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2D organic crystals play a unique role in photodetection owing to their tunable detection wavelength, low manufacturing cost, compatibility with lightweight, and controllable synthesis. However, their detection wavelength range mainly encompasses the visible (Vis) and near‐infrared (NIR) spectra. Herein, 2D erucamide crystals are synthesized using nitrogen gas and methanol as raw materials without catalysts at room temperature under atmospheric pressure via laser processing. The synthesized 2D erucamide is demonstrated to be a promising broad bandgap organic semiconductor material. A UV photodetector made of 2D erucamide exhibited a responsivity as high as 145 mA W−1, a millisecond‐level response speed, and an excellent detectivity of 4.96 × 109 Jones. Furthermore, the synthesized erucamide showed an excellent UV–vis suppression ratio (R254 nm/R532 nm) of 59. The synthesis mechanism of erucamide via laser bubbling in liquids is proposed. Thermodynamically, the high temperature of the bubbles is beneficial for nitrogen and methanol decomposition. Kinetically, rapid bubble quenching facilitates final product formation. This accomplishment represented the pioneering utilization of lasers in converting nitrogen gas into organic compounds while introducing 2D erucamide into the realm of organic UV photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chlorogenic acid (CA) is a natural antioxidant with multiple biological activities, but its stability is poor. In this article, CA‐load pea protein nanoparticles (PPCNPs) were constructed by an anti‐solvent method to enhance CA stability and characterised by multiple technologies. The results exhibited that the particle size of PPCNPs ranged from 211.62 to 429.79 nm, and the zeta potential ranged from −41.21 to −35.85 mV. PPCNPs had the highest encapsulation efficiency (61.2%) at the CA/pea protein isolate (PPI) mass ratio of 1:20. The loading capacity increased with the ratio of CA/PPI ranging from 1.3% to 3.8%. SEM showed that the nanoparticle surface was an irregular lamellar structure. FTIR showed that O–H and C–H functional group interactions occurred between CA and PPI. DSC results showed that CA was encapsulated in PPCNPs with an amorphous structure. During in vitro digestion, the ABTS radical scavenging ability and retention ratio of CA in PPCNPs was higher than that of free CA. Moreover, PPCNPs increased the bio‐accessibility of CA in vitro by 7.75%, compared with unencapsulated CA. These results suggested that PPCNPs constructed by the anti‐solvent method can reduce the degradation of CA and improve the biological activity of CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whey protein isolates (WPIs) were treated at 50, 60, 70, and 80°C to obtain thermally modified WPI. Gum arabic (GA) and thermal modification of WPI were used as novel wall materials to improve the quality of Cornus officinalis flavonoid (COF) microcapsules using microwave freeze‐drying technique in this study. Results showed that all the thermal modification treatment decreased emulsifying activity index of WPI, whereas the solubility and emulsifying stability index (ESI) of WPI gradually increased with the increase of heating temperature. Compared to the untreated protein, the thermal modification treatment at 70°C increased the solubility and ESI of WPI by 14.91% ± 0.71% and 26.70% ± 0.94%, respectively. The microcapsules prepared with the modified protein at 60°C had the highest encapsulation efficiency (95.13% ± 2.36%), the lowest moisture content (1.42% ± 0.34%), and the highest solubility (84.41% ± 0.91). Scanning electron microscopy images showed that COF microcapsules were uniformly spherical, and the sizes of the microcapsules were in the following order: 12.42 ± 0.37 µm (80°C) > 11.7 ± 0.23 µm (untreated group) > 9.44 ± 0.33 µm (60°C) > 9.24 ± 0.14 µm (50°C) > 7.69 ± 0.29 µm (70°C). In the simulated in vitro digestion experiments, the release rate of COF microcapsules in the gastric digestion phase was less than that in the intestinal digestion phase, and it reached 66.46% at intestinal digestion phase. These results suggested that heated WPI and GA could be an effective nanocarrier to enhance the stability of COF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Egg yolk powder (EYP) with high immunoglobulin of yolk (IgY) content and good solubility is in great demand in the market of functional foods. In this article, the properties of spray‐dried EYP with the addition of five protectants (maltodextrin, trehalose, mannitol, maltitol and sucrose) were investigated. Results: All the protectants increased IgY activity and solubility of EYP. Among them, EYP with maltodextrin displayed the highest activity of IgY (27.11 mg/g), the highest solubility (66.39%) and the lowest surface hydrophobicity. Moreover, the average particle size of EYP with maltodextrin was the smallest (9.78 μm). The egg yolk particles obtained by adding the protectants are more uniformly distributed and have smaller particle size. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the structural integrity of the proteins, indicating that the protectants addition enhanced the hydrogen bonding forces between the EYP protein molecules. Conclusion: The addition of protectants can significantly improve the IgY content, solubility and structural stability of EYP. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Y3Al5O12 (YAG) is a widely used phosphor host. Its optical properties are controlled by chemical substitution at its YO8 or AlO6/AlO4 sublattices, with emission wavelengths defined by rare‐earth and transition‐metal dopants that have been explored extensively. Nonstoichiometric compositions Y3+xAl5‐xO12 (x ≠ 0) may offer a route to new emission wavelengths by distributing dopants over two or more sublattices simultaneously, producing new local coordination environments for the activator ions. However, YAG typically behaves as a line phase, and such compositions are therefore challenging to synthesize. Here, a series of highly nonstoichiometric Y3+xAl5‐xO12 with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.40 is reported, corresponding to ≤20% of the AlO6 sublattice substituted by Y3+, synthesized by advanced melt‐quenching techniques. This impacts the up‐conversion luminescence of Yb3+/Er3+‐doped systems, whose yellow‐green emission differs from the red‐orange emission of their stoichiometric counterparts. In contrast, the YAG:Ce3+ system has a different structural response to nonstoichiometry and its down‐conversion emission is only weakly affected. Analogous highly nonstoichiometric systems should be obtainable for a range of garnet materials, demonstrated here by the synthesis of Gd3.2Al4.8O12 and Gd3.2Ga4.8O12. This opens pathways to property tuning by control of host stoichiometry, and the prospect of improved performance or new applications for garnet‐type materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia selengensis Turcz (AST) as a common vegetable is rich in di‐caffeoylquinic acids (di‐CQAs) and has been reported to possess multiple health benefits. However, whether di‐CQAs from AST leaf extracts (ASTE) could alleviate gout inflammation is still unknown. Herein, this study explored the inhibitory mechanism of ASTE on gout inflammation in THP‐1 macrophages. Results suggested that ASTE suppressed the secretion and mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin‐18, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α. Pretreatment with ASTE inhibited lipopolysaccharide‐induced of IκBα degradation, p65 phosphorylation and up‐regulation of Nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome proteins. Moreover, ASTE inhibited monosodium urate‐induced the up‐regulation of active caspase‐1 and interleukin‐1β, promoted nuclear factor E2‐related factor2 (Nrf2) to translocate into the nucleus, reducing the generation of MSU‐induced reactive oxygen species. These results suggested that ASTE alleviated gout inflammation via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and activating Nrf2 signaling pathway. Practical applications: Artemisia selengensis Turcz (AST) as a common vegetable in China belongs to genus Artemisia, which are rich in di‐caffeoylquinic acids. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ASTE on alleviating gout inflammation and whether NLRP3 inflammasome and Nrf2 signaling pathways are involved in the protection of ASTE against gout inflammation. Our findings are significant for developing di‐CQAs from AST by‐products as an effective functional food for preventing gout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquaculture environment, especially the culture ponds and aquaculture products, is considered to be an important reservoir of colistin resistance genes. However, systematic investigations of colistin resistance in Penaeus vannamei farming in different culture modes are scarce. In this study, a total of 93 non‐duplicated samples were collected from P. vannamei farms in five cities in China from 2019 to 2021. The prevalence, antibiotic resistance and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of colistin‐resistant bacteria were measured and analysed. The results showed that among the 1601 isolates in P. vannamei and its environmental samples, the pollution of colistin‐resistant bacteria was serious (the overall prevalence was 37.3% and 28.8%, respectively), regardless of the earthen pond or high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) film‐lined pond. Among 533 isolates, the prevalence of mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes, mcr‐1, was the highest (60%, 320/533), followed by mcr‐4 (1.5%, 8/533), mcr‐8 (0.9%, 5/533), mcr‐10 (0.6%, 3/533) and mcr‐7 (0.4%, 2/533). The prevalence of mcr‐1 in earthen ponds was significantly higher than that in HDPE film‐lined ponds (67.5% vs. 49.1%, p <.001). The dominant strain carrying mcr‐1 was Bacillus spp. (54.1%, 173/320), followed by Enterobacter spp. (8.1%, 26/320), Staphylococcus spp. (6.3%, 20/320) and Aeromonas spp. (5.3%, 17/320). The antibiotic resistance profiles of 173 Bacillus spp. varied among different sampling locations and culture types. These isolates were highly resistant to cefepime, ceftriaxone, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole and ceftiofur (>45%), and multidrug‐resistant isolates were common (62.4%, 108/173). Sequence type (ST) 26 (37/66, 56%) was found to be the most prevalent ST in mcr‐1‐positive Bacillus cereus isolated from the aquaculture environment. In summary, our study pointed out that it is necessary to continuously monitor antibiotic usage and its residues regardless of the pond types, especially with regard to critical drugs such as colistin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tracking control of a wastewater treatment process (WWTP) is considered. The process is highly nonlinear, with strong coupling, difficult to model mathematically, and the operation is subject to unknown disturbances. We address this multivariable tracking control problem by applying the direct heuristic dynamic programming (dHDP)-based reinforcement learning control. The control goal is to track a desired reference of the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of the 5th aerobic zone ($S_{O5}$) and nitrate concentration of the 2nd anoxic zone ($S_{NO2}$) by manipulating the oxygen transfer coefficient of the 5th aerobic zone ($K_{L}a_{5}$) and internal recycle flow rate ($Q_{a}$). The dHDP aims at achieving a minimal accumulated WWTP tracking error while dealing with strong coupling between the $S_{O5}$ and $S_{NO2}$ and eliminating unknown disturbances in the process. The proposed dHDP approach devises an optimal control strategy entirely driven by WWTP process data as an online learning control method. We have conducted extensive and systematic simulations based on the well-known BSM1 platform of the WWTP controlled by dHDP to compare and contrast performances with other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary examines the laws and policies on reproduction adopted in New China since 1949 and reflects on how they have regulated womanhood and whether they have promoted gender equality. By doing so, it also demonstrates how the regulation of reproduction constructs the notion of an ideal womanhood in order to justify the state's enforcement of the population policy and its exercise of control over women's fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two coordination polymers {[M(BTBPA(H 2 O)2]·0·5H 2 O}n were obtained solvothermally. • The structures of 1–2 are both as 4,4-linked two-dimensional layers. • Zn–1 exhibits recognition abilities to antibiotics (PCL, NFT and NFZ) with high sensitivity. • The static magnetic performance of Mn–2 was investigated. Two coordination polymers {[Zn(BTBPA)(H 2 O) 2 ]·0·5H 2 O} n (Zn-1), and {[Mn(BTBPA)(H 2 O) 2 ]·0·5H 2 O} n (Mn-2) were synthesized solvothermally by the combination of organic linker 4,4′-bistriazole 3,3′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid (H 2 BTBPA) and Zn(NO 3) 2 ·6H 2 O or MnCl 2 ·4H 2 O. Both of the polymers 1–2 are as 4,4-linked two-dimensional layered structures, which constitute into three dimensional supramolecular frameworks with porous channels via O − H ⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds. Zn-1 exhibits recognition abilities to antibiotics (PCL, NFT and NFZ) with high sensitivity via luminescence "turn-off" mechanism. In addition, the static magnetic performance of Mn-2 was investigated. Two coordination polymers {[Zn(BTBPA)(H 2 O) 2 ]·0·5H 2 O} n (Zn-1), and {[Mn(BTBPA)(H 2 O) 2 ]·0·5H 2 O} n (Mn-2) have been successfully obtained based on a multi-dentate organic ligand 4,4′-bistriazole 3,3′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid. Both of the two complexes exhibit as 4,4-linked two-dimensional layered structures, which constitute into three dimensional supramolecular frameworks via O − H ⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds. Zn-1 exhibits recognition abilities to antibiotics (PCL, NFT and NFZ) with high sensitivity. In addition, the static magnetic performance of Mn-2 was investigated. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salicylhydroxamic acid (SHA) and octyl hydroxamic acid (OHA) are two commonly used hydroxamic acid-based collectors in fine cassiterite flotation. While some reports suggest that a mixture of OHA and SHA yields superior results compared to their individual use, there is a lack of experimental exploration and theoretical analysis. In this study, the flotation performance and the associated adsorption mechanism of SHA, OHA and their mixture on fine cassiterite particles was systematically investigated. The results demonstrate a synergistic effect between SHA and OHA in enhancing fine cassiterite flotation, with the most significant enhancement occurring at a 1:1 mass ratio under the natural pH conditions. This finding is corroborated by contact angle and zeta potential tests. When both SHA and OHA are present, SHA likely attaches to the cassiterite surface via chemisorption in the form of a five-membered chelate ring, while OHA adheres through physical adsorption, primarily establishing hydrogen bonds with oxygen sites on the cassiterite surface or with SHA molecules. The adsorption ratio of SHA to OHA onto cassiterite surfaces is approximately 69%: 31% when an equal mass of SHA and OHA interact with cassiterite under the natural pH condition. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heterostructured Co-based electrocatalyst is successfully synthesized using bifunctional ligand Co metal–organic frameworks as precursors. The bifunctional ligands provide enough N and O atoms that can simultaneously convert Co ions into CoN x moieties, Co nanoparticles and Co oxides via one-step pyrolysis. The obtained electrocatalysts with heterostructured CoO x /Co nanoparticles encapsulated by porous conductive carbon rich in CoN x active sites deliver remarkable oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction activities. With the synergistic effects among these multifunctional components, a rechargeable zinc–air battery built with this electrocatalyst exhibits a high-power density and long-lasting rechargeability. [Display omitted] Rational construction of efficient and robust bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts is key but challenging for the widespread application of rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs). Herein, bifunctional ligand Co metal–organic frameworks were first explored to fabricate a hybrid of heterostructured CoO x /Co nanoparticles anchored on a carbon substrate rich in CoN x sites (CoO x /Co@Co N C) via a one-step pyrolysis method. Such a unique heterostructure provides abundant CoN x and CoO x /Co active sites to drive oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively. Besides, their positive synergies facilitate electron transfer and optimize charge/mass transportation. Consequently, the obtained CoO x /Co@Co N C exhibits a superior ORR activity with a higher half-wave potential of 0.88 V than Pt/C (0.83 V vs. RHE), and a comparable OER performance with an overpotential of 346 mV at 10 mA cm−2 to the commercial RuO 2. The assembled ZAB using CoO x /Co@Co N C as a cathode catalyst displays a maximum power density of 168.4 mW cm−2, and excellent charge–discharge cyclability over 250 h at 5 mA cm−2. This work highlights the great potential of heterostructures in oxygen electrocatalysis and provides a new pathway for designing efficient bifunctional oxygen catalysts toward rechargeable ZABs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the spatial coupling relationship and interaction mechanism between green urbanization (GU) and tourism competitiveness (TC) is of great significance for promoting urban sustainable development. However, the lack of research on the interaction mechanism between GU and TC limits the formulation of effective environmental management policy and urban planning. Taking 734 counties in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) as the study area, this paper analyzes the spatial coupling relationship between GU and TC on the basis of comprehensive evaluation of GU and TC. Then, the interactive mechanism between GU and TC is systematically discussed, and the synergistic development strategy of the two is proposed. The results show that the GU level presents a multicore circle structure, with provincial capitals, prefecture-level urban districts and economically developed counties in east-central regions as high-value centers. The TC at county scale presents a multi-center spatial structure. Additionally, there is a significant positive spatial coupling between GU and TC in the YRB. The analysis further reveals that green urbanization level, social progress, population development, infrastructure construction, economic development quality, and eco-environmental protection has a observably influence on TC. Tourism competitiveness, service competitiveness, location competitiveness, resource competitiveness, market competitiveness, environmental influence, and talent competitiveness has a observably influence on GU. TC can promote GU, and the improvement of green urbanization level can support the development of tourism competitiveness. According to the spatial zoning method, 734 counties are divided into 6 categories, and the coordinated development strategy of GU and TC for each type of district is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a secondary electron emission layer, an Al 2 O 3 /MgO double-layer structure is fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology. The thickness range from 1 nm to 4 nm of the top Al 2 O 3 layer deposited on 20 nm MgO creates a double-layer. The morphology of the cross section, element distribution, surface roughness, X-ray diffraction, and secondary electron yield (SEY) values were measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and secondary electron emission (SEE) measurement systems. The SEE characteristics of the MgO single layer, Al 2 O 3 single layer and MgO/Al 2 O 3 double-layer were measured. The maximum SEY of a single MgO layer reached 6.2@600 eV, and the maximum SEY of a single Al 2 O 3 layer reached 3.92@400 eV. The SEY of the Al 2 O 3 /MgO double-layer decreased when the Al 2 O 3 thickness ranged from 1 nm to 4 nm, and the SEY reduction value of the double-layer decreased as the Al 2 O 3 thickness increased. Finally, Dionne's semiempirical SEE model was employed to explain the SEE yield of the prepared composite film structures. These results are useful for depositing a secondary electron emission layer in the channel of microchannel plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of rare-earth Ce3+-doped Zn(S x ,O 1- x) phosphors were synthesized and characterized. The phosphors exhibited the hexagonal phase ZnO and the hexagonal phase ZnS. The short fluorescence lifetime can be tuned within the range of 6 μs −200 μs and the emission wavelength can be tuned within from 448 nm to 495 nm. Zn(S x ,O 1- x):0.05Ce3+ phosphors have a potential to be utilized in the field of high-energy physics and astrophysical exploration. [Display omitted] • Zn(S x ,O 1- x):0.05Ce3+ phosphors are spherical with an average particle size of 2.24 μm. • The phosphors exhibited two mixed phases consisting of hexagonal phase ZnO and hexagonal phase ZnS. • The short fluorescence lifetime can be tuned within the range of 6 μs − 200 μs as the component content of the ZnS increases. • The emission wavelength can be tuned within from 448 nm to 495 nm as the component content of the ZnS decreases. Fluorescence lifetime of phosphors is a critical index in the field of high energy physics and astrophysical detection. A series of ZnS x O 1- x :0.05Ce3+ phosphors with tunable short fluorescence lifetime were prepared by performing high temperature solid state reaction method. The phosphors exhibited two mixed phases consisting of the hexagonal phase ZnO and the hexagonal phase ZnS. They are spherical and the average particle size is 2.24 μm. As the component content of the ZnS in ZnS x O 1- x :0.05Ce3+ phosphors varies, the emission wavelength can be tuned from 448 nm to 495 nm, the short fluorescence lifetime can be tuned within the range of 6 μs–200 μs. By performing exponential fitting, we obtained the equation for the variation of fluorescence lifetime of ZnS x O 1- x :0.05Ce3+ phosphors with ZnS fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3D Th ing -g-C 3 N 4 had extended π-conjugated system and accelerated electron transfer. • 3D Th ing -g-C 3 N 4 exhibited excellent cathodic ECL performance under lower potential. • The constructed ECL system used dissolved O 2 as the coreactant. • Multiple HCR based cascade amplification strategy was constructed to detecte miRNA. The low electrochemiluminescence (ECL) efficiency and poor ECL stability of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) under high excitation potential due to obvious electrode passivation seriously restrict its further wider application. Here, construction of intramolecular donor–acceptor (D-A) structure had proposed to well resolve above problems, which had been rarely reported. As a research model, thiophene ring (electron donor, D) with strong electron donating property was doped into the heptazine (electron acceptor, A) of 3D g-C 3 N 4. An intramolecular D-A structure of 3D Th ing -g-C 3 N 4 was obtained, which had extended π-conjugated system and high-speed intramolecular electron transfer. As a result, 3D Th ing -g-C 3 N 4 with intramolecular D-A structure exhibiting excellent cathodic ECL performance with endogenous dissolved O 2 as coreactant under lower potential. Based on the above ECL system, an ultrasensitive biosensor was assembled for microRNA-221 detection with multiple HCR based cascade amplification strategy. The target-like DNA obtained through the initial HCR process induced by target could trigger multiple HCR processes again to realize the effective amplification of the target. The constructed biosensor had excellent detection performance for microRNA-221 and the detection limit was calculated as 5.25 aM. In conclusion, construction of intramolecular D-A structure was a novel and effective way to improve the ECL performance of g-C 3 N 4 , and the newly proposed multiple HCR based cascade amplification strategy paved provided new opportunities for the detection of cancer marker in early cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods have been considered to be reservoirs of antibiotic resistance bacteria, which constitute direct threat to human health, but the potential microbiological risks of RTE foods remain largely unexplored. In this study, the metagenomic approach was employed to characterize the comprehensive profiles of bacterial community and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) in 18 RTE food samples (8 RTE meat, 7 RTE vegetables and 3 RTE fruit) in southern China. In total, the most abundant phyla in RTE foods were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. 204 ARG subtypes belonging to 18 ARG types were detected with an abundance range between 2.81 × 10−5 and 7.7 × 10−1 copy of ARG per copy of 16S rRNA gene. Multidrug-resistant genes were the most predominant ARG type in the RTE foods. Chloramphenicol, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin, multidrug resistance, aminoglycoside, bacitracin, tetracycline and β-lactam resistance genes were dominant, which were also associated with antibiotics used extensively in human medicine or veterinary medicine/promoters. Variation partitioning analysis indicated that the join effect of bacterial community and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) played an important role in the resistome alteration. This study further deepens the comprehensive understanding of antibiotic resistome and the correlations among the antibiotic resistome, microbiota, and MGEs in the RTE foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We reviewed the epigenetic mechanism in OA by focusing on histone methyltransferases and histone demethylases. • The epigenetic mechanisms of TGF-β1 signaling pathway in OA was also reviewed. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal and joint disorder. However, no disease-modifying therapy for OA is currently available, and the etiology of OA is poorly understood. Epigenetics has emerged as a new and important area of research on OA. Differing from genetics, Epigenetic factors are known to be tissue-specific and highly dynamic, being dependent on environmental stimuli and developmental stages. Therefore, human studies into OA epigenetics are sensitive to confounding and reverse causation. Here, we will review the epigenetic mechanism in OA onset and progression by focusing on the opposing action of two families of enzymes: histone methyltransferases and histone demethylases, such as DOT1L, KDM4B, KDM6A, KDM6B, EZH2, and LSD1. Moreover, the TGF-β1 signaling pathway has proven to be one of the key factors in cartilage and bone formation, and in recent research, was found to initiate and develop OA disease by TGF-β1 overexpression. Besides the introduction of enzymes and TGF-β1 signaling, some special epigenetic regulation mechanisms associated with key transcription factors (e.g. RUNX2, NFAT1, and SOX9) in OA disease are also reviewed here in detail to clarify the OA epigenetic mechanism. The overall understanding of these epigenetic mechanisms underlying the issues will accelerate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is challenging to regulate for its complex chemical and biological characteristics, and its precise mathematical model is usually not accessible due to the limitation of available measurement. Traditional methods highly rely on human intervention and cannot adapt to the varying environment. Meanwhile, adaptive neural network based control strategies are encountered with dilemmas of local minima, slow convergence, huge time consumption, and low efficiency. To overcome such challenges, in this paper, a novel Online Sequential Extreme Learning Machine (OS-ELM) based adaptive control is discussed. In contrast, no a prior human experience or off-line training phase is required. It also has fast training speed thanks to randomly generated parameters of the hidden layer and Moore–Penrose pseudo-inverse. Moreover, the performance of the system is guaranteed even in the presence of time-varying dynamics and uncertainties through a learning mechanism in an online manner. The stability of the closed-loop system is shown strictly and extensive comparison case studies substantiate the feasibility of the scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to safe abortion is essential to satisfy women's need for healthcare and control over their life choices. Modern regulation of abortion appears to be female friendly because it abandons the old oppressive appearance and wears a liberal face. By examining the images of "glorious mothers" and "rational women" constructed by the Chinese and English regulatory models of abortion through a feminist lens, this Article aims to offer a more critical response to the two jurisdictions. Furthermore, by comparing the two models of abortion law, the Article provides feminists and reformers with a chance to learn about each other's experiences and different regulatory strategies. As a result, they will be able to view the merits and shortcomings of their national abortion law from a fresh angle. Finally, this comparative study offers a basis for feasible law reform proposals that would empower women in decision making concerning abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • MRP2 was stably expressed in MDCK/MRP2 cells. • 8 of 35 flavonoids were identified as substrates of MRP2 in MDCK/MRP2 cells. • SAR and docking were done for structure requirements of flavonoid substrates. • 3,5,6,3′-OH, 4′-OCH 3 favoured but 8,3′-OCH 3 , 2′,4′,5′-OH disfavoured for MRP2 affinity. Abstract This study was aimed to determine the relationship of flavonoid structures to their affinity for an important efflux transporter, multidrug-resistant associated protein 2 (MRP2). The cellular uptake (CU) of 35 flavonoids was investigated in MRP2 overexpression MDCK/MRP2 cells. Resulting data identified 8 flavonoids as MRP2 substrates based on their high CU MK with MK-571 in MDCK/MRP2 cells. Also, three substrates showed better CU MD in MDCK cells than did CU MRP in MDCK/MRP2 cells. Docking analyses showed a good correlation (R = 0.926, p = 0.003) between efflux-fold of flavonoid substrates and their docking S_scoring with the MRP2 model, indicating consistency between in silico and in vitro approaches. A structure affinity relationship (SAR) study indicated that 3-OH, 5-OH, 6-OH, 3′-OH, and 4′-OCH 3 substituents were favourable while, 8-OCH 3 , 2′-OH, 3′-OCH 3 , 4′-OH and 5′-OH were unfavourable for flavonoid affinity to MRP2. Our study provides valuable information for dietary application of flavonoids with specific structures for high absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycetota, associated with macroalgae, remains one of the least explored marine niches. The secondary metabolism of Actinomycetota, the primary microbial source of compounds relevant to biotechnology, continues to drive research into the distribution, dynamics, and metabolome of these microorganisms. In this study, we employed a combination of traditional cultivation and metagenomic analysis to investigate the diversity of Actinomycetota in two native macroalgae species from the Portuguese coast. We obtained and taxonomically identified a collection of 380 strains, which were distributed across 12 orders, 15 families, and 25 genera affiliated with the Actinomycetia class, with Streptomyces making up approximately 60% of the composition. Metagenomic results revealed the presence of Actinomycetota in both Chondrus crispus and Codium tomentosum datasets, with relative abundances of 11% and 2%, respectively. This approach identified 12 orders, 16 families, and 17 genera affiliated with Actinomycetota, with minimal overlap with the cultivation results. Acidimicrobiales emerged as the dominant actinobacterial order in both macroalgae, although no strain affiliated with this taxonomic group was successfully isolated. Our findings suggest that macroalgae represent a hotspot for Actinomycetota. The synergistic use of both culture‐dependent and independent approaches proved beneficial, enabling the identification and recovery of not only abundant but also rare taxonomic members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of aggregation-induced electrochemiluminescence (AIECL) in tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivatives were significantly enhanced by combining the regulation of molecular structure and solvent. Firstly, the linear increase of the benzene ring resulted in enhanced molecular aggregation and promoted the electrochemical reaction of the anode, due to increased molecular conjugation and higher lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). The ECL efficiency of 4,4,4,4-(Ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayl) tetrakis (([1,1,4,1-terphenyl]-4-carbaldehyde)) (T3) nanoparticles (NPs) with more benzene rings were 5558 times that of 4,4,4,4-(ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayl) tetrabenzaldehyde (T1) NPs, and its relative ECL efficiency of T3 NPs reached 55.58% compared to the [Ru (bpy) 3 ]2+/tripropylamine (TPrA) system. Furthermore, solvents with different polarities played a crucial role in modulating the degree of molecular aggregation, which also effectively facilitated the AIE process and reduced the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect caused by excessively dense aggregation. This aspect had often been overlooked in previous AIECL studies. T3 NPs demonstrated optimal ECL performance at f w = 70% (f w was the H 2 O content in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/H 2 O), and its ECL efficiency was 232 times greater than f w = 100% and 1853 times greater than f w = 0%. Additionally, it was found that melatonin (MT), one of the hormones widely used to treat insomnia, exhibited antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, which exerted a significant quenching effect on the ECL of the T3 NPs/TPrA system. Consequently, a sensitive sensing platform was developed for MT with a low detection limit of 8.78 × 10−10 mol L−1, which promoted the application of AIECL in efficient ultra-sensitive biosensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• [-TPE-(COOH) 4 -Al-] n with lamellar nanostructure was synthesized through strong chelate effect and π-π stacking. • The obtained [-TPE-(COOH) 4 -Al-] n LNs exhibited excellent AIECL performance. • Combining [-TPE-(COOH) 4 -Al-] n LNs and CSDA strategy with high efficiency, an ultrasensitive ECL biosensor was constructed for miRNA-141 detection. In this work, [-TPE-(COOH) 4 -Al-] n LNs with lamellar nanostructures (LNs) were conveniently synthesized through the high affinity coordination between Al3+ and carboxyl groups of 1,1,2,2-tetra(4-carboxylphenyl)ethylene (TPE-(COOH) 4). As there was a strong chelate effect and π-π stacking, the [-TPE-(COOH) 4 -Al-] n LNs could extend not only on a flat surface, but also in a spatial stack. The obtained [-TPE-(COOH) 4 -Al-] n LNs exhibited excellent aggregation-induced electrochemiluminescence (AIECL) which was much stronger than that of the TPE-(COOH) 4 monomer. Furthermore, through stacking and adjustment of Al3+, they also possessed higher electrochemiluminescence (ECL) efficiency compared to the crystal structure based on TPE-(COOH) 4 , which has a denser aggregation structure that causes aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) phenomenon. Meanwhile, the [-TPE-(COOH) 4 -Al-] n LNs with Al3+ as the coordination center were superior to the coordination aggregation structures with heavy metal or rare metal ions as the coordination centers in terms of cost and biocompatibility. Using [-TPE-(COOH) 4 -Al-] n LNs as a luminescent material, an ultrasensitive ECL biosensor was fabricated for miRNA-141 detection combined with the cascaded strand displacement amplification (CSDA) strategy. Compared to traditional strand displacement amplification (SDA) reaction, the output DNA usually obtained in the first cycle could further return to attend multiple cycle amplification, resulting in the generation of more output DNA and an obvious signal amplification. The constructed biosensor showed excellent detection performance with a linear range from 1 × 10-18 M to 1 × 10-9 M and a detection limit of 1.2 × 10-19 M. This study provided a more convenient and effective AIECL strategy for tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivatives and broadened the application of ECL technology in ultra-sensitive biochemical detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoflavones are one group of the major flavonoids and possess multiple biological activities due to their antioxidant properties. However, a clear antioxidant mechanism of dietary isoflavones is still remained to be answered. In this study, the effects of isoflavones on the nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)–antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. Results showed that isoflavones are potential Nrf2–ARE activators while their activities were structure dependent. Biochanin A (BCA), an O‐methylated isoflavone with low direct antioxidant activity, can effectively protect HepG2 cells against tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BHP)‐induced oxidative damage via activation of the Nrf2 signaling, and thereby the induction of downstream cytoprotective enzymes including NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase‐1, heme oxygenasae‐1, and glutamate‐cysteine ligase catalytic subunit. A molecular docking study revealed that BCA could directly bind into the pocket of Kelch‐like erythroid cell‐derived protein with CNC homology (ECH)‐associated protein 1 (Keap1), a cytoplasmic suppressor of Nrf2, to facilitate Nrf2 activation. The upstream mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were also involved in the activation of Nrf2 signaling. These findings indicate that the protective actions of dietary isoflavones against oxidative damage may be at least partly due to their ability to enhance the intracellular antioxidant response system by modulating the Nrf2−ARE signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the structure of the Chinese railway network (CRN) is crucial for maintaining its efficiency and planning its future development. To advance our knowledge of CRN, we modeled CRN as a complex weighted network and explored the structural characteristics of the network via statistical evaluations and spatial analysis. Our results show CRN as a small-world network whose train flow obeys power-law decaying, demonstrating that CRN is a mature transportation infrastructure with a scale-free structure. CRN also shows significant spatial heterogeneity and hierarchy in its regionally uneven train flow distribution. We then examined the nodal centralities of CRN using four topological measures: degree, strength, betweenness, and closeness. Nodal degree is positively correlated with strength, betweenness, and closeness. Unlike the common feature of a scale-free network, the most connected nodes in CRN are not necessarily the most central due to underlying geographical, political, and socioeconomic factors. We proposed an integrated measure based on the four centrality measures to identify the global role of each node and the multilayer structure of CRN and confirm that stable connections hold between different layers of CRN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Designing cationic nano-antimicrobial is a promising solution for combating drug resistant microbes. In this work, hydrophilic cationic copolymer was applied for the surface functionalization of nanodiamonds (NDs) aiming at developing a highly membrane-active nano-antibacterial agent with satisfactory selectivity. As a result, after functionalization, the increased repulsive forces within NDs and interaction with solvent molecular network made the heavily aggregated pristine NDs break down into tiny nanoparticles with particle size ranging from 10 to 100 nm. The improved hydrophilicity and enlarged surface area endowed QND-H 5 and QND-H 10 a powerful bactericidal capability toward both of Gram-negative Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). In the further bactericidal assessment, it was also demonstrated that the formation of hydrogen bonding between the 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) side chains and lipid head groups of bacterial membrane also contributed to the enhanced bactericidal ability. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed that as-prepared nano-hybrid acted bactericidal ability via physical nature of outer membrane and cytoplasmic membrane-separating destruction mechanism toward E. coli , which may derive from the hydrogen bonding ability, making them more effective toward bacterial. More importantly, it was found that with just 10% of HEMA, QND-H 10 displayed good selectivity toward bacteria over mammalian cells as shown by the high HC 50 values with relatively low MIC values, suggesting the great potential application in medical fields. These results indicate that hydrogen bonding is an important element to achieve the desired high antibacterial activity and selectivity, particularly when cationic nano-antibacterial agents are required for medical application. Graphical abstract The functionalized NDs displayed excellent antibacterial property and selectivity and destroyed the bacterial cell membrane through membrane-separating destruction. Unlabelled Image Highlights • HEMA-containing cationic copolymer functionalized NDs were prepared. • The stability, antibacterial ability and biocompatibility of functionalized NDs were greatly enhanced by hydrophilic HEMA. • The as-prepared NDs displayed a membrane-separating destruction toward E. coli. • Hydrogen bonding is an important element to achieve the desired high antibacterial activity and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat adulteration has become one of the most concerning issues in the global food industry, affecting economic investment, public health and so on. In this study, a real-time fluorescent loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-microfluidic assay was developed to simultaneously detect pork, beef, sheep and duck in foodstuffs using species-specific primers targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and cytochrome c oxidase subunit gene. Various primers were precoated in different reaction chambers of the real-time fluorescent LAMP-microfluidic chip, and the entire amplification was completed within 30 min. The real-time fluorescent LAMP-microfluidic assay exhibited good specificity and high sensitivity, with the limit of detection reaching 0.1% (w/w) in simulated adulterated samples, satisfying authentication requirements. The accuracy of this novel method was validated using 33 commercial samples and was comparable with that of the typical real-time qPCR assay. In summary, the real-time fluorescent LAMP-microfluidic assay can simultaneously detect pork, beef, sheep and duck in commercial products to verify the label certification of meat and prevent food adulteration. • A digital microfluidic chip based real-time fluorescent multiplex LAMP assay to identify meat. • The real-time fluorescent LAMP-microfluidic assay shows the limit of detection reaching 0.1% (w/w). • No cross-reactivity was detected in 14 different species using this assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP)-based automatic tools have played a significant role in providing security evaluations of symmetric-key primitives. Differential and linear cryptanalysis are the two most important cryptographic techniques. Although some methods have conducted a great effort in exploiting MILP-aided tools in searching for differential (linear) characteristics, traditional methods still suffer from primitives with strong diffusion layers and large sizes, such as NOEKEON. Typically, searching for differential (linear) characteristics of such primitives is difficult, and the corresponding MILP models are too heavy to be solved efficiently. To this end, we propose a simple yet efficient approach to employ MILP to evaluate the security against differential and linear cryptanalysis of such primitives. The core of our approach is to reduce the complex problem to a set of simpler subproblems and obtain the optimal solution of the complex problem by combining all the subproblems. A subproblem is equivalent to searching for all differential (linear) characteristics with a fixed number of active S-boxes in each round. Furthermore, we design an elaborate algorithm consisting of three MILP-aided methods to solve various subproblems and adopt some techniques to improve efficiency further. Applying our new algorithm to three SPN primitives Serpent, NOEKEON and ASCON, we obtain the tightest security bounds against differential and linear cryptanalysis for all three primitives so far and find improved differential and linear characteristics for Serpent and NOEKEON. For Serpent, we improve the upper bound of the maximum probability of 7-round differential characteristics from |$2^{-71}$| to |$2^{-76}$| and find for the first time 7-round differential characteristics. For NOEKEON, our results show that there is no 9-round (10-round) differential (linear) characteristic with a probability (correlation) higher than |$2^{-128}$| (⁠|$2^{-64}$|⁠), whereas it needs 10 rounds (11 rounds) according to the previous results. In addition, we find an 8-round (9-round) differential (linear) characteristic with a probability (correlation) of |$2^{-127}$| (⁠|$2^{-60}$|⁠). For ASCON permutation, we provide for the first time an upper bound of the maximum probability (correlation) of 5-round differential (linear) characteristics as |$2^{-70}$| (⁠|$2^{-33}$|⁠). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the cutting-edge nano-fillers for designing dental restorative materials with excellent mechanical property and antibacterial performance is demanding and provoking work. In this study, we fabricated silver-loaded polycation functionalized nanodiamonds (Ag/QNDs) that harbored dual biocidal modes for use as reinforced filler in dental resin. As a result, by reason of homogeneous dispersion and strong bonding with resin matrix, Ag/QNDs-reinforced resin exhibited great improvement of Vickers hardness, flexural strength and modulus as compared with pure resins. Due to the combined bactericidal effect of Ag + and cationic polymers, Ag/QNDs-containing composites had an excellent antibacterial activity even at a concentration of 1.0 wt% but without significant cytotoxicity. Therefore, development of the Ag/QNDs hybrid is expected to aid in significant improvement of lifetime and quality of dental restorative resin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proverb 'women hold up half the sky' was created by the Maoist government 64 years ago in order to show that women in 'New China' have equal power and rights to their male peers. I selected three photographs for my FLaK zine and called them 'unwanted girls', 'battered wives' and 'inglorious women'. To examine the relevance of the proverb in Modern China, I will discuss three women-related problems behind these photographs and analyse their cultural and legal causes. By doing so, I aim to achieve two purposes-first, to help the reader have a better understanding of the problems of women in the region where one-fifth of the global population lives, and second, to argue that seemingly gender neutral law and policy can produce new and greater restrictions on women's freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Associations between Transforming Growth Factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1) with pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) have already been established. Therefore, TGF-β1, PDGF-BB and CTX-1 could be used as the potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of this disease. Methods 160 knee OA cases and 80 healthy controls were chosen. Serum concentrations of TGF-β1, PDGF–BB and CTX-1 were tested twice on the same samples using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Knee OA cases were classified using Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) criteria into four groups. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index scores were evaluated for all cases. Results TGF-β1 serum levels in knee OA cases were significantly higher compared to controls ( t = 11.37, p < 0.01). Average serum level of TGF-β1 was positively associated with K-L grades. The diagnostic efficiency of serum TGF-β1 was proved to be moderate and the cut-point value was 12.11 ng/ml showing favorable diagnostic indexes. In contrast, similarities were found not only in serum levels of PDGF-BB and CTX-1 between OA groups and controls but also in WOMAC scores. Conclusion Our findings supported that TGF-β1 has a positive correlation with the severity of knee OA confirmed by radiographs. Therefore, TGF-β1 might serve as a potential biomarker in established knee OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile, economical and green synthetic route was developed to fabricate magnetic nanocomposite arming with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for antibacterial application. In this synthesis, two natural compounds, positively charged lysozyme (Lys) and negatively charged tannic acid (TA), were alternately deposited on Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (IONPs) surface by layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique. And then AgNPs were embedded by an in situ reduction of Ag + so as to achieve complementary antibacterial functions to act against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In which, the deposition of AgNPs can be facilely achieved without any external reducing agent. The systematic antibacterial assays showed that synthesized nanocomposites had high antibacterial efficiency against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus . Investigation of antimicrobial mechanism suggested that these nanocomposites could lead to the disorganization of bacterial cytomembrane and leakage of cytoplasmic contents. Moreover, the permeable alteration of cytoplasmic membrane may facilitate the Ag + released from nanocomposite entering into cells, and further cause the bacterial death. Due to the excellent magnetic responsive performance of IONPs, the nanocomposites can be easy recovery by external magnetic field from application environment after disinfection. By taking advantages of such properties, the developed nanocomposite could be an ideal candidate with promising antibacterial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new inorganic-organic open framework based on Wells-Dawson arsenomolybdate, {Ag(diz) 2 } 3 [{Ag(diz) 2 } 3 (As 2 Mo 18 O 62 )]∙H 2 O ( 1 ) (diz = 1,2-diazole) has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, UV, XRD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In compound 1 , each {As 2 Mo 18 } cluster uses six terminal oxygen atoms on 'equator' position to attract peripheral six {Ag(diz) 2 } linkers, which are further connected by six Dawson clusters located on two different planes via unique equator-to-equator interlaced ways to form a unprecedented 3D network with {8 12 ∙ 12 3 }{8} 3 topology. Compound 1 represents the highest covalent connectivity of 3-D Dawson arsenomolybdate, which exhibits merit photocatalytic properties for degradation of refractory dyes Azon Phloxine (AP) under UV light. In addition, compound 1 has a potent inhibition effect on proliferation of Human gastric adenocarcinoma cells (SGC-7901). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a cationic polymer, N-alkylated poly (4-vinylpyridine) was applied for the surface functionalization of nanodiamond (ND). The facile route not only settled the problems of agglomeration and poor dispersion stability of ND but also rendered the nanomaterial antibacterial property. Chemical modification of the particles was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and HNMR, and the cationic polymer contents were determined by TGA studies. The particle diameters and dispersity of functionalized NDs were investigated by TEM and DLS measurements. It was found that extremely tight core aggregates (100-200 nm) were broken into tiny nanoparticles (20-30 nm) through functionalization with NPVP-propyl or NPVP-hexyl, which gave stable and homogeneous functionalized ND particles in colloidal solution. The antibacterial tests against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli ( E. coli) showed that the cationic polymer-modified ND exerted certain antibacterial activity. The FE-SEM images indicated that NPVP-hexyl-ND particles were attached to the cell wall surface of E. coli, which subsequently led to the formation of nanoscale holes on cell membrane and eventually the serious destruction of cell wall. We suspected that the interaction of NPVP-hexyl-ND with bacteria may come from the electrostatic interactions, the intermolecular and surface forces between functionalized nanoparticles and cell membranes, which may damage the outer membranes of bacteria and result in cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) phenomenon of three-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (3D g-C 3 N 4) was reported. Firstly, the proposed 3D g-C 3 N 4 possessed 3D porous interconnected open-framework which enabled faster charge transport and efficient penetration of co-reactants due to "pore confinement effect". Then, we found that the dissolved O 2 could serve as an excellent co-reactant for cathodic ECL of 3D g-C 3 N 4. And the high specific surface area was beneficial to better adsorbing and gathering of dissolved O 2 and reactive oxygen species (ROSs), which made them full contact on the surface or inside of 3D g-C 3 N 4 , giving a more sufficient ECL reaction and higher ECL signal. Based on the proposed 3D g-C 3 N 4 -O 2 ECL system, a sensitive biosensor was constructed for microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) detection with assistance of 3D spherical tracks assisted 3D DNA walking machine, which exhibited superior performance for miRNA-21 with detection limit of 0.22 fM. The proposed 3D g-C 3 N 4 -O 2 ECL system with high ECL efficiency and the effective target conversion and amplification strategies were beneficial to construct ultra-sensitive ECL sensing platform, which would be better applied to clinical bioanalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, abortion can be lawfully performed in China at any gestational stage for a wide range of social and medical reasons. I critically explore the Chinese regulatory model of abortion in order to examine its practical effects on women. Although I focus on the post-Maoist abortion law, I also analyse the imperial Confucianism-dominated regulation and the Maoist ban on abortion in order to scrutinise the emergence of the notion of 'glorious motherhood'. By examining how 'glorious motherhood' is constructed and reinforced in the Chinese family planning context, I argue that the post-Maoist government intentionally made abortion 'law in the books' unrestrictive in order to impose its control over female fertility. As a result of this, women are persuaded and even forced to lead a 'glorious' maternal life, which means sacrificing themselves for the purpose of achieving the state's Malthusian and eugenic demographic goals. Furthermore, I argue that, in addition to exacerbating gender oppression, abortion law's embrace of the idea of 'glorious motherhood' also produces 'group oppression' of unmarried women and working-class women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims It is commonly believed that diabetes is an important contributor to heart failure (HF) development. However, the detail effect of diabetogenesis on HF is controversy: both beneficial and harmful roles were reported. In the present study, we aim to explore the unambiguous action of diabetes on chronic HF progression and the underlying mechanism. Methods Diabetes and myocardial infarction (MI) were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection and left-sided thoracotomy and left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation, respectively. Pyridoxamine was used as the antagonist of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Adult male SD rats were assigned to 5 groups: Sham; MI; Diabetes (D); Diabetes + MI (DMI) and DMI + pyridoxamine (DMI + P). Animals were sacrificed at the end of 12 weeks. The comparison of LV myocardium was made between border zone from MI or DMI animals and control LV tissues from sham-operated animals. Cardiomyocytes and dendritic cells were prepared from the Sprague–Dawley rats and cocultured in the presence or absence of AGEs. Results DMI group showed highest level of AGEs and inflammatory markers, which were significantly reduced in the presence of pyridoxamine. In vitro experiment disclosed AGEs could stimulate DCs differentiation and promote cytokines production, finally upregulated hypertrophy-related genes expression in cardiocytes. Intervention DCs differentiation was sufficient to improve cardiocytes morphology. Conclusion Our results clearly demonstrate that diabetes would promote chronic HF progression at least in part through stimulating DCs differentiation and series downstream inflammatory responses induced by AGEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the stability and solubility of Cornus officinalis flavonoid (COF), spray drying (SD), freeze‐drying (FD), and microwave freeze drying (MFD) were used to encapsulate COF using whey isolate protein (WPI) and gum arabic as wall materials. The characterization of COF microparticles was performed with encapsulation efficiency (EE), particle size, morphology, antioxidant activity, structure, thermal stability, color, stability during storage, and in vitro solubility. The results showed that COF was successfully encapsulated in the wall material with an EE between 78.86% and 91.11%. The freeze‐dried microparticles had the highest EE (91.11%) and the lowest particle size (12.42 ± 16.73 µm). However, the particle size of COF microparticles of SD and MFD was relatively large. The 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity of the microparticles obtained from SD (89.36 mg Vc/g) was higher than that of MFD (85.67 mg Vc/g), but the drying time and energy consumption of microparticles dried by SD and MFD were lower than those of FD. Furthermore, the spray‐dried COF microparticles had higher stability compared to FD and MFD when stored at 4°C for 30 days. In addition, the dissolution of COF microparticles prepared by SD and MFD was 55.64% and 57.35%, respectively, in simulated intestinal fluids, which was lower than that of FD (64.47%). Therefore, the application of microencapsulation technology showed significant advantages in improving the stability and solubility of COF, and the SD can be used for the preparation of microparticles considering energy cost and quality. Practical Application: COF is an important bioactive ingredient, but its poor stability and water solubility decreases its pharmacological value. COF microparticles can improve the stability of COF, enhance the slow‐release effect, and expand its application in the food field. The drying method will affect the properties of COF microparticles. Thus, the structures and properties analysis of COF microparticles by different drying methods can provide a reference basis for the preparation and application of COF microparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microchannel plates (MCPs) are widely utilized as key device components in various photomultipliers; however, the performance of MCPs cannot be further improved by traditional processing. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a promising route to prepare a composite conductive layer and secondary electron emission (SEE) layer structure on the inner wall of the MCP. Moreover, ZnO is an essential component of a composite conductive layer, which is located at the bottom of the SEE layer and significantly influences the SEE coefficient, which, in turn, affects the gain performance of MCPs. Herein, ALD is used to deposit different thicknesses of ZnO films (1–50 nm) on an Si substrate, resulting in an ZnO/Si double-layer film structure. The relationship between the SEE coefficient and the primary electron energy of ZnO films with different thicknesses was established. The maximum secondary electron yield value of 2.04 is achieved at a film thickness of 30 nm. Moreover, Dionne's SEE model and theory of semiconductors are used to simulate and verify the experimental results. These results provide useful guidelines for the development of ALD-MCPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concise and efficient total syntheses of diarylpropanes griffithane A, B and F, isolated from Combretum griffithii, have been accomplished from methoxybenzaldehyde. The Claisen-Schmidt condensation between aldehyde and acetophenone was applied to form chalcone as a key step. The structures of chalcones are confirmed by crystal X-ray crystallography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing sowing date is the key cultivation measure to raise rice yield. Blanket-seedling mechanically transplanted rice has been used in a large production area in China. But study of how yield component characteristics of blanket-seedling mechanically transplanted rice response to different sowing date is relatively few. Therefore, there is a need for asystematic comparative study. In order to reveal the effect of sowing date on the yield component characteristics of different varieties of mechanically transplanted rice, a series of field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 in the rice region of the middle of Jiangsu provinces under typical annual rice-wheat cropping rotation system with widely used rice cultivars of super japonica rice Wuyunjing 24 and indica-japonica hybrid rice Yongyou 2640. These cultivars are high in yield potential. The research were aiming to systematically analyze the dynamics of population stems and tillers, panicle characteristics, grain filling properties, and so on in different sowing date for mechanically transplanted rice. The results indicated that, with the delayed sowing date, population stems and tillers of mechanically transplanted rice increased with tillers during the earlier stage of growth, but those tillers died out rapidly during the middle and last stage of rice growth, causing a reduction of panicle maturity and obviously reducing the ratio of productive tillers to total tillers. Stem population and tillers from seedlings of early sowing dates were significantly (P<0.05) different from those in late sowing dates. When the sowing date was delayed, the panicle of mechanically transplanted rice was lessened. All of the panicle length, grain density, grain weight per panicle, ratio of No. of primary branches to No. branches of secondary branches, No. of branches per primary and secondary branch, grain number per primary and secondary branch and grain number per branch, seed-setting rate of primary branch and secondary branch were decreased. But ratio of total grains of primary branches to total grains of secondary branches was increased. Variations of characteristics in the indica-japonica hybrid large panicle rice were more drastic. There was no difference in the ratio of No. of primary branches to No. branches of secondary branches, and the ratio of total grains of primary branches to total grains of secondary branches and grains of primary branch. However, the other indexes of panicle were of significant (P<0.05) difference between early sowing and late sowing date. The postponed sowing date reduced the final weight of kernel of both the superior grains and inferior grains, resulting in grain weight decrease. With the sowing date delayed, the maximum grain-filling rate and mean grain-filling rate of superior grains were weakened. The time reaching the maximum grain-filling rate was delayed, and both the active grain-filling period and effective grain-filling time prolonged. The maximum grain-filling rate and mean grain-filling rate of inferior grains were not significantly(P>0.05) different, but maximum grain-filling rate and mean grain-filling rate in the fifth sowing date was the lowest, from which the time required to reach the maximum grain-filling rate delayed, the active grain-filling period shortened, and the effective grain-filling time prolonged. In conclusion, the suitable early sowing dates for mechanically transplanted rice would benefit rice production as followings:1) stem population and tillers of mechanically transplanted rice was steadilyincreased;2) panicles of maturity was adequate, the panicle structure was optimized, and seed setting rate was improved; and 3) the grain-filling time was longer, while the grain-filling rate was advanced and steady, especially the grain-filling characteristics of the inferior grain was optimized, more grain was filled. All the advanced characteristics would contribute to a stable and high yield. Thus, to increase rice production, sowing date of mechanically transplanted rice should be advanced to May 26 appropriately in the central part of Jiangsu province, in combination with timely transplanting and scientific cultivation and management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel urchin-like CdS was synthesized via a facile solvothermal route without any assistant agent. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron, and photoluminescence spectrophotometer. Based on time-resolved experiments, a possible growth mechanism of 3D urchin-like CdS microspheres was initially proposed. Furthermore, morphology control of CdS was achieved by adjusting the quantity addition of TGA to obtain the 1D CdS nanowires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a comprehensive model of the circular arc terminated (CAT) resistive anode based on the finite element method to explore the dynamic process of charge diffusion on this anode and its position linearity performance. The waveforms of charges of the electrodes on the anode are calculated for different electrical parameters and their influence on positional linearity is investigated. The influence of the signal development time and the non-uniformity of the resistance per square of the anode on positional linearity is also analyzed. The results of simulations show that the non-linearity of the image varies monotonically with the termination resistance and the non-uniformity of the resistance per square of the anode, but has a non-linear relationship with the signal development time and the ratio of the resistance per square. A CAT resistive anode with capacitance c and a resistance per square of the sensitive area of R▱ can be used to recover an image with a root mean-squared non-linearity of 2%, when the charge signals of the electrode are collected for at least 0.6R▱c s. The reliability of the results of the simulations was verified with experimental measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The current work was carried out to enhance the quality (including product colour, rehydration performance, textural properties, product cracking rate and sensory evaluation) of microwave freeze‐dried prepared taro balls, a popular starch‐based food product, by synergistic addition of guar gum and sodium bicarbonate. The results showed that taro balls with added sodium bicarbonate had the shortest freeze‐drying time (153 min), but the high‐cracking rate (66.67%) was not acceptable to consumers. The addition of guar gum could effectively reduce the cracking rate (17.5%) during freeze‐drying of taro balls, but did not significantly improve sensory evaluation and textural properties. The combination of sodium bicarbonate and guar gum demonstrated satisfactory positive effects in increasing the rehydration rate of freeze‐dried taro balls (53.67%), maintaining the whiteness (WI = 84.52) and reducing the cracking rate (21.67%). Although sodium bicarbonate alone produced the best results in terms of sensory ratings and textural properties, there was no significant difference between the effects of sodium bicarbonate alone and the combination of the two food additives on rehydrated taro balls. Therefore, the combination of sodium bicarbonate and guar gum is an appropriate hybrid strategy for producing high quality freeze‐dried taro balls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The inherent poor cooking quality and poor texture of mixed‐grain pasta limit consumer acceptance. This study systematically investigated the effect of curdlan in the processing of sweet potato puree oat mixed‐grain noodles, and comprehensively analysed a number of key indicators such as cooking characteristics, moisture state, texture properties, microstructure, starch crystallinity characteristics, short‐range ordered structure and thermal properties. At the production practice level, the study clearly indicated that the 0.6% curdlan addition ratio was the best solution in sweet potato puree oat mixed‐grain noodles processing. This finding not only significantly reduces the fracture rate, water absorption rate and cooking loss rate during the cooking process, but also significantly improves the quality and yield of the product, and brings significant improvement in the taste and texture of the noodles, which is of great significance for industrial production. In the microstructural and molecular studies, we revealed how curdlan could enhance the structural stability and mechanical strength of noodles by promoting the uniform distribution of starch granules in the gluten protein network. Further, through X‐ray diffraction, ordered structure and thermal property analyses, we have found that colchicine can effectively regulate the interactions of hydrogen bonding between starch and the content of straight‐chain and branched‐chain starch, which significantly reduces the crystallinity, ordered short‐chain structure and enthalpy of pasting of starch in the pasta. These in‐depth research results not only help us to understand more comprehensively the formation mechanism of the modification of pasta quality by curdlan, but also provide a solid theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the improvement of pasta quality in mixed grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of spray drying (SD), spray freeze‐drying (SFD), freeze‐drying (FD), and microwave freeze‐drying (MFD) on the characteristics of fish oil (FO) microcapsules. The physicochemical properties, morphology, fatty acid composition, and stability of the microcapsules were analyzed. The encapsulation efficiencies of microcapsules dried by SD, SFD, FD, and MFD were 86.98%, 77.79%, 63.29%, and 57.89%, respectively. SD microcapsules exhibited superior properties in terms of effective loading capacity, color, and flowability. Conversely, SFD microcapsules demonstrated improved solubility. Microencapsulation positively affected the thermal stability of FO, but the content of unsaturated fatty acids decreased. The findings from the storage experiment indicated that the oxidative stability of SD fish oil microcapsules was marginally lower compared to microcapsules produced through three alternative drying techniques, all of which were based on the FD concept. The comparison of various drying methods and their effects on the quality of FO microcapsules offers valuable insights that can serve as a foundation for the industrial production of high‐quality microcapsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthine oxidase (XOD) is a key enzyme in the production of uric acid, related to the occurrence of hyperuricemia. In this study, the inhibitory mechanism of 1,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (1,4-diCQA) on XOD was investigated. Kinetic analysis showed that 1,4-diCQA inhibited XOD (IC 50 : 7.36 ± 0.63 μM) in a reversible competitive mode. Fluorescence spectra revealed that hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces played main roles in the binding of XOD and 1,4-diCQA. Circular dichroism showed that the contents of α-helix, β-turn and random coil of XOD decreased while the β-sheet content increased with the addition of 1,4-diCQA. Molecular docking revealed that 1,4-diCQA interacted with the active site of XOD via the key amino acid residues of Gln112, Gln1040, Thr1077, Ser1080, Ser1082 and Asp1084. These findings provide the mechanism of 1,4-diCQA on inhibiting XOD and further the application of 1,4-diCQA in preventing hyperuricemia. Image 1 • 1,4-diCQA exhibited much higher XOD inhibitory activity than allopurinol. • 1,4-diCQA reversibly inhibited XOD activity in a competitive type. • Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds dominated the binding process. • 1,4-diCQA changed the second structures of XOD conformation. • 1,4-diCQA interacted with the key amino acid residues within the Mo-pt domain of XOD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CuTIA with high CO 2 uptake served as a bifunctional catalyst for conversion. • CuTIA converted CO 2 into CH 4 with high yield and selectivity under visible light. • CuTIA drove CO 2 cycloaddition with epoxides into cyclic carbonates with high yield. Highly efficient conversion of CO 2 into valuable chemicals using green chemical reactions is attractive to the alleviation of global warming. Developing active catalysts with high selectivity remains challenging and is still in pursuit. Herein, a Cu-based metal−organic framework was successfully synthesized by a facile method and denoted as CuTIA. The obtained CuTIA with rich Lewis acid/base sites exhibited enhanced CO 2 affinity and served as a bifunctional catalyst for CO 2 conversion. To be specific, CuTIA converted CO 2 into CH 4 (103.78 μmol g−1 h−1) with a selectivity of 100 % under visible light irradiation. Besides, CuTIA drove CO 2 cycloaddition reaction with epoxides to produce cyclic carbonates with a yield almost 100 % under mild conditions. This study provides a new perspective in the fabrication of bifunctional catalysts for enhancing CO 2 conversion. A Cu-based MOF is constructed and employed as a bifunctional catalyst for photocatalytic CO 2 reduction and CO 2 cycloaddition with epoxides with high selectivity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]