Fraunhofer Society

About: Fraunhofer Society is a government organization based out in Munich, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Laser & Silicon. The organization has 24736 authors who have published 40168 publications receiving 820894 citations.

The Ectocarpus genome and the independent evolution of multicellularity in brown algae

Abstract: Brown algae (Phaeophyceae) are complex photosynthetic organisms with a very different evolutionary history to green plants, to which they are only distantly related. These seaweeds are the dominant species in rocky coastal ecosystems and they exhibit many interesting adaptations to these, often harsh, environments. Brown algae are also one of only a small number of eukaryotic lineages that have evolved complex multicellularity (Fig. 1). We report the 214 million base pair (Mbp) genome sequence of the filamentous seaweed Ectocarpus siliculosus (Dillwyn) Lyngbye, a model organism for brown algae closely related to the kelps (Fig. 1). Genome features such as the presence of an extended set of light-harvesting and pigment biosynthesis genes and new metabolic processes such as halide metabolism help explain the ability of this organism to cope with the highly variable tidal environment. The evolution of multicellularity in this lineage is correlated with the presence of a rich array of signal transduction genes. Of particular interest is the presence of a family of receptor kinases, as the independent evolution of related molecules has been linked with the emergence of multicellularity in both the animal and green plant lineages. The Ectocarpus genome sequence represents an important step towards developing this organism as a model species, providing the possibility to combine genomic and genetic approaches to explore these and other aspects of brown algal biology further

A critical review of interfaces with the peripheral nervous system for the control of neuroprostheses and hybrid bionic systems

Abstract: Considerable scientific and technological efforts have been devoted to develop neuroprostheses and hybrid bionic systems that link the human nervous system with electronic or robotic prostheses, with the main aim of restoring motor and sensory functions in disabled patients. A number of neuroprostheses use interfaces with peripheral nerves or muscles for neuromuscular stimulation and signal recording. Herein, we provide a critical overview of the peripheral interfaces available and trace their use from research to clinical application in controlling artificial and robotic prostheses. The first section reviews the different types of non-invasive and invasive electrodes, which include surface and muscular electrodes that can record EMG signals from and stimulate the underlying or implanted muscles. Extraneural electrodes, such as cuff and epineurial electrodes, provide simultaneous interface with many axons in the nerve, whereas intrafascicular, penetrating, and regenerative electrodes may contact small groups of axons within a nerve fascicle. Biological, technological, and material science issues are also reviewed relative to the problems of electrode design and tissue injury. The last section reviews different strate- gies for the use of information recorded from peripheral interfaces and the current state of control neuroprostheses and hybrid bionic systems.

The limits of signal averaging in atmospheric trace-gas monitoring by tunable diode-laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS)

Abstract: Modern research in atmospheric chemistry requires highly sensitive techniques for the measurement of concentrations of free radicals which determine the rate of photochemical destruction of most atmospheric pollutants. Tunable diode-laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) has already been successfully used for measurements of very low concentrations of stable gases, but further improvement in its sensitivity by signal averaging has been limited by the stability of the instrument. In this paper the concept of the Allan variance is utilized to analyze the stability of an existing frequency-modulated (FM) TDLAS instrument leading to a detection limit for NO2 of 34 pptv at 6 Hz detection bandwidth. The stability of the instrument allows averaging over 60 s. Taking into account the measuring cycle consisting of the determination of the sample spectra and zero air spectra as well as gas exchange in the absorption cell, the detection limit achievable with this particular instrument was 10 pptv within 25 s under laboratory conditions. Possibilities of further improvement of the detection limit are discussed.