Discretization of the Superparticle Path Integral

Requiring that the path integral has the global symmetries of the classical action and obeys the natural composition property of path integrals, and also that the discretized action has the correct naive continuum limit, we find a viable discretization of the (D=3,N=2) superparticle action.Comment: 10 page

How (Not) to Palatini

We revisit the problem of defining non-minimal gravity in the first order formalism. Specializing to scalar-tensor theories, which may be disguised as `higher-derivative' models with the gravitational Lagrangians that depend only on the Ricci scalar, we show how to recast these theories as Palatini-like gravities. The correct formulation utilizes the Lagrange multiplier method, which preserves the canonical structure of the theory, and yields the conventional metric scalar-tensor gravity. We explain the discrepancies between the na\"ive Palatini and the Lagrange multiplier approach, showing that the na\"ive Palatini approach really swaps the theory for another. The differences disappear only in the limit of ordinary General Relativity, where an accidental redundancy ensures that the na\"ive Palatini works there. We outline the correct decoupling limits and the strong coupling regimes. As a corollary we find that the so-called `Modified Source Gravity' models suffer from strong coupling problems at very low scales, and hence cannot be a realistic approximation of our universe. We also comment on a method to decouple the extra scalar using the chameleon mechanism.Comment: 18 pages, LaTeX; added references and minor improvements in sec

NK cells expand and interact with K562-mb15-41BBL plasma membrane particles, but not with K562-mb15-41BBL cells

Natural Killer (NK) cells are highly cytotoxic and specific towards certain types of cancer cells and are therefore a potential target for immunotherapy. In order to determine how NK cells acquire these traits, K562-mb15-41BBL cancer cells, specially modified leukemia cells designed to enhance NK cells for cancer eradication, were tagged with an Alexa Fluor 647 (A647) fluorescent dye and cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) over a week. Non labeled K562-mb15-41BBL cells were used as a control. The co-incubation of PBMCs and K562s is intended to show which cells from the mixed PBMC culture interact directly with the cancer cells by way of A647 dye transfer. K562s can specify NK cells and increase cytotoxicity, but the using of whole K562 cell is inapplicable in a clinical setting. To test a new strategy, plasma membrane (PM) particles made from the K562-mb15-41BBL were labeled and cultured with PMBCs. Results were obtained by flow cytometry, utilizing specific antibodies CD56, CD14, and CD3 to identify labeled NK cells, natural killer-like T cells (NKT) and T cells. K562-mb15-41BBL cells labeled mostly (NKT) cells, with little expression of the A647 on pure NK cells, while PMs labeled NK cells and T cells at high rates, indicating that the first step of NK expansion involves direct contact with K562 cells. Further studies should be aimed at distinguishing the two culturing methods, to determine if the size of K562 cells inhibits the specification of NK cells and how to reduce T cell interaction with the K562-mb15-41BBL cells to allow for higher amounts of NK expansion. Determining how NK cells interact with K562-mb15-41BBL cells will allow for faster expansions of NK cells in the future, leading to improved and better treatments when this method of immunotherapy eventually moves to clinical trials

Electrolysis of simulated lunar melts

Electrolysis of molten lunar soil or rock is examined as an attractive means of wresting useful raw materials from lunar rocks. It requires only hat to melt the soil or rock and electricity to electrolyze it, and both can be developed from solar power. The conductivities of the simple silicate diopside, Mg CaSi2O6 were measured. Iron oxide was added to determine the effect on conductivity. The iron brought about substantial electronic conduction. The conductivities of simulated lunar lavas were measured. The simulated basalt had an AC conductivity nearly a fctor of two higher than that of diopside, reflecting the basalt's slightly higher total concentration of the 2+ ions Ca, Mg, and Fe that are the dominant charge carriers. Electrolysis was shown to be about 30% efficient for the basalt composition

Long-term behavior of energetic inner-belt protons

Long term behavior of energetic inner-belt proton

Circuit QED with a Flux Qubit Strongly Coupled to a Coplanar Transmission Line Resonator

We propose a scheme for circuit quantum electrodynamics with a superconducting flux-qubit coupled to a high-Q coplanar resonator. Assuming realistic circuit parameters we predict that it is possible to reach the strong coupling regime. Routes to metrological applications, such as single photon generation and quantum non-demolition measurements are discussed.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure

Electrolytic smelting of lunar rock for oxygen, iron, and silicon

Preliminary studies of the electrochemical properties of silicate melts such as those available from heating of lunar mare soils indicate that conductivities are high enough for design of a practical electrolytic cell. The nature and kinetics of the electrode reactions, which involve reduction of Fe(++) and Si(IV) and oxidation of silicate anions as the primary, product-forming reactions, are also satisfactory. A survey of the efficiencies for production (amount of product for a given current) of O2, Fe(sup 0), and Si(sup 0) as functions of potential and of electrolyte composition indicate that conditions can be chosen to yield high production efficiencies. We also conclude that electronic conductivity does not occur to a significant extent. Based on these data, a cell with electrodes of 30 sq m in area operating between 1 and 5V with a current between 1.6 and 3.5(10)(exp 5) A for a mean power requirement of 0.54 MW and total energy use of approximately 13 MWhr per 24-hr day would produce 1 ton of O2, 0.81 ton of Fe(sup 0), 0.65 ton of Si(sup 0) (as Fe(sup 0)-Si(sup 0) alloy), and about 3.5 tons of silicate melt of altered composition per 24 hr. Adjustable distance between electrodes could offer flexibility with respect to feedstock and power source