Nuclear Spin Quantum Memory in Silicon Carbide

Transition metal (TM) defects in silicon carbide (SiC) are a promising platform for applications in quantum technology. Some TM defects, e.g. vanadium, emit in one of the telecom bands, but the large ground state hyperfine manifold poses a problem for applications which require pure quantum states. We develop a driven, dissipative protocol to polarize the nuclear spin, based on a rigorous theoretical model of the defect. We further show that nuclear-spin polarization enables the use of well-known methods for initialization and long-time coherent storage of quantum states. The proposed nuclear-spin preparation protocol thus marks the first step towards an all-optically controlled integrated platform for quantum technology with TM defects in SiC.Comment: 12 Pages, 5 figure

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment Of Conventionally Manufactured And Additive Remanufactured Electric Bicycle Motors

In a circular economy, remanufacturing is crucial in reducing the use of primary raw materials and energy compared to new production. However, poor availability of non-standardized wear components can prevent remanufacturing. Additive manufacturing is a promising alternative to conventional manufacturing or spare part purchase for those wear components required for remanufacturing. However, there is uncertainty regarding the environmental impact of using additive manufacturing for remanufacturing. This paper compares conventional and additive spare parts manufacturing to evaluate the potential environmental savings of remanufacturing electric bicycle motors. Therefore, a reference motor was selected, and its manufacturing processes were modeled in SimaPro using the ecoinvent 3.8 Life Cycle Assessment database and the latest knowledge on processing and manufacturing processes. The results show that conventional production of electric bicycle motors has a climate warming potential of around 28 kg CO2-eq. Additive remanufacturing of electric bicycle motors at the end of their life cycle offers significant environmental savings potential. The extent of savings depends on the condition of the used electric bicycle motor and, accordingly, the number of components that need to be replaced. According to the IPCC method for the electric bicycle motor investigated, the study estimates that approximately 90.4 % savings potential can be achieved in terms of Global Warming Potential

Increased myocardial blood flow during acute exposure to simulated altitudes

Background: Although only poor data exist on changes in myocardial blood flow (MBF) under acute hypoxia, patients with known coronary artery disease are advised not to exceed a moderate altitude exposure of about 2000 m above sea level. Methods and Results: We measured MBF with positron emission tomography using O-15-labeled water in 8 healthy human volunteers (aged 26 ± 3 years [mean ± SD]) at baseline (450 m above sea level, Zurich, Switzerland) and during acute hypoxic hypoxemia induced by inhalation of 2 hypoxic gas mixtures corresponding to altitudes of 2000 and 4500 m. MBF remained unchanged at 2000 m (increase of 10%, not significant) but increased significantly at 4500 m (62%, P <.001), exceeding the relative increase in rate pressure product. Conclusions: Our results may explain why exposure to an altitude of 2000 m (corresponding to the cabin pressure in most airplanes during flight) is clinically well tolerated, even by patients with reduced coronary flow reserve, such as those with coronary artery disease. However, at an altitude of 4500 m, MBF increases significantly, supporting the recommendation that patients with impaired flow reserve avoid exposure to higher altitude

Die digitale Transformation in österreichischen Wertschöpfungsnetzwerken

Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist es, einen besseren Einblick in diese Veränderungsdynamik und die betrieblichen Transformationsprozesse zu bekommen und anhand von explorativen empirischen Methoden den digitalen Wandel der industriellen Wertschöpfung in Österreich "praxisnah" nachzuzeichnen. Dabei soll Digitalisierung nicht "anonym im Raum stehen bleiben", sondern versucht werden, diesen Wandel und das Potenzial von neuen Technologien und der Digitalisierung von Produkten und Prozessen anschaulich zu machen. Im Kern steht weiterhin die Frage, inwieweit sich diese interne und externe digitale Transformation auf die Wettbewerbsstrukturen der Unternehmen und ihrer Kooperationspartner auswirkt

Lysosomal targeting of the ABC transporter TAPL is determined by membrane-localized charged residues

The human lysosomal polypeptide ABC transporter TAPL (ABC subfamily B member 9, ABCB9) transports 6-59-amino-acid-long polypeptides from the cytosol into lysosomes. The subcellular localization of TAPL depends solely on its N-terminal transmembrane domain, TMD0, which lacks conventional targeting sequences. However, the intracellular route and the molecular mechanisms that control TAPL localization remain unclear. Here, we delineated the route of TAPL to lysosomes and investigated the determinants of single trafficking steps. By synchronizing trafficking events by a retention using selective hooks (RUSH) assay and visualizing individual intermediate steps through immunostaining and confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that TAPL takes the direct route to lysosomes. We further identified conserved charged residues within TMD0 transmembrane helices that are essential for individual steps of lysosomal targeting. Substitutions of these residues retained TAPL in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or Golgi. We also observed that for release from the ER, a salt bridge between Asp-17 and Arg-57 is essential. An interactome analysis revealed that Yip1-interacting factor homolog B membrane-trafficking protein (YIF1B) interacts with TAPL. We also found that YIF1B is involved in ER-to-Golgi trafficking and interacts with TMD0 of TAPL via its transmembrane domain and that this interaction strongly depends on the newly identified salt bridge within TMD0. These results expand our knowledge about lysosomal trafficking of TAPL and the general function of extra transmembrane domains of ABC transporters

Quantum communication networks with defects in silicon carbide

Quantum communication promises unprecedented communication capabilities enabled by the transmission of quantum states of light. However, current implementations face severe limitations in communication distance due to photon loss. Silicon carbide (SiC) defects have emerged as a promising quantum device platform, offering strong optical transitions, long spin coherence lifetimes and the opportunity for integration with semiconductor devices. Some defects with optical transitions in the telecom range have been identified, allowing to interface with fiber networks without the need for wavelength conversion. These unique properties make SiC an attractive platform for the implementation of quantum nodes for quantum communication networks. We provide an overview of the most prominent defects in SiC and their implementation in spin-photon interfaces. Furthermore, we model a memory-enhanced quantum communication protocol in order to extract the parameters required to surpass a direct point-to-point link performance. Based on these insights, we summarize the key steps required towards the deployment of SiC devices in large-scale quantum communication networks.Comment: 20 pages, 8 figure

Safety and feasibility of third-party multipotent adult progenitor cells for immunomodulation therapy after liver transplantation--a phase I study (MISOT-I)

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment for many end-stage liver diseases. However, the life-long immunosuppression needed to prevent graft rejection causes clinically significant side effects. Cellular immunomodulatory therapies may allow the dose of immunosuppressive drugs to be reduced. In the current protocol, we propose to complement immunosuppressive pharmacotherapy with third-party multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs), a culture-selected population of adult adherent stem cells derived from bone marrow that has been shown to display potent immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. In animal models, MAPCs reduce the need for pharmacological immunosuppression after experimental solid organ transplantation and regenerate damaged organs. METHODS: Patients enrolled in this phase I, single-arm, single-center safety and feasibility study (n=3-24) will receive 2 doses of third-party MAPCs after liver transplantation, on days 1 and 3, in addition to a calcineurin-inhibitor-free "bottom-up" immunosuppressive regimen with Basiliximab, mycophenolic acid, and steroids. The study objective is to evaluate the safety and clinical feasibility of MAPC administration in this patient cohort. The primary endpoint of the study is safety, assessed by standardized dose-limiting toxicity events. One secondary endpoint is the time until first biopsy-proven acute rejection, in order to collect first evidence of efficacy. Dose escalation (150, 300, 450, and 600 million MAPCs) will be done according to a 3 + 3 classical escalation design (4 groups of 3-6 patients each). DISCUSSION: If MAPCs are safe for patients undergoing liver transplantation in this study, a phase II/III trial will be conducted to assess their clinical efficacy

App-based maintenance treatment for alcohol use disorder after acute inpatient treatment : Study protocol for a multicentre randomized controlled trial

Background: Alcohol use disorder, a prevalent and disabling mental health problem, is often characterized by a chronic disease course. While effective inpatient and aftercare treatment options exist, the transferal of treatment success into everyday life is challenging and many patients remain without further assistance. App-based in terventions with human guidance have great potential to support individuals after inpatient treatment, yet ev idence on their efficacy remains scarce. Objectives: To develop an app-based intervention with human guidance and evaluate its usability, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. Methods: Individuals with alcohol use disorder (DSM-5), aged 18 or higher, without history of schizophrenia, undergoing inpatient alcohol use disorder treatment (N = 356) were recruited in eight medical centres in Bavaria, Germany, between December 2019 and August 2021. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either receive access to treatment as usual plus an app-based intervention with human guidance (intervention group) or access to treatment as usual plus app-based intervention after the active study phase (waitlist control/TAU group). Telephone-based assessments are conducted by diagnostic interviewers three and six weeks as well as three and six months after randomization. The primary outcome is the relapse risk during the six months after randomization assessed via the Timeline Follow-Back Interview. Secondary outcomes include intervention usage, uptake of aftercare treatments, AUD-related psychopathology, general psychopathology, and quality of life. Discussion: This study will provide further insights into the use of app-based interventions with human guidance as maintenance treatment in individuals with AUD. If shown to be efficacious, the intervention may improve AUD treatment by assisting individuals in maintaining inpatient treatment success after returning into their home setting. Due to the ubiquitous use of smartphones, the intervention has the potential to become part of routine AUD care in Germany and countries with similar healthcare systems

Cure and Curse: E. coli Heat-Stable Enterotoxin and Its Receptor Guanylyl Cyclase C

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) associated diarrhea is responsible for roughly half a million deaths per year, the majority taking place in developing countries. The main agent responsible for these diseases is the bacterial heat-stable enterotoxin STa. STa is secreted by ETEC and after secretion binds to the intestinal receptor guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C), thus triggering a signaling cascade that eventually leads to the release of electrolytes and water in the intestine. Additionally, GC-C is a specific marker for colorectal carcinoma and STa is suggested to have an inhibitory effect on intestinal carcinogenesis. To understand the conformational events involved in ligand binding to GC-C and to devise therapeutic strategies to treat both diarrheal diseases and colorectal cancer, it is paramount to obtain structural information on the receptor ligand system. Here we summarize the currently available structural data and report on physiological consequences of STa binding to GC-C in intestinal epithelia and colorectal carcinoma cells