Effects of Different Extraction Methods on the Gelatinization and Retrogradation Properties of Highland Barley Starch

The purpose of this study was to compare the gelatinization and retrogradation properties of highland barley starch (HBS) using different extraction methods. We obtained HBS by three methods, including alkali extraction (A-HBS), ultrasound extraction (U-HBS) and enzyme extraction (E-HBS). An investigation was carried out using a rapid viscosity analyzer (RVA), texture profile analysis (TPA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). It is shown that the different extraction methods did not change the crystalline type of HBS. E-HBS had the lowest damaged starch content and highest relative crystallinity value (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, A-HBS had the highest peak viscosity, indicating the best water absorption (p < 0.05). Moreover, E-HBS had not only higher G′ and G″ values, but also the highest gel hardness value, reflecting its strong gel structure (p < 0.05). These results confirmed that E-HBS provided better pasting stability and rheological properties, while U-HBS provides benefits of reducing starch retrogradation.     

Recent Progress in Identifying Bacteria with Fluorescent Probes

The development of new techniques to rapidly and accurately detect bacteria has drawn continuous attention due to the potential threats posed by bacteria to human health and safety. Recently, a novel strategy based on fluorescent probes has drawn considerable interest for the detection of bacteria due to its high selectivity, fast response, and simple operation. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on fluorescent probes for the specific recognition and discrimination of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In particular, we outline current design strategies, such as targeting of the differences in surface components, cell wall components, endogenous enzymes, surface charge, and hydrophobicity of various kinds of bacteria to develop various fluorescent sensors (organic small-molecule fluorescent probes, nanoprobes, and metal ion probes). We also emphasize the application of organic molecules in probe recognition elements. We hope that this review can stimulate this research area in bacterial detection and imaging in the future.     

Endoscopic, rapid near-infrared optical tomography

This is believed to be the first demonstration of near-infrared (NIR) optical tomography employed at the endoscope scale and at a rapid sampling speed that allows translation to in vivo use. A spread-spectral-encoding technique based on a broadband light source and linear-to-circular fiber bundling was used to provide endoscopic probing of many source-detector fibers for tomography as well as parallel sampling of all source-detector pairs for rapid imaging. Endoscopic NIR tomography at an 8 Hz frame rate was achieved in phantoms and tissue specimens with a 12 mm probe housing eight sources and eight detectors. This novel approach provides the key feasibility studies to allow this blood-based contrast imaging technology to be attempted in detection of cancer in internal organs via endoscopic interrogation.     

可控合成具有氧化还原分区的Au-TiO2纳米哑铃光催化剂（英文）

太阳能因其环保清洁和来源丰富的特性被认为是最理想的资源之一.而光催化水分解是将太阳能转化为化学能的众多转换技术中,使用最广泛的策略之一.但H2和O2的逆反应显著降低了光催化水分解的效率,并且在实际应用中需要高昂的气体分离成本.因此,找到一种既可实现光催化有效水分解,同时抑制逆反应的策略具有十分重要的意义.到目前为止,为了实现光生电荷的有效分离,构建一维(1D)异质纳米结构光催化剂,被认为是抑制逆反应最有效的策略之一.其中哑铃状纳米结构,如Au-SiO2,Au-Fe3O4,Cu1.94S-CuS,Au-PbS(PbSe),Cu-Ag,Ag-Fe3O4,在促进光生电荷有效分离方面具有很大优势.但关于上述哑铃状纳米结构材料合成条件相对复杂,生长机理尚不清楚.对此,我们通过一种简便的合成策略制备了Au纳米棒/TiO2纳米哑铃结构光催化剂(Au NRs/TiO2 NDs).TiO2纳米颗粒(NP)仅包裹在Au NRs的两端.由于其独特的结构,可以实现电子空穴的定向分离,并减少它们在光照射下的复合,从而显著地提高电荷分离效率.同时,形成了氧化和还原反应的空间分离区域,从而有效地抑制了逆反应.通过SEM,XRD,和UV-Vis研究了可控合成哑铃状结构形态的关键因素.发现反应温度和酸度对Au NRs末端TiO2的包裹量有显著影响.基于此,我们提出了Au NRs/TiO2 NDs结构光催化剂的合成机理.并且通过改变加入的NaHCO3含量精准调节TiO2在Au NRs两端的包覆量,从而逐步提高Au NRs/TiO2 NDs光催化剂的产氢活性.在不断优化条件下,H2产率可达60264μmol/g/h,大约是报道的Au/TiO2光催化剂6倍.而电化学测试结果显示,在UV光照射下,Au NRs末端TiO2的包裹量越大,光电流相应越大.进一步证明光生电子定向从TiO2注入到Au NRs中,发生还原反应,而空穴留在TiO2上,发生氧化反应,从而实现氧化还原反应的分区.     

RETRACTED: Asymmetric synthesis of highly enantioenriched 2-substituted piperidines and 6-substituted piperidine-2-ones by a combination enantioselective hydrazone allylation with ring closing metathesis

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy).This article has been retracted at the request of the corresponding author. The corresponding author prepared a series of cinchonine derivatives and found that the structure of PCA, which was a major compound, was mistakenly assigned. The synthetic routes, physical and spectroscopic data for the products are valid. As a result the corresponding author withdraws this publication.     

Catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation in a room temperature ionic liquid using chiral Rh-complex of ionic liquid grafted 1,4-bisphosphine ligand

Introduction of imidazolium ionic liquid pattern to the catalyst not only avoided catalyst leaching but also increased the stability of catalyst in ionic liquid, and thus, the Rh-complex of 1,4-bisphosphine bearing two imidazolium salt moieties was successfully immobilized in an ionic liquid and reused several times for the hydrogenation of an enamide without significant loss of catalytic efficiency.     

长链不饱和脂肪酸甲酯的臭氧化反应

长链不饱和脂肪酸甲酯的臭氧化反应;选择性     

Prebiotic Impacts of Soybean Residue (Okara) on Eubiosis/Dysbiosis Condition of the Gut and the Possible Effects on Liver and Kidney Functions

Okara is a white-yellow fibrous residue consisting of the insoluble fraction of the soybean seeds remaining after extraction of the aqueous fraction during the production of tofu and soymilk, and is generally considered a waste product. It is packed with a significant number of proteins, isoflavones, soluble and insoluble fibers, soyasaponins, and other mineral elements, which are all attributed with health merits. With the increasing production of soy beverages, huge quantities of this by-product are produced annually, which poses significant disposal problems and financial issues for producers. Extensive studies have been done on the biological activities, nutritional values, and chemical composition of okara as well as its potential utilization. Owing to its peculiar rich fiber composition and low cost of production, okara might be potentially useful in the food industry as a functional ingredient or good raw material and could be used as a dietary supplement to prevent varied ailments such as prevention of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, as well as to stimulate the growth of intestinal microbes and production of microbe-derived metabolites (xenometabolites), since gut dysbiosis (imbalanced microbiota) has been implicated in the progression of several complex diseases. This review seeks to compile scientific research on the bioactive compounds in soybean residue (okara) and discuss the possible prebiotic impact of this fiber-rich residue as a functional diet on eubiosis/dysbiosis condition of the gut, as well as the consequential influence on liver and kidney functions, to facilitate a detailed knowledge base for further exploration, implementation, and development.     

Synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of T-shaped dimesogenic compounds

Two series of new dimesogenic liquid crystalline compounds were synthesized and their LC and other thermal properties were characterized. These compounds consist of two mesogenic units connected through polymethylene spacer of varying length in the shape of the letter ‘T’. The difference between the two series is in the structure of tail groups attached on the pendant azobenzene mesogens; one of which is n-butyl and the other is phenyl. The compounds were characterized for their liquid crystallinity by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometry and visual observation of the melts on a hot-stage attached to a polarizing microscope. All these compounds were found to form only the nematic phase enantiotropically.