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SCOPUS: ed.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Understanding how injury to the central nervous system induces de novo neurogenesis in animals would help promote regeneration in humans. Regenerative neurogenesis could originate from glia and glial neuron-glia antigen-2 (NG2) may sense injury-induced neuronal signals, but these are unknown. Here, we used Drosophila to search for genes functionally related to the NG2 homologue kon-tiki (kon), and identified Islet Antigen-2 (la-2), required in neurons for insulin secretion. Both loss and over-expression of ia-2 induced neural stem cell gene expression, injury increased ia-2 expression and induced ectopic neural stem cells. Using genetic analysis and lineage tracing, we demonstrate that la-2 and Kon regulate Drosophila insulin-like peptide 6 (Dilp-6) to induce glial proliferation and neural stem cells from glia. Ectopic neural stem cells can divide, and limited de novo neurogenesis could be traced back to glial cells. Altogether, la-2 and Dilp-6 drive a neuron-glia relay that restores glia and reprogrammes glia into neural stem cells for regeneration.

Understanding how injury to the central nervous system induces de novo neurogenesis in animals would help promote regeneration in humans. Regenerative neurogenesis could originate from glia and glial neuron-glia antigen-2 (NG2) may sense injury-induced neuronal signals, but these are unknown. Here, we used Drosophila to search for genes functionally related to the NG2 homologue kon-tiki (kon), and identified Islet Antigen-2 (la-2), required in neurons for insulin secretion. Both loss and over-expression of ia-2 induced neural stem cell gene expression, injury increased ia-2 expression and induced ectopic neural stem cells. Using genetic analysis and lineage tracing, we demonstrate that la-2 and Kon regulate Drosophila insulin-like peptide 6 (Dilp-6) to induce glial proliferation and neural stem cells from glia. Ectopic neural stem cells can divide, and limited de novo neurogenesis could be traced back to glial cells. Altogether, la-2 and Dilp-6 drive a neuron-glia relay that restores glia and reprogrammes glia into neural stem cells for regeneration.

Advances made pertaining to strong interactions between single photons of light and single atoms have great potential in the field of quantum information. However, scalability is a limiting factor in the applicability of current technologies (such as an atom in the mode of a Fabry-Perot resonator) due to difficulties in alignment and fabrication. Toroial resonators, however, are fabricated lithographically on silicon wafers, and are therefore easily scalable. Light is coupled into a toroid by tapered optical fiber, allowing for the efficient retrieval of photons from the resonator mode that is necessary if multiple resonators are to be eventually coupled to one another. We have demonstrated interactions between single atoms of cesium and a toroidal resonator that lie in the regime of strong coupling since the rate of coupling between an atom and the cavity mode, g0 m = (50±12) MHz, is much larger than the dissipative rates of the system (gamma, kappa)/2pi ~ (2.6, 18) MHz. To further expand upon the usefulness of toroids in cavity QED, I have striven to improve the way that toroids are characterized and coupled. An apparatus which semi-automates the characterization process reduces the length of time a toroid is outside of vacuum, thus limiting environmental degradation. To help in better understanding the process of pulling tapered fibers, the efficiency and characteristic quantities have been detailed. Similarly, the behavior of a toroid resonance as a function of coupling strength was quantified. Preliminary locking of the coupling by controlling the separation between the taper and toroid has been accomplished. This locking will allow the next generation of atom-toroid coupling to require less human intervention and therefore be more efficient.

Advances made pertaining to strong interactions between single photons of light and single atoms have great potential in the field of quantum information. However, scalability is a limiting factor in the applicability of current technologies (such as an atom in the mode of a Fabry-Perot resonator) due to difficulties in alignment and fabrication. Toroial resonators, however, are fabricated lithographically on silicon wafers, and are therefore easily scalable. Light is coupled into a toroid by tapered optical fiber, allowing for the efficient retrieval of photons from the resonator mode that is necessary if multiple resonators are to be eventually coupled to one another. We have demonstrated interactions between single atoms of cesium and a toroidal resonator that lie in the regime of strong coupling since the rate of coupling between an atom and the cavity mode, g0 m = (50±12) MHz, is much larger than the dissipative rates of the system (gamma, kappa)/2pi ~ (2.6, 18) MHz. To further expand upon the usefulness of toroids in cavity QED, I have striven to improve the way that toroids are characterized and coupled. An apparatus which semi-automates the characterization process reduces the length of time a toroid is outside of vacuum, thus limiting environmental degradation. To help in better understanding the process of pulling tapered fibers, the efficiency and characteristic quantities have been detailed. Similarly, the behavior of a toroid resonance as a function of coupling strength was quantified. Preliminary locking of the coupling by controlling the separation between the taper and toroid has been accomplished. This locking will allow the next generation of atom-toroid coupling to require less human intervention and therefore be more efficient.

Advances made pertaining to strong interactions between single photons of light and single atoms have great potential in the field of quantum information. However, scalability is a limiting factor in the applicability of current technologies (such as an atom in the mode of a Fabry-Perot resonator) due to difficulties in alignment and fabrication. Toroial resonators, however, are fabricated lithographically on silicon wafers, and are therefore easily scalable. Light is coupled into a toroid by tapered optical fiber, allowing for the efficient retrieval of photons from the resonator mode that is necessary if multiple resonators are to be eventually coupled to one another. We have demonstrated interactions between single atoms of cesium and a toroidal resonator that lie in the regime of strong coupling since the rate of coupling between an atom and the cavity mode, g0 m = (50±12) MHz, is much larger than the dissipative rates of the system (gamma, kappa)/2pi ~ (2.6, 18) MHz. To further expand upon the usefulness of toroids in cavity QED, I have striven to improve the way that toroids are characterized and coupled. An apparatus which semi-automates the characterization process reduces the length of time a toroid is outside of vacuum, thus limiting environmental degradation. To help in better understanding the process of pulling tapered fibers, the efficiency and characteristic quantities have been detailed. Similarly, the behavior of a toroid resonance as a function of coupling strength was quantified. Preliminary locking of the coupling by controlling the separation between the taper and toroid has been accomplished. This locking will allow the next generation of atom-toroid coupling to require less human intervention and therefore be more efficient.

Evaluation of protein and metabolite expression patterns in blood using mass spectrometry and high-throughput antibody-based screening platforms has potential for the discovery of new biomarkers for managing breast cancer patient treatment. Previously identified blood-based breast cancer biomarkers, including cancer antigen 15.3 (CA15-3) are useful in combination with imaging (computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, X-rays) and physical examination for monitoring tumour burden in advanced breast cancer patients. However, these biomarkers suffer from insufficient levels of accuracy and with new therapies available for the treatment of breast cancer, there is an urgent need for reliable, non-invasive biomarkers that measure tumour burden with high sensitivity and specificity so as to provide early warning of the need to switch to an alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to identify a biomarker signature of tumour burden using cancer and non-cancer (healthy controls/non-malignant breast disease) patient samples. Results demonstrate that combinations of three candidate biomarkers from Glutamate, 12-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, Beta-hydroxybutyrate, Factor V and Matrix metalloproteinase-1 with CA15-3, an established biomarker for breast cancer, were found to mirror tumour burden, with AUC values ranging from 0.71 to 0.98 when comparing non-malignant breast disease to the different stages of breast cancer. Further validation of these biomarker panels could potentially facilitate the management of breast cancer patients, especially to assess changes in tumour burden in combination with imaging and physical examination.

info:eu-repo/semantics/published

info:eu-repo/semantics/published

In tandem with the introduction of PACS and the adoption of an EPR system at St. James’s hospital, there has been a 237% increase in the number of patients being managed through Breast MDT meetings between 2005 and 2010. Methodology: This study forms part of a long-term ethnographic study at St. James's Hospital. Data are gathered at MDT meetings. Due to increased numbers of women attending breast triple assessment clinics, and awareness of breast complaints, coupled with new protocols and amended local hospital policies, new strategies were required to be implemented to cope effectively with the increased demand. Strategies include grouping and prioritizing of cases, increased formalisation, and the incorporation of real-time electronic record-keeping at meetings (as opposed to note-taking). The Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system allows access to all laboratory test results and the final written pathology report if required during discussion. PACS implementation facilitates direct access to digital radiological imaging such as Mammograms, Breast Ultrasound, Breast MRI, Body CT and Bone Scans. The increase in the number of patient presenting to the breast care services has resulted in more selective use of illustrating images. It is no longer practical to conduct a routine review of all images as may have happened in the past. In 2010 a ‘computer-on-wheels’, connected to the hospital wired-network, was introduced to enable real-time data entry of the decisions of the MDT. The lead clinician, at the end of the meeting, validates entries and the report from the MDT discussion is then available in the individual patient record.