bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neoproterozoic metavolcanosedimentary rocks of the Bozdak Group in southern Ulutau (Central Kazakhstan): isotope-geochemical and geochronological data
Authors: Dmitrieva N.V. , Letnikova E.F. , Shkol’nik S.I. , Vishnevskaya I.A. , Kanygina N.A. , Nikolaeva M.S. , Sharf I.V.
Published: November 2016

We consider geochemistry of Neoproterozoic metavolcanosedimentary rocks of the Bozdak Group in southern Ulutau (Central Kazakhstan) and present the first results of U–Pb LA–ICP-MS dating of clastic zircons and Sm–Nd isotope data. Isotope-geochemical and geochronological studies have shown that the Bozdak Group rocks resulted from the destruction of igneous and metamorphic complexes mostly of Neoproterozoic age with the participation of Archean and Paleoproterozoic rocks. The lower boundary of sedimentation is dated at 800 Ma. The obtained isotope-geochemical data on the Bozdak Group basaltoids suggest their formation on thick continental crust with the participation of subduction fluid.
The road to Winwæd? Penda's wars against Oswiu of Bernicia, c. 642 to c. 655
Authors: Dunshea Philip
Published: November 2016

Bede's Historia ecclesiastica allows the historian to reconstruct a sporadic narrative of relations between Penda of Mercia and Oswiu of Bernicia in the years leading up to the battle of the Winwæd. This article re-evaluates Bede's presentation of these interactions, with a focus on narrative structure and various geographical and chronological points of interest, and also taking account of Welsh and Irish sources. In light of this discussion, an alternative reconstruction of events before and after the battle of Winwæd is proposed; this derives primarily from a suggested re-reading of a passage in Historia ecclesiastica iii. 24, where Bede addresses Oswiu's post-war settlement.
Origin might matter; people matter, too (a response to the comment by Rejmánek and Simberloff (2017))
Authors: LARSON BRENDON M. H. , VAN DER WAL RENÉ , FISCHER ANKE , SELGE SEBASTIAN
Published: November 2016

We appreciate Rejmánek and Simberloff's (2017; henceforth R&S) response to our paper, as well as their review of the biological studies showing that non-native species are a ‘non-random’ group of species that are more likely to cause problems at some point in time than would be expected by chance. We note that the focus of their response lies almost exclusively on recently introduced species, which suggests that their argument might be less defensible for established introductions such as the ones covered by our study (Van der Wal et al. 2015). Moreover, R&S appear to have missed the major point of our paper, which is socio-cultural rather than strictly biological, so we briefly respond here in order to clarify our objective and results.
THE PLACE OF THE HISTORY OF ECONOMIC THOUGHT IN MAINSTREAM ECONOMICS, 1991–2011, VIEWED THROUGH A BIBLIOGRAPHIC SURVEY
Authors: Duarte Pedro Garcia , Giraud Yann
Published: November 2016

This paper offers a bibliographic survey of the literature in the history of economic thought (HET) in eight major economics journals, using theJELclassification to retrieve and analyze the relevant literature. Our study shows that, though contributions to HET are still found in top economics journals, the rate of publication of such papers has become increasingly uneven, and the methods and narrative styles they adopt are remote from those used by historians of economics. We show that the widespread idea that historians should address current economists by using their (mostly mathematical) tools and techniques is hardly present in mainstream journals, and discuss the role of editors and editorial boards of the different journals we survey in shaping these changes over time. We conclude that historians should focus on doing good work on their own, rather than try to figure out what the economists’ preferences are, and undertake research accordingly.
PAUL SAKMANN’S AND ALBERT SCHATZ’S MANDEVILLE STUDIES: THEIR LINK TO HAYEK’S ‘SPONTANEOUS ORDER’ THEORY
Authors: Nolan Mark Charles
Published: November 2016

This paper agrees with Friedrich August Hayek’s assertion in his 1945 Dublin lecture that the importance of Dutch physician Bernard Mandeville’s role in the history of economics had been overlooked and with his 1966 London lecture’s assertion that Mandeville’s important contribution qualified him as a master mind. Paul Sakmann’s and Albert Schatz’s studies of Mandeville’s eighteenth-century allegorical Fable of the Bees satire were acknowledged by Hayek as having influenced his formulation and development of the theory of spontaneous order extended from Scottish Enlightenment thinkers. Each of these two writers’ contribution to Mandeville and spontaneous order theory is considered as well as proposing a new source for the term “spontaneous order”—Schatz’s 1907‘le principe d’ordre spontané.’
Dextromethorphan-quinidine–responsive pseudobulbar affect (PBA): psychopharmacological model for wide-ranging disorders of emotional expression?
Authors: Stahl Stephen M.
Published: November 2016

The symptoms of emotional dysregulation associated with the syndrome known as pseudobulbar affect (PBA) can be effectively treated by the sigma, glutamate, and serotonergic agent dextromethorphan combined with quinidine. If the same brain circuits affected in PBA are also compromised in related disorders of emotional expression, dextromethorphan-quinidine and other novel sigma-glutamate-serotonin agents could prove to be novel psychopharmacologic treatments for these conditions as well.
Typen elterlicher Hausaufgabenhilfe und ihr Zusammenhang mit der familialen Sozialisation
Authors: Moroni Sandra , Dumont Hanna , Trautwein Ulrich
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht mittels Latenter Profilanalyse, (1) ob sich hinsichtlich ihrer Hausaufgabenhilfe verschiedene Typen von Familien ermitteln lassen, (2) wie stark sich diese hinsichtlich familialer Bedingungen unterscheiden und (3) ob diese Lern- und Leistungsergebnisse des Kindes vorhersagen. Als Datenbasis dienten Fragebogenangaben von 2668 Kindern der fünften und sechsten Klasse, die im Rahmen einer Längsschnittstudie zur Leistungsentwicklung von Lernenden an Haupt- und Realschulen in Baden-Württemberg sowie Mittelschulen in Sachsen erhoben wurden. Es konnten drei Typen elterlicher Hausaufgabenhilfe ermittelt werden, die durch unterschiedliche Ausprägungen in den Dimensionen emotionale Anteilnahme, Strukturgebung sowie Einmischung/Kontrolle gekennzeichnet waren. Die drei Typen unterschieden sich bezüglich verschiedener Merkmale familialer Bedingungen sowie bezüglich der Vorhersage von Lern- und Leistungsergebnissen des Kindes. Durch die an die Erziehungsstilforschung angelehnte Anwendung eines typologischen Ansatzes ergänzt diese Studie die Forschung zu elterlicher Hausaufgabenhilfe, die sich bisher auf die Analyse der Bedeutung einzelner Dimensionen elterlichen Verhaltens konzentrierte.
Scientists Offer New Explanation for Island's Unexpected Uplift
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: November 2016

Researchers developed a new timeline for the rise, fall, and rise again of a puzzling island in the Azores.
Cores from Crater Tied to Dinosaur Demise Validate Impact Theory
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: November 2016

Drilling into the famous, deeply buried Chicxulub crater off Mexico, researchers found deformed and porous granite that opens new avenues of research.
Linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex coordinates late thymic T-cell differentiation and regulatory T-cell homeostasis
Authors: Teh Charis E. , Lalaoui Najoua , Jain Reema , Policheni Antonia N. , Heinlein Melanie , Alvarez-Diaz Silvia , Sheridan Julie M. , Rieser Eva , Deuser Stefanie , Darding Maurice , Koay Hui-Fern , Hu Yifang , Kupresanin Fiona , O’Reilly Lorraine A. , Godfrey Dale I. , Smyth Gordon K. , Bouillet Philippe , Strasser Andreas , Walczak Henning , Silke John , Gray Daniel H. D.
Published: November 2016

The linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) is essential for innate immunity in mice and humans, yet its role in adaptive immunity is unclear. Here we show that the LUBAC components HOIP, HOIL-1 and SHARPIN have essential roles in late thymocyte differentiation, FOXP3+regulatory T (Treg)-cell development and Treg cell homeostasis. LUBAC activity is not required to prevent TNF-induced apoptosis or necroptosis but is necessary for the transcriptional programme of the penultimate stage of thymocyte differentiation. Treg cell-specific ablation of HOIP causes severe Treg cell deficiency and lethal immune pathology, revealing an ongoing requirement of LUBAC activity for Treg cell homeostasis. These data reveal stage-specific requirements for LUBAC in coordinating the signals required for T-cell differentiation.
An archaeal ADP-dependent serine kinase involved in cysteine biosynthesis and serine metabolism
Authors: Makino Yuki , Sato Takaaki , Kawamura Hiroki , Hachisuka Shin-ichi , Takeno Ryo , Imanaka Tadayuki , Atomi Haruyuki
Published: November 2016

Routes for cysteine biosynthesis are still unknown in many archaea. Here we find that the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis generates cysteine from serine via O-phosphoserine, in addition to the classical route from 3-phosphoglycerate. The protein responsible for serine phosphorylation is encoded by TK0378, annotated as a chromosome partitioning protein ParB. The TK0378 protein utilizes ADP as the phosphate donor, but in contrast to previously reported ADP-dependent kinases, recognizes a non-sugar substrate. Activity is specific towards free serine, and not observed with threonine, homoserine and serine residues within a peptide. Genetic analyses suggest that TK0378 is involved in serine assimilation and clearly responsible for cysteine biosynthesis from serine. TK0378 homologs, present in Thermococcales and Desulfurococcales, are most likely not ParB proteins and constitute a group of kinases involved in serine utilization.
An elastic element in the protocadherin-15 tip link of the inner ear
Authors: Araya-Secchi Raul , Neel Brandon L. , Sotomayor Marcos
Published: November 2016

Tip link filaments convey force and gate inner-ear hair-cell transduction channels to mediate perception of sound and head movements. Cadherin-23 and protocadherin-15 form tip links through a calcium-dependent interaction of their extracellular domains made of multiple extracellular cadherin (EC) repeats. These repeats are structurally similar, but not identical in sequence, often featuring linkers with conserved calcium-binding sites that confer mechanical strength to them. Here we present the X-ray crystal structures of human protocadherin-15 EC8–EC10 and mouse EC9–EC10, which show an EC8–9 canonical-like calcium-binding linker, and an EC9–10 calcium-free linker that alters the linear arrangement of EC repeats. Molecular dynamics simulations and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments support this non-linear conformation. Simulations also suggest that unbending of EC9–10 confers some elasticity to otherwise rigid tip links. The new structure provides a first view of protocadherin-15’s non-canonical EC linkers and suggests how they may function in inner-ear mechanotransduction, with implications for other cadherins.
Asynchronous fate decisions by single cells collectively ensure consistent lineage composition in the mouse blastocyst
Authors: Saiz Néstor , Williams Kiah M. , Seshan Venkatraman E. , Hadjantonakis Anna-Katerina
Published: November 2016

Intercellular communication is essential to coordinate the behaviour of individual cells during organismal development. The preimplantation mammalian embryo is a paradigm of tissue self-organization and regulative development; however, the cellular basis of these regulative abilities has not been established. Here we use a quantitative image analysis pipeline to undertake a high-resolution, single-cell level analysis of lineage specification in the inner cell mass (ICM) of the mouse blastocyst. We show that a consistent ratio of epiblast and primitive endoderm lineages is achieved through incremental allocation of cells from a common progenitor pool, and that the lineage composition of the ICM is conserved regardless of its size. Furthermore, timed modulation of the FGF-MAPK pathway shows that individual progenitors commit to either fate asynchronously during blastocyst development. These data indicate that such incremental lineage allocation provides the basis for a tissue size control mechanism that ensures the generation of lineages of appropriate size.
Self-assembly of diphenylalanine peptide with controlled polarization for power generation
Authors: Nguyen Vu , Zhu Ren , Jenkins Kory , Yang Rusen
Published: November 2016

Peptides have attracted considerable attention due to their biocompatibility, functional molecular recognition and unique biological and electronic properties. The strong piezoelectricity in diphenylalanine peptide expands its technological potential as a smart material. However, its random and unswitchable polarization has been the roadblock to fulfilling its potential and hence the demonstration of a piezoelectric device remains lacking. Here we show the control of polarization with an electric field applied during the peptide self-assembly process. Uniform polarization is obtained in two opposite directions with an effective piezoelectric constant d33 reaching 17.9 pm V−1. We demonstrate the power generation with a peptide-based power generator that produces an open-circuit voltage of 1.4 V and a power density of 3.3 nW cm−2. Devices enabled by peptides with controlled piezoelectricity provide a renewable and biocompatible energy source for biomedical applications and open up a portal to the next generation of multi-functional electronics compatible with human tissue.
Selectively tunable optical Stark effect of anisotropic excitons in atomically thin ReS2
Authors: Sim Sangwan , Lee Doeon , Noh Minji , Cha Soonyoung , Soh Chan Ho , Sung Ji Ho , Jo Moon-Ho , Choi Hyunyong
Published: November 2016

The optical Stark effect is a coherent light–matter interaction describing the modification of quantum states by non-resonant light illumination in atoms, solids and nanostructures. Researchers have strived to utilize this effect to control exciton states, aiming to realize ultra-high-speed optical switches and modulators. However, most studies have focused on the optical Stark effect of only the lowest exciton state due to lack of energy selectivity, resulting in low degree-of-freedom devices. Here, by applying a linearly polarized laser pulse to few-layer ReS2, where reduced symmetry leads to strong in-plane anisotropy of excitons, we control the optical Stark shift of two energetically separated exciton states. Especially, we selectively tune the Stark effect of an individual state with varying light polarization. This is possible because each state has a completely distinct dependence on light polarization due to different excitonic transition dipole moments. Our finding provides a methodology for energy-selective control of exciton states.
Inter-isoform Hetero-dimerization of Human UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) 1A1, 1A9 and 2B7 and Impacts on Glucuronidation Activity
Authors: Yuan Ling-Min , Gao Zhang-Zhao , Sun Hong-Ying , Qian Sai-Nan , Xiao Yong-Sheng , Sun Lian-Li , Zeng Su
Published: November 2016

Human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) play a pivotal role in phase II metabolism by catalyzing the glucuronidation of endobiotics and xenobiotics. The catalytic activities of UGTs are highly impacted by both genetic polymorphisms and oligomerization. The present study aimed to assess the inter-isoform hetero-dimerization of UGT1A1, 1A9 and 2B7, including the wild type (1A1*1, 1A9*1 and 2B7*1) and the naturally occurring (1A1*1b, 1A9*2/*3/*5 and 2B7*71S/*2/*5) variants. The related enzymes were double expressed in Bac-to-Bac systems. The fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) revealed stable hetero-dimerization of UGT1A1, 1A9 and 2B7 allozymes. Variable FRET efficiencies and donor-acceptor distances suggested that genetic polymorphisms resulted in altered affinities to the target protein. In addition, the metabolic activities of UGTs were differentially altered upon hetero-dimerization via double expression systems. Moreover, protein interactions also changed the regioselectivity of UGT1A9 for querectin glucuronidation. These findings provide in-depth understanding of human UGT dimerization as well as clues for complicated UGT dependent metabolism in humans.
Inactivation of HCV and HIV by microwave: a novel approach for prevention of virus transmission among people who inject drugs
Authors: Siddharta Anindya , Pfaender Stephanie , Malassa Angelina , Doerrbecker Juliane , Anggakusuma  , Engelmann Michael , Nugraha Boya , Steinmann Joerg , Todt Daniel , Vondran Florian W. R. , Mateu-Gelabert Pedro , Goffinet Christine , Steinmann Eike
Published: November 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) transmissions among people who inject drugs (PWID) continue to pose a challenging global health problem. Here, we aimed to analyse a universally applicable inactivation procedure, namely microwave irradiation, as a safe and effective method to reduce the risk of viral transmission. The exposure of HCV from different genotypes to microwave irradiation resulted in a significant reduction of viral infectivity. Furthermore, microwave irradiation reduced viral infectivity of HIV-1 and of HCV/HIV-1 suspensions indicating that this inactivation may be effective at preventing co-infections. To translate microwave irradiation as prevention method to used drug preparation equipment, we could further show that HCV as well as HIV-1 infectivity could be abrogated in syringes and filters. This study demonstrates the power of microwave irradiation for the reduction of viral transmission and establishment of this safety strategy could help reduce the transmission of blood-borne viruses.
Multifunctional Indium Tin Oxide Electrode Generated by Unusual Surface Modification
Authors: Bouden Sarra , Dahi Antoine , Hauquier Fanny , Randriamahazaka Hyacinthe , Ghilane Jalal
Published: November 2016

The indium tin oxide (ITO) material has been widely used in various scientific fields and has been successfully implemented in several devices. Herein, the electrochemical reduction of ITO electrode in an organic electrolytic solution containing alkali metal, NaI, or redox molecule, N-(ferrocenylmethyl) imidazolium iodide, was investigated. The reduced ITO surfaces were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and grazing incident XRD demonstrating the presence of the electrolyte cation inside the material. Reversibility of this process after re-oxidation was evidenced by XPS. Using a redox molecule based ionic liquid as supporting electrolyte leads to fellow electrochemically the intercalation process. As a result, modified ITO containing ferrocenyl imidazolium was easily generated. This reduction process occurs at mild reducing potential around −1.8 V and causes for higher reducing potential a drastic morphological change accompanied with a decrease of the electrode conductivity at the macroscopic scale. Finally, the self-reducing power of the reduced ITO phase was used to initiate the spontaneous reduction of silver ions leading to the growth of Ag nanoparticles. As a result, transparent and multifunctional active ITO surfaces were generated bearing redox active molecules inside the material and Ag nanoparticles onto the surface.
Using community analysis to explore bacterial indicators for disease suppression of tobacco bacterial wilt
Authors: Liu Xiaojiao , Zhang Shuting , Jiang Qipeng , Bai Yani , Shen Guihua , Li Shili , Ding Wei
Published: November 2016

Although bacterial communities play important roles in the suppression of pathogenic diseases and crop production, little is known about the bacterial communities associated with bacterial wilt. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, statistical analyses of microbial communities in disease-suppressive and disease-conducive soils from three districts during the vegetation period of tobacco showed that Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum, followed by Acidobacteria. Only samples from September were significantly correlated to disease factors. Fifteen indicators from taxa found in September (1 class, 2 orders, 3 families and 9 genera) were identified in the screen as being associated with disease suppression, and 10 of those were verified for potential disease suppression in March. Kaistobacter appeared to be the genus with the most potential for disease suppression. Elucidating microbially mediated natural disease suppression is fundamental to understanding microecosystem responses to sustainable farming and provides a possible approach for modeling disease-suppressive indicators. Here, using cluster analysis, MRPP testing, LEfSe and specific filters for a Venn diagram, we provide insight into identifying possible indicators of disease suppression of tobacco bacterial wilt.
Heat shock transcription factors in banana: genome-wide characterization and expression profile analysis during development and stress response
Authors: Wei Yunxie , Hu Wei , Xia Feiyu , Zeng Hongqiu , Li Xiaolin , Yan Yu , He Chaozu , Shi Haitao
Published: November 2016

Banana (Musa acuminata) is one of the most popular fresh fruits. However, the rapid spread of fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) in tropical areas severely affected banana growth and production. Thus, it is very important to identify candidate genes involved in banana response to abiotic stress and pathogen infection, as well as the molecular mechanism and possible utilization for genetic breeding. Heat stress transcription factors (Hsfs) are widely known for their common involvement in various abiotic stresses and plant-pathogen interaction. However, no MaHsf has been identified in banana, as well as its possible role. In this study, genome-wide identification and further analyses of evolution, gene structure and conserved motifs showed closer relationship of them in every subgroup. The comprehensive expression profiles of MaHsfs revealed the tissue- and developmental stage-specific or dependent, as well as abiotic and biotic stress-responsive expressions of them. The common regulation of several MaHsfs by abiotic and biotic stress indicated the possible roles of them in plant stress responses. Taken together, this study extended our understanding of MaHsf gene family and identified some candidate MaHsfs with specific expression profiles, which may be used as potential candidates for genetic breeding in banana.
Metadevice for intensity modulation with sub-wavelength spatial resolution
Authors: Cencillo-Abad Pablo , Zheludev Nikolay I. , Plum Eric
Published: November 2016

Effectively continuous control over propagation of a beam of light requires light modulation with pixelation that is smaller than the optical wavelength. Here we propose a spatial intensity modulator with sub-wavelength resolution in one dimension. The metadevice combines recent advances in reconfigurable nanomembrane metamaterials and coherent all-optical control of metasurfaces. It uses nanomechanical actuation of metasurface absorber strips placed near a mirror in order to control their interaction with light from perfect absorption to negligible loss, promising a path towards dynamic diffraction and focusing of light as well as holography without unwanted diffraction artefacts.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance metabolomics reveals an excretory metabolic signature of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Monteiro Márcia S. , Barros António S. , Pinto Joana , Carvalho Márcia , Pires-Luís Ana S. , Henrique Rui , Jerónimo Carmen , Bastos Maria de Lourdes , Gil Ana M. , Guedes de Pinho Paula
Published: November 2016

RCC usually develops and progresses asymptomatically and, when detected, it is frequently at advanced stages and metastatic, entailing a dismal prognosis. Therefore, there is an obvious demand for new strategies enabling an earlier diagnosis. The importance of metabolic rearrangements for carcinogenesis unlocked a new approach for cancer research, catalyzing the increased use of metabolomics. The present study aimed the NMR metabolic profiling of RCC in urine samples from a cohort of RCC patients (n = 42) and controls (n = 49). The methodology entailed variable selection of the spectra in tandem with multivariate analysis and validation procedures. The retrieval of a disease signature was preceded by a systematic evaluation of the impacts of subject age, gender, BMI, and smoking habits. The impact of confounders on the urine metabolomics profile of this population is residual compared to that of RCC. A 32-metabolite/resonance signature descriptive of RCC was unveiled, successfully distinguishing RCC patients from controls in principal component analysis. This work demonstrates the value of a systematic metabolomics workflow for the identification of robust urinary metabolic biomarkers of RCC. Future studies should entail the validation of the 32-metabolite/resonance signature found for RCC in independent cohorts, as well as biological validation of the putative hypotheses advanced.
Nonsequential double ionization with mid-infrared laser fields
Authors: Li Ying-Bin , Wang Xu , Yu Ben-Hai , Tang Qing-Bin , Wang Guang-Hou , Wan Jian-Guo
Published: November 2016

Using a full-dimensional Monte Carlo classical ensemble method, we present a theoretical study of atomic nonsequential double ionization (NSDI) with mid-infrared laser fields, and compare with results from near-infrared laser fields. Unlike single-electron strong-field processes, double ionization shows complex and unexpected interplays between the returning electron and its parent ion core. As a result of these interplays, NSDI for mid-IR fields is dominated by second-returning electron trajectories, instead of first-returning trajectories for near-IR fields. Some complex NSDI channels commonly happen with near-IR fields, such as the recollision-excitation-with-subsequent-ionization (RESI) channel, are virtually shut down by mid-IR fields. Besides, the final energies of the two electrons can be extremely unequal, leading to novel e-e momentum correlation spectra that can be measured experimentally.
Deregulation of the miR-16-KRAS axis promotes colorectal cancer
Authors: You Chaoying , Liang Hongwei , Sun Wu , Li Jialu , Liu Yanqing , Fan Qian , Zhang Haiyang , Yue Xin , Li Jing , Chen Xi , Ba Yi
Published: November 2016

KRAS plays a significant role in the etiology and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), but the mechanism underlying this process has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we found that the KRAS protein levels were higher in CRC tissues than in the normal adjacent tissues, whereas its mRNA levels varied irregularly, suggesting that a post-transcriptional mechanism is involved in the regulation of KRAS. Then, we performed bioinformatic analyses to search for miRNAs that potentially target KRAS. We predicted and experimentally validated that miR-16 directly recognizes the 3′-UTR of the KRAS transcript and regulates KRAS expression. Furthermore, the in vitro results showed that the repression of KRAS by miR-16 suppressed the proliferation and invasion and induced the apoptosis of CRC cells, and the in vivo results revealed that miR-16 exerted a tumor-suppressive effect by negatively regulating KRAS in xenograft mice. Taken together, our findings provide evidence supporting the role of miR-16 as a tumor suppressor in CRC by targeting KRAS.
Water exchange reaction of a manganese catalase mimic: oxygen-17 NMR relaxometry study on (aqua)manganese(iii) in a salen scaffold and its reactions in a mildly basic medium
Authors: Mundlapati V. Rao , Jena Priyambada , Acharya Achyut N. , Kar Akshaya K. , Dash Anadi C. , Biswal Himansu S.
Published: November 2016

Water exchange of trans-[MnIII(salen)(OH2)2]+ studied by line broadening 17OH2 NMR discloses its mechanism as associative interchange (Ia).
Engineering metal organic framework derived 3D nanostructures for high performance hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Rutao , Jin Dongdong , Zhang Yabin , Wang Shijie , Lang Junwei , Yan Xingbin , Zhang Li
Published: November 2016

A high-performance hybrid Li-ion capacitor was fabricated based on a metal–organic framework derived 3D porous carbon polyhedron and MoS2–ZIF nanostructures.
A novel p-type half-Heusler from high-throughput transport and defect calculations
Authors: Bhattacharya Sandip , Madsen Georg K. H.
Published: November 2016

In this work we identify p-type half-Heusler thermoelectrics using high-throughput techniques. We have scanned a large database of potential candidates and report NbCoSn and TaCoSn as new, attractive, previously unexplored p-type half-Heuslers.
Inside a Policymaker’s Mind: An Entrepreneurial Approach to Policy Development and Implementation
Authors: Ndemo Bitange
Published: November 2016

This chapter provides an analysis of the policy process that led to the information and communications technology (ICT) boom in Kenya during President Mwai Kibaki’s administration (2003–2013). It offers an analysis of the policy development that spurred the highly successful innovations in the country’s ICT sector. The chapter explains the course of establishing the institutions that supported ICT entrepreneurship and describes the process involved in the making of far-reaching policies and analyzes three case studies in ICT policy development—The East Africa Marine Systems (TEAMS) project, the M-Pesa application project, and the Posta land development project—and discusses their contributions to the ICT boom in Kenya.
The Art of Managing Worldviews in Kenya’s International Technology Sector
Authors: Weiss Tim , Weber Klaus
Published: November 2016

What do you need to do to become successful in Kenya’s tech scene? This chapter investigates whether there is something like a Kenyan recipe—a holy grail—for success. We find two different worldviews, a Kenyan and an international, that champion opposing prescriptions for how to do it “right.” This dynamic, in turn, gives rise to tensions and is the reason behind the many contested issues surfacing in Kenya’s international tech sector. However, tension and contestation, if tackled with the right mindset, can also become an opportunity. Thus, this chapter introduces the art of managing worldviews in order to equip the reader new tools to work through prevailing issues and infuse technology entrepreneurship with a unique Kenyan character.
Venture Capital in East Africa: Is There a Right Model?
Authors: Gugu Stephen , Mworia Wilfred
Published: November 2016

Is there a right model for venture capital (VC) in East Africa? After working with primary and secondary sources, we concluded that such a right model does not exist at the moment. We found that the high cost of operating a fund in the region and the length of time it takes to find, evaluate, and make investments are the top concerns among fund managers. In addition, fund managers in the region are called upon to take on roles that are not typical of conventional fund management—including, in particular, getting heavily involved in their investees’ businesses. We also found that challenges related to deal flow and exit, while perhaps not in the realm of a right model for fund structures per se, inevitably have an impact on which structure works best. We propose various solutions to these and other VC challenges in East Africa that emerged from our study. We conclude that in order to succeed, VC has to adapt more effectively to suit the context and characteristics of venturing in the region.
Addressing Voids: How Digital Start-ups in Kenya Create Market Infrastructure
Authors: Drouillard Marissa
Published: November 2016

The chapter introduces market-enabling digital platforms as a new concept. By using a market structure framework that puts emphasis on salient market inefficiencies—also known as institutional voids—we find that digital platforms in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres have contributed significantly to the development of efficient market infrastructures and intermediaries. We review market-enabling digital platforms in Kenya elicited from previous research on digital entrepreneurship ecosystems, finding examples where Kenyan digital start-ups have achieved success by tackling institutional voids in the marketplace. The framework itself has significant value as a paradigm for explaining a theory of change about how start-ups can create or enhance market infrastructure through providing digital—rather than physical—infrastructure. The chapter also provides a new lens to help understand, conceptualize, and assess start-ups’ potential for contributing to market efficiency and economic vitality.
The Challenges of Technology Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets: A Case Study in Nairobi
Authors: de la Chaux Marlen , Okune Angela
Published: November 2016

Why has the creation of technology start-ups in Nairobi remained so challenging—despite support from growing numbers of motivated entrepreneurs, innovation hubs, and interested seed-capital investors?

We took an in-depth look at a case study in Nairobi and discovered that because of technology entrepreneurship’s relative novelty, the key actors’ perspectives on the processes and practices associated with it are not yet aligned.

The results were that the actors’ social interactions are marked by contradictions, divergences, and ambiguities that have hampered the creation of successful technology businesses in region.

In this chapter, we will explore the challenges faced by today’s new forms of entrepreneurial activity in Kenya—and how to overcome them.
Need for a Smart Solution: Developing a Sourcing Strategy for a Policy System at a German Insurance Company
Authors: Roßmehl Max , Leider Yannick , Redman Monika , Rütten Marco , Hovestadt Christian , Basten Dirk , Werner Michael
Published: November 2016

The direct insurer Gothaer Insurance Group is among the largest insurance companies in Germany. A project started during the 1990s is still facing the task to introduce a policy system for the commercial sector. The project had its origin in a merger with another German insurer and the system has since evolved over about 18 years. The project team encounters manifold technical and organisational issues as well as external factors which have led the project to a state which requires a decision about its continuance. Driven by a new political agenda that fosters the replacement of mainframe solutions and the use of standard rather than in-house solutions, decisions needed to be made concerning the sourcing strategy: should the system be implemented in-house or with the help of an external partner? Should it be realised by standard software or custom development? A steering committee meeting is set up to decide how to proceed. This case chronicles the series of events leading to that upcoming steering committee and the status quo of the system.
Tuning photonic bands in plasma metallic photonic crystals
Authors: Chaudhari Mayank Kumar , Chaudhari Sachin
Published: November 2016

Introducing plasma in the background provides additional degrees of freedom for tuning dispersion curves of photonic crystals. 2D photonic crystals in triangular lattice arrangements offer more global bandgap regions and thus are of more interest for various applications. The dispersion characteristics of a two-dimensional plasma metallic photonic crystal (PMPC) in square as well as triangular lattice arrangements have been analyzed in this paper using the orthogonal finite difference time domain method. The dispersion characteristics of PMPCs for the range of r/a ratios and plasma frequencies for triangular lattice configuration have been analyzed. On introducing plasma in the background, the photonic bands of PMPC are shifted towards higher normalized frequencies. This shift is more for lower bands and increases with plasma frequency. The cut-off frequency was observed for both TE and TM polarizations in PMPC and showed strong dependence on r/a ratio as well as plasma frequency. Photonic bandgaps of PMPC may be tuned by controlling plasma parameters, giving opportunity for utilizing these PMPC structures for various applications such as fine-tuning cavities for enhanced light-matter interaction, plasmonic waveguides, and Gyrotron cavities.
Anomalous dynamics of interstitial dopants in soft crystals
Authors: Tauber Justin , Higler Ruben , Sprakel Joris
Published: November 2016

Significance

Doping crystalline solids with small impurity atoms is a common approach to tailor material properties, for example to increase mechanical toughness in making steel or to create solid-state batteries. The properties and longevity of doped materials depend sensitively on the spatial distribution and dynamics of the dopants within the lattice. In this paper we show how classical approaches to predict dopant dynamics fail in crystals approaching their melting point. Thermal excitation of the, on-average perfect, lattice breaks local inversion symmetry, causing an instantaneous disordered potential field. As a consequence, the dopants exhibit anomalous and heterogeneous dynamics within an ordered solid. This result sheds unique light on the complex behavior of doped materials that cannot be explained using classical lattice theories.
Microstructure and properties of Nb-bearing high-strength low-alloy surfacing layers
Authors: Wang B. , Hu Y. W. , Yang X. F. , Cai X. W. , Jiang Y. , Luo J. Q.
Published: November 2016

Based on Q345 steel, high-strength low-alloy surfacing layers with Nb content ranging from 0.0041 to 0.26 wt-% were prepared by adding Nb element into electrode coating and manual electric arc welding, the microstructure as well as mechanical properties of surfacing layers were evaluated and analysed. The experimental results show that with the increasing of Nb content, the grain size becomes smaller meanwhile the microstructure distribution is more uniform, the size of hard phase martensite/austenite gradually decreases and the NbC precipitates increases. The yield and tensile strength greatly increase for the fine-grain strengthening of Nb and the precipitation strengthening of NbC, moreover, the impact toughness is significantly improved due to the microstructure variation and obvious grain refinement.
Biochemical characterization of the medaka (Oryzias latipes) orthologue for mammalian tissue-type transglutaminase (TG2)
Authors: Takada Yuki , Watanabe Yuko , Okuya Kazuho , Tatsukawa Hideki , Hashimoto Hisashi , Hitomi Kiyotaka
Published: November 2016

Transglutaminase is an enzyme family responsible for post-translational modification such as protein cross-linking and the attachment of primary amine and/or deamidation of glutamine-residue in proteins. Medaka (Oryzias latipes), a recently established model fish, has similar functional proteins to those characterized in mammals. Previously, we found the apparent orthologues that correspond to human transglutaminases in medaka. In this study, regarding the medaka orthologue of human tissue-type transglutaminase (OlTGT), recombinant protein was expressed in an active form in bacteria cultured at low temperature. Using the recombinant protein, we biochemically characterized the enzymatic activity and also obtained a monoclonal antibody that specifically recognized OlTGT. Immunochemical analysis revealed that OlTGT was not expressed ubiquitously, unlike its mammalian orthologue, but in primarily limited tissues such as the eye, brain, spinal cord, and gas gland.
Differential Seasonal Steroid and Gonadotropin Expression in Full-Sibling Female Channel Catfish Maturing at Two or Three Years of Age under Normal and Accelerated Thermoperiods
Authors: Small Brian C , Davis Kenneth B , Glover David C
Published: November 2016

The present study was designed to determine whether female Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus exhibiting accelerated maturation display similar steroid (estradiol and testosterone) and gonadotropin (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] messenger RNA) profiles within the first reproductive period compared with full-sibling females that reached maturity 1 year later. The accelerated maturation (AM) fish were maintained under a shortened annual temperature cycle, consisting of 4 months in 26°C water followed by 2 months at 13–14°C, repeated for three cycles. In 2007, 2-year-old AM fish were 12 times more likely to spawn on any given day than the normal maturation (NM) fish. The 2-year-old NM group was 21 times more likely to spawn as 3-year-old fish in 2008 than in the previous year, 2007. In 2007, NM fish had higher body mass in January, March, and May and maintained higher gonadosomatic index (GSI). Two-year-old AM fish never had significantly higher levels of any measured variable than did 2-year-old NM fish. Compared with NM fish (2007), 3-year-old AM fish (2008) in their first reproductive period had significantly higher GSI, body mass, estradiol, and testosterone. The high spawning success of 2-year-old AM fish was not indicative of seasonal steroid and gonadotropin profiles relative to 3-year-old cohorts reared under standard conditions. However, seasonal levels during the first reproductive period of AM fish (2 years of age) were well below those of mature NM fish (3 years of age). The low plasma sex steroids and pituitary FSH and LH messenger RNA expression in fish undergoing accelerated maturation is perhaps the most interesting result of this study, since levels were sufficient enough to result in increased GSI and greater than 70% spawning success in these fish.
Nitrogen Dynamics and Biofloc Composition using Biofloc Technology to Treat Aquaculture Solid Waste Mixed with Distillery Spent Wash
Authors: Liu Wen-chang , Luo Guo-zhi , Li Li , Wang Xiao-yong , Wang Jiao , Ma Nian-nian , Sun Da-chuan , Tan Hong-xin
Published: November 2016

Distillery spent wash (DSW) and aquaculture solid waste were homogeneously mixed and treated using biofloc technology to use DSW as a component of the substrate for biofloc production. The proportions of DSW, expressed as the proportion of the total chemical oxygen demand (COD), contributing to the total substrate content in the control group (GC) and treatment groups (G1/3 and G2/3) were 0, 1/3, and 2/3, respectively. The initial COD contents were statistically similar among all groups. During the experiment, the nitrogen dynamics process was consistent among all groups, and a higher content of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and less total organic nitrogen accumulated in the treatment reactors than in the GC reactors. The nitrogen recycling rate for G2/3 was 44.2%, which was significantly less than that for G1/3 (59.0%) or GC (69.7%). The biofloc production (considered as mixed liquor volatile suspended solid) in G2/3 was 1,237.3 mg/L, which was significantly less than that for G1/3 (1,662.3 mg/L) and GC (2,237.0 mg/L). Higher proportions of DSW in the substrate led to higher values of crude protein and crude lipid in the biofloc. There were no significant differences between the GC and G1/3 for linoleic acid, linolenic acid, total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) or n-6 PUFAs. However, the higher proportion of DSW (G2/3) significantly decreased the values of these fatty acids. The addition of DSW also decreased the settling ability of the biofloc.
Monitoring Changes in Effective Population Size during Pond Culture of Red Drum
Authors: Anderson Joel , Cason Paul , Chavez Ruben
Published: November 2016

Reduction of genetic diversity can occur at two general phases in stock enhancement: spawning and pond culture. In the latter case, reduction in genetic diversity can take place if mortality impacts family groups disproportionately during pond culture. The stock enhancement program developed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife for Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus was used to determine whether this phenomenon occurs with any regularity. Larvae were sampled prior to pond culture to determine the genetic effective size (Ne) of the spawned population. At the end of pond culture, fingerlings were sampled and changes in Ne over the duration of pond culture were measured. In two trials, there was a nominal reduction in Ne during pond culture (−0.9 < ΔNe < −1.0). In three trials, a net gain in Ne (0.3 < ΔNe < 0.6) was observed, due to disproportionate mortality that influenced family groups that were overrepresented in larvae samples (prior to pond culture). Significant mortality and family turnover was observed in a single trial, which resulted in a 32% reduction in effective population size over pond culture (ΔNe = −3.5). These data suggest that changes in genetic diversity during pond culture are variable in magnitude, but are usually minor relative to the impact of variance in spawning success of broodfish.
Adding Corticosteroids to the Pudendal Nerve block for Pudendal Neuralgia: A Randomised, Double-blind, Controlled Trial
Authors: Labat J. J. , Riant T. , Lassaux A. , Rioult B. , Rabischong B. , Khalfallah M. , Volteau C. , Leroi A.-M. , Ploteaua S.
Published: November 2016

(Abstracted from BJOG 2016; DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14222)

Management of pudendal neuralgia (PN) is often not evidence based. The practice of adding corticosteroids to a nerve block in patients with PN is widespread and largely based on a few studies suggesting that corticosteroids may prolong the effect of a local anesthetic.
Phenazopyridine for Evaluation of Ureteral Patency: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Propst Katie , Tunitsky-Bitton Elena , O’Sullivan David M. , Steinberg Adam C. , LaSala Christine
Published: November 2016

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2016;128:348–355)

There is increased risk of urinary tract injury with use of pelvic reconstructive and incontinence procedures compared with other gynecologic procedures. The incidence of injury ranges from 0.6% to 11% and has led to recommendations for use of universal cystoscopy after all urogynecologic procedures.
Impact of Surgeon Annual Volume on Short-term Maternal Outcome in Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Drukker Lior , Hants Yael , Farkash Rivka , Grisaru-Granovsky Sorina , Shen Ori , Samueloff Arnon , Sela Hen Y.
Published: November 2016

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016;215:85.e1–85.e8)

Surgical volume is known to be associated directly with morbidity and mortality rates in surgical procedures. Cesarean delivery (CD) is associated with increased maternal morbidity, including hemorrhage, infection, pelvic organ damage, and increased number of hospital readmissions.