bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the inner droplet of double emulsions on the film drainage during a head-on collision
Authors: Wang Jingtao , Jing Hefeng , Xu Genmiao , Wang Xiaoyong , Duan Zhenya
Published: July 2015

As a critical stage which severely affects the final coalescence of droplets, film drainage in the collision process of two simple droplets has been deeply studied for many years. However, the collision of multiple emulsions which contain other phases (like daughter droplets or particles) has never been studied although multiple emulsions are very important in emulsion industries nowadays. In this paper, the head-on collision of two core-shell double emulsions with equal sizes is investigated through a boundary integral method to disclose the effects of the inner droplet on the film drainage. When capillary number Ca is relatively high, due to the effect of the inner droplet on the inner circulation of mother droplets, the film drainage of double emulsions includes three stages: drainage, drainage halt, and second drainage, instead of two stages for that of simple droplets: drainage and drainage halt.
Multiple caloric effects in (Ba0.865Ca0.135Zr0.1089Ti0.8811Fe0.01)O3 ferroelectric ceramic
Authors: Patel Satyanarayan , Chauhan Aditya , Vaish Rahul
Published: July 2015

Multiple caloric effects have been investigated for Fe-doped bulk (Ba0.865Ca0.135Zr0.1089Ti0.8811Fe0.01)O3 (BCZTO-Fe) ferroelectric ceramic. Indirect predictions were made using Maxwell's relations in conjunction with data from experimental observations. It was revealed that bulk BCZTO-Fe has huge untapped potential for solid-state refrigeration. A peak electrocaloric effect of 0.45 K (347 K) was predicted for 0–3 kV.mm−1 electric field, significantly higher than other BCZTO based materials. A maximum elastocaloric cooling of 1.4 K (298 K) was achieved for applied stress of 0–200 MPa. Finally, an unforeseen component of electric field driven caloric effect has been reported as inverse piezocaloric effect, with a maximum temperature change of 0.28 K (298 K).
Significant increase of Curie temperature and large piezoelectric coefficient in Ba(Ti0.80Zr0.20)O3-0.5(Ba0.70Ca0.30)TiO3 nanofibers
Authors: Fu Bi , Yang Yaodong , Gao Kun , Wang Yaping
Published: July 2015

Ba(Ti0.80Zr0.20)O3-0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (abbreviated as BTZ-0.5BCT) is a piezoelectric ceramic with a high piezoelectric coefficient d33 (∼620 pC N−1) and has been regarded as one of the most promising candidates to replace PZT-based materials (200–710 pC N−1). However, its Curie temperature TC is relatively low (93 °C) limiting its application. In this letter, we found a temperature dependent Raman spectrum in BTZ-0.5BCT nanofibers (NFs), demonstrating a diffused tetragonal-to-cubic phase transition at 300 °C. This means that the TC of the NFs is nearly 207 °C higher than that of the normal bulk material. The increased TC is considered to be associated with the size effect of BTZ-0.5BCT nanoceramic subunits and the nanoporous nature of the fiber, resulting in discontinuous physical properties. The variation of the ferro/piezoelectricity over the fiber surface is attributed to the polycrystalline structure. The d33 (173.32 pm V−1) is improved in terms of the decreased Q factor result in an increase in d33 of 236.54 pm V−1 after polarization. With a high TC and a very large d33, BTZ-0.5BCT NFs are capable of providing electromechanical behavior used in moderate temperatures.
Impact of lateral carrier confinement on electro-optical tuning properties of polariton condensates
Authors: Brodbeck S. , Suchomel H. , Amthor M. , Wolf A. , Kamp M. , Schneider C. , Höfling S.
Published: July 2015

Electro-optical measurements on exciton-polaritons below and above the condensation threshold are performed on high quality, pin-doped microcavities with embedded GaAs quantum wells. Applying an external electric field shifts the polariton emission by hundreds of μeV both in the linear and the nonlinear regime. We study three device geometries to investigate the influence of carrier confinement in the plane of the quantum well on the electro-optical tuning properties. In the conventional micropillar geometry, the electric field tuning behavior is dominated by the effects of carrier tunneling and electric field screening that manifest in a blueshift of the polariton emission. In stark contrast, for a planar sample geometry, we can significantly extend the range of electric fields and a redshift is observed. To separate the contributions of quantum confined Stark effect and reduced exciton oscillator strength to the energy shift, we study a third sample where the etching of micropillars is stopped just above the active region. In this semi-planar geometry, exciton and polariton emissions can be measured simultaneously. As for the planar geometry, redshifts of the polariton emission are observed below and above threshold that are well reproduced by theoretical shifts.
Noise elimination algorithm for modal analysis
Authors: Bao X. X. , Li C. L. , Xiong C. B.
Published: July 2015

Modal analysis is an ongoing interdisciplinary physical issue. Modal parameters estimation is applied to determine the dynamic characteristics of structures under vibration excitation. Modal analysis is more challenging for the measured vibration response signals are contaminated with noise. This study develops a mathematical algorithm of structured low rank approximation combined with the complex exponential method to estimate the modal parameters. Physical experiments using a steel cantilever beam with ten accelerometers mounted, excited by an impulse load, demonstrate that this method can significantly eliminate noise from measured signals and accurately identify the modal frequencies and damping ratios. This study provides a fundamental mechanism of noise elimination using structured low rank approximation in physical fields.
Enhanced high-order harmonic generation from excited argon
Authors: Yuan Xiaolong , Wei Pengfei , Liu Candong , Zeng Zhinan , Zheng Yinghui , Jiang Jiaming , Ge Xiaochun , Li Ruxin
Published: July 2015

We experimentally demonstrate an effective scheme to generate the enhanced high-order harmonics from a coherent superposition state of ground state and excited states in Argon. By controlling the time delay between the pump and probe laser pulses, a surprising enhancement plateau of high-order harmonic generation is observed, with a half lifetime of dozens of picoseconds. In the plateau, the harmonic intensity is enhanced by nearly one order of magnitude compared to the case without pre-excitation. Moreover, the gradual enhancement process is also presented when the pump intensity is increasing for improving the population of excited states, which can be attributed to the Rydberg states created by frustrated tunneling ionization.
Enhanced photoluminescence of Si nanocrystals-doped cellulose nanofibers by plasmonic light scattering
Authors: Sugimoto Hiroshi , Zhang Ran , Reinhard Björn M. , Fujii Minoru , Perotto Giovanni , Marelli Benedetto , Omenetto Fiorenzo G. , Dal Negro Luca
Published: July 2015

We report the development of bio-compatible cellulose nanofibers doped with light emitting silicon nanocrystals and Au nanoparticles via facile electrospinning. By performing photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy as a function of excitation wavelength, we demonstrate plasmon-enhanced PL by a factor of 2.2 with negligible non-radiative quenching due to plasmon-enhanced scattering of excitation light from Au nanoparticles to silicon nanocrystals inside the nanofibers. These findings provide an alternative approach for the development of plasmon-enhanced active systems integrated within the compact nanofiber geometry. Furthermore, bio-compatible light-emitting nanofibers prepared by a cost-effective solution-based processing are very promising platforms for biophotonic applications such as fluorescence sensing and imaging.
Illumination angle and layer thickness influence on the photo current generation in organic solar cells: A combined simulative and experimental study
Authors: Mescher Jan , Mertens Adrian , Egel Amos , Kettlitz Siegfried W. , Lemmer Uli , Colsmann Alexander
Published: July 2015

In most future organic photovoltaic applications, such as fixed roof installations, facade or clothing integration, the solar cells will face the sun under varying angles. By a combined simulative and experimental study, we investigate the mutual interdependencies of the angle of light incidence, the absorber layer thickness and the photon harvesting efficiency within a typical organic photovoltaic device. For thin absorber layers, we find a steady decrease of the effective photocurrent towards increasing angles. For 90-140 nm thick absorber layers, however, we observe an effective photocurrent enhancement, exhibiting a maximum yield at angles of incidence of about 50°. Both effects mainly originate from the angle-dependent spatial broadening of the optical interference pattern inside the solar cell and a shift of the absorption maximum away from the metal electrode.
Lead-free piezoelectric KNN-BZ-BNT films with a vertical morphotropic phase boundary
Authors: Chen Wen , Zhao Jinyan , Wang Lingyan , Ren Wei , Liu Ming
Published: July 2015

The lead-free piezoelectric 0.915K0.5Na0.5NbO3-0.075BaZrO3-0.01Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (0.915KNN-0.075BZ-0.01BNT) films were prepared by a chemical solution deposition method. The films possess a pure rhomobohedral perovskite phase and a dense surface without crack. The temperature-dependent dielectric properties of the specimens manifest that only phase transition from ferroelectric to paraelectric phase occurred and the Curie temperature is 217 oC. The temperature stability of ferroelectric phase was also supported by the stable piezoelectric properties of the films. These results suggest that the slope of the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) for the solid solution formed with the KNN and BZ in the films should be vertical. The voltage-induced polarization switching, and a distinct piezo-response suggested that the 0.915 KNN-0.075BZ-0.01BNT films show good piezoelectric properties.
Electron-beam-induced current measurements with applied bias provide insight to locally resolved acceptor concentrations at p-n junctions
Authors: Abou-Ras D. , Schäfer N. , Baldaz N. , Brunken S. , Boit C.
Published: July 2015

Electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) measurements have been employed for the investigation of the local electrical properties existing at various types of electrical junctions during the past decades. In the standard configuration, the device under investigation is analyzed under short-circuit conditions. Further insight into the function of the electrical junction can be obtained when applying a bias voltage. The present work gives insight into how EBIC measurements at applied bias can be conducted at the submicrometer level, at the example of CuInSe2 solar cells. From the EBIC profiles acquired across ZnO/CdS/CuInSe2/Mo stacks exhibiting p-n junctions with different net doping densities in the CuInSe2 layers, values for the width of the space-charge region, w, were extracted. For all net doping densities, these values decreased with increasing applied voltage. Assuming a linear relationship between w2 and the applied voltage, the resulting net doping densities agreed well with the ones obtained by means of capacitance-voltage measurements.
Design and analysis of the trapeziform and flat acoustic cloaks with controllable invisibility performance in a quasi-space
Authors: Zhu Jian , Chen Tianning , Liang Qingxuan , Wang Xiaopeng , Xiong Jie , Jiang Ping
Published: July 2015

We present the design, implementation and detailed performance analysis for a class of trapeziform and flat acoustic cloaks. An effective large invisible area is obtained compared with the traditional carpet cloak. The cloaks are realized with homogeneous metamaterials which are made of periodic arrangements of subwavelength unit cells composed of steel embedded in air. The microstructures and its effective parameters of the cloaks are determined quickly and precisely in a broadband frequency range by using the effective medium theory and the proposed parameters optimization method. The invisibility capability of the cloaks can be controlled by the variation of the key design parameters and scale factor which are proved to have more influence on the performance in the near field than that in the far field. Different designs are suitable for different application situations. Good cloaking performance demonstrates that such a device can be physically realized with natural materials which will greatly promote the real applications of invisibility cloak.
Efficient method to optimize antibodies using avian leukosis virus display and eukaryotic cells
Authors: Yu Changming , Pike Gennett M. , Rinkoski Tommy A. , Correia Cristina , Kaufmann Scott H. , Federspiel Mark J.
Published: July 2015

Significance

There is a need for a robust and efficient eukaryotic polypeptide display platform for the discovery and affinity maturation of antibodies and other scaffolds, offering a powerful addition to the existing display technologies that use microorganisms. This study is significant in that it demonstrates just such a technology, avian leukosis virus (ALV) polypeptide display, supplying an innovative and substantive departure from the status quo of antibody display that uses platforms based on microorganisms. The use of eukaryotic cells provides the assurance of maximizing the proper folding, posttranslational modifications, and display of the single-chain Fv antibodies and the virus fusion proteins in virions and on the cell surface. ALV display offers virus and cell display platforms in a eukaryotic expression system.
Novel serologic biomarkers provide accurate estimates of recent
Plasmodium falciparum
exposure for individuals and communities
Authors: Helb Danica A. , Tetteh Kevin K. A. , Felgner Philip L. , Skinner Jeff , Hubbard Alan , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Mayanja-Kizza Harriet , Ssewanyana Isaac , Kamya Moses R. , Beeson James G. , Tappero Jordan , Smith David L. , Crompton Peter D. , Rosenthal Philip J. , Dorsey Grant , Drakeley Christopher J. , Greenhouse Bryan
Published: July 2015

Significance

Widely available accurate estimates of malaria exposure are essential for targeting and evaluation of public health interventions. Antibody responses to the malaria parasite can provide information on past exposure, but to date, most such measurements have been based on responses to a small number of parasite proteins chosen by convenience rather than utility and have not provided quantitative information on an individual’s exposure. Our results generated by screening hundreds of responses in children with known exposure histories indicate that responses to a few appropriately selected antigens can provide such information. This new approach can be transformed into high-throughput, low-cost, field-based assays useful for surveillance of malaria and has the potential to be translated into similar tools for other infectious diseases.
Reconstitution of TCA cycle with DAOCS to engineer
Escherichia coli
into an efficient whole cell catalyst of penicillin G
Authors: Lin Baixue , Fan Keqiang , Zhao Jian , Ji Junjie , Wu Linjun , Yang Keqian , Tao Yong
Published: July 2015

Significance

We developed
Escherichia coli
expressing deacetoxycephalosporin C synthase (DAOCS) as a whole-cell biocatalyst to convert penicillin G to G-7-aminodeacetoxycephalosporanic acid (G-7-ADCA). The major strategy used was to reconstitute the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle of
E. coli
with DAOCS catalyzed reaction; thus the metabolic flux of central metabolism was forced to go through DAOCS catalyzed reaction to produce G-7-ADCA. This strategy was combined with engineering efforts to reduce the accumulation of acetate and the degradation of penicillin G and G-7-ADCA to improve the conversion rate of penicillin G by DAOCS significantly. Therefore, this work demonstrates the feasibility to redirect the TCA cycle to drive a desired enzyme reaction, and this strategy could be applied to other enzymes that catalyze TCA cycle-coupleable reactions.
Inactive conformation enhances binding function in physiological conditions
Authors: Yakovenko Olga , Tchesnokova Veronika , Sokurenko Evgeni V. , Thomas Wendy E.
Published: July 2015

Significance

The binding pocket of a receptor often switches between two conformations, with the tight “active” conformation binding ligand with higher affinity than the loose “inactive” one. We demonstrate here that in physiologically relevant nonequilibrium conditions, stabilizing the active conformation actually reduces binding. We furthermore show that ligand binds most rapidly to the inactive conformation, but detaches most slowly from the active conformation, so that each conformation provides an advantage to binding. Mechanical force regulates many adhesive receptors in a way that creates a nonequilibrium cycle that would take advantage of the best property of each conformation, creating a higher effective affinity than either state alone. This provides new insights into the importance of both the inactive state and nonequilibrium conditions.
Conversion of lowland tropical forests to tree cash crop plantations loses up to one-half of stored soil organic carbon
Authors: van Straaten Oliver , Corre Marife D. , Wolf Katrin , Tchienkoua Martin , Cuellar Eloy , Matthews Robin B. , Veldkamp Edzo
Published: July 2015

Significance

Deforestation for tree cash crop plantations such as oil palm, rubber, and cacao agroforest in the tropics results in strong decreases in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, with much of this carbon lost through carbon dioxide (CO
2
) emissions and leaching. We found that SOC stock losses in oil palm, rubber, and cacao agroforestry plantations in Indonesia, Cameroon, and Peru could be predicted by the amount of SOC in the original forests: the more SOC present initially, the more SOC lost after conversion. When natural forests were replaced by tree cash crop plantations, SOC losses of up to 50% were found. We recommend that these SOC losses be incorporated in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change tier 1 method for carbon accounting.
Gut microbiota facilitates dietary heme-induced epithelial hyperproliferation by opening the mucus barrier in colon
Authors: Ijssennagger Noortje , Belzer Clara , Hooiveld Guido J. , Dekker Jan , van Mil Saskia W. C. , Müller Michael , Kleerebezem Michiel , van der Meer Roelof
Published: July 2015

Significance

Consumption of red meat is associated with increased colorectal cancer risk. We show that the gut microbiota is pivotal in this increased risk. Mice receiving a diet with heme, a proxy for red meat, show a damaged gut epithelium and a compensatory hyperproliferation that can lead to colon cancer. Mice receiving heme together with antibiotics do not show this damage and hyperproliferation. Our data indicate that microbial hydrogen sulfide opens the protective mucus barrier and exposes the epithelium to cytotoxic heme. Antibiotics block microbial sulfide production and thereby maintain the mucus barrier that prevents heme-induced hyperproliferation. Our study indicates that fecal trisulfide is a novel biomarker of mucus barrier integrity, which could be of relevance in human colon disease diagnostics.
Enlightening the photoactive site of channelrhodopsin-2 by DNP-enhanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Becker-Baldus Johanna , Bamann Christian , Saxena Krishna , Gustmann Henrik , Brown Lynda J. , Brown Richard C. D. , Reiter Christian , Bamberg Ernst , Wachtveitl Josef , Schwalbe Harald , Glaubitz Clemens
Published: July 2015

Significance

Channelrhodopsin-2 is a dimeric membrane protein functioning as a light-gated ion channel, which has triggered numerous optogenetic applications. We present the first NMR study, to our knowledge, by which structural details of the retinal cofactor could be resolved. This study was only possible by enhancing the detection sensitivity 60-fold through dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), a highly promising hybrid method linking EPR with solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Our data show that ground-state channelrhodopsin-2 contains the retinal cofactor in its all-
trans
configuration with a slightly perturbed polyene chain. Three different photointermediates could be trapped and analyzed. Our study shows that DNP-enhanced solid-state NMR is a key method for bridging the gap between X-ray–based structure analysis and functional studies toward a highly resolved molecular picture.
Accumulation of non-outer segment proteins in the outer segment underlies photoreceptor degeneration in Bardet–Biedl syndrome
Authors: Datta Poppy , Allamargot Chantal , Hudson Joseph S. , Andersen Emily K. , Bhattarai Sajag , Drack Arlene V. , Sheffield Val C. , Seo Seongjin
Published: July 2015

Significance

The photoreceptor outer segment (OS) is a cellular compartment that senses light in the eye. Structural and functional defects in the OS are common causes of inherited blindness. Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a human genetic disease associated with defective protein trafficking and blindness. However, it is not well understood why or how photoreceptors die in BBS. In this article, we show that the primary cause of photoreceptor degeneration in BBS is likely aberrant accumulation of non-OS proteins in the OS, which is accompanied by OS disorganization and deficiencies of certain proteins in the cell body, resulting from their sequestration in the OS. Our study provides important clues to the pathogenic mechanisms of BBS and the molecular functions of BBS proteins in vivo.
AAV9 delivering a modified human Mullerian inhibiting substance as a gene therapy in patient-derived xenografts of ovarian cancer
Authors: Pépin David , Sosulski Amanda , Zhang Lihua , Wang Dan , Vathipadiekal Vinod , Hendren Katherine , Coletti Caroline M. , Yu Aaron , Castro Cesar M. , Birrer Michael J. , Gao Guangping , Donahoe Patricia K.
Published: July 2015

Significance

To improve ovarian cancer patient survival, effective treatments addressing chemoresistant recurrences are particularly needed. Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) has been shown to inhibit the growth of a stem-like population of ovarian cancer cells. To test this protein therapeutic, malignant ascites from patients with highly resistant recurrent ovarian cancer were used to create patient-derived ovarian cancer xenografts. Mice bearing tumors were treated with adeno-associated virus serotype 9 gene therapy delivering MIS, which inhibited three of five models without signs of toxicity. Finally, we found that 88% of serous tumors express MIS type II receptor by immunohistochemistry. These preclinical data suggest that gene therapy with MIS provides a potentially well-tolerated and effective treatment strategy for chemoresistant serous ovarian cancer.
Activation of the BMP-BMPR pathway conferred resistance to EGFR-TKIs in lung squamous cell carcinoma patients with EGFR mutations
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Shen Zhirong , Li Zhenxiang , Duan Jianchun , Fu Shuai , Liu Zhentao , Bai Hua , Zhang Zemin , Zhao Jun , Wang Xiaodong , Wang Jie
Published: July 2015

Significance

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) have demonstrated clinical benefits for patients suffering from non–small cell lung cancer of adenocarcinoma with activating mutation of EGFR. Same mutations observed in lung squamous cell carcinoma do not offer similar benefits. The underlining resistance mechanism revealed in this study turns out to be the concurrent activation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) signaling pathway in lung squamous cell carcinoma. The combination of EGFR-TKI with inhibitors of BMP receptors signaling pathway overcame the resistance. Such a finding provided a viable clinical strategy to treat those patients.
Requirement of Fra proteins for communication channels between cells in the filamentous nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteriumAnabaenasp. PCC 7120
Authors: Omairi-Nasser Amin , Mariscal Vicente , Austin Jotham R. , Haselkorn Robert
Published: July 2015

Significance

Cellular communication along the filaments of heterocyst-forming, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria has been discussed for at least 50 y but how this might be accomplished is not fully understood. We recently showed that the septum between heterocysts and vegetative cells is pierced by channels 12 nm in diameter and 20 nm long. Here, we show that three proteins, FraC, FraD, and FraG, participate in the formation of the channels although none of them appears to be a structural component of the channels. Moreover, using gold particle-labeled antibody, FraG was found around the cyanophycin plug as well as associated with the cytoplasmic membrane in the neighborhood of the peptidoglycan that forms the septum.
A dynamic formin-dependent deep F-actin network in axons
Authors: Ganguly Archan , Tang Yong , Wang Lina , Ladt Kelsey , Loi Jonathan , Dargent Bénédicte , Leterrier Christophe , Roy Subhojit
Published: July 2015

Although actin at neuronal growth cones is well-studied, much less is known about actin organization and dynamics along axon shafts and presynaptic boutons. Using probes that selectively label filamentous-actin (F-actin), we found focal “actin hotspots” along axons—spaced ∼3–4 µm apart—where actin undergoes continuous assembly/disassembly. These foci are a nidus for vigorous actin polymerization, generating long filaments spurting bidirectionally along axons—a phenomenon we call “actin trails.” Super-resolution microscopy reveals intra-axonal deep actin filaments in addition to the subplasmalemmal “actin rings” described recently. F-actin hotspots colocalize with stationary axonal endosomes, and blocking vesicle transport diminishes the actin trails, suggesting mechanistic links between vesicles and F-actin kinetics. Actin trails are formin—but not Arp2/3—dependent and help enrich actin at presynaptic boutons. Finally, formin inhibition dramatically disrupts synaptic recycling. Collectively, available data suggest a two-tier F-actin organization in axons, with stable “actin rings” providing mechanical support to the plasma membrane and dynamic "actin trails" generating a flexible cytoskeletal network with putative physiological roles.
CD68 acts as a major gateway for malaria sporozoite liver infection
Authors: Cha Sung-Jae , Park Kiwon , Srinivasan Prakash , Schindler Christian W. , van Rooijen Nico , Stins Monique , Jacobs-Lorena Marcelo
Published: July 2015

After being delivered by the bite from an infected mosquito, Plasmodium sporozoites enter the blood circulation and infect the liver. Previous evidence suggests that Kupffer cells, a macrophage-like component of the liver blood vessel lining, are traversed by sporozoites to initiate liver invasion. However, the molecular determinants of sporozoite–Kupffer cell interactions are unknown. Understanding the molecular basis for this specific recognition may lead to novel therapeutic strategies to control malaria. Using a phage display library screen, we identified a peptide, P39, that strongly binds to the Kupffer cell surface and, importantly, inhibits sporozoite Kupffer cell entry. Furthermore, we determined that P39 binds to CD68, a putative receptor for sporozoite invasion of Kupffer cells that acts as a gateway for malaria infection of the liver.
Revisiting Sverdrup's critical depth hypothesis
Authors: Sathyendranath Shubha , Ji Rubao , Browman Howard I.
Published: July 2015

Published more than 60 years ago in this Journal, the article in which Sverdrup proposed the concept of critical depth to explain the initiation of the spring bloom in the North Atlantic has accrued an exceptionally large number of citations and continues to be cited more than 50 times per year. The framework provided by Sverdrup has now been applied, adapted, and tested across many aquatic systems worldwide. Datasets have been collected; models have been built on the framework: these studies have generated new insights into phytoplankton dynamics and interesting debates on the relative importance of the various factors responsible for phytoplankton blooms. This article theme set presents some of the most recent efforts to discuss and test Sverdrup's critical depth hypothesis using a diverse set of approaches, ranging from controlled experiments to field observations as well as numerical and analytical models. The set of papers celebrates an elegant and powerful hypothesis that has had long-lasting influence. It is to be expected that it will also stimulate future research, adding even more to our understanding of one of the most fundamental processes in biological oceanography.
Brainstem and Cranial Nerves
Authors: Flemming Kelly D. , Brazis Paul W.
Published: July 2015

The midbrain (or mesencephalon) is the uppermost segment of the brainstem. This chapter reviews the important structures in the midbrain, including cranial nerves III and IV. The midbrain extends from the level of the trochlear nucleus to an imaginary line drawn between the mammillary bodies and the posterior commissure. Important structures at this level include the cerebral peduncles, superior and inferior colliculi, the red nucleus, the substantia nigra, decussation of the middle cerebellar peduncle, and cranial nerves III and IV.
Cortex Topography and Organization
Authors: Caselli Richard J. , Jones David T.
Published: July 2015

The cerebral cortex functions in a wide variety of simple and complex activities. It is made up of layers of neuronal cell bodies, hence the term gray matter. These layers of cell bodies are then organized into gyri (convolutions). The cortex can be divided into functional components in several different ways. Various schemes exist and may be based on function, cytoarchitecture, topography, or Brodmann areas.
Psychotic Disorders
Authors: Rasmussen Keith G.
Published: July 2015

Common psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, psychotic disorder due to a general medical condition, substance-induced psychotic disorder) and their treatment are reviewed in this chapter. Additional information on pharmacologic treatment of psychotic disorders is found elsewhere.
Miscellaneous Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Martin Kari A.
Published: July 2015

With a number of psychiatric disorders, patients present with medical and psychological symptoms not well explained by medical conditions or substance use. This chapter reviews those disorders in addition to dissociative disorders, sexual disorders, and adjustment disorders.
Longitudinal Survey of Microbiota in Hospitalized Preterm Very‐Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants
Authors: Patel Aloka L. , Mutlu Ece A. , Sun Yan , Koenig Lars , Green Stefan , Jakubowicz Andrew , Mryan Janet , Engen Phillip , Fogg Louis , Chen Andrea L. , Pombar Xavier , Meier Paula P. , Keshavarzian Ali
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to examine the changes in bacteria in hospitalized preterm infants during the first month of life.

Methods:

Rectal swabs were collected daily from 12 preterm infants. DNA was extracted from swabs from day of birth and weekly thereafter. Bacterial taxa were identified with next generation sequencing using universal bacterial primers targeted at the 16S ribosomal DNA on a 454 Roche titanium platform. Sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units, and taxonomy was assigned against the Greengenes databank using Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology version 1.4. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. Functional assessment of the microbiome was performed with Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt).

Results:

Average birth weight and gestational age were 1055 g and 28 weeks, respectively. There were 6 to 35 different bacterial families identified in the day‐of‐birth samples, unrelated to the mode of delivery. Richness decreased through hospitalization (week 1, 16.9 ± 7.7 vs weeks 3–5, 10.7 ± 3.4, P < 0.001). The Shannon diversity index demonstrated the lowest diversity at birth, an increase at week 2, followed by a rapid decline at weeks 3 to 5, suggesting the development of a more uniform microbiota composition after 2 weeks of stay at a neonatal intensive care unit. Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcaceae, and Enterococcaceae constituted the majority of the bacterial families. Bifidobacterium spp were infrequently detected at extremely low levels. PICRUSt analysis revealed the enhancement of peroxisome, PPAR, and adipocytokine signaling; plant–pathogen interaction; and aminobenzoate degradation pathways in week 1 samples.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that although preterm infants have individualized microbiota that are detectable at birth, the differences decrease during the neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization with increasing prominence of pathogenic microbiota.
Metasurface transformation for surface wave control
Authors: Martini E. , Mencagli M. , Maci S.
Published: July 2015

Metasurfaces (MTSs) constitute a class of thin metamaterials used for controlling plane waves and surface waves (SWs). At microwave frequencies, they are constituted by a metallic texture with elements of sub-wavelength size printed on thin grounded dielectric substrates. These structures support the propagation of SWs. By averaging the tangential fields, the MTSs can be characterized through homogenized isotropic or anisotropic boundary conditions, which can be described through a homogeneous equivalent impedance. This impedance can be spatially modulated by locally changing the size/orientation of the texture elements. This allows for a deformation of the SW wavefront which addresses the local wavevector along not-rectilinear paths. The effect of the MTS modulation can be analysed in the framework of transformation optics. This article reviews theory and implementation of this MTS transformation and shows some examples at microwave frequencies.
Spatial transformation-enabled electromagnetic devices: from radio frequencies to optical wavelengths
Authors: Jiang Zhi Hao , Turpin Jeremy P. , Morgan Kennith , Lu Bingqian , Werner Douglas H.
Published: July 2015

Transformation optics provides scientists and engineers with a new powerful design paradigm to manipulate the flow of electromagnetic waves in a user-defined manner and with unprecedented flexibility, by controlling the spatial distribution of the electromagnetic properties of a medium. Using this approach, over the past decade, various previously undiscovered physical wave phenomena have been revealed and novel electromagnetic devices have been demonstrated throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. In this paper, we present versatile theoretical and experimental investigations on designing transformation optics-enabled devices for shaping electromagnetic wave radiation and guidance, at both radio frequencies and optical wavelengths. Different from conventional coordinate transformations, more advanced and versatile coordinate transformations are exploited here to benefit diverse applications, thereby providing expanded design flexibility, enhanced device performance, as well as reduced implementation complexity. These design examples demonstrate the comprehensive capability of transformation optics in controlling electromagnetic waves, while the associated novel devices will open up new paths towards future integrated electromagnetic component synthesis and design, from microwave to optical spectral regimes.
Superiority of local antimoniate over systemic liposomal amphotericin B therapy in a Leishmania infantum cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Murat Jean-Benjamin , Maubon Danièle , Ravel Christophe , Templier Isabelle , Epaulard Olivier
Published: July 2015

Introduction:

The therapeutic choice for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) can be difficult, notably in countries where autochthonous cases are rare. In France, CL is mostly due to imported cases. Leishmania infantum, which is the endemic species in the French south-eastern region, is usually responsible for visceral leishmaniasis but rarely causes the autochthonous cutaneous form of the disease. Intralesional injection of antimonials seems to be the most recommended therapy in the latter case, but particular situations can justify the use of systemic amphotericin B (AmB).

Case presentation:

We report and illustrate a French case of locally acquired CL due to L. infantum that was surprisingly unresponsive to systemic AmB, with clinical worsening and parasitic invasion of the lesion. Thereafter, the patient was successfully treated by intralesional pentavalent antimonial.

Conclusion:

This case supports the choice of intralesional therapy as the first therapeutic option in L. infantum CL, an infrequent situation in France.
destiny– diffusion maps for large-scale single-cell data in R
Authors: Angerer Philipp , Haghverdi Laleh , Büttner Maren , Theis Fabian J. , Marr Carsten , Buettner Florian
Published: July 2015

Diffusion maps are a spectral method for non-linear dimension reduction and have recently been adapted for the visualization of single cell expression data. Here we presentdestiny, an efficient R implementation of the diffusion map algorithm. Our package includes a single-cell specific noise model allowing for missing and censored values. In contrast to previous implementations, we further present an efficient nearest-neighbour approximation that allows for the processing of hundreds of thousands of cells and a functionality for projecting new data on existing diffusion maps. We exemplarily applydestinyto a recent time-resolved mass cytometry dataset of cellular reprogramming.

Availability and implementation

destinyis an open-source R/Bioconductor packagehttp://bioconductor.org/packages/destiny also available athttps://www.helmholtz-muenchen.de/icb/destiny. A detailed vignette describing functions and workflows is provided with the package.

Contact

carsten.marr@helmholtz-muenchen.de,f.buettner@helmholtz-muenchen.de
Structure of human MDM2 complexed with RPL11 reveals the molecular basis of p53 activation
Authors: Zheng Jiangge , Lang Yue , Zhang Qi , Cui Di , Sun Haili , Jiang Lun , Chen Zhenhang , Zhang Rui , Gao Yina , Tian Wenli , Wu Wei , Tang Jun , Chen Zhongzhou
Published: July 2015

The central region of MDM2 is critical for p53 activation and tumor suppression. Upon ribosomal stress, this region is bound by ribosomal proteins, particularly ribosomal protein L11 (RPL11), leading to MDM2 inactivation and subsequent p53 activation. Here, we solved the complex structure of human MDM2–RPL11 at 2.4 Å. MDM2 extensively interacts with RPL11 through an acidic domain and two zinc fingers. Formation of the MDM2–RPL11 complex induces substantial conformational changes in both proteins. RPL11, unable to bind MDM2 mutants, fails to induce the activation of p53 in cells. MDM2 mimics 28S rRNA binding to RPL11. The C4 zinc finger determines RPL11 binding to MDM2 but not its homolog, MDMX. Our results highlight the essential role of the RPL11–MDM2 interaction in p53 activation and tumor suppression and provide a structural basis for potential new anti-tumor drug development.
A binding hotspot inTrypanosoma cruzihistidyl-tRNA synthetase revealed by fragment-based crystallographic cocktail screens
Authors: Koh Cho Yeow , Kallur Siddaramaiah Latha , Ranade Ranae M. , Nguyen Jasmine , Jian Tengyue , Zhang Zhongsheng , Gillespie J. Robert , Buckner Frederick S. , Verlinde Christophe L. M. J. , Fan Erkang , Hol Wim G. J.
Published: July 2015

American trypanosomiasis, commonly known as Chagas disease, is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasiteTrypanosoma cruzi. The chronic form of the infection often causes debilitating morbidity and mortality. However, the current treatment for the disease is typically inadequate owing to drug toxicity and poor efficacy, necessitating a continual effort to discover and develop new antiparasitic therapeutic agents. The structure ofT. cruzihistidyl-tRNA synthetase (HisRS), a validated drug target, has previously been reported. Based on this structure and those of human cytosolic HisRS, opportunities for the development of specific inhibitors were identified. Here, efforts are reported to identify small molecules that bind toT. cruziHisRS through fragment-based crystallographic screening in order to arrive at chemical starting points for the development of specific inhibitors.T. cruziHisRS was soaked into 68 different cocktails from the Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa (MSGPP) fragment library and diffraction data were collected to identify bound fragments after soaking. A total of 15 fragments were identified, all bound to the same site on the protein, revealing a fragment-binding hotspot adjacent to the ATP-binding pocket. On the basis of the initial hits, the design of reactive fragments targeting the hotspot which would be simultaneously covalently linked to a cysteine residue present only in trypanosomatid HisRS was initiated. Inhibition ofT. cruziHisRS was observed with the resultant reactive fragments and the anticipated binding mode was confirmed crystallographically. These results form a platform for the development of future generations of selective inhibitors for trypanosomatid HisRS.
Structure of the green fluorescent protein NowGFP with an anionic tryptophan-based chromophore
Authors: Pletnev Vladimir Z. , Pletneva Nadya V. , Sarkisyan Karen S. , Mishin Alexander S. , Lukyanov Konstantin A. , Goryacheva Ekaterina A. , Ziganshin Rustam H. , Dauter Zbigniew , Pletnev Sergei
Published: July 2015

A green-emitting fluorescent variant, NowGFP, with a tryptophan-based chromophore (Thr65-Trp66-Gly67) was recently developed from the cyan mCerulean by introducing 18 point mutations. NowGFP is characterized by bright green fluorescence at physiological and higher pH and by weak cyan fluorescence at low pH. Illumination with blue light induces irreversible photoconversion of NowGFP from a green-emitting to a cyan-emitting form. Here, the X-ray structures of intact NowGFP at pH 9.0 and pH 4.8 and of its photoconverted variant, NowGFP_conv, are reported at 1.35, 1.18 and 2.5 Å resolution, respectively. The structure of NowGFP at pH 9.0 suggests the anionic state of Trp66 of the chromophore to be the primary cause of its green fluorescence. At both examined pH values Trp66 predominantly adopted acisconformation; only ∼20% of thetransconformation was observed at pH 4.8. It was shown that Lys61, which adopts two distinct pH-dependent conformations, is a key residue playing a central role in chromophore ionization. At high pH the side chain of Lys61 forms two hydrogen bonds, one to the indole N atom of Trp66 and the other to the carboxyl group of the catalytic Glu222, enabling an indirect noncovalent connection between them that in turn promotes Trp66 deprotonation. At low pH, the side chain of Lys61 is directed away from Trp66 and forms a hydrogen bond to Gln207. It has been shown that photoconversion of NowGFP is accompanied by decomposition of Lys61, with a predominant cleavage of its side chain at the Cγ—Cδbond. Lys61, Glu222, Thr203 and Ser205 form a local hydrogen-bond network connected to the indole ring of the chromophore Trp66; mutation of any of these residues dramatically affects the spectral properties of NowGFP. On the other hand, an Ala150Val replacement in the vicinity of the chromophore indole ring resulted in a new advanced variant with a 2.5-fold improved photostability.
Structure of the DNA-binding domain of the response regulator SaeR fromStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Fan Xiaojiao , Zhang Xu , Zhu Yuwei , Niu Liwen , Teng Maikun , Sun Baolin , Li Xu
Published: July 2015

The SaeR/S two-component regulatory system is essential for controlling the expression of many virulence factors inStaphylococcus aureus. SaeR, a member of the OmpR/PhoB family, is a response regulator with an N-terminal regulatory domain and a C-terminal DNA-binding domain. In order to elucidate how SaeR binds to the promoter regions of target genes, the crystal structure of the DNA-binding domain of SaeR (SaeRDBD) was solved at 2.5 Å resolution. The structure reveals that SaeRDBDexists as a monomer and has the canonical winged helix–turn–helix module. EMSA experiments suggested that full-length SaeR can bind to the P1 promoter and that the binding affinity is higher than that of its C-terminal DNA-binding domain. Five key residues on the winged helix–turn–helix module were verified to be important for binding to the P1 promoterin vitroand for the physiological function of SaeRin vivo.
Exploring perceptions of non-Muslims towards Halal foods in UK
Authors: Ayyub Rana Muhammad
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– There is a growing demand of Halal products and services in a number of non-Muslim countries. Although Muslim consumers have been studied in several research studies but there is dearth of empirical studies about the perceptions of non-Muslims towards Halal. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceptions of non-Muslims towards Halal products and services.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were collected from non-Muslims of UK through snowball sampling technique. In total, 29 interviews were conducted. The consumer perceptions were explored about Halal foods. The qualitative data were analysed for thematic analysis by adopting Spiggle’s steps for data analysis.

Findings

– It was found out that majority of the non-Muslims have positive perceptions regarding the Halal products and services as far as quality is concerned. The themes which emerged from these interviews were quality, knowledge about Halal, acculturation and animal welfare issues.

Research limitations/implications

– This study will guide the Halal marketers about how to market the Halal products and services from the non-Muslim customers.

Originality/value

– This is probably among the rare studies on non-Muslims regarding their perceptions towards Halal.
Comparison of elegance of Japanese and European jackets
Authors: Kim KyoungOk , Nozawa Asako , Takatera Masayuki
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors affecting the impression of elegance of a jacket’s appearance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire survey on the impression of jacket appearance was conducted using images of jackets of Japanese and European brands. A paired comparison and sensory test were carried out for four Japanese and European jackets. To explain different jacket appearances, the jacket patterns and silhouettes were investigated from an engineering point of view.

Findings

– Most Japanese subjects responded that European jackets in images were more elegant and characteristic of European style. In a comparison of jacket silhouettes, Jacket 1 (European brand) was evaluated as the most elegant. The waist and bust parts of Jacket 1 had three-dimensional shape whereas the Japanese jackets had planar and rectilinear shapes. This was due to the difference in the waist darts and curved lines in the patterns. Jacket appearance in terms of elegance is thus mainly affected by the waist and bust shapes, which are affected by darts and lines in the patterns.

Originality/value

– This is pioneering research on the elegance of garment appearance from an engineering point of view, using actual clothing. The comparison results for commercial jackets will be valuable to the apparel industry.