The waxing crescent moon and the dazzling planet Venus are the first two celestial lights to appear after sunset this evening. Look low in the west to see the shining pair at dusk and early evening.
After the sun, the moon and Venus rank as the second and third brightest heavenly bodies, respectively. When these brilliant sky objects get together, people across Earth's entire globe spot them and gaze with wonder. Since the moon is a slim crescent now, you might glimpse a pale glow – called earthshine – on its darkened portion.
Do not wait too long after sunset, if you wish to catch Venus and the moon. From Earth's mid-northern latitudes, the pair will follow the sun beneath the horizon about one hour and 15 minutes after sundown. As seen from the northern tropics and the southern hemisphere, they will set from 2 to 4 hours after the sun. In Asia, the moon will come tantalizingly close to Venus, as if kissing it, at early evening.
If you have binoculars, be sure to grab them. Scan the moon's terminator – the shadow line dividing the lunar day from the lunar night. The best view of the lunar landscape is found along the terminator, or where it's sunrise on the waxing moon. By the way, the best time to observe with binoculars is during twilight, before the sky becomes very dark and the moon becomes too contrasty and bright.
If you hold them very steadily, your binoculars might show you that Venus is not quite round. A telescope would reveal that Venus is now in a waning crescent phase, much like a waning crescent moon. For the fun of it, we ask a question that we will answer in tomorrow. Does the terminator on a waning Venus represent sunrise or sunset?
With or without optics, enjoy the grand attraction after sunset: the moon and Venus on September 11!


Spicy Chicken Legs In Yogurt Marinade !!!
As a suggestion for a delicious meal, today I present this recipe Spicy Chicken Legs In Yogurt Marinade.
A wonderful combination of spices in which yogurt gives a lot of softness to the meat, so it really melts in the mouth.
First, put the chicken legs in a bowl of cold water to stand for 30 minutes.
During this time, we prepare the marinade and in a bowl we unite all ingredients and mix well for equalization.
Again with clean water, we wash the chicken legs and put them in the marinade.
We mix well so that every piece can be dipped in the marinade and put the dish in the fridge for an hour.
We take the potatoes and peel them, then we cut them into small cubes.
Place them at the bottom of the pan in which we will bake.
On top of them we put the chicken legs together with the rest of the marinade and stir.
Bake in a heated oven at 190 degrees about 40 minutes.
We serve with seasonal salad or with some spicy dip.
Decorative Festive Salted Muffins !!!
Potato croquettes stuffed with Vienna sausage!!!


text:
Iran MP offers $3 mn 'to anyone who kills Trump'
Trump praises Roger Stone's 'guts,' slams former lawyer for cooperating with Mueller
by Wayne Curry | December 04, 2018 | 03:44
Attorneys representing Jerome Corsi filed an ethics complaint Monday accusing prosecutors in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office of pressuring their client to provide "false testimony" against Republican operative Roger Stone and President Trump.
Trump tweets Monday: "You mean he can do all of the bad, unrelated to Trump, things having to do with fraud, big loans, Taxis, etc., and not serve a long prison term?"
Trump accused Cohen of fabricating stories about his Russian Federation dealings to minimize his sentence on multiple counts of tax evasion, financial fraud and campaign finance violations that he has admitted in federal court in NY.
Cohen, once Trump's self-described "fixer", admitted he lied to Congress when he said efforts to pursue the Moscow project ended in January 2016, when they actually continued until June 2016, after Trump had clinched the Republican presidential nomination. Now, however, he claims that talks about the project continued until June 2016, were widely talked about within the organization, and that a press secretary to Russian President Vladimir Putin had been in contact with the company - something which the Kremlin confirmed over a year ago.
He fired off a third tweet praising former confidant Roger Stone for stating over the weekend he would not testify as part of any probe against Trump.
"The American people deserve to know how much of the Trump-Russia probe was the result of agent provocateurs and political muckrakers and FISA cheaters, and how much was legitimate law enforcement work", Solomon said.
Think your friends would be interested?
President Trump on Monday highlighted a contrast between a former ally and a current one, and he hopes the former ally spends a long time in prison.
Putting the attack on Cohen aside, a lot of people were confused about Trump's decision to capitalize and misspell "Scott Free" in his tweet. Asked if he expected a pardon from Trump - who has not taken a pardon for convicted former campaign manager Paul Manafort off the table - Stone replied: 'I've had no discussion regarding a pardon'.
"He lied for this outcome and should, in my opinion, serve a full and complete sentence", the president wrote.
If you refer to yourself in quotation marks on your own Twitter feed, does it get you out of witness tampering charges?
Sonali Bendre Is Overjoyed To Return To India, Shares Her Happiness
As her "adventure with life continues", the actor was reminded of words by Chris Martin, "Everything you want is a dream away". It was on July 4 when the actress took to social media to open up about her disease and had not visited India ever since.
Kesha & Dr. Luke's Defamation Suit Continues Following Rape Allegations
As it was previously reported, the messages first came out after The Blast obtained documents from Perry's 2017 testimony. The pop star said she felt pressured to support the pop-star, but the ex-Sony producer never raped her at any point.
NYPD hunt couple who lost ring during romantic proposal
Though the couple and police on-scene eventually gave up searching, the New York Police Department was able to return. Afterwards, they put out a call on social media asking others to help identify the couple. "But we are so happy".
The Supreme Court is delaying arguments by a day while a national day of mourning is held for former President George H.W. Jim McGrath, spokesman for the Bush family, tweeted out a photo on Sunday night, captioning it "mission complete".
Ballon d'Or winners 'leak' shows Luka Modric first, Ronaldo second
He was also instrumental to his club's third successive Champions League in May after beating Liverpool 3-1 in Kiev. The pair had won an incredible five awards each, with Ronaldo equaling Messi's tally previous year .
G20 Summit: May 'encourages' Saudi Arabia to co-operate in murder investigation
Both Russian president Vladimir Putin and crown prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman are in Buenos Aires this weekend. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, disappeared inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
This 'Clark Griswold' Christmas decoration has people calling 911
His display included Santa, a sleigh and 8 slightly damaged reindeer in the yard, not to mention 250 strands of lights. The rescue attempt was caught by the home's security camera.
He said it was clear that both governments want to talk and work out their differences, but the agreement is only a "ceasefire". China is willing to absorb economic losses in exchange for standing firm on issues vital to the national interest.
5.5-metre long Jeep Gladiator stretches out on Wrangler ladder chassis
The full-size spare tire and mount is located under the bed, behind the rear axle and capable of holding up to a 35-inch tire. The Rubicon levels up to the Rock-Trac 4x4 system, featuring Tru-Lok differentials and a disconnecting sway bar.
Emery unable to explain Ozil's back injury
His dismissal for a second bookable offence late in the game means he will serve a one-match suspension. Contract talks broke down in September and Emery offered no suggestion that the situation would change.
Michael Cohen's lawyers ask for no prison time
This week he confessed that he continued to pursue the deal on Trump's behalf during the heat of the campaign. As part of his plea deal with the U.S. attorney's office, Cohen faces 46 to 62 months in prison.
Canada sanctions 17 Saudis linked to journalist Khashoggi killing
Khashoggi, who lived in the USA and wrote for The Washington Post , was publicly critical of the Saudi crown prince. Pool/GettyA composite image of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman .
After much anticipation, Canada signed the revamped NAFTA in Buenos Aires on the sidelines of the high-profile G20 summit Friday. Despite the symbolism of Friday's signing, Trump has no meetings with Trudeau scheduled while the two are in Argentina.
Jose Mourinho accuses Paul Pogba of showing no respect
He played all 90 minutes of the match, but he managed to be responsible for nearly half of the 30 possessions United lost in this match.
Home Security Camera Catches the Moment Earthquake Shakes Palmer
Back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.0 and 5.8 rocked buildings and buckled roads Friday morning in Anchorage . "I would characterize this as a demonstration that Anchorage is prepared for these kind of emergencies".
Trudeau avoids confrontation with Saudi crown prince, Putin during G20 summit
The Saudi crown prince's visit to Algeria has drawn criticism from political and academic circles in the North African country. Much of it is inaudible but Macron could be heard saying 'I do worry. "Qahtani supervised the 15-man team that killed Mr.
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The U.S. and China also made progress on the regulation of fentanyl, which is 50 times more powerful than heroin. At the same time, USA farmers have been hurt by reduced Chinese imports of soybeans and other products.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu 'should be charged' in third corruption case
Police in February recommended indicting Mr Netanyahu in two other corruption investigations. She also illegally paid approximately $10,000 for private chefs, prosecutors said.
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It's powered by an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-liter V-6 direct-injected engine that produces an estimated 291 hp at 6,000 rpm. There are seven available USB ports in the vehicle so every passenger can keep their devices charged.
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After Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh, now Priyanka Chopra-Nick Jonas too will have the same filmer as Anushka Sharma-Virat Kohli. It was also shared that the singer shut down a Tiffany & Co in London to find her ring and he took it with him to Crete.
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He remains in jail without bail and is scheduled to appear in Monmouth County Superior Court in Freehold, New Jersey, on Friday. A New Jersey man has been charged with killing his brother, sister-in-law and the couple's two children.
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House Dems to outline case for removing Trump from office
Airline passengers travelling from China screened for new coronavirus

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
\section{Introduction}
The high-transition-temperature superconducting quantum
interference devices (high-T$_C$ DC SQUIDs) each consisting of two
bicrystal Josephson junctions are key elements for many sensitive
instruments such as extremely low noise magnetometers\cite{Koelle,
Lud, Fal}, the series- and parallel- SQUID arrays\cite{Schul,
Mat}, the superconducting quantum interference grating\cite{Mil,
Schul1}, etc.

However, the further developments of these devices are limited by
significant on chip spreading in the critical current and normal
resistance of high $T_C$ Josephson junctions which seems to be
unavoidable for grain-boundary junctions.\cite{Gerd, Shadr1,
Shadr2, Jeng1, Jeng2}.

The different values of critical current and normal resistance of
two Josephson junctions result in turn in the vast spreading of
the output voltage-current (VCC) and voltage flux (VFC)
characteristics for on chip high T$_C$ DC SQUIDs\cite{Beyer, Park,
Jia}.

The influence of the junction asymmetry on the output
characteristics of high $T_C$ DC SQUIDs has been analyzed
in\cite{Kleiner, Mueller, Testa1, Testa2, Green1}, where it was
shown that the transfer function for asymmetric SQUIDs can be
substantially differ from that of symmetric SQUIDs.

The extensive comparison of experimental characteristics of
intentionally fabricated asymmetric high $T_C$ DC SQUID with
computer simulations has been performed in \cite{Mueller}, where
in most cases a reduction of the voltage-to-flux transfer function
of the asymmetric SQUID as compared to the symmetric SQUID has
been observed.

From the other point the output characteristics of high $T_C$ DC
SQUIDs can be used to infer the information about the on chip
distribution of the critical currents and normal resistances of
the Josephson junctions\cite{Jeng1, Jeng2}.

In known experiments\cite{Mueller, Jeng1, Jeng2} the asymmetry of
critical current of two Josephson junctions in DC SQUID loop has
been determined indirectly from the measured flux shift of the
voltage-flux curve. Since for high $T_C$ Josephson junctions the
density of critical current and the resistivity of the junction
are interrelated, it also influences the value of the last
quantity. In addition, as is shown in the paper, this method has a
restricted range of validity. That is why, as was noted
in\cite{Mueller}, a clear-cut comparison between simulation and
experimental data requires the independent experimental
determination of the current and resistance asymmetry.

Therefore, the main purpose of our paper is the independent and
direct determination of the current and resistance asymmetry and
the investigation of the influence of the junctions asymmetry on
the scattering over the chip of the main output parameters of DC
SQUID, i.e., its voltage modulation, voltage-to-flux transfer
function, flux shift.

To this end we investigated 20 purposely made asymmetric high
$T_C$ DC SQUIDs. For the first time we measured independently and
directly the current and resistance asymmetry for every junction
in the interferometer loop. We show that the main reason for the
junctions asymmetry is the on-chip spreading in the resistivity
and the critical current density. Even for a geometrically
symmetric design of the interferometer the critical current
densities of the two junctions may be substantially different. We
found that, in general, both the voltage modulation and the
transfer function are not very sensitive to the junctions
asymmetry, whereas the flux shift of the VFC shows approximately
linear dependance on asymmetry parameters.

The paper is organized as follows. In Section II the current and
resistance asymmetry for the junctions of DC SQUID are defined and
the analytical expressions for transfer function and flux shift
for asymmetric DC SQUID are given. The experimental part of the
paper is in detail described in Section III. Section IV is devoted
to an extensive analysis of the influence of SQUID asymmetry on
the transfer function and flux shift of VFC. Obtained results are
shortly summarized in Section V.

\section{Asymmetric DC SQUID}
\subsection{The asymmetry parameters}
An asymmetric DC SQUID shown in Fig.\ref{Fig1} consists of a
superconducting loop of inductance $L$ intersected by two
Josephson junctions, which have different critical currents
$I_{C1}$, $I_{C2}$ and normal resistances $R_1$, $R_2$. The
capacitances of the two junctions, which are not shown in
Fig.\ref{Fig1} are assumed to be equal.
\begin{figure}

  \includegraphics[width=6 cm, angle=-90]{fig1.eps}\\
  \caption{The asymmetric DC SQUID}\label{Fig1}
\end{figure}
In order to describe the junctions asymmetry we define the average
values of the critical current $I_C$ and resistance $R$, and a
current asymmetry $\gamma$ and a resistance asymmetry $\rho$ as
follows: $I_{C1}=(1+\gamma)I_C$, $I_{C2}=(1-\gamma)I_C$,
$R_1=R/(1+\rho)$, $R_2=R/(1-\rho)$, where
\begin{equation}\label{curr}
    I_C=\frac{I_{C1}+I_{C2}}{2}\equiv\frac{I_{SQ}}{2}, \texttt{      }  \gamma=\frac{I_{C1}-I_{C2}}{I_{C1}+I_{C2}}
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}\label{resist}
   R=\frac{2R_1R_2}{R_1+R_2}\equiv 2R_{SQ}, \texttt{      }  \rho=\frac{R_2-R_1}{R_1+R_2}
\end{equation}
Note that the SQUID critical current $I_{SQ}$ and its resistance
$R_{SQ}$ are being measured directly from the voltage-current
characteristic of the DC SQUID.

There are two different origins of the junction asymmetry:
geometrical asymmetry and intrinsic asymmetry\cite{Mueller}. For
bicrystal grain boundary junctions geometric asymmetry is
associated with the different width $w$ of the junctions. We
describe geometric asymmetry by the parameter $\alpha_g$ according
to $w_1=(1+\alpha_g)w$ and $w_2=(1-\alpha_g)w$, with
$w=(w_1+w_2)/2$. The intrinsic asymmetry is associated with
different values of the current density $j_0$ and the resistivity
$\rho_0$ for two junctions. We describe intrinsic asymmetry by the
parameters $\alpha_j$ and $\alpha_{\rho}$ according
to\cite{Mueller}:

\begin{multline}
j_{01}=j_0(1+\alpha_j),\texttt{          }\rho_1=\rho_0/(1+\alpha_{\rho})\\
j_{02}=j_0(1-\alpha_j),\texttt{  } \rho_2=\rho_0/(1-\alpha_{\rho})
\end{multline}
The parameters of intrinsic asymmetry $\alpha_j$ and
$\alpha_{\rho}$ can be obtained from the independent measurements
of the parameters of the bulk asymmetry $\gamma$, $\rho$ and
geometric asymmetry $\alpha_g$\cite{Mueller}:
\begin{equation}\label{intr asymm}
    \alpha_j=\frac{\gamma-\alpha_g}{1-\alpha_g\gamma},\texttt{       }
     \alpha_{\rho}=\frac{\rho-\alpha_g}{1-\alpha_g\rho}
\end{equation}
Since high $T_C$ Josephson junctions obey the scaling law
$I_CR\approx j_c^{1/2}$\cite{Gross}, the parameters $\alpha_j$ and
$\alpha_{\rho}$ are interrelated to each other\cite{Mueller}
\begin{equation}\label{intr asymm rel}
    \alpha_{\rho}=\frac{1-\sqrt{1-\alpha_j^2}}{\alpha_j},\texttt{     }
     \alpha_j=\frac{2\alpha_{\rho}}{1+\alpha_{\rho}^2}
\end{equation}
\subsection{Output voltage across asymmetric SQUID}
In general, the output voltage across asymmetric SQUID is the
complicated function of several dimensionless
parameters\cite{Green1}: $V=F(i, \alpha, \beta, \Gamma, \varphi_X,
\rho, \gamma)$, where $i=I/I_C$ ($I$ is the bias current);
$\alpha=L/L_F$ ($L_F=\left(\Phi_0/2\pi\right)^2/k_BT$ is the
fluctuation inductance which is equal approximately to 100 pH at
T=77 K); $\beta=2 LI_C/\Phi_0$; $\Gamma=2\pi k_BT/\Phi_0I_C$ is
the noise parameter ($k_B$ is Boltzmann constant, $T$ is absolute
temperature); $\varphi_X=\pi\Phi_X/\Phi_0$ ($\Phi_X$ is the
external magnetic flux, $\Phi_0$ is the flux quantum). Three
parameters $\alpha, \beta, \Gamma$ are not independent, but are
subject to the relation $\alpha=\pi\beta\Gamma$.

There are several properties of the output characteristics of
asymmetric SQUIDs which allow one to identify them by
experiment\cite{Green1}. First, in the presence of applied flux
the voltage across asymmetric SQUIDs is not an odd function of the
bias current, i. e., $V(-i)\neq-V(i)$. Thus, the quantity
$V(-i)+V(i)$ can be used as one of the measure of SQUID asymmetry.
It is a periodic function of the applied flux and it depends on
the bias current and on the parameters of asymmetry.

The second property which is known for a long time (see, for
example, Ref.\onlinecite{Ramos}) is the shift of the voltage-flux
characteristic (VFC) under reversal of the bias current. The shift
is commonly attributed to the asymmetry in the critical current of
the two junctions:
\begin{equation}\label{shift1}
    \Delta\Phi=L(I_{C1}-I_{C2})=\gamma\beta\Phi_0
\end{equation}
This property has been widely used for experimental determination
of the current asymmetry \cite{Mueller, Weiss, Jeng1, Jeng2}.
However, the expression (\ref{shift1}) cannot describe some
experimental facts. In particular, it does not depend on the bias
current while the experimental flux shift does depend on $i$. For
large inductance DC SQUIDs the picture is more complicated
\cite{Green1}. There is no simple relation between current
asymmetry and a flux shift. In addition, asymmetry in resistance
contributes also to the total flux shift. The expression for the
flux shift under a reversal of the bias current is as
follows\cite{Green1}:

\begin{equation}\label{shift3}
    \frac{{\Delta \Phi _X }}{{\Phi _0 }} = \frac{1}{{\pi }}\Theta(i, \Gamma, \rho, \gamma)
     +\frac{{\rho \alpha }}{{2\pi \Gamma }}i
\end{equation}

The explicit expression for the quantity $\Theta$ which is too
cumbersome one can find in Ref. \onlinecite{Green1} (Eq. 31b).

As is seen from (\ref{shift3}) the flux shift is a complicated
function of the bias current and the parameters of asymmetry. The
dependance on SQUID inductance $L$ is hidden in the second term in
(\ref{shift3}). Due to the relation $\alpha=\pi\beta\Gamma$ this
term can be written as $\rho i\beta/2$, which is equivalent to the
expression found for the flux shift in the limit of a large bias
current $i$ \cite{Clarke}.

It is worth noting that for $i>0$ the voltage-flux curve is
shifted to the negative side of the flux ($\Delta\Phi_X<0$)
relative to a symmetric voltage-flux curve, while for the reversed
bias ($i<0$) the voltage-flux curve is shifted to the positive
side of the flux ($\Delta\Phi_X>0$).

\subsection{Transfer function of asymmetric SQUID}

As is known, the shape of experimental VFC is not symmetric. The
asymmetry of the junctions induces distortion of the
$V(\Phi)$-curves, which leads to different values of $V_{\Phi}^+$
and $V_{\Phi}^-$ for the maximum positive and negative slope of
the $V(\Phi)$-curves, respectively. The impact of the asymmetry on
the transfer function has been studied by computer simulations in
Ref. \onlinecite{Mueller}. It was shown that the normalized
transfer function $v^{\pm}_{\Phi}=V^{\pm}_{\Phi}\Phi_0/RI_C$ can
be factorized as $v^{\pm}_{\Phi}=g^{\pm}(\Gamma\beta)
f^{\pm}(\gamma,\beta)$. The explicit analytical expressions for
the quantities $g^{+}(\Gamma\beta)$  and $f^{+}(\gamma,\beta)$ for
limited range of parameters $\Gamma$ and $\beta$ ($\Gamma\beta<1$,
$\beta<5$) have been given in Ref. \onlinecite{Mueller}.

\section{Experimental}
\subsubsection{High-T$_C$ DC SQUID preparation and characterization}

The principal layout of an asymmetric high-T$_C$ DC SQUID is shown
in Fig. \ref{design}. It consists of the interferometer loop and
two Josephson junctions with different widths. A total of 20 such
SQUIDs was integrated on one chip. All have the same
superconducting loop width of 8 $\mu$m and slit width of 4 $\mu$m,
respectively.
\begin{figure}

  \includegraphics[width=8 cm]{fig4.eps}\\
  \caption{Design of asymmetric high-T$_C$ DC SQUID}\label{design}
\end{figure}
Three different slit lengths of 25 $\mu$m, 75 $\mu$m and 125
$\mu$m were used, what partitions the SQUIDs into three groups:
small (S SQUID), medium (M SQUID) and large ones (L SQUID). The
slit lengths are reflected in SQUID inductance ranges of
L$\sim$65-75 pH, L$\sim$125-135 pH and L$\sim$185-195 pH for the
S, M and L SQUIDs, respectively. Within the groups, parameters of
asymmetry were varied, using various junction widths $w_1$ and
$w_2$ between 0.4 and 1.2 $\mu$m. All SQUIDs were connected via a
common superconducting line, which was used to inject a DC current
I$_{inj}$ into the SQUIDs. Figure \ref{photo} shows a photograph
of three SQUIDs connected that way.

\begin{figure}

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig5.eps}\\
  \caption{Color online. Photography of three asymmetric high-Tc DC SQUIDs.
 }\label{photo}
\end{figure}
The SQUIDs were fabricated using a standard thin-film technology,
which was described in detail in Ref. \onlinecite{IJss1}. Using
laser ablation, a 140 nm thick YBCO film is deposited onto a
24$^0$ MgO bicrystal substrate with 10 mm x 10 mm x 1 mm
dimension. On top of the non-structured YBCO film a 100 nm thick
gold layer was deposited by thermal evaporation and subsequently
structured by lift-off. Finally, the YBCO layer was patterned
using standard e-beam lithography and ion-beam-etching. As already
shown in \cite{IJss1}, Josephson junctions with widths down to 0.4
$\mu$m show no degradation in critical current density. In
addition, the chip was covered by a Teflon layer which protected
it from water during thermo cycling \cite{IJss2}. Then the SQUID
chip was glued on a non-metallic holder with a wire-wound coil
beneath, which was used to apply magnetic flux to the SQUIDs.

All measurements were performed in liquid nitrogen at 77 K in a
well shielded environment. First, for every SQUID we have measured
its voltage-current (VCC) and voltage-flux (VFC) characteristics.
Second, one of the two junctions in the loop was measured
directly. For that after all the measurements at the SQUIDs have
been performed, all SQUID loops have been cut to allow the
independent measurements of the characteristics of one junction
per SQUID. To do that the right superconducting arm of every SQUID
loop was removed by additional optical lithography and chemical
etching. This allowed to measure the critical current and normal
resistance of the Josephson junction in the remaining arm of the
SQUID. Therefore, we determined for the first time independently
and directly the current density and resistivity for every
junction in the interferometer loop which allowed us to
investigate their influence on the SQUID characteristics.

\subsubsection{SQUID characteristics}
The first group of measurements concerned the characterization and
classification of the SQUIDs. All these parameters are listed in
Table \ref{tab:table1}.
\begin{figure}

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm]{fig6.eps}\\
  \caption{Color online. Determination of critical current from experimental VCC (thick
  line). The critical current $I_C$ to which the experimental VCC
  is normalized, is varied until the normalized experimental VCC fits
  to one of the theoretical VCCs (thin lines).
  }\label{VCC}
\end{figure}

\begin{table}
\centering \caption{\label{tab:table1}  DC SQUID parameters;
$w_1$, $w_2$ are junctions' widths; $\alpha_g$ accounts for
geometric asymmetry; L, I$_{SQ}$, R$_{SQ}$ are the DC SQUID
inductance, its critical current and normal resistance; $\Delta
V_{max}$ is the maximum swing of the VFC; I$_{max}$ is the bias
current which provides $\Delta V_{max}$. }
\begin{tabular}{c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c}
\hline\\
SQUID\#group & $w_1$,$w_2$ & $\alpha_g$ & \emph{L} & $I_{SQ}$ & R$_{SQ}$ & $\Delta V_{max}$ & $I_{max}$ \\
      &  $\mu$m && pH  & $\mu$A & $\Omega$ & $\mu$V & $\mu$A \\
\hline \hline
1 S & 0.6, 0.6 & 0 & 71.4 & 36 & 3.95 & 35.8 & 29.5\\

\hline
2 S & 0.6, 0.6 & 0 & 71.4 & 22 & 5.79 & 48.2 & 22.1 \\

\hline
3 S & 0.8, 0.4 & 0.33 & 73.8 & 35 & 2.99 & 21.8 & 35.3 \\

\hline
4 S & 0.8, 0.8 & 0 & 65.4 & 29.5 & 4 & 38.8 & 25.6 \\

\hline
5 S & 1, 0.6 & 0.25 & 66.6 & 25.5 & 4.82 & 43.8 & 23.1 \\

\hline
6 S & 1.2, 0.4  & 0.5 & 70.6 & 42 & 3.4 & 35.6 & 36.1 \\

\hline\hline
7 M & 0.6, 0.6 & 0 & 131.6 & 31 & 4.93 & 21.5 & 28 \\

\hline
8 M & 0.6, 0.6 & 0 & 131.6 & 33 & 3.87 & 16.4 & 26.3 \\

\hline
9 M & 0.8, 0.4  & 0.33 & 134.1 & 40 & 4.56 & 16.4 & 32.1 \\

\hline
10 M & 0.8, 0.8 & 0 & 125.7 & 30.5 & 4.11 & 16.9 & 25 \\

\hline
11 M & 0.8, 0.8  & 0 & 125.7 & 56.5 & 2.61 & 12.2 & 51.2 \\

\hline
12 M & 1, 0.6  & 0.25 & 126.8 & 55 & 3.1 & 15.1 & 45.1 \\

\hline
13 M & 1, 0.6  & 0.25 & 126.8 & 35 & 3.27 & 14.5 & 29.7  \\

\hline
14 M & 1.2, 0.4  & 0.5 & 130.5 & 42 & 3.55 & 15.5 & 39.5 \\

\hline
15 M & 1.2, 0.4  & 0.5 & 130.5 & 53 & 2.76 & 13.7 & 48.3 \\

\hline\hline
16 L & 0.6, 0.6  & 0 & 191.5 & 29 & 4.34 & 9.2 & 24.2 \\

\hline
17 L & 0.8, 0.4  & 0.33 & 194.1 & 25.5 & 4.68 & 8 & 19 \\
\hline
18 L & 0.8, 0.8 & 0 & 185.8 & 46 & 3.41 & 6.7 & 30.4 \\

\hline
19 L & 1, 0.6  & 0.25 & 186.7 & 35 & 3.56 & 8.4 & 31.5 \\

\hline
20 L & 1.2, 0.4  & 0.5 & 190.9 & 49 & 2.87 & 4.9 & 41.1 \\

\hline
\end{tabular}
\end{table}
Within the groups (S, M, L) the junction sizes $w_1$ and $w_2$ are
varied between 0.4 and 1.2 $\mu$m, yielding the geometrical
asymmetry $\alpha_g$. Here, the junction widths are layout
parameters. The resulting SQUID inductance L was actually
determined, however. This was done in the following way.

The injection current I$_{inj}$ flows around the upper part of the
SQUID loop (see Fig. \ref{design}). This coupling part of the
SQUID has an inductance of L$_c$ which can be measured, because
the injection current produces a magnetic flux $\Phi_c$=L$_c$
I$_{inj}$ in the SQUID loop. The measured voltage-flux
characteristics is periodical in $\Phi_0$, what gives the needed
assignment between measured flux and injected current. Thus, the
coupling inductance can be determined. In the next step, the
coupling inductance was calculated with an algorithm described
in\cite{Hild}, which takes into account geometrical and kinetic
inductance as well. The London penetration depth $\lambda_L$ of
the high-T$_c$ film acts as a fitting parameter to meet the
measured coupling inductance. This $\lambda_L$ could be determined
very consistently to (462 $\pm$ 11) nm for all the 20 SQUIDs. Now,
using this known London penetration depth, the whole SQUID
inductance could be reliably calculated in the same way.

The normal resistance of the SQUIDs, R$_{SQ}$ was determined from
the steepness of the resistive part of VCC at large currents (I
$>$ 10 I$_{SQ}$). Now, knowing the normal resistance of the SQUID,
its critical current I$_{SQ}$ can be assessed. The direct
extraction from the experimental VCC is difficult due to the large
level of thermal noise, which gives strong rounding of the curves.
To get access to the noise-free intrinsic critical current of the
SQUID, a set of theoretical VCCs is calculated, which were
obtained from an analytical solution of the SQUID equations in the
small inductance limit\cite{Ambeg} (see Fig. \ref{VCC}). In
comparison to this set of theoretical VCCs (current normalized to
I$_{SQ}$ vs. voltage normalized to the I$_{SQ}$R$_{SQ}$ product)
the experimental VCC is plotted. Because R$_{SQ}$ is known, the
noise-free critical current I$_{SQ}$ can be tuned until the
experimental curve fits well to any of the theoretical ones.

\begin{figure}

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig07.eps}\\
  \caption{Experimental VFC for SQUID \#9. A measured flux shift $\Delta\Phi_{meas}$
   is determined as a distance between the first extremums of VFCs relative to
   zero flux point ($I_{coil}=0$).}\label{fig7}
\end{figure}

\begin{table}
\centering \caption{\label{tab:table2}  DC SQUID parameters for
the bias current $I_{max}$ given in Table I, where maximum swing
$\Delta V_{max}$ is provided; $\Delta\Phi_{max}$ is the flux shift
of the VFC under reversal of $I_{max}$; $V_{\Phi}^{\pm}$
represents the maximum steepness of the VFC at their left (+) and
right (-) sides; $\Delta V_{max}/R$ is the maximum voltage swing
related to the average junction resistance (see Table III). }

\begin{tabular}{cccccc}
\hline\\
SQUID\# group&  $\Delta\Phi_{max}$ & $V_{\Phi}^+$ & $V_{\Phi}^-$ & $\Delta V_{max}/R$ \\
      &   $\Phi_0$ & $\mu V/\Phi_0$ & $\mu V/\Phi_0$ & $\mu V/\Omega$ \\
\hline\hline
1 S&   0.357 & 115.7 & -99.7 & 4.531 \\

\hline
2 S&   0.532 & 170.1 & -147.3 & 4.163  \\

\hline
3 S&   0.675 & 71.3 & -60.01 & 5.234  \\
\hline
4 S&   0.23 & 129.5 & -116 & 4.855 \\

\hline
5 S&   0.412 & 120.13 & -167.3 & 4.548 \\

\hline
6 S&  1.243 & 102.89 & -121.4 & 5.236   \\

\hline\hline
7 M&  1.36 & 74.64 & -59.97 & 2.183  \\

\hline
8 M&   0.079 & 50.74 & -48.11 &2.123 \\

\hline
9 M&   1.656 & 57.49 & -41.19 & 1.798 \\

\hline
10 M&   -1.124 & 52.44 & -51.26 & 2.056  \\

\hline
11 M&   0.81 & 36.57 & -37.72 & 2.341  \\

\hline
12 M&   0.842 & 45.53 & -45.08 & 2.437 \\

\hline
13 M&   1.344 & 49.85 & -37.34 & 2.215 \\

\hline
14 M&   1.985 & 52.38 & -41.92 & 2.187 \\

\hline
15 M&   1.792 & 41.95 & -34.51 & 2.482  \\

\hline\hline
16 L&   0.947 & 22.6 & -22.29 & 1.060  \\

\hline
17 L&   0.948 & 22.58 & -25.24 & 0.851 \\

\hline

18 L&  -0.415 & 17.74 & -20.19 & 0.979   \\

\hline
19 L&   1.455 & 23.96 & -23.69 & 1.181  \\

\hline
20 L&   2.934 & 13.49 & -15.79 & 0.850 \\

\hline
\end{tabular}
\end{table}
The maximum voltage modulation $\Delta V_{max}$ and the bias
current I$_{max}$ needed for that voltage swing could directly be
taken from the measurement of the voltage-flux characteristics.

At the bias current I$_{max}$, which gave the maximum swing of the
VFC (both shown in Table \ref{tab:table1}), the next SQUID
parameters were measured. They are presented in Table
\ref{tab:table2}. The transfer functions $V_{\Phi}^{\pm}$
represents the maximum steepness of VFC at their left (+) and
right (-) sides. As VFC is a $\Phi_0$ periodic function, a unique
determination of the actual shift $\Delta\Phi_{max}$, which is
given in the second column of Table \ref{tab:table2}, is not, in
general, possible. Below in Section IVB we describe in detail a
reasonable procedure which relates $\Delta\Phi_{max}$ with
$\Delta\Phi_{meas}$ defined as the distance between the first
extremums of VFCs relative to zero flux ($I_{coil}=0$, see Fig.
\ref{fig7}).

The asymmetry parameters of the SQUIDs are given in Table
\ref{tab:table3}.

Unlike the method of Ref. \onlinecite{Mueller}, where the
asymmetry of the critical current was assessed indirectly from the
flux shift of the VFC, we determined the asymmetry parameters by a
direct measurement of critical current and resistance of one of
the two junctions in the SQUIDs. This got possible due to the
opening of one superconducting arm of every SQUID loop.

The first parameters given in Table \ref{tab:table3}, the critical
current I$_C$ and resistance R are average junction values for the
SQUID as defined in (\ref{curr}), (\ref{resist}). They differ from
the SQUID values given in Table \ref{tab:table1} by a factor of 2.
For a symmetric SQUID these are just the values of each of the two
junctions. The quantities I$_2$ and R$_2$ are critical current and
resistance of the second junction which remained for the
measurement after the SQUID loop had been cut. Using all these
data, we obtain the bulk asymmetries $\gamma$ and $\rho$ using
equations (\ref{curr}) and (\ref{resist}), and, finally, with the
aid of equations (\ref{intr asymm}), the intrinsic asymmetries
$\alpha_j$ and $\alpha_{\rho}$. So, for the first time the
asymmetry parameters of the current density and resistivity of the
junctions in high T$_C$ DC SQUIDs were determined independently
and directly.

\begin{table}
\centering \caption{\label{tab:table3}  Current and resistance
asymmetry of DC SQUID.}

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|}
\hline\\
SQUID\#  & $I_C$ & $R$ & $I_{C2}$ & $R_2$ & $\gamma$ & $\rho$ & $\alpha_j$ & $\alpha_{\rho}$\\
 group &  $\mu$A & $\Omega$  & $\mu$A & $\Omega$ & \\
\hline
1 S& 18 & 7.9 & 11 & 9.45 & 0.39 & 0.16 & -0.39 & -0.16\\

\hline
2 S& 11 & 11.58 & 9 & 13.56 & 0.18 & 0.15 & -0.18 & -0.15 \\

\hline
3 S& 17.5 & 5.98 & 7.8 &  12.09& 0.55 & 0.51 & -0.269 & -0.216 \\
\hline
4 S& 14.75 & 7.99 & 12.5 & 8.69 & 0.15 & 0.08 & -0.15& -0.08 \\

\hline
5 S& 12.75 & 9.63 & 8.5 & 13.05 & 0.33 & 0.26 & -0.087 & -0.011 \\

\hline
6 S& 21 & 6.8 & 12 & 12.77 & 0.43 & 0.47 & 0.089 & 0.039 \\

\hline\hline
7 M& 15.5 & 9.85 & 4.2 & 23.84 & 0.73 & 0.59 & -0.73 & -0.59\\

\hline
8 M& 16.5 & 7.73 & 15 & 8.32 & 0.09 & 0.07 & -0.09 & -0.07\\

\hline
9 M& 20 & 9.12 & 3 & 18.77 & 0.85 & 0.51 & -0.723 & -0.216\\

\hline

10 M& 15.25 & 8.22 & 23 & 5.26 & -0.51 & -0.56 & 0.51 & 0.56 \\

\hline
11 M& 28.25 & 5.21 & 20.5 & 6.03 & 0.28 & 0.14 & -0.28 & -0.14 \\

\hline
12 M& 27.5 & 6.2 & 24 & 7.13 & 0.13 & 0.13 & 0.124 & 0.124 \\

\hline
13 M& 17.5 & 6.54 & 5.9 & 13.71 & 0.76 & 0.52 & -0.63 & -0.31 \\

\hline
14 M& 21 & 7.09 & 3.6 & 25.74 & 0.83 & 0.72 & -0.564 & -0.344 \\

\hline
15 M& 26.5 & 5.52 & 9.8 & 12.43 & 0.63 & 0.56 & -0.19 & -0.083 \\
\hline\hline

16 L& 14.5 & 8.68 & 6.5 & 13.21 & 0.55 & 0.34 & -0.55 & -0.34\\

\hline
17 L& 12.75 & 9.35 & 5.3 & 13.62 & 0.58 & 0.31 & -0.309 & 0.022\\
\hline
18 L& 23 & 6.82 & 28.5 & 5.58 & -0.24 & -0.22 & 0.24 & 0.22 \\

\hline
19 L& 17.5 & 7.11 & 8.8 & 11.46 & 0.5 & 0.38 & -0.286 & -0.144 \\

\hline
20 L& 24.5 & 5.74 & 6.4 & 16.69 & 0.74 & 0.66 & -0.381 & -0.239 \\

\hline
\end{tabular}
\end{table}
Before we discuss the influence of junction asymmetry  on the
output SQUID characteristics we should like to show to what extent
our high $T_C$ Josephson junctions obey the scaling law
$I_CR\approx j_c^{1/2}$\cite{Gross}. In this case the parameters
$\alpha_j$ and $\alpha_{\rho}$ are interrelated to each other by
Eqs. \ref{intr asymm rel}\cite{Mueller}.
\begin{figure}

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig13.eps}\\
  \caption{The dependance of $\alpha_j$ on $\alpha_{\rho}$. The theoretical dependance
  was calculated from the second of Eqs. \ref{intr asymm rel}.}\label{fig13}
\end{figure}
A theoretical dependance of $\alpha_j$ on $\alpha_{\rho}$ (second
of Eqs. \ref{intr asymm rel}) for this scaling law together with
experimental points is shown in Fig. \ref{fig13}. As is seen from
this figure most of the experimental points are grouped over the
theoretical curve. Therefore, we may conclude that our high $T_C$
Josephson junctions are described by the aforementioned scaling
law with a good accuracy.
\section{Discussion}
\subsection{The depth of the voltage modulation}
In general, the increase of the SQUID inductance leads to a
decrease of the voltage swing of VFC\cite{Koelle}. This is
illustrated in Fig. \ref{depth_mod} where the voltage modulation
$\Delta V_{max}/R$ is shown as a function of the junction critical
current. As is seen from the figure the SQUIDs are grouped by
their inductance near corresponding lines obtained from the
expression of Enpuku\cite{Enp}.
\begin{equation}\label{Enp}
\frac{{\Delta V }}{{I_C R}} = \frac{4}{{\pi (1 + \beta )}}\exp
\left( { - 3.5\pi ^2 \frac{{k_B TL}}{{\Phi _0^2 }}} \right)
\end{equation}

\begin{figure}[tbp]

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig8.eps}\\
  \caption{The voltage modulation as a function of the critical
  current. The lines for $L$=70 pH ($\bigcirc$), 130 pH ($\bigtriangledown$), and
  190 pH ($\bigtriangleup$) are calculated from Eq. \ref{Enp}.
  The experimental points are shown by $\times$ for
  S-SQUIDs, + for M-SQUIDs, and $\divideontimes$ for L-SQUIDs.}\label{depth_mod}
\end{figure}

\begin{figure}[tbp]

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig10.eps}\\
  \caption{The depth of the voltage modulation as a function of the critical
  current asymmetry $\gamma$.}\label{fig9}
\end{figure}

\begin{figure}[tbp]

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig11.eps}\\
  \caption{The depth of the voltage modulation as a function of the
  resistance asymmetry $\rho$.}\label{fig10}
\end{figure}
We also investigated the dependance of the maximum voltage
modulation on the asymmetry parameters of the DC SQUID (see Figs.
\ref{fig9} and \ref{fig10}). We have found that for M- and
L-SQUIDs the influence of junction asymmetry on the voltage
modulation is weaker than that for small inductance SQUIDs. For S
SQUIDs  there is appreciable scattering of $\Delta V_{max}$ versus
$\gamma$ and $\rho$.
\subsection{Flux shift}
\begin{figure}[h]

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig21.eps}\\
  \caption{The flux shift as a function of the
 current asymmetry $\gamma$. Geometrically symmetric SQUIDs ($\alpha_g=0$) are
 shown by black boxes, SQUIDs with $\alpha_g\neq 0$ are shown by open circles.
 Theoretical points calculated from (\ref{shift3}) are shown by stars.}\label{fig11}
\end{figure}

  \begin{figure}[h]

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig12.eps}\\
  \caption{The flux shift as a function of the
  resistance asymmetry $\rho$. Geometrically symmetric SQUIDs ($\alpha_g=0$) are
 shown by black boxes, SQUIDs with $\alpha_g\neq 0$ are shown by open circles.
 Theoretical points calculated from (\ref{shift3}) are shown by stars.}\label{fig12}
\end{figure}
As is known the asymmetry of the SQUID junctions results in a flux
shift of the VFC under bias reversal. Here we determine the flux
shift as the sum of the shifts of two VFCs, one for $I=+I_{max}$
and the other for $I=-I_{max}$, relative to the zero flux point
($I_{coil}=0$ in Fig. \ref{fig7}). Here the subscript $"max"$
means the bias current which provides maximum swing of the VFC.
Since the VFC is $\Phi_0$ periodic, the flux shift can be
determined with an accuracy $2n\Phi_0$, where $n$ is an integer.
Thus the minimum uncertainty of the determination of the flux
shift for asymmetrical SQUIDs is $2\Phi_0$.

In an ideal case when there is no parasitic trapped flux in the
loop, both VFCs are shifted symmetrically by the same amount
$\Delta\Phi_{sym}$ in opposite directions with respect to zero
flux point. In this case the overall flux shift is calculated as a
sum of both shifts, $\Delta\Phi=2\Delta\Phi_{sym}$. However, in
our cases the shift of two VFCs is not symmetric with respect to
zero point (see Fig. \ref{fig7}). The reason for this is the
parasitic flux $\Phi_p$ trapped in a loop. This flux does not
change its sign under bias reversal, hence the flux shifts are as
follows: $\Delta\Phi_-=\Delta\Phi_{sym}+\Phi_p$,
$\Delta\Phi_+=-\Delta\Phi_{sym}+\Phi_p$, where $\Delta\Phi_-$ is
the flux shift for the VFC for reversed bias current
($I=-I_{max}$), and $\Delta\Phi_+$ is the same quantity for the
unreversed VFC ($I=+I_{max}$). Thus, the parasitic flux disappears
from the overall flux shift
$\Delta\Phi=\Delta\Phi_--\Delta\Phi_+=2\Delta\Phi_{sym}$. The
application of this simple formula requires precise knowledge of
the corresponding extremums of the VFCs shifted by a parasitic
flux. In other words, we must know these two extremum points on
both VFCs whose distance provides us with the overall flux shift.
However, since VFC is $\Phi_0$ periodic, it is not possible to
definitely determine these two points. Therefore, a single valued
determination of the flux shift requires some additional
information.

The procedure we used for the unique determination of the actual
flux shift, $\Delta\Phi_{act}$ was performed in three steps.
First, we measured the flux shift $\Delta\Phi_{meas}$ between the
\emph{nearest} extremum points of VFCs with respect to the zero
flux point. Second, by using expression (\ref{shift3}) we
calculated for a given SQUID a theoretical value of the flux shift
$\Delta\Phi_{theor}$. Finally, the actual flux shift
$\Delta\Phi_{act}$ was determined by subtracting from (or adding
to) $\Delta\Phi_{meas}$ the integer number of flux quanta
$n\Phi_0$ ($n=0,\pm 1,\pm 2, etc.$) which gave the flux shift
nearest to the theoretical value $\Delta\Phi_{theor}$.

The illustration of our method is presented in Table \ref{flux
shift determination}.  The values of actual flux shift from the
last column of this table are given as $\Delta\Phi_{max}$ in the
second column of Table \ref{tab:table2}.

We want to stress here that in our method the theoretical
estimations of the flux shift were used only as a guide for the
determination of the actual flux shift caused by the predetermined
asymmetry. This differs from many other papers on the subject
(see, for example, Ref. \onlinecite{Mueller}) where theoretical
expression (\ref{shift1}) itself has been used for the
determination of asymmetry parameters. In this latter case there
are not any means which allow a unique discrimination between the
unshifted curve and the curve shifted by a parasitic flux.

\begin{table}
  \centering
  \caption{Determination of actual flux shift. $\Delta\Phi_{meas}$ is the
flux shift measured between nearest extremums of two VFCs,
$\Delta\Phi_{theor}$ is the flux shift calculated from Eq.
\ref{shift3}, and $\Delta\Phi_{act}$ is the actual flux shift
corrected for parasitic flux.}\label{flux shift determination}
\begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|c|}
\hline\\
SQUID\# group & $\Delta\Phi_{meas}$ & $\Delta\Phi_{theor}$ &$\Delta\Phi_{act}$  \\
     &  $\Phi_0$ &$\Phi_0$, Eq.(7)&  $\Phi_0$\\
 \hline \hline
1 S & 0.357 & 0.374 & 0.357 \\

\hline
2 S & 1.532 & 0.203 & 1.532-1=0.532 \\

\hline
3 S & 1.675 & 0.913 &1.675-1=0.675 \\

\hline
4 S & 1.23 & 0.157 & 1.23-1=0.23  \\

\hline
5 S & 0.412 & 0.347 & 0.412 \\

\hline
6 S &1.243  & 0.784 & 1.243  \\

\hline\hline
7 M & 1.36 & 1.328 & 1.36  \\

\hline
8 M & 0.079 & 0.177 & 0.079  \\

\hline
9 M & 0.656  & 1.302 & 0.656+1=1.656  \\

\hline
10 M & -1.124 & -1.07 & -1.124  \\

\hline
11 M & 0.81  & 0.663 & 0.81  \\

\hline
12 M & 0.842 & 0.451 & 0.842  \\

\hline
13 M & 1.344  & 1.207 & 1.344   \\

\hline
14 M & 0.985  & 2.116 & 0.985+1=1.985  \\

\hline
15 M & 0.792  & 2.002 & 0.792+1=1.792  \\

\hline\hline
16 L & 0.947  & 0.984 & 0.947 \\

\hline
17 L & 0.948  & 0.75 & 0.948  \\
\hline
18 L & -0.415 & -0.86 & -0.415  \\

\hline
19 L & 0.455  & 1.315 & 0.455+1=1.455 \\

\hline
20 L & 0.934  & 2.8 & 0.934+2=2.934 \\

\hline
\end{tabular}
\end{table}

The dependance  of experimental flux shift (second column in Table
\ref{tab:table2}) on current asymmetry $\gamma$ and resistance
asymmetry $\rho$ is given in Figs. \ref{fig11} and \ref{fig12}.
Also we show on these graphs  the theoretical points (star
symbols) which were calculated from Eq. (\ref{shift3}) by using
the measured values of $\gamma$ and $\rho$. As is seen from these
graphs, the equation (\ref{shift3}) is a good approximation for
the measured flux shift. The experimental points for the flux
shift can be approximated by least mean square fits which are as
follows: $\Delta\Phi_{max}/\Phi_0=1.89\gamma-0.03$ for Fig.
\ref{fig11} and $\Delta\Phi_{max}/\Phi_0=2.24\rho+0.12$ for Fig.
\ref{fig12}.

\subsection{Transfer function}
For every SQUID the transfer functions $V_{\Phi}^{\pm}$ were
measured (see Table \ref{tab:table2}) and their dependance on
different SQUID parameters was investigated. The dependance of
$V_{\Phi}^{\pm}$ on the loop inductance $L$ is shown in Fig.
\ref{trf squid n}. We also show on this plot the transfer function
for a symmetric shape of the VFC by using the relation
$V_{\Phi}=\pi\Delta V/\Phi_0$ with $\Delta V$ being taken from
Table \ref{tab:table1}. It is seen that, in general, the increase
of inductance results in a decrease of both  the transfer
functions and the scattering for the transfer function values. The
largest scattering is observed for S SQUIDs. Another conclusion is
that as the SQUID inductance is increased the shape of VFC becomes
more symmetric: the transfer function for symmetric shape becomes
closer to the measured transfer functions $V_{\Phi}^{\pm}$. As a
measure of the shape asymmetry of VFC we introduce the quantity
$|V_{\Phi}^+-V_{\Phi}^-|$ which is equal to zero for a symmetrical
shape. The dependance of this quantity on SQUID inductance is
shown in Fig. \ref{deviation}. From this figure it is clearly seen
that the shape of VFC becomes more symmetric as the SQUID
inductance becomes larger.

The dependance of the measured transfer functions $V_{\Phi}^{\pm}$
on $\beta$ is shown in Fig. \ref{trf beta}. Here one can see a
nearly exponential decay of the transfer function with the
increase of $\beta$.
\begin{figure}

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig15.eps}\\
  \caption{Dependance of the transfer functions $V_{\Phi}^{\pm}$ on SQUID inductance.}
  \label{trf squid n}
\end{figure}

\begin{figure}

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig22.eps}\\
  \caption{The deviation of VFC shape from symmetrical form.}\label{deviation}
\end{figure}

\begin{figure}

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig16.eps}\\
  \caption{Dependance of the transfer functions
on $\beta$. Black symbols are for $V_{\Phi}^{+}$, white symbols
are for $V_{\Phi}^{-}$.}\label{trf beta}
\end{figure}
The dependance of the normalized transfer functions
$V_{\Phi}^{\pm}\Phi_0/RI_C$ on current asymmetry $\gamma$ and
resistance asymmetry $\rho$ is shown in Figs. \ref{trf gamma} and
\ref{trf rho}. As is seen from these figures, the L SQUIDs show a
weak dependance on the parameters of asymmetry. It conforms with
Fig. \ref{deviation}, where the VFCs for these SQUIDs have minimum
distortion. However, for SQUIDs with small inductance (S SQUIDs)
the dependance on asymmetry parameters is much stronger. It is
worth noting that the $\gamma$ and $\rho$ dependances of
$V_{\Phi}^{\pm}$ (see Figs. \ref{trf gamma}, \ref{trf rho}) have
indications of a peak for S SQUIDs near the value of 0.2. A
similar behavior has been found for SQUIDs with $L\approx 20$ pH
in Ref. \onlinecite{Mueller} (see Fig. 6 therein).

We also compare the dependance of measured transfer functions
$V_{\Phi}^{+}$ on current asymmetry $\mid\alpha_J\mid$ for
geometrically symmetric SQUIDs ($\alpha_g=0$) with the
corresponding expressions  from Ref. \onlinecite{Mueller} obtained
from computer simulations. The results are shown in Fig. \ref{trf
symm}. Again, the strongest deviation of experimental points from
theoretical ones is observed for S SQUIDs (only SQUID \#7 is an
exception).
\begin{figure}

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig17.eps}\\
  \caption{Dependance of the transfer functions
on current asymmetry $\gamma$. Black symbols are for
$V_{\Phi}^{+}$, white symbols are for $V_{\Phi}^{-}$.}\label{trf
gamma}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig18.eps}\\
  \caption{Dependance of the transfer functions
on resistance asymmetry $\rho$. Black symbols are for
$V_{\Phi}^{+}$, white symbols are for $V_{\Phi}^{-}$.}\label{trf
rho}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}

  \includegraphics[width=7 cm, angle=-90]{fig19.eps}\\
  \caption{Color online. The transfer function $V_{\Phi}^{+}$ for geometrically
  symmetric SQUIDs ($\alpha_g=0$). Black triangles with SQUID \#
  are experimental points;  blue circles are corresponding values
  calculated by using Eqs. 6 for intrinsic asymmetry from Ref.\onlinecite{Mueller}.
  Solid lines show a guide dependance for three different inductances
  calculated from the same equations for $I_C=15\mu A$. The insert shows
  the values of inductance and critical current for SQUIDs with $\alpha_g=0$ taken from
  Table \ref{tab:table1}.} \label{trf symm}
\end{figure}
\section{Conclusion}
The main purpose of the study was the experimental investigation
of the influence of the junction asymmetries on the SQUID output
characteristics (depth of modulation, flux shift, transfer
function). To this end we directly measured the current and
resistance asymmetry of the junctions in every of 20 investigated
SQUIDs. It turned out that the values of current and resistance
asymmetry ($\alpha_j$ and $\alpha_{\rho}$) were randomly
distributed over a chip without noticeable correlation either with
SQUID inductance or critical current. Even for geometrically
symmetric SQUIDs (we had 9 such SQUIDs) there was a significant
asymmetry in critical current and resistance. Nevertheless we
achieved definite conclusions about the influence of the junction
asymmetry on the SQUID output characteristics.

The dependance of the depth of modulation $\Delta V$ and the
transfer functions $V_{\Phi}^{\pm}$ on the junction asymmetry is
appreciable only for low inductance SQUIDs (see Figs. \ref{fig9},
\ref{fig10}, \ref{trf gamma}, \ref{trf rho}). For large
inductances this dependance is rather weak which is in accordance
with a small distortion of the shape of VFC for these SQUIDs (see
Fig. \ref{deviation}). Therefore, we may conclude that, in
general, both the voltage modulation and the transfer function are
not very sensitive to the junctions asymmetry.  However, for
SQUIDs with a relatively small inductance $L<70 $ pH the
dependance on asymmetry is more significant, the shape of VFC is
more distorted and the transfer functions are well above the
corresponding values for large inductance SQUIDs.

As was expected, the flux shift of the VFC is more sensitive to
the junction asymmetry than the depth of modulation or transfer
functions. The dependance of the flux shift on $\gamma$ and $\rho$
is approximately linear and it is well described by the analytical
model (Figs. \ref{fig11}, \ref{fig12}).

The results obtained in the paper are important for the
implementation in the sensitive instruments based on high T$_C$
SQUID arrays and gratings.

\section*{Acknowledgment}
The authors are indebted to V. Zakosarenko for helpful discussions
related to the measurements, and to M. Sondermann and S. Giessler
for the preparation of SQUID chips for the measurements. Ya. S. G.
thanks J. T. Jeng for useful comments and for providing the
manuscript of his contribution to ASC'08 prior its publication. I.
L. N. acknowledges the hospitality of the Institute of Photonic
Technology, Jena, Germany, where the experimental part of the work
has been performed. The work was partly supported by DAAD and
Ministry of Education and Science of Russian Federation (Programm
"Michail Lomonosov", Grant \# 9686).

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


The life cycle of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was studied at 25 OC and 80% relative humidity. Observation was made on freshly laid eggs until they develop into adults and periods between different stages were recorded. The eggs required an average 11.26 days to develop into adults. The ranges of life longevity of mated males and females were 18–64 days and 20–54 days, respectively. The conditions used in the rearing experiments may be considered optimal for maintaining culture of D. pteronyssinus.
Pyroglyphidae). J. Med. Entomol., 33: 257–260.
fecundity of Dermatophagoides farinae. Exp.
allergy. Rev. Med. Vet. Entomol., 79: 611–630.
ture and humidity in dust mite microhabitats. Clin.
cal laboratory. Tropical Biomedicine, 1: 159–162.
(Acari: Glycyphagidae) in a Tropical Laboratory.
dust mites, D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus. Jap.
J. sanit. Zool., 37 (1): 79–90.
environment Exp. Appl. Acarol, 25: 751–755.
Clinical Immunol. International, 18 (3): 114–119.
Spieksma, F.Th.M. and Spiksma-Boezeman, M.I.A.
coptiformes). Acarologia, 9 (1): 226–241.


text:
Alum Chine (Bournemouth)
Alum Chine is a tropical garden at Bournemouth.
The main entrance is in West Overcliff Drive.
The tropical gardens along the chine were laid out in the 1920s and restored in 1996, while the Argyll Gardens are at the top of the cliff, giving outstanding sea views between the Isle of Purbeck and the Isle of Wight.
Near the top of the chine is the site of Robert Louis Stevenson`s house, Skerryvore, where he wrote "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and "Kidnapped". It was destroyed by enemy action during the Second World War.
Places in Bournemouth...
Alum Chine Bournemouth Pier Bournemouth Station Lower, Central and Upper Gardens Oceanarium Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum St. Peter`s Church St. Stephen`s Church


1st Batt: Batt relieved the 2nd East Lancs in the trenches at 10pm after sudden orders.
2nd Batt: Batt marched at 9am to Sus-St Leger to go into Reserve to the 6th Corps, but Batt was recalled and returned to billets. Rumours of strong enemy offensive near Armentieres and Bethune so Batt ready to move at short notice. In the evening the Batt was sent to Aobigny where men entrained.
3rd Batt: Batt made good the Berks, Sussex and Lancs posts in the early hours. Two prisoners captured during the night. Enemy worked a way round the right flank so men drawn back from Berks and Sussex posts and took up a position left of L`Hallobeau and inflicted severe casualties on enemy from there. At 2.30pm Batt withdrew to the Steenwercke to Armentieres railway with right flank at the Station. At 6pm the enemy came along the railway and attacked the left flank, capturing Lt HV Richards, the Lewis gun Officer. Batt withdrew from enfilade of machine gun fire and were near the 4th Worcs.
4th Batt: Batt relieved in Passchendaele Sector by 23rd Middlesex and arrived back in School Camp at 6am, having been in the Line for 18 days. Batt arrived at La Creche at 4 pm. There was a constant stream of refugees, wounded and straggler, guns and transport moving back towards Bailleul. Batt deployed with remainder of 88th Brig and established a position at La Creche covering the approaches from Steenwercke and the south east. Batt caught enemy coming down the railway line in columns of 4s and dispersed him with Lewis gun and rifle fire. Night spent consolidating our position and patrolling next to the 3rd Batt Worcs.
10th Batt: At 5.30am enemy barrage started and German infantry flooded forward with 13 Batts. All the officers of 2nd forward Coys fell and Coy Sgt Major SW Brush and Coy Sgt Major F Yeates took command. Sgt B King took command of his platoon, held up 2 enemy attacks and then covered the withdrawal of his troops. Soon after 6.30am, the last defences had fallen and the enemy swarmed into reserve trenches, killing many defenders and breaking the line. Some 50 leaderless men of the Batt made their way up to high ground south of Pick House. At the summit of the Ridge, the 88th Brigade RFA took guns there and blasted the enemy, helped by our Batt men with borrowed Lewis guns and rifles. They were led by Capt. Dougall. Enemy was repulsed and at dusk orders came to withdraw.
WAR HONOURS – Fine Deeds by Wor'shire Officers – BAR TO D.S.O. Major (Actg Lieut Col) C S Linton, D.S.O. M.C., Worcs. Reg. In the initial arrangements for an attack, which resulted in the capture of the first two objectives, as well as during the action and the consolidation after, he displayed marked ability and leadership as well as fearlessness in exposing himself when necessary. Major Linton has been in the Regiment many years. He served in the South African War. In this War he has been mentioned in dispatches, received the M.C., the D.S.O., in June 1916 and the fact that he has been awarded a bar to it was announced in Nov., 1917.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER – Lieut Col H Gogarty, Worcs. Regt. He was wounded early in the operations and though he was suffering much pain, he refused to leave his post and remained in command of his Battalion during three days of heavy fighting. He showed great courage and resolution and largely contributed to the successful defence of the sector against repeated enemy counter attacks.


"Turnover of Personal Assistants and the Incidence of Injury among Adul" by Meg A. Traci Ph.D., Ann Szalda-Petree Ph.D. et al.
Relatively little is known about the incidence and prevalence of injuries and other secondary conditions experienced by adults with developmental disabilities. Understanding the risk factors for secondary conditions and strategies for their prevention is important to people with disabilities, rehabilitation providers, and public health agencies. Many secondary condition prevention strategies require direct involvement of the individual with a disability. However, the nature of some disabling conditions requires help from an intermediary facilitator, frequently known as a "Personal Care Attendant" (PCA) or a "Personal Assistant" (PA).
This research is supported by Office on Disability & Health, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, grant no. R04/CCR814162-01, with additional support from DDPAC and NIDRR.
Traci, Meg A. Ph.D.; Szalda-Petree, Ann Ph.D.; Seninger, Steve Ph.D.; and Rural Institute, University of Montana, "Turnover of Personal Assistants and the Incidence of Injury among Adults with Developmental Disabilities" (1999). Health and Wellness. 31.


text:
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Argyrops megalommatus är en fiskart som först beskrevs av Klunzinger, 1870.  Argyrops megalommatus ingår i släktet Argyrops och familjen havsrudefiskar. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Havsrudefiskar
megalommatus

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


In South Africa we live near a busy intersection. During the week thousands of cars, trucks, taxis (mini buses) and people-laden bakkies (the local name for utes) scream through on their way to their work destinations. At weekends the ambiance changes completely as an army of vendors, street performers and beggars in wheelchairs descends on this small expanse of asphalt, turning it into a kind of fairground.
There is one group of performers that I have been particularly taken with. These young men dress in white face make-up and baggy trousers reminiscent of the African American Black and White Minstrel acts of mid last century. They have about 120 seconds to catch a driver's attention and elicit a few rands. Soft shoe shuffles or rap are the order of the day. The skill is as remarkable as the cultural and racial ironies of their performance.
This Saturday tableau forms for me a window into the complexity of the fascinating country that is South Africa.
The parallels between my own country and my present adopted one are likewise fascinating. Australia in recent months has continued its angst-ridden debate regarding the arrival of onshore asylum seekers. South Africa, which has around 700,000 registered asylum seekers on its soil, has seen a violent protest against 'foreigners' taking up seasonal work allegedly accepting less money than would normally be paid to nationals.
Australia lately has been arguing the toss for a bill of rights while South Africa, whose history has ensured that rights are never taken for granted, struggles with the difficulties of ensuring access to those rights and values enshrined in what is arguably the most advanced, rights-based national constitution anywhere.
South Africans are enormously and justly proud of their recent history, in overcoming apartheid and introducing a true democratic system of government. The more I see the more I realise the enormity of this achievement.
But the legacy of apartheid remains and manifests itself in huge geographically centred entrenched social disadvantage, the largest income differential anywhere, a 23 per cent official unemployment rate and a lack of basic services such as electricity and water in many isolated communities.
The legacy also manifests itself in the continual battles around corruption and a pervasive, endemic level of violence. High rates of violent crime couple with a mistrust of police and an ambivalent attitude to the rule of law in many sections of the community, born of decades of law enforcement synonymous with political oppression.
The asylum 'issue' lies at the intersection of all these currents. Unlike Australia, people at the borders are given reasonably unfettered access to exercise their legal right to claim asylum. There are no South African funded detention centres in other countries. Asylum seekers, once here, are entitled to freedom of movement, full work rights and access to a full range of government services.
The capacity of the system and the economic and social fabric is put to the test by these policies. Rights are not always realised. Asylum seekers can face exploitation in the work place. They often are denied access to primary health care, as medical personnel see foreigners as unfairly competing with nationals for limited resources.
Asylum seekers face huge hurdles in renewing documentation and can face a hostile police force whose members do not always understand the documentation presented to them. Their children are not always accepted into schools whose resource allocation is based on the population of nationals in the local area.
Moreover it is more likely to be the poor of South Africa, already living under the burdens of poor education, service delivery and chronic unemployment, who are left to host and integrate the new arrivals.
Ironically, asylum seekers in South Africa are more likely to be better educated, have better skills and work prospects and are more likely to end up employed and employers than nationals. This in itself is a huge issue as the direction of resources to such people quickly breeds resentment.
The treatment of asylum seekers thus cannot be divorced from the wider problems of South African society. Again this represents a departure from the Australian experience where the asylum issue tends to be treated alone as if it is a single problem that has nothing to do with the Australian community.
In South Africa groups like Jesuit Refugee Service, mandated to work with displaced people, must 'read' the local context of their projects and respond appropriately.
The xenophobic attacks of 2008 placed countless ex-refugees and asylum seekers firmly back into dependence on charitable and church institutions. It is clear we must learn that this was a failure of groups helping refugees and asylum seekers as well as that of state institutions.
I am told there is neither word nor concept for xenophobia in any South African language. There are many people in this country doing extraordinarily creative work to overcome its problems — it seems no coincidence that Soweto's Orlando West is the only neighbourhood on earth to host two Nobel Peace prize winners.
Australia can learn much from its trans-oceanic 'neighbour' with which it has so much in common. I just trust that it can have the humility to realise this.
David Holdcroft SJ is Country Director of Jesuit Refugee Service South Africa.
Thanks David. As more comfortable and kindly educated people share their time and resources with the people you write about, so too will the poor lose their chains. The Jesuits are so good at initiating and supporting this Gospel work.
Thank you for the article 'South Africa's black and white minstrels' - the clarity of the comparison in the two countries to Asylum Seekers is so informative and helpful. I have a basic sympathy with the Asylum Seekers anyhow, but it is so useful to have this type of analysis to bring to discussions.
Here we go again. Blame it all on apartheid. South Africa enjoys a living standard even for the poorest which is much better than any where else in sub Saharan Africa.Apartheid lasted from 1948 to 1989. The white man (and Indian) has been there since 1652 and 1880. Long before apartheid, South Africa was being civilized when until circa 1900 the rest of the area was still primitive. Blame poverty, limited facilities on population growth as a result of health improvement under the apartheid form of government. Another meddlesome Jesuit!


text:
The company is changing the face of air combat training with its unparalleled safety record, outstanding team and an industry-leading 80 000 hours + of operational training flown in support of its customers worldwide. Top Aces has the experience that matters.
Canada: Dual airworthiness regime under TC & DND
TCCA CARS 702, Aerial Work
Most rigorous standard for ex-military aircraft in the world
Significantly higher and more stringent than U.S. Part 91 Experimental category used by our competitors in US
Has become the reference standard for many new programs worldwide (Germany, Australia, but also UK, U.S.)
German program is under TC oversight
Basis of Certification is SCoA and AOC /AMO
Operations and GFE under Government Operational Airworthiness
We aim to train the next generation of
combat leaders.
We pride ourselves on living our values:
Service – Integrity – Excellence – Together
Paul Bouchard
Paul has been President and CEO of Top Aces since 2012. He co-founded the company in 2000 and has held various executive positions since its inception. Paul is...
Paul has been President and CEO of Top Aces since 2012. He co-founded the company in 2000 and has held various executive positions since its inception. Paul is a widely-respected thought leader in the rapidly emerging contracted adversary industry worldwide.
Paul is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada and a former CF-18 fighter pilot. He is also a graduate of the prestigious CF-18 Fighter Weapons Instructor Course, Canada's Top Gun School.
Paul has led businesses and organizations through international growth, operations, and M&A. He has also led startups, private companies and publicly-listed companies to success. In 2007, Paul and his partners were recognized as finalists for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the startup success of Top Aces (Discovery Air Defence). Since that time, Top Aces has grown to become the recognized world leader in the delivery of highly specialized advanced adversary, air-defence and JTAC training services around the globe.
Paul was recently honored to receive the 2018 J.A.D. McCurdy Trophy, presented by the RCAF Association to Top Aces in recognition of outstanding and praiseworthy achievements by Canadians in the field of civil aviation. The award recognized the company's very unique skillset and thorough dedication to its mission of providing adversary training of the highest quality, for the benefit of air forces in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia and their allies.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Paul gives back to the community by being a proud supporter of Canada's active duty and retired personnel. He combines his years of corporate experience and his support to military personnel as a member of Canada Company, a charity that assists Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, Reservists, and Veterans through a series of initiatives.
Didier Toussaint
Chief Operations Officer
Didier is the Chief Operations Officer and is responsible for all Top Aces Operations and Program P&Ls. Didier founded Top Aces in 2000, and along...
Didier is the Chief Operations Officer and is responsible for all Top Aces Operations and Program P&Ls. Didier founded Top Aces in 2000, and along with his partners expanded this Canadian aerospace company to make it the world leading Combat Support Training Services provider flying one of the largest fleets of privately-held operational Fighter Aircraft in the world.
Didier is an honours graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada in mechanical engineering and a former CF-18 pilot. Didier flew the CF-18 for over 8 years and was awarded the prestigious "Top Gun" award for best overall performance on the CF-18 Fighter Weapons Instructor Course. He has accumulated over 4500 flying hours over his career, and was involved in numerous operations worldwide, including leading the Canadian CF-18 contingent in the Kosovo conflict. Prior to leaving the Canadian military, Didier was the Deputy Project Director for the CF-18 Modernization Program and Project Director of the CF-18 Weapons Projects.
Didier held the position of President of Top Aces and DA Defence from 2000 to 2012, along with various senior executive positions while at Discovery Air and Top Aces between 2007 and 2017. Didier is now the Chief Operations Officer, and is responsible for all Top Aces Operations and Program P/Ls. Didier is a widely-respected Defence business executive and leader, and has led several organizations through business capture, successful implementation of operations, Government contract management of complex aviation services, as well as several successful M&A activities in the last 10 years.
Didier was recently honored to receive the 2018 J.A.D. McCurdy Trophy, presented by the RCAF Association to Top Aces in recognition of outstanding and praiseworthy achievements by Canadians in the field of civil aviation. The award recognized the company's very unique skillset and thorough dedication to its mission of providing adversary training of the highest quality, for the benefit of air forces in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia and their allies.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Didier likes to give back to the community as a mentor and guest speaker in Canadian Universities, in the fields of Entrepreneurship, Engineering, R&D and Ethics.
Vincent Morello
Vincent Morello was appointed as CFO for Top Aces in 2018. In addition to his core duties overseeing the company's Finance team, Vincent oversees the...
Vincent Morello was appointed as CFO for Top Aces in 2018. In addition to his core duties overseeing the company's Finance team, Vincent oversees the global legal, security and IT functions.
Before joining Top Aces, he held several senior finance roles with European and U.S companies in a variety of leading-edge industries including pharma and aerospace. He was most recently the Vice-President Finance and Administration for Rolls Royce Canada supporting the Aerospace, Naval Marine and Civil nuclear business units.
An experienced finance professional with strong leadership and people management skills, Vincent has a broad experience base in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions as well as business transformation and integration. He is particularly adept at identifying areas of improvement, simplification and streamlining with the goal of driving better team performance and business results.
He earned his degree from McGill University and has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1998.
Chantal Tessier
Chantal joined Top Aces in 2010 and became Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) in 2018. In this role, Chantal is responsible for the overall People & Culture Strategy,...
Chantal joined Top Aces in 2010 and became Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) in 2018. In this role, Chantal is responsible for the overall People & Culture Strategy, and leading an HR team in reinforcing strong company culture, creating and leading employee engagement programs, and implementing reward and talent management strategies that enable the achievement of business goals and objectives..
Before joining Top Aces, Chantal held a variety of senior HR roles for various large IT and management consulting firms, more specifically leading the HR function for Eastern Canada at PricewaterhouseCoopers and specializing in mergers and acquisitions at IBM Consulting.
She is an experienced HR leader with a track record for developing and executing human resource strategies to enable the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization, specifically in the areas of talent management, change management, organizational and performance management, and total rewards.
Chantal is a graduate of McGill University and Concordia University and is a member of the Certified Human Resources Professional Association (CHRA).
Daniel Gibeau
Daniel joined Top Aces in 2006. In his role as CTO, Daniel oversees all technical operations namely aircraft maintenance, engineering, supply chain operations as has overall responsibility...
Daniel joined Top Aces in 2006. In his role as CTO, Daniel oversees all technical operations namely aircraft maintenance, engineering, supply chain operations as has overall responsibility for technical airworthiness at Top Aces.
He has worked in aircraft operations, aircraft engineering, and project management for government and industry for over 25 years. He also worked in complex aircraft simulation systems as a Program Manager at CAE, where he distinguished himself as the leader for the development, production and delivery of 27 visual systems for the Euro fighter simulator.
In the area of aircraft maintenance operations, he was chief of engineering and maintenance in a tactical fighter squadron operating a fleet of eighteen CF-18 aircraft in Bagotville, Quebec, and was the maintenance leader of a contingent of 80 maintenance technicians during Canada's participation in the NATO Air Campaign over the Former Yugoslavia.
Prior to that, he was part of the CF-18 Fighter Aircraft Engineering Organization as a Chief engineer for the Canadian Program of live air-to-air missile firing, and as the Project Manager for the acquisition of Canada's air-to-air missile fleet.
Daniel is a graduate of the Royal Military College in Kingston with a Bachelor in Mechanical engineering; and of the United States Naval Postgraduate School, where he obtained a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and an Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering degree. He also has an MBA from the Université du Québec à Montréal.
Ken Rotman
Kenneth Rotman is C.E.O. and a Managing Director of Clairvest Group Inc., a Toronto based merchant bank with $1.7 billion of assets under...
Kenneth Rotman is C.E.O. and a Managing Director of Clairvest Group Inc., a Toronto based merchant bank with $1.7 billion of assets under management that makes significant investments of in support of management owners in target industries, including specialty aviation.
He has worked at Clairvest since 1994, was promoted to Co-President in 1999 and to Co-C.E.O. in 2000. During his tenure at Clairvest, he has overseen over $1.1 billion of long term private equity investments in 45 companies in numerous different industries and the realization of $2.4 billion from the sale of 33 of those investments which had a cost of $0.7 billion. Ken has been personally involved in investments in the defense, specialty aviation, solar, behavioural health, home medical equipment, auto parts, oil field services, electronic security, cable television, textile manufacturing, waste management and bottled water industries.
He earned a B.A. from Tufts University in 1988, a M.Sc. from the London School of Economics in 1989 and a M.B.A. from New York University in 1991. Kenneth is currently a Director of the following corporations: Clairvest Group, Top Aces, MAG Aerospace, Also Energy and Discovery Air.
He also sits on the not-for-profit boards of HonestReporting Canada and The LSE North American Advisory Board and was previously a director of the University Health Network, The Power Plant Art Gallery and The Canadian Opera Company.
Brendan Cameron
Boardmember
Mr. Cameron has been a Director since October, 2019 and is a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Cameron, is the Managing Director of J...
Mr. Cameron has been a Director since October, 2019 and is a member of the Audit Committee.
Mr. Cameron, is the Managing Director of J.P. Morgan and has been with the company since 1997 as a founding member of the Private Equity Group.
Prior to J.P. Morgan, Mr. Cameron was with AT&T Investment Management Corp.'s team responsible for managing private equity assets. Prior to joining AT&T in 1996, he was with NYNEX Asset Management Company for five years, where he was responsible for building a portfolio of domestic and international private market investments totaling in excess of $600 million, with a strong focus on venture capital.
Previously, Mr. Cameron was in internal auditing and held other operational accounting positions within NYNEX. He is a CFA charterholder, a member of the CFA Institute, and a Certified Internal Auditor (inactive), earning his AB from Dartmouth College and an MBA from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.
Currently, Mr. Cameron serves on the advisory boards of Thoma Bravo Partners, Union Square Ventures, and Sigma Prime Ventures. He also serves as a Board Director at Top Aces Holdings, and he also serves as a board observer for Compuware Holdings and Infogix
Joseph E. Fluet
Mr. Fluet has been a Director since August 2018. As CEO and founder of MAG Aerospace (MAG), Mr. Fluet provides corporate leadership and strategic vision...
Mr. Fluet has been a Director since August 2018.
As CEO and founder of MAG Aerospace (MAG), Mr. Fluet provides corporate leadership and strategic vision for MAG, the industry's most comprehensive "tip to tail" services provider for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), able to support federal, international, and commercial customers worldwide with ISR training, operations, and sustainment support. MAG, headquartered in Fairfax, Va., is a privately held, private equity backed company.
Mr. Fluet has founded and led multiple highly successful companies, in a wide variety of industries. He sits on numerous corporate and non-profit boards and committees. Earlier in his career, he served as Washington, D.C. Attorney specializing in government contracts and international law. Prior to that he served as a judicial law clerk to the Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Fluet has also had a distinguished career in the military and national security. His career includes service in both active and reserve forces, spanning 20 years in a variety of aviation units. A veteran of conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other overseas locations, he is an experienced combat commander with expertise in security, combat aviation, special operations, and counter-narcotics.
Mr. Fluet hails from Boca Raton, Florida and is a member of the Virginia, Florida, and District of Columbia Bars.
Drew Hickey
Mr. Hickey has been retired since November 2016. Mr. Hickey acted most recently as Managing Director, Head of Investment Banking in London for Scotiabank Europe...
Mr. Hickey has been retired since November 2016.
Mr. Hickey acted most recently as Managing Director, Head of Investment Banking in London for Scotiabank Europe plc and was a member of the London Executive Committee. Mr. Hickey focused on cross border M&A, capital raising and lending to global energy businesses (2006 - 2016). Previously, Mr Hickey worked at CIBC in Toronto in various Investment Banking roles including M&A, Head of Mid-Market Investment Banking and Mezzanine Lending. (1998 - 2006).
Mr. Hickey has not acted as a director or officer with any other issuer in the past 10 years.
Annie Houle
Ms. Houle has been a director since November, 2019 and is a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees. Mr. Houle is a Senior Director...
Ms. Houle has been a director since November, 2019 and is a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees.
Mr. Houle is a Senior Director in CDPQ's Québec private equity team. In this role, she is involved in all areas of the investment process and post-investment management, and has led transactions in subordinated debt and equity involving mid-to-large cap Québec-based companies. She also sits on portfolio company Boards of Directors.
Prior to joining CDPQ in 2017, Ms. Houle worked for more than 15 years in global banking, covering a range of industries. She spent most of these years at HSBC Bank Canada, where she built the global banking team and department in Montréal. She originated, structured and negotiated several international financing transactions involving bank and bond financing, project finance and public equity, in addition to being involved in all other relevant corporate banking services.
Ms. Houle earned her Bachelor's Degree with honours in Economics from Université de Montréal and a MSc. in International Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics. She is also a member de l'Ordre des Comptables Professionnels Agréés du Québec (CPA, CGA) and is a CFA charterholder.
G. John Krediet
Mr. Krediet is chairman of C.F. Capital Management LLC, an investment company which he founded in 1987. Mr. Krediet is a director of Clairvest...
Mr. Krediet is chairman of C.F. Capital Management LLC, an investment company which he founded in 1987.
Mr. Krediet is a director of Clairvest CVG a Toronto-based private equity firm which manages about C $1.7 billion. He is an active member of the investment and compensation committees. He is also a board member of Discovery Air, Top Aces Inc. and Can-Eng.
Between 1987 and 2009 he was actively involved as CEO and or chairman building businesses in the soft drink and bottled water industries. Before founding his own company, Mr. Krediet worked for Citibank, AmroBank and G.E. Capital. He has a masters degree in Economics from the Erasmus University in Rotterdam.
Rebecca Mitchem
Ms. Mitchem became a director in November, 2019 and is a member of the Compensation Committee. She is Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Private Equity...
Ms. Mitchem became a director in November, 2019 and is a member of the Compensation Committee.
She is Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Private Equity Group at JP Morgan joined the JP Morgan in 2015 and currently, also, serves as a Board Observer for ClearMotion, Inc.
Prior to joining the Group, she was a member of the Multi-Asset Solutions team in JP Morgan Asset Management. In this role, she was responsible for working with insurance companies to create and service customized portfolios for their variable annuity platforms.
An employee since 2011, Ms. Mitchem also worked for the Global Liquidity team in the New York, London, and Frankfurt offices. She received her BS in Applied Economics and Management, cum laude, from Cornell University. Ms. Mitchem is a CFA charterholder and is a member of the CFA Institute. She has completed her FINRA Series 7 and Series 63 Certifications.
Adm. Michael Mullen
Considered one of the most influential chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in history, Admiral Mike Mullen takes a fresh approach to the...
Considered one of the most influential chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in history, Admiral Mike Mullen takes a fresh approach to the most important geopolitical issues of the 21st Century, including America's position in the world and how economic health directly impacts our national security.
Mullen, spent four years as chairman—the top military advisor to Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama—is a broad-minded, intellectually curious leader widely recognized as an "honest broker" by policymakers, members of Congress and senior military officers. He brought bold and original thinking to the work of strengthening the U.S. military and advocating for those who serve.
Mullen oversaw the end of the combat mission in Iraq and the development of a new military strategy for Afghanistan, while promoting international partnerships, new technologies and new counter-terrorism tactics culminating in the killing of Osama bin Laden.
A 1968 graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Mullen sought challenging positions including command at every level to develop his leadership skills during his naval career. He rose to be chief of naval operations prior to assuming duties as chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Since retiring from the Navy, Mullen has joined the boards of General Motors, Sprint and the Bloomberg Family Foundation. He teaches at the Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs at Princeton University. He is also known for his efforts on behalf of service members, veterans and their families.
Today, he shares his deep experience in leading change in complex organizations, his assessment of geopolitical relationships, diversity implementation, crisis management, economic policy, risk management and the growing and existential threat of cyber.
Adrian Pasricha
Mr. Pasricha joined Clairvest in 2010 and participates in all areas of the investment process. Prior to joining Clairvest, he worked in the energy group...
Mr. Pasricha joined Clairvest in 2010 and participates in all areas of the investment process.
Prior to joining Clairvest, he worked in the energy group of Warburg Pincus LLC, a venture capital firm based in New York. Adrian also previously worked at the Boston Consulting Group in New York and IB Partners, a boutique investment bank based in Santiago, Chile.
Adrian completed his graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, earning an MBA from the Wharton School and an MA in International Studies from the Lauder Institute. He also holds a BS in Economics and a BA in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
Alan Torrie
Mr. Torrie is President and Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Air Inc. Mr. Torrie's responsibilities include the development and execution of the...
Mr. Torrie is President and Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Air Inc. Mr. Torrie's responsibilities include the development and execution of the Company's overall strategic direction, and leading enterprise performance to achieve both its short-term and long-term business results.
Prior to joining Discovery Air Inc., Mr. Torrie served as President and CEO of Morneau Shepell, provider of human resource services and technology. Mr. Torrie brings with him more than 25 years of experience as a senior executive leader in the health and life science industry including, President and CEO of MDS Diagnostics and Executive Vice President of MDS Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of Retirement Residences REIT (Revera). Earlier in his career he was also the CEO of Joseph Brant Hospital. Mr. Torrie has served on numerous community boards including past Chair of AMREF Canada (African Medical Research and Education Foundation) and past Chair of Trillium Health Partners. Mr. Torrie is currently a director and Chair of the Finance Committee of Appleby College and the Chair of Extendicare Inc.
Alain Tremblay
Mr. Tremblay became a director in November, 2019. Mr. Tremblay is currently Managing Director, Private Equity Quebec at La Caisse de dépô...
Mr. Tremblay became a director in November, 2019.
Mr. Tremblay is currently Managing Director, Private Equity Quebec at La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec since 1998. Mr. Tremblay invests in equity and mezzanine debt in mid to large cap companies across North America and Europe. His current mandate is to oversee and manage a portfolio of investments of Quebec based companies. He currently manages a portfolio for a total asset under management of over 5B$. Over the years, he have served on several boards and currently sits on IPL, Groupe Canam, Manac, Pomerleau.
Mr. Tremblay bring over 35 years of experience in financial institutions such as the Bank of Montreal, Toronto Dominion Bank, Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Desjardins.
He has completed a Bachelor's and a Master`s degree in Business Administration at HEC Montreal and is a member de l'ordre des Comptables Professionnels Agréés du Québec (CPA, CGA).
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Bonaldo make beautiful dining tables and the Big Dining Table is one of our favourites. This extending version is available in four sizes; 160cm-240cm, 180cm-260cm, 200cm-300cm and 220cm-320cm.
The table top is available in a range of different finishes; white matt lacquered wood, Canaletto Walnut, heat treated polished oak veneer, black (not all sizes), anthracite grey and white extra-light acid treated glass, or iridium white, graphite grey, Calacatta and Poanazzetto ceramic stone.
The extensions are made of veneered wood (20mm thick) and provide superb stability - they can now also be chosen in glass for a £410 surcharge.
Strong metal legs are available in five different matt lacquered colours or three colour combinations. Newly added are Corten a weathered steel and a copper bronze metal finish.
Please note the 220-320cm table has limited options.
Bonaldo produce excellent designer furniture and the quality of the Big extending dining table is absolutely fantastic. Shown here with the Venere chair, to see their full collection click here or click for all dining tables.
Delivery and installation is £150 to mainland UK, we also deliver to Europe.


Jordan B was elected to a new term. Final vote count 17-12. It was a great turnout. Thank you all who participated.
Piatt Meadows will be holding a vote for a trustee position, which will be a 3 year term. The vote will take place on Monday April 8th at 6:30 PM in the community lot off of Marilyn.
This vote will be 1 vote per household.
Follow the event on our Facebook page for updates.
The annual meeting will be Sat Mar 16th at 10am; held in the large meeting room at the Orange branch of the Delaware County library.
This is a great way to get to know your neighbors, new and old!
PMHA will provide hotdogs, Raising Cane's chicken, juice boxes, water, plates and silverware.
If you have a big folding table or canopy that you are willing to setup for us, or if you have any yard games, that would be greatly appreciated.
The annual meeting will be Sat Feb 17th at 10am; held in the large meeting room at the Orange branch of the Delaware Cty library.
Please find the meeting notes attached.
On behalf of the trustees, I thank you for your patience as we took our time in discussing how we want to interpret the deed restriction relating to trash bins and what we would accept as an acceptable screen. Please see the attached document link below for more details.
Any homeowner who wishes to keep their bins outside, and doesn't currently have an acceptable screen, must have a design/plan submitted to the design review committee by Dec. 1, 2017. The submission to the DRC must also include a timeline of implementation. We understand that some plans may need to be constructed in the spring. In order for us to work with you, we need to understand both the design and installation.


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Henry Stone
With a mischievous wit and an original voice, Henry Stone is at the forefront of an exciting new movement in Australian comedy.
After breaking through in his native Brisbane, Stone now travels the country unleashing his ridiculous material for club and festival audiences alike. With a wealth of stand-up experience under his belt, Henry has also appeared on Triple J radio as part of their Splendour in the Grass, Good Az Friday and Debate Night broadcasts.
In 2011 Henry was invited to perform as part of The Comedy Zone, a showcase of up-and-coming comedians produced by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Since then he has featured at the Brisbane Comedy Festival, Sydney Fringe Festival, Harvest Festival and Woodford Folk Festival as well as in notable comedy establishments across Australia and New Zealand.
Also known as a writer and actor, Henry puts his talents to use as one third of the sketch collective Skills In Time. Along with collaborators Greg Larsen and Sam Campbell, Skills In Time have accrued over 2 million online views and have produced and performed two live comedy theatre productions – Big City Dreams (2012) and Checkmates (2013).
Henry's acting abilities have seen him appear in a slew of short films, the feature film Ad Nauseum (directed by Nikos Andronicos) and music videos.


Congratulations Merlin for supplying Industrial Products for over 25 years!
These wooden pigeon hole units are ideal for any busy office environment, pigeon hole units are available in either floor standing, cupboard or wall mounted. All Pigeon holes are designed to various sizes. "A3" is available upon request. If a standard Pigeon hole unit will not fit, then let us tailor make one for you with our Made to Measure, Made to Fit service. We now have a new unit that has been designed primarily for the healthcare industry for taking "A4" folders.
Our range of Trade & industrial grade scaffold towers include 3T compliant towers that comply fully with the Working at Height Regulations (2005). The 3T method of erecting a scaffold tower involves erecting the scaffold tower in sequence by accessing the next level via the trapdoor and fitting the braces above whilst in a 'sitting position'. Once in place these braces offer sufficient protection to begin attaching the frames to the next level and so on.
Easily moved with forklift trucks these steel drum stores with the drums stored horizontally and drum store pallets allow easy access to the contents and can be stacked 2 high like stillages.Manufactured from Heavy Duty corrugated steel in the UK.
Drum Trolleys and Stands designed to carry the standard 210 litre steel drums (Plastic drum stand at the bottom of the page). Fully welded tubular steel frames and with various options and accessories that allow for easier decanting and handling operations.
The Envirobank recycling bins are designed to collect a multitude of waste materials for recycling and they are available in external and internal versions. The external range of recycling containers are designed to be hard-wearing and long-lasting.
Galvanised Steel Shelving offers corrosion resistance and is ideal for more demanding environments where, normally more expensive options such as plastic or stainless steel shelving is required. Designed for Storerooms, Workshops and Retail storage.
Merlin Industrial Products have been operating secure online shops for decades and have the experience to help you find the right industrial product quickly and, at a competitive price.
Last week we showcased our furniture shop and this week it is the turn of the industrial shop. The main categories are shown below and lead to the online shop at merlin-industrial.com. Open 24 hours a day so that you can browse industrial equipment whenever it suits you.
Industrial products designed for companies and public bodies and complying with the current legal requirements.
Our furniture shop, like most online shops is available 24 hours a day so that you can browse the products at your leisure and but whenever you are ready. The products below link to the respective categories and if you would like to visit the shop please click on one of the images to get to that particular furniture category.
We will be adding some on the other main categories next week.
Rather than list each new update individually please find a quick representation below of brand new content from merlin Industrial products Ltd with links so that you can get more information on the item of interest.
New pages and updated information for this week.
Jive breakout furniture has been designed for the modern workplace with the latest materials and colours and the clever use of technology as shown in the collaboration tables. If you are looking for some different than the standard canteen units then Jive may will meet your expectations.
The stainless steel workbench and prep table is universally regarded as one of the material that does not rust and can be easily cleaned to remove all vestiges of bacteria or contaminants. All the stainless steel tables are manufactured here in the UK using grade 304 stainless steel.
Secure storage lockers are designed to provide multiple storage facilities in a single unit. Each locker is controlled via the keypad or with a proximity card reader. Ideal for offices, hotels, public places for the storage of mobile phone, tablets where deposit safe style storage is a benefit.
Fuze bench desks blend the best of European design with the highest workmanship standards to span a wide range of applications and support the most creative of workspaces. Fuze bench desks provide the perfect answer for a less corporate modern office. Its simple, flexible design naturally assimilates to the task or application at hand and the solid oak legs are built to last, exemplifying elegance and sophistication.