The triboelectric charging of granular material is a long-standing and poorly understood phenomenon, with numerous scientific and industrial applications ranging from volcanic lightning to pharmaceutical production. The most widely utilised apparatus for the study of such charging is the Faraday cup, however, existing analysis of the resulting measurements is often simplistic and fails to distinguish charging due to particle-particle interactions from charging occurring through other mechanisms. Here, we outline a modular approach for interpreting these measurements, enabling triboelectric phenomena to be explored in greater detail.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTotally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are frequently used in people with cystic fibrosis as a means of securing consistent vascular access, particularly in the context of severe disease and microbial colonization. Infection of TIVADs is not uncommon and typically associated with coagulase negative staphylococci, though infection with other organisms does occur too. We report on the first case of a TIVAD infection caused by in person with cystic fibrosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disability characterized by a range of brain- and body-based difficulties which, when left unsupported, can lead to experiences of significant adversity across the lifespan. Caregivers of individuals with FASD play a critical role in advocating and supporting healthy outcomes for individuals with FASD, and most caregiver research to date has been focused on stressors and challenges. Very few studies have been conducted to systematically capture the full experience of caring for someone with FASD across the lifespan, including perspectives, concerns, as well as strengths and successes of caregivers and their families.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe ability to associate environmental stimuli with positive outcomes is a fundamental form of learning. While extensive research has focused on the response profiles of midbrain dopamine neurons during associative learning, less is known about learning-mediated changes in the afferents that shape their responses. We demonstrate that during critical phases of learning, anion homeostasis in midbrain GABA neurons - a primary source of input to dopamine neurons - is disrupted due to downregulation of the chloride transporter KCC2.
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