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The deterioration of the quality of raw liquor caused by the low content of ethyl hexanoate in Nongxiangxing baijiu has become a pervasive problem in the baijiu industry. Therefore, this study attempted to increase the synthesis of ethyl hexanoate by microorganisms with high esterase activity to increase Zaopei fermentation. The results showed that biofortification was a feasible and important way to improve the quality of the raw liquor and increase the ethyl hexanoate content. Adding Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Millerozyma farinosa for biofortified fermentation disturbed the microbial community structure of Zaopei and increased the abundance of Wickerhamomyces, Saccharomyces, and Thermoascus. The contents of ethyl hexanoate, ethyl valerate, ethyl caprylate, and ethyl heptanoate also increased noticeably in baijiu. The results of E‐nose and sensory analysis tested and verified that the baijiu in the fortified group had better flavor characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accumulation studies found that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a predominant cell in tumor microenvironment (TME), which function essentially during tumor progression. By releasing bioactive molecules, including circRNA, small extracellular vesicles (sEV) modulate immune cell functions in the TME, thereby affecting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. Nevertheless, biology functions and molecular mechanisms of M2 macrophage-derived sEV circRNAs in NSCLC are unclear. Methods: Cellular experiments were conducted to verify the M2 macrophage-derived sEV (M2-EV) roles in NSCLC. Differential circRNA expression in M0 and M2-EV was validated by RNA sequencing. circFTO expression in NSCLC patients and cells was investigated via real-time PCR and FISH. The biological mechanism of circFTO in NSCLC was validated by experiments. Our team isolated sEV from M2 macrophages (M2Ms) and found that M2-EV treatment promoted NSCLC CP, migration, and glycolysis. Results: High-throughput sequencing found that circFTO was highly enriched in M2-EV. FISH and RT-qPCR confirmed that circFTO expression incremented in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Clinical studies confirmed that high circFTO expression correlated negatively with NSCLC patient survival. Luciferase reporter analysis confirmed that miR-148a-3p and PDK4 were downstream targets of circFTO. circFTO knockdown inhibited NSCLC cell growth and metastasis in in vivo experiments. Downregulating miR-148a-3p or overexpressing PDK4 restored the malignancy of NSCLC, including proliferation, migration, and aerobic glycolysis after circFTO silencing. Conclusion: The study found that circFTO from M2-EV promoted NSCLC cell progression and glycolysis through miR-148a-3p/PDK4 axis. circFTO is a promising prognostic and diagnostic NSCLC biomarker and has the potential to be a candidate NSCLC therapy target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel PN/Anammox system with low ammonia and no temperature control was developed. • Low sludge is advantageous for the suppression of NOB activity by light. • Stable nitrification was achieved by light irradiation under mainstream conditions. • Ellin6067 of light-resistant AOB bacteria enhances nitrification system performance. • PN/Anammox achieves a total nitrogen removal rate of > 90 % under mainstream conditions. PN/Anammox, as an economical and effective nitrogen removal process, is of great significance for reducing carbon emission in municipal wastewater treatment. However, municipal wastewater has mainstream characterized of low temperature and low NH 4 +-N concentration, and NOB activity is difficult to inhibit, so achieving a stable PN process is the biggest challenge in the application of PN/Anammox to mainstream wastewater. This study developed a method for stable and efficient PN/Anammox based on very low sludge volume (MLVSS = 65 mg/L). Even when the temperature dropped to 15℃ or there was exogenous nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) interference, the system still had good inhibition of NOB activity. The total stable operation time was 386 days, and the NO 2 –-N accumulation efficiency could reach more than 90 %. Ellin6067 , Nitrosomonas and Candidatus_Brocadia were the dominant functional microorganisms in the system. Nitrospira was the dominant genera of NOB with very low relative abundance (<0.04 %). The mechanism of the long-term stable mainstream PN/Anammox system showed that low sludge content was beneficial to light irradiation on microorganisms in the reactor, while nxrA , the functional gene of NOB, had weak light resistance and oxidation resistance, which makes the system had strong inhibition effect on NOB. The construction of this new system which does not depend on activated sludge volume and complex NOB activity inhibition strategy can better promote the practical application of PN/Anammox under mainstream conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective extraction of Li + ions from highly saline solutions is challenging due to the presence of competing ions like Mg2+ and Na+. This study employed a straightforward interfacial polymerization technique to modify cation exchange membranes (CEM, CR671) to enhance Li+ transport selectivity and capacities. The modification involved a two-layer coating, with polydopamine (PDA) as the initial layer facilitating subsequent coating with polyethyleneimine (PEI). The second layer, comprising PEI and 2-OH-15-crown-5 ether (15CE), created the channels for selective Li transport through crosslinking with 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of 15CE coating on the modified membranes (15CE-PEI-PDA-CR671), while zeta-potential analysis indicated a positive surface charge attributed to PEI to increase the electrostatic repulsion of divalent cations. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated a reduced impedance of 15CE/PEI-PDA-CR671 for Li transport, indicating its high transport potential and selectivity for Li. Bench-scale electrodialysis experiments simulating high Mg2+ and Na + brine conditions demonstrated promising results that 15CE/PEI-PDA-CR671 membrane achieved up to 80% and 90% Li+ recovery efficiency in Mg2+/Li+ and Na+/Li+ mixtures, respectively. The modified membranes exhibited enhanced selectivity, as evidenced by reduced relative transfer numbers (t Mg/Li and t Na/Li). Specifically, 15CE/PEI-PDA-CR671 demonstrated significant improvements in Li+ permselectivity and flux compared to CR671 and PEI-PDA-CR671, highlighting its potential for enhancing Li+ recovery effectively from brine water sources. [Display omitted] • Innovative membrane modifications facilitated effective Li extraction from brine. • Two-layer coating strategy enhanced Li transport in modified CR671 membranes. • Incorporation of 15-crown-5 ether played a pivotal role in enhancing Li selectivity. • 15CE-PEI-PDA-CR671 membranes significantly enhanced Li permselectivity and flux. • Li recovery efficiency was demonstrated at 80% in Mg2+/Li+ and 90% in Na+/Li+ brines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a model for truncated conical shells made of fiber-reinforced composite materials (FRCTWTCS) is advanced considering the material nonlinearity and strain dependency. This model is capable of predicting the natural frequencies, vibration responses, and damping ratios under different excitation amplitudes. Firstly, based on the Jones-Nelson nonlinear material theory and complex modulus method, the nonlinear elastic modulus, and shear modulus are characterized. Subsequently, considering the influence of semi-cone angle and excitation direction deflection angle, a comprehensive set of dynamic control equations is established using the Ritz method. Furthermore, to illustrate the effectiveness of the advanced modeling approach, a series of experiments are conducted using TC300/epoxy resin truncated conical shells as an example. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the advanced modeling method. The comparative results indicate that the advanced nonlinear model outperforms the model that neglects strain dependency in terms of accuracy. The maximum errors between the predicted and measured values for the natural frequencies, vibration responses, and damping ratios are 1.7%, 3.4%, and 8.5%, respectively. Finally, the impact of various constrained boundary lengths, semi-cone angles, and fiber layup angles on the nonlinear vibration characteristics of the model is discussed. • A nonlinear vibration model for truncated conical shells made of fiber-reinforced composite materials (FRCTWTCS) is advanced considering the material nonlinearity and strain dependency. • The accuracy of the proposed model is validated by establishing a test bed to investigate the nonlinear vibration characteristics of the FRCTWTCS. • The impact of various constrained boundary lengths, semi-cone angles and fiber layup angles on the nonlinear vibration characteristics of the model is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little information is available on the influence of the compound use of intercropping (IN) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) on Cd accumulation and the expression of Cd transporter genes in two intercropped plants. A pot experiment was conducted to study the influences of IN and AMF-Glomus versiforme on growth and Cd uptake of two intercropped plants-maize and Cd hyperaccumulator Sphagneticola calendulacea, and the expression of Cd transporter genes in maize in Cd-polluted soils. IN, AMF and combined treatments of IN and AMF (IN + AMF) obviously improved biomass, photosynthesis and total antioxidant capacities of two plants. Moreover, single and compound treatments of IN and AMF evidently reduced Cd contents in maize, and the greatest decreases appeared in the compound treatment. However, Cd contents of S. calendulacea in IN, AMF and IN + AMF groups were notably improved. Furthermore, the single and compound treatments of IN and AMF significantly downregulated the expression levels of Nramp1, HMA1, ABCC1 and ABCC10 in roots and leaves, and the largest decreases were observed in the combined treatment. Our work first revealed that the combined use of IN and AMF appeared to have a synergistic effect on decreasing Cd content by downregulating the expression of Cd transporter genes in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When hydraulic machines operate away from their design condition, the angle between the inflow and the blade's leading edge increases significantly, causing severe cavitation. To address this, this investigation focuses on cavitation flow around hydrofoil with a high incidence angle. The effects of the vortex generators (VGs) on cavitation evolution, pressure fluctuations, and flow-induced noise were discussed. Experiments and simulations were jointly employed in this work. The results indicate that under current conditions, cavitation initiates upstream of the VGs, closer to the leading edge. The branch-like vortex cavitation induced by the VGs enhances the stability of the shedding cavities in the midstream of the hydrofoil, leading to a 15.24% reduction in the primary frequency of cavitation shedding. With the addition of the VGs, the amplitude of pressure fluctuations on the hydrofoil surface is reduced. Also, the acoustic power drops over the entire spectrum, especially in the high-frequency range. The sound pressure corresponding to the main frequency of cavitation noise is reduced by 7 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radionuclide-based Cerenkov luminescence (CL) has gained significant attention in the field of biomedicine, leading to the development of novel strategies for tumor imaging and treatment. CL can be directly captured by a charge-coupled device camera, enabling non-invasive imaging, and it can also be utilized for near-infrared wavelength imaging through Cerenkov radiation energy transfer. Moreover, CL-based photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy hold promise as innovative approaches for tumor treatment. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the current research progress in CL imaging and therapy, aiming to lay the groundwork for the future expansion of CL applications in biomedical research. • A review of Cerenkov luminescence in tumor imaging and therapy. • Introduction to the basic principles of Cerenkov luminescence production. • Discussion of specific application strategies for Cerenkov luminescence for tumor imaging and photodynamic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An conductive polyaniline was used to be a seed layer for the hole metallization of PCB. • The polyaniline is formed on the hole of PCB by an in-situ oxidation polymerization method. • The polyaniline grows uniformly on the PCB in a spherical cluster like pattern. • Blind holes based on such a polyaniline seed layer can be superfilled by electroplating Cu. • The copper plating layer on the polyaniline seed layer had good adhesion. At present, the electroless copper is widely used to achieve the hole conductivity in printed circuit boards (PCBs), but this process contains carcinogenic formaldehyde and uses the precious metals for activation. Here, the conductive polyaniline as a seed layer of PCB is attempted to achieve the hole metallization. The polyaniline is formed on the hole through an in-situ oxidation polymerization method. The formation process of polyaniline was analyzed by SEM, FTIR, and XPS and an uniform polyaniline film with spherical cluster is revealed. The deposition behavior of copper on the polyaniline layer is analyzed by the LSV and Tafel where the deposition potential of Cu is about −0.18 V. The filling tests showed that the copper super-filling can be achieved on the polyaniline layer and the filling time is about 150 min and 90 min for the blind hole with a depth to width ratio of 0.75 and of 0.67, respectively. Thermal shock experiments showed that the copper layer on the polyaniline has good adhesion. These results demonstrate that the polyaniline can serve as an effective seed layer instead of the electroless copper to achieve the hole metallization, which provides a new solution for exploring friendly hole metallization processes for PCB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoalexins play a crucial role in plant immunity. However, the mechanism of how phytoalexin is primed by beneficial microorganisms against broad‐spectrum pathogens remains elusive. This study showed that Bacillus cereus AR156 could trigger ISR against broad‐spectrum disease. RNA‐sequencing and camalexin content assays showed that AR156‐triggered ISR can prime the accumulation of camalexin synthesis and secretion‐related genes. Moreover, it was found that AR156‐triggered ISR elevates camalexin accumulation by increasing the expression of camalexin synthesis genes upon pathogen infection. We observed that the priming of camalexin accumulation by AR156 was abolished in cyp71a13 and pad3 mutants. Further investigations reveal that in the wrky33 mutant, the ability of AR156 to prime camalexin accumulation is abolished, and the mediated ISR against the three pathogens is significantly compromised. Furthermore, PEN3 and PDR12, acting as camalexin transporters, participate in AR156‐induced ISR against broad‐spectrum pathogens differently. In addition, salicylic acid and JA/ET signalling pathways participate in AR156‐primed camalexin synthesis to resist pathogens in different forms depending on the pathogen. In summary, B. cereus AR156 triggers ISR against Botrytis cinerea, Pst DC3000 and Phytophthora capsici by priming camalexin synthesis. Our study provides deeper insights into the significant role of camalexin for AR156‐induced ISR against broad‐spectrum pathogens. Summary statement: Beneficial rhizobacterium AR156 triggered ISR by enhancing camalexin accumulation in Arabidopsis, with WRKY33 acting as a positive regulator. PEN3 and PDR12 are involved in AR156‐induced ISR. Salicylic acid and JA/ET signalling pathways participate in AR156‐primed camalexin synthesis to resist various pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelochemicals are specific secondary metabolites that can exhibit autotoxicity by inhibiting the growth of the same plant species that produced them. These metabolites have been found to affect various physical processes during plant growth and development, including inhibition of seed germination, photosynthesis, respiration, root growth, and nutrient uptake, with diverse mechanisms involving cell destruction, oxidative homeostasis and photoinhibition. In some cases, allelochemicals can also have positive effects on plant growth and development. In addition to their ecological significance, allelochemicals also possess potential as plant growth regulators (PGRs) due to their extensive physiological effects. However, a comprehensive summary of the development and applications of allelochemicals as PGRs is currently lacking. In this review, we present an overview of the sources and categories of allelochemicals, discuss their effects and the underlying mechanisms on plant growth and development. We showcase numerous instances of key phytohormonal allelochemicals and non-phytohormonal allelochemicals, highlighting their potential as candidates for the development of PGRs. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for the development of economical, safe and effective PGRs utilizing allelochemicals, and emphasizes the need for further research in this area. • Allelochemicals have the potential to be plant growth regulators (PGRs). • The paper highlights the potential of phenols and terpenoids as PGRs. • PGRs developed by allelochemicals are more economical, safe and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various Ni supported on active carbon (Ni/AC) catalysts were acquired by reduced at different temperatures, among which Ni/AC-500 possesses the smallest particle sizes of metallic Ni species, favoring to more active sites exposed on the catalyst surface, and the suitable content of metallic Ni0, implying the high hydrogenolysis activity obtained. Additionally, the highest mesoporous volume of Ni/AC-500 promotes the diffusion of large molecules from lignin depolymerization. Therefore, Ni/AC-500 exhibits the higher lignin conversion and yields of liquid bio-oil and monomers, but the lower yield of bio-char in lignin hydrodepolymerization due to its higher hydrogenolysis activity compared with other catalysts. [Display omitted] • The various Ni/AC catalysts were acquired via the reduction at the different temperatures. • The smaller particle sizes of metal phase were obtained on Ni/AC-500 catalyst. • The content of Ni0 species enhanced with an elevation of the reduction temperature. • Ni/AC-500 catalyst exhibited the highest yields of bio-oil and monomers among all catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane distillation (MD) has received ample recognition for treating complex wastewater, including hypersaline oil and gas (O&G) produced water (PW). Rigorous water quality assessment is critical in evaluating PW treatment because PW consists of numerous contaminants beyond the targets listed in general discharge and reuse standards. This study evaluated a novel photocatalytic membrane distillation (PMD) process, with and without a UV light source, against a standard vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) process for treating PW, utilizing targeted analyses and a non-targeted chemical identification workflow coupled with toxicity predictions. PMD with UV light resulted in better removals of dissolved organic carbon, ammoniacal nitrogen, and conductivity. Targeted organic analyses identified only trace amounts of acetone and 2-butanone in distillates. According to non-targeted analysis, the number of suspects reduced from 65 in feed to 25–30 across all distillate samples. Certain physicochemical properties of compounds influenced contaminant rejection in different MD configurations. According to preliminary toxicity predictions, VMD, PMD with and without UV distillate samples, respectively contained 21, 22, and 23 suspects associated with critical toxicity concerns. Overall, non-targeted analysis together with toxicity prediction provides a competent supportive tool to assess treatment efficiency and potential impacts on public health and the environment during PW reuse. [Display omitted] • Non-targeted chemical screening tools were used to evaluate treated produced water. • Fates of different suspect compounds were studied. • Photocatalytic membrane distillation resulted in better removal of dissolved organics. • Human health and environment-based concerns of suspect compounds were discussed. • Non-targeted chemical screening is helpful in identifying critical target analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective detection of synthetic antioxidants by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is still challenging due to the presence of phenolic hydroxyl groups in their molecular structures which is difficult to be adsorbed on the conventional SERS substrates, resulting in weak Raman scattering signals. A diazo derivatization reaction was introduced to convert antioxidant molecules into azo derivatives through a diazo derivatization reaction, enabling the amplification of weak Raman signals via the N=N double bond with strong vibrational modes. And excellent linearity was achieved for the antioxidants by a deep learning algorithm called the convolutional neural networks regression model to automatically extract features from the entire spectrum and reduce the signal fluctuation mitigation. [Display omitted] • Diazo derivatization boosts Raman signals of antioxidants by inducing strong N=N vibrations. • A CNN regression model was applied to facilitate the automatic extraction of features from the spectrum and obtain the enlarged linear range. • The SERS method with diazo derivatization detects antioxidants quickly and sensitively in 20 mins. Synthetic antioxidants serve as essential protectors against oxidation and deterioration of edible oils, however, prudent evaluation is necessary regarding potential health risks associated with excessive intake. The direct adsorption of antioxidants onto conventional surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates is challenging due to the presence of phenolic hydroxyl groups in their molecular structures, resulting in weak Raman scattering signals and rendering direct SERS detection difficult. In this study, a diazo derivatization reaction was employed to enhance SERS signals by converting antioxidant molecules into azo derivatives, enabling the amplification of the weak Raman scattering signals through the strong vibrational modes induced by the N = N double bond. The resulting diazo derivatives were characterized using UV–visible absorption and infrared spectroscopy, confirming the occurrence of diazo derivatization of the antioxidants. The proposed method successfully achieved the rapid detection of three commonly used synthetic antioxidants, namely butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), tert -butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), and propyl gallate (PG) on interfacial self-assembled gold nanoparticles. Furthermore, rapid predictions of BHA, PG, and TBHQ within the concentration range of 1 × 10−6 to 2 × 10−3 mol/L were achieved by integrating a convolutional neural network model. The predictive range of this model surpassed the traditional quantitative method of manually selecting characteristic peaks, with linear coefficients (R2) of 0.9992, 0.9997, and 0.9997, respectively. The recovery of antioxidants in real soybean oil samples ranged from 73.0 % to 126.4 %. Based on diazo derivatization, the proposed SERS method eliminates the need for complex substrates and enables the analysis and determination of synthetic antioxidants in edible oils within 20 min, providing a convenient analytical approach for quality control in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel optimization framework for boiler combustion and selective catalytic reduction systems (BCSCRSs) that accounts for flue gas temperature deviation and integrates prior knowledge is proposed. Initially, single-factor hot-state experiments on the BCSCRSs are conducted to yield samples for model training. By integrating monotonic relationships from the experimental data into the fusion monotony–support vector regression model, more reasonable estimates and trends of the prediction targets (e.g., CO and NO x concentrations, and unburned combustibles) are obtained compared to those of the model without prior knowledge. Based on this model, the inequality-constrained reference vector-guided evolutionary algorithm is employed for multiobjective combustion optimization considering the constraints of gas temperature deviation in the horizontal pass. The corresponding Pareto-frontier solutions that serve as boundary conditions for the second-stage optimization are obtained. The second-stage optimization comprehensively considers the total operating cost of the BCSCRSs, the denitrification fraction in the NO x formation and removal processes, and safety concerns related to steam tube overheating and ammonia slip. Several noteworthy results are derived: the adjustment of the burner tilt angle presents a trade-off between eliminating gas temperature deviation and reducing NO x formation. An optimal point can be identified by comparing the magnitudes and variations of different BCSCRSs objectives. • A novel framework was proposed for the joint optimization of boiler subsystems. • Mechanism relationships were integrated into the data-driven characteristic models. • Effect of incorporating prior knowledge on modeling and optimization was validated. • A trade-off between eliminating gas temperature deviation and reducing NO x was found. • A global optimal point was identified by comparing different systems' objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In application scenarios such as astronautics, high-altitude aircraft, medical radiography, high-energy physics, and nuclear power plants, the irradiation resistance of electronic components is one of the basic requirements for their reliability. HfO 2 -based ferroelectric films have the advantages of high CMOS process compatibility, good miniaturizability, low operating voltage, and excellent irradiation resistance, which are the core materials for the new generation of irradiation resistance ferroelectric memories. In this paper, two kinds of metal-electrode ferroelectric capacitors, W/Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2 /W (WW) and Pt/Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2 /Pt (PP), have been prepared, and three gradient γ-irradiation experiments have been carried out on the two kinds of ferroelectric capacitors. The effect of metal electrodes on the irradiation resistance of Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2 ferroelectric thin films was carefully investigated by comparing and analyzing the statistical laws of polarization change and rectangularity change before and after irradiation of a large number of devices. The experimental results show that the WW devices have better irradiation resistance than PP devices, and we further explain the irradiation resistance mechanism by first-principle calculations and finite element analysis to verify the credibility of the experimental results. Finally, we conducted a comparative test of the fatigue and wake-up characteristics of the WW devices before and after irradiation, and the results show that the prepared W/Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2 /W devices can withstand very high total γ-dose radiation, reaching up to 13.86 Mrad(Si), and they are very suitable for the application of irradiation resistant electronics. [Display omitted] • The Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2 (HZO) thin films with outstanding ferroelectric properties were prepared. • The HZO ferroelectric thin films exhibited extremely high radiation tolerance (reaching up to 13.86 Mrad(Si)). • The effect of different metal electrodes on the irradiation resistance of HZO ferroelectric thin films was analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flame retardants and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance were enhanced by using imidazolium-functionalized polyurethane (IPU) modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) for polylactic acid (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) composites. The PLA/PCL/10APP/8CNT/1.6IPU composite containing 10 wt% APP and 8 wt% imidazolium modified CNTs reached the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 30.3 % and passed the V-0 rating in UL-94 tests. Moreover, the peak of the heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) for this composite reached around 302 kW/m2 and 64 KJ/m2, which were decreased by 39.1 % and 15.8 % compared with that of PLA/PCL/10APP composite. The improved flame retardancy was attributed to the interplay of catalytic, barrier, and condensed char forming of imidazolium-modified CNTs and APP. IPU catalyzed the charring effect of the polymer matrix during combustion and regulated the migration of more CNTs to disperse at the two-phase interface. The dispersion of imidazolium-modified CNTs and co-continuous phase structure of the composites can establish continuous conductive pathways. The PLA/PCL/APP/CNT/IPU composite obtained a higher conductivity compared to the PLA/PCL/APP/CNT composite and whose EMI SE reached 33.9 dB, which is a promising candidate for next-generation sustainable and protective plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global prevalence of iron deficiency-induced “hidden hunger” highlights a critical health concern, underscoring the pressing need to improve iron nutrition through safe and efficient means, such as increasing iron intake from plant-based foods. Yellow Stripe-Like (YSL) genes play a crucial role in long-distance iron transport between source and sink tissues in plants. Here, we report on the analysis of YSL family genes in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), an iron-rich legume crop. We identified 9 YSL genes in the common bean genome using BLAST and HMM methods. Gene duplication analysis revealed that PvYSL7a and PvYSL7b originated through tandem duplication events. Structural analysis noted an absence of conservative motifs in PvYSL3b and PvYSL7a, which led to distinct predicted 3D protein structures. Leveraging publicly available RNA-seq data from developing bean pods, the expression patterns of PvYSL genes alongside pod and seed development were analyzed. Notably, PvYSL7a and PvYSL7b, as well as PvYSL1a and PvYSL1b, exhibited diverged expression patterns in seeds, signifying their functional divergence in this tissue. Moreover, PvYSL3a and PvYSL3b exhibited divergent expression patterns in both pod walls and seeds during pod development, underscoring their distinct roles in facilitating iron transportation between pods and seeds. This study provides valuable insights into the gene regulatory basis of iron accumulation in bean pods and seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sandwich-structured polyacrylate composite films containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and magnetic fillers (Ni or Fe 3 O 4) were prepared by spray coating and LBL-casting. CNTs were uniformly distributed in polyacrylate (PEA) matrix to prepare middle layer and magnetic fillers exhibited good distribution in PEA matrix as outer layer to reduce the secondary electromagnetic radiation pollution. The average electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) owns the highest value of 38.2 dB in 6-Fe 3 O 4 /MWCNT/6-Fe 3 O 4 film, and the absorption coefficient (A) of the film account for about 0.56. The results indicated that this film shows absorption-dominated EMI shielding properties. It is mainly attributed to sandwich structure of the composite film, synergistic electric/magnetic losses and polarization relaxation loss to further attenuate electromagnetic wave. The microwave can undergo a unique "absorb-reflect-reabsorb" process. Therefore, polyacrylate composite films with low reflection and high EMI shielding can be used in small-scale and sophisticated electronic devices. • The polyacrylate films exhibit high absorption and low reflection EMI performance. • The EMI SE owns the highest value of 38.2 dB when the Fe 3 O 4 content is 6 wt%. • The absorption coefficient of 6-Fe 3 O 4 /MWCNT/6-Fe 3 O 4 film is about 0.56. • Adding hybrid fillers can effectively alleviate the impedance mismatch. • Constructing sandwich structure extends the electromagnetic wave transmission path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 with antagonistic effect on FON was isolated. • B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 could effectively control watermelon Fusarium wilt and promote the growth of watermelon seedlings. • Tacrolimus has a very obvious antifungal effect and can be used to control watermelon Fusarium wilt. • Tacrolimus was also able to stimulate the growth of watermelon seedlings. • Tacrolimus or its analogs may play a role as a pleiotropic factor in B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 biological control. Watermelon Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON) is one of the most devastating diseases in watermelon production. Biological control approaches are efficient and environmentally-friendly, thus have aroused broad interest. However, only a few biocontrol factors/molecules have been characterized due to varied genomes and diversified secreted secondary metabolites of biocontrol microorganisms. We report the screen and identification of a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain HSSN09 with high antagonism to FON and watermelon growth promotion capacity. B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 and its secondary metabolites showed inhibition on FON mycelial growth, spore formation and spore germination. Metabolomes of the highly antagonistic strain B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09, medium antagonistic strain B. amyloliquefaciens FGW53, weakly antagonistic strain B. subtilis JC03 and non-antagonistic strain B. cereus FGW109 were compared with LC-MS/MS. By antagonistic assay, tacrolimus was screened out among the 531 molecules that appeared in the sequencing results of HSSN09 metabolome but not in that of the non-antagonistic strain without significant inhibition on the growth of FON. Among the four tested Bacillus strains, tacrolimus analogue was only observed in the supernatant of HSSN09 by HPLC and MALDI-TOF-MS. We further confirmed the ability of tacrolimus to suppress FON and promote watermelon seedling growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]