bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-nitrate vegetable diet increases plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations and reduces blood pressure in healthy women
Authors: Ashworth Ann , Mitchell Klaus , Blackwell Jamie R , Vanhatalo Anni , Jones Andrew M
Published: February 2015

Objective

Epidemiological studies suggest that green leafy vegetables, which are high in dietary nitrate, are protective against CVD such as stroke. High blood pressure (BP) is a major risk factor for stroke and inorganic nitrate has been shown to reduce BP. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that diets containing high-nitrate (HN) vegetables would increase plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations and reduce BP in healthy women.

Design

A randomized, crossover trial, where participants received HN vegetables (HN diet) or avoided HN vegetables (Control diet) for 1 week. Before and after each intervention, resting BP and plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations were measured.

Setting

University of Exeter, UK.

Subjects

Nineteen healthy women (mean age 20 (sd2) years; mean BMI 22·5 (sd3·8) kg/m2).

Results

The HN diet significantly increased plasma nitrate concentration (before HN diet: mean 24·4 (sd5·6) µmol/l; after HN diet: mean 61·0 (sd44·1) µmol/l,P<0·05) and plasma nitrite concentration (before HN diet: mean 98 (sd91) nmol/l; after HN diet: mean 185 (sd34) nmol/l,P<0·05). No significant change in plasma nitrate or nitrite concentration was observed after the Control diet. The HN diet significantly reduced resting systolic BP (before HN diet: mean 107 (sd9) mmHg; after HN diet: mean 103 (sd6) mmHg,P<0·05). No significant change in systolic BP was observed after the Control diet (before Control diet: mean 106 (sd8) mmHg; after Control diet: mean 106 (sd8) mmHg).

Conclusions

Consumption of HN vegetables significantly increased plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations and reduced BP in normotensive women.
Food security and sustainability: can one exist without the other?
Authors: Berry Elliot M , Dernini Sandro , Burlingame Barbara , Meybeck Alexandre , Conforti Piero
Published: February 2015

Objective

To position the concept of sustainability within the context of food security.

Design

An overview of the interrelationships between food security and sustainability based on a non-systematic literature review and informed discussions based principally on a quasi-historical approach from meetings and reports.

Setting

International and global food security and nutrition.

Results

The Rome Declaration on World Food Security in 1996 defined its three basic dimensions as: availability, accessibility and utilization, with a focus on nutritional well-being. It also stressed the importance of sustainable management of natural resources and the elimination of unsustainable patterns of food consumption and production. In 2009, at the World Summit on Food Security, the concept of stability/vulnerability was added as the short-term time indicator of the ability of food systems to withstand shocks, whether natural or man-made, as part of the Five Rome Principles for Sustainable Global Food Security. More recently, intergovernmental processes have emphasized the importance of sustainability to preserve the environment, natural resources and agro-ecosystems (and thus the overlying social system), as well as the importance of food security as part of sustainability and vice versa.

Conclusions

Sustainability should be considered as part of the long-term time dimension in the assessment of food security. From such a perspective the concept of sustainable diets can play a key role as a goal and a way of maintaining nutritional well-being and health, while ensuring the sustainability for future food security. Without integrating sustainability as an explicit (fifth?) dimension of food security, today’s policies and programmes could become the very cause of increased food insecurity in the future.
I. The Impeachment of the Earl of Clarendon
Authors: Roberts Clayton
Published: February 2015

Few Lord Chancellors have defended the laws of England with greater steadfastness than Edward Hyde, first Earl of Clarendon. Yet the House of Commons impeached him in 1667 for attempting to subvert those laws. Standing guardian over the English constitution, he was accused of plotting its ruin. Less guilty than Francis Bacon, he suffered a harsher fate. More innocent than Lord Keeper Finch, he endured the same painful banishment from the England he loved. On 11 November 1667 the House of Commons impeached him for high treason, and though they were unable to prove their accusation, they forced him, by the violence of their prosecution, to flee to France. It was his personal tragedy to suffer disgrace, calumny, and banishment though guilty of no crime.
How Effective Are Cash Transfers in Reducing Poverty, Compared to Remittances?
Authors: Hagen-Zanker Jessica , Leon Himmelstine Carmen
Published: February 2015

Using a rigorous, evidence-focused review method, this literature review found eleven relevant studies that directly compare the impacts of cash transfers and remittances on a range indicators of poverty at the household level. The evidence base is small and highly context specific. The external and internal validity of most studies are limited, so the conclusions that can be drawn from this review are tentative. However, in the majority of studies both cash transfers and remittances are shown to have positive impacts on reducing poverty. Overall, remittances seem to have stronger poverty-reducing impacts. There are a number of factors that seem to explain why remittances have a greater effect. In the studies reviewed here, remittances appear to reach both a greater share of the overall population than cash transfers and a greater share of poorer households. Furthermore, remittances were higher in value in the majority of studies reviewed. Further high-quality research is needed.
An Anglican View of the Papacy Post-Vatican II
Authors: Platten Stephen
Published: February 2015

This article provides a current view of Anglican attitudes to the Papacy. First of all historical background is examined in relation to mutual perceptions of Anglicanism and Roman Catholicism going back to the early church and then moving forward through the Reformation to the twentieth century. The period from 1966 onwards saw the visit of Geoffrey Fisher to Pope John XXIII which began to change perceptions. The establishment of the Anglican Centre in Rome in 1966 was a crucial development. The setting up of the Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission, following the Malta Report in 1966 altered perceptions and understandings of Anglican and Roman Catholics mutually. There is still a variety of Anglican reactions to the Papacy.
Medical models and metaphors for depression
Authors: Patten S. B.
Published: February 2015

Background

The aetiology of depression is not fully understood, which allows many different perspectives on aetiology to be adopted. Researchers and clinicians may be attracted to concepts of aetiology that parallel other diagnoses with which they are familiar. Such parallels may assume the role of informal models or metaphors for depressive disorders. They may even function as informal scientific theories of aetiology, energising research activities by guiding hypothesis generation and organising new knowledge. Parallels between different types of disease may ultimately prove valuable as frameworks supporting the emergence and maturation of new knowledge. However, such models may be counterproductive if their basis, which is likely to lay at least partially in analogy, is unacknowledged or overlooked. This could cause such models to appear more compelling than they really are. Listing examples of situations in which models of depression may arise from, or be strengthened by, parallels to other familiar conditions may increase the accessibility of such models either to criticism or support. However, such a list has not yet appeared in the literature. The present paper was written with the modest goal of stating several examples of models or metaphors for depression.

Method

This paper adopted narrative review methods. The intention was not to produce a comprehensive list of such ideas, but rather to identify prominent examples of ways of thinking about depression that may have been invigorated as a result parallels with other types of disease.

Results

Eight possible models are identified: depressive disorders as chemical imbalances (e.g., a presumed or theoretical imbalance of normally balanced neurotransmission in the brain), degenerative conditions (e.g., a brain disease characterised by atrophy of specified brain structures), toxicological syndromes (a result of exposure to a noxious psychological environment), injuries (e.g., externally induced brain damage related to stress), deficiency states (e.g., a serotonin deficiency), an obsolete category (e.g., similar to obsolete terms such as ‘consumption’ or ‘dropsy’), medical mysteries (e.g., a condition poised for a paradigm-shifting breakthrough) or evolutionary vestiges (residual components of once adaptive mechanisms have become maladaptive in modern environments).

Conclusions

Conceptualisation of depressive disorders may be partially shaped by familiar disease concepts. Analogies of this sort may ultimately be productive (e.g., through generating hypotheses by analogy) or destructive (e.g., by structuring knowledge in incorrect, but intellectually seductive, ways).
One-shot K-region-selective annulative π-extension for nanographene synthesis and functionalization
Authors: Ozaki Kyohei , Kawasumi Katsuaki , Shibata Mari , Ito Hideto , Itami Kenichiro
Published: February 2015

The optoelectronic nature of two-dimensional sheets of sp2-hydridized carbons (for example, graphenes and nanographenes) can be dramatically altered and tuned by altering the degree of π-extension, shape, width and edge topology. Among various approaches to synthesize nanographenes with atom-by-atom precision, one-shot annulative π-extension (APEX) reactions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons hold significant potential not only to achieve a ‘growth from template’ synthesis of nanographenes, but also to fine-tune the properties of nanographenes. Here we describe one-shot APEX reactions that occur at the K-region (convex armchair edge) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by the Pd(CH3CN)4(SbF6)2/o-chloranil catalytic system with silicon-bridged aromatics as π-extending agents. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the complete K-region selectivity stems from the olefinic (decreased aromatic) character of the K-region. The protocol is applicable to multiple APEX and sequential APEX reactions, to construct various nanographene structures in a rapid and programmable manner.
Fermented Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae alleviates high fat diet-induced obesity in association with regulation of intestinal permeability and microbiota in rats
Authors: Wang Jing-Hua , Bose Shambhunath , Kim Hyung-Gu , Han Kyung-Sun , Kim Hojun
Published: February 2015

Accumulating evidence suggests the anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (RAM). Here, we evaluated the anti-obesity impact of unfermented (URAM) versus fermented RAM (FRAM) using both in vitro and in vivo models. Both URAM and FRAM exhibited marked anti-inflammatory, anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity activities and modulation of the gut microbial distribution. However, FRAM, compared to URAM, resulted in more efficient suppression of NO production and normalization of transepithelial electrical resistance in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 and HCT 116 cells, respectively. Compared to URAM, FRAM more effectively reduced the adipose tissue weight; ameliorated the serum triglyceride and aspartate transaminase levels; restored the serum HDL level and intestinal epithelial barrier function in the LPS control group. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia as well as Bacteriodetes/Firmicutes ratio in the gut of the LPS control group was significantly enhanced by both URAM and FRAM. However, FRAM, but not URAM, resulted in a significant increase in the distribution of Bacteriodetes and Lactobacillus in the gut of the HFD + LPS group. Our results suggest that FRAM with probiotics can exert a greater anti-obesity effect than URAM, which is probably mediated at least in part via regulation of the intestinal microbiota and gut permeability.
Carnival or football, is there a real risk for acquiring dengue fever in Brazil during holidays seasons?
Authors: Aguiar Maíra , Rocha Filipe , Pessanha José Eduardo Marques , Mateus Luis , Stollenwerk Nico
Published: February 2015

More than 600,000 football fans, coming from all over the world, were expected to visit Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2014. International travel can become a public health problem when the visitors start to become sick, needing medical intervention and eventually hospitalization. The occurrence of dengue fever infections in Brazil is persistent and has been increasing since the 1980s and the health authorities were expected to take preventive measures and to warn the visitors about the risks during the tournament period. Before the World Cup started, studies have been published stating that dengue could be a significant problem in some of the Brazilian cities hosting the games. These conclusions were taken after a brief observation of the available data, analyzing its mean and standard deviation only, or based on seasonal climate forecasts, causing alarm for the world cup in Brazil. Here, with a more careful data analysis, we show that the seasonality of the disease plays a major role in dengue transmission. The density of dengue cases in Brazil is residual during winter in the Southern hemisphere (mid June to mid September) and the fans of football were not likely to get dengue during the tournament period.
An integrative analysis of TFBS-clustered regions reveals new transcriptional regulation models on the accessible chromatin landscape
Authors: Chen Hebing , Li Hao , Liu Feng , Zheng Xiaofei , Wang Shengqi , Bo Xiaochen , Shu Wenjie
Published: February 2015

DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs) define the accessible chromatin landscape and have revolutionised the discovery of distinct cis-regulatory elements in diverse organisms. Here, we report the first comprehensive map of human transcription factor binding site (TFBS)-clustered regions using Gaussian kernel density estimation based on genome-wide mapping of the TFBSs in 133 human cell and tissue types. Approximately 1.6 million distinct TFBS-clustered regions, collectively spanning 27.7% of the human genome, were discovered. The TFBS complexity assigned to each TFBS-clustered region was highly correlated with genomic location, cell selectivity, evolutionary conservation, sequence features and functional roles. An integrative analysis of these regions using ENCODE data revealed transcription factor occupancy, transcriptional activity, histone modification, DNA methylation and chromatin structures that varied based on TFBS complexity. Furthermore, we found that we could recreate lineage-branching relationships by simple clustering of the TFBS-clustered regions from terminally differentiated cells. Based on these findings, a model of transcriptional regulation determined by TFBS complexity is proposed.
Omnidirectional color filters capitalizing on a nano-resonator of Ag-TiO2-Ag integrated with a phase compensating dielectric overlay
Authors: Park Chul-Soon , Shrestha Vivek Raj , Lee Sang-Shin , Kim Eun-Soo , Choi Duk-Yong
Published: February 2015

We present a highly efficient omnidirectional color filter that takes advantage of an Ag-TiO2-Ag nano-resonator integrated with a phase-compensating TiO2 overlay. The dielectric overlay substantially improves the angular sensitivity by appropriately compensating for the phase pertaining to the structure and suppresses unwanted optical reflection so as to elevate the transmission efficiency. The filter is thoroughly designed and it is analyzed in terms of its reflection, optical admittance and phase shift, thereby highlighting the origin of the omnidirectional resonance leading to angle-invariant characteristics. The polarization dependence of the filter is explored, specifically with respect to the incident angle, by performing experiments as well as by providing the relevant theoretical explanation. We could succeed in demonstrating the omnidirectional resonance for the incident angles ranging to up to 70°, over which the center wavelength is shifted by below 3.5% and the peak transmission efficiency is slightly degraded from 69%. The proposed filters incorporate a simple multi-layered structure and are expected to be utilized as tri-color pixels for applications that include image sensors and display devices. These devices are expected to allow good scalability, not requiring complex lithographic processes.
Controlled Synthesis of Pd/Pt Core Shell Nanoparticles Using Area-selective Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Cao Kun , Zhu Qianqian , Shan Bin , Chen Rong
Published: February 2015

We report an atomic scale controllable synthesis of Pd/Pt core shell nanoparticles (NPs) via area-selective atomic layer deposition (ALD) on a modified surface. The method involves utilizing octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODTS) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to modify the surface. Take the usage of pinholes on SAMs as active sites for the initial core nucleation and subsequent selective deposition of the second metal as the shell layer. Since new nucleation sites can be effectively blocked by surface ODTS SAMs in the second deposition stage, we demonstrate the successful growth of Pd/Pt and Pt/Pd NPs with uniform core shell structures and narrow size distribution. The size, shell thickness and composition of the NPs can be controlled precisely by varying the ALD cycles. Such core shell structures can be realized by using regular ALD recipes without special adjustment. This SAMs assisted area-selective ALD method of core shell structure fabrication greatly expands the applicability of ALD in fabricating novel structures and can be readily applied to the growth of NPs with other compositions.
The Energy Metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans under The Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure
Authors: Shi Zhenhua , Yu Hui , Sun Yongyan , Yang Chuanjun , Lian Huiyong , Cai Peng
Published: February 2015

A literal mountain of documentation generated in the past five decades showing unmistakable health hazards associated with extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) exposure. However, the relation between energy mechanism and ELF-EMF exposure is poorly understood. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans was exposed to 50 Hz ELF-EMF at intensities of 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mT, respectively. Their metabolite variations were analyzed by GC-TOF/MS-based metabolomics. Although minimal metabolic variations and no regular pattern were observed, the contents of energy metabolism-related metabolites such as pyruvic acid, fumaric acid and L-malic acid were elevated in all the treatments. The expressions of nineteen related genes that encode glycolytic enzymes were analyzed by using quantitative real-time PCR. Only genes encoding GAPDH were significantly upregulated (P < 0.01) and this result was further confirmed by western blot analysis. The enzyme activity of GAPDH was increased (P < 0.01), whereas the total intracellular ATP level was decreased. While no significant difference in lifespan, hatching rate and reproduction, worms exposed to ELF-EMF exhibited less food consumption compared with that of the control (P < 0.01). In conclusion, C. elegans exposed to ELF-EMF have enhanced energy metabolism and restricted dietary, which might contribute to the resistance against exogenous ELF-EMF stress.
Illumina sequencing-based analysis of free-living bacterial community dynamics during an Akashiwo sanguine bloom in Xiamen sea, China
Authors: Yang Caiyun , Li Yi , Zhou Benjamin , Zhou Yanyan , Zheng Wei , Tian Yun , Van Nostrand Joy D. , Wu Liyou , He Zhili , Zhou Jizhong , Zheng Tianling
Published: February 2015

Although phytoplankton are the major source of marine dissolved organic matter (DOM), their blooms are a global problem that can greatly affect marine ecological systems, especially free-living bacteria, which are the primary DOM degraders. In this study, we analyzed free-living bacterial communities from Xiamen sea during an Akashiwo sanguine bloom using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. The bloom was probably stimulated by low salinity and ended after abatement of eutrophication pollution. A total of 658,446 sequence reads and 11,807 OTUs were obtained in both bloom and control samples with Alpha-proteobacteria and Gamma-proteobacteria being the predominant classes detected. The bloom decreased bacterial diversity, increased species evenness and significantly changed the bacterial community structure. Bacterial communities within the bloom were more homogeneous than those within the control area. The bacteria stimulated by this bloom included the SAR86 and SAR116 clades and the AEGEAN-169 marine group, but a few were suppressed. In addition, many bacteria known to be associated with phytoplankton were detected only in the bloom samples. This study revealed the great influence of an A. sanguinea bloom on free-living bacterial communities and provided new insights into the relationship between bacteria and A. sanguinea in marine ecosystems.
hiPS-MSCs differentiation towards fibroblasts on a 3D ECM mimicking scaffold
Authors: Xu Ruodan , Taskin Mehmet Berat , Rubert Marina , Seliktar Dror , Besenbacher Flemming , Chen Menglin
Published: February 2015

Fibroblasts are ubiquitous cells that constitute the stroma of virtually all tissues and play vital roles in homeostasis. The poor innate healing capacity of fibroblastic tissues is attributed to the scarcity of fibroblasts as collagen-producing cells. In this study, we have developed a functional ECM mimicking scaffold that is capable to supply spatial allocation of stem cells as well as anchorage and storage of growth factors (GFs) to direct stem cells differentiate towards fibroblasts. Electrospun PCL fibers were embedded in a PEG-fibrinogen (PF) hydrogel, which was infiltrated with connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) to form the 3D nanocomposite PFP-C. The human induced pluripotent stem cells derived mesenchymal stem cells (hiPS-MSCs) with an advance in growth over adult MSCs were applied to validate the fibrogenic capacity of the 3D nanocomposite scaffold. The PFP-C scaffold was found not only biocompatible with the hiPS-MSCs, but also presented intriguingly strong fibroblastic commitments, to an extent comparable to the positive control, tissue culture plastic surfaces (TCP) timely refreshed with 100% CTGF. The novel scaffold presented not only biomimetic ECM nanostructures for homing stem cells, but also sufficient cell-approachable bio-signaling cues, which may synergistically facilitate the control of stem cell fates for regenerative therapies.
Lentivirus-mediated Inhibition of Tumour Necrosis Factor-α improves motor function associated with PRDX6 in spinal cord contusion rats
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Shi Lan-lan , Gao Xia , Jiang Di , Zhong Zhan-qiong , Zeng Xi , Rao Ying , Hu Xi , Li Tian-zhi , Li Xiu-juan , Li Lei , Chen Jian-min , Xia Qingjie , Wang Ting-hua
Published: February 2015

The recovery of motor function in rats is inhibited following contusion spinal cord injury (cSCI). However, the mechanism of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in motor function after cSCI associated with peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) remains unknown. We randomly divided rats into four groups: sham, cSCI, vector and lentivirus mediating TNF-α RNA interference (TNF-α-RNAi-LV) group. The Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) scale was used to evaluate motor function. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to detect the expression of TNF-α and PRDX6, which were located in neurons using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence. Subsequently, lentiviral-mediated TNF-α was used to determine the role of TNF-αand the relationship of PRDX6 and TNF-α in cSCI. After cSCI, the motor capability of hind limbs disappeared and was followed by recovery of function. IHC analysis indicated that TNF-α and PRDX6 were primarily located in spinal cord neurons. TNF-α interference significantly improved neural behaviour and increased expression of PRDX6. Our study suggests that inhibition of TNF-α can promote the recovery of motor function. The underlying mechanism of TNF-α-promoted motor function may be connected with the up-regulation of PRDX6. This provides a new strategy or target for the clinical treatment of SCI in future.
Thickness Dependent Effective Viscosity of a Polymer Solution near an Interface Probed by a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Method
Authors: Fang Jiajie , Zhu Tao , Sheng Jie , Jiang Zhongying , Ma Yuqiang
Published: February 2015

The solution viscosity near an interface, which affects the solution behavior and the molecular dynamics in the solution, differs from the bulk. This paper measured the effective viscosity of a dilute poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) solution adjacent to a Au electrode using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) technique. We evidenced that the effect of an adsorbed PEG layer can be ignored and calculated the zero shear rate effective viscosity to remove attenuation of high shear frequency oscillations. By increasing the overtonenfrom 3 to 13, the thickness of the sensed polymer solution decreased from ~70 to 30 nm. The zero shear rate effective viscosity of the polymer solution and longest relaxation time of PEG chains within it decrease with increasing solution thickness. The change trends are independent of the relation between the apparent viscosity and shear frequency and the values of the involved parameter, suggesting that the polymer solution and polymer chains closer to a solid substrate have a greater effective viscosity and slower relaxation mode, respectively. This method can study the effect of an interface presence on behavior and phenomena relating to the effective viscosity of polymer solutions, including the dynamics of discrete polymer chains.
Integration of lead-free ferroelectric on HfO2/Si (100) for high performance non-volatile memory applications
Authors: Kundu Souvik , Maurya Deepam , Clavel Michael , Zhou Yuan , Halder Nripendra N. , Hudait Mantu K. , Banerji Pallab , Priya Shashank
Published: February 2015

We introduce a novel lead-free ferroelectric thin film (1-x)BaTiO3-xBa(Cu1/3Nb2/3)O3 (x = 0.025) (BT-BCN) integrated on to HfO2 buffered Si for non-volatile memory (NVM) applications. Piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM), x-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy were employed to establish the ferroelectricity in BT-BCN thin films. PFM study reveals that the domains reversal occurs with 180° phase change by applying external voltage, demonstrating its effectiveness for NVM device applications. X-ray photoelectron microscopy was used to investigate the band alignments between atomic layer deposited HfO2 and pulsed laser deposited BT-BCN films. Programming and erasing operations were explained on the basis of band-alignments. The structure offers large memory window, low leakage current and high and low capacitance values that were easily distinguishable even after ~106 s, indicating strong charge storage potential. This study explains a new approach towards the realization of ferroelectric based memory devices integrated on Si platform and also opens up a new possibility to embed the system within current complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor processing technology.
Superposition of an AC field improves the discrimination between peptides in nanopore analysis
Authors: Jakova Elisabet , Lee Jeremy S.
Published: February 2015

There are three types of events when a peptide interacts with the pore. The AC field causes the peptide to oscillate at the entrance to the pore which can alter the type of event.
A highly efficient three-phase single drop microextraction technique for sample preconcentration
Authors: Jahan Sharmin , Xie Haiyang , Zhong Ran , Yan Jian , Xiao Hua , Fan Liuyin , Cao Chengxi
Published: February 2015

A highly efficient three-phase single drop microextraction method is presented by using an organic–aqueous compound droplet and a microdevice.
Optical sensing and analyte manipulation in solid-state nanopores
Authors: Gilboa Tal , Meller Amit
Published: February 2015

This review is focused on single-molecule optical sensing in nanopores and their applications to biotechnology.
Advances in the biomedical application of polymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: Soleyman Rouhollah , Hirbod Sorina , Adeli Mohsen
Published: February 2015

Water soluble carbon nanotubes as multivalent nanomaterials for biomedical applications have been discussed.
Towards a methanol economy based on homogeneous catalysis: methanol to H2 and CO2 to methanol
Authors: Alberico E. , Nielsen M.
Published: February 2015

Homogeneous catalytic systems are able to promote either the dehydrogenation of aqueous methanol to hydrogen and CO2 or the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol and water. Here, we review and discuss these recent developments in this field.
Origin of SMM behaviour in an asymmetric Er(iii) Schiff base complex: a combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Das Chinmoy , Upadhyay Apoorva , Vaidya Shefali , Singh Saurabh Kumar , Rajaraman Gopalan , Shanmugam Maheswaran
Published: February 2015

The importance of ligand field and origin of SMM behaviour of an asymmetric [ErIII(HL)2(NO3)3] complex investigated in detail which is strongly supported by theoretical calculations. Dipolar interaction in 1 significantly reduced upon dilution which increases the barrier height to 51.5 K.
On-surface reductive coupling of aldehydes on Au(111)
Authors: Arado Oscar Díaz , Mönig Harry , Franke Jörn-Holger , Timmer Alexander , Held Philipp Alexander , Studer Armido , Fuchs Harald
Published: February 2015

A reductive process allows to covalently couple aldehydes on a Au(111) surface. While oxygen desorbs completely during the reaction, a strongly interlinked polyphenylene vinylene derivative is formed, remaining weakly adsorbed on the surface.
Rapid (<3 min) microwave synthesis of block copolymer templated ordered mesoporous metal oxide and carbonate films using nitrate–citric acid systems
Authors: Zhang Yuanzhong , Bhaway Sarang M. , Wang Yi , Cavicchi Kevin A. , Becker Matthew L. , Vogt Bryan D.
Published: February 2015

Microwaves enable the rapid conversion of cooperatively assembled precursors to carbonates and oxides for many transition metals including cobalt, copper, manganese, and zinc.
Gas storage and separation in a water-stable [CuI5BTT3]4− anion framework comprising a giant multi-prismatic nanoscale cage
Authors: Dong B. X. , Zhang S. Y. , Liu W. L. , Wu Y. C. , Ge J. , Song L. , Teng Y. L.
Published: February 2015

A water-stable Cu(i)-based metal–organic framework, featuring a giant multi-prismatic nanoscale cage and high CO2/N2 and CO2/H2 sorption selectivities, was constructed using the nitrogen-rich ligand of 1,3,5-tris(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)benzene (H3BTT).
Synthetic control of composition and crystallite size of silver ferrite composites: profound electrochemistry impacts
Authors: Durham Jessica L. , Kirshenbaum Kevin , Takeuchi Esther S. , Marschilok Amy C. , Takeuchi Kenneth J.
Published: February 2015

A new paradigm for concomitant control of crystallite size and composition of bimetallic (AgxFeO2) composites increases lithium battery capacity ∼200%.
An anti-fouling aptasensor for detection of thrombin by dual polarization interferometry
Authors: Zheng Yu , Hu Tao , Chen Chuanxia , Yang Fan , Yang Xiurong
Published: February 2015

Fabrication of an anti-fouling aptasensing interface using BSA and PEG cooperatively and detection of thrombin based on the DPI technique.
Oxygen nonstoichiometry and thermodynamic characterization of Zr doped ceria in the 1573–1773 K temperature range
Authors: Takacs M. , Scheffe J. R. , Steinfeld A.
Published: February 2015

The thermodynamics and defect chemistry of Zr4+-doped ceria is investigated and discussed in regards to the efficiency of solar thermochemical redox cycles.
Frequency-dependent force fields for QMMM calculations
Authors: Harczuk Ignat , Vahtras Olav , Ågren Hans
Published: February 2015

The frequency-dependent localized polarizabilities are calculated for the first time using analytical response theory and benchmarked for different water clusters and the tryptophan residue embedded in a protein.
Analysis of the conformational profiles of fenamates shows route towards novel, higher accuracy, force-fields for pharmaceuticals
Authors: Uzoh Ogaga G. , Galek Peter T. A. , Price Sarah L.
Published: February 2015

The conformational barriers of the fenamates which lead to conformational polymorphism can be represented by a novel, physically motivated, model intramolecular potential suitable for extension to other pharmaceuticals.
Interfacial interaction and lateral association of cross-seeding assemblies between hIAPP and rIAPP oligomers
Authors: Zhang Mingzhen , Hu Rundong , Chen Hong , Chang Yung , Gong Xiong , Liu Fufeng , Zheng Jie
Published: February 2015

Cross-sequence interactions between different amyloid peptides are important not only for fundamental understanding of amyloid aggregation and polymorphism mechanisms, but also for probing a potential molecular link between different amyloid diseases.
MnNiCoO4/N-MWCNT nanocomposite catalyst with high selectivity in membraneless direct formate fuel cells and bifunctional activity for oxygen electrochemistry
Authors: Yu Xingwen , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: February 2015

A nanocomposite electrocatalyst MnNiCoO4/N-MWCNT exhibits the desired catalytic selectivity for the development of membraneless direct formate fuel cells.
(Iminophosphoranyl)(thiophosphoranyl)methane rare-earth borohydride complexes: synthesis, structures and polymerization catalysis
Authors: Schmid Matthias , Oña-Burgos Pascual , Guillaume Sophie M. , Roesky Peter W.
Published: February 2015

The {CH(PPh2NSiMe3)(PPh2S)}−ligand has been used for the synthesis of divalent and trivalent rare-earth borohydride complexes. These compounds enable the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (CL) and trimethylene carbonate (TMC).
A review of arsenic and its impacts in groundwater of the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna delta, Bangladesh
Authors: Edmunds W. M. , Ahmed K. M. , Whitehead P. G.
Published: February 2015

Arsenic in drinking water is the single most important environmental issue facing Bangladesh; between 35 and 77 million of its 156 million inhabitants are considered to be at risk from drinking As-contaminated water.
A novel electrochemiluminescence sensor for the determination of diphenidol based on a nano-TiO2/silica sol/PVP/Ru(bpy)32+ modified gold electrode
Authors: Li Yanqing , Yang Lanlan , Li Lijun , Luo Ying , Cheng Hao , Huang Wenyi
Published: February 2015

Compared with the bare electrode, the sensitizing effect of diphenidol on Ru(bpy)32+ was obvious on the modified electrode.
Synthesis, structures and magnetism of heterodinuclear Ni–Ln complexes: field-induced single-molecule magnet behavior in the dysprosium analogue
Authors: Lu Xing-Yun , Liu Yu-Qing , Deng Xiao-Wei , Zhu Zhao-Xia , Yao Min-Xia , Jing Su
Published: February 2015

Three isomorphous Ni–Ln heterodinuclear complexes were synthesized and structurally characterized. The Dy derivative exhibits field-induced single-molecule magnet behavior with an effective energy barrier of 16.9 K under a 1000 Oe dc field.
Heck, Suzuki and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions using ppm level of SBA-16 supported Pd-complex
Authors: Sarkar Shaheen M. , Rahman Md. Lutfor , Yusoff Mashitah Mohd
Published: February 2015

SBA-16-supported Pd-complex (100–500 mol ppm) catalyzed the Heck, Suzuki and Sonongashira cross-coupling reactions under mild reaction conditions without a significant loss of its activity.
Major differences between trifluorophosphine and carbonyl ligands in binuclear cyclopentadienyliron complexes
Authors: Gong Shida , Luo Qiong , Li Qian-shu , Xie Yaoming , Bruce King R. , Schaefer III Henry F.
Published: February 2015

No low-energy Cp2Fe2(PF3)nstructures have bridging PF3ligands. Bridging μ-PF2groups are found combined with terminal F or PF4ligands.
Critical effect of pore characteristics on capillary infiltration in mesoporous films
Authors: Ceratti D. R. , Faustini M. , Sinturel C. , Vayer M. , Dahirel V. , Jardat M. , Grosso D.
Published: February 2015

Capillary phenomena governing the mass-transport (capillary filling, condensation/evaporation) has been experimentally investigated in around 20 different silica thin films exhibiting various porosities with pores dimension ranging from 2 to 200 nm.
Thiophene-based dyes for probing membranes
Authors: López-Duarte Ismael , Chairatana Phoom , Wu Yilei , Pérez-Moreno Javier , Bennett Philip M. , Reeve James E. , Boczarow Igor , Kaluza Wojciech , Hosny Neveen A. , Stranks Samuel D. , Nicholas Robin J. , Clays Koen , Kuimova Marina K. , Anderson Harry L.
Published: February 2015

We report the synthesis of four new cationic push–pull membrane probes based on a thiophene core and evaluate their photobiological properties.
Meinwald-type rearrangement of monosubstituted epoxides to methyl ketones using an [Al porphyrin]+[Co(CO)4]−catalyst
Authors: Lamb Jessica R. , Jung Yukyung , Coates Geoffrey W.
Published: February 2015

A Meinwald-type rearrangement of monosubstituted epoxides to methyl ketones using a well-defined aluminum porphyrin catalyst is reported.
Co-delivery of drug nanoparticles and siRNA mediated by a modified cell penetrating peptide for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Chu Dafeng , Xu Wen , Pan Ran , Chen P.
Published: February 2015

Modified cell penetrating peptide can stabilize drug nanoparticles with improved efficacy and co-deliver siRNA inducing synergy on the inhibition of cancer cell growth.
Insights into the solvation of glucose in water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), tetrahydrofuran (THF) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and its possible implications on the conversion of glucose to platform chemicals
Authors: Vasudevan Vallabh , Mushrif Samir H.
Published: February 2015

The presence of co-solvents, like DMSO, DMF and THF, significantly alters (i) the interaction of glucose with water, (ii) the mobility of glucose and (iii) its bonding with the solvent environment. This may have implications on glucose conversion reactions.
Measuring antibody coatings on gold nanoparticles by optical spectroscopy
Authors: Pollitt Michael J. , Buckton Graham , Piper Rob , Brocchini Steve
Published: February 2015

Coating thickness estimates of coated gold nanoparticles was achieved to avoid reduction of diagnostic sensitivity from excess antibody.
Magnesium carbonate basic coating on cotton cloth as a novel adsorbent for the removal of uranium
Authors: Zhang Lei , Jing Xiaoyan , Li Rumin , Liu Qi , Liu Jingyuan , Zhang Hongsen , Hu Songxia , Wang Jun
Published: February 2015

A magnesium carbonate basic coating on a cotton cloth was prepared by a facile and cost-effective method for uranium(vi) adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity toward uranium is 370 mg g−1, promoting a promising and effective adsorbent for practical uranium(vi) adsorption.
Synthesis of polyaniline/TiO2composite with excellent adsorption performance on acid red G
Authors: Wang Ning , Li Jingjing , Lv Wei , Feng Jiangtao , Yan Wei
Published: February 2015

Polyaniline-modified TiO2(PANI/TiO2) composite was designed and synthesized as a novel adsorbent for the removal of ARG; and the probable adsorption mechanism was proposed.
Novel POSS-based organic–inorganic hybrid porous materials by low cost strategies
Authors: Wang Shaolei , Tan Liangxiao , Zhang Chengxin , Hussain Irshad , Tan Bien
Published: February 2015

Two kinds of POSS-based organic–inorganic hybrid porous materials have been synthesized via Friedel–Crafts and Scholl coupling reactions, for the first time, using low-cost building blocks i.e., octaphenylsilsesquioxanes and simple knitting approaches to obtain high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area porous polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-based hybrid materials.
Synthesis of biocompatible Au–ZnTe core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Dunpall Rekha , Lewis Edward A. , Haigh Sarah J. , O'Brien Paul , Revaprasadu Neerish
Published: February 2015

A novel, solution-based route to biocompatible, cysteine-capped gold–zinc telluride (Au–ZnTe) core–shell nanoparticles with potential in biomedical applications is described.
Self-assembled binary colloidal crystal monolayers as cell culture substrates
Authors: Wang Peng-Yuan , Pingle Hitesh , Koegler Peter , Thissen Helmut , Kingshott Peter
Published: February 2015

Large-area highly ordered self-assembled binary colloidal crystal (BCC) monolayers are fabricated for mammalian cell culture and biointerface control.
Water-compatible surface-imprinted microspheres for high adsorption and selective recognition of peptide drug from aqueous media
Authors: Du Chunbao , Hu Xiaoling , Guan Ping , Guo Longxia , Qian Liwei , Song Renyuan , Li Ji , Wang Chaoli
Published: February 2015

Through employing a synergetic effect of directional and non-directional interactions, surface-imprinted microspheres can selectively recognize thymopentin in aqueous media.
Sensitive and simultaneous method for the determination of naphthol isomers by an amino-functionalized, SBA-15-modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Zheng Xiangli , Duan Shuo , Liu Shan , Wei Maochao , Xia Fangquan , Tian Dong , Zhou Changli
Published: February 2015

The amino-functionalized, SBA-15-modified carbon paste electrode (NH2-SBA15/CPE) was prepared and successfully developed for the sensitive and simultaneous electrochemical determination of naphthol isomers.
Iron-catalyzed asymmetric hydrosilylation of ketones
Authors: Zuo Ziqing , Zhang Lei , Leng Xuebing , Huang Zheng
Published: February 2015

Iron complexes of chiral iminopyridine-oxazoline (IPO) ligands effectively catalyze asymmetric hydrosilylation of aryl ketones.
Metal–organic frameworks for luminescence thermometry
Authors: Cui Yuanjing , Zhu Fengliang , Chen Banglin , Qian Guodong
Published: February 2015

We describe the recent progress made in luminescent MOF thermometers, and especially highlight the development of dual-emitting ratiometric thermometers.
A ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe based on terbium functionalized carbon dots for highly sensitive detection of an anthrax biomarker
Authors: Chen Hao , Xie Yujie , Kirillov Alexander M. , Liu Liangliang , Yu Minghui , Liu Weisheng , Tang Yu
Published: February 2015

By preparing biocompatible carbon dots (CDs) that act as the scaffold and fluorescence reference, a ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe based on Tb3+ ions functionalized CDs was designed and fabricated to detect an anthrax biomarker with high selectivity and sensitivity.
Mechanochemical synthesis of phthalimides with crystal structures of intermediates and products
Authors: Colaço Melwin , Dubois Jean , Wouters Johan
Published: February 2015

Phthalimides have been successfully synthesized in the solid state by grinding (or kneading) of substituted phthalic anhydride and aniline derivatives. Selected products and intermediates were crystallized and characterized by crystallography leading to a potential rationale for the solid-state reactivity that involves co-crystals as intermediates.
Quantum chemical calculations of31P NMR chemical shifts: scopes and limitations
Authors: Latypov Shamil K. , Polyancev Fedor M. , Yakhvarov Dmitry G. , Sinyashin Oleg G.
Published: February 2015

High level of theory is not necessarily needed to obtain rather accurate predictions of31P chemical shifts by GIAO method. For example, the PBE1PBE/6-311G(2d,2p)//PBE1PBE/6-31+G(d) combination allowed to obtain good results for variety of middle-size organophosphorus compounds (M= 200–700 Da).
Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with H2O to CH4 on Cu(i) supported TiO2 nanosheets with defective {001} facets
Authors: Zhu Shuying , Liang Shijing , Tong Yuecong , An Xiaohan , Long Jinlin , Fu Xianzhi , Wang Xuxu
Published: February 2015

A series of Cu–TiO2-x has been reasonably designed and synthesized as efficient photocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 with H2O to CH4. It is found that the high activity may be contributed by the co-existence of surface oxygen vacancies and Cu(i) species on {001} facets of TiO2.
Type VIII Si based clathrates: prospects for a giant thermoelectric power factor
Authors: Norouzzadeh Payam , Krasinski Jerzy S. , Myles Charles W. , Vashaee Daryoosh
Published: February 2015

Si46-VIII based clathrates filled with selected alkali and alkali-earth elements are predicted to have giant thermoelectric power factors.
Continuous aerosol size separator using inertial microfluidics and its application to airborne bacteria and viruses
Authors: Hong Seung Chan , Kang Joon Sang , Lee Jung Eun , Kim Sang Soo , Jung Jae Hee
Published: February 2015

A novel microchannel-based inertial separator that can rapidly and continuously separate submicron aerosols according to particle inertial differences and Dean vortices in the airflow was developed.
The biological effect of the nitroimidazole derivative of a polypyridyl ruthenium complex on cancer and endothelial cells
Authors: Mazuryk Olga , Suzenet Franck , Kieda Claudine , Brindell Małgorzata
Published: February 2015

The studied Ru polypyridyl complexes areca.ten times more cytotoxic against breast cancer (4T1) and human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (A549) than cisplatin and have a distinct impact on cell adhesion, migration and endothelial cell vasculature.
A hydrogel based zinc(ii) sensor for use in fluorescent multi-well plate analysis
Authors: Hamilton Graham R. C. , Sheng Yingjie , Callan Bridgeen , Donnelly Ryan F. , Callan John F
Published: February 2015

A polymeric hydrogel sensor for zinc has been developed for use in fluorescence multi-well plate assay.
Stereoconvergent synthesis of 1-deoxynojirimycin isomers by using the 3 component 4 centred Ugi reaction
Authors: Azad Chandra S. , Saxena Anil K.
Published: February 2015

A new reductive cyclization/Ugi multicomponent reaction sequence for the synthesis of 1-deoxyallonojirimycin and 1-deoxyaltronojirimycin has been developed.
Honeycomb porous films of pentablock copolymer on liquid substrates via breath figure method and their hydrophobic properties with static and dynamic behaviour
Authors: Li Zhiguang , Ma Xiaoyan , Zang Duyang , Hong Qing , Guan Xinghua
Published: February 2015

The peeled film obtained on the isopropanol substrate through breath figure method exhibits the best hydrophobic properties, and the water droplet impact behavior shows an obvious rebound tendency and a weak maximum spreading diameter.
Fast and highly sensitive humidity sensors based on NaNbO3 nanofibers
Authors: Zhang Youdong , Pan Xumin , Wang Zhao , Hu Yongming , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Hu Zhenglong , Gu Haoshuang
Published: February 2015

A humidity sensor based on NaNbO3 nanofiber networks with fast, ultra-sensitive and selective room-temperature response was fabricated through electrospinning process.
Mechanistic approach on heat induced growth of anionic surfactants: a clouding phenomenon
Authors: Bhadoria Arti , Kumar Sugam , Aswal Vinod K. , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: February 2015

Clouding behaviour of aqueous anionic surfactants have been studied. Data reveal that the onset of attractive interaction on heating is responsible for micellar growth and the unusual clouding.
Raman spectroscopic studies and DFT calculations on NaCH3CO2and NaCD3CO2solutions in water and heavy water
Authors: Rudolph Wolfram W. , Irmer Gert
Published: February 2015

Sodium acetate and acetate-d3solutions in water and heavy water were studied using Raman spectroscopy over a wide concentration range from 40–4200 cm−1and DFT calculations were performed on acetate–water clusters.
Application of a Ni mercaptopyrimidine MOF as highly efficient catalyst for sunlight-driven hydrogen generation
Authors: Feng Yanan , Chen Chi , Liu Zhuguang , Fei Binjie , Lin Ping , Li Qipeng , Sun Shigang , Du Shaowu
Published: February 2015

A 2D Ni/S MOF was prepared, which could function as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for sunlight-driven hydrogen production in water.