Synchronization of Bloch Oscillations in a Strongly Coupled Pair of Small Josephson Junctions: Evidence for a Shapiro-like Current Step.

Bloch oscillations are a fundamental phenomenon linking the adiabatic transport of Cooper pairs to time. Here, we investigate synchronization of the Bloch oscillations in a strongly coupled system of sub-100 nm Al/AlO_{x}/Al Josephson junctions in a high-Ohmic environment composed of highly inductive meanders of granulated aluminum and high-Ohmic titanium microstrips. We observe a pronounced current mirror effect in the coupled junctions and demonstrate current plateaus, akin to the first dual Shapiro step in microwave experiments. These findings suggest that our circuit design holds promise for realizing protected Bloch oscillations and precise Shapiro steps of interest for current metrology.

Insights from a pilot program to integrate medical and social services.

This study examines lessons learned from the design, implementation, and early results of an integrated managed care pilot program linking member benefits of a Medicare-Medicaid health care plan with community services and supports. The health plan's average monthly costs for members receiving an assessment and services declined by an economically meaningful, statistically significant amount in the postintervention period relative to the preintervention period compared with those who did not accept an assessment or services. The results along with the lesson learned from the pilot are viewed by the parties as supportive of further program development.

The rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 improves motor performance in male SOD1(G93A) mice.

Disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by degeneration of motoneurons and their axons which results in a progressive muscle weakness and ultimately death from respiratory failure. The only approved drug, riluzole, lacks clinical efficacy so that more potent treatment options are needed. We have identified rho kinase (ROCK) as a target, which can be manipulated to beneficially influence disease progression in models of ALS. Here, we examined the therapeutic potential of the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 in both an in vitro and in an in vivo paradigm of motoneuron disease. Application of Y-27632 to primary motoneurons in vitro increased survival and promoted neurite outgrowth. In vivo, SOD1(G93A) mice were orally treated with 2 or 30 mg/kg body weight of Y-27632. The 2 mg/kg group did not benefit from Y-27632 treatment, whereas treatment with 30 mg/kg resulted in improved motor function in male mice. Female mice showed only limited improvement and overall survival was not modified in both 2 and 30 mg/kg Y-27632 groups. In conclusion, we provide evidence that inhibition of ROCK by Y-27632 is neuroprotective in vitro but has limited beneficial effects in vivo being restricted to male mice. Therefore, the evaluation of ROCK inhibitors in preclinical models of ALS should always take gender differences into account.