Single-Cell Electrochemical Aptasensor Array.

Despite several demonstrations of electrochemical devices with limits of detection (LOD) of 1 cell/mL, the implementation of single-cell bioelectrochemical sensor arrays has remained elusive due to the challenges of scaling up. In this study, we show that the recently introduced nanopillar array technology combined with redox-labeled aptamers targeting epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is perfectly suited for such implementation. Combining nanopillar arrays with microwells determined for single cell trapping directly on the sensor surface, single target cells are successfully detected and analyzed.

Electrochemical response of surface-attached redox DNA governed by low activation energy electron transfer kinetics.

The mechanism responsible for electron transport within layers of redox DNA anchored to electrodes has been extensively studied over the last twenty years, but remains controversial. Herein, we thoroughly study the electrochemical behavior of a series of short, model, ferrocene (Fc) end-labeled dT oligonucleotides, terminally attached to gold electrodes, using high scan rate cyclic voltammetry complemented by molecular dynamics simulations. We evidence that the electrochemical response of both single-stranded and duplexed oligonucleotides is controlled by the electron transfer kinetics at the electrode, obeying Marcus theory, but with reorganization energies considerably lowered by the attachment of the ferrocene to the electrode the DNA chain.

Redox-labelled electrochemical aptasensors with nanosupported cancer cells.

The transfer of redox-labelled bioelectrochemical sensors from proteins to cells is not straightforward because of the cell downward force issue on the surface of the sensors. In this paper, 20-nm-thick nanopillars are introduced to overcome this issue, in a well-controlled manner. We show on both molecular dynamics simulations and experiments that suspending cells a few nanometers above an electrode surface enables redox-labelled tethered DNA aptamer probes to move freely, while remaining at an interaction distance from a target membrane protein, i.

Time-series multispectral imaging in soybean for improving biomass and genomic prediction accuracy.

Multispectral (MS) imaging enables the measurement of characteristics important for increasing the prediction accuracy of genotypic and phenotypic values for yield-related traits. In this study, we evaluated the potential application of temporal MS imaging for the prediction of aboveground biomass (AGB) in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.

Genomic prediction modeling of soybean biomass using UAV-based remote sensing and longitudinal model parameters.

The application of remote sensing in plant breeding can provide rich information about the growth processes of plants, which leads to better understanding concerning crop yield. It has been shown that traits measured by remote sensing were also beneficial for genomic prediction (GP) because the inclusion of remote sensing data in multitrait models improved prediction accuracies of target traits. However, the present multitrait GP model cannot incorporate high-dimensional remote sensing data due to the difficulty in the estimation of a covariance matrix among the traits, which leads to failure in improving its prediction accuracy.

Identification and characterization of high-yielding, short-duration rice genotypes for tropical Asia.

Previous efforts to increase the yield of tropical rice ( L.) have focused on medium-duration varieties. However, there is increasing demand for high-yielding short-duration varieties that can adapt to intensified cropping systems and climate change.

Brightness modulations of our nearest terrestrial planet Venus reveal atmospheric super-rotation rather than surface features.

Terrestrial exoplanets orbiting within or near their host stars' habitable zone are potentially apt for life. It has been proposed that time-series measurements of reflected starlight from such planets will reveal their rotational period, main surface features and some atmospheric information. From imagery obtained with the Akatsuki spacecraft, here we show that Venus' brightness at 283, 365, and 2020 nm is modulated by one or both of two periods of 3.

Choosing the optimal population for a genome-wide association study: A simulation of whole-genome sequences from rice.

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) needs to have a suitable population. The factors that affect a GWAS (e.g.

Identification of ryuvidine as a KDM5A inhibitor.

KDM5 family members (A, B, C and D) that demethylate H3K4me3 have been shown to be involved in human cancers. Here we performed screening for KDM5A inhibitors from chemical libraries using the AlphaScreen method and identified a battery of screening hits that inhibited recombinant KDM5A. These compounds were further subjected to cell-based screening using a reporter gene that responded to KDM5A inhibition and 6 compounds were obtained as candidate inhibitors.

Formation of Clusters in Whiskies During the Maturation Process.

Maturation provides whisky with a mild and smooth texture by removing the irritating alcoholic flavor. However, the precise mechanism by which the whisky flavor is improved through the maturation process remains unknown. In this study, we performed mesoscopic structural measurements-dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)-to elucidate the relationship between the liquid structure and flavor maturation of whiskies.

Interactive reservoir computing for chunking information streams.

Chunking is the process by which frequently repeated segments of temporal inputs are concatenated into single units that are easy to process. Such a process is fundamental to time-series analysis in biological and artificial information processing systems. The brain efficiently acquires chunks from various information streams in an unsupervised manner; however, the underlying mechanisms of this process remain elusive.

Impact of Mislabeling on Genomic Selection in Cassava Breeding.

In plant breeding, humans occasionally make mistakes. Genomic selection is particularly prone to human error because it involves more steps than conventional phenotypic selection. The impact of human mistakes should be determined to evaluate the cost effectiveness of controlling human error in plant breeding.

Amino Acid Chiral Selection Via Weak Interactions in Stellar Environments: Implications for the Origin of Life.

Magnetochiral phenomena may be responsible for the selection of chiral states of biomolecules in meteoric environments. For example, the Supernova Amino Acid Processing (SNAAP) Model was proposed previously as a possible mode of magnetochiral selection of amino acids by way of the weak interaction in strong magnetic fields. In earlier work, this model was shown to produce an enantiomeric excess (ee) as high as 0.

Hyperspectral Imaging in Tandem with R Statistics and Image Processing for Detection and Visualization of pH in Japanese Big Sausages Under Different Storage Conditions.

Unlabelled: The potential of hyperspectral imaging with wavelengths of 380 to 1000 nm was used to determine the pH of cooked sausages after different storage conditions (4 °C for 1 d, 35 °C for 1, 3, and 5 d). The mean spectra of the sausages were extracted from the hyperspectral images and partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was developed to relate spectral profiles with the pH of the cooked sausages. Eleven important wavelengths were selected based on the regression coefficient values.

How can machine-learning methods assist in virtual screening for hyperuricemia? A healthcare machine-learning approach.

Object: Our purpose was to develop a new machine-learning approach (a virtual health check-up) toward identification of those at high risk of hyperuricemia. Applying the system to general health check-ups is expected to reduce medical costs compared with administering an additional test.

Methods: Data were collected during annual health check-ups performed in Japan between 2011 and 2013 (inclusive).

Preparation of an Aroma Fraction from Dried Bonito by Steam Distillation and Its Effect on Modification of Salty and Umami Taste Qualities.

To study the effects of dried bonito aroma on taste perception, dried bonito aroma fraction (DBAF) as a steam distillate in liquid was added to the salt solutions containing 5 different salt concentrations (0.68% to 1.5% [w/v]) before sensory evaluations.

Fullerene mixing effect on carrier formation in bulk-hetero organic solar cell.

Organic solar cells (OSCs) with a bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) are promising energy conversion devices, because they are flexible and environmental-friendly, and can be fabricated by low-cost roll-to-roll process. Here, we systematically investigated the interrelations between photovoltaic properties and the domain morphology of the active layer in OSCs based on films of poly-(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-bithiophene) (F8T2)/[6,6]-phenyl C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) blend annealed at various temperatures (Tan). The scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) revealed that fullerene mixing (ΦFullerene) in the polymer matrix decreases with increase in Tan while the domain size (L) is nearly independent of Tan.

Metallothionein labeling for CLEM method for identification of protein subunits.

CLEM (correlative light and electron microscopy) is one of the powerful techniques to elucidate the localization and structure of the target proteins or their complexes in cell. First, target proteins labeled fluorescently can be searched using a fluorescence microscope, i.e.

A 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist, sarpogrelate, reduces renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by suppressing PAI-1.

A selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 2A receptor antagonist sarpogrelate (SG) blocks serotonin-induced platelet aggregation. It has been used clinically for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease. SG might be able to improve chronic ischemia, which contributes to renal fibrosis progression by maintaining renal microcirculation.

Conditioning intensity-dependent interaction between short-latency interhemispheric inhibition and short-latency afferent inhibition.

The relationship between sensory and transcallosal inputs into the motor cortex may be important in motor performance, but it has not been well studied, especially in humans. The aim of this study was to reveal this relationship by investigating the interaction between short-latency interhemispheric inhibition (SIHI) and short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) in humans with transcranial magnetic stimulation. SIHI is the inhibition of the primary motor cortex (M1) elicited by contralateral M1 stimulation given ∼10 ms before, and it reflects transcallosal inhibition.