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We present an exactly soluble electron trajectory that permits an analysis of the soft (deep infrared) radiation emitted, the existence of which has been experimentally observed during beta decay via lowest order inner bremsstrahlung. Our treatment also predicts the time evolution and temperature of the emission, and possibly the spectrum, by analogy with the closely related phenomenon of the dynamic Casimir effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast synaptic inhibition is dependent on targeting specific GABAAR subtypes to dendritic and axon initial segment (AIS) synapses. Synaptic GABAARs are typically assembled from α1-3, β and γ subunits. Here, we isolate distinct GABAARs from the brain and interrogate their composition using quantitative proteomics. We show that α2-containing receptors co-assemble with α1 subunits, whereas α1 receptors can form GABAARs with α1 as the sole α subunit. We demonstrate that α1 and α2 subunit-containing receptors co-purify with distinct spectrin isoforms; cytoskeletal proteins that link transmembrane proteins to the cytoskeleton. β2-spectrin was preferentially associated with α1-containing GABAARs at dendritic synapses, while β4-spectrin was associated with α2-containing GABAARs at AIS synapses. Ablating β2-spectrin expression reduced dendritic and AIS synapses containing α1 but increased the number of synapses containing α2, which altered phasic inhibition. Thus, we demonstrate a role for spectrins in the synapse-specific targeting of GABAARs, determining the efficacy of fast neuronal inhibition. The subunit composition of GABAA receptors and their interaction with beta spectrin complexes influences their localization between the neuronal axon initial segment or dendrites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across the physics disciplines, the 186Pb nucleus is the only known system, where the two first excited states, together with the ground state, form a triplet of zero-spin states assigned with prolate, oblate and spherical shapes. Here we report on a precision measurement where the properties of collective transitions in 186Pb were determined in a simultaneous in-beam γ-ray and electron spectroscopy experiment employing the recoil-decay tagging technique. The feeding of the 0 2 + state and the interband 2 2 + → 2 1 + transition have been observed. We also present direct measurement of the energies of the electric monopole transitions from the excited 0+ states to the 0+ ground state. In contrast to the earlier understanding, the obtained reduced transition probability B (E 2 ; 2 1 + → 0 2 + ) value of 190(80) W.u., the transitional quadrupole moment ∣ Q t ( 2 1 + → 0 2 + ) ∣ = 7.7 (33) eb and intensity balance arguments provide evidence to reassign the 0 2 + and 0 3 + states with predominantly prolate and oblate shape, respectively. Our work demonstrates a step-up in experimental sensitivity and paves the way for systematic studies of electric monopole transitions in this region. These electric monopole transitions probe the nuclear volume in a unique manner and provide unexploited input for development of the next-generation energy density functional models. The authors study an interesting phenomena of shape coexistence in 186Pb. In an elegant and well-documented experiment, they confirm the coexistence of the three 0+ states in the 186Pb nucleus and reassign the shapes associated with the excited 0+ states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional hot work tool steels with medium carbon content, fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), are susceptible to cracking. To reduce this risk, as in well-established welding process, usually preheating or in-situ heating needs to be applied. In order to address this issue, a modified grade, with lower carbon wt pct, is proposed to fabricate parts showing less susceptibility to cracking. The microstructure was studied in the as-built condition and after direct double tempering for 2 hours each at 625 °C and 650 °C. Tensile properties and hardness were compared with those of wrought and (L-PBF) processed AISI H13. The results confirm improved printing performance of the new steel grade and the possibility of achieving similar hardness and strength by proper tempering treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls are increasing prevalent in the elderly but little data has been reported on the effect of previous life experience on balance ability. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to determine whether participants with historically highly developed postural control (retired dancers) provided protection after activity had stopped by comparing their balance abilities with age-matched sedentary counterparts. Ten retired dancers [RD] 65 ± 7.36yrs and 10 sedentary controls[C] 66 ± 5.66yrs carried out a series of balance tests in a laboratory setting in a set order: Romberg, Functional Reach, Timed Up and Go, Berg and Tinetti. The RD group performed significantly better solely in the static balance tests (Romberg and Berg Balance) (p < 0.05). Therefore, past exercise history of the individual possibly needs to be considered when selecting a balance test battery with a need to use tests that have multiple constructs of balance. The RD group performed significantly better at static balance tests suggesting a possible skill retention from their dance careers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this international study was to investigate prescribing practices of dexmedetomidine by paediatric anaesthesiologists. Methods: We performed an online survey on the prescription rate of dexmedetomidine, route of administration and dosage, adverse drug reactions, education on the drug and overall experience. Members of specialist paediatric anaesthesia societies of Europe (ESPA), New Zealand and Australia (SPANZA), Great Britain and Ireland (APAGBI) and the USA (SPA) were consulted. Responses were collected in July and August 2019. Results: Data from 791 responders (17% of 5171 invitees) were included in the analyses. Dexmedetomidine was prescribed by 70% of the respondents (ESPA 53%; SPANZA 69%; APAGBI 34% and SPA 96%), mostly for procedural sedation (68%), premedication (46%) and/or ICU sedation (46%). Seventy-three percent had access to local or national protocols, although lack of education was the main reason cited by 26% of the respondents not to prescribe dexmedetomidine. The main difference in dexmedetomidine use concerned the age of patients (SPA primarily < 1 year, others primarily > 1 year). The dosage varied widely ranging from 0.2–5 μg kg−1 for nasal premedication, 0.2–8 μg kg−1 for nasal procedural sedation and 0–4 μg kg−1 intravenously as adjuvant for anaesthesia. Only ESPA members (61%) had noted an adverse drug reaction, namely bradycardia. Conclusion: The majority of anaesthesiologists use dexmedetomidine in paediatrics for premedication, procedural sedation, ICU sedation and anaesthesia, despite the off-label use and sparse evidence. The large intercontinental differences in prescribing dexmedetomidine call for consensus and worldwide education on the optimal use in paediatric practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oleamide and Synovene lubricant additives when mixed together show a clear co-operative effect leading to friction and wear reduction. Sum Frequency Generation vibrational spectroscopy has been used to record in situ spectra of these additives with the aim of understanding the behaviour of these molecules when adsorbed on steel immersed in a model base oil at pre-selected temperatures. The spectra of the individual components and of mixtures have been recorded up to 130 °C. Individual spectra from both molecules have been distinguished using per-deuterated oleamide. The temperature at which maximum ordered adsorption of pure Synovene molecules occurs drops from ~ 130 to ~ 70 °C in the mixture with oleamide. Our results show that co-adsorption occurs, which causes a change in net polar orientation of the oleamide component suggesting the hydrocarbon chains of the oleamide molecules reverse their polar orientation when Synovene is present. The net effect of co-adsorption and change in orientation as well as conformation of the two molecules could explain the reduction of friction and wear observed at the metal–metal interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Magnetic-controlled growing rods (MCGRs) are now routinely used in many centres to treat early-onset scoliosis (EOS). MCGR lengthening is done non-invasively by the external remote controller (ERC). Our experience suggests that there may be a discrepancy between the reported rod lengthening on the ERC and the actual rod lengthening. The aim of this study was to investigate this discrepancy.Methods: This was a prospective series. Eleven patients who were already undergoing treatment for EOS using MCGRs were included in this study.Results: One hundred and ninety-two sets of ultrasound readings were obtained (96 episodes of rod lengthening on dual-rod constructs) and compared to their ERC readings. Only 15/192 (7.8%) readings were accurate; 27 readings (14.9%) were false positive; and 8 readings (4.2%) were an underestimation while 142 readings (74.0%) were an overestimation by the ERC. Average over-reporting by the ERC was 5.31 times of the actual/ultrasound reading. When comparing interval radiographs with lengthening obtained on ultrasound, there was a discrepancy with an average overestimation of 1.35 times with ultrasound in our series. There was a significant difference between ERC and USS (p = 0.01) and ERC and XR (p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between USS and XR (p > 0.99).Conclusion: The reading on the ERC does not equate to the actual rod lengthening. The authors would recommend that clinicians using the MCGR for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis include pre- and post-extension imaging (radiographs or ultrasound) to confirm extension lengths at each outpatient extension. In centres with ultrasound facilities, we would suggest that patients should have ultrasound to monitor each lengthening after distraction but also 6-month radiographs. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The legal regime applicable to groups of companies in the European Union has been discussed for many years. National legislations have been adopted in a certain number of Member States, and new initiatives are being considered by the European Commission and in academic writing. The central issues in groups of companies is the relationship between the controlling shareholder, often the parent company and the subsidiaries, and the potential for abuse to the detriment of the latter's minority shareholders and creditors. Several answers have been formulated, ranging from a duty of the parent to indemnify the subsidiary for the charges imposed by the parent, to the acceptance of these charges provided they result in some benefit to the subsidiary and do not endanger the subsidiary's solvency. In another approach, these issues may be solved by other common company law, e.g., on the basis of the unfair prejudice provisions. With respect to shareholder and creditor protection, a comparative analysis concludes that there is no need for additional regulatory safeguards. The present approaches indicate that group relations are often characterised by conflicts of interest. Therefore, it is proposed to develop a standard for dealing with these, especially under the form of related party transactions. The specific conditions for dealing with intragroup related party transactions are submitted for further discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article advances the thinking of Thompson, Conaway and Dolan's 'Undergraduate students' development of social, cultural, and human capital in a network research experience'. Set against a background of change in the biosciences, and participation, it firstly explores ideas of what it means to be a scientist, then challenges the current view of the apprenticeship model of career trajectory, before going onto to consider the nature of participation in communities of practice and issues related to underrepresented minority groups in science. Central to this analysis is the place that the notion of habitus plays in thinking about shaping future scientists and the how this can both support, but also suppress, opportunities for individuals through a maintenance of the status quo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the Basel capital rules for internationally active banks, subordinated debt has always been permitted to contribute a part of the bank's regulatory capital requirements. This is a surprising concession to banks, at first sight, since debt, as a liability, cannot contribute to equity (i.e., the surplus of assets over liabilities). The Basel approach is explicable only on the basis that bank capital is designed to protect short-term debt holders, who might 'run' on the bank and cause its collapse, rather than bank creditors as a whole. Long-term debt subordinated to the holders of non-subordinated debt could conceivably discharge this function. In the financial crisis, however, subordinated debt singularly failed to discharge this role. Because debt absorbs losses only when the company is put into insolvency (bankruptcy) and states were unwilling to contemplate the bankruptcy of banks, in most cases, debt did not in fact absorb losses as anticipated. Bail-out by the state pre-empted loss falling on creditors. An initial, and wholly to be expected, response on the part of the Basel III authorities was to downgrade the role of even subordinated debt in regulatory bank capital and in the new capital buffers which Basel III introduced. It was to be allowed only where the resolution authorities could write it down or convert it into equity (bail it in) in advance of insolvency. However, in a second phase of reform, bail-in debt seems likely to become a mandatory element in the newly devised procedures for resolving failing banks. Bail-in in resolution is changing from being a concession to banks, which want to issue debt, to a requirement imposed with the aim of giving resolution authorities sufficient room for manoeuvre to reorganise failing banks. Whilst the role of bail-in debt in future regulation is not secure - and has fierce critics - this constitutes a remarkable turnaround for a liability that was once seen as almost beyond redemption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambivalent sexism theory highlights the pernicious effects of benevolent sexism on women's freedoms in society. Because the ideology idealizes women as nurturing mothers, benevolent sexism should be negatively associated with support for women's reproductive rights. The current study examined this possibility by assessing the relationship between benevolent sexism and support for (a) elective abortion (i.e., abortions pursued, regardless of the reason) and (b) traumatic abortion (i.e., abortions pursued when the woman's life is endangered) in a national probability sample of New Zealand adults ( N = 6,132). As predicted, benevolent sexism was negatively associated with support for both elective and traumatic abortion. In contrast, hostile sexism-the punitive component of ambivalent sexism-was only negatively associated with support for traumatic abortion. These results demonstrate that ambivalent sexism-and particularly benevolent sexism-restricts women's reproductive rights even in extreme cases where a woman's life is in danger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABARs) are the principal mediators of inhibitory transmission in the mammalian central nervous system. GABARs can be localized at post-synaptic inhibitory specializations or at extrasynaptic sites. While synaptic GABARs are activated transiently following the release of GABA from presynaptic vesicles, extrasynaptic GABARs are typically activated continuously by ambient GABA concentrations and thus mediate tonic inhibition. The tonic inhibitory currents mediated by extrasynaptic GABARs control neuronal excitability and the strength of synaptic transmission. However, the mechanisms by which neurons control the functional properties of extrasynaptic GABARs had not yet been explored. Objectives: We review GABARs, how they are assembled and trafficked, and the role phosphorylation has on receptor insertion and membrane stabilization. Finally, we review the modulation of GABARs by neurosteroids and how GABAR phosphorylation can influence the actions of neurosteroids. Conclusions: Trafficking and stability of functional channels to the membrane surface are critical for inhibitory efficacy. Phosphorylation of residues within GABAR subunits plays an essential role in the assembly, trafficking, and cell surface stability of GABARs. Neurosteroids are produced in the brain and are highly efficacious allosteric modulators of GABAR-mediated current. This allosteric modulation by neurosteroids is influenced by the phosphorylated state of the GABAR which is subunit dependent, adding temporal and regional variability to the neurosteroid response. Possible links between neurosteroid actions, phosphorylation, and GABAR trafficking remain to be explored, but potential novel therapeutic targets may exist for numerous neurological and psychological disorders which are linked to fluctuations in neurosteroid levels and GABA subunit expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current definition of cough headache includes provocation of the symptom by Valsalva manoeuvre, and it is generally believed that all cough headache results from a sudden increase in intracranial pressure. We sought to question that presumption and to determine whether the Valsalva test might distinguish primary from secondary cough headache. Methods: We examined 16 consecutive cough headache patients using a modified Valsalva test (exhalation into the connecting tube of a standard anaeroid sphygmomanometer to 60 mm Hg for 10 seconds). A positive response was recorded if the manoeuvre provoked headache. All patients subsequently underwent brain MRI. Results: None of the patients had neurological signs. Eleven had positive modified Valsalva tests. Ten were found subsequently to have posterior fossa pathologies (secondary cough headache: 8 Chiari Type 1 malformations, 2 posterior fossa meningiomas). The cough headache was relieved following surgery in all cases. One patient with a positive Valsalva test had an apparently normal brain MRI but measurements of hindbrain and posterior fossa dimensions were consistent with ‘posterior fossa crowdedness’. The remaining 5 patients had negative (4 patients) or equivocal (1 patient) Valsalva tests and normal MRI scans (primary cough headache). Conclusions: These findings suggest that secondary cough headache results from a transient increase in intracranial CSF pressure during exertion in the presence of obstruction to normal cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. The modified Valsalva test can also determine whether tonsillar herniation found on brain MRI is symptomatic. Primary cough headache appears to be caused by a different mechanism, possibly through congestion of the orbital venous plexus in the presence of jugular venous incompetence and a reduced threshold for trigeminal sensory activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hyperglycaemia is associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients. A number of studies have highlighted an association between increased variability of blood glucose (BG) concentration and mortality, supporting a survival disadvantage if BG homeostasis is lost. By exploring the longitudinal BG profile of individual children over time, this study investigates the importance of intact homeostasis early after admission to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Design, setting, and patients: Retrospective single-centre observational study in a large multi-specialty PICU in the UK. Children admitted between August 2003 and February 2006 were included unless they met exclusion criteria. Data were merged from the PICU clinical database and blood gas analyser database by means of a unique PICU identifier. BG was measured frequently on a blood gas analyser (Bayer Rapidlink). Primary outcome was 100-day mortality. BG parameters were investigated for possible associations with mortality. Measurements and main results: A total of 1,763 patients were included (median age 1.1 years; IQR 0.1-5.8). Although admission BG was not associated with mortality, a survival advantage was found in children who showed a reduction in BG on day 1 relative to the admission BG value ( p < 0.001). This remained statistically significant ( p = 0.007) after adjusting for severity of illness. Conclusions: This study supports an association between early BG profile and mortality in children admitted to PICU, with increased survival in those who demonstrate a fall in BG on day 1 relative to PICU admission. These findings are consistent with a survival advantage of intact BG homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KCC2 is a neuron-specific K+-Cl− co-transporter that maintains a low intracellular Cl− concentration that is essential for hyperpolarizing inhibition mediated by GABAA receptors. Deficits in KCC2 activity occur in disease states associated with pathophysiological glutamate release. However, the mechanisms by which elevated glutamate alters KCC2 function are unknown. The phosphorylation of KCC2 residue Ser940 is known to regulate its surface activity. We found that NMDA receptor activity and Ca2+ influx caused the dephosphorylation of Ser940 in dissociated rat neurons, leading to a loss of KCC2 function that lasted longer than 20 min. Protein phosphatase 1 mediated the dephosphorylation events of Ser940 that coincided with a deficit in hyperpolarizing GABAergic inhibition resulting from the loss of KCC2 activity. Blocking dephosphorylation of Ser940 reduced the glutamate-induced downregulation of KCC2 and substantially improved the maintenance of hyperpolarizing GABAergic inhibition. Reducing the downregulation of KCC2 therefore has therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 350,000 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients—elderly and disabled individuals with low incomes and assets—lived in the areas directly affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August 2005. We show that recipients from affected areas were more likely to leave the program, have more volatile participation patterns, and leave the area in the 2 years following the hurricanes than were recipients from unaffected areas. Among recipients from more severely affected areas relative to those from unaffected states, the odds of dying were 40% greater and the odds of leaving SSI for other reasons were 23% greater. Additionally, 31% of recipients from more severely affected areas had experienced a non-payment month, with 46% subsequently returning to the rolls (compared with 23% and 41% of recipients from unaffected states). Nearly 60% of SSI recipients from more severely affected areas lived in a different county or parish 2 years after the hurricanes, compared with about 12% from unaffected areas. In all, our findings demonstrate that natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita can have large and persistent impacts on SSI recipients, including effects on program status, mortality, and geographic location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the clinical significance of a late rise in blood lactate concentration, developing after PICU admission, in older children undergoing cardiac surgery. Retrospective, observational study. Single UK PICU. A total of 147 children, aged 2–16 years, in 2 cohorts: FONTAN ( n = 63) Fontan operation; and MIXED ( n = 84) operations of varying complexity. None. Sequential data were collected up to 12 h postoperatively: arterial blood gas, lactate, glucose concentrations; haemodynamic variables; inotropic support; urine output, core-peripheral temperature gradient. Data were collected on clinical outcomes: PICU mortality; length of ventilation, PICU stay; renal and hepatic function. Late-onset hyperlactataemia (LOH) was defined if blood lactate increased to or above 3 mmol/l. Data from the LOH group were compared to a group with a low blood lactate (<3 mmol/l) throughout (No_LOH). LOH occurred in 28 (44%) and 21 (25%) of patients in FONTAN and MIXED cohorts, respectively. A strong association was found between LOH and hyperglycaemia ( P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in postoperative urine output, core-peripheral temperature gradient or inotrope requirement in the LOH versus No_LOH groups. No significant differences were found with respect to clinical outcomes in the LOH versus No_LOH groups. All LOH patients were discharged from PICU within 1 day and survived. LOH is common in older children following cardiac surgery. We found no evidence to suggest that it is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The strong association between LOH and hyperglycaemia supports a metabolic aetiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]