Generation of two-photon EPR and Wstates

In this paper we present a scheme for generation of two-photon EPR and W states in the cavity QED context. The scheme requires only one three-level Rydberg atom and two or three cavities. The atom is sent to interact with cavities previously prepared in vacuum states, via two-photon process. An appropriate choice of the interaction times one obtains the mentioned state with maximized fidelities. These specific times and the values of success probability and fidelity are discussed.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure

Extensions of I-Reversible Rings

A ring $R$ is said to be i-reversible if for every $a,b$ $\in$ $R$, $ab$ is a non-zero idempotent implies $ba$ is an idempotent. It is known that the rings $M_n(R)$ and $T_n(R)$ (the ring of all upper triangular matrices over $R$) are not i-reversible for $n \geq 3$. In this article, we provide a non-trivial i-reversible subring of $M_n(R)$ when $n \geq 3$ and $R$ has only trivial idempotents. We further provide a maximal i-reversible subring of $T_n(R)$ for each $n\geq 3$, if $R$ is a field. We then give conditions for i-reversibility of Trivial, Dorroh and Nagata extensions. Finally, we give some independent sufficient conditions for i-reversibility of polynomial rings, and more generally, of skew polynomial rings

High capacity cryogel-type adsorbents for protein purification

Cryogel bodies were modified to obtain epoxy groups by graft-copolymerization using both chemical and gamma irradiation initiation techniques. The free epoxy adsorbents were reacted further to introduce diethylaminoethanol (DEAE) functionalities. The resulting weak anion-exchange cryogel adsorbents showed dynamic binding capacities of ca. 27 ± 3 mg/mL, which was significantly higher than previously reported for this type of adsorbent material. Gamma irradiated grafting initiation showed a 4-fold higher capacity for proteins than chemical grafting initiation procedures. The phosphate capacity for these DEAE cryogels was 119 mmol/L and also showed similar column efficiency as compared to commercial adsorbents. The large pores in the cryogel structure ensure convective transport of the molecules to active binding sites located on the polymer-grafted surface of cryogels. However, as cryogels have relatively large pores (10–100 μm), the BET area available for surface activation is low, and consequently, the capacity of the cryogels is relatively low for biomolecules, especially when compared to commercial beaded adsorbents. Nevertheless, we have shown that gamma ray mediated surface grafting of cryogel matrices greatly enhance their functional and adsorptive properties.Fil: Singh, Naveen Kumar. Universitat Bremen. School of Enigineerring and Science Jacobs; AlemaniaFil: Dsouza, Roy N.. Universitat Bremen. School of Enigineerring and Science Jacobs; AlemaniaFil: Grasselli, Mariano. Universidad Nacional de Quilmes. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Fernández Lahore, Marcelo. Universitat Bremen. School of Enigineerring and Science Jacobs; Alemani

Development and Evaluation of a Connective Tissue Phantom Model for Subsurface Visualization of Cancers Requiring Wide Local Excision

Wide local excision (WLE) of tumors with negative margins remains a challenge because surgeons cannot directly visualize the mass. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) may improve surgical accuracy; however, conventional methods with direct surface tumor visualization are not immediately applicable, and properties of tissues surrounding the cancer must be considered. We developed a phantom model for sarcoma resection with the near-infrared fluorophore IRDye 800CW and used it to iteratively define the properties of connective tissues that typically surround sarcoma tumors. We then tested the ability of a blinded surgeon to resect fluorescent tumor-simulating inclusions with ∼1-cm margins using predetermined target fluorescence intensities and a Solaris open-air fluorescence imaging system. In connective tissue-simulating phantoms, fluorescence intensity decreased with increasing blood concentration and increased with increasing intralipid concentrations. Fluorescent inclusions could be resolved at ≥1-cm depth in all inclusion concentrations and sizes tested. When inclusion depth was held constant, fluorescence intensity decreased with decreasing volume. Using targeted fluorescence intensities, a blinded surgeon was able to successfully excise inclusions with ∼1-cm margins from fat- and muscle-simulating phantoms with inclusion-to-background contrast ratios as low as 2∶1. Indirect, subsurface FGS is a promising tool for surgical resection of cancers requiring WLE

Multifunctional composite hydrogels for bacterial capture, growth/elimination, and sensing applications

Hydrogels are cross-linked networks of hydrophilic polymer chains with a three-dimensional structure. Owing to their unique features, the application of hydrogels for bacterial/antibacterial studies and bacterial infection management has grown in importance in recent years. This trend is likely to continue due to the rise in bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance. By exploiting their physicochemical characteristics and inherent nature, hydrogels have been developed to achieve bacterial capture and detection, bacterial growth or elimination, antibiotic delivery, or bacterial sensing. Traditionally, the development of hydrogels for bacterial/antibacterial studies has focused on achieving a single function such as antibiotic delivery, antibacterial activity, bacterial growth, or bacterial detection. However, recent studies demonstrate the fabrication of multifunctional hydrogels, where a single hydrogel is capable of performing more than one bacterial/antibacterial function, or composite hydrogels consisting of a number of single functionalized hydrogels, which exhibit bacterial/antibacterial function synergistically. In this review, we first highlight the hydrogel features critical for bacterial studies and infection management. Then, we specifically address unique hydrogel properties, their surface/network functionalization, and their mode of action for bacterial capture, adhesion/growth, antibacterial activity, and bacterial sensing, respectively. Finally, we provide insights into different strategies for developing multifunctional hydrogels and how such systems can help tackle, manage, and understand bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance. We also note that the strategies highlighted in this review can be adapted to other cell types and are therefore likely to find applications beyond the field of microbiology

SECIS elements in the coding regions of selenoprotein transcripts are functional in higher eukaryotes

Expression of selenocysteine (Sec)-containing proteins requires the presence of a cis-acting mRNA structure, called selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) element. In bacteria, this structure is located in the coding region immediately downstream of the Sec-encoding UGA codon, whereas in eukaryotes a completely different SECIS element has evolved in the 3′-untranslated region. Here, we report that SECIS elements in the coding regions of selenoprotein mRNAs support Sec insertion in higher eukaryotes. Comprehensive computational analysis of all available viral genomes revealed a SECIS element within the ORF of a naturally occurring selenoprotein homolog of glutathione peroxidase 4 in fowlpox virus. The fowlpox SECIS element supported Sec insertion when expressed in mammalian cells as part of the coding region of viral or mammalian selenoproteins. In addition, readthrough at UGA was observed when the viral SECIS element was located upstream of the Sec codon. We also demonstrate successful de novo design of a functional SECIS element in the coding region of a mammalian selenoprotein. Our data provide evidence that the location of the SECIS element in the untranslated region is not a functional necessity but rather is an evolutionary adaptation to enable a more efficient synthesis of selenoproteins

Genome sequencing and molecular characterisation of Staphylococcus aureus ST772-MRSA-V, “Bengal Bay Clone”

Background: The PVL-positive ST772-MRSA-V is an emerging community-associated (CA-) MRSA clone that has been named Bengal Bay Clone since most patients have epidemiological connections to the Indian subcontinent. It is found increasingly common in other areas of the world. Methods: One isolate of ST772-MRSA-V was sequenced using the Illumina Genome Analyzer System. After initial assembling the multiple sequence contigs were analysed using different in-house annotation scripts. Results were compared to microarray hybridisation results of clinical isolates of ST772-MRSA-V, of related strains and to another ST772-MRSA-V genome sequence. Results: According to MLST e-burst analysis, ST772-MRSA-V belongs to Clonal Complex (CC)1, differing from ST1 only in one MLST allele (pta-22). However, there are several additional differences including agr alleles (group II rather than III), capsule type (5 rather than 8), the presence of the egc enterotoxin gene cluster and of the enterotoxin homologue ORF CM14 as well as the absence of the enterotoxin H gene seh. Enterotoxin genes sec and sel are present. ST772-MRSA-V harbours the genes encoding enterotoxin A (sea) and PVL (lukS/F-PV). Both are located on the same prophage. Conclusions: ST772-MRSA-V may have emerged from the same lineage as globally spread CC1 and CC5 strains. It has acquired a variety of virulence factors, and for a CA-MRSA strain it has an unusually high number of genes associated with antibiotic resistance