210 research outputs found
Broadband, Polarization-Sensitive Photodetector Based on Optically-Thick Films of Macroscopically Long, Dense, and Aligned Carbon Nanotubes
Increasing performance demands on photodetectors and solar cells require the development of entirely new
materials and technological approaches.Wereport on the fabrication and optoelectronic characterization of
a photodetector based on optically-thick films of dense, aligned, and macroscopically long single-wall
carbon nanotubes. The photodetector exhibits broadband response from the visible to the mid-infrared
under global illumination, with a response time less than 32 ms. Scanning photocurrent microscopy
indicates that the signal originates at the contact edges, with an amplitude and width that can be tailored by
choosing different contact metals. A theoretical model demonstrates the photothermoelectric origin of the
photoresponse due to gradients in the nanotube Seebeck coefficient near the contacts. The experimental and
theoretical results open a new path for the realization of optoelectronic devices based on
three-dimensionally organized nanotubes
Probing host pathogen cross-talk by transcriptional profiling of both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and infected human dendritic cells and macrophages
This study provides the proof of principle that probing the host and the microbe transcriptomes simultaneously is a valuable means to accessing unique information on host pathogen interactions. Our results also underline the extraordinary plasticity of host cell and pathogen responses to infection, and provide a solid framework to further understand the complex mechanisms involved in immunity to M. tuberculosis and in mycobacterial adaptation to different intracellular environments
Amenability of groups and -sets
This text surveys classical and recent results in the field of amenability of
groups, from a combinatorial standpoint. It has served as the support of
courses at the University of G\"ottingen and the \'Ecole Normale Sup\'erieure.
The goals of the text are (1) to be as self-contained as possible, so as to
serve as a good introduction for newcomers to the field; (2) to stress the use
of combinatorial tools, in collaboration with functional analysis, probability
etc., with discrete groups in focus; (3) to consider from the beginning the
more general notion of amenable actions; (4) to describe recent classes of
examples, and in particular groups acting on Cantor sets and topological full
groups
Determination of Membrane Protein Transporter Oligomerization in Native Tissue Using Spatial Fluorescence Intensity Fluctuation Analysis
Membrane transporter proteins exist in a complex dynamic equilibrium between various oligomeric states that include monomers, dimers, dimer of dimers and higher order oligomers. Given their sub-optical microscopic resolution size, the oligomerization state of membrane transporters is difficult to quantify without requiring tissue disruption and indirect biochemical methods. Here we present the application of a fluorescence measurement technique which combines fluorescence image moment analysis and spatial intensity distribution analysis (SpIDA) to determine the oligomerization state of membrane proteins in situ. As a model system we analyzed the oligomeric state(s) of the electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1-A in cultured cells and in rat kidney. The approaches that we describe offer for the first time the ability to investigate the oligomeric state of membrane transporter proteins in their native state
Do hypoxia/normoxia culturing conditions change the neuroregulatory profile of Wharton Jelly mesenchymal stem cells secretome?
Introduction: The use of human umbilical cord Wharton Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) has been considered a new potential source for future safe applications in regenerative medicine. Indeed, the application of hWJ-MSCs into different animal models of disease, including those from the central nervous system, has shown remarkable therapeutic benefits mostly associated with their secretome. Conventionally, hWJ-MSCs are cultured and characterized under normoxic conditions (21 % oxygen tension), although the oxygen levels within tissues are typically much lower (hypoxic) than these standard culture conditions. Therefore, oxygen tension represents an important environmental factor that may affect the performance of mesenchymal stem cells in vivo. However, the impact of hypoxic conditions on distinct mesenchymal stem cell characteristics, such as the secretome, still remains unclear. Methods: In the present study, we have examined the effects of normoxic (21 % O2) and hypoxic (5 % O2) conditions on the hWJ-MSC secretome. Subsequently, we address the impact of the distinct secretome in the neuronal cell survival and differentiation of human neural progenitor cells. Results: The present data indicate that the hWJ-MSC secretome collected from normoxic and hypoxic conditions displayed similar effects in supporting neuronal differentiation of human neural progenitor cells in vitro. However, proteomic analysis revealed that the use of hypoxic preconditioning led to the upregulation of several proteins within the hWJ-MSC secretome. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the optimization of parameters such as hypoxia may lead to the development of strategies that enhance the therapeutic effects of the secretome for future regenerative medicine studies and applications. © 2015 Teixeira et al.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) (Ciência 2007
program and IF Development Grant (AJS); and pre-doctoral fellowships to
FGT (SFRH/69637/ 2010) and SIA (SFRH/BD/81495/2011); Canada Research
Chairs (LAB) and a SSE Postdoctoral Fellowship (KMP); The National Mass
Spectrometry Network (RNEM) (REDE/1506/REM/2005); co-funded by Programa
Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2 – O Novo Norte), ao abrigo do Quadro de
Referência Estratégico Nacional (QREN), através do Fundo Europeu de
Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Estrogen/Estrogen Receptor Alpha Signaling in Mouse Posterofrontal Cranial Suture Fusion
BACKGROUND: While premature suture fusion, or craniosynostosis, is a relatively common condition, the cause is often unknown. Estrogens are associated with growth plate fusion of endochondral bones. In the following study, we explore the previously unknown significance of estrogen/estrogen receptor signaling in cranial suture biology. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Firstly, estrogen receptor (ER) expression was examined in physiologically fusing (posterofrontal) and patent (sagittal) mouse cranial sutures by quantitative RT-PCR. Next, the cranial suture phenotype of ER alpha and ER beta knockout (alphaERKO, betaERKO) mice was studied. Subsequently, mouse suture-derived mesenchymal cells (SMCs) were isolated; the effects of 17-beta estradiol or the estrogen antagonist Fulvestrant on gene expression, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation were examined in vitro. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed in which Fulvestrant was administered subcutaneously to the mouse calvaria. Results showed that increased ERalpha but not ERbeta transcript abundance temporally coincided with posterofrontal suture fusion. The alphaERKO but not betaERKO mouse exhibited delayed posterofrontal suture fusion. In vitro, addition of 17-beta estradiol enhanced both osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation in suture-derived mesenchymal cells, effects reversible by Fulvestrant. Finally, in vivo application of Fulvestrant significantly diminished calvarial osteogenesis, inhibiting suture fusion. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Estrogen signaling through ERalpha but not ERbeta is associated with and necessary for normal mouse posterofrontal suture fusion. In vitro studies suggest that estrogens may play a role in osteoblast and/or chondrocyte differentiation within the cranial suture complex
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Observational hertzsprung-russell diagrams
We highlight the power of the Gaia DR2 in studying many fine structures of
the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram (HRD). Gaia allows us to present many different
HRDs, depending in particular on stellar population selections. We do not aim
here for completeness in terms of types of stars or stellar evolutionary
aspects. Instead, we have chosen several illustrative examples. We describe
some of the selections that can be made in Gaia DR2 to highlight the main
structures of the Gaia HRDs. We select both field and cluster (open and
globular) stars, compare the observations with previous classifications and
with stellar evolutionary tracks, and we present variations of the Gaia HRD
with age, metallicity, and kinematics. Late stages of stellar evolution such as
hot subdwarfs, post-AGB stars, planetary nebulae, and white dwarfs are also
analysed, as well as low-mass brown dwarf objects. The Gaia HRDs are
unprecedented in both precision and coverage of the various Milky Way stellar
populations and stellar evolutionary phases. Many fine structures of the HRDs
are presented. The clear split of the white dwarf sequence into hydrogen and
helium white dwarfs is presented for the first time in an HRD. The relation
between kinematics and the HRD is nicely illustrated. Two different populations
in a classical kinematic selection of the halo are unambiguously identified in
the HRD. Membership and mean parameters for a selected list of open clusters
are provided. They allow drawing very detailed cluster sequences, highlighting
fine structures, and providing extremely precise empirical isochrones that will
lead to more insight in stellar physics. Gaia DR2 demonstrates the potential of
combining precise astrometry and photometry for large samples for studies in
stellar evolution and stellar population and opens an entire new area for
HRD-based studies
Gaia Data Release 1: Open cluster astrometry: Performance, limitations, and future prospects
Context. The first Gaia Data Release contains the Tycho-Gaia Astrometric
Solution (TGAS). This is a subset of about 2 million stars for which, besides
the position and photometry, the proper motion and parallax are calculated
using Hipparcos and Tycho-2 positions in 1991.25 as prior information. Aims. We
investigate the scientific potential and limitations of the TGAS component by
means of the astrometric data for open clusters. Methods. Mean cluster parallax
and proper motion values are derived taking into account the error correlations
within the astrometric solutions for individual stars, an estimate of the
internal velocity dispersion in the cluster, and, where relevant, the effects
of the depth of the cluster along the line of sight. Internal consistency of
the TGAS data is assessed. Results. Values given for standard uncertainties are
still inaccurate and may lead to unrealistic unit-weight standard deviations of
least squares solutions for cluster parameters. Reconstructed mean cluster
parallax and proper motion values are generally in very good agreement with
earlier Hipparcos-based determination, although the Gaia mean parallax for the
Pleiades is a significant exception. We have no current explanation for that
discrepancy. Most clusters are observed to extend to nearly 15 pc from the
cluster centre, and it will be up to future Gaia releases to establish whether
those potential cluster-member stars are still dynamically bound to the
clusters. Conclusions. The Gaia DR1 provides the means to examine open clusters
far beyond their more easily visible cores, and can provide membership
assessments based on proper motions and parallaxes. A combined HR diagram shows
the same features as observed before using the Hipparcos data, with clearly
increased luminosities for older A and F dwarfs
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