Frustrated multiband superconductivity

We show that a clean multiband superconductor may display one or several phase transitions with increasing temperature from or to frustrated configurations of the relative phases of the superconducting order parameters. These transitions may occur when more than two bands are involved in the formation of the superconducting phase and when the number of repulsive interband interactions is odd. These transitions are signalled by slope changes in the temperature dependence of the superconducting gaps.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Charge on the quantum dot in the presence of tunneling current

The calculation of the charge present in central region of the double barrier structure at non-equilibrium conditions is discussed. We propose here a simple method to calculate non equilibrium Green's functions which allows consistent calculations of retarded and distribution functions. To illustrate the approach we calculate the charge on the quantum dot coupled {\it via} tunnel barriers to two external leads having different chemical potentials $\mu_L$ and $\mu_R$. The obtained results have been compared with other approaches existing in the literature. They all agree in the equilibrium situation and the departures grow with increasing the difference $\mu_L-\mu_R$.Comment: 9 pages, 2 (.eps) figures, to be published in Solid State Commu

Critical Density for Connectivity in 2D and 3D Wireless Multi-Hop Networks

In this paper we investigate the critical node density required to ensure that an arbitrary node in a large-scale wireless multi-hop network is connected (via multi-hop path) to infinitely many other nodes with a positive probability. Specifically we con

Density-metric unimodular gravity: vacuum maximal symmetry

We have investigated the vacuum maximally symmetric solutions of recently proposed density-metric unimodular gravity theory,the results are widely different from inflationary senario.The exponential dependence on time in deSitter space is substiuted by a power law. Open space-times with non-zero cosmological constant are excluded in this theoryComment: 15 pages, no figures,stability section omitte

Prokineticin 2 Is a Target Gene of Proneural Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Factors for Olfactory Bulb Neurogenesis

Prokineticin 2, a cysteine-rich secreted protein, regulates diverse biological functions including the neurogenesis of olfactory bulb. Here we show that the PK2 gene is a functional target gene of proneural basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors. Neurogenin 1 and MASH1 activate PK2 transcription by binding to E-box motifs on the PK2 promoter with the same set of E-boxes critical for another pair of bHLH factors, CLOCK and BMAL1, in the regulation of circadian clock. Our results establish PK2 as a common functional target gene for different bHLH transcriptional factors in mediating their respective functions

Description, Reliability and Validation of a Novel Ground-Reaction-Force-Triggered Protocol for Simulation of Tripping Perturbations During Gait

Tripping is a common cause of falls across different age populations particularly in older adults. Concerns regarding the validity of simulated-fall research protocols reside in the current literature. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel treadmill-based tripping protocol that allowed researchers to deliver unanticipated tripping perturbations during walking with a high level of timing precision. The protocol utilized a side-by-side split-belt treadmill instrumented with force platforms. Treadmill belt acceleration profiles (two levels of perturbation severity: small perturbation vs large perturbation) were delivered unilaterally when the tripped leg bore 20% of the body weight during early stance. Peak trunk flexion angle during trip recovery was the primary variable used to represent the fall recovery response and likelihood of falls. Test-retest reliability of the fall responses was examined in a group of 10 young participants; validity was examined through differentiation of the fall responses between young and older adults (age 20.9 vs. 57.1 years, n=10 per group). We found that the perturbations were precisely delivered during the early stance phase (10-45 ms after initial contact). Moreover, this protocol elicited excellent reliability of recovery responses during both perturbation severities (ICC=0.944 and 0.911). Older adults exhibited significantly greater peak trunk flexion angle than young adults (p=0.035), indicating the current protocol was valid in differentiating individuals with different levels of fall risks. This novel protocol addressed some of the issues of previous simulated-fall protocols and may be useful as a tool for future fall research and clinical intervention

Inorganic nitrogen availability alters Eucalyptus grandis receptivity to the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus albus but not symbiotic nitrogen transfer.

Forest trees are able to thrive in nutrient-poor soils in part because they obtain growth-limiting nutrients, especially nitrogen (N), through mutualistic symbiosis with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. Addition of inorganic N into these soils is known to disrupt this mutualism and reduce the diversity of ECM fungi. Despite its ecological impact, the mechanisms governing the observed effects of elevated inorganic N on mycorrhizal communities remain unknown. We address this by using a compartmentalized in vitro system to independently alter nutrients to each symbiont. Using stable isotopes, we traced the nutrient flux under different nutrient regimes between Eucalyptus grandis and its ectomycorrhizal symbiont, Pisolithus albus. We demonstrate that giving E. grandis independent access to N causes a significant reduction in root colonization by P. albus. Transcriptional analysis suggests that the observed reduction in colonization may be caused, in part, by altered transcription of microbe perception genes and defence genes. We show that delivery of N to host leaves is not increased by host nutrient deficiency but by fungal nutrient availability instead. Overall, this advances our understanding of the effects of N fertilization on ECM fungi and the factors governing nutrient transfer in the E. grandis-P. microcarpus interaction

Developing a service user informed intervention to improve participation and ability to perform daily activities in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a mixed-methods study protocol

Introduction: A significant proportion of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (PSS) is functionally impaired and experience difficulties participating in various aspects of everyday life. There is currently no evidence of efficacy for non-pharmacological interventions aimed specifically at supporting the patients with PSS to improve their participation and ability to perform daily activities. This paper describes a research protocol for a mixed-methods study to develop an intervention to improve these outcomes. The protocol follows the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions. Methods and analysis: We will use group concept mapping with the patients, adults who live with them and healthcare professionals to identify factors which prevent people with PSS from participating in daily life and performing daily activities. The factors will be prioritised by participants for importance and feasibility and will inform an intervention to be delivered within a National Health Service (NHS) setting. Evidence-based intervention techniques will be identified for the prioritised factors and combined into a deliverable intervention package. Key stakeholders will comment on the intervention content and mode of delivery through focus groups, and the data will be used to refine the intervention. The acceptability and feasibility of the refined intervention will be evaluated in a future study. Ethics and dissemination: The study has been approved by an NHS Research Ethics Committee, REC Reference: 13/NI/0190. The findings of this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and through presentation at national and international conferences. Trial registration number: UKCRN Study ID: 15939

Sensing and Active Flow Control for Advanced BWB Propulsion-Airframe Integration Concepts

In order to realize the substantial performance benefits of serpentine boundary layer ingesting diffusers, this study investigated the use of enabling flow control methods to reduce engine-face flow distortion. Computational methods and novel flow control modeling techniques were utilized that allowed for rapid, accurate analysis of flow control geometries. Results were validated experimentally using the Techsburg Ejector-based wind tunnel facility; this facility is capable of simulating the high-altitude, high subsonic Mach number conditions representative of BWB cruise conditions