bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction: Corrigendum: Identification of Leishmania donovani Topoisomerase 1 inhibitors via intuitive scaffold hopping and bioisosteric modification of known Top 1 inhibitors
Authors: Mamidala Rajinikanth , Majumdar Papiya , Jha Kunal Kumar , Bathula Chandramohan , Agarwal Rahul , Chary M. Thirumala , Majumder Hemanta K. , Munshi Parthapratim , Sen Subhabrata
Published: June 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 26603; published online: 25 May 2016; updated: 20 June 2016 The original version of this Article contained errors in the spelling of the author Hemanta K. Majumder which was incorrectly given as H. K. Mazumdar. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Correction: Corrigendum: Internal exposure dynamics drive the Adverse Outcome Pathways of synthetic glucocorticoids in fish
Authors: Margiotta-Casaluci Luigi , Owen Stewart F. , Huerta Belinda , Rodríguez-Mozaz Sara , Kugathas Subramanian , Barceló Damià , Rand-Weaver Mariann , Sumpter John P.
Published: June 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 21978; published online: 26 February 2016; updated: 20 June 2016 The original version of this Article contained typographical errors. In the Abstract, “We recommend that the development phase of qAOPs should include the application of species-species uptake and physiologically-based PK/PD models.
The FonSIX6 gene acts as an avirulence effector in the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum - watermelon pathosystem
Authors: Niu Xiaowei , Zhao Xiaoqiang , Ling Kai-Shu , Levi Amnon , Sun Yuyan , Fan Min
Published: June 2016

When infecting a host plant, the fungus Fusarium oxysporum secretes several effector proteins into the xylem tissue to promote virulence. However, in a host plant with an innate immune system involving analogous resistance proteins, the fungus effector proteins may trigger resistance, rather than promoting virulence. Identity of the effector genes of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon) races that affect watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) are currently unknown. In this study, the SIX6 (secreted in xylem protein 6) gene was identified in Fon races 0 and 1 but not in the more virulent Fon race 2. Disrupting the FonSIX6 gene in Fon race 1 did not affect the sporulation or growth rate of the fungus but significantly enhanced Fon virulence in watermelon, suggesting that the mutant ΔFon1SIX6 protein allowed evasion of R protein-mediated host resistance. Complementation of the wild-type race 2 (which lacks FonSIX6) with FonSIX6 reduced its virulence. These results provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that FonSIX6 is an avirulence gene. The identification of FonSix6 as an avirulence factor may be a first step in understanding the mechanisms of Fon virulence and resistance in watermelon and further elucidating the role of Six6 in Fusarium-plant interactions.
Aging Will Amplify the Heat-related Mortality Risk under a Changing Climate: Projection for the Elderly in Beijing, China
Authors: Li Tiantian , Horton Radley M. , Bader Daniel A. , Zhou Maigeng , Liang Xudong , Ban Jie , Sun Qinghua , Kinney Patrick L.
Published: June 2016

An aging population could substantially enhance the burden of heat-related health risks in a warming climate because of their higher susceptibility to extreme heat health effects. Here, we project heat-related mortality for adults 65 years and older in Beijing China across 31 downscaled climate models and 2 representative concentration pathways (RCPs) in the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s. Under a scenario of medium population and RCP8.5, by the 2080s, Beijing is projected to experience 14,401 heat-related deaths per year for elderly individuals, which is a 264.9% increase compared with the 1980s. These impacts could be moderated through adaptation. In the 2080s, even with the 30% and 50% adaptation rate assumed in our study, the increase in heat-related death is approximately 7.4 times and 1.3 times larger than in the 1980s respectively under a scenario of high population and RCP8.5. These findings could assist countries in establishing public health intervention policies for the dual problems of climate change and aging population. Examples could include ensuring facilities with large elderly populations are protected from extreme heat (for example through back-up power supplies and/or passive cooling) and using databases and community networks to ensure the home-bound elderly are safe during extreme heat events.
Near-trench slip potential of megaquakes evaluated from fault properties and conditions
Authors: Hirono Tetsuro , Tsuda Kenichi , Tanikawa Wataru , Ampuero Jean-Paul , Shibazaki Bunichiro , Kinoshita Masataka , Mori James J.
Published: June 2016

Near-trench slip during large megathrust earthquakes (megaquakes) is an important factor in the generation of destructive tsunamis. We proposed a new approach to assessing the near-trench slip potential quantitatively by integrating laboratory-derived properties of fault materials and simulations of fault weakening and rupture propagation. Although the permeability of the sandy Nankai Trough materials are higher than that of the clayey materials from the Japan Trench, dynamic weakening by thermally pressurized fluid is greater at the Nankai Trough owing to higher friction, although initially overpressured fluid at the Nankai Trough restrains the fault weakening. Dynamic rupture simulations reproduced the large slip near the trench observed in the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake and predicted the possibility of a large slip of over 30 m for the impending megaquake at the Nankai Trough. Our integrative approach is applicable globally to subduction zones as a novel tool for the prediction of extreme tsunami-producing near-trench slip.
Flow of Red Blood Cells in Stenosed Microvessels
Authors: Vahidkhah Koohyar , Balogh Peter , Bagchi Prosenjit
Published: June 2016

A computational study is presented on the flow of deformable red blood cells in stenosed microvessels. It is observed that the Fahraeus-Lindqvist effect is significantly enhanced due to the presence of a stenosis. The apparent viscosity of blood is observed to increase by several folds when compared to non-stenosed vessels. An asymmetric distribution of the red blood cells, caused by geometric focusing in stenosed vessels, is observed to play a major role in the enhancement. The asymmetry in cell distribution also results in an asymmetry in average velocity and wall shear stress along the length of the stenosis. The discrete motion of the cells causes large time-dependent fluctuations in flow properties. The root-mean-square of flow rate fluctuations could be an order of magnitude higher than that in non-stenosed vessels. Several folds increase in Eulerian velocity fluctuation is also observed in the vicinity of the stenosis. Surprisingly, a transient flow reversal is observed upstream a stenosis but not downstream. The asymmetry and fluctuations in flow quantities and the flow reversal would not occur in absence of the cells. It is concluded that the flow physics and its physiological consequences are significantly different in micro- versus macrovascular stenosis.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs) Improve Heart Function in Swine Myocardial Infarction Model through Paracrine Effects
Authors: Cai Min , Shen Rui , Song Lei , Lu Minjie , Wang Jianguang , Zhao Shihua , Tang Yue , Meng Xianmin , Li Zongjin , He Zuo-Xiang
Published: June 2016

Stem cells are promising for the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) and large animal models should be used to better understand the full spectrum of stem cell actions and preclinical evidences. In this study, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were transplanted into swine heart ischemia model. To detect glucose metabolism in global left ventricular myocardium and regional myocardium, combined with assessment of cardiac function, positron emission tomography-computer tomography (PET-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. To study the changes of glucose transporters and glucose metabolism-related enzymes and the signal transduction pathway, RT-PCR, Western-blot, and immunohistochemistry were carried out. Myocardium metabolic evaluation by PET-CT showed that mean signal intensity (MSI) increased in these segments at week 4 compared with that at week 1 after BM-MSCs transplantation. Moreover, MRI demonstrated significant function enhancement in BM-MSCs group. The gene expressions of glucose transporters (GLUT1, GLUT4), glucose metabolism-related enzymes phosphofructokinase (PFK), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH)) and 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70s6k) in BM-MSCs injected areas were up-regulated at week 4 after BM-MSCs transplantation and this was confirmed by Western-blot and immunohistochemistry. In conclusions, BM-MSCs transplantation could improve cardiac function in swine MI model by activation of mTOR signal transduction pathway.
Improvements of sensorimotor processes during action cascading associated with changes in sensory processing architecture–insights from sensory deprivation
Authors: Gohil Krutika , Hahne Anja , Beste Christian
Published: June 2016

In most everyday situations sensorimotor processes are quite complex because situations often require to carry out several actions in a specific temporal order; i.e. one has to cascade different actions. While it is known that changes to stimuli affect action cascading mechanisms, it is unknown whether action cascading changes when sensory stimuli are not manipulated, but the neural architecture to process these stimuli is altered. In the current study we test this hypothesis using prelingually deaf subjects as a model to answer this question. We use a system neurophysiological approach using event-related potentials (ERPs) and source localization techniques. We show that prelingually deaf subjects show improvements in action cascading. However, this improvement is most likely not due to changes at the perceptual (P1-ERP) and attentional processing level (N1-ERP), but due to changes at the response selection level (P3-ERP). It seems that the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) is important for these effects to occur, because the TPJ comprises overlapping networks important for the processing of sensory information and the selection of responses. Sensory deprivation thus affects cognitive processes downstream of sensory processing and only these seem to be important for behavioral improvements in situations requiring complex sensorimotor processes and action cascading.
ORION: a web server for protein fold recognition and structure prediction using evolutionary hybrid profiles
Authors: Ghouzam Yassine , Postic Guillaume , Guerin Pierre-Edouard , de Brevern Alexandre G. , Gelly Jean-Christophe
Published: June 2016

Protein structure prediction based on comparative modeling is the most efficient way to produce structural models when it can be performed. ORION is a dedicated webserver based on a new strategy that performs this task. The identification by ORION of suitable templates is performed using an original profile-profile approach that combines sequence and structure evolution information. Structure evolution information is encoded into profiles using structural features, such as solvent accessibility and local conformation —with Protein Blocks—, which give an accurate description of the local protein structure. ORION has recently been improved, increasing by 5% the quality of its results. The ORION web server accepts a single protein sequence as input and searches homologous protein structures within minutes. Various databases such as PDB, SCOP and HOMSTRAD can be mined to find an appropriate structural template. For the modeling step, a protein 3D structure can be directly obtained from the selected template by MODELLER and displayed with global and local quality model estimation measures. The sequence and the predicted structure of 4 examples from the CAMEO server and a recent CASP11 target from the ‘Hard’ category (T0818-D1) are shown as pertinent examples. Our web server is accessible athttp://www.dsimb.inserm.fr/ORION/.
Elastic metamaterials for tuning circular polarization of electromagnetic waves
Authors: Zárate Yair , Babaee Sahab , Kang Sung H. , Neshev Dragomir N. , Shadrivov Ilya V. , Bertoldi Katia , Powell David A.
Published: June 2016

Electromagnetic resonators are integrated with advanced elastic material to develop a new type of tunable metamaterial. An electromagnetic-elastic metamaterial able to switch on and off its electromagnetic chiral response is experimentally demonstrated. Such tunability is attained by harnessing the unique buckling properties of auxetic elastic materials (buckliballs) with embedded electromagnetic resonators. In these structures, simple uniaxial compression results in a complex but controlled pattern of deformation, resulting in a shift of its electromagnetic resonance and in the structure transforming to a chiral state. The concept can be extended to the tuning of three-dimensional materials constructed from the meta-molecules, since all the components twist and deform into the same chiral configuration when compressed.
Anti-HIV microRNA expression in a novel Indian cohort
Authors: Dey Rakesh , Soni Kartik , Saravanan Shanmugam , Balakrishnan Pachamuthu , Kumar Vikram , Boobalan Jayaseelan , Solomon Sunil Suhas , Scaria Vinod , Solomon Suniti , Brahmachari Samir K. , Pillai Beena
Published: June 2016

HIV-1 replication inside host cells is known to be regulated by various host factors. Host miRNAs, by virtue of its normal functioning, also regulate HIV-1 RNA expression by either directly targeting virus mRNAs or indirectly by regulating host proteins that HIV-1 uses for own replication. Therefore, it is highly possible that with differential miRNA expression, rate of disease progression will vary in HIV-1 infected individuals. In this study we have compared expression of a panel of 13 reported anti-HIV miRNAs in human PBMCs from long term non progressors (LTNPs), regular progressors and rapid progressors. We found that LTNPs have substantial lower expression of miR-382-5p that positively correlates with viral loads. Combinatorial regulation is highly probable in dictating differential disease progression as average expression of miR-382-5p and miR-155-5p can substantially distinguish LTNP individuals from regular progressors.
The mitochondrial protease AtFTSH4 safeguards Arabidopsis shoot apical meristem function
Authors: Dolzblasz Alicja , Smakowska Elwira , Gola Edyta M. , Sokołowska Katarzyna , Kicia Marta , Janska Hanna
Published: June 2016

The shoot apical meristem (SAM) ensures continuous plant growth and organogenesis. In LD 30 °C, plants lacking AtFTSH4, an ATP-dependent mitochondrial protease that counteracts accumulation of internal oxidative stress, exhibit a puzzling phenotype of premature SAM termination. We aimed to elucidate the underlying cellular and molecular processes that link AtFTSH4 with SAM arrest. We studied AtFTSH4 expression, internal oxidative stress accumulation, and SAM morphology. Directly in the SAM we analysed H2O2 accumulation, mitochondria behaviour, and identity of stem cells using WUS/CLV3 expression. AtFTSH4 was expressed in proliferating tissues, particularly during the reproductive phase. In the mutant, SAM, in which internal oxidative stress accumulates predominantly at 30 °C, lost its meristematic fate. This process was progressive and stage-specific. Premature meristem termination was associated with an expansion in SAM area, where mitochondria lost their functionality. All these effects destabilised the identity of the stem cells. SAM termination in ftsh4 mutants is caused both by internal oxidative stress accumulation with time/age and by the tissue-specific role of AtFTSH4 around the flowering transition. Maintaining mitochondria functionality within the SAM, dependent on AtFTSH4, is vital to preserving stem cell activity throughout development.
Metatranscriptomics reveals the molecular mechanism of large granule formation in granular anammox reactor
Authors: Bagchi Samik , Lamendella Regina , Strutt Steven , Van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , Saikaly Pascal E.
Published: June 2016

Granules enriched with anammox bacteria are essential in enhancing the treatment of ammonia-rich wastewater, but little is known about how anammox bacteria grow and multiply inside granules. Here, we combined metatranscriptomics, quantitative PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to study the changes in community composition, metabolic gene content and gene expression in a granular anammox reactor with the objective of understanding the molecular mechanism of anammox growth and multiplication that led to formation of large granules. Size distribution analysis revealed the spatial distribution of granules in which large granules having higher abundance of anammox bacteria (genus Brocadia) dominated the bottom biomass. Metatranscriptomics analysis detected all the essential transcripts for anammox metabolism. During the later stage of reactor operation, higher expression of ammonia and nitrite transport proteins and key metabolic enzymes mainly in the bottom large granules facilitated anammox bacteria activity. The high activity resulted in higher growth and multiplication of anammox bacteria and expanded the size of the granules. This conceptual model for large granule formation proposed here may assist in the future design of anammox processes for mainstream wastewater treatment.
Mitochondrial fission is an acute and adaptive response in injured motor neurons
Authors: Kiryu-Seo Sumiko , Tamada Hiromi , Kato Yukina , Yasuda Katsura , Ishihara Naotada , Nomura Masatoshi , Mihara Katsuyoshi , Kiyama Hiroshi
Published: June 2016

Successful recovery from neuronal damage requires a huge energy supply, which is provided by mitochondria. However, the physiological relevance of mitochondrial dynamics in damaged neurons in vivo is poorly understood. To address this issue, we established unique bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic (BAC Tg) mice, which develop and function normally, but in which neuronal injury induces labelling of mitochondria with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and expression of cre recombinase. GFP-labelled mitochondria in BAC Tg mice appear shorter in regenerating motor axons soon after nerve injury compared with mitochondria in non-injured axons, suggesting the importance of increased mitochondrial fission during the early phase of nerve regeneration. Crossing the BAC Tg mice with mice carrying a floxed dynamin-related protein 1 gene (Drp1), which is necessary for mitochondrial fission, ablates mitochondrial fission specifically in injured neurons. Injury-induced Drp1-deficient motor neurons show elongated or abnormally gigantic mitochondria, which have impaired membrane potential and axonal transport velocity during the early phase after injury, and eventually promote neuronal death. Our in vivo data suggest that acute and prominent mitochondrial fission during the early stage after nerve injury is an adaptive response and is involved in the maintenance of mitochondrial and neuronal integrity to prevent neurodegeneration.
Establishment of bovine embryonic stem cells after knockdown of CDX2
Authors: Wu Xia , Song Miao , Yang Xi , Liu Xin , Liu Kun , Jiao Cuihua , Wang Jinze , Bai Chunling , Su Guanghua , Liu Xuefei , Li Guangpeng
Published: June 2016

Bovine embryonic stem cells (bESCs) have not been successfully established yet. One reason could be that CDX2, as the trophectoderm regulator, expresses in bovine inner cell mass (ICM), which probably becomes a technical barrier for maintaining the pluripotency of bESCs in vitro. We hypothesized that CDX2 knockdown (CDX2-KD) could remove such negative effort, which will be helpful for capturing complete and permanent capacity of pluripotency. Expression and localization of pluripotent genes were not affected in CDX2-KD blastocysts. The CDX2-KD bESCs grew into monolayers on feeder layer. Pluripotent genes expressed at an improved levels and lasted longer time in CDX2-KD bESCs, along with down-regulation of DNA methylation on promoters of both OCT4 and SOX2. The cystic structure typical for trophoblast cells did not show during culturing CDX2-KD bESCs. CDX2-KD bESC-derived Embryoid bodies showed with compact morphology and with the improved levels of differentiations in three germ layers. CDX2-KD bESCs still carried the capacity of forming teratomas with three germ layers after long-term culture. In summary, CDX2 in bovine ICM was inducer of trophoblast lineage with negative effect on maintenance of pluripotency of bESCs. Precise regulation CDX2 expression to switch on/off will be studied next for application on establishment of bESCs.
Crystal structure of MytiLec, a galactose-binding lectin from the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis with cytotoxicity against certain cancer cell types
Authors: Terada Daiki , Kawai Fumihiro , Noguchi Hiroki , Unzai Satoru , Hasan Imtiaj , Fujii Yuki , Park Sam-Yong , Ozeki Yasuhiro , Tame Jeremy R. H.
Published: June 2016

MytiLec is a lectin, isolated from bivalves, with cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines that express globotriaosyl ceramide, Galα(1,4)Galβ(1,4)Glcα1-Cer, on the cell surface. Functional analysis shows that the protein binds to the disaccharide melibiose, Galα(1,6)Glc and the trisaccharide globotriose, Galα(1,4)Galβ(1,4)Glc. Recombinant MytiLec expressed in bacteria showed the same haemagglutinating and cytotoxic activity against Burkitt’s lymphoma (Raji) cells as the native form. The crystal structure has been determined to atomic resolution, in the presence and absence of ligands, showing the protein to be a member of the β-trefoil family, but with a mode of ligand binding unique to a small group of related trefoil lectins. Each of the three pseudo-equivalent binding sites within the monomer shows ligand binding and the protein forms a tight dimer in solution. An engineered monomer mutant lost all cytotoxic activity against Raji cells, but retained some haemagglutination activity, showing that the quaternary structure of the protein is important for its cellular effects.
The relationship between apoptosis, chromatin configuration, histone modification and competence of oocytes: A study using the mouse ovary-holding stress model
Authors: Lin Juan , Chen Fei , Sun Ming-Ju , Zhu Jiang , Li You-Wei , Pan Liu-Zhu , Zhang Jie , Tan Jing-He
Published: June 2016

The epigenetic factors causing competence differences between SN (surrounded nucleolus) and NSN (non-surrounded nucleolus) oocytes, the significance for the increased histone acetylation and methylation in SN oocytes, and whether chromatin configuration or histone modification determines oocyte competence, are unclear. This study has addressed these issues by using the ovary-holding (OH) stress models where oocyte SN configuration was uncoupled from histone modifications and developmental potential. Prepubertal mouse ovaries containing high percentages of NSN oocytes were preserved at 37 or 39 °C for 1 or 2 h before examination for oocyte chromatin configuration, developmental competence, histone modification and apoptosis. Whereas 1-h OH at 37 °C caused a moderate apoptosis with increased oocyte competence, improved histone modification and a normal NSN-to-SN transition, harsher OH conditions induced a severe apoptosis with decreased oocyte competence, impaired histone modification and a pseudo (premature) NSN-to-SN transition. Observations on Fas/FasL expression and using the gld (generalized lymphoproliferative disorder) mice harboring FasL mutations indicated that OH triggered oocyte apoptosis with activation of the Fas signaling. It was concluded that OH stress caused oocyte apoptosis with activation of the Fas/FasL system and that oocyte competence was more closely correlated with histone modification than with chromatin configuration.
Meal size is a critical driver of weight gain in early childhood
Authors: Syrad Hayley , Llewellyn Clare H. , Johnson Laura , Boniface David , Jebb Susan A. , van Jaarsveld Cornelia H. M. , Wardle Jane
Published: June 2016

Larger serving sizes and more frequent eating episodes have been implicated in the rising prevalence of obesity at a population level. This study examines the relative contributions of meal size and frequency to weight gain in a large sample of British children. Using 3-day diet diaries from 1939 children aged 21 months from the Gemini twin cohort, we assessed prospective associations between meal size, meal frequency and weight gain from two to five years. Separate longitudinal analyses demonstrated that every 10 kcal increase in meal size was associated with 1.5 g/wk or 4% (p = 0.005) faster growth rate, while meal frequency was not independently associated with growth (β = 0.3 g/wk p = 0.20). Including both meal parameters in the model strengthened associations (meal size: β = 2.6 g/wk, p < 0.001; meal frequency: β = 1.0 g/wk, p = 0.001). Taken together, the implication is that meal size promotes faster growth regardless of frequency, but meal frequency has a significant effect only if meal size is assumed to be held constant. Clearer advice on meal size and frequency, especially advice on appropriate meal size, may help prevent excess weight gain.
A single-step acid catalyzed reaction for rapid assembly of NH-1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: Thomas Joice , Jana Sampad , Liekens Sandra , Dehaen Wim
Published: June 2016

NH-1,2,3-Triazole moieties are a part of the design of various biologically active compounds, pharmaceutical agents and functional materials.
Organisation and ordering of 1D porphyrin polymers synthesised by on-surface Glaser coupling
Authors: Saywell Alex , Browning Abigail S. , Rahe Philipp , Anderson Harry L. , Beton Peter H.
Published: June 2016

One-dimensional porphyrin polymer chains formed via on-surface Glaser coupling exhibit ordering and conformational flexibility.
Visible light catalyzed methylsulfoxidation of (het)aryl diazonium salts using DMSO
Authors: Pramanik Mukund M. D. , Rastogi Namrata
Published: June 2016

The visible light catalyzed methylsulfoxidation of (het)aryl diazonium salts using DMSO is illustrated.
Protonated hexaphyrin–cyclodextrin hybrids: molecular recognition tuned by a kinetic-to-thermodynamic topological adaptation
Authors: Le Gac Stéphane , Boitrel Bernard , Sollogoub Matthieu , Ménand Mickaël
Published: June 2016

Protonated hexaphyrin-capped cyclodextrin hybrids undergo a thermally activated conformational transition of the cap, affecting the host–guest properties of the system.
Consecutive visible-light photoredox decarboxylative couplings of adipic acid active esters with alkynyl sulfones leading to cyclic compounds
Authors: Li Jingjing , Tian Hua , Jiang Min , Yang Haijun , Zhao Yufen , Fu Hua
Published: June 2016

Novel and efficient consecutive photoredox decarboxylative couplings of adipic acid active esters with substituted 1-(2-arylethynylsulfonyl)benzenes have been developed under visible-light photocatalysis.
Atom-economical cobalt-catalysed regioselective coupling of epoxides and aziridines with alkenes
Authors: Prina Cerai Gabriele , Morandi Bill
Published: June 2016

An atom-economical cobalt-catalysed regioselective coupling of epoxides and aziridines with alkenes is reported.
A novel route to C-unsubstituted 1,2-oxaphosphetane and 1,2-oxaphospholane complexes
Authors: Kyri A. W. , Schnakenburg G. , Streubel R.
Published: June 2016

The synthesis of 1,2-oxaphosphetane complexes 7 and 1,2-oxaphospholane complex 12 bearing only substituents at phosphorus is reported using the reaction of Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complex 2 with 2-iodoethanol or 3-bromo-propane-1-ol and the subsequent dehydrohalogenation using KHMDS.
Fullerenol C60(OH)16prevents amyloid fibrillization of Aβ40– in vitro and in silico approach
Authors: Bednarikova Zuzana , Huy Pham Dinh Quoc , Mocanu Maria-Magdalena , Fedunova Diana , Li Mai Suan , Gazova Zuzana
Published: June 2016

We studied the effect of water-soluble fullerenol C60(OH)16on amyloid fibrillization of Aβ40peptidein vitroandin silico.
PCl3–C6H6 heterodimers: evidence for P⋯π phosphorus bonding at low temperatures
Authors: Ramanathan N. , Sankaran K. , Sundararajan K.
Published: June 2016

A phosphorous trichloride (PCl3)–benzene (C6H6) heterodimer was generated in a low temperature N2 matrix and was characterized using infrared spectroscopy.
Rare-earth-free white emitting Ba2TiP2O9 phosphor: revealing its crystal structure and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Hasegawa Takuya , Kim Sun Woog , Kamei Shinnosuke , Ishigaki Tadashi , Uematsu Kazuyoshi , Ohmi Koutoku , Toda Kenji , Sato Mineo
Published: June 2016

Crystal structure of a Ba2TiP2O9 phosphor has been revealed by Rietveld refinement, it has monoclinic structure which consists of PO4 tetrahedra and TiO5 pyramidal polyhedra connected to form a chain structure along the c-axis.
Enhanced piezoelectricity in (1 − x)Bi1.05Fe1−yAyO3–xBaTiO3lead-free ceramics: site engineering and wide phase boundary region
Authors: Zheng Ting , Jiang Zhenggen , Wu Jiagang
Published: June 2016

Enhanced piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity can be achieved in (1 −x)Bi1.05Fe1−yAyO3–xBaTiO3ceramics with A = Sc, Ga, and Al due to the involvement of R–C phase boundary.
Electrical properties of organic–inorganic hybrid tin bromide cubic perovskites: hole-doping and iodide substitution effects
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroyuki , Inabe Tamotsu
Published: June 2016

The spontaneous doping also occurs in tin bromide perovskites. We also found negative differential resistance in bromide-rich mixed halide perovskites.
One-step in situ preparation of liquid-exfoliated pristine graphene/Si composites: towards practical anodes for commercial lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Hong , Shen Zhigang , Liang Shuaishuai , Liu Lei , Yi Min , Zhang Xiaojing , Ma Shulin
Published: June 2016

The exfoliation of graphite flakes into graphene sheets and the insertion of Si nanoparticles and surfactants into them occur simultaneously.
Highly efficient and recyclable copper based ionic liquid catalysts for amide synthesis
Authors: Rani Poonam , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: June 2016

Copper based ionic liquids have been successfully prepared for the synthesis of primary, secondary and tertiary amides under mild reaction conditions.
Two-step warming solvothermal syntheses, luminescence and slow magnetic relaxation of isostructural dense LnMOFs based on nanoscale 3-connected linkers
Authors: Liu Cai-Ming , Zhang De-Qing , Zhao Yong-Sheng , Hao Xiang , Zhu Dao-Ben
Published: June 2016

Two isostructural 3D dense LnMOFs exhibiting either photoluminescence or slow magnetic relaxation are assembled under two-step warming solvothermal conditions.
A general route to sulfones via insertion of sulfur dioxide promoted by cobalt oxide
Authors: Zheng Danqing , Chen Mo , Yao Liangqing , Wu Jie
Published: June 2016

A cobalt-promoted coupling reaction of triethoxysilanes, sulfur dioxide, and electrophiles is developed. Different electrophilic partners including alkyl bromides, iodonium salts, and electron-poor (hetero)aryl chlorides work well under the standard conditions.
Recent advances in photoinduced trifluoromethylation and difluoroalkylation
Authors: Pan Xiaolin , Xia Hongguang , Wu Jie
Published: June 2016

Recent advances in photoinduced trifluoromethylation and difluoroalkylation under photocatalysis are summarized. Most of the photoredox reactions proceed efficiently under mild conditions with simple operation. Various fluorinated reagents are developed and applied in different transformations.
Recent advances in copper-mediated chelation-assisted functionalization of unactivated C–H bonds
Authors: Rao Wei-Hao , Shi Bing-Feng
Published: June 2016

Recent advances in copper-mediated (both stoichiometric and catalytic) chelation-assisted functionalization of unactivated C–H bonds are reviewed.
Effects of chemical structures of polycarboxylic acids on molecular and performance manipulation of hair keratin
Authors: Song Kaili , Xu Helan , Xie Kongliang , Yang Yiqi
Published: June 2016

A non-toxic hair crosslinking formula containing polycarboxylic acids and featuring a high treatment performance and mechanical retention is developed.
Clinical and EEG Features of Idiopathic Focal Epilepsies in Childhood
Authors: Darra Francesca , Bernardina Bernardo , Fejerman Natalio , Caraballo Roberto
Published: June 2016

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) report lists three well-defined syndromes of idiopathic focal epilepsies in childhood: benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS), Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS), and idiopathic childhood occipital epilepsy of Gastaut (ICOE-G). The concept of idiopathic and benign focal epilepsies in childhood is relevant as the term implies absence of structural brain lesions and genetic predisposition in the presence of age-dependent seizures. BCECTS is the most frequent of the benign focal epilepsies in childhood accounting for 15 to 25% of epilepsy syndromes in children below 15 years of age. It is also the most frequent epilepsy syndrome occurring at school age. The prevalence of PS was around 13% in children aged 3 to 6 years with one or more nonfebrile seizures, and 6% in the age group of 1 to 15 years. These figures may be higher if children who are currently considered to have an atypical clinical presentation are included in the syndrome. PS is the most common specific cause of nonfebrile status epilepticus in childhood. ICOE “Gastaut type” is a rare manifestation of a focal idiopathic epilepsy that has an age-related onset and is often age limited. The seizures of ICOE Gastaut type are always of occipital-lobe onset and primarily manifest with visual seizures, which are the most typical and usually the first ictal symptom, but other types of seizures may be associated. ICOE “Gastaut type” is a rare condition with a probable prevalence of 0.2 to 0.9% of all epilepsies, and accounting for 2 to 7% of benign childhood focal seizures.The recognition of these age-dependent epileptic syndromes is crucial for the adequate management of the children and their family.
Preoperative Somatostatin Analogue Treatment Might Trigger Apoptosis and Autophagy in Tumor Tissues of Patients with Acromegaly: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dagistanli F. , Ozkaya H. , Kucukyoruk B. , Biceroglu H. , Metin D. , Gazioglu N. , Oz B. , Kadioglu P. , Ozturk M.
Published: June 2016

Objective: To evaluate the effect of preoperative somatostatin analog (SRL) treatment on proteins associated with apoptosis and autophagy in patients with acromegaly and to determine factors correlating with these parameters.

Methods: Ex-vivo tumor samples of 11 SRL-treated and 9 SRL-untreated patients were retrospectively included in the study. Apoptotic and autophagic proteins were determined via immunohistochemical staining and apoptosis was evaluated via in situ DNA end labeling (TUNEL).

Results: TUNEL, caspase-3, and ATG-5 immunopositivity was significantly increased (p<0.01, p=0.01, p=0.01, respectively), survivin and beclin-1 immunopositivity was significantly decreased (p=0.03, p=0.02, respectively) in SRL-treated patients as compared with SRL-untreated controls. Ki-67 index was decreased significantly in the SRL-treated group (p=0.01). Significant positive correlations were detected between TUNEL and caspase-3 immunopositivity (r=0.577, p<0.01), and between survivin and beclin-1 immunopositivity (r=0.503, p=0.03). Age at diagnosis, preoperative GH, IGF-1 levels, tumor size, and invasion status were not found to affect TUNEL positivity nor did they correlate with caspase-3, survivin, beclin-1, ATG-5 immunopositivity (p>0.05 for all). Preoperative SRL treatment was the only factor that had a significant effect on TUNEL positivity (adjusted R2=0.39, p=0.02). Preoperative treatment duration was positively correlated with TUNEL and caspase-3 immunopositivity (r=0.526, p=0.02; r=0.475, p=0.04, respectively) and negatively correlated with survivin immunopositivity (r=−0.533, p=0.01).

Conclusions: Somatostatin analog treatment might induce apoptosis, increase autophagy, and decrease cell proliferation in GH-secreting adenomas. Also, proteins related to cross-talk between autophagy and apoptosis are upregulated after SRL treatment.
Underestimation of homeless clients’ interest in quitting smoking: a case for routine tobacco assessment
Authors: Maddox Sarah , Segan Catherine
Published: June 2016

Issue addressed

In Australia smoking rates among the homeless are extremely high; however, little is known about their interest in quitting and few homeless services offer cessation assistance. In an Australian homeless service, this research examined the clients’ smoking from the client, staff and organisational perspectives in order to assess the need for cessation assistance for clients and identify opportunities to increase access to it.

Methods

Twenty‐six nurses completed an anonymous survey describing their attitudes to providing smoking‐cessation support, current practices and estimates of client smoking and interest in quitting. Subsequently, nurses administered a survey to 104 clients to determine their smoking prevalence and interest in quitting. Organisation‐wide tobacco‐related policy and practices were audited.

Results

Most clients (82%) smoked, half of these (52%) reported wanting to quit and 64% reported trying to quit or reduce their smoking in the previous 3 months. Nurses approximated clients’ smoking prevalence (88% vs 82% reported by clients), but underestimated interest in quitting (33% vs 52% reported by clients). Among nurses 93% agreed that cessation support should be part of normal client care. The organisation’s client‐assessment form contained fields for ‘respiratory issues’ and ‘drug issues’, but no specific field for smoking status. The organisation’s smoking policy focused on providing a smoke‐free work environment.

Conclusions

Many smokers using homeless services want to quit and are actively trying to reduce and quit smoking. Smoking‐cessation assistance that meets the needs of people experiencing homelessness is clearly warranted.

So what?

Homeless services should develop, and include in their smoking policy and intake processes, a practice of routinely assessing tobacco use, offering brief interventions and referral to appropriately tailored services.
Common carp disrupt ecosystem structure and function through middle-out effects
Authors: Kaemingk Mark A. , Jolley Jeffrey C. , Paukert Craig P. , Willis David W. , Henderson Kjetil , Holland Richard S. , Wanner Greg A. , Lindvall Mark L.
Published: June 2016

Middle-out effects or a combination of top-down and bottom-up processes create many theoretical and empirical challenges in the realm of trophic ecology. We propose using specific autecology or species trait (i.e. behavioural) information to help explain and understand trophic dynamics that may involve complicated and non-unidirectional trophic interactions. The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) served as our model species for whole-lake observational and experimental studies; four trophic levels were measured to assess common carp-mediated middle-out effects across multiple lakes. We hypothesised that common carp could influence aquatic ecosystems through multiple pathways (i.e. abiotic and biotic foraging, early life feeding, nutrient). Both studies revealed most trophic levels were affected by common carp, highlighting strong middle-out effects likely caused by common carp foraging activities and abiotic influence (i.e. sediment resuspension). The loss of water transparency, submersed vegetation and a shift in zooplankton dynamics were the strongest effects. Trophic levels furthest from direct pathway effects were also affected (fish life history traits). The present study demonstrates that common carp can exert substantial effects on ecosystem structure and function. Species capable of middle-out effects can greatly modify communities through a variety of available pathways and are not confined to traditional top-down or bottom-up processes.
Aggregations and reproductive events of the narrownose smooth-hound shark (Mustelus schmitti) in relation to temperature and depth in coastal waters of the south-western Atlantic Ocean (38–42°S)
Authors: Elisio Mariano , Colonello Jorge H. , Cortés Federico , Jaureguizar Andrés J. , Somoza Gustavo M. , Macchi Gustavo J.
Published: June 2016

Knowledge of environmental influence on reproductive dynamics in chondrichthyans is critical for effective management. The present study assessed the potential influences of temperature and depth on aggregations and reproductive events of the narrownose smooth-hound shark (Mustelus schmitti), using an analysis criterion based on the co-occurrence of different reproductive stages. Data were collected from 363 sample sites during six research surveys, covering an area of ~47744km2 along the coast (38–42°S, depth of <50m). Aggregations of M. schmitti adults were mostly associated with the warmer spring surveys, with the aggregation sites being significantly warmer than those of non-aggregation. Evidence of pupping and ovulation was observed, almost simultaneously, during all spring surveys. However, the occurrence of these reproductive events showed a clear interannual variability pattern that was significantly explained by water temperature. Particularly, the occurrence of ovulation was associated with temperatures above 16–17°C. These results suggest that M. schmitti adults may follow the warming gradient along the environment and, thus, they aggregate in shallow and productive waters during the course of spring. Their reproductive events could be induced by temperature increase. This scenario suggests that changes in the patterns of bottom temperature may be important drivers of the reproductive dynamics of M. schmitti.
Response to ‘Fauna-rescue programs highlight unresolved scientific, ethical and animal welfare issues’ by Menkhorst et al.
Authors: Thompson Scott A. , Thompson Graham G.
Published: June 2016

There is limited knowledge on the success or failure of fauna relocations associated with vegetation clearing programs. This paper comments on issues raised by other authors and provides some suggested guidelines that can be applied in the absence of scientific evidence.
Putrescine supplementation during in vitro maturation of aged mouse oocytes improves the quality of blastocysts
Authors: Liu Dandan , Mo Guolong , Tao Yong , Wang Hongmei , Liu X. Johné
Published: June 2016

Mouse ovaries exhibit a peri-ovulatory rise of ornithine decarboxylase and its product putrescine concurrent with oocyte maturation. Older mice exhibit a deficiency of both the enzyme and putrescine. Peri-ovulatory putrescine supplementation in drinking water increases ovarian putrescine levels, reduces embryo resorption and increases live pups in older mice. However, it is unknown if putrescine acts in the ovaries to improve oocyte maturation. This study examined the impact of putrescine supplementation during oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) on the developmental potential of aged oocytes. Cumulus–oocyte complexes from 9–12-month-old C57BL/6 mice were subjected to IVM with or without 0.5 mM putrescine, followed by in vitro fertilisation and culture to the blastocyst stage. Putrescine supplementation during IVM did not influence the proportion of oocyte maturation, fertilisation or blastocyst formation, but significantly increased blastocyst cell numbers (44.5 ± 1.9, compared with 36.5 ± 1.9 for control; P = 0.003). The putrescine group also had a significantly higher proportion of blastocysts with top-grade morphology (42.9%, compared with 26.1% for control; P = 0.041) and a greater proportion with octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4)-positive inner cell mass (38.3%, compared with 19.8% for control; P = 0.005). Therefore, putrescine supplementation during IVM improves egg quality of aged mice, providing proof of principle for possible application in human IVM procedures for older infertile women.
Physical quality of a Luvisol under agroforestry systems in a semi-arid region, Brazil
Authors: Watanabe Rafaela , Figueiredo Getulio Coutinho , Pires da Silva Alvaro , Neves Júlio César Lima , Senna de Oliveira Teógenes
Published: June 2016

Agroforestry systems provide many environmental benefits in semi-arid regions; however, trampling by cattle, and agricultural practices, can degrade physical quality of the soil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of compaction and the compression behaviour of a Luvisol after 14 years under agro-silvopastoral (ASP) and silvopastoral systems (SILV), compared with a soil under natural vegetation (NV). We evaluated the degree of soil compactness, compaction index, pre-consolidation pressure, maximum bulk density, critical water content and the stocks of total organic carbon (C), organic matter (OM), C in light organic matter (LOM), and nitrogen (N) in LOM. The results indicated that agroforestry systems change the compressive behaviour of the soil, increasing maximum bulk density (P < 0.05) and reducing critical water content (P < 0.05). Despite the increases in maximum bulk density, changes induced by agroforestry system did not affect the pore space, as shown by similar values for degree of compactness (P > 0.05) under ASP, SILV and NV. This suggests a change in the quality of OM, as evidenced by the lower values for stocks of N in LOM (P < 0.10) and total organic C (P < 0.05) under ASP and SILV, whereas pre-consolidation pressure was unaffected (P > 0.05). After 14 years, the degree of compactness and load-bearing capacity of the soils under ASP and SILV had not increased, being suitable for plant growth.
Tillage does not increase nitrous oxide emissions under dryland canola (Brassica napus L.) in a semiarid environment of south-eastern Australia
Authors: Li Guangdi D. , Conyers Mark K. , Schwenke Graeme D. , Hayes Richard C. , Liu De Li , Lowrie Adam J. , Poile Graeme J. , Oates Albert A. , Lowrie Richard J.
Published: June 2016

Dryland cereal production systems of south-eastern Australia require viable options for reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions without compromising productivity and profitability. A 4-year rotational experiment with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–canola (Brassica napus L.)–grain legumes–wheat in sequence was established at Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia, in a semiarid Mediterranean-type environment where long-term average annual rainfall is 541mm and the incidence of summer rainfall is episodic and unreliable. The objectives of the experiment were to investigate whether (i) tillage increases N2O emissions and (ii) nitrogen (N) application can improve productivity without increasing N2O emissions. The base experimental design for each crop phase was a split-plot design with tillage treatment (tilled versus no-till) as the whole plot, and N fertiliser rate (0, 25, 50 and 100kgN/ha) as the subplot, replicated three times. This paper reports high resolution N2O emission data under a canola crop. The daily N2O emission rate averaged 0.55g N2O-N/ha.day, ranging between –0.81 and 6.71g N2O-N/ha.day. The annual cumulative N2O-N emitted was 175.6 and 224.3g N2O-N/ha under 0 and 100kgN/ha treatments respectively. There was no evidence to support the first hypothesis that tillage increases N2O emissions, a result which may give farmers more confidence to use tillage strategically to manage weeds and diseases where necessary. However, increasing N fertiliser rate tended to increase N2O emissions, but did not increase crop production at this site.