Full Genome Characterization of the Culicoides-Borne Marsupial Orbiviruses: Wallal Virus, Mudjinbarry Virus and Warrego Viruses

Viruses belonging to the species Wallal virus and Warrego virus of the genus Orbivirus were identified as causative agents of blindness in marsupials in Australia during 1994/5. Recent comparisons of nucleotide (nt) and amino acid (aa) sequences have provided a basis for the grouping and classification of orbivirus isolates. However, full-genome sequence data are not available for representatives of all Orbivirus species. We report full-genome sequence data for three additional orbiviruses: Wallal virus (WALV); Mudjinabarry virus (MUDV) and Warrego virus (WARV). Comparisons of conserved polymerase (Pol), sub-core-shell 'T2' and core-surface 'T13' proteins show that these viruses group with other Culicoides borne orbiviruses, clustering with Eubenangee virus (EUBV), another orbivirus infecting marsupials. WARV shares <70% aa identity in all three conserved proteins (Pol, T2 and T13) with other orbiviruses, consistent with its classification within a distinct Orbivirus species. Although WALV and MUDV share <72.86%/67.93% aa/nt identity with other orbiviruses in Pol, T2 and T13, they share >99%/90% aa/nt identities with each other (consistent with membership of the same virus species - Wallal virus). However, WALV and MUDV share <68% aa identity in their larger outer capsid protein VP2(OC1), consistent with membership of different serotypes within the species - WALV-1 and WALV-2 respectively

Confusions in orbivirus protein classification

An extensive comparative analysis of orbivirus genomes revealed four cases of unclear numeration and protein designation, due to confused reference to protein size or segment size by which they are encoded. A concise nomenclature based on type species, sequence homology and functional characteristics independent of segment or protein size is suggested

Detection of a Fourth Orbivirus Non-Structural Protein

The genus Orbivirus includes both insect and tick-borne viruses. The orbivirus genome, composed of 10 segments of dsRNA, encodes 7 structural proteins (VP1–VP7) and 3 non-structural proteins (NS1–NS3). An open reading frame (ORF) that spans almost the entire length of genome segment-9 (Seg-9) encodes VP6 (the viral helicase). However, bioinformatic analysis recently identified an overlapping ORF (ORFX) in Seg-9. We show that ORFX encodes a new non-structural protein, identified here as NS4. Western blotting and confocal fluorescence microscopy, using antibodies raised against recombinant NS4 from Bluetongue virus (BTV, which is insect-borne), or Great Island virus (GIV, which is tick-borne), demonstrate that these proteins are synthesised in BTV or GIV infected mammalian cells, respectively. BTV NS4 is also expressed in Culicoides insect cells. NS4 forms aggregates throughout the cytoplasm as well as in the nucleus, consistent with identification of nuclear localisation signals within the NS4 sequence. Bioinformatic analyses indicate that NS4 contains coiled-coils, is related to proteins that bind nucleic acids, or are associated with membranes and shows similarities to nucleolar protein UTP20 (a processome subunit). Recombinant NS4 of GIV protects dsRNA from degradation by endoribonucleases of the RNAse III family, indicating that it interacts with dsRNA. However, BTV NS4, which is only half the putative size of the GIV NS4, did not protect dsRNA from RNAse III cleavage. NS4 of both GIV and BTV protect DNA from degradation by DNAse. NS4 was found to associate with lipid droplets in cells infected with BTV or GIV or transfected with a plasmid expressing NS4

The RESET project: constructing a European tephra lattice for refined synchronisation of environmental and archaeological events during the last c. 100 ka

This paper introduces the aims and scope of the RESET project (. RESponse of humans to abrupt Environmental Transitions), a programme of research funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (UK) between 2008 and 2013; it also provides the context and rationale for papers included in a special volume of Quaternary Science Reviews that report some of the project's findings. RESET examined the chronological and correlation methods employed to establish causal links between the timing of abrupt environmental transitions (AETs) on the one hand, and of human dispersal and development on the other, with a focus on the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic periods. The period of interest is the Last Glacial cycle and the early Holocene (c. 100-8 ka), during which time a number of pronounced AETs occurred. A long-running topic of debate is the degree to which human history in Europe and the Mediterranean region during the Palaeolithic was shaped by these AETs, but this has proved difficult to assess because of poor dating control. In an attempt to move the science forward, RESET examined the potential that tephra isochrons, and in particular non-visible ash layers (cryptotephras), might offer for synchronising palaeo-records with a greater degree of finesse. New tephrostratigraphical data generated by the project augment previously-established tephra frameworks for the region, and underpin a more evolved tephra 'lattice' that links palaeo-records between Greenland, the European mainland, sub-marine sequences in the Mediterranean and North Africa. The paper also outlines the significance of other contributions to this special volume: collectively, these illustrate how the lattice was constructed, how it links with cognate tephra research in Europe and elsewhere, and how the evidence of tephra isochrons is beginning to challenge long-held views about the impacts of environmental change on humans during the Palaeolithic. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.RESET was funded through Consortium Grants awarded by the Natural Environment Research Council, UK, to a collaborating team drawn from four institutions: Royal Holloway University of London (grant reference NE/E015905/1), the Natural History Museum, London (NE/E015913/1), Oxford University (NE/E015670/1) and the University of Southampton, including the National Oceanography Centre (NE/01531X/1). The authors also wish to record their deep gratitude to four members of the scientific community who formed a consultative advisory panel during the lifetime of the RESET project: Professor Barbara Wohlfarth (Stockholm University), Professor Jørgen Peder Steffensen (Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen), Dr. Martin Street (Romisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, Neuwied) and Professor Clive Oppenheimer (Cambridge University). They provided excellent advice at key stages of the work, which we greatly valued. We also thank Jenny Kynaston (Geography Department, Royal Holloway) for construction of several of the figures in this paper, and Debbie Barrett (Elsevier) and Colin Murray Wallace (Editor-in-Chief, QSR) for their considerable assistance in the production of this special volume.Peer Reviewe

Tenacidad a la fractura de compuestos cermets 3Al2O3*2SiO2/Ag manufacturados por molienda de alta energía

La fabricación de materiales compuestos de matriz cerámica reforzados con partículas metálicas han propiciado la formación de nuevos materiales conocidos como compuestos CERMETS, materiales que debido a sus elementos precursores poseen propiedades distintas a las de los materiales convencionales. En este trabajo se establece la ruta de fabricación de materiales compuestos cermets base 3Al2O3*2SiO2 reforzados con partículas metálicas de Ag a partir de la formación de la composición química en peso de polvos de 3Al2O3*2SiO2 / 1% Ag en busca de un aumento en la tenacidad a la fractura con respecto al cerámico base. La composición química de polvos es sometida a un proceso de mezcla molienda de alta energía en seco en un molino tipo planetario por 2 horas a 200 rpm. Los polvos posteriormente son conformados en muestras cilíndricas de 20 mm de diámetro y 3 mm de espesor mediante la aplicación de carga uniaxial en frío de 200 MPa. Las muestras son sinterizadas a 1500°C y 1600°C por una y dos horas en un horno de resistencia eléctrica en atmósfera controlada de gas nitrógeno. Los compuestos fabricados son analizados microestructuralmente por microscopia óptica y electrónica de barrido. Se determina la densidad y las propiedades mecánicas de dureza y tenacidad a la fractura, las dos últimas por el método de indentación. Los resultados muestran la viabilidad de fabricación de materiales compuestos cermets así como los cambios en la densidad, la dureza y la tenacidad a la fractura, con respecto al cerámico 3Al2O3*2SiO2 sin refuerzo metálico

Structural, vibrational, optical properties and theoretical studies of a new organic-inorganic material: Tris-acetoguanaminium hexachlorobismuthate monohydrate

In the present work, we investigate a self-assembly process which offers the possibility to construct organic-inorganic hybrid architectures by assembling halogenobismuthates(III) as building units and organic cations, in order to elaborate a new organic inorganic hybrid material with the formula [H-guan]3[BiCl6].H2O (H-guan+: acetoguanaminium cation). The compound was synthesized by slow evaporation of aqueous solution at room temperature and characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction, infrared and UV–vis absorption, scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Its structure consists of [BiCl6]3- anions, showing distorted octahedral geometry, surrounded by three crystallographically independent acetoguanaminium [C4H8N5]+ cations and a water molecule. The crystal packing is governed by the formation of a number of N–H⋯Cl, N–H⋯N, N–H⋯O and O–H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds arranged in a three-dimensional network. The optical properties of the title compound were also investigated by both UV–vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/LanL2DZ level have been carried out to gain a better insight into its vibrational and optical properties and a good agreement was found between experiments and calculations. TGA coupled to DSC analysis were carried out to study the thermal behavior of the prepared material

The emergence of domestication in eastern Maghreb: a new model for Tunisia

International audienc

First preliminary evidence for basketry and nut consumption in the Capsian culture (ca.10,000–7500 BP). Archaeobotanical data from new excavations at El Mekta, Tunisia

This paper aims to explore the presence of macro-botanical remains and to assess the role of food plants in sites from the Capsian culture (ca. 10,000–7500 BP). Previous research on the Capsian diet has emphasized the role of land snails and animal resources, but little attention has been paid to the consumption of plants. Here we present the results from the first systematic analysis of charred macro-botanical remains (other than wood charcoal) from a Capsian site. As a case study we have used the data from El Mekta in Tunisia occupied during both the Typical and Upper Capsian periods. Macro-botanical remains were scarce and the evidence of plant use is limited. We identified three taxa including Pinus halepensis, Quercus sp., and Stipa tenacissima. Archaeobotanical and ethnographic evidence suggests that P. halepensis and Quercus sp. could have been used for human consumption while S. tenacissima may have been utilized as a source of fiber for basketry. Decreasing frequencies of Quercus sp. from the Typical to the Upper Capsian levels match well with paleoclimatic proxies pointing to a slow process of desiccation in the region. Capsian populations could have adapted to this environmental change by focusing on the gathering of P. halepensis.We propose that both acorns and pine nuts could have played an important role in the Capsian diet, providing a highly nutritious food source which could also be stored. Archaeobotanical data is limited and definitive conclusions are still at an early stage but we encourage the application of systematic and complete sampling at other Capsian sites in order to test this hypothesis

Installation épipaléolithique à Hergla, Tunisie littorale: SHM-1, note préliminaire (stratigraphie, culture matérielle, subsistance)

Un projet d’études multidisciplinaires portant sur le peuplement holocène côtier de la Tunisie orientale a été mis en place à partir de 2002, désignant Hergla et son environnement lagunaire et côtier comme épicentre de nos études. Des prospections extensives ont permis de cartographier de nouveaux sites et stations. En raison de son fort potentiel stratigraphique nous avons choisi de fouiller la rammadiya de SHM-1 (VIIe-VIe millénaire cal B.C.). La lecture comparative de plusieurs coupes et celle des surfaces exposées en planimétrie, ont permis de reconnaître une série d’au moins sept niveaux majeurs d’occupation. Chacun apparait comme ayant été intentionnellement structuré par des aménagements de l’espace depuis la première phase d’occupation, qui s’installa directement sur le sol dunaire vierge bordant la sebkha-lagune de Halk el Menjel. L’analyse préliminaire des complexes structurels mis au jour permet d’envisager de considérer le site comme un véritable village. Il s’agit d’empierrements, interrompus par des trous de poteaux, associés à des restes de murets en pierres sèches, à des foyers, à des structures en creux de différentes dimensions et à des zones destinées à des activités spécifiques. L’étude de l’ensemble archéologique nous permet d’avancer les premières interprétations sur le comportement des groupes humains qui s’installèrent dans ce contexte littoral, et sur leurs interactions avec d’autres communautés contemporaines. Ces résultats, acquis grâce à une lecture attentive de la stratigraphie, ainsi qu’à une méthodologie adaptée à ce type de terrain permettent, enfin, de proposer plusieurs hypothèses sur la gestion des espaces de vie des communautés épipaléolithiques finales ayant fréquenté SHM-1