Dual Synergistic Modulation of Photo-Induced Electron Transfer Processes Between Molecules and Gold Nanopillars for Ultrasensitive Plasmon-Enhanced Raman Scattering.

https://v2.sherpa.ac.uk/id/publication/25610 (Accepted version, pathway A)This work presents a synergistic approach to boost plasmon- or surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) by combining molecular and electrical modulators that fine-tune the electronic structure of metal−molecule interfaces, especially the charge transfer (CT) states, allowing molecular resonances. Paraquat (PQ2+) was interfaced with nanopillar SERS substrates whose surface excess of charge was modulated by intercalating anionic Au complexes (AuCl4−, Au(CN)2−) as well as by applying external electric potentials. Such concurrent dual modulation tuned the energy of the CT states of the substrate−anion−PQ2+ triads in resonance with the excitation laser, resulting in a large enhancement of the PQ2+ SERS bands. The results point to a novel coherent through-bond CT contribution of SERS, analogous to the superexchange mechanism for electron transfer in donor−bridge−acceptor systems. The large amplification enables high sensitivity for detecting PQ2+ and ultimately enables the on-site detection of PQ2+ in unprocessed real samples (coffee drink). This study account for new physicochemical variables affecting electron transfer processes in nanostructured metal-molecule interfaces and provides a path for further exploring chemical strategies for greater Raman enhancement and for developing ultrasensitive Raman platforms.Fundamental Research Program (PNK 7440) of the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean government (MSIT) (NRF- 2021R1C1C1010213) Junta de Andalucía/FEDER (UMA18-FEDERJA-049 and P18-RT-4592) Fundacion Ramon Areces (Madrid

Broken Kramers' degeneracy in altermagnetic MnTe

Altermagnetism is a newly identified fundamental class of magnetism with vanishing net magnetization and time-reversal symmetry broken electronic structure. Probing the unusual electronic structure with nonrelativistic spin splitting would be a direct experimental verification of altermagnetic phase. By combining high-quality film growth and $in~situ$ angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we report the electronic structure of an altermagnetic candidate, $\alpha$-MnTe. Temperature dependent study reveals the lifting of Kramers{\textquoteright} degeneracy accompanied by a magnetic phase transition at $T_N=267\text{ K}$ with spin splitting of up to $370\text{ meV}$, providing direct spectroscopic evidence for altermagnetism in MnTe

Pig-to-Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Naked Islet Xenotransplantation

Islet transplantation is an established therapy for selected type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients with severe hypoglycemic unawareness and glycemic liability despite of insulin treatment. However, the donor organ is limited. Porcine islets are the best alternative source to overcome this limitation, and pig-to-nonhuman primate (NHP) naked islet xenotransplantation studies are being performed worldwide. Several studies including our own have presented successful proof-of-concept results based on immunosuppression regimen including the anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody. Particularly, long-term control of diabetes by adult porcine islet transplantation has been demonstrated in five consecutive monkeys, and the longest survival was ~1000 days after transplantation. Currently, pig-to-NHP islet xenotransplantation based on clinically applicable immunosuppression regimen is being pursued. In this chapter, we will describe all the procedures of pig-to-NHP naked islet xenotransplantation: (1) the porcine islet isolation from designated pathogen-free (DPF) miniature pigs, (2) diabetes induction in monkeys, (3) transplantation procedure via the portal vein, (4) immune monitoring comprising humoral and cellular immunity after porcine islet transplantation, and finally (5) liver biopsy and subsequent immunohistochemical procedure in detail

The assessment of efficacy of porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome virus inactivated vaccine based on the viral quantity and inactivation methods

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There have been many efforts to develop efficient vaccines for the control of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Although inactivated PRRSV vaccines are preferred for their safety, they are weak at inducing humoral immune responses and controlling field PRRSV infection, especially when heterologous viruses are involved.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In all groups, the sample to positive (S/P) ratio of IDEXX ELISA and the virus neutralization (VN) titer remained negative until challenge. While viremia did not reduce in the vaccinated groups, the IDEXX-ELISA-specific immunoglobulin G increased more rapidly and to significantly greater levels 7 days after the challenge in all the vaccinated groups compared to the non-vaccinated groups (<it>p </it>< 0.05). VN titer was significantly different in the 10⁶PFU/mL PRRSV vaccine-inoculated and binary ethylenimine (BEI)-inactivated groups 22 days after challenge (<it>p </it>< 0.05). Consequently, the inactivated vaccines tested in this study provided weak memory responses with sequential challenge without any obvious active immune responses in the vaccinated pigs.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The inactivated vaccine failed to show the humoral immunity, but it showed different immune response after the challenge compared to mock group. Although the 10⁶PFU/mL-vaccinated and BEI-inactivated groups showed significantly greater VN titers 22 days after challenge, all the groups were already negative for viremia.</p