0-pi Josephson tunnel junctions with ferromagnetic barrier

We fabricated high quality Nb/Al_2O_3/Ni_{0.6}Cu_{0.4}/Nb superconductor-insulator-ferromagnet-superconductor Josephson tunnel junctions. Using a ferromagnetic layer with a step-like thickness, we obtain a 0-pi junction, with equal lengths and critical currents of 0 and pi parts. The ground state of our 330 microns (1.3 lambda_J) long junction corresponds to a spontaneous vortex of supercurrent pinned at the 0-pi step and carrying ~6.7% of the magnetic flux quantum Phi_0. The dependence of the critical current on the applied magnetic field shows a clear minimum in the vicinity of zero field.Comment: submitted to PR

Critical current diffraction pattern of SIFS Josephson junctions with step-like F-layer

We present the latest generation of superconductor-insulator-ferromagnet-superconductor Josephson tunnel junctions with a step-like thickness of the ferromagnetic (F) layer. The F-layer thicknesses $d_1$ and $d_2$ in both halves were varied to obtain different combinations of positive and negative critical current densities $j_{c,1}$ and $j_{c,2}$. The measured dependences of the critical current on applied magnetic field can be well described by a model which takes into account different critical current densities (obtained from reference junctions) and different net magnetization of the multidomain ferromagnetic layer in both halves.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figure

SuperCYPsPred - a web server for the prediction of cytochrome activity

Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs)-mediated drug metabolism influences drug pharmacokinetics and results in adverse outcomes in patients through drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) issues are the leading causes for the failure of a drug in the clinical trials. As details on their metabolism are known for just half of the approved drugs, a tool for reliable prediction of CYPs specificity is needed. The SuperCYPsPred web server is currently focused on five major CYPs isoenzymes, which includes CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 that are responsible for more than 80% of the metabolism of clinical drugs. The prediction models for classification of the CYPs inhibition are based on well-established machine learning methods. The models were validated both on cross-validation and external validation sets and achieved good performance. The web server takes a 2D chemical structure as input and reports the CYP inhibition profile of the chemical for 10 models using different molecular fingerprints, along with confidence scores, similar compounds, known CYPs information of drugs-published in literature, detailed interaction profile of individual cytochromes including a DDIs table and an overall CYPs prediction radar chart (http://insilico-cyp.charite.de/SuperCYPsPred/).The web server does not require log in or registration and is free to use

High quality ferromagnetic 0 and pi Josephson tunnel junctions

We fabricated high quality \Nb/\Al_2\O_3/\Ni_{0.6}\Cu_{0.4}/\Nb superconductor-insulator-ferromagnet-superconductor Josephson tunnel junctions. Depending on the thickness of the ferromagnetic \Ni_{0.6}\Cu_{0.4} layer and on the ambient temperature, the junctions were in the 0 or $\pi$ ground state. All junctions have homogeneous interfaces showing almost perfect Fraunhofer patterns. The \Al_2\O_3 tunnel barrier allows to achieve rather low damping, which is desired for many experiments especially in the quantum domain. The McCumber parameter $\beta_c$ increases exponentially with decreasing temperature and reaches $\beta_c\approx700$ at $T=2.1 {\rm K}$. The critical current density in the $\pi$ state was up to $5\:\rm{A/cm^2}$ at $T=2.1 {\rm K}$, resulting in a Josephson penetration depth $\lambda_J$ as low as $160\:\rm{\mu m}$. Experimentally determined junction parameters are well described by theory taking into account spin-flip scattering in the \Ni_{0.6}\Cu_{0.4} layer and different transparencies of the interfaces.Comment: Changed content and Corrected typo

Magnetic interference patterns in 0-Pi SIFS Josephson junctions: effects of asymmetry between 0 and Pi regions

We present a detailed analysis of the dependence of the critical current I_c on the magnetic field B of 0, Pi, and 0-Pi superconductor-insulator-ferromagnet-superconductor Josephson junctions. I_c(B) of the 0 and Pi junction closely follows a Fraunhofer pattern, indicating a homogeneous critical current density j_c(x). The maximum of I_c(B) is slightly shifted along the field axis, pointing to a small remanent in-plane magnetization of the F-layer along the field axis. I_c(B) of the 0-Pi junction exhibits the characteristic central minimum. I_c however has a finite value here, due to an asymmetry of j_c in the 0 and Pi part. In addition, this I_c(B) exhibits asymmetric maxima and bumped minima. To explain these features in detail, flux penetration being different in the 0 part and the Pi part needs to be taken into account. We discuss this asymmetry in relation to the magnetic properties of the F-layer and the fabrication technique used to produce the 0-Pi junctions

The effects of lower-body compression garments on walking performance and perceived exertion in adults with CVD risk factors

Objectives Compression garments are used by athletes in attempts to enhance performance and recovery, although evidence to support their use is equivocal. Reducing the exertion experienced during exercise may encourage sedentary individuals to increase physical activity. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of compression garments on walking performance (self-paced and enforced pace) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in adults who presented with two or more CVD risk factors. Participants (n = 15, 10 female, 58.9 ± 11.5 years, BMI 27.5 ± 4.5 kg m2) were recruited. Design A repeated measures design. Methods Participants were randomised to Modified Bruce Protocol (enforced pace), or the 6 min walk test (self-paced), and completed the test wearing compression garments or normal exercise clothes (Control). Outcome measures included stage completed, gross efficiency (%) and RPE in Modified Bruce Protocol, and distance walked (m) and RPE in 6 min walk test. Results In the Modified Bruce Protcol participants had a higher RPE (15.5 ± 2.5 vs 14.3 ± 2.2) and a lower efficiency (19.1 ± 5.9 vs 21.1 ± 6.7) in the compression garment condition compared with control, p < 0.05. In the 6 min walk test participants walked 9% less in the compression garment condition (p < 0.05) but did not have a lower RPE. Conclusions Compared with previous studies reporting enhanced or no effects of compression garments on performance or RPE, this study shows adverse effects of such clothing in untrained individuals with CVD risk factors. The mechanisms underlying this negative effect require further exploration. Use of garments designed for the athletic individuals may not be suitable for the wider population

Establishing the European Norm for the health-related quality of life domains of the computer-adaptive test EORTC CAT Core

OBJECTIVE: The computer-adaptive test (CAT) of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), the EORTC CAT Core, assesses the same 15 domains as the EORTC QLQ-C30 health-related quality of life questionnaire but with increased precision, efficiency, measurement range and flexibility. CAT parameters for estimating scores have been established based on clinical data from cancer patients. This study aimed at establishing the European Norm for each CAT domain based on general population data. METHODS: We collected representative general population data across 11 European Union (EU) countries, Russia, Turkey, Canada and the United States (n \u3e /= 1000/country; stratified by sex and age). We selected item subsets from each CAT domain for data collection (totalling 86 items). Differential item functioning (DIF) analyses were conducted to investigate cross-cultural measurement invariance. For each domain, means and standard deviations from the EU countries (weighted by country population, sex and age) were used to establish a T-metric with a European general population mean = 50 (standard deviation = 10). RESULTS: A total of 15,386 respondents completed the online survey (n = 11,343 from EU countries). EORTC CAT Core norm scores for all 15 countries were calculated. DIF had negligible impact on scoring. Domain-specific T-scores differed significantly across countries with small to medium effect sizes. CONCLUSION: This study establishes the official European Norm for the EORTC CAT Core. The European CAT Norm can be used globally and allows for meaningful interpretation of scores. Furthermore, CAT scores can be compared with sex- and age-adjusted norm scores at a national level within each of the 15 countries