143 research outputs found
Photoexcited electron dynamics in Kondo insulators and heavy fermions
We have studied the photoexcited carrier relaxation dynamics in the Kondo
insulator SmB6 and the heavy fermion metal YbAgCu4 as a function of temperature
and excitation level. The dynamic response is found to be both strongly
temperature dependent and nonlinear. The data are analyzed with a
Rothwarf-Taylor bottleneck model, where the dynamics are governed by the
presence of a narrow gap in the density of states near the Fermi level. The
remarkable agreement with the model suggests that carrier relaxation in a broad
class of heavy electron systems (both metals and insulators) is governed by the
presence of a (weakly temperature dependent) hybridization gap.Comment: accepted for publication in Physical Review Letter
On the de Haas-van Alphen effect in inhomogeneous alloys
We show that Landau level broadening in alloys occurs naturally as a
consequence of random variations in the local quasiparticle density, without
the need to consider a relaxation time. This approach predicts
Lorentzian-broadened Landau levels similar to those derived by Dingle using the
relaxation-time approximation. However, rather than being determined by a
finite relaxation time , the Landau-level widths instead depend directly
on the rate at which the de Haas-van Alphen frequency changes with alloy
composition. The results are in good agreement with recent data from three very
different alloy systems.Comment: 5 pages, no figure
The Kondo Dynamics of YbIn(1-x)AgxCu4
We present an infrared/optical study of the dynamics of the strongly
correlated electron system YbIn(1-x)AgxCu4 as a function of doping and
temperature for x ranging from 0 to 1, and T between 20 and 300 K. This study
reveals information about the unusual phase transition as well as the phases
themselves. Scaling relations emerge from the data and are investigated in
detail using a periodic Anderson model based calculation. We also provide a
picture in which to view both the low and high-energy x-dependent features of
the infrared data, including identification of high energy, temperature
dependent features.Comment: 12 pages, 11 figures, submitted Phys. Rev.
Imaginary-time quantum many-body theory out of equilibrium I: Formal equivalence to Keldysh real-time theory and calculation of static properties
We discuss the formal relationship between the real-time Keldysh and
imaginary-time theory for nonequilibrium in quantum dot systems. The latter can
be reformulated using the recently proposed Matsubara voltage approach. We
establish general conditions for correct analytic continuation procedure on
physical observables, and apply the technique to the calculation of static
quantities in steady-state non-equilibrium for a quantum dot subject to a
finite bias voltage and external magnetic field. Limitations of the Matsubara
voltage approach are also pointed out.Comment: 24 pages, 10 figure
The RNA Replication Site of Tula Orthohantavirus Resides within a Remodelled Golgi Network.
The family Hantaviridae within the Bunyavirales order comprises tri-segmented negative sense RNA viruses, many of which are rodent-borne emerging pathogens associated with fatal human disease. In contrast, hantavirus infection of corresponding rodent hosts results in inapparent or latent infections, which can be recapitulated in cultured cells that become persistently infected. In this study, we used Tula virus (TULV) to investigate the location of hantavirus replication during early, peak and persistent phases of infection, over a 30-day time course. Using immunofluorescent (IF) microscopy, we showed that the TULV nucleocapsid protein (NP) is distributed within both punctate and filamentous structures, with the latter increasing in size as the infection progresses. Transmission electron microscopy of TULV-infected cell sections revealed these filamentous structures comprised aligned clusters of filament bundles. The filamentous NP-associated structures increasingly co-localized with the Golgi and with the stress granule marker TIA-1 over the infection time course, suggesting a redistribution of these cellular organelles. The analysis of the intracellular distribution of TULV RNAs using fluorescent in-situ hybridization revealed that both genomic and mRNAs co-localized with Golgi-associated filamentous compartments that were positive for TIA. These results show that TULV induces a dramatic reorganization of the intracellular environment, including the establishment of TULV RNA synthesis factories in re-modelled Golgi compartments
Elucidation of the Cellular Interactome of Ebola Virus Nucleoprotein and Identification of Therapeutic Targets
Ebola virus (EBOV) infection results in severe disease and in some cases lethal haemorrhagic fever. The infection is directed by seven viral genes that encode nine viral proteins. By definition viruses are obligate intracellular parasites and require aspects of host cell biology in order to replicate their genetic material, assemble new virus particles and subvert host cell anti-viral responses. Currently licenced antivirals are targeted against viral proteins to inhibit their function. However, experience with treating HIV and influenza virus demonstrates that resistant viruses are soon selected. An emerging area in virology is to transiently target host cell proteins that play critical proviral roles in virus biology, especially for acute infections. This has the advantage that the protein being targeted is evolutionary removed from the genome of the virus. Proteomics can aid in discovery biology and identify cellular proteins that may be utilised by the virus to facilitate infection. This work focused on defining the interactome of the EBOV nucleoprotein and identified that cellular chaperones, including HSP70, associate with this protein to promote stability. Utilisation of a mini-genome replication system based on a recent Makona isolate demonstrated that disrupting the stability of NP had an adverse effect on viral RNA synthesis
Optical study of the electronic phase transition of strongly correlated YbInCu_4
Infrared, visible and near-UV reflectivity measurements are used to obtain
conductivity as a function of temperature and frequency in YbInCu_4, which
exhibits an isostructural phase-transition into a mixed-valent phase below
T_v=42 K. In addition to a gradual loss of spectral weight with decreasing
temperature extending up to 1.5 eV, a sharp resonance appears at 0.25 eV in the
mixed-valent phase. This feature can be described in terms of excitations into
the Kondo (Abrikosov-Suhl) resonance, and, like the sudden reduction of
resistivity, provides a direct reflection of the onset of coherence in this
strongly correlated electron system.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures (to appear in Phys. Rev. B
The TIGGE project and its achievements
TIGGE was a major component of the THORPEX (The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment) research program, whose aim is to accelerate improvements in forecasting high-impact weather. By providing ensemble prediction data from leading operational forecast centers, TIGGE has enhanced collaboration between the research and operational meteorological communities and enabled research studies on a wide range of topics.
The paper covers the objective evaluation of the TIGGE data. For a range of forecast parameters, it is shown to be beneficial to combine ensembles from several data providers in a Multi-model Grand Ensemble. Alternative methods to correct systematic errors, including the use of reforecast data, are also discussed.
TIGGE data have been used for a range of research studies on predictability and dynamical processes. Tropical cyclones are the most destructive weather systems in the world, and are a focus of multi-model ensemble research. Their extra-tropical transition also has a major impact on skill of mid-latitude forecasts. We also review how TIGGE has added to our understanding of the dynamics of extra-tropical cyclones and storm tracks.
Although TIGGE is a research project, it has proved invaluable for the development of products for future operational forecasting. Examples include the forecasting of tropical cyclone tracks, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flood prediction through coupling hydrological models to ensembles.
Finally the paper considers the legacy of TIGGE. We discuss the priorities and key issues in predictability and ensemble forecasting, including the new opportunities of convective-scale ensembles, links with ensemble data assimilation methods, and extension of the range of useful forecast skill
Characterization and applications of a Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus nucleoprotein-specific Affimer: Inhibitory effects in viral replication and development of colorimetric diagnostic tests.
peer reviewedCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV) is one of the most widespread medically important arboviruses, causing human infections that result in mortality rates of up to 60%. We describe the selection of a high-affinity small protein (Affimer-NP) that binds specifically to the nucleoprotein (NP) of CCHFV. We demonstrate the interference of Affimer-NP in the RNA-binding function of CCHFV NP using fluorescence anisotropy, and its inhibitory effects on CCHFV gene expression in mammalian cells using a mini-genome system. Solution of the crystallographic structure of the complex formed by these two molecules at 2.84 Å resolution revealed the structural basis for this interference, with the Affimer-NP binding site positioned at the critical NP oligomerization interface. Finally, we validate the in vitro application of Affimer-NP for the development of enzyme-linked immunosorbent and lateral flow assays, presenting the first published point-of-care format test able to detect recombinant CCHFV NP in spiked human and animal sera
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