bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrainment in a compressible turbulent shear layer
Authors: Jahanbakhshi Reza , Madnia Cyrus K.
Published: May 2016

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of temporally evolving shear layers have been performed to study the entrainment of irrotational flow into the turbulent region across the turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI). Four cases with convective Mach number from 0.2 to 1.8 are used. Entrainment is studied via two mechanisms; nibbling, considered as vorticity diffusion across the TNTI, and engulfment, the drawing of the pockets of the outside irrotational fluid into the turbulent region. The mass flow rate due to nibbling is calculated as the product of the entrained mass flux with the surface area of the TNTI. It is found that increasing the convective Mach number results in a decrease of the average entrained mass flux and the surface area of the TNTI. For the incompressible shear layer the local entrained mass flux is shown to be highly correlated with the viscous terms. However, as the convective Mach number increases, the mass fluxes due to the baroclinic and the dilatation terms play a more important role in the local entrainment process. It is observed that the entrained mass flux is dependent on the local dilatation and geometrical shape of the TNTI. For a compressible shear layer, most of the entrainment of the irrotational flow into the turbulent region due to nibbling is associated with the compressed regions on the TNTI. As the convective Mach number increases, the percentage of the compressed regions on the TNTI decreases, resulting in a reduction of the average entrained mass flux. It is also shown that the local shape of the interface, looking from the turbulent region, is dominated by concave shaped surfaces with radii of curvature of the order of the Taylor length scale. The average entrained mass flux is found to be larger on highly curved concave shaped surfaces regardless of the level of dilatation. The mass fluxes due to vortex stretching, baroclinic torque and the shear stress/density gradient terms are weak functions of the local curvatures on the TNTI, whereas the mass fluxes due to dilatation and viscous diffusion plus the viscous dissipation terms have a stronger dependency on the local curvatures. As the convective Mach number increases, the probability of finding highly curved concave shaped surfaces on the TNTI decreases, whereas the probability of finding flatter concave and convex shaped surfaces increases. This results in a decrease of the average entrained mass flux across the TNTI. Similar to the previous works on jets, the results show that the contribution of the engulfment to the total entrainment is small for both incompressible and compressible mixing layers. It is also shown that increasing the convective Mach number decreases the velocities associated with the entrainment, i.e. induced velocity, boundary entrainment velocity and local entrainment velocity.
Buckling Analysis of Smart Size-Dependent Higher Order Magneto-Electro-Thermo-Elastic Functionally Graded Nanosize Beams
Authors: Ebrahimi F. , Barati M. R.
Published: May 2016

The present paper examines the thermal buckling of nonlocal magneto-electro-thermo-elastic functionally graded (METE-FG) beams under various types of thermal loading namely uniform, linear and sinusoidal temperature rise and also heat conduction. The material properties of nanobeam are graded in the thickness direction according to the power-law distribution. Based on a higher order beam theory as well as Hamilton's principle, nonlocal governing equations for METE-FG nanobeam are derived and are solved using Navier type method. The small size effect is captured using Eringen's nonlocal elasticity theory. The most beneficial feature of the present beam model is to provide a parabolic variation of the transverse shear strains across the thickness direction and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the beam without using shear correction factors. Various numerical examples are presented investigating the influences of thermo-mechanical loadings, magnetic potential, external electric voltage, power-law index, nonlocal parameter and slenderness ratio on thermal buckling behavior of nanobeams made of METE-FG materials.
Effects of automatic cluster removal and feeding during milking on milking efficiency, milk yield and milk fat quality
Authors: Ferneborg Sabine , Stadtmüller Larissa , Pickova Jana , Wiking Lars , Svennersten-Sjaunja Kerstin
Published: May 2016

In order to increase milking efficiency, the effects of two different cluster take-off levels (200 and 800 g/min) and feeding vs. not feeding during milking were tested in a Latin square design study including 32 cows. Milk yield, milking time, milk flow and milking interval were measured and milk samples were analysed for gross composition, sodium and potassium concentration, free fatty acid (FFA) content, milk fat globule (MFG) size, MFG membrane (MFGM) material and fatty acid composition. Residual milk was harvested to evaluate udder emptying. Increasing the take-off level from 200 to 800 g/min at the whole udder level decreased milking time and increased harvest flow. Udder emptying decreased slightly, but there were no effects on milk yield, FFA content or MFGM. There were interactive effects of take-off level and feeding during milking on content of fatty acids C4:0, C6:0, C16:0, C18:3(n-3) and C20:0. Feeding during milking increased milk yield per day and decreased milking interval. Sodium and potassium concentrations in milk were unaffected by treatments, indicating no loss of tight junction integrity. From these results, it is clear that feeding during milking should be used to increase milk yield and improve milking efficiency, regardless of take-off level used, and that the effect of feeding is more pronounced when a low take-off level is used. Feeding seemed to counteract the effects of the low take-off level on milking time and milking interval. Low take-off levels can therefore be used in combination with feeding.
FOXE3 contributes to Peters anomaly through transcriptional regulation of an autophagy-associated protein termed DNAJB1
Authors: Khan Shahid Y. , Vasanth Shivakumar , Kabir Firoz , Gottsch John D. , Khan Arif O. , Chaerkady Raghothama , Lee Mei-Chong W. , Leitch Carmen C. , Ma Zhiwei , Laux Julie , Villasmil Rafael , Khan Shaheen N. , Riazuddin Sheikh , Akram Javed , Cole Robert N. , Talbot C. Conover , Pourmand Nader , Zaghloul Norann A. , Hejtmancik J. Fielding , Riazuddin S. Amer
Published: May 2016

FOXE3 is a lens-specific transcription factor that has been associated with anterior segment ocular dysgenesis. To determine the transcriptional target(s) of FOXE3 that are indispensable for the anterior segment development, we examined the transcriptome and the proteome of cells expressing truncated FOXE3 responsible for Peters anomaly identified through linkage-coupled next-generation whole-exome sequencing. We found that DNAJB1, an autophagy-associated protein, was the only candidate exhibiting differential expression in both screens. We confirmed the candidacy of DNAJB1 through chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays while knockdown of DNAJB1 in human lens epithelial cells resulted in a mitotic arrest. Subsequently, we targeted dnajb1a in zebrafish through injection of a splice-blocking morpholino. The dnajb1a morphants exhibited underdeveloped cataractous lenses with persistent apoptotic nuclei. In conclusion, here we report DNAJB1 is a transcriptional target of FOXE3 in a novel pathway that is crucial for the development of the anterior segment of the eye.
Dynamic changes in neural circuitry during adolescence are associated with persistent attenuation of fear memories
Authors: Pattwell Siobhan S. , Liston Conor , Jing Deqiang , Ninan Ipe , Yang Rui R. , Witztum Jonathan , Murdock Mitchell H. , Dincheva Iva , Bath Kevin G. , Casey B. J. , Deisseroth Karl , Lee Francis S.
Published: May 2016

Fear can be highly adaptive in promoting survival, yet it can also be detrimental when it persists long after a threat has passed. Flexibility of the fear response may be most advantageous during adolescence when animals are prone to explore novel, potentially threatening environments. Two opposing adolescent fear-related behaviours—diminished extinction of cued fear and suppressed expression of contextual fear—may serve this purpose, but the neural basis underlying these changes is unknown. Using microprisms to image prefrontal cortical spine maturation across development, we identify dynamic BLA-hippocampal-mPFC circuit reorganization associated with these behavioural shifts. Exploiting this sensitive period of neural development, we modified existing behavioural interventions in an age-specific manner to attenuate adolescent fear memories persistently into adulthood. These findings identify novel strategies that leverage dynamic neurodevelopmental changes during adolescence with the potential to extinguish pathological fears implicated in anxiety and stress-related disorders.
α-Synuclein induced toxicity in brain stem serotonin neurons mediated by an AAV vector driven by the tryptophan hydroxylase promoter
Authors: Wan Oi Wan , Shin Eunju , Mattsson Bengt , Caudal Dorian , Svenningsson Per , Björklund Anders
Published: May 2016

We studied the impact of α-synuclein overexpression in brainstem serotonin neurons using a novel vector construct where the expression of human wildtype α-synuclein is driven by the tryptophan hydroxylase promoter, allowing expression of α-synuclein at elevated levels, and with high selectivity, in serotonergic neurons. α-Synuclein induced degenerative changes in axons and dendrites, displaying a distorted appearance, suggesting accumulation and aggregation of α-synuclein as a result of impaired axonal transport, accompanied by a 40% loss of terminals, as assessed in the hippocampus. Tissue levels of serotonin and its major metabolite 5-HIAA remained largely unaltered, and the performance of the α-synuclein overexpressing rats in tests of spatial learning (water maze), anxiety related behavior (elevated plus maze) and depressive-like behavior (forced swim test) was not different from control, suggesting that the impact of the developing axonal pathology on serotonin neurotransmission was relatively mild. Overexpression of α-synuclein in the raphe nuclei, combined with overexpression in basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, resulted in more pronounced axonal pathology and significant impairment in the elevated plus maze. We conclude that α-synuclein pathology in serotonergic or cholinergic neurons alone is not sufficient to impair non-motor behaviors, but that it is their simultaneous involvement that determines severity of such symptoms.
The transition from evolutionary stability to branching: A catastrophic evolutionary shift
Authors: Dercole Fabio , Della Rossa Fabio , Landi Pietro
Published: May 2016

Evolutionary branching—resident-mutant coexistence under disruptive selection—is one of the main contributions of Adaptive Dynamics (AD), the mathematical framework introduced by S.A.H. Geritz, J.A.J. Metz and coauthors to model the long-term evolution of coevolving multi-species communities. It has been shown to be the basic mechanism for sympatric and parapatric speciation, despite the essential asexual nature of AD. After 20 years from its introduction, we unfold the transition from evolutionary stability (ESS) to branching, along with gradual change in environmental, control, or exploitation parameters. The transition is a catastrophic evolutionary shift, the branching dynamics driving the system to a nonlocal evolutionary attractor that is viable before the transition, but unreachable from the ESS. Weak evolutionary stability hence qualifies as an early-warning signal for branching and a testable measure of the community’s resilience against biodiversity. We clarify a controversial theoretical question about the smoothness of the mutant invasion fitness at incipient branching. While a supposed nonsmoothness at third order long prevented the analysis of the ESS-branching transition, we argue that smoothness is generally expected and derive a local canonical model in terms of the geometry of the invasion fitness before branching. Any generic AD model undergoing the transition qualitatively behaves like our canonical model.
Exome Sequencing and Gene Prioritization Correct Misdiagnosis in a Chinese Kindred with Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhou Xueya , Wang Jing , Wang Xi , Liu Liyang , Wu Shinan , Li Tengyan , Chen Si , Yang Jingwen , Sham Pak Chung , Zhu Guangming , Zhang Xuegong , Wang Binbin
Published: May 2016

Inherited neuropathies show considerable heterogeneity in clinical manifestations and genetic etiologies and are therefore often difficult to diagnose. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) has been widely adopted to make definite diagnosis of unclear conditions, with proven efficacy in optimizing patients’ management. In this study, a large Chinese kindred segregating autosomal dominant polyneuropathy with incomplete penetrance was ascertained through a patient who was initially diagnosed as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. To investigate the genetic cause, forty-six living family members were genotyped by SNP microarrays and one confirmed patient was subject to WES. Through systematic computational prioritization, we identified a missense mutation c.G148T in TTR gene which results in a p.V50L substitution known to cause transthyretin-related familial amyloid polyneuropathy. Co-segregation analysis and clinical follow-up confirmed the new diagnosis, which suggested new therapeutic options to the patients and informed high risk family members. This study confirms WES as a powerful tool in translational medicine and further demostrates the practical utility of gene prioritization in narrowing the scope of causative mutation.
The Fd-GOGAT1 mutant gene lc7 confers resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae in rice
Authors: Chen Honglin , Li Chunrong , Liu Liping , Zhao Jiying , Cheng Xuzhen , Jiang Guanghuai , Zhai Wenxue
Published: May 2016

Disease resistance is an important goal of crop improvement. The molecular mechanism of resistance requires further study. Here, we report the identification of a rice leaf color mutant, lc7, which is defective in chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis but confers resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo). Map-based cloning revealed that lc7 encodes a mutant ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase1 (Fd-GOGAT1). Fd-GOGAT1 has been proposed to have great potential for improving nitrogen-use efficiency, but its function in bacterial resistance has not been reported. The lc7 mutant accumulates excessive levels of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in the leaves, causing the leaf color to become yellow after the four-leaf stage. Compared to the wild type, lc7 mutants have a broad-spectrum high resistance to seven Xoo strains. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and qRT-PCR analysis indicate that many defense pathways that are involved in this broad-spectrum resistance are activated in the lc7 mutant. These results suggest that Fd-GOGAT1 plays an important role in broad-spectrum bacterial blight resistance, in addition to modulating nitrogen assimilation and chloroplast development.
Suppression of 14-3-3γ-mediated surface expression of ANO1 inhibits cancer progression of glioblastoma cells
Authors: Lee Young-Sun , Lee Jae Kwang , Bae Yeonju , Lee Bok-Soon , Kim Eunju , Cho Chang-Hoon , Ryoo Kanghyun , Yoo Jiyun , Kim Chul-Ho , Yi Gwan-Su , Lee Seok-Geun , Lee C. Justin , Kang Sang Soo , Hwang Eun Mi , Park Jae-Yong
Published: May 2016

Anoctamin-1 (ANO1) acts as a Ca2+-activated Cl− channel in various normal tissues, and its expression is increased in several different types of cancer. Therefore, understanding the regulation of ANO1 surface expression is important for determining its physiological and pathophysiological functions. However, the trafficking mechanism of ANO1 remains elusive. Here, we report that segment a (N-terminal 116 amino acids) of ANO1 is crucial for its surface expression, and we identified 14-3-3γ as a binding partner for anterograde trafficking using yeast two-hybrid screening. The surface expression of ANO1 was enhanced by 14-3-3γ, and the Thr9 residue of ANO1 was critical for its interaction with 14-3-3γ. Gene silencing of 14-3-3γ and/or ANO1 demonstrated that suppression of ANO1 surface expression inhibited migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells. These findings provide novel therapeutic implications for glioblastomas, which are associated with poor prognosis.
Goos-Hänchen shift of partially coherent light fields in epsilon-near-zero metamaterials
Authors: Ziauddin  , Chuang You-Lin , Qamar Sajid , Lee Ray-Kuang
Published: May 2016

The Goos-Hänchen (GH) shifts in the reflected light are investigated both for p and s polarized partial coherent light beams incident on epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) metamaterials. In contrary to the coherent counterparts, the magnitude of GH shift becomes non-zero for p polarized partial coherent light beam; while GH shift can be relatively large with a small degree of spatial coherence for s polarized partial coherent beam. Dependence on the beam width and the permittivity of ENZ metamaterials is also revealed for partial coherent light fields. Our results on the GH shifts provide a direction on the applications for partial coherent light sources in ENZ metamaterials.
Artificial Autopolyploidization Modifies the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle and GABA Shunt in Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0
Authors: Vergara Fredd , Kikuchi Jun , Breuer Christian
Published: May 2016

Autopolyploidy is a process whereby the chromosome set is multiplied and it is a common phenomenon in angiosperms. Autopolyploidy is thought to be an important evolutionary force that has led to the formation of new plant species. Despite its relevance, the consequences of autopolyploidy in plant metabolism are poorly understood. This study compares the metabolic profiles of natural diploids and artificial autotetraploids of Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0. Different physiological parameters are compared between diploids and autotetraploids using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), elemental analysis (carbon:nitrogen balance) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The main difference between diploid and autotetraploid A. thaliana Col-0 is observed in the concentration of metabolites related to the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) shunt, as shown by multivariate statistical analysis of NMR spectra. qRT-PCR shows that genes related to the TCA and GABA shunt are also differentially expressed between diploids and autotetraploids following similar trends as their corresponding metabolites. Solid evidence is presented to demonstrate that autopolyploidy influences core plant metabolic processes.
Induction of wheat straw delignification by Trametes species
Authors: Knežević Aleksandar , Stajić Mirjana , Jovanović Vladimir M. , Kovačević Višnja , Ćilerdžić Jasmina , Milovanović Ivan , Vukojević Jelena
Published: May 2016

Wheat straw is the major crop residue in European countries which makes it the most promising material for bioconversion into biofuels. However, cellulose and hemicellulose are protected with lignin, so delignification is an inevitable phase in lignocellulose processing. The organisms predominantly responsible for its degradation are white-rot fungi and among themTrametesspecies represent promising degraders due to a well-developed ligninolytic enzyme system. Although numerous studies have confirmed that low molecular weight compounds can induce the production and activity of ligninolytic enzymes it is not clear how this reflects on the extent of delignification. The aim of the study was to assess the capacity ofp-anisidine and veratryl alcohol to induce the production and activity of Mn-oxidizing peroxidases and laccases, and wheat straw delignification by sixTrametesspecies. Significant inter- and intraspecific variations in activity and features of these enzymes were found, as well as differences in the potential of lignocellulose degradation in the presence or absence of inducers. Differences in the catalytic properties of synthesized enzyme isoforms strongly affected lignin degradation. Apart from enhanced lignin degradation, the addition ofp-anisidine could significantly improve the selectivity of wheat straw ligninolysis, which was especially evident forT. hirsutastrains.
PLPP/CIN regulates bidirectional synaptic plasticity via GluN2A interaction with postsynaptic proteins
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun , Kim Yeon-Joo , Lee Duk-Shin , Kim Ji Yang , Ko Ah-Reum , Hyun Hye-Won , Kim Min Ju , Kang Tae-Cheon
Published: May 2016

Dendritic spines are dynamic structures whose efficacies and morphologies are modulated by activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. The actin cytoskeleton plays an important role in stabilization and structural modification of spines. However, the regulatory mechanism by which it alters the plasticity threshold remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate the role of pyridoxal-5′-phosphate phosphatase/chronophin (PLPP/CIN), one of the cofilin-mediated F-actin regulators, in modulating synaptic plasticity in vivo. PLPP/CIN transgenic (Tg) mice had immature spines with small heads, while PLPP/CIN knockout (KO) mice had gigantic spines. Furthermore, PLPP/CIN Tg mice exhibited enhanced synaptic plasticity, but KO mice showed abnormal synaptic plasticity. The PLPP/CIN-induced alterations in synaptic plasticity were consistent with the acquisition and the recall capacity of spatial learning. PLPP/CIN also enhanced N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (GluN) functionality by regulating the coupling of GluN2A with interacting proteins, particularly postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95). Therefore, these results suggest that PLPP/CIN may be an important factor for regulating the plasticity threshold.
A cell-surface-anchored ratiometric i-motif sensor for extracellular pH detection
Authors: Ying Le , Xie Nuli , Yang Yanjing , Yang Xiaohai , Zhou Qifeng , Yin Bincheng , Huang Jin , Wang Kemin
Published: May 2016

A FRET-based sensor is anchored on the cell surface through streptavidin–biotin interactions.
Magnetic field actuated manipulation and transfer of oil droplets on a stable underwater superoleophobic surface
Authors: Feng Haifeng , Xu Xun , Hao Weichang , Du Yi , Tian Dongliang , Jiang Lei
Published: May 2016

Magnetic-field-driven manipulation and transport of oil-based magnetic fluids are demonstrated under water by using tri-phase systems.
Efficient separation of transition metals from rare earths by an undiluted phosphonium thiocyanate ionic liquid
Authors: Rout Alok , Binnemans Koen
Published: May 2016

Efficient separation of transition metal ions from their mixture with rare-earth ions was achieved by extraction with a phosphonium thiocyanate ionic liquid.
BaCdSnS4and Ba3CdSn2S8: syntheses, structures, and non-linear optical and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Zhen Ni , Wu Kui , Wang Ying , Li Qiang , Gao Wenhui , Hou Dianwei , Yang Zhihua , Jiang Huaidong , Dong Yongjun , Pan Shilie
Published: May 2016

Good non-linear optical performances and promising photoluminescence properties for the title compounds were systemically reported for the first time.
High density 3D printed microfluidic valves, pumps, and multiplexers
Authors: Gong Hua , Woolley Adam T. , Nordin Gregory P.
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate that a custom resin with the right optical properties enables a digital light processor stereolithographic (DLP-SLA) 3D printer to fabricate microfluidic devices with densely integrated active elements in a 3D layout.
Assessing the role of migration as trade-facilitator using the statistical mechanics of cooperative systems
Authors: Barra Adriano , Galluzzi Andrea , Tantari Daniele , Agliari Elena , Requena-Silvente Francisco
Published: May 2016

Interactions between natives and foreign-born individuals may help to stimulate the development and the diversification of bilateral trade relationships. In fact, migrants act as trade facilitators reducing transaction costs in export activities and, consequently, more local firms are able to establish new trade relationships abroad. The pro-trade effect of migration is well evidenced in several works where the shape of the trade-migration relationship has been examined empirically; however, they all lack an analytical model that enables them to predict the expected non-linear relationship between migration and trade. Here, using statistical mechanics tools we develop a simple model that demonstrates that there is a positive non-linear relationship between the extensive margin of trade and the proportion of migrants in the total population. Data on Spanish trade and migration provide support for the predictions made by the theoretical model. The model also suggests the need of a critical mass of migrants before their interactions with the natives have any effective impact on trade. The threshold is sensitive to the nationality of the migrants, suggesting that cultural differences between natives and migrants may affect the number of migrants needed to generate a positive impact on trade. Furthermore, we examine the possible relationship between the share of migrants in the total population and the extent of diversification of the portfolio of exported goods, finding evidence of a strong positive correlation. Our approach can be used to examine other related issues such as the impact of formal or informal firm networks on trade.
Full-dimensional vibrational calculations of five-atom molecules using a combination of Radau and Jacobi coordinates: Applications to methane and fluoromethane
Authors: Zhao Zhiqiang , Chen Jun , Zhang Zhaojun , Zhang Dong H. , Lauvergnat David , Gatti Fabien
Published: May 2016

Full quantum mechanical calculations of vibrational energies of methane and fluoromethane are carried out using a polyspherical description combining Radau and Jacobi coordinates. The Hamiltonian is built in a potential-optimized discrete variable representation, and vibrational energies are solved using an iterative eigensolver. This new approach can be applied to a large variety of molecules. In particular, we show that it is able to accurately and efficiently compute eigenstates for four different molecules : CH4, CHD3, CH2D2, and CH3F. Very good agreement is obtained with the results reported previously in the literature with different approaches and with experimental data.
Ultra-precision fabrication of 500 mm long and laterally graded Ru/C multilayer mirrors for X-ray light sources
Authors: Störmer M. , Gabrisch H. , Horstmann C. , Heidorn U. , Hertlein F. , Wiesmann J. , Siewert F. , Rack A.
Published: May 2016

X-ray mirrors are needed for beam shaping and monochromatization at advanced research light sources, for instance, free-electron lasers and synchrotron sources. Such mirrors consist of a substrate and a coating. The shape accuracy of the substrate and the layer precision of the coating are the crucial parameters that determine the beam properties required for various applications. In principal, the selection of the layer materials determines the mirror reflectivity. A single layer mirror offers high reflectivity in the range of total external reflection, whereas the reflectivity is reduced considerably above the critical angle. A periodic multilayer can enhance the reflectivity at higher angles due to Bragg reflection. Here, the selection of a suitable combination of layer materials is essential to achieve a high flux at distinct photon energies, which is often required for applications such as microtomography, diffraction, or protein crystallography. This contribution presents the current development of a Ru/C multilayer mirror prepared by magnetron sputtering with a sputtering facility that was designed in-house at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht. The deposition conditions were optimized in order to achieve ultra-high precision and high flux in future mirrors. Input for the improved deposition parameters came from investigations by transmission electron microscopy. The X-ray optical properties were investigated by means of X-ray reflectometry using Cu- and Mo-radiation. The change of the multilayer d-spacing over the mirror dimensions and the variation of the Bragg angles were determined. The results demonstrate the ability to precisely control the variation in thickness over the whole mirror length of 500 mm thus achieving picometer-precision in the meter-range.
Laser ion acceleration from mass-limited targets with preplasma
Authors: Lezhnin K. V. , Kamenets F. F. , Esirkepov T. Zh. , Bulanov S. V. , Klimo O. , Weber S. , Korn G.
Published: May 2016

The interaction of high intensity laser radiation with mass-limited target exhibits significant enhancement of the ion acceleration when the target is surrounded by an underdense plasma corona, as seen in numerical simulations. The self-generated quasistatic magnetic field squeezes the corona causing the intensification of a subsequent Coulomb explosion of the target. The electric field intensification at the target edges and plasma resonance effects results in the generation of characteristic density holes and further contributes to the ion acceleration.
Thermodynamic stability and structural properties of cluster crystals formed by amphiphilic dendrimers
Authors: Lenz Dominic A. , Mladek Bianca M. , Likos Christos N. , Blaak Ronald
Published: May 2016

We pursue the goal of finding real-world examples of macromolecular aggregates that form cluster crystals, which have been predicted on the basis of coarse-grained, ultrasoft pair potentials belonging to a particular mathematical class [B. M. Mladek et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 46, 045701 (2006)]. For this purpose, we examine in detail the phase behavior and structural properties of model amphiphilic dendrimers of the second generation by means of monomer-resolved computer simulations. On augmenting the density of these systems, a fluid comprised of clusters that contain several overlapping and penetrating macromolecules is spontaneously formed. Upon further compression of the system, a transition to multi-occupancy crystals takes place, the thermodynamic stability of which is demonstrated by means of free-energy calculations, and where the FCC is preferred over the BCC-phase. Contrary to predictions for coarse-grained theoretical models in which the particles interact exclusively by effective pair potentials, the internal degrees of freedom of these molecules cause the lattice constant to be density-dependent. Furthermore, the mechanical stability of monodisperse BCC and FCC cluster crystals is restricted to a bounded region in the plane of cluster occupation number versus density. The structural properties of the dendrimers in the dense crystals, including their overall sizes and the distribution of monomers are also thoroughly analyzed.
Electron injection for direct acceleration to multi-GeV energy by a Gaussian laser field under the influence of axial magnetic field
Authors: Ghotra Harjit Singh , Kant Niti
Published: May 2016

Electron injected in the path of a circularly polarized Gaussian laser beam under the influence of an external axial magnetic field is shown to be accelerated with a several GeV of energy in vacuum. A small angle of injection δ with 0∘<δ<20∘ for a sideway injection of electron about the axis of propagation of laser pulse is suggested for better trapping of electron in laser field and stronger betatron resonance under the influence of axial magnetic field. Such an optimized electron injection with axial magnetic field maximizes the acceleration gradient and electron energy gain with low electron scattering.
Millennial-scale sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay Native American oyster fishery
Authors: Rick Torben C. , Reeder-Myers Leslie A. , Hofman Courtney A. , Breitburg Denise , Lockwood Rowan , Henkes Gregory , Kellogg Lisa , Lowery Darrin , Luckenbach Mark W. , Mann Roger , Ogburn Matthew B. , Southworth Melissa , Wah John , Wesson James , Hines Anson H.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Oysters are important organisms in estuaries around the world, influencing water quality, constructing habitat, and providing food for humans and wildlife. Following over a century of overfishing, pollution, disease, and habitat degradation, oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay and elsewhere have declined dramatically. Despite providing food for humans for millennia, we know little about Chesapeake Bay oyster populations prior to historical fishing in the late 1800s. Using fossil, archaeological, and modern biological data, we reconstruct changes in oyster size from the Pleistocene and prior to human harvest through prehistoric Native American occupation and modern times. These data demonstrate sustainability in the Native American oyster fishery, providing insight into the future management of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay and around the world.
Developmental cell death programs license cytotoxic cells to eliminate histocompatible partners
Authors: Corey Daniel M. , Rosental Benyamin , Kowarsky Mark , Sinha Rahul , Ishizuka Katherine J. , Palmeri Karla J. , Quake Stephen R. , Voskoboynik Ayelet , Weissman Irving L.
Published: May 2016

Significance

The colonial tunicate,
Botryllus schlosseri
, undergoes natural self–nonself recognition that results in formation of a chimera. Following fusion, one chimeric partner is often eliminated in a process of allogeneic resorption, allowing for study of the induction and loss of tolerance. We provide evidence that elimination of one partner in a chimera is an immune cell-based rejection and that the principal cell type to mediate partner elimination is a cytotoxic morula cell (MC). Proinflammatory, blastogenic “takeover” programs render MCs cytolytic and, in collaboration with activated phagocytes, eradicate chimeric partners. These findings identify a conserved strategy for histocompatible elimination through the integrated function of both phagocytic programs and licensing of cytotoxic cells. The coordination of both dimensions of innate immune recognition elicits efficient elimination of chimeric partners.
Local antigen in nonlymphoid tissue promotes resident memory CD8+ T cell formation during viral infection
Authors: Khan Tahsin N. , Mooster Jana L. , Kilgore Augustus M. , Osborn Jossef F. , Nolz Jeffrey C.
Published: May 2016

Tissue-resident memory (Trm) CD8+ T cells are functionally distinct from their circulating counterparts and are potent mediators of host protection against reinfection. Whether local recognition of antigen in nonlymphoid tissues during infection can impact the formation of Trm populations remains unresolved. Using skin infections with vaccinia virus (VacV)–expressing model antigens, we found that local antigen recognition had a profound impact on Trm formation. Activated CD8+ T cells trafficked to VacV-infected skin in an inflammation-dependent, but antigen-independent, manner. However, after viral clearance, there was a subsequent ∼50-fold increase in Trm formation when antigen was present in the tissue microenvironment. Secondary antigen stimulation in nonlymphoid tissue caused CD8+ T cells to rapidly express CD69 and be retained at the site of infection. Finally, Trm CD8+ T cells that formed during VacV infection in an antigen-dependent manner became potent stimulators of localized antigen-specific inflammatory responses in the skin. Thus, our studies indicate that the presence of antigen in the nonlymphoid tissue microenvironment plays a critical role in the formation of functional Trm CD8+ T cell populations, a finding with relevance for both vaccine design and prevention of inflammatory disorders.
Characterization of Resistance to Six Chemical Classes of Site-Specific Fungicides Registered for Gray Mold Control on Strawberry in Spain
Authors: Fernández-Ortuño Dolores , Torés Juan Antonio , Chamorro Manuel , Pérez-García Alejandro , de Vicente Antonio
Published: May 2016

Botrytis cinerea, causal agent of the gray mold disease, is one of the most economically important fungal pathogens of strawberry worldwide. In Spain, as in other parts of the world, management of gray mold control primarily involves the application of fungicides. To determine the fungicide resistance of the Spanish strawberry field population, 367 B. cinerea isolates were examined from one organic and 13 conventional strawberry fields in Huelva (Spain) in 2014 and 2015. The sensitivities of these isolates to six fungicides used for gray mold management in Spain were examined using a spore germination assay based on previously published discriminatory doses. The frequency of resistance to pyraclostrobin, boscalid, cyprodinil, fenhexamid, iprodione, and fludioxonil was 74.6, 64.8, 37.0, 23.7, 14.7, and 0.8%, respectively. The majority of isolates (35.1%) were resistant to three different fungicides classes. Within these isolates, the most prevalent resistance profile (55.8%) was resistance to pyraclostrobin, boscalid, and cyprodinil, followed by the resistance profile (30.2%) of resistance to pyraclostrobin, boscalid, and fenhexamid. One isolate collected in 2015 was resistant to all six fungicide classes. Resistance to boscalid, fenhexamid, iprodione, and pyraclostrobin was found to be caused by amino acid substitutions on target proteins, including H272R/Y in SdhB, F412I/S/V in Erg27, I365 N/S in Bos1, and G143A in Cytb, respectively. The presence of multifungicide resistance phenotypes in B. cinerea isolates from strawberry fields in Spain must be considered in the development of future resistance management practices.
Early Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Uptake of Long-acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods
Authors: Pace Lydia E. , Dusetzina Stacie B. , Keating Nancy L.
Published: May 2016

Background:

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) required most private insurance plans to cover contraceptive services without patient cost-sharing as of January 2013 for most plans. Whether the ACA’s mandate has impacted long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) use is unknown.

Objective:

The aim of this article is to assess trends in LARC cost-sharing and uptake before and one year after implementation of the ACA’s contraceptive mandate.

Design:

A retrospective cohort study using Truven Health MarketScan claims data from January 2010 to December 2013.

Subjects:

Women aged 18–45 years with continuous insurance coverage with claims for oral contraceptive pills, patches, rings, injections, or LARC during 2010–2013 (N=3,794,793).

Measures:

Descriptive statistics were used to assess trends in LARC cost-sharing and uptake from 2010 through 2013. Interrupted time series models were used to assess the association of time, ACA, and time after the ACA on LARC cost-sharing and initiation rates, adjusting for patient and plan characteristics.

Results:

The proportion of claims with $0 cost-sharing for intrauterine devices and implants, respectively, rose from 36.6% and 9.3% in 2010 to 87.6% and 80.5% in 2013. The ACA was associated with a significant increase in these proportions and in their rate of increase (level and slope change both P<0.001). LARC uptake increased over time with no significant change in level of LARC use after ACA implementation in January 2013 (P=0.44) and a slightly slower rate of growth post-ACA than previously reported (β coefficient for trend, −0.004; P<0.001).

Conclusions:

The ACA has significantly decreased LARC cost-sharing, but during its first year had not yet increased LARC initiation rates.
The Effectiveness of Small-group Community-based Information Sessions on Clinical Trial Recruitment for Secondary Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tarrant Sarah D. , Bardach Shoshana H. , Bates Kendra , Nichols Heather , Towner Jacqueline , Tamatha Clay , Caban-Holt Allison , Van-Eldik Linda J. , Murphy Richard R. , Sperling Reisa , Jicha Gregory A.
Published: May 2016

Effective and practical recruitment strategies are needed to ensure successful recruitment into the Alzheimer disease clinical trials. To facilitate successful recruitment for the NIH-sponsored A4 (Anti-Amyloid treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, NCT02008357) trial for the secondary prevention of Alzheimer disease, we developed a small-group community information session to attract and recruit potential research participants. After a successful media campaign, 213 participants were screened through telephone for eligibility, identifying 127 potential participants. Participants were given the option of a traditional one-on-one recruitment session or a small-group session. One-on-one recruitment was performed for 15 participants requesting this procedure, and yielded an overall recruitment rate of 67% (n=10). Substantially more individuals (n=112, 88%) requested small-group sessions to learn about the study. After attending the small-group informational sessions, 98% of potential participants self-reported a greater understanding of the study; and the recruitment rate from these sessions was 90%. Small-group sessions not only improved recruitment success rates, but also contributed to significantly shorter median time for consent processes (20 vs. 60 min) and reduced staff time spent on persons not recruited. Small-group education programs are an effective strategy for enhancing recruitment success and facilitating practical recruitment into clinical trials with high recruitment demands.
Applying the lessons of VSA to new psychoactive substances
Authors: Leigh Victoria
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore whether there are ways in which the preventive strategies used to tackle volatile substance abuse (VSA) can be usefully applied to today’s new psychoactive substances (NPS).

Design/methodology/approach

– In 2010-2013, with funding from the Big Lottery, Re-Solv, in partnership with St George’s, University of London, andeducari, commissioned a re-analysis of both the mortality data relating to VSA and of the legislative and preventative measures taken that may have played a part in the steady downward trend in VSA mortality since. This paper is informed by Re-Solv’s research findings and the papers resulting from it, namely, Ives (2013) and Butlandet al.(2013).

Findings

– Efforts to reduce the harm from NPS could benefit from a re-examination of preventive approaches to VSA, which have resulted in a downward trend in mortality over the past two decades.

Social implications

– There is evidence from past prevention practice which could be relevant and applied to present day concerns about drugs and substances not previously available or used.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to explore how learning from VSA might be applied to NPS and the “legal highs” of today.
School-based drug education and prevention: the impact of inspection and curriculum provision
Authors: Hargreaves Patrick
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the links between school inspection requirements as represented by Ofsted and the provision of drug education programmes in schools.

Design/methodology/approach

– An examination of relevant guidance from the Department of Education and the school inspection agency Ofsted; and reference to the research literature and evidence base around drug education.

Findings

– The provision of drug education programmes in schools is influenced by the requirements of the national curriculum; and the frameworks used by Ofsted in its inspections. Recent reduction in emphasis on drug education in both sources has reduced the extent and quality of drug education in schools.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper looks at national documentation and conclusions. It is not a quantitative study of school provision – some indication of this is provided by Ofsted reports.

Practical implications

– The paper indicates that reports and conclusions from Ofsted and other bodies, e.g. House of Commons select committees and the ACMD, have in the recent past reported on rather than informed governmental action.

Social implications

– The paper concludes that central government support and professional training and development are essential ingredients in the provision of universal drug education in schools.

Originality/value

– The paper illustrates some of the factors involved in the provision of drug education; the contribution this can make to drug prevention, including harm reduction; and the seeming lack of understanding of education and prevention in the wider professional and political discussions about drugs and their use.
Using drug courts for drug postmarketing surveillance
Authors: Griffin, III O. Hayden , Woodward Vanessa H.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– One of the greatest challenges for drug regulation is valid, comprehensive surveillance of drugs after they reach the pharmaceutical market. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method of individual and aggregate-level postmarket surveillance using data previously (and continuously) collected by drug courts, which are in operation in nearly every geographic corner of the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

– To determine the feasibility of such an undertaking, data were obtained from an urban, southern county drug court. Intake data included all participants from September 2012 to November 2013. The final sample included 532 drug court participants.

Findings

– Intake data were found to include various demographic variables, measures of drug use, and various sociological/criminological variables such as familial and social support, church attendance, and other pertinent variables for studying drug use and crime trends generally.

Practical implications

– By using intake data from drug courts in a manner similar to Uniform Crime Report or National Incident-Based Reporting System, this could add greatly to the understanding of crime and drug use.

Social implications

– The authors purport that a data management system of drug court intake data could provide a cost-efficient and generalizable representation of drug use of those within the criminal justice system.

Originality/value

– Many efforts have been employed in an attempt to better ascertain where high rates of drug use occur. By using drug courts as more than just a system of treatment, postmarketing surveillance could be improved.
Community-based action in Fiji’s Gau Island: a model for the Pacific?
Authors: Remling Elise , Veitayaki Joeli
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Drawing on qualitative fieldwork on a remote outer island in Fiji, this paper aims to address a shortcoming in the literature on climate adaptation in the Pacific. Internationally community-based adaptation (CBA) is recognised as a promising approach to help vulnerable populations adjust to climate change. However, with pilot projects in their infancy documented experience for Pacific Islands remains scarce. This limits the ability of the region – faced with persisting development challenges and predicted significant climate impacts – to learn from and build on previous experiences and develop robust responses to climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a community-based initiative in response to environmental challenges and unsustainable development as a proxy, the paper interrogates the potential usefulness of the CBA framework for the Pacific and identifies potential strengths and weaknesses. Sketching out the process and its outcomes, it shows how the initiative has resulted in a diversity of strategies, ranging from pollution control measures, to improved governance of resources and community participation in decision making, to livelihood and income diversification.

Findings

Findings indicate that CBA could have a lot of potential for building more resilient communities in the face of climate change and other pressures associated with modernising Pacific societies. However, to be effective, interventions should pay attention to people’s development aspirations; immediate economic, social and environmental benefits; dynamics of village governance, social rules and protocols; and traditional forms of knowledge that can inform sustainable solutions.

Originality/value

The conclusions provide a reflection on the CBA framework in general and make concrete suggestions for practitioners on how the framework could be usefully implemented in the Pacific context.