Optical injection and terahertz detection of the macroscopic Berry curvature

We propose an experimental scheme to probe the Berry curvature of solids. Our method is sensitive to arbitrary regions of the Brillouin zone, and employs only basic optical and terahertz techniques to yield a background free signal. Using semiconductor quantum wells as a prototypical system, we discuss how to inject Berry curvature macroscopically, and probe it in a way that provides information about the underlying microscopic Berry curvature.Comment: 4 pages, accepted in Physical Review Letter

Pharmacological treatment of social phobia

Social phobia is a common and disabling anxiety disorder that tends to have an early onset and runs a chronic course. It is characterized by a marked fear of negative evaluation in social or performance situations, and typically results in significant problems in social and professional relationships and lower levels of educational achievement and paid employment. It can occur as a separate entity or with comorbid conditions such as depression, alcohol abuse or other anxiety disorders. This contribution provides an overview of the pharmacological treatment of social phobia. Many treatments have been found efficacious in acute treatment, and the choice of a particular agent will be dependent on factors such as longer-term efficacy, side-effect profile and the risk of drug interactions. The most frequently suggested first-line treatment is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), but other effective treatments include venlafaxine, phenelzine and alprazolam. Some psychological therapies, in particular cognitive–behaviour therapy (CBT), have also been found efficacious

Solution of two-temperature thermal diffusion model of laser\u2013metal interactions

The two temperature coupled equations,modelingthermal diffusion during laser-induced ablation of metals, are solved under the assumptions that the electron and the lattice heat capacities, and the thermal conductivity remain constant in the process. In view of its practical value, the solution is initially obtained for the energy sources with a Gaussian distribution. The solution is then generalized to include a larger class of source terms for comparison with other results. Present analysis is valid under less restrictive conditions than frequently imposed in the literature. In particular, the solution is valid for realistic source terms and describes the process for ultrashort to nanosecond pulse-width regimes. More general results obtained here retain the attractive features of other approximate solutions available elsewhere and reduce to them under the respective conditions. Predictions of the present model agree well with the experimental observations reported in the literature.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Pregnancy Following Liver Transplantation: Review of Outcomes and Recommendations for Management

Liver transplantation is considered to be the treatment of choice for end-stage liver disease and its success has led to an increase in the number of female liver transplant recipients who are of childbearing age. Several key issues that are noted when counselling patients who are considering pregnancy following liver transplantation include the optimal timing of pregnancy, optimal contraception methods and the management of immunosuppression during pregnancy. The present review summarizes the most recent literature so that the clinician may address these issues with their patient and enable them to make informed decisions about pregnancy planning. The authors review recent studies examining maternal and fetal outcomes, and the rates of complications including risk of graft rejection. Subsequently, the authors provide recommendations for counselling prospective mothers and the management of the pregnant liver transplant recipient

The role of worm infestation in allergic rhinitis

The purpose of this study is to determine the relevance of the hygiene hypothesis; that is to determine if worm infestation has a protective role against the development of allergic rhinitis. A prospective case controlled study was conducted. Specific IgG levels to Toxocara were studied in 85 patients confirmed to have allergic rhinitis and were compared to levels in another 85 controls, with no form of allergy. The IgG assay was done using ELISA technique. There was a higher incidence of positive specific IgG to Toxocara in the controls as compared to allergic patients. The values were statistically significant Chi square test (p=0.002). This negative association between worm infestation and allergic rhinitis suggests that a previous worm infestation could protect against the development of allergic rhinitis