bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong but diverging clonality - climate relationships of different plant clades explain weak overall pattern across China
Authors: Ye Duo , Liu Guofang , Song Yao-Bin , Cornwell William K. , Dong Ming , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: June 2016

The clonal strategy should be relatively important in stressful environments (i.e. of low resource availability or harsh climate), e.g. in cold habitats. However, our understanding of the distribution pattern of clonality along environmental gradients is still far from universal. The weakness and inconsistency of overall clonality-climate relationships across taxa, as reported in previous studies, may be due to different phylogenetic lineages having fundamental differences in functional traits other than clonality determining their climate response. Thus, in this study we compared the clonality-climate relationships along a latitudinal gradient within and between different lineages at several taxonomic levels, including four major angiosperm lineages (Magnoliidae, Monocotyledoneae, Superrosidae and Superasteridae), orders and families. To this aim we used a species clonality dataset for 4015 vascular plant species in 545 terrestrial communities across China. Our results revealed clear predictive patterns of clonality proportion in relation to environmental gradients for the predominant representatives of each of the taxonomic levels above, but the relationships differed in shape and strength between the 4 major angiosperm lineages, between the 12 orders and between the 12 families. These different relationships canceled out one another when all lineages at a certain taxonomic level were pooled. Our findings highlight the importance of explicitly accounting for the functional or taxonomic scale for studying variation in plant ecological strategy across environmental gradients.
Non-random distribution of homo-repeats: links with biological functions and human diseases
Authors: Lobanov Michail Yu. , Klus Petr , Sokolovsky Igor V. , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano , Galzitskaya Oxana V.
Published: June 2016

The biological function of multiple repetitions of single amino acids, or homo-repeats, is largely unknown, but their occurrence in proteins has been associated with more than 20 hereditary diseases. Analysing 122 bacterial and eukaryotic genomes, we observed that the number of proteins containing homo-repeats is significantly larger than expected from theoretical estimates. Analysis of statistical significance indicates that the minimal size of homo-repeats varies with amino acid type and proteome. In an attempt to characterize proteins harbouring long homo-repeats, we found that those containing polar or small amino acids S, P, H, E, D, K, Q and N are enriched in structural disorder as well as protein- and RNA-interactions. We observed that E, S, Q, G, L, P, D, A and H homo-repeats are strongly linked with occurrence in human diseases. Moreover, S, E, P, A, Q, D and T homo-repeats are significantly enriched in neuronal proteins associated with autism and other disorders. We release a webserver for further exploration of homo-repeats occurrence in human pathology at http://bioinfo.protres.ru/hradis/.
Altering Emulsion Stability with Heterogeneous Surface Wettability
Authors: Meng Qiang , Zhang Yali , Li Jiang , Lammertink Rob G. H. , Chen Haosheng , Tsai Peichun Amy
Published: June 2016

Emulsions–liquid droplets dispersed in another immiscible liquid–are widely used in a broad spectrum of applications, including food, personal care, agrochemical and pharmaceutical products. Emulsions are also commonly present in natural crude oil, hampering the production and quality of petroleum fuels. The stability of emulsions plays a crucial role in their applications, but controlling the stability without external driving forces has been proven to be difficult. Here we show how heterogeneous surface wettability can alter the stability and dynamics of oil-in-water emulsions, generated by a co-flow microfluidic device. We designed a useful methodology that can modify a micro-capillary of desired heterogeneous wettability (e.g., alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions) without changing the hydraulic diameter. We subsequently investigated the effects of flow rates and heterogeneous wettability on the emulsion morphology and motion. The experimental data revealed a universal critical timescale of advective emulsions, above which the microfluidic emulsions remain stable and intact, whereas below they become adhesive or inverse. A simple theoretical model based on a force balance can be used to explain this critical transition of emulsion dynamics, depending on the droplet size and the Capillary number–the ratio of viscous to surface effects. These results give insight into how to control the stability and dynamics of emulsions in microfluidics with flow velocity and different wettability.
Gene switching rate determines response to extrinsic perturbations in the self-activation transcriptional network motif
Authors: de Franciscis Sebastiano , Caravagna Giulio , Mauri Giancarlo , d’Onofrio Alberto
Published: June 2016

Gene switching dynamics is a major source of randomness in genetic networks, also in the case of large concentrations of the transcription factors. In this work, we consider a common network motif - the positive feedback of a transcription factor on its own synthesis - and assess its response to extrinsic noises perturbing gene deactivation in a variety of settings where the network might operate. These settings are representative of distinct cellular types, abundance of transcription factors and ratio between gene switching and protein synthesis rates. By investigating noise-induced transitions among the different network operative states, our results suggest that gene switching rates are key parameters to shape network response to external perturbations and that such response depends on the particular biological setting, i.e. the characteristic time scales and protein abundance. These results might have implications on our understanding of irreversible transitions for noise-related phenomena such as cellular differentiation. In addition these evidences suggest to adopt the appropriate mathematical model of the network in order to analyze the system consistently to the reference biological setting.
Mammalian metabolic rates in the hottest fish on earth
Authors: Wood Chris M. , Brix Kevin V. , De Boeck Gudrun , Bergman Harold L. , Bianchini Adalto , Bianchini Lucas F. , Maina John N. , Johannsson Ora E. , Kavembe Geraldine D. , Papah Michael B. , Letura Kisipan M. , Ojoo Rodi O.
Published: June 2016

The Magadi tilapia,Alcolapia grahami, a small cichlid fish of Lake Magadi, Kenya lives in one of the most challenging aquatic environments on earth, characterized by very high alkalinity, unusual water chemistry, and extreme O2, ROS, and temperature regimes. In contrast to most fishes which live at temperatures substantially lower than the 36–40 °C of mammals and birds, an isolated population (South West Hot Springs, SWHS) of Magadi tilapia thrives in fast-flowing hotsprings with daytime highs of 43 °C and night-time lows of 32 °C. Another population (Fish Springs Lagoon, FSL) lives in a lagoon with fairly stable daily temperatures (33–36 °C). The upper critical temperatures (Ctmax) of both populations are very high; moreover the SWHS tilapia exhibit the highest Ctmax(45.6 °C) ever recorded for a fish. Routine rates of O2consumption (MO2) measured on site, together with MO2and swimming performance at 25, 32, and 39 °C in the laboratory, showed that the SWHS tilapia exhibited the greatest metabolic performance ever recorded in a fish. These rates were in the basal range of a small mammal of comparable size, and were all far higher than in the FSL fish. The SWHS tilapia represents a bellwether organism for global warming.
Synergistic Effect of Compounds from a Chinese Herb: Compatibility and Dose Optimization of Compounds from N-Butanol Extract of Ipomoea stolonifera
Authors: Cai Congyi , Chen Yicun , Zhong Shuping , Zhang Yanmei , Jiang Jiyang , Xu Han , Shi Ganggang
Published: June 2016

The herbal medicine Ipomoea stolonifera (I. stolonifera) has previously been shown to have considerable anti-inflammatory potential in vivo and in vitro. To establish a method for exploring the synergistic effects of multiple compounds, we study the compatibility and dose optimization of compounds isolated from n-butanol extract of I. stolonifera (BE-IS). Raw264.7 cell was treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence of compounds from BE-IS, namely scopoletin, umbelliferone, esculetin, hesperetin and curcumin, using the orthogonal design, uniform design and median-effect method. To verify the best efficacy of principal constituents in vivo, the uniform design was used in the croton oil-induced mouse ear edema model. The results from LPS-induced the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) show that, esculetin, curcumin and hesperetin were the principal constituents that had synergistic effects when used at the optimal ratio. Additionally, the principal constituents were found to work synergistically in the croton oil-induced mouse ear edema model at low doses. It turned out that the three experimental optimization and analysis methods (orthogonal design, uniform design and median-effect method) can be effectively used to solve both compatibility and dose optimization for combined use of multiple compounds.
Remarkable preservation of Ca2+ homeostasis and inhibition of apoptosis contribute to anti-muscle atrophy effect in hibernating Daurian ground squirrels
Authors: Fu Weiwei , Hu Huanxin , Dang Kai , Chang Hui , Du Bei , Wu Xue , Gao Yunfang
Published: June 2016

The underlying mechanisms that hibernators deviated from muscle atrophy during prolonged hibernating inactivity remain elusive. This study tested the hypothesis that the maintenance of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and inhibition of apoptosis would be responsible for preventing muscle atrophy in hibernating Daurian ground squirrels. The results showed that intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis was maintained in soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) in hibernation and post-hibernation, while cytosolic Ca2+ was overloaded in gastrocnemius (GAS) in hibernation with a recovery in post-hibernation. The Ca2+ overload was also observed in interbout arousals in all three type muscles. Besides, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was unchanged in transcriptional level among pre-hibernation, hibernation and interbout arousals and reduced to a minimum in post-hibernation. Furthermore, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in protein level was reduced in hibernation but recovered in interbout arousals. Although cytochrome C was increased in GAS and EDL in post-hibernation, no apoptosis was observed by TUNEL assay. These findings suggested that the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in hibernation might be regulated by the cytosolic Ca2+ overload during interbout arousals, which were likely responsible for preventing muscle atrophy via inhibition of apoptosis. Moreover, the muscle-specificity indicated that the different mechanisms against disuse-induced atrophy might be involved in different muscles in hibernation.
Defect engineering of the electronic transport through cuprous oxide interlayers
Authors: Fadlallah Mohamed M. , Eckern Ulrich , Schwingenschlögl Udo
Published: June 2016

The electronic transport through Au–(Cu2O)n–Au junctions is investigated using first-principles calculations and the nonequilibrium Green’s function method. The effect of varying the thickness (i.e., n) is studied as well as that of point defects and anion substitution. For all Cu2O thicknesses the conductance is more enhanced by bulk-like (in contrast to near-interface) defects, with the exception of O vacancies and Cl substitutional defects. A similar transmission behavior results from Cu deficiency and N substitution, as well as from Cl substitution and N interstitials for thick Cu2O junctions. In agreement with recent experimental observations, it is found that N and Cl doping enhances the conductance. A Frenkel defect, i.e., a superposition of an O interstitial and O substitutional defect, leads to a remarkably high conductance. From the analysis of the defect formation energies, Cu vacancies are found to be particularly stable, in agreement with earlier experimental and theoretical work.
There’s plenty of light at the bottom: statistics of photon penetration depth in random media
Authors: Martelli Fabrizio , Binzoni Tiziano , Pifferi Antonio , Spinelli Lorenzo , Farina Andrea , Torricelli Alessandro
Published: June 2016

We propose a comprehensive statistical approach describing the penetration depth of light in random media. The presented theory exploits the concept of probability density function f(z|ρ, t) for the maximum depth reached by the photons that are eventually re-emitted from the surface of the medium at distance ρ and time t. Analytical formulas for f, for the mean maximum depth 〈zmax〉 and for the mean average depth "Equation missing" reached by the detected photons at the surface of a diffusive slab are derived within the framework of the diffusion approximation to the radiative transfer equation, both in the time domain and the continuous wave domain. Validation of the theory by means of comparisons with Monte Carlo simulations is also presented. The results are of interest for many research fields such as biomedical optics, advanced microscopy and disordered photonics.
Unexpected involvement of staple leads to redesign of selective bicyclic peptide inhibitor of Grb7
Authors: Gunzburg Menachem J. , Kulkarni Ketav , Watson Gabrielle M. , Ambaye Nigus D. , Del Borgo Mark P. , Brandt Rebecca , Pero Stephanie C. , Perlmutter Patrick , Wilce Matthew C. J. , Wilce Jacqueline A.
Published: June 2016

The design of potent and specific peptide inhibitors to therapeutic targets is of enormous utility for both proof-of-concept studies and for the development of potential new therapeutics. Grb7 is a key signaling molecule in the progression of HER2 positive and triple negative breast cancers. Here we report the crystal structure of a stapled bicyclic peptide inhibitor G7-B1 in complex with the Grb7-SH2 domain. This revealed an unexpected binding mode of the peptide, in which the staple forms an alternative contact with the surface of the target protein. Based on this structural information, we designed a new series of bicyclic G7 peptides that progressively constrain the starting peptide, to arrive at the G7-B4 peptide that binds with an approximately 2-fold enhanced affinity to the Grb7-SH2 domain (KD = 0.83 μM) compared to G7-B1 and shows low affinity binding to Grb2-, Grb10- and Grb14-SH2 domains (KD > 100 μM). Furthermore, we determined the structure of the G7-B4 bicyclic peptide in complex with the Grb7-SH2 domain, both before and after ring closing metathesis to show that the closed staple is essential to the target interaction. The G7-B4 peptide represents an advance in the development of Grb7 inhibitors and is a classical example of structure aided inhibitor development.
The endothelial protein C receptor rs867186-GG genotype is associated with increased soluble EPCR and could mediate protection against severe malaria
Authors: Shabani Estela , Opoka Robert O. , Bangirana Paul , Park Gregory S. , Vercellotti Gregory M. , Guan Weihua , Hodges James S. , Lavstsen Thomas , John Chandy C.
Published: June 2016

The endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) appears to play an important role in Plasmodium falciparum endothelial cell binding in severe malaria (SM). Despite consistent findings of elevated soluble EPCR (sEPCR) in other infectious diseases, field studies to date have provided conflicting data about the role of EPCR in SM. To better define this role, we performed genotyping for the rs867186-G variant, associated with increased sEPCR levels, and measured sEPCR levels in two prospective studies of Ugandan children designed to understand immunologic and genetic factors associated with neurocognitive deficits in SM including 551 SM children, 71 uncomplicated malaria (UM) and 172 healthy community children (CC). The rs867186-GG genotype was more frequent in CC (4.1%) than SM (0.6%, P = 0.002). The rs867186-G variant was associated with increased sEPCR levels and sEPCR was lower in children with SM than CC (P < 0.001). Among SM children, those who had a second SM episode showed a trend toward lower plasma sEPCR both at initial admission and at 6-month follow-up compared to those without repeated SM (P = 0.06 for both). The study findings support a role for sEPCR in severe malaria pathogenesis and emphasize a distinct role of sEPCR in malaria as compared to other infectious diseases.
Drosophila cells use nanotube-like structures to transfer dsRNA and RNAi machinery between cells
Authors: Karlikow Margot , Goic Bertsy , Mongelli Vanesa , Salles Audrey , Schmitt Christine , Bonne Isabelle , Zurzolo Chiara , Saleh Maria-Carla
Published: June 2016

Tunnelling nanotubes and cytonemes function as highways for the transport of organelles, cytosolic and membrane-bound molecules and pathogens between cells. During viral infection in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, a systemic RNAi antiviral response is established presumably through the transport of a silencing signal from one cell to another via an unknown mechanism. Because of their role in cell-cell communication, we investigated whether nanotube-like structures could be a mediator of the silencing signal. Here, we describe for the first time in the context of a viral infection the presence of nanotube-like structures in different Drosophila cell types. These tubules, made of actin and tubulin, were associated with components of the RNAi machinery, including Argonaute 2, double-stranded RNA and CG4572. Moreover, they were more abundant during viral, but not bacterial, infection. Super resolution structured illumination microscopy showed that Argonaute 2 and tubulin reside inside the tubules. We propose that nanotube-like structures are one of the mechanisms by which Argonaute 2, as part of the antiviral RNAi machinery, is transported between infected and non-infected cells to trigger systemic antiviral immunity in Drosophila.
A protein interaction map for cell-cell adhesion regulators identifies DUSP23 as a novel phosphatase for β-catenin
Authors: Gallegos Lisa Leon , Ng Mei Rosa , Sowa Mathew E. , Selfors Laura M. , White Anne , Zervantonakis Ioannis K. , Singh Pragya , Dhakal Sabin , Harper J. Wade , Brugge Joan S.
Published: June 2016

Cell-cell adhesion is central to morphogenesis and maintenance of epithelial cell state. We previously identified 27 candidate cell-cell adhesion regulatory proteins (CCARPs) whose down-regulation disrupts epithelial cell-cell adhesion during collective migration. Using a protein interaction mapping strategy, we found that 18 CCARPs link to core components of adherens junctions or desmosomes. We further mapped linkages between the CCARPs and other known cell-cell adhesion proteins, including hits from recent screens uncovering novel components of E-cadherin adhesions. Mechanistic studies of one novel CCARP which links to multiple cell-cell adhesion proteins, the phosphatase DUSP23, revealed that it promotes dephosphorylation of β-catenin at Tyr 142 and enhances the interaction between α- and β-catenin. DUSP23 knockdown specifically diminished adhesion to E-cadherin without altering adhesion to fibronectin matrix proteins. Furthermore, DUSP23 knockdown produced “zipper-like” cell-cell adhesions, caused defects in transmission of polarization cues, and reduced coordination during collective migration. Thus, this study identifies multiple novel connections between proteins that regulate cell-cell interactions and provides evidence for a previously unrecognized role for DUSP23 in regulating E-cadherin adherens junctions through promoting the dephosphorylation of β-catenin.
Phase-Transformation-Induced Extra Thermal Expansion Behavior of (SrxBa1–x)TiO3/Cu Composite
Authors: Sheng Jie , Wang Lidong , Li Shouwei , Yin Benke , Liu Xiangli , Fei Wei-Dong
Published: June 2016

The properties of metal matrix composites (MMCs) can be optimized effectively through adjusting the type or the volume fraction of reinforcement. Generally, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of MMCs can be reduced by increasing the volume fraction of the reinforcement with lower CTE than metal matrix. However, it is great challenge to fabricate low CTE MMCs with low reinforcement volume fraction because of the limitation of reinforcement CTEs. SrxBa1−xTiO3 (SBT) powder presents negative thermal expansion behavior during the phase transformation from tetragonal to cubic phase. Here, we demonstrate that the phase transformation of SBT can be utilized to reduce and design the thermal expansion properties of SBT particle-reinforced Cu (SBT/Cu) composite, and ultralow CTE can be obtained in SBT/Cu composite. The X-ray diffraction analysis on heating indicates that the temperature range of phase transformation is extended greatly, therefore, the low CTE can be achieved within wide temperature range. Landau-Devonshire theory study on the phase transformation behaviors of SBT particles in the composite indicates that thermal mismatch stress significantly affects the Curie temperature of SBT particles and the CTE of the composite. The results given in the present study provide a new approach to design the MMCs with low CTE.
Cryo-thermal therapy elicits potent anti-tumor immunity by inducing extracellular Hsp70-dependent MDSC differentiation
Authors: Zhu Jun , Zhang Yan , Zhang Aili , He Kun , Liu Ping , Xu Lisa X.
Published: June 2016

Achieving control of metastatic disease is a long-sought goal in cancer therapy. Treatments that encourage a patient’s own immune system are bringing new hopes in reaching such a goal. In clinic, local hyperthermia and cryoablation have been explored to induce anti-tumor immune responses against tumors. We have also developed a novel therapeutic modality of cryo-thermal treatment by alternating liquid nitrogen (LN2) cooling and radio frequency (RF) heating, and better therapeutic effect was achieved in treating metastatic cancer in animal model. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of systemic immune response elicited by cryo-thermal therapy. In the 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma model, we found that local cryo-thermal therapy resulted in a considerable reduction of distant lung metastases, and improved long-term survival. Moreover, results of tumor re-challenge experiments indicated generation of a strong tumor-specific immune memory after the local treatment of primary tumors. Our further study indicated that cryo-thermal therapy caused an elevated extracellular release of Hsp70. Subsequently, Hsp70 induced differentiation of MDSCs into mature DCs, contributing to the relief of MDSCs-mediated immunosuppression and ultimately the activation of strong anti-tumor immune response. Our findings reveal new insight into the mechanism of robust therapeutic effects of cryo-thermal therapy against metastatic cancers.
Orexin 2 Receptor Antagonism is Sufficient to Promote NREM and REM Sleep from Mouse to Man
Authors: Gotter Anthony L. , Forman Mark S. , Harrell Charles M. , Stevens Joanne , Svetnik Vladimir , Yee Ka Lai , Li Xiaodong , Roecker Anthony J. , Fox Steven V. , Tannenbaum Pamela L. , Garson Susan L. , Lepeleire Inge De , Calder Nicole , Rosen Laura , Struyk Arie , Coleman Paul J. , Herring W. Joseph , Renger John J. , Winrow Christopher J.
Published: June 2016

Orexin neuropeptides regulate sleep/wake through orexin receptors (OX1R, OX2R); OX2R is the predominant mediator of arousal promotion. The potential for single OX2R antagonism to effectively promote sleep has yet to be demonstrated in humans. MK-1064 is an OX2R-single antagonist. Preclinically, MK-1064 promotes sleep and increases both rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep in rats at OX2R occupancies higher than the range observed for dual orexin receptor antagonists. Similar to dual antagonists, MK-1064 increases NREM and REM sleep in dogs without inducing cataplexy. Two Phase I studies in healthy human subjects evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and sleep-promoting effects of MK-1064, and demonstrated dose-dependent increases in subjective somnolence (via Karolinska Sleepiness Scale and Visual Analogue Scale measures) and sleep (via polysomnography), including increased REM and NREM sleep. Thus, selective OX2R antagonism is sufficient to promote REM and NREM sleep across species, similarly to that seen with dual orexin receptor antagonism.
The roles of RelA/(p)ppGpp in glucose-starvation induced adaptive response in the zoonotic Streptococcus suis
Authors: Zhang Tengfei , Zhu Jiawen , Wei Shun , Luo Qingping , Li Lu , Li Shengqing , Tucker Alexander , Shao Huabin , Zhou Rui
Published: June 2016

The (p)ppGpp signal molecules play a central role in the stringent response (SR) to adapt to nutrient starvation in bacteria, yet the carbohydrate starvation induced adaptive response and the roles of SR in this response is not well characterized, especially in Gram-positives. Here, two (p)ppGpp synthetases RelA and RelQ are identified in Streptococcus suis, an important emerging zoonotic Gram-positive bacterium, while only RelA is functional under glucose starvation. To characterize the roles of RelA/(p)ppGpp in glucose starvation response in S. suis, the growth curves and transcriptional profiles were compared between the mutant strain ΔrelA [a (p)ppGpp0 strain under glucose starvation] and its parental strain SC-19 [(p)ppGpp+]. The results showed great difference between SC-19 and ΔrelA on adaptive responses when suffering glucose starvation and demonstrated that RelA/(p)ppGpp plays important roles in adaptation to glucose starvation. Besides the classic SR including inhibition of growth and related macromolecular synthesis, the extended adaptive response also includes inhibited glycolysis and carbon catabolite repression (CCR)-mediated carbohydrate-dependent metabolic switches. Collectively, the pheno- and genotypic characterization of the glucose starvation induced adaptive response in S. suis makes a great contribution to understanding better the mechanism of SR.
Resolving Fine-Scale Heterogeneity of Co-seismic Slip and the Relation to Fault Structure
Authors: Milliner C. W. D. , Sammis C. , Allam A. A. , Dolan J. F. , Hollingsworth J. , Leprince S. , Ayoub F.
Published: June 2016

Fault slip distributions provide important insight into the earthquake process. We analyze high-resolution along-strike co-seismic slip profiles of the 1992 Mw = 7.3 Landers and 1999 Mw = 7.1 Hector Mine earthquakes, finding a spatial correlation between fluctuations of the slip distribution and geometrical fault structure. Using a spectral analysis, we demonstrate that the observed variation of co-seismic slip is neither random nor artificial, but self-affine fractal and rougher for Landers. We show that the wavelength and amplitude of slip variability correlates to the spatial distribution of fault geometrical complexity, explaining why Hector Mine has a smoother slip distribution as it occurred on a geometrically simpler fault system. We propose as a physical explanation that fault complexity induces a heterogeneous stress state that in turn controls co-seismic slip. Our observations detail the fundamental relationship between fault structure and earthquake rupture behavior, allowing for modeling of realistic slip profiles for use in seismic hazard assessment and paleoseismology studies.
Riems influenza a typing array (RITA): An RT-qPCR-based low density array for subtyping avian and mammalian influenza a viruses
Authors: Hoffmann Bernd , Hoffmann Donata , Henritzi Dinah , Beer Martin , Harder Timm C.
Published: June 2016

Rapid and sensitive diagnostic approaches are of the utmost importance for the detection of humans and animals infected by specific influenza virus subtype(s). Cascade-like diagnostics starting with the use of pan-influenza assays and subsequent subtyping devices are normally used. Here, we demonstrated a novel low density array combining 32 TaqMan® real-time RT-PCR systems in parallel for the specific detection of the haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) subtypes of avian and porcine hosts. The sensitivity of the newly developed system was compared with that of the pan-influenza assay, and the specificity of all RT-qPCRs was examined using a broad panel of 404 different influenza A virus isolates representing 45 different subtypes. Furthermore, we analysed the performance of the RT-qPCR assays with diagnostic samples obtained from wild birds and swine. Due to the open format of the array, adaptations to detect newly emerging influenza A virus strains can easily be integrated. The RITA array represents a competitive, fast and sensitive subtyping tool that requires neither new machinery nor additional training of staff in a lab where RT-qPCR is already established.
All-Optical Fiber Hanbury Brown & Twiss Interferometer to study 1300 nm single photon emission of a metamorphic InAs Quantum Dot
Authors: Muñoz-Matutano G. , Barrera D. , Fernández-Pousa C.R. , Chulia-Jordan R. , Seravalli L. , Trevisi G. , Frigeri P. , Sales S. , Martínez-Pastor J.
Published: June 2016

New optical fiber based spectroscopic tools open the possibility to develop more robust and efficient characterization experiments. Spectral filtering and light reflection have been used to produce compact and versatile fiber based optical cavities and sensors. Moreover, these technologies would be also suitable to study N-photon correlations, where high collection efficiency and frequency tunability is desirable. We demonstrated single photon emission of a single quantum dot emitting at 1300 nm, using a Fiber Bragg Grating for wavelength filtering and InGaAs Avalanche Photodiodes operated in Geiger mode for single photon detection. As we do not observe any significant fine structure splitting for the neutral exciton transition within our spectral resolution (46 μeV), metamorphic QD single photon emission studied with our all-fiber Hanbury Brown & Twiss interferometer could lead to a more efficient analysis of entangled photon sources at telecom wavelength. This all-optical fiber scheme opens the door to new first and second order interferometers to study photon indistinguishability, entangled photon and photon cross correlation in the more interesting telecom wavelengths.
Timing of population peaks of Norway lemming in relation to atmospheric pressure: A hypothesis to explain the spatial synchrony
Authors: Selås Vidar
Published: June 2016

Herbivore cycles are often synchronized over larger areas than what could be explained by dispersal. In Norway, the 3–4 year lemming cycle usually show no more than a one-year time lag between different regions, despite distances of up to 1000 km. If important food plants are forced to reallocate defensive proteins in years with high seed production, spatially synchronized herbivore outbreaks may be due to climate-synchronized peaks in flowering. Because lemming peaks are expected to occur one year after a flowering peak and the formation of flower buds is induced in the year before flowering, a two-year time lag between flower-inducing climate events and lemming peaks is predicted. At Hardangervidda, South Norway, the probability that a year was a population peak year of lemming during 1920–2014 increased with increasing midsummer atmospheric pressure two years earlier, even when the number of years since the previous peak was accounted for.
Dietary fruit, vegetable, fat and red and processed meat intakes and Barrett’s esophagus risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Zhanwei , Pu Zhongshu , Yin Zifang , Yu Pengfei , Hao Yiming , Wang Qian , Guo Min , Zhao Qingchuan
Published: June 2016

The relationships between dietary fruit, vegetable, fat and red and processed meat intakes and Barrett’s esophagus (BE) risk remain inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the available evidence on these issues. PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published from inception through October 2015. A total of eight studies were included in this analysis. Fruit intake was not associated with BE risk (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.37–1.13), but vegetable intake was strongly associated with BE risk (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.29–0.71). Saturated fat, red meat and processed meat intakes were not associated with BE risk with OR = 1.25 (95% CI = 0.82–1.91), OR = 0.85 (95% CI = 0.61–1.17) and OR = 1.03 (95% CI = 0.73–1.46), respectively. Dietary vegetable not fruits intake may be associated with decreased BE risk. Fat and red and processed meat intakes may not contribute to an increased BE risk. Well-designed, large prospective studies with better established dose-response relationships are needed to further validate these issues.
Direct microfabrication of oxide patterns by local electrodeposition of precisely positioned electrolyte: the case of Cu2O
Authors: Wang P. , Roberts R. C. , Ngan A. H. W.
Published: June 2016

An efficient technique for writing 2D oxide patterns on conductive substrates is proposed and demonstrated in this paper. The technique concerns a novel concept for selective electrodeposition, in which a minimum quantity of liquid electrolyte, through an extrusion nozzle, is delivered and manipulated into the desired shape on the substrate, meanwhile being electrodeposited into the product by an applied voltage across the nozzle and substrate. Patterns of primarily Cu2O with 80~90% molar fraction are successfully fabricated on stainless steel substrates using this method. A key factor that allows the solid product to be primarily oxide Cu2O instead of metal Cu – the product predicted by the equilibrium Pourbaix diagram given the unusually large absolute deposition voltage used in this method, is the non-equilibrium condition involved in the process due to the short deposition time. Other factors including the motion of the extrusion nozzle relative to the substrate and the surface profile of the substrate that influence the electrodeposition performance are also discussed.
Bioaccumulation of 13C-fullerenol nanomaterials in wheat
Authors: Wang Chenglong , Zhang Han , Ruan Longfei , Chen Lingyun , Li Hongliang , Chang Xue-Ling , Zhang Xian , Yang Sheng-Tao
Published: June 2016

Fullerenol, an important water-soluble derivative of fullerene carbon nanomaterial, has been increasingly used in medicine and industry.
Isotope-filtered nD NMR spectroscopy of complex mixtures to unravel the molecular structures of phenolic compounds in tagged soil organic matter
Authors: Bell N. G. A. , Graham M. C. , Uhrín D.
Published: June 2016

Molecular structures of phenolic compounds embedded in complex mixtures of natural organic matter are obtained using a suite of NMR experiments.
Magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction based on a novel adsorbent for the detection of triazole pesticide residues in honey by HPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Miao Qiongchen , Wang Jianmei , Nie Jing , Wu Huizhen , Liu Yanping , Li Zuguang , Qian Mingrong
Published: June 2016

A novel Fe3O4@MDN (MDN) magnetic nanomaterial was successfully developed as a magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction adsorbent for the determination of triazole pesticide residuals in honey samples by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).
Application of supramolecular solvent-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for trace monitoring of lead in food samples
Authors: Rastegar Ayoob , Alahabadi Ahmad , Esrafili Ali , Rezai Zahra , Hosseini-Bandegharaei Ahmad , Nazari Shahram
Published: June 2016

An efficient sample treatment method based on supramolecular solvent-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was applied for trace monitoring of lead by flow injection flame atomic absorption spectrometry.
Interlayer-I-doped BiOIO3 nanoplates with an optimized electronic structure for efficient visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Sun Yanjuan , Xiong Ting , Dong Fan , Huang Hongwei , Cen Wanglai
Published: June 2016

I-intercalated BiOIO3 demonstrated outstanding NO removal ability due to its extended light response, enhanced oxidation capability and improved carrier separation endowed by the interbedded I atoms.
The lowest-energy charge-transfer state and its role in charge separation in organic photovoltaics
Authors: Nan Guangjun , Zhang Xu , Lu Gang
Published: June 2016

The localized charge transfer state can lead to >90% internal quantum efficiency provided by the driving force from dynamic disorder and configuration entropy.
Understanding M–ligand bonding and mer-/fac-isomerism in tris(8-hydroxyquinolinate) metallic complexes
Authors: Lima Carlos F. R. A. C. , Taveira Ricardo J. S. , Costa José C. S. , Fernandes Ana M. , Melo André , Silva Artur M. S. , Santos Luís M. N. B. F.
Published: June 2016

mer-/fac-Isomerism in tris(8-hydroxyquinolinate) complexes is ruled by the interplay between steric and bonding factors. The M–ligand bond has strong covalent character and allows for through-ligand electron delocalization.
Hydrogen bonding induced distortion of CO3units and kinetic stabilization of amorphous calcium carbonate: results from 2D13C NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Sen Sabyasachi , Kaseman Derrick C. , Colas Bruno , Jacob Dorrit E. , Clark Simon M.
Published: June 2016

The structure of amorphous calcium carbonate consists of a uniform spatial disposition of H2O molecules around the CO3units, forming a hydrogen-bonded amorphous network that is stabilized against crystallization by steric frustration.
Formation mechanism of ultra porous framework materials
Authors: Fayon Pierre , Trewin Abbie
Published: June 2016

Understanding the formation mechanism of ultra porous framework materials may lead to insights into strategies for the design and synthesis of novel ultra porous materials or for the increased surface area of known materials.
Applications of hierarchically structured porous materials from energy storage and conversion, catalysis, photocatalysis, adsorption, separation, and sensing to biomedicine
Authors: Sun Ming-Hui , Huang Shao-Zhuan , Chen Li-Hua , Li Yu , Yang Xiao-Yu , Yuan Zhong-Yong , Su Bao-Lian
Published: June 2016

A comprehensive review of the recent progress in the applications of hierarchically structured porous materials is given.
On the performance of a Co-based catalyst supported on modified γ-Al2O3 during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis in the presence of co-fed water
Authors: Fratalocchi Laura , Visconti Carlo Giorgio , Lietti Luca , Groppi Gianpiero , Tronconi Enrico , Roccaro Ernesto , Zennaro Roberto
Published: June 2016

The effect of water on the Fischer–Tropsch performance of a supported cobalt catalyst has been studied in a fixed bed reactor by running co-feeding experiments for more than 1000 h under industrially relevant process conditions.
A green and cost-effective rechargeable battery with high energy density based on a deep eutectic catholyte
Authors: Wang Yarong , Zhou Haoshen
Published: June 2016

Deep eutectic catholytes/anolytes, such as FeCl3·6H2O/urea, are potentially a class of low-cost and greener active electrolytes with high volumetric capacities.
Ring opening metathesis polymerisation of a new bio-derived monomer from itaconic anhydride and furfuryl alcohol
Authors: Bai Yinjuan , De bruyn Mario , Clark James H. , Dodson Jennifer R. , Farmer Thomas J. , Honoré Mathilde , Ingram Ian D. V. , Naguib Mohamed , Whitwood Adrian C. , North Michael
Published: June 2016

A tandem Diels–Alder addition and lactonisation between bio-derivable itaconic anhydride and furfuryl alcohol can be used to prepare novel monomers for ROMP.
Turbulent flow chromatography in combination with HPLC-ICP-MS for high-throughput analysis of free, intact metal based drugs in biomedical samples
Authors: Koellensperger Gunda , Galanski Mathea S. , Keppler Bernhard K. , Hann Stephan
Published: June 2016

Turbulent flow chromatography is a powerful technique for efficient on-line separation of proteins from low molecular weight compounds.
Comparing the strength of covalent bonds, intermolecular hydrogen bonds and other intermolecular interactions for organic molecules: X-ray diffraction data and quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Gavezzotti Angelo
Published: June 2016

The chemical bonding landscape for organic molecules clearly demonstrates the different ranges of stability and predictability for the different types of interactions.
A diastereoselective Mannich-type reaction of α-fluorinated carboxylate esters: synthesis of β-amino acids containing α-quaternary fluorinated carbon centers
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Ya , Shang Huaqi
Published: June 2016

A diastereoselective Mannich-type reaction of α-alkyl, α-aryl, and α-vinyl fluoroacetates with N-tert-butylsulfinyl imines to access highly functionalized β-amino acids has been developed.
Stimuli-responsive supramolecular gel constructed by pillar[5]arene-based pseudo[2]rotaxanes via orthogonal metal–ligand coordination and hydrogen bonding interaction
Authors: Wu Xuan , Yu Ying , Gao Lei , Hu Xiao-Yu , Wang Leyong
Published: June 2016

A supramolecular polyrotaxane constructed by pillar[5]arene-based pseudo[2]rotaxanes via the incorporation of metal–ligand coordination could further self-assemble to form a stimuli-responsive supramolecular gel at high concentration.
Pervaporation dehydration of an acetone/water mixture by hybrid membranes incorporated with sulfonated carbon molecular sieves
Authors: Gao Chengyun , Zhang Minhua , Pan Fusheng , Wang Lingtao , Liao Jiayou , Nie Teng , Zhao Jing , Cao Keteng , Zhan Lei , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: June 2016

Sulfonated carbon molecular sieves (SCMS) were incorporated into a chitosan (CS) matrix. The sulfonic acid groups hydrophilic sites can preferentially interact with water, while the ordered channels facilitate water transport.
Tribological performance and thermal conductivity of graphene–Fe3O4/poly(phenol-formaldehyde resin) hybrid reinforced carbon fiber composites
Authors: Li Honglong , Jin Lin , Dong Jinglong , Liu Liu , Li Ming , Liu Yu , Xiao Linghan , Ao Yuhui
Published: June 2016

Poly(phenol-formaldehyde resin)/carbon fiber composites with different ratios of graphene–Fe3O4 were manufactured through a molding press process.
Surface flattening of a polyimide layer in a liquid crystal cell fabricated by using a field-induced UV-alignment method
Authors: Oh Seung-Won , Baek Jong-Min , Park Jun-Hee , Yoon Tae-Hoon
Published: June 2016

We found that the decrease in pretilt angle is related to the flattened surface in a homogeneously aligned LC cell fabricated with the field-induced UV-alignment method.
Engineering the crystallinity of tin disulfide deposited at low temperatures
Authors: Ham Giyul , Shin Seokyoon , Park Joohyun , Lee Juhyun , Choi Hyeongsu , Lee Seungjin , Jeon Hyeongtag
Published: June 2016

We report here that SnS2 films deposited at 150 °C and annealed at below 350 °C have good potential for using 2D SnS2 in flexible electronic devices.
Gas permeability, mechanical behaviour and compostability of fully-aliphatic bio-based multiblock poly(ester urethane)s
Authors: Genovese Laura , Soccio Michelina , Gigli Matteo , Lotti Nadia , Gazzano Massimo , Siracusa Valentina , Munari Andrea
Published: June 2016

Bio-based and compostable poly(ester urethane)s with tailorable mechanical and gas barrier properties designed for packaging purposes.
Silver nanocluster-lightened hybridization chain reaction
Authors: Liu Lin , Li Qing , Tang Li-Juan , Yu Ru-Qin , Jiang Jian-Hui
Published: June 2016

A hybridization chain reaction (HCR) lightened by DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) as a label-free and turn on fluorescence platform for nucleic acid assays.
A facile method to fabricate carbon nanostructures via the self-assembly of polyacrylonitrile/poly(methyl methacrylate-b-polyacrylonitrile) AB/B′ type block copolymer/homopolymer blends
Authors: Palanisamy A. , Salim N. V. , Fox B. L. , Jyotishkumar P. , Pradeep T. , Hameed N.
Published: June 2016

The self-assembly and high temperature behavior of AB/B′ type block copolymer/homopolymer blends containing polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymers were studied for the first time.
A facile, one-pot and eco-friendly synthesis of gold/silver nanobimetallics smartened rGO for enhanced catalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium
Authors: Vellaichamy Balakumar , Periakaruppan Prakash
Published: June 2016

A one-pot synthesis of rGO, AgNPs, rGO/AgNPs, AuNPs, rGO/AuNPs, Ag-AuNPs and rGO/Ag-AuNPs using Albizia saman leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent is reported herein.
l-proline N-sulfonic acid-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles: a novel and magnetically reusable catalyst for one-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2-(1H)-thiones under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Afradi M. , Foroughifar N. , Pasdar H. , Moghanian H.
Published: June 2016

Synthesis, characterization and utilization of the l-proline N-sulfonic acid-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as a novel magnetically reusable acid catalyst for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2-[1H]thione derivatives is reported.
Correction: Influence of calcination temperatures on the formation of anatase TiO2 nano rods with a polyol-mediated solvothermal method
Authors: Fathy Marwa , Hamad Hesham , El Hady Kashyout Abd
Published: June 2016

Correction for ‘Influence of calcination temperatures on the formation of anatase TiO2 nano rods with a polyol-mediated solvothermal method’ by Marwa Fathy et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 7310–7316.
Accessing and predicting the kinetic profiles of homogeneous catalysts from volcano plots
Authors: Wodrich Matthew D. , Busch Michael , Corminboeuf Clémence
Published: June 2016

Volcano plots, which generally describe only thermodynamics, are expanded to include kinetics that markedly influence the performance of homogeneous catalysts.
Molecular characterization of human ABHD2 as TAG lipase and ester hydrolase
Authors: M. Naresh Kumar , V.B.S.C. Thunuguntla , G.K. Veeramachaneni , B. Chandra Sekhar , Guntupalli Swapna , J.S. Bondili
Published: June 2016

Alterations in lipid metabolism have been progressively documented as a characteristic property of cancer cells. Though, human ABHD2 gene was found to be highly expressed in breast and lung cancers, its biochemical functionality is yet uncharacterized. In the present study we report, human ABHD2 as triacylglycerol (TAG) lipase along with ester hydrolysing capacity. Sequence analysis of ABHD2 revealed the presence of conserved motifs G205XS207XG209 and H120XXXXD125. Phylogenetic analysis showed homology to known lipases, Drosophila melanogaster CG3488. To evaluate the biochemical role, recombinant ABHD2 was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using pYES2/CT vector and His-tag purified protein showed TAG lipase activity. Ester hydrolase activity was confirmed with pNP acetate, butyrate and palmitate substrates respectively. Further, the ABHD2 homology model was built and the modelled protein was analysed based on the RMSD and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) of the 100 ns simulation trajectory. Docking the acetate, butyrate and palmitate ligands with the model confirmed covalent binding of ligands with the Ser207 of the GXSXG motif. The model was validated with a mutant ABHD2 developed with alanine in place of Ser207 and the docking studies revealed loss of interaction between selected ligands and the mutant protein active site. Based on the above results, human ABHD2 was identified as a novel TAG lipase and ester hydrolase.