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Targeting the challenges of inadequate charge separation and insufficient molecular activation within the photocatalyst, we have successfully developed a novel supramolecular polarization photocatalyst with methylphosphate-substituted PDI (P-PDIP), which features a significant built-in electric field, resulting in substantial enhancements in both charge separation efficiency and molecule activation efficiency, thereby paving the way for an efficient and stable photocatalytic selective aerobic oxidation of sulfides. [Display omitted] • A novel P-PDIP supramolecular polarization photocatalyst is constructed for selective aerobic oxidation of sulfide. • A giant build-in electric field is produced in P-PDIP by molecular dipole modulation and polar molecular self-assembly. • The incorporation of methylphosphate groups improves the activation efficiency of O 2 and thioether molecules. • The P-PDIP achieves 99.9% conversion and 99.8% selectivity in the aerobic oxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide to sulfoxide. Photocatalytic aerobic oxidation is a promising sustainable strategy for the selective organic synthesis of industrially valuable chemicals. However, the poor charge separation and insufficient molecular activation restrict the overall photocatalytic efficiency. To address these issues, we have developed a novel approach involving molecular dipole modulation and polar molecular self-assembly to modulate the built-in electric field (BEF) in perylene diimide (PDI) supramolecular polarization photocatalysts by adjusting the electronegativity of terminal substituents. The optimized methylphosphate-substituted PDI (P-PDIP) supramolecular system features the strongest BEF induced by its large molecular dipole, with an intensity 3.89 times higher than that observed in methylcarboxy-substituted PDI (P-PDIC) and 5.64 times higher than that observed in P-PDI. This significant enhancement in BEF generates a powerful driving force within P-PDIP, facilitating directional charge separation toward active sites. Additionally, the incorporation of methylphosphate groups improves the activation efficiency of O 2 and thioether molecules, resulting in a remarkable photocatalytic performance for selective aerobic oxidation of sulfides into sulfoxide (up to 99.9% conversion and 99.8% selectivity). This study highlights that enhancing BEF through manipulating molecular dipoles can significantly improve photocatalytic activity, offering great potential for constructing efficient organic polarization photocatalysts in green chemistry and sustainable production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: ABI5 functions in ABA-mediated anthocyanin accumulation in plant response to low phosphate. Low phosphate (LP)-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis and accumulation play an important role in plant adaptive response to phosphate starvation conditions. However, whether and how the stress phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) participates in LP-induced anthocyanin accumulation remain elusive. Here, we report that ABA is required for LP-induced anthocyanin accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Disrupting ABA DEFICIENT2 (ABA2), a key ABA-biosynthetic gene, or BETA-GLUCOSIDASE1 (BG1), a major gene implicated in converting conjugated ABA to active ABA, significantly impairs LP-induced anthocyanin accumulation, as LP-induced expression of the anthocyanin-biosynthetic genes Chalcone Synthase (CHS) is dampened in the aba2 and bg1 mutant. In addition, LP-induced anthocyanin accumulation is defective in the mutants of ABA signaling pathway, including ABA receptors, ABA Insensitive2, and the transcription factors ABA Insensitive5 (ABI5), suggesting a role of ABI5 in ABA-mediated upregulation of anthocyanin-biosynthetic genes in plant response to LP. Indeed, LP-induced expression of CHS is repressed in the abi5-7 mutant but further promoted in the ABI5-overexpressing plants compared to the wild-type. Moreover, ABI5 can bind to and transcriptionally activate CHS, and the defectiveness of LP-induced anthocyanin accumulation in abi5-7 can be restored by overexpressing CHS. Collectively, our findings illustrates that ABI5 functions in ABA-mediated LP-induced anthocyanin accumulation in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SALT OVERLY SENSITIVE1 (SOS1) is a key component of plant salt tolerance. However, how SOS1 transcription is dynamically regulated in plant response to different salinity conditions remains elusive. Here, we report that C-type Cyclin1;1 (CycC1;1) negatively regulates salt tolerance by interfering with WRKY75-mediated transcriptional activation of SOS1 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Disruption of CycC1;1 promotes SOS1 expression and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis because CycC1;1 interferes with RNA polymerase II recruitment by occupying the SOS1 promoter. Enhanced salt tolerance of the cycc1;1 mutant was completely compromised by an SOS1 mutation. Moreover, CycC1;1 physically interacts with the transcription factor WRKY75, which can bind to the SOS1 promoter and activate SOS1 expression. In contrast to the cycc1;1 mutant, the wrky75 mutant has attenuated SOS1 expression and salt tolerance, whereas overexpression of SOS1 rescues the salt sensitivity of wrky75. Intriguingly, CycC1;1 inhibits WRKY75-mediated transcriptional activation of SOS1 via their interaction. Thus, increased SOS1 expression and salt tolerance in cycc1;1 were abolished by WRKY75 mutation. Our findings demonstrate that CycC1;1 forms a complex with WRKY75 to inactivate SOS1 transcription under low salinity conditions. By contrast, under high salinity conditions, SOS1 transcription and plant salt tolerance are activated at least partially by increased WRKY75 expression but decreased CycC1;1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-step fermentation, inoculated with Lactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum) in shrimp by-products, was carried out to obtain chitin and flavor protein hydrolysates at the same time. The fermentation conditions were optimized using response surface methodology, resulting in chitin with a demineralization rate of 89.48%, a deproteinization rate of 85.11%, and a chitin yield of 16.3%. The surface of chitin after fermentation was shown to be not dense, and there were a lot of pores. According to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns, the fermented chitin belonged to α-chitin. More than 60 volatiles were identified from the fermentation broth after chitin extraction using gas chromatography–ion transfer spectrometry analysis. L. fermentum fermentation decreased the intensities of volatile compounds related to unsaturated fatty acid oxidation or amino acid deamination. By contrast, much more pleasant flavors related to fruity and roasted aroma were all enhanced in the fermentation broth. Our results suggest an efficient one-step fermentation technique to recover chitin and to increase aroma and flavor constituents from shrimp by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidative state of intestinal tracts of healthy animals were investigated after short-term intake of half-fin anchovy hydrolysates (HAHp) and their thermal or Maillard reaction products (MRPs). After one month of continuous oral gavage of HAHp, HAHp-heated products (HAHp-H), the MRPs of HAHp with 3% of glucose (HAHp-3%G MRPs), and the MRPs of HAHp with 3% of fructose (HAHp-3%F MRPs) at a dose of 1.0 g/kg of body weight per day into healthy ICR male mice, the concentrations of serum low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not significantly change compared to the control group (CK, gavage with saline). Similar results were found for the interleukin-6 concentrations of all groups. By comparison, HAHp-H, HAHp-3%G MRPs, and HAHp-3%F MRPs administration decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α concentration as compared to the CK group (p < 0.05). No histological damage was observed in the jejunum, ileum, and colonic tissues of all groups. However, HAHp-H treatment induced higher upregulation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, transcription factors Nrf-2, associated protective phase-II enzymes of NAD(P)H: quinine oxidoreductase-1, and hemoxygenase-1 in colon tissue, as well as higher upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, including copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase 2 than other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, increases in Nε-carboxymethyllysine expression in the colonic tissues of all groups were consistent with their increased oligopeptide transporter 1 expressions. Our results suggest that the thermal products of HAHp might have a broad application prospect in improving antioxidant defense in vivo in healthy animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing cobalt-free cathode with high stability and high electrochemical activity is very important for constructing low-cost, high-performance solid oxide fuel cells. Layered perovskite PrBaFe 2 O 5+δ (PBF) is known to ave important magnetic, oxygen exchange kinetic and electrochemical properties. In this study, Sr and Mn co-doping A-site and B-site of PrBa 0.5 Sr 0.5 Fe 1.6 Mn 0.4 O 5+δ (PBSFM) electrode was synthesized and characterized its properties. The first-principles calculation shows that Sr and Mn co-doped PBSFM decreases the oxygen vacancy energy, improves the overlap of oxygen-metal bond hybridization and structural stability. The polarization resistance (Rp) of PBSFM decreases from 0.22 to 0.077 Ω cm2 at 700 °C. At 800 °C, the power density of fuel cell reaches 674 mW cm−2 using hydrogen as fuel. In addition, Sr and Mn co-doped PBSFM significantly improves impedance and single cell stability under operating conditions. [Display omitted] • PBSFM have smaller oxygen vacancy formation energy and binding energy. • The Rp growth ratio of PBSFM cathode is only 10 % compared to PrBaFe 2 O 5+δ during 200 h stability test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Saponification contributed to an increase in the in vitro antioxidant activity of astaxanthin (Asta) extracts derived from Penaeus sinensis (Solenocera crassicornis) by‐products. However, the influence of non‐saponification (N‐Asta) and saponification Asta (S‐Asta) absorption on antioxidant activity in vivo was limited. The antioxidant properties of N‐Asta and S‐Asta were therefore compared in Sprague Dawley male rats after 6 h and 12 of absorption using biochemistry assays combined with an untargeted metabonomics strategy. RESULTS: Non‐saponified Asta and S‐Asta showed similar digestive properties in a stimulated gastrointestinal tract. Increased glutathione content and decreased malondialdehyde content were measured in the liver tissues of N‐Asta and S‐Asta treated rats after 12 h of absorption. Absorption of N‐Asta increased liver total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activity. Treatment with S‐Asta up‐regulated NAD(P)H: quinine oxidoreductase‐1, and heme oxygenase‐1 expression was associated with the nuclear erythroid 2‐related factor 2/antioxidant responsive element pathway at the end of 12 h absorption. With partial least square‐discriminant analysis and metabolite heatmap profiles, the S‐Asta group was clearly separated from the N‐Asta group. The S‐Asta treatment also demonstrated stronger influences on plasma metabolites than the N‐Asta treatment. Both N‐Asta and S‐Asta absorption showed critical roles in the regulation of specific metabolites, and 15 potential biomarkers were identified in eight key pathways to separate these experimental groups after 12 h of absorption. However, an increased serotonin level was only detected in the S‐Asta group after 12 h absorption. CONCLUSION: Absorption of N‐Asta and S‐Asta induced different antioxidant effects in normal rats, which were associated with metabolite changes. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An innovative ZCS/PyTT inorganic/organic S-scheme heterojunction was successfully constructed. • The optimized ZCS/5PyTT heterojunction exhibits efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production coupled with benzyl alcohol oxidation. • The S-scheme charge transfer mechanism was confirmed by in situ irradiated XPS and photo-irradiated KPFM analyses. • The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the efficient charge separation, improved light absorption, and increased concentration of active carriers. To achieve efficient artificial photosynthesis of hydrogen production coupled with benzyl alcohol oxidation, it is imperative to address the key kinetic bottlenecks that limit photocatalysis performance comprehensively. Herein, we synthesized a D–A conjugated polymer pyrene-thienothiophene (PyTT) containing thiophene rings acceptor unit via a direct C–H arylation reaction. Subsequently, an innovative ZCS/PyTT inorganic/organic S-scheme heterojunction was successfully constructed by synthesizing Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S (ZCS) nanocrystals in situ on the surface of PyTT nanosheets. By enabling this design, the optimized ZCS/5PyTT heterojunction exhibits significantly enhanced rates of H 2 and benzaldehyde (BAD) production at 4.52 and 4.12mmol g−1h−1 respectively under only two sun light intensity, which are 2.69 and 2.80 times higher than pristine ZCS. The outstanding photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the efficient charge separation and transfer efficiency, enhanced light absorption capability, as well as increased concentration of active carriers in reaction. Particularly, the interface charge transfer mechanism involved in ZCS/PyTT S-scheme heterojunction is comprehensively investigated through in situ irradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photo-irradiated Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) analyses. This study provides a protocol for preparing specific inorganic/organic S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts aimed at achieving efficient cooperative photo-redox coupling of H 2 production and organic transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scarcity of freshwater resources and energy crisis are major challenges to the progress of human society. Recently, solar-driven interfacial water evaporation utilizes photothermal conversion materials to convert solar energy into thermal energy, which possesses great application potential in seawater desalination and sewage treatment. Here, we fabricated porous nickel sponge (NSP) composite photothermal material (NiO-NSP) containing abundant NiO nanoneedles array. This in situ-grown NiO with enhanced bonding between photothermal material and substrate can be used as a solar absorber directly without consuming additional photothermal material compared to conventional coating and cladding on the carrier surface. Due to the multi-scattering induced light trapping effect of the semiconductor NiO nanoneedles array on the surface of nickel fibers, resulting in light absorption up to 96.5 %. NiO-NSP evaporators have an abundance of interconnected porous channels for water supply, which results in strong capillary action to pump water to the evaporation interface efficiently. Moreover, the highly dispersed nanoneedles array expand the evaporation surface area. Consequently, the NiO-NSP evaporator delivers an excellent evaporation rate of 1.78 kg m−2 h−1 and a photothermal conversion efficiency of 84.7 % at one sun radiation. In addition, the micron-sized porous mesh structure of NiO-NSP dissolve salt crystals and diffuse them downward into the bulk brine, exhibiting excellent salt resistance and remarkable seawater desalination stability. Moreover, NiO-NSP solar evaporators has been demonstrated to possess excellent ability to purify dye and heavy metal ion wastewater. Therefore, the NiO-NSP high-performance evaporator produced by straightforward process proved to be suitable for solar seawater desalination and wastewater purification. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A contactless 3D Janus evaporator with core@shell structure was designed. • The combined function allows the core@shell Janus evaporator to maintain a high evaporation rate of 2.77 kg m−2h−1. • The core@shell Janus evaporator achieved efficient salt-collecting solar desalination. • The 3D Janus evaporator realized efficient seawater desalination and wastewater purification. Solar interfacial evaporation is a low-cost strategy for desalination and water purification. However, for most evaporators, the coplanar configuration of light absorption and water evaporation results in a confined evaporation surface and salt deposition problems. Here, a contactless 3D Janus evaporator (Ag-NSP@BFP) with a core/shell structure is designed by wrapping Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) decorated nickel sponge (Ag-NSP) using bamboo fiber paper (BFP). The superhydrophobic Ag-NSP core (absorber) achieves highly efficient light absorption and photothermal conversion. Meanwhile, the superhydrophilic BFP shell not only provides a larger evaporation area (side surfaces as evaporation surfaces) but also forms a 2D water channel to ensure sufficient water supply. Furthermore, polystyrene foam (EPS) isolates photothermal material from bulk water, minimizing heat transmission losses dramatically. The 3D Janus evaporator increases the evaporation area and harvests energy from the ambient environment, achieving an evaporation rate of up to 2.77 kg m−2h−1 and an energy conversion efficiency of 105.2%. Moreover, the Janus structure effectively inhibits salt accumulation on the photothermal surface and exhibits a good purification effect on wastewater containing dyes and heavy metal ions. Thus, combining a 3D evaporator with Janus structure to achieve efficient salt-resistant evaporation provides a new design idea for stable seawater desalination and wastewater purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To adapt to changing environments, plants have evolved elaborate regulatory mechanisms balancing their growth with stress responses. It is currently unclear whether and how the tryptophan (Trp), the growth-related hormone auxin, and the stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) are coordinated in this trade-off. Here, we show that tryptophan synthase β subunit 1 (TSB1) is involved in the coordination of Trp and ABA, thereby affecting plant growth and abiotic stress responses. Plants experiencing high salinity or drought display reduced TSB1 expression, resulting in decreased Trp and auxin accumulation and thus reduced growth. In comparison with the wild type, amiR-TSB1 lines and TSB1 mutants exhibited repressed growth under non-stress conditions but had enhanced ABA accumulation and stress tolerance when subjected to salt or drought stress. Furthermore, we found that TSB1 interacts with and inhibits β-glucosidase 1 (BG1), which hydrolyses glucose-conjugated ABA into active ABA. Mutation of BG1 in the amiR-TSB1 lines compromised their increased ABA accumulation and enhanced stress tolerance. Moreover, stress-induced H 2 O 2 disrupted the interaction between TSB1 and BG1 by sulfenylating cysteine-308 of TSB1, relieving the TSB1-mediated inhibition of BG1 activity. Taken together, we revealed that TSB1 serves as a key coordinator of plant growth and stress responses by balancing Trp and ABA homeostasis. Plants can precisely balance their growth with their need for adaptive responses to abiotic stresses; however, the mechanism underlying this trade-off remains elusive. Our study demonstrates that tryptophan synthase β subunit 1 coordinates the homeostasis between the growth-promoting amino acid tryptophan and stress phytohormone abscisic acid, thereby affecting plant growth and abiotic stress responses in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin innervation is crucial for normal wound healing. However, the relationship between nerve receptors and wound healing and the intrinsic mechanism remains to be further identified. In this study, we investigated the role of a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor component, receptor activity‐modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), in mouse skin fibroblast (MSF) proliferation. Methods: In vivo, Western blotting and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of mouse skin wounds tissue was used to detect changes in RAMP1 expression. In vitro, RAMP1 was overexpressed in MSF cell lines by infection with Tet-On-Flag-RAMP1 lentivirus and doxycycline (DOX) induction. An IncuCyte S3 Live-Cell Analysis System was used to assess and compare the proliferation rate differences between different treatment groups. Total protein and subcellular extraction Western blot analysis, quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis, and immunofluorescence (IF) staining analysis were conducted to detect signalling molecule expression and/or distribution. The CUT & RUN assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay were applied to measure protein-DNA interactions. Results: RAMP1 expression levels were altered during skin wound healing in mice. RAMP1 overexpression promoted MSF proliferation. Mechanistically, total Yes-associated protein (YAP) and nuclear YAP protein expression was increased in RAMP1-overexpressing MSFs. RAMP1 overexpression increased inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein) α subunit 3 (Gαi3) expression and activated downstream protein kinase A (PKA), and both elevated the expression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB) and activated it, promoting the transcription of YAP, elevating the total YAP level and promoting MSF proliferation. Conclusions: Based on these data, we report, for the first time, that changes in the total RAMP1 levels during wound healing and RAMP1 overexpression alone can promote MSF proliferation via the Gαi3-PKA-CREB-YAP axis, a finding critical for understanding RAMP1 function, suggesting that this pathway is an attractive and accurate nerve target for skin wound treatment. 9cQ-_n7Xy-hvoWjx8xDqRQ Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method using polypyrrole-coated Fe3O4 (Fe3O4@PPy composites) based extraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography was developed for adsorption and detection of trace vitamin D3 (VD3) in aquatic products. The fabricated Fe3O4@PPy composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Fe3O4@PPy composites showed efficient adsorption of VD3 at pH 9.0 and 25 °C with a dose of 25 mg per 10 mL of sample solution and an adsorption time of 11 min. Methanol was selected as the desorption solvent to recover VD3 from Fe3O4@PPy composites after 3 min of static treatment. Fe3O4@PPy composites can be used for VD3 adsorption at least two times. The developed method showed a good linearity for VD3 determination in the range of 0.1–10 μg/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.9989. The limits of detection and quantification were 10 ng/mL and 33 ng/mL, respectively. The recovery of VD3 in a spiking test was 97.72% with a relative standard deviation value of 1.78%. The content of VD3 in nine aquatic products was determined with this method. Our results show that Fe3O4@PPy composites provide a convenient method for the adsorption and determination of VD3 from the complex matrix of aquatic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The consumption of dietary Maillard reaction products (MRPs) might lead to positive or negative effects on health. The digestibility of half‐fin anchovy hydrolysates/glucose MRPs (HAHp(9.0)‐G MRPs) was therefore determined. The intestinal microbiota modulation of HAHp(9.0)‐G MRPs in mice was also evaluated after administration for 14 days (1 g kg−1•bodyweight). RESULTS: Different levels of digestibility of MRPs of fructosamine and advanced glycation products of Nε‐carboxymethyllysine were detected in HAHp(9.0)‐G MRPs during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. An increased relative proportion of soluble fluorescent melanoidins (SFMs) was observed during gastric digestion as compared to that in the original HAHp(9.0)‐G MRPs, followed by decreases in SFMs in intestinal digestion. After feeding with HAHp(9.0)‐G MRPs for 14 days, increased goblet cells were observed in the ileum regions of female and male mice. High‐throughput 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of fecal samples revealed that HAHp(9.0)‐G MRPs administration increased the density of the phylum Bacteriodetes and reduced the density of the phylum Firmicutes in male mice. By comparison, a relatively higher density of members of the phylum Saccharibacteria was observed in female mice. A consistent increase in the abundance of Bacteroidales_S24‐7_group_norank was found in female and male groups fed with HAHp(9.0)‐G MRPs. Female and male mice treated with HAHp(9.0)‐G MRPs also showed higher levels of propionic and butyric acids in feces than their corresponding controls. CONCLUSION: Half‐fin anchovy hydrolysates/glucose MRPs can be partly hydrolyzed in the simulated gastrointestinal digestion system. Treatment with HAHp(9.0)‐G MRPs induced sex‐related differences in bacterial abundance and diversity in mice; however, the up‐regulation of anti‐inflammatory activity was predicted in both female and male mice. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salicylic acid (SA) acts antagonistically to jasmonic acid (JA) in plant immunity. We previously reported that CATALASE2 (CAT2) promotes JA‐biosynthetic acyl‐CoA oxidase (ACX) activity to enhance plant resistance to necrotrophic Botrytis cinerea, and SA represses JA biosynthesis through inhibiting CAT2 activity, while the underlying mechanism remains to be further elucidated. Here, we report that the truncated CAT2 N‐terminus (CAT2‐N) interacts with and promotes ACX2/3, and CAT2‐N‐overexpressing plants have increased JA accumulation and enhanced resistance to B. cinerea B05.10, but compromised antagonism of SA on JA. Catalase inhibitor treatment or mutating CAT2 active amino acids abolished CAT2 H2O2‐decomposing activity but did not affect its promotion of ACX2/3 activity via interaction. CAT2‐N, a truncated protein with no catalase activity, interacted with and promoted ACX2/3. Overexpressing CAT2‐N in Arabidopsis plants resulted in increased ACX activity, higher JA accumulation, and stronger resistance to B. cinerea B05.10 infection. Additionally, SA dramatically repressed JA biosynthesis and resistance to B. cinerea in the wild type but not in the CAT2‐N‐overexpressing plants. Together, our study reveals that CAT2‐N can be utilized as an accelerator for JA biosynthesis during plant resistance to B. cinerea B05.10, and this truncated protein partly relieves SA repression of JA biosynthesis in plant defence responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis holds great promise for green hydrogen production, but suffering from high loading of platinum‐group metals (PGM) for large‐scale deployment. Anchoring PGM‐based materials on supports can not only improve the atomic utilization of active sites but also enhance the intrinsic activity. However, in practical PEM electrolysis, it is still challenging to mediate hydrogen adsorption/desorption pathways with high coverage of hydrogen intermediates over catalyst surface. Here, operando generated stable palladium (Pd) hydride nanoclusters anchored on tungsten carbide (WCx) supports were constructed for hydrogen evolution in PEM electrolysis. Under PEM operando conditions, hydrogen intercalation induces formation of Pd hydrides (PdHx) featuring weakened hydrogen binding energy (HBE), thus triggering reverse hydrogen spillover from WCx (strong HBE) supports to PdHx sites, which have been evidenced by operando characterizations, electrochemical results and theoretical studies. This PdHx‐WCx material can be directly utilized as cathode electrocatalysts in PEM electrolysis with ultralow Pd loading of 0.022 mg cm−2, delivering the current density of 1 A cm−2 at the cell voltage of ~1.66 V and continuously running for 200 hours without obvious degradation. This innovative strategy via tuning the operando characteristics to mediate reverse hydrogen spillover provide new insights for designing high‐performance supported PGM‐based electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which examined the two-dimensional diffraction catastrophe forms on an anisotropic substrate. Discussion on diffraction catastrophe and caustics; Details on caustics in a two-dimensional anisotropic substrate; Examples of two-dimensional diffraction forms.

In our previous study, spiny head croaker ( Collichthys lucidus ) by-products fermentation (SBF) products demonstrated plant growth promoting effects. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of SBF against plant pathogenic fungi and food-borne bacteria were evaluated. An active antifungal fraction SBF-3-1 was isolated from SBF using size exclusion chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. Seven short peptides, i.e., LDEGW, DSFDFK, LDGW, FPDL, YNLDFK, FDGF and LDFE, plus one 22 residues peptide TFNTPAMYVAIQAVLSLYASGR were identified in SBF-3-1 by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/multi-stage mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS). The peptide TFNTPAMYVAIQAVLSLYASGR (named as SBF-3-1p), a potential antimicrobial peptide predicted by the antimicrobial peptide database (APD, http://aps.unmc.edu/AP/main.php ), was further characterized. The prediction showed that the generation of SBF-3-1p could be associated with the action of trypsin and glutamyl endopeptidase, two proteases with specific cleavage sites on the carboxyl side of arginine (R) and lysine (K), and on the carboxyl side of Glu (E), respectively. According to the structural modeling, SBF-3-1p contained one α-helix and two loop regions. The synthesized SBF-3-1p exhibited strong activity against plant pathogenic fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. Therefore, SBF should be a good source of antifungal peptide, and could be used as natural fungicides in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Half-fin anchovy ( Setipinna taty ) hydrolysates (HAHp) was conjugated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using a hydrothermal method to develop a novel antibacterial nanocomposite. The generated supernatants of the conjugate, designated as HAHp(3.0)/ZnO NPs, were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer. Results showed that HAHp(3.0) was absorbed on the surface of the ZnO NPs. The total content of zinc element was 9127.4 mg/kg in HAHp(3.0)/ZnO NPs. The increased antibacterial effects were observed for the HAHp(3.0)/ZnO NPs with the minimal inhibitory concentration of 3.5 μgprotein/mL against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), Pseudomonas fluorescens , Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus , compared to the bare HAHp(3.0). The antibacterial activity of HAHp(3.0)/ZnO NPs was further evaluated using E. coli as the model strain. The incubation of HAHp(3.0)/ZnO NPs increased the outer and inner membrane permeability in E. coli cells, and the leakages of potassium ions and the cytoplasmic β-galactosidase were detected during the process. Furthermore, porous structures were observed on the membrane of E. coli cells by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species was detected using fluorescence microscopy. The results suggested that the HAHp(3.0)/ZnO NPs could be a promising antibacterial nanocomposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The spiny Ni sponge was prepared via the hydrothermal reduction method. • An uniform coating of PPy on the Ni sponge was achieved through in situ polymerizations. • The PPy-NSP achieve an excellent evaporation rate of 1.71 kg m−2h−1. • The PPy-NSP shows excellent salt resistance performance even at 15% wt% NaCl brine. Interfacial water evaporation has emerged as one of the environmentally friendly technologies for seawater desalination and wastewater treatment. However, salt deposition issuesignificantly threaten the long-term stability of the evaporation system. Herein, we prepared a low-density nickel sponge (NSP) with porous network structure via a hydrothermal route. After polypyrrole (PPy) coating and hydrophilic modification, the NSP can be fabricated into a Janus evaporator (PPy-NSP). Benefiting from the PPy coating and rough skeleton, the light absorption of PPy-NSP evaporator is enhanced by up to 97.5%. Combined with the wide-spectrum solar absorption of PPy and porous network architectures, the Janus evaporators feature an outstanding evaporation rate of 1.71 kg m−2h−1 under one sun irradiation. Moreover, the asymmetric wettability of the PPy-NSP evaporator effectively prevents salt deposition, which shows excellent salt resistance performance even in 15% wt% NaCl brine. Further testing reveals that the evaporator also exhibits excellent purification effects on dye solutions and heavy metal ions wastewater. The PPy-NSP evaporator also possesses magnetic properties, self-floating, and environmental friendliness, which may hold great potential applications in desalination, sewage treatment, and electromagnetic shielding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protease activity and volatile flavor compounds will determine the overall unique sensory of fermented products. In this study, the changes of protease activity of Penaeus sinensis by-products fermentation inoculated with Bacillus subtilis subsp. (PSB-Bs) for 7 days were evaluated. In addition, the flavor characteristics of PSB-Bs were determined by the combination of electronic nose (E-nose) and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectroscopy (GC-IMS). The results showed that the alkaline protease activity (pH 9) increased significantly in late fermentation stage (5–7 days), and the specific trypsin activity was also significantly higher than that of pepsin. E-nose and GC-IMS distinguished the variations of volatile compounds in PSB-Bs, and 67 volatiles were identified. Through orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and random forest multivariate statistical analysis, 15 flavoring volatiles screened were further determined the correlation with protease activity. Negative relationships were found between the activity of protease (pH 7) or pepsin and pleasant flavors like 2,5-dimethyl furan, hexyl acetate and styrene. Our results suggest that during fermentation, controlling the activities of pH7.0 protease and pepsin might help to improve the production or enrichment of pleasant flavor substances in PSB-Bs, which will help to enhance the acceptability and high-value utilization of shrimp by-products fermentation. [Display omitted] • Penaeus sinensis by-products inoculated with Bacillus subtilis subsp. for fermenting. • Alkaline protease (pH 9) activity increased after 3 days of fermentation. • 67 volatile compounds were identified by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectroscopy. • Protease activity had high correlation with pleasant volatile compounds formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squid viscera, one of the major by-products in squid processing, were hydrolyzed to generate bioactive autolysates using their endogenous proteases. In vitro antioxidative activities of squid viscera autolysates (SVAs) were evaluated. The SVAs demonstrated strong activity on scavenging 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals, as well as reducing power ability. The SVAs were purified using size exclusion chromatography and RP-HPLC. Nineteen peptides were identified in the active fraction SVAs3 by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/multi-stage mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Among these identified peptides, six peptides with relatively small molecular weights (700–800 Da), LLAPPER, FPGLADR, WVAPLK, FFNPVH, FNVVLK and LELPLK, were synthesized for assaying antioxidative activity in vitro. Peptide WVAPLK demonstrated strong scavenging effects on free radicals, with the IC 50 values of 0.82 ± 0.08 mg/mL (or 1.14 ± 0.11 mM) for DPPH radical and 1.85 ± 0.04 mg/mL (or 2.60 ± 0.06 mM) for hydroxyl radical, respectively. The low molecular weight and hydrophobic residue W at the N-terminus and basic residue K at the C-terminus as well as specific residues P and L within sequence should play a key role for the high antioxidative activity of WVAPLK. The results suggested that the SVAs could be used as a source of antioxidants and peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify antioxidative peptides from peptic hydrolysates of half-fin anchovy (HAHp). Furthermore, the possible synergistic effects of identified peptides were evaluated. HAHp were separated using CM FF ion exchange and Sephadex G 25 chromatography. HAHp1-2, one peptide fraction with the highest 1, 1-diphenyl-2-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, was subjected to RP-HPLC coupled with ESI under positive ionization mode. Six peptides, AGDDARPA (771.35 Da), ESAGLHE (741.33 Da), NKVKGELD (901.45 Da), TLWSGAGQTVNT (1233.63 Da), EMSAGLHE (872.37 Da) and WRKKDPLND (1171.60 Da), were identified by ESI-MS/MS analysis. Peptides AGDDARPA (HAHp1-2Ⅰ), ESAGLHE (HAHp1-2Ⅱ), NKVKGELD (HAHp1-2Ⅲ), EMSAGLHE (HAHp1-2Ⅳ) and WRKKDPLND (HAHp1-2Ⅴ) were synthesized to determine in vitro antioxidative activity. Results showed that HAHp1-2Ⅳ and HAHp1-2Ⅴ displayed higher DPPH radical scavenging activities than other three peptides and l -carnosine. Peptide HAHp1-2Ⅲ demonstrated similar reducing power ability as l -carnosine. All synthetic peptides had moderate or negligible metal chelating activities. Additionally, the enhanced DPPH radical scavenging activities or reducing power abilities were observed for the mixture of HAHp1-2Ⅲ, HAHp1-2Ⅳ or HAHp1-2Ⅴ, indicating the possible synergistic effects. These results suggested that the antioxidative peptides derived from HAHp could be used as potential antioxidants in functional foods and nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H 2 O 2 affects the expression of genes that are involved in plant responses to diverse environmental stresses; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that H 2 O 2 enhances plant freezing tolerance through its effect on a protein product of low expression of osmotically responsive genes2 (LOS2). LOS2 is translated into a major product, cytosolic enolase2 (ENO2), and sometimes an alternative product, the transcription repressor c-Myc-binding protein (MBP-1). ENO2, but not MBP-1, promotes cold tolerance by binding the promoter of C-repeat/DRE binding factor1 (CBF1), a central transcription factor in plant cold signaling, thus activating its expression. Overexpression of CBF1 restores freezing sensitivity of a LOS2 loss-of-function mutant. Furthermore, cold-induced H 2 O 2 increases nuclear import and transcriptional binding activity of ENO2 by sulfenylating cysteine 408 and thereby promotes its oligomerization. Collectively, our results illustrate how H 2 O 2 activates plant cold responses by sulfenylating ENO2 and promoting its oligomerization, leading to enhanced nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of CBF1. [Display omitted] • H 2 O 2 confers plant freezing tolerance under cold-acclimated conditions • ENO2 promotes plant cold response by binding to and activating CBF1 • H 2 O 2 sulfenylation at ENO2 Cys408 is involved in plant freezing tolerance • Cold-induced H 2 O 2 triggers ENO2 oligomerization and nuclear import Liu et al. examine the role of H 2 O 2 in the plant cold response. They find that H 2 O 2 , through sulfenylation that promotes the oligomerization of ENO2, enhances ENO2 nuclear translocation and transcriptional binding activity. ENO2 in turn upregulates the expression of the cold response regulator CBF1 , thus promoting freezing tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor water solubility is one of the main adverse factors for vitamin D 3 to be used as a fortifier in water-soluble food system. In this study, a phase transformation based nanoemulsion fabrication process was developed to encapsulate vitamin D 3 with Tween 80 and Span 80 as a composite surface-active surfactant (named as Vit D 3 NEs). The encapsulation efficiency of vitamin D 3 in resultant oil in water nanoemulsions reached 99.9%. The prepared Vit D 3 NEs was spherical with average particle size of 391.47 ± 12.89 nm, polydispersity index of 0.23–0.31, and endothermic temperature of 127.1 ℃. Results of FTIR indicated that hydrophobic, electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions were involved in Vit D 3 NEs fabrication. Compared to un-encapsulated Vit D 3 (bare Vit D 3), Vit D 3 NEs displayed higher stability under gastric digestion, and sustained release under intestinal digestion. The cumulative release of Vit D 3 reached 69% after 5 h of intestinal digestion. Further, Vit D 3 NEs demonstrated stronger thermal stability than the bare Vit D 3 at 40–60 °C, and the first-order kinetics was well fit to describe its thermal degradation. Our work suggests a new insight into the application of Vit D 3 NEs stabilized by Tween 80 and Span 80 in food industry. [Display omitted] • Vitamin D 3 loaded nanoemulsions (Vit D 3 NEs) were stabilized by Tween 80 and Span 80. • Vit D 3 NEs had great encapsulation efficiency and increased endothermic temperature. • Vit D 3 NEs can resist gastric fluids and release sustained in intestinal digestion. • Vit D 3 NEs showed higher thermal stability at 40–60 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prepared a 3D porous metallic nickel metallic sponge using the hydrothermal reduction method. The large number of nano-spines distributed on the surface of single nickel fibers makes them superhydrophobic without additional chemical modifications. Nickel sponge can be magnetically propelled for in situ removal of oil contaminants. [Display omitted] • A lightweight metallic nickel sponge was fabricated via a facile hydrothermal reduction route. • The nickel sponge showed superhydrophobic/superoleophilic without additional chemical modification. • The nickel sponge can be magnetically propelled for in-situ removal of oil contaminants. • The nickel sponge showed excellent capacity in separating oil–water mixture. The frequent oil spill accidents and a large amount of industrial oil wastewater discharges had caused serious economic losses and damage to the marine ecological environment. Hence, oil–water separation technology had received increasing attention from researchers. Herein, three-dimensional (3D) nickel sponge was prepared via a facile hydrothermal reduction route. The nano-spines structure of nickel sponge could exhibit superhydrophobic/superlipophilic properties without further hydrophobic modification by low-surface-energy chemicals. Due to the opened hierarchical porous structures and higher porosity, nickel sponges have excellent adsorption capacity for various oils and organic solvents. Nickel sponge has good resistance to ultraviolet radiation, corrosive aqueous solution ability, can be used for long-term outdoor applications. Moreover, the nickel sponge can also selectively absorb oil from oil/water mixtures under turbulent flow conditions. In addition, nickel sponges can continuously and rapidly collect oil from immiscible oil/water mixtures with the aid of a vacuum. Nickel sponge can also efficient selective filter oil/water mixture with a high separation efficiency over 97%. Due to the combination of metallic properties and the low density, nickel sponges are expected to have potential applications in oil absorption, flexible electrodes and industrial catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective pain control is an underappreciated aspect of managing opioid withdrawal, and its absence presents a significant barrier to successful opioid detoxification. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for effective non-opioid treatments to facilitate opioid detoxification. l-Tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP) possesses powerful analgesic properties and is an active ingredient in botanical formulations used in Vietnam for the treatment of opioid withdrawal syndrome. In this study, rats receiving morphine (15 mg/kg, i.p.) for 5 days per week displayed a progressive increase in pain thresholds during acute 23 h withdrawal as assessed by an automated Von Frey test. A single dose of l-THP (5 or 7.5 mg/kg, p.o.) administered during the 4th and 5th weeks of morphine treatment significantly improves pain tolerance scores. A 7-day course of l-THP treatment in animals experiencing extended withdrawal significantly attenuates hyperalgesia and reduces the number of days to recovery to baseline pain thresholds by 61% when compared to vehicle-treated controls. This indicates that the efficacy of l-THP on pain perception extends beyond its half-life. As a non-opioid treatment for reversing a significant hyperalgesic state during withdrawal, l-THP may be a valuable addition to the currently limited arsenal of opioid detoxification treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In some cases, food proteins hydrolyzed by protease can release antibacterial peptides. In this study, antibacterial activities of half-fin anchovy ( Setipinna taty), digested by papain, pepsin, trypsin, alkaline protease, acidic protease, and flavoring protease, were measured, respectively. Additionally, the mechanism of antibacterial action was investigated. Results showed that half-fin anchovy pepsin hydrolysate displayed higher antibacterial activity than other hydrolysates. Response surface methodology was then used to optimize pepsin hydrolysis parameters using a central composite design method. The results demonstrated that pepsin-to-substrate level of 1,100 U/g, pH of 2.0, reaction time of 2.4 h, and water-to-substrate ratio of 4:1 ( v/ w) were the optimal conditions to generate antibacterial hydrolysate. The optimized half-fin anchovy pepsin hydrolysate (HAHp) effectively inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli CGMCC 1.1100, Pseudomonas fluorescens CICC 20225, Proteus vulgaris CICC 20049, and Bacillus megaterium CICC 10324 with the minimal inhibitory concentration values ranging from 28.38 to 56.75 μg/ml. The cell integrity of E. coli CGMCC 1.1100 was significantly destroyed after incubation with HAHp for 5 h ( p < 0.05), and cell membrane damage was also observed in scanning electron microscopy. It could be concluded that the antibacterial mechanism was partially due to the ability of HAHp to destroy bacterial cell integrity via irreversible cell membrane damage. Moreover, amino acid composition analysis showed that HAHp's nutritional value was superior to the reference used by WHO/FAO, indicating that HAHp could be used as a functional antibacterial agent in food or feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A facile hydrothermal reduction route was adopted to prepare the lightweight metallic Ni aerogel. • A self-standing 3D porous NiO/Ni anode material was obtained successfully by the calcine of Ni aerogel. • The 3D NiO/Ni anode exhibits higher areal capacity (1.93 mAh cm−2 delivered at 1 mA cm−2) and cycling stability. The low electron/ion migration rate and the high deformability of conventional two-dimensional (2D) electrodes limit the growing demand for energy storage devices with high areal capacity and stable cycling performance. Designing three-dimensional (3D) electrodes is a promising strategy to improve this defect. Herein, we prepare metallic nickel aerogel via a facile hydrothermal reduction route, which was annealed to obtain a self-standing 3D porous NiO/Ni anode. The electrode material displays a networked porous structure and good electrical conductivity, which mitigates the volume effect during cycling and provides excellent electron transport pathways and conductive ion channels. The unique structure with many electrochemical active sites performs higher areal capacity. When used as the anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), a high reversible areal capacity of 1.93 mAh cm−2 is delivered at a current density of 1 mA cm−2 with a capacity retention ratio of 98.4% after 100 cycles. Remarkably, a large reversible capacity of 1.30 mAh cm−2 is also achieved at a relatively high current density of 6 mA cm−2. The 3D porous NiO/Ni anode material provides a new strategy for enhancing the energy density and stable cycling for practical application in power-type LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new electrode material consisting of MOFs (Zr-TAA, TAA: trans-aconitic acid) and MWCNTs was simply synthesized by one-pot reflux method and applied to high-performance supercapacitor. With advantages of improved conductivity and uniform pore-size distribution, the composite material shows enhanced electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance of 562.06 F g−1 and retains almost 100% of its initial capacitance after 1000 cycles when measured in 6 M KOH electrolyte. Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor assembled by Zr-TAA/MWCNTs-6 as positive electrode and carbon cloth as negative electrode exhibits a superior energy density of 17.53 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 902.5 W kg−1, which demonstrates its great practical value in electrochemical energy storage applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The construction of excellent photocatalysts for splitting water into hydrogen is highly desirable to realize carbon neutralization. In this work, an innovative and well-designed S-scheme photocatalyst composed of ultrathin ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) nanosheets uniformly anchored on the surface of organic semiconductor PDIIM is successfully fabricated. Within the heterojunction, perylene diimide with an imidazole group (PDIIM) is strategically applied as a structure template, which plays a crucial role in optimizing the morphology, increasing the active sites of sulfur vacancies, providing the additional photothermal effect, and promoting photogenerated charge separation of the catalyst. The photocatalytic H 2 generation rate of the ZIS/PDIIM heterojunction with an optimized mass ratio reaches up to 13.04 mmol/g/h, which is 2.64 times and 14.02 times higher than that of pristine ZIS and PDIIM, respectively. The outstanding photocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic effect of the above advantages. Importantly, the photothermal effect induced by PDIIM belonging to the perylene diimide-based derivative was discovered to accelerate photocatalytic H 2 generation for the first time. This work provides valuable insight into the utilization of perylene diimide-based derivatives in the construction of multi-effect enhancement photocatalysts and their application in photothermal-assisted photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The construction of excellent photocatalysts for splitting water into hydrogen is highly desirable to realize carbon neutralization. In this work, an innovative and well-designed S-scheme photocatalyst composed of ultrathin ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) nanosheets uniformly anchored on the surface of organic semiconductor PDIIM is successfully fabricated. Within the heterojunction, perylene diimide with an imidazole group (PDIIM) is strategically applied as a structure template, which plays a crucial role in optimizing the morphology, increasing the active sites of sulfur vacancies, providing the additional photothermal effect, and promoting photogenerated charge separation of the catalyst. The photocatalytic H 2 generation rate of the ZIS/PDIIM heterojunction with an optimized mass ratio reaches up to 13.04 mmol/g/h, which is 2.64 times and 14.02 times higher than that of pristine ZIS and PDIIM, respectively. The outstanding photocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic effect of the above advantages. Importantly, the photothermal effect induced by PDIIM belonging to the perylene diimide-based derivative was discovered to accelerate photocatalytic H 2 generation for the first time. This work provides valuable insight into the utilization of perylene diimide-based derivatives in the construction of multi-effect enhancement photocatalysts and their application in photothermal-assisted photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astaxanthin (Asta), extracted from shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) by-products, was used to fabricate Asta-loaded zein microparticles coated with resulting calcium alginate (CA) layer. The encapsulation efficiency of Asta to zein/CA (freeze dried, 40 °C or 50 °C oven dried) was across 80%. Some pits were distributed on CA coating layer under scanning electronic microscopy observation. Hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic effects and electrostatic attractions were involved in the interactions of Asta-loaded zein/CA microparticles fabrication by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry assays. All of Asta-loaded zein/CA microparticles displayed a two-step biphasic process, initial burst effect followed by subsequent attenuating release, in simulating fatty food system at 4 °C and 25 °C. The cumulative release of Asta from all of the experimental microparticles fit best with Higuchi model at 25 °C. Comparably, the release of Asta from oven dried groups fit best with First-order model (40 °C oven dried group), and Ritger-Peppas model (50 °C oven dried group) at 4 °C. The release kinetics suggested that the release of Asta from the skeleton of the microparticles had a good correlation with time, and could be explained by Fickian diffusion mechanism. Our research proposed a delicate and convenient approach for the controlled release of Asta in fatty food system. • ●Astaxanthin (Asta) was enwrapped in zein/calcium alginate composite microparticles. • ●Encapsulation efficiency of the composite microparticles fabricated was across 85%. • ●Asta incorporation caused discontinuous coating layer with pits formation. • ●Asta addition induced intermolecular action changes in zein/calcium alginate. • ●Fickian diffusion could explain Asta releasing from the composite microparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using the same saturated organic cations as structural templates, we synthesized and characterized a series of organic‐inorganic hybrid lead iodides with different structural types, namely as, 1D [(Me)4‐Pipz]Pb2I6 (1), 1D [(Me)4‐Pipz]PbI4 (2) and 2D [(Me)4‐Pipz]2Pb5I14 (3), in different organic solutions. Remarkably, these hybrid lead iodides display tunable broadband light emissions from yellow (578 nm) to red (680 nm) spectral range, which can be ascribed to self‐trapped excitons based on systematic spectroscopy characterizations. This work affords one structural design strategy to realize tunable structural skeletons and broadband low‐energy photoluminescence emissions in hybrid lead iodides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging global wave energy industry has great potential to contribute to the world's energy needs. However, one of the key challenges in designing a wave energy converter (WEC) is the wave energy generator. Thus, this paper focuses on the optimal design of a cylindrical permanent magnet linear generator (CPMLG), which is used for the wave energy conversion system. To reduce the end effect and enhance the magnetic field performance of the CPMLG, the level-set method is applied to the design of the topology and size for the generator. In the paper, the objective air gap magnetic field is given by the mathematical analysis method and appropriate measuring points are predetermined. The measuring points can fully reflect the distribution characteristics of the air gap magnetic field. Then, topology evolution on the permanent magnet (PM) and yoke based on the level-set method are performed. The level set function corresponding to the initial shape of the PM is constructed. The algorithm is programmed and computed iteratively using the discrete time and space variables. Finally, the performances of the CPMLG with the updated PM and width of yoke are analyzed by ANSYS Maxwell. Results show that the magnetic field distortion and the unbalance of three-phase electromotive force (EMF) of the CPMLG is reduced by the optimization of the level-set method. It has also been verified that the designed CPMLG with the level-set method could be used for WEC at different wave conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this case–control study was to explore the potential risk factors for venous ulceration in patients with varicose veins of lower extremities and to establish a simplified diagnostic score model. Seventy subjects with varicose veins of lower extremities and venous ulceration were compared with 1164 controls with varicose veins of lower extremities and no history of venous ulceration. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for venous ulceration. The steps in developing the diagnostic score model were based on the Framingham Heart study. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the diagnostic ability of the diagnostic score model. Multivariate analysis showed that men, overweight, obesity, longer duration varicose veins, deep venous valve insufficiency, low lymphocyte counts, and high fibrinogen content were independently associated with an increased risk of venous ulceration. The AUC for the diagnostic score model was 0.75, which indicated good discriminatory ability. Special attention should be paid to the high‐risk group of patients with lower extremity varicose veins. The diagnostic score model might be a useful screening tool for clinicians, policy makers, and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold stress poses significant limitations on the growth, latex yield, and ecological distribution of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). The GSK3-like kinase plays a significant role in helping plants adapt to different biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the functions of GSK3-like kinase BR-INSENSITIVE 2 (BIN2) in Hevea brasiliensis remain elusive. Here, we identified HbBIN2s of Hevea brasiliensis and deciphered their roles in cold stress resistance. The transcript levels of HbBIN2s are upregulated by cold stress. In addition, HbBIN2s are present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm and have the ability to interact with the INDUCER OF CBF EXPRESSION1(HbICE1) transcription factor, a central component in cold signaling. HbBIN2 overexpression in Arabidopsis displays decreased tolerance to chilling stress with a lower survival rate and proline content but a higher level of electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) than wild type under cold stress. Meanwhile, HbBIN2 transgenic Arabidopsis treated with cold stress exhibits a significant increase in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Further investigation reveals that HbBIN2 inhibits the transcriptional activity of HbICE1, thereby attenuating the expression of C-REPEAT BINDING FACTOR (HbCBF1). Consistent with this, overexpression of HbBIN2 represses the expression of CBF pathway cold-regulated genes under cold stress. In conclusion, our findings indicate that HbBIN2 functions as a suppressor of cold stress resistance by modulating HbICE1 transcriptional activity and ROS homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xinjiang region is a major grape- and wine-production area in China, but the region's notably high temperatures in the summer and year-round intense sun exposure play negative roles in the aroma, complexity, and elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon wine. In this study, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes harvested in this region were fermented on an industrial scale using four commercial yeast strains (L2323, D254, RVA, and CECA) and spontaneous yeast (NF). The results showed that a total of 123 volatile compounds were detected and 15 volatile compounds significantly contributed their flavor notes to the wine's overall aroma. The use of RVA and CECA strains resulted in wine with higher concentrations of higher alcohols, terpenes and norisoprenoids. However, the D254-fermented wine showed high level of esters and carbonyl compounds. Wine fermented with the L2323 and D254 strain possessed a stronger fruity aroma, whereas the RVA strain enhanced the herbaceous, chemical, and fatty aromas in wine. Principal component analysis revealed that a significant aromatic feature difference was observed in these wines after alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. The use of different commercial yeast strains altered the aromatic profile of Cabernet Sauvignon wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to further develop and utilize shrimp processing by-products, in this study, a novel antibacterial hydrolysate of shrimp by-products by pepsin hydrolysis (SPH) was prepared. The antibacterial effect of SPH on specific spoilage organisms of squid after end storage at room temperature (SE–SSOs) was investigated. SPH showed an antibacterial effect on the growth of SE–SSOs, with (23.4 ± 0.2) mm of inhibition zone diameter. The cell permeability of SE–SSOs was enhanced after SPH treatment for 12 h. Some bacteria were twisted and shrunk, while pits and pores formed and intracellular contents leaked under scanning electron microscopy observation. The flora diversity of SE–SSOs treated with SPH was determined by a 16S rDNA sequencing technique. Results showed that SE–SSOs were mainly composed of the phyla of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, among which Paraclostridium (47.29%) and Enterobacter (38.35%) were dominant genera. SPH treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the relative abundance of the genus Paraclostridium and increased the abundance of Enterococcus. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of LEfSe conveyed that SPH treatment had a significant impact on altering the bacterial structure of SE–SSOs. The 16S PICRUSt of Cluster of Orthologous Group (COG) annotation revealed that SPH treatment for 12 h could significantly increase the function of transcription level [K], while SPH treatment for 24 h could downregulate post-translational modifications, protein turnover, and chaperone metabolism functions [O]. In conclusion, SPH has a proper antibacterial effect on SE–SSOs and can change the flora structure of SE–SSOs. These findings will provide a technical basis for the development of inhibitors of squid SSOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naringenin is a citrus flavonoid with various biological functions and a potential therapeutic agent for skin diseases, such as UV radiation and atopic dermatitis. The present study investigates the therapeutic effect and pharmacological mechanism of naringenin on chronic wounds. Using network pharmacology, we identified 163 potential targets and 12 key targets of naringenin. Oxidative stress was confirmed to be the main biological process modulated by naringenin. The transcription factor p65 (RELA), alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) were identified as common targets of multiple pathways involved in treating chronic wounds. Molecular docking verified that these four targets stably bound naringenin. Naringenin promoted wound healing in mice in vivo by inhibiting wound inflammation. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that a low naringenin concentration did not significantly affect normal skin cell viability and cell apoptosis; a high naringenin concentration was cytotoxic and reduced cell survival by promoting apoptosis. Meanwhile, comprehensive network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that naringenin could treat chronic wounds by alleviating oxidative stress and reducing the inflammatory response. The underlying mechanism of naringenin in chronic wound therapy involved modulating the RELA, AKT1 and MAPK1/3 signalling pathways to inhibit ROS production and inflammatory cytokine expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is prone to melanosis and spoilage during refrigeration. To develop an active packaging material with inhibitory effects on polyphenol oxidase (PPO) (related with melanosis) and specific spoilage organisms of refrigerated spoilage Litopenaeus vannamei (Lv-SSOs), one degradable polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan (PVA-CS) fibrous mats encapsulating cinnamon essential oil (CEO) were fabricated by electrospinning. Compared to PVA-CS, the transparency, tensile strength and water contract angle of CEO-loaded electrospun film (CEO/PVA-CS) were all significant increased. CEO molecules uniformly dispersed between PVA-CS fiber bundles without any visible gaps under scanning electron microscopy observation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that CEO successfully embedded into PVA-CS matrix through inter-molecular forces, thus improving the compact of CEO/PVA-CS. In simulate food systems (4 °C and 25 °C), the release patterns of CEO from CEO/PVA-CS fit well to Higuchi and Rigter-Peppas models, and could be explained by the Fickian diffusion mechanism. At refrigeration (4 °C), CEO/PVA-CS had 57.52 ± 3.33% inhibition rate on PPO, extracted from the cephalothorax of Litopenaeus vannamei , after 7 h of interaction. Moreover, CEO/PVA-CS effectively inhibited Lv-SSOs growth at 4 °C. Therefore, the electrospun film of CEO/PVA-CS should have potential application prospects in delaying melanosis and spoilage of refrigerated shrimp. [Display omitted] • Cinnamon essential oil(CEO) inhibited Pacific white shrimp' PPO and spoilage bacteria. • CEO was loaded in polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan polymer(PVA-CS) by electrospinning. • Electrospun film CEO/PVA-CS had increased transparency and hydrophobicity. • Electrospun film CEO/PVA-CS had sustained-release patterns in food simulate systems. • CEO/PVA-CS may have potential applications in delaying shrimp melanosis and spoilage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytomelatonin is a universal signal molecule that regulates plant growth and stress responses; however, only one receptor that can directly bind with and perceive melatonin signaling has been identified so far, namely AtPMTR1/CAND2 in Arabidopsis. Whether other plants contain a similar receptor and, if so, how it functions is still unknown. In this study, we identified a new phytomelatonin receptor in the monocot maize (Zea mays), and investigated its role in plant responses to osmotic and drought stress. Using homology searching, we identified a plasma membrane-localized protein, Zm00001eb214610/ZmPMTR1, with strong binding activity to melatonin as a potential phytomelatonin receptor in maize. Overexpressing ZmPMTR1 in Arabidopsis Col-0 promoted osmotic stress tolerance, and rescued osmotic stress sensitivity of the Arabidopsis cand2-1 mutant. Furthermore, ZmPMTR1 also largely rescued defects in melatonin-induced stomatal closure in the cand2-1 mutant, thereby reducing water loss rate and increasing tolerance to drought stress. In addition, we identified a maize mutant of ZmPMTR1 , EMS4-06e2fl , with a point-mutation causing premature termination of protein translation, and found that this mutant had lower leaf temperatures, increased rate of water loss, and enhanced drought stress sensitivity. Thus, we present ZmPMTR1 as the first phytomelatonin receptor to be identified and examined in a monocot plant, and our results indicate that it plays an important function in the response of maize to drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sluggish charge kinetics in photocatalysts and slow hole transfer in oxidation half‐reaction severely limit the photocatalytic activity of hydrogen evolution. ZnIn2S4 with an asymmetrical layered structure of [S–In]–[S–In–S]–[Zn–S] unit cell is a promising material offering asymmetrical crystal polarization to overcome the limitation; however, the polarization‐induced internal electric field by this material remains largely unexplored. Herein, the polarization‐induced internal electric field of ZnIn2S4 by engineering the polarity intensity in microscopic units is demonstrated for the first time. Specifically, ultrathin ZnIn2S4 nanosheets are employed to establish a Ni12P5/ZnIn2S4‐O (NP/ZIS‐O) system with powerful bulk and interface cascade electric field by the oxygen doping and ohmic junction. Enabled by such a design, the photogenerated electrons can rapidly migrate to NP active sites, suppressing the photogenerated electron‐hole pair recombination on ZIS‐O. To further overcome the inefficient hole transfer in oxidation half‐reaction, the preferential dehydrogenation of the α‐CH bond in benzyl alcohol is utilized as a vehicle to facilitate hole transfer. As a result, a remarkably enhanced H2 generation of 15.79 mmol g–1 h–1 is achieved on NP/ZIS‐O, which is 8.16‐fold higher than that of pristine ZnIn2S4. Meanwhile, as a value‐added oxidation product, benzaldehyde can be produced at the rate of 17.63 mmol g–1 h–1. This work presents a collaborative strategy for engineering charge behavior in photocatalysts with polarization features, and provides insights into materials design toward photocatalytic hydrogen production and organic synthesis from the angle of charge kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astaxanthin loaded Pickering emulsion with zein/sodium alginate (SA) as a stabilizer (named as APEs) was developed, and its structure and stability were characterized. The encapsulation efficiency of astaxanthin (Asta) in APEs was up to 86.7 ± 3.8%, with a mean particle size of 4.763 μm. Freeze-dried APEs showed particles stacked together under scanning electronic microscope; whereas dispersed spherical nanoparticles were observed in APEs dilution under transmission electron microscope images. Confocal laser scanning microscope images indicated that zein particles loaded with Asta were aggregated with SA coating. X-ray diffraction patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectra results showed that intermolecular hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic effect were involved in APEs formation. APEs demonstrated non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior and fit well to the Cross model. Compared to bare Asta extract, APEs maintained high Asta retention and antioxidant activity when heated from 50 to 10 °C. APEs showed different stability at pH (3.0–11.0) and Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cu2+ and Fe2+ conditions by visual, zeta potential and polydispersity index measurements. Additionally, the first order kinetics fit well to describe APEs degradation at pH 3.0 to 9.0, Na+, and K+ conditions. Our results suggest the potential application of Asta-loaded Pickering emulsion in food systems as a fortified additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Low phosphate (LP) in soil is a common nutrient stress that severely restricts agricultural production, but the role, if any, of the major stress phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) in plant phosphate (Pi) starvation responses remains elusive. Here, we report that LP‐induced ABA accumulation promotes Pi uptake in an ABA INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5)‐dependent manner in Arabidopsis thaliana. LP significantly activated plant ABA biosynthesis, metabolism, and stress responses, suggesting a role of ABA in the plant response to Pi availability. LP‐induced ABA accumulation and expression of two major high‐affinity phosphate transporter genes PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1;1/1;4 (PHT1;1/1;4) were severely impaired in a mutant lacking BETA‐GLUCOSIDASE1 (BG1), which converts conjugated ABA to active ABA, and the mutant had shorter roots and less Pi content than wild‐type plants under LP conditions. Moreover, a mutant of ABI5, which encodes a central transcription factor in ABA signaling, also exhibited suppressed root elongation and had reduced Pi content under LP conditions. ABI5 facilitated Pi acquisition by activating the expression of PHT1;1 by directly binding to its promoter, while overexpression of PHT1;1 completely rescued its Pi content under LP conditions. Together, our findings illustrate a molecular mechanism by which ABA positively modulates phosphate acquisition through ABI5 in the Arabidopsis response to phosphate deficiency. Significance Statement: Low phosphate (LP) is a common nutrient stress that severely suppresses plant growth and development, while whether and how the major stress phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) functions in plant phosphate (Pi) starvation responses remains elusive. Our study showed that LP‐induced ABA promotes Pi uptake by activating PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1;1 expression in an ABA INSENSITIVE5‐dependent manner in Arabidopsis thaliana under LP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced food preservation technologies are essential for extending shelf life, ensuring food safety, and maintaining nutritional values. This underscores the distinctive characteristics of Pickering emulsions, which diverge from traditional emulsions by utilizing solid particles at the oil-water interface. This approach not only enhances stability but also minimizes the dependence on synthetic surfactants. This aligns with the increasing consumer demand for natural products, highlighting their innovative applications in the food industry. The review extends to a thorough exploration of the specific mechanisms through which Pickering emulsions stabilize food. This includes their roles in encapsulating and delivering natural preservatives, antioxidants, and antimicrobial agents. Additionally, it discusses the principles and characteristics of Pickering emulsions, focusing on how their application in active food packaging coatings and films enhances textural and functional properties, thereby contributing to food preservation, safety, and quality. The review emphasizes the potential of Pickering emulsions to revolutionize food preservation. By leveraging their unique capabilities, these emulsions provide significant advantages over traditional methods. The encapsulation and delivery of active compounds through Pickering emulsions are particularly noted for their efficiency and effectiveness in improving the safety and extending the shelf life of food products, as well as enhancing the performance and durability of active food packaging coatings and films, illustrating the critical role these emulsions could play in the future of food technology. • The incorporation of Pickering emulsions in active packaging shows great potential for application in the food industry. • Active packaging films containing Pickering emulsions can stabilize the release of active substances. • Active packaging films with Pickering emulsions help maintain food quality and significantly extend shelf life. • Pickering emulsions in active packaging inhibit microbial growth and delay oxidation to preserve food freshness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: With the rapid development of networks in China, the Internet has become an important source of first aid information for scalds. As a country with the largest population, there are a large number of scald cases every year in China. The content analysis of websites aimed to assess the accuracy and quality of the information on scalds available on Chinese websites.Methods: Using keywords related to scald in the most popular Chinese search engines, 19 sites were eventually selected for evaluation based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These websites were assessed on quality and content accuracy by using HONcode, DISCERN, and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) evaluation scales, and a modified evaluation system based on the system developed by J.D. Burgess. The evaluation was completed by a 5-person evaluation team. The subjective items were reviewed by five independent reviewers. The objective items were recorded by one reviewer, then another checked the results.Results: Using "scald first aid," "scald treatment," and "scald blister" to search on Baidu, Sougou, and Haosou, a total of 180 websites were recorded. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 websites were obtained for assessment. Among them, 17 websites (89%) were established by commercial companies. Of the remaining two websites, one was created by a government agency and the other was created by a non-profit organization. The mean total HONcode score, DISCERN score, PEMAT (understandability) score, PEMAT (actionability) score, content accuracy score, and website quality score were 5.19 ± 1.09 out of 8; 52.63 ± 3.69 out of 80; 68%; 56%; 5.05 ± 1.47 out of 8; and 6.11 out of 12, respectively. The scores of the government agency website are better than that of commercial websites.Conclusion: The websites established by government agencies and non-profit organizations are few, and most of the websites are established by commercial companies. Compared with the government agency website, these commercial websites contain many advertisements, and their website quality and accuracy need to be further improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three new one-dimensional (1D) face-shared octahedral perovskites were synthesized by using different types of organic cations. • These 1D perovskites exhibit tunable broadband luminescence from orange to blue light emissions. • Systematical characterizations unveil that these broadband emissions are derived from the radiative recombination of self-trapped excitons due to strong electron–phonon coupling. Three new one-dimensional (1D) face-shared octahedral perovskites with unified APbBr 3 composition, namely, [DTHPE]Pb 2 Br 6 (1), [TMPDA]PbBr 3 (2) and [MPD]PbBr 3 (3) have been synthesized by using different types of organic cations. These 1D perovskites exhibit tunable broadband luminescence from orange to blue light emissions. Experimental and computational studies unveil that these broadband emissions are derived from the radiative recombination of self-trapped excitons due to strong electron–phonon coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using curcumin and epsilon-polylysine (ε-PL) as functional ingredients, one bilayer composite film was prepared by flow casting method using gelatin and κ-carrageenan as the outer- and inner-film layers, respectively. Compared with the inner κ-carrageenan film loading 3 wt% curcumin and 0.1% ε-PL (01CF) or 3 wt% curcumin and 0.3% ε-PL (03CF), the transparency, tensile, and water contact angle of the bilayer composite film were significantly increased. X-ray diffraction results revealed that the inner film matrix of κ-carrageenan interacted well with curcumin and ε-PL. Scanning electron microscopy observed that the cross-sectional surface of the inner and outer layers in the bilayer composite film was smooth and had good compatibility. In atomic force microscopy image, the inner surface of the bilayer composite film had lower root mean square roughness and average roughness than the outer film surface. The crystallinity of curcumin in the bilayer composite film loading 0.3% ε-PL was dramatically reduced in confocal laser scanning microscope images compared to that of the composite film with 0.1% ε-PL addition. The bilayer composite film demonstrated good scavenging activity on DPPH radical with inhibition rate >65%, and showed strong inhibition effect on the spoilage bacteria derived from Penaeus vannamei. Furthermore, the bilayer composite film showed sensitive response to volatile amines by visible color changes from yellowish to reddish brown. In conclusion, the prepared bilayer composite film could have potential application prospects in the field of natural active food packaging materials for shrimp products. [Display omitted] • Gelatin/κ-carrageenan loaded Cur/ε-PL to prepare bilayer composite films (01BF, 03BF). • 01BF and 03BF had excellent water resistance and mechanical properties. • 03BF showed strong antibacterial activity on spoilage bacteria of Penaeus vannamei. • Visual color changes of 01BF and 03BF after response to volatile amines. • Active packaging films of 01BF and 03BF should have further applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct and simple surface engineering of indium tin oxide (ITO) by appropriate Ar plasma treatment was used to induce the carrier injection hotspot effect, similar to reported indirect approaches based on the introduction of additional nanostructures on ITO. Surface characterization analyses and electric field simulations indicate the formation of small-sized and dense injection hotspots on the treated ITO. Efficient electron injection was achieved in both inverted organic light-emitting diodes and corresponding electron-only devices employing the treated ITO as bottom cathode. The present results show that, in addition to the electronic structure, the microscopic morphology at the contacts could also play a critical role in achieving efficient carrier injection in organic electronic/optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]