Showing papers by "Ikerbasque published in 2015"
University Hospital Bonn1, University of California, Riverside2, Harvard University3, Case Western Reserve University4, University of Illinois at Chicago5, European Institute6, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System7, Stanford University8, Spanish National Research Council9, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute10, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology11, University of California, Los Angeles12, University of Southern Denmark13, University of Cambridge14, University of the Basque Country15, University of Manchester16, Ikerbasque17, RIKEN Brain Science Institute18, University of Eastern Finland19, University of Massachusetts Medical School20, University of Bonn21, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research22, University of Southern California23, University of South Florida24, Duke University25, Southampton General Hospital26, Moorgreen Hospital27, University of Southampton28, Louisiana State University29, Imperial College London30, Centre national de la recherche scientifique31, Karolinska Institutet32, Max Planck Society33, University of Tübingen34, University of Groningen35, University of Colorado Denver36, Douglas Mental Health University Institute37
TL;DR: Genome-wide analysis suggests that several genes that increase the risk for sporadic Alzheimer's disease encode factors that regulate glial clearance of misfolded proteins and the inflammatory reaction.
Abstract: Increasing evidence suggests that Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis is not restricted to the neuronal compartment, but includes strong interactions with immunological mechanisms in the brain. Misfolded and aggregated proteins bind to pattern recognition receptors on microglia and astroglia, and trigger an innate immune response characterised by release of inflammatory mediators, which contribute to disease progression and severity. Genome-wide analysis suggests that several genes that increase the risk for sporadic Alzheimer's disease encode factors that regulate glial clearance of misfolded proteins and the inflammatory reaction. External factors, including systemic inflammation and obesity, are likely to interfere with immunological processes of the brain and further promote disease progression. Modulation of risk factors and targeting of these immune mechanisms could lead to future therapeutic or preventive strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
3,947 citations
University of Helsinki1, Semmelweis University2, University of Szeged3, Hungarian Academy of Sciences4, University of Palermo5, University of Porto6, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto7, Autonomous University of Barcelona8, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular9, Ikerbasque10, Harvard University11, University of Duisburg-Essen12, Paracelsus Private Medical University of Salzburg13, Salk Institute for Biological Studies14, University of Colorado Denver15, Bilkent University16, Middle East Technical University17, Statens Serum Institut18, University of Southern Denmark19, Ghent University Hospital20, Oslo University Hospital21, University of Belgrade22, University of Ljubljana23, University of Mainz24, Finnish Red Cross25, University of Gothenburg26, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study centre27, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW28, University of Valencia29, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares30, University of Freiburg31, Utrecht University32, Trinity College, Dublin33, Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies34, University of Barcelona35, International University Of Catalonia36, Aarhus University Hospital37
TL;DR: A comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the physiological roles of EVs is provided, drawing on the unique EV expertise of academia-based scientists, clinicians and industry based in 27 European countries, the United States and Australia.
Abstract: In the past decade, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as potent vehicles of intercellular communication, both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This is due to their capacity to transfer proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, thereby influencing various physiological and pathological functions of both recipient and parent cells. While intensive investigation has targeted the role of EVs in different pathological processes, for example, in cancer and autoimmune diseases, the EV-mediated maintenance of homeostasis and the regulation of physiological functions have remained less explored. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the physiological roles of EVs, which has been written by crowd-sourcing, drawing on the unique EV expertise of academia-based scientists, clinicians and industry based in 27 European countries, the United States and Australia. This review is intended to be of relevance to both researchers already working on EV biology and to newcomers who will encounter this universal cell biological system. Therefore, here we address the molecular contents and functions of EVs in various tissues and body fluids from cell systems to organs. We also review the physiological mechanisms of EVs in bacteria, lower eukaryotes and plants to highlight the functional uniformity of this emerging communication system.
3,690 citations
Paracelsus Private Medical University of Salzburg1, University of Duisburg-Essen2, Semmelweis University3, University of Turin4, Institut Gustave Roussy5, Brown University6, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile7, University of Barcelona8, Trinity College, Dublin9, Istituto Superiore di Sanità10, Ikerbasque11, Pohang University of Science and Technology12, University of Louisville13, Ghent University Hospital14, La Trobe University15, Harvard University16, National University of Singapore17, Maastricht University18, University of Mainz19, University of Cambridge20, Utrecht University21, Agency for Science, Technology and Research22, University of Gothenburg23, University of Valencia24, University of Freiburg25, Aalborg University26, National Research Council27, Paul Ehrlich Institute28, German Red Cross29, University of Oxford30, Karolinska Institutet31
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarize recent developments and the current knowledge of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and discuss safety and regulatory requirements that must be considered for pharmaceutical manufacturing and clinical application.
Abstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes and microvesicles, are released by different cell types and participate in physiological and pathophysiological processes. EVs mediate intercellular communication as cell-derived extracellular signalling organelles that transmit specific information from their cell of origin to their target cells. As a result of these properties, EVs of defined cell types may serve as novel tools for various therapeutic approaches, including (a) anti-tumour therapy, (b) pathogen vaccination, (c) immune-modulatory and regenerative therapies and (d) drug delivery. The translation of EVs into clinical therapies requires the categorization of EV-based therapeutics in compliance with existing regulatory frameworks. As the classification defines subsequent requirements for manufacturing, quality control and clinical investigation, it is of major importance to define whether EVs are considered the active drug components or primarily serve as drug delivery vehicles. For an effective and particularly safe translation of EV-based therapies into clinical practice, a high level of cooperation between researchers, clinicians and competent authorities is essential. In this position statement, basic and clinical scientists, as members of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) and of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, namely European Network on Microvesicles and Exosomes in Health and Disease (ME-HaD), summarize recent developments and the current knowledge of EV-based therapies. Aspects of safety and regulatory requirements that must be considered for pharmaceutical manufacturing and clinical application are highlighted. Production and quality control processes are discussed. Strategies to promote the therapeutic application of EVs in future clinical studies are addressed.
954 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the branching fraction ratio R(D)(()*()) of (B) over bar → D-(*())tau(-)(nu)over bar (tau) relative to (B), where l = e or mu, was measured using the full Belle data sample.
Abstract: We report a measurement of the branching fraction ratios R(D)(()*()) of (B) over bar -> D-(*())tau(-)(nu) over bar (tau) relative to (B) over bar -> D-(*())l(-)(nu) over barl (where l = e or mu) using the full Belle data sample of 772 x 10(6)B (B) over bar pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. The measured values are R(D) = 0.375 +/- 0.064(stat) +/- 0.026(syst) and R(D*) = 0.293 +/- 0.038 (stat) +/- 0.015 (syst). The analysis uses hadronic reconstruction of the tag-side B meson and purely leptonic t decays. The results are consistent with earlier measurements and do not show a significant deviation from the standard model prediction.
652 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that soil serves as a key source of vine-associated bacteria and that edaphic factors and vineyard-specific properties can influence the native grapevine microbiome preharvest.
Abstract: Grapevine is a well-studied, economically relevant crop, whose associated bacteria could influence its organoleptic properties. In this study, the spatial and temporal dynamics of the bacterial communities associated with grapevine organs (leaves, flowers, grapes, and roots) and soils were characterized over two growing seasons to determine the influence of vine cultivar, edaphic parameters, vine developmental stage (dormancy, flowering, preharvest), and vineyard. Belowground bacterial communities differed significantly from those aboveground, and yet the communities associated with leaves, flowers, and grapes shared a greater proportion of taxa with soil communities than with each other, suggesting that soil may serve as a bacterial reservoir. A subset of soil microorganisms, including root colonizers significantly enriched in plant growth-promoting bacteria and related functional genes, were selected by the grapevine. In addition to plant selective pressure, the structure of soil and root microbiota was significantly influenced by soil pH and C:N ratio, and changes in leaf- and grape-associated microbiota were correlated with soil carbon and showed interannual variation even at small spatial scales. Diazotrophic bacteria, e.g., Rhizobiaceae and Bradyrhizobium spp., were significantly more abundant in soil samples and root samples of specific vineyards. Vine-associated microbial assemblages were influenced by myriad factors that shape their composition and structure, but the majority of organ-associated taxa originated in the soil, and their distribution reflected the influence of highly localized biogeographic factors and vineyard management. IMPORTANCE Vine-associated bacterial communities may play specific roles in the productivity and disease resistance of their host plant. Also, the bacterial communities on grapes have the potential to influence the organoleptic properties of the wine, contributing to a regional terroir. Understanding that factors that influence these bacteria may provide insights into management practices to shape and craft individual wine properties. We show that soil serves as a key source of vine-associated bacteria and that edaphic factors and vineyard-specific properties can influence the native grapevine microbiome preharvest.
649 citations
TL;DR: A Red Channel method is proposed, where colors associated to short wavelengths are recovered, as expected for underwater images, leading to a recovery of the lost contrast, and achieves a natural color correction and superior or equivalent visibility improvement when compared to other state-of-the-art methods.
584 citations
TL;DR: First-principles calculations are used to study structural, vibrational, and superconducting properties of H2S and H3S and show that High-pressure hydrogen sulfide is a strongly anharmonic superconductor.
Abstract: The coupling of electrons to anharmonic crystal vibrations may explain the record high-temperature superconductivity in highly pressurized hydrogen sulfide.
385 citations
TL;DR: Digital methods are used to construct the required arbitrary interactions, and perform quantum simulation of up to four fermionic modes with a superconducting quantum circuit, and reach fidelities that are consistent with a simple model of uncorrelated errors.
Abstract: One of the key applications of quantum information is simulating nature. Fermions are ubiquitous in nature, appearing in condensed matter systems, chemistry and high energy physics. However, universally simulating their interactions is arguably one of the largest challenges, because of the difficulties arising from anticommutativity. Here we use digital methods to construct the required arbitrary interactions, and perform quantum simulation of up to four fermionic modes with a superconducting quantum circuit. We employ in excess of 300 quantum logic gates, and reach fidelities that are consistent with a simple model of uncorrelated errors. The presented approach is in principle scalable to a larger number of modes, and arbitrary spatial dimensions.
342 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the general strategies for the design of innovative polymer electrolytes using poly(ionic liquid)s is presented, with a special attention given to the optimization of both the ionic monomer chemical structure and macromolecular architecture to achieve the highest possible polymer ionic conductivity.
330 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight the synthetic aspects that generally remain in the shadows in order to provide the scientific community with a user-friendly guide for the production of gold nanorods.
Abstract: This chapter highlights the synthetic aspects that generally remain in the shadows in order to provide the scientific community with a user-friendly guide for the production of gold nanorods. The mechanism behind the formation of gold nanorods is still a matter of much interest because a general mechanistic model would allow us to identify specific guidelines for the design of a synthetic pathway for each nanostructure. Gold nanorod synthesis requires both thermodynamic and kinetic control, which significantly increases the number of parameters that should be taken into account. The historical turning point in the development of efficient nanorod wet synthesis methods was the introduction of the so-called seeded growth protocol, where nucleation is performed separately to prepare the seeds, which are subsequently added to the growth solution for nanorod production. The growth of gold nanorods is characterized in general by a slow kinetics, meaning that several hours are needed to complete particle growth.
323 citations
TL;DR: Schwann cells degrade myelin after injury by a novel form of selective autophagy, myelinophagy which is positively regulated by the JNK/c-Jun pathway and is defective in the injured central nervous system.
Abstract: Although Schwann cell myelin breakdown is the universal outcome of a remarkably wide range of conditions that cause disease or injury to peripheral nerves, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that make Schwann cell–mediated myelin digestion possible have not been established. We report that Schwann cells degrade myelin after injury by a novel form of selective autophagy, myelinophagy. Autophagy was up-regulated by myelinating Schwann cells after nerve injury, myelin debris was present in autophagosomes, and pharmacological and genetic inhibition of autophagy impaired myelin clearance. Myelinophagy was positively regulated by the Schwann cell JNK/c-Jun pathway, a central regulator of the Schwann cell reprogramming induced by nerve injury. We also present evidence that myelinophagy is defective in the injured central nervous system. These results reveal an important role for inductive autophagy during Wallerian degeneration, and point to potential mechanistic targets for accelerating myelin clearance and improving demyelinating disease.
TL;DR: The ability of NPs to retain the polarization information of incident photons should open pathways for the synthesis of chiral photonic materials and allow a better understanding of the origins of biomolecular homochirality.
Abstract: The high optical and chemical activity of nanoparticles (NPs) signifies the possibility of converting the spin angular momenta of photons into structural changes in matter. Here, we demonstrate that illumination of dispersions of racemic CdTe NPs with right- (left-)handed circularly polarized light (CPL) induces the formation of right- (left-)handed twisted nanoribbons with an enantiomeric excess exceeding 30%, which is ∼10 times higher than that of typical CPL-induced reactions. Linearly polarized light or dark conditions led instead to straight nanoribbons. CPL 'templating' of NP assemblies is based on the enantio-selective photoactivation of chiral NPs and clusters, followed by their photooxidation and self-assembly into nanoribbons with specific helicity as a result of chirality-sensitive interactions between the NPs. The ability of NPs to retain the polarization information of incident photons should open pathways for the synthesis of chiral photonic materials and allow a better understanding of the origins of biomolecular homochirality.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors combine time-domain interferometry and near-field scanning microscopy to visualize the propagation of hyperbolic polaritons in space and time, allowing the first direct measurement of all these quantities.
Abstract: Time-domain interferometry and near-field scanning microscopy are used to investigate infrared phonon polaritons exhibiting hyperbolic dispersion. Negative phase velocity and group velocity as small as 0.002c are confirmed. Polaritons with hyperbolic dispersion are key to many emerging photonic technologies, including subdiffraction imaging, sensing and spontaneous emission engineering1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. Fundamental to their effective application are the lifetimes of the polaritons, as well as their phase and group velocities7,9. Here, we combine time-domain interferometry10 and scattering-type near-field microscopy11 to visualize the propagation of hyperbolic polaritons in space and time, allowing the first direct measurement of all these quantities. In particular, we study infrared phonon polaritons in a thin hexagonal boron nitride8,12,13 waveguide exhibiting hyperbolic dispersion and deep subwavelength-scale field confinement. Our results reveal—in a natural material—negative phase velocity paired with a remarkably slow group velocity of 0.002c and lifetimes in the picosecond range. While these findings show the polariton's potential for mediating strong light–matter interactions and negative refraction, our imaging technique paves the way to explicit nanoimaging of polariton propagation characteristics in other two-dimensional materials, metamaterials and waveguides.
University of Manchester1, University of Pavia2, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare3, University of Turin4, Centre national de la recherche scientifique5, University of Liège6, University of Antwerp7, European Bioinformatics Institute8, VU University Amsterdam9, University of Milan10, University of Southampton11, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory12, Polish Academy of Sciences13, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research14, University of Genoa15, University of Santiago de Compostela16, École Polytechnique17, Ikerbasque18, University of the Basque Country19, Complutense University of Madrid20, Lund University21, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University22
TL;DR: Transverse momentum dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions, their application to topical issues in high-energy physics phenomenology, and their theoretical connections with QCD resummation, evolution and factorization theorems are discussed in this paper.
Abstract: We review transverse momentum dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions, their application to topical issues in high-energy physics phenomenology, and their theoretical connections with QCD resummation, evolution and factorization theorems. We illustrate the use of TMDs via examples of multi-scale problems in hadronic collisions. These include transverse momentum q(T) spectra of Higgs and vector bosons for low q(T), and azimuthal correlations in the production of multiple jets associated with heavy bosons at large jet masses. We discuss computational tools for TMDs, and present the application of a new tool, TMDLIB, to parton density fits and parameterizations.
University of Copenhagen1, Weizmann Institute of Science2, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile3, Millennium Institute4, European Southern Observatory5, Ikerbasque6, Spanish National Research Council7, University of the Basque Country8, Space Science Institute9, Subaru10, Valparaiso University11, Carnegie Institution for Science12, University of Szeged13, University of Texas at Austin14
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the first results of their project to study SUperluminous supernova host galaxies (SUSHIES), focusing on the sample for which they have obtained spectroscopy.
Abstract: Superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) were only discovered recently due to their preference for occurring in faint dwarf galaxies. Understanding why stellar evolution yields dierent types of stellar explosions in these environments is fundamental in order to both uncover the elusive progenitors of SLSNe and to study star formation in dwarf galaxies. In this paper, we present the rst results of our project to study SUperluminous Supernova Host galaxIES (SUSHIES), focusing on the sample for which we have obtained spectroscopy. We show that SLSNe-I and SLSNe-R (hydrogen-poor) often ( 50% in our sample) occur in a class of galaxies that is known as Extreme Emission Line Galaxies (EELGs). The probability of this happening by chance is negligible and we therefore conclude that the extreme environmental conditions and the SLSN phenomenon are related. In contrast, SLSNe-II (hydrogen-rich) occur in more massive, more metal-rich galaxies with softer radiation elds. Therefore, if SLSNe-II constitute a uniform class, their progenitor systems must be dierent from those of H-poor SLSNe. Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are, on average, not found in as extreme environments as H-poor SLSNe. We propose that H-poor SLSNe result from the very rst stars exploding in a starburst, even earlier than GRBs. This might indicate a bottom-light initial mass function in these systems. SLSNe present a novel method of selecting candidate EELGs independent of their luminosity.
TL;DR: In this article, a universal, on-chip quantum transducer based on surface acoustic waves in piezoactive materials is proposed, which can coherently link a broad array of qubits including quantum dots, trapped ions, nitrogen-vacancy centers, or superconducting qubits.
Abstract: We propose a universal, on-chip quantum transducer based on surface acoustic waves in piezoactive materials. Because of the intrinsic piezoelectric (and/or magnetostrictive) properties of the material, our approach provides a universal platform capable of coherently linking a broad array of qubits, including quantum dots, trapped ions, nitrogen-vacancy centers, or superconducting qubits. The quantized modes of surface acoustic waves lie in the gigahertz range and can be strongly confined close to the surface in phononic cavities and guided in acoustic waveguides. We show that this type of surface acoustic excitation can be utilized efficiently as a quantum bus, serving as an on-chip, mechanical cavity-QED equivalent of microwave photons and enabling long-range coupling of a wide range of qubits.
TL;DR: A mechanism by which mitochondria regulate lysosome function to preserve T cell differentiation and effector functions is uncovered, and strategies for intervention in mitochondrial-related diseases are identified.
University of Copenhagen1, European Southern Observatory2, University of Amsterdam3, University of Iceland4, California Institute of Technology5, INAF6, Max Planck Society7, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile8, Millennium Institute9, University of Leicester10, Janssen Pharmaceutica11, American River College12, Spanish National Research Council13, Czech Technical University in Prague14, Paris Diderot University15, University of Ljubljana16, University of Warwick17, Weizmann Institute of Science18, Ikerbasque19, University of the Basque Country20, University of Calabria21
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present data and initial results from VLT/X-Shooter emission-line spectroscopy of 96 galaxies selected by long γ-ray bursts (GRBs) at 0.1 2 by 0.4 dex.
Abstract: We present data and initial results from VLT/X-Shooter emission-line spectroscopy of 96 galaxies selected by long γ-ray bursts (GRBs) at 0.1 2 by ~0.4 dex. These properties of GRB hosts and their evolution with redshift can be understood in a cosmological context of star-forming galaxies and a picture in which the hosts’ properties at low redshift are influenced by the tendency of GRBs to avoid the most metal-rich environments.
TL;DR: In this article, the spin transport and spin Hall effect as a function of temperature for platinum (Pt) and gold (Au) in lateral spin valve structures were studied.
Abstract: We have studied the spin transport and the spin Hall effect as a function of temperature for platinum (Pt) and gold (Au) in lateral spin valve structures. First, by using the spin absorption technique, we extract the spin diffusion length of Pt and Au. Secondly, using the same devices, we have measured the spin Hall conductivity and analyzed its evolution with temperature to identify the dominant scattering mechanisms behind the spin Hall effect. This analysis confirms that the intrinsic mechanism dominates in Pt whereas extrinsic effects are more relevant in Au. Moreover, we identify and quantify the phonon-induced skew scattering. We show that this contribution to skew scattering becomes relevant in metals such as Au, with a low residual resistivity.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors acknowledge financial support from the Swiss National Science Foundation National Centre of Competence in Research "Quantum Science & Technology," the Basque Government IT472-10, Spanish MINECO FIS2012-36673-C03-02, Ramon y Cajal Grant No. RYC-2012-11391, UPV/EHU Project No. EHUA14/04, UFI UFI 11/55, and a UPV-EHU PhD grant, and PROMISCE and SCALEQIT European projects
Abstract: The authors would like to thank Abdufarrukh Abdumalikov and Marek Pechal for helpful discussions. Furthermore, we owe gratitude to Lars Steffen, Arkady Fedorov, Christopher Eichler, Mathias Baur, and Jonas Mlynek who contributed to our experimental setup. We would also like to thank Tim Menke and Andreas Landig for contributions to the calibration software used in the present experiment. We acknowledge financial support from Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich (ETH Zurich), the Swiss National Science Foundation National Centre of Competence in Research "Quantum Science & Technology," the Basque Government IT472-10, Spanish MINECO FIS2012-36673-C03-02, Ramon y Cajal Grant No. RYC-2012-11391, UPV/EHU Project No. EHUA14/04, UPV/EHU UFI 11/55, and a UPV/EHU PhD grant, and PROMISCE and SCALEQIT European projects.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that a threshold response for neuronal hyperexcitation provokes a dramatic shift in rNSC function, which impairs adult hippocampal neurogenesis in the long term.
TL;DR: This review covers the recent advances in single chain technology for the construction of soft nano-objects via chain compaction, with an emphasis in dynamic, letter-shaped and compositionally unsymmetrical single rings, complex multi-ring systems, single chain nanoparticles, tadpoles, dumbbells and hairpins, as well as the potential end-use applications of individualsoft nano- objects endowed with useful functions in catalysis, sensing, drug delivery and other uses.
Abstract: The recent ability to manipulate and visualize single atoms at atomic level has given rise to modern bottom-up nanotechnology. Similar exquisite degree of control at the individual polymeric chain level for producing functional soft nanoentities is expected to become a reality in the next few years through the full development of so-called “single chain technology”. Ultra-small unimolecular soft nano-objects endowed with useful, autonomous and smart functions are the expected, long-term valuable output of single chain technology. This review covers the recent advances in single chain technology for the construction of soft nano-objects via chain compaction, with an emphasis in dynamic, letter-shaped and compositionally unsymmetrical single rings, complex multi-ring systems, single chain nanoparticles, tadpoles, dumbbells and hairpins, as well as the potential end-use applications of individual soft nano-objects endowed with useful functions in catalysis, sensing, drug delivery and other uses.
TL;DR: Control over the morphology of TiS3 is demonstrated by synthesizing 1D nanoribbons and 2D nanosheets, where differences in the electronic properties are attributed to a higher density of sulphur vacancies in nanosheeets, which leads to an n-type doping.
Abstract: Control over the morphology of TiS3 is demonstrated by synthesizing 1D nanoribbons and 2D nanosheets. The nanosheets can be exfoliated down to a single layer. Through extensive characterization of the two morphologies, differences in the electronic properties are found and attributed to a higher density of sulphur vacancies in nanosheets, which, according to density functional theory calculations, leads to an n-type doping.
TL;DR: This review focuses on the use of noble metal nanoparticles as plasmonic nanosensors with extremely high sensitivity, even reaching single molecule detection.
Abstract: Nanoparticles are widely used in various fields of science and technology as well as in everyday life. In particular, gold and silver nanoparticles display unique optical properties that render them extremely attractive for various applications. In this review, we focus on the use of noble metal nanoparticles as plasmonic nanosensors with extremely high sensitivity, even reaching single molecule detection. Sensors based on plasmon resonance shifts, as well as the use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering and surface-enhanced fluorescence, will be considered in this work.
California Institute of Technology1, Heidelberg University2, Ohio State University3, Space Telescope Science Institute4, Academia Sinica5, Max Planck Society6, University of the Basque Country7, Ikerbasque8, University of Copenhagen9, University of Ferrara10, Michigan State University11, Johns Hopkins University12, University of Arizona13
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive lensing analysis in HST data of the complete Cluster Lensing And Supernova survey with Hubble cluster sample is presented, which combines strong lensing constraints with weak lensing shape measurements within the HST field of view (FOV) to jointly constrain the mass distributions.
Abstract: We present results from a comprehensive lensing analysis in Hubble Space Telescope (HST) data of the complete Cluster Lensing And Supernova survey with Hubble cluster sample. We identify previously undiscovered multiple images, allowing improved or first constraints on the cluster inner mass distributions and profiles. We combine these strong lensing constraints with weak lensing shape measurements within the HST field of view (FOV) to jointly constrain the mass distributions. The analysis is performed in two different common parameterizations (one adopts light-traces-mass for both galaxies and dark matter while the other adopts an analytical, elliptical Navarro-Frenk-White form for the dark matter) to provide a better assessment of the underlying systematics—which is most important for deep, cluster-lensing surveys, especially when studying magnified high-redshift objects. We find that the typical (median), relative systematic differences throughout the central FOV are ~40% in the (dimensionless) mass density, κ, and ~20% in the magnification, μ. We show maps of these differences for each cluster, as well as the mass distributions, critical curves, and two-dimensional (2D)-integrated mass profiles. For the Einstein radii (z_s = 2) we find that all typically agree within 10% between the two models, and Einstein masses agree, typically, within ~15%. At larger radii, the total projected, 2D-integrated mass profiles of the two models, within r ~ 2', differ by ~30%. Stacking the surface-density profiles of the sample from the two methods together, we obtain an average slope of dlog (Σ)/dlog (r) ~ –0.64 ± 0.1, in the radial range [5350] kpc. Last, we also characterize the behavior of the average magnification, surface density, and shear differences between the two models as a function of both the radius from the center and the best-fit values of these quantities. All mass models and magnification maps are made publicly available for the community.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight recent advances in organocatalyst design for isocyanate-based polyurethane synthesis with the aim of comparing the activity and selectivity of each of the new catalytic reactions to each other and the traditional metal-based catalysts.
Abstract: Organocatalysis has become an invaluable tool for polymer synthesis, and its utility has been demonstrated in ring-opening, anionic, zwitterionic, and group-transfer polymerizations. Despite this, the use of organocatalysis in other polymerization reactions such as step-growth polymerizations remains underexplored, relative to more traditional metal-based polymerizations. Recently, the use of organic bases such as guanidines, amidines, N-heterocyclic carbenes, and organic “strong or super-strong” Bronsted acids to catalyze the synthesis of metal-free polyurethanes has shown to be competitive to commercially widely used dibutyltin dilaurate and dibutyltin diacetate catalysts. This Perspective article highlights recent advances in organocatalyst design for isocyanate-based polyurethane synthesis with the aim of comparing the activity and selectivity of each of the new catalytic reactions to each other and the traditional metal-based catalysts. The article also draws attention to new trends in isocyanate-fre...
California Institute of Technology1, University of Oxford2, INAF3, Space Telescope Science Institute4, Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics5, Johns Hopkins University6, Ohio State University7, Max Planck Society8, Heidelberg University9, University of Copenhagen10, Michigan State University11, Spanish National Research Council12, University College London13, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich14, Academia Sinica15, University of Ferrara16, Leiden University17, University of the Basque Country18, Ikerbasque19, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile20, Carnegie Institution for Science21, Durham University22, Siena College23, University of Michigan24, Autonomous University of Madrid25
TL;DR: In this paper, a new determination of the concentration-mass relation for galaxy clusters based on a comprehensive lensing analysis of 19 X-ray selected galaxy clusters from the Cluster Lensing and Supernova Survey with Hubble (CLASH) was presented.
Abstract: We present a new determination of the concentration–mass (c–M) relation for galaxy clusters based on our
comprehensive lensing analysis of 19 X-ray selected galaxy clusters from the Cluster Lensing and Supernova
Survey with Hubble (CLASH). Our sample spans a redshift range between 0.19 and 0.89. We combine weak-lensing
constraints from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and from ground-based wide-field data with strong lensing constraints from HST. The results are reconstructions of the surface-mass density for all CLASH clusters on multi-scale grids. Our derivation of Navarro–Frenk–White parameters yields virial masses between
0.53 × 10^(15) M_⊙ h and 1.76 × 10^(15) M_⊙ h and the halo concentrations are distributed around c_(200c) ∼ 3.7 with a
1σ significant negative slope with cluster mass. We find an excellent 4% agreement in the median ratio of our
measured concentrations for each cluster and the respective expectation from numerical simulations after accounting for the CLASH selection function based on X-ray morphology. The simulations are analyzed in two dimensions to account for possible biases in the lensing reconstructions due to projection effects. The theoretical c–M relation from our X-ray selected set of simulated clusters and the c–M relation derived directly from the CLASH data agree at the 90% confidence level.
TL;DR: In this article, relevant advances and applications of plasmonic nanoparticles, from energy to health, are discussed, and their potential implications in future society are highlighted, with a focus on green energy sources.
Abstract: Nanoplasmonics is a rapidly growing field of research that opens up multiple opportunities toward practical applications. The understanding of the extreme confinement of light at the nanoscale has facilitated the development of a wide range of interesting materials for many different fields. Nanoparticles of noble metals, such as gold or silver, present unique optical properties that may end up making a large impact on our daily lives. Modern biomedical techniques can successfully treat cancer via plasmon-mediated photothermal therapy, in which metal nanoprobes act as intense heaters to kill cancer cells. Moreover, our society is also seeing an increasing interest in the development of alternative (green) energy sources, where plasmonic nanostructures are also considered to provide an advantage, e.g., improving the performance and feasibility of photovoltaic devices. In this progress report, relevant advances and applications of plasmonic nanoparticles, from energy to health, are discussed, and their potential implications in future society are highlighted.
Haskins Laboratories1, University of Connecticut2, National Yang-Ming University3, Hebrew University of Jerusalem4, University of California, San Francisco5, National Central University6, National Taiwan Normal University7, University of Southern California8, Ikerbasque9, National Chiao Tung University10, Academia Sinica11, Taipei Medical University12, Yale University13
TL;DR: Speech–print convergence emerging as a common brain signature of reading proficiency across the wide spectrum of selected languages, whether their writing system is alphabetic or logographic, whether it is opaque or transparent, and regardless of the phonological and morphological structure it represents.
Abstract: We propose and test a theoretical perspective in which a universal hallmark of successful literacy acquisition is the convergence of the speech and orthographic processing systems onto a common network of neural structures, regardless of how spoken words are represented orthographically in a writing system. During functional MRI, skilled adult readers of four distinct and highly contrasting languages, Spanish, English, Hebrew, and Chinese, performed an identical semantic categorization task to spoken and written words. Results from three complementary analytic approaches demonstrate limited language variation, with speech-print convergence emerging as a common brain signature of reading proficiency across the wide spectrum of selected languages, whether their writing system is alphabetic or logographic, whether it is opaque or transparent, and regardless of the phonological and morphological structure it represents.
TL;DR: A manifold improvement of refractometric sensing figure-of-merit is demonstrated, and a raw surface sensitivity of two orders of magnitude higher than the current values reported for nanoplasmonic sensors is shown.
Abstract: Systems allowing label-free molecular detection are expected to have enormous impact on biochemical sciences. Research focuses on materials and technologies based on exploiting localized surface plasmon resonances in metallic nanostructures. The reason for this focused attention is their suitability for single-molecule sensing, arising from intrinsically nanoscopic sensing volume and the high sensitivity to the local environment. Here we propose an alternative route, which enables radically improved sensitivity compared with recently reported plasmon-based sensors. Such high sensitivity is achieved by exploiting the control of the phase of light in magnetoplasmonic nanoantennas. We demonstrate a manifold improvement of refractometric sensing figure-of-merit. Most remarkably, we show a raw surface sensitivity (that is, without applying fitting procedures) of two orders of magnitude higher than the current values reported for nanoplasmonic sensors. Such sensitivity corresponds to a mass of similar to 0.8 ag per nanoantenna of polyamide-6.6 (n = 1.51), which is representative for a large variety of polymers, peptides and proteins.