Photoemission study of the electronic structure of CdTe

Photoemission study of electronic structure of cadmium telluride single crystal

Learning Together 1: an educational model for training GPs, paediatricians: initial findings.

Learning Together is primarily an educational intervention, where paediatric registrars [SpRs] and General Practice (GP) registrars [GPSTs] see children together in a primary care setting. Over a six month period in 2013/2014, 44 learning pairs were set up mainly in North East and Central London. Proof of concept for the model at scale was achieved. Reported learning demonstrated: clinical learning themes of new knowledge, skill and communication skills; and collaborative themes of ongoing collaboration, satisfaction with team working and change in attitudes. These themes were identified in both sets of trainees. The self-reported learning is backed up by the results of a retrospective notes review of four common conditions based on NICE guidelines; constipation, asthma, feverish illness and eczema (CAFE). Guidance adherence improved from 57% before the intervention in solo GP training consultations to 72% during the joint clinic intervention (p < 0.01). After the intervention when the GP registrars returned to normal consultations, guidance adherence was 77% compared to before the intervention (p < 0.01). In addition 99% of the parents, who handed in feedback forms or took part in interviews, reported a good experience of care, and 87% reported increased confidence to manage their children's health following the consultation. A second, linked article examines the cost utility of Learning Together in its South London extension

Long-term Information, Short-lived Securities

We explore strategic trade in short-lived securities by agents who possess long-term information. Trading short-lived securities is profitable only if enough of the private information becomes public prior to contract expiration; otherwise the security will worthlessly expire. We highlight how this results in trading behavior fundamentally different from that observed in standard models of informed trading in equity. Specifically, we show that informed agents are more reluctant to trade shorter-term securities too far in advance of when their information will necessarily be made public, and that existing positions in a shorter-term security make future purchases more attractive. Because informed agents prefer longer-term securities, this can make trading shorter-term contracts more attractive for liquidity traders. We characterize the conditions under which liquidity traders choose to incur extra costs to roll over short-term positions rather than trade in distant contracts, providing an explanation for why most longer-term derivative security markets have little liquidity and large bid-ask spreads.Priviate information, derivative securities, rolling the hedge, fixed transaction costs

On the theory of coronal heating mechanisms

Theoretical models describing solar coronal heating mechanisms are reviewed in some detail. The requirements of chromospheric and coronal heating are discussed in the context of the fundamental constraints encountered in modelling the outer solar atmosphere. Heating by acoustic processes in the 'nonmagnetic' parts of the atmosphere is examined with particular emphasis on the shock wave theory. Also discussed are theories of heating by electrodynamic processes in the magnetic regions of the corona, either magnetohydrodynamic waves or current heating in the regions with large electric current densities (flare type heating). Problems associated with each of the models are addressed

Assessment of Sex Differences in Basic Renal Mitochondrial Bioenergetics

Kidney diseases are closely linked with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Furthermore, it is established that sex plays an important role in the onset, development and severity of renal diseases. Recently, it has been revealed that sex hormones are implicated in mitochondrial bioenergetics. Despite information accumulated regarding the role of mitochondria in renal disease states, little is known about the bioenergetics of renal mitochondria in normal physiology, and no studies looked at sex differences pre-disease onset. We hypothesized that there are sex-related differences in renal mitochondrial bioenergetics in young, healthy rats. To test this hypothesis, we utilized renal tissue and live mitochondria isolated from healthy Sprague-Dawley rats 10-11 weeks of age. Assessment of oxygen consumption rates from male and female renal mitochondria revealed that female mitochondria have lower respiration vs male mitochondria in a pyruvate/malate containing buffer which stimulates ETC Complex I. Sex differences were de-accentuated in a succinate-based buffer which stimulates ETC Complex II. Next, female mitochondria displayed similar membrane potential in the cortex, but higher membrane potential in the medulla vs males. Analysis of renal cortical electron micrographs revealed lower density and number of female mitochondria in renal proximal tubules, as compared to males; however, female mitochondria were larger in size. Furthermore, female renal mitochondria displayed higher ROS levels and lower antioxidant capacity, while the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly higher in female renal cortex vs in male cortex. The link between mitochondrial ROS production and calcium handling prompted the quantification of mitochondrial calcium uptake and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening. We observed that although male and female renal mitochondria have similar amounts of calcium uptake, the mPTP opens earlier in female mitochondria. Taken together, these data suggest that female renal mitochondria are potentially more sensitive to oxidative stress, which allows for faster mPTP opening and elimination of dysfunctional mitochondria. Observed sex-related discrepancies in renal mitochondrial function prior to the onset of disease could be contributing to renoprotection generally observed in females pre-menopaus

Great Australian World Firsts: the things we made, the things we did

From Sir Jack Brabham (first to win a Grand Prix in a car of his own design) to Tom Angove (inventor of the wine cask), from Bruce Thompson (introduced the first dual flush toilets) to Mary Fortune (the first female author of detective fiction) - here are the world's great ideas, inventions, feats and follies - as done first, by Australians

Subtle but significant effects of CO<inf>2</inf> acidified seawater on embryos of the intertidal snail, Littorina obtusata

Our understanding of the effects of ocean acidification on whole organism function is growing, but most current information is for adult stages of development. Here, we show the effects of reduced pH seawater (pH 7.6) on aspects of the development, physiology and behaviour of encapsulated embryos of the marine intertidal gastropod Littorina obtusata. We found reduced viability and increased development times under reduced pH conditions, and the embryos had significantly altered behaviours and physiologies. In acidified seawater, embryos spent more time stationary, had slower rotation rates, spent less time crawling, but increased their movement periodicity compared with those maintained under control conditions. Larval and adult heart rates were significantly lower in acidified seawater, and hatchling snails had an altered shell morphology (lateral length and spiral shell length) compared to control snails. Our findings show that ocean acidification may have multiple, subtle effects during the early development of marine animals that may have implications for their survival beyond those predicted using later life stages. © Inter-Research 2009