Cosmic Texture from a Broken Global SU(3) Symmetry

We investigate the observable consequences of creating cosmic texture by breaking a global SU(3) symmetry, rather than the SU(2) case which is generally studied. To this end, we study the nonlinear sigma model for a totally broken SU(3) symmetry, and develop a technique for numerically solving the classical field equations. This technique is applied in a cosmological context: the energy of the collapsing SU(3) texture field is used as a gravitational source for the production of perturbations in the primordial fluids of the early universe. From these calculations, we make predictions about the appearance of the anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) which would be present if the large scale structure of the universe was gravitationally seeded by the collapse of SU(3) textures.Comment: 28 pages, latex, 11 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.

Courting disaster

NRC publication: N

Current practices and reform proposals for the regulation of advanced medicinal products in Canada

We describe the Canadian regulatory framework for evaluating advanced medicinal products based on current policies, guidance documents and regulations and analyze proposed reforms. Our analysis is based on a documentary review supplemented by discussions with Health Canada officials. We present an overview of the Canadian regulatory framework for cell and gene therapy, medical devices and manufacturing facilities. We use the approval of Prochymal™ to highlight Canada\u27s conditional marketing approval system. Finally, we discuss proposed changes to the regulatory framework in response to identified gaps, stakeholder consultations and international harmonization initiatives. Based on our analyses, we suggest that Canadian regulators have taken a reasonable approach in applying their regulatory framework without compromising on product safety

Safety first: The role of trust and school safety in non-suicidal self-injury

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has become very prominent among adolescents in middle and high school settings. However, little research has evaluated the role of the school environment in the behaviour. This study examined whether indices of school trust and perceived safety were predictive of NSSI behaviour. Results indicate that these variables allow us to more accurately identify participants who engage in NSSI. Students who report being bullied and threatened, and who have less trust in specific members of school staff are more likely to engage in NSSI.L’automutilation non-suicidaire (AMNS) est devenue un comportement très important parmi les adolescents en milieu scolaire. Cependant, peu de recherches ont évalué le rôle de l’environnement scolaire dans le comportement. Cette étude examine si les indices de confiance et de la perception de sécurité à l’école sont des facteurs prédictifs de l’AMNS. Les résultats indiquent que ces variables nous permettent d’identifier plus précisément les participants qui endossent l’AMNS. Les étudiants qui déclarent être victimes d’intimidation et de menace, et qui ont moins confiance en certains membres du personnel scolaire sont plus susceptibles de dire qu’ils s’engagent dans l’AMNS