Domain wall roughening in dipolar films in the presence of disorder

We derive a low-energy Hamiltonian for the elastic energy of a N\'eel domain wall in a thin film with in-plane magnetization, where we consider the contribution of the long-range dipolar interaction beyond the quadratic approximation. We show that such a Hamiltonian is analogous to the Hamiltonian of a one-dimensional polaron in an external random potential. We use a replica variational method to compute the roughening exponent of the domain wall for the case of two-dimensional dipolar interactions.Comment: REVTEX, 35 pages, 2 figures. The text suffered minor changes and references 1,2 and 12 were added to conform with the referee's repor

Why theory matters:Analytical strategies of critical psychology

Based on Critical Psychology from the Standpoint of the Subject the article describes analytical concerns and strategies of critical psychology. In a first step, the development of critical psychologies is located in current discussions on the production of knowledge, and three different typical approaches and major steps toward situated critique as a practice of mutual recognition are delineated. This shift, it is argued, has led to a historically new relevance of critique, and two basic analytical elements of critical research are introduced: Everyday conflictuality as the initiating moment of critique as well as the importance of theory for critical inquiry. On this basis a variety of analytic strategies and concepts are presented which inform Critical Psychology from the Standpoint of the Subject and suggest a constituent move from partial perspectives toward situated generalization

'Wargaming with the chiefs': A novel pre-mortem exercise to enhance communication and well-being among 'top gun' chief residents

Pilots who complete the 'TOPGUN' program return to their squadrons as elite leaders and instructors. Physicians from all specialties who are selected to become Chief residents can also be viewed as 'Top Guns', as they are the 'cream of the crop'; having been chosen to be the leaders and role-models for all the other residents in their programs. Yet, unlike Top Gun pilots, Chief residents are arguably only minimally prepared for this new role. Wargaming involves generating every possible bad outcome and brainstorming contingencies for these possible outcomes. We developed an exercise for the incoming Chiefs (ICs) and outgoing Chiefs (OCs) in four specialties: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurosurgery, and Neurology. Following this exercise, 100% of the Chiefs in all four programs indicated that this activity was beneficial and the majority agreed that wargaming improved communication and their own feelings of well-being. Based on our trainees' feedback, it appears that wargaming is a simple, fun, and highly-interactive exercise which increases perceived control among ICs and allows OCs the chance to reflect and share their knowledge and experience with the new Chiefs. This activity also seems to enhance communication and feelings of well-being among both incoming and outgoing Chief residents

Assurance for Endurance? Introducing a Novel Ergonomics Curriculum to Reduce Pain and Enhance Physical Well-Being Among GI Fellows

Musculoskeletal pain and injuries (MSKPI) are common among gastroenterologists (GI) and GI fellows. Common areas of pain include the back, neck, hands/fingers, shoulders, and elbows. Although the prevalence of career-related pain and injuries among GIs is high, few endoscopists receive training in how to prevent MSKPI. We developed an ergonomics curriculum for our GI fellows that consisted of two modules that were led by physical therapists. Twelve out of 15 GI fellows, and one out of two hepatology fellows, participated in Module 1. Prior to the first module, 77% of participants reported pain in one or more body parts. Of those who reported pain, 100% of the fellows stated that this pain occurred during procedures, and 50% indicated this pain was performance-limiting. After completing Module 1, 100% of fellows reported that this was a valuable topic and 100% of the participants felt that this information would both help them feel and perform better. All fellows stated they had an immediate decrease in physical discomfort after engaging in the exercises that were included in Module 1. Eight fellows participated in Module 2. At the end of this module, 100% of fellows reported that this ergonomics training would likely help them to "physically perform better during procedures" and 100% of fellows indicated a reduction of physical discomfort (pain, aching) immediately after completing these exercises. Preliminary data indicated that this novel curriculum was perceived as valuable by GI fellows and that practicing these exercises reduced pain, particularly in the neck and the lower back

HIV-1 Antagonism of CD317 is species specific and involves Vpu-mediated proteasomal degradation of the restriction factor

SummaryMammals encode proteins that inhibit viral replication at the cellular level. In turn, certain viruses have evolved genes that can functionally counteract these intrinsic restrictions. Human CD317 (BST-2/HM1.24/tetherin) is a restriction factor that blocks release of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) from the cell surface and can be overcome by HIV-1 Vpu. Here, we show that mouse and rat CD317 potently inhibit HIV-1 release but are resistant to Vpu. Interspecies chimeras reveal that the rodent-specific resistance and human-specific sensitivity to Vpu antagonism involve all three major structural domains of CD317. To promote virus release, Vpu depletes cellular pools of human CD317, but not of the rodent orthologs, by accelerating its degradation via the 20S proteasome. Thus, HIV-1 Vpu suppresses the expression of the CD317 antiviral factor in human cells, and the species-specific resistance to this suppression may guide the development of small animal models of HIV infection