bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raman Under Water – Nonlinear and Nearfield Approaches for Electrochemical Surface Science
Authors: Martín Sabanés Natalia , Domke Katrin F.
Published: April 2017

Electrochemistry is re‐gaining attention among scientists because the complex interplay between electronic and chemical interfacial processes lies at the bottom of a broad range of important research disciplines like alternative energy conversion or green catalysis and synthesis. While rapid progress has been made in recent years regarding novel technological applications, the community increasingly recognizes that the understanding of the molecular processes that govern macroscopic device properties is still rather limited – which hinders a systematic and more complete exploration of novel material and functionality space. Here, we discuss advanced Raman spectroscopies as valuable analysis tools for electrochemists. The chemical nature of a material and its interaction with the environment is contained in the label‐free vibrational fingerprint over a broad energy range so that organic species, solid‐state materials, and hybrids thereof can be investigated alike. For surface studies, the inherently small Raman scattering cross sections can be overcome with advanced nonlinear or nearfield‐based approaches that provide signal enhancements between three and seven orders of magnitude, sufficient to detect few scatterers in nano‐confined spaces or adsorbate (sub)monolayers. Our article highlights how advanced Raman techniques with extreme chemical, spatial and temporal resolution constitute valuable alternative surface analysis tools and provide otherwise inaccessible information about complex interfacial (electro)chemical processes.
A Statistical Approach to Fine Mapping for the Identification of Potential Causal Variants Related to Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Greenbaum Jonathan , Deng Hong-Wen
Published: April 2017

Although genomewide association studies (GWASs) have been able to successfully identify dozens of genetic loci associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis-related traits, very few of these loci have been confirmed to be causal. This is because in a given genetic region there may exist many trait-associated SNPs that are highly correlated. Although this correlation is useful for discovering novel associations, the high degree of linkage disequilibrium that persists throughout the genome presents a major challenge to discern which among these correlated variants has a direct effect on the trait. In this study we apply a recently developed Bayesian fine-mapping method, PAINTOR, to determine the SNPs that have the highest probability of causality for femoral neck (FNK) BMD and lumbar spine (LS) BMD. The advantage of this method is that it allows for the incorporation of information about GWAS summary statistics, linkage disequilibrium, and functional annotations to calculate a posterior probability of causality for SNPs across all loci of interest. We present a list of the top 10 candidate SNPs for each BMD trait to be followed up in future functional validation experiments. The SNPs rs2566752 (WLS) and rs436792 (ZNF621 and CTNNB1) are particularly noteworthy because they have more than 90% probability to be causal for both FNK and LS BMD. Using this statistical fine-mapping approach we expect to gain a better understanding of the genetic determinants contributing to BMD at multiple skeletal sites. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The natural history of subjective tinnitus in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of no‐intervention periods in controlled trials
Authors: Phillips John S. , McFerran Don J. , Hall Deborah A. , Hoare Derek J.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Tinnitus is a prevalent condition, but little has been published regarding the natural history of the condition. One technique for evaluating the long‐term progression of the disease is to examine what happens to participants in the no‐intervention control arm of a clinical trial. The aim of this study was to examine no‐intervention or waiting‐list data reported in trials, in which participants on the active arm received any form of tinnitus intervention.

Data Sources

CINAHL, PsychINFO, EMBASE, ASSIA, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, EBSCO Host, and Cochrane.

Methods

Inclusion criteria followed the PICOS principles: Participants, adults with tinnitus; Intervention, none; Control, any intervention for alleviating tinnitus; Outcomes, a measure assessing tinnitus symptoms using a multi‐item patient‐reported tinnitus questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures included multi‐item patient‐reported questionnaires of mood and health‐related quality of life and measures that quantified change in tinnitus loudness; Study design, randomized controlled trials or observational studies utilizing a no‐intervention or waiting‐list control group. Data were extracted and standardized mean difference was calculated for each study to enable meta‐analysis.

Results

The evidence strongly favored a statistically significant decrease in the impact of tinnitus over time, though there was significant heterogeneity and clinical significance cannot be interpreted. Outcome data regarding secondary measures did not demonstrate any clinically significant change.

Conclusions

Participants allocated to the no‐intervention or waiting‐list control arm of clinical trials for a tinnitus intervention show a small but significant improvement in self‐reported measures of tinnitus with time; the clinical significance of this finding is unknown. There is, however, considerable variation across individuals. These findings support previous work and can cautiously be used when counseling patients. Laryngoscope, 128:217–227, 2018
Signaling complexes control the chemotaxis kinase by altering its apparent rate constant of autophosphorylation
Authors: Pan Wenlin , Dahlquist Frederick W. , Hazelbauer Gerald L.
Published: April 2017

Autophosphorylating histidine kinase CheA is central to signaling in bacterial chemotaxis. The kinase donates its phosphoryl group to two response regulators, CheY that controls flagellar rotation and thus motility and CheB, crucial for sensory adaptation. As measured by coupled CheY phosphorylation, incorporation into signaling complexes activates the kinase ∼1000‐fold and places it under control of chemoreceptors. By the same assay, receptors modulate kinase activity ∼100‐fold as a function of receptor ligand occupancy and adaptational modification. These changes are the essence of chemotactic signaling. Yet, the enzymatic properties affected by incorporation into signaling complexes, by chemoreceptor ligand binding or by receptor adaptational modification are largely undefined. To investigate, we performed steady‐state kinetic analysis of autophosphorylation using a liberated kinase phosphoryl‐accepting domain, characterizing kinase alone, in isolated core signaling complexes and in small arrays of core complexes assembled in vitro with receptors contained in isolated native membranes. Autophosphorylation in signaling complexes was measured as a function of ligand occupancy and adaptational modification. Activation by incorporation into signaling complexes and modulation in complexes by ligand occupancy and adaptational modification occurred largely via changes in the apparent catalytic rate constant (kcat). Changes in the autophosphorylation kcat accounted for most of the ∼1000‐fold kinase activation in signaling complexes observed for coupled CheY phosphorylation, and the ∼100‐fold inhibition by ligand occupancy or modulation by adaptational modification. Our results indicate no more than a minor role in kinase control for simple sequestration of the autophosphorylation substrate. Instead they indicate direct effects on the active site.
Natural History of MEN1 GEP‐NET: Single‐Center Experience After a Long Follow‐Up
Authors: Giudici Francesco , Cavalli Tiziana , Giusti Francesca , Gronchi Giorgio , Batignani Giacomo , Tonelli Francesco , Brandi Maria Luisa
Published: April 2017

Background

The multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome (MEN1) natural history is poorly evaluated, and few single‐institution experiences about hereditary gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP‐NET) are reported. Our purpose is to analyze the role of GEP‐NET in MEN1‐related death, as well as the behavior of these lesions during follow‐up.

Methods

The study population consists of 77 patients diagnosed with MEN1 GEP‐NET, regularly followed up since 1990. Extensive clinical data were prospectively recorded. Statistical analysis was performed both on the whole population of 77 patients and on two subgroups including patients who, during the long lasting study period, underwent GEP‐NET surgery (50 pts) and who did not (27 pts), respectively.

Results

Twenty‐five males (32.5%) and 52 females (67.5%) were enrolled. Sixty‐four patients had MEN1 family history (83.1%), and genetic mutation was detected in 67 cases (87%). The mean age at GEP‐NET diagnosis was 41.4 years (SD = 13.6); 16 patients (20.8%) had GEP‐NET diagnosed before age 30 and 12 cases (15.6%) before 1996. The mean interval time between MEN1 diagnosis and GEP‐NET detection was 5.7 years (range −11/37; SD = 8.1 years). Overall, the mean follow‐up time from MEN1 diagnosis was 15.8 years (SD = 9.7 years) and from GEP‐NET diagnosis was 9.6 years (SD = 6.9 years). Gastrinoma was the most frequent functioning GEP‐NET and pancreatoduodenectomy the most adopted surgery. GEP‐NET progression affected 12 patients within the non‐surgical group, while 18 subjects developed progression after surgery.

Conclusions

Our single‐center data provide information on epidemiologic, clinical and pathological features of GEP‐NET in MEN1 making possible to clarify their natural history.
LIMITED EPISTOCRACY AND POLITICAL INCLUSION
Authors: Jeffrey Anne
Published: April 2017

In this paper I defend a form of epistocracy I call limited epistocracy – rule by institutions housing expertise in non-political areas that become politically relevant. This kind of limited epistocracy, I argue, isn't a far-off fiction. With increasing frequency, governments are outsourcing political power to expert institutions to solve urgent, multidimensional problems because they outperform ordinary democratic decision-making. I consider the objection that limited epistocracy, while more effective than its competitors, lacks a fundamental intrinsic value that its competitors have; namely, political inclusion. After explaining this challenge, I suggest that limited epistocracies can be made compatible with robust political inclusion if specialized institutions are confined to issuing directives that give citizens multiple actionable options. I explain how this safeguards citizens’ inclusion through rational deliberation, choice, and contestation.
Out-patient flexible carbon dioxide laser surgery for benign laryngopharyngeal pathologies via transnasal flexible laryngo-oesophagoscopy
Authors: Mohammed H , Masterson L , Nassif R
Published: April 2017

Objective:

To assess the feasibility and outcomes of flexible carbon dioxide laser surgery in a clinic-based setting.

Methods:

A prospective study was conducted in a tertiary centre. Clinical indications, clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction were assessed in patients treated with flexible carbon dioxide laser surgery via transnasal endoscopy and followed up over a period of up to nine months. Patients who were not fit for general anaesthesia or those with lesions that cannot be accessed by micro-laryngoscopy were included.

Results:

A total of 13 patients (14 procedures) were included. Clinical indications for surgery were small-to-medium sized benign pathologies in the upper aero-digestive tract. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a validated questionnaire.

Conclusion:

Early data suggest that flexible carbon dioxide laser is a versatile and feasible instrument with potential applications for a range of benign pathologies in the upper aero-digestive tract.
Assessing the impact of conversational overlap in content on child language growth
Authors: CHE ELIZABETH S. , BROOKS PATRICIA J. , ALARCON MARIA F. , YANNACO FRANCIS D. , DONNELLY SEAMUS
Published: April 2017

When engaged in conversation, both parents and children tend to re-use words that their partner has just said. This study explored whether proportions of maternal and/or child utterances that overlapped in content with what their partner had just said contributed to growth in mean length of utterance (MLU), developmental sentence score, and vocabulary diversity over time. We analyzed the New England longitudinal corpus from the CHILDES database, comprising transcripts of mother–child conversations at 14, 20, and 32 months, using the CHIP command to compute proportions of utterances with overlapping content. Rates of maternal overlap, but not child overlap, at earlier time-points predicted child language outcomes at later time-points, after controlling for earlier child MLU. We suggest that maternal overlap plays a formative role in child language development by providing content that is immediately relevant to what the child has in mind.
Relationship between ion migration and interfacial degradation of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells under thermal conditions
Authors: Kim Seongtak , Bae Soohyun , Lee Sang-Won , Cho Kyungjin , Lee Kyung Dong , Kim Hyunho , Park Sungeun , Kwon Guhan , Ahn Seh-Won , Lee Heon-Min , Kang Yoonmook , Lee Hae-Seok , Kim Donghwan
Published: April 2017

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been extensively studied because of their outstanding performance: a power conversion efficiency exceeding 22% has been achieved. The most commonly used PSCs consist of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) with a hole-selective contact, such as 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9-spiro-bifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD), for collecting holes. From the perspective of long-term operation of solar cells, the cell performance and constituent layers (MAPbI3, spiro-OMeTAD, etc.) may be influenced by external conditions like temperature, light, etc. Herein, we report the effects of temperature on spiro-OMeTAD and the interface between MAPbI3 and spiro-OMeTAD in a solar cell. It was confirmed that, at high temperatures (85 °C), I− and CH3NH3+ (MA+) diffused into the spiro-OMeTAD layer in the form of CH3NH3I (MAI). The diffused I− ions prevented oxidation of spiro-OMeTAD, thereby degrading the electrical properties of spiro-OMeTAD. Since ion diffusion can occur during outdoor operation, the structural design of PSCs must be considered to achieve long-term stability.
Elastic turbulence in entangled semi-dilute DNA solutions measured with optical coherence tomography velocimetry
Authors: Malm A. V. , Waigh T. A.
Published: April 2017

The flow instabilities of solutions of high molecular weight DNA in the entangled semi-dilute concentration regime were investigated using optical coherence tomography velocimetry, a technique that provides high spatial (probe volumes of 3.4 pL) and temporal resolution (sub μs) information on the flow behaviour of complex fluids in a rheometer. The velocity profiles of the opaque DNA solutions (high and low salt) were measured as a function of the distance across the gap of a parallel plate rheometer, and their evolution over time was measured. At lower DNA concentrations and low shear rates, the velocity fluctuations were well described by Gaussian functions and the velocity gradient was uniform across the rheometer gap, which is expected for Newtonian flows. As the DNA concentration and shear rate were increased there was a stable wall slip regime followed by an evolving wall slip regime, which is finally followed by the onset of elastic turbulence. Strain localization (shear banding) is observed on the boundaries of the flows at intermediate shear rates, but decreases in the high shear elastic turbulence regime, where bulk strain localization occurs. A dynamic phase diagram for non-linear flow was created to describe the different behaviours.
Transcriptomic response of durum wheat to nitrogen starvation
Authors: Curci Pasquale L. , Aiese Cigliano Riccardo , Zuluaga Diana L. , Janni Michela , Sanseverino Walter , Sonnante Gabriella
Published: April 2017

Nitrogen (N) is a key macronutrient representing a limiting factor for plant growth and development and affects productivity in wheat. In this study, durum wheat response to N chronic starvation during grain filling was investigated through a transcriptomic approach in roots, leaves/stems, flag leaf and spikes of cv. Svevo. Nitrogen stress negatively influenced plant height, tillering, flag leaf area, spike and seed traits, and total N content. RNA-seq data revealed 4,626 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Most transcriptomic changes were observed in roots, with 3,270 DEGs, while 963 were found in leaves/stems, 470 in flag leaf, and 355 in spike tissues. A total of 799 gene ontology (GO) terms were identified, 180 and 619 among the upregulated and downregulated genes, respectively. Among the most addressed GO categories, N compound metabolism, carbon metabolism, and photosynthesis were mostly represented. Interesting DEGs, such as N transporters, genes involved in N assimilation, along with transcription factors, protein kinases and other genes related to stress were highlighted. These results provide valuable information about the transcriptomic response to chronic N stress in durum wheat, which could be useful for future improvement of N use efficiency.
Correction: Corrigendum: Visualization of Neuregulin 1 ectodomain shedding reveals its local processing in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kamezaki Aosa , Sato Fuminori , Aoki Kazuhiro , Asakawa Kazuhide , Kawakami Koichi , Matsuzaki Fumio , Sehara-Fujisawa Atsuko
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 28873; published online: 01 July 2016; updated: 20 April 2017 The Acknowledgements section in this Article is incomplete. “We are grateful to Drs K. Shimamura, J. Hatakeyama, M. Suzuki, and K. Tsumagari for helpful discussions. We also thank Drs Y. Kanaho and S.Higashijima for providing the murine neuroblastoma cell line N1E-115 and the Tg (HuC:Gal4-VP16) zebrafish, respectively.
Methyl parathion detection in vegetables and fruits using silver@graphene nanoribbons nanocomposite modified screen printed electrode
Authors: Govindasamy Mani , Mani Veerappan , Chen Shen-Ming , Chen Tse-Wei , Sundramoorthy Ashok Kumar
Published: April 2017

We have developed a sensitive electrochemical sensor for Organophosphorus pesticide methyl parathion (MP) using silver particles supported graphene nanoribbons (Ag@GNRs). The Ag@GNRs nanocomposite was prepared through facile wet chemical strategy and characterized by TEM, EDX, XRD, Raman, UV-visible, electrochemical and impedance spectroscopies. The Ag@GNRs film modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) delivers excellent electrocatalytic ability to the reduction of MP. The Ag@GNRs/SPCE detects sub-nanomolar concentrations of MP with excellent selectivity. The synergic effects between special electrocatalytic ability of Ag and excellent physicochemical properties of GNRs (large surface area, high conductivity, high area-normalized edge-plane structures and abundant catalytic sites) make the composite highly suitable for MP sensing. Most importantly, the method is successfully demonstrated in vegetables and fruits which revealed its potential real-time applicability in food analysis.
Red light improves spermatozoa motility and does not induce oxidative DNA damage
Authors: Preece Daryl , Chow Kay W. , Gomez-Godinez Veronica , Gustafson Kyle , Esener Selin , Ravida Nicole , Durrant Barbara , Berns Michael W.
Published: April 2017

The ability to successfully fertilize ova relies upon the swimming ability of spermatozoa. Both in humans and in animals, sperm motility has been used as a metric for the viability of semen samples. Recently, several studies have examined the efficacy of low dosage red light exposure for cellular repair and increasing sperm motility. Of prime importance to the practical application of this technique is the absence of DNA damage caused by radiation exposure. In this study, we examine the effect of 633 nm coherent, red laser light on sperm motility using a novel wavelet-based algorithm that allows for direct measurement of curvilinear velocity under red light illumination. This new algorithm gives results comparable to the standard computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. We then assess the safety of red light treatment of sperm by analyzing, (1) the levels of double-strand breaks in the DNA, and (2) oxidative damage in the sperm DNA. The results demonstrate that for the parameters used there are insignificant differences in oxidative DNA damage as a result of irradiation.
Label-free single-cell separation and imaging of cancer cells using an integrated microfluidic system
Authors: Antfolk Maria , Kim Soo Hyeon , Koizumi Saori , Fujii Teruo , Laurell Thomas
Published: April 2017

The incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide and metastatic disease, through the spread of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), is responsible for the majority of the cancer deaths. Accurate monitoring of CTC levels in blood provides clinical information supporting therapeutic decision making, and improved methods for CTC enumeration are asked for. Microfluidics has been extensively used for this purpose but most methods require several post-separation processing steps including concentration of the sample before analysis. This induces a high risk of sample loss of the collected rare cells. Here, an integrated system is presented that efficiently eliminates this risk by integrating label-free separation with single cell arraying of the target cell population, enabling direct on-chip tumor cell identification and enumeration. Prostate cancer cells (DU145) spiked into a sample with whole blood concentration of the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) fraction were efficiently separated and trapped at a recovery of 76.2 ± 5.9% of the cancer cells and a minute contamination of 0.12 ± 0.04% PBMCs while simultaneously enabling a 20x volumetric concentration. This constitutes a first step towards a fully integrated system for rapid label-free separation and on-chip phenotypic characterization of circulating tumor cells from peripheral venous blood in clinical practice.
Modulation Doping of Silicon using Aluminium-induced Acceptor States in Silicon Dioxide
Authors: König Dirk , Hiller Daniel , Gutsch Sebastian , Zacharias Margit , Smith Sean
Published: April 2017

All electronic, optoelectronic or photovoltaic applications of silicon depend on controlling majority charge carriers via doping with impurity atoms. Nanoscale silicon is omnipresent in fundamental research (quantum dots, nanowires) but also approached in future technology nodes of the microelectronics industry. In general, silicon nanovolumes, irrespective of their intended purpose, suffer from effects that impede conventional doping due to fundamental physical principles such as out-diffusion, statistics of small numbers, quantum- or dielectric confinement. In analogy to the concept of modulation doping, originally invented for III-V semiconductors, we demonstrate a heterostructure modulation doping method for silicon. Our approach utilizes a specific acceptor state of aluminium atoms in silicon dioxide to generate holes as majority carriers in adjacent silicon. By relocating the dopants from silicon to silicon dioxide, Si nanoscale doping problems are circumvented. In addition, the concept of aluminium-induced acceptor states for passivating hole selective tunnelling contacts as required for high-efficiency photovoltaics is presented and corroborated by first carrier lifetime and tunnelling current measurements.
Site-selective anion recognition of an interlocked dimer
Authors: Sekiya Ryo , Fukuda Morihiko , Kuroda Reiko
Published: April 2017

An interlocked dimer with three internal cavities is reported. We found that the interlocked dimer site-selectively encapsulated different anions simultaneously. This site selectivity originated from the different steric environments of the cavities.
Probing the pharmacokinetics of cucurbit[7, 8 and 10]uril: and a dinuclear ruthenium antimicrobial complex encapsulated in cucurbit[10]uril
Authors: Li Fangfei , Gorle Anil K. , Ranson Marie , Vine Kara L. , Kinobe Robert , Feterl Marshall , Warner Jeffrey M. , Keene F. Richard , Collins J. Grant , Day Anthony I.
Published: April 2017

The pharmacokinetics of cucurbit[7, 8 and 10] were evaluated in rats and mice, using 14C-labelled Q[7 and 8] and a dinuclear ruthenium complex encapsulated in Q[10].
Visible-light-induced and iron-catalyzed methylation of N-arylacrylamides with dimethyl sulphoxide: a convenient access to 3-ethyl-3-methyl oxindoles
Authors: Xie Zuguang , Li Pinhua , Hu Yu , Xu Ning , Wang Lei
Published: April 2017

An efficient synthesis of 3-ethyl-3-methyl oxindoles by visible-light promoted and iron-catalyzed difunctionalization of N-arylacrylamides with dimethyl sulphoxide was developed.
Spatial intensity distribution analysis quantifies the extent and regulation of homodimerization of the secretin receptor
Authors: Ward Richard J. , Pediani John D. , Harikumar Kaleeckal G. , Miller Laurence J. , Milligan Graeme
Published: April 2017

Previous studies have indicated that the G-protein-coupled secretin receptor is present as a homodimer, organized through symmetrical contacts in transmembrane domain IV, and that receptor dimerization is critical for high-potency signalling by secretin. However, whether all of the receptor exists in the dimeric form or if this is regulated is unclear. We used measures of quantal brightness of the secretin receptor tagged with monomeric enhanced green fluorescent protein (mEGFP) and spatial intensity distribution analysis to assess this. Calibration using cells expressing plasma membrane-anchored forms of mEGFP initially allowed us to demonstrate that the epidermal growth factor receptor is predominantly monomeric in the absence of ligand and while wild-type receptor was rapidly converted into a dimeric form by ligand, a mutated form of this receptor remained monomeric. Equivalent studies showed that, at moderate expression levels, the secretin receptor exists as a mixture of monomeric and dimeric forms, with little evidence of higher-order complexity. However, sodium butyrate-induced up-regulation of the receptor resulted in a shift from monomeric towards oligomeric organization. In contrast, a form of the secretin receptor containing a pair of mutations on the lipid-facing side of transmembrane domain IV was almost entirely monomeric. Down-regulation of the secretin receptor-interacting G-protein Gαs did not alter receptor organization, indicating that dimerization is defined specifically by direct protein–protein interactions between copies of the receptor polypeptide, while short-term treatment with secretin had no effect on organization of the wild-type receptor but increased the dimeric proportion of the mutated receptor variant.
Effects of drought stress on global gene expression profile in leaf and root samples of Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon)
Authors: Zhang Fantao , Zhou Yi , Zhang Meng , Luo Xiangdong , Xie Jiankun
Published: April 2017

Drought is a serious constraint to rice production throughout the world, and although Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon, DXWR) possesses a high degree of drought resistance, the underlying mechanisms of this trait remains unclear. In the present study, cDNA libraries were constructed from the leaf and root tissues of drought-stressed and untreated DXWR seedlings, and transcriptome sequencing was performed with the goal of elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in drought-stress response. The results indicated that 11231 transcripts were differentially expressed in the leaves (4040 up-regulated and 7191 down-regulated) and 7025 transcripts were differentially expressed in the roots (3097 up-regulated and 3928 down-regulated). Among these differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the detection of many transcriptional factors and functional genes demonstrated that multiple regulatory pathways were involved in drought resistance. Meanwhile, the DEGs were also annotated with gene ontology (GO) terms and key pathways via functional classification and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) pathway mapping, respectively. A set of the most interesting candidate genes was then identified by combining the DEGs with previously identified drought-resistant quantitative trait loci (QTL). The present work provides abundant genomic information for functional dissection of the drought resistance of DXWR, and findings will further help the current understanding of the biological regulatory mechanisms of drought resistance in plants and facilitate the breeding of new drought-resistant rice cultivars.
Sex differences in micro- and macro-vascular complications of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Maric-Bilkan Christine
Published: April 2017

Vascular complications are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both men and women with type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus, however the prevalence, progression and pathophysiology of both microvascular (nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy) and macrovascular [coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and stroke] disease are different in the two sexes. In general, men appear to be at a higher risk for diabetic microvascular complications, while the consequences of macrovascular complications may be greater in women. Interestingly, in the absence of diabetes, women have a far lower risk of either micro- or macro-vascular disease compared with men for much of their lifespan. Thus, the presence of diabetes confers greater risk for vascular complications in women compared with men and some of the potential reasons, including contribution of sex hormones and sex-specific risk factors are discussed in this review. There is a growing body of evidence that sex hormones play an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular function. While estrogens are generally considered to be cardioprotective and androgens detrimental to cardiovascular health, recent findings challenge these assumptions and demonstrate diversity and complexity of sex hormone action on target tissues, especially in the setting of diabetes. While some progress has been made toward understanding the underlying mechanisms of sex differences in the pathophysiology of diabetic vascular complications, many questions and controversies remain. Future research leading to understanding of these mechanisms may contribute to personalized- and sex-specific treatment for diabetic micro- and macro-vascular disease.
Synthesis of N-Substituted 2-Amino-3,4-diiodofurans from Allenes via NIS-Mediated Intramolecular Electrophilic Iodocyclization
Authors: Du Yunfei , Li Guangchen , Zhang-Negrerie Daisy
Published: April 2017

A facile and efficient method for the syntheses of N-substituted 2-amino-3,4-diiodofurans from various readily available allenic amides has been developed. The reaction was postulated to proceed via an NIS-mediated electrophilic iodocyclization pathway.
Early stages of clathrin aggregation at a membrane in coarse-grained simulations
Authors: Giani M. , den Otter W. K. , Briels W. J.
Published: April 2017

The self-assembly process of clathrin coated pits during endocytosis has been simulated by combining and extending coarse grained models of the clathrin triskelion, the adaptor protein AP2, and a flexible network membrane. The AP2’s core, upon binding to membrane and cargo, releases a motif that can bind clathrin. In conditions where the core-membrane-cargo binding is weak, the binding of this motif to clathrin can result in a stable complex. We characterize the conditions and mechanisms resulting in the formation of clathrin lattices that curve the membrane, i.e., clathrin coated pits. The mechanical properties of the AP2 β linker appear crucial to the orientation of the curved clathrin lattice relative to the membrane, with wild-type short linkers giving rise to the inward curving buds enabling endocytosis while long linkers produce upside-down cages and outward curving bulges.
Exact collisional moments for plasma fluid theories
Authors: Pfefferlé D. , Hirvijoki E. , Lingam M.
Published: April 2017

The velocity-space moments of the often troublesome nonlinear Landau collision operator are expressed exactly in terms of multi-index Hermite-polynomial moments of distribution functions. The collisional moments are shown to be generated by derivatives of two well-known functions, namely, the Rosenbluth-MacDonald-Judd-Trubnikov potentials for a Gaussian distribution. The resulting formula has a nonlinear dependency on the relative mean flow of the colliding species normalised to the root-mean-square of the corresponding thermal velocities and a bilinear dependency on densities and higher-order velocity moments of the distribution functions, with no restriction on temperature, flow, or mass ratio of the species. The result can be applied to both the classic transport theory of plasmas that relies on the Chapman-Enskog method, as well as to derive collisional fluid equations that follow Grad's moment approach. As an illustrative example, we provide the collisional ten-moment equations with exact conservation laws for momentum- and energy-transfer rates.
Diffusion in quasi-one-dimensional channels: A small system n, p, T, transition state theory for hopping times
Authors: Ahmadi Sheida , Bowles Richard K.
Published: April 2017

Particles confined to a single file, in a narrow quasi-one-dimensional channel, exhibit a dynamic crossover from single file diffusion to Fickian diffusion as the channel radius increases and the particles begin to pass each other. The long time diffusion coefficient for a system in the crossover regime can be described in terms of a hopping time, which measures the time it takes for a particle to escape the cage formed by its neighbours. In this paper, we develop a transition state theory approach to the calculation of the hopping time, using the small system isobaric–isothermal ensemble to rigorously account for the volume fluctuations associated with the size of the cage. We also describe a Monte Carlo simulation scheme that can be used to calculate the free energy barrier for particle hopping. The theory and simulation method correctly predict the hopping times for a two-dimensional confined ideal gas system and a system of confined hard discs over a range of channel radii, but the method breaks down for wide channels in the hard discs’ case, underestimating the height of the hopping barrier due to the neglect of interactions between the small system and its surroundings.
Stereodirectional images of molecules oriented by a variable-voltage hexapolar field: Fragmentation channels of 2-bromobutane electronically excited at two photolysis wavelengths
Authors: Nakamura Masaaki , Yang Shiun-Jr , Lin King-Chuen , Kasai Toshio , Che Dock-Chil , Lombardi Andrea , Palazzetti Federico , Aquilanti Vincenzo
Published: April 2017

The asymmetric-top molecule 2-bromobutane is oriented by means of a hexapole state selector; the angular distribution of the bromine atom photofragment, for the two fine-structure components, is acquired by velocity-map ion imaging. The molecular beam, spatially oriented along the time-of-flight axis, is intersected with a linearly polarized laser, whose polarization is tilted by 45° with respect to the detector surface. To obtain the mixing ratio of the perpendicular and parallel transitions, the fragment ion images and angular distributions can be appropriately simulated to give insight on the population mechanism of the specific electronic state involved at each selected excitation wavelength. The photofragment images obtained at 238.6 nm yielded an asymmetry factor β1 of 0.67, indicative of the extent of molecular orientation, and an anisotropy parameter β2 of 1.03, which is a signature of a prevailing parallel transition along the C–Br axis. When the photolysis wavelength is tuned to 254.1 nm, the corresponding angular distribution is less asymmetric (β1 = 0.24) and the obtained small value β2 = 0.12 is a characteristic of a predominantly perpendicular transition. The photofragment angular distributions are also affected by hexapole voltage, especially regarding the asymmetry factor, and this aspect provides information on the effect of molecular orientation.
Epitaxial ScAlN grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaN and SiC substrates
Authors: Hardy Matthew T. , Downey Brian P. , Nepal Neeraj , Storm David F. , Katzer D. Scott , Meyer David J.
Published: April 2017

ScxAl1-xN is a promising ultra-wide bandgap material with a variety of potential applications in electronic, optoelectronic, and acoustoelectric devices related to its large piezoelectric and spontaneous polarization coefficients. We demonstrate growth of ScxAl1-xN on GaN and SiC substrates using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy with x = 0.14–0.24. For metal-rich growth conditions, mixed cubic and wurtzite phases formed, while excellent film quality was demonstrated under N-rich growth conditions at temperatures between 520 and 730 °C. An rms roughness as low as 0.7 nm and 0002 rocking curve full-width at half maximum as low as 265 arc sec were measured for a Sc0.16Al0.84 N film on GaN. To further demonstrate the quality of the ScAlN material, a high-electron-mobility transistor heterostructure with a Sc0.14Al0.86 N barrier, GaN/AlN interlayers, and a GaN buffer was grown on SiC, which showed the presence of a two-dimensional electron gas with a sheet charge density of 3.4 × 1013 cm−2 and a Hall mobility of 910 cm2/V·s, resulting in a low sheet resistance of 213 Ω/◻.
Enhanced piezoelectric effect in Janus group-III chalcogenide monolayers
Authors: Guo Yu , Zhou Si , Bai Yizhen , Zhao Jijun
Published: April 2017

Piezoelectricity is a unique material property that converts mechanical energy into electricity or vice versa. Starting from the group-III monochalcogenide monolayers, we design a series of derivative Janus structures for piezoelectric materials, including Ga2SSe, Ga2STe, Ga2SeTe, In2SSe, In2STe, In2SeTe, GaInS2, GaInSe2, and GaInTe2. Our first-principles calculations show that these Janus structures are thermodynamically and dynamically stable. They have a bandgap in the range of 0.89–2.03 eV, lower than those of the perfect monolayers, and Ga2STe, Ga2SeTe, In2STe, and In2SeTe monolayers are direct gap semiconductors. They possess piezoelectric coefficients up to 8.47 pm/V, over four times the maximum value obtained in perfect group-III monochalcogenide monolayers. Moreover, the broken mirror symmetry of these Janus structures induces out-of-plane dipolar polarization, yielding additional out-of-plane piezoelectric coefficients of 0.07–0.46 pm/V. The enhanced piezoelectric properties enable the development of these novel two-dimensional materials for piezoelectric sensors and nanogenerators.
Ultrafast pulse generation from erbium-doped fiber laser modulated by hybrid organic–inorganic halide perovskites
Authors: Jiang Guobao , Miao Lili , Yi Jun , Huang Bin , Peng Wei , Zou Yanhong , Huang Huihui , Hu Wei , Zhao Chujun , Wen Shuangchun
Published: April 2017

We report the nonlinear optical responses of organic–inorganic halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 and its application in ultrafast pulse generation from an erbium-doped fiber laser in the optical communication band. By adopting the Z-scan technique, the third-order nonlinear optical responses of the organic–inorganic halide perovskites have been characterized. An ultrafast optical pulse with a pulse width of 661 fs centered at a wavelength of 1555 nm has been delivered via the nonlinear optical material introduced into the fiber laser cavity. Our experimental results confirm that the organic–inorganic halide perovskite possesses obvious third-order nonlinear optical responses in the C-band window and manifests its application potential in nonlinear optoelectronic devices.
Achieving a slippery, liquid-infused porous surface with anti-icing properties by direct deposition of flame synthesized aerosol nanoparticles on a thermally fragile substrate
Authors: Juuti Paxton , Haapanen Janne , Stenroos Christian , Niemelä-Anttonen Henna , Harra Juha , Koivuluoto Heli , Teisala Hannu , Lahti Johanna , Tuominen Mikko , Kuusipalo Jurkka , Vuoristo Petri , Mäkelä Jyrki M.
Published: April 2017

Slippery, liquid-infused porous surfaces offer a promising route for producing omniphobic and anti-icing surfaces. Typically, these surfaces are made as a coating with expensive and time consuming assembly methods or with fluorinated films and oils. We report on a route for producing liquid-infused surfaces, which utilizes a liquid precursor fed oxygen-hydrogen flame to produce titania nanoparticles deposited directly on a low-density polyethylene film. This porous nanocoating, with thickness of several hundreds of nanometers, is then filled with silicone oil. The produced surfaces are shown to exhibit excellent anti-icing properties, with an ice adhesion strength of ∼12 kPa, which is an order of magnitude improvement when compared to the plain polyethylene film. The surface was also capable of maintaining this property even after cyclic icing testing.
Contralateral suppression of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions for various noise signals
Authors: Kalaiah Mohan Kumar , Nanchirakal Jilda Fathima , Kharmawphlang Larisa , Noronah Sharel Caroline
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

Efferent auditory system has an inhibitory function in the auditory system, and has been hypothesized to improve speech perception in noise. The function of efferent auditory system can be measured non-invasively using suppression of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). OAEs are very small amplitude sounds generated in the cochlea by motile function of outer hair cells, and activation of the efferent system reduces the amplitude of OAEs, referred as suppression of OAEs. Several studies have been carried out by various investigators to understand the role of efferent auditory pathways during auditory processing. These investigations have used white noise, narrowband noise, pure-tones, modulated tones, etc., to activate the efferent system. However, in real-life situation, these noises are seldom found, hence the findings of above investigations may not be readily generalized to real-life situations. Hence, the present study was carried out to investigate the effect of real-life noise signals on the suppression of OAEs.

Method:

A total of 19 young adults aged between 18 and 23 years participated in the study. Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) were recorded with and without suppressor signal in contralateral ear conditions. Suppressor signals included white noise, amplitude-modulated noise, and real-life noise signals. The amount of suppression elicited by these noise signals were measured and compared across the noise conditions.

Results:

Findings of present study shows the largest suppression of TEOAE for white noise. In contrast, speech babble elicited least suppression of TEOAE compared to other noise signals used in the present investigation. For amplitude-modulated noise, the amount of suppression increased with modulation frequency of noise. Among real-life noise signals, the suppression was largest for cafeteria noise compared with traffic noise.

Conclusion:

Real-life noise signals used in the present study also elicited suppression, but the amount of suppression was found to be variable depending on the type of noise.
Introduction
Authors: Francez Itamar , Koontz-Garboden Andrew
Published: April 2017

The Introduction constructs the theoretical backdrop for the book by discussing two competing approaches to variation in the expression of translational equivalents. It begins by discussing the notion of translational equivalence, which underpins all work on morphosyntactic variation. It then lays out the two contrasting approaches: ‘uniformity’, and ‘transparency’, using them to frame a case study of variation in property concept sentences. Uniformity has it that the observed morphosyntactic differences reflect variation in the inventory and phonological realization of functional heads, but not in semantics, at least of open class elements. Transparency, by contrast, has it that the observed variation in form reflects variation in semantics.
The locus of variation in property concept sentences
Authors: Francez Itamar , Koontz-Garboden Andrew
Published: April 2017

This chapter contrasts the uniformity and transparency approaches to explaining variation in the domain of property concept sentences, examining their respective predictions with case studies from Ulwa and Malayalam. Two ways of spelling out a uniformity-based analysis are exemplified, and contrasted with the transparency-based Lexical Semantic Variation Hypothesis, which is argued to be superior on empirical and theoretical grounds. The broader consequence is that not all morphosyntactic variation can be reduced to variation in morphophonology and functional vocabulary; differences in the meaning of open class lexical items exist, and give rise to deep differences in morphosyntactic expression of translational equivalents.
Quality nouns and other mass nouns
Authors: Francez Itamar , Koontz-Garboden Andrew
Published: April 2017

This chapter considers the relation between qualities and masses, showing that the order-theoretic difference here posited between them—qualities are ordered by a preorder called size and a mereological partial order, whereas masses are only ordered by the latter—explains a range of interpretational and distributional contrasts between quality and mass-denoting nouns in various languages, in contexts such as exclamatives and count quantifiers. The result is not only further support for the proposed semantics of qualities, but a genuinely novel contribution to the understanding of abstract mass nouns.
Coordination through an Asian Lens
Authors: Lin Justin Yifu , Vu Khuong Minh
Published: April 2017

African countries are facing great opportunities but also formidable challenges in their attempt to accelerate economic growth and also sustain a high level of economic performance. This chapter shows that the experiences of East Asian countries may offer valuable insights for African leaders and governments in making concerted efforts to formulate and implement effective industrial policy for dynamic structural transformation and inclusive growth. To this end, this chapter presents useful lessons from selected East Asian countries, organized into five strategic dimensions in an ‘ASIAN’ framework: (i) Aspiration; (ii) Strategy; (iii) Implementation; (iv) Acquisition of knowledge; and (v) Nurturing of human capital formation.
State–Business Relations as Drivers of Economic Performance
Authors: Lemma Alberto , Velde Dirk Willem te
Published: April 2017

This chapter looks at effective state–business relations (SBRs), which have been lacking in industrial policy-thinking despite the strong theoretical case for them. The empirical study of SBRs in developing countries has emerged only recently, with notable contributions starting in the mid-1990s, developing further in the 2000s, and gaining more general acceptance in the 2010s. The evidence suggests that effective SBRs can matter for economic performance. The case studies suggest that SBRs can be effective (Mauritius) but also ineffective (Malawi). The quantitative evidence further suggests that high scores on SBRs measures are related to higher economic growth and firm-level productivity.
The Industrial Policy Experience of the Electronics Industry in Malaysia
Authors: Rasiah Rajah
Published: April 2017

Despite the use of industrial policies to stimulate economic growth by several successful developers, latecomers have faced mixed experiences. Hence, this chapter analyses the industrial policy experience of the electronics industry in Malaysia. A blend of institutions has guided technological upgrading in the industry, especially in the state of Penang. Smooth coordination between the state government, multinational corporations (MNCs), national firms, and the federal government helped stimulate technological upgrading in Penang. However, the lack of a critical mass of human capital and support from research and development (R&D) organizations has discouraged the transformation of firms in the industry to become global players.