17 research outputs found
First-principles quantum transport modeling of thermoelectricity in single-molecule nanojunctions with graphene nanoribbon electrodes
We overview nonequilibrium Green function combined with density functional
theory (NEGF-DFT) modeling of independent electron and phonon transport in
nanojunctions with applications focused on a new class of thermoelectric
devices where a single molecule is attached to two metallic zigzag graphene
nanoribbons (ZGNRs) via highly transparent contacts. Such contacts make
possible injection of evanescent wavefunctions from ZGNRs, so that their
overlap within the molecular region generates a peak in the electronic
transmission. Additionally, the spatial symmetry properties of the transverse
propagating states in the ZGNR electrodes suppress hole-like contributions to
the thermopower. Thus optimized thermopower, together with diminished phonon
conductance through a ZGNR/molecule/ZGNR inhomogeneous structure, yields the
thermoelectric figure of merit ZT~0.5 at room temperature and 0.5<ZT<2.5 below
liquid nitrogen temperature. The reliance on evanescent mode transport and
symmetry of propagating states in the electrodes makes the
electronic-transport-determined power factor in this class of devices largely
insensitive to the type of sufficiently short conjugated organic molecule,
which we demonstrate by showing that both 18-annulene and C10 molecule
sandwiched by the two ZGNR electrodes yield similar thermopower. Thus, one can
search for molecules that will further reduce the phonon thermal conductance
(in the denominator of ZT) while keeping the electronic power factor (in the
nominator of ZT) optimized. We also show how often employed Brenner empirical
interatomic potential for hydrocarbon systems fails to describe phonon
transport in our single-molecule nanojunctions when contrasted with
first-principles results obtained via NEGF-DFT methodology.Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures; mini-review article prepared for the special
issue of the Journal of Computational Electronics on "Simulation of Thermal,
Thermoelectric, and Electrothermal Phenomena in Nanostructures", edited by I.
Knezevic and Z. Aksamij
Genetic insights into resting heart rate and its role in cardiovascular disease.
Resting heart rate is associated with cardiovascular diseases and mortality in observational and Mendelian randomization studies. The aims of this study are to extend the number of resting heart rate associated genetic variants and to obtain further insights in resting heart rate biology and its clinical consequences. A genome-wide meta-analysis of 100 studies in up to 835,465 individuals reveals 493 independent genetic variants in 352 loci, including 68 genetic variants outside previously identified resting heart rate associated loci. We prioritize 670 genes and in silico annotations point to their enrichment in cardiomyocytes and provide insights in their ECG signature. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses indicate that higher genetically predicted resting heart rate increases risk of dilated cardiomyopathy, but decreases risk of developing atrial fibrillation, ischemic stroke, and cardio-embolic stroke. We do not find evidence for a linear or non-linear genetic association between resting heart rate and all-cause mortality in contrast to our previous Mendelian randomization study. Systematic alteration of key differences between the current and previous Mendelian randomization study indicates that the most likely cause of the discrepancy between these studies arises from false positive findings in previous one-sample MR analyses caused by weak-instrument bias at lower P-value thresholds. The results extend our understanding of resting heart rate biology and give additional insights in its role in cardiovascular disease development
Stability formulae for shear-wall frame structures
Building and Environment262217-222BUEN
Nonlinear dynamic analysis of profiled steel-concrete composite panels under blast-induced excitations
Structures and Materials11541-55
Chronic Manganese Toxicity Associated with Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Complex Antibodies in a Relapsing Neuropsychiatric Disorder
Heavy metal poisoning is a rare but important cause of encephalopathy. Manganese (Mn) toxicity is especially rare in the modern world, and clinicians’ lack of recognition of its neuropsychiatric manifestations can lead to misdiagnosis and mismanagement. We describe the case of a man who presented with recurrent episodes of confusion, psychosis, dystonic limb movement and cognitive impairment and was initially diagnosed with anti-voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex limbic encephalitis in view of previous positive autoantibodies. His failure to respond to immunotherapy prompted testing for heavy metal poisoning, which was positive for Mn. This is the first report to examine an association between Mn and VGKC antibodies and the effects of Mn on functional brain activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)
Role of urinary screening programmes in children in the prevention of chronic kidney disease
Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore3413-7AAMS
Terrorism and mental illness: a pragmatic approach for the clinician
Terrorism is a complex problem that is highly relevant in contemporary society, underscoring the need for greater understanding as well as cross-disciplinary and international research in this area. Controversies surround potential associations between mental illness and terrorism, many due to the limited and conflicting existing research, and mental health professionals’ duties to their patients versus society and the state. In this article, we review the literature, discuss clinical implications and the role of psychiatrists in anti-terrorism efforts. We also propose a simplified framework that may be incorporated into clinical practice to screen for potential terrorist tendencies
Terrorism and mental illness: a pragmatic approach for the clinician
Terrorism is a complex problem that is highly relevant in contemporary society, underscoring the need for greater understanding as well as cross-disciplinary and international research in this area. Controversies surround potential associations between mental illness and terrorism, many due to the limited and conflicting existing research, and mental health professionals’ duties to their patients versus society and the state. In this article, we review the literature, discuss clinical implications and the role of psychiatrists in anti-terrorism efforts. We also propose a simplified framework that may be incorporated into clinical practice to screen for potential terrorist tendencies
Cardiovascular abnormalities in children on long-term dialysis: analysis of risk factors.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore335 Supp