3,539 research outputs found
Suppression of Ground-State Magnetization in Finite-Sized Systems Due to Off-Diagonal Interaction Fluctuations
We study a generic model of interacting fermions in a finite-sized disordered
system. We show that the off-diagonal interaction matrix elements induce
density of states fluctuations which generically favor a minimum spin ground
state at large interaction amplitude, . This effect competes with the
exchange effect which favors large magnetization at large , and it
suppresses this exchange magnetization in a large parameter range. When
off-diagonal fluctuations dominate, the model predicts a spin gap which is
larger for odd-spin ground states as for even-spin, suggesting a simple
experimental signature of this off-diagonal effect in Coulomb blockade
transport measurements.Comment: Final, substantially modified version of the article. Accepted for
publication in Physical Review Letter
Nanoscopic Tunneling Contacts on Mesoscopic Multiprobe Conductors
We derive Bardeen-like expressions for the transmission probabilities between
two multi-probe mesoscopic conductors coupled by a weak tunneling contact. We
emphasize especially the dual role of a weak coupling contact as a current
source and sink and analyze the magnetic field symmetry. In the limit of a
point-like tunneling contact the transmission probability becomes a product of
local, partial density of states of the two mesoscopic conductors. We present
expressions for the partial density of states in terms of functional
derivatives of the scattering matrix with respect to the local potential and in
terms of wave functions. We discuss voltage measurements and resistance
measurements in the transport state of conductors. We illustrate the theory for
the simple case of a scatterer in an otherwise perfect wire. In particular, we
investigate the development of the Hall-resistance as measured with weak
coupling probes.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures, revte
Ground-State Magnetization for Interacting Fermions in a Disordered Potential : Kinetic Energy, Exchange Interaction and Off-Diagonal Fluctuations
We study a model of interacting fermions in a disordered potential, which is
assumed to generate uniformly fluctuating interaction matrix elements. We show
that the ground state magnetization is systematically decreased by off-diagonal
fluctuations of the interaction matrix elements. This effect is neglected in
the Stoner picture of itinerant ferromagnetism in which the ground-state
magnetization is simply determined by the balance between ferromagnetic
exchange and kinetic energy, and increasing the interaction strength always
favors ferromagnetism. The physical origin of the demagnetizing effect of
interaction fluctuations is the larger number of final states available for
interaction-induced scattering in the lower spin sectors of the Hilbert space.
We analyze the energetic role played by these fluctuations in the limits of
small and large interaction . In the small limit we do second-order
perturbation theory and identify explicitly transitions which are allowed for
minimal spin and forbidden for higher spin. These transitions then on average
lower the energy of the minimal spin ground state with respect to higher spin.
For large interactions we amplify on our earlier work [Ph. Jacquod and A.D.
Stone, Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 3938 (2000)] which showed that minimal spin is
favored due to a larger broadening of the many-body density of states in the
low-spin sectors. Numerical results are presented in both limits.Comment: 35 pages, 24 figures - final, shortened version, to appear in
Physical Review
Confinement and Chiral Symmetry Breaking via Domain-Like Structures in the QCD Vacuum
A qualitative mechanism for the emergence of domain structured background
gluon fields due to singularities in gauge field configurations is considered,
and a model displaying a type of mean field approximation to the QCD partition
function based on this mechanism is formulated. Estimation of the vacuum
parameters (gluon condensate, topological susceptibility, string constant and
quark condensate) indicates that domain-like structures lead to an area law for
the Wilson loop, nonzero topological susceptibility and spontaneous breakdown
of chiral symmetry. Gluon and ghost propagators in the presence of domains are
calculated explicitly and their analytical properties are discussed. The
Fourier transforms of the propagators are entire functions and thus describe
confined dynamical fields.Comment: RevTeX, 48 pages (32 pages + Appendices A-E), new references added
[1,2,4,5] and minor formulae corrected for typographical error
High platelet reactivity in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: Randomised controlled trial comparing prasugrel and clopidogrel
Background: Prasugrel is more effective than clopidogrel in reducing platelet aggregation in acute coronary syndromes. Data available on prasugrel reloading in clopidogrel treated patients with high residual platelet reactivity (HRPR) i.e. poor responders, is limited. Objectives: To determine the effects of prasugrel loading on platelet function in patients on clopidogrel and high platelet reactivity undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients: Patients with ACS on clopidogrel who were scheduled for PCI found to have a platelet reactivity ≥40 AUC with the Multiplate Analyzer, i.e. “poor responders” were randomised to prasugrel (60 mg loading and 10 mg maintenance dose) or clopidogrel (600 mg reloading and 150 mg maintenance dose). The primary outcome measure was proportion of patients with platelet reactivity <40 AUC 4 hours after loading with study medication, and also at one hour (secondary outcome). 44 patients were enrolled and the study was terminated early as clopidogrel use decreased sharply due to introduction of newer P2Y12 inhibitors. Results: At 4 hours after study medication 100% of patients treated with prasugrel compared to 91% of those treated with clopidogrel had platelet reactivity <40 AUC (p = 0.49), while at 1 hour the proportions were 95% and 64% respectively (p = 0.02). Mean platelet reactivity at 4 and 1 hours after study medication in prasugrel and clopidogrel groups respectively were 12 versus 22 (p = 0.005) and 19 versus 34 (p = 0.01) respectively. Conclusions: Routine platelet function testing identifies patients with high residual platelet reactivity (“poor responders”) on clopidogrel. A strategy of prasugrel rather than clopidogrel reloading results in earlier and more sustained suppression of platelet reactivity. Future trials need to identify if this translates into clinical benefit
Consistent Reduction in Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction With Cangrelor as Assessed by Multiple Definitions
BACKGROUND: Cangrelor is an intravenous P2Y12 inhibitor approved to reduce periprocedural ischemic events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention not pretreated with a P2Y12 inhibitor.
METHODS: A total of 11 145 patients were randomized to cangrelor or clopidogrel in the CHAMPION PHOENIX trial (Cangrelor versus Standard Therapy to Achieve Optimal Management of Platelet Inhibition). We explored the effects of cangrelor on myocardial infarction (MI) using different definitions and performed sensitivity analyses on the primary end point of the trial.
RESULTS: A total of 462 patients (4.2%) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention had an MI as defined by the second universal definition. The majority of these MIs (n=433, 93.7%) were type 4a. Treatment with cangrelor reduced the incidence of MI at 48 hours (3.8% versus 4.7%; odds ratio [OR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67-0.97; P=0.02). When the Society of Coronary Angiography and Intervention definition of periprocedural MI was applied to potential ischemic events, there were fewer total MIs (n=134); however, the effects of cangrelor on MI remained significant (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.46-0.92; P=0.01). Similar effects were seen in the evaluation of the effects of cangrelor on MIs with peak creatinine kinase-MB ≥10 times the upper limit of normal (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45-0.91) and those with peak creatinine kinase-MB ≥10 times the upper limit of normal, ischemic symptoms, or ECG changes (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48-0.84). MIs defined by any of these definitions were associated with increased risk of death at 30 days. Treatment with cangrelor reduced the composite end point of death, MI (Society of Coronary Angiography and Intervention definition), ischemia-driven revascularization, or Academic Research Consortium definite stent thrombosis (1.4% versus 2.1%; OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.51-0.92).
CONCLUSIONS: MI in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, regardless of definition, remains associated with increased risk of death in the current era. Cangrelor compared with clopidogrel significantly reduces MI regardless of the definition.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01156571
Convergence and divergence in the evolution of cat skulls: temporal and spatial patterns of morphological diversity
Background: Studies of biological shape evolution are greatly enhanced when framed in a phylogenetic perspective.
Inclusion of fossils amplifies the scope of macroevolutionary research, offers a deep-time perspective on tempo and mode
of radiations, and elucidates life-trait changes. We explore the evolution of skull shape in felids (cats) through morphometric
analyses of linear variables, phylogenetic comparative methods, and a new cladistic study of saber-toothed cats.
Methodology/Principal Findings: A new phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of saber-toothed cats
(Machairodontinae) exclusive of Felinae and some basal felids, but does not support the monophyly of various sabertoothed
tribes and genera. We quantified skull shape variation in 34 extant and 18 extinct species using size-adjusted linear
variables. These distinguish taxonomic group membership with high accuracy. Patterns of morphospace occupation are
consistent with previous analyses, for example, in showing a size gradient along the primary axis of shape variation and a
separation between large and small-medium cats. By combining the new phylogeny with a molecular tree of extant Felinae,
we built a chronophylomorphospace (a phylogeny superimposed onto a two-dimensional morphospace through time). The
evolutionary history of cats was characterized by two major episodes of morphological divergence, one marking the
separation between saber-toothed and modern cats, the other marking the split between large and small-medium cats.
Conclusions/Significance: Ancestors of large cats in the ‘Panthera’ lineage tend to occupy, at a much later stage,
morphospace regions previously occupied by saber-toothed cats. The latter radiated out into new morphospace regions
peripheral to those of extant large cats. The separation between large and small-medium cats was marked by considerable
morphologically divergent trajectories early in feline evolution. A chronophylomorphospace has wider applications in
reconstructing temporal transitions across two-dimensional trait spaces, can be used in ecophenotypical and functional
diversity studies, and may reveal novel patterns of morphospace occupation
Efficacy and safety of cangrelor in patients with peripheral artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention – Insights from the CHAMPION program
Abstract Background Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with an increased risk of ischemic events following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). More aggressive antiplatelet therapy may mitigate this risk. The present study evaluates the efficacy of cangrelor in patients with PAD undergoing PCI. Methods and results This is a pooled analysis from the CHAMPION PCI, CHAMPION PLATFORM, AND CHAMPION PHOENIX trials, evaluating cangrelor versus either clopidogrel or placebo in PCI patients. The occurrence of the primary endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven revascularization (IDR) was assessed in patients with and without PAD. GUSTO severe bleeding at 48 h was also evaluated. There were 1720 (7%) patients with PAD and 22,802 (93%) without PAD. After adjustment for differences in baseline variables, PAD patients, compared with those without PAD, experienced increased odds of the primary endpoint (OR [95% CI] = 1.27 [0.91, 1.77], P = 0.16) and GUSTO severe bleeding (OR [95% CI] = 3.24 [1.28, 8.21], P = 0.01). In PAD patients, the primary endpoint was 4.7% with cangrelor vs. 7.2% with clopidogrel (OR [95% CI] = 0.64 [0.42,0.96]); in patients without PAD the primary endpoint was 3.5% with cangrelor vs. 4.2% with clopidogrel (OR [95% CI] = 0.83 [0.72,0.95]), P-interaction 0.23. Among patients with or without PAD, there was no significant difference in the rate of GUSTO severe bleeding with cangrelor compared with control, P-interaction 0.86. Conclusions In a pooled analysis of the CHAMPION studies, PAD was associated with increased rates of ischemic and bleeding complications. Cangrelor reduced the odds of ischemic events, without increasing GUSTO severe bleeding. Clinical trial registration clinicaltrials.gov identifiers: CHAMPION PCI ( NCT00305162 ), CHAMPION PLATFORM ( NCT00385138 ), CHAMPION PHOENIX ( NCT01156571
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