Pattern Formation of Ion Channels with State Dependent Electrophoretic Charges and Diffusion Constants in Fluid Membranes

A model of mobile, charged ion channels in a fluid membrane is studied. The channels may switch between an open and a closed state according to a simple two-state kinetics with constant rates. The effective electrophoretic charge and the diffusion constant of the channels may be different in the closed and in the open state. The system is modeled by densities of channel species, obeying simple equations of electro-diffusion. The lateral transmembrane voltage profile is determined from a cable-type equation. Bifurcations from the homogeneous, stationary state appear as hard-mode, soft-mode or hard-mode oscillatory transitions within physiologically reasonable ranges of model parameters. We study the dynamics beyond linear stability analysis and derive non-linear evolution equations near the transitions to stationary patterns.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figures, will be submitted to Phys. Rev.

Energetics and stability of nanostructured amorphous carbon

Monte Carlo simulations, supplemented by ab initio calculations, shed light into the energetics and thermodynamic stability of nanostructured amorphous carbon. The interaction of the embedded nanocrystals with the host amorphous matrix is shown to determine in a large degree the stability and the relative energy differences among carbon phases. Diamonds are stable structures in matrices with sp^3 fraction over 60%. Schwarzites are stable in low-coordinated networks. Other sp^2-bonded structures are metastable.Comment: 11 pages, 7 figure

Spin-dynamics simulations of the triangular antiferromagnetic XY model

Using Monte Carlo and spin-dynamics methods, we have investigated the dynamic behavior of the classical, antiferromagnetic XY model on a triangular lattice with linear sizes $L \leq 300$. The temporal evolutions of spin configurations were obtained by solving numerically the coupled equations of motion for each spin using fourth-order Suzuki-Trotter decompositions of exponential operators. From space- and time-displaced spin-spin correlation functions and their space-time Fourier transforms we obtained the dynamic structure factor $S({\bf q},w)$ for momentum ${\bf q}$ and frequency $\omega$. Below $T_{KT}$(Kosterlitz-Thouless transition), both the in-plane ($S^{xx}$) and the out-of-plane ($S^{zz}$) components of $S({\bf q},\omega)$ exhibit very strong and sharp spin-wave peaks. Well above $T_{KT}$, $S^{xx}$ and $S^{zz}$ apparently display a central peak, and spin-wave signatures are still seen in $S^{zz}$. In addition, we also observed an almost dispersionless domain-wall peak at high $\omega$ below $T_{c}$(Ising transition), where long-range order appears in the staggered chirality. Above $T_{c}$, the domain-wall peak disappears for all $q$. The lineshape of these peaks is captured reasonably well by a Lorentzian form. Using a dynamic finite-size scaling theory, we determined the dynamic critical exponent $z$ = 1.002(3). We found that our results demonstrate the consistency of the dynamic finite-size scaling theory for the characteristic frequeny $\omega_{m}$ and the dynamic structure factor $S({\bf q},\omega)$ itself.Comment: 8 pages, RevTex, 10 figures, submitted to PR

Staggered versus overlap fermions: a study in the Schwinger model with Nf=0,1,2N_f=0,1,2

We study the scalar condensate and the topological susceptibility for a continuous range of quark masses in the Schwinger model with $N_f=0,1,2$ dynamical flavors, using both the overlap and the staggered discretization. At finite lattice spacing the differences between the two formulations become rather dramatic near the chiral limit, but they get severely reduced, at the coupling considered, after a few smearing steps.Comment: 15 pages, 7 figures, v2: 1 ref corrected, minor change

Preserved endothelium-dependent vasodilation in coronary segments previously treated with balloon angioplasty and intracoronary irradiation

BACKGROUND: Abnormal endothelium-dependent coronary vasomotion has been reported after balloon angioplasty (BA), as well as after intracoronary radiation. However, the long-term effect on coronary vasomotion is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term vasomotion of coronary segments treated with BA and brachytherapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with single de novo lesions treated either with BA followed by intracoronary beta-irradiation (according to the Beta Energy Restenosis Trial-1.5) or with BA alone were eligible. Of these groups, those patients in stable condition who returned for 6-month angiographic follow-up formed the study population (n=19, irradiated group and n=11, control group). Endothelium-dependent coronary vasomotion was assessed by selective infusion of serial doses of acetylcholine (ACh) proximally to the treated area. Mean luminal diameter was calculated by quantitative coronary angiography both in the treated area and in distal segments. Endothelial dysfunction was defined as a vasoconstriction after the maximal dose of ACh (10(-6) mol/L). Seventeen irradiated segments (89.5%) demonstrated normal endothelial function. In contrast, 10 distal nonirradiated segments (53%) and 5 control segments (45%) demonstrated endothelium-dependent vasoconstriction (-19+/-17% and -9.0+/-5%, respectively). Mean percentage of change in mean luminal diameter after ACh was significantly higher in irradiated segments (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Endothelium-dependent vasomotion of coronary segments treated with BA followed by beta-radiation is restored in the majority of stabl

Outcome from balloon induced coronary artery dissection after intracoronary beta radiation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the healing of balloon induced coronary artery dissection in individuals who have received beta radiation treatment and to propose a new intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) dissection score to facilitate the comparison of dissection through time. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre. PATIENTS: 31 patients with stable angina pectoris, enrolled in the beta energy restenosis trial (BERT-1.5), were included. After excluding those who underwent stent implantation, the evaluable population was 22 patients. INTERVENTIONS: Balloon angioplasty and intracoronary radiation followed by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and IVUS. Repeat QCA and IVUS were performed at six month follow up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: QCA and IVUS evidence of healing of dissection. Dissection classification for angiography was by the National Heart Lung Blood Institute scale. IVUS proven dissection was defined as partial or complete. The following IVUS defined characteristics of dissection were described in the affected coronary segments: length, depth, arc circumference, presence of flap, and dissection score. Dissection was defined as healed when all features of dissection had resolved. The calculated dose of radiation received by the dissected area in those with healed versus non-healed dissection was also compared. RESULTS: Angiography (type A = 5, B = 7, C = 4) and IVUS proven (partial = 12, complete = 4) dissections were seen in 16 patients following intervention. At six month follow up, six and eight unhealed dissections were seen by angiography (A = 2, B = 4) and IVUS (partial = 7, complete = 1), respectively. The mean IVUS dissection score was 5.2 (range 3-8) following the procedure, and 4.6 (range 3-7) at follow up. No correlation was found between the dose prescribed in the treated area and the presence of unhealed disse

Characterization of the n-TOF EAR-2 neutron beam

The experimental area 2 (EAR-2) at CERNs neutron time-of-flight facility (n-TOF), which is operational since 2014, is designed and built as a short-distance complement to the experimental area 1 (EAR-1). The Parallel Plate Avalanche Counter (PPAC) monitor experiment was performed to characterize the beam prole and the shape of the neutron 'ux at EAR-2. The prompt γ-flash which is used for calibrating the time-of-flight at EAR-1 is not seen by PPAC at EAR-2, shedding light on the physical origin of this γ-flash

The association of body mass index with long-term clinical outcomes after ticagrelor monotherapy following abbreviated dual antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a prespecified sub-analysis of the GLOBAL LEADERS Trial

Background: The efficacy of antiplatelet therapies following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be affected by body mass index (BMI). Methods and results: This is a prespecified subgroup analysis of the GLOBAL LEADERS trial, a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial in an all-comer population undergoing PCI, comparing the experimental strategy (23-month ticagrelor monotherapy following 1-month dual antiplatelet therapy [DAPT]) with a reference regimen (12-month aspirin monotherapy following 12-month DAPT). A total of 15,968 patients were stratified by baseline BMI with prespecified threshold of 27 kg/m2. Of those, 6973 (43.7%) patients with a BMI < 27 kg/m2 had a higher risk of all-cause mortality at 2 years than those with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 (adjusted HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02–1.49). At 2 years, the rates of the primary endpoint (all-cause mortality or new Q-wave myocardial infarction) were similar between treatment strategies in either BMI group (pinteraction = 0.51). In acute coronary syndrome, however, the experimental strategy was associated with significant reduction of the primary endpoint compared to the reference strategy in patients with BMI < 27 kg/m2 (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.94), but not in the ones with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 (pinteraction = 0.047). In chronic coronary syndrome, there was no between-group difference in the efficacy and safety of the two antiplatelet strategies. This is a prespecified subgroup analysis of the GLOBAL LEADERS trial, a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial in an all-comer population undergoing PCI, comparing the experimental strategy (23-month ticagrelor monotherapy following 1-month dual antiplatelet therapy [DAPT]) with a reference regimen (12-month aspirin monotherapy following 12-month DAPT). A total of 15,968 patients were stratified by baseline BMI with prespecified threshold of 27 kg/m2. Of those, 6973 (43.7%) patients with a BMI < 27 kg/m2 had a higher risk of all-cause mortality at 2 years than those with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 (adjusted HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02–1.49). At 2 years, the rates of the primary endpoint (all-cause mortality or new Q-wave myocardial infarction) were similar between treatment strategies in either BMI group (pinteraction = 0.51). In acute coronary syndrome, however, the experimental strategy was associated with significant reduction of the primary endpoint compared to the reference strategy in patients with BMI < 27 kg/m2 (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.94), but not in the ones with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 (pinteraction = 0.047). In chronic coronary syndrome, there was no between-group difference in the efficacy and safety of the two antiplatelet strategies. This is a prespecified subgroup analysis of the GLOBAL LEADERS trial, a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial in an all-comer population undergoing PCI, comparing the experimental strategy (23-month ticagrelor monotherapy following 1-month dual antiplatelet therapy [DAPT]) with a reference regimen (12-month aspirin monotherapy following 12-month DAPT). A total of 15,968 patients were stratified by baseline BMI with prespecified threshold of 27 kg/m2. Of those, 6973 (43.7%) patients with a BMI < 27 kg/m2 had a higher risk of all-cause mortality at 2 years than those with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 (adjusted HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02–1.49). At 2 years, the rates of the primary endpoint (a

Assessment of listing and categorisation of animal diseases within the framework of the Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) No 2016/429): bluetongue

A specific concept of strain was developed in order to classify the BTV serotypes ever reported in Europe based on their properties of animal health impact: the genotype, morbidity, mortality, speed of spread, period and geographical area of occurrence were considered as classification parameters. According to this methodology the strain groups identified were (i) the BTV strains belonging to serotypes BTV-1–24, (ii) some strains of serotypes BTV-16 and (iii) small ruminant-adapted strains belonging to serotypes BTV-25, -27, -30. Those strain groups were assessed according to the criteria of the Animal Health Law (AHL), in particular criteria of Article 7, Article 5 on the eligibility of bluetongue to be listed, Article 9 for the categorisation according to disease prevention and control rules as in Annex IV and Article 8 on the list of animal species related to bluetongue. The assessment has been performed following a methodology composed of information collection, expert judgement at individual and collective level. The output is composed of the categorical answer, and for the questions where no consensus was reached, the different supporting views are reported. The strain group BTV (1–24) can be considered eligible to be listed for Union intervention as laid down in Article 5(3) of the AHL, while the strain group BTV-25–30 and BTV-16 cannot. The strain group BTV-1–24 meets the criteria as in Sections 2 and 5 of Annex IV of the AHL, for the application of the disease prevention and control rules referred to in points (b) and (e) of Article 9(1) of the AHL. The animal species that can be considered to be listed for BTV-1–24 according to Article 8(3) are several species of Bovidae, Cervidae and Camelidae as susceptible species; domestic cattle, sheep and red deer as reservoir hosts, midges insect of genus Culicoides spp. as vector species