The effect of temperature-dependent solubility on the onset of thermosolutal convection in a horizontal porous layer

We consider the onset of thermosolutal (double-diffusive) convection of a binary fluid in a horizontal porous layer subject to fixed temperatures and chemical equilibrium on the bounding surfaces, in the case when the solubility of the dissolved component depends on temperature. We use a linear stability analysis to investigate how the dissolution or precipitation of this component affects the onset of convection and the selection of an unstable wavenumber; we extend this analysis using a Galerkin method to predict the structure of the initial bifurcation and compare our analytical results with numerical integration of the full nonlinear equations. We find that the reactive term may be stabilizing or destabilizing, with subtle effects particularly when the thermal gradient is destabilizing but the solutal gradient is stabilizing. The preferred spatial wavelength of convective cells at onset may also be substantially increased or reduced, and strongly reactive systems tend to prefer direct to subcritical bifurcation. These results have implications for geothermal-reservoir management and ore prospecting

New Clock Comparison Searches for Lorentz and CPT Violation

We present two new measurements constraining Lorentz and CPT violation using the Xe-129 / He-3 Zeeman maser and atomic hydrogen masers. Experimental investigations of Lorentz and CPT symmetry provide important tests of the framework of the standard model of particle physics and theories of gravity. The two-species Xe-129 / He-3 Zeeman maser bounds violations of CPT and Lorentz symmetry of the neutron at the 10^-31 GeV level. Measurements with atomic hydrogen masers provide a clean limit of CPT and Lorentz symmetry violation of the proton at the 10^-27 GeV level.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figures. To appear in the Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Symmetries in Subatomic Physic

Mutations causing syndromic autism define an axis of synaptic pathophysiology

Tuberous sclerosis complex and fragile X syndrome are genetic diseases characterized by intellectual disability and autism. Because both syndromes are caused by mutations in genes that regulate protein synthesis in neurons, it has been hypothesized that excessive protein synthesis is one core pathophysiological mechanism of intellectual disability and autism. Using electrophysiological and biochemical assays of neuronal protein synthesis in the hippocampus of Tsc2+/− and Fmr1−/y mice, here we show that synaptic dysfunction caused by these mutations actually falls at opposite ends of a physiological spectrum. Synaptic, biochemical and cognitive defects in these mutants are corrected by treatments that modulate metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in opposite directions, and deficits in the mutants disappear when the mice are bred to carry both mutations. Thus, normal synaptic plasticity and cognition occur within an optimal range of metabotropic glutamate-receptor-mediated protein synthesis, and deviations in either direction can lead to shared behavioural impairments.National Institute of Mental Health (U.S.) (T32 MH-082718)National Institute of Mental Health (U.S.) (T32-MH-074249)Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (U.S.) (2R01HD046943)United States. Dept. of Defense (W81XWH-11-1-0252)Simons Foundatio

The Next Generation of American Indian Public Health Workers: What we learned from the PHWEIC project

Abstract Background- American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations experience more health disparities than any other racial/ethnic group in the United States. Developing a skilled AIAN public health workforce is one way to address health disparities and build a new generation of public health workers. Approach- To address this call, the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council (RMTLC) developed the Public Health Workforce Expansion in Indian Country (PHWEIC) project. PHWEIC is a 5-year project funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This evaluation focused on process and impact measures related to building the public health workforce. Methods- PHWEIC participants were invited to take part in semi-structured interviews to assess their experiences with the program. Authors recorded interviews, transcribed responses, and analyzed the data. Thematic content analysis was used to determine common themes then organized using a process and impact evaluation framework focusing on exposure, reach, quality, satisfaction, and potential impact. Codes were grouped into categories and key categories were summarized. The data was then quantitized utilizing MAXQDA software, each interview was coded and sub-coded to capture the main themes. Results- The evaluation revealed that PHWEIC had a positive impact on individuals and building the future tribal public health workforce. Themes also demonstrate the benefits to working locally, barriers to participation, interest in public health, and activities that support public health. Findings show that the PHWEIC approach builds interest, capacity, community awareness, and confidence. There is clear evidence that PHWEIC adds value and impact to Tribal communities in Montana