8,908 research outputs found
The Top Triangle Moose
We introduce a deconstructed model that incorporates both Higgsless and
top-color mechanisms. The model alleviates the typical tension in Higgsless
models between obtaining the correct top quark mass and keeping delta-rho
small. It does so by singling out the top quark mass generation as arising from
a Yukawa coupling to an effective top-Higgs which develops a small vacuum
expectation value, while electroweak symmetry breaking results largely from a
Higgsless mechanism. As a result, the heavy partners of the SM fermions can be
light enough to be seen at the LHC.Comment: To appear in proceedings of SCGT09, Nagoya, Japan. 5 page
Minimum target prices for production of direct acting antivirals and associated diagnostics to combat Hepatitis C Virus
Combinations of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can cure hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the majority of treatment-naïve patients. Mass treatment programs to cure HCV in developing countries are only feasible if the costs of treatment and laboratory diagnostics are very low. This analysis aimed to estimate minimum costs of DAA treatment and associated diagnostic monitoring. Clinical trials of HCV DAAs were reviewed to identify combinations with consistently high rates of sustained virological response across hepatitis C genotypes. For each DAA, molecular structures, doses, treatment duration, and components of retrosynthesis were used to estimate costs of large-scale, generic production. Manufacturing costs per gram of DAA were based upon treating at least 5 million patients per year and a 40% margin for formulation. Costs of diagnostic support were estimated based on published minimum prices of genotyping, HCV antigen tests plus full blood count/clinical chemistry tests. Predicted minimum costs for 12-week courses of combination DAAs with the most consistent efficacy results were: US152 for sofosbuvir+ribavirin; US115 for MK-8742+MK-5172. Diagnostic testing costs were estimated at US34 for two HCV antigen tests and US171-360 per person without genotyping or US$261-450 per person with genotyping. These cost estimates assume that existing large-scale treatment programs can be established. (Hepatology 2015;61:1174–1182
Identifying single electron charge sensor events using wavelet edge detection
The operation of solid-state qubits often relies on single-shot readout using
a nanoelectronic charge sensor, and the detection of events in a noisy sensor
signal is crucial for high fidelity readout of such qubits. The most common
detection scheme, comparing the signal to a threshold value, is accurate at low
noise levels but is not robust to low-frequency noise and signal drift. We
describe an alternative method for identifying charge sensor events using
wavelet edge detection. The technique is convenient to use and we show that,
with realistic signals and a single tunable parameter, wavelet detection can
outperform thresholding and is significantly more tolerant to 1/f and
low-frequency noise.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figure
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Increasing the intensity and comprehensiveness of aphasia services: identification of key factors influencing implementation across six countries
Background: Aphasia services are currently faced by increasing evidence for therapy of greater intensity and comprehensiveness. Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs (ICAPs) combine these elements in an evidence-based, time-limited group program. The incorporation of new service delivery models in routine clinical practice is, however, likely to pose challenges for both the service provider and administering clinicians. This program of research aims to identify these challenges from the perspective of aphasia clinicians from six countries and will seek to trial potential solutions. Continual advancements in global communication technologies suggest that solutions will be easily shared and accessed across multiple countries.
Aims: To identify the perceived and experienced barriers and facilitators to the implementation of 1) intensive aphasia services, 2) comprehensive aphasia services, and 3) ICAPs, from aphasia clinicians across six countries.
Methods and procedures: A qualitative enquiry approach included data from six focus groups (n = 34 participants) in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), and Ireland. A thematic analysis of focus group data was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).
Outcomes and results: Five prominent theoretical domains from the TDF influenced the implementation of all three aphasia service types across participating countries: environmental context and resources, beliefs about consequences, social/professional role and identity, skills, and knowledge. Four overarching themes assisted the identification and explanation of the key barriers and facilitators: 1. Collaboration, joint initiatives and partnerships, 2. Advocacy, the promotion of aphasia services and evidence-based practice, 3. Innovation, the ability to problem solve challenges, and 4. Culture, the influence of underlying values.
Conclusions: The results of this study will inform the development of a theoretically informed intervention to improve health services’ adherence to aphasia best practice recommendations
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