Aalto University

About: Aalto University is a education organization based out in Espoo, Finland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Context (language use). The organization has 9969 authors who have published 32648 publications receiving 829626 citations. The organization is also known as: TKK & Aalto-korkeakoulu.

Sequence element enrichment analysis to determine the genetic basis of bacterial phenotypes

Abstract: Bacterial genomes vary extensively in terms of both gene content and gene sequence. This plasticity hampers the use of traditional SNP-based methods for identifying all genetic associations with phenotypic variation. Here we introduce a computationally scalable and widely applicable statistical method (SEER) for the identification of sequence elements that are significantly enriched in a phenotype of interest. SEER is applicable to tens of thousands of genomes by counting variable-length k-mers using a distributed string-mining algorithm. Robust options are provided for association analysis that also correct for the clonal population structure of bacteria. Using large collections of genomes of the major human pathogens Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes, SEER identifies relevant previously characterized resistance determinants for several antibiotics and discovers potential novel factors related to the invasiveness of S. pyogenes. We thus demonstrate that our method can answer important biologically and medically relevant questions.

Long-term sea-level rise implied by 1.5 °C and 2 °C warming levels

Abstract: Sea-level rise is one of the key consequences of climate change. Its impact is long-term owing to the multi-century response timescales involved. This study addresses how much sea-level rise will result in coming centuries from climate-policy decisions taken today.

Synthesis of Graphene Nanoribbons Encapsulated in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract: A novel material, graphene nanoribbons encapsulated in single-walled carbon nanotubes (GNR@SWNT), was synthesized using confined polymerization and fusion of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules. Formation of the GNR is possible due to confinement effects provided by the one-dimensional space inside nanotubes, which helps to align coronene or perylene molecules edge to edge to achieve dimerization and oligomerization of the molecules into long nanoribbons. Almost 100% filling of SWNT with GNR is achieved while nanoribbon length is limited only by the length of the encapsulating nanotube. The PAH fusion reaction provides a very simple and easily scalable method to synthesize GNR@SWNT in macroscopic amounts. First-principle simulations indicate that encapsulation of the GNRs is energetically favorable and that the electronic structure of the encapsulated GNRs is the same as for the free-standing ones, pointing to possible applications of the GNR@SWNT structures in photonics and nanoelectronics.

Solution processing of graphene, topological insulators and other 2d crystals for ultrafast photonics

Abstract: Graphene and other two-dimensional (2d) crystals are promising materials for photonic and optoelectronic applications. A key requirement for these applications is the development of industrial-scale, reliable, inexpensive production processes, while providing a balance between ease of fabrication and final material quality with on-demand properties. Solution-processing offers a simple and cost-effective pathway to fabricate various 2d crystal based photonic devices, presenting huge integration flexibility compared to conventional methods. Here we present an overview of graphene and other 2d crystals based ultrafast photonics, from solution processing of the raw bulk materials, the fabrication of saturable absorbers, to their applications in ultrafast lasers.

MEG Signatures of a Perceived Match or Mismatch between Individual and Group Opinions

Abstract: Humans often adjust their opinions to the perceived opinions of others. Neural responses to a perceived match or mismatch between individual and group opinions have been investigated previously, but some findings are inconsistent. In this study, we used magnetoencephalographic source imaging to investigate further neural responses to the perceived opinions of others. We found that group opinions mismatching with individual opinions evoked responses in the anterior and posterior medial prefrontal cortices, as well as in the temporoparietal junction and ventromedial prefrontal cortex in the 220–320 and 380–530 ms time windows. Evoked responses were accompanied by an increase in the power of theta oscillations (4–8 Hz) over a number of frontal cortical sites. Group opinions matching with individual opinions evoked an increase in amplitude of beta oscillations (13–30 Hz) in the anterior cingulate and ventral medial prefrontal cortices. Based on these results, we argue that distinct valuation and performance-monitoring neural circuits in the medial cortices of the brain may monitor compliance of individual behavior to the perceived group norms.