Abstract: Recently penta-graphene was proposed as a stable two-dimensional carbon allotrope consisting of a single layer of interconnected carbon pentagons [Zhang et al., PNAS, 2015, 112, 2372]. Its silicon counterpart, penta-silicene, however, is not stable. In this work, we show that multilayers of penta-silicene form stable materials with semiconducting or metallic properties, depending on the stacking mode. We demonstrate their dynamic stability through their phonon spectrum and using molecular dynamics. A particular type of bilayer penta-silicene is found to have lower energy than all of the known hexagonal silicene bilayers and forms therefore the most stable bilayer silicon material predicted so far. The electronic and mechanical properties of these new silicon allotropes are studied in detail and their behavior under strain is investigated. We demonstrate that strain can be used to tune its band gap.

Abstract: Urban green works as a recorder of atmospheric PM. This paper reports on the utility of combining magnetic- and particle-based techniques to investigate PM leaf deposition as a bio-indicator of metal pollution. Ivy (Hedera helix) leaves were collected from five different land use classes, i.e. forest, rural, roadside, industrial, train. Leaf magnetic measurements were done in terms of saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (leaf SIRM), while ca. 40,000 leaf-deposited particles were analyzed through SEM/EDX to estimate the elemental composition. The influence of the different land use classes was registered both magnetically and in terms of metal content. Leaf area-normalized SIRM values ranged from 19.9 to 444.0 μA, in the following order forest < rural < roadside < industrial < train. Leaf SIRM showed to be significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with the content in Fe, Zn, and Pb, followed by Mn and Cd (p < 0.05), while no significant correlation was found with the metals Cr and Cu. Although presenting a similar metal content, roadside and train were magnetically very distinct. By exhibiting a very high content in Pb, and with an Fe content being comparable to the one observed at the forest and rural land uses, the industrial leaf-deposited particles showed to be mainly due to industrial activity. While SEM/EDX is a suitable approach for detailed particle analysis, leaf SIRM of ivy can be used as a rapid discriminatory tool for metal pollution. Their complementary use delivers further knowledge on land use classes reflecting different PM conditions and/or sources.

Abstract: In this work an aptamer-based biosensor is combined with a multisine electrochemical impedance spectroscopy sensing methodology into a novel and promising biosensing strategy. Employing a multisine instead of a traditional single sine measuring method allows the detection and quantification of parameters that provide information about the accuracy and reliability of the results, such as noise and distortions. This does not only lead to a shorter measurement time, but it also enables an easy and fast evaluation of the quality of the data and fitting, leading to more accurate results.

Abstract: A weakly coupled system of two crossed graphene nanoribbons exhibits direct tunneling due to the overlap of the wavefunctions of both ribbons. We apply the Bardeen transfer Hamiltonian formalism, using atomistic band structure calculations to account for the effect of the atomic structure on the tunneling process. The strong quantum-size confinement of the nanoribbons is mirrored by the one-dimensional character of the electronic structure, resulting in properties that differ significantly from the case of inter-layer tunneling, where tunneling occurs between bulk two-dimensional graphene sheets. The current-voltage characteristics of the inter-ribbon tunneling structures exhibit resonance, as well as stepwise increases in current. Both features are caused by the energetic alignment of one-dimensional peaks in the density-of-states of the ribbons. Resonant tunneling occurs if the sign of the curvature of the coupled energy bands is equal, whereas a step-like increase in the current occurs if the signs are opposite. Changing the doping modulates the onset-voltage of the effects as well as their magnitude. Doping through electrostatic gating makes these structures promising for application towards steep slope switching devices. Using the atomistic empirical pseudopotentials based Bardeen transfer Hamiltonian method, inter-ribbon tunneling can be studied for the whole range of two-dimensional materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides. The effects of resonance and of step-like increases in the current we observe in graphene ribbons are also expected in ribbons made from these alternative two-dimensional materials, because these effects are manifestations of the one-dimensional character of the density-of-states. Published by AIP Publishing.

Abstract: An overview is given of recent advances in experimental and theoretical understanding of optical properties of ultra-thin crystal structures (graphene, phosphorene, silicene, MoS2 , MoSe2, WS2, WSe2, h-AlN, h-BN, fluorographene, and graphane). Ultra-thin crystals are atomically thick-layered crystals that have unique properties which differ from their 3D counterpart. Because of the difficulties in the synthesis of few-atom-thick crystal structures, which are thought to be the main building blocks of future nanotechnology, reliable theoretical predictions of their electronic, vibrational, and optical properties are of great importance. Recent studies revealed the reliable predictive power of existing theoretical approaches based on density functional theory. (C) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2016, 6:351-368. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1252 For further resources related to this article, please visit the .

Abstract: Strain engineering is an effective way to tune the intrinsic properties of a material. Here, we show by using first-principles calculations that both uniaxial and biaxial tensile strain applied to monolayer TiS3 are able to significantly modify its intrinsic mobility. From the elastic modulus and the phonon dispersion relation we determine the tensile strain range where structure dynamical stability of the monolayer is guaranteed. Within this region, we find more than one order of enhancement of the acoustic phonon limited mobility at 300 K (100 K), i.e. from 1.71 x 10(4) (5.13 x 10(4)) cm(2) V-1 s(-1) to 5.53 x 10(6) (1.66 x 10(6)) cm(2) V-1 s(-1). The degree of anisotropy in both mobility and effective mass can be tuned by using tensile strain. Furthermore, we can either increase or decrease the band gap of TiS3 monolayer by applying strain along different crystal directions. This property allows us to use TiS3 not only in electronic but also in optical applications.

Abstract: In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. B 89, 125418 (2014)], the authors argue that it is possible to map the electronic properties of twisted bilayer graphene to those of bilayer graphene in an in-plane magnetic field. However, their description of the low-energy dynamics of twisted bilayer graphene is restricted to the extended zone scheme and therefore neglects the effects of the superperiodic structure. If the energy spectrum is studied in the supercell Brillouin zone, we find that the comparison with an in-plane magnetic field fails because (i) the energy spectra of the two situations exhibit different symmetries and (ii) the low-energy spectra are very different.

Abstract: There is an urgent need to secure global supplies in safe water and proteinaceous food in an eco-sustainable manner, as manifested from tensions in the nexus Nutrients-Energy-Water-Environment-Land. This paper is concept based and provides solutions based on resource recovery from municipal and industrial wastewater and from manure. A set of decisive factors is reviewed facilitating an attractive business case. Our key message is that a robust barrier must clear the recovered product from its original status. Besides refined inorganic fertilizers, a central role for five types of microbial protein is proposed. A resource cycling solution for the extremely confined environment of space habitation should serve as an incentive to assimilate a new user mindset. To achieve the ambitious goal of sustainable food security, the solutions suggested here need a broad implementation, hand in hand with minimizing losses along the entire fertilizer-feed-food-fork chain. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract: Although CO2 conversion by plasma technology is gaining increasing interest, the
underlying mechanisms for an energy-efficient process are still far from understood. In this work, a reduced non-equilibrium CO2 plasma chemistry set, based on level lumping of the vibrational levels, is proposed and the reliability of this level-lumping method is tested by a self-consistent zero-dimensional code. A severe reduction of the number of equations to be solved is achieved, which is crucial to be able to model non-equilibrium CO2 plasmas by 2-dimensional models. Typical conditions of pressure and power used in a microwave plasma for CO2 conversion are investigated. Several different sets, using different numbers of lumped groups, are considered. The lumped models with 1, 2 or 3 groups are able to reproduce the gas temperature, electron density and electron temperature profiles, as calculated by the full model treating all individual excited levels, in the entire pressure range investigated. Furthermore, a 3-groups model is also able to reproduce the shape of the vibrational distribution function (VDF) and gives the most reliable prediction of the CO2 conversion. A strong influence of the vibrational excitation on the plasma characteristics is observed. Finally, the limitations of the lumped-levels method are discussed.

Abstract: The true function of neuroglobin (Ngb) and, particularly, human Ngb (NGB) has been under debate since its discovery 15 years ago. It has been expected to play a role in oxygen binding/supply, but a variety of other functions have been put forward, including NO dioxygenase activity. However, in vitro studies that could unravel these potential roles have been hampered by the lack of an Ngb-specific reductase. In this work, we used electrochemical measurements to investigate the role of an intermittent internal disulfide bridge in determining NO oxidation kinetics at physiological NO concentrations. The use of a polarized electrode to efficiently interconvert the ferric (Fe3+) and ferrous (Fe2+) forms of an immobilized NGB showed that the disulfide bridge both defines the kinetics of NO dioxygenase activity and regulates appearance of the free ferrous deoxy-NGB, which is the redox active form of the protein in contrast to oxy-NGB. Our studies further identified a role for the distal histidine, interacting with the hexacoordinated iron atom of the heme, in oxidation kinetics. These findings may be relevant in vivo, for example in blocking apoptosis by reduction of ferric cytochrome c, and gentle tuning of NO concentration in the tissues.

Abstract: Drought is regarded as a slow-onset natural disaster that causes inevitable damage to water resources and to farm life. Currently, crisis management is the basis of drought mitigation plans, however, thus far studies indicate that effective drought management strategies are based on risk management. As a primary tool in mitigating the impact of drought, vulnerability assessment can be used as a benchmark in drought mitigation plans and to enhance farmers ability to cope with drought. Moreover, literature pertaining to drought has focused extensively on its impact, only awarding limited attention to vulnerability assessment as a tool. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for designing a vulnerability model in order to assess farmers level of vulnerability before, during and after the onset of drought. Use of this developed drought vulnerability model would aid disaster relief workers by enhancing the adaptive capacity of farmers when facing the impacts of drought. The paper starts with the definition of vulnerability and outlines different frameworks on vulnerability developed thus far. It then identifies various approaches of vulnerability assessment and finally offers the most appropriate model. The paper concludes that the introduced model can guide drought mitigation programs in countries that are impacted the most by drought.

Abstract: Pb2MnTeO6, a new double perovskite, was synthesized. Its crystal structure was determined by synchrotron X-ray and powder neutron diffraction. Pb2MnTeO6 is monoclinic (I2/m) at room temperature with a regular arrangement of all the cations in their polyhedra. However, when the temperature is lowered to similar to 120 K it undergoes a phase transition from I2/m to C2/c structure. This transition is accompanied by a displacement of the Pb atoms from the center of their polyhedra due to the 6s2 lone-pair electrons, together with a surprising off-centering of Mn2+ (d5) magnetic cations. This strong first-order phase transition is also evidenced by specific heat, dielectric, Raman, and infrared spectroscopy measurements. The magnetic characterizations indicate an anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) order below TN approximate to 20 K; analysis of powder neutron diffraction data confirms the magnetic structure with propagation vector k = (0 1 0) and collinear AFM spins. The observed jump in dielectric permittivity near similar to 150 K implies possible anti-ferroelectric behavior; however, the absence of switching suggests that Pb2MnTeO6 can only be antipolar. First-principle calculations confirmed that the crystal and magnetic structures determined are locally stable and that anti-ferroelectric switching is unlikely to be observed in Pb2MnTeO6.

Abstract: Graphene’s remarkable electronic properties have fuelled the vision of a graphene-based platform for lighter, faster and smarter electronics and computing applications. One of the challenges is to devise ways to tailor graphene’s electronic properties and to control its charge carriers. Here we show that a single-atom vacancy in graphene can stably host a local charge and that this charge can be gradually built up by applying voltage pulses with the tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope. The response of the conduction electrons in graphene to the local charge is monitored with scanning tunnelling and Landau level spectroscopy, and compared to numerical simulations. As the charge is increased, its interaction with the conduction electrons undergoes a transition into a supercritical regime where itinerant electrons are trapped in a sequence of quasi-bound states which resemble an artificial atom. The quasi-bound electron states are detected by a strong enhancement of the density of states within a disc centred on the vacancy site which is surrounded by halo of hole states. We further show that the quasi-bound states at the vacancy site are gate tunable and that the trapping mechanism can be turned on and off, providing a mechanism to control and guide electrons in graphene.

Abstract: Diamond is a promising material for a number of bio-applications, including the fabrication of platforms for attachment and investigation of neurons and of neuroprostheses, such as retinal implants. In the current work ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films were deposited by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition, modified by UV/O-3 treatment or NH3 plasma, and comprehensively characterized with respect to their bulk and surface properties, such as crystallinity, topography, composition and chemical bonding nature. The interactions of insect circadian pacemaker neurons with UNCD surfaces with H-, O- and NH2-terminations were investigated with respect to cell density and viability. The fast and strong attachment achieved without application of adhesion proteins allowed for advantageous modification of dispersion protocols for the preparation of primary cell cultures. Centrifugation steps, which are employed for pelletizing dispersed cells to separate them from dispersing enzymes, easily damage neurons. Now centrifugation can be avoided since dispersed neurons quickly and strongly attach to the UNCD surfaces. Enzyme solutions can be easily washed off without losing many of the dispersed cells. No adverse effects on the cell viability and physiological responses were observed as revealed by calcium imaging. Furthermore, the enhanced attachment of the neurons, especially on the modified UNCD surfaces, was especially advantageous for the immunocytochemical procedures with the cell cultures. The cell losses during washing steps were significantly reduced by one order of magnitude in comparison to controls. In addition, the integration of a titanium grid structure under the UNCD films allowed for individual assignment of physiologically characterized neurons to immunocytochemically stained cells. Thus, employing UNCD surfaces free of foreign proteins improves cell culture protocols and immunocytochemistry with cultured cells. The fast and strong attachment of neurons was attributed to a favorable combination of topography, surface chemistry and wettability. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract: The structural and mechanical properties of N-doped graphene (NG) are investigated using reactive force field (ReaxFF) potentials in large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. We found that ripples, which are induced by the dopants, change the roughness of NG, which depends on the number of dopants and their local arrangement. For any doping ratio N/C, the NG becomes ferroelectric with a net dipole moment. The formation energy increases nonlinearly with N/C ratio, while the Young's modulus, tensile strength, and intrinsic strain decrease with the number of dopants. Our results for the structural deformation and the thermoelectricity of the NG sheet are in good agreement with recent experiments and ab initio calculations.