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Highlights • Amplifier for measuring. • Smart-phone microscope for reading. • Repeatable manufacturing. Abstract Strain sensors are widely applied in the industry requiring specific signal amplifiers and signal readers. However, the devices are unable to read data quickly and intuitively. The present study introduces a highly accurate, repeatable, mold-free strain sensor comprising of an amplification mechanism and a smart-phone microscope. Generation of the amplification mechanism using rapid prototyping especially 3D printing is summarized and evaluated. The sensitivity of the proposed amplifier is (39.47 ± 1.34) for nylon and (37.74 ± 2.41) for ABS. A visual polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) lens with a focal length of 7.23 mm is attached to the iphone6 camera, performing as a microscope for image acquisition, which provides an equivalent focal length of 6.7 mm and a resolution of 0.691 µm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge transfer between the two surfaces of graphene is limited due to the anisotropy of graphene structure. To overcome this anisotropy of graphene in charge transfer, construction of an equivalent Möbius strip by iodination can provide a feasible approach to altering the charge transfer route by fabricating a coplanar structure. In this work, the conductivity, carrier concentration, mobility, and charge transfer efficiency of a Möbius-strip-like iodination graphene (MSIG) are significantly improved owing to the coplanar character of the topology, which is stitched by chainlike connected polyiodides (I 3 − and I 5 − ) over the edge of graphene. Such a Möbius-strip-like route offered easier electron tunneling between two graphene surfaces by strong Rashba spin–orbit coupling and flip–flop electron tunneling, and this flip–flop electron tunneling bridged the easier transfer route between far-located carbon atoms at the edges of graphene through the p orbitals in polyiodides. As a result, the electron transfer between the two graphene surfaces was enhanced. Activity results indicated that the photocatalyst MSIG/Pt based on such Möbius strip graphene exhibited better hydrogen evolution activity than un-iodide-doped graphene. The highest quantum efficiency, 35.6%, was achieved at 430 nm when Eosin Y was used as a photosensitizer. This enhancement could be attributed to lower energy consumption during electron transfer in MSIG from excited Eosin Y to the Pt co-catalyst because of reduced recombination of photogenerated carriers and prolonged lifetimes of photogenerated electrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural photosynthetic systems use enzymes to split water, such as [Fe Fe]-hydrogenases with an active center consisting of a butterfly Fe 2 S 2 cluster. Developing of artificial catalyst with similar active center structure and functions is still one of main objectives in photocatalyst study for energy storage and conversion. In the present study, we prepared Fe 2 S 2 nanocluster with doped Ni which possess similar active center to the center in [FeFe]-hydrogenases (the similar Fe Fe bond length (2.60 Å), Fe S Fe bond angle and mössbauer effect) for water splitting. Electrochemical measurements showed that the catalyst exhibited low onset potential about 30 mV and overpotential of ∼0.12 V at 10 mA/cm 2 for hydrogen generation. Besides, by fabricated an artificial gill, Ni-doped Fe 2 S 2 composite (AG-NFG) photocatalytic system performed significant enhanced activity for H 2 generation from pure water under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm) without the use of sacrificial reagents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic hydrogen production from water splitting is an attractive scientific and technological route to address the increasing global demand for clean energy and to reduce the climate change impact of CO 2 emission. Although tremendous efforts have been made, hydrogen generation from pure water by an efficient semiconductor catalyst driven by visible light still remains a significant challenge. Herein we present an effective photocatalyst based on Ce-doped WO 3 and CdS powders embedded into platinum (Pt) layer. With the help of artificial blood component perfluorodecalin (PFDL), our system achieved 186.2 μmol·g −1 catalyst H 2 in 4 h without sacrifice reagent under visible light irradiation and maintained excellent stability in 24 h without obvious decay. The hydrogen evolution activity and excellent stability are assigned to the enhancement of the electrons and holes relay and transfer by Pt layer, and the removal of nascent oxygen from catalyst via CeO 2 and artificial blood PFDL path, and the suppression of undesirable hydrogen and oxygen recombination reverse reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial concentration of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin in wine affects the development of SO 2 -resistant pigments, as well as color and non-color contributing polymeric fractions. However, the effect of extracted monomeric Pinot Noir (Vitis vinifera L. cv.) grape anthocyanins with seed proanthocyanidins are poorly studied. In model ferments, the reaction of purified Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot noir monomeric anthocyanins with seed proanthocyanidins extract were investigated at high and low concentrations of each reactant. During wine aging, monomeric anthocyanins decreased whereas SO 2 -resistant pigments increased. Higher anthocyanin concentrations retained more soluble tannins in model ferments during aging, while those with higher anthocyanin and lower proanthocyanidin concentrations had the highest MCP-tannin concentration in model ferments. HPLC analysis showed that the color contributing polymeric fractions are dependent upon the initial concentration of anthocyanin/proanthocyanidin ratios and more inclined towards high anthocyanin/low proanthocyanidin concentrations. Wine color parameters were measured in the form of L*, a*, b*, C (chroma) and H (hue) values and showed a decrease in hue and chroma in model wines after aging. The color data supported the HPLC findings that the initial anthocyanin/proanthocyanidin ratio was critical for the establishment of a color contributing polymeric fractions and stable deep red color in wines. [Display omitted] • Monomeric anthocyanin disappeared faster in the presence of high proanthocyanidin concentrations. • High anthocyanin/low proanthocyanidin retained more tannins in contrast to high anthocyanin/high proanthocyanidin. • High anthocyanin/low proanthocyanidin ratio resulted in more color contributing polymeric fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmonious ecological environment is a major concern with rising feeding and consumption of ducks, as these waterfowl birds can promote the spread of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs). Therefore, this study was conducted to know diversity of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), integrons, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from intestinal contents or pericardial effusion of diseased ducks from 2018 to 2020 in Sichuan, China. The AMR phenotype was determined via disk diffusion test in 165 E. coli isolates. Further, the integrase genes of integron (intI1 , intI2 and intI3 genes), gene cassettes (GCs) and MGEs were screened by PCR and sequencing. The results indicated 100% isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 98.8% were multidrug-resistant strains. Highest AMR phenotype was recorded to rifampin (97.0%) followed by ampicillin (95.8%), chloramphenicol (89.7%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (84.2%), ciprofloxacin (83.0%), cefotaxime (80.0%), streptomycin (75.8%), doxycycline (49.7%), amikacin (10.3%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (3.6%), polymyxin B (1.2%) and ertapenem (0.6%). Further, class 1 and 2 integrons were found in 87.3% and 17.6% isolates, respectively. All isolates were negative for intI3 gene. The variable region of class 1 and 2 integrons contained total 13 different GCs, including arr-3 + dfrA27 , dfrA1 + aadA1 , dfrA17 + aadA5 , dfrA12 , dfrA1 + sat2 + aadA1 , dfrA12 + aadA2 , dfrA5 , aadA2 + ere(A) + dfrA32 , aac(6') - Ib - cr , aadA22 , aadA5 , dfrA17 , and dfrA27. Moreover, 13 MGEs in 69 different combinations were observed with predominance of IS 26 followed by tnpA /Tn 21 , trbC , IS Ecp1 , merA , IS Aba1 , tnsA , tnsB , tnsC , IS 1133 , tnsD , IS CR3 / 14 , and tnsE. Thus, the monitoring of integrons, MGEs and ARGs is important to understand the complex mechanism of AMR, which might help to introduce interventions for prevention and control of AMR in duck farms in China. [Display omitted] • 13 MGEs in 69 different combinations were observed from E. coli of diseased ducks. • Resistance phenotypes to SXT and C were found associated with integrons existence. • High diversity of integrons-GCs in MDR E. coli isolates were recorded. • The spreading of MGEs in the commensal intestinal bacteria was predictable. • Interventions are urgently required to limit antimicrobial use in duck industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are rising concerns about microbes harboring antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence-associated genes (VAGs) in humans and food-producing animals. Moreover, ARGs are considered as emerging environmental pollutants, posing probable life-threatening complications in humans and animals. Commensal Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain can carry a large number of VAGs, which may become opportunistic pathogen. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and possible association of ARGs and VAGs in E. coli isolates from clinically healthy waterfowls in China's tropical island, Hainan. For this purpose, 311 non-repeating E. coli isolates were evaluated for phenotypic drug resistance linked with ARGs. Additionally, strains were examined for subsequent resistance and virulence genes by uniplex or multiplex PCR and sequencing. Overall, 89 types of antibiotic resistance patterns were analysed, while 25 ARGs and 23 VAGs were observed, of which qnrS (99.4%) and iucD (99.7%) were the most commonly found genes, respectively. Significant positive associations were observed among ARGs and VAGs (p< 0.05, OR>1). The strongest association between resistance and virulence gene was observed for qnrS and iss (OR, 76.25; 95% CI, 4.02–1445.42). Our results propose that waterfowls serve as a reservoir of E. coli carrying multi ARGs and various ExPEC associated VAGs. Therefore, this study provides necessary information on the occurrence and possible associations of ARGs and VAGs in healthy waterfowls, which may act as a reference for the regulatory use of antibiotics to stop the direct or indirect spread of these resistant and potential virulent microbes to natural environment. • Prevalence of various ARGs and VAGs was studied in waterfowls. • A range of significant associations among ARGs and VAGs were detected. • 89 types of different antibiotic resistance patterns were observed. • The healthy waterfowl birds are possible reservoirs of VAGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the role of Platycodon grandiflorus polysaccharide (PGPS) in chromium (VI)-induced autophagy in a chicken embryo fibroblast cell lines (DF-1 cells). DF-1 cells were exposed to Cr (VI), PGPS t , and Cr (VI) + PGPS t , and their effects on cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and autophagy-related proteins were examined. The results showed that the cell viability was reduced after Cr (VI) treatment, and 3-MA, CsA or PGPS t suppressed this decrease. Cr (VI) treatment increased the ROS levels and decreased the MMP, thereby enhancing the expression of mitochondrial autophagy marker proteins (PINK1, Parkin, and LC3-II), inhibiting mitophagy autophagy protein TOMM20 expression, and promoting the degradation of autophagy-related marker p62. These changes led to exceeding mitochondrial autophagy and cell trauma and could be mitigated by PGPS t. Overall, our research showed that Cr (VI) can induce exceeding mitochondrial autophagy in DF-1 cells, whereas PGPS t can improve Cr (VI)-induced mitochondrial autophagy by inhibiting ROS and restoring MMP. • PGPS t improved survival by inhibiting mitochondrial autophagy in Cr(VI)-induced DF-1 cells. • PGPS t inhibited Cr(VI)-induced autophagy by relieving mitochondrial damage. • PGPS t inhibited ROS, restored MMP, and protected the mitochondria from damage caused by Cr(VI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of integrons and associated gene cassettes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates from waterfowls in Hainan, China. The antimicrobial resistance profile of the isolates was examined by using disc diffusion test. In addition, PCR, RFLP, plasmid replicon typing and DNA sequencing analyses were used for the characterization of integrase genes (class 1, 2 and 3) and associated gene cassettes. Approximatively, 90% of the isolates were positive for the integrase genes by PCR. Specifically, class 1 and class 2 integrons were found in 252 (81%) and 7 (2.3%) strains, respectively. While 21 (6.7%) isolates were positive for both class 1 and class 2 integrons. However, none of the isolate was positive for the class 3 integrons. In addition, 5 various cassette arrays, dfrA1-orfC, aadA2, aadA1, dfrA1-aadA1, and dfrA1-orfC- aadA1, were found within the variable regions (VRs) of class 1 integron isolates. While only single cassette array, dfrA1-sat2- aadA1, was identified within VRs of class 2 integron isolates. We identified incF plasmid as the most common plasmid type, which was detected in 81 of 243 VRs containing isolates. This study is the first report showing the baseline characteristics of integrons in E. coli isolates from waterfowls in Hainan, China. Our results provide evidence of the waterfowl birds as a reservoir of class 1 and class 2 integrons carrying antibiotic resistance gene cassettes. Therefore, strict preventive measures should be taken to avoid the spread of mobile genetic resistance elements in waterfowls in China. Image 1 • Prevalence of class 1, class 2 and class 3 integrons were studied in waterfowl farms. • The waterfowl birds are possible reservoirs of AMRg and integrons. • AMRg were found in various gene cassettes harboring IncF plasmids. • The significant correlations among AMR phenotypes and integrons were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The development of stable and efficient heterojunction photocatalysts for wastewater environmental purification exhibits a significant challenge. Herien, a promising binary heterojunction complex comprising boron subphthalocyanine bromide/bismuth oxychloride (SubPc-Br/BiOCl) was successfully synthesized using the hydrothermal method, which involved the self-assembled of SubPc-Br on the surface of BiOCl via intermolecular π-π stacking interactions to compose an electron-transporting layer. The photocatalytic efficiency of SubPc-Br/BiOCl for the degradation of tetracycline and the minocycline exhibited a substantial improvement of 29.14% and 53.72%, respectively, compared to the original BiOCl. Experimental characterization and theoretical calculations elucidated that the enhanced photocatalytic performance of the SubPc-Br/BiOCl composite photocatalysts stemmed from the S-scheme electron transport mechanism at the interface between BiOCl and SubPc-Br supramolecules, which broadened the visible light absorption range, increased the carrier molecular efficiency, and accelerated the carriers. Furthermore, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations provided insights into the action trajectories of the two semiconductors, revealing that the presence of SubPc-Br enhances the water and organic pollutant adsorption capabilities of the BiOCl surface within the supramolecular array system. In conclusion, the synthesis and analysis of the binary heterojunction complex SubPc-Br/BiOCl yield valuable insights into the efficient photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics, holding great promise for diverse environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we developed Ni nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated in a highly ordered MIL-101 as catalysts for CO 2 methanation by double solvent method (DSM) and multiple impregnation method (IM). The 20Ni@MIL-101(DSM) catalyst exhibited unexpectedly higher activity (CH 4 TOF was 1.63 × 10 −3 s −1 at 300 °C), thermal stability and lower activation energy (88.01 kJ/mol) for CO 2 methanation than the 20Ni@MIL-101(IM) catalyst. Based on activity results and characterization studies using XRD, H 2 -TPR, BET, TEM, XPS, FT-IR and TGA techniques, the small-sized high dispersion Ni NPs in the frameworks of 20Ni@MIL-101(DSM) exposed Ni(1 1 1) facet are main active species. The results of density-functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that the potential energy barrier was about 10.0 kcal/mol for CO 2 dissociation into CO ads and O ads over the Ni(1 1 1) surface, which was lower than Ni(2 0 0) plane (20.3 kcal/mol). These results uncover the dependence of the activation energy of the CO 2 methanation on the Ni plane over Ni-based catalysts. These understandings will probably be applicable in the development of highly efficient CO 2 methanation catalysts at low temperature region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of leaf removal timing, rootstock, and clone selection on Pinot noir grape composition and subsequent impact on tannin extractability. Results showed that leaf removal increased anthocyanin levels in berries and tannins in stems and seeds, while also raising the mean degree of polymerisation (mDP) of skin tannins. Schwarzman rootstock had lower seed tannins but higher mDP in skin and seed tannins compared to own roots. UCD5 clone exhibited higher mDP in skin tannins than AM10/5 clones in acetone extraction. Tannin extractability was determined by the ratio of model wine-extracted tannins and acetone-extracted tannins. For the first time, this study reported that stems had the highest tannin extractability (64%-78%) compared to skins (37–52%) and seeds (26–34%). Compositional differences in grape tissues from different treatments had no impact on tannin extractability except for grape skins from two treatments. This suggests that tannin extractability is mainly influenced by grape ripeness which largely determines the composition of cell wall materials that can interact with tannins and thus influence tannin extractability. The differences in grape skin tannin extractability observed in this study between treatments were likely due to the significantly different galloylation (G%) levels in the extracted tannins. [Display omitted] • Leaf removal increased anthocyanin and tannin content, and mDP of skin tannin. • Schwarzman rootstock showed higher mDP in skin and seed tannins than own roots. • UCD5 clone showed higher mDP in skin tannins than AM10/5 clone. • Grape stems showed the highest tannin extractability than skins and seeds. • Grape skin tannin extractability seems correlating with the galloylation level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of tussah immunoreactive substances (TIS) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on microbial community and resistance against Vibrio splendidus of Yesso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis. Scallops were fed with the basal diets supplemented with TIS (T group), AMPs (A group), or both of the two (TA group). After the feeding trial, the microbial community changes were evaluated, and the challenge test with V. splendidus was conducted, as well as the immune parameters and digestive enzyme activities were determined. The results revealed that the TA group was more capable of modulating the bacterial community composition of scallops by increasing the potentially beneficial bacteria and suppressing the pathogenic microorganism during the feeding trial. After injection, the cumulative mortality rate in TA group was notably lower than others. In addition, the TA group showed better digestive and immune parameters involved in digestive capacity, phagocyte function, phosphatase-responsiveness, and oxidation resistance. These results collectively confirmed that dietary TIS and AMPs in diet could effectively modulate the microflora structure and improve disease resistance against V. splendidus of scallop, and the positive effects were more obvious when dietary supplementation of them in combination. [Display omitted] • It is the first time to explore the positive effects of TIS and AMPs on scallops. • Dietary TIS and AMPs could optimize the microbial community of scallops. • Dietary TIS and AMPs could improve the disease resistance of scallops. • The positive effects were more obvious by applying TIS and AMPs in combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid yeast identification is of particular importance in monitoring wine fermentation and assessing strain application in winemaking. We used MALDI-TOF MS analysis supported by 26 S rRNA gene sequence analysis and Saccharomyces- specific PCR testing to differentiate reference and field strains recovered from organic wine production facilities in Waipara, New Zealand, in which Pinot Noir wine was produced by spontaneous fermentations in the vineyard and in the winery. Strains were isolated from each of four key stages of each ferment to evaluate changes in taxonomic diversity. MALDI-TOF MS analysis was confirmed as an excellent yeast identification method, with even closely related Saccharomyces species readily distinguished. A total of 13 indigenous species belonging to eight genera were identified from Pinot Noir ferments, with taxonomic diversity generally reducing as fermentation progressed. However, differences between the taxa recovered were observed between the vineyard and winery ferments, despite the grapes used being from the same batch. Furthermore, some consistent proteomic differences between strains of S. cerevisiae, Hanseniasporum uvarum , Candida californica , Pichia membranifaciens and Starmerella bacillaris correlated with the different fermentation systems used. The high speed, low cost, taxonomic resolution and ability to characterise subtle changes in phenotype that may result from variations in environmental conditions makes MALDI-TOF analysis an attractive tool for further and wider applications in the wine industry. Such applications may include monitoring wine fermentation to actively support the consistency of high-quality wine products, and potentially for the development of such products too. • First known examination of yeast diversity in wine produced in Waipara, New Zealand. • MALDI-TOF utility for identification of winemaking yeast confirmed. • Production systems influence yeast diversity of wild ferments. • Yeast MALDI-TOF profiles may reflect responses to different fermentation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract By applying bacterial and enzymatic processes, peanut meal, the by-product of peanut oil meal production, was used to create the value-added product - peanut meal hydrolysates in this study. The flavor of peanut meal hydrolysates was enhanced through the Maillard reaction. The optimized processing conditions for producing peanut meal Maillard reaction products (MRPs) with flavor enhancement were determined as a processing temperature of 115 °C, a processing time of 35 min, an initial pH of 7, and an initial xylose concentration of 1% (w/v). The anti-oxidative activities of peanut meal hydrolysates and peanut meal hydrolysate MRPs were compared via the methods of DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging radical activity, and lipid peroxidation inhabitation. All these 3 methods confirmed the enhanced anti-oxidative activity of peanut meal hydrolysates after the Maillard reaction. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis determined that the reason for this enhancement was due to an increased percentage of anti-oxidative compounds, mainly phenolic compounds (from 70.61% to 92.39%), along with other compounds such as Propylthiouracil, hexahydropyrrolo [1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, and butyric acid. Highlights • Optimized process for peanut meal Maillard Reaction products with the best sensory. • Increased anti-oxidative activity of peanut meal Maillard Reaction products. • Increased anti-oxidative (mainly phenolic) compounds after Maillard Reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soy protein isolate (SPI) is often used in food processing due to the high water holding capacity and high stability. This paper explored the effect of heat treatment (HT) on the nonlinear rheological properties of acid-Induced soy protein isolate gels modified by high-pressure homogenization. The effects of HT on the storage modulus G′ , loss modulus G″ and gel rate of the SPI gel were studied through time sweep, frequency sweep and strain sweep tests. The effects of the Lissajous curve, Chebyshev stress decomposition and Fourier transformation were also investigated. The results illustrated that the HT significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the SPI gel. The curve area and energy dissipation of the Lissajous curve after HT were significantly reduced. Chebyshev stress decomposition illustrated that HT enhanced the shear thickening behavior of SPI gel. The study also found that HT significantly improved the structure and strain resistance of the SPI gel structure. In short, HT significantly improved the nonlinear rheological properties of the SPI gel. • Gel network structure of HIPPE can be stabilized by A/S-SPIG particles. • SPI particles can improve the stability of HIPPE at low temperatures. • A/S-SPIG particle concentration is positively correlated with the emulsification stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats family proteins (IFITs) play important roles in host innate immune response to viruses. Recently, studies have shown that IFIT from poultry also plays a crucial part in antiviral function. This study first reports the regulation of duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) replication by IFIT5 and the effect of duck IFIT5 (duIFIT5) on the innate immune response after DTMUV infection. Firstly, duIFIT5 was obviously increased in duck embryo fibroblast cells (DEFs) infected with DTMUV. Compared to the negative control, we found that in the duIFIT5-overexpressing group, the DTMUV titer at 24 h post infection (hpi) was significantly reduced, but the viral titer was strikingly increased at 48 hpi. Moreover, overexpression of duIFIT5 could significantly inhibit IFN-β transcription and IFN-β promoter activation at indicated time points after DTMUV infection. Further, in DTMUV-infected or poly(I:C)-stimulated DEFs, overexpression of duIFIT5 also significantly inhibited the activation of NF-κB and IRF7 promoters, as well as the activation of downstream IFN induced the interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) promoter. Meanwhile, the transcription level of antiviral protein Mx, but not OASL, was obviously decreased at various time points. The opposite results were obtained by knockdown of duIFIT5 in DTMUV-infected or poly(I:C)-stimulated DEFs. Compared to the negative control, knockdown of duIFIT5 promoted DTMUV titer and DTMUV envelope (E) protein expression at 24 hpi, but DTMUV titer and E protein expression was markedly decreased at 48 hpi. Additionally, the promoters of IFN-β, NF-κB, IRF7 and ISRE were significantly activated in the duIFIT5 knockdown group. Collectively, duIFIT5 differentially regulates DTMUV replication and inhibits virus-triggered innate immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]