bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant barocaloric effects at low pressure in ferrielectric ammonium sulphate
Authors: Lloveras P. , Stern-Taulats E. , Barrio M. , Tamarit J.-Ll. , Crossley S. , Li W. , Pomjakushin V. , Planes A. , Mañosa Ll. , Mathur N. D. , Moya X.
Published: November 2015

Caloric effects are currently under intense study due to the prospect of environment-friendly cooling applications. Most of the research is centred on large magnetocaloric effects and large electrocaloric effects, but the former require large magnetic fields that are challenging to generate economically and the latter require large electric fields that can only be applied without breakdown in thin samples. Here we use small changes in hydrostatic pressure to drive giant inverse barocaloric effects near the ferrielectric phase transition in ammonium sulphate. We find barocaloric effects and strengths that exceed those previously observed near magnetostructural phase transitions in magnetic materials. Our findings should therefore inspire the discovery of giant barocaloric effects in a wide range of unexplored ferroelectric materials, ultimately leading to barocaloric cooling devices.
Genetic polymorphisms of PCSK2 are associated with glucose homeostasis and progression to type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population
Authors: Chang Tien-Jyun , Chiu Yen-Feng , Sheu Wayne H-H. , Shih Kuang-Chung , Hwu Chii-Min , Quertermous Thomas , Jou Yuh-Shan , Kuo Shan-Shan , Chang Yi-Cheng , Chuang Lee-Ming
Published: November 2015

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 2 (PCSK2) is a prohormone processing enzyme involved in insulin and glucagon biosynthesis. We previously found the genetic polymorphism of PCSK2 on chromosome 20 was responsible for the linkage peak of several glucose homeostasis parameters. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between genetic variants of PCSK2 and glucose homeostasis parameters and incident diabetes. Total 1142 Chinese participants were recruited from the Stanford Asia-Pacific Program for Hypertension and Insulin Resistance (SAPPHIRe) family study and 759 participants were followed up for 5 years. Ten SNPs of the PCSK2 gene were genotyped. Variants of rs6044695 and rs2284912 were associated with fasting plasma glucose and variants of rs2269023 were associated with fasting plasma glucose and 1-hour plasma glucose during OGTT. Haplotypes of rs4814605/rs1078199 were associated with fasting plasma insulin levels and HOMA-IR. Haplotypes of rs890609/rs2269023 were also associated with fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. In the longitudinal study, we found individuals carrying TA/AA genotypes of rs6044695 or TC/CC genotypes of rs2284912 had lower incidence of diabetes during the 5-year follow-up. Our results indicated that PCSK2 gene polymorphisms are associated with pleiotropic effects on various traits of glucose homeostasis and incident diabetes.
Differential roles of the hemerythrin-like proteins of Mycobacterium smegmatis in hydrogen peroxide and erythromycin susceptibility
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Li Jingjing , Hu Xinling , Huang Lige , Xiao Jing , Chan John , Mi Kaixia
Published: November 2015

Hemerythrin-like proteins are oxygen-carrying non-heme di-iron binding proteins and their functions have effect on oxidation-reduction regulation and antibiotic resistance. Recent studies using bioinformatic analyses suggest that multiple hemerythrin-like protein coding sequences might have been acquired by lateral gene transfer and the number of hemerythrin-like proteins varies amongst different species. Mycobacterium smegmatis contains three hemerythrin-like proteins, MSMEG_3312, MSMEG_2415 and MSMEG_6212. In this study, we have systematically analyzed all three hemerythrin-like proteins in M. smegmatis and our results identified and characterized two functional classes: MSMEG_2415 plays an important role in H2O2 susceptibility and MSMEG_3312 and MSMEG_6212 are associated with erythromycin susceptibility. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these three proteins have different evolutionary origins, possibly explaining their different physiological functions. Here, combined with biological and phylogenetic analyses, our results provide new insights into the evolutionary divergence of the hemerythrin-like proteins in M. smegmatis.
Armored kinorhynch-like scalidophoran animals from the early Cambrian
Authors: Zhang Huaqiao , Xiao Shuhai , Liu Yunhuan , Yuan Xunlai , Wan Bin , Muscente A. D. , Shao Tiequan , Gong Hao , Cao Guohua
Published: November 2015

Morphology-based phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of the Scalidophora (Kinorhyncha, Loricifera, Priapulida) and Nematoida (Nematoda, Nematomorpha), together constituting the monophyletic Cycloneuralia that is the sister group of the Panarthropoda. Kinorhynchs are unique among living cycloneuralians in having a segmented body with repeated cuticular plates, longitudinal muscles, dorsoventral muscles and ganglia. Molecular clock estimates suggest that kinorhynchs may have diverged in the Ediacaran Period. Remarkably, no kinorhynch fossils have been discovered, in sharp contrast to priapulids and loriciferans that are represented by numerous Cambrian fossils. Here we describe several early Cambrian (~535 million years old) kinorhynch-like fossils, including the new speciesEokinorhynchus rarusand two unnamed but related forms.E. rarushas characteristic scalidophoran features, including an introvert with pentaradially arranged hollow scalids. Its trunk bears at least 20 annuli each consisting of numerous small rectangular plates and is armored with five pairs of large and bilaterally placed sclerites. Its trunk annuli are reminiscent of the epidermis segments of kinorhynchs. A phylogenetic analysis resolvesE. rarusas a stem-group kinorhynch. Thus, the fossil record confirms that all three scalidophoran phyla diverged no later than the Cambrian Period.
Trends of pH decrease in the Mediterranean Sea through high frequency observational data: indication of ocean acidification in the basin
Authors: Flecha Susana , Pérez Fiz F. , García-Lafuente Jesús , Sammartino Simone , Ríos Aida. F. , Huertas I. Emma
Published: November 2015

A significant fraction of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) released to the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans, leading to a range of chemical changes and causing ocean acidification (OA). Assessing the impact of OA on marine ecosystems requires the accurate detection of the rate of seawater pH change. This work reports the results of nearly 3 years of continuous pH measurements in the Mediterranean Sea at the Strait of Gibraltar GIFT time series station. We document a remarkable decreasing annual trend of −0.0044 ± 0.00006 in the Mediterranean pH, which can be interpreted as an indicator of acidification in the basin based on high frequency records. Modeling pH data of the Mediterranean outflow allowed to discriminate between the pH values of its two main constituent water masses, the Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW) and the Western Mediterranean Deep Water (WMDW). Both water masses also exhibited a decline in pH with time, particularly the WMDW, which can be related to their different biogeochemical nature and processes occurring during transit time from formation sites to the Strait of Gibraltar.
Role of different scattering mechanisms on the temperature dependence of transport in graphene
Authors: Sarkar Suman , Amin Kazi Rafsanjani , Modak Ranjan , Singh Amandeep , Mukerjee Subroto , Bid Aveek
Published: November 2015

Detailed experimental and theoretical studies of the temperature dependence of the effect of different scattering mechanisms on electrical transport properties of graphene devices are presented. We find that for high mobility devices the transport properties are mainly governed by completely screened short range impurity scattering. On the other hand, for the low mobility devices transport properties are determined by both types of scattering potentials - long range due to ionized impurities and short range due to completely screened charged impurities. The results could be explained in the framework of Boltzmann transport equations involving the two independent scattering mechanisms.
Effectiveness of acupuncture and related therapies for palliative care of cancer: overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Wu Xinyin , Chung Vincent CH , Hui Edwin P , Ziea Eric TC , Ng Bacon FL , Ho Robin ST , Tsoi Kelvin KF , Wong Samuel YS , Wu Justin CY
Published: November 2015

Acupuncture and related therapies such as moxibustion and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation are often used to manage cancer-related symptoms, but their effectiveness and safety are controversial. We conducted this overview to summarise the evidence on acupuncture for palliative care of cancer. Our systematic review synthesised the results from clinical trials of patients with any type of cancer. The methodological quality of the 23 systematic reviews in this overview, assessed using the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews Instrument, was found to be satisfactory. There is evidence for the therapeutic effects of acupuncture for the management of cancer-related fatigue, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and leucopenia in patients with cancer. There is conflicting evidence regarding the treatment of cancer-related pain, hot flashes and hiccups and improving patients’ quality of life. The available evidence is currently insufficient to support or refute the potential of acupuncture and related therapies in the management of xerostomia, dyspnea and lymphedema and in the improvement of psychological well-being. No serious adverse effects were reported in any study. Because acupuncture appears to be relatively safe, it could be considered as a complementary form of palliative care for cancer, especially for clinical problems for which conventional care options are limited.
Parvalbumin-positive interneurons of the prefrontal cortex support working memory and cognitive flexibility
Authors: Murray Andrew J. , Woloszynowska-Fraser Marta U. , Ansel-Bollepalli Laura , Cole Katy L. H. , Foggetti Angelica , Crouch Barry , Riedel Gernot , Wulff Peer
Published: November 2015

Dysfunction of parvalbumin (PV)-positive GABAergic interneurons (PVIs) within the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been implicated in schizophrenia pathology. It is however unclear, how impaired signaling of these neurons may contribute to PFC dysfunction. To identify how PVIs contribute to PFC-dependent behaviors we inactivated PVIs in the PFC in mice using region- and cell-type-selective expression of tetanus toxin light chain (TeLC) and compared the functional consequences of this manipulation with non-cell-type-selective perturbations of the same circuitry. By sampling for behavioral alterations that map onto distinct symptom categories in schizophrenia, we show that dysfunction of PVI signaling in the PFC specifically produces deficits in the cognitive domain, but does not give rise to PFC-dependent correlates of negative or positive symptoms. Our results suggest that distinct aspects of the complex symptomatology of PFC dysfunction in schizophrenia can be attributed to specific prefrontal circuit elements.
Peaches Preceded Humans: Fossil Evidence from SW China
Authors: Su Tao , Wilf Peter , Huang Yongjiang , Zhang Shitao , Zhou Zhekun
Published: November 2015

Peach (Prunus persica, Rosaceae) is an extremely popular tree fruit worldwide, with an annual production near 20 million tons. Peach is widely thought to have origins in China, but its evolutionary history is largely unknown. The oldest evidence for the peach has been Chinese archaeological records dating to 8000–7000 BP. Here, we report eight fossil peach endocarps from late Pliocene strata of Kunming City, Yunnan, southwestern China. The fossils are identical to modern peach endocarps, including size comparable to smaller modern varieties, a single seed, a deep dorsal groove and presence of deep pits and furrows. These fossils show that China has been a critical region for peach evolution since long before human presence, much less agriculture. Peaches evolved their modern morphology under natural selection, presumably involving large, frugivorous mammals such as primates. Much later, peach size and variety increased through domestication and breeding.
The effect of ultralow-dose antibiotics exposure on soil nitrate and N2O flux
Authors: DeVries Stephanie L. , Loving Madeline , Li Xiqing , Zhang Pengfei
Published: November 2015

Exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics has been shown to alter the metabolic activity of micro-organisms, but the impact on soil denitrification and N2O production has rarely been reported. In this study, incubation and column transport experiments were conducted on soils exposed to as many as four antibiotics in the ng·kg−1 range (several orders of magnitude below typical exposure rates) to evaluate the impact of ultralow dose exposure on net nitrate losses and soil N2O flux over time. Under anaerobic incubation conditions, three antibiotics produced statistically significant dose response curves in which denitrification was stimulated at some doses and inhibited at others. Sulfamethoxazole in particular had a stimulatory effect at ultralow doses, an effect also evidenced by a near 17% increase in nitrate removal during column transport. Narasin also showed evidence of stimulating denitrification in anaerobic soils within 3 days of exposure, which is concurrent to a statistically significant increase in N2O flux measured over moist soils exposed to similar doses. The observation that even ultralow levels of residual antibiotics may significantly alter the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen in soil raises a number of concerns pertaining to agriculture, management of nitrogen pollution and climate change and warrants additional investigations.
Parity and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Middle-aged and Older Chinese Women
Authors: Shen Lijun , Wu Jing , Xu Guiqiang , Song Lulu , Yang Siyi , Yuan Jing , Liang Yuan , Wang Youjie
Published: November 2015

Pregnancy leads to physiological changes in lipid, glucose levels and weight, which may increase the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in later life. The purpose of this study was to examine whether parity is associated with CHD in middle-aged and older Chinese women. A total of 20,207 women aged 37 to 94 years from Dongfeng-Tongji Cohort who completed the questionnaire, were medically examined and provided blood samples, were included in our analysis. CHD cases were determined by self-report of physician diagnosis through face-to-face interviews. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between parity and CHD. The rate of CHD was 15.8%. Parity had a positive association with CHD without adjustment of covariates. After controlling for the potential confounders, increasing risk of coronary heart disease was observed in women who had two (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.41–1.93), three (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.44–2.16) and four or more live births (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.33–2.20) compared with women with just one live birth. High parity was significantly associated with increasing risk of CHD in Chinese women. This suggests that multiparity may be a risk factor for CHD among Chinese women.
Embedding Ba Monolayers and Bilayers in Boron Carbide Nanowires
Authors: Yu Zhiyang , Luo Jian , Shi Baiou , Zhao Jiong , Harmer Martin P. , Zhu Jing
Published: November 2015

Aberration corrected high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) was employed to study the distribution of barium atoms on the surfaces and in the interiors of boron carbide based nanowires. Barium based dopants, which were used to control the crystal growth, adsorbed to the surfaces of the boron-rich crystals in the form of nanometer-thick surficial films (a type of surface complexion). During the crystal growth, these dopant-based surface complexions became embedded inside the single crystalline segments of fivefold boron-rich nanowires collectively, where they were converted to more ordered monolayer and bilayer modified complexions. Another form of bilayer complexion stabilized at stacking faults has also been identified. Numerous previous works suggested that dopants/impurities tended to segregate at the stacking faults or twinned boundaries. In contrast, our study revealed the previously-unrecognized possibility of incorporating dopants and impurities inside an otherwise perfect crystal without the association to any twin boundary or stacking fault. Moreover, we revealed the amount of barium dopants incorporated was non-equilibrium and far beyond the bulk solubility, which might lead to unique properties.
Glucose Variability and β- Cell Response by GLP-1 Analogue added-on CSII for Patients with Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lin Chia-Hung , Hsieh Sheng-Hwu , Sun Jui-Hung , Tsai Jir-Shiong , Huang Yu-Yao
Published: November 2015

The effects of twice-daily GLP-1 analogue injections added on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were unknown. After optimization of blood glucose in the first 3 days by CSII during hospitalization, patients with poorly controlled T2DM were randomized to receive CSII combined with injections of exenatide or placebo for another 3 days. A total of 51 patients (30 in exenatide and 21 in placebo groups) with mean A1C 11% were studied. There was no difference in mean glucose but a significant higher standard deviation of plasma glucose (SDPG) was found in the exenatide group (50.51 ± 2.43 vs. 41.49 ± 3.00 mg/dl, p = 0.027). The improvement of incremental area under the curve (AUC) of glucose and insulinogenic index (Insulin0–peak/ Glucose0–peak) in 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was prominent in the exenatide group (p < 0.01). The adiponectin level was significantly increased with exenatide added on (0.39 ± 0.32 vs. −1.62 ± 0.97 μg/mL, in exenatide and placebo groups, respectively, p = 0.045). In conclusion, the add-on of GLP-1 analogue to CSII increased glucose variability and the β - cell response in patients with poorly controlled T2DM.
Protein-protein interaction networks identify targets which rescue the MPP+ cellular model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Keane Harriet , Ryan Brent J. , Jackson Brendan , Whitmore Alan , Wade-Martins Richard
Published: November 2015

Neurodegenerative diseases are complex multifactorial disorders characterised by the interplay of many dysregulated physiological processes. As an exemplar, Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves multiple perturbed cellular functions, including mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagic dysregulation in preferentially-sensitive dopamine neurons, a selective pathophysiology recapitulated in vitro using the neurotoxin MPP+. Here we explore a network science approach for the selection of therapeutic protein targets in the cellular MPP+ model. We hypothesised that analysis of protein-protein interaction networks modelling MPP+ toxicity could identify proteins critical for mediating MPP+ toxicity. Analysis of protein-protein interaction networks constructed to model the interplay of mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagic dysregulation (key aspects of MPP+ toxicity) enabled us to identify four proteins predicted to be key for MPP+ toxicity (P62, GABARAP, GBRL1 and GBRL2). Combined, but not individual, knockdown of these proteins increased cellular susceptibility to MPP+ toxicity. Conversely, combined, but not individual, over-expression of the network targets provided rescue of MPP+ toxicity associated with the formation of autophagosome-like structures. We also found that modulation of two distinct proteins in the protein-protein interaction network was necessary and sufficient to mitigate neurotoxicity. Together, these findings validate our network science approach to multi-target identification in complex neurological diseases.
Physiologically generated presenilin 1 lacking exon 8 fails to rescue brain PS1−/− phenotype and forms complexes with wildtype PS1 and nicastrin
Authors: Brautigam Hannah , Moreno Cesar L. , Steele John W. , Bogush Alexey , Dickstein Dara L. , Kwok John B.J. , Schofield Peter R. , Thinakaran Gopal , Mathews Paul M. , Hof Patrick R. , Gandy Sam , Ehrlich Michelle E.
Published: November 2015

The presenilin 1 (PSEN1) L271V mutation causes early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease by disrupting the alternative splicing of the PSEN1 gene, producing some transcripts harboring the L271V point mutation and other transcripts lacking exon 8 (PS1∆exon8). We previously reported that PS1 L271V increased amyloid beta (Aβ) 42/40 ratios, while PS1∆exon8 reduced Aβ42/40 ratios, indicating that the former and not the exon 8 deletion transcript is amyloidogenic. Also, PS1∆exon8 did not rescue Aβ generation in PS1/2 double knockout cells indicating its identity as a severe loss-of-function splice form. PS1∆exon8 is generated physiologically raising the possibility that we had identified the first physiological inactive PS1 isoform. We studied PS1∆exon8in vivo by crossing PS1∆exon8 transgenics with either PS1-null or Dutch APPE693Q mice. As a control, we crossed APPE693Q with mice expressing a deletion in an adjacent exon (PS1∆exon9). PS1∆exon8 did not rescue embryonic lethality or Notch-deficient phenotypes of PS1-null mice displaying severe loss of function in vivo. We also demonstrate that this splice form can interact with wildtype PS1 using cultured cells and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP)/bimolecular fluorescence complementation. Further co-IP demonstrates that PS1∆exon8 interacts with nicastrin, participating in the γ–secretase complex formation. These data support that catalytically inactive PS1∆exon8 is generated physiologically and participates in protein-protein interactions.
Structural bases for neurophysiological investigations of amygdaloid complex of the brain
Authors: Kalimullina Liliya B. , Kalkamanov Kh. A. , Akhmadeev Azat V. , Zakharov Vadim P. , Sharafullin Ildus F.
Published: November 2015

Amygdala (Am) as a part of limbic system of the brain defines such important functions as adaptive behavior of animals, formation of emotions and memory, regulation of endocrine and visceral functions. We worked out, with the help of mathematic modelling of the pattern recognition theory, principles for organization of neurophysiological and neuromorphological studies of Am nuclei, which take into account the existing heterogeneity of its formations and optimize, to a great extent, the protocol for carrying out of such investigations. The given scheme of studies of Am’s structural-functional organization at its highly-informative sections can be used as a guide for precise placement of electrodes’, cannulae’s and microsensors into particular Am nucleus in the brain with the registration not only the nucleus itself, but also its extensions. This information is also important for defining the number of slices covering specific Am nuclei which must be investigated to reveal the physiological role of a particular part of amygdaloid complex.
The impact of temperature on microbial diversity and AOA activity in the Tengchong Geothermal Field, China
Authors: Li Haizhou , Yang Qunhui , Li Jian , Gao Hang , Li Ping , Zhou Huaiyang
Published: November 2015

Using a culture-independent method that combines CARD-FISH, qPCR and 16S rDNA, we investigated the abundance, community structure and diversity of microbes along a steep thermal gradient (50–90 °C) in the Tengchong Geothermal Field. We found that Bacteria and Archaea abundance changed markedly with temperature changes and that the number of cells was lowest at high temperatures (90.8 °C). Under low-temperature conditions (52.3–74.6 °C), the microbial communities were dominated by Bacteria, which accounted for 60–80% of the total number of cells. At 74.6 °C, Archaea were dominant and at 90.8 °C, they accounted for more than 90% of the total number of cells. Additionally, the microbial communities at high temperatures (74.6–90.8 °C) were substantially simpler than those at the low-temperature sites. Only a few genera (e.g., bacterial Caldisericum, Thermotoga and Thermoanaerobacter, archaeal Vulcanisaeta and Hyperthermus) often dominated in high-temperature environments. Additionally, a positive correlation between Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea (AOA) activity and temperature was detected. AOA activity increased from 17 to 52 pmol of NO2− per cell d−1 with a temperature change from 50 to 70 °C.
Diverse Roles of Axonemal Dyneins in Drosophila Auditory Neuron Function and Mechanical Amplification in Hearing
Authors: Karak Somdatta , Jacobs Julie S. , Kittelmann Maike , Spalthoff Christian , Katana Radoslaw , Sivan-Loukianova Elena , Schon Michael A. , Kernan Maurice J. , Eberl Daniel F. , Göpfert Martin C.
Published: November 2015

Much like vertebrate hair cells, the chordotonal sensory neurons that mediate hearing inDrosophilaare motile and amplify the mechanical input of the ear. Because the neurons bear mechanosensory primary cilia whose microtubule axonemes display dynein arms, we hypothesized that their motility is powered by dyneins. Here, we describe two axonemal dynein proteins that are required forDrosophilaauditory neuron function, localize to their primary cilia and differently contribute to mechanical amplification in hearing. Promoter fusions revealed that the two axonemal dynein genes Dmdnah3(=CG17150) and Dmdnai2(=CG6053) are expressed in chordotonal neurons, including the auditory ones in the fly’s ear. Null alleles of both dyneins equally abolished electrical auditory neuron responses, yet whereas mutations in Dmdnah3facilitated mechanical amplification, amplification was abolished by mutations in Dmdnai2. Epistasis analysis revealed that Dmdnah3acts downstream of Nan-Iav channels in controlling the amplificatory gain. Dmdnai2, in addition to being required for amplification, was essential for outer dynein arms in auditory neuron cilia. This establishes diverse roles of axonemal dyneins inDrosophilaauditory neuron function and links auditory neuron motility to primary cilia and axonemal dyneins. Mutant defects in sperm competition suggest that both dyneins also function in sperm motility.
Decreased Diversity of the Oral Microbiota of Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Induced Chronic Liver Disease: A Pilot Project
Authors: Ling Zongxin , Liu Xia , Cheng Yiwen , Jiang Xiawei , Jiang Haiyin , Wang Yuezhu , Li Lanjuan
Published: November 2015

Increasing evidence suggests that altered gut microbiota is implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus-induced chronic liver disease (HBV-CLD). However, the structure and composition of the oral microbiota of patients with HBV-CLD remains unclear. High-throughput pyrosequencing showed that decreased oral bacterial diversity was found in patients with HBV-CLD. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was increased significantly, which indicated that dysbiosis of the oral microbiota participated in the process of HBV-CLD development. However, the changing patterns of the oral microbiota in patients with HBV-induced liver cirrhosis (LC) were almost similar to patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). HBV infection resulted in an increase in potential H2S- and CH3SH-producing phylotypes such as Fusobacterium, Filifactor, Eubacterium, Parvimonas and Treponema, which might contribute to the increased oral malodor. These key oral-derived phylotypes might invade into the gut as opportunistic pathogens and contribute to altering the composition of the gut microbiota. This study provided important clues that dysbiosis of the oral microbiota might be involved in the development of HBV-CLD. Greater understanding of the relationships between the dysbiosis of oral microbiota and the development of HBV-CLD might facilitate the development of non-invasive differential diagnostic procedures and targeted treatments of HBV-CLD patients harbouring specific oral phylotypes.
Aroma improvement by repeated freeze-thaw treatment during Tuber melanosporum fermentation
Authors: Xiao Deng-Rong , Liu Rui-Sang , He Long , Li Hong-Mei , Tang Ya-Ling , Liang Xin-Hua , Chen Tao , Tang Ya-Jie
Published: November 2015

The aroma attributes of sulfurous, mushroom and earthy are the most important characteristics of the aroma of Tuber melanosporum. However, these three aroma attributes are absent in the T. melanosporum fermentation system. To improve the quality of the aroma, repeated freeze-thaw treatment (RFTT) was adopted to affect the interplay of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Using RFTT, not only was the score on the hedonic scale of the aroma increased from the “liked slightly” to the “liked moderately” grade, but the aroma attributes of sulfurous, mushroom and earthy could also be smelled in the T. melanosporum fermentation system for the first time. A total of 29 VOCs were identified and 9 compounds were identified as the key discriminative volatiles affected by RFTT. Amino acid analysis revealed that methionine, valine, serine, phenylalanine, isoleucine and threonine were the key substrates associated with the biosynthesis of the 9 key discriminative VOCs. This study noted that amino acid metabolism played an important role in the regulation of the aroma of the T. melanosporum fermentation system.
Anomalous Near-Surface Low-Salinity Pulses off the Central Oregon Coast
Authors: Mazzini Piero L. F. , Risien Craig M. , Barth John A. , Pierce Stephen D. , Erofeev Anatoli , Dever Edward P. , Kosro P. Michael , Levine Murray D. , Shearman R. Kipp , Vardaro Michael F.
Published: November 2015

From mid-May to August 2011, extreme runoff in the Columbia River ranged from 14,000 to over 17,000 m3/s, more than two standard deviations above the mean for this period. The extreme runoff was the direct result of both melting of anomalously high snowpack and rainfall associated with the 2010–2011 La Niña. The effects of this increased freshwater discharge were observed off Newport, Oregon, 180 km south of the Columbia River mouth. Salinity values as low as 22, nine standard deviations below the climatological value for this period, were registered at the mid-shelf. Using a network of ocean observing sensors and platforms, it was possible to capture the onshore advection of the Columbia River plume from the mid-shelf, 20 km offshore, to the coast and eventually into Yaquina Bay (Newport) during a sustained wind reversal event. Increased freshwater delivery can influence coastal ocean ecosystems and delivery of offshore, river-influenced water may influence estuarine biogeochemistry.
Fluoride-containing podophyllum derivatives exhibit antitumor activities through enhancing mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by increasing the expression of caspase-9 in HeLa cells
Authors: Zhao Wei , Yang Yong , Zhang Ya-Xuan , Zhou Chen , Li Hong-Mei , Tang Ya-Ling , Liang Xin-Hua , Chen Tao , Tang Ya-Jie
Published: November 2015

This work aims to provide sampling of halogen-containing aniline podophyllum derivatives and their mode of action with an in-depth comparison among fluorine, chloride and bromide for clarifying the important role and impact of fluorine substitution on enhancing antitumor activity, with an emphasis on the development of drug rational design for antitumor drug. The tumor cytotoxicity of fluoride-containing aniline podophyllum derivatives were in general improved by 10–100 times than those of the chloride and bromide-containing aniline podophyllum derivatives since fluoride could not only strongly solvated in protic solvents but also forms tight ion pairs in most aprotic solvents. When compared with chloride and bromide, the higher electronegativity fluoride substituted derivatives significantly enhanced mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by remarkably increasing the expression of caspase-9 in HeLa cells. The current findings would stimulate an enormous amount of research directed toward exploiting novel leading compounds based on podophyllum derivatives, especially for the fluoride-substituted structures with promising antitumor activity.
Surveying the endomicrobiome and ectomicrobiome of bark beetles: The case of Dendroctonus simplex
Authors: Durand Audrey-Anne , Bergeron Amélie , Constant Philippe , Buffet Jean-Philippe , Déziel Eric , Guertin Claude
Published: November 2015

Many bark beetles belonging to the Dendroctonus genus carry bacterial and fungal microbiota, forming a symbiotic complex that helps the insect to colonize the subcortical environment of the host tree. However, the biodiversity of those bacteria at the surface of the cuticle or inside the body parts of bark beetles is not well established. The aim of this study was to characterize the bacterial microbiome associated with the eastern larch beetle, Dendroctonus simplex, using bacterial 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. The ecto- and endomicrobiome and the subcortical galleries were investigated. Several bacterial genera were identified, among which Pseudomonas, Serratia and Yersinia are associated with the surface of the beetle cuticle and genera belonging to Enterobacteriaceae and Gammaproteobacteria with the interior of the insect body. The index of dissimilarity indicates that the bacterial microbiome associated with each environment constitutes exclusive groups. These results suggest the presence of distinct bacterial microbiota on the surface of the cuticle and the interior of D. simplex body. Additionally, the bacterial diversity identified in the galleries is substantially different from the ectomicrobiome, which could indicate a selection by the insect. This study reports for the first time the identification of the eastern larch beetle microbiome.
Defining an additivity framework for mixture research in inducible whole-cell biosensors
Authors: Martin-Betancor K. , Ritz C. , Fernández-Piñas F. , Leganés F. , Rodea-Palomares I.
Published: November 2015

A novel additivity framework for mixture effect modelling in the context of whole cell inducible biosensors has been mathematically developed and implemented in R. The proposed method is a multivariate extension of the effective dose (EDp) concept. Specifically, the extension accounts for differential maximal effects among analytes and response inhibition beyond the maximum permissive concentrations. This allows a multivariate extension of Loewe additivity, enabling direct application in a biphasic dose-response framework. The proposed additivity definition was validated and its applicability illustrated by studying the response of the cyanobacterial biosensor Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 pBG2120 to binary mixtures of Zn, Cu, Cd, Ag, Co and Hg. The novel method allowed by the first time to model complete dose-response profiles of an inducible whole cell biosensor to mixtures. In addition, the approach also allowed identification and quantification of departures from additivity (interactions) among analytes. The biosensor was found to respond in a near additive way to heavy metal mixtures except when Hg, Co and Ag were present, in which case strong interactions occurred. The method is a useful contribution for the whole cell biosensors discipline and related areas allowing to perform appropriate assessment of mixture effects in non-monotonic dose-response frameworks
SLCO1B1 Variants and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (Enalapril) -Induced Cough: a Pharmacogenetic Study
Authors: Luo Jian-Quan , He Fa-Zhong , Wang Zhen-Min , Sun Ning-Ling , Wang Lu-Yan , Tang Gen-Fu , Liu Mou-Ze , Li Qing , Chen Xiao-Ping , Liu Zhao-Qian , Zhou Hong-Hao , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2015

Clinical observations suggest that incidence of cough in Chinese taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors is much higher than other racial groups. Cough is the most common adverse reaction of enalapril. We investigate whether SLCO1B1 genetic polymorphisms, previously reported to be important determinants of inter-individual variability in enalapril pharmacokinetics, are associated with the enalapril-induced cough. A cohort of 450 patients with essential hypertension taking 10 mg enalapril maleate were genotyped for the functional SLCO1B1 variants, 388A > G (Asn130Asp, rs2306283) and 521T > C (Val174Ala, rs4149056). The primary endpoint was cough, which was recorded when participants were bothered by cough and respiratory symptoms during enalapril treatment without an identifiable cause. SLCO1B1 521C allele conferred a 2-fold relative risk of enalapril-induced cough (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.34–3.04, P = 6.2 × 10−4) and haplotype analysis suggested the relative risk of cough was 6.94-fold (95% CI = 1.30–37.07, P = 0.020) in SLCO1B1*15/*15 carriers. Furthermore, there was strong evidence for a gene-dose effect (percent with cough in those with 0, 1, or 2 copy of the 521C allele: 28.2%, 42.5% and 71.4%, trend P = 6.6 × 10−4). Our study highlights, for the first time, SLCO1B1 variants are strongly associated with an increased risk of enalapril-induced cough. The findings will be useful to provide pharmacogenetic markers for enalapril treatment.
Characterizing and Exploring the Formation Mechanism of Salt Deposition by Reusing Advanced-softened, Silica-rich, Oilfield-produced Water (ASOW) in Superheated Steam Pipeline
Authors: Dong Bin , Xu Ying , Lin Senmin , Dai Xiaohu
Published: November 2015

To dispose of large volumes of oilfield-produced water, an environmentally friendly method that reuses advanced-softened, silica-rich, oilfield-produced water (ASOW) as feedwater was implemented via a 10-month pilot-scale test in oilfield. However, salt deposition detrimental to the efficiency and security of steam injection system was generated in superheated steam pipeline. To evaluate the method, the characteristics and formation mechanism of the deposition were explored. The silicon content and total hardness of the ASOW were 272.20 mg/L and 0.018 mg/L, respectively. Morphology and composition of the deposition were determined by scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Na2Si2O5, Na2CO3and trace silanes were identified in the deposition. In addition, the solubility of the deposition was about 99%, suggesting that it is very different from traditional scaling. The results of a simulation experiment and thermal analysis system (TGA and TG-FTIR) proved that Na2CO3and Si(OH)4(gas) are involved in the formation of Na2Si2O5, which is ascribed mainly to the temperature difference between the superheated steam and the pipe wall. These findings provide an important reference for improving the reuse of ASOW and reducing its deposition.
Development and application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detecting the highly benzimidazole-resistant isolates in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Duan Ya Bing , Yang Ying , Wang Jian Xin , Liu Cong Chao , He Ling Ling , Zhou Ming Guo
Published: November 2015

Resistance of benzimidazole fungicides is related to the point mutation of the β-tubulin gene in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The point mutation at codon 198 (GAG → GCG, E198A) occurs in more than 90% of field resistant populations in China. Traditional detection methods of benzimidazole-resistant mutants of S. sclerotiorum are time-consuming, tedious and inefficient. To establish a suitable and rapid detection of benzimidazole-resistant mutants of S. sclerotiorum, an efficient and simple method with high specificity was developed based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Eight sets of LAMP primers were designed and four sets were optimized to specially distinguish benzimidazole-resistant mutants of S. sclerotiorum. With the optimal LAMP primers, the concentration of LAMP components was optimized and the reaction conditions were set as 60–64 °C for 60 min. This method had a good specificity, sensitivity, stability and repeatability. In the 1491 sclerotia, 614 (41.18%) were positive by LAMP and 629 (42.19%) positive by MIC. Therefore, the LAMP assay is more feasible to detect benzimidazole-resistant mutants of S. sclerotiorum than traditional detection methods.
Impact of a wastewater treatment plant on microbial community composition and function in a hyporheic zone of a eutrophic river
Authors: Atashgahi Siavash , Aydin Rozelin , Dimitrov Mauricio R. , Sipkema Detmer , Hamonts Kelly , Lahti Leo , Maphosa Farai , Kruse Thomas , Saccenti Edoardo , Springael Dirk , Dejonghe Winnie , Smidt Hauke
Published: November 2015

The impact of the installation of a technologically advanced wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) on the benthic microbial community of a vinyl chloride (VC) impacted eutrophic river was examined two years before and three and four years after installation of the WWTP. Reduced dissolved organic carbon and increased dissolved oxygen concentrations in surface water and reduced total organic carbon and total nitrogen content in the sediment were recorded in the post-WWTP samples. Pyrosequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene fragments in sediment cores showed reduced relative abundance of heterotrophs and fermenters such asChloroflexiandFirmicutesin more oxic and nutrient poor post-WWTP sediments. Similarly, quantitative PCR analysis showed 1–3 orders of magnitude reduction in phylogenetic and functional genes of sulphate reducers, denitrifiers, ammonium oxidizers, methanogens and VC-respiringDehalococcoides mccartyi. In contrast, members ofProteobacteriaadapted to nutrient-poor conditions were enriched in post-WWTP samples. This transition in the trophic state of the hyporheic sediments reduced but did not abolish the VC respiration potential in the post-WWTP sediments as an important hyporheic sediment function. Our results highlight effective nutrient load reduction and parallel microbial ecological state restoration of a human-stressed urban river as a result of installation of a WWTP.
Detection of biogenic amines in C57BL/6 mice brain by capillary electrophoresis electrokinetic supercharging
Authors: Wang Wei-feng , Ju Fu-rong , Ran Yan-li , Zhang Hui-ge , Chen Xing-guo
Published: November 2015

A facile, sensitive EKS/MEKD-PDAD method was developed for the detection of neurotransmitters in C57BL/6 mice brain.
Mechanism of the biomolecular synthesis of PEDOT:PSS: importance of heme degradation by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Morris J. D. , Wong K. M. , Peñaherrera C. D. , Payne C. K.
Published: November 2015

The use of biomolecules as oxidants for the synthesis of conducting polymers provides an important tool for the control of polymer properties.
Angiotensin II analogs comprised of Pro-Amb (γ-turn scaffold) as angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor agonists
Authors: Jedhe Ganesh S. , Kotmale Amol S. , Rajamohanan Pattuparambil R. , Pasha Santosh , Sanjayan Gangadhar J.
Published: November 2015

We describe herein the design, synthesis and conformational investigation of Pro-Amb (proline-3-amino-2-methoxybenzoic acid) incorporated Angiotensin II and its truncated analogues.
Using simulation to understand the structure and properties of hydrated amorphous calcium carbonate
Authors: Innocenti Malini Riccardo , Bushuev Yuriy G. , Hall Shaun A. , Freeman Colin L. , Rodger P. Mark , Harding John H.
Published: November 2015

The protocols used give a range of behaviours comparable to previous experiments and an insight into the structure of ACC.
Nonlinear anisotropic deformation behavior of a graphene monolayer under uniaxial tension
Authors: Zhou Lixin , Cao Guoxin
Published: November 2015

Under uniaxial tension, the deformation of graphene monolayer is only supported by the C–C bonds in one orientation, whereas the C–C bonds in the other orientation and the C–C–C bond angle have almost no contribution, which cannot be correctly predicted by the empirical potential simulations.
Efficient hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol to 1,2- and 1,5-pentanediols over a non-precious Cu–Mg3AlO4.5 bifunctional catalyst
Authors: Liu Hailong , Huang Zhiwei , Zhao Feng , Cui Fang , Li Xuemei , Xia Chungu , Chen Jing
Published: November 2015

Hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol to 1,2-pentanediol and 1,5-pentanediol with high yield (~80%) could be achieved over a simple but efficient non-precious Cu–Mg3AlO4.5 bifunctional catalyst at mild conditions.
A Mn(iii) polyoxotungstate in the oxidation of organosulfur compounds by H2O2 at room temperature: an environmentally safe catalytic approach
Authors: Duarte Tiago A. G. , Pires Sónia M. G. , Santos Isabel C. M. S. , Simões Mário M. Q. , Neves M. Graça P. M. S. , Cavaleiro Ana M. V. , Cavaleiro José A. S.
Published: November 2015

A manganese monosubstituted Keggin-type polyoxometalate was used as a catalyst in the oxidation of recalcitrant organosulfur compounds by hydrogen peroxide at room temperature.
Cycloaddition of CO2 and epoxide catalyzed by amino- and hydroxyl-rich graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Huang Zhijun , Li Fengbo , Chen Bingfeng , Yuan Guoqing
Published: November 2015

g-C3N4 activated by protonation using H2SO4 demonstrates a remarkably enhanced catalytic activity for cycloaddition of CO2 and epoxide.
Hierarchical rattle-like N-doped anatase TiO2 superstructure: one-pot synthesis, morphological evolution and superior visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Guoliang , Li Gang , Li Jie , Jiang Guibin
Published: November 2015

A novel N-doped rattle-like hierarchical anatase superstructure with a spherical porous core and hierarchical shell composed of ultrathin nanosheets was synthesized via a facile template-free method, which exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light illumination.
Control of surface alkyl catalysis with thiolate monolayers
Authors: Pang Simon H. , Lien Chih-Heng , Medlin J. Will
Published: November 2015

Pd surface modification by thiolate SAMs resulted in preferential terminal-to-internal olefin isomerization instead of hydrogenation, particularly at high conversion.
Ruthenium olefin metathesis catalysts featuring unsymmetrical N-heterocyclic carbenes
Authors: Paradiso Veronica , Bertolasi Valerio , Costabile Chiara , Grisi Fabia
Published: November 2015

New second generation ruthenium catalysts bearing unsymmetrical NHCs show different catalytic efficiencies depending on the size of the N-alkyl group (methyl or cyclohexyl) and on the backbone configuration.
Introduction of CoCl2·6H2O into Co3O4 for enhancement of hydroxyl radicals and effective charge separation
Authors: Hao Ying-juan , Li Fa-tang , Zhao Jun , Liu Rui-hong , Wang Xiao-jing , Li Yu-pei , Liu Ying
Published: November 2015

CoCl2·6H2O is introduced into Co3O4 for the in situ enhancement of hydroxyl radicals and the construction of heterojunctions.
A layer-by-layer supramolecular structure for a sulfur cathode
Authors: Bucur Claudiu B. , Muldoon John , Lita Adrian
Published: November 2015

The anatomy of a truffle inspired sulfur particle for a battery cathode.
Nickel selenide as a high-efficiency catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Swesi A. T. , Masud J. , Nath M.
Published: November 2015

Ni3Se2has been identified as a high-efficiency oxygen evolution catalyst with low onset potential and extended stability under alkaline conditions.
A soft, multilayered lithium–electrolyte interface
Authors: Bucur Claudiu B. , Lita Adrian , Osada Naoki , Muldoon John
Published: November 2015

It is desirable that a thin film lithium–electrolyte interface is flexible and self-healing to accommodate the large volume expansion during lithium deposition without rupturing and impede electrolyte decomposition.
Mono- and tri-ester hydrogenolysis using tandem catalysis. Scope and mechanism
Authors: Lohr Tracy L. , Li Zhi , Assary Rajeev S. , Curtiss Larry A. , Marks Tobin J.
Published: November 2015

The scope and mechanism of thermodynamically leveraged ester RC(O)O–R′ bond hydrogenolysis by tandem metal triflate + supported Pd catalysts are investigated both experimentally and theoretically by DFT and energy span analysis.
Enzymatic catalysis as a versatile tool for the synthesis of multifunctional, bio-based oligoester resins
Authors: Semlitsch Stefan , Torron Susana , Johansson Mats , Martinelle Mats
Published: November 2015

Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB) was used as a chemoselective catalyst for the synthesis of multifunctional oligoester resins based on an epoxy-functional ω-hydroxy-fatty acid (EFA) extracted from birch bark.