École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

About: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne is a facility organization based out in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 44041 authors who have published 98296 publications receiving 4372092 citations. The organization is also known as: EPFL & ETHL.

Enhance the optical absorptivity of nanocrystalline TiO2 film with high molar extinction coefficient ruthenium sensitizers for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract: We report two new heteroleptic polypyridyl ruthenium complexes, coded C101 and C102, with high molar extinction coefficients by extending the π-conjugation of spectator ligands, with a motivation t...

Electrical contacts to two-dimensional semiconductors

Abstract: The performance of electronic and optoelectronic devices based on two-dimensional layered crystals, including graphene, semiconductors of the transition metal dichalcogenide family such as molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and tungsten diselenide (WSe2), as well as other emerging two-dimensional semiconductors such as atomically thin black phosphorus, is significantly affected by the electrical contacts that connect these materials with external circuitry. Here, we present a comprehensive treatment of the physics of such interfaces at the contact region and discuss recent progress towards realizing optimal contacts for two-dimensional materials. We also discuss the requirements that must be fulfilled to realize efficient spin injection in transition metal dichalcogenides.

Ferroelectric materials for microwave tunable applications

Abstract: A review of the properties of ferroelectric materials that are relevant to microwave tunable devices is presented: we discuss the theory of dielectric response of tunable bulk materials and thin films; the experimental results from the literature and from own work are reviewed; the correspondence between the theoretical results and the measured properties of tunable materials is critically analyzed; nominally pure, real (defected), and composite bulk materials and thin films are addressed. In addition, techniques for characterization of tunable ferroelectrics and applications of these materials are briefly presented.

Caveolar endocytosis of simian virus 40 reveals a new two-step vesicular-transport pathway to the ER.

Abstract: Simian virus 40 (SV40) is unusual among animal viruses in that it enters cells through caveolae, and the internalized virus accumulates in a smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compartment Using video-enhanced, dual-colour, live fluorescence microscopy, we show the uptake of individual virus particles in CV-1 cells After associating with caveolae, SV40 leaves the plasma membrane in small, caveolin-1-containing vesicles It then enters larger, peripheral organelles with a non-acidic pH Although rich in caveolin-1, these organelles do not contain markers for endosomes, lysosomes, ER or Golgi, nor do they acquire ligands of clathrin-coated vesicle endocytosis After several hours in these organelles, SV40 is sorted into tubular, caveolin-free membrane vesicles that move rapidly along microtubules, and is deposited in perinuclear, syntaxin 17-positive, smooth ER organelles The microtubule-disrupting agent nocodazole inhibits formation and transport of these tubular carriers, and blocks viral infection Our results demonstrate the existence of a two-step transport pathway from plasma-membrane caveolae, through an intermediate organelle (termed the caveosome), to the ER This pathway bypasses endosomes and the Golgi complex, and is part of the productive infectious route used by SV40

The many faces of α-synuclein: from structure and toxicity to therapeutic target

Abstract: Disorders characterized by α-synuclein (α-syn) accumulation, Lewy body formation and parkinsonism (and in some cases dementia) are collectively known as Lewy body diseases. The molecular mechanism (or mechanisms) through which α-syn abnormally accumulates and contributes to neurodegeneration in these disorders remains unknown. Here, we provide an overview of current knowledge and prevailing hypotheses regarding the conformational, oligomerization and aggregation states of α-syn and their role in regulating α-syn function in health and disease. Understanding the nature of the various α-syn structures, how they are formed and their relative contributions to α-syn-mediated toxicity may inform future studies aiming to develop therapeutic prevention and intervention.