Pines' demon observed as a 3D acoustic plasmon in Sr2RuO4.

The characteristic excitation of a metal is its plasmon, which is a quantized collective oscillation of its electron density. In 1956, David Pines predicted that a distinct type of plasmon, dubbed a 'demon', could exist in three-dimensional (3D) metals containing more than one species of charge carrier1. Consisting of out-of-phase movement of electrons in different bands, demons are acoustic, electrically neutral and do not couple to light, so have never been detected in an equilibrium, 3D metal. Nevertheless, demons are believed to be critical for diverse phenomena including phase transitions in mixed-valence semimetals2, optical properties of metal nanoparticles3, soundarons in Weyl semimetals4 and high-temperature superconductivity in, for example, metal hydrides3,5-7. Here, we present evidence for a demon in Sr2RuO4 from momentum-resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Formed of electrons in the ß and γ bands, the demon is gapless with critical momentum qc = 0.08 reciprocal lattice units and room-temperature velocity v = (1.065 ± 0.12) × 105 m s-1 that undergoes a 31% renormalization upon cooling to 30 K because of coupling to the particle-hole continuum. The momentum dependence of the intensity of the demon confirms its neutral character. Our study confirms a 67-year old prediction and indicates that demons may be a pervasive feature of multiband metals.

Orbital-selective time-domain signature of nematicity dynamics in the charge-density-wave phase of La1.65Eu0.2Sr0.15CuO4.

Understanding the interplay between charge, nematic, and structural ordering tendencies in cuprate superconductors is critical to unraveling their complex phase diagram. Using pump-probe time-resolved resonant X-ray scattering on the (0 0 1) Bragg peak at the Cu [Formula: see text] and O [Formula: see text] resonances, we investigate nonequilibrium dynamics of [Formula: see text] nematic order and its association with both charge density wave (CDW) order and lattice dynamics in La[Formula: see text]Eu[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]CuO[Formula: see text]. The orbital selectivity of the resonant X-ray scattering cross-section allows nematicity dynamics associated with the planar O 2[Formula: see text] and Cu 3[Formula: see text] states to be distinguished from the response of anisotropic lattice distortions. A direct time-domain comparison of CDW translational-symmetry breaking and nematic rotational-symmetry breaking reveals that these broken symmetries remain closely linked in the photoexcited state, consistent with the stability of CDW topological defects in the investigated pump fluence regime.

Generic character of charge and spin density waves in superconducting cuprates.

Charge density waves (CDWs) have been observed in nearly all families of copper-oxide superconductors. But the behavior of these phases across different families has been perplexing. In La-based cuprates, the CDW wavevector is an increasing function of doping, exhibiting the so-called Yamada behavior, while in Y- and Bi-based materials the behavior is the opposite. Here, we report a combined resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSXS) and neutron scattering study of charge and spin density waves in isotopically enriched La1.8−xEu0.2SrxCuO4 over a range of doping 0.07≤x≤0.20. We find that the CDW amplitude is temperature independent and develops well above experimentally accessible temperatures. Further, the CDW wavevector shows a nonmonotonic temperature dependence, exhibiting Yamada behavior at low temperature with a sudden change occurring near the spin ordering temperature. We describe these observations using a Landau­Ginzburg theory for an incommensurate CDW in a metallic system with a finite charge compressibility and spin-CDW coupling. Extrapolating to high temperature, where the CDW amplitude is small and spin order is absent, our analysis predicts a decreasing wavevector with doping, similar to Y and Bi cuprates. Our study suggests that CDW order in all families of cuprates forms by a common mechanism.

Thiocyanation and 2-Amino-1,3-thiazole Formation in Water Using Recoverable and Reusable Glycosylated Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands.

A family of three spatially directional resorcin[4]arene cavitand glycoconjugates (RCGs) have been applied as efficient recoverable and reusable inverse phase transfer catalysts for eco- and environmentally friendly thiocyanation and 2-amino-1,3-thiazole formation reactions in water. The results show that RCGs (1 mol %) were capable of hosting and catalyzing various water-insoluble bromo/thiocyanato substrates in water without the use of any co-organic solvents. The recoverability and reusability of RCG catalytic systems, that is, RCG1 and RCG3, were also examined upon a simple extraction of the desired products using DCM or ethyl acetate, followed by subjecting the recovered aqueous solution containing the RCG catalysts to the next reaction cycles.

Multivalent Allyl-Substituted Macrocycles as Nonaggregating Building Blocks.

Based on the concept of dual-directionality, the synthesis of two novel zinc(II)-containing phthalocyanine (Pc-ene1) and azaphthalocyanine (AzaPc-ene1) macrocycles bearing dual directional (up/down) allyl moieties on their rims is reported. Their structural identification, that is, NMR, FT-IR, UV-vis, MALDI-TOF spectral data, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and CHN elemental analyses, along with their nonaggregating behaviors in solvated media and crystalline forms has been confirmed.

A New Class of Smart Gadolinium Contrast Agent for Tissue pH Probing Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

: Detecting tissue pH in vivo is extremely vital for medical diagnosis and formulation of treatment decisions. To this end, many investigations have been carried out to develop an accurate and efficient method of in vivo pH measurement. Most of the techniques developed so far suffer from inadequate accuracy, due to poor sensitivity at low concentration of the target or nonspecific interactions within the tissue matrix. To overcome these issues, we describe herein the development of a simple, yet reliable, way to estimate pH with high precision using a Gd(III)-DOTA-silyl-based acid-labile group as a pH-sensitive contrast agent with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). With this method, a change in T1 weighted image intensity of the newly developed pH-sensitive contrast is directly linked to the proton concentration in the media. As a result, we were able estimate the pH of the target with 95% reliability.

Epigenetics and Bone Remodeling.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bone remodeling is a diverse field of study with many direct clinical applications; past studies have implicated epigenetic alterations as key factors of both normal bone tissue development and function and diseases of pathologic bone remodeling. The purpose of this article is to review the most important recent advances that link epigenetic changes to the bone remodeling field. RECENT FINDINGS: Epigenetics describes three major phenomena: DNA modification via methylation, histone side chain modifications, and short non-coding RNA sequences which work in concert to regulate gene transcription in a heritable fashion. Recent findings include the role of DNA methylation changes of Wnt, RANK/RANKL, and other key signaling pathways, epigenetic regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation, and others. Although much work has been done, much is still unknown. Future epigenome-wide studies should focus on extending the tissue coverage, integrating multiple epigenetic analyses with transcriptome data, and working to uncover epigenetic changes linked with early events in aberrant bone remodeling.

Spatially Directional Resorcin[4]arene Cavitand Glycoconjugates for Organic Catalysis.

The synthesis of novel spatially directional multivalent resorcin[4]arene cavitand glycoconjugates (RCGs) and their ability to catalyze organic reactions is reported. The ß-d-glucopyranoside moieties on the upper rim of the "bowl"-shaped resorcin[4]arene cavitand core are capable of multiple hydrogen-bond interactions resulting in a pseudo-cavity, which has been investigated for organic transformations in aqueous media. The RCGs have been demonstrated to catalyze thiazole formation, thiocyanation, copper(I)-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), and Mannich reactions; they impart stereoselectivity in the three-component Mannich reaction. Thermodynamic values obtained from (1) H diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) experiments suggest that the upper saccharide cavity of the RCG and not the resorcin[4]arene cavity is the site of the complexation event.

IFT140 Mutation and End-Stage Renal Disease in Mainzer-Saldino Syndrome: A Case Report.

Mainzer-Saldino syndrome (MSS) or conorenal syndrome (CRS) is a rare autosomal recessive ciliopathy characterized by multiorgan affection, typically presents with a triad of nephronophthisis (NPHP), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and cone-shaped epiphysis (CSE) with varying degrees of severity. A 20-month-old male is experiencing recurrent pneumonia attacks, an elevated serum creatinine level, proteinuria, and high anion gap partially compensated metabolic acidosis were incidentally discovered during one of his hospitalizations. A biopsy was performed, and the results supported the diagnosis of Alport syndrome. However, a subsequent genetic test suggests the presence of MSS. Aside from NPHP, RP and CSE tested positive. Based on the fact that MSS is not a common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in pediatrics, physicians should bear in mind genetic testing as a decisive tool. In this context, we highlighted a case of an accidentally discovered impaired renal function from first presentation to final diagnosis, with a valuable comparison with previously published similar cases.

Signaling pathways driving ocular malignancies and their targeting by bioactive phytochemicals.

Ocular cancers represent a rare pathology. The American Cancer Society estimates that 3,360 cases of ocular cancer occur annually in the United States. The major types of cancers of the eye include ocular melanoma (also known as uveal melanoma), ocular lymphoma, retinoblastoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. While uveal melanoma is one of the primary intraocular cancers with the highest occurrence in adults, retinoblastoma remains the most common primary intraocular cancer in children, and squamous cell carcinoma presents as the most common conjunctival cancer. The pathophysiology of these diseases involves specific cell signaling pathways. Oncogene mutations, tumor suppressor mutations, chromosome deletions/translocations and altered proteins are all described as causal events in developing ocular cancer. Without proper identification and treatment of these cancers, vision loss, cancer spread, and even death can occur. The current treatments for these cancers involve enucleation, radiation, excision, laser treatment, cryotherapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. These treatments present a significant burden to the patient that includes a possible loss of vision and a myriad of side effects. Therefore, alternatives to traditional therapy are urgently needed. Intercepting the signaling pathways for these cancers with the use of naturally occurring phytochemicals could be a way to relieve both cancer burden and perhaps even prevent cancer occurrence. This research aims to present a comprehensive review of the signaling pathways involved in various ocular cancers, discuss current therapeutic options, and examine the potential of bioactive phytocompounds in the prevention and targeted treatment of ocular neoplasms. The current limitations, challenges, pitfalls, and future research directions are also discussed.

Case Report: Stretching the limits-late valvuloplasty for THV dysfunction following redo mitral valve-in-valve implantation.

Late balloon valvuloplasty can be used to treat under-expansion-related transcatheter heart valve (THV) dysfunction. Whether this can be performed following redo-THV implantation is unknown. Herein, we report a case of a 72-year-old male presenting with symptomatic gradient elevation following redo mitral valve-in-valve implantation. The patient was successfully treated with late balloon valvuloplasty with gradient improvement. In conclusion, late valvuloplasty is effective even with several layers of valves. However, larger studies are required to clarify the role of this approach further.

An analysis of 101 primary cosmetic rhinoplasties.

PURPOSE: Primary cosmetic rhinoplasty is one of the most complex of cosmetic surgical procedures in the maxillofacial area that requires precise consideration to both form and function. The complex and variable anatomy, highly visible position of the nose, and distinct patient desires contribute to the complexity of this procedure. This study reports the combined results of 101 consecutive primary cosmetic rhinoplasties at 2 centers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was completed on all patients who had primary cosmetic rhinoplasty with or without septoplasty and who were operated on by the senior authors (S.C.B. and H.M.) from June 2006 through December 2008. A standard physical examination, including photo documentation, was completed on each patient preoperatively. All patients were followed periodically after surgery for at least 12 months. Outcome was measured by both subjective and objective measures of cosmetic and functional (breathing) outcome. The following data were collected and analyzed: age of patient, gender, chief cosmetic and functional complaint, details of surgical procedure (including septoplasty, grafts, and donor sites), complications, and report of subjective outcome at final evaluation. RESULTS: One hundred one patients (n = 101, average age 24.4 ± 6.8 years old) were enrolled in the study. Most patients presented for consultation regarding cosmetic rhinoplasty (80%) versus septorhinoplasty (20%). Although most of the patients (63%) were treated with septorhinoplasty, the open rhinoplasty (transcollumellar) incision was used in 61% of patients versus the closed rhinoplasty (39%) technique. The most commonly performed combination of techniques used was the combination of nasal tip modification, with dorsal reduction and nasal osetotomies (54%), followed by tip modification with dorsal reduction (19%), and dorsal reduction with osteotomies (18%) and no tip modification. In the 50 patients who required a graft, in 80% the donor site was the nasal septum. Spreader grafts were used in 14% of patients, and a combination of shield/tip graft was used in 52%. The following complications were observed: unhappy patient 16%, dehiscence at incision 5%, asymmetry requiring revision 6%, and infection 1%. In the 63 patients that had septoplasty, 6 (9.5%) reported that their breathing was not improved. In this series 11 patients (11%) received a revision rhinoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Primary cosmetic rhinoplasty is 1 of the more complex facial cosmetic procedures. The vast majority of complications can be avoided with careful and extensive treatment planning. In this series we found a complication and revision rate similar to that reported in the literature.

Microsurgical repair of the inferior alveolar nerve: success rate and factors that adversely affect outcome.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to determine the likelihood of regaining functional sensory recovery (FSR) after microsurgical repair of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), and which variables significantly affected the outcome of that surgery in a large series of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study that evaluated all patients who had undergone microsurgical repair of the IAN by 1 of the senior surgeons (R.A.M.) from March 1986 through December 2005. The requirements for inclusion of a patient in the study included the availability of a complete chart record and a final follow-up visit at least 12 months after surgery. All other patients were excluded. The predictor variables were categorized as demographic, etiologic, and operative. The final outcome variable was the level of recovery of sensory function as determined by standardized neurosensory testing at the last postoperative visit of each patient and based on guidelines established by the Medical Research Council Scale. Risk factors for surgical failure to achieve useful sensory function were determined from analysis of descriptive statistics, including patient age, patient gender, etiology of nerve injury, chief sensory complaint (numbness, pain, or both), time from injury to surgical intervention (in months), intraoperative findings, and surgical procedure. Logistic regression methods and associated odds ratios were used to quantify the association between the risk factors and improvement. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was used to find the threshold of those variables that significantly affected patient outcome. RESULTS: In total, 167 patients (41 male and 126 female patients; mean age, 38.7 years [range, 15-75 years]) underwent 186 IAN repairs (19 patients sustained bilateral IAN injuries). The mean time from injury until surgery was 10.7 months (range, 0-72 months). Successful recovery from neurosensory dysfunction (FSR, defined by the Medical Research Council Scale as ranging from useful sensory function to complete sensory recovery) was observed in 152 repaired IANs (81.7%). With increasing duration from date of injury to IAN repair, the likelihood of FSR decreased (odds ratio, 0.898; P < .001). The odds of achieving FSR exhibited a linear decline between the date of nerve injury and its repair, with a significant drop in rate of successful outcome (FSR) occurring beginning at 12 months after injury. There was also a significant negative relationship between increasing patient age and improvement (odds ratio, 0.97; P = .015), with a threshold drop of achieving FSR at 51 years of age. The cause of the injury, the operative findings, and the type of operation performed to repair the nerve had no significant effect on the likelihood of the patient regaining FSR. The presence of pain after nerve injury did not affect the likelihood of achieving FSR after repair in a statistically significant manner (P = .08). In those patients who did not have pain as a major complaint before nerve repair, pain did not develop after microneurosurgery. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical repair of an IAN injury resulted in successful restoration of an acceptable level of neurosensory function (FSR) in most patients (152 of 186 repairs [81.7%]) in this study. The likelihood of regaining FSR was inversely related to both time between the injury and its repair and increasing patient age, with significant threshold drops at 12 months after nerve injury and at 51 years of age, respectively.

A chromia-based sorbent for the enrichment of phosphotyrosine.

Developing of new core@shell particles (CSPs) bearing metal oxides on their outer surfaces is of a great interest. Such hybrid systems have many benefits, i.e., low cost, operation simplicity, chemical stability and tunability along with simple recoverability and reusability that make them suitable as dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) sorbents for selecting/extracting different types of molecular structures. Accordingly, herein, novel chromia-based CSPs were successfully prepared and utilized as efficient DSPE for selective enrichment toward phosphotyrosine (pTyr). A modified version of Stöber method was used to prepare highly dispersed core particles that were further coated with the chromium oxide. The outer shell surface morphology and thickness of SiO2@Cr2O3-CSP system were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whereas the surface functionalities were determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), FT-IR spectroscopy and zeta potential. The prepared chromia sorbent showed a significant improvement in extracting a probe-analyte (pTyr) compared to the results obtained by titania-based counterparts. As well to this, a noticeable stability of the SiO2@Cr2O3-CSP sorbent was remarkably achieved which upon simple solvent-wash cycles, the studied sorbent can be regenerated/reused. Noticeably low-levels of LOD and LOQ (3.0 and 15 pg mL-1) were attained with good linearity (R2 of 0.9995), batch-to-batch reproducibility (RSD% ≤ 10) and run-to-run repeatability (RSD% ≤ 5.5).

Synthesis of Iron(II) Clathrochelate-Based Poly(vinylene sulfide) with Tetraphenylbenzene Bridging Units and Their Selective Oxidation into Their Corresponding Poly(vinylene sulfone) Copolymers: Promising Materials for Iodine Capture.

The development of a simple and efficient synthetic methodology to engineer functional polymer materials for gas adsorption is necessary due to its relevance for various applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of metalorganic poly(vinylene sulfide) copolymers CTP1-3 with iron(II) clathrochelate of various side groups connected by tetraphenylbenzene units. CTP1-3 were subsequently oxidized into their respective poly(vinylene sulfone) copolymers CTP4-6 under green reaction conditions. The target copolymers CTP1-6 were characterized using various instrumental analysis techniques. Examination of the iodine adsorption properties of the copolymers revealed high iodine uptake properties, reaching 2360 mg g-1 for CTP2, and whose reusability tests proved its efficient regeneration, thus proving the importance of iron(II) clathrochelate polymers in iodine capture.

Aramid-wrapped CNT hybrid sol-gel sorbent for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

This work describes the preparation of an analytical microextraction sorbent using a simple and versatile sol-gel hybrid composite, i.e., aramid oligomers wrapping multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) covalently bonded to a porous silica network. To overcome the inherent shortcomings of the CNTs' solubility and dispersion in both organic phases and in the sol-gel solution, the outer surface of the CNTs was initially functionalized with carboxylic acid groups and then reacted with both aramid oligomers and 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES). The obtained sorbent was characterized by FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Using sol-gel chemistry, the functionalized CNTs were coated onto SPME fibers and used in conjunction with GC-MS for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and soil samples. Excellent repeatability (run-to-run RSD% ∼ 8) and reproducibility (fiber-to-fiber RSD% ∼ 6) were achieved in addition to low LODs (0.10-0.30 ng mL-1) and noticeable recovery%. The present method of sorbent preparation led to enhanced thermal and chemical stabilities, a long sorbent lifetime and good affinity towards PAHs. Moreover, the present sorbent enhanced the extraction capability by more than 30% compared to that of commercially available PDMS counterparts.

A highly sensitive "ON-OFF-ON" dual optical sensor for the detection of Cu(II) ion and triazole pesticides based on novel BODIPY-substituted cavitand.

The synthesis with full structural characterization including elemental analysis and 1H, 13C, 11B and 19F NMR, FT-IR and MALDI-TOF spectral data, along with the florescence sensing behavior of a new resorcin[4]arene cavitand 3 bearing multiple BODIPY sites achieved by the Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) is being reported. The spatial orientation of multiple BODIPY-1,2,3-triazole arms based on the macrocyclic rigid core is of great interest since the resulting structure has been utilized as a fluorescent chemosensor for numerous metal cations. In particular, a remarkable decrease in the fluorescence emission towards Cu(ii) ions, i.e., "turn-off" response, has been obtained giving rise to an optical sensor for the detection of triazole fungicides, namely tebuconazole, triadimenol, triadimefon, i.e. "turn-on" response. Such a molecular system, hence, can be feasibly applied as a dual optical sensor, i.e. "a turn-on-off-on" system, for dangerous contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides.

Stem cell growth and proliferation on RGD bio-conjugated cotton fibers.

BACKGROUND: Merging stem cells with biomimetic materials represent an attractive approach to tissue engineering. The development of an alternative scaffold with the ability to mimic the extracellular matrix, and the 3D gradient preventing any alteration in cell metabolism or in their gene expression patterns, would have many medical applications. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we introduced the use of RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) bio-conjugated cotton to promote the growth and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). METHODS: We measured the expression of stem cell markers and adhesion markers with Q-PCR and analyzed the transcriptomic. The results obtained showed that the MSCs, when cultured with bio-conjugated cotton fibers, form aggregates around the fibers while proliferating. The seeded MSCs with cotton fibers proliferated in a similar fashion to the cells seeded on the monolayer (population doubling level 1.88 and 2.19 respectively). RESULTS: The whole genome sequencing of cells adhering to these cotton fibers and cells adhering to the cell culture dish showed differently expressed genes and pathways in both populations. However, the expression of the stem cell markers (Oct4, cKit, CD105) and cell adhesion markers (CD29, HSPG2 and CD138), when examined with quantitative RT-PCR, was maintained in both cell populations. CONCLUSION: These results clearly show the ability of the cotton fibers to promote MSCs growth and proliferation in a 3D structure mimicking the in vivo environment without losing their stem cell phenotype.

New Horizons in Imaging and Diagnosis in Rhinoplasty.

Three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging has found its place in aesthetic surgery globally. The first attempt to use 3D surface imaging technique in clinic was in 1944 by Thalmaan, who used stereo photogrammetry to examine an adult with facial asymmetry and a baby with Pierre Robin syndrome. Three-dimensional photography is becoming more common allowing for a more dynamic facial evaluation, although it is associated with increased cost.

Osteochondrosis of Humeral Capitellum, Diagnosis and Treatment - A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Osteochondrosis of humeral capitellum (Panner's disease) is a rare condition. Very few cases are reported in the literature and may be overlooked or misdiagnosed. Most cases are unilateral in distribution and occur in young boys during the first decade of life. It is often difficult to distinguish osteochondrosis from osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum that occurs in older children and adolescents in the second decade of life. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of a 6-year-old boy who presented with pain, subtle swelling and limited extension in his right elbow following a fall. Diagnosis of Panner's disease was made 2 weeks later on follow-up based on classical features on plain radiograph of joint effusion, irregular delineation of the articular contour, and faint sclerosis of the capitellum with a radiolucent line in the subchondral bone. The patient had uneventful full functional recovery with conservative treatment: Rest, temporary immobilization, and subsequent remobilization. CONCLUSION: Osteochondrosis of humeral capitellum though rare is a known condition. It may be overlooked or misdiagnosed. High degree of awareness is required and diagnosis can be made with utmost care based on the age of presentation, clinical signs and clearly recognizable plain radiographic features of joint effusion, irregular articular outline with radiolucent line in subchondral bone and faint sclerosis of capitellum.