Temperature Induced, Reversible Switching of Ferro-Rotational Order Coupled to Superlattice Commensuralibity.

High-quality 1T-TaS2 crystals are investigated by angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and low-energy electron diffraction. The Ferro-Rotational Order (FRO) of the charge density wave switches configuration at the transition between the commensurate and the nearly commensurate phase. This process requires samples without built-in or externally induced strain. Moreover, temperature gradients generated by a focused laser beam can be employed in order to freeze the in-plane chirality. Based on such observations, we propose a protocol to obtain durable and nonvolatile state switching of the FRO configuration in bulk 1T-TaS2 crystals.

Ultrafast dynamics of hot carriers in a quasi-two-dimensional electron gas on InSe.

Two-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) are at the base of current nanoelectronics because of their exceptional mobilities. Often the accumulation layer forms at polar interfaces with longitudinal optical (LO) modes. In most cases, the many-body screening of the quasi-2DEGs dramatically reduces the Fröhlich scattering strength. Despite the effectiveness of such a process, it has been recurrently proposed that a remote coupling with LO phonons persists even at high carrier concentration. We address this issue by perturbing electrons in an accumulation layer via an ultrafast laser pulse and monitoring their relaxation via time- and momentum-resolved spectroscopy. The cooling rate of excited carriers is monitored at doping level spanning from the semiconducting to the metallic limit. We observe that screening of LO phonons is not as efficient as it would be in a strictly 2D system. The large discrepancy is due to the remote coupling of confined states with the bulk. Our data indicate that the effect of such a remote coupling can be mimicked by a 3D Fröhlich interaction with Thomas-Fermi screening. These conclusions are very general and should apply to field effect transistors (FET) with high-κ dielectric gates, van der Waals heterostructures, and metallic interfaces between insulating oxides.

Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Coeliac Disease and Gluten-Related Disorders.

The spectrum of gluten-related disorders (GRD) has emerged as a relevant phenomenon possibly impacting on health care procedures and costs worldwide. Current classification of GRD is mainly based on their pathophysiology, and the following categories can be distinguished: immune-mediated disorders that include coeliac disease (CD), dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), and gluten ataxia (GA); allergic reactions such as wheat allergy (WA); and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), a condition characterized by both gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms subjectively believed to be induced by the ingestion of gluten/wheat that has recently gained popularity. Although CD, DH, and WA are well-defined clinical entities, whose diagnosis is based on specific diagnostic criteria, a diagnosis of NCGS may on the contrary be considered only after the exclusion of other organic disorders. Neither allergic nor autoimmune mechanisms have been found to be involved in NCGS. Mistakes in the diagnosis of GRD are still a relevant clinical problem that may result in overtreatment of patients being unnecessary started on a gluten-free diet and waste of health-care resources. On the basis of our clinical experience and literature, we aim to identify the main pitfalls in the diagnosis of CD and its complications, DH, and WA. We provide a practical methodological approach to guide clinicians on how to recognize and avoid them.

Oxidative activity of ammonium persulfate salt on mast cells and basophils: implication in hairdressers' asthma.

BACKGROUND: Persulfate salts are components of bleaching powders widely used by hairdressers during hair-bleaching procedures. Hairdressers are at high risk for occupational asthma and rhinitis, and ammonium persulfate is the main etiologic agent. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of ammonium persulfate on human albumin, mast cells, and basophils in order to evaluate a possible effect of ammonium persulfate oxidizing activity in the mechanism of ammonium persulfate-induced occupational asthma. METHODS: High-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry was performed on ammonium persulfate-incubated human albumin. The activation of LAD2 human mast cell and KU812 human basophil cell lines incubated with ammonium persulfate was evaluated. CD63 expression on persulfate-in-vitro-incubated blood basophils from nonexposed healthy controls (n = 31) and hairdressers with work-related respiratory symptoms (n = 29) was assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: No persulfate-albumin conjugate was found. An oxidative process on tryptophan and methionine was detected. Ammonium persulfate induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the degranulation of LAD2 and KU812 cells. Human basophils from healthy controls, incubated in vitro with ammonium persulfate, showed increased CD63 expression and ROS production. In hairdressers with ammonium persulfate-caused occupational asthma (positive persulfate challenge), basophil-CD63 expression was higher than in those with a negative challenge and in healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Ammonium persulfate incubated with human albumin did not generate any adduct but oxidized some amino acids. This oxidizing activity induced human mast cell and basophil activation which might be crucial in the mechanism of persulfate-induced occupational asthma and rhinitis.

Irritant vocal cord dysfunction at first misdiagnosed as reactive airway dysfunction syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: This report describes a case of vocal cord dysfunction at first misdiagnosed as reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS). METHODS: A woman developed recurrent episodes of cough, dyspnea, and wheezing unresponsive to asthma therapy after irritant exposure to glutaraldehyde. Direct laryngoscopy was performed immediately after the induction of symptoms. RESULTS: Laryngoscopy showed a paradoxical adduction of the vocal cord on inspiration. Vocal cord dysfunction was diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: A case of vocal cord dysfunction occurred after exposure to glutaraldhyde in a person with a history highly suggestive of RADS. Vocal cord dysfunction should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute respiratory symptoms after exposure to irritants and with asthma-like symptoms that fail to respond to conventional asthma therapy.