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In order to study the dominant seepage channel of the third member of Weizhou formation (Ew3) in Weizhou 12-X oilfield, Weixinan Sag, Beibu Gulf Basin, and tap the potential of remaining oil. The distribution and causes of the anomalously high permeability zones in Weizhou Formation were studied by using conventional core physical property analysis, scanning electron microscope, laser particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction and thin section microscopic identification. As the results show, vertically,there are three anomalously high permeability zones in the A11, A12 and A21 micro-stage of the middle diagenetic stage, with the depth range of 2300 m ~ 2400 m, 2400 m ~ 2600 m, 2600 m ~ 2900 m respectively. Grain size, sorting, dissolution and early emplacement of hydrocarbons are the main causes of anomalously high permeability zones. Although both grain size and sorting affect porosity and permeability, the effect of grain size on permeability is stronger than sorting, and sorting has a stronger effect on porosity than grain size. Magmatic hydrothermal and organic acid promote dissolution and concomitant porosity and permeability increase by dissolving unstable minerals. The early emplacement of hydrocarbons retard the cementation and accompanying porosity and permeability reduction by reducing the water-rock ratio. Finally, sandstone reservoirs in the Ew3 are characterized by anomalously high permeability zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a powerful structure determination technique that is well-suited to the study of protein and polymer self-assembly in solution. In contrast to conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation, which often times involves drying and staining, the frozen-hydrated sample preparation allows the specimens to be kept and imaged in a state closest to their native one. Here, we give a short overview of the basic principles of Cryo-EM and review our results on applying it to the study of different protein and polymer self-assembled nanostructures. More specifically, we show how we have applied cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to visualize the internal morphology of self-assembled poly(ionic liquid) nanoparticles and cryo-EM single particle analysis (SPA) to determine the three-dimensional (3D) structures of artificial protein microtubules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate prediction of sandstone permeability from variables such as porosity, composition, and texture is one of the major problems in petroleum geology. However, the application of geological variables related to diagenesis in permeability prediction models is relatively rare, especially the anomalous variations of clay content and type. This study investigates the differential control of sedimentation and diagenesis on permeability using a comprehensive analysis of cores, thin sections, routine core analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy from sandstone samples in the third member of the Weizhou Formation (E w 3), Weizhou 12-X oilfield, Weixinan Sag, Beibu Gulf Basin, China. An innovative sandstone reservoir permeability prediction model is proposed by introducing the clay factor β confining the effect of clay minerals on permeability, predicting the spatial distribution of diagenetic index (I D) using the Diagenetic Modeling System (DMS), and improving the Walderhaug permeability prediction model. The permeability of the well evaluated in the study was predicted with the relative and absolute errors changing from 0.01 mD to 192.65 mD and from 0.00 to 1.00, with an average values of 38.6 mD and 0.33, respectively, based on the sandstone reservoir permeability prediction model in E w 3. The permeability predicted by the permeability prediction model matches well with the measured permeability in E w 3. The results indicate that permeability is successfully predicted by the modified Walderhaug permeability prediction model for most sandstone reservoirs with strong diagenesis (such as anomalous changes in clay mineral types and content) under the background of a single distributary channel sedimentary microfacies. In general, anomalously high permeability zones are preferentially distributed in dominant sedimentary-diagenetic facies. • An innovative sandstone reservoir permeability predication model is proposed by introducing quantitative parameters. • Differential effects of different types of clay minerals on porosity in E w 3 is quantified by clay factor β. • The permeability predicted by the innovative permeability prediction model matches well with the measured permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorous gold nanoparticle ( Fluo-NP), i.e. gold nanoparticle covered by fluorous ponytail (C8F17-) was prepared and found to self-assemble into supra-structures covered by carbohydrates (named supraF-NP), due to the strong fluorous interaction. More importantly, the re-dispersed supraF-NP (diameter around 200 nm) in water provided an alternative strategy to detect carbohydrate-protein interaction in solution by naked eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a method for the determination of inorganic selenium in water samples via gas-phase chemiluminescence (GPCL). Se(IV) was first derivatized with 4-nitro- o-phenylenediamine to form 5-nitropiazselenol. The latter was decomposed by persulfate through photocatalytic oxidation to give Se(VI), which was reduced to Se(IV). Selenium hydride was generated from Se(IV) through reduction with sodium borohydride and then preconcentrated using cryotrapping. The cryotrapped hydride was evaporated and carried to a reaction chamber by a stream of helium, where it produced GPCL as a result of ozonation. The method exhibits a wide linear calibration range (from 0.5 μg L to 1.0 mg L) with a detection limit of 0.12 μg L (for n = 11), and a relative standard deviation of 3.90 % (at n = 11) at 5.0 μg L level of selenium. The method was applied to the determination of inorganic selenium in water samples and gave satisfactory results. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Venetoclax (VEN) is the first selective small molecule Bcl-2 inhibitor approved by FDA and used in adult chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and some acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the long-term safety of VEN in large sample population was unknown. This study evaluated the adverse events (AEs) of VEN from FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) since its approval in 2016 by data mining. Methods: The disproportionality analyses, including four algorithms of reporting odd ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), bayesian configuration promotion neural network (BCPNN), and multi item gamma poisson shrinker (MGPS), were employed to quantify the signals of VEN-associated AEs. Results: From the FAERS database, a total of 8,379,682 reports were collected during the study period. After removing the duplication, the number of reports with VEN as the primary suspect (PS) was 19,107. The 19,107 cases of AEs involved 27 organ systems, 256 significant PTs which conforming to the four algorithms. Unexpected serious AEs, such as pleural effusion, splenic infarction, atrial fibrillation, skin squamous cell carcinoma, etc., have signals. The median time of occurrence of AEs related to VEN was 31 days (inter quartile range [IQR] 7–131 days), and half of the reported AEs occurred within 1 month after administration. Conclusion: Our research has found new significant AEs signals of VEN, which improved its safety information in real-world after marketing approval, and contributed to its risk control of use in clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Niraparib was approved for the treatment of platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer. The authors retrospectively investigated niraparib-related adverse events (AEs) through data mining of the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Four algorithms were employed to quantify the signals of niraparib associated AEs, using data from the FAERS between 2017 and 2021. MYSQL 8.0, Navicat Premium 15, Microsoft EXCEL 2019 and the GraphPad Prism 8 were used to conduct statistical analysis. There are 7,238,157 reports collected from the FAERS database, of which 11,701 reports listed niraparib as the 'primary suspected (PS)' drug. A total of 97 significant disproportionality PTs conforming to the four algorithms were simultaneously retained. Unexpected significant AEs such as neuropathy peripheral, photosensitivity reaction, gastrooesophageal reflux disease might also occur. The median onset time of niraparib-associated AEs was 18 days (interquartile range [IQR] 4–66 days), and most of the cases occurred within the first months after niraparib initiation. The study found niraparib-associated AEs and might provide important support for clinical monitoring and risk identification of niraparib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research into macromolecular self-assembly has been progressively developing since the 1970s but with a little affect from the achievements of supramolecular chemistry. In recent years, this situation has changed as more and more factors and concepts in supramolecular chemistry have been introduced into studies of the self-assembly of polymers. In this respect, inclusion complexation based on cyclodextrins plays a remarkable role. In this tutorial review, we address how inclusion complexation has been employed and used to promote the recent developments in macromolecular self-assembly. These include the amphiphilicity adjustment of macromolecules, non-covalent linkages for forming pseudo block copolymers and micelles, surface modification and functionalization of polymeric micelles and vesicles, and the combination of synthetic polymeric assemblies with biological moieties. Furthermore, the realization of the reversible stimuli-responsiveness of polymeric assemblies and materials, particularly hydrogels by means of controllable inclusion complexation is discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tailorable chiral plasmonic nanostructures have attracted great interest due to their potential applications in photonics and sensing. However, there are limited straightforward fabrication routes to modulate the morphology of chiral materials with an external stimulus. Here, a helical assembly of gold nanospheres (AuNSs) is successfully obtained via self‐assembly using glycopeptide helical nanofibers as templates based on electrostatic interactions. The assembly morphology can be readily tailored from short debris to single‐/double‐ and multiple helical threads by changing pHs, resulting in well‐controlled modulation of circular dichroism (CD) in the visible range. Further, this tunable assembly and corresponding chiroptical properties are fully reversible in the pH range from 6 to 10. The electromagnetic simulation revealed how the structural geometries of AuNS helices changed the electromagnetic field propagation pattern to facilitate corresponding chiral optical properties. This approach is a unique and facilely obtained example of chiral nanomaterials with in situ tailoring morphology and chiral properties through external stimulus, demonstrating a potential application for biosensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chestnut (Castanea mollissima) is a deciduous tree species with major economic and ecological value that is widely used in the study of floral development in woody plants due its monoecious and out-of-proportion characteristics. Squamosa promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) is a plant-specific transcription factor that plays an important role in floral development. In this study, a total of 18 SPL genes were identified in the chestnut genome, of which 10 SPL genes have complementary regions of CmmiR156. An analysis of the phylogenetic tree of the squamosa promoter-binding protein (SBP) domains of the SPL genes of Arabidopsis thaliana, Populus trichocarpa, and C. mollissima divided these SPL genes into eight groups. The evolutionary relationship between poplar and chestnut in the same group was similar. A structural analysis of the protein-coding regions (CDSs) showed that the domains have the main function of SBP domains and that other domains also play an important role in determining gene function. The expression patterns of CmmiR156 and CmSPLs in different floral organs of chestnut were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. Some CmSPLs with similar structural patterns showed similar expression patterns, indicating that the gene structures determine the synergy of the gene functions. The application of gibberellin (GA) and its inhibitor (Paclobutrazol, PP333) to chestnut trees revealed that these exert a significant effect on the number and length of the male and female chestnut flowers. GA treatment significantly increased CmmiR156 expression and thus significantly decreased the expression of its target gene, CmSPL6/CmSPL9/CmSPL16, during floral bud development. This finding indicates that GA might indirectly affect the expression of some of the SPL target genes through miR156. In addition, RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of the 5′ cDNA ends (RLM-RACE) experiments revealed that CmmiR156 cleaves CmSPL9 and CmSPL16 at the 10th and 12th bases of the complementary region. These results laid an important foundation for further study of the biological function of CmSPLs in the floral development of C. mollissima. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although advances have been made in carbohydrate‐based macromolecular self‐assembly, harnessing epimers of carbohydrates to perform molecular assembly and further investigating the properties of supramolecular materials remain little explored. Herein, two classes of stereoisomeric glycolipid amphiphiles based on d‐N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) are reported, and they can aggregate into ribbon‐like structures in the aqueous solution due to amphiphilic property, which allow to obtain glycocalyx‐mimicking supramolecular materials. The subtle distinction in glycoside configuration of GalNAc‐α‐SSA and GalNAc‐β‐SSA dictates the different molecular packing in self‐assembled structures. Since driven by the distinguishing carbohydrate–carbohydrate interactions, the ribbon‐like architectures transform into spherical nanostructures via mixing GalNAc‐α‐SSA and GalNAc‐β‐SSA. The resulting spherical micelles fabricated by blending glycolipid epimers can potentiate the macrophage‐ and dendritic cell‐mediated immune responses in vitro. Such glycolipid epimers will pave the way to create glycocalyx‐mimicking immune modulators by incorporating stereochemistry into supramolecular self‐assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new colorimetric and fluorescent dual-modal displacement probe was developed based on a supramolecular host–guest complex of cucurbit[8]uril (CB8) and a new functionalized perylene derivative involving macrocycle encapsulation that modulated intramolecular charge transfer and deaggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assembly of proteins into various nano-objects with regular and periodic microstructures, i.e. protein arrays, is a fast-growing field in materials science. Due to the structural complexity of proteins, reports in this field are still quite limited. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in protein array construction by different driving forces, including electrostatic interactions, metal–ligand interactions, molecular recognition and protein–protein interactions. In line with our particular interest, assemblies driven by molecular recognition are particularly explored. Finally, functionalities of the obtained protein arrays are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorous chemistry has brought many applications from catalysis to separation science, from supramolecular materials to analytical chemistry. However, fluorous-based Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) has not been reported so far. In the current paper, fluorous interaction has been firstly utilized in QCM, and carbohydrate–protein interaction and carbohydrate–carbohydrate interaction have been detected afterward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the lethal cancers with a high mortality rate worldwide and understanding the mechanisms behind its progression is critical for improving patients' prognosis and developing therapeutics. MiR-500a-3p has been demonstrated to be involved in the progression of several human cancers but its role in CRC remains unclear. The aim of this study is to uncover the expression pattern and mechanisms of action of miR-500a-3p during the CRC progression. Methods: The expression of miR-500a-3p and Cyclin-dependent kinases 6 (CDK6) in 134 CRC tissues were tested by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry staining (IHC), respectively. The effect of miR-500a-3p on cell proliferation was explored in vitro and in vivo. The glycolysis of CRC cells was determined by Mass Spectrometry and Seahorse XF 96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the relationship between miR-500a-3p and CDK6. Results: miR-500a-3p was abnormally downregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines and was negatively associated with a worse prognosis. miR-500a-3p mimics impeded CRC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. miR-500a-3p inhibited glucose consumption, lactate and ATP production, and down-regulated the expression of hexokinase2 (HK2). In silico prediction combined with western blot and luciferase assay confirmed that CDK6 is a direct target of miR-500a-3p. Overexpression of CDK6 phenotypically rescued the inhibitory effect of miR-500a-3p on the proliferation and glycolysis of CRC cells. Conclusions: Our study revealed a potential tumor-suppressive role of miR-500a-3p in CRC, specifically targeting CDK6 and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis, which may provide new insights into novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) as the capping agent, β -NaYF 4 upconversion microcrystals (UCMCs) were successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal synthesis method. Systematic investigations were conducted to evaluate the influence of NTA/Ln molar ratio, NaF/Ln molar ratio, and pH on the morphology, size, and crystal phase characteristics of the UCMCs. Multiple characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD), were employed to elucidate these effects. The experimental findings reveal that these parameters exert a substantial influence on the morphology and size of the UCMCs, with the crystal phase alterations primarily governed by variations in the NaF/Ln molar ratio. Furthermore, a comprehensive exploration of the growth mechanism of UCMCs was undertaken based on the modulation of reaction time. The emission spectra of the synthesized UCMCs were meticulously investigated, unveiling that microcrystals exhibiting larger size and enhanced crystallinity display more pronounced luminescent properties. Comparative analysis with UCMCs synthesized using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium citrate (Na 3 Cit) as capping agents, which are extensively applied in diverse fields, demonstrated the superior luminescence properties of the newly obtained NTA-UCMCs. In addition, NTA-UCMCs were also employed for the fabrication of transparent and flexible fluorescent films. This research thus presents a novel approach for the synthesis of highly luminescent UCMCs, holding promise for various applications in practical contexts. [Display omitted] • β -NaYF 4 : Yb3+, Er3+ UCMCs were synthesized via hydrothermal method with nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) used as a capping agent. • NTA/Ln, F/Ln and pH were observed to exert pronounced influences on the morphological characteristics and size of the UCMCs. • The upconversion emission intensity intricately linked to the morphology, size, and surface ligands of the UCMCs. • NTA-assisted synthesis was observed to result in UCMCs with a hexagonal prism morphology, displaying enhanced luminescence. • The combination of NTA-UCMCs and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resulted in the formation of a transparent fluorescent film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic core‐regular nanostructures composed of magnetite and regular Prussian blue was prepared by self‐sacrificial macro‐oriented method. Magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) was vertically oriented on the surface of home‐made screen‐printing electrode with the help of constant magnetic field (CMF).Then regular nanostructured Prussian blue (RPB) was realized by chemical reaction through an aerosol deposition. Finally, glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized by glutaraldehyde cross‐linking to fabricate glucose biosensors. The linear range of CMF‐RPB/MGO sensor towards glucose was 0.03∼1.35 mM, and the detection limit was 13.4 μM. The CMF‐RPB/MGO sensor could apply to analyze glucose in human serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we present a novel strategy, named Synchronous One-Pot (SOP) synthesis, to prepare gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with a diameter of 2nm incorporated in self-assembled organic spheres with a diameter around 60nm (denoted as NPAs). Merits of this method include: (1) self-assembly of the organic component (calix[6]biscrown TAC) into spheres and the reduction of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) take place simultaneously; (2) preparation combining UV irradiation and formaldehyde addition reduces the size and homogenizes the distribution of the resultant AuNPs within the TAC spheres. (3) Obtained material NPA gives attractive catalytic property to hydrogenation reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The well-known coil-to-globule transition of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) at its LCST lasts as short as hundred of seconds with fully reversibility. However, for the PNIPAM-containing block copolymers, thermal transformation from micelles to vesicles caused by the conformation transition of PNIPAM took as long as several weeks, even at the temperatures much higher than the LCST, and without satisfactory reversibility. In the literature, this slow process has been attributed to the strong interchain hydrogen bonding in PNIPAM, which retards the transition. In this work, asymmetrically modified PNIPAM (Mw 10K), i.e. C12-PNIPAM-CA with a hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain –C12H25 (C 12) at one end and a hydrophilic carboxyl group –COOH (CA) at the other, was prepared and found to form micelles with a core of the lightly associated hydrocarbon chains. When temperature is increased to the LCST of PNIPAM, the transformation from micelles to vesicles can be realized within 30 min, while the reverse process only takes a few minutes. Based on full monitoring of the transition process, it is proposed that the micelles serve as building blocks in constructing the vesicles via processes of combination, fusion, and etc., in which only local conformation adjustment of PNIPAM is involved. Therefore, reducing the restriction to the conformation change of PNIPAM chains, which is imposed by the micellar core, is one of the key factors in realizing the fast transition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Polyketide synthases (PKSs) include ketone synthase (KS), acyltransferase (AT) and acyl carrier protein (ACP) domains to catalyse the elongation of polyketide chains. Some PKSs also contain ketoreductase (KR), dehydratase (DH) and enoylreductase (ER) domains as modification domains. Insertion, deletion or substitution of the catalytic domains may lead to the production of novel polyketide derivatives or to the accumulation of desired products. Epothilones are 16-membered macrolides that have been used as anticancer drugs. The substrate promiscuity of the module 4 AT domain of the epothilone PKS (EPOAT4) results in production of epothilone mixtures; substitution of this domain may change the ratios of epothilones. In addition, there are two dormant domains in module 9 of the epothilone PKS. Removing these redundant domains to generate a simpler and more efficient assembly line is a desirable goal. Results: The substitution of module 4 drastically diminished the activity of epothilone PKS. However, with careful design of the KS-AT linker and the post-AT linker, replacing EPOAT4 with EPOAT2, EPOAT6, EPOAT7 or EPOAT8 (specifically incorporating methylmalonyl-CoA (MMCoA)) significantly increased the ratio of epothilone D (4) to epothilone C (3) (the highest ratio of 4:3 = 4.6:1), whereas the ratio of 4:3 in the parental strain Schlegelella brevitalea 104-1 was 1.4:1. We also obtained three strains by swapping EPOAT4 with EPOAT3, EPOAT5, or EPOAT9, which specifically incorporate malonyl-CoA (MCoA). These strains produced only epothilone C, and the yield was increased by a factor of 1.8 compared to that of parental strain 104-1. Furthermore, mutations of five residues in the AT domain identified Ser310 as the critical factor for MMCoA recognition in EPOAT4. Then, the mutation of His308 to valine or tyrosine combined with the mutation of Phe310 to serine further altered the product ratios. At the same time, we successfully deleted the inactive module 9 DH and ER domains and fused the ΨKR domain with the KR domain through an ~ 25-residue linker to generate a productive and simplified epothilone PKS. Conclusions: These results suggested that the substitution and deletion of catalytic domains effectively produces desirable compounds and that selection of the linkers between domains is crucial for maintaining intact PKS catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical porous tubular biochar (PTBC) was prepared by selectively removing lignin simply according to reverse the pyrolysis sequence of cellulose. The properties of the PTBC sample were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman spectra, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical performances of PTBC modified on the screen‐printing electrode illustrated excellent detection of lead ions (lead (II)) in water with the linear range (0.5–120 μg/L) and the detection limit (0.02 μg/L) by in‐situ bismuth film square wave anode stripping voltammetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) was used to regulate the morphology and functionalization of NaYF 4 :Yb3+, Er3+ upconversion luminescent nanoprobe (UCNPs). • The UCNPs@SHMP fluorescent sensor could detect Fe(III) with low detection limit in industrial circulating cooling water. • This strategy has the potential to develop a visual method for monitoring the corrosion of circulating cooling water system. The iron ion in industrial circulating cooling water is an important indicator for early warning of equipment corrosion and control level. It is interesting to construct an upconversion luminescence iron ion nanoprobe with a common inorganic phosphate water treatment agent. Herein, inorganic phosphate sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) was used to regulate the morphology and functionalization of NaYF 4 :Yb3+, Er3+ upconversion luminescent nanoprobe (UCNPs) and applied to fluorometric detection of trace Fe(III) in water based on the fluorescence quenching which is caused by the selective coordination between hexametaphosphate on the surface of UCNPs and Fe(III). The structure, morphology, and luminous intensity of UCNPs were regulated by disodium hydrogen phosphate (ADSP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and sodium hexametaphosphate(SHMP). The UCNPs functionalized with SHMP has high sensitivity and selectivity for Fe(III) detection. The linear range and detection limit are 1.0–50 μM and 0.2 μM, respectively. The method has satisfactory results for the detection of trace Fe(III) in industrial circulating cooling water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary of main observation and conclusion: In recent years, synthesis of hybrid heteroarm star polymer with precisely defined arms has evolved to be one of the most attractive topics within polymer chemistry. In this study, we present the successful synthesis of metallacycle‐linked heteroarm star polymers (HASPs) composed of crystalline poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and polyacrylate (poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) segments via combination of ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) controlled radical polymerization. Firstly, a hexagonal metallacycle containing three hydroxy groups and three chain transfer agent moieties at the alternative vertexes was designed and synthesized based on the general principle of coordination‐driven self‐assembly. Subsequently, upon combination of two orthogonal post‐assembly polymerizations, a new family of HASPs containing a well‐defined hexagonal metallacycle with precisely controlled position of polymer arms was facilely prepared. Interestingly, the obtained HASPs could spontaneously self‐assemble into large‐area and regular cubic nanoparticles in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/methanol (MeOH) mixed solvents under specific conditions as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). This study provides a simple route to the controllable preparation of HASPs, and opens up a new way for further study on self‐assembly of different HASPs systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical cues in the extracellular environment play important roles in cancer cell metastasis. However, how metastatic cancer cells respond to the diverse mechanical environments of metastatic sites is not fully understood. Here, substrates with different mechanical properties are prepared to simulate the extracellular mechanical environment of various human tissues. The prostate cancer (PC) cells derived from different cancer metastasis sites show heterogeneity in mechanical response. This heterogeneity mediates two distinct metastasis patterns. High stiffness promotes individual cell migration and proliferation by inducing Yes‐associated protein and tafazzin (YAP/TAZ) nuclear localization in bone metastasis‐derived cells, whereas low stiffness promotes cell migration and proliferation by inducing lymphatic metastasis‐derived cells to form clusters characterized by high expression of CD44. The different metastasis patterns induced by the mechanical properties of the extracellular environment are crucial in the development of PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An upright GO (UGO) modified screen-printed electrode was prepared with the help of the external magnetic field for improving its electrochemical performance. The ratio of GO: Nafion and the magnetic field intensity on the properties of UGO were examined by scanning electron microscope, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The magnetic field intensity does not influence the electron transfer kinetics but increase the number of active sites and therefore enhance the electroactive surface area. In addition, the UGO electrode that was electrodeposited Ni nanoparticles (denotes as Ni NPs/UGO modified electrode) display excellent oxidation towards glycine using chronoamperometry. The Ni NPs/UGO modified electrode indicated an excellent performance for electrochemical COD (chemical oxide demand) analysis with a linear detection range of 0.1–400 mg/L and a lower detection limit of 0.02 mg/L. Moreover, this Ni NPs/UGO modified electrode can be applied to the rapid determination of COD in general real water samples. The results were in agreement with those obtained by using the standard method (ISO 6060). Image 1 • Upright GO (UGO) was prepared with the help of external magnetic field. • Magnetic field increases the number of active sites and enhances electroactive surface area. • Ni NPs/UGO for COD based on glycine electrochemical oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A protein Pascal triangle has been constructed as new type of supramolecular architecture by using the inducing ligand strategy that we previously developed for protein assemblies. Although mathematical studies on this famous geometry have a long history, no work on such Pascal triangles fabricated from native proteins has been reported so far due to their structural complexity. In this work, by carefully tuning the specific interactions between the native protein building block WGA and the inducing ligand R‐SL, a 2D Pascal‐triangle lattice with three types of triangular voids has been assembled. Moreover, a 3D crystal structure was obtained based on the 2D Pascal triangles. The distinctive carbohydrate binding sites of WGA and the intralayer as well as interlayer dimerization of RhB was the key to facilitate nanofabrication in solution. This strategy may be applied to prepare and explore various sophisticated assemblies based on native proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A protein Pascal triangle has been constructed as new type of supramolecular architecture by using the inducing ligand strategy that we previously developed for protein assemblies. Although mathematical studies on this famous geometry have a long history, no work on such Pascal triangles fabricated from native proteins has been reported so far due to their structural complexity. In this work, by carefully tuning the specific interactions between the native protein building block WGA and the inducing ligand R‐SL, a 2D Pascal‐triangle lattice with three types of triangular voids has been assembled. Moreover, a 3D crystal structure was obtained based on the 2D Pascal triangles. The distinctive carbohydrate binding sites of WGA and the intralayer as well as interlayer dimerization of RhB was the key to facilitate nanofabrication in solution. This strategy may be applied to prepare and explore various sophisticated assemblies based on native proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing natural-based renewable sugar and saccharide resources to construct functional biopolymer mimics is a promising research frontier for green chemistry and sustainable biotechnology. As the mimics/analogues of natural glycoproteins, synthetic glycopolypeptides attracted great attention in the field of biomaterials and nanobiotechnology. This review describes the synthetic strategies and methods of glycopolypeptides and their analogues, the functional self-assemblies of the synthesized glycopolypeptides, and their biological applications such as biomolecular recognition, drug/gene delivery, and cell adhesion and targeting, as well as cell culture and tissue engineering. Future outlook of the synthetic glycopolypeptides was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biomimetic conical submicrochannel (tip side ca. 400 nm) with functions of continuously tunable ion rectification and conductance based on thermoresponsive polymer layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly is presented. These self‐assembled polymers with different layers exhibited a capability to regulate the effective channel diameter, and different ion rectifications/conductance were achieved. By controlling temperature, the conformation and wettability of the assembled polymers were reversibly transformed, thus the ion rectification/conductance could be further adjusted subtly. Owing to the synergistic effect, the ion conductance could be tuned over a wide range spanning three orders of magnitude. Moreover, the proposed system can be applied for on‐demand on‐off molecule delivery, which was important for disease therapy. This study opens a new door for regulating channel size according to actual demand and sensing big targets with different size with one channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biomimetic conical submicrochannel (tip side ca. 400 nm) with functions of continuously tunable ion rectification and conductance based on thermoresponsive polymer layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly is presented. These self‐assembled polymers with different layers exhibited a capability to regulate the effective channel diameter, and different ion rectifications/conductance were achieved. By controlling temperature, the conformation and wettability of the assembled polymers were reversibly transformed, thus the ion rectification/conductance could be further adjusted subtly. Owing to the synergistic effect, the ion conductance could be tuned over a wide range spanning three orders of magnitude. Moreover, the proposed system can be applied for on‐demand on‐off molecule delivery, which was important for disease therapy. This study opens a new door for regulating channel size according to actual demand and sensing big targets with different size with one channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, proteins self-assemble into various structures with different dimensions. To construct these nanostructures in laboratories, normally proteins with different symmetries are selected. However, most of these approaches are engineering-intensive and highly dependent on the accuracy of the protein design. Herein, we report that a simple native protein LecA assembles into one-dimensional nanoribbons and nanowires, two-dimensional nanosheets, and three-dimensional layered structures controlled mainly by small-molecule assembly-inducing ligands RnG ( n=1, 2, 3, 4, 5) with varying numbers of ethylene oxide repeating units. To understand the formation mechanism of the different morphologies controlled by the small-molecule structure, molecular simulations were performed from microscopic and mesoscopic view, which presented a clear relationship between the molecular structure of the ligands and the assembled patterns. These results introduce an easy strategy to control the assembly structure and dimension, which could shed light on controlled protein assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, proteins self-assemble into various structures with different dimensions. To construct these nanostructures in laboratories, normally proteins with different symmetries are selected. However, most of these approaches are engineering-intensive and highly dependent on the accuracy of the protein design. Herein, we report that a simple native protein LecA assembles into one-dimensional nanoribbons and nanowires, two-dimensional nanosheets, and three-dimensional layered structures controlled mainly by small-molecule assembly-inducing ligands RnG ( n=1, 2, 3, 4, 5) with varying numbers of ethylene oxide repeating units. To understand the formation mechanism of the different morphologies controlled by the small-molecule structure, molecular simulations were performed from microscopic and mesoscopic view, which presented a clear relationship between the molecular structure of the ligands and the assembled patterns. These results introduce an easy strategy to control the assembly structure and dimension, which could shed light on controlled protein assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 74 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to choose a sensitive, selective, simple, rapid, cost-effective and reliable analytical method for a given complex sample, a strategy was proposed for the evaluation of an analytical approach to determining multi-pesticide residue in complex agricultural product matrices, using leek as an example. In this work, the matrix effect of most of pesticides were in the range of −50% to −90%. A simple thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to evaluate the effect of cleanup. The results agree well with that of matrix effect described above. More than 91% of the investigated compounds achieved recoveries were in the range of 70–120%. The limits of detection and limits of quantification were in the range of 0.1–3.5 ng/g and 0.4–11.5 ng/g, respectively. The strategy can be used to analyze multi-pesticide residue or related chemicals in diverse agricultural product matrices to provide technical guidance in choosing an analytical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, an orthogonal non-covalent interaction strategy based on specific recognition between sugar and protein, and host–guest interaction, was employed to construct artificial three dimensional (3D) protein assemblies in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binding behavior of carbohydrate and protein is known to be crucial to the biological roles of sugars. Recently, we notice that, even to the same lectin, some reported binding results based on glycopolymers and/or self-assembled glyco-nanoparticles are different from those obtained on small molecular level. Some of such discrepancy could be associated with the different detection methods used. In this paper, by using self-assembled nanoparticles based on brush and linear glycopolymers, this stereoisomerism effect was evaluated systematically, both in solution and on solution-solid interface by different methods. All measurements led to the same conclusion that the stereoisomer of sugars determined the binding ability of glyco-nanoparticles with different lectins. The investigation also provided evidence on the different binding modes of nanoparticles of linear polymers and brush polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pillararene-containing thermoresponsive polymers are synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization using pillararene derivatives as the effective chain transfer agents for the first time. These polymers can self-assemble into micelles and form vesicles after guest molecules are added. Furthermore, such functional polymers can be further applied to prepare hybrid gold nanoparticles, which integrate the thermoresponsivity of polymers and molecular recognition of pillararenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smuggling has caused serious adverse effects on the global market and national security, among which drug smuggling is increasingly rampant. Thus, the development of high-tech security strategies has become an urgent challenge for customs supervision. Recently, lanthanide ions (Ln3+) doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have opened up new ways for security and anti-fake applications due to their unique optical properties under near-infrared excitation. Here, we propose a novel upconversion microcrystal composed of hexagonal phase NaYF 4 :Ln3+ capped by sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), successfully used in customs supervision. The addition of SHMP can not only regulate the morphology of microcrystals, but also significantly improve the luminescence properties of UC. The absolute quantum yield is up to 7% at the low power density of 30 W∙cm−2, above most currently reported levels. Without adding any organic additives, the precise control of particle phase and morphology (e.g., microrod, hexagonal prism and hollow sphere) would be achieved by adjusting the doping ratio of SHMP/Ln3+. As the reaction time extends, the morphology of NaYF 4 :Ln3+ changes from ellipsoid to microrod, while cubic phase transforms into hexagonal phase. Under the excitation of 980 nm laser, the green upconversion emission of hexagonal NaYF 4 :Ln3+ microrods is significantly strengthened, which is more powerful than other observed particles with other shapes. This strong upconversion emission that depends on morphology and phase has huge application potential in security anti-counterfeiting and photonic devices. A novel upconversion microcrystal composed of hexagonal phase NaYF 4 :Ln3+ capped by sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) and used for customs supervision. [Display omitted] • β -NaYF 4 :Yb3+, Er3+ nanoparticles (UCNPs) capped by sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) via hydrothermal method. • The morphology and luminescence intensity of UCNPs was regulated by SHMP. • Morphological structure and the luminescent properties of UCNPs were discussed in detail. • The UCNPs exhibited high quantum yield and successfully used in customs supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The inducing ligand strategy with high protein affinity have been used in protein assembly. • Hierarchical self-assembly of ConA with inducing ligand. • Kinetic study of the self-assembly process by tuning the protein/ligand ratio. Proteins self-assemble into kinds of sophisticated architectures is ubiquitous in nature. Construction of these nanostructures in laboratory is helpful for understanding this physiological process and obtaining new functional materials. Although current state-of-the-art strategies have been developed, effective methods to regulate the process are still deficient. Herein, hierarchical self-assembly of Con A induced by a new designed oligosaccharide inducing ligand (RhB- tri Man) was reported. The self-assembly of Con A can be regulated in the presence of transition metal ion Mn2+ due to the opening of spirolactone of RhB, and the assembly process can be further regulated by changing the molar ratio of ligands to proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nickel nanoparticle/nafion-graphene oxide (NiNP/Nf-GO) modified screen-printed electrode (SPE) was developed for rapid and environmentally friendly electrochemical determination of chemical oxygen demand (COD). The morphology and the electrochemical performance of the SPEs with different surface modifications were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, amperometry, and cyclic voltammetry, respectively. Interestingly, incorporation of graphene oxide as supporting materials to the NiNP/Nf-GO modified SPE enables high catalyst loading and electrode contact, leading to excellent electrocatalytic oxidation ability. A flow detection system was constructed based the newly designed NiNP/Nf-GO modified SPE with USB connection, a 3D-printed thin-layer flow cell (TLFC), and a peristaltic pump. The flow detection system showed an excellent performance for COD analysis with a linear detection range of 0.1~400 mg L−1 and a lower detection limit of 0.05 mg L−1 with an oxidation potential of 0.45 V. The system was further applied to determine the COD in surface water samples. The results were consistent with those obtained by using the standard method (ISO 6060).A novel nickel nanoparticle/nafion-graphene oxide (NiNP/Nf-GO) modified screen-printed electrode (SPE) with excellent electrocatalytic oxidation ability was designed and fabricated. This electrode with USB connection was applied in a flow detection system equipped with a 3D-printed thin-layer flow cell and a peristaltic pump for environmentally friendly electrochemical determination of chemical oxygen demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, proteins are organized into highly ordered self‐assembled structures with various morphologies and dimensions. In their Communication on page 10691 ff., Y. Ma, G. Chen, and co‐workers report the fabrication of protein assemblies by using native protein LecA as a building block through sugar‐‐protein interactions and rhodamine dimerization. The morphologies and dimensions of the protein assemblies can be controlled by the length of the tether between the sugar and rhodamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In der Natur …… bilden Proteine hochgeordnete selbstorganisierte Strukturen mit einer Vielzahl an Morphologien und Dimensionen. In der Zuschrift auf S. 10831 ff. berichten Y. Ma, G. Chen et al. über die Erzeugung von Proteinaggregaten mit dem nativen Protein LecA als Baustein, indem sie Zucker ‐ Protein ‐ Wechselwirkungen und die Rhodamindimerisierung nutzten. Die Morphologien und Dimensionen der Proteinaggregate lassen sich über die Länge der Verknüpfung von Zucker und Rhodamin einstellen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction for ‘Three-dimensional protein assemblies directed by orthogonal non-covalent interactions’ by Guang Yang et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 9687–9690. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 219 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]