Abstract  OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at sequence analysis and function annotation of plasmid pKKma carrying a mariner transposon.

METHODS: Primers were designed based on the partial known sequence and used for directly sequencing plasmid pKKma. Transposon mutagenesis libraries were constructed to analyze the mutagenesis efficiency of plasmid pKKma.

RESULTS: pKKma comprises 6879 bp with 7 open reading frames (ORFs). Among them, ORF6 encodes a mariner transposase of 348 amino acids (aa), a C9 variant of Himar1 type transposase. Two inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) are identified and of 27 bp each. ORF7 encodes gentamycin resistance gene aacC1, locating between two ITRs. Transposable sequence alignment with other mariner transposons shows that the coverage is 2.0% -47.7% and the homology is 3.2% to 99.7%. The result indicates pKKma is significantly different from the other vectors with mariner transposon. The transposition efficiency is also analyzed. It's (3.1 x 10(-4)) - (4.8 x 10(-4)) for S. marcascens and (1.3 x 10(-3)) - (1.7 x 10(-3)) for C. freundii, respectively.

CONCLUSION: pKKma carries a new mariner transposon and could be used to study the role of genes by constructing transposon libraries in bacteria.

Abstract  Two C-dimesitylboryl-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes, 1-(BMes2)-2-R-1,2-C2B10H10 (, R = H, , R = Ph), were synthesised by lithiation of 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane and 1-phenyl-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane, respectively, with n-butyllithium and subsequent reaction with fluorodimesitylborane. These novel compounds were structurally characterised by X-ray crystallography. Compounds and are hydrolysed on prolonged exposure to air to give mesitylene and boronic acids 1-(B(OH)2)-2-R-1,2-C2B10H10 (, R = H, , R = Ph respectively). Addition of fluoride anions to and resulted in boryl-carborane bond cleavage to give dimesitylborinic acid HOBMes2. UV absorption bands at 318-333 nm were observed for and corresponding to local π-π*-transitions within the dimesitylboryl groups while visible emissions at 541-664 nm with Stokes shifts of 11 920-16 170 cm(-1) were attributed to intramolecular charge transfer transitions between the mesityl and cluster groups. Compound was shown by cyclic voltammetry to form a stable dianion on reduction. NMR spectra for the dianion [](2-) were recorded from solutions generated by reductions of with alkali metals and compared with NMR spectra from reductions of 1,2-diphenyl-ortho-carborane . On the basis of observed and computed (11)B NMR shifts, these nido-dianions contain bowl-shaped cluster geometries. The carborane is viewed as the electron-acceptor and the mesityl group is the electron-donor in C-dimesitylboryl-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes.

Abstract  NMR measurements on a selectively deuterated liquid crystal dimer CB-C9-CB, exhibiting two nematic phases, show that the molecules in the lower temperature nematic phase, N(X), experience a chiral environment and are ordered about a uniformly oriented director throughout the macroscopic sample. The results are contrasted with previous interpretations that suggested a twist-bend spatial variation of the director. A structural picture is proposed wherein the molecules are packed into highly correlated chiral assemblies.

Abstract  Despite their versatility, only a few single-crystal X-ray structures of lead carboxylates exist, due to difficulties with solubility. In particular, the structures of long-chain metal carboxylates have not been reported. The lone electron pair in Pb(ii) can be stereochemically active or inactive, leading to two types of coordination geometries commonly referred to as hemidirected and holodirected structures, respectively. We report (13)C and (207)Pb solid-state NMR and infrared spectra for a series of lead carboxylates, ranging from lead hexanoate (C6) to lead hexadecanoate (C18). The lead carboxylates based on consistent NMR parameters can be divided in two groups, shorter-chain (C6, C7, and C8) and longer-chain (C9, C10, C11, C12, C14, C16, and C18) carboxylates. This dichotomy suggests two modes of packing in these solids, one for the short-chain lead carboxylates and one for long-chain lead carboxylates. The consistency of the (13)C and (207)Pb NMR parameters, as well as the IR data, in each group suggests that each motif represents a structure characteristic of each subgroup. We also report the single-crystal X-ray diffraction structure of lead nonanoate (C9), the first single-crystal structure to have been reported for the longer-chain subgroup. Taken together the evidence suggests that the coordination geometry of C6-C8 lead carboxylates is hemidirected, and that of C9-C14, C16 and C18 lead carboxylates is holodirected.

Abstract  There is no consensus about the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on lipid metabolism, especially in animals fed a high-fat diet. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the incorporation of CLA isomers into serum, liver and adipose tissue, as well as the oxidative stress generated in rats refed with high-fat diets after a 48 hour fast. Rats were refed with diets containing soybean oil, rich in linoleic acid [7% (Control Group - C) or 20% (LA Group)], CLA [CLA Group - 20% CLA mixture (39.32 mole% c9,t11-CLA and 40.59 mole% t10,c12- CLA)], soybean oil + CLA (LA+CLA Group - 15.4% soybean oil and 4.6% CLA) or animal fat (AF, 20% lard). The CLA group showed lower weight gain and liver weight after refeeding, as well as increased serum cholesterol. The high dietary fat intake induced fat accumulation and an increase in -tocopherol in the liver, which were not observed in the CLA group. Circulating -tocopherol was increased in the CLA and CLA+LA groups. The high- fat diets reduced liver catalase activity. CLA isomers were incorporated into serum and tissues. In this shortterm refeeding experimental model, CLA prevented hepatic fat accumulation, although it produced an increase in serum cholesterol.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: Strongyloidiasis, a human intestinal infection caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, is frequently underdiagnosed and although its high prevalence is still a neglected parasitic disease because conventional diagnostic tests based on parasitological examination (presence of Strongyloides larvae in stool) are not sufficiently sensitive due to the low parasitic load and to the irregular larval output. There is an urgent need to improve diagnostic assays, especially for immunocompromised patients with high parasitic load as consequence of self-infection cycle, which can disseminate throughout the body, resulting in a potentially fatal hyperinfection syndrome often accompanied by sepsis or meningitis.

METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We have performed Phage Display technology to select peptides that mimic S. stercoralis antigens, capable of detecting a humoral response in patients with strongyloidiasis. The peptides reactivity was investigated by Phage-ELISA through different panels of serum samples. We have successfully selected five peptides with significant immunoreactivity to circulating IgG from patients' sera with strongyloidiasis. The phage displayed peptides C9 and C10 presented the highest diagnostic potential (AUC>0.87) with excellent sensitivity (>85%) and good specificity (>77.5%), suggesting that some S. stercoralis antigens trigger systemic immune response.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These novel antigens are interesting serum biomarkers for routine strongyloidiasis screenings due to the easy production and simple assay using Phage-ELISA. Such markers may also present a promising application for therapeutic monitoring.

Abstract  Twelve novel Re(I) acetonitrile complexes of the type [Re(CO)3(L)(MeCN)][WCA], with L being a chelating bis(NHC) ligand with alkylene-bridged and N-substituted bis(imidazolineylidene) moieties, and WCA (WCA = weakly coordinating anion) representing PF6(-) and [Al(OC(CF3)3)4](-), have been synthesized. 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy as well as IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography have been applied in characterization. The propylene-bridged complex, displaying mesitylene groups R, is discussed in depth revealing interesting chemical behaviour both in solid state and in solution. DFT calculations were undertaken to better understand the properties of such compounds. In addition, the X-ray molecular structure of the first rhenium CCC pincer complex is reported.

Abstract  A molecular dynamics study of 1:1 mixture of the C9 isomers, isopropyl benzene (cumene) and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (124TMB) (pseudocumene), in zeolite NaY is reported. Structural and dynamical properties have been computed to understand possible difficulties in the separation of these isomers. Cumene exhibits a slightly higher self-diffusivity. 124TMB encounters a larger barrier as compared with cumene at the 12-ring window during migration from one supercage to another. 124TMB has a significantly larger backscattering during rotation which may be attributed to its shape and large cross-sectional diameter as compared with cumene. Cumene has a higher rotational diffusivity. Results suggest that there is larger difference between the rotational diffusivities of the two isomers and little difference in their translational diffusivity. It may be possible to exploit this difference in separating the two isomers.

Abstract  By taking advantage of solvothermal reactions of Re2(CO)10 with 2-mercaptobenzothiazol (HNS2) or 2-mercaptobenzoxazol (HNOS), a series of Re(I) complexes (1-4) with in situ ligands were synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. In this study, we examined the effects of reaction conditions (i.e., reaction solvents and temperatures) on the HNS2 system to give complexes 1-3, and also compared the reaction products of the HNS2 (2) and HNOS (4) systems under similar reaction conditions. For the HNS2 system, the reaction temperatures at 140 and 120 °C in mesitylene led to different ligands in complexes 1 and 2, respectively. However, at the same temperature of 140 °C, different solvents (mesitylene or benzene) caused the formation of complexes 1 and 3 containing different ligands, respectively. Although the same temperature and solvent were used, HNS2 and HNOS underwent a similar in situ ligand reaction in dinuclear complexes 2 and 4, which surprisingly show both anti and syn conformations, respectively.

Abstract  Hearing loss affects many workers including those in the military and may be caused by noise, medications, and chemicals. Exposures to some chemicals may lead to an increase in the incidence of hearing loss when combined with hazardous noise. This retrospective study evaluated the risk for hearing loss among Air Force Reserve personnel exposed to occupational noise with and without exposures to toluene, styrene, xylene, benzene, and JP-8 (jet fuel). Risk factors associated with hearing loss were determined using logistic and linear regression. Stratified analysis was used to evaluate potential interaction between solvent and noise exposure. The majority of the subjects were male (94.6%) and 35 years or older on the date of their first study audiogram (66%). Followed for an average of 3.2 years, 9.2% of the study subjects had hearing loss in at least one ear. Increasing age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03 per year of age) and each year of follow-up time (OR = 1.23) were significantly associated with hearing loss. Low and moderate solvent exposures were not associated with hearing loss. Linear regression demonstrated that hearing loss was significantly associated with age at first study audiogram, length of follow-up time, and exposure to noise. Hearing decreased by 0.04 decibels for every decibel increase in noise level or by almost half a decibel (0.4 dB) for every 10 decibel increase in noise level.

Abstract  Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for diesel engines which does not contain pollutants and sulfur; on the contrary it contains oxygen. In addition, both physical and chemical properties of sunflower oil methyl ester are identical to diesel fuel. Conversely, diesel and biodiesel fuels are widely used with some additives to reduce viscosity, increase the amount of cetane, and improve combustion efficiency. This study uses diesel fuel, sunflower oil methyl ester and its mixture with aviation fuel JetA-1 which are widely used in the aviation industry. Fuel mixtures were used in 1-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel engine under full load and variable engine speeds. In this experiment, engine performance and emission level are investigated. As a conclusion, as the JetA-1 ratio increases in the mixture, lower nitrogen oxide emission is measured. Also, specific fuel consumption is lowered.

Abstract  A well-aligned mesoporous thin layer was formed by spin-coating followed by the burn-out of its organic components at 500 degrees C. This film, prepared by an inorganic sol gel process using block copolymers as a sacrificial template, showed mesoporous (mp) and crack-free layers with various pore sizes depending on the amount of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB), which acted as a swelling agent. The mesoporous photoanodes were used in the fabrication of CH3NH3Pb(I0.9Br0.1)(3) perovskite-based solar cells. The cells showed overall power conversion efficiencies of 11.7% and 12.8% with the 10 and 15 nm mp-layers, respectively. The superior performance shown in the 15 nm mp-layers may be attributed to the easier filling of CH3NH3Pb(I0.9Br0.1)(3) by bigger pore sizes, and the efficiency is comparable with that of the reference cell fabricated by TiO2 paste. This template-induced self-organizing sol-gel process was shown to be a useful technique for depositing mesoporous photoanodes in the fabrication of perovskite-based solar cells.

Abstract  Two types of pseudopolymorphs, 1.(2)(3) and 1.(2)(2), were obtained from Pd(II) complex (1) with mesitylene (2), and the quantitative transformation into 1.(2)(2) from 1.(2)(3) was observed over 6 h after shaking for approximately 10 s. The transformation was observed in both a mesitylene-rich solution and under powder conditions. The guest release processes of 1.(2)(3) and 1.(2)(2) occurred in hexane to yield 1, and the guest insertion processes occurred in 2 to reproduce 1.(2)(3) and 1.(2)(2), whereas each crystal was constructed from the discrete molecules of each type. These crystals also selectively and repeatedly encapsulated three benzenes or one toluene in the uniform cavities of 1.(2)(3) and 1.(2)(2). In contrast, the corresponding nonfluorinated derivative, [Pd(dbm)(2)] (dbm = dibenzoylmetanide), shows no guest encapsulation phenomena, indicating that the remarkable guest encapsulations are induced by fluorine substitutions. The dynamic crystal transformation and the reversible guest encapsulations of the two pseudopolymorphs were investigated by X-ray crystallographic and thermogravimetric studies for both single crystals and powder species.

Abstract  Three materials, Mesitylene-2-boronic acid (MBA), phenylboronic acid (PBA) and 1-naphthylboronic acid (NBA), were selected for fabrication of Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) thin films in order to investigate the sensing properties of these materials against volatile organic vapors. UV-visible and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) techniques were employed for monitoring of the fabrication process of thin film layers. QCM system was also used for investigating volatile organic vapor sensing abilities of LB films. In order to produce homogeneous LB thin film from the monolayer on water surface, optimum surface pressure was determined by taking the (A-t) graph, which gives the area per molecule versus time. The thin film qualities of selected molecules were found to be over 90% for the first bilayers. QCM transfer determination gave the amount of transferred mass on quartz crystal as 74 ng for MBA, 114 ng for PBA and 55 ng for NBA. All of the prepared films were found to be more sensitive to chloroform vapor than benzene, toluene and ethyl alcohol vapors. They showed fast and large responses. Reversibility was also fast following chloroform, benzene and toluene exposure. However; ethyl alcohol vapor results in irreversible changes on the films.

Abstract  The influence of 2,4,6-trimethylphenol (2,4,6-TMP) - a by-product of 2,6-dimethylphenol (2,6-DMP) preparation - on the process of poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO) synthesis is presented. Synthesis of the polymer was carried out with solution and precipitation method. 2,4,6-TMP was used in the amount up to 2.2 wt % in both processes. The molecular weights ((M) over bar (n), and (M) over bar (w)) and the dispersity (D) of the polymers obtained were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Thermal properties using (DSC, TGA), and the mass melt flow rate (MFR) were also determined. In contrast to the precipitation method, it was found that 2,4,6-TMP had a strong effect on properties of PPO obtained by solution polymerization. Addition of 2,4,6-TMP to the monomer solution caused a decrease in molecular weight of polymers. A change of D value and thermal properties were also noticed. An addition of 2,4,6-TMP up to 2.2 wt % to the reaction in the solution polymerization caused increase in MFR, whereas alcohol used in the precipitation polymerization of 2,6-DMP strongly determined properties of the polymer obtained.

Abstract  We report an integrated pipeline for efficient serum glycoprotein biomarker candidate discovery and qualification that may be used to facilitate cancer diagnosis and management. The discovery phase used semi-automated lectin magnetic bead array (LeMBA)-coupled tandem mass spectrometry with a dedicated data-housing and analysis pipeline; GlycoSelector (http://glycoselector.di.uq.edu.au). The qualification phase used lectin magnetic bead array-multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry incorporating an interactive web-interface, Shiny mixOmics (http://mixomics-projects.di.uq.edu.au/Shiny), for univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. Relative quantitation was performed by referencing to a spiked-in glycoprotein, chicken ovalbumin. We applied this workflow to identify diagnostic biomarkers for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), a life threatening malignancy with poor prognosis in the advanced setting. EAC develops from metaplastic condition Barrett's esophagus (BE). Currently diagnosis and monitoring of at-risk patients is through endoscopy and biopsy, which is expensive and requires hospital admission. Hence there is a clinical need for a noninvasive diagnostic biomarker of EAC. In total 89 patient samples from healthy controls, and patients with BE or EAC were screened in discovery and qualification stages. Of the 246 glycoforms measured in the qualification stage, 40 glycoforms (as measured by lectin affinity) qualified as candidate serum markers. The top candidate for distinguishing healthy from BE patients' group was Narcissus pseudonarcissus lectin (NPL)-reactive Apolipoprotein B-100 (p value = 0.0231; AUROC = 0.71); BE versus EAC, Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL)-reactive complement component C9 (p value = 0.0001; AUROC = 0.85); healthy versus EAC, Erythroagglutinin Phaseolus vulgaris (EPHA)-reactive gelsolin (p value = 0.0014; AUROC = 0.80). A panel of 8 glycoforms showed an improved AUROC of 0.94 to discriminate EAC from BE. Two biomarker candidates were independently verified by lectin magnetic bead array-immunoblotting, confirming the validity of the relative quantitation approach. Thus, we have identified candidate biomarkers, which, following large-scale clinical evaluation, can be developed into diagnostic blood tests. A key feature of the pipeline is the potential for rapid translation of the candidate biomarkers to lectin-immunoassays.

Abstract  Equine rotavirus (ERV) strain L338 (G13P[18]) has a unique G and P genotype. However, the evolutionary relationship of L338 with other ERVs is still unknown. Here whole genome analysis of the L338 ERV strain was independently performed. Its genotype constellations were determined as G13-P[18]-I6-R9-C9-M6-A6-N9-T12-E14-H11, confirming previous genotype assignments. The L338 strain only shared the P[18] and I6 genotypes with other ERVs. The nucleotide sequences of the other 9 RNA segments were different from those of cogent genes of all other group A rotavirus (RVA) strains including ERVs and formed unique phylogenetic lineages. The L338 evolutionary footprints were tentatively identified in both VP7 and VP4 amino acid sequences: two regions were found in VP7 and twelve in VP4. The conserved regions shared between L338 and other group A rotavirus strains (RVAs) indicated that L338 was more closely related genomically to animal and human RVAs other than ERVs, suggesting that L338 may not be an endogenous equine RV but have emerged as an interspecies reassortant with other RVA strains. Furthermore, genotype-specific motifs of all 27 G and 37 P types were identified in regions 7-1a (aa 91-100) of VP7 and regions 8-1 (aa146-151) and 8-3 (aa113-118 and 125-135) of VP4 (VP8*).

Abstract  Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) refers to a group of positional and geometric isomers of octadecadienoic fatty acid with conjugated double bonds. CLA possesses many important physiological functions and it can be produced from linoleic acid (LA) by LA isomerases. In this report, we first cloned the genes encoding LA isomerases: C12 isomerases and C9 isomerase, then transformed the recombinant plasmids into Escherichia coli TOP10 and induced E. coli with IPTG (isopropylthio-β-D-galactoside) to express the recombinant proteins. Next, we purified the isomerases using a HisTrap™ HP column, followed with the analysis by SDS-PAGE or Western blot. Finally, we compared their enzymatic activity by biotransformation of LA into CLA. Plasmids containing LA isomerase genes were successfully constructed. LA isomerases were found expressed in E. coli, and the molecular weight was 64 KD for C12 LA isomerase and 55 KD for C9 LA isomerase. The enzyme activity (9.93 ± 0.01 U/ml for C12 LA isomerase and 8.12 ± 0.02 U/ml for C9 LA isomerase) of both LA isomerases reached the highest when IPTG concentration is 0.2 mM and the induction time is 18 h. After purification, C9 LA isomerase was enriched in peak 4 and C12 LA isomerase was enriched in peak 3. Optimum pH for C9 LA and C12 LA isomerases were 7.5 and 7.0 separately, and optimum temperatures was 37 °C for highest concentration of CLA. The work may provide theoretical significance for an effective production process of CLA for the medical and nutritional purposes.

Abstract  The ruminal biohydrogenation of c9,c12-18:2 can be affected by the fibre/starch ratio of the diet and the ruminal pH. The objectives of this study were to examine independently in vitro the effects of fermentation substrate (hay vs. corn starch) and buffer pH (6 vs. 7) on the biohydrogenation of c9,c12-18:2 carried out by grape seed oil, focusing on its t11 and t10 pathways, using 6-h ruminal incubations. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Fermentation substrate and pH affected the C18 fatty acid balance in incubated media, but few interactions were observed. Compared with starch, hay as the fermentation substrate favoured the production of 18:0 (×2.3), all trans-18:1 isomers (×12.6) and CLA (×6.1), except c9,t11-CLA, and the disappearance of unsaturated C18 fatty acids, but decreased the production of odd and branched chain fatty acids. Compared with pH 6 buffer, pH 7 buffer resulted in higher c9,c12-18:2 disappearance and CLA production. For c9,t11-CLA, an interaction was noticed between the two factors, leading to the highest production in cultures incubated on hay with the 7 pH buffer. Compared with starch, hay as fermentation substrate favoured the activity of t11 producers, which are fibrolytic bacteria, and the production of t10 isomers, possibly due to the presence of potential t10 producers in hay. Low pH resulted in a decreased t11 isomers production and in a slightly increased t10 isomers production, probably due to a modulation of enzymatic or bacterial activity.

Abstract  In the present work, two ultra-thin MFI membranes, prepared using hydroxide and fluoride ions as mineralizing agents, respectively, were carefully examined by permporometry. The amount of micropore defects, as determined by permporometry, differed significantly between the two different membranes. For the first time, it was demonstrated that the micropore defects determined by permporometry were most likely open grain boundaries. The results were verified by direct observation of the open grain boundaries by a state-of-the-art XHR-scanning electron microscopy instrument. In addition, the permporometry data were also consistent with permeation data using 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) as a probe molecule, separation data using an equimolar mixture of n-hexane and TMB, and nitrogen adsorption data. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Genomic analysis of a metronidazole resistant H. bizzozeronii strain revealed a frame length extension of the oxygen-insensitive NAD(P)H-nitroreductase HBZC1_00960 (RdxA), associated with the disruption of the C-terminal cysteine-containing conserved region (IACLXALGK). This was the result of the extension (from C8 to C9) of a simple sequence cytosine repeat (SSCR) located in the 3' of the gene. A 3' SSCR is also present in the rdxA homolog of H. heilmannii sensu stricto, but not in H. pylori. We showed that in the majority of in vitro spontaneous H. bizzozeronii metronidazole resistant mutants, the extension of the 3' SSCR of rdxA was the only mutation observed. In addition, we observed that H. bizzozeronii ΔrdxA mutant strain showed the same MIC value of metronidazole observed in the spontaneous mutants. These data indicate that loss of function mutations in rdxA and in particular the disruption of the conserved region IACLXALGK is associated with reduced susceptibility to metronidazole in H. bizzozeronii. Slipped-strand mispairing of the SSCR located in the 3' of the H. bizzozeronii rdxA appears to be the main mechanism. We also observed that H. bizzozeronii acquires resistance to metronidazole at high mutation rate, and that serial passages in vitro without selection induced an increased level of susceptibility. In conclusion, contrary to what was previously described in H. pylori, the H. bizzozeronii rdxA appears to be a contingency gene which undergoes phase variation. The contingency nature of rdxA should be carefully considered when metronidazole is used in the treatment of H. heilmannii-associated gastritis.

Abstract  An exceedingly rare porous metal-organic framework that is based on cadmium ions and multi carboxylate ligands, namely, Na(0.25)[(CH3)2NH2](1.75)[Cd(L)2]·x solvent (1, H2L=2-hydroxymethyl-4,6-bi(2'-methoxyl-4'-(2''-1''-carboxyl)-ethlene)-1,3,5-mesitylene), has been successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 exhibits a 2D network that is constructed from left- and right-handed helical chains. Furthermore, neighboring 2D layers are stacked to give a porous motif. Strikingly, compound 1 exhibits the highly efficient exchange of metal ions from the main framework components whilst maintaining the structural integrity and the crystallinity of the network. In addition, Compound 1 also shows outstanding performance in the reversible adsorption of iodine.

Abstract  A mesitylene based tripodal Schiff s base, 2,2',2 ''-((1E,1'E,1 '' E)-(((((2,4,6-trimethylbenzene-1,3,5-triy1) tris(methylene))tris(sulfanediyl))tris-(benzene-2,1-diyl))tris(azanylylidene))tris(methanylylidene))tris (4-nitrophenol), with -OH as end groups has been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The compound has been found to act as a highly sensitive (up to 3.16 nM) and selective, fluorogenic sensor toward Cu(II) ions, in aqueous medium. The fluorescence emission spectra of the sensor showed a band at 528 nm due to ESIPT phenomenon which gets quenched up to 94% in the presence of Cu(II) ions. The sensor has been shown to have no cytotoxic effect, hence can be conveniently used in biological systems as well. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.