Low temperature structural phase transition and incommensurate lattice modulation in the spin gap compound BaCuSi2O6

Results of high resolution x-ray diffraction experiments are presented for single crystals of the spin gap compound BaCuSi$_2$O$_6$ in the temperature range from 16 to 300 K. The data show clear evidence of a transition from the room temperature tetragonal phase into an incommensurately modulated orthorhombic structure below $\sim$100 K. This lattice modulation is characterized by a resolution limited wave vector {\bf q}$_{IC}$=(0,$\sim$0.13,0) and its 2$^{nd}$ and 3$^{rd}$ harmonics. The phase transition is first order and exhibits considerable hysteresis. This observation implies that the spin Hamiltonian representing the system is more complex than originally thought.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Immunohistological studies on neoplasms of female and male Onchocerca volvulus: filarial origin and absence of Wolbachia from tumor cells

Up to 5% of untreated female Onchocerca volvulus filariae develop potentially fatal pleomorphic neoplasms, whose incidence is increased following ivermectin treatment. We studied the occurrence of 8 filarial proteins and of Wolbachia endobacteria in the tumor cells. Onchocercomas from patients, untreated and treated with antibiotics and anthelminthics, were examined by immunohistology. Neoplasms were diagnosed in 112 of 3587 female and in 2 of 1570 male O. volvulus. The following proteins and other compounds of O. volvulus were expressed in the cells of the neoplasms: glutathione S-transferase 1, lysosomal aspartic protease, cAMP-dependent protein kinase, alpha-enolase, aspartate aminotransferase, ankyrin E1, tropomyosin, heat shock protein 60, transforming growth factor-beta, and prostaglandin E2. These findings prove the filarial origin of the neoplasms and confirm the pleomorphism of the tumor cells. Signs indicating malignancy of the neoplasms are described. Wolbachia were observed in the hypodermis, oocytes, and embryos of tumor-harbouring filariae using antibodies against Wolbachia surface protein, Wolbachia HtrA-type serine protease, and Wolbachia aspartate aminotransferase. In contrast, Wolbachia were not found in the cells of the neoplasms. Further, neoplasm-containing worms were not observed after more than 10 months after the start of sufficient treatment with doxycycline or doxycycline plus ivermectin

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Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K Interacts with Abi-1 at Postsynaptic Sites and Modulates Dendritic Spine Morphology

BACKGROUND: Abelson-interacting protein 1 (Abi-1) plays an important role for dendritic branching and synapse formation in the central nervous system. It is localized at the postsynaptic density (PSD) and rapidly translocates to the nucleus upon synaptic stimulation. At PSDs Abi-1 is in a complex with several other proteins including WASP/WAVE or cortactin thereby regulating the actin cytoskeleton via the Arp 2/3 complex. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK), a 65 kDa ssDNA/RNA-binding-protein that is involved in multiple intracellular signaling cascades, as a binding partner of Abi-1 at postsynaptic sites. The interaction with the Abi-1 SH3 domain is mediated by the hnRNPK-interaction (KI) domain. We further show that during brain development, hnRNPK expression becomes more and more restricted to granule cells of the cerebellum and hippocampal neurons where it localizes in the cell nucleus as well as in the spine/dendritic compartment. The downregulation of hnRNPK in cultured hippocampal neurons by RNAi results in an enlarged dendritic tree and a significant increase in filopodia formation. This is accompanied by a decrease in the number of mature synapses. Both effects therefore mimic the neuronal morphology after downregulation of Abi-1 mRNA in neurons. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate a novel interplay between hnRNPK and Abi-1 in the nucleus and at synaptic sites and show obvious similarities regarding both protein knockdown phenotypes. This indicates that hnRNPK and Abi-1 act synergistic in a multiprotein complex that regulates the crucial balance between filopodia formation and synaptic maturation in neurons

A self-assembled monolayer-assisted surface microfabrication and release technique

This paper describes a method of thin film and MEMS processing which uses self-assembled monolayers as ultra-thin organic surface coating to enable a simple removal of microfabricated devices off the surface without wet chemical etching. A 1.5-nm thick self-assembled monolayer of dodecyltrichlorosilane reduces the adhesion between the SiO2 substrate surface and a 100-nm thick evaporated aluminum film. A 100-mm thick layer of photoplastic SU-8, which is spun and structured by lithography and development on top of the monolayer/aluminum sandwich layer, can be mechanically lifted off the surface with the aluminum layer. The organic monolayer provides enough stability for the microfabrication process including photoresist spinning and thermal steps. The aluminum film has a surface roughness of less than 1 nm rms as measured by AFM. Photolithographic microstructuring of the aluminum film prior to the photoplastic process allows for transparent embedded bottom-side metal electrodes. As first application example, molded nanoprobes for scanning near-field optical microscopy, has been demonstrated using this technique

A modified surgical technique in the management of eyelid burns: a case series

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Contractures, ectropion and scarring, the most common sequelae of skin grafts after eyelid burn injuries, can result in corneal exposure, corneal ulceration and even blindness. Split-thickness or full-thickness skin grafts are commonly used for the treatment of acute eyelid burns. Plasma exudation and infection are common early complications of eyelid burns, which decrease the success rate of grafts.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present the cases of eight patients, two Chinese women and six Chinese men. The first Chinese woman was 36 years old, with 70% body surface area second or third degree flame burn injuries involving her eyelids on both sides. The other Chinese woman was 28 years old, with sulfuric acid burns on her face and third degree burn on her eyelids. The six Chinese men were aged 21, 31, 38, 42, 44, and 55 years, respectively. The 38-year-old patient was transferred from the ER with 80% body surface area second or third degree flame burn injuries and third degree burn injuries to his eyelids. The other five men were all patients with flame burn injuries, with 7% to 10% body surface area third degree burns and eyelids involved. All patients were treated with a modified surgical procedure consisting of separation and loosening of the musculus orbicularis oculi between tarsal plate and septum orbital, followed by grafting a large full-thickness skin graft in three days after burn injury. The use of our modified surgical procedure resulted in 100% successful eyelid grafting on first attempt, and all our patients were in good condition at six-month follow-up.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This new surgical technique is highly successful in treating eyelid burn injuries, especially flame burn injuries of the eyelid.</p

Temporary ectropion therapy by adhesive taping: a case study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Various surgical procedures are available to correct paralytic ectropion, which are applied in irreversible facial paresis. Problems occur when facial paresis has an unclear prognosis, since surgery of the lower eyelid is usually irreversible. We propose a simple method to correct temporary ectropion in facial palsy by applying an adhesive strip.</p> <p>Patients and methods</p> <p>Ten patients with peripheral facial paresis and paralytic ectropion were treated with an adhesive strip to correct paralytic ectropion. We used "Steri-Strips" (45 × 6.0 mm), which were taped on the carefully cleaned skin of the lower eyelid and of the adjacent zygomatic region until the prognosis of the paresis was clarified. In addition to the examiner's evaluation of the lower lacrimal point in the lacrimal lake, subjective improvement of the symptoms was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS, 1–10).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>9 patients reported a clear improvement of the symptoms after adhesive taping. There was a clear regression of tearing (VAS (median) = 8; 1 = no improvement, 10 = very good improvement), the cosmetic impairment of the adhesive tape was low (VAS (median) = 2.5; 1 = no impairment, 10 = severe impairment) and most of the patients found the use of the adhesive strip helpful. There was slight reddening of the skin in one case and well tolerated by the facial skin in the other cases.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The cause and location of facial nerve damage are decisive for the type of surgical therapy. In potentially reversible facial paresis, procedures should be used that are easily performed and above all reversible without complications. Until a reliable prognosis of the paresis can be made, adhesive taping is suited for the temporary treatment of paralytic ectropion. Adhesive taping is simple and can be performed by the patient.</p

Surface Modification With Self-Assembled Monolayers for Nanoscale Replication of Photoplastic MEMS

A release technique that enables to lift microfabricated structures mechanically off the surface without using wet chemistry is presented. A self-assembled monolayer of dodecyltrichlorosilane forms a very uniform 1.5-nm-thick anti-adhesion coating on the silicon dioxide surface, on full wafer scale. The structural layers are formed directly onto the organic layer. They consist here of a 100-nm-thick aluminum film and a high-aspect ratio photoplastic SU-8 structure. After the microfabrication the structure can be lifted off the surface together with the aluminum layer. This generic technique was used to make a variety of novel structures. First, aluminum electrodes that are embedded in plastic are made using lithography, etching and surface transfer techniques. Second, using a patterned monolayer as defined by microcontact printing, resulted in a spatial variation of the surface adhesion forces. This was used to directly transfer the stamped pattern into a metal structure without using additional transfer etching steps. Third, the monolayer’s ability to cover surface features down to nanometer scale was exploited to replicate sharp surface molds into metal coated photoplastic tips with 30-nm radii for use in scanning probe instruments such as near-field optical techniques. The advantage compared to standard sacrificial layer techniques is the ability of replication at the nanoscale and the absence of etchants or solvents in the final process steps

An SK3 Channel/nWASP/Abi-1 Complex Is Involved in Early Neurogenesis

BACKGROUND: The stabilization or regulated reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is essential for cellular structure and function. Recently, we could show that the activation of the SK3-channel that represents the predominant SK-channel in neural stem cells, leads to a rapid local outgrowth of long filopodial processes. This observation indicates that the rearrangement of the actin based cytoskeleton via membrane bound SK3-channels might selectively be controlled in defined micro compartments of the cell. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We found two important proteins for cytoskeletal rearrangement, the Abelson interacting protein 1, Abi-1 and the neural Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome Protein, nWASP, to be in complex with SK3- channels in neural stem cells (NSCs). Moreover, this interaction is also found in spines and postsynaptic compartments of developing primary hippocampal neurons and regulates neurite outgrowth during early phases of differentiation. Overexpression of the proteins or pharmacological activation of SK3 channels induces obvious structural changes in NSCs and hippocampal neurons. In both neuronal cell systems SK3 channels and nWASP act synergistic by strongly inducing filopodial outgrowth while Abi-1 behaves antagonistic to its interaction partners. CONCLUSIONS: Our results give good evidence for a functional interplay of a trimeric complex that transforms incoming signals via SK3-channel activation into the local rearrangement of the cytoskeleton in early steps of neuronal differentiation involving nWASP and Abi-1 actin binding proteins

International consensus statement on the diagnosis and management of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in children and young people

These recommendations were systematically developed on behalf of the Network for Early Onset Cystic Kidney Disease (NEOCYST) by an international group of experts in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) from paediatric and adult nephrology, human genetics, paediatric radiology and ethics specialties together with patient representatives. They have been endorsed by the International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA) and the European Society of Paediatric Nephrology (ESPN). For asymptomatic minors at risk of ADPKD, ongoing surveillance (repeated screening for treatable disease manifestations without diagnostic testing) or immediate diagnostic screening are equally valid clinical approaches. Ultrasonography is the current radiological method of choice for screening. Sonographic detection of one or more cysts in an at-risk child is highly suggestive of ADPKD, but a negative scan cannot rule out ADPKD in childhood. Genetic testing is recommended for infants with very-early-onset symptomatic disease and for children with a negative family history and progressive disease. Children with a positive family history and either confirmed or unknown disease status should be monitored for hypertension (preferably by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring) and albuminuria. Currently, vasopressin antagonists should not be offered routinely but off-label use can be considered in selected children. No consensus was reached on the use of statins, but mTOR inhibitors and somatostatin analogues are not recommended. Children with ADPKD should be strongly encouraged to achieve the low dietary salt intake that is recommended for all children