Single-atom imaging of fermions in a quantum-gas microscope

Single-atom-resolved detection in optical lattices using quantum-gas microscopes has enabled a new generation of experiments in the field of quantum simulation. Fluorescence imaging of individual atoms has so far been achieved for bosonic species with optical molasses cooling, whereas detection of fermionic alkaline atoms in optical lattices by this method has proven more challenging. Here we demonstrate single-site- and single-atom-resolved fluorescence imaging of fermionic potassium-40 atoms in a quantum-gas microscope setup using electromagnetically-induced-transparency cooling. We detected on average 1000 fluorescence photons from a single atom within 1.5s, while keeping it close to the vibrational ground state of the optical lattice. Our results will enable the study of strongly correlated fermionic quantum systems in optical lattices with resolution at the single-atom level, and give access to observables such as the local entropy distribution and individual defects in fermionic Mott insulators or anti-ferromagnetically ordered phases.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures; Nature Physics, published online 13 July 201

A systematic review evaluating the psychometric properties of measures of social inclusion

Introduction: Improving social inclusion opportunities for population health has been identified as a priority area for international policy. There is a need to comprehensively examine and evaluate the quality of psychometric properties of measures of social inclusion that are used to guide social policy and outcomes. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the literature on all current measures of social inclusion for any population group, to evaluate the quality of the psychometric properties of identified measures, and to evaluate if they capture the construct of social inclusion. Methods: A systematic search was performed using five electronic databases: CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, ERIC and Pubmed and grey literature were sourced to identify measures of social inclusion. The psychometric properties of the social inclusion measures were evaluated against the COSMIN taxonomy of measurement properties using pre-set psychometric criteria. Results: Of the 109 measures identified, twenty-five measures, involving twenty-five studies and one manual met the inclusion criteria. The overall quality of the reviewed measures was variable, with the Social and Community Opportunities Profile-Short, Social Connectedness Scale and the Social Inclusion Scale demonstrating the strongest evidence for sound psychometric quality. The most common domain included in the measures was connectedness (21), followed by participation (19); the domain of citizenship was covered by the least number of measures (10). No single instrument measured all aspects within the three domains of social inclusion. Of the measures with sound psychometric evidence, the Social and Community Opportunities Profile-Short captured the construct of social inclusion best. Conclusions: The overall quality of the psychometric properties demonstrate that the current suite of available instruments for the measurement of social inclusion are promising but need further refinement. There is a need for a universal working definition of social inclusion as an overarching construct for ongoing research in the area of the psychometric properties of social inclusion instruments

Global patient outcomes after elective surgery: prospective cohort study in 27 low-, middle- and high-income countries.

BACKGROUND: As global initiatives increase patient access to surgical treatments, there remains a need to understand the adverse effects of surgery and define appropriate levels of perioperative care. METHODS: We designed a prospective international 7-day cohort study of outcomes following elective adult inpatient surgery in 27 countries. The primary outcome was in-hospital complications. Secondary outcomes were death following a complication (failure to rescue) and death in hospital. Process measures were admission to critical care immediately after surgery or to treat a complication and duration of hospital stay. A single definition of critical care was used for all countries. RESULTS: A total of 474 hospitals in 19 high-, 7 middle- and 1 low-income country were included in the primary analysis. Data included 44 814 patients with a median hospital stay of 4 (range 2-7) days. A total of 7508 patients (16.8%) developed one or more postoperative complication and 207 died (0.5%). The overall mortality among patients who developed complications was 2.8%. Mortality following complications ranged from 2.4% for pulmonary embolism to 43.9% for cardiac arrest. A total of 4360 (9.7%) patients were admitted to a critical care unit as routine immediately after surgery, of whom 2198 (50.4%) developed a complication, with 105 (2.4%) deaths. A total of 1233 patients (16.4%) were admitted to a critical care unit to treat complications, with 119 (9.7%) deaths. Despite lower baseline risk, outcomes were similar in low- and middle-income compared with high-income countries. CONCLUSIONS: Poor patient outcomes are common after inpatient surgery. Global initiatives to increase access to surgical treatments should also address the need for safe perioperative care. STUDY REGISTRATION: ISRCTN5181700

Potential toxicity of dental nanomaterials to the central nervous system

Davi Fontoura Solla,1 Tatiana Saito Paiva,2 Marcia André,2 Wellingson Silva Paiva1,31Department of Neurology, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, 2Department of Surgery, Prosthesis, and Maxillofacial Traumatology, University of Sao Paulo Dentistry School, 3Neurology Center, Samaritano Hospital, Sao Paulo, BrazilIt was enlightening to read this comprehensive review of dental nanomaterials toxicity to the central nervous systems (CNSs) by Feng et al1 published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine. There are many potential applications of nanomaterials indentistry.2 Composite resins have been widely used in restorations of dental caries;3 however, it is estimated that approximately 50% of prepared restorations need to be remade, the secondary caries is one of the most frequent causes of failure,4 and the use of nanomaterials could decrease the incidence of these complications. Thus, the application of nanomaterials can bring numerous benefits in dentistry, especially in caries prevention; however, there is an important question about the safety of these materials for the nervous system. In the study by Feng et al1 a vast array of nanomaterials types and their major applications were outlined. View original article by Feng and colleagues

Challenges for a successful career as a PhD student

Ana Luiza Zaninotto,1 Tatiana Saito Paiva,2 Marcia André,2 Beatriz Silva Mattos,2 Wellingson Silva Paiva3 1Division of Psychology, Clinics Hospital at University of São Paulo Medical School, 2Department of Surgery, Prosthesis, and Maxillofacial Trauma, University of Sao Paulo Dentistry School, 3Division of Neurological Surgery, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, BrazilRecently, we read publications relating to helping students to improve their scientific thinking and writing;1,2 in which Sørensen wrote a brilliant paper entitled “I-determinants for successful PhD or postdoctoral outcome”.3 There is a new world in clinical and experimental research with many challenges for training new researchers. There is notable intensification of the International Scientific Cooperation, requiring more systematic programs for PhD students and research fellow training. In this paper, the author describes his extensive experience relating on how to identify the characteristics of PhD students and postdoctoral fellows that can successfully perform the training program and became an independent researcher.View original paper by Sørensen