Generalized Cardy conditions of topological defect lines

We propose a systematic procedure to work out systems of topological defect lines (TDLs) in minimal models. The only input of this method is the modular invariant partition function. For diagonal and permutation diagonal models, we prove there is a bijection between simple TDLs and primary fields preserving fusion rules. For block-diagonal models, we work out simple TDLs in the $3$-state Potts model as an example. The results agree with those in $3D$ topological field theory methods.Comment: 30 pages, 12 figure

A BMS-invariant free scalar model

The BMS (Bondi-van der Burg-Metzner-Sachs) symmetry arises as the asymptotic symmetry of flat spacetime at null infinity. In particular, the BMS algebra for three dimensional flat spacetime (BMS$_3$) is generated by the super-rotation generators which form a Virasoro sub-algebra with central charge $c_L$, together with mutually-commuting super-translation generators. The super-rotation and super-translation generators have non-trivial commutation relations with another central charge $c_M$. In this paper, we study a free scalar theory in two dimensions exhibiting BMS$_3$ symmetry, which can also be understood as the ultra-relativistic limit of a free scalar CFT$_2$. Upon canonical quantization on the highest weight vacuum, the central charges are found to be $c_L=2$ and $c_M=0$. Because of the vanishing central charge $c_M=0$, the theory features novel properties: there exist primary states which form a multiplet, and the Hilbert space can be organized by an enlarged version of BMS modules dubbed the staggered modules. We further calculate correlation functions and the torus partition function, the later of which is also shown explicitly to be modular invariant.Comment: 59 pages, 5 figures. v2, minor revision: typos correted and some statement rephrase

Numerical Simulation and Experimental Research on Coal Ash Collecting and Grading System

The grading separation of coal ash can not only increase its economic value but also decrease its pollution to environment. Based on the jet-attracting flow technology and the gas-solid two-phase flow theory, the force and motion of coal ash particles in airflow were studied firstly. Focused on single coal ash particle, Matlab software was used to simulate the force conditions and separation parameters of various diameter coal ash particles in airflow. Fluent software was used to simulate the nozzle fluidization domain shape and to determine optimal jet flux. According to the theoretical results, a coal ash collecting and grading system was developed. Using the separation efficiency as the evaluation index, the optimal experiment parameters of jet flux, attracting flux, and separation time were obtained. At last, the calculated results and experimental results of coal ash particles median diameter from the first grading separation exit under various attracting fluxes were compared. The reasons that could cause the errors were discussed. This study has significant practical meaning and application value on coal ash collecting and grading separation

How accurate is the assessment of certified nursing assistants on resident's oral self‐care function in three North Carolina assisted‐living facilities?

Aims To examine the association between the assessments of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) on resident's oral self‐care function and resident's oral hygiene outcomes in three North Carolina assisted‐living (AL) facilities. Methods and results Sixty‐five dentate AL residents were included in this secondary analysis. CNAs were asked to rate the AL residents’ overall oral self‐care function using a 6‐point Likert scale. Their assessments were then compared with the objective, performance‐based Dental Activities Test and the oral hygiene and gingival health measures. The analysis showed that nearly 90% of the participants presented with at least one untreated decayed or broken tooth. On average, nearly two‐thirds of the surfaces were covered by soft deposits (Debris Index = 1.83, SD = 0.60). Generalized mild to moderate inflammation (Gingival Index = 1.51, SD = 0.53) commonly presented on residents’ gingiva. CNAs were able to accurately identify the residents with substantial impairment in oral self‐care function, yet they tended to overestimate the oral self‐care function of residents with mild to moderate impairment. CNAs assessments were also not significantly correlated with residents’ oral hygiene measures. Conclusion CNAs failed to identify and provide assistance to AL residents with impaired oral self‐care function, contributing to poor oral oral hygiene in these vulnerable individuals

Sediment nitrite-dependent methane-oxidizing microorganisms temporally and spatially shift in the Dongjiang River

Nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-damo) process can play an important role in the methane mitigation in the environment. However, the distribution of n-damo organisms in freshwater sediment ecosystem and the associated environmental factors remain essentially unclear. The present study investigated the temporal and spatial dynamics of sediment n-damo community in the freshwater Dongjiang River using quantitative PCR assay and clone library analysis targeting n-damo pmoA gene. Sediment samples were collected at nine locations along the Dongjiang River in May and August in 2015. The remarkable temporal and spatial changes of sediment n-damo community abundance, richness, diversity, and structure occurred in the Dongjiang River and its tributaries. The n-damo pmoA gene in sediments of the Dongjiang River and its tributaries varied from 9.07 x 10(4) to 3.02 x 10(6) copies per gram dry sediment. Compared to the stem of the Dongjiang River, tributaries had relatively higher sediment n-damo community size. Sediment n-damo community abundance was higher in August than in May, while an opposite trend was observed for n-damo community richness and diversity. Sediment n-damo community structure showed a great difference between in May and August. Sediment nitrite nitrogen content was positively correlated to n-damo community abundance, but negatively to richness and diversity. Ammonia nitrogen content showed a positive correlation to n-damo community abundance, while n-damo community diversity was negatively correlated to the ratio of total organic carbon to total nitrogen (C/N). In addition, nitrite nitrogen as well as C/N might influence n-damo community structure.National Natural Science Foundation of China [41001323, 41571444]SCI(E)PubMedARTICLE1401-41010

Morphologic characteristics of severe basilar artery atherosclerotic stenosis on 3D high-resolution MRI

Abstract Background Two-dimensional high-resolution MRI (2D HRMRI) faces many technical challenges for fully assessing morphologic characteristics of inherent tortuous basilar arteries. Our aim was to investigate remodeling mechanisms and plaque distribution in symptomatic patients with basilar artery stenosis on three-dimensional (3D) HRMRI. Methods Forty-six consecutive patients with symptomatic basilar artery atherosclerotic stenosis on MRA (70–99%) were enrolled. The remodeling index (RI) was the ratio of vessel area at the maximal-lumen-narrowing (MLN) site to reference vessel area. RI ≥ 1.05 was defined as positive remodeling (PR), RI ≤ 0.95 as negative remodeling (NR), and 0.95 < RI < 1.05 as intermediate remodeling (IR). The remodeling patterns were divided into two groups (PR and non-PR [NR and IR]). The cross-sectional and longitudinal distribution of BA plaques were evaluated. Results Two patients were excluded because of poor-quality images. Images of 44 patients were available for measurements. PR was found in 23 (52.3%) patients, and non-PR in 21 (47.7%) patients. At the MLN sites, vessel area, wall area, plaque size and percentage of plaque burden of PR group were significantly greater than non-PR group (p < .001). Most plaques (90.9%) of the 44 patients were located at the dorsal, left and right walls. For the longitudinal distribution of plaque, 8 (18.2%) and 36 (81.8%) plaques were located in BA proximal and distal to AICA, respectively. Most plaques (68.2%) were eccentrically distributed. Conclusions 3D HRMRI with postprocessing multiple planar reconstruction is able to evaluate the remodeling pattern and plaque distribution of basilar artery atherosclerotic stenosis, which might be used to guide intracranial intervention

How Cognitive Impairment Affects Medication Management in Dental Settings

Mishandling medications is commonly seen in persons with dementia, which can lead to poor treatment outcome and serious complications. Whether individuals with cognitive impairment can appropriately manage dental-related medication remains unknown, raising a liability concern for dentists who fail to recognize the patients at risk for mishandling their medications. To address this concern, we conducted a study with 51 participants with various cognitive impairment to describe their ability to handle dental-related medications. After cognitive assessment, participants were asked to set up an antibiotics pill-box and use a mouthwash as instructed, and their performance were scored. Number and type of prompts given to facilitate task completion were also documented. Mishandling of dental-related medications was common in participants with cognitive impairment. As expected, participants with poor cognition needed more assistance on handling their medications. Dentists should be aware of this concern and take it into consideration when treatment plan for these individuals. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Oral Health Interest Group

Miniature multimodal endoscopic probe based on double-clad fiber

International audienceOptical coherence tomography (OCT) can obtain light scattering properties with a high resolution, while photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is ideal for mapping optical absorbers in biological tissues, and ultrasound (US) could penetrate deeply into tissues and provide elastically structural information. It is attractive and challenging to integrate these three imaging modalities into a miniature probe, through which, both optical absorption and scattering information of tissues as well as deep-tissue structure can be obtained. Here, we present a novel side-view probe integrating PAI, OCT and US imaging based on double-clad fiber which is used as a common optical path for PAI (light delivery) and OCT (light delivery/detection), and a 40 MHz unfocused ultrasound transducer for PAI (photoacoustic detection) and US (ultrasound transmission/receiving) with an overall diameter of 1.0 mm. Experiments were conducted to demonstrate the capabilities of the integrated multimodal imaging probe, which is suitable for endoscopic imaging and intravascular imaging