bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking molecular resonance forms of donor–acceptor push–pull molecules by single-molecule conductance experiments
Authors: Lissau Henriette , Frisenda Riccardo , Olsen Stine T. , Jevric Martyn , Parker Christian R. , Kadziola Anders , Hansen Thorsten , van der Zant Herre S. J. , Brøndsted Nielsen Mogens , Mikkelsen Kurt V.
Published: December 2015

The ability of molecules to change colour on account of changes in solvent polarity is known as solvatochromism and used spectroscopically to characterize charge-transfer transitions in donor–acceptor molecules. Here we report that donor–acceptor-substituted molecular wires also exhibit distinct properties in single-molecule electronics under the influence of a bias voltage, but in absence of solvent. Two oligo(phenyleneethynylene) wires with donor–acceptor substitution on the central ring (cruciform-like) exhibit remarkably broad conductance peaks measured by the mechanically controlled break-junction technique with gold contacts, in contrast to the sharp peak of simpler molecules. From a theoretical analysis, we explain this by different degrees of charge delocalization and hence cross-conjugation at the central ring. Thus, small variations in the local environment promote the quinoid resonance form (off), the linearly conjugated (on) or any form in between. This shows how the conductance of donor–acceptor cruciforms is tuned by small changes in the environment.
Staphylococcus aureus forms spreading dendrites that have characteristics of active motility
Authors: Pollitt Eric J. G. , Crusz Shanika A. , Diggle Stephen P.
Published: December 2015

Staphylococcus aureus is historically regarded as a non-motile organism. More recently it has been shown that S. aureus can passively move across agar surfaces in a process called spreading. We re-analysed spreading motility using a modified assay and focused on observing the formation of dendrites: branching structures that emerge from the central colony. We discovered that S. aureus can spread across the surface of media in structures that we term ‘comets’, which advance outwards and precede the formation of dendrites. We observed comets in a diverse selection of S. aureus isolates and they exhibit the following behaviours: (1) They consist of phenotypically distinct cores of cells that move forward and seed other S. aureus cells behind them forming a comet ‘tail’; (2) they move when other cells in the comet tail have stopped moving; (3) the comet core is held together by a matrix of slime; and (4) the comets etch trails in the agar as they move forwards. Comets are not consistent with spreading motility or other forms of passive motility. Comet behaviour does share many similarities with a form of active motility known as gliding. Our observations therefore suggest that S. aureus is actively motile under certain conditions.
Protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) functions as a critical regulator in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced hepatic insulin resistance
Authors: Zhao Hongye , Huang Xiuqing , Jiao Juan , Zhang Hangxiang , Liu Jin , Qin Weiwei , Meng Xiangyu , Shen Tao , Lin Yajun , Chu Jiaojiao , Li Jian
Published: December 2015

Protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) was shown to participate in multiple cellular processes, including DNA damage response, cell cycle and embryo development. Recent studies demonstrated a looming role of PP4 in glucose metabolism. However, whether PP4 is involved in hepatic insulin resistance remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to estimate the role of PP4 in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced hepatic insulin resistance. db/db mice and TNF-α-treated C57BL/6J mice were used as hepatic insulin resistance animal models. In vitro models were established in both HepG2 cells and primary hepatocytes by TNF-α treatment. We found that increased expression and activity of PP4 occurred in the livers of db/db mice and TNF-α-induced hepatic insulin resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Actually, PP4 silencing and suppression of PP4 activity ameliorated TNF-α-induced hepatic insulin resistance, whereas over-expression of PP4 caused insulin resistance. We then further investigated the prodiabetic mechanism of PP4 in TNF-α-induced insulin resistance. We found that PP4 formed a complex with IRS-1 to promote phosphorylation of IRS-1 on serine 307 via JNK activation and reduce the expression of IRS-1. Thus, PP4 is an important regulator in inflammatory related insulin resistance.
Manipulation of Dirac Cones in Mechanical Graphene
Authors: Kariyado Toshikaze , Hatsugai Yasuhiro
Published: December 2015

Recently, quantum Hall state analogs in classical mechanics attract much attention from topological points of view. Topology is not only for mathematicians but also quite useful in a quantum world. Further it even governs the Newton’s law of motion. One of the advantages of classical systems over solid state materials is its clear controllability. Here we investigate mechanical graphene, which is a spring-mass model with the honeycomb structure as a typical mechanical model with nontrivial topological phenomena. The vibration spectrum of mechanical graphene is characterized by Dirac cones serving as sources of topological nontriviality. We find that the spectrum has dramatic dependence on the spring tension at equilibrium as a natural control parameter, i.e., creation and annihilation of the Dirac particles are realized as the tension increases. Just by rotating the system, the manipulated Dirac particles lead to topological transition, i.e., a jump of the “Chern number” occurs associated with flipping of propagating direction of chiral edge modes. This is a bulk-edge correspondence governed by the Newton’s law. A simple observation that in-gap edge modes exist only at the fixed boundary, but not at the free one, is attributed to the symmetry protection of topological phases.
Variants and haplotypes in Flap endonuclease 1 and risk of gallbladder cancer and gallstones: a population-based study in China
Authors: Jiao Xingyuan , Wu Ying , Zhou Liansuo , He Jinyun , Yang Chonghua , Zhang Peng , Hu Ronglin , Luo Canqiao , Du Jun , Fu Jian , Shi Jinsen , He Rui , Li Dongming , Jun Wang
Published: December 2015

The role of FEN1 genetic variants on gallstone and gallbladder cancer susceptibility is unknown. FEN1 SNPs were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in blood samples from 341 gallbladder cancer patients and 339 healthy controls. The distribution of FEN1-69G > A genotypes among controls (AA, 20.6%; GA, 47.2% and GG 32.2%) was significantly different from that among gallbladder cancer cases (AA, 11.1%; GA, 48.1% and GG, 40.8%), significantly increased association with gallbladder cancer was observed for subjects with both the FEN1-69G > A GA (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.01–2.63) and the FEN1-69G > A GG (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.31–3.9). The distribution of FEN1 -4150T genotypes among controls (TT, 21.8%;GT, 49.3% and GG 28.9%) was significantly different from that among gallbladder cancer cases (TT, 12.9%; GT, 48.4% and GG 38.7%), significantly increased association with gallbladder cancer was observed for subjects with both the FEN1-4150T GT(OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.04–2.91) and the FEN1-4150T GG(OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.37–5.39). A significant trend towards increased association with gallbladder cancer was observed with potentially higher-risk FEN1-69G > A genotypes (P < 0.001, χ2 trend test) and FEN14150G > T (P < 0.001, χ2 trend test) in gallstone presence but not in gallstone absence (P = 0.81, P = 0.89, respectively). In conclusion, this study revealed firstly that FEN1 polymorphisms and haplotypes are associated with gallbladder cancer risk.
Increased co-expression of genes harboring the damaging de novo mutations in Chinese schizophrenic patients during prenatal development
Authors: Wang Qiang , Li Miaoxin , Yang Zhenxing , Hu Xun , Wu Hei-Man , Ni Peiyan , Ren Hongyan , Deng Wei , Li Mingli , Ma Xiaohong , Guo Wanjun , Zhao Liansheng , Wang Yingcheng , Xiang Bo , Lei Wei , Sham Pak C , Li Tao
Published: December 2015

Schizophrenia is a heritable, heterogeneous common psychiatric disorder. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that de novo variants (DNVs) contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. We performed exome sequencing in Chinese patients (N = 45) with schizophrenia and their unaffected parents (N = 90). Forty genes were found to contain DNVs. These genes had enriched transcriptional co-expression profile in prenatal frontal cortex (Bonferroni corrected p < 9.1 × 10−3) and in prenatal temporal and parietal regions (Bonferroni corrected p < 0.03). Also, four prenatal anatomical subregions (VCF, MFC, OFC and ITC) have shown significant enrichment of connectedness in co-expression networks. Moreover, four genes (LRP1, MACF1, DICER1 and ABCA2) harboring the damaging de novo mutations are strongly prioritized as susceptibility genes by multiple evidences. Our findings in Chinese schizophrenic patients indicate the pathogenic role of DNVs, supporting the hypothesis that schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disease.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Modified box dimension and average weighted receiving time on the weighted fractal networks
Authors: Dai Meifeng , Sun Yanqiu , Shao Shuxiang , Xi Lifeng , Su Weiyi
Published: December 2015

In this paper a family of weighted fractal networks, in which the weights of edges have been assigned to different values with certain scale, are studied. For the case of the weighted fractal networks the definition of modified box dimension is introduced and a rigorous proof for its existence is given. Then, the modified box dimension depending on the weighted factor and the number of copies is deduced. Assuming that the walker, at each step, starting from its current node, moves uniformly to any of its nearest neighbors. The weighted time for two adjacency nodes is the weight connecting the two nodes. Then the average weighted receiving time (AWRT) is a corresponding definition. The obtained remarkable result displays that in the large network, when the weight factor is larger than the number of copies, the AWRT grows as a power law function of the network order with the exponent, being the reciprocal of modified box dimension. This result shows that the efficiency of the trapping process depends on the modified box dimension: the larger the value of modified box dimension, the more efficient the trapping process is.
Single particle optical extinction and scattering allows real time quantitative characterization of drug payload and degradation of polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Potenza M. A. C. , Sanvito T. , Argentiere S. , Cella C. , Paroli B. , Lenardi C. , Milani P.
Published: December 2015

The behavior of nanoparticles in biological systems is determined by their dimensions, size distribution, shape, surface chemistry, density, drug loading and stability; the characterization of these parameters in realistic conditions and the possibility to follow their evolution in vitro and in vivo are, in most of the cases, far from the capabilities of the standard characterization technologies. Optical techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) are, in principle, well suited for in line characterization of nanoparticle, however their fail in characterizing the evolution of nanoparticle in solution where change in particle dimension and density is present. Here we present an in-line optical technique based on single particle extinction and scattering (SPES) overcoming the limitations typical of DLS and allowing for the efficient characterization of nanoparticle polydispersity, index of refraction and degradation dynamics in solution. Using SPES, we characterized the evolution of PLGA nanoparticles with different structures and drug payloads in solution and we compared the results with DLS. Our results suggest that SPES could be used as a process analytical technology for pharmaceutical nanoparticle production.
Self-assembled honeycomb lattice in the monolayer of cyclic thiazyl diradical BDTDA (= 4,4′-bis(1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl)) on Cu(111) with a zero-bias tunneling spectra anomaly
Authors: Yamamoto Masayuki , Suizu Rie , Dutta Sudipta , Mishra Puneet , Nakayama Tomonobu , Sakamoto Kazuyuki , Wakabayashi Katsunori , Uchihashi Takashi , Awaga Kunio
Published: December 2015

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) observation reveals that a cyclic thiazyl diradical, BDTDA (= 4,4′-bis(1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl)), forms a well-ordered monolayer honeycomb lattice consisting of paramagnetic corners with unpaired electrons on a clean Cu(111) surface. This BDTDA lattice is commensurate with the triangular lattice of Cu(111), with the former being 3 × 3 larger than the latter. The formation of the BDTDA monolayer structure, which is significantly different from its bulk form, is attributed to an interaction with the metal surface as well as the intermolecular assembling forces. STM spectroscopy measurements on the BDTDA molecules indicate the presence of a characteristic zero-bias anomaly centered at the Fermi energy. The origin of this zero-bias anomaly is discussed in terms of the Dirac cones inherent to the honeycomb structure.
Identification of potential mitochondrial CLPXP protease interactors and substrates suggests its central role in energy metabolism
Authors: Fischer Fabian , Langer Julian D. , Osiewacz Heinz D.
Published: December 2015

Maintenance of mitochondria is achieved by several mechanisms, including the regulation of mitochondrial proteostasis. The matrix protease CLPXP, involved in protein quality control, has been implicated in ageing and disease. However, particularly due to the lack of knowledge of CLPXP’s substrate spectrum, only little is known about the pathways and mechanisms controlled by this protease. Here we report the first comprehensive identification of potential mitochondrial CLPXP in vivo interaction partners and substrates using a combination of tandem affinity purification and differential proteomics. This analysis reveals that CLPXP in the fungal ageing model Podospora anserina is mainly associated with metabolic pathways in mitochondria, e.g. components of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and the tricarboxylic acid cycle as well as subunits of electron transport chain complex I. These data suggest a possible function of mitochondrial CLPXP in the control and/or maintenance of energy metabolism. Since bioenergetic alterations are a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and ageing, our data comprise an important resource for specific studies addressing the role of CLPXP in these adverse processes.
A robust, melting class bulk superhydrophobic material with heat-healing and self-cleaning properties
Authors: Ramakrishna S. , Santhosh Kumar K. S. , Mathew Dona , Reghunadhan Nair C. P.
Published: December 2015

Superhydrophobic (SH) materials are essential for a myriad of applications such as anti-icing and self-cleaning due to their extreme water repellency. A single, robust material simultaneously possessing melt-coatability, bulk water repellency, self-cleanability, self-healability, self-refreshability and adhesiveness has been remaining an elusive goal. We demonstrate a unique class of melt-processable, bulk SH coating by grafting long alkyl chains on silica nanoparticle surface by a facile one-step method. The well-defined nanomaterial shows SH property in the bulk and is found to heal macro-cracks on gentle heating. It retains wettability characteristics even after abrading with a sand paper. The surface regenerates SH features (due to reversible self-assembly of nano structures) quickly at ambient temperature even after cyclic water impalement, boiling water treatment and multiple finger rubbing tests. It exhibits self-cleaning properties on both fresh and cut surfaces. This kind of coating, hitherto undisclosed, is expected to be a breakthrough in the field of melt-processable SH coatings.
Association of Interleukin-23 receptor gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to Crohn’s disease: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Wang-Dong , Xie Qi-Bing , Zhao Yi , Liu Yi
Published: December 2015

Studies investigating the association between Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) gene polymorphisms and Crohn’s disease (CD) report conflicting results. Thus, a meta-analysis was carried out to assess the association between the IL-23R polymorphisms and CD. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify all relevant studies. Pooled odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) was used to estimate the strength of association. Finally, a total of 60 case-control studies in 56 articles, involving 22,820 CD patients and 27,401 healthy controls, were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, a significant association was found between all CD and the rs7517847 polymorphism (OR = 0.699, 95% CI = 0.659 ~ 0.741, P < 0.001). Meta-analysis of the rs11209026, rs1343151, rs10489629 and rs11465804 polymorphisms indicated the same pattern as for rs7517847. Meta-analysis showed an association between the rs10889677A allele and CD (OR = 1.393, 95% CI = 1.328 ~ 1.461, P < 0.001). Similarly, meta-analysis of the rs2201840, rs1004819, rs1495965 and rs11209032 polymorphisms revealed the same pattern as that shown by meta-analysis of rs10889677. Stratification by ethnicity revealed that IL-23R gene polymorphisms were associated with CD in the Caucasian group, but not in Asians. In summary, the meta-analysis suggests a significant association between IL-23R polymorphisms and CD, especially in Caucasians.
The capacity to maintain ion and water homeostasis underlies interspecific variation in Drosophila cold tolerance
Authors: MacMillan Heath A. , Andersen Jonas L. , Davies Shireen A. , Overgaard Johannes
Published: December 2015

Many insects, including Drosophila, succumb to the physiological effects of chilling at temperatures well above those causing freezing. Low temperature causes a loss of extracellular ion and water homeostasis in such insects and chill injuries accumulate. Using an integrative and comparative approach, we examined the role of ion and water balance in insect chilling susceptibility/ tolerance. The Malpighian tubules (MT), of chill susceptible Drosophila species lost [Na+] and [K+] selectivity at low temperatures, which contributed to a loss of Na+ and water balance and a deleterious increase in extracellular [K+]. By contrast, the tubules of chill tolerant Drosophila species maintained their MT ion selectivity, maintained stable extracellular ion concentrations and thereby avoided injury. The most tolerant species were able to modulate ion balance while in a cold-induced coma and this ongoing physiological acclimation process allowed some individuals of the tolerant species to recover from chill coma during low temperature exposure. Accordingly, differences in the ability to maintain homeostatic control of water and ion balance at low temperature may explain large parts of the wide intra- and interspecific variation in insect chilling tolerance.
An improved human anxiety process biomarker: characterization of frequency band, personality and pharmacology
Authors: Shadli S M , Glue P , McIntosh J , McNaughton N
Published: December 2015

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illness in the western world with a major impact on disability. But their diagnosis has lacked objective biomarkers. We previously demonstrated a human anxiety process biomarker, goal-conflict-specific electroencephalography (EEG) rhythmicity (GCSR) in the stop-signal task (SST). Here we have developed and characterized an improved test appropriate for clinical group testing. We modified the SST to produce balanced numbers of trials in clearly separated stop-signal delay groups. As previously, right frontal (F8) GCSR was extracted as the difference in EEG log Fourier power between matching stop and go trials (that is, stop-signal-specific power) of a quadratic contrast of the three delay values (that is, power when stopping and going are in balanced conflict compared with the average of when stopping or going is greater). Separate experiments assessed drug sensitivity (n=34) and personality relations (n=59). GCSR in this new SST was reduced by three chemically distinct anxiolytic drugs (administered double-blind): buspirone (10 mg), triazolam (0.25 mg) and pregabalin (75 mg); had a frequency range (4–12 Hz) consistent with rodent model data; and positively correlated significantly with neuroticism and nonsignificantly with trait anxiety scores. GCSR, measured in our new form of the SST, should be suitable as a biomarker for one specific anxiety process in the testing of clinical groups and novel drugs and in the development of measures suitable for individual diagnosis.
A study of molecular adsorption of a cationic surfactant on complex surfaces with atomic force microscopy
Authors: Sokolov I. , Zorn G. , Nichols J. M.
Published: December 2015

The study of molecular adsorption on solid surfaces is of broad interest.
Synthesis of the aglycon of aspafiliosides E and F based on cascade reactions
Authors: Wu Jing-Jing , Shi Yong , Tian Wei-Sheng
Published: December 2015

Herein, we describe an efficient synthesis of C17α-OH-tigogenin, which is the aglycon of aspafiliosides E and F. The synthesis features three cascade processes, which involve the iodo-lactonization of furostan-26-acid, a cascade hydrolysis/intramolecular SN2 process, and a cascade intramolecular redox-ketalization process.
Photodissociation dynamics of ICH2Cl → CH2Cl + I*/I: photofragment translational spectroscopy at 304 and 277 nm
Authors: Cheng Min , Lin Dan , Hu Lili , Du Yikui , Zhu Qihe
Published: December 2015

The PTS in the I* channel of the photodissociation of ICH2Cl at 304.02 nm.
Potential energy surface of fluoroxene: experiment and theory
Authors: Uriarte Iciar , Écija Patricia , Spada Lorenzo , Zabalza Eneko , Lesarri Alberto , Basterretxea Francisco J. , Fernández José A. , Caminati Walther , Cocinero Emilio J.
Published: December 2015

The potential energy surface (PES) of the general anesthetic fluoroxene was probed in a supersonic jet expansion using broadband CP-FTMW spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.
Relationship between vesicle size and steric hindrance influences vesicle rupture on solid supports
Authors: Jackman Joshua A. , Kim Min Chul , Zhdanov Vladimir P. , Cho Nam-Joon
Published: December 2015

Although it is thermodynamically favorable for adsorbed vesicles to rupture with increasing vesicle size, this study demonstrates that steric hindrance acts as a kinetic barrier to impede large vesicles from rupturing.
Hydrogen-bonding and vibrational coupling of water in a hydrophobic hydration shell as observed by Raman-MCR and isotopic dilution spectroscopy
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed , Singh Ajay K. , Mondal Jahur A.
Published: December 2015

Raman multivariate curve resolution (Raman-MCR) spectroscopy reveals the perturbation of vibrational coupling of water in a hydrophobic hydration shell.
Unique reaction mechanism of preferential oxidation of CO over intermetallic Pt3Co catalysts: surface-OH-mediated formation of a bicarbonate intermediate
Authors: Furukawa Shinya , Ehara Kengo , Komatsu Takayuki
Published: December 2015

A unique and novel reaction mechanism for the preferential oxidation of CO involving surface-OH-derived bicarbonate as an intermediate is reported.
Ligand ordering determines the catalytic response of hybrid palladium nanoparticles in hydrogenation
Authors: Albani Davide , Vilé Gianvito , Mitchell Sharon , Witte Peter T. , Almora-Barrios Neyvis , Verel René , López Núria , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: December 2015

HHDMA-modified Pd catalysts exhibit enhanced activity in the hydrogenation of alkynes, nitriles, and carbonyls with increasing HHDMA coverage due to the different conformations adopted by the ligand.
Heterocyclic dithiocarbamato-iron(iii) complexes: single-source precursors for aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) of iron sulfide thin films
Authors: Mlowe Sixberth , Lewis David J. , Malik Mohammad Azad , Raftery James , Mubofu Egid B. , O'Brien Paul , Revaprasadu Neerish
Published: December 2015

A series of iron(iii) heterocyclic dithiocarbamate complexes were synthesized and characterized and were used as single source precursors to deposit iron sulfide thin films.
Experimental and theoretical studies of structural phase transition in a novel polar perovskite-like [C2H5NH3][Na0.5Fe0.5(HCOO)3] formate
Authors: Ptak Maciej , Mączka Mirosław , Gągor Anna , Sieradzki Adam , Stroppa Alessandro , Di Sante Domenico , Perez-Mato Juan Manuel , Macalik Lucyna
Published: December 2015

We report the synthesis and studies of a novel heterometallic formate [C2H5NH3][Na0.5Fe0.5(HCOO)3].
A flexible solid-state electrolyte for wide-scale integration of rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Fu Jing , Zhang Jing , Song Xueping , Zarrin Hadis , Tian Xiaofei , Qiao Jinli , Rasen Lathanken , Li Kecheng , Chen Zhongwei
Published: December 2015

Replacing liquid electrolytes with a versatile, solid-state membrane based on highly functionalized cellulose nanofibers allows for easy integration of rechargeable zinc–air into any bendable and wearable devices.
Xanthohumol-induced presynaptic reduction of glutamate release in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Chang Yi , Lin Tzu Yu , Lu Cheng Wei , Huang Shu Kuei , Wang Ying Chou , Wang Su Jane
Published: December 2015

This study examined whether xanthohumol, a hop-derived prenylated flavonoid present in beer, affects glutamate release in the rat hippocampus.
Organosolv pretreatment of plant biomass for enhanced enzymatic saccharification
Authors: Zhang Zhanying , Harrison Mark D. , Rackemann Darryn W. , Doherty William O. S. , O'Hara Ian M.
Published: December 2015

Pretreatments of lignocellulosic biomass for enhanced enzymatic saccharification with different types of organic solvents are compared and reviewed.
Chiral quaternary phosphonium salts as phase-transfer catalysts for environmentally benign asymmetric transformations
Authors: Liu Shiyao , Kumatabara Yusuke , Shirakawa Seiji
Published: December 2015

The development of chiral quaternary phosphonium salt catalysts for environmentally benign asymmetric phase-transfer reactions is summarized.
A smart core–sheath nanofiber that captures and releases red blood cells from the blood
Authors: Shi Q. , Hou J. , Zhao C. , Xin Z. , Jin J. , Li C. , Wong S.-C. , Yin J.
Published: December 2015

A smart, core–sheath polycaprolactone/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)/nattokinase nanofiber is fabricated by single-spinneret electrospinning. The nanofiber can directly capture the red blood cells from the blood and release without damage of cells.
The shape evolution from PtxCoy@Co cubes to PtxCoymulticubes for selective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated aldehyde
Authors: Huang Shuangshuang , Yang Nating , Huo Minfeng , Sun Yuhan , Zhu Yan
Published: December 2015

PtxCoy@Co cubes and PtxCoymulticubes were synthesizedviathe previous as seed precursors to induce the formation of the latter.
Conversion of cycloalk-2-enones into 2-methylcycloalkane-1,3-diones—assessment of various Tamao-Fleming procedures and mechanistic insight into the use of the Me3SiMe2Si unit
Authors: Yu Guojun , Clive Derrick L. J.
Published: December 2015

2-Methyl cycloalkane-1,3-diones can be made by conjugate addition of Me3SiMe2SiLi to cycloalk-2-en-1-ones, ketalization, Tamao–Fleming oxidation (Bu4NF, then H2O2, KHCO3), TPAP oxidation and acid hydrolysis.
Biotreatment of simulated tannery wastewater containing Reactive Black 5, aniline and CrVI using a biochar packed bioreactor
Authors: Mahmood Shahid , Khalid Azeem , Mahmood Tariq , Arshad Muhammad , Loyola-Licea Juan Carlos , Crowley David E.
Published: December 2015

Azo dyes and CrVI in tannery wastewater can be treated by redox active bacteria. Dye decolorization and CrVI reduction are simultaneous under anaerobic conditions. Biochar is an effective support matrix for packed bed bioreactors used to treat dyes and CrVI.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel asiatic acid derivatives with anticancer activity
Authors: Gonçalves Bruno M. F. , Salvador Jorge A. R. , Marín Silvia , Cascante Marta
Published: December 2015

Structural modification of asiatic acid afforded derivatives with improved anticancer activity.
Electrohydrodynamic printing of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) electrodes with ratio-optimized surfactant
Authors: Lim Sooman , Park So Hyun , An Tae Kyu , Lee Hwa Sung , Kim Se Hyun
Published: December 2015

An electrohydrodynamic printing process was optimized for the printing of a (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) conductive polymer by manipulating its surface tension.
Design of a selective solid acid catalyst for the optimization of glucose production from Oryza sativa straw
Authors: Victor Amudhavalli , Pulidindi Indra Neel , Kim Tae Hyun , Gedanken Aharon
Published: December 2015

A selective, green and fast method for the production of glucose from rice (Oryza sativa) straw is demonstrated.
Synthesis of N-doped hierarchical carbon spheres for CO2 capture and supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Ziqiang , Sun Lixian , Xu Fen , Peng Xiaojun , Zou Yongjin , Chu Hailiang , Ouyang Liuzhang , Zhu Min
Published: December 2015

N-doped hierarchical carbon spheres prepared from a soft template/hydrothermal method exhibit excellent performance for CO2 capture and supercapacitors.
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/germanium organic–inorganic hybrid thin films: substrate-induced synthesis, enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Lu Peng , Yang Pei-hui
Published: December 2015

We demonstrate here a facile synthesis of 3D PEDOT nano-flowers/Ge nanoparticles organic–inorganic hybrid films with enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performance.
Facile synthesis of defect-induced highly-luminescent pristine MgO nanostructures for promising solid-state lighting applications
Authors: Jain Navita , Marwaha Neeraj , Verma Rajni , Gupta Bipin Kumar , Srivastava Avanish Kumar
Published: December 2015

Successful demonstration of the facile synthesis of defect-induced highly-luminescent pristine MgO nanostructures for white-light generation and proposed WLED application.
Improving the mechanical properties of cellulose diacetate fibers via using an ionic liquid as processing solvent
Authors: Liu Na , Wang Baochun , Chen Shiyan , Ke Fuyou , Chen Ye , Pei Qibing , Wang Huaping
Published: December 2015

CDA fibers with improved mechanical properties via using [BMIM]Cl ionic liquid which can be directly used for the production of fabric yarns and garments were fabricated and characterized.
Amine-rich ionic liquid grafted graphene for sub-ambient carbon dioxide adsorption
Authors: Tamilarasan P. , Ramaprabhu S.
Published: December 2015

The present study describes the synthesis of the triazolium based amine-rich ionic liquid (ARIL), namely, 3,5-diamino-1-methyl-1,2,4-triazolium tetrafluoroborate grafted graphene (HEG/ARIL), and its application in carbon dioxide adsorption.
Coupling the magnetic and heat dissipative properties of Fe3O4 particles to enable applications in catalysis, drug delivery, tissue destruction and remote biological interfacing
Authors: Hudson R.
Published: December 2015

As interest in nanomaterials continues to grow, and the scope of their applications widens, one subset of materials has set itself apart: magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs).
Electron competitive migration regulating for dual maxima of water photolysis
Authors: Chen Xianqun , Li Liping , Xu Yangsen , Zhang Yuelan , Li Guangshe
Published: December 2015

Electron competitive migration in defective tin dioxide caused by oxygen vacancy produces dual water photolysis activity maxima under visible light.
Ti-doped SrFeO3 nanostructured electrodes for symmetric solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: dos Santos-Gómez L. , Porras-Vázquez J. M. , Losilla E. R. , Marrero-López D.
Published: December 2015

Ti-doped SrFeO3−δ electrodes, prepared by a novel method based on spray-pyrolysis deposition, exhibit high efficiency as both cathode and anode in SOFCs.
Slow photocharging and reduced hysteresis in low-temperature processed planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Vaenas Naoum , Konios Dimitrios , Stergiopoulos Thomas , Kymakis Emmanuel
Published: December 2015

High temperature processed anatase TiO2 utilized as the electron transport layer in organolead trihalide perovskite solar cells, is replaced by a low-temperature solution-processed amorphous TiO2 with reduced hysteresis.
I2-promoted aerobic oxidative coupling of acetophenes with amines under metal-free conditions: facile access to α-ketoamides
Authors: Guo Shiyu , Fang Zheng , Yang Zhao , Liu Chengkou , Dai Zhongxue , Zhao Lihuan , Guo Kai
Published: December 2015

A novel and efficient I2-promoted oxidative coupling of acetophenes with amines to α-ketoamides is presented, which employs molecular oxygen as an environmentally friendly oxidant under metal-free conditions.
In situ generated and stabilized Pd nanoparticles by N2,N4,N6-tridodecyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine (TDTAT) as a reactive and efficient catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction in water
Authors: Iranpoor Nasser , Rahimi Sajjad , Panahi Farhad
Published: December 2015

The Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction was efficiently catalyzed by the in situ generated and stabilized Pd nanoparticles employing TDTAT in water.
In situ growth of SnS absorbing layer by reactive sputtering for thin film solar cells
Authors: Zhao Lianbo , Di Yunxiang , Yan Chang , Liu Fangyang , Cheng Zhu , Jiang Liangxing , Hao Xiaojing , Lai Yanqing , Li Jie
Published: December 2015

The semiconductor SnS is a promising candidate for low cost earth-abundant photovoltaic absorbing layers and presents some interesting challenges in single phase material preparation.
Silica-coated gradient alloy quantum dots with high luminescence for converter materials in white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Jung Hak-Sung , Kim Young-Jae , Cho Junsang , Yoon Tae-Jong , Lee Jin-Kyu
Published: December 2015

DMA catalyst played a major role in maintaining the luminescence of the QDs. After silica coating, QD@SiO2 exhibited high stability and retained their initial photoluminescence (PL) intensity in a flexible polymer nanocomposite film.
ZnO/rGO nanocomposite/carbon paste electrode for determination of terazosin in human serum samples
Authors: Madrakian Tayyebeh , Ghasemi Hojjat , Afkhami Abbas , Haghshenas Esmaeel
Published: December 2015

Terazosin (TR) is used for the treatment of symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
A quantitative appraisal of the binding interactions between an anionic dye, Alizarin Red S, and alkyloxypyridinium surfactants: a detailed micellization, spectroscopic and electrochemical study
Authors: Sharma Renu , Kamal Ajar , Mahajan Rakesh Kumar
Published: December 2015

The interactions of an anionic redox-active dye Alizarin Red S (ARS) with novel N-hydroxyethyl-3-alkyloxypyridinium surfactants [HEC14OPyBr], and [HEC16OPyBr], were investigated in an aqueous solution to obtain comprehensive knowledge of oppositely charged dye–surfactant mixed systems.
Zinc mediated crystalline assembly of gold nanoclusters for expedient hydrogen storage and sensing
Authors: Basu Srestha , Paul Anumita , Chattopadhyay Arun
Published: December 2015

Golden hydrogen: a crystalline complex of gold nanoclusters for hydrogen storage and sensing.
Improved stability of reversible solid oxide cells with a nickelate-based oxygen electrode
Authors: Laguna-Bercero M. A. , Monzón H. , Larrea A. , Orera V. M.
Published: December 2015

Mixed praseodymium, cerium and gadolinium oxides (PCGO) at the electrolyte–oxygen electrode interface enhance the stability and performance of nickelate based oxygen electrodes in high temperature electrolysis and fuel cell operation modes.
Toward high performance broad spectral hybrid organic–inorganic photodetectors based on multiple component organic bulk heterojunctions
Authors: Zhao Feiyu , Luo Xiao , Liu Jinfeng , Du Lili , Lv WenLi , Sun Lei , Li Yao , Wang Ying , Peng Yingquan
Published: December 2015

Utilizing multiple component organic bulk heterojunctions is a prospective route for realizing broadband hybrid organic–inorganic photodetectors.
Tuning the aggregation-induced enhanced emission behavior and self-assembly of phosphole-lipids
Authors: Wang Zisu , Gelfand Benjamin S. , Dong Pengcheng , Trudel Simon , Baumgartner Thomas
Published: December 2015

Herein, we report on the synthesis, self-assembly, as well as the photophysical properties of a novel series of P-benzylated phosphole-lipids.
Solid state red biphotonic excited emission from small dipolar fluorophores
Authors: Ipuy Martin , Liao Yuan-Yuan , Jeanneau Erwann , Baldeck Patrice L. , Bretonnière Yann , Andraud Chantal
Published: December 2015

Dyes emitting in the solid state in the red or near-infrared range are much sought after for application in bioimaging especially if the long emission wavelength can be combined with two-photon excitation to provide unique contrast and penetration depth.
Selective inhibition of PTEN preserves ischaemic post-conditioning cardioprotection in STZ-induced Type 1 diabetic rats: role of the PI3K/Akt and JAK2/STAT3 pathways
Authors: Xue Rui , Lei Shaoqing , Xia Zhong-yuan , Wu Yang , Meng Qingtao , Zhan Liying , Su Wating , Liu Huimin , Xu Jinjin , Liu Zhenzhen , Zhou Bin , Xia Zhengyuan
Published: December 2015

Patients with diabetes are vulnerable to MI/R (myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion) injury, but are not responsive to IPostC (ischaemic post-conditioning) which activates PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt (also known as PKB or protein kinase B) and JAK2 (Janus kinase 2)/STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) pathways to confer cardioprotection. We hypothesized that increased cardiac PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10), a major negative regulator of PI3K/Akt, is responsible for the loss of diabetic heart sensitivity to IPostC cardioprotecton. In STZ (streptozotocin)-induced Type 1 diabetic rats subjected to MI/R (30 min coronary occlusion and 120 min reperfusion), the post-ischaemic myocardial infarct size, CK-MB (creatine kinase-MB) and 15-F2t-isoprostane release, as well as cardiac PTEN expression were significantly higher than those in non-diabetic controls, concomitant with more severe cardiac dysfunction and lower cardiac Akt, STAT3 and GSK-3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3β) phosphorylation. IPostC significantly attenuated post-ischaemic infarct size, decreased PTEN expression and further increased Akt, STAT3 and GSK-3β phosphorylation in non-diabetic, but not in diabetic rats. Application of the PTEN inhibitor BpV (bisperoxovanadium) (1.0 mg/kg) restored IPostC cardioprotection in diabetic rats. HPostC (hypoxic post-conditioning) in combination with PTEN gene knockdown, but not HPostC alone, significantly reduced H/R (hypoxia/reoxygenation) injury in cardiac H9c2 cells exposed to high glucose as was evident from reduced apoptotic cell death and JC-1 monomer in cells, accompanied by increased phosphorylation of Akt, STAT3 and GSK-3β. PTEN inhibition/gene knockdown mediated restoration of IPostC/HPostC cardioprotection was completely reversed by the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin, and partially reversed by the JAK2 inhibitor AG490. Increased cardiac PTEN, by impairing PI3K/Akt and JAK2/STAT3 pathways, is a major mechanism that rendered diabetic hearts not responsive to post-conditioning cardioprotection.
Cooperative spectrum sensing with secondary user selection for cognitive radio networks over Nakagami‐m fading channels
Authors: Vien Quoc‐Tuan , Nguyen Huan X. , Nallanathan Arumugam
Published: December 2015

This study investigates cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) in cognitive wireless radio networks (CWRNs). A practical system is considered where all channels experience Nakagami‐m fading and suffers from background noise. The realisation of the CSS can follow two approaches where the final spectrum decision is based on either only the global decision at fusion centre (FC) or both decisions from the FC and secondary user (SU). By deriving closed‐form expressions and bounds of missed detection probability (MDP) and false alarm probability (FAP), the authors are able to not only demonstrate the impacts of the m‐parameter on the sensing performance, but also evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the two CSS schemes with respect to various fading parameters and the number of SUs. It is interestingly noticed that a smaller number of SUs could be selected to achieve the lower bound of the MDP rather using all the available SUs while still maintaining a low FAP. As a second contribution, they propose a SU selection algorithm for the CSS to find the optimised number of SUs for lower complexity and reduced power consumption. Finally, numerical results are provided to demonstrate the findings.
Detection of ferromagnetic domain wall pinning and depinning with a semiconductor device
Authors: Malec Chris E. , Bennett Brian R. , Johnson Mark B.
Published: December 2015

We demonstrate the detection of a ferromagnetic domain wall using a nanoscale Hall cross. A narrow permalloy wire is defined lithographically on top of a Hall cross fabricated from an InAs quantum well. The width of the Hall cross (500 nm–1 μm) is similar to the width of the ferromagnetic wire (200–500 nm), and a geometric pinning site is fabricated in the ferromagnetic wire to trap a domain wall within the area of the Hall cross. The devices provide a signal that is often the same order of magnitude as the offset Hall voltage when a domain wall is located above the Hall cross, and may be useful for memory applications. Different geometries for the Hall cross and ferromagnetic wire are tested, and radiofrequency pulses are sent into the wire to demonstrate current driven domain wall motion. Further changes to the Hall bar geometry with respect to the wire geometry are investigated by numerical computation. A large gain in signal is seen for Hall bars only slightly wider than the ferromagnetic wires as compared to those twice as wide, as well as a larger sensitivity to the exact position of the domain wall with respect to the center of the Hall cross.
A multichain polymer slip-spring model with fluctuating number of entanglements for linear and nonlinear rheology
Authors: Ramírez-Hernández Abelardo , Peters Brandon L. , Andreev Marat , Schieber Jay D. , de Pablo Juan J.
Published: December 2015

A theoretically informed entangled polymer simulation approach is presented for description of the linear and non-linear rheology of entangled polymer melts. The approach relies on a many-chain representation and introduces the topological effects that arise from the non-crossability of molecules through effective fluctuating interactions, mediated by slip-springs, between neighboring pairs of macromolecules. The total number of slip-springs is not preserved but, instead, it is controlled through a chemical potential that determines the average molecular weight between entanglements. The behavior of the model is discussed in the context of a recent theory for description of homogeneous materials, and its relevance is established by comparing its predictions to experimental linear and non-linear rheology data for a series of well-characterized linear polyisoprene melts. The results are shown to be in quantitative agreement with experiment and suggest that the proposed formalism may also be used to describe the dynamics of inhomogeneous systems, such as composites and copolymers. Importantly, the fundamental connection made here between our many-chain model and the well-established, thermodynamically consistent single-chain mean-field models provides a path to systematic coarse-graining for prediction of polymer rheology in structurally homogeneous and heterogeneous materials.
Intersystem crossing rates of S1 state keto-amino cytosine at low excess energy
Authors: Lobsiger Simon , Etinski Mihajlo , Blaser Susan , Frey Hans-Martin , Marian Christel , Leutwyler Samuel
Published: December 2015

The amino-keto tautomer of supersonic jet-cooled cytosine undergoes intersystem crossing (ISC) from the v = 0 and low-lying vibronic levels of its S1(1ππ∗) state. We investigate these ISC rates experimentally and theoretically as a function of S1 state vibrational excess energy Eexc. The S1 vibronic levels are pumped with a ∼5 ns UV laser, the S1 and triplet state ion signals are separated by prompt or delayed ionization with a second UV laser pulse. After correcting the raw ISC yields for the relative S1 and T1 ionization cross sections, we obtain energy dependent ISC quantum yields QISCcorr=1%–5%. These are combined with previously measured vibronic state-specific decay rates, giving ISC rates kISC = 0.4–1.5 ⋅ 109 s−1, the corresponding S1⇝S0 internal conversion (IC) rates are 30–100 times larger. Theoretical ISC rates are computed using SCS-CC2 methods, which predict rapid ISC from the S1; v = 0 state with kISC = 3 ⋅ 109 s−1 to the T1(3ππ∗) triplet state. The surprisingly high rate of this El Sayed-forbidden transition is caused by a substantial admixture of 1nOπ∗ character into the S1(1ππ∗) wave function at its non-planar minimum geometry. The combination of experiment and theory implies that (1) below Eexc = 550 cm−1 in the S1 state, S1⇝S0 internal conversion dominates the nonradiative decay with kIC ≥ 2 ⋅ 1010 s−1, (2) the calculated S1⇝T1 (1ππ∗⇝3ππ∗) ISC rate is in good agreement with experiment, (3) being El-Sayed forbidden, the S1⇝T1 ISC is moderately fast (kISC = 3 ⋅ 109 s−1), and not ultrafast, as claimed by other calculations, and (4) at Eexc ∼ 550 cm−1 the IC rate increases by ∼50 times, probably by accessing the lowest conical intersection (the C5-twist CI) and thereby effectively switching off the ISC decay channels.
Instantaneous, parameter-free methods to define a solute’s hydration shell
Authors: Chatterjee Anupam , Higham Jonathan , Henchman Richard H.
Published: December 2015

A range of methods are presented to calculate a solute’s hydration shell from computer simulations of dilute solutions of monatomic ions and noble gas atoms. The methods are designed to be parameter-free and instantaneous so as to make them more general, accurate, and consequently applicable to disordered systems. One method is a modified nearest-neighbor method, another considers solute-water Lennard-Jones overlap followed by hydrogen-bond rearrangement, while three methods compare various combinations of water-solute and water-water forces. The methods are tested on a series of monatomic ions and solutes and compared with the values from cutoffs in the radial distribution function, the nearest-neighbor distribution functions, and the strongest-acceptor hydrogen bond definition for anions. The Lennard-Jones overlap method and one of the force-comparison methods are found to give a hydration shell for cations which is in reasonable agreement with that using a cutoff in the radial distribution function. Further modifications would be required, though, to make them capture the neighboring water molecules of noble-gas solutes if these weakly interacting molecules are considered to constitute the hydration shell.