Quantifying shrub-shrub competition in drylands using aerial imagery and a novel landscape competition index.

The Jornada Basin Long-Term Ecological Research Site (JRN-LTER, or JRN) is a semiarid grassland-shrubland in southern New Mexico, USA. The role of intraspecific competition in constraining shrub growth and establishment at the JRN and in arid systems, in general, is an important question in dryland studies. Using information on shrub distributions and growth habits at the JRN, we present a novel landscape-scale (c. 1 ha) metric (the 'competition index', CI), which quantifies the potential intensity of competitive interactions. We map and compare the intensity of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa, Torr.) competition spatially and temporally across the JRN-LTER, investigating associations of CI with shrub distribution, density, and soil types. The CI metric shows strong correlation with values of percent cover. Mapping CI across the Jornada Basin shows that high-intensity intraspecific competition is not prevalent, with few locations where intense competition is likely to be limiting further honey mesquite expansion. Comparison of CI among physiographic provinces shows differences in average CI values associated with geomorphology, topography, and soil type, suggesting that edaphic conditions may impose important constraints on honey mesquite and growth. However, declining and negative growth rates with increasing CI suggest that intraspecific competition constrains growth rates when CI increases above c. 0.5.

Narrow-linewidth and low RIN Tm/Ho co-doped fiber laser based on self-injection locking.

A narrow-linewidth and low relative intensity noise (RIN) Tm/Ho co-doped fiber laser based on a saturable absorber and self-injection locking was demonstrated for the first time. Utilizing self-injection locking technology, the frequency noise power spectral density is remarkably reduced by more than 17.1 dB from 1.21 × 106 Hz2/Hz to 7.30 × 103 Hz2/Hz when the frequency is approximately 1 kHz. Furthermore, a laser with a linewidth compressed to a quarter of the original linewidth from 44.386 kHz to 2.850 kHz, a RIN of less than -127.74 dB/Hz, and an optical signal-to-noise ratio of more than 71.6 dB can be obtained. Using a delay fiber, the relaxation oscillation peak frequencies move to lower frequencies, from 27.9 kHz to 15.8 kHz. The proposed laser is highly competitive in advanced coherent light detection fields, including coherent Doppler wind lidar, high-speed coherent optical communication, and precise absolute distance coherent measurement.

Guiding the Formation of Metal-Organic Structures of 1,4-Diaminoanthraquinone through Surface-Based Cu Atoms.

The gradual guidance of the formation of metal-organic structures through surface-based Cu atoms for 1,4-diaminoanthraquinones (DAQs) has been studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at room temperature. On the Ag(110) surface, the transition from a hydrogen-bond network structure to metal-organic coordination structures of DAQs can be induced by introducing foreign copper atoms. Due to the weak interaction between DAQs and Ag(110), thermal treatment easily leads to the desorption of DAQs from the surface. To address this challenge, Cu(111) is selected as the substrate. Under thermal driving and in the presence of copper adatoms, the hydrogen-bond network structure of DAQs on the surface gradually undergoes a transition into a metal-coordinated structure, eventually leading to the formation of metal-organic complexes through amino dehydrogenation. It is demonstrated that the construction of a metal-organic coordination structure on metal surfaces is a result of the competition among factors such as metal atoms, functional groups of molecules, surface chemical activity, and temperature.

The Clinical Relevance of Autonomic Dysfunction, Cerebral Hemodynamics, and Sleep Interactions in Individuals Living With SCI.

A myriad of physiological impairments is seen in individuals after a spinal cord injury (SCI). These include altered autonomic function, cerebral hemodynamics, and sleep. These physiological systems are interconnected and likely insidiously interact leading to secondary complications. These impairments negatively influence quality of life. A comprehensive review of these systems, and their interplay, may improve clinical treatment and the rehabilitation plan of individuals living with SCI. Thus, these physiological measures should receive more clinical consideration. This special communication introduces the under investigated autonomic dysfunction, cerebral hemodynamics, and sleep disorders in people with SCI to stakeholders involved in SCI rehabilitation. We also discuss the linkage between autonomic dysfunction, cerebral hemodynamics, and sleep disorders and some secondary outcomes are discussed. Recent evidence is synthesized to make clinical recommendations on the assessment and potential management of important autonomic, cerebral hemodynamics, and sleep-related dysfunction in people with SCI. Finally, a few recommendations for clinicians and researchers are provided.

High-resolution bin-based linkage mapping uncovers the genetic architecture and heterosis-related loci of plant height in indica-japonica derived populations.

Plant height (PH) is an important trait affecting the plant architecture, seed yield, and harvest index. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PH heterosis remain unclear. In addition, useful PH-related genes must be urgently identified to facilitate ideal plant architecture breeding in rice (Oryza sativa L.). In the present study, to explore rice quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and heterosis-related loci of PH in rice, we developed a high-generation (>F15 ) population of 272 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from a cross of two elite varieties, Luohui 9 (indica/xian) × RPY geng (japonica/geng), and two testcross hybrid populations derived from the crosses of RILs and two cytoplasmic male sterile lines (YTA [indica] and Z7A [japonica]). Using deep resequencing data, a high-density genetic map containing 4758 bin markers was constructed, with a total map distance of 2356.41 cM. Finally, 31 PH-related QTLs for different PH component lengths or tiller numbers across five seasons were identified. Two major environment-specific PH QTLs were stably detected in Hainan (qPH-3.1) or Hubei (qPH-5.1), which have undergone significant functional alterations in rice with changes in geographical environment. Based on comparative genomics, gene function annotation, homolog identification, and existing literature (pioneering studies), candidate genes for multiple QTLs were fine-mapped, and the candidate genes qPH-3.1 and qPH-5.1 for PH were further validated using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Specifically, qPH-3.1 was characterized as a pleiotropic gene, and the qPH-3.1 knockout line showed reduced PH, delayed heading, a decreased seed setting rate, and increased tiller numbers. Importantly, 10 PH heterosis-related QTLs were identified in the testcross populations, and a better-parent heterosis locus (qBPH-5.2) completely covered qPH-5.1. Furthermore, the cross results of fixed-genotype RILs verified the dominant effects of qPH-3.1 and qPH-5.1. Together, these findings further our understanding of the genetic mechanisms of PH and offer multiple highly reliable gene targets for breeding rice varieties with ideal architecture and high yield potential in the immediate future.

TiCl4precursor affecting the performance of HTM-free carbon-based perovskite solar cell.

The presence of TiO2used as an efficient electron transport layer is crucial to achieving high-performance solar cells, especially for a hole transport material (HTM)-free carbon-based perovskite solar cell (PSC). The hydrolysis of TiCl4is one of the most widely used routes for forming TiO2layer in solar cells, which includes the stock solution preparation from TiCl4initial precursor and the thermal hydrolysis of the stock solution. The second thermal hydrolysis step has been extensively studied, while the initial hydrolysis reaction in the first step is not receiving sufficient attention, especially for its influence on the photovoltaic performance of HTM-free carbon-based devices. In this study, the role of TiCl4stock solution in the growth process of TiO2layer is examined. Based on the analysis of the Ti(IV) intermediate states for different TiCl4concentrations from Raman spectra, 2 M TiCl4precursor exhibits moderate nucleation and growth kinetics without generating too many intermediates which occurs in 3 M TiCl4precursor, yielding ∼300 nm size spherical TiO2agglomerates with a rutile phase. In the aspect of devices, the HTM-free carbon-based PSCs fabricated using 2 M TiCl4precursor deliver a conversion efficiency beyond 17%, which may be attributed to the reduced defect in compact TiO2layer.

Pascal's Triangle Fractal Symmetries.

We introduce a model of interacting bosons exhibiting an infinite collection of fractal symmetries-termed "Pascal's triangle symmetries"-which provides a natural U(1) generalization of a spin-(1/2) system with Sierpinski triangle fractal symmetries introduced in Newman et al., [Phys. Rev. E 60, 5068 (1999).PLEEE81063-651X10.1103/PhysRevE.60.5068]. The Pascal's triangle symmetry gives rise to exact degeneracies, as well as a manifold of low-energy states which are absent in the Sierpinski triangle model. Breaking the U(1) symmetry of this model to Z_{p}, with prime integer p, yields a lattice model with a unique fractal symmetry which is generated by an operator supported on a fractal subsystem with Hausdorff dimension d_{H}=ln(p(p+1)/2)/lnp. The Hausdorff dimension of the fractal can be probed through correlation functions at finite temperature. The phase diagram of these models at zero temperature in the presence of quantum fluctuations, as well as the potential physical construction of the U(1) model, is discussed.

Anion Modified Spin Crossover in [Fe(qsal-4-F)]+ Complexes with a 4-Position Substituted Qsal Ligand.

Four iron(III) complexes, [Fe(qsal-4-F)2]Y·sol (Hqsal-4-F = 4-fluoro-N-(8-quinolyl)salicylaldimine; Y = NO3-, sol = 0.91MeOH·0.57H2O (1NO3); Y = PF6- (2PF6); Y = BF4- (3BF4); Y = OTf-, sol =1.5MeOH (4OTf)), with a new 4-position substituted qsal type ligand Hqsal-4-F have been synthesized and structurally and magnetically characterized. Complexes 1NO3-3BF4 consist of 1D chains formed by the [Fe(qsal-4-F)2]+ cations connected by π-π and C-H···O interactions, which are further linked by more weak interactions to form 2D layers and 3D networks. On the other hand, complex 4OTf has a structure of nearly isolated 1D column where the [Fe(qsal-4-F)2]+ cations are connected by π-π, C-H···π, and C-F···π interactions. Magnetic studies revealed the occurrence of two-step symmetry-breaking SCO in 1NO3 and two-step gradual SCO in 2PF6. Complex 3BF4 undergoes a gradual SCO, whereas 4OTf remains almost high-spin. The smaller anions tend to stabilize the low-spin state, while larger anions tend to stabilize the high-spin state. In addition, the intermediate spin state of 1NO3 could be thermally trapped by quenching from the high temperature, thereby kinetically suppressing the spin transition to the full low-spin state. This work represents a good example that the position of the substituent and the anions plays critical roles in the preparation of SCO materials with tunable properties.

Silencing of lncRNA 6030408B16RIK prevents ultrafiltration failure in peritoneal dialysis via microRNA-326-3p-mediated WISP2 down-regulation.

Continuous exposure to peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid results in peritoneal fibrosis and ultimately causes ultrafiltration failure. Noncoding RNAs, including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), have been reported to participate in ultrafiltration failure in PD. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the mechanism of lncRNA 6030408B16RIK in association with miR-326-3p in ultrafiltration failure in PD. Peritoneal tissues were collected from uremic patients with or without PD. A uremic rat model with PD was first established by 5/6 nephrectomy. The relationship between lncRNA 6030408B16RIK, miR-326-3p and WISP2 was identified using luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down and RIP assays. After ectopic expression and depletion treatments in cells, expression of α-SMA, phosphorylated ß-catenin, FSP1, E-cadherin and Vimentin was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses, and Collagen III and CD31 expression by immunohistochemistry. Ultrafiltration volume and glucose transport capacity were assessed by the peritoneal equilibration test. Expression of lncRNA 6030408B16RIK and WISP2 was up-regulated and miR-326-3p expression was poor in peritoneal tissues of uremic PD patients and model rats. LncRNA 6030408B16RIK competitively bound to miR-326-3p and then elevated WISP2 expression. Silencing of lncRNA 6030408B16RIK and WISP2 or overexpression of miR-326-3p was shown to decrease the expression of α-SMA, phosphorylated ß-catenin, FSP1, Vimentin, Collagen III and CD31, while reducing glucose transport capacity and increasing E-cadherin expression and ultrafiltration volume in uremic PD rats. In summary, lncRNA 6030408B16RIK silencing exerts an anti-fibrotic effect on uremic PD rats with ultrafiltration failure by inactivating the WISP2-dependent Wnt/ß-catenin pathway via miR-326-3p.

Increased skin wetness independently augments cool-seeking behaviour during passive heat stress.

KEY POINTS: Skin wetness occurring secondary to the build-up of sweat on the skin provokes thermal discomfort, the precursor to engaging in cool-seeking behaviour. Associative evidence indicates that skin wetness stimulates cool-seeking behaviour to a greater extent than increases in core and mean skin temperatures. The independent contribution of skin wetness to cool-seeking behaviour during heat stress has never been established. We demonstrate that skin wetness augments cool-seeking behaviour during passive heat stress independently of differential increases in skin temperature and core temperature. We also identify that perceptions of skin wetness were not elevated despite increases in actual skin wetness. These data support the proposition that afferent signalling from skin wetness enhances the desire to engage in cool-seeking behaviour during passive heat stress. ABSTRACT: This study tested the hypothesis that elevations in skin wetness augments cool-seeking behaviour during passive heat stress. Twelve subjects (6 females, age: 24 ± 2 y) donned a water-perfused suit circulating 34 °C water and completed two trials resting supine in a 28.5 ± 0.4 °C environment. The trials involved a 20 min baseline period (26 ± 3% relative humidity (RH)), 60 min while ambient humidity was maintained at 26±3% RH (LOW) or increased to 67 ± 5% RH (HIGH), followed by 60 min passive heat stress (HS) where the water temperature in the suit was incrementally increased to 50 °C. Subjects were able to seek cooling when their neck was thermally uncomfortable by pressing a button. Each button press initiated 30 s of -20 °C fluid perfusing through a custom-made device secured against the skin on the dorsal neck. Mean skin (Tskin ) and core (Tcore ) temperatures, mean skin wetness (Wskin ) and neck device temperature (Tdevice ) were measured continuously. Cool-seeking behaviour was determined from total time receiving cooling (TTcool ) and cumulative button presses. Tskin and Tcore increased during HS (P < 0.01) but were not different between conditions (P ≥ 0.11). Wskin was elevated in HIGH vs. LOW during HS (60 min: by + 0.06 ± 0.07 a.u., P ≤ 0.04). Tdevice was lower in HIGH vs. LOW at 40-50 min of HS (P ≤ 0.01). TTcool was greater for HIGH (330 ± 172 s) vs. LOW (225 ± 167 s, P < 0.01), while the number of cumulative button presses was greater from 40-60 min in HS for HIGH vs. LOW (P ≤ 0.04). Increased skin wetness amplifies the engagement in cool-seeking behaviour during passive heat stress.

Hydrodynamic Process in the Langmuir-Blodgett Film Method.

Preparing organic coatings in a very controlled manner through the spreading of organic molecules on the water surface is one of the emphases for research in Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technology. For preparing a homogeneous film and improving the quality of the film, it is our concern to have a deeper understanding of the dynamic process involved in spreading. Here, we present an overview of the hydrodynamic process under the influence of assisting the spreading solvent, which mainly focuses on the mechanical mechanisms of related phenomena. A typical spreading experiment of two-component mixed droplets on water substrate for the purpose of preparing LB films was carried out in this research. We perform the spreading of a liquid of silicone oil and oleic acid mixture on the horizontal surface of another immiscible deep water substrate, where the volatile silicone oil is the assisting spreading solvent with low viscosity. We find that it needs to exceed a certain critical value (60% in our experiment) to achieve a uniform and centrosymmetric spreading process, which is a key factor for getting a homogeneous film. We observe that the evolution of a large droplet into liquid film and then into small droplets under the action of surface tension gradient in experiments. Gravity-viscous and surface tension-viscous dominate successively in the whole spreading process, with its spreading radius r(t) ∝ t1/4 and r(t) ∝ t3/4, respectively. However, we also obtain singular values of scaling exponents -0.033 and -0.180, which is attributed to nonuniform distribution of the Laplace pressure caused by different curvatures near the capillary wave.

Investigation of regulation and mechanism of miR-223 on autophagy of CD4 + T lymphocytes in septic mice.

T-lymphocyte dysfunction is most important part of immune dysfunction in sepsis, where dynamic change, especially autophagy of CD4+T lymphocytes is found to be related to disease fate. Our study is to i nvestigate the changes of CD4 + T lymphocytes and their autophagy levels in septic miR-223 -/- mouse model injected intraperitoneally with E. coli.120 male C57BL/6J wild-type. Twenty male miR-223 knockout(miR-223-/-) mice were randomly divided into, according to intraperitoneal injection of normal saline (NS) and E. coli solution, normal saline (WT NS) group, sepsis (WT Sep) group, miR-223 -/- NS group and miR-223 -/- Sep group, respectively. The autophagy related protein was monitored with flow cytometry to observe the autophagy of CD4+T lymphocytes. Flow cytometry showed the proportion of CD4 + T lymphocytes in peripheral blood circulation, alveoli, and spleen of mice in the WT Sep group gradually decreased after surgery, the proportion of cells with autophagic activity in this population of cells was significantly higher than that in the WT NS group, and the proportion of CD4 + T lymphocytes with active autophagic activity in miR-223 -/- mice were significantly decreased, but higher than that in the miR-223 -/- NS group and lower than the level of autophagy in CD4 + T cells of wild-type mice. Thus, miR-223 can up-regulate the level of autophagy in CD4 + T lymphocytes of septic mice, suggesting that miR-223 may be used as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of sepsis.

Extremely anisotropic epsilon-near-zero media in waveguide metamaterials.

Extremely anisotropic media such as anisotropic zero-index media allow wave propagation in extraordinary ways that are absent in isotropic systems. Here, we propose an approach to realize a type of extremely anisotropic effective epsilon-near-zero media by exploiting anisotropic waveguide metamaterials. The metamaterial is composed of two kinds of dielectrics with metal wires in waveguides. Extreme anisotropy is realized by alternating layers of the two kinds of dielectrics, which lead to different cut-off frequencies for transverse electric modes in different directions. Anisotropic effective epsilon-near-zero media with low loss can be obtained around the cutoff frequencies. Based on the extreme anisotropy, the unique phenomena of directive emission, nearly perfect bending waveguides and arbitrary control of energy flux are demonstrated. Interestingly, subwavelength focusing of energy flux with a spotsize <0.2λ is observed (λ is the wavelength in free space). Our work provides a convenient approach for the realization of extremely anisotropic epsilon-near-zero media and unique applications in low-loss waveguide metamaterials.

Differing climate and landscape effects on regional dryland vegetation responses during wet periods allude to future patterns.

Dryland vegetation is influenced by biotic and abiotic land surface template (LST) conditions and precipitation (PPT), such that enhanced vegetation responses to periods of high PPT may be shaped by multiple factors. High PPT stochasticity in the Chihuahuan Desert suggests that enhanced responses across broad geographic areas are improbable. Yet, multiyear wet periods may homogenize PPT patterns, interact with favorable LST conditions, and in this way produce enhanced responses. In contrast, periods containing multiple extreme high PPT pulse events could overwhelm LST influences, suggesting a divergence in how climate change could influence vegetation by altering PPT periods. Using a suite of stacked remote sensing and LST datasets from the 1980s to the present, we evaluated PPT-LST-Vegetation relationships across this region and tested the hypothesis that enhanced vegetation responses would be initiated by high PPT, but that LST favorability would underlie response magnitude, producing geographic differences between wet periods. We focused on two multiyear wet periods; one of above average, regionally distributed PPT (1990-1993) and a second with locally distributed PPT that contained two extreme wet pulses (2006-2008). 1990-1993 had regional vegetation responses that were correlated with soil properties. 2006-2008 had higher vegetation responses over a smaller area that were correlated primarily with PPT and secondarily to soil properties. Within the overlapping PPT area of both periods, enhanced vegetation responses occurred in similar locations. Thus, LST favorability underlied the geographic pattern of vegetation responses, whereas PPT initiated the response and controlled response area and maximum response magnitude. Multiyear periods provide foresight on the differing impacts that directional changes in mean climate and changes in extreme PPT pulses could have in drylands. Our study shows that future vegetation responses during wet periods will be tied to LST favorability, yet will be shaped by the pattern and magnitude of multiyear PPT events.

Continuous Topological Phase Transition between Two 1D Antiferromagnetic Spin-1 Boson Superfluids with the Same Symmetry.

Spin-1 bosons on a one-dimensional chain, at incommensurate filling with an antiferromagnetic spin interaction between neighboring bosons, may form a spin-1 boson condensed state that contains both a gapless charge and spin excitations. We argue that the spin-1 boson condensed state is unstable, and will become one of two superfluids by opening a spin gap. One superfluid must have a spin-1 ground state on a ring if it contains an odd number of bosons and has no degenerate states at the chain end. The other superfluid has a spin-0 ground state on a ring for any number of bosons and has a spin-1/2 degeneracy at the chain end. The two superfluids have the same symmetry and only differ by a spin-SO(3) symmetry protected topological order. Although Landau theory forbids a continuous phase transition between two phases with the same symmetry, the phase transition between the two superfluids can be generically continuous, which is described by conformal field theory (CFT) su(2)_{2}⊕u(1)_{4}⊕su(2)[over ¯]_{2}⊕u(1)[over ¯]_{4}. Such a CFT has a spin fractionalization: spin-1 excitation can decay into a spin-1/2 right mover and a spin-1/2 left mover. We determine the critical theory by solving the partition function based on emergent symmetries and modular invariance condition of CFTs.

Pattern Formation in Drying Sessile and Pendant Droplet: Interactions of Gravity Settling, Interface Shrinkage, and Capillary Flow.

We reported the interactions of the gravitational sedimentation, interface shrinkage, and outward capillary flow in drying droplets. This coupling effect is the inference we draw from deposition patterns of both sessile and pendant droplets, which contain particles of different sizes, evaporating on a patterned substrate. The deposition difference between sessile and pendant droplets containing microparticles indicated that gravitational sedimentation has a significant influence on the deposition morphology. The phase diagram shows that the particle deposition process can be divided into two stages: in the first stage, the competition between the interface shrinkage and the gravitational sedimentation determines whether the particles can be captured by the liquid-air interface; in the second stage, the capillary flow takes the particles inside the droplet toward the edge. The deposition morphology is the result of competition and cooperation interactions of the free setting, interface shrinkage, and outward capillary flow.

Heavy solitons in a fermionic superfluid.

Solitons-solitary waves that maintain their shape as they propagate-occur as water waves in narrow canals, as light pulses in optical fibres and as quantum mechanical matter waves in superfluids and superconductors. Their highly nonlinear and localized nature makes them very sensitive probes of the medium in which they propagate. Here we create long-lived solitons in a strongly interacting superfluid of fermionic atoms and directly observe their motion. As the interactions are tuned from the regime of Bose-Einstein condensation of tightly bound molecules towards the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer limit of long-range Cooper pairs, the solitons' effective mass increases markedly, to more than 200 times their bare mass, signalling strong quantum fluctuations. This mass enhancement is more than 50 times larger than the theoretically predicted value. Our work provides a benchmark for theories of non-equilibrium dynamics of strongly interacting fermions.

The Dynamics of Circulating Monocyte Subsets and Intra-Plaque Proliferating Macrophages during the Development of Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- Mice.

To detect the development of monocytes and proliferative macrophages in atherosclerosis of ApoE-/- mice, we randomly assigned 84 ApoE-/- mice fed western diet or chow diet. On weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 after fed high-fat diet or normal chow diet, animals were euthanized (n = 7 for each group at each time point). Flow cytometry methods were used to analyze the proportions of circulation monocyte subsets. The macrophage and proliferative macrophage accumulation within atherosclerotic plaques was estimated by confocal florescence microscopy. Plasma levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride were measured by ELISA kit. The plaques of aortic sinus were stained with Oil Red O. The percent of Ly6Chi circulation monocyte, the density of proliferation macrophage, the total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, the lesion area of ApoE-/- mice were consistently elevated in chow diet throughout the trial. The total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, the lesion area were elevated in western diet group with age, and they were always higher than the chow diet group. The Ly6Chi monocytes and proliferative macrophages reached a plateau at 8 weeks and 6 weeks; despite continued high-triglyceride high-cholesterol diet the percent did not significantly change. Interestingly, the density of macrophage did not change significantly over age in western and chow diet groups. Our results provide a dynamic view of Ly6Chi monocyte subset, the density of macrophage and proliferation macrophage change during the development and progression of atherosclerosis, which is relevant for designing new treatment strategies targeting mononuclear phagocytes in this model.

1/2(e

We address the question about the origin of the 1/2(e^{2}/h) conductance plateau observed in a recent experiment on an integer quantum Hall (IQH) film covered by a superconducting (SC) film. Since one-dimensional (1D) chiral Majorana fermions on the edge of the above device can give rise to the half quantized plateau, such a plateau is regarded as conclusive evidence for the chiral Majorana fermions. However, in this Letter we give another mechanism for the 1/2(e^{2}/h) conductance plateau. We find the 1/2(e^{2}/h) conductance plateau to be a general feature of a good electric contact between the IQH film and the SC film, and cannot distinguish the existence or the nonexistence of 1D chiral Majorana fermions. We also find that the contact conductance between a superconductor and an IQH edge channel has a non-Ohmic form σ_{SC-Hall}∝V^{2} in the k_{B}T≪eV limit, if the SC and IQH bulks are fully gapped.

Predictive Value of Four-Dimensional Strain Echocardiography for Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Treated with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the predictive value of four-dimensional (4D) strain echocardiography for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. METHODS: Consecutive STEMI patients who underwent successful primary coronary interven tion (PCI) were enrolled and followed, with 2D and 4D strain echocardiography performed within 1 week after PCI. RESULTS: Twenty-six first MACE were recorded in 81 patients who finished a ∼3.0 year follow-up. Compared with those without MACE, subjects with MACE were more likely to have anterior MI (73.08 vs. 38.18%, p = 0.003), significantly decreased 2D left ventricular ejection fraction (2DLVEF) and 4DLVEF (all p < 0.05), as well as an overtly compromised 4D strain parameters. The prediction models incorporating infarct location with either 2DLVEF or 4D strain parameters were then developed. Model comparisons revealed that the global area strain (GAS)-based model had the highest discriminative capacity (c statistics = 0.774) and was well calibrated for MACE. Additionally, the clinical utility of the GAS-based prediction model was verified by decision curve analysis showing a consistent positive and larger net benefit compared to the 2DLVEF-based model. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support a superiority of 4D strain echocardiography over conventional 2D echocardiography, especially GAS, for risk stratification in STEMI patients after successful primary PCI.