bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Party Identification in Spatial Models of Voting Choice
Authors: Lachat Romain
Published: March 2015

Party identification and issue preferences are central explanatory factors in many voting choice models. Their effects on party preferences are usually understood to be additive. That is, issue preferences’ impact on party utilities is assumed to be the same among both party identifiers and nonidentifiers. This article suggests an alternative model in which party identification moderates the impact of issues on the vote. The impact of issue preferences on party utilities should be weaker among voters who identify with a party. This hypothesis is tested using data from four recent Dutch election studies. The results show that identifying with a party substantially weakens the issue preference effect on party evaluations, particularly for the party with which a voter identifies.
Broader prevalence of Wolbachia in insects including potential human disease vectors
Authors: de Oliveira C.D. , Gonçalves D.S. , Baton L.A. , Shimabukuro P.H.F. , Carvalho F.D. , Moreira L.A.
Published: March 2015

Wolbachiaare intracellular, maternally transmitted bacteria considered the most abundant endosymbionts found in arthropods. They reproductively manipulate their host in order to increase their chances of being transmitted to the offspring, and currently are being used as a tool to control vector-borne diseases. Studies on distribution ofWolbachiaamong its arthropod hosts are important both for better understanding why this bacterium is so common, as well as for its potential use as a biological control agent. Here, we studied the incidence ofWolbachiain a broad range of insect species, collected from different regions of Brazil, using three genetic markers (16S rRNA, wspandftsZ), which varied in terms of their sensitivity to detect this bacterium. The overall incidence ofWolbachiaamong species belonging to 58 families and 14 orders was 61.9%. The most common positive insect orders were Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera and Hymenoptera, with Diptera and Hemiptera having the highest numbers ofWolbachia-positive families. They included potential human disease vectors whose infection status has never been reported before. Our study further shows the importance of using quantitative polymerase chain reaction for high-throughput and sensitiveWolbachiascreening.
Annas: Virtuous Person, Relativism, and the Circularity Objection
Authors: SARKAR HUSAIN
Published: March 2015

This paper is informed by two principles: the Partiality Principle and the Impartiality Principle. Relying upon a relatively-unknown argument in Kant, the latter principle is stated and defended. The former principle is shown to be connected to Annas’ claim, in her theory of virtue ethics, that no mature, responsible adult wants to be told what to do, as well as to her developmental account of teaching and learning of virtue. I argue that Annas’ theory of virtue ethics is susceptible, as Kant’s theory is not, either to the Circularity Objection or (inclusive) to the Relativism Objection.
Explaining Terrorism: Leadership Deficits and Militant Group Tactics
Authors: Abrahms Max , Potter Philip B.K.
Published: March 2015

Certain types of militant groups—those suffering from leadership deficits—are more likely to attack civilians. Their leadership deficits exacerbate the principal-agent problem between leaders and foot soldiers, who have stronger incentives to harm civilians. We establish the validity of this proposition with a tripartite research strategy that balances generalizability and identification. First, we demonstrate in a sample of militant organizations operating in the Middle East and North Africa that those lacking centralized leadership are prone to targeting civilians. Second, we show that when the leaderships of militant groups are degraded from drone strikes in the Afghanistan-Pakistan tribal regions, the selectivity of organizational violence plummets. Third, we elucidate the mechanism with a detailed case study of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, a Palestinian group that turned to terrorism during the Second Intifada because pressure on leadership allowed low-level members to act on their preexisting incentives to attack civilians. These findings indicate that a lack of principal control is an important, underappreciated cause of militant group violence against civilians.
A world key to species of the genus Bactrospora (Roccellaceae) with a new species from Brazil
Authors: Sobreira Priscylla Nayara Bezerra , Aptroot André , Cáceres Marcela Eugenia da Silva
Published: March 2015

The new corticolous lichen species Bactrospora angularis is described from Brazil. It has apothecia that are usually irregular in outline and transversely (19–)28–35-septate, filiform ascospores (85–)120–150 × 5–7 μm with some constrictions. A revised world key is given to all currently known species of Bactrospora.
A Combinatorial Approach to a Model of Constrained Random Walkers
Authors: ESPINASSE T. , GUILLOTIN-PLANTARD N. , NADEAU P.
Published: March 2015

In [1], the authors consider a random walk (Zn,1, . . ., Zn,K+1) ∈ ${\mathbb{Z}}$K+1 with the constraint that each coordinate of the walk is at distance one from the following coordinate. A functional central limit theorem for the first coordinate is proved and the limit variance is explicited. In this paper, we study an extended version of this model by conditioning the extremal coordinates to be at some fixed distance at every time. We prove a functional central limit theorem for this random walk. Using combinatorial tools, we give a precise formula of the variance and compare it with that obtained in [1].
Comparative Tissue Stainability of Lawsonia inermis (Henna) and Eosin as Counterstains to Hematoxylin in Brain Tissues
Authors: Alawa Judith N. , Gideon Gbenga O. , Adetiba Bamidele , Alawa Clement B.
Published: March 2015

We hyposthesized that henna staining could provide an alternative to eosin when used as a counterstain to hematoxylin for understanding basic neurohistological principles. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the suitability of henna as counterstain to hematoxylin for the demonstration of the layer stratification and cellular distribution in the brain tissue. Henna stained nervous tissue by reacting with the basic elements in proteins via its amino groups. It stained the neuropil and connective tissue membranes brown and effectively outlined the perikarya of neurons with no visible nuclei demonstrating that it is an acidic dye. Henna as a counterstain to hematoxylin demonstrated reliability as a new neurohistological stain. It facilitated identification of cortical layer stratification and cellular distribution in brain tissue sections from Wistar rats. This was comparable to standard hematoxylin and eosin staining as morphological and morphometrical analyses of stained cells did not show significant differences in size or number. This study presents a method for staining with henna and demonstrates that although henna and eosin belong to different dye groups (anthraquinone and xanthenes, respectively) based on their chromophores, they share similar staining techniques and thus could be used interchangeably in neurohistology.
Analysis of Grayscale Characteristics in Images of Labeled Microtubules from Cultured Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Dang Yongming , Lan Xiaodong , Zhang Qiong , Li Lingfei , Huang Yuesheng
Published: March 2015

Microtubules of cardiac myocytes depolymerize after a hypoxic insult or treatment with colchicine. However, little attention has been paid to quantifying changes in microtubule distribution when using fluorescent images. We converted fluorescence images of labeled microtubules in H9C2 cardiac myocytes to grayscale images, then filtered the images to remove any noise, and used grayscale histograms to quantify features of the images. The results show that parameters such as the mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis, energy, and entropy can be used to quantitatively describe the distribution of microtubules in cells. Quantitative characteristics of microtubule distribution were similar after culturing cells under hypoxic conditions or after treatment with colchicine. These results parallel those described for neonatal rat cardiac myocytes following ischemia and hypoxia. In addition, we provide a method for internal segmentation of the cells, which revealed that microtubular depolymerization was more evident near the cell membrane following hypoxia or colchicine treatment.
OBLIQUE WAVE SCATTERING BY A RECTANGULAR SUBMARINE TRENCH
Authors: CHAKRABORTY RUMPA , MANDAL B. N.
Published: March 2015

The problem of oblique wave scattering by a rectangular submarine trench is investigated assuming a linearized theory of water waves. Due to the geometrical symmetry of the rectangular trench about the central line $x=0$, the boundary value problem is split into two separate problems involving the symmetric and antisymmetric potential functions. A multi-term Galerkin approximation involving ultra-spherical Gegenbauer polynomials is employed to solve the first-kind integral equations arising in the mathematical analysis of the problem. The reflection and transmission coefficients are computed numerically for various values of different parameters and different angles of incidence of the wave train. The coefficients are depicted graphically against the wave number for different situations. Some curves for these coefficients available in the literature and obtained by different methods are recovered.
Combining decidability paradigms for existential rules. Theory and Practice of Logic Programming - CORRIGENDUM
Authors: GOTTLOB GEORG , MANNA MARCO , PIERIS ANDREAS
Published: March 2015

Figure 3 was left out in the article (Gottlob et al. 2013). The figure that is given there as figure 3 should in fact be figure 4. Further, the reference to figure 3 on the 4th line of page 889 should be a reference to figure 4. The correct figure 3 (missing in the paper) is supplied below. We apologise for this error.
Relatives of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Their experience of care and support
Authors: Larsson Birgitta Jakobsson , Fröjd Camilla , Nordin Karin , Nygren Ingela
Published: March 2015

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to describe relatives' experience of patient care and the support they themselves received during the course of disease progression.

Method:

A total of 15 relatives were included from two neurology clinics in Sweden: 7 wives, 4 husbands, and 4 daughters. Data were collected through qualitative interviews 6 to 12 months after the patient had died. Content analysis was performed to analyze the interviews.

Result:

The results showed that patient care was experienced as positive and as being based on the patient's needs and desires. Treatment from the staff, support and help, knowledge, availability, and continuity among the team were important reasons for the relations to feel secure. In addition, support for relatives was available, but different factors influenced its use. Most relatives did not think about their own needs but focused on the patient.

Significance of Results:

It is important that care and support for both patients and relatives be based on individual needs. The staff members responsible for providing this care and support must have knowledge and experience of the disease and its specific care. If they do not belong to an ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) team, they may require further education and support. The relatives focus on the patient's situation and do not think of their own needs. It is therefore important that health professionals be observant of the relatives and offer them help and support to better manage their situation.
Caracterización de ovinos en el litoral sur del Perú
Authors: Montesinos I.S. , Catachura A. , Sánchez J. , Franco J.L. , Arnhold E. , McManus C. , Fioravanti M.C.S. , Sereno J.R.B.
Published: March 2015

En Perú la ovinocultura es una actividad tradicional para pequeños productores, que generalmente poseen animales criollos, los cuales son ignorados por políticas públicas y la comunidad científica, no estando reconocidos como raza, mostrando baja productividad y sufriendo cruzas con razas exóticas. Este estudio objetivó caracterizar fenotípicamente ovejas criollas y mestizas Hampshire Down, para uso en la conservación y mejoramiento del ovino criollo peruano. El año 2012, en el municipio rural de Ite, litoral sur del Perú, fueron evaluadas 200 ovejas adultas, clasificadas por posible genotipo (criollo o mestizo) y ambiente de crianza (humedales o chacras). Se analizaron medidas morfológicas y morfométricas; elaboraron índices, así como un análisis canónico y discriminante, utilizando el programa estadístico R. Los resultados mostraron ovejas mestizas con mayor aptitud cárnica que las criollas, ambas influenciadas por el ambiente, manejo, y mestizaje que amenazaría la conservación del ovino nativo. La adaptación de los rebaños fue vista en diferentes condiciones, pero algunas características deben mejorarse, requiriendo adecuada orientación técnica y servicios de extensión rural.
Oriented cell division shapes carnivorous pitcher leaves of Sarracenia purpurea
Authors: Fukushima Kenji , Fujita Hironori , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Kawaguchi Masayoshi , Tsukaya Hirokazu , Hasebe Mitsuyasu
Published: March 2015

Complex morphology is an evolutionary outcome of phenotypic diversification. In some carnivorous plants, the ancestral planar leaf has been modified to form a pitcher shape. However, how leaf development was altered during evolution remains unknown. Here we show that the pitcher leaves of Sarracenia purpurea develop through cell division patterns of adaxial tissues that are distinct from those in bifacial and peltate leaves, subsequent to standard expression of adaxial and abaxial marker genes. Differences in the orientation of cell divisions in the adaxial domain cause bifacial growth in the distal region and adaxial ridge protrusion in the middle region. These different growth patterns establish pitcher morphology. A computer simulation suggests that the cell division plane is critical for the pitcher morphogenesis. Our results imply that tissue-specific changes in the orientation of cell division underlie the development of a morphologically complex leaf.
The reason why thin-film silicon grows layer by layer in plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Kuwahara Takuya , Ito Hiroshi , Kawaguchi Kentaro , Higuchi Yuji , Ozawa Nobuki , Kubo Momoji
Published: March 2015

Thin-film Si grows layer by layer on Si(001)-(2 × 1):H in plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Here we investigate the reason why this occurs by using quantum chemical molecular dynamics and density functional theory calculations. We propose a dangling bond (DB) diffusion model as an alternative to the SiH3 diffusion model, which is in conflict with first-principles calculation results and does not match the experimental evidence. In our model, DBs diffuse rapidly along an upper layer consisting of Si-H3 sites and then migrate from the upper layer to a lower layer consisting of Si-H sites. The subsequently incident SiH3 radical is then adsorbed onto the DB in the lower layer, producing two-dimensional growth. We find that DB diffusion appears analogous to H diffusion and can explain the reason why the layer-by-layer growth occurs.
Abnormal Magnetic Field Effects on Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence
Authors: Pan Haiping , Shen Yan , Wang Hongfeng , He Lei , Hu Bin
Published: March 2015

We report abnormal magnetic field effects on electrogenerated chemiluminescence (MFEECL) based on triplet emission from the Ru(bpy)3Cl2-TPrA electrochemical system: the appearance of MFEECL after magnetic field ceases. In early studies the normal MFEECL have been observed from electrochemical systems during the application of magnetic field. Here, the abnormal MFEECL suggest that the activated charge-transfer [Ru(bpy)33+ … TPrA•] complexes may become magnetized in magnetic field and experience a long magnetic relaxation after removing magnetic field. Our analysis indicates that the magnetic relaxation can gradually increase the density of charge-transfer complexes within reaction region due to decayed magnetic interactions, leading to a positive component in the abnormal MFEECL. On the other hand, the magnetic relaxation facilitates an inverse conversion from triplets to singlets within charge-transfer complexes. The inverse triplet → singlet conversion reduces the density of triplet light-emitting states through charge-transfer complexes and gives rise to a negative component in the abnormal MFEECL. The combination of positive and negative components can essentially lead to a non-monotonic profile in the abnormal MFEECL after ceasing magnetic field. Nevertheless, our experimental studies may reveal un-usual magnetic behaviors with long magnetic relaxation from the activated charge-transfer [Ru(bpy)33+ … TPrA•] complexes in solution at room temperature.
An Unprecedented alteration in mode of action of IsCT resulting its translocation into bacterial cytoplasm and inhibition of macromolecular syntheses
Authors: Tripathi Jitendra K. , Kathuria Manoj , Kumar Amit , Mitra Kalyan , Ghosh Jimut K.
Published: March 2015

IsCT, a 13-residue, non-cell-selective antimicrobial peptide is comprised of mostly hydrophobic residues and lesser cationic residues. Assuming that placement of an additional positive charge in the non-polar face of IsCT could reduce its hydrophobic interaction, resulting in its reduction of cytotoxicity, an analog, I9K-IsCT was designed. Two more analogs, namely, E7K-IsCT and E7K,I9K-IsCT, were designed to investigate the impact of positive charges in the polar face as well as polar and non-polar faces at a time. These amino acid substitutions resulted in a significant enhancement of therapeutic potential of IsCT. IsCT and E7K-IsCT seem to target bacterial membrane for their anti-bacterial activity. However, I9K-IsCT and E7K,I9K-IsCT inhibited nucleic acid and protein syntheses in tested E. coli without perturbing its membrane. This was further supported by the observation that NBD-IsCT localized onto bacterial membrane while NBD-labeled I9K-IsCT and E7K,I9K-IsCT translocated into bacterial cytoplasm. Interestingly, IsCT and E7K-IsCT were significantly helical while I9K-IsCT and E7K,I9K-IsCT were mostly unstructured with no helix content in presence of mammalian and bacterial membrane-mimetic lipid vesicles. Altogether, the results identify two novel cell-selective analogs of IsCT with new prototype amino acid sequences that can translocate into bacterial cytoplasm without any helical structure and inhibit macromolecular syntheses.
Metagenomic sequencing reveals altered metabolic pathways in the oral microbiota of sailors during a long sea voyage
Authors: Zheng Weiwei , Zhang Ze , Liu Cuihua , Qiao Yuanyuan , Zhou Dianrong , Qu Jia , An Huaijie , Xiong Ming , Zhu Zhiming , Zhao Xiaohang
Published: March 2015

Seafaring is a difficult occupation and sailors face higher health risks than individuals on land. Commensal microbiota participates in the host immune system and metabolism, reflecting the host's health condition. However, the interaction mechanisms between the microbiota and the host's health condition remain unclear. This study reports the influence of long sea voyages on human health by utilising a metagenomic analysis of variation in the microbiota of the buccal mucosa. Paired samples collected before and after a sea-voyage were analysed. After more than 120 days of ocean sailing, the oral microbial diversity of sailors was reduced by approximately 5 fold and the levels of several pathogens (e.g., Streptococcus pneumonia) increased. Moreover, 69.46% of the identified microbial sequences were unclassified microbiota. Notably, several metabolic pathways were dramatically decreased, including folate biosynthesis, carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid pathways. Clinical examination of the hosts confirmed the identified metabolic changes, as demonstrated by decreased serum levels of haemoglobin and folic acid, a decreased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and increased levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and homocysteine, which are consistent with the observed microbial variation. Our study suggests that oral mucosal bacteria may reflect host health conditions and could provide approaches for improving the health of sailors.
Canine helper-dependent vectors production: implications of Cre activity and co-infection on adenovirus propagation
Authors: Fernandes Paulo , Almeida Ana I. , Kremer Eric J. , Alves Paula M. , Coroadinha Ana S.
Published: March 2015

The importance of Cre recombinase to minimize helper vector (HV) contamination during helper-dependent adenovirus vectors (HDVs) production is well documented. However, Cre recombinase, by inducing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), can cause a reduced proliferation and genotoxic effects in cultured cells. In this work, Cre-expressing cell stability, co-infection and their relation to adenovirus amplification/HV contamination were evaluated to develop a production protocol for HD canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) vectors. Long-term Cre expression reduced the capacity of MDCK-E1-Cre cells to produce CAV-2 by 7-fold, although cell growth was maintained. High HDV/HV MOI ratio (5:0.1) led to low HV contamination without compromising HDV yields. Indeed, such MOI ratio was sufficient to reduce HV levels, as these were similar either in MDCK-E1 or MDCK-E1-Cre cells. This raises the possibility of producing HDVs without Cre-expressing cells, which would circumvent the negative effects that this recombinase holds to the production system. Here, we show how Cre and MOI ratio impact adenovirus vectors yields and infectivity, providing key-information to design an improved manufacturing of HDV. Potential mechanisms to explain how Cre is specifically impacting cell productivity without critically compromising its growth are presented.
A Green Solvent Induced DNA Package
Authors: Satpathi Sagar , Sengupta Abhigyan , Hridya V. M. , Gavvala Krishna , Koninti Raj Kumar , Roy Bibhisan , Hazra Partha
Published: March 2015

Mechanistic details of DNA compaction is essential blue print for gene regulation in living organisms. Many in vitro studies have been implemented using several compaction agents. However, these compacting agents may have some kinds of cytotoxic effects to the cells. To minimize this aspect, several research works had been performed, but people have never focused green solvent, i.e. room temperature ionic liquid as DNA compaction agent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever report where we have shown that guanidinium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate (Gua-IL) acts as a DNA compacting agent. The compaction ability of Gua-IL has been verified by different spectroscopic techniques, like steady state emission, circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering and UV melting. Notably, we have extensively probed this compaction by Gua-IL through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and fluorescence microscopy images. We also have discussed the plausible compaction mechanism process of DNA by Gua-IL. Our results suggest that Gua-IL forms a micellar kind of self aggregation above a certain concentration (≥1 mM), which instigates this compaction process. This study divulges the specific details of DNA compaction mechanism by a new class of compaction agent, which is highly biodegradable and eco friendly in nature.
Amide-controlled, one-pot synthesis of tri-substituted purines generates structural diversity and analogues with trypanocidal activity
Authors: Pineda de las Infantas y Villatoro Maria J. , Unciti-Broceta Juan D. , Contreras-Montoya Rafael , Garcia-Salcedo Jose A. , Gallo Mezo Miguel A. , Unciti-Broceta Asier , Diaz-Mochon Juan J.
Published: March 2015

A novel one-pot synthesis of tri-substituted purines and the discovery of purine analogues with trypanocidal activity are reported. The reaction is initiated by a metal-free oxidative coupling of primary alkoxides and diaminopyrimidines with Schiff base formation and subsequent annulation in the presence of large N,N-dimethylamides (e.g. N,N-dimethylpropanamide or larger). This synthetic route is in competition with a reaction previously-reported by our group1, allowing the generation of a combinatorial library of tri-substituted purines by the simple modification of the amide and the alkoxide employed. Among the variety of structures generated, two purine analogues displayed trypanocidal activity against the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei with IC50 < 5 μM, being each of those compounds obtained through each of the synthetic pathways.
Nr0b1 is a negative regulator of Zscan4c in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Fujii Setsuko , Nishikawa-Torikai Satomi , Futatsugi Yoko , Toyooka Yayoi , Yamane Mariko , Ohtsuka Satoshi , Niwa Hitoshi
Published: March 2015

Nuclear receptor subfamily 0, group B, member 1 (Nr0b1, also known as Dax1) is regarded as an important component of the transcription factor network that governs pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here we generated inducible knockout ES cells for Nr0b1 using the Cre-loxP system and analyzed its precise function. We succeeded in establishing the Nr0b1-null ES cells and confirmed their pluripotency by showing their contribution to chimeric embryos. However, they proliferated slowly with over-expression of 2-cell stage specific transcripts including Zscan4c, which is known to be involved in telomere elongation in ES cells. We revealed that over-expression of Zscan4c prevents normal self-renewal by inducing arrest at G2 phase followed by cell death and that Nr0b1 directly represses the Zscan4c promoter. These data indicated that Nr0b1 is not essential to maintain pluripotency but is involved in the proper activation of 2-cell specific transcripts for self-renewal.
Aqueous benzene-diols react with an organic triplet excited state and hydroxyl radical to form secondary organic aerosol
Authors: Smith Jeremy D. , Kinney Haley , Anastasio Cort
Published: March 2015

Benzene-diols are oxidized rapidly by hydroxyl radical and the triplet excited state of an aromatic carbonyl to efficiently form SOA in the aqueous phase.
Reductive photocatalysis and smart inks
Authors: Mills Andrew , Wells Nathan
Published: March 2015

Examples of reductive photocatalysis and smart ink.
Thermal evolution of the crystal structure of proton conducting BaCe0.8Y0.2O3−δ from high-resolution neutron diffraction in dry and humid atmosphere
Authors: Eriksson Andersson Annika K. , Selbach Sverre M. , Grande Tor , Knee Christopher S.
Published: March 2015

The crystal structure of the proton conducting perovskite, BaCe0.8Y0.2O3−δ, is found to show a remarkable dependence on temperature and humidity, with hydration favouring enhanced octahedral tilting.
Plasmonics in atomically thin materials
Authors: García de Abajo F. Javier , Manjavacas Alejandro
Published: March 2015

The observation and electrical manipulation of infrared surface plasmons in graphene have triggered a search for similar photonic capabilities in other atomically thin materials that enable electrical modulation of light at visible and near-infrared frequencies, as well as strong interaction with optical quantum emitters. Here, we present a simple analytical description of the optical response of such kinds of structures, which we exploit to investigate their application to light modulation and quantum optics. Specifically, we show that plasmons in one-atom-thick noble-metal layers can be used both to produce complete tunable optical absorption and to reach the strong-coupling regime in the interaction with neighboring quantum emitters. Our methods are applicable to any plasmon-supporting thin materials, and in particular, we provide parameters that allow us to readily calculate the response of silver, gold, and graphene islands. Besides their interest for nanoscale electro-optics, the present study emphasizes the great potential of these structures for the design of quantum nanophotonics devices.
Is honey able to potentiate the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of medicinal plants consumed as infusions for hepatoprotective effects?
Authors: Pereira Carla , Barreira João C. M. , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Lopes Melissa , Queiroz Maria João R. P. , Vilas-Boas Miguel , Barros Lillian , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: March 2015

The addition of honey to the infusions had a beneficial result, potentiating the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of the preparations.
A recipe for the synthesis of diorganotin(iv) phosphonates in a colloidal regime by a solution based approach
Authors: Shankar Ravi , Singla Nisha , Asija Meenal , Shestakova Pavletta
Published: March 2015

Tin(iv) based coordination polymers bearing silaalkyl substituted phosphonate ligands adopt rod, rosette and spherical-shaped morphologies. The particle size can be modulated into a nano/colloidal regime by a solution based approach.
Glycal approach to the synthesis of macrolide (−)-A26771B
Authors: Saidhareddy Puli , Shaw Arun K.
Published: March 2015

A convergent synthesis of macrolide natural product (−)-A26771B starting from d-glucal is reported. Key features of this synthesis involve Ferrier rearrangement, cross metathesis of chiral fragments 3 and 4 and Yamaguchi macrolactonization.
Ratiometric detection of pH fluctuation in mitochondria with a new fluorescein/cyanine hybrid sensor
Authors: Chen Yuncong , Zhu Chengcheng , Cen Jiajie , Bai Yang , He Weijiang , Guo Zijian
Published: March 2015

The first small-molecular ratiometric pH sensor with mitochondria targeting ability was constructed. With this sensor, the stimulated pHmfluctuation in MCF-7 cells was monitoredviaboth fluorescence confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.
Kinetics of colloidal deposition, assembly, and crystallization in steady electric fields
Authors: Ferrar Joseph A. , Solomon Michael J.
Published: March 2015

We quantify and model the deposition and crystallization kinetics of initially dilute colloidal spheres due to application of a steady, direct current electric field in the thin gap between parallel electrodes.
Novel diamine-modified composite nanofiltration membranes with chlorine resistance using monomers of 1,2,4,5-benzene tetracarbonyl chloride and m-phenylenediamine
Authors: Zhang Jinli , Hai Yuyan , Zuo Yi , Jiang Qian , Shi Chang , Li Wei
Published: March 2015

Novel diamine-modified polyamide TFC NF membranes with superior chlorine resistance using BTC and MPD monomers.
Binder-free carbonized bacterial cellulose-supported ruthenium nanoparticles for Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Tong Shengfu , Zheng Mingbo , Lu Yong , Lin Zixia , Zhang Xueping , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: March 2015

Network structured carbonized bacterial cellulose-supported Ru nanoparticles (CBC/Ru), which provide sufficient space for Li2O2 deposition without a significant volume effect and improve the transport of oxygen and electrons, were used as the binder-free oxygen electrode in a Li–O2 battery.
Helical mesoporous silica as an inorganic heterogeneous chiral trigger for asymmetric autocatalysis with amplification of enantiomeric excess
Authors: Kawasaki Tsuneomi , Araki Yuko , Hatase Kunihiko , Suzuki Kenta , Matsumoto Arimasa , Yokoi Toshiyuki , Kubota Yoshihiro , Tatsumi Takashi , Soai Kenso
Published: March 2015

P and M-Helical mesoporous silica was found to act as a chiral inorganic trigger for asymmetric autocatalysis to afford (S) and (R)-pyrimidyl alkanol with up to >99.5% ee, respectively.
The nature of the C–Br⋯Br–C intermolecular interactions found in molecular crystals: a general theoretical-database study
Authors: Capdevila-Cortada Marçal , Novoa Juan J.
Published: March 2015

The properties of C–Br⋯Br–C interactions have been determined by doing MP2 theoretical calculations on model dimers and on dimers taken from the Cambridge Structural Database (presenting Br⋯Br distances within the 3.0 to 4.5 Å range).
A fluorescent receptor for halide recognition: clues for the design of anion chemosensors
Authors: Chelli Riccardo , Pietraperzia Giangaetano , Bencini Andrea , Giorgi Claudia , Lippolis Vito , Salvi Pier Remigio , Gellini Cristina
Published: March 2015

The chemosensing properties for halide ions of a polyammine ligand containing acridine are investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The emission is due to acridinium species formed after photoinduced proton transfer.
Electronic structure of graphene nanoribbons doped with nitrogen atoms: a theoretical insight
Authors: Torres A. E. , Fomine S.
Published: March 2015

Nitrogen doped graphene nanoribbons have multiconfigurational ground state. Doping affects cationic, not anionic states. Restricted methods underestimate ionization potentials, overestimate electron affinities, produce large errors for reorganization energies.
The study of the electronic structure of some N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) by variable energy photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Kovač Branka , Ljubić Ivan , Kivimäki Antti , Coreno Marcello , Novak Igor
Published: March 2015

UV and X-ray photoelectron spectra of three N-heterocyclic carbenes under synchrotron radiation reveal details of their electronic structure and are used as a benchmark to test computational methods for treating core ionizations in systems with unusual electronic structures.
Modeling the structure and thermodynamics of ferrocenium-based ionic liquids
Authors: Bernardes Carlos E. S. , Mochida Tomoyuki , Canongia Lopes José. N.
Published: March 2015

A new force-field for the description of ferrocenium-based ionic liquids is reported. Their unique nanostructure is probed by MD simulations.
Rydberg and valence state excitation dynamics: a velocity map imaging study involving the E–V state interaction in HBr
Authors: Zaouris Dimitris , Kartakoullis Andreas , Glodic Pavle , Samartzis Peter C. , Rafn Hróðmarsson Helgi , Kvaran Ágúst
Published: March 2015

Velocity map imaging and REMPI of HBr reveal multiphoton excitation mechanisms and the involvement of the Rydberg state in valence state interactions.
SnCl4-catalyzed isomerization/dehydration of xylose and glucose to furanics in water
Authors: Enslow Kristopher R. , Bell Alexis T.
Published: March 2015

SnCl4 was found to isomerize and dehydrate xylose and glucose effectively to furanics in water, with selectivities of 85% and 69%, respectively.
Rhodium catalyzed one-step hydroamidation of cyclopentadiene and dicyclopentadiene
Authors: Behr Arno , Levikov Denys , Nürenberg Edward
Published: March 2015

The carboxylic acid amide group is of great importance in the contemporary chemical and pharmaceutical industries. A one-step rhodium catalyzed direct route from alkene to amide is presented via the hydroamidation reaction of cyclopentadiene and dicyclopentadiene.
Recent developments in alkene hydro-functionalisation promoted by homogeneous catalysts based on earth abundant elements: formation of C–N, C–O and C–P bond
Authors: Rodriguez-Ruiz Violeta , Carlino Romain , Bezzenine-Lafollée Sophie , Gil Richard , Prim Damien , Schulz Emmanuelle , Hannedouche Jérôme
Published: March 2015

This perspective provides an overview of the recent advancements in earth abundant element-based catalysts for alkene hydrofunctionalisation.
Advances in f-element cyanide chemistry
Authors: Berthet Jean-Claude , Thuéry Pierre , Ephritikhine Michel
Published: March 2015

By using the cyanide ligand, actinide compounds with unprecedented structures, UIII–CN vs. CeIII–NC and UIII–CN vs. UIV–NC coordination modes, and novel high-valent uranium complexes were revealed.
Metal production requirements for rapid photovoltaics deployment
Authors: Kavlak Goksin , McNerney James , Jaffe Robert L. , Trancik Jessika E.
Published: March 2015

To supply even a small share of electricity in 2030, several thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technologies, such as CdTe shown here, would require metal production growth rates that exceed those observed historically. In contrast, crystalline silicon could supply a majority electricity share without requiring unprecedented metal growth rates.
Supercritical CO2-philic nanoparticles suitable for determining the viability of carbon sequestration in shale
Authors: Xu Yisheng , Chen Lin , Zhao Yushi , Cathles Lawrence M. , Ober Christopher K.
Published: March 2015

scCO2soluble nanoparticles were successfully prepared as tracers to assess CO2sequestration and oil recovery.
Quantitative proteomic analyses of Schistosoma japonicum in response to artesunate
Authors: Kong QingMing , Tong QunBo , Lou Di , Ding JianZu , Zheng Bin , Chen Rui , Zhu Xiao , Chen XiaoHeng , Dong KeWei , Lu ShaoHong
Published: March 2015

We applied isobaric tagging reagents for relative and absolute quantification analyses to investigate the effect of artesunate on the proteome ofSchistosoma japonicumin susceptible mice.
Surface specific heats of metal nanocrystals at low temperatures
Authors: Lei Haile , Li Jun , Luo Jiangshan
Published: March 2015

In order to quantitatively explain the enhanced specific heat of metal nanocrystals measured from 4.2 K to 80 K, an analytical expression has been deduced to determine the surface specific heat in nanocrystals, which is proportional to T2.5 at low temperatures. The effectively spatial dimension of surfaces should be neither pure 2D nor 3D, but between 2D and 3D, due to the effect of atoms in the core of nanocrystals.
A novel domino cyclization for the stereoselective synthesis of indeno[2,1-c]pyran and cyclopenta[c]pyran derivatives
Authors: Subba Reddy B. V. , Prudhvi Raju N. , Someswarao B. , Mohan Reddy B. Jagan , Sridhar B. , Marumudi Kanakaraju , Kunwar A. C.
Published: March 2015

A domino cyclization of exo-methylenediol and aldehydes with 10 mol% BF3·OEt2 provides the indeno[2,1-c]pyran scaffolds in good yields.
Zinc diiodide-promoted synthesis of trisubstituted allenes from propargylic amines
Authors: Kuang Jinqiang , Tang Xinjun , Ma Shengming
Published: March 2015

Zinc diiodide has been identified as an effective reagent for the efficient synthesis of trisubstituted allenes from propargylic amines.
Influence of oxygen enriched hydrogen gas as a combustion catalyst in a DI diesel engine operating with varying injection time of a diesel fuel
Authors: Premkartikkumar S. R.
Published: March 2015

The addition of OEH gas in diesel combustion at the retarded injection time of diesel fuel enhances engine performance and reduces engine-out emissions.
Lewis acid catalyzed C-3 alkylidenecyclopentenylation of indoles: an easy access to functionalized indoles and bisindoles
Authors: Sarath Chand S. , Sasidhar B. S. , Prakash Praveen , Sasikumar P. , Preethanuj P. , Jaroschik Florian , Harakat Dominique , Vasse Jean-Luc , Radhakrishnan K. V.
Published: March 2015

A Lewis acid catalyzed C-3 alkylidenecyclopentenylation of indoles through the ring opening of pentafulvene derived diazabicyclic olefins has been developed toward the synthesis of indole and bisindole derivatives.
Pd-catalyzed desulfitative and denitrogenative Suzuki-type reaction of arylsulfonyl hydrazides
Authors: Zhong Shuangling , Sun Chenggang , Dou Sen , Liu Wencong
Published: March 2015

A Pd-catalyzed desulfitative–denitrogenative coupling of arylsulfonyl hydrazides and arylboronic acids with the assistance of catalytic ligands is described. The reaction showed very good selectivity and tolerated a wide range of functionalities.
Selective dehydration of sorbitol to 1,4-anhydro-d-sorbitol catalyzed by a polymer-supported acid catalyst
Authors: Xiu Yuhe , Chen Angjun , Liu Xuerui , Chen Chen , Chen Jizhong , Guo Li , Zhang Ran , Hou Zhenshan
Published: March 2015

Novel polymer-supported Brønsted acid polymer catalysts have been employed for highly selective dehydration of sorbitol to 1,4-anhydro-D-sorbitol.
Chromatographic method for pre-concentration and separation of Zn(ii) with microalgae and density functional optimization of the extracted species
Authors: Mandal Bhabatosh , Mondal Monalisha , Srivastava Bhavya , Barman Milan K. , Ghosh Chandan , Chatterjee Mousumi
Published: March 2015

Exploiting weak complexation (polysaccharides·[Zn(H2O)(OH)]+) at the algal surface, Zn(ii) in real samples is quantitatively retrieved using 0.005 M HNO3, a selective eluent.
Thermo-responsiveness and biocompatibility of star-shaped poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]-b-poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) grafted on a β-cyclodextrin core
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Shen Wei , Xiong Qingqing , Wang Hongwei , Zhou Zhimin , Chen Wenjuan , Zhang Qiqing
Published: March 2015

CDPDS star polymers exhibit tunable UCST behavior by varying arm density, solution pH and NaCl concentration, and can be good candidates used in biomedical relevant fields as well.
Engineering microtubular SnO2 architecture assembled by interconnected nanosheets for high lithium storage capacity
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Liu Bing , Cao Minhua
Published: March 2015

A self-sacrificing template method is developed to prepare hollow SnO2 microtubes assembled by interconnected nanosheets, which exhibited excellent lithium storage performance.
Hydrothermal synthesis of nanostructured flower-like Ni(OH)2particles and their excellent sensing performance towards low concentration HCN gas
Authors: Hu Mingzhen , He Junhui , Yang Mingqing , Hu Xiaochun , Yan Chunxiao , Cheng Zhenxing
Published: March 2015

Hierarchically structured Ni(OH)2particles with a well-defined flower-like morphology were synthesizedviaa hydrothermal route.
Liquid-crystalline fullerene-gold nanoparticles
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Tung , Albert Steeve , Nguyen Thi Le Anh , Deschenaux Robert
Published: March 2015

Liquid-crystalline [60]fullerene–gold nanoparticles were prepared by applying click chemistry. The materials display the smectic A phase and a good thermal stability.
Effect of various alkaline agents on the size and morphology of nano-sized HKUST-1 for CO2 adsorption
Authors: Xin Chunling , Zhan Haijuan , Huang Xin , Li Hongguang , Zhao Ning , Xiao Fukui , Wei Wei , Sun Yuhan
Published: March 2015

Two type of modulators, including sodium acetate and triethylamine were used to synthesize nanosized HKUST-1 crystals with tailored size and morphology using a coordination modulation method.
Enhanced therapeutic efficacy and cytotoxicity of doxorubicin-loaded vitamin E – Pluronic micelles against liver cancer
Authors: Li Y. J. , Dong M. , Kong F. M. , Zhou J. P.
Published: March 2015

In this study, a new polymeric micelle delivery system was developed to increase the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX) and to reduce its associated side effects.
Correction: Au@UiO-66: a base free oxidation catalyst
Authors: Leus K. , Concepcion P. , Vandichel M. , Meledina M. , Grirrane A. , Esquivel D. , Turner S. , Poelman D. , Waroquier M. , Van Speybroeck V. , Van Tendeloo G. , García H. , Van Der Voort P.
Published: March 2015

Correction for ‘Au@UiO-66: a base free oxidation catalyst’ by K. Leus et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 22334–22342.
Correction: Vertical sidewall electrodes monolithically integrated into 3D glass microfluidic chips using water-assisted femtosecond-laser fabrication for in situ control of electrotaxis
Authors: Xu Jian , Wu Dong , Ip Joanna Y. , Midorikawa Katsumi , Sugioka Koji
Published: March 2015

Correction for ‘Vertical sidewall electrodes monolithically integrated into 3D glass microfluidic chips using water-assisted femtosecond-laser fabrication for in situ control of electrotaxis’ by Jian Xu et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 24072–24080.
Self-assembly of luminescent N-annulated perylene tetraesters into fluid columnar phases
Authors: Gupta Ravindra Kumar , Pathak Suraj Kumar , Pradhan Balaram , Shankar Rao D. S. , Krishna Prasad S. , Achalkumar Ammathnadu S.
Published: March 2015

Luminescent columnar N-annulated perylene tetraesters.
15.76% efficiency perovskite solar cells prepared under high relative humidity: importance of PbI2 morphology in two-step deposition of CH3NH3PbI3
Authors: Ko Hyun-Seok , Lee Jin-Wook , Park Nam-Gyu
Published: March 2015

We report here an efficient method for preparing high efficiency CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells under high relative humidity, where the morphology of PbI2 was found to be of crucial importance.
Crown-ether functionalized fullerene as a solution-processable cathode buffer layer for high performance perovskite and polymer solar cells
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Jiao Weixiang , Lei Ming , Zhou Yi , Song Bo , Li Yongfang
Published: March 2015

A solution-processable PCBC cathode buffer layer improves the PCE of planar p–i–n perovskite solar cells based on CH3NH3PbI3−xClxto 15.08%.
Copper-Catalyzed γ-Cyanation of Aza-Baylis–Hillman Adducts Using Trimethylsilyl Cyanide
Authors: Yadav Lal , Yadav Arvind
Published: March 2015

A copper-catalyzed γ-cyanation of aza-Baylis–Hillman adducts via iminium ion formation adjacent to benzylic tertiary amines has been developed using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the external oxidant. The protocol involves in situ formation of 4π-conjugated iminium ion intermediates that undergo nucleophilic attack by cyanide to provide valuable γ-cyanated α,β-unsaturated amines.
Multi-dimensional coherent optical spectroscopy of semiconductor nanostructures: Collinear and non-collinear approaches
Authors: Nardin Gaël , Autry Travis M. , Moody Galan , Singh Rohan , Li Hebin , Cundiff Steven T.
Published: March 2015

We review our recent work on multi-dimensional coherent optical spectroscopy (MDCS) of semiconductor nanostructures. Two approaches, appropriate for the study of semiconductor materials, are presented and compared. A first method is based on a non-collinear geometry, where the Four-Wave-Mixing (FWM) signal is detected in the form of a radiated optical field. This approach works for samples with translational symmetry, such as Quantum Wells (QWs) or large and dense ensembles of Quantum Dots (QDs). A second method detects the FWM in the form of a photocurrent in a collinear geometry. This second approach extends the horizon of MDCS to sub-diffraction nanostructures, such as single QDs, nanowires, or nanotubes, and small ensembles thereof. Examples of experimental results obtained on semiconductor QW structures are given for each method. In particular, it is shown how MDCS can assess coupling between excitons confined in separated QWs.
Defect state passivation at III-V oxide interfaces for complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor devices
Authors: Robertson J. , Guo Y. , Lin L.
Published: March 2015

The paper describes the reasons for the greater difficulty in the passivation of interface defects of III–V semiconductors like GaAs. These include the more complex reconstructions of the starting surface which already possess defect configurations, the possibility of injecting As antisites into the substrate which give rise to gap states, and the need to avoid As-As bonds and As dangling bonds which give rise to gap states. The nature of likely defect configurations in terms of their electronic structure is described. The benefits of diffusion barriers and surface nitridation are discussed.
Semiconductors: A pillar of pure and applied physics
Authors: Chelikowsky James R. , Cohen Marvin L.
Published: March 2015

We give an overview of the central role semiconductor research that has played in basic, applied, and computational science. Our focus is on basic science. However, we will make general comments about applications, such as the transistor, integrated circuits, solar devices, and lasers, which evolved from basic research, and about simulations using computational science, which has enormously benefited from semiconductor research. We will make reference to links with other branches of physics and more generally other areas of science and fields like electrical engineering, computer science, material science, medical science, and chemistry that have made significant contributions to our everyday life.