2,298 research outputs found
A review of some recent developments in polarization-sensitive optical imaging techniques for the study of articular cartilage
This article reviews recent developments in the optical imaging of articular cartilage using polarized-light methods, with an emphasis on tools that could be of use in tissue engineering approaches to treatment. Both second-harmonic generation microscopy and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography are described and their potential role in the treatment of cartilage disorders such as osteoarthritis is suggested. Key results are reviewed and future developments are discussed
Epithelial cell–cell junctions and plasma membrane domains
AbstractEpithelial cells form a barrier against the environment, but are also required for the regulated exchange of molecules between an organism and its surroundings. Epithelial cells are characterised by a remarkable polarization of their plasma membrane, evidenced by the appearance of structurally, compositionally, and functionally distinct surface domains. Here we consider the (in)dependence of epithelial cell polarisation and the function of smaller plasma membrane domains (e.g. adherens junctions, gap junctions, tight junctions, apical lipid rafts, caveolae, and clathrin-coated pits) in the development and maintenance of cell surface polarity. Recent evidence of cross-talk and/or overlap between the different cell–cell junction components and alternate functions of junction components, including gene expression regulation, are discussed in the context of cell surface polarity
Magnonic Charge Pumping via Spin-Orbit Coupling
The interplay between spin, charge, and orbital degrees of freedom has led to
the development of spintronic devices like spin-torque oscillators, spin-logic
devices, and spin-transfer torque magnetic random-access memories. In this
development spin pumping, the process where pure spin-currents are generated
from magnetisation precession, has proved to be a powerful method for probing
spin physics and magnetisation dynamics. The effect originates from direct
conversion of low energy quantised spin-waves in the magnet, known as magnons,
into a flow of spins from the precessing magnet to adjacent normal metal leads.
The spin-pumping phenomenon represents a convenient way to electrically detect
magnetisation dynamics, however, precessing magnets have been limited so far to
pump pure spin currents, which require a secondary spin-charge conversion
element such as heavy metals with large spin Hall angle or multi-layer layouts
to be detectable. Here, we report the experimental observation of charge
pumping in which a precessing ferromagnet pumps a charge current, demonstrating
direct conversion of magnons into high-frequency currents via the relativistic
spin-orbit interaction. The generated electric current, differently from spin
currents generated by spin-pumping, can be directly detected without the need
of any additional spin to charge conversion mechanism and amplitude and phase
information about the relativistic current-driven magnetisation dynamics. The
charge-pumping phenomenon is generic and gives a deeper understanding of the
recently observed spin-orbit torques, of which it is the reciprocal effect and
which currently attract interest for their potential in manipulating magnetic
information. Furthermore, charge pumping provides a novel link between
magnetism and electricity and may find application in sourcing alternating
electric currents.Comment: 3 figure
BRDF Representation and Acquisition
Photorealistic rendering of real world environments is important in a range of different areas; including Visual Special effects, Interior/Exterior Modelling, Architectural Modelling, Cultural Heritage, Computer Games and Automotive Design. Currently, rendering systems are able to produce photorealistic simulations of the appearance of many real-world materials. In the real world, viewer perception of objects depends on the lighting and object/material/surface characteristics, the way a surface interacts with the light and on how the light is reflected, scattered, absorbed by the surface and the impact these characteristics have on material appearance. In order to re-produce this, it is necessary to understand how materials interact with light. Thus the representation and acquisition of material models has become such an active research area. This survey of the state-of-the-art of BRDF Representation and Acquisition presents an overview of BRDF (Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) models used to represent surface/material reflection characteristics, and describes current acquisition methods for the capture and rendering of photorealistic materials
Endocytosis and early endosome motility in filamentous fungi.
types: REVIEWOpen Access funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research CouncilHyphal growth of filamentous fungi requires microtubule-based long-distance motility of early endosomes. Since the discovery of this process in Ustilago maydis, our understanding of its molecular basis and biological function has greatly advanced. Studies in U. maydis and Aspergillus nidulans reveal a complex interplay of the motor proteins kinesin-3 and dynein, which co-operate to support bi-directional motion of early endosomes. Genetic screening has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underpinning motor regulation, revealing Hook protein as general motor adapters on early endosomes. Recently, fascinating insight into unexpected roles for endosome motility has emerged. This includes septin filament formation and cellular distribution of the machinery for protein translation.BBSR
- …