic field can tune the randomness of the potential and control, under a suitable pressure, the continuous Mott-Anderson transition precisely. The critical exponent (mu = 1.04 +/- 0.1) of the Mott-Anderson transition has been determined for this ferromagnetic orbital-degenerate electron system.

Transfection of antisense core 2 beta1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-1 cDNA suppresses selectin ligand expression and tissue infiltration of B-cell precursor leukemia cells.

B-cell precursor (BCP) leukemia cells infiltrate into peripheral organs and the disease often relapses. Inhibition of tissue infiltration may improve the treatment outcome of BCP-leukemia patients. Selectin ligand has been suggested to play an important role in the infiltration of leukemia cells. However, the regulation mechanisms and involvement in tissue infiltration of selectin ligand expression in BCP-leukemia cells are not fully understood. In this study, we report that BCP-leukemia cells express selectin ligand on O-sialoglycoproteins. Core 2 beta1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-1 (C2GnT-1) is mainly expressed in BCP-leukemia cells. Transfection of the antisense C2GnT-1 cDNA resulted in a significant reduction of either selectin ligand expression or selectin-dependent cell adhesion in BCP-leukemia cell line KM3 cells. Migration ability into mouse peripheral organs was reduced significantly in the antisense transfectant. These findings suggest that C2GnT-1 regulates selectin ligand expression. Downregulation of the selectin ligand expression level inhibits tissue infiltration of BCP-leukemia cells. C2GnT-1 may be a candidate of therapeutic target for the inhibition of infiltration of leukemia cells.

Hepatic portal venous gas associated with nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia in a hemodialysis patient.

Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) has been rarely described in chronic hemodialysis patients. We report a case of HPVG in a 59-year-old female patient with hemodialysis-dependent chronic renal failure due to diabetes who presented with acute onset of abdominal pain. Abdominal CT demonstrated the presence of gas in the portal veins. However, on laparotomy, no evidence of bowel necrosis or perforation could be found. HPVG seemed to be caused by nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI), an increasingly recognized complication in hemodialysis patients. The patient responded favorably to intravenous hyperalimentation and antibiotics.

Charge dynamics near the electron-correlation induced metal-insulator transition in pyrochlore-type molybdates.

The systematics of the bandwidth controlled metal-insulator transition (MIT) are investigated for R2Mo2O7 (R=Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Ho) by measurements of dc and optical conductivity. The substantial role of electron correlation in driving the MIT is verified. With changing the R ionic radius (r) or equivalently the one-electron bandwidth, the T=0 K MIT occurs at rc approximately r(R=Gd). The T=0 K gap continuously vanishes as Delta proportional, variant(rc-r), while at the metallic side the decrease of Drude weight is followed towards rc. A high-temperature incoherent state is approached through crossover regions both from the metallic and the insulating state.