Self-induced structure in the current-voltage characteristics of RSQUIDs

Resistive two-junction SQUIDs (RSQUIDs) made from high-temperature superconductors are being developed as narrow-linewidth tunable oscillators in the GHz frequency range. We present here the results of numerical simulation of RSQUIDs of this type. These studies have identified conditions where sub-harmonic steps and other features are apparent in the current-voltage characteristics, driven by the internally-generated heterodyne frequency. The behavior is sensitive to the frequency (set by the voltage across the resistive element in the RSQUID), the temperature and also the loop inductance. We have studied the effects of thermal noise on these features. We also assess how these effects might be observed, and consider how they might affect practical applications of high frequency heterodyne RSQUID oscillators

Test, Control and Monitor System (TCMS) operations plan

The purpose is to provide a clear understanding of the Test, Control and Monitor System (TCMS) operating environment and to describe the method of operations for TCMS. TCMS is a complex and sophisticated checkout system focused on support of the Space Station Freedom Program (SSFP) and related activities. An understanding of the TCMS operating environment is provided and operational responsibilities are defined. NASA and the Payload Ground Operations Contractor (PGOC) will use it as a guide to manage the operation of the TCMS computer systems and associated networks and workstations. All TCMS operational functions are examined. Other plans and detailed operating procedures relating to an individual operational function are referenced within this plan. This plan augments existing Technical Support Management Directives (TSMD's), Standard Practices, and other management documentation which will be followed where applicable

Galactic Archaeology and Minimum Spanning Trees

Chemical tagging of stellar debris from disrupted open clusters and associations underpins the science cases for next-generation multi-object spectroscopic surveys. As part of the Galactic Archaeology project TraCD (Tracking Cluster Debris), a preliminary attempt at reconstructing the birth clouds of now phase-mixed thin disk debris is undertaken using a parametric minimum spanning tree (MST) approach. Empirically-motivated chemical abundance pattern uncertainties (for a 10-dimensional chemistry-space) are applied to NBODY6-realised stellar associations dissolved into a background sea of field stars, all evolving in a Milky Way potential. We demonstrate that significant population reconstruction degeneracies appear when the abundance uncertainties approach 0.1 dex and the parameterised MST approach is employed; more sophisticated methodologies will be required to ameliorate these degeneracies.Comment: To appear in "Multi-Object Spectroscopy in the Next Decade: Big Questions, Large Surveys and Wide Fields"; Held: Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain, 2-6 Mar 2015; ed. I Skillen & S. Trager; ASP Conference Series (Figures now optimised for B&W printing

Self-reported pain severity is associated with a history of coronary heart disease

This study was funded by Arthritis Research UK (grant number: 17292).Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Prostaglandin effects in the neuroendocrine mammalian brain

Publishers' versionThe original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaVarious prostaglandins (PGs) have been found in several areas of the brain. PGs of the E series have been found in the pituitary and pineal glands and the median eminence, and they have been shown to influence hypothalamic endocrine-release characteristics and release of melatonin from the pineal gland. It has been suggested that they may act, along with membrane phospholipids, as a link between neuronal depolarization, calcium uptake and neurotransmitter release. They may also influence postsynaptic effects of neurotransmitters. These latter effects may be due to interaction with membrane phospholipid- and cyclic nucleotide-induced changes of specific protein kinases. The PGs may act as intracellular mediators of neuro-endocrine control.Publishers' versio

A caspase-3 'death-switch' in colorectal cancer cells for induced and synchronous tumor apoptosis in vitro and in vivo facilitates the development of minimally invasive cell death biomarkers

Novel anticancer drugs targeting key apoptosis regulators have been developed and are undergoing clinical trials. Pharmacodynamic biomarkers to define the optimum dose of drug that provokes tumor apoptosis are in demand; acquisition of longitudinal tumor biopsies is a significant challenge and minimally invasive biomarkers are required. Considering this, we have developed and validated a preclinical 'death-switch' model for the discovery of secreted biomarkers of tumour apoptosis using in vitro proteomics and in vivo evaluation of the novel imaging probe [ 18 F]ML-10 for non-invasive detection of apoptosis using positron emission tomography (PET). The 'death-switch' is a constitutively active mutant caspase-3 that is robustly induced by doxycycline to drive synchronous apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells in vitro or grown as tumor xenografts. Deathswitch induction caused caspase-dependent apoptosis between 3 and 24 hours in vitro and regression of 'death-switched' xenografts occurred within 24 h correlating with the percentage of apoptotic cells in tumor and levels of an established cell death biomarker (cleaved cytokeratin-18) in the blood. We sought to define secreted biomarkers of tumor apoptosis from cultured cells using Discovery Isobaric Tag proteomics, which may provide candidates to validate in blood. Early after caspase-3 activation, levels of normally secreted proteins were decreased (e.g. Gelsolin and Midkine) and proteins including CD44 and High Mobility Group protein B1 (HMGB1) that were released into cell culture media in vitro were also identified in the bloodstream of mice bearing death-switched tumors. We also exemplify the utility of the death-switch model for the validation of apoptotic imaging probes using [ 18 F]ML-10, a PET tracer currently in clinical trials. Results showed increased tracer uptake of [ 18 F]ML-10 in tumours undergoing apoptosis, compared with matched tumour controls imaged in the same animal. Overall, the death-switch model represents a robust and versatile tool for the discovery and validation of apoptosis biomarkers. © 2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved

Communication in cross-cultural consultations in primary care in Europe: the case for improvement. The rationale for the RESTORE FP 7 project

The purpose of this paper is to substantiate the importance of research about barriers and levers to the implementation of supports for cross-cultural communication in primary care settings in Europe. After an overview of migrant health issues, with the focus on communication in cross-cultural consultations in primary care and the importance of language barriers, we highlight the fact that there are serious problems in routine practice that persist over time and across different European settings. Language and cultural barriers hamper communication in consultations between doctors and migrants, with a range of negative effects including poorer compliance and a greater propensity to access emergency services. It is well established that there is a need for skilled interpreters and for professionals who are culturally competent to address this problem. A range of professional guidelines and training initiatives exist that support the communication in cross-cultural consultations in primary care. However, these are commonly not implemented in daily practice. It is as yet unknown why professionals do not accept or implement these guidelines and interventions, or under what circumstances they would do so. A new study involving six European countries, RESTORE (REsearch into implementation STrategies to support patients of different ORigins and language background in a variety of European primary care settings), aims to address these gaps in knowledge. It uses a unique combination of a contemporary social theory, normalisation process theory (NPT) and participatory learning and action (PLA) research. This should enhance understanding of the levers and barriers to implementation, as well as providing stakeholders, with the opportunity to generate creative solutions to problems experienced with the implementation of such interventions

Two parameter Deformed Multimode Oscillators and q-Symmetric States

Two types of the coherent states for two parameter deformed multimode oscillator system are investigated. Moreover, two parameter deformed $gl(n)$ algebra and deformed symmetric states are constructed.Comment: LaTeX v1.2, 14 pages with no figure

Covariant - tensor method for quantum groups and applications I: SU(2)qSU(2)_{q}

A covariant - tensor method for $SU(2)_{q}$ is described. This tensor method is used to calculate q - deformed Clebsch - Gordan coefficients. The connection with covariant oscillators and irreducible tensor operators is established. This approach can be extended to other quantum groups.Comment: 18 page