269 research outputs found
First order phase transition of the vortex lattice in twinned YBa2Cu3O7 single crystals in tilted magnetic fields
We present an exhaustive analysis of transport measurements performed in
twinned YBa2Cu3O7 single crystals which stablishes that the vortex solid-liquid
transition is first order when the magnetic field H is applied at an angle
theta away from the direction of the twin planes. We show that the resistive
transitions are hysteretic and the V-I curves are non-linear, displaying a
characteristic s-shape at the melting line Hm(T), which scales as
epsilon(theta)Hm(T,theta). These features are gradually lost when the critical
point H*(theta) is approached. Above H*(theta) the V-I characteristics show a
linear response in the experimentally accessible V-I window, and the transition
becomes reversible. Finally we show that the first order phase transition takes
place between a highly correlated vortex liquid in the field direction and a
solid state of unknown symmetry. As a consequence, the available data support
the scenario for a vortex-line melting rather than a vortex sublimation as
recently suggested [T.Sasagawa et al. PRL 80, 4297 (1998)].Comment: 10 pages, 8 figures, submitted to PR
Evidence for vortex staircases in the whole angular range due to competing correlated pinning mechanisms
We analyze the angular dependence of the irreversible magnetization of
YBaCuO crystals with columnar defects inclined from the c-axis. At
high fields a sharp maximum centered at the tracks' direction is observed. At
low fields we identify a lock-in phase characterized by an angle-independent
pinning strength and observe an angular shift of the peak towards the c-axis
that originates in the material anisotropy. The interplay among columnar
defects, twins and ab-planes generates a variety of staircase structures. We
show that correlated pinning dominates for all field orientations.Comment: 9 figures, 4 figure
Acquired homotypic and heterotypic immunity against oculogenital Chlamydia trachomatis serovars following female genital tract infection in mice
BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen causing female genital tract infection throughout the world. Reinfection with the same serovar, as well as multiple infections with different serovars, occurs in humans. Using a murine model of female C. trachomatis genital tract infection, we determined if homotypic and/or heterotypic protection against reinfection was induced following infection with human oculogenital strains of C. trachomatis belonging to two serovars (D and H) that have been shown to vary significantly in the course of infection in the murine model. METHODS: Groups of outbred CF-1 mice were reinfected intravaginally with a strain of either serovar D or H, two months after initial infection with these strains. Cellular immune and serologic status, both quantitative and qualitative, was assessed following initial infection, and the course of infection was monitored by culturing vaginal samples collected every 2–7 days following reinfection. RESULTS: Serovar D was both more virulent (longer duration of infection) and immunogenic (higher level of circulating and vaginal IgG and higher incidence of IgA in vaginal secretions) in the mouse genital tract. Although both serovars induced cross-reacting antibodies during the course of primary infection, prior infection with serovar H resulted in only a slight reduction in the median duration of infection against homotypic reinfection (p ~ 0.10), while prior infection with serovar D resulted in significant reduction in the median duration of infection against both homotypic (p < 0.01) and heterotypic reinfection (p < 0.01) when compared to primary infection in age and conditions matched controls. CONCLUSION: Serovar D infection resulted in significant homotypic and heterotypic protection against reinfection, while primary infection with serovar H resulted in only slight homotypic protection. In addition to being the first demonstration of acquired heterotypic immunity between human oculogenital serovars, the differences in the level and extent of this immunity could in part explain the stable difference in serovar prevalence among human isolates
Spin gap behavior and charge ordering in \alpha^{\prime}-NaV_2O_5 probed by light scattering
We present a detailed analysis of light scattering experiments performed on
the quarter-filled spin ladder compound -NaVO for
the temperature range 5 KT300 K. This system undergoes a phase
transition into a singlet ground state at T=34 K accompanied by the formation
of a super structure. For T34 K several new modes were detected. Three of
these modes are identified as magnetic bound states. Experimental evidence for
charge ordering on the V sites is detected as an anomalous shift and splitting
of a V-O vibration at 422 cm for temperatures above 34 K. The smooth and
crossover-like onset of this ordering at T= 80 K is accompanied by
pretransitional fluctuations both in magnetic and phononic Raman scattering. It
resembles the effect of stripe order on the super structure intensities in
LaNiO.Comment: 36 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publication in PRB (sept.99
Predicting Phenotype and Emerging Strains among Chlamydia trachomatis Infections
Single nucleotide polymorphisms can be used for epidemiologic and evolutionary studies worldwide
Public health and valorization of genome-based technologies: a new model
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The success rate of timely translation of genome-based technologies to commercially feasible products/services with applicability in health care systems is significantly low. We identified both industry and scientists neglect health policy aspects when commercializing their technology, more specifically, Public Health Assessment Tools (PHAT) and early on involvement of decision makers through which market authorization and reimbursements are dependent. While Technology Transfer (TT) aims to facilitate translation of ideas into products, Health Technology Assessment, one component of PHAT, for example, facilitates translation of products/processes into healthcare services and eventually comes up with recommendations for decision makers. We aim to propose a new model of valorization to optimize integration of genome-based technologies into the healthcare system.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The method used to develop our model is an adapted version of the Fish Trap Model and the Basic Design Cycle.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found although different, similarities exist between TT and PHAT. Realizing the potential of being mutually beneficial justified our proposal of their relative parallel initiation. We observed that the Public Health Genomics Wheel should be included in this relative parallel activity to ensure all societal/policy aspects are dealt with preemptively by both stakeholders. On further analysis, we found out this whole process is dependent on the Value of Information. As a result, we present our LAL (Learning Adapting Leveling) model which proposes, based on market demand; TT and PHAT by consultation/bi-lateral communication should advocate for relevant technologies. This can be achieved by public-private partnerships (PPPs). These widely defined PPPs create the innovation network which is a developing, consultative/collaborative-networking platform between TT and PHAT. This network has iterations and requires learning, assimilating and using knowledge developed and is called absorption capacity. We hypothesize that the higher absorption capacity, higher success possibility. Our model however does not address the phasing out of technology although we believe the same model can be used to simultaneously phase out a technology.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This model proposes to facilitate optimization/decrease the timeframe of integration in healthcare. It also helps industry and researchers to come to a strategic decision at an early stage, about technology being developed thus, saving on resources, hence minimizing failures.</p
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