Chiral Lagrangians at finite density

The effective SU(2) chiral Lagrangian with external sources is given in the presence of non-vanishing nucleon densities by calculating the in-medium contributions of the chiral pion-nucleon Lagrangian. As a by product, a relativistic quantum field theory for Fermi many-particle systems at zero temperature is directly derived from relativistic quantum field theory with functional methods.Comment: 6 Pages, 3 figures, REVTeX. Extended version. Explicit Feynman rules are give

Ensemble density functional theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect

We develop an ensemble density functional theory for the fractional quantum Hall effect using a local density approximation. Model calculations for edge reconstructions of a spin-polarized quantum dot give results in good agreement with semiclassical and Hartree-Fock calculations, and with small system numerical diagonalizations. This establishes the usefulness of density functional theory to study the fractional quantum Hall effect, which opens up the possibility of studying inhomegeneous systems with many more electrons than has heretofore been possible.Comment: Improved discussion of ensemble density functional theory. 4 pages plus 3 postscript figures, uses latex with revtex. Contact [email protected]

Domain-swapped T cell receptors improve the safety of TCR gene therapy

T cells engineered to express a tumor-specific {alpha}{beta} T cell receptor (TCR) mediate anti-tumor immunity. However, mispairing of the therapeutic {alpha}{beta} chains with endogenous {alpha}{beta} chains reduces therapeutic TCR surface expression and generates self-reactive TCRs. We report a general strategy to prevent TCR mispairing: swapping constant domains between the {alpha} and {beta} chains of a therapeutic TCR. When paired, domain-swapped (ds)TCRs assemble with CD3, express on the cell surface, and mediate antigen-specific T cell responses. By contrast, dsTCR chains mispaired with endogenous chains cannot properly assemble with CD3 or signal, preventing autoimmunity. We validate this approach in cell-based assays and in a mouse model of TCR gene transfer-induced graft-versus-host disease. We also validate a related approach whereby replacement of {alpha}{beta} TCR domains with corresponding {gamma}{delta} TCR domains yields a functional TCR that does not mispair. This work enables the design of safer TCR gene therapies for cancer immunotherapy

High Magnetic Field Microwave Conductivity of 2D Electrons in an Array of Antidots

We measure the high magnetic field ($B$) microwave conductivity, Re$\sigma_{xx}$, of a high mobility 2D electron system containing an antidot array. Re$\sigma_{xx}$ vs frequency ($f$) increases strongly in the regime of the fractional quantum Hall effect series, with Landau filling $1/3<\nu<2/3$. At microwave $f$, Re$\sigma_{xx}$ vs $B$ exhibits a broad peak centered around $\nu=1/2$. On the peak, the 10 GHz Re$\sigma_{xx}$ can exceed its dc-limit value by a factor of 5. This enhanced microwave conductivity is unobservable for temperature $T \gtrsim 0.5$ K, and grows more pronounced as $T$ is decreased. The effect may be due to excitations supported by the antidot edges, but different from the well-known edge magnetoplasmons.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, revtex

The Systems Biology Graphical Notation

Circuit diagrams and Unified Modeling Language diagrams are just two examples of standard visual languages that help accelerate work by promoting regularity, removing ambiguity and enabling software tool support for communication of complex information. Ironically, despite having one of the highest ratios of graphical to textual information, biology still lacks standard graphical notations. The recent deluge of biological knowledge makes addressing this deficit a pressing concern. Toward this goal, we present the Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN), a visual language developed by a community of biochemists, modelers and computer scientists. SBGN consists of three complementary languages: process diagram, entity relationship diagram and activity flow diagram. Together they enable scientists to represent networks of biochemical interactions in a standard, unambiguous way. We believe that SBGN will foster efficient and accurate representation, visualization, storage, exchange and reuse of information on all kinds of biological knowledge, from gene regulation, to metabolism, to cellular signaling. © 2009 Nature America, Inc

Impulse oscillometry identifies peripheral airway dysfunction in children with adenosine deaminase deficiency.

Adenosine deaminase-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID) is characterized by impaired T-, B- and NK-cell function. Affected children, in addition to early onset of infections, manifest non-immunologic symptoms including pulmonary dysfunction likely attributable to elevated systemic adenosine levels. Lung disease assessment has primarily employed repetitive radiography and effort-dependent functional studies. Through impulse oscillometry (IOS), which is effort-independent, we prospectively obtained objective measures of lung dysfunction in 10 children with ADA-SCID. These results support the use of IOS in the identification and monitoring of lung function abnormalities in children with primary immunodeficiencies

The influence of CO2 and H2O on the glass transition in synthetic phonolite and jadeite

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