Showing papers by "University of Tokyo published in 2005"
Sloan Fellows1, University of Arizona2, New York University3, University of Pittsburgh4, Massachusetts Institute of Technology5, University of Pennsylvania6, Institute for Advanced Study7, University of Washington8, Fermilab9, Princeton University10, Apache Corporation11, Spanish National Research Council12, Eötvös Loránd University13, University of Tokyo14, University of Chicago15, Johns Hopkins University16, University of Colorado Boulder17, Space Telescope Science Institute18, University of Michigan19, University of Edinburgh20, Rochester Institute of Technology21, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory22, Pennsylvania State University23, Adler Planetarium24, University of Hawaii25
TL;DR: In this paper, a large-scale correlation function measured from a spectroscopic sample of 46,748 luminous red galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey is presented, which demonstrates the linear growth of structure by gravitational instability between z ≈ 1000 and the present and confirms a firm prediction of the standard cosmological theory.
Abstract: We present the large-scale correlation function measured from a spectroscopic sample of 46,748 luminous red galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The survey region covers 0.72h −3 Gpc 3 over 3816 square degrees and 0.16 < z < 0.47, making it the best sample yet for the study of large-scale structure. We find a well-detected peak in the correlation function at 100h −1 Mpc separation that is an excellent match to the predicted shape and location of the imprint of the recombination-epoch acoustic oscillations on the low-redshift clustering of matter. This detection demonstrates the linear growth of structure by gravitational instability between z ≈ 1000 and the present and confirms a firm prediction of the standard cosmological theory. The acoustic peak provides a standard ruler by which we can measure the ratio of the distances to z = 0.35 and z = 1089 to 4% fractional accuracy and the absolute distance to z = 0.35 to 5% accuracy. From the overall shape of the correlation function, we measure the matter density mh 2 to 8% and find agreement with the value from cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropies. Independent of the constraints provided by the CMB acoustic scale, we find m = 0.273 ±0.025+0.123(1+ w0)+0.137K. Including the CMB acoustic scale, we find that the spatial curvature is K = −0.010 ± 0.009 if the dark energy is a cosmological constant. More generally, our results provide a measurement of cosmological distance, and hence an argument for dark energy, based on a geometric method with the same simple physics as the microwave background anisotropies. The standard cosmological model convincingly passes these new and robust tests of its fundamental properties. Subject headings: cosmology: observations — large-scale structure of the universe — distance scale — cosmological parameters — cosmic microwave background — galaxies: elliptical and lenticular, cD
4,428 citations
Newcastle University1, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust2, Mayo Clinic3, University of Nottingham4, Istanbul University5, University of British Columbia6, University of California, Los Angeles7, Veterans Health Administration8, Drexel University9, Stavanger University Hospital10, Tohoku University11, King's College London12, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University13, University of California, San Diego14, McGill University15, Rush University Medical Center16, Autonomous University of Madrid17, Neuroscience Research Australia18, National Institutes of Health19, University of Tokyo20, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill21, Tel Aviv University22, University of Pennsylvania23, University College London24, University of Louisville25, Lund University26, University of Pittsburgh27, University of Washington28, Juntendo University29, Complutense University of Madrid30, University of Göttingen31, Kanazawa University32
TL;DR: The dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) Consortium has revised criteria for the clinical and pathologic diagnosis of DLB incorporating new information about the core clinical features and suggesting improved methods to assess them as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) Consortium has revised criteria for the clinical and pathologic diagnosis of DLB incorporating new information about the core clinical features and suggesting improved methods to assess them. REM sleep behavior disorder, severe neuroleptic sensitivity, and reduced striatal dopamine transporter activity on functional neuroimaging are given greater diagnostic weighting as features suggestive of a DLB diagnosis. The 1-year rule distinguishing between DLB and Parkinson disease with dementia may be difficult to apply in clinical settings and in such cases the term most appropriate to each individual patient should be used. Generic terms such as Lewy body (LB) disease are often helpful. The authors propose a new scheme for the pathologic assessment of LBs and Lewy neurites (LN) using alpha-synuclein immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative grading of lesion density, with the pattern of regional involvement being more important than total LB count. The new criteria take into account both Lewy-related and Alzheimer disease (AD)-type pathology to allocate a probability that these are associated with the clinical DLB syndrome. Finally, the authors suggest patient management guidelines including the need for accurate diagnosis, a target symptom approach, and use of appropriate outcome measures. There is limited evidence about specific interventions but available data suggest only a partial response of motor symptoms to levodopa: severe sensitivity to typical and atypical antipsychotics in ∼50%, and improvements in attention, visual hallucinations, and sleep disorders with cholinesterase inhibitors.
4,258 citations
TL;DR: Detailed polling of transcription start and termination sites and analysis of previously unidentified full-length complementary DNAs derived from the mouse genome provide a comprehensive platform for the comparative analysis of mammalian transcriptional regulation in differentiation and development.
Abstract: This study describes comprehensive polling of transcription start and termination sites and analysis of previously unidentified full-length complementary DNAs derived from the mouse genome. We identify the 5' and 3' boundaries of 181,047 transcripts with extensive variation in transcripts arising from alternative promoter usage, splicing, and polyadenylation. There are 16,247 new mouse protein-coding transcripts, including 5154 encoding previously unidentified proteins. Genomic mapping of the transcriptome reveals transcriptional forests, with overlapping transcription on both strands, separated by deserts in which few transcripts are observed. The data provide a comprehensive platform for the comparative analysis of mammalian transcriptional regulation in differentiation and development.
3,412 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the progress of the scientific research on TiO2 photocatalysis as well as its industrial applications are reviewed, and future prospects of this field mainly based on the present authors' work.
Abstract: Photocatalysis has recently become a common word and various products using photocatalytic functions have been commercialized. Among many candidates for photocatalysts, TiO2 is almost the only material suitable for industrial use at present and also probably in the future. This is because TiO2 has the most efficient photoactivity, the highest stability and the lowest cost. More significantly, it has been used as a white pigment from ancient times, and thus, its safety to humans and the environment is guaranteed by history. There are two types of photochemical reaction proceeding on a TiO2 surface when irradiated with ultraviolet light. One includes the photo-induced redox reactions of adsorbed substances, and the other is the photo-induced hydrophilic conversion of TiO2 itself. The former type has been known since the early part of the 20th century, but the latter was found only at the end of the century. The combination of these two functions has opened up various novel applications of TiO2, particularly in the field of building materials. Here, we review the progress of the scientific research on TiO2 photocatalysis as well as its industrial applications, and describe future prospects of this field mainly based on the present authors' work.
3,008 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) were examined with an emphasis on implications for the formation of a new state of dense matter.
2,572 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that AdipoR1 and AdIPoR2 serve as receptors for globular and full-length adiponectin and mediate increased AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha ligand activities, and glucose uptake and fatty-acid oxidation by adiponECTin.
Abstract: Metabolic syndrome is thought to result from obesity and obesity-linked insulin resistance. Obesity in adulthood is characterized by adipocyte hypertrophy. Adipose tissue participates in the regulation of energy homeostasis as an important endocrine organ that secretes a number of biologically active “adipokines.” Heterozygous peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- knockout mice were protected from high-fat diet induced obesity, adipocyte hypertrophy, and insulin resistance. Systematic gene profiling analysis of these mice revealed that adiponectin/Acrp30 was overexpressed. Functional analyses including generation of adiponectin transgenic or knockout mice have revealed that adiponectin serves as an insulinsensitizing adipokine. In fact, obesity-linked down-regulation of adiponectin was a mechanism whereby obesity could cause insulin resistance and diabetes. Recently, we have cloned adiponectin receptors in the skeletal muscle (AdipoR1) and liver (AdipoR2), which appear to comprise a novel cell-surface receptor family. We showed that AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 serve as receptors for globular and full-length adiponectin and mediate increased AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorligand activities, and glucose uptake and fatty-acid oxidation by adiponectin. Obesity decreased expression levels of AdipoR1/R2, thereby reducing adiponectin sensitivity, which finally leads to insulin resistance, the so-called “vicious cycle.” Most recently, we showed that osmotin, which is a ligand for the yeast homolog of AdipoR (PHO36), activated AMPK via AdipoR in C2C12 myocytes. This may facilitate efficient development of adiponectin receptor agonists. Adiponectin receptor agonists and adiponectin sensitizers should serve as versatile treatment strategies for obesitylinkeddiseasessuchasdiabetesandmetabolicsyndrome.(Endocrine Reviews 26: 439–451, 2005)
2,525 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that mice deficient in the Irf7 gene are more vulnerable than Myd88-/- mice to viral infection, and this correlates with a marked decrease in serum IFN levels, indicating the importance of the IRF-7-dependent induction of systemic IFN responses for innate antiviral immunity.
Abstract: The type-I interferon (IFN-alpha/beta) response is critical to immunity against viruses and can be triggered in many cell types by cytosolic detection of viral infection, or in differentiated plasmacytoid dendritic cells by the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) subfamily, which generates signals via the adaptor MyD88 to elicit robust IFN induction. Using mice deficient in the Irf7 gene (Irf7-/- mice), we show that the transcription factor IRF-7 is essential for the induction of IFN-alpha/beta genes via the virus-activated, MyD88-independent pathway and the TLR-activated, MyD88-dependent pathway. Viral induction of MyD88-independent IFN-alpha/beta genes is severely impaired in Irf7-/- fibroblasts. Consistently, Irf7-/- mice are more vulnerable than Myd88-/- mice to viral infection, and this correlates with a marked decrease in serum IFN levels, indicating the importance of the IRF-7-dependent induction of systemic IFN responses for innate antiviral immunity. Furthermore, robust induction of IFN production by activation of the TLR9 subfamily in plasmacytoid dendritic cells is entirely dependent on IRF-7, and this MyD88-IRF-7 pathway governs the induction of CD8+ T-cell responses. Thus, all elements of IFN responses, whether the systemic production of IFN in innate immunity or the local action of IFN from plasmacytoid dendritic cells in adaptive immunity, are under the control of IRF-7.
2,110 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that mice expressing a proofreading-deficient version of the mitochondrial DNA polymerase g (POLG) accumulate mt DNA mutations and display features of accelerated aging, suggesting that accumulation of mtDNA mutations that promote apoptosis may be a central mechanism driving mammalian aging.
Abstract: Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) accumulate in tissues of mammalian species and have been hypothesized to contribute to aging. We show that mice expressing a proofreading-deficient version of the mitochondrial DNA polymerase g (POLG) accumulate mtDNA mutations and display features of accelerated aging. Accumulation of mtDNA mutations was not associated with increased markers of oxidative stress or a defect in cellular proliferation, but was correlated with the induction of apoptotic markers, particularly in tissues characterized by rapid cellular turnover. The levels of apoptotic markers were also found to increase during aging in normal mice. Thus, accumulation of mtDNA mutations that promote apoptosis may be a central mechanism driving mammalian aging.
1,920 citations
TL;DR: The last 15 years of work with the Pd(II)-cornered unit is summarized in this Account, from the spontaneous formation of a Pd4 square metal complex to a family of architectures such as cages, bowls, boxes, tubes, catenanes, and spheres.
Abstract: The [enPd(II)]2+ (en = ethylenediamine) unit has emerged as a versatile building block in molecular self-assembly. In particular, the 90° coordination angle of the metal has been judiciously used in the design of new discrete two- and three-dimensional structures. Our last 15 years of work with the Pd(II)-cornered unit is summarized in this Account, from the spontaneous formation of a Pd4 square metal complex to a family of architectures such as cages, bowls, boxes, tubes, catenanes, and spheres.
1,797 citations
TL;DR: The Au-TiO(2) can photoc atalytically oxidize ethanol and methanol at the expense of oxygen reduction under visible light; it is potentially applicable to a new class of photocatalysts and photovoltaic fuel cells.
Abstract: Plasmon-induced photoelectrochemistry in the visible region was studied at gold nanoparticle−nanoporous TiO2 composites (Au−TiO2) prepared by photocatalytic deposition of gold in a porous TiO2 film. Photoaction spectra for both the open-circuit potential and short-circuit current were in good agreement with the absorption spectrum of the gold nanoparticles in the TiO2 film. The gold nanoparticles are photoexcited due to plasmon resonance, and charge separation is accomplished by the transfer of photoexcited electrons from the gold particle to the TiO2 conduction band and the simultaneous transfer of compensative electrons from a donor in the solution to the gold particle. Besides its low-cost and facile preparation, a photovoltaic cell with the optimized electron mediator (Fe2+/3+) exhibits an optimum incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 26%. The Au−TiO2 can photocatalytically oxidize ethanol and methanol at the expense of oxygen reduction under visible light; it is potentially appli...
1,793 citations
TL;DR: The results highlight ingenious mechanisms for initiating antiviral innate immune responses and the action of virus-encoded inhibitors.
Abstract: The cellular protein retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) senses intracellular viral infection and triggers a signal for innate antiviral responses including the production of type I IFN. RIG-I contains a domain that belongs to a DExD/H-box helicase family and exhibits an N-terminal caspase recruitment domain (CARD) homology. There are three genes encoding RIG-I-related proteins in human and mouse genomes. Melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA5), which consists of CARD and a helicase domain, functions as a positive regulator, similarly to RIG-I. Both proteins sense viral RNA with a helicase domain and transmit a signal downstream by CARD; thus, these proteins share overlapping functions. Another protein, LGP2, lacks the CARD homology and functions as a negative regulator by interfering with the recognition of viral RNA by RIG-I and MDA5. The nonstructural protein 3/4A protein of hepatitis C virus blocks the signaling by RIG-I and MDA5; however, the V protein of the Sendai virus selectively abrogates the MDA5 function. These results highlight ingenious mechanisms for initiating antiviral innate immune responses and the action of virus-encoded inhibitors.
Macquarie University1, University of Minnesota2, VU University Amsterdam3, University of Oslo4, Centre national de la recherche scientifique5, Tohoku University6, Curtin University7, Landcare Research8, Polish Academy of Sciences9, University of Tokyo10, Utrecht University11, University of Córdoba (Spain)12, University of New South Wales13
TL;DR: Global-scale quantification of relationships between plant traits gives insight into the evolution of the world's vegetation, and is crucial for parameterizing vegetation-climate models.
Abstract: Summary • Global-scale quantification of relationships between plant traits gives insight into the evolution of the world’s vegetation, and is crucial for parameterizing vegetation‐ climate models. • A database was compiled, comprising data for hundreds to thousands of species for the core ‘leaf economics’ traits leaf lifespan, leaf mass per area, photosynthetic capacity, dark respiration, and leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, as well as leaf potassium, photosynthetic N-use efficiency (PNUE), and leaf N : P ratio. • While mean trait values differed between plant functional types, the range found within groups was often larger than differences among them. Future vegetation‐ climate models could incorporate this knowledge. • The core leaf traits were intercorrelated, both globally and within plant functional types, forming a ‘leaf economics spectrum’. While these relationships are very general, they are not universal, as significant heterogeneity exists between relationships fitted to individual sites. Much, but not all, heterogeneity can be explained by variation in sample size alone. PNUE can also be considered as part of this trait spectrum, whereas leaf K and N : P ratios are only loosely related.
TL;DR: In this article, a new mechanism of the magnetoelectric effect based on the spin supercurrent was theoretically presented in terms of a microscopic electronic model for noncollinear magnets.
Abstract: A new mechanism of the magnetoelectric effect based on the spin supercurrent is theoretically presented in terms of a microscopic electronic model for noncollinear magnets. The electric polarization P(ij) produced between the two magnetic moments S(i) and S(j) is given by P proportional e(ij) X (S(i) X S(j)) with e(ij) being the unit vector connecting the sites i and j. Applications to the spiral spin structure and the gauge theoretical interpretation are discussed.
TL;DR: The applications of these functionalized magnetic nanoparticles with their unique features will further improve medical techniques and enhance medical techniques.
TL;DR: This work has successfully developed conformable, flexible, large-area networks of thermal and pressure sensors based on an organic semiconductor, and, by means of laminated sensor networks, the distributions of pressure and temperature are simultaneously obtained.
Abstract: Skin-like sensitivity, or the capability to recognize tactile information, will be an essential feature of future generations of robots, enabling them to operate in unstructured environments. Recently developed large-area pressure sensors made with organic transistors have been proposed for electronic artificial skin (E-skin) applications. These sensors are bendable down to a 2-mm radius, a size that is sufficiently small for the fabrication of human-sized robot fingers. Natural human skin, however, is far more complex than the transistor-based imitations demonstrated so far. It performs other functions, including thermal sensing. Furthermore, without conformability, the application of E-skin on three-dimensional surfaces is impossible. In this work, we have successfully developed conformable, flexible, large-area networks of thermal and pressure sensors based on an organic semiconductor. A plastic film with organic transistor-based electronic circuits is processed to form a net-shaped structure, which allows the E-skin films to be extended by 25%. The net-shaped pressure sensor matrix was attached to the surface of an egg, and pressure images were successfully obtained in this configuration. Then, a similar network of thermal sensors was developed with organic semiconductors. Next, the possible implementation of both pressure and thermal sensors on the surfaces is presented, and, by means of laminated sensor networks, the distributions of pressure and temperature are simultaneously obtained.
Washington University in St. Louis1, J. Craig Venter Institute2, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute3, University of Manchester4, Complutense University of Madrid5, Tohoku University6, University of Nottingham7, Tulane University8, University of Kentucky9, Max Planck Society10, Spanish National Research Council11, University of Salamanca12, University of São Paulo13, Innsbruck Medical University14, University of Wisconsin-Madison15, University of Tokyo16, Nagoya University17, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology18, Pasteur Institute19, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center20, University of Idaho21, University of Lausanne22, University of Göttingen23, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology24, University of Sheffield25, Broad Institute26
TL;DR: The Af293 genome sequence provides an unparalleled resource for the future understanding of this remarkable fungus and revealed temperature-dependent expression of distinct sets of genes, as well as 700 A. fumigatus genes not present or significantly diverged in the closely related sexual species Neosartorya fischeri, many of which may have roles in the pathogenicity phenotype.
Abstract: Aspergillus fumigatus is exceptional among microorganisms in being both a primary and opportunistic pathogen as well as a major allergen. Its conidia production is prolific, and so human respiratory tract exposure is almost constant. A. fumigatus is isolated from human habitats and vegetable compost heaps. In immunocompromised individuals, the incidence of invasive infection can be as high as 50% and the mortality rate is often about 50% (ref. 2). The interaction of A. fumigatus and other airborne fungi with the immune system is increasingly linked to severe asthma and sinusitis. Although the burden of invasive disease caused by A. fumigatus is substantial, the basic biology of the organism is mostly obscure. Here we show the complete 29.4-megabase genome sequence of the clinical isolate Af293, which consists of eight chromosomes containing 9,926 predicted genes. Microarray analysis revealed temperature-dependent expression of distinct sets of genes, as well as 700 A. fumigatus genes not present or significantly diverged in the closely related sexual species Neosartorya fischeri, many of which may have roles in the pathogenicity phenotype. The Af293 genome sequence provides an unparalleled resource for the future understanding of this remarkable fungus.
University of California, San Diego1, Vanderbilt University Medical Center2, Georgia Institute of Technology3, Anschutz Medical Campus4, Duke University5, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center6, Ochanomizu University7, University of Tokyo8, University of Graz9, Utrecht University10, University of California, Irvine11
TL;DR: A comprehensive classification of lipids with a common platform that is compatible with informatics requirements has been developed to deal with the massive amounts of data that will be generated by the lipid community.
TL;DR: The New York University Value-Added Galaxy Catalog (NYU-VAGC) as mentioned in this paper is a catalog of local galaxies (mostly below z ≈ 0.3) based on a set of publicly released surveys matched to the SDSS Data Release 2.
Abstract: Here we present the New York University Value-Added Galaxy Catalog (NYU-VAGC), a catalog of local galaxies (mostly below z ≈ 0.3) based on a set of publicly released surveys matched to the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 2. The photometric catalog consists of 693,319 galaxies, QSOs, and stars; 343,568 of these have redshift determinations, mostly from the SDSS. Excluding areas masked by bright stars, the photometric sample covers 3514 deg2, and the spectroscopic sample covers 2627 deg2 (with about 85% completeness). Earlier, proprietary versions of this catalog have formed the basis of many SDSS investigations of the power spectrum, correlation function, and luminosity function of galaxies. Future releases will follow future public releases of the SDSS. The catalog includes matches to the Two Micron All Sky Survey Point Source Catalog and Extended Source Catalog, the IRAS Point Source Catalog Redshift Survey, the Two-Degree Field Galaxy Redshift Survey, the Third Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies, and the Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty cm survey. We calculate and compile derived quantities from the images and spectra of the galaxies in the catalogs (for example, K-corrections and structural parameters for the galaxies). The SDSS catalog presented here is photometrically calibrated in a more consistent way than that distributed by the SDSS Data Release 2 Archive Servers and is thus more appropriate for large-scale structure statistics, reducing systematic calibration errors across the sky from ~2% to ~1%. We include an explicit description of the geometry of the catalog, including all imaging and targeting information as a function of sky position. Finally, we have performed eyeball quality checks on a large number of objects in the catalog in order to flag errors (such as errors in deblending). This catalog is complementary to the SDSS Archive Servers in that NYU-VAGC's calibration, geometric description, and conveniently small size are specifically designed for studying galaxy properties and large-scale structure statistics using the SDSS spectroscopic catalog.
University of Cologne1, Laboratory of Molecular Biology2, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute3, Baylor College of Medicine4, University of California, San Diego5, Northwestern University6, University of Tsukuba7, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich8, University of Cambridge9, Hokkaido University10, Pasteur Institute11, University of York12, National Institute of Genetics13, University of Tokyo14, Princeton University15, University of Dundee16
TL;DR: A proteome-based phylogeny shows that the amoebozoa diverged from the animal–fungal lineage after the plant–animal split, but Dictyostelium seems to have retained more of the diversity of the ancestral genome than have plants, animals or fungi.
Abstract: The social amoebae are exceptional in their ability to alternate between unicellular and multicellular forms. Here we describe the genome of the best-studied member of this group, Dictyostelium discoideum. The gene-dense chromosomes of this organism encode approximately 12,500 predicted proteins, a high proportion of which have long, repetitive amino acid tracts. There are many genes for polyketide synthases and ABC transporters, suggesting an extensive secondary metabolism for producing and exporting small molecules. The genome is rich in complex repeats, one class of which is clustered and may serve as centromeres. Partial copies of the extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA (rDNA) element are found at the ends of each chromosome, suggesting a novel telomere structure and the use of a common mechanism to maintain both the rDNA and chromosomal termini. A proteome-based phylogeny shows that the amoebozoa diverged from the animal-fungal lineage after the plant-animal split, but Dictyostelium seems to have retained more of the diversity of the ancestral genome than have plants, animals or fungi.
TL;DR: The burst alert telescope (BAT) as discussed by the authors is one of three instruments on the Swift MIDEX spacecraft to study gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and it detects the GRB and localizes the burst direction to an accuracy of 1-4 arcmin within 20 s after the start of the event.
Abstract: he burst alert telescope (BAT) is one of three instruments on the
Swift MIDEX spacecraft to study gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The BAT first detects the GRB and localizes the burst direction to an accuracy of 1–4 arcmin within 20 s after the start of the event. The GRB trigger initiates an autonomous spacecraft slew to point the two narrow field-of-view (FOV) instruments at the burst location within 20–70 s so to make follow-up X-ray and optical observations. The BAT is a wide-FOV, coded-aperture instrument with a CdZnTe detector plane. The detector plane is composed of 32,768 pieces of CdZnTe (4×4×2 mm), and the coded-aperture mask is composed of ∼52,000 pieces of lead (5×5×1 mm) with a 1-m separation between mask and detector plane. The BAT operates over the 15–150 keV energy range with ∼7 keV resolution, a sensitivity of ∼10−8 erg s−1 cm−2, and a 1.4 sr (half-coded) FOV. We expect to detect > 100 GRBs/year for a 2-year mission. The BAT also performs an all-sky hard X-ray survey with a sensitivity of ∼2 m Crab (systematic limit) and it serves as a hard X-ray transient monitor.
TL;DR: This is the first example of achieving overall water splitting by a photocatalyst with a band gap in the visible light region, which opens the possibility of new non-oxide-type photocatalysts for energy conversion.
Abstract: Photocatalytic overall water splitting has been studied extensively from the viewpoint of solar energy conversion Despite numerous attempts, none have yielded satisfactory results for the development of photocatalysts, which work under visible light irradiation to efficiently utilize solar energy We report here the first example of visible-light-driven overall water splitting on a novel oxynitride photocatalyst, a solid solution of GaN and ZnO with a band gap of 258-276 eV, modified with RuO2 nanoparticles In contrast to the conventional non-oxide photocatalysts, such as CdS, the solid solution is stable during the overall water splitting reaction This is the first example of achieving overall water splitting by a photocatalyst with a band gap in the visible light region, which opens the possibility of new non-oxide-type photocatalysts for energy conversion
TL;DR: This work discusses major cis-acting elements, such as the ABA-responsive element (ABRE) and the dehydration- responsive element/C-repeat (DRE/CRT), that are a vital part of A BA-dependent and Aba-independent gene expression in osmotic and cold stress responses.
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology1, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation2, Intec, Inc.3, Tohoku University4, University of Tokyo5, Nagoya University6, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology7, University of Manchester8, Broad Institute9, George Washington University10, Agricultural Research Service11, University of Nottingham12, Tulane University13, J. Craig Venter Institute14, Kikkoman15, Kyushu University16, Nara Institute of Science and Technology17
TL;DR: Specific expansion of genes for secretory hydrolytic enzymes, amino acid metabolism and amino acid/sugar uptake transporters supports the idea that A. oryzae is an ideal microorganism for fermentation.
Abstract: The genome of Aspergillus oryzae, a fungus important for the production of traditional fermented foods and beverages in Japan, has been sequenced. The ability to secrete large amounts of proteins and the development of a transformation system have facilitated the use of A. oryzae in modern biotechnology. Although both A. oryzae and Aspergillus flavus belong to the section Flavi of the subgenus Circumdati of Aspergillus, A. oryzae, unlike A. flavus, does not produce aflatoxin, and its long history of use in the food industry has proved its safety. Here we show that the 37-megabase (Mb) genome of A. oryzae contains 12,074 genes and is expanded by 7-9 Mb in comparison with the genomes of Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Comparison of the three aspergilli species revealed the presence of syntenic blocks and A. oryzae-specific blocks (lacking synteny with A. nidulans and A. fumigatus) in a mosaic manner throughout the genome of A. oryzae. The blocks of A. oryzae-specific sequence are enriched for genes involved in metabolism, particularly those for the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Specific expansion of genes for secretory hydrolytic enzymes, amino acid metabolism and amino acid/sugar uptake transporters supports the idea that A. oryzae is an ideal microorganism for fermentation.
TL;DR: The results indicate that GID1 is a soluble receptor mediating GA signalling in rice, a new GA-insensitive dwarf mutant of rice, that encodes an unknown protein with similarity to the hormone-sensitive lipases.
Abstract: Gibberellins (GAs) are phytohormones that are essential for many developmental processes in plants. It has been postulated that plants have both membrane-bound and soluble GA receptors; however, no GA receptors have yet been identified. Here we report the isolation and characterization of a new GA-insensitive dwarf mutant of rice, gid1. The GID1 gene encodes an unknown protein with similarity to the hormone-sensitive lipases, and we observed preferential localization of a GID1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) signal in nuclei. Recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST)-GID1 had a high affinity only for biologically active GAs, whereas mutated GST-GID1 corresponding to three gid1 alleles had no GA-binding affinity. The dissociation constant for GA4 was estimated to be around 10(-7) M, enough to account for the GA dependency of shoot elongation. Moreover, GID1 bound to SLR1, a rice DELLA protein, in a GA-dependent manner in yeast cells. GID1 overexpression resulted in a GA-hypersensitive phenotype. Together, our results indicate that GID1 is a soluble receptor mediating GA signalling in rice.
Princeton University1, University of Washington2, Apache Corporation3, Massachusetts Institute of Technology4, University of Tokyo5, Fermilab6, University of Sussex7, Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth8, Pennsylvania State University9, University of Pennsylvania10, Ohio State University11, University of Chicago12
TL;DR: In this article, the authors combine the constraints from the recent Ly$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ forest analysis of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and the SDSS galaxy bias analysis with previous constraints from sDSS galaxies clustering, the latest supernovae, and 1st year WMAP cosmic microwave background anisotropies, and find significant improvements on all of the cosmological parameters compared to previous constraints.
Abstract: We combine the constraints from the recent Ly$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ forest analysis of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and the SDSS galaxy bias analysis with previous constraints from SDSS galaxy clustering, the latest supernovae, and 1st year WMAP cosmic microwave background anisotropies. We find significant improvements on all of the cosmological parameters compared to previous constraints, which highlights the importance of combining Ly$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ forest constraints with other probes. Combining WMAP and the Ly$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ forest we find for the primordial slope ${n}_{s}=0.98\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$. We see no evidence of running, $dn/d\mathrm{ln} k=\ensuremath{-}0.003\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010$, a factor of $3$ improvement over previous constraints. We also find no evidence of tensors, $rl0.36$ ($95%$ c.l.). Inflationary models predict the absence of running and many among them satisfy these constraints, particularly negative curvature models such as those based on spontaneous symmetry breaking. A positive correlation between tensors and primordial slope disfavors chaotic inflation-type models with steep slopes: while the $V\ensuremath{\propto}{\ensuremath{\phi}}^{2}$ model is within the 2-sigma contour, $V\ensuremath{\propto}{\ensuremath{\phi}}^{4}$ is outside the 3-sigma contour. For the amplitude we find ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{8}=0.90\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03$ from the Ly$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ forest and WMAP alone. We find no evidence of neutrino mass: for the case of $3$ massive neutrino families with an inflationary prior, $\ensuremath{\sum}_{}^{}{m}_{\ensuremath{
u}}l0.42$ eV and the mass of lightest neutrino is ${m}_{1}l0.13$ eV at $95%$ c.l. For the 3 massless $+1$ massive neutrino case we find ${m}_{\ensuremath{
u}}l0.79$ eV for the massive neutrino, excluding at $95%$ c.l. all neutrino mass solutions compatible with the LSND results. We explore dark energy constraints in models with a fairly general time dependence of dark energy equation of state, finding ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}=0.72\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$, $\mathrm{w}(z=0.3)=\ensuremath{-}{0.98}_{\ensuremath{-}0.12}^{+0.10}$, the latter changing to $\mathrm{w}(z=0.3)=\ensuremath{-}{0.92}_{\ensuremath{-}0.10}^{+0.09}$ if tensors are allowed. We find no evidence for variation of the equation of state with redshift, $\mathrm{w}(z=1)=\ensuremath{-}{1.03}_{\ensuremath{-}0.28}^{+0.21}$. These results rely on the current understanding of the Ly$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ forest and other probes, which need to be explored further both observationally and theoretically, but extensive tests reveal no evidence of inconsistency among different data sets used here.
TL;DR: Therapeutic approaches that target the chronic hypoxia should prove effective against a broad range of renal diseases, and current modalities include the improvement of anemia with erythropoietin, the preservation of peritubular capillary blood flow by blockade of the renin-angiotensin system, and the use of antioxidants.
Abstract: Recent studies emphasize the role of chronic hypoxia in the tubulointerstitium as a final common pathway to end-stage renal failure. When advanced, tubulointerstitial damage is associated with the loss of peritubular capillaries. Associated interstitial fibrosis impairs oxygen diffusion and supply to tubular and interstitial cells. Hypoxia of tubular cells leads to apoptosis or epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation. This in turn exacerbates fibrosis of the kidney and subsequent chronic hypoxia, setting in train a vicious cycle whose end point is ESRD. A number of mechanisms that induce tubulointerstitial hypoxia at an early stage have been identified. Glomerular injury and vasoconstriction of efferent arterioles as a result of imbalances in vasoactive substances decrease postglomerular peritubular capillary blood flow. Angiotensin II not only constricts efferent arterioles but, via its induction of oxidative stress, also hampers the efficient utilization of oxygen in tubular cells. Relative hypoxia in the kidney also results from increased metabolic demand in tubular cells. Furthermore, renal anemia hinders oxygen delivery. These factors can affect the kidney before the appearance of significant pathologic changes in the vasculature and predispose the kidney to tubulointerstitial injury. Therapeutic approaches that target the chronic hypoxia should prove effective against a broad range of renal diseases. Current modalities include the improvement of anemia with erythropoietin, the preservation of peritubular capillary blood flow by blockade of the renin-angiotensin system, and the use of antioxidants. Recent studies have elucidated the mechanism of hypoxia-induced transcription, namely that prolyl hydroxylase regulates hypoxia-inducible factor. This has given hope for the development of novel therapeutic approaches against this final common pathway.
TL;DR: The transcription factor IRF-5 is identified as a new, principal downstream regulator of the TLR–MyD88 signalling pathway and a potential target of therapeutic intervention to control harmful immune responses.
Abstract: The activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is central to innate and adaptive immunity. All TLRs use the adaptor MyD88 for signalling, but the mechanisms underlying the MyD88-mediated gene induction programme are as yet not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that the transcription factor IRF-5 is generally involved downstream of the TLR-MyD88 signalling pathway for gene induction of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-12 and tumour-necrosis factor-alpha. In haematopoietic cells from mice deficient in the Irf5 gene (Irf5-/- mice), the induction of these cytokines by various TLR ligands is severely impaired, whereas interferon-alpha induction is normal. We also provide evidence that IRF-5 interacts with and is activated by MyD88 and TRAF6, and that TLR activation results in the nuclear translocation of IRF-5 to activate cytokine gene transcription. Consistently, Irf5-/- mice show resistance to lethal shock induced by either unmethylated DNA or lipopolysaccharide, which correlates with a marked decrease in the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, our study identifies IRF-5 as a new, principal downstream regulator of the TLR-MyD88 signalling pathway and a potential target of therapeutic intervention to control harmful immune responses.
Tohoku University1, University of Tokyo2, University of Alabama3, Los Alamos National Laboratory4, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory5, University of California, Berkeley6, California Institute of Technology7, Kansas State University8, Drexel University9, Louisiana State University10, University of New Mexico11, Stanford University12, Imperial College London13, University of Tennessee14, Duke University15, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill16, University of Bordeaux17
TL;DR: In this article, a study of neutrino oscillation based on a 766 ton/year exposure of KamLAND to reactor antineutrinos is presented, where the observed energy spectrum disagrees with the expected spectral shape.
Abstract: We present results of a study of neutrino oscillation based on a 766 ton/year exposure of KamLAND to reactor antineutrinos. We observe 258 [overline nu ]e candidate events with energies above 3.4 MeV compared to 365.2±23.7 events expected in the absence of neutrino oscillation. Accounting for 17.8±7.3 expected background events, the statistical significance for reactor [overline nu ]e disappearance is 99.998%. The observed energy spectrum disagrees with the expected spectral shape in the absence of neutrino oscillation at 99.6% significance and prefers the distortion expected from [overline nu ]e oscillation effects. A two-neutrino oscillation analysis of the KamLAND data gives Deltam2=7.9 -0.5 +0.6 ×10-5 eV2. A global analysis of data from KamLAND and solar-neutrino experiments yields Deltam2=7.9 -0.5 +0.6 ×10-5 eV2 and tan2theta=0.40 -0.07 +0.10 , the most precise determination to date.
TL;DR: A necessary and sufficient condition for an S-procedure to be lossless is developed, and the result is used to generalize the KYP lemma in two aspects-the frequency range and the class of systems-and to unify various existing versions by a single theorem.
Abstract: The celebrated Kalman-Yakubovic/spl caron/-Popov (KYP) lemma establishes the equivalence between a frequency domain inequality (FDI) and a linear matrix inequality, and has played one of the most fundamental roles in systems and control theory. This paper first develops a necessary and sufficient condition for an S-procedure to be lossless, and uses the result to generalize the KYP lemma in two aspects-the frequency range and the class of systems-and to unify various existing versions by a single theorem. In particular, our result covers FDIs in finite frequency intervals for both continuous/discrete-time settings as opposed to the standard infinite frequency range. The class of systems for which FDIs are considered is no longer constrained to be proper, and nonproper transfer functions including polynomials can also be treated. We study implications of this generalization, and develop a proper interface between the basic result and various engineering applications. Specifically, it is shown that our result allows us to solve a certain class of system design problems with multiple specifications on the gain/phase properties in several frequency ranges. The method is illustrated by numerical design examples of digital filters and proportional-integral-derivative controllers.
University of Groningen1, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research2, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories3, University of California, San Diego4, University of Tokyo5, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research6, University of East Anglia7, Duke University8, University of California, Santa Barbara9, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution10, University of Western Brittany11, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology12, Rutgers University13, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology14, University of Miami15, Université libre de Bruxelles16, Laval University17, University of British Columbia18, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry19, National Institute for Environmental Studies20, University of Western Australia21, Fisheries and Oceans Canada22
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparison of eight iron experiments shows that maximum Chl a, the maximum DIC removal, and the overall DIC/Fe efficiency all scale inversely with depth of the wind mixed layer (WML) defining the light environment.
Abstract: Comparison of eight iron experiments shows that maximum Chl a, the maximum DIC removal, and the overall DIC/Fe efficiency all scale inversely with depth of the wind mixed layer (WML) defining the light environment. Moreover, lateral patch dilution, sea surface irradiance, temperature, and grazing play additional roles. The Southern Ocean experiments were most influenced by very deep WMLs. In contrast, light conditions were most favorable during SEEDS and SERIES as well as during IronEx-2. The two extreme experiments, EisenEx and SEEDS, can be linked via EisenEx bottle incubations with shallower simulated WML depth. Large diatoms always benefit the most from Fe addition, where a remarkably small group of thriving diatom species is dominated by universal response of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. Significant response of these moderate (10–30 μm), medium (30–60 μm), and large (>60 μm) diatoms is consistent with growth physiology determined for single species in natural seawater. The minimum level of “dissolved” Fe (filtrate < 0.2 μm) maintained during an experiment determines the dominant diatom size class. However, this is further complicated by continuous transfer of original truly dissolved reduced Fe(II) into the colloidal pool, which may constitute some 75% of the “dissolved” pool. Depth integration of carbon inventory changes partly compensates the adverse effects of a deep WML due to its greater integration depths, decreasing the differences in responses between the eight experiments. About half of depth-integrated overall primary productivity is reflected in a decrease of DIC. The overall C/Fe efficiency of DIC uptake is DIC/Fe ∼ 5600 for all eight experiments. The increase of particulate organic carbon is about a quarter of the primary production, suggesting food web losses for the other three quarters. Replenishment of DIC by air/sea exchange tends to be a minor few percent of primary CO2 fixation but will continue well after observations have stopped. Export of carbon into deeper waters is difficult to assess and is until now firmly proven and quite modest in only two experiments.