bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Means to an End: Phonology's Prominence in a Reading Task
Authors: Grabovac Anna
Published: March 2017

For decades, psycholinguists have engaged in a debate over the steps involved in the reading process. Do readers find meaning in texts through a phonological route or a lexical route? This paper, which takes into account two previous studies, investigates the influence of phonology and lexical spelling by analyzing the results of a reading judgment task.
Natural haplotypes of FLM non-coding sequences fine-tune flowering time in ambient spring temperatures in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lutz Ulrich , Nussbaumer Thomas , Spannagl Manuel , Diener Julia , Mayer Klaus FX , Schwechheimer Claus
Published: March 2017

Cool ambient temperatures are major cues determining flowering time in spring. The mechanisms promoting or delaying flowering in response to ambient temperature changes are only beginning to be understood. In Arabidopsis thaliana, FLOWERING LOCUS M (FLM) regulates flowering in the ambient temperature range and FLM is transcribed and alternatively spliced in a temperature-dependent manner. We identify polymorphic promoter and intronic sequences required for FLM expression and splicing. In transgenic experiments covering 69% of the available sequence variation in two distinct sites, we show that variation in the abundance of the FLM-ß splice form strictly correlate (R2 = 0.94) with flowering time over an extended vegetative period. The FLM polymorphisms lead to changes in FLM expression (PRO2+) but may also affect FLM intron 1 splicing (INT6+). This information could serve to buffer the anticipated negative effects on agricultural systems and flowering that may occur during climate change.
An inside guide to eLife digests
Authors: King Stuart RF , Pewsey Emma , Shailes Sarah
Published: March 2017

After summarizing over 2,400 articles in plain language, the eLife Features team shares what it has learnt about writing and editing for a broad audience.
Three-dimensional visualisation of the internal anatomy of the sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) forelimb using contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography
Authors: Bribiesca-Contreras Fernanda , Sellers William I.
Published: March 2017

Background

Gross dissection is a widespread method for studying animal anatomy, despite being highly destructive and time-consuming. X-ray computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be a non-destructive alternative for studying anatomical structures. However, in the past it has been limited to only being able to visualise mineralised tissues. In recent years, morphologists have started to use traditional X-ray contrast agents to allow the visualisation of soft tissue elements in the CT context. The aim of this project is to assess the ability of contrast-enhanced micro-CT (μCT) to construct a three-dimensional (3D) model of the musculoskeletal system of the bird wing and to quantify muscle geometry and any systematic changes due to shrinkage. We expect that this reconstruction can be used as an anatomical guide to the sparrowhawk wing musculature and form the basis of further biomechanical analysis of flight.

Methods

A 3% iodine-buffered formalin solution with a 25-day staining period was used to visualise the wing myology of the sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). μCT scans of the wing were taken over the staining period until full penetration of the forelimb musculature by iodine was reached. A 3D model was reconstructed by manually segmenting out the individual elements of the avian wing using 3D visualisation software.

Results

Different patterns of contrast were observed over the duration of the staining treatment with the best results occurring after 25 days of staining. Staining made it possible to visualise and identify different elements of the soft tissue of the wing. Finally, a 3D reconstruction of the musculoskeletal system of the sparrowhawk wing is presented and numerical data of muscle geometry is compared to values obtained by dissection.

Discussion

Contrast-enhanced μCT allows the visualisation and identification of the wing myology of birds, including the smaller muscles in the hand, and provides a non-destructive way for quantifying muscle volume with an accuracy of 96.2%. By combining contrast-enhanced μCT with 3D visualisation techniques, it is possible to study the individual muscles of the forelimb in their original position and 3D design, which can be the basis of further biomechanical analysis. Because the stain can be washed out post analysis, this technique provides a means of obtaining quantitative muscle data from museum specimens non-destructively.
Identification of dysregulated genes in rheumatoid arthritis based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Hao Ruihu , Du Haiwei , Guo Lin , Tian Fengde , An Ning , Yang Tiejun , Wang Changcheng , Wang Bo , Zhou Zihao
Published: March 2017

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic auto-inflammatory disorder of joints. The present study aimed to identify the key genes in RA for better understanding the underlying mechanisms of RA.

Methods

The integrated analysis of expression profiling was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in RA. Moreover, functional annotation, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and transcription factor (TF) regulatory network construction were applied for exploring the potential biological roles of DEGs in RA. In addition, the expression level of identified candidate DEGs was preliminarily detected in peripheral blood cells of RA patients in theGSE17755dataset. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to validate the expression levels of identified DEGs in RA.

Results

A total of 378 DEGs, including 202 up- and 176 down-regulated genes, were identified in synovial tissues of RA patients compared with healthy controls. DEGs were significantly enriched in axon guidance, RNA transport and MAPK signaling pathway. RBFOX2, LCK and SERBP1 were the hub proteins in the PPI network. In the TF-target gene network, RBFOX2, POU6F1, WIPF1 and PFKFB3 had the high connectivity with TFs. The expression status of 11 candidate DEGs was detected inGSE17755, the expression levels of MAT2A and NSA2 were significantly down-regulated and CD47 had the up-regulated tendency in peripheral blood cells of patients with RA compared with healthy individuals. qRT-PCR results of MAT2A, NSA2, CD47 were compatible with our bioinformatics analyses.

Discussion

Our study might provide valuable information for exploring the pathogenesis mechanism of RA and identifying the potential biomarkers for RA diagnosis.
Functional and health promoting inherent attributes ofEnterococcus hiraeF2 as a novel probiotic isolated from the digestive tract of the freshwater fishCatla catla
Authors: Adnan Mohd , Patel Mitesh , Hadi Sibte
Published: March 2017

Background

Probiotic microorganisms are gaining global importance because of their use in the preparation of a nutraceutical or in the treatment of infections. As per the health industry demand, there is an urgent need for exploring new indigenous probiotic strains with its specific origin due to variation in gut microflora, different food habits and specific host-microbial interactions. The main objective of the present study was to isolate and identify a novel probioticEnterococcusstrain from the gut ofCatla catlafish and evaluate its potentiality as a potent probiotic.

Methods

The whole study was designed with the isolation of novel lactic acid bacterial strain from the gut ofCatla catlafish with their biochemical and molecular identifications. The potentiality of the isolated strain as a potent probiotic was carried out according to the parameters described in FAD/WHO guidelines for the evaluation of probiotics in food.

Results

The isolated strain was confirmed asEnterococcus hiraeF2 on the basis of various biochemical and 16s rRNA gene sequencing methods.Enterococcus hiraeF2 was able to survive under highly acidic and bile salt concentration with the ability for the production of lipase and Bsh enzyme. It was also able to survive under simulated gastrointestinal conditions with the inhibition ability of various pathogens. The antioxidant potentiality with the cell surface hydrophobicity and cell aggregation ability confirms its potentiality as a potent probiotic. All the results detail the potency ofEnterococcus hiraeF2 as a novel probiotic for a safer use.

Discussion

The isolation ofEnterococcus hiraewith probiotic potential from the gut of fish is a new approach and done for the first time. However, the whole study concluded that the isolated strain might be used as a novel probiotic in the food industry for the production of new probiotic products which imparts health benefits to the host.
Atmospheric methane variability: Centennial‐scale signals in the Last Glacial Period
Authors: Rhodes Rachael H. , Brook Edward J. , McConnell Joseph R. , Blunier Thomas , Sime Louise C. , Faïn Xavier , Mulvaney Robert
Published: March 2017

In order to understand atmospheric methane (CH4) biogeochemistry now and in the future, we must apprehend its natural variability, without anthropogenic influence. Samples of ancient air trapped within ice cores provide the means to do this. Here we analyze the ultrahigh‐resolution CH4 record of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide ice core 67.2–9.8 ka and find novel, atmospheric CH4 variability at centennial time scales throughout the record. This signal is characterized by recurrence intervals within a broad 80–500 year range, but we find that age‐scale uncertainties complicate the possible isolation of any periodic frequency. Lower signal amplitudes in the Last Glacial relative to the Holocene may be related to incongruent effects of firn‐based signal smoothing processes. Within interstadial and stadial periods, the peak‐to‐peak signal amplitudes vary in proportion to the underlying millennial‐scale oscillations in CH4 concentration—the relative amplitude change is constant. We propose that the centennial CH4 signal is related to tropical climate variability that influences predominantly low‐latitude wetland CH4 emissions.
Tectonic significance and geodynamic processes of large‐scale Early Cretaceous granitoid magmatic events in the southern Great Xing'an Range, North China
Authors: Li Shan , Chung Sun‐Lin , Wang Tao , Wilde Simon A. , Chu Mei‐Fei , Guo Qian‐Qian
Published: March 2017

The origin and geodynamic evolution of peak Early Cretaceous magmatism in the southern Great Xing'an Range, North China, have long been controversial. Here we report new U‐Pb zircon ages (141–129 Ma) of a suite of dioritic‐granitic rocks from central Inner Mongolia, far from the sutures or plate boundaries of the Paleo‐Pacific and Mongol‐Okhotsk oceans, thus delineating an Early Cretaceous intracontinental magmatic province, which had a peak activity at 130–120 Ma. Dioritic suite including diorite, tonalite, and granodiorite shows variable zircon εHf(t) of +1.4 to + 11.8 and δ18O values of +5.7 to +6.9‰, while granitic suite consisting of monzogranite, syenogranite, and granite porphyry also records variable zircon εHf(t) of −0.9 to +15.0 and δ18O values of +6.3 to +8.1‰, suggesting crustal melting by preexisting crustal source with important recycled supracrustal components including fluids. Furthermore, these rocks show variable whole‐rock δ7Li values (−0.6 to +12.1‰), indicating fluids played an important role in magma source. We propose a deep‐sourced water‐fluxed melting scenario by ancient hydrous slabs inherited from the Paleo‐Asian Ocean that were trapped in the deep interior, thus releasing aqueous fluids to melt the lithospheric mantle and produce water‐rich mafic magmas. These mafic magmas were underplated into crust where they promoted water‐fluxed partial melting to generate the large‐scale Early Cretaceous magmatism in the southern Great Xing'an Range. Such melting due to fluxing of aqueous fluids was probably operating as a widespread process responsible for the Early Cretaceous dramatically tectonomagmatic events and evolution of continental crust in NE Asia.
The complex behavior of El Niño winter 2015–2016
Authors: Palmeiro F. M. , Iza M. , Barriopedro D. , Calvo N. , García‐Herrera R.
Published: March 2017

This paper examines the outstanding characteristics of the strong 2015–2016 El Niño (EN) winter and its impact over the European region through the stratosphere. Despite being classified as a strong eastern Pacific (EP) EN event, our analysis reveals an anomalous behavior, with some signatures that are more typical of central Pacific (CP) EN events instead. They include (i) a record‐breaking value of the CP index, (ii) a stronger polar vortex in early and midwinter, due to reduced upward wave activity and a weakened Aleutian low, and (iii) the occurrence of one of the earliest stratospheric final warmings (SFWs) on record, which are more prone to occur during CP‐EN. Following the SFW, a stratospheric influence on the Euro‐Atlantic sector is reported in spring, with persistent Greenland blocking resulting in extreme precipitation over some southern European regions. Results highlight the importance of considering early SFWs as mediators of El Niño teleconnections.
Polyphosphazenes
Authors: Allcock Harry R.
Published: March 2017

Most synthetic polymers are totally organic macromolecules derived from petroleum. One of the few exceptions is the broad class of polymers called polyphosphazenes, which have a backbone of alternating phosphorus and nitrogen atoms, and two organic or organometallic side groups linked to each phosphorus atom. The presence of the inorganic elements in the main chain generates synthesis and property advantages that generally cannot be obtained from classical organic macromolecules. Moreover, the most striking feature of polyphosphazene science is the enormous range of different side groups that can be linked to a phosphorus–nitrogen chain. Three main questions are driving the development of this field. First, what are the limits to the types of side groups that can be linked to the inorganic chain? Second, how do different side groups generate different polymer properties? Third, what are the actual or potential uses of the hundreds of different polyphosphazenes that have been synthesized?
Recent Advances in Single‐Atom Catalysis
Authors: Liang Jin‐Xia , Wang Yang‐Gang , Yang Xiao‐Feng , Xing Deng‐Hui , Wang Ai‐Qin , Zhang Tao , Li Jun
Published: March 2017

As a new concept in catalysis, single‐atom catalyst (SAC) is becoming one of the hot topics in both homo‐ and heterogeneous catalysis, owing to its exactly identified active sites, unique electronic structure, and robust stability, selectivity, and activity in catalysis. Herein, we review the structural and electronic properties of SACs and summarize the theoretical and experimental results on a series of iron oxide–supported SACs of M
1
/FeO

x

(M = Pt, Ir, Au, Ni). We discuss the electronic nature of the high reactivity of SACs in catalyzing various important chemical reactions, including CO oxidation, the preferential oxidation of CO in H
2
(PROX), water gas shift (WGS) reactions, and chemoselective hydrogenation. As an extension of the SAC concept, two new types of SACs are also discussed, including
singly dispersed bimetallic sites
(SBMSs) of Rh
1
Co
3
on CoO support that have been shown to exhibit prominent catalytic activity for NO reduction by CO and the so‐called
dynamic single‐atom catalysts
(DSACs), where the dynamically formed transient monatomic species on supported gold nanoparticles are found to be the actual active sites for CO oxidation under reaction conditions. We emphasize that engineering the oxidation states of the supported transition metals is the key to achieve a high catalytic reactivity and selectivity of SACs. Finally, we summarize our understanding of the nature of SACs and provide a perspective viewpoint on the future development of SAC as a bridge of homogenous and heterogeneous catalysis.
Lactate Racemase
Authors: Fellner Matthias , Rankin Joel A , Hu Jian , Hausinger Robert P
Published: March 2017

Lactate racemase is a microbial enzyme that interconverts thed‐ andl‐isomers of lactic acid. The enzyme contains a covalently bound nickel cofactor that includes a modified nicotinic acid mononucleotide. The carboxyl group on the pyridinium ring is linked to a protein lysine residue but with sulfur incorporated to form a thioamide rather than amide bond. The pyridinium ring is further modified by appending a thioacid at the C5 position. Nickel is coordinated in near planar geometry by the thioamide sulfur, C4 of the pyridinium ring, the sulfur of the thioacid, and an additional histidine side chain. The lactate racemase cofactor thus represents an (SCS)Ni(II) pincer complex, the first example of an organometallic pincer complex found in a biological context. The cofactor is likely to be a hydride acceptor during transient formation of a pyruvate intermediate, which is reduced from either face to achieve racemization.
Ions Matter: Description of the Anomalous Electronic Behavior in Methylammonium Lead Halide Perovskite Devices
Authors: Game Onkar S. , Buchsbaum Gabriel J. , Zhou Yuanyuan , Padture Nitin P. , Kingon Angus I.
Published: March 2017

Carrier transport in methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3)‐based hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) is obscured by vacancy‐mediated ion migration. Thus, the nature of migrating species (cation/anion) and their effect on electronic transport in MAPbI3 has remained controversial. Temperature‐dependent pulsed voltage–current measurements of MAPbI3 thin films are performed under dark conditions, designed to decouple ion‐migration/accumulation and electronic transport. Measurement conditions (electric‐field history and scan rate) are shown to affect the electronic transport in MAPbI3 thin films, through a mechanism involving ion migration and accumulation at the electrode interfaces. The presence of thermally activated processes with distinct activation energies (Ea) of 0.1 ± 0.001 and 0.41 ± 0.02 eV is established, and are assigned to electromigration of iodine vacancies and methylammonium vacancies, respectively. Analysis of activation energies obtained from electronic conduction versus capacitive discharge shows that the electromigration of these ionic species is responsible for the modification of interfacial electronic properties of MAPbI3, and elaborates previously unaddressed issues of “fast” and “slow” ion migration. The results demonstrate that the intrinsic behavior of MAPbI3 material is responsible for the hysteresis of the solar cells, but also have implications for other HOIP‐based devices, such as memristors, detectors, and energy storage devices.
A New Strategy to Effectively Suppress the Initial Capacity Fading of Iron Oxides by Reacting with LiBH4
Authors: Cao Yun , Yang Yaxiong , Ren Zhuanghe , Jian Ni , Gao Mingxia , Wu Yongjun , Zhu Min , Pan Feng , Liu Yongfeng , Pan Hongge
Published: March 2017

In this work, a new facile and scalable strategy to effectively suppress the initial capacity fading of iron oxides is demonstrated by reacting with lithium borohydride (LiBH4) to form a B‐containing nanocomposite. Multielement, multiphase B‐containing iron oxide nanocomposites are successfully prepared by ball‐milling Fe2O3 with LiBH4, followed by a thermochemical reaction at 25–350 °C. The resulting products exhibit a remarkably superior electrochemical performance as anode materials for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs), including a high reversible capacity, good rate capability, and long cycling durability. When cycling is conducted at 100 mA g−1, the sample prepared from Fe2O3–0.2LiBH4 delivers an initial discharge capacity of 1387 mAh g−1. After 200 cycles, the reversible capacity remains at 1148 mAh g−1, which is significantly higher than that of pristine Fe2O3 (525 mAh g−1) and Fe3O4 (552 mAh g−1). At 2000 mA g−1, a reversible capacity as high as 660 mAh g−1 is obtained for the B‐containing nanocomposite. The remarkably improved electrochemical lithium storage performance can mainly be attributed to the enhanced surface reactivity, increased Li+ ion diffusivity, stabilized solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) film, and depressed particle pulverization and fracture, as measured by a series of compositional, structural, and electrochemical techniques.
Modulation‐Doped In2O3/ZnO Heterojunction Transistors Processed from Solution
Authors: Khim Dongyoon , Lin Yen‐Hung , Nam Sungho , Faber Hendrik , Tetzner Kornelius , Li Ruipeng , Zhang Qiang , Li Jun , Zhang Xixiang , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: March 2017

This paper reports the controlled growth of atomically sharp In2O3/ZnO and In2O3/Li‐doped ZnO (In2O3/Li‐ZnO) heterojunctions via spin‐coating at 200 °C and assesses their application in n‐channel thin‐film transistors (TFTs). It is shown that addition of Li in ZnO leads to n‐type doping and allows for the accurate tuning of its Fermi energy. In the case of In2O3/ZnO heterojunctions, presence of the n‐doped ZnO layer results in an increased amount of electrons being transferred from its conduction band minimum to that of In2O3 over the interface, in a process similar to modulation doping. Electrical characterization reveals the profound impact of the presence of the n‐doped ZnO layer on the charge transport properties of the isotype In2O3/Li‐ZnO heterojunctions as well as on the operating characteristics of the resulting TFTs. By judicious optimization of the In2O3/Li‐ZnO interface microstructure, and Li concentration, significant enhancement in both the electron mobility and TFT bias stability is demonstrated.
Weyl Semimetals as Hydrogen Evolution Catalysts
Authors: Rajamathi Catherine R. , Gupta Uttam , Kumar Nitesh , Yang Hao , Sun Yan , Süß Vicky , Shekhar Chandra , Schmidt Marcus , Blumtritt Horst , Werner Peter , Yan Binghai , Parkin Stuart , Felser Claudia , Rao C. N. R.
Published: March 2017

The search for highly efficient and low‐cost catalysts is one of the main driving forces in catalytic chemistry. Current strategies for the catalyst design focus on increasing the number and activity of local catalytic sites, such as the edge sites of molybdenum disulfides in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, the study proposes and demonstrates a different principle that goes beyond local site optimization by utilizing topological electronic states to spur catalytic activity. For HER, excellent catalysts have been found among the transition‐metal monopnictides—NbP, TaP, NbAs, and TaAs—which are recently discovered to be topological Weyl semimetals. Here the study shows that the combination of robust topological surface states and large room temperature carrier mobility, both of which originate from bulk Dirac bands of the Weyl semimetal, is a recipe for high activity HER catalysts. This approach has the potential to go beyond graphene based composite photocatalysts where graphene simply provides a high mobility medium without any active catalytic sites that have been found in these topological materials. Thus, the work provides a guiding principle for the discovery of novel catalysts from the emerging field of topological materials.
Energy Level Alignment at Metal/Solution‐Processed Organic Semiconductor Interfaces
Authors: Atxabal Ainhoa , Braun Slawomir , Arnold Thorsten , Sun Xiangnan , Parui Subir , Liu Xianjie , Gozalvez Cristian , Llopis Roger , Mateo‐Alonso Aurelio , Casanova Felix , Ortmann Frank , Fahlman Mats , Hueso Luis E.
Published: March 2017

Energy barriers between the metal Fermi energy and the molecular levels of organic semiconductor devoted to charge transport play a fundamental role in the performance of organic electronic devices. Typically, techniques such as electron photoemission spectroscopy, Kelvin probe measurements, and in‐device hot‐electron spectroscopy have been applied to study these interfacial energy barriers. However, so far there has not been any direct method available for the determination of energy barriers at metal interfaces with n‐type polymeric semiconductors. This study measures and compares metal/solution‐processed electron‐transporting polymer interface energy barriers by in‐device hot‐electron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. It not only demonstrates in‐device hot‐electron spectroscopy as a direct and reliable technique for these studies but also brings it closer to technological applications by working ex situ under ambient conditions. Moreover, this study determines that the contamination layer coming from air exposure does not play any significant role on the energy barrier alignment for charge transport. The theoretical model developed for this work confirms all the experimental observations.
Flexible Hard Coating: Glass‐Like Wear Resistant, Yet Plastic‐Like Compliant, Transparent Protective Coating for Foldable Displays
Authors: Choi Gwang‐Mun , Jin Jungho , Shin Dahye , Kim Yun Hyeok , Ko Ji‐Hoon , Im Hyeon‐Gyun , Jang Junho , Jang Dongchan , Bae Byeong‐Soo
Published: March 2017

A flexible hard coating for foldable displays is realized by the highly cross‐linked siloxane hybrid using structure–property relationships in organic–inorganic hybridization. Glass‐like wear resistance, plastic‐like flexibility, and highly elastic resilience are demonstrated together with outstanding optical transparency. It provides a framework for the application of siloxane hybrids in protective hard coatings with high scratch resistance and flexibility for foldable displays.
Synthesis and properties of 5,7‐disubstituted 5,7‐dihydropyrido[2,3‐b:6,5‐b′]diindoles
Authors: Ohlendorf Lars , Velandia John E. Diaz , Kónya Krisztina , Ehlers Peter , Villinger Alexander , Langer Peter
Published: March 2017

A new and efficient two‐step procedure for the preparation of 5,7‐disubstituted 5,7‐dihydropyrido[2,3‐b:6,5‐b′]diindoles, containing aryl‐, benzyl‐ as well as alkyl‐substituents has been developed. This methodology consists of a chemo‐selective double Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction followed by a fourfold Buchwald‐Hartwig amination reaction. UV/VIS absorption and fluorescence measurements have been carried out for a selected series of compounds. The results are summarized and compared with those of the isomeric 5,7‐disubstituted 5‐7‐dihydropyrido[3,2‐b:5,6‐b′]diindoles.

magnified image
Novel Transfer Behaviors in 2D MoS2/WSe2 Heterotransistor and Its Applications in Visible‐Near Infrared Photodetection
Authors: Sun Mengxing , Fang Qiyi , Xie Dan , Sun Yilin , Xu Jianlong , Teng Changjiu , Dai Ruixuan , Yang Pu , Li Zhixin , Li Weiwei , Zhang Yanfeng
Published: March 2017

This paper demonstrates the fabrication and operation of a vertically integrated phototransistor based on single‐layer MoS2/multilayer WSe2 van der Waals heterojunction. Under the gate modulation effects, the device which combines advantages of their constituents displays a novel feature in the transfer characteristics where a current peak appears at small gate voltage bias and exhibits excellent optical broadband photodetecting properties. Upon visible light illumination (660 nm), the photodetection capabilities reach the optimal values simultaneously with the photoresponsivity of 17.8 A W−1, photosensivity of 140, and the response speed of <80 ms. The device also shows good photoresponse under near‐infrared light illumination (850 nm) and the obvious dependence on the gate voltage which plays a switching role for near infrared light photodetection. This 2D heterostructured broadband photodetector may provide an available device structure for an essential sensing component in the future wearable electronics applications.
The gravitational energy‐momentum pseudo‐tensor of higher‐order theories of gravity
Authors: Capozziello Salvatore , Capriolo Maurizio , Transirico Maria
Published: March 2017

We derive the gravitational energy momentum tensor for a general Lagrangian of any order and in particular for a Lagrangian such as . We prove that this tensor, in general, is not covariant but only affine, then it is a pseudo‐tensor. Furthermore, the pseudo‐tensor is calculated in the weak field limit up to a first non‐vanishing term of order h2 where h is the metric perturbation. The average value of the pseudo‐tensor over a suitable spacetime domain is obtained. Finally we calculate the power per unit solid angle Ω carried by a gravitational wave in a direction for a fixed wave number under a suitable gauge. These results are useful in view of searching for further modes of gravitational radiation beyond the standard two modes of General Relativity and to deal with nonlocal theories of gravity where terms involving are present. The general aim of the approach is to deal with theories of any order under the same standard of Landau pseudo‐tensor.
Development of Modular Organization in the Chimpanzee Pelvis
Authors: Huseynov Alik , Ponce de León Marcia S. , Zollikofer Christoph P. E.
Published: March 2017

The bony pelvis of primates is a composite structure serving a variety of functions, and exhibiting a complex pattern of modularity and integration. Still little is known, however, about how patterns of modularity and integration arise, and how they change throughout ontogeny. Here we study the ontogeny of modularity and integration in developmental and functional units of the pelvis of our closest living relatives, the chimpanzees. We use methods of biomedical imaging and geometric morphometrics to quantify pelvic shape change from late fetal stages to adulthood, and to track changes in patterns of covariation within and among pelvic regions. Our results show that both developmental and functional units of the pelvis exhibit significant levels of modularity throughout ontogeny. Modularity of developmental units (ilium, ischium, and pubis) decreases with increasing age, whereas modularity of functional units tends to increase. We suggest that the decreasing modularity and increasing integration of developmental units reflects their gradual fusion. In contrast, increasing modularity of functional pelvic units likely reflects changing functional demands during an individual's lifetime. Overall, ontogenetic changes in patterns of modularity and integration imply that natural selection could act differently on each module, either developmental or functional, at different stages of ontogeny. This further implies that adult patterns of covariation in the pelvis provide only limited information about its evolvability. Anat Rec, 300:675–686, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pelvic Rotation Effect on Human Stride Length: Releasing the Constraint of Obstetric Selection
Authors: Whitcome Katherine K. , Miller E. Elizabeth , Burns Jessica L.
Published: March 2017

As human walking speed increases, pelvic step accounts for a greater percentage of total step length and is associated with an increase in amplitude of pelvic rotation. As a result, for any given speed individuals of varied pelvic width and leg length should differ in locomotor kinematics and energetic cost. Yet despite absolutely shorter legs and wider pelves relative to leg length in females, mass‐specific cost of transport in walking does not differ by sex. Focusing on stride length as the major component of gait economy, we perform a quantitative analysis of temporal, spatial and rotational gait parameters using kinematic measurements obtained from 30 healthy adults walking at two comfortable speeds. We predicted that a larger component of stride length would derive from pelvic rotation in females and that a stride length model incorporating pelvic and limb kinematics would be a better predictor than a simple limb‐based model. We found that pelvic rotation was greater in females at both speeds but reached significance only at the faster speed. A larger component of female stride length derived from pelvic rotation and the female hip translated farther than the male hip, but only when walking faster. The ModelLIMB and PELVIS was a better predictor of stride length than the limb only model and accurately predicted female stride length but not male stride length. Females exploit the breadth of their obstetric pelvis to obtain longer strides relative to leg length and perform at comfortable travel speeds with greater excursion angles than males. Anat Rec, 300:752–763, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomy, Development, and Function of the Human Pelvis
Authors: DeSilva Jeremy M. , Rosenberg Karen R.
Published: March 2017

The pelvis is an anatomically complex and functionally informative bone that contributes directly to both human locomotion and obstetrics. Because of the pelvis’ important role in obstetrics, it is one of the most sexually dimorphic bony elements of the human body. The complex intersection of pelvic dimorphism, locomotion, and obstetrics has been reenergized by exciting new research, and many papers in this special issue of the pelvis help provide clarity on the relationship between pelvic form (especially female) and locomotor function. Compared to the pelvis of our ape relatives, the human pelvis is uniquely shaped; it is superoinferiorly short and stout, and mediolaterally wide—critical adaptations for bipedalism that are already present in some form very early in the history of the hominin lineage. In this issue, 13 original research papers address the anatomy, development, variation, and function of the modern human pelvis, with implications for understanding the selection pressures that shaped and continue to shape this bone. This rich collection of scholarship moves our understanding of the pelvis forward, while raising dozens of new questions that we hope will serve as inspiration for colleagues and students (both current and future) puzzled by this fascinatingly complex bone. Anat Rec, 300:628–632, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population‐based pregnancy and birth defects surveillance in the era of Zika virus
Authors: Gilboa Suzanne M. , Mai Cara T. , Shapiro‐Mendoza Carrie K. , Cragan Janet D. , Moore Cynthia A. , Meaney‐Delman Dana M. , Jamieson Denise J. , Honein Margaret A. , Boyle Coleen A.
Published: March 2017

Background

Zika virus is a newly recognized human teratogen; monitoring its impact on the birth prevalence of microcephaly and other adverse pregnancy outcomes will continue to be an urgent need in the United States and worldwide.

Methods

When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activated the Emergency Operations Center for the Zika virus outbreak response in January of 2016, public health leadership recognized that a joint, coordinated effort was required between activities focused on the effects of the infection among pregnant women and those focused on birth defects in fetuses and infants. Before the introduction of Zika virus in the Americas, population‐based birth defects surveillance occurred independently of pregnancy surveillance activities.

Results

The coordination of pregnancy surveillance and birth defects surveillance implemented through the CDC Zika virus response represents a paradigm shift.

Conclusion

Coordination of these surveillance systems provides an opportunity to capture information from both a prospective and retrospective approach. This relatively modest investment in the public health infrastructure can continue to protect pregnant women and their infants during the ongoing response to Zika virus and in the next emergent threat to maternal and child health. Birth Defects Research 109:372–378, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy and risks to the fetus
Authors: Ornoy Asher , Ergaz Zivanit
Published: March 2017

Parvovirus B19 infects 1 to 5% of pregnant women, generally with normal pregnancy outcomes. During epidemics, the rate of infection is higher. Major congenital anomalies among offspring of infected mothers are rare, as the virus does not appear to be a significant teratogen. However, parvovirus B19 infection may cause significant fetal damage, and in rare cases, brain anomalies and neurodevelopmental insults, especially if infection occurs in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Parvovirus B19 is also an important cause of fetal loss, especially in the second half of pregnancy when spontaneous fetal loss from other causes is relatively rare. Parvovirus B19 infection may affect many fetal organs and can cause severe anemia, following fetal erythroid progenitor cells infection and apoptosis, especially in fetuses, that have shortened half‐life of erythrocytes. Severe anemia may cause high output cardiac failure and nonimmune hydrops fetalis. In addition, parvovirus B19 may directly infect myocardial cells and produce myocarditis that further aggravates the cardiac failure. Intrauterine fetal transfusion is commonly used for the treatment of severe fetal anemia with survival rates of 75 to 90% and significant reduction of fetal morbidity. Only 66 cases were evaluated neurodevelopmentally, of which 10 (16%) had slight or severe neurodevelopmental problems. Because parvovirus B19 infection can cause severe fetal morbidity and mortality, it should be part of the routine work‐up of pregnant women who have been exposed to the virus or of pregnancies with suspected fetal hydrops. Assessment for maternal infection during pregnancy is especially important during epidemics, when sero‐conversion rates are high. Birth Defects Research 109:311–323, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between smoking at diagnosis and cause‐specific survival in patients with rectal cancer: Results from a population‐based analysis of 10,794 cases
Authors: Sharp Linda , McDevitt Joseph , Brown Christopher , Carsin Anne‐Elie , Comber Harry
Published: March 2017

Background

Currently, the 5‐year survival rate for rectal cancer remains at <60%. The identification of potentially modifiable prognostic factors would be of considerable public health importance. A few studies have suggested associations between smoking and survival in rectal cancer; however, the evidence is inconsistent, and most of these studies were relatively small. In a large population‐based cohort study, we investigated whether smoking at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor for cancer‐specific survival in rectal cancer and whether the association varies by sex, age, or treatment.

Methods

Rectal cancers (ICD10 C19‐20) diagnosed between 1994 and 2012 were abstracted from the National Cancer Registry Ireland and classified by smoking status at diagnosis. Follow‐up was for 5 years or until December 31, 2012. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare cancer‐specific death rates in current smokers, ex‐smokers, and never smokers. Subgroup analyses by age at diagnosis, sex, and treatment were conducted.

Results

A total of 10,794 rectal cancers were diagnosed. At diagnosis, 25% were current smokers, 24% were ex‐smokers, and 51% were never smokers. Compared with never smokers, current smokers had a significantly greater rate of death from cancer (multivariable hazard ratio [HR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06‐1.24), but ex‐smokers did not (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.94‐1.11). The association was slightly stronger in men (current versus never smokers: HR = 1.13, 95% CI, 1.02‐1.24) than females (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.90‐1.23), but the test for interaction was not significant (P = .75). The effect of smoking was not modified by age or receipt of tumor‐directed surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Rectal cancer patients who smoke at diagnosis have a statistically significant increased cancer death rate. Elucidation of the underlying mechanisms is urgently required. Cancer 2017;123:2543–50. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
CD3+CD8+NKG2D+ T Lymphocytes Induce Apoptosis and Necroptosis in HLA‐Negative Cells via FasL–Fas Interaction
Authors: Ivanova Olga K. , Sharapova Tatiana N. , Romanova Elena A. , Soshnikova Natalia V. , Sashchenko Lidia P. , Yashin Denis V.
Published: March 2017

An important problem in cellular immunology is to identify new populations of cytotoxic lymphocytes capable of killing tumor cells that have lost classical components of MHC‐machinery and to understand mechanisms of the death of these cells. We have previously found that CD4+CD25+ lymphocytes appear in the lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) cell culture, which carry Tag7 (PGRP‐S) and FasL proteins on their surface and can kill Hsp70‐ and Fas‐expressing HLA‐negative cells. In this work, we have continued to study the mechanisms of killing of the HLA‐negative tumor cells, focusing this time on the CD8+ lymphocytes. We show that after a tumor antigen contact the IL‐2 activated CD8+ lymphocytes acquire ability to lyse tumor cells bearing this antigen. However, activation of the CD8+ lymphocytes in the absence of antigen causes appearance of a cytotoxic population of CD8+NKG2D+ lymphocytes, which are able to lyse HLA‐negative cancer cells that have lost the classic mechanism of antigen presentation. These cells recognize the noncanonical MicA antigen on the surface of HLA‐negative K562 cells but kill them via the FasL–Fas interaction, as do cytotoxic T lymphocytes. FasL presented on the lymphocyte surface can trigger both apoptosis and necroptosis. Unlike in the case of TNFR1, another cell death receptor, no switching to alternative processes has been observed upon induction of Fas‐dependent cell death. It may well be that the apoptotic and necroptotic signals are transduced separately in the latter case, with the ability of FasL+ lymphocytes to induce necroptosis allowing them to kill tumor cells that escape apoptosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3359–3366, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Some Novel 5‐Phenyl‐5H‐thiazolo[4,3‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazole Systems
Authors: Hamama Wafaa S. , Ibrahim Mona E. , Raoof Hadeer A. , Zoorob Hanafi H.
Published: March 2017

Condensation of 2‐amino‐5‐phenyl‐5H‐thiazolo[4,3‐b] [1,3,4] thiadiazoles (1) with some carboxylic acid derivatives furnished corresponding compounds 2–4, respectively. Alkylation of 1 with benzoylchloride and 4‐chlorobenzyl chloride afforded thiazolo[4,3‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives 5 and 6, respectively. Similarly, transformation of 1 with chloroacetyl chloride yielded chloroacetamide derivative 7. The later compound was subjected to react with potassium thiocyanate or piperazine whereby, the binary thiazolidinone derivative 8 and N1,N4‐disubstituted piperazine 9 were produced, respectively. Also, the reactivity of 1 toward various active methylene reagents was investigated. Accordingly, our attempts to synthesize the tricyclic heterocyclic system 10, 11′, 12′ by reaction of 1 with chloroacetonitrile, 4‐oxo‐4‐phenylbutanoic acid and/or diethylmalonate in presence of acetyl chloride was furnished 10, 11, and 12. The newly synthesized compounds were screened as antimicrobial agent.
Genome Engineering and Modification Toward Synthetic Biology for the Production of Antibiotics
Authors: Zou Xuan , Wang Lianrong , Li Zhiqiang , Luo Jie , Wang Yunfu , Deng Zixin , Du Shiming , Chen Shi
Published: March 2017

Antibiotic production is often governed by large gene clusters composed of genes related to antibiotic scaffold synthesis, tailoring, regulation, and resistance. With the expansion of genome sequencing, a considerable number of antibiotic gene clusters has been isolated and characterized. The emerging genome engineering techniques make it possible towards more efficient engineering of antibiotics. In addition to genomic editing, multiple synthetic biology approaches have been developed for the exploration and improvement of antibiotic natural products. Here, we review the progress in the development of these genome editing techniques used to engineer new antibiotics, focusing on three aspects of genome engineering: direct cloning of large genomic fragments, genome engineering of gene clusters, and regulation of gene cluster expression. This review will not only summarize the current uses of genomic engineering techniques for cloning and assembly of antibiotic gene clusters or for altering antibiotic synthetic pathways but will also provide perspectives on the future directions of rebuilding biological systems for the design of novel antibiotics.
Learn to articulate the value of college beyond dollar signs
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: March 2017

SAN FRANCISCO — With questions about the return on investment for college degrees on the rise, how can you articulate the value of your university in ways that depict all the benefits your institution has to offer beyond just earnings after degree? Measuring a college degree in terms of economic value paints a narrow picture of all your university has to offer.
Low temperature plasma‐enhanced ALD TiN ultrathin films for Hf0.5Zr0.5O2‐based ferroelectric MIM structures
Authors: Kozodaev M. G. , Lebedinskii Y. Y. , Chernikova A. G. , Polyakov S. N. , Markeev A. M.
Published: March 2017

In this work chemical and electrical properties of TiN films, grown by low temperature plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE‐ALD) process from TiCl4 and NH3, were investigated. Electrical resistivity as low as 250 μOhm × cm, as well as the lowest Cl impurity content, was achieved at 320 °C. Full‐ALD Hf0.5Zr0.5O2‐based metal‐ferroelectric‐metal capacitor with TiN electrodes was fabricated and its electrical properties were investigated. It was also shown that the proposed PE‐ALD process provides an early film continuity, which was confirmed by ultrathin fully continuous film growth. Such ultrathin (3 nm) and fully continuous TiN film was also successfully implemented as the top electrode to Hf0.5Zr0.5O2‐based ferroelectric capacitor. Angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AR‐XPS) was used for its thickness determination and a visible wake‐up effect in underlying Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 layer was clearly observed.
Fundamentals of Hybrid Teaching and Learning
Authors: Linder Kathryn E.
Published: March 2017

This chapter provides definitions and distinguishing characteristics of the various terms used in the context of hybrid education. The author also offers an overview of the recent literature on hybrid teaching and learning.
Evaluating the Outcomes and Impact of Hybrid Courses
Authors: Moskal Patsy D.
Published: March 2017

This chapter examines the importance of evaluating hybrid courses for their impact on faculty, students, and the institution. Research on best practices in hybrid courses is discussed and examples provided.
Training Faculty to Teach in Hybrid Settings
Authors: Linder Kathryn E.
Published: March 2017

Based on the author's experiences developing and implementing a multi‐week hybrid course design institute, this chapter outlines the components of training—both andragogical and technological—most helpful for faculty who are planning to teach a hybrid course.