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This study investigates the problem of robust fault diagnosis for nonlinear systems subjected to actuator faults and unknown input disturbances. A novel adaptive fast smooth super-twisting observer based on the super-twisting and adaptive dual-layer algorithms is presented, and a robust fault-diagnosis scheme based on an adaptive threshold is proposed to take the estimation error generated by the observer as the residual. In the adaptive fast smooth super-twisting observer, additional fractional powers less than 1 and linear terms are added to improve the smoothness and rapidity of the observer. The finite-time stability of the adaptive fast smooth super-twisting observer is then analyzed based on the Moreno–Lyapunov function algorithm, and rigorous proof confirms that the estimation-error dynamic is robust to unknown input disturbances and can converge to a region of zero in finite time. Finally, simulations of the rigid spacecraft attitude kinematics and dynamics are used to validate the effectiveness of the developed adaptive fast smooth super-twisting observer and the designed robust fault-diagnosis scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies that is usually detected late in the clinic. The currently available diagnostic tools for CRC are either invasive or insensitive to early lesions due to the dearth of reliable biomarkers. In this study, we discovered that the extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the faeces of CRC patients can act as a potent biomarker for the non‐invasive diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. This finding is based on the identification of two transmembrane proteins—CD147 and A33—on faeces‐derived EVs (fEVs) that are intrinsically associated with CRC. The detection results show that the levels of CD147 and A33 on fEVs were upregulated in the CRC patients (n = 48), dramatically distinguishing them from the healthy donors (n = 16). The CD147/A33‐enriched EVs offer a clinical sensitivity of 89%, much higher than that (40%) of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a clinically‐established serum biomarker for CRC diagnosis. In addition, the analysis of longitudinal faeces samples (n = 29) demonstrated that the CD147/A33‐enriched fEVs can be utilized to track the prognosis of CRC. Due to the high compliance of faeces‐based detection, the CD147/A33‐enriched fEVs could serve as new‐generation CRC biomarkers for large‐scale, non‐invasive CRC screening as well as real‐time monitoring of patient outcomes during clinical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For space communications, the transmitted signal generally faces a long-distance transmission and a high-accelerating movement. The long-distance transmission causes a very low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the high-accelerating movement causes a dynamic Doppler-shift. Under a very large acceleration, the long-time accumulation which aims to solve the very low SNR, brings about the serious energy dispersion problem, thus posing a great challenge for Doppler-shift acquisition. Introducing the clustering idea in machine learning, we propose one clustering-fast-Fourier-transform (CFFT) based Doppler-shift acquisition scheme with an affordable computational complexity, to address the energy dispersion problem for space communications. The proposed CFFT scheme includes two algorithms called the Generic CFFT algorithm and the High-order CFFT algorithm, respectively. First, the Generic CFFT algorithm clusters multiple density-reachable signal elements into one signal cluster, thus accumulating the dispersed energy again. Second, the High-order CFFT algorithm, which conducts several rounds of clustering, clusters more density-reachable signal elements into one larger signal cluster. Simulations results show that our proposed CFFT scheme achieves a higher acquisition probability than the existing FFT based schemes and consumes a lower computational complexity than the FRFT scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wnts include more than 19 types of secreted glycoproteins that are involved in a wide range of pathological processes in oral and maxillofacial diseases. The transmission of Wnt signalling from the extracellular matrix into the nucleus includes canonical pathways and noncanonical pathways, which play an important role in tooth development, alveolar bone regeneration, and related diseases. In recent years, with the in‐depth study of Wnt signalling in oral and maxillofacial‐related diseases, many new conclusions and perspectives have been reached, and there are also some controversies. This article aims to summarise the roles of Wnt signalling in various oral diseases, including periodontitis, dental pulp disease, jaw disease, cleft palate, and abnormal tooth development, to provide researchers with a better and more comprehensive understanding of Wnts in oral and maxillofacial diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To account for the nonlinear dynamic effects of flexible sandwich plates undergoing large deformation, a computational method for dynamic analysis of flexible sandwich plates is studied. According to the characteristics of sandwich plates, a simplified plate model is proposed based on the Kirchhoff plate theory, in which the shear stiffness of the core plate is neglected and the stiffness for the whole plate is derived. For the dynamic problem of flexible multibody systems, a thin plate element has been studied based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). Meanwhile, a method based on invariant tensors is proposed for calculating elastic forces and their Jacobians, which can be calculated during preprocessing and applied for programmed calculation. Using examples, the proposed computational method is verified to be feasible and accurate. In addition, a benchmark example and a double-pendulum model are used to verify the applicability and feasibility of our analytical method for flexible sandwich plates in flexible multibody systems. Therefore, this method lays a foundation for the study of flexible dynamics problems regarding multibody systems with sandwich plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shitoukengde Cu-Ni deposit is located in the eastern part of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB). The overall complex underwent emplacement into the surrounding rock, including the gneiss and marble. The ore-bodies exist in complex I, which is composed of peridotite, pyroxenite, and gabbro. The petrogeochemical characteristics of the rocks show that the m/f values range from 1.93 to 5.97, and the Fe3+/ΣFe ratios of the spinel are < 0.3, indicating that the Shitoukengde complexes have the potential to form a Cu-Ni ore deposit. Based on the evidence of marble and gneiss xenoliths, there are higher CaO and Al2O3 contents in the peridotite and pyroxene, there are Nb and Ta depletions, in the Shitoukengde; these results indicate that the ore-forming parental magma has been obviously contaminated by crustal material during the evolution process and that the materials responsible for the contamination mainly originated from the middle-upper crust. The mafic-ultramafic complex, which is closed to marble, has higher CaO and Al2O3 contents; higher (87Sr/86Sr)i values and lower Ni contents; thus, it is reasonable to infer that the Shitoukengde mafic-ultramafic rocks assimilated some marble, and the contamination of marble without sulfide suppresses the sulfide saturation. The pyroxenite with better mineralization is mainly orthopyroxene, and the increase in the sulfur isotope values in the pyroxenite and peridotite is accompanied by an increase in the Ni content; these results suggest that the SiO2 and S of biotite-plagioclase gneisses, especially the S addition, were important for the Shitoukengde intrusion to reach sulfide saturation. The whole-rock Ni content in the peridotite shows a positive relationship with the FeO content of spinel, indicating that the crystallization of spinel has little effect on sulfide saturation. The capable of crystallizing olivine with Fo content as high as 89.3 mol% and olivine Fo value exhibits a positive relationship with the olivine NiO content, indicating that olivine fractional crystallization did not play a significant role in sulfide saturation. The δ34SV-CDT value of the giant Xiarihamu deposit is much higher than that of Shitoukengde. The degree of crustal S contamination is probably responsible for the difference in the scale and ore grade of the Cu-Ni sulfide deposits in the East Kunlun area. The above indicators could guide the exploration and evaluation of similar deposits in the EKOB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To simultaneously detect two metabolites of Aspergillus flavus, namely, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) and aflatoxin (AFT), an ultrasensitive monoclonal antibody (mAb) YTT-2 against CPA was developed and characterized, with sensitivity to CPA of 1.32 ng mL−1. Along with the previously homemade mAb 1C11 against AFT, two mAbs were used to develop time-resolved fluorescence immunoprobes or gold immunoprobes. We developed two multiple-analyte paper immunosensors including time-resolved fluorescent immunochromatographic assay (TRFICA) and gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) for the simultaneous determination of CPA and AFT. The TRFICA showed limits of determination (LODs) of 0.21 and 0.004 ng mL−1, while the GICA showed LODs of 0.33 and 0.01 ng mL−1 for CPA and AFT, respectively. To validate the specificity of the two rapid immunoassays, rice, corn and peanut samples were spiked with different concentrations of CPA and AFT. The two methods showed satisfactory recoveries (76.39~90.82% for CPA and 84.60~94.45% for AFT) and coefficients of variation of 3.50~7.80% for CPA and 4.12~13.90% for AFT. The results indicated that the TRFICA could complete the test within 5 min and had lower LODs and linear ranges, compared with that of GICA. The method developed in this work can be widely applied to the rapid and quantitative simultaneous determination of multiple harmful metabolites in fungi for food safety and health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We calculate spectra of escaping cosmic rays (CRs) accelerated at shocks produced by expanding Galactic superbubbles powered by multiple supernovae producing a continuous energy outflow in star-forming galaxies. We solve the generalized Kompaneets' equations adapted to expansion in various external density profiles, including exponential and power-law shapes, and take into account that escaping CRs are dominated by those around their maximum energies. We find that the escaping CR spectrum largely depends on the specific density profiles and power source properties, and the results are compared to and constrained by the observed CR spectrum. As a generic demonstration, we apply the scheme to a superbubble occurring in the centre of the Milky Way, and find that under specific parameter sets the CRs produced in our model can explain the observed CR flux and spectrum around the second knee at 1017 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In vivo, the principal function of mechanosensitive odontoblasts is to synthesize and secrete the matrix which then calcifies and forms reactive dentin after exposure to appropriate stimuli. This study aims to develop the influence of mechanical factors on dentinogenesis based on odontoblasts, which contribute to reparative dentin formation. Methods: We fabricated polydimethylsiloxane with different stiffnesses and seeded 17IIA11 odontoblast‐like cells on the substrates in different stiffnesses. Cell morphology was detected by scanning electron microscope, and the mineralization phenotype was detected by alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining, while expression levels of dentinogenesis‐related genes (including Runx2, Osx, and Alp) were assayed by qPCR. To explore mechanism, protein distribution and expression levels were detected by immunofluorescent staining, Western blotting, and immunoprecipitation. Results: In our results, during dentinogenesis, 17IIA11 odontoblast‐like cells appeared better extension on stiffer substrates. The binding between LAMB1 and FAK contributed to converting mechanical stimuli into biochemical signaling, thereby controlling mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 activity in stiffness‐driven dentinogenesis. Conclusion: The present study suggests odontoblast behaviors can be directly regulated by mechanical factors at cell–material interfaces, which offers fundamental mechanism in remodeling cell microenvironment, thereby contributing to physiological phenomena explanation and tissue engineering progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, Ni-SiC nanocoatings were prepared by magnetic field assisted electrodeposition on the surface of cylinder liner. The surface structure and composition of Ni-SiC nanocoatings were studied by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope ( AFM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). When the content of SiC in the plating solution was 6 g/L, the aggregation tendency of SiC nanoparticles was the least, and the surface of the Ni-SiC nanocoating was smooth and compact. In addition, when the content of SiC nanoparticles was 6 g/L, the SiC particle size in the Ni-SiC nanocoating further decreased and distributed uniformly. XRD analysis showed that there were Ni grains and SiC particles in the coatings on the cylinder liner surface. When the content of SiC nanoparticles in the bath was 6 g/ L, the average grain sizes of Ni and SiC particles in Ni-SiC nanocoating were 50.62 and 39.32 nm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple-mycotoxin contamination has been frequently found in the agro-food monitoring due to the coexistence of fungi. However, many determination methods focused on a single mycotoxin, highlighting the demand for on-site determination of multiple mycotoxins in a single run. We develop a multicolor-based immunochromatographic strip (ICS) for simultaneous determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN) and T-2 toxin in maize- and cereal-based animal feeds. The nanoparticles with different colors are conjugated with three monoclonal antibodies, which serve as the immunoassay probes. The decrease in color intensity is observed by the naked eyes, providing simultaneous quantification of three mycotoxins. The visible limits of detection for AFB1, ZEN and T-2 are estimated to be 0.5, 2, and 30 ng/mL, respectively. The cut-off values are 1, 10, and 50 ng/mL, respectively. Considerable specificity and stability are found using real samples. The results are in excellent agreement with those from high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The multi-color ICS boasts sensitive and rapid visual differentiation and simultaneous semi-quantification of aflatoxin B1, zearalenone and T-2 toxin in maize- and cereal-based feed samples within 20 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hypochlorous acid (HOCI) eye drops in the treatment of fungal keratitis. A total of 96 patients (96 eyes) with fungal keratitis were randomly divided into two groups: group Ι (conventional treatment + topical HOCI eye drops); The group II (conventional treatment). According to its severity, those patients were divided into grade Ι or grade II. Use of fungal scraping and culture to identify the type of fungal infection, slit lamp examination, and corneal fluorescein staining to observe regression, and confocal corneal microscopy to assess fungal mycelial changes. The main outcome measures were the success rate, healing time, visual recovery, and complications. The Kaplan–Meier curve method was used to analysis of the survival function of days to cure between the two groups. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of general condition, medical history, and grading. Corneal scraping results showed that all patients had filamentous fungi. For grade Ι patients, all patients were cured, and the patients in Group I showed faster healing speed than that in Group II (t = −3.665, p <.01). For grade II patients, the recovery time (t = −4.121, p <.01) and the disappearance of hypopyon (t = −4.291, p <.01) were significantly faster in the combination group. In grade Ι and II patients, the final visual acuity and the incidence of complications such as corneal neovascularization, cataract, and hyphema showed no differences in both groups. The survival curve showed that the healing rate of ulcers in the combination treatment group was faster than that in the conventional treatment group (χ2 = 14.332, p =.001). HOCI can accelerate the healing of fungal keratitis without obvious complications, indicating a promising future in the field of keratitis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly discovered Xiarihamu Ni-Cu deposit is located in the Eastern Kunlun orogenic belt in the northern part of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, western China. It is the largest magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposit found thus far in an arc setting worldwide and ranks second in China in terms of total Ni resources. Fe-Ni-Cu sulfide mineralization occurs in a small ultramafic body that is part of a larger mafic-ultramafic complex formed by protracted Silurian-Early Devonian basaltic magmatism. The mineralized ultramafic body is composed predominantly of lherzolite and olivine websterite, with minor dunite, websterite and orthopyroxenite. Here we report new PGE (platinum group element) data and the results of a new, integrated Sr-Nd-Os-S isotope study. The initial concentrations of Rh and Pd in the parental magma are estimated to be 0.014 ppb and 0.24 ppb, respectively, which are more than one order of magnitude lower than those in undepleted mantle-derived magmas such as many continental picrites. The observed PGE depletions in the Xiarihamu parental magma are attributed to sulfide retention in the source mantle, because the degree of partial melting required to generate the Xiarihamu primary magma was not high enough for a magma of that composition to dissolve all sulfides in the source. The (Sr/Sr) ratios and ε (t) of the Xiarihamu host rocks range from 0.7062 to 0.7105 and from −1.97 to −5.74, respectively, indicating 5-30 wt% crustal contamination in the Xiarihamu magma. These data also reveal that the source mantle for the Xiarihamu magma is isotopically (Sr-Nd) more enriched than that for the average Cenozoic arc basalt. The γOs(t) and δS values of sulfide ores from the Xiarihamu deposit range from 78 to 1393 and from 2 to 6‰, respectively. These values clearly indicate addition of crustal Os and S to the Xiarihamu parental magma. Metal tenors such as Ni and Rh are inversely correlated with γOs(t) and δS values. This indicates that mixing between different pulses of magma with different isotope compositions took place during magma emplacement at Xiarihamu, and that external S played a critical role in the formation of the Xiarihamu magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single mantle plume model for the Neoproterozoic mafic-ultramafic intrusive rocks (760–820 Ma) in the northern rim of the Tarim Craton (Kuluketage, Xinjiang, China) is not supported by the protracted nature of magma emplacement that does not show a hot spot track, and whole-rock trace element compositions that clearly show arc signatures. New and previous zircon U-Pb age data reveal an age difference of up to 11 myr for a single mafic-ultramafic intrusive complex and an age difference of up to 32 myr for two mafic-ultramafic intrusive complexes separated by only ∼10 km. Such age differences are more than 2–5 times the analytical uncertainties. No major faults are present between the two intrusive complexes with different ages so their original distance is still well preserved. In addition, the age change of the mafic-ultramafic intrusive rocks in the region occurs in different directions. The temporal-spatial distribution of these rocks can be well explained by subduction-related magmatism that can last for a very long period of time at the same location. The protracted Neoproterozoic mafic-ultramafic intrusive rocks in the Kuluketage district are all characterized by moderate light rare earth element enrichments, pronounced negative Nb-Ta anomalies and low ε Nd (t) values (1 to −11) coupled with elevated initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios (0.706–0.71), which are consistent with the products of arc basalts contaminated with crustal materials. The results from this study support the notion that the northern margin of the Tarim Craton was part of the Neoproterozoic Circum-Rodinia Subduction System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in on-body wearable medical apparatus and implantable devices drive the development of light-weight and bendable electrochemical sensors, which require the design of high-performance flexible electrode system. In this work, we reported a new type of freestanding and flexible electrode based on graphene paper (GP) supported 3D monolithic nanoporous gold (NPG) scaffold (NPG/GP), which was further modified by a layer of highly dense, well dispersed and ultrafine binary PtCo alloy nanoparticles via a facile and effective ultrasonic electrodeposition method. Our results demonstrated that benefited from the synergistic effect of the electrocatalytically active PtCo alloy nanoparticles, the large-active-area and highly conductive 3D NPG scaffold, and the mechanically strong and stable GP electrode substrate, the resultant PtCo alloy nanoparticles modified NPG/GP (PtCo/NPG/GP) exhibited high mechanical strength and good electrochemical sensing performances toward nonenzymatic detection of glucose, including a wide linear range from 35 μM– to 30 mM, a low detection limit of 5 μM (S/N = 3) and a high sensitivity of 7.84 μA cm −2 mM −1 as well as good selectivity, long-term stability and reproducibility. The practical application of the proposed PtCo/NPG/GP has also been demonstrated in in vitro detection of blood glucose in real clinic samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins usually found in agricultural products such as peanut, corn, and wheat, are a serious threat to human health and their detection requires multiplexed and sensitive analysis methods. Herein, a simultaneous determination for aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, ochratoxin A, zearalanone and T-2 toxin was investigated using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry in a single run via a home-made multiple immunoaffinity column. Four monoclonal antibodies were produced in our lab against aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalanone and T-2 toxin, respectively, then combined as a pool and bound to Sepharose-4B for affinity chromatography. Seven mycotoxins were effectively extracted from the agricultural product samples by using acetonitrile/water/acetic acid (80:19:1, v/v/v) Then, the extraction was cleanup by multiple immunoaffinity column. This method demonstrated a considerable linear range of 0.30–25, 0.12–20, 0.30–20, 0.12–20, 0.60–30, 0.30–25, and 1.2–40 μg kg −1 and lower limits of detection at 0.1, 0.04, 0.1, 0.04, 0.2, 0.1 and 0.4 μg kg −1 for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, OTA, ZEN and T-2, respectively, in comparison with previously reported methods, as well as excellent recoveries. The mIAC capacity for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, OTA, ZEN, and T-2 were 187, 181, 153, 151, 105, 130, 88 ng, respectively. It was found that all of the 7 mycotoxins were present in 90 agricultural product samples. The proposed method meets the requirements for rapid sample preparation and highly sensitive identification of multiple mycotoxins in agricultural product and food safety. This method provides a promising alternative with high throughput and high sensitivity for rapid analysis of seven mycotoxins in the monitoring of food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For space communication circumstances, long-distance transmission significantly deteriorates the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver. Moreover, the high-speed relative movement between the transmitter and the receiver causes a very large Doppler shift, thus imposing a new challenge for the acquisition. To address the Doppler shift acquisition problem under not only the very low SNR but under the very high relative movement scenarios as well, in this paper, we develop one search range correction (SRC)-based acquisition scheme, which includes three algorithms called single SRC, overlapping SRC, and iterative SRC, respectively, to significantly increase the acquisition probability for space communications. First, the single SRC algorithm, which has a simple closed-form expression for the net increment of acquisition probability, uses multiple combination periods to correct the search range for the succeeding period. Moreover, the special case using two combination periods for the single SRC algorithm is already verified to increase the acquisition probability. Second, the overlapping SRC algorithm, which is based on the period overlapping of the single SRC algorithm, enjoys much implementation feasibility and saves many received signals. Third, the iterative SRC algorithm, which builds on the iteration of the overlapping SRC algorithm, can further increase the acquisition probability as compared with that of the overlapping SRC algorithm. Simulations results show that our proposed scheme can obtain much higher acquisition probability of Doppler shift, compared with existing acquisition schemes, including the fast Fourier transform (FFT), time–frequency, and single SRC using two combination periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B1 poses grave threats to food and feed safety due to its strong carcinogenesis and toxicity, thus requiring ultrasensitive rapid on-site determination. Herein, a portable immunosensor based on chromatographic time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay was developed for sensitive and on-site determination of aflatoxin B1 in food and feed samples. Chromatographic time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay offered a magnified positive signal and low signal-to-noise ratio in time-resolved mode due to the absence of noise interference caused by excitation light sources. Compared with the immunosensing performance in previous studies, this platform demonstrated a wider dynamic range of 0.2-60 μg/kg, lower limit of detection from 0.06 to 0.12 µg/kg, and considerable recovery from 80.5% to 116.7% for different food and feed sample matrices. It was found to be little cross-reactivity with other aflatoxins (B2, G1, G2, and M1). In the case of determination of aflatoxin B1 in peanuts, corn, soy sauce, vegetable oil, and mouse feed, excellent agreement was found when compared with aflatoxin B1 determination via the conversational high-performance liquid chromatography method. The chromatographic time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay affords a powerful alternative for rapid on-site determination of aflatoxin B1 and holds a promise for food safety in consideration of practical food safety and environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the first set of data for the newly-discovered Xiarihamu magmatic Ni–Cu sulfide deposit in the Eastern Kunlun Paleozoic arc terrane which is located in the northern part of the Qinghai–Tibet plateau. An on-going drilling campaign reveals ~ 100 million tons of sulfide mineralization with the average grade of 0.8 wt.% Ni and 0.1 wt.% Cu for the deposit. This makes the Xiarihamu deposit one of the 20 largest magmatic Ni–Cu sulfide deposits in the world and the largest ever found in arc settings. The deposit is hosted in a small ultramafic body intruding older gabbroic and metamorphic rocks. New zircon U–Pb isotope age data reveal that the ultramafic body (411.6 ± 2.4 Ma) is ~ 20 Ma younger than the host gabbroic intrusion (431.3 ± 2.1 Ma). The ultramafic body is composed predominantly of lherzolite and olivine websterite, with minor dunite, websterite and orthopyroxenite. Mineralization mainly occurs as sub-horizontal to gently dipping (< 30°) disseminated sulfide zones that are generally concordant with the lithological structure of the ultramafic intrusion. The lateral extension and thickness of individual mineralized zones are up to ~ 200 m and ~ 100 m, respectively. Sulfide mineral assemblages are composed of pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite. The Xiarihamu ultramafic rocks show light REE enrichments and pronounced negative Nb anomalies, plus significant Ca-depletion in olivine (< 700 ppm Ca), which are characteristic of many arc basalts in the world. Olivine crystals in the Xiarihamu ultramafic rocks have relatively primitive compositions, with Fo contents up to 90 mol%, close to the mantle value. The contrasting Ni contents of olivine crystals with similar Fo contents from different sulfide-mineralized zones in a single drill core indicate that at least two pulses of sulfide-laden magma with different Ni compositions were involved in the development of the deposit. Estimated parental magma for the Xiarihamu lherzolites contains 52.4 wt.% SiO 2 and 9.8 wt.% MgO, which are within the ranges of boninites worldwide, supporting the interpretation that the Xiarihamu sulfide ore-bearing ultramafic intrusion is the product of subduction-related boninitic magmatism. The εHf (t) values of zircon crystals from the Xiarihamu ultramafic rocks vary from 1 to 5, indicating minor crustal contamination of the parent magma. The involvement of external sulfur in the genesis of the Xiarihamu magmatic sulfide deposit is evident from higher δ 34 S values of sulfide ores (3.5 to 6.8‰) than typical mantle value (0 ± 2‰), although the actual contaminants are yet to be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A novel direct competitive fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay was developed. [•] The quantum dots were successfully linked to the monoclonal antibody. [•] This method was simple and sensitive for detection of aflatoxin B1 in peanuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass spectrometric techniques are essential for advanced research in food safety and environmental monitoring. These fields are important for securing the health of humans and animals, and for ensuring environmental security. Mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi, are major contaminants of agricultural products, food and feed, biological samples, and the environment as a whole. Mycotoxins can cause cancers, nephritic and hepatic diseases, various hemorrhagic syndromes, and immune and neurological disorders. Mycotoxin-contaminated food and feed can provoke trade conflicts, resulting in massive economic losses. Risk assessment of mycotoxin contamination for humans and animals generally depends on clear identification and reliable quantitation in diversified matrices. Pioneering work on mycotoxin quantitation using mass spectrometry (MS) was performed in the early 1970s. Now, unambiguous confirmation and quantitation of mycotoxins can be readily achieved with a variety hyphenated techniques that combine chromatographic separation with MS, including liquid chromatography (LC) or gas chromatography (GC). With the advent of atmospheric pressure ionization, LC-MS has become a routine technique. Recently, the co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins in the same sample has drawn an increasing amount of attention. Thus, modern analyses must be able to detect and quantitate multiple mycotoxins in a single run. Improvements in tandem MS techniques have been made to achieve this purpose. This review describes the advanced research that has been done regarding mycotoxin determination using hyphenated chromatographic-MS techniques, but is not a full-circle survey of all the literature published on this topic. The present work provides an overview of the various hyphenated chromatographic-MS-based strategies that have been applied to mycotoxin analysis, with a focus on recent developments. The use of chromatographic-MS to measure levels of mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, ochratoxins, patulin, trichothecenes, zearalenone, and fumonisins, is discussed in detail. Both free and masked mycotoxins are included in this review due to different methods of sample preparation. Techniques are described in terms of sample preparation, internal standards, LC/ultra performance LC (UPLC) optimization, and applications and survey. Several future hyphenated MS techniques are discussed as well, including multidimensional chromatography-MS, capillary electrophoresis-MS, and surface plasmon resonance array-MS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 32:420-452, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tea, a most widely consumed beverage throughout the world, has specific aroma and antioxidant property that is good for human health. The tea quality and safety have attracted an ever-increasing attention. Pesticide residues, mycotoxins and heavy metals are the major chemical contaminants found in tea matrices. During the plantation, processing and storage of tea, such contaminants can be readily accumulated and are potentially carcinogenic, teratogenic, immunotoxic, and associated with neurological dysfunction. Due to the high risk for the consumer health, many studies have focused on the detection and monitoring of chemical contaminants. This review discusses different methods for the determination of major chemical contaminants in tea matrices. Various determination strategies and techniques are discussed and evaluated. This work highlights the current determination methods, limitations and opportunities of the potential methodology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The susceptibility of domestic cats and dogs to H9N2 avian influenza virus was evaluated by intranasally or orally inoculating animals with an H9N2 influenza virus. [•] H9N2 AIV can efficiently infect cats and dogs via the upper respiratory tract. [•] H9N2 AIV transmission between cats and dogs is inefficient. [•] We suggested that the domestic dogs and cats may serve as an intermediate host in the transfer of H9N2 viruses to humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigates the problem of fault diagnosis observer design in the finite frequency domain for discrete‐time Lipschitz nonlinear systems simultaneously subjected to actuator and sensor faults and unknown input disturbances. An augmented descriptor system is developed by constructing an augmented state consisting of system states and sensor faults. A novel H−/L∞ unknown input observer (UIO) is proposed in the finite frequency domain using the generalized Kalman–Yakubovich–Popov lemma to render the residual sensitive to actuator faults and robust against disturbances, which can achieve a better fault diagnosis result compared with existing observers in the full frequency domain. In the fault diagnosis scheme, a time‐varying threshold is presented based on the L∞ performance index to detect actuator faults, and the sensor fault estimation is simultaneously achieved through an asymptotical estimation of the augmented state. Design conditions for the proposed H−/L∞ UIO are derived and converted into linear matrix inequalities to solve its design matrices together. The effectiveness of the developed H−/L∞ UIO and the fault diagnosis scheme are validated via simulations of an example of a single‐link flexible joint robot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A battery management system (BMS) is an important link between on-board power battery and electric vehicles. The BMS is used to collect, process, and store important information during the operation of a battery pack in real time. Due to the wide application of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, the correct estimation of the state of charge (SOC) of lithium-ion batteries (LIBS) is of great importance in the battery management system. The SOC is used to reflect the remaining capacity of the battery, which is directly related to the efficiency of the power output and management of energy. In this paper, a new long short-term memory network with attention mechanism combined with Kalman filter is proposed to estimate the SOC of the Li-ion battery in the BMS. Several different dynamic driving plans are used for training and testing under different temperatures and initial errors, and the results show that the method is highly reliable for estimating the SOC of the Li-ion battery. The average root mean square error (RMSE) reaches 0.01492 for the US06 condition, 0.01205 for the federal urban driving scheme (FUDS) condition, and 0.00806 for the dynamic stress test (DST) condition. It is demonstrated that the proposed method is more reliable and robust, in terms of SOC estimation accuracy, compared with the traditional long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network, LSTM combined with attention mechanism, or LSTM combined with the Kalman filtering method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biology-inspired intelligent computing system for the neuromorphic hardware implementation is useful in high-speed parallel information processing. However, the traditional Von Neumann computer architecture and the unsatisfactory signal transmission approach have jointly limited the overall performance of the specific hardware implementation. In this paper, a compact extreme learning machine (ELM) architecture synthesized with the spintronic memristor-based synaptic circuit, the biasing circuit, and the activation function circuit is presented. Notably, due to the threshold characteristic of the memristive device, the synaptic circuit has a bimodal behavior. Namely, it is capable to provide the constant and adjustable network weights between the adjacent layers in the ELM. Furthermore, two major limitations (process variations and sneak path issue) are taken into account for the detailed robustness analysis of the whole network. Finally, the entire scheme is verified with case studies in single image super-resolution (SR) reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A fungal mycelia@graphene oxide@Fe 3 O 4 (FM@GO@Fe 3 O 4) nanoarchitecture was assembled. • FM@GO@Fe 3 O 4 is an effective adsorbent for both aflatoxin B 1 and zearalenone. • π–π stacking, hydrogen-bond, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions all exist. • FM@GO@Fe 3 O 4 has good biological safety, magnetic manipulability and stability. • Detoxification treatments by FM@GO@Fe 3 O 4 has little effect on oil quality. Physical adsorbents for detoxification are widely used in vegetable oil industry. So far, the high-efficiency and low-cost adsorbents have not been well explored. Here, a hierarchical fungal mycelia@graphene oxide@Fe 3 O 4 (FM@GO@Fe 3 O 4) was fabricated as an efficient adsorbent for simultaneous removal of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1) and zearalenone (ZEN). The morphological, functional and structural characteristics of the prepared adsorbents were systematic investigated. Batch adsorption experiments in both single and binary systems were conducted, and the adsorption behaviours and mechanism were explored. The results indicated that the adsorption process occurred spontaneously and the mycotoxin adsorption could be described as physisorption through hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Due to good biological safety, magnetic manipulability, scalability, recyclability and easy regeneration, FM@GO@Fe 3 O 4 performance is suitable for application as a detoxification adsorbent in vegetable oil industry. Our study addresses a novel green strategy for removing multiple mycotoxins by integrating the toxigenic isolates with advanced nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the chirp of the white-light continuum seed on the pulse characteristics of femtosecond optical parametric amplifiers (OPAs) is studied. Here, we focus on collinear OPAs based on type-I phase-matched BBO crystals. By numerical simulations, we investigate the evolution of the pulse-width, spectral bandwidth and time-bandwidth-product (TBP) of the amplified signal pulses with respect to the chirp of the white-light continuum seed pulses. In particular, we show that by manipulating the white-light continuum seed pulses to be highly chirped, nearly transform-limited optical pulses can be directly obtained from OPAs, without requiring dispersion-compensation elements. Our study demonstrates that chirp management offers a concise and effective technical route for obtaining nearly transform-limited, narrowband optical pulses from femtosecond OPAs, which would benefit many applications, including nonlinear imaging and spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay (LFA), one tool in point of care testing (POCT) systems for breast cancer, has attracted attention because it is quick, simple, and convenient. However, samples and the constituent material exhibit autofluorescence in the visible region, which is a very large obstacle in the development of fluorescent LFAs. The autofluorescence of biological samples is scarcely found in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) range and samples scatter and absorb less NIR-II light than visible light. Here, we report an NIR-II QD-LFA platform using the NIR-II fluorescent Ag2Se quantum dots (QDs) with 1020 nm emission encapsulated into polystyrene beads as fluorescent probes. The NIR-II LFA platform was established to detect breast cancer tumour markers (CEA and CA153) within 15 min with a low limit of detection (CEA: 0.768 ng mL−1, CA153: 1.192 U mL−1), high recoveries (93.7% ~ 108.8%), and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 10%. This study demonstrated the potential of NIR-II Ag2Se polystyrene beads as a fluorescent probe in LFA for rapid and accurate identification of biomarkers. They are suited for use in professional situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cell transplantation holds great promise for restoring function after spinal cord injury (SCI), but its therapeutic efficacy heavily depends on the innate capabilities of the cells and the microenvironment at the lesion site. Herein, a potent cell therapeutic (NCs@SCs) is engineered by artificially reprogramming bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with oxidation-responsive transcytosable gene-delivery nanocomplexes (NCs), which endows cells with robust oxidative stress resistance and improved cytokine secretion. NCs@SCs can accumulate in the injured spinal cord after intravenous administration via chemotaxis and boost successive transcytosis to deliver NCs to neurons, augmenting ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) production in both BMSCs and neurons in response to elevated ROS levels. Furthermore, NCs@SCs can actively sense and eliminate ROS and re-educate recruited M1-like macrophages into the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype via a paracrine pathway, ultimately reshaping the inflammatory microenvironment. Synergistically, NCs@SCs exhibit durable survival and provide neuroprotection against secondary damage, enabling significant locomotor function recovery in SCI rats. Transcriptome analysis reveals that regulation of the ROS/MAPK signaling pathway is involved in SCI therapy by NCs@SCs. This study presents a nanomaterial-mediated cell-reprogramming approach for developing live cell therapeutics, showing significant potential in the treatment of SCI and other neuro-injury disorders. The reprogrammed BMSCs engineered with transcytosable nanocomplexes could boost transcytosis to facilitate transcellular gene delivery, increase autocrine and paracrine, and remodel the microenvironment, enabling significant locomotor function recovery after SCI. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a research paper discussing the chemistry of olivine and sulfur isotopes of the recently-discovered Xiarihamu magmatic nickel-copper (Ni-Cu) sulfide ore deposit in the Eastern Kunlunorogenic belt in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China. It mentions that websterite, olivine websterite and lherzolite are the major rocks of the Xiarihamu ultramafic intrusion. It also states that sulfide mineralization is associated with all rock types in the Xiarihamu ultramafic intrusion.

Mycotoxins and pesticides are prevalent in cereal food. It is difficult to detect these two kinds of hazard factors simultaneously in rapid assay. In order to find a solution to the problem, carbamates and aflatoxins were selected in this study to establish a rapid, on-site, and quantitative paper sensor. Two novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against carbaryl and carbofuran (1D2 and G11) were developed. The IC50 values (half maximal inhibitory concentration) were 0.8 ng/mL and 217.6 ng/mL for carbaryl and carbofuran, respectively. Based on the sensitive and specific mAbs, a multi-TRFICA (time-resolved fluorescence) paper sensor was developed, which simultaneously detected six types of hazardous chemicals, including AFB 1 , AFB 2 , AFG 1 , AFG 2 , carbaryl, and carbofuran. A universal sample pretreatment method for mycotoxins and pesticides was explored to apply on established competitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) and multi-TRFICA-paper sensor. The established paper sensor can be easily observed with naked eyes, qualitatively under a UV lamp, and quantitated using a home-made device. It exhibited a calculated limit of quantity for AFTs, carbaryl, and carbofuran of 0.03, 0.02, and 60.2 ng/mL in corn samples, respectively. The spiking-recoveries and real sample studies proved that multi-TRFICA-paper sensor is an accurate, sensitive, and high throughput detection method for simple and low-cost analysis in corn samples. Image 1 • A paper sensor to detect pesticides and mycotoxins: simultaneity from sample pretreatment to detection. • Sensitive and specific monoclonal antibodies against carbaryl and carbofuran were developed, respectively. • A cost and resource-efficient microscope-based subcloning method was developed in the hybridomas screening. • The on-site paper sensor demonstrated simultaneous quantification of six hazard chemicals rapidly and accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of most antibiotics has been restricted and banned in finfish and shrimp farms due to several reasons comprising their long-lasting persistence in aquatic environments, relatively high prices, and their ability to promote the existence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Hence, finding economical, natural, and environmentally safe alternatives is of great importance. The use of polyphenols, polyphenol-rich plants, and plant-derived phenolic compounds for promoting aquatic animal health and welfare could be from the effective strategies for developing aquafeed and maintaining the sustainability of the aquaculture industry. Several plants are gorgeous in various bioactive functional ingredients known as phytochemicals and polyphenols. Phenolic compounds could be successfully used as natural immunostimulants in order to raise the immunity of finfish and shrimp species against several bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections and thus may replace the use of antimicrobial agents. Besides their potential roles for improvement of the growth performance, intestinal health, and enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the treated animals. Even though the trend of using plant-derived phenolic compounds is a new and leading era for the improvement of the functionality of aquafeed and the development of the aquaculture industry, there are fundamental needs and necessities to describe a clear understanding of their modes of action and potential roles in the improvement of the production rates, antioxidant activity, immune status, and disease resistance of farmed fish and shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Raman spectroscopy is a spectroscopic technique based on Raman scattering effects and provide a structural fingerprint by which molecules can be identified. Owing to its non-destructive, high sensitivity and allowing on-line detection, Raman spectroscopy is now increasingly being applied in various fields from fundamental research to engineering in food safety. Edible oils provide high nutritional value in the human diet and their safety and quality have become a major concern and issue. Thus, edible oils have been the subject of a number of applications of Raman spectroscopy. This present review briefly evaluates Raman spectroscopy applications in the quality and safety analysis of oil products in the latest decade. In addition, by integrating the introduction of the detection of harmful substances and bioactive components in oil product, this paper also summarizes a series of emerging analytical technologies in applications of Raman spectroscopy. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Raman spectroscopy can be used to determination of the composition profile of a edible oil sample. • Qualification and quantification models are built using vibrational spectroscopic techniques. • Minor components can be quickly pinpointed by Raman spectrum based on characteristic bands. • Raman spectroscopy combined with chemo metrics to detect qualified oils adulteration with flawed oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Niubiziliang mafic-ultramafic complex with Ni-Cu mineralization is a rare example of magmatic Ni-Cu deposits formed in an orogenic setting, specifically the South Altyn orogen in Northwestern China. We report a baddeleyites U-Pb age of 452±12 Ma for the complex, which is consistent with the eclogite exhumation ages in the orogen and suggests a rift-related magmatism triggered by slab break-off. The complex shows geochemical and isotopic features indicative of a mantle-derived origin with 10% crustal contamination. The magmatic evolution involved extensive fractional crystallization, assimilation, and crustal contamination (AFC) processes. Fractional crystallization enhanced sulfur saturation in the early stage of magmatic evolution, while crustal contamination was the main factor for sulfide saturation and Ni-Cu mineralization in the later stage. Fig. (a) Location of the Qaidam Basin and adjoining regions, (b) regional tectonic sketch map, (c) Diagrams of TiO 2 -Alz for clinopyroxene, (d) initial Sr-Nd isotope ratios for the Niubiziliang complex and the radiogenic isotope model calculation results and (e) schematic illustration of the petrogenesis of the Niubiziliang complex in the South Altyn orogen. [Display omitted] • The pl-bearing lherzolite from the Niubiziliang complex was formed at 452±12 Ma. • The complex was derived from the fractional crystallization of basaltic magma and assimilation of crustal materials. • Crustal contamination was the main factor causing sulfide saturation in the Niubiziliang magma. • The Niubiziliang Ni-Cu deposit was emplaced in a rift setting under slab break-off. The Niubiziliang mafic-ultramafic complex located in the South Altyn orogen consists of lherzolite, plagioclase-bearing lherzolite, olivine websterite, and gabbro. The intrusion contains a newly discovered zone of magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide mineralization, which is categorized into three units (Nos. 1, 2, and 3) based on discernible morphological features, with drilling investigations revealing sulfide mineralization in complexes Nos. 2 and 3 in both mafic and ultramafic rocks. The rocks of the Nuibiziliang complex have olivines with Fo 76.9–82.4 and Ni contents between 79 and 1957 ppm. The clinopyroxenes have variable Al 2 O 3 contents between 0.52 and 5.05 wt%, TiO 2 contents between 0.02 and 1.30 wt%, and NaO contents from 0.08 to 1.27 wt%. The geochemical variations are consistent with the intrusion belonging to a subalkaline magma series and the major element variations are consistent with igneous differentiation from a single magma type. The rocks display enrichment in light rare-earth elements and large-ion lithophile elements (K, Ba, and Sr) and depletion in high-field-strength elements (Ti, Zr, Hf, Ta, and Nb) and heavy rare-earth elements, which are typical features of enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt (E-MORB). These rocks exhibit enriched Sr–Nd isotope compositions with low (87Sr/86Sr) i ratios and mostly low positive εNd(t) values, indicating that the Niubiziliang complex originated from the partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle with up to 10% contamination by continental crust. Fractional crystallization enriched sulfur in the magma during the initial stage of magmatic evolution, but crustal contamination was the main factor causing sulfide saturation in the magma. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry U-Pb dating of baddeleyites in the ultramafic rocks of the Niubiziliang complex yielded an age of 452±12 Ma for the crystallization of the magma. This age is similar to the age of eclogites formed during exhumation for the South Altyn orogen and indicates that the mafic-ultramafic magmatism formed in a rift setting by a process of break-up of an oceanic crustal slab at depth in the mantle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of air pollution on the tear film stability by analyzing the correlation between Air Quality Index (AQI) and Lipid Layer thickness (LLT) in Xuzhou. As a prospective descriptive observational study, 284 patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), 157 patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and 264 healthy volunteers were included. The tear film lipid layer thickness of the three groups of subjects was measured weekly and compared with the air quality index to analyze the correlation between the two indicators. Logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the effect of AQI on the thickness of the tear film lipid layer. The change of LLT with air pollution at different AQI levels was also analyzed. There are obvious seasonal differences in the changes of air pollution index in Xuzhou. Significant differences could be observed in the thickness of the lipid layer of the tear film among the three groups. LLT in the MGD group and SS group decreased with the aggravation of air pollution, while remained unchanged in the control group. There was strong evidence of correlation between LLT of the MGD group (F = 353.494, p < 0.01, adjusted R2 = 0.695) and the SS group (F = 502.404, p < 0.01, adjusted R2 = 0.764) with AQI, while there was minor correlation between LLT with AQI in control group (F = 8.525, p < 0.01, adjusted R2 = 0.046). Air pollution can cause a decrease in the thickness of the tear film lipid layer, thereby affecting tear film stability, leading to the occurrence of dry eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fumonisins (FBs) are widely found in rice, maize, peanut, wheat, and other agricultural products. These have been detected using a chromatography technique, whereas the rapid assay by a highly sensitive monoclonal antibody is minimally reported. Herein, a highly sensitive monoclonal antibody (7A11) was successfully developed by hybridoma technique. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC 50 ) of 7A11 monoclonal antibody was 0.32 ng/mL in an optimized buffer. The cross-reactivity between fumonisin B 1 and fumonisin B 2 , B 3 was 4.3% and 12.8%, respectively. Based on the newly developed 7A11 antibody, a high sensitivity indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) and gold nanoparticles-based gray imaging quantification immunoassay (GNPs-GI) were established. The analytical range of icELISA was 0.08–1.38 ng/mL and that for GNPs-GI was 0.24–15 ng/mL. Both the methods showed adequate recoveries (80.0–105.8% for icELISA and 78.5–115.2% for GNPs-GI) in spiked samples. Compared to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), icELISA and GNPs-GI indicated reliability that could be used for further detection of fumonisin B 1 in agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins pose a grave global threat to human life and health by contaminating food and feed and cause enormous losses in healthcare and trading. Trace mycotoxin concentrations and diverse matrices in food make identification and measurement challenges, necessitating highly specific and sensitive detection methods. Electrochemical (EC) sensors are characterized by simple operation, outstanding sensitivity, low cost, and facile miniaturization and have become a promising strategy for addressing specificity and sensitivity in detection. Recent studies on EC sensors for mycotoxin detection for food safety are reviewed here. First, we summarize the fabrication of EC sensors and techniques with enhanced specificity and sensitivity. Then, we review state‐of‐the‐art EC sensors for detecting major mycotoxins. Challenges and opportunities for this technology are further discussed. Finally, in‐depth information is provided on using EC sensors to detect mycotoxins for food safety, as well as the development of EC sensors for academic study and practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive and specific immunoaffinity column to clean up and isolate multiple mycotoxins was developed along with a rapid one-step sample preparation procedure for ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Monoclonal antibodies against aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin G2, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin, and T-2 toxin were coupled to microbeads for mycotoxin purification. We optimized a homogenization and extraction procedure as well as column loading and elution conditions to maximize recoveries from complex feed matrices. This method allowed rapid, simple, and simultaneous determination of mycotoxins in feeds with a single chromatographic run. Detection limits for these toxins ranged from 0.006 to 0.12 ng mL, and quantitation limits ranged from 0.06 to 0.75 ng mL. Concentration curves were linear from 0.12 to 40 μg kg with correlation coefficients of R > 0.99. Intra-assay and inter-assay comparisons indicated excellent repeatability and reproducibility of the multiple immunoaffinity columns. As a proof of principle, 80 feed samples were tested and several contained multiple mycotoxins. This method is sensitive, rapid, and durable enough for multiple mycotoxin determinations that fulfill European Union and Chinese testing criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second-order nonlinear Hall effect observed in the time-reversal symmetric system has not only shown abundant physical content, but also exhibited potential application prospects. Recently, a third-order nonlinear Hall effect has been observed in MoTe2 and WTe2. However, few-layer MoTe2 and WTe2 are usually unstable in air and the observed third-order nonlinear Hall effect can be measured only at low temperature, which hinders further investigation as well as potential application. Thus, exploring new air-stable material systems with a sizable third-order nonlinear Hall effect at room temperature is an urgent task. Here, in type-II Weyl semimetal TaIrTe4, we observed a pronounced third-order nonlinear Hall effect, which can exist at room temperature and remain stable for months. The third-order nonlinear Hall effect is connected to the Berry-connection polarizability tensor instead of the Berry curvature. The possible mechanism of the observation of the third-order nonlinear Hall effect in TaIrTe4 at room temperature has been discussed. Our findings will open an avenue towards exploring room-temperature nonlinear devices in new quantum materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals pollution is a notable threat to environment and human health. This study evaluated the potential ecological and health risks of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni, and As) and their accumulation in a peanut-soil system based on 34 soil and peanut kernel paired samples across China. Soil As and Cd posed the greatest pollution risk with 47.1% and 17.6% of soil samples exceeding the risk screen levels, respectively, with 26.5% and 20.6% of the soil sites at relatively strong potential ecological risk level, respectively, and with the geo-accumulation levels at several soil sites in the uncontaminated to moderately contaminated categories. About 35.29% and 2.94% of soil sites were moderately and severely polluted based on Nemerow comprehensive pollution index, respectively, and a total of 32.4% of samples were at moderate ecological hazard level based on comprehensive potential ecological risk index values. The Cd, Cr, Ni, and Cu contents exceeded the standard in 11.76, 8.82, 11.76 and 5.88% of the peanut kernel samples, respectively. Soil metals posed more health risks to children than adults in the order As > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Zn > Cd for non-carcinogenic health risks and Ni > Cr ≫ Cd > As > Pb for carcinogenic health risks. The soil As non-cancer risk index for children was greater than the permitted limits at 14 sites, and soil Ni and Cr posed the greatest carcinogenic risk to adults and children at many soil sites. The metals in peanut did not pose a non-carcinogenic risk according to standard. Peanut kernels had strong enrichment ability for Cd with an average bio-concentration factor (BCF) of 1.62. Soil metals contents and significant soil properties accounted for 35–74% of the variation in the BCF values of metals based on empirical prediction models. • Soil As and Cd had high ecological pollution risk, especially for As. • The Cd, Cr, Ni, and Cu contents exceeded the standard in several peanut kernel samples. • The soil As caused non-cancer risk index and soil Ni and Cr posed carcinogenic risk at some sites. • The metals in peanut did not pose a non-carcinogenic risk. • Soil metal contents and soil properties well predicted metal bio-concentration factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly selective and sensitive aptasensor for detecting patulin (PAT) was constructed based on the fluorescence quenching of fullerenol quantum dots (FOQDs) towards carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA) through PET mechanism. The π-π stacking interaction between PAT aptamer and FOQDs closed the distance between TAMRA and FOQDs and the fluorescence of TAMRA was quenched with maximum quenching efficiency reaching 85%. There was no non-specific fluorescence quenching caused by FOQDs. In the presence of PAT, the PAT aptamer was inclined to bind with PAT and its conformation was changed. Resulting in the weak π-π stacking interaction between PAT aptamer and FOQDs. Therefore, the fluorescence of TAMRA recovered and was linearly correlated to the concentration of PAT in the range of 0.02–1 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.01 ng/mL. This PAT aptasensor also performed well in apple juice with linear dynamic range from 0.05–1 ng/mL. The homogeneous fluorescence aptasensor shows broad application prospect in the detection of various food pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tulaergen magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide ore deposit is located along the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in northwestern China. This deposit is hosted by a small mafic–ultramafic complex composed of a Late Carboniferous (~ 301 Ma) gabbroic member at the margin and a younger ultramafic dyke in the center. Net-textured and semi-massive sulfides are mainly concentrated in the steeply dipping, widened parts of the dyke. Zircons from the ultramafic member yield a U–Pb age of 281 ± 2 Ma, ~ 20 myr younger than the gabbroic member. The average εHf(t) value of the zircons is ~ 16. The Tulaergen mafic–ultramafic rocks are characterized by light REE enrichments, pronounced negative Nb–Ta anomalies, (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios from 0.7034 to 0.7036, and εNd(t) values from 5.1 to 6.9. The isotope data indicate negligible bulk contamination with the crust. The δ34S values of sulfide ores are from − 0.3 to 1.5‰, similar to the values of the country rocks. The γOs values of the sulfide ores are from + 605 to + 954, much higher than typical mantle values. The Os-S isotope data together support the view that the addition of Os-bearing organic matter from the country rocks may have played a critical role in triggering sulfide saturation. In the sub-vertical segment of the deposit, the upper zone has lower PGE tenors coupled with lower and rather constant olivine Fo contents compared to the lower zone. Based on the geometry of the dyke and sulfide distribution, we conclude that the Tulaergen deposit formed in a dynamic magma conduit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As emerging contaminants, microplastics threaten food and environmental safety. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP, released from microplastics) and benzo[ a ]pyrene (BaP, adsorbed on microplastics) coexisted in food and the environment, harming human health, requesting a sensitive and simultaneous testing method to monitor. To address current sensitivity, simultaneousness, and on-site portability challenges during dual targets in complex matrixes, CuCo 2 S 4 /Fe 3 O 4 nanoflower was designed to develop a smartphone-assisted photoelectrochemical point-of-care test (PEC POCT). The carrier transfer mechanism in CuCo 2 S 4 /Fe 3 O 4 was proven via density functional theory calculation. Under optimal conditions, the PEC POCT showed low detection limits of 0.126, and 0.132 pg/mL, wide linearity of 0.001–500, and 0.0005–50 ng/mL for DBP and BaP, respectively. The smartphone-assisted PEC POCT demonstrated satisfied recoveries (80.00%–119.63%) in real samples. Coherent results were recorded by comparing the PEC POCT to GC–MS (DBP) and HPLC (BaP). This novel method provides a practical platform for simultaneous POCT for food safety and environment monitoring. A smartphone-based photoelectrochemical point-of-care test biosensor was developed for the simultaneous detection of dibutyl phthalate (DBP, released from microplastics) and benzo[ a ]pyrene (BaP, adsorbed on microplastics) in food and environmental samples using Z-scheme CuCo 2 S 4 /Fe 3 O 4 as highly effective photoelectric materials. [Display omitted] • Construction of a smartphone-assisted photoelectrochemical point-of-care test platform. • Simultaneous detection of DBP (released from microplastics) and BaP (adsorbed on microplastics). • Verification of the Z-scheme transfer pathway of CuCo 2 S 4 /Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites. • Detection of dual-targets in complex food and environment matrixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several cases of humans infected with the H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) have been described since 1999; however, the infectivity and pathogenicity of H9N2 in humans is not well defined. A non-human primate model in rhesus macaques was developed to study H9N2 virus infections as a means of better understanding the pathogenesis and virulence of this virus, in addition to testing antiviral drugs. Rhesus macaques inoculated with H9N2 AIV presented with biphasic fever and viral pneumonia. H9N2 was recovered from nasal washes and pharyngeal samples up to days 7-9 postinfection, followed by an increase in HI (hemagglutination inhibition) antibody titers. Tissue tropism and immunohistochemistry indicated that H9N2 AIV replicated in the upper respiratory tract (turbinate, trachea, and bronchus) and in all lobes of the lung. Our data suggest that rhesus macaques are a suitable animal model to study H9N2 influenza virus infections, particularly in the context of viral evolution and pathogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high incidence rate, complexity, and intractability of central nervous system (CNS) diseases drive significant interest in understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in the immune response. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the key biological fluid for the study of CNS diseases. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics investigations benefit from the advantages of high sensitivity, high selectivity, and structural identification, and show the satisfactory capacity in CSF metabolome exploration. This work comprehensively summarized sample preparation and MS techniques for identifying CSF metabolomics, focusing on potential quantification methods. For application purposes, we emphasized the investigation based on CSF metabolomics in neurological disease mechanisms, biomarkers discovery, and drug development. Existing challenges and perspectives are proposed, like integration and sharing of CSF metabolite database, standardization of MS detection protocols and data mutual recognition, and data mining of multi-omics data. This work provides a multidisciplinary information about analytical chemistry, medical science and nanomaterials. • Discuss sampling and sample processes for CSF metabolomics. • Review MS and quantification methods. • Investigate the application of CSF metabolomics in neurological disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and drug discovery. • Propose existing challenges and perspectives of CSF metabolite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can promote the growth and yield of crops by increasing the use of nutrients. However, the influence of AMF on the uptake, utilization and partitioning of nitrogen (N) from different sources remain uncertain. Therefore, we investigated AMF inoculation on plant biomass, N-uptake (from fertilizers and soil), -partitioning and N use-efficiency (NUE) in two wheat cultivars using 15N isotope labeling in a field and pot experiment. Results showed that AMF inoculation increased both plant biomass and N accumulation, and altered N partitioning in wheat. AMF inoculation significantly increased root N concentration and decreased grain N concentration (GNC) and leaf N concentration. The decrease in GNC by the AMF was mainly attributed to the variations in pre-anthesis accumulated N in vegetative organs and a reduction in the amount of N translocation. AMF significantly increased root dry weight by 13.5–18.2%, N uptake of the root by 25.4–37.2%. The N partitioning ratio in roots increased, but decreased in grains. Further, AMF significantly increased plant uptake of top-dressed 15N-labeled fertilizer by 15.0–17.8%. AMF promoted grain N absorbed from fertilizer (basal and topdressing fertilizer) but reduced its uptake from soil. Importantly, fertilizer N recovery efficiency (FNRE), N utilization efficiency (NUtE) and NUE were higher in AMF than in the control (CK), demonstrating the benefits of AMF inoculation on growth in wheat. Therefore, using AMF as biofertilizers in field conditions may be an effective agronomic practice in order to ensure sustainable production. • AMF increased grain biomass and NUE in wheat. • AMF led to higher NUtE by reducing GNC compared with CK treatment. • AMF promoted N uptake and recovery from topdressing fertilizer in wheat. • AMF increased root N uptake from fertilizer and soil and the partition of N to root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergot alkaloids (EAs) are mycotoxins mainly produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea. EAs are known to affect the nervous system and to be vasoconstrictors in humans and animals. This work presents recent advances in swine and dairy feeds regarding 11 major EAs, namely ergometrine, ergosine, ergotamine, ergocornine, ergocryptine, ergocristine, ergosinine, ergotaminine, ergocorninine, ergocryptinine, and ergocristinine. A reliable, sensitive, and accurate multiple mycotoxin method, based on extraction with a Mycosep 150 multifunctional column prior to analysis using UHPLC-MS/MS, was validated using samples of swine feed (100) and dairy feed (100) for the 11 targeted EAs. Based on the obtained validation results, this method showed good performance recovery and inter-day and intra-day precision that are in accordance with standard criteria to ensure reliable occurrence data on EA contaminants. More than 49% of the swine feed samples were contaminated with EAs, especially ergocryptine(-ine) (40%) and ergosine (-ine) and ergotamine (-ine) (37%). However, many of the 11 EAs were not detectable in any swine feed samples. In addition, there were contaminated (positive) dairy feed samples, especially for ergocryptine (-ine) (50%), ergosine (-ine) (48%), ergotamine (-ine), and ergocristine (-ine) (49%). The mycotoxin levels in the feed samples in this study almost complied with the European Union regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family is gradually being recognized as an important family of mediators that, along with the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), control the degradation process in osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of this study was to uncover the detailed alterations of ADAMTS1, ADAMTS2, and ADAMTS5 in the knee joint of OA mice. The OA model was established by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) on the knee joints of C57BL/6 J mice. The mice showed representative phenotypes of ACLT-induced OA, including obvious deterioration of the cartilage, reductions in the collagen and proteoglycan components in the cartilage matrix of OA mice, and increased inflammation and osteoclast activity. By qPCR, the gene expression levels of Adamts1, −2, and −5 were the top-ranked among Adamts1-5 in cartilage/chondrocytes, osteogenic tissue/osteoblasts, and cortical bone/osteocytes. Moreover, the protein expression levels of ADAMTS1, −2, and −5 were all increased in articular cartilage, the growth plate, and subchondral bone of the knee joint. The results suggest the important roles of ADAMTS1, −2, and −5 in OA disease, which will be helpful in further research on degenerative changes in OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1) is a prominent food contaminant known for its high toxicity. Rapid, low-cost, and sensitive detection of AFB 1 is an urgent demand for food safety risk control. In the traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for AFB 1 detection, horseradish peroxide (HRP) is high-cost and possesses poor environmental stability. In this study, a direct competitive single-atom nanozymes (SAzymes) -linked immunosorbent assay was developed based on Fe-N-C SAzymes. The proposed methods exhibited excellent sensitivity, rapid detection, fabrication, and low cost. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection of the new assay was 3.3 pg mL−1, with a quantitative relationship between 0.0084 and 0.358 ng mL−1. In addition, the developed method presented good recoveries in spiked samples, ranging from 84.50% and 103.75%, with coefficients of variation below 10%. Furthermore, the developed detection method showed good consistency (R2 = 0.9852) with the reference method, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). To our knowledge, this is the first report about single-atom nanozymes-based ELISA for AFB 1 determination. This work provides a feasible strategy for the rapid and sensitive detection of food contaminants using SAzymes. • A Fe-N-C single-atom nanozyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed. • Aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1) could be detected within 50 min. • The results are reliable and sensitive. • The method was successfully applied to quantification of AFB 1 in peanut samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]