Almost all polymerase II transcripts undergo alternative pre-mRNA splicing. Here, we review the functions of alternative splicing events that have been experimentally determined. The overall function of alternative splicing is to increase the diversity of mRNAs expressed from the genome. Alternative splicing changes proteins encoded by mRNAs, which has profound functional effects. Experimental analysis of these protein isoforms showed that alternative splicing regulates binding between proteins, between proteins and nucleic acids as well as between proteins and membranes. Alternative splicing regulates the localization of proteins, their enzymatic properties and their interaction with ligands. In most cases, changes caused by individual splicing isoforms are small. However, cells typically coordinate numerous changes in ‘splicing programs’, which can have strong effects on cell proliferation, cell survival and properties of the nervous system. Due to its widespread usage and molecular versatility, alternative splicing emerges as a central element in gene regulation that interferes with almost every biological function analyzed.

The lattice and electronic and magnetic transport properties of the antiperovskite structure Mn3Zn1−xGexN compounds were investigated. For Mn3ZnN, there is a magnetic transition from antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic near 185K. Correspondingly, the resistivity shows an abrupt drop, but any sudden change of lattice parameters is not found. However, it is interesting that the partial substitution of Ge for Zn induces a lattice contraction near the magnetic transition temperature, where a drop of the resistivity remain, and the transition temperature point increases and the temperature range is broadened with increasing doped Ge contents. The thermodynamics properties were also investigated.

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A magnetoelectric (ME) composite consisting of a copper ultrasonic horn, a magnetostrictive Terfenol-D (TbxDy1−xFe2) plate, and multiple piezoelectric PZT [Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3] plates has been developed. The ultrasonic horn converges and amplifies the vibrating magnitude and drives PZT plates at wide bandwidth. The composite with multiple PZT plates electrically connected in series/parallel exhibits a 25 times higher ME voltage coefficient than the previous laminate composite of PZT and Terfenol-D plates. 100 times higher ME voltage coefficients can be obtained by using a silicon horn composite with a higher Q value of 104 and more PZT plates of ten electrically connected in series/parallel.

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