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[Display omitted] • A novel well-dispersed Fe 3 O 4 with multifunction was successfully prepared via self-assembly technology. • Modified Fe 3 O 4 can endow PUA simultaneously with excellent quasi-static and dynamic mechanical properties. • The abnormal EMW absorbing behaviors of PUA composites with poorly-/well-dispersed Fe 3 O 4 were found. • Mechanism and modes for this abnormal phenomenon were proposed. In this work, novel core–shell Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were prepared by self- assembly technology using phytate-melamine aggregates (PM) or phytate-melamine-Fe3+ aggregates (PM-Fe) as building block. A polyurea (PUA) matrix was filled with magnetic nanoparticle. The influence of Fe 3 O 4 , Fe 3 O 4 @PM or Fe 3 O 4 @PM-Fe content and dispersion on the mechanical and electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption properties of PUA composite were investigated. Good dispersion of modified Fe 3 O 4 in PUA matrix was obtained. Loading well-dispersed Fe 3 O 4 significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of their PUA nanocomposite under quasi-static tensile, nanoindentation, and dynamic compression tests. Excellent EMW absorption performance of PUA/Fe 3 O 4 @PM nanocomposite was desired. Although well-dispersed Fe 3 O 4 @PM could effectively enhance the mechanical properties, nonetheless it surprisingly plays a negative role in the EMW absorption performance. The Fe 3 O 4 @PM with high dispersion and interfacial compatibility in the PUA matrix was detrimental to EMW absorption performance, which contradicts the well accepted EMW absorption mechanisms. A novel mechanism and model were suggested, along with a fresh understanding of the role of Fe 3 O 4 in the EMW absorption of PUA composite. Furthermore, the Fe 3 O 4 @PM-Fe, obtained by constructing a conductive network on the surface of Fe 3 O 4 @PM, was used to investigate this assumption. The radar cross section simulation also demonstrated the superior EMW attenuation capability of PUA nanocomposites in the service condition. This work is beneficial to the development of EMW absorber, not limited to Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotic fermented milk is more and more popular due to their positive health associated properties. However, fermentation temperature and other process conditions may affect the growth and metabolism of probiotic strains, thereby affecting quality of the final products. In this study, the growth behaviors and metabolomic profiles of yogurts induced by Lactobacillus casei Zhang at fermentation termination (FT) and d 10 of storage (S10d) under different fermentation temperatures at 37°C (low) and 42°C (high) were analyzed and compared using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS)- and gas chromatography-MS-based metabolomics approaches. At 37°C, the growth of L. casei Zhang at FT and S10d was significantly increased, and the potential relationship between riboflavin, starch, and sucrose metabolism and growth of L. casei Zhang may be mutually promoting. Fermentation temperature (37°C and 42°C) affected volatile and nonvolatile metabolomic profiles and pathways. The levels of acetaldehyde, 2,3-butanedione, acetoin, butyric acid, decanoic acid, hexanoic acid, and octanoic acid were significantly higher at 37°C than at 42°C at FT and S10d. This indicates that the low temperature (37°C) most likely contributes more to the formation of important flavor compounds during the fermentation process and production of short-chain fatty acids during storage. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical explosives such as TNT are widely used in special scenarios, such as civil explosives, due to their simple preparation and high energy density. However, the temperature of the fireball produced by the explosion of these explosives is extremely high. Moreover, this approach may cause many casualties and economic losses if not prevented. To accurately measure the temperature of a transient explosion field and study its space-time distribution, a two-dimensional high-speed temperature measurement system was built based on blackbody radiation theory, high-speed photography, image Bayer array and improved interpolation algorithm. The explosive fireball produced in a static explosion test of 10 kg of TNT was measured within the shooting range. TNT was added with an auxiliary blackbody (tungsten). Compared to traditional explosion temperature measurement methods, the experimental results showed that the colorimetric temperature measurement method based on the improved interpolation algorithm and the addition of tungsten powder could more accurately measure the temporal and spatial distributions of the temperature field. This work can aid in the prevention in the accidents during the transportation, storage, and manufacturing of chemicals relevant to process industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest has been growing in the co-fermentation of starter cultures with probiotic bacteria in milk. However, the representative metabolites and metabolic changes at different key time points during milk fermentation and storage in starter cultures and probiotic bacteria are still unclear. In this study, we used gas chromatography/mass spectrometry–based metabolomics to identify volatile metabolites and discriminate between 6 different time points [fermentation initiation (FI), fermentation curd (FC), fermentation termination (FT), storage 1 d (S1d), storage 7 d (S7d), and storage 14 d (S14d)] during the fermentation and storage of starter cultures and Lactobacillus casei Zhang milk. Of the 52 volatile metabolites identified, 15 contributed to discrimination of the 6 time points. Then, using the profile from the different time points, we analyzed pairwise comparisons (FI vs. FC; FC vs. FT; FT vs. S1d; S1d vs. S7d; S7d vs. S14d); these time-lapse comparisons showed metabolic progressions from one fermentation stage to the next. We found representative and exclusive metabolites at specific fermentation and storage time points. The greatest difference in metabolites occurred between FC and FT, and the metabolic profiles between S7d and S14d were most similar. Interestingly, decanoic acid, octanoic acid, and hexanoic acid reached their highest level at storage 14 d, indicating that the post-fermentation storage of fermented milk with L. casei Zhang may add more probiotic functions. This work provides detailed insight into the time-specific profiles of volatile metabolites and their dynamic changes; these data may be used for understanding and eventually predicting metabolic changes in milk fermentation and storage, where probiotic strains may be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • High viable counts of PC-01 and B8589 over storage of fermented milk beverages. • Co-fermentation improves post-storage stability of fermented milk beverages. • Co-fermentation increases γ-aminobutyric acid and malate in stored products. Few studies investigated the effects of co-fermentation with bifidobacteria on post-storage changes of probiotic fermented beverages (PFBs). Thus, this study compared the post-storage changes in physicochemical index and metabolomes of PFBs produced singly by Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PC-01 (PC-01) or in combination with Bifidobacterium adolescentis B8589 (B8589). No significant differences were observed in the pH, titratable acidity, and viable cell counts between the two PFBs over 30-day storage. However, adding B8589 not only increased the stability of PFB (based on evaluating differences in PFBs metabolomics), but also the contents of beneficial amino acid metabolites, including 4-hydroxystyrene, gamma-aminobutyric acid, N -acetyl- l -aspartic acid, d -alanyl- d -alanine, and l -malic acid, after storage. Our study showed that B8589 is preferred to single-strain fermentation by PC-01. This study supports the concept of using bifidobacteria as starter culture in PFB production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A novel multi-component powder inhibitor was prepared by mixing conventional suppressants (ammonium polyphosphate and aluminium hydroxide) with porous kaolinite. The inhibition performance of this developed inhibitor was investigated using a 20-L spherical experimental explosion system. The explosion parameters, such as the maximum explosion pressure, maximum pressure rising rate, and time to peak explosion pressure, were obtained to evaluate the suppression effects. The results show that the multi-component inhibitor exhibits higher suppression performance than the single components. The thermal stability, decomposition behavior, and gaseous products were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric-mass spectrometry. The inhibition mechanisms are illustrated using physical and chemical explanations. The current work introduces a new gas explosion inhibitor with high performance resulting from the synergistic effect between its ingredients. Graphical abstract Inhibition mechanisms of the multi-component powder are investigated by explosion experiments and thermal decomposition analysis. Unlabelled Image Highlights • Inhibitor is prepared by mixing porous mineral with conventional suppressants. • Excellent explosion inhibition efficiency is achieved for this powder inhibitor. • Inhibition mechanisms of the multi-component inhibitor are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present and numerically demonstrate a novel, electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in planar metamaterials (MMs) based on guided mode resonance (GMR). The unit cell of the MM consists of two metallic ring resonators. The GMR with high quality factor (Q) is achieved by changing the distance between the two rings of the MM. Narrow EIT-like spectral response is realized by coupling between a high Q GMR and a low Q dipolar resonance of the MM. Our work could provide another efficient way towards the realization of EIT with large group index using very simple structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies a stochastic two-species Monod competition chemostat model which is subject to environment noises. Such noises are described by independent standard Brownian motions. It proves that the initial value problem of the model has a unique positive global solution. However, unlike the corresponding deterministic model, the stochastic model no longer has positive equilibrium points. The asymptotic behaviors and the steady state distributions are established by using Itô’s formula, Lyaponov method and Gronwall inequality. In addition, numerical simulations are given to illustrate the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnO x /sewage sludge-derived activated carbon (MnO x /SAC) was prepared as catalysts to improve the performance of aqueous oxalic acid degradation by ozonation. The results indicated that MnO x /SAC had excellent catalytic activity in mineralization of oxalic acid during heterogeneous catalytic ozonation process. MnO x /SAC with a manganese load of 30% exhibited the strongest catalytic activity under the condition of solution pH 3.5, which enhanced the oxalic acid removal from 10.3% to 92.2% in 60 min compared with that treated by ozone alone. Increase of catalyst dosage and aqueous ozone concentration was advantageous for oxalic acid removal from water. On the basis of catalyst characterization analysis and the observation of inhibitory effect induced by higher pH, less catalyst dosage as well as the presence of hydroxyl radical scavenger, it was deduced that the reaction mechanism involved both hydroxyl radicals attack and surface reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Biobased nanoflakes were grown on the surface and within interlayer of metakaolinite via a facile strategy. • The interface interaction between Mul-K 0 and PUA chains was improved by the nanoflake structure. • Flame retardancy, smoke suppression and mechanical reinforcement mechanism were revealed. In this work, meta-kaolinite has been successfully multidimensionally modified by growing melamine-phytate nanoflakes within the interlayer and on the surface of metakaolinite via facile and green supramolecular self-assembly technology. Then, multidimensionally modified metakaolinite (Mul-K 0) along with intumescent flame retardant (IFR) has been incorporated into polyurea (PUA)The incorporation of Mul-K 0 together with IFR into PUA has simultaneously enhanced both the fire safety and mechanical property. Flame retardancy and smoke suppression of Mul-K 0 based PUA/IFR composite have been evaluated by oxyacetylene ablation test, limiting oxygen index, UL-94 vertical burning and conventional or modified cone calorimeter tests. The underlying mechanism of Mul-K 0 responsible for enhancing the fire safety and mechanical properties were explored. This work offers a new strategy for improving the flame-retardancy efficiency utilizing the synergistic effect of IFR and modified meta-kaolinite and provides a promising opportunity for fabricating long-life flame retardant PUA composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) could deplete ER-associated Ca2+ and cause ER stress, and thereby precise and in situ detection of ONOO- at ER is highly important for the study of its biological roles. Herein, we present a ratiometric two-photon ER-targeting fluorescent probe (NAB) for the detection of ONOO- in living cells and brain tissues. NAB utilized 4-bromomethylphenyl borate as a recognition site for ONOO-, and utilized p -toluenesulfonamide as ER-targeting group. After the response of NAB to ONOO-, the 4-bromomethylphenyl borate converted to hydroxyl, resulting in the change of the fluorescence color from blue to yellow. The probe NAB could show highly sensitive response to ONOO- within 6 s, and exhibited excellent selectivity to ONOO-. The probe NAB mainly located at ER and showed excellent ER-targeting property. Ratiometric two-photon imaging demonstrated that the probe NAB could selectively detect exogenous ONOO- at ER, and also could be applied to image metformin-induced ONOO- in living HepG2 cells. Furthermore, NAB can effectively detect the changes of ONOO- level in brain tissues, and revealed that the endogenous ONOO- level at ER showed increase in hippocampus of the depressive mouse. [Display omitted] • A ratiometric two-photon and ER-targeting probe for ONOO- was developed. • The fluctuation of endogenous ONOO- at ER was imaged in a ratiometric two-photon manner. • ONOO- level at ER showed an increase in hippocampus of the depressive mouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoO nanobundles composited with 3D graphene foams (CoO NB@GF) in which CoO NB consisted of porous nanoflakes are uniformly and closely bonded with GF were prepared by the combination of chemical vapor deposition, hydrothermal method and thermal treatment. The CoO NB@GF composites showing lightweight and high conductivity can serve directly as supercapacitors electrodes (including current collectors) without any other conductive agents and binders. The cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements on CoO NB@GF electrodes demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 352.75 F/g (221.75 F/g scaled to total mass of electrodes) at 1 A/g current density, good rate performance and nearly no decay of the specific capacitance after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at 10 A/g current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) plays crucial roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes in living systems, and therefore, real-time and in situ imaging of ONOO- is of great significance to in-depth study its biological roles. Herein, we have developed PET-ESIPT-based fluorescent probes (BCN and BCN-A) for the detection of ONOO- in living cells, zebrafishes and brain tissues. BCN was a highly sensitive ONOO- probe in which the fluorescence property of the fluorophore was simultaneously controlled by PET and ESIPT mechanisms, and transformed to BCN-A via acetylation. Especially, BCN showed large Stokes shift in response to ONOO-, and displayed high selectivity to ONOO-. BCN-A employed the acetate group to switch off ESIPT process of the fluorophore and improve the membrane permeability. In living cells, BCN-A released an ONOO--responsive probe (BCN) by the hydrolysis of esterase, and then detected ONOO-. Biological imaging demonstrated that although both metformin and rotenone are mitochondrial complex I inhibitors, metformin can increase the generation of ONOO- while rotenone had no significant influence on the generation of ONOO- in living cells and zebrafishes. Moreover, the amygdala and perirhinal/entorhinal cortex in the brain of depressive mouse both showed increasing fluorescence intensity relative to those of normal mouse, which suggested that the LPS-induced depressive disorder could result in the generation of ONOO- in the two brain areas of mouse. We expect that the probes (BCN and BCN-A) could extensively serve as the powerful molecular tools to investigate the biological roles of ONOO- for the in-depth study of drug mechanism and depressive disorder. [Display omitted] • Using cyanobenzene dicarbonyl unit as response site for ONOO-. • PET-ESIPT-based response mechanism to ONOO-. • Imaging of metformin-induced ONOO- in living cells and zebrafishes. • Detection of ONOO- level changes in brain depressive mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) plays crucial roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes in living systems, and therefore, real-time and in situ imaging of ONOO- is of great significance to in-depth study its biological roles. Herein, we have developed PET-ESIPT-based fluorescent probes (BCN and BCN-A) for the detection of ONOO- in living cells, zebrafishes and brain tissues. BCN was a highly sensitive ONOO- probe in which the fluorescence property of the fluorophore was simultaneously controlled by PET and ESIPT mechanisms, and transformed to BCN-A via acetylation. Especially, BCN showed large Stokes shift in response to ONOO-, and displayed high selectivity to ONOO-. BCN-A employed the acetate group to switch off ESIPT process of the fluorophore and improve the membrane permeability. In living cells, BCN-A released an ONOO--responsive probe (BCN) by the hydrolysis of esterase, and then detected ONOO-. Biological imaging demonstrated that although both metformin and rotenone are mitochondrial complex I inhibitors, metformin can increase the generation of ONOO- while rotenone had no significant influence on the generation of ONOO- in living cells and zebrafishes. Moreover, the amygdala and perirhinal/entorhinal cortex in the brain of depressive mouse both showed increasing fluorescence intensity relative to those of normal mouse, which suggested that the LPS-induced depressive disorder could result in the generation of ONOO- in the two brain areas of mouse. We expect that the probes (BCN and BCN-A) could extensively serve as the powerful molecular tools to investigate the biological roles of ONOO- for the in-depth study of drug mechanism and depressive disorder. [Display omitted] • Using cyanobenzene dicarbonyl unit as response site for ONOO-. • PET-ESIPT-based response mechanism to ONOO-. • Imaging of metformin-induced ONOO- in living cells and zebrafishes. • Detection of ONOO- level changes in brain depressive mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Using benzopyridine-naphthalimide as a fluorescent platform. • FRET-based response mechanism to pH. • Ratiometric imaging of SO 2 in living cells. • in situ Detection of Cys-induced SO 2 dynamic changes in living cells. Sulfur dioxide (SO 2) is an important signal molecule in living systems, and plays a wide range of physiological functions. Real-time and in situ detection of the dynamic balance of SO 2 in mitochondria is of great significance to in-depth study its biological roles. Herein, we have developed a mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe Nap-L based on the FRET mechanism to detect SO 2 in living cells. The probe Nap-L employed naphthalimide and positively charged benzopyridine as the donor and acceptor in the FRET system, and emitted green and red fluorescence under excitation. In respond to SO 2 , the nucleophilic addition of bisulfite to benzopyridine and then interrupted the FRET process from naphthalimide to benzopyridine fluorophore, thereby triggering an obvious change in the fluorescence ratio. The probe Nap-L showed high selectivity to SO 2 over the biothiols (Hcy, GSH, Cys) and other biologically related species. Biological experiments suggested that the probe Nap-L mainly distributed in mitochondria, and can be successfully used to detect mitochondrial endogenous SO 2 in living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organically modified ammonium polyphosphate (APP) flame retardant is prepared by supramolecular assembly method using melamine formaldehyde (MF) resin and phytic acid (PA) as building blocks. Surface characteristics of APP are modified, resulting in the enhancements in water resistance, dispersion in the polymer matrix and their compatibility. This supramolecular assembly modified APP (APP@MF-PA) matches well with charring-foaming agent (CFA) to achieve excellent fire safety for polypropylene (PP), and the superiority over conventional APP is observed. Heat, CO and CO 2 releases of PP are greatly decreased by the intumescent flame retardant (IFR) formulation containing APP@MF-PA and CFA. The modification of APP with MF-PA supramolecules are beneficial to improve the yield, insulation properties, graphitization degree and compactness of char. Flame-retardant mechanisms are demonstrated according to the investigations on gaseous and condensed phase products. This novel and facile modification method provides a new strategy for improving the flame-retardant efficiency of IFR. Image 1 • The surface characteristics of APP were modified by supramolecular assembly. • Fire hazards of PP were greatly reduced by this modified APP and CFA. • Flame retardant mechanisms were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the ecosystem of spontaneously fermented cow milk, the characteristics and relationship of bacterial communities and nonvolatile components at different scales of geographical distances (provincial, county, and village levels) are unclear. Here, 25 sampling sites from Xin Jiang and Tibet, 2 provinces of China, were selected based on the distribution of spontaneously fermented cow milk and used for metagenomic and metabolomic analysis. At the provincial geographical distance, the same predominant species, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus , were detected in Xin Jiang and Tibet. Further, the richness of the bacterial composition of samples from Tibet was higher than those from Xin Jiang; specifically, at the species level, 28 species were identified in Tibet samples but only 7 species in Xin Jiang samples. At the provincial geographical level, we detected significant differences in bacterial structure, shown in principal coordinate analysis plots, and significant differences (Simpson index) in bacterial diversity were also detected. However, at the county and village levels, no significant differences were detected in bacterial communities and diversity, but a difference in bacterial compositions was detectable. This indicates that bacterial communities and diversity of spontaneously fermented milk dissimilarity significantly increased with geographic distance. For the nonvolatile component profiles, the partial least squares discriminant analysis plot (R2Y > 0.5 and Q2 > 0.5 for the goodness-of-fit and predictive ability parameter, respectively) showed that samples from different geographical distances (provincial, county, and village) were all separated, which indicated that all the discriminations in nonvolatile components profiles were from different geographical distances. Investigating relationships between lactic acid bacteria and discriminatory nonvolatile components at the county level showed that 9 species were positively correlated with 16 discriminatory nonvolatile components, all species with low abundance rather than the predominant species L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Strep. thermophilus , which indicates the importance of the selection of autochthonous nonpredominant bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are frequently subjected to a range of environmental stresses, including drought, salinity, cold, pathogens, and herbivore attacks. To survive in such conditions, plants have evolved a novel adaptive mechanism known as 'stress memory'. The formation of stress memories necessitates coordinated responses at the cellular, genetic/genomic, and epigenetic levels, involving altered physiological responses, gene activation, hyper-induction and chromatin modification. Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is an important economic crop with numerous applications and high economic value. In this study, we establish G. hirsutum drought memory following cycles of mild drought and re-watering treatments and analyzed memory gene expression patterns. Our findings reveal the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying drought stress memory formation in G. hirsutum. Specifically, H3K4me3, a histone modification, plays a crucial role in regulating [+ /+ ] transcriptional memory. Moreover, we investigated the intergenerational inheritance of drought stress memory in G. hirsutum. Collectively, our data provides theoretical guidance for cotton breeding. • We ensured that cotton drought memory was established after cycles of mild drought and re-watering treatment. In the process of repeated drought, the antioxidant capacity of seedlings was significantly enhanced. • H3K4me3 modification was involved in the formation of [+ /+ ] transcriptional memory, which only maintained 4 days. • The drought environment of the parents enhanced the ability of the progenies to resist adversity. However, the prolonged drought-induced H3K4me3 was not transmitted to the progenies, suggesting that different molecular mechanisms are involved in short- and long-term memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The 3D graphene foams (GFs) were prepared by chemical vapor deposition. [•] The porous CoO nanowalls were synthesized on GF by simple hydrothermal method. [•] The electrode fulfills a high specific capacitance and excellent rate capabilities. [•] The electrode has good cycle stability of >98% capacitances remain over 1000 cycles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Effects of single and binary probiotics on growth and metabolism were compared. • Growth of B. lactis V9 was improved by co-cultivation with L. casei Zhang. • Valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis may contribute to growth of B. lactis V9. • Binary probiotics had additive effect on production of short-chain fatty acids. In the present study, comparative effects of the single and binary probiotics of Lacticaseibacillus casei Zhang (L. casei Zhang) and Bifidobacterium lactis V9 (B. lactis V9) on the growth and metabolomic profiles during milk fermentation and storage has been analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The growth of B. lactis V9 can be significantly increased (p < 0.001) by co-cultivation with L. casei Zhang at the end of fermentation and storage 10 days, and valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis may be a major contributor to the growth promotion of B. lactis V9. However, the growth of L. casei Zhang was not affected by co-cultivation with B. lactis V9. There were notable distinctions in volatile and non-volatile metabolomic profiles and pathways between the single and binary probiotics cultures; binary probiotics L. casei Zhang and B. lactis V9 significantly affected the volatile, non-volatile metabolic profiles compared to the single probiotics. The levels of acetic acid, hexanoic acid, butanoic acid and pentanoic acid were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in binary probiotics cultures compared to the single probiotic cultures at the storage 10 days, which indicates that binary probiotics had additive effects on the production of short-chain fatty acids during storage. This work provides a detailed insight into metabolomic profiles and growth that differ between the single and binary probiotics cultures, and it can be helpful to develop probiotic yogurt with high probiotic viability and distinct metabolomic profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate cellular-recognition based disease therapy is of significance for precision medicine. However, except of specific antibody-coupling strategy, very few probes have been reported to efficiently discriminate normal cells and lesion cells through cellular microenvironment. Herein, we proposed a glucose selectively-lightened upconversion nanoprobe to recognize cancer cells from a pile of normal cells based on Warburg effect, that indicated a heightened demand for glucose intake for cancer cells. The nanoprobes were constructed by mesoporous silica-coated upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP@mSiO 2) with the crucial incorporation of a glucose-responsive modality, benzoboric acid (BA)-modified fluorescein molecules (FITC-BA). In cancer cells, the presence of elevated glucose concentrations triggered the transformation of FITC-BA to FITC-Glucose to recover nanoprobes' luminescence, however, the nanoprobes exhibited a shielded luminescent effect in healthy cells. To validate the hypothesis of accurate cellular-discrimination, a photodynamic therapy modality, riboflavin, with a specific ratio were also loaded into above UCNP@mSiO 2 nanoprobes for effective production of reactive oxygen species to kill cells. It was found that 97.8% of cancer cells were cleaned up, but normal cells retained a nearly 100% viability after 10 min laser illumination. By leveraging the metabolic disparity from Warburg effect, the nanoprobes offer a highly accurate cellular discrimination, and significantly mitigate "off-target" damage commonly associated with conventional therapies. A glucose selectively-lightened upconversion nanoprobe was designed to discriminate cancer cells from a pile of normal cells based on Warburg effect. [Display omitted] • The nanoprobes were constructed by mesoporous silica-coated upconversion nanoparticles with incorporation of a glucose-responsive modality, FITC-BA. • In cancer cells, the elevated glucose concentrations triggered the recovery of nanoprobes' luminescence, however, it exhibited a shielded luminescence in healthy cells. • After discrimination, 97.8% of cancer cells were cleaned up, but normal cells retained a nearly 100% viability by 10 min laser illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth behaviors and metabolomic profiles in yogurts induced by multistrain probiotics of Lactobacillus casei Zhang (LCZ) and Bifidobacterium lactis V9 (V9) at the fermentation termination and 10 d of storage at 4°C under different fermentation temperatures (37°C and 42°C) were compared using metabolomics based on liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The growths of LCZ and V9 were affected by fermentation temperatures; the viable cell density of LCZ was higher at 37°C than that at 42°C; however, V9 was higher at 42°C. Multistrain probiotics had higher contribution to the changes in volatile and nonvolatile metabolomic profiles at 42°C than those at 37°C. At fermentation termination, there were 2 common enriched pathways increased by multistrain probiotics at 37°C and 42°C, which were biosynthesis of peptides and amino- and nucleotide-sugar metabolism. At 10 d of storage, 4 common increased enriched pathways were alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; tyrosine metabolism; valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation; and valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis. This work provided a detailed insight into different effects of different multistrain probiotics of LCZ and V9 fermentation temperatures on the growth behaviors and volatile and nonvolatile metabolomic profiles of yogurts. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a growing interest in cofermentation of starter cultures with probiotics in milk. In this study, we analyzed the effects of adding the single probiotics Lactobacillus casei Zhang (Zhang) or Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Probio-M8 (M8) or a combination of Zhang and M8 to starter cultures on volatile and nonvolatile metabolomic profiles after 14 d of storage at 4°C and compared using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and GC-MS-based metabolomics approach. Principal component analysis, heatmap plots, and Spearman correlation results showed that Zhang alone had a greater effect on volatile and nonvolatile metabolomic profiles than M8 alone. The combination of Zhang and M8 had additive effects on the production of metabolites. For volatile metabolites, the levels of acetaldehyde, diacetyl, acetoin, and acetic acid were higher for the combination of Zhang and M8 compared with either single probiotic culture. Significantly increased nonvolatile components induced by adding Zhang were identified were enriched in the galactose, amino- and nucleotide sugar, fructose and mannose, purine, phenylalanine metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis pathways. The metabolism and biosynthesis of starch, sucrose, tyrosine, galactose metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis were significantly upregulated by adding the combination of Zhang and M8. This work provides a detailed insight into different effects of Zhang and M8 used alone or in combination on the volatile and nonvolatile metabolomic profiles of yogurts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ER stress has close relation with various metabolic diseases including obesity and insulin resistance, and could result in the abnormal production of ROS including O 2 - . Real-time and in situ detection of endogenous O 2 - in ER is vitally important for revealing the physiological roles of O 2 - during ER stress. Herein, we present an ER-specific two-photon probe (ER-Rs) for the detection of endogenous O 2 - in living cells and zebrafishes. The probe ER-Rs employed triflate as the response site for O 2 - , and used p -methylsulfonamide as the ER-specific moiety. In response to O 2 - , the triflate group of the probe ER-Rs was transformed to hydroxyl and the turn-on fluorescence was produced. The probe ER-Rs displayed highly sensitive and selective response to O 2 - , and c ould be employed as an ER-specific two-photon probe for the visualization of endogenous O 2 - in live cells, tissues and zebrafishes. Image 1 • An ER-specific two-photon fluorescent probe (ER-Rs) was designed and synthesized for the detection of O 2 - . • The probe ER-Rs showed highly sensitive to O 2 - with the fluorescence enhancement by 105-fold. • Two-photon imaging of endogenously produced O 2 - in ER during PMA-induced ER stress. • The probe ER-Rs could be applied for the two-photon imaging of endogenous O 2 - in living zebrafishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen storage on the Ca-decorated defective boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) is investigated by first-principle calculation based on density functional theory. Four types of experimentally available defects, B vacancy (V B), N vacancy (V N), Stone-Wales defect (SW) and B–N divacancy (V NB), are considered. It is found that the binding energy of Ca atom on BNNSs with V N and SW defects is smaller than the cohesive energy of bulk Ca. While the Ca atom has strong bonding strength with BNNSs with V B and V BN defects without the problem of aggregation. Six H 2 molecules can be absorbed by a Ca atom with the average adsorption energy of 0.206–0.242 eV/H 2. The Ca decorated on both sides of BNNSs with V B and V BN defects leads to the hydrogen gravimetric density of 7.6 wt% and 8.0 wt%, respectively. Both the polarization mechanism and the weaker hybridization of Ca-3 d orbitals with H- s orbitals are responsible for the adsorption of H 2 molecules. The effect of temperature and pressure on the hydrogen storage performance is also investigated, and the results indicate that the hydrogen adsorbed structures of Ca-decorated BNNSs with V B and V BN defects are stable at room temperature under mild pressure. • The Ca atom has strong bonding strength with BNNS-V B and BNNS-V BN sheets. • Six H 2 molecules can be absorbed by a Ca atom. • The polarization mechanism and orbital hybridization are involved in H 2 adsorption. • The hydrogen gravimetric densities exceed the target announced by DOE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Dry water" (DW) material is the powder with hydrophobic nano silica particles as the shell and water droplets as the core. The water content in DW is higher than 90%, thus, it is an effective fire extinguishing material. However, when DW is compressed under external pressures, it will crack with the core-shell structure being destroyed. In this work, the water phase in the core is modified as gel phase to enhance the internal pressure resistance of DW powder and its stability. More specifically, the feasibility and optimum preparation conditions of carrageenan gel based dry water (CGDW) material are explored and its fire extinguishing performance is revealed using fire extinguishing experiments. The results indicate that the CGDW powder performs better in fire extinguishing than ordinary ABC dry powder. The CGDW materials are green and environmental friendly, and show broad potentials in various applications. Unlabelled Image • The gel phase is formed in "dry water" powder to enhance its stability. • This preparation is inspired from temperature sensitive carrageenan gel. • Fire extinguishing performance of modified "dry water" powder was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To further improve the efficiency of intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system consisting of ammonium polyphosphate and charring-foaming agent, MoO 3 -ZrO 2 solid acid is used as an adjuvant. The influence of MoO 3 -ZrO 2 on the thermal decomposition, reaction to small flame and fire behavior of polypropylene (PP)/IFR composite is investigated. The incorporation of 1 wt% solid acid results in the enhanced limiting oxygen index (LOI) and fire safety of PP/IFR composite, while decreasing its peak heat release rate from 431 to 370 kW/m2. Flame retardant mechanism is proposed based on the analysis of thermal decomposition behavior and char residue. The yield and graphitization degree of char residue are improved by MoO 3 -ZrO 2. The release of CO 2 from thermal decomposition of IFR is accelerated by this solid acid. This work provides a new path to designing highly fire retardant polymer composites. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The efficiency of IFR was enhanced by MoO 3 -ZrO 2 solid acid. • Thermal stability and pyrolysis behavior were investigated by TGA and TG-IR. • Flame retardant mechanism of APP/CFA/MoO 3 -ZrO 2 system was concluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel early-warning method of water resource carrying status (WRCS) is proposed in the current work and applied in Nanjing City, China. Specifically, the concepts of ultimate water resource carrying capacity (UWRCC) and WRCS are first introduced to differentiate between various methods of determining water resource carrying capacity (WRCC). A coordinated development index (CDI) between the water resource carrying subject and carrying object is then introduced as a warning indicator of WRCS. The warning levels are determined by combining CDI levels and changes in CDI values. The novel method offers more warning information than conventional early-warning methods. The early-warning results can help decision-makers better understand the deficiencies of water resources in supporting socioeconomic development. In the analyses presented, the CDI is calculated for each district in Nanjing for the 2015, 2020, 2025, and 2030 years, and the warning levels for WRCS under future scenarios (the years 2020, 2025, and 2030) are determined. All districts had a warning level I in 2020. However, by 2025, the warning levels for Urban district, Jiangning, and Pukou, were projected to change from I to II. Furthermore, by 2030, Jiangning would have the most severe early-warning results, with a warning level of IV. Such adverse results are mainly due to the large socioeconomic scale and high water demands, which should be considered in Nanjing's future development plans. Image 1 • A new early-warning method of water resource carrying status (WRCS) was proposed. • Warning levels were determined by WRCS levels and changes in coordinated development index values. • The WRCS early-warning results of Nanjing in 2020, 2025, and 2030 were obtained. • Some poor early-warning results occurred because the vast socioeconomic scale of Nanjing. • Adjusting socioeconomic distribution was an effective measure to help improving WRCC of Nanjing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell death can destroy homeostasis and is a hallmark of many pathological conditions. Discrimination of live and dead cells is a crucial task for the biological, medical and pharmaceutical studies. Herein, we constructed an ESIPT-based fluorescent probe (BTE) on the basis of the different esterase activity in live and dead cells. Under excitation, the probe BTE showed the blue emission peaked at 465 nm, while it mainly displayed green emission peaked at 543 nm after it was hydrolyzed by esterase. Imaging of the cells treated by H 2 O 2 and ultraviolet (UV) radiation demonstrated that the probe BTE is effective in the detection of the health of cells, could help us to better understand cell death and its effects in a range of diseases and treatments. Unlabelled Image • Discrimination of live and dead cells in a ratiometric mode. • Response of the probe to esterase on the basis of ESIPT • Image the unhealthy status the cells treated with H 2 O 2 • Analysis the damage of ultraviolet UV radiation to live cells [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To delay the degradation of magnesium alloys, silk fibroin as a natural organic polymer coating was fabricated on a 3-amino-propyltriethoxysilane (APTES) pretreated Mg-Zn-Ca alloy. APTES pretreatment coated the surface of magnesium alloys with amino groups, which can bond with functional groups in silk fibroin to form a compact coating/substrate interface. The influences of the APTES concentration and drying temperature on the coating adhesion and interface were investigated to explore the optimal parameters in the fabrication process. The nanoporous silk fibroin films completely covered the APTES pretreated Mg-Zn-Ca surface, which reached a thickness of ~7 μm. The chemical states for the coated Mg-Zn-Ca alloy were compared to those of the bare Mg-Zn-Ca alloy and the APTES pretreated Mg-Zn-Ca alloy to illustrate the coating mechanism. During in vitro degradation and electrochemical measurements in simulated body fluid (SBF), the samples with the silk fibroin coating showed remarkably improved corrosion resistance and a slower degradation rate compared to those of the bare samples, suggesting that the silk fibroin coating was an effective protection coating for the substrates and can delay the degradation of magnesium alloys. Moreover, a model for the in vitro degradation was proposed. In vitro cell experiments confirmed the excellent biocompatibility of silk fibroin coated Mg-Zn-Ca structure. Unlabelled Image • Silk fibroin coating was successfully fabricated on APTES pretreated Mg-Zn-Ca alloy. • The optimal parameters and coating mechanism were systemically explored. • The corrosion resistance and biocompatibility were remarkably improved by silk fibroin coating. • A degradation model was proposed to explain the corrosion process of the coated structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel nano-clay flame retardant (HNTs@MEL-PA) is prepared by modifying halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with supramolecular self-assembly technology using melamine (MEL) and bio-based phytic acid (PA) as the building blocks. Transmission electron microscopy images and Fourier transform infrared spectra show that the surface of HNTs is successfully decorated with MEL-PA supramolecular aggregates by hydrogen bonding. The feasibility of using HNTs@MEL-PA as a flame retardant for polypropylene (PP) is explored. Compared with PP/HNTs composites, the dispersion of HNTs@MEL-PA and its interfacial interactions with PP matrix are greatly improved. Heat release of PP is decreased in a certain degree and its smoke release is greatly reduced by HNTs@MEL-PA. With the addition of 15 wt% HNTs@MEL-PA, total smoke production of PP is decreased from 15.7 to 10.2 m2, indicating the greatly improved fire safety. Flame retardant and smoke suppression mechanisms of HNTs@MEL-PA are proposed based on thermal decomposition results and the analysis on char residue. Image 1 • HNTs were modified by supramolecular self-assembly technology. • Combustion behaviors of PP/HNTs@MEL-PA composites were investigated. • Flame retardant and smoke suppression mechanisms of HNTs@MEL-PA were concluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]