Electrochemical Detection of Nanoscale Phase Separation in Binary Self-Assembled Monolayers

Developing methods to probe the nature and structure of nanoscale environments continues to be a challenge in nanoscience. We report a cyclic voltammetry investigation of internal, hydrogen-bond driven phase separation of amide-containing thiols and alkane thiols. Amide-containing thiols with a terminal ferrocene carboxylate functional group were investigated in two binary monolayers, one homogeneously mixed and the other phase separated. The electrochemical response of the ferrocene probe was used to monitor adsorbate coverage, environment and phase separation within each of these monolayers. The results demonstrate that the behavior of ferrocene containing monolayers can be used to probe nanoscale organization

D-Branes and Fluxes in Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics

Type 0A string theory in the (2,4k) superconformal minimal model backgrounds, with background ZZ D-branes or R-R fluxes can be formulated non-perturbatively. The branes and fluxes have a description as threshold bound states in an associated one-dimensional quantum mechanics which has a supersymmetric structure, familiar from studies of the generalized KdV system. The relevant bound state wavefunctions in this problem have unusual asymptotics (they are not normalizable in general, and break supersymmetry) which are consistent with the underlying description in terms of open and closed string sectors. The overall organization of the physics is very pleasing: The physics of the closed strings in the background of branes or fluxes is captured by the generalized KdV system and non-perturbative string equations obtained by reduction of that system (the hierarchy of equations found by Dalley, Johnson, Morris and Watterstam). Meanwhile, the bound states wavefunctions, which describe the physics of the ZZ D-brane (or flux) background in interaction with probe FZZT D-branes, are captured by the generalized mKdV system, and non-perturbative string equations obtained by reduction of that system (the Painleve II hierachy found by Periwal and Shevitz in this context).Comment: 41 pages, LaTe

Holographic RG Flows and Universal Structures on the Coulomb Branch of N=2 Supersymmetric Large n Gauge Theory

We report on our results of D3-brane probing a large class of generalised type IIB supergravity solutions presented very recently in the literature. The structure of the solutions is controlled by a single non-linear differential equation. These solutions correspond to renormalisation group flows from pure N=4 supersymmetric gauge theory to an N=2 gauge theory with a massive adjoint scalar. The gauge group is SU(n) with n large. After presenting the general result, we focus on one of the new solutions, solving for the specific coordinates needed to display the explicit metric on the moduli space. We obtain an appropriately holomorphic result for the coupling. We look for the singular locus, and interestingly, the final result again manifests itself in terms of a square root branch cut on the complex plane, as previously found for a set of solutions for which the details are very different. This, together with the existence of the single simple non-linear differential equation, is further evidence in support of an earlier suggestion that there is a very simple model --perhaps a matrix model with relation to the Calogero-Moser integrable system-- underlying this gauge theory physics.Comment: 14 pages, LaTeX, 1 figur

Illegal Killing of Nongame Wildlife and Recreational Shooting in Conservation Areas

Illegal killing of nongame wildlife is a global yet poorly documented problem. The prevalence and ecological consequences of illegal killing are often underestimated or completely unknown. We review the practice of legal recreational shooting and present data gathered from telemetry, surveys, and observations on its association with illegal killing of wildlife (birds and snakes) within conservation areas in Idaho, USA. In total, 33% of telemetered long‐billed curlews (Numenius americanus) and 59% of other bird carcasses found with known cause of death (or 32% of total) were illegally shot. Analysis of spatial distributions of illegal and legal shooting is consistent with birds being shot illegally in the course of otherwise legal recreational shooting, but snakes being intentionally sought out and targeted elsewhere, in locations where they congregate. Preliminary public surveys indicate that most recreational shooters find abhorrent the practice of illegal killing of wildlife. Viewed through this lens, our data may imply only a small fraction of recreational shooters is responsible for this activity. This study highlights a poorly known conservation problem that could have broad implications for some species and populations of wildlife

Backlund Transformations, D-Branes, and Fluxes in Minimal Type 0 Strings

We study the Type 0A string theory in the (2,4k) superconformal minimal model backgrounds, focusing on the fully non-perturbative string equations which define the partition function of the model. The equations admit a parameter, Gamma, which in the spacetime interpretation controls the number of background D-branes, or R-R flux units, depending upon which weak coupling regime is taken. We study the properties of the string equations (often focusing on the (2,4) model in particular) and their physical solutions. The solutions are the potential for an associated Schrodinger problem whose wavefunction is that of an extended D-brane probe. We perform a numerical study of the spectrum of this system for varying Gamma and establish that when Gamma is a positive integer the equations' solutions have special properties consistent with the spacetime interpretation. We also show that a natural solution-generating transformation (that changes Gamma by an integer) is the Backlund transformation of the KdV hierarchy specialized to (scale invariant) solitons at zero velocity. Our results suggest that the localized D-branes of the minimal string theories are directly related to the solitons of the KdV hierarchy. Further, we observe an interesting transition when Gamma=-1.Comment: 17 pages, 3 figure

Space Shuttle Orbiter Structures and Mechanisms

The Space Shuttle Orbiter has performed exceptionally well over its 30 years of flight experience. Among the many factors behind this success were robust, yet carefully monitored, structural and mechanical systems. From highlighting key aspects of the design to illustrating lessons learned from the operation of this complex system, this paper will attempt to educate the reader on why some subsystems operated flawlessly and why specific vulnerabilities were exposed in others. Specific areas to be covered will be the following: high level configuration overview, primary and secondary structure, mechanical systems ranging from landing gear to the docking system, and windows

Comparative UAV and field phenotyping to assess yield and nitrogen use efficiency in hibrid and conventional barley

With the commercialization and increasing availability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) multiple rotor copters have expanded rapidly in plant phenotyping studies with their ability to provide clear, high resolution images. As such, the traditional bottleneck of plant phenotyping has shifted from data collection to data processing. Fortunately, the necessarily controlled and repetitive design of plant phenotyping allows for the development of semi-automatic computer processing tools that may sufficiently reduce the time spent in data extraction. Here we present a comparison of UAV and field based high throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) using the free, open-source image analysis software FIJI (Fiji is just ImageJ) using RGB (conventional digital cameras), multispectral and thermal aerial imagery in combination with a matching suite of ground sensors in a study of two hybrids and one conventional barely variety with ten different nitrogen treatments, combining different fertilization levels and application schedules. A detailed correlation network for physiological traits and exploration of the data comparing between treatments and varieties provided insights into crop performance under different management scenarios. Multivariate regression models explained 77.8, 71.6, and 82.7% of the variance in yield from aerial, ground, and combined data sets, respectively

WOmen's Action for Mums and Bubs (WOMB) trial protocol: a non-randomized stepped wedge implementation trial of participatory women's groups to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and children in Australia

Introduction: In Australia, there have been improvements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander maternal health, however inequities remain. There is increasing international evidence illustrating the effectiveness of Participatory Women's Groups (PWGs) in improving Maternal and Child Health (MCH) outcomes. Using a non-randomized, cluster stepped-wedge implementation of a complex intervention with mixed methods evaluation, this study aims to test the effectiveness of PWGs in improving MCH within Indigenous primary care settings in Australia and how they operate in various contexts. Methods: This study takes place in ten primary health care services across Australia and involves the recruitment of existing PWGs or the setting up of new PWGs. Services are paired based on geography for practical reasons and two services commence the PWG intervention at three monthly intervals, with the initial four services being those with existing women's groups. Implementation of the PWGs as an intervention involves training local facilitators of PWG groups, supported engagement with local MCH data through workshops, PWGs identifying and prioritizing issues and strengths and co-implementing solutions with health services. Outcomes are measured with yearly MCH audits, a cost-effectiveness study, and process evaluation of community participation and empowerment. Discussion: This study is the first to formally implement and quantitatively, yet with contextual awareness, measure the effect of applying a community participation intervention to improve the quality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MCH in Australia. Findings from this work, including detailed theory-producing qualitative analysis, will produce new knowledge of how to facilitate improved quality of MCH care in Indigenous PHC settings and how to best engage community in driving health care improvements.Karen Carlisle, Catrina Felton-Busch, Yvonne Cadet-James, Judy Taylor, Ross Bailie, Jane Farmer, Megan Passey, Veronica Matthews, Emily Callander, Rebecca Evans, Janet Kelly, Robyn Preston, Michelle Redman-MacLaren, Haylee Fox, Adrian Esterman, Merrick Zwarenstein and Sarah Larkin

Sport, genetics and the `natural athlete': The resurgence of racial science

This article explores the ethical implications of recent discussions that naturalize the relationship between race, the body and sport within the frame of genetic science. Many suggestions of a racially distributed genetic basis for athletic ability and performance are strategically posited as a resounding critique of the `politically correct' meta-narratives of established sociological and anthropological forms of explanation that emphasize the social and cultural construction of race. I argue that this use of genetic science in order to describe and explain common-sense impressions of racial physiology and sporting ability is founded on erroneous premises of objectivity and disinterest, and inflates the analytical efficacy of scientific truth claims. I suggest that assertions of a value-free science of racial athletic ability reify race as inherited permanent biological characteristics that produce social hierarchies and are more characteristic of a longer history of `racial science'