Distinct high-T transitions in underdoped Ba1−x_{1-x}Kx_{x}Fe2_{2}As2_{2}

In contrast to the simultaneous structural and magnetic first order phase transition $T_{0}$ previously reported, our detailed investigation on an underdoped Ba$_{0.84}$K$_{0.16}$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ single crystal unambiguously revealed that the transitions are not concomitant. The tetragonal ($\tau$: I4/mmm) - orthorhombic ($\vartheta$: Fmmm) structural transition occurs at $T_{S}\simeq$ 110 K, followed by an adjacent antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition at $T_{N}\simeq$ 102 K. Hysteresis and coexistence of the $\tau$ and $\vartheta$ phases over a finite temperature range observed in our NMR experiments confirm the first order character of the structural transition and provide evidence that both $T_{S}$ and $T_{N}$ are strongly correlated. Our data also show that superconductivity (SC) develops in the $\vartheta$ phase below $T_{c}$ = 20 K and coexists with long range AFM. This new observation, $T_{S}\neq T_{N}$, firmly establishes another similarity between the hole-doped BaFe$_{2}$As$_{2}$ via K substitution and the electron-doped iron-arsenide superconductors.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Gradual transition from insulator to semimetal of Ca1−x_{1-x}Eux_{x}B6_{6} with increasing Eu concentration

The local environment of Eu$^{2+}$ ($4f^{7}$, $S=7/2$) in Ca$_{1-x}$Eu$_{x}$B$_{6}$ ($0.003\leqslant x\leqslant 1.00$) is investigated by means of electron spin resonance (ESR). For $x\lesssim 0.003$ the spectra show resolved \textit{fine} and \textit{hyperfine} structures due to the cubic crystal \textit{electric} field and nuclear \textit{hyperfine} field, respectively. The resonances have Lorentzian line shape, indicating an \textit{insulating} environment for the Eu$^{2+}$ ions. For $0.003\lesssim x\lesssim 0.07$, as $x$ increases, the ESR lines broaden due to local distortions caused by the Eu/Ca ions substitution. For $0.07\lesssim x\lesssim 0.30$, the lines broaden further and the spectra gradually change from Lorentzian to Dysonian resonances, suggesting a coexistence of both \textit{insulating} and \textit{metallic} environments for the Eu$^{2+}$ ions. In contrast to Ca$_{1-x}$Gd$_{x}$B$_{6}$, the \textit{fine} structure is still observable up to $x\approx 0.15$. For $x\gtrsim 0.30$ the \textit{fine} and \textit{hyperfine} structures are no longer observed, the line width increases, and the line shape is purely Dysonian anticipating the \textit{semimetallic} character of EuB$_{6}$. This broadening is attributed to a spin-flip scattering relaxation process due to the exchange interaction between conduction and Eu$^{2+}$ $4f$ electrons. High field ESR measurements for $x\gtrsim 0.15$ reveal smaller and anisotropic line widths, which are attributed to magnetic polarons and Fermi surface effects, respectively.Comment: Submitted to PR

Caracterização geoquímica e isotópica de depósitos sedimentares vulcanogénicos do Ordovícico Inferior do Sinclinal de Moncorvo, Nordeste de Portugal

Os ambientes geodinâmicos extensionais na Zona Centro Ibérica, durante o Ordovícico Inferior, favoreceram a ocorrência de episódios vulcânicos. No sinclinal de Moncorvo há evidências desses episódios, preservados sob a forma de depósitos sedimentares vulcanogénicos intercalados em metassedimentos da Formação Marão. Estes depósitos são essencialmente constituídos por quartzo, mas também contêm moscovite, fosfatos da série lazulite - scorzalite, zircão, monazite, raros opacos e turmalina. Embora os depósitos se apresentem recristalizados e com foliação metamórfica penetrativa, a sua granulometria fina, espessura (< 40 cm) e mineralogia sugerem que corresponderiam a depósitos de cinzas distais, com afinidade riodacítica, envolvendo a mistura com materiais detríticos. A datação U-Pb, obtida por ID-TIMS em zircão, indica uma idade preliminar de formação de 484.5 ± 3.0 Ma. Os elevados teores em alguns elementos incompatíveis, a razão CaO/Na2O de 0.33 a 1.77, perfis de REE com (La/Lu)N = 3.37 a 7.96 e discreta anomalia negativa de Eu, valores de (87Sr/86Sr)i t variáveis entre 0.71156 e 0.71304 e -10.8 e -10.0, respectivamente, indicam que os materiais vulcânicos teriam resultado da fusão parcial de metassedimentos semelhantes aos do Grupo do Douro e equivalentes do n orte da Zona Centro Ibérica. Porém, o envolvimento de processos sedimentares terá tido uma influência significativa na geoquímica elementar e isotópica destas rochas.The extensional geodynamic conditions in the Central Iberian Zone, during Lower Ordovician, were favorable to the occurrence of volcanic episodes. At the syncline of Moncorvo there are evidences of those episodes, which occur in the form of volcanogenic sedimentary deposits interbedded in the metasediments of Marão Formation. These deposits are mainly composed of quartz, but also contain muscovite, phosphates of the lazulite-scorzalite series, zircon, monazite, rare opaques and tourmaline. Despite the recrystallization and metamorphic foliation overprint, the fine -grained texture, the thickness (< 40 cm) and mineralogy of the deposits suggest that they correspond to distal ash -fall layers, with rhyodacitic to dacitic affinity, involving mixing with detrital materials. The U-Pb zircon dating, obtained by ID-TIMS, indicates a preliminary formation age of 484.5 ± 3.0 Ma. The high contents of some incompatible elements, the CaO/Na2O ratio between 0.33 and 1.77, the REE pattern with (La / Lu)N = 3.37 to 7.96 and slight negative Eu anomaly,(87Sr/86Sr)i and Ndt values variable between 0.71156 and 0.71304 and -10.8 and -10.0, respectively, indicate that the volcanogenic materials were derived from partial melting of metasediments similar to those of Douro Group and equivalents from northern Central Iberian Zone. However, the involvement of sedimentary processes may have had significant influence on elemental and isotopic geochemistry of these rocks

Health and social conditions of children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods in the city of Rome, Italy

OBJECTIVE: The number of children living in socio-economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in developed countries is constantly growing, resulting in important implications for children's development, physical and psychological health and increased future disparities. In this study, we explored several key elements of children living in poor neighborhoods, such as demographic characteristics, access to public health assistance and school, and availability of housing and basic hygienic conditions.PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 711 children aged 0-17 years referring to primary care services in the suburbs of the city of Rome, Italy.RESULTS: Most children were born in Italy, while almost none of their parents were. Nearly 60% of the children did not have access to basic pediatric care, causing possible misdiagnosis and delayed treatment for acute and chronic conditions. A smaller percentage of the children did not have access to basic housing (8%) and hygienic facilities, such as heating, running water, and refrigerator (3.2%), leading to malnutrition, isolation and poor physical and psychological development.CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms a critical condition for children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, whose vulnerability is further worsened by the limited access to paediatric health assistance and, in some cases, to basic facilities with a severe impact on their physical and psychological development

Psychopharmacological Treatments for Mental Disorders in Patients with Neuromuscular Diseases: A Scoping Review

Mental disorders are observed in neuromuscular diseases, especially now that patients are living longer. Psychiatric symptoms may be severe and psychopharmacological treatments may be required. However, very little is known about pharmacotherapy in these conditions. We aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the use of psychopharmacological treatments for mental disorders in patients living with a neuromuscular disease. A scoping review was performed using the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Four databases were searched from January 2000 to July 2021. Articles were screened based on titles and abstracts. Full-text papers published in peer-reviewed journals in English were selected. Twenty-six articles met eligibility criteria, all being case reports/series focusing on the psychopharmacological control of psychiatric symptoms for the following conditions: myasthenia gravis (n = 11), Duchenne (n = 5) and Becker (n = 3) muscular dystrophy, mitochondrial disorders (n = 3), glycogen storage disease (n = 1), myotonic dystrophy (n = 1), hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (n = 1), and congenital myasthenic syndrome (n = 1). None of the articles provided details on the decision-making process to choose a specific drug/regimen or on follow-up strategies to monitor safety and efficacy. Larger studies showing real-world data would be required to guide consensus-based recommendations, thus improving current standards of care and, ultimately, the quality of life of patients and their families

Bright conjugated polymer nanoparticles containing a biodegradable shell produced at high yields and with tuneable optical properties by a scalable microfluidic device

This study compares the performance of a microfluidic technique and a conventional bulk method to manufacture conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) embedded within a biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-block-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PEG5K–PLGA55K) matrix. The influence of PEG5K–PLGA55K and conjugated polymers cyano-substituted poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (CN-PPV) and poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) on the physicochemical properties of the CPNs was also evaluated. Both techniques enabled CPN production with high end product yields (?70–95%). However, while the bulk technique (solvent displacement) under optimal conditions generated small nanoparticles (∼70–100 nm) with similar optical properties (quantum yields ∼35%), the microfluidic approach produced larger CPNs (140–260 nm) with significantly superior quantum yields (49–55%) and tailored emission spectra. CPNs containing CN-PPV showed smaller size distributions and tuneable emission spectra compared to F8BT systems prepared under the same conditions. The presence of PEG5K–PLGA55K did not affect the size or optical properties of the CPNs and provided a neutral net electric charge as is often required for biomedical applications. The microfluidics flow-based device was successfully used for the continuous preparation of CPNs over a 24 hour period. On the basis of the results presented here, it can be concluded that the microfluidic device used in this study can be used to optimize the production of bright CPNs with tailored properties with good reproducibility

Interbedded quartz-muscovite layers in the ferriferous quartzites of the Lower Ordovician deposits of Moncorvo synclinorium (NE Portugal): an example of volcanogenic metasedimentary deposits?

Nos quartzitos ferríferos do Membro Malhada da Formação Marão aflorantes no sinclinório de Moncorvo (Ordovícico Inferior), encontram-se intercalados níveis de depósitos metassedimentares, de granulometria fina e espessura máxima de 40 cm, que são constituídos essencialmente por quartzo e moscovite, contendo também fosfatos da série lazulite-scorzalite, zircão, turmalina, hematite, localmente com núcleos de magnetite, esfena e, mais raramente, monazite, xenótimo, rútilo, hidróxidos de Fe e Ti e clorite. A geoquímica de elementos tendencialmente imóveis (Ti, Zr, La e Sc) sugere que a sua deposição terá ocorrido próximo de uma margem continental ativa, sendo posteriormente afetados por processos metamórficos de baixo grau e metassomáticos/hidrotermais, relacionados com a Orogenia Varisca, que terão influenciado a sua mineralogia e geoquímica elementar e isotópica. Contudo, o contraste mineralógico, textural e granulométrico existente entre estes depósitos metassedimentares e os quartzitos ferríferos, bem como a ocorrência de episódios vulcânicos/vulcano-sedimentares na Zona Centro-Ibérica, durante o Ordovícico Inferior, sugere que estes depósitos teriam incorporado materiais detríticos resultantes da erosão de rochas vulcânicas/hipabissais com idade anterior à Idade Floiano superior-Dapingiano (471-467 Ma). Com efeito, os elevados teores em alguns elementos incompatíveis, a razão CaO/Na2O de 0,33 a 1,77, perfis de REE com (La/Lu)N = 3,37 a 7,96 e discreta anomalia negativa de Eu, valores de (87Sr/86Sr)i e εNdt variáveis entre 0,71156 e 0,71304 e -10,8 e -10,0, respetivamente, indicam que os materiais vulcânicos primordiais poderiam ter afinidade riodacítica, resultando da fusão parcial de metassedimentos semelhantes aos do Grupo do Douro e equivalentes do norte da Zona Centro Ibérica. A datação U-Pb, obtida por ID-TIMS em zircão, indica uma idade de 484,5 ± 3,0 Ma para a formação desses materiais vulcânicos primordiais.In the Moncorvo synclinorium, ferriferous quartzites of the Malhada Member of the Marão Formation (Lower Ordovician) comprise interbedded layers of fine grained metasedimentary deposits, with a maximum thickness of 40 cm, and mainly composed of quartz and muscovite, but also containing phosphates of the lazulite-scorzalite series, zircon, tourmaline, hematite, locally with magnetite cores, titanite, and, more rarely, monazite, xenotime, rutile, Fe and Ti hydroxides and chlorite. The geochemistry of immobile elements (Ti, Zr, La and Sc) suggests that the metasedimentary rocks have been deposited near an active continental margin, but the subsequent low grade metamorphism and metasomatic/hydrothermal processes, related to the Variscan Orogeny, had a significant influence on their mineralogy and elemental and isotopic geochemistry. The mineralogical, textural and granulometric contrast between these metasedimentary deposits and the ferriferous quartzite, as well as the occurrence of Lower Ordovician volcanic/volcano-sedimentary episodes in the Central Iberian Zone, suggest that these deposits could have incorporated detritus derived from volcanic/hypabyssal rocks, older than the upper Floian-Dapingian age (471-467 Ma). However, the high contents of some incompatible elements, the CaO/Na2O ratio between 0.33 and 1.77, the REE pattern with (La / Lu)N = 3.37 to 7.96 and a slight negative Eu anomaly, (87Sr/86Sr)i varying from 0.71156 to 0.71304 and εNdt values of -10.8 to -10.0 indicate that the primary volcanogenic materials could have had a rhyodacitic to dacitic affinity, deriving from partial melting of metasediments similar to those of the Douro Group and equivalents from the northern Central Iberian Zone. Dating of zircon by U-Pb ID-TIMS indicates a formation age of 484.5 ± 3.0 Ma for the original volcanogenic materials