Quantum heat transfer through an atomic wire

We studied the phononic heat transfer through an atomic dielectric wire with both infinite and finite lengths by using a model Hamiltonian approach. At low temperature under ballistic transport, the thermal conductance contributed by each phonon branch of a uniform and harmonic chain cannot exceed the well-known value which depends linearly on temperature but is material independent. We predict that this ballistic thermal conductance will exhibit stepwise behavior as a function of temperature. By performing numerical calculations on a more realistic system, where a small atomic chain is placed between two reservoirs, we also found resonance modes, which should also lead to the stepwise behavior in the thermal conductance.Comment: 14 pages, 2 separate figure

Computational molecular characterization of the flavonoid rutin

In this work, we make use of a model chemistry within Density Functional Theory (DFT) recently presented, which is called M05-2X, to calculate the molecular structure of the flavonoid Rutin, as well as to predict the infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV-Vis) spectra, the dipole moment and polarizability, the free energy of solvation in different solvents as an indication of solubility, the HOMO and LUMO orbitals, and the chemical reactivity parameters that arise from Conceptual DFT. The calculated values are compared with the available experimental data for this molecule as a means of validation of the used model chemistry

Measuring bank efficiency: DEA application

The paper aims to improve the methodology of measuring efficiency of Latvian banks. Efficiency scores were calculated with application of non-parametric frontier technique Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Input-oriented DEA model under Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) assumption was used. Potential model variables were selected based on the intermediation and profitability approach. Fourteen alternative models with different inputs-outputs combinations were developed for the research purposes. To substantiate the variables selection for DEA model the received data was processed, using such methods, as correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, analysis of mean values, and two-samples Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The research results assisted the authors in providing general recommendations about the variables selection for DEA application in the Latvian banking sector. The present research contributes to the existing analytical data on bank performance in Latvia. The empirical findings provide a background for further studies, in particular, the efficiency of Latvian banks could be analysed in the extended time period

Hyperkalemia occurring in a patient with psoriatic arthritis following indomethacin use

Objective: To report a case of hyperkalemia possibly due to indomethacin use. Case Summary: A 52-year-old white woman with psoriatic arthritis for 16 years and diabetes mellitus for 3 years was admitted to the university hospital due to swelling and pain of wrists, elbows, knees and ankles for the last one month. The patient had been receiving methotrexate irregularly, but discontinued it 3 months ago. Physical examination and laboratory evaluations were compatible with diagnosis of exacerbation of psoriatic arthritis and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two days after initiation of indomethacin and methotrexate, hyperkalemia developed with increase of blood urea nitrogen and decrease of creatinine clearance. Indomethacin was discontinued, and this resulted in normalization of laboratory findings between day 5 and 10 after discontinuation. Conclusion: The development of hyperkalemia caused by indomethacin is probably unusual, but it is important because indomethacin is a commonly used medication. This potentially serious complication can be prevented by careful attention to renal function and potassium balance in patients receiving indomethacin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), especially in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or preexisting renal disease

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome mimicking acute anterior myocardial infarction in a young male patient - A case report

A young male with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome whose electrocardiographic pattern was suggestive of acute anterior myocardial infarction is described. A 21-year-old male with a history of ventricular fibrillation after being successfully resuscitated was admitted to the coronary care unit. His electrocardiogram showed ST elevation in the precordial leads (V-1-V-6). This condition was erroneously interpreted as an acute myocardial infarction. At the fourth day, while ST elevations returned to baseline, short PR interval and delta waves were observed on the ECG. Myocardial infarction was excluded by biochemical tests, echocardiography, and coronary angiography. Electrophysiologic study confirmed Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome with two accessory pathways

Colchicine-induced myopathy in a teenager with familial editerranean fever

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of colchicine-induced myopathy in a teenager with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)

Nephropathy and retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients living at moderately high altitude and sea level

Background: High-altitude-induced hypoxia results in various diseases, such as chronic mountain sickness and high altitude retinal edema, and may affect severity and incidence of some cardiovascular diseases. In order to evaluate the effects of moderately high altitude on diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy, a cross-sectional study was planned. Material Method: Long-term type II diabetic residents of sea level (n=75, 38 male, 37 female, mean age 51.9 ± 10.5 in Trabzon and Zonguldak cities) and moderately high altitude (h=1,727 m, n=73, 28 male, 45 female, mean age 48.3±12.1, Van city) were compared. Results: No difference was observed in terms of age, gender, diabetes duration, body mass index, smoking, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure values, serum glucose levels, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, hemoglobin, HbA1C, hypertension control, or blood pressure medications and retinopathy incidence. Mean 24 h protein excretion (210.0±139.9, 127.8±112.1 mg; P=0.00), proteinuria prevalence (57.5% versus 33.3%, p=0.003), and serum creatinine levels (1.04±0.22 versus 0.84±0.21, p=0.00) were significantly higher in the highlanders, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was significantly lower in sea level (SL) patients (90.9±26.5 versus 83±21.1, p=0.05). Conclusion: Tendency to diabetic nephropathy as indicated by higher proteinuria and creatinine levels is increased among type 2 diabetic patients living at moderately high altitude. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings

Coexistence of subacute thyroiditis and renal cell carcinoma: a paraneoplastic syndrome

RENAL CELL CARCINOMA IS CHARACTERIZED by varied manifestations, which include unusual metastatic sites and paraneoplastic and vascular syndromes. We describe the case of a 57-year-old man who presented with high fever, weight loss, palpitations and a tender goitre. We suggest that, in this patient, subacute thyroiditis manifested as a paraneoplastic syndrome of renal cell carcinoma