bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent progress on spherical torus research
Authors: Ono Masayuki , Kaita Robert
Published: April 2015

The spherical torus or spherical tokamak (ST) is a member of the tokamak family with its aspect ratio (A = R0/a) reduced to A ∼ 1.5, well below the normal tokamak operating range of A ≥ 2.5. As the aspect ratio is reduced, the ideal tokamak beta β (radio of plasma to magnetic pressure) stability limit increases rapidly, approximately as β ∼ 1/A. The plasma current it can sustain for a given edge safety factor q-95 also increases rapidly. Because of the above, as well as the natural elongation κ, which makes its plasma shape appear spherical, the ST configuration can yield exceptionally high tokamak performance in a compact geometry. Due to its compactness and high performance, the ST configuration has various near term applications, including a compact fusion neutron source with low tritium consumption, in addition to its longer term goal of an attractive fusion energy power source. Since the start of the two mega-ampere class ST facilities in 2000, the National Spherical Torus Experiment in the United States and Mega Ampere Spherical Tokamak in UK, active ST research has been conducted worldwide. More than 16 ST research facilities operating during this period have achieved remarkable advances in all fusion science areas, involving fundamental fusion energy science as well as innovation. These results suggest exciting future prospects for ST research both near term and longer term. The present paper reviews the scientific progress made by the worldwide ST research community during this new mega-ampere-ST era.
Experimental and theoretical models of wave-induced flexure of a sea ice floe
Authors: Meylan M. H. , Bennetts L. G. , Cavaliere C. , Alberello A. , Toffoli A.
Published: April 2015

An experimental model is used to validate a theoretical model of a sea ice floe’s flexural motion, induced by ocean waves. A thin plastic plate models the ice floe in the experiments. Rigid and compliant plastics and two different thicknesses are tested. Regular incident waves are used, with wavelengths less than, equal to, and greater than the floe length, and steepnesses ranging from gently sloping to storm-like. Results show the models agree well, despite the overwash phenomenon occurring in the experiments, which the theoretical model neglects.
Structural transformation between long and short-chain form of liquid sulfur from ab initio molecular dynamics
Authors: Plašienka Dušan , Cifra Peter , Martoňák Roman
Published: April 2015

We present results of ab initio molecular dynamics study of the structural transformation occurring in hot liquid sulfur under high pressure, which corresponds to the recently observed chain-breakage phenomenon and to the electronic transition reported earlier. The transformation is temperature-induced and separates two distinct polymeric forms of liquid sulfur: high-temperature form composed of short chain-like fragments with open endings and low-temperature form with very long chains. We offer a structural description of the two liquid forms in terms of chain lengths, cross-linking, and chain geometry and investigate several physical properties. We conclude that the transformation is accompanied by changes in energy (but not density) as well as in diffusion coefficient and electronic properties—semiconductor-metal transition. We also describe the analogy of the investigated process to similar phenomena that take place in two other chalcogens selenium and tellurium. Finally, we remark that the behavior of heated liquid sulfur at ambient pressure might indicate a possible existence of a critical point in the low-pressure region of sulfur phase diagram.
Using the Chebychev expansion in quantum transport calculations
Authors: Popescu Bogdan , Rahman Hasan , Kleinekathöfer Ulrich
Published: April 2015

Irradiation by laser pulses and a fluctuating surrounding liquid environment can, for example, lead to time-dependent effects in the transport through molecular junctions. From the theoretical point of view, time-dependent theories of quantum transport are still challenging. In one of these existing transport theories, the energy-dependent coupling between molecule and leads is decomposed into Lorentzian functions. This trick has successfully been combined with quantum master approaches, hierarchical formalisms, and non-equilibrium Green’s functions. The drawback of this approach is, however, its serious limitation to certain forms of the molecule-lead coupling and to higher temperatures. Tian and Chen [J. Chem. Phys. 137, 204114 (2012)] recently employed a Chebychev expansion to circumvent some of these latter problems. Here, we report on a similar approach also based on the Chebychev expansion but leading to a different set of coupled differential equations using the fact that a derivative of a zeroth-order Bessel function can again be given in terms of Bessel functions. Test calculations show the excellent numerical accuracy and stability of the presented formalism. The time span for which this Chebychev expansion scheme is valid without any restrictions on the form of the spectral density or temperature can be determined a priori.
Ternary eutectic dendrites: Pattern formation and scaling properties
Authors: Rátkai László , Szállás Attila , Pusztai Tamás , Mohri Tetsuo , Gránásy László
Published: April 2015

Extending previous work [Pusztai et al., Phys. Rev. E 87, 032401 (2013)], we have studied the formation of eutectic dendrites in a model ternary system within the framework of the phase-field theory. We have mapped out the domain in which two-phase dendritic structures grow. With increasing pulling velocity, the following sequence of growth morphologies is observed: flat front lamellae → eutectic colonies → eutectic dendrites → dendrites with target pattern → partitionless dendrites → partitionless flat front. We confirm that the two-phase and one-phase dendrites have similar forms and display a similar scaling of the dendrite tip radius with the interface free energy. It is also found that the possible eutectic patterns include the target pattern, and single- and multiarm spirals, of which the thermal fluctuations choose. The most probable number of spiral arms increases with increasing tip radius and with decreasing kinetic anisotropy. Our numerical simulations confirm that in agreement with the assumptions of a recent analysis of two-phase dendrites [Akamatsu et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 105502 (2014)], the Jackson-Hunt scaling of the eutectic wavelength with pulling velocity is obeyed in the parameter domain explored, and that the natural eutectic wavelength is proportional to the tip radius of the two-phase dendrites. Finally, we find that it is very difficult/virtually impossible to form spiraling two-phase dendrites without anisotropy, an observation that seems to contradict the expectations of Akamatsu et al. Yet, it cannot be excluded that in isotropic systems, two-phase dendrites are rare events difficult to observe in simulations.
Anomalous C-V response correlated to relaxation processes in TiO2 thin film based-metal-insulator-metal capacitor: Effect of titanium and oxygen defects
Authors: Kahouli A. , Marichy C. , Sylvestre A. , Pinna N.
Published: April 2015

Capacitance-voltage (C–V) and capacitance-frequency (C–f) measurements are performed on atomic layer deposited TiO2 thin films with top and bottom Au and Pt electrodes, respectively, over a large temperature and frequency range. A sharp capacitance peak/discontinuity (C–V anomalous) is observed in the C–V characteristics at various temperatures and voltages. It is demonstrated that this phenomenon is directly associated with oxygen vacancies. The C–V peak irreversibility and dissymmetry at the reversal dc voltage are attributed to difference between the Schottky contacts at the metal/TiO2 interfaces. Dielectric analyses reveal two relaxation processes with degeneration of the activation energy. The low trap level of 0.60–0.65 eV is associated with the first ionized oxygen vacancy at low temperature, while the deep trap level of 1.05 eV is associated to the second ionized oxygen vacancy at high temperature. The DC conductivity of the films exhibits a transition temperature at 200 °C, suggesting a transition from a conduction regime governed by ionized oxygen vacancies to one governed by interstitial Ti3+ ions. Both the C–V anomalous and relaxation processes in TiO2 arise from oxygen vacancies, while the conduction mechanism at high temperature is governed by interstitial titanium ions.
Thickness-modulated InGaAs/GaAsP superlattice solar cells on vicinal substrates
Authors: Fujii Hiromasa , Katoh Takumi , Toprasertpong Kasidit , Sodabanlu Hassanet , Watanabe Kentaroh , Sugiyama Masakazu , Nakano Yoshiaki
Published: April 2015

InGaAs/GaAsP superlattice (SL) is a promising narrow-gap material for III–V multi-junction solar cells on Ge. In metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) of SL on vicinal substrates, the component layers tend to be undulated due to step bunching occurring at high temperature. In this paper, the effects of growth temperature and thickness modulation of the SL-region on the photovoltaic performance were investigated. Lowering the growth temperature successfully enabled epitaxy of an extremely uniform SL, from which a clear step-like absorption spectrum including sharp exciton peaks was obtained due to layer-by-layer deposition of the individual layers. Larger layer undulation at higher temperature led to poorer in-plane coverage of the InGaAs region, resulting in the reduction of both light absorption and short circuit current. The open circuit voltage, on the other hand, was higher for the cells grown at higher temperature owing to suppressed dark current as a result of reduced crystal defects. Moreover, the lateral thickness variation of the GaAsP barriers in the undulated SL allowed efficient tunnel transport through the thinner part of the barrier, and improved the carrier collection and the fill factor. By optimizing the growth temperature for SL on vicinal substrates, an N-on-P cell including 100-period SL with a bandgap of 1.21 eV achieved 1.11 times higher efficiency than a GaAs reference cell with 36% current enhancement as middle cell performance.
Bilevel economic operation of distribution networks with microgrid integration
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhao Dongmei , Gu Chenghong , Li Furong
Published: April 2015

Traditionally, the economic operation of a microgrid (MG) is independent with that of a distribution network (DN), and the electricity trade between them is simply based on contract prices or wholesale electricity market prices. In order to coordinate the benefits of DNs and MGs more effectively, a new economic operation model for DNs with MG is proposed in this paper modeled as a bilevel programming problem (BLPP). At the upper level, electric power from the gird and electricity price of MGs are control variables. A DN seeks the least operation cost by optimizing these control variables. At the lower level, control variables are electric power of dispatchable distributed generations (DGs) and the DN. Based on the electricity price got from the upper level and the operation costs of dispatchable DGs, a MG minimizes its hourly operation cost by optimizing the control variables. Furthermore, electricity price constraints are considered in this BLPP model, and a method to dynamically determine the constraints is proposed. They are decided by the load power demand profile in the DN and the price differential between the wholesale electricity market and dispatchable DGs. A comprehensive real-time pricing for residential consumers is also considered in the operation model to study the impact from demand response. The proposed BLPP model is solved by particles swarm optimization based on bilevel iterative algorithm. The demonstration is performed on a modified IEEE 33-node radial distribution system.
In-flight observations of low-mode ρR asymmetries in NIF implosions
Authors: Zylstra A. B. , Frenje J. A. , Séguin F. H. , Rygg J. R. , Kritcher A. , Rosenberg M. J. , Rinderknecht H. G. , Hicks D. G. , Friedrich S. , Bionta R. , Meezan N. B. , Olson R. , Atherton J. , Barrios M. , Bell P. , Benedetti R. , Berzak Hopkins L. , Betti R. , Bradley D. , Callahan D. , Casey D. , Collins G. , Dewald E. L. , Dixit S. , Döppner T. , Edwards M. J. , Gatu Johnson M. , Glenn S. , Grim G. , Hatchett S. , Jones O. , Khan S. , Kilkenny J. , Kline J. , Knauer J. , Kyrala G. , Landen O. , LePape S. , Li C. K. , Lindl J. , Ma T. , Mackinnon A. , Manuel M. J.-E. , Meyerhofer D. , Moses E. , Nagel S. R. , Nikroo A. , Parham T. , Pak A. , Petrasso R. D. , Prasad R. , Ralph J. , Robey H. F. , Ross J. S. , Sangster T. C. , Sepke S. , Sinenian N. , Sio H. W. , Spears B. , Tommasini R. , Town R. , Weber S. , Wilson D. , Yeamans C. , Zacharias R.
Published: April 2015

Charged-particle spectroscopy is used to assess implosion symmetry in ignition-scale indirect-drive implosions for the first time. Surrogate D3He gas-filled implosions at the National Ignition Facility produce energetic protons via D+3He fusion that are used to measure the implosion areal density (ρR) at the shock-bang time. By using protons produced several hundred ps before the main compression bang, the implosion is diagnosed in-flight at a convergence ratio of 3–5 just prior to peak velocity. This isolates acceleration-phase asymmetry growth. For many surrogate implosions, proton spectrometers placed at the north pole and equator reveal significant asymmetries with amplitudes routinely ≳10%, which are interpreted as ℓ=2 Legendre modes. With significant expected growth by stagnation, it is likely that these asymmetries would degrade the final implosion performance. X-ray self-emission images at stagnation show asymmetries that are positively correlated with the observed in-flight asymmetries and comparable in magnitude, contradicting growth models; this suggests that the hot-spot shape does not reflect the stagnated shell shape or that significant residual kinetic energy exists at stagnation. More prolate implosions are observed when the laser drive is sustained (“no-coast”), implying a significant time-dependent asymmetry in peak drive.
Tuning giant anomalous Hall resistance ratio in perpendicular Hall balance
Authors: Zhang J. Y. , Yang G. , Wang S. G. , Liu J. L. , Wang R. M. , Amsellem E. , Kohn A. , Yu G. H.
Published: April 2015

Anomalous Hall effect at room temperature in perpendicular Hall balance with a core structure of [Pt/Co]4/NiO/[Co/Pt]4 has been tuned by functional CoO layers, where [Pt/Co]4 multilayers exhibit perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. A giant Hall resistance ratio up to 69 900% and saturation Hall resistance (RSP) up to 2590 mΩ were obtained in CoO/[Pt/Co]4/NiO/[Co/Pt]4/CoO system, which is 302% and 146% larger than that in the structure without CoO layers, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy shows highly textured [Co/Pt]4 multilayers and oxide layers with local epitaxial relations, indicating that the crystallographic structure has significant influence on spin dependent transport properties.
Novel experimental design for high pressure-high temperature electrical resistance measurements in a “Paris-Edinburgh” large volume press
Authors: Matityahu Shlomi , Emuna Moran , Yahel Eyal , Makov Guy , Greenberg Yaron
Published: April 2015

We present a novel experimental design for high sensitivity measurements of the electrical resistance of samples at high pressures (0–6 GPa) and high temperatures (300–1000 K) in a “Paris-Edinburgh” type large volume press. Uniquely, the electrical measurements are carried out directly on a small sample, thus greatly increasing the sensitivity of the measurement. The sensitivity to even minor changes in electrical resistance can be used to clearly identify phase transitions in material samples. Electrical resistance measurements are relatively simple and rapid to execute and the efficacy of the present experimental design is demonstrated by measuring the electrical resistance of Pb, Sn, and Bi across a wide domain of temperature-pressure phase space and employing it to identify the loci of phase transitions. Based on these results, the phase diagrams of these elements are reconstructed to high accuracy and found to be in excellent agreement with previous studies. In particular, by mapping the locations of several well-studied reference points in the phase diagram of Sn and Bi, it is demonstrated that a standard calibration exists for the temperature and pressure, thus eliminating the need for direct or indirect temperature and pressure measurements. The present technique will allow simple and accurate mapping of phase diagrams under extreme conditions and may be of particular importance in advancing studies of liquid state anomalies.
Multi-contrast 3D X-ray imaging of porous and composite materials
Authors: Sarapata Adrian , Ruiz-Yaniz Maite , Zanette Irene , Rack Alexander , Pfeiffer Franz , Herzen Julia
Published: April 2015

Grating-based X-ray computed tomography allows for simultaneous and nondestructive determination of the full X-ray complex index of refraction and the scattering coefficient distribution inside an object in three dimensions. Its multi-contrast capabilities combined with a high resolution of a few micrometers make it a suitable tool for assessing multiple phases inside porous and composite materials such as concrete. Here, we present quantitative results of a proof-of-principle experiment performed on a concrete sample. Thanks to the complementarity of the contrast channels, more concrete phases could be distinguished than in conventional attenuation-based imaging. The phase-contrast reconstruction shows high contrast between the hardened cement paste and the aggregates and thus allows easy 3D segmentation. Thanks to the dark-field image, micro-cracks inside the coarse aggregates are visible. We believe that these results are extremely interesting in the field of porous and composite materials studies because of unique information provided by grating interferometry in a non-destructive way.
C-Type natriuretic peptide maintains domestic cat oocytes in meiotic arrest
Authors: Zhong Yougang , Lin Jiabao , Liu Xiaoping , Hou Jian , Zhang Yong , Zhao Xingxu
Published: April 2015

Recent studies have shown that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP; encoded by the natriuretic peptide C (NPPC) gene) plays an essential role in maintaining meiotic arrest of mouse and porcine oocytes. However, whether CNP inhibits feline meiotic resumption is not known. In the present study we used a domestic cat model to explore the role played by CNP in feline oocyte meiotic resumption. We determined mRNA expression of genes encoding CNP and its cognate receptor natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) in antral follicles. NPPC mRNA was primarily expressed in mural granulosa cells, whereas NPR2 mRNA was predominantly expressed in cumulus cells. Following in vitro culture for 24 h, 100 nM CNP increased cGMP levels, and maintained meiotic arrest of oocytes associated with cumulus cells. When the duration of in vitro culture increased from 24 h to 36 h, the ability of CNP to maintain meiotic arrest decreased, and this was accompanied by a decrease in the steady state levels of NPR2 mRNA in cumulus cells. In addition, CNP decreased the rate of degeneration of oocytes. These results indicate that CNP is required to maintain meiotic arrest and prevent degeneration in domestic cat oocytes.
IRBIT regulates CaMKIIα activity and contributes to catecholamine homeostasis through tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation
Authors: Kawaai Katsuhiro , Mizutani Akihiro , Shoji Hirotaka , Ogawa Naoko , Ebisui Etsuko , Kuroda Yukiko , Wakana Shigeharu , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Hisatsune Chihiro , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko
Published: April 2015

Significance

Appropriate homeostatic regulation of catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine) is important for the maintenance of normal brain function and mental state. The dysregulation of dopamine systems has been correlated with a hyperactive phenotype and social abnormalities, which are frequently observed in patients with psychiatric disorders. In this report, we found that IRBIT regulates catecholamine homeostasis by binding to calcium calmodulin-dependent kinase II alpha and subsequently controlling tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation. In addition, mice lacking IRBIT present with increased locomotor activity and social abnormalities. Our finding provides new insight into the homeostatic regulation of catecholamines.
Echoes of Berlin, 1989: Post-Soviet Discourse and the Rhetoric of National Unity
Authors: Williams David Cratis , Young Marilyn J.
Published: April 2015

Just as the popular imagination became inflamed by the events of 1989, and the “fall of the wall” was commonly taken as a sign of the inevitability of a new, open, free, and democratic Eastern Europe, so too was the disintegration of the Soviet Union in December of 1991 taken as a sign of the inevitability of a new, open, free, and democratic Russia. Although the events in Berlin were significant in spurring changes onward, with different rhetorical choices by Soviet and Russian leaders along the way history could have been written quite differently. The central concern of this article is to show how these rhetorical choices shaped the future of post-Communist transition in the Russian Federation. We proceed chronologically, examining key moments in the rhetoricity of the Russian transition from Communism toward its current form of governance.
Czech Rhetoric of 1989 and Václav Havel
Authors: Klicperová-Baker Martina
Published: April 2015

Year 1989 was memorable for rhetoric. Words had power. Clumsy Communist speeches, delivered in a futile attempt to preserve the old order, backfired and sealed the downfall of the old regime. The town squares became public arenas for ad hoc referenda; rhetoric became a legitimate weapon. Battles for public opinion culminated in unique confrontations of speakers and crowds at the ČKD industrial plant and Letná plain in Prague. Václav Havel, a dissident and shy unlikely leader, won by both his ethos and logos. Havel’s slogan ‘Truth and Love has to Prevail over Lie and Hatred’ became a staple of the Velvet Revolution and is still alive, provoking the enemies of moral politics and civil society. Drawing on academic literature, the article provides a closer analysis of Havel’s rhetoric.
Bringing in Earthly Redemption: Slobodan Milosevic and the National Myth of Kosovo
Authors: Edwards Jason A.
Published: April 2015

Slobodan Milosevic’s rise from a minor Communist Party figure to the eventual Serbian president was bound up in rhetoric. Specifically, I examine how Milosevic rhetorically recast and modified the myth of Kosovo. The myth of Kosovo is one of the fundamental pillars of Serbian identity. I argue Milosevic modified the fundamental themes of the myth—disunity and unity—to bring an earthly redemption to Serbs in the late 1980s. Milosevic’s use of the Kosovo myth cemented his hold on presidential leadership in 1989 and is an important example of how past events are fruitful topoi for political leaders trying to build nationalist movements.
Diffusivity in multiple scattering systems
Authors: Chumley Timothy , Feres Renato , Zhang Hong-Kun
Published: April 2015

We consider random flights of point particles inside

n
n

-dimensional channels of the form

R

k

×

B

n
−
k

\mathbb {R}^{k}\times \mathbb {B}^{n-k}

, where

B

n
−
k

\mathbb {B}^{n-k}

is a ball of radius

r
r

in dimension

n
−
k

n-k

. The sequence of particle velocities taken immediately after each collision with the boundary of the channel comprise a Markov chain whose transition probabilities operator

P
P

is determined by a choice of (billiard-like) random mechanical model of the particle-surface interaction at the “microscopic” scale. Markov operators obtained in this way are natural, which means, in particular, that (1) the (at the surface) Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution with a given surface temperature, when the surface model contains moving parts, or (2) the so-called Knudsen cosine law, when this model is purely geometric, is the stationary distribution of

P
P

.

Our central concern is the relationship between the surface scattering properties encoded in

P
P

and the constant of diffusivity of a Brownian motion obtained by an appropriate limit of the random flight in the channel. We show by a suitable generalization of a central limit theorem of Kipnis and Varadhan how the diffusivity is expressed in terms of the spectrum of

P
P

and compute, in the case of

2
2

-dimensional channels, the exact values of the diffusivity for a class of parametric microscopic surface models of the above geometric type (2).
Marie de Gournay
Authors: Chang Leah
Published: April 2015

Philosopher, translator, fiction writer, and editor: it is virtually impossible to pin down one authorial or scholarly identity for Marie de Gournay (b. 1565–d. 1645). Over the course of an extraordinary career that spanned over forty years, the autodidact Gournay created an extensive body of work, remarkable both for its range of genre and subject and for the painstaking care with which she returned repeatedly to her texts, reworking them and recasting them in different editorial contexts for different publics. Gournay is increasingly studied and valued by scholars for the writings of her late career, particularly for her work on gender and equality, on moral philosophy, on language and poetry, and for her monumental editions of her collected works. But for most of the 350 years since her death, she was known principally as the editor of Michel de Montaigne’s Essais. Gournay did much to foreground her identity as Montaigne’s fille d’alliance (or “covenant daughter”), which is a term meant to capture a friendship between the two writers —the older, male essayist, and the younger female one—that appears to have been as historically founded as it was textually cultivated. Until the late 20th century, popular and scholarly opinion has generally been unkind to Gournay. Although during her career she had her supporters and correspondents (Montaigne himself, it appears, and, notably, scholars such as Justus Lipsius and Anna Maria Von Schurman), during her lifetime Gournay was also mocked as a bluestocking, made the butt of various pranks, and ridiculed in print. Scholarly disdain for Gournay continued into the 19th and early 20th centuries. With the rediscovery of the “Bordeaux Copy” of Montaigne’s Essais in the early 19th century—with additions and comments in Montaigne’s hand that differed from those that appeared in Gournay’s 1595 edition—Gournay’s reputation as a “faithful” editor was called into question. Critics also cast doubt on the mutuality of the friendship with Montaigne and suggested that Gournay was little better than an obsessive fan. This disdainful attitude toward Gournay has altered radically in the last thirty years. Gournay’s essays and treatises, in addition to her work on the Essais, have become the subject of several volumes of essays and monographs as scholars have increasingly made Gournay-as-author the subject of critical inquiry; in addition, scholars have sought greater purchase on the mutually informative relation between her editorial work and her writing. Gournay’s complete works have also been reproduced carefully in excellent critical editions. Strikingly, the debate over her work on Montaigne’s Essais has also come full circle, as the 1595 text has been re-adopted as the definitive version of the Essais for the recent Pléiade edition. The quickened scholarly interest in Gournay over the past twenty years—much of which defends her as editor and author—no doubt played a role in that editorial decision.
Greta Garbo
Authors: Hallman Philip
Published: April 2015

Greta Garbo (b. 1905–d. 1990) is arguably the most famous female movie star Hollywood produced during the late silent film era and the beginning of the golden age of the studio system. She exuded an unbridled sexuality and sophistication new for the era that immediately set her apart from her on-screen contemporaries like Lillian Gish, Mary Pickford, and Janet Gaynor. Born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson in 1905 in a working-class district of Stockholm, Sweden, Garbo began life as the youngest of three children. Money and excitement were lacking for all. Biographies of Garbo often reference her love of daydreaming and play-acting to escape her dreary life, directing her friends in make-believe playground dramas as she fantasized about a life as an actress. Her father’s ill health took a toll on the family and Greta was often asked to care for him. His death in 1919, when she was only fourteen, led her to leave school early, something she was not unhappy about doing as she hated school. She worked in a department store and modeled before eventually being “discovered” by her mentor, Mauritz Stiller. Her performance in Stiller’s 1924 Swedish film The Saga of Gosta Berling was well received and got the attention of MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer, who brought her to America in 1925 and made her an international star. Yet her Swedish cultural disposition remained inside her head and heart and she never was comfortable in her adopted homeland in spite of the fame, fortune, and notoriety. In 1941 she shot her last film, Two-Faced Woman. At the age of thirty-five, after appearing in just twenty-eight films, she sensed that things were changing in Hollywood and she walked away from the cameras, eventually relocating to an apartment on New York’s posh Upper East Side. Interest in her never ended, however, and she was the subject of conjecture and fascination until her death in 1990. Ironically, while she sought solitude and privacy, she was in some ways even more popular and mythologized following her retirement from the screen. Photographers stalked her regularly and fans hoped somehow to get a fleeting glimpse on the streets of Manhattan of the woman whose ethereal beauty had been seared into the collective brain of moviegoers worldwide and thus maybe somehow, simply by seeing her, come to understand her finally.
Dissociative Disorders
Authors: Lynn Steven Jay , Maxwell Reed , Malaktaris Anne , Cleere Colleen , Lemons Peter , Baltman Jessica , Condon Liam
Published: April 2015

From the seminal writing of Pierre Janet (b. 1859–d. 1947) to the present, dissociative disorders have fascinated, puzzled, and provoked controversy among scientists and clinicians, while providing fodder for sensationalized accounts in the public domain. This article will steer readers toward the best sources of information about dissociative disorders at both introductory and advanced levels, with readings often representing divergent perspectives regarding dissociation and dissociative psychopathology. The dissociative disorders have stirred much attention and contentiousness in the scientific community because their presentation is often perplexing, dramatic, and variable across and within individuals. Readers will be able to use the bibliography to understand the historical underpinnings of current conceptualizations of dissociation; the symptoms and characteristics of major dissociative disorders, including depersonalization/derealization disorder, dissociative amnesia, and dissociative identity disorder (DID, formerly called multiple personality disorder); the prevalence of dissociative disorders in clinical and nonclinical populations; the major theoretical divides that splinter the contemporary study of dissociation and encompass competing notions (the idea that the genesis of dissociation is closely linked with a history of trauma versus the idea that serious dissociative disorders can be accounted for in terms of social and cultural variables, such as the influence of the media and suggestive approaches in psychotherapy in shaping symptoms); and the assessment and treatment of dissociative disorders. References will be provided that touch on potential biological etiologies of dissociative disorders, the role of sleep in dissociation, and topics including memory in dissociative disorders.
Detritivores ameliorate the enhancing effect of plant-based trophic cascades on nitrogen cycling in an old-field system
Authors: Buchkowski Robert W. , Schmitz Oswald J.
Published: April 2015

Nitrogen (N) cycling is a fundamental process central to numerous ecosystem functions and services. Accumulating evidence suggests that species within detritus- and plant-based food chains can play an instrumental role in regulating this process. However, the effects of each food chain are usually examined in isolation of each other, so it remains uncertain if their effects are equally important or if one chain exerts predominant control. We experimentally manipulated the species composition of detritus-based (isopods and spiders) and plant-based (grasshoppers and spiders) food chains individually and in combination within mesocosms containing plants and microbes from an old-field ecosystem. We tested: (i) their relative impact on N cycling, and (ii) whether interactions between them moderated the influence of one group or the other. We found that spiders in plant-based food chains exerted the only positive effect on N cycling. Detritus-based food chains had no net effects on N cycling but, when combined with plant-based food chains, ameliorated the positive effects of plant-based species. Our results suggest that detritus-based food chains may ultimately limit rates of N cycling by eroding the enhancing effects of plant-based food chains when antagonistic interactions between detritus- and plant-based species exist.
Phaeobacterium nitratireducens gen. nov., sp. nov., a phototrophic gammaproteobacterium isolated from a mangrove forest sediment sample
Authors: Nupur  , Tanuku Naga Radha Srinivas , Shinichi Takaichi , Pinnaka Anil Kumar
Published: April 2015

A novel brown-coloured, Gram-negative-staining, rod-shaped, motile, phototrophic, purple sulfur bacterium, designated strain AK40T, was isolated in pure culture from a sediment sample collected from Coringa mangrove forest, India. Strain AK40Tcontained bacteriochlorophyllaand carotenoids of the rhodopin series as major photosynthetic pigments. Strain AK40Twas able to grow photoheterotrophically and could utilize a number of organic substrates. It was unable to grow photoautotrophically and did not utilize sulfide or thiosulfate as electron donors. Thiamine and riboflavin were required for growth. The dominant fatty acids were C12 : 0, C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7cand summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7cand/or iso-C15 : 02-OH). The polar lipid profile of strain AK40Twas found to contain diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and eight unidentified lipids. Q-10 was the predominant respiratory quinone. The DNA G+C content of strain AK40Twas 65.5 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons indicated that the isolate represented a member of the familyChromatiaceaewithin the classGammaproteobacteria. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain AK40Twas closely related toPhaeochromatium fluminis, with 95.2 % pairwise sequence similarity to the type strain; sequence similarity to strains of other species of the family was 90.8–94.8 %. Based on the sequence comparison data, strain AK40Twas positioned distinctly outside the group formed by the generaPhaeochromatium,Marichromatium,Halochromatium,Thiohalocapsa,RhabdochromatiumandThiorhodovibrio. Distinct morphological, physiological and genotypic differences from previously described taxa supported the classification of this isolate as a representative of a novel species in a new genus, for which the namePhaeobacterium nitratireducensgen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain ofPhaeobacterium nitratireducensis AK40T( = JCM 19219T = MTCC 11824T).
Hepatitis C virus NS5A protein blocks epidermal growth factor receptor degradation via a proline motif- dependent interaction
Authors: Igloi Zsofia , Kazlauskas Arunas , Saksela Kalle , Macdonald Andrew , Mankouri Jamel , Harris Mark
Published: April 2015

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) establishes a persistent infection that in many cases leads to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The non-structural 5A protein (NS5A) has been implicated in this process as it contains a C-terminal polyproline motif (termed P2) that binds to Src homology 3 (SH3) domains to regulate cellular signalling and trafficking pathways. We have shown previously that NS5A impaired epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) endocytosis, thereby inhibiting EGF-stimulated EGFR degradation by a mechanism that remained unclear. As EGFR has been implicated in HCV cell entry and trafficking of the receptor involves several SH3-domain containing proteins, we investigated in more detail the mechanisms by which NS5A perturbs EGFR trafficking. We demonstrated that the P2 motif was required for the NS5A-mediated disruption to EGFR trafficking. We further demonstrated that the P2 motif was required for an interaction between NS5A and CMS, a homologue of CIN85 that has previously been implicated in EGFR endocytosis. We provided evidence that CMS was involved in the NS5A-mediated perturbation of EGFR trafficking. We also showed that NS5A effected a loss of EGFR ubiquitination in a P2-motif-dependent fashion. These data provide clues to the mechanism by which NS5A regulates the trafficking of a key cellular receptor and demonstrate for the first time the ability of NS5A to regulate host cell ubiquitination pathways.
The design and analysis of binary variable traits in common garden genetic experiments of highly fecund species to assess heritability
Authors: Davies Sarah W. , Scarpino Samuel V. , Pongwarin Thanapat , Scott James , Matz Mikhail V.
Published: April 2015

Many biologically important traits are binomially distributed, with their key phenotypes being presence or absence. Despite their prevalence, estimating the heritability of binomial traits presents both experimental and statistical challenges. Here we develop both an empirical and computational methodology for estimating the narrow-sense heritability of binary traits for highly fecund species. Our experimental approach controls for undesirable culturing effects, while minimizing culture numbers, increasing feasibility in the field. Our statistical approach accounts for known issues with model-selection by using a permutation test to calculate significance values and includes both fitting and power calculation methods. We illustrate our methodology by estimating the narrow-sense heritability for larval settlement, a key life-history trait, in the reef-building coralOrbicella faveolata. The experimental, statistical and computational methods, along with all of the data from this study, were deployed in the R package multiDimBio.
A protein interaction map of the LSU processome
Authors: McCann Kathleen L. , Charette J. Michael , Vincent Nicholas G. , Baserga Susan J.
Published: April 2015

Maturation of the large ribosomal subunit (LSU) in eukaryotes is a complex and highly coordinated process that requires the concerted action of a large, dynamic, ribonucleoprotein complex, the LSU processome. While we know that >80 ribosome biogenesis factors are required throughout the course of LSU assembly, little is known about how these factors interact with each other within the LSU processome. To interrogate its organization and architecture, we took a systems biology approach and performed a semi-high-throughput, array-based, directed yeast two-hybrid assay. Assaying 4800 protein–protein interactions, we identified 232 high-confidence, binary-interacting protein pairs, representing a fourfold increase from current knowledge. The resulting LSU processome interactome map has enhanced our understanding of the organization and function of the biogenesis factors within the LSU processome, revealing both novel and previously identified subcomplexes and hub proteins, including Nop4.
Synonymous modification results in high-fidelity gene expression of repetitive protein and nucleotide sequences
Authors: Wu Bin , Miskolci Veronika , Sato Hanae , Tutucci Evelina , Kenworthy Charles A. , Donnelly Sara K. , Yoon Young J. , Cox Dianne , Singer Robert H. , Hodgson Louis
Published: April 2015

Repetitive nucleotide or amino acid sequences are often engineered into probes and biosensors to achieve functional readouts and robust signal amplification. However, these repeated sequences are notoriously prone to aberrant deletion and degradation, impacting the ability to correctly detect and interpret biological functions. Here, we introduce a facile and generalizable approach to solve this often unappreciated problem by modifying the nucleotide sequences of the target mRNA to make them nonrepetitive but still functional (“synonymous”). We first demonstrated the procedure by designing a cassette of synonymous MS2 RNA motifs and tandem coat proteins for RNA imaging and showed a dramatic improvement in signal and reproducibility in single-RNA detection in live cells. The same approach was extended to enhancing the stability of engineered fluorescent biosensors containing a fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair of fluorescent proteins on which a great majority of systems thus far in the field are based. Using the synonymous modification to FRET biosensors, we achieved correct expression of full-length sensors, eliminating the aberrant truncation products that often were assumed to be due to nonspecific proteolytic cleavages. Importantly, the biological interpretations of the sensor are significantly different when a correct, full-length biosensor is expressed. Thus, we show here a useful and generally applicable method to maintain the integrity of expressed genes, critical for the correct interpretation of probe readouts.
Prototype and numerical studies of interference characteristics of two ski-jump jets from opening spillway gates
Authors: Xiao Yexiang , Wang Zhengwei , Zeng Jidi , Zheng jintai , Lin Jiayang , Zhang Lanjin
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to experimentally and numerically investigate the interference characteristics between two ski-jump jets on the flip bucket in a large dam spillway when two floodgates are running.

Design/methodology/approach

– The volume of fluid (VOF) method together with the Realizable k-ε turbulence model were used to predict the flow in two ski-jump jets and the free surface motion in a large dam spillway. The movements of the two gates were simulated using a dynamic mesh controlled by a User Defined Function (UDF). The simulations were run using the prototype dam as the field test to minimize errors due to scale effects. The simulation results are compared with field test observations.

Findings

– The transient flow calculations, accurately predict the two gate discharges compared to field data with the predicted ski-jump jet interference flow pattern similar to the observed shapes. The transient simulations indicate that the main reason for the deflected nappe is the larger opening difference between the two gates as the buttress side gate closes. When both gates are running, the two ski-jump jets interfere in the flip bucket and raise the jet nappe to near the buttress to form a secondary flow on this jet nappe surface. As the gate continues to close, the nappe surface continues to rise and the surface secondary flow become stronger, which deflects the nappe over the side buttress.

Originality/value

– A dynamic mesh is used to simulate the transient flow behavior of two prototype running gates. The transient flow simulation clarifies the hydraulics mechanism for how the two ski-jump jets interfere and deflect the nappe.
Seismic damage evaluation of reinforced concrete slit walls
Authors: Baetu Sergiu Andrei , Barbat A H , Ciongradi Ioan Petru
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate a dissipative reinforced concrete structural wall that can improve the behavior of a tall multi-storey building. The main objective is to evaluate the damage of a dissipative wall in comparison with that of a solid wall.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, a comparative nonlinear dynamic analysis between a dissipative wall and a solid wall is performed by means of SAP2000 software and using a layer model. The solution to increase the seismic performance of a reinforced concrete structural wall is to create a slit zone with short connections. The short connections are introduced as a link element with multi-linear pivot hysteretic plasticity behavior. The behavior of these short connections is modeled using the finite element software ANSYS 12. In this study, the authors propose to evaluate the damage of reinforced concrete slit walls with short connections using seismic analysis.

Findings

– Using the computational model created in the second section of the paper, a seismic analysis of a dissipative wall from a multi-storey building was done in the third section. From the results obtained, the advantages of the proposed model are observed.

Originality/value

– A simple computational model was created that consume low processing resources and reduces processing time for a dynamic pushover analysis. Unlike other studies on slit walls with short connections, which are focussed mostly on the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the short connections, in this paper the authors take into consideration the whole structural system, wall and connections.
Numerical approaches to stability analysis of cylindrical composite shells based on load imperfections
Authors: Asmolovskiy Nikolay , Tkachuk Anton , Bischoff Manfred
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Current procedures of buckling load estimation for thin-walled structures may provide very conservative estimates. Their refinement offers the potential to use structure and material properties more efficiently. Due to the large variety of design variables, for example laminate layup in composite structures, a prohibitively large number of tests would be required for experimental assessment, and thus reliable numerical techniques are of particular interest. The purpose of this paper is to analyze different methods of numerical buckling load estimation, formulate simulation procedures suitable for commercial software and give recommendations regarding their application. All investigations have been carried out for cylindrical composite shells; however similar approaches are feasible for other structures as well.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors develop a concept to apply artificial load imperfections with the aim to estimate as good as possible lower bounds for the buckling loads of shells for which the actual physical imperfections are not known. Single and triple perturbation load approach, global and local dynamic perturbation approach and path following techniques are applied to the analysis of a cylindrical composite shell with known buckling characteristics. Results of simulations are compared with published experimental data.

Findings

– A single perturbation load approach is reproduced and modified. Buckling behavior for negative values of the perturbation load is examined and a pattern similar to a positive perturbation load is observed. Simulations with three perturbation forces show a decreased (i. e. more critical) value of the buckling load compared to the single perturbation load approach. Global and local dynamic perturbation approaches exhibit a behavior suitable for lower bound estimation for structures with arbitrary geometries.

Originality/value

– Various load imperfection approaches to buckling load estimation are validated and compared. All investigated methods do not require knowledge of the real geometrical imperfections of the structure. Simulations were performed using a commercial finite element code. Investigations of sensitivity with respect to a single perturbation load are extended to the negative range of the perturbation load amplitude. A specific pattern for a global perturbation approach was developed, and based on it a novel simulation procedure is proposed.