Recognizing Hybrid/Mixed G-quadruplex in Human Telomeres by Using a Cyanine Dye Supramolecule with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

Single‐stranded telomeric DNA tends to form a four‐base‐paired planar structure termed G‐quadruplex. Although kinds of G‐quadruplex structures in vitro have been documented in the presence of potassium or sodium, recognition of these DNA motifs (both in vitro and in vivo) is still an important issue in understanding the biological function of the G‐quadruplex structures in telomeres as well as developing anticancer agents. Herein we address this important question through the distinctive properties of a supramolecular system of cyanine dye 3,3′‐di(3‐sulfopropyl)‐4,5,4′,5′‐dibenzo‐9‐methyl‐thiacarbocyanine triethylammonium salt (MTC) upon binding to different DNA motifs. Interaction of MTC with hybrid/mixed G‐quadruplex results in a set of unique spectrophotometric signatures which are completely different from those arising from binding to other DNA motifs. Furthermore, such feature could be extended to map the locations of DNAs on interface. Linear duplex and mixed G‐quadruplex in human telomeres assembled on Au film and stained by MTC were directly recognized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). All results suggested that MTC supramolecular system may be a good probe of specific G‐quadruplex structure.     

Distribution of plutonium isotopes in sediments of Melanesian Basin,Central Pacific

The anthropogenic plutonium isotopes are important geochemical tracers for environmental studies. The distributions and sources of the Pu isotopes in water column or sediments of the North Pacific have been intensively studied. However, knowledge on the distribution of Pu isotopes in sediments of the Central Pacific, when available, is limited. To study the composition of Pu isotopes in the ocean, thus to identify the sources of radioactive pollution, sediment core samples were collected in the Central Pacific by R/V Hakuho Maru in the KH-04-5 cruise. The activity concentrations of ^239+240Pu and the ²⁴⁰Pu/²³⁹Pu atom ratio were determined using a sector-field inductively coupled mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS) combined with a high efficiency sample introduction system (APEX-Q). Possible sources and sedimentation behavior of Pu isotopes are discussed.     

Physico-chemical characteristics and lead biosorption properties of Enteromorpha prolifera

Biosorption of lead ions onto Enteromorpha prolifera has been investigated. The physico-chemical properties of the biosorbent were characterized by thermal stability, zeta potential, and Boehm titration methods. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to examine the effect of various parameters such as initial pH, particle size, adsorbent dosage, ionic strength, time, and temperature on biosorption. The kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process was very fast and equilibrium was reached after about 60 min of contact. The pseudo-first-order Lagergren equation, pseudo second-order rate equation, and second-order rate equation were used to describe the kinetic adsorption process. Thermodynamic parameters were determined at three different temperatures. The negative values of free energy change indicated the spontaneous nature of adsorption process.     

On weak solution to the steady compressible flow of nematic liquid crystals

In this paper, we study the three‐dimensional‐simplified Ericksen‐Leslie system for the steady compressible flow of nematic liquid crystals in a bounded domain. It is proved that the existence of a weak solution for the adiabatic exponent γ > 1 provided the initial direction field in the upper hemisphere.     

Carbon Nanotube‐Enhanced Polarization of Fluorescent Peptides: A Novel Amplification Strategy for Homogeneous Detection of Proteases

A new fluorescence polarization (FP) amplification strategy based on the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the FP enhancer was developed for the simple, sensitive, and universal monitoring of protease activity in homogeneous solution. A fluorophore‐labeled peptide that includes a protease‐cleavable element and ten histidine residues for binding MWCNTs is adsorbed on MWCNTs through strong π–π stacking and electrostatic interactions. When the fluorophore‐labeled peptide/MWCNT complexes are exposed to a protease target, specific peptide cleavage by the protease target occurs, thus releasing fragments carrying the fluorophore from the surface of MWCNTs, which in turn results in a significant decrease in the FP value. The detection limits of this assay for two proteases, thrombin and chymotrypsin (CTP), were estimated to be 0.5 pM and 0.3 pM , respectively. In addition, it is also demonstrated that this MWCNT‐enhanced FP assay is suitable for protease inhibitor screening.     

On toughness and (g, f)-factors in bipartite graphs

Let G be a bipartite graph andg and f be two positive integer-valued functions defined on vertex setV(G) ofG such thatg(x) ≤ f(x) for anyx ? V(G). In this paper, a new isolated toughness ofG is defined and some sufficient conditions related to the new toughness forG to have (g,f )-factors are obtained. Furthermore, these results are proved to be sharp in some sense.     

Aromatization of Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridines and 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazolines with HIO3 and I2O5 in water

Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridines and 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazolines were converted to the corresponding pyridines and pyrazoles efficiently by the treatment of a catalytic amount of HIO₃ or I₂O₅ in water.     

结晶动力学策略在非富勒烯体系太阳能电池形貌调控领域的应用

非富勒烯体系太阳能电池具有吸收范围宽、半透明及可大面积溶液加工等优势,已在清洁能源领域占据重要地位。在高性能材料开发、活性层形貌及器件工艺优化的推动下,器件能量转换效率已经突破19%。非富勒烯体系太阳能电池的基本结构包括阴极、阳极、相应的界面层及活性层,其中活性层形貌对器件性能有着重要影响。然而,由于活性层中给体与受体分子均为半晶性分子,在成膜过程中两者结晶存在竞争耦合;此外,活性层的结晶和相分离往往同时发生,导致形貌可控性差。针对上述问题,本专论系统总结了通过控制共混体系结晶动力学,精细调控活性层形貌的相关进展,详细介绍了共混体系中分子扩散速率、成核与晶粒生长相对速率、结晶顺序等动力学行为对活性层相分离结构、相区尺寸、结晶度及分子取向等的影响,建立了活性层多层次结构与器件光物理过程间的构效关系,为制备高性能有机太阳能电池器件奠定了基础。     

Investigation on the interaction between a heterocyclic aminal derivative, SBDC, and human serum albumin

The interaction between a novel promising drug (spiro[(2R,3R,4S)-4-benzyloxy-2,3-isopropylidene-dioxy-1-oxa-cyclopentane-5,5′-(2-benzoylmethylene-1,3-diaza-cyclohexane)] (SBDC)) and human serum albumin (HSA) under physiological conditions has been investigated by using fluorescence, absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic techniques in combination with protein–ligand docking study. It was observed that SBDC has a strong ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA through a static quenching procedure. The association constants of SBDC with HSA were determined at different temperatures based on fluorescence quenching results. The negative ΔH and positive ΔS values in case of SBDC–HSA complex showed that apart from an initial hydrophobic association, both van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding play a vital role in the binding of SBDC to HSA. The quantitative analysis data of CD spectra showed that the binding of SBDC to HSA induced conformational changes in HSA and the α-helix of 52.1% in free HSA increased to 55.7% in HSA–SBDC complex. The distance between donor (HSA) and acceptor (SBDC) was obtained according to the Förster's theory of non-radiation energy transfer. Data obtained by spectroscopic techniques and protein–ligand docking study suggested that SBDC binds to residues located in subdomain IIA of HSA.     

Amperometric nonenzymatic determination of glucose via a glassy carbon electrode modified with nickel hydroxide and N-doped reduced graphene oxide

The authors describe a nonenzymatic glucose sensor that was obtained by electrochemical deposition and oxidization of metallic nickel on the surface of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-RGO) placed on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). An analysis of the morphology and chemical structure indicated the composite to possess a well-defined vermicular Ni(OH)₂ nanorods combined with N-RGO. The electrochemical performance of the modified GCE with respect to the detection of glucose in 0.1 M NaOH was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The wrinkle and protuberance of N-RGO for loading of nanostructured Ni(OH)₂ are found to increase electrical conductivity, surface area, electrocatalytical activity and stability. The modified GCE displays a high electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of glucose in 0.1 M NaOH solution. The lower detection limit is 0.12 μM at an applied potential of +0.45 V (vs Ag/AgCl) (S/N=3), and the sensitivity is 3214 μA mM^?1 cm^?2. The modified GCE possesses long-term stability, good reproducibility and high selectivity over fructose, sucrose and lactose.

Open image in new window

Graphical abstract The composite of vermicular Ni(OH)₂ nanorods combined with N-doped reduced graphene oxide is a viable catalyst for non-enzymatic electrochemical sensing of glucose.