bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II receptor blockade promotes repair of skeletal muscle through down-regulation of aging-promoting C1q expression
Authors: Yabumoto Chizuru , Akazawa Hiroshi , Yamamoto Rie , Yano Masamichi , Kudo-Sakamoto Yoko , Sumida Tomokazu , Kamo Takehiro , Yagi Hiroki , Shimizu Yu , Saga-Kamo Akiko , Naito Atsuhiko T. , Oka Toru , Lee Jong-Kook , Suzuki Jun-ichi , Sakata Yasushi , Uejima Etsuko , Komuro Issei
Published: October 2015

Disruption of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor prolonged life span in mice. Since aging-related decline in skeletal muscle function was retarded in Atgr1a−/− mice, we examined the role of AT1 receptor in muscle regeneration after injury. Administration of AT1 receptor blocker irbesartan increased the size of regenerating myofibers, decreased fibrosis and enhanced functional muscle recovery after cryoinjury. We recently reported that complement C1q, secreted by macrophages, activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling and promoted aging-related decline in regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle. Notably, irbesartan induced M2 polarization of macrophages, but reduced C1q expression in cryoinjured muscles and in cultured macrophage cells. Irbesartan inhibited up-regulation of Axin2, a downstream gene of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, in cryoinjured muscles. In addition, topical administration of C1q reversed beneficial effects of irbesartan on skeletal muscle regeneration after injury. These results suggest that AT1 receptor blockade improves muscle repair and regeneration through down-regulation of the aging-promoting C1q-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Fast synthesis of platinum nanopetals and nanospheres for highly-sensitive non-enzymatic detection of glucose and selective sensing of ions
Authors: Taurino Irene , Sanzó Gabriella , Mazzei Franco , Favero Gabriele , De Micheli Giovanni , Carrara Sandro
Published: October 2015

Novel methods to obtain Pt nanostructured electrodes have raised particular interest due to their high performance in electrochemistry. Several nanostructuration methods proposed in the literature use costly and bulky equipment or are time-consuming due to the numerous steps they involve. Here, Pt nanostructures were produced for the first time by one-step template-free electrodeposition on Pt bare electrodes. The change in size and shape of the nanostructures is proven to be dependent on the deposition parameters and on the ratio between sulphuric acid and chloride-complexes (i.e., hexachloroplatinate or tetrachloroplatinate). To further improve the electrochemical properties of electrodes, depositions of Pt nanostructures on previously synthesised Pt nanostructures are also performed. The electroactive surface areas exhibit a two order of magnitude improvement when Pt nanostructures with the smallest size are used. All the biosensors based on Pt nanostructures and immobilised glucose oxidase display higher sensitivity as compared to bare Pt electrodes. Pt nanostructures retained an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the direct oxidation of glucose. Finally, the nanodeposits were proven to be an excellent solid contact for ion measurements, significantly improving the time-stability of the potential. The use of these new nanostructured coatings in electrochemical sensors opens new perspectives for multipanel monitoring of human metabolism.
Social redistribution of pain and money
Authors: Story Giles W. , Vlaev Ivo , Metcalfe Robert D. , Crockett Molly J. , Kurth-Nelson Zeb , Darzi Ara , Dolan Raymond J.
Published: October 2015

People show empathic responses to others’ pain, yet how they choose to apportion pain between themselves and others is not well understood. To address this question, we observed choices to reapportion social allocations of painful stimuli and, for comparison, also elicited equivalent choices with money. On average people sought to equalize allocations of both pain and money, in a manner which indicated that inequality carried an increasing marginal cost. Preferences for pain were more altruistic than for money, with several participants assigning more than half the pain to themselves. Our data indicate that, given concern for others, the fundamental principle of diminishing marginal utility motivates spreading costs across individuals. A model incorporating this assumption outperformed existing models of social utility in explaining the data. By implementing selected allocations for real, we also found that while inequality per se did not influence pain perception, altruistic behavior had an intrinsic analgesic effect for the recipient.
Correction: Corrigendum: Formation and reshuffling of disulfide bonds in bovine serum albumin demonstrated using tandem mass spectrometry with collision-induced and electron-transfer dissociation
Authors: Rombouts Ine , Lagrain Bert , Scherf Katharina A. , Lambrecht Marlies A. , Koehler Peter , Delcour Jan A.
Published: October 2015

Thermolysin hydrolyzates of freshly isolated, extensively stored (6 years, 6 °C, dry) and heated (60 min, 90 °C, in excess water) bovine serum albumin (BSA) samples were analyzed with liquid chromatography (LC) electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using alternating electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) and collision-induced dissociation (CID). The positions of disulfide bonds and free thiol groups in the different samples were compared to those deduced from the crystal structure of native BSA. Results revealed non-enzymatic posttranslational modifications of cysteine during isolation, extensive dry storage, and heating. Heat-induced extractability loss of BSA was linked to the impact of protein unfolding on the involvement of specific cysteine residues in intermolecular and intramolecular thiol-disulfide interchange and thiol oxidation reactions. The here developed approach holds promise for exploring disulfide bond formation and reshuffling in various proteins under conditions relevant for chemical, biochemical, pharmaceutical and food processing.
The quantum Ising model: finite sums and hyperbolic functions
Authors: Damski Bogdan
Published: October 2015

We derive exact closed-form expressions for several sums leading to hyperbolic functions and discuss their applicability for studies of finite-size Ising spin chains. We show how they immediately lead to closed-form expressions for both fidelity susceptibility characterizing the quantum critical point and the coefficients of the counterdiabatic Hamiltonian enabling arbitrarily quick adiabatic driving of the system. Our results generalize and extend the sums presented in the popular Gradshteyn and Ryzhik Table of Integrals, Series and Products.
Plant Species Rather Than Climate Greatly Alters the Temporal Pattern of Litter Chemical Composition During Long-Term Decomposition
Authors: Li Yongfu , Chen Na , Harmon Mark E. , Li Yuan , Cao Xiaoyan , Chappell Mark A. , Mao Jingdong
Published: October 2015

A feedback between decomposition and litter chemical composition occurs with decomposition altering composition that in turn influences the decomposition rate. Elucidating the temporal pattern of chemical composition is vital to understand this feedback, but the effects of plant species and climate on chemical changes remain poorly understood, especially over multiple years. In a 10-year decomposition experiment with litter of four species (Acer saccharum, Drypetes glauca, Pinus resinosa and Thuja plicata) from four sites that range from the arctic to tropics, we determined the abundance of 11 litter chemical constituents that were grouped into waxes, carbohydrates, lignin/tannins and proteins/peptides using advanced 13C solid-state NMR techniques. Decomposition generally led to an enrichment of waxes and a depletion of carbohydrates, whereas the changes of other chemical constituents were inconsistent. Inconsistent convergence in chemical compositions during decomposition was observed among different litter species across a range of site conditions, whereas one litter species converged under different climate conditions. Our data clearly demonstrate that plant species rather than climate greatly alters the temporal pattern of litter chemical composition, suggesting the decomposition-chemistry feedback varies among different plant species.
An NMR Study of Biomimetic Fluorapatite – Gelatine Mesocrystals
Authors: Vyalikh Anastasia , Simon Paul , Rosseeva Elena , Buder Jana , Scheler Ulrich , Kniep Rüdiger
Published: October 2015

The mesocrystal system fluoroapatite—gelatine grown by double-diffusion is characterized by hierarchical composite structure on a mesoscale. In the present work we apply solid state NMR to characterize its structure on the molecular level and provide a link between the structural organisation on the mesoscale and atomistic computer simulations. Thus, we find that the individual nanocrystals are composed of crystalline fluorapatite domains covered by a thin boundary apatite-like layer. The latter is in contact with an amorphous layer, which fills the interparticle space. The amorphous layer is comprised of the organic matrix impregnated by isolated phosphate groups, Ca3F motifs and water molecules. Our NMR data provide clear evidence for the existence of precursor complexes in the gelatine phase, which were not involved in the formation of apatite crystals, proving hence theoretical predictions on the structural pre-treatment of gelatine by ion impregnation. The interfacial interactions, which may be described as the glue holding the composite materials together, comprise hydrogen bond interactions with the apatite PO43− groups. The reported results are in a good agreement with molecular dynamics simulations, which address the mechanisms of a growth control by collagen fibers and with experimental observations of an amorphous cover layer in biominerals.
Griffiths phase behaviour in a frustrated antiferromagnetic intermetallic compound
Authors: Ghosh Krishanu , Mazumdar Chandan , Ranganathan R. , Mukherjee S.
Published: October 2015

The rare coexistence of a Griffiths phase (GP) and a geometrically frustrated antiferromagnetism in the non-stoichiometric intermetallic compound GdFe0.17Sn2 (the paramagnetic Weiss temperature θp ~ −59 K) is reported in this work. The compound forms in the Cmcm space group with large structural anisotropy (b/c ~ 4). Interestingly, all the atoms in the unit cell possess the same point group symmetry (Wycoff position 4c), which is rather rare. The frustration parameter, f = |θp|/TN has been established as 3.6, with the Néel temperature TN and Griffiths temperature TG being 16.5 and 32 K, respectively. The TG has been determined from the heat capacity measurement and also from the magnetocaloric effect (MCE). It is also shown that substantial difference in GP region may exist between zero field and field cooled measurements - a fact hitherto not emphasized so far.
Formation of charged ferroelectric domain walls with controlled periodicity
Authors: Bednyakov Petr S. , Sluka Tomas , Tagantsev Alexander K. , Damjanovic Dragan , Setter Nava
Published: October 2015

Charged domain walls in proper ferroelectrics were shown recently to possess metallic-like conductivity. Unlike conventional heterointerfaces, these walls can be displaced inside a dielectric by an electric field, which is of interest for future electronic circuitry. In addition, theory predicts that charged domain walls may influence the electromechanical response of ferroelectrics, with strong enhancement upon increased charged domain wall density. The existence of charged domain walls in proper ferroelectrics is disfavoured by their high formation energy and methods of their preparation in predefined patterns are unknown. Here we develop the theoretical background for the formation of charged domain walls in proper ferroelectrics using energy considerations and outline favourable conditions for their engineering. We experimentally demonstrate, in BaTiO3 single crystals the controlled build-up of high density charged domain wall patterns, down to a spacing of 7 μm with a predominant mixed electronic and ionic screening scenario, hinting to a possible exploitation of charged domain walls in agile electronics and sensing devices.
Associations between occupation exposure to Formaldehyde and semen quality, a primary study
Authors: Wang Hai-xu , Li He-cheng , Lv Mo-qi , Zhou Dang-xia , Bai Li-zhi , Du Liang-zhi , Xue Xia , Lin Pu , Qiu Shu-dong
Published: October 2015

Formaldehyde (FA), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, has long been suspected of having male reproductive toxicity. However, FA male reproductive toxicity was inconclusive due to dearth of human studies. Therefore, we sought to investigate whether occupational exposure to FA affects semen quality. Semen quality including five conventional parameters and seven kinematics parameters were compared between 114 male workers occupationally exposed to FA and 76 referents. FA exposure index (FEI) was measured and calculated. Our results showed that sperm progressive motility, total sperm motility, VCL, VSL and VAP were statistically significant decreased in FA exposure workers compared with the referents. Moreover, FEI was significantly negative associated with sperm progressive motility (β = −0.19, P = 0.01) and total sperm motility (β = −0.23, P = 0.004). In addition, a significant elevated risk of abnormal sperm progressive motility were observed in both low- (OR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.11–5.97) and high-FA-exposed group (OR = 3.41; 95% CI: 1.45–7.92) respectively. Furthermore, a significant increased risk was also estimated for abnormal total sperm motility in both low- (OR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.24–8.28) and high-FA-exposed group (OR = 4.84; 95% CI: 1.83–12.81) respectively. In conclusion, our study revealed the adverse effects of FA occupation exposure on semen quality, especially on sperm motion parameters.
The C-terminal region of the non-structural protein 2B from Hepatitis A Virus demonstrates lipid-specific viroporin-like activity
Authors: Shukla Ashutosh , Dey Debajit , Banerjee Kamalika , Nain Anshu , Banerjee Manidipa
Published: October 2015

Viroporins are virally encoded, membrane-active proteins, which enhance viral replication and assist in egress of viruses from host cells. The 2B proteins in the picornaviridae family are known to have viroporin-like properties and play critical roles during virus replication. The 2B protein of Hepatitis A Virus (2B), an unusual picornavirus, is somewhat dissimilar from its analogues in several respects. HAV 2B is approximately 2.5 times the length of other 2B proteins and does not disrupt calcium homeostasis or glycoprotein trafficking. Additionally, its membrane penetrating properties are not yet clearly established. Here we show that the membrane interacting activity of HAV 2B is localized in its C-terminal region, which contains an alpha-helical hairpin motif. We show that this region is capable of forming small pores in membranes and demonstrates lipid specific activity, which partially rationalizes the intracellular localization of full-length 2B. Using a combination of biochemical assays and molecular dynamics simulation studies, we also show that HAV 2B demonstrates a marked propensity to dimerize in a crowded environment and probably interacts with membranes in a multimeric form, a hallmark of other picornavirus viroporins. In sum, our study clearly establishes HAV 2B as a bona fide viroporin in the picornaviridae family.
Polarization and Thickness Dependent Absorption Properties of Black Phosphorus: New Saturable Absorber for Ultrafast Pulse Generation
Authors: Li Diao , Jussila Henri , Karvonen Lasse , Ye Guojun , Lipsanen Harri , Chen Xianhui , Sun Zhipei
Published: October 2015

Black phosphorus (BP) has recently been rediscovered as a new and interesting two-dimensional material due to its unique electronic and optical properties. Here, we study the linear and nonlinear optical properties of BP flakes. We observe that both the linear and nonlinear optical properties are anisotropic and can be tuned by the film thickness in BP, completely different from other typical two-dimensional layered materials (e.g., graphene and the most studied transition metal dichalcogenides). We then use the nonlinear optical properties of BP for ultrafast (pulse duration down to ~786 fs in mode-locking) and large-energy (pulse energy up to >18 nJ in Q-switching) pulse generation in fiber lasers at the near-infrared telecommunication band ~1.5 μm. We observe that the output of our BP based pulsed lasers is linearly polarized (with a degree-of-polarization ~98% in mode-locking, >99% in Q-switching, respectively) due to the anisotropic optical property of BP. Our results underscore the relatively large optical nonlinearity of BP with unique polarization and thickness dependence and its potential for polarized optical pulse generation, paving the way to BP based nonlinear and ultrafast photonic applications (e.g., ultrafast all-optical polarization switches/modulators, frequency converters etc.).
Coexistence of Antiferromagnetism and Superconductivity in Heavy Fermion Cerium Compound Ce3PdIn11
Authors: Kratochvílová M. , Prokleška J. , Uhlířová K. , Tkáč V. , Dušek M. , Sechovský V. , Custers J.
Published: October 2015

Many current research efforts in strongly correlated systems focus on the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity. Here we report on coexistence of both cooperative ordered states in recently discovered stoichiometric and fully inversion symmetric heavy fermion compound Ce3PdIn11 at ambient pressure. Thermodynamic and transport measurements reveal two successive magnetic transitions at T1 = 1.67 K and TN = 1.53 K into antiferromagnetic type of ordered states. Below Tc = 0.42 K the compound enters a superconducting state. The large initial slope of dBc2/dT ≈ – 8.6 T/K indicates that heavy quasiparticles form the Cooper pairs. The origin of the two magnetic transitions and the coexistence of magnetism and superconductivity is briefly discussed in the context of the coexistence of the two inequivalent Ce-sublattices in the unit cell of Ce3PdIn11 with different Kondo couplings to the conduction electrons.
Phonon and magnetic structure in δ-plutonium from density-functional theory
Authors: Söderlind Per , Zhou F. , Landa A. , Klepeis J. E.
Published: October 2015

We present phonon properties of plutonium metal obtained from a combination of density-functional-theory (DFT) electronic structure and the recently developed compressive sensing lattice dynamics (CSLD). The CSLD model is here trained on DFT total energies of several hundreds of quasi-random atomic configurations for best possible accuracy of the phonon properties. The calculated phonon dispersions compare better with experiment than earlier results obtained from dynamical mean-field theory. The density-functional model of the electronic structure consists of disordered magnetic moments with all relativistic effects and explicit orbital-orbital correlations. The magnetic disorder is approximated in two ways: (i) a special quasi-random structure and (ii) the disordered-local-moment method within the coherent potential approximation. Magnetism in plutonium has been debated intensely, but the present magnetic approach for plutonium is validated by the close agreement between the predicted magnetic form factor and that of recent neutron-scattering experiments.
Biochar, activated carbon and carbon nanotubes have different effects on fate of 14C-catechol and microbial community in soil
Authors: Shan Jun , Ji Rong , Yu Yongjie , Xie Zubin , Yan Xiaoyuan
Published: October 2015

This study investigated the effects of biochar, activated carbon (AC)- and single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs and MWCNTs) in various concentrations (0, 0.2, 20 and 2,000 mg/kg dry soil) on the fate of 14C-catechol and microbial community in soil. The results showed that biochar had no effect on the mineralization of 14C-catechol, whereas AC at all amendment rates and SWCNTs at 2,000 mg/kg significantly reduced mineralization. Particularly, MWCNTs at 0.2 mg/kg significantly stimulated mineralization compared with the control soil. The inhibitory effects of AC and SWCNTs on the mineralization were attributed to the inhibited soil microbial activities and the shifts in microbial communities, as suggested by the reduced microbial biomass C and the separated phylogenetic distance. In contrast, the stimulatory effects of MWCNTs on the mineralization were attributed to the selective stimulation of specific catechol-degraders by MWCNTs at 0.2 mg/kg. Only MWCNTs amendments and AC at 2,000 mg/kg significantly changed the distribution of 14C residues within the fractions of humic substances. Our findings suggest biochar, AC, SWCNTs and MWCNTs have different effects on the fate of 14C-catechol and microbial community in soil.
A combined MR and CT study for precise quantitative analysis of the avian brain
Authors: Jirak Daniel , Janacek Jiri , Kear Benjamin P.
Published: October 2015

Brain size is widely used as a measure of behavioural complexity and sensory-locomotive capacity in avians but has largely relied upon laborious dissections, endoneurocranial tissue displacement and physical measurement to derive comparative volumes. As an alternative, we present a new precise calculation method based upon coupled magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT). Our approach utilizes a novel interactive Fakir probe cross-referenced with an automated CT protocol to efficiently generate total volumes and surface areas of the brain tissue and endoneurocranial space, as well as the discrete cephalic compartments. We also complemented our procedures by using sodium polytungstate (SPT) as a contrast agent. This greatly enhanced CT applications but did not degrade MR quality and is therefore practical for virtual brain tissue reconstructions employing multiple imaging modalities. To demonstrate our technique, we visualized sex-based brain size differentiation in a sample set of Ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). This revealed no significant variance in relative volume or surface areas of the primary brain regions. Rather, a trend towards isometric enlargement of the total brain and endoneurocranial space was evidenced in males versus females, thus advocating a non-differential sexually dimorphic pattern of brain size increase amongst these facultatively flying birds.
Functionalization of Pillararenes
Authors: Ogoshi Tomoki , Yamagishi Tada-aki
Published: October 2015

Pillar[n]arene homologs with n=5–13 have already been synthesized, but the cyclic pentamers (pillar[5]arenes) and cyclic hexamers (pillar[6]arenes) have been most widely used because they can be obtained in the highest yields among all of the pillar[n]arene homologs. Pillar[5]arenes and pillar[6]arenes have 10 and 12 substituent groups, respectively. Based on the position-selective versatile functionalization of these substituents, various pillar[n]arene-based supramolecular assemblies have been prepared. In this chapter, we discuss the functionalization methods of pillar[n]arenes. In addition to a simple functionalization method by etherification of pre-formed pillar[n]arenes with phenolic moieties, palladium-catalyzed coupling, unit oxidation–reduction and copper (i)-catalyzed Huisgen alkyne–azide 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions are useful pathways for the functionalization of pillar[n]arenes. The co-cyclization method, in which cyclization of different monomers occurs, is also a powerful method to synthesize functionalized pillar[n]arenes.
Assembled Structures of Pillar[n]arenes
Authors: Ogoshi Tomoki , Yamagishi Tada-aki
Published: October 2015

In this chapter, assembled structures of the cyclic pentamers, pillar[5]arenes, and cyclic hexamers, pillar[6]arenes, in the crystal state are discussed. Pillar[5]- and pillar[6]arenes have clear cylindrical pillar-shaped structures when compared with other macrocyclic compounds. Therefore, the assembled structures of pillar[n]arenes in the crystal state are easily analyzed, and this pre-organized conformation of pillar[n]arenes mainly forms three crystal structures: herringbone, one-dimensional channels and slipped-stacked. The assembled structures of pillar[n]arenes largely depend on the ring size, substituents, guests and solvents used to obtain single crystals. In particular, the ring size of the pillar[n]arene greatly influences their assembled structures. Pillar[6]arenes are highly symmetrical hexagonal structures, therefore the assembled structures of pillar[6]arenes showed highly ordered one-dimensional structures. We also describe bulk state materials, such as liquid and liquid crystal pillar[n]arenes, and the crystal state-assembled structures of larger pillar[n]arene homologs (n=8, 9, 10).
Mechanically Interlocked Molecules Based on Pillar[n]arenes
Authors: Ogoshi Tomoki , Yamagishi Tada-aki
Published: October 2015

Organo- and water-soluble pillar[n]arenes can be synthesized by careful selection of the substituents to form stable host–guest complexes in both aqueous and organic media. Therefore, pillar[n]arenes should be good wheel segments for the construction of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs). The first pillar[5]arene-based polyrotaxane was prepared by Stoddart et al. by an end-capping method using imidation between amine and aldehyde compounds. However, the yield was low (7%) because a weak host–guest complex was used. We have reported the high-yield synthesis of [2]- and [3]rotaxanes constructed from a pillar[5]arene wheel and a pyridinium axle containing an alkyne end using the copper(i)-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. The CuAAC reaction is very useful for preparation of pillar[n]arene-based MIMs, because the CuAAC reaction between terminal alkynes and azides is high-yielding, functional-group tolerant, and compatible with a wide range of substrates. Furthermore, an n-butyl linker with two 1-substituted 1,2,3-triazole moieties, which can be easily synthesized by a CuAAC reaction, is a good station for pillar[5]arenes. Pillar[6]arene-based [2]rotaxane and hetero-rotaxanes, consisting of pillar[n]arene and cucurbit[n]uril wheels, have been synthesized using the CuAAC reaction. We describe the historical progress in the synthesis of pillar[n]arene-based MIMs.
Hybrid Materials Based on Pillararenes
Authors: Song Nan , Yang Ying-Wei
Published: October 2015

Hybrid materials comprising two or more nano/molecular components including organic, inorganic and metallic constituents have been the focus of scientific research in recent years. They usually exhibit new features or combine different properties from every single component, which makes them new functional materials. In this chapter, we will introduce pillararene-based hybrid materials, such as metal–organic frameworks, pillararene-stabilized metal nanoparticles, pillararene-hybridized carbon materials, pillararene-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and pillararene-based hybrid porous materials. Compared with traditional hybrid materials, pillararene-based hybrid materials exhibit very special features due to their particular structures and supramolecular properties. This chapter provides an overview of the recent development of pillararene-based hybrid materials as well as their important applications in recognition, stabilization, dispersion, controlled drug release and absorption.
Biomedical Applications of Pillararenes
Authors: Hou Jun-Li
Published: October 2015

Pillararenes, a new generation of supramolecular macrocycles, have found broad biomedical applications, including construction of artificial transmembrane channels to mimic the function of channel proteins and vesicles for drug delivery, owing to their unique pillar structural feature, nanometer-sized cavity, and multiple functionalizable sites. The progress in this aspect is discussed by introducing typical examples.
Cancer biomarker discovery using DNA aptamers
Authors: Jin Cheng , Qiu Liping , Li Jin , Fu Ting , Zhang Xiaobing , Tan Weihong
Published: October 2015

Aptamers, as chemical antibodies, show great promise and power for cancer biomarker discovery and biomarker-based clinical applications.
A novel fluorescence assay for inorganic pyrophosphatase based on modulated aggregation of graphene quantum dots
Authors: Zhu Xueli , Liu Jinwen , Peng Haiyang , Jiang Jianhui , Yu Ruqin
Published: October 2015

A simple and highly sensitive fluorometric method has been developed for inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPase) activity detection based on the disaggregation and aggregation of graphene quantum dots (GQDs).
Cu2+-mediated fluorescence switching of gold nanoclusters for the selective detection of clioquinol
Authors: Wang Jian , Chang Yong , Zhang Pu , Lie Shao Qing , Gao Peng Fei , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: October 2015

In this contribution, a rapid and selective fluorescence switchable strategy was developed for clioquinol by taking gold nanoclusters as probes and Cu2+ as mediator, which is applicable to determination of clioquinol in cream with satisfactory results.
A multiresidue analytical method for the detection of seven triazolopyrimidine sulfonamide herbicides in cereals, soybean and soil using the modified QuEChERS method and UHPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhang Jingge , Dong Fengshou , Liu Xingang , Zhu Guangyan , Zheng Yongquan
Published: October 2015

The combined use of modified QuEChERS extraction and UHPLC-MS/MS for determining all seven triazolopyrimidine sulfonamide herbicides in cereals (wheat, rice, and corn), soybean and soil was developed.
Enhancing phosphate removal from water by using ordered mesoporous silica loaded with samarium oxide
Authors: Han Bingqian , Chen Nan , Deng Dongyang , Deng Shaojuan , Djerdj Igor , Wang Yude
Published: October 2015

A series of ordered mesoporous silica loaded with samarium oxide (Sm-MCM-41) were synthesized by a facile one-step sol–gel route using CTAB as the template, TEOS as the silica source, and hexahydrated samarium chloride as the precursor.
Dissipation kinetics and residues of amidosulfuron and MCPA in wheat ecosystems based on a modified QuEChERS and low-temperature cleanup method using the RRLC-QqQ-MS/MS technique
Authors: Chen Xiaoxin , Dong Bizhang , Zhong Mengmeng , Hu Jiye
Published: October 2015

A method for simultaneous detection of amidosulfuron and MCPA in wheat was established and validated using LC-MS/MS and QuEChERS methods.
Development of a sensitive acetylcholinesterase biosensor based on a functionalized graphene–polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite for organophosphorous pesticide detection
Authors: Zheng Yingying , Liu Zhimin , Zhan Haijun , Li Jie , Zhang Chengcheng
Published: October 2015

An ionic liquid functionalized graphene and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) modified glassy carbon electrode was developed for the highly sensitive determination of organophosphorous pesticides.
Intracellular host–guest assembly of gold nanoparticles triggered by glutathione
Authors: Wang Yin , Li Huan , Jin Qiao , Ji Jian
Published: October 2015

A simple method to achieve host–guest assembly of gold nanoparticles triggered by intracellular glutathione was demonstrated.
Photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 using heterogeneous catalysts with controlled nanostructures
Authors: Xie Shunji , Zhang Qinghong , Liu Guodong , Wang Ye
Published: October 2015

Recent advances in photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 with H2O using semiconductor-based catalysts have been highlighted.
Spontaneous Tl(i)-to-Tl(iii) oxidation in dynamic heterobimetallic Hg(ii)/Tl(i) porphyrin complexes
Authors: Ndoyom Victoria , Fusaro Luca , Roisnel Thierry , Gac Stéphane Le , Boitrel Bernard
Published: October 2015

Strapped heterobimetallic Hg(ii)/Tl(i) porphyrin complexes undergo spontaneous Tl(i)-to-Tl(iii) oxidation, providing a new opportunity to tune metal ion translocations in bimetallic porphyrin systems.
Highly efficient and color tunable thermally activated delayed fluorescent emitters using a “twin emitter” molecular design
Authors: Kim Mounggon , Jeon Sang Kyu , Hwang Seok-Ho , Lee Sang-shin , Yu Eunsun , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: October 2015

High efficiency and color tuning of thermally activated delayed fluorescent emitters were achieved at the same time by designing emitters with a twin emitter molecular design.
How can carbon favor planar multi-coordination in boron-based clusters? Global structures of CBxEy2−(E = Al, Ga, x + y = 4)
Authors: Cui Zhong-hua , Sui Jing-jing , Ding Yi-hong
Published: October 2015

CB2E2Mg (E = Al, Ga) designed in the present study represents the first successful design of a boron-based planar penta-coordinate carbon (ppC) structures as the global minima.
Functional ionic liquids for enhancement of Li-ion transfer: the effect of cation structure on the charge–discharge performance of the Li4Ti5O12electrode
Authors: Shimizu Masahiro , Usui Hiroyuki , Sakaguchi Hiroki
Published: October 2015

Raman analysis revealed the following: the PP1MEM cation weakens the interaction between Li ion and TFSA anions, and thereby diminishes the solvation number of TFSA anions (NTFSA1.56) compared with that of PP16-TFSA (NTFSA2.40).
Counterintuitive issues in the charge transport through molecular junctions
Authors: Bâldea Ioan
Published: October 2015

Contrary to intuition, the MO energy shift due to an applied field is not necessarily related to the MO location.
Surfactant controlled magnesium oxide synthesis for base catalysis
Authors: Dummer Nicholas F. , Joyce Liam , Ellicott Harold , Jiang Yijiao
Published: October 2015

Magnesium oxide catalysts were used to investigate the influence of novel preparative techniques for surface site control on activity.
A structure/catalytic activity study of gold(i)–NHC complexes, as well as their recyclability and reusability, in the hydration of alkynes in aqueous medium
Authors: Fernández Gabriela A. , Chopa Alicia B. , Silbestri Gustavo F.
Published: October 2015

Comparative studies were carried out with the addition of different silver salts. Our results indicate that the bulkier complex is the most effective and that the addition of methanol as co-solvent not only shortens reaction times but also stabilizes the less bulky complexes.
MeOx/Al2O3 and MeOx/CeO2 (Me = Fe, Co, Ni) catalysts for high temperature N2O decomposition and NH3 oxidation
Authors: Pinaeva L. G. , Prosvirin I. P. , Dovlitova L. S. , Danilova I. G. , Sadovskaya E. M. , Isupova L. A.
Published: October 2015

Efficient oxygen transfer through Me–CeO2 interface explains higher activity of MeOx/CeO2 (Me = Fe, Co, Ni) samples in deN2O and NH3 oxidation compared with MeOx/Al2O3 ones.
Metal-free oxidative phosphinylation of aryl alkynes to β-ketophosphine oxides via visible-light photoredox catalysis
Authors: Bu Mei-jie , Lu Guo-ping , Cai Chun
Published: October 2015

A visible-light-induced oxidative phosphinylation of arylacetylenes catalyzed by an inexpensive organic dye was demonstrated to be effective under mild conditions.
Designing highly efficient Rh/CPOL-bp&PPh3 heterogenous catalysts for hydroformylation of internal and terminal olefins
Authors: Li Cunyao , Xiong Kai , Yan Li , Jiang Miao , Song Xiangen , Wang Tao , Chen Xingkun , Zhan Zhuangping , Ding Yunjie
Published: October 2015

Vinyl functionalized Biphephos ligand, denoted as vinyl biphephos, has been succesfully synthesized.
A radical rebound mechanism for the methane oxidation reaction promoted by the dicopper center of a pMMO enzyme: a computational perspective
Authors: Da Silva Júlio C. S. , Pennifold Robert C. R. , Harvey Jeremy N. , Rocha Willian R.
Published: October 2015

Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) promoted by a triplet state of the bis-oxoCu2(iii) core generates a new radical rebound mechanism for the hydroxylation of methane catalyzed by the binuclear copper site of a pMMO enzyme.
Targeting divalent metal cations with Re(i) tetrazolato complexes
Authors: Fiorini Valentina , Ranieri Anna Maria , Muzzioli Sara , Magee Karen D. M. , Zacchini Stefano , Akabar Nurshadrina , Stefan Alessandra , Ogden Mark I. , Massi Massimiliano , Stagni Stefano
Published: October 2015

The design, preparation and characterization of four new Re(i) tetrazolato complexes together with the study of their luminescent sensing abilities toward Zn(ii), Cd(ii) and Cu(ii) are described herein.
Novel B(Ar′)2(Ar′′) hetero-tri(aryl)boranes: a systematic study of Lewis acidity
Authors: Blagg Robin J. , Simmons Trevor R. , Hatton Georgina R. , Courtney James M. , Bennett Elliot L. , Lawrence Elliot J. , Wildgoose Gregory G.
Published: October 2015

Nine homo- and hetero-tri(aryl)boranes related by stepwise aryl substitutions, are studied for H2 cleavage as part of an FLP, and comparative Lewis acidity/electrochemical measurements discussed.
The intriguing question of anionic redox in high-energy density cathodes for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Saubanère M. , McCalla E. , Tarascon J.-M. , Doublet M.-L.
Published: October 2015

This paper aims to identify robust descriptors to rationalize the anionic redox mechanism in layered Li-rich TM-oxides using conceptual tools, such as atomic charges, orbital interactions and crystal orbital overlap populations (COOP), based on first-principles DFT calculations.
Acutely administered grape-seed proanthocyanidin extract acts as a satiating agent
Authors: Serrano Joan , Casanova-Martí Àngela , Gil-Cardoso Katherine , Blay M. Teresa , Terra Ximena , Pinent Montserrat , Ardévol Anna
Published: October 2015

Grape-seed proanthocyanidins could be useful as a satiating agent under defined conditions.
A sustainable approach for lignin valorization by heterogeneous photocatalysis
Authors: Li Shao-Hai , Liu Siqi , Colmenares Juan Carlos , Xu Yi-Jun
Published: October 2015

Photocatalysis as an approach for lignin valorization from energy and environmental viewpoints.
Femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Labutin Timur A. , Lednev Vasily N. , Ilyin Alexey A. , Popov Andrey M.
Published: October 2015

The presented review summarizes nearly two decades of studies on femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectrometry (fs-LIBS).
Molecular simulation studies on the binding selectivity of 2-anilino-4-(thiazol-5-yl)-pyrimidines in complexes with CDK2 and CDK7
Authors: Chohan Tahir Ali , Qian Hai-Yan , Pan You-Lu , Chen Jian-Zhong
Published: October 2015

Molecular modeling simulations were performed to explore the selectivity mechanism of inhibitors binding to CDK2 and CDK7.
Carbon monoxide adsorption on the single-walled carbon nanotube supported gold–silver nanoalloys
Authors: Akbarzadeh Hamed , Abbaspour Mohsen , Salemi Sirous
Published: October 2015

The carbon nanotube diameter and chirality have significant influences on CO adsorption.
Solvent specific synthesis of nano corpse flowery lithiated iron oxide as an energy storage and gas sensing material
Authors: Barik Rasmita , Leung K. T. , Mohapatra Mamata
Published: October 2015

Unusual nano flowery shaped Li based iron oxides (LiFeO2) and their pseudo capacitive behaviour.
TD-DFT and structural investigation of natural photosensitive phenanthroperylene quinone derivatives
Authors: Shoaf Ashley L. , Bayse Craig A.
Published: October 2015

Structural modification of the phenanthroperylene quinone core affects the electronic structure of a series of natural product photosensitizers.
Correction: Gold nanorods or nanoparticles deposited on layered manganese oxide: new findings
Authors: Mahdi Najafpour Mohammad , Maedeh Hosseini Seyedeh , Hołyńska Małgorzata , Tomo Tatsuya , Allakhverdiev Suleyman I.
Published: October 2015

Correction for ‘Gold nanorods or nanoparticles deposited on layered manganese oxide: new findings’ by Mohammad Mahdi Najafpour et al., New J. Chem., 2015, 39, 7260–7267.
Protein tetrazinylation via diazonium coupling for covalent and catalyst-free bioconjugation
Authors: Zhang Jie , Men Yuwen , Lv Shanshan , Yi Long , Chen Jian-Feng
Published: October 2015

This work reports an efficient reagent 1 for direct and covalent introduction of tetrazines onto the surface of proteins and viruses under mild conditions.
Stereodivergent and enantioselective total syntheses of isochaetominines A–C and four pairs of isochaetominine C enantiomers: a six-step approach
Authors: Mao Zhong-Yi , Geng Hui , Zhang Tian-Tian , Ruan Yuan-Ping , Ye Jian-Liang , Huang Pei-Qiang
Published: October 2015

We report the first total syntheses of (−)-isochaetominines A–C and eight 2,3-cis-stereoisomers of isochaetominine C, and structural revisions of (−)-pseudofischerine and (−)-aniquinazoline D.
Electrospun fish gelatin fibrous scaffolds with improved bio-interactions due to carboxylated nanodiamond loading
Authors: Serafim A. , Cecoltan S. , Lungu A. , Vasile E. , Iovu H. , Stancu I. C.
Published: October 2015

This work emphasizes the potential of COOH-functionalized nanodiamond (NDs) particles to improve bio-interactions when embedded into fish gelatin electrospun fibers.
Theoretical–computational modelling of the electric field effects on protein unfolding thermodynamics
Authors: Amadei A. , Marracino P.
Published: October 2015

In this paper we present a general theoretical–computational approach to model the protein unfolding thermodynamics response to intense electric fields.
H-β-zeolite catalyzed transamidation of carboxamides, phthalimide, formamides and thioamides with amines under neat conditions
Authors: Rao Sadu Nageswara , Chandra Mohan Darapaneni , Adimurthy Subbarayappa
Published: October 2015

Efficient transamidation of unactivated carboxamides, phthalimides, formamides and thioamides with amines under solvent-free conditions using H-β-zeolite as a green and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst is described.
Green and economical synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon dots from vegetables for sensing and imaging applications
Authors: Niu Xiaoqing , Liu Guosheng , Li Luyao , Fu Zheng , Xu Hang , Cui Fengling
Published: October 2015

A green, simple and low-cost approach was present to obtain N-doped C-dots using vegetables as the sole carbon source through facile one-pot hydrothermal treatment. The C-dots can serve as a suitable sensing platform for detection of Cu2+.
Salt mediated unusual switching in the aggregation kinetic profile of human carbonic anhydrase
Authors: Gupta Preeti , Deep Shashank
Published: October 2015

Aggregation pathway of human carbonic anhydrase II in the presence of salt.
Synthesis of novel isophorone-based dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Chen Yih-Chun , Lin Yan-Zuo , Cheng Yu-Ting , Chang Yuan Jay
Published: October 2015

Four organic dyes containing isophorone as the π-bridge unit were synthesised and their photophysical and electrochemical properties were characterised.
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution based on Cu2ZnSnS4, Cu2ZnSnSe4 and Cu2ZnSnSe4−xSx nanofibers
Authors: Gonce Mehmet K. , Dogru Melike , Aslan Emre , Ozel Faruk , Patir Imren Hatay , Kus Mahmut , Ersoz Mustafa
Published: October 2015

New photocatalytic systems for H2 evolution have been reported by using Cu2ZnSnS4, Cu2ZnSnSe4, and Cu2ZnSnSe4−xSx nanofiber catalysts under visible light irradiation.
Synthesis of Er-doped Bi2WO6 and enhancement in photocatalytic activity induced by visible light
Authors: Wang Meng , Qiao Ziyu , Fang Minghao , Huang Zhaohui , Liu Yan'gai , Wu Xiaowen , Tang Chao , Tang Hao , Zhu Hekai
Published: October 2015

1.5% Bi2WO6:Er3+ exhibited highest photocatalytic activity as the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs is enhanced.
Removal of methylene blue from wastewater under a low power irradiation source by Zn, Mn co-doped TiO2 photocatalysts
Authors: Benjwal Poonam , Kar Kamal K.
Published: October 2015

Hazardous methylene blue dye from wastewater can be removed by a Zn–Mn co-doped photocatalyst under a very low power irradiation source, where 1.0 at% Zn, Mn doped TiO2 provides the maximum degradation of this pollutant.
Syntheses, crystal structure, electrochemistry and luminescence properties of lanthano–germanotungstates
Authors: Gupta Rakesh , Hussain Firasat , Behera J. N. , Bossoh Amoassi Martin , Mbomekalle Israël Martyr , de Oliveira Pedro
Published: October 2015

[Ln(α-GeW11O39)2]13− (Ln = LaIII and CeIII) and [{Ln(μ-CH3COO)GeW11O39(H2O)}2]12− (Ln = PrIII, NdIII and SmIII) complexes were synthesized using a one-pot reaction. Similar complexes were isolated and their electrochemical and photochromic properties were studied.
Low temperature processed ITO-free perovskite solar cells without a hole transport layer
Authors: Liu Tang , Zuo Lijian , Ye Tao , Wu Jiake , Xue Guobiao , Fu Weifei , Chen Hongzheng
Published: October 2015

We successfully employ low temperature processed conductive polymer PH1000 as an alternative electrode of ITO to fabricate HTL-free PSCs. The best device shows efficiency up to 9.31%, providing a much simpler architecture for the application of PSC.
Gold nanoparticle-based multivalent carbohydrate probes: selective photoaffinity labeling of carbohydrate-binding proteins
Authors: Sakurai Kaori , Hatai Yuki , Okada Ayumi
Published: October 2015

Multivalent carbohydrate photoaffinity probes were developed based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to provide a streamlined approach toward identification of carbohydrate-binding proteins.
Trimetallic NiFePd nanoalloy catalysed hydrogen generation from alkaline hydrous hydrazine and sodium borohydride at room temperature
Authors: Bhattacharjee Debaleena , Dasgupta Subrata
Published: October 2015

A room temperature synthesized NixFexPd100−2xnanocatalyst exhibits improved catalytic activity towards hydrogen generation from hydrazine and borohydride under ambient reaction conditions.
Top-down synthesis of muscle-inspired alluaudite Na2+2xFe2−x(SO4)3/SWNT spindle as a high-rate and high-potential cathode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Meng Yu , Yu Tiantian , Zhang Sen , Deng Chao
Published: October 2015

A top-down strategy is designed as a facile approach to prepare the alluaudite Na2+2xFe2−x(SO4)3 with muscle-like shape and superior performance.
Doping-induced structural evolution from rutile to anatase: formation of Nb-doped anatase TiO2nanosheets with high photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wang Hsin-Yi , Chen Jiazang , Xiao Fang-Xing , Zheng Jianwei , Liu Bin
Published: October 2015

Semiconductor nanostructures with specially exposed reactive crystal facets are promising to promote photocatalytic/photoelectrochemical reactions.
Designed nucleus penetrating thymine-capped dendrimers: a potential vehicle for intramuscular gene transfection
Authors: Yan Jia-Ying , Liu Chia-Yeh , Wu Zong-Wei , Chien Chih-Te , Chiu Wan-Ching , Lin Shu-Yi
Published: October 2015

A nucleus penetrating vehicle is indispensible when seeking to deliver plasmid DNA for gene transfection.
CRGO/alginate microbeads: an enzyme immobilization system and its potential application for a continuous enzymatic reaction
Authors: Zhao Fuhua , Li Hui , Wang Xicheng , Wu Lin , Hou Tonggang , Guan Jing , Jiang Yijun , Xu Huanfei , Mu Xindong
Published: October 2015

Hybrid bio-inorganic microbeads composed of CRGO–enzyme and alginate exhibited better stability and higher environmental tolerance, which can be used in a continuous fixed-bed enzymatic reaction.
The design of a ceramic phosphor plate with functional materials for application in high power LEDs
Authors: Ji Eun-Kyung , Song Young-Hyun , Bak Sang Hwan , Jung Mong Kwon , Jeong Byung Woo , Lee Dong Bok , Yoon Dae-Ho
Published: October 2015

Here we report the design of a ceramic phosphor plate made up of different functional materials, such as SiO2 and MgO, and Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+ (LuAG:Ce) for the fabrication of remote phosphors in high-power LED applications.
Transition metal doped pyrite (FeS2) thin films: structural properties and evaluation of optical band gap energies
Authors: Khalid Sadia , Malik Mohammad Azad , Lewis David J. , Kevin Punarja , Ahmed Ejaz , Khan Yaqoob , O'Brien Paul
Published: October 2015

The properties of transition metal doped iron pyrite thin films deposited by AACVD have been studied.