Scaling of the Quantum Anomalous Hall Effect as an Indicator of Axion Electrodynamics.

We report on the scaling behavior of V-doped (Bi,Sb)_{2}Te_{3} samples in the quantum anomalous Hall regime for samples of various thickness. While previous quantum anomalous Hall measurements showed the same scaling as expected from a two-dimensional integer quantum Hall state, we observe a dimensional crossover to three spatial dimensions as a function of layer thickness. In the limit of a sufficiently thick layer, we find scaling behavior matching the flow diagram of two parallel conducting topological surface states of a three-dimensional topological insulator each featuring a fractional shift of 1/2e^{2}/h in the flow diagram Hall conductivity, while we recover the expected integer quantum Hall behavior for thinner layers. This constitutes the observation of a distinct type of quantum anomalous Hall effect, resulting from 1/2e^{2}/h Hall conductance quantization of three-dimensional topological insulator surface states, in an experiment which does not require decomposition of the signal to separate the contribution of two surfaces. This provides a possible experimental link between quantum Hall physics and axion electrodynamics.

Kinetic limitation of chemical ordering in Bi2Te3-x Se x layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy.

We study the chemical ordering in Bi2Te3-x Se x grown by molecular beam epitaxy on Si substrates. We produce films in the full composition range from x = 0 to 3, and determine their material properties using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. By fitting the parameters of a kinetic growth model to these results, we obtain a consistent description of growth at a microscopic level. Our main finding is that despite the incorporation of Se in the central layer being much more probable than that of Te, the formation of a fully ordered Te-Bi-Se-Bi-Te layer is prevented by kinetic of the growth process. Indeed, the Se concentration in the central layer of Bi2Te2Se1 reaches a maximum of only ≈ 75% even under ideal growth conditions. A second finding of our work is that the intensity ratio of the 0 0 12 and 0 0 6 x-ray reflections serves as an experimentally accessible quantitative measure of the degree of ordering in these films.

Magneto-optics of massive dirac fermions in bulk Bi2Se3.

We report on magneto-optical studies of Bi2Se3, a representative member of the 3D topological insulator family. Its electronic states in bulk are shown to be well described by a simple Dirac-type Hamiltonian for massive particles with only two parameters: the fundamental band gap and the band velocity. In a magnetic field, this model implies a unique property-spin splitting equal to twice the cyclotron energy: Es=2Ec. This explains the extensive magnetotransport studies concluding a fortuitous degeneracy of the spin and orbital split Landau levels in this material. The Es=2Ec match differentiates the massive Dirac electrons in bulk Bi2Se3 from those in quantum electrodynamics, for which Es=Ec always holds.

Intracerebral administration of metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists disrupts prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle in Sprague-Dawley rats.

The functional role of striatal metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) was examined by measuring prepulse inhibition (PPI) of an acoustic startle response following the intracerebral administration of selective agonists in male Sprague-Dawley rats prepared with bilateral cannulae aimed at either the nucleus accumbens or dorsal striatum. mGluR subtypes (1-8) are classed in three groups based on sequence homology, signal transduction mechanism and pharmacology. Intra-accumbens IS,3R-ACPD, an agonist at group 1 and 2 mGluRs (0.5-1.0 micromol/2 microl), caused a dose-dependent loss of PPI. The effect of 1S,3R-ACPD was diminished when injected into dorsal striatum. Intra-accumbens infusion of the group 1 selective agonist 3,5-DHPG (1 micromol) and the group 2 selective agonist L-CCG-I (100 nmol) also led to statistically significant disruptions of PPI, while the group 3 selective agonist L-AP4 (0.4-1.0 micromol) had no significant effect. Although the group 1/2 mGluR antagonist (+) MCPG (0.5 micromol) had no significant effect of its own on PPI, co-administration with IS,3R-ACPD (1 micromol) blocked ACPD-induced loss of PPI. In addition, pretreatment (30 min) with haloperidol (0.3 mg/kg IP) attenuated the PPI disruption induced by 1 micromol 1S,3R-ACPD, suggesting dopamine may play a role in mGluR agonist induced loss of PPI. These results support a role for group 1 and group 2 mGluRs in the nucleus accumbens in the regulation of PPI, a measure of sensory gating. As PPI is abnormal in some patient populations, such as Huntington's and schizophrenia, mGluRs may have potential as novel therapeutic targets for these diseases.

Dynamic cleft maxillary orthopedics and periosteoplasty: benefit or detriment?

In 1990, Drs Millard and Latham published their initial experience with dynamic maxillary appliances (DMAs) and periosteoplasty for children with cleft lip and palate. The technique provided for alveolar alignment and consolidation, with elimination of oronasal fistulas. Opponents to this approach speculated about impairments to facial growth. To date no longitudinal studies have been published. Over the last 10 years, 35 unilateral and 10 bilateral complete clefts have been treated with this technique. All patients have been followed and documented clinically, orthodontically, and radiographically. Cephalometric analyses were performed on children after the age of 6 years. The children have excellent facial aesthetics with well-balanced lips and noses. Radiographs demonstrate bone within the repaired alveolar clefts. Articulated impressions show anterior and lateral crossbites in the unilateral patients that improve over time and appear to be correctable orthodontically. The bilateral patients have satisfactory occlusions and arch forms. Cephalometric analyses confirmed no evidence of skeletal crossbites or midfacial growth retardation. This is a work in progress that will continue as the children grow. Although definite and final conclusions would be premature, it can be stated that to date all patients are following consistent and favorable growth patterns. Our team is confident in proceeding with this technique.

Toxic methemoglobinemia after topical anesthesia for transesophageal echocardiography.

Topical benzocaine spray is an anesthetic agent that is commonly used during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This agent is believed to be relatively safe because of very low systemic absorption. We report a case of toxic methemoglobinemia induced by benzocaine use for pharyngeal anesthesia during TEE. Physicians who perform TEE and use benzocaine or other topical anesthetics need to be familiar with this potential complication and have the necessary treatment readily available.

Myocardial imaging with a new transpulmonary lipid-fluorocarbon echo contrast agent: experimental studies in pigs.

The development of echo contrast agents that can provide reliable opacification of the myocardium after intravenous injection is an important advancement for the clinical application of contrast echocardiography. In this study, the hemodynamic effects and echocardiographic characteristics of a new lipid-fluorocarbon echo contrast agent, Aerosomes MRX 115 (ImaRx Pharmaceutical Corp., Tucson, Ariz.) were studied in six anesthetized ventilated pigs. Intravenous injection of this new agent in doses ranging from 0.0005 to 0.01 ml/kg produced significant measurable and visible myocardial opacification without any effect on heart rate, systemic pressure, partial pressure of oxygen, or left ventricular systolic function. The two largest doses (0.005 and 0.01 ml/kg), however, resulted in mild reversible increases in mean pulmonary artery pressure of 12 and 16 mm Hg, respectively. In four animals, epicardial images were obtained before and during coronary artery occlusion. Intravenous contrast injection during coronary occlusion permitted delineation of the hypoperfused myocardial segment. This capability may further expand the utility of contrast echocardiography.

Metabolic adaptation to a gradual reduction in myocardial blood flow.

BACKGROUND: Studies during 20% to 50% reductions in regional coronary blood flow have revealed a number of metabolic and functional adaptations that suggest the heart downregulates energy requirements and contractility in response to ischemia. In contrast to prior studies of sudden changes in coronary blood flow, we tested whether the heart could reduce ATP consumption commensurate with a gradual decrease in coronary blood flow or whether transient metabolic abnormalities are a necessary trigger in this process. METHODS AND RESULTS: From 0 to 35 minutes, mean left anterior descending coronary artery blood flow was reduced by approximately 1% per minute in 10 acutely anesthetized and instrumented swine. Coronary blood flow then was held constant between 35 and 60 minutes at the resulting 35% net blood flow reduction. Although systemic hemodynamics remained stable, a significant decrease in regional left ventricular systolic wall thickening developed (from control value of 45 +/- 11% to 18 +/- 11% at 60 minutes, P < .001) without a sustained decrease in the phosphorylation potential (as assessed by a < 2% decrease in either the transmural or subendocardial phosphocreatine-to-ATP ratio) and with minimal myocardial lactate production (4 +/- 44 mumol.min-1 x 100 g-1). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic markers of ischemia such as ratio of phosphocreatine to ATP, ATP content, lactate content, and lactate production were blunted during this protocol of gradually worsening ischemia. Thus, contractile abnormalities of mild ischemia can develop with minimal metabolic evidence of ischemia. The downregulation of myocardial energy requirements can almost keep pace with the gradual decline in coronary blood flow.

Metabolic aspects of hibernating myocardium.

Myocardial hibernation describes the clinical entity of a dysfunctional region of myocardium with reduced flow that shows improvement in function after flow is restored. It is postulated that despite the reduced flow, metabolic activity is sufficient to prevent tissue necrosis. Experimental work in animals supports this. A moderate reduction in flow to a region of the left ventricle in pigs initially results in the typical metabolic picture of ischemia: ATP and PCr fall and anaerobic metabolism is present. However, over the next hour, a hypometabolic response occurs that eliminates almost all metabolic findings of ischemia despite ongoing flow reductions. This appears to be an actively and tightly regulated response. The reduction in systolic function is an important part of the hypometabolic state, but cannot fully account for the downregulation of energy use.

Spontaneous echo contrast and hemorheologic abnormalities in cerebrovascular disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) is thought to represent a risk factor for cardioembolic stroke. In vitro studies suggest that SEC results from interaction between red cells and fibrinogen. To better understand the relation between SEC and stroke and to investigate the in vivo genesis of SEC, we examined the relation between SEC, the constituents of the blood, and plasma and serum viscosity in patients with acute stroke or chronic cerebrovascular disease. METHODS: Fifty patients with acute stroke or chronic cerebrovascular disease referred for transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) were studied by transthoracic echocardiography and TEE. Complete blood count, fibrinogen, albumin, gamma-globulin, and plasma and serum viscosity determinations were made. Left atrial SEC was graded as absent, mild, or marked by means of TEE. RESULTS: SEC was absent in 31 patients, mild in 10 patients, and marked in 9 patients. Higher grade of SEC was associated with a significantly greater percentage of patients with atrial fibrillation and larger left atrial dimension. Atrial fibrillation was present in 23% of the patients in the SEC absent group, 50% of the patients in the mild SEC group, and 78% of the patients in the marked SEC group (P < .01). Left atrial diameter averaged 3.8 +/- 0.6 cm in the SEC absent group, 4.3 +/- 1.1 in the mild SEC group, and 4.9 +/- 0.7 in the marked SEC group (P < .001). Hematocrit, white blood cell count, and platelet count did not differ among the three groups. Fibrinogen, gamma-globulin, plasma viscosity, and serum viscosity values were all significantly higher in the presence of SEC (P < .05). Fibrinogen values were 361 +/- 97 mg/dL in the SEC absent group and 427 +/- 135 mg/dL in the marked SEC group. gamma-Globulin levels were 0.75 +/- 0.23 g/dL in the SEC absent group and 1.06 +/- 0.48 g/dL in the marked SEC group. Both plasma viscosity (1.97 cp) and serum viscosity (1.64 cp) were higher in the marked SEC group than in the SEC absent group (1.77 and 1.50 cp, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute stroke or chronic cerebrovascular disease, the severity of SEC was not related to albumin, hematocrit, white cell count, or platelet count but rather to elevated fibrinogen levels and concomitant increases in both plasma and serum viscosity. Moreover, increasing grade of SEC was associated with significantly increased left atrial diameter and a higher percentage of patients in atrial fibrillation.

Morphine induces an increase in extracellular serotonin in the rat diencephalon.

The effect of systemic morphine on extracellular serotonin (5-HT) in the diencephalon of unanesthetized, unrestrained rats was investigated by in vivo microdialysis coupled to high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Administration of morphine resulted in a dose dependent increase in extracellular 5-HT. Significant increases were first seen at a dose of 5 mg/kg, and a maximal increase occurred at 10 mg/kg. This increase was blocked by pretreatment with naltrexone, indicating that the effect of morphine on 5-HT was mediated by opiate receptors. Morphine also had a significant effect on extracellular 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), leading to a gradual increase across a range of doses. The effect of morphine on 5-HT was compared to effects of morphine on nociception and catalepsy. Increases in 5-HT and 5-HIAA were first detected at doses that were analgesic but too low to elicit catalepsy. Consistent with many reports that opioids cause an increase in synthesis and turnover of 5-HT in the rat forebrain, the present results provide more direct evidence that 5-HT release is increased after morphine administration.

Cord whole blood hyperviscosity: measurement, definition, incidence and clinical features.

Cord whole blood viscosity and haematocrit values (PCV) were determined in 2461 live birth infants. Viscosity measurements were performed on an Australian-designed coaxial narrow-gap viscometer. Normal viscosity values were determined for each week of gestation above 34 weeks. Hyperviscosity was defined as a viscosity value above 2 s.d. from the mean for each week of gestation and it occurred in 164 (6.7%) newborn infants. Although a close relationship existed between cord whole blood viscosity and PCV (r = 0.6597, P less than 0.0001), only 47.4% of polycythaemic infants (PCV greater than 65) were also hyperviscous and only 23.9% of hyperviscous infants were also polycythaemic. Hence, using the haematocrit to select which infants require viscosity studies fails to detect many hyperviscous newborn infants. Hyperviscosity was less common (3.6%, P less than 0.001) in infants who were born by Caesarean section and more common (16.5%, P less than 0.001) in those who were growth retarded. Of the hyperviscous infants, 84.5% were not growth retarded, most (87.8%) were term and most (86.6%) were delivered vaginally. Most hyperviscous newborn infants may thus remain undetected unless routine whole blood viscosity studies are performed.

Effect of dietary consistency and incisor trimming on the morphology of the craniofacial complex in the rat (Rattus norvegicus). I. The nasal septum.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine histological changes in nasal septal cartilage due to alteration of dietary consistency and loss of incisor function. Sixteen female, weanling Sprague-Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus), were subjected to one of the following feeding treatments: control rats (n = 7) received a standard pelleted chow; experimental rats (n = 9) received meal sufficient in calories and nutrients to sustain increases in body weight. The maxillary incisors of experimental rats were trimmed to the level of the gingiva on alternate days to minimize anterior occlusal loading associated with nonfeeding behaviors. Rats were killed at 13 weeks, the nasal septa prepared for histology and the dimensions of septal cartilage and mucoperichondrium were measured. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons between control and experimental rats revealed a lack of significant differences in size, shape and thickness of septal cartilage and mucoperichondrium. The results of this study provide support for the concept that postnatal growth of primary cranial cartilages is largely independent of extrinsic biomechanical forces.

Effect of lung denervation on development of pulmonary edema.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of an intact nervous system to the lung in the development of pulmonary edema. After unilateral denervation of a lung by autotransplantation, eight dogs were subjected to a period of increased intracranial pressure with air. A significant increase in pulmonary artery pressure and a 20% right-to-left shunt developed in all animals. The innervated lung of the animals subjected to increased intracranial pressure developed higher wet/dry lung weight ratios and 51Cr platelet counts compared to denervated lungs and to the five control innervated lungs. Thus intrapulmonary platelet sequestration and pulmonary edema occurred only in the intact innervated lung. These findings support the thesis that pulmonary edema following elevation of the intracranial pressure with air is the result of neurally induced alterations in pulmonary hemodynamics and platelet sequestration that could possibly lead to an increase in pulmonary vascular permeability.

Goretex and autogenous vein in the canine model.

Thirty Goretex grafts of 6 mm internal diameter, 30 mu fibril length, 30 mg/cc density and 0.5 mm wall thickness were placed as end-to-side bypass grafts in canine femoral arteries. Handling characteristics, patency and healing properties were compared with autogenous jugular veins which were anastomosed into the opposing femoral arteries. Autogenous veins were easier to anastomose and they showed a patency rate of 87% over a 16 week observation period. The Goretex grafts had a 50% patency rate during the same period. Goretex grafts failed because of technical errors (9), graft kinks (5), infection (3) and neointimal fibrous hyperplasia (2). This canine model has previously been used to evaluate all currently available biologic and synthetic vascular grafts. Goretex grafts demonstrated the highest rate of technical failures, but the lowest incidence of neointimal fibrous hyperplasia when compared to other grafts previously tested in this model.