Thermally Switchable Thin Films of an ABC Triblock Copolymer of Poly(n-butyl methacrylate)-poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(2-fluoroethyl methacrylate)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Shanju; Liu, Zhan; Bucknall, David G.

2011-01-01

The thermo-responsive behavior of polymer films consisting of novel linear triblock copolymers of poly(n-butyl methacrylate)-poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(2-fluoroethyl methacrylate) (PnBuMA-PMMA-P2FEMA) are reported using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), atomic forcing microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contacting angle (CA) measurements. The surface morphology, wettability and chemical structure of thin films of these triblock copolymers on silicon wafers as a function of temperature have been investigated. It has been shown that the wettability of the films is thermally switchable. Detailed structural analysis shows that thermo-responsive surface composition changes are produced. The underlying mechanism of the thermoresponsive behavior is discussed.

Method to create gradient index in a polymer

DOEpatents

Dirk, Shawn M; Johnson, Ross Stefan; Boye, Robert; Descour, Michael R; Sweatt, William C; Wheeler, David R; Kaehr, Bryan James

2014-10-14

Novel photo-writable and thermally switchable polymeric materials exhibit a refractive index change of .DELTA.n.gtoreq.1.0 when exposed to UV light or heat. For example, lithography can be used to convert a non-conjugated precursor polymer to a conjugated polymer having a higher index-of-refraction. Further, two-photon lithography can be used to pattern high-spatial frequency structures.

Stacked Switchable Element and Diode Combination

DOEpatents

Branz, H. M.; Wang, Q.

2006-06-27

A device (10) comprises a semiconductor diode (12) and a switchable element (14) positioned in stacked adjacent relationship so that the semiconductor diode (12) and the switchable element (14) are electrically connected in series with one another. The switchable element (14) is switchable from a low-conductance state to a high-conductance state in response to the application of a forming voltage to the switchable element (14).

Stacked switchable element and diode combination

DOEpatents

Branz, Howard M.; Wang, Qi

2006-06-27

A device (10) comprises a semiconductor diode (12) and a switchable element (14) positioned in stacked adjacent relationship so that the semiconductor diode (12) and the switchable element (14) are electrically connected in series with one another. The switchable element (14) is switchable from a low-conductance state to a high-conductance state in response to the application of a forming voltage to the switchable element (14).

Stacked switchable element and diode combination with a low breakdown switchable element

DOEpatents

Wang, Qi [Littleton, CO; Ward, James Scott [Englewood, CO; Hu, Jian [Englewood, CO; Branz, Howard M [Boulder, CO

2012-06-19

A device (10) comprises a semiconductor diode (12) and a switchable element (14) positioned in stacked adjacent relationship. The semiconductor diode (12) and the switchable element (14) are electrically connected in series with one another. The switchable element (14) is switchable from a low-conductance state to a high-conductance state in response to the application of a low-density forming current and/or a low voltage.

Conservative and dissipative force imaging of switchable rotaxanes with frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farrell, Alan A.; Fukuma, Takeshi; Uchihashi, Takayuki; Kay, Euan R.; Bottari, Giovanni; Leigh, David A.; Yamada, Hirofumi; Jarvis, Suzanne P.

2005-09-01

We compare constant amplitude frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) in ambient conditions to ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) experiments by analysis of thin films of rotaxane molecules. Working in ambient conditions is important for the development of real-world molecular devices. We show that the FM-AFM technique allows quantitative measurement of conservative and dissipative forces without instabilities caused by any native water layer. Molecular resolution is achieved despite the low Q-factor in the air. Furthermore, contrast in the energy dissipation is observed even at the molecular level. This should allow investigations into stimuli-induced sub-molecular motion of organic films.

An adventitious interaction of filamin A with RhoGDI2(Tyr153Glu)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Song, Mia; He, Qianjing; Berk, Benjamin-Andreas

2016-01-15

Filamin A (FLNA) is an actin filament crosslinking protein with multiple intracellular binding partners. Mechanical force exposes cryptic FLNA binding sites for some of these ligands. To identify new force-dependent binding interactions, we used a fusion construct composed of two FLNA domains, one of which was previously identified as containing a force-dependent binding site as a bait in a yeast two-hybrid system and identified the Rho dissociation inhibitor 2 (RhoGDI2) as a potential interacting partner. A RhoGDI2 truncate with 81 N-terminal amino acid residues and a phosphomimetic mutant, RhoGDI(Tyr153Glu) interacted with the FLNA construct. However, neither wild-type or full-length RhoGDI2 phosphorylatedmore » at Y153 interacted with FLNA. Our interpretation of these contradictions is that truncation and/or mutation of RhoGDI2 perturbs its conformation to expose a site that adventitiously binds FLNA and is not a bona–fide interaction. Therefore, previous studies reporting that a RhoGDI(Y153E) mutant suppresses the metastasis of human bladder cancer cells must be reinvestigated in light of artificial interaction of this point mutant with FLNA. - Highlights: • RhoGDI2 is identified as a potential filamin A (FLNA)-binding partner. • Phosphomimetic mutant, RhoGDI2(Tyr153Glu) interacts with FLNA. • RhoGDI2 phosphorylated (Tyr153) by src kinase does not interact with FLNA. • Mutation of Tyr-153 to Glu of RhoGDI2 does not mimic phosphorylation. • RhoGDI2(Tyr153Glu) provokes an adventitious interaction with FLNA.« less

2000 survey of window manufacturers on the subject of switchable glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaPointe, Michael R.; Sottile, Gregory M.

2001-11-01

The results of a 2000 survey of United States window manufacturers on the subject of switchable glass are discussed. The areas covered in this paper include awareness of the overall product category of switchable glass and various types of switchable glass, attitudes toward specific features of switchable glass, expectations for manufacturer production of such products, expectations for market penetration rates among end-product consumers, levels of price sensitivity among window manufacturers regarding switchable glass, and expectations for the pace of new product development within the window industry over the next five years.

The force-sensing device region of α-catenin is an intrinsically disordered segment in the absence of intramolecular stabilization of the autoinhibitory form.

PubMed

Hirano, Yoshinori; Amano, Yu; Yonemura, Shigenobu; Hakoshima, Toshio

2018-05-01

Mechanotransduction by α-catenin facilitates the force-dependent development of adherens junctions (AJs) by recruiting vinculin to reinforce actin anchoring of AJs. The α-catenin mechanotransducing action is facilitated by its force-sensing device region that autoinhibits the vinculin-binding site 1 (VBS1). Here, we report the high-resolution structure of the force-sensing device region of α-catenin, which shows the autoinhibited form comprised of helix bundles E, F and G. The cryptic VBS1 is embedded into helix bundle E stabilized by direct interactions with the autoinhibitory region forming helix bundles F and G. Our molecular dissection study showed that helix bundles F and G are stable in solution in each isolated form, whereas helix bundle E that contains VBS1 is unstable and intrinsically disordered in solution in the isolated form. We successfully identified key residues mediating the autoinhibition and produced mutated α-catenins that display variable force sensitivity and autoinhibition. Using these mutants, we demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo that, in the absence of this stabilization, the helix bundle containing VBS1 would adopt an unfolded form, thus exposing VBS for vinculin binding. We provide evidence for importance of mechanotransduction with the intrinsic force sensitivity for vinculin recruitment to adherens junctions of epithelial cell sheets with mutated α-catenins. © 2018 Molecular Biology Society of Japan and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Actomyosin-dependent formation of the mechanosensitive talin–vinculin complex reinforces actin anchoring

PubMed Central

Ciobanasu, Corina; Faivre, Bruno; Le Clainche, Christophe

2014-01-01

The force generated by the actomyosin cytoskeleton controls focal adhesion dynamics during cell migration. This process is thought to involve the mechanical unfolding of talin to expose cryptic vinculin-binding sites. However, the ability of the actomyosin cytoskeleton to directly control the formation of a talin–vinculin complex and the resulting activity of the complex are not known. Here we develop a microscopy assay with pure proteins in which the self-assembly of actomyosin cables controls the association of vinculin to a talin-micropatterned surface in a reversible manner. Quantifications indicate that talin refolding is limited by vinculin dissociation and modulated by the actomyosin network stability. Finally, we show that the activation of vinculin by stretched talin induces a positive feedback that reinforces the actin–talin–vinculin association. This in vitro reconstitution reveals the mechanism by which a key molecular switch senses and controls the connection between adhesion complexes and the actomyosin cytoskeleton. PMID:24452080

Biomimetic Bidirectional Switchable Adhesive Inspired by the Gecko

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

structures, [ 24 ] and the resulting gecko-like surface was reminiscent of the tribological properties of gecko pads. With our current design, the...rely on intensive nanofabrication in order to recover the anisotropic tribological property of gecko adhesive pads, albeit with lower adhesive forces...Naval Research Laboratory Washington , D.C. 20375 , USA Dr. Y. Tian State Key Laboratory of Tribology Tsinghua University Beijing

Nuclear genomes distinguish cryptic species suggested by their DNA barcodes and ecology

PubMed Central

Janzen, Daniel H.; Burns, John M.; Cong, Qian; Hallwachs, Winnie; Dapkey, Tanya; Manjunath, Ramya; Hajibabaei, Mehrdad; Hebert, Paul D. N.; Grishin, Nick V.

2017-01-01

DNA sequencing brings another dimension to exploration of biodiversity, and large-scale mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I barcoding has exposed many potential new cryptic species. Here, we add complete nuclear genome sequencing to DNA barcoding, ecological distribution, natural history, and subtleties of adult color pattern and size to show that a widespread neotropical skipper butterfly known as Udranomia kikkawai (Weeks) comprises three different species in Costa Rica. Full-length barcodes obtained from all three century-old Venezuelan syntypes of U. kikkawai show that it is a rainforest species occurring from Costa Rica to Brazil. The two new species are Udranomia sallydaleyae Burns, a dry forest denizen occurring from Costa Rica to Mexico, and Udranomia tomdaleyi Burns, which occupies the junction between the rainforest and dry forest and currently is known only from Costa Rica. Whereas the three species are cryptic, differing but slightly in appearance, their complete nuclear genomes totaling 15 million aligned positions reveal significant differences consistent with their 0.00065-Mbp (million base pair) mitochondrial barcodes and their ecological diversification. DNA barcoding of tropical insects reared by a massive inventory suggests that the presence of cryptic species is a widespread phenomenon and that further studies will substantially increase current estimates of insect species richness. PMID:28716927

Collagen fibril surface displays a constellation of sites capable of promoting fibril assembly, stability, and hemostasis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Orgel, J.P.; Antipova, O.; Sagi, I.

Fibrillar collagens form the structural basis of organs and tissues including the vasculature, bone, and tendon. They are also dynamic, organizational scaffolds that present binding and recognition sites for ligands, cells, and platelets. We interpret recently published X-ray diffraction findings and use atomic force microscopy data to illustrate the significance of new insights into the functional organization of the collagen fibril. These data indicate that collagen's most crucial functional domains localize primarily to the overlap region, comprising a constellation of sites we call the 'master control region.' Moreover, the collagen's most exposed aspect contains its most stable part - themore » C-terminal region that controls collagen assembly, cross-linking, and blood clotting. Hidden beneath the fibril surface exists a constellation of 'cryptic' sequences poised to promote hemostasis and cell - collagen interactions in tissue injury and regeneration. These findings begin to address several important, and previously unresolved, questions: How functional domains are organized in the fibril, which domains are accessible, and which require proteolysis or structural trauma to become exposed? Here we speculate as to how collagen fibrillar organization impacts molecular processes relating to tissue growth, development, and repair.« less

Intronic L1 Retrotransposons and Nested Genes Cause Transcriptional Interference by Inducing Intron Retention, Exonization and Cryptic Polyadenylation

PubMed Central

Kaer, Kristel; Branovets, Jelena; Hallikma, Anni; Nigumann, Pilvi; Speek, Mart

2011-01-01

Background Transcriptional interference has been recently recognized as an unexpectedly complex and mostly negative regulation of genes. Despite a relatively few studies that emerged in recent years, it has been demonstrated that a readthrough transcription derived from one gene can influence the transcription of another overlapping or nested gene. However, the molecular effects resulting from this interaction are largely unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings Using in silico chromosome walking, we searched for prematurely terminated transcripts bearing signatures of intron retention or exonization of intronic sequence at their 3′ ends upstream to human L1 retrotransposons, protein-coding and noncoding nested genes. We demonstrate that transcriptional interference induced by intronic L1s (or other repeated DNAs) and nested genes could be characterized by intron retention, forced exonization and cryptic polyadenylation. These molecular effects were revealed from the analysis of endogenous transcripts derived from different cell lines and tissues and confirmed by the expression of three minigenes in cell culture. While intron retention and exonization were comparably observed in introns upstream to L1s, forced exonization was preferentially detected in nested genes. Transcriptional interference induced by L1 or nested genes was dependent on the presence or absence of cryptic splice sites, affected the inclusion or exclusion of the upstream exon and the use of cryptic polyadenylation signals. Conclusions/Significance Our results suggest that transcriptional interference induced by intronic L1s and nested genes could influence the transcription of the large number of genes in normal as well as in tumor tissues. Therefore, this type of interference could have a major impact on the regulation of the host gene expression. PMID:22022525

Assay to mechanically tune and optically probe fibrillar fibronectin conformations from fully relaxed to breakage

PubMed Central

Little, William C.; Smith, Michael L.; Ebneter, Urs; Vogel, Viola

2013-01-01

In response to growing needs for quantitative biochemical and cellular assays that address whether the extracellular matrix (ECM) acts as a mechanochemical signal converter to co-regulate cellular mechanotransduction processes, a new assay is presented where plasma fibronectin fibers are manually deposited onto elastic sheets, while force-induced changes in protein conformation are monitored by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Fully relaxed assay fibers can be stretched at least 5–6 fold, which involves Fn domain unfolding, before the fibers break. In native fibroblast ECM, this full range of stretch-regulated conformations coexists in every field of view confirming that the assay fibers are physiologically relevant model systems. Since alterations of protein function will directly correlate with their extension in response to force, the FRET vs. strain curves presented herein enable the mapping of fibronectin strain distributions in 2D and 3D cell cultures with high spatial resolution. Finally, cryptic sites for fibronectin’s N-terminal 70-kD fragment were found to be exposed at relatively low strain, demonstrating the assay’s potential to analyze stretch-regulated protein-rotein interactions. PMID:18417335

Photo-switchable membrane and method

DOEpatents

Marshall, Kenneth L; Glowacki, Eric

2013-05-07

Switchable gas permeation membranes in which a photo-switchable low-molecular-weight liquid crystalline (LC) material acts as the active element, and a method of making such membranes. Different LC eutectic mixtures were doped with mesogenic azo dyes and infused into track-etched porous membranes with regular cylindrical pores. Photo-induced isothermal phase changes in the imbibed mesogenic material afforded large, reversible changes in the permeability of the photo-switchable membrane to nitrogen. For example, membranes imbibed with a photo-switchable cyanobiphenyl LC material demonstrated low permeability in the nematic state, while the photo-generated isotropic state demonstrated a 16.times.-greater sorption coefficient. Both states obey a high linear sorption behavior in accordance with Henry's Law. In contrast, membranes imbibed with a photo-switchable phenyl benzoate LC material showed the opposite permeability behavior to the biphenyl-imbibed membrane, along with nonlinear sorption behavior.

Switchable Adhesion in Vacuum Using Bio-Inspired Dry Adhesives.

PubMed

Purtov, Julia; Frensemeier, Mareike; Kroner, Elmar

2015-11-04

Suction based attachment systems for pick and place handling of fragile objects like glass plates or optical lenses are energy-consuming and noisy and fail at reduced air pressure, which is essential, e.g., in chemical and physical vapor deposition processes. Recently, an alternative approach toward reversible adhesion of sensitive objects based on bioinspired dry adhesive structures has emerged. There, the switching in adhesion is achieved by a reversible buckling of adhesive pillar structures. In this study, we demonstrate that these adhesives are capable of switching adhesion not only in ambient air conditions but also in vacuum. Our bioinspired patterned adhesive with an area of 1 cm(2) provided an adhesion force of 2.6 N ± 0.2 N in air, which was reduced to 1.9 N ± 0.2 N if measured in vacuum. Detachment was induced by buckling of the structures due to a high compressive preload and occurred, independent of air pressure, at approximately 0.9 N ± 0.1 N. The switch in adhesion was observed at a compressive preload between 5.6 and 6.0 N and was independent of air pressure. The difference between maximum adhesion force and adhesion force after buckling gives a reasonable window of operation for pick and place processes. High reversibility of the switching behavior is shown over 50 cycles in air and in vacuum, making the bioinspired switchable adhesive applicable for handling operations of fragile objects.

Switchable Adhesion in Vacuum Using Bio-Inspired Dry Adhesives

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Suction based attachment systems for pick and place handling of fragile objects like glass plates or optical lenses are energy-consuming and noisy and fail at reduced air pressure, which is essential, e.g., in chemical and physical vapor deposition processes. Recently, an alternative approach toward reversible adhesion of sensitive objects based on bioinspired dry adhesive structures has emerged. There, the switching in adhesion is achieved by a reversible buckling of adhesive pillar structures. In this study, we demonstrate that these adhesives are capable of switching adhesion not only in ambient air conditions but also in vacuum. Our bioinspired patterned adhesive with an area of 1 cm2 provided an adhesion force of 2.6 N ± 0.2 N in air, which was reduced to 1.9 N ± 0.2 N if measured in vacuum. Detachment was induced by buckling of the structures due to a high compressive preload and occurred, independent of air pressure, at approximately 0.9 N ± 0.1 N. The switch in adhesion was observed at a compressive preload between 5.6 and 6.0 N and was independent of air pressure. The difference between maximum adhesion force and adhesion force after buckling gives a reasonable window of operation for pick and place processes. High reversibility of the switching behavior is shown over 50 cycles in air and in vacuum, making the bioinspired switchable adhesive applicable for handling operations of fragile objects. PMID:26457864

Electrically switchable polymer stabilised broadband infrared reflectors and their potential as smart windows for energy saving in buildings.

PubMed

Khandelwal, Hitesh; Loonen, Roel C G M; Hensen, Jan L M; Debije, Michael G; Schenning, Albertus P H J

2015-07-01

Electrically switchable broadband infrared reflectors that are relatively transparent in the visible region have been fabricated using polymer stabilised cholesteric liquid crystals. The IR reflectors can change their reflection/transmission properties by applying a voltage in response to changes in environmental conditions. Simulations predict that a significant amount of energy can be saved on heating, cooling and lighting of buildings in places such as Madrid by using this switchable IR reflector. We have also fabricated a switchable IR reflector which can also generate electricity. These polymer based switchable IR reflectors are of high potential as windows of automobiles and buildings to control interior temperatures and save energy.

Electrically switchable polymer stabilised broadband infrared reflectors and their potential as smart windows for energy saving in buildings

PubMed Central

Khandelwal, Hitesh; Loonen, Roel C. G. M.; Hensen, Jan L. M.; Debije, Michael G.; Schenning, Albertus P. H. J.

2015-01-01

Electrically switchable broadband infrared reflectors that are relatively transparent in the visible region have been fabricated using polymer stabilised cholesteric liquid crystals. The IR reflectors can change their reflection/transmission properties by applying a voltage in response to changes in environmental conditions. Simulations predict that a significant amount of energy can be saved on heating, cooling and lighting of buildings in places such as Madrid by using this switchable IR reflector. We have also fabricated a switchable IR reflector which can also generate electricity. These polymer based switchable IR reflectors are of high potential as windows of automobiles and buildings to control interior temperatures and save energy. PMID:26132328

HMSIW-based switchable units using super compact loaded shunt stubs and its applications on SIW/HMSIW switches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Haidong; Che, Wenquan; Zhang, Tianyu; Cao, Yue; Feng, Wenjie

2018-06-01

Half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) switchable unit, built by HMSIW section with loaded single or multi-microstrip shunt stub(s), was proposed in this work. Both shorted and opened stubs were studied, investigated and compared, bandwidth enhancement method for proposed switchable units was proposed and demonstrated. Based on these switchable units, narrowband and broadband HMSIW single-pole-single-through (SPST) switches, SIW SPST switch and SIW/HMSIW-based single-pole-double-through (SPDT) switch were designed, fabricated and measured. Good performances were observed experimentally for these proposed circuits, showing the advantages of proposed concept and an excellent candidate for switchable or reconfigurable SIW/HMSIW circuits or systems.

CO2-Triggered Switchable Solvents, Surfactants, and Other Materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jessop, Philip G.; Mercer, Sean; Heldebrant, David J.

2012-06-14

Waste CO2 at atmospheric pressure can be used to trigger dramatic changes in the properties of certain switchable materials. Compared to other triggers such as light, acids, oxidants, CO2 has the advantages that it is inexpensive, nonhazardous, non-accumulating in the system, easily removed, and it does not require the material to be transparent. Known CO2-triggered switchable materials 10 now include solvents, surfactants, solutes, catalysts, particles, polymers, and gels. The added flexibility of switchable materials represents a new strategy for minimizing energy and material consumption in process and product design.

Please mind the gap - Visual census and cryptic biodiversity assessment at central Red Sea coral reefs.

PubMed

Pearman, John K; Anlauf, Holger; Irigoien, Xabier; Carvalho, Susana

2016-07-01

Coral reefs harbor the most diverse assemblages in the ocean, however, a large proportion of the diversity is cryptic and, therefore, undetected by standard visual census techniques. Cryptic and exposed communities differ considerably in species composition and ecological function. This study compares three different coral reef assessment protocols: i) visual benthic reef surveys: ii) visual census of Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) plates; and iii) metabarcoding techniques of the ARMS (including sessile, 106-500 μm and 500-2000 μm size fractions), that target the cryptic and exposed communities of three reefs in the central Red Sea. Visual census showed a dominance of Cnidaria (Anthozoa) and Rhodophyta on the reef substrate, while Porifera, Bryozoa and Rhodophyta were the most abundant groups on the ARMS plates. Metabarcoding, targeting the 18S rRNA gene, significantly increased estimates of the species diversity (p < 0.001); revealing that Annelida were generally the dominant phyla (in terms of reads) of all fractions and reefs. Furthermore, metabarcoding detected microbial eukaryotic groups such as Syndiniophyceae, Mamiellophyceae and Bacillariophyceae as relevant components of the sessile fraction. ANOSIM analysis showed that the three reef sites showed no differences based on the visual census data. Metabarcoding showed a higher sensitivity for identifying differences between reef communities at smaller geographic scales than standard visual census techniques as significant differences in the assemblages were observed amongst the reefs. Comparison of the techniques showed no similar patterns for the visual techniques while the metabarcoding of the ARMS showed similar patterns amongst fractions. Establishing ARMS as a standard tool in reef monitoring will not only advance our understanding of local processes and ecological community response to environmental changes, as different faunal components will provide complementary information but also improve the estimates of biodiversity in coral reef benthic communities. This study lays the foundations for further studies looking at integrating traditional reef survey methodologies with complementary approaches, such as metabarcoding, which investigate other components of the reef community. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Quantitative Genetics Identifies Cryptic Genetic Variation Involved in the Paternal Regulation of Seed Development

PubMed Central

Pires, Nuno D.; Bemer, Marian; Müller, Lena M.; Baroux, Célia; Spillane, Charles; Grossniklaus, Ueli

2016-01-01

Embryonic development requires a correct balancing of maternal and paternal genetic information. This balance is mediated by genomic imprinting, an epigenetic mechanism that leads to parent-of-origin-dependent gene expression. The parental conflict (or kinship) theory proposes that imprinting can evolve due to a conflict between maternal and paternal alleles over resource allocation during seed development. One assumption of this theory is that paternal alleles can regulate seed growth; however, paternal effects on seed size are often very low or non-existent. We demonstrate that there is a pool of cryptic genetic variation in the paternal control of Arabidopsis thaliana seed development. Such cryptic variation can be exposed in seeds that maternally inherit a medea mutation, suggesting that MEA acts as a maternal buffer of paternal effects. Genetic mapping using recombinant inbred lines, and a novel method for the mapping of parent-of-origin effects using whole-genome sequencing of segregant bulks, indicate that there are at least six loci with small, paternal effects on seed development. Together, our analyses reveal the existence of a pool of hidden genetic variation on the paternal control of seed development that is likely shaped by parental conflict. PMID:26811909

Quantitative Genetics Identifies Cryptic Genetic Variation Involved in the Paternal Regulation of Seed Development.

PubMed

Pires, Nuno D; Bemer, Marian; Müller, Lena M; Baroux, Célia; Spillane, Charles; Grossniklaus, Ueli

2016-01-01

Embryonic development requires a correct balancing of maternal and paternal genetic information. This balance is mediated by genomic imprinting, an epigenetic mechanism that leads to parent-of-origin-dependent gene expression. The parental conflict (or kinship) theory proposes that imprinting can evolve due to a conflict between maternal and paternal alleles over resource allocation during seed development. One assumption of this theory is that paternal alleles can regulate seed growth; however, paternal effects on seed size are often very low or non-existent. We demonstrate that there is a pool of cryptic genetic variation in the paternal control of Arabidopsis thaliana seed development. Such cryptic variation can be exposed in seeds that maternally inherit a medea mutation, suggesting that MEA acts as a maternal buffer of paternal effects. Genetic mapping using recombinant inbred lines, and a novel method for the mapping of parent-of-origin effects using whole-genome sequencing of segregant bulks, indicate that there are at least six loci with small, paternal effects on seed development. Together, our analyses reveal the existence of a pool of hidden genetic variation on the paternal control of seed development that is likely shaped by parental conflict.

Multiple capacitors for natural genetic variation in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Takahashi, Kazuo H

2013-03-01

Cryptic genetic variation (CGV) or a standing genetic variation that is not ordinarily expressed as a phenotype is released when the robustness of organisms is impaired under environmental or genetic perturbations. Evolutionary capacitors modulate the amount of genetic variation exposed to natural selection and hidden cryptically; they have a fundamental effect on the evolvability of traits on evolutionary timescales. In this study, I have demonstrated the effects of multiple genomic regions of Drosophila melanogaster on CGV in wing shape. I examined the effects of 61 genomic deficiencies on quantitative and qualitative natural genetic variation in the wing shape of D. melanogaster. I have identified 10 genomic deficiencies that do not encompass a known candidate evolutionary capacitor, Hsp90, exposing natural CGV differently depending on the location of the deficiencies in the genome. Furthermore, five genomic deficiencies uncovered qualitative CGV in wing morphology. These findings suggest that CGV in wing shape of wild-type D. melanogaster is regulated by multiple capacitors with divergent functions. Future analysis of genes encompassed by these genomic regions would help elucidate novel capacitor genes and better understand the general features of capacitors regarding natural genetic variation. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Measured long-range repulsive Casimir-Lifshitz forces.

PubMed

Munday, J N; Capasso, Federico; Parsegian, V Adrian

2009-01-08

Quantum fluctuations create intermolecular forces that pervade macroscopic bodies. At molecular separations of a few nanometres or less, these interactions are the familiar van der Waals forces. However, as recognized in the theories of Casimir, Polder and Lifshitz, at larger distances and between macroscopic condensed media they reveal retardation effects associated with the finite speed of light. Although these long-range forces exist within all matter, only attractive interactions have so far been measured between material bodies. Here we show experimentally that, in accord with theoretical prediction, the sign of the force can be changed from attractive to repulsive by suitable choice of interacting materials immersed in a fluid. The measured repulsive interaction is found to be weaker than the attractive. However, in both cases the magnitude of the force increases with decreasing surface separation. Repulsive Casimir-Lifshitz forces could allow quantum levitation of objects in a fluid and lead to a new class of switchable nanoscale devices with ultra-low static friction.

Light-induced protein degradation in human-derived cells.

PubMed

Sun, Wansheng; Zhang, Wenyao; Zhang, Chao; Mao, Miaowei; Zhao, Yuzheng; Chen, Xianjun; Yang, Yi

2017-05-27

Controlling protein degradation can be a valuable tool for posttranslational regulation of protein abundance to study complex biological systems. In the present study, we designed a light-switchable degron consisting of a light oxygen voltage (LOV) domain of Avena sativa phototropin 1 (AsLOV2) and a C-terminal degron. Our results showed that the light-switchable degron could be used for rapid and specific induction of protein degradation in HEK293 cells by light in a proteasome-dependent manner. Further studies showed that the light-switchable degron could also be utilized to mediate the degradation of secreted Gaussia princeps luciferase (GLuc), demonstrating the adaptability of the light-switchable degron in different types of protein. We suggest that the light-switchable degron offers a robust tool to control protein levels and may serves as a new and significant method for gene- and cell-based therapies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cryptic east-west divergence and molecular diagnostics for two species of silver flies (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae: Leucopis ) from North America being evaluated for biological control of hemlock woolly adelgid

Treesearch

Nathan P. Havill; Stephen D. Gaimari; Adalgisa. Caccone

2018-01-01

Exploring genetic diversity within species of biological control agents can expose previously overlooked beneficial genotypes. This may be the case for two species of silver flies, Leucopis argenticollis and L. piniperda, predators of the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) in the Pacific Northwest of...

A microfluidic study of liquid-liquid extraction mediated by carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Lestari, Gabriella; Salari, Alinaghi; Abolhasani, Milad; Kumacheva, Eugenia

2016-07-05

Liquid-liquid extraction is an important separation and purification method; however, it faces a challenge in reducing the energy consumption and the environmental impact of solvent (extractant) recovery. The reversible chemical reactions of switchable solvents (nitrogenous bases) with carbon dioxide (CO2) can be implemented in reactive liquid-liquid extraction to significantly reduce the cost and energy requirements of solvent recovery. The development of new effective switchable solvents reacting with CO2 and the optimization of extraction conditions rely on the ability to evaluate and screen the performance of switchable solvents in extraction processes. We report a microfluidic strategy for time- and labour-efficient studies of CO2-mediated solvent extraction. The platform utilizes a liquid segment containing an aqueous extractant droplet and a droplet of a solution of a switchable solvent in a non-polar liquid, with gaseous CO2 supplied to the segment from both sides. Following the reaction of the switchable solvent with CO2, the solvent becomes hydrophilic and transfers from the non-polar solvent to the aqueous droplet. By monitoring the time-dependent variation in droplet volumes, we determined the efficiency and extraction time for the CO2-mediated extraction of different nitrogenous bases in a broad experimental parameter space. The platform enables a significant reduction in the amount of switchable solvents used in these studies, provides accurate temporal characterization of the liquid-liquid extraction process, and offers the capability of high-throughput screening of switchable solvents.

Switchable transport strategy to deposit active Fe/Fe3C cores into hollow microporous carbons for efficient chromium removal.

PubMed

Liu, Dong-Hai; Guo, Yue; Zhang, Lu-Hua; Li, Wen-Cui; Sun, Tao; Lu, An-Hui

2013-11-25

Magnetic hollow structures with microporous shell and highly dispersed active cores (Fe/Fe3 C nanoparticles) are rationally designed and fabricated by solution-phase switchable transport of active iron species combined with a solid-state thermolysis technique, thus allowing selective encapsulation of functional Fe/Fe3 C nanoparticles in the interior cavity. These engineered functional materials show high loading (≈54 wt%) of Fe, excellent chromium removal capability (100 mg g(-1)), fast adsorption rate (8766 mL mg(-1) h(-1)), and easy magnetic separation property (63.25 emu g(-1)). During the adsorption process, the internal highly dispersed Fe/Fe3 C nanoparticles supply a driving force for facilitating Cr(VI) diffusion inward, thus improving the adsorption rate and the adsorption capacity. At the same time, the external microporous carbon shell can also efficiently trap guest Cr(VI) ions and protect Fe/Fe3 C nanoparticles from corrosion and subsequent leaching problems. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

An Intrinsically Switchable Ladder-Type Ferroelectric BST-on-Si Composite FBAR Filter.

PubMed

Lee, Seungku; Mortazawi, Amir

2016-03-01

This paper presents a ladder-type bulk acoustic wave (BAW) intrinsically switchable filter based on ferroelectric thin-film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs). The switchable filter can be turned on and off by the application of an external bias voltage due to the electrostrictive effect in thin-film ferroelectrics. In this paper, Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) is used as the ferroelectric material. A systematic design approach for switchable ladder-type ferroelectric filters is provided based on required filter specifications. A switchable filter is implemented in the form of a BST-on-Si composite structure to control the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient of FBARs. As an experimental verification, a 2.5-stage intrinsically switchable BST-on-Si composite FBAR filter is designed, fabricated, and measured. Measurement results for a typical BST-on-Si composite FBAR show a resonator mechanical quality factor (Q(m)) of 971, as well as a (Q(m)) × f of 2423 GHz. The filter presented here provides a measured insertion loss of 7.8 dB, out-of-band rejection of 26 dB, and fractional bandwidth of 0.33% at 2.5827 GHz when the filter is in the on state at a dc bias of 40 V. In its off state, the filter exhibits an isolation of 31 dB.

Thermal Powered Reciprocating-Force Motor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tatum, III, Paul F. (Inventor); McDow Elliott, Amelia (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A thermal-powered reciprocating-force motor includes a shutter switchable between a first position that passes solar energy and a second position that blocks solar energy. A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator is coupled to the shutter to control switching thereof between the shutter's first and second position. The actuator is positioned with respect to the shutter such that (1) solar energy impinges on the SMA when the shutter is in its first position so that the SMA experiences contraction in length until the shutter is switched to its second position, and (2) solar energy is impeded from impingement on the SMA when the shutter is in its second position so that the SMA experiences extension in length. Elastic members coupled to the actuator apply a force to the SMA that aids in its extension in length until the shutter is switched to its first position.

Development and characterization of amorphous acrylate networks for use as switchable adhesives inspired from shapememory behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lakhera, Nishant

Several types of insects and animals such as spiders and geckos are inherently able to climb along vertical walls and ceilings. This remarkable switchable adhesive behavior has been attributed to the fibrillar structures on their feet, with size ranging from few nanometers to a few micrometers depending on the species. Several studies have attempted to create synthetic micro-patterned surfaces trying to imitate this adhesive behavior seen in nature. The experimental procedures are scattered, with sole purpose of trying to increase adhesion, thereby making direct comparison between studies very difficult. There is a lack of fundamental understanding on adhesion of patterned surfaces. The influence of critical parameters like material modulus, glass transition temperature, viscoelastic effects, temperature and water absorption on adhesion is not fully explored and characterized. These parameters are expected to have a decisive influence on adhesion behavior of the polymer. Previous studies have utilized conventional "off-the-shelf" materials like epoxy, polyurethanes etc. It is however, impossible to change the material modulus, glass transition temperature etc. of these polymer systems without changing the base constituents itself, thereby explaining the gaps in the current research landscape. The purpose of this study was to use acrylate shape-memory polymers (SMPs) for their ability to be tailored to specific mechanical properties by control of polymer chemistry, without changing the base constituents. Polymer networks with tailorable glass transition, material modulus, water absorption etc. were developed and adhesion studies were performed to investigate the influence of temperature, viscoelastic effects, material modulus on the adhesion behavior of flat acrylate polymer surfaces. The knowledge base gained from these studies was utilized to better understand the fundamental mechanisms associated with adhesion behavior of patterned acrylate surfaces. Thermally induced switchable adhesion and water induced switchable adhesion of patterned acrylate surfaces was investigated. The viscoelastic energy dissipation occurring during the detachment phase was shown to dramatically increase adhesion under both thermally induced and water induced conditions. This effect was most pre-dominant at the glass transition temperature of the material. Increase in pre-load force and unloading velocity were also shown to increase the adhesive capability of the patterned acrylate SMPs.

Measured long-range repulsive Casimir–Lifshitz forces

PubMed Central

Munday, J. N.; Capasso, Federico; Parsegian, V. Adrian

2014-01-01

Quantum fluctuations create intermolecular forces that pervade macroscopic bodies1–3. At molecular separations of a few nanometres or less, these interactions are the familiar van der Waals forces4. However, as recognized in the theories of Casimir, Polder and Lifshitz5–7, at larger distances and between macroscopic condensed media they reveal retardation effects associated with the finite speed of light. Although these long-range forces exist within all matter, only attractive interactions have so far been measured between material bodies8–11. Here we show experimentally that, in accord with theoretical prediction12, the sign of the force can be changed from attractive to repulsive by suitable choice of interacting materials immersed in a fluid. The measured repulsive interaction is found to be weaker than the attractive. However, in both cases the magnitude of the force increases with decreasing surface separation. Repulsive Casimir–Lifshitz forces could allow quantum levitation of objects in a fluid and lead to a new class of switchable nanoscale devices with ultra-low static friction13–15. PMID:19129843

The evolutionary biology of cryptic pregnancy: A re-appraisal of the "denied pregnancy" phenomenon.

PubMed

Del Giudice, Marco

2007-01-01

Previous research on 'denied pregnancy', i.e. lack of subjective awareness of pregnancy until the end of gestation in pregnant women, is reviewed and reinterpreted in an evolutionary biological framework. Recent epidemiological studies show that this condition has a much higher incidence than previously thought (about 1:475). Very often, bodily symptoms of pregnancy (nausea, amenorrhea and abdomen swelling) are absent or greatly reduced, and neonates tend to be underweight; in many cases, pregnancy goes undetected also by relatives and physicians. Current explanations in the clinical literature are based on psychodynamic hypotheses about pregnancy-related unconscious conflicts; the lack of symptoms is accounted for by 'somatic denial'. I argue that such psychodynamic accounts are misguided for two reasons: (1) they rest on a failure to recognize the active biological role of the fetus in determining the course of pregnancy, and (2) they ignore the many levels of mother-fetus conflict over resource allocation described by biological theories of parent-offspring conflict. Here I propose to redefine this condition as 'cryptic pregnancy', and begin to explore its possible physiological correlates and evolutionary significance. In the light of parent-offspring conflict theory, cryptic pregnancy appears to reduce the costs of pregnancy, both energetic and ecological (mobility, dependence on kin/mate, etc.), thus favoring the mother at the expense of the fetus. Reduced hCG production and/or effectiveness is likely to be involved in the process. I propose and discuss three nonexclusive evolutionary hypotheses to account for this phenomenon: (1) cryptic pregnancy could be a nonadaptive outcome of conflict resolution processes over resource allocation in pregnancy, possibly related to minor disruptions of genomic imprinting mechanisms. (2) Cryptic pregnancy could result from missed spontaneous abortions of low-quality fetuses. (3) Finally, cryptic pregnancy could be an adaptive pattern of 'forced cooperation' between mother and fetus in stressful or threatening ecological circumstances, as suggested by the reported association with elevated psychosocial stress. In case of reduced survival probability, both mother and fetus would benefit if the mother reduced investment in pregnancy in order to maximize her chances of surviving and reaching delivery.

Tunable and switchable all-fiber comb filter using a PBS-based two-stage cascaded Mach-Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Zhi-Chao; Luo, Ai-Ping; Xu, Wen-Cheng

2011-08-01

We propose and demonstrate a novel tunable and switchable all-fiber comb filter by employing a polarization beam splitter (PBS)-based two-stage cascaded Mach-Zehnder (M-Z) interferometer. The proposed comb filter consists of a rotatable polarizer, a fiber PBS, a non-3-dB coupler and a 3-dB coupler. By simply adjusting the polarization state of the input light, the dual-function of channel spacing tunable and wavelength switchable (interleaving) operations can be efficiently obtained. The theoretical analysis is verified by the experimental results. A comb filter with both the channel spacing tunable from 0.18 nm to 0.36 nm and the wavelength switchable functions is experimentally demonstrated.

Wavelength-switchable C-band erbium-doped fibre laser incorporating all-fibre Fabry-Perot interferometer fabricated by chemical etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Wei; Zhu, Lianqing; Dong, Mingli; Lou, Xiaoping; Luo, Fei

2018-04-01

A switchable and stable triple-wavelength, ring-cavity, erbium-doped fibre laser incorporating an all-fibre Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) is designed and experimentally demonstrated. In the proposed fibre laser, the all-fibre FPI is fabricated using the chemical etching method and is used to generate the filter effect. The laser threshold is 88 mW. Switchable single-wavelength lasing at 1529.9, 1545.1 and 1560.2 nm can be realized with a power fluctuation less than 0.64 dB under 20 min of scanning time at room temperature. In addition, the wavelength-switchable dual-wavelength lasers can be tuned by changing the polarization state in the experiment, and the maximum power fluctuations for the 1545.1 and 1560.2 nm lasers are less than 1.19 and 1.57 dB at 26 °C, respectively. Furthermore, a triple-wavelength laser is obtained by adjusting the polarization controller. The results demonstrate that switchable single-, dual-, or triple-wavelength lasers can be generated through the proposed fibre laser.

Switchable polarization in an unzipped graphene oxide monolayer.

PubMed

Noor-A-Alam, Mohammad; Shin, Young-Han

2016-08-14

Ferroelectricity in low-dimensional oxide materials is generally suppressed at the scale of a few nanometers, and has attracted considerable attention from both fundamental and technological aspects. Graphene is one of the thinnest materials (one atom thick). Therefore, engineering switchable polarization in non-polar pristine graphene could potentially lead to two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectric materials. In the present study, based on density functional theory, we show that an unzipped graphene oxide (UGO) monolayer can exhibit switchable polarization due to its foldable bonds between the oxygen atom and two carbon atoms underneath the oxygen. We find that a free standing UGO monolayer exhibits antiferroelectric switchable polarization. A UGO monolayer can be obtained as an intermediate product during the chemical exfoliation process of graphene. Interestingly, despite its dimensionality, our estimated polarization in a UGO monolayer is comparable to that in bulk ferroelectric materials (e.g., ferroelectric polymers). Our calculations could help realize antiferroelectric switchable polarization in 2D materials, which could find various potential applications in nanoscale devices such as sensors, actuators, and capacitors with high energy-storage density.

Switchable and non-switchable zero backscattering of dielectric nano-resonators

DOE PAGES

Wang, Feng; Wei, Qi -Huo; Htoon, Han

2015-02-27

Previous studies have shown that two-dimensional (2D) arrays of high-permittivity dielectric nanoparticles are capable of fully suppressing backward light scattering when the resonant frequencies of electrical and magnetic dipolar modes are coincident. In this paper, we numerically demonstrate that the zero-backscattering of 2D Si nanocuboid arrays can be engineered to be switchable or non-switchable in response to a variation in the environmental refractive index. For each cuboid width/length, there exist certain cuboid heights and orthogonal periodicity ratio for which the electrical and magnetic resonances exhibit similar spectra widths and equivalent sensitivities to the environmental index changes, so that the zero-backscatteringmore » is non-switchable upon environmental change. For some other cuboid heights and certain anisotropic periodicity ratios, the electric and magnetic modes exhibit different sensitivities to environmental index changes, making the zero-backscattering sensitive to environmental changes. We also show that by using two different types of nano-resonators in the unit cell, Fano resonances can be introduced to greatly enhance the switching sensitivity of zero-backscattering.« less

Switchable wavelength-selective and diffuse metamaterial absorber/emitter with a phase transition spacer layer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Hao; Yang, Yue; Wang, Liping, E-mail: liping.wang@asu.edu

2014-08-18

We numerically demonstrate a switchable metamaterial absorber/emitter by thermally turning on or off the excitation of magnetic resonance upon the phase transition of vanadium dioxide (VO{sub 2}). Perfect absorption peak exists around the wavelength of 5 μm when the excitation of magnetic resonance is supported with the insulating VO{sub 2} spacer layer. The wavelength-selective absorption is switched off when the magnetic resonance is disabled with metallic VO{sub 2} that shorts the top and bottom metallic structures. The resonance wavelength can be tuned with different geometry, and the switchable metamaterial exhibits diffuse behaviors at oblique angles. The results would facilitate the designmore » of switchable metamaterials for active control in energy and sensing applications.« less

In situ Charge Density Imaging of Metamaterials made with Switchable Two dimensionalElectron Gas at Oxide Heterointerfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-11-28

AFRL-AFOSR-JP-TR-2018-0028 In-situ Charge-Density Imaging of Metamaterials from Switchable 2D electron gas CHANG BEOM EOM UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN...Imaging of Metamaterials made with Switchable Two-dimensional Electron Gas at Oxide Heterointerfaces 5a.  CONTRACT NUMBER 5b.  GRANT NUMBER FA2386-16-1...using pulsed laser deposition atomic with in-situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). We have also demonstrated that the inline

Transition Metal Switchable Mirror

ScienceCinema

None

2017-12-09

The switchable-mirrors technology was developed by Tom Richardson and Jonathan Slack of Berkeley Lab's Environmental Energy Technologies Division. By using transition metals rather than the rare earth metals used in the first metal-hydride switchable mirrors, Richardson and Slack were able to lower the cost and simplify the manufacturing process. Energy performance is improved as well, because the new windows can reflect or transmit both visible and infrared light. Besides windows for offices and homes, possible applications include automobile sunroofs, signs and displays, aircraft windows, and spacecraft.

Transition Metal Switchable Mirror

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2009-08-21

The switchable-mirrors technology was developed by Tom Richardson and Jonathan Slack of Berkeley Lab's Environmental Energy Technologies Division. By using transition metals rather than the rare earth metals used in the first metal-hydride switchable mirrors, Richardson and Slack were able to lower the cost and simplify the manufacturing process. Energy performance is improved as well, because the new windows can reflect or transmit both visible and infrared light. Besides windows for offices and homes, possible applications include automobile sunroofs, signs and displays, aircraft windows, and spacecraft.

Synthetic, switchable enzymes

PubMed Central

Norris, Vic; Krylov, Sergey N.; Agarwal, Pratul K.; White, Glenn J.

2017-01-01

The construction of switchable, radiation-controlled, aptameric enzymes alias swenzymes is, in principle, feasible. We propose a strategy to make such catalysts from two (or more) aptamers each selected to bind specifically to one of the substrates in, for example, a two-substrate reaction. Construction of a combinatorial library of candidate swenzymes entails selecting a set of a million aptamers that bind one substrate and a second set of a million aptamers that bind the second substrate; the aptamers in these sets are then linked pairwise by a linker so bringing together the substrates. In the presence of the substrates, some linked aptamer pairs catalyze the reaction when exposed to external energy in the form of a specific frequency of low intensity, non-ionizing electromagnetic or acoustic radiation. Such swenzymes are detected via a separate, product-capturing, aptamer that changes conformation on capturing the product; this altered conformation allows it (1) to bind to every potential swenzyme in its vicinity (thereby giving a higher probability of capture to the swenzymes that generate the product) and (2) to bind to a sequence on a magnetic bead (thereby permitting purification of the swenzyme plus product-capturing aptamer by precipitation). Attempts to implement the swenzyme strategy may help elucidate fundamental problems in enzyme catalysis. PMID:28448969

Synthetic, Switchable Enzymes.

PubMed

Norris, Vic; Krylov, Sergey N; Agarwal, Pratul K; White, Glenn J

2017-01-01

The construction of switchable, radiation-controlled, aptameric enzymes - "swenzymes" - is, in principle, feasible. We propose a strategy to make such catalysts from 2 (or more) aptamers each selected to bind specifically to one of the substrates in, for example, a 2-substrate reaction. Construction of a combinatorial library of candidate swenzymes entails selecting a set of a million aptamers that bind one substrate and a second set of a million aptamers that bind the second substrate; the aptamers in these sets are then linked pairwise by a linker, thus bringing together the substrates. In the presence of the substrates, some linked aptamer pairs catalyze the reaction when exposed to external energy in the form of a specific frequency of low-intensity, nonionizing electromagnetic or acoustic radiation. Such swenzymes are detected via a separate product-capturing aptamer that changes conformation on capturing the product; this altered conformation allows it (1) to bind to every potential swenzyme in its vicinity (thereby giving a higher probability of capture to the swenzymes that generate the product) and (2) to bind to a sequence on a magnetic bead (thereby permitting purification of the swenzyme plus product-capturing aptamer by precipitation). Attempts to implement the swenzyme strategy may help elucidate fundamental problems in enzyme catalysis. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Cryptic diversity in the estuarine copepod Acartia tonsa: reproductive isolation and lineage-specific divergence in transcriptomic response to salinity stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plough, L. V.

2016-02-01

Discovery of the near ubiquity of cryptic species among planktonic taxa marks a major advance in marine science over the last two decades. However, little is known about the potential drivers of divergence among species, and particularly how cryptic taxa may respond differentially to environmental stress as climate change and ocean acidification proceed. Here we report results from experimental studies characterizing reproduction and transcriptomic response to stress in Acartia tonsa, a dominant estuarine copepod that exhibits three sympatric (but morphologically cryptic) lineages that sort by salinity along the US Atlantic coast (lineage F - fresh, S - saline, and X - intermediate). Pair crosses between F and S individuals collected from Chesapeake Bay at a common ambient salinity (13ppt) revealed that while inter-lineage (FxS) crosses produced eggs, only eggs from intra-lineage (FxF or SxS) crosses successfully hatched. Analysis of whether 'hybrid' eggs were fertilized and failed to develop or did not fertilize, which could indicate pre vs post-zygotic isolation, is ongoing. Exposing replicate groups of 2nd gen. lab-cultured F and S individuals to ambient and low salinity (7 ppt) stress produced very different patterns of gene expression measured with RNAseq. First, the dynamic range of expression was much greater in the S lineage overall (both salinities), with more differentially expressed genes (DEG's) in comparisons of low vs control salinity (232 vs 77 DEGs at 0.01 FDR level for S, and F respectively). Gene ontology analysis of DEG function revealed a more targeted response in F to ion stress (up and down regulation of genes involved in ion transport, catalytic activity, and binding) while the S lineage showed a more varied and general response (up-regulation of metabolism, nucleic acid synthesis, and general stress response). Overall, these experiments confirm reproductive isolation among two cryptic A. tonsa ineages and identify key differences in thier physiological response to salinity stress. Future work will examine lineage-specific responses to other significant stressors such as hypoxia.

Transition metal redox switches for reversible "on/off" and "slow/fast" single-molecule magnet behaviour in dysprosium and erbium bis-diamidoferrocene complexes.

PubMed

Dickie, Courtney M; Laughlin, Alexander L; Wofford, Joshua D; Bhuvanesh, Nattamai S; Nippe, Michael

2017-12-01

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are considered viable candidates for next-generation data storage and quantum computing. Systems featuring switchability of their magnetization dynamics are particularly interesting with respect to accessing more complex logic gates and device architectures. Here we show that transition metal based redox events can be exploited to enable reversible switchability of slow magnetic relaxation of magnetically anisotropic lanthanide ions. Specifically, we report anionic homoleptic bis-diamidoferrocene complexes of Dy 3+ (oblate) and Er 3+ (prolate) which can be reversibly oxidized by one electron to yield their respective charge neutral redox partners (Dy: [1] - , 1 ; Er: [2] - , 2 ). Importantly, compounds 1 and 2 are thermally stable which allowed for detailed studies of their magnetization dynamics. We show that the Dy 3+ [1] - / 1 system can function as an "on"/"off" or a "slow"/"fast" redox switchable SMM system in the absence or presence of applied dc fields, respectively. The Er 3+ based [2] - / 2 system features "on"/"off" switchability of SMM properties in the presence of applied fields. Results from electrochemical investigations, UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, and 57 Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy indicate the presence of significant electronic communication between the mixed-valent Fe ions in 1 and 2 in both solution and solid state. This comparative evaluation of redox-switchable magnetization dynamics in low coordinate lanthanide complexes may be used as a potential blueprint toward the development of future switchable magnetic materials.

Direct observation of oxygen-vacancy-enhanced polarization in a SrTiO 3-buffered ferroelectric BaTiO 3 film on GaAs

DOE PAGES

Qiao, Q.; Zhang, Y.; Contreras-Guerrero, Rocio; ...

2015-11-16

The integration of functional oxide thin-films on compound semiconductors can lead to a class of reconfigurable spin-based optoelectronic devices if defect-free, fully reversible active layers are stabilized. However, previous first-principles calculations predicted that SrTiO 3 thin filmsgrown on Si exhibit pinned ferroelectric behavior that is not switchable, due to the presence of interfacial vacancies. Meanwhile, piezoresponse force microscopy measurements have demonstrated ferroelectricity in BaTiO 3 grown on semiconductor substrates. The presence of interfacial oxygen vacancies in such complex-oxide/semiconductor systems remains unexplored, and their effect on ferroelectricity is controversial. We also use a combination of aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy andmore » first-principles density functional theory modeling to examine the role of interfacial oxygen vacancies on the ferroelectricpolarization of a BaTiO 3 thin filmgrown on GaAs. Moreover, we demonstrate that interfacial oxygen vacancies enhance the polar discontinuity (and thus the single domain, out-of-plane polarization pinning in BaTiO 3), and propose that the presence of surface charge screening allows the formation of switchable domains.« less

DNA barcodes for bio-surveillance: regulated and economically important arthropod plant pests.

PubMed

Ashfaq, Muhammad; Hebert, Paul D N

2016-11-01

Many of the arthropod species that are important pests of agriculture and forestry are impossible to discriminate morphologically throughout all of their life stages. Some cannot be differentiated at any life stage. Over the past decade, DNA barcoding has gained increasing adoption as a tool to both identify known species and to reveal cryptic taxa. Although there has not been a focused effort to develop a barcode library for them, reference sequences are now available for 77% of the 409 species of arthropods documented on major pest databases. Aside from developing the reference library needed to guide specimen identifications, past barcode studies have revealed that a significant fraction of arthropod pests are a complex of allied taxa. Because of their importance as pests and disease vectors impacting global agriculture and forestry, DNA barcode results on these arthropods have significant implications for quarantine detection, regulation, and management. The current review discusses these implications in light of the presence of cryptic species in plant pests exposed by DNA barcoding.

Transition Metal Switchable Mirror

ScienceCinema

None

2017-12-29

The switchable-mirrors technology was developed by Tom Richardson and Jonathan Slack of Berkeley Lab's Environmental Energy Technologies Division. By using transition metals rather than the rare earth metals used in the first metal-hydride switchable mirrors, Richardson and Slack were able to lower the cost and simplify the manufacturing process. Energy performance is improved as well, because the new windows can reflect or transmit both visible and infrared light. Besides windows for offices and homes, possible applications include automobile sunroofs, signs and displays, aircraft windows, and spacecraft. More information at: http://windows.lbl.gov/materials/chromogenics/default.htm

Transition Metal Switchable Mirror

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2009-08-21

The switchable-mirrors technology was developed by Tom Richardson and Jonathan Slack of Berkeley Lab's Environmental Energy Technologies Division. By using transition metals rather than the rare earth metals used in the first metal-hydride switchable mirrors, Richardson and Slack were able to lower the cost and simplify the manufacturing process. Energy performance is improved as well, because the new windows can reflect or transmit both visible and infrared light. Besides windows for offices and homes, possible applications include automobile sunroofs, signs and displays, aircraft windows, and spacecraft. More information at: http://windows.lbl.gov/materials/chromogenics/default.htm

In-situ Manipulation and Imaging of Switchable Two-dimensional Electron Gas at Oxide Heterointerfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-30

AFRL-AFOSR-JP-TR-2017-0016 In-situ Manipulation and Imaging of Switchable Two-dimensional Electron Gas at Oxide Heterointerfaces CHANG BEOM EOM...Imaging of Switchable Two-dimensional Electron Gas at Oxide Heterointerfaces 5a.  CONTRACT NUMBER 5b.  GRANT NUMBER FA2386-15-1-4046 5c.  PROGRAM...NOTES 14. ABSTRACT The recent discovery of a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the interface between insulating perovskite oxides SrTiO3 and LaAlO3

Calcification by Reef-Building Sclerobionts

PubMed Central

Mallela, Jennie

2013-01-01

It is widely accepted that deteriorating water quality associated with increased sediment stress has reduced calcification rates on coral reefs. However, there is limited information regarding the growth and development of reef building organisms, aside from the corals themselves. This study investigated encruster calcification on five fore-reefs in Tobago subjected to a range of sedimentation rates (1.2 to 15.9 mg cm−2 d−1). Experimental substrates were used to assess rates of calcification in sclerobionts (e.g. crustose coralline algae, bryozoans and barnacles) across key reef microhabitats: cryptic (low-light), exposed (open-horizontal) and vertical topographic settings. Sedimentation negatively impacted calcification by photosynthesising crustose coralline algae in exposed microhabitats and encrusting foram cover (%) in exposed and cryptic substrates. Heterotrophs were not affected by sedimentation. Fore-reef, turbid water encruster assemblages calcified at a mean rate of 757 (SD ±317) g m−2 y−1. Different microhabitats were characterised by distinct calcareous encruster assemblages with different rates of calcification. Taxa with rapid lateral growth dominated areal cover but were not responsible for the majority of CaCO3 production. Cryptobiont assemblages were composed of a suite of calcifying taxa which included sciaphilic cheilostome bryozoans and suspension feeding barnacles. These calcified at mean rates of 20.1 (SD ±27) and 4.0 (SD ±3.6) g m−2 y−1 respectively. Encruster cover (%) on exposed and vertical substrates was dominated by crustose coralline algae which calcified at rates of 105.3 (SD ±67.7) g m−2 y−1 and 56.3 (SD ±8.3) g m−2 y−1 respectively. Globally, encrusting organisms contribute significant amounts of carbonate to the reef framework. These results provide experimental evidence that calcification rates, and the importance of different encrusting organisms, vary significantly according to topography and sediment impacts. These findings also highlight the need for caution when modelling reef framework accretion and interpreting results which extrapolate information from limited data. PMID:23555864

Low-Energy Water Recovery from Subsurface Brines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, Young Chul; Kim, Gyu Dong; Hendren, Zachary

A novel non-aqueous phase solvent (NAS) desalination process was proposed and developed in this research project. The NAS desalination process uses less energy than thermal processes, doesn’t require any additional chemicals for precipitation, and can be utilized to treat high TDS brine. In this project, our experimental work determined that water solubility changes and selective absorption are the key characteristics of NAS technology for successful desalination. Three NAS desalination mechanisms were investigated: (1) CO2 switchable, (2) high-temp absorption to low-temp desorption (thermally switchable), and (3) low-temp absorption to high-temp desorption (thermally switchable). Among these mechanisms, thermally switchable (low-temp absorption tomore » high-temp desorption) showed the highest water recovery and relatively high salt rejection. A test procedure for semi-continuous, bench scale NAS desalination process was also developed and used to assess performance under a range of conditions.« less

Insights into the relationship between CO₂ switchability and basicity: examples of melamine and its derivatives.

PubMed

Yin, Hongyao; Feng, Yujun; Liu, Hanbin; Mu, Meng; Fei, Chenhong

2014-08-26

Owing to its wide availability, nontoxicity, and low cost, CO2 working as a trigger to reversibly switch material properties, including polarity, ionic strength, hydrophilicity, viscosity, surface charge, and degree of polymerization or cross-linking, has attracted an increasing attention in recent years. However, a quantitative correlation between basicity of these materials and their CO2 switchability has been less documented though it is of great importance for fabricating switchable system. In this work, the "switch-on" and "switch-off" abilities of melamine and its amino-substituted derivatives by introducing and removing CO2 are studied, and then their quantitative relationship with basicity is established, so that performances of other organobases can be quantitatively predicted. These findings are beneficial for forecasting the CO2 stimuli-responsive behavior of other organobases and the design of CO2-switchable materials.

Controllable light filters using an all-solid-state switchable mirror with a Mg-Ir thin film for preterm infant incubators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tajima, Kazuki; Shimoike, Mika; Li, Heng; Inagaki, Masumi; Izumi, Hitomi; Akiyama, Misaki; Matsushima, Yukiko; Ohta, Hidenobu

2013-04-01

We have fabricated a controllable light filter using an all-solid-state switchable mirror incorporating a Mg-Ir thin film for use in preterm infant incubators. The solid-state switchable mirror device was fabricated by depositing a multilayer on a glass substrate. The mixed hydride of MgH2 and Mg6Ir2H11 created from the Mg-Ir thin film is red in the transparent state. The optical switching speeds between the reflective and transparent red states depended on applied voltage. The device showed three states, namely, reflective, black, and transparent red, due to the properties of the switchable mirror material. These results suggest that the material could be used as a controllable light filter for preterm infant incubators, since it eliminates the light wavelength that disturbs regular sleep-wake cycles of preterm infants.

Giant switchable photovoltaic effect in organometal trihalide perovskite devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Zhengguo; Yuan, Yongbo; Shao, Yuchuan; Wang, Qi; Dong, Qingfeng; Bi, Cheng; Sharma, Pankaj; Gruverman, Alexei; Huang, Jinsong

2015-02-01

Organolead trihalide perovskite (OTP) materials are emerging as naturally abundant materials for low-cost, solution-processed and highly efficient solar cells. Here, we show that, in OTP-based photovoltaic devices with vertical and lateral cell configurations, the photocurrent direction can be switched repeatedly by applying a small electric field of <1 V μm-1. The switchable photocurrent, generally observed in devices based on ferroelectric materials, reached 20.1 mA cm-2 under one sun illumination in OTP devices with a vertical architecture, which is four orders of magnitude larger than that measured in other ferroelectric photovoltaic devices. This field-switchable photovoltaic effect can be explained by the formation of reversible p-i-n structures induced by ion drift in the perovskite layer. The demonstration of switchable OTP photovoltaics and electric-field-manipulated doping paves the way for innovative solar cell designs and for the exploitation of OTP materials in electrically and optically readable memristors and circuits.

Robustness and flexibility in nematode vulva development.

PubMed

Félix, Marie-Anne; Barkoulas, Michalis

2012-04-01

The Caenorhabditis elegans vulva has served as a paradigm for how conserved developmental pathways, such as EGF-Ras-MAPK, Notch and Wnt signaling, participate in networks driving animal organogenesis. Here, we discuss an emerging direction in the field, which places vulva research in a quantitative and microevolutionary framework. The final vulval cell fate pattern is known to be robust to change, but only recently has the variation of vulval traits been measured under stochastic, environmental or genetic variation. Whereas the resulting cell fate pattern is invariant among rhabditid nematodes, recent studies indicate that the developmental system has accumulated cryptic variation, even among wild C. elegans isolates. Quantitative differences in the signaling network have emerged through experiments and modeling as the driving force behind cryptic variation in Caenorhabditis species. On a wider evolutionary scale, the establishment of new model species has informed about the presence of qualitative variation in vulval signaling pathways. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evidence for oxygen vacancy or ferroelectric polarization induced switchable diode and photovoltaic effects in BiFeO3 based thin films.

PubMed

Guo, Yiping; Guo, Bing; Dong, Wen; Li, Hua; Liu, Hezhou

2013-07-12

The diode and photovoltaic effects of BiFeO3 and Bi0.9Sr0.1FeO(3-δ) polycrystalline thin films were investigated by poling the films with increased magnitude and alternating direction. It was found that both electromigration of oxygen vacancies and polarization flipping are able to induce switchable diode and photovoltaic effects. For the Bi0.9Sr0.1FeO(3-δ) thin films with high oxygen vacancy concentration, reversibly switchable diode and photovoltaic effects can be observed due to the electromigration of oxygen vacancies under an electric field much lower than its coercive field. However, for the pure BiFeO3 thin films with lower oxygen vacancy concentration, the reversibly switchable diode and photovoltaic effect is hard to detect until the occurrence of polarization flipping. The switchable diode and photovoltaic effects can be explained well using the concepts of Schottky-like barrier-to-Ohmic contacts resulting from the combination of oxygen vacancies and polarization. The sign of photocurrent could be independent of the direction of polarization when the modulation of the energy band induced by oxygen vacancies is large enough to offset that induced by polarization. The photovoltaic effect induced by the electromigration of oxygen vacancies is unstable due to the diffusion of oxygen vacancies or the recombination of oxygen vacancies with hopping electrons. Our work provides deep insights into the nature of diode and photovoltaic effects in ferroelectric films, and will facilitate the advanced design of switchable devices combining spintronic, electronic, and optical functionalities.

Layered intrusions of the Duluth Complex, Minnesota, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, J.D.; Ripley, E.M.; ,

1996-01-01

The Duluth Complex and associated subvolcanic intrusions comprise a large (5000 km2) intrusive complex in northeastern Minnesota that was emplaced into comagmatic volcanics during the development of the 1.1 Ga Midcontinent rift in North America. In addition to anorthositic and felsic intrusions, the Duluth Complex is composed of many individual mafic layered intrusions of tholeiitic affinity. The cumulate stratigraphies and cryptic variations of six of the better exposed and better studied intrusions are described here to demonstrate the variability in their cumulus mineral paragenesis.

Cryptic or pseudocryptic: can morphological methods inform copepod taxonomy? An analysis of publications and a case study of the Eurytemora affinis species complex

PubMed Central

Lajus, Dmitry; Sukhikh, Natalia; Alekseev, Victor

2015-01-01

Interest in cryptic species has increased significantly with current progress in genetic methods. The large number of cryptic species suggests that the resolution of traditional morphological techniques may be insufficient for taxonomical research. However, some species now considered to be cryptic may, in fact, be designated pseudocryptic after close morphological examination. Thus the “cryptic or pseudocryptic” dilemma speaks to the resolution of morphological analysis and its utility for identifying species. We address this dilemma first by systematically reviewing data published from 1980 to 2013 on cryptic species of Copepoda and then by performing an in-depth morphological study of the former Eurytemora affinis complex of cryptic species. Analyzing the published data showed that, in 5 of 24 revisions eligible for systematic review, cryptic species assignment was based solely on the genetic variation of forms without detailed morphological analysis to confirm the assignment. Therefore, some newly described cryptic species might be designated pseudocryptic under more detailed morphological analysis as happened with Eurytemora affinis complex. Recent genetic analyses of the complex found high levels of heterogeneity without morphological differences; it is argued to be cryptic. However, next detailed morphological analyses allowed to describe a number of valid species. Our study, using deep statistical analyses usually not applied for new species describing, of this species complex confirmed considerable differences between former cryptic species. In particular, fluctuating asymmetry (FA), the random variation of left and right structures, was significantly different between forms and provided independent information about their status. Our work showed that multivariate statistical approaches, such as principal component analysis, can be powerful techniques for the morphological discrimination of cryptic taxons. Despite increasing cryptic species designations, morphological techniques have great potential in determining copepod taxonomy. PMID:26120427

Switchable zero-index metamaterials by loading positive-intrinsic-negative diodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xiang, Nan; Cheng, Qiang, E-mail: qiangcheng@emfield.org; Zhao, Jie

2014-02-03

We propose switchable zero-index metamaterials (ZIMs) implemented by split ring resonators (SRRs) loaded with positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) diode switching elements. We demonstrate that ZIMs can be achieved at around 10 GHz when the PIN diode is switched off. When the PIN diode is switched on, however, the designed metamaterials have impedance matching to the free space, which is useful to reduce the reflections at the interface of two media. The switchable ZIMs are suitable for a wide variety of applications like the beam forming and directive radiation. Experimental results validate the switching ability of the proposed ZIMs.

Block copolymer micelles as switchable templates for nanofabrication.

PubMed

Krishnamoorthy, Sivashankar; Pugin, Raphaël; Brugger, Juergen; Heinzelmann, Harry; Hoogerwerf, Arno C; Hinderling, Christian

2006-04-11

Block copolymer inverse micelles from polystyrene-block-poly-2-vinylpyridine (PS-b-P2VP) deposited as monolayer films onto surfaces show responsive behavior and are reversibly switchable between two states of different topography and surface chemistry. The as-coated films are in the form of arrays of nanoscale bumps, which can be transformed into arrays of nanoscale holes by switching through exposure to methanol. The use of these micellar films to act as switchable etch masks for the structuring of the underlying material to form either pillars or holes depending on the switching state is demonstrated.

Use of a conformational switching aptamer for rapid and specific ex vivo identification of central nervous system lymphoma in a xenograft model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georges, Joseph F.; Liu, Xiaowei; Eschbacher, Jennifer; Nichols, Joshua; Mooney, Michael A.; Joy, Anna; Spetzler, Robert F.; Feuerstein, Burt G.; Anderson, Trent; Preul, Mark C.; Yan, Hao; Nakaji, Peter

2018-02-01

Improved tools for providing specific intraoperative diagnoses could improve patient care. In neurosurgery, intraoperatively differentiating non-operative lesions can be challenging, often necessitating immunohistochemical (IHC) procedures which require up to 24-48 hours. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of generating rapid ex vivo specific labeling using a novel lymphoma-specific fluorescent switchable aptamer. Our B-cell lymphoma-specific switchable aptamer produced only low-level fluorescence in its unbound conformation and generated an 8-fold increase in fluorescence once bound to its target on CD20-positive lymphoma cells. The aptamer demonstrated strong binding to B-cell lymphoma cells within 10 minutes of incubation. We applied the switchable aptamer to ex vivo xenograft tissue harboring B-cell lymphoma and astrocytoma, and within one hour specific visual identification of lymphoma was routinely possible. In this proof-of-concept study in human cell culture and orthotopic xenografts, we conclude that a fluorescent switchable aptamer can provide rapid and specific labeling of B-cell lymphoma, and that developing aptamer-based labeling approaches could simplify tissue staining and drastically reduce time to histopathological diagnoses compared with IHC-based methods. We propose that switchable aptamers could enhance expeditious, accurate intraoperative decision-making.

A novel approach to biocontrol: Release of live insect hosts pre-infected with entomopathogenic nematodes.

PubMed

Gumus, Arife; Karagoz, Mehmet; Shapiro-Ilan, David; Hazir, Selcuk

2015-09-01

As a new application approach, we tested the efficacy of releasing live insect hosts that were pre-infected with entomopathogenic nematodes against insect pests living in cryptic habitats. We hypothesized that the pre-infected hosts could carry the next generation of emerging nematode infective juveniles to hard-to-reach target sites, and thereby facilitate enhanced control in cryptic habitats. Thus, the infected hosts act as "living insect bombs" against the target pest. We tested this approach using two model insect pests: a chestnut tree pest, the goat moth Cossus cossus (Lepidiptera: Cossidae), and a lawn caterpillar, Spodoptera cilium (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). One pest is considered hard-to-reach via aqueous spray (C. cossus) and the other is more openly exposed in the environment (S. cilium). C. cossus and S. cilium studies were conducted in chestnut logs and Bermudagrass arenas, respectively. The living bomb approach was compared with standard nematode application in aqueous spray and controls (without nematode application); Steinernema carpocapsae (Rize isolate) was used in all experiments. The percentage larval mortality of C. cossus was 86% in the living insect bomb treatment, whereas, all other treatments and controls exhibited less than 4% mortality. The new approach (living bomb) was equally successful as standard aqueous application for the control of S. cilium larvae. Both methods exhibited more than 90% mortality in the turfgrass arena. Our new approach showed an immense potential to control insect pests living in hard-to-reach cryptic habitats. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A microlens array based on polymer network liquid crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Miao; Zhou, Zuowei; Ren, Hongwen; Hee Lee, Seung; Wang, Qionghua

2013-02-01

Using UV light to expose a homogeneous cell containing liquid crystal (LC)/monomer mixture through a patterned photomask, we prepared a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) microlens array. In each microlens, the formed polymer network presents a central-symmetrical inhomogeneous morphology and LC exhibits a gradient refractive index distribution. By applying an external voltage to the cell, the gradient of the LC refractive index is changed. As a result, the focal length of the microlens can be tuned. Our PNLC microlens array has the advantages of low operating voltage, easy fabrication, and good stability. This kind of microlens array has potential applications in image processing, optical communications, and switchable 2D/3D displays.

Gadolinium nanoparticle based switchable mirrors: quenching of hydrogenation-dehydrogenation hysteresis.

PubMed

Aruna, I; Mehta, B R; Malhotra, L K

2007-06-01

A continuous and reversible 'structural, optical, and electronic' transition between the reflecting metallic dihydride and transparent semiconducting trihydride states observed in rare earth metals on hydrogenation make these materials and their hydrides suitable for switchable mirror, sensing, and other technological applications. Recently Pd capped Gd nanoparticle based 'new generation' switchable mirrors have been fabricated with extended color neutrality, better optical contrast, and faster kinetics in comparison to the polycrystalline, epitaxial, alloy, and multilayer films. The present report aims at investigating the effect of nanoparticle nature on the hydrogenation-dehydrogenation hysteresis in switchable mirrors by carrying out in situ measurement of optical transmittance and electrode potentials during electrochemical hydrogen loading-deloading of Gd nanoparticle samples. Interestingly, Gd nanoparticle samples were observed to exhibit quenched hysteresis. The quenching of hysteresis in hydrogen-induced properties has been attributed to the absence of structural transition upon hydrogenation, reduction in topographical interlocking of the grains and elimination of lateral clamping of the slack nanoparticle layer to the substrate.

Giant switchable photovoltaic effect in organometal trihalide perovskite devices

DOE PAGES

Xiao, Zhengguo; Yuan, Yongbo; Shao, Yuchuan; ...

2014-12-08

Organolead trihalide perovskite (OTP) materials are emerging as naturally abundant materials for low-cost, solution-processed and highly efficient solar cells. Here, we show that, in OTP-based photovoltaic devices with vertical and lateral cell configurations, the photocurrent direction can be switched repeatedly by applying a small electric field of <1 V μm –1. The switchable photocurrent, generally observed in devices based on ferroelectric materials, reached 20.1 mA cm –2 under one sun illumination in OTP devices with a vertical architecture, which is four orders of magnitude larger than that measured in other ferroelectric photovoltaic devices. This field-switchable photovoltaic effect can be explainedmore » by the formation of reversible p–i–n structures induced by ion drift in the perovskite layer. Furthermore, the demonstration of switchable OTP photovoltaics and electric-field-manipulated doping paves the way for innovative solar cell designs and for the exploitation of OTP materials in electrically and optically readable memristors and circuits.« less

Mechanics of responsive polymers via conformationally switchable molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brighenti, Roberto; Artoni, Federico; Vernerey, Franck; Torelli, Martina; Pedrini, Alessandro; Domenichelli, Ilaria; Dalcanale, Enrico

2018-04-01

Active materials are those capable of giving some physical reaction under external stimuli coming from the environment such as temperature, pH, light, mechanical stress, etc. Reactive polymeric materials can be obtained through the introduction of switchable molecules in their network, i.e. molecules having two distinct stable conformations: if properly linked to the hosting polymer chains, the switching from one state to the other can promote a mechanical reaction of the material, detectable at the macroscale, and thus enables us to tune the response according to a desired functionality. In the present paper, the main aspects of the mechanical behavior of polymeric materials with embedded switchable molecules-properly linked to the polymer's chains-are presented and discussed. Starting from the micro mechanisms occurring in such active material, a continuum model is developed, providing a straightforward implementation in computational approaches. Finally, some experimental outcomes related to a switchable molecules (known as quinoxaline cavitands) added to an elastomeric PDMS under chemical stimuli, are presented and quantitatively discussed through the use of the developed mechanical framework.

Integrated, nonvolatile, high-speed analog random access memory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katti, Romney R. (Inventor); Wu, Jiin-Chuan (Inventor); Stadler, Henry L. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

This invention provides an integrated, non-volatile, high-speed random access memory. A magnetically switchable ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic layer is sandwiched between an electrical conductor which provides the ability to magnetize the magnetically switchable layer and a magneto resistive or Hall effect material which allows sensing the magnetic field which emanates from the magnetization of the magnetically switchable layer. By using this integrated three-layer form, the writing process, which is controlled by the conductor, is separated from the storage medium in the magnetic layer and from the readback process which is controlled by the magnetoresistive layer. A circuit for implementing the memory in CMOS or the like is disclosed.

Scaling of structure and electrical properties in ultrathin epitaxial ferroelectric heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagarajan, V.; Junquera, J.; He, J. Q.; Jia, C. L.; Waser, R.; Lee, K.; Kim, Y. K.; Baik, S.; Zhao, T.; Ramesh, R.; Ghosez, Ph.; Rabe, K. M.

2006-09-01

Scaling of the structural order parameter, polarization, and electrical properties was investigated in model ultrathin epitaxial SrRuO3/PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3/SrRuO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images revealed the interfaces to be sharp and fully coherent. Synchrotron x-ray studies show that a high tetragonality (c /a˜1.058) is maintained down to 50Å thick films, suggesting indirectly that ferroelectricity is fully preserved at such small thicknesses. However, measurement of the switchable polarization (ΔP) using a pulsed probe setup and the out-of-plane piezoelectric response (d33) revealed a systematic drop from ˜140μC/cm2 and 60pm/V for a 150Å thick film to 11μC/cm2 and 7pm/V for a 50Å thick film. This apparent contradiction between the structural measurements and the measured switchable polarization is explained by an increasing presence of a strong depolarization field, which creates a pinned 180° polydomain state for the thinnest films. Existence of a polydomain state is demonstrated by piezoresponse force microscopy images of the ultrathin films. These results suggest that the limit for a ferroelectric memory device may be much larger than the fundamental limit for ferroelectricity.

Choice-Based Segmentation as an Enrollment Management Tool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Mark R.

2002-01-01

This article presents an approach to enrollment management based on target marketing strategies developed from a choice-based segmentation methodology. Students are classified into "switchable" or "non-switchable" segments based on their probability of selecting specific majors. A modified multinomial logit choice model is used to identify…

Patterns and processes in the genetic differentiation of the Brachionus calyciflorus complex, a passively dispersing freshwater zooplankton.

PubMed

Xiang, Xian-ling; Xi, Yi-long; Wen, Xin-li; Zhang, Gen; Wang, Jin-xia; Hu, Ke

2011-05-01

Elucidating the evolutionary patterns and processes of extant species is an important objective of any research program that seeks to understand population divergence and, ultimately, speciation. The island-like nature and temporal fluctuation of limnetic habitats create opportunities for genetic differentiation in rotifers through space and time. To gain further understanding of spatio-temporal patterns of genetic differentiation in rotifers other than the well-studied Brachionus plicatilis complex in brackish water, a total of 318 nrDNA ITS sequences from the B. calyciflorus complex in freshwater were analysed using phylogenetic and phylogeographic methods. DNA taxonomy conducted by both the sequence divergence and the GMYC model suggested the occurrence of six potential cryptic species, supported also by reproductive isolation among the tested lineages. The significant genetic differentiation and non-significant correlation between geographic and genetic distances existed in the most abundant cryptic species, BcI-W and Bc-SW. The large proportion of genetic variability for cryptic species Bc-SW was due to differences between sampling localities within seasons, rather than between different seasons. Nested Clade Analysis suggested allopatric or past fragmentation, contiguous range expansion and long-distance colonization possibly coupled with subsequent fragmentation as the probable main forces shaping the present-day phylogeographic structure of the B. calyciflorus species complex. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Use of a conformational switching aptamer for rapid and specific ex vivo identification of central nervous system lymphoma in a xenograft model.

PubMed

Georges, Joseph F; Liu, Xiaowei; Eschbacher, Jennifer; Nichols, Joshua; Mooney, Michael A; Joy, Anna; Spetzler, Robert F; Feuerstein, Burt G; Preul, Mark C; Anderson, Trent; Yan, Hao; Nakaji, Peter

2015-01-01

Improved tools for providing specific intraoperative diagnoses could improve patient care. In neurosurgery, intraoperatively differentiating non-operative lesions such as CNS B-cell lymphoma from operative lesions can be challenging, often necessitating immunohistochemical (IHC) procedures which require up to 24-48 hours. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of generating rapid ex vivo specific labeling using a novel lymphoma-specific fluorescent switchable aptamer. Our B-cell lymphoma-specific switchable aptamer produced only low-level fluorescence in its unbound conformation and generated an 8-fold increase in fluorescence once bound to its target on CD20-positive lymphoma cells. The aptamer demonstrated strong binding to B-cell lymphoma cells within 15 minutes of incubation as observed by flow cytometry. We applied the switchable aptamer to ex vivo xenograft tissue harboring B-cell lymphoma and astrocytoma, and within one hour specific visual identification of lymphoma was routinely possible. In this proof-of-concept study in human cell culture and orthotopic xenografts, we conclude that a fluorescent switchable aptamer can provide rapid and specific labeling of B-cell lymphoma, and that developing aptamer-based labeling approaches could simplify tissue staining and drastically reduce time to histopathological diagnoses compared with IHC-based methods. We propose that switchable aptamers could enhance expeditious, accurate intraoperative decision-making.

Light-switchable systems for remotely controlled drug delivery.

PubMed

Shim, Gayong; Ko, Seungbeom; Kim, Dongyoon; Le, Quoc-Viet; Park, Gyu Thae; Lee, Jaiwoo; Kwon, Taekhyun; Choi, Han-Gon; Kim, Young Bong; Oh, Yu-Kyoung

2017-12-10

Light-switchable systems have recently received attention as a new mode of remotely controlled drug delivery. In the past, a multitude of nanomedicine studies have sought to enhance the specificity of drug delivery to target sites by focusing on receptors overexpressed on malignant cells or environmental features of diseases sites. Despite these immense efforts, however, there are few clinically available nanomedicines. We need a paradigm shift in drug delivery. One strategy that may overcome the limitations of pathophysiology-based drug delivery is the use of remotely controlled delivery technology. Unlike pathophysiology-based active drug targeting strategies, light-switchable systems are not affected by the heterogeneity of cells, tissue types, and/or microenvironments. Instead, they are triggered by remote light (i.e., near-infrared) stimuli, which are absorbed by photoresponsive molecules or three-dimensional nanostructures. The sequential conversion of light to heat or reactive oxygen species can activate drug release and allow it to be spatio-temporally controlled. Light-switchable systems have been used to activate endosomal drug escape, modulate the release of chemical and biological drugs, and alter nanoparticle structures to control the release rates of drugs. This review will address the limitations of pathophysiology-based drug delivery systems, the current status of light-based remote-switch systems, and future directions in the application of light-switchable systems for remotely controlled drug delivery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Virtual screening on an α-helix to β-strand switchable region of the FGFR2 extracellular domain revealed positive and negative modulators.

PubMed

Diaz, Constantino; Corentin, Herbert; Thierry, Vermat; Chantal, Alcouffe; Tanguy, Bozec; David, Sibrac; Jean-Marc, Herbert; Pascual, Ferrara; Françoise, Bono; Edgardo, Ferran

2014-11-01

The secondary structure of some protein segments may vary between α-helix and β-strand. To predict these switchable segments, we have developed an algorithm, Switch-P, based solely on the protein sequence. This algorithm was used on the extracellular parts of FGF receptors. For FGFR2, it predicted that β4 and β5 strands of the third Ig-like domain were highly switchable. These two strands possess a high number of somatic mutations associated with cancer. Analysis of PDB structures of FGF receptors confirmed the switchability prediction for β5. We thus evaluated if compound-driven α-helix/β-strand switching of β5 could modulate FGFR2 signaling. We performed the virtual screening of a library containing 1.4 million of chemical compounds with two models of the third Ig-like domain of FGFR2 showing different secondary structures for β5, and we selected 32 compounds. Experimental testing using proliferation assays with FGF7-stimulated SNU-16 cells and a FGFR2-dependent Erk1/2 phosphorylation assay with FGFR2-transfected L6 cells, revealed activators and inhibitors of FGFR2. Our method for the identification of switchable proteinic regions, associated with our virtual screening approach, provides an opportunity to discover new generation of drugs with under-explored mechanism of action. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Passive electrically switchable circuit element having improved tunability and method for its manufacture

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mickel, Patrick R; James, Conrad D

2014-09-16

A resistive switching device and methods for making the same are disclosed. In the above said device, a resistive switching layer is interposed between opposing electrodes. The resistive switching layer comprises at least two sub-layers of switchable insulative material characterized by different ionic mobilities.

Biofluorescence as a survey tool for cryptic marine species.

PubMed

De Brauwer, Maarten; Hobbs, Jean-Paul A; Ambo-Rappe, Rohani; Jompa, Jamaluddin; Harvey, Euan S; McIlwain, Jennifer L

2017-10-06

As ecosystems come under increasing anthropogenic pressure, rare species face the highest risk of extinction. Paradoxically, data necessary to evaluate the conservation status of rare species are often lacking because of the challenges of detecting species with low abundance. One group of fishes subject to this undersampling bias are those with cryptic body patterns. Twenty-one percent of cryptic fish species assessed for their extinction risk (International Union for Conservation of Nature [IUCN]) are data deficient. We developed a nondestructive method for surveying cryptically patterned marine fishes based on the presence of biofluorescence (underwater biofluorescence census, UBC). Blue LED torches were used to investigate how widespread biofluorescence was in cryptic reef fishes in the Coral Triangle region. The effectiveness of UBC to generate abundance data was tested on a data-deficient pygmy seahorse species (Hippocampus bargibanti) and compared with data obtained from standard underwater visual census (UVC) surveys. We recorded 95 reef fish species displaying biofluorescence, 73 of which had not been previously described as biofluorescent. Of those fish with cryptic patterns, 87% were biofluorescent compared with 9% for noncryptic fishes. The probability of species displaying biofluorescence was 70.9 times greater for cryptic species than for noncryptic species. Almost twice the number of H. bargibanti was counted using the UBC compared with UVC. For 2 triplefin species (Ucla xenogrammus, Enneapterygius tutuilae), the abundance detected with UBC was triple that detected with UVC. The UBC method was effective at finding cryptic species that would otherwise be difficult to detect and thus will reduce interobserver variability inherent to UVC surveys. Biofluorescence is ubiquitous in cryptic fishes, making this method applicable across a wide range of species. Data collected using UBC could be used with multiple IUCN criteria to assess the extinction risk of cryptic species. Adopting this technique will enhance researchers' ability to survey cryptic species and facilitate management and conservation of cryptic marine species. © 2017 Society for Conservation Biology.

Biphasic Synergistic Gel Materials with Switchable Mechanics and Self-Healing Capacity.

PubMed

Zhao, Ziguang; Liu, Yuxia; Zhang, Kangjun; Zhuo, Shuyun; Fang, Ruochen; Zhang, Jianqi; Jiang, Lei; Liu, Mingjie

2017-10-16

A fabrication strategy for biphasic gels is reported, which incorporates high-internal-phase emulsions. Closely packed micro-inclusions within the elastic hydrogel matrix greatly improve the mechanical properties of the materials. The materials exhibit excellent switchable mechanics and shape-memory performance because of the switchable micro- inclusions that are incorporated into the hydrogel matrix. The produced materials demonstrated a self-healing capacity that originates from the noncovalent effect of the biphasic heteronetwork. The aforementioned characteristics suggest that the biphasic gels may serve as ideal composite gel materials with validity in a variety of applications, such as soft actuators, flexible devices, and biological materials. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Mammalian energetics. Instantaneous energetics of puma kills reveal advantage of felid sneak attacks.

PubMed

Williams, Terrie M; Wolfe, Lisa; Davis, Tracy; Kendall, Traci; Richter, Beau; Wang, Yiwei; Bryce, Caleb; Elkaim, Gabriel Hugh; Wilmers, Christopher C

2014-10-03

Pumas (Puma concolor) live in diverse, often rugged, complex habitats. The energy they expend for hunting must account for this complexity but is difficult to measure for this and other large, cryptic carnivores. We developed and deployed a physiological SMART (species movement, acceleration, and radio tracking) collar that used accelerometry to continuously monitor energetics, movements, and behavior of free-ranging pumas. This felid species displayed marked individuality in predatory activities, ranging from low-cost sit-and-wait behaviors to constant movements with energetic costs averaging 2.3 times those predicted for running mammals. Pumas reduce these costs by remaining cryptic and precisely matching maximum pouncing force (overall dynamic body acceleration = 5.3 to 16.1g) to prey size. Such instantaneous energetics help to explain why most felids stalk and pounce, and their analysis represents a powerful approach for accurately forecasting resource demands required for survival by large, mobile predators. Copyright © 2014, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Enhanced optical discrimination system based on switchable retroreflective films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, Phillip; Heikenfeld, Jason

2016-04-01

Reported herein is the design, characterization, and demonstration of a laser interrogation and response optical discrimination system based on large-area corner-cube retroreflective films. The switchable retroreflective films use light-scattering liquid crystal to modulate retroreflected intensity. The system can operate with multiple wavelengths (visible to infrared) and includes variable divergence optics for irradiance adjustments and ease of system alignment. The electronic receiver and switchable retroreflector offer low-power operation (<4 mW standby) on coin cell batteries with rapid interrogation to retroreflected signal reception response times (<15 ms). The entire switchable retroreflector film is <1 mm thick and is flexible for optimal placement and increased angular response. The system was demonstrated in high ambient lighting conditions (daylight, 18k lux) with a visible 10-mW output 635-nm source out to a distance of 400 m (naked eye detection). Nighttime demonstrations were performed using a 1.5-mW, 850-nm infrared laser diode out to a distance of 400 m using a night vision camera. This system could have tagging and conspicuity applications in commercial or military settings.

Phase-field modeling of switchable diode-like current-voltage characteristics in ferroelectric BaTiO{sub 3}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cao, Y., E-mail: yxc238@psu.edu; Randall, C. A.; Chen, L. Q.

2014-05-05

A self-consistent model has been proposed to study the switchable current-voltage (I-V) characteristics in Cu/BaTiO{sub 3}/Cu sandwiched structure combining the phase-field model of ferroelectric domains and diffusion equations for ionic/electronic transport. The electrochemical transport equations and Ginzburg-Landau equations are solved using the Chebyshev collocation algorithm. We considered a single parallel plate capacitor configuration which consists of a single layer BaTiO{sub 3} containing a single tetragonal domain orientated normal to the plate electrodes (Cu) and is subject to a sweep of ac bias from −1.0 to 1.0 V at 25 °C. Our simulation clearly shows rectifying I-V response with rectification ratios amount tomore » 10{sup 2}. The diode characteristics are switchable with an even larger rectification ratio after the polarization direction is flipped. The effects of interfacial polarization charge, dopant concentration, and dielectric constant on current responses were investigated. The switchable I-V behavior is attributed to the polarization bound charges that modulate the bulk conduction.« less

The effect of switchable water additives on clay settling.

PubMed

Chen, Chien-Shun; Lau, Ying Yin; Mercer, Sean M; Robert, Tobias; Horton, J Hugh; Jessop, Philip G

2013-01-01

The recycling of process water from strip mining extractions is a very relevant task both industrially and environmentally. The sedimentation of fine tailings during such processes, however, can often require long periods of time and/or the addition of flocculants which make later water recycling difficult. We propose the use of switchable water additives as reversible flocculants for clay/water suspensions. Switchable water additives are compounds such as diamines that make it possible to reversibly control the ionic strength of an aqueous solution. Addition of CO(2) to such an aqueous solution causes the ionic strength to rise dramatically, and the change is reversed upon removal of the CO(2). These additives, while in the presence of CO(2), promote the aggregation of clay tailings, reduce settling times, and greatly increase the clarity of the liberated water. The removal of CO(2) from the liberated water regenerates a low ionic strength solution that does not promote clay aggregation and settling until CO(2) is added again. Such reversible behavior would be useful in applications such as oil sands separations in which the recycled water must not promote aggregation. When added to kaolinite and montmorillonite clay suspensions, switchable water provided process waters of lower turbidity than those additives from inorganic salts or by CO(2)-treatment alone. When recollected, the switchable water supernatant was shown to be recyclable over three cycles for enhanced settling of kaolinite. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Trapping of drops by wetting defects

PubMed Central

't Mannetje, Dieter; Ghosh, Somnath; Lagraauw, Rudy; Otten, Simon; Pit, Arjen; Berendsen, Christian; Zeegers, Jos; van den Ende, Dirk; Mugele, Frieder

2014-01-01

Controlling the motion of drops on solid surfaces is crucial in many natural phenomena and technological processes including the collection and removal of rain drops, cleaning technology and heat exchangers. Topographic and chemical heterogeneities on solid surfaces give rise to pinning forces that can capture and steer drops in desired directions. Here we determine general physical conditions required for capturing sliding drops on an inclined plane that is equipped with electrically tunable wetting defects. By mapping the drop dynamics on the one-dimensional motion of a point mass, we demonstrate that the trapping process is controlled by two dimensionless parameters, the trapping strength measured in units of the driving force and the ratio between a viscous and an inertial time scale. Complementary experiments involving superhydrophobic surfaces with wetting defects demonstrate the general applicability of the concept. Moreover, we show that electrically tunable defects can be used to guide sliding drops along actively switchable tracks—with potential applications in microfluidics. PMID:24721935

Seal device for ferromagnetic containers

DOEpatents

Meyer, R.E.; Jason, A.J.

1994-10-18

A temporary seal or patch assembly prevents the escape of contents, e.g., fluids and the like, from within a container having a breach there through until the contents can be removed and/or a repair effected. A frame that supports a sealing bladder can be positioned over the breach and the frame is then attached to the container surface, which must be of a ferromagnet material, by using switchable permanent magnets. The permanent magnets are designed to have a first condition that is not attracted to the ferromagnetic surface and a second conditions whereby the magnets are attracted to the surface with sufficient force to support the seal assembly on the surface. Latching devices may be attached to the frame and engage the container surface with hardened pins to prevent the lateral movement of the seal assembly along the container surface from external forces such as fluid drag or gravity. 10 figs.

Reconfigurable nanomechanical photonic metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheludev, Nikolay I.; Plum, Eric

2016-01-01

The changing balance of forces at the nanoscale offers the opportunity to develop a new generation of spatially reconfigurable nanomembrane metamaterials in which electromagnetic Coulomb, Lorentz and Ampère forces, as well as thermal stimulation and optical signals, can be engaged to dynamically change their optical properties. Individual building blocks of such metamaterials, the metamolecules, and their arrays fabricated on elastic dielectric membranes can be reconfigured to achieve optical modulation at high frequencies, potentially reaching the gigahertz range. Mechanical and optical resonances enhance the magnitude of actuation and optical response within these nanostructures, which can be driven by electric signals of only a few volts or optical signals with power of only a few milliwatts. We envisage switchable, electro-optical, magneto-optical and nonlinear metamaterials that are compact and silicon-nanofabrication-technology compatible with functionalities surpassing those of natural media by orders of magnitude in some key design parameters.

Electrostatics at the nanoscale.

PubMed

Walker, David A; Kowalczyk, Bartlomiej; de la Cruz, Monica Olvera; Grzybowski, Bartosz A

2011-04-01

Electrostatic forces are amongst the most versatile interactions to mediate the assembly of nanostructured materials. Depending on experimental conditions, these forces can be long- or short-ranged, can be either attractive or repulsive, and their directionality can be controlled by the shapes of the charged nano-objects. This Review is intended to serve as a primer for experimentalists curious about the fundamentals of nanoscale electrostatics and for theorists wishing to learn about recent experimental advances in the field. Accordingly, the first portion introduces the theoretical models of electrostatic double layers and derives electrostatic interaction potentials applicable to particles of different sizes and/or shapes and under different experimental conditions. This discussion is followed by the review of the key experimental systems in which electrostatic interactions are operative. Examples include electroactive and "switchable" nanoparticles, mixtures of charged nanoparticles, nanoparticle chains, sheets, coatings, crystals, and crystals-within-crystals. Applications of these and other structures in chemical sensing and amplification are also illustrated.

Seal device for ferromagnetic containers

DOEpatents

Meyer, Ross E.; Jason, Andrew J.

1994-01-01

A temporary seal or patch assembly prevents the escape of contents, e.g., fluids and the like, from within a container having a breach therethrough until the contents can be removed and/or a repair effected. A frame that supports a sealing bladder can be positioned over the breach and the frame is then attached to the container surface, which must be of a ferromagnet material, by using switchable permanent magnets. The permanent magnets are designed to have a first condition that is not attracted to the ferromagnetic surface and a second conditions whereby the magnets are attracted to the surface with sufficient force to support the seal assembly on the surface. Latching devices may be attached to the frame and engage the container surface with hardened pins to prevent the lateral movement of the seal assembly along the container surface from external forces such as fluid drag or gravity.

Mixed metal films with switchable optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richardson, T. J.; Slack, J. L.; Farangis, B.; Rubin, M. D.

2002-02-01

Thin, Pd-capped metallic films containing magnesium and first-row transition metals (Mn, Fe, Co) switch reversibly from their initial reflecting state to visually transparent states when exposed to gaseous hydrogen or following cathodic polarization in an alkaline electrolyte. Reversion to the reflecting state is achieved by exposure to air or by anodic polarization. The films were prepared by cosputtering from one magnesium target and one manganese, iron, or cobalt target. Both the dynamic optical switching range and the speed of the transition depend on the magnesium-transition metal ratio. Infrared spectra of films in the transparent, hydrided (deuterided) states support the presence of the intermetallic hydride phases Mg3MnH7, Mg2FeH6, and Mg2CoH5.

A switchable polymer layer: Chain folding in end-charged polymer brushes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heine, David; Wu, David T.

2001-03-01

We use a self-consistent field approximation to model the configurations of end-charged homopolymer and block copolymer brushes in response to an external electric field due to charges on the grafting surface. By varying the charge density on the grafting surface, we can cause the chains either to extend outward, greatly increasing the brush height, or to loop back to the grafting surface. We show that such a copolymer brush can present one block at the exposed surface in the extended state and present the other block in the retracted state. This occurs for both a solvated brush and a dry brush. We also compare these results to those of a modified Alexander-de Gennes model for the end-charged homopolymer brush.

Pay Attention to the Overlooked Cryptic Diversity in Existing Barcoding Data: the Case of Mollusca with Character-Based DNA Barcoding.

PubMed

Zou, Shanmei; Li, Qi

2016-06-01

With the global biodiversity crisis, DNA barcoding aims for fast species identification and cryptic species diversity revelation. For more than 10 years, large amounts of DNA barcode data have been accumulating in publicly available databases, most of which were conducted by distance or tree-building methods that have often been argued, especially for cryptic species revelation. In this context, overlooked cryptic diversity may exist in the available barcoding data. The character-based DNA barcoding, however, has a good chance for detecting the overlooked cryptic diversity. In this study, marine mollusk was as the ideal case for detecting the overlooked potential cryptic species from existing cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences with character-based DNA barcode. A total of 1081 COI sequences of mollusks, belonging to 176 species of 25 families of Gastropoda, Cephalopoda, and Lamellibranchia, were conducted by character analysis. As a whole, the character-based barcoding results were consistent with previous distance and tree-building analysis for species discrimination. More importantly, quite a number of species analyzed were divided into distinct clades with unique diagnostical characters. Based on the concept of cryptic species revelation of character-based barcoding, these species divided into separate taxonomic groups might be potential cryptic species. The detection of the overlooked potential cryptic diversity proves that the character-based barcoding mode possesses more advantages of revealing cryptic biodiversity. With the development of DNA barcoding, making the best use of barcoding data is worthy of our attention for species conservation.

Members of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Cryptic Species and the Status of Two Invasive Alien Species in the Yunnan Province (China)

PubMed Central

Hu, Jian; Jiang, Zhi-Lin; Nardi, Francesco; Liu, Yuan-Yuan; Luo, Xiao-Rong; Li, Hong-Xiang; Zhang, Zhong-Kai

2014-01-01

Abstract Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a cryptic species complex that includes some of the most significant pests of agriculture and horticulture worldwide. To understand the diversity and distribution of B. tabaci cryptic species in Yunnan, a famous biodiversity hotspot in China, a large-scale sampling was conducted from year 2010 to 2013 in 10 prefectures. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequences were used to identify different cryptic species. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using Bayesian methods to assess the position of a new B. tabaci cryptic species in the context of the B. tabaci diversity in Asia. The survey indicates at least eight B. tabaci cryptic species are present in Yunnan, two invasive (MEAM1 and MED) and six indigenous (China 2, China3, China 4, Asia I, Asia II 1, and Asia II 6), MEAM1, MED, and Asia I being the three predominant cryptic species in Yunnan. Compared with MEAM1, MED has a wider distribution. Based on molecular data, a new cryptic species, here named China 4, was identified that appears to be related to China 1, China 2, and China 3. Future efforts should focus on the interactions between predominant B. tabaci cryptic species and begomoviruses and on the development of effective control strategies. PMID:25502045

Members of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) cryptic species and the status of two invasive alien species in the Yunnan Province (China).

PubMed

Hu, Jian; Jiang, Zhi-Lin; Nardi, Francesco; Liu, Yuan-Yuan; Luo, Xiao-Rong; Li, Hong-Xiang; Zhang, Zhong-Kai

2014-01-01

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a cryptic species complex that includes some of the most significant pests of agriculture and horticulture worldwide. To understand the diversity and distribution of B. tabaci cryptic species in Yunnan, a famous biodiversity hotspot in China, a large-scale sampling was conducted from year 2010 to 2013 in 10 prefectures. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequences were used to identify different cryptic species. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using Bayesian methods to assess the position of a new B. tabaci cryptic species in the context of the B. tabaci diversity in Asia. The survey indicates at least eight B. tabaci cryptic species are present in Yunnan, two invasive (MEAM1 and MED) and six indigenous (China 2, China3, China 4, Asia I, Asia II 1, and Asia II 6), MEAM1, MED, and Asia I being the three predominant cryptic species in Yunnan. Compared with MEAM1, MED has a wider distribution. Based on molecular data, a new cryptic species, here named China 4, was identified that appears to be related to China 1, China 2, and China 3. Future efforts should focus on the interactions between predominant B. tabaci cryptic species and begomoviruses and on the development of effective control strategies. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Entomological Society of America.

Cryptic Species Identification and Composition of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Complex in Henan Province, China

PubMed Central

Hu, Jian; Wang, Lun-Ji; Dong, Jun-Feng; Song, Yue-Qin; Sun, Hui-Zhong

2017-01-01

Abstract Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a cryptic species complex, causing significant crop losses in China during the last decade. Although knowledge of cryptic species composition and dynamics within B. tabaci complex is critical for developing sustainable pest management strategies, limited information is available on this pest in the Henan province of China. A systematic survey of the cryptic species composition and distribution of B. tabaci complex in different locations of Henan province was conducted in 2012. The results of RAPD-PCR and the gene for the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit-1 (mtCOI) based phylogenetic relationships established using Bayesian method indicated there were four known cryptic species MEAM1, MED, Asia II 3, Asia II 9 and a new cryptic species named China 6 in Henan province. In the survey, the invasive cryptic species MED and MEAM1 were found to be predominant with wide spread distribution across the surveyed regions. On the contrary, the indigenous B. tabaci cryptic species including Asia II 3, Asia II 9 and China 6 remained with low prevalence in some surveyed regions. Cryptic species MEAM1 and MED have not completely displaced the native B. tabaci in Henan province. This current study for the first time unifies our knowledge of the diversity and distribution of B. tabaci across Henan province of China. PMID:28973577

Resistive Switching Memory Phenomena in PEDOT PSS: Coexistence of Switchable Diode Effect and Write Once Read Many Memory

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Viet Cuong; Lee, Pooi See

2016-01-01

We study resistive switching memory phenomena in conducting polymer PEDOT PSS. In the same film, there are two types of memory behavior coexisting; namely, the switchable diode effect and write once read many memory. This is the first report on switchable diode phenomenon based on conducting organic materials. The effect was explained as charge trapping of PEDOT PSS film and movement of proton. The same PEDOT PSS device also exhibits write once read many memory (WORM) phenomenon which arises due to redox reaction that reduces PEDOT PSS and renders it non-conducting. The revelation of these two types of memory phenomena in PEDOT PSS highlights the remarkable versatility of this conducting conjugated polymer. PMID:26806868

Enhanced spectral efficiency using bandwidth switchable SAW filtering for mobile satellite communications systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peach, Robert; Malarky, Alastair

1990-01-01

Currently proposed mobile satellite communications systems require a high degree of flexibility in assignment of spectral capacity to different geographic locations. Conventionally this results in poor spectral efficiency which may be overcome by the use of bandwidth switchable filtering. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology makes it possible to provide banks of filters whose responses may be contiguously combined to form variable bandwidth filters with constant amplitude and phase responses across the entire band. The high selectivity possible with SAW filters, combined with the variable bandwidth capability, makes it possible to achieve spectral efficiencies over the allocated bandwidths of greater than 90 percent, while retaining full system flexibility. Bandwidth switchable SAW filtering (BSSF) achieves these gains with a negligible increase in hardware complexity.

Electronic devices containing switchably conductive silicon oxides as a switching element and methods for production and use thereof

DOEpatents

Tour, James M.; Yao, Jun; Natelson, Douglas; Zhong, Lin; He, Tao

2015-09-08

In various embodiments, electronic devices containing switchably conductive silicon oxide as a switching element are described herein. The electronic devices are two-terminal devices containing a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact in which at least one of the first electrical contact or the second electrical contact is deposed on a substrate to define a gap region therebetween. A switching layer containing a switchably conductive silicon oxide resides in the gap region between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. The electronic devices exhibit hysteretic current versus voltage properties, enabling their use in switching and memory applications. Methods for configuring, operating and constructing the electronic devices are also presented herein.

Electronic devices containing switchably conductive silicon oxides as a switching element and methods for production and use thereof

DOEpatents

Tour, James M; Yao, Jun; Natelson, Douglas; Zhong, Lin; He, Tao

2013-11-26

In various embodiments, electronic devices containing switchably conductive silicon oxide as a switching element are described herein. The electronic devices are two-terminal devices containing a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact in which at least one of the first electrical contact or the second electrical contact is deposed on a substrate to define a gap region therebetween. A switching layer containing a switchably conductive silicon oxide resides in the the gap region between the first electical contact and the second electrical contact. The electronic devices exhibit hysteretic current versus voltage properties, enabling their use in switching and memory applications. Methods for configuring, operating and constructing the electronic devices are also presented herein.

The force-dependent mechanism of DnaK-mediated mechanical folding

PubMed Central

Perales-Calvo, Judit; Giganti, David; Stirnemann, Guillaume; Garcia-Manyes, Sergi

2018-01-01

It is well established that chaperones modulate the protein folding free-energy landscape. However, the molecular determinants underlying chaperone-mediated mechanical folding remain largely elusive, primarily because the force-extended unfolded conformation fundamentally differs from that characterized in biochemistry experiments. We use single-molecule force-clamp spectroscopy, combined with molecular dynamics simulations, to study the effect that the Hsp70 system has on the mechanical folding of three mechanically stiff model proteins. Our results demonstrate that, when working independently, DnaJ (Hsp40) and DnaK (Hsp70) work as holdases, blocking refolding by binding to distinct substrate conformations. Whereas DnaK binds to molten globule–like forms, DnaJ recognizes a cryptic sequence in the extended state in an unanticipated force-dependent manner. By contrast, the synergetic coupling of the Hsp70 system exhibits a marked foldase behavior. Our results offer unprecedented molecular and kinetic insights into the mechanisms by which mechanical force finely regulates chaperone binding, directly affecting protein elasticity. PMID:29487911

Medical data sheet in safe havens - A tri-layer cryptic solution.

PubMed

Praveenkumar, Padmapriya; Amirtharajan, Rengarajan; Thenmozhi, K; Balaguru Rayappan, John Bosco

2015-07-01

Secured sharing of the diagnostic reports and scan images of patients among doctors with complementary expertise for collaborative treatment will help to provide maximum care through faster and decisive decisions. In this context, a tri-layer cryptic solution has been proposed and implemented on Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images to establish a secured communication for effective referrals among peers without compromising the privacy of patients. In this approach, a blend of three cryptic schemes, namely Latin square image cipher (LSIC), discrete Gould transform (DGT) and Rubik׳s encryption, has been adopted. Among them, LSIC provides better substitution, confusion and shuffling of the image blocks; DGT incorporates tamper proofing with authentication; and Rubik renders a permutation of DICOM image pixels. The developed algorithm has been successfully implemented and tested in both the software (MATLAB 7) and hardware Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) environments. Specifically, the encrypted data were tested by transmitting them through an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel model. Furthermore, the sternness of the implemented algorithm was validated by employing standard metrics such as the unified average changing intensity (UACI), number of pixels change rate (NPCR), correlation values and histograms. The estimated metrics have also been compared with the existing methods and dominate in terms of large key space to defy brute force attack, cropping attack, strong key sensitivity and uniform pixel value distribution on encryption. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Real-time TIRF observation of vinculin recruitment to stretched α-catenin by AFM.

PubMed

Maki, Koichiro; Han, Sung-Woong; Hirano, Yoshinori; Yonemura, Shigenobu; Hakoshima, Toshio; Adachi, Taiji

2018-01-25

Adherens junctions (AJs) adaptively change their intensities in response to intercellular tension; therefore, they integrate tension generated by individual cells to drive multicellular dynamics, such as morphogenetic change in embryos. Under intercellular tension, α-catenin, which is a component protein of AJs, acts as a mechano-chemical transducer to recruit vinculin to promote actin remodeling. Although in vivo and in vitro studies have suggested that α-catenin-mediated mechanotransduction is a dynamic molecular process, which involves a conformational change of α-catenin under tension to expose a cryptic vinculin binding site, there are no suitable experimental methods to directly explore the process. Therefore, in this study, we developed a novel system by combining atomic force microscopy (AFM) and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF). In this system, α-catenin molecules (residues 276-634; the mechano-sensitive M 1 -M 3 domain), modified on coverslips, were stretched by AFM and their recruitment of Alexa-labeled full-length vinculin molecules, dissolved in solution, were observed simultaneously, in real time, using TIRF. We applied a physiologically possible range of tensions and extensions to α-catenin and directly observed its vinculin recruitment. Our new system could be used in the fields of mechanobiology and biophysics to explore functions of proteins under tension by coupling biomechanical and biochemical information.

Targeting a Hidden Enemy: Pyriproxyfen Autodissemination Strategy for the Control of the Container Mosquito Aedes albopictus in Cryptic Habitats

PubMed Central

Suman, Devi Shankar; Wang, Yi; Unlu, Isik; Williges, Eric; Williams, Gregory M.; Gaugler, Randy

2016-01-01

Background The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a vector of dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses. This mosquito inhabits a wide range of artificial water-holding containers in urban and suburban areas making it difficult to control. We tested the hypothesis that female-driven autodissemination of an insect growth regulator could penetrate cryptic oviposition habitats difficult to treat with conventional insecticidal sprays. Methodology Oviposition preferences of Ae. albopictus females for open and cryptic cups were tested in semi-field experiments. Two conventional larvicidal sprayers were tested to determine droplet penetration and larvicidal efficacy in open and cryptic habitats using Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) in the field. Finally, the efficacy of pyriproxyfen autodissemination stations was assessed in cryptic and open cups in residential areas during 2013 and 2014. Principal Findings Gravid females strongly preferred cryptic (53.1±12.9 eggs/cup) over open (10.3±4.3 eggs/cup) cups for oviposition. Cryptic cups showed limited droplet penetration and produced 0.1–0.3% larval mortality with a conventional backpack and low-volume sprays of Bti. The autodissemination stations effectively contaminated these cryptic cups (59.3–84.6%) and produced 29.7–40.8% pupal mortality during 2013–2014. Significant pupal mortality was also observed in open cups. Conclusions The autodissemination station effectively exploits the oviposition behavior of wild gravid females to deliver pyriproxyfen to targeted oviposition habitats. Although the pupal mortality in cryptic cups was relatively lower than expected for the effective vector control. Autodissemination approach may be a suitable supporting tool to manage Ae. albopictus immatures in the cryptic habitats those are less accessible to conventional larvicidal sprays. PMID:28033379

Cryptic Species Identification and Composition of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Complex in Henan Province, China.

PubMed

Jiu, Min; Hu, Jian; Wang, Lun-Ji; Dong, Jun-Feng; Song, Yue-Qin; Sun, Hui-Zhong

2017-05-01

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a cryptic species complex, causing significant crop losses in China during the last decade. Although knowledge of cryptic species composition and dynamics within B. tabaci complex is critical for developing sustainable pest management strategies, limited information is available on this pest in the Henan province of China. A systematic survey of the cryptic species composition and distribution of B. tabaci complex in different locations of Henan province was conducted in 2012. The results of RAPD-PCR and the gene for the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit-1 (mtCOI) based phylogenetic relationships established using Bayesian method indicated there were four known cryptic species MEAM1, MED, Asia II 3, Asia II 9 and a new cryptic species named China 6 in Henan province. In the survey, the invasive cryptic species MED and MEAM1 were found to be predominant with wide spread distribution across the surveyed regions. On the contrary, the indigenous B. tabaci cryptic species including Asia II 3, Asia II 9 and China 6 remained with low prevalence in some surveyed regions. Cryptic species MEAM1 and MED have not completely displaced the native B. tabaci in Henan province. This current study for the first time unifies our knowledge of the diversity and distribution of B. tabaci across Henan province of China. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America.

Cryptic diversity in a fig wasp community-morphologically differentiated species are sympatric but cryptic species are parapatric.

PubMed

Darwell, C T; Cook, J M

2017-02-01

A key debate in ecology centres on the relative importance of niche and neutral processes in determining patterns of community assembly with particular focus on whether ecologically similar species with similar functional traits are able to coexist. Meanwhile, molecular studies are increasingly revealing morphologically indistinguishable cryptic species with presumably similar ecological roles. Determining the geographic distribution of such cryptic species provides opportunities to contrast predictions of niche vs. neutral models. Discovery of sympatric cryptic species increases alpha diversity and supports neutral models, while documentation of allopatric/parapatric cryptic species increases beta diversity and supports niche models. We tested these predictions using morphological and molecular data, coupled with environmental niche modelling analyses, of a fig wasp community along its 2700-km latitudinal range. Molecular methods increased previous species diversity estimates from eight to eleven species, revealing morphologically cryptic species in each of the four wasp genera studied. Congeneric species pairs that were differentiated by a key morphological functional trait (ovipositor length) coexisted sympatrically over large areas. In contrast, morphologically similar species, with similar ovipositor lengths, typically showed parapatric ranges with very little overlap. Despite parapatric ranges, environmental niche models of cryptic congeneric pairs indicate large regions of potential sympatry, suggesting that competitive processes are important in determining the distributions of ecologically similar species. Niche processes appear to structure this insect community, and cryptic diversity may typically contribute mostly to beta rather than alpha diversity. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

How hidden are hidden processes? A primer on crypticity and entropy convergence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahoney, John R.; Ellison, Christopher J.; James, Ryan G.; Crutchfield, James P.

2011-09-01

We investigate a stationary process's crypticity—a measure of the difference between its hidden state information and its observed information—using the causal states of computational mechanics. Here, we motivate crypticity and cryptic order as physically meaningful quantities that monitor how hidden a hidden process is. This is done by recasting previous results on the convergence of block entropy and block-state entropy in a geometric setting, one that is more intuitive and that leads to a number of new results. For example, we connect crypticity to how an observer synchronizes to a process. We show that the block-causal-state entropy is a convex function of block length. We give a complete analysis of spin chains. We present a classification scheme that surveys stationary processes in terms of their possible cryptic and Markov orders. We illustrate related entropy convergence behaviors using a new form of foliated information diagram. Finally, along the way, we provide a variety of interpretations of crypticity and cryptic order to establish their naturalness and pervasiveness. This is also a first step in developing applications in spatially extended and network dynamical systems.

Switchable dual-wavelength fiber laser based on PCF Sagnac loop and broadband FBG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Weiguo; Lou, Shuqin; Feng, Suchun; Wang, Liwen; Li, Honglei; Guo, Tieying; Jian, Shuisheng

2009-11-01

Switchable dual-wavelength fiber laser with photonic crystal fiber (PCF) Sagnac loop and broadband fiber Bragg grating (BFBG) at room temperature is demonstrated. By adjusting the polarization controller (PC) appropriately, the laser can be switched between the stable single- and dual-wavelength lasing operations by exploiting polarization hole burning (PHB) and spectral hole burning effects (SHB).

Switchable Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) Thermal Materials Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Falker, John; Zeitlin, Nancy; Williams, Martha; Fesmire, James

2014-01-01

Develop 2-way switchable thermal systems for use in systems that function in cold to hot temperature ranges using different alloy designs for SMA system concepts. In this project, KSC will specifically address designs of two proof of concept SMA systems with transition temperatures in the 65-95 C range and investigate cycle fatigue and "memory loss" due to thermal cycling.

Highly Sensitive Switchable Heterojunction Photodiode Based on Epitaxial Bi2FeCrO6 Multiferroic Thin Films.

PubMed

Huang, Wei; Chakrabartty, Joyprokash; Harnagea, Catalin; Gedamu, Dawit; Ka, Ibrahima; Chaker, Mohamed; Rosei, Federico; Nechache, Riad

2018-04-18

Perovskite multiferroic oxides are promising materials for the realization of sensitive and switchable photodiodes because of their favorable band gap (<3.0 eV), high absorption coefficient, and tunable internal ferroelectric (FE) polarization. A high-speed switchable photodiode based on multiferroic Bi 2 FeCrO 6 (BFCO)/SrRuO 3 (SRO)-layered heterojunction was fabricated by pulsed laser deposition. The heterojunction photodiode exhibits a large ideality factor ( n = ∼5.0) and a response time as fast as 68 ms, thanks to the effective charge carrier transport and collection at the BFCO/SRO interface. The diode can switch direction when the electric polarization is reversed by an external voltage pulse. The time-resolved photoluminescence decay of the device measured at ∼500 nm demonstrates an ultrafast charge transfer (lifetime = ∼6.4 ns) in BFCO/SRO heteroepitaxial structures. The estimated responsivity value at 500 nm and zero bias is 0.38 mA W -1 , which is so far the highest reported for any FE thin film photodiode. Our work highlights the huge potential for using multiferroic oxides to fabricate highly sensitive and switchable photodiodes.

Improved performance of Mg-Y alloy thin film switchable mirrors after coating with a superhydrophobic surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La, Mao; Zhou, Huaijuan; Li, Ning; Xin, Yunchuan; Sha, Ren; Bao, Shanhu; Jin, Ping

2017-05-01

The magnesium based switchable mirrors can reversibly change their optical properties between the transparent and the reflective state as a result of hydrogenation and dehydrogenation. These films can potentially be applied as new energy-saving windows, by controlling the transmittance of solar radiation through the regulation of their reflective state. In this study, magnesium-yttrium (Mg-Y) alloy thin films were prepared using a DC magnetron sputtering method. However, the luminous transmittance in the transparent state and the switching durability of switchable mirrors are too poor to satisfy practical demands. In order to improve the films switching durability, luminous transmittance and the surface functionalization, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was coated with thermal vacuum deposition for use as the top layer of Mg-Y/Pd switchable mirrors. The PTFE layer had a porous network structure and exhibited a superhydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of approximately 152°. By characterization, PTFE thin films shows the excellent protection role against the oxidization of Mg, the switching durability of the films were improved 3 times, and also shows the antireflection role the luminous transmission of films was enhanced by 7% through the top covered with PTFE.

Switchable polarity solvent for liquid phase microextraction of Cd(II) as pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate chelates from environmental samples.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Erkan; Soylak, Mustafa

2015-07-30

A switchable polarity solvent was synthesized from triethylamine (TEA)/water/CO2 (Dry ice) via proton transfer reaction has been used for the microextraction of cadmium(II) as pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) chelate. Cd(II)-APDC chelate was extracted into the switchable polarity solvent drops by adding 2 mL 10 M sodium hydroxide solution. Analytical parameters affecting the complex formation and microextraction efficiency such as pH, amount of ligand, volume of switchable polarity solvent and NaOH, sample volume were optimized. The effects of foreign ions were found tolerably. Under optimum conditions, the detection limit was 0.16 μg L(-1) (3Sb/m, n = 7) and the relative standard deviation was 5.4% (n = 7). The method was validated by the analysis of certified reference materials (TMDA-51.3 fortified water, TMDA-53.3 fortified water and SPS-WW2 waste water, 1573a Tomato Leaves and Oriental Basma Tobacco Leaves (INCT-OBTL-5)) and addition/recovery tests. The method was successfully applied to determination of cadmium contents of water, vegetable, fruit and cigarette samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Polarization-switchable and wavelength-controllable multi-functional metasurface for focusing and surface-plasmon-polariton wave excitation.

PubMed

Ling, Yonghong; Huang, Lirong; Hong, Wei; Liu, Tongjun; Jing, Luan; Liu, Wenbin; Wang, Ziyong

2017-11-27

Realizing versatile functionalities in a single photonic device is crucial for photonic integration. We here propose a polarization-switchable and wavelength-controllable multi-functional metasurface. By changing the polarization state of incident light, its functionality can be switched between the flat focusing lens and exciting surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) wave. Interestingly, by tuning the wavelength of incident light, the generated SPP waves can also be controlled at desired interfaces, traveling along the upper or lower interface of the metasurface, or along both of them, depending on whether the incident light satisfies the first or second Kerker condition. This polarization-switchable and wavelength-controllable multifunctional metasurface may provide flexibility in designing tunable or multifunctional metasurfaces and may find potential applications in highly integrated photonic systems.

Glucose Suppresses Biological Ferroelectricity in Aortic Elastin

PubMed Central

Liu, Yuanming; Wang, Yunjie; Chow, Ming-Jay; Chen, Nataly Q.; Ma, Feiyue; Zhang, Yanhang; Li, Jiangyu

2013-01-01

Elastin is an intriguing extracellular matrix protein present in all connective tissues of vertebrates, rendering essential elasticity to connective tissues subjected to repeated physiological stresses. Using piezoresponse force microscopy, we show that the polarity of aortic elastin is switchable by an electrical field, which may be associated with the recently discovered biological ferroelectricity in the aorta. More interestingly, it is discovered that the switching in aortic elastin is largely suppressed by glucose treatment, which appears to freeze the internal asymmetric polar structures of elastin, making it much harder to switch, or suppressing the switching completely. Such loss of ferroelectricity could have important physiological and pathological implications from aging to arteriosclerosis that are closely related to glycation of elastin. PMID:23679639

Differences in life-histories refute ecological equivalence of cryptic species and provide clues to the origin of bathyal Halomonhystera (Nematoda).

PubMed

Van Campenhout, Jelle; Derycke, Sofie; Moens, Tom; Vanreusel, Ann

2014-01-01

The discovery of morphologically very similar but genetically distinct species complicates a proper understanding of the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Cryptic species have been frequently observed to co-occur and are thus expected to be ecological equivalent. The marine nematode Halomonhystera disjuncta contains five cryptic species (GD1-5) that co-occur in the Westerschelde estuary. In this study, we investigated the effect of three abiotic factors (salinity, temperature and sulphide) on life-history traits of three cryptic H. disjuncta species (GD1-3). Our results show that temperature had the most profound influence on all life-cycle parameters compared to a smaller effect of salinity. Life-history traits of closely related cryptic species were differentially affected by temperature, salinity and presence of sulphides which shows that cryptic H. disjuncta species are not ecologically equivalent. Our results further revealed that GD1 had the highest tolerance to a combination of sulphides, high salinities and low temperatures. The close phylogenetic position of GD1 to Halomonhystera hermesi, the dominant species in sulphidic sediments of the Håkon Mosby mud volcano (Barent Sea, 1280 m depth), indicates that both species share a recent common ancestor. Differential life-history responses to environmental changes among cryptic species may have crucial consequences for our perception on ecosystem functioning and coexistence of cryptic species.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matsuo, Hiroki; Kitanaka, Yuuki; Inoue, Ryotaro

We investigate the mechanism of a switchable diode behavior observed in ferroelectric SrRuO{sub 3}/BiFeO{sub 3} (BFO)/SrRuO{sub 3} capacitors. We experimentally demonstrate that the switchable diode effect observed in the capacitors is induced by the polarization reversal in the BFO film. The conductivity in an Ohmic region in different oxidation states provides direct evidence that electron hole acts as the majority carrier, delivering p-type conduction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the p-type conduction arises from an unoccupied gap state of Fe{sup 4+} in an FeO{sub 5} pyramid which is derived from Bi vacancy. Our experimental and DFT study leadsmore » to the conclusion that the switchable diode effect originates from an asymmetric band bending in the top and bottom depletion layers modulated by ferroelectric polarization and oxygen vacancies.« less

Direct Imaging of Charge Density Modulation in Switchable Two-Dimensional Electron Gas at the Oxide Hetero-Interfaces by Using Electron Bean Inline Holography

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-16

Switchable Two-Dimensional Electron Gas at the Oxide Hetero-Interfaces by Using Electron Bean Inline Holography 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER FA2386-13-1-4136...Hetero-Interfaces by Using Electron Bean Inline Holography 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER FA2386-13-1-4136 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 61102F

Robust Quantum Computing using Molecules with Switchable Dipole

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-15

REPORT Robust quantum computing using molecules with switchable dipole 14. ABSTRACT 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: Of the many systems studied to...Research Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 15. SUBJECT TERMS Ultracold polar molecules, quantum computing , phase gates...From - To) 30-Aug-2006 Standard Form 298 (Rev 8/98) Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39.18 - 31-Aug-2009 Robust quantum computing using molecules with

Switchable antifouling coatings and uses thereof

DOEpatents

Denton, Michele L. Baca; Dirk, Shawn M.; Johnson, Ross Stefan

2017-02-28

The present invention relates to antifouling coatings capable of being switched by using heat or ultraviolet light. Prior to switching, the coating includes an onium cation component having antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Upon switching, the coating is converted to a conjugated polymer state, and the cationic component is released with any adsorbed biofilm layer. Thus, the coatings herein have switchable and releasable properties. Methods of making and using such coatings are also described.

All-Silicon Switchable Magnetoelectric Effect through Interlayer Exchange Coupling.

PubMed

Liu, Hang; Sun, Jia-Tao; Fu, Hui-Xia; Sun, Pei-Jie; Feng, Y P; Meng, Sheng

2017-07-19

The magnetoelectric (ME) effect originating from the effective coupling between electric field and magnetism is an exciting frontier in nanoscale science such as magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ), ferroelectric/piezoelectric heterojunctions etc. The realization of switchable ME effect under external electric field in d0 semiconducting materials of single composition is needed especially for all-silicon spintronics applications because of its natural compatibility with current industry. We employ density functional theory (DFT) to reveal that the pristine Si(111)-3×3 R30° (Si3 hereafter) reconstructed surfaces of thin films with a thickness smaller than eleven bilayers support a sizeable linear ME effect with switchable direction of magnetic moment under external electric field. This is achieved through the interlayer exchange coupling effect in the antiferromagnetic regime, where the spin-up and spin-down magnetized density is located on opposite surfaces of Si3 thin films. The obtained coefficient for the linear ME effect can be four times larger than that of ferromagnetic Fe films, which fail to have the reversal switching capabilities. The larger ME effect originates from the spin-dependent screening of the spin-polarized Dirac fermion. The prediction will promote the realization of well-controlled and switchable data storage in all-silicon electronics. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Zipper-like magnetic molecularly imprinted microspheres for on/off-switchable recognition and extraction of 17β-estradiol from food samples.

PubMed

Zhu, Wenting; Peng, Hailong; Luo, Mei; Yu, Ningxiang; Xiong, Hua; Wang, Ronghui; Li, Yanbin

2018-09-30

Zipper-like on/off-switchable and magnetic molecularly imprinted microspheres (SM-MIMs) were constructed using acrylamide (AAm) and 2-acrylamide-2-methyl propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) as functional monomers for 17β-estradiol (17β-E 2 ) recognition and extraction. The imprinted polymer interactions between poly(AAm) (PAAm) and poly(AMPS) (PAMPS) with on/off-switchable property to temperature, exhibited dissociation at relatively higher temperatures (such as 30 °C) and helped 17β-E 2 enter into imprinted sites, leading to higher binding capability. Conversely, the interpolymer complexes between PAAm and PAMPS formed and blocked 17β-E 2 access to imprinted sites at lower temperature (such as 20 °C). SM-MIMs were used as dispersive solid phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent with HPLC for 17β-E 2 pretreatment and detection in food samples, and low limit detection (2.52 µg L -1 ) and quantification (10.76 µg L -1 ) with higher recovery were obtained. Therefore, SM-MIMs may be a promising adsorbent for 17β-E 2 pretreatment in food samples owing to its advantages of on/off-switchable recognition, eco-friendly elution, and efficient separation. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

New putative cryptic species detection and genetic network analysis of Bemisia tabaci (Hempitera: Aleyrodidae) in China based on mitochondrial COI sequences.

PubMed

Hu, Jian; Zhang, Xiaoyun; Jiang, Zhilin; Zhang, Feifei; Liu, Yuanyuan; Li, Zhan; Zhang, Zhongkai

2018-04-01

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a cryptic species complex and widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions. To understand the B. tabaci cryptic species diversity in China more comprehensively, in the year 2014 and 2016, a large-scale sampling was conducted from the famous biodiversity hotspot of China, Yunnan province. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequences were used to identify new putative cryptic species. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using Bayesian methods to evaluate the position of new cryptic species in the context of the B. tabaci diversity in Asia. Two new cryptic species, China 5 and Asia V were identified. In total, 19 B. tabaci cryptic species are present in China, two invasive (MED and MEAM1) and 17 indigenous. A new sibling species of B. tabaci was first defined and reported. Based on the mtCOI sequences and haplotype network analyses, the genetic diversity of MED was far higher than MEAM1. We confirmed the exotic MED was originated from the western Mediterranean regions and first invaded into Yunnan, China. The genetic structures of other four indigenous species (Asia I, Asia II 1, Asia II 6, and China 1) with relatively wide distribution ranges in China were also discussed.

Volatile compounds in cryptic species of the Aneura pinguis complex and Aneura maxima (Marchantiophyta, Metzgeriidae).

PubMed

Wawrzyniak, Rafał; Wasiak, Wiesław; Bączkiewicz, Alina; Buczkowska, Katarzyna

2014-09-01

Aneura pinguis is one of the liverwort species complexes that consist of several cryptic species. Ten samples collected from different regions in Poland are in the focus of our research. Eight of the A. pinguis complex belonging to four cryptic species (A, B, C, E) and two samples of closely related species Aneura maxima were tested for the composition of volatile compounds. The HS-SPME technique coupled to GC/FID and GC/MS analysis has been applied. The fiber coated with DVB/CAR/PDMS has been used. The results of the present study, revealed the qualitative and quantitative differences in the composition of the volatile compounds between the studied species. Mainly they are from the group of sesquiterpenoids, oxygenated sesquiterpenoids and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The statistical methods (CA and PCA) showed that detected volatile compounds allow to distinguish cryptic species of A. pinguis. All examined cryptic species of the A. pinguis complex differ from A. maxima. Species A and E of A. pinguis, in CA and PCA, form separate clusters remote from two remaining cryptic species of A. pinguis (B and C) and A. maxima. Relationship between the cryptic species appeared from the chemical studies are in accordance with that revealed on the basis of DNA sequences. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optically switchable photonic metasurfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Waters, R. F.; MacDonald, K. F.; Hobson, P. A.

2015-08-24

We experimentally demonstrate an optically switchable gallium-based metasurface, in which a reversible light-induced transition between solid and liquid phases occurring in a confined nanoscale surface layer of the metal drives significant changes in reflectivity and absorption. The metasurface architecture resonantly enhances the metal's “active plasmonic” phase-change nonlinearity by an order of magnitude, offering high contrast all-optical switching in the near-infrared range at low, μW μm{sup −2}, excitation intensities.

Smart Mirrors for Photorefractive Control of Light with Tim Bunning, RX - Agile Filters Application

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-08

AFRL-AFOSR-UK-TR-2017-0008 Smart Mirrors for photorefractive control of light with Tim Bunning, RX-- Agile filters application Luciano De Sio...photorefractive control of light with Tim Bunning, RX-- Agile filters application 5a.  CONTRACT NUMBER 5b.  GRANT NUMBER FA9550-14-1-0050 5c.  PROGRAM...photorefractive, switchable optical filters , liquide crystalline composite materials, Switchable reflective holographic gratings, polymer-dispersed liquid

Switchable radioactive neutron source device

DOEpatents

Boyar, Robert E.; DeVolpi, Alexander; Stanford, George S.; Rhodes, Edgar A.

1989-01-01

This invention is a switchable neutron generating apparatus comprised of a pair of plates, the first plate having an alpha emitter section on it and the second plate having a target material portion on it which generates neutrons when its nuclei absorb an alpha particle. In operation, the alpha portion of the first plate is aligned with the neutron portion of the second plate to produce neutrons and brought out of alignment to cease production of neutrons.

Novel Material Systems and Methodologies for Transient Thermal Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oliva-Buisson, Yvette J.

2014-01-01

Development of multifunctional and thermally switchable systems to address reduced mass and components, and tailored for both structural and transient thermal applications. Active, passive, and novel combinations of the two functional approaches are being developed along two lines of research investigation: switchable systems and transient heat spreading. The approach is to build in thermal functionality to structural elements to lay the foundation for a revolution in the way high energy space systems are designed.

Sunlight-switchable light shutter fabricated using liquid crystals doped with push-pull azobenzene.

PubMed

Oh, Seung-Won; Baek, Jong-Min; Yoon, Tae-Hoon

2016-11-14

We propose a sunlight-switchable light shutter using liquid crystal/polymer composite doped with push-pull azobenzene. The proposed light shutter is switchable between the translucent and transparent states by application of an electric field or by UV irradiation. Switching by UV irradiation is based on the change of the liquid crystal (LC) clearing point by the photo-isomerization effect of push-pull azobenzene. Under sunlight, the light shutter can be switched from the translucent to the transparent state by the nematic-isotropic phase transition of the LC domains triggered by trans-cis photo-isomerization of the push-pull azobenzene molecules. When the amount of sunlight is low because of cloud cover or when there is no sunlight at sunset, the light shutter rapidly relaxes from its transparent state back to its initial translucent state by the isotropic-nematic phase transition induced by cis-trans back-isomerization of the push-pull azobenzene molecules.

Fast switchable ferroelectric liquid crystal gratings with two electro-optical modes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ma, Ying; Srivastava, A. K., E-mail: abhishek-srivastava-lu@yahoo.co.in; Chigrinov, V. G.

In this article, we reveal a theoretical and experimental illustration of the Ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) grating fabricated by mean of patterned alignment based on photo-alignment. The complexity related to the mismatching of the predefined alignment domains on the top and bottom substrate has been avoided by incorporating only one side photo aligned substrate while the other substrate does not have any alignment layer. Depending on the easy axis in the said alignment domains and the azimuth plane of the impinging polarized light, the diffracting element can be tuned in two modes i.e. DIFF/OFF switchable and DIFF/TRANS switchable modes, whichmore » can be applied to different applications. The diffraction profile has been illustrated theoretically that fits well with the experimental finding and thus the proposed diffraction elements with fast response time and high diffraction efficiency could find application in many modern devices.« less

Switchable silver mirrors with long memory effects.

PubMed

Park, Chihyun; Seo, Seogjae; Shin, Haijin; Sarwade, Bhimrao D; Na, Jongbeom; Kim, Eunkyoung

2015-01-01

An electrochemically stable and bistable switchable mirror was achieved for the first time by introducing (1) a thiol-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode for the stabilization of the metallic film and (2) ionic liquids as an anion-blocking layer, to achieve a long memory effect. The growth of the metallic film was denser and faster at the thiol-modified ITO electrode than at a bare ITO electrode. The electrochemical stability of the metallic film on the thiol-modified ITO was enhanced, maintaining the metallic state without rupture. In the voltage-off state, the metal film maintained bistability for a long period (>2 h) when ionic liquids were introduced as electrolytes for the switchable mirror. The electrical double layer in the highly viscous ionic liquid electrolyte seemed to effectively form a barrier to the bromide ions, to protect the metal thin film from them when in the voltage-off state.

Liquid-crystal-based switchable polarizers for sensor protection.

PubMed

Wu, C S; Wu, S T

1995-11-01

Linear polarizers are generally employed in conjunction with advanced liquid-crystal filters for the protection of human eyes and optical sensors. For detection sensitivity under a no-threat condition to be maximized, the polarizer should remain in a clear state with a minimum insertion loss. When threats are present, it should be quickly switched to function as a linear polarizer with a high extinction ratio. Two types of switchable polarizer for sensor protection are demonstrated. The polarization conversion type exhibits a high optical efficiency in its clear state, a high extinction ratio in the linear polarizer state, and a fast switching speed, except that its field of view is limited to approximately ±10°. In contrast, an improved switchable dichroic polarizer functions effectively over a much wider field of view. However, its extinction ratio and optical efficiency in its clear state are lower than those of the polarization conversion type.

Switchable cucurbituril-bipyridine beacons.

PubMed

Sinha, Mantosh K; Reany, Ofer; Parvari, Galit; Karmakar, Ananta; Keinan, Ehud

2010-08-09

4-Aminobipyridine derivatives form strong inclusion complexes with cucurbit[6]uril, exhibiting remarkably large enhancements in fluorescence intensity and quantum yields. The remarkable complexation-induced pK(a) shift (DeltapK(a)=3.3) highlights the strong charge-dipole interaction upon binding. The reversible binding phenomenon can be used for the design of switchable beacons that can be incorporated into cascades of binding networks. This concept is demonstrated herein by three different applications: 1) a switchable fluorescent beacon for chemical sensing of transition metals and other ligands; 2) direct measurement of binding constants between cucurbit[6]uril and various nonfluorescent guest molecules; and 3) quantitative monitoring of biocatalytic reactions and determination of their kinetic parameters. The latter application is illustrated by the hydrolysis of an amide catalyzed by penicillin G acylase and by the elimination reaction of a beta-cabamoyloxy ketone catalyzed by aldolase antibody 38C2.

Liquid-crystal-based switchable polarizers for sensor protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Chiung-Sheng; Wu, Shin-Tson

1995-11-01

Linear polarizers are generally employed in conjunction with advanced liquid-crystal filters for the protection of human eyes and optical sensors. For detection sensitivity under a no-threat condition to be maximized, the polarizer should remain in a clear state with a minimum insertion loss. When threats are present, it should be quickly switched to function as a linear polarizer with a high extinction ratio. Two types of switchable polarizer for sensor protection are demonstrated. The polarization conversion type exhibits a high optical efficiency in its clear state, a high extinction ratio in the linear polarizer state, and a fast switching speed, except that its field of view is limited to approximately +/-10 deg In contrast, an improved switchable dichroic polarizer functions effectively over a much wider field of view. However, its extinction ratio and optical efficiency in its clear state are lower than those of the polarization conversion type.

Powering the programmed nanostructure and function of gold nanoparticles with catenated DNA machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elbaz, Johann; Cecconello, Alessandro; Fan, Zhiyuan; Govorov, Alexander O.; Willner, Itamar

2013-06-01

DNA nanotechnology is a rapidly developing research area in nanoscience. It includes the development of DNA machines, tailoring of DNA nanostructures, application of DNA nanostructures for computing, and more. Different DNA machines were reported in the past and DNA-guided assembly of nanoparticles represents an active research effort in DNA nanotechnology. Several DNA-dictated nanoparticle structures were reported, including a tetrahedron, a triangle or linear nanoengineered nanoparticle structures; however, the programmed, dynamic reversible switching of nanoparticle structures and, particularly, the dictated switchable functions emerging from the nanostructures, are missing elements in DNA nanotechnology. Here we introduce DNA catenane systems (interlocked DNA rings) as molecular DNA machines for the programmed, reversible and switchable arrangement of different-sized gold nanoparticles. We further demonstrate that the machine-powered gold nanoparticle structures reveal unique emerging switchable spectroscopic features, such as plasmonic coupling or surface-enhanced fluorescence.

Cryptic species diversity reveals biogeographic support for the ‘mountain passes are higher in the tropics’ hypothesis

PubMed Central

Gill, B. A.; Kondratieff, B. C.; Casner, K. L.; Encalada, A. C.; Flecker, A. S.; Gannon, D. G.; Ghalambor, C. K.; Guayasamin, J. M.; Poff, N. L.; Simmons, M. P.; Thomas, S. A.; Zamudio, K. R.; Funk, W. C.

2016-01-01

The ‘mountain passes are higher in the tropics’ (MPHT) hypothesis posits that reduced climate variability at low latitudes should select for narrower thermal tolerances, lower dispersal and smaller elevational ranges compared with higher latitudes. These latitudinal differences could increase species richness at low latitudes, but that increase may be largely cryptic, because physiological and dispersal traits isolating populations might not correspond to morphological differences. Yet previous tests of the MPHT hypothesis have not addressed cryptic diversity. We use integrative taxonomy, combining morphology (6136 specimens) and DNA barcoding (1832 specimens) to compare the species richness, cryptic diversity and elevational ranges of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) in the Rocky Mountains (Colorado; approx. 40°N) and the Andes (Ecuador; approx. 0°). We find higher species richness and smaller elevational ranges in Ecuador than Colorado, but only after quantifying and accounting for cryptic diversity. The opposite pattern is found when comparing diversity based on morphology alone, underscoring the importance of uncovering cryptic species to understand global biodiversity patterns. PMID:27306051

In the shadows: Phylogenomics and coalescent species delimitation unveil cryptic diversity in a Cerrado endemic lizard (Squamata: Tropidurus).

PubMed

Domingos, Fabricius M C B; Colli, Guarino R; Lemmon, Alan; Lemmon, Emily Moriarty; Beheregaray, Luciano B

2017-02-01

The recognition of cryptic diversity within geographically widespread species is gradually becoming a trend in the highly speciose Neotropical biomes. The statistical methods to recognise such cryptic lineages are rapidly advancing, but have rarely been applied to genomic-scale datasets. Herein, we used phylogenomic data to investigate phylogenetic history and cryptic diversity within Tropidurus itambere, a lizard endemic to the Cerrado biodiversity hotspot. We applied a series of phylogenetic methods to reconstruct evolutionary relationships and a coalescent Bayesian species delimitation approach (BPP) to clarify species limits. The BPP results suggest that the widespread nominal taxon comprises a complex of 5 highly supported and geographically structured cryptic species. We highlight and discuss the different topological patterns recovered by concatenated and coalescent species tree methods for these closely related lineages. Finally, we suggest that the existence of cryptic lineages in the Cerrado is much more common than traditionally thought, highlighting the value of using NGS data and coalescent techniques to investigate patterns of species diversity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Integrating molecular and morphological approaches for characterizing parasite cryptic species: implications for parasitology.

PubMed

Nadler, Steven A; DE León, Gerardo Pérez-Ponce

2011-11-01

Herein we review theoretical and methodological considerations important for finding and delimiting cryptic species of parasites (species that are difficult to recognize using traditional systematic methods). Applications of molecular data in empirical investigations of cryptic species are discussed from an historical perspective, and we evaluate advantages and disadvantages of approaches that have been used to date. Developments concerning the theory and practice of species delimitation are emphasized because theory is critical to interpretation of data. The advantages and disadvantages of different molecular methodologies, including the number and kind of loci, are discussed relative to tree-based approaches for detecting and delimiting cryptic species. We conclude by discussing some implications that cryptic species have for research programmes in parasitology, emphasizing that careful attention to the theory and operational practices involved in finding, delimiting, and describing new species (including cryptic species) is essential, not only for fully characterizing parasite biodiversity and broader aspects of comparative biology such as systematics, evolution, ecology and biogeography, but to applied research efforts that strive to improve development and understanding of epidemiology, diagnostics, control and potential eradication of parasitic diseases.

Electro-Optic Effects in Colloidal Dispersion of Metal Nano-Rods in Dielectric Fluid

PubMed Central

Golovin, Andrii B.; Xiang, Jie; Park, Heung-Shik; Tortora, Luana; Nastishin, Yuriy A.; Shiyanovskii, Sergij V.; Lavrentovich, Oleg D.

2011-01-01

In modern transformation optics, one explores metamaterials with properties that vary from point to point in space and time, suitable for application in devices such as an “optical invisibility cloak” and an “optical black hole”. We propose an approach to construct spatially varying and switchable metamaterials that are based on colloidal dispersions of metal nano-rods (NRs) in dielectric fluids, in which dielectrophoretic forces, originating in the electric field gradients, create spatially varying configurations of aligned NRs. The electric field controls orientation and concentration of NRs and thus modulates the optical properties of the medium. Using gold (Au) NRs dispersed in toluene, we demonstrate electrically induced change in refractive index on the order of 0.1. PMID:28879997

Reduction of excess sludge in a sequencing batch reactor by lysis-cryptic growth using quick lime for disintegration under low temperature.

PubMed

Lv, Xiao-Mei; Song, Ju-Sheng; Li, Ji; Zhai, Kun

2017-08-01

In the present study, quick-lime-based thermal-alkaline sludge disintegration (SD) under low temperature was combined with cryptic growth to investigate the excess sludge reduction efficiency in the sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The optimized condition of SD was as follows: T = 80℃, pH = 11, t = 180 min, and the SD rate was about 42.1%. With 65.6% of excess sludge disintegrated and returned to the SBR, the system achieved sludge reduction rate of about 40.1%. The lysis-cryptic growth still obtained satisfactory sludge reduction efficiency despite the comparative low SD rate, which suggested that disintegration rate might not be the decisive factor for cryptic-growth-based sludge reduction. Lysis-cryptic growth did not impact the effluent quality, yet the phosphorus removal performance was enhanced, with effluent total phosphorus concentration decreased by 0.3 mg/L (33%). Crystal compounds of calcium phosphate precipitate were detected in the system by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, which indicated the phosphorus removal potential of SD using lime. Moreover, endogenous dehydrogenase activity of activated sludge in the lysis-cryptic system was enhanced, which was beneficial for sludge reduction. SD and cryptic growth in the present study demonstrates an economical and effective approach for sludge reduction.

DNA barcoding applied to ex situ tropical amphibian conservation programme reveals cryptic diversity in captive populations.

PubMed

Crawford, Andrew J; Cruz, Catalina; Griffith, Edgardo; Ross, Heidi; Ibáñez, Roberto; Lips, Karen R; Driskell, Amy C; Bermingham, Eldredge; Crump, Paul

2013-11-01

Amphibians constitute a diverse yet still incompletely characterized clade of vertebrates, in which new species are still being discovered and described at a high rate. Amphibians are also increasingly endangered, due in part to disease-driven threats of extinctions. As an emergency response, conservationists have begun ex situ assurance colonies for priority species. The abundance of cryptic amphibian diversity, however, may cause problems for ex situ conservation. In this study we used a DNA barcoding approach to survey mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in captive populations of 10 species of Neotropical amphibians maintained in an ex situ assurance programme at El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center (EVACC) in the Republic of Panama. We combined these mtDNA sequences with genetic data from presumably conspecific wild populations sampled from across Panama, and applied genetic distance-based and character-based analyses to identify cryptic lineages. We found that three of ten species harboured substantial cryptic genetic diversity within EVACC, and an additional three species harboured cryptic diversity among wild populations, but not in captivity. Ex situ conservation efforts focused on amphibians are therefore vulnerable to an incomplete taxonomy leading to misidentification among cryptic species. DNA barcoding may therefore provide a simple, standardized protocol to identify cryptic diversity readily applicable to any amphibian community. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Magnetron Sputtering System for Novel Intrinsically Switchable Thin Film Ferroelectric Resonators and Filters

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-03

the growth conditions and to improve film quality.    Mechanical  Scroll   Pump   The sputtering system requires a mechanical  scroll   pump  to bring the...load lock and main processing  chamber from atmospheric pressure to medium  vacuum . This particular type of  pump  does not expose  any part of the  vacuum ...additional  pump  to bring the main processing chamber from medium  vacuum  to ultrahigh  vacuum . Cryogenic  pumps  have no mechanical components and are

Photo-switchable Donor-Acceptor (D-A) Dyad Interfacial Self-Assembled Monolayers for Organic Photovoltaic Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-05

AFRL-AFOSR-VA-TR-2015-0396 (HBCU) Photo-switchable Donor-Acceptor for Organic Photovoltaic Cells Luis Echegoyen UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO Final...Acceptor (D-A) Dyad Interfacial Self-Assembled Monolayers for Organic Photovoltaic Cells 5a.  CONTRACT NUMBER 5b.  GRANT NUMBER FA9550-12-1-0053 5c...demonstrated using impedance spectroscopy for several triphenylamine-fullerene dyads, but their performance in photovoltaic devices was not remarkable, likely

Switchable radioactive neutron source device

DOEpatents

Stanford, G.S.; Rhodes, E.A.; Devolpi, A.; Boyar, R.E.

1987-11-06

This invention is a switchable neutron generating apparatus comprised of a pair of plates, the first plate having an alpha emitter section on it and the second plate having a target material portion on it which generates neutrons when its nuclei absorb an alpha particle. In operation, the alpha portion of the first plate is aligned with the neutron portion of the second plate to produce neutrons and brought out of alignment to cease production of neutrons. 3 figs.

Reversible conversion of valence-tautomeric copper metal-organic frameworks dependent single-crystal-to-single-crystal oxidation/reduction: a redox-switchable catalyst for C-H bonds activation reaction.

PubMed

Huang, Chao; Wu, Jie; Song, Chuanjun; Ding, Ran; Qiao, Yan; Hou, Hongwei; Chang, Junbiao; Fan, Yaoting

2015-06-28

Upon single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) oxidation/reduction, reversible structural transformations take place between the anionic porous zeolite-like Cu(I) framework and a topologically equivalent neutral Cu(I)Cu(II) mixed-valent framework. The unique conversion behavior of the Cu(I) framework endowed it as a redox-switchable catalyst for the direct arylation of heterocycle C-H bonds.

Layer by layer assembled films between hemoglobin and multiwall carbon nanotubes for pH-switchable biosensing.

PubMed

Pan, Zhongqin; Liu, Xiaojun; Xie, Jing; Bao, Ning; He, Hong; Li, Xiaodong; Zeng, Jiang; Gu, Haiying

2015-05-01

Although pH-switchable behaviors have been reported based on multilayer films modified electrodes, their pH-switchable biosensing is still difficult due to the existence of the electroactive mediator. In this study, we report the pH-dependable determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) based on a four-bilayer film fabricated through layer by layer assembly between hemoglobin (Hb) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). We observed that response of electroactive probe Fe(CN)6(3-) at the multilayer films was very sensitive and reversible to pH values of phosphate buffer solutions phosphate buffer solution with cyclic voltammetry. The reduction peak height of Fe(CN)6(3-) at the multilayer film could reach ∼221μA at pH 3.0 while 0μA at pH 9.0. The linear range for the detection of H2O2 at pH 3.0 was from 12.5μM to 10.4mM, which was much wider than that at pH 9.0. Our results demonstrated that the detection of H2O2 with the proposed modified electrode is dependent on pH values of phosphate buffer solution. Moreover, the component of multilayer films has impacts on the performance of biosensors with pH-switchable behaviors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Temperature-Switchable Agglomeration of Magnetic Particles Designed for Continuous Separation Processes in Biotechnology.

PubMed

Paulus, Anja S; Heinzler, Raphael; Ooi, Huey Wen; Franzreb, Matthias

2015-07-08

The purpose of this work was the synthesis and characterization of thermally switchable magnetic particles for use in biotechnological applications such as protein purification and enzymatic conversions. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization was employed to synthesize poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) brushes via a "graft-from" approach on the surface of magnetic microparticles. The resulting particles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis and their temperature-dependent agglomeration behavior was assessed. The influence of several factors on particle agglomeration (pH, temperature, salt type, and particle concentration) was evaluated. The results showed that a low pH value (pH 3-4), a kosmotropic salt (ammonium sulfate), and a high particle concentration (4 g/L) resulted in improved agglomeration at elevated temperature (40 °C). Recycling of particles and reversibility of the temperature-switchable agglomeration were successfully demonstrated for ten heating-cooling cycles. Additionally, enhanced magnetic separation was observed for the modified particles. Ionic monomers were integrated into the polymer chain to create end-group functionalized particles as well as two- and three-block copolymer particles for protein binding. The adsorption of lactoferrin, bovine serum albumin, and lysozyme to these ion exchange particles was evaluated and showed a binding capacity of up to 135 mg/g. The dual-responsive particles combined magnetic and thermoresponsive properties for switchable agglomeration, easy separability, and efficient protein adsorption.

Causative Agents of Aspergillosis Including Cryptic Aspergillus Species and A. fumigatus.

PubMed

Toyotome, Takahito

2016-01-01

Aspergillosis is an important deep mycosis. The causative agents are Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus terreus, of which A. fumigatus is the most prevalent. Cryptic Aspergillus spp., which morphologically resemble representative species of each Aspergillus section, also cause aspergillosis. Most of the cryptic species reveal different susceptibility patterns and/or different secondary metabolite profiles, also called exometabolome in this manuscript, from those representative species. On the other hand, azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains in clinical specimens and in the environment have been reported. Therefore, it is imperative to precisely identify the species, including cryptic Aspergillus spp., and evaluate the susceptibility of isolates.In this manuscript, some of the causative cryptic Aspergillus spp. are briefly reviewed. In addition, the exometabolome of Aspergillus section Fumigati is described. Finally, azole resistance of A. fumigatus is also discussed, in reference to several studies from Japan.

Multi-resistant aspergillosis due to cryptic species.

PubMed

Howard, Susan Julie

2014-12-01

Reports of cryptic species causing aspergillosis in humans are increasing in the literature. Cryptic species are defined as those which are morphologically indistinguishable, although their identifications can be confirmed using molecular or other techniques which continue to become more widely available in the clinical setting. Antifungal resistance has often been noted in these cases, and indeed there does appear to be a higher prevalence of reduced susceptibility in cryptic species. Many of these observations are published as individual case reports or as a small component of larger data sets, making it challenging to review and compare the data fully. This review article seeks to describe the susceptibility trends and key learning outcomes of specific cases of infections caused by cryptic species, including Aspergillus alliaceus, Aspergillus calidoustus, Aspergillus felis, Aspergillus lentulus, Aspergillus tubingensis, Aspergillus viridinutans and Neosartorya pseudofischeri. These reports highlight the clinical need for full accurate identification and susceptibility testing to guide patient care.

Environmental change, phenotypic plasticity, and genetic compensation.

PubMed

Grether, Gregory F

2005-10-01

When a species encounters novel environmental conditions, some phenotypic characters may develop differently than in the ancestral environment. Most environmental perturbations of development are likely to reduce fitness, and thus selection would usually be expected to favor genetic changes that restore the ancestral phenotype. I propose the term "genetic compensation" to refer to this form of adaptive evolution. Genetic compensation is a subset of genetic accommodation and the reverse of genetic assimilation. When genetic compensation has occurred along a spatial environmental gradient, the mean trait values of populations in different environments may be more similar in the field than when representatives of the same populations are raised in a common environment (i.e., countergradient variation). If compensation is complete, genetic divergence between populations may be cryptic, that is, not detectable in the field. Here I apply the concept of genetic compensation to three examples involving carotenoid-based sexual coloration and then use these and other examples to discuss the concept in a broader context. I show that genetic compensation may lead to a cryptic form of reproductive isolation between populations evolving in different environments, may explain some puzzling cases in which heritable traits exposed to strong directional selection fail to show the expected evolutionary response, and may complicate efforts to monitor populations for signs of environmental deterioration.

Biological Control Potential of Neoaplectanid Nematodes

PubMed Central

Gaugler, Randy

1981-01-01

The neoaplectanids are among the most studied of all entomogenous nematodes. Because these nematodes kill their insect hosts, they are regarded as having excellent potential as biological control agents. While the host specificity of most entontogenous nematodes tends to limit their potential usefulness, the broad host range and high virulence of neoaplectanids make them attractive candidates for industrial development. Also, recent development of economical mass rearing procedures appears to make production on a commercial basis feasible. Infective stages may be stored for years trader various laboratory conditions. Although entomogenous nematodes, as parasites, are exempt from govermnent registration requirements, the mutualistic association of neoaplectanid nematodes with a bacterium will likely necessitate a detailed safety evaluation. Studies conducted to date indicate a lack of pathogenicity to mammals. Field trial success has been limited by the intolerance of infective stages to mffavorable environmental conditions, particularly low moisture. Applications against pests on exposed plant foliage have been especially disappointing. More encouraging anti consistent results have been obtained in more favorable environments, including soil and aquatic habitats, but the most promising treatment sites ntay be cryptic habitats where infective stages are shehered from environmental extremes. Cryptic habitats also exploit the ability of neoaplectanids to actively seek out hosts in recessed places where conventional insecticide applications are intpractical. PMID:19300757

Switchable and Tunable Bulk Acoustic Wave Devices Based on Ferroelectric Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansour, Almonir

The explosive development of personal communications systems, navigation, satellite communications as well as personal computer and data processing systems together with the constant demand for higher speeds and larger bandwidths has driven fabrication technology to its limits. This, in turn, necessitates the development of novel functional materials for the fabrication of devices with superior performance and higher capacity at reduced manufacturing costs. Ferroelectric materials such as barium strontium titanate (BST) and strontium titanium oxide (STO) have received more attention by researchers and industry because of their field-induced piezoelectric property. This property gives these types of ferroelectric materials the ability to be switchable and tunable in the presence of an electric field. These features have allowed the ferroelectric materials to be used in many applications such as non-volatile memory and DRAMs, sensors, pyroelectric detectors, and tunable microwave devices. Therefore, with the ever increasing complexity in RF front-end receivers, and the demand for services (which in turn requires more functionalities), ferroelectric bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators and filters that are intrinsically switchable and tunable promise to reduce the size and complexity of component parts. In this work, we present the design, fabrication and experimental evaluation of switchable and tunable thin film bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators, filters and duplexers for radio frequency (RF) applications. The switchability and tunability of these devices come from utilizing the electrostrictive effect of ferroelectric materials such as barium strontium titanate (BST) with the application of an external DC-bias voltage. The BAW resonators, filters and duplexers in this work were fabricated on different substrates as solidly mounted resonator (SMR) structure with number of periodic layers of silicon dioxide and tantalum oxide as a Bragg reflector in order to acoustically isolate the resonator from the damping effect of the substrate, enhancing the quality factor and temperature compensation.

Prevalence of cryptic species in morphologically uniform taxa - fast speciation and evolutionary radiation in Asian toads.

PubMed

Liu, Zuyao; Chen, Guoling; Zhu, Tianqi; Zeng, Zhaochi; Lyu, Zhitong; Wang, Jian; Messenger, Kevin; Greenberg, Anthony J; Guo, Zixiao; Yang, Ziheng; Shi, Suhua; Wang, Yingyong

2018-06-16

Diversity and distributions of cryptic species have long been a vexing issue. Identification of species boundaries is made difficult by the lack of obvious morphological differences. Here, we investigate the cryptic diversity and evolutionary history of an underappreciated group of Asian frog species (Megophrys) to explore the pattern and dynamic of amphibian cryptic species. We sequenced four mitochondrial genes and five nuclear genes and delineated species using multiple approaches, combining DNA and mating-call data. A Bayesian species tree was generated to estimate divergence times and to reconstruct ancestral ranges. Macroevolutionary analyses and hybridization tests were conducted to explore the evolutionary dynamics of this cryptic group. Our phylogenies support the current subgenera. We revealed 43 cryptic species, 158% higher than previously thought. The species-delimitation results were further confirmed by mating-call data and morphological divergence. We found that these Asian frogss entered China from the Sunda Shelf 48 Mya, followed by an ancient radiation event during middle Miocene. We confirmed the efficiency of the multispecies coalescent model for delimitation of species with low morphological diversity. Species diversity of Megophrys is severely underappreciated, and species distributions have been misestimated as a result. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Differences in sperm storage and remating propensity between adult females of two morphotypes of the Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) cryptic species complex.

PubMed

Abraham, S; Rull, J; Mendoza, M; Liendo, M C; Devescovi, F; Roriz, A K; Kovaleski, A; Segura, D F; Vera, M T

2014-06-01

The South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus, is a complex of cryptic species composed of at least seven morphotypes. Some of them, such as the Peruvian and Brazilian 1 morphotypes (which include Argentinean populations), exhibit strong pre-copulatory isolation, yet it is possible to obtain heterotypic crosses when forcing copulation of adults under laboratory conditions. The cross involving Peruvian males and Argentinean females produces F1 offspring with reduced viability in terms of egg hatch. This low hatchability could be caused by a reduced amount of sperm transferred to and stored by females mated with heterotypic males, which in turn could affect their post-copulatory behaviour. To test these hypotheses, we investigated sperm transfer and female mating and remating behaviour for homotypic and heterotypic crosses between adults of two morphotypes (Brazilian 1 [Argentina] and Peruvian [Peru]) of the A. fraterculus cryptic species complex. As reported before, Argentinean males and females mated earlier in the day than the other three mating combinations. Peruvian females engaged in shorter copulation times than Argentinean females. Peruvian females tended to store smaller quantities of sperm than Argentinean females, and almost a half of the crosses involving Argentinean males and Peruvian females were unsuccessful (no sperm transfer). However, there was no evidence that the cross between Peruvian males and Argentinean females resulted in storage of a critically small amount of sperm (posing risk of sperm shortage). Argentinean females were more willing to remate than Peruvian females, irrespective of male morphotype, but latency to remating was not affected by male or female morphotype. This study shows that mating behaviour differs between some of the A. fraterculus complex morphotypes, with female but not male morphotype determining female likelihood to remate.

Specialist and generalist symbionts show counterintuitive levels of genetic diversity and discordant demographic histories along the Florida Reef Tract

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Titus, Benjamin M.; Daly, Marymegan

2017-03-01

Specialist and generalist life histories are expected to result in contrasting levels of genetic diversity at the population level, and symbioses are expected to lead to patterns that reflect a shared biogeographic history and co-diversification. We test these assumptions using mtDNA sequencing and a comparative phylogeographic approach for six co-occurring crustacean species that are symbiotic with sea anemones on western Atlantic coral reefs, yet vary in their host specificities: four are host specialists and two are host generalists. We first conducted species discovery analyses to delimit cryptic lineages, followed by classic population genetic diversity analyses for each delimited taxon, and then reconstructed the demographic history for each taxon using traditional summary statistics, Bayesian skyline plots, and approximate Bayesian computation to test for signatures of recent and concerted population expansion. The genetic diversity values recovered here contravene the expectations of the specialist-generalist variation hypothesis and classic population genetics theory; all specialist lineages had greater genetic diversity than generalists. Demography suggests recent population expansions in all taxa, although Bayesian skyline plots and approximate Bayesian computation suggest the timing and magnitude of these events were idiosyncratic. These results do not meet the a priori expectation of concordance among symbiotic taxa and suggest that intrinsic aspects of species biology may contribute more to phylogeographic history than extrinsic forces that shape whole communities. The recovery of two cryptic specialist lineages adds an additional layer of biodiversity to this symbiosis and contributes to an emerging pattern of cryptic speciation in the specialist taxa. Our results underscore the differences in the evolutionary processes acting on marine systems from the terrestrial processes that often drive theory. Finally, we continue to highlight the Florida Reef Tract as an important biodiversity hotspot.

Integrating phylogeography and species distribution models: cryptic distributional responses to past climate change in an endemic rodent from the central Chile hotspot

PubMed Central

GUTIÉRREZ-TAPIA, PABLO; PALMA, R. EDUARDO

2016-01-01

Aim Biodiversity losses under the species level may have been severely underestimated in future global climate change scenarios. Therefore, it is important to characterize the diversity units at this level, as well as to understand their ecological responses to climatic forcings. We have chosen an endemic rodent from a highly endangered ecogeographic area as a model to look for distributional responses below the species level: Phyllotis darwini. Location The central Chile biodiversity hotspot: This area harbours a high number of endemic species, and it is known to have experienced vegetational displacements between two mountain systems during and after the Last Glacial Maximum. Methods We have characterized cryptic lineages inside P. darwini in a classic phylogeographic approach; those intraspecific lineages were considered as relevant units to construct distribution models at Last Glacial Maximum and at present, as border climatic conditions. Differences in distribution between border conditions for each lineage were interpreted as distributional responses to post-glacial climate change. Results The species is composed of two major phylogroups: one of them has a broad distribution mainly across the valley but also in mountain ranges, whereas the other displays a disjunct distribution across both mountain ranges and always above 1500 m. The lineage distribution model under LGM climatic conditions suggests that both lineages were co-distributed in the southern portion of P. darwini’s current geographic range, mainly at the valley and at the coast. Main conclusions Present distribution of lineages in P. darwini is the consequence of a cryptic distributional response to climate change after LGM: postglacial northward colonization, with strict altitudinal segregation of both phylogroups. PMID:27453686

Ferroelectric nanostructure having switchable multi-stable vortex states

DOEpatents

Naumov, Ivan I [Fayetteville, AR; Bellaiche, Laurent M [Fayetteville, AR; Prosandeev, Sergey A [Fayetteville, AR; Ponomareva, Inna V [Fayetteville, AR; Kornev, Igor A [Fayetteville, AR

2009-09-22

A ferroelectric nanostructure formed as a low dimensional nano-scale ferroelectric material having at least one vortex ring of polarization generating an ordered toroid moment switchable between multi-stable states. A stress-free ferroelectric nanodot under open-circuit-like electrical boundary conditions maintains such a vortex structure for their local dipoles when subject to a transverse inhomogeneous static electric field controlling the direction of the macroscopic toroidal moment. Stress is also capable of controlling the vortex's chirality, because of the electromechanical coupling that exists in ferroelectric nanodots.

Quenching of giant hysteresis effects in La(1-z)Y(z)Hx switchable mirrors

PubMed

van Gogh AT; Nagengast; Kooij; Koeman; Griessen

2000-09-04

The giant intrinsic hysteresis as a function of hydrogen concentration x in the optical and electrical properties of the archetypal switchable mirror YHx is eliminated by alloying Y with the chemically similar La. The La(1-z)Y(z)Hx films with z/=0.86 is the large uniaxial lattice expansion that accompanies their fcc to hexagonal phase transition in combination with lateral clamping.

New Materials for Smart Structures: a US: Japan Global Initiative

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-03-01

realization of the MPB in the Gallate:Scandate system and in the modified bismuth lanthanum ferrate lead titanate systems. A major puzzle in BiFeO3 which has...magnetization. A new major clue as to the origin of the high switchable polarization is provided by our most recent work on the modified bismuth lanthanum ...ferrate: gallate solid solutions with MPBs. In suitable composition switchability is only possible with limited electrode in a larger disk, and the fully

Simulation and Micro-Fabrication of Optically Switchable Split Ring Resonators

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

Simulation and micro-fabrication of optically switchable split ring resonators T.F. Gundogdu a,*, Mutlu Gökkavas b, Kaan Güven b, M. Kafesaki a...mail address: tamara@iesl.forth.gr (T.F. Gundogdu ). 1569-4410/$ – see front matter # 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V. doi:10.1016/j.photonics...ABSTRACT unclassified c. THIS PAGE unclassified Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 T.F. Gundogdu et al. / Photonics and

A symmetry breaking phase transition-triggered high-temperature solid-state quadratic nonlinear optical switch coupled with a switchable dielectric constant in an organic-inorganic hybrid compound.

PubMed

Mei, Guang-Quan; Zhang, Han-Yue; Liao, Wei-Qiang

2016-09-25

An organic-inorganic hybrid compound, [NH3(CH2)5NH3]SbCl5, exhibits a switchable second harmonic generation (SHG) effect between SHG-OFF and SHG-ON states and tunable dielectric behaviors between high and low dielectric states, connected with the changes in the dynamics of 1,5-pentanediammonium cations during its centrosymmetric-to-noncentrosymmetric symmetry breaking phase transition at 365.4 K.

Reproductive isolation and patterns of genetic differentiation in a cryptic butterfly species complex

PubMed Central

Dincâ, V; Wiklund, C; Lukhtanov, V A; Kodandaramaiah, U; Norén, K; Dapporto, L; Wahlberg, N; Vila, R; Friberg, M

2013-01-01

Molecular studies of natural populations are often designed to detect and categorize hidden layers of cryptic diversity, and an emerging pattern suggests that cryptic species are more common and more widely distributed than previously thought. However, these studies are often decoupled from ecological and behavioural studies of species divergence. Thus, the mechanisms by which the cryptic diversity is distributed and maintained across large spatial scales are often unknown. In 1988, it was discovered that the common Eurasian Wood White butterfly consisted of two species (Leptidea sinapis and Leptidea reali), and the pair became an emerging model for the study of speciation and chromosomal evolution. In 2011, the existence of a third cryptic species (Leptidea juvernica) was proposed. This unexpected discovery raises questions about the mechanisms preventing gene flow and about the potential existence of additional species hidden in the complex. Here, we compare patterns of genetic divergence across western Eurasia in an extensive data set of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences with behavioural data on inter- and intraspecific reproductive isolation in courtship experiments. We show that three species exist in accordance with both the phylogenetic and biological species concepts and that additional hidden diversity is unlikely to occur in Europe. The Leptidea species are now the best studied cryptic complex of butterflies in Europe and a promising model system for understanding the formation of cryptic species and the roles of local processes, colonization patterns and heterospecific interactions for ecological and evolutionary divergence. PMID:23909947

Left-right axis asymmetry determining human Cryptic gene is transcriptionally repressed by Snail.

PubMed

Gupta, Kartik; Pilli, Vijaya Satish Sekhar; Aradhyam, Gopala Krishna

2016-10-28

Establishment of the left-right axis is important for positioning organs asymmetrically in the developing vertebrate-embryo. A number of factors like maternally deposited molecules have emerged essential in initiating the specification of the axis; the downstream events, however, are regulated by signal-transduction and gene-expression changes identifying which remains a crucial challenge. The EGF-CFC family member Cryptic, that functions as a co-receptor for some TGF-beta ligands, is developmentally expressed in higher mammals and mutations in the gene cause loss or change in left-right axis asymmetry. Despite the strong phenotype, no transcriptional-regulator of this gene is known till date. Using promoter-analyses tools, we found strong evidence that the developmentally essential transcription factor Snail binds to the human Cryptic-promoter. We cloned the promoter-region of human Cryptic in a reporter gene and observed decreased Cryptic-promoter activation upon increasing Snail expression. Further, the expression of Cryptic is down-regulated upon exogenous Snail expression, validating the reporter assays and the previously identified role of Snail as a transcriptional repressor. Finally, we demonstrate using gel-shift assay that Snail in nuclear extract of PANC1 cells interacts with the promoter-construct bearing putative Snail binding sites and confirm this finding using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Snail represses the expression of human Cryptic and therefore, might affect the signaling via Nodal that has previously been demonstrated to specify the left-right axis using the EGF-CFC co-receptors.

Tracing shifts of oceanic fronts using the cryptic diversity of the planktonic foraminifera Globorotalia inflata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morard, Raphaël.; Reinelt, Melanie; Chiessi, Cristiano M.; Groeneveld, Jeroen; Kucera, Michal

2016-09-01

The use of planktonic foraminifera in paleoceanographic studies relies on the assumption that morphospecies represent biological species with ecological preferences that are stable through time and space. However, genetic surveys unveiled a considerable level of diversity in most morphospecies of planktonic foraminifera. This diversity is significant for paleoceanographic applications because cryptic species were shown to display distinct ecological preferences that could potentially help refine paleoceanographic proxies. Subtle morphological differences between cryptic species of planktonic foraminifera have been reported, but so far, their applicability within paleoceanographic studies remains largely unexplored. Here we show how information on genetic diversity can be transferred to paleoceanography using Globorotalia inflata as a case study. The two cryptic species of G. inflata are separated by the Brazil-Malvinas Confluence (BMC), a major oceanographic feature in the South Atlantic. Based on this observation, we developed a morphological model of cryptic species detection in core top material. The application of the cryptic species detection model to Holocene samples implies latitudinal oscillations in the position of the confluence that are largely consistent with reconstructions obtained from stable isotope data. We show that the occurrence of cryptic species in G. inflata can be detected in the fossil record and used to trace the migration of the BMC. Since a similar degree of morphological separation as in G. inflata has been reported from other species of planktonic foraminifera, the approach presented in this study can potentially yield a wealth of new paleoceanographical proxies.

Cryptic biodiversity and phylogeographic patterns of Seychellois Ligia isopods

PubMed Central

Bluemel, Joanna K.; Bunbury, Nancy; Curran, Melinda

2017-01-01

Ligia isopods are conspicuous inhabitants of rocky intertidal habitats exhibiting several biological traits that severely limit their dispersal potential. Their presence in patchy habitats and low vagility may lead to long term isolation, allopatric isolation and possible cryptic speciation. Indeed, various species of Ligia have been suggested to represent instead cryptic species complexes. Past studies; however, have largely focused in Eastern Pacific and Atlantic species of Ligia, leaving in doubt whether cryptic diversity occurs in other highly biodiverse areas. The Seychelles consists of 115 islands of different ages and geological origins spread across the western Indian Ocean. They are well known for their rich biodiversity with recent reports of cryptic species in terrestrial Seychellois organisms. Despite these studies, it is unclear whether coastal invertebrates from the Seychelles harbor any cryptic diversity. In this study, we examined patterns of genetic diversity and isolation within Ligia isopods across the Seychelles archipelago by characterizing individuals from locations across both inner and outer islands of the Seychelles using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. We report the presence of highly divergent lineages of independent origin. At Aldabra Atoll, we uncovered a lineage closely related to the Ligia vitiensis cryptic species complex. Within the inner islands of Cousine, Silhouette, and Mahé we detected the presence of two moderately divergent and geographically disjunct lineages most closely related to Ligia dentipes. Our findings suggest that the Seychelles may harbor at least three novel species of Ligia in need of description and that these species may have originated independently. PMID:29018626

Stimuli-Responsive DNA-Based Hydrogels: From Basic Principles to Applications.

PubMed

Kahn, Jason S; Hu, Yuwei; Willner, Itamar

2017-04-18

The base sequence of nucleic acids encodes structural and functional information into the DNA biopolymer. External stimuli such as metal ions, pH, light, or added nucleic acid fuel strands provide triggers to reversibly switch nucleic acid structures such as metal-ion-bridged duplexes, i-motifs, triplex nucleic acids, G-quadruplexes, or programmed double-stranded hybrids of oligonucleotides (DNA). The signal-triggered oligonucleotide structures have been broadly applied to develop switchable DNA nanostructures and DNA machines, and these stimuli-responsive assemblies provide functional scaffolds for the rapidly developing area of DNA nanotechnology. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels undergoing signal-triggered hydrogel-to-solution transitions or signal-controlled stiffness changes attract substantial interest as functional matrices for controlled drug delivery, materials exhibiting switchable mechanical properties, acting as valves or actuators, and "smart" materials for sensing and information processing. The integration of stimuli-responsive oligonucleotides with hydrogel-forming polymers provides versatile means to exploit the functional information encoded in the nucleic acid sequences to yield stimuli-responsive hydrogels exhibiting switchable physical, structural, and chemical properties. Stimuli-responsive DNA-based nucleic acid structures are integrated in acrylamide polymer chains and reversible, switchable hydrogel-to-solution transitions of the systems are demonstrated by applying external triggers, such as metal ions, pH-responsive strands, G-quadruplex, and appropriate counter triggers that bridge and dissociate the polymer chains. By combining stimuli-responsive nucleic acid bridges with thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) chains, systems undergoing reversible solution ↔ hydrogel ↔ solid transitions are demonstrated. Specifically, by bridging acrylamide polymer chains by two nucleic acid functionalities, where one type of bridging unit provides a stimuli-responsive element and the second unit acts as internal "bridging memory", shape-memory hydrogels undergoing reversible and switchable transitions between shaped hydrogels and shapeless quasi-liquid states are demonstrated. By using stimuli-responsive hydrogel cross-linking units that can assemble the bridging units by two different input signals, the orthogonally-triggered functions of the shape-memory were shown. Furthermore, a versatile approach to assemble stimuli-responsive DNA-based acrylamide hydrogel films on surfaces is presented. The method involves the activation of the hybridization chain-reaction (HCR) by a surface-confined promoter strand, in the presence of acrylamide chains modified with two DNA hairpin structures and appropriate stimuli-responsive tethers. The resulting hydrogel-modified surfaces revealed switchable stiffness properties and signal-triggered catalytic functions. By applying the method to assemble the hydrogel microparticles, substrate-loaded, stimuli-responsive microcapsules are prepared. The signal-triggered DNA-based hydrogel microcapsules are applied as drug carriers for controlled release. The different potential applications and future perspectives of stimuli responsive hydrogels are discussed. Specifically, the use of these smart materials and assemblies as carriers for controlled drug release and as shape-memory matrices for information storage and inscription and the use of surface-confined stimuli-responsive hydrogels, exhibiting switchable stiffness properties, for catalysis and controlled growth of cells are discussed.

Switchable photosystem-II designer algae for photobiological hydrogen production

DOEpatents

Lee, James Weifu

2010-01-05

A switchable photosystem-II designer algae for photobiological hydrogen production. The designer transgenic algae includes at least two transgenes for enhanced photobiological H.sub.2 production wherein a first transgene serves as a genetic switch that can controls photosystem II (PSII) oxygen evolution and a second transgene encodes for creation of free proton channels in the algal photosynthetic membrane. In one embodiment, the algae includes a DNA construct having polymerase chain reaction forward primer (302), a inducible promoter (304), a PSII-iRNA sequence (306), a terminator (308), and a PCR reverse primer (310). In other embodiments, the PSII-iRNA sequence (306) is replaced with a CF.sub.1-iRNA sequence (312), a streptomycin-production gene (314), a targeting sequence (316) followed by a proton-channel producing gene (318), or a PSII-producing gene (320). In one embodiment, a photo-bioreactor and gas-product separation and utilization system produce photobiological H.sub.2 from the switchable PSII designer alga.

Passband switchable microwave photonic multiband filter

PubMed Central

Ge, Jia; Fok, Mable P.

2015-01-01

A reconfigurable microwave photonic (MWP) multiband filter with selectable and switchable passbands is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, with a maximum of 12 simultaneous passbands evenly distributed from 0 to 10 GHz. The scheme is based on the generation of tunable optical comb lines using a two-stage Lyot loop filter, such that various filter tap spacings and spectral combinations are obtained for the configuration of the MWP filter. Through polarization state adjustment inside the Lyot loop filter, an optical frequency comb with 12 different comb spacings is achieved, which corresponds to a MWP filter with 12 selectable passbands. Center frequencies of the filter passbands are switchable, while the number of simultaneous passbands is tunable from 1 to 12. Furthermore, the MWP multiband filter can either work as an all-block, single-band or multiband filter with various passband combinations, which provide exceptional operation flexibility. All the passbands have over 30 dB sidelobe suppression and 3-dB bandwidth of 200 MHz, providing good filter selectivity. PMID:26521693

Switchable photovoltaic windows enabled by reversible photothermal complex dissociation from methylammonium lead iodide

DOE PAGES

Wheeler, Lance M.; Moore, David T.; Ihly, Rachelle; ...

2017-11-23

Materials with switchable absorption properties have been widely used for smart window applications to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort in buildings. In this work, we combine the benefits of smart windows with energy conversion by producing a photovoltaic device with a switchable absorber layer that dynamically responds to sunlight. Upon illumination, photothermal heating switches the absorber layer - composed of a metal halide perovskite-methylamine complex - from a transparent state (68% visible transmittance) to an absorbing, photovoltaic colored state (less than 3% visible transmittance) due to dissociation of methylamine. After cooling, the methylamine complex is re-formed, returning themore » absorber layer to the transparent state in which the device acts as a window to visible light. The thermodynamics of switching and performance of the device are described. In conclusion, this work validates a photovoltaic window technology that circumvents the fundamental tradeoff between efficient solar conversion and high visible light transmittance that limits conventional semitransparent PV window designs.« less

Passband switchable microwave photonic multiband filter.

PubMed

Ge, Jia; Fok, Mable P

2015-11-02

A reconfigurable microwave photonic (MWP) multiband filter with selectable and switchable passbands is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, with a maximum of 12 simultaneous passbands evenly distributed from 0 to 10 GHz. The scheme is based on the generation of tunable optical comb lines using a two-stage Lyot loop filter, such that various filter tap spacings and spectral combinations are obtained for the configuration of the MWP filter. Through polarization state adjustment inside the Lyot loop filter, an optical frequency comb with 12 different comb spacings is achieved, which corresponds to a MWP filter with 12 selectable passbands. Center frequencies of the filter passbands are switchable, while the number of simultaneous passbands is tunable from 1 to 12. Furthermore, the MWP multiband filter can either work as an all-block, single-band or multiband filter with various passband combinations, which provide exceptional operation flexibility. All the passbands have over 30 dB sidelobe suppression and 3-dB bandwidth of 200 MHz, providing good filter selectivity.

Switchable dual-wavelength SLM narrow linewidth fiber laser based on nonlinear amplifying loop mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Pan; Feng, Xiao-qiang; Lu, Baole; Qi, Xin-yuan; Chen, Haowei; Sun, Bo; Jiang, Man; Wang, Kaile; Bai, Jintao

2018-01-01

We demonstrate a stable switchable dual-wavelength single longitudinal mode (SLM) narrow linewidth ytterbium-doped fiber (YDF) laser using a nonlinear amplifying fiber loop mirror (NALM) at 1064 nm. The NALM of intensity-dependent transmission acts as a saturable absorber filter and an amplitude equalizer to suppress mode competition and the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) pair is used as one wavelength selection component. By properly adjusting the polarization controllers (PCs), the switchable dual-wavelength SLM fiber laser can be operated steadily at room temperature. The optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) is better than 50 dB for both lasing wavelengths. Meanwhile, the linewidth of the fiber laser for each wavelength is approximate 17.07 kHz and 18.64 kHz with a 20 dB linewidth, which means the laser linewidth is approximate 853 Hz and 932 Hz FWHM. Correspondingly, the measured relative intensity noise (RIN) is less than -120 dB/Hz at frequencies over 5.0 MHz.

Switchable photovoltaic windows enabled by reversible photothermal complex dissociation from methylammonium lead iodide.

PubMed

Wheeler, Lance M; Moore, David T; Ihly, Rachelle; Stanton, Noah J; Miller, Elisa M; Tenent, Robert C; Blackburn, Jeffrey L; Neale, Nathan R

2017-11-23

Materials with switchable absorption properties have been widely used for smart window applications to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort in buildings. In this work, we combine the benefits of smart windows with energy conversion by producing a photovoltaic device with a switchable absorber layer that dynamically responds to sunlight. Upon illumination, photothermal heating switches the absorber layer-composed of a metal halide perovskite-methylamine complex-from a transparent state (68% visible transmittance) to an absorbing, photovoltaic colored state (less than 3% visible transmittance) due to dissociation of methylamine. After cooling, the methylamine complex is re-formed, returning the absorber layer to the transparent state in which the device acts as a window to visible light. The thermodynamics of switching and performance of the device are described. This work validates a photovoltaic window technology that circumvents the fundamental tradeoff between efficient solar conversion and high visible light transmittance that limits conventional semitransparent PV window designs.

Switchable photovoltaic windows enabled by reversible photothermal complex dissociation from methylammonium lead iodide

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wheeler, Lance M.; Moore, David T.; Ihly, Rachelle

Materials with switchable absorption properties have been widely used for smart window applications to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort in buildings. In this work, we combine the benefits of smart windows with energy conversion by producing a photovoltaic device with a switchable absorber layer that dynamically responds to sunlight. Upon illumination, photothermal heating switches the absorber layer - composed of a metal halide perovskite-methylamine complex - from a transparent state (68% visible transmittance) to an absorbing, photovoltaic colored state (less than 3% visible transmittance) due to dissociation of methylamine. After cooling, the methylamine complex is re-formed, returning themore » absorber layer to the transparent state in which the device acts as a window to visible light. The thermodynamics of switching and performance of the device are described. In conclusion, this work validates a photovoltaic window technology that circumvents the fundamental tradeoff between efficient solar conversion and high visible light transmittance that limits conventional semitransparent PV window designs.« less

In situ alcoholysis of triacylglycerols by application of switchable-polarity solvents. A new derivatization procedure for the gas-chromatographic analysis of vegetable oils.

PubMed

Saliu, Francesco; Orlandi, Marco

2013-10-01

We describe a new use of switchable-polarity solvents for the simultaneous derivatization and extraction of triacylglycerols from vegetable oils before gas-chromatographic analysis. Different equimolecular mixtures of the commercially available amidine 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene and n-alkyl alcohols were tested. Triolein was used as a model compound. Very good results were achieved by using butanol (recovery of butyl oleate was 89 ± 4%). The procedure was applied for the characterization of the fatty acid profile of different vegetable oils. No statistically significant differences from the results obtained with the application of two traditional methods were evidenced. Moreover, the use of switchable-polarity solvents showed many advantages: owing to the basicity of the amidines, no catalyst was required; the transterification reaction was conducted under mild conditions, one step and in situ; no particular matrix interferences were evidenced; the solvent was recovered.

pH-switchable electrochemical sensing platform based on chitosan-reduced graphene oxide/concanavalin a layer for assay of glucose and urea.

PubMed

Song, Yonghai; Liu, Hongyu; Tan, Hongliang; Xu, Fugang; Jia, Jianbo; Zhang, Lixue; Li, Zhuang; Wang, Li

2014-02-18

A facile and effective electrochemical sensing platform for the detection of glucose and urea in one sample without separation was developed using chitosan-reduced graphene oxide (CS-rGO)/concanavalin A (Con A) as a sensing layer. The CS-rGO/Con A with pH-dependent surface net charges exhibited pH-switchable response to negatively charged Fe(CN)6(3-). The principle for glucose and urea detection was essentially based on in situ pH-switchable enzyme-catalyzed reaction in which the oxidation of glucose catalyzed by glucose oxidase or the hydrolyzation of urea catalyzed by urease resulted in a pH change of electrolyte solution to give different electrochemical responses toward Fe(CN)6(3-). It was verified by cyclic voltammograms, differential pulse voltammograms, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The resistance to charge transfer or amperometric current changed proportionally toward glucose concentration from 1.0 to 10.0 mM and urea concentration from 1.0 to 7.0 mM. On the basis of human serum experiments, the sensing platform was proved to be suitable for simultaneous assay of glucose and urea in a practical biosystem. This work not only gives a way to detect glucose and urea in one sample without separation but also provides a potential strategy for the detection of nonelectroactive species based on the enzyme-catalyzed reaction and pH-switchable biosensor.

Pulmonary function and symptoms in workers exposed to wood dust.

PubMed Central

Shamssain, M H

1992-01-01

BACKGROUND: Exposure to wood dust can cause a variety of lung problems, including chronic airflow obstruction. METHODS: Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced expiratory ratio (FEV1/FVC x 100), forced expiratory flow (FEF), forced mid expiratory flow (FMF), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, breathlessness, wheezing, and nasal symptoms) were recorded in 145 non-smoking workers (77 male, 68 female) exposed to wood dust in a furniture factory in Umtata, Republic of Transkei, and 152 non-smoking control subjects (77 male, 75 female) from a bottling factory with a clean environment. RESULTS: After adjustment for age and standing height the forced expiratory indices were significantly lower in the exposed male workers than in the control subjects. FEF and PEF in the exposed men were 81.3% and 89.4% of predicted values and were lower than other indices. FVC in exposed men showed a significant inverse correlation with exposure (expressed in number of years of employment). The FVC was reduced by 26 ml per year of employment. The proportion of men with an FEV1/FVC below 70 was higher in exposed workers than in control subjects and higher in the exposed workers with more years of employment. The exposed workers had more respiratory symptoms than the control subjects, the prevalence, especially of cough and nasal symptoms, increasing with the increase in the number of years of employment. CONCLUSION: Workers exposed to pine and fibre dust have more respiratory symptoms and a greater risk of airflow obstruction. PMID:1549828

The identification of sympatric cryptic free-living nematode species in the Antarctic intertidal

PubMed Central

Canales-Aguirre, Cristian B.; Nuñez, Daniela; Pérez, Karla; Hernández, Crisitan E.; Brante, Antonio

2017-01-01

The diversity of free-living nematodes in the beaches of two Antarctic islands, King George and Deception islands was investigated. We used morphological and molecular (LSU, and two fragments of SSU sequences) approaches to evaluate 236 nematodes. Specimens were assigned to at least genera using morphology and were assessed for the presence of cryptic speciation. The following genera were identified: Halomonhystera, Litoditis, Enoploides, Chromadorita, Theristus, Oncholaimus, Viscosia, Gammanema, Bathylaimus, Choanolaimus, and Paracanthonchus; along with specimens from the families Anticomidae and Linhomoeidae. Cryptic speciation was identified within the genera Halomonhystera and Litoditis. All of the cryptic species identified live sympatrically. The two cryptic species of Halomonhystera exhibited no significant morphological differences. However, Litoditis species 2 was significantly larger than Litoditis species 1. The utility of molecular data in confirming the identifications of some of the morphologically more challenging families of nematodes was demonstrated. In terms of which molecular sequences to use for the identification of free-living nematodes, the SSU sequences were more variable than the LSU sequences, and thus provided more resolution in the identification of cryptic speciation. Finally, despite the considerable amount of time and effort required to put together genetic and morphological data, the resulting advance in our understanding of diversity and ecology of free-living marine nematodes, makes that effort worthwhile. PMID:28982192

Analysis of Cryptic, Systemic Botrytis Infections in Symptomless Hosts

PubMed Central

Shaw, Michael W.; Emmanuel, Christy J.; Emilda, Deni; Terhem, Razak B.; Shafia, Aminath; Tsamaidi, Dimitra; Emblow, Mark; van Kan, Jan A. L.

2016-01-01

Botrytis species are generally considered to be aggressive, necrotrophic plant pathogens. By contrast to this general perception, however, Botrytis species could frequently be isolated from the interior of multiple tissues in apparently healthy hosts of many species. Infection frequencies reached 50% of samples or more, but were commonly less, and cryptic infections were rare or absent in some plant species. Prevalence varied substantially from year to year and from tissue to tissue, but some host species routinely had high prevalence. The same genotype was found to occur throughout a host, representing mycelial spread. Botrytis cinerea and Botrytis pseudocinerea are the species that most commonly occur as cryptic infections, but phylogenetically distant isolates of Botrytis were also detected, one of which does not correspond to previously described species. Sporulation and visible damage occurred only when infected tissues were stressed, or became mature or senescent. There was no evidence of cryptic infection having a deleterious effect on growth of the host, and prevalence was probably greater in plants grown in high light conditions. Isolates from cryptic infections were often capable of causing disease (to varying extents) when spore suspensions were inoculated onto their own host as well as on distinct host species, arguing against co-adaptation between cryptic isolates and their hosts. These data collectively suggest that several Botrytis species, including the most notorious pathogenic species, exist frequently in cryptic form to an extent that has thus far largely been neglected, and do not need to cause disease on healthy hosts in order to complete their life-cycles. PMID:27242829

Imprint control of BaTiO 3 thin films via chemically induced surface polarization pinning

DOE PAGES

Lee, Hyungwoo; Kim, Tae Heon; Patzner, Jacob J.; ...

2016-02-22

Surface-adsorbed polar molecules can significantly alter the ferroelectric properties of oxide thin films. Thus, fundamental understanding and controlling the effect of surface adsorbates are crucial for the implementation of ferroelectric thin film devices, such as ferroelectric tunnel junctions. Herein, we report an imprint control of BaTiO 3 (BTO) thin films by chemically induced surface polarization pinning in the top few atomic layers of the water-exposed BTO films. Our studies based on synchrotron X-ray scattering and coherent Bragg rod analysis demonstrate that the chemically induced surface polarization is not switchable but reduces the polarization imprint and improves the bistability of ferroelectricmore » phase in BTO tunnel junctions. Here, we conclude that the chemical treatment of ferroelectric thin films with polar molecules may serve as a simple yet powerful strategy to enhance functional properties of ferroelectric tunnel junctions for their practical applications.« less

Reconfigurable liquid metal circuits by Laplace pressure shaping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cumby, Brad L.; Hayes, Gerard J.; Dickey, Michael D.; Justice, Ryan S.; Tabor, Christopher E.; Heikenfeld, Jason C.

2012-10-01

We report reconfigurable circuits formed by liquid metal shaping with <10 pounds per square inch (psi) Laplace and vacuum pressures. Laplace pressure drives liquid metals into microreplicated trenches, and upon release of vacuum, the liquid metal dewets into droplets that are compacted to 10-100× less area than when in the channel. Experimental validation includes measurements of actuation speeds exceeding 30 cm/s, simple erasable resistive networks, and switchable 4.5 GHz antennas. Such capability may be of value for next generation of simple electronic switches, tunable antennas, adaptive reflectors, and switchable metamaterials.

Thermally switchable dielectrics

DOEpatents

Dirk, Shawn M.; Johnson, Ross S.

2013-04-30

Precursor polymers to conjugated polymers, such as poly(phenylene vinylene), poly(poly(thiophene vinylene), poly(aniline vinylene), and poly(pyrrole vinylene), can be used as thermally switchable capacitor dielectrics that fail at a specific temperature due to the non-conjugated precursor polymer irreversibly switching from an insulator to the conjugated polymer, which serves as a bleed resistor. The precursor polymer is a good dielectric until it reaches a specific temperature determined by the stability of the leaving groups. Conjugation of the polymer backbone at high temperature effectively disables the capacitor, providing a `built-in` safety mechanism for electronic devices.

Switchable molecular magnets

PubMed Central

SATO, Osamu

2012-01-01

Various molecular magnetic compounds whose magnetic properties can be controlled by external stimuli have been developed, including electrochemically, photochemically, and chemically tunable bulk magnets as well as a phototunable antiferromagnetic phase of single chain magnet. In addition, we present tunable paramagnetic mononuclear complexes ranging from spin crossover complexes and valence tautomeric complexes to Co complexes in which orbital angular momentum can be switched. Furthermore, we recently developed several switchable clusters and one-dimensional coordination polymers. The switching of magnetic properties can be achieved by modulating metals, ligands, and molecules/ions in the second sphere of the complexes. PMID:22728438

Preparation of a Magnetically Switchable Bioelectrocatalytic System Employing Cross-Linked Enzyme Aggregates in Magnetic Mesocellular Carbon Foam

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Jinwoo; Lee, Dohun; Oh, Eunkeu

2005-11-18

Nanostructured magnetic materials (NMMs)[1] have attracted much attention recently because of their broad biotechnological applications including support matrices for enzyme immobilization,[2] immunoassays,[3] drug delivery,[4] and biosensors.[ 5] Specifically, the easy separation and controlled placement of NMMs by means of an external magnetic field enables their application in the development of immobilized enzyme processes[2] and the construction of magnetically controllable bio-electrocatalytic systems.[5, 6] Herein, we demonstrate the use of immobilized enzymes in NMMs for magnetically switchable bio-electrocatalysis.

Metabolism of Cryptic Peptides Derived from Neuropeptide FF Precursors: The Involvement of Insulin-Degrading Enzyme

PubMed Central

Grasso, Giuseppe; Mielczarek, Przemyslaw; Niedziolka, Magdalena; Silberring, Jerzy

2014-01-01

The term “cryptome” refers to the subset of cryptic peptides with bioactivities that are often unpredictable and very different from the parent protein. These cryptic peptides are generated by proteolytic cleavage of proteases, whose identification in vivo can be very challenging. In this work, we show that insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is able to degrade specific amino acid sequences present in the neuropeptide pro-NPFFA (NPFF precursor), generating some cryptic peptides that are also observed after incubation with rat brain cortex homogenate. The reported experimental findings support the increasingly accredited hypothesis, according to which, due to its wide substrate selectivity, IDE is involved in a wide variety of physiopathological processes. PMID:25247577

Risk of Gonadoblastoma Development in Patients with Turner Syndrome with Cryptic Y Chromosome Material.

PubMed

Kwon, Ahreum; Hyun, Sei Eun; Jung, Mo Kyung; Chae, Hyun Wook; Lee, Woo Jung; Kim, Tae Hyuk; Kim, Duk Hee; Kim, Ho-Seong

2017-06-01

Current guidelines recommend that testing for Y chromosome material should be performed only in patients with Turner syndrome harboring a marker chromosome and exhibiting virilization in order to detect individuals who are at high risk of gonadoblastoma. However, cryptic Y chromosome material is suggested to be a risk factor for gonadoblastoma in patients with Turner syndrome. Here, we aimed to estimate the frequency of cryptic Y chromosome material in patients with Turner syndrome and determine whether Y chromosome material increased the risk for development of gonadoblastoma. A total of 124 patients who were diagnosed with Turner syndrome by conventional cytogenetic techniques underwent additional molecular analysis to detect cryptic Y chromosome material. In addition, patients with Turner syndrome harboring Y chromosome cell lines had their ovaries removed prophylactically. Finally, we assessed the occurrence of gonadoblastoma in patients with Turner syndrome. Molecular analysis demonstrated that 10 patients had Y chromosome material among 118 patients without overt Y chromosome (8.5%). Six patients with overt Y chromosome and four patients with cryptic Y chromosome material underwent oophorectomy. Histopathological analysis revealed that the occurrence of gonadoblastoma in the total group was 2.4%, and gonadoblastoma occurred in one of six patients with an overt Y chromosome (16.7%) and 2 of 10 patients with cryptic Y chromosome material (20.0%). The risk of developing gonadoblastoma in patients with cryptic Y chromosome material was similar to that in patients with overt Y chromosome. Therefore, molecular screening for Y chromosome material should be recommended for all patients with Turner syndrome to detect individuals at a high risk of gonadoblastoma and to facilitate proper management of the disease.

Designing small molecules to target cryptic pockets yields both positive and negative allosteric modulators

PubMed Central

Moeder, Katelyn E.; Ho, Chris M. W.; Zimmerman, Maxwell I.; Frederick, Thomas E.; Bowman, Gregory R.

2017-01-01

Allosteric drugs, which bind to proteins in regions other than their main ligand-binding or active sites, make it possible to target proteins considered “undruggable” and to develop new therapies that circumvent existing resistance. Despite growing interest in allosteric drug discovery, rational design is limited by a lack of sufficient structural information about alternative binding sites in proteins. Previously, we used Markov State Models (MSMs) to identify such “cryptic pockets,” and here we describe a method for identifying compounds that bind in these cryptic pockets and modulate enzyme activity. Experimental tests validate our approach by revealing both an inhibitor and two activators of TEM β-lactamase (TEM). To identify hits, a library of compounds is first virtually screened against either the crystal structure of a known cryptic pocket or an ensemble of structures containing the same cryptic pocket that is extracted from an MSM. Hit compounds are then screened experimentally and characterized kinetically in individual assays. We identify three hits, one inhibitor and two activators, demonstrating that screening for binding to allosteric sites can result in both positive and negative modulation. The hit compounds have modest effects on TEM activity, but all have higher affinities than previously identified inhibitors, which bind the same cryptic pocket but were found, by chance, via a computational screen targeting the active site. Site-directed mutagenesis of key contact residues predicted by the docking models is used to confirm that the compounds bind in the cryptic pocket as intended. Because hit compounds are identified from docking against both the crystal structure and structures from the MSM, this platform should prove suitable for many proteins, particularly targets whose crystal structures lack obvious druggable pockets, and for identifying both inhibitory and activating small-molecule modulators. PMID:28570708

Observation of Switchable Photoresponse of a Monolayer WSe2-MoS2 Lateral Heterostructure via Photocurrent Spectral Atomic Force Microscopic Imaging.

PubMed

Son, Youngwoo; Li, Ming-Yang; Cheng, Chia-Chin; Wei, Kung-Hwa; Liu, Pingwei; Wang, Qing Hua; Li, Lain-Jong; Strano, Michael S

2016-06-08

In the pursuit of two-dimensional (2D) materials beyond graphene, enormous advances have been made in exploring the exciting and useful properties of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), such as a permanent band gap in the visible range and the transition from indirect to direct band gap due to 2D quantum confinement, and their potential for a wide range of device applications. In particular, recent success in the synthesis of seamless monolayer lateral heterostructures of different TMDCs via chemical vapor deposition methods has provided an effective solution to producing an in-plane p-n junction, which is a critical component in electronic and optoelectronic device applications. However, spatial variation of the electronic and optoelectonic properties of the synthesized heterojunction crystals throughout the homogeneous as well as the lateral junction region and the charge carrier transport behavior at their nanoscale junctions with metals remain unaddressed. In this work, we use photocurrent spectral atomic force microscopy to image the current and photocurrent generated between a biased PtIr tip and a monolayer WSe2-MoS2 lateral heterostructure. Current measurements in the dark in both forward and reverse bias reveal an opposite characteristic diode behavior for WSe2 and MoS2, owing to the formation of a Schottky barrier of dissimilar properties. Notably, by changing the polarity and magnitude of the tip voltage applied, pixels that show the photoresponse of the heterostructure are observed to be selectively switched on and off, allowing for the realization of a hyper-resolution array of the switchable photodiode pixels. This experimental approach has significant implications toward the development of novel optoelectronic technologies for regioselective photodetection and imaging at nanoscale resolutions. Comparative 2D Fourier analysis of physical height and current images shows high spatial frequency variations in substrate/MoS2 (or WSe2) contact that exceed the frequencies imposed by the underlying substrates. These results should provide important insights in the design and understanding of electronic and optoelectronic devices based on quantum confined atomically thin 2D lateral heterostructures.

Empirical Evidence Supporting Frequent Cryptic Speciation in Epiphyllous Liverworts: A Case Study of the Cololejeunea lanciloba Complex

PubMed Central

Yu, Ying; Heinrichs, Jochen; Zhu, Rui-Liang; Schneider, Harald

2013-01-01

Cryptic species are frequently recovered in plant lineages, and considered an important cause for divergent of morphological disparity and species diversity. The identification of cryptic species has important implications for the assessment of conservation needs of species aggregates. The mechanisms and processes of the origin of cryptic species diversity are still poorly understand based on the lack of studies especially in context of environment factors. Here we explored evidence for cryptic species within the epiphyllous liverworts Cololejeunea lanciloba complex based on two loci, the plastid trnL-F region and the nuclear ribosomal ITS region. Several analytic approaches were employed to delimit species based on DNA sequence variation including phylogenetic reconstruction, statistical parsimony networks analysis and two recently introduced species delimitation criteria: Rosenberg’s reciprocal monophyly and Rodrigo’s randomly distinct. We found evidence for thirteen genetically distinct putative species, each consisting of more than one haplotype, rather than four morphologically-circumscribed species. The results implied that the highly conserved phenotypes are not congruent with the genetic differentiation, contributing to incorrect assessments of the biodiversity of epiphyllous liverworts. We hypothesize that evolution of cryptic species recovered may be caused by selection of traits critical to the survival in epiphyllous habitats combined with limited developmental options designed in the small body. PMID:24367634

PREST-plus identifies pedigree errors and cryptic relatedness in the GAW18 sample using genome-wide SNP data.

PubMed

Sun, Lei; Dimitromanolakis, Apostolos

2014-01-01

Pedigree errors and cryptic relatedness often appear in families or population samples collected for genetic studies. If not identified, these issues can lead to either increased false negatives or false positives in both linkage and association analyses. To identify pedigree errors and cryptic relatedness among individuals from the 20 San Antonio Family Studies (SAFS) families and cryptic relatedness among the 157 putatively unrelated individuals, we apply PREST-plus to the genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data and analyze estimated identity-by-descent (IBD) distributions for all pairs of genotyped individuals. Based on the given pedigrees alone, PREST-plus identifies the following putative pairs: 1091 full-sib, 162 half-sib, 360 grandparent-grandchild, 2269 avuncular, 2717 first cousin, 402 half-avuncular, 559 half-first cousin, 2 half-sib+first cousin, 957 parent-offspring and 440,546 unrelated. Using the genotype data, PREST-plus detects 7 mis-specified relative pairs, with their IBD estimates clearly deviating from the null expectations, and it identifies 4 cryptic related pairs involving 7 individuals from 6 families.

Conductive Boron-Doped Graphene as an Ideal Material for Electrocatalytically Switchable and High-Capacity Hydrogen Storage.

PubMed

Tan, Xin; Tahini, Hassan A; Smith, Sean C

2016-12-07

Electrocatalytic, switchable hydrogen storage promises both tunable kinetics and facile reversibility without the need for specific catalysts. The feasibility of this approach relies on having materials that are easy to synthesize, possessing good electrical conductivities. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 4 N 3 ) has been predicted to display charge-responsive binding with molecular hydrogen-the only such conductive sorbent material that has been discovered to date. As yet, however, this conductive variant of graphitic carbon nitride is not readily synthesized by scalable methods. Here, we examine the possibility of conductive and easily synthesized boron-doped graphene nanosheets (B-doped graphene) as sorbent materials for practical applications of electrocatalytically switchable hydrogen storage. Using first-principle calculations, we find that the adsorption energy of H 2 molecules on B-doped graphene can be dramatically enhanced by removing electrons from and thereby positively charging the adsorbent. Thus, by controlling charge injected or depleted from the adsorbent, one can effectively tune the storage/release processes which occur spontaneously without any energy barriers. At full hydrogen coverage, the positively charged BC 5 achieves high storage capacities up to 5.3 wt %. Importantly, B-doped graphene, such as BC 49 , BC 7 , and BC 5 , have good electrical conductivity and can be easily synthesized by scalable methods, which positions this class of material as a very good candidate for charge injection/release. These predictions pave the route for practical implementation of electrocatalytic systems with switchable storage/release capacities that offer high capacity for hydrogen storage.

Relative effects of plumage coloration and vegetation density on nest success

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, M.W.

1999-01-01

Many passerine species are highly dichromatic with brightly-colored males and cryptically-colored females. Bright plumage in males is commonly thought to arise as a result of sexual selection by females such that males with bright coloration possess high fitness. However, bright plumage potentially could expose males to increased predation risk. Consistent with this idea, males of many highly dichromatic passerine species do not incubate. I tested whether brightly-colored males avoid incubation to reduce the probability of visual predators locating their nest. This hypothesis predicts greater hatching success for clutches incubated by cryptically-colored individuals than by brightly-colored individuals. The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a common dichromatic species that breeds throughout the eastern U.S. I placed two button-quail (Turnix st).) eggs in each of 203 simulated cardinal nests. Dull brown cardboard, simulating a female cardinal, was placed over about half of all clutches. Bright red cardboard, simulating a male cardinal, was placed over the other clutches. Nest success was highest for well-concealed nests (87%) and lowest for nests in open habitat (54%). Nests containing red cardboard did not have significantly lower success than nests with brown cardboard, nor did I detect a significant color X vegetation-density interaction. My analysis may have had insufficient power to detect an effect of color on nest success; alternatively, brightly-colored males that do not incubate may achieve benefits unrelated to predation risk.

Switchable silver mirrors with long memory effects† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4sc01912a Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Park, Chihyun; Seo, Seogjae; Shin, Haijin; Sarwade, Bhimrao D.; Na, Jongbeom

2015-01-01

An electrochemically stable and bistable switchable mirror was achieved for the first time by introducing (1) a thiol-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode for the stabilization of the metallic film and (2) ionic liquids as an anion-blocking layer, to achieve a long memory effect. The growth of the metallic film was denser and faster at the thiol-modified ITO electrode than at a bare ITO electrode. The electrochemical stability of the metallic film on the thiol-modified ITO was enhanced, maintaining the metallic state without rupture. In the voltage-off state, the metal film maintained bistability for a long period (>2 h) when ionic liquids were introduced as electrolytes for the switchable mirror. The electrical double layer in the highly viscous ionic liquid electrolyte seemed to effectively form a barrier to the bromide ions, to protect the metal thin film from them when in the voltage-off state. PMID:28936310

Stimuli-enabled zipper-like graphene interface for auto-switchable bioelectronics.

PubMed

Mishra, Sachin; Ashaduzzaman, Md; Mishra, Prashant; Swart, Hendrik C; Turner, Anthony P F; Tiwari, Ashutosh

2017-03-15

Graphene interfaces with multi-stimuli responsiveness are of particular interest due to their diverse super-thin interfacial behaviour, which could be well suited to operating complex physiological systems in a single miniaturised domain. In general, smart graphene interfaces switch bioelectrodes from the hydrophobic to hydrophilic state, or vice versa, upon triggering. In the present work, a stimuli encoded zipper-like graphene oxide (GrO)/polymer interface was fabricated with in situ poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-diethylaminoethylmethylacrylate), i.e., poly(NIPAAm-co-DEAEMA) directed hierarchical self-assembly of GrO and glucose oxidase (GOx). The designed interface exhibited reversible on/off-switching of bio-electrocatalysis on changing the pH between 5 and 8, via phase transition from super hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The study further indicated that the zipper-like interfacial bioelectrochemical properties could be tuned over a modest change of temperature (i.e., 20-40°C). The resulting auto-switchable interface has implications for the design of novel on/off-switchable biodevices with 'in-built' self-control. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tunable and switchable dual-wavelength single polarization narrow linewidth SLM erbium-doped fiber laser based on a PM-CMFBG filter.

PubMed

Yin, Bin; Feng, Suchun; Liu, Zhibo; Bai, Yunlong; Jian, Shuisheng

2014-09-22

A tunable and switchable dual-wavelength single polarization narrow linewidth single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser based on polarization-maintaining chirped moiré fiber Bragg grating (PM-CMFBG) filter is proposed and demonstrated. For the first time as we know, the CMFBG inscribed on the PM fiber is applied for the wavelength-tunable and-switchable dual-wavelength laser. The PM-CMFBG filter with ultra-narrow transmission band (0.1 pm) and a uniform polarization-maintaining fiber Bragg grating (PM-FBG) are used to select the laser longitudinal mode. The stable single polarization SLM operation is guaranteed by the PM-CMFBG filter and polarization controller. A tuning range of about 0.25 nm with about 0.075 nm step is achieved by stretching the uniform PM-FBG. Meanwhile, the linewidth of the fiber laser for each wavelength is approximate 6.5 and 7.1 kHz with a 20 dB linewidth, which indicates the laser linewidth is approximate 325 Hz and 355 Hz FWHM.

Tunable and switchable dual-waveband ultrafast fiber laser with 100 GHz repetition-rate.

PubMed

Tan, Xiao-Mei; Chen, Hong-Jie; Cui, Hu; Lv, Yao-Kun; Zhao, Guan-Kai; Luo, Zhi-Chao; Luo, Ai-Ping; Xu, Wen-Cheng

2017-07-10

We demonstrate a tunable and switchable dual-waveband 100 GHz high-repetition-rate (HRR) ultrafast fiber laser based on dissipative four-wave-mixing (DFWM) mode-locked technique. Each waveband maintains HRR operation. The DFWM effect was realized by combining a Fabry-Perot (F-P) filter and a piece of highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF). The tunable and switchable operations were achieved by nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR) technique. Through appropriately controlling the filtering effect induced by NPR, the laser could operate at two kinds of tunable regimes. One is that the spacing between these two wavebands could be tuned while keeping their center at 1559 nm. The other is that the central position of the entire dual-waveband is tunable while with the same separation between these two wavebands of 13.2 nm. Moreover, the laser could switch between these two wavebands. Correspondingly, the center of the single-waveband has a tuning range of 15.2 nm. This versatile ultrafast fiber laser may find applications in fields of optical frequency combs, high speed optical communications, where HRR pulses are necessary.

Switchable multi-wavelength erbium-doped fiber ring laser based on a tapered in-line Mach–Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yuxin; Wang, Xin; Tang, Zijuan; Lou, Shuqin

2018-05-01

In this paper, a switchable multi-wavelength erbium-doped fiber ring laser based on a tapered in-line Mach–Zehnder interferometer is proposed. The in-line Mach–Zehnder interferometer is fabricated by splicing a large-core fiber between two segments of single mode fibers, in which the first splicing point is tapered and the second splicing point is connected directly. By carefully rotating the polarization controller, switchable single-, dual-, triple- and quad-wavelength lasing outputs can be obtained with a side mode suppression ratio higher than 50 dB. The maximal peak power difference of multi-wavelength lasing is 3.67 dB, demonstrating a good power equalization performance. Furthermore, the proposed laser is proven to be very stable at room temperature. The wavelength shifts and peak power fluctuations are less than 0.02 nm and 1.3 dB over half an hour. In addition, stable quintuple-wavelength lasing with a side mode suppression ratio higher than 50 dB can also be realized when the filter length is changed.

Frequency-Switchable Microfluidic CSRR-Loaded QMSIW Band-Pass Filter Using a Liquid Metal Alloy

PubMed Central

Eom, Seunghyun; Memon, Muhammad Usman; Lim, Sungjoon

2017-01-01

In this paper, we have proposed a frequency-switchable complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR)-loaded quarter-mode substrate-integrated-waveguide (QMSIW) band-pass filter. For frequency switching, a microfluidic channel and liquid metal are used. The liquid metal used is eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn), consisting of 24.5% indium and 75.5% gallium. The microfluidic channels are built using the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and three-dimensional-printed microfluidic channel frames. The CSRR-loaded QMSIW band-pass filter is designed to have two states. Before the injection of the liquid metal, the measured center frequency and fractional bandwidths are 2.205 GHz and 6.80%, respectively. After injection, the center frequency shifts from 2.205 GHz to 2.56 GHz. Although the coupling coefficient is practically unchanged, the fractional bandwidth changes from 6.8% to 9.38%, as the CSRR shape changes and the external quality factor decreases. After the removal of the liquid metal, the measured values are similar to the values recorded before the liquid metal was injected. The repeatability of the frequency-switchable mechanism is, therefore, verified. PMID:28350355

SWITCHABLE POLARITY SOLVENTS AS DRAW SOLUTES FOR FORWARD OSMOSIS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Frederick F. Stewart; Mark L. Stone; Aaron D. Wilson

2013-03-01

Switchable polarity solvents (SPS), mixtures of carbon dioxide, water, and tertiary amines, are presented as viable forward osmosis (FO) draw solutes allowing a novel SPS FO process. In this study substantial osmotic strengths of SPS are measured with freezing point osmometry and were demonstrated to induce competitive ?uxes at high salt concentrations on a laboratory-scale FO unit utilizing a ?at sheet cellulose triacetate (CTA) membrane. Under the experimental conditions the SPS degrades the CTA membrane; however experiments with polyamide reverse osmosis (RO) membranes display stability towards SPS. Once the draw is diluted the major fraction of the switchable polarity solventmore » can be mechanically separated from the puri?ed water after polar to nonpolar phase shift induced by introduction of 1 atm carbon dioxide to 1 atm of air or nitrogen with mild heating. Trace amounts of SPS can be removed from the separated water with RO in a process that avoids solution concentration polarization. The separated nonpolar phase can be regenerated to a full strength draw and recycled with the re-addition of 1 atm of carbon dioxide.« less

A Multi-Addressable Dyad with Switchable CMY Colors for Full-Color Rewritable Papers.

PubMed

Qin, Tianyou; Han, Jiaqi; Geng, Yue; Ju, Le; Sheng, Lan; Zhang, Sean Xiao-An

2018-06-23

Reversible multicolor displays on solid media using single molecule pigments have been a long-awaited goal. Herein, a new and simple molecular dyad, which can undergo switchable CMY color changes both in solution and solid substrate upon exposure to light, water/acid, and nucleophiles, is designed and synthesized. The stimuli used in this work can be applied independent of each other, which is beneficial for color changes without mutual interference. As a comparison, the mixtures of the two molecular switching motifs forming the basis of the dyad were also studied. The dyad greatly outperforms the corresponding mixed system with respect to reversible color-switching on the paper substrate. Its potential for full-color rewritable paper with excellent reversibility has been demonstrated. Legible multicolor prints, that is, high color contrast and resolution, good dispersion, excellent reversibility, were achieved using common water-jet and light-based printers. This work provides a very promising approach for further development of full-color switchable molecules, materials and displays. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Repression of YdaS Toxin Is Mediated by Transcriptional Repressor RacR in the Cryptic rac Prophage of Escherichia coli K-12.

PubMed

Krishnamurthi, Revathy; Ghosh, Swagatha; Khedkar, Supriya; Seshasayee, Aswin Sai Narain

2017-01-01

Horizontal gene transfer is a major driving force behind the genomic diversity seen in prokaryotes. The cryptic rac prophage in Escherichia coli K-12 carries the gene for a putative transcription factor RacR, whose deletion is lethal. We have shown that the essentiality of racR in E. coli K-12 is attributed to its role in transcriptionally repressing toxin gene(s) called ydaS and ydaT , which are adjacent to and coded divergently to racR . IMPORTANCE Transcription factors in the bacterium E. coli are rarely essential, and when they are essential, they are largely toxin-antitoxin systems. While studying transcription factors encoded in horizontally acquired regions in E. coli , we realized that the protein RacR, a putative transcription factor encoded by a gene on the rac prophage, is an essential protein. Here, using genetics, biochemistry, and bioinformatics, we show that its essentiality derives from its role as a transcriptional repressor of the ydaS and ydaT genes, whose products are toxic to the cell. Unlike type II toxin-antitoxin systems in which transcriptional regulation involves complexes of the toxin and antitoxin, repression by RacR is sufficient to keep ydaS transcriptionally silent.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Luo Hailu; Zhou Xinxing; Shu Weixing

We theorize an enhanced and switchable spin Hall effect (SHE) of light near the Brewster angle on reflection and demonstrate it experimentally. The obtained spin-dependent splitting reaches 3200 nm near the Brewster angle, which is 50 times larger than the previously reported values in refraction. We find that the amplifying factor in weak measurement is not a constant, which is significantly different from that in refraction. As an analogy of SHE in an electronic system, a switchable spin accumulation in SHE of light is detected. We were able to switch the direction of the spin accumulations by slightly adjusting themore » incident angle.« less

Smart window using a thermally and optically switchable liquid crystal cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Seung-Won; Kim, Sang-Hyeok; Baek, Jong-Min; Yoon, Tae-Hoon

2018-02-01

Light shutter technologies that can control optical transparency have been studied extensively for developing curtain-free smart windows. We introduce thermally and optically switchable light shutters using LCs doped with push-pull azobenzene, which is known to speed up thermal relaxation. The liquid crystal light shutter can be switched between translucent and transparent states or transparent and opaque states by phase transition through changing temperature or photo-isomerization of doped azobenzene. The liquid crystal light shutter can be used for privacy windows with an initial translucent state or energy-saving windows with an initial transparent state.

Switchable static friction of piezoelectric composite—silicon wafer contacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van den Ende, D. A.; Fischer, H. R.; Groen, W. A.; van der Zwaag, S.

2013-04-01

The meso-scale surface roughness of piezoelectric fiber composites can be manipulated by applying an electric field to a piezocomposite with a polished surface. In the absence of an applied voltage, the tips of the embedded piezoelectric ceramic fibers are below the surface of the piezocomposite and a silicon wafer counter surface rests solely on the matrix region of the piezocomposite surface. When actuated, the piezoelectric ceramic fibers protrude from the surface and the wafer rests solely on these protrusions. A threefold decrease in engineering static friction coefficient upon actuation of the piezocomposite was observed: from μ* = 1.65 to μ* = 0.50. These experimental results could be linked to the change in contact surface area and roughness using capillary adhesion theory, which relates the adhesive force to the number and size of the contacting asperities for the different surface states.

Light-responsive smart surface with controllable wettability and excellent stability.

PubMed

Zhou, Yin-Ning; Li, Jin-Jin; Zhang, Qing; Luo, Zheng-Hong

2014-10-21

Novel fluorinated gradient copolymer was designed for smart surface with light-responsive controllable wettability and excellent stability. The switchable mechanism and physicochemical characteristics of the as-prepared surface decorated by designed polymeric material were investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrum, scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thanks to the functional film and surface roughening, etched silicon surface fabricated by copolymer involving spiropyran (Sp) moieties possesses a fairly large variation range of WCA (28.1°) and achieves the transformation between hydrophilicity (95.2° < 109.2°) and hydrophobicity (123.3° > 109.2°) relative to blank sample (109.2°). The synthetic strategy and developed smart surface offer a promising application in coating with controllable wettability, which bridge the gap between chemical structure and material properties.

Cuticular hydrocarbon phenotypes do not indicate cryptic species in fungus-growing termites (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae).

PubMed

Marten, Andreas; Kaib, Manfred; Brandl, Roland

2009-05-01

In several termite species, distinct differences in the composition of cuticular hydrocarbons among colonies correspond to high genetic divergence of mitochondrial DNA sequences. These observations suggest that hydrocarbon phenotypes represent cryptic species. Different cuticular hydrocarbon phenotypes also are found among colonies of fungus-growing termites of the genus Macrotermes. To determine if these hydrocarbon differences in Macrotermes also indicate cryptic species, we sequenced the mitochondrial CO I gene from species in West and East Africa. Among individuals of a supposed species but belonging to different cuticular hydrocarbon phenotypes, the genetic distances are much smaller than distances between species. Unlike what has been observed in other termites, Macrotermes hydrocarbon phenotypes do not represent cryptic species. Our findings suggest fundamental differences in the evolution and/or function of cuticular hydrocarbons among different termite lineages.

Why do cryptic species tend not to co-occur? A case study on two cryptic pairs of butterflies.

PubMed

Vodă, Raluca; Dapporto, Leonardo; Dincă, Vlad; Vila, Roger

2015-01-01

As cryptic diversity is being discovered, mostly thanks to advances in molecular techniques, it is becoming evident that many of these taxa display parapatric distributions in mainland and that they rarely coexist on islands. Genetic landscapes, haplotype networks and ecological niche modeling analyses were performed for two pairs of non-sister cryptic butterfly species, Aricia agestis-A. cramera and Polyommatus icarus-P. celina (Lycaenidae), to specifically assess non-coexistence on western Mediterranean islands, and to test potential causes producing such chequered distribution patterns. We show that the morphologically and ecologically equivalent pairs of species do not coexist on any of the studied islands, although nearly all islands are colonized by one of them. According to our models, the cryptic pairs displayed marked climatic preferences and 'precipitation during the driest quarter' was recovered as the most important climatic determinant. However, neither dispersal capacity, nor climatic or ecological factors fully explain the observed distributions across particular sea straits, and the existence of species interactions resulting in mutual exclusion is suggested as a necessary hypothesis. Given that the studied species are habitat generalists, feeding on virtually unlimited resources, we propose that reproductive interference, together with climatic preferences, sustain density-dependent mechanisms like "founder takes all" and impede coexistence on islands. Chequered distributions among cryptic taxa, both sister and non-sister, are common in butterflies, suggesting that the phenomenon revealed here could be important in determining biodiversity patterns.

FOLLITROPIN RECEPTORS CONTAIN CRYPTIC LIGAND BINDING SITES1

PubMed Central

Lin, Win; Bernard, Michael P.; Cao, Donghui; Myers, Rebecca V.; Kerrigan, John E.; Moyle, William R.

2007-01-01

Human choriogonadotropin (hCG) and follitropin (hFSH) have been shown to contact different regions of the extracellular domains of G-protein coupled lutropin (LHR) and follitropin (FSHR) receptors. We report here that hCG and hFSH analogs interact with an FSHR/LHR chimera having only two unique LHR residues similar to the manners in which they dock with LHR and FSHR, respectively. This shows that although the FSHR does not normally bind hCG, it contains a cryptic lutropin binding site that has the potential to recognize hCG in a manner similar to the LHR. The presence of this cryptic site may explain why equine lutropins bind many mammalian FSHR and why mutations in the transmembrane domain distant from the extracellular domain enable the FSHR to bind hCG. The leucine-rich repeat domain (LRD) of the FSHR also appears to contain a cryptic FSH binding site that is obscured by other parts of the extracellular domain. This will explain why contacts seen in crystals of hFSH complexed with an LRD fragment of the human FSHR are hard to reconcile with the abilities of FSH analogs to interact with membrane G-protein coupled FSHR. We speculate that cryptic lutropin binding sites in the FSHR, which are also likely to be present in thyrotropin receptors (TSHR), permit the physiological regulation of ligand binding specificity. Cryptic FSH binding sites in the LRD may enable alternate spliced forms of the FSHR to interact with FSH. PMID:17059863

Cryptic diversity and ecosystem functioning: a complex tale of differential effects on decomposition.

PubMed

De Meester, N; Gingold, R; Rigaux, A; Derycke, S; Moens, T

2016-10-01

Marine ecosystems are experiencing accelerating population and species loss. Some ecosystem functions are decreasing and there is growing interest in the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The role of cryptic (morphologically identical but genetically distinct) species in this biodiversity-ecosystem functioning link is unclear and has not yet been formally tested. We tested if there is a differential effect of four cryptic species of the bacterivorous nematode Litoditis marina on the decomposition process of macroalgae. Bacterivorous nematodes can stimulate or slow down bacterial activity and modify the bacterial assemblage composition. Moreover, we tested if interspecific interactions among the four cryptic species influence the decomposition process. A laboratory experiment with both mono- and multispecific nematode cultures was conducted, and loss of organic matter and the activity of two key extracellular enzymes for the degradation of phytodetritus were assessed. L. marina mainly influenced qualitative aspects of the decomposition process rather than its overall rate: an effect of the nematodes on the enzymatic activities became manifest, although no clear nematode effect on bulk organic matter weight loss was found. We also demonstrated that species-specific effects on the decomposition process existed. Combining the four cryptic species resulted in high competition, with one dominant species, but without complete exclusion of other species. These interspecific interactions translated into different effects on the decomposition process. The species-specific differences indicated that each cryptic species may play an important and distinct role in ecosystem functioning. Functional differences may result in coexistence among very similar species.

Why Do Cryptic Species Tend Not to Co-Occur? A Case Study on Two Cryptic Pairs of Butterflies

PubMed Central

Vodă, Raluca; Dapporto, Leonardo; Dincă, Vlad; Vila, Roger

2015-01-01

As cryptic diversity is being discovered, mostly thanks to advances in molecular techniques, it is becoming evident that many of these taxa display parapatric distributions in mainland and that they rarely coexist on islands. Genetic landscapes, haplotype networks and ecological niche modeling analyses were performed for two pairs of non-sister cryptic butterfly species, Aricia agestis-A. cramera and Polyommatus icarus—P. celina (Lycaenidae), to specifically assess non-coexistence on western Mediterranean islands, and to test potential causes producing such chequered distribution patterns. We show that the morphologically and ecologically equivalent pairs of species do not coexist on any of the studied islands, although nearly all islands are colonized by one of them. According to our models, the cryptic pairs displayed marked climatic preferences and ‘precipitation during the driest quarter’ was recovered as the most important climatic determinant. However, neither dispersal capacity, nor climatic or ecological factors fully explain the observed distributions across particular sea straits, and the existence of species interactions resulting in mutual exclusion is suggested as a necessary hypothesis. Given that the studied species are habitat generalists, feeding on virtually unlimited resources, we propose that reproductive interference, together with climatic preferences, sustain density-dependent mechanisms like “founder takes all” and impede coexistence on islands. Chequered distributions among cryptic taxa, both sister and non-sister, are common in butterflies, suggesting that the phenomenon revealed here could be important in determining biodiversity patterns. PMID:25692577

Evolution in karst massifs: Cryptic diversity among bent-toed geckos along the Truong Son Range with descriptions of three new species and one new country record from Laos.

PubMed

Luu, Vinh Quang; Bonkowski, Michael; Nguyen, Truong Quang; Le, Minh Duc; Schneider, Nicole; Ngo, Hanh Thi; Ziegler, Thomas

2016-05-02

Species designated as 'cryptic' share a similar morphotype, and are often only clearly separable by molecular data. Cyrtodactylus, the most diverse gecko genus of the family Gekkonidae, is a prime example, because many morphologically similar taxa have only recently been identified as new species as a result of available genetic evidence. However, while cryptic diversity of Cyrtodactylus is already well documented on the Vietnamese side of the Truong Son range, only scarce data is available from central Laos. In this study, we address this issue by means of an integrative approach, which employs morphological, molecular, and ecological data to distinguish cryptic species of the Cyrtodacylus phongnhakebangensis species group primarily distributed along the northern Truong Son Range. Our analyses based on 12 selected morphological characters, a partial mitochondrial gene (COI), and five ecological parameters revealed three undescribed cryptic Cyrtodactylus species from Hin Nam No National Protected Area, which are described as Cyrtodactylus calamei sp. nov., Cyrtodactylus hinnamnoensis sp. nov., and Cyrtodactylus sommerladi sp. nov. A fourth discovered Cyrtodactylus population in Hin Nam No proved to be the first country record of C. cryptus for Laos. Our results highlight the importance of applying an integrative approach to resolving the taxonomy of complex and cryptic species groups, and the role of the Truong Son Range in maintaining the high level of biodiversity over time.

Causes and methods to estimate cryptic sources of fishing mortality.

PubMed

Gilman, E; Suuronen, P; Hall, M; Kennelly, S

2013-10-01

Cryptic, not readily detectable, components of fishing mortality are not routinely accounted for in fisheries management because of a lack of adequate data, and for some components, a lack of accurate estimation methods. Cryptic fishing mortalities can cause adverse ecological effects, are a source of wastage, reduce the sustainability of fishery resources and, when unaccounted for, can cause errors in stock assessments and population models. Sources of cryptic fishing mortality are (1) pre-catch losses, where catch dies from the fishing operation but is not brought onboard when the gear is retrieved, (2) ghost-fishing mortality by fishing gear that was abandoned, lost or discarded, (3) post-release mortality of catch that is retrieved and then released alive but later dies as a result of stress and injury sustained from the fishing interaction, (4) collateral mortalities indirectly caused by various ecological effects of fishing and (5) losses due to synergistic effects of multiple interacting sources of stress and injury from fishing operations, or from cumulative stress and injury caused by repeated sub-lethal interactions with fishing operations. To fill a gap in international guidance on best practices, causes and methods for estimating each component of cryptic fishing mortality are described, and considerations for their effective application are identified. Research priorities to fill gaps in understanding the causes and estimating cryptic mortality are highlighted. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Fish Biology © 2013 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

High levels of cryptic species diversity uncovered in Amazonian frogs

PubMed Central

Funk, W. Chris; Caminer, Marcel; Ron, Santiago R.

2012-01-01

One of the greatest challenges for biodiversity conservation is the poor understanding of species diversity. Molecular methods have dramatically improved our ability to uncover cryptic species, but the magnitude of cryptic diversity remains unknown, particularly in diverse tropical regions such as the Amazon Basin. Uncovering cryptic diversity in amphibians is particularly pressing because amphibians are going extinct globally at an alarming rate. Here, we use an integrative analysis of two independent Amazonian frog clades, Engystomops toadlets and Hypsiboas treefrogs, to test whether species richness is underestimated and, if so, by how much. We sampled intensively in six countries with a focus in Ecuador (Engystomops: 252 individuals from 36 localities; Hypsiboas: 208 individuals from 65 localities) and combined mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA, morphological, and bioacoustic data to detect cryptic species. We found that in both clades, species richness was severely underestimated, with more undescribed species than described species. In Engystomops, the two currently recognized species are actually five to seven species (a 150–250% increase in species richness); in Hypsiboas, two recognized species represent six to nine species (a 200–350% increase). Our results suggest that Amazonian frog biodiversity is much more severely underestimated than previously thought. PMID:22130600

High-model abundance may permit the gradual evolution of Batesian mimicry: an experimental test

PubMed Central

Kikuchi, David W.; Pfennig, David W.

2010-01-01

In Batesian mimicry, a harmless species (the ‘mimic’) resembles a dangerous species (the ‘model’) and is thus protected from predators. It is often assumed that the mimetic phenotype evolves from a cryptic phenotype, but it is unclear how a population can transition through intermediate phenotypes; such intermediates may receive neither the benefits of crypsis nor mimicry. Here, we ask if selection against intermediates weakens with increasing model abundance. We also ask if mimicry has evolved from cryptic phenotypes in a mimetic clade. We first present an ancestral character-state reconstruction showing that mimicry of a coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) by the scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) evolved from a cryptic phenotype. We then evaluate predation rates on intermediate phenotypes relative to cryptic and mimetic phenotypes under conditions of both high- and low-model abundances. Our results indicate that where coral snakes are rare, intermediate phenotypes are attacked more often than cryptic and mimetic phenotypes, indicating the presence of an adaptive valley. However, where coral snakes are abundant, intermediate phenotypes are not attacked more frequently, resulting in an adaptive landscape without a valley. Thus, high-model abundance may facilitate the evolution of Batesian mimicry. PMID:19955153

High-model abundance may permit the gradual evolution of Batesian mimicry: an experimental test.

PubMed

Kikuchi, David W; Pfennig, David W

2010-04-07

In Batesian mimicry, a harmless species (the 'mimic') resembles a dangerous species (the 'model') and is thus protected from predators. It is often assumed that the mimetic phenotype evolves from a cryptic phenotype, but it is unclear how a population can transition through intermediate phenotypes; such intermediates may receive neither the benefits of crypsis nor mimicry. Here, we ask if selection against intermediates weakens with increasing model abundance. We also ask if mimicry has evolved from cryptic phenotypes in a mimetic clade. We first present an ancestral character-state reconstruction showing that mimicry of a coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) by the scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) evolved from a cryptic phenotype. We then evaluate predation rates on intermediate phenotypes relative to cryptic and mimetic phenotypes under conditions of both high- and low-model abundances. Our results indicate that where coral snakes are rare, intermediate phenotypes are attacked more often than cryptic and mimetic phenotypes, indicating the presence of an adaptive valley. However, where coral snakes are abundant, intermediate phenotypes are not attacked more frequently, resulting in an adaptive landscape without a valley. Thus, high-model abundance may facilitate the evolution of Batesian mimicry.

Cryptic introductions and the interpretation of island biodiversity.

PubMed

Avery, Julian D; Fonseca, Dina M; Campagne, Pascal; Lockwood, Julie L

2013-04-01

Species with cryptic origins (i.e. those that cannot be reliably classed as native or non-native) present a particular challenge to our understanding of the generation and maintenance of biodiversity. Such species may be especially common on islands given that some islands have had a relatively recent history of human settlement. It is likely that select island species considered native might have achieved their current distributions via direct or indirect human actions. As an example, we explore the origins of eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis bermudensis) on the island of Bermuda. Considered native to the island and a distinct subspecies, this population has diverged in morphology relative to mainland North America. Using microsatellite markers and simulation of island colonization, we show that the Bermuda population of bluebirds is the likely result of a single colonization event that occurred during the 1600s, making this a cryptic invader. To our knowledge, this is one of the youngest examples of a terrestrial vertebrate cryptic invader. We suggest that the eastern bluebird is not an isolated case of cryptic invader on either Bermuda or elsewhere and that caution be exercised when studying present-day distributions of organisms. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Interface modulated currents in periodically proton exchanged Mg doped lithium niobate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Neumayer, Sabine M.; Rodriguez, Brian J., E-mail: brian.rodriguez@ucd.ie, E-mail: gallo@kth.se; Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4

2016-03-21

Conductivity in Mg doped lithium niobate (Mg:LN) plays a key role in the reduction of photorefraction and is therefore widely exploited in optical devices. However, charge transport through Mg:LN and across interfaces such as electrodes also yields potential electronic applications in devices with switchable conductivity states. Furthermore, the introduction of proton exchanged (PE) phases in Mg:LN enhances ionic conductivity, thus providing tailorability of conduction mechanisms and functionality dependent on sample composition. To facilitate the construction and design of such multifunctional electronic devices based on periodically PE Mg:LN or similar ferroelectric semiconductors, fundamental understanding of charge transport in these materials, asmore » well as the impact of internal and external interfaces, is essential. In order to gain insight into polarization and interface dependent conductivity due to band bending, UV illumination, and chemical reactivity, wedge shaped samples consisting of polar oriented Mg:LN and PE phases were investigated using conductive atomic force microscopy. In Mg:LN, three conductivity states (on/off/transient) were observed under UV illumination, controllable by the polarity of the sample and the externally applied electric field. Measurements of currents originating from electrochemical reactions at the metal electrode–PE phase interfaces demonstrate a memresistive and rectifying capability of the PE phase. Furthermore, internal interfaces such as domain walls and Mg:LN–PE phase boundaries were found to play a major role in the accumulation of charge carriers due to polarization gradients, which can lead to increased currents. The insight gained from these findings yield the potential for multifunctional applications such as switchable UV sensitive micro- and nanoelectronic devices and bistable memristors.« less

Title: Studies on drug switchability showed heterogeneity in methodological approaches: a scoping review.

PubMed

Belleudi, Valeria; Trotta, Francesco; Vecchi, Simona; Amato, Laura; Addis, Antonio; Davoli, Marina

2018-05-16

Several drugs share the same therapeutic indication, including those undergoing patent expiration. Concerns on the interchangeability are frequent in clinical practice, challenging the evaluation of switchability through observational research. To conduct a scoping review of observational studies on drug switchability to identify methodological strategies adopted to deal with bias and confounding. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science (updated 1/31/2017) to identify studies evaluating switchability in terms of effectiveness/safety outcomes or compliance. Three reviewers independently screened studies extracting all characteristics. Strategies to address confounding, particularly, previous drug use and switching reasons were considered. All findings were summarized in descriptive analyses. Thirty-two studies, published in the last 10 years, met the inclusion criteria. Epilepsy, cardiovascular and rheumatology were the most frequently represented clinical areas. 75% of the studies reported data on effectiveness/safety outcomes. The most frequent study design was cohort (65.6%) followed by case-control (21.9%) and self-controlled (12.5%). Case-control and case-crossover studies showed homogeneous methodological strategies to deal with bias and confounding. Among cohort studies, the confounding associated with previous drug use was addressed introducing variables in multivariate model (47.3%) or selecting only adherent patients (14.3%). Around 30% of cohort studies did not report reasons for switching. In the remaining 70%, clinical parameters or previous occurrence of outcomes were measured to identify switching connected with lack of effectiveness or adverse events. This study represents a starting point for researchers and administrators who are approaching the investigation and assessment of issues related to interchangeability of drugs. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Switchable bio-inspired adhesives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kroner, Elmar

2015-03-01

Geckos have astonishing climbing abilities. They can adhere to almost any surface and can run on walls and even stick to ceilings. The extraordinary adhesion performance is caused by a combination of a complex surface pattern on their toes and the biomechanics of its movement. These biological dry adhesives have been intensely investigated during recent years because of the unique combination of adhesive properties. They provide high adhesion, allow for easy detachment, can be removed residue-free, and have self-cleaning properties. Many aspects have been successfully mimicked, leading to artificial, bio-inspired, patterned dry adhesives, and were addressed and in some aspects they even outperform the adhesion capabilities of geckos. However, designing artificial patterned adhesion systems with switchable adhesion remains a big challenge; the gecko's adhesion system is based on a complex hierarchical surface structure and on advanced biomechanics, which are both difficult to mimic. In this paper, two approaches are presented to achieve switchable adhesion. The first approach is based on a patterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer, where adhesion can be switched on and off by applying a low and a high compressive preload. The switch in adhesion is caused by a reversible mechanical instability of the adhesive silicone structures. The second approach is based on a composite material consisting of a Nickel- Titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy and a patterned adhesive PDMS layer. The NiTi alloy is trained to change its surface topography as a function of temperature, which results in a change of the contact area and of alignment of the adhesive pattern towards a substrate, leading to switchable adhesion. These examples show that the unique properties of bio-inspired adhesives can be greatly improved by new concepts such as mechanical instability or by the use of active materials which react to external stimuli.

A new cryptic virus belonging to the family Partitiviridae was found in watermelon co-infected with Melon necrotic spot virus.

PubMed

Sela, Noa; Lachman, Oded; Reingold, Victoria; Dombrovsky, Aviv

2013-10-01

A novel virus was detected in watermelon plants (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) infected with Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV) using SOLiD next-generation sequence analysis. In addition to the expected MSNV genome, two double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) segments of 1,312 and 1,118 bp were also identified and sequenced from the purified virus preparations. These two dsRNA segments encode two putative partitivirus-related proteins, an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) and a capsid protein, which were sequenced. Genomic-sequence analysis and analysis of phylogenetic relationships indicate that these two dsRNAs together make up the genome of a novel Partitivirus. This virus was found to be closely related to the Pepper cryptic virus 1 and Raphanus sativus cryptic virus. It is suggested that this novel virus putatively named Citrullus lanatus cryptic virus be considered as a new member of the family Partitiviridae.

Accurate population genetic measurements require cryptic species identification in corals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheets, Elizabeth A.; Warner, Patricia A.; Palumbi, Stephen R.

2018-06-01

Correct identification of closely related species is important for reliable measures of gene flow. Incorrectly lumping individuals of different species together has been shown to over- or underestimate population differentiation, but examples highlighting when these different results are observed in empirical datasets are rare. Using 199 single nucleotide polymorphisms, we assigned 768 individuals in the Acropora hyacinthus and A. cytherea morphospecies complexes to each of eight previously identified cryptic genetic species and measured intraspecific genetic differentiation across three geographic scales (within reefs, among reefs within an archipelago, and among Pacific archipelagos). We then compared these calculations to estimated genetic differentiation at each scale with all cryptic genetic species mixed as if we could not tell them apart. At the reef scale, correct genetic species identification yielded lower F ST estimates and fewer significant comparisons than when species were mixed, raising estimates of short-scale gene flow. In contrast, correct genetic species identification at large spatial scales yielded higher F ST measurements than mixed-species comparisons, lowering estimates of long-term gene flow among archipelagos. A meta-analysis of published population genetic studies in corals found similar results: F ST estimates at small spatial scales were lower and significance was found less often in studies that controlled for cryptic species. Our results and these prior datasets controlling for cryptic species suggest that genetic differentiation among local reefs may be lower than what has generally been reported in the literature. Not properly controlling for cryptic species structure can bias population genetic analyses in different directions across spatial scales, and this has important implications for conservation strategies that rely on these estimates.

Shock Condition Forensics and Cryptic Phase Transformations from Crystallographic Orientation Relationships in Zircon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timms, N. E.; Erickson, T. M.; Cavosie, A. J.; Pearce, M. A.; Reddy, S. M.; Zanetti, M.; Tohver, E.; Schmieder, M.; Nemchin, A. A.; Wittmann, A.

2016-08-01

We present an approach to constrain pressure and temperature conditions during impact events involving identification of cryptic histories of phase transformations from orientation relationships in shocked zircon, linked to new P-T phase diagrams.

Solid-state structures and properties of scandium hydride; hydrogen storage and switchable mirrors application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khodja, Khadidja; Bouhadda, Youcef; Seddik, Larbi; Benyelloul, Kamel

2016-05-01

First-principles calculation has been performed on the rare earth hydride ScH2 for hydrogen storage and switchable mirror applications, using the pseudo-potentials and plane waves based on the density-functional theory (DFT). The electronic and structural properties are studied within both local-density and generalized gradient approximations for exchange energy. The formation energy and the optical properties have been investigated and discussed. Our calculated results are generally in good agreement with theoretical and experimental data. Contribution to the topical issue "Materials for Energy Harvesting, Conversion and Storage (ICOME 2015) - Elected submissions", edited by Jean-Michel Nunzi, Rachid Bennacer and Mohammed El Ganaoui

Switchable dual-wavelength single-longitudinal-mode erbium fiber laser utilizing a dual-ring scheme with a saturable absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zi-Qing; Huang, Tzu-Jung; Chang, Yao-Jen; Yeh, Chien-Hung; Chow, Chi-Wai; Chen, Jing-Heng; Chen, Kun-Huang

2018-06-01

In this work, we propose and demonstrate a switchable dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser with stable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) output. Here, a dual-ring (DR) structure with an unpumped EDF of 2 m is designed to achieve SLM oscillation. Five fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are applied in the laser cavity serving as the reflective element to generate different dual-wavelength outputs. In the measurement, six sets of generated dual-wavelengths with various mode-spacing (Δλ) can be achieved via the five FBGs. Additionally, the stability performance of the proposed EDF DR laser is also demonstrated.

A power-efficient switchable CML driver at 10 Gbps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peipei, Chen; Lei, Li; Huihua, Liu

2016-02-01

High static power limits the application of conventional current-mode logic(CML). This paper presents a power-efficient switchable CML driver, which achieves a significant current saving by 75% compared with conventional ones. Implemented in the 130 nm CMOS technology process, the proposed CML driver just occupies an area about 0.003 mm2 and provides a robust differential signal of 1600 mV for 10 Gbps optical line terminal (OLT) with a total current of 10 mA. The peak-to-peak jitter is about 4 ps (0.04TUI) and the offset voltage is 347.2 mV @ 1600 mVPP.

A Polarization Reconfigurable Slot Antenna with a Novel Switchable Feeding Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Peng; Wang, Guang Ming

2017-12-01

A polarization reconfigurable slot antenna is proposed in this paper. The antenna consists of a microstrip line-to-slotline transition structure, two radiation slots and a switchable feeding network. The feeding network is a gradually changed ring slot with six switching diodes on it. By controlling the diodes states, the antenna can generate y-direction polarization, z-direction polarization, left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization. Detailed design considerations of the proposed antenna, simulated and measured results are presented and discussed. Measured results agree well with simulated. The results proved that the antenna can realize polarization reconfiguration effectively at 5 GHz.

Direct generation of vector vortex beams with switchable radial and azimuthal polarizations in a monolithic Nd:YAG microchip laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Hong-Sen; Chen, Zhen; Dong, Jun

2017-05-01

A hollow focus lens (HFL) has been designed to effectively produce a focused annular beam for high-intensity pumping. By applying the central-dark pump beam, a monolithic Nd:YAG microchip laser without any extra optical elements is demonstrated to generate vector vortex beams with switchable radially polarized (RP) and azimuthally polarized (AP) states by easily controlling the pump power. The order and handedness of the output vortex beam remain stable during the switching of the RP and AP states. The monolithic Nd:YAG microchip laser provides a new laser source for applications such as material processing and optical manipulation.

Controlled higher-order transverse mode conversion from a fiber laser by polarization manipulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Bin; Yi, Qian; Yang, Lingling; Zhao, Chujun; Wen, Shuangchun

2018-02-01

We report a vectorial fiber laser with controlled transverse mode conversion by intra-cavity polarization manipulation. By combining a q-plate and two quarter-wave plates (QWPs), we can generate a switchable polarization state output represented by the higher-order Poincaré sphere (l = +1, l = -1), and distinguish the fourfold degenerate LP11 mode. The four transverse vector modes can be obtained and switched in a flexible way, and the slope efficiency of the fiber laser can reach up to 39.4%. This compactness, high efficiency, and switchable operation potential will benefit a range of applications, such as materials processing, particle manipulation, etc.

On-demand Hydrogen Production from Organosilanes at Ambient Temperature Using Heterogeneous Gold Catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitsudome, Takato; Urayama, Teppei; Kiyohiro, Taizo; Maeno, Zen; Mizugaki, Tomoo; Jitsukawa, Koichiro; Kaneda, Kiyotomi

2016-11-01

An environmentally friendly (“green”), H2-generation system was developed that involved hydrolytic oxidation of inexpensive organosilanes as hydrogen storage materials with newly developed heterogeneous gold nanoparticle catalysts. The gold catalyst functioned well at ambient temperature under aerobic conditions, providing efficient production of pure H2. The newly developed size-selective gold nanoparticle catalysts could be separated easily from the reaction mixture containing organosilanes, allowing an on/off-switchable H2-production by the introduction and removal of the catalyst. This is the first report of an on/off-switchable H2-production system employing hydrolytic oxidation of inexpensive organosilanes without requiring additional energy.

Mechanically switchable polymer fibers for sensing in biological conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMillan, Sean; Rader, Chris; Jorfi, Mehdi; Pickrell, Gary; Foster, E. Johan

2017-02-01

The area of in vivo sensing using optical fibers commonly uses materials such as silica and polymethyl methacrylate, both of which possess much higher modulus than human tissue. The mechanical mismatch between materials and living tissue has been seen to cause higher levels of glial encapsulation, scarring, and inflammation, leading to failure of the implanted medical device. We present the use of a fiber made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for use as an implantable sensor as it is an easy to work with functionalized polymer that undergoes a transition from rigid to soft when introduced to water. This ability to switch from stiff to soft reduces the severity of the immune response. The fabricated PVA fibers labeled with fluorescein for sensing applications showed excellent response to various stimuli while exhibiting mechanical switchability. For the dry fibers, a tensile storage modulus of 4700 MPa was measured, which fell sharply to 145 MPa upon wetting. The fibers showed excellent response to changing pH levels, producing values that were detectable in a range consistent with those seen in the literature and in proposed applications. The results show that these mechanically switchable fibers are a viable option for future sensing applications.

S- Cis Diene Conformation: A New Bathochromic Shift Strategy for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Switchable Dye and the Imaging Applications.

PubMed

Chen, Hsiang-Jung; Chew, Chee Ying; Chang, En-Hao; Tu, Yu-Wei; Wei, Li-Yu; Wu, Bo-Han; Chen, Chien-Hung; Yang, Ya-Ting; Huang, Su-Chin; Chen, Jen-Kun; Chen, I-Chia; Tan, Kui-Thong

2018-04-18

In this paper, we present a novel charge-free fluorescence-switchable near-infrared (IR) dye based on merocyanine for target specific imaging. In contrast to the typical bathochromic shift approach by extending π-conjugation, the bathochromic shift of our merocyanine dye to the near-IR region is due to an unusual S- cis diene conformer. This is the first example where a fluorescent dye adopts the stable S- cis conformation. In addition to the novel bathochromic shift mechanism, the dye exhibits fluorescence-switchable properties in response to polarity and viscosity. By incorporating a protein-specific ligand to the dye, the probes (for SNAP-tag and hCAII proteins) exhibited dramatic fluorescence increase (up to 300-fold) upon binding with its target protein. The large fluorescence enhancement, near-IR absorption/emission, and charge-free scaffold enabled no-wash and site-specific imaging of target proteins in living cells and in vivo with minimum background fluorescence. We believe that our unconventional approach for a near-IR dye with the S- cis diene conformation can lead to new strategies for the design of near-IR dyes.

On/off-switchable anti-neoplastic nanoarchitecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Hirak K.; Imani, Roghayeh; Jangamreddy, Jaganmohan R.; Pazoki, Meysam; Iglič, Aleš; Turner, Anthony P. F.; Tiwari, Ashutosh

2015-09-01

Throughout the world, there are increasing demands for alternate approaches to advanced cancer therapeutics. Numerous potentially chemotherapeutic compounds are developed every year for clinical trial and some of them are considered as potential drug candidates. Nanotechnology-based approaches have accelerated the discovery process, but the key challenge still remains to develop therapeutically viable and physiologically safe materials suitable for cancer therapy. Here, we report a high turnover, on/off-switchable functionally popping reactive oxygen species (ROS) generator using a smart mesoporous titanium dioxide popcorn (TiO2 Pops) nanoarchitecture. The resulting TiO2 Pops, unlike TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), are exceptionally biocompatible with normal cells. Under identical conditions, TiO2 Pops show very high photocatalytic activity compared to TiO2 NPs. Upon on/off-switchable photo activation, the TiO2 Pops can trigger the generation of high-turnover flash ROS and can deliver their potential anticancer effect by enhancing the intracellular ROS level until it crosses the threshold to open the ‘death gate’, thus reducing the survival of cancer cells by at least six times in comparison with TiO2 NPs without affecting the normal cells.

An Ultrafast Switchable Terahertz Polarization Modulator Based on III-V Semiconductor Nanowires.

PubMed

Baig, Sarwat A; Boland, Jessica L; Damry, Djamshid A; Tan, H Hoe; Jagadish, Chennupati; Joyce, Hannah J; Johnston, Michael B

2017-04-12

Progress in the terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum is undergoing major advances, with advanced THz sources and detectors being developed at a rapid pace. Yet, ultrafast THz communication is still to be realized, owing to the lack of practical and effective THz modulators. Here, we present a novel ultrafast active THz polarization modulator based on GaAs semiconductor nanowires arranged in a wire-grid configuration. We utilize an optical pump-terahertz probe spectroscopy system and vary the polarization of the optical pump beam to demonstrate ultrafast THz modulation with a switching time of less than 5 ps and a modulation depth of -8 dB. We achieve an extinction of over 13% and a dynamic range of -9 dB, comparable to microsecond-switchable graphene- and metamaterial-based THz modulators, and surpassing the performance of optically switchable carbon nanotube THz polarizers. We show a broad bandwidth for THz modulation between 0.1 and 4 THz. Thus, this work presents the first THz modulator which combines not only a large modulation depth but also a broad bandwidth and picosecond time resolution for THz intensity and phase modulation, making it an ideal candidate for ultrafast THz communication.

Micropatterned photoalignment for wavefront controlled switchable optical devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glazar, Nikolaus

Photoalignment is a well-established technique for surface alignment of the liquid crystal director. Previously, chrome masks were necessary for patterned photoalignment but were difficult to use, costly, and inflexible. To extend the capabilities of photoalignment we built an automated maskless multi-domain photoalignment device based on a DMD (digital multimirror device) projection system. The device is capable of creating arbitrary photoalignment patterns with micron-sized features. Pancharatnam-Berry phase (PB-phase) is a geometric phase that arises from cyclic change of polarization state. By varying the azimuthal anchoring angle in a hybrid-aligned liquid crystal cell we can control the spatial variation of the PB-phase shift. Using our automated photoalignment device to align the liquid crystal arbitrary wave front manipulations are possible. The PB-phase shift effect is maximized when the cell is tuned to have a half-wave retardation and disappears at full-wave retardation, so the cell can be switched on and off by applying a voltage. Two wavefront controlled devices developed using this technique will be discussed: A switchable liquid crystal phase shift mask for creating sub-diffraction sized photolithographic features, and a transparent diffractive display that utilizes a switchable liquid crystal diffraction grating.

A switchable and stable single-longitudinal-mode, dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser assisted by Rayleigh backscattering in tapered fiber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gu, Jian; Yang, Yanfu, E-mail: yangyanfu@hotmail.com; Zhang, Jianyu

We have proposed and demonstrated a novel switchable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM), dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser (DWEDFL) assisted by Rayleigh backscattering (RBS) in a tapered fiber in a ring laser configuration. The RBS feedback in a tapered fiber is a key mechanism as linewidth narrowing for laser output. A compound laser cavity ensured that the EDFL operated in the SLM state and a saturable absorber (SA) is employed to form a gain grating for both filtering and improving wavelength stability. The fiber laser can output dual wavelengths simultaneously or operate at single wavelength in a switchable manner. Experiment results show that withmore » the proper SA, the peak power drift was improved from 1–2 dB to 0.31 dB and the optical signal to noise ratio was higher than 60 dB. Under the assistance of RBS feedback, the laser linewidths are compressed by around three times and the Lorentzian 3 dB linewidths of 445 Hz and 425 Hz are obtained at 1550 nm and 1554 nm, respectively.« less

On/off-switchable anti-neoplastic nanoarchitecture

PubMed Central

Patra, Hirak K.; Imani, Roghayeh; Jangamreddy, Jaganmohan R.; Pazoki, Meysam; Iglič, Aleš; Turner, Anthony P. F.; Tiwari, Ashutosh

2015-01-01

Throughout the world, there are increasing demands for alternate approaches to advanced cancer therapeutics. Numerous potentially chemotherapeutic compounds are developed every year for clinical trial and some of them are considered as potential drug candidates. Nanotechnology-based approaches have accelerated the discovery process, but the key challenge still remains to develop therapeutically viable and physiologically safe materials suitable for cancer therapy. Here, we report a high turnover, on/off-switchable functionally popping reactive oxygen species (ROS) generator using a smart mesoporous titanium dioxide popcorn (TiO2 Pops) nanoarchitecture. The resulting TiO2 Pops, unlike TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), are exceptionally biocompatible with normal cells. Under identical conditions, TiO2 Pops show very high photocatalytic activity compared to TiO2 NPs. Upon on/off-switchable photo activation, the TiO2 Pops can trigger the generation of high-turnover flash ROS and can deliver their potential anticancer effect by enhancing the intracellular ROS level until it crosses the threshold to open the ‘death gate’, thus reducing the survival of cancer cells by at least six times in comparison with TiO2 NPs without affecting the normal cells. PMID:26415561

Dipole pinning effect on photovoltaic characteristics of ferroelectric BiFeO3 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, P. P.; Thirmal, Ch.; Pal, S.; Murugavel, P.

2018-01-01

Ferroelectric bismuth ferrite is an attractive candidate for switchable devices. The effect of dipole pinning due to the oxygen vacancy layer on the switching behavior of the BiFeO3 thin film fabricated by the chemical solution deposition method was studied after annealing under air, O2, and N2 environment. The air annealed film showed well defined and dense grains leading to a lower leakage current and superior electrical properties compared to the other two films. The photovoltage and transient photocurrent measured under positive and negative poling elucidated the switching nature of the films. Though the air and O2 annealed films showed a switchable photovoltaic response, the response was severely affected by oxygen vacancies in the N2 annealed film. In addition, the open circuit voltage was found to be mostly dependent on the polarization of BiFeO3 rather than the Schottky barriers at the interface. This work provides an important insight into the effect of dipole pinning caused by oxygen vacancies on the switchable photovoltaic effect of BiFeO3 thin films along with the importance of stoichiometric, defect free, and phase pure samples to facilitate meaningful practical applications.

Ultimate predators: lionfish have evolved to circumvent prey risk assessment abilities.

PubMed

Lönnstedt, Oona M; McCormick, Mark I

2013-01-01

Invasive species cause catastrophic alterations to communities worldwide by changing the trophic balance within ecosystems. Ever since their introduction in the mid 1980's common red lionfish, Pterois volitans, are having dramatic impacts on the Caribbean ecosystem by displacing native species and disrupting food webs. Introduced lionfish capture prey at extraordinary rates, altering the composition of benthic communities. Here we demonstrate that the extraordinary success of the introduced lionfish lies in its capacity to circumvent prey risk assessment abilities as it is virtually undetectable by prey species in its native range. While experienced prey damselfish, Chromis viridis, respond with typical antipredator behaviours when exposed to a common predatory rock cod (Cephalopholis microprion) they fail to visibly react to either the scent or visual presentation of the red lionfish, and responded only to the scent (not the visual cue) of a lionfish of a different genus, Dendrochirus zebra. Experienced prey also had much higher survival when exposed to the two non-invasive predators compared to P. volitans. The cryptic nature of the red lionfish has enabled it to be destructive as a predator and a highly successful invasive species.

Comparisons of Force Measurement Methods for DBD Plasma Actuators in Quiescent Air

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoskinson, Alan R.; Hershkowitz, Noah; Ashpis, David E.

2009-01-01

We have performed measurements of the force induced by both single (one electrode insulated) and double (both electrodes insulated) dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators in quiescent air. We have shown that, for single barrier actuators with cylindrical exposed electrodes, as the electrode diameter decrease the force efficiencies increase much faster than a previously reported linear trend. This behavior has been experimentally verified using two different measurement techniques: stagnation probe measurements of the induced flow velocity and direct measurement of the force using an electronic balance. Actuators with rectangular cross-section exposed electrodes do not show the same rapid increase at small thicknesses. We have also shown that the induced force is independent of the material used for the exposed electrode. The same techniques have shown that the induced force of a double barrier actuator increases with decreasing narrow electrode diameter.

Geochemical evidence for cryptic sulfur cycling in salt marsh sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mills, Jennifer V.; Antler, Gilad; Turchyn, Alexandra V.

2016-11-01

Cryptic sulfur cycling is an enigmatic process in which sulfate is reduced to some lower-valence state sulfur species and subsequently quantitatively reoxidized; the rate and microbial energetics of this process and how prevalent it may be in the environment remain controversial. Here we investigate sulfur cycling in salt marsh sediments from Norfolk, England where we observe high ferrous iron concentrations with no depletion of sulfate or change in the sulfur isotope ratio of that sulfate, but a 5‰ increase in the oxygen isotope ratio in sulfate, indicating that sulfate has been through a reductive cycle replacing its oxygen atoms. This cryptic sulfur cycle was replicated in laboratory incubations using 18O-enriched water, demonstrating that the field results do not solely result from mixing processes in the natural environment. Numerical modeling of the laboratory incubations scaled to represent the salt marsh sediments suggests that the uptake rate of sulfate during this cryptic sulfur cycling is similar to the uptake rate of sulfate during the fastest microbial sulfate reduction that has been measured in the natural environment. The difference is that during cryptic sulfur cycling, all of the sulfur is subsequently reoxidized to sulfate. We discuss mechanisms for this pathway of sulfur cycling including the possible link to the subsurface iron cycle.

DNA barcode reference library for Iberian butterflies enables a continental-scale preview of potential cryptic diversity

PubMed Central

Dincă, Vlad; Montagud, Sergio; Talavera, Gerard; Hernández-Roldán, Juan; Munguira, Miguel L.; García-Barros, Enrique; Hebert, Paul D. N.; Vila, Roger

2015-01-01

How common are cryptic species - those overlooked because of their morphological similarity? Despite its wide-ranging implications for biology and conservation, the answer remains open to debate. Butterflies constitute the best-studied invertebrates, playing a similar role as birds do in providing models for vertebrate biology. An accurate assessment of cryptic diversity in this emblematic group requires meticulous case-by-case assessments, but a preview to highlight cases of particular interest will help to direct future studies. We present a survey of mitochondrial genetic diversity for the butterfly fauna of the Iberian Peninsula with unprecedented resolution (3502 DNA barcodes for all 228 species), creating a reliable system for DNA-based identification and for the detection of overlooked diversity. After compiling available data for European butterflies (5782 sequences, 299 species), we applied the Generalized Mixed Yule-Coalescent model to explore potential cryptic diversity at a continental scale. The results indicate that 27.7% of these species include from two to four evolutionary significant units (ESUs), suggesting that cryptic biodiversity may be higher than expected for one of the best-studied invertebrate groups and regions. The ESUs represent important units for conservation, models for studies of evolutionary and speciation processes, and sentinels for future research to unveil hidden diversity. PMID:26205828

Clinical and genetic features of dyskeratosis congenita, cryptic dyskeratosis congenita, and Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson syndrome in Japan.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Hiroki; Sakaguchi, Hirotoshi; Yoshida, Kenichi; Yabe, Miharu; Yabe, Hiromasa; Okuno, Yusuke; Muramatsu, Hideki; Takahashi, Yoshiyuki; Yui, Shunsuke; Shiraishi, Yuichi; Chiba, Kenichi; Tanaka, Hiroko; Miyano, Satoru; Inokuchi, Koiti; Ito, Etsuro; Ogawa, Seishi; Kojima, Seiji

2015-11-01

Dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) is an inherited bone marrow failure (BMF) syndrome typified by reticulated skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy, and mucosal leukoplakia. Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson syndrome (HHS) is considered to be a severe form of DKC. Unconventional forms of DKC, which develop slowly in adulthood but without the physical anomalies characteristic of DKC (cryptic DKC), have been reported. Clinical and genetic features of DKC have been investigated in Caucasian, Black, and Hispanic populations, but not in Asian populations. The present study aimed to determine the clinical and genetic features of DKC, HHS, and cryptic DKC among Japanese patients. We analyzed 16 patients diagnosed with DKC, three patients with HHS, and 15 patients with cryptic DKC. We found that platelet count was significantly more depressed than neutrophil count or hemoglobin value in DKC patients, and identified DKC patients with large deletions in the telomerase reverse transcriptase and cryptic DKC patients with RTEL1 mutations on both alleles. This led to some patients previously considered to have unclassifiable BMF being diagnosed with cDKC through identification of new gene mutations. It thus seems important from a clinical viewpoint to re-examine the clinical characteristics, frequency of genetic mutations, and treatment efficacy in DKC, HHS, and cDKC.

A Microphysically-based Approach to Inferring Porosity, Grain Size, and Dust Abundance in the Seasonal Caps from Atmospherically-corrected TES Spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eluszkiewicz, J.; Titus, T. N.

2003-01-01

One of the highlights of the TES observations in the polar regions has been the identification of a "cryptic" region in the south where CO2 appears to be in the form of a solid slab rather than a fluffy frost. While the exact mechanism(s) by which the cryptic region is formed are still subject of some debate, it appears certain that a type of rapid metamorphism related to the high volatility of CO2 ice is involved. The high volatility of CO2 ice under martian conditions has several Solar System analogs (N2 on Triton and Pluto, SO2 on Io), thus making the martian cryptic region somewhat less cryptic and certainly non-unique among planetary objects. In an endmember scenario, both the formation and the spectral properties of the cryptic region (and of other areas in the seasonal caps) can be quantitatively modeled by considering sintering of an ensemble of quasi-spherical CO2 grains. This model includes the special case of instanteneous slab formation, which occurs when the grains are sufficiently small (in the submicron range) so that their sintering timescale is short relative to the deposition timescale (a situation analogous to the "sintering" of water droplets falling into a pond).

Cryptic impacts of temperature variability on amphibian immune function.

PubMed

Terrell, Kimberly A; Quintero, Richard P; Murray, Suzan; Kleopfer, John D; Murphy, James B; Evans, Matthew J; Nissen, Bradley D; Gratwicke, Brian

2013-11-15

Ectothermic species living in temperate regions can experience rapid and potentially stressful changes in body temperature driven by abrupt weather changes. Yet, among amphibians, the physiological impacts of short-term temperature variation are largely unknown. Using an ex situ population of Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, an aquatic North American salamander, we tested the hypothesis that naturally occurring periods of temperature variation negatively impact amphibian health, either through direct effects on immune function or by increasing physiological stress. We exposed captive salamanders to repeated cycles of temperature fluctuations recorded in the population's natal stream and evaluated behavioral and physiological responses, including plasma complement activity (i.e. bacteria killing) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila. The best-fit model (ΔAICc=0, wi=0.9992) revealed 70% greater P. aeruginosa killing after exposure to variable temperatures and no evidence of thermal acclimation. The same model predicted 50% increased E. coli killing, but had weaker support (ΔAICc=1.8, wi=0.2882). In contrast, plasma defenses were ineffective against A. hydrophila, and other health indicators (leukocyte ratios, growth rates and behavioral patterns) were maintained at baseline values. Our data suggest that amphibians can tolerate, and even benefit from, natural patterns of rapid warming/cooling. Specifically, temperature variation can elicit increased activity of the innate immune system. This immune response may be adaptive in an unpredictable environment, and is undetectable by conventional health indicators (and hence considered cryptic). Our findings highlight the need to consider naturalistic patterns of temperature variation when predicting species' susceptibility to climate change.

Thermal hysteresis kinetic effects of spin crossover nanoparticulated systems studied by FORC diagram method on an Ising-like model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atitoaie, Alexandru; Stoleriu, Laurentiu; Tanasa, Radu; Stancu, Alexandru; Enachescu, Cristian

2016-04-01

The scientific community is manifesting a high research interest on spin crossover compounds and their recently synthesized nanoparticles, due to their various appealing properties, such as the bistability between a diamagnetic low spin state and a paramagnetic high spin state (HS), inter-switchable by temperature or pressure changes, light irradiation or magnetic field. The utility of these compounds showing hysteresis covers a broad area of applications, from the development of more efficient designs of temperature and pressure sensors to automotive and aeronautic industries and even a new type of molecular actuators. We are proposing in this work a study regarding the kinetic effects and the distribution of reversible and irreversible components on the thermal hysteresis of spin crossover nanoparticulated systems. We are considering here tridimensional systems with different sizes and also systems of nanoparticles with a Gaussian size distribution. The correlations between the kinetics of the thermal hysteresis, the distributions of sizes and intermolecular interactions and the transition temperature distributions were established by using the FORC (First Order Reversal Curves) method using a Monte Carlo technique within an Ising-like system.

Switchable Chiral Selection of Aspartic Acids by Dynamic States of Brushite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiang, Wenge; Pan, Haihua; Zhang, Zhisen

Here, we show the chiral recognition and separation of aspartic acid (Asp) enantiomers by achiral brushite due to the asymmetries of their dynamical steps in its nonequilibrium states. Growing brushite has a higher adsorption affinity to d-Asp, while l-Asp is predominant on the dissolving brushite surface. Microstructural characterization reveals that chiral selection is mainly attributed to brushite [101] steps, which exhibit two different configurations during crystal growth and dissolution, respectively, with each preferring a distinct enantiomer due to this asymmetry. Because these transition step configurations have different stabilities, they subsequently result in asymmetric adsorption. Furthermore, by varying free energy barriersmore » through solution thermodynamic driving force (i.e., supersaturation), the dominant nonequilibrium intermediate states can be switched and chiral selection regulated. This finding highlights that the dynamic steps can be vital for chiral selection, which may provide a potential pathway for chirality generation through the dynamic nature.« less

Switchable Chiral Selection of Aspartic Acids by Dynamic States of Brushite

DOE PAGES

Jiang, Wenge; Pan, Haihua; Zhang, Zhisen; ...

2017-06-15

Here, we show the chiral recognition and separation of aspartic acid (Asp) enantiomers by achiral brushite due to the asymmetries of their dynamical steps in its nonequilibrium states. Growing brushite has a higher adsorption affinity to d-Asp, while l-Asp is predominant on the dissolving brushite surface. Microstructural characterization reveals that chiral selection is mainly attributed to brushite [101] steps, which exhibit two different configurations during crystal growth and dissolution, respectively, with each preferring a distinct enantiomer due to this asymmetry. Because these transition step configurations have different stabilities, they subsequently result in asymmetric adsorption. Furthermore, by varying free energy barriersmore » through solution thermodynamic driving force (i.e., supersaturation), the dominant nonequilibrium intermediate states can be switched and chiral selection regulated. This finding highlights that the dynamic steps can be vital for chiral selection, which may provide a potential pathway for chirality generation through the dynamic nature.« less

Shape-shifting colloids via stimulated dewetting

PubMed Central

Youssef, Mena; Hueckel, Theodore; Yi, Gi-Ra; Sacanna, Stefano

2016-01-01

The ability to reconfigure elementary building blocks from one structure to another is key to many biological systems. Bringing the intrinsic adaptability of biological systems to traditional synthetic materials is currently one of the biggest scientific challenges in material engineering. Here we introduce a new design concept for the experimental realization of self-assembling systems with built-in shape-shifting elements. We demonstrate that dewetting forces between an oil phase and solid colloidal substrates can be exploited to engineer shape-shifting particles whose geometry can be changed on demand by a chemical or optical signal. We find this approach to be quite general and applicable to a broad spectrum of materials, including polymers, semiconductors and magnetic materials. This synthetic methodology can be further adopted as a new experimental platform for designing and rapidly prototyping functional colloids, such as reconfigurable micro swimmers, colloidal surfactants and switchable building blocks for self-assembly. PMID:27426418

Uniform, dense arrays of vertically aligned, large-diameter single-walled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Han, Zhao Jun; Ostrikov, Kostya

2012-04-04

Precisely controlled reactive chemical vapor synthesis of highly uniform, dense arrays of vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) using tailored trilayered Fe/Al(2)O(3)/SiO(2) catalyst is demonstrated. More than 90% population of thick nanotubes (>3 nm in diameter) can be produced by tailoring the thickness and microstructure of the secondary catalyst supporting SiO(2) layer, which is commonly overlooked. The proposed model based on the atomic force microanalysis suggests that this tailoring leads to uniform and dense arrays of relatively large Fe catalyst nanoparticles on which the thick SWCNTs nucleate, while small nanotubes and amorphous carbon are effectively etched away. Our results resolve a persistent issue of selective (while avoiding multiwalled nanotubes and other carbon nanostructures) synthesis of thick vertically aligned SWCNTs whose easily switchable thickness-dependent electronic properties enable advanced applications in nanoelectronic, energy, drug delivery, and membrane technologies.

Hybrid metamaterials for electrically triggered multifunctional control

PubMed Central

Liu, Liu; Kang, Lei; Mayer, Theresa S.; Werner, Douglas H.

2016-01-01

Despite the exotic material properties that have been demonstrated to date, practical examples of versatile metamaterials remain exceedingly rare. The concept of metadevices has been proposed in the context of hybrid metamaterial composites: systems in which active materials are introduced to advance tunability, switchability and nonlinearity. In contrast to the successful hybridizations seen at lower frequencies, there has been limited exploration into plasmonic and photonic nanostructures due to the lack of available optical materials with non-trivial activity, together with difficulties in regulating responses to external forces in an integrated manner. Here, by presenting a series of proof-of-concept studies on electrically triggered functionalities, we demonstrate a vanadium dioxide integrated photonic metamaterial as a transformative platform for multifunctional control. The proposed hybrid metamaterial integrated with transition materials represents a major step forward by providing a universal approach to creating self-sufficient and highly versatile nanophotonic systems. PMID:27807342

Reversible adhesion switching of porous fibrillar adhesive pads by humidity.

PubMed

Xue, Longjian; Kovalev, Alexander; Dening, Kirstin; Eichler-Volf, Anna; Eickmeier, Henning; Haase, Markus; Enke, Dirk; Steinhart, Martin; Gorb, Stanislav N

2013-01-01

We report reversible adhesion switching on porous fibrillar polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) adhesive pads by humidity changes. Adhesion at a relative humidity of 90% was more than nine times higher than at a relative humidity of 2%. On nonporous fibrillar adhesive pads of the same material, adhesion increased only by a factor of ~3.3. The switching performance remained unchanged in at least 10 successive high/low humidity cycles. Main origin of enhanced adhesion at high humidity is the humidity-induced decrease in the elastic modulus of the polar component P2VP rather than capillary force. The presence of spongelike continuous internal pore systems with walls consisting of P2VP significantly leveraged this effect. Fibrillar adhesive pads on which adhesion is switchable by humidity changes may be used for preconcentration of airborne particulates, pollutants, and germs combined with triggered surface cleaning.

Shape-shifting colloids via stimulated dewetting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Youssef, Mena; Hueckel, Theodore; Yi, Gi-Ra; Sacanna, Stefano

2016-07-01

The ability to reconfigure elementary building blocks from one structure to another is key to many biological systems. Bringing the intrinsic adaptability of biological systems to traditional synthetic materials is currently one of the biggest scientific challenges in material engineering. Here we introduce a new design concept for the experimental realization of self-assembling systems with built-in shape-shifting elements. We demonstrate that dewetting forces between an oil phase and solid colloidal substrates can be exploited to engineer shape-shifting particles whose geometry can be changed on demand by a chemical or optical signal. We find this approach to be quite general and applicable to a broad spectrum of materials, including polymers, semiconductors and magnetic materials. This synthetic methodology can be further adopted as a new experimental platform for designing and rapidly prototyping functional colloids, such as reconfigurable micro swimmers, colloidal surfactants and switchable building blocks for self-assembly.

Reagent-Free Programming of Shape-Memory Behavior in Gelatin by Electron Beams: Experiments and Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riedel, Stefanie; Mayr, Stefan G.

2018-02-01

Recent years have seen a paradigm shift in biomaterials toward stimuli-responsive switchable systems that actively interact with their environment. This work demonstrates how to turn the ubiquitous off-the-shelf material gelatin into such a smart biomaterial. This is achieved by realizing the shape-memory effect, viz., a temperature-induced transition from a secondary into a primary shape that has been programmed in the first place merely by exposure to energetic electrons without addition of potentially hazardous cross-linkers. While this scenario is experimentally quantified for exemplary actuators, a theoretical framework capable of unraveling the molecular foundations and predicting experiments is also presented. It particularly employs molecular dynamics modeling based on force fields that are also derived within this work. Implementing this functionality into a highly accepted material, these findings open an avenue for large-scale application in a broad range of areas.

Demonstration of a switchable damping system to allow low-noise operation of high-Q low-mass suspension systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hennig, Jan-Simon; Barr, Bryan W.; Bell, Angus S.; Cunningham, William; Danilishin, Stefan L.; Dupej, Peter; Gräf, Christian; Hough, James; Huttner, Sabina H.; Jones, Russell; Leavey, Sean S.; Pascucci, Daniela; Sinclair, Martin; Sorazu, Borja; Spencer, Andrew; Steinlechner, Sebastian; Strain, Kenneth A.; Wright, Jennifer; Zhang, Teng; Hild, Stefan

2017-12-01

Low-mass suspension systems with high-Q pendulum stages are used to enable quantum radiation pressure noise limited experiments. Utilizing multiple pendulum stages with vertical blade springs and materials with high-quality factors provides attenuation of seismic and thermal noise; however, damping of these high-Q pendulum systems in multiple degrees of freedom is essential for practical implementation. Viscous damping such as eddy-current damping can be employed, but it introduces displacement noise from force noise due to thermal fluctuations in the damping system. In this paper we demonstrate a passive damping system with adjustable damping strength as a solution for this problem that can be used for low-mass suspension systems without adding additional displacement noise in science mode. We show a reduction of the damping factor by a factor of 8 on a test suspension and provide a general optimization for this system.

Mechano-regulated surface for manipulating liquid droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xin; Zhu, Pingan; Tian, Ye; Zhou, Xuechang; Kong, Tiantian; Wang, Liqiu

2017-04-01

The effective transfer of tiny liquid droplets is vital for a number of processes such as chemical and biological microassays. Inspired by the tarsi of meniscus-climbing insects, which can climb menisci by deforming the water/air interface, we developed a mechano-regulated surface consisting of a background mesh and a movable microfibre array with contrastive wettability. The adhesion of this mechano-regulated surface to liquid droplets can be reversibly switched through mechanical reconfiguration of the microfibre array. The adhesive force can be tuned by varying the number and surface chemistry of the microfibres. The in situ adhesion of the mechano-regulated surface can be used to manoeuvre micro-/nanolitre liquid droplets in a nearly loss-free manner. The mechano-regulated surface can be scaled up to handle multiple droplets in parallel. Our approach offers a miniaturized mechano-device with switchable adhesion for handling micro-/nanolitre droplets, either in air or in a fluid that is immiscible with the droplets.

Enantiomeric switching of chiral metamaterial for terahertz polarization modulation employing vertically deformable MEMS spirals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kan, Tetsuo; Isozaki, Akihiro; Kanda, Natsuki; Nemoto, Natsuki; Konishi, Kuniaki; Takahashi, Hidetoshi; Kuwata-Gonokami, Makoto; Matsumoto, Kiyoshi; Shimoyama, Isao

2015-10-01

Active modulation of the polarization states of terahertz light is indispensable for polarization-sensitive spectroscopy, having important applications such as non-contact Hall measurements, vibrational circular dichroism measurements and anisotropy imaging. In the terahertz region, the lack of a polarization modulator similar to a photoelastic modulator in the visible range hampers expansion of such spectroscopy. A terahertz chiral metamaterial has a huge optical activity unavailable in nature; nevertheless, its modulation is still challenging. Here we demonstrate a handedness-switchable chiral metamaterial for polarization modulation employing vertically deformable Micro Electro Mechanical Systems. Vertical deformation of a planar spiral by a pneumatic force creates a three-dimensional spiral. Enantiomeric switching is realized by selecting the deformation direction, where the polarity of the optical activity is altered while maintaining the spectral shape. A polarization rotation as high as 28° is experimentally observed, thus providing a practical and compact polarization modulator for the terahertz range.

Enantiomeric switching of chiral metamaterial for terahertz polarization modulation employing vertically deformable MEMS spirals.

PubMed

Kan, Tetsuo; Isozaki, Akihiro; Kanda, Natsuki; Nemoto, Natsuki; Konishi, Kuniaki; Takahashi, Hidetoshi; Kuwata-Gonokami, Makoto; Matsumoto, Kiyoshi; Shimoyama, Isao

2015-10-01

Active modulation of the polarization states of terahertz light is indispensable for polarization-sensitive spectroscopy, having important applications such as non-contact Hall measurements, vibrational circular dichroism measurements and anisotropy imaging. In the terahertz region, the lack of a polarization modulator similar to a photoelastic modulator in the visible range hampers expansion of such spectroscopy. A terahertz chiral metamaterial has a huge optical activity unavailable in nature; nevertheless, its modulation is still challenging. Here we demonstrate a handedness-switchable chiral metamaterial for polarization modulation employing vertically deformable Micro Electro Mechanical Systems. Vertical deformation of a planar spiral by a pneumatic force creates a three-dimensional spiral. Enantiomeric switching is realized by selecting the deformation direction, where the polarity of the optical activity is altered while maintaining the spectral shape. A polarization rotation as high as 28° is experimentally observed, thus providing a practical and compact polarization modulator for the terahertz range.

Chemical/Light-Powered Hybrid Micromotors with "On-the-Fly" Optical Brakes.

PubMed

Chen, Chuanrui; Tang, Songsong; Teymourian, Hazhir; Karshalev, Emil; Zhang, Fangyu; Li, Jinxing; Mou, Fangzhi; Liang, Yuyan; Guan, Jianguo; Wang, Joseph

2018-07-02

Hybrid micromotors capable of both chemically powered propulsion and fuel-free light-driven actuation and offering built-in optical brakes for chemical propulsion are described. The new hybrid micromotors are designed by combining photocatalytic TiO 2 and catalytic Pt surfaces into a Janus microparticle. The chemical reactions on the different surfaces of the Janus particle hybrid micromotor can be tailored by using chemical or light stimuli that generate counteracting propulsion forces on the catalytic Pt and photocatalytic TiO 2 sides. Such modulation of the surface chemistry on a single micromotor leads to switchable propulsion modes and reversal of the direction of motion that reflect the tuning of the local ion concentration and hence the dominant propulsion force. An intermediate Au layer (under the Pt surface) plays an important role in determining the propulsion mechanism and operation of the hybrid motor. The built-in optical braking system allows "on-the-fly" control of the chemical propulsion through a photocatalytic reaction on the TiO 2 side to counterbalance the chemical propulsion force generated on the Pt side. The adaptive dual operation of these chemical/light hybrid micromotors, associated with such control of the surface chemistry, holds considerable promise for designing smart nanomachines that autonomously reconfigure their propulsion mode for various on-demand operations. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Relationships Between RNA Polymerase II Activity and Spt Elongation Factors to Spt- Phenotype and Growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Cui, Ping; Jin, Huiyan; Vutukuru, Manjula Ramya; Kaplan, Craig D.

2016-01-01

The interplay between adjacent transcription units can result in transcription-dependent alterations in chromatin structure or recruitment of factors that determine transcription outcomes, including the generation of intragenic or other cryptic transcripts derived from cryptic promoters. Mutations in a number of genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae confer both cryptic intragenic transcription and the Suppressor of Ty (Spt-) phenotype for the lys2-128∂ allele of the LYS2 gene. Mutants that suppress lys2-128∂ allow transcription from a normally inactive Ty1 ∂ promoter, conferring a LYS+ phenotype. The arrangement of transcription units at lys2-128∂ is reminiscent of genes containing cryptic promoters within their open reading frames. We set out to examine the relationship between RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) activity, functions of Spt elongation factors, and cryptic transcription because of the previous observation that increased-activity Pol II alleles confer an Spt- phenotype. We identify both cooperating and antagonistic genetic interactions between Pol II alleles and alleles of elongation factors SPT4, SPT5, and SPT6. We find that cryptic transcription at FLO8 and STE11 is distinct from that at lys2-128∂, though all show sensitivity to reduction in Pol II activity, especially the expression of lys2-128∂ found in Spt- mutants. We determine that the lys2-128∂ Spt- phenotypes for spt6-1004 and increased activity rpo21/rpb1 alleles each require transcription from the LYS2 promoter. Furthermore, we identify the Ty1 transcription start site (TSS) within the ∂ element as the position of Spt- transcription in tested Spt- mutants. PMID:27261007

Integrative Taxonomic Approach for Describing a New Cryptic Species of Bush Frog (Raorchestes: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from the Western Ghats, India

PubMed Central

Roshmi, Rekha Sarma; Ramya, Badrinath; Sudhira, H. S.; Ravikanth, G.; Aravind, Neelavara Anantharam

2016-01-01

A new cryptic species of bush frog Raorchestes honnametti sp. nov. is described from the south-eastern part of the Western Ghats, India. This newly described species belongs to the Charius clade and is morphologically similar to other clade members—R. charius and R. griet. Therefore, an integrative taxonomic approach based on molecular and bioacoustic analysis along with morphology was used to delimit the new species. Raorchestes honnametti sp. nov., is currently known only from Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, a part of Biligiri Rangaswamy horst mountain range (a mountain formed due movement of two faults) formed during the Late Quaternary period (1.8–2.58 Ma). Discovery of cryptic species from a highly speciose and well-studied genus Raorchestes hints at the possible existence of several more cryptic species in this genus. We discuss the possible reasons for crypsis and emphasize the need for continued systematic surveys of amphibians across the Western Ghats. PMID:26934213

Cryptic Species or Inadequate Taxonomy? Implementation of 2D Geometric Morphometrics Based on Integumental Organs as Landmarks for Delimitation and Description of Copepod Taxa.

PubMed

Karanovic, Tomislav; Djurakic, Marko; Eberhard, Stefan M

2016-03-01

Discovery of cryptic species using molecular tools has become common in many animal groups but it is rarely accompanied by morphological revision, creating ongoing problems in taxonomy and conservation. In copepods, cryptic species have been discovered in most groups where fast-evolving molecular markers were employed. In this study at Yeelirrie in Western Australia we investigate a subterranean species complex belonging to the harpacticoid genus Schizopera Sars, 1905, using both the barcoding mitochondrial COI gene and landmark-based two-dimensional geometric morphometrics. Integumental organs (sensilla and pores) are used as landmarks for the first time in any crustacean group. Complete congruence between DNA-based species delimitation and relative position of integumental organs in two independent morphological structures suggests the existence of three distinct evolutionary units. We describe two of them as new species, employing a condensed taxonomic format appropriate for cryptic species. We argue that many supposedly cryptic species might not be cryptic if researchers focus on analyzing morphological structures with multivariate tools that explicitly take into account geometry of the phenotype. A perceived supremacy of molecular methods in detecting cryptic species is in our view a consequence of disparity of investment and unexploited recent advancements in morphometrics among taxonomists. Our study shows that morphometric data alone could be used to find diagnostic morphological traits and gives hope to anyone studying small animals with a hard integument or shell, especially opening the door to assessing fossil diversity and rich museum collections. We expect that simultaneous use of molecular tools with geometry-oriented morphometrics may yield faster formal description of species. Decrypted species in this study are a good example for urgency of formal descriptions, as they display short-range endemism in small groundwater calcrete aquifers in a paleochannel, where their conservation may be threatened by proposed mining. ©The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press, on behalf of the Society of Systematic Biologists. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Hmb(off/on) as a switchable thiol protecting group for native chemical ligation.

PubMed

Qi, Yun-Kun; Tang, Shan; Huang, Yi-Chao; Pan, Man; Zheng, Ji-Shen; Liu, Lei

2016-05-04

A new thiol protecting group Hmb(off/on) is described, which has a switchable activity that may be useful in the chemical synthesis of proteins. When placed on the side chain of Cys, Cys(Hmb(off)) is stable to trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in the process of solid-phase peptide synthesis. When Cys(Hmb(off)) is treated with neutral aqueous buffers, it is cleanly converted to acid-labile Cys(Hmb(on)), which can later be fully deprotected by TFA to generate free Cys. The utility of Cys(Hmb(off/on)) is demonstrated by the chemical synthesis of an erythropoietin segment, EPO[Cys(98)-Arg(166)]-OH through native chemical ligation.

Self-alignment of plasmonic gold nanorods in reconfigurable anisotropic fluids for tunable bulk metamaterial applications.

PubMed

Liu, Qingkun; Cui, Yanxia; Gardner, Dennis; Li, Xin; He, Sailing; Smalyukh, Ivan I

2010-04-14

We demonstrate the bulk self-alignment of dispersed gold nanorods imposed by the intrinsic cylindrical micelle self-assembly in nematic and hexagonal liquid crystalline phases of anisotropic fluids. External magnetic field and shearing allow for alignment and realignment of the liquid crystal matrix with the ensuing long-range orientational order of well-dispersed plasmonic nanorods. This results in a switchable polarization-sensitive plasmon resonance exhibiting stark differences from that of the same nanorods in isotropic fluids. The device-scale bulk nanoparticle alignment may enable optical metamaterial mass production and control of properties arising from combining the switchable nanoscale structure of anisotropic fluids with the surface plasmon resonance properties of the plasmonic nanorods.

Switchable multi-wavelength fiber ring laser based on a compact in-fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer with photonic crystal fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, W. G.; Lou, S. Q.; Feng, S. C.; Wang, L. W.; Li, H. L.; Guo, T. Y.; Jian, S. S.

2009-11-01

Switchable multi-wavelength fiber ring laser with an in-fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer incorporated into the ring cavity serving as wavelength-selective filter at room temperature is demonstrated. The filter is formed by splicing a section of few-mode photonic crystal fiber (PCF) and two segments of single mode fiber (SMF) with the air-holes on the both sides of PCF intentionally collapsed in the vicinity of the splices. By adjusting the states of the polarization controller (PC) appropriately, the laser can be switched among the stable single-, dual- and triple-wavelength lasing operations by exploiting polarization hole burning (PHB) effect.

Switchable dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser based on the photonic crystal fiber loop mirror and chirped fiber Bragg grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wei-Guo; Lou, Shu-Qin; Wang, Li-Wen; Li, Hong-Lei; Guo, Tieying; Jian, Shui-Sheng

2010-03-01

The switchable dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) with a two-mode photonic crystal fiber (PCF) loop mirror and a chirped fiber Bragg grating (CFBG) at room temperature is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The two-mode PCF loop mirror is formed by inserting a piece of two-mode PCF into a Sagnac loop mirror, with the air-holes of the PCF intentionally collapsing at the splices. By adjusting the state of the polarization controller (PC) appropriately, the laser can be switched between the stable single- and dual-wavelength operations by means of the polarization hole burning (PHB) and spectral hole burning (SHB) effects.

Breaking the diffraction limit of light-sheet fluorescence microscopy by RESOLFT

PubMed Central

Hoyer, Patrick; de Medeiros, Gustavo; Balázs, Bálint; Norlin, Nils; Besir, Christina; Hanne, Janina; Kräusslich, Hans-Georg; Engelhardt, Johann; Sahl, Steffen J.; Hell, Stefan W.; Hufnagel, Lars

2016-01-01

We present a plane-scanning RESOLFT [reversible saturable/switchable optical (fluorescence) transitions] light-sheet (LS) nanoscope, which fundamentally overcomes the diffraction barrier in the axial direction via confinement of the fluorescent molecular state to a sheet of subdiffraction thickness around the focal plane. To this end, reversibly switchable fluorophores located right above and below the focal plane are transferred to a nonfluorescent state at each scanning step. LS-RESOLFT nanoscopy offers wide-field 3D imaging of living biological specimens with low light dose and axial resolution far beyond the diffraction barrier. We demonstrate optical sections that are thinner by 5–12-fold compared with their conventional diffraction-limited LS analogs. PMID:26984498

Frequency-Switchable Metamaterial Absorber Injecting Eutectic Gallium-Indium (EGaIn) Liquid Metal Alloy

PubMed Central

Ling, Kenyu; Kim, Hyung Ki; Yoo, Minyeong; Lim, Sungjoon

2015-01-01

In this study, we demonstrated a new class of frequency-switchable metamaterial absorber in the X-band. Eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn), a liquid metal alloy, was injected in a microfluidic channel engraved on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to achieve frequency switching. Numerical simulation and experimental results are presented for two cases: when the microfluidic channels are empty, and when they are filled with liquid metal. To evaluate the performance of the fabricated absorber prototype, it is tested with a rectangular waveguide. The resonant frequency was successfully switched from 10.96 GHz to 10.61 GHz after injecting liquid metal while maintaining absorptivity higher than 98%. PMID:26561815

Switchable narrow linewidth fiber laser with LP11 transverse mode output

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Ya; Ren, Guobin; Yang, Yuguang; Yao, Shuzhi; Wu, Yue; Jiang, Youchao; Xu, Yao; Jin, Wenxing; Zhu, Bofeng; Jian, Shuisheng

2018-01-01

We experimentally demonstrate a switchable narrow linewidth single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser with LP11 transverse mode output. The laser is based on a mode selective all-fiber fused coupler which is composed of a single-mode fiber (SMF) and a two-mode fiber (TMF). By controlling the polarization state of the output light, the laser can provide narrow linewidth SLM output with LP11 transverse mode at two specific wavelengths, which correspond to two transmission peaks of the chirped moiré fiber grating (CMFBG). The 20 dB linewidth of the fiber laser for each wavelength is approximately 7.2 and 6.4 kHz.

Switchable Ni–Mn–Ga Heusler nanocrystals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zayak, Alexey T.; Beckman, Scott P.; Tiago, Murilo L.

2008-10-02

Here, we examined bulk-like Heusler nanocrystals using real-space pseudopotentials constructed within density functional theory. The nanocrystals were made of various compositions of Ni-Mn-Ga in the size range from 15 up to 169 atoms. Among these compositions, the closest to the stoichiometric Ni 2MnGa were found to be the most stable. The Ni-based nanocrystals retained a tendency for tetragonal distortion, which is inherited from the bulk properties. Surface effects suppress the tetragonal structure in the smaller Ni-based nanocrystals, while bigger nanocrystals develop a bulk-like tetragonal distortion. We suggest the possibility of switchable Ni-Mn-Ga nanocrystals, which could be utilized for magnetic nano-shape-memorymore » applications.« less

Dynamically Babinet-invertible metasurface: a capacitive-inductive reconfigurable filter for terahertz waves using vanadium-dioxide metal-insulator transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urade, Yoshiro; Nakata, Yosuke; Okimura, Kunio; Nakanishi, Toshihiro; Miyamaru, Fumiaki; Takeda, Mitsuo W.; Kitano, Masao

2016-03-01

This paper proposes a reconfigurable planar metamaterial that can be switched between capacitive and inductive responses using local changes in the electrical conductivity of its constituent material. The proposed device is based on Babinet's principle and exploits the singular electromagnetic responses of metallic checkerboard structures, which are dependent on the local electrical conductivity. Utilizing the heating-induced metal-insulator transition of vanadium dioxide ($\\mathrm{VO}_2$), the proposed metamaterial is designed to compensate for the effect of the substrate and is experimentally characterized in the terahertz regime. This reconfigurable metamaterial can be utilized as a switchable filter and as a switchable phase shifter for terahertz waves.

Dynamically Babinet-invertible metasurface: a capacitive-inductive reconfigurable filter for terahertz waves using vanadium-dioxide metal-insulator transition.

PubMed

Urade, Yoshiro; Nakata, Yosuke; Okimura, Kunio; Nakanishi, Toshihiro; Miyamaru, Fumiaki; Takeda, Mitsuo W; Kitano, Masao

2016-03-07

This paper proposes a reconfigurable planar metamaterial that can be switched between capacitive and inductive responses using local changes in the electrical conductivity of its constituent material. The proposed device is based on Babinet's principle and exploits the singular electromagnetic responses of metallic checkerboard structures, which are dependent on the local electrical conductivity. Utilizing the heating-induced metal-insulator transition of vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ), the proposed meta-material is designed to compensate for the effect of the substrate and is experimentally characterized in the terahertz regime. This reconfigurable metamaterial can be utilized as a switchable filter and as a switchable phase shifter for terahertz waves.

Nest Construction by a Ground-nesting Bird Represents a Potential Trade-off Between Egg Crypticity and Thermoregulation

EPA Science Inventory

Predation selects against conspicuous colors in bird eggs and nests, while thermoregulatory constraints select for nest building behavior that regulates incubation temperatures. We present results that reveal a trade-off between nest crypticity and thermoregulation of eggs base...

A multiplex PCR method for rapid identification of Brachionus rotifers.

PubMed

Vasileiadou, Kalliopi; Papakostas, Spiros; Triantafyllidis, Alexander; Kappas, Ilias; Abatzopoulos, Theodore J

2009-01-01

Cryptic species are increasingly being recognized in many organisms. In Brachionus rotifers, many morphologically similar yet genetically distinct species/biotypes have been described. A number of Brachionus cryptic species have been recognized among hatchery strains. In this study, we present a simple, one-step genetic method to detect the presence of those Brachionus sp. rotifers that have been found in hatcheries. With the proposed technique, each of the B. plicatilis sensu stricto, B. ibericus, Brachionus sp. Nevada, Brachionus sp. Austria, Brachionus sp. Manjavacas, and Brachionus sp. Cayman species and/or biotypes can be identified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Based on 233 cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences, we reviewed all the available cryptic Brachionus sp. genetic polymorphisms, and we designed six nested primers. With these primers, a specific amplicon of distinct size is produced for every one of the involved species/biotypes. Two highly sensitive protocols were developed for using the primers. Many of the primers can be combined in the same PCR. The proposed method has been found to be an effective and practical tool to investigate the presence of the above six cryptic species/biotypes in both individual and communal (bulk) rotifer deoxyribonucleic acid extractions from hatcheries. With this technique, hatchery managers could easily determine their rotifer composition at the level of cryptic species and monitor their cultures more efficiently.

Predation cues rather than resource availability promote cryptic behaviour in a habitat-forming sea urchin.

PubMed

Spyksma, Arie J P; Taylor, Richard B; Shears, Nick T

2017-03-01

It is well known that predators often influence the foraging behaviour of prey through the so-called "fear effect". However, it is also possible that predators could change prey behaviour indirectly by altering the prey's food supply through a trophic cascade. The predator-sea urchin-kelp trophic cascade is widely assumed to be driven by the removal of sea urchins by predators, but changes in sea urchin behaviour in response to predators or increased food availability could also play an important role. We tested whether increased crevice occupancy by herbivorous sea urchins in the presence of abundant predatory fishes and lobsters is a response to the increased risk of predation, or an indirect response to higher kelp abundances. Inside two New Zealand marine reserves with abundant predators and kelp, individuals of the sea urchin Evechinus chloroticus were rarer and remained cryptic (i.e. found in crevices) to larger sizes than on adjacent fished coasts where predators and kelp are rare. In a mesocosm experiment, cryptic behaviour was induced by simulated predation (the addition of crushed conspecifics), but the addition of food in the form of drift kelp did not induce cryptic behaviour. These findings demonstrate that the 'fear' of predators is more important than food availability in promoting sea urchin cryptic behaviour and suggest that both density- and behaviourally mediated interactions are important in the predator-sea urchin-kelp trophic cascade.

Morphometric study of third-instar larvae from five morphotypes of the Anastrepha fraterculus cryptic species complex (Diptera, Tephritidae)

PubMed Central

Canal, Nelson A.; Hernández-Ortiz, Vicente; Salas, Juan O. Tigrero; Selivon, Denise

2015-01-01

Abstract The occurrence of cryptic species among economically important fruit flies strongly affects the development of management tactics for these pests. Tools for studying cryptic species not only facilitate evolutionary and systematic studies, but they also provide support for fruit fly management and quarantine activities. Previous studies have shown that the South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus, is a complex of cryptic species, but few studies have been performed on the morphology of its immature stages. An analysis of mandible shape and linear morphometric variability was applied to third-instar larvae of five morphotypes of the Anastrepha fraterculus complex: Mexican, Andean, Ecuadorian, Peruvian and Brazilian-1. Outline geometric morphometry was used to study the mouth hook shape and linear morphometry analysis was performed using 24 linear measurements of the body, cephalopharyngeal skeleton, mouth hook and hypopharyngeal sclerite. Different morphotypes were grouped accurately using canonical discriminant analyses of both the geometric and linear morphometry. The shape of the mandible differed among the morphotypes, and the anterior spiracle length, number of tubules of the anterior spiracle, length and height of the mouth hook and length of the cephalopharyngeal skeleton were the most significant variables in the linear morphometric analysis. Third-instar larvae provide useful characters for studies of cryptic species in the Anastrepha fraterculus complex. PMID:26798253

Mitochondrial phylogeny of grey mullets (Acanthopterygii: Mugilidae) suggests high proportion of cryptic species.

PubMed

Durand, Jean-Dominique; Borsa, Philippe

2015-04-01

The low level of morphometric variability and the poor phylogenetic information borne by the morpho-anatomical characters used thus far in the systematics of grey mullets (Mugilidae) emphasize the utility of molecular systematics in this family. A recent mitochondrial phylogeny of grey mullets has uncovered multiple deep lineages within several species, flagging putative cryptic species. Here, we considered that several of the deeply divergent lineages represent separate species based on either the tree topology, independent data from nuclear markers, geographic distributions, or a combination of the foregoing. By analogy with these well-documented cases, we considered other deep lineages in seven genera we focused on to represent putative cryptic species. Up to two cryptic species were thus potentially detected in the genus Chelon, three in Crenimugil (including two within the single Crenimugil seheli), two in Dajaus, one in Ellochelon, 16 in Mugil (including 13 within the single M. cephalus), two in Osteomugil, and 10 in Planiliza. Wherever possible, we kept the current species epithets to designate those lineages that unambiguously correspond to the type material, based on type locality, and we assigned arbitrary letters (sp. A, B, etc.) to the other lineages. We present a molecular diagnosis for 24 of the species analysed in this work, as well as for 25 putative cryptic species. Copyright © 2015 Académie des sciences. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Children with Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure have Different Frequency Domain Signal Characteristics when Producing Isometric Force

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Tanya T.; Ashrafi, Ashkan; Thomas, Jennifer D.; Riley, Edward P.; Simmons, Roger W.

2013-01-01

To extend our current understanding of the teratogenic effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the control of isometric force, the present study investigated the signal characteristics of power spectral density functions resulting from sustained control of isometric force by children with and without heavy prenatal exposure to alcohol. It was predicted that the functions associated with the force signals would be fundamentally different for the two groups. Twenty-five children aged between 7 and 17 years with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and 21 non-alcohol exposed control children attempted to duplicate a visually represented target force by pressing on a load cell. The level of target force (5 and 20% of maximum voluntary contraction) and the time interval between visual feedback (20ms, 320ms and 740ms) were manipulated. A multivariate spectral estimation method with sinusoidal windows was applied to individual isometric force-time signals. Analysis of the resulting power spectral density functions revealed that the alcohol-exposed children had a lower mean frequency, less spectral variability, greater peak power and a lower frequency at which peak power occurred. Furthermore, mean frequency and spectral variability produced by the alcohol-exposed group remained constant across target load and visual feedback interval, suggesting that these children were limited to making long-time scale corrections to the force signal. In contrast, the control group produced decreased mean frequency and spectral variability as target force and the interval between visual feedback increased, indicating that when feedback was frequently presented these children used the information to make short-time scale adjustments to the ongoing force signal. Knowledge of these differences could facilitate the design of motor rehabilitation exercises that specifically target isometric force control deficits in alcohol-exposed children. PMID:23238099

Lance Wheeler | NREL

Science.gov Websites

solution-phase phenomena of nanomaterials Switchable photovoltaics Solar thermochemical fuel production methylammonium lead halide perovskites during thermal processing from solution," Energy & Environmental

Albedo of the south pole on Mars determined by topographic forcing of atmosphere dynamics

USGS Publications Warehouse

Colaprete, A.; Barnes, J.R.; Haberle, R.M.; Hollingsworth, J.L.; Kieffer, H.H.; Titus, T.N.

2005-01-01

The nature of the martian south polar cap has remained enigmatic since the first spacecraft observations. In particular, the presence of a perennial carbon dioxide ice cap, the formation of a vast area of black 'slab ice' known as the Cryptic region and the asymmetric springtime retreat of the cap have eluded explanation. Here we present observations and climate modelling that indicate the south pole of Mars is characterized by two distinct regional climates that are the result of dynamical forcing by the largest southern impact basins, Argyre and Hellas. The style of surface frost deposition is controlled by these regional climates. In the cold and stormy conditions that exist poleward of 60?? S and extend 180?? in longitude west from the Mountains of Mitchel (???30?? W), surface frost accumulation is dominated by precipitation. In the opposite hemisphere, the polar atmosphere is relatively warm and clear and frost accumulation is dominated by direct vapour deposition. It is the differences in these deposition styles that determine the cap albedo.

A Low Voltage Liquid Crystal Phase Grating with Switchable Diffraction Angles

PubMed Central

Chen, Haiwei; Tan, Guanjun; Huang, Yuge; Weng, Yishi; Choi, Tae-Hoon; Yoon, Tae-Hoon; Wu, Shin-Tson

2017-01-01

We demonstrate a simple yet high performance phase grating with switchable diffraction angles using a fringe field switching (FFS) liquid crystal (LC) cell. The LC rubbing angle is parallel to the FFS electrodes (i.e. α = 0°), leading to symmetric LC director distribution in a voltage-on state. Such a grating exhibits three unique features: 1) Two grating periods can be formed by controlling the applied voltage, resulting in switchable diffraction angles. In our design, the 1st diffraction order occurs at 4.3°, while the 2nd order appears at 8.6°. 2) The required voltage to achieve peak diffraction efficiency (η~32%) for the 1st order is only 4.4 V at λ = 633 nm as compared to 70 V for a conventional FFS-based phase grating in which α ≈ 7°, while the 2nd order (η~27%) is 15 V. 3). The measured rise and decay time for the 1st order is 7.62 ms and 6.75 ms, and for the 2nd order is 0.75 ms and 3.87 ms, respectively. To understand the physical mechanisms, we also perform device simulations. Good agreement between experiment and simulation is obtained. PMID:28054592

Maximal switchability of centralized networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vakulenko, Sergei; Morozov, Ivan; Radulescu, Ovidiu

2016-08-01

We consider continuous time Hopfield-like recurrent networks as dynamical models for gene regulation and neural networks. We are interested in networks that contain n high-degree nodes preferably connected to a large number of N s weakly connected satellites, a property that we call n/N s -centrality. If the hub dynamics is slow, we obtain that the large time network dynamics is completely defined by the hub dynamics. Moreover, such networks are maximally flexible and switchable, in the sense that they can switch from a globally attractive rest state to any structurally stable dynamics when the response time of a special controller hub is changed. In particular, we show that a decrease of the controller hub response time can lead to a sharp variation in the network attractor structure: we can obtain a set of new local attractors, whose number can increase exponentially with N, the total number of nodes of the nework. These new attractors can be periodic or even chaotic. We provide an algorithm, which allows us to design networks with the desired switching properties, or to learn them from time series, by adjusting the interactions between hubs and satellites. Such switchable networks could be used as models for context dependent adaptation in functional genetics or as models for cognitive functions in neuroscience.

Wideband-Switchable Metamaterial Absorber Using Injected Liquid Metal.

PubMed

Kim, Hyung Ki; Lee, Dongju; Lim, Sungjoon

2016-08-22

Metamaterial absorbers can provide good solutions for radar-cross-section (RCS) reduction. In spite of their attractive features of thinness, lightness, and low cost, resonant metamaterial absorbers have a drawback of narrow bandwidth. For practical radar applications, wideband absorbers are necessary. In this paper, we propose a wideband-switchable metamaterial absorber using liquid metal. In order to reduce RCS both for X-band and C-band, the switchable Jerusalem cross (JC) resonator is introduced. The JC resonator consists of slotted circular rings, chip resistors, and microfluidic channels. The JC resonator is etched on a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and the microfluidic channels are laser-etched on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material. The proposed absorber can switch the absorption frequency band by injecting a liquid metal alloy into the channels. The performance of the absorber was demonstrated through full-wave simulation and through measurements employing prototypes. The experimental results showed absorption ratios of over 90% from 7.43 GHz to 14.34 GHz, and from 5.62 GHz to 7.3 GHz, with empty channels and liquid metal-filled channels, respectively. Therefore, the absorption band was successfully switched between the C-band (4-8 GHz) and the X-band (8-12 GHz) by injecting liquid metal eutectic gallium indium alloy (EGaIn) into the channels.

Switchable skin window induced by optical clearing method for dermal blood flow imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jing; Shi, Rui; Zhu, Dan

2013-06-01

Optical imaging techniques have shown tremendous potential for assessing cutaneous microcirculation, but the imaging depth and contrast is limited by the strong scattering of skin. Current skin windows have to be fulfilled by surgical operation and suffer from some side effects. In this study, a switchable skin window was developed by topical application of an optical clearing agent (OCA) and saline on rat skin in vivo. The validity of the skin window was evaluated by the laser speckle contrast imaging technique, and the safety of OCA to the body was tested through histologic examinations. The results indicated that administration of OCA or saline on rat skin in vivo can open or close the window of skin repeatedly for three days. With the repair effect of hyaluronic acid and Vaseline, it is able to repeatedly visualize the dermal blood vessels and flow distribution. Long-term observation shows that there is no abnormal reflection in micro-structure, body weight, organ coefficients, histopathologic lesions, or toxic reactions compared with a control group. This switchable window will provide an effective tool not only for cutaneous microcirculation with laser speckle contrast imaging, but also for diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, including tumor research with various optical imaging techniques.

Nanoscale Ultrasound-Switchable FRET-Based Liposomes for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging in Optically Turbid Media.

PubMed

Zhang, Qimei; Morgan, Stephen P; Mather, Melissa L

2017-09-01

A new approach for fluorescence imaging in optically turbid media centered on the use of nanoscale ultrasound-switchable FRET-based liposome contrast agents is reported. Liposomes containing lipophilic carbocyanine dyes as FRET pairs with emission wavelengths located in the near-infrared window are prepared. The efficacy of FRET and self-quenching for liposomes with a range of fluorophore concentrations is first calculated from measurement of the liposome emission spectra. Exposure of the liposomes to ultrasound results in changes in the detected fluorescent signal, the nature of which depends on the fluorophores used, detection wavelength, and the fluorophore concentration. Line scanning of a tube containing the contrast agents with 1 mm inner diameter buried at a depth of 1 cm in a heavily scattering tissue phantom demonstrates an improvement in image spatial resolution by a factor of 6.3 as compared with images obtained in the absence of ultrasound. Improvements are also seen in image contrast with the highest obtained being 9% for a liposome system containing FRET pairs. Overall the results obtained provide evidence of the potential the nanoscale ultrasound-switchable FRET-based liposomes studied here have for in vivo fluorescence imaging. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Wideband-Switchable Metamaterial Absorber Using Injected Liquid Metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyung Ki; Lee, Dongju; Lim, Sungjoon

2016-08-01

Metamaterial absorbers can provide good solutions for radar-cross-section (RCS) reduction. In spite of their attractive features of thinness, lightness, and low cost, resonant metamaterial absorbers have a drawback of narrow bandwidth. For practical radar applications, wideband absorbers are necessary. In this paper, we propose a wideband-switchable metamaterial absorber using liquid metal. In order to reduce RCS both for X-band and C-band, the switchable Jerusalem cross (JC) resonator is introduced. The JC resonator consists of slotted circular rings, chip resistors, and microfluidic channels. The JC resonator is etched on a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and the microfluidic channels are laser-etched on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material. The proposed absorber can switch the absorption frequency band by injecting a liquid metal alloy into the channels. The performance of the absorber was demonstrated through full-wave simulation and through measurements employing prototypes. The experimental results showed absorption ratios of over 90% from 7.43 GHz to 14.34 GHz, and from 5.62 GHz to 7.3 GHz, with empty channels and liquid metal-filled channels, respectively. Therefore, the absorption band was successfully switched between the C-band (4-8 GHz) and the X-band (8-12 GHz) by injecting liquid metal eutectic gallium indium alloy (EGaIn) into the channels.

A near-infrared spectroscopy routine for unambiguous identification of cryptic ant species

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The identification of species – of importance for most biological disciplines – is not always straightforward as cryptic species present a hurdle for traditional species discrimination. Fibre-optic near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid and cheap method for a wide range of different applicatio...

Fast Transport of Water Droplets over a Thermo-Switchable Surface Using Rewritable Wettability Gradient.

PubMed

Banuprasad, Theneyur Narayanaswamy; Vinay, Thamarasseril Vijayan; Subash, Cherumannil Karumuthil; Varghese, Soney; George, Sajan D; Varanakkottu, Subramanyan Namboodiri

2017-08-23

In spite of the reported temperature dependent tunability in wettability of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) surfaces for below and above lower critical solution temperature (32 °C), the transport of water droplets is inhibited by the large contact angle hysteresis. Herein, for the first time, we report on-demand, fast, and reconfigurable droplet manipulation over a PNIPAAm grafted structured polymer surface using temperature-induced wettability gradient. Our study reveals that the PNIPAAm grafted on intrinsically superhydrophobic surfaces exhibit hydrophilic nature with high contact angle hysteresis below 30 °C and superhydrophobic nature with ultralow contact angle hysteresis above 36 °C. The transition region between 30 and 36 °C is characterized by a large change in water contact angle (∼100°) with a concomitant change in contact angle hysteresis. By utilizing this "transport zone" wherein driving forces overcome the frictional forces, we demonstrate macroscopic transport of water drops with a maximum transport velocity of approximately 40 cm/s. The theoretical calculations on the force measurements concur with dominating behavior of driving forces across the transport zone. The tunability in transport velocity by varying the temperature gradient along the surface or the inclination angle of the surface (maximum angle of 15° with a reduced velocity 0.4 mm/s) is also elucidated. In addition, as a practical application, coalescence of water droplets is demonstrated by using the temperature controlled wettability gradient. The presented results are expected to provide new insights on the design and fabrication of smart multifunctional surfaces for applications such as biochemical analysis, self-cleaning, and microfluidics.

Optical properties of metal-hydride switchable films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griessen, Ronald

2001-03-01

In 1996 we discovered that yttrium-, lanthanum-, and rare-earth-hydride (REHx) films [1] protected by a thin palladium layer, exhibit spectacular changes in their optical properties when the hydrogen concentration x is increased from 2 to 3. For example, a 500 nm thick YH2 film is metallic and shiny while YH3 is yellowish and transparent. The transition is reversible, fast [2, 3], and can simply be induced by adding or removing hydrogen from the gas phase, an electrolyte or from an H containing liquid. The optical switching that occurs near the metal-insulator transition of these hydrides is remarkably robust as it is not affected by structural or compositional disorder. It occurs in polycrystalline and epitaxial films, in alloys with cubic or hexagonal crystal structures,and deuterides [4] switch as well as hydrides. At small length scales epitaxial YHx films exhibit surprising structural properties which open the way to pixel-by-pixel optical switching [5]. Colour-neutral switchable mirrors based on RE-Mg alloys [6] can be used in all-solid-state switchable devices. Newest results for Rare-Earth free switchable mirrors will be presented. [1] J. N. Huiberts, R. Griessen, J. H. Rector, R. J. Wijngaarden, J. P. Dekker, D. G. de Groot and N. J. Koeman, Nature 380 (1996) 231; [2] S. J. van der Molen, J. W. J. Kerssemakers, J. H. Rector, N. J. Koeman, B. Dam, R. Griessen, J. Appl. Phys. 86 (1999) 6107; [3] F. J. A. den Broeder, S. J. van der Molen, et al., Nature 394 (1998)656; [4] A. T. M. van Gogh, E. S. Kooij, R. Griessen, Phys. Rev. Lett. 83 (1999) 4614; [5] J. W. J. Kerssemakers, S. J. van der Molen and R. Griessen, Nature 406 (2000) 489; [6] P. van der Sluis, M. Ouwerkerk and P. A. Duine, Appl. Phys. Lett. 70 (1997) 3356.

Detail, oblique view to northeast atop building 935 showing exposed ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Detail, oblique view to northeast atop building 935 showing exposed roof sections of buildings 934 (center) and 933 (left), 90 mm lens. - Travis Air Force Base, Nuclear Weapons Assembly Plant 3, W Street, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project Q Area, Fairfield, Solano County, CA

Phylogeographic insights into cryptic glacial refugia.

PubMed

Provan, Jim; Bennett, K D

2008-10-01

The glacial episodes of the Quaternary (2.6 million years ago-present) were a major factor in shaping the present-day distributions of extant flora and fauna, with expansions and contractions of the ice sheets rendering large areas uninhabitable for most species. Fossil records suggest that many species survived glacial maxima by retreating to refugia, usually at lower latitudes. Recently, phylogeographic studies have given support to the existence of previously unknown, or cryptic, refugia. Here we summarise many of these insights into the glacial histories of species in cryptic refugia gained through phylogeographic approaches. Understanding such refugia might be important as the Earth heads into another period of climate change, in terms of predicting the effects on species distribution and survival.

First report of Persimmon cryptic virus and Persimmon virus A in Korea

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In 2014, a total of 77 persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) trees from Korean commercial persimmon orchards were surveyed for Persimmon cryptic virus (PeCV) and Persimmon virus A (PeVA). Leaf samples were collected from symptomatic trees with necrosis (two), or mosaic and leaf malformations (one) and 7...

ACTIVATION OF A CRYPTIC D-SERINE DEAMINASE (DSD) GENE FROM PSEUDOMONAS CEPACIA 17616

EPA Science Inventory

D-serine inhibits growth of P. cepacia 17616; however, resistant mutants able to express an ordinarily cryptic D-serine deaminase (dsd) gene were isolated readily. The resistant strains formed high levels of a D-serine deaminase active on D-threonine as well as D-serine. IS eleme...

A nearly cryptic scorpionfly, Panorpa cryptica n sp.(Mecoptera: Panorpidae) from North America

Treesearch

Wesley Bicha; Nathan Schiff; Aaron Lancaster; Brian Scheffler

2015-01-01

The first nearly cryptic species of scorpionfly from the United States, Strong>Panorpa cryptica Bicha and Schiff, n. sp., is described from northern Georgia, southwestern North Carolina and northwestern South Carolina. This insect was initially differentiated from the very similar Panorpa nebulosa Westwood by its unique cytochrome...

Molecular species identification of cryptic apple and snowberry maggots (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Western and Central Washington

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In Washington state, identification of the quarantine apple pest Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) is complicated by the presence of the cryptic species R. zephyria Snow (Diptera: Tephritidae). Distinguishing the two flies is important because there is a zero tolerance policy for R. pomonella in apple p...

Field identification of the cryptic vespertilionid bats, Myotis lucifugus and M. yumanensis

Treesearch

Theodore J. Weller; Shonene A. Scott; Thomas J. Rodhouse; Patricia C. Ormsbee; Jan M. Zinck

2007-01-01

Recent advances in molecular techniques have provided new tools for confirming species identities, however they can be expensive and results are not immediately available. Myotis lucificugus and M. yumanensis are morphologically cryptic species of bats sympatric in western North America that can be difficult to distinguish in the...

Cryptic speciation in the Acari: a function of species lifestyles or our ability to separate species?

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

There are approximately 55,000 described Acari species, accounting for almost half of all known Arachnida species, but total estimated Acari diversity is reckoned to be far greater. One important source of currently hidden Acari diversity is cryptic speciation, which poses challenges to taxonomists ...

77 FR 39264 - Meeting of the Attorney General's National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-02

... research; and extensive input from experts, advocates, and impacted families and communities nationwide... Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, 810 7th Street NW., Washington, DC... Force on Children Exposed to Violence DFO, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office...

49 CFR 192.161 - Supports and anchors.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...) Prevent undue strain on connected equipment; (2) Resist longitudinal forces caused by a bend or offset in the pipe; and (3) Prevent or damp out excessive vibration. (b) Each exposed pipeline must have enough supports or anchors to protect the exposed pipe joints from the maximum end force caused by internal...

49 CFR 192.161 - Supports and anchors.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...) Prevent undue strain on connected equipment; (2) Resist longitudinal forces caused by a bend or offset in the pipe; and (3) Prevent or damp out excessive vibration. (b) Each exposed pipeline must have enough supports or anchors to protect the exposed pipe joints from the maximum end force caused by internal...

49 CFR 192.161 - Supports and anchors.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...) Prevent undue strain on connected equipment; (2) Resist longitudinal forces caused by a bend or offset in the pipe; and (3) Prevent or damp out excessive vibration. (b) Each exposed pipeline must have enough supports or anchors to protect the exposed pipe joints from the maximum end force caused by internal...

49 CFR 192.161 - Supports and anchors.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...) Prevent undue strain on connected equipment; (2) Resist longitudinal forces caused by a bend or offset in the pipe; and (3) Prevent or damp out excessive vibration. (b) Each exposed pipeline must have enough supports or anchors to protect the exposed pipe joints from the maximum end force caused by internal...

49 CFR 192.161 - Supports and anchors.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...) Prevent undue strain on connected equipment; (2) Resist longitudinal forces caused by a bend or offset in the pipe; and (3) Prevent or damp out excessive vibration. (b) Each exposed pipeline must have enough supports or anchors to protect the exposed pipe joints from the maximum end force caused by internal...

Excess sludge reduction using pilot-scale lysis-cryptic growth system integrated ultrasonic/alkaline disintegration and hydrolysis/acidogenesis pretreatment.

PubMed

Ma, Huaji; Zhang, Shuting; Lu, Xuebin; Xi, Bo; Guo, Xingli; Wang, Han; Duan, Jingxiao

2012-07-01

A pilot-scale lysis-cryptic growth system was built and operated continuously for excess sludge reduction. Combined ultrasonic/alkaline disintegration and hydrolysis/acidogenesis were integrated into its sludge pretreatment system. Continuous operation showed that the observed biomass yield and the sludge reduction efficiency of the lysis-cryptic growth system were 0.27 kg VSS/kg COD consumed and 56.5%, respectively. The water quality of its effluent was satisfactory. The sludge pretreatment system performed well and its TCOD removal efficiency was 7.9% which contributed a sludge reduction efficiency of 2.1%. The SCOD, VFA, TN, NH(4)(+)-N, TP and pH in the supernatant of pretreated sludge were 1790 mg/L, 1530 mg COD/L, 261.1mg/L, 114.0mg/L, 93.1mg/L and 8.69, respectively. The total operation cost of the lysis-cryptic growth system was $ 0.186/m(3) wastewater, which was 11.4% less than that of conventional activated sludge (CAS) system without excess sludge pretreatment. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pattern Switchable Antenna System Using Inkjet-Printed Directional Bow-Tie for Bi-Direction Sensing Applications

PubMed Central

Eom, Seung-Hyun; Seo, Yunsik; Lim, Sungjoon

2015-01-01

In this paper, we propose a paper-based pattern switchable antenna system using inkjet-printing technology for bi-direction sensor applications. The proposed antenna system is composed of two directional bow-tie antennas and a switching network. The switching network consists of a single-pole-double-throw (SPDT) switch and a balun element. A double-sided parallel-strip line (DSPSL) is employed to convert the unbalanced microstrip mode to the balanced strip mode. Two directional bow-tie antennas have different radiation patterns because of the different orientation of the reflectors and antennas. It is demonstrated from electromagnetic (EM) simulation and measurement that the radiation patterns of the proposed antenna are successfully switched by the SPDT switch. PMID:26690443

Wavelength switchable high-power diode-side-pumped rod Tm:YAG Laser around 2µm.

PubMed

Wang, Caili; Du, Shifeng; Niu, Yanxiong; Wang, Zhichao; Zhang, Chao; Bian, Qi; Guo, Chuan; Xu, Jialin; Bo, Yong; Peng, Qinjun; Cui, Dafu; Zhang, Jingyuan; Lei, Wenqiang; Xu, Zuyan

2013-03-25

We report a high-power diode-side-pumped rod Tm:YAG laser operated at either 2.07 or 2.02 µm depending on the transmission of pumped output coupler. The laser yields 115W of continuous-wave output power at 2.07 µm with 5% output coupling, which is the highest output power for all solid-state 2.07 μm cw rod Tm:YAG laser reported so far. With an output coupler of 10% transmission, the center wavelength of the laser is switched to 2.02 μm with an output power of 77.1 W. This is the first observation of high-power wavelength switchable diode-side-pumped rod Tm:YAG laser around 2 µm.

Compact Mach-Zehnder interferometer based on photonic crystal fiber and its application in switchable multi-wavelength fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Weiguo; Lou, Shuqin; Wang, Liwen; Li, Honglei; Guo, Tieying; Jian, Shuisheng

2009-08-01

The compact Mach-Zehnder interferometer is proposed by splicing a section of photonic crystal fiber (PCF) and two pieces of single mode fiber (SMF) with the air-holes of PCF intentionally collapsed in the vicinity of the splices. The depedence of the fringe spacing on the length of PCF is investigated. Based on the Mach-Zehnder interferometer as wavelength-selective filter, a switchable dual-wavelength fiber ring laser is demonstrated with a homemade erbiumdoped fiber amplifier (EDFA) as the gain medium at room temperature. By adjusting the states of the polarization controller (PC) appropriately, the laser can be switched among the stable single-and dual -wavelength lasing operations by exploiting polarization hole burning (PHB) effect.

Switchable and spacing-tunable dual-wavelength thulium-doped silica fiber laser based on a nonlinear amplifier loop mirror.

PubMed

Liu, Shuo; Yan, Fengping; Feng, Ting; Wu, Beilei; Dong, Ze; Chang, Gee-Kung

2014-08-20

A kind of switchable and spacing-tunable dual-wavelength thulium-doped silica fiber laser based on a nonlinear amplifier loop mirror is presented and experimentally demonstrated. By adjusting the polarization controllers (PCs), stable dual-wavelength operation is obtained at the 2 μm band. The optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) is better than 56 dB. The wavelength tuning is performed by applying static strain into the fiber Bragg grating. A tuning range from 0 to 5.14 nm is achieved for the dual-wavelength spacing. By adjusting the PCs properly, the fiber laser can also operate in single-wavelength state with the OSNR for each wavelength more than 50 dB.

Pattern Switchable Antenna System Using Inkjet-Printed Directional Bow-Tie for Bi-Direction Sensing Applications.

PubMed

Eom, Seung-Hyun; Seo, Yunsik; Lim, Sungjoon

2015-12-10

In this paper, we propose a paper-based pattern switchable antenna system using inkjet-printing technology for bi-direction sensor applications. The proposed antenna system is composed of two directional bow-tie antennas and a switching network. The switching network consists of a single-pole-double-throw (SPDT) switch and a balun element. A double-sided parallel-strip line (DSPSL) is employed to convert the unbalanced microstrip mode to the balanced strip mode. Two directional bow-tie antennas have different radiation patterns because of the different orientation of the reflectors and antennas. It is demonstrated from electromagnetic (EM) simulation and measurement that the radiation patterns of the proposed antenna are successfully switched by the SPDT switch.

An L-section DC electric field switchable bulk acoustic wave solidly mounted resonator filter based on Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3.

PubMed

Saddik, George N; York, Robert A

2012-09-01

This paper reports on the modeling, fabrication, and experimental results of a voltage switchable barium strontium titanate solidly mounted resonator filter at 6 GHz. The filter insertion loss was measured to be -4.26 dB and the return loss to be -13.5 dB. The 3-dB bandwidth was measured to be 72 MHz and the quality factor was calculated to be 83. The data were collected at a dc bias voltage of 10 V. Temperature data were also collected, and the filter demonstrated a 0.71-dB increase in insertion loss and a 7-MHz decrease in center frequency with increase in temperature.

Switchable multi-wavelength fiber laser based on modal interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Lin; Jiang, Sun; Qi, Yan-Hui; Kang, Ze-Xin; Jian, Shui-Sheng

2015-08-01

A comb fiber filter based on modal interference is proposed and demonstrated in this paper. Here two cascaded up-tapers are used to excite the cladding mode, and a core-offset jointing point is used to act as an interference component. Experimental results show that this kind of structure possesses a comb filter property in a range of the C-band. The measured extinction ratio is better than 12 dB with an insertion loss of about 11 dB. A switchable multi-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser based on this novel comb filter is demonstrated. By adjusting the polarization controller, the output laser can be switched among single-, dual-, and three-wavelengths with a side mode suppression ratio of better than 45 dB.

T Cell Adaptive Immunity Proceeds through Environment-Induced Adaptation from the Exposure of Cryptic Genetic Variation

PubMed Central

Whitacre, James M.; Lin, Joseph; Harding, Angus

2011-01-01

Evolution is often characterized as a process involving incremental genetic changes that are slowly discovered and fixed in a population through genetic drift and selection. However, a growing body of evidence is finding that changes in the environment frequently induce adaptations that are much too rapid to occur by an incremental genetic search process. Rapid evolution is hypothesized to be facilitated by mutations present within the population that are silent or “cryptic” within the first environment but are co-opted or “exapted” to the new environment, providing a selective advantage once revealed. Although cryptic mutations have recently been shown to facilitate evolution in RNA enzymes, their role in the evolution of complex phenotypes has not been proven. In support of this wider role, this paper describes an unambiguous relationship between cryptic genetic variation and complex phenotypic responses within the immune system. By reviewing the biology of the adaptive immune system through the lens of evolution, we show that T cell adaptive immunity constitutes an exemplary model system where cryptic alleles drive rapid adaptation of complex traits. In naive T cells, normally cryptic differences in T cell receptor reveal diversity in activation responses when the cellular population is presented with a novel environment during infection. We summarize how the adaptive immune response presents a well studied and appropriate experimental system that can be used to confirm and expand upon theoretical evolutionary models describing how seemingly small and innocuous mutations can drive rapid cellular evolution. PMID:22363338

Molecular species delimitation methods and population genetics data reveal extensive lineage diversity and cryptic species in Aglaopheniidae (Hydrozoa).

PubMed

Postaire, Bautisse; Magalon, Hélène; Bourmaud, Chloé A-F; Bruggemann, J Henrich

2016-12-01

A comprehensive inventory of global biodiversity would be greatly improved by automating methods for species delimitation. The Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery method, the Poisson tree processes algorithm and the Generalized mixed Yule-coalescent model have been proposed as means of increasing the rate of biodiversity description using single locus data. We applied these methods to explore the diversity within the Aglaopheniidae, a hydrozoan family with many species widely distributed across tropical and temperate oceans. Our analyses revealed widespread cryptic diversity in this family, almost half of the morpho-species presenting several independent evolutionary lineages, as well as support for cases of synonymy. For two common species of this family, Lytocarpia brevirostris and Macrorhynchia phoenicea, we compared the outputs to clustering analyses based on microsatellite data and to nuclear gene phylogenies. For L. brevirostris, microsatellite data were congruent with results of the species delimitation methods, revealing the existence of two cryptic species with Indo-Pacific distribution. For M. phoenicea, all analyses confirmed the presence of two cryptic species within the South-Western Indian Ocean. Our study suggests that the diversity of Aglaopheniidae might be much higher than assumed, likely related to low dispersal capacities. Sequence-based species delimitation methods seem highly valuable to reveal cryptic diversity in hydrozoans; their application in an integrative framework will be very useful in describing the phyletic diversity of these organisms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stridulations Reveal Cryptic Speciation in Neotropical Sympatric Ants

PubMed Central

Ferreira, Ronara Souza; Poteaux, Chantal; Delabie, Jacques Hubert Charles; Fresneau, Dominique; Rybak, Fanny

2010-01-01

The taxonomic challenge posed by cryptic species underlines the importance of using multiple criteria in species delimitation. In the current paper we tested the use of acoustic analysis as a tool to assess the real diversity in a cryptic species complex of Neotropical ants. In order to understand the potential of acoustics and to improve consistency in the conclusions by comparing different approaches, phylogenetic relationships of all the morphs considered were assessed by the analysis of a fragment of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b. We observed that each of the cryptic morph studied presents a morphologically distinct stridulatory organ and that all sympatric morphs produce distinctive stridulations. This is the first evidence of such a degree of specialization in the acoustic organ and signals in ants, which suggests that stridulations may be among the cues used by these ants during inter-specific interactions. Mitochondrial DNA variation corroborated the acoustic differences observed, confirming acoustics as a helpful tool to determine cryptic species in this group of ants, and possibly in stridulating ants in general. Congruent morphological, acoustic and genetic results constitute sufficient evidence to propose each morph studied here as a valid new species, suggesting that P. apicalis is a complex of at least 6 to 9 species, even if they present different levels of divergence. Finally, our results highlight that ant stridulations may be much more informative than hitherto thought, as much for ant communication as for integrative taxonomists. PMID:21203529

Evaluation of a novel 5-group classification system of sepsis by vasopressor use and initial serum lactate in the emergency department.

PubMed

Swenson, Kai E; Dziura, James D; Aydin, Ani; Reynolds, Jesse; Wira, Charles R

2018-03-01

Prognostication in sepsis is limited by disease heterogeneity, and measures to risk-stratify patients in the proximal phases of care lack simplicity and accuracy. Hyperlactatemia and vasopressor dependence are easily identifiable risk factors for poor outcomes. This study compares incidence and hospital outcomes in sepsis based on initial serum lactate level and vasopressor use in the emergency department (ED). In a retrospective analysis of a prospectively identified dual-center ED registry, patients with sepsis were categorized by ED vasopressor use and initial serum lactate level. Vasopressor-dependent patients were categorized as dysoxic shock (lactate >4.0 mmol/L) and vasoplegic shock (≤4.0 mmol/L). Patients not requiring vasopressors were categorized as cryptic shock major (lactate >4.0 mmol/L), cryptic shock minor (>2.0 and ≤4.0 mmol/L), and sepsis without lactate elevation (≤2.0 mmol/L). Of 446 patients included, 4.9% (n = 22) presented in dysoxic shock, 11.7% (n = 52) in vasoplegic shock, 12.1% (n = 54) in cryptic shock major, 30.9% (n = 138) in cryptic shock minor, and 40.4% (n = 180) in sepsis without lactate elevation. Group mortality rates at 28 days were 50.0, 21.1, 18.5, 12.3, and 7.2%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, odds ratios for mortality at 28 days were 15.1 for dysoxic shock, 3.6 for vasoplegic shock, 3.8 for cryptic shock major, and 1.9 for cryptic shock minor, when compared to sepsis without lactate elevation. Lactate elevation is associated with increased mortality in both vasopressor dependent and normotensive infected patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Cryptic shock mortality (normotension + lactate >4 mmol/L) is equivalent to vasoplegic shock mortality (vasopressor requirement + lactate <4 mmol/L) in our population. The odds of normotensive, infected patients decompensating is three to fourfold higher with hyperlactemia. The proposed Sepsis-3 definitions exclude an entire group of high-risk ED patients. A simple classification in the ED by vasopressor requirement and initial lactate level may identify high-risk subgroups of sepsis. This study may inform prognostication and triage decisions in the proximal phases of care.

Neonicotinoid pesticides can reduce honeybee colony genetic diversity

PubMed Central

Troxler, Aline; Retschnig, Gina; Gauthier, Laurent; Straub, Lars; Moritz, Robin F. A.; Neumann, Peter; Williams, Geoffrey R.

2017-01-01

Neonicotinoid insecticides can cause a variety of adverse sub-lethal effects in bees. In social species such as the honeybee, Apis mellifera, queens are essential for reproduction and colony functioning. Therefore, any negative effect of these agricultural chemicals on the mating success of queens may have serious consequences for the fitness of the entire colony. Queens were exposed to the common neonicotinoid pesticides thiamethoxam and clothianidin during their developmental stage. After mating, their spermathecae were dissected to count the number of stored spermatozoa. Furthermore, their worker offspring were genotyped with DNA microsatellites to determine the number of matings and the genotypic composition of the colony. Colonies providing the male mating partners were also inferred. Both neonicotinoid and control queens mated with drones originating from the same drone source colonies, and stored similar number of spermatozoa. However, queens reared in colonies exposed to both neonicotinoids experienced fewer matings. This resulted in a reduction of the genetic diversity in their colonies (i.e. higher intracolonial relatedness). As decreased genetic diversity among worker bees is known to negatively affect colony vitality, neonicotinoids may have a cryptic effect on colony health by reducing the mating frequency of queens. PMID:29059234

Ultimate Predators: Lionfish Have Evolved to Circumvent Prey Risk Assessment Abilities

PubMed Central

Lönnstedt, Oona M.; McCormick, Mark I.

2013-01-01

Invasive species cause catastrophic alterations to communities worldwide by changing the trophic balance within ecosystems. Ever since their introduction in the mid 1980's common red lionfish, Pterois volitans, are having dramatic impacts on the Caribbean ecosystem by displacing native species and disrupting food webs. Introduced lionfish capture prey at extraordinary rates, altering the composition of benthic communities. Here we demonstrate that the extraordinary success of the introduced lionfish lies in its capacity to circumvent prey risk assessment abilities as it is virtually undetectable by prey species in its native range. While experienced prey damselfish, Chromis viridis, respond with typical antipredator behaviours when exposed to a common predatory rock cod (Cephalopholis microprion) they fail to visibly react to either the scent or visual presentation of the red lionfish, and responded only to the scent (not the visual cue) of a lionfish of a different genus, Dendrochirus zebra. Experienced prey also had much higher survival when exposed to the two non-invasive predators compared to P. volitans. The cryptic nature of the red lionfish has enabled it to be destructive as a predator and a highly successful invasive species. PMID:24146775

Daytime eyeshine contributes to pupil camouflage in a cryptobenthic marine fish.

PubMed

Santon, Matteo; Bitton, Pierre-Paul; Harant, Ulrike K; Michiels, Nico K

2018-05-09

Ocular reflectors enhance eye sensitivity in dim light, but can produce reflected eyeshine when illuminated. Some fish can occlude their reflectors during the day. The opposite is observed in cryptic sit-and-wait predators such as scorpionfish and toadfish, where reflectors are occluded at night and exposed during the day. This results in daytime eyeshine, proposed to enhance pupil camouflage by reducing the contrast between the otherwise dark pupil and the surrounding tissue. In this study, we test this hypothesis in the scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus and show that eyeshine is the result of two mechanisms: the previously described Stratum Argenteum Reflected (SAR) eyeshine, and Pigment Epithelium Transmitted (PET) eyeshine, a newly described mechanism for this species. We confirm that the ocular reflector is exposed only when the eye is light-adapted, and present field measurements to show that eyeshine reduces pupil contrast against the iris. We then estimate the relative contribution of SAR and PET eyeshine to pupil brightness. Visual models for different light scenarios in the field show that daytime eyeshine enhances pupil camouflage from the perspective of a prey fish. We propose that the reversed occlusion mechanism of some cryptobenthic predators has evolved as a compromise between camouflage and vision.

Electrically controlled lens and prism using nanoscale polymer-dispersed and polymer-networked liquid crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Yun Hsing; Ren, Hongwen; Wu, Shin Tson

2004-05-01

Inhomogeneous nanoscale polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) devices having gradient nanoscale droplet distribution were fabricated. This gradient refractive index nanoscale (GRIN) PDLC film was obtained by exposing the LC/ monomer with a uniform ultraviolet (UV) light through a patterned photomask. The monomer and LC were mixed at 70: 30 wt% ratio. The area exposed to a weaker UV intensity would produce a larger droplet size, and vice versa. Owing to the nanoscale LC droplets involved, the GRIN PDLC devices are highly transparent in the whole visible region. The gradient refractive index profile can be used as switchable prism gratings, Fresnel lens, and positive and negative lenses with tunable focal lengths. Such a GRIN PDLC device is a broadband device and independent of light polarization. The diffraction efficiency of the lens is controllable by the applied voltage. The major advantages of the GRIN PDLC devices are in simple fabrication process, polarization-independent, and fast switching speed, although the required driving voltage is higher than 100 Vrms. To lower the driving voltage, the technique of polymer-networked liquid crystal (PNLC) has been developed. The PNLC was also produced by exposing the LC/monomer mixture with a uniform UV light through a patterned photomask. However, the monomer concentration in PNLC is only around 2-5 wt%. The formed PNLC structure exhibits a gradient polymer network distribution. The LC in the regions stabilized by a higher polymer concentration exhibits a higher threshold voltage. By using this technique, prism grating, tunable electronic lens and Fresnel lens have been demonstrated. The driving voltage is around 10 Vrms. A drawback of this kind of device is polarization dependence. To overcome the polarization dependence, stacking two orthogonal homogeneous PNLC lens is considered.

Genetic diversity in two introduced biofouling amphipods (Amphipods valida and Jassa marmorata) along the Pacific North American coast: investigation into molecular identification and cryptic diversity

EPA Science Inventory

We investigated patterns of genetic diversity among invasive populations of A. valida and J. marmorata from the Pacific North American coast to assess the accuracy of morphological identification and determine whether or not cryptic diversity and multiple introductions contribute...

Cryptic chromosome 9q34 deletion generates TAF-Ialpha/CAN and TAF-Ibeta/CAN fusion transcripts in acute myeloid leukemia.

PubMed

Rosati, Roberto; La Starza, Roberta; Barba, Gianluca; Gorello, Paolo; Pierini, Valentina; Matteucci, Caterina; Roti, Giovanni; Crescenzi, Barbara; Aloisi, Teresa; Aversa, Franco; Martelli, Massimo Fabrizio; Mecucci, Cristina

2007-02-01

In hematologic malignancies chromosome aberrations generating fusion genes include cryptic deletions. In a patient with acute myeloid leukemia and normal karyo-type we discovered a new cryptic 9q34 deletion and here report the cytogenetic and molecular findings. The 9q34 deletion extends 2.5 megabases and juxtaposes the 5' TAF-I to the 3' CAN producing a TAF-I/CAN fusion gene. TAF-I/CAN transcribes into two fusion proteins bearing either TAF-Ialpha or TAF-Ibeta moieties. We set up molecular assays to monitor the chimeric TAF-Ialpha/CAN and TAF-Ibeta/CAN transcripts which, after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling, were no longer detected.

Location of Sites Within 'Cryptic Terrain'

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2007-01-01

A regional landscape near Mars' south pole is called 'cryptic terrain' because it once defied explanation, but new observations bolster and refine interpretations of how springtime outbursts of carbon-dioxide gas there sculpt intricate patterns and paint seasonal splotches. This map indicates locations of three sites that have been examined within the area of cryptic terrain, informally designated 'Manhattan,' 'Giza' and 'Ithaca.'

The underlying map offers context of brightness measurements from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer instrument draped over a shaded relief map based on data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter instrument. Cool colors are areas with a low albedo (dark) and warm colors are areas which have high albedo (bright). Both of those instruments flew on NASA's Mars Global Surveyor orbiter.

Effects of 3D virtual haptics force feedback on brand personality perception: the mediating role of physical presence in advergames.

PubMed

Jin, Seung-A Annie

2010-06-01

This study gauged the effects of force feedback in the Novint Falcon haptics system on the sensory and cognitive dimensions of a virtual test-driving experience. First, in order to explore the effects of tactile stimuli with force feedback on users' sensory experience, feelings of physical presence (the extent to which virtual physical objects are experienced as actual physical objects) were measured after participants used the haptics interface. Second, to evaluate the effects of force feedback on the cognitive dimension of consumers' virtual experience, this study investigated brand personality perception. The experiment utilized the Novint Falcon haptics controller to induce immersive virtual test-driving through tactile stimuli. The author designed a two-group (haptics stimuli with force feedback versus no force feedback) comparison experiment (N = 238) by manipulating the level of force feedback. Users in the force feedback condition were exposed to tactile stimuli involving various force feedback effects (e.g., terrain effects, acceleration, and lateral forces) while test-driving a rally car. In contrast, users in the control condition test-drove the rally car using the Novint Falcon but were not given any force feedback. Results of ANOVAs indicated that (a) users exposed to force feedback felt stronger physical presence than those in the no force feedback condition, and (b) users exposed to haptics stimuli with force feedback perceived the brand personality of the car to be more rugged than those in the control condition. Managerial implications of the study for product trial in the business world are discussed.

Oxygen vacancies induced switchable and nonswitchable photovoltaic effects in Ag/Bi{sub 0.9}La{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3} /La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} sandwiched capacitors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gao, R. L., E-mail: gaorongli2008@163.com, E-mail: jrsun@iphy.ac.cn; Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100190; Yang, H. W.

2014-01-20

The short circuit photocurrent (I{sub sc}) was found to be strongly dependent on the oxygen vacancies (V{sub Os}) distribution in Ag/Bi{sub 0.9}La{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3}/La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} heterostructures. In order to manipulate the V{sub Os} accumulated at either the Ag/Bi{sub 0.9}La{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3} or the Bi{sub 0.9}La{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3}/La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} interface by pulse voltages, switchable or nonswitchable photocurrent can be observed without or with changing the polarization direction. The sign of photocurrent could be independent of the direction of polarization when the variation of diffusion current and the modulation of the Schottky barrier at the Ag/Bi{sub 0.9}La{sub 0.1}FeO{submore » 3} interface induced by oxygen vacancies are large enough to offset those induced by polarization. Our work provides deep insights into the nature of photovoltaic effects in ferroelectric films, and will facilitate the advanced design of switchable devices combining spintronic, electronic, and optical functionalities.« less

The Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications of an NIR BODIPY-Based Switchable Fluorescent Probe

PubMed Central

Cheng, Bingbing; Bandi, Venugopal; Yu, Shuai; D’Souza, Francis; Nguyen, Kytai T.; Hong, Yi; Tang, Liping; Yuan, Baohong

2017-01-01

Highly environment-sensitive fluorophores have been desired for many biomedical applications. Because of the noninvasive operation, high sensitivity, and high specificity to the microenvironment change, they can be used as excellent probes for fluorescence sensing/imaging, cell tracking/imaging, molecular imaging for cancer, and so on (i.e., polarity, viscosity, temperature, or pH measurement). In this work, investigations of the switching mechanism of a recently reported near-infrared environment-sensitive fluorophore, ADP(CA)2, were conducted. Besides, multiple potential biomedical applications of this switchable fluorescent probe have been demonstrated, including wash-free live-cell fluorescence imaging, in vivo tissue fluorescence imaging, temperature sensing, and ultrasound-switchable fluorescence (USF) imaging. The fluorescence of the ADP(CA)2 is extremely sensitive to the microenvironment, especially polarity and viscosity. Our investigations showed that the fluorescence of ADP(CA)2 can be switched on by low polarity, high viscosity, or the presence of protein and surfactants. In wash-free live-cell imaging, the fluorescence of ADP(CA)2 inside cells was found much brighter than the dye-containing medium and was retained for at least two days. In all of the fluorescence imaging applications conducted in this study, high target-to-noise (>5-fold) was achieved. In addition, a high temperature sensitivity (73-fold per Celsius degree) of ADP(CA)2-based temperature probes was found in temperature sensing. PMID:28208666

Borophene as a Promising Material for Charge-Modulated Switchable CO2 Capture.

PubMed

Tan, Xin; Tahini, Hassan A; Smith, Sean C

2017-06-14

Ideal carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture materials for practical applications should bind CO 2 molecules neither too weakly to limit good loading kinetics nor too strongly to limit facile release. Although charge-modulated switchable CO 2 capture has been proposed to be a controllable, highly selective, and reversible CO 2 capture strategy, the development of a practical gas-adsorbent material remains a great challenge. In this study, by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we have examined the possibility of conductive borophene nanosheets as promising sorbent materials for charge-modulated switchable CO 2 capture. Our results reveal that the binding strength of CO 2 molecules on negatively charged borophene can be significantly enhanced by injecting extra electrons into the adsorbent. At saturation CO 2 capture coverage, the negatively charged borophene achieves CO 2 capture capacities up to 6.73 × 10 14 cm -2 . In contrast to the other CO 2 capture methods, the CO 2 capture/release processes on negatively charged borophene are reversible with fast kinetics and can be easily controlled via switching on/off the charges carried by borophene nanosheets. Moreover, these negatively charged borophene nanosheets are highly selective for separating CO 2 from mixtures with CH 4 , H 2 , and/or N 2 . This theoretical exploration will provide helpful guidance for identifying experimentally feasible, controllable, highly selective, and high-capacity CO 2 capture materials with ideal thermodynamics and reversibility.

Conductive Graphitic Carbon Nitride as an Ideal Material for Electrocatalytically Switchable CO2 Capture

PubMed Central

Tan, Xin; Kou, Liangzhi; Tahini, Hassan A.; Smith, Sean C.

2015-01-01

Good electrical conductivity and high electron mobility of the sorbent materials are prerequisite for electrocatalytically switchable CO2 capture. However, no conductive and easily synthetic sorbent materials are available until now. Here, we examined the possibility of conductive graphitic carbon nitride (g-C4N3) nanosheets as sorbent materials for electrocatalytically switchable CO2 capture. Using first-principle calculations, we found that the adsorption energy of CO2 molecules on g-C4N3 nanosheets can be dramatically enhanced by injecting extra electrons into the adsorbent. At saturation CO2 capture coverage, the negatively charged g-C4N3 nanosheets achieve CO2 capture capacities up to 73.9 × 1013 cm−2 or 42.3 wt%. In contrast to other CO2 capture approaches, the process of CO2 capture/release occurs spontaneously without any energy barriers once extra electrons are introduced or removed, and these processes can be simply controlled and reversed by switching on/off the charging voltage. In addition, these negatively charged g-C4N3 nanosheets are highly selective for separating CO2 from mixtures with CH4, H2 and/or N2. These predictions may prove to be instrumental in searching for a new class of experimentally feasible high-capacity CO2 capture materials with ideal thermodynamics and reversibility. PMID:26621618

Detection of nitro-based and peroxide-based explosives by fast polarity-switchable ion mobility spectrometer with ion focusing in vicinity of Faraday detector.

PubMed

Zhou, Qinghua; Peng, Liying; Jiang, Dandan; Wang, Xin; Wang, Haiyan; Li, Haiyang

2015-05-29

Ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) has been widely deployed for on-site detection of explosives. The common nitro-based explosives are usually detected by negative IMS while the emerging peroxide-based explosives are better detected by positive IMS. In this study, a fast polarity-switchable IMS was constructed to detect these two explosive species in a single measurement. As the large traditional Faraday detector would cause a trailing reactant ion peak (RIP), a Faraday detector with ion focusing in vicinity was developed by reducing the detector radius to 3.3 mm and increasing the voltage difference between aperture grid and its front guard ring to 591 V, which could remove trailing peaks from RIP without loss of signal intensity. This fast polarity-switchable IMS with ion focusing in vicinity of Faraday detector was employed to detect a mixture of 10 ng 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 50 ng hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD) by polarity-switching, and the result suggested that [TNT-H](-) and [HMTD+H](+) could be detected in a single measurement. Furthermore, the removal of trailing peaks from RIP by the Faraday detector with ion focusing in vicinity also promised the accurate identification of KClO4, KNO3 and S in common inorganic explosives, whose product ion peaks were fairly adjacent to RIP.

The Role of Integrative Taxonomy in the Conservation Management of Cryptic Species: The Taxonomic Status of Endangered Earless Dragons (Agamidae: Tympanocryptis) in the Grasslands of Queensland, Australia

PubMed Central

Melville, Jane; Smith, Katie; Hobson, Rod; Hunjan, Sumitha; Shoo, Luke

2014-01-01

Molecular phylogenetics is increasingly highlighting the prevalence of cryptic species, where morphologically similar organisms have long independent evolutionary histories. When such cryptic species are known to be declining in numbers and are at risk of extinction due to a range of threatening processes, the disjunction between molecular systematics research and conservation policy becomes a significant problem. We investigate the taxonomic status of Tympanocryptis populations in Queensland, which have previously been assigned to T. tetraporophora, using three species delimitation approaches. The taxonomic uncertainties in this species-group are of particular importance in the Darling Downs Earless Dragon (T. cf. tetraporophora), which is ranked as an endangered ‘species’ of high priority for conservation by the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. We undertook a morphological study, integrated with a comprehensive genetic study and species delimitation analyses, to investigate the species status of populations in the region. Phylogenetic analyses of two gene regions (mtDNA: ND2; nuclear: RAG1) revealed high levels of genetic divergence between populations, indicating isolation over long evolutionary time frames, and strongly supporting two independent evolutionary lineages in southeastern Queensland, from the Darling Downs, and a third in the Gulf Region of northern Queensland. Of the three species delimitation protocols used, we found integrative taxonomy the most applicable to this cryptic species complex. Our study demonstrates the utility of integrative taxonomy as a species delimitation approach in cryptic complexes of species with conservation significance, where limited numbers of specimens are available. PMID:25076129

Interannual and seasonal changes in the south seasonal polar cap of Mars: Observations from MY 28-31 using MARCI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calvin, W. M.; Cantor, B. A.; James, P. B.

2017-08-01

The Mars Color Imager (MARCI) camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter provides daily synoptic coverage that allows monitoring of seasonal cap retreat and interannual changes that occur between Mars Years (MY) and over the southern summer. We present the first analysis of this data for the southern seasonal cap evolution observed in MY 28, 29, 30 and 31 (2/2007 to 07/2013). Observation over multiple Mars years allows us to compare changes between years as well as longer-term evolution of the high albedo deposits at the poles. Seasonal cap retreat is similar in all years and to retreats observed in other years by both optical and thermal instruments. The cryptic terrain has a fairly consistent boundary in each year, but numerous small-scale variations occur in each MY observed. Additionally, numerous small dark deposits are identified outside the classically identified cyptic region, including Inca City and other locations not previously noted. The large water ice outlier is observed to retain seasonal frost the longest (outside the polar dome) and is also highly variable in each MY. The development of the cryptic/anti-cryptic hemispheres is inferred to occur due to albedo variations that develop after dust venting starts and may be caused by recondensation of CO2 ice on the brightest and coldest regions controlled by topographic winds. Ground ice may play a role in which regions develop cryptic terrain, as there is no elevation control on either cryptic terrain or the late season brightest deposits.

Mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenetic analysis with Sanger and next-generation sequencing shows that, in Área de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica, the skipper butterfly named Urbanus belli (family Hesperiidae) comprises three morphologically cryptic species

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Skipper butterflies (Hesperiidae) are a relatively well-studied family of Lepidoptera. However, a combination of DNA barcodes, morphology, and natural history data has revealed several cryptic species complexes within them. Here, we investigate three DNA barcode lineages of what has been identified as Urbanus belli (Hesperiidae, Eudaminae) in Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), northwestern Costa Rica. Results Although no morphological traits appear to distinguish among the three, congruent nuclear and mitochondrial lineage patterns show that “Urbanus belli” in ACG is a complex of three sympatric species. A single strain of Wolbachia present in two of the three cryptic species indicates that Urbanus segnestami Burns (formerly Urbanus belliDHJ01), Urbanus bernikerni Burns (formerly Urbanus belliDHJ02), and Urbanus ehakernae Burns (formerly Urbanus belliDHJ03) may be biologically separated by Wolbachia, as well as by their genetics. Use of parallel sequencing through 454-pyrosequencing improved the utility of ITS2 as a phylogenetic marker and permitted examination of the intra- and interlineage relationships of ITS2 variants within the species complex. Interlineage, intralineage and intragenomic compensatory base pair changes were discovered in the secondary structure of ITS2. Conclusion These findings corroborate the existence of three cryptic species. Our confirmation of a novel cryptic species complex, initially suggested by DNA barcode lineages, argues for using a multi-marker approach coupled with next-generation sequencing for exploration of other suspected species complexes. PMID:25005355

The role of integrative taxonomy in the conservation management of cryptic species: the taxonomic status of endangered earless dragons (Agamidae: Tympanocryptis) in the grasslands of Queensland, Australia.

PubMed

Melville, Jane; Smith, Katie; Hobson, Rod; Hunjan, Sumitha; Shoo, Luke

2014-01-01

Molecular phylogenetics is increasingly highlighting the prevalence of cryptic species, where morphologically similar organisms have long independent evolutionary histories. When such cryptic species are known to be declining in numbers and are at risk of extinction due to a range of threatening processes, the disjunction between molecular systematics research and conservation policy becomes a significant problem. We investigate the taxonomic status of Tympanocryptis populations in Queensland, which have previously been assigned to T. tetraporophora, using three species delimitation approaches. The taxonomic uncertainties in this species-group are of particular importance in the Darling Downs Earless Dragon (T. cf. tetraporophora), which is ranked as an endangered 'species' of high priority for conservation by the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. We undertook a morphological study, integrated with a comprehensive genetic study and species delimitation analyses, to investigate the species status of populations in the region. Phylogenetic analyses of two gene regions (mtDNA: ND2; nuclear: RAG1) revealed high levels of genetic divergence between populations, indicating isolation over long evolutionary time frames, and strongly supporting two independent evolutionary lineages in southeastern Queensland, from the Darling Downs, and a third in the Gulf Region of northern Queensland. Of the three species delimitation protocols used, we found integrative taxonomy the most applicable to this cryptic species complex. Our study demonstrates the utility of integrative taxonomy as a species delimitation approach in cryptic complexes of species with conservation significance, where limited numbers of specimens are available.

Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 barcode data of fish of the Nayband National Park in the Persian Gulf and analysis using meta-data flag several cryptic species.

PubMed

Asgharian, Hosseinali; Sahafi, Homayoun Hosseinzadeh; Ardalan, Aria Ashja; Shekarriz, Shahrokh; Elahi, Elahe

2011-05-01

We provide cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) barcode sequences of fishes of the Nayband National Park, Persian Gulf, Iran. Industrial activities, ecological considerations and goals of The Fish Barcode of Life campaign make it crucial that fish species residing in the park be identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of barcoding data on fishes of the Persian Gulf. We examined 187 individuals representing 76 species, 56 genera and 32 families. The data flagged potentially cryptic species of Gerres filamentosus and Plectorhinchus schotaf. 16S rDNA data on these species are provided. Exclusion of these two potential cryptic species resulted in a mean COI intraspecific distance of 0.18%, and a mean inter- to intraspecific divergence ratio of 66.7. There was no overlap between maximum Kimura 2-parameter distances among conspecifics (1.66%) and minimum distance among congeneric species (6.19%). Barcodes shared among species were not observed. Neighbour-joining analysis showed that most species formed cohesive sequence units with little variation. Finally, the comparison of 16 selected species from this study with meta-data of conspecifics from Australia, India, China and South Africa revealed high interregion divergences and potential existence of six cryptic species. Pairwise interregional comparisons were more informative than global divergence assessments with regard to detection of cryptic variation. Our analysis exemplifies optimal use of the expanding barcode data now becoming available. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Through thick and thin: cryptic sympatric speciation in the submersed genus Najas (Hydrocharitaceae).

PubMed

Les, Donald H; Peredo, Elena L; King, Ursula M; Benoit, Lori K; Tippery, Nicholas P; Ball, Cassandra J; Shannon, Robynn K

2015-01-01

Cryptic sympatric species arise when reproductive isolation is established in sympatry, leading to genetically divergent lineages that are highly similar morphologically or virtually indistinguishable. Although cryptic sympatric species have been reported in various animals, fungi, and protists, there are few compelling examples for plants. This investigation presents a case for cryptic sympatric speciation in Najas flexilis, a widespread aquatic plant, which extends throughout northern North America and Eurasia. The taxon is noted for its variable seed morphology, which earlier research associated with cytotypes; i.e., diploids were characterized by thicker seeds and tetraploids by thinner seeds. However, cytotypes are not patterned geographically with diploid and tetraploid plants often found in close proximity within the same lake. Using digital image and DNA sequence analyses, we found that diploids and tetraploids are well-isolated and remain genetically distinct throughout their sympatric range, where sterile hybrids occur frequently. Incorporation of sequence data from the single-copy nuclear phytoene desaturase locus revealed further that the tetraploids are allopolyploid derivatives of N. flexilis and N. guadalupensis, the latter a closely related species with an overlapping distribution. We conclude that the taxon widely known as N. flexilis actually comprises two cryptic, sibling species, which diverged in sympatry by interspecific hybridization and subsequent chromosomal isolation. By comparing seed morphology of type specimens, we associated the names N. flexilis and N. canadensis to the diploids and tetraploids respectively. Additionally, the narrowly restricted taxon known formerly as N. muenscheri is shown via morphological and genetic evidence to be synonymous with N. canadensis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electrically switchable polymer liquid crystal and polymer birefringent flake in fluid host systems and optical devices utilizing same

DOEpatents

Marshall, Kenneth L.; Kosc, Tanya Z.; Jacobs, Stephen D.; Faris, Sadeg M.; Li, Le

2003-12-16

Flakes or platelets of polymer liquid crystals (PLC) or other birefringent polymers (BP) suspended in a fluid host medium constitute a system that can function as the active element in an electrically switchable optical device when the suspension is either contained between a pair of rigid substrates bearing transparent conductive coatings or dispersed as microcapsules within the body of a flexible host polymer. Optical properties of these flake materials include large effective optical path length, different polarization states and high angular sensitivity in their selective reflection or birefringence. The flakes or platelets of these devices need only a 3-20.degree. rotation about the normal to the cell surface to achieve switching characteristics obtainable with prior devices using particle rotation or translation.

Switchable focus using a polymeric lenticular microlens array and a polarization rotator.

PubMed

Ren, Hongwen; Xu, Su; Liu, Yifan; Wu, Shin-Tson

2013-04-08

We demonstrate a flat polymeric lenticular microlens array using a mixture of rod-like diacrylate monomer and positive dielectric anisotropy nematic liquid crystal (LC). To create gradient refractive index profile in one microlens, we generate fringing fields from a planar top electrode and two striped bottom electrodes. After UV stabilization, the film is optically anisotropic and can stand alone. We then laminate this film on a 90° twisted-nematic LC cell, which works as a dynamic polarization rotator. The static polymeric lenticular lens exhibits focusing effect only to the extraordinary ray, but no optical effect to the ordinary ray. Such an integrated lens system offers several advantages, such as low voltage, fast response time, and temperature insensitivity, and can be used for switchable 2D/3D displays.

Switchable polarization-sensitive surface plasmon resonance of highly stable gold nanorods liquid crystals composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Qingkun; Qian, Jun; Cai, Fuhong; Smalyukh, Ivan I.; He, Sailing

2011-12-01

In this work, we demonstrate the bulk self-alignment of gold nanorods (GNRs) dispersed in lyotropic nematic liquid crystals (LCs) with high optical absorption coefficient at the surface plasmon resonant wavelength. The polymer-coated GNRs which show spontaneous long-range orientational ordering along the director of LC host exhibit long-term stability as well as high concentration. External magnetic field and shearing allow for alignment and realignment of the orientation of gold nanorods by changing the director of the liquid crystal matrix. This results in a switchable polarization-sensitive surface plasmon resonance exhibiting stark differences from that of the same nanorods in isotropic fluids. The devise-scale bulk nanoparticle alignment may enable optical metamaterial mass production and control of surface plasmon resonance of nanoparticles.

Switchable diode effect in oxygen vacancy-modulated SrTiO3 single crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Xinqiang; Shuai, Yao; Wu, Chuangui; Luo, Wenbo; Sun, Xiangyu; Zeng, Huizhong; Bai, Xiaoyuan; Gong, Chaoguan; Jian, Ke; Zhang, Lu; Guo, Hongliang; Tian, Benlang; Zhang, Wanli

2017-09-01

SrTiO3 (STO) single crystal wafer was annealed in vacuum, and co-planar metal-insulator-metal structure of Pt/Ti/STO/Ti/Pt were formed by sputtering Pt/Ti electrodes onto the surface of STO after annealing. The forming-free resistive switching behavior with self-compliance property was observed in the sample. The sample showed switchable diode effect, which is explained by a simple model that redistribution of oxygen vacancies (OVs) under the external electric field results in the formation of n-n+ junction or n+-n junction (n donated n-type semiconductor; n+ donated heavily doped n-type semiconductor). The self-compliance property is also interpreted by the formation of n-n+/n+-n junction caused by the migration of the OVs under the electric field.

Switchable multiwavelength erbium-doped photonic crystal fiber ring laser based on a length of polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jianqun; Ruan, Shuangchen

2011-11-01

A switchable multi-wavelength Erbium-doped photonic crystal fiber (ED-PCF) ring laser based on a length of polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber(PM-PCF) is presented and demonstrated experimentally. A segment of ED-PCF is used as linear gain medium in the resonant cavity. Due to the polarization hole burning (PHB) caused by the PM-PCF and a polarization controller (PC), the laser can operate in stable dual- or triple- wavelength modes at room temperature. The optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) of the laser without any wavelength-selective components is greater than 30 dB. The amplitude variations of lasing peaks in ten minutes are less than 0.26dB for two different operating modes.

Switchable single-longitudinal-mode dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber ring laser based on one polarization-maintaining fiber Bragg grating incorporating saturable absorber and feedback fiber loop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Suchun; Xu, Ou; Lu, Shaohua; Ning, Tigang; Jian, Shuisheng

2009-06-01

Switchable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber ring laser based on one polarization-maintaining fiber Bragg grating (PMFBG) is demonstrated. Due to the enhancement of the polarization hole burning (PHB) by the PMFBG, the laser can be designed to operate in stable dual-wavelength or wavelength-switching modes with a wavelength spacing of 0.336 nm at room temperature by adjusting a polarization controller (PC). The stable SLM operation is guaranteed by a compound-ring cavity and a saturable absorber (SA). The optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) is over 45 dB. The amplitude variation in nearly one and half an hour is less than 0.2 dB.

A 100 mW-level single-mode switchable dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jianqun; Zhang, Liaolin; Sharafudeen, Kaniyarakkal; Qiu, Jianrong

2013-10-01

A switchable dual-wavelength CW erbium-doped fiber laser with two cascaded fiber Bragg gratings has been proposed and demonstrated experimentally at room temperature. The laser uses a linear resonant cavity configuration incorporating a Sagnac loop with a polarization controller (PC) and can switch flexibly to output a single wavelength or dual wavelengths based on the polarization hole burning (PHB) effect. The slope efficiency and maximum output power can reach 23% and 96 mW, respectively. The two lasing peaks of the laser, with a narrow linewidth output and an optical signal-to-noise ratio of more than 50 dB, are located in the C and L bands of the optical communication window, respectively. The laser shows good stability with respect to the wavelength and output power.

Switchable multiwavelength erbium-doped photonic crystal fiber ring laser based on a length of polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jianqun; Ruan, Shuangchen

2012-03-01

A switchable multi-wavelength Erbium-doped photonic crystal fiber (ED-PCF) ring laser based on a length of polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber(PM-PCF) is presented and demonstrated experimentally. A segment of ED-PCF is used as linear gain medium in the resonant cavity. Due to the polarization hole burning (PHB) caused by the PM-PCF and a polarization controller (PC), the laser can operate in stable dual- or triple- wavelength modes at room temperature. The optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) of the laser without any wavelength-selective components is greater than 30 dB. The amplitude variations of lasing peaks in ten minutes are less than 0.26dB for two different operating modes.

Tunable and switchable dual-wavelength dissipative soliton generation in an all-normal-dispersion Yb-doped fiber laser with birefringence fiber filter.

PubMed

Zhang, Z X; Xu, Z W; Zhang, L

2012-11-19

We report the generation of tunable single- and dual-wavelength dissipative solitons in an all-normal-dispersion mode-locked Yb-doped fiber laser, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time. Besides single-wavelength mode-locking, dual-wavelength mode-locking was achieved using an in-line birefringence fiber filter with periodic multiple passbands, which not only allows multiple wavelengths to oscillate simultaneously but also performs spectrum modulation on highly chirped dissipative pulse. Furthermore, taking advantage of the tunability of the birefringence fiber filter, wavelength tuning for both single- and dual-wavelength dissipative soliton mode-locking was realized. The dual-wavelength operation is also switchable. The all-fiber dissipative laser with flexible outputs can meet diverse application needs.

Application of a 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (TMG)/MeOH-CO2 in situ derivatization procedure for the gas chromatographic characterization of the fatty acid profile in olive oil.

PubMed

Saliu, F; Anzano, M; Franzetti, A

2015-03-01

1,1,3,3-Tetramethylguanidine (TMG), methanol and carbon dioxide were investigated as switchable polarity solvents (SPS) in the simultaneous derivatization and extraction of triacylglycerols for the gas chromatographic (GC) characterization of olive oil. Three commercial olive oils were used as test samples. Results of the developed method did not differ statistically from those provided by reference derivatization procedures. The transesterification reaction was carried out under a very mild condition, one step and in situ, and no particular matrix interferences were evidenced. The method represented the first example of the use of a switchable polarity mixture for the preparation of methyl ester derivatives of fatty acids (FAME).

Digitally switchable multi-focal lens using freeform optics.

PubMed

Wang, Xuan; Qin, Yi; Hua, Hong; Lee, Yun-Han; Wu, Shin-Tson

2018-04-16

Optical technologies offering electrically tunable optical power have found a broad range of applications, from head-mounted displays for virtual and augmented reality applications to microscopy. In this paper, we present a novel design and prototype of a digitally switchable multi-focal lens (MFL) that offers the capability of rapidly switching the optical power of the system among multiple foci. It consists of a freeform singlet and a customized programmable optical shutter array (POSA). Time-multiplexed multiple foci can be obtained by electrically controlling the POSA to switch the light path through different segments of the freeform singlet rapidly. While this method can be applied to a broad range of imaging and display systems, we experimentally demonstrate a proof-of-concept prototype for a multi-foci imaging system.

Switchable hydrophilicity solvents for lipid extraction from microalgae for biofuel production.

PubMed

Boyd, Alaina R; Champagne, Pascale; McGinn, Patrick J; MacDougall, Karen M; Melanson, Jeremy E; Jessop, Philip G

2012-08-01

A switchable hydrophilicity solvent (SHS) was studied for its effectiveness at extracting lipids from freeze-dried samples of Botryococcus braunii microalgae. The SHS N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine extracted up to 22 wt.% crude lipid relative to the freeze-dried cell weight. The solvent was removed from the extract with water saturated with carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure and recovered from the water upon de-carbonation of the mixture. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) showed that the extracted lipids contained high concentrations of long chain tri-, di- and mono-acylglycerols, no phospholipids, and only 4-8% of residual solvent. Unlike extractions with conventional organic solvents, this new method requires neither distillation nor the use of volatile, flammable or chlorinated organic solvents. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Integrated all-optical infrared switchable plasmonic quantum cascade laser.

PubMed

Kohoutek, John; Bonakdar, Alireza; Gelfand, Ryan; Dey, Dibyendu; Nia, Iman Hassani; Fathipour, Vala; Memis, Omer Gokalp; Mohseni, Hooman

2012-05-09

We report a type of infrared switchable plasmonic quantum cascade laser, in which far field light in the midwave infrared (MWIR, 6.1 μm) is modulated by a near field interaction of light in the telecommunications wavelength (1.55 μm). To achieve this all-optical switch, we used cross-polarized bowtie antennas and a centrally located germanium nanoslab. The bowtie antenna squeezes the short wavelength light into the gap region, where the germanium is placed. The perturbation of refractive index of the germanium due to the free carrier absorption produced by short wavelength light changes the optical response of the antenna and the entire laser intensity at 6.1 μm significantly. This device shows a viable method to modulate the far field of a laser through a near field interaction.

Optical frequency switching scheme for a high-speed broadband THz measurement system based on the photomixing technique.

PubMed

Song, Hajun; Hwang, Sejin; Song, Jong-In

2017-05-15

This study presents an optical frequency switching scheme for a high-speed broadband terahertz (THz) measurement system based on the photomixing technique. The proposed system can achieve high-speed broadband THz measurements using narrow optical frequency scanning of a tunable laser source combined with a wavelength-switchable laser source. In addition, this scheme can provide a larger output power of an individual THz signal compared with that of a multi-mode THz signal generated by multiple CW laser sources. A swept-source THz tomography system implemented with a two-channel wavelength-switchable laser source achieves a reduced time for acquisition of a point spread function and a higher depth resolution in the same amount of measurement time compared with a system with a single optical source.

High-speed switchable lens enables the development of a volumetric stereoscopic display

PubMed Central

Love, Gordon D.; Hoffman, David M.; Hands, Philip J.W.; Gao, James; Kirby, Andrew K.; Banks, Martin S.

2011-01-01

Stereoscopic displays present different images to the two eyes and thereby create a compelling three-dimensional (3D) sensation. They are being developed for numerous applications including cinema, television, virtual prototyping, and medical imaging. However, stereoscopic displays cause perceptual distortions, performance decrements, and visual fatigue. These problems occur because some of the presented depth cues (i.e., perspective and binocular disparity) specify the intended 3D scene while focus cues (blur and accommodation) specify the fixed distance of the display itself. We have developed a stereoscopic display that circumvents these problems. It consists of a fast switchable lens synchronized to the display such that focus cues are nearly correct. The system has great potential for both basic vision research and display applications. PMID:19724571

Photo-switchable two-dimensional nanofluidic ionic diodes.

PubMed

Wang, Lili; Feng, Yaping; Zhou, Yi; Jia, Meijuan; Wang, Guojie; Guo, Wei; Jiang, Lei

2017-06-01

The bottom-up assembly of ion-channel-mimetic nanofluidic devices and materials with two-dimensional (2D) nano-building blocks paves a straightforward way towards the real-world applications of the novel transport phenomena on a nano- or sub-nanoscale. One immediate challenge is to provide the 2D nanofluidic systems with adaptive responsibilities and asymmetric ion transport characteristics. Herein, we introduce a facile and general strategy to provide a graphene-oxide-based 2D nanofluidic system with photo-switchable ionic current rectification (ICR). The degree of ICR can be prominently enhanced upon UV irradiation and it can be perfectly retrieved under irradiation with visible light. A maximum ICR ratio of about 48 was achieved. The smart and functional nanofluidic devices have applications in energy conversion, chemical sensing, water treatment, etc .

Switchable Schottky diode characteristics induced by electroforming process in Mn-doped ZnO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nam, Yoonseung; Hwang, Inrok; Oh, Sungtaek; Lee, Sangik; Lee, Keundong; Hong, Sahwan; Kim, Jinsoo; Choi, Taekjib; Ho Park, Bae

2013-04-01

We investigated the asymmetric current-voltage (I-V) characteristics and accompanying unipolar resistive switching of pure ZnO and Mn(1%)-doped ZnO (Mn:ZnO) films sandwiched between Pt electrodes. After electroforming, a high resistance state of the Mn:ZnO capacitor revealed switchable diode characteristics whose forward direction was determined by the polarity of the electroforming voltage. Linear fitting of the I-V curves highlighted that the rectifying behavior was influenced by a Schottky barrier at the Pt/Mn:ZnO interface. Our results suggest that formation of conducting filaments from the cathode during the electroforming process resulted in a collapse of the Schottky barrier (near the cathode), and rectifying behaviors dominated by a remnant Schottky barrier near the anode.

High quality factor, fully switchable terahertz superconducting metasurface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Scalari, G., E-mail: scalari@phys.ethz.ch; Maissen, C.; Faist, J.

2014-12-29

We present a complementary THz metasurface realised with Niobium thin film which displays a quality factor Q = 54 and a fully switchable behaviour as a function of the temperature. The switching behaviour and the high quality factor are due to a careful design of the metasurface aimed at maximising the ohmic losses when the Nb is above the critical temperature and minimising the radiative coupling. The superconductor allows the operation of the cavity with high Q and the use of inductive elements with a high aspect ratio. Comparison with three dimensional finite element simulations highlights the crucial role of the inductivemore » elements and of the kinetic inductance of the Cooper pairs in achieving the high quality factor and the high field enhancement.« less

Contamination delays the release of Laricobius osakensis for biological control of hemlock woolly adelgid: cryptic diversity in Japanese Laricobius spp

Treesearch

Melissa J. Fischer; Nathan P. Havill; Carrie S. Jubb; Sean W. Prosser; Brent D. Opell; Scott M. Salom; Loke T. Kok

2014-01-01

Laricobius osakensis (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) was imported from Japan to the United States in 2006 for study in quarantine facilities as a potential biological control of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. Laricobius osakensis was released from quarantine in 2010, but it was soon discovered that the colony also contained a cryptic species...

Cryptic photosynthesis--extrasolar planetary oxygen without a surface biological signature.

PubMed

Cockell, Charles S; Kaltenegger, Lisa; Raven, John A

2009-09-01

On Earth, photosynthetic organisms are responsible for the production of virtually all the oxygen in the atmosphere. On land, vegetation reflects in the visible and leads to a "red edge," which developed about 450 million years ago on Earth and has been proposed as a biosignature for life on extrasolar planets. However, in many regions on Earth, particularly where surface conditions are extreme--in hot and cold deserts, for example--photosynthetic organisms can be driven into and under substrates where light is still sufficient for photosynthesis. These communities exhibit no detectable surface spectral signature to indicate life. The same is true of the assemblages of photosynthetic organisms at more than a few meters' depth in water bodies. These communities are widespread and dominate local photosynthetic productivity. We review known cryptic photosynthetic communities and their productivity. We have linked geomicrobiology with observational astronomy by calculating the disk-averaged spectra of cryptic habitats and identifying detectable features on an exoplanet dominated by such a biota. The hypothetical cryptic photosynthesis worlds discussed here are Earth analogues that show detectable atmospheric biosignatures like our own planet but do not exhibit a discernable biological surface feature in the disc-averaged spectrum.

Polyelectrolyte brushes on dielectric surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antila, Hanne; Luijten, Erik

When chains of charged polymers are grafted to a solid surface, a polyelectrolyte (PE) brush results. These types of PE assemblies have a wide range of applications ranging from fuel cells and switchable electrodes to drug delivery. Many of these applications stem from the ability of PE brushes to respond to external stimuli: the brush properties can be tuned, for example, by varying electric field, PE grafting density, pH, salt concentration or salt valency. Accordingly, deciphering the brush behavior under different conditions has been a subject of considerable experimental, theoretical, and computational research efforts. However, the effect of the dielectric properties of the substrate on the PE brush has received much less attention. We use coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to show how varying the dielectric mismatch between the solvent and the substrate can significantly affect the brush. We demonstrate how tuning this mismatch can either diminish or enhance the effects of other control parameters, such as pH, on the brush properties. Furthermore, we investigate how dielectric properties of the substrate affect the brush, and the ion distribution and mobility within the brush, when the brush is exposed to an electric field.

DNA origami nanorobot fiber optic genosensor to TMV.

PubMed

Torelli, Emanuela; Manzano, Marisa; Srivastava, Sachin K; Marks, Robert S

2018-01-15

In the quest of greater sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic systems, one continually searches for alternative DNA hybridization methods, enabling greater versatility and where possible field-enabled detection of target analytes. We present, herein, a hybrid molecular self-assembled scaffolded DNA origami entity, intimately immobilized via capture probes linked to aminopropyltriethoxysilane, onto a glass optical fiber end-face transducer, thus producing a novel biosensor. Immobilized DNA nanorobots with a switchable flap can then be actuated by a specific target DNA present in a sample, by exposing a hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme, which then catalyzes the generation of chemiluminescence, once the specific fiber probes are immersed in a luminol-based solution. Integrating organic nanorobots to inorganic fiber optics creates a hybrid system that we demonstrate as a proof-of-principle can be utilized in specific DNA sequence detection. This system has potential applications in a wide range of fields, including point-of-care diagnostics or cellular in vivo biosensing when using ultrathin fiber optic probes for research purposes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Protein analysis by time-resolved measurements with an electro-switchable DNA chip

PubMed Central

Langer, Andreas; Hampel, Paul A.; Kaiser, Wolfgang; Knezevic, Jelena; Welte, Thomas; Villa, Valentina; Maruyama, Makiko; Svejda, Matej; Jähner, Simone; Fischer, Frank; Strasser, Ralf; Rant, Ulrich

2013-01-01

Measurements in stationary or mobile phases are fundamental principles in protein analysis. Although the immobilization of molecules on solid supports allows for the parallel analysis of interactions, properties like size or shape are usually inferred from the molecular mobility under the influence of external forces. However, as these principles are mutually exclusive, a comprehensive characterization of proteins usually involves a multi-step workflow. Here we show how these measurement modalities can be reconciled by tethering proteins to a surface via dynamically actuated nanolevers. Short DNA strands, which are switched by alternating electric fields, are employed as capture probes to bind target proteins. By swaying the proteins over nanometre amplitudes and comparing their motional dynamics to a theoretical model, the protein diameter can be quantified with Angström accuracy. Alterations in the tertiary protein structure (folding) and conformational changes are readily detected, and even post-translational modifications are revealed by time-resolved molecular dynamics measurements. PMID:23839273

Self-Assembly of Organic Ferroelectrics by Evaporative Dewetting: A Case of β-Glycine.

PubMed

Seyedhosseini, Ensieh; Romanyuk, Konstantin; Vasileva, Daria; Vasilev, Semen; Nuraeva, Alla; Zelenovskiy, Pavel; Ivanov, Maxim; Morozovska, Anna N; Shur, Vladimir Ya; Lu, Haidong; Gruverman, Alexei; Kholkin, Andrei L

2017-06-14

Self-assembly of ferroelectric materials attracts significant interest because it offers a promising fabrication route to novel structures useful for microelectronic devices such as nonvolatile memories, integrated sensors/actuators, or energy harvesters. In this work, we demonstrate a novel approach for self-assembly of organic ferroelectrics (as exemplified by ferroelectric β-glycine) using evaporative dewetting, which allows forming quasi-regular arrays of nano- and microislands with preferred orientation of polarization axes. Surprisingly, self-assembled islands are crystallographically oriented in a radial direction from the center of organic "grains" formed during dewetting process. The kinetics of dewetting process follows the t -1/2 law, which is responsible for the observed polygon shape of the grain boundaries and island coverage as a function of radial position. The polarization in ferroelectric islands of β-glycine is parallel to the substrate and switchable under a relatively small dc voltage applied by the conducting tip of piezoresponse force microscope. Significant size effect on polarization is observed and explained within the Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire phenomenological formalism.

Tip-induced domain structures and polarization switching in ferroelectric amino acid glycine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seyedhosseini, E., E-mail: Seyedhosseini@ua.pt; Ivanov, M.; Bdikin, I.

2015-08-21

Bioorganic ferroelectrics and piezoelectrics are becoming increasingly important in view of their intrinsic compatibility with biological environment and biofunctionality combined with strong piezoelectric effect and a switchable polarization at room temperature. Here, we study tip-induced domain structures and polarization switching in the smallest amino acid β-glycine, representing a broad class of non-centrosymmetric amino acids. We show that β-glycine is indeed a room-temperature ferroelectric and polarization can be switched by applying a bias to non-polar cuts via a conducting tip of atomic force microscope (AFM). Dynamics of these in-plane domains is studied as a function of an applied voltage and pulsemore » duration. The domain shape is dictated by polarization screening at the domain boundaries and mediated by growth defects. Thermodynamic theory is applied to explain the domain propagation induced by the AFM tip. Our findings suggest that the properties of β-glycine are controlled by the charged domain walls which in turn can be manipulated by an external bias.« less

High-efficiency exfoliation of layered materials into 2D nanosheets in switchable CO2/Surfactant/H2O system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Nan; Xu, Qun; Xu, Shanshan; Qi, Yuhang; Chen, Meng; Li, Hongxiang; Han, Buxing

2015-11-01

Layered materials present attractive and important properties due to their two-dimensional (2D) structure, allowing potential applications including electronics, optoelectronics, and catalysis. However, fully exploiting the outstanding properties will require a method for their efficient exfoliation. Here we present that a series of layered materials can be successfully exfoliated into single- and few-layer nanosheets using the driving forces coming from the phase inversion, i.e., from micelles to reverse micelles in the emulsion microenvironment built by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2). The effect of variable experimental parameters including CO2 pressure, ethanol/water ratio, and initial concentration of bulk materials on the exfoliation yield have been investigated. Moreover, we demonstrate that the exfoliated 2D nanosheets have their worthwhile applications, for example, graphene can be used to prepare conductive paper, MoS2 can be used as fluorescent label to perform cellular labelling, and BN can effectively reinforce polymers leading to the promising mechanical properties.

Toward self-assembled ferroelectric random access memories: hard-wired switching capacitor arrays with almost Tb/in.(2) densities.

PubMed

Evans, Paul R; Zhu, Xinhau; Baxter, Paul; McMillen, Mark; McPhillips, John; Morrison, Finlay D; Scott, James F; Pollard, Robert J; Bowman, Robert M; Gregg, J Marty

2007-05-01

We report on the successful fabrication of arrays of switchable nanocapacitors made by harnessing the self-assembly of materials. The structures are composed of arrays of 20-40 nm diameter Pt nanowires, spaced 50-100 nm apart, electrodeposited through nanoporous alumina onto a thin film lower electrode on a silicon wafer. A thin film ferroelectric (both barium titanate (BTO) and lead zirconium titanate (PZT)) has been deposited on top of the nanowire array, followed by the deposition of thin film upper electrodes. The PZT nanocapacitors exhibit hysteresis loops with substantial remnant polarizations, while although the switching performance was inferior, the low-field characteristics of the BTO nanocapacitors show dielectric behavior comparable to conventional thin film heterostructures. While registration is not sufficient for commercial RAM production, this is nevertheless an embryonic form of the highest density hard-wired FRAM capacitor array reported to date and compares favorably with atomic force microscopy read-write densities.

Out-of-Plane Piezoelectricity and Ferroelectricity in Layered α-In2Se3 Nanoflakes.

PubMed

Zhou, Yu; Wu, Di; Zhu, Yihan; Cho, Yujin; He, Qing; Yang, Xiao; Herrera, Kevin; Chu, Zhaodong; Han, Yu; Downer, Michael C; Peng, Hailin; Lai, Keji

2017-09-13

Piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties in the two-dimensional (2D) limit are highly desired for nanoelectronic, electromechanical, and optoelectronic applications. Here we report the first experimental evidence of out-of-plane piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity in van der Waals layered α-In 2 Se 3 nanoflakes. The noncentrosymmetric R3m symmetry of the α-In 2 Se 3 samples is confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy, second-harmonic generation, and Raman spectroscopy measurements. Domains with opposite polarizations are visualized by piezo-response force microscopy. Single-point poling experiments suggest that the polarization is potentially switchable for α-In 2 Se 3 nanoflakes with thicknesses down to ∼10 nm. The piezotronic effect is demonstrated in two-terminal devices, where the Schottky barrier can be modulated by the strain-induced piezopotential. Our work on polar α-In 2 Se 3 , one of the model 2D piezoelectrics and ferroelectrics with simple crystal structures, shows its great potential in electronic and photonic applications.

DMD-based LED-illumination super-resolution and optical sectioning microscopy.

PubMed

Dan, Dan; Lei, Ming; Yao, Baoli; Wang, Wen; Winterhalder, Martin; Zumbusch, Andreas; Qi, Yujiao; Xia, Liang; Yan, Shaohui; Yang, Yanlong; Gao, Peng; Ye, Tong; Zhao, Wei

2013-01-01

Super-resolution three-dimensional (3D) optical microscopy has incomparable advantages over other high-resolution microscopic technologies, such as electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, in the study of biological molecules, pathways and events in live cells and tissues. We present a novel approach of structured illumination microscopy (SIM) by using a digital micromirror device (DMD) for fringe projection and a low-coherence LED light for illumination. The lateral resolution of 90 nm and the optical sectioning depth of 120 μm were achieved. The maximum acquisition speed for 3D imaging in the optical sectioning mode was 1.6×10(7) pixels/second, which was mainly limited by the sensitivity and speed of the CCD camera. In contrast to other SIM techniques, the DMD-based LED-illumination SIM is cost-effective, ease of multi-wavelength switchable and speckle-noise-free. The 2D super-resolution and 3D optical sectioning modalities can be easily switched and applied to either fluorescent or non-fluorescent specimens.

DMD-based LED-illumination Super-resolution and optical sectioning microscopy

PubMed Central

Dan, Dan; Lei, Ming; Yao, Baoli; Wang, Wen; Winterhalder, Martin; Zumbusch, Andreas; Qi, Yujiao; Xia, Liang; Yan, Shaohui; Yang, Yanlong; Gao, Peng; Ye, Tong; Zhao, Wei

2013-01-01

Super-resolution three-dimensional (3D) optical microscopy has incomparable advantages over other high-resolution microscopic technologies, such as electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, in the study of biological molecules, pathways and events in live cells and tissues. We present a novel approach of structured illumination microscopy (SIM) by using a digital micromirror device (DMD) for fringe projection and a low-coherence LED light for illumination. The lateral resolution of 90 nm and the optical sectioning depth of 120 μm were achieved. The maximum acquisition speed for 3D imaging in the optical sectioning mode was 1.6×107 pixels/second, which was mainly limited by the sensitivity and speed of the CCD camera. In contrast to other SIM techniques, the DMD-based LED-illumination SIM is cost-effective, ease of multi-wavelength switchable and speckle-noise-free. The 2D super-resolution and 3D optical sectioning modalities can be easily switched and applied to either fluorescent or non-fluorescent specimens. PMID:23346373

High-efficiency exfoliation of layered materials into 2D nanosheets in switchable CO2/Surfactant/H2O system.

PubMed

Wang, Nan; Xu, Qun; Xu, Shanshan; Qi, Yuhang; Chen, Meng; Li, Hongxiang; Han, Buxing

2015-11-16

Layered materials present attractive and important properties due to their two-dimensional (2D) structure, allowing potential applications including electronics, optoelectronics, and catalysis. However, fully exploiting the outstanding properties will require a method for their efficient exfoliation. Here we present that a series of layered materials can be successfully exfoliated into single- and few-layer nanosheets using the driving forces coming from the phase inversion, i.e., from micelles to reverse micelles in the emulsion microenvironment built by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2). The effect of variable experimental parameters including CO2 pressure, ethanol/water ratio, and initial concentration of bulk materials on the exfoliation yield have been investigated. Moreover, we demonstrate that the exfoliated 2D nanosheets have their worthwhile applications, for example, graphene can be used to prepare conductive paper, MoS2 can be used as fluorescent label to perform cellular labelling, and BN can effectively reinforce polymers leading to the promising mechanical properties.

Carrier Density Modulation in Ge Heterostructure by Ferroelectric Switching

DOE PAGES

Ponath, Patrick; Fredrickson, Kurt; Posadas, Agham B.; ...

2015-01-14

The development of nonvolatile logic through direct coupling of spontaneous ferroelectric polarization with semiconductor charge carriers is nontrivial, with many issues, including epitaxial ferroelectric growth, demonstration of ferroelectric switching, and measurable semiconductor modulation. Here we report a true ferroelectric field effect carrier density modulation in an underlying Ge(001) substrate by switching of the ferroelectric polarization in the epitaxial c-axis-oriented BaTiO3 (BTO) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on Ge. Using density functional theory, we demonstrate that switching of BTO polarization results in a large electric potential change in Ge. Aberration-corrected electron microscopy confirms the interface sharpness, and BTO tetragonality. Electron-energy-lossmore » spectroscopy (EELS) indicates the absence of any low permittivity interlayer at the interface with Ge. Using piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM), we confirm the presence of fully switchable, stable ferroelectric polarization in BTO that appears to be single domain. Using microwave impedance microscopy (MIM), we clearly demonstrate a ferroelectric field effect.« less

Highly Ordered Block Copolymer Templates for the Generation of Nanostructured Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhoje Gowd, E.; Nandan, Bhanu; Bigall, Nadja C.; Eychmuller, Alexander; Stamm, Manfred

2009-03-01

Among many different types of self-assembled materials, block copolymers have attracted immense interest for applications in nanotechnology. Block copolymer thin film can be used as a template for patterning of hard inorganic materials such as metal nanoparticles. In the present work, we demonstrate a new approach to fabricate highly ordered arrays of nanoscopic inorganic dots and wires using switchable block copolymer thin films. Various inorganic nanoparticles from a simple aqueous solution were directly deposited on the surface reconstructed block copolymer templates. The preferential interaction of the nanoparticles with one of the blocks is mainly responsible for the lateral distribution of the nanoparticles in addition to the capillary forces. Subsequent stabilization by UV-irradiation followed by pyrolysis in air at 450 ^oC removes the polymer to produce highly ordered metallic nanostructures. This method is highly versatile as the procedure used here is simple, eco-friendly and provides a facile approach to fabricate a broad range of nanoscaled architectures with tunable lateral spacing.

Self-replication with magnetic dipolar colloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dempster, Joshua M.; Zhang, Rui; Olvera de la Cruz, Monica

2015-10-01

Colloidal self-replication represents an exciting research frontier in soft matter physics. Currently, all reported self-replication schemes involve coating colloidal particles with stimuli-responsive molecules to allow switchable interactions. In this paper, we introduce a scheme using ferromagnetic dipolar colloids and preprogrammed external magnetic fields to create an autonomous self-replication system. Interparticle dipole-dipole forces and periodically varying weak-strong magnetic fields cooperate to drive colloid monomers from the solute onto templates, bind them into replicas, and dissolve template complexes. We present three general design principles for autonomous linear replicators, derived from a focused study of a minimalist sphere-dimer magnetic system in which single binding sites allow formation of dimeric templates. We show via statistical models and computer simulations that our system exhibits nonlinear growth of templates and produces nearly exponential growth (low error rate) upon adding an optimized competing electrostatic potential. We devise experimental strategies for constructing the required magnetic colloids based on documented laboratory techniques. We also present qualitative ideas about building more complex self-replicating structures utilizing magnetic colloids.

Habitat creation and biodiversity maintenance in mangrove forests: teredinid bivalves as ecosystem engineers

PubMed Central

Michie, Laura; Taylor, Ben W.

2014-01-01

Substantial amounts of dead wood in the intertidal zone of mature mangrove forests are tunnelled by teredinid bivalves. When the tunnels are exposed, animals are able to use tunnels as refuges. In this study, the effect of teredinid tunnelling upon mangrove forest faunal diversity was investigated. Mangrove forests exposed to long emersion times had fewer teredinid tunnels in wood and wood not containing teredinid tunnels had very few species and abundance of animals. However, with a greater cross-sectional percentage surface area of teredinid tunnels, the numbers of species and abundance of animals was significantly higher. Temperatures within teredinid-attacked wood were significantly cooler compared with air temperatures, and animal abundance was greater in wood with cooler temperatures. Animals inside the tunnels within the wood may avoid desiccation by escaping the higher temperatures. Animals co-existing in teredinid tunnelled wood ranged from animals found in terrestrial ecosystems including centipedes, crickets and spiders, and animals found in subtidal marine ecosystems such as fish, octopods and polychaetes. There was also evidence of breeding within teredinid-attacked wood, as many juvenile individuals were found, and they may also benefit from the cooler wood temperatures. Teredinid tunnelled wood is a key low-tide refuge for cryptic animals, which would otherwise be exposed to fishes and birds, and higher external temperatures. This study provides evidence that teredinids are ecosystem engineers and also provides an example of a mechanism whereby mangrove forests support intertidal biodiversity and nurseries through the wood-boring activity of teredinids. PMID:25276505

The effects of intermittent exposure to low-pH and low-oxygen conditions on survival and growth of juvenile red abalone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, T. W.; Barry, J. P.; Micheli, F.

2013-11-01

Exposure of nearshore animals to hypoxic, low-pH waters upwelled from below the continental shelf and advected near the coast may be stressful to marine organisms and lead to impaired physiological performance. We mimicked upwelling conditions in the laboratory and tested the effect of fluctuating exposure to water with low-pH and/or low-oxygen levels on the mortality and growth of juvenile red abalone (Haliotis rufescens, shell length 5-10 mm). Mortality rates of juvenile abalone exposed to low-pH (7.5, total scale) and low-O2 (40% saturation, mg L-1) conditions for periods of 3 to 6 h every 3-5 days over 2 weeks did not differ from those exposed to control conditions (O2: 100% saturation, 12 mg L-1; pH 8.0). However, when exposure was extended to 24 h, twice over a 15-day period, juveniles experienced 5-20% higher mortality in the low-oxygen treatments compared to control conditions. Growth rates were reduced significantly when juveniles were exposed to low-oxygen and low-pH treatments. Furthermore, individual variation of growth rate increased when juveniles were exposed simultaneously to low-pH and low-O2 conditions. These results indicate that prolonged exposure to low-oxygen levels is detrimental for the survival of red abalone, whereas pH is a crucial factor for their growth. However, the high individual variation in growth rate under low levels of both pH and oxygen suggests that cryptic phenotypic plasticity may promote resistance to prolonged upwelling conditions by a portion of the population.

Diversity and Distribution of Cryptic Species of the Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) complex in Pakistan.

PubMed

Masood, Mariyam; Amin, Imran; Hassan, Ishtiaq; Mansoor, Shahid; Brown, Judith K; Briddon, Rob W

2017-12-05

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius; Hempitera: Aleyrodidae) is considered to be a cryptic (sibling) species complex, the members of which exhibit morphological invariability while being genetically and behaviorally distinct. Members of the complex are agricultural pests that cause direct damage by feeding on plants, and indirectly by transmitting viruses that cause diseases leading to reduced crop yield and quality. In Pakistan, cotton leaf curl disease, caused by multiple begomovirus species, is the most economically important viral disease of cotton. In the study outlined here, the diversity and geographic distribution of B. tabaci cryptic species was investigated by analyzing a taxonomically informative fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene (mtCOI-3'). The mtCOI-3' sequence was determined for 285 adult whiteflies and found to represent six cryptic species, the most numerous being Asia II-1 and Middle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM-1), the later also referred to as the B-biotype, which was previously thought to be confined to Sindh province but herein, was also found to be present in the Punjab province. The endemic Asia I was restricted to Sindh province, while an individual in the Asia II-8 was identified in Pakistan for the first time. Also for the first time, samples were collected from northwestern Pakistan and Asia II-1 was identified. Results indicate that in Pakistan the overall diversity of B. tabaci cryptic species is high and, based on comparisons with findings from previous studies, the distribution is dynamic. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

SSU rDNA divergence in planktonic foraminifera: molecular taxonomy and biogeographic implications.

PubMed

André, Aurore; Quillévéré, Frédéric; Morard, Raphaël; Ujiié, Yurika; Escarguel, Gilles; de Vargas, Colomban; de Garidel-Thoron, Thibault; Douady, Christophe J

2014-01-01

The use of planktonic foraminifera in paleoceanography requires taxonomic consistency and precise assessment of the species biogeography. Yet, ribosomal small subunit (SSUr) DNA analyses have revealed that most of the modern morpho-species of planktonic foraminifera are composed of a complex of several distinct genetic types that may correspond to cryptic or pseudo-cryptic species. These genetic types are usually delimitated using partial sequences located at the 3'end of the SSUrDNA, but typically based on empirical delimitation. Here, we first use patristic genetic distances calculated within and among genetic types of the most common morpho-species to show that intra-type and inter-type genetic distances within morpho-species may significantly overlap, suggesting that genetic types have been sometimes inconsistently defined. We further apply two quantitative and independent methods, ABGD (Automatic Barcode Gap Detection) and GMYC (General Mixed Yule Coalescent) to a dataset of published and newly obtained partial SSU rDNA for a more objective assessment of the species status of these genetic types. Results of these complementary approaches are highly congruent and lead to a molecular taxonomy that ranks 49 genetic types of planktonic foraminifera as genuine (pseudo)cryptic species. Our results advocate for a standardized sequencing procedure allowing homogenous delimitations of (pseudo)cryptic species. On the ground of this revised taxonomic framework, we finally provide an integrative taxonomy synthesizing geographic, ecological and morphological differentiations that can occur among the genuine (pseudo)cryptic species. Due to molecular, environmental or morphological data scarcities, many aspects of our proposed integrative taxonomy are not yet fully resolved. On the other hand, our study opens up the potential for a correct interpretation of environmental sequence datasets.

SSU rDNA Divergence in Planktonic Foraminifera: Molecular Taxonomy and Biogeographic Implications

PubMed Central

André, Aurore; Quillévéré, Frédéric; Morard, Raphaël; Ujiié, Yurika; Escarguel, Gilles; de Vargas, Colomban; de Garidel-Thoron, Thibault; Douady, Christophe J.

2014-01-01

The use of planktonic foraminifera in paleoceanography requires taxonomic consistency and precise assessment of the species biogeography. Yet, ribosomal small subunit (SSUr) DNA analyses have revealed that most of the modern morpho-species of planktonic foraminifera are composed of a complex of several distinct genetic types that may correspond to cryptic or pseudo-cryptic species. These genetic types are usually delimitated using partial sequences located at the 3′end of the SSUrDNA, but typically based on empirical delimitation. Here, we first use patristic genetic distances calculated within and among genetic types of the most common morpho-species to show that intra-type and inter-type genetic distances within morpho-species may significantly overlap, suggesting that genetic types have been sometimes inconsistently defined. We further apply two quantitative and independent methods, ABGD (Automatic Barcode Gap Detection) and GMYC (General Mixed Yule Coalescent) to a dataset of published and newly obtained partial SSU rDNA for a more objective assessment of the species status of these genetic types. Results of these complementary approaches are highly congruent and lead to a molecular taxonomy that ranks 49 genetic types of planktonic foraminifera as genuine (pseudo)cryptic species. Our results advocate for a standardized sequencing procedure allowing homogenous delimitations of (pseudo)cryptic species. On the ground of this revised taxonomic framework, we finally provide an integrative taxonomy synthesizing geographic, ecological and morphological differentiations that can occur among the genuine (pseudo)cryptic species. Due to molecular, environmental or morphological data scarcities, many aspects of our proposed integrative taxonomy are not yet fully resolved. On the other hand, our study opens up the potential for a correct interpretation of environmental sequence datasets. PMID:25119900

Genetic differentiation and phylogeographical structure of the Brachionus calyciflorus complex in eastern China.

PubMed

Xiang, Xian-Ling; Xi, Yi-Long; Wen, Xin-Li; Zhang, Gen; Wang, Jin-Xia; Hu, Ke

2011-07-01

Spatio-temporal patterns and processes of genetic differentiation in passively dispersing zooplankton are drawing much attention from both ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Two opposite phylogeographical scenarios have already been demonstrated in rotifers, which consist of high levels of genetic differentiation among populations even on small geographical scales on the one hand and the traditionally known cosmopolitanism that is associated with high levels of gene flow and long-distance dispersal via diapausing stages on the other hand. Here, we analysed the population genetic structure and the phylogeography of the Brachionus calyciflorus species complex in eastern China. By screening a total of 318 individuals from ten locations along a 2320-km gradient and analysing samples from two growing seasons, we aimed at focusing on both small- and large-scale patterns. We identified eight cryptic species and verified species status of two of these by sexual reproduction tests. Samples in summer and winter yielded different cryptic species. The distribution patterns of these genetically distinct cryptic species were diverse across eastern China, from full cosmopolitanism to local endemism. The two most abundant cryptic species BcWIII and BcSW showed a pattern of strong genetic differentiation among populations and no significant isolation by distance. Long-distance colonization, secondary contact and recent range expansion are probably responsible for the indistinct pattern of isolation by distance. Our results suggest that geographical distance is more important than temporal segregation across seasons in explaining population differentiation and the occurrence of cryptic species. We explain the current phylogeographical structure in the B. calyciflorus species complex by a combination of recent population expansion, restricted gene flow, priority effects and long-distance colonization. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Pinpointing cryptic borders: Fine-scale phylogeography and genetic landscape analysis of the Hormogaster elisae complex (Oligochaeta, Hormogastridae).

PubMed

Marchán, Daniel F; Fernández, Rosa; de Sosa, Irene; Díaz Cosín, Darío J; Novo, Marta

2017-07-01

Spatial and temporal aspects of the evolution of cryptic species complexes have received less attention than species delimitation within them. The phylogeography of the cryptic complex Hormogaster elisae (Oligochaeta, Hormogastridae) lacks knowledge on several aspects, including the small-scale distribution of its lineages or the palaeogeographic context of their diversification. To shed light on these topics, a dense specimen collection was performed in the center of the Iberian Peninsula - resulting in 28 new H. elisae collecting points, some of them as close as 760m from each other- for a higher resolution of the distribution of the cryptic lineages and the relationships between the populations. Seven molecular regions were amplified: mitochondrial subunit 1 of cytochrome c oxidase (COI), 16S rRNA and tRNA Leu, Ala, and Ser (16S t-RNAs), one nuclear ribosomal gene (a fragment of 28S rRNA) and one nuclear protein-encoding gene (histone H3) in order to infer their phylogenetic relationships. Different representation methods of the pairwise divergence in the cytochrome oxidase I sequence (heatmap and genetic landscape graphs) were used to visualize the genetic structure of H. elisae. A nested approach sensu Mairal et al. (2015) (connecting the evolutionary rates of two datasets of different taxonomic coverage) was used to obtain one approximation to a time-calibrated phylogenetic tree based on external Clitellata fossils and a wide molecular dataset. Our results indicate that limited active dispersal ability and ecological or biotic barriers could explain the isolation of the different cryptic lineages, which never co-occur. Rare events of long distance dispersal through hydrochory appear as one of the possible causes of range expansion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Long-term exposure to diesel engine exhaust induced lung function decline in a cross sectional study

PubMed Central

ZHANG, Li Ping; ZHANG, Xiao; DUAN, Hua Wei; MENG, Tao; NIU, Yong; HUANG, Chuan Feng; GAO, Wei Min; YU, Shan Fa; ZHENG, Yu Xin

2016-01-01

To clarify the effects of lung function following exposure to diesel engine exhaust (DEE), we recruited 137 diesel engine testing workers exposed to DEE and 127 non-DEE-exposed workers as study subjects. We performed lung function tests and measured cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) cytome index and levels of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metabolites. There was a significant decrease of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/ FVC), maximal mid expiratory flow curve (MMF), forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC (FEF50%), and forced expiratory flow at 75% of FVC (FEF75%) in the DEE-exposed workers than non-DEE-exposed workers (all p<0.05). Among all study subjects, the decreases of FEF75% were associated with the increasing levels of PAHs metabolites (p<0.05), and there were negative correlations between FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MMF, FEF50%, and FEF75% with CBMN cytome index (all p<0.05). Our results show that long-term exposure to DEE can induce lung function decline which shows mainly obstructive changes and influence of small airways function. The decreased lung function is associated with internal dosage of DEE exposure, and accompany with the increasing CBMN cytome index. PMID:27334424

Thermally switchable meta-material absorber involving vanadium dioxide semiconductor-metal transition for thermo photovoltaic conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bendelala, Fathi; Cheknane, Ali; Hilal, Hikmat S.

2018-01-01

A new switchable absorber design using meta-materials for thermo photovoltaic applications is proposed here. Conventional absorbents are normally non-adjustable with narrow band-widths and polarization-dependence. The present study describes an alternative infrared absorber structure with tunable characteristics. The absorber is based on VO2 which exhibits transition from semiconductor to metallic conductor by thermal effect. With this design, the results show that wide-band absorption can be achieved. The absorption bandwidth can be improved from 15.94 to 36.75 THz. With 40.42% relative shift in the peak frequency, a maximum absorption efficiency of 99% can be achieved. This structure design is polarization-independent of normal incident radiations, and may accommodate radiations from wide oblique angles. These new features make the new thermally adjustable absorber potentially useful in thermo-photovoltaic conversion devices.

Reversible hydrogen storage using CO2 and a proton-switchable iridium catalyst in aqueous media under mild temperatures and pressures.

PubMed

Hull, Jonathan F; Himeda, Yuichiro; Wang, Wan-Hui; Hashiguchi, Brian; Periana, Roy; Szalda, David J; Muckerman, James T; Fujita, Etsuko

2012-03-18

Green plants convert CO(2) to sugar for energy storage via photosynthesis. We report a novel catalyst that uses CO(2) and hydrogen to store energy in formic acid. Using a homogeneous iridium catalyst with a proton-responsive ligand, we show the first reversible and recyclable hydrogen storage system that operates under mild conditions using CO(2), formate and formic acid. This system is energy-efficient and green because it operates near ambient conditions, uses water as a solvent, produces high-pressure CO-free hydrogen, and uses pH to control hydrogen production or consumption. The extraordinary and switchable catalytic activity is attributed to the multifunctional ligand, which acts as a proton-relay and strong π-donor, and is rationalized by theoretical and experimental studies.

Thermoresponsive electrospun fibers for water harvesting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thakur, Neha; Baji, Avinash; Ranganath, Anupama Sargur

2018-03-01

Temperature triggered switchable cellulose acetate-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (CA-PNIPAM) core-shell and blend nanofibers are fabricated for controlled moisture harvesting applications. Core-shell fibers are fabricated using a co-axial electrospinning setup whereas the conventional electrospinning setup is employed for fabricating the blend fibers. Investigation of their wettability behaviour demonstrated that the blend fibers are superhydrophilic whereas the core-shell fibers are hydrophilic at ambient temperature. Furthermore, both the samples have an ability to switch between the two states viz. hydrophilic to hydrophobic state based on thermal stimulus. The core-shell fibers are shown to have higher moisture sorption ability compared to the blend fibers. This study investigates the mechanism behind the switchable wettability behaviour of the core-shell fibers and demonstrates the crucial role played by the functional groups present on the surface layer of fibers in governing their moisture collection efficiency.

Perching and takeoff of a robotic insect on overhangs using switchable electrostatic adhesion.

PubMed

Graule, M A; Chirarattananon, P; Fuller, S B; Jafferis, N T; Ma, K Y; Spenko, M; Kornbluh, R; Wood, R J

2016-05-20

For aerial robots, maintaining a high vantage point for an extended time is crucial in many applications. However, available on-board power and mechanical fatigue constrain their flight time, especially for smaller, battery-powered aircraft. Perching on elevated structures is a biologically inspired approach to overcome these limitations. Previous perching robots have required specific material properties for the landing sites, such as surface asperities for spines, or ferromagnetism. We describe a switchable electroadhesive that enables controlled perching and detachment on nearly any material while requiring approximately three orders of magnitude less power than required to sustain flight. These electroadhesives are designed, characterized, and used to demonstrate a flying robotic insect able to robustly perch on a wide range of materials, including glass, wood, and a natural leaf. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Electrical Switchability and Dry-Wash Durability of Conductive Textiles

PubMed Central

Wu, Bangting; Zhang, Bowu; Wu, Jingxia; Wang, Ziqiang; Ma, Hongjuan; Yu, Ming; Li, Linfan; Li, Jingye

2015-01-01

There is growing interest in the area of conductive textiles in the scientific and industrial community. Herein, we successfully prepared a conductive textile via covalently grafting polyaniline (PANI) onto cotton by a multi-step treatment process. The conductivity of the resultant fabric could be tuned by immersing in water having different pH values. The conductive and insulating properties of the textile could be conveniently switched by alternately immersing in acidic and alkaline bath solutions. Most importantly, the resultant conductive fabrics were able to withstand 40 simulated dry-wash cycles, with almost no decay in the electrical conductivity, indicating their excellent dry-wash durability. The present strategy for fabricating conductive fabrics with excellent switchability of electrical properties and dry-wash durability is expected to provide inspiration for the production of multifunctional conductive textiles for use in hash or sensitive conditions. PMID:26066704

Design of protein switches based on an ensemble model of allostery.

PubMed

Choi, Jay H; Laurent, Abigail H; Hilser, Vincent J; Ostermeier, Marc

2015-04-22

Switchable proteins that can be regulated through exogenous or endogenous inputs have a broad range of biotechnological and biomedical applications. Here we describe the design of switchable enzymes based on an ensemble allosteric model. First, we insert an enzyme domain into an effector-binding domain such that both domains remain functionally intact. Second, we induce the fusion to behave as a switch through the introduction of conditional conformational flexibility designed to increase the conformational entropy of the enzyme domain in a temperature- or pH-dependent fashion. We confirm the switching behaviour in vitro and in vivo. Structural and thermodynamic studies support the hypothesis that switching result from an increase in conformational entropy of the enzyme domain in the absence of effector. These results support the ensemble model of allostery and embody a strategy for the design of protein switches.

Crack-Free, Soft Wrinkles Enable Switchable Anisotropic Wetting.

PubMed

Rhee, Dongjoon; Lee, Won-Kyu; Odom, Teri W

2017-06-01

Soft skin layers on elastomeric substrates are demonstrated to support mechano-responsive wrinkle patterns that do not exhibit cracking under applied strain. Soft fluoropolymer skin layers on pre-strained poly(dimethylsiloxane) slabs achieved crack-free surface wrinkling at high strain regimes not possible by using conventional stiff skin layers. A side-by-side comparison between the soft and hard skin layers after multiple cycles of stretching and releasing revealed that the soft skin layer enabled dynamic control over wrinkle topography without cracks or delamination. We systematically characterized the evolution of wrinkle wavelength, amplitude, and orientation as a function of tensile strain to resolve the crack-free structural transformation. We demonstrated that wrinkled surfaces can guide water spreading along wrinkle orientation, and hence switchable, anisotropic wetting was realized. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Characterization of an active metasurface using terahertz ellipsometry

DOE PAGES

Karl, Nicholas; Heimbeck, Martin S.; Everitt, Henry O.; ...

2017-11-06

Switchable metasurfaces fabricated on a doped epi-layer have become an important platform for developing techniques to control terahertz (THz) radiation, as a DC bias can modulate the transmission characteristics of the metasurface. To model and understand this performance in new device configurations accurately, a quantitative understanding of the bias-dependent surface characteristics is required. In this work, we perform THz variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry on a switchable metasurface as a function of DC bias. By comparing these data with numerical simulations, we extract a model for the response of the metasurface at any bias value. Using this model, we predict amore » giant bias-induced phase modulation in a guided wave configuration. Lastly, these predictions are in qualitative agreement with our measurements, offering a route to efficient modulation of THz signals.« less

Chromogenic switchable glazing: Towards the development of the smart window

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lampert, C.M.

1995-06-01

The science and technology of chromogenic materials for switchable glazings in building applications is discussed. These glazings can be used for dynamic control of solar and visible energy. Currently many researchers and engineers are involved with the development of products in this field. A summary of activities in Japan, Europe, Australia, USA and Canada is made. The activities of the International Energy Agency are included. Both non-electrically activated and electrically activated glazings are discussed. Technologies covered in the first category are photochromics, and thermochromics and thermotropics. A discussion of electrically activated chromogenic glazings includes dispersed liquid crystals, dispersed particles andmore » electrochromics. A selection of device structures and performance characteristics are compared. A discussion of transparent conductors is presented. Technical issues concerning large-area development of smart windows are discussed.« less

Utilizing stretch-tunable thermochromic elastomeric opal films as novel reversible switchable photonic materials.

PubMed

Schäfer, Christian G; Lederle, Christina; Zentel, Kristina; Stühn, Bernd; Gallei, Markus

2014-11-01

In this work, the preparation of highly thermoresponsive and fully reversible stretch-tunable elastomeric opal films featuring switchable structural colors is reported. Novel particle architectures based on poly(diethylene glycol methylether methacrylate-co-ethyl acrylate) (PDEGMEMA-co-PEA) as shell polymer are synthesized via seeded and stepwise emulsion polymerization protocols. The use of DEGMEMA as comonomer and herein established synthetic strategies leads to monodisperse soft shell particles, which can be directly processed to opal films by using the feasible melt-shear organization technique. Subsequent UV crosslinking strategies open access to mechanically stable and homogeneous elastomeric opal films. The structural colors of the opal films feature mechano- and thermoresponsiveness, which is found to be fully reversible. Optical characterization shows that the combination of both stimuli provokes a photonic bandgap shift of more than 50 nm from 560 nm in the stretched state to 611 nm in the fully swollen state. In addition, versatile colorful patterns onto the colloidal crystal structure are produced by spatial UV-induced crosslinking by using a photomask. This facile approach enables the generation of spatially cross-linked switchable opal films with fascinating optical properties. Herein described strategies for the preparation of PDEGMEMA-containing colloidal architectures, application of the melt-shear ordering technique, and patterned crosslinking of the final opal films open access to novel stimuli-responsive colloidal crystal films, which are expected to be promising materials in the field of security and sensing applications. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ferroelectrics: A pathway to switchable surface chemistry and catalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kakekhani, Arvin; Ismail-Beigi, Sohrab; Altman, Eric I.

2016-08-01

It has been known for more than six decades that ferroelectricity can affect a material's surface physics and chemistry thereby potentially enhancing its catalytic properties. Ferroelectrics are a class of materials with a switchable electrical polarization that can affect surface stoichiometry and electronic structure and thus adsorption energies and modes; e.g., molecular versus dissociative. Therefore, ferroelectrics may be utilized to achieve switchable surface chemistry whereby surface properties are not fixed but can be dynamically controlled by, for example, applying an external electric field or modulating the temperature. Several important examples of applications of ferroelectric and polar materials in photocatalysis and heterogeneous catalysis are discussed. In photocatalysis, the polarization direction can control band bending at water/ferroelectric and ferroelectric/semiconductor interfaces, thereby facilitating charge separation and transfer to the electrolyte and enhancing photocatalytic activity. For gas-surface interactions, available results suggest that using ferroelectrics to support catalytically active transition metals and oxides is another way to enhance catalytic activity. Finally, the possibility of incorporating ferroelectric switching into the catalytic cycle itself is described. In this scenario, a dynamic collaboration of two polarization states can be used to drive reactions that have been historically challenging to achieve on surfaces with fixed chemical properties (e.g., direct NOx decomposition and the selective partial oxidation of methane). These predictions show that dynamic modulation of the polarization can help overcome some of the fundamental limitations on catalytic activity imposed by the Sabatier principle.

Effects of cryptic mortality and the hidden costs of using length limits in fishery management

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coggins, L.G.; Catalano, M.J.; Allen, M.S.; Pine, William E.; Walters, C.J.

2007-01-01

Fishery collapses cause substantial economic and ecological harm, but common management actions often fail to prevent overfishing. Minimum length limits are perhaps the most common fishing regulation used in both commercial and recreational fisheries, but their conservation benefits can be influenced by discard mortality of fish caught and released below the legal length. We constructed a computer model to evaluate how discard mortality could influence the conservation utility of minimum length regulations. We evaluated policy performance across two disparate fish life-history types: short-lived high-productivity (SLHP) and long-lived low-productivity (LLLP) species. For the life-history types, fishing mortality rates and minimum length limits that we examined, length limits alone generally failed to achieve sustainability when discard mortality rate exceeded about 0.2 for SLHP species and 0.05 for LLLP species. At these levels of discard mortality, reductions in overall fishing mortality (e.g. lower fishing effort) were required to prevent recruitment overfishing if fishing mortality was high. Similarly, relatively low discard mortality rates (>0.05) rendered maximum yield unobtainable and caused a substantial shift in the shape of the yield response surfaces. An analysis of fishery efficiency showed that length limits caused the simulated fisheries to be much less efficient, potentially exposing the target species and ecosystem to increased negative effects of the fishing process. Our findings suggest that for overexploited fisheries with moderate-to-high discard mortality rates, reductions in fishing mortality will be required to meet management goals. Resource managers should carefully consider impacts of cryptic mortality sources (e.g. discard mortality) on fishery sustainability, especially in recreational fisheries where release rates are high and effort is increasing in many areas of the world. ?? 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Gating by tryptophan 73 exposes a cryptic pocket at the protein-binding interface of the oncogenic eIF4E protein.

PubMed

Lama, Dilraj; Brown, Christopher J; Lane, David P; Verma, Chandra S

2015-10-27

Targeting protein-protein interacting sites for potential therapeutic applications is a challenge in the development of inhibitors, and this becomes more difficult when these interfaces are relatively planar, as in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) protein. eIF4E is an oncogene that is overexpressed in numerous forms of cancer, making it a prime target as a therapeutic molecule. We report here the presence of a cryptic pocket at the protein-binding interface of eIF4E, which opens transiently during molecular dynamics simulations of the protein in solvent water and is observed to be stable when solvent water is mixed with benzene molecules. This pocket can also be seen in the ensemble of structures available from the solution-state conformations of eIF4E. The accessibility of the pocket is gated by the side-chain transitions of an evolutionarily conserved tryptophan residue. It is found to be feasible for accommodating clusters of benzene molecules, which signify the plasticity and ligandability of the pocket. We also observe that the newly formed cavity provides a favorable binding environment for interaction of a well-recognized small molecule inhibitor of eIF4E. The occurrence of this transiently accessible cavity highlights the existence of a more pronounced binding groove in a region that has traditionally been considered to be planar. Together, the data suggest that an alternate binding cavity exists on eIF4E and could be exploited for the rational design and development of a new class of lead compounds against the protein.

Nest construction by a ground-nesting bird represents a potential trade-off between egg crypticity and thermoregulation.

PubMed

Mayer, Paul M; Smith, Levica M; Ford, Robert G; Watterson, Dustin C; McCutchen, Marshall D; Ryan, Mark R

2009-04-01

Predation selects against conspicuous colors in bird eggs and nests, while thermoregulatory constraints select for nest-building behavior that regulates incubation temperatures. We present results that suggest a trade-off between nest crypticity and thermoregulation of eggs based on selection of nest materials by piping plovers (Charadrius melodus), a ground-nesting bird that constructs simple, pebble-lined nests highly vulnerable to predators and exposed to temperature extremes. Piping plovers selected pebbles that were whiter and appeared closer in color to eggs than randomly available pebbles, suggesting a crypsis function. However, nests that were more contrasting in color to surrounding substrates were at greater risk of predation, suggesting an alternate strategy driving selection of white rocks. Near-infrared reflectance of nest pebbles was higher than randomly available pebbles, indicating a direct physical mechanism for heat control through pebble selection. Artificial nests constructed of randomly available pebbles heated more quickly and conferred heat to model eggs, causing eggs to heat more rapidly than in nests constructed from piping plover nest pebbles. Thermal models and field data indicated that temperatures inside nests may remain up to 2-6 degrees C cooler than surrounding substrates. Thermal models indicated that nests heat especially rapidly if not incubated, suggesting that nest construction behavior may serve to keep eggs cooler during the unattended laying period. Thus, pebble selection suggests a potential trade-off between maximizing heat reflectance to improve egg microclimate and minimizing conspicuous contrast of nests with the surrounding substrate to conceal eggs from predators. Nest construction behavior that employs light-colored, thermally reflective materials may represent an evolutionary response by birds and other egg-laying organisms to egg predation and heat stress.

Morphological, molecular and biological evidence reveal two cryptic species in Mecinus janthinus Germar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), a successful biological control agent of Dalmatian toadflax, Linaria dalmatica (Lamiales, Plantaginaceae)

Treesearch

Ivo Tosevski; Roberto Caldara; Jelena Jovic; Gerardo Hernandez-Vera; Cosimo Baviera; Andre Gassmann; Brent C. Emerson

2011-01-01

A combined morphological, molecular and biological study shows that the weevil species presently named Mecinus janthinus is actually composed of two different cryptic species: M. janthinus Germar, 1821 and M. janthiniformis Tosevski & Caldara sp.n. These species are morphologically distinguishable from each other by a few very subtle morphological characters. On...

Increased Furan Tolerance in Escherichia coli Due to a Cryptic ucpA Gene

PubMed Central

Wang, Xuan; Miller, Elliot N.; Yomano, Lorraine P.; Shanmugam, K. T.

2012-01-01

Expression arrays were used to identify 4 putative oxidoreductases that were upregulated (>3-fold) by furfural (15 mM, 15 min). Plasmid expression of one (ucpA) increased furan tolerance in ethanologenic strain LY180 and wild-type strain W. Deleting ucpA decreased furfural tolerance. Although the mechanism remains unknown, the cryptic ucpA gene is now associated with a phenotype: furan resistance. PMID:22267665

Standardized molecular diagnostic tool for the identification of cryptic species within the Bemisia tabaci complex.

PubMed

Elfekih, Samia; Tay, Wee Tek; Gordon, Karl; Court, Leon N; De Barro, Paul J

2018-01-01

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci complex harbours over 40 cryptic species that have been placed in 11 phylogenetically distinct clades based on the molecular characterization of partial mitochondrial DNA COI (mtCOI) gene region. Four cryptic species are currently within the invasive clade, i.e. MED, MEAM1, MEAM2 and IO. Correct identification of these species is a critical step towards implementing reliable measures for plant biosecurity and border protection; however, no standardized B. tabaci-specific primers are currently available which has caused inconsistencies in the species identification processes. We report three sets of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers developed to amplify the mtCOI region which can be used for genotyping MED, MEAM1 and IO species, and tested these primers on 91 MED, 35 MEAM1 and five IO individuals. PCR and sequencing of amplicons identified a total of 21, six and one haplotypes in MED, MEAM1 and IO respectively, of which six haplotypes were new to the B. tabaci database. These primer pairs enabled standardization and robust molecular species identification via mtCOI screening of the targeted invasive cryptic species and will improve quarantine decisions. Use of this diagnostic tool could be extended to other species within the complex. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cryptic insertion of 3'FOXO1 into inverted chromosome arm 2q in the presence of two normal chromosome 13s and 13 small interstitial duplications in a patient with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.

PubMed

Hackman, Sarah; Calvey, Laura; Bernreuter, Kristen; Mark, Mengya Wang; Starnes, Sarah; Batanian, Jacqueline R

2015-09-01

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is a pediatric soft tissue neoplasm with a characteristic translocation, t(2;13)(q35;q14), which is detected in 70-80% of cases. This well-described translocation produces the gene fusion product PAX3-FOXO1. Cryptic rearrangements of this fusion have never before been reported in ARMS. Here we describe a patient with ARMS that showed, by fluorescence in situ hybridization and G-banded chromosomes, a cryptic insertion of 3'FOXO1 into inverted chromosome 2q. The inversion breakpoints were depicted by array comparative genomic hybridization as two small interstitial duplications, one of which involved the PAX3 gene. In addition, the array comparative genomic hybridization results revealed 1q gain, 16q loss, and 11 more small duplications, with one of them involving the FOXO1 gene. Although the pathogenesis in classic ARMS cases is thought to be driven by the 5'PAX3-3'FOXO1 fusion on derivative chromosome 13, here we report a novel cryptic insertion of 3'FOXO1 resulting in a pathogenic fusion with 5'PAX3 on inverted chromosome 2q. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CRYPTIC CHOICE OF CONSPECIFIC SPERM CONTROLLED BY THE IMPACT OF OVARIAN FLUID ON SPERM SWIMMING BEHAVIOR

PubMed Central

Yeates, Sarah E; Diamond, Sian E; Einum, Sigurd; Emerson, Brent C; Holt, William V; Gage, Matthew J G

2013-01-01

Despite evidence that variation in male–female reproductive compatibility exists in many fertilization systems, identifying mechanisms of cryptic female choice at the gamete level has been a challenge. Here, under risks of genetic incompatibility through hybridization, we show how salmon and trout eggs promote fertilization by conspecific sperm. Using in vitro fertilization experiments that replicate the gametic microenvironment, we find complete interfertility between both species. However, if either species’ ova were presented with equivalent numbers of both sperm types, conspecific sperm gained fertilization precedence. Surprisingly, the species’ identity of the eggs did not explain this cryptic female choice, which instead was primarily controlled by conspecific ovarian fluid, a semiviscous, protein-rich solution that bathes the eggs and is released at spawning. Video analyses revealed that ovarian fluid doubled sperm motile life span and straightened swimming trajectory, behaviors allowing chemoattraction up a concentration gradient. To confirm chemoattraction, cell migration tests through membranes containing pores that approximated to the egg micropyle showed that conspecific ovarian fluid attracted many more spermatozoa through the membrane, compared with heterospecific fluid or water. These combined findings together identify how cryptic female choice can evolve at the gamete level and promote reproductive isolation, mediated by a specific chemoattractive influence of ovarian fluid on sperm swimming behavior. PMID:24299405

Bridging of cryptic Borrelia cycles in European songbirds.

PubMed

Heylen, Dieter; Krawczyk, Aleksandra; Lopes de Carvalho, Isabel; Núncio, Maria Sofia; Sprong, Hein; Norte, Ana Cláudia

2017-05-01

The principal European vector for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., the causative agents of Lyme disease, is the host-generalist tick Ixodes ricinus. Almost all terrestrial host-specialist ticks have been supposed not to contribute to the terrestrial Borrelia transmission cycles. Through an experiment with blackbirds, we show successful transmission by the widespread I. frontalis, an abundant bird-specialized tick that infests a broad range of songbirds. In the first phase of the experiment, we obtained Borrelia-infected I. frontalis (infection rate: 19%) and I. ricinus (17%) nymphs by exposing larvae to wild blackbirds that carried several genospecies (Borrelia turdi, B. valaisiana, B. burgdorferi s.s.). In the second phase, pathogen-free blackbirds were exposed to these infected nymphs. Both tick species were able to infect the birds, as indicated by the analysis of xenodiagnostic I. ricinus larvae which provided evidence for both co-feeding and systemic transmission (infection rates: 10%-60%). Ixodes frontalis was shown to transmit B. turdi spirochetes, while I. ricinus transmitted both B. turdi and B. valaisiana. Neither species transmitted B. burgdorferi s.s. European enzootic cycles of Borrelia between songbirds and their ornithophilic ticks do exist, with I. ricinus potentially acting as a bridging vector towards mammals, including man. © 2017 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Multilocus genetic analyses differentiate between widespread and spatially restricted cryptic species in a model ascidian

PubMed Central

Bock, Dan G.; MacIsaac, Hugh J.; Cristescu, Melania E.

2012-01-01

Elucidating the factors that shape species distributions has long been a fundamental goal in ecology and evolutionary biology. In spite of significant theoretical advancements, empirical studies of range limits have lagged behind. Specifically, little is known about how the attributes that allow species to expand their ranges and become widespread vary across phylogenies. Here, we studied the ascidian Botryllus schlosseri, a worldwide invasive species that is also characterized by marked genetic subdivision. Our study includes phylogenetic and population genetic data based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes, as well as polymorphic microsatellites for B. schlosseri colonies sampled from the southern and northern coasts of Europe and the eastern and western coasts of North America. We demonstrate that this well-known model organism comprises three highly divergent and probably reproductively isolated cryptic species (A, D and E), with two more (B and C) being suggested by data retrieved from GenBank. Among these, species A, recovered in all of the surveyed regions, is by far the most common and widespread. By contrast, species B–E, occurring mostly in sites from northern Europe, are considerably more geographically restricted. These findings, along with inferences made on transport opportunity, suggest that divergent evolutionary histories promoted differences in invasive potential between B. schlosseri sibling species, indicating that attributes that facilitate dramatic shifts in range limits can evolve more easily and frequently than previously thought. We propose environmental disturbance as a selective force that could have shaped the evolution of invasiveness in the B. schlosseri complex. PMID:22319123

Cranial morphology and bite force in Chamaeleolis lizards--adaptations to molluscivory?

PubMed

Herrel, Anthony; Holanova, Veronika

2008-01-01

Anolis lizards have become a model system for the study of adaptive radiations as species with similar morphologies occupying similar habitats have arisen independently on all the larger islands in the Caribbean. However, on both, Cuba and Hispaniola unique forms have evolved that seemingly have no counterparts on any of the other Caribbean islands. Anoles of the genus Chamaeleolis comprise such a unique form and have been termed 'twig giants' because of their cryptic life style, slow locomotor mode, and short limbs. However, some of the most unusual features of these lizards are their large heads and molluscivorous diet. Here, we compare head shape, bite force, and muscle structure among sexes and age classes of Chamaeleolis lizards with Anolis crown giants. Our data show that Chamaeleolis lizards have a dramatically different head shape characterized by tall heads with a pronounced temporal ridge and long snouts. Analyses of bite force, surprisingly, show no differences between adult Chamaeleolis and Anolis crown giants. Juveniles of Chamaeleolis, however, have very tall heads for their size and bite harder than Anolis juveniles do. This can be related to the propensity of juveniles of this genus to eat snails, food items for which high bite forces are crucial. This observation is corroborated by the presence of well-developed jaw adductors in juveniles. Thus, our data suggest that the unusual phenotype of adults with large and tall heads may be due to selection on the juvenile life history stages.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the cryptic "lineage B" big-fin reef squid, Sepioteuthis lessoniana (Cephalopoda: Loliginidae) in Indo-West Pacific.

PubMed

Shen, Kang-Ning; Yen, Ta-Chi; Chen, Ching-Hung; Ye, Jeng-Jia; Hsiao, Chung-Der

2016-05-01

In this study, the complete mitogenome sequence of the cryptic "lineage B" big-fin reef squid, Sepioteuthis lessoniana (Cephalopoda: Loliginidae) has been sequenced by next-generation sequencing method. The assembled mitogenome consisting of 16,694 bp, includes 13 protein coding genes, 25 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs genes. The overall base composition of "lineage B" S. lessoniana is 36.7% for A, 18.9 % for C, 34.5 % for T and 9.8 % for G and show 90% identities to "lineage C" S. lessoniana. It is also exhibits high T + A content (71.2%), two non-coding regions with TA tandem repeats. The complete mitogenome of the cryptic "lineage B" S. lessoniana provides essential and important DNA molecular data for further phylogeography and evolutionary analysis for big-fin reef squid species complex.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the cryptic "lineage A" big-fin reef squid, Sepioteuthis lessoniana (Cephalopoda: Loliginidae) in Indo-West Pacific.

PubMed

Hsiao, Chung-Der; Shen, Kang-Ning; Ching, Tzu-Yun; Wang, Ya-Hsien; Ye, Jeng-Jia; Tsai, Shiou-Yi; Wu, Shan-Chun; Chen, Ching-Hung; Wang, Chia-Hui

2016-07-01

In this study, the complete mitogenome sequence of the cryptic "lineage A" big-fin reef squid, Sepioteuthis lessoniana (Cephalopoda: Loliginidae) has been sequenced by the next-generation sequencing method. The assembled mitogenome consists of 16,605 bp, which includes 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, and 2 ribosomal RNAs genes. The overall base composition of "lineage A" S. lessoniana is 37.5% for A, 17.4% for C, 9.1% for G, and 35.9% for T and shows 87% identities to "lineage C" S. lessoniana. It is also noticed by its high T + A content (73.4%), two non-coding regions with TA tandem repeats. The complete mitogenome of the cryptic "lineage A" S. lessoniana provides essential and important DNA molecular data for further phylogeography and evolutionary analysis for big-fin reef squid species complex.

Switchable 3-0 magnetoelectric nanocomposite thin film with high coupling.

PubMed

McDannald, Austin; Ye, Linghan; Cantoni, Claudia; Gollapudi, Sreenivasulu; Srinivasan, Gopalan; Huey, Bryan D; Jain, Menka

2017-03-02

A mixed precursor solution method was used to deposit 3-0 nanocomposite thin films of PbZr 0.52 Ti 0.48 O 3 (PZT) and CoFe 2 O 4 (CFO). The piezoelectric behavior of PZT and magnetostrictive behavior of CFO allow for magnetoelectric (ME) coupling through strain transfer between the respective phases. High ME coupling is desired for many applications including memory devices, magnetic field sensors, and energy harvesters. The spontaneous phase separation in the 3-0 nanocomposite film was observed, with 25 nm CFO particle or nanophases distributed in discrete layers through the thickness of the PZT matrix. Magnetic-force microscopy images of the nanocomposite thin film under opposite magnetic poling conditions revealed in-plane pancake-like regions of higher concentration of the CFO nanoparticles. The constraints on the size and distribution of the CFO nanoparticles created a unique distribution in a PZT matrix and achieved values of ME coupling of 3.07 V cm -1 Oe -1 at a DC bias of 250 Oe and 1 kHz, increasing up to 25.0 V cm -1 Oe -1 at 90 kHz. Piezo-force microscopy was used to investigate the ferroelectric domain structure before and after opposite magnetic poling directions. It was found that in this nanocomposite, the polarization of the ferroelectric domains switched direction as a result of switching the direction of the magnetization by magnetic fields.

Switching "on" and "off" the adhesion in stimuli-responsive elastomers.

PubMed

Kaiser, S; Radl, S V; Manhart, J; Ayalur-Karunakaran, S; Griesser, T; Moser, A; Ganser, C; Teichert, C; Kern, W; Schlögl, S

2018-03-28

The present work aims at the preparation of dry adhesives with switchable bonding properties by using the reversible nature of the [4πs+4πs] cycloaddition of anthracenes. Photo-responsive hydrogenated carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber with photo-responsive pendant anthracene groups is prepared by one-pot synthesis. The formation of 3D networks relies on the photodimerization of the anthracene moieties upon UV exposure (λ > 300 nm). Controlled cleavage of the crosslink sites is achieved by either deep UV exposure (λ = 254 nm) or thermal dissociation at 70 °C. The kinetics of the optical and thermal cleavage routes are compared in thin films using UV-vis spectroscopy and their influence on the reversibility of the network is detailed. Going from thin films to free standing samples the modulation of the network structure and thermo-mechanical properties over repeated crosslinking and cleavage cycles are characterized by low-field NMR spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis. The applicability of the stimuli-responsive networks as adhesives with reversible bonding properties is demonstrated. The results evidence that the reversibility of the crosslinking reaction enables a controlled switching "on" and "off" of adhesion properties. The recovery of the adhesion force amounts to 75 and 80% for photo- and thermal dissociation, respectively. Spatial control of adhesion properties is evidenced by adhesion force mapping experiments of photo-patterned films.

Reconfigurable lateral optical force achieved by selectively exciting plasmonic dark modes near Fano resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Huajin; Ye, Qian; Zhang, Yiwen; Shi, Lei; Liu, Shiyang; Jian, Zi; Lin, Zhifang

2017-08-01

We demonstrate a reconfigurable lateral optical force (OF) on a plasmonic nanoparticle immersed in a simple optical field invariant along the lateral direction and formed by two interfering plane waves. This lateral OF is shown, from the multipolar expansion technique, attributed to several coupling channels established between multiple multipoles excited on a plasmonic nanoparticle, in particular, the adjacent electric multipole modes that bring about the Fano interferences, which can substantially enhance the lateral scattering asymmetry, leading to an augmented lateral OF comparable to the longitudinal OF. More importantly, by engineering Fano interference either intrinsically through particle size or extrinsically through selectively exciting narrow plasmonic dark modes the direction of the lateral OF is reversibly switchable. The lateral OF can even be modulated continuously from positive to negative by controlling the incident angle of the interfering plane waves due to the variation of relative phase of the excited plasmonic dark modes near Fano resonance, facilitating the plasmonic nanoparticle as a controllable conveyor as well as the optical selection and separation. Besides, a fundamental and counterintuitive physical consequence emerges in that the simple proportional relation between the lateral OF and the Belinfante spin momentum derived in the small particle limit breaks down when the Fano interference comes into play, in particular, a negative lateral OF opposite the Belinfante spin momentum can be induced by properly controlling the selective excitation.

Superphobicity/philicity Janus Fabrics with Switchable, Spontaneous, Directional Transport Ability to Water and Oil Fluids

PubMed Central

Zhou, Hua; Wang, Hongxia; Niu, Haitao; Lin, Tong

2013-01-01

Herein we demonstrate that switchable, spontaneous, directional-transport ability to both water and oil fluids can be created on fabric materials through wet-chemistry coating and successive UV irradiation treatment. When the fabric showed directional transport to a liquid, it prevented liquids of higher surface tension from penetration, but allowed liquids of lower surface tension to permeate, from either side. The directional transport ability can be switched from one fluid to another simply by heating the fabric at an elevated temperature and then re-irradiating the fabric with UV light for required period of time. By attaching liquid drops vertically upwards to a horizontally-laid fabric, we further demonstrated that this novel directional fluid transport was an automatic process driven by surface property alone, irrespective of gravity's effect. This novel fabric may be useful for development of “smart” textiles and functional membranes for various applications. PMID:24129357

Switchable in-line monitor for multi-dimensional multiplexed photonic integrated circuit.

PubMed

Chen, Guanyu; Yu, Yu; Ye, Mengyuan; Zhang, Xinliang

2016-06-27

A flexible monitor suitable for the discrimination of on-chip transmitted mode division multiplexed (MDM) and wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signals is proposed and fabricated. By selectively extracting part of the incoming signals through the tunable wavelength and mode dependent drop filter, the in-line and switchable monitor can discriminate the wavelength, mode and power information of the transmitted signals. Being different from a conventional mode and wavelength demultiplexer, the monitor is specifically designed to ensure a flexible in-line monitoring. For demonstration, three mode and three wavelength multiplexed signals are successfully processed. Assisted by the integrated photodetectors (PDs), both the measured photo currents and eye diagrams validate the performance of the proposed device. The bit error ratio (BER) measurement results show less than 0.4 dB power penalty between different modes and ~2 dB power penalty for single wavelength and WDM cases under 10^-9 BER level.

2D-3D switchable display based on a passive polymeric lenticular lens array and electrically suppressed ferroelectric liquid crystal.

PubMed

Shi, Liangyu; Srivastava, Abhishek Kumar; Wai Tam, Alwin Ming; Chigrinov, Vladimir Grigorievich; Kwok, Hoi Sing

2017-09-01

We reveal a 2D-3D switchable lens unit that is based on a polarization-sensitive microlens array and a polarization selector unit made of an electrically suppressed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal (ESHFLC) cell. The ESHFLCs offer a high contrast ratio (∼10k∶1) between the crossed polarizers at a low applied electric field (∼1.7  V/μm) with a small switching time (<50  μs). A special driving scheme, to switch between a 2D and 3D mode, has been developed to avoid unwanted issues related to DC accumulation in the ferroelectric liquid crystal without affecting its optical quality. The proposed lens unit is characterized by low power consumption, ultrafast response, and 3D crosstalk <5%, and can therefore find application in TVs, cell phones, etc.

Microsecond switchable thermal antenna

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ben-Abdallah, Philippe, E-mail: pba@institutoptique.fr; Benisty, Henri; Besbes, Mondher

2014-07-21

We propose a thermal antenna that can be actively switched on and off at the microsecond scale by means of a phase transition of a metal-insulator material, the vanadium dioxide (VO{sub 2}). This thermal source is made of a periodically patterned tunable VO{sub 2} nanolayer, which support a surface phonon-polariton in the infrared range in their crystalline phase. Using electrodes properly registered with respect to the pattern, the VO{sub 2} phase transition can be locally triggered by ohmic heating so that the surface phonon-polariton can be diffracted by the induced grating, producing a highly directional thermal emission. Conversely, when heatingmore » less, the VO{sub 2} layers cool down below the transition temperature, the surface phonon-polariton cannot be diffracted anymore so that thermal emission is inhibited. This switchable antenna could find broad applications in the domain of active thermal coatings or in those of infrared spectroscopy and sensing.« less

An Electrically Switchable Metal-Organic Framework

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fernandez, CA; Martin, PC; Schaef, T

2014-08-19

Crystalline metal organic framework (MOF) materials containing interconnected porosity can be chemically modified to promote stimulus-driven (light, magnetic or electric fields) structural transformations that can be used in a number of devices. Innovative research strategies are now focused on understanding the role of chemical bond manipulation to reversibly alter the free volume in such structures of critical importance for electro-catalysis, molecular electronics, energy storage technologies, sensor devices and smart membranes. In this letter, we study the mechanism for which an electrically switchable MOF composed of Cu(TCNQ) (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) transitions from a high-resistance state to a conducting state in amore » reversible fashion by an applied potential. The actual mechanism for this reversible electrical switching is still not understood even though a number of reports are available describing the application of electric-field-induced switching of Cu(TCNQ) in device fabrication.« less

An Electrically Switchable Metal-Organic Framework

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fernandez, Carlos A.; Martin, Paul F.; Schaef, Herbert T.

2014-08-19

Crystalline metal organic framework (MOF) materials containing interconnected porosity can be chemically modified to promote stimulus-driven (light, magnetic or electric fields) structural transformations that can be used in a number of devices. Innovative research strategies are now focused on understanding the role of chemical bond manipulation to reversibly alter the free volume in such structures of critical importance for electro-catalysis, molecular electronics, energy storage technologies, sensor devices and smart membranes. In this letter, we study the mechanism for which an electrically switchable MOF composed of Cu(TCNQ) (TCNQ 5 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) transitions from a high-resistance state to a conducting state in amore » reversible fashion by an applied potential. The actual mechanism for this reversible electrical switching is still not understood even though a number of reports are available describing the application of electric-field-induced switching of Cu(TCNQ) in device fabrication.« less

Self-Assembly of a Tripodal Triszwitterion Forms a pH-Switchable Hydrogel that Can Reversibly Encapsulate Hydrophobic Guests in Water.

PubMed

Jana, Poulami; Schmuck, Carsten

2017-01-05

The development of supramolecular smart materials, which exhibit physicochemical structural changes in response to external stimuli is of current interest for various applications. Herein, we have developed the novel tripodal triszwitterion 1, derived from a C 3 -symmetric benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) core, which forms a thermo-reversible and pH-switchable transparent hydrogel through intermolecular self-complementary zwitterionic interactions at a neutral pH value. The hierarchical supramolecular self-aggregation was fully analyzed by microscopy (AFM, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM)), viscosity, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and rheology studies. Moreover, compound 1 enables to encapsulate hydrophobic guests, such as the dye Nile red in aqueous medium at pH 6, which makes it an interesting candidate for drug delivery and controlled release. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Structure-Function Study of Tertiary Amines as Switchable Polarity Solvents

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aaron D. Wilson; Frederick F. Stewart

2014-02-01

A series of tertiary amines have been screened for their function as switchable polarity solvents (SPS). The relative ratios of tertiary amine and carbonate species as well as maximum possible concentration were determined through quantitative 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The viscosities of the polar SPS solutions were measured and ranged from near water in dilute systems through to gel formation at high concentrations. The van't Hoff indices for SPS solutions were measured through freezing point depression studies as a proxy for osmotic pressures. A new form of SPS with an amine : carbonate ratio significantly greater than unity hasmore » been identified. Tertiary amines that function as SPS at ambient pressures appear to be limited to molecules with fewer than 12 carbons. The N,N-dimethyl-n-alkylamine structure has been identified as important to the function of an SPS.« less

Rational Design of a Green-Light-Mediated Unimolecular Platform for Fast Switchable Acidic Sensing.

PubMed

Zhou, Yunyun; Zou, Qi; Qiu, Jing; Wang, Linjun; Zhu, Liangliang

2018-02-01

A controllable sensing ability strongly connects to complex and precise events in diagnosis and treatment. However, imposing visible light into the molecular-scale mediation of sensing processes is restricted by the lack of structural relevance. To address this critical challenge, we present the rational design, synthesis, and in vitro studies of a novel cyanostyryl-modified azulene system for green-light-mediated fast switchable acidic sensing. The advantageous features of the design include a highly efficient green-light-driven Z/E-isomerization (a quantum yield up to 61.3%) for fast erasing chromatic and luminescent expressions and a superior compatibility with control of ratiometric protonation. Significantly, these merits of the design enable the development of a microfluidic system to perform a green-light-mediated reusable sensing function toward a gastric acid analyte in a miniaturized platform. The results may provide new insights for building future integrated green materials.

Switchable and tunable dual-wavelength Er-doped fiber ring laser with single-frequency lasing wavelengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haiwei; Shi, Wei; Bai, Xiaolei; Sheng, Quan; Xue, Lifang; Yao, Jianquan

2018-02-01

We obtain a switchable and tunable dual-wavelength single-frequency Er-doped ring fiber laser. In order to realize single-longitudinal output, two saturable-absorber-based tracking narrow-band filters are formed in 3- meter-long unpumped Er-doped fiber to narrow the linewidth via using the PM-FBG as a reflection filter. The maximum output power is 2.11 mW centered at 1550.16 nm and 1550.54 nm when the fiber laser operates in dual-wavelength mode. The corresponding linewidths of those two wavelengths are measured to be 769 Hz and 673 Hz, respectively. When the temperature around the PM-FBG is changed from 15 °C to 55 °C, the dual-wavelength single-frequency fiber laser can be tuned from 1550.12 nm to 1550.52 nm and from 1550.49 nm to 1550.82 nm, respectively.

Achieving dynamic switchable filter based on a transmutable metasurface using SMA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xin; Gao, Jinsong; Kang, Bonan

2017-09-01

We propose a switchable filter composed of transmutable array using shape memory alloys (SMA). It could exhibit a temperature induced morphology change spontaneously like the biological excitability, acting as a shutter that allows the incident energy to be selectively transmitted or reflected with in excess of 12dB isolation at the certain frequencies for both polarizations. Equivalent circuit models describe the operational principle qualitatively and the switching effect is underpinned by the full-wave analysis. A further physical mechanism is shown by contrasting the distributions of electric field and surface current on the surface at the same frequency for the two working modes. The experimental results consist with the theoretical simulations, indicating that the metasurface could serve as one innovative solution for manipulating the electromagnetic waves and enlighten the next generation of advanced electromagnetic materials with more freedom in the processes of design and manufacturing.

Switchable single-longitudinal-mode dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser based on one polarization-maintaining fiber Bragg grating incorporating saturable absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Suchun; Xu, Ou; Lu, Shaohua; Chen, Ming; Jian, Shuisheng

2009-08-01

Switchable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser at room temperature is demonstrated. One fiber Bragg grating (FBG) directly written in a polarization-maintaining and photosensitive erbiumdoped fiber (PMPEDF) as the wavelength-selective component is used in a linear laser cavity. Due to the polarization hole burning (PHB) enhanced by the polarization-maintaining fiber Bragg grating (PMFBG), the laser can be designed to operate in stable dual-wavelength or wavelength-switching modes with a wavelength spacing of 0.202 nm by adjusting a polarization controller (PC). The stable SLM operation is guaranteed by a saturable absorber (SA). The optical signal-tonoise ratio (OSNR) of the laser is over 40 dB. The amplitude variation in nearly one and half an hour is less than 0.5 dB for both wavelengths.

Study of true-remanent polarization using remanent hysteresis task and resistive leakage analysis in ferroelectric 0.64Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.36PbTiO3 ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joseph, Abhilash J.; Kumar, Binay

2018-03-01

The conventionally reported value of remanent polarization (Pr) contains contribution from non-remanent components which are not usable for memory device applications. This report presents techniques which extract the true-remanent (intrinsic) component of polarization after eliminating the non-remanent component in ferroelectric ceramics. For this, "remanent hysteresis task" and "positive-up-negative-down technique" were performed which utilized the switchable properties of polarizations to nullify the contributions from the non-remanent (non-switchable) components. The report also addresses the time-dependent leakage behavior of the ceramics focusing on the presence of resistive leakage (a time-dependent parameter) present in the ceramics. The techniques presented here are especially useful for polycrystalline ceramics where leakage current leads to an erroneous estimation of Pr.

Energy requirements of the switchable polarity solvent forward osmosis (SPS-FO) water purification process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wendt, Daniel S.; Orme, Christopher J.; Mines, Gregory L.

A model was developed to estimate the process energy requirements of a switchable polarity solvent forward osmosis (SPS FO) system for water purification from aqueous NaCl feed solution concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 molal at an operational scale of 480 m3/day (feed stream). The model indicates recovering approximately 90% of the water from a feed solution with NaCl concentration similar to seawater using SPS FO would have total equivalent energy requirements between 2.4 and 4.3 kWh per m 3 of purified water product. The process is predicted to be competitive with current costs for disposal/treatment of produced water frommore » oil and gas drilling operations. As a result, once scaled up the SPS FO process may be a thermally driven desalination process that can compete with the cost of seawater reverse osmosis.« less

Programmable Phase Transitions in a Photonic Microgel System: Linking Soft Interactions to a Temporal pH Gradient.

PubMed

Go, Dennis; Rommel, Dirk; Chen, Lisa; Shi, Feng; Sprakel, Joris; Kuehne, Alexander J C

2017-02-28

Soft amphoteric microgel systems exhibit a rich phase behavior. Crystalline phases of these material systems are of interest because they exhibit photonic stop-gaps, giving rise to iridescent color. Such microgel systems are promising for applications in soft, switchable, and programmable photonic filters and devices. We here report a composite microgel system consisting of a hard and fluorescently labeled core and a soft, amphoteric microgel shell. At pH above the isoelectric point (IEP), these colloids easily crystallize into three-dimensional colloidal assemblies. By adding a cyclic lactone to the system, the temporal pH profile can be controlled, and the microgels can be programmed to melt, while they lose charge. When the microgels gain the opposite charge, they recrystallize into assemblies of even higher order. We provide a model system to study the dynamic phase behavior of soft particles and their switchable and programmable photonic effects.

Energy requirements of the switchable polarity solvent forward osmosis (SPS-FO) water purification process

DOE PAGES

Wendt, Daniel S.; Orme, Christopher J.; Mines, Gregory L.; ...

2015-08-01

A model was developed to estimate the process energy requirements of a switchable polarity solvent forward osmosis (SPS FO) system for water purification from aqueous NaCl feed solution concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 molal at an operational scale of 480 m3/day (feed stream). The model indicates recovering approximately 90% of the water from a feed solution with NaCl concentration similar to seawater using SPS FO would have total equivalent energy requirements between 2.4 and 4.3 kWh per m 3 of purified water product. The process is predicted to be competitive with current costs for disposal/treatment of produced water frommore » oil and gas drilling operations. As a result, once scaled up the SPS FO process may be a thermally driven desalination process that can compete with the cost of seawater reverse osmosis.« less

Dynamic control of chirality in phosphine ligands for enantioselective catalysis

PubMed Central

Zhao, Depeng; Neubauer, Thomas M.; Feringa, Ben L.

2015-01-01

Chirality plays a fundamental role in biology and chemistry and the precise control of chirality in a catalytic conversion is a key to modern synthesis most prominently seen in the production of pharmaceuticals. In enantioselective metal-based catalysis, access to each product enantiomer is commonly achieved through ligand design with chiral bisphosphines being widely applied as privileged ligands. Switchable phosphine ligands, in which chirality is modulated through an external trigger signal, might offer attractive possibilities to change enantioselectivity in a catalytic process in a non-invasive manner avoiding renewed ligand synthesis. Here we demonstrate that a photoswitchable chiral bisphosphine based on a unidirectional light-driven molecular motor, can be used to invert the stereoselectivity of a palladium-catalysed asymmetric transformation. It is shown that light-induced changes in geometry and helicity of the switchable ligand enable excellent selectivity towards the racemic or individual enantiomers of the product in a Pd-catalysed desymmetrization reaction. PMID:25806856

Superphobicity/philicity Janus Fabrics with Switchable, Spontaneous, Directional Transport Ability to Water and Oil Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Hua; Wang, Hongxia; Niu, Haitao; Lin, Tong

2013-10-01

Herein we demonstrate that switchable, spontaneous, directional-transport ability to both water and oil fluids can be created on fabric materials through wet-chemistry coating and successive UV irradiation treatment. When the fabric showed directional transport to a liquid, it prevented liquids of higher surface tension from penetration, but allowed liquids of lower surface tension to permeate, from either side. The directional transport ability can be switched from one fluid to another simply by heating the fabric at an elevated temperature and then re-irradiating the fabric with UV light for required period of time. By attaching liquid drops vertically upwards to a horizontally-laid fabric, we further demonstrated that this novel directional fluid transport was an automatic process driven by surface property alone, irrespective of gravity's effect. This novel fabric may be useful for development of ``smart'' textiles and functional membranes for various applications.

Switchable Hydrolase Based on Reversible Formation of Supramolecular Catalytic Site Using a Self-Assembling Peptide.

PubMed

Zhang, Chunqiu; Shafi, Ramim; Lampel, Ayala; MacPherson, Douglas; Pappas, Charalampos G; Narang, Vishal; Wang, Tong; Maldarelli, Charles; Ulijn, Rein V

2017-11-13

The reversible regulation of catalytic activity is a feature found in natural enzymes which is not commonly observed in artificial catalytic systems. Here, we fabricate an artificial hydrolase with pH-switchable activity, achieved by introducing a catalytic histidine residue at the terminus of a pH-responsive peptide. The peptide exhibits a conformational transition from random coil to β-sheet by changing the pH from acidic to alkaline. The β-sheet self-assembles to form long fibrils with the hydrophobic edge and histidine residues extending in an ordered array as the catalytic microenvironment, which shows significant esterase activity. Catalytic activity can be reversible switched by pH-induced assembly/disassembly of the fibrils into random coils. At higher concentrations, the peptide forms a hydrogel which is also catalytically active and maintains its reversible (de-)activation. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

An Electrically Switchable Metal-Organic Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandez, Carlos A.; Martin, Paul C.; Schaef, Todd; Bowden, Mark E.; Thallapally, Praveen K.; Dang, Liem; Xu, Wu; Chen, Xilin; McGrail, B. Peter

2014-08-01

Crystalline metal organic framework (MOF) materials containing interconnected porosity can be chemically modified to promote stimulus-driven (light, magnetic or electric fields) structural transformations that can be used in a number of devices. Innovative research strategies are now focused on understanding the role of chemical bond manipulation to reversibly alter the free volume in such structures of critical importance for electro-catalysis, molecular electronics, energy storage technologies, sensor devices and smart membranes. In this letter, we study the mechanism for which an electrically switchable MOF composed of Cu(TCNQ) (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) transitions from a high-resistance state to a conducting state in a reversible fashion by an applied potential. The actual mechanism for this reversible electrical switching is still not understood even though a number of reports are available describing the application of electric-field-induced switching of Cu(TCNQ) in device fabrication.

Guest-Induced Switchable Breathing Behavior in a Flexible Metal-Organic Framework with Pronounced Negative Gas Pressure.

PubMed

Shi, Yi-Xiang; Li, Wu-Xiang; Zhang, Wen-Hua; Lang, Jian-Ping

2018-06-29

Flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted great interest for their dynamically structural transformability in response to external stimuli. Herein, we report a switchable "breathing" or "gate-opening" behavior associated with the phase transformation between a narrow pore (np) and a large pore (lp) in a flexible pillared-layered MOF, denoted as MOF-1 as, which is also confirmed by SCXRD and PXRD. The desolvated phase (MOF-1 des) features a unique stepwise adsorption isotherm for N 2 coupled with a pronounced negative gas adsorption pressure. For comparison, however, no appreciable CO 2 adsorption and gate-opening phenomenon with stepwise sorption can be observed. Furthermore, the polar micropore walls decorated with thiophene groups in MOF-1 des reveals the selective sorption of toluene over benzene and p-xylene associated with self-structural adjustment in spite of the markedly similar physicochemical properties of these vapor molecules.

Wavelength-switchable passively mode-locked fiber laser with mechanically exfoliated molybdenum ditelluride on side-polished fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Guomei

2017-11-01

We experimentally investigated the nonlinear saturable absorption characteristics of molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) and demonstrated a wavelength-switchable mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) by using MoTe2 thin film on side-polished fiber (SPF) as saturable absorber. Here, the MoTe2 thin film was efficiently fabricated via mechanical exfoliation method and transferred onto the SPF with the assistance of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). MoTe2-covered SPF (MSPF) exhibits the nonlinear saturable absorption for pulses with different polarization states. Optical solitons with spectral bandwidth of 1.06 (1.31) nm centered at ∼1559 (∼1528) nm and pulse duration of 2.46 (2.04) ps can be obtained from the EDFL by adjusting the polarization controller (PC) properly. The time-bandwidth product (TBP) of the pulses was calculated as 0.322 (0.344).

Super-resolution photon-efficient imaging by nanometric double-helix point spread function localization of emitters (SPINDLE)

PubMed Central

Grover, Ginni; DeLuca, Keith; Quirin, Sean; DeLuca, Jennifer; Piestun, Rafael

2012-01-01

Super-resolution imaging with photo-activatable or photo-switchable probes is a promising tool in biological applications to reveal previously unresolved intra-cellular details with visible light. This field benefits from developments in the areas of molecular probes, optical systems, and computational post-processing of the data. The joint design of optics and reconstruction processes using double-helix point spread functions (DH-PSF) provides high resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging over a long depth-of-field. We demonstrate for the first time a method integrating a Fisher information efficient DH-PSF design, a surface relief optical phase mask, and an optimal 3D localization estimator. 3D super-resolution imaging using photo-switchable dyes reveals the 3D microtubule network in mammalian cells with localization precision approaching the information theoretical limit over a depth of 1.2 µm. PMID:23187521

Low-cost, light-switched, forward-osmosis desalination system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Warner, John C.

The looming water crisis is the second largest issue facing humanity after energy. In order to meet the increasing demand for clean water, new efficient and low-cost methods of water purification must be developed. A promising method for dry regions with sea borders is the desalination of seawater. While there remain many disadvantages to current desalination techniques, such as environmental pollution and high cost, there is a strong opportunity for new technology development in this area. In this Phase I program, the development of a light-switchable, low-cost desalination system was explored. The system requires photoselective switching of water solubility. Ninemore » new light-switchable spiropyran-based small molecule and polymeric materials were synthesized, and methods to evaluate their desalination potential were developed and utilized. Severable promising spiropyran analogues proved to be photoswitchable, but so far sufficient photoswitchablity of solubility for a commercial desalination system was not achieved. More development is required.« less

Barcoding against a paradox? Combined molecular species delineations reveal multiple cryptic lineages in elusive meiofaunal sea slugs

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Many marine meiofaunal species are reported to have wide distributions, which creates a paradox considering their hypothesized low dispersal abilities. Correlated with this paradox is an especially high taxonomic deficit for meiofauna, partly related to a lower taxonomic effort and partly to a high number of putative cryptic species. Molecular-based species delineation and barcoding approaches have been advocated for meiofaunal biodiversity assessments to speed up description processes and uncover cryptic lineages. However, these approaches show sensitivity to sampling coverage (taxonomic and geographic) and the success rate has never been explored on mesopsammic Mollusca. Results We collected the meiofaunal sea-slug Pontohedyle (Acochlidia, Heterobranchia) from 28 localities worldwide. With a traditional morphological approach, all specimens fall into two morphospecies. However, with a multi-marker genetic approach, we reveal multiple lineages that are reciprocally monophyletic on single and concatenated gene trees in phylogenetic analyses. These lineages are largely concordant with geographical and oceanographic parameters, leading to our primary species hypothesis (PSH). In parallel, we apply four independent methods of molecular based species delineation: General Mixed Yule Coalescent model (GMYC), statistical parsimony, Bayesian Species Delineation (BPP) and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD). The secondary species hypothesis (SSH) is gained by relying only on uncontradicted results of the different approaches (‘minimum consensus approach’), resulting in the discovery of a radiation of (at least) 12 mainly cryptic species, 9 of them new to science, some sympatric and some allopatric with respect to ocean boundaries. However, the meiofaunal paradox still persists in some Pontohedyle species identified here with wide coastal and trans-archipelago distributions. Conclusions Our study confirms extensive, morphologically cryptic diversity among meiofauna and accentuates the taxonomic deficit that characterizes meiofauna research. We observe for Pontohedyle slugs a high degree of morphological simplicity and uniformity, which we expect might be a general rule for meiofauna. To tackle cryptic diversity in little explored and hard-to-sample invertebrate taxa, at present, a combined approach seems most promising, such as multi-marker-barcoding (i.e., molecular systematics using mitochondrial and nuclear markers and the criterion of reciprocal monophyly) combined with a minimum consensus approach across independent methods of molecular species delineation to define candidate species. PMID:23244441

Taxonomic richness and abundance of cryptic peracarid crustaceans in the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, Mexico

PubMed Central

Alvarez, Fernando

2017-01-01

Background and Aims Cryptic peracarids are an important component of the coral reef fauna in terms of diversity and abundance, yet they have been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the taxonomic richness and abundance of cryptic peracarids in coral rubble in the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, Mexico (PMRNP), and their relationship with depth. Methods Three reef sites were selected: (1) Bonanza, (2) Bocana, and (3) Jardines. At each site six kilograms of coral rubble were collected over four sampling periods at three depths: 3 m (back-reef), 6–8 m (fore-reef), and 10–12 m (fore-reef). Results A total of 8,887 peracarid crustaceans belonging to 200 taxa distributed over five orders and 63 families was obtained; 70% of the taxa were identified to species and 25% to genus level. Fifty species of those collected represent new records for the Mexican Caribbean Sea. Isopoda was the most speciose order while Tanaidacea was the most abundant. Discussion Cryptic peracarid taxonomic richness and abundance were related to depth with higher values of both parameters being found in the shallow (3 m) back-reef, possibly due to a higher reef development and a greater accumulation of coral rubble produced during hurricanes. Peracarid data obtained in the present study can be used as a baseline for future monitoring programs in the PMRNP. PMID:28630800

Cryptic choice of conspecific sperm controlled by the impact of ovarian fluid on sperm swimming behavior.

PubMed

Yeates, Sarah E; Diamond, Sian E; Einum, Sigurd; Emerson, Brent C; Holt, William V; Gage, Matthew J G

2013-12-01

Despite evidence that variation in male-female reproductive compatibility exists in many fertilization systems, identifying mechanisms of cryptic female choice at the gamete level has been a challenge. Here, under risks of genetic incompatibility through hybridization, we show how salmon and trout eggs promote fertilization by conspecific sperm. Using in vitro fertilization experiments that replicate the gametic microenvironment, we find complete interfertility between both species. However, if either species' ova were presented with equivalent numbers of both sperm types, conspecific sperm gained fertilization precedence. Surprisingly, the species' identity of the eggs did not explain this cryptic female choice, which instead was primarily controlled by conspecific ovarian fluid, a semiviscous, protein-rich solution that bathes the eggs and is released at spawning. Video analyses revealed that ovarian fluid doubled sperm motile life span and straightened swimming trajectory, behaviors allowing chemoattraction up a concentration gradient. To confirm chemoattraction, cell migration tests through membranes containing pores that approximated to the egg micropyle showed that conspecific ovarian fluid attracted many more spermatozoa through the membrane, compared with heterospecific fluid or water. These combined findings together identify how cryptic female choice can evolve at the gamete level and promote reproductive isolation, mediated by a specific chemoattractive influence of ovarian fluid on sperm swimming behavior. © 2013 The Authors. Evolution published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Society for the Study of Evolution.

Botrytis californica, a new cryptic species in the B. cinerea species complex causing gray mold in blueberries and table grapes.

PubMed

Saito, S; Margosan, D; Michailides, T J; Xiao, C L

2016-01-01

The Botrytis cinerea species complex comprises two cryptic species, originally referred to Group I and Group II based on Bc-hch gene RFLP haplotyping. Group I was described as a new cryptic species B. pseudocinerea During a survey of Botrytis spp. causing gray mold in blueberries and table grapes in the Central Valley of California, six isolates, three from blueberries and three from table grapes, were placed in Group I but had a distinct morphological character with conidiophores significantly longer than those of B. cinerea and B. pseudocinerea We compared these with B. cinerea and B. pseudocinerea by examining morphological and physiological characters, sensitivity to fenhexamid and phylogenetic analysis inferred from sequences of three nuclear genes. Phylogenetic analysis with the three partial gene sequences encoding glyceraldehyde-3-phosate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), heat-shock protein 60 (HSP60) and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunit II (RPB2) supported the proposal of a new Botrytis species, B. californica, which is closely related genetically to B. cinerea, B. pseudocinerea and B. sinoviticola, all known as causal agents of gray mold of grapes. Botrytis californica caused decay on blueberry and table grape fruit inoculated with the fungus. This study suggests that B. californica is a cryptic species sympatric with B. cinerea on blueberries and table grapes in California. © 2016 by The Mycological Society of America.

Hidden and cryptic species reflect parallel and correlated evolution in the phylogeny of the genus Callyntra (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) of Central Chile.

PubMed

Zúñiga-Reinoso, Álvaro; Méndez, Marco A

2018-04-24

The origin of cryptic species has traditionally been associated with events of recent speciation, genetic constraints, selection of an adaptive character, sexual selection and/or convergent evolution. Species of the genus Callyntra inhabit coastal terraces, mountain slopes, and peaks; their elytral designs are associated with each of these habitats. However, cryptic species have been described within each of these habitats; the taxonomy of this group has been problematic, thus establishing the phylogenetic relationships in this group is fundamental to clarify the systematics and evolutionary patterns of Callyntra. We reconstructed the phylogeny of this group using two mitochondrial genes (COI, 16S) and one nuclear gene (Mp20). We also performed species delimitation using PTP based methods (PTP, mlPTP, bPTP) and GMYC, and evaluated the evolution of the elytral design related to habitat preference. The results showed a tree with five clades, that together with the different methods of species delimitation recovered the described species and suggested at least five new species. The elytral design and habitat preference showed phylogenetic signals. We propose a new classification based on monophyletic groups recovered by phylogenetic analyses. We also suggest that parallel evolution in different habitats and later stasis in the elytral design would be the cause of the origin of cryptic species in this group from central Chile. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Switchable Underwater Bubble Wettability on Laser-Induced Titanium Multiscale Micro-/Nanostructures by Vertically Crossed Scanning.

PubMed

Jiao, Yunlong; Li, Chuanzong; Wu, Sizhu; Hu, Yanlei; Li, Jiawen; Yang, Liang; Wu, Dong; Chu, Jiaru

2018-05-16

We present here a kind of novel multiscale TiO 2 square micropillar arrays on titanium sheets through vertically crossed scanning of femtosecond laser. This multiscale micro-/nanostructure is ascribed to the combination of laser ablation/shock compression/debris self-deposition, which shows superaerophobicity in water with a very small sliding angle. The laser-induced sample displays switchable bubble wettability in water via heating in a dark environment and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in alcohol. After heating in a dark environment (0.5 h), the ablated titanium surface shows superaerophilicity in water with a bubble contact angle (BCA) of ∼4°, which has a great ability of capturing bubbles in water. After UV irradiation in alcohol (1 h), the sample recovered its superaerophobicity in water and the BCA turns into 156°. The mechanism of reversible switching is believed as the chemical conversion between Ti-OH and Ti-O. It is worth noting that our proposed switching strategy is time-saving and the switch wetting cycle costs only 1.5 h. Then we repeat five switching cycles on the reversibility and the method shows excellent reproducibility and stability. Moreover, laser-induced samples with different scanning spacing (50-120 μm) are fabricated and all of them show switchable underwater bubble wettability via the above tunable methods. Finally, we fabricate hybrid-patterned microstructures to show different patterned bubbles in water on the heated samples. We believe the original works will provide some new insights to researchers in bubble manipulation and gas collection fields.

Dual switchable CRET-induced luminescence of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) by the hemin/G-quadruplex-bridged aggregation and deaggregation of two-sized QDs.

PubMed

Hu, Lianzhe; Liu, Xiaoqing; Cecconello, Alessandro; Willner, Itamar

2014-10-08

The hemin/G-quadruplex-catalyzed generation of chemiluminescence through the oxidation of luminol by H2O2 stimulates the chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) to CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), resulting in the luminescence of the QDs. By the cyclic K(+)-ion-induced formation of the hemin/G-quadruplex linked to the QDs, and the separation of the G-quadruplex in the presence of 18-crown-6-ether, the ON-OFF switchable CRET-induced luminescence of the QDs is demonstrated. QDs were modified with nucleic acids consisting of the G-quadruplex subunits sequences and of programmed domains that can be cross-linked through hybridization, using an auxiliary scaffold. In the presence of K(+)-ions, the QDs aggregate through the cooperative stabilization of K(+)-ion-stabilized G-quadruplex bridges and duplex domains between the auxiliary scaffold and the nucleic acids associated with the QDs. In the presence of 18-crown-6-ether, the K(+)-ions are eliminated from the G-quadruplex units, leading to the separation of the aggregated QDs. By the cyclic treatment of the QDs with K(+)-ions/18-crown-6-ether, the reversible aggregation/deaggregation of the QDs is demonstrated. The incorporation of hemin into the K(+)-ion-stabilized G-quadruplex leads to the ON-OFF switchable CRET-stimulated luminescence of the QDs. By the mixing of appropriately modified two-sized QDs, emitting at 540 and 610 nm, the dual ON-OFF activation of the luminescence of the QDs is demonstrated.

Temperature-Triggered Switchable Helix-Helix Inversion of Poly(phenylacetylene) Bearing l-Valine Ethyl Ester Pendants and Its Chiral Recognition Ability.

PubMed

Zhou, Yanli; Zhang, Chunhong; Qiu, Yuan; Liu, Lijia; Yang, Taotao; Dong, Hongxing; Satoh, Toshifumi; Okamoto, Yoshio

2016-11-21

A phenylacetylene containing the l-valine ethyl ester pendant (PAA-Val) was synthesized and polymerized by an organorhodium catalyst (Rh(nbd)BPh₄) to produce the corresponding one-handed helical cis -poly(phenylacetylene) (PPAA-Val). PPAA-Val showed a unique temperature-triggered switchable helix-sense in chloroform, while it was not observed in highly polar solvents, such as N , N '-dimethylformamide (DMF). By heating the solution of PPAA-Val in chloroform, the sign of the CD absorption became reversed, but recovered after cooling the solution to room temperature. Even after six cycles of the heating-cooling treatment, the helix sense of the PPAA-Val's backbone was still switchable without loss of the CD intensity. The PPAA-Val was then coated on silica gel particles to produce novel chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These novel PPAA-Val based CSPs showed a high chiral recognition ability for racemic mandelonitrile ( α = 2.18) and racemic trans - N , N '-diphenylcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxamide ( α = 2.60). Additionally, the one-handed helical cis -polyene backbone of PPAA-Val was irreversibly destroyed to afford PPAA-Val-H by heating in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) accompanied by the complete disappearance of the Cotton effect. Although PPAA-Val-H had the same l-valine ethyl ester pendants as its cis -isomer PPAA-Val, it showed no chiral recognition. It was concluded that the one-handed helical cis -polyene backbone of PPAA-Val plays an important role in the chiral recognition ability.

Structure of C3b reveals conformational changes that underlie complement activity.

PubMed

Janssen, Bert J C; Christodoulidou, Agni; McCarthy, Andrew; Lambris, John D; Gros, Piet

2006-11-09

Resistance to infection and clearance of cell debris in mammals depend on the activation of the complement system, which is an important component of innate and adaptive immunity. Central to the complement system is the activated form of C3, called C3b, which attaches covalently to target surfaces to amplify complement response, label cells for phagocytosis and stimulate the adaptive immune response. C3b consists of 1,560 amino-acid residues and has 12 domains. It binds various proteins and receptors to effect its functions. However, it is not known how C3 changes its conformation into C3b and thereby exposes its many binding sites. Here we present the crystal structure at 4-A resolution of the activated complement protein C3b and describe the conformational rearrangements of the 12 domains that take place upon proteolytic activation. In the activated form the thioester is fully exposed for covalent attachment to target surfaces and is more than 85 A away from the buried site in native C3 (ref. 5). Marked domain rearrangements in the alpha-chain present an altered molecular surface, exposing hidden and cryptic sites that are consistent with known putative binding sites of factor B and several complement regulators. The structural data indicate that the large conformational changes in the proteolytic activation and regulation of C3 take place mainly in the first conversion step, from C3 to C3b. These insights are important for the development of strategies to treat immune disorders that involve complement-mediated inflammation.

Effect of duration of exposure to polluted air environment on lung function in subjects exposed to crude oil spill into sea water.

PubMed

Meo, Sultan Ayoub; Al-Drees, Abdul Majeed; Rasheed, Shahzad; Meo, Imran Mu; Khan, Muhammad Mujahid; Al-Saadi, Muslim M; Alkandari, Jasem Ramadan

2009-01-01

Oil spill in sea water represents a huge environmental disaster for marine life and humans in the vicinity. The aim was to investigate the effect of duration of exposure to polluted air environment on lung function in subjects exposed to crude oil spill into sea water. The present study was conducted under the supervision of Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the period July 2003 - December 2004. This was a comparative study of spirometry in 31 apparently healthy, non smoking, male workers, exposed to crude oil spill environment during the oil cleaning operation. The exposed group was matched with similar number of male, non smoking control subjects. Pulmonary function test was performed by using an electronic spirometer. Subjects exposed to polluted air for periods longer than 15 days showed a significant reduction in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in First Second (FEV1), Forced Expiratory Flow in 25-25% (FEF25-75%) and Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV). Air environment polluted due to crude oil spill into sea water caused impaired lung function and this impairment was associated with dose response effect of duration of exposure to air polluted by crude oil spill into sea water.

Whiplash causes increased laxity of cervical capsular ligament

PubMed Central

Ivancic, Paul C.; Ito, Shigeki; Tominaga, Yasuhiro; Rubin, Wolfgang; Coe, Marcus P.; Ndu, Anthony B.; Carlson, Erik J.; Panjabi, Manohar M.

2009-01-01

Background Previous clinical studies have identified the cervical facet joint, including the capsular ligaments, as sources of pain in whiplash patients. The goal of this study was to determine whether whiplash caused increased capsular ligament laxity by applying quasi-static loading to whiplash-exposed and control capsular ligaments. Methods A total of 66 capsular ligament specimens (C2/3 to C7/T1) were prepared from 12 cervical spines (6 whiplash-exposed and 6 control). The whiplash-exposed spines had been previously rear impacted at a maximum peak T1 horizontal acceleration of 8 g. Capsular ligaments were elongated at 1 mm/s in increments of 0.05 mm until a tensile force of 5 N was achieved and subsequently returned to neutral position. Four pre-conditioning cycles were performed and data from the load phase of the fifth cycle were used for subsequent analyses. Ligament elongation was computed at tensile forces of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 N. Two factor, non-repeated measures ANOVA (P<0.05) was performed to determine significant differences in the average ligament elongation at tensile forces of 0 and 5 N between the whiplash-exposed and control groups and between spinal levels. Findings Average elongation of the whiplash-exposed capsular ligaments was significantly greater than that of the control ligaments at tensile forces of 0 and 5 N. No significant differences between spinal levels were observed. Interpretation Capsular ligament injuries, in the form of increased laxity, may be one component perpetuating chronic pain and clinical instability in whiplash patients. PMID:17959284

Strong signal increase in STED fluorescence microscopy by imaging regions of subdiffraction extent

PubMed Central

Göttfert, Fabian; Pleiner, Tino; Heine, Jörn; Westphal, Volker; Görlich, Dirk; Sahl, Steffen J.; Hell, Stefan W.

2017-01-01

Photobleaching remains a limiting factor in superresolution fluorescence microscopy. This is particularly true for stimulated emission depletion (STED) and reversible saturable/switchable optical fluorescence transitions (RESOLFT) microscopy, where adjacent fluorescent molecules are distinguished by sequentially turning them off (or on) using a pattern of light formed as a doughnut or a standing wave. In sample regions where the pattern intensity reaches or exceeds a certain threshold, the molecules are essentially off (or on), whereas in areas where the intensity is lower, that is, around the intensity minima, the molecules remain in the initial state. Unfortunately, the creation of on/off state differences on subdiffraction scales requires the maxima of the intensity pattern to exceed the threshold intensity by a large factor that scales with the resolution. Hence, when recording an image by scanning the pattern across the sample, each molecule in the sample is repeatedly exposed to the maxima, which exacerbates bleaching. Here, we introduce MINFIELD, a strategy for fundamentally reducing bleaching in STED/RESOLFT nanoscopy through restricting the scanning to subdiffraction-sized regions. By safeguarding the molecules from the intensity of the maxima and exposing them only to the lower intensities (around the minima) needed for the off-switching (on-switching), MINFIELD largely avoids detrimental transitions to higher molecular states. A bleaching reduction by up to 100-fold is demonstrated. Recording nanobody-labeled nuclear pore complexes in Xenopus laevis cells showed that MINFIELD-STED microscopy resolved details separated by <25 nm where conventional scanning failed to acquire sufficient signal. PMID:28193881

Animal Magnetism: Metaphoric Cues Alter Perceptions of Romantic Partners and Relationships.

PubMed

Christy, Andrew G; Hirsch, Kelly A; Schlegel, Rebecca J

2016-01-01

The psychological state of love is difficult to define, and we often rely on metaphors to communicate about this state and its constituent experiences. Commonly, these metaphors liken love to a physical force-it sweeps us off our feet, causes sparks to fly, and ignites flames of passion. Even the use of "attraction" to refer to romantic interest, commonplace in both popular and scholarly discourse, implies a force propelling two objects together. The present research examined the effects of exposing participants to a physical force (magnetism) on subsequent judgments of romantic outcomes. Across two studies, participants exposed to magnets reported greater levels of satisfaction, attraction, intimacy, and commitment.

Atmospheric Corrosivity at Australian and Overseas Airbases and Airports

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-01

climatic conditions, the correlation between the GCIA and weight loss data from aluminium alloy coupons exposed in the open at 38 sites in the US...corrosivity. The test consists of an aluminium wire wrapped around a copper bolt exposed in the atmosphere for three months; the weight loss of the wire...Abbreviations/Acronyms AAC Army Aviation Centre AB Air Base ADF Australian Defence Force AFB Air Force Base Al aluminium ANGB Air National Guard Base

Production of isometric forces during sustained acceleration.

PubMed

Sand, D P; Girgenrath, M; Bock, O; Pongratz, H

2003-06-01

The operation of high-performance aircraft requires pilots to apply finely graded forces on controls. Since they are often exposed to high levels of acceleration in flight, we investigated to what extent this ability is degraded in such an environment. Twelve healthy non-pilot volunteers were seated in the gondola of a centrifuge and their performance was tested at normal gravity (1 G) and while exposed to sustained forces of 1.5 G and 3 G oriented from head to foot (+Gz). Using an isometric joystick, they attempted to produce force vectors with specific lengths and directions commanded in random order by a visual display. Acceleration had substantial effects on the magnitude of produced force. Compared with 1 G, maximum produced force was about 2 N higher at 1.5 G and about 10 N higher at 3 G. The size of this effect was constant across the different magnitudes, but varied with the direction of the prescribed force. Acceleration degrades control of force production. This finding may indicate that the motor system misinterprets the unusual gravitoinertial environment and/or that proprioceptive feedback is degraded due to increased muscle tone. The production of excessive isometric force could affect the safe operation of high-performance aircraft.

Dynamic Coordination of Eu-Iminodiacetate to Control Fluorochromic Response of Polymer Hydrogels to Multistimuli.

PubMed

Weng, Gengsheng; Thanneeru, Srinivas; He, Jie

2018-03-01

New fluorochromic materials that reversibly change their emission properties in response to their environment are of interest for the development of sensors and light-emitting materials. A new design of Eu-containing polymer hydrogels showing fast self-healing and tunable fluorochromic properties in response to five different stimuli, including pH, temperature, metal ions, sonication, and force, is reported. The polymer hydrogels are fabricated using Eu-iminodiacetate (IDA) coordination in a hydrophilic poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) matrix. Dynamic metal-ligand coordination allows reversible formation and disruption of hydrogel networks under various stimuli which makes hydrogels self-healable and injectable. Such hydrogels show interesting switchable ON/OFF luminescence along with the sol-gel transition through the reversible formation and dissociation of Eu-IDA complexes upon various stimuli. It is demonstrated that Eu-containing hydrogels display fast and reversible mechanochromic response as well in hydrogels having interpenetrating polymer network. Those multistimuli responsive fluorochromic hydrogels illustrate a new pathway to make smart optical materials, particularly for biological sensors where multistimuli response is required. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A novel Kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm for Non-Equilibrium Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jha, Prateek; Kuzovkov, Vladimir; Grzybowski, Bartosz; Olvera de La Cruz, Monica

2012-02-01

We have developed an off-lattice kinetic Monte Carlo simulation scheme for reaction-diffusion problems in soft matter systems. The definition of transition probabilities in the Monte Carlo scheme are taken identical to the transition rates in a renormalized master equation of the diffusion process and match that of the Glauber dynamics of Ising model. Our scheme provides several advantages over the Brownian dynamics technique for non-equilibrium simulations. Since particle displacements are accepted/rejected in a Monte Carlo fashion as opposed to moving particles following a stochastic equation of motion, nonphysical movements (e.g., violation of a hard core assumption) are not possible (these moves have zero acceptance). Further, the absence of a stochastic ``noise'' term resolves the computational difficulties associated with generating statistically independent trajectories with definitive mean properties. Finally, since the timestep is independent of the magnitude of the interaction forces, much longer time-steps can be employed than Brownian dynamics. We discuss the applications of this scheme for dynamic self-assembly of photo-switchable nanoparticles and dynamical problems in polymeric systems.

Polarization-induced interfacial coupling modulations in BaTiO3/GaN heterojunction devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhat, Thirumaleshwara N.; Pandey, B. K.; Krupanidhi, S. B.

2017-07-01

We report on the ferroelectric polarization-induced switchable interfacial coupling modulations in BaTiO3/GaN heterojunction transport behaviour. The ferroelectric barium titanate, BaTiO3 (BTO) was integrated with polar semiconductor gallium nitride (GaN). BTO with a tetragonal structure was deposited on a wurtzite (0 0 0 1) epitaxial GaN/c-Al2O3 substrate by pulsed laser deposition, which was further confirmed by x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. BTO/GaN heterojunctions with resistive switching behaviour exhibited modulations in transport characteristics due to the interfacial coupling. The ferroelectric nature and interfacial coupling effect of this heterojunction was confirmed with the help of piezo-response force microscopy. A valence band offset of 0.82 eV and conduction band offset of 0.62 eV were obtained for BTO/GaN heterojunctions by x-ray photo-electron spectroscopy. This interfacial coupling phenomenon was analysed and its effect on the carrier conduction in the heterojunction was investigated by band alignment studies.

Magnetostriction-polarization coupling in multiferroic Mn 2MnWO 6

DOE PAGES

Li, Man-Rong; McCabe, Emma E.; Stephens, Peter W.; ...

2017-12-11

Double corundum-related polar magnets are promising materials for multiferroic and magnetoelectric applications in spintronics. However, their design and synthesis is a challenge, and magnetoelectric coupling has only been observed in Ni 3TeO 6 among the known double corundum compounds to date. Here in this paper we address the high-pressure synthesis of a new polar and antiferromagnetic corundum derivative Mn 2MnWO 6, which adopts the Ni 3TeO 6-type structure with low temperature first-order field-induced metamagnetic phase transitions (T N = 58 K) and high spontaneous polarization (~ 63.3 μC·cm -2). The magnetostriction-polarization coupling in Mn 2MnWO 6 is evidenced by secondmore » harmonic generation effect, and corroborated by magnetic-field-dependent pyroresponse behavior, which together with the magnetic-field-dependent polarization and dielectric measurements, qualitatively indicate magnetoelectric coupling. Finally, piezoresponse force microscopy imaging and spectroscopy studies on Mn 2MnWO 6 show switchable polarization, which motivates further exploration on magnetoelectric effect in single crystal/thin film specimens.« less

Endowing Hydrochromism to Fluorans via Bioinspired Alteration of Molecular Structures and Microenvironments and Expanding Their Potential for Rewritable Paper.

PubMed

Xi, Guan; Sheng, Lan; Zhang, Ivan; Du, Jiahui; Zhang, Ting; Chen, Qiaonan; Li, Guiying; Zhang, Ying; Song, Yue; Li, Jianhua; Zhang, Yu-Mo; Zhang, Sean Xiao-An

2017-11-01

Interest and effort toward new materials for rewritable paper have increased dramatically because of the exciting advantages for sustainable development and better nature life cycle. Inspired by how nature works within living systems, herein, we have used fluorans, as a concept verification, to endow original acidochromic, basochromic or photochromic molecules with broader properties, such as switchable with solvent, water, heat, electricity, stress, other force, etc., via simplified methods (i.e., via variation of submolecular structure or microenvironments). The hydrochromic visual change and reversible behavior of selected molecules have been explored, and the primary mechanism at the atomic or subatomic level has been hypothesized. In addition, several newly demonstrated hydrochromic fluorans have been utilized for water-jet rewritable paper (WJRP), which exhibit great photostability, high hydrochromic contrast, and fast responsive rate and which can be reused at least 30 times without significant variation. The water-jet prints have good resolution and various colors and can keep legibility after a few months or years. This improved performance is a major step toward practical applications of WJRP.

Ferroelectric and magnetic properties of Aurivillius Bi{sub m+1}Ti{sub 3}Fe{sub m−3}O{sub 3m+3} thin films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jia, Tingting, E-mail: jia.tingting@nims.go.jp; Kimura, Hideo, E-mail: KIMURA.Hideo@nims.go.jp; Cheng, Zhenxiang

2015-11-15

Aurivillius Bi{sub m+1}Ti{sub 3}Fe{sub m−3}O{sub 3m+3} (m = 4, 5, 6) thin films have been deposited by a pulsed laser deposition system. The x-ray diffraction patterns indicate the formation of orthorhombic phase. The remanent polarization (2P{sub r}) of Bi{sub m+1}Ti{sub 3}Fe{sub m−3}O{sub 3m+3} thin films is decreased with the m-number. Positive-up-negative-down measurements indicate the presence of ferroelectric (FE) polarization in as-obtained thin films. Piezoresponse force microscopy investigations confirm the existence of FE domains and the switchable polarization. Weak magnetic moment is detected in the Aurivillius films at room temperature. The present work suggests the possibility of Aurivillius Bi{sub m+1}Ti{sub 3}Fe{sub m−3}O{sub 3m+3}more » (m = 4, 5, 6) materials as potential room-temperature multiferroics.« less

Magnetostriction-polarization coupling in multiferroic Mn 2MnWO 6

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Man-Rong; McCabe, Emma E.; Stephens, Peter W.

Double corundum-related polar magnets are promising materials for multiferroic and magnetoelectric applications in spintronics. However, their design and synthesis is a challenge, and magnetoelectric coupling has only been observed in Ni 3TeO 6 among the known double corundum compounds to date. Here in this paper we address the high-pressure synthesis of a new polar and antiferromagnetic corundum derivative Mn 2MnWO 6, which adopts the Ni 3TeO 6-type structure with low temperature first-order field-induced metamagnetic phase transitions (T N = 58 K) and high spontaneous polarization (~ 63.3 μC·cm -2). The magnetostriction-polarization coupling in Mn 2MnWO 6 is evidenced by secondmore » harmonic generation effect, and corroborated by magnetic-field-dependent pyroresponse behavior, which together with the magnetic-field-dependent polarization and dielectric measurements, qualitatively indicate magnetoelectric coupling. Finally, piezoresponse force microscopy imaging and spectroscopy studies on Mn 2MnWO 6 show switchable polarization, which motivates further exploration on magnetoelectric effect in single crystal/thin film specimens.« less

Cryptic glucocorticoid receptor-binding sites pervade genomic NF-κB response elements.

PubMed

Hudson, William H; Vera, Ian Mitchelle S de; Nwachukwu, Jerome C; Weikum, Emily R; Herbst, Austin G; Yang, Qin; Bain, David L; Nettles, Kendall W; Kojetin, Douglas J; Ortlund, Eric A

2018-04-06

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are potent repressors of NF-κB activity, making them a preferred choice for treatment of inflammation-driven conditions. Despite the widespread use of GCs in the clinic, current models are inadequate to explain the role of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) within this critical signaling pathway. GR binding directly to NF-κB itself-tethering in a DNA binding-independent manner-represents the standing model of how GCs inhibit NF-κB-driven transcription. We demonstrate that direct binding of GR to genomic NF-κB response elements (κBREs) mediates GR-driven repression of inflammatory gene expression. We report five crystal structures and solution NMR data of GR DBD-κBRE complexes, which reveal that GR recognizes a cryptic response element between the binding footprints of NF-κB subunits within κBREs. These cryptic sequences exhibit high sequence and functional conservation, suggesting that GR binding to κBREs is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of controlling the inflammatory response.

Minimized state complexity of quantum-encoded cryptic processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riechers, Paul M.; Mahoney, John R.; Aghamohammadi, Cina; Crutchfield, James P.

2016-05-01

The predictive information required for proper trajectory sampling of a stochastic process can be more efficiently transmitted via a quantum channel than a classical one. This recent discovery allows quantum information processing to drastically reduce the memory necessary to simulate complex classical stochastic processes. It also points to a new perspective on the intrinsic complexity that nature must employ in generating the processes we observe. The quantum advantage increases with codeword length: the length of process sequences used in constructing the quantum communication scheme. In analogy with the classical complexity measure, statistical complexity, we use this reduced communication cost as an entropic measure of state complexity in the quantum representation. Previously difficult to compute, the quantum advantage is expressed here in closed form using spectral decomposition. This allows for efficient numerical computation of the quantum-reduced state complexity at all encoding lengths, including infinite. Additionally, it makes clear how finite-codeword reduction in state complexity is controlled by the classical process's cryptic order, and it allows asymptotic analysis of infinite-cryptic-order processes.

Evaluation of prophylactic and therapeutic effects of sildenafil on acute radiation proctitis in rats.

PubMed

Yavuz, Erkan; Ercan, Gulcin; Karagulle, Onur Olgac; Bayrak, Busra Yaprak; Biricik, Aytac; Ercetin, Candas; Gokcek, Berk; Yigitbas, Hakan; Kusaslan, Ramazan; Celik, Atilla; Gulcicek, Osman Bilgin

2018-04-01

To investigate the prophylactic and therapeutical effects of sildenafil in a model of acute radiation proctitis (ARP). All experimental procedures of this study was examined by histopathological, immunohistochemical and transmission electron microscopic analysis. Our histopathological evaluations indicated significant increases in lesion severity, cryptic apsis, cryptitis, cryptic distortion, reactive atypia and infiltration depth of the control (proctitis) group. While the prophylaxis group and the treatment group had significantly lower scores. High-dose group showed similar results as prophylaxis group. Histopathological findings of the prophylaxis group was more significant than the treatment group. Immunoreactivities of IL-1β, FGF-2, TNF- α and HIF-1α increased in the control group especially in the epithelial and cryptic regions. On the contrary, sildenafil application caused significant decreases of inflammatory markers in all treatment groups, specifically better results in the prophylaxis group. The sildenafil has anti-inflammatory effects on ARP, as well as protective effects against ARP and the protective effect of sildenafil surpasses its therapeutic effect histopathologically.

Characterization of a cryptic plasmid from an alpha-proteobacterial endosymbiont of Amoeba proteus.

PubMed

Park, Miey; Kim, Min-Soo; Lee, Kyung-Min; Hwang, Sue-Yun; Ahn, Tae In

2009-01-01

A new cryptic plasmid pAP3.9 was discovered in symbiotic alpha-proteobacteria present in the cytoplasm of Amoeba proteus. The plasmid is 3869bp with a GC content of 34.66% and contains replication origins for both double-strand (dso) and single-strand (sso). It has three putative ORFs encoding Mob, Rep and phosphoglycolate phosphatase (PGPase). The pAP3.9 plasmid appears to propagate by the conjugative rolling-circle replication (RCR), since it contains all required factors such as Rep, sso and dso. Mob and Rep showed highest similarities to those of the cryptic plasmid pBMYdx in Bacillus mycoides. The PGPase was homologous to that of Bacillus cereus and formed a clade with those of Bacillus sp. in molecular phylogeny. These results imply that the pAP3.9 plasmid evolved by the passage through Bacillus species. We hypothesize that the plasmid-encoded PGPase may have contributed to the establishment of bacterial symbiosis within the hostile environment of amoeba cytoplasm.

The Emerging Importance of Non-HLA Autoantibodies in Kidney Transplant Complications.

PubMed

Cardinal, Héloise; Dieudé, Mélanie; Hébert, Marie-Josée

2017-02-01

Antibodies that are specific to organ donor HLA have been involved in the majority of cases of antibody-mediated rejection in solid organ transplant recipients. However, recent data show that production of non-HLA autoantibodies can occur before transplant in the form of natural autoantibodies. In contrast to HLAs, which are constitutively expressed on the cell surface of the allograft endothelium, autoantigens are usually cryptic. Tissue damage associated with ischemia-reperfusion, vascular injury, and/or rejection creates permissive conditions for the expression of cryptic autoantigens, allowing these autoantibodies to bind antigenic targets and further enhance vascular inflammation and renal dysfunction. Antiperlecan/LG3 antibodies and antiangiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies have been found before transplant in patients with de novo transplants and portend negative long-term outcome in patients with renal transplants. Here, we review mounting evidence suggesting an important role for autoantibodies to cryptic antigens as novel accelerators of kidney dysfunction and acute or chronic allograft rejection. Copyright © 2017 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Cryptic MCAT enhancer regulation in fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. Suppression of TEF-1 mediated activation by the single-stranded DNA-binding proteins, Pur alpha, Pur beta, and MSY1.

PubMed

Carlini, Leslie E; Getz, Michael J; Strauch, Arthur R; Kelm, Robert J

2002-03-08

An asymmetric polypurine-polypyrimidine cis-element located in the 5' region of the mouse vascular smooth muscle alpha-actin gene serves as a binding site for multiple proteins with specific affinity for either single- or double-stranded DNA. Here, we test the hypothesis that single-stranded DNA-binding proteins are responsible for preventing a cryptic MCAT enhancer centered within this element from cooperating with a nearby serum response factor-interacting CArG motif to trans-activate the minimal promoter in fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. DNA binding studies revealed that the core MCAT sequence mediates binding of transcription enhancer factor-1 to the double-stranded polypurine-polypyrimidine element while flanking nucleotides account for interaction of Pur alpha and Pur beta with the purine-rich strand and MSY1 with the complementary pyrimidine-rich strand. Mutations that selectively impaired high affinity single-stranded DNA binding by fibroblast or smooth muscle cell-derived Pur alpha, Pur beta, and MSY1 in vitro, released the cryptic MCAT enhancer from repression in transfected cells. Additional experiments indicated that Pur alpha, Pur beta, and MSY1 also interact specifically, albeit weakly, with double-stranded DNA and with transcription enhancer factor-1. These results are consistent with two plausible models of cryptic MCAT enhancer regulation by Pur alpha, Pur beta, and MSY1 involving either competitive single-stranded DNA binding or masking of MCAT-bound transcription enhancer factor-1.

When to stop managing or surveying cryptic threatened species

PubMed Central

Chadès, Iadine; McDonald-Madden, Eve; McCarthy, Michael A.; Wintle, Brendan; Linkie, Matthew; Possingham, Hugh P.

2008-01-01

Threatened species become increasingly difficult to detect as their populations decline. Managers of such cryptic threatened species face several dilemmas: if they are not sure the species is present, should they continue to manage for that species or invest the limited resources in surveying? We find optimal solutions to this problem using a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process and rules of thumb derived from an analytical approximation. We discover that managing a protected area for a cryptic threatened species can be optimal even if we are not sure the species is present. The more threatened and valuable the species is, relative to the costs of management, the more likely we are to manage this species without determining its continued persistence by using surveys. If a species remains unseen, our belief in the persistence of the species declines to a point where the optimal strategy is to shift resources from saving the species to surveying for it. Finally, when surveys lead to a sufficiently low belief that the species is extant, we surrender resources to other conservation actions. We illustrate our findings with a case study using parameters based on the critically endangered Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), and we generate rules of thumb on how to allocate conservation effort for any cryptic species. Using Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes in conservation science, we determine the conditions under which it is better to abandon management for that species because our belief that it continues to exist is too low. PMID:18779594

Acoustic divergence in the communication of cryptic species of nocturnal primates (Microcebus ssp.)

PubMed Central

Braune, Pia; Schmidt, Sabine; Zimmermann, Elke

2008-01-01

Background A central question in evolutionary biology is how cryptic species maintain species cohesiveness in an area of sympatry. The coexistence of sympatrically living cryptic species requires the evolution of species-specific signalling and recognition systems. In nocturnal, dispersed living species, specific vocalisations have been suggested to act as an ideal premating isolation mechanism. We studied the structure and perception of male advertisement calls of three nocturnal, dispersed living mouse lemur species, the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), the golden brown mouse lemur (M. ravelobensis) and the Goodman's mouse lemur (M. lehilahytsara). The first two species occur sympatrically, the latter lives allopatrically to them. Results A multi-parameter sound analysis revealed prominent differences in the frequency contour and in the duration of advertisement calls. To test whether mouse lemurs respond specifically to calls of the different species, we conducted a playback experiment with M. murinus from the field using advertisement calls and alarm whistle calls of all three species. Individuals responded significantly stronger to conspecific than to heterospecific advertisement calls but there were no differences in response behaviour towards statistically similar whistle calls of the three species. Furthermore, sympatric calls evoked weaker interest than allopatric advertisement calls. Conclusion Our results provide the first evidence for a specific relevance of social calls for speciation in cryptic primates. They furthermore support that specific differences in signalling and recognition systems represent an efficient premating isolation mechanism contributing to species cohesiveness in sympatrically living species. PMID:18462484

Discovering Hidden Diversity of Characins (Teleostei: Characiformes) in Ecuador's Yasuní National Park.

PubMed

Escobar-Camacho, Daniel; Barriga, Ramiro; Ron, Santiago R

2015-01-01

Management and conservation of biodiversity requires adequate species inventories. The Yasuní National Park is one of the most diverse regions on Earth and recent studies of terrestrial vertebrates, based on genetic evidence, have shown high levels of cryptic and undescribed diversity. Few genetic studies have been carried out in freshwater fishes from western Amazonia. Thus, in contrast with terrestrial vertebrates, their content of cryptic diversity remains unknown. In this study, we carried out genetic and morphological analyses on characin fishes at Yasuní National Park, in eastern Ecuador. Our goal was to identify cryptic diversity among one of the most speciose fish families in the Amazon region. This is the first time that genetic evidence has been used to assess the species content of the Napo Basin, one of the richest regions in vertebrate diversity. Phylogenetic analyses of partial mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene (∼600 pb) DNA sequences from 232 specimens of the family Characidae and its closest groups revealed eight candidate new species among 33 species sampled, representing a 24% increase in species number. Analyses of external morphology allowed us to confirm the species status of six of the candidate species. Our results show high levels of cryptic diversity in Amazonian characins. If this group is representative of other Amazonian fish, our results would imply that the species richness of the Amazonian ichthyofauna is highly underestimated. Molecular methods are a necessary tool to obtain more realistic inventories of Neotropical freshwater fishes.

Regulatory role of XynR (YagI) in catabolism of xylonate in Escherichia coli K-12.

PubMed

Shimada, Tomohiro; Momiyama, Eri; Yamanaka, Yuki; Watanabe, Hiroki; Yamamoto, Kaneyoshi; Ishihama, Akira

2017-12-01

The genome of Escherichia coli K-12 contains ten cryptic phages, altogether constituting about 3.6% of the genome in sequence. Among more than 200 predicted genes in these cryptic phages, 14 putative transcription factor (TF) genes exist, but their regulatory functions remain unidentified. As an initial attempt to make a breakthrough for understanding the regulatory roles of cryptic phage-encoded TFs, we tried to identify the regulatory function of CP4-6 cryptic prophage-encoded YagI with unknown function. After SELEX screening, YagI was found to bind mainly at a single site within the spacer of bidirectional transcription units, yagA (encoding another uncharacterized TF) and yagEF (encoding 2-keto-3-deoxy gluconate aldolase, and dehydratase, respectively) within this prophage region. YagEF enzymes are involved in the catabolism of xylose downstream from xylonate. We then designated YagI as XynR (regulator of xylonate catabolism), one of the rare single-target TFs. In agreement with this predicted regulatory function, the activity of XynR was suggested to be controlled by xylonate. Even though low-affinity binding sites of XynR were identified in the E. coli K-12 genome, they all were inside open reading frames, implying that the regulation network of XynR is still fixed within the CR4-6 prophage without significant influence over the host E. coli K-12. © FEMS 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Post-copulatory opportunities for sperm competition and cryptic female choice provide no offspring fitness benefits in externally fertilizing salmon

PubMed Central

Lumley, Alyson J.; Diamond, Sian E.; Einum, Sigurd; Yeates, Sarah E.; Peruffo, Danielle; Emerson, Brent C.; Gage, Matthew J. G.

2016-01-01

There is increasing evidence that females can somehow improve their offspring fitness by mating with multiple males, but we understand little about the exact stage(s) at which such benefits are gained. Here, we measure whether offspring fitness is influenced by mechanisms operating solely between sperm and egg. Using externally fertilizing and polyandrous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), we employed split-clutch and split-ejaculate in vitro fertilization experiments to generate offspring using designs that either denied or applied opportunities for sperm competition and cryptic female choice. Following fertilizations, we measured 140 days of offspring fitness after hatch, through growth and survival in hatchery and near-natural conditions. Despite an average composite mortality of 61%, offspring fitness at every life stage was near-identical between groups fertilized under the absence versus presence of opportunities for sperm competition and cryptic female choice. Of the 21 551 and 21 771 eggs from 24 females fertilized under monandrous versus polyandrous conditions, 68% versus 67.8% survived to the 100-day juvenile stage; sub-samples showed similar hatching success (73.1% versus 74.3%), had similar survival over 40 days in near-natural streams (57.3% versus 56.2%) and grew at similar rates throughout. We therefore found no evidence that gamete-specific interactions allow offspring fitness benefits when polyandrous fertilization conditions provide opportunities for sperm competition and cryptic female choice. PMID:27069665

Global phylogeography of Oithona similis s.l. (Crustacea, Copepoda, Oithonidae) - A cosmopolitan plankton species or a complex of cryptic lineages?

PubMed

Cornils, Astrid; Wend-Heckmann, Britta; Held, Christoph

2017-02-01

Traditionally, many small-sized copepod species are considered to be widespread, bipolar or cosmopolitan. However, these large-scale distribution patterns need to be re-examined in view of increasing evidence of cryptic and pseudo-cryptic speciation in pelagic copepods. Here, we present a phylogeographic study of Oithona similis s.l. populations from the Arctic Ocean, the Southern Ocean and its northern boundaries, the North Atlantic and the Mediterrranean Sea. O. similis s.l. is considered as one of the most abundant species in temperate to polar oceans and acts as an important link in the trophic network between the microbial loop and higher trophic levels such as fish larvae. Two gene fragments were analysed: the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI), and the nuclear ribosomal 28 S genetic marker. Seven distinct, geographically delimitated, mitochondrial lineages could be identified, with divergences among the lineages ranging from 8 to 24%, thus representing most likely cryptic or pseudocryptic species within O. similis s.l. Four lineages were identified within or close to the borders of the Southern Ocean, one lineage in the Arctic Ocean and two lineages in the temperate Northern hemisphere. Surprisingly the Arctic lineage was more closely related to lineages from the Southern hemisphere than to the other lineages from the Northern hemisphere, suggesting that geographic proximity is a rather poor predictor of how closely related the clades are on a genetic level. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

When to stop managing or surveying cryptic threatened species.

PubMed

Chadès, Iadine; McDonald-Madden, Eve; McCarthy, Michael A; Wintle, Brendan; Linkie, Matthew; Possingham, Hugh P

2008-09-16

Threatened species become increasingly difficult to detect as their populations decline. Managers of such cryptic threatened species face several dilemmas: if they are not sure the species is present, should they continue to manage for that species or invest the limited resources in surveying? We find optimal solutions to this problem using a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process and rules of thumb derived from an analytical approximation. We discover that managing a protected area for a cryptic threatened species can be optimal even if we are not sure the species is present. The more threatened and valuable the species is, relative to the costs of management, the more likely we are to manage this species without determining its continued persistence by using surveys. If a species remains unseen, our belief in the persistence of the species declines to a point where the optimal strategy is to shift resources from saving the species to surveying for it. Finally, when surveys lead to a sufficiently low belief that the species is extant, we surrender resources to other conservation actions. We illustrate our findings with a case study using parameters based on the critically endangered Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), and we generate rules of thumb on how to allocate conservation effort for any cryptic species. Using Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes in conservation science, we determine the conditions under which it is better to abandon management for that species because our belief that it continues to exist is too low.

Cracking the regulatory code of biosynthetic gene clusters as a strategy for natural product discovery.

PubMed

Rigali, Sébastien; Anderssen, Sinaeda; Naômé, Aymeric; van Wezel, Gilles P

2018-01-05

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes antibiotic resistance as "one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today", as the number of multi- and pan-resistant bacteria is rising dangerously. Acquired resistance phenomena also impair antifungals, antivirals, anti-cancer drug therapy, while herbicide resistance in weeds threatens the crop industry. On the positive side, it is likely that the chemical space of natural products goes far beyond what has currently been discovered. This idea is fueled by genome sequencing of microorganisms which unveiled numerous so-called cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), many of which are transcriptionally silent under laboratory culture conditions, and by the fact that most bacteria cannot yet be cultivated in the laboratory. However, brute force antibiotic discovery does not yield the same results as it did in the past, and researchers have had to develop creative strategies in order to unravel the hidden potential of microorganisms such as Streptomyces and other antibiotic-producing microorganisms. Identifying the cis elements and their corresponding transcription factors(s) involved in the control of BGCs through bioinformatic approaches is a promising strategy. Theoretically, we are a few 'clicks' away from unveiling the culturing conditions or genetic changes needed to activate the production of cryptic metabolites or increase the production yield of known compounds to make them economically viable. In this opinion article, we describe and illustrate the idea beyond 'cracking' the regulatory code for natural product discovery, by presenting a series of proofs of concept, and discuss what still should be achieved to increase the rate of success of this strategy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vacuum compatible, high-speed, 2-D mirror tilt stage

DOEpatents

Denham; Paul E.

2007-09-25

A compact and vacuum compatible magnetic-coil driven tiltable stage that is equipped with a high efficiency reflective coating can be employed as a scanner in EUV applications. The drive electronics for the scanner is fully in situ programmable and rapidly switchable.

Switchable adhesion for wafer-handling based on dielectric elastomer stack transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grotepaß, T.; Butz, J.; Förster-Zügel, F.; Schlaak, H. F.

2016-04-01

Vacuum grippers are often used for the handling of wafers and small devices. In order to evacuate the gripper, a gas flow is created that can harm the micro structures on the wafer. A promising alternative to vacuum grippers could be adhesive grippers with switchable adhesion. There have been some publications of gecko-inspired adhesive devices. Most of these former works consist of a structured surface which adheres to the object manipulated and an actuator for switching the adhesion. Until now different actuator principles have been investigated, like smart memory alloys and pneumatics. In this work for the first time dielectric elastomer stack transducers (DEST) are combined with a structured surface. DESTs are a promising new transducer technology with many applications in different industry sectors like medical devices, human-machine-interaction and soft robotics. Stacked dielectric elastomer transducers show thickness contraction originating from the electromechanical pressure of two compliant electrodes compressing an elastomeric dielectric when a voltage is applied. Since DESTs and the adhesive surfaces previously described are made of elastomers, it is self-evident to combine both systems in one device. The DESTs are fabricated by a spin coating process. If the flat surface of the spinning carrier is substituted for example by a perforated one, the structured elastomer surface and the DEST can be fabricated in one process. By electrical actuation the DEST contracts and laterally expands which causes the gecko-like cilia to adhere on the object to manipulate. This work describes the assembly and the experimental results of such a device using switchable adhesion. It is intended to be used for the handling of glass wafers.

Two-Way Gold Nanoparticle Label-Free Sensing of Specific Sequence and Small Molecule Targets Using Switchable Concatemers.

PubMed

Zhu, Longjiao; Shao, Xiangli; Luo, Yunbo; Huang, Kunlung; Xu, Wentao

2017-05-19

A two-way colorimetric biosensor based on unmodified gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and a switchable double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) concatemer have been demonstrated. Two hairpin probes (H1 and H2) were first designed that provided the fuels to assemble the dsDNA concatemers via hybridization chain reaction (HCR). A functional hairpin (FH) was rationally designed to recognize the target sequences. All the hairpins contained a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) loop and sticky end to prevent GNPs from salt-induced aggregation. In the presence of target sequence, the capture probe blocked in the FH recognizes the target to form a duplex DNA, which causes the release of the initiator probe by FH conformational change. This process then starts the alternate-opening of H1 and H2 through HCR, and dsDNA concatemers grow from the target sequence. As a result, unmodified GNPs undergo salt-induced aggregation because the formed dsDNA concatemers are stiffer and provide less stabilization. A light purple-to-blue color variation was observed in the bulk solution, termed the light-off sensing way. Furthermore, H1 ingeniously inserted an aptamer sequence to generate dsDNA concatemers with multiple small molecule binding sites. In the presence of small molecule targets, concatemers can be disassembled into mixtures with ssDNA sticky ends. A blue-to-purple reverse color variation was observed due to the regeneration of the ssDNA, termed the light-on way. The two-way biosensor can detect both nucleic acids and small molecule targets with one sensing device. This switchable sensing element is label-free, enzyme-free, and sophisticated-instrumentation-free. The detection limits of both targets were below nanomolar.

Respiratory effects among rubberwood furniture factory workers in Thailand.

PubMed

Sriproed, Salakjit; Osiri, Pramuk; Sujirarat, Dusit; Chantanakul, Suttinun; Harncharoen, Kitiphong; Ong-artborirak, Parichat; Woskie, Susan R

2013-01-01

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function were examined among 89 rubberwood furniture factory workers. Acute and chronic irritant symptoms were assessed, lung function was measured both pre- and post-shift and personal inhalable dust exposure determined. The only symptoms with a significant increase among high dust level-exposed workers (>1 mg/m(3)) were those related to nasal irritation. High dust level-exposed workers had a significant cross-shift decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV(1)/FVC) compared with low dust level-exposed workers and increases in inhalable dust concentration levels (mg/m(3)) were significantly associated with decreases in the peak expiratory flow (PEF) across the work shift. For percent predicted pulmonary function levels, a significant decrement in PEF was found for high versus low rubberwood dust level-exposed workers, after controlling for confounders. These findings suggest the need for an occupational standard for rubberwood dust in Thailand.

A Tour de Force by Hawaii's invasive mammals: establishment, takeover, ecosystem restoration through eradication

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hess, Steve

2016-01-01

nesting seabirds. Rodenticides that have been tested and registered for hand and aerial broadcast in Hawai'i have been used to eradicate rats from small offshore islands to protect nesting seabirds and are now being applied to montane environment of larger islands to protect forest birds. Forward-looking infrared radar is also being applied to locate cryptic wild ungulates that were more recently introduced to some islands. All invasive mammals have been eradicated from some smaller islands, resulting in the restoration of some ecosystem processes such as natural forest regeneration, but changes in other processes such as fire regimes and nutrient cycling remain more difficult to reverse at larger landscape scales. It may soon be possible to manage areas on larger islands to be free of invasive mammals at least during seasonally important periods for native species, but at the same time, new mammal introductions continue to occur.

Copulatory courtship song in Lutzomyia migonei (Diptera: psychodidae).

PubMed

Vigoder, Felipe M; Souza, Nataly A; Peixoto, Alexandre A

2010-12-01

Lutzomyia migonei is a vector of leishmaniasis with a wide distribution in South America, which could favour population differentiation and speciation. Cryptic species of the Lutzomyia longipalpis complex, the widely distributed sand fly vector of visceral leishmaniasis in Latin America, have previously been shown to display distinct copulation songs. We found that Lu. migonei males also produce a song during copulation. This "lovesong" presents short trains (6-8 pulses) with an inter-pulse interval around 26 ms and is potentially involved in cryptic female choice and insemination success.

Optoelectronic switch matrix as a look-up table for residue arithmetic.

PubMed

Macdonald, R I

1987-10-01

The use of optoelectronic matrix switches to perform look-up table functions in residue arithmetic processors is proposed. In this application, switchable detector arrays give the advantage of a greatly reduced requirement for optical sources by comparison with previous optoelectronic residue processors.

Electrochromic devices and related products and methods

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Snow, Timothy; McFadden, Judith; Tenent, Robert

2018-01-30

An electrochromic device may be switchable between a transparent state and at least one reflective state. A lithium-containing reflective feature may form when the electrochromic device is switched from the transparent state to the reflective state. Various products and methods may involve the electrochromic device.

Generic concept to program the time domain of self-assemblies with a self-regulation mechanism.

PubMed

Heuser, Thomas; Steppert, Ann-Kathrin; Lopez, Catalina Molano; Zhu, Baolei; Walther, Andreas

2015-04-08

Nature regulates complex structures in space and time via feedback loops, kinetically controlled transformations, and under energy dissipation to allow non-equilibrium processes. Although man-made static self-assemblies realize excellent control over hierarchical structures via molecular programming, managing their temporal destiny by self-regulation is a largely unsolved challenge. Herein, we introduce a generic concept to control the time domain by programming the lifetimes of switchable self-assemblies in closed systems. We conceive dormant deactivators that, in combination with fast promoters, enable a unique kinetic balance to establish an autonomously self-regulating, transient pH-state, whose duration can be programmed over orders of magnitude-from minutes to days. Coupling this non-equilibrium state to pH-switchable self-assemblies allows predicting their assembly/disassembly fate in time, similar to a precise self-destruction mechanism. We demonstrate a platform approach by programming self-assembly lifetimes of block copolymers, nanoparticles, and peptides, enabling dynamic materials with a self-regulation functionality.

Switchable Scattering Meta-Surfaces for Broadband Terahertz Modulation

PubMed Central

Unlu, M.; Hashemi, M. R.; Berry, C. W.; Li, S.; Yang, S.-H.; Jarrahi, M.

2014-01-01

Active tuning and switching of electromagnetic properties of materials is of great importance for controlling their interaction with electromagnetic waves. In spite of their great promise, previously demonstrated reconfigurable metamaterials are limited in their operation bandwidth due to their resonant nature. Here, we demonstrate a new class of meta-surfaces that exhibit electrically-induced switching in their scattering parameters at room temperature and over a broad range of frequencies. Structural configuration of the subwavelength meta-molecules determines their electromagnetic response to an incident electromagnetic radiation. By reconfiguration of the meta-molecule structure, the strength of the induced electric field and magnetic field in the opposite direction to the incident fields are varied and the scattering parameters of the meta-surface are altered, consequently. We demonstrate a custom-designed meta-surface with switchable scattering parameters at a broad range of terahertz frequencies, enabling terahertz intensity modulation with record high modulation depths and modulation bandwidths through a fully integrated, voltage-controlled device platform at room temperature. PMID:25028123

Switchable Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Awakened TiO2 Nanoparticle Emulsifiers Using UV/Dark Actuation.

PubMed

Zhang, Qing; Bai, Rui-Xue; Guo, Ting; Meng, Tao

2015-08-26

In this work, switchable Pickering emulsions that utilize UV/dark manipulation employ a type of smart TiO2 nanoparticle as emulsifiers. The emulsifiers can be awakened when needed via UV-induced degradation of grafted silanes on TiO2 nanoparticles. By tuning the surface wettability of TiO2 nanoparticles in situ via UV/dark actuation, emulsions stabilized by the nanoparticles can be reversibly switched between the water-in-oil (W/O) type and oil-in-water (O/W) type for several cycles. Due to the convertible wettability, the smart nanoparticle emulsifiers can be settled in either the oil phase or the water phase as desired during phase separation, making it convenient for recycling. The present work provides a facile and noninvasive method to freely manipulate the formation, breakage, and switching of the emulsion; this method has promising potential as a powerful technique for use in energy-efficient and environmentally friendly industries.

Chitosan-Gated Magnetic-Responsive Nanocarrier for Dual-Modal Optical Imaging, Switchable Drug Release, and Synergistic Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Hui; Mu, Qingxin; Revia, Richard

In this study, we present a multifunctional yet structurally simple nanocarrier that has a high drug loading capacity, releases drug in response to onset of an AC magnetic field, and can serve as a long-term imaging contrast agent and effectively kills cancer cells by synergistic action. This nanocarrier (HMMC-NC) has a spherical shell structure with a center cavity of 80 nm in diameter. The shell is comprised of two layers: an inner layer of magnetite that exhibits superparamagnetism and an outer layer of mesoporous carbon embedded with carbon dots that exhibit photoluminescence property. Thus in addition to being a drugmore » carrier, HMMC-NC is also a contrast agent for bioimaging. The switchable drug release is enabled by the chitosan molecules attached on the nanocarrier as the switching material which turns on or off the drug release in response to the application or withdrawal of an AC magnetic field.« less

Produced Water Treatment Using the Switchable Polarity Solvent Forward Osmosis (SPS FO) Desalination Process: Preliminary Engineering Design Basis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wendt, Daniel; Adhikari, Birendra; Orme, Christopher

Switchable Polarity Solvent Forward Osmosis (SPS FO) is a semi-permeable membrane-based water treatment technology. INL is currently advancing SPS FO technology such that a prototype unit can be designed and demonstrated for the purification of produced water from oil and gas production operations. The SPS FO prototype unit will used the thermal energy in the produced water as a source of process heat, thereby reducing the external process energy demands. Treatment of the produced water stream will reduce the volume of saline wastewater requiring disposal via injection, an activity that is correlated with undesirable seismic events, as well as generatemore » a purified product water stream with potential beneficial uses. This paper summarizes experimental data that has been collected in support of the SPS FO scale-up effort, and describes how this data will be used in the sizing of SPS FO process equipment. An estimate of produced water treatment costs using the SPS FO process is also provided.« less

Designing switchable near room-temperature multiferroics via the discovery of a novel magnetoelectric coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, J. S.; Xu, Ke; Bellaiche, Laurent; Xiang, H. J.

2018-05-01

Magnetoelectric (ME) coupling is the key ingredient for realizing the cross-control of magnetism and ferroelectricity in multiferroics. However, multiferroics are not only rare, especially at room-temperature, in nature but also the overwhelming majority of known multiferroics do not exhibit highly-desired switching of the direction of magnetization when the polarization is reversed by an electric field. Here, we report group theory analysis and ab initio calculations demonstrating, and revealing the origin of, the existence of a novel form of ME coupling term in a specific class of materials that does allow such switching. This term naturally explains the previously observed electric field control of magnetism in the first known multiferroics, i.e., the Ni–X boracite family. It is also presently used to design a switchable near room-temperature multiferroic (namely, LaSrMnOsO6 perovskite) having rather large ferroelectric polarization and spontaneous magnetization, as well as strong ME coupling.

REDOX-SWITCHABLE CALIX[6]ARENE-BASED ISOMERIC ROTAXANES.

PubMed

Zanichelli, Valeria; Bazzoni, Margherita; Arduini, Arturo; Franchi, Paola; Lucarini, Marco; Ragazzon, Giulio; Secchi, Andrea; Silvi, Serena

2018-04-16

Operating molecular machines are based on switchable systems, whose components can be set in motion in a controllable fashion. The presence of non-symmetric elements is a mandatory requirement to obtain and demonstrate the unidirectionality of motion. Calixarene-based macrocycles have proven very efficient hosts in the design of oriented rotaxanes and of pseudorotaxanes with a strict control on the direction of complexation. We have synthesized and characterized a series of two-station rotaxanes based on bypiridinium-ammonium axles. We have exploited a recently reported supramolecular-assisted strategy for the synthesis of different orientational isomers and we identified the ammonium unit as a proper secondary station for the calixarene. We were able to trigger the displacement of the macrocycle upon electrochemical reduction of the bipyridinium primary station and we demonstrated that the shuttling is influenced both by the length of the chain of the axle component and by the position of the secondary station with respect to the calixarene rims. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Intermolecular Structural Change for Thermoswitchable Polymeric Photosensitizer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Wooram; Park, Sin-Jung; Cho, Soojeong

2016-08-17

A switchable photosensitizer (PS), which can be activated at a spe-cific condition beside light, has tremendous advantages for photo-dynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, we developed a thermo-switchable polymeric photosensitizer (T-PPS) by conjugating PS (Pheophor-bide-a, PPb-a) to a temperature-responsive polymer backbone of biocompatible hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC). Self-quenched PS molecules linked in close proximity by pi-pi stacking in T-PPS were easily transited to an active monomeric state by the tempera-ture induced phase transition of polymer backbones. The tempera-ture responsive inter-molecular interaction changes of PS molecules in T-PPS were demonstrated in synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer analysis. The T-PPS allowed switchablemore » activation and synergistically enhanced cancer cell killing effect at the hyperthermia temperature (45 °C). Our developed T-PPS has the considerable potential not only as a new class of photomedicine in clinics but also as a biosensor based on temperature responsiveness.« less

Photo-manipulated photonic bandgap devices based on optically tristable chiral-tilted homeotropic nematic liquid crystal.

PubMed

Huang, Kuan-Chung; Hsiao, Yu-Cheng; Timofeev, Ivan V; Zyryanov, Victor Ya; Lee, Wei

2016-10-31

We report on the spectral properties of an optically switchable tristable chiral-tilted homeotropic nematic liquid crystal (LC) incorporated as a tunable defect layer in one-dimensional photonic crystal. By varying the polarization angle of the incident light and modulating the light intensity ratio between UV and green light, various transmission characteristics of the composite were obtained. The hybrid structure realizes photo-tunability in transmission of defect-mode peaks within the photonic bandgap in addition to optical switchability among three distinct sets of defect modes via photoinduced tristable state transitions. Because the fabrication process is easier and less critical in terms of cell parameters or sample preparation conditions and the LC layer itself possesses an extra stable state compared with the previously reported bistable counterpart operating on the basis of biased-voltage dual-frequency switching, it has much superior potential for photonic applications such as a low-power-consumption multichannel filter and an optically controllable intensity modulator.

Charge-switchable gold nanoparticles for enhanced enzymatic thermostability.

PubMed

Shankar, Shiv; Soni, Sarvesh K; Daima, Hemant K; Selvakannan, P R; Khire, Jayant M; Bhargava, Suresh K; Bansal, Vipul

2015-09-07

This study illustrates a facile strategy for efficient immobilization of enzymes on a metal nanoparticle surface. The strategy proposed here enables the enzymatic activity to be retained while increasing the enzyme thermostability. It is demonstrated that the use of a zwitterionic amino acid tyrosine as a reducing and capping agent to synthesise gold nanoparticles allows efficient immobilization of phytase enzyme through charge-switchable electrostatic interactions. The detailed kinetic and thermodynamic studies reveal that the proposed enzyme immobilization strategy improves the overall quality of phytase by reducing the activation energy required for substrate hydrolysis and broadening the temperature window in which immobilized enzyme is able to operate. The outcomes of this study indicate that the underlying zwitterionic nature of 20 natural amino acids along with significant variability in their isoelectric points and hydropathy indices as well the ability of some of the amino acids to reduce metal ions is likely to offer significant opportunities for tailoring nano-bio interfaces in a rational manner for a range of biological applications.

Warm/cool-tone switchable thermochromic material for smart windows by orthogonally integrating properties of pillar[6]arene and ferrocene.

PubMed

Wang, Sai; Xu, Zuqiang; Wang, Tingting; Xiao, Tangxin; Hu, Xiao-Yu; Shen, Ying-Zhong; Wang, Leyong

2018-04-30

Functional materials play a vital role in the fabrication of smart windows, which can provide a more comfortable indoor environment for humans to enjoy a better lifestyle. Traditional materials for smart windows tend to possess only a single functionality with the purpose of regulating the input of solar energy. However, different color tones also have great influences on human emotions. Herein, a strategy for orthogonal integration of different properties is proposed, namely the thermo-responsiveness of ethylene glycol-modified pillar[6]arene (EGP6) and the redox-induced reversible color switching of ferrocene/ferrocenium groups are orthogonally integrated into one system. This gives rise to a material with cooperative and non-interfering dual functions, featuring both thermochromism and warm/cool tone-switchability. Consequently, the obtained bifunctional material for fabricating smart windows can not only regulate the input of solar energy but also can provide a more comfortable color tone to improve the feelings and emotions of people in indoor environments.

Self-assembly of colloid-cholesteric composites provides a possible route to switchable optical materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stratford, K.; Henrich, O.; Lintuvuori, J. S.; Cates, M. E.; Marenduzzo, D.

2014-06-01

Colloidal particles dispersed in liquid crystals can form new materials with tunable elastic and electro-optic properties. In a periodic ‘blue phase’ host, particles should template into colloidal crystals with potential uses in photonics, metamaterials and transformational optics. Here we show by computer simulation that colloid/cholesteric mixtures can give rise to regular crystals, glasses, percolating gels, isolated clusters, twisted rings and undulating colloidal ropes. This structure can be tuned via particle concentration, and by varying the surface interactions of the cholesteric host with both the particles and confining walls. Many of these new materials are metastable: two or more structures can arise under identical thermodynamic conditions. The observed structure depends not only on the formulation protocol but also on the history of an applied electric field. This new class of soft materials should thus be relevant to design of switchable, multistable devices for optical technologies such as smart glass and e-paper.

Novel Driving Method for Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Switchable Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode Displays for Emission and Programming Time Extension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

In, Hai-Jung; Kwon, Oh-Kyong

2012-03-01

A novel driving method for two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) switchable active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays is proposed to extend emission time and data programming time during 3D display operation. The proposed pixel consists of six thin-film transistors (TFTs) and two capacitors, and the aperture ratio of the pixel is 45.8% under 40-in. full-high-definition television condition. By increasing emission time and programming time, the flicker problem can be reduced and the lifetime of AMOLED displays can be extended owing to the decrease in emission current density. Simulation results show that the emission current error range from -0.4 to 1.6% is achieved when the threshold voltage variation of driving TFTs is in the range from -1.0 to 1.0 V, and the emission current error is 1.0% when the power line IR-drop is 2.0 V.