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While metal phosphides have begun to attract attention as electrocatalysts, they remain underutilized in the field of liquid-phase molecular transformations. Herein, we describe a supported cobalt phosphide nanoalloy (nano-Co2P) that functions as a highly efficient, reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of furfural derivatives. The carbonyl moieties of several furfural derivatives were selectively hydrogenated to produce the desired products in high yields. In contrast to conventional nonprecious metal catalysts, nano-Co2P uniquely exhibited air stability, which enabled easy and safe handling and precluded the need for H2 pretreatment. Infrared and density functional theory studies revealed that the highly efficient hydrogenation is due to the favorable activation of the carbonyl moiety of furfural derivatives through the backdonation to its π* orbital from the Co d-electrons.

Lactobacillus brevis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were completely sterilized by the supercritical (SC) CO2 micro-bubble method. Gaseous (G) and liquid (LQ) CO2 were used in a similar manner to compare the sterilizing effect. Among the three treatments, the microorganisms were only effectively sterilized by the SC CO2 treatment at 25 MPa and 35 degrees C.

The application of microbubbles of pressured CO 2 greatly increased CO 2 concentration in the solution treated. By treatment at 6 MPa, 35ЊC and average residence time 15 min, L. brevis was completely inactivated at the level of dissolved CO 2 , ␥ м11 (␥, Kuenen's gas absorption coefficient). E. coli and S. cerevisiae required ␥ м 17, and T. versatilis required ␥ м 21 for complete inactivation. Z. rouxii could be sterilized at 20 MPa and 26. A comparison of the continuous and batch method showed that L. brevis was inactivated completely under pressured CO 2 Ͼ0.16 g/ cm 3 with the continuous method and Ͼ0.9 g/cm 3 with the batch method.

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Besides being a useful building material, bamboo also is a potential source of bioactive substances. Although some studies have been performed to examine its use in terms of the biological activity, only certain parts of bamboo, especially the leaves or shoots, have been studied. Comprehensive and comparative studies among different parts of bamboo would contribute to a better understanding and application of this knowledge. In this study, the biological activities of ethanol and water extracts from the leaves, branches, outer culm, inner culm, knots, rhizomes and roots of Phyllostachys pubescens, the major OPEN ACCESSMolecules 2014, 19 8239 species of bamboo in Japan, were comparatively evaluated. The phytochemical profiles of these extracts were tentatively determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The results showed that extracts from different parts of bamboo had different chemical compositions and different antioxidative, antibacterial and antiallergic activities, as well as on on melanin biosynthesis. Outer culm and inner culm were found to be the most important sources of active compounds. 8-C-Glucosylapigenin, luteolin derivatives and chlorogenic acid were the most probable compounds responsible for the anti-allergy activity of these bamboo extracts. Our study suggests the potential use of bamboo as a functional ingredient in cosmetics or other health-related products.

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