bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional RNA Processing Protein SRm160 Induces Apoptosis and Regulates Eye and Genital Development in Drosophila
Authors: Fan Yu-Jie , Gittis Aryn H , Juge François , Qiu Chen , Xu Yong-Zhen , Rabinow Leonard 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
SRm160 is an SR-like protein implicated in multiple steps of RNA processing and nucleocytoplasmic export. Although its biochemical functions have been extensively described, its genetic interactions and potential participation in signaling pathways remain largely unknown, despite the fact that it is highly phosphorylated in both mammalian cells and Drosophila. To begin elucidating the functions of the protein in signaling and its potential role in developmental processes, we characterized mutant and overexpression SRm160 phenotypes in Drosophila and their interactions with the locus encoding the LAMMER protein kinase, Doa. SRm160 mutations are recessive lethal, while its overexpression generates phenotypes including roughened eyes and highly disorganized internal eye structure, which are due at least in part to aberrantly high levels of apoptosis. SRm160 is required for normal somatic sex determination, since its alleles strongly enhance a subtle sex transformation phenotype induced by Doa kinase alleles. Moreover, modification of SRm160 by DOA kinase appears to be necessary for its activity, since Doa alleles suppress phenotypes induced by SRm160 overexpression in the eye and enhance those in genital discs. Modification of SRm160 may occur through direct interaction because DOA kinase phosphorylates it in vitro. Remarkably, SRm160 protein was concentrated in the nuclei of precellular embryos but was very rapidly excluded from nuclei or degraded coincident with cellularization. Also of interest, transcripts are restricted almost exclusively to the developing nervous system in mature embryos.
The Histone Acetyltransferase GcnE (GCN5) Plays a Central Role in the Regulation ofAspergillusAsexual Development
Authors: Cánovas David , Marcos Ana T , Gacek Agnieszka , Ramos María S , Gutiérrez Gabriel , Reyes-Domínguez Yazmid , Strauss Joseph 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAcetylation of histones is a key regulatory mechanism of gene expression in eukaryotes. GcnE is an acetyltransferase of Aspergillus nidulans involved in the acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 and lysine 14. Previous works have demonstrated that deletion of gcnE results in defects in primary and secondary metabolism. Here we unveil the role of GcnE in development and show that a ∆gcnE mutant strain has minor growth defects but is impaired in normal conidiophore development. No signs of conidiation were found after 3 days of incubation, and immature and aberrant conidiophores were found after 1 week of incubation. Centroid linkage clustering and principal component (PC) analysis of transcriptomic data suggest that GcnE occupies a central position in Aspergillus developmental regulation and that it is essential for inducing conidiation genes. GcnE function was found to be required for the acetylation of histone H3K9/K14 at the promoter of the master regulator of conidiation, brlA, as well as at the promoters of the upstream developmental regulators of conidiation flbA, flbB, flbC, and flbD (fluffy genes). However, analysis of the gene expression of brlA and the fluffy genes revealed that the lack of conidiation originated in a complete absence of brlA expression in the ∆gcnE strain. Ectopic induction of brlA from a heterologous alcA promoter did not remediate the conidiation defects in the ∆gcnE strain, suggesting that additional GcnE-mediated mechanisms must operate. Therefore, we conclude that GcnE is the only nonessential histone modifier with a strong role in fungal development found so far.
Chromatin Organization and Remodeling of Interstitial Telomeric Sites During Meiosis in the Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)
Authors: de la Fuente Roberto , Manterola Marcia , Viera Alberto , Parra María Teresa , Alsheimer Manfred , Rufas Julio S , Page Jesús 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Telomeric DNA repeats are key features of chromosomes that allow the maintenance of integrity and stability in the telomeres. However, interstitial telomere sites (ITSs) can also be found along the chromosomes, especially near the centromere, where they may appear following chromosomal rearrangements like Robertsonian translocations. There is no defined role for ITSs, but they are linked to DNA damage-prone sites. We were interested in studying the structural organization of ITSs during meiosis, a kind of cell division in which programmed DNA damage events and noticeable chromatin reorganizations occur. Here we describe the presence of highly amplified ITSs in the pericentromeric region of Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) chromosomes. During meiosis, ITSs show a different chromatin conformation than DNA repeats at telomeres, appearing more extended and accumulating heterochromatin markers. Interestingly, ITSs also recruit the telomeric proteins RAP1 and TRF1, but in a stage-dependent manner, appearing mainly at late prophase I stages. We did not find a specific accumulation of DNA repair factors to the ITSs, such as γH2AX or RAD51 at these stages, but we could detect the presence of MLH1, a marker for reciprocal recombination. However, contrary to previous reports, we did not find a specific accumulation of crossovers at ITSs. Intriguingly, some centromeric regions of metacentric chromosomes may bind the nuclear envelope through the association to SUN1 protein, a feature usually performed by telomeres. Therefore, ITSs present a particular and dynamic chromatin configuration in meiosis, which could be involved in maintaining their genetic stability, but they additionally retain some features of distal telomeres, provided by their capability to associate to telomere-binding proteins.
How Population Growth Affects Linkage Disequilibrium
Authors: Rogers Alan R 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe “LD curve” relates the linkage disequilibrium (LD) between pairs of nucleotide sites to the distance that separates them along the chromosome. The shape of this curve reflects natural selection, admixture between populations, and the history of population size. This article derives new results about the last of these effects. When a population expands in size, the LD curve grows steeper, and this effect is especially pronounced following a bottleneck in population size. When a population shrinks, the LD curve rises but remains relatively flat. As LD converges toward a new equilibrium, its time path may not be monotonic. Following an episode of growth, for example, it declines to a low value before rising toward the new equilibrium. These changes happen at different rates for different LD statistics. They are especially slow for estimates of σd2, which therefore allow inferences about ancient population history. For the human population of Europe, these results suggest a history of population growth.
Gross Motor Deficits in Children Prenatally Exposed to Alcohol: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Lucas Barbara R. , Latimer Jane , Pinto Rafael Z. , Ferreira Manuela L. , Doney Robyn , Lau Mandy , Jones Taryn , Dries Danielle , Elliott Elizabeth J. 
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Gross motor (GM) deficits are often reported in children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), but their prevalence and the domains affected are not clear. The objective of this review was to characterize GM impairment in children with a diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) or “moderate” to “heavy” maternal alcohol intake.METHODS:A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted. Medline, Embase, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, PEDro, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Published observational studies including children aged 0 to ≤18 years with (1) an FASD diagnosis or moderate to heavy PAE, or a mother with confirmed alcohol dependency or binge drinking during pregnancy, and (2) GM outcomes obtained by using a standardized assessment tool. Data were extracted regarding participants, exposure, diagnosis, and outcomes by using a standardized protocol. Methodological quality was evaluated by using Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines.RESULTS:The search recovered 2881 articles of which 14 met the systematic review inclusion criteria. The subjects’ mean age ranged from 3 days to 13 years. Study limitations included failure to report cutoffs for impairment, nonstandardized reporting of PAE, and small sample sizes. The meta-analysis pooled results (n = 10) revealed a significant association between a diagnosis of FASD or moderate to heavy PAE and GM impairment (odds ratio: 2.9; 95% confidence interval: 2.1–4.0). GM deficits were found in balance, coordination, and ball skills. There was insufficient data to determine prevalence.CONCLUSIONS:The significant results suggest evaluation of GM proficiency should be a standard component of multidisciplinary FASD diagnostic services.
Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for Extremely Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Peiyin , Lavoie Pascal M. , Lacaze-Masmonteil Thierry , Rhainds Marc , Marc Isabelle 
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) exposure can be associated with reduced neonatal morbidities. We systematically review the evidence for the benefits of omega-3 LCPUFAs for reducing neonatal morbidities in extremely preterm infants.

METHODS:
Data sources were PubMed, Embase, Center for Reviews and Dissemination, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. Original studies were selected that included infants born at &lt;29 weeks’ gestation, those published until May 2013, and those that evaluated the relationship between omega-3 LCPUFA supplementation and major adverse neonatal outcomes. Data were extracted on study design and outcome. Effect estimates were pooled.

RESULTS:
Of the 1876 studies identified, 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 6 observational studies met the defined criteria. No RCT specifically targeted a population of extremely preterm infants. Based on RCTs, omega-3 LCPUFA was not associated with a decreased risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in infants overall (pooled risk ratio [RR] 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82–1.13], 12 studies, n = 2809 infants); however, when considering RCTs that include only infants born at ≤32 weeks’ gestation, a trend toward a reduction in the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (pooled RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.74–1.05, 7 studies, n = 1156 infants) and a reduction in the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (pooled RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.23–1.10, 5 studies, n = 900 infants) was observed with LCPUFA.

CONCLUSIONS:
Large-scale interventional studies are required to determine the clinical benefits of omega-3 LCPUFA, specifically in extremely preterm infants, during the neonatal period.
Hypertension Screening Using Blood Pressure to Height Ratio
Authors: Xi Bo , Zhang Meixian , Zhang Tao , Liang Yajun , Li Shuangshuang , Steffen Lyn M. 
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVES:
The definition of hypertension in children is too complex to be used by medical professionals and children and their parents because of the age-, gender-, and height-specific blood pressure (BP) algorithm. The aim of this study was to simplify the pediatric BP percentile references using BP to height ratio (BPHR, equal to BP/height) for screening for prehypertension and hypertension in Chinese children.

METHODS:
Data were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, which was conducted from 1991 to 2009 and included 11 661 children aged 6 to 17 years with complete data on age, gender, height, and BP values. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the performance of systolic BPHR (SBPHR) and diastolic BPHR (DBPHR) for screening for pediatric prehypertension and hypertension.

RESULTS:
The optimal thresholds for defining prehypertension were 0.81 in children aged 6 to 11 years and 0.70 in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years for SBPHR and 0.52 in children and 0.46 in adolescents for DBPHR, respectively. The corresponding values for hypertension were 0.84, 0.78, 0.55, and 0.50, respectively. The negative predictive values were much higher (all ≥99%) for prehypertension and hypertension, although the positive predictive values were relatively lower, ranging from 13% to 75%.

CONCLUSIONS:
BPHR index is simple and accurate for screening for prehypertension and hypertension in Chinese children aged 6 to 17 years and can be used for early screening or treating Chinese children with hypertension.
Electromigration Reliability of Electroplated Gold Interconnects
Authors: Kilgore Steve H. , Schroder Dieter K. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe electromigration lifetimes of a very large quantity of passivated electroplated Au interconnects were measured utilizing high-resolution in-situ resistance monitoring equipment. Application of moderate accelerated stress conditions with current density limited to 2 MA/cm2 and oven temperatures in the range of 300°C to 375°C prevented large Joule-heated temperature gradients and electrical overstress failures. A Joule-heated Au film temperature increase of 10°C on average was determined from measured temperature coefficients of resistance (TCRs). A failure criterion of 50% resistance degradation was selected to avoid thermal runaway and catastrophic open circuit failures. All Au lifetime distributions followed log-normal statistics. An activation energy of 0.80 ± 0.05 eV was measured from constant-current electromigration tests at multiple temperatures. A current density exponent of 1.91 ± 0.03 was extracted from multiple current densities at a single constant temperature.
Heat resistant polymer electrolyte for enhanced organic electrochromic windows based on poly (3,3-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepine)
Authors: Anandan Nishita , Kim Sooyeun , Taya Minoru 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTElectrochromic Windows(ECWs) have the potential to save energy through dynamic control of light and solar energy entering a room (via solar heat gain coefficient control). ECWs have been developed as an optical shutter in airplane, building and automobile applications. An ECW is composed of three components, a working electrode based on electrochromic materials, a counter electrode based on ion storage materials and the electrolyte as an ionic conducting layer. Organic ECWs have been gaining popularity due to easy and cost effective manufacturing, availability of wide range of colors, high optical contrast and flexibility in design. However there are challenges in commercialization and application of organic ECWs. The application of ECWs as a sunroof in automobiles demands operation in harsh environment conditions like elevated temperature. Consequently the University of Washington, Center for Intelligent Materials and Systems has been developing a heat resistant organic ECW that can be operated at elevated temperatures maintaining high optical contrast, fast switching speed, optical color memory and electrochemical stability. The proposed design is an ECW based on poly (3,3-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepine),PPRODOT-Me2 as a working electrode, V2O5-TiO2 composite materials as a counter electrode and poly(ethylene imine) based electrolyte. The ionic conductivity of the electrolyte was calculated through complex impedance method and temperature dependence of the electrolyte was determined using environment test chamber to control a temperature range of 15 to 80o Celsius for 100 hours. A 76 × 76 mm2 ECW was developed and the optical transmittance change was observed by Chronoamperomerty and Time course measurement. The electrochemical stability of the window was monitored using cyclic voltammetry. The developed electrochromic window showed good optical contrast, electrochemical stability and fast response time after testing at elevated temperatures for 100 hours.
Self-assembled Carbon Nanotube-DNA Hybrids at the Nanoscale: Morphological and Conductive Properties Probed by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Santonicola M. Gabriella , Laurenzi Susanna , Schön Peter M. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTOur research is focused on the engineering of novel, highly sensitive and miniaturized hybrid materials from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and DNA molecules for applications in biosensors and medical devices. These hybrid sensors allow for a high degree of miniaturization, a key factor in the design of lightweight components while maintaining the advantages of in-situ and real-time analysis capabilities. In the first phase of the sensor design process, we investigated the structural and electrical properties of the supramolecular complexes made of amide-functionalized CNTs and double-stranded DNA. The solubilization properties of the hybrid nanotubes in aqueous solutions with different concentrations of DNA were studied, and an optimal ratio of nanotubes and biomolecules to achieve a good level of dispersion was found. Complexes formed in aqueous solution from CNTs and DNA are highly stable and maintain their properties up to one month from preparation. The morphology of the CNT-DNA composites was investigated at the nanoscale level using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electron microscopy (SEM). Results from these experiments show the strong affinity between the surface of the amide-functionalized CNTs and the DNA strands. Further, the CNT-DNA films were investigated by atomic force microscopy in the PeakForce TUNA mode to assess the suitability of this technique in determining the local conductive properties of the hybrid films.
Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 using Copper Oxide Nanoparticles supported on Glassy Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Griffin Gregory L. , Bugayong Joel 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTWe have studied the electrochemical reduction of CO2 using Cu2O nanoparticles deposited on planar electrodes. Nanoparticles are prepared in aqueous solution by chemical reduction of CuCl2 using ascorbic acid with polyethylene glycol surfactant. The particles are then re-suspended in ethanol with added Nafion binder and brush-coated onto glassy carbon substrates. The CO2 electroreduction activity is measured in KHCO3 electrolyte under flowing CO2 using a two-compartment electrochemical cell. Product formation rates are determined using gas chromatography; major gas phase products include CO, H2, C2H4, and CH4, while liquid phase products include C2H5OH and 1-C3H5OH. The observed product distribution agrees with results obtained previously using similar Cu2O particles deposited on carbon fiber paper supports, as well as Cu2O catalysts prepared by electrodeposition or thermal oxidation. In particular, the catalysts produce a much higher ratio of C2H4 to CH4 than observed using polycrystalline Cu foil. The potential dependence of the formation rates for hydrocarbon and alcohol products is roughly two times greater than for H2 and CO formation. Both XRD and SEM measurements confirm the Cu2O nanoparticles undergo at least partial reduction to Cu metal under CO2 reduction conditions, accompanied by significant surface morphological changes. Thus the kinetic results are consistent with current models that the increased C2H4/CH4 ratio is due to the presence of a more open atomic structure on the freshly reduced Cu surfaces.
The Road to Commercialization of Vapor-Phase-Grown Diamond
Authors: Shikata Shinichi 
Published: June 2014

Considering all materials, diamond has many superior properties such as elastic constant (hardness), thermal conductivity, transparency to optical visible light and x-rays, a wide-bandgap semiconductor, and negative electron affinity. These properties lead to various applications in many industries. Because of the recent successful development of vapor-phase-growth technology, large-area diamond is available at a low manufacturing cost. However the commercialization of diamond at this stage is limited to tools, speaker diaphragms, heatsinks, and optical windows. For each application, diamond utilization is limited.In this article, three avenues on the road to commercialization of vapor-phase-grown diamond will be discussed. The categories appear in Table I with the properties of diamond and its applications. First, applications already commercialized are briefly reviewed, and the requirements for expanding their market are discussed. Second, the technologies and applications coming in the near term are introduced. Last, future candidate applications for diamond are introduced along with technical obstacles to be overcome.
Polymeric and Organic Electronic Materials: From Scientific Curiosity to Applications
Authors: Epstein Arthur J. , Yang Yang 
Published: June 2014

While polymers and organic materials have been known and utilized broadly for many decades, finding such materials with the intrinsic properties of semiconductors and metals is a relatively recent phenomenon. The report in 1977 about doping polyacetylene to achieve relatively high conductivity opened up important new vistas for chemistry and physics, and for technology in general. This report recognized that a key feature of the electronic polymers and organic materials was a backbone consisting of alternating single and double bonds resulting in a “π-conjugated network.” This in turn led to a relatively small energy gap, enabling the appearance of both semiconducting and metallic properties.Initially these polymers were unstable in air and not readily processed. Over the past decade, major advances have occurred in the synthesis of new forms of conducting and semiconducting polymers that enable processing under a broad range of conditions including organic solvents, inorganic solvents, and aqueous media. There are even meltprocessable versions of some of the electronic polymers.A prime focus of the field has been the determination of the mechanisms for charge conduction and the intrinsic conductivity of these fascinating materials, especially doped polymers. In the past decade, interest has increased in the semiconducting (generally undoped) forms of these polymers and organic materials, including their photophysics and their use in a wide variety of devices. The reports of light-emitting devices fabricated from molecular and oligomeric constituents in the mid-1980s and from polymeric constituents in 1990 stimulated interest in this area of research.