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In recent years, some new "Qi-Nan" clones of Aquilaria sinensis with the characteristics of easy induction and high-quality agarwood have been obtained, through the cultivation and propagation of grafted seedlings. These clones are used for the intensive production of high-quality agarwood. The speed of resin formation and yield are crucial for the development of the agarwood industry. The differences in yield and chemical composition among different Qi-Nan clones and induction times are worth investigating. While the chemical composition differences between Qi-Nan and ordinary A. sinensis have been extensively studied, the effects of induction time coupled with different Qi-Nan clones on the chemical composition of Qi-Nan agarwood remain insufficiently explored. This study compared the changes in the chemical composition of four "Qi-Nan" clones of A. sinensis after 6, 12, and 24 months of induction through GC-QTOF-MS, the chemical composition and structure types of the four "Qi-Nan" clones were mainly 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone derivatives (PECs) and Sesquiterpenoids (SESs), with the prolongation of induction time, the content of SESs increased, while the content of PECs decreased. Both the differences among clones and the induction time of "Qi-Nan" agarwood influence its chemical composition, which in turn affects the quality of the agarwood. Among these factors, induction time has a greater impact on the production of PECs in agarwood. The prolongation of induction significantly enhanced the yield of "Qi-Nan" agarwood and exhibited an inducing effect on the production of 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone and 2-(2-4 phenylethyl)chromone. Compared with the agarwood obtained after 6 and 12 months of induction, the agarwood of "Qi-Nan" after 24 months of induction exhibited superior quality. The induction time for high-quality agarwood from the XGY clone was shorter (12 months) compared to the RH, YYZ, and AS clones (24 months). The study underscores that optimizing induction time and selecting suitable "Qi-Nan" clones can significantly enhance agarwood yield, quality, and production efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A covalent organic framework (COF) has emerged as a promising photocatalyst for the removal of pharmaceutical and personal care product (PPCP) contaminants; however, high-performance COF photocatalysts are still scarce. In this study, three COF photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by the condensation of benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b′:5,6-b′′]trithiophene-2,5,8-tricarbaldehyde (BTT) with 4,4′,4′′-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)trianiline (TAPT), 1,3,5-Tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene (TAPB), and 4,4′,4′′-nitrilotris(benzenamine) (TAPA), namely, BTT-TAPA, BTT-TAPB, and BTT-TAPT, respectively. The surface areas of BTT-TAPA, BTT-TAPB, and BTT-TAPT were found to be 800.46, 1203.60, and 1413.58 cm2∙g−1, respectively, providing abundant active sites for photocatalytic reactions. Under visible-light irradiation, BTT-TAPT exhibited the highest removal rate of tetracycline (TC), reaching 82.7% after 240 min. The superior photocatalytic performance of BTT-TAPT was attributed to its large specific surface area and the strong electron-acceptor properties of the triazine group. Electron paramagnetic resonance capture experiments and liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer analysis confirmed that superoxide radicals played a pivotal role in the degradation of TC and ciprofloxacin. Moreover, BTT-TAPT exhibited high stability and reproducibility during the photocatalytic degradation process. This study confirms that BTT-based COFs are a class of promising photocatalysts for the degradation of PPCPs in water, and their performance can be further optimized by tuning the structure and composition of the frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence theranostic system has garnered increasing attention for its advantages in the simultaneous diagnosis- and imaging-guided delivery of therapeutic drugs. However, challenges such as strong background fluorescence signals and rapid metabolism have hindered the achievement of sufficient contrast between tumors and surrounding tissues, limiting the system's applicability. This study aims to integrate the pegylation strategy with a tumor microenvironment-responsive approach. A novel esterase-activated EPR strategy prodrug, OBHSA-PEG-DCM, was designed. This prodrug links OBHSA, a protein degrader capable of efficient ERα protein degradation, to the PEG-modified fluorescent group (dicyanomethylene-4H-pyran, DCM) via an ester bond. This integration facilitates targeted drug delivery and enhances the retention of the fluorescent group within the tumor, allowing distinct in vivo tumor imaging periods. Experimental results show that, benefiting from overexpressed esterase in cancer cells, OBHSA-PEG-DCM can be efficiently hydrolyzed, releasing OBHSA and pegylated DCM. OBHSA demonstrated potent inhibition against MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 1.09 μM). Simultaneously, pegylated DCM exhibited remarkable in vivo imaging capabilities, lasting up to 12 days in mice, due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. OBHSA-PEG-DCM holds promise as a theranostic agent for ERα-positive breast cancer, offering both therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities. Importantly, this study highlights the utility of pegylated NIR fluorophores for long-circulating drug delivery systems, addressing current challenges in achieving high-contrast tumor imaging and effective targeted drug release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance on the green technological innovation (GTI) of Chinese A-share-listed companies, using data from 2009 to 2022. The findings indicate that strong ESG performance significantly enhances GTI, with this effect being more pronounced in state-owned firms and non-high-tech sectors, demonstrating heterogeneity across firm types. Mechanism analysis reveals that ESG performance facilitates GTI by mitigating financing constraints and boosting R&D investments. Moreover, the study identifies a non-linear relationship, wherein the effect of ESG on GTI varies with firm size and environmental regulation intensity, as confirmed through a threshold model. This study not only deepens the theoretical framework linking corporate ESG performance with GTI but also uncovers the practical mechanisms through which ESG performance drives GTI, providing both practical insights and theoretical foundations for governments to formulate corporate green transition policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ligament tears can strongly influence an individual's daily life and ability to engage in physical activities. It is essential to develop artificial scaffolds for ligament repairs in order to effectively restore damaged ligaments. In this experiment, the objective was to evaluate fibrous membranes as scaffolds for ligament repair. These membranes were created through electrospinning using piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites, which contained 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% of copper-impregnated nanohydroxyapatite (Cu-nHA). The proposed electrospun membrane would feature an aligned fiber structure achieved through high-speed roller stretching, which mimics the properties of biomimetic ligaments. Nanoparticles of Cu-nHA had been composited into PVDF to enhance the pirzoelectric β-phase of the PVDF crystallines. The study assessed the physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility of the membranes in vitro. A microstructure analysis revealed that the composite membrane exhibited a bionic structure with aligned fibers resembling human ligaments. The piezoelectric performance of the experimental group containing 3 wt.% Cu-nHA was significantly improved to 25.02 ± 0.68 V/g·m−2 compared with that of the pure PVDF group at 18.98 ± 1.18 V/g·m−2. Further enhancement in piezoelectric performance by 31.8% was achieved by manipulating the semicrystalline structures. Antibacterial and cytotoxicity tests showed that the composite membrane inherited the antibacterial properties of Cu-nHA nanoparticles without causing cytotoxic reactions. Tensile tests revealed that the membrane's flexibility of strain was adequate for use as artificial scaffolds for ligaments. In particular, the mechanical properties of the two experimental groups containing Cu-nHA were significantly enhanced compared with those of the pure PVDF group. The favorable piezoelectric and flexible properties are highly beneficial for ligament tissue regeneration. This study successfully developed PVDF/Cu-nHA piezoelectric fibers for a biocompatible, unidirectional piezoelectric membrane with potential applications as ligament repair scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the simulation of the S (scattering)-parameters and absorbed energy for polymeric nanocomposites with metallic insertions (iron and aluminum, with two particle dimensions). The considered frequency domain, 0.1–3 GHz, is specific for a wide range of applications in microwave technologies. The actual limitations of electromagnetic simulations are described, along with an application related to the Nicolson–Ross–Weir procedure in infinite media, which opens new perspectives in nanocomposite electromagnetic modeling. It was demonstrated that, due to a higher conductivity, nanocomposites with Al particles can absorb a larger amount of energy compared to Fe particles within composite materials, at both insertion dimensions. At higher frequencies, the power loss density increases for both metals. The significant reduction in transmission, linked to a minimal reflection, verifies that for composites with added metallic powder, microwave energy is extensively absorbed by the materials, particularly at frequencies above 1.5 GHz, confirming their potential functionality as hot melts for advanced reversible bonding technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements are added to cow feed for the production of DHA milk, and many derivative products have been gradually developed to meet commercial needs. The loss of these commercial supplements in the rumen and their effects on rumen microorganisms are rarely reported. This study aimed to investigate the loss of DHA from three supplements (two powders and one oil) after total digestion and their effects on the number and composition of rumen bacteria, using an in vitro approach. The results showed that algae oil had the highest rate of loss, but bioaccessibility was not significantly different from the other supplements; three DHA supplements altered the bacterial composition of in vitro batch cultures inoculated with rumen microorganisms from cows, and caused changes in the relative abundance of main bacterial phyla, families, and genera. Algal oil has the most significant impact on rumen microbiota by reducing the richness and diversity of rumen microbiota, and significantly altering the composition of multiple important microbiota. We also observed that some rumen bacteria may be involved in the ruminal response in biohydrogenation to the addition of marine lipids, but further research is necessary to confirm their actual role in ruminal lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the loss of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from three supplements (two powders and one oil) after digestion (rumen and gastrointestinal) and their effects on the number and composition of rumen bacteria, using an in vitro approach. The concentration of supplements has a significant impact on the DHA loss rate and algal oil exhibited the highest rate of loss, but bioaccessibility was not significantly different from the other supplements. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that three DHA supplements altered the bacterial composition of in vitro batch cultures inoculated with rumen microorganisms from cows, and caused changes in the relative abundance of important bacterial phyla, families, and genera. DHA supplements altered the abundance of bacterial species, including Prevotella, Ruminobacter, Succiniclassicum, Succinivibrio, Lachnospiraceae, and Muribaculaceae. Importantly, these changes may be associated with the ruminal response in biohydrogenation. Algal oil has the most significant impact on rumen microbiota by reducing the richness and diversity of rumen microbiota, and significantly altering the composition of multiple important microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing an effective vegetation classification method for mountain–plain transition zones is critical for understanding ecological patterns, evaluating ecosystem services, and guiding conservation efforts. Existing methods perform well in mountainous and plain areas but lack verification in mountain–plain transition zones. This study utilized terrain data and Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 imagery to extract topographic, spectral, texture, and SAR features as well as the vegetation index. By combining feature sets and applying feature elimination algorithms, the classification performance of one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-CNNs), Random Forest (RF), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) was evaluated to determine the optimal feature combinations and methods. The results show the following: (1) multi-feature combinations, especially spectral and topographic features, significantly improved classification accuracy; (2) Recursive Feature Elimination based on Random Forest (RF-RFE) outperformed ReliefF in feature selection, identifying more representative features; (3) all three algorithms performed well, with consistent spatial results. The MLP algorithm achieved the best overall accuracy (OA: 81.65%, Kappa: 77.75%), demonstrating robustness and lower dependence on feature quantity. This study presents an efficient and robust vegetation classification workflow, verifies its applicability in mountain–plain transition zones, and provides valuable insights for small-region vegetation classification under similar topographic conditions globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1-Methyl cyclopropene (1-MCP) is known as an ethylene antagonist, yet its mechanisms in regulating photosynthetic electron transport and energy dissipation in chrysanthemum under heat stress are not well understood. Here, the chlorophyll a fluorescence and modulated 820 nm reflection transients were analyzed in heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive chrysanthemum plants. This study demonstrates that 1-MCP pre-treatment helps maintain the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and the reaction center activity of photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII) during heat stress. Specifically, 1-MCP treatment significantly increases the fraction of active oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) centers and reduces relative variable fluorescence intensity at the J step (VJ) as well as the efficiency of electron transfer at the PSI acceptor side (δRo). These effects mitigate damage to the photosynthetic electron transport chain. Additionally, 1-MCP-treated plants exhibit decreased quantum yield of energy dissipation (φDo) and reduced energy flux per reaction center (DIo/RC). Overall, 1-MCP enhances light utilization efficiency and excitation energy dissipation in the PSII antennae, alleviating heat stress-induced damage to PSI and PSII structures and functions. This study not only advances our understanding of 1-MCP's regulatory role in photosynthetic processes under heat stress but also provides a basis for using exogenous substances to improve chrysanthemum heat resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus serrulata is an important landscape tree species whose flower color has high ornamental value. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating flower color in P. serrulata remain unclear. By studying the metabolomics and transcriptomics of three different color varieties under the species lineage of P. serrulata, 'Eigeng' (EG, white), 'Albo-rosea' (AR, pink), and 'Grandiflora' (GF, green), the biosynthetic mechanisms of different flower colors in P. serrulata were revealed. The results showed that the different colors of the petals were related to the content of chlorophyll and anthocyanins. Among these, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-(6-O-malonyl-β-D-glucoside) were highly expressed in AR. A combined transcriptomic analysis revealed that five flavonoid structural genes, including two DFR genes and three UFGT genes, were specifically expressed. In addition, three key transcription factors, PsMYB77, PsMYB17, and PsMYB105, were identified as regulators of the structural genes DFR and UFGT and participants in the forward synthesis of anthocyanin. This study provides convincing evidence elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin synthesis of P. serrulata and provides a theoretical basis for the breeding and development of new varieties and germplasm resource innovation for cherry blossom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in species' habitats provide important insights into the effects of climate change. Woonyoungia septentrionalis, a critically endangered species endemic to karst ecosystems, has a highly restricted distribution and is a key biological resource. Despite its ecological importance, the factors influencing its habitat suitability and distribution remain poorly understood. This study employed ecological niche modeling to predict the potential distribution of Woonyoungia septentrionalis across China and analyzed shifts in centroid location to explore migration pathways under current and future climate scenarios. The model exhibited high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.988), indicating its robustness in assessing habitat suitability. Under current climatic conditions, Woonyoungia septentrionalis is predominantly found in the Guizhou–Guangxi border region, southeastern Yunnan, eastern Sichuan, southeastern Tibet, and parts of Chongqing, Hunan, and Hubei. Among these, the Guizhou-Guangxi border represents the primary suitable habitat. Temperature factors, particularly bio6 (minimum temperature of the coldest month) and bio7 (annual temperature range), were the most significant determinants of habitat suitability, contributing 43.29% and 12.65%, respectively. Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) accounted for 15.82%, while precipitation had a relatively minor impact. Under future climate scenarios, suitable habitats for Woonyoungia septentrionalis are projected to shrink and shift toward higher altitudes and latitudes, increasing the risk of extinction due to the "mountain trap" effect, where migration is constrained by limited habitat at higher elevations. Stable habitats, particularly in Libo (Guizhou) and Huanjiang (Guangxi), are identified as critical refugia. We recommend prioritizing shrinking and stable habitats in Guizhou, Guangxi, and Yunnan for in situ conservation. Ex situ conservation efforts should focus on areas identified based on key environmental factors and predicted migration pathways to ensure the species' long-term survival. This study provides both theoretical and practical guidance for the conservation of this species and its vulnerable habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between oxidative stress and cancer has been extensively studied and highlighted, along with its role in various aspects of angiogenesis. The modulation of oxidative levels and the adaptive mechanisms of oxidative stress in cancer systems are attractive research themes for developing anti-cancer strategies. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in various pathophysiological processes and play crucial roles in DNA damage and angiogenesis. Although cancer cells have developed various adaptive defense mechanisms against oxidative stress, excessive ROS production has been proposed as an anti-cancer strategy to induce cellular apoptosis. In particular, natural-source-based antioxidants have been identified as effective against cancers, and various delivery platforms have been developed to enhance their efficacy. In this review, we highlighted the anti-cancer components (plumbagin, quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin, xanthatin, carvacrol, telmisartan, and sulforaphane) that modulate ROS levels and the recent targeting platforms used to increase the application of anti-cancer drugs and the developed delivery platforms with diverse mechanisms of action. Further, we summarized the actual doses used and the effects of these drug candidates in various cancer systems. Overall, this review provides beneficial research themes for expanding cancer-targeting fields and addressing limited applications in diverse cancer types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological and biochemical changes of the hepatopancreas and intestinal microbial structure of Penaeus vannamei under various levels of carbonate alkalinity stress. After Penaeus vannamei (body length 14.24 ± 2.13 cm, body weight 26.31 ± 3.26 g) was subjected to 96 h carbonate alkalinity stress, the alkalinity stress levels were E8 (8 mmol/L), E18 (18 mmol/L) and E28 (28 mmol/L), respectively. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was determined by enzyme markers, and then the intestinal microorganisms of Penaeus vannamei were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that, under the stress of high carbonate alkalinity, the mortality rate of Penaeus vannamei was as high as 75%, and hepatopancreas cells showed obvious deformation, abnormal nuclear shapes, and serious cell vacuolation. Under high carbonate alkalinity stress, superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity and glutathione peroxidase activity in the Penaeus vannamei hepatopancreas were significantly lower than those in control group (p < 0.05), and malondialdehyde content was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Alkaline phosphatase activity in the experimental group was significantly different from that in the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the 16SrDNA high-throughput sequencing results showed that the intestinal abundance of Proteobacteria in Penaeus vannamei was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) under high carbonate alkalinity stress, and the abundance of Bacteroides was significantly increased (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Chrysobacteria was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The functional prediction results of COG and KEGG showed that the functional abundance of RNA polymerase sigma-70 factor is direct bacterial or plastid core RNA polymerase and is specific to promoter elements that are situated 10 and 35 base-pairs upstream of transcription-initiation points—in the high carbonate alkalinity treatment group, this was higher than that in the control group. The functional abundance of signal transduction histidine kinase was lower than that of the control group. The results of this study not only indicated that Penaeus vannamei cell structure would change and mortality would increase under high carbonate alkalinity culture environment, but they also analyzed the changes of the intestinal microbial structure under carbonate alkalinity stress. This study could provide theoretical reference for Penaeus vannamei saline–alkali land culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt lake resources are unique and valuable minerals on Earth associated with specific elements. The advancement of technology and the rise of new industries are progressively showcasing their strategic significance for economic development. This study used bibliometrics and visualization techniques to analyze the current state and developmental trends of research on salt lake resource exploitation, both domestically and globally. A total of 760 articles from Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) were analyzed. The research findings reveal that the processes of salt lake separation and extraction have progressed through three distinct stages: the germination stage, the stable development stage, and the rapid development stage. China has offered robust policy support for research in this domain at the national level. China possesses a centrality score of 1.08 in the separation and extraction of salt lakes, with 50% of the 10 most active nations in this domain situated in Asia and South America. The prominent institutions comprise the Chinese Academy of Sciences (centrality score of 0.32), the Qinghai Salt Lake Study Institute (centrality score of 0.22), and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (centrality score of 0.14), encompassing a diverse array of study subjects. Keywords from 2003 signify the initial advancement of lithium extraction from saline lakes, whereas those from 2011 underscore the heightened focus on integrated resource utilization and multidisciplinary study. Keywords from 2015 indicate an intensified emphasis on the extraction of lithium and other elements. The terms "tributyl phosphate" (citation strength of 6.05) and "nanofiltration" (citation strength of 4.29) exhibit significant interest in magnesium–lithium separation research and water treatment technologies employed in salt lake separation and extraction, receiving the highest number of citations. The persistent emphasis on "lithium ions" signifies the increasing demand for raw materials propelled by advancements in the new energy sector. Research trend analysis indicates that sodium resource utilization has stabilized, whereas magnesium, a byproduct of lithium extraction, is presently a key focus for downstream product applications. Rare elements remain at the experimental research stage. The industrialization of salt lake resources, including potassium, lithium, and boron, is notably advanced. Future research should focus on the mineralization and enrichment patterns of potassium resources, developing improved extraction methods for lithium, and advancing technologies for the cost-effective and environmentally friendly separation of boron resources. The future objective for resource extraction in salt lakes is to transition from a crude methodology to a refined, sustainable, and intelligent development framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, high-salt diets have become one of the world's biggest dietary crisis and long-term high-salt diets are seriously detrimental to human health. In response to this situation, the present study proposed a saltiness enhancement strategy using alginate, which is a dietary fibre from brown algae and has many health benefits, such as regulating intestinal microbiota, anti-hypertension and anti-obesity. The comparison of alginates with different viscosities showed that alginate of 1000–1500 cps at a concentration of 1.25 g/L could enhance the saltiness of NaCl solution by 11.5%. Then, a solid salt was prepared through spray drying with 4.83% of this alginate, and its structure was characterised by X-Ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy to confirm its hollow structure with a particle size of 6.25 ± 2.26 μm as well as its crystal structure similar to original NaCl. Moreover, the conductivity monition revealed that the hollow salt exhibited a more rapid dissolution in water and its alginate component increased the adhesive retention of sodium ions on the tongue surface, which both effectively enhanced the sensory perception. Finally, as revealed by the sensory evaluation, the prepared hollow salt showed higher saltiness than that of original table salt and it could reduce sodium intake by 29%. Thus, the hollow salt prepared with alginate in the present study has potential for salt reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practical implementation of terahertz (THz) imaging and spectroscopic systems in real operational conditions requires them to be of a compact size, to have enhanced functionality, and to be user-friendly. This work demonstrates the single-sided integration of Fresnel-zone-plate-based optical elements with InGaAs bow-tie diodes directly on a semiconductor chip. Numerical simulations were conducted to optimize the Fresnel zone plate's focal length and the InP substrate's thickness to achieve constructive interference at 600 GHz, room-temperature operation and achieve a sensitivity more than an order of magnitude higher—up to 24.5 V/W—than that of a standalone bow-tie detector. Investigations revealed the strong angular dependence of the incident radiation on the Fresnel zone plate-integrated bow-tie diode's response. These findings pave a promising avenue for the further development of single-sided integration of flat optics with THz detectors, enabling improved sensitivity, simplified manufacturing processes, and reduced costs for THz detection systems in a more compact design scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) is a key enzyme in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway, responsible for converting isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP) into farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP). In crustaceans, FPPS plays an important role in various physiological processes, particularly in synthesizing the crustacean-specific hormone methyl farnesoate (MF). This study analyzed the evolutionary differences in the physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, gene structure, and motif composition of FPPS in Neocaridina denticulata sinensis (named NdFPPS) compared to other species. The significant evolutionary divergence of FPPS was observed in crustaceans, likely linked to its role in MF synthesis. After the RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of NdFPPS, transcriptomic analysis of gills revealed the significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in pathways related to metabolism and immunity. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that most of these immune-related pathways were significantly suppressed, suggesting that NdFPPS may indirectly regulate the immune response by modulating metabolic levels. During the early stages of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection, the expression of NdFPPS in the gills was significantly downregulated and subsequently returned to its original levels. Overall, our results provide new perspectives on the role of FPPS in immune regulation and enrich the functional information of FPPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first to convert two waste materials, waste rice noodles (WRN) and red mud (RM), into a low-cost, high-value magnetic photocatalytic composite. WRN was processed via a hydrothermal method to produce a solution containing carbon quantum dots (CQDs). Simultaneously, RM was dissolved in acid to form a Fe3+ ion-rich solution, which was subsequently mixed with the CQDs solution and underwent hydrothermal treatment. During this process, the Fe3+ ions in RM were transformed into the maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) phase, while CQDs were incorporated onto the γ-Fe2O3 surface, resulting in the CQDs/γ-Fe2O3 magnetic photocatalytic composite. Experimental results demonstrated that the WRN-derived CQDs not only facilitated the formation of the magnetic γ-Fe2O3 phase but also promoted a synergistic interaction between CQDs and γ-Fe2O3, enhancing electron-hole pair separation and boosting the production of reactive radicals such as O2·− and ·OH. Under optimized conditions (pH = 8, carbon loading: 10 wt%), the CQDs/γ-Fe2O3 composite exhibited good photocatalytic performance against methylene blue, achieving a 97.6% degradation rate within 480 min and a degradation rate constant of 5.99 × 10−3 min−1, significantly outperforming RM and commercial γ-Fe2O3 powder. Beyond methylene blue, this composite also effectively degraded common organic dyes, including malachite green, methyl violet, basic fuchsin, and rhodamine B, with particularly high efficiency against malachite green, reaching a degradation rate constant of 5.465 × 10−2 min−1. Additionally, due to its soft magnetic properties (saturation magnetization intensity: 16.7 emu/g, residual magnetization intensity: 2.2 emu/g), the material could be conveniently recovered and reused after photocatalytic cycles. Even after 10 cycles, it retained over 98% recovery and 96% photocatalytic degradation efficiency, underscoring its potential for cost-effective, large-scale photocatalytic water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise profoundly affects the quality of electromagnetic data, and selecting the appropriate hyperparameters for machine learning models poses a significant challenge. Consequently, the current machine learning denoising techniques fall short in delivering precise processing of Wide Field Electromagnetic Method (WFEM) data. To eliminate the noise, this paper presents an electromagnetic data denoising approach based on the improved dung beetle optimized (IDBO) gated recurrent unit (GRU) and its application. Firstly, Spatial Pyramid Matching (SPM) chaotic mapping, variable spiral strategy, Levy flight mechanism, and adaptive T-distribution variation perturbation strategy were utilized to enhance the DBO algorithm. Subsequently, the mean square error is employed as the fitness of the IDBO algorithm to achieve the hyperparameter optimization of the GRU algorithm. Finally, the IDBO-GRU method is applied to the denoising processing of WFEM data. Experiments demonstrate that the optimization capacity of the IDBO algorithm is conspicuously superior to other intelligent optimization algorithms, and the IDBO-GRU algorithm surpasses the probabilistic neural network (PNN) and the GRU algorithm in the denoising accuracy of WFEM data. Moreover, the time domain of the processed WFEM data is more in line with periodic signal characteristics, its overall data quality is significantly enhanced, and the electric field curve is more stable. Therefore, the IDBO-GRU is more adept at processing the time domain sequence, and the application results also validate that the proposed method can offer technical support for electromagnetic inversion interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition prevalent among elderly adults marked by cognitive decline resulting from injured and/or improperly functioning cerebrovasculature with resultant disruptions in cerebral blood flow. Currently, VaD has no specific therapeutics and the exact pathobiology is still being investigated. VaD has been shown to develop when reactive oxygen species (ROS) form from damaged targets at different levels of organization—mitochondria, endothelial cells, or cerebrovasculature. In this review, we highlight how specific ROS molecules may be important in the development of VaD and how they can be targeted as a potential therapeutic for VaD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the influence of the polyurethane blending ratio on the micro-characteristics of polyurethane-modified asphalt, three samples of the modified asphalt with different blending ratios (40%, 50%, and 60%) were prepared. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to elucidate the modification mechanism of polyurethane-modified asphalt. To investigate how the preparation method affects the performance of polyurethane-modified asphalt mixtures, two different preparation methods, namely internal blending and external blending, were adopted. The road performance of the polyurethane-modified asphalt mixtures was evaluated through the utilization of rutting tests, low-temperature trabecular bending tests, and freeze–thaw splitting tests. The FTIR test results indicate that during the modification of polyurethane, there is a change in both the intensity and position of the absorption peak, which affects the local arrangement of the molecular structure. Upon reaching a polyurethane blending ratio of 50%, a cross-linked network structure that is similar to polyurethane is formed. The results of the AFM test demonstrate that an increase in polyurethane content results in a corresponding increase in surface roughness. At a polyurethane content of 50%, the curing reaction is most effective, which is beneficial for enhancing the bonding performance between the asphalt and the aggregate, thereby enhancing the overall water stability of the mixture. The results of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests indicate that the microstructure is more stable when the polyurethane content is 50%. The results of the performance test of the polyurethane-modified asphalt mixture indicate that the dynamic stability of the polyurethane-modified asphalt mixture is approximately four times that of the SBS-modified asphalt mixture. The flexural tensile strength and maximum flexural strain of the polyurethane-modified asphalt mixture are, respectively, 1.5 and 3.2 times those of the SBS-modified asphalt mixture, indicating that its anti-deformation ability is stronger in a low-temperature environment, and it is found that the low-temperature performance of the mixture prepared with the internal blending method is better than that with the external blending method. The splitting strength of the polyurethane asphalt mixture before and after freezing and thawing is greater than that of an SBS asphalt mixture: before freezing and thawing, by about 3.8 times; after freezing and thawing, by about 3 times. Although the freezing and thawing of the polyurethane mixture has damage, it still meets the requirements of the use of pavement materials. It can be observed that the incorporation of polyurethane alters the internal structure of the asphalt, which markedly enhances the properties of the asphalt mixture and offers a novel perspective on the development of modified asphalt materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to solve the problem of longer dead-time in the rear bridge leg switches and lower efficiency in the Four-Switch Buck-Boost LLC Resonant Converter. Design/methodology/approach: The paper adopts time-domain analysis to derive the time-domain expression for optimal dead time, analyzing the conditions for achieving soft switching of the transistors. It further explores the relationship between the dead time of the bridge arm switching transistors and the input/output of the converter under different operating conditions. Specifically, the dead time of the upper bridge arm transistors increases with the converter input voltage and decreases with the output current. In contrast, the dead time of the lower bridge arm transistors is independent of the converter output current and decreases with increasing converter input voltage. Findings: By simulating and constructing a 500 W experimental prototype, experimental results indicate that designing the dead time of the switch according to the optimal dead time proposed in this paper significantly improves efficiency when the converter operates from heavy load to full load. When the transformer takes minimum input, maximum input and intermediate bus voltage inputs respectively, its peak efficiency is increased by 0.6%, 1.7% and 1.1%, respectively, compared to the traditional four-switch Buck–Boost LLC resonant converter. Originality/value: Experimental validation confirms the correctness of the optimal dead time design and analyzes the impact of different operating conditions of the converter on the dead time. This is of significant importance for the rational design of switch dead times and the enhancement of converter efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmentally, removing organic pollutants from industrial waste solutions is important. In this study, the potentiality of removing Thoron (TH) and Arsenazo III (ARZIII) pollutants was investigated using chemically stable zinc tungstate nanoparticles (ZW-NPs). The preparation of ZW-NPs was performed using an eco-friendly solvo/hydrothermal technique as a sorbent. Complete characterisation of ZW-NPs before and after the adsorption processes was performed using XRD, FT-IR, EDX, DLS, and TEM analysis. The nanostructure of the zinc tungstate and the incidence of adsorption upon the ZW-NPs were effectively demonstrated. The maximum uptakes of TH and ARZIII contaminants on the ZW-NPs sorbent were 86.3 and 94.7 mg/g respectively. These uptakes were accomplished under optimum pH of 4.0 and 5 for TH and ARZIII, respectively. The adsorption outcomes were studied using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. Modelling results indicated that the adsorption followed a pseudo-2nd-order interaction. The adsorption isotherms and thermodynamic results demonstrated the endothermic and chemisorption behaviour. Approximately, TH and ARZIII were completely removed from the laboratory waste solutions on the studied sorbent using optimal adsorption conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Heat stress is a challenging environmental factor that affects poultry production. Adaptation to heat stress is regulated by heat shock proteins (HSPs). In chickens, HSP70 expression is controlled by heat shock factor 3 (HSF3). The genetic diversity of heat shock genes is thought to be closely associated with the productive and reproductive performance of farm animals. The present study aimed to explore the relationships between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes of Bangladeshi hilly chickens and their egg production traits. Sequencing and allele-specific PCR identified two novel SNPs (G-399A and A-68G) in the 5′-flanking regions of HSP70. In addition, three previously identified SNPs in HSP70 (A258G, C276G and C1431A) and two SNPs in HSF3 (A-1388G and A-1703G) were also genotyped. A population of 150 breeding hilly chickens was used to analyze the associations between SNPs in these genes and the chickens' egg production traits. Among the analyzed SNPs, the two novel SNPs (G-399A and A-68G) were significantly associated with egg number and egg weight, respectively. In addition, all other SNPs except A-1703G were also found to be associated with egg production traits. These results suggest that the identified SNPs in these genes might be useful in a selective breeding program to enhance productivity in warm environments. In warm environments, thermoregulation in poultry is controlled by heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), whose expression is controlled by heat shock factor 3 (HSF3). Although the association between genetic polymorphisms in these genes and thermotolerance as well as reproductive traits has been extensively studied in mammals, the association has not yet been studied in poultry. This study aimed to explore the relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes and the egg production traits of Bangladeshi hilly chickens. Sequencing and allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) were used to detect new SNPs and perform genotyping. We identified two novel SNPs (G-399A and A-68G) in the 5′-flanking regions of HSP70 that were significantly associated with egg numbers (ENs) at 161–190 days and increased egg weight (EW) at 40 weeks of age. Furthermore, three SNPs in HSP70 (A258G, C276G and C1431A) and one SNP in HSF3 (A-1388G) were associated with EN at different ages. The haplotype and combined genotypic effects of these two genes were found to be associated with age at sexual maturity (ASM), EN, EW, and body weight at ASM. The identified SNPs and their corresponding haplotypes may be useful in selective breeding to enhance the productivity of chickens in warm environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multicolor immunoassay is a powerful tool for rapid analysis without the use of bulky instruments owing to various color conversions, which is suitable for on-site visual analysis for pesticides. Herein, this study developed a multicolor immunoassay for the rapid detection of isocarbophos. After competitive immunoassay, the secondary antibody (GAM-ALP) catalyzed ascorbyl-2-phosphate (AAP) into ascorbic acid (AA). The AA can reduce K3[Fe(CN)6] into K4[Fe(CN)6]. The latter can react with Fe3+ to form Prussian blue; otherwise, the orange AAP-Fe3+ complex was generated. Therefore, the multicolor immunoassay achieved a color conversion of orange–green–blue in response to isocarbophos, allowing for rapid semiquantitative analysis by the naked eye. After parameter optimization, the multicolor immunoassay was developed depending on the ratiometric absorbance between the Prussian blue and AAP-Fe3+ complex. Moreover, a smartphone was used to measure the RGB value of the color conversion for the development of portable visual, quantitative analysis. Both the absorbance-based and RGB-based multicolor immunoassays showed good accuracy and practicability in the recovery test. This study provided a common approach for the development of dual-readout multicolor immunoassay, which can be used for on-site rapid screening by quantitative or visual semiquantitative analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is an important crop worldwide. Commonly, the production process is initiated in nurseries that provide seedlings to greenhouse growers. Many factors influence crop production, one of which is the seedlings' quality. Light has an enormous effect on seedlings; however, in passive greenhouses, its control is quite difficult. In this situation, plants are usually affected by low or high light intensities which induces poor growth on plants. On the other hand, there is some evidence that sucrose applications could compensate for the adverse effects caused by low light intensities and other abiotic factors like salinity, drought, and temperature. In this way, this research aimed to assess the impact of exogenous sucrose on the morphology, quality, and growth of tomato seedlings cultivated under low-tech greenhouse conditions commonly observed in tropical and subtropical commercial nurseries. Four sucrose treatments were proposed (0, 1, 10, and 100 mM). On days 28, 32, 36, 40, and 44 after sowing, several morphological, physiological and growth measurements were evaluated. Sucrose-treated plants displayed higher leaf areas and chlorophyll contents, facilitating light absorption. Therefore, the relative growth rate (RGR) was enhanced and better explained by a higher net assimilation rate (NAR). Consequently, a higher dry matter accumulation and Dixon quality index (DQI) were achieved. Plants under treatment at 100 mM exhibited the best performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure-gain combustion (PGC) represents a promising alternative to conventional propulsion systems for interplanetary travel due to its key advantages, including higher thermodynamic efficiency, increased specific impulse, and more compact engine designs. However, to elevate this technology to a sufficient technology readiness level (TRL) for practical application, extensive experimental validation, particularly under vacuum conditions, is essential. This study focuses on the performance of a pulsed-detonation combustor (PDC) under near-vacuum conditions, with two primary objectives: to assess the combustor's ignition capabilities and to characterize the shock wave behavior at the exit plane. To achieve these objectives, high-frequency pressure sensors are strategically positioned within both the vacuum chamber and the combustor prototype to capture the pressure cycles during operation, providing insights into pressure augmentation over a period of approximately 0.5 s. Additionally, the Schlieren visualization technique is employed to analyze and interpret the flow structures of the exhaust jet. The combination of these experimental methods enables a comprehensive understanding of the ignition dynamics and the development of shock waves, contributing valuable data to advance PGC technology for space-exploration applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogeochemical research on fluids is an effective method to understand the formation mechanism, occurrence environment, and circulation process of groundwater. The groundwater sampling sites are located in the town of Dachaidan on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, which was selected as the study object. Samples were collected from hot and cold springs and surface water in the area. This study is based on the analysis of water chemistry and isotopes, and aims (1) to discuss the chemical characteristics of groundwater in Da Qaidam, (2) to estimate the deep reservoir temperatures, recharge elevation and circulation depth of geothermal waters, and (3) to figure out the heat source beneath the geothermal area and its genetic mechanism. The result showed the following: The hydrochemical type of the hot spring is Cl·SO4-Na and Cl-Na, and the hydrochemical type of cold spring is SO4·HCO3-Na·Ca and Cl·HCO3·SO4-Ca·Na. The main source of groundwater recharge is snow and ice melt water. The recharge elevation ranges from 4666.8 m to 5755.9 m. The geothermal reservoir temperature is about 119.15–126.6 °C. Ice and snow melt water infiltrate into the high mountainous areas on the north side of Da Qaidam and circulate underground through the developed deep and large fractures. Part of the groundwater migrates upwards under the water conduction of the Da Qaidam fault fracture zone to form cold springs, while another part is heated by deep circulation and exposed to the surface in the form of medium to low temperature tectonic hot springs. The research results can provide a scientific basis for geothermal resource exploitation and utilization in Qinghai Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom comprises a diverse array of proteins and peptides. However, the roles and properties of these individual components are still not fully understood. Among these, Cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRiSPs) are recognized but not fully characterized. This study investigates the biological effects of Opharin, the CRiSP from king cobra venom (KCV). The effects of Opharin on cytokine production, specifically on IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-10 release, were evaluated over 24 h in monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) cells. Notably, the levels of these inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased over 24 h, with values higher than those observed in cells treated with crude KCV at most time points. Additionally, the in vivo Miles assay in mice revealed that Opharin increased vascular permeability by 26% compared to the negative control group. These findings highlight the Opharin's role in severe inflammatory and vascular responses observed in king cobra envenomation. Still, further research is essential to elucidate the pharmacological and toxicological effects of venom components, ultimately enhancing the clinical management of envenomation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growth arrest and DNA damage 45G (GADD45G) is a family of proteins involved in DNA damage response and cell growth arrest. In this study, we show evidence that urinary GADD45G protein is associated with the progression of IgA nephropathy. Methods: Patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy without reversible acute kidney injury at study initiation and with at least one subsequent serum creatinine (SCr) measurement were included. A 50% or greater increase in SCr level was used as an endpoint for the deterioration of renal function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed using a Human GADD45G ELISA kit. Renal biopsy tissues were stained with a monoclonal mouse anti-GADD45G antibody. Results: Forty-five patients whose renal biopsy revealed IgA nephropathy were enrolled. Urinary GADD45G and urinary protein concentrations were 1.26 [0.69–2.20] μg/g creatinine and 0.65 [0.24–1.60] g/g creatinine, respectively. Urinary GADD45G showed significant positive correlations with SCr-slopes and urinary protein. The SCr-slope of the highest tertile group of urinary GADD45G (above 1.95 μg/g creatinine) was significantly higher than that of the lowest tertile group (below 0.90 μg/g). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that urinary GADD45G was significantly associated with deterioration of renal function. A Kaplan–Meier test showed a significant difference in event-free survival for deterioration of renal function between the highest urinary GADD45G tertile group and other tertile groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve indicated urinary GADD45G had a good performance in predicting renal outcome (cut-off point 1.67 μg/g, positive predictive value 36.8%, negative predictive value 100%). Immunohistochemistry showed that GADD45G was expressed across all pathologic grades of IgA nephropathy and mainly detected in the cytoplasm of renal tubules, whereas no staining was noted in normal tissues. Conclusions: Urinary GADD45G excretion was significantly associated with kidney disease progression in patients with IgA nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbiota-derived hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a crucial role in modulating the gut–brain axis, with significant implications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. H2S is produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria in the gut and acts as a critical signaling molecule influencing brain health via various pathways, including regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune responses. H2S maintains gut barrier integrity at physiological levels and prevents systemic inflammation, which could impact neuroinflammation. However, as H2S has a dual role or a Janus face, excessive H2S production, often resulting from gut dysbiosis, can compromise the intestinal barrier and exacerbate neurodegenerative processes by promoting neuroinflammation and glial cell dysfunction. This imbalance is linked to the early pathogenesis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, where the overproduction of H2S exacerbates beta-amyloid deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, and alpha-synuclein aggregation, driving neuroinflammatory responses and neuronal damage. Targeting gut microbiota to restore H2S homeostasis through dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation presents a promising therapeutic approach. By rebalancing the microbiota-derived H2S, these strategies may mitigate neurodegeneration and offer novel treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, underscoring the critical role of the gut–brain axis in maintaining central nervous system health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control of the vehicle transmission system is of great significance to driving comfort. In order to design a controller for smooth shifting and comfortable driving, a dynamic model of dual-clutch transmission is established in this paper. An optimal control strategy for clutch oil pressure based on linear quadratics is proposed, which is used to optimally control the oil pressure of two clutches in the torque stage and inertia stage. The control strategy selects the slipping work and jerk as evaluation indices of shift quality and establishes an optimization objective function. On the premise of optimizing the input torque, the relative speed difference between the engine and the sliding clutch in the inertia stage is adjusted. Through the optimal trajectory control of the wet clutch oil pressure, slipping work and jerk are reduced, thereby improving driving comfort. The simulation results show that the slipping work and jerk generated by the system during the shift stage are reduced, and the shift quality is improved. Additionally, compared with the controller using the MATLAB particle swarm optimization algorithm, the response speed of the proposed controller is faster, the slipping work and jerk are better reduced, and the shift quality is improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar has gained considerable attention as a sustainable soil amendment due to its potential to enhance soil fertility and mitigate nitrogen (N) losses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar application on the abundance of key N-cycling genes in Mollisol and alkaline soils, focusing on nitrification (AOA, AOB, and nxrB) and denitrification (narG, norB, and nosZ) processes. The experiment was conducted using soybean rhizosphere soil. The results demonstrated that biochar significantly altered the microbial community structure by modulating the abundance of these functional genes. Specifically, biochar reduced narG and nosZ abundance in both soil types, indicating a potential reduction in N2O emissions. In contrast, it promoted the abundance of nxrB, particularly in alkaline soils, suggesting enhanced nitrite oxidation. The study also revealed strong correlations between N-cycling gene abundances and soil properties such as pH, EC (electrical conductivity. Biochar improved soil pH and nutrient availability, creating favorable conditions for AOB and Nitrospira populations, which play key roles in ammonia and nitrite oxidation. Additionally, the reduction in norB/nosZ ratios in biochar-treated soils suggests a shift towards more efficient N2O reduction. These findings highlight biochar's dual role in enhancing soil fertility and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in Mollisol and alkaline soils. The results provide valuable insights into the sustainable management of agricultural soils through biochar application, emphasizing its potential to optimize nitrogen-cycling processes and improve soil health. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of biochar on microbial communities and nitrogen-cycling under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of machine learning (ML) into material manufacturing has driven advancements in optimizing biopolymer production processes. ML techniques, applied across various stages of biopolymer production, enable the analysis of complex data generated throughout production, identifying patterns and insights not easily observed through traditional methods. As sustainable alternatives to petrochemical-based plastics, biopolymers present unique challenges due to their reliance on variable bio-based feedstocks and complex processing conditions. This review systematically summarizes the current applications of ML techniques in biopolymer production, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for future research while highlighting the potential of ML to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality. This review also shows the role of ML algorithms, including supervised, unsupervised, and deep learning algorithms, in optimizing biopolymer manufacturing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical profiling of ethyl acetate extract of the endophytic fungus Pleosporales sp. using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) revealed the presence of 12 metabolites of different chemical classes such as steroids, α-pyrones, asterric acid derivatives, and quinones. Additionally, the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol extracts exhibited the presence of fatty acids and their esters, in which methyl palmitate (18.72%, and 25.48%, respectively) and methyl linoleate (11.92% and 23.39%, respectively) were found in both extracts. On the other hand, palmitic acid (12.60%), methyl oleate (26.90%), oleic acid (4.01%) and linoleic acid (3.25%) were present only in methanol extract. Furthermore, ethyl palmitate (12.60%), 13-octadecenoic acid (19.36%), and ethyl linoleate (3.25%) occurred in EtOAc extract. A phytochemical investigation of both extracts led to the isolation of fatty acids such as palmitic acid (18), oleic acid (20), and linoleic acid (21) and their esters including methyl palmitate (13), methyl stearate (22), methyl linoleate (16), methyl 3-hydroxy-5-methylhexanoate (23), and monomethyl azelate (27), in addition to monoacyl derivatives of glycerol such as 3,3-dihydroxypropyl hexadecanoate (24), 2,3-dihydroxypropyl elaidate (25), and 1-linoleoyl-sn-glycerol (26). The structures of the isolated compounds were identified by different spectroscopic analyses including 1H- and 13C-NMR and GC-MS. The EtOAc extract exhibited a cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 and HepG-2 cell lines, with IC50 values of 4.12 ± 0.10 and 10.05 ± 0.05 μg/mL, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving high-yielding crops while also improving nitrogen use efficiency is a significant challenge for agricultural production in Bangladesh. We investigated the impacts of applying nitrogen (N) using different management options in wetland rice on a calcareous dark gray soil over three seasons. These included (1) the recommended dose of available N as prilled urea, (2) the recommended N dose plus 25% extra of available N as prilled urea, (3) 25% less than the recommended dose of available N as prilled urea, (4) the recommended dose of prilled urea in 2 t ha−1 cow dung, (5) the recommended dose as urea super granules (USGs) by deep placement, (6) 4 t ha−1 biochar with the recommended dose of prilled urea, and (7) Zero N. It was found that the growth, yield, and N use efficiency (NUE) were significantly different from the results obtained for prilled urea in all the alternative fertilizer options. The deep placement of USG consistently increased plant height, total number of tillers per plant, effective tillers per plant, chlorophyll content, panicle length, grains per panicle, and 1000-grain weight. The yield increases over recommended prilled urea were 5.22% for USG followed by biochar with the recommended dose. Similarly, using the deep placement of USG gave the highest yield and harvest index. In addition, compared to the recommended dose of prilled urea, the deep placement of USG increased NUE by 13%, agronomic N efficiency by 20%, and recovery N use efficiency by 19%. This suggests the rate of N application could be reduced by up to 8% without impacting yield by using deep placement of USG instead of prilled urea. The cost–benefit ratio was higher for the deep placement of USG than all other treatments. Biochar with the recommended dose of prilled urea also showed good results in terms of growth, yield, and NUE (41.8, 43.0, and 41.7, respectively, during three sequential years), but the extra cost of the biochar reduced the cost–benefit ratio. These findings suggest that the deep placement of USG is the best option for improving the yield of rice while also improving N use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the impact of disordered mining activities in previous years, numerous abandoned roadways exist in the second mining district of the 13# coal seam in Chejiazhuang Coal Mine. The stability of the new roadway roof was analyzed under various distributions of abandoned roadways above. It was determined that the ultimate stable thickness of the coal layer between the new and abandoned roadways is 4.0 m. When the thickness between the two is less than 4.0 m, the roof becomes unstable after excavation, posing a risk of collapse. Advanced grouting reinforcement is required to enhance roof stability before installing U-shaped steel arches. Mechanical experiments were conducted on the polymer grouting consolidation of fractured coal, showing a significant increase in residual strength compared to intact coal. Furthermore, the uniaxial compressive strength of the polymer grouting consolidation partially recovered. On average, the consolidation coefficient and recovery coefficient were 5.28 and 85.51%, respectively. Grouting increased the ductility of the fractured surrounding rock, enhancing its resistance to deformation and plasticity. A polymer grouting consolidation technology for supporting fractured surrounding rock under the unstable roof of abandoned roadways is proposed, along with the design of corresponding support schemes and parameters. Monitoring the results of mine pressure indicated that the surrounding rock remained stable after roadway excavation, validating the effectiveness of the support schemes and parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate corrosion and resulting changes in the sealing performance of premium connections in corrosive CO2 environments, we carried out a simulation analysis of their secondary current distribution and structural mechanics based on multi-physics field coupling. A finite element calculation model of Ф88.9 mm × 6.45 mm taper–taper premium connections (steel grade P110) was established using COMSOL6.0 general software. By analyzing corrosion laws under different environmental parameters, five internal pressures and tensile displacements were set. We simulated premium connections under different operating conditions using a secondary current distribution module. To investigate the distribution of the corrosion current density in premium connections under different operating conditions, the sealing performance before and after corrosion was quantitatively evaluated using a seal strength index. The results show that the current density is higher at the torque shoulder of the premium connections, which is more susceptible to damage. As the internal pressure increases, the current density in the inner wall of the column increases, and on the threads, the current density is highest at the rounded corners of the root of the thread, which is also more likely to be damaged. Under different internal pressures, although the sealing strength of the premium connections meets the sealing criterion, the corroded ones show a significant reduction in sealing performance. The results of this study provide a reliable theoretical basis for research on sealing premium connections in corrosive environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, carbon-particle-supported palladium-based cobalt composite electrocatalysts (abbreviated as PdxCoy/CPs) were prepared using a calcination–hydrothermal process–hydrothermal process (denoted as CHH). The catalysts of PdxCoy/CPs prepared using CoC2O4·2H2O, (CH3COO)2Co·4H2O, and metallic cobalt were named catalyst c1, c2, and c3, respectively. For comparison, the catalyst prepared in the absence of a Co source (denoted as Pd/CP) was identified as catalyst c0. All fabricated catalysts were thoroughly characterized by XRD, EDS, XPS, and FTIR, indicating that PdO, metallic Pd, carbon particles, and a very small amount of cobalt oxide were the main components of all produced catalysts. As demonstrated by the traditional electrochemical techniques of CV and CA, the electrocatalytic performances of PdxCoy/CP towards the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) were significantly superior to that of Pd/CP. In particular, c1 showed an unexpected electrocatalytic activity for EOR; for instance, in the CV test, the peak f current density of EOR on catalyst c1 was 129.3 mA cm−2, being about 10.7 times larger than that measured on Pd/CP, and in the CA test, the polarized current density of EOR recorded for c1 after 7200 s was still about 2.1 mA cm−2, which was larger than that recorded for Pd/CP (0.6 mA cm−2). In the catalyst preparation process, except for the elements of C, O, Co, and Pd, no other elements were involved, which was thought to be the main contribution of this preliminary work, being very meaningful to the further exploration of Pd-based composite EOR catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme rainfall and soil moisture play important roles in the survival, community composition, and ecosystem function of desert plants. This study focused on arid desert riparian forests ecosystems in the Ebinur Lake Basin of Xinjiang, China. We analyzed the effects of rainfall and soil moisture on species composition, indicator species, β diversity, species turnover, and nestedness using three consecutive years of community surveys. A zero-model combined with a Bayesian framework was used to explore the response of species turnover and nestedness to soil moisture and rainfall, and variance decomposition was used to quantify the relative importance of spatial distance, rainfall, and soil factors in determining species composition. The results indicated the following: (1) when rainfall was high, the richness and abundance of annual herbaceous plants increased. The proportion of the community based on richness (32%) and abundance (58.1%) of annual herbaceous plants in 2016 was higher than that in 2015 and 2017. The Jaccard, Bray–Curtis, and Chao indexes of the community in years with higher rainfall were significantly higher than in years with lower rainfall; however, a lag effect was also observed. (2) Soil factors explained 5% of the changes in community composition, rainfall explained 12% of the changes in community composition, and spatial distance, soil factors, and rainfall jointly explained 32% of the changes in community composition. (3) We also showed that high soil moisture leads to greater β diversity than low soil moisture. Rainfall had the greatest explanatory power on the measured values of β diversity (19.6%) and species turnover (38%), and the factor with the greatest explanatory power for species nestedness was the interaction between rainfall and soil moisture (26.2%). Our findings indicate that drought and rainfall drive differences in plant community composition, with rainfall playing a dominant role. These results provide a basis for understanding the impact of extreme rainfall events on arid ecosystem functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish holes called "whédos" are excavations performed near water bodies or in the flood plains of Beninese rivers in Africa for rearing fish. During floods, they are filled and naturally colonized by various fish that remain trapped during recessions. This literature review examines fishing, aquaculture, and fish reared in traditional holes in Benin. It reports on cartography, characterization, socioeconomic aspects, challenges, and status of improvement, and proposes prospects for improving this system. Peer reviews and gray literature were used to conduct the analysis. Our review highlights 19 papers reporting on 17 whédos aquaculture experiences based on the exclusion or inclusion criteria. These results indicate that many genera can be reared in whédos, suggesting that whédos offer the possibility of going beyond the production of Clarias and Tilapia in Africa. Furthermore, the exploitation of the whédos system is fairly profitable for fishermen and their households, at approximately US$ 1713 per household annually, used to finance agricultural activities, children's education, schooling, mitigating farmers' vulnerability to climate risks, and health care. However, in the past two decades, there has been a significant decline in the quantity of fish collected owing to the adverse effects of hydroclimatic changes, such as floods and prolonged droughts. Moreover, water eutrophication or pollution, the risk of climate change, and fishing methods have affected crop yield over the years. The implementation of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture or Integration Agriculture-Aquaculture in whédos systems can be an effective solution for improving profitability and sustainability. The knowledge gained from this review perspective should be helpful in directing future initiatives to grow and sustain this sector of the economy and to optimize its potential to provide food for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital technologies have great potential to improve the global environment. To investigate the issue, this research takes Chinese A-share listed industrial firms as the observation object to explore the influence of digital transformation (DT) of industrial enterprise on carbon reduction. The results show that digital transformation can promote carbon reduction and provide strong support for achieving sustainable economic development. Digital transformation reduces carbon emissions through promoting green technology innovation, improving internal control quality, and easing financing constraints. The carbon-reducing role of digital transformation of state-owned industrial companies is more obvious than that of others. The influence of digital transformation on carbon emissions in firms with low energy consumption and low emissions is linear, whereas in firms with high energy consumption and high emissions, the digital transformation has an inverted U-shaped influence. The effect of digital transformation on carbon reduction has area heterogeneity, among which the eastern area in China is the most obvious, followed by the northeast and central regions; the western region is not significant. The research conclusions provide important theoretical support and practical experience for in-depth analysis of the driving mechanism of industrial carbon emission reduction and for seeking policy optimization paths in order to contribute wisdom to promoting sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf senescence, the final stage of leaf development, is crucial for plant fitness as it enhances nutrient reutilization, supporting reproductive success and overall plant adaptation. Understanding its molecular and genetic regulation is essential to improve crop resilience and productivity, particularly in the face of global climate change. This review explores the significant contributions of natural genetic diversity to our understanding of leaf senescence, focusing on insights from model plants and major crops. We discuss the physiological and adaptive significance of senescence in plant development, environmental adaptation, and agricultural productivity. The review emphasizes the importance of natural genetic variation, including studies on natural accessions, landraces, cultivars, and artificial recombinant lines to unravel the genetic basis of senescence. Various approaches, from quantitative trait loci mapping to genome-wide association analysis and in planta functional analysis, have advanced our knowledge of senescence regulation. Current studies focusing on key regulatory genes and pathways underlying natural senescence, identified from natural or recombinant accession and cultivar populations, are highlighted. We also address the adaptive implications of abiotic and biotic stress factors triggering senescence and the genetic mechanisms underlying these responses. Finally, we discuss the challenges in translating these genetic insights into crop improvement. We propose future research directions, such as expanding studies on under-researched crops, investigating multiple stress combinations, and utilizing advanced technologies, including multiomics and gene editing, to harness natural genetic diversity for crop resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straw returning into the soil is a crucial method for boosting soil carbon levels. To research the influence of straw return practices on soil aggregates and organic matter content within the farmlands of the Northeast Black Soil Region, the objective was to clarify the varying impacts of these practices on soil carbon enhancement. In this study, 89 pertinent papers were acquired through a rigorous literature compilation. Meta-analysis and the linear regression method were employed to analyze the influence of field return methods, their duration on soil water-stable aggregates, and their organic matter content. Furthermore, the study delved into the trends in the variation of aggregates and organic matter in relation to mean annual temperature and precipitation. Our results showed that the straw-returning method has been discovered to predominantly bolster soil organic matter by altering the proportions of macro-aggregate content. Specifically, straw incorporation has led to a notable enhancement in the content of macro-aggregates (57.14%) and micro-aggregates (20.29%), in addition to augmenting the content of macro-, small, and micro-aggregate organic matter by 13.22%, 16.43%, and 15.08%, respectively. The most significant increase in large agglomerates was witnessed in straw return over a period of more than 5 years (115.17%), as well as shallow mixing return (87.32%). Meanwhile, the highest increase in the organic matter content of large agglomerates was recorded in straw return over 5 years (12.60%) and deep mixing return (8.72%). In the field validation experiment, a period of seven years of straw return significantly boosted the macro-aggregate content across various soil layers, ranging from 11.78% to 116.21%. Furthermore, among the various climatic factors, the primary determinants of disparities in study outcomes were the average annual temperature and average annual precipitation. Specifically, lower precipitation and higher temperatures were conducive to the enhancement of macro-aggregate formation and organic matter content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) play critical roles in tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and drug resistance. Persistent activation of the ER stress system enhances the survival capacities of malignant tumor cells, including increased proliferation, invasion, and resistance to treatment. Dysregulation of ER function and the resultant stress is a common cellular response to cancer therapies and may lead to cancer cell death. Currently, growing evidence suggests that Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), either as a monotherapy or in combination with other treatments, offers significant advantages in preventing cancer, inhibiting tumor growth, reducing surgical complications, improving drug sensitivity, and mitigating drug-induced damage. Some of these natural products have even entered clinical trials as primary or complementary anticancer agents. In this review, we summarize the anticancer effects of TCM monomers/natural products on the gastrointestinal (GI) tumors and explore their mechanisms through ER stress modulation. We believe that ongoing laboratory research and the clinical development of TCM-based cancer therapies hold considerable potential for advancing future cancer treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the tribological properties of the coatings and to inhibit cracking, sandwich-structured composite coatings were fabricated, consisting of a Ni60CuMo/IN718 transition layer and a Ni60CuMo/Ni-coated Cu wear-resistant layer with four different Ni-coated Cu contents. The results indicate that the transition layer inhibits the crack formation in the coating, and the refined grain structure stabilizes its average hardness at approximately 485 HV0.5. Increasing the Cu content in the wear-resistant layer exacerbates the segregation of the Cu-rich solid solution phases and refines the in situ-generated Cr7C3, TiC, and NbC phases. The average hardness of the wear-resistant layer decreases from 474 HV0.5 to 408 HV0.5 as the Ni-coated Cu content increases from zero to 75%. The coating with 50% Ni-coated Cu has the best Cu self-lubricating properties and exhibits the best wear resistance at both room and high temperatures. At room temperature, abrasive wear is the primary wear mechanism in the coatings. Although the ductility of the coatings is improved with increasing Cu content, excessive Cu reduces the hardness and load-bearing capacity. At 300 °C, oxidation wear becomes the dominant wear mechanism, accompanied by plastic deformation and three-body wear as the Cu content increases. At 500 °C, severe oxidation wear is the dominant mechanism, with excessive Cu leading to oxidation film failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of pig backfat affects both pork quality and consumer preferences. Fatty acids (FAs) are crucial in determining the backfat quality. This study assessed the effect of FAs on the backfat quality and identified candidate genes associated with these FAs. The differential fatty acids (DFAs) were compared in pigs with varying backfat firmness and four DFAs—caproic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid—were selected based on T-tests (p < 0.05), fold changes (FC > 2 or FC < 0.5), and variable importance (VIP > 1). Genome-wide association studies on the DFAs and linoleic acid/alpha-linolenic acid ratios in 413 Beijing Black pigs identified 22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with one or more traits. The genes PLPP3, MGLL, CYP27A1 and UBE3C were identified as candidates associated with these traits influencing the backfat quality. These findings enhance our understanding of the backfat quality in Beijing Black pigs and provide a basis for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The brown planthopper (BPH) is a major threat to rice crops in Asia, particularly due to its ability to overcome resistant rice varieties designed to control it. This study aimed to understand the various responses of different virulent BPH populations feeding on resistant rice, focusing on biotype Y, known for its strong virulence against YHY15 rice. By analyzing gene activity in BPH nymphs before and after feeding on YHY15 rice, distinct changes were found in genes related to protein production, metabolism, cuticle structure, and detoxification processes. Key findings highlighted specific genetic pathways involved in regulating longevity, fatty acid biosynthesis/metabolism, cuticle composition, and ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporters, crucial for BPHs survival and development. Particularly, the role of ABC transporters, such as NlABCG14, was identified as essential in biotype Y BPHs' feeding response on YHY15 rice. These insights provide valuable knowledge for developing improved strategies to manage BPH infestations, ensuring more effective protection of rice crops against this damaging pest. Brown planthoppers (BPHs, Nilaparvata lugens Stål) are a major threat to rice cultivation in Asia, necessitating the development of pest-resistant varieties for effective management. However, the adaptability of BPHs has resulted in the development of virulent populations, such as biotype Y BPHs, which exhibit significant virulence against the rice variety YHY15 that harbors the resistance gene Bph15. The various response mechanisms of BPH populations to resistant rice varieties are critical yet underexplored. Via RNA sequencing, the present study identified distinct transcriptional profiles in avirulent (biotype 1) and virulent (biotype Y) BPH nymphs both before and after feeding on YHY15 rice. Our findings revealed differential expression patterns of gene clusters involved in protein synthesis, hydrolysis, fatty acid biosynthesis, metabolism, cuticle composition, and translocation. Further analysis elucidated changes in the expression of genes associated with longevity and structural components of cuticles, highlighting specific disruptions in both biotype 1 and biotype Y BPHs. Moreover, the two biotypes showed differences in the expression level of genes involved in ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. A functional assessment of ABC transporter genes revealed a role of NlABCG14 in the honeydew production of biotype Y BPHs to YHY15 rice, without impacting their survival and developmental dynamics. These insights deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of virulent BPHs response to resistant rice varieties and highlight potential targets for improving pest management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, high-entropy alloys (HEAs) have the potential to be used as new engineering structures and functional materials. In this study, an FeCo1.5CrNi1.5Ti0.5HEA coating was prepared on the surface of a 1Cr18Ni9Ti alloy by laser cladding technology. Phase structure and microstructure were characterized by XRD and using an SEM. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by an electrochemical workstation, and the polarization curves were obtained in simulated seawater and 3.5 wt.% NaCl and 5% HCl solutions. The corrosion morphology of the Fe-based HEA coating was further characterized using the SEM, super depth of field observation, and 3D topological images. The results showed that the Fe-based HEA coating had a single-phase FCC structure with a grain size of about 10.7 ± 0.25 μM. Electrochemical analysis results showed that the corrosion resistance of the current Fe-based HEA coating was poor in HCl solutions. However, it exhibited good corrosion properties in simulated seawater and 3.5 wt.% NaCl solutions. Further analysis of the corrosion morphology revealed that in simulated seawater and the 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, the surface of the current Fe-based HEA coating exhibited a preferential corrosion tendency between dendrites, while in the 5% HCl solution, it exhibited more obvious pitting characteristics. The results indicate that the current Fe-based HEA coating exhibits good comprehensive performance, especially in an acidic Cl− corrosion environment. These findings provide a reference for the application of laser cladding prepared Fe HEA coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]