Interface polarization model for a 2-dimensional electron gas at the BaSnO3/LaInO3 interface

In order to explain the experimental sheet carrier density n2D at the interface of BaSnO3/LaInO3, we consider a model that is based on the presence of interface polarization in LaInO3 which extends over 2 pseudocubic unit cells from the interface and eventually disappears in the next 2 unit cells. Considering such interface polarization in calculations based on 1D Poisson-Schrödinger equations, we consistently explain the dependence of the sheet carrier density of BaSnO3/LaInO3 heterinterfaces on the thickness of the LaInO3 layer and the La doping of the BaSnO3 layer. Our model is supported by a quantitative analysis of atomic position obtained from high resolution transmission electron microscopy which evidences suppression of the octahedral tilt and a vertical lattice expansion in LaInO3 over 2–3 pseudocubic unit cells at the coherently strained interface

Sustained release of antimicrobials from double-layer nanofiber mats for local treatment of periodontal disease, evaluated using a new micro flow-through apparatus

Periodontal disease is a widespread chronic condition associated with degradation of periodontal tissues that requires more effective approaches for its treatment. Thus, the aim was to develop a nanodelivery system for local application of antimicrobials, with evaluation in vitro using a newly developed micro flow-through apparatus that simulates local in-vivo conditions in the periodontal pocket: small resting volume, and low gingival crevicular fluid flow rate. We successfully developed a double-layer nanofiber mat composed of a chitosan/ poly(ethylene) oxide nanofiber layer with 30% ciprofloxacin, and a poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofiber layer with 5% metronidazole. The precisely designed composition enabled sustained in-vitro release of the antimicrobials according to their specific drug release mechanisms. The rate-limiting step of ciprofloxacin release was its own low solubility at pH 7.4, when there was excess of solid drug present in the delivery system. In contrast, sustained release of metronidazole was due to slow penetration of dissolution medium through the hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofiber layer. The double-layer nanofiber mat developed showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans based on plate antibiogram assays. The antimicrobial concentrations released from the nanofiber mats determined using the developed apparatus were above the minimal inhibitory concentrations against the periodontal pathogens for up to 7 days, which is valuable information for prediction of the efficacy of the nanodelivery system. Although this apparatus was specifically designed for characterization of formulations associated with treatments for periodontal disease, its applicability is much wide, as for development of any delivery system for application at target sites that have similar local conditions

Differential cargo mobilisation within Weibel-Palade bodies after transient fusion with the plasma membrane.

Inflammatory chemokines can be selectively released from Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs) during kiss-and-run exocytosis. Such selectivity may arise from molecular size filtering by the fusion pore, however differential intra-WPB cargo re-mobilisation following fusion-induced structural changes within the WPB may also contribute to this process. To determine whether WPB cargo molecules are differentially re-mobilised, we applied FRAP to residual post-fusion WPB structures formed after transient exocytosis in which some or all of the fluorescent cargo was retained. Transient fusion resulted in WPB collapse from a rod to a spheroid shape accompanied by substantial swelling (>2 times by surface area) and membrane mixing between the WPB and plasma membranes. Post-fusion WPBs supported cumulative WPB exocytosis. To quantify diffusion inside rounded organelles we developed a method of FRAP analysis based on image moments. FRAP analysis showed that von Willebrand factor-EGFP (VWF-EGFP) and the VWF-propolypeptide-EGFP (Pro-EGFP) were immobile in post-fusion WPBs. Because Eotaxin-3-EGFP and ssEGFP (small soluble cargo proteins) were largely depleted from post-fusion WPBs, we studied these molecules in cells preincubated in the weak base NH4Cl which caused WPB alkalinisation and rounding similar to that produced by plasma membrane fusion. In these cells we found a dramatic increase in mobilities of Eotaxin-3-EGFP and ssEGFP that exceeded the resolution of our method (∼ 2.4 µm2/s mean). In contrast, the membrane mobilities of EGFP-CD63 and EGFP-Rab27A in post-fusion WPBs were unchanged, while P-selectin-EGFP acquired mobility. Our data suggest that selective re-mobilisation of chemokines during transient fusion contributes to selective chemokine secretion during transient WPB exocytosis. Selective secretion provides a mechanism to regulate intravascular inflammatory processes with reduced risk of thrombosis

Sex differences in mate preferences across 45 countries: A large-scale replication

Considerable research has examined human mate preferences across cultures, finding universal sex differences in preferences for attractiveness and resources as well as sources of systematic cultural variation. Two competing perspectives-an evolutionary psychological perspective and a biosocial role perspective-offer alternative explanations for these findings. However, the original data on which each perspective relies are decades old, and the literature is fraught with conflicting methods, analyses, results, and conclusions. Using a new 45-country sample (N = 14,399), we attempted to replicate classic studies and test both the evolutionary and biosocial role perspectives. Support for universal sex differences in preferences remains robust: Men, more than women, prefer attractive, young mates, and women, more than men, prefer older mates with financial prospects. Cross-culturally, both sexes have mates closer to their own ages as gender equality increases. Beyond age of partner, neither pathogen prevalence nor gender equality robustly predicted sex differences or preferences across countries.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Consideration of urban green space in impact assessments for health

This paper explores how health aspects connected with the planning of urban green space are currently supported through two types of impact assessments: health impact assessment (HIA) and environmental assessment, including strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of policies, plans and programmes and environmental impact assessment (EIA) of projects. Seven HIAs and five EIAs/SEAs from the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Austria and Germany are reviewed, using an analytical framework designed on the basis of a literature review. An important finding is that whilst all HIAs follow a problem-/objectives-driven approach, designing guidelines for potential future projects, all EIAs/SEAs use an impact-driven approach, focusing on the impacts of planned and concrete action. HIAs therefore approach policy, plan, programme and project-making exercises from the outside, making suggestions to those working on them to consider certain aspects in the future, rather than working with them on improving things within a decision making process, as is usually is usually the case with EIAs/SEAs

Reasons for facebook usage: data from 46 countries

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A high resolution search for the tensor glueball candidate [xi] (2230) Crystal Barrel Collaboration

We report results of a high resolution search for the tensor glueball candidate ξ(2230) in a p̄p formation experiment. π0π0 and ηη decay channels were measured in a scan of the mass region 2220 MeV to 2240 MeV. No evidence for the existence of ξ(2230) was found. 95% confidence upper limits for the possible existence of ξ are presented