Finite Size Scaling for Low Energy Excitations in Integer Heisenberg Spin Chains

In this paper we study the finite size scaling for low energy excitations of $S=1$ and $S=2$ Heisenberg chains, using the density matrix renormalization group technique. A crossover from $1/L$ behavior (with $L$ as the chain length) for medium chain length to $1/L^2$ scaling for long chain length is found for excitations in the continuum band as the length of the open chain increases. Topological spin $S=1/2$ excitations are shown to give rise to the two lowest energy states for both open and periodic $S=1$ chains. In periodic chains these two excitations are ``confined'' next to each other, while for open chains they are two free edge 1/2 spins. The finite size scaling of the two lowest energy excitations of open $S=2$ chains is determined by coupling the two free edge $S=1$ spins. The gap and correlation length for $S=2$ open Heisenberg chains are shown to be 0.082 (in units of the exchange $J$) and 47, respectively.Comment: 4 pages (two column), PS file, to be appear as a PRB Brief Repor

Determinants of migrant career success: A study of recent skilled migrants in Australia

Australia has been aggressively pursuing skilled migrants to sustain its population and foster economic growth. However, many skilled migrants experience a downward career move upon migration to Australia. Based on a survey of recent skilled migrants, this study investigates how individual (age, years of settlement, qualifications), national/societal (citizenship and settlement), and organization‐level (climate of inclusion) factors influence their career success. Overall, we found that: (1) age at migration matters more than length of settlement in predicting skilled migrant career success; (2) citizenship uptake and living in a neighbourhood with a greater number of families from the same country of origin facilitate post‐migration career success; and (3) perceptions of one\u27s social/informal networks in the workplace – a dimension of perceived organizational climate of inclusion – also have a positive impact on migrant career outcomes

Efficacy and tolerability of lercanidipine in mild to moderate hypertension among Asians of different ethnic groups.

Introduction: Calcium channel blockers are well established modalities for the treatment of hypertension. However, in spite of the availability of many efficacious agents, hypertension control continues to be poor. One reason is poor tolerability due to adverse events. Racial differences also exist. Lercanidipine, a third-generation calcium channel blocker, is associated with better tolerability. However, it has not been studied in the Asian population. This study examines its efficacy and tolerability in Asian subjects of different ethnicities. Methods: This was an eight-week open label study of adults with mild to moderate hypertension. Blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, self-administered symptom check and laboratory evaluations were done at baseline. Patients were prescribed 10 mg lercanidipine, with up-titration to 20 mg if BP was not controlled at Week 4. Baseline evaluations were repeated at Week 8. Adverse events were also enumerated. Results: 27 patients (mean age 53.4 +/- 12.1 years) completed the study. The baseline systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and heart rate was 159 +/- 12.2, 96.6 +/- 7.7 mmHg and 71 +/- 13/min, respectively. Three racial groups were represented. SBP and DBP decreased significantly after four weeks of therapy. A further reduction to 139 +/- 14.3 and 88 +/- 9.8 (p-value is less than 0.0001) was seen in Week 8. The absolute SBP and DBP reduction was 20.5 mmHg (95 percent confidence interval [CI] 16.5-24.5, p-value is less than 0.0001) and 9.3 mmHg (95 percent CI 6.2-12.5, p-value is less than 0.0001), respectively. All adverse symptoms, except for palpitations, were reduced at the end of the study. Conclusion: Lercanidipine is efficacious and well tolerated in Asians of different ethnicities. Its BP lowering effects and tolerability in Asians appear to be similar to other studies on Caucasians and other calcium channel blockers

Validation of finite element analysis for a new external finger fixator to correct flexion deformity - a preliminary result

The purpose of this study is to validate of a new external finger fixator components by using finite element analysis (FEA). The new external finger fixator consists of proximal, middle and distal phalanges support sections and means for rigidly connecting each support to a hinge and its corresponding attached to phalanx through the movements of flexion or extension. The results from the analysis found that the entire components of the fixator conform to the performance based on the requirements for general duty (500 N load applied on uniformly distributed load). This analysis shows that the new external fixator is able to restore full function and dynamic range of motion for patients with flexion deformity at the finger joints without failure

Magnetization and dimerization profiles of the cut two-leg spin ladder and spin-1 chain

The physical properties of the edge states of the cut two-leg spin ladder are investigated by means of the bosonization approach. By carefully treating boundary conditions, we derive the existence of spin-1/2 edge states in the spin ladder with a ferromagnetic rung exchange and for the open spin-1 Heisenberg chain. In contrast, such states are absent in the antiferromagnetic rung coupling case. The approach, based on a mapping onto decoupled semi-infinite off-critical Ising models, allows us to compute several physical quantities of interest. In particular, we determine the magnetization and dimerization profiles of the cut two-leg spin ladder and of the open biquadratic spin-1 chain in the vicinity of the SU(2)$_2$ WZNW critical point.Comment: RevTeX 4, no figure, 26 page

Postoperative complications after procedure for prolapsed hemorrhoids (PPH) and stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedures

Procedure for prolapsing hemorrhoids (PPH) and stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation (STARR) carry low postoperative pain, but may be followed by unusual and severe postoperative complications. This review deals with the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of adverse events that may occasionally be life threatening. PPH and STARR carry the expected morbidity following anorectal surgery, such as bleeding, strictures and fecal incontinence. Complications that are particular to these stapled procedures are rectovaginal fistula, chronic proctalgia, total rectal obliteration, rectal wall hematoma and perforation with pelvic sepsis often requiring a diverting stoma. A higher complication rate and worse results are expected after PPH for fourth-degree piles. Enterocele and anismus are contraindications to PPH and STARR and both operations should be used with caution in patients with weak sphincters. In conclusion, complications after PPH and STARR are not infrequent and may be difficult to manage. However, if performed in selected cases by skilled specialists aware of the risks and associated diseases, some complications may be prevented

Loss-of-function mutations in UDP-Glucose 6-Dehydrogenase cause recessive developmental epileptic encephalopathy

Developmental epileptic encephalopathies are devastating disorders characterized by intractable epileptic seizures and developmental delay. Here, we report an allelic series of germline recessive mutations in UGDH in 36 cases from 25 families presenting with epileptic encephalopathy with developmental delay and hypotonia. UGDH encodes an oxidoreductase that converts UDP-glucose to UDP-glucuronic acid, a key component of specific proteoglycans and glycolipids. Consistent with being loss-of-function alleles, we show using patients’ primary fibroblasts and biochemical assays, that these mutations either impair UGDH stability, oligomerization, or enzymatic activity. In vitro, patient-derived cerebral organoids are smaller with a reduced number of proliferating neuronal progenitors while mutant ugdh zebrafish do not phenocopy the human disease. Our study defines UGDH as a key player for the production of extracellular matrix components that are essential for human brain development. Based on the incidence of variants observed, UGDH mutations are likely to be a frequent cause of recessive epileptic encephalopathy