Mapping the Topological Proximity-Induced Gap in Multiterminal Josephson Junctions.

Multiterminal Josephson junctions (MTJJs), devices in which a normal metal is in contact with three or more superconducting leads, have been proposed as artificial analogs of topological crystals. The topological nature of MTJJs manifests as a modulation of the quasiparticle density of states (DOS) in the normal metal that may be probed by tunneling measurements. We show that one can reveal this modulation by measuring the resistance of diffusive MTJJs with normal contacts, which shows rich structure as a function of the phase differences {ϕ_{i}}.

Switching dynamics in Al/InAs nanowire-based gate-controlled superconducting switch.

The observation of the gate-controlled supercurrent (GCS) effect in superconducting nanostructures increased the hopes for realizing a superconducting equivalent of semiconductor field-effect transistors. However, recent works attribute this effect to various leakage-based scenarios, giving rise to a debate on its origin. A proper understanding of the microscopic process underlying the GCS effect and the relevant time scales would be beneficial to evaluate the possible applications.

Atopic manifestations are more common in patients with Crohn disease than in the general population.

Background: The role of TNF-alpha in Crohn disease is now well established and anti-TNF-alpha is frequently used as a second- or third-line treatment. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is traditionally associated with macrophages but has recently also been found in mast cells of the ileal wall in patients with Crohn disease. As it is well known that mast cells and TNF-alpha play important roles in atopic manifestations like asthma, allergic rhinitis; and eczema the aim of this study was to investigate whether these are seen more commonly in Crohn patients than in the general population.

Presence of group IIa secretory phospholipase A2 in mast cells and macrophages in normal human ileal submucosa and in Crohn's disease.

Secretory group IIa phospholipase A2 (PLA2-II) is an important regulator of proinflammatory lipid mediator production and may play a role in ileal inflammation in Crohn's disease. The enzyme has previously only been detected in epithelial Paneth cells. However, one characteristic feature of Crohn's disease is the transmural inflammation.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha in ileal mast cells in patients with Crohn's disease.

Background: Reports that both intestinal and extraintestinal Crohn's disease (CD) had healed successfully after treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antibody have strengthened the hypothesis that it has a role in the treatment of CD. The macrophage is one source of TNF-alpha. Intestinal mast cells are also thought to have a role in CD, but it is not known if human ileal mast cells express TNF-alpha.