Magnetization plateau in a two-dimensional multiple-spin exchange model

We study a multiple-spin exchange model on a triangular lattice, which is a possible model for low-density solid 3He films. Due to strong competitions between ferromagnetic three-spin exchange and antiferromagnetic four-spin one, the ground states are highly degenerate in the classical limit. At least 2^{L/2}-fold degeneracy exists on the L*L triangular lattice except for the SO(3) symmetry. In the magnetization process, we found a plateau at m/m_{sat}=1/2, in which the ground state is "uuud state" (a collinear state with four sublattices). The 1/2-plateau appears due to the strong four-spin exchange interaction. This plateau survives against both quantum and thermal fluctuations. Under a magnetic field which realizes the "uuud" ordered state, a phase transition occurs at a finite temperature. We predict that low-density solid 3He thin films may show the 1/2-plateau in the magnetization process. Experimental observation of the plateau will verify strength of the four-spin exchange. It is also discussed that this magnetization plateau can be understood as an insulating-conducting transition in a particle picture.Comment: 10 pages, RevTeX, 12 figures, added a reference and corrected typos, to be published in Phys.Rev.B (01 APR 99

Pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD during and after an exacerbation-related hospitalization: back to the future ?

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Pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD during and after an exacerbation-related hospitalisation: back to the future?

status: publishe

Parkinson's disease mild cognitive impairment: application and validation of the criteria

Dementia in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a serious health issue and a major concern for many patients. In most cases mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered a transitional stage between normal cognitive functioning and dementia which is of potential importance in the early identification of patients at risk for dementia. Recently, the Movement Disorder Society (MDS) proposed diagnostic criteria for MCI in PD (PD-MCI). These criteria comprise two operationalizations: Level I (based on an abbreviated assessment) and Level II (based on comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation permitting MCI subtyping). These criteria need to be validated. This paper describes a project aiming to validate the MDS PD-MCI criteria by pooling and analyzing cross-sectional and longitudinal neuropsychological databases comprising ≥5,500 PD patients and ≥1,700 controls. After applying the MDS PD-MCI Level I and Level II criteria, rates of conversion to PD-dementia and predictive variables for conversion to PD-dementia will be established. This study will also assist in identifying whether revisions of the PD-MCI criteria are required

Level I PD-MCI Using Global Cognitive Tests and the Risk for Parkinson's Disease Dementia

BackgroundThe criteria for PD-MCI allow the use of global cognitive tests. Their predictive value for conversion from PD-MCI to PDD, especially compared to comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, is unknown.MethodsThe MDS PD-MCI Study Group combined four datasets containing global cognitive tests as well as a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment to define PD-MCI (n = 467). Risk for developing PDD was examined using a Cox model. Global cognitive tests were compared to neuropsychological test batteries (Level I&II) in determining risk for PDD.ResultsPD-MCI based on a global cognitive test (MMSE or MoCA) increases the hazard for developing PDD (respectively HR = 2.57, P = 0.001; HR = 4.14, P = <0.001). The C-statistics for MMSE (0.72) and MoCA (0.70) were lower than those based on neuropsychological tests (Level I = 0.82; Level II = 0.81). Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy balance was best in Level II.ConclusionMMSE and MoCA predict conversion to PDD. However, Level II neuropsychological assessment seems the preferred assessment for PD-MCI