Classification and characterization of nonequilibrium Higgs modes in unconventional superconductors.

Recent findings of new Higgs modes in unconventional superconductors require a classification and characterization of the modes allowed by nontrivial gap symmetry. Here we develop a theory for a tailored nonequilibrium quantum quench to excite all possible oscillation symmetries of a superconducting condensate. We show that both a finite momentum transfer and quench symmetry allow for an identification of the resulting Higgs oscillations. These serve as a fingerprint for the ground state gap symmetry. We provide a classification scheme of these oscillations and the quench symmetry based on group theory for the underlying lattice point group. For characterization, analytic calculations as well as full scale numeric simulations of the transient optical response resulting from an excitation by a realistic laser pulse are performed. Our classification of Higgs oscillations allows us to distinguish between different symmetries of the superconducting condensate.

Coupling of Higgs and Leggett modes in non-equilibrium superconductors.

In equilibrium systems amplitude and phase collective modes are decoupled, as they are mutually orthogonal excitations. The direct detection of these Higgs and Leggett collective modes by linear-response measurements is not possible, because they do not couple directly to the electromagnetic field. In this work, using numerical exact simulations we show for the case of two-gap superconductors, that optical pump-probe experiments excite both Higgs and Leggett modes out of equilibrium. We find that this non-adiabatic excitation process introduces a strong interaction between the collective modes, which is absent in equilibrium. Moreover, we propose a type of pump-probe experiment, which allows to probe and coherently control the Higgs and Leggett modes, and thus the order parameter directly. These findings go beyond two-band superconductors and apply to general collective modes in quantum materials.

Treatment outcomes with permanent brachytherapy in high-risk prostate cancer patients stratified into prognostic categories.

PURPOSE: To determine whether a previously reported substratification system can be extrapolated to patients with high-risk prostate cancer treated with permanent interstitial brachytherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Four hundred six National Comprehensive Cancer Network patients with high-risk prostate cancer treated with permanent prostate brachytherapy with or without supplemental external beam radiotherapy were stratified into good (prostate-specific antigen >20 or Gleason score ≥8 or ≥T3), intermediate (prostate-specific antigen >20 and ≥T3), and poor (Gleason score ≥8 with ≥1 additional high-risk feature) prognostic cohorts. Because of only 1 patient with intermediate high-risk disease, the analysis was performed on patients in the good and poor cohorts. Biochemical failure (BF), prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM), distant metastasis, and overall mortality were assessed as function of prognostic group. Multiple parameters were evaluated for impact on outcome. RESULTS: With a median followup time of 7.9 years, 10- and 14-year rates of BF and PCSM for the entire cohort were 7.8% and 3.7%, respectively. The BF rate was significantly greater in the poor prognostic category (16.8% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.041). The poor prognostic category was the strongest predictor of BF in univariate and multivariate analyses. No statistically significant differences in PCSM, distant metastasis, or overall mortality were identified between the good and poor prognostic categories. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high-risk prostate cancer treated with a brachytherapy approach have excellent long-term biochemical control and cancer-specific survival. The poor prognostic high-risk category had a higher rate of BF compared with the good prognostic category without a higher rate of PCSM or distant metastasis.

Magnetic breakdown in the electron-doped cuprate superconductor Nd(2-x)Ce(x)CuO4: the reconstructed Fermi surface survives in the strongly overdoped regime.

We report on semiclassical angle-dependent magnetoresistance oscillations and the Shubnikov-de Haas effect in the electron-overdoped cuprate superconductor Nd(2-x)CexCuO4. Our data provide convincing evidence for magnetic breakdown in the system. This shows that a reconstructed multiply connected Fermi surface persists, at least at strong magnetic fields, up to the highest doping level of the superconducting regime.

Evolution of the Fermi surface of the electron-doped high-temperature superconductor Nd(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4) revealed by Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations.

We report on the direct probing of the Fermi surface in the bulk of the electron-doped superconductor Nd(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4) at different doping levels by means of magnetoresistance quantum oscillations. Our data reveal a sharp qualitative change in the Fermi surface topology, due to translational symmetry breaking in the electronic system which occurs at a critical doping level significantly exceeding the optimal doping. This result implies that the (pi/a, pi/a) ordering, known to exist at low doping levels, survives up to the overdoped superconducting regime.

The preceptoring map for RN-to-BSN students.

RN-to-BSN students reflect an array of experiences often so diverse the traditional student placement challenges neither students nor preceptors. In response to this need for an alternate to the standard clinical placement for RN students, a collaborative model was developed. Because of dramatic changes in the health care environment, the "traditional" placement for students is no longer readily available nor necessarily appropriate. These circumstances, combined with the uniqueness of RN-to-BSN students prompted the authors to develop the Preceptoring Map. The model was developed in collaboration with the research department of Massachusetts General Hospital. The Preceptoring Map designates two tracks, the N track and the P track. Using Benner's novice to expert theories, the tracks were operationalized to the student population. Determining which track will be most appropriate is multifaceted. Included in the evaluation process are the students' work experiences and expertise, critical-thinking skills assessment, and self-assessment. Faculty review these outcomes, combined with an indepth interview with the placement coordinator, to match students and preceptors for the most successful clinical placements.

Critical thinking. Strategies for clinical practice.

Critical thinking is an elusive concept. As a profession, nursing has yet to accept a universal definition of critical thinking. Despite the lack of consensus, nurse leaders in academia and practice settings overwhelmingly agree that critical thinking is essential. It is clear, considering the healthcare environment, nurses need to use critical thinking as a process for decision making in the clinical arena. This article clarifies critical thinking in practice by illuminating the imperative role it plays. Suggestions for fostering critical thinking, including specific strategies, provide a framework for practice.