Out-of-equilibrium evolution of quantum fields in the hybrid model with quantum back reaction

The hybrid model with a scalar "inflaton" field coupled to a "Higgs" field with a broken symmetry potential is one of the promising models for inflation and (p)reheating after inflation. We consider the nonequilibrium evolution of the quantum fields of this model with quantum back reaction in the Hartree approximation, in particular the transition of the Higgs field from the metastable "false vacuum" to the broken symmetry phase. We have performed the renormalization of the equations of motion, of the gap equations and of the energy density, using dimensional regularization. We study the influence of the back reaction on the evolution of the classical fields and of the quantum fluctuations. We observe that back reaction plays an important role over a wide range of parameters. Some implications of our investigation for the preheating stage after cosmic inflation are presented.Comment: 35 pages, 16 eps figures, revtex4; v2: typos corrected and references added, accepted for publication in Physical Review

Unexplored therapeutic opportunities in the human genome

A large proportion of biomedical research and the development of therapeutics is focused on a small fraction of the human genome. In a strategic effort to map the knowledge gaps around proteins encoded by the human genome and to promote the exploration of currently understudied, but potentially druggable, proteins, the US National Institutes of Health launched the Illuminating the Druggable Genome (IDG) initiative in 2014. In this article, we discuss how the systematic collection and processing of a wide array of genomic, proteomic, chemical and disease-related resource data by the IDG Knowledge Management Center have enabled the development of evidence-based criteria for tracking the target development level (TDL) of human proteins, which indicates a substantial knowledge deficit for approximately one out of three proteins in the human proteome. We then present spotlights on the TDL categories as well as key drug target classes, including G protein-coupled receptors, protein kinases and ion channels, which illustrate the nature of the unexplored opportunities for biomedical research and therapeutic development. © 2018 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature. All rights reserved

Erratum: Unexplored therapeutic opportunities in the human genome (Nature reviews. Drug discovery (2018) 17 5 (317-332))

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2018.14

Nonlinear transport in semiinsulating gaas - critical fields and nucleation of high-field domains

Contains fulltext : 115694.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Research priorities of the Australian Chiropractic Profession: A Cross-Sectional survey of academics and practitioners

Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the research priorities of Australian practicing chiropractors and academics across a set of research domains to determine the agreement or disagreement based on these domains. Methods We conducted a pilot-tested online survey focusing on the following 5 principal research domains: basic science, conditions (disorders chiropractors may encounter), patient subgroups, clinical interventions, and practice and public health/health services. Responses were sought regarding support for funding research scholarships, practice-based research networks, scientific conferences/symposia, journals, and existing research agendas. Data were collected (February 19 to May 24, 2019) from a sample of chiropractic academics (n1 = 33) representing 4 Australian programs and practicing chiropractors (n2 = 340). Collected data were ranked and analyzed to determine agreement across domains and items. Results There was agreement between the 2 groups across the majority (>90%) of domain items. The closest agreement and highest rankings were achieved for the “clinical interventions and practice” and “conditions” domains. Disagreement was observed within specific domain items, such as patient subgroups (infants), and for 1 intervention (chiropractic-specific techniques). Disagreement also occurred outside of the main domains, including research agenda support and funding. Conclusions There was overall agreement between practicing chiropractors and academics across most research area domain items, which should help facilitate consensus-led development of any potential Australian Chiropractic research agenda. Disagreements across specific domain items, such as population subgroups, interventions, and funding require further investigation

The Chiropractic Research Priorities in Australia (ChiRPA) project: A study protocol

Introduction Building and implementing a robust evidence-base which is informed by high quality research is the challenge facing contemporary healthcare professions. In doing so, it can be valuable for healthcare professions to establish a strategic research agenda in order to enhance the professions public health priorities within healthcare and assist in the allocation of limited research resources. Whilst formal chiropractic research agendas have been established in North America and Europe, no comprehensive, inter-organisational chiropractic research agenda has been formulated within the Australian context. A critical precursor to inform the development of any such Australian chiropractic research agenda, is the identification of the priorities held by practising chiropractors, chiropractic academics, educators, researchers, and postgraduate HDR students, along with an appraisal of the current research capacity and output of the Australian chiropractic profession. Objectives Design a questionnaire to; a) identify and rank the research priorities of a national sample of practising chiropractors, chiropractic academics, educators, researchers, and postgraduate HDR students, and; b) examine the current research capacity and output of the Australian chiropractic profession. Methods A survey instrument design was developed via an iterative process that initially built upon an extensive search of the chiropractic research priority literature from which items were aggregated and distilled. Senior and experienced members of the profession were then consulted to identify other items that should be considered for inclusion. Results The finalised cross-sectional questionnaire is a self-administered, multi-dimensional instrument comprising 5 main research categories. In addition, the questionnaire also includes items such as research funding, support for existing research agendas, and suggestions for future research. The questionnaire also explores research output, research barriers, research time allocation, perspectives on engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration and secured research funding. Analysis Quantitative data will be descriptively analysed whilst qualitative data will be analysed and reported along standard qualitative study protocols. Conclusion The Australian chiropractic profession needs to maximise ambitious, collaborative, creative research performed at best practice standards and then accelerate the implementation of useful findings that emerge. By ensuring the voices of all sectors of the profession are heard in the formulation of an Australian Chiropractic Research Agenda, the findings from our study will provide important insights into future research directions for the Australian chiropractic profession