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Foundation species provide critical resources to ecological community members and are major determinants of biodiversity. The barnacle Balanus glandula is one such species and dominates space among the higher reaches on wave-swept shores. Here, we show that B. glandula produces a 199.6-kDa glycoprotein (named "MULTIFUNCin"), and following secretion, a 390-kDa homodimer in its native state. MULTIFUNCin expression is localized in the epidermis, cuticle, and new shell material. Consequently, this molecule can specify upon contact the immediate presence of a live barnacle. Shared, conserved domains place MULTIFUNCin in the α2-macroglobulin (A2M) subgroup of the thioester-containing protein family. Although previously undescribed, MULTIFUNCin shares 78% nucleotide sequence homology with a settlement-inducing pheromone (SIP) of the barnacle, Amphibalanus amphitrite Based on this and further evidence, we propose that the two proteins are orthologues and evolved ancestrally in structural and immunological roles. More recently, they became exploited as chemical cues for con- and heterospecific organisms, alike. MULTIFUNCin and SIP both induce habitat selection (settlement) by conspecific barnacle larvae. In addition, MULTIFUNCin acts as a potent feeding stimulant to major barnacle predators (sea stars and several whelk species). Promoting immigration via settlement on the one hand, and death via predation on the other, MULTIFUNCin simultaneously mediates opposing demographic processes toward structuring both predator and prey populations. As a multifunctional protein cue, MULTIFUNCin provides valuable sensory information, conveys different messages to different species, and drives complex biotic interactions.

Foundation species provide critical resources to ecological community members and are key determinants of biodiversity. The barnacle Balanus glandula is one such species and dominates space among the higher reaches of wave-swept shores (Northeastern Pacific Ocean). This animal produces a cuticular glycoprotein (named "MULTIFUNCin") of 199.6 kDa, and following secretion, a 390 kDa homodimer in native form. From field and lab experiments, we found that MULTIFUNCin significantly induces habitat selection by conspecific larvae, while simultaneously acting as a potent feeding stimulant to a major barnacle predator (whelk, Acanthinucella spirata). Promoting immigration via settlement on the one hand, and death via predation on the other, MULTIFUNCin drives opposing demographic processes toward structuring predator and prey populations. As shown here, a single compound is not restricted to a lone species interaction or sole ecological function. Complex biotic interactions therefore can be shaped by simple chemosensory systems and depend on the multifunctional properties of select bioactive proteins.

Sensory systems provide critical filters that enable organisms to detect and recognize valuable resources. Trophic cascades, structuring populations and communities, are determined to a large degree by trait-mediated interactions that rely on sensory inputs. Certain molecules serve as chemosensory stimuli and play keystone roles in determining outcomes of predator-prey dynamics at multiple trophic levels. Here, a surface-adsorbed glycoprotein signal molecule, MULTIFUNCin, is fully identified and its role in waveswept rocky intertidal community dynamics investigated. Barnacles (Balanus glandula), are constrained to produce MULTIFUNCin for cuticle/shell formation. This compound evoked settlement by conspecifics larvae in field assays, and thus, operates as seminal cue for recruitment. Moreover, the same substances triggered predation by a numerically dominant whelk species (Acanthinucella spirata) on barnacle juveniles and adults in lab and field experiments. This glycoprotein, therefore, balances simultaneous demographic processes that enhance, and diminish, barnacle populations. As dominant competitors for space, the relative equilibrium between barnacle recruitment and predation mortality has strong, cascading direct and indirect effects on community dynamics. Hence, MULTIFUNCin plays a keystone role within rocky intertidal habitats.

Controlled, localized, and timely activation of nanosized drug delivery systems (NSDDSs), using an external stimulus such as therapeutic ultrasound (TUS), can improve the efficacy of cancer treatments compared to either conventional chemotherapy methods or passive NSDDSs alone. Specifically, TUS induces thermal and mechanical effects that trigger drug release from NSDDSs and overcomes drug delivery barriers in tumor microenvironments to allow nanoparticle drug carriers to penetrate more deeply into tumor tissue while minimizing side effects. This review highlights recent advancements, contemplates future prospects, and addresses challenges in using TUS-mediated NSDDSs for cancer treatment, encompassing preclinical and clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) most commonly occurs following infection in early childhood. Prevalence varies markedly around the globe. Country of birth is therefore a strong predictor of CHB risk in adults. We used country of birth census data to predict CHB risk and carry out geographically targeted screening in East Yorkshire, UK. Despite engaging individuals born in high-prevalence countries with testing, we observed lower than expected prevalence in targeted highest-risk areas, which may indicate barriers to testing for people with undiagnosed CHB. Improved strategies for engagement with high-risk groups will be key for viral hepatitis elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A distributed Brillouin scattering sensor has been employed to identify several inner wall cutouts in an end-capped steel pipe by measuring the axial and hoop strain distributions along the outer surface of the pipe. The locations of structural indentations that constitute 50-60% of the inner pipe wall are found and distinguished by use of their corresponding strain-pressure data. These results are quantified in terms of the fiber orientation, defect size and depth, and behavior relative to those of unperturbed pipe sections.

The strain measurement of a 1.65-m reinforced concrete beam by use of a distributed fiber strain sensor with a 50-cm spatial resolution and 5-cm readout resolution is reported. The strain-measurement accuracy is [+ or -] 15 [micro][epsilon] ([micro]m/m) according to the system calibration in the laboratory environment with non-uniform-distributed strain and [+ or -] 5 [micro][epsilon] with uniform strain distribution. The strain distribution has been measured for one-point and two-point loading patterns for optical fibers embedded in pultruded glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) rods and those bonded to steel reinforcing bars. In the one-point loading case, the strain deviations are [+ or -] 7 and [+ or -] 15 [micro][epsilon] for fibers embedded in the GFRP rods and fibers bonded to steel reinforcing bars, respectively, whereas the strain deviation is [+ or -] 20 [micro][epsilon] for the two-point loading case. OCIS codes: 290.5830, 060.2370.

The western part of the island of Milos, Greece has undergone widespread, intense alteration associated with a range of mineralization, including seafloor Mn-Fe-Ba, sub seafloor Pb-Zn-Ag, and epithermal Au-Ag. The surrounding country rocks are a mixture of submarine and subaerial calc-alkaline volcanic rocks ranging from basaltic andesite to rhyolite in composition, but are predominantly andesites and dacites. The current surface spatial distribution of the alteration mineralogy is a function not only of the original hydrothermal, but also subsequent tectonic and erosional processes. The high relief and the excellent rock exposure provide ideal conditions to evaluate the potential of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) satellite remote sensing data to identify and differentiate the different styles of alteration mineralisation. Laboratory spectral reflectance and calculated emittance measurements of field samples, supported by XRD analysis and fieldmapping, were used to support the analysis. Band ratio and spectral matching techniques were applied to the shortwave-infrared (SWIR) reflectance and thermal-infrared (TIR) emissivity imagery separately and were then integrated with topographic data. The band ratio and spectral matching approaches produced similar results in both the SWIR and TIR imagery. In the SWIR imagery, the advanced argillic, argillic and hydrous silica alteration zones were clearly identifiable, while in the TIR imagery, the silicic and advanced argillic alteration zones, along with the country rock, were differentiable. The integrated mineralogical-topographic datasets provided an enhanced understanding of the spatial and altitude distribution of the alteration zones when combined with conceptual models of their genesis, which provides a methodology for the differentiation of the multiple styles of alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements (REEs) generate characteristic absorption features in visible to shortwave infrared (VNIRSWIR) reflectance spectra. Neodymium (Nd) has among the most prominent absoqrtion features of the REEs and thus represents a key pathfinder element for the REEs as a whole. Given that the worlds largest REE deposits are associated with carbonatites, we present spectral, petrographic, and geochemical data from a predominantly carbonatitic suite of rocks that we use to assess the feasibility of imaging REE deposits using remote sensing. Samples were selected to cover a wide range of extents and styles of REE mineralization, and encompass calcio-, ferro- and magnesio-carbonatites. REE ores from the Bayan Obo (China) and Mountain Pass (United States) mines, as well as REE-rich alkaline rocks from the Motzfeldt and Ilfmaussaq intrusions in Greenland, were also included in the sample suite. The depth and area of Nd absorption features in spectra collected under laboratory conditions correlate positively with the Nd content of whole-rock samples. The wavelength of Nd absorption features is predominantly independent of sample lithology and mineralogy. Correlations are most reliable for the two absorption features centered at -744 and -802 nm that can be observed in samples containing as little as -1,000 ppm Nd. By convolving laboratory spectra to the spectral response functions of a variety of remote sensing instruments we demonstrate that hyperspectral instruments with capabilities equivalent to the operational Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) and planned Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) systems have the spectral resolutions necessary to detect Nd absorption features, especially in high-grade samples with economically relevant REE accumulations (Nd > 30,000 ppm). Adding synthetic noise to convolved spectra indicates that correlations between Nd absorption area and whole-rock Nd content only remain robust when spectra have signal-to-noise ratios in excess of -250:1. Although atmospheric interferences are modest across the wavelength intervals relevant for Nd detection, most REE-rich outcrops are too small to be detectable using satellite-based platforms with >30-m spatial resolutions. However, our results indicate that Nd absorption features should be identifiable in high-quality, airborne, hyperspectral datasets collected at meter-scale spatial resolutions. Future deployment of hyperspectral instruments on unmanned aerial vehicles could enable REE grade to be mapped at the centimeter scale across whole deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first airborne hyperspectral campaign in the Antarctic Peninsula region was carried out by the British Antarctic Survey and partners in February 2011. This paper presents an insight into the applicability of currently available radiative transfer modelling and atmospheric correction techniques for processing airborne hyperspectral data in this unique coastal Antarctic environment. Results from the Atmospheric and Topographic Correction version 4 (ATCOR-4) package reveal absolute reflectance values somewhat in line with laboratory measured spectra, with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values of 5% in the visible near infrared (0.4-1 µm) and 8% in the shortwave infrared (1-2.5 µm). Residual noise remains present due to the absorption by atmospheric gases and aerosols, but certain parts of the spectrum match laboratory measured features very well. This study demonstrates that commercially available packages for carrying out atmospheric correction are capable of correcting airborne hyperspectral data in the challenging environment present in Antarctica. However, it is anticipated that future results from atmospheric correction could be improved by measuring in situ atmospheric data to generate atmospheric profiles and aerosol models, or with the use of multiple ground targets for calibration and validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ability of field-based reflectance spectroscopy to resolve the relative proportions of Fe-oxides and clays in soils was used to map the composition, relative age and distribution of segments within late Quaternary fan systems in Sfakia, southwest Crete. The spectrometric results demonstrate that luvisols that have formed on the surfaces of fan segments are characterized by distinctive Fe-oxides (types) and clay minerals (species). Furthermore, Fe-oxide and clay concentrations display a clear and consistent trend whereby for each study fan luvisols formed on increasingly proximal fan segments are characterized by a progressive build-up of spectrally distinct secondary iron oxides and clay minerals, which suggests that proximal segments formed first. The relative ages and hence order of formation of segments suggested by the spectral data are strongly supported by an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL)-based geochronology which provides a tentative maximum age of 144ka for the oldest (stage 1) surface and 11.2ka for the youngest (stage 2C) surface. Moreover, the chronometric data indicate that time intervals of the order 20 to 25,000years are necessary to generate sufficient differences in pedogenic Fe-oxides and clay concentrations to enable differentiation of fan segments by field spectroscopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

When particles in liquid suspensions flow through channels and pipes in a laminar fashion, the resulting parabolic velocity profile gives rise to shear, which induces the particles to rotate. If flowing suspensions containing dielectric particles are immersed in an external electric field, the anisotropic polarization induced in rotating nonspherical particles will vary with the orientation of the particle with respect to the external field; what results is an uncertainty in experimental measurements that involve particle polarization. The present study establishes the limits of this uncertainty and shows that departure from spherical symmetry in individual particles can lead to a significant overlap in measurements attempting to discriminate between particle subpopulations in suspensions. For example, the uncertainty in signal amplitude for a population of activated T-lymphocytes can be as high as 20%. Such concerns arise in applications like field-flow fractionation, dielectrophoretic sorting of particles, flow impedance measurements and cytometry, and, most recently, isodielectric separation, all of which are used to separate particles in a flow based on their dielectric response. This paper considers axisymmetric particles as the first departure from the approximation of spherical symmetry, shows how to calculate an estimate of the size of the population overlap, and suggests possible strategies to minimize it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM) approach using a GIS-based weighted linear combination implementation of a Multi-Criteria Evaluation approach utilising a fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process to elucidate expert knowledge has been implemented to analyse the spatial distribution of epithermal deposits on the Island of Milos, Greece and model their association with exploration evidence data with the aim of providing insights into the controls on ore deposition. An integrated field and Digital Airborne Imaging Spectrometer (DAIS) hyperspectral and thermal multispectral airborne remote sensing dataset supported by field mapping and laboratory analyses, has been utilised to resolve hydrothermal alteration and parameterise the MPM. This study has highlighted the intimate spatial relationship between topographic highs and locations with high grade silicified alteration at a number of locations. The ability of high spatial resolution multispectral Thermal InfraRed (TIR) remote sensing imagery, integrated with topographic data, to resolve these silicified topographic highs provides an additional tool in the exploration of epithermal deposits. The spatial relationships between silicified lithocaps, high-grade altered rocks, faulting and topographic highs were utilised in the development of the MPM model. A close association between the modelled results and the hydrothermal alteration mapped in the field supports the accuracy of this MPM approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific membrane capacitance (SMC) is an electrical parameter that correlates with both the electrical activity and morphology of the plasma membrane, which are physiological markers for cellular phenotype and health. We have developed a microfluidic device that enables impedance spectroscopy measurements of the SMC of single biological cells. Impedance spectra induced by single cells aspirated into the device are captured over a moderate frequency range (5 kHz-1 MHz). Maximum impedance sensitivity is achieved using a tapered microfluidic channel, which effectively routes electric fields across the cell membranes. The SMC is extracted by curve-fitting impedance spectra to an equivalent circuit model. From our measurement, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells are found to exhibit larger SMC values in hypertonic solutions as compared with those in isotonic solutions. In addition, AML cell phenotypes (AML2 and NB4) exhibiting varying metastatic potential yield distinct SMC values (AML2: 16.9 ± 1.9 mF/m2 (n = 23); NB4: 22.5 ± 4.7 mF/m2 (n = 23)). Three-dimensional finite element simulations of the microfluidic device confirm the feasibility of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric particles flowing through a microfluidic channel over a set of coplanar electrodes can be simultaneously capacitively detected and dielectrophoretically (DEP) actuated when the high (1.45 GHz) and low (100 kHz-20 MHz) frequency electromagnetic fields are concurrently applied through the same set of electrodes. Assuming a simple model in which the only forces acting upon the particles are apparent gravity, hydrodynamic lift, DEP force, and fluid drag, actuated particle trajectories can be obtained as numerical solutions of the equations of motion. Numerically calculated changes of particle elevations resulting from the actuation simulated in this way agree with the corresponding elevation changes estimated from the electronic signatures generated by the experimentally actuated particles. This verifies the model and confirms the correlation between the DEP force and the electronic signature profile. It follows that the electronic signatures can be used to quantify the actuation that the dielectric particle experiences as it traverses the electrode region. Using this principle, particles with different dielectric properties can be effectively identified based exclusively on their signature profile. This approach was used to differentiate viable from non-viable yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Analysis of fan sediments and post-incisive soils was combined with luminescence dating to re-assess Nemec and Postma''s [Nemec, W., Postma, G., 1993. Quaternary alluvial fans in southwestern Crete: sedimentation processes and geomorphic evolution. In: Marzo, M., Puigdefábregas, C. (Eds.), Alluvial Sedimentation. Special Publication of the International Association of Sedimentologists, vol. 17, pp. 235–276] model of fan evolution on the Sfakian piedmont, southern Crete. Field mapping supports the assertion that sedimentation occurred in three developmental stages. Stage 1 sediments comprise angular debris flows forming small cone-like deposits; stage 2 fluvial gravels form large, relatively steep streamflow-dominated telescopic fans; and stage 3 sediments consist of coarse sieve-type alluvium, localised mudflows and hyperconcentrated flow deposits. Irrespective of gradient, fan surfaces are capped by post-incisive soils that form a chronosequence comprising remnant chromic luvisols. The most developed profiles, highest redness rating, and greatest concentrations of Fed and magnetic minerals are associated with soils formed on stage 1 surfaces. The stage 2 and 3 soils record progressively lower redness rating, Fed, and magnetic values, indicating that the stage 1 soils and fan surfaces formed first, followed by stage 2 and 3 soils and fan surfaces. Nanofossil data strongly suggest that stage 1 sedimentation commenced no earlier than the Early Pleistocene. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) results suggest that sedimentation responsible for stage 2 surfaces occurred between Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6 and MIS 2, while archaeological data indicate that stage 3 sedimentation is of Holocene age. The re-investigation of fan sediments and morphology corroborates the sedimentary and morphological elements of Nemec and Postma''s model. The soil data support the model''s assumptions that sedimentation was broadly synchronous across the piedmont and the locus of deposition progressively shifted away from the range-front zone. OSL dating suggests that previous age estimates assigned to fan stages 1 and 2 are too old. Climate appears to exert a fundamental control over fan development, with sedimentation occurring during cold stages and cold stage-interglacial transitions. Tectonic activity provides the relief required for fan development and controls fan incision. Local uplift resulted in variable rates of incision that culminated in differential fan segmentation across the piedmont. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To establish a methodology for understanding how ultrasound (US) induces drug release from nano-sized drug-delivery systems (NSDDSs) and enhances drug penetration and uptake in tumors. This aims to advance cancer treatment strategies. Materials & methods: We developed a multi-physics mathematical model to elucidate and understand the intricate mechanisms governing drug release, transport and delivery. Unique in vitro models (monolayer, multilayer, spheroid) and a tailored US exposure setup were introduced to evaluate drug penetration and uptake. Results: The results highlight the potential advantages of US-mediated NSDDSs over conventional NSDDSs and chemotherapy, notably in enhancing drug release and inducing cell death. Conclusion: Our sophisticated numerical and experimental methods aid in determining and quantifying drug penetration and uptake into solid tumors.

In biomedical applications ranging from the study of pathogen invasion to drug efficacy assays, there is a growing need to develop minimally invasive techniques for single-cell analysis. This has inspired researchers to develop optical, electrical, microelectromechanical and microfluidic devices for exploring phenomena at the single-cell level. In this work, we demonstrate an electrical approach for single-cell analysis wherein a 1.6 GHz microwave interferometer detects the capacitance changes (DeltaC) produced by single cells flowing past a coplanar interdigitated electrode pair. The experimental and simulated capacitance changes generated by yeast cells are in close agreement. By using the capacitance changes of uniform polystyrene spheres (diameter = 5.7 microm) for calibration purposes, we demonstrate a 0.65 aF sensitivity in a 10 ms response time. Using an RC circuit, a low frequency sinusoidal potential is simultaneously superimposed on the electrode pair to generate a dielectrophoretic force that translates cells. Specifically, when yeast cells suspended in a solution of 90 ppm NaCl in deionized water are exposed to 10 kHz and 3 MHz potentials (ranging from 1-3 V(pp)), they experience negative and positive dielectrophoresis, respectively. The corresponding changes in cell elevation above the interdigitated electrodes are detected using the asymmetry of the capacitance signature produced by the cell. Cell elevation changes can be detected in less than 80 ms. The minimum detectable change in elevation is estimated to be 0.22 microm. This approach will have applications in rapid single-cell dielectrophoretic analysis, and may also prove useful in conjunction with impedance spectroscopy.

The effect of the finite extinction ratio of an electro-optic modulator (EOM) on the Brillouin frequency measurement of a distributed Brillouin-based fiber optic sensor is studied. An EOM with a finite extinction ratio limits the application of Brillouin optical time domain analysis in a distributed Brillouin-based fiber optic sensor. This results in confusion in specifying the location of the strained region and in error in detecting the Brillouin frequency and hence in strain and temperature measurement.