Electric double-layer capacitance between an ionic liquid and few-layer graphene

Ionic-liquid gates have a high carrier density due to their atomically thin electric double layer (EDL) and extremely large geometrical capacitance C-g. However, a high carrier density in graphene has not been achieved even with ionic-liquid gates because the EDL capacitance C-EDL between the ionic liquid and graphene involves the series connection of C-g and the quantum capacitance C-q, which is proportional to the density of states. We investigated the variables that determine C-EDL at the molecular level by varying the number of graphene layers n and thereby optimising C-q. The C-EDL value is governed by C-q at n, 4, and by C-g at n > 4. This transition with n indicates a composite nature for C-EDL. Our finding clarifies a universal principle that determines capacitance on a microscopic scale, and provides nanotechnological perspectives on charge accumulation and energy storage using an ultimately thin capacitor

Zinc-modified nanopolymers improve the quality of resin-dentin bonded interfaces

Introduction: Demineralized collagen fibers at the hybrid layer are susceptible to degradation. Remineralization may aid to improve bond longevity. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to infiltrate zinc and calcium-loaded polymeric nanoparticles into demineralized dentin to facilitate hybrid layer remineralization. Materials and methods: Zinc or calcium-loaded polymeric nanoparticles were infiltrated into etched dentin, and Single Bond Adhesive was applied. Bond strength was tested after 24 h and 6 months storage. Nanomechanical properties, dyeassisted confocal laser microscopy, and Masson’s trichrome staining evaluation were performed to assess for the hybrid layer morphology, permeability, and remineralization ability after 24 h and 3 months. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Student–Newman–Keuls multiple comparisons tests (p < 0.05). Results: Immediate bond strength was not affected by nanoparticles infiltration (25 to 30 MPa), while after 6 months, bond strengths were maintained (22 to 24 MPa). After 3 months, permeability occurred only in specimens in which nanoparticles were not infiltrated. Dentin remineralization, at the bottom of the hybrid layer, was observed in all groups. After microscopy analysis, zinc-loaded nanoparticles were shown to facilitate calcium deposition throughout the entire hybrid layer. Young’s modulus at the hybrid layer increased from 2.09 to 3.25 GPa after 3 months, in specimens with zinc nanoparticles; meanwhile, these values were reduced from 1.66 to 0.49 GPa, in the control group. Conclusion: Infiltration of polymeric nanoparticles into demineralized dentin increased long-term bond strengths. Zinc-loaded nanoparticles facilitate dentin remineralization within the complete resin–dentin interface. Clinical relevance: Resin–dentin bond longevity and dentin remineralization at the hybrid layer were facilitated by zincloaded nanoparticles.This work was supported by a grant, MINECO/FEDER MAT2014-52036-P

Illumination of Parainfluenza Virus Infection and Transmission in Living Animals Reveals a Tissue-Specific Dichotomy

The parainfluenza viruses (PIVs) are highly contagious respiratory paramyxoviruses and a leading cause of lower respiratory tract (LRT) disease. Since no vaccines or antivirals exist, non-pharmaceutical interventions are the only means of control for these pathogens. Here we used bioluminescence imaging to visualize the spatial and temporal progression of murine PIV1 (Sendai virus) infection in living mice after intranasal inoculation or exposure by contact. A non-attenuated luciferase reporter virus (rSeV-luc(M-F*)) that expressed high levels of luciferase yet was phenotypically similar to wild-type Sendai virus in vitro and in vivo was generated to allow visualization. After direct intranasal inoculation, we unexpectedly observed that the upper respiratory tract (URT) and trachea supported robust infection under conditions that result in little infection or pathology in the lungs including a low inoculum of virus, an attenuated virus, and strains of mice genetically resistant to lung infection. The high permissivity of the URT and trachea to infection resulted in 100% transmission to naïve contact recipients, even after low-dose (70 PFU) inoculation of genetically resistant BALB/c donor mice. The timing of transmission was consistent with the timing of high viral titers in the URT and trachea of donor animals but was independent of the levels of infection in the lungs of donors. The data therefore reveals a disconnect between transmissibility, which is associated with infection in the URT, and pathogenesis, which arises from infection in the lungs and the immune response. Natural infection after transmission was universally robust in the URT and trachea yet limited in the lungs, inducing protective immunity without weight loss even in genetically susceptible 129/SvJ mice. Overall, these results reveal a dichotomy between PIV infection in the URT and trachea versus the lungs and define a new model for studies of pathogenesis, development of live virus vaccines, and testing of antiviral therapies

Image overlay surgery based on augmented reality : a systematic review

Acknowledgements We thank the staff of the Medical Library of the University of Aberdeen for their advice and Prof. Jennifer Cleland and Dr Jenny Gregory for discussion and support. This work was funded by the Roland Sutton Academic Trust (0053/R/17) and an Elphinstone PhD Scholarship from the University of Aberdeen.Postprin

Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Latin America—A Systematic Review

Visceral leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease characterized by fever, spleen and liver enlargement, and low blood cell counts. In the Americas VL is zoonotic, with domestic dogs as main animal reservoirs, and is caused by the intracellular parasite Leishmania infantum (syn. Leishmania chagasi). Humans acquire the infection through the bite of an infected sand fly. The disease is potentially lethal if untreated. VL is reported from Mexico to Argentina, with recent trends showing a rapid spread in Brazil. Control measures directed against the canine reservoir and insect vectors have been unsuccessful, and early detection and treatment of human cases remains as the most important strategy to reduce case fatality. Well-designed studies evaluating diagnosis, treatment, and prevention/control interventions are scarce. The available scientific evidence reasonably supports the use of rapid diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of human disease. Properly designed randomized controlled trials following good clinical practices are needed to inform drug policy. Routine control strategies against the canine reservoirs and insect vectors are based on weak and conflicting evidence, and vector control strategies and vaccine development should constitute research priorities

Experimental etch-and-rinse adhesives doped with bioactive calcium silicate-based micro-fillers to generate therapeutic resin-dentin interfaces

Objectives. This study aimed at evaluating the therapeutic bioactive effects on the bond strength of three experimental bonding agents containing modified Portland cement-based micro-fillers applied to acid-etched dentin and submitted to aging in simulated body fluid solution (SBS). Confocal laser (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also performed. Methods. A type-I ordinary Portland cement was tailored using different compounds such as sodium-calcium-aluminum-magnesium silicate hydroxide (HOPC), aluminum-magnesium-carbonate hydroxide hydrates (HCPMM) and titanium oxide (HPCTO) to create three bioactive micro-fillers. A resin blend mainly constituted by Bis-GMA, PMDM and HEMA was used as control (RES-Ctr) or mixed with each micro-filler to create three experimental bonding agents: (i) Res-HOPC, (ii) Res-HCPMM and (iii) Res-HPCTO. The bonding agents were applied onto 37% H3PO4-etched dentin and light-cured for 30s. After build-ups, they were prepared for micro-tensile bond strength (mu TBS) and tested after 24 h or 6 months of SBS storage. SEM analysis was performed after de-bonding, while CLSM was used to evaluate the ultra-morphology/nanoleakage and the mineral deposition at the resin-dentin interface. Results. High mu TBS values were achieved in all groups after 24 h. Only Res-HOPC and Res-HCPMM showed stable mu TBS after SBS storage (6 months). All the resin-dentin interfaces created using the bonding agents containing the bioactive micro-fillers tested in this study showed an evident reduction of nanoleakage and mineral deposition after SBS storage. Conclusion. Resin bonding systems containing specifically tailored Portland cement micro-fillers may promote a therapeutic mineral deposition within the hybrid layer and increase the durability of the resin-dentin bond. (C) 2013 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.297729741Centre of Excellence in Medical EngineeringWellcome Trus