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The feedback regulatory effects of estrogen (E2) and androgen (T) on the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropin (GtH) within the brain–pituitary–gonad (BPG) axis in eels with undeveloped ovaries were investigated through in vivo studies. However, the regulatory role of the BPG axis only became apparent during ovary development in the migratory stage. To further elucidate the direct feedback regulation of the BPG axis, female Anguilla japonica underwent artificial induction of vitellogenesis, and the regulation of BPG axis tissues by GtH (human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG), E2, and T was explored through in vitro exposure. The mRNA expression levels of GnRH (mGnRH), GtH (fshb and lhb), and steroid biosynthesis enzymes (cyp11a1, hsd3b, cyp17a1, and cyp17a2) in the diencephalon, pituitary, and ovary, respectively, were determined. The results showed that the expression level of mGnRH in the diencephalon was significantly downregulated by 0.1 IU/mL hCG but upregulated by both 1 nM E2 and higher concentrations of T, suggesting a direct positive feedback regulation of E2 on mGnRH. In the pituitary, the expression levels of fshb and lhb were upregulated by E2, while fshb was suppressed by T. In the ovaries, the expression of cyp11a1 and hsd3b was upregulated by 1 nM E2, whereas T exposure resulted in an opposite effect. Cyp17a1 mRNA levels did not differ significantly with E2 treatment but were upregulated by 1 nM T. These findings suggest that low concentrations of E2 exhibited positive feedback regulation on all three levels (diencephalon, pituitary, and ovary) of the BPG axis, while T showed weaker and differential feedback regulation in BPG axis tissues. Overall, this study's results revealed the direct feedback regulation of hCG, E2, and T on the BPG axis in eels, a phylogenetic base of teleosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient receptor potential (TRP) melastatin member 8 (TRPM8) is a non-selective cation channel that can be activated by low temperatures (8–26 °C), cooling agents (including menthol analogs such as menthol, icilin, and WS-12), voltage, and extracellular osmotic pressure changes. TRPM8 expression has been identified in the digestive system by several research teams, demonstrating its significant involvement in tissue function and pathologies of the digestive system. Specifically, studies have implicated TRPM8 in various physiological and pathological processes of the esophagus, stomach, colorectal region, liver, and pancreas. This paper aims to comprehensively outline the distinct role of TRPM8 in different organs of the digestive system, offering insights for future mechanistic investigations of TRPM8. Additionally, it presents potential therapeutic targets for treating conditions such as digestive tract inflammation, tumors, sensory and functional disorders, and other related diseases. Furthermore, this paper addresses the limitations of existing studies and highlights the research prospects associated with TRPM8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa, a globally cultivated "golden grain" belonging to Chenopodium in the Amaranthaceae family, is recognized for being gluten-free, with a balanced amino acid profile and multiple bioactive components, including peptides, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and saponins. The bioactive compounds extracted from quinoa offer multifaceted health benefits, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardiovascular disease (CVD) improvement, gut microbiota regulation, and anti-cancer effects. This review aims to intricately outline quinoa's nutritional value, functional components, and physiological benefits. Importantly, we comprehensively provide conclusions on the effects and mechanisms of these quinoa-derived bioactive components on multiple cancer types, revealing the potential of quinoa seeds as promising and effective anti-cancer agents. Furthermore, the health-promoting role of quinoa in modulating gut microbiota, maintaining gut homeostasis, and protecting intestinal integrity was specifically emphasized. Finally, we provided a forward-looking description of the opportunities and challenges for the future exploration of quinoa. However, in-depth studies of molecular targets and clinical trials are warranted to fully understand the bioavailability and therapeutic application of quinoa-derived compounds, especially in cancer treatment and gut microbiota regulation. This review sheds light on the prospect of developing dietary quinoa into functional foods or drugs to prevent and manage human diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable oils, which are considered potential lubricants, are composed of different types and proportions of fatty acids. Because of their diverse types and varying compositions, they exhibit different lubrication performances. The genetic function approximation algorithm was used to model the quantitative structure–property relationship between fatty acid structure and the wear scar diameter and friction coefficients measured by four-ball friction and wear tests. Based on the models with adjusted R2 greater than 0.9 and fatty acid compositions of vegetable oils, the wear scar diameter and friction coefficients of Xanthoceras sorbifolia bunge oil and Soybean oil as validation oil samples were predicted. The difference between the predicted and experimental values was small, indicating that the models could accurately predict the lubrication performances of vegetable oils. The lubrication performances of 14 kinds of vegetable oils were predicted by GFA-QSPR models, and the primary factors influencing their lubrication properties were studied by cluster analysis. The results show that the content of C18:1 has a positive effect on the lubrication performances of vegetable oils, while the content of C18:3 has a negative effect, and the length of the carbon chain of fatty acids significantly affects their lubrication properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive utilization of fossil fuels has led to a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, resulting in various environmental issues. To reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate CO2 emissions, it is important to explore alternative methods of utilizing CO2 and H2 as raw materials to obtain high-value-added chemicals or fuels. One such method is CO2 methanation, which converts CO2 and H2 into methane (CH4), a valuable fuel and raw material for other chemicals. However, CO2 methanation faces challenges in terms of kinetics and thermodynamics. The reaction rate, CO2 conversion, and CH4 yield need to be improved to make the process more efficient. To overcome these challenges, the development of suitable catalysts is essential. Non-noble metal catalysts have gained significant attention due to their high catalytic activity and relatively low cost. In this paper, the thermodynamics and kinetics of the CO2 methanation reaction are discussed. The focus is primarily on reviewing Ni-based, Co-based, and other commonly used catalysts such as Fe-based. The effects of catalyst supports, preparation methods, and promoters on the catalytic performance of the methanation reaction are highlighted. Additionally, the paper summarizes the impact of reaction conditions such as temperature, pressure, space velocity, and H2/CO2 ratio on the catalyst performance. The mechanism of CO2 methanation is also summarized to provide a comprehensive understanding of the process. The objective of this paper is to deepen the understanding of non-noble metal catalysts in CO2 methanation reactions and provide insights for improving catalyst performance. By addressing the limitations of CO2 methanation and exploring the factors influencing catalyst effectiveness, researchers can develop more efficient and cost-effective catalysts for this reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) models of hindered phenolic antioxidants in lubricating oils were established to help guide the molecular structure design of antioxidants. Firstly, stepwise regression (SWR) was used to filter out essential molecular descriptors without autocorrelation, including electronic, topological, spatial, and structural descriptors, and multiple linear regression (MLR) was used to construct QSPR models based on the screened variables. The two models are statistically sound, with R2 values of 0.942 and 0.941, respectively. The models' reliability was verified by the frontier molecular orbital energy gaps of the antioxidants. A hindered phenolic additive was designed based on the models. Its antioxidant property is calculated to be 20.9% and 11.0% higher than that of typical commercial antioxidants methyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate and 2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), respectively. The structure–property relationship of hindered phenolic antioxidants in lubricating oil obtained by computer-assisted analysis can not only predict the antioxidant properties of existing hindered phenolic additives but also provide theoretical basis and data support for the design or modification of lubricating oil additives with higher antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boiling heat transfer on nanostructured surfaces presents great potential in cooling highly integrated microelectronic devices. Analysis of the factors affecting boiling heat transfer included the analysis of nanostructure and wettability, indicating that consideration of the influence of working liquid quantity is essential in finite spaces. Rapid boiling water films with various thicknesses placed on the same nanochannel copper plate were studied via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulation results reveal that the potential energy difference in the vapor–liquid coexisting region on the nanochannels was lower for thicker films, and the evaporation rate was lower. The effect of water film thickness on boiling heat transfer is closely related to the potential energy difference in the vapor–liquid coexisting region on the nanochannels. The heat transfer effect was the worst in case 1, where the water thickness was lower than the height of the nanochannels. This is because there is no guaranteed liquid replenishment at the nucleation points, although the potential energy difference was greatest in the vapor–liquid coexistence zone of case 1. Evaporation was the greatest in case 2, where the water film just covered the nanochannels because of the larger potential energy difference and sufficient liquid water replenishment. This study is of great significance for the analysis of the vapor–liquid flow mechanisms of micro/nanostructured surfaces and the improved design of thermal management equipment of micro/nano devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on major fish species caught from different ecological habitats to analyze the habitat changes in economically important fish in the Beibu Gulf. The maximum entropy model was constructed based on the data from 26 voyages obtained through the otter trawl fishery stock surveys conducted in the Beibu Gulf from 2006 to 2018. A total of 10 taxa of major fish catches, belonging to 4 families, 1 genus, and 5 species, were analyzed for their distribution characteristics in potential habitats during various ecological periods, specifically the withered and high-water periods, as well as their relationships with crucial environmental factors. During both the withered and high-water periods, the average area under the curve was 0.927, and all models had values exceeding 0.9. Salinity was identified as the principal factor during both periods. The salinity niche of Acropoma japonicum and the primary productivity niche of Sciaenidae were identified as the most restricted factors. The total distribution area of potentially suitable regions for major fish catches extended between 106°30′–109°45′ E and 17°30′–20°45′ N, and the area was lesser during the withered period. During the withered period, the distribution areas of Sciaenidae, Leiognathidae, and Saurida increased, while the distribution area of Trachurus japonicus increased during the high-water period. Sciaenidae and Trachurus japonicus exhibited the highest rates of change at 6.22% and 10.92%, respectively. This indicates that the high-water period may expand the range of suitable habitats for large catches that have an ideal habitat status in the Beibu Gulf. Therefore, it is crucial to anticipate the potential fish habitats in the Beibu Gulf and clarify their spatial distribution patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to understand the synergistic evolution of the green and digital economies towards sustainable development. Previous research lacked quantitative analysis, which hindered the development of a comprehensive understanding. An evaluation index system is established using the CRITIC and entropy weight combination methods. The TOPSIS model is utilized to evaluate indicators and derive a comprehensive development index for both economies. The LSTM-GM model is employed to predict the evolutionary trends for the next five years. The absolute grey correlation model is applied to analyze historical and future synergistic evolutionary trends. Findings show increasing levels of green and digital economic development. The digital economy promotes green economic development by enhancing efficiency through innovation and upgrades. The green economy facilitates the structural adjustment of the digital economy by reducing emissions and enhancing resource utilization. Predictions indicate a steady growth in both economies and an increasing synergistic evolution. Based on the analysis, policy recommendations are proposed to promote the integration and development of the digital and green economies, facilitating high-quality synergistic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no gold standard to tell frustrating outcomes after the catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). The study aims to construct a prognostic tool. We retrospectively analyzed 315 patients with PAF who underwent first-time ablation at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The endpoint was identified as any documented relapse of atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting longer than 30 s after the three-month blanking period. Univariate Cox regression analyzed eleven preablation parameters, followed by two supervised machine learning algorithms and stepwise regression to construct a nomogram internally validated. Five factors related to ablation failure were as follows: female sex, left atrial appendage emptying flow velocity ≤31 cm/s, estimated glomerular filtration rate <65.8 mL/(min·1.73 m2), P wave duration in lead aVF ≥ 120 ms, and that in lead V1 ≥ 100 ms, which constructed a nomogram. It was correlated with the CHA2DS2-VASc score but outperformed the latter evidently in discrimination and clinical utility, not to mention its robust performances in goodness-of-fit and calibration. In addition, the nomogram-based risk stratification could effectively separate ablation outcomes. Patients at risk of relapse after PAF ablation can be recognized at baseline using the proposed five-factor nomogram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the antimicrobial activity of sertraline on Listeria monocytogenes and further investigated the effects of sertraline on biofilm formation and the virulence gene expression of L. monocytogenes. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration for sertraline against L. monocytogenes were in the range of 16–32 μg/mL and 64 μg/mL, respectively. Sertraline-dependent damage of the cell membrane and a decrease in intracellular ATP and pHin in L. monocytogenes were observed. In addition, sertraline reduced the biofilm formation efficiency of the L. monocytogenes strains. Importantly, low concentrations (0.1 μg/mL and 1 μg/mL) of sertraline significantly down-regulated the expression levels of various L. monocytogens virulence genes (prfA, actA, degU, flaA, sigB, ltrC and sufS). These results collectively suggest a role of sertraline for the control of L. monocytogenes in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International students have the special status of being isolated in a foreign country during a pandemic. As Korea is a worldwide leader in education, it is important to understand the physical exercise behaviors of international students during this pandemic to assess the need for additional policies and support. The health belief model was used to score the physical exercise motivation and behaviors of international students in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 315 valid questionnaires were obtained and analyzed for this study. The reliability and validity of the data were also assessed. For all variables, the values for combined reliability and the Cronbach's α were higher than 0.70. The following conclusions were drawn by comparing the differences between the measures. The results of the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin and Bartlett tests were also higher than 0.70, confirming high reliability and validity. This study found a correlation between the health beliefs of international students and age, education, and accommodation. Consequently, international students with lower health belief scores should be encouraged to pay more attention to their personal health, participate in more physical exercise, strengthen their motivation to participate in physical exercise, and increase the frequency of their participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shield tunnel end reinforcement is important in the water-rich sandy strata. In this paper, a trapezoidal freezing soil mass was proposed to reinforce the shield tunnel end, and the reinforcement effects were evaluated based on the Wuhu River-Crossing Tunnel. Firstly, the influences of the freezing soil mass geometric dimensions on the stability of the tunnel portal were analyzed. Then, displacements of the tunnel portal with different trapezoidal freezing soil masses were simulated. Finally, the trapezoidal freezing soil mass was applied in the Wuhu River-Crossing Tunnel. The results show that the portal's stability is improved significantly with increased freezing soil mass longitudinal length if the length is less than the tunnel diameter. The lower side of the trapezoidal freezing soil mass has a greater influence on the tunnel portal stability than the upper side. The trapezoidal freezing soil mass is more effective than the rectangular freezing soil mass for the Wuhu River-Crossing Tunnel end reinforcement. The trapezoidal freezing soil mass is a good choice for the shield tunnel end soil reinforcement in water-rich sandy strata. This study provides a freezing reinforcement method for the large-diameter shield tunnel end, which provides guidelines for similar engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a series of characteristic analyses of HCHO, SO2, NO2, O3, and absorptive aerosols (ultraviolet aerosol index—UVAI) in the atmosphere of the study area from 2011 to 2021, this paper reviews the pollutants present in Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, and Anhui provinces, which are the key regions for air pollution control in China. Furthermore, the correlation between various air pollutants and O3 is also examined. The results obtained show the following: (1) Within the research areas, temporal pollutant variations can be observed from 2011 to 2021. NO2 and HCHO only modestly decrease, SO2 sharply declines, while UVAI remains stable. During the study period, HCHO and O3 first increase and subsequently decline, whereas the other three pollutants exhibit the opposite behavior. (2) Among the examined pollutants, SO2 is the most unstable. (3) Our research discovered that the atmospheric transport paths at high-value points significantly vary between seasons using the public backward trajectory model. (4) Through the correlation analysis we performed, this research reveals the different degrees of spatial correlations between O3 and other pollutants. (5) Using the FNR index method, the sensitivity of O3 to its precursors (NOx and VOCs) is investigated. Based on the results, we provide some suggestions concerning the primary control pollutants and relative control strategies in different seasons and regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fenwei Plain plays an essential role for China's three-year action plan to protect the air environment. At present, the high-value area and maximum value of atmospheric aerosol have been effectively controlled, but the governance situation is not stable. Therefore, based on the daily ultraviolet aerosol index (UVAI) data retrieved by Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) from 2012 to 2020, combined with precipitation and temperature and air pressure and lifting index data, this paper analyzes the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and some influencing factors of UVAI in the Fenwei Plain. The results show that the overall trend of the annual average UVAI value of the Fenwei Plain in 9 years showed two "peaks" in 2013 and 2018, respectively. The high UVAI values are mainly concentrated in the southwest and central areas of the Fenwei Plain. In the study area, UVAI was highest in winter, followed by autumn and spring, and lowest in summer. There were significant negative correlations between precipitation and UVAI and between temperature and UVAI. There were significant positive correlations between air pressure and UVAI and between lifting index and UVAI. According to the backward trajectory clustering results, during the autumn and winter seasons in this area, due to the sand and dust brought by the northwest and the input of aerosols in the coal-producing area and coal-fired heating area, the UVAI value of this time period is higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oenococcus oeni is the main microorganism that undergoes malolactic fermentation (MLF) in the winemaking industry due to its excellent adaptability to harsh wine environments. The start of MLF is often delayed or even fails, and low pH appears to be a crucial parameter. To study the function of the trxA gene in acid stress, a plasmid containing the trxA gene of O. oeni SD-2a was heterologously expressed in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1. The recombinant strain (WCFS1-trxA) grew better than the control strain (WCFS1-Vector) under acid stress. The expression of thioredoxin system genes was much higher in the recombinant strain compared with the control strain under acid stress. In addition, a series of physiological and biochemical assays were conducted. The ATP content was lower in the recombinant strain, while the cell membrane fluidity and integrity improved in the recombinant strain. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, intracellular GSH level, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assays showed that the recombinant strain decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation by improving the SOD activity. In conclusion, heterologous expression of trxA improves the SOD activity of L. plantarum WCFS1, reducing bacterial ROS and increasing cell membrane fluidity and integrity, enhancing the tolerance of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1 under acid stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging low acidity in icewine grapes is becoming a major problem in producing quality icewine. Using non-Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts in fermentation can improve wine's organoleptic characteristics and aromatic quality. This study evaluated two indigenous non-Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts, Lachancea thermotolerans (LT-2) and Torulaspora delbrueckii (TD-3), for their ability to improve the acidity and quality of 'Semillon' icewine. Five different inoculation schemes were implemented, including a single inoculation of S. cerevisiae (SC), L. thermotolerans (LT), and T. delbrueckii (TD); the sequential inoculation of L. thermotolerans, followed by S. cerevisiae after 6 days (L-S); and the sequential inoculation of L. thermotolerans, followed by T. delbrueckii after 6 days (L-D). The results showed that, during sequential fermentation (L-S and L-D), the presence of S. cerevisiae or T. delbrueckii slightly restrained the growth of L. thermotolerans. Single or sequential inoculation with L. thermotolerans and T. delbrueckii significantly reduced the amount of volatile acidity and increased the glycerol content. Furthermore, fermentations involving L. thermotolerans produced relevant amounts of lactic acid (2.04–2.2 g/L) without excessive deacidification of the icewines. Additionally, sequential fermentations increased the concentration of terpenes, C13-norisoprenoid compounds, and phenethyl compounds. A sensory analysis also revealed that sequentially fermented icewines (L-S and L-D) had more fruity and floral odors and aroma intensity. This study highlights the potential application of L. thermotolerans and T. delbrueckii in sequential fermentation to improve the icewine quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycled concrete, which is formed by replacing coarse aggregates in ordinary concrete with recycled aggregates (RA), is of great significance for the secondary utilization of waste building resources. In civil engineering, concrete structures are sometimes subjected to a compression–shear multiaxial stress state. Therefore, research on the compression–shear multiaxial mechanical properties of recycled concrete plays an important role in engineering practice. To explore the effect of RA replacement rate on the compression–shear properties of recycled concrete, an experimental study was carried out using a compression–shear testing machine and considering five RA replacement rates and five axial compression ratios. Consequently, the failure modes and mechanical property parameters under different working conditions were obtained and were used to analyze the effects of RA replacement rate and axial compression ratio on the shear stress of recycled concrete. Eventually, the following conclusions were reached: With the growth of axial compression ratio, the shear cracks exhibit a developing trend along the oblique direction, and the friction traces on the shear surface are gradually deepened. As the replacement rate increases, the number of shear cracks is gradually increased, accompanied by increasing broken fragments falling off from the shear interface. Since the action of the axial compression ratio can effectively improve the mechanical bite force and friction on the shear interface of recycled concrete, as the axial compression ratio increases, the shear stress is gradually increased. On the other hand, due to the initial damage of RA and its weak adhesion with cement mortar, the shear stress is gradually reduced with the increase of RA replacement rate. Meanwhile, the increase in shear stress shows a gradually decreasing trend with the growth of axial compression ratio. Specifically, for the RA replacement rates of 0% and 100%, the shear stress increased by 4.06 times and 3.21 times, respectively, under the influence of the axial compression ratio. Under different axial compression ratios, the shear stress was reduced by 43~46%, due to the increase of RA replacement rate. In addition, based on the octahedral stress space and the principal stress space, a compression–shear multiaxial failure criterion and shear stress calculation model for recycled concrete were proposed, by considering the effect of the RA replacement rate. The outcomes of this research are of great significance for engineering applications and the development of recycled concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the dynamic compressive properties of concrete after high temperature and rapid cooling, an experimental study was carried out by considering five temperatures and four strain rates. The coupling effect of high temperature and strain rate on concrete damage morphology and mechanical parameters was comparatively analyzed. The main conclusions are as follows: the compressive damage morphology of concrete is affected by strain rate development trends of significant variability under different temperature conditions. As the strain rate increases, the compressive stress and elastic modulus of concrete are gradually increased. As the temperature increases, the increase in compressive stress is gradually reduced by the strain rate. For the temperatures of 20 °C and 800 °C, the increase in compressive stress by the strain rate is 38.69% and 7.78%, respectively. Meanwhile, SEM and CT scanning technology were applied to examine the mechanism of the effect of high temperature and strain rate on the mechanical properties of concrete from the microscopic perspective, and the corresponding constitutive model was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of β-glucosidase from non-Saccharomyces yeasts to improve wine aroma has been widely explored. However, few enzymes are active under the severe conditions of wine aging (high ethanol concentration, low temperature, and low pH). Therefore, the application of β-glucosidase in wine aging needs further research. In this study, the β-glucosidases Mg-βgl and Hu-βgl extracted from Meyerozyma guilliermondii NM218 and Hanseniaspora uvarum BF345 were purified and used in young Chardonnay wines aged for 50 days. The enzyme activity of the two enzymes was measured. The effects of the two enzymes and a commercial β-glucosidase (An-βgl) on the volatile composition and sensory quality of the wine were also determined. The results showed that Mg-βgl and Hu-βgl had high specific activity of 1.95 U/mg and 2.11 U/mg, respectively, maintaining the activity of 70–80% at 20 °C, pH of 3.0–4.0, and 15% ethanol, corresponding to wine aging conditions. Analysis of volatiles with GC-MS showed a 65–70% increase in total terpenoids and new detection of C13-norisoprenoids when the wines were treated with the three β-glucosidases. In addition, wines treated with Mg-βgl and Hu-βgl had more hexanol, phenylethanol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl heptanoate, and ethyl caprate than wines treated without and with An-βgl. In sensory analysis, the judges showed a greater preference for Hu-βgl-treated wines, to which they attributed pleasant sweet, floral, honey, pomelo, and banana aromas. The results of this study not only offer a way to improve flavor complexity in wine but also provide a reference for the use of other edible sources of β-glucosidase in wine aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new depsidone derivative, aspergillusidone H (3), along with seven known biosynthetically related chlorinated polyketides, were obtained from the Beibu Gulf coral-derived fungus Aspergillus unguis GXIMD 02505. Their structures were determined by comprehensive physicochemical and spectroscopic data interpretation. Notably, the X-ray crystal structure of 2 and the previously unknown absolute configuration of 8, assigned by ECD calculations, are described here for the first time. Compounds 1–5, 7 and 8 exhibited inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB in RAW 264.7 macrophages at 20 μM. In addition, the two potent inhibitors (2 and 7) dose-dependently suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation without any evidence of cytotoxicity in bone marrow macrophages cells (BMMs). This is the first report of osteoclastogenesis inhibitory activity for the metabolites of these kinds. Besides, compounds 1, 2, 4, and 6–8 showed inhibitory activity against marine biofilm-forming bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Microbulbifer variabilis, Marinobacterium jannaschii, and Vibrio pelagius, with their MIC values ranging from 2 to 64 μg/mL. These findings provide a basis for further development of chlorinated polyketides as potential inhibitors of osteoclast differentiation and/or for use as anti-fouling agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cyber-physical attack in the industrial Internet of Things can cause severe damage to physical system. In this paper, we focus on the command disaggregation attack, wherein attackers modify disaggregated commands by intruding command aggregators like programmable logic controllers, and then maliciously manipulate the physical process. It is necessary to investigate these attacks, analyze their impact on the physical process, and seek effective detection mechanisms. We depict two different types of command disaggregation attack modes: (1) the command sequence is disordered and (2) disaggregated sub-commands are allocated to wrong actuators. We describe three attack models to implement these modes with going undetected by existing detection methods. A novel and effective framework is provided to detect command disaggregation attacks. The framework utilizes the correlations among two-tier command sequences, including commands from the output of central controller and sub-commands from the input of actuators, to detect attacks before disruptions occur. We have designed components of the framework and explain how to mine and use these correlations to detect attacks. We present two case studies to validate different levels of impact from various attack models and the effectiveness of the detection framework. Finally, we discuss how to enhance the detection framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a bright and compact silver coating on a copper sheet was successfully prepared by a coating solution without cyanogen. The effects of cerium nitrate (Ce(NO3)3) content on the structures, physicochemical properties, and application of the coating were thoroughly discussed with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD) electrochemical workstation, and infrared thermometer. The results pointed out that the thickness of the silver coating could reach about 30 μm, with good adhesion to the copper substrate. Cerium nitrate was evenly distributed on the surface of the coating, which can effectively refine the crystal grains and enhance the corrosion resistance. When the dosage of cerium nitrate was 1.0 g/L, the crystal grains were decreased from 144 nm to 65 nm, and the corrosion voltage was increased from −0.238 V to −0.131 V, respectively. The silver plating layer showed the best corrosion resistance with the dosage of silver nitrate, sulfosalicylic acid, additive, cerium nitrate, ammonium acetate, polyethylene glycol 400, and the number of brush-plating operations were 10, 50, 55, 1, 10, 10 g/L, and 8 times, respectively. For application, the temperature of the transformer's isolating switch could remarkably be decreased from 100 °C to 54 °C with brushing plating by the silver coating solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

K-promoted Mo-based catalysts showed great promise for the hydrogenation of CS2 to methyl mercaptan (CH3SH). However, the research on the synergistic effect of K and Mo, and the active site of CS2 hydrogenation to CH3SH were unexplored widely. To solve this problem, the synergistic effect of K and Mo in the K-promoted Mo-based catalysts for CS2 hydrogenation to prepare CH3SH was investigated. The mesoporous alumina was the support and loaded the active components potassium and molybdenum to prepare the catalyst. The results suggested that the active components K and Mo can not only cooperatively regulate the acid-base sites on the catalyst surface, but also stabilize the molybdate species at +5 valence during the reduction process and increase the Mo unsaturated coordination sites. Combined with the results of the catalytic activity evaluation, indicating that the main active site of the catalysts is the weak Lewis acid-base site, and the strong acidic site and strong alkaline site are not conducive to the formation of CH3SH. Moreover, the possible catalytic mechanism of CS2 hydrogenation to CH3SH on the weak Lewis acid-base sites of the catalysts was proposed. The research results of this paper can provide an experimental basis and theoretical guidance for the design of high-performance CH3SH synthesis catalyst and further mechanism research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impatiens longiaristata (Balsaminaceae), a new species from western Sichuan Province in China, is described and illustrated here based on morphological and molecular data. It is similar to I. longiloba and I. siculifer, but differs in its lower sepal with a long arista at the apex of the mouth, spur curved downward or circinate, and lower petal that is oblong-elliptic and two times longer than the upper petal. Molecular analysis confirmed its placement in sect. Racemosae. Simultaneously, during the inspection of the protologues and type specimens of allied species, it was found that the types of two names from this section were syntypes based on Article 9.6 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Shenzhen Code). According to Articles 8.1, 9.3, and Recommendations 9A.1, 9A.2, and 9A.3, the lectotypes of these two names are here designated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impatiens longshanensis (The LSID for the name Impatiens longshanensis is: 77219154-1) sp. nov. and I. lihengiana (The LSID for the name I. lihengiana is: 77219153-1) sp. nov., from Hunan, China, are described and illustrated here. The molecular phylogenetic study suggests that I. longshanensis and I. lihengiana should be placed in the I. sect. Impatiens. A detailed description, diagnostic characters between the two new species and allied species, pollen and seed morphology, and color photographs are provided. In addition, based on wide sampling, we found that the longifilamenta group, an endemic group to China, whose members have basal lobes of lateral united petals with long filamentous hairs, shows significant morphological variability. In this paper, we discuss the taxonomic significance of morphological characteristics within this group. Based on a literature review and observation of living materials in the field, an updated identification key for this group is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese inbound tourism growth peaked in 2012 and in following years, arrivals have exhibited a downward trend. Over the same time Chinese outbound tourism has increased significantly and by 2016 the number of Chinese outbound tourists (52.7 million) was nearly twice that of international arrivals to China (28.1 million) (CTA, 2018). The aim of this paper is to identify the determinants of international tourists visiting China based on destination attributes. For the purposes of this research, Australia was selected as a study site on the grounds that China has been a popular destination for Australian residents. This study examines a range of behavioral factors that may affect intentions to travel to China including: past travel experience to China; perceptions of overseas destination attributes; beliefs in China's ability to satisfy the needs and constraints that appear to prevent Australian residents from traveling to China; and tourists' intentions to visit or revisit. Data collected from Australian residents on aspects of travel to China included perceptions, beliefs, constraints, information sources, and past experience. The research shows that past experience was positively associated with intention to visit or revisit. Five constraint factors were identified. Based on these findings, the study discusses practical implications for management and government officials needed to boost Chinese inbound tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cyber-physical attack in the industrial Internet of Things can cause severe damage to physical system. In this paper, we focus on the command disaggregation attack, wherein attackers modify disaggregated commands by intruding command aggregators like programmable logic controllers, and then maliciously manipulate the physical process. It is necessary to investigate these attacks, analyze their impact on the physical process, and seek effective detection mechanisms. We depict two different types of command disaggregation attack modes: (1) the command sequence is disordered and (2) disaggregated sub-commands are allocated to wrong actuators. We describe three attack models to implement these modes with going undetected by existing detection methods. A novel and effective framework is provided to detect command disaggregation attacks. The framework utilizes the correlations among two-tier command sequences, including commands from the output of central controller and sub-commands from the input of actuators, to detect attacks before disruptions occur. We have designed components of the framework and explain how to mine and use these correlations to detect attacks. We present two case studies to validate different levels of impact from various attack models and the effectiveness of the detection framework. Finally, we discuss how to enhance the detection framework.