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The randomness and time variability of power load are the main problems in the load modeling, in which the model error and measurement noise greatly affect the modeling accuracy. In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy logic strong tracking based load modeling method is proposed. The problems of load characteristics and parameter identification of load model are transformed into a real-time tracking of load. The optimal model set is first selected from the initial load model set, and according to the mixing probability, the state estimation and error covariance are mixed as the input of the filter. In order to reduce the model error in the parallel filtering, the strong tracking filter (STF) is constructed based on the orthogonality principle and the filter gain is adjusted by introducing a time-varying fading factor. The adaptive fuzzy logic strong tracking filter is constructed by combining the fuzzy logic with the STF to adjust the covariance matrix of the STF according to the change of measurement noise. Moreover, the weights of each sub model are updated in real time by the parallel filtering, and the sub models are fused to get a comprehensive load model which can reflect the actual load characteristics. The effectiveness of the method is verified by the simulation of IEEE 39-bus system. This method can establish an accurate load model and has good robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest cancer type with a five-year survival rate of less than 9%. Detection of tumor margins plays an essential role in the success of surgical resection. However, histopathological assessment is time-consuming, expensive, and labor-intensive. We constructed a lab-designed, hand-held Raman spectroscopic system that could enable intraoperative tissue diagnosis using convolutional neural network (CNN) models to efficiently distinguish between cancerous and normal pancreatic tissue. To our best knowledge, this is the first reported effort to diagnose pancreatic cancer by CNN-aided spontaneous Raman scattering with a lab-developed system designed for intraoperative applications. Classification based on the original one-dimensional (1D) Raman, two-dimensional (2D) Raman images, and the first principal component (PC1) from the principal component analysis on the 2D image, could all achieve high performance: the testing sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were over 95%, and the area under the curve approached 0.99. Although CNN models often show great success in classification, it has always been challenging to visualize the CNN features in these models, which has never been achieved in the Raman spectroscopy application in cancer diagnosis. By studying individual Raman regions and by extracting and visualizing CNN features from max-pooling layers, we identified critical Raman peaks that could aid in the classification of cancerous and noncancerous tissues. 2D Raman PC1 yielded more critical peaks for pancreatic cancer identification than that of 1D Raman, as the Raman intensity was amplified by 2D Raman PC1. To our best knowledge, the feature visualization was achieved for the first time in the field of CNN-aided spontaneous Raman spectroscopy for cancer diagnosis. Based on these CNN feature peaks and their frequency at specific wavenumbers, pancreatic cancerous tissue was found to contain more biochemical components related to the protein contents (particularly collagen), whereas normal pancreatic tissue was found to contain more lipids and nucleic acid (particularly deoxyribonucleic acid/ribonucleic acid). Overall, the CNN model in combination with Raman spectroscopy could serve as a useful tool for the extraction of key features that can help differentiate pancreatic cancer from a normal pancreas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cracked teeth are the third most common cause of tooth loss, but there is no reliable imaging tool for the diagnosis of cracks. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of indocyanine green near‐infrared fluorescence (ICG‐NIRF) dental imaging for the detection of enamel cracks and enamel–dentin cracks in vitro in the first (ICG‐NIRF‐I, 700–950 nm) and second (ICG‐NIRF‐II, 950–1700 nm) imaging windows with transmission excitation light, and compared ICG‐NIRF with conventional NIR illumination‐II (NIRi‐II) and X‐ray imaging. Dentin cracks were detected by CT scan, while most enamel cracks, undetectable under X‐ray imaging, were clearly visible in NIR images. We found that ICG‐NIRF‐II detected cracks more effectively than NIRi‐II, and that light orientation is an important factor for crack detection: an angled exposure obtained better image contrast of cracks than parallel exposure, as it created a shadow under the crack. Crack depth could be evaluated from the crack shadow in ICG‐NIRF and NIRi‐II images; from this shadow we could determine crack depth and discriminate enamel–dentin cracks from craze lines. Cracks could be observed clearly from ICG‐NIRF images with 1‐min ICG tooth immersion, although longer ICG immersion produced images with greater contrast. Overall, our data show that ICG‐NIRF dental imaging is a useful tool for diagnosing cracked teeth at an early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer poses a significant health risk to women worldwide, with approximately 30% being diagnosed annually in the United States. The identification of cancerous mammary tissues from non-cancerous ones during surgery is crucial for the complete removal of tumors. Results: Our study innovatively utilized machine learning techniques (Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)) alongside Raman spectroscopy to streamline and hasten the differentiation of normal and late-stage cancerous mammary tissues in mice. The classification accuracy rates achieved by these models were 94.47% for RF, 96.76% for SVM, and 97.58% for CNN, respectively. To our best knowledge, this study was the first effort in comparing the effectiveness of these three machine-learning techniques in classifying breast cancer tissues based on their Raman spectra. Moreover, we innovatively identified specific spectral peaks that contribute to the molecular characteristics of the murine cancerous and non-cancerous tissues. Conclusions: Consequently, our integrated approach of machine learning and Raman spectroscopy presents a non-invasive, swift diagnostic tool for breast cancer, offering promising applications in intraoperative settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indocyanine green (ICG) has been widely used in medical imaging, such as in retinal angiography. Here, we describe a pilot ex vivo study of ICG‐assisted near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) dental imaging in the first (700–950 nm for ICG‐NIRF‐I) and second (1000–1700 nm for ICG‐NIRF‐II) NIR windows using human extracted teeth; our study is compared with the traditional prevalent X‐ray imaging and NIR II illumination (NIRi‐II, 1310 nm) without ICG enhancement. The results show that ICG fluorescence has much better imaging contrast in both windows compared with NIRi‐II (by quantitatively comparing NIR intensity of the critical neighboring structures, such as enamel and dentin). Cracked teeth, notoriously hard to diagnose by dental X‐ray and computed tomography, were clearly profiled in NIRF dental imaging. An insidious occlusal caries, missing in X‐ray imaging, became a bright dot that was readily observed in ICG‐NIRF‐I images. For dental decay, NIRF imaging with ICG enhancement could clearly delineate the decay boundary. NIRF in both windows distinguished interproximal and occlusal superficial caries. Overall, ICG‐assisted NIRF dental imaging has unique advantages in identifying cracked teeth and insidious caries. The two NIR imaging windows used in our study might one day serve as noninvasive and nonionizing‐radiation methods for the diagnosis of critical dental diseases in situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Current dental diagnosis, especially tooth abnormalities, relies largely on X‐ray–based imaging, a technique that requires specialized skills and suffers from ionizing radiation. Here, we present a pilot study in rats of an efficient, ionizing‐radiation–free and easy‐to‐use alternative for dental imaging. Postnatal rats at different ages were injected with indocyanine green and molars were imaged by a laboratory‐designed endoscopic near‐infrared (NIR) dental imaging system. The results indicate that the endoscopic NIR dental imaging can be used to observe the morphology of postnatal rat molars, especially at early postnatal stages when morphology of the molar is indistinguishable under visible conditions. A small abnormal cusp was observed and distinguished from the normal cusps by the NIR dental imaging system. Dental structures, such as unerupted molars, can be imaged as soon as 10 min after the injection of indocyanine green; imaging after 24 h shows improved imaging contrast. Overall, the endoscopic NIR fluorescence dental imaging system described here may be useful in dental research; this technique may serve as a safe, real‐time imaging tool for dental diagnosis and treatment beyond experimental systems in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion exchange resin process is a widely used process in wastewater treatment plants, but its waste brine is characterized by high salinity and nitrate concentration, leading to costly treatment. This study innovatively explored the use of an up-flow anaerobic sludge bed (USB) for the treatment of waste brine from ion exchange resin process, following a pilot-scale ion exchange resin process. Specifically, the D890 ion exchange resin was employed for nitrate removal from secondary effluent, with resin regeneration using 4% NaCl solution. The USB was inoculated with anaerobic granular sludge and acclimated under various single-factor conditions, which revealed the optimal pH range of 6.5–9, salt concentration of 2%, hydraulic retention time of 12 h, C/N ratio of 3.3, and up-flow velocity of 1.5 m/h for reactor operation. This study provides a novel approach for the cost-effective treatment of waste brine from ion exchange resin process. The study found that the denitrification efficiency was highest when the NO 3 −-N concentration was around 200 mg/L, with NO 3 −-N and TN removal rates exceeding 95% and 90%, respectively, under optimal operating conditions. Characterization of the granular sludge during different phases of the operation revealed a significant increase in proteobacteria and gradually became the dominant species over time. This study presents a novel, cost-effective approach to treat waste brine from ion exchange resin process, and the long-term stable operation of the reactor offers a reliable option for resin regeneration wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • Innovative use of up-flow sludge blanket for high-salinity nitrate removal was proposed. • Optimal conditions for denitrification of resin regeneration wastewater were identified. • High denitrification efficiency (>95%) was achieved under optimal conditions. • Novel technology was developed for cost-effective treatment of resin regenerant wastewater. • Significant increase in filamentous bacteria and dominant species over time was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme climatic events, such as heat waves, are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity during the next hundred years, which may accelerate shifts in hydrological regimes and submerged macrophyte composition in freshwater ecosystems. Since macrophytes are profound components of aquatic systems, predicting their response to extreme climatic events is crucial for implementation of climate change adaptation strategies. We therefore performed an experiment in 24 outdoor enclosures (400 L) separating the impact of a 4 °C increase in mean temperature with the same increase, that is the same total amount of energy input, but resembling a climate scenario with extreme variability, oscillating between 0 °C and 8 °C above present conditions. We show that at the moderate nutrient conditions provided in our study, neither an increase in mean temperature nor heat waves lead to a shift from a plant-dominated to an algal-dominated system. Instead, we show that species-specific responses to climate change among submerged macrophytes may critically influence species composition and thereby ecosystem functioning. Our results also imply that more fluctuating temperatures affect the number of flowers produced per plant leading to less sexual reproduction. Our findings therefore suggest that predicted alterations in climate regimes may influence both plant interactions and reproductive strategies, which have the potential to inflict changes in biodiversity, community structure and ecosystem functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf carbon concentrations (C%), nitrogen concentrations (N%), carbon–nitrogen ratio (C:N) and stable carbon isotope composition (δ 13 C) are key foliar traits with great ecological importance, but few studies have attempted to document the pattern of leaf C%, N%, C:N and δ 13 C value for aquatic macrophytes. In this study, we examined the pattern of leaf C%, N%, C:N and δ 13 C value of Ranunculus natans collected from 26 sites across northwest China, and tried to explore how different environmental conditions affect leaf C%, N%, C:N stoichiometry, and δ 13 C value. Results showed that leaf N%, C:N ratios and δ 13 C varied significantly among the 26 R. natnas collection sites, but leaf C% did not differ significantly. Our study found weak relationships between foliar N% and C:N of R. natans and altitude, latitude and longitude, which indicated that variability in foliar N%, C:N stoichiometry across diverse habitats may result from plant growth, development, metabolism, phenological and life history traits, rather than from variation in geographic environment. We also demonstrated that leaf δ 13 C values displayed a linear increase in altitudinal direction. The differences in δ 13 C values were likely caused by stomatal limitation rather than by nutrient-related changes in photosynthetic efficiency because δ 13 C values in R. natans were not correlated with foliar N concentrations. Our data support the previously proposed temperature-plant physiology hypothesis because there is a negative relationship between leaf N% of R . natans and temperature of water body where R. natans inhabits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in seed weight is common within and among plant species, but few studies have attempted to document the pattern of seed weight and germination attributes for aquatic macrophytes at a large scale. This study examined within-species variation in seed weight and germination attributes and the effects of environmental factors on seed traits of the submerged plant Potamogeton pectinatus in the arid zone of northwest China. Our results showed that the average seed weight was 0.24 g per 100 seeds with a coefficient of variation ( CV) of 28.4% among the eight P. pectinatus populations. The total germination fraction of seeds of P. pectinatus was relatively poor, less than 35% in seven P. pectinatus populations, and the lowest germination percentage found was only 2%. There were significant differences in seed weight, time to onset of germination, and total germination fraction among the eight different populations. Hierarchical partitioning analysis showed a strongly positive correlation between seed weight and water temperature and pH. Seed weight and the maternal environmental factors significantly affected both time to initiation of germination and total germination fraction. Our results suggest that (1) seed weight variation in P. pectinatus primarily is the result of temperature variation during fruit development; (2) relatively poor germination fraction suggests that seeds are relatively unimportant in the short-term survival of populations and that it may be another adaptive trait allowing plants to take place in the right place and at the right time, especially in harsh environment; and (3) variation in seed germination traits should be determined by local environmental and intrinsic factors that interact in a complex fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: X-ray imaging serves as the mainstream imaging in dentistry, but it involves risk of ionizing radiation. Aim: This study presents the feasibility of indocyanine green-assisted near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIRF) dental imaging with 785-nm NIR laser in the first (ICG-NIRF-I: 700 to 1000 nm) and second (ICG-NIRF-II: 1000 to 1700 nm) NIR wavelengths. Approach: Sprague Dawley rats with different postnatal days were used as animal models. ICG, as a fluorescence agent, was delivered to dental structures by subcutaneous injection (SC) and oral administration (OA). Results: For SC method, erupted and unerupted molars could be observed from ICG-NIRF images at a short imaging time (<1 min). ICG-NIRF-II could achieve a better image contrast in unerupted molars at 24 h after ICG injection. The OA could serve as a non-invasive method for ICG delivery; it could also cause the glow-in-dark effect in unerupted molars. For erupted molars, OA can be considered as mouthwash and exhibits outstanding performance for delivery of ICG dye; erupted molar structures could be observed at a short imaging time (<1 min) and low ICG dose (0.05 mg / kg). Conclusions: Overall, ICG-NIRF with mouthwash could perform in-vivo dental imaging in two NIR wavelengths at a short time and low ICG dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope variation in the submersed macrophyte Vallisneria natans in several shallow Chinese lakes relative to physicochemical parameters of the lake water and V. natans tissue. Of the parameters examined, the δ15N values of V. natans were correlated only with different inorganic nitrogen concentrations in the water column, suggesting that V. natans could be a sensitive bioindicator for monitoring nitrogen input into lakes. The δ 13C of V. natans varied widely and was correlated only with the inorganic carbon concentration of the water, possibly reflecting complex photosynthetic fixation and adaptations of V. natans to utilize inorganic carbon sources of different types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth, morphological traits, and biomass accumulation and allocation pattern of Vallisneria natans grown from buds were observed in a non-rooted suspended state in the laboratory. Submersed anchored V. natans were about 229% higher in height, 208% higher in leaf number, 719% greater in total root length, 64% higher in lacunal root volume, and 1473% greater in total biomass dry weight compared with suspended V. natans. However, insignificant differences existed in root diameter, specific root length, and biomass allocation patterns. These results indicate that when V. natans is not anchored to a substrate in the normal mode, the growth will be markedly suppressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to investigate seed germination under natural temperature and light regimes and to evaluate the influence of freshwater microalgae on seed germination of three Vallisneria species. Seeds exposed to natural seasonal temperature and light changes for 24 months germinated only in spring, perhaps indicating an annual dormancy/non-dormancy cycle. The ecological background of the natural habitat seems to play predominant roles in seed germinability. Mean cumulative seed germination percentages of Vallisneria natans, V. denseserrulata, and V. spinulosa of the first year were 35.2, 19.2, and 11.2%, respectively, and of the second year were 80, 72, and 32.4%, respectively. Germination rates differed significantly among the three Vallisneria species exposed to natural seasonal temperature and light changes in the first year, but differed only between Vallisneria spinulosa and the other two species in the second year. The differences of germination may influence the geographical distribution and thus be related to different survival strategies of the species. Seed germination rates in culture solution inoculated with algae were significantly higher than in solution with no algae. A strong correlation occurred between total biomass of freshwater microalgae and seed germination of the three studied species. Apparently, the extracellular products of freshwater microalgae may play an important role in seed germination. These results support the hypothesis that Vallisneria colonization may be mediated by algae facilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aquatic macrophytes are among the most under-represented groups in broad-scale studies of freshwater biodiversity patterns. • We examined patterns and drivers of macrophytes in the highly arid zone of northwest China. • All macrophytes, emergent plants and submerged plants all showed a hump-shaped pattern along latitudinal and longitudinal gradients bands. • The combined effects of MDE and area are most important determinant for aquatic macrophyte richness patterns in the studied area. Understanding large-scale spatial patterns and determinants of biodiversity is a major challenge in macroecology and biogeography. Although some recent studies have focused on macrophyte richness patterns at local, regional and global extents, the majority of studied based on coarse resolution data, and few studies directly tested existing broad-scale hypotheses. Here, we conducted the extensive geobotanical surveys in the highly arid region of northwestern China, which covers 1/4 of the total area of China. Using collected species-level data, we examined macrophyte richness patterns along latitudinal and longitudinal gradients, and tested the mid-domain effect (MDE) and area effect (AE) hypotheses for the geographical patterns. Our study showed that the richness patterns of all macrophytes, emergent plants and submerged plants showed a hump-shaped pattern along latitudinal and longitudinal transects. Regression analyses showed that the MDE and AE can shape observed longitudinal and latitudinal richness patterns, and in comparison to the AE, the MDE has stronger effects. The summed explanations of MDE and AE for latitudinal and longitudinal richness patterns of all macrophytes, emergent and submerged plants were all over 93%, although the independent effects of the two tested hypotheses were weak (<22.8%). Our findings implied that the combined effects of MDE and AE structuring longitudinal and latitudinal patterns of macrophyte richness in this highly arid region may be due to extensive dispersal limitations such as desert and mountain ranges, highly isolated aquatic habitats, and abundant habitat types in the relatively larger regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray-based imaging, including computed tomography, plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and surgery of impacted teeth that affects over 25% of the human population. But the greatest disadvantage of this technique is ionizing radiation risk to the patients. Here we describe a completely ionizing-radiation-free in vivo near-infrared (NIR) fluoresence dental imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) agent that has rarely been applied in dental imaging. Our method can acquire dental structure images within a short period (only 10 minutes after injection) without ionizing radiation risk. NIR enables the observation of dental structures that are not distinguishable under visible conditions. At prolonged 72 hours, only molar regions remained highlighted; the contrast between molar regions and surrounding tissues was prominent; this is particularly useful for in vivo dental imaging. Using the quantitative spectral analysis, we found the peak wavelengths of ICG fluorescence shifted along with the injection time: the peak wavelength shifted 8 nm (from 819 nm to 811 nm) in 0~72 hours. The injection methods of tail vein v.s. intradermal injections caused ~3 nm shift. ICG-assisted NIR fluorescence imaging can serve as a useful tool for in vivo real-time diagnosis in dental clinics and surgeries without ionizing radiation risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low concentration MPs affects macrophyte at the community rather than species level. • Low concentration MPs alter macrophyte comprehensive index by many weak interactions. • The accumulation of MPs associates ecological risks for freshwater ecosystem. • The standard and approximate range of the low concentrations are clear. Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in freshwater ecosystems and their accumulation has been considered an emerging threat. Early research on the effects of MPs on macrophytes primarily focused on the toxicological impacts on individual macrophytes, with several studies suggesting that lower concentrations of MPs have little impact on macrophytes. However, the ecological implications of lower MP concentrations on macrophyte communities remain largely unexplored. Here, we experimented to assess the effects of lower concentrations including 25 mg/L, 50 mg/L, 75 mg/L, and 100 mg/L of polyethylene (PE) microplastics on Spirodela polyrhiza and Lemna minor , and their community. Our results also indicated that PE concentrations below 100 mg/L had no significant effect on relative growth rate, specific leaf area, Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b , Chlorophyll a + b , carotenoid, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, and soluble sugar of monocultural S. polyrhiza. However, a lower concentration of PE significantly decreased the MDA of monocultural L. minor and significantly affected the comprehensive index of S. polyrhiza. These findings suggested that lower concentrations of PE can influence interactions between macrophytes maybe due to the cumulative effects of many weak interactions. Additionally, our study showed that 75 mg/L and 100 mg/L PE additions decreased the competitive balance index value of two macrophytes under mixed-culture condition. This result implied that the ecological influence of lower concentration MPs on macrophytes may manifest at the community level rather than at the population level, due to species-specific responses and varying degrees of sensitivity of macrophytes to PE concentrations. Thus, our study emphasizes the need to closely monitor the ecological consequences of emerging contaminants such as MPs accumulation on macrophyte communities, rather than focusing solely on the morphology and physiology of individual macrophytes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emitted by plants serve crucial biological functions and potentially impact atmospheric environment and global carbon cycling. Despite their significance, BVOC emissions from aquatic macrophytes have been relatively understudied. In this study, for the first time we identified there were 68 major BVOCs released from 34 common aquatic macrophytes, and these compounds referred to alcohols, aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, arenes, ethers, furans, ketones, phenol. For type of BVOC emissions from different life form and phylogenetic group of aquatic macrophytes, 34 of the 68 BVOCs from emergent and submerged macrophytes are classified into alkene and alcohol compounds, over 50% BVOCs from dicotyledon and monocotyledon belong to alcohol and arene compounds. Charophyte and pteridophyte emitted significantly fewer BVOCs than dicotyledon and monocotyledon, and each of them only released 12 BVOCs. These BVOCs may be of great importance for the growth and development of macrophytes, because many BVOCs, such as azulene, (E)-β-farnesene, and dimethyl sulfide are proved to play vital roles in plant growth, defense, and information transmission. Our results confirmed that both life form and phylogenetic group of aquatic macrophytes had significantly affected the BVOC emissions form macrophytes, and suggested that the intricate interplay of internal and external factors that shape BVOC emissions from aquatic macrophytes. Thus, further studies are urgently needed to investigate the influence factors and ecological function of BVOCs released by macrophytes within aquatic ecosystem. [Display omitted] • Aquatic macrophytes release a diverse array of odorous BVOCs in significant quantities. • The primary BVOCs released from aquatic plants include alcohols, alkenes, and other compounds. • Submerged and emergent macrophytes emit a greater variety of BVOCs compared to other life forms. • The higher the phylogenetic level of aquatic plants, the greater the variety of BVOCs released. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of stable isotope composition is an important tool in research on plant physiological ecology. However, large‐scale patterns of leaf‐stable isotopes for aquatic macrophytes have received considerably less attention. In this study, we examined the spatial pattern of stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) of macrophytes leaves collected across the arid zone of northwestern China (approximately 2.4 × 106 km2) and attempted to illustrate its relationship with environmental factors (i.e., temperature, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, sediment total carbon and nitrogen). Our results showed that the mean values of the leaf δ13C and δ15N in the macrophytes sampled from the arid zone were −24.49‰ and 6.82‰, respectively, which were far less depleted than those measured of terrestrial plants. The order of averaged leaf δ13C from different life forms was as follows: submerged > floating‐leaved > emergent. Additionally, our studies indicated that the values of foliar δ13C values of all the aquatic macrophytes were only negatively associated with precipitation, but the foliar δ15N values were mainly associated with temperature, precipitation, and potential evapotranspiration. Therefore, we speculated that water‐relation factors are the leaf δ13C determinant of macrophytes in the arid zone of northwestern China, and the main factors affecting leaf δ15N values are the complex combination of water and energy factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a future climate change perspective, the interactions among different life‐forms of primary producers will likely be altered, leading to changes in the relative dominance among macrophytes, filamentous, and planktonic algae. In order to improve the possibilities to forecast future ecosystem services and function, we therefore conducted a long‐term mesocosm study where primary producers were exposed to different climate scenarios, including both a mean increase in temperature (4°C) and a similar energy input, but delivered as "heat waves" (fluctuations 0–8°C above ambient). We show that in shallow systems, future climate change scenarios will likely lead to higher total macrophyte biomasses, but also to considerable alterations in the macrophyte community composition. The biomass of filamentous algae (Cladophora) showed no significant difference among treatments, although effect size analyses identified a slight increase at heated conditions. We also show that future climate change will not necessarily lead to more phytoplankton blooms, although a considerable alteration in phytoplankton community composition is to be expected, with a dominance of cyanobacteria and Cryptophytes, whereas Chlorophyceae and diatoms will likely play a less pronounced role than at present. In a broader context, we conclude that the total biomass of macrophytes will likely increase in shallow areas, whereas phytoplankton may not show any strong changes in biomass in a future climate change scenario. Instead, the major changes among primary producers will likely be mirrored in a considerably different species composition than at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems, and their accumulation and combined effects are considered emerging threats that may affect biodiversity and ecosystem function. The particle size of microplastics plays an important role in their combined effects with antibiotics. Submerged macrophytes are crucial in maintaining the health and stability of freshwater ecosystems. However, little is known about the combined effects of different particle size of MPs and antibiotics on freshwater plants, particularly their effects on submerged macrophyte communities. Thus, there is an urgent need to study their effects on the macrophyte communities to provide essential information for freshwater ecosystem management. In the present study, a mesocosm experiment was conducted to explore the effects of three particle sizes (5 µm, 50 µm, and 500 µm) of polystyrene-microplastics (PSMPs) (75 mg/L), tetracycline (TC) (50 mg/L), and their co-pollutants on interactions between Hydrilla verticillata and Elodea nuttallii. Our results showed that the effects of MPs are size-dependent on macrophytes at the community level rather than at the population level, and that small and medium sized MPs can promote the growth of the two test macrophytes at the community level. In addition, macrophytes at the community level have a stronger resistance to pollutant stress than those at the population level. Combined exposure to MPs and TC co-pollutants induces species-specific responses and antagonistic toxic effects on the physio-biochemical traits of submerged macrophytes. Our study provides evidence that MPs and co-pollutants not only affect the morphology and physiology at the population level but also the interactions between macrophytes. Thus, there are promising indications on the potential consequences of MPs and co-pollutants on macrophyte community structure, which suggests that future studies should focus on the effects of microplastics and their co-pollutants on aquatic macrophytes at the community level rather than only at the population level. This will improve our understanding of the profound effects of co-pollutants in aquatic environments on the structure and behavior of aquatic communities and ecosystems. [Display omitted] • Small- and medium-sized microplastics can promote macrophyte growth at community level. • Macrophytes showed stronger resistance at community level than at population level. • The combined toxic effects between MPs and TC exhibited antagonistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some environmental factors, such as brownification and eutrophication, may influence the successful invasions of non-native submerged macrophytes. However, few studies have focused on how interactions between these factors influence the performance of exotic submerged plants. Here, we conducted an experiment in 60 indoor containers (170 l) over 68 days using the native species Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle and the non-native species Elodea nuttallii (Planch.) St. John to test the effects of brownification, eutrophication and their interactions on the growth and competition of native and non-native aquatic plants. Our results showed that the biomass of both H. verticillata and E. nuttallii increased in the brown water treatment and that eutrophication and water brownification did not lead to a shift from a native species-dominated system to a non-native-dominated system. However, brown water treatment decreased the relative competitive ability of E. nuttallii, and this decrease was exacerbated when brown water and nutrient treatments were combined. Our results indicated that some environmental factors, such as water brownification, eutrophication and their interactions, may not benefit the competition of some non-native submerged macrophytes. Further studies with more species are needed to corroborate these conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophyte decomposition is a critical process that affects carbon and nutrient cycling, and energy flow, although the majority of the details involved in the process remain unclear. For the present study, a litter bag experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sediment-borne nutrient and litter quality on the decomposition rates and nutrient release of four macrophyte life forms (emergent macrophyte: Phragmites australis, free-floating macrophyte: Hydrocharis dubia, floating-leaved macrophyte: Nymphoides peltata, submerged macrophyte: Ceratophyllum demersum), and a species mixture. Our results indicated that litter quality significantly influenced macrophyte decomposition and nutrient release. High-quality litter species (high initial nitrogen and phosphorus contents, as well as low C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios) decomposed more rapidly than low-quality litter species, and the initial C:N and C:P ratios, rather than the initial N and P contents, were effective indicators of the decomposition rate of macrophytes. Sediment-borne nutrients had little effect on the decomposition rate, yet a strong effect on the release of N and P, although the interactions between litter quality and sediment-borne nutrients significantly affected the decomposition rate. Three-way ANOVA analysis revealed that the litter quality imparted a more potent effect on the macrophyte decomposition rate and release of N and P than sediment-borne nutrients. These results implied that litter quality interacts with sediment-borne nutrients and may control macrophyte decomposition in shallow lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how aleurone layer (AL) affects rice cooking behaviour is important for rice processing. Individual effects of AL on rice cooking behaviour were evaluated and histological characters of AL before and after cooking were investigated. AL slightly affected rice cooking quality (optimum cooking time, water absorption, volume expansion ratio and total solids loss) while remarkably affected rice texture (hardness and adhesiveness) and peak viscosity. Histological investigation showed that channels were formed in AL during cooking. The channels facilitated the penetration of water, which could explain why AL exhibited slight effects on rice cooking quality. In addition, thick cell walls and thermally stable aleurone grains were widely distributed in AL. Leached components accumulated on them and formed a reinforced coated film on rice surface during cooking, which may be a possible mechanism accounting for the remarkable effect of AL on rice texture. Histological characters of AL are closely related with rice cooking behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stereo vision results from the interaction between geometrical optics and visual psychology. Large depth will bring discomforts for the results of ghosting and flicker. The relevance of the ratio of jumping out depth (RJD) and electroencephalogram (EEG) gravity frequency (GF) was explored to reflect human health under different three-dimensional (3D) depth information (mainly the negative disparity) displayed on a three-dimensional television (3D-TV) with shutter glasses. EEG was obtained from 10 volunteers when they were watching 3D film segments with different negative disparities. The brain GF map shows that the depth information has a stronger influence on the frontal lobe than on the occipital lobe. For regression analysis, nonlinear curve fittings of GF to RJD in Fp1, F3, O2 and T5 channels were mainly performed when RJD ranged from 0 to 3.4, while linear fittings were performed in some special RJD ranges. It also confirms that RJD above 2.2 may lead to discomfort to human body. Finally, it suggests a suitable RJD range for people to watch from the objective method. The outcomes can be used as a guidance to decrease human discomforts induced by 3D production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superheated steam (SS) was used to inactivate peroxidase of lightly milled rice (LMR) in this study in order to extend shelf-life of LMR. Meanwhile, the effects of SS on physicochemical properties of LMR were evaluated. Compared with hot air (HA), SS could inactivate peroxidase of LMR within a shorter time and result in lesser reduction of moisture content. SS caused much less fissures and alteration of micro-mechanical behavior (intercellular and intracellular cleavage) to LMR than HA did. SS-stabilized LMR, of which peroxidase was inactivated by SS, maintained their natural physicochemical properties including appearance (whiteness of uncooked rice and morphology of cooked rice), cooking quality (water absorption, volume expansion ratio and total solids loss), and texture profile (hardness, adhesiveness chewiness and cohesiveness). Physicochemical properties of LMR were closely connected with fissures. The morphology and texture of cooked LMR might be partly explained by the micro-mechanical behavior of uncooked LMR. SS would be a promising technology for inactivating peroxidase and retaining natural physicochemical properties of LMR simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Decline of submersed macrophytes under low light and high nutrient stresses in eutrophic waters has been increasing worldwide. Many studies have examined the effects of low light and high nutrient alone on the decline of submersed macrophytes. Some studies have also examined the combined effects of low light and high nutrient on seagrass, but very few on freshwater macrophytes. In the present study, a factorial design of three sunlight intensities (100%, 42% and 11% full sunlight) with two nutrient levels in water (mesotrophic water and eutrophic water) was used to examine the combined effects of low light and high nutrient stresses of the water column on submersed macrophyte. Specifically, we examined the changes by testing the changes of the carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolisms, and response of antioxidant enzymes in a submersed macrophytes Potamogeton crispus. The results showed that plants tended to reduce tissue soluble protein, soluble carbohydrates (SC) contents, and SC/FAA ratios both in nutrient-enriched waters and shaded conditions, while plants accumulated free amino acids (FAA), promoted superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) activities under these conditions. The potential mechanisms may involve the following aspects: (1) FAA was formed to transfer the accumulated NH4 +–N in the plant; (2) Carbohydrates and protein contents of the plants decreased due to the decline of photosynthesis in shaded condition; (3) Carbohydrates were also consumed significantly due to their transformation into the carbon skeleton of FAA; (4) Antioxidant enzymes SOD and POD were found to closely collaborate with each other in responding to low light and high nutrient stresses. The present study indicated that low light and high nutrient in water column could aggravate the carbon consumption and nitrogen accumulation metabolisms, and caused oxidative stress in the submersed plant. These findings contributed to the mechanisms for submersed macrophytes’ decline in eutrophic lakes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The rapidly increasing world population and human activities accelerate the crisis of the limited freshwater resources. Water quality must be monitored for the sustainability of freshwater resources. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne hyperspectral data can capture fine features of water bodies, which have been widely used for monitoring water quality. In this study, nine machine learning algorithms are systematically evaluated for the inversion of water quality parameters including chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and suspended solids (SS) with UAV-borne hyperspectral data. In comparing the experimental results of the machine learning model on the water quality parameters, we can observe that the prediction performance of the Catboost regression (CBR) model is the best. However, the prediction performances of the Multi-layer Perceptron regression (MLPR) and Elastic net (EN) models are very unsatisfactory, indicating that the MLPR and EN models are not suitable for the inversion of water quality parameters. In addition, the water quality distribution map is generated, which can be used to identify polluted areas of water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change alters the regional precipitation pattern and causes seasonal droughts that affect forest growth and belowground carbon cycling. This is expected to create greater oscillations in soil moisture that affect the stability of the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool. This study examined the effects of the precipitation decline on the SOC dynamics by experimentally controlling the throughfall in a Pinus massoniana plantation in subtropical region of China. Soil physicochemical properties were analyzed in topsoil (0–5cm depth) during the dry-cool and the wet-warm season after five consecutive years of ~30% throughfall reduction. We also assessed the SOC stock and its stability, as indicated by the easily oxidizable carbon (EOC) pool, SOC mineralization rates, soil aggregate size distributions and fine root biomass in relation to soil microbial community structure. The throughfall reduction reduced the soil moisture by 15–20% between sampling dates, with an average 18% during the five-year experiment. With throughfall reduction, topsoil SOC stocks significantly increased by 0.18 kg C m-2 or 10%, but fine root biomass, EOC content, and the micro-aggregate fraction were significantly higher, suggesting less stable SOC. The abundance of bacterial r-strategists (e.g. Bacteroidetes, Betaproteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria) increased significantly while K-strategists (e.g. Planctomycetes) decreased. Both SOC and EOC mineralization were positively correlated with the abundance of r-strategists, but negatively correlated with the K-strategists abundance. We posit that micro-aggregates, fine root biomass, and altered microbial strategist ratios are associated with the decline in SOC stability in forests with less throughfall. • Five-year ~30% throughfall reduction increased topsoil SOC stock by 10%. • Throughfall reduction reduced SOC biostability by increasing easily oxidizable C. • Fine root biomass and abundance of soil bacterial r-strategists were increased. • Soil microbial community shifted to optimize use of the accumulated SOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]