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Mn-based phosphors with the wavelength of 700–750 nm are an important category of far-red phosphors that have promising potential in the application of plant lighting, and the higher ability of the far-red light emitting of the phosphors is beneficial to plant growth. Herein, a series of Mn4+- and Mn4+/Ca2+-doped double perovskite SrGd2Al2O7 red-emitting phosphors with wavelengths centered at about 709 nm were successfully synthesized by means of a traditional high-temperature solid-state method. First-principles calculations were conducted to explore the intrinsic electronic structure of SrGd2Al2O7 for a better understanding of the luminescence behavior in this material. Extensive analysis demonstrates that the introduction of Ca2+ ions into the SrGd2Al2O7:Mn4+ phosphor has significantly boosted the emission intensity, internal quantum efficiency, and thermal stability by 170%, 173.4%, and 113.7%, respectively, which are superior to those of most other Mn4+-based far-red phosphors. The mechanism of the concentration quench effect and the positive effect of co-doping Ca2+ ions in the phosphor were extensively explored. All studies suggest that the SrGd2Al2O7:0.1%Mn4+, 11%Ca2+ phosphor is a novel phosphor that can be used to effectively promote the growth of plants and regulate the flowering cycle. Therefore, promising applications can be anticipated from this new phosphor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a worldwide cultivated oil crop that belongs to the family Pedaliaceae. Sesame seeds possess high nutritional value, enriching fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Various phytochemical constituents are found in sesame seeds and/or oil, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, phytosterols, tocopherols, phospholipids, and unique class of lignans such as sesamin and sesamolin, showing specific health potential to the human body (antioxidant, antimutagenic, estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and hypolipidemic). Bioavailability is composed of two components: bioactivity and bioaccessibility. However, because phytochemicals are treated by the body as xenobiotics, their bioavailability is poor, and their presence in the body is temporary. Although specific methods for determining phytochemical bioavailability in sesame are being established using both in vitro and in vivo approaches, the results are still inconclusive. Several factors will impact bioavailability in the human body, including molecular structure, transport mechanisms, and food-drug interactions. To improve the bioavailability of phytochemicals in sesame and thereby enhance the bioactivities, specific methods such as the application of sesamol solid lipid nanoparticles, the application of colloidal systems, and changing the solubility of phytosterols will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the variation and correlation of traits among provenances is of great significance for the selection of excellent provenances and the interpretation of the acclimation mechanisms of different provenances in the context of climate change. The photosynthetic characteristic parameters and leaf functional traits of 18 Cunninghamia lanceolata provenances in a common garden were measured. Redundancy analysis combined with Pearson analysis was used to analyze the relationship among leaf photosynthetic characteristics, functional traits, and geo-climatic conditions. The results showed the following: (1) Significant differences in functional traits and photosynthetic parameters among provenances were observed, and the gsw and LDMC have the greatest variation as photosynthetic indicators and functional traits, respectively, because of the acclimation ability. (2) Leaf functional traits can better reflect the variation of photosynthetic characteristic parameters. The correlation between most photosynthetic characteristic parameters and functional traits reached a significant level (p < 0.05), and the leaf dry weight (LDW) and specific leaf area (SLA) are key trait factors that determine photosynthetic characteristic parameters. (3) Precipitation appeared to be a key factor that influences intraspecific leaf traits' variability compared to temperature. This study can explain how provenances acclimate to the environment and which provenances are more suitable for planting in the study area under the context of climate change from a mechanistic perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]