Vortices and extreme black holes: the question of flux expulsion

It has been claimed that extreme black holes exhibit a phenomenon of flux expulsion for abelian Higgs vortices, irrespective of the relative width of the vortex to the black hole. Recent work by two of the authors showed a subtlety in the treatment of the event horizon, which cast doubt on this claim. We analyse in detail the vortex/extreme black hole system, showing that while flux expulsion can occur, it does not do so in all cases. We give analytic proofs for both expulsion and penetration of flux, in each case deriving a bound for that behaviour. We also present extensive numerical work backing up, and refining, these claims, and showing in detail how a vortex can end on a black hole in all situations. We also calculate the backreaction of the vortex on the geometry, and comment on the more general vortex-black hole system.Comment: 28 pages revtex, 10 figures, minor changes, reference adde

Genome-Wide and Abdominal MRI-Imaging Data Provides Evidence that a Genetically Determined Favourable Adiposity Phenotype is Characterized by Lower Ectopic Liver Fat and Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease and Hypertension

Recent genetic studies have identified alleles associated with opposite effects on adiposity and risk of type 2 diabetes. We aimed to identify more of these variants and test the hypothesis that such “favourable adiposity” alleles are associated with higher subcutaneous fat and lower ectopic fat. We combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of body fat % and metabolic traits. We report 14 alleles, including 7 newly characterized alleles, associated with higher adiposity, but a favourable metabolic profile. Consistent with previous studies, individuals carrying more “favourable adiposity” alleles had higher body fat % and higher BMI, but lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. These individuals also had higher subcutaneous fat, but lower liver fat and lower visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio. Individual alleles associated with higher body fat % but lower liver fat and lower risk of type 2 diabetes included those in PPARG, GRB14 and IRS1, whilst the allele in ANKRD55 was paradoxically associated with higher visceral fat but lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Most identified “favourable adiposity” alleles are associated with higher subcutaneous and lower liver fat, a mechanism consistent with the beneficial effects of storing excess triglyceride in metabolically low risk depots.Diabetes UK RD Lawrence fellowship, European Research Council, Wellcome Trust and Royal Society grant, European Regional Development Fund, Medical Research Council, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, German Research Foundation, Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking, European Union's Seventh Framework Programme, Dutch Science Organisation, Scottish Government Health Directorates, Scottish Funding Council and Medical Research Council UK and the Wellcome Trust

The Polygenic and Monogenic Basis of Blood Traits and Diseases

Blood cells play essential roles in human health, underpinning physiological processes such as immunity, oxygen transport, and clotting, which when perturbed cause a significant global health burden. Here we integrate data from UK Biobank and a large-scale international collaborative effort, including data for 563,085 European ancestry participants, and discover 5,106 new genetic variants independently associated with 29 blood cell phenotypes covering a range of variation impacting hematopoiesis. We holistically characterize the genetic architecture of hematopoiesis, assess the relevance of the omnigenic model to blood cell phenotypes, delineate relevant hematopoietic cell states influenced by regulatory genetic variants and gene networks, identify novel splice-altering variants mediating the associations, and assess the polygenic prediction potential for blood traits and clinical disorders at the interface of complex and Mendelian genetics. These results show the power of large-scale blood cell trait GWAS to interrogate clinically meaningful variants across a wide allelic spectrum of human variation. Analysis of blood cell traits in the UK Biobank and other cohorts illuminates the full genetic architecture of hematopoietic phenotypes, with evidence supporting the omnigenic model for complex traits and linking polygenic burden with monogenic blood diseases

Synthesis of high quality single-walled carbon nanotubes with purity enhancement and diameter control by liquid precursor Ar-H2 plasma spraying

As usage of carbon nanotubes continues to increase in both scientific research and practical applications, there has been a growing interest in the large-scale synthesis of those materials with high quality and high purity. Here we report a new plasma process developed for the large-scale synthesis of high quality single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). An induction thermal plasma with a liquid precursor spraying technique was employed for an effective synthesis of SWCNTs from a mixture of toluene and ferrocene. It has been successfully demonstrated in this new process that high quality SWCNTs can be synthesized continuously with a reasonably high-purity, the structural quality of the materials produced being comparable to those of SWCNTs produced from the laser vaporization process. The high temperature of the plasma, over 4000. K, seems to be responsible for the production of high quality SWCNTs and the rapid treatment of a large amount of feedstock, whereas the hydrogen plasma contributes to the purity enhancement by selective etching of amorphous carbon. It is also found that the diameter distribution of SWCNTs can be controlled effectively by varying the sulfur content in the feedstock mixture, which is very promising for many advanced applications of SWCNTs such as SWCNT-based electronics. \ua9 2014.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Design and simulation of a spring-less micro switch

This paper reports on the design of an ultra low actuation voltage microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switch. The mechanical design of the spring-less switch is presented. The theoretical actuation voltage of the switch is shown to be as low as 0.34 V. The concept is tested using an electrostatic levitated disc accelerometer, reconfigured to operate as a MEMS switch. Experimental and theoretical data for the dynamic behaviour of these devices are also presented. The results of this paper validate the feasibility of realising ultra low-voltage MEMS switches using electrostatic levitation. Key words: Low actuation voltage, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches, electrostatic actuation, no mechanical spring

Factors associated with Schistosomiasis control measures in Mwaluphamba Location, Kwale County, Kenya

The study set out to investigate the factors associated with Schistosomiasis control measures in Mwaluphamba location of Kwale County. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Mwaluphamba location was purposely sampled and simple random sampling was used to select 338 respondents in villages in each location. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. A majority of the respondents were males (60%), Muslim affiliated (85%), aged 41 years and over (39%) and most (56%) of them had achieved at least a primary level of education. Results showed that 40% of the respondents were knowledgeable of health education as a service offered by health care providers to control Schistosomiasis. Male respondents and those of Islamic affiliation were five times (OR: 4.686) and three times (OR: 3.13) more likely to seek health education in comparison to their female counterparts respectively. Respondents’ who had achieved at least a primary level of education and those that earned an income of above one thousand shillings significantly utilized mass treatment. Respondents with income levels below a thousand shillings were less likely to seek both health education and mass treatment compared to those with a higher income. In conclusion, there was a statistically significant association between respondents’ socio-demographic factors and control measures for the infection. There is need for equal implementation of all control measures to overcome the socio-demographic barriers and to ensure effective control of Schistosomiasis infection

A systematic review on improving implementation of the revitalised integrated disease surveillance and response system in the African region : a health workers' perspective

BACKGROUND : The revised integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) guidelines adopted by African member states in 2010 aimed at strengthening surveillance systems critical capacities. Milestones achieved through IDSR strategy implementation prior to adopting the revised guidelines are well documented; however, there is a dearth of knowledge on the progress made post-adoption. This study aimed to review key recommendations resulting from surveillance assessment studies to improve implementation of the revitalised IDSR system in the African region based on health workers’ perspectives. The review focused on literature published between 2010 and 2019 post-adopting the revised IDSR guidelines in the African region. METHODS : A systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science and Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature was conducted. In addition, manual reference searches and grey literature searches using World Health Organisation Library and Information Networks for Knowledge databases were undertaken. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement checklist for systematic reviews was utilised for the review process. RESULTS : Thirty assessment studies met the inclusion criteria. IDSR implementation under the revised guidelines could be improved considerably bearing in mind critical findings and recommendations emanating from the reviewed surveillance assessment studies. Key recommendations alluded to provision of laboratory facilities and improved specimen handling, provision of reporting forms and improved reporting quality, surveillance data accuracy and quality, improved knowledge and surveillance system performance, utilisation of up-to-date information and surveillance system strengthening, provision of resources, enhanced reporting timeliness and completeness, adopting alternative surveillance strategies and conducting further research to improve surveillance functions. CONCLUSION : Recommendations on strengthening IDSR implementation in the African region post-adopting the revised guidelines mainly identify surveillance functions focused on reporting, feedback, training, supervision, timeliness and completeness of the surveillance system as aspects requiring policy refinement.Supporting information : S1 Table. Excluded studies from systematic literature review. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248998.s001S2 Table. PRISMA checklist. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248998.s002S3 Table. Surveillance system functions. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248998.s003S4 Table. Summary of sub-themes with frequency and intensity effect sizes. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248998.s004S1 File. PROSPERO protocol. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248998.s005S2 File. PubMed search strategy. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248998.s006S3 File. Data extraction form. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248998.s007S4 File. Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice appraisal tool. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248998.s008http://www.plosone.orghj2021School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH)UP Centre for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP CSMC