One-dimensional topological channels in heterostrained bilayer graphene

The domain walls between AB- and BA-stacked gapped bilayer graphene have garnered intense interest as they host topologically-protected, valley-polarised transport channels. The introduction of a twist angle between the bilayers and the associated formation of a Moire pattern has been the dominant method used to study these topological channels, but heterostrain can also give rise to similar stacking domains and interfaces. Here, we theoretically study the electronic structure of a uniaxially heterostrained bilayer graphene. We discuss the formation and evolution of interface-localized channels in the one-dimensional Moire pattern that emerges due to the different stacking registries between the two layers. We find that a uniform heterostrain is not sufficient to create one-dimensional topological channels in biased bilayer graphene. Instead, using a simple model to account for the in-plane atomic reconstruction driven by the changing stacking registry, we show that the resulting expanded Bernal-stacked domains and sharper interfaces are required for robust topological interfaces to emerge. These states are highly localised in the AA- or SP-stacked interface regions and exhibit differences in their layer and sublattice distribution depending on the interface stacking. We conclude that heterostrain can be used as a mechanism to tune the presence and distribution of topological channels in gapped bilayer graphene systems, complementary to the field of twistronics.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figure

Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge Projections for the National Park Service

Over one quarter of the units of the National Park System occur along ocean coastlines. Ongoing changes in relative sea levels and the potential for increasing storm surges due to anthropogenic climate change and other factors present challenges to national park managers. This report summarizes work done by the University of Colorado in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) to provide sea level rise and storm surge projections to coastal area national parks using information from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and storm surge scenarios from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) models. This research is the first to analyze IPCC and NOAA projections of sea level and storm surge under climate change for U.S. national parks. Results illustrate potential future inundation and storm surge under four greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. In addition to including multiple scenarios, the analysis considers multiple time horizons (2030, 2050 and 2100). This analysis provides sea level rise projections for 118 park units and storm surge projections for 79 of those parks. Within the National Park Service, the National Capital Region is projected to experience the highest average rate of sea level change by 2100. The coastline adjacent to the Outer Banks Group of parks in the Southeast Region is projected to experience the highest sea level rise by 2100. The Southeast Region is projected to experience the highest storm surges based on historical data and NOAA storm surge models. These results are intended to inform park planning and adaptation strategies for resources managed by the National Park Service. Sea level change and storm surge pose considerable risks to infrastructure, archeological sites, lighthouses, forts, and other historic structures in coastal units of the national park system. Understanding projections for continued change can better guide protection of such resources for the benefit of long-term visitor enjoyment and safety

The Comparative Effectiveness of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam versus Aminoglycoside- or Polymyxin-Based Regimens in Multi-Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are challenging to treat due to multi-drug resistance (MDR) and the complexity of the patients affected by these serious infections. As new antibiotic therapies come on the market, limited data exist about the effectiveness of such treatments in clinical practice. In this comparative effectiveness study of ceftolozane/tazobactam versus aminoglycoside- or polymyxin-based therapies among hospitalized patients with positive MDR P. aeruginosa cultures, we identified 57 patients treated with ceftolozane/tazobactam compared with 155 patients treated with aminoglycoside- or polymyxin-based regimens. Patients treated with ceftolozane/tazobactam were younger (mean age 67.5 vs. 71.1, p = 0.03) and had a higher comorbidity burden prior to hospitalization (median Charlson 5 vs. 3, p = 0.01) as well as higher rates of spinal cord injury (38.6% vs. 21.9%, p = 0.02) and P. aeruginosa-positive bone/joint cultures (12.3% vs. 0.7%, p \u3c 0.0001). Inpatient mortality was significantly lower in the ceftolozane/tazobactam group compared with aminoglycosides or polymyxins (15.8% vs. 27.7%, adjusted odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.93). There were no significant differences observed for the other outcomes assessed. In hospitalized patients with MDR P. aeruginosa, inpatient mortality was 61% lower among patients treated with ceftolozane/tazobactam compared to those treated with aminoglycoside- or polymyxin-based regimens

LPS-TLR4 Signaling to IRF-3/7 and NF-κB Involves the Toll Adapters TRAM and TRIF

Toll–IL-1–resistance (TIR) domain–containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β (TRIF)–related adaptor molecule (TRAM) is the fourth TIR domain–containing adaptor protein to be described that participates in Toll receptor signaling. Like TRIF, TRAM activates interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-3, IRF-7, and NF-κB-dependent signaling pathways. Toll-like receptor (TLR)3 and 4 activate these pathways to induce IFN-α/β, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and γ interferon–inducible protein 10 (IP-10) expression independently of the adaptor protein myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). Dominant negative and siRNA studies performed here demonstrate that TRIF functions downstream of both the TLR3 (dsRNA) and TLR4 (LPS) signaling pathways, whereas the function of TRAM is restricted to the TLR4 pathway. TRAM interacts with TRIF, MyD88 adaptor–like protein (Mal)/TIRAP, and TLR4 but not with TLR3. These studies suggest that TRIF and TRAM both function in LPS-TLR4 signaling to regulate the MyD88-independent pathway during the innate immune response to LPS

Attitudes Towards and Limitations to ICT Use in Assisted and Independent Living Communities: Findings from a Specially-Designed Technological Intervention

Much literature has been devoted to theoretical explanations of the learning processes of older adults and to the methods of teaching best utilized in older populations. However, there has been less focus on the education of older adults who reside in assisted and independent living communities (AICs), especially with regards to information and communication technology (ICT) education. The purpose of this study is to determine whether participants\u27 attitudes and views towards computers and the Internet are affected as a result of participating in an eight-week training program designed to enhance computer and Internet use among older adults in such communities. Specifically, we examine if ICT education specially designed for AIC residents results in more positive attitudes towards ICTs and a perceived decrease in factors that may limit or prevent computer and Internet use. We discuss the implications of these results for enhancing the quality of life for older adults in AICs and make recommendations for those seeking to decrease digital inequality among older adults in these communities through their own ICT classes

A systems approach to policy evaluation

There is growing interest in evaluating policy implementation in ways that grapple with the complexity of the process. This article offers an example of using systems methodology to explore how the child protection policy in child contact centres has functioned in practice. Rather than just asking the traditional evaluation question “is it working?” this study sought to understand how the policy was working and how it was interpreted as it interacted with other systems, producing conflicts, local variation and emergent effects. It illustrates how the systems concepts of ‘emergence’, ‘local rationality’, ‘socio-technical systems’ and ‘feedback for learning’ can contribute new knowledge and understanding to a complex policy evaluation problem

Study of 2 beta-decay of Mo-100 and Se-82 using the NEMO3 detector

After analysis of 5797 h of data from the detector NEMO3, new limits on neutrinoless double beta decay of Mo-100 (T-1/2 > 3.1 x 10(23) y, 90% CL) and Se-82 (T-1/2 > 1.4 x 10(23) y, 90% CL) have been obtained. The corresponding limits on the effective majorana neutrino mass are: 1.4 x 10(22) y (90% CL) for Mo-100 and T-1/2 > 1.2 x 10(22) y (90% CL) for Se-82. Corresponding bounds on the Majoron-neutrino coupling constant are < (0.5-0.9) x 10(- 4) and <(0.7-1.6) x 10(- 4). Two-neutrino 2beta-decay half-lives have been measured with a high accuracy, (T1/2Mo)-Mo-100 = [7.68 +/- 0.02(stat) +/- 0.54(syst)] x 10(18) y and (T1/2Se)-Se-82 = [10.3 +/- 0.3(stat) +/- 0.7(syst)] x 10(19) y. (C) 2004 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica"

Characterization of proteinases from the midgut of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus involved in the generation of antimicrobial peptides

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Tackling invasive alien species in Europe: The top 20 issues

Globally, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are considered to be one of the major threats to native biodiversity, with the World Conservation Union (IUCN) citing their impacts as ‘immense, insidious, and usually irreversible’. It is estimated that 11% of the c. 12,000 alien species in Europe are invasive, causing environmental, economic and social damage; and it is reasonable to expect that the rate of biological invasions into Europe will increase in the coming years. In order to assess the current position regarding IAS in Europe and to determine the issues that were deemed to be most important or critical regarding these damaging species, the international Freshwater Invasives - Networking for Strategy (FINS) conference was convened in Ireland in April 2013. Delegates from throughout Europe and invited speakers from around the world were brought together for the conference. These comprised academics, applied scientists, policy makers, politicians, practitioners and representative stakeholder groups. A horizon scanning and issue prioritization approach was used by in excess of 100 expert delegates in a workshop setting to elucidate the Top 20 IAS issues in Europe. These issues do not focus solely on freshwater habitats and taxa but relate also to marine and terrestrial situations. The Top 20 issues that resulted represent a tool for IAS management and should also be used to support policy makers as they prepare European IAS legislation. © 2014 The Author(s)