Criticality in confined ionic fluids

A theory of a confined two dimensional electrolyte is presented. The positive and negative ions, interacting by a $1/r$ potential, are constrained to move on an interface separating two solvents with dielectric constants $\epsilon_1$ and $\epsilon_2$. It is shown that the Debye-H\"uckel type of theory predicts that the this 2d Coulomb fluid should undergo a phase separation into a coexisting liquid (high density) and gas (low density) phases. We argue, however, that the formation of polymer-like chains of alternating positive and negative ions can prevent this phase transition from taking place.Comment: RevTex, no figures, in press Phys. Rev.

The Earth: Plasma Sources, Losses, and Transport Processes

This paper reviews the state of knowledge concerning the source of magnetospheric plasma at Earth. Source of plasma, its acceleration and transport throughout the system, its consequences on system dynamics, and its loss are all discussed. Both observational and modeling advances since the last time this subject was covered in detail (Hultqvist et al., Magnetospheric Plasma Sources and Losses, 1999) are addressed

Functional mechanisms underlying pleiotropic risk alleles at the 19p13.1 breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility locus

A locus at 19p13 is associated with breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) risk. Here we analyse 438 SNPs in this region in 46,451 BC and 15,438 OC cases, 15,252 BRCA1 mutation carriers and 73,444 controls and identify 13 candidate causal SNPs associated with serous OC (P=9.2 × 10-20), ER-negative BC (P=1.1 × 10-13), BRCA1-associated BC (P=7.7 × 10-16) and triple negative BC (P-diff=2 × 10-5). Genotype-gene expression associations are identified for candidate target genes ANKLE1 (P=2 × 10-3) and ABHD8 (P<2 × 10-3). Chromosome conformation capture identifies interactions between four candidate SNPs and ABHD8, and luciferase assays indicate six risk alleles increased transactivation of the ADHD8 promoter. Targeted deletion of a region containing risk SNP rs56069439 in a putative enhancer induces ANKLE1 downregulation; and mRNA stability assays indicate functional effects for an ANKLE1 3′-UTR SNP. Altogether, these data suggest that multiple SNPs at 19p13 regulate ABHD8 and perhaps ANKLE1 expression, and indicate common mechanisms underlying breast and ovarian cancer risk

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

NERC science : future impacts summary report

This report outlines the main outcomes from the NERC Science: Future impacts event held in March 2013 at Regent’s Park College, London. The meeting was convened by a cross-centre group to examine future social, technological, economic, environmental and political trends over the next 20 years that will drive the need for science research. By undertaking a series of horizon scanning activities, two questions were explored; What key shifts in natural environment research focus are needed to ensure socioeconomic impact in 20 years time? What do we need to do as a family of institutions to ensure we are fit for purpose in delivering natural environment research outcomes with socio-economic impact? The activities during the day were based around six themes for which environmental science research is required to deliver solutions to future challenges. The six themes were: Energy and mineral resources Food and water resources Urbanisation and land use Biodiversity Natural hazards New technologies The likely drivers and challenges for research within each theme were identified through a series of facilitated horizon scanning activities. Common emerging trends and challenges were then recognised. The overarching themes that were identified included enhanced public engagement, sustainable delivery of ecosystem services and natural capital (including sustainable resource exploitation), urbanisation and population growth, vulnerability of people to hazards and characterisation of offshore and extraterrestrial environments. In addressing the question of how to ensure that NERC is ‘fit-for-purpose’ in delivering longterm impact, four critical issues emerged during the discussions. First, clear mechanisms and incentives are required to support and promote multi-disciplinary research. Resolution of the future environmental challenges will require work across scientific, social and economic research areas. The second and third issues are closely linked, and relate to direct engagement with the public, and communication with multiple (and potentially competing) stakeholders. To resolve difficult decisions about the use and management of the environment requires direct, informed debate with those who benefit from natural environment research including the public, industry and government. This could be supported by providing information about the consequences of different decisions, and communication could be enhanced through use of new technologies. Most importantly, this should be driven by responding to issues of practical societal and economic value. Recognition of the influence of human activity within the wider environment is essential to demonstrate NERC’s role and relevance in understanding the role of humanenvironment interactions. Fourth, the style of communication, the mechanisms used to deliver scientific solutions, and the measurement of impact are essential considerations for demonstrating societal and economic relevance. In particular, research outputs need to show that NERC science contributes to longterm as well as short-term aims, and need to be tailored to the requirements of the principal stakeholders in order to deliver the maximum impact