bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rate perception adapts across the senses: evidence for a unified timing mechanism
Authors: Levitan Carmel A. , Ban Yih-Hsin A. , Stiles Noelle R. B. , Shimojo Shinsuke
Published: March 2015

The brain constructs a representation of temporal properties of events, such as duration and frequency, but the underlying neural mechanisms are under debate. One open question is whether these mechanisms are unisensory or multisensory. Duration perception studies provide some evidence for a dissociation between auditory and visual timing mechanisms; however, we found active crossmodal interaction between audition and vision for rate perception, even when vision and audition were never stimulated together. After exposure to 5 Hz adaptors, people perceived subsequent test stimuli centered around 4 Hz to be slower and the reverse after exposure to 3 Hz adaptors. This aftereffect occurred even when the adaptor and test were different modalities that were never presented together. When the discrepancy in rate between adaptor and test increased, the aftereffect was attenuated, indicating that the brain uses narrowly-tuned channels to process rate information. Our results indicate that human timing mechanisms for rate perception are not entirely segregated between modalities and have substantial implications for models of how the brain encodes temporal features. We propose a model of multisensory channels for rate perception and consider the broader implications of such a model for how the brain encodes timing.
Identification and characterization of a vitamin D3 decomposition product bactericidal against Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Hosoda Kouichi , Shimomura Hirofumi , Wanibuchi Kiyofumi , Masui Hisashi , Amgalanbaatar Avarzed , Hayashi Shunji , Takahashi Takashi , Hirai Yoshikazu
Published: March 2015

This study demonstrated that the vitamin D3 decomposition product VDP1 exerts an antibacterial action against Helicobacter pylori but not against other bacteria. Treatment with VDP1 induced a collapse of cell membrane structures of H. pylori and ultimately lysed the bacterial cells. A unique dimyristoyl phosphatidylethanolamine in the membrane lipid compositions contributed to the interaction of VDP1 with H. pylori cells. In separate experiments, VDP1 had no influence on the viability of the human cancer cell lines MKN45 and T47D and lacked any vitamin D3-like hormonal action against the latter. In both 1H and 13C NMR analyses, the spectra patterns of VDP1 corresponded with those of Grundmann's ketone. These results suggest that VDP1 (or Grundmann's ketone-type indene compound) may become a fundamental structure for the development of new antibacterial substances with selective bactericidal action against H. pylori.
Hematologic and immunological characteristics of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in rat and rabbit models induced with ovalbumin based on type III hypersensitivity
Authors: Li Yanhong , Feng Xiaochun , Huang Lan , Zhu Hua , Xu Yanfeng , Sui Xiaolong , Xu Yuhuan , Han Yunlin , Qin Chuan
Published: March 2015

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a common systemic vasculitis in children. Animal models of HSP are needed to better understand the mechanism of HSP. Here, we investigated hematologic and immunologic profiles in HSP rat and rabbit models. Models were established with ovalbumin (OVA) based on type III hypersensitivity. During the acute phase, the models exhibited varying degrees of cutaneous purpura, joint inflammatory response, gastrointestinal bleeding, glomerular capsule protein exudation, vascular dilatation and increased IgA expression and immune complex deposition. Twenty four hours after antigen challenge, compared with the controls, the models showed a significantly increased white blood cell count and granulocytes count and percentage, decreased number and percentage of lymphocytes, no change in platelet concentration, significantly increased serum IL-4 and TNF-α levels and decreased CD4+ T cell, CD4/CD8 ratio and C3 and C4 levels. Compared with the hematologic and immunologic profiles in pediatric HSP patients, the rat and rabbit HSP models can mimic pediatric HSP characteristics. Our studies provide two useful animal models for further investigations of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, drug screening and treatment of HSP.
Specific microRNAs Regulate Heat Stress Responses in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Nehammer Camilla , Podolska Agnieszka , Mackowiak Sebastian D. , Kagias Konstantinos , Pocock Roger
Published: March 2015

The ability of animals to sense and respond to elevated temperature is essential for survival. Transcriptional control of the heat stress response has been much studied, whereas its posttranscriptional regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) is not well understood. Here we analyzed the miRNA response to heat stress in Caenorhabditis elegans and show that a discrete subset of miRNAs is thermoregulated. Using in-depth phenotypic analyses of miRNA deletion mutant strains we reveal multiple developmental and post-developmental survival and behavioral functions for specific miRNAs during heat stress. We have identified additional functions for already known players (mir-71 and mir-239) as well as identifying mir-80 and the mir-229 mir-64-66 cluster as important regulators of the heat stress response in C. elegans. These findings uncover an additional layer of complexity to the regulation of stress signaling that enables animals to robustly respond to the changing environment.
Methoxy-modified kaolinite as a novel carrier for high-capacity loading and controlled-release of the herbicide amitrole
Authors: Tan Daoyong , Yuan Peng , Annabi-Bergaya Faïza , Liu Dong , He Hongping
Published: March 2015

Methoxy-modified kaolinite was used as a novel carrier for loading and release of the herbicide 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, known as amitrole (abbreviated here as AMT). The methoxy modification made the interlayer space of the kaolinite available for AMT intercalation. The AMT loading content in methoxy-modified kaolinite reached up to 20.8 mass% (twice the loading content by unmodified kaolinite). About 48% of this amount is located in the interlayer space. The release profiles of the AMT fit with the modified Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Due to the diffusional restriction of the intercalated AMT by the lamellar structure of the kaolinite and the strong electrostatic attraction between the intercalated AMT and the kaolinite, a slow release of AMT from the methoxy-modified kaolinite was achieved. These results show that the methoxy-modification is a facile method to make the interlayer space of kaolinite available for hosting other guest molecules. The methoxy-modified kaolinite is a promising candidate for high-capacity loading and controlled-release of other molecules such as drugs, agrochemicals and biochemicals.
It takes acid, rather than ice, to freeze glucose
Authors: van den Berg S. A. A. , Thelen M. H. M. , Salden L. P. W. , van Thiel S. W. , Boonen K. J. M.
Published: March 2015

Plasma glucose levels provide the cornerstone of diabetes evaluation. Unfortunately, glucose levels drop in vitro due to glycolysis. Guidelines provide suitable conditions which minimize glycolysis, such as immediate centrifugation or the use of ice/water slurry storage containers. For obvious practical reasons, most laboratories use blood collection tubes containing glycolysis inhibitors. We describe the effect of a variety of commonly used blood collection tubes on in vitro stability of glucose. Furthermore, we looked at the validity of the assumption that glycolytic activity is minimal when blood is kept in an ice/water slurry. Sodium fluoride alone does not reduce in vitro glycolysis in the first 120 minutes after phlebotomy. Addition of citrate almost completely prevented in vitro glycolysis, but showed a positive bias (0.2 mmol/l) compared to control. This is partly due to a small drop in glucose level in control blood, drawn according to the current guidelines. This drop occurs within 15 minutes, in which glycolysis has been described to be minimal and acceptable. NaF-EDTA-citrate based test tubes provide the best pre-analytical condition available. Furthermore, glucose levels are not stable in heparinized blood placed in an ice/water slurry. We strongly advise the use of NaF-EDTA-citrate based test tubes in diabetes research.
In vivo Quantification of the Structural Changes of Collagens in a Melanoma Microenvironment with Second and Third Harmonic Generation Microscopy
Authors: Wu Pei-Chun , Hsieh Tsung-Yuan , Tsai Zen-Uong , Liu Tzu-Ming
Published: March 2015

Using in vivo second harmonic generation (SHG) and third harmonic generation (THG) microscopies, we tracked the course of collagen remodeling over time in the same melanoma microenvironment within an individual mouse. The corresponding structural and morphological changes were quantitatively analyzed without labeling using an orientation index (OI), the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) method and the intensity ratio of THG to SHG (RTHG/SHG). In the early stage of melanoma development, we found that collagen fibers adjacent to a melanoma have increased OI values and SHG intensities. In the late stages, these collagen networks have more directionality and less homogeneity. The corresponding GLCM traces showed oscillation features and the sum of squared fluctuation VarGLCM increased with the tumor sizes. In addition, the THG intensities of the extracellular matrices increased, indicating an enhanced optical inhomogeneity. Multiplying OI, VarGLCM and RTHG/SHG together, the combinational collagen remodeling (CR) index at 4 weeks post melanoma implantation showed a 400-times higher value than normal ones. These results validate that our quantitative indices of SHG and THG microscopies are sensitive enough to diagnose the collagen remodeling in vivo. We believe these indices have the potential to help the diagnosis of skin cancers in clinical practice.
A three-dimensional phase diagram of growth-induced surface instabilities
Authors: Wang Qiming , Zhao Xuanhe
Published: March 2015

A variety of fascinating morphological patterns arise on surfaces of growing, developing or aging tissues, organs and microorganism colonies. These patterns can be classified into creases, wrinkles, folds, period-doubles, ridges and delaminated-buckles according to their distinctive topographical characteristics. One universal mechanism for the pattern formation has been long believed to be the mismatch strains between biological layers with different expanding or shrinking rates, which induce mechanical instabilities. However, a general model that accounts for the formation and evolution of these various surface-instability patterns still does not exist. Here, we take biological structures at their current states as thermodynamic systems, treat each instability pattern as a thermodynamic phase and construct a unified phase diagram that can quantitatively predict various types of growth-induced surface instabilities. We further validate the phase diagram with our experiments on surface instabilities induced by mismatch strains as well as the reported data on growth-induced instabilities in various biological systems. The predicted wavelengths and amplitudes of various instability patterns match well with our experimental data. It is expected that the unified phase diagram will not only advance the understanding of biological morphogenesis, but also significantly facilitate the design of new materials and structures by rationally harnessing surface instabilities.
Vascular Normalization Induced by Sinomenine Hydrochloride Results in Suppressed Mammary Tumor Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Ren Yu , Tang Xiaojiang , Wang Ke , Liu Yang , Zhang Li , Li Xiao , Liu Peijun , Zhao Changqi , He Jianjun
Published: March 2015

Solid tumor vasculature is characterized by structural and functional abnormality and results in a hostile tumor microenvironment that mediates several deleterious aspects of tumor behavior. Sinomenine is an alkaloid extracted from the Chinese medicinal plant, Sinomenium acutum, which has been utilized to treat rheumatism in China for over 2000 years. Though sinomenine has been demonstrated to mediate a wide range of pharmacological actions, few studies have focused on its effect on tumor vasculature. We showed here that intraperitoneally administration of 100 mg/kg sinomenine hydrochloride (SH, the hydrochloride chemical form of sinomenine) in two orthotopic mouse breast cancer models for 14 days, delayed mammary tumor growth and decreased metastasis by inducing vascular maturity and enhancing tumor perfusion, while improving chemotherapy and tumor immunity. The effects of SH on tumor vessels were caused in part by its capability to restore the balance between pro-angiogenic factor (bFGF) and anti-angiogenic factor (PF4). However 200 mg/kg SH didn't exhibit the similar inhibitory effect on tumor progression due to the immunosuppressive microenvironment caused by excessive vessel pruning, G-CSF upregulation and GM-CSF downregulation. Altogether, our findings suggest that SH induced vasculature normalization contributes to its anti-tumor and anti-metastasis effect on breast cancer at certain dosage.
Achieving large linear elasticity and high strength in bulk nanocompsite via synergistic effect
Authors: Hao Shijie , Cui Lishan , Guo Fangmin , Liu Yinong , Shi Xiaobin , Jiang Daqiang , Brown Dennis E. , Ren Yang
Published: March 2015

Elastic strain in bulk metallic materials is usually limited to only a fraction of 1%. Developing bulk metallic materials showing large linear elasticity and high strength has proven to be difficult. Here, based on the synergistic effect between nanowires and orientated martensite NiTi shape memory alloy, we developed an in-situ Nb nanowires -orientated martensitic NiTi matrix composite showing an ultra-large linear elastic strain of 4% and an ultrahigh yield strength of 1.8 GPa. This material also has a high mechanical energy storage efficiency of 96% and a high energy storage density of 36 J/cm3 that is almost one order of larger than that of spring steel. It is demonstrated that the synergistic effect allows the exceptional mechanical properties of nanowires to be harvested at macro scale and the mechanical properties of matrix to be greatly improved, resulting in these superior properties. This study provides new avenues for developing advanced composites with superior properties by using effective synergistic effect between components.
Photo-catalytic Activities of Plant Hormones on Semiconductor Nanoparticles by Laser-Activated Electron Tunneling and Emitting
Authors: Tang Xuemei , Huang Lulu , Zhang Wenyang , Jiang Ruowei , Zhong Hongying
Published: March 2015

Understanding of the dynamic process of laser-induced ultrafast electron tunneling is still very limited. It has been thought that the photo-catalytic reaction of adsorbents on the surface is either dependent on the number of resultant electron-hole pairs where excess energy is lost to the lattice through coupling with phonon modes, or dependent on irradiation photon wavelength. We used UV (355 nm) laser pulses to excite electrons from the valence band to the conduction band of titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO) and bismuth cobalt zinc oxide (Bi2O3)0.07(CoO)0.03(ZnO)0.9 semiconductor nanoparticles with different photo catalytic properties. Photoelectrons are extracted, accelerated in a static electric field and eventually captured by charge deficient atoms of adsorbed organic molecules. A time-of-flight mass spectrometer was used to detect negative molecules and fragment ions generated by un-paired electron directed bond cleavages. We show that the probability of electron tunneling is determined by the strength of the static electric field and intrinsic electron mobility of semiconductors. Photo-catalytic dissociation or polymerization reactions of adsorbents are highly dependent on the kinetic energy of tunneling electrons as well as the strength of laser influx. By using this approach, photo-activities of phytohormones have been investigated.
Neutral Poly-/perfluoroalkyl Substances in Air and Snow from the Arctic
Authors: Xie Zhiyong , Wang Zhen , Mi Wenying , Möller Axel , Wolschke Hendrik , Ebinghaus Ralf
Published: March 2015

Levels of neutral poly-/perfluoroalkyl substances (nPFASs) in air and snow collected from Ny-Ålesund were measured and their air-snow exchange was determined to investigate whether they could re-volatilize into the atmosphere driven by means of air-snow exchange. The total concentration of 12 neutral PFASs ranged from 6.7 to 39 pg m−3 in air and from 330 to 690 pg L−1 in snow. A significant log-linear relationship was observed between the gas/particle partition coefficient and vapor pressure of the neutral PFASs. For fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOHs) and fluorotelomer acrylates (FTAs), the air-snow exchange fluxes were positive, indicating net evaporative from snow into air, while net deposition into snow was observed for perfluorooctane sulfonamidoethanols (Me/EtFOSEs) in winter and spring of 2012. The air-snow exchange was snow-phase controlled for FTOHs and FTAs and controlled by the air-phase for FOSEs. Air-snow exchange may significantly interfere with atmospheric concentrations of neutral PFASs in the Arctic.
Biomarkers and Echocardiographic Predictors of Myocardial Dysfunction in Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Bielecka-Dabrowa Agata , Michalska-Kasiczak Marta , Gluba Anna , Ahmed Ali , Gerdts Eva , von Haehling Stephan , Rysz Jacek , Banach Maciej
Published: March 2015

The study aimed to identify early echocardiographic and circulating biomarkers of heart failure (HF) in hypertensive patients with normal resting echocardiography. Echocardiography at rest and during exercise and selected biomarkers were assessed in control group, dyspnea group and HF group. On exercise dyspnea patients had lower early diastolic (E') and systolic (S') mitral annular velocity (12.8 ± 1.0 vs 14.9 ± 3.0 cm/sec and 9.3 ± 2.0 vs 10.9 ± 2.0 cm/sec, respectively) and higher E/E' ratio compared to control group (6.7 ± 1.0 vs 5.9 ± 1.0) (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The level of N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type III (PIIINP) was significantly higher in dyspnea group than in controls (p = 0.01). Control and dyspnea patients had lower levels of cardiotrophin-1, cystatin C, syndecan-4 and N terminal–probrain natriuretic peptide than HF patients (all p ≤ 0.01). In multivariate analysis PIIINP (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] = 8.2, 95% confidence interval [Cl] 1.7–40.6; p = 0.001; adjusted OR = 8.7; 95%CI: 1.5–48.3; p = 0.001) and E/E' ratio on exercise (unadjusted OR = 1.8, 95%CI: 0.8–4.0; p = 0.033; adjusted OR = 2.0; 95%CI: 0.8–4.8; p = 0.012) were the only factors significantly associated with the presence of dyspnea. PIIINP is the first early biomarker for the HF development in patients with HA and normal resting echocardiography. Exertional echocardiography may indicate patients with incipient HF with preserved ejection fraction.
Identification of genetic loci that control mammary tumor susceptibility through the host microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Pengju , Lo Alvin , Huang Yurong , Huang Ge , Liang Guozhou , Mott Joni , Karpen Gary H. , Blakely Eleanor A. , Bissell Mina J. , Barcellos-Hoff Mary Helen , Snijders Antoine M. , Mao Jian-Hua
Published: March 2015

The interplay between host genetics, tumor microenvironment and environmental exposure in cancer susceptibility remains poorly understood. Here we assessed the genetic control of stromal mediation of mammary tumor susceptibility to low dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) using backcrossed F1 into BALB/c (F1Bx) between cancer susceptible (BALB/c) and resistant (SPRET/EiJ) mouse strains. Tumor formation was evaluated after transplantation of non-irradiated Trp53-/- BALB/c mammary gland fragments into cleared fat pads of F1Bx hosts. Genome-wide linkage analysis revealed 2 genetic loci that constitute the baseline susceptibility via host microenvironment. However, once challenged with LDIR, we discovered 13 additional loci that were enriched for genes involved in cytokines, including TGFβ1 signaling. Surprisingly, LDIR-treated F1Bx cohort significantly reduced incidence of mammary tumors from Trp53-/- fragments as well as prolonged tumor latency, compared to sham-treated controls. We demonstrated further that plasma levels of specific cytokines were significantly correlated with tumor latency. Using an ex vivo 3-D assay, we confirmed TGFβ1 as a strong candidate for reduced mammary invasion in SPRET/EiJ, which could explain resistance of this strain to mammary cancer risk following LDIR. Our results open possible new avenues to understand mechanisms of genes operating via the stroma that affect cancer risk from external environmental exposures.
Unexpected Magnetic Semiconductor Behavior in Zigzag Phosphorene Nanoribbons Driven by Half-Filled One Dimensional Band
Authors: Du Yongping , Liu Huimei , Xu Bo , Sheng Li , Yin Jiang , Duan Chun-Gang , Wan Xiangang
Published: March 2015

Phosphorene, as a novel two-dimensional material, has attracted a great interest due to its novel electronic structure. The pursuit of controlled magnetism in Phosphorene in particular has been persisting goal in this area. In this paper, an antiferromagnetic insulating state has been found in the zigzag phosphorene nanoribbons (ZPNRs) from the comprehensive density functional theory calculations. Comparing with other one-dimensional systems, the magnetism in ZPNRs display several surprising characteristics: (i) the magnetic moments are antiparallel arranged at each zigzag edge; (ii) the magnetism is quite stable in energy (about 29 meV/magnetic-ion) and the band gap is big (about 0.7 eV); (iii) the electronic and magnetic properties is almost independent on the width of nanoribbons; (iv) a moderate compressive strain will induce a magnetic to nonmagnetic as well as semiconductor to metal transition. All of these phenomena arise naturally due to one unique mechanism, namely the electronic instability induced by the half-filled one-dimensional bands which cross the Fermi level at around π/2a. The unusual electronic and magnetic properties in ZPNRs endow them possible potential for the applications in nanoelectronic devices.
Correlation of the impedance and effective electrode area of doped PEDOT modified electrodes for brain–machine interfaces
Authors: Harris Alexander R. , Molino Paul J. , Kapsa Robert M. I. , Clark Graeme M. , Paolini Antonio G. , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: March 2015

An analytical solution to impedance allows correlation of an effective electrode area with the impedance and phase angle at low frequencies.
Using iSPA-PLS and NIR spectroscopy for the determination of total polyphenols and moisture in commercial tea samples
Authors: Diniz P. H. G. D. , Pistonesi M. F. , Araújo M. C. U.
Published: March 2015

The determination of total polyphenols and moisture in commercial tea samples using iSPA-PLS and NIR spectroscopy.
Terbium doped SnO2 nanoparticles as white emitters and SnO2:5Tb/Fe3O4 magnetic luminescent nanohybrids for hyperthermia application and biocompatibility with HeLa cancer cells
Authors: Singh Laishram Priyobarta , Singh Ningthoujam Premananda , Srivastava Sri Krishna
Published: March 2015

SnO2:5Tb (SnO2 doped with 5 at% Tb3+) nanoparticles were synthesised by a polyol method and their luminescence properties at different annealing temperatures were studied.
Inhibitory effect of the branches of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. and its constituent pinosylvin on the activities of IgE-mediated mast cells and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice
Authors: Lim Sue Ji , Kim Myungsuk , Randy Ahmad , Nho Chu Won
Published: March 2015

Hovenia dulcisThunb. is a hardy tree native to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, and it is also grown in parts of Asia and has been used in traditional medicine to treat liver toxicity, stomach disorders, and inflammation.
Continuous catalytic upgrading of ethanol to n-butanol and >C4 products over Cu/CeO2 catalysts in supercritical CO2
Authors: Earley James H. , Bourne Richard A. , Watson Michael J. , Poliakoff Martyn
Published: March 2015

Direct production of BuOH from EtOH is compared over four Cu catalysts, supported on different solid acids. The activity of these catalysts to perform the Guerbet reaction was assessed using a continuous flow reactor and the effect of using scCO2 was also monitored. Cu on high surface area CeO2 showed the best activity for BuOH formation, with yields above 30%.
Greening the global phosphorus cycle: how green chemistry can help achieve planetary P sustainability
Authors: Withers Paul J. A. , Elser James J. , Hilton Julian , Ohtake Hisao , Schipper Willem J. , van Dijk Kimo C.
Published: March 2015

Opportunities for green chemistry in the P cycle.
Cationic palladium(ii) complexes as catalysts for the oxidation of terminal olefins to methyl ketones using hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Cao Qun , Bailie David S. , Fu Runzhong , Muldoon Mark J.
Published: March 2015

Ligated Pd(ii) complexes have been studied for the catalytic oxidation of terminal olefins to their corresponding methyl ketones.
Preparation and testing of phosphate, oxalate and uric acid matrix-matched standards for accurate quantification of 2D elemental distribution in kidney stone sections using 213 nm nanosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Galiová M. Vašinová , Štěpánková K. , Čopjaková R. , Kuta J. , Prokeš L. , Kynický J. , Kanický V.
Published: March 2015

New multielement flexible matrix-matched calibration was applied to quantify elemental maps in uroliths by LA-ICP-MS.
Synthesis and evaluation of anticancer activity of novel andrographolide derivatives
Authors: Devendar Ponnam , Nayak Vadithe Lakshma , Yadav Dharmendra Kumar , Kumar Arigari Niranjana , Kumar Jonnala Kotesh , Satya Srinivas KVN , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Khan Feroz , Sastry Kakaraparthi Pandu , Ramakrishna Sistla
Published: March 2015

Ceric ammonium nitrate facilitates andrographolide-3,19-O-acetal formation with alcohols. Anticancer active derivatives showed good docking scores in in silico.
A one-pot ‘click’ reaction from spiro-epoxides catalyzed by Cu(i)-pyrrolidinyl-oxazole-carboxamide
Authors: Senwar Kishna Ram , Sharma Pankaj , Nekkanti Shalini , Sathish Manda , Kamal Ahmed , Sridhar B. , Shankaraiah Nagula
Published: March 2015

A sustainable green methodology for the ‘one-pot’ syntheses of 1,2,3-triazolo 3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles from isatin–epoxides has been employed via a CuAAC reaction.
The role of N-terminal proline in stabilizing the Ant–Pro zipper motif
Authors: Kheria Sanjeev , Nair Roshna V. , Kotmale Amol S. , Rajamohanan Pattuparambil R. , Sanjayan Gangadhar J.
Published: March 2015

This paper deals with the role of N-terminal proline in stabilizing the Ant–Pro zipper structure by the co-operative contribution of competing forces viz. hydrogen bonding, aromatic stacking and backbone chirality.
Photocatalytic activity of hierarchically structured, thermally stable, anatase particles
Authors: Škapin Andrijana Sever , Škrlep Luka , Suvorov Danilo , Žunič Vojka , Škapin Srečo D.
Published: March 2015

In order to avoid the potential health problems associated with nanosized particles, solvothermal synthesis was employed for the preparation of doped and undoped, hierarchically structured, spherical anatase, ranging in size from 2 to 6.4 μm.
Aggregation behaviours and bactericidal activities of novel cationic surfactants functionalized with amides and ether groups
Authors: Cao Guangzhou , Guo Xiangfeng , Jia Lihua , Tian Xuhua
Published: March 2015

Novel cationic surfactants exhibit high surface activity, interesting aggregation behaviors in aqueous solution and excellent bacterial activity.
Preparation and characterization of KGM-g-St/BA fibers and core/shell PCL/KGM-g-St/BA fibers
Authors: Zhu Jiuya , Lin Xiaoyan , Zhang Zhongqing , Luo Xuegang
Published: March 2015

KGM-g-St/BA copolymer was synthesized via free-radical polymerization, KGM-g-St/BA fibers and KGM-g-St/BA (shell)/PCL (core) fibers were prepared by electrospinning.
Electrochemistry for the generation of renewable chemicals: electrochemical conversion of levulinic acid
Authors: dos Santos Tatiane R. , Nilges Peter , Sauter Waldemar , Harnisch Falk , Schröder Uwe
Published: March 2015

Levulinic acid as a platform for electrochemical synthesis: electrochemical conversion of levulinic acid and its primary products is presented as a promising alternative for the generation of renewable chemicals and biofuels and for energy storage.
Fabrication of Bi2Sn2O7-ZnO heterostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Xing Yonglei , Que Wenxiu , Yin Xingtian , Liu Xiaobin , Javed H. M. Asif , Yang Yawei , Kong Ling Bing
Published: March 2015

A new Bi2Sn2O7-ZnO heterojunction has been fabricated. The formation mechanism and the electron–hole separation process of the BSO-ZnO heterojunction are proposed.
Polysaccharide-assisted rapid exfoliation of graphite platelets into high quality water-dispersible graphene sheets
Authors: Uysal Unalan Ilke , Wan Chaoying , Trabattoni Silvia , Piergiovanni Luciano , Farris Stefano
Published: March 2015

High quality graphene has been obtained by polysaccharide-assisted ultrasonication in aqueous medium. This approach provides an economical, solvent-free, high-yield, and industrially scalable route for new applications of graphene-based nanocomposites.
Highly efficient removal of NO with ordered mesoporous manganese oxide at low temperature
Authors: Zhan Sihui , Zhu Dandan , Qiu Mingying , Yu Hongbing , Li Yi
Published: March 2015

Highly ordered mesoporous MnO2 was prepared using KIT-6 as a hard template, for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3 at low temperature, which was characterized using TEM, XRD, BET, XPS, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD and in situ DRIFT.
In situ dilatometric and impedance spectroscopic study of core–shell like structures: insights into the exceptional catalytic activity of nanocrystalline Cu-doped CeO2
Authors: Knauth Philippe , Saltsburg Howard , Engel Johanna , Tuller Harry L.
Published: March 2015

The impact of temperature and pO2 driven dopant redistribution and phase separation on thermo-mechanical, electrical and catalytic properties of Cu–doped CeO2 nanoparticles is explored.
Determination of triclocarban by direct and adsorptive stripping voltammetric methods on a glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Lacerda Martins Lúcio Maria Mônica , Rolim Severo Flaviana Justino , Estevam da Costa Daniel Jackson , Lourenço Anabel Santos , Ribeiro Williame Farias , Bichinho Kátia Messias , Ugulino de Araújo Mário César
Published: March 2015

A simple and low cost method is presented for triclocarban determination in personal care products and drinking water.
Sensitive and selective detection of digoxin based on fluorescence quenching and colorimetric aptasensors
Authors: Sarreshtehdar Emrani Ahmad , Danesh Noor Mohammad , Lavaee Parirokh , Jalalian Seyed Hamid , Ramezani Mohammad , Abnous Khalil , Taghdisi Seyed Mohammad
Published: March 2015

Colorimetric and fluorescence sensors based on aptamers and AuNPs were developed for the detection of digoxin.
Food safety: how analytical chemists ensure it
Authors: Romero-González Roberto
Published: March 2015

Nowadays consumer concerns related to food safety are increasing and analytical chemists should provide suitable analytical tools to fulfil international legislation and ensure that foodstuff is adequate to be consumed.
Rational design of a photo-crosslinking BODIPY for in situ protein labeling
Authors: Murale Dhiraj P. , Hong Seong Cheol , Yun JiHyeon , Yoon Chang No , Lee Jun-Seok
Published: March 2015

We report the first rational design of a photo-crosslinking BODIPY fluorophore (pcBD) and its biological application for biomolecule labeling in a spatiotemporally controlled manner.
Simple coordination complex-derived three-dimensional mesoporous graphene as an efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst
Authors: Lee Kyung Joo , Sa Young Jin , Jeong Hu Young , Bielawski Christopher W. , Joo Sang Hoon , Moon Hoi Ri
Published: March 2015

A 3D mesoporous graphene (mesoG) material was synthesized from a Ni(ii) coordination complex and found to exhibit high bifunctional electrocatalytic activity in oxygen evolution and reduction reactions.
Correction: Pyridine synthesis from oximes and alkynes via rhodium(iii) catalysis: Cp* and Cpt provide complementary selectivity
Authors: Hyster Todd K. , Rovis Tomislav
Published: March 2015

Correction for ‘Pyridine synthesis from oximes and alkynes via rhodium(iii) catalysis: Cp* and Cpt provide complementary selectivity’ by Todd K. Hyster et al., Chem. Commun., 2011, 47, 11846–11848.
Simulating magnetic nanotubes using a chain of ellipsoid-rings model with a magnetization reversal process by fanning rotation
Authors: Wang Jieqiong , Yang Sen , Gong Junfeng , Xu Minwei , Adil Murtaza , Wang Yu , Zhang Yin , Song Xiaoping , Zeng Hao
Published: March 2015

Recently, magnetic nanotubes have attracted great attention owing to the advantages of tubular geometry.
Photoluminescence imaging of Zn2+in living systems
Authors: Chen Yuncong , Bai Yang , Han Zhong , He Weijiang , Guo Zijian
Published: March 2015

Advances in PL imaging techniques, such as confocal microscopy, two photon microscopy, lifetime and optical imaging techniques, have made remarkable contributions in Zn2+tracking.
Complete surface coverage of ZnO nanorod arrays by pulsed electrodeposited CuInS2 for visible light energy conversion
Authors: Tang Yiming , Yun Jung-Ho , Wang Lianzhou , Amal Rose , Ng Yun Hau
Published: March 2015

Photosensitized ZnO nanorods uniformly coated with CuInS2 nanoparticles from sequentially pulsed-electrodeposition yielded superior charge transfer ability and great enhancement in photoelectrochemical performance under visible light irradiation.
Synthesis of new heteroscorpionate iridium(i) and iridium(iii) complexes
Authors: Roa A. E. , Campos J. , Paneque M. , Salazar V. , Otero A. , Lara-Sánchez A. , Rodríguez A. M. , López-Solera I. , Gómez M. V.
Published: March 2015

The reactivity of different heteroscorpionate ligands based on bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane, with different iridium-(i) and -(iii) precursors is reported.
A novel polynorbornene-based chemosensor for the fluorescence sensing of Zn2+ and Cd2+ and subsequent detection of pyrophosphate in aqueous solutions
Authors: Yao Pei-Shui , Liu Zhanghua , Ge Jin-Zhu , Chen Yong , Cao Qian-Yong
Published: March 2015

A novel 8-hydroxyquinoline anchored polynorbornene for the fluorescence sensing of Zn2+/Cd2+ and subsequent detection of pyrophosphate in aqueous solutions and its biological application is introduced.
Pb6Ba2(BO3)5X (X = Cl, Br): new borate halides with strong predicted optical anisotropies derived from Pb2+and (BO3)3−
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Bingbing , Zhang Fangfang , Pan Shilie , Zhang Fangyuan , Zhang Xingwen , Dong Xiaoyu , Yang Zhihua
Published: March 2015

Two new compounds, Pb6Ba2(BO3)5X (X = Cl, Br), were successfully synthesized by solid-state reactions. First-principles calculations show that they have large birefringence of 0.1582 and 0.1810 at 532 nm.
Correction: N-doped graphene quantum sheets on silicon nanowire photocathodes for hydrogen production
Authors: Sim Uk , Moon Joonhee , An Junghyun , Kang Jin Hyoun , Jerng Sung Eun , Moon Junsang , Cho Sung-Pyo , Hong Byung Hee , Nam Ki Tae
Published: March 2015

Correction for ‘N-doped graphene quantum sheets on silicon nanowire photocathodes for hydrogen production’ by Uk Sim et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4ee03607g.
Starch-derived carbonaceous mesoporous materials (Starbon®) for the selective adsorption and recovery of critical metals
Authors: Muñoz García Andrea , Hunt Andrew J. , Budarin Vitaliy L. , Parker Helen L. , Shuttleworth Peter S. , Ellis Gary J. , Clark James. H.
Published: March 2015

The formation, characterization and application of starch-derived carbonaceous mesoporous materials (Starbon®) for the selective adsorption and recovery of critical metals (Au3+, Pt2+ and Pd2+) has been described.
miRNA plays a role in the antagonistic effect of selenium on arsenic stress in rice seedlings
Authors: Pandey Chandana , Raghuram Badmi , Sinha Alok Krishna , Gupta Meetu
Published: March 2015

We report that miRNA plays an important role in the selenium mediated antagonistic effect on arsenic stress in rice seedlings.
In vitro evaluation of the cellular effect of indium tin oxide nanoparticles using the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells
Authors: Tabei Yosuke , Sonoda Akinari , Nakajima Yoshihiro , Biju Vasudevanpillai , Makita Yoji , Yoshida Yasukazu , Horie Masanori
Published: March 2015

Indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles are taken up by human lung adenocarcinoma cells and the nanoparticles induce oxidative stress and DNA damage.
One-pot and facile synthesis of anti-biofouling polymer-modified gadolinium-based nanoprobes for dual-modal imaging and long-lasting tracking
Authors: Wu Di , Song Lingling , Qi Zhenping , Qu Dapeng
Published: March 2015

PEGylated gadolinium hydroxycarbonate nanoparticles have been designed and synthesized via a one-pot facile route and successfully applied as high-performance dual-modal contrast agents for X-ray CT and MR imaging.
Electrical control of memristance and magnetoresistance in oxide magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Zhang Kun , Cao Yan-ling , Fang Yue-wen , Li Qiang , Zhang Jie , Duan Chun-gang , Yan Shi-shen , Tian Yu-feng , Huang Rong , Zheng Rong-kun , Kang Shi-shou , Chen Yan-xue , Liu Guo-lei , Mei Liang-mo
Published: March 2015

Electric-field control of magnetic and transport properties of magnetic tunnel junctions has been demonstrated.
A strategy to synergistically increase the number of active edge sites and the conductivity of MoS2 nanosheets for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Yu Hailong , Yu Xianbo , Chen Yujin , Zhang Shen , Gao Peng , Li Chunyan
Published: March 2015

MoS2 nanosheet arrays with increases in both the number of active edge sites and conductivity were vertically arranged on a carbon fiber cloth, and exhibited superior HER activity.
Copper-catalyzed aerobic cascade cycloamination and acyloxylation: a direct approach to 4-acyloxy-1H-pyrazoles
Authors: Ding Zhengwei , Tan Qitao , Gao Mingchun , Xu Bin
Published: March 2015

An efficient copper-catalyzed regioselective olefinic C(sp2)–H bond cycloamination and acyloxylation was developed to give acyloxylated pyrazoles under mild conditions, which combines the formation of the pyrazole skeleton and installation of an acyloxyl group in a single step.
Synthesis of all-aliphatic polyamide dendrimers based on a 3,3′-diaminopivalic acid scaffold
Authors: Ruiz-Sanchez Antonio Jesus , Mesa-Antunez Pablo , Barbero Nekane , Collado Daniel , Vida Yolanda , Najera Francisco , Perez-Inestrosa Ezequiel
Published: March 2015

Iterative 3,3′-diaminopivalic acid connections act as building blocks in the production of new all-aliphatic polyamide dendrimers. 3,3′-Diazidopivalic acid units underpin a two-step pathway involving carboxylic acid–amine condensation, followed azide reduction.
A highly stereo-controlled protocol to prepare pipecolic acids based on Heck and cyclohydrocarbonylation reactions
Authors: Arena Giada , Cini Elena , Petricci Elena , Randino Rosario , Taddei Maurizio
Published: March 2015

A consecutive series of metal-catalyzed reactions for the preparation of enantiomerically pure piperidine derivatives.
Laterally-uniform Mn3O4 colloidal nanosheets: oriented growth and size-controlled synthesis
Authors: Bu Xiaohai , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Tao , He Man , Zhang Muyang , Li Ning , Jiang Ping
Published: March 2015

In this work, laterally-uniform Mn3O4 nanosheets with regular square-like shapes and tunable lateral dimensions are synthesized through an effective one-pot solvothermal chemical reaction.
Preparation of nasal cavity-like SiC–Si3N4 foams with a hierarchical pore architecture
Authors: Li Duan , Guzi de Moraes Elisângela , Colombo Paolo , Shen Zhijian
Published: March 2015

Rigid SiC–Si3N4 foams with hierarchical porosity were prepared through protein-based gel-casting followed by radiant sintering in a modified spark plasma sintering (SPS) set-up.
Study of the temperature and solvent content effects on the structure of Cu–BTC metal organic framework for hydrogen storage
Authors: Khoshhal Saeed , Ghoreyshi Ali Asghar , Jahanshahi Mohsen , Mohammadi Maedeh
Published: March 2015

A special MOF, Cu–BTC, was synthesized using ultrasonic and reflux condition technique. The effect of synthesis temperature and solvent ratio on the nanostructure and its hydrogen storage capacity was investigated.
The cleavage of perylenequinones through photochemical oxidation acts as a detoxification mechanism for the producer
Authors: Li Xiao-Bin , Chang Wen-Qiang , Zheng Sha , Li Wei , Lou Hong-Xiang
Published: March 2015

The light driven oxygenation cleavage of perylenequinones into nontoxic agents acts as a detoxification mechanism for the toxin producer.
Magnetic solid phase extraction of lead(ii) and cadmium(ii) on a magnetic phosphorus-containing polymer (M-PhCP) for their microsampling flame atomic absorption spectrometric determinations
Authors: Yilmaz E. , Alosmanov R. M. , Soylak M.
Published: March 2015

A new magnetic phosphorus-containing polymeric sorbent was successfully used in solid phase extraction for the simple, fast and efficient preconcentration of trace Pb and Cd from environmental water samples.
Switchable electrochromic devices based on disubstituted bipyridinium derivatives
Authors: Jordão Noémi , Cruz Hugo , Branco Aida , Pinheiro Carlos , Pina Fernando , Branco Luís C.
Published: March 2015

Gel switchable electrochromic devices based on disubstituted bipyridinium derivatives have been developed.
Polyphenol–gelatin nanoparticles as reductant and stabilizer for one-step synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their interfacial behavior
Authors: Jin Weiping , Xu Wei , Ge Honghe , Li Yan , Li Bin
Published: March 2015

Polyphenol and gelatin self-assembled nanoparticles acted as a reductant for the synthesis of AuNPs and then stabilized oil–water interfaces.
Organic amorphous hole-transporting materials based on Tröger's Base: alternatives to NPB
Authors: Neogi Ishita , Jhulki Samik , Rawat Madhu , Anand R. S. , Chow Tahsin J. , Moorthy Jarugu Narasimha
Published: March 2015

New Hole-Transporting Materials (HTMs) based on Tröger's Base scaffold serve as respectable alternatives of NPB with high Tgs.
Crystallisation-driven self-assembly of poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)-block-poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) above the LCST
Authors: Legros Camille , De Pauw-Gillet Marie-Claire , Tam Kam Chiu , Taton Daniel , Lecommandoux Sébastien
Published: March 2015

The solution behaviour in water of a polyoxazoline-type block copolymer above the LCST of the poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) block was exploited to induce a temporary or permanent self-assembly.
A conductive interwoven bamboo carbon fiber membrane for Li–S batteries
Authors: Gu Xingxing , Lai Chao , Liu Fei , Yang Wenlong , Hou Yanglong , Zhang Shanqing
Published: March 2015

Natural bamboo, as a sustainable precursor, is used to prepare porous bamboo carbon fibers (BCFs) that are subsequently interwoven into a BCF membrane (BCFM) as a captor interlayer for the lithium polysulfide intermediates between the sulfur cathode and the separator in Li–S batteries.
Ternary-layered nitrogen-doped graphene/sulfur/ polyaniline nanoarchitecture for the high-performance of lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Ding Kui , Bu Yakun , Liu Qin , Li Tengfei , Meng Kai , Wang Yaobing
Published: March 2015

Ternary-layered nitrogen-doped graphene/sulfur/polyaniline (NGNS-S-PANI) nanoarchitecture was rationally designed and synthesized via a two-step liquid chemical deposition approach.
Ferroelectric solar cells based on inorganic–organic hybrid perovskites
Authors: Chen Bo , Shi Jian , Zheng Xiaojia , Zhou Yuan , Zhu Kai , Priya Shashank
Published: March 2015

Ferroelectric solar cells were fabricated by using the inorganic–organic hybrid perovskite materials, and power conversion efficieny as high as 6.7% had been obtained based on the MAPbI3−xClxthin film. This work provides an alternative avenue for high-performance ferroelectric solar cells beyond inorganic ferroelectric oxides.
Enhanced reactive adsorption of H2S on Cu–BTC/ S- and N-doped GO composites
Authors: Ebrahim Amani M. , Jagiello Jacek , Bandosz Teresa J.
Published: March 2015

New composites containing Cu–BTC and S- and N-doped graphite oxides (GOs) were synthesized.
Ab initio study of doping effects on LiMnO2 and Li2MnO3 cathode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Kong Fantai , Longo Roberto C. , Park Min-Sik , Yoon Jaegu , Yeon Dong-Hee , Park Jin-Hwan , Wang Wei-Hua , KC Santosh , Doo Seok-Gwang , Cho Kyeongjae
Published: March 2015

The influence of 10 cationic (Mg, Ti, V, Nb, Fe, Ru, Co, Ni, Cu and Al) and 2 anionic (N and F) dopants on the phase stability, redox potential, ionic and electronic conductivity of both Li2MnO3 and LiMnO2 phases have been investigated using density functional theory.
Aluminium nanoparticles synthesized by a novel wet chemical method and used to enhance the performance of polymer solar cells by the plasmonic effect
Authors: Cui Yue , Huang Di , Li Yang , Huang Wenxiao , Liang Zhiqin , Xu Zheng , Zhao Suling
Published: March 2015

Al core and PPh3shell nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated into the anode buffer layer of polymer solar cells to achieve a 20% enhancement of power conversion efficiency.
Sub-nanometer sized Cu6(GSH)3 clusters: one-step synthesis and electrochemical detection of glucose
Authors: Gao Xiaohui , Lu Yizhong , Liu Minmin , He Shuijian , Chen Wei
Published: March 2015

l-Glutathione-protected Cu nanoclusters were synthesized and they exhibit the aggregation-induced emission enhancement effect and high performance for electrochemical detection of glucose.
Optimal reactive power and voltage control in distribution networks with distributed generators by fuzzy adaptive hybrid particle swarm optimisation method
Authors: Chen Shuheng , Hu Weihao , Su Chi , Zhang Xiaoxu , Chen Zhe
Published: March 2015

A new and efficient methodology for optimal reactive power and voltage control of distribution networks with distributed generators based on fuzzy adaptive hybrid particle swarm optimisation (PSO) is proposed. The objective is to minimise comprehensive cost, consisting of power loss and operation cost of transformers and capacitors, and subject to constraints such as minimum and maximum reactive power limits of distributed generators, maximum deviation of bus voltages and maximum allowable daily switching operation number. PSO is used to solve the corresponding mixed integer non‐linear programming problem and the hybrid PSO (HPSO) method, consisting of three PSO variants, is presented. In order to mitigate the local convergence problem, fuzzy adaptive inference is used to improve the searching process and the final fuzzy adaptive inference‐based HPSO is proposed. The proposed algorithm is implemented in VC++ 6.0 program language and the corresponding numerical experiments are finished on the modified version of the IEEE 33‐node distribution system with two newly installed distributed generators and eight newly installed capacitors banks. The numerical results prove that the proposed method can search a more promising control schedule of all transformers, all capacitors and all distributed generators with less time consumption, compared with other listed artificial intelligent methods.