Search

The study explored the impact of water management on rice cultivation in mercury-contaminated paddy soil. The objective was to analyze the characteristics of mercury translocation by converting flooded soils to dry farming (non-flooded) to alleviate mercury accumulation in rice grains. The experiment was conducted over three consecutive rice-growing seasons, employing two distinct water management models: a continuously flooded rice cultivation mode and a flooded rice planting mode in the first season, followed by a non-flooded rice farming mode in the second and third seasons. The results showed that the change from flooded to non-flooded rice cultivation patterns presented extremely excellent environmental potential for inhibiting the uptake of both methylmercury and total mercury in rice. When transitioning from flooded cultivation to dry farming, the concentration of methylmercury and total mercury in the grains of non-flooded rice decreased by 87.15 % and 9.57 %, respectively, compared to that in the grains of flooded rice. In the third season, the methylmercury and total mercury in the grains of non-flooded rice decreased further by 95.03 % and 69.45 %, respectively. This study verified that the conversion of rice cultivation from flooded to non-flooded is an efficient strategy for suppressing the accumulation of methylmercury in rice grains, and it might offer a promising solution for managing soil mercury risks and ensuring the safety of rice for human consumption. [Display omitted] • Converting flooded to aerobic cultivation is effective for curbing MeHg accumulation in rice. • Soil under non-flooding conditions reduces the amount of MeHg in the soil. • Soil under non-flooding conditions inhibits uptake and accumulation of both THg and MeHg in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of deep neural networks is typically associated with their depth and width. As the performance of a model improves, it demands greater computational resources and memory. However, self-distillation offers a pathway to augment this performance by internally transferring knowledge. Traditional self-distillation methods lack guidance from teacher networks, thus lacking the ability to obtain correct and key information. In this paper, we propose a new self-distillation framework—Global key knowledge distillation framework (GK-KD). We implement error correction mechanisms to network logit outputs and assess the importance of feature maps through rank to obtain correct and important knowledge. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of this framework: on the CIFAR100 dataset, ResNet18 achieved a 4.56% accuracy improvement over the baseline, ResNet152 also achieved a 5.26% accuracy improvement, and for the VGG series, the average accuracy increased by 5.82%, outperforming previous research methods without adding additional computational costs. Further experiments show that this framework can effectively enhance the robustness and calibration of the network. • The GK-KD framework we propose enhances network performance by distilling accurate and important knowledge. • Experiments show our framework balances accuracy, computational resources, and efficiency. • Effectiveness on three datasets shown; further tests prove method's universality, reliability, and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the mechanism of dark abiotic mercury (Hg) methylation by algae-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) and effectively manage the environmental risks of mercury methylation in aquaculture areas, we investigated the influence of subfractions of DOM released from algae (Ulothrix sp.) decomposition on mercury methylation. The results showed that the hydrophobic basic component (HOB) in DOM exhibited the most substantial promotion effect on Hg methylation. The methylmercury (MeHg) production in the HOB treatment increased significantly, while the production rate of MeHg (%MeHg represented the concentration ratio of MeHg to THg) in the six subfractions treated solutions decreased significantly with the increase of Hg concentration. The change of the %MeHg was more evident at low Hg concentration, indicating the limited number of binding sites and methyl donors on DOM. As a consequence, Hg(Ⅱ) in the solution could not be converted into MeHg in equal proportion. Furthermore, the production of MeHg in solution was significantly reduced by the decomposed algae DOM, and its concentration was in the range of 0.017–0.085 ng·L−1 (significantly lower than undecomposed algal). The difference between the decomposed and the non-decomposed algae DOM reached a significant level (P < 0.05). When the DOM decayed for 20 and 30 days, the Hg methylation ability of DOM was weakened most obviously. During the decomposition process, considerable variations were observed among the subfractions, with HOB consistently playing a dominant role in Hg methylation. At the same time, the hydrophilic acid component exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on Hg methylation. Generally, the main components (e.g. HOB and HIA (hydrophilic acid component)) of DOM affecting mercury methylation were found in our study, which provided a better understanding of algae-derived DOM subfractions on the Hg methylation, in an attempt to prevent and control water pollution in aquaculture areas. [Display omitted] • Six DOM subfractions derived from algae samples were successfully separated with a resin-based protocol. • Methylation promoting capacity of DOM derived from algae was significantly reduced after decomposition. • Among the six subfractions sorted out, hydrophobic basic subfraction (HOB) played a dominant role in methylation promotion. • The algae rich in HOB subfraction may pose high potential to cause fish pollution by MeHg and sequent risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ni phyllosilicate was firstly synthesized by a modified microwave synthesis method. • Surfactant modification led to ultrahigh specific surface area of 535 m2 g−1 and ultrathin layer of Ni phyllosilicate of only 1.43 nm. • Hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide showed higher promotion effect compared with P123 and F127. • The special structure resulted in competitive catalytic activity for CO 2 methanation. • This catalyst could exhibit high stability for 100 h in a long-term test. The traditional techniques for the synthesis of nickel phyllosilicates usually time-consuming and energy-intensive, which often lead to the formation of layers with excessive thickness due to uncontrolled crystal growth. In order to overcome these challenges, this work introduces a microwave-assisted synthesis strategy to facilitate the synthesis of Ni-phyllosilicate-based catalysts within an exceptionally short duration of only five minutes, attaining a peak temperature of merely 102 °C. To enhance the specific surface area and to increase the exposure of active sites, an investigation was conducted involving three surfactants. The employment of hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) has yielded remarkable results, with an ultrahigh specific surface area reaching 535 m2 g−1 and an ultrathin lamellar thickness of 1.43 nm. The catalyst exhibited an impressive CO 2 conversion of 81.7 % at 400 °C, 60 L g−1 h−1, 0.1 MPa. It also demonstrated a substantial turnover frequency for CO 2 (TOF CO2) of 5.4 ± 0.1 × 10−2 s−1, alongside a relatively low activation energy (E a) of 80.74 kJ·mol−1. Moreover, the catalyst maintained its high stability over a period of 100 h and displayed high resistance to sintering. To further elucidate growth temperature gradient of the catalyst and concentration gradient of the materials involved, COMSOL Multiphysics (COMSOL) simulations were effectively utilized. In conclusion, this work breaks the limitation associated with traditional, laborious synthesis methods for Ni-phyllosilicates, which can produce materials with high surface area and thin-layer characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain metastases account for more than 50 % of intracranial central nervous system tumors. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is mainly composed of endothelial cells, which exhibit low endocytosis and high efflux pumps. Although they are connected by continuous tight junctions and serve as a protective insulation, the BBB does not prevent the development of brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Improving understanding on the mechanisms underlying the development of brain metastasis and the differential molecular characteristics relative to the primary tumor are therefore key in the treatment of brain metastases. This study evaluated the differential expression of miR-522-3p in NSCLC and brain metastases using the Gene Expression Omnibus database. NSCLC brain metastasis model was constructed to screen for cell lines that demonstrated high potential for brain metastasis; We also observed differential expression of miRNA-522-3p in the paraffin-embedded specimens of non-small cell lung cancer and brain metastases from our hospital. The molecular biological functions of miRNA-522-3p were verified using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) proliferation assay and Transwell invasion assays. RNA-seq was employed to identify downstream target proteins, and the dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed Tensin 1 (TNS1), a protein that links the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix, as the downstream regulatory target protein. In vitro blood-brain barrier models and co-culture models were constructed to further identify the role of miRNA-522-3p and TNS1; the expression of BBB-related proteins (ZO-1 and OLCN) was also identified. In vivo experiments were performed to verify the effects of miRNA-522-3p on the time and incidence of NSCLC brain metastasis. The results showed significantly high expression in GSE51666; consistent results were obtained in brain metastasis cells and paraffin samples. RNA-seq combined with miRNA target protein prediction demonstrated TNS1 to be directly downstream of miR-522-3p and to be associated with cell proliferation and invasion. By regulating ZO-1 and OCLN expression, mi-522-3p/TNS1 may increase tumor cell penetration through the BBB while decreasing its permeability. In vivo, miR-522-3p was further demonstrated to significantly promote the formation of brain metastases. miR-522-3p/TNS1 can affect BBB permeability and encourage the growth of brain metastases by modifying the BBB TJ proteins. This axis offers new therapeutic targets for the prevention of brain metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ability to generate in situ real-time electric signals, electrochemically active biofilm (EAB) sensors have attracted wide attention as a promising water biotoxicity early-warning device. Organic matters serving as the electron donors potentially affect the electric signal's output and the sensitivity of the EAB sensor. To explore the influence of organic matters on EAB sensor's performance, this study tested six different organic matters during the sensor's inoculation. Besides the acetate, a conventional and widely used organic matter, propionate and lactate were also found capable of starting up the sensor. Moreover, the propionate-fed (PF) sensor delivered the highest sensitivity, which are respectively 1.4 times and 2.8 times of acetate-fed (AF) sensor and lactate-fed (LF) sensor. Further analysis revealed that EAB of PF sensor had more vulnerable intracellular metabolism than the others, which manifested as the most severe energy metabolic suppression and reactive oxygen species attack. Regarding the microbial function, a two-component system that was deemed as an environment awareness system was found in the EAB of PF, which also contributed to its high sensitivity. Finally, PF sensor was tested in real water environment to deliver early-warning signals. • Effects of organic matters on the EAB sensors' sensitivity were investigated. • Propionate rather than acetate was suit for feeding sensitive sensors. • Energy metabolic suppression and ROS attack led to high sensitivity. • Microbial function difference was closely related to the sensitivity change. • Low concentration of propionate was more suit for high sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we addressed the challenge of excessive fluorescence background in bacterial colony Raman detection and aimed to achieve rapid identification of colonies. To overcome this issue, we employed a combination of droplet microcavity and label-free Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) technologies for spectroscopic analysis of five species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) colonies during fermentation. This approach, coupled with Supported Vector Machine (SVM) and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) machine learning algorithms, facilitated the identification and analysis of spectral data. Comparing the results with conventional bacterial colony Raman spectra, the SERS spectra exhibited clear peaks, a higher and more stable signal-to-noise ratio, and noticeable spectral differences between various colonies, overcoming the limitations of insufficient fluorescence background. Moreover, the detection speed was notably enhanced, each SERS spectrum requires only 0.5 s, and the acquisition of the 100 spectral data points necessary for one bacterial colony is accomplished in less than 1 min. The SVM algorithm demonstrated a bacterial colony identification rate exceeding 95%, while the KNN algorithm achieved a rate surpassing 90%. These findings highlight the practical importance of using droplet microcavity combined with label-free SERS technology for quick and robust identification of the bacterial colonies. • Droplet optical microcavity combined with label-free SERS technology for direct ultra-fast identification of colonies. • The process does not require additional processing of the colonies and can complete data collection within 1 min. • Excellent results for the identification of lactic acid bacteria colonies for yogurt fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold treatment offers an effective avenue to preserve large yellow croaker fillets. However, the lipid distribution of fillets is unclear after cold treatments. This study aimed to identify differences of lipids among the fresh (RAW) and two cold treatments (− 1 ℃ and − 3 ℃) of large yellow croaker fillets using a lipidomics approach. A total of 2317 lipid species in RAW and two cold treatments were recognized and assigned to 13 sub-classes of lipids by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) and lipidsearch software approach. Furthermore, there are 54 significantly different lipids were selected as potential lipid candidates of lipid oxidation of fillets by using correlation analysis between all individual lipids variables and freshness indicators (color, pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and total volatile bases nitrogen). All these potential candidates had involved 6 metabolic pathways that found the significant metabolic process on lipid oxidation after cold treatments. The autophagy-animal and glycerophospholipid metabolism were found to be two important pathways to analyze the lipids change, and were used to find the significant potential candidates of lipid oxidation on cold treatment. This work could provide a novel insight on the lipid changes analysis of large yellow croaker fillets after cold treatments. • Lipidomic changes of L. vannamei under low-temperature treatments was analyzed. • 417 individual lipids variables enriched in 6 metabolic pathways. • 54 significantly different lipids showing high correlation with freshness indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large yellow croaker roe phospholipid (LYCRPLs) is a kind of multi-functional marine phospholipids. Advanced insights into its emulsifying properties and stability require a deeper exploring. In this study, the chemical composition of LYCRPLs, egg yolk phospholipids (EYPLs) and soybean phospholipids (SPLs) were determined, and their emulsifying properties were investigated systematically. Results suggested that the contents of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in LYCRPLs were the highest (39.35 ± 1.05%) and LYCRPLs had a different phospholipid composition compared with EYPLs and SPLs, but FTIR analysis shows there was no significant difference in the composition of the main functional groups among LYCRPLs, EYPLs and SPLs. Meanwhile, the initial astaxanthin nanoemulsions showed small particle size (0.23–0.27 μm) and had the lowest surface tension (34.29 ± 0.33 mN/m). Furthermore, LYCRPLs was the best one when they prevented nanoemulsions aggregation and phase separation. Findings indicate that LYCRPLs might be used as a reasonable emulsifier in the future. • The emulsifying properties of marine phospholipids from large yellow croaker roe were evaluated. • Large yellow croaker roe phospholipids are rich in EPA and DHA. • Lysophosphatidic of marine phospholipids may enhance its emulsifying properties. • The astaxanthin nanoemulsions stabilized by Large yellow croaker roe phospholipids has the best stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]