bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive imaging of sialyltransferase activity in living cells by chemoselective recognition
Authors: Bao Lei , Ding Lin , Yang Min , Ju Huangxian
Published: June 2015

To elucidate the biological and pathological functions of sialyltransferases (STs), intracellular ST activity evaluation is necessary. Focusing on the lack of noninvasive methods for obtaining the dynamic activity information, this work designs a sensing platform for in situ FRET imaging of intracellular ST activity and tracing of sialylation process. The system uses tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate labeled asialofetuin (TRITC-AF) as a ST substrate and fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled 3-aminophenylboronic acid (FITC-APBA) as the chemoselective recognition probe of sialylation product, both of which are encapsulated in a liposome vesicle for cellular delivery. The recognition of FITC-APBA to sialylated TRITC-AF leads to the FRET signal that is analyzed by FRET efficiency images. This strategy has been used to evaluate the correlation of ST activity with malignancy and cell surface sialylation and the sialylation inhibition activity of inhibitors. This work provides a powerful noninvasive tool for glycan biosynthesis mechanism research, cancer diagnostics and drug development.
Direct Evidence for Vision-based Control of Flight Speed in Budgerigars
Authors: Schiffner Ingo , Srinivasan Mandyam V.
Published: June 2015

We have investigated whether, and, if so, how birds use vision to regulate the speed of their flight. Budgerigars, Melopsittacus undulatus, were filmed in 3-D using high-speed video cameras as they flew along a 25 m tunnel in which stationary or moving vertically oriented black and white stripes were projected on the side walls. We found that the birds increased their flight speed when the stripes were moved in the birds’ flight direction, but decreased it only marginally when the stripes were moved in the opposite direction. The results provide the first direct evidence that Budgerigars use cues based on optic flow, to regulate their flight speed. However, unlike the situation in flying insects, it appears that the control of flight speed in Budgerigars is direction-specific. It does not rely solely on cues derived from optic flow, but may also be determined by energy constraints.
The mechanism for exclusion of Pinus massoniana during the succession in subtropical forest ecosystems: light competition or stoichiometric homoeostasis?
Authors: Yan Junhua , Li Kun , Peng Xingju , Huang Zhongliang , Liu Shizhong , Zhang Qianmei
Published: June 2015

Competition for light has traditionally been considered as the main mechanism for exclusion of Pinus massoniana during succession in subtropical forest ecosystems. However, both long-term inventories and a seedling cultivation experiment showed that growth of mature individuals and young seedlings of P. massoniana was not limited by available light, but was strongly influenced by stoichiometric homoeostasis. This is supported by the results of homoeostatic regulation coefficients for nitrogen (HN) and phosphorus (HP) estimated using the measured data from six transitional forests across subtropical China. Among three dominant tree species in subtropical forests, P. massoniana and Castanopsis chinensis had the lowest values of HP and HN, respectively. Therefore P. massoniana cannot survive in the advanced stage due to soil phosphorus limitation and C. chinensis cannot successfully grow in the pioneer stage due to soil nitrogen limitation. Our results support that stoichiometric homeostasis is the main reason for gradual exclusion of P. massoniana from the transitional forest and the eventual elimination from the advanced forest during the subtropical forest succession. Therefore greater attention should be paid to stoichiometric homeostasis as one of the key mechanisms for species exclusion during forest succession.
Demonstration of quantum permutation algorithm with a single photon ququart
Authors: Wang Feiran , Wang Yunlong , Liu Ruifeng , Chen Dongxu , Zhang Pei , Gao Hong , Li Fuli
Published: June 2015

We report an experiment to demonstrate a quantum permutation determining algorithm with linear optical system. By employing photon's polarization and spatial mode, we realize the quantum ququart states and all the essential permutation transformations. The quantum permutation determining algorithm displays the speedup of quantum algorithm by determining the parity of the permutation in only one step of evaluation compared with two for classical algorithm. This experiment is accomplished in single photon level and the method exhibits universality in high-dimensional quantum computation.
Targeted disruption of a single sex pheromone receptor gene completely abolishes in vivo pheromone response in the silkmoth
Authors: Sakurai Takeshi , Mitsuno Hidefumi , Mikami Akihisa , Uchino Keiro , Tabuchi Masashi , Zhang Feng , Sezutsu Hideki , Kanzaki Ryohei
Published: June 2015

Male moths use species-specific sex pheromones to identify and orientate toward conspecific females. Odorant receptors (ORs) for sex pheromone substances have been identified as sex pheromone receptors in various moth species. However, direct in vivo evidence linking the functional role of these ORs with behavioural responses is lacking. In the silkmoth, Bombyx mori, female moths emit two sex pheromone components, bombykol and bombykal, but only bombykol elicits sexual behaviour in male moths. A sex pheromone receptor BmOR1 is specifically tuned to bombykol and is expressed in specialized olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in the pheromone sensitive long sensilla trichodea of male silkmoth antennae. Here, we show that disruption of the BmOR1 gene, mediated by transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), completely removes ORN sensitivity to bombykol and corresponding pheromone-source searching behaviour in male moths. Furthermore, transgenic rescue of BmOR1 restored normal behavioural responses to bombykol. Our results demonstrate that BmOR1 is required for the physiological and behavioural response to bombykol, demonstrating that it is the receptor that mediates sex pheromone responses in male silkmoths. This study provides the first direct evidence that a member of the sex pheromone receptor family in moth species mediates conspecific sex pheromone information for sexual behaviour.
Genetic variants in 3′-UTRs of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) predict colorectal cancer susceptibility in Koreans
Authors: Jeon Young Joo , Kim Jong Woo , Park Hye Mi , Kim Jung O , Jang Hyo Geun , Oh Jisu , Hwang Seong Gyu , Kwon Sung Won , Oh Doyeun , Kim Nam Keun
Published: June 2015

Polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) play important roles in tumor development, progression and metastasis. Moreover, recent studies have reported that a number of 3′-UTR polymorphisms potentially bind to specific microRNAs in a variety of cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of four MTHFR polymorphisms, 2572C>A [rs4846049], 4869C>G [rs1537514], 5488C>T [rs3737967] and 6685T>C [rs4846048] with colorectal cancer (CRC) in Koreans. A total of 850 participants (450 CRC patients and 400 controls) were enrolled in the study. The genotyping of MTHFR 3′-UTR polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis or TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. We found that MTHFR 2572C>A, 4869C>G and 5488C>T genotypes were substantially associated with CRC susceptibility. Of the potentially susceptible polymorphisms, MTHFR 2572C>A was associated with increased homocysteine and decreased folate levels in the plasma based on MTHFR 677CC. Our study provides the evidences for 3′-UTR variants in MTHFR gene as potential biomarkers for use in CRC prevention.
Resolving single molecule structures with Nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond
Authors: Kost Matthias , Cai Jianming , Plenio Martin B.
Published: June 2015

We present theoretical proposals for two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy protocols based on Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond that are strongly coupled to the target nuclei. Continuous microwave and radio-frequency driving fields together with magnetic field gradients achieve Hartmann-Hahn resonances between NV spin sensor and selected nuclei for control of nuclear spins and subsequent measurement of their polarization dynamics. The strong coupling between the NV sensor and the nuclei facilitates coherence control of nuclear spins and relaxes the requirement of nuclear spin polarization to achieve strong signals and therefore reduced measurement times. Additionally, we employ a singular value thresholding matrix completion algorithm to further reduce the amount of data required to permit the identification of key features in the spectra of strongly sub-sampled data. We illustrate the potential of this combined approach by applying the protocol to a shallowly implanted NV center addressing a small amino acid, alanine, to target specific hydrogen nuclei and to identify the corresponding peaks in their spectra.
Large expansion of CTG•CAG repeats is exacerbated by MutSβ in human cells
Authors: Nakatani Rie , Nakamori Masayuki , Fujimura Harutoshi , Mochizuki Hideki , Takahashi Masanori P.
Published: June 2015

Trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders (TRED) are caused by genomic expansions of trinucleotide repeats, such as CTG and CAG. These expanded repeats are unstable in germline and somatic cells, with potential consequences for disease severity. Previous studies have demonstrated the involvement of DNA repair proteins in repeat instability, although the key factors affecting large repeat expansion and contraction are unclear. Here we investigated these factors in a human cell model harboring 800 CTG•CAG repeats by individually knocking down various DNA repair proteins using short interfering RNA. Knockdown of MSH2 and MSH3, which form the MutSβ heterodimer and function in mismatch repair, suppressed large repeat expansions, whereas knockdown of MSH6, which forms the MutSα heterodimer with MSH2, promoted large expansions exceeding 200 repeats by compensatory increases in MSH3 and the MutSβ complex. Knockdown of topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) and TDP1, which are involved in single-strand break repair, enhanced large repeat contractions. Furthermore, knockdown of senataxin, an RNA/DNA helicase which affects DNA:RNA hybrid formation and transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair, exacerbated repeat instability in both directions. These results indicate that DNA repair factors, such as MutSβ play important roles in large repeat expansion and contraction and can be an excellent therapeutic target for TRED.
Fission yeast mitochondria are distributed by dynamic microtubules in a motor-independent manner
Authors: Li Tianpeng , Zheng Fan , Cheung Martin , Wang Fengsong , Fu Chuanhai
Published: June 2015

The cytoskeleton plays a critical role in regulating mitochondria distribution. Similar to axonal mitochondria, the fission yeast mitochondria are distributed by the microtubule cytoskeleton, but this is regulated by a motor-independent mechanism depending on the microtubule associated protein mmb1p as the absence of mmb1p causes mitochondria aggregation. In this study, using a series of chimeric proteins to control the subcellular localization and motility of mitochondria, we show that a chimeric molecule containing a microtubule binding domain and the mitochondria outer membrane protein tom22p can restore the normal interconnected mitochondria network in mmb1-deletion (mmb1∆) cells. In contrast, increasing the motility of mitochondria by using a chimeric molecule containing a kinesin motor domain and tom22p cannot rescue mitochondria aggregation defects in mmb1∆ cells. Intriguingly a chimeric molecule carrying an actin binding domain and tom22p results in mitochondria associated with actin filaments at the actomyosin ring during mitosis, leading to cytokinesis defects. These findings suggest that the passive motor-independent microtubule-based mechanism is the major contributor to mitochondria distribution in wild type fission yeast cells. Hence, we establish that attachment to microtubules, but not kinesin-dependent movement and the actin cytoskeleton, is required and crucial for proper mitochondria distribution in fission yeast.
Enhancing the antimicrobial activity of natural extraction using the synthetic ultrasmall metal nanoparticles
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Chen Quansheng , Zhao Jiewen , Urmila Khulal
Published: June 2015

The use of Catechin as an antibacterial agent is becoming ever-more common, whereas unstable and easy oxidation, have limited its application. A simple and low-energy-consuming approach to synthesize highly stable and dispersive Catechin-Cu nanoparticles(NPs) has been developed, in which the stability and dispersivity of the NPs are varied greatly with the pH value and temperature of the reaction. The results demonstrate that the optimal reaction conditions are pH 11 at room temperature. As-synthesized NPs display excellent antimicrobial activity, the survival rates of bacterial cells exposed to the NPs were evaluated using live/dead Bacterial Viability Kit. The results showed that NPs at the concentration of 10 ppm and 20 ppm provided rapid and effective killing of up to 90% and 85% of S. aureus and E. coli within 3 h, respectively. After treatment with 20 ppm and 40 ppm NPs, the bacteria are killed completely. Furthermore, on the basis of assessing the antibacterial effects by SEM, TEM and AFM, it was found the cell membrane damage of the bacteria caused by direct contact of the bacteria with the NPs was the effective mechanism in the bacterial inactivation.
Structural color printing based on plasmonic metasurfaces of perfect light absorption
Authors: Cheng Fei , Gao Jie , Luk Ting S. , Yang Xiaodong
Published: June 2015

Subwavelength structural color filtering and printing technologies employing plasmonic nanostructures have recently been recognized as an important and beneficial complement to the traditional colorant-based pigmentation. However, the color saturation, brightness and incident angle tolerance of structural color printing need to be improved to meet the application requirement. Here we demonstrate a structural color printing method based on plasmonic metasurfaces of perfect light absorption to improve color performances such as saturation and brightness. Thin-layer perfect absorbers with periodic hole arrays are designed at visible frequencies and the absorption peaks are tuned by simply adjusting the hole size and periodicity. Near perfect light absorption with high quality factors are obtained to realize high-resolution, angle-insensitive plasmonic color printing with high color saturation and brightness. Moreover, the fabricated metasurfaces can be protected with a protective coating for ambient use without degrading performances. The demonstrated structural color printing platform offers great potential for applications ranging from security marking to information storage.
Chromosome-level genome map provides insights into diverse defense mechanisms in the medicinal fungus Ganoderma sinense
Authors: Zhu Yingjie , Xu Jiang , Sun Chao , Zhou Shiguo , Xu Haibin , Nelson David R. , Qian Jun , Song Jingyuan , Luo Hongmei , Xiang Li , Li Ying , Xu Zhichao , Ji Aijia , Wang Lizhi , Lu Shanfa , Hayward Alice , Sun Wei , Li Xiwen , Schwartz David C. , Wang Yitao , Chen Shilin
Published: June 2015

Fungi have evolved powerful genomic and chemical defense systems to protect themselves against genetic destabilization and other organisms. However, the precise molecular basis involved in fungal defense remain largely unknown in Basidiomycetes. Here the complete genome sequence, as well as DNA methylation patterns and small RNA transcriptomes, was analyzed to provide a holistic overview of secondary metabolism and defense processes in the model medicinal fungus, Ganoderma sinense. We reported the 48.96 Mb genome sequence of G. sinense, consisting of 12 chromosomes and encoding 15,688 genes. More than thirty gene clusters involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, as well as a large array of genes responsible for their transport and regulation were highlighted. In addition, components of genome defense mechanisms, namely repeat-induced point mutation (RIP), DNA methylation and small RNA-mediated gene silencing, were revealed in G. sinense. Systematic bioinformatic investigation of the genome and methylome suggested that RIP and DNA methylation combinatorially maintain G. sinense genome stability by inactivating invasive genetic material and transposable elements. The elucidation of the G. sinense genome and epigenome provides an unparalleled opportunity to advance our understanding of secondary metabolism and fungal defense mechanisms.
Quantum Coherent Feedback Control for Generation System of Optical Entangled State
Authors: Zhou Yaoyao , Jia Xiaojun , Li Fang , Yu Juan , Xie Changde , Peng Kunchi
Published: June 2015

The non-measurement based coherent feedback control (CFC) is a control method without introducing any backaction noise into the controlled system, thus is specially suitable to manipulate various quantum optical systems for preparing nonclassical states of light. By simply tuning the transmissivity of an optical controller in a CFC loop attached to a non-degenerate optical parametric amplifier (NOPA), the quantum entanglement degree of the output optical entangled state of the system is improved. At the same time, the threshold pump power of the NOPA is reduced also. The experimental results are in reasonable agreement with the theoretical expectation.
Evidence for Autoinduction and Quorum Sensing in White Band Disease-Causing Microbes on Acropora cervicornis
Authors: Certner Rebecca H. , Vollmer Steven V.
Published: June 2015

Coral reefs have entered a state of global decline party due to an increasing incidence of coral disease. However, the diversity and complexity of coral-associated bacterial communities has made identifying the mechanisms underlying disease transmission and progression extremely difficult. This study explores the effects of coral cell-free culture fluid (CFCF) and autoinducer (a quorum sensing signaling molecule) on coral-associated bacterial growth and on coral tissue loss respectively. All experiments were conducted using the endangered Caribbean coral Acropora cervicornis. Coral-associated microbes were grown on selective media infused with CFCF derived from healthy and white band disease-infected A. cervicornis. Exposure to diseased CFCF increased proliferation of Cytophaga-Flavobacterium spp. while exposure to healthy CFCF inhibited growth of this group. Exposure to either CFCF did not significantly affect Vibrio spp. growth. In order to test whether disease symptoms can be induced in healthy corals, A. cervicornis was exposed to bacterial assemblages supplemented with exogenous, purified autoinducer. Incubation with autoinducer resulted in complete tissue loss in all corals tested in less than one week. These findings indicate that white band disease in A. cervicornis may be caused by opportunistic pathogenesis of resident microbes.
De novo Assembly and Characterization of the Testis Transcriptome and Development of EST-SSR Markers in the Cockroach Periplaneta americana
Authors: Chen Wan , Liu Yu-Xiang , Jiang Guo-Fang
Published: June 2015

The cockroach Periplaneta americana is a notorious pest and threat to health worldwide, with a high reproductive ability. However, a limited amount of data is available on the developmental stage-specific transcriptomes of P. americana. To identify genes involved in developmental processes and to develop additional SSR markers in P. americana, we carried out de novo assembly of the P. americana transcriptome using Illumina sequencing. After removing low-quality sequences, we obtained 64,954,709 contigs, which were further assembled into 125,390 unigenes with an average length of 711 bp. Based on similarity searches against known proteins, we identified 48,300 unigenes based on a cut-off E-value of 10−5. The assembled sequences were annotated according to gene descriptions, gene ontology and clusters of orthologous groups. A total of 14,195 potential SSRs were identified and 41 of 63 randomly chosen primer pairs successfully amplified the predicted SSR markers, seven of which were polymorphic in size in P. americana. Furthermore, the Spag6 gene was confirmed to be testes specific and the fru and RPSA genes were related to the development of the testis. This is the special report of a P. americana transcriptome obtained using Illumina sequencing technology and a large number of molecular markers were developed.
Natural laws and ontological reflections: the textual and didactic implications of the presentation of Boyle's law in general chemistry
Authors: Quiroz Waldo , Rubilar Cristian Merino
Published: June 2015

This study develops a tool to identify errors in the presentation of natural laws based on the epistemology and ontology of the Scientific Realism of Mario Bunge. The tool is able to identify errors of different types: (1) epistemological, in which the law is incorrectly presented as data correlation instead of as a pattern of causality; (2) semantic, in which natural law is presented as a mathematical statement that relates variables but with an absence of ambiguous material reference; (3) deterministic, in which the relationship of natural variables is presented but with no causality statement; and (4) mechanistic, in which a causality statement is presented with the absence of an explanatory mechanism. In this work, Boyle's law was used as an example of the applicability of the instrument. In this case, we found errors in most of the university textbooks that we analyzed. Most of the errors arose from the disconnection between the symbolic and microscopic levels. The presentations of Boyle's law in general chemistry are given in textbooks that include illustrations based in a macroscopic perspective, in which the macroscopic compression mechanism is completely disconnected from the microscopic collision mechanism. This disconnection results in the incorrect presentation of gas pressure as the cause and gas volume as the effect.
Label-free identification and characterization of living human primary and secondary tumour cells
Authors: Tsikritsis Dimitrios , Richmond Susanna , Stewart Patrick , Elfick Alistair , Downes Andrew
Published: June 2015

Primary and secondary tumour cells exhibit biochemical differences (with Raman spectroscopy and imaging), and mechanical differences (with atomic force microscopy).
Label-free microRNA detection based on terbium and duplex-specific nuclease assisted target recycling
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wu Dongzhi , Chen QiuXiang , Chen Mei , Xia Yaokun , Cai Shuxian , Zhang Xi , Wu Fang , Chen Jinghua
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we describe a novel label-free fluorescence method for microRNA-21 (miR-21) detection based on terbium (Tb3+) and duplex-specific nuclease (DSN) assisted target recycling.
A new calibration curve calculation method for absolute quantification of drug metabolizing enzymes in human liver microsomes by stable isotope dilution mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Zhang Haifeng , Li Jiabin , Wei Junying , Zhai Rui , Peng Bo , Qiao Hailing , Zhang Yangjun , Qian Xiaohong
Published: June 2015

A new calibration curve calculation method in stable isotope dilution mass spectrometry for absolute quantification of drug metabolizing enzymes in human liver microsomes.
A strategy for rapid structural characterization of saponins and flavonoids from the testa of Camellia oleifera Abel seeds by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization linear ion trap-orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Feng Mengxue , Zhu Zhiling , Zuo Limin , Chen Long , Yuan Qipeng , Shan Guangzhi , Luo Shi-Zhong
Published: June 2015

Summarization of fragmentation behavior of saponins in C. oleifera for the first time, which was confirmed by LTQ-orbitrap.
Dispersive solid-phase extraction of organophosphorus pesticides from apple, cucumber and water samples using reduced graphene oxide coated with ZnO nanocomposites as a sorbent
Authors: Sun Ting , Jin Yongri , Yang Jie , Li Lanjie , Shi Xiaolei , Li Xuwen
Published: June 2015

RGO–ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized and used as DSPE adsorbent for enriching OPs in apple, cucumber and water samples.
Conformational cooperativity between helical domains of differing geometry in oligoamide–oligourea foldamer chimeras
Authors: Maury Julien , Le Bailly Bryden A. F. , Raftery James , Clayden Jonathan
Published: June 2015

Two foldamer domains of different classes (urea and amide) remain in conformational communication, and adopt a well-defined global structure in solution, provided the interdomain hydrogen-bonds are suitably orientated.
In situ synthesis, crystallisation, and thin-film processing of single crystals of trans-[Ru(SO2)(NH3)4(H2O)][p-TolSO3]2 bearing SO2 linkage photo-isomers: towards optical device applications
Authors: Cole J. M. , Yeung K. Y. M. , Pace G. , Sylvester S. O. , Mersch D. , Friend R. H.
Published: June 2015

High-quality microcrystals of trans-[Ru(SO2)(NH3)4(H2O)][p-TolSO3]2 photoisomers are embedded within thin films of polyvinylacrylate, which presents opportunities for optical data storage applications.
New menthol polymorphs identified by flash scanning calorimetry
Authors: Corvis Yohann , Wurm Andreas , Schick Christoph , Espeau Philippe
Published: June 2015

Menthol polymorphism screening by thermal microscopy in order to corroborate flash DSC results.
A protein crystallisation screening kit designed using polyethylene glycol as major precipitant
Authors: Liu Yue , Zhang Xian-Fang , Zhang Chen-Yan , Guo Yun-Zhu , Xie Si-Xiao , Zhou Ren-Bin , Cheng Qing-Di , Yan Er-Kai , Liu Ya-Li , Lu Xiao-Li , Lu Qin-Qin , Lu Hui-Meng , Ye Ya-Jing , Yin Da-Chuan
Published: June 2015

A protein crystallisation screening kit was designed through a step-by-step procedure. It showed significantly improved performance in crystallisation screening.
Giant magnetocrystalline anisotropy of 5d transition metal-based phthalocyanine sheet
Authors: Zhou Jian , Wang Qian , Sun Qiang , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Jena Puru
Published: June 2015

Giant magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy can be achieved under electric field or biaxial strain of 5d transition metal-based phthalocyanine sheet.
Preparation and lithium storage performance of yolk–shell Si@void@C nanocomposites
Authors: Su Liwei , Xie Jian , Xu Yawei , Wang Lianbang , Wang Yuanhao , Ren Manman
Published: June 2015

This work discloses a novel synthesis method for yolk–shell Si@void@C nanocomposites as high-performance anodes in lithium ion batteries.
UV photodissociation spectroscopy of cryogenically cooled gas phase host–guest complex ions of crown ethers
Authors: Inokuchi Yoshiya , Haino Takeharu , Sekiya Ryo , Morishima Fumiya , Dedonder Claude , Féraud Géraldine , Jouvet Christophe , Ebata Takayuki
Published: June 2015

Crown ethers show a dramatic effect on the electronic spectra and fragmentation patterns of guest species.
Realizing chemical codoping in TiO2
Authors: Wang Fang , Sun Yi-Yang , Hatch John B. , Xing Hui , Zhu Xuechen , Zhang Hongwang , Xu Xiaohong , Luo Hong , Perera S. , Zhang Shengbai , Zeng Hao
Published: June 2015

N and P chemical codoping of TiO2 has been experimentally demonstrated. The band gap of TiO2 can be reduced from 3.2 eV to 1.8 eV, without affecting the CBM position.
Microhydrated dihydrogen phosphate clusters probed by gas phase vibrational spectroscopy and first principles calculations
Authors: Sun Shou-Tian , Jiang Ling , Liu J.W. , Heine Nadja , Yacovitch Tara I. , Wende Torsten , Asmis Knut R. , Neumark Daniel M. , Liu Zhi-Feng
Published: June 2015

We report infrared multiple photon dissociation spectra of cryogenically-cooled H2PO4−(H2O)n anions (n = 2–12) in the spectral range of the stretching and bending modes of the solute anion (600–1800 cm−1).
A first-principles study of sodium adsorption and diffusion on phosphorene
Authors: Liu Xiao , Wen Yanwei , Chen Zhengzheng , Shan Bin , Chen Rong
Published: June 2015

The structural, electronic, electrochemical as well as the diffusion properties of Na doped phosphorene have been investigated, which indicates that the phosphorene could be a promising sodium-ion battery anode based on a first-principles study.
Computational simulation and interpretation of the low-lying excited electronic states and electronic spectrum of thioanisole
Authors: Li Shaohong L. , Xu Xuefei , Truhlar Donald G.
Published: June 2015

Low-lying excited electronic states of thioanisole are calculated by various wave function and density functional methods. Electronic absorption spectrum is simulated and interpreted.
Assembly of a basket-like {Sr ⊂ P6Mo18O73} cage from 0D dimmer to 2D network and its photo-/electro-catalytic properties
Authors: Zhang He , Lv Jing-hua , Yu Kai , Wang Chun-mei , Wang Chun-xiao , Sun Di , Zhou Bai-bin
Published: June 2015

Five semiconductor materials based on basket-like POM have been hydrothermally synthesized, which show high-efficient degradation ability for organic dyes RhB, MB, and AP in short time and bifunctional electrocatalytic behavior for oxidation of AA and reduction of NO2−.
Enhanced photocurrent by the co-sensitization of ZnO with dye and CuInSe nanocrystals
Authors: Zhao Jinjin , Wang Peng , Wei Liyu , Liu Zhenghao , Zhang Jiangbin , Si Huayan , Mai Yaohua , Fang Xueqian , Liu Xianglin , Ren Deliang
Published: June 2015

ZnO@Cu0.28In1.72Se2.72(5–10 nm) was synthesised for the first time using a template-free method and a vacuum one-pot-nanocasting process without long-chain ligands.
Simple synthesis of Prussian blue analogues in room temperature ionic liquid solution and their catalytic application in epoxidation of styrene
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Wang Ning , He Sifa , Zhao Jihua , Fang Jian , Shen Weiguo
Published: June 2015

Synthesis and characterization of CoFePBAs in ionic liquid solution and their catalytic properties of styrene epoxidation are presented.
Modeling the magnetic properties of lanthanide complexes: relationship of the REC parameters with Pauling electronegativity and coordination number
Authors: Baldoví José J. , Gaita-Ariño Alejandro , Coronado Eugenio
Published: June 2015

The REC model has proven to be useful to study lanthanide SIMs. But do its effective charge parameters have any physical meaning? Here we relate Dr and Zi with the coordination numbers, valence and electronegativity.
Extraction of Mg(OH)2from Mg silicate minerals with NaOH assisted with H2O: implications for CO2capture from exhaust flue gas
Authors: Madeddu Silvia , Priestnall Michael , Godoy Erik , Kumar R. Vasant , Raymahasay Sugat , Evans Michael , Wang Ruofan , Manenye Seabelo , Kinoshita Hajime
Published: June 2015

The utilisation of Mg(OH)2to capture exhaust CO2has been hindered by the limited availability of brucite, the Mg(OH)2mineral in natural deposits. Our previous study demonstrated that Mg(OH)2can be obtained from dunite, an ultramafic rock composed of Mg silicate minerals, in highly concentrated NaOH aqueous systems. However, the large quantity of NaOH consumed was considered an obstacle for the implementation of the technology. In the present study, Mg(OH)2was extracted from dunite reacted in solid systems with NaOH assisted with H2O. The consumption of NaOH was reduced by 97% with respect to the NaOH aqueous systems, maintaining a comparable yield of Mg(OH)2extraction,i.e.64.8–66%. The capture of CO2from a CO2–N2gas mixture was tested at ambient conditions using a Mg(OH)2aqueous slurry. Mg(OH)2almost fully dissolved and reacted with dissolved CO2by forming Mg(HCO3)2which remained in equilibrium storing the CO2in the aqueous solution. The CO2balance of the process was assessed from the emissions derived from the power consumption for NaOH production and Mg(OH)2extraction together with the CO2captured by Mg(OH)2derived from dunite. The process resulted as carbon neutral when dunite is reacted at 250 °C for durations of 1 and 3 hours and CO2is captured as Mg(HCO3)2.
Corrosion chemistry closing comments: opportunities in corrosion science facilitated by operando experimental characterization combined with multi-scale computational modelling
Authors: Scully John R.
Published: June 2015

Recent advances in characterization tools, computational capabilities, and theories have created opportunities for advancement in understanding of solid–fluid interfaces at the nanoscale in corroding metallic systems. The Faraday Discussion on Corrosion Chemistry in 2015 highlighted some of the current needs, gaps and opportunities in corrosion science. Themes were organized into several hierarchical categories that provide an organizational framework for corrosion. Opportunities to develop fundamental physical and chemical data which will enable further progress in thermodynamic and kinetic modelling of corrosion were discussed. These will enable new and better understanding of unit processes that govern corrosion at the nanoscale. Additional topics discussed included scales, films and oxides, fluid–surface and molecular–surface interactions, selected topics in corrosion science and engineering as well as corrosion control. Corrosion science and engineering topics included complex alloy dissolution, local corrosion, and modelling of specific corrosion processes that are made up of collections of temporally and spatially varying unit processes such as oxidation, ion transport, and competitive adsorption. Corrosion control and mitigation topics covered some new insights on coatings and inhibitors. Further advances inoperandoorin situexperimental characterization strategies at the nanoscale combined with computational modelling will enhance progress in the field, especially if coupling across length and time scales can be achieved incorporating the various phenomena encountered in corrosion. Readers are encouraged to not only to use thisad hocorganizational scheme to guide their immersion into the current opportunities in corrosion chemistry, but also to find value in the information presented in their own ways.
Synergetic catalytic effect of ionic liquids and ZnO nanoparticles on the selective synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles using a ball-milling technique
Authors: Sharma Hemant , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder , Jang Doo Ok
Published: June 2015

A solvent-free selective synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles was developed in the presence of recyclable ionic liquid-coated ZnO-nanoparticles using a ball-milling technique.
Fractionation of lignin from eucalyptus bark using amine-sulfonate functionalized ionic liquids
Authors: Yan Peifang , Xu Zhanwei , Zhang Chao , Liu Xiumei , Xu Wenjuan , Zhang Z. Conrad
Published: June 2015

Amine-sulfonate functionalized ionic liquids not only dissolve industrial lignin materials like kraft lignin and lignosulfonate, but also offer unique selectivity and efficiency in fractionating lignin from eucalyptus bark.
Doping of inorganic materials in microreactors – preparation of Zn doped Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Simmons M. D. , Jones N. , Evans D. J. , Wiles C. , Watts P. , Salamon S. , Escobar Castillo M. , Wende H. , Lupascu D. C. , Francesconi M. G.
Published: June 2015

The first example a doped ionic solid with increasing content of dopant prepared in a microreactor.
Copper uptake by DMT1: a compensatory mechanism for CTR1 deficiency in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Lin Chen , Zhang Zhen , Wang Tao , Chen Chen , James Kang Y
Published: June 2015

Copper transport 1 (CTR1) plays a critical role in copper uptake by cells, but several studies demonstrated that divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) also transports copper in some cells and under certain circumstances. The present study was undertaken to determine the relationship between CTR1 and DMT1 in copper uptake. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to increasing concentrations of extracellular copper in cultures, leading to increased accumulation of copper in cells proportional to concentrations of extracellular copper. However, CTR1 proteins decreased in relation to the increase in copper concentrations, and DMT1 increased inversely correlating to the decrease in CTR1. Gene silencing of either CTR1 or DMT1 did not affect copper accumulation in cells, but deficiency in both CTR1 and DMT1 resulted in a complete inhibition of copper uptake. This study thus demonstrates that DMT1 imports copper under the condition of CTR1 deficiency, and vice versa. Therefore, CTR1 and DMT1 would compensate for each other for copper uptake in mammalian cells, although different types of cells may use either one as a predominant copper importer under physiological conditions.
Molecular-engineered [Ir(Fppy)2(Mepic)] towards efficient blue-emission
Authors: Zanoni Kassio P. S. , Ito Akitaka , Murakami Iha Neyde Y.
Published: June 2015

A photophysical investigation of [Ir(Fppy)2(Mepic)] using TD-DFT and Franck–Condon emission band shape analyses revealed successful molecular engineering towards an intensified blue emission, with phosphorescence from a mixed 3MLCT-LCIr(Fppy)→Fppy/3LLCTFppy→Mepic excited state and an impressive unitary quantum yield.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel dimeric and tetrameric cRGD–paclitaxel conjugates for integrin-assisted drug delivery
Authors: Bianchi A. , Arosio D. , Perego P. , De Cesare M. , Carenini N. , Zaffaroni N. , De Matteo M. , Manzoni L.
Published: June 2015

Novel RGD–PTX multivalent conjugates, presenting enhanced binding for an αvβ3 integrin, have been reported. In vivo evaluation of 3b showed tumor growth inhibition through administering one-third of the PTX dose.
Polymerization of isobutylene catalyzed by EtAlCl2/bis(2-chloroethyl) ether complex in steel vessels
Authors: Banerjee Sanjib , Emert Jack , Wright Peter , Skourlis Thomas , Severt Rich , Faust Rudolf
Published: June 2015

Stainless steel reactors are unsuitable for polymerizations catalyzed by EtAlCl2 due to a side reaction between Cr2O3 in stainless steel and EtAlCl2.
A study on tunable AIE (AIEE) of boron ketoiminate-based conjugated polymers for live cell imaging
Authors: Dai Chunhui , Yang Dongliang , Fu Xiao , Chen Qingmin , Zhu Chengjian , Cheng Yixiang , Wang Lianhui
Published: June 2015

In this study, four boron ketoiminate-based conjugated polymers P1–P4 are designed and synthesized via Suzuki polymerization.
Seeding-induced construction of N-doped TiO2-bronze@g-C3N4two-dimensional binary nanojunctions with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Yang Yilong , Li Yongli , Wang Jinshu , Zhang Yan , He Di , Wu Junshu , Dai Hongxing
Published: June 2015

TiO2-bronze@g-C3N4(TiO2(B)@g-C3N4) two-dimensional binary heterojunctions were constructed based on seeding-induced growth through a microwave-assisted solvothermal process.
Analysis of chondroitin sulfate from different sources of cartilage by electrophoretically mediated microanalysis
Authors: Zhao Ting , Zhang Jinfu , Liu Xiumei , Wang Fengshan
Published: June 2015

An electrophoretically mediated microanalysis protocol for the determination of different chondroitin sulfate origins was developed.
Synthesis of pure nickel(iii) oxide nanoparticles at room temperature for Cr(vi) ion removal
Authors: Dey Sayan , Bhattacharjee Swarupananda , Chaudhuri Mahua Ghosh , Bose Raj Shekhar , Halder Suman , Ghosh Chandan Kr.
Published: June 2015

Ni2O3 nanoparticles of various sizes (25.8 to 49.7 nm), obtained by a facile oxidation process using Ni(NO3)2·6H2O and alkaline NaOCl as precursor at various temperatures (0, 25, 50 and 70 °C), are found to remove toxic Cr(vi) from aqueous solution.
Crystalline quality assessment, photocurrent response and optical properties of reduced graphene oxide uniformly decorated zinc oxide nanoparticles based on the graphene oxide concentration
Authors: Azarang Majid , Shuhaimi Ahmad , Sookhakian M.
Published: June 2015

Zinc oxide nanoparticles–reduced graphene oxide composites with a high degree of crystallinity and high dispersity were successfully synthesized via a facile sol–gel one-pot method in a starch environment as a natural surfactant for the fabrication of solar cell devices.
Fabrication of a high density graphene aerogel–gold nanostar hybrid and its application for the electrochemical detection of hydroquinone and o-dihydroxybenzene
Authors: Hongxia Bei , Ruiyi Li , Zaijun Li , Junkang Liu , Zhiguo Gu , Guangli Wang
Published: June 2015

We report the first synthesis of a high density graphene aerogel–gold nanostar hybrid with excellent mechanical and electrical properties and its application in the electrochemical detection of hydroquinone and o-dihydroxybenzene.
ZnO nanoplates assembled by rod-like nanoparticles: simple reflux synthesis, influential factors and shape evolution towards nanorings
Authors: Han Han , Ni Yonghong , Sheng Enhong
Published: June 2015

ZnO nanoplates assembled by rod-like nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple reflux route without assistance of any additive or template.
High-k double gate junctionless tunnel FET with a tunable bandgap
Authors: Rahi Shiromani Balmukund , Ghosh Bahniman
Published: June 2015

In the present work, the performance of a heterostructure double gate junctionless tunnel FET (HJL-DGTFET) having a tunable source bandgap has been analyzed using a 2D simulation technique.
EBT anchored SiO23-D microarray: a simultaneous entrapper of two different metal centers at high and low oxidation states using its highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, respectively
Authors: Srivastava Bhavya , Barman Milan K. , Chatterjee Mousumi , Mandal Bhabatosh
Published: June 2015

Simultaneous binding of two different metal centers, Zr(iv) and Tl(i) at the HOMO and LUMO, respectively, of the extractor (FSG-EBT).
Indium/Fe(iii) – mediated regioselective β-cross-coupling aldol type addition reaction of activated alkenes with isatins/isatinimines in aqueous media
Authors: Kumar A. Sanjeeva , Ramesh Palakuri , Kumar G. Santosh , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Rao T. Prabhakar , Meshram H. M.
Published: June 2015

A highly efficient and regioselective β-cross coupling aldol type addition reaction of activated alkenes with isatin/isatinimine derivatives in the presence of Indium/Fe(iii) in THF/H2O at room temperature is described.
Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic studies of mesoporous silica grafted Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes
Authors: Ramanjaneya Reddy G. , Balasubramanian S.
Published: June 2015

Synthesis of mesoporous silica grafted Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes and their catalytic applications.
Towards a better understanding of nickel/diamond interactions: the interface formation at low temperatures
Authors: Bokhonov B. B. , Ukhina A. V. , Dudina D. V. , Gerasimov K. B. , Anisimov A. G. , Mali V. I.
Published: June 2015

Microstructural investigations of the nickel/diamond interface developed during low-temperature sintering suggest that contact melting of a metastable eutectic is a process responsible for the interface formation in this system.
Morphology-dependent performance of Mg3Al–CO3layered double hydroxide as a nanofiller for polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Qiu Lei , Gao Yanshan , Yan Xingru , Guo Jiang , Umar Ahmad , Guo Zhanhu , Wang Qiang
Published: June 2015

In this contribution, the morphology-dependent performance of Mg3Al–CO3layered double hydroxide (LDH) as a nanofiller for polypropylene (PP) was evaluated for the first time.
Electrochemical supercapacitor development based on electrodeposited nickel oxide film
Authors: Navale S. T. , Mali V. V. , Pawar S. A. , Mane R. S. , Naushad M. , Stadler F. J. , Patil V. B.
Published: June 2015

A nickel oxide (NiO) electrode has been synthesized electrochemically, which is envisaged for supercapacitor application.
Micro-contact printing of PEM thin films: effect of line tension and surface energies
Authors: Gai Meiyu , Frueh Johannes , Girard-Egrot Agnes , Rebaud Samuel , Doumeche Bastien , He Qiang
Published: June 2015

A theory and method for calculating printing resolution limits for microcontact printing of a condensed polyelectrolyte multilayer thin film, based on surface energies and line tension is presented.
Electrical characteristics of InGaZnO thin film transistor prepared by co-sputtering dual InGaZnO and ZnO targets
Authors: Tiwari Nidhi , Chauhan Ram Narayan , Liu Po-Tsun , Shieh Han-Ping D.
Published: June 2015

A co-sputtering of dual InGaZnO and ZnO targets, abbreviated by ZnO co-sputtered IGZO, is used to fabricate a high performance indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) thin film transistor in this work.
Applications of supramolecular capsules derived from resorcin[4]arenes, calix[n]arenes and metallo-ligands: from biology to catalysis
Authors: Gangemi Chiara M. A. , Pappalardo Andrea , Trusso Sfrazzetto Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

This review summarizes supramolecular capsules based on resorcin[4]arenes, calix[n]arenes and metal–ligands, having concrete applications in biomedical field, catalysis and material science.
Battling absorptive losses by plasmon–exciton coupling in multimeric nanostructures
Authors: Rahimi Rashed Alireza , De Luca Antonio , Dhama Rakesh , Hosseinzadeh Arash , Infusino Melissa , El Kabbash Mohamed , Ravaine Serge , Bartolino Roberto , Strangi Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

This study presents a novel approach dealing with absorptive losses in plasmonic metamaterials, capitalizing on field enhancement effect in multimeric nanostructures.
Facile synthesis and self-assembly of amphiphilic polydimethylsiloxane with poly(ethylene glycol) moieties via thiol-ene click reaction
Authors: Xia Yong , Yao Hongtao , Miao Zhihui , Ma Yun , Cui Meifang , Yan Liqiang , Ling Huanhuan , Qi Zhengjian
Published: June 2015

A facile and efficient synthesis of polysiloxane-based amphiphilic copolymer via thiol-ene click chemistry.
Collective waves in dense and confined microfluidic droplet arrays
Authors: Schiller Ulf D. , Fleury Jean-Baptiste , Seemann Ralf , Gompper Gerhard
Published: June 2015

Excitation mechanisms for collective waves in confined dense one-dimensional microfluidic droplet arrays are investigated by experiments and computer simulations.
Annealing-induced chemical and structural changes in tri-iodide and mixed-halide organometal perovskite layers
Authors: Ma Teng , Cagnoni Matteo , Tadaki Daisuke , Hirano-Iwata Ayumi , Niwano Michio
Published: June 2015

Annealing-induced chemical and structural changes in tri-iodide and mixed-halide perovskite layers were investigated to unveil different phase transformation routes in different perovskite layers.
Strongly fluorescent organogels and self-assembled nanostructures from pyrene coupled coumarin derivatives: application in cell imaging
Authors: Lalitha Krishnamoorthy , Nagarajan Subbiah
Published: June 2015

The present work reports facile synthesis of pyrene coupled coumarin derivatives which could form self-assembled molecular gel and nano-flakes. The nanomaterials obtainedviaa self-assembly process could be potentially used in fluorescence imaging applications.
Photoluminescence properties of rare earth (Nd, Yb, Sm, Pr)-doped CeO2pellets prepared by solid-state reaction
Authors: Balestrieri Matteo , Colis Silviu , Gallart Mathieu , Schmerber Guy , Ziegler Marc , Gilliot Pierre , Dinia Aziz
Published: June 2015

The luminescence of rare earths in CeO2is sensitized by intrinsic Ce3+ions.
Robust deblurring based on prediction of informative structure
Authors: Cao Zhipeng , Wei Zhenzhong , Zhang Guangjun
Published: June 2015

This study presents a robust motion deblurring method in which an adaptive prediction is used to extract the informative regions for kernel estimation. The prediction not only sharpens the blurry edges, but also adaptively predicts the large scale structure for kernel estimation. It allows to only use the alternating minimisation with a computationally efficient Gaussian prior for both the image and kernel while without employing thoughtful attention such as multi‐scale scheme or kernel refinement. Extensive experiments were carried out to validate the proposed method and to compare it with some previous approaches. The experiment results demonstrated that the approach achieves, if not better than, state‐of‐the‐art results for uniformly blurred images.