Band gap opening and modulating are critical in dictating the functionalities of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in a broad array of nano-devices. Using first-principles density functional theory calculations, a class of semiconducting armchair SWCNTs with a distinctive BN line defect are studied, showing a super capacity to open the band gap of (4, 4) SWCNT to as large as 0.86 eV, whil...

Axon specification is a critical step in neuronal development, and the function of glial cells in this process is not fully understood. Here, we show that C. elegans GLR glial cells regulate axon specification of their nearby GABAergic RME neurons through GLR-RME gap junctions. Disruption of GLR-RME gap junctions causes misaccumulation of axonal markers in non-axonal neurites of RME neurons and...

When a double-strand break has a gap between the broken ends, the missing information can be restored through synthesis from a homologous template. Here we address the question of how long such a gap can be before this process fails. We measured the frequency of homologous repair in the Drosophila germ line following the creation of gaps of specific sizes ranging from 3.8 to 210 kb. We found th...

Synovial cells can form networks connected by gap junctions. The purpose of this study was to obtain evidence for a necessary role of gap junction intercellular communication in protein secretion by synovial cells. We developed a novel assay to measure the enzymatic activity of metalloproteinases (MMPs) produced by synovial cells in response to interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and employed the assa...

Much work now emphasizes the concept that interneuronal networks play critical roles in generating synchronized, oscillatory behavior. Experimental work has shown that functional inhibitory networks alone can produce synchronized activity, and theoretical work has demonstrated how synchrony could occur in mutually inhibitory networks. Even though gap junctions are known to exist between interne...

While the discourse of international development has begun to recognise the potential of involving diaspora as agents of change, issues of sustainability and environmental impact are often missing from the assessment of outcomes and impact in the Global South. The purpose of the conference was to explore three terms: “development”, “sustainability” and “diaspora” which are often seen as separat...

The present contribution tests whether countries can be pooled when studying the financegrowth nexus. Overall, our results point toward a ‘pragmatic’ positive answer, though considerable heterogeneity is present among developing countries. JEL codes: C23, O16

T his year’s World Water Day focused on the food-water nexus with the theme “Water and Food Security: The World is Thirsty Because We are Hungry.” While much of the emphasis under this theme focused on the quantities of water used for food produc­ tion, the quality of water is also important to that function. Water quality can also have sig­ nificant effects on health. In this context, the qual...