Structure and dynamics of the interface between a binary hard-sphere crystal of NaCl type and its coexisting binary fluid

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the [100] and [111] orientations of the crystal-melt interface between an ordered two-component hard sphere with a NaCl structure and its coexisting binary hard-sphere fluid. The diameter ratio of the two types of hard spheres making up the mixture is taken to be 0.414. This work complements our earlier interface simulations [J. Chem. Phys.116, 3410] for the same diameter ratio at lower pressures where the smaller component is immiscible in the solid and the fluid mixture coexists with a pure FCC crystal of large particles. Density profiles and diffusion coefficient profiles are presented for the AB interfacial system. We find that for this system, the transition from crystal-like to fluid-like behavior of both the density and diffusion constant profiles occurs over a narrower region than that seen in our previous studies [J. Chem. Phys. 116, 3410] of the FCC/binary fluid system. But similar to what was found in the FCC/binary fluid interface the transition region for the large particle diffusion constant is shifted about the size of the large particles toward the fluid phase relative to that for the small particles.Comment: 8 page

Expression of voltage-dependent potassium channels in first trimester human placentae

Potassium channel α-subunits encoded by KCNQ1-5 genes form voltage-dependent channels (Kv7), modulated by KCNE1-5 encoded accessory proteins. The aim was to determine KCNQ and KCNE mRNA expression and assess protein expression/localisation of the KCNQ3 and KCNE5 isoforms in first trimester placental tissue. Placentae were obtained from women undergoing elective surgical termination of pregnancy (TOP) at 10 weeks’ (mid TOP) gestations. KCNQ1-5 expression was unchanged during the first trimester. KCNE5 expression increased in mid TOP vs. early TOP samples (P=0.022). This novel study reports mRNA and protein expression of Kv7 channels in first trimester placentae

Fabric based frequency selective surfaces using weaving and screen printing

Two examples of fabric based frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) are presented. The FSSs are produced by using screen printing and weaving. Both measured and simulated data are presented showing excellent agreement and performance for the FSSs when compared with the simulated data. The performance of these samples points towards a useful screening technique using fabric hangings and wall coverings in a range of applications where temporary electromagnetic wave ingress or egress needs to be controlled

Novel expression and regulation of voltage-dependent potassium (KV7) channels in placentae from women with preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is associated with structural/functional alterations in placental and maternal vasculature. KV7 (voltage-dependant potassium channels encoded by KCNQ1-5 genes) have been detected in several types of blood vessels where they promote vascular relaxation. KV7 channel function can be modulated by KCNE1-5 encoded accessory proteins. The aim of this study was to determine whether KCNQ and KCNE genes are differentially expressed in placentae from women with preeclampsia compared to normotensive controls and to examine any differences in those who delivered preterm (<37 weeks’) or term. Placental biopsies (from midway between the cord and periphery) were obtained, with consent, from White European control (n=24, term) and preeclamptic (n=22; of whom 8 delivered before 37 weeks’) women. KCNQ/KCNE and GAPDH mRNA expression was determined by qRT-PCR. Protein expression/localisation was assessed using immunohistochemistry. KCNQ3 and KCNE5 mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated in preeclampsia (median [IQR]: 1.942 [0.905, 3.379]) versus controls (0.159 [0.088, 0.288]; p=0.001) and exhibited a strong positive correlation with each other (p<0.001) suggesting a novel heterodimer. Enhanced protein expression of KCNQ3 and KCNE5 in preeclampsia was confirmed with localisation mainly restricted to the syncytiotrophoblast. KCNQ4 and KCNE1 isoforms were suppressed in placenta from term preeclamptic women versus controls (p≤0.05). KCNQ1 mRNA expression was increased and KCNQ5 decreased in the preterm preeclamptic group versus controls (p<0.05). In summary, KV7 channels are expressed and markedly modulated in placenta from preeclamptic women. Differential expression of isoforms may lead to altered cell proliferation. The correlation between KCNQ3 and KCNE5 expression is indicative of a novel channel complex and warrants further investigation

COVID-19:Transatlantic Declines in Pediatric Emergency Admissions

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study looked at the impact of the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric emergency department (PED) attendances and admissions (as a proxy for severity of illness) in the United States and United Kingdom. METHODS: Data were extracted for children and adolescents, younger than 16 years, attending Royal Manchester Children's Hospital (RMCH, United Kingdom), and Yale New Haven Children's Hospital (YNHCH, United States). Attendances for weeks 1 to 20 of 2020 and 2019 were compared, and likelihood of admission was assessed via calculation of odds ratios, using week 13 (lockdown) as a cutoff. RESULTS: Attendance numbers for each PED decreased in 2020 compared with 2019 (RMCH, 29.2%; YNHCH, 24.8%). Odds of admission were significantly higher after lockdown than in 2019-RMCH (odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.46) and YNHCH (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-1.98). CONCLUSIONS: Although the absolute numbers of children and adolescents attending the PED and being admitted decreased after lockdown, the acuity of illness of those attending appears to be higher

Ketamine Restores Thalamic-Prefrontal Cortex Functional Connectivity in a Mouse Model of Neurodevelopmental Disorder-Associated 2p16.3 Deletion

2p16.3 deletions, involving heterozygous NEUREXIN1 (NRXN1) deletion, dramatically increase the risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and schizophrenia. We have little understanding of how NRXN1 heterozygosity increases the risk of developing these disorders, particularly in terms of the impact on brain and neurotransmitter system function and brain network connectivity. Thus, here we characterize cerebral metabolism and functional brain network connectivity in Nrxn1α heterozygous mice (Nrxn1α+/− mice), and assess the impact of ketamine and dextro-amphetamine on cerebral metabolism in these animals. We show that heterozygous Nrxn1α deletion alters cerebral metabolism in neural systems implicated in autism and schizophrenia including the thalamus, mesolimbic system, and select cortical regions. Nrxn1α heterozygosity also reduces the efficiency of functional brain networks, through lost thalamic “rich club” and prefrontal cortex (PFC) hub connectivity and through reduced thalamic-PFC and thalamic “rich club” regional interconnectivity. Subanesthetic ketamine administration normalizes the thalamic hypermetabolism and partially normalizes thalamic disconnectivity present in Nrxn1α+/− mice, while cerebral metabolic responses to dextro-amphetamine are unaltered. The data provide new insight into the systems-level impact of heterozygous Nrxn1α deletion and how this increases the risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. The data also suggest that the thalamic dysfunction induced by heterozygous Nrxn1α deletion may be NMDA receptor-dependent

Evaluation of a novel nutrition education intervention for medical students from across England

Objectives: Problems such as hospital malnutrition (∼40% prevalence in the UK) may be managed better by improving the nutrition education of 'tomorrow's doctors'. The Need for Nutrition Education Programme aimed to measure the effectiveness and acceptability of an educational intervention on nutrition for medical students in the clinical phase of their training. Design: An educational needs analysis was followed by a consultative process to gain consensus on a suitable educational intervention. This was followed by two identical 2-day educational interventions with before and after analyses of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP). The 2-day training incorporated six key learning outcomes. Setting: Two constituent colleges of Cambridge University used to deliver the above educational interventions. Participants: An intervention group of 100 clinical medical students from 15 medical schools across England were recruited to attend one of two identical intensive weekend workshops. Primary and secondary outcome measures: The primary outcome measure consisted of change in KAP scores following intervention using a clinical nutrition questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures included change in KAP scores 3 months after the intervention as well as a student-led semiqualitative evaluation of the educational intervention. Results: Statistically significant changes in KAP scores were seen immediately after the intervention, and this was sustained for 3 months. Mean differences and 95% CIs after intervention were Knowledge 0.86 (0.43 to 1.28); Attitude 1.68 (1.47 to 1.89); Practice 1.76 (1.11 to 2.40); KAP 4.28 (3.49 to 5.06). Ninety-seven per cent of the participants rated the overall intervention and its delivery as 'very good to excellent', reporting that they would recommend this educational intervention to colleagues. Conclusion: Need for Nutrition Education Programme has highlighted the need for curricular innovation in the area of clinical health nutrition in medical schools. This project also demonstrates the effectiveness and acceptability of such a curriculum intervention for 'tomorrow's doctors'. Doctors, dietitians and nutritionists worked well in an effective interdisciplinary partnership when teaching medical students, providing a good model for further work in a healthcare setting

Exploring explicit and implicit correlates of early anti-social fire exposure and everyday fire use in adulthood

Purpose This study aims to explore whether early anti-social fire exposure (ASFE) is associated with how adults engage with fire and how they view fire. Design/methodology/approach An opportunistic sample (N = 326) was recruited. Participants completed an online survey exploring ASFE, fire use, strength of fire-beliefs and interest in/attitudes supportive of fire. Additionally, implicit fire bias was measured using the affect misattribution procedure (AMP). Findings Participants with ASFE engaged with more criminalised fire use as adults. They also scored higher on fire interest and general fire beliefs and showed an implicit dislike of fire stimuli, compared to non-exposed participants (although differences in fire use were not statistically significant when gender was accounted for). Males also had higher levels of fire interest, held stronger fire related beliefs and were more likely to have been exposed to ASFE during childhood. However, there were no gender differences in fire use or on the implicit task. Research limitations/implications The findings have practical application, namely in relation to early intervention and rehabilitative approaches. However, a limitation is that participants’ cultural background were not accounted for. Additionally, we advise caution in interpreting the implicit results and call for further research. Social implications The need for better early interventions for young people is highlighted, along with better screening which, currently, is unstandardised and inconsistent across the country (Foster, 2020). This demands a community-engagement approach. Originality/value This is the first study to explore type of early exposure to fire. It is also the first to adopt the AMP as a measure of implicit fire-bias

Not All Cavities Are Treated Equal: Increasing Access to Preventive Dental Care in Texas

The purpose of this report is to examine oral health care for children in Texas. United Ways of Texas is concerned with the disproportionate levels of access that low-income children face. This research team was charged by United Ways to: Develop appropriate measures of access to preventive dental care for children Analyze the geographic and socioeconomic patterns of such access measures in Texas Calculate the expected benefits and costs of expanding access There are significant disparities in access to oral health care for children in Texas. These disparities are frequently based on income levels, ethnic status, and if a child lives in an urban or rural area. Because disparity continues to exist among Texans, this report offers the following recommendations to improve access to dental care. To support these recommendations, this report will: 1. Describe the importance of children's oral health. 2. Show disparities that exist among children. 3. Describe the types of preventive care that can improve children's oral health. 4. Demonstrate that preventive care can be cost-effective. 5. Identify barriers to access in Texas through literature and researchUnited Ways of Texa