Unresolved problems in superconductivity of CaC6

We discuss the current status of the theory of the "high-temperature" superconductivity in intercalated graphites YbC6 and CaC6. We emphasize that while the general picture of conventional, phonon-driven superconductivity has already emerged and is generally accepted, there are still interesting problems with this picture, such as weak-coupling regime inferred from specific heat suggesting coupling exclusively with high-energy carbon phonons coming in direct contradiction with the isotope effect measurements suggesting coupling exclusively with the low-energy intercalant modes. At the same time, the first principle calculations, while explaining Tc, contradict both of the experiments above by predicting equal coupling with both groups of phonons.Comment: Contribution to the Proceedings of the M2S Conference in Dresden, 200

A New Computational Fluid Dynamics Code I: Fyris Alpha

A new hydrodynamics code aimed at astrophysical applications has been developed. The new code and algorithms are presented along with a comprehensive suite of test problems in one, two, and three dimensions. The new code is shown to be robust and accurate, equalling or improving upon a set of comparison codes. Fyris Alpha will be made freely available to the scientific community.Comment: 59 pages, 27 figures For associated code see http://www.mso.anu.edu.au/fyri

What Physical Processes Drive the Interstellar Medium in the Local Bubble?

Recent 3D high-resolution simulations of the interstellar medium in a star form- ing galaxy like the Milky Way show that supernova explosions are the main driver of the structure and evolution of the gas. Its physical state is largely controlled by turbulence due to the high Reynolds numbers of the average flows. For a constant supernova rate a dynam- ical equilibrium is established within 200 Myr of simulation as a consequence of the setup of a galactic fountain. The resulting interstellar medium reveals a typical density/pressure pattern, i.e. distribution of so-called gas phases, on scales of 500–700 pc, with interstellar bubbles being a common phenomenon just like the Local Bubble and the Loop I superbub- ble, which are assumed to be interacting. However, modeling the Local Bubble is special, because it is driven by a moving group, passing through its volume, as it is inferred from the analysis of Hipparcos data. A detailed analysis reveals that between 14 and 19 super- novae have exploded during the last 15 Myr. The age of the Local Bubble is derived from comparison with HI and UV absorption line data to be 14.5±0.7 Myr. We further predict the 0.4merging of the two bubbles in about 3 Myr from now, when the interaction shell starts to fragment. The Local Cloud and its companion HI clouds are the consequence of a dynamical instability in the interaction shell between the Local and the Loop I bubble

CSF1R inhibitor JNJ-40346527 attenuates microglial proliferation and neurodegeneration in P301S mice

Neuroinflammation and microglial activation are significant processes in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Recent genome-wide association studies have highlighted multiple immune-related genes in association with Alzheimer's disease, and experimental data have demonstrated microglial proliferation as a significant component of the neuropathology. In this study, we tested the efficacy of the selective CSF1R inhibitor JNJ-40346527 (JNJ-527) in the P301S mouse tauopathy model. We first demonstrated the anti-proliferative effects of JNJ-527 on microglia in the ME7 prion model, and its impact on the inflammatory profile, and provided potential CNS biomarkers for clinical investigation with the compound, including pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics and efficacy assessment by TSPO autoradiography and CSF proteomics. Then, we showed for the first time that blockade of microglial proliferation and modification of microglial phenotype leads to an attenuation of tau-induced neurodegeneration and results in functional improvement in P301S mice. Overall, this work strongly supports the potential for inhibition of CSF1R as a target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other tau-mediated neurodegenerative diseases

Inflammatory biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease plasma

Introduction: Plasma biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis/stratification are a \u201cHoly Grail\u201d of AD research and intensively sought; however, there are no well-established plasma markers. Methods: A hypothesis-led plasma biomarker search was conducted in the context of international multicenter studies. The discovery phase measured 53 inflammatory proteins in elderly control (CTL; 259), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; 199), and AD (262) subjects from AddNeuroMed. Results: Ten analytes showed significant intergroup differences. Logistic regression identified five (FB, FH, sCR1, MCP-1, eotaxin-1) that, age/APO\u3b54 adjusted, optimally differentiated AD and CTL (AUC: 0.79), and three (sCR1, MCP-1, eotaxin-1) that optimally differentiated AD and MCI (AUC: 0.74). These models replicated in an independent cohort (EMIF; AUC 0.81 and 0.67). Two analytes (FB, FH) plus age predicted MCI progression to AD (AUC: 0.71). Discussion: Plasma markers of inflammation and complement dysregulation support diagnosis and outcome prediction in AD and MCI. Further replication is needed before clinical translation

Gem-corundum megacrysts from east Australian basalt fields: trace elements, oxygen isotopes and origins

Gem corundum, a minor but persisten megacryst in east Australian basalt fields, is mined from some placer concentrations. Laser ablation, inductively couled plasma mass spectrometry analyses and O isotope determinations on a colour range of corundum from different fields, show that chromophore (Fe, Cr, Ti, V) and genetic indicator (Ga, Mg, δ18O) values can distinguish corundum sources (magmatic, metamorphic and metasomatic) before basalt incorporation. They also characterise corundum groups from different fields. This identified two metamorphic groups, one carrying ruby at Barrington Tops, and a magmatic group distinct from those from other gem fields (lower Fe, northeast Tasmania; higher Fe, Yarrowitch). Ruby-bearing groups show clear provincial characteristics and include lower temperature spinel-facies groups (Barrington, Yarrowitch) and higher temperature garnet-facies groups (Cudgegong-Macquarie River). High Mg/Fe and Ni values in the latter approach those for corundum in diamond, and are a possible diamond indicator. The corundum derived from diverse fold-belt and felsic sources in underlying lithosphere forms a dataset for comparing corundum for other basalt fields