14,855 research outputs found
Stirring Unmagnetized Plasma
A new concept for spinning unmagnetized plasma is demonstrated
experimentally. Plasma is confined by an axisymmetric multi-cusp magnetic field
and biased cathodes are used to drive currents and impart a torque in the
magnetized edge. Measurements show that flow viscously couples momentum from
the magnetized edge (where the plasma viscosity is small) into the unmagnetized
core (where the viscosity is large) and that the core rotates as a solid body.
To be effective, collisional viscosity must overcome the ion-neutral drag due
to charge exchange collisions
Muon spin relaxation and rotation study on the solid solution of the two spin-gap systems (CH3)2CHNH3-CuCl3 and (CH3)2CHNH3-CuBr3
Muon-spin-rotation and relaxation studies have been performed on
(CH)CHNHCu(ClBr) with =0.85 and 0.95, which are
solid solutions of the two isomorphic spin-gap systems
(CH)CHNHCuCl and (CH)CHNHCuBr with different
spin gaps. The sample with =0.85 showed a clear muon spin rotation under
zero-field below =11.65K, indicating the existence of a long-range
antiferromagnetic order. A critical exponent of the hyperfine field was
obtained to be =0.33, which agrees with 3D-Ising model. In the other
sample with =0.95, an anomalous enhancement of the muon spin relaxation was
observed at very low temperatures indicating a critical slowing down due to a
magnetic instability of the ground state
Preparedness for use of the rapid result HIV self-test by gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM): a mixed methods exploratory study among MSM and those involved in HIV prevention and care
Objectives:
The aim of the study was to explore preparedness for the HIV self-test among men who have sex with men (MSM) and those involved in HIV prevention and care.
Methods:
A mixed methods exploratory research design was employed, detailing awareness and willingness to use the self-test and the perceived barriers and facilitators to implementation. Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis were completed in parallel. Descriptive and inferential analysis of cross-sectional bar-based survey data collected from MSM through a self-completed questionnaire and oral fluid specimen collection (n = 999) was combined with qualitative, thematic, analysis of data collected through 12 expert focus groups (n = 55) consisting of gay men, National Health Service (NHS) staff, community organizations, entrepreneurs and activists. Findings were subsequently combined and assessed for synergies.
Results:
Among MSM, self-test awareness was moderate (55%). Greater awareness was associated with increased educational attainment [adjusted odds ratio 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–2.30; P = 0.05] and previous history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing (adjusted odds ratio 1.63; 95% CI 1.11–2.39; P = 0.01). Willingness to use the test was high (89%) and associated with meeting sexual partners online (unadjusted odds ratio 1.96; 95% CI 1.31–2.94; P < 0.001). Experts highlighted the overall acceptability of self-testing; it was understood as convenient, discreet, accessible, and with a low burden to services. However, some ambivalence towards self-testing was reported; it could reduce opportunities to engage with wider services, wider health issues and the determinants of risk.
Conclusions:
Self-testing represents an opportunity to reduce barriers to HIV testing and enhance prevention and access to care. Levels of awareness are moderate but willingness to use is high. Self-testing may amplify health inequalities
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