No abstract

No abstract

Using the tight-binding (TB) approximation with inclusion of the spin-orbit interaction, we predict a topological phase transition in the electronic band structure of phosphorene in the presence of axial strains. We derive a low-energy TB Hamiltonian that includes the spin-orbit interaction for bulk phosphorene. Applying a compressive biaxial in-plane strain and perpendicular tensile strain in ranges where the structure is still stable, leads to a topological phase transition. We aslo, examine the influence of strain on zigzag phosphorene nanoribbons (zPNRs) and the formation of the corresponding protected edge states when the system is in the topological phase. For zPNRs up to a width of 100 nm the energy gap is at least three orders of magnitude larger than the thermal energy at room temperature.

No abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a clinical pharmacist managed medication refill clinic on physician workload. Methods: A retrospective case study was conducted for patients receiving refill authorizations or denials from the clinical pharmacist from 2008 to 2010. Data related to refill request volume and interventions undertaken were collected. Results: A total of 5706 refill requests were processed by the clinical pharmacist during the study period. The collaboration decreased physician refill request volume up to 60%. Of the total amount of refill requests processed, 42% required the pharmacist to make an intervention. The most common interventions were reminders for follow-up. Conclusion: The collaboration between a clinical pharmacist and family physicians to develop a clinical pharmacist managed medication refill clinic decreased physician workload and improved patient care.

The classical phase diagram of the Kane-Mele-Heisenberg model is obtained by three complementary methods: Luttinger-Tisza, variational minimization, and the iterative minimization method. Six distinct phases were obtained in the space of the couplings. Three phases are commensurate with long-range ordering, planar Néel states in horizontal plane (phase.I), planar states in the plane vertical to the horizontal plane (phase.VI) and collinear states normal to the horizontal plane (phase.II). However the other three, are infinitely degenerate due to the frustrating competition between the couplings, and characterized by a manifold of incommensurate wave-vectors. These phases are, planar helical states in horizontal plane (phase.III), planar helical states in a vertical plane (phase.IV) and non-coplanar states (phase.V). Employing the linear spin-wave analysis, it is found that the quantum fluctuations select a set of symmetrically equivalent states in phase.III, through the quantum order-by-disorder mechanism. Based on some heuristic arguments is argued that the same scenario may also occur in the other two frustrated phases VI and V.

Objective:Epidemiological studies have suggested that the promoter region polymorphisms of interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene may be associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. However, those studies results are controversial. Thus, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association of promoter region polymorphisms of IL-10 gene with susceptibility to lung cancer. Methods:a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, and CNKI databases was performed to find all eligible studies up to September 15, 2018. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of such association. Results:A total number of 19 case-control studies with 4084 cases and 6,131 controls were selected. The overall meta-analysis results showed that the -592A>C polymorphism was significantly associated with lung cancer risk under four genetic models, i.e., allele (CT vs. TT: OR= 1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.35, p=0.02), homozygote (CC vs. AA: OR= 1.64, 95% CI 1.29-2.02, p≤0.001), heterozygote (CA vs. AA: OR= 1.26, 95% CI 1.06-1.50, p≤0.001), and dominant (CC+CA vs. AA: OR= 1.31, 95% CI 1.11-1.54, p=0.001). However, there was no significant association between -819T>C and -1082A>G polymorphisms of IL-10 and lung cancer risk. Similarly, subgroup analyses by ethnicity detected significant association between IL-10 -592A>C and lung cancer among Asians and Caucasians. Conclusions:Our meta-analysis suggests that the IL-10 -592A>C polymorphism might be risk factor for lung cancer, especially among Asian and Caucasians. In contrast, the IL-10 -819T>C and -1082A>G polymorphisms are not significantly associated with increased risk of lung cancer.

Objectives: Harris Health System (HHS) is a safety net system providing health care to the underserved of Harris County, Texas. There was a 6-month waiting period for a rheumatologist consult for patients with suspected systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The objective of the intervention was to improve access to specialty care.Methods: An algorithmic approach to testing for SLE was implemented initially through the HHS referral center. The algorithm was further offered as a "one-click" order for physicians, with automated reflex testing, interpretation, and case triaging by clinical pathology.Results: Data review revealed that prior to the intervention, 80% of patients did not have complete laboratory workups available at the first rheumatology visit. Implementation of algorithmic testing and triaging of referrals by pathologists resulted in decreasing the waiting time for a rheumatologist by 50%. Conclusions:Clinical pathology intervention and case triaging can improve access to care in a county health care system.The Harris Health System (HHS) is the safety net health care system for Harris County, Texas, which is the third largest county in the United States. This health care system consists of two hospitals, 23 community health centers, five school-based clinics, and several clinics that provide specialist care. The HHS provides access to care for many patients who would otherwise be unable to see a physician outside of an emergency department setting. However, this system is challenged by a shortage of clinic visit spots available for patients, especially for specialist care. For example, it was taking as long as 6 months for a patient to get an appointment with a rheumatologist in the HHS. Rheumatologic conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) necessitate prompt diagnosis and early treatment to avoid permanent end-organ damage.1 Thus, the prolonged waiting period to see a rheumatologist is anticipated to delay timely diagnosis, postpone initiation of therapy, and cause dissatisfaction for both patients and theirUpon completion of this activity you will be able to:• identify how a clinical pathology consultation service can improve access to specialty care in a resource limited setting.• describe the benefits of automated reflex testing.• understand the importance of value-based health care.The ASCP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The ASCP designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit TM per article. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This activity qualifies as an American Board of Pathology Maintenance of Certification Part II Self-Assessment Module.The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.Exam is located at www.ascp.org/ajcpcme. CME/SAM