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Chinese dwarf cherry (Ouli) is a native shrub in northwest China with high ecological value, but the nutritive potential remains to be explored. In this study, the total content of polyphenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins of Ouli from 30 germplasms were measured, and the antioxidant activities were evaluated by FRAP and ABTS assays. The polyphenol profile was determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Grey relational analysis and partial least squares were utilized to build chemometrics models for selecting antioxidant compounds. The contents of total flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, phenols and total anthocyanidins of 30 germplasms of Ouli were 119.92–668.76 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), 90.81–555.44 mg/100 g FW, 148.42–390.43 mg/100 g FW, 0.02–17.26 mg/100 g FW, respectively. A total of 61 compounds were identified, including 40 flavonoids (26 flavonols, 4 anthocyanins, 6 dihydroflavonols, 2 dihydrochalcones, and 2 flavones), 12 proanthocyanidins, 6 phenolic acids, and 3 types of other class compounds (one stilbene and two phenols). The proanthocyanidin compounds in Ouli contributes most to the total antioxidant capacity with the antioxidant rank that procyanidin trimer > tetramer > dimer ≈ monomer. Catechin and procyanidin B1 were the most abundant compounds and were 18.45–162.50 μg/g FW and 30.52–149.42 μg/g FW, respectively. Shanxi (SX) 2 and SX10 could be considered as potential germplasms, and proanthocyanidins could be chosen as a characteristic nutrient evaluation index of Ouli. This study not only takes a key step to lay the groundwork for further research of Ouli but also provides a reference for the discovery of the functional ingredients of other foods. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, three receptor models (Principal Component Analysis–Multiple Linear Regression (PCA–MLR) model, Unmix model and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model) were employed to investigate potential source apportionment of PAHs in sediments from Taihu Lake, China. A total of 15 priority PAHs in 29 sediments from Taihu Lake were measured, with ∑PAHs (sum of 15 PAHs) concentrations ranging from 209 to 1003 ng g−1 dw. Source apportionment results derived from three different models were similar, indicating that the highest contribution to ∑PAHs was from vehicular emission (53.6–54.3%), followed by coal combustion (23.8–28.8%) and wood combustion (11.9–16.0%). The contribution of mixed wood and coal combustion source identified by PCA–MLR was 41.3%. For the first time the risk assessment for each identified source category was quantitatively calculated by combining the BaP equivalents (BaPE) values with estimated source contributions. The results showed that vehicular emission posed the highest toxic risk, with BaPE values of 26.9–31.5 ng g−1 dw, and the BaPE values for coal combustion and wood combustion were 6.56–15.6 ng g−1 dw and 2.94–6.11 ng g−1 dw, respectively. The distributions of contribution and BaPE for each identified source category were studied as well, and showed similar trends among the sampling sites, for each source category. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The I-S-A-type classification scheme for granites has been widely used to identify potential sources and the tectonic setting of granitic magmatism. Recent geochemical studies have shown that most granites are derived from a mixture of mantle and crustal sources, and that granitic magmatism contribute to generation and differentiation of the continental crust. However, the origin of granites with transitional affinities remains unclear, along with their role in the growth and differentiation of the continental crust. In this contribution, the ca. 91 Ma Bozhushan biotite granites in the southwestern Cathaysia Block, China, are characterized by high abundance of high-field-strength elements (HFSEs), with Zr + Nb + Ce + Y > 350 ppm and 10000*Ga/Al > 2.6, which are features typical of A-type granites. However, biotites in the Bozhushan granites are compositionally distinct from those of typical A- and S-type granites. Decreasing P 2 O 5 contents with increasing SiO 2 contents are consistent with an I-type rather than a S-type granite. Petrographic observations and geochemical data suggest that the Bozhushan granites have transitional I-A-type affinities. The Bozhushan granites contain remarkably evolved isotopic compositions, with ε Nd (t) = −9.2 to −8.0 and ε Hf (T) = −9.8 to −7.3, which are slightly lower than values for Late Cretaceous Baiyunshan alkaline igneous rocks. The Bozhushan granites have the low Y/Nb and Yb/Ta ratios, which are similar to the Baiyunshan alkaline igneous rocks, and continental alkaline basalts from the East African Rift and eastern China, ocean island basalts, and A 1 -type granitoids. Geochemical data indicate that the Bozhushan granites were likely generated by high-temperature melting of a hybrid source containing underplated alkaline igneous rocks and Precambrian basement rocks. Although the Bozhushan granites have crustal isotopic compositions, our data indicate that these granites also represent the formation of new crust. Thus, granites with transitional I-A-type affinities, such as the Bozhushan granite, have a role in the generation of continental crust. • The Bozhushan granites exhibit transitional I-A-type geochemical affinities. • They have high HFSEs contents and evolved isotopic characteristics. • They were likely to be derived by high-T melting of a hybrid source. • Granites with enriched isotopic compositions may also record the formation of new crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Bozhushan batholith consists of metaluminous and peraluminous granites. • The two phases of granites share a common crustal source. • The peraluminous granites were derived by differentiation of metaluminous melts. • Tin enrichment was significantly controlled by the magmatic differentiation. Most primary tin deposits are closely temporally and spatially related to peraluminous granites. These granites usually exhibit highly evolved geochemical characteristics that disguise their specific origin. This paper reports a study of whole-rock geochemistry and Sm–Nd isotopes, zircon U–Pb geochronology and Lu–Hf isotopes, and mineral chemistry of the Bozhushan granitic batholith in the Youjiang basin, South China. The Bozhushan batholith, producing the Bainiuchang large tin–polymetallic deposit, consists of metaluminous tin-barren monzogranites and peraluminous tin-bearing monzogranites. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating suggests that the peraluminous rocks were emplaced during the Late Cretaceous (88.5 ± 0.7 Ma), which is largely consistent with the emplacement age of the metaluminous rocks. These granitic rocks have similar Nd-Hf isotopic compositions, supporting a common crustal source. Relative to the metaluminous monzogranites, the peraluminous tin-bearing rocks exhibit more evolved geochemical compositions with higher Si and lower Ca, P, Mg, Fe, and Ti and stronger depletion in Eu, Ba, Sr, Zr, Hf, and rare earth elements. These differing geochemical characteristics can be explained by the differentiation of biotite, plagioclase, zircon and apatite. The extremely low Nb/Ta (<5) and K/Rb (<150) ratios of the peraluminous rocks indicate a fluid exsolution process. We suggest that the peraluminous tin-bearing rocks were derived by magmatic differentiation and fluid exsolution of the metaluminous melts. Combining our new results with previous studies, we conclude that on a worldwide scale some peraluminous granites related to tin mineralization are derived by magmatic differentiation and fluid exsolution of metaluminous melts rather than from metasedimentary rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yi people in the Xiaoliangshan region in southwest China have a unique practice of combining ritual treatment and traditional medicine to care for patients. Despite increasing urbanization in the area, they have managed to preserve their distinctive lifestyle and extensive knowledge of traditional medicinal plants, setting them apart from other regions. However, there is a lack of systematic documentation on the knowledge of traditional medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan. This research aims to achieve the following objectives: 1. Document the diversity of medicinal plants used by the Yi people and explore their therapeutic usages. 2. Evaluate and analyze the main types of diseases with a high incidence in the local area and identify the types of medicinal plants used to treat these diseases. 3. Explore the underlying geographical and human factors influencing both disease prevalence and medicinal plant usage. Ethnobotanical research methods were used to record and analyze the medicinal plants used by the Yi in Xiaoliangshan. Experts identified all plant specimens collected during ethnobotanical field surveys. The types of diseases treated by medicinal plants were classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care -2nd. A total of 125 medicinal plants were recorded after interviewing 193 participants. Of the medicinal plants identified, those with over 100 use reports were Paris polyphylla (202 use reports), Taxillus sutchuenensis (183), Artemisia indica (149), and Papaver somniferum (113). A total of 14 disease categories were recorded, with those related to the following categories having higher Informant Consensus factor values (ICF ≥0.85): Pregnancy, Childbearing, Family Planning, General and Unspecified, Urological, Respiratory, Musculoskeletal, and Skin. The highest quantity of medicinal plants is utilized to improve specific diseases and health problems, namely those related to Digestion, Skin, and Musculoskeletal. Fewer plant species were utilized for diseases or health issues associated with Eyes, Psychological, or Pregnancy, Childbearing, and Family Planning. The use reports from the informants also revealed how some medicinal plants are used to treat a variety of diseases or health issues. For instance, Malva pusilla is used for inducing abortion, treating postpartum hemorrhage, and joint sprains; Artemisia indica is used for treating malaria; Argentina lineata is used to remedy tuberculosis and malaria. Taxillus sutchuenensis is used for dealing with cold, pneumonia, and other ailments. The Yi people in Xiaoliangshan have a rich knowledge of traditional medicinal plants. Decoction and wine brewing are the most common processing methods used for these plants, which are utilized to treat a wide range of diseases. The characteristics of the medicinal use of the Yi people reflects the alpine mountainous environment in which they live, and their medical practices are closely related to traditional healing culture. This study enhances our understanding of the Yi traditional medicine via documentation and offers a valuable reference for future research and the development of new drugs. [Display omitted] • 193 informants mentioned 125 plant species for treating 14 diseases categories. • Of the 125 recorded plant species, only 3 were found in the Chinese Medicinal Plants dataset, and none of them were rare or endangered species. • Paris polyphylla , Taxillus sutchuenensis and Artemisia indica were the most used plant species. • No gender preference has been found in the transmission and practice of traditional medicine among the Yi people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A mPCR that can simultaneously detect six common HAB-forming microalgal species was developed. • The mPCR conditions were optimized. • The developed mPCR is specific. • Background DNA did not affect the mPCR performance. • The mPCR is competent for convenient and accurate analysis of field samples. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have adverse effects on the marine ecological environment, public health, and marine economy. Thus, methods for the accurate and rapid identification of harmful algal species are urgently needed for the effective monitoring of the occurrence of HABS. A method for the parallel detection of harmful algal species must be established because various HAB-forming algal species coexist in the marine environment. This work developed a multiplex PCR (mPCR) method that can simultaneously detect six common HAB-forming microalgal species distributed along the coast of China: Karlodinium veneficum (Kv), Chattonella marina (Cm), Skeletonema spp., Scrippsiella trochoidea (St), Karenia mikimotoi (Km), and Prorocentrum donghaiense (Pd). Specific mPCR primers were designed from the internal transcribed spacer rDNA or large subunit rDNA gene of the target algal species. The mPCR conditions were optimized. Each mPCR primer was subjected to a cross-reactivity test with other microalgae to confirm the specificity of the developed mPCR system. The results of the system stability test indicated that the background concentration of DNA tested did not affect the performance of the established mPCR system. The results of the sensitivity test showed that the detection limit of the proposed mPCR system for Kv, Cm, Km, and Pd was 0.6 ng μL−1 and that for Skeletonema spp. and St was 0.06 ng μL−1. Additional mPCR analysis with spiked field samples revealed that the detection limit of the mPCR system for Km, Pd, and Kv was 60 cells, whereas that for Cm, Skeletonema spp., and St was 6 cells. The convenience and accuracy of the established mPCR assay were further validated through tests with field samples. The proposed mPCR assay is characterized by parallel analysis, strong specificity, and stability and can be used to supplement morphology-based detection methods for algal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs in China are characterized by extremely low aperture and natural fractures density, which seriously affects the efficient CBM exploitation. In this paper, we have developed an experimental system for crushing coal by high-voltage electrical pulses (HVEP) to improve the pore structure. The coal samples collected were crushed under different breakdown voltages. It can be observed that under the action of HVEP, the coal sample is broken down into multiple small pieces, and the degree of coal fragmentation increases with the increase of breakdown voltage. Furthermore, we adopt three tests including Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), low-pressure nitrogen gas adsorption (LP-N 2 G) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) to gain a clearer insight into the variations in pore structure. SEM images demonstrate that the higher breakdown voltage attributes to the generation of more pores and fractures in coal samples. Adsorption analysis reveals that the micropores of the coal samples crushed by HVEP present an increasing trend compared with the micropores of raw coal sample. Besides, a normal distribution correlation is observed between cumulative micropore volume and breakdown voltage. MIP test shows that the macropore is dominant for all the fragmented coal samples and the effect of high voltage on macropores is more remarkable than other types of pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tiger frog virus (TFV) belongs to the genus Ranavirus , family Iridoviridae , and causes severe mortality in commercial cultures in China. TFV ORF080L is a gene homolog of lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α factor (LITAF), which is a regulator in endosome-to-lysosome trafficking through its function in the endosomal sorting complex required for transport machinery. The characteristics and biological roles of TFV ORF080L were identified. TFV ORF080L was predicted to encode an 84-amino acid peptide (VP080L). It had high-sequence identity with mammalian LITAF, but lacked the N-terminus of LITAF, which contains two PPXY motifs. Transcription and protein level analyses showed that TFV ORF080L was a late viral gene. Localization in the virons also showed that TFV VP080L was a viral structural protein. Immunofluorescence staining showed that TFV ORF080L was predominantly colocalized with plasma membrane and partly distributed with the late endosome in infected HepG2 cells. SiRNA-mediated TFV ORF080L silencing decreased viral reproduction. Moreover, TFV ORF080L interacted with human/zebrafish LITAF and impaired EGF-induced EGFR degradation, thereby indicating that TFV ORF080L played a role in endosome-to-lysosome trafficking. These findings suggested that TFV ORF080L might negate the function of cellular LITAF to impair endosomal sorting and trafficking. Results provide a clue to the link between the dysregulated endosomal trafficking and iridovirus pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, sixteen U.S. EPA priority PAH compounds in the dated sediment cores were detected from five lakes in western China. In most lakes, the concentrations of the total PAHs (ΣPAHs) increased from the deep layers to the surface sediments. Two source categories, i.e. vehicular emission and biomass & domestic coal combustion were identified by Unmix, a factor analysis receptor model to explore the source contributions of PAHs in the dated sediments. The source apportionment results showed that biomass & domestic coal combustion contributed larger proportion of PAHs in the five lakes. The toxicities of PAHs in the dated sediments, assessed by BaP equivalent (BaPE) values showed that the BaPE increased gradually from the deep layers to the surface sediments in most lakes. For the first effort, the contribution of each source to BaPE was apportioned by Unmix–BaPE method, and the result indicated that the vehicular emission posed the highest toxic risk. The percentage contribution of vehicular emission for PAHs and BaPE also increased from the deep layers to the surface sediments, while biomass & domestic coal combustion exhibited the opposite tendency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]