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A primary application of otolith microchemistry is distinguishing natal origins of individual fish within a mixed-stock fishery. Stocks must be distinguishable according to stock-specific microchemistry patterns, with accurate stock assignment contingent upon microchemistry assessment of all sources contributing to the mixed-stock fishery. However, otolith microchemistry signatures of individual fish, upon which classification models are built, likely represent only a portion of the variability that exists for the stocks corresponding to each natal source. To statistically infer expected otolith microchemistry patterns among unsampled catchment areas proximal to sampled areas, we tested the hypothesis that variation in catchment geology among 35 stream sites across the Lake Michigan basin is correlated with the variation in otolith microchemistry signatures of age-0 steelhead collected at those sites. Matrices of Mahalanobis distances between all pairs of individual fish were calculated for each of the following: (1) assignment scores from discriminant function analysis of the variation among sites based on otolith microchemistry, and (2) the geology underlying the catchments upstream of each of the sites where fish were sampled. Based on Mantel tests, these matrices were found to be significantly correlated, indicating that age-0 steelhead that exhibit greater differences in otolith microchemistry signatures tended to come from sites exhibiting greater differences in catchment geology. Surficial geology alone was more correlated with otolith microchemistry than bedrock age, bedrock lithology, or any combinations of the three geological datasets. The significant relationship between geology and otolith microchemistry, although weak, supports tenuous hydrologic and geologic bases for delineating natal source geographic boundaries.

This article presents a novel method combining ion irradiation, in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and microchemistry analysis before/after irradiation, which allows to examine same microstructural areas throughout ion irradiation. A 12 wt% Cr Ferritic/Martensitic steel (HT9) was irradiated in the TEM to 1.17 × 1020 ions·m−2 at 440 °C using 1 MeV Kr2+ ions, and the in-situ characterization focused on radiation-induced precipitation and segregation. Results of in-situ experiments were compared with those obtained from ex-situ experiments, to showcase how this method helps to better understand precipitation kinetics in the irradiated material examined ex-situ, for which only snapshots are available at limited doses.

Volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) is a recent microsampling technique used to obtain dried specimens of blood and other biological matrices for application to a plethora of bioanalytical purposes. As such, it can be likened to dried blood spot (DBS) technique that has been in wide use for the last 40 years. However, VAMS promises to bring some significant advantages over DBS, related to sampling volume accuracy, haematocrit (HCT) dependence, pre-treatment and automation. Although some aspects still need to be investigated in depth, VAMS is increasingly recognised as a viable alternative to DBS and other dried microsampling techniques. In this tutorial, different aspects of VAMS approach are described and discussed, presenting the procedures adopted and the results obtained by those authors who have developed this kind of analytical workflow in the last few years. Hopefully, this will help other scientists to find new solutions to old and recent problems related to microsampling and to produce new, sound and interesting science in this field.

International Symposium on Benguela - Opportunity, Challenge and Change, Univ Cape Town, Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA, NOV, 2016; International audience; Otolith elemental signatures can be used to identify when individual or groups of fish are spending a significant amount of time in different environments. Elemental signatures of juvenile sardine Sardinops sagax caught in winter 2008 and 2009 around the coast of South Africa were measured using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectroscopy. The otolith elemental signatures of 34 fish caught in 2008 and of 52 fish caught in 2009 were measured at the edge (to represent conditions 20-30 days prior to capture). Principal component analysis was used to visualise the relationships of individuals to each other, in terms of their otolith chemistry, in two-dimensional space, and multiple ANOVAs were used to investigate spatial and temporal variations among samples collected in 2008 and 2009. Significant differences among sites were found in MANOVAs, but the between-site differences varied among the elements. Magnesium concentration tended to decrease whereas barium concentration tended to increase from the west to the east coast. Barium indicate upwelling impact but for 2008 samples on the northern part of the west coast. Otolith microchemistry provides evidence of large and small-scale differentiation in sardine, but differences between years indicates that this is not necessarily temporally stable. The ocean off South Africa is a dynamic and variable environment and this is reflected in the inter-site, and also inter-annual, differences in elemental signatures of juvenile sardine.

This review describes briefly the high rate of counterfeiting of antimicrobial drugs with focus upon its immediate health consequences. The major part of this review encompasses accounts of the improvements achieved in the domain of miniaturization of capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-C4D). The application of this principle into the development of portable devices as well as its application to counter the health-system-crippling phenomenon of counterfeit antibiotic formulations, are discussed in the context of developing countries. ispartof: JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS vol:158 pages:405-415 ispartof: location:England status: published

Otolith core-to-edge Sr:Ca ratio was determined by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to analyze the salinity-habitat migration history of the silverside, Odontesthes bonariensis, within the Uruguay River (freshwater) and Río de la Plata Estuary (estuarine water) (Plata Basin, South America). Regular core-to-edge oscillations in Sr:Ca suggest that the silverside makes annual migrations between freshwater (1 PSU) habitats, with no evidence of marine incursion or non-migratory individuals. Empirical equations that represent the relationship between conductivity/salinity and otolith Sr:Ca ratio were used to identify where in an otolith an individual transitioned between freshwater and brackish habitats. In most specimens, the first migration between habitats likely occurred within the first year of life. Average numbers of changes between stable Sr:Ca signatures (sites with different salinities) determined by Change-Point analysis were similar from Uruguay River (8.9 ± 3.7) and Río de la Plata Estuary (7.5 ± 2.5) for comparable age fish (p < 0.05), suggesting that habitat use is similar in both collection sites. Fil: Avigliano, Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal; Argentina Fil: Miller, Nathan. University of Texas at Austin; Estados Unidos Fil: Volpedo, Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal; Argentina

The materials properties of non-heat treatable Al alloys are controlled by the added alloying elements and the processing conditions through the resulting materials microstructure. An important aspect upon description of the microstructure is the constitution of the material in terms of alloying elements in solid solution and, in turn, volume, size, morphology and species of second-phase particles. These constitutional characteristics, conveniently summarized as microchemistry, have an impact on physical properties like thermal or electrical conductivity and on mechanical properties including strength and formability of Al alloys. The purpose of the present work is to understand the evolution of microstructure and microchemistry during homogenization of the Cr-containing Al-Mg alloy AA 5052 (AlMg2.5) in comparison with the more widespread Mn-bearing alloy variants. The evolution of the particle state during solidification and subsequent homogenization annealing is tracked with a variety of experimental characterization methods and simulated with microchemistry models to analyse the changes in solute level and precipitation.

Identifying the nursery origins of individual Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is critical to a refined understanding of regional productivity, the effects of environmental forcing on population dynamics, and the spatial impacts of mortality and bycatch. Otolith microchemistry may provide a tool for identifying fish origins, but a precursor to using microchemistry-based assignment models is to evaluate the extent to which there exists detectable spatial structure in these natural tags. Here, we examined assignment accuracy as a function of spatial scale using canonical discriminant function analyses (DFA) applied to microchemical data from age-2 Pacific halibut in the western Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and southeastern Bering Sea (SEBS). Element:calcium ratios were assayed for fourteen trace elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; δ13C and δ18O were determined via isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Substantial assignment success (∼75–90 %) was observed at spatial scales that are consistent with stock management. Elemental signatures were defined primarily by δ18O, δ13C, and 88Sr:48Ca, with a minor contribution from 55Mn:48Ca. Individuals were most commonly mis-assigned to adjacent locations. However, discontinuities were observed within the western GOA that suggest that elemental signatures do not vary along strictly longitudinal and latitudinal clines. These results highlight the need to exercise caution when attempting to use otolith microchemistry to assign fish to their origins when the baseline elemental data are unable to resolve missing nursery sources from the locations that are included in the discrimination models.

Colorimetric methods are convenient for the determination of inorganic phosphate. However, the acidic conditions required can complicate measurement of ATPase through non-enzymatic ATP hydrolysis. Here we present an optimized antimony-phosphomolybdate microassay for the simple and rapid detection of ATPase activity, with micromolar sensitivity. The low acidity of the color reagent results in no interference for samples containing up to 0.5–5 mM ATP, dependent on the sample volume. The assay is compatible with common assay conditions and was similar in accuracy to an established continuous method. The simplicity of this method makes it ideal for medium to high throughput applications.

A widely accepted practice to maximize the survival of mandatory or voluntary released aquatic animals that have ingested hooks is to cut the line, leaving the ingested hook in thousands of fish, sharks, turtles and marine invertebrates worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that the chemical composition (mainly metals) of ingested hooks can potentially be absorbed and retained within soft tissues of fish and can subsequently have adverse effects on their health. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that hard tissues (otoliths) should also show a chemical signal of hooking. Using the mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) as a case study, we have compared the microchemistry compositions (Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Mn, and Sr) of the otoliths measured by Solution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (SO-ICPMS) among three groups: control fish (artificially-reared), treatment (deep-hooked) and wild fish. The multivariate Redundancy Analysis fitted to test the general chemical composition of the otoliths among groups revealed a significant chemical signature of hooking characterized by an increase in Sr and Co, and in a smaller effect Ca. Moreover, we found otolith microchemistry as a useful method to differentiate between artificially-reared and wild mulloway. Positive results across other taxa and different recreational and commercial fisheries should show the real magnitude of the chemical signals of hook ingestion, its utilization as a biological tag and its consequences for the health of released individuals.

Connectivity is a central issue in the development, sustainability and effectiveness of networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). In populations with site attached adults, connectivity is limited to dispersal in the pelagic larval stage. While biophysical models have been widely used to infer early dispersal, empirical evidence through sources such as otolith microchemistry can provide a means of evaluating model predictions. In the present study, connectivity in the lesser sandeel, Ammodytes marinus , was investigated using LA-ICP-MS otolith microchemistry. Otoliths from juveniles (age 0) were examined from four Scottish spawning areas predicted to differ in terms of larval retention rates and connectivity based on past biophysical models. There were significant spatial differences in otolith post-settled juvenile chemistry among locations at a scale of 100–400 km. Differences in near core chemistry pointed to three chemically distinct natal sources, as identified by a cluster analysis, contributing to settlement locations.

The purpose of the present work is to understand the evolution of microstructure and microchemistry during homogenization of the Al-Mg-Mn alloy AA 5083 (Al Mg4.5 Mn0.7) and its influence on down-stream materials properties. The evolution of the particle state during solidification and subsequent homogenization annealing was tracked with a variety of experimental characterization methods and simulated with microchemistry models to analyse the changes in solute level and precipitation. Different homogenization practices were characterized by different sizes, volumes and densities of dispersoids which, in turn, had a clear impact on materials properties, including recrystallization behaviour and flow stress.

We report an approach for the simultaneous estimation of vitamin K 1 (VK 1 ) and heparin via cascaded channel multianalyte sensing probe employing fiber optic surface plasmon resonance technique. Cladding from two well separated portions of the fiber is removed and are respectively coated with thin films of silver (channel-1) and copper (channel-2). The nanohybrid of multiwalled carbon nanotube in chitosan is fabricated over silver layer for the sensing of VK 1 whereas core shell nanostructure of polybrene@ZnO is coated over copper layer for the sensing of heparin. Spectral interrogation method is used for the characterization of the sensor. Analyte selectivity of both the channels is performed by carrying out experiments using independent solutions of VK 1 and heparin. Experiments performed on the solution of the mixture of VK 1 and heparin show red shifts in both the channels on changing the concentration of both the analytes in the mixture. The operating range of both VK 1 and heparin is from 0 to 10 −3 g/l. The limit of detection of the sensor is 2.66×10 −4 µg/l and 2.88×10 −4 µg/l for VK 1 and heparin respectively which are lower than the reported ones. The additional advantages of the present sensor are low cost, possibility of online monitoring and remote sensing.

The morphology and quantitative chemical analyses of fifty alluvial gold grains from fourteen studied sites were used to constraint gold deposit type and its implications to exploration in the Abiete-Toko Gold District in South Cameroon. The main results revealed that the gold grains show a core-rim zonation marked by Ag depleted rims as a result of leaching during transportation. The fineness of grains ranges from 826 to 1000 and their composition is almost binary gold-silver. Gold fineness refers to the relative amounts of Ag and Au present, given as a number out of 1000 and defined by Au/(Ag + Au)∗1000. The chemical composition of the gold grains are range as thus: 83.40–100 wt.% Au, 0.07–17.45 wt.% Ag, 0–0.96 wt.% Cu, 0–0.01 wt.% As, 0–0.02 wt.% Ni, 0–0.02 wt.% Co, 0–0.01 wt.% Se, 0–0.08 wt.% Hg and 0.003–0.03 wt.% S. The high sulphur concentrations of the gold grains probably imply primary deposition of gold by sulphidation; The ranges of Ni and Co concentrations suggest an interaction with greenstones. Such findings indicate that the Abiete-Toko area hosts a mesothermal-orogenic gold deposit. Exploration operations must target fractures and contact zones between ironstones, felsic gneiss and greenstones. Soil sampling is not recommended in this orogenic gold district due to the very thick and transported nature of the weathering mantle. Detailed mapping coupled to geophysical surveys are the recommended key exploration methods prior to drilling program., Nyong series; Greenstones; Gold grain morphology; Microchemistry; Orogenic gold deposit and exploration

Escape incidents of farmed fish involve economic losses to fish farms, interactions with local fisheries and environmental impacts to coastal ecosystems. In order to ensure a sustainable aquaculture activity it is advisable to gather any kind of information about the escapees for further management strategies. In this study, we aimed to trace the life history of escaped meagre (Argyrosomus regius) through otoliths microchemistry, based on the assumption that escaped fish experience different environmental conditions once they are outside the net-pen compared to their farmed conspecifics. Strontium (Sr88) and barium (Ba138) composition was analyzed using laser-ablation ICP-MS along core-to-edge transects of right sagittal otoliths on escaped and farmed meagre from the same coastal area in the W-Mediterranean Sea. Overall, results showed similar patterns of Sr concentrations throughout the otolith transects between farmed and escaped meagre, although some differences can be observed at specific periods of fish life for Ba concentrations. Consequently, temporal variations regarding otolith Sr:Ba ratios differed between farmed and escaped meagre, suggesting that farmed and escaped fish shared the same origin (rearing at coastal farms) but inhabited in different conditions from a certain time of their life. However, core-to-edge Sr:Ba values also differed among escaped individuals, which might indicate that each individual escaped in different periods. Consequently, the otolith Sr:Ba ratio seemed to be a good indicator of differences between fish groups, showing different temporal patterns. Nevertheless, the limitation of the low number of sampled individuals prevented to draw clearer conclusions. Further research is necessary in order to investigate the potential use of otolith microchemistry as a practical tool to trace of escaped fish, and consequently, to help solving potential conflicts among coastal users improving management of potential negative socioeconomic and ecological impacts., This work was partially supported by the “Adapting to the wild: assessing meagre otoliths escaped from culture cages and evaluation of possible risks in Mediterranean ecosystems” funded by the Department of Education, Culture and Sport of the Valencian Community, Spain (GV/2015/107). SPM's salary was cofunded by the DGPUR of the Balearic Government and CSIC. This study received Portuguese national funds from FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology through project UIDB/04326/2020.

The new generation high Zn-containing 7xxx series aluminum alloys were more prone to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) compared with the traditional 7xxx series aluminum alloys. However, the effect of grain boundary precipitates (GBPs) characteristics, especially microchemistry, on SCC of new generation high Zn-containing 7xxx series aluminum alloys were not investigated in sufficient detail. In the paper, the GBPs characteristics of a new generation high Zn-containing 7056 aluminum alloy were prepared by different aging heat treatments. The morphology and microchemistry of GBPs were analyzed by transmission electron microscope equipped with super-X energy disperse spectroscopy. The stress intensity factor (KI) and SCC propagation velocity(v) were measured by double cantilever beam (DCB) experiment. The correlations between the GBPs microchemistry and SCC resistance had been discussed. The results showed that the SCC resistance of a new generation high Zn-containing 7056 aluminum alloy was significantly improved by high termination temperature non-isothermal aging and re-aging heat treatment compared with T6 and T77 aging heat treatment. In addition, it was indicated that the SCC resistance was positively with the Cu content of GBPs.

The Chinook salmon fishery in Lake Huron is comprised of approximately 20% hatchery-reared fish and 80% fish from wild populations. However, finer-scale stock composition remains poorly understood because of the lack of lake-wide research and monitoring of this species and logistical constraints of mass-marking wild fish. This lack of information has resulted in a common assumption made by management agencies and used in fisheries models of a homogeneous mixture of hatchery and wild populations in the fishery. Using otolith microchemistry (multi-element concentrations and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr isotopic ratios), we identified natal sources of Chinook salmon opportunistically sampled through space and time in the 2008 and 2010 recreational fisheries. Our findings demonstrated extensive spatio-temporal variability in sample composition, providing the first direct evidence of heterogeneous mixing of hatchery and wild populations in the fishery. Our data also suggest that > 90% of all fish in the recreational fishery originate in rivers and hatcheries in Southern Georgian Bay (46%) and Northern Lake Huron (46%). The majority of wild fish appear to originate from rivers in Southern Georgian Bay (55%) and Northern Lake Huron (35%); whereas the majority (67%) of hatchery fish appear to originate from Michigan hatcheries. Analysis of 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios suggests that

In commercial 8xxx series aluminium foil alloys several key materials properties, including formability, softening behaviour, strength and ductility, are influenced by alloying elements either in solid solution or in precipitated form, i.e. by the materials microchemistry. In the present paper, the development in microchemistry upon different homogenization treatments is tracked with a variety of experimental characterization methods in two 8xxx alloys which are differentiated by their Si-contents. Special attention is paid to the impact of homogenization on changes in the morphology of constituent particles as well as the formation of dispersoids from the supersaturated matrix. Furthermore, the changes in solute level and precipitation during homogenization annealing are simulated with a statistical microchemistry simulation tool termed ClaNG.

Charge impurities and polar molecules on the surface of dielectric substrates has long been a critical obstacle to using graphene for its niche applications that involve graphene's high mobility and high sensitivity nature. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been found to effectively reduce the impact of long-range scatterings induced by the external charges. Yet, demonstrations of scalable device applications using the SAMs technique remains missing due to the difficulties in the device fabrication arising from the strong surface tension of the modified dielectric environment. Here, we use patterned SAM arrays to build graphene electronic devices with transport channels confined on the modified areas. For high-mobility applications, both rigid and flexible radio-frequency graphene field-effect transistors (G-FETs) were demonstrated, with extrinsic cutoff frequency and maximum oscillation frequency enhanced by a factor of ~2 on SiO2/Si substrates. For high sensitivity applications, G-FETs were functionalized by monoclonal antibodies specific to cancer biomarker chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4, enabling its detection at a concentration of 0.01 fM, five orders of magnitude lower than that detectable by a conventional colorimetric assay. These devices can be very useful in the early diagnosis and monitoring of a malignant disease.

An ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensor for the detection of insulin was fabricated, using low-cost and environmentally friendly nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) by ion implantation. The morphology and structure of the NiNPs are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing diameters ranging from 4 to 8 nm. The insulin assay performances were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronoamperometry (I-t). The NiNPs-modified indium tin oxide electrode (NiNPs/ITO) showed excellent analytical features, including ultra-high sensitivity (2140 μAμM(-1)) for detecting low concentrations of insulin, an incredibly low detection limit (10 pM) and a wide dynamic range (100 pM to 2400 pM and 1 nM to 125 nM). In addition, the NiNPs/ITO electrode was also used to analyze the insulin concentration in bovine insulin injections. The NiNPs/ITO electrode is expected to be used as a potential biosensor for insulin.

The alterations in DNA methylation pattern have been identified as one of the most frequent molecular phenomenon in human cancers. The RASSF1A tumor suppressor gene was shown to be often inactivated by hypermethylation of its promoter region. In the present study, a novel chip format sandwich electrochemical genosensor has been developed for the analysis of gene-specific methylation using Fe3O4/N-trimethyl chitosan/gold (Fe3O4/TMC/Au) nanocomposite as tracing tag to label DNA probe and polythiophene (PT) as immobilization platform of sensing element. However, no attempt has yet been made to conjugate DNA probe to Fe3O4/TMC/Au nanocomposite as electrochemical label for strip-based genosensing. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) analysis indicated that modification procedure was well performed. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed for quantitative assessment of RASSF1A DNA promoter methylation. The electrochemical measurements accomplished using non-specific DNA fragments mixed with samples, revealed the high specificity and selectivity in methylation analysis by means of this DNA nanobiosensor. With the linear range of concentration from 1 × 10(-14)M to 5 × 10(-9)M and the detection limit of 2 × 10(-15)M, this new strategy has shown such a promising application to be used for universal analysis of any DNA sequence.

The ability of a diagnostic test to detect multiple pathogens simultaneously is useful to obtain meaningful information for clinical treatment and preventive measures. We report a highly sensitive and specific electrochemical biosensor assay for simultaneous detection of three gene targets using quantum dots (QDs). The targets are novel non-protein coding RNA (npcRNA) sequences of Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp., which cause diarrheal diseases. QDs (PbS, CdS, ZnS) were synthesized and functionalized with DNA probes that were specific to each pathogen. Electrochemical detection of QDs was performed using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The QDs gave distinct peaks at 0.5 V (PbS), 0.75 V (CdS) and 1.1 V (ZnS). There was no interference in signal response when all three QDs were mixed and detected simultaneously. The detection limits of single and multiplex assays with linear targets and PCR products were in the attomolar ranges. The high assay sensitivity, in combination with specific npcRNA sequences as novel diagnostic targets, makes it a viable tool for detecting pathogens from food, environment and clinical samples.

A highly sensitive and ultrasensitive electrochemical aptasensor for platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) detection is fabricated based on layered molybdenum selenide–graphene (MoSe 2 –Gr) composites and Exonuclease III (Exo III)-aided signal amplification. MoSe 2 –Gr is prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and used as a promising sensing platform. Exo III has a specifical exo-deoxyribonuclease activity for duplex DNAs in the direction from 3′ to 5′ terminus, however its activity is limited on the duplex DNAs with more than 4 mismatched terminal bases at 3′ ends. Herein, aptamer and complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences are designed with four thymine bases on 3′ ends. In the presence of target protein, the aptamer associates with it and facilitates the formation of duplex DNA between cDNA and signal DNA. The duplex DNA then is digested by Exo III and releases cDNA, which hybridizes with signal DNA to perform a new cleavage process. Nevertheless, in the absence of target protein, the aptamer hybridizes with cDNA will inhibit the Exo III-assisted nucleotides cleavage. The signal DNA then hybridizes with capture DNA on the electrode. Subsequently, horse radish peroxidase is fixed on electrode by avidin–biotin reaction and then catalyzes hydrogen peroxide and hydroquinone to produce electrochemical response. Therefore, a bridge can be established between the concentration of target protein and the degree of the attenuation of the obtained signal, providing a quantitative measure of target protein with a broad detection range of 0.0001–1 nM and a detection limit of 20 fM.

International audience; Knowledge of life history and connectivity between essential ecological habitats are relevant for conservation and management of species and some natural tracers could be used to study the lifecycles of small or short-lived marine fishes. Although sandeels are central in marine food webs and are key species, there is incomplete knowledge about population mixing and migration patterns. For the first time the use of the otolith microchemistry on sandeel species is evaluated in the case of the Small Sandeel. Variations in microchemical fingerprints of 13 trace elements are performed with a Femtosecond LA-ICPM from the core to the margin of sagittal otolith and are compared within and between otoliths extracted from 34 fishes sampled in three different sites along the coast of the south-western English Channel in France. Firstly, preliminary investigations on the validity of the method revealed that Mg/Ca was the only ratio significantly dependant on fish ontogeny and sampling season. Secondly, the Mn/Ca, Zn/Ca, and Cu/Ca ratios enabled us to significantly discriminate among sampling sites. Thirdly, microchemical fingerprints of each life stage varied significantly among sampling sites but not within them, suggesting high site fidelity over relatively short distances. Finally, the fingerprints of all life stages were significantly different from those of the larval and metamorphosis stages. The otolith microchemistry could detect change of signature relative to the shift from a pelagic behaviour to a resident bentho-pelagic behaviour during the middle of the juvenile stage in Small Sandeels. Hence, analysis of trace element fingerprints in otoliths appears to be a valuable method to further studies on ontogenic habitat change, population mixing and variation of life history and be helpful for the management at local or regional scales of short-lived species such as those belonging to other Ammodytidae.

Human apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and can greatly increase the morbidity. In this work, an ultrasensitive sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor for the quantitative detection of APOE4 was designed based on fractal gold (FracAu) nanostructures and enzyme amplification. The FracAu nanostructures were directly electrodeposited by hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (HAuCl4) on polyelectrolytes modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. The sensing performances of the modified interface were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). After functionalization with HRP-labeled APOE4 antibody, the human APOE4 could be detected quantitatively by current response. The current response has a linear relationship with the logarithm of human APOE4 concentrations in a range from 1.0 to 10,000.0 ng/mL, with a detection limit of 0.3 ng/mL. The fabricated APOE4 electrochemical immunosensor exhibits strong specificity, high sensitivity, low detection limit and wide linear range. The detection of human APOE4 provides a strong support for the prevention of AD and early-stage warning for those susceptible populations.

DNA methylation catalyzed by methyltransferase (MTase) plays an important role in many biological processes, including gene transcription, genomic imprinting and cellular differentiation. Herein, a simple and novel homogeneous electrochemical strategy for ultrasensitive DNA MTase activity assay has been successfully developed, which is based on methylation-triggered exonuclease (Exo) III-assisted autonomous isothermal cycling signal amplification. A duplex DNA (P1-P2 hybrid) containing the methylation-responsive sequence is ingeniously designed. In the presence of DNA adenine methylation (Dam) methyltransferase (MTase), P1-P2 hybrid is methylated and subsequently recognized and cleaved by Dpn I endonuclease, which triggers the Exo III-catalyzed autonomous cycling cleavage processes. Therefore, a large amount of methylene blue-labeled mononucleotides are released, generating a significantly amplified electrochemical signal toward the Dam MTase activity assay. The directly measured detection limit down to 0.004 U/mL is obtained, which is one or two orders magnitude lower than that of the approaches reported in literature. Since this assay is carried out in homogeneous solution phase under isothermal condition and sophisticated probe immobilization processes are avoided, it is very simple and easy to implement. Due to its advantages of ultrahigh sensitivity, excellent selectivity and simple operation, the as-proposed strategy has great potential in the applications in DNA methylation related clinical practices and biochemical researches.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a key issue in the failure of cancer chemotherapy and its detection will be helpful to develop suitable therapeutic strategies for cancer patients and overcome the death rates. In this direction, we designed a new amperometric sensor (a medical device prototype) to detect drug resistant cancer cells by sensing "Permeability glycoprotein (P-gp)". The sensor probe is fabricated by immobilizing monoclonal P-gp antibody on the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conducting polymer composite. The detection relies on a sandwich-type approach using a bioconjugate, where the aminophenyl boronic acid (APBA) served as a recognition molecule which binds with the cell surface glycans and hydrazine (Hyd) served as an electrocatalyst for the reduction of H2O2 which are attached on multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) (APBA-MWCNT-Hyd). A linear range for the cancer cell detection is obtained between 50 and 100,000 cells/mL with the detection limit of 23±2 cells/mL. The proposed immunosensor is successfully applied to detect MDR cancer cells (MDRCC) in serum and mixed cell samples. Interferences by drug sensitive (SKBr-3 and HeLa), noncancerous cells (HEK-293 and OSE), and other chemical molecules present in the real sample matrix are examined. The sensitivity of the proposed immunosensor is excellent compared with the conventional reporter antibody based assay.

There is ongoing debate over how the water level and composition of the water in Lake Qinghai changed in the past and might change in future. This study of the microchemistry of otoliths from ancient naked carp explores the chemistry of a relict lake isolated from Lake Qinghai during the Little Ice Age (LIA). A close correlation between the ages measured on fish bone and otoliths by AMS-14C, and by optically stimulated luminescence on overlying sediments, confirms a high water level in Lake Qinghai before 680–300 years ago. The contrasting compositions of the ancient otoliths relative to modern otoliths and waters indicate that the relict lake became enriched in 18O, Mg, Li, B and to a lesser extent Ba, but depleted in 13C, owing to strong evaporation, authigenic carbonates precipitation, (micro-)organism activity, and less fresh water input after it was isolated. If there were long-term fresh water input, however, a reverse trend might occur. The most important observation is that, because the waters have been supersaturated with respect to carbonates, authigenic carbonate precipitation would result in low but consistent Sr/Ca ratios in the lakes, as recorded by both the ancient and modern otoliths. The geochemical records of ancient versus modern biogenic carbonates provide insights into the long-term hydroclimatic evolution processes of an inland water body.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based aptasensor platform, using double strand DNA-embedded Au/Ag core-shell nanoparticles, has been developed for the ultrasensitive detection of bisphenol A (BPA) in water. By combining optimally controlled Au/Ag core-shell nanoparticles with the selective BPA binding characteristics of DNA aptamers, a highly sensitive limit of detection (LOD) of 10 fM could be achieved for BPA-spiked tap water over a wide concentration range from 100 nM to 10 fM. This LOD is two or three orders of magnitude lower than that reported for other BPA sensing techniques, and also yields a detection limit that is 100-1000 times lower than the US EPA-defined Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC) values in potable water. Total detection time is estimated to be about 40 min including the reaction between aptamer and BPA (30 min) and detection (10 min). This sensing platform is also suitable for field applications since measurement can be performed under aqueous colloidal conditions.

In this work, the assembly of gold nanoparticles of (AuNPs) is used to detect the presence of the biomolecule glutathione (GSH) using a novel technique called "all-optical photoacoustic spectroscopy" (AOPAS). The AOPAS technique coupled with AuNPs forms the basis of a biosensing technique capable of probing the dynamic evolution of nano-bio interfaces within a microscopic volume. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra were measured to describe the kinetics governing the interparticle interactions by monitoring the AuNPs assembly and evolution of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band. A comparison of the same dynamic evolution of AuNPs assembly was performed using the AOPAS technique to confirm the validity of this method. The fundamental study is complemented by a demonstration of the performance of this biosensing technique in the presence of cell culture medium containing fetal bovine serum (FBS), which forms a protein corona on the surface of the AuNPs. This work demonstrates that the in vitro monitoring capabilities of the AOPAS provides sensitive measurement at the microscopic level and low nanoparticle concentrations without the artifacts limiting the use of conventional biosensing methods, such as fluorescent indicators. The AOPAS technique not only provides a facile approach for in vitro biosensing, but also shed a light on the real-time detection of thiol containing oxidative stress biomarkers in live systems using AuNPs.

To develop in vivo monitoring strategies of neurotransmitters involved in brain chemistry is a challenging work for progress in understanding the roles that biomolecules play in pathology and physiology. Here we report a new type of gold nanoparticle-sheathed glass capillary nanoelectrode (Au/GCNE) for sensing cerebral dopamine. First, a size-controlled needle-type quartz capillary was pulled with a laser puller. Then, the capillary tip exterior was chemically functionalized with colloidal gold nanoparticles by the seed-mediated growth protocol. Through insulating the above tip with cathodic electrophoretic paint followed by heating to tune the exposed area of gold-nanoparticle-film, the Au/GCNE with tip apex radius ranging from ~8.9 to ~500 nm can be prepared. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and steady-state voltammetry were utilized to characterize the effective radius of nanoelectrodes. The results showed that the tip apex radius of Au/GCNE was mainly affected by the pre-pulled capillary tip, the modified AuNPs and the cathodic electrophoretic paint. By taking advantage of the modified AuNPs and the enhanced electrochemical performance of the nanoelectrode, a wide dynamic linear range from 2.0×10(-8) M to 5.6×10(-6) M with a low detection limit of 1.0×10(-8) M (S/N=3), as well as good selectivity for dopamine, were first achieved with the Nafion-modified Au/GCNE. In addition, the designed glass substrates of Au/GCNE were mechanically stronger and their sharp tips aided in membrane penetration during implantation in the in vivo experiment. As a result, the Nafion-modified Au/GCNE was successfully applied for amperometrically monitoring dopamine in the striatum of anesthetic rats.

Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) and iridovirus are highly infectious pathogens that can cause lethal diseases in various species of fish. These infectious diseases have no effective treatments and the mortality rate is over 80%, which could cause dramatic economic losses in the aquaculture industry. Conventional diagnostic methods of NNV or iridovirus infected fishes, such as virus culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and nucleic acid assays usually require time-consuming and complex procedures performed by specialized technicians with delicate laboratory facilities. Rapid, simple, accurate and on-site detection of NNV and iridovirus infections would enable timely preventive measures such as immediate sacrifice of infected fishes, and is therefore critically needed for the aquaculture industry. In this study, a microfluidic-based assay that employ magnetic beads conjugated with viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) capturing probes and fluorescent DNA molecular beacons were developed to rapidly detect NNV and iridovirus. Importantly, this new assay was realized in an integrated microfluidic system with a custom-made control system. With this approach, direct and automated NNV and iridovirus detection from infected fishes can be achieved in less than 30 min. Therefore, this molecular-beacon based microfluidic system presents a potentially promising tool for rapid diagnosis of fish pathogens in the field in the future.

Voltammetric techniques have emerged as powerful methods for the determination and speciation of trace and ultratrace elements without any preconcentration in several research fields. Nevertheless, large sample volumes are typically required (10 mL), which strongly limits their application and/or the precision of the results. In this work, we report a 20-fold reduction in sample size for trace and ultratrace elemental determination and speciation by conventional voltammetric instrumentation, introducing the lowest amount of sample (0.5 mL) in which ultratrace detection has been performed up to now. This goal was achieved by a careful design of a new sample holder. Reliable, validated results were obtained for the determination of trace/ultratrace elements in rainwater (Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb) and seawater (Cu). Moreover, copper speciation in seawater samples was consistently determined by competitive ligand equilibration-cathodic stripping voltammetry (CLE-CSV). The proposed apparatus showed several advantages: (1) 20-fold reduction in sample volume (the sample size is lowered from 120 to 6 mL for the CLE-CSV procedure); (2) decrease in analysis time due to the reduction in purging time up to 2.5 fold; (3) 20-fold drop in reagent consumption. Moreover, the analytical performances were not affected: similar detection capabilities, precision and accuracy were obtained. Application to sample of limited availability (e.g. porewaters, snow, rainwater, open ocean water, biological samples) and to the description of high resolution temporal trends may be easily foreseen.

Hypothesis Uniform cross-linked cellulase aggregate (XCA) can be prepared by using a millifluidic reactor which consists of two inlets and a Y-junction, because mixing pattern and spatial distribution of reactants can be controlled precisely. Experiments Aqueous cellulase solution is mixed with acetonitrile (as a precipitant) and 20 mM of glutaraldehyde (as a cross-linker) at the Y-junction. XCA is collected from the outlet of the reactor. Findings Uniform XCA, with an average size between 200 nm and 400 nm, can be formed inside the reactor. Unlike free cellulase, XCA is insoluble such that it can be filtered out from the solution. It can be used alone or absorb on silica gel (XCA-Si) as a catalyst for hydrolyzing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Interestingly, XCA-Si shows highest activity at pH 4.8 and 50 °C, which is similar to the optimal condition of free cellulase. Moreover, XCA-Si is more stable than free cellulase at high temperature (>60 °C). It precipitates naturally and can be recycled at least 5 times after the hydrolysis of CMC.

We developed a highly sensitive label-free assay of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) using 8-OHdG-aptamer (Apt) as the recognition element. The Apt was adsorbed onto the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which prevents them from aggregating under high-salt conditions. Upon addition of 8-OHdG, the conformation of the Apt changes to form a G-quadruplex structure, which leads to the aggregation of the AuNPs along with the increase of the resonance light scattering intensity. The mechanism of 8-OHdG that induces Apt to form G-quadruplexes structure was studied by circular dichroism. The response signals linearly correlated with the concentration of 8-OHdG ranging from 90.8pM to 14.1nM with a detection limit of 27.3pM, which is much lower than that obtained by other methods. This method does not need any label steps and sophisticated equipment. The application for detection of 8-OHdG in real samples further demonstrated its reliability. This strategy would be helpful for developing a universal analytical method by simply replacing corresponding aptamers for various target molecules.

Heteroatom doping can drastically alter the electronic characteristics of graphene quantum dots (GQDs), thus resulting in unusual properties and related applications. Herein, we develop a simple and low-cost synthetic strategy to prepare nitrogen-doped GQDs (N-GQDs) through hydrothermal treatment of GQDs with hydrazine. The obtained N-GQDs with oxygen-rich functional groups exhibit a strong blue emission with 23.3% quantum yield (QY). Compared to GQDs, the N-GQDs exhibit enhanced fluorescence with blue-shifted energy. Due to the selective coordination to Fe(3+), the N-GQDs can be used as a green and facile sensing platform for label-free sensitive and selective detection of Fe (III) ions in aqueous solution and real water samples. The N-GQDs fluorescence probe shows a sensitive response to Fe(3+) in a wide concentration range of 1-1945μM with a detection limit of 90nM (s/N=3). Interestingly, it is also found that both dynamic and static quenching processes occur for the detection of Fe(3+) by N-GQDs, while the quenching effect of Fe(3+) on the fluorescence of GQDs is achieved by affecting the surface states of GQDs.

A hairpin fluorescence probe assisted isothermal amplification strategy was used for microRNAs (miRNAs) detection. The fluorescence hairpin probe was rationally designed by software NUPACK to reduce background signal. This isothermal amplification method consisted of two circuits. The amplification strategy not only could detect miRNA, but also amplified and reversely transcribed miRNA into DNA to enhance the stability of the target. The approach was ultrasensitive and as low as 8.5×10(-15)mol/L miR-Let-7a, corresponding to 8.5×10(-20)mol miR-Let-7a in 10µL, was able to be detected within 20min at 37°C. Moreover, successful detection of miR-Let-7a in a total RNA sample was also achieved. Thus, the rapid, simple, isothermal, and highly sensitive approach should be a promising tool for on-the-spot detection.

This paper compares trace element concentrations (Ca, K, Sr, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, Co and Cr) in 27 Sudanese medical plants determined in parallel by PIXE and ICP-OES to get information on which technique is preferable at different matrices and element concentrations. PIXE correlates well to ICP-OES for Sr, Mn, Ca, K, Zn and Fe determinations. ICP-OES seems to be the superior technique over PIXE when measuring low concentrated elements (chromium, cobalt, nickel and copper) in the medicinal plants.

Trace penicilloic acid allergen frequently leads to various fatal immune responses to many patients, but it is still a challenge to directly discriminate and detect its residue in penicillin by a chemosensing way. Here, we report that silver-coated gold nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs) exhibit a structure-selective hot-spot Raman enhancement capability for direct identification and detection of trace penicilloic acid in penicillin. It has been demonstrated that penicilloic acid can very easily link Au@Ag NPs together by its two carboxyl groups, locating itself spontaneously at the interparticle of Au@Ag NPs to form strong Raman hot-spot. At the critical concentration inducing the nanoparticle aggregation, Raman-enhanced effect of penicilloic acid is ~60,000 folds higher than that of penicillin. In particular, the selective Raman enhancement to the two carboxyl groups makes the peak of carboxyl group at C6 of penicilloic acid appear as a new Raman signal due to the opening of β-lactam ring of penicillin. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticle sensor reaches a sensitive limit lower than the prescribed 1.0‰ penicilloic acid residue in penicillin. The novel strategy to examine allergen is more rapid, convenient and inexpensive than the conventional separation-based assay methods.

Pattern recognition is essential in chemical analysis of biological fluids. Reliable and sensitive methods for neurotransmitters analysis are needed.Therefore, we developed for pattern recognition of neurotransmitters: dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine a method based on multimode sensing. Multimode sensing was performed using microsensors based on diamond paste modified with 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphyrine, hemin and protoporphyrin IX in stochastic and differential pulse voltammetry modes.Optimized working conditions: phosphate buffer solution of pH 3.01 and KCl 0.1mol/L (as electrolyte support), were determined using cyclic voltammetry and used in all measurements. The lowest limits of quantification were: 10(-10)mol/L for dopamine and epinephrine, and 10(-11)mol/L for norepinephrine. The multimode microsensors were selective over ascorbic and uric acids and the method facilitated reliable assay of neurotransmitters in urine samples, and therefore, the pattern recognition showed high reliability (RSD1% for more than 6 months) for the simultaneous determination of dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine from urine and whole blood samples.The proposed method can perform pattern recognition of the three neurotransmitters on biological fluids at a lower determination level than chromatographic methods. The sampling of the biological fluids referees only to the buffering (1:1, v/v) with a phosphate buffer pH 3.01, while for chromatographic methods the sampling is laborious.Accordingly with the statistic evaluation of the results at 99.00% confidence level, both modes can be used for pattern recognition and quantification of neurotransmitters with high reliability. The best multimode microsensor was the one based on diamond paste modified with protoporphyrin IX.

The influence of microchemistry on the softening behaviour of two cold-rolled Al–Mn–Fe–Si alloys with different initial amounts of Mn (0.4 and 1.0 wt%) is studied. In addition to their as-cast conditions, the supersaturated Al–Mn–Fe-Si alloys were appropriately homogenized at two different conditions, which together produce three different states of microchemistry for each alloy, i.e. solutes and second-phase particles. Samples with different microchemistry states were then cold-rolled before subsequent back-annealing at different temperatures for the two alloys. The softening and concurrent precipitation behaviours of the samples have been monitored by hardness and electrical conductivity measurements ,respectively, and the final microstructure in terms of grain structure and texture has been characterized by EBSD. It is clearly demonstrated that the amount of Mn and the actual microchemistry state as determined by the homogenization procedure strongly influence the softening behaviour. Both a fine dispersion of pre-existing dispersoids and strong concurrent precipitation may slow down the recrystallization kinetics considerably and give a very coarse grain structure and textures commonly associated with dispersoids effects, although some are slightly atypical. This is a submitted manuscript of an article published by Elsevier Ltd in Materials Science and Engineering: A, 20 February 2014.

The antioxidative activity of hydrolysate peptides from oysters (Crassostrea talienwhanensis) was investigated. After hydrolysis with subtilisin, the yields of the peptides that were soluble in trichloroacetic acid (TCA-soluble) and the antioxidant activities of the resulting hydrolysate were determined using an orthogonal design and a hydroxyl radical scavenging reaction. The hydrolysate was fractionated using Sephadex G-15 gel filtration chromatography, and the two resulting bioactive peptides were subsequently purified by RP-HPLC with a Kromasil C18 (ODS) column. The amino acid sequences were analyzed by nano-ESI-MS/MS. The critical reaction temperature, pH, hydrolysis time and enzyme-to-substrate (E/S) ratio were determined for the optimum hydrolysis with subtilisin, and the E/S ratio was found to be the most critical reaction condition. The amino acid sequences of the peptides (518 and 440 Da) were proline-valine-methionine-glycine-aspartic acid (PVMGA) and glutamine-histidine-glycine-valine (QHGV), respectively. These two novel peptides exhibited high antioxidative actions based on their hydroxyl and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities.

The chemical composition of fish otoliths reflects that of the water masses that they inhabit. Otolith elemental compositions can, therefore, be used as natural tags to discriminate among habitats. However, for retrospective habitat identification to be valid and reliable for any adult, irrespective of its age, significant differences in environmental conditions, and therefore otolith signatures, must be temporally stable within each habitat, otherwise connectivity studies have to be carried out by matching year-classes to the corresponding annual fingerprints. This study investigated how various different combinations of chemical elements in otoliths could distinguish, over three separate years, between four coastal lagoon habitats used annually as nurseries by gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) in the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean). A series of nine elements were measured in otoliths of 301 S. aurata juveniles collected in the four lagoons in 2008, 2010 and 2011. Percentages of correct re-assignment of juveniles to their lagoon of origin were calculated with the Random Forest classification method, considering every possible combination of elements. This revealed both spatial and temporal variations in accuracy of habitat identification, with correct re-assignment to each lagoon ranging from 44 to 99% depending on the year and the lagoon. There were also annual differences in the combination of elements that provided the best discrimination among the lagoons. Despite this, when the data from the three years were pooled, a combination of eight elements (B, Ba, Cu, Li, Mg, Rb, Sr and Y) provided greater than 70% correct re-assignment to each single lagoon, with a multi-annual global accuracy of 79%. When considering the years separately, discrimination accuracy with these elemental fingerprints was above 90% for 2008 and 2010. It decreased to 61% in 2011, when unusually heavy rainfall occurred, which presumably reduced chemical differences among several of the lagoons. This study highlights the need for multi-annual sampling, and multi-elemental analysis, when developing otolith microchemical fingerprints to explore nursery habitat use in coastal fishes.

The great complexity of glycosylated biomolecules necessitates a set of powerful analytical methodologies to reveal functionally important structural features. Mass spectrometry (MS), with its different ionization techniques, mass analyzers, and detection strategies, has become the most important analytical method in glycomic and glycoproteomic investigations. In combination with MS, microscale separations (based on capillary chromatography and electrophoresis) and carbohydrate microchemistry, we feature here conceptually important applications of the recent years. This review focuses on methodological advances pertaining to disease biomarker research, immunology, developmental biology, and measurements of importance to biopharmaceuticals. High-sensitivity determinations and sample enrichment/preconcentration are particularly emphasized in glycomic and glycoproteomic profiling.

The biodistribution of nanoparticles is significantly influenced by their interaction with plasma proteins. In order to optimize and possibly monitor the delivery of drugs bound to nanoparticles across the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the protein adsorption pattern of uncoated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles after their incubation in human plasma was studied by mass spectrometry. After washing of the particles with water, the proteins were directly digested on the nanoparticle surface using trypsin and then analyzed by nLC MALDI-TOF/TOF. Up to now, the standard method for investigation into the plasma protein adsorption to the particles was 2D gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE), in certain cases followed by mass spectrometry. The non-gel-based method proposed in the present study provides novel insights into the protein corona surrounding the nanoparticles. The proteins adsorbed on the PLGA nanoparticles after incubation that gave the best signal in terms of quality (high MASCOT score) in human plasma were apolipoprotein E, vitronectin, histidine-rich glycoprotein and kininogen-1. These proteins also are constituents of HDL.

The purpose of the present work is to understand the evolution of microstructure and microchemistry during homogenization of the Al–Mg–Mn alloy AA 5454 (Al Mg3 Mn). It has previously been shown that a two-stage homogenization practice may alter the particles state and, in turn, facilitate recrystallization of the coiled hot strip of alloy AA 5454. In this paper we aim at reproducing and elaborating earlier results by means of a combined experimental and simulation-based approach. The evolution of the particle state during homogenization annealing is tracked with a variety of experimental characterization methods and simulated with microchemistry simulation tools to analyze the changes in solute level and precipitation.

A novel urea biosensor based on capacitive detection was developed using nano-sized molecularly imprinted polymers (nano-MIP). The sensitive layer was created by casting a thin layer of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC)/nano-MIP composite on a graphite electrode surface. Cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy were used to monitor the electrode surface modification. The insulating properties of the layer were studied in the presence of K3Fe(CN)6/K4Fe(CN)6 redox couple by AC impedance measurements. The proposed capacitive sensor exhibited good selectivity for urea, compared to the chemicals with high resemblance to urea. The repeatability of the senor was found to be satisfactory. Very wide dynamic linear range (1×10(-11)-1×10(-4)M) as well as an ultra-trace detection limit equal to 5 picomolar was obtained for the sensor. The relevant experiments indicated satisfactory repeatability and reproducibility for the developed sensor. The results from sample analysis confirmed the applicability of the MIP-based sensor to quantitative analysis of urea in real samples.

The evolution of microstructure during homogenization and subsequent rolling and back-annealing is studied for the Al–Fe–Mn alloy AA 8006. Samples were produced with three different homogenization practices aimed at providing different states of microchemistry, i.e. solutes and second-phase particles. The microstructural changes during homogenization, cold rolling and back-annealing were tracked by a combined experimental and simulation-based approach so as to understand the underlying mechanisms that control the recrystallization behaviour of the alloy.

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles with very interesting optical properties, like high quantum yield or narrow and size-tuneable fluorescence spectra. Current applications of QDs are widespread, their use as fluorescence labels in bioassays being one of the most promising. These nanoparticles are usually conjugated to highly specific biomolecules like antibodies, oligonucleotides, enzymes or aptamers to improve assay selectivity. In this review, QD surface passivation, conjugation to biomolecules, and purification strategies are discussed with special emphasis to the development of QD-based immunoassays for the detection of low molecular weight compounds given the relevance of this sort of analytes in health, food safety, pharmaceutical, or environmental monitoring areas. The aim of this review is to summarise the main achievements attained so far and to initialise researchers in the field of antibody-based assays employing QDs as labels, such as fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (FLISA), fluorescence (or Förster) resonance energy transfer (FRET), immunochromatographic methods, and immunosensors., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (AGL2009-12940-C02-01-02/ALI) and cofinanced by FEDER funds. F.A.E.T. was hired by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientÚficas (CSIC) under a JAE-doc contract financed by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and the European Social Fund.

A novel "smart" electrochemical affinity nanobiosensor with "on-off" switchable property was designed for the ultrasensitive determination of glucose. The sensing approach was based on the glucose-ConA-dextran competitive system induced charge evolution in the use of graphene oxide (GO) as transducer element, resulting in the enhancement of interfacial electron transfer kinetics between the redox probe and the electrode. As concanavalin A (ConA) constituent was pH-sensitive, when the ConA-DexP/GO film electrode switched in probe Fe(CN)(6)(3-/4-) solution between pH 4.0 and 8.0, the film was cycled between the "on" and "off" states by the electrostatic attraction and repulsion of Fe(CN)(6)(3-/4-) to and from the electrode surface. Upon introduction of glucose into the ConA-DexP/GO complex at the "off" state, glucose competed with DexP for ConA and displaced ConA from the GO platform, resulting in gradual decrease of the surface negative charge as well as the resistance of probe for electron communication on the sensor surface, and making the switching from "off" state to "on" state simultaneously. This ultrasensitive glucose nanobiosensor had a broad linearity between the decrease in electron transfer resistance (ΔR) and the glucose concentration over a range from 5.0 μM to 9.0 mM with a detection limit as low as 0.34 μM. The proposed method showed potential application for fabricating novel biosensors and bioelectronic devices.