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High-efficiency phosphor with excellent luminescence properties and thermal stabilities is essential for phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (w-LEDs). Compared with red and green phosphors, near-ultraviolet excited blue phosphors with high efficiency and excellent thermal stability are still scarce, and the development of efficient blue phosphors remains challenging. NaLi 3 SiO 4 : Eu2+ (NLSO: Eu2+) is a promising narrow-band blue phosphor. In this paper, a series of Na 1-y K y Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ (0.05 ≤ y ≤ 0.2) phosphors were successfully synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction through co-doping a small amount of K+ ions in the matrix, significantly improving their luminescence property and thermal stability. Because of the weaker electronegativity of K+ ions, the emission peaks of Na 1-y K y Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ were slightly blue-shifted from 467 to 463 nm compared with those of NLSO: Eu2+. With an increase in the number of K+ ions, the luminescence intensity of the phosphors increased. When the content of the K+ ion reached 0.2, the luminescence intensity of the Na 0.8 K 0.2 Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ (NKLSO: 5%Eu2+) phosphor reached its maximum. Compared to the NLSO: 5%Eu2+ phosphor, the luminescence intensity increased by approximately 300 %. At 150 °C, the luminescence intensity of NLSO: 5%Eu2+ phosphor was retained at 75.98 % compared with room temperature, while the NKLSO: 5%Eu2+ phosphor maintained a luminescence intensity of 84.36 % relative to room temperature, demonstrating excellent thermal stability. The enhanced luminescence performance of the NKLSO: Eu2+ phosphor makes it a promising high-efficiency blue phosphor for phosphor-converted w-LEDs. Through co-doping a small amount of K+ ions into the NaLi 3 SiO 4 : Eu2+, significantly improving the luminescence property and thermal stability. [Display omitted] • A series of Na 1-y K y Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ (0.05 ≤ y ≤ 0.2) phosphors were successfully synthesized through co-doping K+ ions in the matrix. The weaker electronegativity of K+ ions makes it easier for Eu3+ to be reduced to Eu2+. • In luminescence properties, when the content of the K+ ion reached 0.2, the luminescence intensity of the Na 0.8 K 0.2 Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ phosphor reached its maximum. Compared to the NaLi 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ phosphor, the luminescence intensity increased by approximately 300 %. • The Na 0.8 K 0.2 Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ exhibited superior thermal stability compared to NaLi 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+. The luminescent intensity of NaLi 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ at 150 °C remains 75.98 % of the room temperature intensity, while the luminescent intensity of Na 0.8 K 0.2 Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ is significantly increased to 84.36 %. • The narrowband blue phosphor Na 0.8 K 0.2 Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ is a potential candidate for n-UV excited w-LEDs applications because of its excellent luminescence properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note, we prove that for a 3-dimensional submanifold in an η -Einstein 5-Sasaki manifold with Einstein constant a ≥ 4 , if the Reeb vector field is tangent to the submanifold and it has parallel mean curvature form, then it is a slant submanifold. Furthermore, if a > 4 , then it is either an invariant submanifold or an anti-invariant submanifold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, microplastics (MPs) are highly prevalent, especially in coastal areas. Unfortunately, golden pompano as a major marine fish in China is typically raised in floating marine cages near coasts, facing these MPs sources. However, toxicological studies on Golden Pompano which farm in coastal areas and face actual microplastic exposure are rare. Therefore, golden pompano were exposed to 10.0 μg/L, 100.0 μg/L, and 1000.0 μg/L polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) for 14 days to study the potential impact of the microplastics on the Golden Pompano. Fish show slowed growth after 14 days of exposure. Histopathology shows irregular shaped nuclei and nuclear and cytoplasmic vacuolation traits in liver. Oxidative stress-related enzyme activity and gene expression data show that oxidative damage occurs in the high-concentrations (100.0 μg/L and 1000.0 μg/L) of PS-MPs exposures. Up-regulation of Grp78 , Xbp-1 , Eif-2α and chop gene expression indicates the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum stress, and the western blot results also confirmed this. Severe oxidative stress also caused ERS, which ultimately increased BAX/Bcl-2 ratios and induces apoptosis. Furthermore, up-regulated anaerobic respiration, altered lipid metabolism, and immune disturbance were exhibited during PS-MPs stress. Therefore, oxidative stress appeared to be the main toxicity issue caused by MPs, while ERS-mediated apoptosis, metabolic alterations, and immune responses were induced by this stress. Notably, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis are a self-protective mechanism, which may be an intermediate link in the toxicity of microplastics. This study highlights the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in MPs toxicology and assesses the adverse effects of microplastics on Golden Pompano. • Microplastics will affect the physiological status of large cultured fishes. • Microplastics alter liver structure and function in golden pompano. • Oxidative stress induced by microplastics mediates endoplasmic reticulum stress leading to apoptosis of liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the feasibility of combining hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and electronic nose (E-nose) techniques to improve the prediction performance of moisture content (MC) in frozen-thawed pork. In this experiment, the data of 240 pork samples under different freeze-thaw cycles (0–5 times) were collected using HSI and E-nose technology. Afterward, the spectra and image (color and texture) information were extracted from the HSI sensor, while the odor information was extracted from the E-nose sensor. In this setting, an improved decision fusion method was proposed to fuse this information, thus detecting the MC in pork. Based on single information and its fusion at different fusion levels (pixel, feature, traditional decision fusion, and improved decision fusion), partial least squares regression (PLSR) prediction models were established and compared. The results show that the model of improved decision fusion based on HSI and E-nose fusion technology exhibits the best prediction capability with the determination coefficient of prediction set (R2p) of 0.9533 and root mean square error of prediction set (RMSEP) of 0.3869. This study demonstrates that the proposed method is an effective data fusion method, and the combination of HSI and E-nose technology improves the prediction performance of MC in frozen-thawed pork. • HSI and E-nose were combined to predict moisture content of frozen-thawed pork. • A decision fusion method was proposed to improve the prediction performance. • The performance of PLSR model was enhanced by the decision fusion method. • The optimal features were identified by MI-VIF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) is an emerging toxic organic pollutant widely detected in territorial waters. Accordingly, establishing the seawater quality criteria (SWQC) for BDE-47 is of significant importance to protect the marine ecosystems. In this study, published ecotoxicity data of BDE-47 to aquatic species in China were collected, and acute and chronic toxicity tests were carried out on saltwater aquatic organisms from 5 phyla and 8 families widely existed in the Chinese marine environment. Static acute toxicity tests and renewed chronic toxicity tests were adopted. The scientific theories and technical methods of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Canada, the European Union (EU), and the Netherlands on water quality criteria guidelines, as well as the Chinese freshwater quality criteria guidelines were compared. Then an integrated method of SWQC derivation was introduced through comprehensive consideration. Afterward, the SWQC of BDE-47 was derived based on the ecotoxicity data. The SWQC includes short-term seawater quality criteria (S-SWQC), long-term seawater quality criteria (L-SWQC), and serious risk concentration for the ecosystem (SRC eco). And they were derived and recommended as 7.90 μg/L, 0.217 μg/L, and 3.65 μg/L, respectively. This study served as a specific example to quantitatively studies the differences between different scientific theories and technique methods. The derivation process and improvement of SWQC for BDE-47 provide support for the future revision of water quality criteria in China. [Display omitted] • BDE-47 is an emerging pollutant of growing concern. • The ecological risk assessment of BDE-47 is tough owing to the absence of WQC. • The methods systems for setting WQC in various countries were examined. • A comprehensive framework of WQC of BDE-47 in China was constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the continuous intensification of global warming, extreme climate fluctuations, and high-density farming, cold-water rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are exposed to conditions of heat stress, which has severely impacted their survival and yield. Nano-selenium (nano-Se) shows higher biological activity and lower toxicity and has emerged as an ideal and ecological Se formulation. Herein rainbow trout were fed either a basal diet (control group) or basal diet plus 5 mg/kg nano-Se (treatment group). Samples were collected before (18 °C for 9 days; CG18, Se18) and after (24 °C for 8 h; CG24, Se24) heat stress. The DIA/SWATH approach was then applied to compare changes at the proteome level. We found 223 and 269 differentially abundant proteins in the CG18-CG24 and Se18-Se24 groups, respectively, which mainly included apoptosis-, heat stress-, and lipid-related proteins. In comparison with the CG18-CG24 group, the Se18-Se24 group showed higher abundance of molecular chaperone, such as Hsp70, Hsp90a.1, Hspa8, Hsp30, DNAJA4, Dnajb1, Bag2 and Ahsa1; on nano-Se supplementation, the heat stress-induced decline in the abundance of the selenoprotein MsrB2 was partially restored. Furthermore, nano-Se supplementation downregulated the abundance of lipid-related (CYP51, EBP, DHCR7, DHCR24, and APOB) and pro-apoptotic (caspase-8 and Bad) proteins. Protein–protein interaction analyses suggested that nano-Se inhibits apoptosis by upregulating the expression of Hsp70, Hsp90a.1, Hspa8, and Dnajb1; further, Hsp70/Hspa8 and MsrB2 appear to play a synergistic role in antioxidant defense under heat stress. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into nano-Se-mediated tolerance of heat stress, demonstrating that nano-Se exerts its anti-heat stress effects in rainbow trout by promoting protein repair, enhancing recovery of antioxidant enzyme activity, and alleviating lipid metabolism and apoptosis. [Display omitted] • We studied the role of nano-Se in the response of rainbow trout to heat stress. • Nano-Se effectively alleviated heat stress-induced apoptosis in rainbow trout. • Under heat stress, nano-Se increased the abundance of heat shock proteins. • Levels of the selenoprotein MsrB2 were supplemented by dietary nano-Se in rainbow trout. • HSPs and selenoproteins synergistically alleviate oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we give another variational characterization of J M -holomorphic curves in Kähler manifolds, generalizing our results in [1] . We prove that if the functional L p has a critical point or a stable point in the fixed Kähler class, then the immersion is J M -holomorphic or Lagrangian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an urgent need for the development of a protein emulsifier with antioxidant and emulsifying properties. In this study, caffeic acid (CF), chlorogenic acid (CA) with a C3–C6 structure, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), catechin (CT), and quercetin (QE) with a C6–C3–C6 structure were conjugated to egg white protein (EWP) by using an ultrasound-assisted free radical method to create a dual-function emulsifier. Results indicated that ultrasound accelerated the interaction between EWP and CA, CT, CF, EGCG, or QE by strengthening the generation of hydroxyl free radicals and dispersion of EWP and polyphenols. The antioxidant activities of EWP were significantly improved after being induced by ultrasound-assisted CA, CF, EGCG, CT, or QE conjugation (p < 0.05), particularly modified by EGCG and QE with a C6–C3–C6 structure. The emulsifying properties of EWP were significantly improved after being induced by ultrasound-assisted CA, CF, EGCG, CT, or QE conjugation (p < 0.05), particularly modified by CF with a C6–C3 structure, it might be due to an increase in surface hydrophobicity, and this structural transformation has further improved the in vitro digestion efficiency of EWP. Therefore, the dual-function EWP emulsifier can be fabricated by the conjugation of polyphenols to EWP using an ultrasound-assisted free radical method. • Ultrasound accelerated the interaction between EWP and CA, CT, CF, EGCG, or QE. • Sonochemical of ultrasound can strengthen the generation of hydroxyl free radicals. • The antioxidant activities of EWP were improved, particularly modified by EGCG and QE. • The emulsifying properties of EWP were improved, particularly modified by CF. • Ultrasound-assisted free radical method was efficient for production of dual-function EWP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a multifunctional cytokine that acts as a mediator of obesity-linked insulin resistance (IR). It is commonly accepted that macrophage-derived TNF-α acts in a paracrine manner on adjacent adipocytes, induces lipolysis, which contributes to obesity-linked hyperglycemia. Several studies suggested that G0/G1 switch gene 2 (g0s2) was up-regulated during adipogenesis, and its protein could be degraded in response to TNF-α stimulation. The aim of the present work was to investigate the transcriptional regulation of g0s2 by TNF-α stimulation. In this study, 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were differentiated, and treated with TNF-α for 24h. The effects of TNF-α on lipolysis and lipase expression were then examined. Our results revealed that TNF-α exerted dose- and time-dependent lipolytic effects, which could be partially reversed by overexpression of g0s2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (ppar-γ). In addition, TNF-α treatment significantly reduced the expression of adiponectin, ppar-γ, hormone-sensitive Lipase (hsl), adipose triglyceride lipase (atgl) as well as ATGL co-factors. Interestingly, TNF-α significantly decreased adiponectin and PPAR-γ protein levels, while treatment with the proteasomal inhibitor MG-132 maintained PPAR-γ levels. Degradation of PPAR-γ almost completely abolished the binding of PPAR-γ to the g0s2 promoter in adipocytes treated with TNF-α. We propose that proteasomal degradation of PPAR-γ and the reduction of g0s2 content are permissive for prolonged TNF-α induced lipolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress leads to altered expression of associated heat shock proteins (HSPs), which are critical molecular chaperones related to cellular function in living organisms. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), a nanocomposite form of Se, have a protective effect against heat stress-induced cellular damage. In this study, primary rainbow trout hepatocytes were isolated to identify the protective function of SeNPs in rainbow trout hepatocytes. Experiments were divided into five groups and SeNPs were added at concentrations of 0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 8.0 μg/mL and incubated at 18 ℃ for 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h respectively. Hepatocyte viability, GSH-Px and SOD activity were enhanced and MDA content was reduced following the addition of SeNPs. Expression of GSH-P1 and genes related to HSPs (including HSP70a, HSP60, HSP90β, HSP10 and HSP47) were significantly increased and the optimal concentration of SeNPs for adding to hepatocytes was identified as 5.0 µg/mL. Adding 5.0 µg/mL SeNPs following heat stress (24 ℃) increased hepatocyte viability, GSH-Px and SOD activity, while MDA levels first decreased and then increased. Expression of GSH-P1 and genes related to HSPs (including HSP70a, HSP60, HSP90β, HSP10 and HSP47) were significantly higher than controls. In summary, SeNPs and slight heat stress synergistically enhanced the expression of GSH-P1 and HSPs and protected hepatocytes from heat stress damage, suggesting that SeNPs is a potential hepatocyte protective therapeutic agent. • Heat stress could result in hepatocytes damage and affect liver function. • Antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins protect against apoptosis in heat stress-induced hepatocyte damage. • Selenium nanoparticles and heat shock proteins synergistically protect hepatocytes from heat stress injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of tea polyphenol (TP) treatment on the emulsifying, antioxidant and structural properties of egg white protein (EWP) at acidic (pH 3.8) and neutral (pH 7.0) pH conditions were completely evaluated. The emulsifying activity of EWP was significantly improved after TP treated at pH 7.0 (p < 0.05), but it is negatively correlated with TP concentration. TP treatment at pH 7.0 and 3.8 could significantly improve the antioxidant activity of EWP (p < 0.05). TP treated at pH 3.8 could significantly increase the average particle sizes of EWP aggregates, especially at higher TP concentration, thus impair to the emulsifying behavior. The affinity of EWP with TP at pH 7.0 was stronger than that at pH 3.8, thereby reducing the surface hydrophobicity and isoelectric point. In conclusion, the results of this work could provide a theoretical basis for the development of bifunctional nutrients with both antioxidant and emulsifying properties. • Tea polyphenols treated EWP at pH 7.0 have improved emulsifying behavior. • Tea polyphenols treated EWP at pH 7.0 and 3.8 have excellent antioxidant activity. • Tea polyphenols treatments destroyed EWP flexibility thus bad to emulsifying activity. • Tea polyphenols treated EWP have high electrostatic interaction forces in neutral pH. • The affinity of tea polyphenols EWP at pH 7.0 is stronger than that at pH 3.8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Despite the advantages of easy moulding and excellent mechanical properties, there are still some shortcomings with polypropylene (PP) such as high flammability and poor ultra-violet (UV) resistance. In this work, modified zinc oxide (mZnO) was prepared by reacting zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) with polysiloxanes, and the effect of mZnO on the effectiveness of intumescent flame-retardant and on the UV aging resistance of polypropylene were investigated. By introducing 16 wt% (intumescent flame-retardant /mZnO) and 0.3 wt% maleic anhydride-grafted PP (MAH-g-PP), the limiting oxygen index increased to 32.7 %, and passed UL-94V-0 rating. In comparison to the controls, the peak heat release rate and the peak smoke release rate were 88.5 % and 80 % lower, respectively. In addition, PP samples showed improved mechanical properties, with a 5 % increase in tensile properties compared to the pure PP sample. After 100 h of UV irradiation, the surface of the samples was relatively flat and smooth, and the carbonyl index decreased from 81.1 of neat PP to 26.7. PP composites with 100 h aging treatment still had excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties. The results showed that mZnO was effective in improving the flame retardancy, mechanical properties and light aging tolerance of PP. This study provides a novel approach to fabricate long-life flame-retardant PP composites with low additive content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have become highly promising next-generation secondary lithium batteries owing to their high theoretical energy density and abundance of sulfur. Nevertheless, the large-scale application of LSBs is still restricted by the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfide (LiPSs) and the potential fire hazard caused by flammable electrolytes. Herein, three electrolyte-insoluble brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are selected and coated on both sides of commercial polypropylene separators by a facile slurry coating method. The effects of the three BFRs on the safety and electrochemical properties of LSBs are characterized and compared. The coating modification separators greatly improves the flame retardancy of LSBs through radical elimination mechanism. The self-extinguishing time of the electrolyte is reduced from 0.66 s/mg to 0.20 s/mg. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the oxygen (O)-containing BFRs exert a significant adsorption capacity and are more advantageous than O-free BFRs in LSBs. In addition, octabromoether (BDDP) coated separator is more effective in trapping LiPSs than decabromodiphenyl ether (DBDPO) due to higher O content, which can mitigate the shuttle effect and enhance the cycle and rate performance of LSBs. This simple coating strategy for separators with BFRs offers a strongly competitive option for the large-scale production of high-safety LSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthesis by picophytoplankton provides energy for higher organisms and is essential in the food chain and global carbon cycle. In 2020 and 2021, we investigated the spatial distribution and vertical changes of picophytoplankton in the euphotic layer of the Eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) and estimated their carbon biomass contributions through two cruise surveys. The abundance of picophytoplankton was composed of Prochlorococcus (69.94%), Synechococcus (22.21%) and picoeukaryotes (7.85%). Synechococcus was mainly found in the surface layer, while Prochlorococcus and picoeukaryotes had high abundances in the subsurface layer. The surface picophytoplankton community was greatly affected by fluorescence, the middle layer was significantly regulated by temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration, and the lower layer was dominated by nutrients and apparent oxygen utilization (AOU). Aggregated boosted tree (ABT) and Generalized Additive models (GAM) indicated that temperature, salinity, AOU, and fluorescence were strong influencing factors of picophytoplankton communities in EIO. The mean carbon biomass contribution of picophytoplankton in the surveyed area was 0.565 μg C/L, which was contributed by Prochlorococcus (39.32%), Synechococcus (38.88%) and picoeukaryotes (21.80%). These findings contribute to our understanding of the effects of different environmental factors on picophytoplankton communities and the influence of picophytoplankton contributions to the carbon pools of the oligotrophic ocean. • The distribution and composition of picophytoplankton are characterized by strong spatial and vertical variation. • The relationship between picophytoplankton and environmental factors was analyzed using ABT and GAMs models. • The carbon biomass contribution of picophytoplankton is determined by both abundance and volume. • Temperature, fluorescence and oxygen are key environmental factors affecting picophytoplankton in the Eastern Indian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) has attracted much attention as a biodegradable polymer, but its biodegradation speed is slow. Starch was blended with PBAT to develop daily packing film with high biodegradation speed, and deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of choline chloride (CHCl)/glycerol (Gly) (molar ratio of 1:2) was used as a novel plasticizer. The hydrophilic starch is in favor of the breeding of microorganisms, at the same time DES can provide energy for the breeding. The degradation was traced in a simulated composting test using kitchen waste. After the PBAT/starch-DES film was buried in a mixture of food residue for 90 D, the relative weight molecular weight (M w) of the PBAT decreased by about 50%. Furthermore, with the help of DES, the compatibility between PBAT and starch was improved, the PBAT/starch-DES film became more transparent than the PBAT and PBAT/starch film, and its tensile strength reached 7.9 MPa with an elongation at break of 335.6%. This work provided a simple and efficient solution to obtain rapidly degradable films. [Display omitted] • Deep eutectic solvent was used as a novel plasticizer to prepare PBAT/starch film. • The M w reduction of PBAT/starch-DES film was about 50% after 90D. • Kitchen waste was used to study the biodegradation of PBAT composites. • The tensile strength of the PBAT/starch-DES film reached 7.9 MPa. • The elongation at break of the above film was 335.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In countries that promote further EV diffusion, battery swapping opens up a market outlet for time-sensitive consumers as well as another green policy channel. To better understand this phenomenon from the perspective of policy-making, this study establishes a Hotelling model of a competitive market comprising a battery swapping service provider and a charging service provider. The analyses of three scenarios, no subsidization, consumer subsidization, and provider subsidization, reveal how to maximize social welfare. Considering subsidy amount, consumer time preferences, service time, and operating costs, the findings provide valuable insights for policymakers. Whereas incentive programs are generally helpful for battery swapping development and social welfare improvement, it is more effective to subsidize service providers than end consumers. Considering subsidy opportunity cost, it is necessary to control incentive amount and make continuous adjustments to promote battery swapping services without harming charging services. • The battery swap mode caters to time-sensitive consumers of electric vehicles. • A Hotelling model comprises two service providers for battery swap and charging. • Government subsidies to battery swap services increase overall social welfare. • Provider subsidization is more market effective than consumer subsidization. • Subsidy amount should be within a threshold not to compromise charging services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the seasonal variation in the structure of phytoplankton communities in the Southern Yellow Sea (SYS), two research expeditions were conducted from 12 to 24 in April 2019, and from 12 to 22 in October of 2019. During the spring season, the phytoplankton community within the SYS was primarily comprised of diatoms and dinoflagellates, while in autumn, diatoms and cyanobacteria dominated. Thalassiosira rotula and Paralia sulcata were the dominant species in both seasons. In spring, P. sulcata displayed no obvious correlation with any environmental parameter, while in autumn, it exhibited negative correlations with environmental factors. According to the cluster and multidimensional scaling analyses, the phytoplankton community was stratified into three distinct ecological provinces in the SYS: the Western Yellow Sea, the Yellow Sea basin, and the southern coastal region. The phytoplankton community composition was predominantly affected by seasonal fluctuations in temperature and nutrient levels. Notably, the Yellow Sea basin exhibited the lowest phytoplankton abundance, largely because of the impact of the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass. Furthermore, the presence of cyanobacteria, particularly prevalent in the Yellow Sea basin, may have been facilitated by transport mechanisms associated with the Kuroshio current. Aggregated boosted tree (ABT) and Generalized Additive models (GAM) suggested that temperature, DIN, salinity, and DIP were significant parameters of phytoplankton abundance in SYS. Additionally, the N:P nutrient ratio was a key parameter in governing the structure of phytoplankton communities during both seasons. • The Southern Yellow Sea was divided into three ecological provinces. • Phytoplankton community composition was influenced by temperature and nutrient levels. • The N:P ratio was a key parameter in governing the phytoplankton structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic fertilizer can alleviate soil degradation. While numerous studies have explored the immediate impacts of organic fertilizer on soil properties and crop production, the legacy effects of organic fertilizer addition remain less understood. This research investigated the subsequent effects of organic fertilizer addition during the winter wheat season on soil microbial community structure, co-occurrence networks, soil function, and summer maize yield from 2018 to 2020. Six fertilization treatments were implemented as chemical nitrogen fertilizer (N) alone or combined sheep manure and nitrogen fertilizer (SMN) at low, medium, and high fertilization levels during the winter wheat season, with only N fertilizer applied during the maize season. The findings revealed significant variations in bacterial and fungal community structures between the SMN and N treatments. The SMN treatments increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes and decreased the relative abundance of Rokubacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, and Nitrospirae compared to the N treatment. The SMN treatments had higher fungal network connectivity and lower mean path distance and modularity than the N treatment, resulting in heightened sensitivity of fungi to environmental changes. The legacy effects of organic fertilizer changed the functional potential of the N and C cycles, with keystone taxa such as Proteobacteria, Actinomycetes, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Bacteroides, and Ascomycota significantly correlating with functional genes related to the C and N cycles. Surprisingly, no significant differences in summer maize yield occurred between the SMN and N treatments. However, the random forest model revealed that the SMN treatments had significantly higher explanatory power of soil microbial community structure for maize yield (74.31%) than the N treatment (13.07%). These results were corroborated in subsequent studies and underscore the legacy effects of organic fertilizer addition on soil microbial communities. This research offers valuable insights into organic fertilizer use for enhancing soil quality and sustaining agricultural productivity. [Display omitted] • Stronger response of fungal networks to organic fertilizer legacy than bacteria. • Organic fertilizer legacy changed the functional potential of N cycle and C cycle. • Keystone taxa significantly correlate with genes related to the C and N cycles. • No significant difference in yield occurred between organic fertilizer legacy and N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Associations between IL and 10 polymorphisms and acute leukemia risk were evaluated. • IL-10 rs1800896 and rs1800872 polymorphisms were associated with acute leukemia risk. • IL-10 rs1800896 and rs1800872 may be potential biomarkers for AL risk prediction. Recently, increasing evidence has demonstrated that IL-10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with the risk of acute leukemia (AL), but the findings of different articles remain controversial. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to further investigate the exact roles of IL-10 SNPs in AL susceptibility. Six common Chinese and English databases were utilized to retrieve eligible studies. The strength of the association was assessed by calculating odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. All analyses were carried out using Review Manager (version 5.3) and STATA (version 15.1). The registered number of this research is CRD42022373362. A total of 6391 participants were enrolled in this research. The results showed that the AG genotype of rs1800896 increased AL risk in the heterozygous codominant model (AG vs. AA, OR = 1.41, 95 % CI = 1.04–1.92, P = 0.03) and overdominant model (AG vs. AA + GG, OR = 1.32, 95 % CI = 1.04–1.70, P = 0.03). In the subgroup analysis, associations between the G allele, GG genotype, AG genotype, AG + GG genotype of rs1800896 and increased AL risk were also observed in the mixed population based on allelic, homozygote codominant, heterozygous codominant, dominant, and overdominant models. Furthermore, an association between the AC genotype of rs1800872 and increased AL risk was observed in the Caucasian population in the overdominant model. However, the rs1800871, rs3024489 and rs3024493 polymorphisms did not affect AL risk. IL-10 rs1800896 and rs1800872 affected the susceptibility of AL and therefore may be biomarkers for early screening and risk prediction of AL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diatoms have long been thought to dominate the marine silicon (Si) cycle, as well as play an important role in the ocean's carbon (C) export, due to density-driven particle sedimentation. Research in the past decade has shed new light on the potential importance of picocyanobacteria to C export, although the sinking mechanism is still unclear. Interestingly, the recent discovery of Si accumulation by picocyanobacteria of the genus Synechococcu s has strong implications for the marine Si cycle, which may also have profound influence on the oceanic C export. Understanding the mechanisms of Synechococcus Si accumulation and its ecological effects are therefore critical for addressing wider issues such as Si and C exports by small cells via biological pump. Here, we show that recent advances in process studies indicate that the presence of Si within picocyanobacteria may be a common and universal feature. Subsequently, we generalize four biochemical forms of Si potentially present in picocyanobacterial cells, which are all different from diatomaceous opal-A, and hypothesize that these various structures of Si phases may be several stage products of Si precipitation. At the same time, several aspects of Si dynamics in Synechococcus are also discussed emphatically. In addition, we provide a first estimate of picocyanobacteria Si stock and production for the global ocean, accounting for 12% of the global Si inventory and 45% of the global annual Si production in the surface ocean, respectively. The implication is that picocyanobacteria may exert a significant influence on the marine Si cycle, which is likely to alter our understanding of the long-term control of the oceanic Si cycling by diatoms. Finally, we summarize three possible mechanisms and pathways through which picocyanobacteria-derived Si can be transported to the deep ocean. Altogether, marine picocyanobacteria, despite very small in cell size, are a non-negligible group for the export of biomineral Si to deeper waters and ocean sediments. • The presence of Si in picocyanobacteria may be a common feature. • Four biochemical forms of Si may be present in picocyanobacterial cells. • There are three pathways for picocyanobacteria transporting Si to the depth. • Picocyanobacteria exert a significant influence on the marine Si cycle. • Quantifying the Si and C export of picocyanobacteria are important in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment is thought to be a vital reservoir to spread antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) among various natural environments. However, the spatial distribution patterns of the sedimental antibiotic resistomes around the Bohai Bay region, a river-connected coastal water ecosystem, are still poorly understood. The present study conducted a comprehensive investigation of ARGs among urban rivers (UR), estuaries (ES) and Bohai Bay (BHB) by metagenomic sequencing. Overall, a total of 169 unique ARGs conferring resistance to 15 antimicrobial classes were detected across all sediment samples. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the diversity and abundance of ARGs in the UR were all significantly higher than those in the ES and BHB (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), revealing the distance dilution of the sedimental resistomes from the river to the ocean. Multidrug resistance genes contained most of the ARG subtypes, whereas rifamycin resistance genes were the most abundant ARGs in this region. Our study demonstrated that most antimicrobial resistomes were highly accumulated in urban river sediments, whereas beta-lactamase resistance genes (mainly PNGM-1) dramatically increased away from the estuary to the open ocean. The relative abundance of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) also gradually decreased from rivers to the coastal ocean, whereas the difference in pathogenic bacteria was not significant in the three classifications. Among MGEs, plasmids were recognized as the most important carriers to support the horizontal gene transfer of ARGs within and between species. According to co-occurrence networks, pathogenic Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were recognized as potential and important hosts of ARGs. Heavy metals, pH and moisture content were all recognized as the vital environmental factors influencing the distribution of ARGs in sediment samples. Overall, the present study may help to understand the distribution patterns of ARGs at a watershed scale, and help to make effective policies to control the emergence, spread and evolution of different ARG subtypes in different habitats. • Sediment resistomes around Bohai Bay region was explored by metagenomic analysis. • The most diversity and abundant resistomes in this region were multidrug and rifamycin resistance genes, respectively. • The relative abundance of ARGs decreased along the river inlet towards the open ocean. • Heavy metals, pH and moisture content were key environmental parameters to influence the distribution of ARGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a biparametric perturbation method is proposed to solve the Föppl–von Kármán equations of bimodular thin plates subjected to a single load. First, by using two small parameters, one describes the bimodular effect and another stands for the central deflection, we expanded the unknown deflection and stress in double power series with respect to the two parameters and obtained the approximate analytical solutions under various edge conditions. Due to the diversity of selection of parameters and its combination, by using the bimodular parameter and the load as two perturbation parameters, we elucidated further the application of this method. The use of two sets of parameter schemes both can obtain satisfactory perturbation solutions; the numerical simulations also verify this idea. The results indicate that in a biparametric perturbation method, the selection and its combination of parameters may reflect the combined effects introduced by nonlinear factors. The method proposed in this study may be used for solving other mathematical equations established in some application problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine plankton are faced with novel challenges associated with environmental changes such as ocean acidification, warming, and eutrophication. However, data on the effects of simultaneous environmental changes on complex natural communities in coastal ecosystems are relatively limited. Here we made a systematic analysis of biological and environmental parameters in the Bohai Sea over the past three years to suggest that plankton communities responded differently to current changing coastal environments, with the increase of phytoplankton and the decrease of zooplankton. These different changes of phyto- and zooplankton potentially resulted from the fact that both the effect of acidification as a result of pH decline and the effect of warming as a consequence of increasing temperature favored phytoplankton over zooplankton at present. Furthermore, water eutrophication and salinity as well as heavy metals Hg, Zn, and As had more or less diverse consequences for the dynamics of phytoplankton and zooplankton. Differently, with ongoing climate change, we also revealed that both phytoplankton and zooplankton would decrease in the future under the influence of interactions between acidification and warming. • Plankton responded differently to current changing coastal environments. • Current coastal environments benefit phytoplankton but harm zooplankton. • Plankton would decrease under future acidification and warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine picophytoplankton (<2 μm) are the most abundant photosynthetic group and also important contributors to global primary production. However, it is still constrained to incorporate picophytoplankton into dynamic ecosystem models, as a result of our limited understanding of their global distribution and abundance. Here, we applied a large dataset consisted of 1817 in situ observations from the Yellow Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean to suggest that picophytoplankton abundance and distribution had a large variability among the three distinct regions. Based on the correlation analysis, aggregated boosted tree analysis, and generalized additive model, we proposed that water temperature and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (N) were key determinants in driving the large-scale variability of marine picophytoplankton. For example, we revealed that high temperature and low N would stimulate the growth of Prochlorococcus. Therefore, these results could provide some insights into the various environmental factors which affect the dynamics of picophytoplankton, as well as the dynamic ecosystem models. • Picophytoplankton had a large variability among the three distinct regions. • Prochlorococcus was absent in the Yellow Sea but dominated in the open oceans. • Synechococcus and picoeukaryotes had a wider geographical distribution. • Temperature and nitrogen were key determinants for picophytoplankton dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Unsupported and Al2O3-supported molybdenum phosphides (MoP) were tested as catalysts for the decomposition of hydrazine (N2H4), in comparison with previously studied Mo2N catalysts. The results showed that the activity increased with MoP loading on the MoP/Al2O3 catalysts and that the supported MoP catalysts were more stable during hydrazine decomposition compared with the supported Mo2N catalysts. FTIR results indicated that N2H4 decomposed on the Mo sites on the MoP, similar to the case of Mo2N. FTIR and microcalorimetric adsorption measurements showed that NH3 was adsorbed only moderately on the MoP catalyst, giving it better catalytic stability than the Mo2N, for which strong adsorption of NH3 blocked the active sites and led to a sharp decrease in activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]