bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upward shift of the vortex solid phase in high-temperature-superconducting wires through high density nanoparticle addition
Authors: Miura Masashi , Maiorov Boris , Balakirev Fedor F. , Kato Takeharu , Sato Michio , Takagi Yuji , Izumi Teruo , Civale Leonardo
Published: February 2016

We show a simple and effective way to improve the vortex irreversibility line up to very high magnetic fields (60T) by increasing the density of second phase BaZrO3 nanoparticles. (Y0.77,Gd0.23)Ba2Cu3Oy films were grown on metal substrates with different concentration of BaZrO3 nanoparticles by the metal organic deposition method. We find that upon increase of the BaZrO3 concentration, the nanoparticle size remains constant but the twin-boundary density increases. Up to the highest nanoparticle concentration (n ~ 1.3 × 1022/m3), the irreversibility field (Hirr) continues to increase with no sign of saturation up to 60 T, although the vortices vastly outnumber pinning centers. We find extremely high Hirr, namely Hirr = 30 T (H||45°) and 24 T (H||c) at 65 K and 58 T (H||45°) and 45 T (H||c) at 50K. The difference in pinning landscape shifts the vortex solid-liquid transition upwards, increasing the vortex region useful for power applications, while keeping the upper critical field, critical temperature and electronic mass anisotropy unchanged.
Unusual dimensionality effects and surface charge density in 2D Mg(OH)2
Authors: Suslu Aslihan , Wu Kedi , Sahin Hasan , Chen Bin , Yang Sijie , Cai Hui , Aoki Toshihiro , Horzum Seyda , Kang Jun , Peeters Francois M. , Tongay Sefaattin
Published: February 2016

We present two-dimensional Mg(OH)2 sheets and their vertical heterojunctions with CVD-MoS2 for the first time as flexible 2D insulators with anomalous lattice vibration and chemical and physical properties. New hydrothermal crystal growth technique enabled isolation of environmentally stable monolayer Mg(OH)2 sheets. Raman spectroscopy and vibrational calculations reveal that the lattice vibrations of Mg(OH)2 have fundamentally different signature peaks and dimensionality effects compared to other 2D material systems known to date. Sub-wavelength electron energy-loss spectroscopy measurements and theoretical calculations show that Mg(OH)2 is a 6 eV direct-gap insulator in 2D and its optical band gap displays strong band renormalization effects from monolayer to bulk, marking the first experimental confirmation of confinement effects in 2D insulators. Interestingly, 2D-Mg(OH)2 sheets possess rather strong surface polarization (charge) effects which is in contrast to electrically neutral h-BN materials. Using 2D-Mg(OH)2 sheets together with CVD-MoS2 in the vertical stacking shows that a strong change transfer occurs from n-doped CVD-MoS2 sheets to Mg(OH)2, naturally depleting the semiconductor, pushing towards intrinsic doping limit and enhancing overall optical performance of 2D semiconductors. Results not only establish unusual confinement effects in 2D-Mg(OH)2, but also offer novel 2D-insulating material with unique physical, vibrational and chemical properties for potential applications in flexible optoelectronics.
Miltirone exhibits antileukemic activity by ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction pathways
Authors: Zhou Ling , Jiang Lifeng , Xu Maolei , Liu Qun , Gao Ning , Li Ping , Liu E-Hu
Published: February 2016

In this study, we investigated the effects of miltirone in human leukemia cell lines, primary leukemia cells and nude mice U937 xenograft. Treatment of cells with miltirone resulted in apoptosis, mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) collapses, increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cytochrome c release. Miltirone triggered the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress identified through several key molecules of the unfolded protein response, including phosphorylated PERK, eIF2a, GRP78, GRP94 and caspase-12. Miltrone treatment also resulted in the release of Ca2+ from the ER stores and mitochondrial Ca2+ loading in the cells. Further research revealed that miltirone resulted in dose-dependent decrease in complex III activity and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in these cells. Miltirone-induced apoptosis, dissipation of MMP and ER stress were dramatically blocked by pretreatment with antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). In contrast, treatment with ER stress inhibitor TUDCA significantly attenuated miltirone-induced ROS and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Moreover, our in vivo findings showed that administration of miltirone markedly inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis in U937 xenograft model with low systemic toxicity. Taken together, these findings indicate that miltirone may exert its antileukemic activity by inducing apoptosis through a ROS-dependent destructive cycle involving ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Stem cell-derived tissue-associated regulatory T cells ameliorate the development of autoimmunity
Authors: Haque Mohammad , Song Jianyong , Fino Kristin , Sandhu Praneet , Song Xinmeng , Lei Fengyang , Zheng Songguo , Ni Bing , Fang Deyu , Song Jianxun
Published: February 2016

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have the potential to produce almost all of the cells in the body, including regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, the exact conditions required for the development of antigen (Ag)-specific Tregs from PSCs (i.e., PSC-Tregs) are not well delineated. Ag-specific PSC-Tregs can be tissue/organ-associated and migrate to local inflamed tissues/organs to suppress the autoimmune response after adoptive transfer, thereby avoiding potential overall immunosuppression from non-specific Tregs. In this study, we developed a new approach to generate functional Ag-specific Tregs from induced PSCs (iPSCs), i.e., iPSC-Tregs, which had the ability to generate an Ag-specific immunosuppressive response in a murine model of arthritis. We retrovirally transduced murine iPSCs with a construct containing genes of Ag-specific T cell receptor (TCR) and the transcriptional factor FoxP3. We differentiated the iPSCs into Ag-specific iPSC-Tregs using in vitro or in vivo Notch signaling and demonstrated that adoptive transfer of such Tregs dramatically suppressed autoimmunity in a well-established Ag-induced arthritis model, including the inflammation, joint destruction, cartilage prostaglandin depletion, osteoclast activity and Th17 production. Our results indicate that PSCs can be used to develop Ag-specific Tregs, which have a therapeutic potential for Treg-based therapies of autoimmune disorders.
Snakes elicit earlier, and monkey faces, later, gamma oscillations in macaque pulvinar neurons
Authors: Le Quan Van , Isbell Lynne A. , Matsumoto Jumpei , Le Van Quang , Nishimaru Hiroshi , Hori Etsuro , Maior Rafael S. , Tomaz Carlos , Ono Taketoshi , Nishijo Hisao
Published: February 2016

Gamma oscillations (30–80 Hz) have been suggested to be involved in feedforward visual information processing, and might play an important role in detecting snakes as predators of primates. In the present study, we analyzed gamma oscillations of pulvinar neurons in the monkeys during a delayed non-matching to sample task, in which monkeys were required to discriminate 4 categories of visual stimuli (snakes, monkey faces, monkey hands and simple geometrical patterns). Gamma oscillations of pulvinar neuronal activity were analyzed in three phases around the stimulus onset (Pre-stimulus: 500 ms before stimulus onset; Early: 0–200 ms after stimulus onset; and Late: 300–500 ms after stimulus onset). The results showed significant increases in mean strength of gamma oscillations in the Early phase for snakes and the Late phase for monkey faces, but no significant differences in ratios and frequencies of gamma oscillations among the 3 phases. The different periods of stronger gamma oscillations provide neurophysiological evidence that is consistent with other studies indicating that primates can detect snakes very rapidly and also cue in to faces for information. Our results are suggestive of different roles of gamma oscillations in the pulvinar: feedforward processing for images of snakes and cortico-pulvinar-cortical integration for images of faces.
Heart Rate Variability Change Before and After Hemodialysis is Associated with Overall and Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis
Authors: Chen Szu-Chia , Huang Jiun-Chi , Tsai Yi-Chun , Hsiu-Chin Mai R. N. , Jui-Hsin Chen R. N. , Kuo Po-Lin , Chang Jer-Ming , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: February 2016

Low heart rate variability (HRV) has been recognized to correlate with adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in hemodialysis (HD) patients. It has been reported that HRV might be improved after HD, but whether the improved HRV after HD predicts a better CV prognosis remains to be determined. This study examined the ability of the change in HRV before and after HD in predicting overall and CV mortality in HD patients. This study enrolled 182 patients under maintenance HD. HRV was examined to assess changes before and after HD. The change in HRV (ΔHRV) was defined as post-HD HRV minus pre-HD HRV. During a median follow-up period of 35.2 months, 29 deaths (15.9%) were recorded. Multivariate analysis showed that decreased ΔLF% was associated with increased overall (hazard ratios [HR], 0.978; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.961–0.996; p = 0.019) and CV mortality (HR, 0.941; 95% CI, 0.914–0.970; p < 0.001), respectively. Moreover, adding ΔLF% to a clinical model provided an additional benefit in the prediction of overall (p = 0.002) and CV mortality (p < 0.001). HRV change before and after HD (ΔHRV) is an useful clinical marker and it is stronger than HRV before HD in predicting overall and CV mortality.
Nanoquinacrine induced apoptosis in cervical cancer stem cells through the inhibition of hedgehog-GLI1 cascade: Role of GLI-1
Authors: Nayak Anmada , Satapathy Shakti Ranjan , Das Dipon , Siddharth Sumit , Tripathi Neha , Bharatam Prasad V. , Kundu ChanakyaNath
Published: February 2016

To improve the pharmacokinetics and to study the anti-cervical cancer and anti-stem cells (CSCs) mechanism of Quinacrine (QC), a spherical nano particle of QC (i.e. NQC) was prepared and characterized. QC and NQC showed higher cytotoxicity in multiple cancer cells than the normal epithelial cells. NQC exhibited more toxicity in cervical cancer cells and its CSCs than QC. A dose-dependent decreased expression of Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) components were noted in NQC treated HeLa cells and its CSCs. NQC increased the expressions of negatively regulated HH-GLI components (GSK3β, PTEN) and caused apoptosis in CSCs. Reduction of GLI1 at mRNA and promoter level were noted after NQC exposure. The expressions of HH-GLI components, GLI1 promoter activity and apoptosis were unaltered in NQC treated GLI1-knockdown cells. In silico, cell based and in vitro reconstitution assay revealed that NQC inhibit HH-GLI cascade by binding to the consensus sequence (5′GACCACCCA3′) of GLI1 in GLI-DNA complex through destabilizing DNA-GLI1 complex. NQC reduced the tumors size and proliferation marker Ki-67 in an in vivo xenograft mice model. Thus, NQC induced apoptosis in cancers through inhibition of HH-GLI cascade by GLI1. Detail interaction of QC-DNA-GLI complex can pave path for anticancer drug design.
Intestinal Microbiota Distinguish Gout Patients from Healthy Humans
Authors: Guo Zhuang , Zhang Jiachao , Wang Zhanli , Ang Kay Ying , Huang Shi , Hou Qiangchuan , Su Xiaoquan , Qiao Jianmin , Zheng Yi , Wang Lifeng , Koh Eileen , Danliang Ho , Xu Jian , Lee Yuan Kun , Zhang Heping
Published: February 2016

Current blood-based approach for gout diagnosis can be of low sensitivity and hysteretic. Here via a 68-member cohort of 33 healthy and 35 diseased individuals, we reported that the intestinal microbiota of gout patients are highly distinct from healthy individuals in both organismal and functional structures. In gout, Bacteroides caccae and Bacteroides xylanisolvens are enriched yet Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum depleted. The established reference microbial gene catalogue for gout revealed disorder in purine degradation and butyric acid biosynthesis in gout patients. In an additional 15-member validation-group, a diagnosis model via 17 gout-associated bacteria reached 88.9% accuracy, higher than the blood-uric-acid based approach. Intestinal microbiota of gout are more similar to those of type-2 diabetes than to liver cirrhosis, whereas depletion of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and reduced butyrate biosynthesis are shared in each of the metabolic syndromes. Thus the Microbial Index of Gout was proposed as a novel, sensitive and non-invasive strategy for diagnosing gout via fecal microbiota.
Individual Differences in Rhythmic Cortical Entrainment Correlate with Predictive Behavior in Sensorimotor Synchronization
Authors: Nozaradan Sylvie , Peretz Isabelle , Keller Peter E.
Published: February 2016

The current study aims at characterizing the mechanisms that allow humans to entrain the mind and body to incoming rhythmic sensory inputs in real time. We addressed this unresolved issue by examining the relationship between covert neural processes and overt behavior in the context of musical rhythm. We measured temporal prediction abilities, sensorimotor synchronization accuracy and neural entrainment to auditory rhythms as captured using an EEG frequency-tagging approach. Importantly, movement synchronization accuracy with a rhythmic beat could be explained by the amplitude of neural activity selectively locked with the beat period when listening to the rhythmic inputs. Furthermore, stronger endogenous neural entrainment at the beat frequency was associated with superior temporal prediction abilities. Together, these results reveal a direct link between cortical and behavioral measures of rhythmic entrainment, thus providing evidence that frequency-tagged brain activity has functional relevance for beat perception and synchronization.
Theranostic Nanoseeds for Efficacious Internal Radiation Therapy of Unresectable Solid Tumors
Authors: Moeendarbari Sina , Tekade Rakesh , Mulgaonkar Aditi , Christensen Preston , Ramezani Saleh , Hassan Gedaa , Jiang Ruiqian , Öz Orhan K. , Hao Yaowu , Sun Xiankai
Published: February 2016

Malignant tumors are considered “unresectable” if they are adhere to vital structures or the surgery would cause irreversible damages to the patients. Though a variety of cytotoxic drugs and radiation therapies are currently available in clinical practice to treat such tumor masses, these therapeutic modalities are always associated with substantial side effects. Here, we report an injectable nanoparticle-based internal radiation source that potentially offers more efficacious treatment of unresectable solid tumors without significant adverse side effects. Using a highly efficient incorporation procedure, palladium-103, a brachytherapy radioisotope in clinical practice, was coated to monodispersed hollow gold nanoparticles with a diameter about 120 nm, to form 103Pd@Au nanoseeds. The therapeutic efficacy of 103Pd@Au nanoseeds were assessed when intratumorally injected into a prostate cancer xenograft model. Five weeks after a single-dose treatment, a significant tumor burden reduction (>80%) was observed without noticeable side effects on the liver, spleen and other organs. Impressively, >95% nanoseeds were retained inside the tumors as monitored by Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) with the gamma emissions of 103Pd. These findings show that this nanoseed-based brachytherapy has the potential to provide a theranostic solution to unresectable solid tumors.
Impairing autophagy in retinal pigment epithelium leads to inflammasome activation and enhanced macrophage-mediated angiogenesis
Authors: Liu Jian , Copland David A. , Theodoropoulou Sofia , Chiu Hsi An Amy , Barba Miriam Durazo , Mak Ka Wang , Mack Matthias , Nicholson Lindsay B. , Dick Andrew D.
Published: February 2016

Age-related decreases in autophagy contribute to the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We have now studied the interaction between autophagy impaired in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the responses of macrophages. We find that dying RPE cells can activate the macrophage inflammasome and promote angiogenesis. In vitro, inhibiting rotenone-induced autophagy in RPE cells elicits caspase-3 mediated cell death. Co-culture of damaged RPE with macrophages leads to the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6 and nitrite oxide. Exogenous IL-6 protects the dysfunctional RPE but IL-1β causes enhanced cell death. Furthermore, IL-1β toxicity is more pronounced in dysfunctional RPE cells showing reduced IRAK3 gene expression. Co-culture of macrophages with damaged RPE also elicits elevated levels of pro-angiogenic proteins that promote ex vivo choroidal vessel sprouting. In vivo, impaired autophagy in the eye promotes photoreceptor and RPE degeneration and recruitment of inflammasome-activated macrophages. The degenerative tissue environment drives an enhanced pro-angiogenic response, demonstrated by increased size of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesions. The contribution of macrophages was confirmed by depletion of CCR2+ monocytes, which attenuates CNV in the presence of RPE degeneration. Our results suggest that the interplay between perturbed RPE homeostasis and activated macrophages influences key features of AMD development.
Immunization with a 22-kDa outer membrane protein elicits protective immunity to multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Huang Weiwei , Yao Yufeng , Wang Shijie , Xia Ye , Yang Xu , Long Qiong , Sun Wenjia , Liu Cunbao , Li Yang , Chu Xiaojie , Bai Hongmei , Yao Yueting , Ma Yanbing
Published: February 2016

A. baumannii infections are becoming more and more serious health issues with rapid emerging of multidrug and extremely drug resistant strains, and therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of nonantibiotic-based intervention strategies. This study aimed at identifying whether an outer membrane protein with molecular weight of about 22 kDa (Omp22) holds the potentials to be an efficient vaccine candidate and combat A. baumannii infection. Omp22 which has a molecule length of 217 amino acids kept more than 95% conservation in totally 851 reported A. baumannii strains. Recombinant Omp22 efficiently elicited high titers of specific IgG in mice. Both active and passive immunizations of Omp22 increased the survival rates of mice, suppressed the bacterial burdens in the organs and peripheral blood, and reduced the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Opsonophagocytosis assays showed in vitro that Omp22 antiserum had highly efficient bactericidal activities on clonally distinct clinical A. baumannii isolates, which were partly complements-dependent and opsonophagocytic killing effects. Additionally, administration with as high as 500 μg of Omp22 didn’t cause obvious pathological changes in mice. In conclusion, Omp22 is a novel conserved and probably safe antigen for developing effective vaccines or antisera to control A. baumannii infections.
EEG frequency tagging to explore the cortical activity related to the tactile exploration of natural textures
Authors: Moungou Athanasia , Thonnard Jean-Louis , Mouraux André
Published: February 2016

When sliding our fingertip against a textured surface, complex vibrations are produced in the skin. It is increasingly recognised that the neural transduction and processing of these vibrations plays an important role in the dynamic tactile perception of textures. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel means to tag the cortical activity related to the processing of these vibrations, by periodically modulating the amplitude of texture exploration-induced vibrations such as to record a steady-state evoked potential (SS-EP). The EEG was recorded while the right index fingertip was scanned against four different textures using a constant exploration velocity. Amplitude modulation of the elicited vibrations was achieved by periodically modulating the force applied against the finger. Frequency analysis of the recorded EEG signals showed that modulation of the vibrations induced by the fingertip-texture interactions elicited an SS-EP at the frequency of modulation (3 Hz) as well as its second harmonic (6 Hz), maximal over parietal regions contralateral to the stimulated side. Textures generating stronger vibrations also generated SS-EPs of greater magnitude. Our results suggest that frequency tagging using SS-EPs can be used to isolate and explore the brain activity related to the tactile exploration of natural textures.
Co-delivery of VEGF and bFGF via a PLGA nanoparticle-modified BAM for effective contracture inhibition of regenerated bladder tissue in rabbits
Authors: Jiang Xincheng , Lin Houwei , Jiang Dapeng , Xu Guofeng , Fang Xiaoliang , He Lei , Xu Maosheng , Tang Bingqiang , Wang Zhiyong , Cui Daxiang , Chen Fang , Geng Hongquan
Published: February 2016

Graft contracture is a common problem associated with the regeneration processes of tissue-engineered bladders. Currently, most strategies used for incorporating bioactive molecules into biomaterial designs do not work during all phases of tissue regeneration. In this study, we used a growth factor-PLGA nanoparticle thermo-sensitive gel system (i.e., BAM with incorporated VEGF and bFGF-loaded PLGA nanoparticles and mixed with a hydrophilic gel) to promote bladder tissue regeneration in a rabbit model. At 4 and 12 weeks after surgery, contracture rate assessment and histological examination were conducted to evaluate bladder tissue regeneration. The results indicated that the functional composite scaffold continuously and effectively released VEGF and bFGF and promoted bladder reconstruction with a significant decrease in graft contracture. In addition, the number and arrangement of regenerated urothelial cells and smooth muscle cells as well as microvascular density and maturity were improved in the VEGF/bFGF nanoparticle group compared with the single factor VEGF or bFGF nanoparticle group and BAM alone. The nanoparticle thermo-sensitive gel system, which exhibited favourable performance, may effectively inhibit graft contracture and promote bladder tissue regeneration in rabbits.
Citrus bergamia Juice Extract Attenuates β-Amyloid-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Activation of THP-1 Cells Through MAPK and AP-1 Pathways
Authors: Currò Monica , Risitano Roberto , Ferlazzo Nadia , Cirmi Santa , Gangemi Chiara , Caccamo Daniela , Ientile Riccardo , Navarra Michele
Published: February 2016

Flavonoids have been shown to be effective in protecting against age-related cognitive and motor decline in both in vitro and in vivo models. Recently, a flavonoid-rich extract of Citrus bergamia juice (BJe) has been shown to display anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties against LPS-induced activation of human THP-1 monocytes. In the light of these observations, we wondered whether BJe may be beneficial against neuroinflammatory processes, such as those observed in Alzheimer’s disease. To this aim we used THP-1 monocytes to investigate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial potential of BJe against amyloid-beta1–42 (Aβ1−42) -mediated inflammation. Exposure of THP-1 cells to Aβ1−42 significantly induced the expression and secretion of IL-6 and IL-1β in THP-1 cells and increased the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 as well as p46 and p54 members of JNK family. Moreover, Aβ1−42 raises AP-1 DNA binding activity in THP-1-treated cells. Interestingly, all these effects were reduced in the presence of BJe. Our data indicate that BJe may effectively counteract the pro-inflammatory activation of monocytes/microglial cells exposed to amyloid fibrils, suggesting a promising role as a natural drug against neuroinflammatory processes.
Tuned by metals: the TET peptidase activity is controlled by 3 metal binding sites
Authors: Colombo Matteo , Girard Eric , Franzetti Bruno
Published: February 2016

TET aminopeptidases are dodecameric particles shared in the three life domains involved in various biological processes, from carbon source provider in archaea to eye-pressure regulation in humans. Each subunit contains a dinuclear metal site (M1 and M2) responsible for the enzyme catalytic activity. However, the role of each metal ion is still uncharacterized. Noteworthy, while mesophilic TETs are activated by Mn2+, hyperthermophilic TETs prefers Co2+. Here, by means of anomalous x-ray crystallography and enzyme kinetics measurements of the TET3 aminopeptidase from the hyperthermophilic organism Pyrococcus furiosus (PfTET3), we show that M2 hosts the catalytic activity of the enzyme, while M1 stabilizes the TET3 quaternary structure and controls the active site flexibility in a temperature dependent manner. A new third metal site (M3) was found in the substrate binding pocket, modulating the PfTET3 substrate preferences. These data show that TET activity is tuned by the molecular interplay among three metal sites.
On the use of structured light in nonlinear optics studies of the symmetry group of a crystal
Authors: Jáuregui Rocio , Torres Juan P.
Published: February 2016

We put forward a technique that allows to extract information about the symmetry group to which certain nonlinear crystals belong using a single illuminating beam. It provides such information by considering the outcome of a nonlinear optics process characterized by the electric nonlinear susceptibility tensor, whose structure is dictated by such symmetry group. As an example, we consider the process of spontaneous parametric down-conversion, when it is pumped with a special type of Bessel beam. The observation of the spatial angular dependence of the lower-frequency generated light provides direct information about the symmetry group of the crystal. We should stress that the choice of the appropriate illumination is of paramount importance for unveiling the sought-after information.
Extremely efficient hydroboration of ketones and aldehydes by copper carbene catalysis
Authors: Bagherzadeh Sharareh , Mankad Neal P.
Published: February 2016

A readily available copper carbene complex, (IPr)CuOtBu, catalyses the hydroboration of ketones and aldehydes even at very low catalyst loadings (0.1 mol%), in some cases with turnover frequencies exceeding 6000 h−1.
Controllable synthesis of few-layered and hierarchically porous boron nitride nanosheets
Authors: Xiao Feng , Chen Zhixin , Casillas Gilberto , Richardson Christopher , Li Huijun , Huang Zhenguo
Published: February 2016

Few-layered porous boron nitride nanosheets prepared using MgB2 as a dynamic template show good CO2 adsorption selectivity.
Intermolecular interactions and proton transfer in the hydrogen halide–superoxide anion complexes
Authors: Lee Sebastian J. R. , Mullinax J. Wayne , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: February 2016

We characterize the intermolecular interactions between the halogen halides and the superoxide radical anion withab initiocomputations.
A theoretical study on the reaction of ozone with aqueous iodide
Authors: Gálvez Óscar , Teresa Baeza-Romero M. , Sanz Mikel , Pacios Luis F.
Published: February 2016

Atmospheric iodine chemistry plays a key role in tropospheric ozone catalytic destruction, new particle formation, and as one of the possible sinks of gaseous polar elemental mercury.
Fluorescence-detected circular dichroism spectroscopy of jet-cooled ephedrine
Authors: Hong Aram , Jeong Changseop , Jang Heeseon , Choi Myoung Choul , Heo Jiyoung , Kim Nam Joon
Published: February 2016

The fluorescence-detected circular dichroism spectra of jet-cooled ephedrine were obtained and compared with the resonant two-photon ionization circular dichroism spectra.
Harnessing the bone-seeking ability of Ca(ii)-like metal ions in the treatment of metastatic cancer and resorption disorders
Authors: Weekes D. M. , Orvig C.
Published: February 2016

In this tutorial review, we explore how a special relationship between metal ions and bones has been exploited to target therapeutic agents.
Development of a method for the simultaneous detection of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi) in exhaled breath condensate samples using μLC-ICP-MS
Authors: Leese Elizabeth , Morton Jackie , Gardiner Philip H. E. , Carolan Vikki A.
Published: February 2016

A method development study describing the first simultaneous determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in an exhaled breath condensate sample.
Cholesterol appended bis-1,2,3-triazoles as simple supramolecular gelators for the naked eye detection of Ag+, Cu2+ and Hg2+ ions
Authors: Ghosh Kumaresh , Panja Atanu , Panja Santanu
Published: February 2016

Cholesterol coupled bis-1,2,3-triazoles have been designed and synthesized. Their gelation abilities and cation responsive behaviors are documented.
Reduced recombination with an optimized barrier layer on TiO2 in PbS/CdS core shell quantum dot sensitized solar cells
Authors: Punnoose Dinah , Pavan Kumar CH. S. S. , Seo Hyun Woong , Shiratani Masaharu , Reddy Araveeti Eswar , Srinivasa Rao S. , Thulasi-Varma Chebrolu Venkata , Kim Soo-Kyoung , Chung Sang-Hwa , Kim Hee-Je
Published: February 2016

A solar cell based on a double coating electrode (MgO/Al2O3) on TiO2 yielded excellent performance with an efficiency (η) of 3.25%.
Copper immobilized ferromagnetic nanoparticle triazine dendrimer (FMNP@TD–Cu(ii))-catalyzed regioselective synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: Bahrami Kiumars , Sheikh Arabi Mehdi
Published: February 2016

The synthesis, characterisation and catalytic activity of FMNP@TD–Cu(ii) for the synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles are reported.
Stem cell secretome-rich nanoclay hydrogel: a dual action therapy for cardiovascular regeneration
Authors: Waters Renae , Pacelli Settimio , Maloney Ryan , Medhi Indrani , Ahmed Rafeeq P. H. , Paul Arghya
Published: February 2016

We report development of a nanocomposite hydrogel platform using nanoclay materials and stem cell derived secretome for cardiac tissue repair and therapy.
Graphene-based large area dye-sensitized solar cell modules
Authors: Casaluci Simone , Gemmi Mauro , Pellegrini Vittorio , Di Carlo Aldo , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: February 2016

We demonstrated the spray coating of graphene ink as a viable method for large-area fabrication of graphene-based dye-sensitized solar cell modules, paving the way to all-printed, transparent and cost-effective large-area photovoltaic devices.
Progesterone binding nano-carriers based on hydrophobically modified hyperbranched polyglycerols
Authors: Alizadeh Noghani M. , Brooks D. E.
Published: February 2016

A family of hydrophobically derivatized HPGs is assessed as a potential carrier for progesterone, an important steroid. Molecular determinants of binding and the release kinetics are investigated and the surprising role of non-freezing water on release kinetics described.
In situ plasmonic Ag nanoparticle anchored TiO2 nanotube arrays as visible-light-driven photocatalysts for enhanced water splitting
Authors: Ge Ming-Zheng , Cao Chun-Yan , Li Shu-Hui , Tang Yu-Xin , Wang Lu-Ning , Qi Ning , Huang Jian-Ying , Zhang Ke-Qin , Al-Deyab S. S. , Lai Yue-Kun
Published: February 2016

An ultrasonication-assisted in situ deposition strategy was developed to realize uniform Ag nanoparticles dispersed on TiO2 nanotube arrays (Ag@TiO2 NTAs).
Exciton and charge carrier dynamics in few-layer WS2
Authors: Vega-Mayoral Victor , Vella Daniele , Borzda Tetiana , Prijatelj Matej , Tempra Iacopo , Pogna Eva A. A. , Dal Conte Stefano , Topolovsek Peter , Vujicic Natasa , Cerullo Giulio , Mihailovic Dragan , Gadermaier Christoph
Published: February 2016

We present, for the first time to our knowledge, WS2 photoexcited state dynamics and propose a model that reproduces them.
Palladium-catalyzed direct arylation of indoles with arylsulfonyl hydrazides
Authors: Liu Congrong , Ding Lianghui , Guo Guang , Liu Weiwei , Yang Fu-Lai
Published: February 2016

A novel method to synthesise 2-arylindoles is demonstrated via direct arylation of indoles with arylsulfonyl hydrazides.
Modification of nanostructured ZnO surfaces with curcumin: fluorescence-based sensing for arsenic and improving arsenic removal by ZnO
Authors: Moussawi Rasha N. , Patra Digambara
Published: February 2016

Synthesis of nanostructured zinc oxide surfaces modified with curcumin for fluorescence sensing and removal of arsenic in water.
Comparison of degradation features of lignin to phenols over Pt catalysts prepared with various forms of carbon supports
Authors: Park Jeesu , Oh Shinyoung , Kim Jae-Young , Park Shin Young , Song In Kyu , Choi Joon Weon
Published: February 2016

Soda lignin separated from wheat straw was successfully depolymerized to produce a phenol-rich oil fraction over various carbon-supported platinum (Pt) catalysts.
Partial oxidation of methanol over Au/CeO2–ZrO2 and Au/CeO2–ZrO2–TiO2 catalysts
Authors: Bake Habibullah , Zaman Sharif F. , Alhamed Yahia A. , Al-Zahrani Abdulrahim A. , Daous Muhammad A. , Rather Sami Ullah , Driss Hafedh , Petrov Lachezar A.
Published: February 2016

Gold nanoparticles supported on CeO2–ZrO2 give 75.5% H2 selectivity at 375 °C for a partial oxidation of methanol reaction.
The effect of A-site doping in a strontium palladium perovskite and its applications for non-enzymatic glucose sensing
Authors: El-Ads Ekram H. , Galal Ahmed , Atta Nada F.
Published: February 2016

The catalytic activity of a strontium palladium perovskite, Sr2PdO3, toward non-enzymatic glucose sensing is strongly affected by the Sr2+A-site partial substitution by Ca2+ions; Sr2−xCaxPdO3withx= 0–0.7.
Review of the synthesis of acyclic and cyclic oxime ethers
Authors: Mirjafary Zohreh , Abdoli Morteza , Saeidian Hamid , Kakanejadifard Ali , Farnia S. Morteza F.
Published: February 2016

Oxime ethers have attracted much attention due to their potential biological activities and wide variety of synthetic applications.
Generation of open-ended, worm-like and graphene-like structures from layered spherical carbon materials
Authors: Mutuma Bridget K. , Matsoso Boitumelo , Ranganathan Kamalakannan , Wamwangi Daniel , Coville Neil J.
Published: February 2016

The generation of open ended worm-like, graphene-like carbon nanostructures from polydispersed Au@SiO2 spheres and SiO2 spheres.
Evaluating effective factors on the activity and loading of immobilized α-amylase onto magnetic nanoparticles using a response surface-desirability approach
Authors: Eslamipour F. , Hejazi P.
Published: February 2016

The effects of different operational conditions of α-amylase covalent immobilization on magnetic nanoparticles were investigated using a central composite design.
Hydrothermal synthesis and enhanced xylene-sensing properties of pompon-like Cr-doped Co3O4hierarchical nanostructures
Authors: Li Yujia , Ma Xiaohui , Guo Sijia , Wang Bin , Sun Dongming , Zhang Xindong , Ruan Shengping
Published: February 2016

Unique pompon-like Cr-doped Co3O4hierarchical nanostructures were preparedviaa hydrothermal method, showing extraordinary sensing properties towards xylene.
Novel β-In2.77S4 nanosheet-assembled hierarchical microspheres: synthesis and high performance for photocatalytic reduction of Cr(vi)
Authors: Shao Leqiang , Li Jie , Liang Ximeng , Xie Tian , Meng Suci , Jiang Deli , Chen Min
Published: February 2016

A novel nanosheet-assembled hierarchical sulfur deficient β-In2.77S4 microsphere photocatalyst was prepared, and the β-In2.77S4 microsphere shown high visible light photocatalytic activity in the reduction of aqueous Cr(vi).
Enhancement of dielectric, ferroelectric and magneto-dielectric properties in PVDF–BaFe12O19 composites: a step towards miniaturizated electronic devices
Authors: Anithakumari P. , Mandal B. P. , Abdelhamid Ehab , Naik R. , Tyagi A. K.
Published: February 2016

Appreciable increase in the dielectric permittivity in PVDF has been achieved in BaFe12O19 composites.
Laser induced MoS2/carbon hybrids for hydrogen evolution reaction catalysts
Authors: Deng Heng , Zhang Chi , Xie Yunchao , Tumlin Travis , Giri Lily , Karna Shashi P. , Lin Jian
Published: February 2016

The direct laser writing method has emerged as a novel technique for fabricating MoS2/carbon hybrid HER catalysts with low cost, high efficiency, and flexible designability.
Lithium-ion conductivity in Li6Y(BO3)3: a thermally and electrochemically robust solid electrolyte
Authors: Lopez-Bermudez Beatriz , Zeier Wolfgang G. , Zhou Shiliang , Lehner Anna J. , Hu Jerry , Scanlon David O. , Morgan Benjamin J. , Melot Brent C.
Published: February 2016

The development of new frameworks for solid electrolytes exhibiting fast Li-ion diffusion is critical for enabling new energy storage technologies.
Co-electrodeposited Cu2ZnSnS4 thin-film solar cells with over 7% efficiency fabricated via fine-tuning of the Zn content in absorber layers
Authors: Tao Jiahua , Chen Leilei , Cao Huiyi , Zhang Chuanjun , Liu Junfeng , Zhang Yingbin , Huang Ling , Jiang Jinchun , Yang Pingxiong , Chu Junhao
Published: February 2016

A simple and cost-effective co-electrodeposition process has been demonstrated to fabricate high-performance Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) photovoltaic materials with composition tunability and phase controllability.
Hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic media on single-crystalline titanium nitride nanowires as an efficient non-noble metal electrocatalyst
Authors: Han Yujie , Yue Xin , Jin Yanshuo , Huang Xiangdong , Shen Pei Kang
Published: February 2016

Single-crystalline titanium nitride nanowires have been directly synthesized by a novel chemical vapor deposition method and used as efficient catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction for the first time.
O3-type Na[Fe1/3Ni1/3Ti1/3]O2 cathode material for rechargeable sodium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Jun , He Xin , Zhou Dong , Schappacher Falko , Zhang Xiaofei , Liu Haidong , Stan Marian Cristian , Cao Xia , Kloepsch Richard , Sofy Mohamed Sayed , Schumacher Gerhard , Li Jie
Published: February 2016

An O3-type Na[Fe1/3Ni1/3Ti1/3]O2 cathode material has been successfully synthesized by a solid-state reaction method and it shows high discharge capacities and a good rate capability. The phase transformation between O3 and P3 is reversible.
Novel pyrene containing monomeric and dimeric supramolecular AIEE active nano-probes utilized in selective “off–on” trivalent metal and highly acidic pH sensing with live cell applications
Authors: Shellaiah Muthaiah , Simon Turibius , Srinivasadesikan Venkatesan , Lin Chein-Ming , Sun Kien Wen , Ko Fu-Hsiang , Lin Ming-Chang , Lin Hong-Cheu
Published: February 2016

Novel pyrene based derivatives PCS1/PCS2 with AIEE were reported as trivalent and pH 1–3 sensors using live cell imaging.
CuInS2/ZnS quantum dot-embedded polymer nanofibers for color conversion films
Authors: Kim Namhun , Na Wonkyung , Yin Wenping , Jin Hoseok , Ahn Tae Kyu , Cho Sung Min , Chae Heeyeop
Published: February 2016

Color-conversion films (CCFs) were fabricated with CuInS2/ZnS quantum dot (QD)-embedded polymer nanofibers and applied for white color emission with blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Giant magnetic anisotropy of a 5d transition metal decorated two-dimensional polyphthalocyanine framework
Authors: Wang Peng , Jiang Xue , Hu Jun , Huang Xiaoming , Zhao Jijun
Published: February 2016

Giant perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is found in a 5d transition-metal adatom decorated two dimensional (2D) polyphthalocyanine framework (TM@Pc) by means of first-principles calculations.
Enhanced and controllable open-circuit voltage using 2D-conjugated benzodithiophene (BDT) homopolymers by alkylthio substitution
Authors: Kim Ji-Hoon , Park Jong Baek , Yoon Sung Cheol , Jung In Hwan , Hwang Do-Hoon
Published: February 2016

In this study, we explore the effects of alkylthiophene and alkylthiothiophene substituents on properties of benzodithiophene (BDT)-based semiconducting polymers for organic photovoltaic cells.
Arsenic trioxide triggered calcium homeostasis imbalance and induced endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis in adult rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Zhang Jing-yi , Sun Gui-bo , Wang Min , Liao Ping , Du Yu-yang , Yang Ke , Sun Xiao-bo
Published: February 2016

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a potent anticancer drug agent but its clinical use is often limited by severe cardiotoxicity.
Square planar Cu(i) stabilized by a pyridinediimine ligand
Authors: Cheung Pui Man , Berger Robert F. , Zakharov Lev N. , Gilbertson John D.
Published: February 2016

A set of distorted square planar Cu(i) complexes were synthesized and characterized utilizing the sterically encumbering pyridinediimine ligand, iPrPDI (where iPrPDI = 2,6-(2,6-iPr2C6H3NCMe)2C5H3N).
Asymmetric sequential Au(i)/chiral tertiary amine catalysis: an enone-formation/cyanosilylation sequence to synthesize optically active 3-alkenyloxindoles from diazooxindoles
Authors: Zhao Yu-Lei , Cao Zhong-Yan , Zeng Xing-Ping , Shi Jia-Meng , Yu Yi-Hua , Zhou Jian
Published: February 2016

A gold-catalyzed enone-formation and asymmetric cyanosilylation sequence is developed, providing enantioenriched 3-alkenyloxindoles from diazooxindoles, furans and trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN).
Dual pH-responsive 5-aminolevulinic acid pseudopolyrotaxane prodrug micelles for enhanced photodynamic therapy
Authors: Tong Hongxin , Wang Yin , Li Huan , Jin Qiao , Ji Jian
Published: February 2016

Novel 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) pseudopolyrotaxane prodrug micelles with dual pH-responsive properties were prepared by the host–guest interaction of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG).
Multi-responsive coordination polymers utilising metal-stabilised, dynamic covalent imine bonds
Authors: García Fátima , Pelss Janis , Zuilhof Han , Smulders Maarten M. J.
Published: February 2016

Incorporation of dynamic imine bonds into coordination polymers yields stable polymers that are sensitive to a range of stimuli.
Modern main group chemistry
Authors: Aldridge Simon , Jones Cameron
Published: February 2016

Guest editors Simon Aldridge and Cameron Jones introduce the Modern Main Group Chemistry issue of Chemical Society Reviews
New insights into the effect of sodium on Fe3O4- based nanocatalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to light olefins
Authors: Wei Jian , Sun Jian , Wen Zhiyong , Fang Chuanyan , Ge Qingjie , Xu Hengyong
Published: February 2016

Na-containing Fe3O4 nanocatalysts show improved performance in CO2 hydrogenation due to enhanced surface basicity and carburization induced by residual Na.
Thermal degradation mechanism of triangular Ag@SiO2nanoparticles
Authors: Gangishetty Mahesh K. , Scott Robert W. J. , Kelly Timothy L.
Published: February 2016

The thermal degradation mechanism of triangular Ag@SiO2nanoparticles is elucidated through extended X-ray absorption fine structure measurements.
Ionic thermoelectric supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao D. , Wang H. , Khan Z. U. , Chen J. C. , Gabrielsson R. , Jonsson M. P. , Berggren M. , Crispin X.
Published: February 2016

Ionic thermoelectric supercapacitor: charged by heat during the day and discharged at night.
Green organocatalytic α-hydroxylation of ketones
Authors: Voutyritsa Errika , Theodorou Alexis , Kokotos Christoforos G.
Published: February 2016

An efficient and green method for the α-hydroxylation of substituted ketones has been developed.
Approach for 2-(arylthio)imidazoles and imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles from imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles by ring-opening and -reconstruction
Authors: Shi Benyi , Zhu Zhouhe , Zhu Yi-Shuo , Zhou Dagang , Wang Jinyuan , Zhou Panpan , Jing Huanwang
Published: February 2016

Useful heterocyclic synthons of imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles were developed to synthesize imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles and 2-(arylthio)-1H-imidazoles under mild reaction conditions.
Janus long-chain hyperbranched copolymers of PSt and POEGMA from a self-assembly mediated click reaction
Authors: Chen Sheng-Qi , He Chen , Li Hui-Juan , Li Peng-Yun , He Wei-Dong
Published: February 2016

A Janus hyperbranched POEGMA/PSt copolymer with long sub-chains was prepared through a self-assembly mediated click reaction in selective solvents.
Using POSS–C60 giant molecules as a novel compatibilizer for PS/PMMA polymer blends
Authors: Han Di , Zhang Qin , Chen Feng , Fu Qiang
Published: February 2016

Janus POSS–C60 (JPC) as a novel compatibilizer.
Bimetallic Schiff base complexes for stereoselective polymerisation of racemic-lactide and copolymerisation of racemic-lactide with ε-caprolactone
Authors: Sun Zhiqiang , Duan Ranlong , Yang Jingwei , Zhang Han , Li Shuai , Pang Xuan , Chen Wenqi , Chen Xuesi
Published: February 2016

Bimetallic Schiff-base complexes with different bridging parts and silyl-substituents were applied for stereoselective ROP ofrac-LA, and copolymerisation ofrac-LA/ε-CL.
Preparation and properties of thermally conductive polyimide/boron nitride composites
Authors: Yang Na , Xu Chen , Hou Jun , Yao Yanmei , Zhang Qingxin , Grami Maryam E. , He Lianqi , Wang Nongyue , Qu Xiongwei
Published: February 2016

Hexagonal boron nitride micro particles functionalized by γ-MPS, were used to fabricate PI/BN composites. The thermal conductivity of the composites with 40 wt% m-BN content was increased to 0.748 W m−1 K−1, 4.5 times higher than that of the pure PI.
Pioneer study of SiP2 as negative electrode for Li- and Na-ion batteries
Authors: Duveau D. , Israel S. Sananes , Fullenwarth J. , Cunin F. , Monconduit L.
Published: February 2016

For the first time it is demonstrated that a dense SiP2 pyrite-type obtained by a very simple ball milling method delivers outstanding capacity in both lithium and sodium batteries with up to 1000 mA h g−1 and 572 mA h g−1 sustained after 30 and 15 cycles respectively.
Bidirectional acceleration of carrier separation spatially via N-CQDs/atomically-thin BiOI nanosheets nanojunctions for manipulating active species in a photocatalytic process
Authors: Di Jun , Xia Jiexiang , Ji Mengxia , Xu Li , Yin Sheng , Chen Zhigang , Li Huaming
Published: February 2016

N-CQDs modified atomically-thin BiOI nanosheets nanojunctions have been controllably prepared and exhibit bidirectional acceleration of carrier separation on both the materials interior and surface.
Improved algorithm to estimate the rotation angle between two images by using the two‐point correspondence pairs
Authors: Hong Sangseok , Lee Jin S. , Kuc Tae‐Yong
Published: February 2016

An algorithm that can compute the rotation angle between two images is proposed, independently of the translation angle by using only two‐point correspondence pairs. A parameterised solution vector can be calculated from the null‐space of a matrix constructed of two‐point correspondence pairs, and then the rotation angle is evaluated from this vector by using the relation between the elements of the essential matrix. Once the rotation angle is determined, the translation angle can be computed by using the Ackermann steering constraint, and then the translation distance can be determined. In the experiments, the proposed algorithm estimated the rotation angle and the translation distance better than did previous algorithms.
Type‐II quasi‐cyclic low‐density parity‐check codes from Sidon sequences
Authors: Zhang Guohua
Published: February 2016

From Sidon sequences, two explicit methods for constructing (2J, 2L)‐regular type‐II quasi‐cyclic (QC) low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) codes are proposed without four cycles. The advantage of the new methods is two‐fold: (i) compared with the existing lower bound of circulant permutation matrix (CPM) sizes above which type‐II QC‐LDPC codes exist without four cycles, the novel constructions enable much tighter lower bounds; and (ii) the codes constructed by the first method perform almost as well as type‐II QC‐LDPC codes from perfect cyclic difference set, while possessing a much more flexible CPM sizes.