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Inspired by the pivotal role of supervision mechanisms in promoting and maintaining cooperative behavior in human society, we propose a mutual supervision mechanism to explore the evolution of cooperation on an interdependent network. The mechanism adjusts the game type of supervised nodes when their evaluation value falls below a critical threshold. Monte Carlo simulations reveal that the mutual supervision mechanism effectively encourages the emergence of cooperative strategies on interdependent networks. The experimental results show a direct positive linkage between the number of supervised nodes and the fraction of cooperation. In detail, the effect of the sucker's payoff on cooperation is more noticeable when most of the nodes are supervised by the mechanism. However, a higher sucker's payoff discourages cooperation when there are few supervised nodes. Furthermore, the stability of cooperation is closely related to a stricter supervision threshold. Conversely, if the supervision threshold is too lenient, previously stable cooperation levels will suddenly collapse. • Mutual supervision mechanism is proposed to simulate the complex supervision mechanisms in real society. • The game type changes when node evaluation values drop below a certain threshold. • Cooperation is promoted by the increased sucker's payoff only with a sufficient number of supervised nodes. • The effect of the coupling coefficient on cooperation is nonlinear. • Proper threshold strength ensures stable cooperation, while excessively lenient thresholds do not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reversible solid oxide cell can work as a fuel cell (FC) or an electrolyzer cell (EC) with superior efficiency in a single device, which has the potential to become the core of energy conversion and storage. Since the redox reaction occurs at the three phase boundary in the porous electrode, the microstructure of which has a significant effect on the dynamic performance of the cell. Current research on porous electrodes mainly focuses on parametric and steady-state analysis but lacks studies on dynamic performance. In this study, we investigate the mass transfer process and dynamic performance of rSOC fuel electrodes by 3D reconstruction and artificial generation combined with a two-dimensional lattice Boltzmann method. The results show that the effective diffusion coefficients and cell performance of the XCT cross-sectional and random sphere method are much higher than those of the Gaussian filter and fiber rod structure. The change in H 2 concentration is larger for switching from FC to EC compared to switching from EC to FC, but the transient steady-state difference and relaxation time of the voltage is smaller. These results can be used as a reference for the design and optimization of the porous electrodes in reversible solid oxide cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified with a carbon nitride nanobelt (HCNT/CNN) were successfully fabricated by using combined solvothermal and ultrasonic methods to improve both tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) degradation and H 2 evolution. The well-designed photocatalysts exhibited a wide light absorption range, low photoluminescence (PL) intensity, high photocurrent, and small electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) arc; these properties significantly enhanced the overall photocatalytic efficiency. At the optimal loading of HCNT (0.05 wt%), the resulting HCNT/CNN exhibited the highest TC photocatalytic degradation rate, and the H 2 production rate reached 175.5 μmol g−1 h−1. Compared to the multi-walled carbon nanotube modified carbon nitride nanobelt, the TC photocatalytic degradation rate and H 2 production rate of HCNT/CNN increased by factors of 3 and 4.2, respectively. This significantly enhanced performance can be ascribed to the formation of hydrogen bonds between HCNT and CNN, which facilitates the electron transfer from the CNN to the HCNT surface, thereby accelerating the separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Moreover, the possible mechanism of the improved photocatalytic performance for the HCNT/CNN composites was proposed. This study provides the guidance for the design of novel carbon nitride nanobelt-based photocatalysts for wastewater purification and H 2 evolution. Graphical Abstract Schematic illustration of a proposed mechanism for the HCNT/CNN composites. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fire-driven forest mortality in China was greatest during late spring and mid-summer. • Fire-driven forest mortality showed a significant decreasing trend during 2003–2016. • East China, Northeast China and South China had the highest mortality rates in China. Wildfire is one of the most prevalent natural or human-induced disturbances across the world, which can kill trees directly during the active combustion phase or cause delayed forest mortality through interactions with other disturbance agents. With its diverse range of climate and forest ecosystems, China also has diverse forest fire regimes. However, the spatial and temporal patterns of fire-driven forest mortality on the national scale remain largely unexplored. In this study, we employed satellite observations and statistical models to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns and underlying drivers of fire-induced forest mortality across China. Our results demonstrate pronounced temporal patterns of forest burned area and fire-driven forest mortality. On the seasonal scale, forest fires mostly occurred in the winter and spring, whereas the forest mortality is highest from May to July. Both forest burned area and fire-driven mortality exhibited a significant decreasing trend during 2003–2016. Forest burned areas are mainly distributed in Northeast China, Southwest China and South China. There exists a tight spatial consistency between areas with high mortality and burned area with East China as an exception. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis show that fire size, fire spread rate, fire duration and drought intensity had significant impacts on postfire forest mortality, with fire size and fire spread rate accounting for 38.3% and 37.1%, respectively, of the model's explanatory power. Our results highlight the importance of fire regime impacts on postfire forest mortality. Future climate change that drives more intense fire regimes might thus lead to enhanced forest mortality and increase the loss of forest ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Lactobacillus strains, L . plantarum B7 and L . pentosus X8, exhibited high efficiency in removing fumonisins (FB1 and FB2) from aqueous medium. 52.9% FB1 and 85.2% FB2 were bound by L. plantarum B7, and 58.0% FB1 and 86.5% FB2 by L . pentosus X8, respectively. Temperature, incubation time, and pH affected the binding ability of two strains. Cell viability was not necessary for the binding ability. The various components of cell wall were determined for their ability to absorb FBS. The results revealed that the intact peptidoglycans exhibited the greatest capacity in binding FBs. Especially the better structural integrity of the peptidoglycans the more FBs was bound. Thus, the absorption of two bacterial cells to FBs is proposed to be a physical process, and peptidoglycans should be the main binding site. Additionally, Caco-2 cell lines were used to evaluate the ability of the two strains to reduce the damage of FBs in vitro . Caco-2 cell's death was reduced after the cell lines were subjected to both viable and non-viable L . pentosus X8, respectively. The two Lactobacillus strains might be used as a biological detoxification for the removal of FBs from diet and feed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of k-carrageenan on the stability of arachin was analyzed. K-carrageenan could significantly enhance the stability of arachin solution. 0.04% k-carrageenan was the most effective when the concentration of arachin was 2.0%. The pH value, ionic strength and temperature significantly affected the stability of mixture system. The system showed good stability at pH 7.0. High temperature was not beneficial for the system. Na + and Ca 2+ , especially Ca 2+ , could induce phase separation of the system at low concentration. The interactions between arachin and k-carrageenan were studied using fluorescence spectroscopy, DSC, SEM and SDS-PAGE analyses. The results revealed that k-carrageenan could adsorb to the surface of arachin. The adsorption may modify the tertiary structure of arachin and the polarity of microenvironment decreased. The complex showed a comparatively homogeneous network structure from SEM analysis. In addition, the thermal stability of arachin was also enhanced by addition of k-carrageenan. T d and Δ H increased significantly, whereas a significant decrease was determined in Δ T d . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Lycium barbarum polysaccharide to explore its adhesion to Lactobacillus and its kinetic factors. Extracts proved that LBP promotes the adhesion of Lactobacillus to Caco-2 cells. Analysis of the composition of LBP showed that LBP had similar polysaccharide compositions as the cell wall of the Lactobacillus. Then, LBP could delay the Caco-2 cell damage caused by amoxicillin and improve Caco-2 cell viability. [Display omitted] • LBP (Lycium barbarum polysaccharide) can promote the adhesion of Lactobacillus to Caco-2 cells. • LBP had similar polysaccharide compositions as the cell wall of the Lactobacillus. • LBP can delay the Caco-2 cell damage caused by amoxicillin. Adhesion is thought to increase host-bacterial interactions, thus enabling health benefits to the host. Production of exopolysaccharides increases the chance of probiotic survival in the gastrointestinal tract and promotes adhesion to the epithelium; In our previous research, LBP can be used as potential prebiotics. Therefore we hypothesize that LBP supported the adhesion of Lactobacillus spp. After adding LBP, the result showed that LBP promoted the adhesion of 7 Lactobacillus strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM had the maximum adhesion rate ranging from 6.2 ± 1.16 to 25.5 ± 1.80 CFU/cell. Specifically, the components of LBP were analyzed by gas chromatography, We found that the similarity of polysaccharide components mainly promoted adhesion. After adding antibiotics, the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP-39 was affected; LBP was then added to revert from 5.0 ± 0.63 to 6.5 ± 0.67 CFU/cell. These findings suggest that LBP is potential prebiotics and can enhance the adhesion of Lactobacillus to Caco-2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Both strains can remove BaP and exhibit specificity in this process. [•] The process was a reversible physical adsorption. [•] Peptidoglycan was the main binding site and its structural integrity was required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite oxides are promising electrodes for protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) due to their good electrochemical performance and stability. However, the lower operating temperature results in a large polarization resistance and sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in cathodes. Herein, Ruddlesden-Popper (R–P) type perovskite Sr 3 Fe 2-x Zn x O 7-δ (SFZx, x = 0, 0.1, 0.5) were successfully synthesized and the partial replacement of Fe by Zn in SFZx demonstrates a superior ORR activity. At 750 °C, the polarization resistance of SFZ05 is 0.072 Ω cm−2, which is 47% lower than that of the undoped Sr 3 Fe 2 O 7-δ (SFO), and the peak power density of the single-cell with an SFZ05 cathode reaches 523.56 mW cm−2. The distribution of relaxation time (DRT) results manifest that the rate-limiting steps of ORR are charge transfer and ionic migration processes. Furthermore, SFZ05 also presented better CO 2 tolerance. These results show that SFZ05 is a promising cathode candidate with high activity and stability for PCFCs. • R p of the symmetrical SFZ05|BZCY|SFZ05 cell achieved to 0.072 Ω cm−2 at 750 °C. • Zn-doping increases the oxygen vacancy concentration and proton conductivity. • DRT shows that the rate-limiting steps of ORR are charge transfer and ionic migration processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the symbiosis between Streptococcus thermophilus CICC 6038 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus CICC 6047. In addition, the effect of their different inoculum ratios was determined, and comparison experiments of fermentation characteristics and storage stability of milk fermented by their monocultures and cocultures at optimal inoculum ratio were performed. We found the time to obtain pH 4.6 and ΔpH during storage varied among 6 inoculum ratios (1:1, 2:1, 10:1, 19:1, 50:1, 100:1). By the statistical model to evaluate the optimal ratio, the ratio of 19:1 was selected, which exhibited high acidification rate and low postacidification with pH values remaining between 4.2 and 4.4 after a 50-d storage. Among the 3 groups included in our analyses (i.e., the monocultures of S. thermophilus CICC 6038 [St] and Lb. bulgaricus CICC 6047 [Lb] and their cocultures [St+Lb] at 19:1), the coculture group showed higher acidification activity, improved rheological properties, richer typical volatile compounds, more desirable sensor quality after the fermentation process than the other 2 groups. However, the continuous accumulation of acetic acid during storage showed that acetic acid was more highly correlated with postacidification than d -lactic acid for the Lb group and St+Lb group. Our study emphasized the importance of selecting an appropriate bacterial consortium at the optimal inoculum ratio to achieve favorable fermentation performance and enhanced postacidification stability during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the evolution of acetaldehyde and pyranoanthocyanins in wine during malolactic fermentation, and further evaluated the correlation between acetaldehyde and pyranoanthocyanins. Cabernet Gernischt wine after alcoholic fermentation was inoculated with four lactic acid bacteria strains. Malolactic fermentation kinetics and wine characteristics were compared. Results showed these strains exhibited different kinetics on wine malolactic fermentation. Wine with Lactobacillus plantarum had lower reducing sugar, total acid, and yellowness. Lactobacillus plantarum elevated the level of acetaldehyde in wine model medium and wine during malolactic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum significantly increased the concentration of pyranoanthocyanins, whereas O. oeni strain reduced the level of pyranoanthocyanins in wine. Polymerized anthocyanins percentage in wine was significantly enhanced after fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum . Principal component analysis indicated that the characteristics of these strains inoculated wines after malolactic fermentation were segregated. The findings from this study could provide useful information on the wine color improvement through malolactic fermentation with suitable lactic acid bacteria strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high-performance cathodes with low polarization resistance and good tolerance to CO 2 are important issues for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). In this work, we synthesized LaSrCoO 4 –Ce 0.9 Mn 0.1 O 2 (LSCO4-CMO) composite cathode materials by the citric acid-nitrate method. The composite cathode sintered at 950 °C for 4 h shows large porous morphology and superior electrochemical activity of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Electrochemical properties analysis suggests that LSCO4-35 wt% CMO (L-35C) exhibits the lowest polarization resistance (R p) at 800 °C and the value of R p is 0.14 Ω cm2 which is far lower than that of pure LSCO4 (0.77 Ω cm2). It is found that the LSCO4-CMO has unique microstructure and more active sites for ORR. Moreover, the doping of CMO offers more oxygen ions transport channels as the concentration of oxygen vacancies increases. The study of the effect of oxygen partial pressure on R p reveals that as the temperature rises, the rate of dissociation of oxygen molecules is significantly accelerated, indicating that the charge transfer of oxygen atoms becomes the main rate-limiting step. A high oxygen reduction catalytic activity and excellent CO 2 tolerance were demonstrated in L-35C by O 2 -TPD and CO 2 -TPD tests, making LSCO4-CMO a potential candidate for SOFC cathode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial infection is one of the biggest causes of food spoilage. Thus, preventing food from microbial-related spoilage has been one of the main concerns for the food community and the public. Exploring safe and efficient bio-preservatives has been on the way to the improvement of food quality. Lipopeptides (LPs), mainly secreted by Bacillus spp., are promising potential bio-preservatives, as they not only cover a broad range of antimicrobial functions against foodborne pathogens but inhibit food-deteriorating microorganisms as well. This review presents a fine understanding of Bacillus -forming LPs covering their characteristics, biosynthesis and regulation, mechanisms of action in antimicrobial activity, and utilizations and fabrications as a bio-preservative agent in the food industry. LPs show good potential in preserving food from deterioration, mainly in keeping the quality of vegetables, fruits, drinks, and aquatic products. The notable effects of LPs against microbial growth and food spoilage depend greatly on their types, structures and dosage. Moreover, the yield of LPs has been enhanced by gene regulation and the optimization of fermentation parameters. The nano-encapsulation of LPs as the core material is promising in guaranteeing their sustained release upon various triggers and promoting the preservation of food better. Therefore, there is a great need to explore the prospects of LPs formed by Bacillus spp. in the improvement of food preservation. • We review the biosynthesis, structure, action mode and application trends of LPs. • Main action of LPs involves destroying membrane integrity and permeability. • Cutting-edge technology is valuable for improving the efficacy and stability of LPs. • LPs holds promise for being green and potent fresh-keeping agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oxidation shifted the TGase-initiated primary crosslinking site from S1 to S2. • Oxidation reduced crosslinking efficiency and gelation of TGase-treated actomyosin. • Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) retarded the migration of primary crosslinking site. • TSPP alleviated the oxidative damage to crosslinking efficiency catalyzed by TGase. • TSPP improved gel quality of oxidized actomyosin crosslinked by TGase. The present study attempted to investigate the interactive roles of protein oxidation (0–20 mM H 2 O 2) and tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) on the crosslinking efficiency of actomyosin mediated by transglutaminase (TGase). Oxidation at 0–20 mM H 2 O 2 was not conducive to TGase-mediated crosslinking as indicated by the relative reduction of free amine consumption from 35.3% to 11.7%, and caused the principle crosslinking sites to progressively convert from myosin subfragment-1 (S1) to subfragment-1 (S2) as evidenced by electrophoresis. However, the binding of TSPP to myosin alleviated oxidation suppression to TGase-catalyzed crosslinking in varying degrees and retarded the migration of crosslinking site from S1 to S2. Moreover, oxidation (especially 20 mM H 2 O 2) decreased the final (90 °C) elasticity index (EI) and water holding capacity of TGase-treated actomyosin gel, while TSPP intensified those of TGase-catalyzed actomyosin gel, indicating that TSPP had a positive effect on ameliorating the oxidative stress to TGase-catalyzed gelation of actomyosin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible solid oxide cell (RSOC) has attracted significant attention due to its multi-functionalities for energy conversion and storage. This device works as a fuel cell (FC) or an electrolyzer cell (EC) with superior efficiency. However, its dynamic response is complex and may cause a large overshoot of current operated in reversible cell mode, which impairs the long-term stability of RSOC. Although several works report the overshoot phenomenon, the mechanism and effects on cell performance are still unclear so far. In this work, we build a 3D dynamic planar RSOC model to investigate the detailed behavior of overshoot. The results show that the overshoot of current for RSOC can be caused under switching mode conditions. Especially a larger overshoot of current can be observed within switching mode from EC to FC. The overshoot of current is mainly caused by the load change, slower gas diffusion, and differentiated temperature distribution in RSOC. [Display omitted] • The mode-changing can cause a large overshoot of current in RSOCs. • A dynamic model of RSOCs is developed to elevate the overshoot and response time. • Load sizes, switching time and temperature effect on the dynamic performance. • The current overshoot is proportional to the variation of load change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of polysaccharide extracts from persimmon (PPE) on the proliferation of Lactobacillus and the gut microbiota of mice. Lactobacillus strains were cultured in medium containing PPE, and differential gene expression was evaluated using transcriptomics. In addition, 16S rDNA was employed to analyze the abundance and diversity of fecal colonies in mice, and the influence of PPE on the intestinal flora in mice was further examined. The results showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC 6075 could proliferate in PPE medium. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that glucose metabolism-related genes, such as phosphoyruvate hydratase (eno) and PTS mannose transporter subunit IIAB (manX), were up-regulated. The metabolic pathways of fructose and mannose were also significantly up-regulated. After gavage of mice with PPE, 16S rDNA sequencing of mouse feces indicated that the beneficial bacteria in the intestines proliferated and the abundance of harmful bacteria was reduced. PPE can maintain the balance of intestinal microorganisms in mice. Therefore, PPE has a significant positive effect on both Lactobacillus proliferation and gut microbiota of mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonate precipitation by soil microbes has generated major concern recently because of the potential for mitigating the challenge of increasing CO 2 level; however, while desert soil microbes have the capacity of carbonate formation, it is unknown if they can deposit atmospheric carbon dioxide. We isolated soil bacteria from the Mu Us Desert in northern China to perform an experiment of carbonate formation by bacteria isolated from the soil. We detected the precipitates produced by the bacteria, and identified the carbon source of the carbonate precipitates using stable carbon isotopic tracing. Six bacterial strains, designated as strains 1–6, were isolated from the desert soil, including Arthrobacter sp., Rhodococcus sp., Planococcus sp., Streptomyces sp., Arthrobacter sp., and Microbacterium sp. We confirmed that all six species precipitated carbonate (vaterite and calcite) using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray. 13 CO 2 labeling showed that the abundance of 13 C was significantly higher in carbonate precipitates, of which 1.03% was represented by atmospheric carbon; that is, the atmospheric CO 2 participates in the formation of carbonate by desert soil bacteria. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the occurrence of carbonate precipitation by these desert soil bacterial strains (strains 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6), which expands the current knowledge on carbonate-depositing bacteria in drylands. The carbon transformation process, from atmospheric CO 2 to carbonate precipitates by soil bacteria, indicates a process of atmospheric CO 2 deposition through microbial carbonate precipitation. Although under controlled conditions, this study provided an important insight supporting that drylands probably contribute strongly to global carbon processes via soil microbial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the role of sucrose on the stability of anthocyanins during heating and the anticancer effects of anthocyanins/anthocyanidins on HepG-2 cells. The anthocyanins extract was heated at 70 °C, 100 °C, and 120 °C in the presence of 5%, 10%, and 20% sucrose. Total anthocyanin content, anthocyanin/anthocyanidin species, and the ability to induce HepG-2 cell apoptosis were evaluated. The results indicated that the total anthocyanin content decreased during heating at temperatures above 70 °C. Anthocyanins were degraded into anthocyanidins after heat treatment and the degradation rate positively correlated with temperature. The degradation of anthocyanins was inhibited with the addition 5% to 20% sucrose. However, sucrose had no protective effect on the total anthocyanin content. The anticancer ability of blueberry extract was assayed using HepG-2 cells and found to be associated with the concentration of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins displayed stronger anticancer activity than anthocyanidins and this has not been reported so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • TGase treated SPI improved the viability of encapsulated selected LAB strains. • TGase treatment caused the structural changes of SPI and thus formed cross-linking. • TGase treated SPI could improve LAB strains heat resistance. • TGase treated SPI could be applied as a carrier for LAB strains in spray drying. TGase treated soy protein isolate (SPI) was confirmed to improve the survival of Lb. bulgaricus CICC 6047 subjected to spray drying. The viability of this strain increased from 70.69 % to 86.01 % due to elevating thermal stability. The smoother bacterial cell surface was observed by TGase treated SPI. TGase treatment changed the secondary conformation of SPI, having α-helical structure increased. Chemical bonds (hydrogen bond, C N bond, N H bond) proved the enzyme-modified SPI to have enhanced resistance to heat. The addition of TGase treated SPI allowed other LAB strains to tolerate the spray drying better. Their survival percentage after spray drying was 83.44 % for Le. mesenteroides CICC 6055, 80.64 % for Lb. acidophilus NCFM, 87.79 % for B. animalis BI-03 and 87.02 % for Lb. plantarum CICC 6009, respectively. The good survival of the selected LAB strains from TGase treated SPI powders was observed during storage of 8 weeks at 4 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold pressed hazelnut oil was accelerated oxidized at 60℃. The color of oil was changed with the deepening of oxidation. The free radical intensity was a good indicator of lipid oxidation level, which matched with lipid color change. The UPLC--EQ/MS method was used to track and monitor the oxidative metabolites of hazelnut oil, while the oxidative metabolic pathway of hazelnut oil was analyzed by bioinformatics method. Application of metabonomics to elucidate the material basis of oxidative metabolism of hazelnut oil. [Display omitted] • Deep oxidation results in complete discoloration of hazelnut oil. • Free radical intensity is a good indicator of the oxidation degree of hazelnut oil. • Total of 1010 metabolites in 12 super classes were detected in fresh hazelnut oil. • Linoleic acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism are the most important metabolic pathways in hazelnut oil oxidation process. • Application of metabonomics to elucidate the material basis of oxidative metabolism of hazelnut oil. The oxidation metabolites of hazelnut oil are complex and vary with different degrees of oxidation. At present, few studies have investigated the change law of metabolites during the oxidation process of hazelnut oil. In this study, ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem Q-Exactive high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE/MS) was used to analyze the differential metabolites resulting from the oxidation of cold-pressed hazelnut oil during storage for 40 days with accelerated oxidation. The oxidation level of cold-pressed hazelnut oil was evaluated by monitoring the free radical relative strength during accelerated oxidation. A total of 1010 metabolites in 12 super classes were detected in fresh hazelnut oil. Based on multivariate statistical analysis of all metabolites and the change law of free radicals in hazelnut oil, it was found that hazelnut oil enters the deep oxidation stage after accelerated oxidation for 30 days. A statistical analysis of differential metabolites and metabolic pathways was also carried out. The metabolite map obtained in this study can further distinguish hazelnut oil with different degrees of oxidation. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that linoleic acid metabolism and sphingolipid (SP) metabolism are the most important metabolic pathways in the entire oxidation process. These results provide a basis for better understanding the composition of hazelnut oil metabolites with different oxidation levels, identifying markers for oxidation level evaluation and analyzing the oxidative metabolism mechanism of hazelnut oil. This study provides new resources and new ideas for studying methods to prolong the shelf life of edible oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous studies have shown that lactic acid bacteria (LABs) can bind and remove di- n -butyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate, and dioctyl phthalate; three ubiquitous environmental phthalate contaminants. In this study, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM was chosen to study the DBP binding mechanism. We found that the three-dimensional structure of the bacterial cell wall, including the carbohydrates and proteins, was essential for DBP adsorption. Peptidoglycan was the main binding component in the cell wall (80.71%), and binding sites exposed to DBP were C–N, N–H, O–H, and C–O bonds. Molecular dynamic (MD) studies demonstrated that hydrophobic interaction plays an important role in DBP adsorption, the chemical sites that influenced the binding in the peptidoglycan model were O2, O3>N1, N2, N3>O1, O4, and the form of adsorption force included hydrogen bonding force, electrostatic force, and van der Waals forces. These theoretical data from the MD simulation were consistent with the experimental results in terms of the ability of this bacterium to bind DBP, so the MD simulation proposed a new way to investigate the mechanisms of phthalate binding to LABs. [Display omitted] • The Lactobacillus acidophilus adsorbed phthalates on the bacterial cell surface. • The three-dimensional structure of cell wall was critical for DBP binding. • The peptidoglycan was the main binding component in cell wall. • The influence of binding site was in the order of O2, O3 > N1, N2, N3 > O1, O4. • The MD model verified by experiment was established to explain the removal mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although straw return, livestock feeding and biochar return are three major effective approaches of straw utilization, the response of soil bacterial communities to the different straw products, especially after long-term addition, remains unclear. Here, we studied the effects of three types of maize-straw products on bacterial community structure in a Mollisol in northeast China. Original maize straw was fed to cattle and pyrolysed to obtain manure and biochar products, respectively. The original straw and manure were separately added to the top 20 cm of soil annually since 2010, but one-time addition for biochar in 2010, and soil samples were collected in the autumn of 2018. The bacterial α diversity and community structure were investigated based on Illumine MiSeq sequencing. The results showed that original straw return only decreased soil bulk density, while manure and biochar return significantly affected soil properties with increased pH, total C, total N and available K compared with control. In addition, manure return increased the concentrations of total and available P compared to control. Straw products did not impact the Ace and Chao indices but changed the Simpson index. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that eight-year straw addition shifted the bacterial community structure and exhibited distinct clustering according to straw products. Moreover, distance-based redundancy analysis (db-RDA) revealed that the microbial community structure among soils was significantly associated with bulk density, pH, total C, available P, total K, NO 3 −-N and NH 4 +-N. At the genus level, the abundance of 5 genera decreased and one increased in response to straw return. Manure return induced an increase in the abundance of 2 genera (Mizugakiibacter and Rhizombium) and a decrease in 10 genera. However, the 10 increased and 5 decreased genera with biochar return contributed to the considerable shift of bacterial communities. These results suggested the potential benefits of biochar return in improving bacterial community structure, which might represent a useful strategy for straw utilization. • Bacterial communities exhibited distinct clustering in three straw-product soils. • Much more bacterial genus increased their abundance in biochar return soils. • Biochar return has the greatest potential benefits to manage crop straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural spices are widely used as food additives, coloring and flavoring agents, preservatives, and traditional medicines. However, the authentication and adulteration detection of spices, particularly the powdered ones, is a significant challenge and public health concern in the growing spice industry. To address this issue, a DNA barcoding-based identification method was developed in this study. 16 types of representative spices and their common adulterants were successfully identified using ITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences, proving that this is an efficient and powerful method for adulteration detection. Using this method, 91 commercial spices commodities were analyzed for adulteration. Of the 91, the ITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences of respectively 78 (85.7%) and 77 (84.6%) samples were successfully obtained. Identification results using BLAST search of the ITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences indicated that only two types of natural spices (fennel and licorice) were correctly labeled, the other 14 spices had a different amounts of adulteration. Spices were commonly adulterated with congeneric species; cheaper substitutes with similar color or appearance; or crop-based products such as rice, corn, or wheat flour. These results indicate that the DNA barcoding method developed in this study is an efficient, simple, and accurate identification method, which may be a powerful tool for the quality control of powdered spices. • A DNA barcoding-based method was developed for authentication of powdered spices. • 91 commercial spices commodities were detected their adulteration. • From 16 types of natural spices, only two were correctly labeled. • Commercial spices were found to be adulterated with congeneric species and crops. • DNA barcoding method is accurate and powerful for quality control of natural spices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]