bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiobrominated benzimidazole-quinoline derivatives as Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) imaging probes
Authors: Effendi Nurmaya , Mishiro Kenji , Takarada Takeshi , Makino Akira , Yamada Daisuke , Kitamura Yoji , Shiba Kazuhiro , Kiyono Yasushi , Odani Akira , Ogawa Kazuma
Published: July 2018

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) affects in numerous human cancers and has been recognized as a promising molecular target for cancer therapies. The overexpression of PDGFRβ could be a biomarker for cancer diagnosis. Radiolabeled ligands having high affinity for the molecular target could be useful tools for the imaging of overexpressed receptors in tumors. In this study, we aimed to develop radiobrominated PDGFRβ ligands and evaluate their effectiveness as PDGFRβ imaging probes. The radiolabeled ligands were designed by modification of 1-{2-[5-(2-methoxyethoxy)-1H- benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl]quinolin-8-yl}piperidin-4-amine (1), which shows selective inhibition profile toward PDGFRβ. The bromine atom was introduced directly into C-5 of the quinoline group of 1, or indirectly by the conjugation of 1 with the 3-bromo benzoyl group. [77Br]1-{5-Bromo-2-[5-(2-methoxyethoxy)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl]quinoline-8-yl}piperidin-4-amine ([77Br]2) and [77Br]-N-3-bromobenzoyl-1-{2-[5-(2-methoxyethoxy)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl]quinolin-8-yl}-piperidin-4-amine ([77Br]3) were prepared using a bromodestannylation reaction. In a cellular uptake study, [77Br]2 and [77Br]3 more highly accumulatd in BxPC3-luc cells (PDGFRβ-positive) than in MCF7 cells (PDGFRβ-negative), and their accumulation was significantly reduced by pretreatment with inhibitors. In biodistribution experiments, [77Br]2 accumulation was higher than [77Br]3 accumulation at 1 h postinjection. These findings suggest that [76Br]2 is more promising for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of PDGFRβ than [76Br]3.
Water Pharmacophore: Designing Ligands using Molecular Dynamics Simulations with Water
Authors: Jung Sang Won , Kim Minsup , Ramsey Steven , Kurtzman Tom , Cho Art E.
Published: July 2018

In this study, we demonstrate a method to construct a water-based pharmacophore model which can be utilized in the absence of known ligands. This method utilizes waters found in the binding pocket, sampled through molecular dynamics. Screening of compound databases against this water-based pharmacophore model reveals that this approach can successfully identify known binders to a target protein. The method was tested by enrichment studies of 7 therapeutically important targets and compared favourably to screening-by-docking with Glide. Our results suggest that even without experimentally known binders, pharmacophore models can be generated using molecular dynamics with waters and used for virtual screening.
NaV1.4 DI-S4 periodic paralysis mutation R222W enhances inactivation and promotes leak current to attenuate action potentials and depolarize muscle fibers
Authors: Bayless-Edwards Landon , Winston Vern , Lehmann-Horn Frank , Arinze Paula , Groome James R. , Jurkat-Rott Karin
Published: July 2018

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a skeletal muscle disease characterized by episodic weakness associated with low serum potassium. We compared clinical and biophysical effects of R222W, the first hNaV1.4 domain I mutation linked to this disease. R222W patients exhibited a higher density of fibers with depolarized resting membrane potentials and produced action potentials that were attenuated compared to controls. Functional characterization of the R222W mutation in heterologous expression included the inactivation deficient IFM/QQQ background to isolate activation. R222W decreased sodium current and slowed activation without affecting probability. Consistent with the phenotype of muscle weakness, R222W shifted fast inactivation to hyperpolarized potentials, promoted more rapid entry, and slowed recovery. R222W increased the extent of slow inactivation and slowed its recovery. A two-compartment skeletal muscle fiber model revealed that defects in fast inactivation sufficiently explain action potential attenuation in patients. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that R222W disrupted electrostatic interactions within the gating pore, supporting the observation that R222W promotes omega current at hyperpolarized potentials. Sodium channel inactivation defects produced by R222W are the primary driver of skeletal muscle fiber action potential attenuation, while hyperpolarization-induced omega current produced by that mutation promotes muscle fiber depolarization.
Oxidative degradation of polyamines by serum supplement causes cytotoxicity on cultured cells
Authors: Wang Linlin , Liu Ying , Qi Cui , Shen Luyao , Wang Junyan , Liu Xiangjun , Zhang Nan , Bing Tao , Shangguan Dihua
Published: July 2018

Serum is a common supplement for cell culture due to it containing the essential active components for the growth and maintenance of cells. However, the knowledges of the active components in serum are incomplete. Apart from the direct influence of serum components on cultured cells, the reaction of serum components with tested drugs cannot be ignored, which usually results in the false conclusion on the activity of the tested drugs. Here we report the toxicity effect of polyamines (spermidine and spermine) on cultured cells, especially on drug-resistant cancer cell lines, which resulted from the oxidative degradation of polyamines by amine oxidases in serum supplement. Upon adding spermidine or spermine, high concentration of H2O2, an enzyme oxidation product of polyamines, was generated in culture media containing ruminant serum, such as fetal bovine serum (FBS), calf serum, bovine serum, goat serum or horse serum, but not in the media containing human serum. Drug-resistant cancer cell lines showed much higher sensitivity to the oxidation products of polyamines (H2O2 and acrolein) than their wild cell lines, which was due to their low antioxidative capacity.
Publisher Correction: Non-invasive imaging through strongly scattering media based on speckle pattern estimation and deconvolution
Authors: Wang Zhouping , Jin Xin , Dai Qionghai
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Cellomics approach for high-throughput functional annotation of Caenorhabditis elegans neural network
Authors: Aoki Wataru , Matsukura Hidenori , Yamauchi Yuji , Yokoyama Haruki , Hasegawa Koichi , Shinya Ryoji , Ueda Mitsuyoshi
Published: July 2018

In Caenorhabditis elegans, which has only 302 neurons, relationships between behaviors and neural networks are not easily elucidated. In this study, we proposed a novel cellomics approach enabling high-throughput and comprehensive exploration of the functions of a single neuron or a subset of neurons in a complex neural network on a particular behavior. To realize this, we combined optogenetics and Brainbow technologies. Using these technologies, we established a C. elegans library where opsin is labeled in a randomized pattern. Behavioral analysis on this library under light illumination enabled high-throughput annotation of neurons affecting target behaviors. We applied this approach to the egg-laying behavior of C. elegans and succeeded in high-throughput confirmation that hermaphrodite-specific neurons play an important role in the egg-laying behavior. This cellomics approach will lead to the accumulation of neurophysiological and behavioral data of the C. elegans neural network, which is necessary for constructing neuroanatomically grounded models of behavior.
A profiling analysis of contributions of cigarette smoking, dietary calcium intakes, and physical activity to fragility fracture in the elderly
Authors: Pham Thuy T. , Nguyen Diep N. , Dutkiewicz Eryk , Center Jacqueline R. , Eisman John A. , Nguyen Tuan V.
Published: July 2018

Fragility fracture and bone mineral density (BMD) are influenced by common and modifiable lifestyle factors. In this study, we sought to define the contribution of lifestyle factors to fracture risk by using a profiling approach. The study involved 1683 women and 1010 men (50+ years old, followed up for up to 20 years). The incidence of new fractures was ascertained by X-ray reports. A “lifestyle risk score” (LRS) was derived as the weighted sum of effects of dietary calcium intake, physical activity index, and cigarette smoking. Each individual had a unique LRS, with higher scores being associated with a healthier lifestyle. Baseline values of lifestyle factors were assessed. In either men or women, individuals with a fracture had a significantly lower age-adjusted LRS than those without a fracture. In men, each unit lower in LRS was associated with a 66% increase in the risk of total fracture (non-adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.66; 95% CI, 1.26 to 2.20) and still significant after adjusting for age, weight or BMD. However, in women, the association was uncertain (HR 1.30; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.53). These data suggest that unhealthy lifestyle habits are associated with an increased risk of fracture in men, but not in women, and that the association is mediated by BMD.
Power-law relationship in the long-tailed sections of proton dose distributions
Authors: Jiang Bo , Wang Xiaochun , Zhang Yang , Guan Fada , Li Yupeng , Wang Xianliang , Zhu Ronald X. , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: July 2018

The halo portion of a proton therapy dose creates a long tail in proton dose distributions, but so far study of this phenomenon has been limited. We used statistical methods and mathematical models to confirm that the long-tailed portion of proton dose distributions exhibits a power-law relationship. By analyzing 299 measured dose profiles, we found that all proton lateral dose distributions had a significant power-law scaling correlation with a high correlation coefficient in the tail. We set up a dual-mechanism model, containing both direct and indirect impact mechanisms. In the direct impact mechanism, the proximal dose deposition is mainly due to the direct impact of a proton on a particle. In the indirect mechanism, the impact of a proton on a given particle is considered in terms of the proton’s impact on a neighboring particle that then impacts the given particle. We found that the indirect impact mechanism led to a tail in the distribution exhibiting a power-law relationship because the probability of the indirect impacts was proportional to the distance; i.e., the longer the distance, the larger the indirect impact probability. Upon analyzing the experimental data, we observed that the power-law exponent increased with proton energy.
Volumetric, Nanoscale Optical Imaging of Mouse and Human Kidney via Expansion Microscopy
Authors: Chozinski Tyler J. , Mao Chenyi , Halpern Aaron R. , Pippin Jeffrey W. , Shankland Stuart J. , Alpers Charles E. , Najafian Behzad , Vaughan Joshua C.
Published: July 2018

Although light microscopy is a powerful tool for the assessment of kidney physiology and pathology, it has traditionally been unable to resolve structures separated by less than the ~250 nm diffraction limit of visible light. Here, we report on the optimization, validation, and application of a recently developed super-resolution fluorescence microscopy method, called expansion microscopy (ExM), for volumetric interrogation of mouse and human kidney tissue with 70–75 nm lateral and ~250 nm axial spatial resolution. Using ExM with a standard confocal microscope, we resolve fine details of structures that have traditionally required visualization by electron microscopy, including podocyte foot processes, the glomerular basement membrane, and the cytoskeleton. This inexpensive and accessible approach to volumetric, nanoscale imaging enables visualization of fine structural details of kidney tissues that were previously difficult or impossible to measure by conventional methodologies.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals selection signatures associated with important traits in six goat breeds
Authors: Guo Jiazhong , Tao Haixi , Li Pengfei , Li Li , Zhong Tao , Wang Linjie , Ma Jinying , Chen Xiaoying , Song Tianzeng , Zhang Hongping
Published: July 2018

Comparative population genomics analysis is an effective approach to identify selection signatures in farm animals. In this study, we systematically investigated the selection signatures in six phenotypically diverse goat breeds using SNPs obtained from pooled whole-genome resequencing data. More than 95.5% of 446–642 million clean reads were mapped to the latest reference goat genome, which generated a sequencing depth ranging from 22.30 to 31.75-fold for each breed. A total of 5,802,307, 6,794,020, 7,562,312, 5,325,119, 8,764,136, and 9,488,057 putative SNPs were detected in Boer, Meigu, Jintang Black, Nanjiang Yellow, Tibetan, and Tibetan cashmere goats, respectively. Based on the genome-wide FST and expected heterozygosity scores along 100-kb sliding windows, 68, 89, 44, 44, 19, and 35 outlier windows were deemed as the selection signatures in the six goat breeds. After genome annotation, several genes within the selection signals were found to be possibly associated with important traits in goats, such as coat color (IRF4, EXOC2, RALY, EIF2S2, and KITLG), high-altitude adaptation (EPAS1), growth (LDB2), and reproduction traits (KHDRBS2). In summary, we provide an improved understanding of the genetic diversity and the genomic footprints under positive selection or the adaptations to the local environments in the domestic goat genome.
Circadian challenge of astronauts’ unconscious mind adapting to microgravity in space, estimated by heart rate variability
Authors: Otsuka Kuniaki , Cornelissen Germaine , Kubo Yutaka , Shibata Koichi , Hayashi Mitsutoshi , Mizuno Koh , Ohshima Hiroshi , Furukawa Satoshi , Mukai Chiaki
Published: July 2018

It is critical that the regulatory system functions well in space’s microgravity. However, the “intrinsic” cardiovascular regulatory system (β), estimated by the fractal scaling of heart rate variability (HRV) (0.0001–0.01 Hz), does not adapt to the space environment during long-duration (6-month) space flights. Neuroimaging studies suggest that the default mode network (DMN) serves a broad adaptive purpose, its topology changing over time in association with different brain states of adaptive behavior. Hypothesizing that HRV varies in concert with changes in brain’s functional connectivity, we analyzed 24-hour HRV records from 8 healthy astronauts (51.8 ± 3.7 years; 6 men) on long (174.5 ± 13.8 days) space missions, obtained before launch, after about 21 (ISS01), 73 (ISS02), and 156 (ISS03) days in space, and after return to Earth. Spectral power in 8 frequency regions reflecting activity in different brain regions was computed by maximal entropy. Improved β (p < 0.05) found in 4 astronauts with a positive activation in the “HRV slow-frequency oscillation” (0.10–0.20 Hz) occurred even in the absence of consciousness. The adaptive response was stronger in the evening and early sleep compared to morning (p = 0.039). Brain functional networks, the DMN in particular, can help adapt to microgravity in space with help from the circadian clock.
Systematic RNA-interference in primary human monocyte-derived macrophages: A high-throughput platform to study foam cell formation
Authors: Domschke Gabriele , Linden Fabian , Pawig Lukas , Hafner Anna , Akhavanpoor Mohammadreza , Reymann Jürgen , Doesch Andreas O. , Erbel Christian , Weber Christian , Katus Hugo A. , Noels Heidi , Erfle Holger , Gleissner Christian A. , Runz Heiko
Published: July 2018

Macrophage-derived foam cells are key regulators of atherogenesis. They accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques and support inflammatory processes by producing cytokines and chemokines. Identifying factors that regulate macrophage lipid uptake may reveal therapeutic targets for coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, we establish a high-throughput screening workflow to systematically identify genes that impact the uptake of DiI-labeled low-density lipoprotein (LDL) into monocyte-derived primary human macrophages. For this, monocytes isolated from peripheral blood were seeded onto 384-well plates, solid-phase transfected with siRNAs, differentiated in vitro into macrophages, and LDL-uptake per cell was measured by automated microscopy and quantitative image analysis. We applied this workflow to study how silencing of 89 genes impacts LDL-uptake into cells from 16 patients with CAD and 16 age-matched controls. Silencing of four novel genes (APOC1, CMTM6, FABP4, WBP5) reduced macrophage LDL-uptake. Additionally, knockdown of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 reduced LDL-uptake, most likely through a G-protein coupled mechanism that involves the CXCR4 ligand macrophage-induced factor (MIF), but is independent of CXCL12. We introduce a high-throughput strategy to systematically study gene function directly in primary CAD-patient cells. Our results propose a function for the MIF/CXCR4 signaling pathway, as well as several novel candidate genes impacting lipid uptake into human macrophages.
Diffusion weighted MRI as an early predictor of tumor response to hypofractionated stereotactic boost for prostate cancer
Authors: Pasquier David , Hadj Henni Abderraouf , Escande Alexandre , Tresch Emmanuelle , Reynaert Nick , Colot Olivier , Lartigau Eric , Betrouni Nacim
Published: July 2018

We evaluated the feasibility of using the kinetic of diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) and the normalized apparent coefficient diffusion (ADC) map value as an early biomarker in patients treated by external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Twelve patients were included within the frame of a multicenter phase II trial and treated for intermediate risk prostate cancer (PCa). Multiparametric MRI was performed before treatment (M0) and every 6 months until M24. Association between nADC and PSA or PSA kinetic was evaluated using the test of nullity of the Spearman correlation coefficient. The median rates of PSA at the time of diagnosis, two years and four years after EBRT were 9.29 ng/ml (range from 5.26 to 17.67), 0.68 ng/ml (0.07–2.7), 0.47 ng/ml (0.09–1.39), respectively. Median nADC increased from 1.14 × 10−3 mm2/s to 1.59 × 10−3 mm2/s between M0 and M24. Only one patient presented a decrease of nADC (1.35 × 10−3 mm2/s and 1.11 × 10−3 mm2/s at M0 and M12 respectively). The increase in nADC at M6 was correlated with PSA decrease at M18, M24 and M30 (p < 0.05). The increase in nADc at M12 was correlated with PSA decrease at M36 (p = 0.019). Early nADC variation were correlated with late PSA decrease for patients with PCa treated by EBRT.
Meta-proteomics of rumen microbiota indicates niche compartmentalisation and functional dominance in a limited number of metabolic pathways between abundant bacteria
Authors: Hart E. H. , Creevey C. J. , Hitch T. , Kingston-Smith A. H.
Published: July 2018

The rumen is a complex ecosystem. It is the primary site for microbial fermentation of ingested feed allowing conversion of a low nutritional feed source into high quality meat and milk products. However, digestive inefficiencies lead to production of high amounts of environmental pollutants; methane and nitrogenous waste. These inefficiencies could be overcome by development of forages which better match the requirements of the rumen microbial population. Although challenging, the application of meta-proteomics has potential for a more complete understanding of the rumen ecosystem than sequencing approaches alone. Here, we have implemented a meta-proteomic approach to determine the association between taxonomies of microbial sources of the most abundant proteins in the rumens of forage-fed dairy cows, with taxonomic abundances typical of those previously described by metagenomics. Reproducible proteome profiles were generated from rumen samples. The most highly abundant taxonomic phyla in the proteome were Bacteriodetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, which corresponded with the most abundant taxonomic phyla determined from 16S rRNA studies. Meta-proteome data indicated differentiation between metabolic pathways of the most abundant phyla, which is in agreement with the concept of diversified niches within the rumen microbiota.
Effective Resistivity in Collisionless Magnetic Reconnection
Authors: Ma Z. W. , Chen T. , Zhang H. W. , Yu M. Y.
Published: July 2018

An effective resistivity relevant to collisionless magnetic reconnection (MR) in plasma is presented. It is based on the argument that pitch angle scattering of electrons in the small electron diffusion region around the X line can lead to an effective, resistivity in collisionless plasma. The effective resistivity so obtained is in the form of a power law of the local plasma and magnetic field parameters. Its validity is confirmed by direct collisionless particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation. The result agrees very well with the resistivity (obtained from available data) of a large number of environments susceptible to MR: from the intergalactic and interstellar to solar and terrestrial to laboratory fusion plasmas. The scaling law can readily be incorporated into existing collisional magnetohydrodynamic simulation codes to investigate collisionless MR, as well as serve as a guide to ab initio theoretical investigations of the collisionless MR process.
Enhancement of chondrogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells in HA-PNIPAAm-CL hydrogel for cartilage regeneration in rabbits
Authors: Wang Chau-Zen , Eswaramoorthy Rajalakshmanan , Lin Tzu-Hsiang , Chen Chung-Hwan , Fu Yin-Chih , Wang Chih-Kuang , Wu Shun-Cheng , Wang Gwo-Jaw , Chang Je-Ken , Ho Mei-Ling
Published: July 2018

Injectable thermoresponsive hydrogels have the advantages of effective cell delivery and minimal invasion for tissue engineering applications. In this study, we investigated the chondroinductive potential of newly developed hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (HA-PNIPAAm-CL) hydrogels on enhancing rabbit ADSC (rADSC) chondrogenesis in vitro and in the synovial cavity of rabbit. The HA-mixed PNIPAAm (HA-PNIPAAm-CP) and HA-cross-linked PNIPAAm (HA-PNIPAAm-CL) were fabricated using physical interaction and chemical cross-linking methods, respectively. The in vitro results showed that, compared to unmodified PNIPAAm, both HA-modified hydrogels significantly increased cell viability, chondrogenic marker gene (aggrecan and type II collagen) expression and sulfide glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) formation in embedded rADSCs. However, HA-PNIPAAm-CL showed the highest rADSC viability and chondrogenesis. The chondrogenic effects of HA-modified hydrogels on rADSCs were confirmed in vivo by the intraarticular injection of hydrogel-embedded rADSC constructs into rabbit synovial cavities for 3 weeks and tracing with CM-DiI labeling. Neocartilage formation in the hydrogels was determined by histomorphological staining of GAG and type II collagen. In vivo injected rADSC/HA-PNIPAAm-CL constructs showed more hyaline cartilage formation than that of rADSC/HA-PNIPAAm-CP and rADSC/PNIPAAm constructs in the synovial cavity of rabbit. These results suggest that the HA-PNIPAAm-CL provides a suitable microenvironment to enhance ADSC chondrogenesis for articular cartilage tissue engineering applications.
Catalysts for Depolymerization of Biomass
Authors: Gromov Nikolay V. , Taran Oxana P. , Parmon Valentin N.
Published: July 2018

Solid acid catalysts with their advantages such as easy separation, reusability, and high activity have great potentialities in the efficient depolymerization of lignocellulose to valuable chemicals. This Chapter is an overview of the main types of solid acid catalysts for biomass depolymerization. Under consideration are ion-exchange resins, carbons, zeolites, oxides, and heteropoly acids. The main focus is on transformations of polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicelluloses). The carbon catalysts and ion-exchange resins seem to be the most promising catalysts for the depolymerization. They provide the highest yields of monomer products from plant polymers. On the other hand, zeolites and some oxides are extremely stable and applicable under very severe conditions. Some aspects of the mechanism of interaction between the solid lignocellulose substrate and solid acid catalysts are discussed. Efficient transformation of lignocellulose components is shown to need some preactivation procedures. The main types of auxiliary physical and chemical methods for pretreatment of lignocellulose to partly destroy the structure and separate the components of lignocellulose are considered.
Catalysts for Biofuels Production
Authors: Frusteri Leone , Bonura Giuseppe , Perathoner Siglinda
Published: July 2018

The chapter discusses the production of biofuels by catalytic technologies (i.e., transesterification of vegetable oils, hydrogenation of oils and conversion to liquid fuels), considering the global potential of raw materials, cost of technology and the main barriers for large-scale development of the market. The triglyceride-based feedstocks and biomass derivatives have been considered promising resources for production of advanced biofuels, namely, biodiesel, green diesel and biojet fuels. Bulky and supported solid acid/base catalysts have been extensively developed for the conversion of biomass derivatives into biodiesel and fuel additives. Among the series of deoxygenation reactions, hydrodeoxygenation is the major reaction in green diesel production when utilizing the group of metal sulfide catalysts with various doping elements. As for biojet fuels, composites of metal/metal sulfides with strong solid acids are a promising approach to catalyze hydroisomerization and cracking reactions of the straight-chain alkanes into branched ones with proper carbon atoms. The research, development, and engineering of novel heterogeneous catalysts could be a key factor for commercialization and strong establishment of the biorefinery and biofuel industries.
Catalytic Upgrading of Bio-oils
Authors: Pawelec B. , Navarro R. M. , Fierro J. L. G.
Published: July 2018

Bio-oil has been identified as a major feedstock for the production of renewable fuels. As bio-oil has a high O-content, and therefore a low heating value and low stability over time, upgrading is desirable to remove the oxygen and to make it similar to crude oil. Here, we examine the two general catalytic routes for bio-oil upgrading: cracking and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO). Zeolite cracking is an alternative path in which acid zeolites are used as catalysts for the deoxygenation reaction. In these systems, hydrogen is not required, and so the operation is performed at atmospheric pressure. However, HDO is usually conducted under high H2 pressure in order to remove the O-containing compounds and hence to produce a high grade oil product. The catalysts employed for HDO are traditional hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts, such as Co–MoS2/Al2O3, or metal catalysts. However, the life of the catalyst (more than 200 h on stream) has not been demonstrated. Of the two catalytic routes mentioned above, HDO appears to have the best potential, as zeolite cracking cannot produce fuels of an acceptable grade. Although HDO is considered the best option to produce transportation fuels of a grade and cost equivalent to present fossil fuels, several problems still have to be solved. An understanding of the carbon forming mechanisms and kinetics, an evaluation of the requirement for high pressure, and sustainable sources of hydrogen are some of the areas that have to be elucidated before the process can be commercialized.
Noble Metal Based Bimetallic Catalysts for the Catalytic Hydrotreatment of Phenolic Model Components for (Pyrolytic) Lignins
Authors: Yin W. , Kloekhorst A. , Hita I. , Heeres H. J.
Published: July 2018

Lignins and pyrolytic lignins are considered to be interesting renewable sources for the production of important aromatic chemicals like benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX), and phenolic compounds. Catalytic hydrotreatment using supported metal catalysts has proven to be an interesting technology for this conversion. However, as lignins are highly cross-linked polymers with a large number of linkages between the aromatic nuclei, it is very challenging to obtain information about the reaction pathways occurring during the catalytic hydrotreatment process. The use of model components instead of real lignins provides valuable insights into the reactivity of the different bonds in the lignin structure. With this knowledge, the selectivity towards the target aromatics or phenolics can be optimised through proper catalyst design and selection. This review gives an overview of the use of bimetallic noble metal based supported catalysts for the catalytic hydrotreatment of lignin-derived model components. Such bimetallic catalysts are of high interest as the interaction between the two metals modifies the geometric and electronic properties, and this can lead to improved catalytic activity, selectivity and stability.
Microwaves in the Catalytic Valorisation of Biomass Derivatives
Authors: Priecel Peter , Perez Mejia Javier Eduardo , Carà Piera Demma , Lopez-Sanchez Jose A.
Published: July 2018

The application of microwave irradiation in the transformation of biomass has been receiving particular interest in recent years due to the use of polar media in such processes and it is now well-known that for biomass conversion, and particularly for lignocellulose hydrolysis, microwave irradiation can dramatically increase reaction rates with no negative consequences on product selectivity. However, it is only in the last ten years that the utilisation of microwaves has been coupled with catalysis aiming towards valorising biomass components or their derivatives via a range of reactions where high selectivity is required in addition to enhanced conversions. The reduced reaction times and superior yields are particularly attractive as they might facilitate the transition towards flow reactors and intensified production. As a consequence, several reports now describe the catalytic transformation of biomass derivatives via hydrogenation, oxidation, dehydration, esterification and transesterification using microwaves. Clearly, this technology has a huge potential for biomass conversion towards chemicals and fuels and will be an important tool within the biorefinery toolkit. The aim of this chapter is to give the reader an overview of the exciting scientific work carried out to date where microwave reactors and catalysis are combined in the transformation of biomass and its derivatives to higher value molecules and products.
Translational opportunities for amyloid-targeting fluorophores
Authors: Cao Kevin J. , Yang Jerry
Published: July 2018

Amyloid-targeting fluorophores have become increasingly useful as clinical tools to aid in the early-stage detection and diagnoses of amyloid-associated neurodegenerative disorders.
Copper-catalyzed decarboxylative propargylation/hydroamination reactions: access to C3 β-ketoester-functionalized indoles
Authors: Wang Sasa , Liu Miao , Chen Xinzheng , Wang Huifei , Zhai Hongbin
Published: July 2018

A copper-catalyzed reaction of ethynyl benzoxazinanones with readily accessible β-ketoesters via a decarboxylative propargylation/hydroamination sequence has been developed. This protocol furnished a diverse range of C3 β-ketoester-functionalized indoles in good to excellent yields.
A colorimetric and fluorometric dual-modal sensor for methanol based on a functionalized pentacenequinone derivative
Authors: Zhao Mengting , Yue Yuxin , Liu Chang , Hui Peiyi , He Song , Zhao Liancheng , Zeng Xianshun
Published: July 2018

A functionalized pentacenequinone derivative ZR1 shows specific selectivity toward methanol via the mechanism of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT).
A highly fluorescent turn-on probe in the near-infrared region for albumin quantification in serum matrix
Authors: Chakraborty Goutam , Ray Alok K. , Singh Prabhat K. , Pal Haridas
Published: July 2018

A commercially available styryl based fluorophore in the near-IR region shows exceptional turn-on emission for serum albumins.
A multi-component mass transfer rate based model for simulation of non-equilibrium growth of crystals
Authors: Shu Yi D. , Li Yang , Zhang Yang , Liu Jing J. , Wang Xue Z.
Published: July 2018

A new model based on multi-component mass transfer allows the multi-component composition in crystals in any spatial location at any time during a crystallization process to be simulated. It can be applied to the estimation of the impurity content and to assessing the stability of crystalline pharmaceuticals.
Two-dimensional metal–organic framework nanosheets: synthesis and applications
Authors: Zhao Meiting , Huang Ying , Peng Yongwu , Huang Zhiqi , Ma Qinglang , Zhang Hua
Published: July 2018

Synthesis and applications of two-dimensional metal–organic framework nanosheets and their composites are summarized.
Chloroform conversion into ethane and propane by catalytic hydrodechlorination with Pd supported on activated carbons from lignin
Authors: Fernandez-Ruiz C. , Bedia J. , Bonal P. , Rodriguez J. J. , Gómez-Sainero L. M.
Published: July 2018

Conversion of chloroform (TCM) by gas-phase catalytic hydrodechlorination (HDC) has been addressed to maximize the selectivity to ethane and propane.
Polycarboxylate-directed semi-rigid pyridyl-amide-based various NiII complexes: electrochemical properties and enhancements of photocatalytic activities by calcination
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Xiong Ying , Liu Guocheng , Lin Hongyan , Wang Xiang
Published: July 2018

Four different pyridyl-amide-based Ni-complexes were synthesized by tuning polycarboxylates, displaying bifunctional electrocatalytic properties and enhancements of photocatalytic activities by calcination.
Formation of uniform mesoporous TiO2@C–Ni hollow hybrid composites
Authors: Ling Yang , Zhang Min , Li Xiaokai , Zheng Jing , Xu Jingli
Published: July 2018

TiO2@C–Ni hollow composites have been prepared by a sol–gel method and post-hydrolysis treatment, together with mussel chemistry and a carbonization process by using CPS microspheres as sacrificial templates, which can be used for catalysis of 4-nitrophenol as well as histidine-rich protein separation.
Coordination polymers from alkaline-earth nodes and pyrazine carboxylate linkers
Authors: Tang Yiwen , Soares Alexandre Cavaco , Ferbinteanu Marilena , Gao Yuan , Rothenberg Gadi , Tanase Stefania
Published: July 2018

A new series of alkaline-earth-metal based coordination polymers were synthesized by using a pyrazine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (2,5-H2pzdc) ligand under hydrothermal conditions.
BiVO4 quantum dot-decorated BiPO4 nanorods 0D/1D heterojunction for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalysis
Authors: Li Boyuan , Cao Zhenhua , Wang Shixuan , Wei Qiang , Shen Zhurui
Published: July 2018

Herein, we report a BiVO4 quantum dot (QDs)-decorated BiPO4 nanorods 0D/1D heterojunction via an in situ growth method.
G4-quartet hydrogels from 5′-hydrazino-guanosine for the non-covalent and covalent remediation of contaminants from water
Authors: Xiao Songjun , Davis Jeffery T.
Published: July 2018

HG2·KCl hydrogel assemblies non-covalently bind anionic dyes and covalently bind an aldehyde in water.
Catalyst-free three-component sequencing for efficient assembly of [1,3] oxazine N-fused imidazole-2-thiones
Authors: Chen En , Shao Jiaan , Tang Pai , Shu Ke , Chen Wenteng , Yu Yongping
Published: July 2018

A one-pot, catalyst-free, three-component sequential double-annulation from amine alcohols, glyoxal monohydrates and KSCN underwent imine formation/intramolecular cyclization/[3 + 2] cycloaddition.
Identification of an auxiliary druggable pocket in the DNA gyrase ATPase domain using fragment probes
Authors: Huang Xiaojie , Guo Junsong , Liu Qi , Gu Qiong , Xu Jun , Zhou Huihao
Published: July 2018

Ten fragments bind to GyrB in three different modes, and two of them induce a novel druggable pocket previously unknown.
Synthesis of bare and surface modified TiO2 nanoparticles via a single source precursor and insights into their interactions with serum albumin
Authors: Ansari Aleem , Sachar Shilpee , Garje Shivram S.
Published: July 2018

Choice of an apt surface modifier to design a more efficient TiO2 NP based photosensitizer for PDT applications.
C–H alkylation reactions of indoles mediated by Pd(ii) and norbornene: applications and recent developments
Authors: Wegmann Marcus , Henkel Michael , Bach Thorsten
Published: July 2018

Recent synthetic applications and methodological advancements of the Pd(ii)-catalyzed C2 functionalisation of indoles are highlighted and discussed in this review.
Fully alternating and regioselective ring-opening copolymerization of phthalic anhydride with epoxides using highly active metal-free Lewis pairs as a catalyst
Authors: Kummari Anjaneyulu , Pappuru Sreenath , Chakraborty Debashis
Published: July 2018

Cooperative metal-free Lewis pairs effectively catalysed controlled ring-opening copolymerization of phthalic anhydride (PA) with epoxides.
Lutetium(iii) porphyrinoids as effective triplet photosensitizers for photon upconversion based on triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA)
Authors: Yang Zi-Shu , Ning Yingying , Yin Hao-Yan , Zhang Jun-Long
Published: July 2018

We described the first application of lanthanide porphyrinoids, exemplified by lutetium, as efficient photosensitizers in photon upconversion based on TTA.
Non-noble-metal bismuth nanoparticle-decorated bismuth vanadate nanoarray photoanode for efficient water splitting
Authors: Wulan Ba-Ri , Yi Sha-Sha , Li Si-Jia , Duan Yan-Xin , Yan Jun-Min , Zhang Xin-Bo , Jiang Qing
Published: July 2018

Sunlight-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting using earth-abundant semiconductor-based materials offers one promising strategy to produce attainable and sustainable carbon free energy.
Development on porous particles of Pueraria lobatae Radix for improving its compactibility and dissolution
Authors: Zhou MiaoMiao , Wang YouJie , Wu Fei , Shen Lan , Lin Xiao , Feng Yi
Published: July 2018

Herein, we report a study on the influence of particles having different porosities on tablet performance. The ethanol extract of Pueraria lobatae Radix (EPL) was chosen as the model drug.
Ideal wet two-dimensional foams and emulsions with finite contact angle
Authors: Cox S. J. , Kraynik A. M. , Weaire D. , Hutzler S.
Published: July 2018

In a disordered foam with finite contact angle, an inhomogeneity occurs which grows steadily and spontaneously with increasing liquid fraction.
Characterisation of protein aggregation with the Smoluchowski coagulation approach for use in biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Zidar Mitja , Kuzman Drago , Ravnik Miha
Published: July 2018

Aggregation mechanisms from nano-scale to visible particles are shown, as relevant for long-term storage of biopharmaceuticals.
MoS2 nanosheets vs. nanowires: preparation and a theoretical study of highly stable and efficient nanofluids for concentrating solar power
Authors: Navas Javier , Martínez-Merino Paloma , Sánchez-Coronilla Antonio , Gallardo Juan Jesús , Alcántara Rodrigo , Martín Elisa I. , Piñero José C. , León Juan R. , Aguilar Teresa , Toledo José Hidalgo , Fernández-Lorenzo Concha
Published: July 2018

Methodology to prepare highly stable and improved nanofluids controlling the nanomaterial morphology.
Bipyrazole bearing ten nitro groups – a novel highly dense oxidizer for forward-looking rocket propulsions
Authors: Dalinger Igor L. , Suponitsky Kyrill Yu. , Shkineva Tatyana K. , Lempert David B. , Sheremetev Aleksei B.
Published: July 2018

Novel high-density oxidizer based on highly nitrated bipyrazole was developed. It is the champion among heteroaromatic CHNO compounds with a density equal to 2.021 g cm−3 at room temperature.
Surface chemistry imposes selective reduction of CO2 to CO over Ta3N5/LaTiO2N photocatalyst
Authors: Lu Lei , Wang Shaomang , Zhou Chenguang , Shi Zhan , Zhu Heng , Xin Zhenyu , Wang Xiaohui , Yan Shicheng , Zou Zhigang
Published: July 2018

The product selection for CO2 reduction depends on the surface chemistry of Ta3N5 and LaTiO2N photocatalyst.
One-pot direct synthesis for multifunctional ultrasmall hybrid silica nanoparticles
Authors: Tran Vu-Long , Thakare Vivek , Rossetti Fabien , Baudouin Anne , Ramniceanu Grégory , Doan Bich-Thuy , Mignet Nathalie , Comby-Zerbino Clothilde , Antoine Rodolphe , Dugourd Philippe , Boschetti Frédéric , Denat Franck , Louis Cédric , Roux Stéphane , Doussineau Tristan , Tillement Olivier , Lux François
Published: July 2018

A novel and simple route to synthesize ultrasmall silica nanoparticles having hydrodynamic diameters under 10 nm for imaging and therapeutic applications.
High pH-induced efficient room-temperature phosphorescence from carbon dots in hydrogen-bonded matrices
Authors: Tan Jing , Ye Yunxia , Ren Xudong , Zhao Wei , Yue Dongmei
Published: July 2018

A new strategy for efficient RTP from CDs by engineering the conjugation degree and controlling the hydrogen-bonding structure is proposed.
Crystalline nanoscale assembly of gold clusters for reversible storage and sensing of CO2via modulation of photoluminescence intermittency
Authors: Basu Srestha , Bhandari Satyapriya , Pan Uday Narayan , Paul Anumita , Chattopadhyay Arun
Published: July 2018

We report that zinc mediated crystalline nanoscale assemblies of atomic gold nanoclusters (NCs) were able to reversibly store gaseous carbon dioxide with adsorption capacity of 1.79 mM g−1 at 20 °C and 20 bar.
Thin film properties and stability of a potential molecular quantum bit based on copper(ii)
Authors: Ciccullo Francesca , Glaser Mathias , Sättele Marie S. , Lenz Samuel , Neugebauer Petr , Rechkemmer Yvonne , van Slageren Joris , Casu M. Benedetta
Published: July 2018

Cu(dbm)2, a molecular quantum bit, forms very thermally and air-stable films. This is a key step towards applications.
BIFURCATION ANALYSIS OF THE DYNAMICAL SYSTEM FOR A THREELAYERED VALVE WITH PERPENDICULAR ANISOTROPY
Authors: Ostrovskaya Natalia , Skidanov Vladimir , Iusipova Iulia , Skvortsov Maxims
Published: July 2018

The features of switching dynamics in a model of a three-layered valve have been investigated theoretically and numerically. For this purpose, the system of ordinary differential equations in the approximation of the uniform magnetization distribution for the magnetization dynamics in the valve with perpendicular anisotropy was derived. It was shown that in such a system, in contrast with the system for the in-plane anisotropy, there are only two equilibrium positions of the magnetization vector. The stability analysis of the stationary points of the system has been carried out. With its help, the classification of types of dynamics versus field and current values was performed. The regions of limit cycles existence and the regions of optimal magnetization switching were revealed.
High field magnetoresistance of nanocomposites (Co84Nb14Ta2)X(Al2O3)100-X near the percolation threshold
Authors: Blinov Mikhail , Zakharchuk Ivan , Lähderanta Erkki , Sitnikov Alexander , Rodionov Igor , Prudnikov Valerii , Rylkov Vladimir , Granovsky Alexander
Published: July 2018

We present results of experimental studies of magnetic properties, resistivity and magnetoresistance (MR) of (Co84Nb14Ta2)x(Al2O3)100-x films deposited onto a glass-ceramic substrate by the ion-beam sputtering, focusing on MR in high magnetic fields for compositions close to the percolation threshold (x=47-57 at.%). The samples consist on Co-Nb-Ta metallic nanogranules size of 2-5 nm which are embedded into the non-stoichiometric Al-O matrix. Magnetization was measured by SQUID magnetometer at T=4.2-350 K. MR was studied in the pulsed magnetic fields μ0H up to 20 T at T=70-300 K in three geometries: magnetic field in plane parallel and perpendicular to current, magnetic field perpendicular to plane. The pulse duration was 11-12 ms. For the sample with x=57 at.% the temperature dependence of conductivity follows the lnT behavior that matches a strong tunnel coupling between nanogranules. With decreasing metal volume fraction lnT behavior gradually changes to the T1/2 dependence at 47 at.%. For all samples MR is small (<1%) and negative. For x<57 at.% it is slightly anisotropic at μ0H<1.0 T and almost saturates with increasing magnetic field. There is an evidence of small positive contribution to MR at μ0H=20T. Accordingly to structural and magnetic data a large amount of metallic atoms are located between magnetic nanogranules that diminish the tunnel barrier height and make tunnel MR small and weakly dependent on temperature.
Tunnel magnetoresistance and spin transfer torque in magnetic tunnel junction with embedded nanoparticles
Authors: Useinov Niazbeck
Published: July 2018

The theoretical model of spin-dependent transport in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ) containing magnetic or non-magnetic nanoparticle is developed. The dependences of tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) and in-plane component of spin transfer torque (STT) on the applied voltage for various sizes of nanoparticles of the order of the mean free path of the conduction electron are calculated. The calculation is performed in the approximation of the ballistic transport of conduction electrons through the insulating layers of the MTJ and the nanoparticles.
Thermodynamic aspects of describing the contribution of spontaneous magnetism of electrons to the Hall resistance
Authors: Okulov Vsevolod , Pamyatnykh Evgeny
Published: July 2018

On the base of the analysis of quantum-statistical description of the magnetization of electron system containing the spontaneous spin polarization contribution there were found the magnetization and conduction current densities in equilibrium state. It has been shown that equilibrium surface conduction current ensures realization of demagnetization effects but in local equilibrium state determines local equilibrium part of the Hall conductivity. As a result one is given the justification of influence of the spontaneous magnetization on galvanomagnetic effects, which is not related to spin-orbital interaction.
A novel method of ESR oscillating magnetization value determination in strongly correlated metals
Authors: Gilmanov Marat , Semeno Alexey , Samarin Alexander , Demishev Sergey
Published: July 2018

We propose a powerful method of direct measurement of oscillating magnetization by the electron spin resonance, based on dependence of resonant conditions on geometry of the experiment. Theoretical consideration of the matter leads to a simple expression for oscillating magnetization. Approbation of this method is implemented by means of cavity ESR spectrometer (60 GHz) on two diverse metallic systems, where static magnetization at the resonance field varies by an order of magnitude. Quantitative values of oscillating magnetization (905 G for EuB6 at T = 4.2 K and 94 G for CeB6 at T = 1.8 K) are in appropriate agreement with the one obtained by the other methods.
Manifestations of the effects of a “weak” sublattice in an YIG film with the replacement of yttrium by Gd ions
Authors: Poimanov Vladislav , Shkar Vladiimir , Nepochatykh Yuriy , Sampath Vedamanickam , Shavrov Vladiimir , Koledov Victor
Published: July 2018

Ferrite-garnet films of submicron thickness were investigated by ferromagnetic resonance method and by the autodyne oscillator method. Compensation of the magnetization of such a film is detected on the curve of its temperature dependence, which is associated with the inclusion of gadolinium ions from the gadolinium-gallium garnet substrate in its composition. It was found that the magnetization of the sample in perpendicular to the surface of the film magnetic field showed an abnormal change in the magnetization and also rotation of the magnetic axis. This behaviour of a ferromagnetic material in the presence of a magnetic field can be explained by the expressions for the linear magnetostrictive effect, and the piezomagnetic effect arising from the para-processes operating within a “weak” rare-earth magnetic sublattice which is located inside a unidirectional exchange field of “strong” iron sublattice.