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BACKGROUND: Determining the freshness of chilled pork is of paramount importance to consumers worldwide. Established freshness indicators such as total viable count, total volatile basic nitrogen and pH are destructive and time‐consuming. Color change in chilled pork is also associated with freshness. However, traditional detection methods using handheld colorimeters are expensive, inconvenient and prone to limitations in accuracy. Substantial progress has been made in methods for pork preservation and freshness evaluation. However, traditional methods often necessitate expensive equipment or specialized expertise, restricting their accessibility to general consumers and small‐scale traders. Therefore, developing a user‐friendly, rapid and economical method is of particular importance. RESULTS: This study conducted image analysis of photographs captured by smartphone cameras of chilled pork stored at 4 °C for 7 days. The analysis tracked color changes, which were then used to develop predictive models for freshness indicators. Compared to handheld colorimeters, smartphone image analysis demonstrated superior stability and accuracy in color data acquisition. Machine learning regression models, particularly the random forest and decision tree models, achieved prediction accuracies of more than 80% and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study provides a feasible and practical non‐destructive approach to determining the freshness of chilled pork. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective inhibition of intestinal lipid uptake is an efficient strategy for the treatment of disorders related to lipid metabolism. Sterol O‐acyltransferase 2 (SOAT2) is responsible for the esterification of free cholesterol and fatty acids into cholesteryl esters. We found that intestine‐specific SOAT2 knockout (Soat2I‐KO) mice was capable to prevent the development of dietary induced obesity due to reduced intestinal lipid absorption. Soat2 siRNA/CS‐PLGA nanoparticle system was constructed to enable intestinal delivery and inhibition of Soat2. This nanoparticle system was composed of PLGA‐block‐PEG and chitosan specifically delivering Soat2 siRNAs into small intestines in mice, effectively inhibit intestinal lipid uptake and resolving obesity. In revealing the underlying mechanism by which intestinal SOAT2 regulating fatty acid uptake, enhanced CD36 ubiquitination degradation was found in enterocytes upon SOAT2 inhibition. Insufficient free cholesterol esterification promoted endoplasmic reticulum stress and recruitment of E3 ligase RNF5 to activate CD36 ubiquitination in SOAT2 knockdown enterocytes. This work demonstrates a potential modulatory function of intestinal SOAT2 on lipid uptake highlighting the therapeutic effect on obesity by targeting intestinal SOAT2, exhibiting promising translational relevance in the siRNA therapeutic–based treatment for obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes, a specific subset of extracellular vesicles, have diverse functions in various biological processes. In the field of cancer research, there has been a growing interest in the potential of exosomes to act as versatile vehicles for targeted tumor imaging and therapy. In this study, we constructed a targeted delivery platform using hypoimmunogenic exosomes by genetically modifying β2‐microglobulin knocking‐out HEK‐293F cells to express a fusion protein, referred to as αMUC1‐Exo, which comprises the exosomal membrane‐enriched platelet‐derived growth factor receptor, intracellular nanoluciferase, and extracellular anti‐MUC1 single‐chain variable fragment. The findings of this study indicate that αMUC1‐Exos exhibited notable drug delivery properties toward MUC1‐positive pancreatic cancer cells, resulting in a substantial inhibition of tumor growth. Moreover, these exosomes demonstrated a high level of biosafety and the absence of any adverse effects. The application of engineered exosomes as a vehicle for drug delivery holds promise for enhancing the immunogenicity of neoplastic cells following treatment, thereby inducing antitumor immune memory in mice with intact immune systems, and also improving the response to anti‐PD1 therapy. This approach utilizing engineered exosomes for Gemcitabine administration holds promise as a potential strategy for overcoming drug resistance in pancreatic carcinoma thereby improving the overall treatment efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geochemical reactions are crucial for in situ CO2 mineralization underground associated with CO2‐enhanced oil recovery (CO2‐EOR) in a hydrocarbon reservoir. However, the presence of formation water and adsorbed oil on rocks generates physical barriers to CO2's access to mineral surfaces, which may yield impedance to CO2 mineral trapping that has yet to be accounted for. In this study, we mimic the dynamic oil detachment process using molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and analyze the influence of an adsorbed oil film on supercritical CO2 (scCO2) diffusion toward the mineral surface in the presence and absence of a water phase. Our results demonstrated a negative impact of water on oil film detachment by scCO2, which may weaken mineral reactions and is unfavorable for mineralized CO2 storage underground. Plain Language Summary: Carbon dioxide emission has been identified as one of the primary factors influencing global climate change. Storing CO2 underground while enhancing oil recovery is a promising technology that can effectively reduce costs for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Mineral trapping, that is, converting CO2 to carbonate minerals through CO2‐water‐mineral surface reactions, is one of the major mechanisms for CO2 storage. However, residual oil adsorbed on rock surfaces after CO2 injection into an oil reservoir yields a physical barrier for CO2 approaching mineral surfaces. CO2‐water‐oil‐mineral interactions have yet to be thoroughly understood. Therefore, we conducted a series of molecular dynamics simulations to mimic the dynamic oil detachment process and unveil the impact of water on oil film detachment by supercritical CO2. We found that the presence of water strengthens the interactions between the oil and rock surface, which may give rise to a substantial delay in oil film detachment and weaken mineral reactions. Our results provide significant implications for the mineralized storage of CO2 in a depleted oil reservoir and CO2‐enhanced oil recovery and its consequent sequestration. Key Points: CO2‐water‐oil‐rock interactions are investigated using molecular dynamics simulationsscCO2 can collapse the oil film and channel out a path for CO2 diffusionWater exhibits a negative impact on oil film detachment by scCO2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and facile self‐assembly coatings play a crucial role in surface functionalization of materials. In this study, a safe, fast, and environmentally friendly method is proposed to form a metal‐phenolic network (MPN) through the assembly of gallic acid (GA) and iron ions (Fe3+), which is used for the in situ polymerization coating of 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5‐7‐tetrazacyclooctane (HMX). The surface of the modified HMX crystals become visibly roughened. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was coated on the surface of modified HMX by water suspension method to form HMX@MPN@TPU double‐layer core‐shell energetic composite material. Compared with the raw material HMX, the β‐δ phase transition temperature of the double‐layer core‐shell structure composite increased by 12.36°C, the impact sensitivity and friction sensitivity decreased, and the compressive strength increased by 38%, which effectively improved its mechanical properties. Highlights: It has been demonstrated that metal‐phenolic networks can self‐assemble on the surface of crystals.A water suspension method was employed to prepare energetic material powder into a polymer‐bonded explosive (PBX).The modified PBX showed significant improvements in various properties, indicating that metal‐phenolic networks can serve as excellent modifying materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the safety performance of conventional polymer‐bonded explosives (PBX) has been a hot topic of research in the field of energy‐containing materials. For this purpose, this paper proposes a green and simple method to apply tannic acid (TA) to PBX by in situ polymerization. A two‐layer core‐shell composite with HMX as the core, TA as the inner shell, and fluoroelastomer F2602 as the outer shell was designed without changing the total binder content. The composites were analyzed by various tests and the goal of improving safety and mechanical strength was accomplished in the prepared TA‐modified PBX. Compared with the raw material HMX, the β‐δ phase transition temperature of PBX with double‐layer core‐shell structure is increased by 15.3 °C. In addition, the combination of TA coating and fluoropolymer allows the PBX to reduce impact and friction sensitivity. It also has excellent performance in enhancing the mechanical performance of PBX. The simplicity and scalability of the described method provide new ideas for the design and fabrication of high‐energy composites with higher safety and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxide metallurgy is used in the fabrication of X80 pipeline steel. The mechanical properties of X80 steel at different tempering temperatures are studied by offline heat treatment process. The hydrogen‐induced cracking (HIC) susceptibility of X80 steel with optimal mechanical properties is studied. The results show that the optimal combinations of mechanical properties are obtained for the X80 pipeline steel under the heat treatment conditions of water quenched at 900 °C and tempered at 630 °C. The yield strength of the X80 steel is 569 MPa and the impact energy is higher than 300 J at −40 °C. After deoxidation by Ti and Zr, the average size of inclusions in X80 steel is 0.23 μm. Among them, the typical spherical composite inclusions are TiOX–Al2O3–ZrO2–MnS, combined with the fine (Nb, V, Ti)C and the formation of Cu2S and Cr2O3 protective layers. X80 steel has excellent HIC resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To assess A-kinase anchor protein 95 (AKAP95), B-Raf, extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and Elk-1 expression in colon cancer tissue, and characterize AKAP95 associations with B-Raf, ERK1/2, Elk-1, and colon cancer clinicopathological indices. Methods. The immunohistochemistry streptavidin-perosidase (SP) method was used to determine protein expression levels in 64 colon cancer and 32 para-carcinoma tissue specimens. Results. (1) Positive AKAP95 expression rates in colon cancer tissue were higher when compared with para-carcinoma tissue (92.19% vs. 59.38%, P < 0.05). Similar findings were determined for B-Raf (76.56% vs. 25%, P < 0.05), ERK1/2 (90.63% vs. 31.25%, P < 0.05), and Elk-1 levels (92.19% vs. 40.63%, P < 0.05). (2) No significant associations were identified between AKAP95, B-Raf, ERK1/2, and Elk-1 protein expression and degree of differentiation, histological type, and lymph node metastasis in colon cancer samples (P > 0.05); however, in The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, AKAP95 was closely related to immune infiltration, and highly expressed AKAP95 was negatively associated with overall survival and relapse free survival rates in colon cancer patients. (3) Correlations were observed between AKAP95 and ERK1/2, AKAP95 and Elk-1, B-Raf and ERK1/2, B-Raf and Elk-1, and ERK1/2 and Elk-1 (all P < 0.05), but no correlation was observed between AKAP95 and B-Raf (P > 0.05). Conclusions. AKAP95 may affect immune infiltration levels in colon cancer by participating in ERK1/2–Elk-1 signal transduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nanmushu Zn‐Pb deposit, hosted by the Neoproterozoic Dengying Formation dolostone, is located in the eastern part of the Micangshan tectonic belt at the northern margin of the Yangtze Craton, China. This study involves a systematic field investigation, detailed mineralogical study, and Rb‐Sr and Pb isotopic analyses of the deposit. The results of Rb‐Sr isotopic dating of coexisting sphalerite and galena yield an isochron age of 486.7 ± 3.1 Ma, indicating the deposit was formed during the Late Cambrian to Early Ordovician. This mineralization age is interpreted to be related to the timing of destruction of the paleo‐oil reservoir in the Micangshan tectonic belt. All initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of sphalerite and galena (0.70955–0.71212) fall into the range of the Mesoproterozoic Huodiya Group basement rocks (0.70877–0.71997) and Dengying Formation sandstone (0.70927–0.71282), which are significantly higher than those of Cambrian Guojiaba Formation limestone (0.70750–0.70980), Cambrian Guojiaba Formation carbonaceous slate (0.70766–0.71012), and Neoproterozoic Dengying Formation dolostone (0.70835–0.70876). Such Sr isotope signatures suggest that the ore strontium was mainly derived from a mixed source, and both of the Huodiya Group basement rocks and Dengying Formation sandstone were involved in ore formation. Both sphalerite and galena are characterized by an upper‐crustal source of lead (206Pb/204Pb = 17.849–18.022, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.604–15.809, and 208Pb/204Pb = 37.735–38.402), and their Pb isotopes are higher than, but partly overlap with, those of the Huodiya Group basement rocks, but differ from those of the Guojiaba and Dengying Formations. This suggests that the lead also originated from a mixed source, and the Huodiya Group basement rocks played a significant role. The Sr and Pb isotopic results suggest that the Huodiya Group basement rocks were one of the most important sources of metallogenic material. The geological and geochemical characteristics show that the Nanmushu Zn‐Pb deposit is similar to typical Mississippi Valley type, and the fluid mixing may be a reasonable metallogenic mechanism for Nanmushu Zn‐Pb deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Electric heating is perceived as an effective way to tackle heavy wind curtailment and severe smog in northern China, wherein distributed electric heating (DEH) accounts for a significant proportion. However, more research is required with regard to its thermal characteristic. This paper presents the multiperiod heating storage control for a DEH load to reduce wind curtailment. To cope with intermittent wind power, a novel multi‐objective and layered optimization method is proposed by decomposing the integrated electricity and heating optimization problem into the electricity optimization subproblem and the heating optimization subproblem. Additionally, the influence of solar radiation on the thermal characteristic of the DEH load is considered in the building thermal process model when creating the day‐ahead schedule of the DEH load control, and this is also regarded as the basis for grouping DEH users. Last, the simulation and economic feasibility analysis based on the data measured by the DEH system of Jilin Province, China, are carried out. The results show that this proposal can reduce the electricity cost for DEH users by 25%, and the critical feasible price for curtailed wind power is varying between 86.1 and 115.3 yuan/MWh according to different subsidy methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relict permafrost regions are characterized by thin permafrost and relatively high temperatures. Understanding the ecosystem respiration rate (ERR) and its relationship with soil hydrothermal conditions in these areas can provide knowledge regarding the permafrost carbon cycle in a warming world. In this study, we examined a permafrost area, a boundary area, and a seasonally frozen ground area within a relict permafrost region on the east edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. Measurements from July 2015 to September 2016 showed that the mean annual ecosystem CO2 emissions for the boundary area were greater than the permafrost area. The Q10 value of the ERRs in the seasonally frozen ground area was greater than the permafrost area, indicating that the carbon emissions in the nonpermafrost areas were more sensitive to warming. The 1 year open-top chamber (OTC) warming increased soil temperatures in both the permafrost and seasonally frozen ground areas throughout the year, and the warming increased the ERRs by 1.18 (0.99-1.38, with interquartile range) and 1.13 (0.75-1.54, with interquartile range) μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 in permafrost and seasonally frozen ground areas, respectively. The OTC warming increased annual ERRs by approximately 50% for both permafrost and seasonally frozen ground areas with half the increase occurring during the nongrowing seasons. These results suggest that the ERRs in relict permafrost are high in comparison with arctic regions, and the carbon balance in relict permafrost areas could be greatly changed by climate warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both dasatinib and nilotinib are approved frontline therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) based on randomized trials compared with imatinib. However, no head-to-head comparison of dasatinib and nilotinib has been conducted in patients with newly diagnosed CML-CP.Methods: The authors conducted a propensity score (PS) matched comparison of patients with CML-CP who received frontline therapy with either dasatinib (N = 102) or nilotinib (N = 104) under the respective phase 2 trials conducted in parallel.Results: PS matching resulted in 87 patients from each trial being matched for pretreatment characteristics. The 3-month BCR-ABL1/ABL1 ratio <10% rate was 93% with dasatinib and 94% with nilotinib (P = .25); the rates of major molecular response at 12 months were 77% and 85%, respectively (P = .13); and the rates of molecular response with 4.5-log reduction in the ratio at 36 months were 66% and 64%, respectively (P = .96). All other clinically relevant responses were similar between the 2 treatment cohorts. The 3-year probability of event-free survival was 89% among the patients who received dasatinib and 87% among those who received nilotinib (P = .99), and the corresponding 3-year overall survival probabilities were 99% and 93%, respectively (P = .95). No statistical difference was observed between the dasatinib and nilotinib groups in any of the other survival endpoints. The treatment discontinuation rate also was similar between the 2 cohorts (dasatinib group, 18%; nilotinib group, 19%; P = .82).Conclusions: In a PS-matched cohort of patients with newly diagnosed CML-CP, dasatinib and nilotinib offer similar response and survival outcomes. Both drugs can be considered reasonable standard-of-care options as first-line therapy for patients with CML-CP. Cancer 2016;122:3336-3343. © 2016 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]