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Phloretin is a natural dihydrochalcone (DHC) that exhibits various pharmacological and therapeutic activities. Malus hupehensisRehd. (M. hupehensis) is widely planted in the middle of China and its leaves contain an extremely high content of phloridzin, a glycosylated derivative of phloretin. In the present study, we observed a significant increase in phloretin content in the leaves of M. hupehensisplanted at high altitudes. To investigate the mechanisms of phloretin accumulation, we explored changes in the proteome profiles of M. hupehensisplants grown at various altitudes. The results showed that at high altitudes, photosynthesis- and DHC biosynthesis-related proteins were downregulated and upregulated, respectively, leading to reduced chlorophyll content and DHC accumulation in the leaves. Moreover, we identified a novel phloridzin-catalyzing glucosidase whose expression level was significantly increased in high-altitude-cultivated plants. This work provided a better understanding of the mechanism of phloretin accumulation and effective and economic strategies for phloretin production.

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to understanding biological systems as protein complexes are the active molecular modules critical for carrying out cellular functions. Dysfunctional PPIs have been associated with various diseases including cancer. Systems-wide PPI analysis not only sheds light on pathological mechanisms, but also represents a paradigm in identifying potential therapeutic targets. In recent years, cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) has emerged as a powerful tool for defining endogenous PPIs of cellular networks. While proteome-wide studies have been performed in cell lysates, intact cells and tissues, applications of XL-MS in clinical samples have not been reported. In this study, we adopted a DSBSO-based in vivoXL-MS platform to map interaction landscapes from two breast cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. As a result, we have generated a PDX interaction network comprising 2,557 human proteins and identified interactions unique to breast cancer subtypes. Interestingly, most of the observed differences in PPIs correlated well with protein abundance changes determined by TMT-based proteome quantitation. Collectively, this work has demonstrated the feasibility of XL-MS analysis in clinical samples, and established an analytical workflow for tissue cross-linking that can be generalized for mapping PPIs from patient samples in the future to dissect disease-relevant cellular networks.

Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) has been found to be downregulated in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) but little is known about its roles in the pathogenesis of AD. We explored the mechanism of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation of Mfn2in hippocampal mitochondrial dysfunction in an AD mouse model. APP/PS1 transgenic mice underwent stereotaxic injection of adeno-associated viruses and their behaviors were assessed. METTL3 and MFN2 expressions were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot, accompanied by assessment of mitochondrial morphology, ATP, mitochondrial membrane potential, and amyloid-β content. Binding between METTL3 and MFN2, the total amount of m6A, and the m6A modification of Mfn2were also determined. METTL3 and MFN2 were downregulated in hippocampal tissues of the AD model mice; METTL3 enhanced MFN2 expression via m6A modification. Overexpression of METTL3 or MFN2 ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction indicated by fewer damaged mitochondria, increased ATP and JC-1 levels, and reduced Aβ content; improved cognitive impairment in the mice was indicated by the novel object discrimination index and Morris water maze tests. Effects of METTL3 overexpression were abrogated by further knockdown of MFN2. Thus, METTL3 ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive impairment in the AD model mice by increasing MFN2 expression via m6A modification.

The aging of the global population has made postmenopausal osteoporosis prevention essential; however, pharmacological treatments are limited. Herein, we evaluate the effect of calcium-fortified fresh milk (FM) in ameliorating postmenopausal osteoporosis in a rat model established using bilateral ovariectomy. After 3 months of FM (containing vitamin D, and casein phosphopeptides, 1000 mg Ca/100 g) or control milk (110 mg Ca/100 g milk) supplementation, bone changes were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, microcomputed tomography, and bone biomechanical testing. The results revealed that FM can regulate bone metabolism and gut microbiota composition, which act on bone metabolism through pathways associated with steroid hormone biosynthesis, relaxin signaling, serotonergic synapse, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Furthermore, FM administration significantly increased bone mineral content and density in the lumbar spine and femur, as well as femoral compressive strength, while improving femoral trabecular bone parameters and microarchitecture. Mechanistically, we found that the effects may be due to increased levels of estrogen, bone formation marker osteocalcin, and procollagen type I N-propeptide, and decreased expression of the bone resorption marker C-telopeptide and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b. Overall, the findings suggest that FM is a potential alternative therapeutic option for ameliorating postmenopausal osteoporosis.

To improve drug utilization, reduce the drug administration frequency, increase the release time, and reduce the drug side effects in the human body, we prepared (KHA/CMC-Fe3+)@CS hydrogel spheres using green and natural potassium humate (KHA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and chitosan (CS) as raw materials and Fe3+as a crosslinking agent, and loaded them with riboflavin for drug sustained-release study using the drop ball method. The tests with FTIR, SEM, TG, and X-ray diffractometer showed that the coordination among KHA, CMC, and Fe3+formed a three-dimensional network structure, where CS was encapsulated on the surface of the hydrogel spheres via noncovalent bonding, resulting in good thermal stability. The stability, drug loading, swelling, and in vitro release of the (KHA/CMC-Fe3+)@CS hydrogel spheres were investigated. The results showed that the hydrogel spheres were significantly pH-sensitive, with 11.16 g/g higher swelling in an alkaline environment (pH = 7.4) than that in an acidic environment (pH = 1.2). The swelling and drug release process of the hydrogel spheres were analyzed using mathematical models, concluding that the hydrogel swelling follows Schott second-order swelling kinetics, and the drug release mechanism was Fickian delivery mode.

The silicone modified acrylate dispersion was successfully prepared by semi-continuous seed emulsion polymerization, in which methyl methacrylate (MMA) was used as a hard monomer, butyl methacrylate (BA)was used as a soft monomer, and a double bond-containing polymerizable emulsifier ammonium allyloxtmethylate nonylphenol ethoxylates sulfate (DNS-86)and potassium persulfate (KPS)were utilized as emulsifiers and initiators, respectively. A functional monomer, benzyl methacrylate (BZMA), and a modified monomer, vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES), were introduced into the base dispersion. The factors, which have an influence on emulsion polymerization performance, were optimized. At the same time, the dispersions prepared with conventional emulsifiers and polymerizable emulsifiers were compared under the same conditions. The structure and properties of the synthetic dispersion were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and contact angle (CA). The results showed that the optimum preparation conditions of the dispersion are as follows: The amount of emulsifier was 3%, the amount of initiator was 0.5%, main monomer ratio was 1:1, the amount of functional monomer BZMA and VTES was 3%, respectively. The dispersion obtained by using DNS-86 had better thermal stability, chemical stability and the dispersion was uniformly blue, which represented small particle size. After modification, the film showed higher hydrophobicity.

Straw-related carbon (C) dynamics are central for C accrual in agro-ecosystems and should be assessed by investigating their decomposition and soil organic carbon (SOC) priming effects. Our understanding of biotic and abiotic mechanisms underpinning these two C processes, however, is still not sufficiently profound. Soils that had received organic and mineral fertilizers for 26 years were sampled for a 28 day incubation experiment to assess 13C-labeled straw decomposition and SOC priming effects. On the basis of analyzing physicochemical properties, fungal taxonomic (MiSeq sequencing) and functional (metagenomics) guilds, we quantified the contributions of biotic and abiotic attributes to straw decomposition and SOC priming. Here, we propose two distinct mechanisms underlying straw decomposition and SOC priming in agriculture soils: (i) accelerated straw mineralization in manure-treated soils was mainly driven by biotic forces, while (ii) larger SOC priming in NPK-amended soils was through abiotic regulation.

Segmentation of left and right ventricles from 3-D echocardiographic images is premised and key for the quantitative analysis of cardiac function, which is important for pediatric cardiac diagnosis. Compared with 2-D echocardiography, 3-D echocardiography can fully represent a ventricular structure without geometric inference. However, it usually takes experts several hours to obtain a 3-D segmentation mask of the left and right ventricles. Therefore, a fast and automatic segmentation method is highly desired. Unfortunately, 3-D echocardiography suffers from low contrast, unclear left and right ventricles borders, and blind zone. Existing segmentation methods usually have poor performance at ventricular boundaries. To deal with these problems, we propose a novel dual-branch TransV-Net (DBTV). DBTV comprises two parallel, interleaved, and relatively independent V-shaped encoder–decoder branches. The main branch acts on the original data to extract image features, and the auxiliary branch acts on edge maps to extract the additional edge features. To suppress noise and enhance the edge information, extra concatenations are added to bridge the features from the main and auxiliary branches. To reduce object missing caused by blind zone, a 3-D transformer-based module is proposed in the bottom layer of the dual-branch structure to extract the global contexts. We do experiments on a self-collected dataset with 120 3-D echocardiographic images from 60 cardiac sequences, and the dice scores of 0.913 and 0.880 are obtained in the left and right ventricle segments, respectively. Each inference takes about two-thirds of a second for a single 3-D frame.

In this article, we propose an optimal joint optimization–estimation architecture for distribution networks, which jointly solves the optimal power flow (OPF) problem and static state estimation (SE) problem through an online gradient-based feedback algorithm. The main objective is to enable a fast and timely interaction between the OPF decisions and state estimators with limited sensor measurements. First, convergence and optimality of the proposed algorithm are analytically established. Then, the proposed gradient-based algorithm is modified by introducing statistical information of the inherent estimation and linearization errors for an improved and robust performance of the online OPF decisions. Overall, the proposed method eliminates the traditional separation of operation and monitoring, where optimization and estimation usually operate at distinct layers and different time scales. Hence, it enables a computationally affordable, efficient, and robust online operational framework for distribution networks under time-varying settings.

In this article, we propose a framework for running optimal control-estimation synthesis in distribution networks. Our approach combines a primal-dual gradient-based optimal power flow solver with a state estimation feedback loop based on a limited set of sensors for system monitoring, instead of assuming exact knowledge of all states. The estimation algorithm reduces uncertainty on unmeasured grid states based on certain online state measurements and noisy “pseudomeasurements.” We analyze the convergence of the proposed algorithm and quantify the statistical estimation errors based on a weighted least-squares estimator. The numerical results on a 4521-node network demonstrate that this approach can scale to extremely large networks and provide robustness to both large pseudomeasurement variability and inherent sensor measurement noise.

Orientation estimation is one of the core problems in several computer vision tasks. Recently deep learning techniques combined with the Bingham distribution have attracted considerable interest towards this problem when considering ambiguities and rotational symmetries of objects. However, existing works suffer from two issues. First, the computational overhead for calculating the normalisation constant of the Bingham distribution is relatively high. Second, the choice of loss functions is uncertain. In light of these problems, we present an online deep Bingham network to estimate the orientation of objects. We sharply reduce the computational overhead of the normalisation constant by directly applying a numerical integration formula. Additionally, we are the first to give theorems on the convexity and Lipschitz continuity of the Bingham distribution's negative log‐likelihood, which formally indicates that it is a proper choice of the loss function. We test our method on three public datasets, namely the UPNA, the T‐LESS and Pascal3D+, showing that our method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art in terms of orientation accuracy and time efficiency, which can reduce the runtime by more than 6 h compared to the offline methods. The ablation experiments further demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our model. In terms of computation overhead of the Bingham normalisation constant and uncertain choice of the loss function, we present an online deep Bingham network to estimate the orientation of objects and give theorems of the chosen loss function. The result shows that our method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art in orientation accuracy and time efficiency.

Conversion of waste wood containing urea–formaldehyde resin (WW-UF) into solid fuel with lower nitrogen content and better fuel property through the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process was studied. With the increase of HTC temperature from 180 to 260 °C, the mass yield and energy yield of the hydrochar decreased from 81.2 to 38.7% and from 81.6 to 62.3%, respectively, while the higher heating values (HHV) of the hydrochar increased from 19.2 to 27.1 MJ/kg. Due to the hydrolysis of urea–formaldehyde resin into urea, the denitrogenation efficiency could reach over 80% at 180 °C. However, the denitrogenation efficiency decreased at elevated HTC temperature because of the condensation/polymerization of urea with carbohydrate derivatives. The combustion and pelletization behaviors of the hydrochar were all improved compared to that of the raw WW-UF. FT-IR spectra confirmed that the UF resin and hemicellulose in the WW-UF could be hydrolyzed at 180 °C, but carbonization of cellulose occurred with HTC temperature over 240 °C. The process water was analyzed by LC–MS/MS to confirm that the mono-saccharides, carboxylic acids, carbocyclic compounds, O-heterocyclic compounds, and N-heterocyclic compounds were presented in process water. The study confirmed that hydrothermal carbonization could be one promising method to covert the WW-UF into clean and efficient solid fuel.

Afterglow luminescence has garnered significant attention due to its excellent optical properties. Currently, most afterglow phenomena are produced by persistent luminescence following cessation of the excitation light. However, it remains a challenge to control the afterglow luminescence process due to rapid photophysical or photochemical changes. Here, we develop a new strategy to control the afterglow luminescence process by introducing pyridones as singlet oxygen (1O2) storage reagents (OSRs), where 1O2can be stored in covalent bonds at relatively low temperatures and released upon heating. The afterglow luminescence properties, including afterglow intensity, decay rate, and decay process, can be tuned flexibly by regulating temperature or OSR structures. Based on the controllable luminescence properties, we devise a new strategy for information security. We believe that such an excellent luminescent system also holds remarkable potential for applications in many other fields.

Xuanfei Baidu granule is an effective prescription for COVID-19, which is modified from classical famous prescriptions. In order to further standardize clinician’s rational use of Xuanfei Baidu granule, enhance clinical efficacy, improve rational medication level, and let it play a more significant role, the frontline clinical experts are invited for discussion on the major functions, usage, adverse reactions, and considerations of Xuanfei Baidu granule to form the consensus. The consensus is that: Xuanfei Baidu granule has the efficacy of promoting the lung and resolving dampness, clearing heat and removing pathogeneses, purging the lung and depoisoning; it can be used for the treatment of patients with mild, moderate, and heavy COVID-19 and other common upper respiratory tract infectious diseases such as influenza; acute tracheitis and bronchitis and community-acquired lower respiratory tract infectious diseases all belong to damp-toxin constraint in the lungs, Xuanfei Baidu granule can relieve cough, expectoration, and other symptoms caused by an acute exacerbation of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with definite clinical efficacy and good safety. According to the principles of evidence-based medicine, this expert consensus will be updated regularly.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a lethal disease with limited treatment options and poor survival. We studied 83 spatial samples from 31 patients (11 treatment-naïve and 20 treated) using single-cell/nucleus RNA sequencing, bulk-proteogenomics, spatial transcriptomics and cellular imaging. Subpopulations of tumor cells exhibited signatures of proliferation, KRAS signaling, cell stress and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Mapping mutations and copy number events distinguished tumor populations from normal and transitional cells, including acinar-to-ductal metaplasia and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Pathology-assisted deconvolution of spatial transcriptomic data identified tumor and transitional subpopulations with distinct histological features. We showed coordinated expression of TIGIT in exhausted and regulatory T cells and Nectin in tumor cells. Chemo-resistant samples contain a threefold enrichment of inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts that upregulate metallothioneins. Our study reveals a deeper understanding of the intricate substructure of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumors that could help improve therapy for patients with this disease.

3D integration photonic interposer is becoming popular in the field of co-packaging optics (CPO). In this paper, we integrate the edge coupler and through silicon via (TSV) into the silicon interposer. Different high-frequency transmission lines are designed, analyzed and simulated. The measured results and the simulation have a good correspondence. The high frequency transmission lines, which consist of 10 μm × 100 μm TSVs and two redistribution layer (RDL) lines of 100 μm on the top layer and one 100 μm RDL line on the bottom layer, shows perfect insertion loss less than 0.35 dB @67 GHz. In addition, the 56GBaud (112Gbps) eye diagram is tested and shows excellent transmission quality. Edge couplers are designed and fabricated by packaging process. The coupling loss of coupler is less than 1.7 dB/facet. The 3D optical package module based on the active optical interposer has also been realized and verified.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nano-flowers were prepared with different physicochemical properties resulting from varying precursor pH. The degradation rate of Rhodamine B (RhB) via MoS2-activated monopersulfide (PMS) was investigated under the synergy of light. The results showed that the prepared MoS2at pH 1, 2, 3 and 4 were stable 2H-MoS2and flowery. The size was evenly distributed between 200 and 500 nm. The degradation rates of RhB by MoS2activated PMS were improved from 12.85% to 31.25% comparing with that of PMS alone under 120 min of light. Among them, MoS2-2 (pH 2) presented the highest activation efficiency. Its specific surface area reached 40.012 m2/g, and the removal rate of RhB was as high as 63.73%. Although MoS2-1 (pH 1) had the largest specific surface area (69.622 m2/g), the removal of RhB decreased to 58.56% due to its undesirable crystallinity. The main active substances of MoS2activated PMS were –OH and SO4–•under the synergy of light.

The association of season of birth with cognitive development, academic performance and educational attainment has been well documented in western countries. However, little research has been conducted in developing countries to examine the seasonality of cognitive achievement. In this study, we analyzed data of a nationally representative sample of over 8500 rural adults born in the 1960s and early 1970s from the 2010 China Family Panel Studies survey. The results of logistic regression models demonstrate a significant association of birth month with educational attainment even with relevant individual and parental information controlled. Specially, we found that rural respondents born in the months of March and April are much less likely to obtain a high school degree than those born late in the year from October to December. The seasonal pattern is also found to significantly affect current cognitive achievements of the respondents even after their educational attainment and family social economic conditions are taken into account. Finally, we discussed the merits of age position theory and fetal origin interpretation as potential mechanisms for the seasonal pattern of education attainment, and suggest that seasonal changes of nutritional intake for pregnant mothers are the most likely cause.

While triboelectric nanogenerated knitted fabrics are regarded as a state-of-the-art and reliable energy source for wearable electronics, there are two bottlenecks in their widespread applications: few mass-manufacturing strategies and low power output. Here, by mature weft-knitted technologies, a 3D single-faced jacquard pile fabric TENG (SJPF-TENG) with the merits of high surface pile density, excellent comfort and breathability, good thermal insulation property, and superior durability, is mass-produced. Based on the high-density pile structure (about 16128 piles per cm2), the surface area of pile fabrics is 42.2 times that of the plain structure, which endows the SJPF-TENG with higher electrical outputs and good detection precision. With a peak power density of 1.4 W m−2(dozens of times that of conventional textile-based TENGs), the SJPF-TENG is capable of lighting up 1392 light-emitting diodes, powering miniature electronics, and charging various capacitors. Furthermore, a self-powered remote control, an intelligent alphabet writing pad, a smart fluff carpet, and a proof-of-concept fluff keyboard array with 3×3 sensing pixels are demonstrated to verify its outstanding sensing performance. Our results provide a massive prospect for high-power textile-based TENGs in large-area energy harvesting, smart-home control systems, entertainment, elder healthcare, and security warnings.

Non-clear cell renal cell carcinomas (non-ccRCCs) encompass diverse malignant and benign tumors. Refinement of differential diagnosis biomarkers, markers for early prognosis of aggressive disease, and therapeutic targets to complement immunotherapy are current clinical needs. Multi-omics analyses of 48 non-ccRCCs compared with 103 ccRCCs reveal proteogenomic, phosphorylation, glycosylation, and metabolic aberrations in RCC subtypes. RCCs with high genome instability display overexpression of IGF2BP3 and PYCR1. Integration of single-cell and bulk transcriptome data predicts diverse cell-of-origin and clarifies RCC subtype-specific proteogenomic signatures. Expression of biomarkers MAPRE3, ADGRF5, and GPNMB differentiates renal oncocytoma from chromophobe RCC, and PIGR and SOSTDC1 distinguish papillary RCC from MTSCC. This study expands our knowledge of proteogenomic signatures, biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets in non-ccRCC.

In our recent study, we explored the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) measurement of tumor volume in predicting the improvement of quality of life (QoL) in patients suffering from renal cell cancer (RCC), who were treated with axitinib and anti-PD-L1 antibodies. This study encompassed 18 RCC patients, including 10 men and 8 women, with an average age of 56.83 ± 9.94 years. By utilizing 3D Slicer software, we analyzed pre- and post-treatment CT scans to assess changes in tumor volume. Patients' QoL was evaluated through the FKSI–DRS questionnaire. Our findings revealed that 3D models for all patients were successfully created, and there was a moderate agreement between treatment response classifications based on RECIST 1.1 criteria and volumetric analysis (kappa = 0.556, p = 0.001). Notably, nine patients reported a clinically meaningful improvement in QoL following the treatment. Interestingly, the change in tumor volume as indicated by the 3D model showed a higher area under the curve in predicting QoL improvement compared to the change in diameter measured by CT, although this difference was not statistically significant (z = 0.593, p = 0.553). Furthermore, a multivariable analysis identified the change in tumor volume based on the 3D model as an independent predictor of QoL improvement (odds ratio = 1.073, 95% CI 1.002–1.149, p = 0.045).In conclusion, our study suggests that the change in tumor volume measured by a 3D model may be a more effective predictor of symptom improvement in RCC patients than traditional CT-based diameter measurements. This offers a novel approach for assessing treatment response and patient well-being, presenting a significant advancement in the field of RCC treatment.

Fuzzy granular structure is a mathematical structure to deal with fuzzy information granules. This paper studies fuzzy granular structure of a fuzzy relation vector and its uncertainty measurement. In the first place, fuzzy granular structure of a fuzzy relation vector is defined by using fuzzy set matrices. In the next place, dependence between fuzzy granular structures and some operators on the fuzzy granular structures base are investigated. After that, algebraic and lattice features of fuzzy granular structures are obtained. Lastly, as an application of fuzzy granular structures, uncertainty measurement for fuzzy relation vectors is discussed and effectiveness analysis of the proposed measures is conducted. These results will be helpful for providing the framework for granular computing of fuzzy relation vectors.

AbstractReasonable evaluation and prediction of squeezing condition to avoid large deformation disaster in tunnels have been an important research issue. In order to accurately and rapidly predict the large deformation under complex geological conditions, this paper proposes a classification and prediction method for quick identification of large deformation in tunnel construction stage in a case study of Muzhailing Tunnel. Previous prediction methods of large deformation are usually based on the stages of geological survey and engineering design, and there are great difficulties in obtaining some prediction indexes in soft and fractured strata, such as uniaxial compressive strength. In this paper, the nonlinear deformation behaviors of surrounding rock were analyzed. The geo-stress condition, strata occurrence, rock strength, rock intactness and groundwater condition were chosen as evaluation indexes (including eight sub-indexes). The classification of large deformation was carried out based on the deformation statistics in Muzhailing Tunnel. And the fuzzy prediction was conducted and compared with other methods in engineering. The comparison results show that the new method has higher accuracy and applicability in predicting the large deformation of weak rock mass. This study provides a new approach for rapid identification and prediction of large deformation in tunnel construction stage.

Churn prediction is an important topic in the free online game industry. Reducing the churn rate of a game significantly helps with the success of the game. Churn prediction helps a game operator identify possible churning players and keep them engaged in the game via appropriate operational strategies, marketing strategies, and/or incentives. Playtime-related features are some of the widely used universal features for most churn prediction models. In this article, we consider developing new universal features for churn predictions for long-term players based on playtime. In particular, we measure playtime regularity using the notion of entropy and cross-entropy from information theory. After computing playtime regularity of players from the datasets of six free online games of different types, we leverage information from the playtime regularity in the form of universal features for churn prediction. Experiments show that the proposed features are better at predicting churners compared to the baseline features, implying that the proposed features could utilize the information extracted from playtime more effectively than the related baseline playtime features.

The divinyl silane modified self-crosslinking polyacrylate latex was successfully prepared by semicontinuous seeded emulsion polymerization. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA) were used as main monomers and the reaction was initiated by potassium persulfate (KPS). The modified monomer 1, 3-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane (DVMS) and crosslinked monomer hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) were introduced into the basic dispersion. Sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) anionic surfactant and alkyl polyglycoside (APG) nonionic emulsifier were utilized as composite emulsifiers. The structure of latex film was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The latex films were tested by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and contact angle (CA) and apparent crosslinking percentage. The particle size of the emulsion was measured by Zetatrac dynamic light scattering instrument. The optimum conditions are as follows: the amount of composite emulsifier is 5.0%, the mass ratio of SDS to APG is 1:1, the amount of initiator is 0.5%, the amount of DVMS is 5.0%, and the amount of HEA is 1.0%. The emulsion has good mechanical stability and chemical stability, and the storage stability is ideal. The dispersion is blue and translucent, with a small particle size. The apparent crosslinking percentage of the latex film is above 89%, and the highest contact angle was more than 98°. The polyacrylate colloidal film prepared in this paper has outstanding thermal stability and hydrophobicity.

The purpose of this study was to investigate lipase-catalysis bioprocess in the application of sensory enhancement upon modified skim milk products. Through the comparison of various experimental elements, an optimal lipase-catalysis protocol for flavor rich milk was set, which was to catalyze pasteurized whole milk under the experimental parameters of reaction temperature 55 °C, reaction time 3 h, Lipozyme TLIM 3.0 U/mL, alcohol 135.00 μL/100 mL by a molar ratio of mpropanediol:methanol= 3:2. Then, the acquired flavor rich milk was partially utilized into the preparation of modified skim milk products. The results from volatile compositional analysis showed that high amounts of volatiles could be yielded in modified skim milk products, which can be amounted to 394.39 μg/L, mainly including short-chain fatty acids, fatty acid esters, methyl ketones, alkanes and aldehydes. Descriptive sensory results showed that the advantageous volatile characters of modified skim milk products were intensified and favorable in the sensory traits of milk flavor and mouthfeel, yet with some defects.

Novel self-crosslinking long fluorocarbon acrylate polymer latex has been successfully prepared by semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization with methyl methacrylate(MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) and hydroxypropyl methacrylate(HPMA) as main monomers, 10-undecylenic acid (10-UA) and diallyl phthalate (DAP) as functional monomers. During the latex polymerization, the monomers were emulsified by the mixed surfactants of nonionic surfactant alcohol ether glycoside (AEG) and anionic surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS), and initiated by potassium persulfate (KPS). The resultant latex showed excellent properties. The chemical composition of latex was determined with Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR) and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of polymer was detected by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the water repellency of the prepared film was measured by water contact angle measurement (WCA). The reaction conditions were optimized and obtained as follows: the optimal monomer dosage was MMA: BA: DFMA: HPMA = 12.75:12.75:0.9:1.2, the amount of 10-UA and DAP was both 4% of all monomers, the dosage of AEG: SDBS was 5% (1:1) and KPS was 0.5%, respectively. The result indicated that the conversion of the mixed monomers was more than 98% and the coagulation was less than 1% and the resultant latex also had the outstanding appearance and latex performance.

We see the world with two eyes. Binocular vision provides more ample information through interocular interaction. Previous studies have shown that aging impairs a variety of visual functions, but how aging affects binocular vision is still unclear. In this study, we measured three typical binocular functions—binocular combination, binocular rivalry, and stereo vision—to investigate aging‐related effects on binocular vision in a relatively large sample (48 younger adults and 27 older adults) with normal or corrected‐to‐normal distance vision and no ophthalmological and mental diseases. We found that there were no consistent aging‐related declines in binocular vision, with the worst effect on alternation frequency in binocular rivalry and no effect on binocular phase combination and stereo vision tested by Titmus. In addition, aging changed the correlation pattern among some of these binocular functions. These results reflected (at least partially) different aging‐related mechanism(s) in binocular vision.

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) possesses various nutritional and biological benefits for mammals, whereas its effects on neonatal gut microbiota and barrier integrity remained unclear. This study investigated the effects of MFGM administration on microbial compositions and intestinal barrier functions of neonatal piglets. Sixteen newborn piglets were randomly allocated into a CON group or MFGM group, orally administered with saline or MFGM solution (1 g/kg body weight) respectively during the first postnatal week, and all piglets were breastfed during the whole neonatal period. The present study found that the MFGM oral administration during the first postnatal week increased the plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) G level, body weight and average daily gain of piglets (P < 0.05) on 21 d. Additionally, MFGM administration enriched fecal SCFA-producing bacteria (Ruminococaceae_UCG-002, Ruminococaceae_UCG-010, Ruminococaceae_UCG-004, Ruminococaceae_UCG-014and [Ruminococcus]_gauvrearuii_group), SCFA concentrations (acetate, propionate and butyrate; P < 0.05) and their receptor (G-protein coupled receptor 41, GPR41). Furthermore, MFGM administration promoted intestinal villus morphology (P < 0.05) and barrier functions by upregulating genes of tight junctions (E-cadherin, claudin-1, occludin and zonula occludin 1 [ZO-1]), mucins (mucin-13 and mucin-20) and interleukin (IL)-22(P < 0.05). Positive correlation was found between the beneficial microbes and SCFA levels pairwise with the intestinal barrier genes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, orally administrating MFGM during the first postnatal week stimulated SCFA-producing bacteria colonization and SCFA generation, enhanced intestinal barrier functions and consequently improved growth performance of neonatal piglets on 21 d. Our findings will provide new insights about MFGM intervention for microbial colonization and intestinal development of neonates during their early life.

Despite extensive and active research on network structures in tourist destinations, literature on the spatial network structure of the tourism economy in urban agglomeration is limited. Taking Urban Agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River (UAMRYR) as the case study, this study aims to examine the characteristics associated with the spatial network structure of the tourism economy by adopting the tourism economic gravity model and social network analysis (SNA). The main conclusions are as follows. The spatial network structure of the tourism economy in UAMRYR was loose, with limited adequate tourism economic connections and collaboration among various plates. As the three core cities, Wuhan, Changsha, and Nanchang not only had more tourism economic connections among other cities but also acted as an intermediary and a bridge between the spatial network structure of the tourism economy. To sum up, the findings of this study could be applied to formulate scientific policies to promote spatial integration and tourism economic cooperation in urban agglomerations.

AbstractThe government effectiveness and control of corruption is general principle supported in the public sector. By using cross-national secondary data from 191 countries, this study examines how the development of e-government relates to this principle through a two-step cluster analysis. Considering the critical roles of senior civil servants in enacting administrative reforms, the Public Service Bargains (PSB) Theory was employed to analyze the similarities and differences among clustered countries in terms of the level of professionalism, the autonomy of civil services, and the nature of political-administrative relationships. The empirical results indicate a positive association between e-governments’ development and government effectiveness, as well as between e-governments’ development, and their control of corruption. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the importance of establishing a stable PSB, whether a trustee or agency type, with the minimal internal bureaucratic resistance needed to successfully enact e-governments’ development and eventually improve the overall government’s effectiveness and corruption control.