59 research outputs found
Analytical calculation of the excess current in the OTBK theory
We present an analytical derivation of the excess current in Josephson
junctions within the Octavio-Tinkham-Blonder-Klapwijk theory for both symmetric
and asymmetric barrier strengths. We confirm the result found numerically by
Flensberg et al. for equal barriers [Phys. Rev. B 38, 8707 (1988)], including
the prediction of negative excess current for low transparencies, and we
generalize it for differing barriers. Our analytical formulae provide for
convenient fitting of experimental data, also in the less studied, but
practically relevant case of the barrier asymmetry.Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures, submitted to Superconductor Science and
Technolog
QUATERNARY HISTORY OF THE ANTARCTIC CIRCUMPOLAR CURRENT ITS FRONTAL SYSTEMS AND ANTARCTIC SEA ICE (ATLANTIC SECTOR)
The Atlantic Ocean at the last glacial maximum: 1. Objective mapping of the GLAMAP sea-surface conditions
Recent efforts of the German paleoceanographic community have resulted in a unique data set of reconstructed sea-surface temperature for the Atlantic Ocean during the Last Glacial Maximum, plus estimates for the extents of glacial sea ice. Unlike prior attempts, the contributing research groups based their data on a common definition of the Last Glacial Maximum chronozone and used the same modern reference data for calibrating the different transfer techniques. Furthermore, the number of processed sediment cores was vastly increased. Thus the new data is a significant advance not only with respect to quality, but also to quantity. We integrate these new data and provide monthly data sets of global sea-surface temperature and ice cover, objectively interpolated onto a regular 1°x1° grid, suitable for forcing or validating numerical ocean and atmosphere models. This set is compared to an existing subjective interpolation of the same base data, in part by employing an ocean circulation model. For the latter purpose, we reconstruct sea surface salinity from the new temperature data and the available oxygen isotope measurements
Activating enhancer binding protein 2 epsilon (AP-2ε)-deficient mice exhibit increased matrix metalloproteinase 13 expression and progressive osteoarthritis development
Clinical and radiographic spectrum of pathologically confirmed tumefactive multiple sclerosis
Atypical imaging features of multiple sclerosis lesions include size >2 cm, mass effect, oedema and/or ring enhancement. This constellation is often referred to as ‘tumefactive multiple sclerosis’. Previous series emphasize their unifocal and clinically isolated nature, however, evolution of these lesions is not well defined. Biopsy may be required for diagnosis. We describe clinical and radiographic features in 168 patients with biopsy confirmed CNS inflammatory demyelinating disease (IDD). Lesions were analysed on pre- and post-biopsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for location, size, mass effect/oedema, enhancement, multifocality and fulfilment of Barkhof criteria. Clinical data were correlated to MRI. Female to male ratio was 1.2 : 1, median age at onset, 37 years, duration between symptom onset and biopsy, 7.1 weeks and total disease duration, 3.9 years. Clinical course prior to biopsy was a first neurological event in 61%, relapsing–remitting in 29% and progressive in 4%. Presentations were typically polysymptomatic, with motor, cognitive and sensory symptoms predominating. Aphasia, agnosia, seizures and visual field defects were observed. At follow-up, 70% developed definite multiple sclerosis, and 14% had an isolated demyelinating syndrome. Median time to second attack was 4.8 years, and median EDSS at follow-up was 3.0. Multiple lesions were present in 70% on pre-biopsy MRI, and in 83% by last MRI, with Barkhof criteria fulfilled in 46% prior to biopsy and 55% by follow-up. Only 17% of cases remained unifocal. Median largest lesion size on T2-weighted images was 4 cm (range 0.5–12), with a discernible size of 2.1 cm (range 0.5–7.5). Biopsied lesions demonstrated mass effect in 45% and oedema in 77%. A strong association was found between lesion size, and presence of mass effect and/or oedema (P < 0.001). Ring enhancement was frequent. Most tumefactive features did not correlate with gender, course or diagnosis. Although lesion size >5 cm was associated with a slightly higher EDSS at last follow-up, long-term prognosis in patients with disease duration >10 years was better (EDSS 1.5) compared with a population-based multiple sclerosis cohort matched for disease duration (EDSS 3.5; P < 0.001). Given the retrospective nature of the study, the precise reason for biopsy could not always be determined. This study underscores the diagnostically challenging nature of CNS IDDs that present with atypical clinical or radiographic features. Most have multifocal disease at onset, and develop RRMS by follow-up. Although increased awareness of this broad spectrum may obviate need for biopsy in many circumstances, an important role for diagnostic brain biopsy may be required in some cases
Rekonstruktionen von Paläo-Umweltparametern anhand von stabilen Isotopen und Faunen-Vergesellschaftungen planktischer Foraminiferen im Südatlantik = Reconstruction of paleo-environmental parameters using stable isotopes and faunal assemblages of planktonic foraminifera in the South Atlantic Ocean
Rekonstruktionen von Paläo-Umweltparametern anhand von stabilen Isotopen und Faunen-Vergesellschaftungen planktischer Foraminiferen im Südatlantik
Oxygene isotope values of planktic foraminifera: a tool for the reconstruction of surface water stratification
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