The Effect of Large Amplitude Fluctuations in the Ginzburg-Landau Phase Transition

The lattice Ginzburg-Landau model in d=3 and d=2 is simulated, for different values of the coherence length $\xi$ in units of the lattice spacing $a$, using a Monte Carlo method. The energy, specific heat, vortex density $v$, helicity modulus $\Gamma_\mu$ and mean square amplitude are measured to map the phase diagram on the plane $T-\xi$. When amplitude fluctuations, controlled by the parameter $\xi$, become large ($\xi \sim 1$) a proliferation of vortex excitations occurs changing the phase transition from continuous to first order.Comment: 4 pages, 5 postscript (eps) figure

National identity predicts public health support during a global pandemic

Changing collective behaviour and supporting non-pharmaceutical interventions is an important component in mitigating virus transmission during a pandemic. In a large international collaboration (Study 1, N = 49,968 across 67 countries), we investigated self-reported factors associated with public health behaviours (e.g., spatial distancing and stricter hygiene) and endorsed public policy interventions (e.g., closing bars and restaurants) during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (April-May 2020). Respondents who reported identifying more strongly with their nation consistently reported greater engagement in public health behaviours and support for public health policies. Results were similar for representative and non-representative national samples. Study 2 (N = 42 countries) conceptually replicated the central finding using aggregate indices of national identity (obtained using the World Values Survey) and a measure of actual behaviour change during the pandemic (obtained from Google mobility reports). Higher levels of national identification prior to the pandemic predicted lower mobility during the early stage of the pandemic (r = −0.40). We discuss the potential implications of links between national identity, leadership, and public health for managing COVID-19 and future pandemics.publishedVersio

Colonization of gerbils with Helicobacter pylori O-chain-deficient mutant SS1 HP0826:: Kan results in gastritis and is associated with de novo synthesis of extended homopolymers

The O-chain polysaccharide of Helicobacter pylori is important for colonization and generation of chronic gastritis in mice. There are marked host differences in the development of H. pylori-induced gastric pathology in mice and gerbils. To investigate the role of the O-chain polysaccharide of H. pylori in colonization and gastritis in Mongolian gerbils, inoculation by oral gavage with H. pylori strain SS1 and its corresponding O-chain polysaccharide-deficient mutant SS1 HP0826::Kan was undertaken. Infection with both strains resulted in corpus atrophy, loss of parietal cells, and extensive mucous metaplasia at both 18 and 30 weeks postinfection. Contrary to previous results in splenocyte recipient severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice, no difference was found in the grade of chronic gastritis, polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, atrophy, and mucous metaplasia in gerbils infected with the wild-type SS1 strain or SS1 HP0826::Kan strain. Examination of the effects of gerbil passage on LPS profiles of output SS1 HP0826::Kan isolates by SDS-PAGE, sugar, and methylation analyses revealed significant differences in LPS profiles of SS1 HP0826::Kan cells recovered from infected gerbils as compared to input bacteria. Specifically, the presence of a novel homopolymer of d-galactan, as well as an extended polymer of d-riban, was detected. These data provide evidence for the role of H. pylori LPS in bacterial adaption to promote colonization and pathology. \ua9 2013 Federation of European Microbiological Societies.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Religiosity as self-enhancement: a meta-analysis of the relation between socially desirable responding and religiosity

In a meta-analysis, the authors test the theoretical formulation that religiosity is a means for self-enhancement. The authors operationalized self-enhancement as socially desirable responding (SDR) and focused on three facets of religiosity: intrinsic,extrinsic, and religion-as-quest. Importantly, they assessed two moderators of the relation between SDR and religiosity. Macrolevel culture reflected countries that varied in degree of religiosity (from high to low: United States, Canada, United Kingdom). Micro-level culture reflected U.S. universities high (christian) versus low (secular) on religiosity. The results were generally consistent with the theoretical formulation. Both macro-level and micro-level culture moderated the relation between SDR and religiosity: This relation was more positive in samples that placed higher value on religiosity (United States > Canada >United Kingdom; christian universities > secular universities). The evidence suggests that religiosity is partly in the service of self-enhancement