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Summary: High‐fat‐and‐fructose diet (HFFD) is one of the causes of hyperlipidaemia (HLP), which could directly cause serious diseases that are harmful to human health. The phenolic composition of stevia extract (WeiKe) and its effect of different concentrations on glucose–lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and intestinal microecology in hyperlipidaemia mice were investigated. The results showed that WeiKe could effectively inhibit the increase in body weight and blood glucose levels and regulate lipid metabolism. WeiKe repaired the gut morphology, promoted short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and improved food digestion and absorption. Furthermore, WeiKe reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. These results suggested that stevia extract had a potential modulatory effect on HFFD‐induced HLP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormally expressed miRNAs have been employed as crucial indicators for the diagnosis and prognosis of disease. It is essential to develop quick, affordable, accurate, and multiplexed methods for miRNA detection. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel microparticles were used as solid-phase carriers for the hybridization chain reaction (HCR) in combination with cation-exchange fluorescence amplification, thus enabling the development of a new method for miRNA determination. The assay was sensitive with the detection limit for miRNA let7a equal to 46 pM. The assay was specific, the base-mismatched sequences of miRNA let7a were distinguished, and the serum matrix did not cause any interference. Moreover, by integration with a microfluidic chip, the throughput was significantly enhanced and the process was noticeably simplified. With further development, the developed method may be suitable for practical clinical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• mTG-mediated glutamine and lysine crosslinking is the primary source of the increased level of HMW size variants in the ADCs. • SEC and LC-MS techniques were used to characterize the HMW size variants in mAbs and ADCs. • Major lysine crosslinking sites to target glutamine were identified. • The level of HMW size variants in the ADC was substantially reduced by complete removal of the HC C-terminal lysine in the intermediate mAb before conjugation. Microbial transglutaminase (mTG) has become a powerful tool for manufacturing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). It enables site-specific conjugation by catalyzing formation of stable isopeptide bond between glutamine (Q) side chain and primary amine. However, the downstream impact of mTG-mediated conjugation on ADC product quality, especially on high molecular weight (HMW) size variant formation has not been studied in a systematic manner. This study investigates the mechanisms underlying the formation of HMW size variants in mTG-mediated ADCs using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Our findings revealed that the mTG-mediated glutamine and lysine (K) crosslinking is the primary source of the increased level of HMW size variants in the ADCs. In the study, two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with glutamine engineered for site-specific conjugation were used as model systems. Based on the LC-MS analysis, a single lysine (K56) in the heavy chain (HC) was identified as the major Q-K crosslinking site in one of the two mAbs. The HC C-terminal K was observed to crosslink to the target Q in both mAbs. Quantitative correlation was established between the percentage of HMW size variants determined by SEC and the percentage of crosslinked peptides quantified by MS peptide mapping. Importantly, it was demonstrated that the level of HMW size variants in the second ADC was substantially reduced by the complete removal of HC C-terminal K before conjugation. The current work demonstrates that crosslinking and other side reactions during mTG-mediated conjugation needs to be carefully monitored and controlled to ensure process consistency and high product quality of the final ADC drug product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, deep learning has achieved excellent achievements in image processing and computer vision and is widely used in the field of watermarking. Attention mechanism, as the research hot spot of deep learning, has not yet been applied in the field of watermarking. In this paper, we propose a deep learning and attention network for robust image watermarking (DARI-Mark). The framework includes four parts: an attention network, a watermark embedding network, a watermark extraction network, and an attack layer. The attention network used in this paper is the channel and spatial attention network, which calculates attention weights along two dimensions, channel and spatial, respectively, assigns different weights to pixels in different channels at different positions and is applied in the watermark embedding and watermark extraction stages. Through end-to-end training, the attention network can locate nonsignificant areas that are insensitive to the human eye and assign greater weights during watermark embedding, and the watermark embedding network selects this region to embed the watermark and improve the imperceptibility. In watermark extraction, by setting the loss function, larger weights can be assigned to watermark-containing features and small weights to noisy signals, so that the watermark extraction network focuses on features about the watermark and suppresses noisy signals in the attacked image to improve robustness. To avoid the phenomenon of gradient disappearance or explosion when the network is deep, both the embedding network and the extraction network have added residual modules. Experiments show that DARI-Mark can embed the watermark without affecting human subjective perception and that it has good robustness. Compared with other state-of-the-art watermarking methods, the proposed framework is more robust to JPEG compression, sharpening, cropping, and noise attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian reovirus (ARV) is a significant pathogen that causes various clinical diseases in chickens, including viral arthritis, chronic respiratory diseases, retarded growth, and malabsorption syndrome. These conditions result in substantial economic losses for the global poultry industry. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a type of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression post transcriptionally by silencing or degrading their RNA targets, play crucial roles in response to pathogenic infections. In this study, transfection of DF-1 cells with gga-miR-200a-3p, an upregulated miRNA observed in ARV-infected cells, significantly suppressed ARV-induced apoptosis by directly targeting GRB2 and impeded ARV replication. Conversely, knockdown of endogenous gga-miR-200a-3p in DF-1 cells using a specific miRNA inhibitor enhanced ARV-induced apoptosis and promoted GRB2 expression, thereby facilitating viral growth within cells. Consistently, inhibition of GRB2 activity through siRNA-mediated knockdown reduced viral titers. Therefore, gga-miR-200a-3p plays a vital antiviral role in the host response to ARV infection by suppressing apoptosis via direct targeting of GRB2 protein. This information enhances our understanding of the mechanisms by which host cells combat against ARV infection through self-encoded small RNA molecules and expands our knowledge regarding the involvement of microRNAs in the host response to pathogenic infections. • The expression of gga-miR-200a-3p is upregulated in DF-1 cells upon infection with ARV strain S1133. • Gga-miR-200a-3p suppresses avian reovirus-induced apoptosis and viral replication via targeting GRB2. • The inhibition of GRB2 suppresses ARV replication and ARV-induced apoptosis, consistent with the upregulation of miR-200a-3p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inside sperm flagella, there are nine doublet microtubules composed of A and B tubules. In this issue of Cell , Leung et al. and Zhou et al. present high-resolution cryo-EM structures of doublet microtubules from mammalian sperms and show unprecedented structures of the A tubules, which are almost entirely occupied with tektin bundles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Physicochemical, volatile, and phenolic profiles of feijoa are genetically diverse. • Distributions of phenolics and volatiles varied in different botanical parts. • Anatoki, kakariki and No.1 varieties have high levels of phenolics and volatiles. • Feijoa peel and leaf are a good source of polyphenols and volatiles. Thirteen varieties of feijoa (Feijoa sellowiana) fruit were collected and the physical and chemical properties of feijoa peel, flesh, seed, and leaf were analyzed. Large diversities in the physicochemical characteristics and phenolic and volatile composition among various parts and between different varieties of feijoa were observed. Degrees Brix of whole fruits ranged from 10.1 (Anatoki) to 18.0 (No. 2) °Brix. Procyanidin B-type tetramer, procyanidin B-type dimer, and procyanidin C-type trimer had the highest concentrations in all parts and varieties of feijoa. Caffeoyl glucose, dihydroferulic acid 4- O -glucuronide, galloyl glucose, and lariciresinol-sesquilignan were detected in feijoa fruits and leaves. A total of 105 esters, 68 terpenes, 20 alcohols, 31 hydrocarbons, 12 aldehydes, and 11 ketones were related to aromatic attributes of fruits and leaves. Early season and mid-season varieties had larger variations in the chemical properties than late-season varieties. Anatoki, Kakariki, and No.1, have the potential to be developed for attractive flavor and functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of dominant phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) is essential for the high enrichment of phosphate in biofilm sequencing batch reactors (BSBR) for phosphorus recovery. The dominant PAOs in the biofilm process have not been isolated and purified, and the key metabolic pathways that promote the formation of dominant PAOs are still unclear. In this study, four strains of highly-efficient PAOs were obtained by an innovative isolation procedure. The relationship between the abundance of highly-efficient and dominant PAOs and the phosphate removal ability was compared. We found that the abundance of PAOs was positively correlated with the phosphate removal efficiency in vitro pure culture and complex biofilm process. Metagenomics analysis revealed that compared with highly-efficient PAOs cultured in vitro , dominant PAOs in biofilms had unique key metabolic pathways, F-ATPases and N-Acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs). F-ATPases are important for maintaining the proton motive force (PMF) required for the uptake of carbon sources by PAOs, and AHLs are participating in phosphate metabolism through quorum sensing (QS) mediated secretion of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). The formation of dominant PAOs was promoted by optimizing carbon source uptake and phosphate metabolism. This study revealed that the difficult isolation of dominant PAOs was due to the AHLs-mediated QS, and we identified the key pathways regulating the formation of dominant PAOs in biofilms through genomics analysis. Our findings provide insights in enhancing phosphate enrichment in BSBR by modulating the components of microbial community under the low concentration of carbon source consumption. [Display omitted] • The abundance of PAOs was positively correlated with phosphate removal efficiency. • Difficulty in isolation and screening of dominant PAOs is closely related to AHLs. • The key pathways regulating the formation of dominant PAOs are AHLs and F-ATPase. • Nutrition stress, oxidation and stress condition can stimulate the secretion of AHLs. • Balanced regulation of the carbon source and pH promotes the activation of F-ATPase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disposal of hazardous municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash is a challenge nowadays. Recently, the re-utilization of MSWI fly ash by converting it to useful zeolite-containing materials has attracted attention. However, the zeolitic products fabricated from MSWI fly ash are usually of low quality and rarely reported to be applied for photocatalysis. In this study, valuable zeolites (e.g. , NaP1) are synthesized from MSWI fly ash via a modified microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The key parameters for the hydrothermal method including temperature, duration, the amount of additive, and water volume, are investigated and optimized. Specifically, increasing the hydrothermal temperature can promote the synthesis of zeolitic materials; a relatively long hydrothermal duration is essential to accomplish the assembly of zeolites; the addition of Na 2 SiO 3 can increase the precursor for the fabrication of zeolites; the water volume makes little influence on the crystal style of products. Eventually, the hydrothermal condition of 180 °C, 1 h, 0.5 g Na 2 SiO 3 , and 10 mL water is suggested based on the energy consumption and the quality of zeolites. The product containing zeolite NaP1 from such a condition is further applied to degrade methylene blue by photocatalysis. The removal rate has reached 96% within 12 h, which dramatically surpasses that of the raw fly ash (38%). Such excellent photocatalytic performance is attributed to the 10-fold increased surface area (24.864 m2 g−1) and active metal elements embedding in the zeolite structures. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capillary zone electrophoresis–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (CZE–ESI–MS) was used for analysis of reduced antibodies. We first developed a simple protocol to condition commercial linear-polyacrylamide coated capillaries for use in top–down proteomics. We then suspended reduced antibodies in a solution of 35% acetic acid, 50% acetonitrile in water. Heavy and light chains were baseline resolved within 10 min and with 3–30 µg/mL detection limits using a 0.1% aqueous formic acid background electrolyte. Quintuplicate runs of a two-antibody mixture produced relative standard deviations of ∼1% in migration time and 10% in peak amplitudes. Resolution was further improved for the two-antibody mixture by using 5% acetic acid as the background electrolyte, highlighting the potential of capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry for analysis of antibody mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a genetic disorder in which multiple genes are aberrantly spliced. Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2 + -ATPase 1 ( SERCA1 ) is one of these genes, and it encodes a P-type ATPase. SERCA1 transports Ca 2 + from the cytosol to the lumen, and is involved in muscular relaxation. It has two splice variants (SERCA1a and SERCA1b) that differ in the last eight amino acids, and the contribution of these variants to DM1 pathology is unclear. Here, we show that SERCA1b protein is highly expressed in DM1 muscle tissue, mainly localised at fast twitch fibres. Additionally, when SERCA1a and SERCA1b were overexpressed in cells, we found that the ATPase and Ca 2 + uptake activity of SERCA1a was almost double that of SERCA1b. Although the affinity for both ATP and Ca 2 + was similar between the two variants, SERCA1b was more sensitive to the inner microsomal environment. Thus, we hypothesise that aberrant expression of SERCA1b in DM1 patients is the cause of abnormal intracellular Ca 2 + homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The microwave drying of MSWI FA under different conditions was studied for the first time. • A drying model suitable for microwave drying of MSWI FA was optimized. • The increase of microwave power can improve the diffusion coefficient and drying rate. • Proper increase of MSWI FA diameter can effectively improve drying efficiency. As a kind of hazardous waste, municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA) needs to be stored in a dry state in the process of landfill, transportation, and comprehensive utilization. Therefore, from the perspective of safety and sustainable development, it is necessary to dry as the pretreatment of MSWI FA. In this paper, MSWI FA drying experiments were carried out under different microwave power, different initial moisture content, and different particle size distribution conditions. The drying characteristics of MSWI FA were explored and the thin-layer drying kinetic model was used to explore the basic theory of the dynamics of MSWI FA drying process for the first time. The fitting analysis of the experimental data showed that the drying efficiency of MSWI FA increases gradually with the increase of microwave power and fly ash particle size, and the drying process of MSWI FA could be well represented by the Diffusion approach model (R2 greater than 0.99). Through Fick's second law calculation, it was found that when the microwave power was increased from 400w to 800w, the surface diffusion coefficient increased from 1.11 × 10-12 m2/s to 2.92 × 10-12 m2/s, which further showed that the microwave power has a significant effect on the drying efficiency of MSWI FA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with an electrokinetically pumped sheath-flow nanospray interface was coupled with a high-resolution QjExactive mass spectrometer for the analysis of culture filtrates from Mycobacterium marinum. We confidently identified 22 gene products from the wildtype M. marinum secretome in a single CZE-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) run. A total of 58 proteoforms were observed with post-translational modifications including signal peptide removal, N-terminal methionine excision, and acetylation. The conductivities of aqueous acetic acid and formic acid solutions were measured from 0.196 to 100% concentration (v/v). Acetic acid (70%) provided lower conductivity than 0.25% formic acid and was evaluated as low ionic-strength and a CZE-MS compatible sample buffer with good protein solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevention and control of natural gas explosion accidents in utility tunnels have drawn great concern due to the unexpected severe consequence. In this study, put forward an explosion suppression measure apply to utility tunnels. An experimental platform for simulating the process of the natural gas explosion in utility tunnels is set up to study the flame propagation law and pressure dynamics distribution under the suppression effect of porous media. Seven experimental configurations of different pore density PPI (pores per inch) and thickness of the porous media are evaluated to investigate the influencing factors of explosion suppression efficiency. The results indicate that lining the sidewalls with porous media does have a certain explosion suppression effect. However, the quenching efficiency of media with small PPI is not significant, or even result in quenching failure, which may be related to flame acceleration due to the interaction between affiliated facilities and flame front. The PPI of porous media is kept constant, and the explosion suppression efficiency is pretty enhanced as the thickness of media increases. Besides, when selecting the suitable porous media as the explosion suppression materials, the acceleration effect of surface roughness on flame propagation cannot be ignored. ∙ An experimental apparatus for modeling the process of natural gas explosion in utility tunnels was established. ∙ An explosion suppression method applied to utility tunnels was put forward, and verified the feasibility. ∙ The influencing factors of explosion suppression efficiency of porous media were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multi-systemic disease with no established treatment to date. Small, cell-permeable molecules hold the potential to treat DM1. In this study, we investigated the association between protein kinase C (PKC) signaling and splicing of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase1 (SERCA1). Our aim was to clarify the mechanisms underlying the regulation of alternative splicing, in order to explore new therapeutic strategies for DM1. By assessing the splicing pattern of the endogenous SERCA1 gene in HEK293 cells, we found that treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) regulated SERCA1 splicing. Interestingly, treatment with PMA for 48h normalized SERCA1 splicing, while treatment for 1.5h promoted aberrant splicing. These two responses showed dose dependency and were completely abolished by the PKC inhibitor Ro 31-8220. Furthermore, repression of PKCβII and PKCθ by RNAi mimicked prolonged PMA treatment. These results indicate that PKC signaling is involved in the splicing of SERCA1 and provide new evidence for a link between alternative splicing and PKC signaling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Charge heterogeneity is inherent to all therapeutic antibodies and arises from post-translational modifications (PTMs) and/or protein degradation events that may occur during manufacturing. Among therapeutic antibodies, the bispecific antibody (bsAb) containing two unique Fab arms directed against two different targets presents an additional layer of complexity to the charge profile. In the context of a bsAb, a single domain-specific PTM within one of the Fab domains may be sufficient to compromise target binding and could potentially impact the stability, safety, potency, and efficacy of the drug product. Therefore, characterization and routine monitoring of domain-specific modifications is critical to ensure the quality of therapeutic bispecific antibody products. We developed a D igestion-assisted i maged C apillary iso E lectric focusing (DiCE) method to detect and quantitate domain-specific charge variants of therapeutic bispecific antibodies (bsAbs). The method involves enzymatic digestion using immunoglobulin G (IgG)-degrading enzyme of S. pyogenes (IdeS) to generate F(ab) 2 and Fc fragments, followed by imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF) under reduced, denaturing conditions to separate the light chains (LCs) from the Fd domains. Our results suggest that DiCE is a highly sensitive method that is capable of quantitating domain-specific PTMs of a bsAb. In one case study, DiCE was used to quantitate unprocessed C-terminal lysine and site-specific glycation of Lys98 in the complementarity-determining region (CDR) of a bsAb that could not be accurately quantitated using conventional, platform-based charge variant analysis, such as intact icIEF. Quantitation of these PTMs by DiCE was comparable to results from peptide mapping, demonstrating that DiCE is a valuable orthogonal method for ensuring product quality. This method may also have potential applications for characterizing fusion proteins, antibody-drug conjugates, and co-formulated antibody cocktails. • Domain-specific isoelectric focusing method to evaluate charge in bispecific antibodies. • Broad applications for preclinical manufacturing and formulations development. • QC-friendly analytical method with potential to support product release and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid–liquid phase transition (LLPT) is the transformation of a liquid from one distinctive structure to another with the same composition. However, the origin of the structural variation at LLPT is still controversial. Here, we used ab initio molecular dynamics simulation to verify and investigate a high-temperature LLPT in a Pd40Ni40P20 melt; this melt showed a reduction in the nuclei interference of the conventional low-temperature LLPT. An abnormal endothermic LLPT was confirmed with flash differential scanning calorimetry, indicating a change in the atomic short-range-order structure around the P–P bond and a decrease in the number of specific icosahedral-like clusters, such as ⟨0 2 8 0⟩ and ⟨0 2 8 1⟩. The structural change of the P-centered clusters changed the solidification path through potential energy adjustments. Our results showed the structural mechanism of the unusual endothermic phenomenon and provided a different insight into regulating the properties of metallic glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) changed composition of black garlic melanoidins. • HHP resulted in rougher and wrinkled surface of black garlic melanoidins. • HHP reduced apparent viscosity of the melanoidins at a share rate of 1–10 s−1. • HHP treatment improved stability of the melanoidins under ultraviolet irradiation. The effects of different high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) conditions on the composition, morphology, rheology, thermal behavior, color, and stability of high molecular weigh melanoidins from black garlic were investigated. Because HHP promoted Maillard reaction, HHP treatments decreased the aldehyde content from 46.76% to 11.92% but increased ketones and heterocyclic contents 4.46% to 6.66% and 9.32% to 11.55%, respectively. HHP treatments induced production of five compounds that were not present in the control sample, including 5-methyl-2(3H)-furanone, 3-methyl-2-cyclopentenone, 2,3-dihydrofuran, 2-ethylfuran, and 2-vinylfuran. The surface of HHP-treated melanoidins was rough and wrinkled, and composed of large particles compared with the control. In addition, HHP reduced viscosity of melanoidins solution at a shear rate of 1–10 s−1. Moreover, HHP improved the thermal stability and the stability under UV light of black garlic melanoidins. In general, HHP treatment enhanced the composition and structure of black garlic melanoidins and improved stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Suicide attempts (SA) with bipolar disorder (BD) may have brain abnormalities. • Structural and functional alterations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were observed in BD. • The functional alterations in the PFC in BD with SA were mostly obvious. Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with increased suicidal behavior. Understanding the neural features of suicide attempts (SA) in patients with BD is critical to preventing suicidal behavior. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a key region related to SA. In this study, forty BD patients with a history of SA (BD+SA), 70 BD patients without a history of SA (BD-SA), and 110 individuals in a healthy control (HC) group underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resting-state functional MRI. We used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) techniques to examine the gray matter volumes (GMVs) and ALFF values in the PFC. Compared with the HC group, both the BD+SA and BD-SA groups had lower GMVs and higher ALFF values in the medial PFC (MPFC), ventral PFC (VPFC), and dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC). The ALFF values in the MPFC, VPFC, and DLPFC in the BD+SA group were significantly higher than those in the BD-SA group. These findings suggest that BD patients with SA have intrinsic activity abnormalities in PFC regions. This provides potentially identifiable neuroimaging markers in BD patients with SA that could be used to increase our understanding of suicidal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmembrane channel-like (TMC) 1 and 2 are required for the mechanotransduction of mouse inner ear hair cells and localize to the site of mechanotransduction in mouse hair cell stereocilia. However, it remains unclear whether TMC1 and TMC2 are indeed ion channels and whether they can sense mechanical force directly. Here we express TMC1 from the green sea turtle (CmTMC1) and TMC2 from the budgerigar (MuTMC2) in insect cells, purify and reconstitute the proteins, and show that liposome-reconstituted CmTMC1 and MuTMC2 proteins possess ion channel activity. Furthermore, by applying pressure to proteoliposomes, we demonstrate that both CmTMC1 and MuTMC2 proteins can indeed respond to mechanical stimuli. In addition, CmTMC1 mutants corresponding to human hearing loss mutants exhibit reduced or no ion channel activity. Taken together, our results show that the CmTMC1 and MuTMC2 proteins are pore-forming subunits of mechanosensitive ion channels, supporting TMC1 and TMC2 as hair cell transduction channels. • Purified CmTMC1 and MuTMC2 proteins can incorporate into artificial liposomes • CmTMC1 and MuTMC2 proteins are pore-forming ion channels • CmTMC1 and MuTMC2 ion channels are mechanosensitive • Deafness-related CmTMC1 mutants exhibit reduced or no ion channel activity Jia et al. used protein purification, functional reconstitution, and liposome recording to demonstrate that TMC1 and TMC2 proteins are pore-forming subunits of mechanosensitive ion channels, supporting TMC1 and TMC2 as hair cell transduction channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dietary fiber-rich fractions were used to maintain the quality of frozen dough. • Texture changes were correlated with water loss, water distribution, thermal property and gluten property. • Konjac flour decreased ice crystal growth rate and improved water bound. • Potato flour decreased thermal temperatures and maintain secondary structure. • Okara flour maintain secondary structure and microstructure of gluten. The effect of dietary fiber-rich fractions on the texture, thermal, water distribution, and gluten properties of frozen dough during storage was investigated. These fractions could greatly improve retention of the texture properties, which was mainly related to water loss, and changes in freezable water proportion (FW) and gluten secondary structure. Kinetic studies showed that the fractions could change the nucleation type and ice crystal growth rate, with konjac flour significantly decreasing the ice growth rate from 0.0177 to 0.0048. These fractions could decrease FW by 15%–27% and restrict water mobility during storage. Moreover, gluten β-sheets shifted toward β-turns, while the β-sheet values of potato and okara flours showed no significant change during storage. SEM confirmed that okara flour could suppress the deterioration of gluten. Generally, the potato, okara, and konjac flours represent excellent fortification materials that could improve the texture, reduce water mobility, and suppress deterioration of frozen dough during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy and economic viability of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) hold significant importance during their promotion. The cascade hydrogen storage system is advantageous in reducing energy consumption and finds widespread application in HRS. Within the cascade hydrogen storage system, varying pressure switch difference values (PSDVs) correspond to different energy consumptions. Simultaneously, HRS must meet the demand for hydrogen refueling. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to establish an optimization method for PSDV, aiming to optimize energy consumption while satisfying hydrogen refueling demand. In this study, an HRS simulation model was established using the MATLAB/SIMULINK platform to evaluate the effects of PSDV on energy consumption and refueling time. Accordingly, a BPNN proxy model was built to predict these outcomes. On the basis of the proxy model, the Pareto solution set of PSDV was obtained through NSGA-Ⅱ. Finally, the ideal point estimation method was integrated to assist the decision-makers in determining the refueling strategy. The proposed optimization strategy is capable of reducing energy consumption while still meeting the hydrogen refueling demands of HRS, resulting in a maximum energy reduction of 10.76%. • An energy consumption calculation model for HRS was constructed. • The effect of different PSDVs on refueling time and energy consumption were evaluated. • A proxy model to predict energy consumption and refueling time was developed. • An energy consumption optimization strategy considering refueling demand was proposed. • Optimized refueling strategy achieves a maximum energy reduction of 10.76% in HRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Tyrosine decarboxylase (TDC) presented in the gut‐associated strain Enterococcus faecalis can convert levodopa (L‐dopa) into dopamine (DA), and its increased abundance would potentially minimize the availability and efficacy of L‐dopa. However, the known human decarboxylase inhibitors are ineffective in this bacteria‐mediated conversion. This study aims to investigate the inhibition of piperine (PIP) on L‐dopa bacterial metabolism and evaluates the synergistic effect of PIP combined with L‐dopa on Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Metagenomics sequencing was adopted to determine the regulation of PIP on rat intestinal microbiota structure, especially on the relative abundance of E. faecalis. Then, the inhibitory effects of PIP on L‐dopa conversion and TDC expression of E. faecalis were tested in vitro. We examined the synergetic effect of the combination of L‐dopa and PIP on 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐lesioned rats and tested the regulations of L‐dopa bioavailability and brain DA level by pharmacokinetics study and MALDI‐MS imaging. Finally, we evaluated the microbiota‐dependent improvement effect of PIP on L‐dopa availability using pseudo‐germ‐free and E. faecalis‐transplanted rats. Results: We found that PIP combined with L‐dopa could better ameliorate the move disorders of 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats by remarkably improving L‐dopa availability and brain DA level than L‐dopa alone, which was associated with the effect of PIP on suppressing the bacterial decarboxylation of L‐dopa via effectively downregulating the abnormal high abundances of E. faecalis and TDC in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats. Conclusion: Oral administration of L‐dopa combined with PIP can improve L‐dopa availability and brain DA level in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats by suppressing intestinal bacterial TDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy-absorbing material of metal foam have enormous potential in mitigating the consequences of natural gas explosion disaster in urban utility tunnels. When double-layer metal foam with different pore structures of first larger pores and then smaller pores (LP-SP model), the suppression efficiency of explosion overpressure can reach more than 60% and is 2–3 times that of first smaller pores and then larger pores (SP-LP model), and the error between that and that of the same thickness all with smaller pore structure is only 0.86%. Similarly, the metal foams with the LP-SP model can block the explosion flame propagation chain entirely, while reversing the combination order weakens the suppression effect on the explosion flame. Two suppression mechanisms of double-layer metal foam, including the Sudden Shrinkage Effect (SSE) of the LP-SP model and the Amplification Effect (AE) of the SP-LP model. The metal foam barrier device based on SSE is designed for utility tunnels, which can take effect within 0.1 s under electromagnetic force and gravity. This study can provide scientific theoretical support for designing gas explosion suppression measures in utility tunnels. • Double-layer metal foam have enormous potential in suppressing the gas explosion. • Metal foam with different pore structures effects explosion suppression mechanisms. • Metal foam barrier device is designed to suppress explosion in utility tunnels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of refueling technology, the filling speed, the state of charge (SOC), and the overall experience of the refueling process have received increasing attention. However, a comprehensive evaluation of filling quality needs to be further proposed. Based on the standard k-ϵ model and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Real Gas Model, the effects of refueling parameters for type III hydrogen storage cylinders on hydrogen temperature and SOC were analyzed by numerical simulations of the structured grid model. An analytical model for predicting SOC with four parameters was developed, with the indicators of mass flow rate, initial pressure, inlet hydrogen temperature, and ambient temperature. A filling quality index considering six parameters is proposed. This work offers roadmaps for adjusting the working conditions of hydrogenation stations. The evaluation of the filling quality presented provides a set of novel theoretical solutions to improving the filling quality of hydrogen cylinders. • An analytical model for predicting state of charge with four parameters was obtained. • A novel methodology was developed to evaluate the quality of the refueling process. • More possible important initial conditions, including high pressure, were considered. • Simulations of the hydrogen filling under four significant variables were carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing low-cost, effective, and durable oxygen-evolution catalysts (OECs) is still a huge challenge owing to the uphill thermodynamic reaction and the involvement of a four-electron and four-proton kinetics process. Herein, a facilely prepared NiCoFe(OH)x/NiOOH/NF electrode affords current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm-2 at overpotentials of 223 and 254 mV, respectively, and a Tafel slope as low as 33.5 mV dec-1in 1 M KOH, which is superior to NiCoFe(OH) x/NF electrodes electrodeposited with a traditional method. This electrode also displays surprisingly high durability at a current density of 50 mA cm-2 for over 50 hours under alkaline conditions. Component analysis and an electrochemical study revealed that the catalytic activity enhancement of this newly prepared electrode is mainly attributed to the formation of the electrically conductive NiOOH interlayer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur doped carbon nitride materials (CNS) were prepared from solvothermal method at low temperature, using thiocyanuric acid as one of the precursors. XRD, FTIR, SEM and XPS technologies were carried out to characterize the catalysts. The photocatalytic reduction properties of CNS were tested by Cr(VI) reduction and H2 production from water splitting. Results showed that sulfur substituted crystal nitrogen in the carbon nitride molecular and formed C--S bonds. With the increasing time of polymerization, the content of sulfur in the products increased. The catalysts showed remarkable visible light absorbance, and the optical absorption band edges red shifted up to about 700 nm with the increasing time of polymerization. Compared to the carbon nitride synthesized from direct calcination, CNS possessed much enhanced photocatalytic reduction activity of Cr(VI) under visible light irradiation. In addition, CNS catalysts had obvious H2 production properties from water splitting. Mechanism analysis showed that photo-generated electrons and ⋅ O2v- were major active species during photocatalytic reduction of Cr(Vi) over CNS catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to explore the effects of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism on emotion dysregulation and examine the mediating role of self-esteem on these associations. Undergraduates (N = 426) completed self-report measurements on grandiose narcissism, vulnerable narcissism, self-esteem and emotion dysregulation. Correlation analyses indicated that grandiose narcissism was negatively correlated with emotion dysregulation, while vulnerable narcissism was positively correlated with emotion dysregulation. Moreover, mediational analyses revealed that self-esteem fully mediated the association between grandiose narcissism and emotion dysregulation, and partially mediated the association between vulnerable narcissism and emotion dysregulation. The present study highlights the importance of selfesteem and deepens the understanding of the associations between the two forms of narcissism and emotion dysregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian reoviruses (ARV) are a group of poultry pathogens that cause runting and stunting syndrome (RSS), a condition otherwise known as "frozen chicken", which are characterized by dramatically delayed growth in broilers. It has been known that p17, a nonstructural protein encoded by ARV, prohibits cellular proliferation by halting the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, the result of which is directly associated with the typical clinical sign of RSS. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which p17 modulates cell-cycle progression remains largely unknown. Here, we screened the interactome of ectopically expressed p17 through a yeast two-hybrid assay and identified Bub3, a cellular mitotic checkpoint protein, as a binding partner of p17. The infection of the Vero cells by ARV downregulated the Bub3 expression, while the knockdown of Bub3 alleviated the p17-modulated cell-cycle arrest during ARV infection. Remarkably, the suppression of Bub3 by RNAi in the Vero cells significantly reduced the viral mRNA and protein abundance, which eventually led to diminished virus replication. Altogether, our findings reveal that ARV p17 impedes host cell proliferation through a Bub3-dependent cell-cycle arrest, which eventually contributes to efficient virus replication. These results also unveil a hitherto unknown therapeutic target for RSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship among chemical composition, structure and glass-forming ability in multicomponent alloys is a long-standing puzzle due to the complexity of compositions. In this work, Al 77.8 Cu 22.2 and Al 70 Cu 20 Zr 10 amorphous alloy liquids were investigated by combining high-energy X-ray diffraction at a synchrotron facility, ab-initio molecular dynamics and reverse Monte Carlo simulations. The analysis of short- and medium-range order structures of two liquid alloys show that the addition of Zr element increases the number of cluster types and makes the distribution of cluster content more uniform, and enhances the structural heterogeneity and correlation of clusters with high five-fold symmetry. These findings reveal the influence of Zr element on the atomic structure of the Al-Cu liquid alloy and deepen the understanding of Al-based metallic glasses formation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks to provide a basic approach to fulfill the spatial visualization of geopolitical environmental factors required for the navigation of vessels in the Arctic. Multi-dimensional geopolitical environmental factors of the Arctic Passage are analyzed and classified into geopolitics, geoeconomics, geo-military, geoculture, and laws and regulations related to geography. Their characteristics are extracted to form an attribute information table matching spatial layers. Based on the information category and basic characteristics, the spatial match method is applied and connected with the spatial layers to examine the spatial point, polyline, and polygon. According to the qualitative description, the study extracted the quantitative indicators for the following spatial–temporal pattern analysis. The standard deviational ellipse is used to analyze the spatial–temporal patterns and trends of the geopolitical environmental indicators of the Arctic Passage in the Arctic and Northeast Asia. The expansion and contraction of geoinformation coexist in the countries surrounding the Arctic Passage. The spatial–temporal changes indicate that the Arctic channel has a great economic impact on the Nordic countries and Northeast Asia, especially the coastal areas of China and Japan. The characteristic extraction and spatial match of the geopolitical environment provide integrated Arctic geoinformation inquiry and services for the diplomatic, administrative, and legal preparations required for Arctic navigation. Therefore, the geospatial analysis conducted provides scientific support and a basis for the geographical distribution and developing trends of visualization and spatial–temporal pattern in Arctic navigation. The results of this research will help decision-makers to make a comprehensive judgment on governance related to the sustainable development of the Arctic Passage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human space activities have been continuously increasing. Astronauts experiencing spaceflight are faced with health problems caused by special space environments such as microgravity, and the investigation of cell injury is fundamental. The development of a platform capable of cell culture and injury detection is the prerequisite for the investigation. Constructing a platform suitable for special conditions in space life science research is the key issue. The ground-based investigation is an indispensable part of the research. Accordingly, a simulated microgravity (SMG)-oriented integrated chip platform capable of 3D cell culture and in situ visual detection of superoxide anion radical (O 2 •−) is developed. SMG can cause oxidative stress in human cells, and O 2 •− is one of the signaling molecules. Thus, a O 2 •−-responsive aggregation-induced emission (AIE) probe is designed, which shows high selectivity and sensitivity to O 2 •−. Moreover, the probe exhibits abilities of long-term and wash-free staining to cells due to the AIE behavior, which is precious for space cell imaging. Meanwhile, a chip with a high-aspect-ratio chamber for adequate medium storage for the lack of the perfusion system during the SMG experiment and a cell culture chamber which can integrate the extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel for the bioinspired 3D cell culture is fabricated. In addition, a porous membrane is introduced between the chambers to prevent the hydrogel from separating during the SMG experiment. The afforded AIE probe-ECM hydrogel-integrated chip can achieve 3D culturing of U87-MG cells and in situ fluorescent detection of endogenous O 2 •− in the cells after long-term staining under SMG. The chip provides a powerful and potential platform for ground-based investigation in space life science and biomedical research. • A O 2.•−-responsive AIE probe enabling long-term stain cells is developed. • A chip containing a high-aspect-ratio chamber and a porous membrane-fixed gel chamber is developed. • A simulated microgravity-oriented platform is developed through integrating the AIE probe and ECM hydrogel-containing chip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flame-retardant epoxy resins with tough, transparent, ultraviolet shielding, and low dielectric properties have fascinating prospects in electronic and electrical applications, but it is still challenging at present. In this work, a bio-based macromolecule was synthesized from vanillin (a lignin derivative), phenyl dichlorophosphate, 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide (DOPO), and poly(propylene glycol) bis(2-aminopropyl ether). The bio-based macromolecule, namely, MFR, was designed and added to the epoxy resin (EP). The cured EP containing 15 wt% MFR (i.e., EP/MFR15) exhibits excellent flame retardancy with an Underwriter Laboratory 94 (UL-94) V-0 rating and a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 29.2 %. Furthermore, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release rate (THR) are drastically reduced by 59.5 % and 40.7 %, respectively. Meanwhile, EP/MFR15 shows 20.3 % and 43.8 % improvements in tensile strength and toughness, respectively. Moreover, MFR simultaneously endows EP with accessional ultraviolet shielding performance and low dielectric constant without sacrificing transparency. This work provides a promising strategy for fabricating a bio-based macromolecular flame retardant and preparing a high-performance EP composite with versatile properties. • A bio-based macromolecule (MFR) with multifunctionality was successfully synthesized. • MFR modified EP shows excellent flame-retardant and smoke-suppressant performances. • MFR improves the tensile strength and toughness of EP. • MFR endows EP with low dielectric and ultraviolet shielding properties without sacrificing transparency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femtogramm ‐ Proteomik: Ein hochempfindliches System zur Kapillarzonenelektrophorese ‐ Massenspektrometrie, das auf einer verbesserten Nanospray ‐ Grenzfläche basiert, wurde entwickelt. Es konnte zur Analyse von E. coli ‐ Proteinverdau im Pikogramm ‐ bis Femtogramm ‐ Bereich verwendet werden; so wurden über 100 Proteine in 16 pg Proteinverdau durch Tandem ‐ Massenspektrometrie identifiziert. AMTs=akkurate Massen ‐ und Zeit ‐ Marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femtogram proteomics: An ultrasensitive capillary zone electrophoresis–mass spectrometry system that is based on an improved nanospray interface has been developed. This system is used for the analysis of picogram to femtogram amounts of E. coli digests; for example, over 100 proteins were identified from 16 pg digests by tandem mass spectrometry. AMTs=accurate mass and time tags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piper longum L., a medicinal and food homologous herb, has a traditional history of use in treating gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Piperine (PIP) the main alkaloid of P. longum , exists neuroprotective effects on various animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism, particularly the role of PIP in promoting gut-brain autophagy for α-Synuclein (α-Syn) degradation in PD, remains incompletely understood. To explore the role of PIP in regulating the gut-brain autophagy signaling pathway to reduce α-Syn levels in both the colon and substantia nigra (SN) of PD model rats. Behavioral experiments were conducted to assess the impact of PIP on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD rats. The intestinal microbiome composition and intestinal metabolites were analyzed by metagenomics and GC-MS/MS. The auto-phagosomes were visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting were performed to assess the levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), α-Syn, LC3II/LC3I, p62, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in both the SN and colon of the rats. The pathway-related inhibitor and agonist were used to verify the autophagy mechanism in the SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing A53T mutant α-Syn (A53T-α-Syn). PIP improved autonomic movement and gastrointestinal dysfunctions, reduced α-Syn aggregation and attenuated the loss of dopaminergic neurons in 6-OHDA-induced PD rats. After oral administration of PIP, the radio of LC3II/LC3I increased and the expression of p62 was degraded, as well as the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT and mTOR decreased in the SN and colon of rats. The effect of PIP on reducing A53T-α-Syn through the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy pathway was further confirmed in A53T-α-Syn transgenic SH-SY5Y cells. This effect could be inhibited by the autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin A1 and the PI3K agonist 740 Y–P. Our findings suggested that PIP could protect neurons by activating autophagy to degrade α-Syn in the SN and colon, which were related to the suppression of PIP on the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. [Display omitted] • PIP improved behavioral impairments and gastrointestinal dysfunctions in 6-OHDA-induced PD rats. • PIP attenuated α-Synuclein accumulation in the colon and substantia nigra (SN) of PD rats. • PIP degraded pathological α-Syn by promoting gut-brain autophagy via suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green hydrogen is a clean energy, and its application scenarios have become increasingly diverse with the development of hydrogen energy equipment. To ensure the safe use of hydrogen, it is essential to study the leakage and dispersion characteristics of hydrogen in different spaces. In this work, the experimental and numerical simulation studies on hydrogen leakage and dispersion were conducted in spaces with large aspect ratios. The research found that hydrogen leakage and dispersion can be divided into three typical stages: buoyancy-dominated stage, horizontal spreading stage, and vertical filling stage. The relationship between the concentration rise rate of hydrogen and the leakage rate and leakage direction in the third stage is established. As the leakage speed increases, the dispersion time of hydrogen decreases, leading to significant differences in concentration distribution. Changes in the leakage direction will influence the interaction between hydrogen and the walls, subsequently altering the dispersion behavior of hydrogen. Changes in leakage speed and direction do not affect the sequence of hydrogen dispersion to specific points in space. Based on the characteristics of hydrogen dispersion, a subjective-objective integrated hydrogen weighted concentration calculation method was proposed in this study. The hydrogen weighted concentration can be effectively characterized the leakage and dispersion characteristics of hydrogen. The value always approaches 50% of the average concentration, which can be used for determining the warning threshold or specifying emergency strategies. • The hydrogen dispersion process consists of three stages in large aspect ratio space. • The hydrogen dispersion sequence to a point unaffected by leakage rate and direction. • The hydrogen concentration rise rate model during linear rise is given. • A subjective-objective combined weighted concentration calculation method is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyclin M (CNNM) family of Mg2+ transporters is reported to promote tumour progression by binding to phosphatase of regenerating liver (PRL) proteins. Here, we established an assay for detection of the binding between the cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS) domain of human CNNM3 (a region responsible for PRL binding) and human PRL2 using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) techniques. By fusing YPet to the C-terminus of the CNNM3 CBS domain and CyPet to the N-terminus of PRL2, we performed a FRET-based binding assay with purified proteins in multiwell plates and successfully detected the changes in fluorescence intensity derived from FRET with a reasonable Kd. We then confirmed that the addition of non-YPet-tagged CNNM3 and non-CyPet-tagged PRL proteins inhibited the changes in FRET intensity, whereas non-YPet-tagged CNNM3 with a mutation at the PRL2-binding site did not exhibit such inhibition. Furthermore, newly synthesized peptides derived from the CNNM loop region, with the PRL-binding sequences of the CNNM3 CBS domain, inhibited the interactions between CNNM3 and PRL2. Overall, these results showed that this method can be used for screening to identify inhibitors of CNNM-PRL interactions, potentially for novel anticancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly discovered Baogudi gold district is located in the southwestern Guizhou Province, China, where there are numerous Carlin-type gold deposits. To better understand the geological and geochemical characteristics of the Baogudi gold district, we carried out petrographic observations, elemental analyses, and fluid inclusion and isotopic composition studies. We also compared the results with those of typical Carlin-type gold deposits in southwestern Guizhou. Three mineralization stages, namely, the sedimentation diagenesis, hydrothermal (main-ore and late-ore substages), and supergene stages, were identified based on field and petrographic observations. The main-ore and late-ore stages correspond to Au and Sb mineralization, respectively, which are similar to typical Carlin-type mineralization. The mass transfer associated with alteration and mineralization shows that a significant amount of Au, As, Sb, Hg, Tl, Mo, and S were added to mineralized rocks during the main-ore stage. Remarkably, arsenic, Sb, and S were added to the mineralized rocks during the late-ore stage. Element migration indicates that the sulfidation process was responsible for ore formation. Four types of fluid inclusions were identified in ore-related quartz and fluorite. The main-ore stage fluids are characterized by an H2O–NaCl–CO2–CH4 ± N2 system, with medium to low temperatures (180–260 °C) and low salinity (0–9.08% NaCl equivalent). The late-ore stage fluids featured H2O–NaCl ± CO2 ± CH4, with low temperature (120–200 °C) and low salinity (0–7.48% NaCl equivalent). The temperature, salinity, and CO2 and CH4 concentrations of ore-forming fluids decreased from the main-ore stage to the late-ore stage. The calculated δ13C, δD, and δ18O values of the ore-forming fluids range from − 14.3 to − 7.0‰, −76 to −55.7‰, and 4.5–15.0‰, respectively. Late-ore-stage stibnite had δ34S values ranging from − 0.6 to 1.9‰. These stable isotopic compositions indicate that the ore-forming fluids originated mainly from deep magmatic hydrothermal fluids, with minor contributions from strata. Collectively, the Baogudi metallogenic district has geological and geochemical characteristics that are typical of Carlin-type gold deposits in southwest Guizhou. It is likely that the Baogudi gold district, together with other Carlin-type gold deposits in southwestern Guizhou, was formed in response to a single widespread metallogenic event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we have reported an easily synthesized CoS2/Ni3S2/CoNiOx water oxidation catalyst with excellent catalytic activity and superior durability. The as-prepared catalyst required overpotential (η) as low as 256 mV to exhibit a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH. Remarkably, it sustained a current density of 1 A cm−2 for one week in 30% KOH solution with only 25 mV increment of η. Thus, it is a hopeful candidate as a highly-effective water oxidation electrode in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Electrocatalytic NB reduction is a mild and green route to obtain high-purity AN. • Composition control and morphology engineering viably upgrade the electrocatalyst. • CuNiAl with intermetallic compound displays conspicuous conversion and AN selectivity. • Nanoporous structure enlarges the specific surface and also facilitates the kinetics. • High efficiency for producing AN is achieved via inhibiting HER at low overpotential. Electrocatalytic nitrobenzene (NB) hydrogenation with high selectivity, yield and Faradaic efficiency (FE) is an economic and sustainable approach to produce high-purity aniline (BA). However, its implementation is essentially hindered by state-of-the-art Cu-based metallic electrocatalysts, which are of insufficient intrinsic activity and unstable nanostructures, in addition to low FE caused by irrepressibly competitive hydrogen evolution reaction at high overpotential. Herein, we report a self-supported nanoporous CuNiAl alloy as a highly efficient electrocatalyst towards NB hydrogenation reaction. Owing to the incorporation of Ni in intermetallic Al 4 Cu 9 (Ni), which is of high intrinsic activity, and the hierarchical nanoporous architecture, which facilitates electron transfer and mass transportation along interconnective metal ligaments and interpenetrative pore channels, self-supported nanoporous CuNiAl electrode exhibits remarkably enhanced NB hydrogenation electrocatalysis for BA product with high selectivity (98%), yield (88.5%) and FE (82.3%) at ultralow operating potential (−0.07 V versus RHE). This nanoporous CuNiAl alloy outperforms some of the best Cu-based nanocatalysts reported previously. This work makes a stride for designing novel low-cost electrocatalysts for high-efficient NB hydrogenation by following composition control and morphology engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous graphitic carbon nitride polymer (p-CN-BF) with enhanced photoproduction of H 2 from water was prepared by a two-step treatment process including in-situ Boron and fluorine codoping using [Emim]BF 4 as dopants followed by post-calcination in air. Several techniques were employed to characterize the modified structure and elucidate the doping state of B and F. It was shown that in-situ doping method is necessary for efficient doping of heteroatoms into the molecular composition of CN. The difference of doping state of B and F was that B doping primary existing in the inside skeleton of CN, but F doping merely presents in the surface layer. The inside doped B made for the enhanced visible light absorption and the production of uniform porous structure during post-sintering process. By the synergistic effect of B F codoping and post-activation, p-CN-BF showed much enhanced photoelectron generation, transmission and separation, therefore, it performs high photocatalytic activity for H 2 evolution (351 μmol h −1 ), which was 13 and 5 times higher than samples only modified by B F codoping (CN-BF) or post-annealing (P-CN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demonstrating the cooling rate effect on the solidification path is a massive challenge. In this paper, the atomic structure of the Pd 40 Ni 40 P 20 melt was statistically "snapped" at different temperatures with two different cooling rates. The structure evolution was analyzed with in situ high-energy X-ray diffraction method and Reverse Monte Carlo simulation. It indicates that the presence of Liquid-Liquid Phase Transition (LLPT) makes the melt more inclined to form crystal but the higher cooling rate leads to an insufficient transition retaining more icosahedral-like clusters. This work provides dynamic guidance for understanding the competition between crystallization and vitrification. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • BSBR and EBPR differ in the type and the metabolic process of their PAOs. • The dominant PAOs in BSBR lack inefficient pathways of C and P metabolism. • The metabolism of C, P, and glycogen in BSBR shifts to more efficient pathways. • The PAOs in BSBR have simultaneous glycogenolysis and glyconeogenesis. • BSBR can efficiently enrich phosphate from consuming low concentration carbon source. This study assessed the impact of the operating conditions of the biofilm sequencing batch reactor (BSBR) on the community structure and the growth/metabolic pathways of its polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs). There are significant difference with reference to the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process. The leading PAOs in BSBR generally are capable of high affinity acetate metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and low affinity phosphate transport, and have various carbon source supplementation pathways to ensure the efficient circulation of energy and reducing power. A new model of the metabolic mechanism of PAOs in the BSBR was formulated, which features low glycogen metabolism with simultaneous gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis and differs significantly from the classic mechanism based on Candidatus_Accumulibacter and Tetrasphaera. The findings will assist the efficient recovery of low concentration phosphate in municipal wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penthorum chinense Pursh. (PCP) is commonly used as a Miao ethnomedicine and health food for liver protection in China. Gansukeli (WS3–B-2526-97) is made from the extract of PCP (PCPE) for the treatment of viral hepatitis. In recent years, PCPE has been reported in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), however its potential mechanism is not fully elucidated. To investigate the ameliorating effect of PCPE on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mice and demonstrate whether its protective effect is gut microbiota dependent and associated with bile acid (BA) metabolism. The alleviating effect of PCPE on NAFLD was conducted on male C57BL/6J mice fed an HFD for 16 weeks, and this effect associated with gut microbiota dependent was demonstrated by pseudo-germfree mice treated with antibiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). The composition of the gut microbiota in the cecum contents was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the levels of BAs in liver and fecal samples were determined by UPLC/MS-MS. The results showed that administration of PCPE for 8 weeks could potently ameliorate HFD-induced NAFLD and alleviate dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Moreover, PCPE treatment alleviated gut dysbiosis, especially reducing the relative abundance of bile salt hydrolase (BSH)-producing bacteria. Furthermore, PCPE significantly increased the levels of taurine-conjugated BAs in feces, such as tauro-β-muricholic acid (T-βMCA), tauroursodesoxycholic acid (TUDCA), and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA), and increased hepatic chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). The protein and mRNA expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) were decreased in intestine, increased taurine-conjugated BAs inhibited the intestinal signaling pathway, which was associated with increased genes expression of enzymes in the alternative BA synthesis pathway that reduced the levels of cholesterol. The increased CDCA produced via the alternative BA synthesis pathway promoted hepatic FXR activation and BA excretion. Our study is the first time to demonstrate that PCPE could ameliorate NAFLD in HFD-induced mice by regulating the gut microbiota and BA metabolism, and from a novel perspective, to clarify the mechanism of PCPE in NAFLD. [Display omitted] • Penthorum chinense Pursh. extract (PCPE) alleviating NAFLD in HFD-fed mice is gut microbiota dependent. • PCPE increases ileum conjugated bile acids levels via reducing the abundance of bile salt hydrolase-producing bacteria. • PCPE reduces liver lipid deposition by regulating the key genes FXR, FGF15, CYP27A1, and BSEP in bile acid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We coupled capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with an ultrasensitive electrokinetically pumped nanospray ionization source for tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis of complex proteomes. We first used the system for the parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) analysis of angiotensin II spiked in 0.45 mg/mL of bovine serum albumin (BSA) digest. A calibration curve was generated between the loading amount of angiotensin II and intensity of angiotensin II fragment ions. CZE-PRM generated a linear calibration curve across over 4.5 orders of magnitude dynamic range corresponding to angiotensin II loading amount from 2 amole to 150 fmole. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of migration time were <4% and the RSDs of fragment ion intensity were ∼20% or less except 150 fmole angiotensin II loading amount data (∼36% RSD). We further applied the system for the first bottom up proteomic analysis of a human cell line using CZE-MS/MS. We generated 283 protein identifications from a 1 h long, single-shot CZE MS/MS analysis of the MCF7 breast cancer cell line digest, corresponding to ∼80 ng loading amount. The MCF7 digest was fractionated using a C18 solid phase extraction column; single-shot analysis of a single fraction resulted in 468 protein identifications, which is by far the largest number of protein identifications reported for a mammalian proteomic sample using CZE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]