PPAR-gamma fun(gi) with prostaglandin

In our recent publication, we show for the first time that the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans is able to manipulate host cells by producing eicosanoids that mimic those found in the host. Using complementary in vivo zebrafish and in vitro macrophage cell culture models of Cryptococcus infection, we found that these eicosanoids manipulate host innate immune cells by activating the host receptor PPAR-gamma which is an important regulator of macrophage inflammatory phenotypes. We initially identified PGE2 as the eicosanoid species responsible for this effect; however, we later found that a derivative of PGE2—15-keto-PGE2—was ultimately responsible and that this eicosanoid acted as a partial agonist to PPAR-gamma. In this commentary, we will discuss some of the concepts and conclusions in our original publication and expand on their implications and future directions

An Exactly Solvable Two-Way Traffic Model With Ordered Sequential Update

Within the formalism of matrix product ansatz, we study a two-species asymmetric exclusion process with backward and forward site-ordered sequential update. This model, which was originally introduced with the random sequential update, describes a two-way traffic flow with a dynamic impurity and shows a phase transition between the free flow and traffic jam. We investigate the characteristics of this jamming and examine similarities and differences between our results and those with random sequential update.Comment: 25 pages, Revtex, 7 ps file

Spectral measures of small index principal graphs

The principal graph $X$ of a subfactor with finite Jones index is one of the important algebraic invariants of the subfactor. If $\Delta$ is the adjacency matrix of $X$ we consider the equation $\Delta=U+U^{-1}$. When $X$ has square norm $\leq 4$ the spectral measure of $U$ can be averaged by using the map $u\to u^{-1}$, and we get a probability measure $\epsilon$ on the unit circle which does not depend on $U$. We find explicit formulae for this measure $\epsilon$ for the principal graphs of subfactors with index $\le 4$, the (extended) Coxeter-Dynkin graphs of type $A$, $D$ and $E$. The moment generating function of $\epsilon$ is closely related to Jones' $\Theta$-series.Comment: 23 page

Examination of silver-graphite lithographically printed resistive strain sensors

This paper reports the design and manufacture of three differing types of resistive strain sensitive structures fabricated using the Conductive Lithographic Film (CLF) printing process. The structures, utilising two inks prepared with silver and graphite particulates as the conductive phase, have been analysed to determine electrical and mechanical properties with respect to strain, temperature and humidity when deposited on four alternative substrate materials (GlossArt, PolyArt, Teslin and Melinex)

Lithographically printed voltaic cells – a feasibility study

It has been shown that circuit interconnects and various passive components can be fabricated on a variety of flexible substrates using the offset lithographic process. This paper reports on a feasibility study investigating the manufacture of voltaic cells deposited via offset lithography. The Leclanche´ cell, an established battery chemistry, was chosen as an appropriate technology for adaptation to the offset lithographic process. Development of inks with appropriate rheological properties for lithographic printing was undertaken. Zinc and carbon electrodes were fabricated with silver-based current collectors. Electrolyte composition was investigated along with separator materials. Zinc and carbon-based inks have been produced which result in deposited material appropriate for use as electrodes. A separator material soaked in electrolyte has been combined with these electrode structures and an MnO2 paste to form a voltaic cell. A printed battery, made up of these voltaic cells, with a capacity greater than 8 mAh at 6 V has been produced. The fabrication of voltaic cells via offset lithography facilitates the production of electronic systems with power sources provided by the same printing process. This paper provides information of interest to all those involved in the developing industry of printed and flexible electronics

Development and characterisation of lithographically printed voltaic cells

This paper reports progress in thefabrication ofvoltaic cells and batteries via offset lithographic printing. Successful design and manufacture oflithographically printed voltaic cells wouldfacilitate the integration of printedpassive components, interconnects and display elements for disposable electronics in low-volume, low weight circuits and systems. The Conductive Lithographic Film (CLF) printing process was developed by Brunel University to fabricate circuit interconnect and various passive components at high speed and low cost. Afeasibility study, investigatingprinted cells based on Zinc-Carbon electrochemistry, is described. This has resulted in the production ofa printed battery able to power a microcontroller-driven LED display system for more than three hours. Further work seeks to improve cell capacity, address manufacturing process issues, and characterise the structures in more detail

A lattice model for the kinetics of rupture of fluid bilayer membranes

We have constructed a model for the kinetics of rupture of membranes under tension, applying physical principles relevant to lipid bilayers held together by hydrophobic interactions. The membrane is characterized by the bulk compressibility (for expansion), the thickness of the hydrophobic part of the bilayer, the hydrophobicity and a parameter characterizing the tail rigidity of the lipids. The model is a lattice model which incorporates strain relaxation, and considers the nucleation of pores at constant area, constant temperature, and constant particle number. The particle number is conserved by allowing multiple occupancy of the sites. An equilibrium ``phase diagram'' is constructed as a function of temperature and strain with the total pore surface and distribution as the order parameters. A first order rupture line is found with increasing tension, and a continuous increase in proto-pore concentration with rising temperature till instability. The model explains current results on saturated and unsaturated PC lipid bilayers and thicker artificial bilayers made of diblock copolymers. Pore size distributions are presented for various values of area expansion and temperature, and the fractal dimension of the pore edge is evaluated.Comment: 15 pages, 8 figure

Predicting population responses to environmental change from individual-level mechanisms: towards a standardized mechanistic approach

Animal populations will mediate the response of global biodiversity to environmental changes. Population models are thus important tools for both understanding and predicting animal responses to uncertain future conditions. Most approaches, however, are correlative and ignore the individual-level mechanisms that give rise to population dynamics. Here, we assess several existing population modelling approaches, and find limitations to both ‘correlative’ and ‘mechanistic’ models. We advocate the need for a standardised mechanistic approach for linking individual mechanisms (physiology, behaviour and evolution) to population dynamics in spatially explicit landscapes. Such an approach is potentially more flexible and informative than current population models. Key to realising this goal, however, is overcoming current data limitations, the development and testing of eco-evolutionary theory to represent interactions between individual mechanisms, and standardised multidimensional environmental change scenarios which incorporate multiple stressors. Such progress is essential in supporting environmental decisions in uncertain future conditions

Electroluminescent light sources via soft lithography

Microcontact printing is a process used to print high-resolution protein arrays for biosensors. The paper aims to investigate using these techniques to print electrically conductive fine line structures for electroluminescent (E/L) light sources. The viability of using microcontact printing as a process for electronics fabrication is investigated. Polydimethylsiloxane stamps inked with alkanethiol compounds form self-assembled monolayers on substrate surfaces, acting as the resist to subsequent etching processes. The printed lines are characterized with regard to their performance as high-electric field generators in electroluminescent displays. It has been demonstrated that microcontact printing is a cheap, repeatable process for fabricating electronic devices. The results demonstrate the viability of the process to fabricate electric field generator structures for E/L light sources with reduced driving voltages. The paper demonstrates that microcontact printing can produce electrically conductive fine-line structures with high resolution, confirming its viability in printed electronics manufacture

Genetic and phenotypic trends for carcass traits in Irish beef cattle

Animals subjected to intensive genetic selection require continuous monitoring to observe changes in economically important traits. The focus of this research was to estimate genetic and phenotypic trends for carcass traits for three genotypes: dairy dam and dairy sire (D×D), dairy dam and beef sire (D×B) and beef dam and beef sire (B×B). Linear regression models were used to generate genetic and phenotypic trends for carcass weight, conformation and fat score for both cows and prime animals (i.e. never parented an animal). Phenotypic trends for age at slaughter were also estimated in prime animals. Results indicated that carcass weight increased genetically by 1.1 kg per year for B×B animals, but decreased by 0.14 and 0.39 kg per year for D×B and D×D animals, respectively. Phenotypic trends reflected the genetic trends for carcass weight for D×B and B×B animals, but the decline in genetic trends for carcass weight for D×D animals was not replicated in their phenotypic trends. Carcass conformation declined genetically by 0.02 and 0.05 units per year for D×D and D×B animals, respectively, and increased by 0.05 units per year for B×B animals. Phenotypic trends for conformation were similar to genetic trends. Carcass fat showed a decrease genetically for D×D and B×B, but remained constant for D×B animals, although this was not reflected in the phenotypic trends. Age at slaughter decreased phenotypically for all genotypes. Current breeding programmes have a favourable impact on carcass traits for B×B animals, but an unfavourable trend was observed for D×D and D×B animals