Shapiro and parametric resonances in coupled Josephson junctions

The effect of microwave irradiation on the phase dynamics of intrinsic Josephson junctions in high temperature superconductors is investigated. We compare the current-voltage characteristics for a stack of coupled Josephson junctions under external irradiation calculated in the framework of CCJJ and CCJJ+DC models.Comment: 4 pages, Manuscript for Dubna-Nano 2012, submitted for Journal of Physics:Conference Serie

First Observation of PP-odd γ\gamma Asymmetry in Polarized Neutron Capture on Hydrogen

We report the first observation of the parity-violating 2.2 MeV gamma-ray asymmetry $A^{np}_\gamma$ in neutron-proton capture using polarized cold neutrons incident on a liquid parahydrogen target at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. $A^{np}_\gamma$ isolates the $\Delta I=1$, \mbox{$^{3}S_{1}\rightarrow {^{3}P_{1}}$} component of the weak nucleon-nucleon interaction, which is dominated by pion exchange and can be directly related to a single coupling constant in either the DDH meson exchange model or pionless EFT. We measured $A^{np}_\gamma = [-3.0 \pm 1.4 (stat) \pm 0.2 (sys)]\times 10^{-8}$, which implies a DDH weak $\pi NN$ coupling of $h_{\pi}^{1} = [2.6 \pm 1.2(stat) \pm 0.2(sys)] \times 10^{-7}$ and a pionless EFT constant of $C^{^{3}S_{1}\rightarrow ^{3}P_{1}}/C_{0}=[-7.4 \pm 3.5 (stat) \pm 0.5 (sys)] \times 10^{-11}$ MeV$^{-1}$. We describe the experiment, data analysis, systematic uncertainties, and the implications of the result.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

Investigating the biological properties of carbohydrate derived fulvic acid (CHD-FA) as a potential novel therapy for the management of oral biofilm infections.

Background: A number of oral diseases, including periodontitis, derive from microbial biofilms and are associated with increased antimicrobial resistance. Despite the widespread use of mouthwashes being used as adjunctive measures to control these biofilms, their prolonged use is not recommended due to various side effects. Therefore, alternative broad-spectrum antimicrobials that minimise these effects are highly sought after. Carbohydrate derived fulvic acid (CHD-FA) is an organic acid which has previously demonstrated to be microbiocidal against Candida albicans biofilms, therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate the antibacterial activity of CHD-FA against orally derived biofilms and to investigate adjunctive biological effects.<p></p> Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations were evaluated for CHD-FA and chlorhexidine (CHX) against a range of oral bacteria using standardised microdilution testing for planktonic and sessile. Scanning electron microscopy was also employed to visualise changes in oral biofilms after antimicrobial treatment. Cytotoxicity of these compounds was assessed against oral epithelial cells, and the effect of CHD-FA on host inflammatory markers was assessed by measuring mRNA and protein expression.<p></p> Results: CHD-FA was highly active against all of the oral bacteria tested, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, with a sessile minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.5%. This concentration was shown to kill multi-species biofilms by approximately 90%, levels comparable to that of chlorhexidine (CHX). In a mammalian cell culture model, pretreatment of epithelial cells with buffered CHD-FA was shown to significantly down-regulate key inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-8 (IL-8), after stimulation with a multi-species biofilm.<p></p> Conclusions: Overall, CHD-FA was shown to possess broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, with a supplementary function of being able to down-regulate inflammation. These properties offer an attractive spectrum of function from a naturally derived compound, which could be used as an alternative topical treatment strategy for oral biofilm diseases. Further studies in vitro and in vivo are required to determine the precise mechanism by which CHD-FA modulates the host immune response.<p></p&gt

Mitochondrial carrier homolog 1 (Mtch1) antibodies in neuro-Behçet's disease

Cataloged from PDF version of article.Efforts for the identification of diagnostic autoantibodies for neuro-Behcet's disease (NBD) have failed. Screening of NBD patients' sera with protein macroarray identified mitochondrial carrier homolog 1 (Mtch1), an apoptosis-related protein, as a potential autoantigen. ELISA studies showed serum Mtch1 antibodies in 68 of 144 BD patients with or without neurological involvement and in 4 of 168 controls corresponding to a sensitivity of 47.2% and specificity of 97.6%. Mtch1 antibody positive NBD patients had more attacks, increased disability and lower serum nucleosome levels. Mtch1 antibody might be involved in pathogenic mechanisms of NBD rather than being a coincidental byproduct of autoinflammation. © 2013 Elsevier B.V

Powder Compaction: Compression Properties of Cellulose Ethers

Effective development of matrix tablets requires a comprehensive understanding of different raw material attributes and their impact on process parameters. Cellulose ethers (CE) are the most commonly used pharmaceutical excipients in the fabrication of hydrophilic matrices. The innate good compression and binding properties of CE enable matrices to be prepared using economical direct compression (DC) techniques. However, DC is sensitive to raw material attributes, thus, impacting the compaction process. This article critically reviews prior knowledge on the mechanism of powder compaction and the compression properties of cellulose ethers, giving timely insight into new developments in this field

Determination and evaluation of some physicochernical parameters in the Dardanelles (Canakkale Strait, Turkey) using multiple probe system and geographic information system

The Dardanelles (Canakkale Strait) is a water passage connecting the Aegean Sea and Sea of Marmara. The average depth of the Dardanelles is 60 m; the deepest part reaches more than 100 m. Environmental parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids were measured at different depths in the Dardanelles. The sampling period was between December 2002 and March 2003. All the data was measured by a YSI 6600 Model Multiple Probe System. Also, a Geographic Information System was used to create a tabular and spatial database, with the aim of integrating the physicochemical properties in the Dardanelles. Temperature and salinity profiles by the Geographic Information System showed that there was stratification and formation of two different water masses in the Dardanelles. The measurements showed that lower layer waters (> 20 m) are saltier than upper layer waters of the Dardanelles. Therefore, the lower layer waters also hold higher values for total dissolved solids. Although the temperature and salinity characteristics of the Dardanelles are specific due to its topographic structure and some fresh water discharges, the stratification in the Dardanelles is generally similar to other parts of the Turkish Strait System (Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara) because of large salinity differences between the Aegean and Black Sea

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.]

Investigation of discharge of fresh water in the Canakkale strait (Dardanelles Turkey)

NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Management Tools for Port Security, Critical Infrastructure, and Sustainability -- MAR, 2005 -- Thessaloniki, GREECEThe Canakkale Strait (Dardanelles) is a water passage connecting the Aegean Sea and the Marmara Sea. Its NE/SW trend is interrupted by a north-south bend between Eceabat and Canakkale. The width of the Strait varies from 1.35 to 7.73 km, the narrowest part located between Canakkale and Kilitbahir. The average depth of the Strait is approximately 60 m; the deepest part reaches more than 100 m. The aim of this study is to determine the locations of fresh water discharge into the Canakkale Strait. For this purpose, 52 sample points were selected in the study area. The temperature, pH and salinity were measured at different depths of water in the Canakkale Strait (1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 m). A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to create a tabular and spatial database, with the aim of integrating the physical properties in the Canakkale Strait. The results of this study show that discharge of fresh water is seen in four locations on the southeastern coast between Dardanos and Canakkale, and that the Aegean Sea and Marmara Sea water are mixing between Canakkale and Kilitbahir. In the future, these sources of fresh water may be needed as population increases in the region. However, water pollution in the Canakkale Strait may limit the use of this fresh water.NAT

A novel treatment strategy for preterm birth: Intra-vaginal progesterone-loaded fibrous patches

Progesterone-loaded poly(lactic) acid fibrous polymeric patches were produced using electrospinning and pressurized gyration for intra-vaginal application to prevent preterm birth. The patches were intravaginally inserted into rats in the final week of their pregnancy, equivalent to the third trimester of human pregnancy. Maintenance tocolysis with progesterone-loaded patches was elucidated by recording the contractile response of uterine smooth muscle to noradrenaline in pregnant rats. Both progesterone-loaded patches indicated similar results from release and thermal studies, however, patches obtained by electrospinning had smaller average diameters and more uniform dispersion compared to pressurized gyration. Patches obtained by pressurized gyration had better results in production yield and tensile strength than electrospinning; thereby pressurized gyration is better suited for scaled-up production. The patches did not affect cell attachment, viability, and proliferation on Vero cells negatively. Consequently, progesterone-loaded patches are a novel and successful treatment strategy for preventing preterm birth

Visible photoluminescence from SiOx films grown by low temperature plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition

a-SiOx films of varying stoichiometry have been prepared by low temperature plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The majority of films showed photoluminescence (PL) and films prepared in a narrow range of gas flows exhibited much stronger PL after annealing. Peak PL energies ranging from the ultraviolet to the near infrared have been observed. PL, infrared and X-ray diffraction on selected samples indicate formation of Si clusters in the films. The effects of annealing on the PL properties of the films have been found to depend on initial stoichiometry of the films. © 1995