The Morphology of the Galactic Dark Matter Synchrotron Emission with Self-Consistent Cosmic Ray Diffusion Models

A generic prediction in the paradigm of weakly interacting dark matter is the production of relativistic particles from dark matter pair-annihilation in regions of high dark matter density. Ultra-relativistic electrons and positrons produced in the center of the Galaxy by dark matter annihilation should produce a diffuse synchrotron emission. While the spectral shape of the synchrotron dark matter haze depends on the particle model (and secondarily on the galactic magnetic fields), the morphology of the haze depends primarily on (1) the dark matter density distribution, (2) the galactic magnetic field morphology, and (3) the diffusion model for high-energy cosmic-ray leptons. Interestingly, an unidentified excess of microwave radiation with characteristics similar to those predicted by dark matter models has been claimed to exist near the galactic center region in the data reported by the WMAP satellite, and dubbed the "WMAP haze". In this study, we carry out a self-consistent treatment of the variables enumerated above, enforcing constraints from the available data on cosmic rays, radio surveys and diffuse gamma rays. We outline and make predictions for the general morphology and spectral features of a "dark matter haze" and we compare them to the WMAP haze data. We also characterize and study the spectrum and spatial distribution of the inverse Compton emission resulting from the same population of energetic electrons and positrons. We point out that the spectrum and morphology of the radio emission at different frequencies is a powerful diagnostics to test whether a galactic synchrotron haze indeed originates from dark matter annihilation.Comment: 38 pages, 12 figures, Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

One lithium level >1.0 mmol/L causes an acute decline in eGFR: findings from a retrospective analysis of a monitoring database

Objectives Lithium is a mainstay of bipolar disorder treatment, however, there are still differences in opinion on the effects of lithium use on renal function. The aim of this analysis was to determine if there is an association between short-term exposure to various elevated lithium levels and estimated-glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at ≤3 months, 6 months (±3 months) and 1 year (±3 months) follow-up. Setting Norfolk-wide (UK) lithium register and database. Participants 699 patients from the Norfolk database. Primary outcome measures eGFR change from baseline at ≤3 months, 6 months (±3 months) and 1 year (±3 months) after exposure to a lithium level within these ranges: 0.81–1.0 mmol/L (group 2), 1.01–1.2 mmol/L (group 3) and 1.21–2.0 mmol/L (group 4). The reference group was patients whose lithium levels never exceeded 0.8 mmol/L. Results Compared to the reference group, groups 3 and 4 showed a significant decrease in eGFR in the first 3 months after exposure (p=0.047 and p=0.040). At 6 months (±3 months) postexposure group 4 still showed a decline in eGFR, however, this result was not significant (p=0.298). Conclusions These results show for the first time that a single incident of a lithium level >1.0 mmol/L is associated with a significant decrease in eGFR in the following 3 months when compared to patients whose lithium levels never exceeded 0.8 mmol/L. It is still not known whether the kidneys can recover this lost function and the impact that more than a single exposure to a level within these ranges can have on renal function. These results suggest that lithium level monitoring should be undertaken at least every 3 months, in line with current UK guidelines and not be reduced further until the impact of more than one exposure to these lithium levels has been fully established

Hydrogen Research for Spaceport and Space-Based Applications: Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Transport

The activities presented are a broad based approach to advancing key hydrogen related technologies in areas such as fuel cells, hydrogen production, and distributed sensors for hydrogen-leak detection, laser instrumentation for hydrogen-leak detection, and cryogenic transport and storage. Presented are the results from research projects, education and outreach activities, system and trade studies. The work will aid in advancing the state-of-the-art for several critical technologies related to the implementation of a hydrogen infrastructure. Activities conducted are relevant to a number of propulsion and power systems for terrestrial, aeronautics and aerospace applications. Hydrogen storage and in-space hydrogen transport research focused on developing and verifying design concepts for efficient, safe, lightweight liquid hydrogen cryogenic storage systems. Research into hydrogen production had a specific goal of further advancing proton conducting membrane technology in the laboratory at a larger scale. System and process trade studies evaluated the proton conducting membrane technology, specifically, scale-up issues

Hydrogen Research for Spaceport and Space-Based Applications: Hydrogen Sensors and Systems

The activities presented are a broad based approach to advancing key hydrogen related technologies in areas such as fuel cells, hydrogen production, and distributed sensors for hydrogen-leak detection, laser instrumentation for hydrogen-leak detection, and cryogenic transport and storage. Presented are the results from research projects, education and outreach activities, system and trade studies. The work will aid in advancing the state-of-the-art for several critical technologies related to the implementation of a hydrogen infrastructure. Activities conducted are relevant to a number of propulsion and power systems for terrestrial, aeronautics and aerospace applications. Sensor systems research was focused on hydrogen leak detection and smart sensors with adaptive feedback control for fuel cells. The goal was to integrate multifunction smart sensors, low-power high-efficiency wireless circuits, energy harvesting devices, and power management circuits in one module. Activities were focused on testing and demonstrating sensors in a realistic environment while also bringing them closer to production and commercial viability for eventual use in the actual operating environment

Expanding the CRISPR toolbox in Culicine mosquitoes: in vitro validation of Pol III promoters

CRISPR–Cas9-based “gene drive” technologies have been proposed as a novel and effective means of controlling human diseases vectored by mosquitoes. However, more complex designs than those demonstrated to date—and an expanded molecular toolbox with which to build them—will be required to overcome the issues of resistance formation/evolution and drive spatial/temporal limitation. Foreseeing this need, we assessed the sgRNA transcriptional activities of 33 phylogenetically diverse insect Polymerase III promoters using three disease-relevant Culicine mosquito cell lines (Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus). We show that U6 promoters work across species with a range of transcriptional activity levels and find 7SK promoters to be especially promising because of their broad phylogenetic activity. We further show that U6 promoters can be substantially truncated without affecting transcriptional levels. These results will be of great utility to researchers involved in developing the next generation of gene drives

Assessment of thermal comfort near a glazed exterior wall

In many highly glazed buildings, the thermal comfort of the occupants will tend to be related to the incoming solar energy and the solar heat gain coefficient of the glazing. Many real buildings tend to be deep relative their height and therefore, areas close to the facade receive a much greater amount of the incoming energy than those farther from it. In turn, this imbalance leads to occupants near the facade experiencing a high dissatisfaction with their thermal environment (near-facade zone). This study experimentally examines the thermal environment of occupants near the facade of a glazed building wall. It presents results for Fangers’ predicted mean vote (PMV) and the predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD) and explores some options for improving the thermal environment in this near-facade zone

Investigating glazing system simulated results with real measurements

Over the past decades there has been a great deal of research related to simulation programs that calculate glazing thermal performance. In this study, several glazing systems were designed using VISION 3 (University of Waterloo, 1992) and WINDOW-6 (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2010). The systems were fabricated and experimentally tested in-situ for a summer month. It was found that in most cases the predicted results of the glass temperature matched those measured, though slight discrepancies were observed during periods of high solar radiation, particularly for more complex systems and systems with shading devices

Disentangling causal webs in the brain using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A review of current approaches

In the past two decades, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging has been used to relate neuronal network activity to cognitive processing and behaviour. Recently this approach has been augmented by algorithms that allow us to infer causal links between component populations of neuronal networks. Multiple inference procedures have been proposed to approach this research question but so far, each method has limitations when it comes to establishing whole-brain connectivity patterns. In this work, we discuss eight ways to infer causality in fMRI research: Bayesian Nets, Dynamical Causal Modelling, Granger Causality, Likelihood Ratios, LiNGAM, Patel's Tau, Structural Equation Modelling, and Transfer Entropy. We finish with formulating some recommendations for the future directions in this area

The limits of RAMSI

After five years, much uncertainty remains in the Solomon Islands over the future of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands - RAMSI. As a security force it still enjoys broad support, but there are serious local objections to its role and its semi-permanent nature has brought new problems. In this report, Dr. Tim Anderson explores the impact that RAMSI has had for Solomon Islanders and highlights the Limits of RAMSI

Urban Communities, Clinics & Committees - A Model for Addressing Health Disparities and Building Clinician Community Engagement

Our Ohio State's Care Point East (CPE) clinic and Near East Health Advisory Committee (NEHAC) is a partnership that actively demonstrates how the principles of community engagement are used to collaboratively address major health disparities. The Near East Community of Columbus is an underserved community with many health disparities. Monthly meetings allow community leaders and physician trainees to learn firsthand about both historic and novel challenges and bring fresh perspective as to why they are important and how they can be addressed. An active consortium allows for shared knowledge of the many resources available for patients as well as community leaders. Young physicians can impact the community in which they practice, all while obtaining a unique experience of community engagement and building leadership skills. Tim Anderson, co-chair of NEHAC, published author and founder of the In My Backyard nonprofit, has focused much of his time on the importance of addressing health disparities and educating physicians who serve inner city communities on why and just how they can be a part of the solution. He has developed the DRIVE Engagement for clinicians. The components are: develop community health leaders; reaffirm patient trust through community involvement; identify patient barriers; identify community resources; improve patient compliance; value community health assets; and enhance community health wellness initiatives through active participation and promotion. Through emphasis on these principles, clinicians can have a basis for the importance of community engagement. In addition, we will discuss common barriers to community engagement and strategies to build physician capacity, especially for young clinicians and via the NEHAC meetings. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Internal Medicine Residency's primary care track, and now categorical track, offer young physicians the opportunity to train as clinicians in an inner-city clinic of Care Point East, located in the Near East Community. Our partnership with the NEHAC offers a unique training opportunity outside of the clinic, to grow in the DRIVE principles as well as the principles of awareness, integration, stewardship and advocacy.AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Jannel Lee-Allen, Clinical Instructor Housestaff, Internal Medicine, [email protected] (Corresponding Author); Tim Anderson, Co-Chair, NEHAC.Near East Community of Columbus is an under-served, urban community of more than 20,000 residents with many nonprofit, governmental and university partners. It has, like many inner-city communities, suffered from a history of disparities, especially health disparities. Learn about these disparities and how an active model of community consortium are addressing these disparities, while simultaneously garnering physician trainee community engagement and leadership