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Objective To analyze the influencing factors and improvement paths of the service capacity of standardized township health centers in Guangxi under the background of "high-quality service at the grassroots level", providing useful reference for further deepening reform and promoting the healthy development of rural medical and health systems. Methods By the end of 2021, township health centers that have reached the recommended standard of "quality service primary line" service ability were selected as the research samples, and the coupled coordination degree model was combined with fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method to carry out empirical analysis. Results Single factors cannot constitute a necessary condition for improving or decreasing the service capacity of township health centers. There are a total of four configuration paths for improving the service capacity of township health centers in Guangxi, among which the core sufficient conditions for playing a leading role are the number of high-level practicing (assistant) physicians, the number of registered nurses, and coupling coordination scheduling. The overall consistency of the solution is 0.920 (≥0.8), and the model has strong explanatory power. Conclusion The improvement of service capacity in township health centers in Guangxi is facilitated by the synergistic effect of multiple factors both internally and externally. The optimization and expansion of grassroots talent teams is the core combination element for the improvement of service capacity in township health centers, and the coupling and coordinated development of medical resource allocation and economy is the key element for the improvement of service capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The summer precipitation in Northeast China (NEC) can usually be divided into two stages, namely the Northeast China cold vortex (NECV) influencing stage in early summer (May–June) and the monsoon influencing stage in midsummer (July–August). In this study, the influence of NECV on the precipitation at multi‐timescales during different summer periods is studied. The results show that even in midsummer, though the effect of the western Pacific subtropical high is strengthened, the NECV still has the major impact on the precipitation over NEC. High co‐variability could be found between the daily precipitation and the NECV index in each month. The running correlation with an 11‐day window between precipitation and the NECV index also proves that the NECV has large impact on the precipitation over NEC during the whole summer. Key linkage of NECVs and the precipitation in midsummer can still be detected in synoptic extreme rainfall events. The composite analysis shows that, for the heavy rainfall extremes in NEC, the dominant circulation is an obvious 'negative–positive–negative' vorticity pattern at high latitudes of Asia. The positive vorticity in the pattern corresponds to stronger and more active NECV. That means the NECV is still the most critical factor affecting the NEC precipitation in midsummer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the concept of "healthy lifestyle" deeply rooted in people's minds, the sports service industry is thriving, which has resulted in intense competition. The sports service industry must improve its service quality to be competitive. Customer orientation is the key factor for enterprises to gain competitive advantage. With the in-depth understanding of internal marketing in the service industry. Managers have realized that treating employees as internal consumer is a good way to improve their satisfaction and gain customer orientation. However, what internal marketing strategies will have a positive effect on internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation of private-owned sports center employees are still unclear. In this investigation, a total of 326 employees from the private-owned sports center were used to investigate the effects of internal marketing strategies on internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation. All employees were asked to complete a questionnaire on 5-point scale. A path model was used to investigate the direct and indirect effects of hypothetical measurements on internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation. The findings suggested that internal communication, administrative support, and educational training were important factors affecting internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation. We concluded that the implementation of internal marketing strategies could improve internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation, and higher levels of internal consumer satisfaction will encourage employees to have higher degrees of customer orientation. Therefore, the implementation of internal marketing strategy was beneficial to the development of private-owned sports centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sea cucumbers are very sensitive to the influence of environmental factors, and will vomit their intestines and undergo tissue degradation under certain stimuli. In order to determine the effect of endogenous enzymes in the sea cucumber intestine on the body wall during body wall softening, intestine extracts and crude collagen fibers were prepared, respectively. The endogenous enzymes belonging to serine proteases were identified by gelatin zymography. The rheological property results showed that the addition of sea cucumber intestinal extracts reduced the viscosity of crude collagen fibers from 32.7 Pa·s to 5.3 Pa·s. The serine protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride inhibited the activity of intestinal extracts, and maintained the viscoelasticity of crude collagen fibers. In this paper, endogenous enzymes in sea cucumber intestinal extracts were identified as serine endopeptidases, which caused softening of the body wall. Sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus will vomit their intestines during certain stimulations, and the collagen of the body wall will then be degraded. To define the effect of the sea cucumber intestine extracts on the body wall, the intestinal extracts and crude collagen fibers (CCF) of sea cucumber A. japonicus were prepared. According to the gelatin zymography, the type of endogenous enzymes in intestinal extracts were mainly serine endopeptidases with optimal activities at pH 9.0 and 40 °C. According to the rheology results, the viscosity of 3% CCF decreased from 32.7 Pa·s to 5.3 Pa·s by adding intestine extracts. The serine protease inhibitor phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride inhibited the activity of intestinal extracts and increased the viscosity of collagen fibers to 25.7 Pa·s. The results proved that serine protease in the intestinal extracts participated in the process of body wall softening in sea cucumbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the impact of different polyphenols on the gel properties of gellan gum (GG) and the interaction mechanism, experiments and virtual molecular simulations were conducted based on nine representative polyphenols. Rheological analysis revealed that all the GG/polyphenol composite hydrogels were pseudoplastic fluids with a low viscosity. The storage modulus (G′) of hydrogel containing only GG was 28.3 Pa at 0.1 Hz. The addition of gallic acid (GA), puerarin (PUE) or cyanidin cation (CC) significantly increased the G′ of the hydrogel by 4.9-fold, 3.3-fold, and 2.6-fold, respectively. The introduction of GA reduced the water holding capacity (WHC) of the hydrogel to 62.0 %, while the other eight polyphenols increased the WHC to nearly 100 %. Regular, intact and dense honeycomb mesh structures were observed in the GG/GA, GG/PUE, GG/CC and GG/catechin microstructures. The molecular docking results indicated that, among the nine polyphenols, PUE had the strongest affinity for GG with an interaction energy of −18.64 kcal/mol. According to the results of molecular dynamics simulation, the total energy of the composite system interacting with water corresponded well with the G′ of the composite hydrogels. The GG/GA system with the highest G′ had the lowest total energy of −15655.82 kJ/mol. Hydrogen bonds were the main driving force for improving the strength and maintaining the structural stability of the composite hydrogels. Therefore, this study confirmed the various effects of nine polyphenols on GG hydrogels and provided a novel basis for investigating the synthesis and gelation mechanism of polysaccharide-polyphenol composite hydrogels. [Display omitted] • The properties of GG hydrogel varied after mixed with different polyphenols. • Molecular docking elucidated affinity and binding modes between GG and polyphenols. • Relationship between gel strength and binding energy provided by MD simulations. • Hydrogen bonding played major roles in gel formation and binding process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop composite hydrogels based on low acyl gellan gum (GG), the effect of puerarin (PUE) on the gel properties of GG was investigated. The results showed that the maximum storage modulus (G ′) of the 1.2 % GG/0.8 % PUE composite hydrogel was 377.4 Pa at 0.1 Hz, which was enhanced by 4.7-fold compared with that of 1.2 % GG. The melting temperature of this composite hydrogel increased from 74.1 °C to >80.0 °C. LF-NMR results showed that a significant amount of free water was present in the hydrogel matrix. The surface structure aggregation and the shrinkage of the honeycomb meshes in the composite hydrogel proved the cross-linking of PUE and GG. XRD, FTIR and molecular simulation results illustrated that hydrogen bonds were the most important factor controlling the interaction between GG and PUE. Thus, the GG/PUE composite hydrogel has good elasticity, thermal stability and water retention, which lays a good foundation for further application in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, borophene has developed into an incredibly promising magnetic material that is essential to many industries including superconductivity and fuel cells. In this paper, using Monte Carlo simulation, the ground-state phase diagrams and magnetic properties of an Ising-type borophene monolayer are explored specifically. The results show that induced by crystal field and exchange coupling, the second-order magnetic phase transitions and the compensation temperature are obtained. Additionally, the multiple compensation temperatures and multi-loop hysteresis characteristics are observed, which are vital in multiple magnetic recording. • A mixed-spin Ising-type borophene monolayer was studied based on Monte Carlo simulation method. • The ground-state phase diagrams were discussed by Monte Carlo method. • The temperature dependence of the magnetization and the susceptibility were presented. • Multiple compensation temperatures were obtained. • Multiple-loop hysteresis behaviors were clearly observed in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a bilayer Kagome lattice with RKKY interaction is described using a ferrimagnetic mixed spin-3/2 and spin-2 Ising model. Interesting compensation temperature and hysteresis loops of the system generated by various physical parameters, such as the crystal fields of sublattices (D a , D b), the interlayer exchange coupling (J R) and the intralayer exchange coupling (J b) are explored using Monte Carlo simulation. The results demonstrate that the compensation temperature (T comp), weaker D a and J b , and stronger D b , are favourable for the emergence of the compensation temperatures. Besides, under certain physical parameters, the system may exhibit triple-loop hysteresis behavior and multiple magnetization plateaus. • A ferrimagnetic mixed-spin (3/2, 2) Ising model on the bilayer Kagome lattice with RKKY interaction was proposed. • The effects of the crystal field, exchange coupling and non-magnetic layer were studied. • Magnetization, partial magnetization, and susceptibility were discussed. • Phase diagrams of the critical and compensation temperatures were obtained. • Interesting multi-loop hysteresis characteristics and magnetization plateaus were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, cold-set large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) roe protein isolate (pcRPI) gels were prepared by glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) at different concentrations. The 0.1% and 0.2% GDL induced pcRPI at 50 mg/mL to form cold-set gels, while pcRPI suspension with 0.4% GDL addition still showed a fluid state. The pcRPI gel induced by 0.2% GDL showed better rheological properties and its G' value was about 5.1 times than that of 0.1% GDL. In addition, pcRPI gels induced by 0.1% and 0.2% GDL showed similar water holding capacity, and 0.2% GDL-induced pcRPI gels showed a special T 2 peak in 2249.0 ms which might represent free water on the surface of the gel. Furthermore, the higher total number of junctions, vessels percentage area, and lower lacunarity indicated a denser three-dimensional network structure in pcRPI gels induced by 0.1% and 0.2% GDL. Particle size tests and AFM results further confirmed that GDL induced pcRPI to form cold-set gels by promoting the formation of protein aggregates. Therefore, 0.1–0.2% GDL are suitable to prepare pcRPI cold-set gels. These results may deepen the understanding on cold-set pcRPI gels induced by GDL. • Pseudosciaena crocea roe protein isolates (pcRPI) had potential to form cold-set gels. • 0.2% glucono-δ-lactone (GDL)-induced pcRPI gels showed good rheological properties. • The 0.1–0.2% GDL induced pcRPI gels had a dense three-dimensional network structure. • GDL-induced pcRPI gels were promoted by the formation of protein aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, hydrolysates of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) roe were prepared by trypsin (Try‐pcRHs) and papain (Pap‐pcRHs). The degree of hydrolysis (DH), molecular weight distribution and iron chelating capacity of hydrolysates were investigated. Moreover, the chelation mechanism of iron‐hydrolysates complex also was investigated by amino acid composition analysis, fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, fluorescence spectrophotometer and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. These results showed that Try‐pcRHs exhibited higher iron chelating ability with the EC50 value of 0.14 mg/ml than Pap‐pcRHs, which may be due to the higher DH and content of peptide <1 KDa. Furthermore, the Asp, Glu, Ser, Pro, Ile, Phe and His in Try‐pcRHs might contribute to the chelation reaction, and the groups of ‐COOH, C=O, N‐H and C‐O were involved in chealtiong of Try‐pcRHs with iron. Therefore, Try‐pcRHs have the potential to be used as iron supplements in food industries. Practical Applications: Large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) roes are the main by‐products in the large yellow croaker processing. Previous studies have found that protein isolates from P. crocea roes composed of vitellogenin B, vitellogenin C and vitellogenin contain a large number of serine residues. In this study, we prepared hydrolysates from large yellow croaker roes, and the results showed that trypsin‐hydrolyzed large yellow croaker roes exhibited great iron‐chelating ability and has the potential to be used as a safe and healthy iron supplements in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roes are the main byproducts during the processing of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) and have not been well utilized. Heat-induced gels were prepared by using P. crocea roe protein isolates (pcRPI), and the influence of pH on the gel properties was also investigated. pcRPI could not form a gel at pH 4–6 but showed gelation behaviors at pH 7–9. The pcRPI gels prepared at pH 8 had a lower gel point (84 °C), and their G ′ reached 535.4 Pa. Moreover, pcRPI gels formed at pH 8–9 had a more continuous network structure with a shorter T 2 relaxation time than those at other pH conditions. Additionally, vitellogenin and vitellogenin B and C in pcRPI easily formed protein complexes during heating. The hydrophobic interactions, which were the main force between protein molecules during heating, as shown by molecular dynamics simulation, also contributed to gel formation. pcRPI has the potential to be used as a novel hydrogel product in food and other fields. • The optimum pH of P. crocea roe protein isolates (pcRPI) to form gels was pH 8. • The water holding ability of pcRPI gels was enhanced as pH increased. • The pcRPI gels had smoother surface and continuous network structure at pH 8–9. • Hydrophobic interactions were the main forces in the formation of pcRPI gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gellan gum (GG) improved gel formation of protein isolate from P. crocea roe (pcRPI). • GG improved the rheological properties and water holding ability of pcRPI gels. • The pcRPI-GG binary gels showed denser, more aggregated network structure. • GG improved the protective effects of curcumin by pcRPI gels with control release. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gellan gum (GG) on the cold gelation of large yellow croaker roe protein isolate (pcRPI). The water-holding ability and storage modulus of the pcRPI-GG binary gels increased with the GG concentration, where the storage modulus of the pcRPI-0.2% GG gel was approximately 30.7 times that of the pure pcRPI gel. Compare to the other binary gels, pcRPI-0.2% GG gels exhibited a lower lacunarity and higher junction density, with a denser, more aggregated microstructure. Consequently, curcumin was embedded in pcRPI-0.2% GG gels, and simulated gastrointestinal digestion test results showed that GG addition effectively protected and slowed curcumin release in the gastrointestinal environment. These findings may contribute to elucidating the interaction of pcRPI with GG and demonstrate the potential of binary gels for the embedding and delivery of active substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gel properties and microstructure of scallop male gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs) were investigated by combing with κ‐carrageenan (κ‐C) and locust bean gum (LBG). It was shown that the initial elastic module of SMGHs/κ‐C 0.1 Hz got marked improvement from 202.3 Pa to 326.7 Pa and the melting temperature also increased 6°C with the addition of LBG. According to the data of low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance, the relaxation time T23 markedly reduced in SMGHs/κ‐C/LBG, representing the migration of water might result in a strong bind among SMGHs, κ‐C, and LBG. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the existence of hydrogen bonding between LBG and SMGHs/κ‐C. Low‐temperature scanning electron microscopy showed that the SMGHs/κ‐C/LBG ternary complexes possessed smaller voids and more dense network structures. These results could provide more possibilities for the application of SMGHs and polysaccharide complexes in functional hydrogel development. Novelty impact statement: We evaluated the gel and microstructure properties of ternary composite gel consisted of protein hydrolysates from male gonad of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) (SMGHs), κ‐carrageenan (κ‐C), and locust bean gum (LBG). The results showed that the addition of κ‐C and LBG significantly improved the gel properties of SMGHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low-acyl gellan gum had effect on gelation of scallop male gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs). • Gel strength of SMGHs was increased with increasing of low-acyl gellan gum (GG) dose. • The thermal stability of SMGHs gel was improved by the addition of GG. • The promoting effect of GG on SMGHs gel was related to the water migration. • The SMGHs/GG composite gels showed a regular and homogenous network. This study aimed to examine the gelation and microstructural properties of scallop male gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs) in the presence of low-acyl gellan gum (GG) at different mass ratios. The rheological results showed that both elastic modulus and thermal stability of SMGHs were significantly improved by the addition of GG. Meanwhile, the relaxation time T 23 was significantly reduced in SMGHs/GG by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, indicating a strong interaction between SMGHs and GG. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the blueshift of amide I and II peaks in SMGHs/GG further demonstrated the electrostatic interaction between SMGHs and GG. The network structure of SMGHs/GG binary complexes was more compact and the surface was smoother than that of SMGHs by cryo-scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, increasing the content of GG in the SMGHs/GG binary complex significantly reinforced the gel strength and promoted the gelation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Plant carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) levels and their stoichiometry and N uptake strategies are important aspects influencing vegetation composition and C dynamics in boreal peatlands. However, C, N and P levels and N sources of different plants remain poorly understood, which prevents a better assessment of plant responses to projected increasing N availability in boreal ecosystems with climate warming and increasing N deposition. Methods: We investigated differences of leaf C, N and P concentrations and C and N isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) between graminoids and shrubs in 18 peatlands in northeastern China. Results: Ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) shrubs have higher C and P while lower C/N and C/P than nonmycorrhizal (NM) graminoids. Shrubs and graminoids have similar leaf N/P, mainly exhibiting N limitation or N and P co-limitation. ECM shrubs show higher N and lower δ15N than NM graminoids despite having similar rooting depths, indicating higher N availability and more uptake of 15 N-depleted organic N of ECM shrubs. However, deep-rooted ECM shrubs show slightly higher N than shallow-rooted ERM shrubs, and their δ15N differences are insignificant. Shallow-rooted ERM shrubs have higher N and lower δ15N than deep-rooted NM graminoids. Conclusions: Our results imply lower N and P use efficiencies of shrubs than graminoids, and the important role of mycorrhizal association in differentiating N availabilities and sources between shrubs and graminoids. These findings are useful for understanding peatland plant responses to environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the gel and microstructure properties of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) male gonads hydrolysates (SMGHs) combined with xanthan gum (XG). SMGHs/XG hydrogel matrix properties and structures were elucidated via different analysis tools such as rheometry, LF‐NMR, FTIR, AFM, and Cryo‐SEM. The addition of XG significantly improved the rheological properties of SMGHs, as indicated by 3.1‐fold G′ and 1.3‐fold melting temperature with increasing the XG dose to 5.6 mg/ml. The corresponding decrease in the T23 relaxation time from 450.3 to 365.6 ms also signified the strong binding between SMGHs and XG. SMGHs/XG also had a higher proton density (T1 and T2 weighted images) due to the higher bound and free water content of the hybrid gel systems, respectively. Additionally, the blueshift in the amide I and II bands in SMGHs/XG further indicated stronger electrostatic interactions between SMGHs and XG. Such scenarios resulted in a well‐distributed and compact network with a rougher surface of SMGHs/XG in comparison to pure SMGHs and XG, as assessed by AFM and SEM. These results suggest that SMGHs/XG gel could be a potential hybrid gel applied in the food industry. Practical Application: Scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) male gonads are edible, but are usually discarded during processing of scallop adductor. Because of its rich nutrition and gelation properties, scallop male gonads have a potential role in developing marine source‐protein as a functional food base. The SMGHs/XG binary gel would be potentially applied in delivery system in food and biological fields. Further study is undergoing to apply SMGHs/XG binary gel to embed bioactive compounds, such as curcumin and β‐carotene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the noncovalent interactions between proteins and polysaccharides is quite important mainly due to the wide number of applications such as developing pH-responsive complexes. Scallop Patinopecten yessoensis male gonad hydrolysates‑sodium alginate (SMGHs-SA) was investigated as noncovalent complexes at pH from 1 to 10. The critical pH values pH C (around 6) and pHφ (around 4) were independent of the SMGHs-SA ratio, indicating the formation of soluble and insoluble complexes. The pH response of SMGHs-SA complexes was evaluated by investigating the rheological behavior, moisture distribution, functional group change and microstructure. Compared to the co-soluble and soluble complexes phases, the SMGHs-SA complexes had a higher storage modulus and viscosity as well as a lower relaxation time (T 23) in the insoluble complexes phase (pHφ>3). Additionally, the amide I band and COO− stretching vibration peaks were redshifted and the amide A band vibration peaks were blueshifted by acidification. Electrostatic interactions and intermolecular/intramolecular hydrogen bonding led to SMGHs-SA agglomeration at pH 3, forming a uniform and dense gel network structure with strong gel strength and water-retention capacity. This study provides a theoretical and methodological basis for the design of novel pH-responsive complexes by studying SMGHs-SA complex coacervation. • Scallop gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs) and sodium alginate (SA) could coacervate. • Acidification promoted the formation of SMGHs-SA coacervations. • Electrostatic interactions were the main force for the SMGHs-SA complex at pH 3. • Hydrogen bonding also drove the interaction of SMGHs and SA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the noncovalent interactions between proteins and polysaccharides is quite important mainly due to the wide number of applications such as developing pH-responsive complexes. Scallop Patinopecten yessoensis male gonad hydrolysates‑sodium alginate (SMGHs-SA) was investigated as noncovalent complexes at pH from 1 to 10. The critical pH values pH C (around 6) and pHφ (around 4) were independent of the SMGHs-SA ratio, indicating the formation of soluble and insoluble complexes. The pH response of SMGHs-SA complexes was evaluated by investigating the rheological behavior, moisture distribution, functional group change and microstructure. Compared to the co-soluble and soluble complexes phases, the SMGHs-SA complexes had a higher storage modulus and viscosity as well as a lower relaxation time (T 23) in the insoluble complexes phase (pHφ>3). Additionally, the amide I band and COO− stretching vibration peaks were redshifted and the amide A band vibration peaks were blueshifted by acidification. Electrostatic interactions and intermolecular/intramolecular hydrogen bonding led to SMGHs-SA agglomeration at pH 3, forming a uniform and dense gel network structure with strong gel strength and water-retention capacity. This study provides a theoretical and methodological basis for the design of novel pH-responsive complexes by studying SMGHs-SA complex coacervation. • Scallop gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs) and sodium alginate (SA) could coacervate. • Acidification promoted the formation of SMGHs-SA coacervations. • Electrostatic interactions were the main force for the SMGHs-SA complex at pH 3. • Hydrogen bonding also drove the interaction of SMGHs and SA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities have distinctly enhanced the deposition levels of atmospheric nitrogen (N) pollutants into terrestrial ecosystems, but whether and to what extents soil carbon (C) and N status have been influenced by elevated N inputs remain poorly understood in the 'real' world given related knowledge has largely based on N-addition experiments. Here we reported soil organic C (OC) and total N (TN) for twenty-seven forests along a gradient of N deposition (22.4–112.9 kg N/ha/yr) in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region of northern China, a global hotspot of high N pollution. Levels of soil TN in forests of the BTH region have been elevated compared with investigations in past decades, suggesting that long-term N deposition might cause soil TN increases. Combining with major geographical and environmental factors among the study forests, we found unexpectedly that soil moisture and pH values rather than N deposition levels were major regulators of the observed spatial variations of soil OC and TN contents. As soil moisture and pH values increased with mean annual precipitation and temperature, respectively, soil C and N status in forests of the BTH region might be more responsive to climate change than to N pollution. These evidence suggests that both N deposition and climate differences should be considered into managing ecosystem functions of forest resources in regions with high N pollution. Unlabelled Image • Soil OC and TN were investigated for forests in a global hotspot of N pollution. • Soil TN increased in forests of the BTH region during past decades. • Spatial variations of soil OC and TN were mainly regulated by moisture and pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Based on the daily precipitation data of Northeastern China (NEC), this research study utilized the monthly mean geopotential height field and vertical velocity field data obtained by NCEP/NCAR reanalysis. In addition, the monthly mean SST (sea surface temperature) data obtained by NOAA reconstruction, along with the calculations of NEC precipitation generated on the occurrence date of the annual early summer (June) northeast cold vortex (NECV) (hereinafter referred to as the cold vortex precipitation) were used to analyze the variation characteristics of cold vortex precipitation. The aim of this study was to explain the physical mechanism of the previous SST factors which had influenced the cold vortex precipitation through the force of atmospheric circulations, from the perspective of a statistical analysis. Finally, sensitivity tests of the AM2.1 atmospheric circulation model were conducted to verify the statistical analysis results. The results revealed that since 1961 there had been a significant increase trend in the early summer cold vortex precipitation. The relationships between the NEC early summer cold vortex precipitation and the previous SST were divided into three periods. During the period ranging from 1961 to 1979 (hereinafter referred to as Phase 1), a NAT anomaly positive phase during March to May resulted in the blocking highs of the Ural Mountains and the Sea of Okhotsk becoming strengthened (“dual blocking pattern”) in the early summer, which in turn led to increased early summer cold vortex precipitation. During the period ranging from 1980 to 2000 (hereinafter referred to as Phase 2), a higher Kuroshio SST in April to May stimulated an EU-like teleconnection pattern in the early summer over Eastern Asia. As a result, the cold vortex precipitation in early summer was reduced. After 2001 (hereinafter referred to as Phase 3), the NAT anomaly negative phase during March to May induced strengthened blocking patterns on the northwestern side of Lake Baikal in the early summer, which was accompanied by a strengthened northeastern cold vortex (a pattern of “higher in the north, lower in the south”). Also, an upward vertical velocity anomaly appeared over the NEC, which resulted in increased early summer cold vortex precipitation. The sensitivity tests of this study's numerical model reproduced the force effects of the Kuroshio SST in Phase 2, and the NAT in Phase 3 on the EU-like teleconnection pattern, and the pattern of “higher in the north, lower in the south”. These findings further corroborated the aforementioned results. Highlights • Since 1961 there had been a significant increase trend in the early summer cold vortex precipitation. • During 1961-1979, a NAT anomaly positive phase during March to May resulted in the “dual blocking pattern”. • During 1980-2000, a higher Kuroshio SST in April to May stimulated an EU-like pattern in early summer. • After 2001, the NAT anomaly negative phase in spring induced a pattern of “higher in the north, lower in the south”. • The sensitivity tests of this study’s numerical model reproduced the force effects provided by the statistical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A composite hydrogel composed of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) male gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs) and κ -carrageenan (KC) was fabricated with a designed microstructure to preserve curcumin (Cur) during the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The presence of KC obviously increased the initial elastic moduli (8.2–761.8 Pa), shortened the relaxation time T 23 (517.37–420.10 ms) as well as caused the blue shift of the emission peak and quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of Cur in SMGHs/KC-Cur system, signifying the solid combination within SMGHs and KC. In addition, the red shift in O–H stretching bands and blue shift in amide I bands in SMGHs/KC-Cur further accentuated the involvement of hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions within SMGHs, KC and Cur. The disappearance of crystalline structures suggested the successful embedment of Cur in the hydrophobic core of SMGHs. Moreover, the microstructure of the hydrogels varied from heterogeneous with tattered large pore cavities and scattered patches to homogeneous distribution with dense mesh and solid network wall. These scenarios caused a more compact network of SMGHs/KC-Cur than SMGHs-Cur to protect Cur from releasing in simulated intestinal and simulated colonic phases with slower released rate, both of which had the final extent of Cur release exceeding 90%. Furthermore, cryo-SEM showed that the significant release of Cur from hydrogels in the simulated intestinal phase was due to SMGHs matrix erosion with even larger pore sizes, tattered network and thinner network wall. Therefore, it is suggested that SMGHs/KC hydrogels with biocompatibility and good tolerance to acid environment could be reliable and desirable soft materials to embed and deliver Cur to the colon, having potential applications in functional foods and biological therapeutic purposes. [Display omitted] - Enhancement of gel elasticity in SMGHs/KC confirmed a feasible Cur-loaded carrier. - Migration of water in SMGHs/KC to bound water direction supported the Cur embedment. - Compact and dense porous networks of SMGHs/KC contributed to the Cur embedment. - Better sustained release of Cur in SMGHs/KC promised the delivery of Cur in colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to characterize the electrostatic complexation between scallop Patinopecten yessoensis male gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs) and κ -carrageenan/xanthan gum (KC/XG) within pH 12–1 at different hydrolysate/polysaccharide ratios (9:1–1:9) and to investigate the influence of pH and ratios on gelation and microstructural properties for widening the application of marine-derived source. According to the phase diagram of SMGHs/KC/XG, pH c hold a constant value around pH 8.5, pH φ1 gradually shifted from 4.2 to 2.8, and pH max fluctuated within 2.4-1.4 as ratios decreasing from 9:1–2:8. Additionally, SMGHs/KC/XG showed higher gel strength in acid condition, as decreasing pH promoted the electrostatic attractive interactions within positively charged patches in SMGHs and negatively charged sulfate and carboxyl groups in KC/XG causing more tightly packed structures formation. Moreover, decreasing ratios from 9:1 to 3:7 could further enhance the gel strength of SMGHs/KC/XG, ascribing to the stronger gelation ability of polysaccharides and enough neutralization. Moreover, SMGHs/KC/XG exhibited well-organized microstructures with smaller pore sizes, denser and more homogeneous networks at more acid domains, supporting stronger gel strength. Therefore, this study provides theoretical and methodological basis for designing novel SMGHs/KC/XG hydrogels with considerable gel strength and microstructures through understanding the complex coacervation at different pH and ratios. • pH and ratio largely regulate turbidity changes of SMGHs/KC/XG complexes. • pH c exhibits ratio-independent, and pH φ1 , pH max exhibit ratio-dependent behaviors. • Higher KC/XG proportion supports stronger gel strength in soluble phases. • More SMGHs/KC/XG neutralization promotes gel formation in insoluble coacervate phase. • SMGHs/KC/XG exhibits well-organized and compact networks at acid condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]