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The purpose of this study was to utilize the monascus pigments (MPs) for the production of functional wheat noodles. The cooking properties, texture characteristics, and microstructure of dried noodles containing MPs were investigated. The underlying mechanisms of the impact of MPs on noodles were studied. After adding MPs, noodles' water absorption, broken rate, and cooking loss increased, while the optimal cooking time and textural characteristics were reduced. SEM demonstrated that MPs weakened the gluten network, leading to uneven exposure of starch to the network. Moreover, thermal qualities (endset temperature and enthalpies) increased while pasting characteristics (setback, peak, trough, and final) decreased after incorporating MPs with wheat flour. The short-range ordered structure (R 1047/1017 : 0.616 to 0.750 and R 994/1017 : 2.229 to 2.435) and the long-range ordered structure (crystallinity: 11.87%–13.59%) of starch showed an increase with the MPs addition. Additionally, MPs decreased the gluten's β-sheet and α-helix but increased the random coil. The structural alterations in the starch and protein of the noodles were correlated with textural properties. Therefore, noodles with 0.5%∼1.0% MPs exhibited acceptable qualities. This study provided references for the development of functional wheat-related products. [Display omitted] • Monascus pigments reduced the cooking and texture quality of wheat noodles. • Monascus pigments improved the ordered structure of wheat starch. • Monascus pigments altered the protein secondary structure of noodles. • Monascus pigments weakened the wheat gluten network. • Wheat noodles with 0.5%∼1.0% monascus pigments had acceptable qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the roles of bottom-up mask-triggered inhibition and top-down inhibition in semantic categorization using the single negative priming (NP) paradigm. The masking (bottom-up) and ignore instructions (top-down, i.e., instructing participants to ignore the primes) were manipulated in Experiments 1–3 and Experiment 4, respectively. No priming was observed when only the masking was manipulated (Experiments 2 and 3), but NP was observed when a possible top-down ignore strategy (Experiment 1) or an ignore instruction (Experiment 4) was added. The results indicate that bottom-up mask-triggered inhibition cannot elicit semantic single NP by itself. However, top-down inhibition from an ignore instruction or ignore strategy is critical for triggering reliable semantic single NP. The findings suggest that semantic single NP originates from a push-pull mechanism by facilitating responses to unrelated trials and inhibiting responses to related trials. The experimental evidence also suggests that unconscious processes can be modulated by top-down control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectopic expression of lineage-specific transcription factors facilitates the conversion of mammalian somatic cells into dopaminergic (DA) neurons, which is a promising strategy for cell therapy of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, this approach still has some drawbacks limiting its clinical application due to the potential risks of integrating vectors into the host genome. Therefore, it is critical to seek a more desired approach to generate DA neurons derived from mammalian somatic cells. Here, we report that mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) can be efficiently converted into DA neurons by using small molecules along with specific growth factors. These neuron-like cells generate DA neuronal morphology, and acquire immunocytochemical and calcium imaging special for neuronal electrophysiological profile. More importantly, these converted cells can secrete dopamine, indicating that they are functionally similar to DA neurons. Taken together, our study might provide a promising cell source for treating PD by using chemical approach without introduction of exogenous transcription factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of interstimulus intervals (ISIs) on priming effects was investigated using a single-prime negative priming (NP) paradigm. In all experiments, a brief (16 ms), centrally displayed prime (a Chinese character, to be ignored) appeared, followed by a pattern mask and then a centrally displayed target (another semantically related or unrelated Chinese character); the task required semantic categorization (animate/inanimate) of the target. An ISI could occur either between prime and mask (Experiments 1 and 5) or between mask and target (Experiments 2–4). The results revealed NP when a 470 ms ISI occurred between prime and mask (Experiments 1 and 5) and when a 700 ms ISI occurred between mask and target (Experiments 3 and 4). In contrast, when a long prime-target SOA was maintained but the mask-target ISI was shortened, NP disappeared (Experiment 4). The results indicated that a persisting mask/distractor (without ISI) located in the same position as the following target interfered with the buildup of inhibition, but an ISI between prime and mask or mask and target eliminated this interference, and that inhibition processes induced by an ignore instruction were implemented faster with an ISI placed between prime and mask than with an ISI placed between mask and target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study is to assess the cerebral oxygenation oscillations in subjects with cerebral infarction (CI) based on the wavelet transform of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) signals. A total of twenty subjects were recruited from a local hospital to participate in this study. The subjects lay in the supine position and cerebral oxygenation signal was monitored for 20 min from the frontal lobe using NIRS. With spectral analysis based on wavelet transform, five frequency intervals were identified (I, 0.005–0.02 Hz, II, 0.02–0.06 Hz, III, 0.06-0.15 Hz, IV, 0.15–0.40 Hz and V, 0.40–2.0 Hz). The amplitude of the [HbO2] in frequency interval I (0.005–0.02 Hz), II (0.02–0.06 Hz), III (0.06–0.15 Hz) and V(0.15–2 Hz) for the subjects with CI were found to be significantly lower by 36%, 45%, 50% and 69% compared to that for the normal subjects (p <0.05). The amplitude of the [Hb] in frequency interval I (0.005–0.02 Hz), II (0.02–0.06 Hz) and V(0.15–2 Hz) for the subjects with CI were found to be significantly lower by 40%, 36% and 69% compared to that for the normal subjects (p <0.05). The reduction of spontaneous oscillations in subjects with CI may suggest an increased stiffness in arterial vessels. This indicates the possibility of applying spontaneous oscillations to assessing atherosclerosis in high risk subjects for CI based on the wavelet transform of NIRS signals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Let K be an algebraic number field, and an irreducible, automorphic, cuspidal representation of with analytic conductor . The theorem on analytic strong multiplicity one established in this note states, essentially, that there exists a positive constant c depending on , and K only, such that π can be decided completely by its local components with norm . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Let and be two irreducible, automorphic, cuspidal representations of . Using the logarithmic zero-free region of Rankin–Selberg L-function, Moreno established the analytic strong multiplicity one theorem if at least one of them is self-contragredient, i.e. π and will be equal if they have finitely many equivalent local components , for which the norm of places are bounded polynomially by the analytic conductor of these cuspidal representations. Without the assumption of the self-contragredient for , Brumley generalized this theorem by a different method, which can be seen as an invariant of Rankin–Selberg method. In this paper, influenced by Landau''s smooth method of Perron formula, we improved the degree of Brumley''s polynomial bound to be . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

MgF2 nanorods with diameters of 60–100 nm were synthesized by a microemulsion method. Subsequent hydrothermal reaction of as-synthesized MgF2 nanorods and KF at 240°C for 3 days or 140°C for 7 days resulted in KMgF3 nanorods, which retained the rod-like morphology of the source material MgF2 in the reaction process. The morphology of as-synthesized MgF2 strongly depended on the molar ratio between water and the surfactant CTAB and the concentration of CTAB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Multilayer ultrathin films were fabricated from partially doped polyaniline (PAN) and a Keggin-type polyoxometalate [α-SiW12O40]4− (α-SiW12) in aqueous solution via the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique and characterized by UV–vis, FTIR, and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), ellipsometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). UV–vis spectroscopy shows that the absorbance values at characteristic wavelengths of the multilayer films increase almost linearly with the number of PAN/α-SiW12 bilayers, suggesting that the deposition process is regular and highly reproducible from layer to layer. FTIR and XPS spectra confirm the incorporation of α-SiW12 and PAN into the films. Ellipsometric measurements show that the PAN/α-SiW12 bilayer thickness increases with the increasing PAN solution concentration. SEM and AFM images indicate that the film surface is relatively uniform and smooth. In addition, the electrical conductivities of the multilayer films doped with hydrochloric acid were also measured. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ultrathin multilayer films of two lanthanide polyoxometalates (LPOMs), K17[Eu(P2W17O61)2] (EPW) and K13[Eu(SiW11O39)2] (ESW), and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) have been prepared by layer-by-layer self-assembly from dilute aqueous solutions. UV-vis spectroscopy and ellipsometry respectively show that the absorbance values at characteristic wavelengths and the thicknesses of the multilayer films increase linearly with the number of LPOM/PAH bilayers, suggesting that the deposition process is linear and highly reproducible from layer to layer. Average thicknesses of ca. 3.4 and 2.4 nm were determined for the EPW/PAH and ESW/PAH bilayers by ellipsometry, respectively. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images provide the surface morphology of the LPOM/PAH films, indicating that the film surface is relatively uniform and smooth. The photoluminescent properties of these films have also been investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The LPOM/PAH multilayer film has a good thermal stability as shown by UV-vis, X-ray photoelectron, and fluorescence spectra. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) easily contaminates grain, oil, and their products, and is strongly carcinogenic. Therefore, rapid, efficient and sensitive detection of aflatoxin plays a key role in the food industry. Here, we prepared a lanthanide metal-organic framework termed Eu-TCPP, in which the ligand can effectively sensitize Eu3+ with excellent photoluminescence properties. It is worth mentioning that the fluorescence intensity of Eu-TCPP is at 617 nm, which can avoid the interferences of AFB1 self-fluorescence emitting in the range of 400 nm–500 nm. Eu-TCPP can efficiently detect AFB1 without using antibody or biomolecular modifications, exhibiting a rapid response of 60 seconds and a limit of detection (LOD) at 11.63 ppb. The Eu-TCPP sensor also has satisfactory performance for determining AFB1 sensitively in real oil samples. In addition, the mechanism of the excellent detection performance of Eu-TCPP has been investigated using density-functional theory (DFT) calculations combined with experimental analysis. The results show that the LUMO energy level of the ligand is higher than that of the aflatoxin, which causes the electrons transfer toward the targets, and results in the reduction of the fluorescence intensity. Therefore, our proposed Eu-MOF materials based on the "antenna effect" have great potential for the development of simple, fast, and sensitive small-molecule sensors, and offer a promising prospect in POCT applications. [Display omitted] • A novel Eu3+-based luminescent MOF (Eu-TCPP) was synthesized for aflatoxin sensing. • Eu-TCPP can selectively detect aflatoxin B1 without using antibody or biomolecular modifications. • Eu-TCPP showed rapid and efficient quenching response toward aflatoxin B1. • Eu-TCPP can avoid the interferences of aflatoxin B1 self-fluorescence. • The Eu-TCPP sensor was successfully applied to detect aflatoxin B1 in oil samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multiple-interface Ni-WC induces high activity and switchable selectivity. • Nitroarenes can be efficiently and selectively reduced to aniline or hydrazobenzene. • A synergistic interfacial effect modulates the electronic structure of Ni-WC. Selective reduction of nitroarenes is extremely valuable in industrial chemical production. The main reduced products are usually aniline derivatives obtained using single-component noble- or transition-metal catalysts; however, other important products such as hydrazobenzene derivatives always involve in harsh conditions and multiple reaction steps. Here, we realize an unexpected switchable reduction of nitroarenes into aniline or hydrazobenzene derivatives with high yield and selectivity just by controlling the molar ratio of nitroarenes to N 2 H 4 ·H 2 O with a nickel–tungsten carbide composite nanocatalyst loaded on carbon (Ni-WC/C). A series of control experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the multiple interfaces between Ni and WC can induce a synergistic effect, significantly modulating the electronic structure of the Ni-WC/C catalyst, and endowing the catalyst with switchable selectivity and high activity for the reduction of nitroarenes by hydrogenation. This synergistic multi-interfacial catalyst may offer a new way to design and explore highly efficient and selective catalysts for the controllable reduction of nitroarenes and similar hydrogenation reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dynamic gaze cues are more effective than static gaze cues in triggering attentional orienting. • In the condition of low perceptual load, non-predictive and predictive gaze cues induced significant attentional effects (i.e., the gaze cue effect). • In the condition of high perceptual load, only predictive gaze cues (enhanced participants' expectation) induced the GCE. • The influence of perceptual load on gaze-induced attentional orienting is modulated by participants' expectation. Humans tend to focus on others' gaze. Previous studies have shown that the gaze direction of others can induce corresponding attentional orienting. However, gaze cues have typically been presented alone in these studies. It is unclear how gaze cues induce observers' attention in complicated contexts with additional perceptual information. Therefore, the present study investigated gaze-induced attentional orienting at different levels of perceptual load. Results indicated that the attentional effect of the dynamic gaze cue (i.e., GCE: gaze cue effect) emerged under low perceptual load and disappeared under high perceptual load. The absence of GCE could not attribute to perceptual capacity exhaustion. Moreover, the influence of perceptual load on gaze-induced attentional orienting was modulated by individuals' expectation. Specifically, the GCE occurred under high perceptual load when the gaze cue was predictive (with individuals' expectation). These findings provide new evidence on the mode of gaze-induced attentional orienting under different perceptual load conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Response readiness is a prerequisite for obtaining the NCE. • Temporal uncertainty modulates visuomotor priming. • Automatic processing of subliminal stimuli is susceptible to top-down control. Abstract The present study aims to examine the impact of response readiness on visuomotor processes triggered by subliminal stimuli using a mixed paradigm involving the masked prime paradigm and a foreperiod paradigm. Experiment 1 ensured that response readiness was successfully manipulated in the mixed paradigm. Importantly, Experiment 2 found that the negative compatibility effect (NCE; a behavioral indicator of subliminal visuomotor processes) disappeared and that response time lost its power to modulate the compatibility effect (CE) with reduced response readiness (due to temporal uncertainty). These results of CEs both independent of response latency and across different levels of response latency indicate that response readiness is a prerequisite for obtaining the NCE. The findings suggest that automatic processing of subliminal stimuli is susceptible to top-down control for reducing the interference of irrelevant information, which ensures a high degree of adaptability and flexibility of our cognitive system in interactions with the changing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study is to assess the blood oxygenation oscillations in the tissue over the sacrum, a high risk area for pressure ulcer, using spectral analysis of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) signals based on wavelet transform. A total of twenty subjects were recruited for this study, of which ten were persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) (3 women, 7 men, age=34.5±5.2years) and the other ten were healthy subjects (3 women, 7 men, age=36.5±6.2years). Waterlow Scale was used for the pressure ulcer risk assessment. External pressure of 26.6kPa (200mm Hg) was applied to the sacrum via a specifically designed indentor. The loading duration was 3min. The subjects were examined lying face-down. Tissue oxygenation signal was monitored for 20min prior to and after the loading period from the tissue over the sacrum area using NIRS. With spectral analysis based on wavelet transform, five frequency intervals were identified (I, 0.005–0.02Hz, II, 0.02–0.06Hz, III, 0.06–0.15Hz, IV, 0.15–0.40Hz and V, 0.40–2.0Hz) corresponding to endothelial related metabolic, neurogenic, myogenic, respiratory and cardiac activities, respectively. The results showed that the amplitude of the [HbO2] and [Hb] component in intervals I, II and III for persons with SCI was significantly lower during the resting conditions than that for normal subjects (p <0.05). During the post-loading period, the response of [HbO2] and [Hb] oscillatory activities in intervals II and III were significantly lower in the tissue over the sacrum for persons with SCI than that for normal subjects (p <0.05). Also significant negative correlation was found between oscillatory activities and Waterlow scale in persons with SCI. The results indicated that the low oscillatory activities might be related to early tissue injury in persons with SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]