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This study focused on the development of cross-linked poly(ester urethane)/starch (PEUST) composites containing 50 wt% starch content for food-packaging materials. The NCO-terminated poly(caprolactone-urethane) prepolymer (PCUP) was first synthesized through bulk condensation. Then, low-moisture starch (0.21 wt%) and PCUP-based PEUST films were fabricated through an intensive extrusion process, followed by thermo-compression molding. The chemical structure of PCUP and PEUST was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the influence of cross-link density on the physicochemical properties of the composite films. The results showed that an increase in the cross-link density within the composites improved component compatibility and tensile strength but reduced crystallinity, water sensitivity, hydrolytic degradability, and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films. In addition, the cytotoxicity tests were conducted to evaluate the safety of the composite films, and the high cell viability demonstrated non-toxicity for food application. The PEUST-II films with moderate cross-link density exhibited a suitable degradation rate (27.7 % weight loss at degradation for 140 d), optimal tensile properties (tensile strength at break: 12.4 MPa; elongation at break: 352 %), and low WVP (68.4 g/(m2⋅24h) at 30 % relative humidity). These characteristics make them highly promising as fresh-keeping food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new SCOPF model is proposed to suppress power fluctuations of renewable energy sources. • The uncertainty of injected renewable power is combined with the adjustable characteristics of network parameters. • The boundaries of system security constraints are corrected and the potential contingency constraints are considered. Security-Constrained Optimal Power Flow (SCOPF) method could generate system optimal operation point, which guarantee system security by avoiding any overload whenever expected N-1 contingencies occurred. However, renewable power integration increases uncertainty of system security, which is not well treated in conventional SCOPF model. Then this study proposes an improved SCOPF model, which aims at optimizing outputs of generators to increasing security of system facing challenges by N-1 contingencies accompanied by renewable power fluctuations. Semi-invariant is employed to express the stochastic behavior of wind and photovoltaic power generation. Considering the influence of transformer transformation ratio on admittance matrix, the uncertainty of injected renewable power is combined with the adjustable characteristics of network parameters to obtain the fluctuation model of branch power and bus voltage. Therefore, the constraints for SCOPF are restated to treat the problem that expected value based traditional model makes errors to confirm overload. The probability analysis for branch overload allows this study to present a potential reduced contingency set, in which small-probability events are rationally excluded. Thus, the constraint quantities as well as the complexity of the optimization problem are effectively reduced to decrease the computation burden. A Benders decomposition method based interior point approach is used to solve the improved SCOPF optimization model. Case studies based on IEEE39 bus system demonstrate the efficiency of proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report an intensive theoretical study on the achieving of multiple ultra-sharp and near-unity absorption in a cavity enabled graphene absorber. The plasmonic-induced magnetic resonance, i.e., magnetic plasmon is excited and localized efficiently via the one-dimensional metallic oblique slit array. The slit concentrates highly for the plasmonic field in a limited spatial cavity and simultaneously intensifies the graphene-field coupling, which leads to the emergency of the multi-band high-quality (Q) factor (190) ultra-sharp perfect absorption. Although the graphene-slit interaction area is just 17.7% of the structural size, the maximal absorption efficiency reaches 99.8%. In the near-infrared range, a large spectral intensity change of 82% is achieved when the graphene's Fermi energy is manipulated by a slight value of 0.03 eV, which directly introduces a viewable switching process between the operation "on" and "off" states. The optical sensing sensitivity is also up to 1276 nm/RIU and the FOM factor reaches 106. During the application for temperature detecting, the resolution limit can be as down as 3 × 10−3 °C (K), suggesting a desirable temperature detector. Moreover, polarization-adjustable and angle-insensitive properties for the plasmonic graphene absorber could further promote enormous applications for the active optoelectronic devices. Image 1 • A high- Q plasmonic graphene absorber is demonstrated via an oblique air slit array in the metal substrate. • A viewable switching process between the operation "on" and "off" states is demonstrated. • High-performance optical sensor and temperature detector are obtained via this graphene absorber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A broadband perfect absorber is numerically demonstrated via the refractory material resonators. The excellent absorption efficiency is with the average A > 94% in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 760 nm (the full visible region), suggesting the impressive capability of energy harvesting, micro-fluidic thermal disinfect, local high-temperature process. • Perfect light absorption is desirable for applications related to photo-electrical effects, photo-thermal process. • Excellent absorption with the average A > 94% is achieved in the visible full-spectrum region. • The TiO 2 /TiN with impressive thermal stability have been used as the resonators. • These findings pave new insights for nano-scale/micro-fluidic photo-thermal process, thermal disinfect, etc. Perfect light absorption is desirable for applications in the devices related to photo-electrical effects, photo-thermal process and photo-chemical/catalysis solutions, etc. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a feasible way to achieve broadband perfect absorption in the full visible range based on the refractory material resonators. This structure shows excellent absorption efficiency with the average absorption up to 94% in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 760 nm (the visible region), suggesting the impressive capability of energy harvesting. The photonic cavity mode and the dipolar plasmon resonance by the half-cylinder cavity structure are the main contributions for the broadband absorption. The full-spectrum visible light absorption is observed to be maintained in a wide angle range under the oblique illumination. The high absorption is also retained under different polarization states. Moreover, the resonant materials such as titanium dioxide (TiO 2) and titanium nitride (TiN) have impressive thermal stability due to their high melting points. These findings pave new insights on the refractory perfect visible light absorber for nano-scale photo-thermal process, micro-fluidic thermal disinfect and local high-temperature process, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CLGP4 was a novel sulfated xylogalactomanan purified from Caulerpa lentillifera. • CLGP4 showed a better anti-inflammatory activity on LPS-induced HT29 cells. • CLGP4 contained →4)Manp(1→, →2,4)Manp(1→, →2)Manp(1→, →3)Galp(1→ and →4)Xylp(1→. • The terminals of CLGP4 were β-Galp and β-Xylp. • Sulfate groups were on C-3 of →4)Xylp(1→, C-6 of →3)Galp(1→ and C-3 of →2)Manp(1→. In the present study, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of four purified polysaccharides (CLGP1, CLGP2, CLGP3 and CLGP4) extracted from edible green algae Caulerpa lentillifera was evaluated. As a result, CLGP4 exhibited more effectively inhibitory effect on LPS-induced HT29 cells, including reducing the production of IL-1β, TNF-α, SIgA and mucin2, and decreasing the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α. According to the results, CLGP4 showed a better anti-inflammatory effect, might highly related to the presence of sulfate groups. Furthermore, the structure of CLGP4 was analyzed by methylation analysis, GC–MS and NMR spectroscopy. It was found that CLGP4 was a novel xylogalactomanan consisting of β-(1 → 4)-Man p , →2,4)Man p (1→, β-(1 → 2)-Man p , β-(1 → 3)-Gal p , β-(1 → 4)-Xyl p , terminal β-Gal p and terminal β-Xyl p residues. Additionally, the sulfate groups were located on C-3 of →4)Xyl p (1→, C-6 of →3)Gal p (1→ and C-3 of →2)Man p (1→. These results could enlarge the potential application of CLGP4 as functional ingredient to attenuate inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A semiconductor void resonators meta-surface is numerically demonstrated as an ultra-wideband perfect absorber. The spectrally weighted solar energy absorption efficiency is up to 88% in the whole sun irradiation range (280–4000 nm). • Thin semiconductor void resonators meta-surface has been demonstrated as a feasible way for solar absorber. • The spectrally weighted solar energy absorption efficiency is up to 88% in the whole sun irradiation range (280–4000 nm). • The findings are desirable for optoelectronic modulators and devices such as infrared detectors and solar absorbers. In this work, a thin semiconductor void resonators meta-surface is theoretically proposed and numerically demonstrated as a novel platform for perfect solar absorber. The absorber exhibits an ultra-broadband perfect absorption in the visible and infrared range. In comparison with the noble metals coupled absorbers, it is observed that the introduced titanium substrate produces a strong enhancement (90%) of the spectral absorption for the Ge resonators in a wide spectral window from 1.283 μm to 2.830 μm. As for the actual solar light absorption measurement, the spectrally weighted solar energy absorption efficiency is up to 88% for this semiconductor material based plasmonic absorber in the whole sun irradiation range (280–4000 nm). The absorption behaviors can be artificially manipulated via tuning the structural parameters. Photonic resonant modes in the semiconductor resonators and the plasmonic resonances of the titanium material are the main contributions for the excellent absorption response. In sharp contrast to the metal-insulator absorber, the herein absorber platform can hold three main advantages on the optoelectronic responses by the active semiconductor resonators, the broadband or full-spectrum solar perfect absorption in the semiconductor/titanium composite system, and the stronger thermal stability by the refractory titanium metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exopolysaccharide (EPS) of Lactobacillus plantarum WLPL04 and its sulfated EPS were systematically investigated for their antioxidant activities and effects on protecting the oxidative damage of Caco-2 cells from H 2 O 2. Exopolysaccharide was successfully sulfonated from purified EPS as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and the degree of sulfonation was 0.30. Both EPS and sulfated EPS showed antioxidant activities in vitro determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide, and hydroxyl radical scavenging tests, and those activities of sulfated EPS were significantly enhanced at 1,000 μg/mL. Cell viabilities of Caco-2 in the range of 1 to 100 μg/mL of EPS and sulfated EPS showed no significant difference. In H 2 O 2 -damaged Caco-2 cells models, EPS and sulfated EPS significantly inhibited the enhancement of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, and sulfated EPS enhanced the effects by 40.86% and 61.11% when compared with the purified EPS at the same concentration of 100 μg/mL, respectively. For the activities of antioxidant-related enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and expression of genes (SOD2 , GPX2 , MT1M) on Caco-2 cells, strong protection abilities against the oxidative stress were displayed from both EPS and sulfated EPS, and sulfated EPS exhibited significant enhancement as compared with either EPS or control groups. In summary, sulfonation is an effective strategy for improving the antioxidant activities of EPS from L. plantarum WLPL04 in vitro and on Caco-2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We propose a new approach to directly tune spectral Q-factor of the graphene, which has remained challenging in these years. The remarkable tuning of optical properties is reported by splitting graphene disk resonators. In contrast to the single mode of the circular graphene disk, the split graphene nano-disks produce new emerged plasmonic resonant modes, which can be further modified by tuning structural parameters. Such split graphene nano-disks can not only strengthen the multispectral light-graphene interactions drastically but also improve the spectral Q-factor naturally. The spectral Q-factor shows an enhancement of 230–360% for the proposed split graphene nano-disks in comparison with that of the conventional graphene plasmonic mode. With increasing Fermi energy, the tri-band spectrum shows a further narrowing behavior for the resonant bandwidth. A maximal enhancement ∼400% for the spectral Q-factor is obtained. Moreover, the graphene plasmonic properties can be artificially modulated by polarization states of the illumination. This study will open up an avenue for effectively operating graphene photonic devices in the infrared range and pave a way for high-Q multispectral plasmonic graphene structures. Highlights • A new approach to directly tune spectral Q-factor of the graphene is proposed. • Split graphene nano-disks can strengthen the multispectral light-graphene interactions drastically. • A maximal enhancement ∼400% for the spectral Q-factor is obtained. • This study will open up an avenue for effectively operating graphene photonic devices in the infrared range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new approach for achieving ultra-broadband perfect absorber by using titanium (Ti) resonators. Near-unity absorption with a high average absorptivity of 91.4% is achieved through the whole spectral range from 0.4 μm to 2 μm for the double-period lattice of Ti resonators array on the top of a silica layer coated on the opaque Ti substrate. In contrast to the common metal-insulator-metal (MIM) absorbers only with tens of nanometers absorption bandwidth, the Ti based ultra-broadband perfect absorber (T-UPA) can show a perfect absorption window ( i.e. , the absorptivity exceeding 90%) with the spectral bandwidth over 1007 nm from visible to near-infrared region ( i.e. , from 0.485 μm to 1.492 μm). The cooperative effects of the propagating surface plasmons and the corresponding localized plasmonic resonances of Ti resonators contribute to the broadband absorption response. Moreover, the ultra-broadband perfect absorption is polarization-independent and angle-insensitive, which hold the proposed T-UPA with strong practicality and high tolerance in the complex electromagnetic environment ( i.e. sun radiation). Furthermore, the absorption window for this T-UPA can be greatly broadened via using a thin anti-reflection coating film, which shows a perfect absorption with the bandwidth of 1555 nm in the visible and near-infrared range. The numerically demonstrated thin-film absorber configuration facilitates the scalability to optoelectronics applications such as thermal photovoltaics and hot-electron devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SCSPsj was fermented by Parabacteroides distasonis to produce multiple metabolites. • SCSPsj promotes the growth of intestinal Bacteroidales by cross-feeding. • Cross-feeding was related to spatial distances and bacterial species. • Organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules were utilized in cross-feeding. Sea cucumber sulfated polysaccharide (SCSPsj) is one of the dietary components which effectively modulates gut microbiota; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, the interaction between SCSPsj and its utilizer (Parabacteroides distasonis) was investigated. Further study was carried out to explore the cross-feeding between intestinal Bacteroidales mediated by SCSPsj. The results revealed that SCSPsj can be fermented by P. distasonis to produce various microbial metabolites, including organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules, organoheterocyclic compounds. SCSPsj can regulate the succinate pathway and acetyl-CoA pathway to influence the production of propanoic acid and acetic acid, respectively. Moreover, the SCSPsj-fermented supernatants of P. distasonis can only promote the growth of B. stercoris , B. vulgatus and P. johnsonii among 8 intestinal Bacteroidales strains through cross-feeding. The effect of cross-feeding was related to spatial distances and bacterial species. Moreover, the cross-feeding was correlated with compounds belonging to organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules. These findings could provide new insights into the interaction between SCSPsj and gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic wave absorbers with thinner structural thickness but with broader spectral absorption bandwidth are more desirable for various applications in solar energy and optoelectronics. In this work, a refractory titanium nitride meta-surface with efficient, ultra-broadband solar energy absorption is theoretically designed and numerically demonstrated. The resulting 250-nm-thick meta-surface absorber exhibits an ultra-broadband perfect absorption over the whole ultraviolet-visible-near infrared range. With taking the A > 90% into account, the absorption bandwidth is up to 1110 nm with the wavelength range varied from 0.316 μ m to 1.426 μ m. The titanium nitride nano-resonators array and its coating structure of titanium dioxide array cooperatively provide multiple resonant modes, which therefore introduce strong coupling with the solar radiation and eventually produce an ultra-broadband absorption. The absorption spectrum can be feasibly manipulated via tuning the structural parameters. Most importantly, in sharp contrast to the common absorbers formed with metallic nano-resonators, the titanium nitride based solar absorber is with much stronger thermal stability, illustrating the impressive promise for wide applications such as thermo-photovoltaics and other high-power optoelectronic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Co 5.47 N/CoMoO x particles are fabricated by hydrothermal and nitriding treatments. • The catalyst shows high HER activity (36 mV@10 mA cm−2) in 1.0 M KOH. • The cathode in assembled electrolyzer has a low cell voltage (1.54 V@10 mA cm−2). • The strong electron interaction and abundance of oxygen vacancies among different species drive the HER performance. Designing the basic steps of water dissociation and hydrogen desorption rationally is essential to comprehend the role of oxygen vacancies in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This study uses interface and defect engineering to produce monodispersed Co 5.47 N/CoMoO x hybrid particles on carbon cloth with abundant oxygen vacancies. The optimized Co 5.47 N/CoMoO x catalyst shows a low overpotential of 36 mV at 10 mA cm−2, similar to commercial Pt/C. Additionally, the overall water splitting with Co 5.47 N/CoMoO x as cathode has a cell voltage of 1.74 V at 100 mA cm−2, better than Pt/C(−) || RuO 2 (+), and operates stably for 50 h at 100 mA cm−2 without degradation, making it a promising electrocatalyst for industrial use. Experiment and DFT calculations demonstrate that strong electronic interaction between different components and rich oxygen vacancies enhance the catalyst's electrical conductivity and water dissociation. As a result, the hydrogen adsorption free energy (Δ G H* , −0.06 eV) is nearly equal to the ideal adsorption energy (0 eV), demonstrating faster hydrogen absorption/desorption kinetics for Co 5.47 N/CoMoO x , thus improving its HER performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we for the first time propose and demonstrate a feasible strategy for multi-band ultra-narrow optical transmission of the plasmonic crystals by introducing a high-index dielectric (HID) cavity, which can be acted as an efficient optical field coupling and hybridization component. Five sharp transmission bands with the maximal bandwidth of 6.5 nm are achieved. High spectral Q-factor of 327 with the corresponding bandwidth of 2.8 nm is observed in the optical region. These features pave a simple and universal way for multispectral narrowband optical transmission based on the typical plasmonic crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exopolysaccharide (EPS) from probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum ZDY2013 was purified to illustrate its molecular weight, monosaccharide composition and biological activities. The yield of EPS (429.4 ± 30.3 mg/L) was obtained with a purity of 96.06%. The EPS was characterized to have only one symmetrical sharp peak by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography and its molecular weight was 5.17 × 10 4 Da. The GC analysis revealed that EPS only consisted of xylose and galactose, and the galactose possessed as high as 98.3% (w/w) of the total monosaccharides. By sulfonation, a sulfated EPS was successfully synthesized with the degree of substitution (DS) of 0.29, which was confirmed using FT-IR spectroscopy. Both EPS and sulfated EPS showed radical scavenging activities, and the antioxidant activities increased after sulfonation. In addition, sulfated EPS was more effective in counteracting the cytotoxicity induced by B . cereus enterotoxins on Caco-2 cells when compared with EPS. In summary, sulfonation is a feasible strategy for improving the biological activities of EPS from L . plantarum ZDY203. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials with ultra-narrowband light transparent window are desirable for applications in optoelectronics. Due to the intrinsic loss in the traditional metallic nanostructures, the plasmonic or electromagnetically induced light transparent spectrum is with a typically broad bandwidth. In this work, a novel strategy for achieving ultra-narrowband optical transparent window is theoretically proposed and demonstrated based on the dielectric dimer resonators metamolecule array. Owing to the electromagnetic resonant coupling in this lossless all-dielectric metamolecule, a transparent window with the bandwidth down to nanometer scale and the spectral slope up to 71%/nm is achieved. The obtained optical properties can be manipulated in the spectral range by adjusting the structural parameters and dielectric permittivity. These findings pave a new way for sharp narrowband transparent window with potential applications in filtering, optical manipulation, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly conductive metal film structures with light transparency are of great importance for practical applications in optoelectronics. Here we investigate the feasible way for tuning the intrinsic opaque continuous metal film to be optical transparency by using a dielectric layer. The introduced dielectric acts as a resonant cavity and supports strong optical field coupling capability. In comparison with the nearly opaque response of the original metal film, transmission enhancement factor up to 2300% with the maximal transmittance of 78% are achieved in the dielectric cavity coupled metal film system. Moreover, it is observed that the multiband light transmission behavior can be highly scaled by tuning the cavity length. These impressive optical properties suggest the proposed motif to be a new alternative way for achieving transparent and highly conducting metal film structures with potential applications in transparent conductors, plasmonic filters and images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial manipulation of light is significant for the material science and technology. In this work, noticeably enhanced light absorption with absorption above 99% has been demonstrated in a deep-subwavelength meta-surface structure. Dipolar plasmon resonance and near-field coupling of the plasmons between the adjacent core–shell metallo-dielectric spheres together with the optical field coupling by the dielectric shells are the main contributions for the multispectral light absorption. The predicted structure can be fabricated in large-area based on the standard colloidal self-assembled method and the metal deposition technique. These optical and structural features hold the proposed platform to be a potential of the application in light modulation and absorption and other optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We predict a novel multispectral spatial and frequency selective sensing based on a plasmonic sub-diffraction-limited (< λ /4) nanostructure. Via combining the strong plasmon near-field coupling effects, particle plasmon resonances (PPRs) and their hybridization by the metallic cross-shaped antennas (CSAs), a total of seven resonances with the minimum bandwidth < 7 nm are obtained in the visible and near-infrared region. Remarkably distinct biosensing behaviors at different spatial locations and different resonant wavelengths are simultaneously achieved, suggesting a new impressive sensing motif. High-quality biosensing with the maximal sensitivity ( S = 1134 nm/RIU), figure of merit (FoM ∼ 71.4), and high contrast ratio of spectral intensity difference (Δ R = 44.2%) can be attained by detection a slight refractive index change of a thin biomolecular layer. These unique features of the proposed sensing motif could provide a powerful approach to develop desirable plasmon sensors with simultaneous multispectral spatial and frequency selective sensing, and hold potential applications in the high-integrated components for the high-performance plasmonic biosensing, detection and imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An acidic polysaccharide (SPYP) was isolated from Patinopecten yessoensis skirt. • Main chains were elucidated as → 4)β-GlcA(1 → 4)α-GlcNAc → and → 4)β-GlcA(1 → 3)β-GalNAc→. • SPYP could prevent obesity and hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice. • SPYP could regulate gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice, especially Lachnoclostridium. • SPYP could affect metabolite profiles and improve lipid metabolism of HFD-mice. The prevention of obesity is an urgent need for worldwide public health. The scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) skirt is the by-product of adductor processing. In order to explore the value of the scallop skirt, the present study isolated an acidic polysaccharide from the skirt of P. yessoensis (SPYP) and evaluated its anti-obesity effect. SPYP was characterized as an acidic heteropolysaccharide with a molecular weight of 13.58 kDa. Through stepwise acid hydrolysis followed by HPLC-MSn analysis, two core chains in SPYP was determined as heparin-like → 4)β-GlcA(1 → 4)α-GlcNAc → and chondroitin sulfate-like → 4)β-GlcA(1 → 3)β-GalNAc →. SPYP could effectively reduce body weight, decrease fat accumulation and prevent high blood lipids induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice. Further 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing analysis revealed that the anti-obesity effect of SPYP was notably associated with its modulation on gut microbiota. The short-chain fatty acids were also restored by SPYP supplementation compared to the HFD group. Moreover, liquid chromatography-high resolution accurate mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analysis demonstrated that metabolite profiles of HFD-fed mice were altered by SPYP supplementation, especially the lipid metabolism in serum and amino acid metabolism in cecal content, which may contribute to the anti-obesity effect of SPYP. The present study offers the basis for processing and application of P. yessoensis skirt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-band light perfect absorbers formed by metal-semiconductor materials are desirable for optoelectronics and have been long pursued. In this work, we numerically propose and demonstrate a four-band resonant near-perfect light absorption by utilizing the aluminum ring intercalated with silicon disk array, which can support strong plasmonic resonances and optical cavity modes. The multi-band near-perfect absorption can be tuned by the structural parameters and the maximal absorption is exceeding 99.8%. These features lay a foundation for low-cost optoelectronic technologies since the semiconductor silicon cavities are currently very important elements in the field of photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we theoretically propose and numerically demonstrate a novel multi-band subtractive filtering platform by utilizing the dielectric resonators. In addition, the plasmon-like hotspots are also observed in this dielectric structure. Multi-band light filtering can be quantitatively adjusted by the polarization state and the classical Malus law is verified in this dielectric structure. These findings lay a foundation for multispectral optical behaviors and hold applications in the nanophotonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Microbial consortiums from different individuals response discrepantly to SCSP sj. • Parabacteroides distasonis plays a critical role in SCSP sj utilization. • More beneficial metabolites were accumulated by microbiota consuming more SCSP sj. Sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus has been consumed as high-valued seafood in Asian, and its sulfated polysaccharide (SCSP sj) has been inferred to benefit the host health via modulating gut microbiota composition. The present study compared the responses of gut microbiota communities from different donors to SCSP sj , and the key bacteria were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis and in vitro fermentation with specific bacteria. Gut microbiota communities from 6 donors (A ~ F) utilized the polysaccharides to different degrees in vitro fermentation. Further comparison of Samples A and C demonstrated that Sample C with the relatively strong SCSP sj utilization capability possessed more Parabacteroides while Sample A contained more Bacteroides. Further in vitro fermentation of SCSP sj with 10 Parabacteroides and Bacteroides species suggests that Parabacteroides distasonis , enriched in Sample C, plays a critical role in the utilization of the polysaccharides. Moreover, short chain fatty acids and the metabolite profiles of Samples A and C were also compared, and the results showed that more beneficial metabolites were accumulated by the microbiota community consuming more sulfated sea cucumber polysaccharides. Our findings revealed that certain key members of gut microbiota, such as Parabacteroides distasonis , are critical for SCSP sj utilization in gut so as to influence the benefits of the polysaccharide supplement for host. Thus, to obtain better functional outcome for sulfated sea cucumber polysaccharides and sea cucumber, more attention needs to be paid to the effects of inter-individual differences in microbiota community structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmonic–colloidal crystals are with unique optical properties due to the combination of the plasmonic and photonic features. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel dual-band plasmonic refractometric sensing motif by using a metal film coated colloidal crystal (CC) intercalated with a silicon (Si) layer (M–Si–CC), where the Si layer can simultaneously couple with the top plasmonic crystal and the bottom CC. Distinct sensing behaviors of the two transmittance peaks are observed. In addition, significantly improved sensitivity is achieved in comparison with those of the conventional metal coated CCs (M–CCs). Moreover, the structure is with quite simple design and could be fabricated in a straightforward manner over large areas. These features hold the proposed motif with potential applications in multispectral biosensing and detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose and demonstrate a novel perfect absorber platform by combining the colloidal crystal and refractory metal layer. Dual-band absorption with the efficiency up to 99.8% (0. 336 μ m) and 99.1% (1. 382 μ m) is achieved. Moreover, the absorption bandwidths are 81 nm and 1237 nm for the two bands in the UV and near-infrared ranges, suggesting the simultaneous achievement of narrowband and ultra-broadband absorption. Furthermore, the resonant wavelengths in the two bands are with the geometric multiples up to 3 ∼ 6, indicating the large differential frequency responses. In addition, the absorption properties can be artificially adjusted via the structural parameters. These features can hold potential applications in the nonlinear optics such as frequency multiplication, difference and mixing, and the selective spectral filtering and manipulation, etc. • A novel absorber is achieved by combining colloidal crystal and refractory metal. • Dual-band absorption with A of 99.8% and 99.1% is achieved. • Narrowband and ultra-broadband absorption is simultaneous achieved. • It can hold applications in nonlinear optics, selective filtering, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new polarization and angle insensitive ultra-broadband perfect absorber is proposed and numerically demonstrated. • The absorption bandwidth reaches 3059 nm ranging from 939 nm to 3998 nm with absorptivity above 90%. • The averaged absorption is up to 94% in the whole spectral range from 800 nm to 4200 nm. A new polarization and angle insensitive ultra-broadband perfect absorber (UPA) was proposed and demonstrated based on an alumina-chromium-alumina-chromium four-layer structure. The absorption bandwidth reached 3059 nm in the infrared range (from 939 nm to 3998 nm) with a spectral absorptivity greater than 90%. The average absorption was up to 94.0% in a range of 800 nm to 4200 nm. The physical mechanisms and influence of different structural configurations on the absorption performance of the UPA were analyzed in detail. When the oblique incidence angle was up to 60°, the average absorption rates of the TE and TM modes were 87.3% and 85.0%, respectively. The proposed UPA has potential applications in thermo-photovoltaics and infrared detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study exopolysaccharide (EPS) of Enterococcus faecium WEFA23 from healthy infant's feces was yielded as high as 130 mg/L by fermentation. By purification the EPS was further fractioned into A23-1, A23-2, A23-3 and A23-4 on HiTrap Q HP and Superdex G-200 column. As the major purified fractions, A23-2 and A23-4 were analyzed for the preliminary structures and investigated for the biological properties in vitro. The molecular weight of A23-2 and A23-4 was 2.50 × 104 Da and 3.23 × 104 Da, respectively. A23-2 was composed of mannose, glucose and galactose with a ratio of 1.38:1.00:1.42, while A23-4 consisted of only mannose. The antioxidant ability of A23-2 was significantly higher than that of A23-4, as proved by scavenging test of DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical. Both A23-2 and A23-4 exhibited strong inhibition against the adhesion of L. monocytogenes CMCC54007 on HT-29 cells no matter for the styles of competition, displacement and exclusion. Notably, for exclusion they had a maximal inhibition rate of 89.85 ± 0.46% and 90.81 ± 2.29%, respectively, at 200 μg/mL. Highlights • Novel exopolysaccharide from Enterococcus faecium WEFA23 was isolated and purified which includes four fractions, i.e. A23-1, A23-2, A23-3 and A23-4. • A23-2 was heteropolysaccharide composed of mannose, glucose and galactose, while A23-4 was homopolysaccharide consisted of mannose. • Both A23-2 and A23-4 exhibited free radicals scavenging capacities in vitro, and A23-2 showed higher antioxidant activity than A23-4. • A23-2 and A23-4 exhibited strong inhibition on adhesion of L. monocytogenes CMCC54007 to HT-29 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique has presented great potential in medical diagnosis, environment monitoring and food detection due to its high sensitivity, rapid response and fingerprint effect. Many efforts have been concentrated on all kinds of strategies to produce efficient SERS substrates. Here, we report on a simple and controllable method to produce large-area efficient SERS substrates with abundant discrete Au nanoparticles or clusers. The SERS substrates are easily fabricated via a simple annealing process of plasmonic nanoshells coated on photonic structures. The optimally designed Raman substrates show prominent Raman enhancement effect and extremely low detection limit. In comparison to the bare continuous gold film, the optimal SERS substrates annealed at 300 °C present a Raman enhancement of more than 6 orders of magnitude. The ultrasensitive SERS sensing capability is demonstrated down to 10 −12  M by detecting rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules. The superior Raman properties of the proposed SERS substrates can be ascribed to the highly-dense electric field hotspots mainly formed by interpartice plasmons and crevice gap plasmons. The simple and controllable fabrication strategy and superior performance make the substrates promising candidates for the development of inexpensive, efficient and mass-produced SERS substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein-polysaccharide-polyphenol delivery systems function as a promising tool to deliver bioactive ingredients aiming to improve their solubility and bioavailability. In this study, whey protein isolate (WPI), short-chain inulin (SCI), and cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) were first used to stabilize Pickering emulsions. The physicochemical properties and stability of curcumin encapsulated or not in Pickering emulsions were explored. Results showed that glycosylation and C3G reduced surface and interfacial tension on protein surfaces and inhibited the aggregation of emulsion droplets, thereby reducing the emulsion's particle size. WPI-SCI/C3G stabilized Pickering emulsion had the best stability. The CLSM results showed that the WPI-SCI and WPI-SCI/C3G stabilized emulsions were uniformly dispersed, suggesting that glycosylation and the interaction between protein and C3G enhanced the adsorption capacity of the interfacial protein and improved the stability of the Pickering emulsion. The retention rates of curcumin-loaded WPI-SCI- (67.34 %) and WPI-SCI/C3G- (77.07 %) stabilized Pickering emulsions on day 8 of storage were higher than those in WPI- (33.97 %) and WPI/C3G- (37.02 %) stabilized emulsions, and the degradation half-life was also extended from 7 days to >15 days. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the application of WPI Pickering emulsion and indicate a useful means for the delivery of bioactive components. • Pickering emulsions stabilized by the complexes of WPI, SCI and C3G were prepared. • WPI-SCI/C3G stabilized Pickering emulsion had the best stability. • Glycosylation and interaction with C3G of WPI improved the stability of emulsions. • Retention rate of curcumin in emulsion was 67.3 % (WPI-SCI) and 77.1 % (WPI-SCI/C3G). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to realize the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device with compact channels and high transmission, a novel three-channel WDM device based on a two-dimensional photonic crystal with a square lattice is proposed. Three parallel line defect waveguides are introduced in this structure to control the propagation of light. Elliptical and rectangular resonators are employed to carry out the selection of light wavelengths by the coupling resonant effects. The point defect cavity is placed at the end of the middle waveguide to further filter the wavelengths. We theoretically analyze the effects of the distances between the resonator and the micro-cavity and between asymmetrical resonators on the light propagation by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Three different wavelengths (1560, 1580, and 1620 nm) in the communication window range with maximum transmission over 90% are obtained. The findings may provide potential applications in filters, WDM optical communication systems and other optoelectronics devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Enhanced optical transmission in metal structures has received much attention due to the interesting physics and important applications in optoelectronic devices. Here, we propose and demonstrate the broadband enhanced optical transmission of a cooperative plasmonic structure consisting of double SiO2 films inserted with double parallel nanoparticle arrays composed of metal and dielectric spheres by the three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Based on the bright mode and dark mode rule, the proposed structure shows a greatly enhanced broadband transmission through the hybridization of the plasmon resonant coupling effects of adjacent metal spheres, the surface plasmon waves at the interface between the metal array and the dielectric material and the optical cavity modes formed by the double dielectric films. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of this broadband optical transmission with a highest transmission up to 85% is more than 400nm. The broadband optical transmission can be efficiently tailored by varying the lattice period of the arrays and the distance between the metal and dielectric arrays. This proposed structure with subwavelength size may provide potential applications in optoelectronic devices such as broadband transparent and conductive devices, slow light devices, and highly sensitive sensors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a novel method for fabricating a monolayer of hexagonal-close-packed metallic nanoshells with a small opening, based on a combination of a porous polymer template and a nanocrystal-seeded electroless plating technique. Light transmission spectra of the metallic nanoshell arrays are measured, which show that light can transmit through the dense particle assemblies via excitations of a variety of surface-plasmons (SPs). Further numerical simulations confirm these transmission resonances and reveal that they are attributed to the excitations of localized quadrupolar spherelike and Fano-type hybridized SP modes supported by the specific structure. The present metallic microstructure could find applications in plasmonics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Light absorbers are desirable for wide applications in optoelectronic devices. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a new plasmonic absorber platform, which can support two sharp absorption bands with differential features via tuning the incident angle. The absorber is formed by an asymmetrical metal–semiconductor–metal(MSM) stack intercalated by metal micro-cavities. The maximal absorption for the two peaks respectively reaches 99.8% (λ = 0. 983 μ m) and 98.9% (λ = 1. 187 μ m). Importantly, the dual-band absorber shows remarkable differential properties when the incident angle is tuned. For instance, the wavelength position is only with a 2 nm fluctuation for the first band in the shorter wavelength range, suggesting a nearly stable state during the angle changes from 0° to 50°. Nevertheless, the wavelength position shifts up to 37.5 nm for the second band in the longer wavelength region, indicating an angle-sensitive absorption. These properties are mainly related to the relaxed resonant fields from the MSM cavities and their different coupling modes to the adjacent metal cavities in this asymmetric structure. These new findings could pave applications for differential optoelectronic manipulations, filters and photo-detection, etc. • A new plasmonic-semiconductors based absorber platform is proposed. • Differential absorption features are obtained via tuning the incident angle. • The maximal absorption reaches 99.8% (0.983 μ m) and 98.9% (1.187 μ m). • It can pave applications for differential optoelectronic manipulations, filters, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of galactofucan from Laminaria japonica on the digestion and intestinal microbiota of human were investigated in the present study. Crude fraction of the sulfated polysaccharide from L. japonica (CF) and its molecular-weight homogeneous fraction (CGF-3) were prepared and characterized. In the simulated digestion model for the human saliva and gastrointestinal tract, no obvious changes in the molecular weight or the reducing sugar content of CGF-3 were observed, indicating CGF-3 is resistant to the human digestive system. Then CGF-3 did not affect the α-amylase activity while it dose-dependently inhibited the activity of pancreatic lipase partly depending on its sulfate groups. In the in vitro fermentation with the human fecal microbiota, CF did not change the total carbohydrate, reducing sugar and short chain fatty acids contents, which indicated CF was not utilized by the microbiota. However, the microbiota composition was modulated greatly by CF intervention. These findings shed a light on the better understanding of the impacts of dietary galactofucan on the digestion and intestinal microbiota. • Galactofucan from Laminaria japonica was not degraded in the simulated digestion. • The galactofucan inhibited pancreatic lipase activity. • The galactofucan was not utilized by the human microbiota in the fermentation. • The microbiota composition was obviously modulated by the galactofucan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two exopolysaccharides, NPS and APS, were isolated from L. plantarum WLPL09 and purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The structural analyses showed that molecular weight of NPS and APS were 72.60 kDa and 33.22 kDa, respectively. NPS was mainly composed of mannose and glucose, in molar ratio of 85.35:14.65, while APS was composed of mannose, glucose and galactose, in molar ratio of 89.69:8.65:1.66. In in vitro antitumor assays, APS displayed strong anti-proliferative effect against HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells and HCT-8 colon adenocarcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Morphological and flow cytometry analyses revealed that APS strongly induced apoptosis of HepG2 and HCT-8, especially for HCT-8. Furthermore, APS significantly up-regulated the mRNA level of apoptosis-related genes in cancer cells, and remarkably improved the activities of caspase-3, -8 and -9 in HepG2, caspase-3 and -8 in HCT-8. These results suggest APS might be explored as a potential, natural antitumor agent for functional food. • Two polysaccharides (NPS and APS) were isolated from Lactobacillus plantarum WLPL09 derived from human milk. • The different structure between APS and NPS may lead to their different anti-tumor activity. • APS could induce apoptosis of HepG2 and HCT-8 cells through the different apoptotic signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrically modulating and switching the light absorption properties of monolayer graphene in near-infrared region has potentials in optoelectronic devices (e.g., photodetectors) and optical communication systems (e.g., modulators). In this work, we demonstrate numerically a broadband near-infrared absorption enhancement of monolayer graphene, due to the magnetic dipole resonance in metamaterials. The broadband light absorption in monolayer graphene can be largely modulated to realize an electrically switchable effect, via bias voltage for the interband transition of graphene to be near the magnetic dipole resonance. The absorption modulation depth is able to vary quickly from almost zero to nearly 100% in a very narrow wavelength range around the interband transition. Electrically modulating and switching the light absorption properties of monolayer graphene in near-infrared region has potentials in optoelectronic devices (e.g., photodetectors) and optical communication systems (e.g., modulators). In this work, we firstly demonstrate numerically a broadband near-infrared absorption enhancement of monolayer graphene, due to the magnetic dipole resonance in metamaterials. Then, we show that the broadband light absorption in monolayer graphene can be largely modulated to realize an electrically switchable effect, via bias voltage for the interband transition of graphene to be near the magnetic dipole resonance. The absorption modulation depth is able to vary quickly from almost zero to nearly 100% in a very narrow wavelength range around the interband transition. Image 107 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The OPF model considering active management strategies is established. • The improved robust OPF model is established to treat the source-load uncertainty. • The relaxation evolution algorithm is proposed to solve the robust OPF model. The increase in renewable energy permeability and the electrical load uncertainty aggravates the fluctuation of power flow and bus voltage magnitudes of the distribution network (DN). Then, the fluctuation threatens system security and makes increasing difficulties in DN regulation. However, the widespread utilities of power electronic technology promote rapid developments in flexible distribution networks, thereby providing certain opportunities to treat the open question. Therefore, this study proposes a robust optimization model of flexible distribution network allowing for system security and economy. Firstly, a optimal power flow (OPF) model of flexible distribution network with various active management strategies is derived and constructed by taking the minimum loss and voltage offset as the objective function. The model is linearized and relaxed to convex problem by a second-order cone. Then, the robust OPF model of flexible distribution network is established considering the uncertainty of load and renewable energy. Finally, a relaxation-based co-evolution algorithm is proposed to solve the model. The modified IEEE 33 bus system and PG&E 69 bus system are involved for case studies, in which the calculation results under various scenarios are compared. Consequently, the effectiveness and practicability of proposed model to locate and cope with the worst situation is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narrowband light absorbers are of great importance in many practical applications, such as color filtering and thermal emission. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a multispectral narrowband light absorber based on a silicon nano-cavity coupled metallo-dielectric cavity. Seven absorption bands with excellent absorption features are achieved in the near-infrared region. Theoretical results indicate that the multi-band light absorption strongly attributes to the hybridization coupling between the optical modes of the silicon cavity and the plasmonic resonances of the metallic structure. These optical features hold the absorber with wide applications in optoelectronics. • A novel narrowband light absorber is demonstrated in a silicon nano-cavity coupled metallo-dielectric structure. • The maximal absorbance above 94% and bandwidth less than 21 nm are achieved. • Ultra-narrow bandwidth down to single-digit level (4 nm) is achieved in the calculation. • This absorber can be fabricated in large-area at low-cost by the standard technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The design of sub-wavelength structure with full-spectrum near-unity solar absorption is a long-sought-after goal of crucial importance for optoelectronic materials and technology. To date, numerous attempts to tackle this problem consisted either of using stronger absorption-but narrowband or the broader spectrum-but moderate light trapping mechanisms. Herein, a novel strategy that achieves perfect absorption for solar energy in the full-spectrum range of the sun's radiance is presented by the thin-film refractory metal resonators. This impressive absorption mainly stems from the cooperative effect of strong plasmonic resonances and the intrinsic broadband spectral responses by the refractory metals, such as Ti, V, W, etc. The full-spectrum weighted solar absorption efficiency is exceeding 98%, showing a near-unity light trapping for the sun's radiation. Moreover, excellent thermal emitting with the spectral averaged efficiency ~ 91% is achieved in the wavelength range (280–4000 nm) by the W-based absorber, suggesting a platform for near-perfect blackbody emitting source. More importantly, the investigations on achieving full-spectrum solar absorbers and thermal emitters provide new insight on the mechanism and philosophy for the design. Just like the proverb, in order to catch bandits, the first thing is to catch the ringleader. As for the purpose of achieving full-spectrum near-unity absorbers or radiators, the key point is to perfectly trap or excite the solar/thermal power in the main distribution ranges for the sunlight or the blackbody radiation. Accordingly, these attractive properties and findings suggest that the investigation and the related full-spectrum solar absorbers and blackbody radiator might have promising applications in the fields related to energy harvesting and conversion. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • A feasible way is demonstrated for achieving full-spectrum thin-film solar absorbers. • The averaged solar absorption efficiency η A is > 98% for the sunlight (280–4000 nm). • Near-perfect thermal emitter with similar properties to the ideal blackbody radiator is demonstrated. • The key important factor for designing near-unity full-spectrum absorber/ emitter is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Graphene nano-structures have been widely studied as means of creating resonant absorption and index tunability by graphene plasmons. However, only the relatively low modulation efficiency and qualitatively adjusting methods have been achieved. Here we demonstrate a graphene plasmonic perfect absorber (GPPA) platform, which can provide perfect absorption in the multispectral range. Moreover, artificially tunable absorption response for the GPPA can be achieved via the external stimuli by the polarization state of the illumination. Efficient quantitative modulation on the spectral absorption is achieved since it can be predicted by the Malus law. Importantly, near-perfect modulation depth of 99.9% (∼100%) and the ultra-high relatively modulation intensity (MI) up to 3590 are achieved for the graphene plasmon switch via an electrical-control treatment. Furthermore, the positions of the absorption peaks are with nearly perfect linear relationship to that of the Fermi energy for the GPPA, suggesting an interesting way to quantitatively shift the resonant absorption wavelength. These features confirm the simultaneous support of optical and electrical manipulation for the quantitatively artificial control on the resonant behaviors for the GPPA. The findings could pave new insights on the light modulators by the plasmonic graphene and hold potential applications on the artificially precise-adjusting switch and devices. Graphical abstract A graphene plasmonic perfect absorber (GPPA) platform with narrowband perfect absorption in the multispectral range is proposed. Artificially tunable absorption response for the GPPA can be achieved via the external stimuli by the polarization state of the illumination. Near-perfect modulation depth (MD) of ∼100% and the ultra-high relatively modulation intensity (MI) up to 3590 are achieved for the graphene plasmon switch via an electrical-control treatment. The positions of the absorption peaks can be quantitatively shifted by the Fermi energy for the GPPA. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfect absorption of electromagnetic wave is emerging as a promising technology for its potential applications in harvesting solar energy, infrared detection and photovoltaic devices. Recent studies have reported a variety of plasmonic or meta-material structures, which are designed and fabricated to provide broadband absorption by utilizing multiple resonators in a composite unit cell. Coupled plasmonic-photonic micro-cavities, formed by using the colloidal crystal that does not have closed packed structure as the structural template, are surprisingly found to be efficient infrared absorption devices in an ultra-broadband frequency range. Taking the absorptivity above 0.9 into account, the operation bandwidth is up to 2.851 μm in the infrared range. The excellent absorption capability can be attributed to the cooperation effects of the plasmonic resonances by the metal caps and the photonic modes by the colloids. The absorber exhibits polarization-independent and wide-angle behaviors. These findings not only reveal the advantages of colloidal crystals as low-cost materials for ultra-broadband absorbers, but also provide inspiration for future development of high-performance, large-area infrared optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar beet pectin (SBP) is a naturally occurring emulsifying type of pectin fabricated into nanocomposites with montmorillonite (MMT) and then introduced as a stabilizer for high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). SBP-MMT composites performed well in emulsifying medium-chain triglyceride with an oil volume fraction (φ) of 0.1–0.85 and SBP/MMT mass ratios of 1:0.1–1:0.75. The two representative high internal phase emulsions stabilized by SBP-MMT composites at different SBP/MMT mass ratios exhibited good stability against creaming and coalescence. In these emulsion systems, SBP and MMT formed a network in the continuous phase that markedly improved the rheological properties, including the storage modulus (by 3 orders of magnitude). Confocal light scattering microscopy analysis indicated that a fraction of MMT could work synergistically with SBP in adsorbing on oil droplet surfaces, enhancing stability. SBP-MMT composites stabilized high internal phase emulsions destabilized after the freeze-thaw treatment (−40 °C for 20 h and 25 °C for 4 h) but could be facilely re-emulsified via high-speed shearing. The gastrointestinal digestion behaviors were also modified by stabilizing SBP and MMT. Overall, this work reveals a hitherto undocumented strategy for fabricating highly stable emulsions based on SBP-MMT composites which have huge prospects for application in the food and related industries. • Montmorillonite (MMT) was used as a coemulsifier for sugar beet pectin (SBP). • SBP and MMT costabilized gel-like high internal phase emulsions. • MMT significantly improved SBP's emulsifying performance. • MMT played a role in promoting the emulsion microstructure and viscoelasticity. • SBP and MMT formed network-like structures in aqueous solution via hydrogen bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whey protein isolate (WPI) is particularly constrained in infant formula owing to the widespread food allergy to milk proteins. Thus, inhibiting the allergens in WPI is crucial. This research aimed to explore the influence of the interaction between glycosylated protein [WPI glycosylated with short-chain inulin (SCI)] and cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) on antioxidant activity, thermostability, digestibility, and allergenicity of the proteins. The complex prepared by glycosylated WPI and C3G (2:1, w/w, pH 7.4) exhibited the best stability based on particle size and zeta potential. FTIR results showed that the major forces between glycosylated WPI and C3G were hydrogen bonding force, C–N stretching, and N–H bending. The antioxidant activity and thermal stability were as follows: WPI-SCI/C3G > WPI/C3G > WPI-SCI > WPI, indicating that the introduction of C3G and the interaction between glycosylated WPI and C3G can improve the above mentioned properties of the protein. Furthermore, WPI/C3G and WPI-SCI/C3G had higher resistance to pepsin and trypsin, which slowed down the digestion process and effectively delivered bioactive proteins to the distal end of the gastrointestinal tract. Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that the IgE contents of WPI, WPI/C3G, WPI-SCI, and WPI-SCI/C3G were 26.99 ± 0.3, 23.65 ± 0.58, 23.07 ± 0.21, and 10.41 ± 0.14 ng/mL respectively, suggesting that the glycosylated modification and the introduction of C3G can significantly reduce the allergenicity of β-lactoglobulin in WPI. This study contributes to the development of a new promising method for reducing the allergenicity of WPI and its application in food industry. [Display omitted] • Glycosylation of whey protein isolate (WPI), short-chain inulin (SCI) was studied. • The interaction of WPI-SCI with cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) was investigated. • WPI-SCI/C3G had the best antioxidant activity and thermal stability. • Glycosylation and interaction with C3G of WPI improved in vitro digestibility. • Glycosylation and interaction with C3G reduced the allergenicity of β-LG in WPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A decomposition-coordination PFC model is proposed for the interconnection system. • The LWLR combining with the Ridge Regression is employed into the PF model. • The used cases demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method in PFC. • The proposed PF model can be used to analyzing the cause of numerical ill-conditions. For multi-area interconnected power networks, energy interchange among subareas is benefit to improve energy utilization. The regulators of different subareas are generally incapable to access the private system information from others, which makes the information barriers. Then, the conventional integrated Power Flow (PF) method based on complete network information show incapability in analyzing operation state for multi-area systems. To generate the same PF solution as that by integrated method, an optional approach is to separately run PF Calculation (PFC) for each subarea alternated with the adjustment of state variables for boundary buses. Thus, this study proposes a decomposition-coordination PF model with two layers of coordination. Moreover, incorporated with the Ridge Regression, an improved Locally Weighted Linear Regression (LWLR) approach is established in treating the adjustment of boundary variables. Case studies based on IEEE300 and IEEE RTS-1996 test systems demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method, which generates PF results with high accuracy and convergence in case of less data requirement compared to conventional Newton's method. Furthermore, the proposed PF method is capable to identify the subarea with potential questionable data in case of PFC divergence, contributing to analyzing the cause of numerical ill-conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-narrowband light filtering is with wide applications in display, image and optical measurement devices. Here, we theoretically propose and show a new and simple strategy for achieving notch filters by sub-wavelength all-dielectric meta-materials (ADMMs). The ADMM is comprised of a triple-layered high/low/high-index dielectric structure. Similar to the plasmonic resonances existed in the metallic meta-materials, strong optical field resonances have been observed in this ADMM. Dual-band reflective notch filtering phenomenon is achieved. Spectral bandwidth down to 3 nm and the spectral contrast reaching 97% are obtained. Moreover, the polarization-independent response is simultaneously achieved in this ADMM. Furthermore, high spectral tunability for the observed ultra-narrowband filtering is obtained via tuning the structural parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We propose a novel enhanced optical transmission plasmonic nanostructure composed of a metallic film perforated with a compound rectangular hole and nanorod array. The optical characteristics are investigated by the three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. An extraordinary enhanced transmission (transmittance over 96%) in the optical regime is obtained as a result of the excitation and hybridization of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs), surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), as well as the gap plasmon modes supported by the holes. The enhanced optical transmission can be effectively tailored by changing the geometrical parameters such as the length and width of inner cubic Ag nanorods, the gap of rectangular holes, the period of compound hole array, as well as the height of Ag film due to their effects on oscillating charges on metal surfaces. The structure could facilitate numerous important applications in highly integrated plasmonic filters and optoelectronic circuits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]