bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing the immune perturbation of black phosphorus nanomaterials to macrophages by understanding the protein corona
Authors: Mo Jianbin , Xie Qingyun , Wei Wei , Zhao Jing
Published: June 2018

The increasing number of biological applications for black phosphorus (BP) nanomaterials has precipitated considerable concern about their interactions with physiological systems. Here we demonstrate the adsorption of plasma protein onto BP nanomaterials and the subsequent immune perturbation effect on macrophages. Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, 75.8% of the proteins bound to BP quantum dots were immune relevant proteins, while that percentage for BP nanosheet–corona complexes is 69.9%. In particular, the protein corona dramatically reshapes BP nanomaterial–corona complexes, influenced cellular uptake, activated the NF-κB pathway and even increased cytokine secretion by 2–4-fold. BP nanomaterials induce immunotoxicity and immune perturbation in macrophages in the presence of a plasma corona. These findings offer important insights into the development of safe and effective BP nanomaterial-based therapies.
Dissecting the mammary gland one cell at a time
Authors: Cristea Simona , Polyak Kornelia
Published: June 2018

Dissecting cellular differentiation hierarchies in the mammary gland is a prerequisite for understanding both normal development and malignant transformation during tumorigenesis and tumor cell-of-origin. To achieve these goals, several recent papers utilized single cell RNA-seq and lineage tracing to improve our understanding of the composition of the mammary epithelium at different developmental stages.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The Na/K-ATPase Oxidant Amplification Loop Regulates Aging
Authors: Sodhi Komal , Nichols Alexandra , Mallick Amrita , Klug Rebecca L. , Liu Jiang , Wang Xiaoliang , Srikanthan Krithika , Goguet-Rubio Perrine , Nawab Athar , Pratt Rebecca , Lilly Megan N. , Sanabria Juan R. , Xie Zijian , Abraham Nader G. , Shapiro Joseph I.
Published: June 2018

As aging involves oxidant injury, we examined the role of the recently described Na/K-ATPase oxidant amplification loop (NKAL). First, C57Bl6 old mice were given a western diet to stimulate oxidant injury or pNaKtide to antagonize the NKAL. The western diet accelerated functional and morphological evidence for aging whereas pNaKtide attenuated these changes. Next, human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were exposed to different types of oxidant stress in vitro each of which increased expression of senescence markers, cell-injury, and apoptosis as well as stimulated the NKAL. Further stimulation of the NKAL with ouabain augmented cellular senescence whereas treatment with pNaKtide attenuated it. Although N-Acetyl Cysteine and Vitamin E also ameliorated overall oxidant stress to a similar degree as pNaKtide, the pNaKtide produced protection against senescence that was substantially greater than that seen with either antioxidant. In particular, pNaKtide appeared to specifically ameliorate nuclear oxidant stress to a greater degree. These data demonstrate that the NKAL is intimately involved in the aging process and may serve as a target for anti-aging interventions.
Aluminum fluoride-18 labeled folate enables in vivo detection of atherosclerotic plaque inflammation by positron emission tomography
Authors: Silvola Johanna M. U. , Li Xiang-Guo , Virta Jenni , Marjamäki Päivi , Liljenbäck Heidi , Hytönen Jarkko P. , Tarkia Miikka , Saunavaara Virva , Hurme Saija , Palani Senthil , Hakovirta Harri , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Saukko Pekka , Chen Qingshou , Low Philip S. , Knuuti Juhani , Saraste Antti , Roivainen Anne
Published: June 2018

Inflammation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. Because the folate receptor β (FR-β) is selectively expressed on macrophages, an FR targeted imaging agent could be useful for assessment of atherosclerotic inflammation. We investigated aluminum fluoride-18-labeled 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid conjugated folate (18F-FOL) for the detection of atherosclerotic plaque inflammation. We studied atherosclerotic plaques in mice, rabbits, and human tissue samples using 18F-FOL positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Compound 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) was used as a comparison. Firstly, we found that the in vitro binding of 18F-FOL co-localized with FR-β-positive macrophages in carotid endarterectomy samples from patients with recent ischemic symptoms. We then demonstrated specific accumulation of intravenously administered 18F-FOL in atherosclerotic plaques in mice and rabbits using PET/CT. We noticed that the 18F-FOL uptake correlated with the density of macrophages in plaques and provided a target-to-background ratio as high as 18F-FDG, but with considerably lower myocardial uptake. Thus, 18F-FOL PET/CT targeting of FR-β-positive macrophages presents a promising new tool for the in vivo imaging of atherosclerotic inflammation.
Author Correction: Population genetics analysis of the Nujiang catfish Creteuchiloglanis macropterus through a genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms resource generated by RAD-seq
Authors: Kang Jingliang , Ma Xiuhui , He Shunping
Published: June 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Influence of the viscosity of healthy and diseased human mucins on the motility of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Su Clover , Padra Médea , Constantino Maira Alves , Sharba Sinan , Thorell Anders , Lindén Sara K. , Bansil Rama
Published: June 2018

We present particle tracking microrheology results on human mucins, isolated from normal surface and gland mucosa and one tumor sample, and examine the motility of Helicobacter pylori in these mucins. At 1.5% concentration human mucin solutions are purely viscous, with viscosity η (gland mucin) > η (surface mucin) > η (tumor mucin). In the presence of motile H. pylori bacteria, particle diffusion is enhanced, with diffusivity D+bac(tumor mucin) > D+bac(gland mucin) > D+bac(surface mucin). The surface and tumor mucin solutions exhibit an elastic response in the presence of bacteria. Taken together these results imply that particle diffusion and active swimming are coupled and impact the rheology of mucin solutions. Both J99 wild type (WT) and its isogenic ΔbabA/ΔsabA mutant swam well in broth or PGM solutions. However, the human mucins affected their motility differently, rendering them immotile in certain instances. The distribution of swimming speeds in human mucin solutions was broader with a large fraction of fast swimmers compared to PGM and broth. The bacteria swam fastest in the tumor mucin solution correlating with it having the lowest viscosity of all mucin solutions. Overall, these results suggest that mucins from different tissue locations and disease status differ in their microrheological properties and their effect on H. pylori motility.
The threshold elemental ratio of carbon and phosphorus of Daphnia magna and its connection to animal growth
Authors: Khattak Hamza K. , Prater Clay , Wagner Nicole D. , Frost Paul C.
Published: June 2018

The growth of animal consumers is affected by the balance of elements in their diet with the transition between limitation by one element to another known as the threshold elemental ratio (TER). Precise estimates of TERs with known levels of uncertainty have yet to be generated for most zooplankton consumers. We determined the TER for carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) in for a common lake zooplankter, Daphnia magna, using experimental measurements and theoretical considerations. Daphnia growth responses to food C:P ratios across a relatively narrow range (80–350) generated an empirical estimate of TERC:P of 155 ± 14. While this TER matched our modelled estimate of TERC:P (155 ± 16), it was lower than previous estimates of this dietary transition point. No threshold was found when we examined daphnid body C:N or C:P ratios in response to changing food C:P ratios, which indicates P-limitation at even lower food C:P ratios. Our results provide strong evidence that D. magna is likely to experience acute P-limitation when food C:P ratios exceed even relatively low ratios (~155). Our model further demonstrated that while physiological adjustments may reduce the likelihood of P-limitation or reduce its intensity, these changes in animal material processing would be accompanied by reduced maximum growth rates.
An in vitro potency assay using nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding works well with antivenoms against Bungarus candidus and Naja naja
Authors: Ratanabanangkoon Kavi , Simsiriwong Pavinee , Pruksaphon Kritsada , Tan Kae Yi , Chantrathonkul Bunkuea , Eursakun Sukanya , Tan Choo Hock
Published: June 2018

In order to facilitate/expedite the production of effective and affordable snake antivenoms, a novel in vitro potency assay was previously developed. The assay is based on an antiserum’s ability to bind to postsynaptic neurotoxin (PSNT) and thereby inhibit the PSNT binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). The assay was shown to work well with antiserum against Thai Naja kaouthia which produces predominantly the lethal PSNTs. In this work, the assay is demonstrated to work well with antiserum/antivenom against Bungarus candidus (BC), which also produces lethal presynaptic neurotoxins, as well as antivenom against Sri Lankan Naja naja (NN), which produces an abundance of cytotoxins. The in vitro and in vivo median effective ratios (ER50s) for various batches of antisera against BC showed a correlation (R2) of 0.8922 (p < 0.001) while the corresponding value for the anti-NN antivenom was R2 = 0.7898 (p < 0.01). These results, together with the known toxin profiles of various genera of elapids, suggest that this in vitro assay could be used with antisera against other species of Bungarus and Naja and possibly other neurotoxic snake venoms worldwide. The assay should significantly save numerous lives of mice and accelerate production of life-saving antivenoms.
Author Correction: Effects of larvae density and food concentration on Crown-of-Thorns seastar (Acanthaster cf. solaris) development in an automated flow-through system
Authors: Uthicke S. , Liddy M. , Patel F. , Logan M. , Johansson C. , Lamare M.
Published: June 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
The influence of diabetes and antidiabetic medications on the risk of pancreatic cancer: a nationwide population-based study in Korea
Authors: Lee Da Young , Yu Ji Hee , Park Sanghyun , Han Kyungdo , Kim Nam Hoon , Yoo Hye Jin , Choi Kyung Mook , Baik Sei Hyun , Kim Nan Hee , Seo Ji A.
Published: June 2018

This study investigated the effects of diabetes and antidiabetic medications on the risk of pancreatic cancer(PaC). We extracted data on Koreans with newly diagnosed diabetes and selected age- and sex-matched controls provided by the National Health Insurance Corporation. Incident PaC was defined as a new registration in the Korea Central Cancer Registry under ICD-10 C25 with admission history until 2015. During 19,429,617.1 person-years, 8,589 PaCs were identified in 1,005,409 subjects for diabetes group and 4,021,636 subjects for control group. The diabetes group showed more than a two-fold risk for PaC compared with the control group. Among antidiabetic medications, metformin, thiazolidinedione, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor exposure was associated with decreased risk for future PaC(hazard ratio[95% confidence interval] = 0.86[0.77–0.96], 0.82[0.68–0.98], 0.57[0.51–0.64], respectively), whereas sulfonylurea and insulin exposure was related to increased risk(hazard ratio[95% CI] = 1.73[1.57–1.91], 2.86[1.43–5.74], respectively) compared to subjects with no drug exposure. Moreover, subjects with dual exposure history to metformin plus thiazolidinedione or metformin plus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor had a lower risk of PaC compared to metformin-only treated subjects. In conclusion, Korean adults with diabetes are at higher risk of PaC compared with nondiabetic individuals, and this risk may be modified by antidiabetic medications.
Three-terminal RGB full-color OLED pixels for ultrahigh density displays
Authors: Fröbel Markus , Fries Felix , Schwab Tobias , Lenk Simone , Leo Karl , Gather Malte C. , Reineke Sebastian
Published: June 2018

In recent years, the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology has been a rapidly evolving field of research, successfully making the transition to commercial applications such as mobile phones and other small portable devices. OLEDs provide efficient generation of light, excellent color quality, and allow for innovative display designs, e.g., curved shapes, mechanically flexible and/or transparent devices. Especially their self emissive nature is a highly desirable feature for display applications. In this work, we demonstrate an approach for full-color OLED pixels that are fabricated by vertical stacking of a red-, green-, and blue-emitting unit. Each unit can be addressed separately which allows for efficient generation of every color that is accessible by superpositioning the spectra of the individual emission units. Here, we use a combination of time division multiplexing and pulse width modulation to achieve efficient color mixing. The presented device design requires only three independently addressable electrodes, simplifying both fabrication and electrical driving. The device is built in a top-emission geometry, which is highly desirable for display fabrication as the pixel can be directly deposited onto back-plane electronics. Despite the top-emission design and the application of three silver layers within the device, there is only a minor color shift even for large viewing angles. The color space spanned by the three emission sub-units exceeds the sRGB space, providing more saturated green/yellow/red colors. Furthermore, the electrical performance of each individual unit is on par with standard single emission unit OLEDs, showing very low leakage currents and achieving brightness levels above 1000 cd/m2 at moderate voltages of around 3–4 V.
Indirect comparison of efficacy and safety between immune checkpoint inhibitors and antiangiogenic therapy in advanced non–small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Jin-Hua , Yang Jia-Lian , Chou Che-Yi , Wang Jiun-Yi , Hung Chin-Chuan
Published: June 2018

In this study, we conducted an indirect comparison analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors with those of antiangiogenic therapy—two effective treatment methods for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Eligible randomised control trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors, antiangiogenic therapy, and doublet platinum-based therapy published up to July 2017 were comprehensively analysed. Through the indirect comparison analysis of 37 trials involving 16810 patients, treatments were compared for overall survival (OS) and grade 3–5 adverse events. For first-line treatment, the use of pembrolizumab alone (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4–0.91) and a combination of bevacizumab and doublet platinum-based therapy (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75–0.99) demonstrated substantial survival benefits compared with doublet platinum-based therapy. For subsequent treatment, nivolumab may provide higher efficacy and lower toxicity than antiangiogenic therapy. Overall, anti-PD1 monoclonal antibodies may be superior to antiangiogenic therapy in terms of OS and grade 3–5 adverse events. This meta-analysis suggests that pembrolizumab and nivolumab might be favourable choices for first-line and subsequent treatment, respectively, for patients with advanced NSCLC. Additional randomised control trials are required for a comprehensive evaluation of the outcomes among regimens.
Severity of Airflow Obstruction and Work Loss in a Nationwide Population of Working Age
Authors: Shin Sun Hye , Park Jihwan , Cho Juhee , Sin Don D. , Lee Hyun , Park Hye Yun
Published: June 2018

The impact of COPD severity on labor force participation and work loss is not well known. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of occupations and to evaluate the reason for work loss based on the severity of airflow obstruction (AO). We performed a cross-sectional study using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V−VI. We identified 9,901 people aged 40 to 60 years who had normal or AO in spirometry test results. AO was defined as a pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity <70%. AO was present in 7.6% of the subjects, and 81.5%, 82.9%, and 71.6% of subjects with mild, moderate, and severe-to-very severe AO were in the labor force, respectively. Multivariable analyses revealed that severe-to-very severe AO subjects were more likely to have precarious job (adjusted OR = 4.71, 95% CI = 1.70–13.06) and cite health-related problem as the reason for not being in the labor force (adjusted OR = 3.38, 95% CI = 1.03–11.02). Overall, AO was not associated with any significant changes in labor force participation. However, subjects with severe-to-very severe disease were more likely to drop out of the labor force owing to their health-related problems.
Manipulation of visible-light polarization with dendritic cell-cluster metasurfaces
Authors: Fang Zhen-Hua , Chen Huan , An Di , Luo Chun-Rong , Zhao Xiao-Peng
Published: June 2018

Cross-polarization conversion plays an important role in visible light manipulation. Metasurface with asymmetric structure can be used to achieve polarization conversion of linearly polarized light. Based on this, we design a quasi-periodic dendritic metasurface model composed of asymmetric dendritic cells. The simulation indicates that the asymmetric dendritic structure can vertically rotate the polarization direction of the linear polarization wave in visible light. Silver dendritic cell-cluster metasurface samples were prepared by the bottom-up electrochemical deposition. It experimentally proved that they could realize the cross - polarization conversion in visible light. Cross-polarized propagating light is deflected into anomalous refraction channels. Dendritic cell-cluster metasurface with asymmetric quasi-periodic structure conveys significance in cross-polarization conversion research and features extensive practical application prospect and development potential.
Magnetostratigraphic dating of the hominin occupation of Bailong Cave, central China
Authors: Kong Yanfen , Deng Chenglong , Liu Wu , Wu Xiujie , Pei Shuwen , Sun Lu , Ge Junyi , Yi Liang , Zhu Rixiang
Published: June 2018

Intermontane basins in the southern piedmont of the Qinling Mountains are important sources of information on hominin occupation and settlement, and provide an excellent opportunity to study early human evolution and behavioral adaptation. Here, we present the results of a detailed magnetostratigraphic investigation of the sedimentary sequence of hominin-bearing Bailong Cave in Yunxi Basin, central China. Correlation to the geomagnetic polarity time scale was achieved using previously published biostratigraphy,26Al/10Be burial dating, and coupled electron spin resonance (ESR) and U-series dating. The Bailong Cave hominin-bearing layer is dated to the early Brunhes Chron, close to the Matuyama-Brunhes geomagnetic reversal at 0.78 Ma. Our findings, coupled with other records, indicate the flourishing of early humans in mainland East Asia during the Mid-Pleistocene climate transition (MPT). This suggests that early humans were adapted to diverse and variable environments over a broad latitudinal range during the MPT, from temperate northern China to subtropical southern China.
A novel, fast and sensitive supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SFC-MS/MS) method for analysis of arachidonic acid metabolites
Authors: Kumari A. Ubhayasekera S. J. , Acharya Santosh R. , Bergquist Jonas
Published: June 2018

A validated method for rapid and reliable measurement of five arachidonic acid metabolites in biofluids using supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SFC-MS/MS).
Combining cross-reactivity of an electrode array with the selective thiol reporting process of redox indicators: targeted sensing of biothiols
Authors: Indherjith Sakthinathan , Selvakumar Karuthapandi
Published: June 2018

Combining the cross-reactivity of the voltammetric sensor array with the selective thiol reporting process of redox indicators (RIs) enables the targeted sensing of biothiols.
Diazonium salt chemistry for the design of nano-textured anti-icing surfaces
Authors: Gam-Derouich Sarra , Pinson Jean , Decorse Philippe , Luo Yun , Herbaut Remy , Royon Laurent , Mangeney Claire
Published: June 2018

Aryl diazonium salts have emerged as a new generation of robust surface modifiers for a wide range of applications. In this paper, we explore their potentialities to impart anti-icing properties to nano-textured copper surfaces.
An azobenzene-based heteromeric prodrug for hypoxia-activated chemotherapy by regulating subcellular localization
Authors: Li Shiying , Jiang Xueyan , Zheng Rongrong , Zuo Shengjia , Zhao Linping , Fan Guiling , Fan Jinghao , Liao Yonghua , Yu Xiyong , Cheng Hong
Published: June 2018

An azobenzene-based heteromeric prodrug (hNDP) was prepared for tumor targeted chemotherapy by regulating subcellular localization.
Unusual rearrangement of an N-heterocyclic carbeneviaa ring-opening and ring-closing process
Authors: Yang Chu-Fan , Lu Taotao , Chen Xue-Tai , Xue Zi-Ling
Published: June 2018

The reaction of a pentadentate NHC ligand precursor with Ni(OAc)2·4H2O or Pd(OAc)2in the presence of a base yields four-coordinate square-planar Ni(ii) and Pd(ii) complexes with an unusual ligand generatedin situ.
Dynamic layer-by-layer films on nanofiber membrane: a platform for ultra-sensitive bacterial concentration detection
Authors: Yu Zhenguo , Lu Zhentan , Huang Yu , Li Mufang , Wang Wenwen , Liu Ke , Wang Dong
Published: June 2018

A new platform was established for ultra-sensitive bacterial concentration detection within 5 min.
Controllable transformation between 3D and 2D perovskites through cation exchange
Authors: Huang Weixin , Wang Yuanxing , Balakrishnan Subila K.
Published: June 2018

The transformation between 3D and 2D perovskites can be controlled through the post-synthesis introduction of foreign cations.
Isotope effects on the spin dynamics of single-molecule magnets probed using muon spin spectroscopy
Authors: Tesi Lorenzo , Salman Zaher , Cimatti Irene , Pointillart Fabrice , Bernot Kevin , Mannini Matteo , Sessoli Roberta
Published: June 2018

Subtle isotopic effects on spin dynamics are captured using Muon Spin Relaxation experiments on isotopically enriched Dy-based single molecule magnets.
EBSD investigation and magnetic properties of manganese ferrite crystallized in a sodium-silicate glass
Authors: Harizanova R. , Avramova I. , Wisniewski W. , Avdeev G. , Tzankov D. , Georgieva M. , Gugov I. , Rüssel C.
Published: June 2018

SEM micrograph with the IPF + IQ-maps of the polygon and dendritic MnFe2O4 crystals and an EBSD pattern acquired from a large jacobsite crystal.
Stacking of cyclopentadienyl organometallic sandwich and half-sandwich compounds. Strong interactions of sandwiches at large offsets
Authors: Malenov Dušan P. , Antonijević Ivana S. , Hall Michael B. , Zarić Snežana D.
Published: June 2018

73% of stacking of Cp sandwiches in the CSD is at large offsets, since these interactions are relatively strong. Much weaker stacking between Cp half-sandwiches is surprising 60% of all stacks, due to more simultaneous interactions.
Synthesis of hollow ZnSe nanospheres with high photocatalytic activity: synergetic effect of cation exchange and selective Cu2−xSe template etching
Authors: Huang Xin , Zou Yu , Hao Jian , Jiang Jiang
Published: June 2018

Hollow ZnSe nanospheres were synthesized via simultaneous cation exchange and anion extraction reactions of Cu2−xSe templates.
Microwave-assisted one-pot synthesis of anisotropic gold nanoparticles with active high-energy facets for enhanced catalytic and metal enhanced fluorescence activities
Authors: Praneeth N. V. S. , Paria Santanu
Published: June 2018

Rhombic dodecahedron Au nanoparticles synthesized via a microwave assisted green route with high energy {110} facets are highly efficient for catalysis and metal enhanced fluorescence activities.
The effect of impurities on the structure and energy of a crystal surface: Mg impurities in calcite as a case study
Authors: Bruno M. , Bittarello E. , Massaro F. R. , Aquilano D.
Published: June 2018

A new calculation methodology to study doped surfaces.
Impacts of ionic liquid capping on the morphology and photocatalytic performance of SbPO4 crystals
Authors: Chen Shunqiang , Di Yutong , Li Taohai , Li Feng , Cao Wei
Published: June 2018

A novel hydrothermal route to prepare SbPO4 with [BMIM][PO4] or Na2HPO4·12H2O as the phosphorus source has been developed. The morphology transition of SbPO4 photocatalysts from microparticles to microspheres was shown by changing the reaction temperature.
Cocrystal formation by ionic liquid-assisted grinding: case study with cocrystals of caffeine
Authors: Mukherjee Arijit , Rogers Robin D. , Myerson A. S.
Published: June 2018

Liquid assisted grinding using imidazolium-based ionic liquids (IL-AG) was found to be effective in isolation of cocrystals and cocrystal polymorphs.
Three novel Co(ii)/Ni(ii)-based coordination polymers as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for dye degradation
Authors: Qin Ling , Hu Qing , Wu Yang , Cai Jia-Le , Li Yun-Yun
Published: June 2018

Three novel Co(ii)/Ni(ii)-based coordination polymers have been synthesized and characterized. Compound 2 shows a rare 2D + 2D heterogeneous framework. Compound 3 is a chiral 0-D molecular complex driven by the solvent-assisted homochiral helix. The photocatalytic oxidation activities and mechanism have been studied.
Analysis of transition state stabilization by non-covalent interactions in organocatalysis: application of atomic and functional-group partitioned symmetry-adapted perturbation theory to the addition of organoboron reagents to fluoroketones
Authors: Bakr Brandon W. , Sherrill C. David
Published: June 2018

Enantioselectivity is examined in the addition of allyl groups to fluorinated ketones.
Rapid acquisition of data dense solid-state CPMG NMR spectral sets using multi-dimensional statistical analysis
Authors: Mason H. E. , Uribe E. C. , Shusterman J. A.
Published: June 2018

Tensor-rank decomposition methods have been applied to variable contact time 29Si{1H} CP/CPMG NMR data sets to extract NMR dynamics information and dramatically decrease conventional NMR acquisition times.
Phase stability, electronic structures and elastic properties of (U,Np)O2 and (Th,Np)O2 mixed oxides
Authors: Ghosh P. S. , Kuganathan N. , Arya A. , Grimes R. W.
Published: June 2018

Mixing enthalpies (ΔHmix) of U1−xNpxO2 and Th1−xNpxO2 solid solutions are derived from atomic scale simulations based on density functional theory (DFT) employing the generalised gradient approximation corrected with an effective Hubbard parameter (Ueff).
Ab initio study of medium sized boron-doped silicon clusters SinBm, n = 11–13, m = 1–3
Authors: Koukaras Emmanuel N.
Published: June 2018

Structures and detailed properties of medium sized boron-doped silicon clusters.
A visible-light driven novel layered perovskite oxyhalide Bi4MO8X (M = Nb, Ta; X = Cl, Br) constructed using BiOX (X = Cl, Br) for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wei Zhidong , Liu Junying , Fang Wenjian , Qin Zhen , Jiang Zhi , Shangguan Wenfeng
Published: June 2018

A novel visible-light responsive layered perovskite photocatalyst Bi4MO8X (M = Nb, Ta; X = Cl, Br) has been successfully constructed using BiOX (X = Cl, Br) via a solid state method.
Synthesis and hydroformylation evaluation of Fréchet-type organometallic dendrons with N,O-salicylaldimine Rh(i) complexes at the focal point
Authors: Williams Cody , Ferreira Michel , Monflier Eric , Mapolie Selwyn F. , Smith Gregory S.
Published: June 2018

A series of Fréchet-type organometallic dendrons containing N,O-salicylaldimine Rh(i) entities at the focal point were evaluated in the hydroformylation of 1-octene.
Rational synthesis of a luminescent uncommon (3,4,6)-c connected Zn(ii) MOF: a dual channel sensor for the detection of nitroaromatics and ferric ions
Authors: Ma Aiqing , Wu Jian , Han Yutong , Chen Fuming , Li Baohong , Cai Shaoge , Huang Hui , Singh Amita , Kumar Abhinav , Liu Jianqiang
Published: June 2018

A 3D (3,4,6)-c connected net constructed using a rigid tetracarboxylate ligand and sensing studies to detect nitroaromatics and ferric ion performed.
Efficient hydroboration of carbonyls by an iron(ii) amide catalyst
Authors: Baishya Ashim , Baruah Swavalina , Geetharani K.
Published: June 2018

A simple iron(ii) amide pre-catalyzed chemo-selective hydroboration of carbonyl compounds has been achieved in the absence of any additive.
Homogeneous catalysed hydrogenation of HMF
Authors: Cadu Alban , Sekine Kohei , Mormul Jaroslaw , Ohlmann Dominik M. , Schaub Thomas , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: June 2018

Homogeneous Ru-catalyzed hydrogenation of HMF delivers a high percentage of trans-THFDM rather than only cis-THFDM known from heterogeneous hydrogenation.
Micro/nano acoustofluidics: materials, phenomena, design, devices, and applications
Authors: Connacher William , Zhang Naiqing , Huang An , Mei Jiyang , Zhang Shuai , Gopesh Tilvawala , Friend James
Published: June 2018

Acoustic actuation of fluids at small scales may finally enable a comprehensive lab-on-a-chip revolution in microfluidics, overcoming long-standing difficulties in fluid and particle manipulation on-chip.
Crystal-on-crystal chips for in situ serial diffraction at room temperature
Authors: Ren Zhong , Ayhan Medine , Bandara Sepalika , Bowatte Kalinga , Kumarapperuma Indika , Gunawardana Semini , Shin Heewhan , Wang Cong , Zeng Xiaoli , Yang Xiaojing
Published: June 2018

Recent developments in serial crystallography have been driven by two scientific goals – first, static structure determination from nano or microcrystals that are difficult for cryocrystallography, and second, direct observations of transient structural species in biochemical reactions at near atomic resolution.
A thiocoumarin-based colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for Hg2+ in aqueous solution and its application in live-cell imaging
Authors: Qin Siyao , Chen Bo , Huang Jing , Han Yifeng
Published: June 2018

A new intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) based colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent chemodosimeter for the detection of Hg2+ has been rationally designed and developed.
Zinc(ii) complexes with uncommon aminal and hemiaminal ether derivatives: synthesis, structure, phosphatase activity and theoretical rationalization of ligand and complex formation
Authors: Purkait Suranjana , Chakraborty Prateeti , Frontera Antonio , Bauzá Antonio , Zangrando Ennio , Das Debasis
Published: June 2018

Zinc(ii)-mediated and anion-controlled unusual Aminal and Hemiaminal Ether Derivative complex formations verified experimentally and rationalized by DFT calculations.
Triple detection modes for Hg2+ sensing based on a NBD-fluorescent and colorimetric sensor and its potential in cell imaging
Authors: Kraithong Sasiwimon , Sangsuwan Rapeepat , Worawannotai Nattawan , Sirirak Jitnapa , Charoenpanich Adisri , Thamyongkit Patchanita , Wanichachewa Nantanit
Published: June 2018

The sensor provides highly Hg2+-sensitivity and can enhance the emission in live cell.
Bright-blue-emission nitrogen and phosphorus-doped carbon quantum dots as a promising nanoprobe for detection of Cr(vi) and ascorbic acid in pure aqueous solution and in living cells
Authors: Singh Vikas Kumar , Singh Virendra , Yadav Pradeep Kumar , Chandra Subhash , Bano Daraksha , Kumar Vijay , Koch Biplob , Talat Mahe , Hasan Syed Hadi
Published: June 2018

Efficient synthesis of N,P-CQDs via a one-step hydrothermal method with a high quantum yield for potential applications in turn-off and turn-on detections of Cr(vi) and AA in vitro in living cells.
Sulfonic acid-functionalized organic knitted porous polyaromatic microspheres as heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production
Authors: Varyambath Anuraj , Kim Mi-Ra , Kim Il
Published: June 2018

Sulfonic acid functionalized porous polyaromatics are highly active and recyclable heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production from vegetable oils.
Natural product syntheses via carbonylative cyclizations
Authors: Ma Kaiqing , Martin Brandon S. , Yin Xianglin , Dai Mingji
Published: June 2018

This review summarizes the application of various transition metal-catalyzed/mediated carbonylative cyclization reactions in natural product total synthesis.
Rational design of nano-architecture composite hydrogel electrode towards high performance Zn-ion hybrid cell
Authors: Han Jianwei , Wang Kai , Liu Wenhao , Li Chen , Sun Xianzhong , Zhang Xiong , An Yabin , Yi Sha , Ma Yanwei
Published: June 2018

A novel Zn-ion hybrid cell was constructed based on a graphene-conducting polymer composite hydrogel (capacitor-type) cathode and a Zn metal (battery-type) anode.
A red-emitting fluorescent probe for the detection of Hg2+ in aqueous medium, living cells and organisms with a large Stokes shift
Authors: Yang Lei , Su Yuanan , Geng Yani , Xiong Haiqing , Han Jinliang , Fang Qian , Song Xiangzhi
Published: June 2018

A vinethene-based fluorescent probe has been developed for the sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ with a low detection limit, a red emission and a large Stokes shift. The probe has been successfully applied to detect Hg2+ in aqueous solutions, living cells and organisms.
Facile and practical synthesis of β-carbolinium salts and γ-carbolinium salts via rhodium-catalyzed three-component reactions
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Li Tongyu , Xing Siyang , Zhu Bolin
Published: June 2018

A facile and practical [Cp*RhCl2]2-catalyzed three-component reaction between indolyl aldehydes, amines and alkynes involving C–H activation and cyclization has been developed.
Synthesis of aromatic-doped polycaprolactone with tunable degradation behavior
Authors: Sun Yawei , Wang Qiuyan , Zhang Shuying , Li Hao , Zhang Jinli , Li Daqing , Li Wei
Published: June 2018

A novel aromatic-doped polycaprolactone (Aro-PCL) material was synthesized through a facile PCL aminolysis-condensation polymerization incorporating the aromatic moiety to PCL chain and assessed by focusing on the dynamic aggregation and crystalline microdomains associated with the in vitro degradation properties, mechanical performance and biocompatibility.
Kinetics of radical copolymerization of vinylidene fluoride with tert-butyl 2-trifluoromethyl acrylate: a suitable pair for the synthesis of alternating fluorinated copolymers
Authors: Falireas Panagiotis G. , Wehbi Mohammad , Alaaeddine Ali , Améduri Bruno
Published: June 2018

A study of the copolymerization kinetics of vinylidene fluoride with tert-butyl 2-trifluoromethyl acrylate: a suitable pair for the synthesis of alternating fluorinated copolymers.
Correction: Green synthesis of Pd nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide, using the extract of Rosa canina fruit, and their use as recyclable and heterogeneous nanocatalysts for the degradation of dye pollutants in water
Authors: Hemmati Saba , Mehrazin Lida , Ghorban Hedieh , Garakani Samira Hossein , Mobaraki Taha Hashemi , Mohammadi Pourya , Veisi Hojat
Published: June 2018

Correction for ‘Green synthesis of Pd nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide, using the extract of Rosa canina fruit, and their use as recyclable and heterogeneous nanocatalysts for the degradation of dye pollutants in water’ by Saba Hemmati et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 21020–21028.
Resolving the complexity of organic chemistry students' reasoning through the lens of a mechanistic framework
Authors: Caspari I. , Kranz D. , Graulich N.
Published: June 2018

Research in organic chemistry education has revealed that students often rely on rote memorization when learning mechanisms. Not much is known about student productive resources for causal reasoning. To investigate incipient stages of student causal reasoning about single mechanistic steps of organic reactions, we developed a theoretical framework for this type of mechanistic reasoning. Inspired by mechanistic approaches from philosophy of science, primarily philosophy of organic chemistry, the framework divides reasoning about mechanisms into structural and energetic accounts as well as static and dynamic approaches to change. In qualitative interviews, undergraduate organic chemistry students were asked to think aloud about the relative activation energies of contrasting cases,i.e.two different reactants undergoing a leaving group departure step. The analysis of students’ reasoning demonstrated the applicability of the framework and expanded the framework by different levels of complexity of relations that students constructed between differences of the molecules and changes that occur in a leaving group departure. We further analyzed how students’ certainty about the relevance of their reasoning for a claim about activation energy corresponded to their static and dynamic approaches to change and how students’ success corresponded to the complexity of relations that they constructed. Our findings support the necessity for clear communication of and stronger emphasis on the fundamental basis of elementary steps in organic chemistry. Implications for teaching the structure of mechanistic reasoning in organic chemistry and for the design of mechanism tasks are discussed.
Near-infrared fluorescence probes to detect reactive oxygen species for keloid diagnosis
Authors: Cheng Penghui , Zhang Jianjian , Huang Jiaguo , Miao Qingqing , Xu Chenjie , Pu Kanyi
Published: June 2018

Development of molecular probes for the detection of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is important for the pathology and diagnosis of keloid diseases.
Thermal processing of thermogelling nanoemulsions as a route to tune material properties
Authors: Cheng Li-Chiun , Godfrin P. Douglas , Swan James W. , Doyle Patrick S.
Published: June 2018

Using thermal processing, we demonstrate that properties of colloidal gels can be beyond the limit set by direct quenching.
Adhesion and friction between glass and rubber in the dry state and in water: role of contact hydrophobicity
Authors: Kawasaki S. , Tada T. , Persson B. N. J.
Published: June 2018

We study the contact mechanics between 3 different tire tread compounds and a smooth glass surface in water.
Fabrication of pocket-like hydrogel microstructures through photolithography
Authors: Sumaru Kimio , Takagi Toshiyuki , Morishita Kana , Satoh Taku , Kanamori Toshiyuki
Published: June 2018

Photolithographic fabrication of unique pocket-like microstructures composed of flexible hydrogel sheets is demonstrated by using a photo-acid-generating poly(methyl methacrylate) dissoluble upon light irradiation.
Correction: Water splitting to hydrogen over epitaxially grown InGaN nanowires on a metallic titanium/silicon template: reduced interfacial transfer resistance and improved stability to hydrogen
Authors: Ebaid Mohamed , Min Jung-Wook , Zhao Chao , Ng Tien Khee , Idriss Hicham , Ooi Boon S.
Published: June 2018

Correction for ‘Water splitting to hydrogen over epitaxially grown InGaN nanowires on a metallic titanium/silicon template: reduced interfacial transfer resistance and improved stability to hydrogen’ by Mohamed Ebaid et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2018, 6, 6922–6930.
Temperature dependent polarity inversion in double‐metal terahertz emitters
Authors: Gow P.C. , McBryde D. , Berry S.A. , Apostolopoulos V.
Published: June 2018

The temperature dependent polarity inversion in double‐metal (DM) terahertz (THz) emitters was investigated. DM emitters utilising different metal pairings and single edge metal emitters were cooled in a helium flow cryostat and their THz emission was measured over a range of temperatures. Most emitters, including those with insulating layers between the metal and semiconductor, exhibit a flip in polarity of their THz emission between 50 and 100 K. This shows the inversion is a trait intrinsic to the semiconductor and not influenced by the metallic contact on the surface.
First detection of bromine and antimony in hot stars
Authors: Werner K. , Rauch T. , Knörzer M. , Kruk J. W.
Published: June 2018

Bromine (Z = 35) and antimony (Z = 51) are extremely difficult to detect in stars. In very few instances, weak and mostly uncertain identifications of Br I, Br II, and Sb II in relatively cool, chemically peculiar stars were successful. Adopted solar abundance values rely on meteoritic determinations. Here, we announce the first identification of these species in far-ultraviolet spectra of hot stars (with effective temperatures of 49 500–70 000 K), namely in helium-rich (spectral type DO) white dwarfs. We identify the Br VI resonance line at 945.96 Å. A previous claim of Br detection based on this line is incorrect because its wavelength position is inaccurate by about 7 Å in atomic databases. Taking advantage of precise laboratory measurements, we identify this line as well as two other, subordinate Br VI lines. Antimony is detected by the Sb V resonance doublet at 1104.23/1225.98 Å as well as two subordinate Sb VI lines. A model-atmosphere analysis reveals strongly oversolar Br and Sb abundances that are caused by radiative-levitation dominated atomic diffusion.
Constraining late-time transitions in the dark energy equation of state
Authors: Martins C. J. A. P. , Colomer M. Prat
Published: June 2018

One of the most compelling goals of observational cosmology is the characterisation of the properties of the dark energy component thought to be responsible for the recent acceleration of the universe, including its possible dynamics. In this work we study phenomenological but physically motivated classes of models in which the dark energy equation of state can undergo a rapid transition at low redshifts, perhaps associated with the onset of the acceleration phase itself. Through a standard statistical analysis we have used low-redshift cosmological data, coming from Type Ia supernova and Hubble parameter measurements, to set constraints on the steepness of these possible transitions as well as on the present-day values of the dark energy equation of state and in the asymptotic past in these models. We have also studied the way in which these constraints depend on the specific parametrisation being used. Our results confirm that such late-time transitions are strongly constrained. If one demands a matter-like pre-transition behaviour, then the transition is constrained to occur at high redshifts (effectively in the matter era), while if the pre-transition equation of state is a free parameter then it is constrained to be close to that of a cosmological constant. In any case, the value of dark energy equation of state near the present day must also be very similar to that of a cosmological constant. The overall conclusion is that any significant deviations from this behaviour can only occur in the deep matter era, so there is no evidence for a transition associated with the onset of acceleration. Observational tools capable of probing the dynamics of the universe in the deep matter era are therefore particularly important.
Fingerprint of Galactic Loop I on polarized microwave foregrounds
Authors: Liu Hao
Published: June 2018

Context. Currently, detection of the primordial gravitational waves using the B-mode of cosmic microwave background (CMB) is primarily limited by our knowledge of the polarized microwave foreground emissions. Improvements of the foreground analysis are therefore necessary. As we revealed in an earlier paper, the E-mode and B-mode of the polarized foreground have noticeably different properties, both in morphology and frequency spectrum, suggesting that they arise from different physicalprocesses, and need to be studied separately.

Aims. I study the polarized emission from Galactic loops, especially Loop I, and mainly focus on the following questions: Does the polarized loop emission contribute predominantly to the E-mode or B-mode? In which frequency bands and in which sky regions can the polarized loop emission be identified?

Methods. Based on a well known result concerning the magnetic field alignment in supernova explosions, a theoretical expectation is established that the loop polarizations should be predominantly E-mode. In particular, the expected polarization angles of Loop I are compared with those from the real microwave band data of WMAP and Planck.

Results and conclusions. The comparison between model and data shows remarkable consistency between the data and our expectations at all bands and for a large area of the sky. This result suggests that the polarized emission of Galactic Loop I is a major polarized component in all microwave bands from 23 to 353 GHz, and a considerable part of the polarized foreground likely originates from a local bubble associated with Loop I, instead of the far more distant Galactic emission. This result also provides a possible way to explain the E-to-B excess problem by contribution of the loops. Finally, this work may also provide the first geometrical evidence that the Earth was hit by a supernova explosion.
On the asymptotic behaviour of nonlocal perimeters
Authors: Berendsen Judith , Pagliari Valerio
Published: June 2018

We study a class of integral functionals known as nonlocal perimeters, which, intuitively, express a weighted interaction between a set and its complement. The weight is provided by a positive kernelK, which might be singular. In the first part of the paper, we show that these functionals are indeed perimeters in a generalised sense that has been recently introduced by A. Chambolleet al.[Archiv. Rational Mech. Anal.218(2015) 1263–1329]. Also, we establish existence of minimisers for the corresponding Plateau’s problem and, whenKis radial and strictly decreasing, we prove that halfspaces are minimisers if we prescribe “flat” boundary conditions. A Γ-convergence result is discussed in the second part of the work. We study the limiting behaviour of the nonlocal perimeters associated with certain rescalings of a given kernel that has faster-than-L1decay at infinity and we show that the Γ-limit is the classical perimeter, up to a multiplicative constant that we compute explicitly.
Generalized Riemann waves and their adjoinment through a shock wave
Authors: Chaiyasena A. , Worapitpong W. , Meleshko S.V.
Published: June 2018

Generalized simple waves of the gas dynamics equations in Lagrangian and Eulerian descriptions are studied in the paper. As in the collision of a shock wave and a rarefaction wave, a flow becomes nonisentropic. Generalized simple waves are applied to describe such flows. The first part of the paper deals with constructing a solution describing their adjoinment through a shock wave in Eulerian coordinates. Even though the Eulerian form of the gas dynamics equations is most frequently used in applications, there are advantages for some problems concerning the gas dynamics equations in Lagrangian coordinates, for example, of being able to be reduced to an Euler–Lagrange equation. Through the technique of differential constraints, necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of generalized simple waves in the Lagrangian description are provided in the second part of the paper.