The translational side of topological band insulators

Spin-orbit coupled materials have attracted revived prominent research interest as of late, especially due their connection with topological materials. A hallmark of this pursuit is arguably formed by the advent of topological band insulators (TBIs). Whereas such topological systems are often characterized by the presence of metallic edge states, we here provide a review on the equally rich, although far less explored, aspects of the bulk. Starting from the fact that pi fluxes unambiguously probe the nontrivial nature of time reversal invariant TBIs upon binding special excitations, we summarize the criteria for the formation of similar localized modes in the presence of crystal dislocations. These criteria under which dislocations act as effective fluxes directly relate to their status as unique probes of translational symmetry breaking and as such pinpoint an indexing of TBIs beyond the standard tenfold way. Apart from elucidating refined classification schemes that include crystal symmetries, we also review why the predicted dislocation physics may be perceived compelling in its own right. For example, the study of these defects could result in new routes to explore spin-charge separated excitations. Similarly, arrays of dislocations, as realizable in ordinary grain boundaries, can be shown to host self organized semimetals that have distinct transport properties. Most importantly, however, research efforts on the material side as well as recent experimental signatures further indicate that the outlined perspective can very well provide for an attractive, timely and experimentally viable research agenda beyond the edge state focussed activities

Reactivity to sustainability metrics: A configurational study of motivation and capacity

Previous research on reactivity – defined as changing organisational behaviour to better conform to the criteria of measurement in response to being measured – has found significant variation in company responses towards sustainability metrics. We propose that reactivity is driven by dialogue, motivation and capacity in a configurational way. Empirically, we use fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to analyse company responses to the sustainability index FTSE4Good. We find evidence of complimentary and substitute effects between motivation and capacity. Based on these effects we develop a typology of reactivity to sustainability metrics, which also theorises the use of metrics as tools for performance feedback and the building of calculative capacity. We show that when reactivity is studied configurationally, we can identify previously underacknowledged types of responses. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications for studying and using sustainability metrics as governance tools for responsible behaviour

Simlandscape: serious gaming in participatory spatial

In an attempt to improve support for contemporary spatial planning practice, Simlandscape has been developed. In this document the development of Simlandscape as ¿serious game¿ in digital form is described. In its current state, Simlandscape exists in two methodological forms; as an analogue game and as a planning support system using GIS for research and design. The game focuses on simulation of plan processes and on the resulting transformation of areas involved. Players interact with an analogue area model. The planning support system focuses on design and evaluation of plan scenarios and the data handling and presentation accompanying this process. A major challenge now is to integrate, upgrade and digitize components of the analogous game with the planning support system. Several interesting components (practical and scientific) of this project are identified and are discussed

Efficiency of energy transfer, but not external work, is maximized in stunned myocardium

There is no evidence regarding the effect of stunning on maximization of regional myocardial external work (EW) or efficiency of energy transfer (EET) in relation to regional afterload (end-systolic stress, sigma(es)). To that end, we studied these relationships in both the left anterior descending coronary artery (LADCA) and left circumflex coronary artery regions in anesthetized, open-chest pigs before and after LADCA stunning. In normal myocardium, EET vs. sigma(es) was maximal at 75.4 (69.7-81.0)%, whereas EW vs. sigma(es) was submaximal at 12.0 (6.61-17.3) x 10(2) J/m(3). Increasing sigma(es) increased EW by 18 (10-27)%. Regional myocardial stunning decreased EET (27%) and EW (36%) and caused the myocardium to operate both at maximal EW (EW(max)) and at maximal EET (EET(max)). EET and EW became also more sensitive to changes in sigma(es). In the nonstunned region the situation remained unchanged. Combining the data from before and after stunning, both EW(max) and EET(max) displayed a positive relationship with contractility. In conclusion, the normal regional myocardium operated at maximal EET rather than at maximal EW. Therefore, additional EW could be recruited by increasing regional afterload. After myocardial stunning, the myocardium operated at both maximal EW and maximal EET, at the cost of increased afterload sensitivity. Contractility was a major determinant of this shift

Comparative validation of quantitative coronary angiography systems. Results and implications from a multicenter study using a standardized approach.

Background Computerized quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) has fundamentally altered our approach to the assessment of coronary interventional techniques and strategies aimed at the prevention of recurrence and progression of stenosis. It is essential, therefore, that the performance of QCA systems, upon which much of our scientific understanding has become integrally dependent, is evaluated in an objective and uniform manner. Methods and Results We validated 10 QCA systems at core laboratories in North America and Europe. Cine films were made of phantom stenoses of known diameter (0.5 to 1.9 mm)

Intravascular palpography for high-risk vulnerable plaque assessment.

Item does not contain fulltextBACKGROUND: The composition of an atherosclerotic plaque is considered more important than the degree of stenosis. An unstable lesion may rupture and cause an acute thrombotic reaction. Most of these lesions contain a large lipid pool covered by an inflamed thin fibrous cap. The stress in the cap increases with decreasing cap thickness and increasing macrophage infiltration. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) palpography might be an ideal technique to assess the mechanical properties of high-risk plaques. TECHNIQUE: Palpography assesses the local mechanical properties of tissue using its deformation caused by the intraluminal pressure. IN VITRO VALIDATION: The technique was validated in vitro using diseased human coronary and femoral arteries. Especially between fibrous and fatty tissue, a highly significant difference in strain (p = 0.0012) was found. Additionally, the predictive value to identify the vulnerable plaque was investigated. A high-strain region at the lumen-vessel wall boundary has an 88% sensitivity and 89% specificity for identifying such plaques. IN VIVO VALIDATION: In vivo, the technique was validated in an atherosclerotic Yucatan minipig animal model. This study also revealed higher strain values in fatty than fibrous plaques (p < 0.001). The presence of a high-strain region at the lumenplaque interface has a high predictive value to identify macrophages. PATIENT STUDIES: Patient studies revealed high-strain values (1-2%) in thin-cap fibrous atheroma. Calcified material showed low strain values (0-0.2%). With the development of three-dimensional (3-D) palpography, identification of highstrain spots over the full length of a coronary artery becomes available. CONCLUSION: Intravascular palpography is a unique tool to assess lesion composition and vulnerability. The development of 3-D palpography provides a technique that may develop into a clinical tool to identify the high-risk plaque

The politics of reactivity: Ambivalence in corporate responses to corporate social responsibility ratings

Organizational ratings exude anxiety and allure, but relatively little is known about how managers balance resisting and mobilizing ratings. We explore this duality with a qualitative study on managerial responses to corporate social responsibility (CSR) ratings. Based on interviews focused on CSR ratings with managers of 60 companies, we induce four responses to ratings: grumbling, contestation, cherry-picking and microstatactivism. We further show how managers combine resistance and mobilization in two ambivalent engagement modes. Our analysis contributes to the literature by developing a more nuanced theory of corporate responses to organizational ratings, which demonstrates the importance of ambivalence in managing institutional pressure