Ferroelectric Polarization Dependent Interactions at Pd-LiNbO\u3csub\u3e3\u3c/sub\u3e(0001) Interfaces

A combination of Auger electron spectroscopy and temperature-programed desorption was used to characterize the growth and interaction of Pd films with positively and negatively terminated ferroelectric LiNbO3(0001) surfaces. The growth mode of vapor-deposited Pd layers at 300 K was found to be dependent on the direction of the ferroelectric polarization with layer-by-layer growth occurring on the negative (c−) surface and particle formation occurring on the positive (c+) surface. The Pd metal layers were also found to be more thermally stable on the c− surface relative to the c+ surface. These results provide another example of how the polarization orientation in ferroelectric materials affects adsorption and reaction on their exposed surfaces

EFFECTS OF MOIST FROUDE NUMBER AND OROGRAPHIC ASPECT RATIO ON A CONDITIONALLY UNSTABLE FLOW OVER A MESOSCALE MOUNTAIN

A series of idealized simulations for an unsaturated, conditionally unstable flow over a two-dimensional mountain ridge were performed to investigate how the unsaturated moist Froude number (Fw) and the aspect ratio of mountain height to half-width (h/a), affect the propagation, cloud type and rainfall amount of orographically induced precipitation systems. The moist Froude number (Fw) was varied by increasing or decreasing the basic state wind speed (U) while the aspect ratio was varied by increasing or decreasing the mountain half-width (a). For low Fw flows, the flow is in an upstream propagating regime and shows little or no sensitivity to changes in a. For moderate or large values of Fw, the flow shifts more toward a downstream propagating regime as a is decreased (i. e. as h/a is increased). The domain integrated accumulated precipitation was not sensitive to the aspect ratio. For a fixed h/a, the flow shifts more toward a downstream propagating flow regime as Fw is increased, a result that is consistent with previous research. Additionally, the results show that there is an increase in the domain integrated precipitation as Fw is increased

EFFECTS OF MOIST FROUDE NUMBER AND OROGRAPHIC ASPECT RATIO ON A CONDITIONALLY UNSTABLE FLOW OVER A MESOSCALE MOUNTAIN

A series of idealized simulations for an unsaturated, conditionally unstable flow over a two-dimensional mountain ridge were performed to investigate how the unsaturated moist Froude number (Fw) and the aspect ratio of mountain height to half-width (h/a), affect the propagation, cloud type and rainfall amount of orographically induced precipitation systems. The moist Froude number (Fw) was varied by increasing or decreasing the basic state wind speed (U) while the aspect ratio was varied by increasing or decreasing the mountain half-width (a). For low Fw flows, the flow is in an upstream propagating regime and shows little or no sensitivity to changes in a. For moderate or large values of Fw, the flow shifts more toward a downstream propagating regime as a is decreased (i. e. as h/a is increased). The domain integrated accumulated precipitation was not sensitive to the aspect ratio. For a fixed h/a, the flow shifts more toward a downstream propagating flow regime as Fw is increased, a result that is consistent with previous research. Additionally, the results show that there is an increase in the domain integrated precipitation as Fw is increased

Understanding how and under what circumstances decision coaching works for people making healthcare decisions: a realist review

Background - Decision coaching is non-directive support delivered by a trained healthcare provider to help people prepare to actively participate in making healthcare decisions. This study aimed to understand how and under what circumstances decision coaching works for people making healthcare decisions. Methods - We followed the realist review methodology for this study. This study was built on a Cochrane systematic review of the effectiveness of decision coaching interventions for people facing healthcare decisions. It involved six iterative steps: (1) develop the initial program theory; (2) search for evidence; (3) select, appraise, and prioritize studies; (4) extract and organize data; (5) synthesize evidence; and (6) consult stakeholders and draw conclusions. Results - We developed an initial program theory based on decision coaching theories and stakeholder feedback. Of the 2594 citations screened, we prioritized 27 papers for synthesis based on their relevance rating. To refine the program theory, we identified 12 context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations. Essential mechanisms for decision coaching to be initiated include decision coaches’, patients’, and clinicians’ commitments to patients’ involvement in decision making and decision coaches’ knowledge and skills (four CMOs). CMOs during decision coaching are related to the patient (i.e., willing to confide, perceiving their decisional needs are recognized, acquiring knowledge, feeling supported), and the patient-decision coach interaction (i.e., exchanging information, sharing a common understanding of patient’s values) (five CMOs). After decision coaching, the patient’s progress in making or implementing a values-based preferred decision can be facilitated by the decision coach’s advocacy for the patient, and the patient’s deliberation upon options (two CMOs). Leadership support enables decision coaches to have access to essential resources to fulfill their role (one CMOs). Discussion - In the refined program theory, decision coaching works when there is strong leadership support and commitment from decision coaches, clinicians, and patients. Decision coaches need to be capable in coaching, encourage patients’ participation, build a trusting relationship with patients, and act as a liaison between patients and clinicians to facilitate patients’ progress in making or implementing an informed values-based preferred option. More empirical studies, especially qualitative and process evaluation studies, are needed to further refine the program theory

Characterising a healthy adult with a rare HAO1 knockout to support a therapeutic strategy for primary hyperoxaluria.

By sequencing autozygous human populations we identified a healthy adult woman with lifelong complete knockout of HAO1 (expected ~1 in 30 million outbred people). HAO1 (glycolate oxidase) silencing is the mechanism of lumasiran, an investigational RNA interference therapeutic for primary hyperoxaluria type 1. Her plasma glycolate levels were 12 times, and urinary glycolate 6 times, the upper limit of normal observed in healthy reference individuals (n=67). Plasma metabolomics and lipidomics (1871 biochemicals) revealed 18 markedly elevated biochemicals (>5sd outliers versus n=25 controls) suggesting additional HAO1 effects. Comparison with lumasiran preclinical and clinical trial data suggested she has <2% residual glycolate oxidase activity. Cell line p.Leu333SerfsTer4 expression showed markedly reduced HAO1 protein levels and cellular protein mis-localisation. In this woman, lifelong HAO1 knockout is safe and without clinical phenotype, de-risking a therapeutic approach and informing therapeutic mechanisms. Unlocking evidence from the diversity of human genetic variation can facilitate drug development

Improvement of molecular gel formation efficiency by adjusting preorganization of amino acid-derived flexible molecules. A NMR and thermodynamic study

The efficiency of the formation of molecular gels of simple de-rivatives of l-valineand l-isoleucine is greatl yimproved in dif-ferent organic solvents when ahexyl fragment is replaced byabulkier cyclohexyl one. Astudy using NMR and IR spectrosco-py provides information on the preferred conformation softhemolecules, indicat ing that the cyclohexyl moiety preclud es in-tramolecular Hbondingand preorganises the system for inter-molecular interactions, which are responsible for fiber forma-tion. NMR data of the gels provides thermod ynamic data on fi-brillization, revealing that the origin of this effect is mainly en-tropic. Electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) images show fibril-lar and tape-like objects, which are observed commonly inmolecular gels. Rheological measurements revealsignificantdifferences between cyclohexyl and hexyl appendedgelators.These findings could contribute to the rational design of small,flexible, buildingblocks forself-assemblyMinistry of Science and Innovat ionofSpain (grantCTQ2012-37735) and UniversitatJaume I(grant P1.1B2012-25) are thankedfor financial support