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Wearable technologies face challenges due to signal instability, hindering their usage. Thus, it is crucial to comprehend the connection between dynamic patterns in photoplethysmography (PPG) signals and cardiovascular health. In our study, we collected 401 multimodal recordings from two public databases, evaluating hemodynamic conditions like blood pressure (BP), cardiac output (CO), vascular compliance (C), and peripheral resistance (R). Using irregular-resampling auto-spectral analysis (IRASA), we quantified chaotic components in PPG signals and employed different methods to measure the fractal dimension (FD) and entropy. Our findings revealed that in surgery patients, the power of chaotic components increased with vascular stiffness. As the intensity of CO fluctuations increased, there was a notable strengthening in the correlation between most complexity measures of PPG and these parameters. Interestingly, some conventional morphological features displayed a significant decrease in correlation, indicating a shift from a static to dynamic scenario. Healthy subjects exhibited a higher percentage of chaotic components, and the correlation between complexity measures and hemodynamics in this group tended to be more pronounced. Causal analysis showed that hemodynamic fluctuations are main influencers for FD changes, with observed feedback in most cases. In conclusion, understanding chaotic patterns in PPG signals is vital for assessing cardiovascular health, especially in individuals with unstable hemodynamics or during ambulatory testing. These insights can help overcome the challenges faced by wearable technologies and enhance their usage in real-world scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In China, individuals diagnosed with esophageal cancer are confronted with an elevated risk of nutritional inadequacy or malnutrition throughout the course of their disease, a condition that contributes to various adverse clinical outcomes. A vast corpus of data are burgeoning at an unprecedented rate, primarily due to the revolutionary growth of digitalization technologies and artificial intelligence, notably within the domains of health care and medicine. The purpose of this investigation is to initiate the development of a nutritional screening and assessment indicator framework for patients with esophageal cancer within the Chinese context. We seek to furnish an instrumental reference to facilitate preparations for the forthcoming era of advanced, "deep," evidence‐based medicine. Methods: An integrative methodology was employed to forge the preliminary draft of the nutritional screening and assessment indicator system for preoperative patients with esophageal cancer. This encompassed a rigorous literature survey, in‐depth clinical practice investigation, and the facilitation of expert panel discussions. Thereafter, two iterative consultation phases were conducted using the Delphi method in China. The analytic hierarchy process was deployed to ascertain the weighting of each index within the definitive evaluation indicator system. Results: The effective response rates for the dual rounds of expert consultation were 91.7% and 86.4%, with commensurate authority coefficients of 0.97 and 0.91. The Kendall harmony coefficients were ascertained to be 0.19 and 0.14 (p < 0.01), respectively. The culminating nutritional screening and assessment indicator system for patients with esophageal cancer comprised 5 primary‐level indicators and 38 secondary‐level indicators. Conclusions: The nutritional screening and assessment indicator system contrived for patients with esophageal cancer is underpinned by cogent theoretical principles, leverages an astute research methodology, and manifests dependable outcomes. This system may be appositely utilized as a meaningful reference for the nutritional screening and assessment process in patients afflicted with esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling (ADC) has emerged as a sustainable synthetic strategy for the construction of N‐heteroaromatics. Herein, a series of water‐soluble amidato Ru catalysts were designed, synthesized, and utilized in the selective synthesis of 2‐substituted benzimidazoles from the aromatic diamines and primary alcohols, as well as 2‐substituted quinolines from the substituted 2‐aminobenzyl alcohols and acetophenones via the ADC strategy in water. Catalyst 1 d bearing a strong electron‐donating hydroxyl group on the ligand exhibited the best catalytic activity. The catalytic system demonstrated remarkable efficiency and versatility, allowing for the application of over 40 substrates in two ADC reactions with good to high yields. Based on control experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a plausible mechanism was proposed, highlighting the significant role of functionalized amidato Ru complexes in catalyzing alcohol dehydrogenation via an outer‐sphere pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of heat-resistant energetic compounds generally employs symmetry, planarity, and multi-hydrogen bonds to obtain compounds with high density, good thermal stability, and low sensitivity. In this paper, a heat-resistant hydrazine-bridged compound, 6,6′-(hydrazine-1,2-diyl)bis(5-nitropyrimidine-2,4-diamine) (PHP), was designed and synthesized with the strategy of multi-fused conjugated structure constructed by hydrogen bonds. The compound featured high symmetry, high planarity, and strong conjugation with good thermal stability (364 °C). This strategy provides a basis for the design of heat-resistant energetic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Parkinson's disease (PD), inflammation may lead to the degeneration of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons. Previous studies showed that inflammatory mediators mainly contributed to this phenomenon. On the other hand, invasive neuromodulation methods such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) have better therapeutic effects for PD. One possibility is that DBS improves PD by influencing inflammation. Therefore, we further explored the mechanisms underlying inflammatory mediators and DBS in the pathogenesis of PD. Methods: We measured serum levels of two inflammatory markers, namely RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), using Luminex assays in 109 preoperative DBS PD patients, 49 postoperative DBS PD patients, and 113 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. The plasma protein data of the different groups were then statistically analyzed. Results: RANTES (p < 0.001) and TNF‐α (p = 0.005) levels differed significantly between the three groups. A strong and significant correlation between RANTES levels and Hoehn‐Yahr (H‐Y) stage was observed in preoperative PD patients (rs = 0.567, p < 0.001). Significant correlations between RANTES levels and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS III) score (rs1 = 0.644, p = 0.033 and rs2 = 0.620, p = 0.042) were observed in matched patients. No correlation was observed for TNF‐α levels. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that PD patients have a persistent inflammatory profile, possibly via recruitment of activated monocytes, macrophages, and T lymphocytes to the central nervous system (CNS). DBS was shown to have a significant therapeutic effect on PD, which may arise by improving the inflammatory environment of the central nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The novel Ginkgo biloba extract (nGBE) improved long-term neurofunction after cerebral ischemia. • nGBE reduced microglia-related inflammation. • nGBE promoted white matter integrity. Ginkgo biloba L. leaf extract (GBE) has been added in many commercial herbal formulations such as EGb 761 and Shuxuening Injection to treat cardiovascular diseases and stroke worldwide. However, the comprehensive effects of GBE on cerebral ischemia remained unclear. Using a novel GBE (nGBE), which consists of all the compounds of traditional (t)GBE and one new compound, pinitol, we investigated its effect on inflammation, white matter integrity, and long-term neurological function in an experimental stroke model. Both transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and distal MCAO were conducted in male C57/BL6 mice. We found that nGBE significantly reduced infarct volume at 1, 3, and 14 days after ischemia. Sensorimotor and cognitive functions were superior in nGBE treated mice after MCAO. nGBE inhibited the release of IL-1β in the brain, promoted microglial ramification, and regulated the microglial M1 to M2 phenotype shift at 7 days post injury. In vitro analyses showed that nGBE treatment reduced the production of IL-1β and TNFα in primary microglia. Administration of nGBE also decreased the SMI-32/MBP ratio and enhanced myelin integrity, thus exhibiting improved white matter integrity at 28 days post stroke. These findings demonstrate that nGBE protects against cerebral ischemia by inhibiting microglia-related inflammation and promoting white matter repair, suggesting that nGBE is a promising therapeutic strategy for long-term recovery after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetranitroethane (TNE), an energetic compound with high-nitrogen (N%, 26.7%) and oxygen (O%, 60.9%) content, is deprotonated by alkali and alkaline earth metal bases to form the corresponding metal salts of TNE which are characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. All the prepared energetic metal salts show excellent thermal stabilities, and the decomposition temperatures of EP-3, EP-4, and EP-5 are higher than 250 °C, due to the numerous coordination bonds of the complexes. Furthermore, the energy of formation of the nitrogen-rich salts were calculated utilizing heat of combustion. The detonation performances were calculated with the EXPLO5 software, and the impact and friction sensitivities were determined. EP-7 shows excellent energy performance (P = 30.0 GPa, VD = 8436 m s−1). EP-3, EP-4, EP-5, and EP-8 are more sensitive to mechanical stimulation. These alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of TNE show good monochromaticity by atomic emission spectroscopy (visible light), and may be used as potential flame colorants in pyrotechnics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sialidases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of sialic acid from extracellular glycoconjugates, are a group of major virulence factors in various pathogenic bacteria. In Porphyromonas gingivalis, which causes human periodontal disease, sialidase contributes to bacterial pathogenesis via promoting the formation of biofilms and capsules, reducing the ability for macrophage clearance, and providing nutrients for bacterial colonization. Here, the crystal structure of the P. gingivalis sialidase SiaPG is reported at 2.1 Å resolution, revealing an N‐terminal carbohydrate‐binding domain followed by a canonical C‐terminal catalytic domain. Simulation of the product sialic acid in the active‐site pocket together with functional analysis enables clear identification of the key residues that are required for substrate binding and catalysis. Moreover, structural comparison with other sialidases reveals distinct features of the active‐site pocket which might confer substrate specificity. These findings provide the structural basis for the further design and optimization of effective inhibitors to target SiaPG to fight against P. gingivalis‐derived oral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The application of curcumin (CUR) in the food industry is limited by its instability, hydrophobicity and low bioavailability. Yeast cell protein (YCP) is a by‐product of spent brewer's yeast, which has the potential to deliver bioactive substances. However, the environmental stresses such as pH, salt and heat treatment has restricted its application in the food industry. Maillard reaction as a non‐enzymatic browning reaction can improve protein stability under environmental stress. RESULTS: The CUR was successfully encapsulated into the hydrophobic core of YCP/glycated YCP (GYCP) and enhanced by hydrogen bonding, resulting in static fluorescence quenching of YCP/GYCP. The average diameter and dispersibility of GYPC−CUR nanocomplex were significantly improved after glucose glycation (121.40 nm versus 139.70 nm). Moreover, the encapsulation capacity of CUR was not influenced by glucose glycation. The oxidative stability and bioaccessibility of CUR in nanocomplexes were increased compared with free CUR, especially complexed with GYCP conjugates. CONCLUSION: Steric hindrance provided by glucose conjugation improved the enviriomental stability, oxidative activity and bioaccessibility of CUR in nanocomplexes. Thus, glucose‐glycated YCP has potential application as a delivery carrier for hydrophobic compounds in functional foods. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to broaden the study of energetic cations, a cation 3,5-diamino-4H-pyrazol-4-one oxime (DAPO) with good thermal stability was proposed, and its three salts were synthesized by a simple and efficient method. The structures of the three salts were verified by infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The thermal stabilities of the three salts were verified by differential scanning calorimetry and thermos-gravimetric analysis. DAPO-based energetic salts are analysed using a variety of theoretical techniques, such as 2D fingerprint, Hirshfeld surface, and non-covalent interaction. Among them, the energy properties of perchlorate (DAPOP) and picrate (DAPOT) were determined by EXPLO5 program combined with the measured density and enthalpy of formation. These compounds have high density, acceptable detonation performance, good thermal stability, and satisfactory sensitivity. The intermolecular interactions of the four compounds were studied by Hirshfeld surface and non-covalent interactions, indicating that hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions are the reasons for the extracellular properties of perchlorate (DAPOP) and picrate (DAPOT), indicating that DAPO is an optional nitrogen-rich cation for the design and synthesis of novel energetic materials with excellent properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Antarctic krill oil (AKO) and fish oil (FO) were microencapsulated by a pilot‐scale spray dryer in this study. The effect of lipid class compositions on the encapsulation properties of the obtained microcapsules was investigated. The particle size distribution of both microcapsules ranged from 29.23 ± 2.20 to 36.79 ± 3.45 μm, and the moisture content and water activity (aw) also indicated that both AKO and FO microcapsules were suitable for long‐term storage. Interestingly, differences in lipid composition affected the microstructure of the microcapsules formed, thereby affecting their oxidative stability and digestive behaviour. Compared with FO microcapsules, the surface microstructure of PLs‐enriched microcapsules (AKO microcapsules) was smoother, endowing it better oxidative stability and higher DHA (72.13 ± 2.32% vs. 63.08 ± 2.98%) and EPA (75.94 ± 1.43% vs. 68.26 ± 2.98%) bioaccessibility. These findings may have important implications for the development of microcapsules formulated with different lipid classes in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the mechanical strength and imprinting efficiency, a novel bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecularly imprinted poly(ionic liquid)/calcium alginate composite cryogel membrane (MICM) was prepared. The results of the tensile test indicated that the MICM had excellent mechanical strength which could reach up to 90.00 KPa, 30.30 times higher than the poly (ionic liquid) membrane without calcium alginate; the elongation of it could reach up to 93.70%, 8.28 times higher than the poly (ionic liquid) membrane without calcium alginate. The MICM had a very high welling ratio of 1026.56% and macropore porosity of 62.29%, which can provide effective mass transport of proteins. More remarkably, it had a very high adsorption capacity of 485.87 mg g−1 at 20 °C and 0.66 mg mL−1 of the initial concentration of BSA. Moreover, MICM also had good selective and competitive recognition toward BSA, exhibiting potential utility in protein separation. This work can provide a potential method to prepare the protein-imprinted cryogel membrane with both high mechanical strength and imprinting efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The olive genus Olea includes c. 30–40 taxa in three subgenera (Olea, Tetrapilus, and Paniculatae) within the family Oleaceae. Historically, the Olea genus was classified into four groups that were overall well supported by reconstructed phylogenies, despite incomplete sampling of subgenus Tetrapilus and poor resolution within clades. These analyses also showed that the genus was not monophyletic. Reliable identification of Olea species is important for both their conservation and utilization of this economically important genus. In this study, we used phylogenomic data from genome skimming to resolve relationships within Olea and to identify molecular markers for species identification. We assembled the complete plastomes, and nrDNA of 26 individuals representing 13 species using next‐generation sequencing and added 18 publicly available accessions of Olea. We also developed nuclear SNPs using the genome skimming data to infer the phylogenetic relationships of Olea. Large‐scale phylogenomic analyses of 138 samples of tribe Oleeae supported the polyphyly of Olea, with Olea caudatilimba and Olea subgenus Tetrapilus not sharing their most recent common ancestor with the main Olea clade (subgenus Paniculatae and subgenus Olea). The interspecific phylogenetic resolution was poor owing to a possible rapid radiation. By comparing with the plastome data, we identified the markers ycf1b and psbE‐petL as the best Olea‐specific chloroplast DNA barcodes. Compared with universal barcodes, specific DNA barcodes and super‐barcode exhibited higher discriminatory power. Our results demonstrated the power of phylogenomics to improve phylogenetic relationships of intricate groups and provided new insights into barcodes that allow for accurate identification of Olea species. Highlights: Genus Olea was a polyphyletic group and had undergone rapid radiation.ycf1b and psbE‐petL were two Olea‐specific chloroplast DNA barcodes.Plastome sequence data had effective power to improve phylogenetic resolution and species discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) can benefit patients in terms of functional recovery in the treatment of renal hilar tumors compared to conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (CLPN). Methods: Between January 2019 and July 2021, patients with hilar tumors who underwent partial nephrectomy (PN) were acquired at our center and were classified into RALPN and CLPN groups. Ipsilateral parenchymal volume (IPV) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were determined independently 3–5 days before and 3 months after PN using contrast‐enhanced computed tomography and nuclear renal scans. Pearson correlation was used to determine the link between ipsilateral GFR preservation and IPV preserved. Concurrently, multivariable analysis was employed to determine characteristics associated with functional recovery. Results: A total of 96 patients with hilar tumors were studied, of which 41 received RALPN and 55 received CLPN. Excisional parenchymal volume was 27 and 37 cm3 (p = 0.005) in RALPN and CLPN groups, respectively, and IPV preserved was 77% and 68% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the ipsilateral GFR preserved was 77.7% and 75.3%, respectively (p = 0.003). On Pearson correlation, ipsilateral GFR preservation was linked with IPV preserved (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). According to a multivariate study, baseline GFR, IPV preserved, and surgical procedures (RALPN vs. CLPN) were significant factors influencing functional recovery. Conclusion: Our study suggests that RALPN, rather than CLPN, can achieve better functional recovery in the treatment of hilar tumors due to its ability to win more IPV preserved. RALPN should be recommended as the first‐line treatment for hilar tumors, but randomized controlled trials are required to validate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Optimizing interfacial charge transfer in type-II heterostructures, is one promising solution to improve efficiency of the solar energy conversion in photodetectors and solar cells. Herein, the SnS/SnSe 2 /ITO and SnSe 2 /SnS/ITO heterostructures are prepared by two-step physical vapor epitaxial growth. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the SnS/SnSe 2 heterostructure belongs to type-II band-alignment. The SnS/SnSe 2 based photodetector shows higher photoresponsivity, which is approximately 2, 9, and 14 times larger than that of SnSe 2 /SnS, SnSe 2 , and SnS, respectively. The improvement of SnS/SnSe 2 in photoelectric response mainly comes from high light harvesting and efficient charge transportation than individual SnSe 2 and SnS, which is verified by UV–Vis absorption spectra. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, open circuit potentials, and Mott‐Schottky characterization results further confirm that the better photodetection performance of SnS/SnSe 2 /ITO than that of SnSe 2 /SnS/ITO heterostructure is from the appropriate energy level cascade facilitating electron transport. These results provide an effective way to further improve the performance of heterostructure-based optoelectronic devices by an appropriate interface design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and BSA‐glucose Maillard conjugate with different degree of glycation (GBSAI and GBSAII) were used as emulsifiers to stabilised curcumin (CUR)‐loaded oil‐in‐water nanoemulsions. Nanoemulsions were stabilised by BSA with greater degree of glycation (BSA < GBSAI < GBSAII) resulting in smaller Z‐average diameter, higher zeta potential and higher encapsulation efficiency. The GBSA (especially GBSAII) conjugates significantly improved the environmental stability of nanoemulsions and enhanced the CUR retention rate during long‐time storage at 4 and 25 °C. Furthermore, BSA with a higher degree of glycation (GBSAII) was more efficiently promoted the formation of mixed micelles, thereby improving the stability and bioaccessibility of encapsulated CUR during in vitro digestion. The advantages of GBSAII‐stabilised nanoemulsions may provide a better option for efficient protection and delivery of hydrophobic ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energetic metal organic frameworks (EMOFs) are increasingly developed and have proven to be candidates for novel high energy density materials (HEDM). Here, two energetic metal complexes based on 3,5-diaminopyrazolone-4-oxime (DAPO) ligands were synthesized by simple steps and fully characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, X-ray single-crystal diffraction, and DSC-TG. The detonation performance was calculated using the Kamlet–Jacobs formula. The crystal densities of these complexes (C6H14N12O10Co (2) and C6H14N12O10Cd (3) are as high as 1.945 g cm−3 at 163 K and 2.072 g cm−3 at 298 K, respectively. Thermal analysis by the DSC-TG test shows that they all have good thermal stability with the highest decomposition temperatures of 287 °C and 344 °C, respectively. These two as-synthesized complexes exhibit excellent detonation performance; 2 (D = 8682 m s−1, P = 34.98 GPa) and 3 (D = 8383 m s−1, P = 33.78 GPa) have good detonation velocity and detonation pressure that are superior to those of TNT, which is widely used today. Thus, they show great promise for potential applications as thermally stable energetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are key in combating bacterial infections and halting disease spread, yet their effects on amphibian gut microbiomes remain poorly understood. Amphibian survival depends on their skin microbiota. Drugs used to treat amphibians may affect gut microbiota but has yet to have unexplored impacts on skin microbiota. We used Illumina sequencing to analyze the cutaneous (C) and gut (G) microbiota of healthy (H) frogs and diseased (D) frogs treated with antibiotics and evaluate their functional characteristics. The result showed that antibiotics lowered gut microbiota alpha diversity but not skin microbiota. Bray-Curtis and UniFrac measures demonstrate the significant variations in skin and gut microbiota between healthy and antibiotic-treated frogs. Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria predominated in DC and HC; Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota dominated DG and HG. Linear discriminant analysis and effect size (LEfSe) analysis identified specific bacterial taxa enriched in antibiotic-treated versus healthy frogs. Maximum likelihood (ML) analysis revealed close evolutionary relationships among certain bacterial taxa. Functional predictions indicated significant differences in metabolic pathways between groups, and BugBase analysis showed variations in bacterial phenotypes, suggesting altered microbial functions following antibiotic treatment. Antibiotic treatment in frogs significantly altered gut microbiota diversity and impacts functional pathways in both gut and skin microbiota without affecting skin microbiota alpha diversity. Antibiotics' complex effects on frog microbiota showed R. dybowskii 's delicate balance between therapeutic advantages and ecological changes, which might affect conservation and health initiatives. • New insights on antibiotics' effect on amphibian microbiota. • Antibiotics alter gut but not skin microbiota diversity. • Identified microbes linked to health and disease states. • Analyzed functional changes in microbiota post-antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The proposed compensation method notably reduces distortion by up to 82.5% in a lattice structure and 77.8% in a canonical part. • Lumped layer thickness minimally impacts simulated distortion but can affect the distortion reduction outcomes. • Distortion reduction achieved in experiments is generally smaller compared to simulations. • Effectiveness of compensation is significantly influenced by the number of trial geometries. The repeated melting and solidification cycles in the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process lead to significant thermal gradients, resulting in notable distortion in the as-built part. Distortion compensation methods, which pre-deform the part design so the as-built shape aligns with the target, have been widely adopted to mitigate this issue. This research introduces a data-driven distortion compensation framework for the L-PBF process. It employs an experimentally-calibrated inherent strain method to generate a dataset and utilizes Gaussian process regression to create the compensated geometry. Experimental validation shows that the proposed method can reduce the maximum distortion by up to 82.5% for a lattice structure and 77.8% for a canonical part. Furthermore, the compensation results reveal that (1) the lumped layer thickness in finite element models has little impact on simulated distortion reduction but can notably affect the experimental reduction; (2) discrepancies between simulated and experimental compensation performance are largely attributed to the curvy surfaces with sharp transitions in trial and compensated shapes, a result of pre-deforming the design; (3) the number of trial geometries considerably affects the effectiveness of compensation, while the number of deformation states does not have a statistically significant impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The structural impact on anthocyanins' UV–Vis molar absorptivity was studied; • A quantitative strategy based on the molar relative response factors was proposed; • An online database for 617 anthocyanins was developed to support the approach; • Our strategy provided improved quantitative results for anthocyanins in food. The effects of anthocyanin's substitution groups on the UV–Vis molar absorptivity were examined by analyzing a group of 31 anthocyanidin/anthocyanin reference standards with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (UHPLC-DAD). The substitution groups on aglycones were found to associate with molar absorptivity variations, often neglected in anthocyanin quantitation, resulting in significant analytical errors. A simple yet comprehensive strategy based on the molar relative response factors (MRRFs) and a single master reference calibration (i.e., cyanidin-3-glucoside) was proposed to quantify anthocyanins in red cabbage, blueberry, and strawberry samples with improved analytical accuracy. The results indicate this approach provides an effective, inexpensive, and accurate analytical method for anthocyanins in food materials without using individual reference standards. MRRFs of 617 anthocyanins/anthocyanidins were calculated, and the information is freely available at https://BotanicalDC.online/anthocyanin/. This study could be critical to developing new reference methods for anthocyanin analysis and harmonizing results and data from various sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Co-culturing with BMECs eased OGD-induced BVP injury. • Co-culturing with BVPs prevented OGD-induced impairment on BMEC permeability. • The crosstalk between BMECs and BVPs was implicated in the HIF-1α/PDGF-β signaling. The present study focused on whether hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) and platelet-derived factor-beta (PDGF-β) are involved in the crosstalk between brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and brain vascular pericytes (BVPs) under ischaemic-hypoxic conditions. Mono-cultures or co-cultures of BVPs and BMECs were made for the construction of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) model in vitro and then exposed to control and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions. BBB injury was determined by assessing the ability, apoptosis, and migration of BVPs and the transendothelial electrical resistance and horseradish peroxidase permeation of BMECs. Relative mRNA and protein levels of HIF-1α and PDGF-β, as well as tight junction proteins ZO-1 and claudin-5 were analyzed by western blotting, reverse transcription quantitative PCR, and/or immunofluorescence staining. Dual-luciferase reporter assays assessed the relationship between PDGF-β and HIF-1α. Co-culturing with BMECs alleviated OGD-induced reduction in BVP viability, elevation in BVP apoptosis, and repression in BVP migration. Co-culturing with BVPs protected against OGD-induced impairment on BMEC permeability. OGD-induced HIF-1α upregulation enhanced PDGF-β expression in mono-cultured BMECs and co-cultured BMECs with BVPs. Knockdown of HIF-1α impaired the effect of BMECs on BVPs under OGD conditions, and PDGFR-β silencing in BVPs blocked the crosstalk between BMECs and BVPs under OGD conditions. The crosstalk between BMECs and BVPs was implicated in OGD-induced BBB injury through the HIF-1α/PDGF-β signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new dimeric 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones (1 – 6) were successfully isolated from the ethanol extract of agarwood of Aquilaria filaria from Philippines under HPLC-MS guidance. Compounds 1 – 6 are all dimers formed by linking 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone and flindersia 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone via a single ether bond, and the linkage site (C5-O-C8′′) of compound 2 is extremely rare. A variety of spectroscopic methods were used to ascertain their structures, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis, HRESIMS, and comparison with literature. The in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory and anti-inflammatory activities of each isolate were assessed. Among these compounds, compound 2 had a tyrosinase inhibition effect with an IC 50 value of 27.71 ± 2.60 μM, and compound 4 exhibited moderate inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells with an IC 50 value of 35.40 ± 1.04 μM. [Display omitted] • Six new 2-(2-phenethyl)chromone dimers were isolated from agarwood of Aquilaria filaria. • Compound 2 had tyrosinase inhibition effect with an IC 50 value of 27.71 ± 2.60 μM. • Compound 4 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity with an IC 50 value of 35.40 ± 1.04 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphibians' gut and skin microbiota are vital for host health. Ulcers may affect the skin microbiota, with unknown impacts on the gut microbiota. Skin diseases could influence both, but research on their interrelationships is limited. The cutaneous and gut microbiota of healthy and ulcerated Rana dybowskii were analyzed with Illumina sequencing. The result showed healthy frogs showed greater alpha diversity in skin microbiota than ulcerated ones, with no gut microbiota difference. Bray-Curtis and unweighted UniFrac distances revealed distinct skin microbiotas in healthy versus ulcerated groups and significant gut microbiota differences only in Bray-Curtis. Linear discriminant analysis of effect size (LEfSe) showed that ulcerated skin groups were enriched in Proteobacteria and healthy in Actinobacteria. A variety of analyses revealed that diseased frogs, unlike healthy ones, exhibit similar skin and gut microbiota, suggesting disease impacts microbiota relationships and composition. Using the indicator method, identify key bacterial species indicating healthy or diseased status in the frog's skin and gut microbiota. There were significant differences in skin and gut microbiota functions between diseased and healthy frogs, with disease impacting bacterial community structure and physiological functions. Research on R. dybowskii indicated disease aligns the skin and gut microbiota, affecting composition and function, with distinct bacterial indicators for health and disease status. This research underscores the complex interplay between skin and gut microbiota in amphibian health, highlighting implications for disease understanding and conservation strategies. • Pioneering impact analysis of skin ulcers on gut microbiota similarity • Discovery of distinct microbiotas in healthy and ulcerated amphibians • Uncovering high skin microbiota derivation from gut in ulcerated frogs • Unique indicator method to identify genera linked to health conditions. • Revealing correlation between skin microbiota composition and physiological functions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two bimetallic complexes of 4-hydroxy-3,5-dinitropyrazole, [K2Mn(DNPO)2(H2O)4]n·2H2O (BMEP-1) and [K2Zn(DNPO)2(H2O)6]n (BMEP-2), were synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The crystal structures of BMEP-1 and BMEP-2 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It is noteworthy that these complexes presented different metal–organic frameworks. The thermal behaviors of BMEP-1 and BMEP-2 were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis measurements. These bimetallic complexes exhibited high thermal stability (348.0 °C and 331.0 °C) due to their large coordination bonds and three-dimensional interconnected structure. The catalytic performances of BMEP-1 and BMEP-2 on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate were investigated by TGA-DSC, TGA-FTIR, and non-isothermal kinetic analyses. The results showed that BMEP-1 and BMEP-2 exhibited excellent catalytic performance in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate. Notably, there was only a single exothermic peak at 302.6 °C and 318.6 °C, and the activation energy values of ammonium perchlorate decreased to 123.88 kJ mol−1 and 128.43 kJ mol−1, respectively. TGA-FTIR results showed that BMEP-1 and BMEP-2, as effective components of catalysis, will promote the production of H2O, N2O, NO2, and HCl in advance, during the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate. BMEP-1 and BMEP-2 are expected to be two candidate additives for the catalytic decomposition of ammonium perchlorate in composite solid propellants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past century, ferroelectrics are well known in electroceramics and microelectronics for their unique ferroelectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and photovoltaic effects. Nowadays, the advances in understanding and tuning of these properties have greatly promoted a broader application potential especially in energy and environmental fields, by harvesting solar, mechanical, and heat energies. For example, high piezoelectricity and high pyroelectricity can be designed by defect or microstructure engineering for piezo‐ and pyro‐catalyst, respectively. Moreover, highly piezoelectric and broadband (UV–Vis–NIR) light‐responsive ferroelectrics can be designed via defect engineering, giving rise to a new concept of photoferroelectrics for efficient photocatalysis, piezocatalysis, pyrocatalysis, and related cocatalysis. This article first summarizes the recent developments in ferroelectrics in terms of piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity, and photovoltaic effects based on defect and microstructure engineering. Then, the potential applications in energy generation (i.e., photovoltaic effect, H2 generation, and self‐powered multisource energy harvesting and signal sensing) and environmental protection (i.e., photo‐piezo‐pyro‐ cocatalytic dye degradation and CO2 reduction) are reviewed. Finally, the outlook and challenges are discussed. This article not only covers an overview of the state‐of‐art advances of ferroelectrics, but also prospects their applications in coping with energy crisis and environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and human activities escalate the frequency and intensity of wildfires, threatening amphibian habitats and survival; yet, research on these impacts remains limited. Wildfire ash alters water quality, introduces contaminants, and may disrupt microbial communities, impacting gut and skin microbiota; however, the effects on gut and skin microbiota remain unclear. Rana dybowskii were exposed to five concentrations (0 g L-1, 1.25 g L-1, 2.5 g L-1, 5 g L-1, and 10 g L-1) of aqueous extracts of wildfire ashes (AEAs) for 30 days to assess AEAs' metal content, survival, and microbiota diversity via Illumina sequencing. Our results showed that the major elements in ash were Ca > K > Mg > Al > Fe > Na > Mn, while in AEA they were K > Ca > Na > Mg > As > Al > Cu. A significant decrease in amphibian survival rates with increased AEA concentration was shown. The beta diversity analysis revealed distinct shifts in microbiota composition. Notably, bacterial genera associated with potential health risks showed increased abundance in skin microbiota, emphasising the potential for ash exposure to affect amphibian health. Functional prediction analyses revealed significant shifts in metabolic pathways related to health and disease, indicating that wildfire ash exposure may influence amphibian health through changes in microbial functions. This study highlights the urgent need for strategies to mitigate wildfire ash impacts on amphibians, as it significantly alters microbiota and affects their survival and health. [Display omitted] • Wildfire ash alters water quality, introducing contaminants to amphibian habitats. • R. dybowskii survival significantly declines with increased AEA concentrations. • Gut microbiota diversity changes after ash exposure, revealing resilience and vulnerability. • Skin microbiota shows robustness, with minor changes in composition after ash exposure. • Exposure influences metabolic pathways, suggesting health implications for amphibians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Solvent-free and scalable food-grade KOP proliposomes are formulated with glycerol. • Glycerol in proliposomes unpacked the stacked chain acyl of phospholipids. • Hydration of proliposomes yielded stable multilayer nanoliposomes. • Nanoliposome formation remained stable during storage and environmental stresses. • Proliposomes enhanced in vitro bioaccessibility of phospholipids. This study presents a novel approach using polyol-based proliposome to produce marine phospholipids nanoliposomes. Proliposomes were formulated by blending glycerol with phospholipids across varying mass ratios (2:1 to 1:10) at room temperature. Analysis employing polarized light microscopy, FTIR, and DSC revealed that glycerol disrupted the stacked acyl groups within phospholipids, lowering the phase transition temperature (T m). Krill oil phospholipids (KOP) proliposomes exhibited superior performance in nanoliposomes formation, with a mean diameter of 125.60 ± 3.97 nm, attributed to the decreased T m (−7.64 and 7.00 °C) compared to soybean phospholipids, along with a correspondingly higher absolute zeta potential (−39.77 ± 1.18 mV). The resulting KOP proliposomes demonstrated liposomes formation stability over six months and under various environmental stresses (dilution, thermal, ionic strength, pH), coupled with in vitro absorption exceeding 90 %. This investigation elucidates the mechanism behind glycerol-formulated proliposomes and proposes innovative strategies for scalable, solvent-free nanoliposome production with implications for functional foods and pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MgAlSi alloy materials have the main properties of light weight and high strength, good electrical and thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, and have various applications in the industrial field, making an important contribution to the realization of lightweight and high performance needs. In order to be able to predict the material properties of MgAlSi alloys with a high degree of accuracy, this paper develops for the first time an interatomic potential function for MgAlSi alloys based on a neural network machine learning approach. The effectiveness of the developed machine learning potentials is verified by analyzing the problems encountered during the training process and the errors of the finally obtained potential functions, and comparing some of the radial distribution functions, coordination numbers, and predictions of properties such as the equation of state, lattice constants, shear modulus and bulk modulus with those of AIMD. It is found that the performance error of the deep potential model is basically kept in the same order of magnitude as that of DFT calculations, the computational speed can be up to nearly a thousand times that of DFT, and the computational cost is linearly related to the atomic number, which is well suited for large-scale molecular dynamics simulations, and it will provide a promising solution for accurate large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. [Display omitted] • Interatomic potential functions for MgAlSi alloys are developed based on MLP. • Analyzing problems in training and errors in potential functions. • Calculation of mechanical properties from the developed potential function. • Calculated results and efficiencies were compared with and AIMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential health risk caused by long-term exposure to heavy metals in household dust is not only depended on their total content, but also bioaccessibility. In this study, twenty-one dust samples were collected from residential buildings, schools, and laboratories in 14 provincial-capital/industrial cities of China, aiming to evaluate the total contents, fractionation, bioaccessibility and health risks of nine heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Mn, Zn, Fe, and Cu). Results showed that the highest levels of Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn were found in laboratory dust, As, Pb and Mn in school dust, and Fe and Cu in residential dust, indicating different source profiles of the heavy metals. The mean bioaccessibility of the heavy metals across all samples as evaluated using SBRC (Solubility Bioavailability Research Consortium), IVG (In Vitro Gastrointestinal), and PBET (Physiologically Based Extraction Test) assays was 58.4%, 32.4% and 17.2% in gastric phase (GP), and 24.9%, 21.9% and 9.39% in intestinal phase (IP), respectively. Cadmium had the highest content in the fractions of E1+C2 (43.7%), as determined by sequential extraction, and Pb, Mn, and Zn had a higher content in E1+C2+F3 (64.2%, 67.2%, 78.8%), resulting in a higher bioaccessibility of these heavy metals than others. Moreover, the bioaccessibility of most heavy metals was inversely related to dust pH (R = −0.18 in GP; −0.18 in IP; P < 0.01) and particle size, while a positive correlation was observed with total organic carbon (R = 0.40 in GP; 0.38 in IP; P < 0.01). The exposure risk calculated by the highest bioaccessibility was generally lower than that calculated by the total content. However, Pb in one school dust sample had an unacceptable carcinogenic risk (adult risk = 1.19 × 10−4; child risk = 1.08 × 10−4). This study suggests that bioaccessibility of heavy metals in household dust is likely related to geochemical fractions and physical/chemical properties. Further research is needed to explore the sources of bioaccessible heavy metals in household dust. [Display omitted] • Bioaccessibility of nine metals in 21 household dusts from 14 cities were studied. • Bioaccessibility showed a trend of SBRC > IVG > PBET. • Metal bioaccessibility was positively correlated with dust TOC and E1+C2 fractions. • Metal bioaccessibility was inversely related to dust pH and particle size. • Bioaccessibility-based health risks of heavy metal were assessed and more accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pickering high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) have gained significant attention for various applications within the food industry. Yeast cell protein (YCP), derived from spent brewer's yeast, stands out as a preferred stabilizing agent due to its cost-effectiveness, abundance, and safety profile. However, challenges persist in utilizing YCP, notably its instability under high salt concentration, thermal processing, and proximity to its isoelectric point. This study aimed to enhance YCP's emulsifying properties through glycation with glucose and evaluate its efficacy as a stabilizer for curcumin (CUR)-loaded HIPEs. The results revealed that glycation increased YCP's surface hydrophobicity, exposing hydrophobic groups. This augmentation, along with steric hindrance from grafted glucose molecules, improved emulsifying properties, resulting in a thicker interfacial layer around oil droplets. This fortified interfacial layer, in synergy with steric hindrance, bolstered resistance to pH changes, salt ions, and thermal degradation. Moreover, HIPEs stabilized with glycated YCP exhibited reduced oxidation rates and improved CUR protection. In vitro digestion studies demonstrated enhanced CUR bioaccessibility, attributed to a faster release of fatty acids. This study underscores the efficacy of glycation as a strategic approach to augment the applicability of biomass proteins, exemplified by glycated YCP, in formulating stable and functional HIPEs for diverse food applications. [Display omitted] • Glycated yeast cell protein (gYCP) was effective as a Pickering stabilizer. • Thicker interfacial layer formed by gYCP induced droplet steric hindrance. • Enhanced steric repulsion through glycation provided HIPEs stability. • Glycation positively influenced HIPEs digestion and curcumin bioaccessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a great challenge to prepare Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3)O 3 –PbTiO 3 (PMN-PT) ceramics of very high transparency with only oxygen atmosphere pressureless sintering process. To address this issue, this work proposed an optimal low-cost two-step oxygen atmosphere sintering process with a first step at high temperature (T 1) for minutes, followed by a second step at lower temperature (T 2) for hours without applied pressure. High transmittance of 70 % in the near-infrared wavelength was achieved by our novel two-step process, which far exceeds the performance of PMN–PT ceramics prepared by only oxygen atmosphere sintering process reported in the past and demonstrates comparable performance compared to the costly hot-pressing sintering process. Meanwhile, it shows a high quadratic electro-optic (EO) coefficient of 42.1 × 10−16 m2 V−2, which is meaningful for applications in EO devices. Furthermore, the effect of the temperature difference between the first and second sintering step on the microstructure, transmittance, domain structure, ferroelectric and dielectric property, and polarization switching were discussed. The enhanced transparency is mainly attributed to the higher relative density, and weaker photoluminescence effect with lesser light absorption loss at optimal T 1 -T 2. The improved EO property is due to greater polarization response originating from the interaction of defect dipoles and nanodomains. Such a process should facilitate the cost-effective preparation of other transparent electro-optic materials for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Himalaya are among the youngest and highest mountains in the world, but the exact timing of their uplift and origins of their biodiversity are still in debate. The Himalayan region is a relatively small area but with exceptional diversity and endemism. One common hypothesis to explain the rich montane diversity is uplift-driven diversification—that orogeny creates conditions favoring rapid in situ speciation of resident lineages. We test this hypothesis in the Himalayan region using amphibians and reptiles, two environmentally sensitive vertebrate groups. In addition, analysis of diversification of the herpetofauna provides an independent source of information to test competing geological hypotheses of Himalayan orogenesis. We conclude that the origins of the Himalayan herpetofauna date to the early Paleocene, but that diversification of most groups was concentrated in the Miocene. There was an increase in both rates and modes of diversification during the early to middle Miocene, together with regional interchange (dispersal) between the Himalaya and adjacent regions. Our analyses support a recently proposed stepwise geological model of Himalayan uplift beginning in the Paleocene, with a subsequent rapid increase of uplifting during the Miocene, finally giving rise to the intensification of the modern South Asian Monsoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The typical single-chromosome mitochondrial (mt) genome of animals has fragmented into multiple minichromosomes in the lineage Mitodivisia, which contains most of the parasitic lice of eutherian mammals. These parasitic lice differ from each other even among congeneric species in mt karyotype, i.e. the number of minichromosomes, and the gene content and gene order in each minichromosome, which is in stark contrast to the extremely conserved single-chromosome mt genomes across most animal lineages. How fragmented mt genomes evolved is still poorly understood. We use Polyplax sucking lice as a model to investigate how tRNA gene translocation shapes the dynamic mt karyotypes. Results: We sequenced the full mt genome of the Asian grey shrew louse, Polyplax reclinata. We then inferred the ancestral mt karyotype for Polyplax lice and compared it with the mt karyotypes of the three Polyplax species sequenced to date. We found that tRNA genes were entirely responsible for mt karyotype variation among these three species of Polyplax lice. Furthermore, tRNA gene translocation observed in Polyplax lice was only between different types of minichromosomes and towards the boundaries with the control region. A similar pattern of tRNA gene translocation can also been seen in other sucking lice with fragmented mt genomes. Conclusions: We conclude that inter-minichromosomal tRNA gene translocation orientated towards the boundaries with the control region is a major contributing factor to the highly dynamic mitochondrial genome organization in the parasitic lice of mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The H7N9 virus epidemic was mainly concentrated in the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta. • The epidemic had obvious seasonality: mostly in winter and spring. • The epidemic had a significant correlation with temperature and precipitation. • The agent-based model combined meteorological factors, time, and environmental factors. From 2013 to 2017, the avian influenza A (H7N9) virus frequently infected people in China, which seriously affected the public health of society. This study aimed to analyze the spatial characteristics of human infection with the H7N9 virus in China and assess the risk areas of the epidemic. Using kernel density estimation, standard deviation ellipse analysis, spatial and temporal scanning cluster analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis, the spatial characteristics and possible risk factors of the epidemic were studied. Meteorological factors, time (month), and environmental factors were combined to establish an epidemic risk assessment proxy model to assess the risk range of an epidemic. The epidemic situation was significantly correlated with atmospheric pressure, temperature, and daily precipitation (P < 0.05), and there were six temporal and spatial clusters. The fitting accuracy of the epidemic risk assessment agent-based model for lower-risk, low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk was 0.795, 0.672, 0.853, 0.825, respectively. This H7N9 epidemic was found to have more outbreaks in winter and spring. It gradually spread to the inland areas of China. This model reflects the risk areas of human infection with the H7N9 virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multi-scale analysis method is presented for the heat transfer problems of periodical composite structures under irradiation heating. This kind of physical problem can be described as a class of parabolic equations with small periodical oscillating coefficients equipped with the mixed boundary conditions of both Dirichlet and Neumann type. It needs more expensive cost in both computer's memory and CPU time to solve these problems by the usual finite difference method or finite element method, since it is necessary to partition the considering geometrical region finer to capture the heat conduction behavior at small scale. To reduce the computational complexity, an approximate solution is derived by the asymptotic expansion technique. The convergence of asymptotic solution to exact solution is technically proved as the micro-scale parameter tends to zero. Based on the asymptotic expansion formula, a second-order two-scale finite element method is proposed to fully solve this problem in practice. Numerical results show convergent behavior of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic niobium modified 95/5 lead zirconate-lead titanate (PZT) undergoes a pressure induced ferroelectric to antiferroelectric phase transformation accompanied by an elimination of polarization and a volume reduction. Electric field and temperature drive the reverse transformation from the antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase. The phase transformation was monitored under pressure, temperature, and electric field loading. Pressures and temperatures were varied in discrete steps from 0 MPa to 500 MPa and 25 °C to 125 °C, respectively. Cyclic bipolar electric fields were applied with peak amplitudes of up to 6 MV m-1 at each pressure and temperature combination. The resulting electric displacement-electric field hysteresis loops were open "D" shaped at low pressure, characteristic of soft ferroelectric PZT. Just below the phase transformation pressure, the hysteresis loops took on an "S" shape, which split into a double hysteresis loop just above the phase transformation pressure. Far above the phase transformation pressure, when the applied electric field is insufficient to drive an antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase transformation, the hysteresis loops collapse to linear dielectric behavior. Phase stability maps were generated from the experimental data at each of the temperature steps and used to form a three dimensional pressure-temperature-electric field phase diagram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a novel and fluorescent zinc-organic framework sensor [Zn3(μ3-Hbptc)2(μ2-4,4′-bpy)2(H2O)4]n·2nH2O (1) (H4bptc = 2,3,3′,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic acid, 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) is synthesized and characterized, demonstrating its excellent fluorescence performance for Cu2+ detection and the enrichment of Cu2+ in aqueous media. The fluorescence intensity of 1 can be selectively quenched by Cu2+ in a linear range of Cu2+ concentrations of 0–0.7 μM. The limit of detection (LOD) value is as low as 32.4 nM, which is superior to those of most of the fluorescent sensors based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). It is also far below the maximum allowable concentration of Cu2+ in drinking water as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), so it is employed for the detection of Cu2+ in actual water samples. More importantly, the nature of the interaction between the active coordination site (COO−) of 1 and Cu2+ determines the quenching mechanism, that is Cu2+ in the analyte is captured by MOF 1, which has been investigated by ICP, luminescence, UV-vis, XPS, and lifetime studies. Besides, the chemosensor shows regeneration performance without the loss of performance in five consecutive cycles. So MOF 1 is a simple and convenient probe used not only for the rapid detection but also for the enrichment of trace amounts of Cu2+ in aqueous media, and the application can be further extended to a variety of environmental and biological analysis processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs) play crucial roles in growth, development and reproduction of Litopenaeus vannamei, one of the most important shrimp species cultivated in China in recent years. To investigate the effect of dietary n‐3 PUFA composition on growth and the expression of LvFAD6 and LvELOV5 genes and fatty acid composition of this species, ten diets, which contain different levels of α‐linolenic acid (C18:3 n‐3, ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n‐3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n‐3, DHA), respectively, were prepared for the culture of this species lasting 42 days. The results showed that the identified cDNA sequence of fatty acyl desaturases 6 from L. vannamei (LvFAD6) was 739 bp, encoding a protein of 210 amino acids. The LvFAD6 peptide sequence possessed two histidine‐rich motifs (QHHA and QIEHH), shared 96.6% identity with Apostichopus japonicus FAD6 and strongly clustered with FAD6 from A. japonicus and Octopus bimaculoides. The expression of LvFAD6 and LvELOV5 in muscle decreased with increase in dietary EPA, but increased with increase in dietary DHA. Dietary ALA has the potential to further increase the production of these health‐beneficial LC‐PUFAs in L. vannamei fed a diet with low levels of EPA and DHA, implying L. vannamei had the capacity to convert dietary ALA into EPA and DHA. These results suggest that the supplementation of ALA, EPA and DHA in diets for better growth of L. vannamei in ranges of 2.5% to 3.89%, 1.7% to 3.19% and 2.7% to 5.84% of total fatty acids respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Spatio-temporal differences of the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in 337 prefecture-level cities in China, as well as the social influencing factors (Baidu migration index, government response severity index) and natural influencing factors (meteorological factors, air pollutants) were analyzed. • The global and local spatial correlation characteristics (Moran's I) of the epidemic distribution were positively correlated, that is, the clustering trend was dominant. • Temporal and spatial clustering of the epidemic's distribution (i.e., areas with a high incidence of the epidemic and their corresponding high incidence time and risk), detected a total of six clusters. • Population migration, air pollution concentration, and low temperature played a positive role in the spread of COVID-19 in China. • Government response strictness index, that is, the formulation of relevant government policies has an inhibitory effect on the transmission of COVID-19, and the greater the intensity of government intervention, the fewer cases will occur. The purpose of this study was to explore the temporal and spatial characteristics of COVID-19 transmission and its influencing factors in China, from January to October 2020. About 81,000 COVID-19 confirmed case data, Baidu migration index data, air pollutants, meteorological data, and government response strictness index data were collected from 31 provincial-level regions (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) and 337 prefecture-level cities. The spatio-temporal characteristics of COVID-19 were explored using spatial autocorrelation, hot spot, and spatio-temporal scanning statistics. At the same time, Spearman rank correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to explore the relationship between influencing factors and confirmed COVID-19 cases. The distribution of COVID-19 in China tends to be stable over time, with spatial correlation and prominent clustering regions. Spatio-temporal scanning analysis showed that most COVID-19 high-incidence months were from January to March at the beginning of the epidemic, and the area with the highest aggregation risk was Hubei Province (RR = 491.57) which was 491.57 times the aggregation risk of other regions. Among the meteorological variables, the daily average temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and new COVID-19 cases were negatively correlated. The air pollution concentration and migration index were positively correlated with new confirmed cases, and the government response strict index was strongly negatively correlated with confirmed COVID-19 cases. Environmental temperature has a certain inhibitory effect on the transmission of COVID-19; the air pollution concentration and migration index have a certain promoting effect on the transmission of COVID-19. The strict government response index indicates that the greater the intensity of government intervention, the fewer COVID-19 cases will occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spectral fluctuations and transition intensity fluctuations in the excited-state quantum phase transitions (ESQPTs) have been investigated within the framework of the interacting boson model (IBM) by adopting three statistical measures, including the nearest neighbor level spacing distribution P(S) measuring the chaoticity (regularity) in energy spectra, the Δ3(L) statistics of Dyson and Mehta measuring the spectral rigidity and the intensity distribution P(y) measuring the chaoticity (regularity) in B(E0) transitions. The results indicate that that the ESQPT as a function of the excitation energy may occur as a transition from regular (or semiregular) to highly chaotic if only the associated whole spectrum is chaotic, which fits most of the deformed situations in the IBM including those in the U(5)–SU(3) and SU(3)–O(6) transitional regions. Otherwise, the ESQPT will appear as a transition from regular (or semiregular) to regular such as the cases in the U(5)–O(6) transitional region or those on the 'Alhassid–Whelan arc', which represents a nearly regular parameter region connecting the U(5) and SU(3) limits in the IBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface of gold nanorods is chemically charged by ascorbic acid; the charging effect results in not only the blue shift on their surface plasmon bands, but also the change of the deposition rate of silver on their surfaces. The rate was prominently accelerated at room temperature, but slightly slowed down at higher temperature. The shape of gold‐silver core‐shell nanoparticles could not be obviously affected. The Fermi level of gold nanorods begins to increase under the action of charging and alters the electrical double‐layer structure of gold nanorods, resulting in the different deposition rate of silver on gold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Dietary salt intake may vary depending on different lifestyles. We aimed to estimate the different salt intakes and evaluate the knowledge and self-awareness about salt among people speaking the Teochew, Teochew-Hakka and Hakka dialects in the Chaoshan region of southern China.Design: The study followed a cluster sampling of residents in Chaoshan region. General characteristics, lifestyles, health status as well as knowledge and self-awareness related to salt intake were investigated using a questionnaire. Anthropometric variables as well as Na and K excretion in a 24-h urine collection were measured.Setting: Chaoshan region of China.Participants: Four hundred fifteen adults who spoke only one of these three dialects.Results: The salt intake of adults who spoke the Teochew, Teochew-Hakka and Hakka dialects was 7·19 (interquartile range (IQR) 5·29-10·17), 9·03 (IQR 6·62-11·54) and 10·12 (IQR 7·61-12·82) g/d, respectively, with significant differences between Teochew and Teochew-Hakka speakers and between Teochew and Hakka speakers (both P < 0·05). The Na:K ratio for adults who spoke the three dialects was 3·00 (IQR 2·00-4·11), 3·50 (IQR 2·64-4·82) and 4·52 (IQR 3·35-5·97), respectively, and differed significantly among the groups (all P < 0·05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed increased Na:K ratio associated with hypertension (β = 0·71, P = 0·043) in Hakka speakers. Knowledge and self-awareness about salt intake were poor in this population.Conclusions: Salt intake was closely related to lifestyles and was higher than the upper limit (5 g/d) recommended by the WHO in adults of Chaoshan, especially those speaking the Hakka dialect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms are consumed worldwide as they constitute a part of traditional cuisine culture in many countries. However, chromium (Cr) accumulation in mushrooms may constitute a potential pathway for its chronical exposure to humans. In this work, the Cr contents, distribution and bioaccessibility in 140 cultivated mushrooms from 14 species in 10 top-producing provinces in China were examined. Total Cr contents were 0.09–4.71 mg·kg−1 dw (mean 0.74 mg kg−1), with 59% exceeding the 0.5 mg kg−1standard. Additionally, less Cr was accumulated in the caps than stipes, with Cr ratio in caps/stipes being 0.28–2.6, averaging 0.91. Based on the Solubility Bioaccessibility Research Consortium (SBRC) assay, the mean Cr bioaccessibility in the mushrooms was 24.8% and 50.1% in the gastric phase (GP) and intestinal phase (IP). However, samples from Guizhou show the lowest Cr bioaccessibility at 12.5% in GP and 24.8% in IP. Further, a negative correlation between total Cr contents and Cr bioaccessibility suggests that Cr bioaccessibility is critical for accurate assessment of Cr exposure. In addition, drying mushrooms increased their bioaccessibility in the gastric phase. This study shows a high Cr exceeding rate of cultivated mushrooms, which may indicate a potential exposure risk, with Cr contents and bioaccessibility showing species and regional variation. [Display omitted] • 140 mushrooms were from 14 species in 10 top-producing provinces in China. • Total Cr contents were 0.09–4.71 mg·kg−1, with 59% exceeding 0.5 mg kg−1 standard. • More Cr was concentrated in the stipes than caps (1.11 vs. 0.92 mg·kg−1). • Cr bioaccessibility negatively correlated with Cr contents via SBRC assay. • Greater Cr bioaccessibility in the gastric phase in dried mushrooms than in fresh samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid tolerance is crucial for the effective and persistent mineral weathering by acid-producing bacteria. Here, the molecular basis of the acid tolerance of mineral-weathering Pseudomonas pergaminensis F77 was identified using proteomics analysis of the strain under acid stress. Then, the acid tolerance of strain F77 and its mutants with deletion of the acid tolerance-related genes orf03767 , mcp , resR , nueR , yegD , and fxsA , which are involved in the two-component systems, DNA repair, nucleotide binding, and membrane parts, were compared. Finally, the acid tolerance-related physiological mechanisms of strain F77 and its mutants F77Δ nueR and F77Δ resR under acidic conditions were characterized. The significantly upregulated proteins in the acid-adapted and acid-challenged strain F77 included the proteins involved in metabolic pathways associated with ATPase, membrane components, organic acid transmembrane transporters, response to stimulus, nucleotide binding, ABC transporters, and two-component systems. The cell numbers decreased by 24–100% at pH ≤ 4.50, while the membrane fluidity increased by 22–61% at pH ≤ 5.50 for the mutants F77Δ nueR and F77Δ resR , compared with that of strain F77. The intracellular H+-ATPase activities decreased by 29–33% for the mutant F77Δ nueR at pH ≤ 4.50% and 33–79% for the mutant F77Δ resR at all tested pHs (pH ≤ 7.00); meanwhile, the ratios of intracellular NAD+/NADH decreased by 71–91% for the mutant F77Δ resR at all tested pHs (pH ≤ 7.00), compared with that of strain F77. Furthermore, the intracellular putrescine concentrations were reduced by 40–70% for the mutant F77Δ resR at all tested pHs (pH ≤ 7.00) compared with that of strain F77. Our findings suggested that multiple proteins and metabolic pathways were associated with bacterial acid tolerance and revealed that nueR and resR were involved in acid tolerance based on their modulation of multiple acid tolerance-related physiological functions in strain F77. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presented here is a new Zn(II) coordination polymer, namely [Zn2(L)2(bpe)]n (1, H2L = 4-({2-[(4-carboxyphenoxy)methyl]phenyl}methoxy)benzoic acid, bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridinyl)ethane), which has been hydrothermally synthesized via the mixed-ligand strategy. Moreover, compound 1 emits intense luminescence at room temperature, and can be used as a luminescent sensor for the detection of Fe3+ in water solution with high selectivity and sensitivity. As representatives of natural polysaccharides, hyaluronic acid (HA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) have good biocompatibility. A new type of HA/CMCS gel particles loaded with Paclitaxel drug metal-organic framework was prepared by chemical synthesis method and its micromorphology was studied. Finally, biological experiments were conducted to evaluate the new system’s effect on the activity of human lung cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Self-emulsifying HIPEs (SHIPEs) were developed by functional krill oil(KO). • Self-assemble of phospholipids (PLs) in the KO dominated the SHIPEs formation. • PLs lamellar network on the droplets surface contributed to SHIPE gels. • NaCl and sucrose adversely affected SHIPEs gel by dehydrating the PL lamellar. • SHIPEs exhibited potential as structured oil for application in 3D printing food. High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) have emerged as a promising structured oil system in food industry. This study developed self-emulsifying HIPEs (SHIPEs) using Antarctic krill oil (KO) with endogenous phospholipids as surfactant and algae oil as a diluent. The influence of phospholipids self-assembly on SHIPEs formation was investigated by evaluating the microstructures, particle size, rheological properties, and water distribution. Results demonstrated that the concentration and self-assembly behavior of phospholipids dominated the SHIPEs formation. Optimized SHIPEs with desirable gel properties contained 10 wt% krill oil in the oil phase at an 80 wt% oil phase level. Furthermore, these SHIPEs exhibited excellent performance in 3D printing applications. Hydrated phospholipids formed lamellar network at the oil–water interface, enhancing gel strength by crosslinking oil droplets. These findings shed light on the self-assembly of phospholipids during HIPEs formation and highlight the potential phospholipids-rich marine lipids in SHIPEs for functional food products development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to compare the effect of different seasonal conditions on growth performance and serum biochemical indices of grazing yaks. Eight healthy yaks with good body condition were selected, which were grazed in the same pasture in warm season and cold season, respectively. The pre-test period lasted for 10 d, the formal test period lasted for 60 d. The results showed that the total weight gain and average daily gain of yaks in warm season group were extremely higher than those in cold season group (P<0.01). Serum albumin and ALT activity in warm season group were significantly higher than those in cold season group (P<0.05). The study indicates that the growth condition of yaks in warm season is obviously better than that in cold season, the digestion, absorption and utilization of protein were better, and the weight gain effect is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N, O, S co-doped hierarchically porous carbon nanobelts with fast channels and special defects exhibit high capacity and excellent cycling stability for Li-ion and Li-Se batteries. • Defect-rich HPCNBs are derived from the whole organic Melamnie-based polymer network. • N, O, S co-doping HPCNBs enhances the electrical conductivity and chemical affinity. • The Se@HPCNB nanocomposite has fast channels and dual confinement for active species. • The Se@HPCNB nanocomposite demonstrates stable and long-term cycle for Li-ion and Li-Se batteries. Li-Se battery is a promising energy storage candidate owing to its high theoretical volumetric capacity and safe operating condition. In this work, for the first time, we report using the whole organic Melamine-based porous polymer networks (MPNs) as a precursor to synthesize a N, O, S co-doped hierarchically porous carbon nanobelts (HPCNBs) for both Li-ion and Li-Se battery. The N, O, S co-doping resulting in the defect-rich HPCNBs provides fast transport channels for electrolyte, electrons and ions, but also effectively relieve volume change. When used for Li-ion battery, it exhibits an advanced lithium storage performance with a capacity of 345 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1 after 150 cycles and a superior rate capacity of 281 mAh g−1 even at 2000 mA g−1. Further density function theory calculations reveal that the carbon atoms adjacent to the doping sites are electron-rich and more effective to anchor active species in Li-Se battery. With the hierarchically porous channels and the strong dual physical–chemical confinement for Li 2 Se, the Se@ HPCNBs composite delivers an ultra-stable cycle performance even at 2 C after 1000 cycles. Our work here suggests that introduce of heteroatoms and defects in graphite-like anodes is an effective way to improve the electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]