Search

Desiccation cracking considerably impairs the hydraulic and mechanical properties of clays and is critical to the long-term performance of infrastructure foundations and earth structures. This study resorts to image-based characterization techniques to investigate the potential of using bottom ash admixtures, as a cost-effective and sustainable stabilization solution, for soil cracking reduction. Three types of samples were prepared by mixing clays with different amounts of bottom ash (0% BA, 20% BA, 40% BA) for desiccation tests. Images of soil surface cracks are captured by a high-resolution camera at certain time intervals to track the spatiotemporal evolution of crack morphology. Experimental results demonstrate that adding bottom ash into clay significantly reduces the extent of moisture loss in 48 h, which can help reduce the development of cracking. In situ strain measurements, facilitated by digital image correlation (DIC), indicate that the minor principal strains induced by the desiccation process decreased from 0.08 to 0.05, further revealing that bottom ash reduced volumetric changes in samples. Moreover, the addition of bottom ash maintains the structural integrity of the soil intact and slows down the crack formation, with a more intensive crack network formed in sample 0% BA. With higher dosage of bottom ash, crack area ratio, average crack length, and total crack length also decrease in the soil samples. These findings are useful to improve the fundamental understanding of the governing mechanisms during soil desiccation cracking and highlight the possibility of recycled usage of bottom ash for soil improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decay index of solar magnetic fields is known as an important parameter in regulating solar eruptions from the standpoint of the torus instability. In particular, a saddle-like profile of decay index, which hosts a local torus-stable regime at higher altitudes than where the decay index first exceeds the instability threshold, is found to be associated with some confined or two-step eruptions. To understand the occurrence of such a profile, we employed dipoles to emulate different kinds of photospheric flux distributions. Corroborated by observations of representative active regions, our major results are as follows: (1) in bipolar configurations the critical height increases away from the AR center along the polarity inversion line (PIL) and its average is roughly half of the centroid distance between opposite polarities; (2) in quadrupolar configurations saddle-like profiles appear above the PIL when the two dipoles oriented in the same direction are significantly more separated in this direction than in the perpendicular direction, and when the two dipoles are oriented differently or have unequal fluxes; and (3) saddle-like profiles in quadrupolar configurations are associated with magnetic skeletons such as a null point or a hyperbolic flux tube, and the role of such profiles in eruptions is anticipated to be double-edged if magnetic reconnection is involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this communication, a multibranch Schaubert–Wilton–Glisson (MB-SWG) basis function is proposed for solving volume integral equations (VIEs) involved in electromagnetic scattering problems. MB-SWG is defined on several tetrahedrons in the positive and negative parts that share a common triangular face, replacing two tetrahedrons in the traditional Schaubert–Wilton–Glisson (SWG) basis function. The MB-SWG basis function is convenient for domain decomposition with a coarse mesh scheme in one subdomain and a fine mesh scheme in the neighboring domains. Numerical results confirm the accuracy and versatility of the MB-SWG basis functions applying for dielectric scattering problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the controllability of first order linear fuzzy differential systems. We use the direct construction method to derive the controllability results for three types of first order linear fuzzy controlled systems via (c 1) -solution and (c 2) -solution, respectively. An example is presented to illustrate our theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persons with celiac disease (CD) may develop nutritional deficiencies, while individuals following a gluten-free diet (GFD) may lack essential nutrients. We examined nutrient intake from diet and supplements among persons with CD and GFD in the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2014. Among 15,610 participants 20 years and older, we identified CD based on positive serology for immunoglobulin A against tissue transglutaminase, health care provider diagnosis, and adherence to a GFD. People without CD avoiding gluten (PWAG) adhered to a GFD without a diagnosis of CD. Two 24-h recalls assessed nutrient intake from diet and supplements. Compared to participants without CD or PWAG, persons with diagnosed CD had lower intake of total energy, carbohydrates, fat, and saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. In contrast, persons with undiagnosed CD and positive serology had higher intake of those nutrients, sugar, and protein. Total carbohydrate and sugar intake was lower among PWAG. Persons with diagnosed CD had higher vitamin A and E intake, while those with undiagnosed CD had increased intake of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, sodium, potassium, vitamin A, alpha-carotene, folic acid, and choline. Higher micronutrient intake with undiagnosed CD was observed more at high latitudes. PWAG had higher beta-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin and lower folic acid intake. In the U.S. population over a 6-year period, total energy and macronutrient intake was decreased among persons with diagnosed CD, while intake of total energy, macronutrients, and multiple micronutrients was increased among persons with undiagnosed CD. Nutriomics studies of multiple analytes measured simultaneously across affected persons and populations are needed to inform screening for malabsorption and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-level of understanding about the surrounding context of an image is indispensable for VQA when faced with difficult questions. Previous studies address this issue by modeling object-level visual contents and transforming the internal relationships into a graph or tree. On one hand, however, this still leaves a gap between the modalities of language and vision. On the other hand, the abstract-level contents of the images and the meaning of the relationships between them are ignored. This paper proposes introducing a method of question-relationship guided graph attention network (QRGAT) to study a new representation of the visual features of an image through the guidance of a question and the explicit, internal relationships of objects. Specifically, to narrow the gap between different modalities, visual regions are represented as the combination of their attributes and visual features. Meanwhile, semantic relationships are transformed into the modality of language and used to form updated visual features. The three graph encoders with diverse relationships are considered to capture high-level features of images. Experimental results of the VQA 2.0 model show that our proposed QRGAT outperforms other interpretable visual context structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, composite sorbents with high activity in promoting H 2 production during sorption-enhanced steam gasification of pine sawdust (PS) were developed by doping coal gasification fine slag (FS) and NaOH into calcined conch shell (CS). The tests performed in a laboratory-scale fixed bed reactor demonstrated that the composite sorbents greatly improved H 2 concentration and yield over that achieved with CHCS (CS after hydration and calcination), reaching 73.5% and 600.7 mL/g-PS, respectively. This promotion effect on H 2 production was not influenced by the unburned carbon in FS. To obtain high H 2 concentration and yield with as little NaOH and as much FS as possible, the optimum sorbent was found to be 3CS-2FS-0.32Na (in mass ratio of CS:FS:NaOH = 3:2:0.32). Under this condition, the H 2 concentration and yield reached 74.3% and 572.3 mL/g-PS, respectively. In five cycles of experiment, although the H 2 yield of 3CS-2FS-0.32Na decreased from 572.3 mL/g-PS to 416.6 mL/g-PS, it was always higher than with CHCS alone by at least 28%. The results in this study indicate that FS has potential to be an effective inert support material that endows CaO with high activity in H 2 production during sorption-enhanced steam gasification. This might help to provide a new approach to minimizing the negative environmental impact of FS. • A new method to recycle coal gasification fine slag was proposed. • Ca/Na/FS composite sorbents were synthesized for SESGB. • NaOH addition enhanced H 2 yield but decreased CO 2 sorption capacity. • FS addition improved CO 2 sorption capacity. • Composite sorbents presented better H 2 production ability during five cycling tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined the extent to which the network structure of anxiety and depression among adolescents identified during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic could be cross-validated in a sample of adolescents assessed after the COVID-19 peak.Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted between February 20 and 27, 2020 and between April 11 and 19, 2020, respectively. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder, respectively. Anxiety-depression networks of the first and second assessments were estimated separately using a sparse Graphical Gaussian Model combined with the graphical least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method. A Network Comparison Test was conducted to assess differences between the two networks.Results: The most central symptoms in the first and second survey networks were Depressed affect and Nervousness. Compared with connections in the first survey network, connections in the second survey network analysis between Relax-Nervousness-Depressed affect-Interpersonal problems (diff, contrast: second survey-first survey. diff=-0.04, P = 0.04; diff=-0.03, P = 0.03; diff=-0.03, P = 0.04), and Irritability-Somatic complaints (diff=-0.04, P = 0.02) were weaker while connections of Somatic complaints-Nervousness (diff=0.05, P<0.001), Somatic complaints-Depressed affect (diff=0.03, P = 0.009), and Irritability-Control worry-Restlessness (diff=0.02, P = 0.03; diff=0.05, P = 0.02) were stronger.Conclusions: Depressed affect emerged as a robust central symptom and bridge symptom across Anxiety-Depression networks. Considering the negative impact of depression and anxiety on daily life, timely interventions targeting depressed affect should be implemented to reduce the co-occurrence of anxious and depressive symptoms among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submicro-sized vanadium carbide (V2C) with orthorhombic structure prepared by the molten salt disproportionation method was firstly applied as an anode in lithium-ion batteries. The V2C has delivered a reversible discharge capacity of ~ 223.6 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1 in the continuous 300 cycles without capacity attenuation and ~ 107 mAh·g−1 at 0.5 A·g−1 after 600 cycles with the capacity retention of 83.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, Li-ion storage mechanism of V2C is pseudocapacitive, accompanied with the redox reaction of V-ions during the Li-ions insertion/extraction process. The exploration of orthorhombic V2C may extend the selection of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to design a method of multi-source data fusion in multi-target collaborative navigation. First, the respective features of GPS/INS/RS/MO data in the navigation process are clarified. Then a multi-source data fusion method is designed including GPS/INS data fusion with adaptive Kalman filter, RS/MO data fusion with ranging table matching of observation targets, and joint adjustment with fused GPS/INS and RS/MO data. Finally, a simulation experiment is carried out to verify the improvement in positioning efficiency and precision. The results show that collaborative navigation based on multi-source data fusion can increase the stability and accuracy of the navigation service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The pattern of suicidality in older patients with psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic is not clear. This study examined the prevalence of suicidality and its association with quality of life (QOL) among older clinically stable patients with psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted from May 22 to July 15, 2020, among four major tertiary psychiatric hospitals in China. Suicidality was assessed by asking 3 standardized questions. Depressive symptoms, pain, and QOL were assessed with the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-brief version, respectively.Results: A total of 1063 clinically stable patients participated and completed the assessment. The prevalence of suicidality was 11.8% (95% CI: 9.9%-13.7%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that poor treatment adherence (P = .009, OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.17-2.96) and perceived illness worsening during the COVID-19 outbreak (P = .02, OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.15-3.73), being diagnosed with major depressive disorder (P < .001, OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.68-4.64), PHQ-9 total score (P < .001, OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.15-1.24) and NPRS total score (P = .002, OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06-1.29) were associated with higher risk of suicidality. After controlling for covariates, older psychiatric patients with suicidality had lower QOL compared to those without (F(1, 1063) =16.5, P<.001).Conclusions: Suicidality was common in older patients with clinically stable psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering its negative impact on QOL and personal suffering, routine screening and preventive suicide measures should be implemented for older psychiatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas have a poor prognosis. Chimeric antigen receptor-modified (CAR) T cells have shown remarkable efficacy for B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, few studies have reported the effects of CAR T cells in the treatment of CNS lymphoma, and the duration of remission is short. In this study, seven CNS lymphoma patients (six patients with secondary CNS lymphomas and one patient with primary CNS lymphoma) were treated with CD19 or CD20 CAR T cell therapy, and the clinical efficacy and toxicity profiles were evaluated. All patients responded to CAR T cell therapy. Four patients achieved complete remission (CR), while three demonstrated partial remission. We also found that either CD19 or CD20 CAR T cells could be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of four patients. The median progression-free survival and median overall survival were not assessed. The median duration of CR was 22.4 months. Five patients (5/7) in this cohort received combination therapy (bridging with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and programmed death-1 inhibitor for maintenance treatment) and three (3/7) received CAR T cell therapy as soon as possible after the relapse of CNS lymphoma. This could help explain why these patients achieved long-term remission. After a median follow-up of 10.4 months, three patients demonstrated disease progression, and the antigen loss of CD20 was confirmed as the reason for relapse in one patient. The results of this study suggest that CD19 or CD20 CAR T cells are effective against CNS lymphoma. This research was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn (No. ChiCTR2000036350). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, based on the existing literature, we extend a deterministic delayed SIS epidemic model with vaccination to the stochastic version. First, we show that the solution of system is globally unique, positive and stochastically bounded. Then, constructing suitable Lyapunov function, we study the stochastic stability of system at the disease-free equilibrium. Moreover, the threshold R ̂ 0 which determines the extinction or persistence in time mean of the disease is proposed. When R ̂ 0 is less than 1, the disease will disappear; while R ̂ 0 is greater than 1, the disease will persist. Moreover, we study the existence of the ergodicity and the stationary distribution of the model, which can help us better understand the dynamic behavior and statistical characteristics of stochastic delayed biological models. Finally, we apply the results to hepatitis B in Chinese mainland. Using the nonlinear Least-Square method, we estimate the parameter of the model and obtain the threshold R ̂ 0 = 0.0556. We forecast that hepatitis B infections in Chinese mainland will drop to about 20 million in 2100 from 90 million in 2015, and give the probability densities of Hepatitis B infections each year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glucosinolates (GSLs) play important roles in defending against exogenous damage and regulating physiological activities in plants. However, GSL accumulation patterns and molecular regulation mechanisms are largely unknown in Isatis indigotica Fort. Results: Ten GSLs were identified in I. indigotica, and the dominant GSLs were epiprogoitrin (EPI) and indole-3-methyl GSL (I3M), followed by progoitrin (PRO) and gluconapin (GNA). The total GSL content was highest (over 20 μmol/g) in reproductive organs, lowest (less than 1.0 μmol/g) in mature organs, and medium in fresh leaves (2.6 μmol/g) and stems (1.5 μmol/g). In the seed germination process, the total GSL content decreased from 27.2 μmol/g (of seeds) to 2.7 μmol/g (on the 120th day) and then increased to 4.0 μmol/g (180th day). However, the content of indole GSL increased rapidly in the first week after germination and fluctuated between 1.13 μmol/g (28th day) and 2.82 μmol/g (150th day). Under the different elicitor treatments, the total GSL content increased significantly, ranging from 2.9-fold (mechanical damage, 3 h) to 10.7-fold (MeJA, 6 h). Moreover, 132 genes were involved in GSL metabolic pathways. Among them, no homologs of AtCYP79F2 and AtMAM3 were identified, leading to a distinctive GSL profile in I. indigotica. Furthermore, most genes involved in the GSL metabolic pathway were derived from tandem duplication, followed by dispersed duplication and segmental duplication. Purifying selection was observed, although some genes underwent relaxed selection. In addition, three tandem-arrayed GSL-OH genes showed different expression patterns, suggesting possible subfunctionalization during evolution. Conclusions: Ten different GSLs with their accumulation patterns and 132 genes involved in the GSL metabolic pathway were explored, which laid a foundation for the study of GSL metabolism and regulatory mechanisms in I. indigotica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the reaction barrier on the photoelectrode surface and increasing the water oxidation power of the sample surface are the key issues to improve photoelectrochemical water splitting performances. In this study, a new BiVO4/CuBi2O4/Co-Pi photoanode has been prepared. CuBi2O4 and BiVO4 form a heterojunction structure that widens the absorption range of light and accelerates the separation of photogenerated carriers in the photoanode, thereby allowing holes into the next layer (cocatalyst layer) faster. The Co-Pi constituent acts as a water oxidation catalyst that can accelerate the interface charge transfer and increase the active surface area. Linear sweep voltammetry is used to determine the photocurrent density of BiVO4/CuBi2O4/Co-Pi, being 1.88 and 1.23 times bigger than that of BiVO4 and BiVO4/CuBi2O4, respectively. In addition to this, the BiVO4/CuBi2O4/Co-Pi photoanode creates a synergy effect that leads to a wider range of light absorption, higher carrier separation efficiency, and greater water oxidation power so the hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution rates after recombination increased by 5.68 times and 5.66 times. The results prove that ternary semiconductor structures can improve photoelectrochemical performance. The strategy has great potential in the development of photoelectrochemical water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the performance of non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-based overlay cognitive integrated satellite-terrestrial relay network with secondary network selection, where the selected secondary network accesses the licensed spectrum by assisting the communication of primary network with amplify-and-forward protocol. Besides, NOMA techniques are used to improve the spectrum efficiency. Specifically, the closed-form expressions of outage probability (OP) for both primary network and secondary network are obtained. To get inherent insights, the asymptotic analysis of OP is further derived at high signal-to-noise ratios. Moreover, the diversity orders of the both networks are further provided. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are given to valuate our analysis, and the effects of key parameters on system performance are revealed. Through the comparison between orthogonal multiple access (OMA) scheme and NOMA scheme, the superiority of our proposed scheme is proved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A disparate array of plasma/serum markers provides evidence for chronic inflammation in human prediabetes, a condition that is most closely replicated by standard mouse models of obesity and metaflammation. These remain largely nonactionable and contrast with our rich understanding of inflammation in human type 2 diabetes. New data show that inflammatory profiles produced by CD4+ T cells define human prediabetes as a unique inflammatory state. Regulatory T cells (Treg) control mitochondrial function and cytokine production by CD4+ effector T cells (Teff) in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by supporting T helper (Th)17 or Th1 cytokine production, respectively. These data suggest that Treg control of Teff metabolism regulates inflammation differentially in prediabetes compared with type 2 diabetes. Queries of genes that impact mitochondrial function or pathways leading to transcription of lipid metabolism genes identified the fatty acid importer CD36 as highly expressed in Treg but not Teff from subjects with prediabetes. Pharmacological blockade of CD36 in Treg from subjects with prediabetes decreased Teff production of the Th17 cytokines that differentiate overall prediabetes inflammation. We conclude that Treg control CD4+ T cell cytokine profiles through mechanisms determined, at least in part, by host metabolic status. Furthermore, Treg CD36 uniquely promotes Th17 cytokine production by Teff in prediabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study was performed to observe the potential refractive prediction error based on alternative A-scan ultrasound and fellow-eye biometry for phacovitrectomy in macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) eyes. Methods: Phakic macula-off RRD eyes without axial length (AL) measurements obtained using IOLMaster were included. Vitrectomy without lens extraction was performed for RRD repair. Preoperative AL was measured using alternative A-scan ultrasound (AL-US). Postoperative AL was obtained in eyes with silicone oil tamponade (AL-SO) and preoperative fellow-eye biometry (AL-FE) using IOLMaster. Other eyes that faced the same preoperative situation but underwent phacovitrectomy based on fellow-eye biometry were recruited as controls. Results: AL-US, AL–FE, and AL-SO were 25.39 ± 2.14 mm, 25.85 ± 2.16 mm and 26.08 ± 2.53 mm, respectively. The Bland–Altman agreement among AL-US, AL-FE and AL-SO was good (95.5%, 21/22 of cases were in the LoA). The mean IOL power calculated using AL-US (Power-US), AL-FE (Power-FE) and AL-SO (Power-SO) was 16.81 ± 7.19 D, 14.74 ± 6.95 D and 13.54 ± 8.32 D, respectively. The difference between AL-US and AL-SO was significant (P < 0.05), while that between AL-FE and AL-SO was not (P > 0.05). The difference between Power-US and Power-SO was significant (P < 0.05), while that between Power-FE and Power-SO was not (P > 0.05). Nine eyes underwent phacovitrectomy based on fellow-eye biometry and had a final postoperative myopic shift of 0.64 ± 0.78 D. Conclusions: Alternative A-scan ultrasound led to a significant difference in AL and a prediction error in IOL power, while fellow-eye biometry provided similar results to silicone oil-filled eyes after RRD repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The applicability of CFD-CGDEM in the simulation of packed bed is discussed. • The characteristics show dependence on scaled spring constant for CGDEM. • CGDEM with moderate scaling scheme is less dependent on spring constant. • The scale-up uncertainties for CFD-CGDEM increase with coarsen degree. The numerical modelling with computational fluid dynamics coupled with discrete element method (CFD-DEM) could be of high fidelity but rather time consuming, which leads to the development of coarse grain DEM (CFD-CGDEM). This paper describes the effects of scaling criteria for CFD-CGDEM on the modelling of multi-phase flow in packed bed. Four representative scaling criteria for particles contact interaction are discussed to analyze the packing structure and pressure drop and compare the relative deviation between CFD-CGDEM and CFD-DEM. It is found that when the spring constant in CFD-CGDEM is enlarged by α 3 or α 2 times or remains the same as that in original CFD-DEM, as α is defined as coarsen degree which is referred as the ratio between parcel size and particle size, a relatively large spring constant should be chosen to maintain the similar porosity and pressure drop. However, when the spring constant in CFD-CGDEM was scaled moderately by α times, the modelling results of CFD-CGDEM are comparable to data from CFD-DEM regardless of the value of spring constant. Furthermore, a quantitative analysis shows that the relative deviation in porosity and pressure drop between CFD-DEM and CFD-CGDEM will be enhanced as coarsen degree increases but the variation is insignificant with domain size for periodic boundary. The increase of parcel size could affect the simulation of porosity in packed bed and deviate the predicted hydrodynamics away from the CFD-DEM. In addition, the comparison of computational efficiency illustrates the speed up of CFD-CGDEM increases with the coarsen degree while the relative deviation also increases. This study provides instructive guidance for the application of CFD-CGDEM to model the multiphase flow in packed beds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early monitoring of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is crucial for its treatment and prognosis. Hence, highly specific and sensitive detection method is urgently needed. In this study, we propose a novel herringbone microfluid chip with aptamer functionalized core-shell photonic crystal (PhC) barcode integration for high throughput multiplex CVD detection. Based on the PhC derived from co-assembled carboxylated single-wall carbon nanotubes and silicon dioxide nanoparticles, we obtain core-shell PhC barcodes by hydrogel replicating and partially etching. These core-shell PhC barcodes not only retain the original structural colors coding element, but also fully expose a large number of carboxyl elements in the ore for the probe immobilization. We further combine the functionalized barcodes with herringbone groove microfluidic chip to elucidate its acceptability in testing clinical sample. It is demonstrated that the special design of microfluidic chip can significantly enhance fluid vortex resistance and contact frequency, improving the sample capture efficiency and detection sensitivity. These features indicate that our core-shell PhC barcodes-integrated herringbone microfluidic system possesses great potential for multiplex biomarker detection in clinical application. • We present a new photonic crystal detection technique based on herringbone chip. • Grooves in the chip perturbed the fluid, efficiently capturing the biomarkers in sample. • Silica was endowed with active groups by co-assembly. • Multiple detection of myocardial injury biomarkers was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of high specificity and affinity antibodies is challenging due to limited information on characteristic groups of haptens in traditional design strategy. In this study, we first predicted characteristic groups of flurogestone acetate (FGA) using quantitative analysis of molecular surface combined with atomic charge distribution. Subsequently, FGA haptens were rationally designed to expose these identified characteristic groups fully. As a result, seven monoclonal antibodies were obtained with satisfactory performance, exhibiting IC 50 values from 0.17 to 0.45 μg/L and negligible cross-reactivities below 1% to other 18 hormones. The antibody recognition mechanism further confirmed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions involving predicted FGA characteristic groups and specific amino acids in the antibodies contributed to their high specificity and affinity. Finally, one selective and sensitive ic-ELISA was developed for FGA determination with a detection limit as low as 0.12 μg/L, providing an efficient tool for timely monitoring of FGA in goat milk samples. [Display omitted] • An effective strategy was proposed and evaluated to identify the characteristic groups. • Antibody to FGA with high specificity and affinity was first obtained. • The recognition mechanism of mAb 1D4 and 10F3 was investigated by molecular simulation. • An ic-ELISA was developed to detect FGA in goat milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saiga antelope horn (SAH) is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating hypertension with liver-yang hyperactivity syndrome (Gan-Yang-Shang-Kang, GYSK), that has a long history of clinical application and precise efficacy, but its mechanism and functional substances are still unknown. Based on the demand for alternative research on the rare and endangered SAH, the group designed and carried out the following studies. The purpose of this research was to demonstrate the functional substances and mechanisms of SAH in the treatment of GYSK hypertension. The GYSK-SHR model was constructed by administering a decoction of aconite to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Blood pressure (BP), behavioural tests related to GYSK, and pathological changes in the kidneys, heart and aorta were measured to investigate the effects of SAH on GYSK-SHRs. Proteomic analysis was used to identify the keratins and peptides of SAH. Moreover, network pharmacology and plasma metabolomics studies were carried out to reveal the mechanisms by which functional peptides in SAH regulate GYSK-hypertension. SAH has a significant antihypertensive effect on GYSK hypertensive animals. It has also been proven to be effective in protecting the function and structural integrity of the kidneys, heart and aorta. Moreover, SAH improved the abnormalities of 31 plasma biomarkers in rats. By constructing a "biomarker-target-peptide" network, 10 functional peptides and two key targets were screened for antihypertensive effects of SAH. The results indicated that SAH may exert a therapeutic effect by re-establishing the imbalance of renin-angiotensin (RAS) system. Functional peptides from keratin contained in SAH are the main material basis for the treatment of GYSK-hypertension and exhibited the protective effect on the GYSK-SHR model through the RAS system. [Display omitted] • SAH exhibit antihypertensive effect and improve liver-yang hyperactivity syndrome. • SAH protect the structure and function of kidneys, heart and aorta. • SAH rectifying RAS system imbalance. • Functional peptides were screened for antihypertensive effects of SAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The NiO/Ni foam composites were prepared by in-situ growing NiO particles on the surface of nickel foam using a facile calcination strategy. • The effects of calcination conditions on microwave absorption properties of NiO/Ni composite foams were studied. • At a filler content of 60 wt%, the RL min reaches -39.71 dB, accompanied by an EAB of 5.15 GHz. Light weight is a significant target for the magnetic metal-based electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbents. Constructing foams with porous structure and low density has been proved to be a feasible way. However, the high conductivity of the metal foam will bring a poor impedance match, which hinders the EMW absorbing property. Herein, we reported a facile one-step calcination strategy for the magnetic metal foams toward improved impedance match. The NiO/Ni foam composites were obtained with NiO particles in situ grown on the surface of foams. Greatly enhanced EMW absorption performance was obtained with minimum reflection loss (RL min) of −39.71 dB at a frequency of 13.6 GHz and a thickness of 2.0 mm. Meanwhile, the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) could reach 5.15 GHz. The introduction of surface NiO weakens the conductivity of pure metals and the abundant pore structures of NiO as well as the inherent three-dimensional (3D) networks of metal foams further promote the multiple reflections and scattering of the EMWs. Consequently, this work provides a feasible and convenient way for the massive production of magnetic metal foams as excellent EMW absorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag(Ⅰ) complexes based on benzothiazole-phosphine ligands exhibit bright long-lived phosphorescence at 298 K. [Display omitted] • Two ionic silver(I) complexes based on benzothiazole-phosphine N^P ligands have been synthesized. • Two complexes in powder exhibit bright long-lived phosphorescent emissions at 298 K. • The coordination geometries around Ag(I) centers adopt distorted tetrahedron (1) and trigonal planar (2), respectively. Two ionic mononuclear silver(I) complexes (1 and 2) with formula of [Ag(N^P)(Xantphos)]SbF 6 , where N^P = 2–(benzo[ d ]thiazol)–2–yl) diphenylphosphine derivatives, Xantphos = 4,5-Bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene, have been synthesized and characterized. Single crystal analysis reveals that the geometries around Ag(I) centers adopt distorted tetrahedron (1) and trigonal planar (2). In powder at 298 K, these complexes exhibit bright emissions with high photo-luminescent quantum yields of 55.2 % (1) and 46.7 % (2) and lifetimes of 0.426 ms (1) and 1.87 ms (2), respectively. The results suggested that these complexes containing bulky benzothiazole phosphine can realize efficient long-lived phosphorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NAC transcription factors play a significant role in regulating plant responses to biological processes and environmental stresses. Our previous study revealed 21 ThNAC proteins, and ThNAC13 is a nuclear protein that responds to saline stress in Tamarix hispida. To determine whether ThNAC13 regulates downstream genes, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-seq) were used to identify the binding sites of ThNAC13 at the whole-genome level. In RNAi-silenced ThNAC13 transgenic Tamarix , a total of 4 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 114 peaks strongly associated with four different motifs were identified compared with those in empty vector transgenic Tamarix under salt stress. The c48149.graph_c0 gene contains the key domain of the phloem protein 2 (PP2) protein and is a candidate gene downstream of ThNAC13. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter (LUC) assays were used to identify ThNAC13 as an upstream regulator of ThPP2. Transgenic Tamarix plants in which ThPP2 was transiently expressed or silenced via RNAi were used for functional gain and loss experiments. The ThPP2- overexpressing plants exhibited decreased hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), superoxide (O 2 •−), and electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity. In contrast, transient RNAi-mediated silencing of ThPP2 in Tamarix had the opposite effect. ThNAC13 binds to the promoter region of the ThPP2 gene and reduces the reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and enhances antioxidant enzyme activity, positively regulating salt stress tolerance in Tamarix. • 4 down-regulated DEGs and 4 different motifs were identified in RNAi-silenced ThNAC13 compare with empty vector transgenic Tamarix under salt stress. • The phloem protein 2 (PP2) protein as a downstream gene by ThNAC13 TFs. • Overexpression of ThPP2 Tamarix decreased the contents of H 2 O 2 , O 2 •−, EL and MDA; induced the activities of SOD, POD and CAT. • In contrast, transiently RNAi-silenced ThPP2 Tamarix showed the opposite result. • ThNAC13 binds to ThPP2 gene through reduces the ROS accumulation and enhances antioxidant enzyme activity to improve salt stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Space-Time Colonialism: Alaska's Indigenous and Asian Entanglements" by Juliana Hu Pegues explores the complex relationships between Alaska Natives and Asian immigrants during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The book examines the discursive and material entanglements between these groups, as well as the processes of colonization, racialization, and empire. Through an analysis of historical periods such as the Alaskan purchase, the Gold Rush, the establishment of salmon canneries, and the World War II era, the author highlights the ways in which colonial notions of space and time shaped the experiences of Alaska Natives and Asian immigrants. The book emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and offers new perspectives on settler colonialism, racial justice, and decolonization. [Extracted from the article]

Nitrogen (N 2)-fixing legumes can be used for phytoremediation of toxic heavy metal Mercury (Hg) contaminated soil, but N 2 -fixation highly relies on phosphorus (P) availability for nodule formation and functioning. Here, we characterized the significance of P deficiency for Hg accumulation and toxicity in woody legume plants. Consequences for foliar and root traits of rhizobia inoculation, Hg exposure (+Hg) and low P (-P) supply, individually and in combination were characterized at both the metabolite and transcriptome levels in seedlings of two Robinia pseudoacacia L. provenances originating from contrasting climate and soil backgrounds, i.e., GS in northwest and the DB in northeast China. Our results reveal that depleted P mitigates the toxicity of Hg at the transcriptional level. In leaves of Robinia depleted P reduced oxidative stress and improved the utilization strategy of C, N and P nutrition; in roots depleted P regulated the expression of genes scavenging oxidative stress and promoting cell membrane synthesis. Rhizobia inoculation significantly improved the performance of both Robinia provenances under individual and combined +Hg and -P by promoting photosynthesis, increasing foliar N and P content and reducing H 2 O 2 and MDA accumulation despite enhanced Hg uptake. DB plants developed more nodules, had higher biomass and accumulated higher Hg amounts than GS plants and thus are suggested as the high potential Robinia provenance for future phytoremediation of Hg contaminated soils with P deficiency. Soil pollution and nutrient depletion constitute serious threats for human and environmental health. However, information on the responses of plants to combined Hg pollution and P depletion has so far not been reported, at both, the metabolite and transcriptome levels. In the present study, we characterized the interaction of Hg exposure with P depletion in Robinia -rhizobia associations of two Robinia provenances originating from different environments at the metabolic and transcriptional levels. Provenance-specific differences in Robinia performance upon rhizobia inoculation at Hg and low P exposure were identified. From these results we recommend one of the two Robinia provenances for future remediation of Hg contaminated soils with low P content. [Display omitted] • P depletion showed antagonistic effects when combined with Hg exposure on Robinia-rhizobia symbiosis. • Rhizobia inoculation improved plant performance under combined Hg and depleted P. • Provenance-specific responses of Robinia plants. • Mechanisms in physiological and transcriptional levels were reported. • The DB provenance is feasible than GS for phytoremediation of Hg exposure in P-depleted soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An interpretable MCRNet is proposed for intelligent fault diagnosis. • Multiple interpretable TFFKs are analytically designed for time-frequency filtering. • Using the anti-aliasing strategy to enhance the time-frequency expressions of TFFKs.. • Visualization analysis provides the insights into model interpretability of MCRNet. • Extensive experiments are implemented to verify effectiveness of MCRNet. With strong feature representation ability, deep learning has been widely used in equipment fault diagnosis. Nevertheless, the "black box" nature has always been restricting its further application in the field of intelligent diagnosis. Combining the intrinsic characteristics of the time–frequency representation of vibration signals, this study proposes a multiplication-convolution residual network (MCRNet) and it consists of two substructures, including a time–frequency filtering layer (TFFLayer) and a residual learner. Different from the conventional interpreter for deep learning, multiple ex-ante interpretable time–frequency filtering kernels (TFFKs), including 2D-Wiener filtering kernel and 2D-Gaussian filtering kernel, are analytically designed with deep learning and signal processing collaborated. With the deep learning block of benchmark ResNet18 employed, each TFFK in the TFFLayer, aims to mathematically extract explainable features by dot-multiplication time–frequency operation with only three variable parameters. Finally, the residual learner is used to abstract high-level feature representations and make the final decision. Specially, to strengthen the representation capacity of TFFLayer, an anti-aliasing strategy is presented to force TFFKs to mine differential knowledge as much as possible. Comparisons with the existing convolution sensing models verify the effectiveness and superiority of MCRNet via one self-made dataset and three open-source datasets. Besides, the analysis of model interpretability and anti-noise capability also demonstrate that the designed TFFKs can adaptively sense fault-sensitive time–frequency knowledge as interpretable feature representation. This further indicates that the proposed deep learning collaborated with and signal processing architecture can not only contribute novel and in-depth insights into model interpretability, but also provide trustworthy intelligent decision-making for reliable equipment maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being purposefully designed and strategically placed in buildings to facilitate efficient evacuation, emergency exit doors are frequently underutilized during evacuations. To address this issue, this study explores why individuals often fail to use emergency exit doors during evacuations via a virtual reality and eye-tracking experimental study and investigates human emergency wayfinding behaviors through the lens of perceptions and attention. The results show that individuals' attention to wayfinding clues is positively related to their exit choices. Failure to notice an emergency exit door is a key contributor to explaining how familiarity affects the usage of the emergency exit door. Participants in the familiarity group were less likely to pay attention to the exit door and thus rarely use it. However, when participants had fixations on the door, their exit choices were not significantly different between the familiarity and unfamiliarity groups. In the present experiment, door color and type did not have a significant impact on participants' visual attention and exit choices. Specifically, the effect of door type on participants' exit choices was impaired by the presence of the stairwell sign. The experimental results reveal the conspicuity and visibility of exit doors and explicit and clear wayfinding information are crucial to increasing their usage during indoor evacuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic film mulching improves the soil water content and temperature and, thus, contributes to enhanced grain yield in arid and semi-arid areas, such as Northwest China. However, in traditional film-covering methods, plastic films are difficult to recycle, causing environmental issues. Therefore, developing cultivation methods with enhanced film recovery rates is important for sustainable agricultural development. Here, we evaluated how the planting method affected the soil temperature, water content, film recovery rate, and grain yield by applying the following three planting patterns to the traditional crop, foxtail millet, in 2021–2022: no plastic film mulching (NP), plastic film mulching (MP), and planting on the film edge (PFE); in the latter, holes were not punched in the film and crops were planted approximately 5 cm from the film edge. The results for 2021 showed that the biomass ranged from 27.69 g to 33.76 g per plant, and the biomass was increased by 21.9% and 3.2% in PFE compared with NP and MP, respectively. However, in 2022, the biomass increased in PFE by 52.5% and 17.7% compared with NP and MP, respectively. In 2021, the highest grain yield was observed in PFE (2480 kg/hm2), followed by MP (2470 kg/hm2) and NP (2343 kg/hm2); in 2022, a significantly higher grain yield was observed in PFE than that in MP and NP. Although the soil temperature increased in PFE, it was not as high as in MP. The relatively higher soil temperature increased the root growth process, stimulated the production of root exudates (acetic acid and citric acid), and increased the soil enzyme (sucrase and urease) activity. Increases in organic acids and soil enzymes assisted in the decomposition of soil organic matter and induced relatively higher levels of available nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and the higher root reuse rates contributed to higher grain yields. In addition, fewer holes were punched in the film of the PFE model, which improved film recovery, and the recovery rate of PFE was higher than that of MP. These results indicate that the proposed unperforated film-covered planting pattern is suitable for millet production in sandy soil. [Display omitted] • PFE increased millet grain yield in sandy soils compared with NP and MP. • PFE enhanced soil temperature mildly and stimulated root exudates. • PFE presented a higher plastic film recovery rate than MP. • PFE increased soil water content as well as MP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient data is a long-standing challenge for Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) to build a high-performance deep learning model. Though numerous research groups and institutes collect a multitude of EEG datasets for the same BCI task, sharing EEG data from multiple sites is still challenging due to the heterogeneity of devices. The significance of this challenge cannot be overstated, given the critical role of data diversity in fostering model robustness. However, existing works rarely discuss this issue, predominantly centering their attention on model training within a single dataset, often in the context of inter-subject or inter-session settings. In this work, we propose a hierarchical personalized Federated Learning EEG decoding (FLEEG) framework to surmount this challenge. This innovative framework heralds a new learning paradigm for BCI, enabling datasets with disparate data formats to collaborate in the model training process. Each client is assigned a specific dataset and trains a hierarchical personalized model to manage diverse data formats and facilitate information exchange. Meanwhile, the server coordinates the training procedure to harness knowledge gleaned from all datasets, thus elevating overall performance. The framework has been evaluated in Motor Imagery (MI) classification with nine EEG datasets collected by different devices but implementing the same MI task. Results demonstrate that the proposed framework can boost classification performance up to 8.4% by enabling knowledge sharing between multiple datasets, especially for smaller datasets. Visualization results also indicate that the proposed framework can empower the local models to put a stable focus on task-related areas, yielding better performance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first end-to-end solution to address this important challenge. • This work provided new insights on federated learning for the BCI. • Enabled knowledge sharing across heterogeneous EEG datasets. • Proposed a new paradigm to build a deep learning model for BCI. • Designed a personalized FL EEG decoding framework, evaluated on 9 MI datasets. • Improved classification performance up to 8.4% by the proposed FL framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone marrow has the capacity to produce different types of immune cells, such as natural killer cells, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells. Improving the activation of immune cells in the bone marrow can enhance the therapy of bone metastases. Previously, we designed an engineered probiotic Lactococcus lactis, capable of expressing a fusion protein of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand and co-stimulator OX40 ligand (FOLactis), and proved that it can induce the activation and differentiation of several immune cells. In this research, we successfully establish mouse models of bone metastasis, lung metastasis and intraperitoneal dissemination, and we are the first to directly inject the probiotics into the bone marrow to inhibit tumor growth. We observe that injecting FOLactis into the bone marrow of mice can better regulate the immune microenvironment of tumor-bearing mice, resulting in a tumor-suppressive effect. Compared to subcutaneous (s.c.) injection, intra-bone marrow (IBM) injection is more effective in increasing mature DCs and CD8+ T cells and prolonging the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Our results confirm that IBM injection of FOLactis reprograms the immune microenvironment of bone marrow and has remarkable effectiveness in various metastatic tumor models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the current surge in the production of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by crystal engineering, more structurally diverse MOFs must be developed and prepared for the study of their application properties and structural stability. Herein, one novel two-dimensional MOF, [Sr(μ 5 -p -FPhHIDC)(H 2 O)] n (1) was solvothermally constructed and structurally characterized by adopting an organic linker, 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid (p -FPhH 3 IDC), in which the [SrO 9 ] tetrakaidecahedrons were joined by the organic linkers to constitute a beautiful grid structure. The remarkable fluorescence characteristics and proton transfer are due to the strong coordination between the organic ligands and the central metal ions in the framework of 1 , as well as the carboxylic acid and coordination water molecules carried on the framework. Extensive tests demonstrated that, at relative humidity of 75–98 %, this MOF displayed a specific proton conductivity (10−7-10−5 S/cm) and significant room-temperature solid-state fluorescence (λ em = 406 nm). Proton conduction and luminescence mechanisms were also conjectured. This study is a helpful resource for creating MOF materials with a range of application-specific properties. Two-in-one: Proton-conductive and luminescence properties of one strontium(II)-organic framework bearing imidazole dicarboxylate One thermal-stable substituted imidazole dicarboxylate-based Sr(II) MOF was prepared and structurally characterized. Its proton-conducting and luminescence properties were examined as well. [Display omitted] • One 2D Sr(II) MOF was synthesized. • 2-Position substituted imidazole dicarboxylate. • The MOF was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. • Its proton-conductive and luminescence properties were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, three acidic polysaccharides (OFPP-1, OFPP-2 and OFPP-3) were isolated from the pulps of Opuntia dillenii Haw. fruits, and their chain conformations, physicochemical and rheological properties were investigated. The molecular weight and conformational parameters (M w , M n , M z , R g and R h) of OFPPs in 0.1 M NaNO 3 solution were detected by HPSEC-MALLS-RI. In addition, based on the parameters ρ and v, it was concluded that these three polysaccharide chains exhibited sphere-like conformation in 0.1 M NaNO 3 solution, which was consistent with AFM and TEM observations. Furthermore, the Congo Red experiment showed that OFPP-2 had a triple-helix structure, which may be conducive to its biological activity. This study also found that OFPPs were semi-crystalline structures with high thermal and pH stability. The rheological analyses indicated that the apparent viscosity of OFPPs solutions exhibited concentration-, temperature-, and pH-dependence, and the viscoelasticity of them was affected by molecular characteristics and concentration. The results of this study are helpful to elucidate the structure-activity relationship of OFPPs. Moreover, this study can provide theoretical reference for the application of OFPPs as bioactive ingredients or functional materials in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and the development and utilization of the O. dillenii Haw. fruits resource. • OFPPs exhibit sphere-like conformation in 0.1 M NaNO 3 solution. • OFPP-2 has a triple-helix structure. • OFPPs are semi-crystalline structures with high thermal and pH stability. • OFPPs show shear-thinning behavior and non-Newtonian fluid properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) biosensor based on bacteriophage long tail fibre proteins (LTFPs) to capture and detect Salmonella. First, based on the genetic information of a Salmonella enterica bacteriophage (SEP37), we found that the genes ORF99, ORF100, and ORF256 encode proteins associated with host recognition. We used the pETdue1 plasmid to construct ORF99–ORF100 and ORF256 co-expression vectors to express (LTFPs) in Escherichia coli and used purified LTFPs as specific biorecognition elements. Then, we fixed gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), cysteamine (Cys), and LTFPs on a gold disk electrode surface via layer-by-layer assembly to construct an EIS biosensor. Salmonella in the sample can be captured by LTFPs on the electrode surface and reduce the electron transfer sites. We applied the EIS biosensor to detect Salmonella spiked in lake water. It showed a good linear relationship within the concentration range of 10 ∼ 1 × 106 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. The detection limit was 9 CFU/mL. This method based on bacteriophage LTFPs does not require complex pretreatment steps and extends the application of tail fibre proteins as a biorecognition element in the detection field. [Display omitted] • ORF99-100 and ORF256 were inserted into plasmid to construct co-expression vector. • The long tail fibre protein of phage SEP37 was co-expressed in E. coli. • This protein was used as bio-recognition element to construct an EIS biosensor. • This biosensor can quickly detect Salmonella in lake water samples. • This method allowed a detection limit of 9 CFU/mL for Salmonella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural complexity of industrial softwood kraft lignin (ISKL) strongly interrelates to the heterogeneous chemical reactions of kraft delignification process. In this work, structural properties of an ISKL were revealed by the investigation on the structural properties of fractions with gradient molar mass and trace/high amount of carbohydrates. Moreover, the variation in structural composition of ISKL enables its classification into three distinct categories, which potentially correspond to the the lignin dissolved at different phases of kraft delignification. In general, the low molar mass fraction, characterized by an abundance of reduced subliknages and a minimal presence of native linkages, are tentatively associated with the lignin dissovled at the inital phase of delignification. The medium molar mass fractions with trace amounts of carbohydrates, exhibiting similarities in the quantites of β-O-4, benzyl ether (BE), and β-5 linkages, are probably dissolved into kraft liquor in the period of the bulk phase of delignification. The lignin fraction with the highest molar mass, containing a large amount of native sublinkages and carbohydrates, is correlated with the lignification phase toward the late of delignification. This study of structural characteristics of lignin fractions and their relationship to kraft delignification chemistry is anticipated to facilitate the separation of lignin to fractions with significantly reduced structural heterogeneity, thereby enhancing the potential for high-value application based on their compositional structure. [Display omitted] • Divide industrial softwood kraft lignin (ISKL) into three categories based on their sublinkages composition. • Low Mw fraction is featured by abundant reduced sublinkages and phenolic -OH. • Moderate Mw fractions maintain a stable ratio of phenolic/aliphatic -OH, reduced and native sublinkages, except for β-β. • The major high Mw fraction has abundant native linkages and carbohydrates. • High content of β-β and β-5 improve the thermal/alkali resistance of lignin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Five proposals are designed to optimize the flow field of the flow channel to enhance the desalination performance. • The PFF proposal can achieve the best balance in the desalination performance and electrode uniformity utilization. • The flow arrangement effect on performances is deeply revealed by considering the seepage flow in the BDI modeling. • More thoroughly reveal the BDI desalination mechanism with flow field and introduce the uniformity indicator in evaluation. Battery electrode deionization (BDI) is a technique for removing salts from brine. It works with the aid of electrochemical reactions between ions and active compounds in electrodes under the electric field. In the BDI device, the function of the flow channel is to transport the electrolyte into the cell and assign the reactants to the electrode surface. The BDI flow field with classical plate structures typically suffers large flow dead zones, which greatly reduces the uniformity of the reactants supplied to the electrodes. This will affect the desalination performance of the cell. In particular, the flow field distribution will have an increasing impact on the desalination performance, considering the demand for commercialization and large scaling. In this work, five flow channel proposals of the BDI device are investigated numerically. Flow patterns and intercalation-Na clouds are used to analyze the distribution of the flow field and the intercalation-Na degree. The uniformity factors are introduced to describe the uniformity of Na+ ion concentration and intercalation-Na degree distribution. The salt adsorption capacity (SAC), average salt adsorption rate (ASAR), and volumetric energy consumption are used to evaluate the desalination performance of the system. The results showed that proposals with flow field design can effectively reduce the dead zone within the flow channel and utilize the electrodes more uniformly and fully, and the SAC and ASAR are also improved as a result. Reducing the charging current density and increasing the inlet flow rate can optimize the uniformity of ion distribution within the flow channel and the uniform utilization of the electrode, as well as reduce the volumetric energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented meat products have been favored by consumers due to their characteristic qualities, especially their unique flavors. The aroma-active compounds originating from catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are perceived as malt, nuts, and cheese aromas, remarkably contributing to the overall aroma characteristics of fermented meat products. Research on formation pathways and enhanced production for branched-chain flavor compounds has garnered attention. This review summarized the presence, level, and contribution of branched-chain flavor compounds in fermented meat products, as well as the sources of amino acid precursors and the synthetic pathways. Furthermore, strategies for enhancing the levels of branched-chain flavor compounds are emphatically discussed in aspect of starter culture of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The findings revealed that aroma-active flavor compounds, such as branched-chain aldehydes, alcohols, and acids, are present in various fermented meat products, significantly demonstrating high odor activity values. BCAA, generated through the combined action of endogenous muscle enzymes and microbial proteases, are crucial precursors for developing corresponding flavor compounds. Branched-chain flavor compounds can be formed through either Strecker degradation or biosynthesis via the α-keto acid decarboxylase pathway and α-keto acid dehydrogenase pathway by LAB. The targeted enhancement strategies for branched-chain volatiles include increasing precursor supply, optimizing fermentation conditions, and genetically modifying strain genes. Future research endeavors should prioritize the screening of more efficient production strains and the optimization of metabolic engineering techniques to enhance the production of branched-chain flavor compounds. • The effect of branched-chain flavor compounds in fermented meats is reviewed. • Chemical and biosynthetic pathways of branched-chain aldehydes are elucidated. • LAB produce 3-methylbutanal via both direct and bypass pathways. • Tactics employed by LAB to enhance branched-chain flavor compounds are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics such as Bifidobacterium spp. generally possess important physiological functions. However, maintaining probiotic viability is a challenge during processing, storage, and digestive transit period. Microencapsulation is widely considered to be an attractive approach. In this study, B. animalis F1–7 microcapsules and B. animalis F1–7-HMO microcapsules were successfully prepared by emulsification/internal gelation with high encapsulation efficiency (90.67 % and 92.16 %, respectively). The current study revealed that HMO-supplemented microcapsules exhibited more stable lyophilized forms and thermal stability. Additionally, a significant improvement in probiotic cell viability was observed in such microcapsules during simulated gastrointestinal (GI) fluids or storage. We also showed that the individual HMO mixtures 6′-SL remarkably promoted the growth and acetate yield of B. animalis F1–7 for 48 h (p < 0.05). The synbiotic combination of 6′-SL with B. animalis F1–7 enhanced SCFAs production in vitro fecal fermentation, decreasing several harmful intestinal bacteria such as Dorea , Escherichia-Shigella , and Streptococcus while enriching the probiotic A. muciniphila. This study provides strong support for HMO or 6′-SL combined with B. animalis F1–7 as an innovative dietary ingredient to bring health benefits. The potential of the synbiotic microcapsules with this combination merits further exploration for future use in the food industry. • Microcapsules exhibited high encapsulation efficiency above 90 % for probiotics. • Incorporation of HMOs improved F1–7 viability during gastric digestion and storage. • Synbiotic combination of F1–7 and 6′-SL has great potential. • The synbiotic-driven in vitro fecal fermentation promoted SCFA metabolism. • F1–7 + 6′-SL increased AKK and reduced several harmful gut bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A gas-assisted atomization injection model was developed for biodiesel. • The spray characteristics of biodiesel were investigated by numerical simulation. • Higher ambient pressure reduces the aerodynamic force on the biodiesel droplets resulting in a small spray penetration and SMD. • Longer fuel injection duration results in excessive accumulation of droplets at the outlet of gas-assisted injector nozzle. • Increasing ambient temperature results in stable fuel SMD and slight increase of spray penetration. Atomization is crucial for the application of biodiesel in APEs. GAAI is effective in solving the fuel atomization difficulty. The GAAI spray characteristics of biodiesel by numerical simulation are investigated. The influences of ambient pressure, fuel injection duration, and ambient temperature on spray characteristics are emphasized. The results show that a relatively large ambient pressure leads to a relatively small spray penetration depth and SMD. Smaller droplets are more susceptible to gas flow than larger droplets, and larger fuel droplets tend to move independently. A relatively long injection duration suggests that the fuel stays in the gas-assisted injector for too much time, resulting in excessive accumulation of droplets at the outlet of the nozzle. The larger the droplet size is, the less affected it is by ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature increases, the density of the ambient gas decreases, reducing momentum exchange between the gas and droplets. The temperature of large fuel droplets remains approximately the same as the initial fuel temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rituximab effectively targets B cells and reduces relapses in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). But the ideal dosage and treatment intervals remain unanswered. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of low and ultralow-dose rituximab in NMOSD. We conducted a retrospective analysis of NMOSD patients treated with rituximab at two Chinese tertiary hospitals. Patients received either a low-dose regimen (500 mg reinfusion every 6 months) or an ultralow-dose regimen: 100 to 300 mg rituximab based on CD19+B cells (100 mg for 1–1.5% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, 200 mg for 1.5–5%, and 300 mg for over 5%). We analyzed data from 136 patients (41 in the low-dose group, 95 in the ultralow-dose group) with median follow-up durations of 43 and 34.2 months, respectively. Both groups exhibited similar sex distribution, age at disease onset, annual relapse rate, and baseline disease duration. Survival analysis showed that ultralow-dose rituximab was noninferior to low-dose rituximab in preventing relapses. Infusion reactions occurred in 20 of 173 (11.6%) low-dose treatments and 9 of 533 (1.7%) ultralow-dose treatments. B-cell re-emergence was observed in 137 of 236 (58.1%) monitors in the low-dose group and 367 of 1136 (32.3%) monitors in the ultralow-dose group. Ultralow dose rituximab was noninferior to low-dose rituximab in preventing NMOSD relapses. A randomized controlled trial is essential to validate these findings. • Ultralow-dose rituximab was noninferior to low-dose rituximab in preventing relapses. • Ultralow-dose rituximab has less infusion reactions than low-dose rituximab. • A randomized controlled trial is essential to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The unmixing method in the remote sensing field was transferred and improved to identify water pollution sources for the first time. • The UV–VIS spectra of surface water samples are used for the source abundance inversion. • The proposed automatic encoder algorithm for radial basis bilinear hybrid model structure has higher precision than the traditional unmixing algorithm. Water resources are one of the most important strategic resources for human survival and development. At present, surface water pollution incidents occur frequently, most of which are caused by enterprises' over-discharge, stolen discharge, and other activities to evade supervision. Automatic and rapid determination of pollution source types is conducive to further targeting pollution-causing enterprises and realizing scientific accountability in law enforcement. The existing method mainly adopts the pattern recognition method for pollution discrimination, which is only suitable for the situation of a single source of pollutant, and cannot identify the pollution for multiple pollution sources mixed surface water. To solve the problem of identification of mixed chemical pollutants in surface water pollution sources and identification of simultaneous emission of multiple pollution sources, a total pollution source analysis method based on spectral unmixing is proposed in this paper, which is a radial basis bilinear mixing model automatic encoder algorithm. The unsupervised autoencoder neural network method was used to solve the proportion of water pollution types by using the spectral database of water pollution sources to realize the identification function of water pollution types and determine the types of pollutant discharge enterprises. In this paper, surface water was collected as experimental samples, mixed with domestic sewage, industrial sewage, agricultural sewage, and other pollution sources, and simulated experiments were carried out to estimate the type and proportion of water pollution. Experimental results show that the detection accuracy of the proposed algorithm is significantly improved compared with the traditional algorithm. Among them, the accuracy of judging whether there is industrial sewage in the mixed experiment of three types of pollution is as high as 95.2%. This method provides an important basis for pollution source investigation and accountability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The optimal CGM dosage to facilitate P release and VFAs production was different. • FePs dissolved and P released by forming a weakly acidic co-fermentation system. • Hydrolytic and acidogenic bacteria were significantly enriched with CGM addition. • Oscillospiraceae was a biomarker responsible for the enhancement of VFAs production. The anaerobic co-fermentation of iron bound phosphorus (P) compounds (FePs)-bearing sludge with corn gluten meal (CGM) and the underlying mechanisms associated with P release and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production were investigated. The optimal CGM dosage for P release was 0.6 g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/g total suspended solid (TSS), which resulted in an increase in efficiency from 7 % (control sample) to 39 %. However, the optimal CGM dosage for VFAs production was 0.4 g COD/g TSS, and the yield increased from 37.4 (control sample) to 331.7 mg COD/g volatile suspended solid. The addition of CGM enhanced hydrolysis and acidogenesis by supplying abundant organic substrates to promote the growth of hydrolytic and acidogenic bacteria. A higher VFAs/ammonium-nitrogen ratio resulted in a lower pH, which promoted greater FePs dissolution and P release from the sludge. This study provides novel insights into the effects of CGM on P release and VFAs production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]