66 research outputs found
High-energy-resolution molecular beams for cold collision studies
Stark deceleration allows for precise control over the velocity of a pulsed
molecular beam and, by the nature of its limited phase-space acceptance,
reduces the energy width of the decelerated packet. We describe an alternate
method of operating a Stark decelerator that further reduces the energy spread
over the standard method of operation. In this alternate mode of operation, we
aggressively decelerate the molecular packet using a high phase angle. This
technique brings the molecular packet to the desired velocity before it reaches
the end of the decelerator; the remaining stages are then used to
longitudinally and transversely guide the packet to the detection/interaction
region. The result of the initial aggressive slowing is a reduction in the
phase-space acceptance of the decelerator and thus a narrowing of the velocity
spread of the molecular packet. In addition to the narrower energy spread, this
method also results in a velocity spread that is nearly independent of the
final velocity. Using the alternate deceleration technique, the energy
resolution of molecular collision measurements can be improved considerably.Comment: 12 pages, 9 figure
Integrated optical addressing of a trapped ytterbium ion
We report on the characterization of heating rates and photo-induced electric
charging on a microfabricated surface ion trap with integrated waveguides.
Microfabricated surface ion traps have received considerable attention as a
quantum information platform due to their scalability and manufacturability.
Here we characterize the delivery of 435 nm light through waveguides and
diffractive couplers to a single ytterbium ion in a compact trap. We measure an
axial heating rate at room temperature of q/ms and see no
increase due to the presence of the waveguide. Furthermore, the electric field
due to charging of the exposed dielectric outcoupler settles under normal
operation after an initial shift. The frequency instability after settling is
measured to be 0.9 kHz.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figure
When to Suspect Hidden Hypercortisolism in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
Objective: To investigate whether the available literature helps to identify the characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) more frequently associated with hidden hypercortisolism (HidHyCo). Methods: A meta-analysis was performed using studies that assessed both the prevalence of HidHyCo in patients with T2D and the characteristics of these patients with and without HidHyCo. The DerSimonian and Laird (DSL) and Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman (HKSJ) methods were utilized. Results: Among the 18 available studies, 6 provided the necessary data. The association between HidHyCo and advanced T2D (based on the patients’ description given in each study in the presence of microvascular/macrovascular complications or insulin treatment plus hypertension or hypertension treated with 2 or more drugs), hypertension, insulin treatment, and dyslipidemia was reported in 5 (2184 patients), 6 (2283 patients), 3 (1440 patients), and 3 (987 patients) studies, respectively. HidHyCo was associated with advanced T2D as assessed by both the DSL (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.12-5.67) and HKSJ (OR, 3.60; 95% CI, 2.03-6.41) methods and with the prevalence of hypertension or insulin treatment as assessed by the DSL method (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.05-3.50 and OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.07-4.91, respectively) but not as assessed by the HKSJ method. Conclusion: Patients with advanced T2D have a higher prevalence of HidHyCo. These data inform about the selection of patients with T2D for HidHyCo screening
Resonant and anti-resonant frequency dependence of the effective parameters of metamaterials
We present a numerical study of the electromagnetic response of the
metamaterial elements that are usedto construct materials with negative
refractive index. For an array of split ring resonators (SRR) we find that the
resonant behavior of the effective magnetic permeability is accompanied by an
anti-resonant behavior of the effective permittivity. In addition, the
imaginary parts of the effective permittivity and permeability are opposite in
sign. We also observe an identical resonant versus anti-resonant frequency
dependence of the effective materials parameters for a periodic array of thin
metallic wires with cuts placed periodically along the length of the wire, with
roles of the permittivity and permeability reversed from the SRR case. We show
in a simple manner that the finite unit cell size is responsible for the
anti-resonant behavior
The GTPase-activating protein RN-tre controls focal adhesion turnover and cell migration.
SummaryBackgroundIntegrin-mediated adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM) relies on the dynamic formation of focal adhesions (FAs), which are biochemical and mechanosensitive platforms composed of a large variety of cytosolic and transmembrane proteins. During migration, there is a constant turnover of ECM contacts that initially form as nascent adhesions at the leading edge, mature into FAs as actomyosin tension builds up, and are then disassembled at the cell rear, thus allowing for cell detachment. Although the mechanisms of FA assembly have largely been defined, the molecular circuitry that regulates their disassembly still remains elusive.ResultsHere, we show that RN-tre, a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for Rabs including Rab5 and Rab43, is a novel regulator of FA dynamics and cell migration. RN-tre localizes to FAs and to a pool of Rab5-positive vesicles mainly associated with FAs undergoing rapid remodeling. We found that RN-tre inhibits endocytosis of β1, but not β3, integrins and delays the turnover of FAs, ultimately impairing β1-dependent, but not β3-dependent, chemotactic cell migration. All of these effects are mediated by its GAP activity and rely on Rab5.ConclusionsOur findings identify RN-tre as the Rab5-GAP that spatiotemporally controls FA remodeling during chemotactic cell migration
Drp1 overexpression induces desmin disassembling and drives kinesin-1 activation promoting mitochondrial trafficking in skeletal muscle
Mitochondria change distribution across cells following a variety of pathophysiological stimuli. The mechanisms presiding over this redistribution are yet undefined. In a murine model overexpressing Drp1 specifically in skeletal muscle, we find marked mitochondria repositioning in muscle fibres and we demonstrate that Drp1 is involved in this process. Drp1 binds KLC1 and enhances microtubule-dependent transport of mitochondria. Drp1-KLC1 coupling triggers the displacement of KIF5B from kinesin-1 complex increasing its binding to microtubule tracks and mitochondrial transport. High levels of Drp1 exacerbate this mechanism leading to the repositioning of mitochondria closer to nuclei. The reduction of Drp1 levels decreases kinesin-1 activation and induces the partial recovery of mitochondrial distribution. Drp1 overexpression is also associated with higher cyclin-dependent kinase-1 (Cdk-1) activation that promotes the persistent phosphorylation of desmin at Ser-31 and its disassembling. Fission inhibition has a positive effect on desmin Ser-31 phosphorylation, regardless of Cdk-1 activation, suggesting that induction of both fission and Cdk-1 are required for desmin collapse. This altered desmin architecture impairs mechanotransduction and compromises mitochondrial network stability priming mitochondria transport through microtubule-dependent trafficking with a mechanism that involves the Drp1-dependent regulation of kinesin-1 complex
Reconfigurable quantum metamaterials
By coupling controllable quantum systems into larger structures we introduce
the concept of a quantum metamaterial. Conventional meta-materials represent
one of the most important frontiers in optical design, with applications in
diverse fields ranging from medicine to aerospace. Up until now however,
metamaterials have themselves been classical structures and interact only with
the classical properties of light. Here we describe a class of dynamic
metamaterials, based on the quantum properties of coupled atom-cavity arrays,
which are intrinsically lossless, reconfigurable, and operate fundamentally at
the quantum level. We show how this new class of metamaterial could be used to
create a reconfigurable quantum superlens possessing a negative index gradient
for single photon imaging. With the inherent features of quantum superposition
and entanglement of metamaterial properties, this new class of dynamic quantum
metamaterial, opens a new vista for quantum science and technology.Comment: 16 pages, 8 figure
Endocytic reawakening of motility in jammed epithelia
Dynamics of epithelial monolayers has recently been interpreted in terms of a jamming or rigidity transition. How cells control such phase transitions is, however, unknown. Here we show that RAB5A, a key endocytic protein, is sufficient to induce large-scale, coordinated motility over tens of cells, and ballistic motion in otherwise kinetically arrested monolayers. This is linked to increased traction forces and to the extension of cell protrusions, which align with local velocity. Molecularly, impairing endocytosis, macropinocytosis or increasing fluid efflux abrogates RAB5A-induced collective motility. A simple model based on mechanical junctional tension and an active cell reorientation mechanism for the velocity of self-propelled cells identifies regimes of monolayer dynamics that explain endocytic reawakening of locomotion in terms of a combination of large-scale directed migration and local unjamming. These changes in multicellular dynamics enable collectives to migrate under physical constraints and may be exploited by tumours for interstitial dissemination
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