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Zearalenone (ZEN) is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by the Fusarium fungi, which widely contaminates grains, food, and feed, causing health hazards for humans and animals. Therefore, it is essential to find effective ZEN detoxification methods. Enzymatic degradation of ZEN is believed to be an eco-friendly detoxification strategy, specifically thermostable ZEN degradation enzymes are needed in the food and feed industry. In this study, a novel ZEN lactone hydrolase ZHRnZ from Rosellinia necatrix was discovered using bioinformatic and molecular docking technology. The recombinant ZHRnZ showed the best activity at pH 9.0 and 45 °C with more than 90% degradation for ZEN, α-zearalenol (α-ZOL), β-zearalenol (β-ZOL) and α-zearalanol (α-ZAL) after incubation for 15 min. We obtained 10 mutants with improved thermostability by single point mutation technology. Among them, mutants E122Q and E122R showed the best performance, which retained more than 30% of their initial activity at 50 °C for 2 min, and approximately 10% of their initial activity at 60 °C for 1 min. The enzymatic kinetic study showed that the catalytic efficiency of E122R was 1.3 times higher than that of the wild-type (WT). Comprehensive consideration suggests that mutant E122R is a promising hydrolase to detoxify ZEN in food and feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In space missions, heating films are crucial for uniformly heating onboard equipment for precise temperature control. This study develops an optimization method using surrogate models for lightweight anisotropic substrate thermal conductive heating films, meeting the requirements of uniform heating in thermal control for space applications. A feedforward neural network optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO) was employed to create a surrogate model, mapping design parameters to the temperature uniformity of the heating film. This model served as the basis for applying the NSGA-II algorithm to quickly optimize both temperature uniformity and lightweight characteristics. In this study, the PSO-BP surrogate model was trained using heating film thermal simulation data, and the surrogate model demonstrated an accurate prediction of the mean square error (MSE) of the predicted temperature difference within 0.0168 s. The maximum temperature difference in the optimal model is 1.188 ℃, which is 30.5 times lower than before optimization, and the equivalent density is only increased by 3.9%. In summary, this optimization design method effectively captures the relationships among various parameters and optimization objectives. Its superior computational accuracy and design efficiency offer significant advantages in the design of devices such as heating films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This review aimed to provide an exhaustive overview of the advancements in avian SCZ research. In the review, we summarize the latest research on trait variations in avian SCZs, including vocalization, plumage, beak, and migratory traits. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms of different types of avian SCZ movements. Finally, we outline several significant questions for future studies. A secondary contact zone (SCZ) is an area where incipient species or divergent populations may meet, mate, and hybridize. Due to the diverse patterns of interspecific hybridization, SCZs function as field labs for illuminating the on-going evolutionary processes of speciation and the establishment of reproductive isolation. Interspecific hybridization is widely present in avian populations, making them an ideal system for SCZ studies. This review exhaustively summarizes the variations in unique traits within avian SCZs (vocalization, plumage, beak, and migratory traits) and the various movement patterns of SCZs observed in previous publications. It also highlights several potential future research directions in the genomic era, such as the relationship between phenotypic and genomic differentiation in SCZs, the genomic basis of trait differentiation, SCZs shared by multiple species, and accurate predictive models for forecasting future movements under climate change and human disturbances. This review aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of speciation processes and offers a theoretical foundation for species conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The continuous rise in anthropogenic nitrogen input, as one of the global change drivers, could have significant effect on terrestrial ecosystems, altering plant diversity and production. However, the effect of the nitrogen deposition rate on the multidimensional plant diversity–production relationship is poorly understood. Here, we investigated how varying rates of nitrogen deposition affect multidimensional plant diversity, biomass production, and its correlation in a temperate steppe of northern China. Biomass production increased initially and reached the maximum, then decreased with nitrogen deposition rates. Nitrogen deposition reduced species richness and plant functional diversity, while it enhanced plant functional trait identity such as plant height and leaf chlorophyll content. The phylogenetic structure of the plant community shifted from clustering to overdispersion along the nitrogen deposition gradient. However, nitrogen deposition did not change the relationships of species richness and phylogenetic structure with production but affected the functional diversity–production relationships. The results imply the robust species and phylogenetic diversity–production relationships and the varying functional diversity–production correlations under nitrogen deposition. The findings highlight the importance of a trait-based approach in studying the linkage between biodiversity and ecosystem function and facilitate the development of effective management strategies to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem function in the temperate steppe. Nitrogen (N) deposition, as one of the global change drivers, can alter terrestrial plant diversity and ecosystem function. However, the response of the plant diversity–ecosystem function relationship to N deposition remains unclear. On one hand, in the previous studies, taxonomic diversity (i.e., species richness, SR) was solely considered the common metric of plant diversity, compared to other diversity metrics such as phylogenetic and functional diversity. On the other hand, most previous studies simulating N deposition only included two levels of control versus N enrichment. How various N deposition rates affect multidimensional plant diversity–ecosystem function relationships is poorly understood. Here, a field manipulative experiment with a N addition gradient (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 g N m−2 yr−1) was carried out to examine the effects of N addition rates on the relationships between plant diversity metrics (taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity) and ecosystem production in a temperate steppe. Production initially increased and reached the maximum value at the N addition rate of 47 g m−2 yr−1, then decreased along the N-addition gradient in the steppe. SR, functional diversity calculated using plant height (FDis-Height) and leaf chlorophyll content (FDis-Chlorophyll), and phylogenetic diversity (net relatedness index, NRI) were reduced, whereas community-weighted means of plant height (CWMHeight) and leaf chlorophyll content (CWMChlorophyll) were enhanced by N addition. N addition did not affect the relationships of SR, NRI, and FDis-Height with production but significantly affected the strength of the correlation between FDis-Chlorophyll, CWMHeight, and CWMChlorophyll with biomass production across the eight levels of N addition. The findings indicate the robust relationships of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity and production and the varying correlations between functional diversity and production under increased N deposition in the temperate steppe, highlighting the importance of a trait-based approach in studying the plant diversity–ecosystem function under global change scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of plant biology, small RNAs (sRNAs) are imperative in the orchestration of gene expression, playing pivotal roles across a spectrum of developmental sequences and responses to environmental stressors. The biosynthetic cascade of sRNAs is characterized by an elaborate network of enzymatic pathways that meticulously process double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) precursors into sRNA molecules, typically 20 to 30 nucleotides in length. These sRNAs, chiefly microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), are integral in guiding the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to selectively target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for post-transcriptional modulation. This regulation is achieved either through the targeted cleavage or the suppression of translational efficiency of the mRNAs. In plant development, sRNAs are integral to the modulation of key pathways that govern growth patterns, organ differentiation, and developmental timing. The biogenesis of sRNA itself is a fine-tuned process, beginning with transcription and proceeding through a series of processing steps involving Dicer-like enzymes and RNA-binding proteins. Recent advances in the field have illuminated the complex processes underlying the generation and function of small RNAs (sRNAs), including the identification of new sRNA categories and the clarification of their involvement in the intercommunication among diverse regulatory pathways. This review endeavors to evaluate the contemporary comprehension of sRNA biosynthesis and to underscore the pivotal role these molecules play in directing the intricate performance of plant developmental processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2023, Rana dybowskii exhibiting characteristic skin ulcers were found on a farm in northeastern China. Subsequently, two dominant bacteria, Aeromonas hydrophila Rd001 and Acinetobacter johnsonii Rd002, were isolated from naturally infected R. dybowskii. Experimental infection confirmed that Rd001 was the primary pathogen responsible for the disease in R. dybowskii, with a mean lethal dose (LD50) of 6.25 × 102 CFU/g. The virulence genotype of Rd001 was identified as ser+/aha+/lip+/nuc+/hlyA+/aer+/alt+/ast+/act+. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that Rd001 was sensitive to enrofloxacin, flumequine, and neomycin. MLST analysis showed that Rd001 belonged to a new sequence type of A. hydrophila, named ST2378. This study offered the first comprehensive investigation into the pathogenicity, virulence genotypes, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic traits of A. hydrophila isolated from R. dybowskii, providing a theoretical foundation for preventing and controlling A. hydrophila infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination is a serious threat to nutritional safety and public health. The CotA-laccase from Bacillus licheniformis ANSB821 previously reported by our laboratory showed great potential to degrade AFB1 without redox mediators. However, the use of this CotA-laccase to remove AFB1 in animal feed is limited because of its low catalytic efficiency and low expression level. In order to make better use of this excellent enzyme to effectively degrade AFB1, twelve mutants of CotA-laccase were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis. Among these mutants, E186A and E186R showed the best degradation ability of AFB1, with degradation ratios of 82.2% and 91.8% within 12 h, which were 1.6- and 1.8-times higher than those of the wild-type CotA-laccase, respectively. The catalytic efficiencies (kcat/Km) of E186A and E186R were found to be 1.8- and 3.2-times higher, respectively, than those of the wild-type CotA-laccase. Then the expression vectors pPICZαA-N-E186A and pPICZαA-N-E186R with an optimized signal peptide were constructed and transformed into Pichia pastoris GS115. The optimized signal peptide improved the secretory expressions of E186A and E186R in P. pastoris GS115. Collectively, the current study provided ideal candidate CotA-laccase mutants for AFB1 detoxification in food and animal feed and a feasible protocol, which was desperately needed for the industrial production of CotA-laccases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal glucose homeostasis is associated with metabolic syndromes including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity, highlighting the significance of maintaining a balanced glucose level for optimal biological function. This highlights the importance of maintaining normal glucose levels for proper biological functioning. Sulforaphane (SFN), the primary bioactive compound in broccoli from the Cruciferae or Brassicaceae family, has been shown to enhance glucose homeostasis effectively while exhibiting low cytotoxicity. This paper assesses the impact of SFN on glucose homeostasis in vitro, in vivo, and human trials, as well as the molecular mechanisms that drive its regulatory effects. New strategies have been proposed to enhance the bioavailability and targeted delivery of SFN in order to overcome inherent instability. The manuscript also covers the safety evaluations of SFN that have been documented for its production and utilization. Hence, a deeper understanding of the favorable influence and mechanism of SFN on glucose homeostasis, coupled with the fact that SFN is abundant in the human daily diet, may ultimately offer theoretical evidence to support its potential use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compact photonic devices are highly desired in photonic integrated circuits. In this work, we use an efficient inverse design method to design a 50/50 beam splitter in lithium niobate integrated platforms. We employ the Gradient Probability Algorithm (GPA), which is built upon traditional gradient algorithms. The GPA utilizes the adjoint method for the comprehensive calculation of the electric field across the entire design area in a single iteration, thereby deriving the gradient of the design area. This enhancement significantly accelerates the algorithm's execution speed. The simulation results show that an ultracompact beam splitter with a footprint of 13 μ m × 4.5 μ m can be achieved in lithium niobate integrated platforms, where the insertion loss falls below 0.5 dB within the 1500 nm to 1700 nm range, thus reaching its lowest point of 0.15 dB at 1550 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of the high damage rate of corn with a high moisture content in the Huanghuaihai region, according to the mechanical characteristics of corn in the Huanghuaihai region, we designed a flexible threshing device with a threshing rasp bar and variable stiffness spring as the buffer carrier, and the elements of the device were nail teeth and a flexible threshing rasp bar, which could be replaced freely. The experiment was based on the threshing rotor speed, threshing gap, and spring stiffness as the influencing factors, with the grain breakage rate and the unthreshed rate as an indicator of three-factor three-level experiments, and in October in Zibo through bench experiments, to determine the best parameter combinations. When the spring compression stiffness was 20.83 N/mm, the rotor speed was 375 r/min, and the gap of the concave plate was 45 mm, the grain breakage rate of the corn ear was 4.7%, and the unthreshed rate was 0.48%, which is in line with the relevant national standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sleeve grouting connection is the most common form of vertical connection for prefabricated shear walls. However, during construction, this type of connection is prone to defects such as insufficient anchorage length of reinforcement, deviation of reinforcement, and insufficient amount of sleeve grouting, which significantly impact the integrity and seismic performance of the prefabricated shear wall structure. The finite element analysis of the prefabricated shear wall with sleeve grouting connection is still based on solid element modeling. This method has the disadvantages of complex models and low computational efficiency. In this paper, a simplified modeling method for prefabricated shear walls considering sleeve grouting defects was proposed to address this issue. Firstly, the equivalent constitutive relationship of the sleeve grouting defect connector was constructed based on the uniaxial tensile test of the existing sleeve grouting defect connector, and the T3D2 element was used to simulate the sleeve grouting connector. Then, the mechanical behavior of the horizontal joint between the shear wall and the foundation beam was simulated by the cohesive force model, and the prefabricated shear wall models with sleeve grouting defects were established. The accuracy of the simplified modeling method was verified by comparing the experimental results and numerical simulation results of the seismic performance of the prefabricated shear wall with sleeve grouting defects. The results showed that the hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, and failure mode of the numerical simulation were in good agreement with the test results. However, the stiffness of the concrete degenerated rapidly due to the apparent development of plastic-damaged concrete, which made the falling section of the hysteresis curve of the numerical simulation different from that of the test. The proposed simplified modeling method can be further applied to the performance study of prefabricated shear walls with sleeve grouting defects and can provide a reference for structural performance evaluation, design optimization, and construction quality control to a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problems of uneven distribution of dislodged material on the screen surface of longitudinal axial flow grain combine harvester, a large difference in material clearing time, and large clearing loss, a dislodged material homogenizing device that can realize dislodged material return and homogenization at the rear of longitudinal axial flow was developed. (1) The structure and motion parameters of the reflux plate were determined, and simulation tests were carried out to verify them; (2) A test bench was set up, and the Box-Behnken test method was adopted to determine the influence law of each factor on the operating effect and the optimal parameter combination, and the results showed that the tilt angle of the return plate, motor speed, and amplitude had a significant influence on the distribution uniformity of the material on the screen surface; it was determined that the optimal combination of the angle of the return plate configuration was 28.7°, the speed of the motor was 247 r/min, the amplitude of the return plate was 18.3 mm, and the seed contamination rate was 0.48%. The optimum combination was determined to be 28.7°, 247 r/min, 18.3 mm, and 0.48% impurity rate; (3) under the conditions of the field test validation, the validation error is less than 5%, proving that it can effectively improve the performance of the clearing and reduce the rate of impurity content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides insights into the four key behaviors and mechanisms of the aging to failure of batteries in micro-overcharge cycles at different temperatures, as well as the changes in thermal stability. The test results from a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) indicate that battery failure is primarily associated with the rupture of cathode materials, the fracturing and pulverization of electrode materials on the anode current collector, and the formation of lithium dendrites. Additionally, battery safety is influenced by environmental temperatures and the battery's state of health (SOH), with failed batteries exhibiting the poorest stability and the highest mass loss rates. Under isothermal conditions, micro-overcharge leads to battery failure without thermal runaway. Thus, temperature stands out as the most influential factor in battery safety. These insights hold significant theoretical and practical value for the development of more precise and secure battery management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The nutrient strategy is a significant part of Gephyrocapsa huxleyi's physiology. Unlike other studies mainly focusing on photosynthesis, we conducted a short-term incubation to test the difference in phagocytosis capacity between diploid calcified G. huxleyi RCC1266 and haploid non-calcified G. huxleyi PML B92/11 in different light regimes. The results suggested that a higher percentage has been found in the non-calcified strain as compared to the calcified strain, no matter whether it was under light or in the dark. Additionally, the non-calcified strain showed a greater percentage in the dark than under light. Coccolithophores play a significant role in marine calcium carbonate production and carbon cycles, attributing to their unique feature of producing calcareous plates, coccoliths. Coccolithophores also possess a haplo-diplontic life cycle, presenting distinct morphology types and calcification states. However, differences in nutrient acquisition strategies and mixotrophic behaviors of the two life phases remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a series of phagocytosis experiments of calcified diploid and non-calcified haploid strains of coccolithophore Gephyrocapsa huxleyi under light and dark conditions. The phagocytosis capability of each strain was examined based on characteristic fluorescent signals from ingested beads using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The results show a significantly higher phagocytosis percentage on fluorescent beads in the bacterial prey surrogates of the non-calcified haploid Gephyrocapsa huxleyi strain, than the calcified diploid strain with or without light. In addition, the non-calcified diploid cells seemingly to presented a much higher phagocytosis percentage in darkness than under light. The differential phagocytosis capacities between the calcified diploid and non-calcified haploid Gephyrocapsa huxleyi strains indicate potential distinct nutritional strategies at different coccolithophore life and calcifying stages, which may further shed light on the potential strategies that coccolithophore possesses in unfavorable environments such as twilight zones and the expanding coccolithophore niches in the natural marine environment under the climate change scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global reliance on oil and gas pipelines for energy transportation is increasing. As the pioneering review in the field of ultrasonic defect detection for oil and gas pipelines based on bibliometric methods, this study employs visual analysis to identify the most influential countries, academic institutions, and journals in this domain. Through cluster analysis, it determines the primary trends, research hotspots, and future directions in this critical field. Starting from the current global industrial ultrasonic in-line inspection (ILI) detection level, this paper provides a flowchart for selecting detection methods and a table for defect comparison, detailing the comparative performance limits of different detection devices. It offers a comprehensive perspective on the latest ultrasonic pipeline detection technology from laboratory experiments to industrial practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous rise of the sea cucumber aquaculture industry in China, the tropical sea cucumber aquaculture industry is also improving. However, research on the gut microorganisms of tropical sea cucumbers in captivity is scarce. In this study, high-throughput sequencing methods were used to analyze the gut microbial composition of Stichopus monotuberculatus and Holothuria scabra in the dry season and wet season of artificial environments. The results showed that 66 phyla were obtained in all samples, of which 59 phyla were obtained in the dry season, and 45 phyla were obtained in the wet season. The Tax4Fun analysis showed that certain gut bacterial communities affect the daily metabolism of two sea cucumber species and are involved in maintaining gut microecological balance in the gut of two sea cucumber species. In addition, compared with differences between species, PCoA and UPGMA clustering analysis showed the gut prokaryotes of the same sea cucumber species varied more in different seasons, indicating that the influence of environment was higher than the feeding choices of sea cucumbers under relatively closed conditions. These results revealed the gut bacterial community composition of S. monotuberculatus and H. scabra and the differences in gut bacterial structure between two sea cucumber species in different seasons were compared, which would provide the foundation for tropical sea cucumber aquaculture in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural collectively owned commercial construction land marketization (RCCCLM), a land policy that is still being piloted despite being allowed by law, has been regarded as an indispensable policy tool that can meet the land demand for rural development. This study aims to analyze the typical modes and key paths of RCCCLM for rural transformation theoretically and practically. We developed an innovative theoretical framework of "Situation-Structure-Implementation-Outcome" to illustrate the relationship between RCCCLM and rural transformation. By tracing the process of the impact of RCCCLM on rural transformation in typical areas, this study fills the gap in existing research that has not yet explored the theoretical mechanisms between RCCCLM and rural transformation. The results show that a combination of such factors as geographical location and rural land use status brings about three major ways of RCCCLM, namely, local marketization, adjustive marketization and consolidation-based marketization, to promote rural transformation. The influencing mechanism of RCCCLM on rural transformation mainly concerns rights granting, rural land use structure reshaping, the transformation of farmers' livelihood and improvement in rural governance capacity. Rural transformation follows a basic rule and phased characteristics of evolving from single function to multiple functions, and RCCCLM displays a differentiated driving effect on the evolution of rural functions in different stages of rural development. These findings will provide new insights into rural land use and rural transformation in China and other developing countries and help solve the bottlenecks in rural transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-fibre diet leads to gut microbiota imbalance, characterized by low diversity and reduced ability to produce beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). This imbalance is associated with poor gastrointestinal and metabolic health. We aimed to determine whether one dietary change, substitution of white bread with high-fibre bread, improves gut microbiota diversity and SCFA-producing capability. Twenty-two healthy adults completed a two-phase randomized, cross-over trial. The participants consumed three slices of a high-fibre bread (Prebiotic Cape Seed Loaf with BARLEYmax®) or control white bread as part of their usual diet for 2 weeks, with the treatment periods separated by a 4-week washout. High-fibre bread consumption increased total dietary fibre intake to 40 g/d, which was double the amount of fibre consumed at baseline or during the white bread intervention. Compared to white bread, the high-fibre bread intervention resulted in higher faecal alpha diversity (Shannon, p = 0.014) and relative abundance of the Lachnospiracae ND3007 group (p < 0.001, FDR = 0.019) and tended to increase the butyrate-producing capability (p = 0.062). In conclusion, substituting white bread with a high-fibre bread improved the diversity of gut microbiota and specific microbes involved in SCFA production and may enhance the butyrate-producing capability of gut microbiota in healthy adults. These findings suggest that a single dietary change involving high-fibre bread provides a practical way for adults to exceed recommended dietary fibre intake levels that improve gut microbiota composition and support gastrointestinal and metabolic health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU energy sector became a very important one as a result of the war in Ukraine. On the other hand, the EU started in defining and implementing new strategies regarding green economy and sustainability. Even though these strategies cover short and medium periods, they have as a main goal the decrease in the EU's dependence of energy imports. This research is focused on present challenges, risks, and uncertainties related to energy production and consumption in all EU member states. In order to achieve the research objectives, a huge statistical database, which covered 2012–2021, was used. The analysis is based on specific indicators regarding primary energy production; imports and exports; gross available energy; final energy consumption; non-energy consumption; energy dependency; and energy intensity. There are at least three research procedures used in this paper: a meta-analysis, a statistical analysis, and an econometric analysis, as well. Finally, the analysis points out the disparities between member states regarding energetic resources and energy dependency using a new model for quantifying risk factors in the European energy system. Moreover, new public policies are proposed by the authors under a cluster approach of the EU's regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typical usage scenarios for energy storage and electric vehicles (EVs) require lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) to operate under extreme conditions, including varying temperatures, high charge/discharge rates, and various depths of charge and discharge, while also fulfilling vehicle-to-grid (V2G) interaction requirements. This study empirically investigates the impact of ambient temperature, charge/discharge rate, and charge/discharge cut-off voltage on the capacity degradation rate and internal resistance growth of 18,650 commercial LIBs. The charge/discharge rate was found to have the most significant influence on these parameters, particularly the charging rate. These insights contribute to a better understanding of the risks associated with low-temperature aging and can aid in the prevention or mitigation of safety incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin found in many agricultural products and can cause reproductive disorders, mainly affecting spermatogenesis in male animals. Rutin (RUT) is a natural flavonoid compound recognized for its significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and estrogenic properties. The present study aimed to determine the protective role of RUT against ZEN-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice. Twenty-four adult Kunming male mice were divided into four groups: control, RUT (500 mg/kg RUT), ZEN (10 mg/kg ZEN), ZEN + RUT (500 mg/kg RUT + 10 mg/kg ZEN), with six replicates per treatment. The results indicated that RUT mitigated ZEN-induced disruption in spermatogenic cell arrangement, decreased spermatozoa count, and increased sperm mortality in the testes. RUT significantly restored ZEN-induced reduction in T, FSH, LH, and E2 serum levels. Moreover, RUT mitigated ZEN-induced apoptosis by increasing the mRNA expression level of bcl-2, decreasing the mRNA expression level of kiss1-r, and decreasing the protein expression level of caspase 8 in reproductive tissues. These findings indicate the protective role of RUT against ZEN-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice by regulating gonadotropin and testosterone secretions to maintain normal spermatogenesis via the HPG axis, which may provide a new application direction for RUT as a therapeutic agent to mitigate ZEN-induced reproductive toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests are one of the most important sources of negative oxygen ions (NAIs). NAIs have been recognized as beneficial for both physical and mental well–being, and higher concentrations of NAIs have been associated with improved health. However, the environmental factors that predominantly influence NAI concentration and their relationship with NAIs remain uncertain. This study aims to investigate the dominant factors and their impact on NAI concentration by observing NAIs and various environmental factors in two different environments (natural forest and urban forest) in the Beijing region over a one–year period. Through our investigation, we aimed to identify the key factor as well as other influential variables affecting NAI concentration. Our analysis encompassed the examination of dynamic concentration changes over multiple time scales, revealing uniform trends in both forest types. Notably, natural forests consistently demonstrated higher NAI concentration across these time scales, attributable to greater vegetation density and the stability of the forest microenvironment. By utilizing regression, correlation analysis, and structural equation analysis, we determined that relative humidity (RH) has the most significant effect on NAI concentration. Notably, both NAI concentration and RH displayed similar patterns across multiple time scales. When considering hourly average daily variation, the lowest values for both NAI concentration and RH were observed at noon, followed by an increase that persisted throughout the night. Seasonal average variation showed that both NAI concentration and RH peaked in the summer, followed by autumn. In terms of daily average annual variation, summer exhibited more days with high NAI concentration and high RH, which can be attributed to the increased rainfall during that season. Rainy weather was found to contribute to higher NAI concentration and RH levels. Furthermore, our findings revealed that on a daily scale, high RH and high NAI concentration occurred more frequently under conditions of high air temperature and low wind speed. However, the air quality index demonstrated only a minor effect in urban forest, while net radiation exhibited no significant influence on NAI concentration and RH. The fitted equations and trends of the aforementioned environmental factors with NAI concentration and RH were found to be comparable. The path analysis further corroborates these conclusions. The findings of this study indicate that RH is the primary factor driving the fluctuations in NAI concentration across various time scales, including hourly, daily, and seasonal variations. The study revealed that wind speed indirectly impacts NAI concentration by modulating RH. In contrast, air temperature influences NAI concentration both indirectly through RH and directly. The environmental factors affecting NAI concentration in the two types of forests are similar, but the degrees vary; in urban forests, wind speed, air quality index, and RH are slightly higher, while in natural forests, air temperature is slightly higher. This discovery further enhances our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and dynamic changes in NAI concentration within urban forests and natural forests. Moreover, it confirms the reliability and effectiveness of using RH as an indicator to monitor changes in NAI concentration over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote Sensing plays a fundamental role in acquiring crucial information about the Earth's surface from a distance, especially through fully polarimetric data, which offers a rich source of information for diverse applications. However, extracting meaningful insights from this intricate data necessitates sophisticated techniques. In addressing this challenge, one predominant trend that has emerged is known as target decomposition techniques. These techniques can be broadly classified into coherent and non-coherent methods. Each of these methods provides high-quality information using different procedures. In this context, this paper introduces innovative feature fusion techniques, amalgamating coherent and non-coherent information. While coherent techniques excel in detailed exploration and specific feature extraction, non-coherent methods offer a broader perspective. Our feature fusion techniques aim to harness the strengths of both approaches, providing a comprehensive and high-quality fusion of information. In the first approach, features derived from Pauli coherent decomposition, Freeman–Durden non-coherent technique, and the Symmetry criterion from Cameron's stepwise algorithm are combined to construct a sophisticated feature vector. This fusion is achieved using the well-established Fisher Linear Discriminant Analysis algorithm. In the second approach, the Symmetry criterion serves as the basis for fusing coherent and non-coherent coefficients, resulting in the creation of a new feature vector. Both approaches aim to exploit information simultaneously extracted from coherent and non-coherent methods in feature extraction from Remote Sensing data through fusion at the feature level. To evaluate the effectiveness of the feature generated by the proposed fusion techniques, we employ a land cover classification procedure. This involves utilizing a basic classifier, achieving overall accuracies of approximately 82% and 86% for each of the two proposed techniques. Furthermore, the accuracy in individual classes surpasses 92%. The evaluation aims to gauge the effectiveness of the fusion methods in enhancing feature extraction from fully polarimetric data and opens avenues for further exploration in the integration of coherent and non-coherent features for remote sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the food industry, foodborne spoilage bacteria often live in mixed species and attach to each other, leading to changes in spoilage characteristics. Quorum sensing (QS) has been reported to be a regulating mechanism for food spoiling by certain kinds of bacteria. Here, the contents of biofilm, extracellular polysaccharides, and biogenic amines in the coculture system of Hafnia alvei H4 and Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC13525 were significantly reduced when the QS element of H. alvei H4 was deleted, confirming that QS of H. alvei H4 is involved in the dual-species interactions. Then, transcriptomics was used to explore the regulatory mechanism at the mRNA molecular level. The deletion of the QS element decreased the transcript levels of genes related to chemotaxis, flagellar assembly, and the two-component system pathway of H. alvei H4 in the coculture system. Furthermore, a total of 732 DEGs of P. fluorescens ATCC13525 were regulated in the dual species, which were primarily concerned with biofilm formation, ATP-binding cassette transporters, and amino acid metabolism. Taken together, the absence of the QS element of H. alvei H4 weakened the mutual cooperation of the two bacteria in the coculture system, making it a good target for managing infection with H. alvei and P. fluorescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply chain coordination has been a research hot spot in supply chain management. This paper constructs a secondary supply chain system. Taking the abatement of the bullwhip effect and the double marginal effect as the coordination objective, a simulation study of supply chain decision coordination was conducted using system dynamics. First, by controlling the lead time, it was found that in the decentralized decision-making model, the profit of the supplier and the whole supply chain increases with the shortening of the lead time, and vice versa for the retailer. In the centralized decision-making model with the addition of information sharing and contract, it was found that the retailer's profit is consistent with the trend of the supplier and the supply chain as a whole, and the supplier's profit is lower than that of decentralized decision making in the pre-cooperation period. In addition, it is also found that adjusting the contract parameters can effectively improve the situation. Finally, the above models were analyzed for supply chain coordination decisions based on two scenarios: "cooperative stability" or "balance of effects". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The goji berry, Lycium barbarum L., is a prominent indigenous medicinal plant in Northern China. The high nutrient content of fruits may make goji berry plants susceptible to pests. The goji berry psyllid Bactericera gobica is an extensively prevalent and devastating pest. The current primary approaches employed for goji berry psyllid prevention involve the utilization of chemical pesticides, which may potentially pose risks to human health and the environment. The advantage of biological control, in contrast to alternative methods, lies in its provision of a cost-effective and sustainable control system with minimal adverse effects. By comparing the predatory performance of three ladybird species preying on psyllids, our study suggests that each species possesses distinct advantages as potential predators of psyllids. Further field studies are necessary to determine the most promising ladybird species for rapid impact through inundative biological control, considering the specific environmental adaptability of each ladybird species. This study is expected to provide evidence supporting the potential of promising ladybird species as an effective biological control agent against goji berry psyllids. The psyllid Bactericera gobica is a serious pest in goji berry orchards. The current primary psyllid control methods involve chemical pesticides, which pose potential risks to human health and the environment. The implementation and promotion of biological control agents should receive increased attention as an alternative approach to safeguarding goji berry orchards. To compare the predatory performance of three potential biocontrol agents of psyllids, including Harmonia axyridis, Coccinella septempunctata and Hippodamia variegata, the functional response and intraspecific interactions of adult ladybirds were studied under laboratory conditions. We observed a significantly higher searching efficiency (0.84 ± 0.09) in H. axyridis when preying on psyllids compared to H. variegata (0.55 ± 0.05), whereas the handling time for psyllids was considerably longer in H. axyridis (7.33 ± 0.83 min) than in H. variegata (5.67 ± 0.97 min). The impact of intraspecific interactions on H. variegata (0.44 ± 0.04) was significantly greater than that on C. septempunctata (0.29 ± 0.03), whereas the maximum consumption by C. septempunctata (223.35 ± 41.3) significantly exceeded that of H. variegata (133.4 ± 26.9). Our study suggests that each of these three ladybird species possesses distinct advantages as a potential predator of psyllids. However, further field studies are required to determine the most promising ladybird species for rapid impact through inundative biological control, taking into consideration the specific environmental adaptability of each ladybird species. The present study is expected to provide evidence that supports the potential of incorporating promising ladybird species as an effective biological control agent in goji berry orchard management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sr(OH)2 is an indispensable strontium compound extensively harnessed in sugar refining, strontium lubricating wax formulation, and polymer plastic stabilization. Sr(OH)2·8H2O is the prevalent hydrate form of Sr(OH)2. Deprived of moisture via vacuum drying, Sr(OH)2 can be procured from Sr(OH)2·8H2O. Sr(OH)2·8H2O particles with larger sizes exhibit impressive attributes such as facile solid–liquid divergence, elevated product purity, expedient drying, and resilience to agglomeration, which have garnered significant interest. Given the superior quality of the product and the dependability of the process, process analytical technology (PAT) has been extensively employed in the pharmaceutical sector, rendering it feasible to employ PAT to fabricate large-particle Sr(OH)2·8H2O crystals. This study utilizes industrial SrCO3 to prepare high-purity Sr(OH)2·8H2O with a purity of over 99.5%. The growth process of single crystals was observed using a hot-stage microscope, and the growth process of large-particle Sr(OH)2·8H2O was optimized and regulated online using PAT. The optimal process conditions were optimized, and large-particle Sr(OH)2·8H2O crystals were obtained by adding crystal seeds. On this basis, we proposed a seed control mechanism for Sr(OH)2·8H2O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the depletion of fossil fuels, the demand for renewable energy has increased, thus stimulating the development of novel materials for energy conversion devices such as fuel cells. In this work, nickel nanoparticles loaded on reduced graphene oxide (Ni/rGO) with small size and good dispersibility were successfully prepared by controlling the pyrolysis temperature of the precursor at 450 °C, assisted by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, and exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Additionally, the electron enrichment on Ni NPs was due to charge transfer from the rGO support to metal nickel, as evidenced by both experimental and theoretical studies. Metal–support interactions between nickel and the rGO support also facilitated charge transfer, contributing to the enhanced ORR performance of the composite material. DFT calculations revealed that the first step (from O2 to HOO*) was the rate-determining step with an RDS energy barrier lower than that of the Pt(111), indicating favorable ORR kinetics. The HOO* intermediates can be transferred onto rGO by the solid-phase spillover effect, which reduces the chemical adsorption on the nickel surface, thereby allowing continuous regeneration of active nickel sites. The HO2− intermediates generated on the surface of rGO by 2e− reduction can also efficiently diffuse towards the nearby Ni surface or the interface of Ni/rGO, where they can be further rapidly reduced to OH−. This mechanism acts as the pseudo-four-electron path on the RRDE. Furthermore, Ni/rGO-450 demonstrated superior stability, methanol tolerance, and durability compared to a 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst, making it a cost-effective alternative to conventional noble metal ORR catalysts for fuel cells or metal–air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a kind of mycotoxin, imposes acute or chronic toxicity on humans and causes great public health concerns. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a natural phenolic substance, shows a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. This study was conducted to investigate the effect and mechanism of CGA on alleviating cytotoxicity induced by AFB1 in L-02 cells. The results showed that CGA (160 μM) significantly recovered cell viability and cell membrane integrity in AFB1-treated (8 μM) cells. Furthermore, it was found that CGA reduced AFB1-induced oxidative injury by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. In addition, CGA showed anti-inflammatory effects as it suppressed the expression of inflammation-related genes (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and AFB1-induced noncanonical nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation. Moreover, CGA mitigated AFB1-induced apoptosis by maintaining the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and inhibiting mRNA expressions of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Bax, and Bax/Bcl-2. These findings revealed a possible mechanism: CGA prevents AFB1-induced cytotoxicity by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, activating Nrf2/HO-1, and inhibiting the noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathway, which may provide a new direction for the application of CGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whole genomes of Samsoniella hepiali ICMM 82-2 and S. yunnanensis YFCC 1527 were sequenced and annotated, as well as compared with whole genome sequences of other species in the family Cordycipitaceae. S. hepiali ICMM 82-2, S. hepiali FENG and S. yunnanensis YFCC 1527 had 54, 57 and 58 putative secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, respectively. S. hepiali had one unique domain and S. yunnanensis YFCC 1527 six. Both S. hepiali and S. yunnanensis YFCC 1527 had curvupallide-B, fumosorinone and fujikurin putative biosynthetic gene clusters. C. javanica had biosynthetic gene clusters for fumonisin. The 14 genomes had common domains, namely A-P-C-P-C and KS-AT-DH-ER-KR-ACP. The A-P-C-P-C domain may be involved in the biosynthesis of dimethylcoprogen. The maximum likelihood and the Bayesian inference trees of KS-AT-DH-ER-KR-ACP were highly consistent with the multigene phylogenetic tree for the 13 species of Cordycipitaceae. This study facilitates the discovery of novel biologically active SMs from Cordycipitaceae using heterologous expression and gene knockdown methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extended Fisher–Kolmogorov (EFK) equation is an important model for phase transitions and bistable phenomena. This paper presents some fast explicit numerical schemes based on the integrating factor Runge–Kutta method and the Fourier spectral method to solve the EFK equation. The discrete global convergence of these new schemes is analyzed rigorously. Three numerical examples are presented to verify the theoretical analysis and the efficiency of the proposed schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Several recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported on the survival benefits of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) compared to standard-of-care (SOC) treatment (enzalutamide, abiraterone, or docetaxel) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, there is a limited integrated analysis of high-quality evidence comparing the efficacy and safety of PARPi and SOC treatments in this context. Objective: This study aims to comprehensively analyze the survival benefits and adverse events associated with PARPi and SOC treatments through a head-to-head meta-analysis in mCRPC. Evidence acquisition: A systematic review search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Clinical trials, and the Central Cochrane Registry in July 2023. RCTs were assessed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The systematic review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023441034). Evidence synthesis: A total of 8 studies, encompassing 2341 cases in the PARPi treatment arm and 1810 cases in the controlled arm, were included in the qualitative synthesis. The hazard ratio (HR) for radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and overall survival (OS) were 0.74 (95% CI, 0.61–0.90) and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.80–0.99), respectively, in the intention-to-treatment patients. For subgroup analysis, HRs for rPFS and OS in the BRCA-mutated subgroup were 0.39 (95% CI, 0.28–0.55) and 0.62 (95% CI, 0.38–0.99), while in the HRR-mutated subgroup, HR for rPFS was 0.57 (95% CI, 0.48–0.69) and for OS was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.64–0.93). The odds ratio (OR) for all grades of adverse events (AEs) and AEs with severity of at least grade 3 were 3.86 (95% CI, 2.53–5.90) and 2.30 (95% CI, 1.63–3.26), respectively. Conclusions: PARP inhibitors demonstrate greater effectiveness than SOC treatments in HRR/BRCA-positive patients with mCRPC. Further research is required to explore ways to reduce adverse event rates and investigate the efficacy of HRR/BRCA-negative patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen, a species of the genus Panax, radix has been traditionally used to deal with various hematological diseases and cardiovascular diseases since ancient times in East Asia. P. notoginseng produces recalcitrant seeds which are sensitive to desiccation and difficult to store for a long time. However, few data are available on the mechanism of the desiccation sensitivity of P. notoginseng seeds. To gain a comprehensive perspective of the genes associated with desiccation sensitivity, cDNA libraries from seeds under control and desiccation processes were prepared independently for Illumina sequencing. The data generated a total of 70,189,896 reads that were integrated and assembled into 55,097 unigenes with a mean length of 783 bp. In total, 12,025 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified during the desiccation process. Among these DEGs, a number of central metabolism, hormonal network-, fatty acid-, and ascorbate-glutathione-related genes were included. Our data provide a comprehensive resource for identifying the genes associated with the desiccation sensitivity of P. notoginseng seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth process of the stamen filament is crucial for plant reproduction. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of filament growth remain largely unclear. Our study has identified that MYB21 is involved in the regulation of filament growth in Arabidopsis. In comparison to the wild type, the cell length of the filaments is notably reduced in the myb21 mutant. Moreover, we found that KTN1, which encodes a microtubule-severing enzyme, is significantly upregulated in the myb21 mutant. Additionally, yeast one-hybrid assays demonstrated that MYB21 can bind to the promoter region of KTN1, suggesting that MYB21 might directly regulate the expression of KTN1. Finally, transcriptional activity experiments showed that MYB21 is capable of suppressing the driving activity of the KTN1 promoter. This study indicates that the MYB21-KTN1 module may play a precise regulatory role in the growth of Arabidopsis filament cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gentiopicrin, the main component of the famous Chinese patent medicine Long Dan Xie Gan Wan, has the characteristics of fast absorption in vivo and low bioavailability. Intestinal bacteria play an important role in the absorption and pharmacokinetics of oral drugs. In this study, the metabolic transformation of gentiopicrin by intestinal bacteria was examined. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/MSn-IT-TOF) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used, and six metabolites were identified, including reduction products (G-M1, G-M2, G-M4, and G-M6), a hydrolytic product (G-M3), and a dehydration product (G-M5) of gentiopicrin aglycone after hydrolysis, reduction, and dehydration reactions were performed by the intestinal flora. This is the first time that chiral metabolites of gentiopicrin (G-M1 and G-M2) were found in this study. In addition, the precursors of glucuronic acid conjugates previously reported in vivo may have come from the intestinal bacterial metabolites G-M1, G-M2, and G-M3. In addition, the metabolic transformation of gentiopicrin in liver microsomes was studied in vitro, and it was found that gentiopicrin did not undergo metabolic transformation under the action of liver microsomes. It is suggested that gentiopicroside may be metabolized in the intestine. This study provides both new insight regarding the investigation of effective substances and an exploration of the pharmacodynamic and toxicological properties of gentiopicrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aphid Aphis gossypii Glover is a serious pest that inflicts severe damage upon goji berry plants in China. The current prevailing approach to pest prevention involves the utilization of chemical insecticides, which presents potential risks to both human health and the environment. The improper use of pesticides leads to the emergence of drug-resistant pests, thereby contributing to the resurgence of rampant pest populations. Therefore, the conservation and management of predators in agricultural ecosystems should receive increased attention, given their crucial role. Ladybirds have previously been identified as the primary predators of aphid species. However, their effectiveness as biological agents against aphids on goji berry plants remains uncertain. We found that the potential of ladybirds in controlling the aphid populations is promising, thus possibly making a contribution to environmental protection. By conducting an analysis of functional responses, intraspecific competition, and a semi-field study, we have determined that H. axyridis and C. septempunctata exhibit greater potential as biocontrol agents against aphids in comparison to H. variegata. Notably, future field studies will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective implementation of a biological control program. The aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is identified as a significant pest that causes severe damage to goji berries in China. To analyze the ladybird consumption of aphids, the functional responses of three ladybird species, Harmonia axyridis, Coccinella septempunctata, and Hippodamia variegata, and intraspecific competition among ladybird individuals were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Moreover, the practical impact of ladybirds on aphid population reduction was investigated in semi-field conditions. We found that all adult ladybirds of the three species exhibited a type II functional response toward aphids. According to Holling's disc equation, H. axyridis exhibited the highest searching efficiency (a = 0.79), while C. septempunctata had the shortest handling time (Th = 5.07 min) among the three ladybird species studied. Additionally, intraspecific competition had a greater impact on H. variegata (m = 0.41) compared to the other two ladybird species. The semi-field study demonstrated that H. axyridis (83.9% reduction) and C. septempunctata (78.7% reduction) exhibited higher efficacy in reducing aphid populations compared to H. variegata (27.3% reduction). This study suggests that H. axyridis and C. septempunctata exhibit potential as effective biological control agents against aphids on goji berry plants and highlights the importance of considering intraspecific competition. However, the results obtained from laboratory and semi-field studies cannot be directly extrapolated to field conditions due to the simplification of these experimental systems. Future field studies are crucial in ensuring the effective implementation of a biological control program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been reported as a risk factor in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Polysaccharides from Phellinus igniarius (P. igniarius) possess various properties that help manage metabolic diseases; however, their underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of P. igniarius polysaccharides (SH-P) on improving hyperglycemia in mice with T2DM and clarified its association with the modulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites using 16S rDNA sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to verify the therapeutic effects of microbial remodeling. SH-P supplementation alleviated hyperglycemia symptoms in T2DM mice, ameliorated gut dysbiosis, and significantly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus in the gut. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that SH-P treatment altered metabolic pathways associated with the occurrence and development of diabetes. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that changes in the dominant bacterial genera were significantly correlated with metabolite levels closely associated with hyperglycemia. Additionally, FMT significantly improved insulin sensitivity and antioxidative capacity and reduced inflammation and tissue injuries, indicating improved glucose homeostasis. These results indicate that the ameliorative effects of SH-P on hyperglycemia are associated with the modulation of gut microbiota composition and its metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the main precursors of pollution from ground ozone (O3) and PM2.5, which cause the deterioration of urban air quality. The emissions of VOCs from industrialized areas are significant and their characteristics are complex, which nowadays contribute significantly to the challenges of investigating the emission inventory. Taking a typical industrialized area in Tianjin as a case study, the anthropogenic VOCs emission inventory for 2020 was established in this study by using the activity data from a large-scale survey and the latest emission factors. The impact of VOCs on the environment was analyzed from the perspective of the combined control of PM2.5 and O3. The results showed that the total emission of VOCs in 2020 was about 1.68 Gg, mainly from industrial processes and mobile sources, which accounted for 38.4% and 36.5% of the total emissions, respectively. The top 10 emitted VOCs were toluene, acetone, ethylbenzene, m/p-xylene, i-pentane, n-hexane, formaldehyde, benzene, ethyl acetate and ethylene. The dominant species of O3 formation potential (OFP) were almost all aromatic hydrocarbons and alkenes, with m/p-xylene contributing the most to the OFP emissions (8.90%). The top 10 secondary organic aerosols formation potential (SOAP) emission species were aromatic hydrocarbons and long-chain alkanes, and the largest emission came from toluene (39.9%). An analysis of an ADMS diffusion model showed that VOCs emitted from traffic-heavy main roads and industrialized central areas had the greatest impact on the air quality in the surrounding areas. The VOCs concentration was higher in winter due to unfavorable meteorological conditions. Our research updated the VOC inventory of industrialized areas and evaluated VOCs species reactivity and their impact on ambient air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children's respiratory health is vulnerable to air pollution. Based on data collected from June 2019 to June 2022 at a children's hospital in Zhengzhou, China, this study utilized Spearman correlation analysis and a generalized additive model (GAM) to examine the relationship between daily visits for common respiratory issues in children and air pollutant concentrations. Results show that the number of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), pneumonia (PNMN), bronchitis (BCT), and bronchiolitis (BCLT) visits in children showed a positive correlation with PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO while exhibiting a negative correlation with temperature and relative humidity. The highest increases in PNMN visits in children were observed at lag 07 for NO2, SO2, and CO. A rise of 10 μg/m3 in NO2, 1 μg/m3 in SO2, and 0.1 mg/m3 in CO corresponded to an increase of 9.7%, 2.91%, and 5.16% in PNMN visits, respectively. The effects of air pollutants on the number of BCT and BCLT visits were more pronounced in boys compared to girls, whereas no significant differences were observed in the number of URTI and PNMN visits based on sex. Overall, air pollutants significantly affect the prevalence of respiratory diseases in children, and it is crucial to improve air quality to protect the children's respiratory health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field-weakening region, the traditional field-weakening method for induction motor drives based on model predictive control (MPC) is to take a no-load operation as the premise and adjust the flux reference in the cost function proportional to the inverse of the rotor speed, which leads to poor torque output. This paper presents a novel field-weakening method for IM drives based on MPC. Considering the induction motor field-weakening limiting conditions and according to the speed adaptive field-weakening strategy with a voltage closed-loop, the speed adaptive field-weakening controllers were designed to optimize the references of the excitation current and torque current. In the rotor field-orientation d–q coordinate system, the stator flux amplitude and torque reference values were optimized by the optimal distribution current. Then, according to the dead-beat control principle, they were converted into an equivalent stator flux vector reference. Moreover, the stator voltage vector reference can be obtained. For an induction motor fed by a three-level neutral point clamped (3L-NPC) inverter, the cost function was constructed by combining all the constraints, including the voltage vector, the neutral potential balance, and the switching frequency. In this way, the high-performance field-weakening operation for the induction motor based on a model predictive control can be realized. The simulation and experiment results show that the proposed method can increase the torque output by 22% in the field-weakening region; at the same time, the steady characteristics and the dynamic response performance can be maintained well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A superhydrophobic coating on wood can effectively improve the hydrophobicity and service life of wood. In this study, an Al superhydrophobic nano-coating was constructed on the transversal section of poplar wood by magnetron sputtering based on glow-discharge plasma. The structure, microscopic morphology, surface elements, and hydrophobic properties were characterized and tested. When coated for 20 s, the water contact angle on the sample surface can reach 148.9°. When coated for 30 min, the Al-coated wood had a contact angle of 157.3°, which could maintain excellent superhydrophobic properties for 300 s. The sputtered Al nanoparticles were uniformly distributed on the wood surface and formed nanoclusters. Plenty of voids between the clusters can trap air and block contact between water droplets and the coating, making the coating obtain superhydrophobic properties. When the coating time was 60 min, the characteristic peak of the Al (111) crystal plane appeared at 38.4°, while the intensities of (101), (002), and (040) peaks of cellulose were reduced. In conclusion, magnetron sputtering was used to deposit a superhydrophobic coating on wood without low surface free energy agents. Furthermore, this research provides new inspirations for the physical modification of wood and the construction of superhydrophobic coatings on wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Here, we investigated the response of the coccolithophore Pleurochrysis carterae (P. carterae) isolated from the Bohai Sea to ocean acidification under different irradiance levels. A full factorial matrix of two pCO2 conditions (400 ppm and 800 ppm) and irradiance levels of 50, 200, 500 and 800 μmol photons m−2 s−1 were examined. The results suggest that ocean acidification suppressed the photosynthesis and increased the saturation irradiance for growth of the coccolithophore Pleurochrysis carterae. Further comparison with previously published results reveals that the physiological processes of the coastal coccolithophore specie Pleurochrysis carterae are less sensitive to ocean acidification than the smaller-sized species Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica, and the saturation irradiance for the growth, particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) production of Pleurochrysis carterae are much lower than those of the other two species. The ecologically important marine phytoplankton group coccolithophores have a global distribution. The impacts of ocean acidification on the cosmopolitan species Emiliania huxleyi have received much attention and have been intensively studied. However, the species-specific responses of coccolithophores and how these responses will be regulated by other environmental drivers are still largely unknown. To examine the interactive effects of irradiance and ocean acidification on the physiology of the coastal coccolithophore species Pleurochrysis carterae, we carried out a semi-continuous incubation experiment under a range of irradiances (50, 200, 500, 800 μmol photons m−2 s−1) at two CO2 concentration conditions of 400 and 800 ppm. The results suggest that the saturation irradiance for the growth rate was higher at an elevated CO2 concentration. Ocean acidification weakened the particulate organic carbon (POC) production of Pleurochrysis carterae and the inhibition rate was decreased with increasing irradiance, indicating that ocean acidification may affect the tolerating capacity of photosynthesis to higher irradiance. Our results further provide new insight into the species-specific responses of coccolithophores to the projected ocean acidification under different irradiance scenarios in the changing marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of a Mediterranean diet on the intestinal microbiome has been linked to its health benefits. We aim to evaluate the effects of a Mediterranean diet supplemented with dairy foods on the gut microbiome in Australians at risk of cardiovascular disease. In a randomised controlled cross-over study, 34 adults with a systolic blood pressure ≥120 mmHg and with risk factors for cardiovascular disease were randomly allocated to a Mediterranean diet with 3–4 daily serves of dairy foods (Australian recommended daily intake (RDI) of 1000–1300 mg per day (MedDairy)) or a low-fat (LFD) control diet. Between each 8-week diet, participants underwent an 8-week washout period. Microbiota characteristics of stool samples collected at the start and end of each diet period were determined by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. MedDairy-associated effects on bacterial relative abundance were correlated with clinical, anthropometric, and cognitive outcomes. No change in the overall faecal microbial structure or composition was observed with either diet (p > 0.05). The MedDairy diet was associated with changes in the relative abundance of several bacterial taxa, including an increase in Butyricicoccus and a decrease in Colinsella and Veillonella (p < 0.05). Increases in Butyricicoccus relative abundance over 8 weeks were inversely correlated with lower systolic blood pressure (r = −0.38, p = 0.026) and positively correlated with changes in fasting glucose levels (r = 0.39, p = 0.019), specifically for the MedDairy group. No significant associations were observed between the altered taxa and anthropometric or cognitive measures (p > 0.05). Compared to a low-fat control diet, the MedDairy diet resulted in changes in the abundance of specific gut bacteria, which were associated with clinical outcomes in adults at risk of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Large hemispheric infarction (LHI) can lead to fatal complications such as malignant brain edema (MBE). We aimed to investigate the correlation between heart-rate-to-blood-pressure ratios and MBE or one-month death after LHI. Methods: We prospectively included LHI patients from a registered cohort. Hourly heart-rate-to-blood-pressure ratios were recorded as a variation of the traditional shock index (SI), SIs and SId (systolic and diastolic pressures, respectively), and calculated for mean and variability (standard deviation) in 24 h and two 12 h epochs (1–12 h and 13–24 h) after onset of symptoms. MBE was defined as neurological deterioration symptoms with imaging evidence of brain swelling. We employed a generalized estimating equation to compare the trend in longitudinal collected SIs and SId between patients with and without MBE. We used multivariate logistic regression to investigate the correlation between SIs, SId and outcomes. Results: Of the included 162 LHI patients, 28.4% (46/162) developed MBE and 25.3% (40/158) died within one month. SIs and SId increased over baseline in all patients, with a similar ascending profile during the first 12 h epoch and a more intensive increase in the MBE group during the second 12 h epoch (p < 0.05). During the overall 24 h, patients with greater SId variability had a significantly increased MBE risk after adjustment (OR 3.72, 95%CI 1.38–10.04). Additionally, during the second 12 h epoch (13–24 h after symptom onset), patients developing MBE had a significantly higher SId level (OR 1.18, 95%CI 1.00–1.39) and greater SId variability (OR 3.16, 95%CI 1.35–7.40). Higher SId and greater SId variability within 24 h independently correlated with one-month death (all p < 0.05). Within the second 12 h epoch, higher SIs, higher SId and greater SId variability independently correlated with one-month death (all p < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed in the first 12 h epoch. Conclusions: Higher and more fluctuated heart-rate-to-blood-pressure ratios independently correlated with MBE development and one-month death in LHI patients, especially during the second 12 h (13–24 h) epoch after onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Castanopsis hystrix is a major community-building species in the top communities of southern subtropical China, with a high natural regeneration capacity. However, excessive logging and the introduction of exotic tree species have substantially reduced the area of natural forest patches of Castanopsis hystrix, and seedling regeneration is essential for the long-term continuation of Castanopsis hystrix populations. To explore the effects of light intensity on the seedling emergence and early growth of Castanopsis hystrix, shading experiments were conducted under four shading treatments (0%, 40%, 60%, and 80%). The growth, biomass accumulation, and distribution, the quality index of seedlings, the morphology and structure of the root systems of seedlings, and the leaf chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence properties of seedlings under different shading treatments were analyzed. The results displayed the following: (1) Shade intensity impacts growth of Castanopsis hystrix seedlings and biomass allocation, with optimal results observed at 60% shade, leading to the promotion of organic matter production in leaves and the limitation of stem growth. (2) Using a multi-indicator composite index, it was determined that seedling quality for Castanopsis hystrix peaks at 60% shade intensity. (3) Shade significantly impacts the morphology and structure of Castanopsis hystrix's root system, with most root characteristics peaking at 60% shade, indicating a substantial increase in root development compared to no-shade conditions. (4) The D-values indicated the most suitable shade intensity for seedling growth to be 60%, suggesting that Castanopsis hystrix seedlings are sensitive to light and excessive light can be detrimental to their growth. (5) The 60% shade treatment showed the maximum values of chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics and photochemical activity, with variations in energy conversion efficiency and dissipation reflected in parameters like photochemical burst coefficient (qP), photochemical burst coefficient (qN), the actual photometric yield of PSII under light acclimation (YII), and the maximum photosynthetic electron transport rate in photoinhibition (ETR), thereby supporting seedling growth and maintaining the normal function of photosynthetic organs. In conclusion, 60% shade treatment can effectively improve the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of Castanopsis hystrix seedlings and promote the accumulation of nutrient elements, ultimately promoting their growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this paper, we aim to show that the immunogenicity of the lyophilized human rabies vaccine (Vero cells) (investigational vaccine) developed by Dalian Aleph Biomedical Co., Ltd. in healthy participants aged 10–60 years old is non-inferior to the lyophilized PVRV (positive control) manufactured by Liaoning Chengda Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Shenyang, China), and that its safety is clinically acceptable. Method: A total of 2776 participants were enrolled in this study and divided into four groups: a five-dose test group, a five-dose control group, a four-dose test group, and a four-dose control group. The patients in the four-dose groups (Zagreb) were vaccinated on Days 0 (two doses), 7 (one dose), and 21 (one dose), and those in the five-dose groups (Essen) were vaccinated on Days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 (one dose each). The rabies-virus-neutralizing antibody assay with the RFFIT was used to assess the immunogenicity, and the adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) were identified and collated. Results: The positive seroconversion rate was up to 100% on Days 14 and 35/42 after vaccination following any procedures in pre-immunization antibody-negative participants, and the positive seroconversion rate and geometric mean concentration (GMC) of the test groups (Zagreb and Essen vaccination procedures) was not inferior to that of the control groups. On Day 7 after vaccination, the immunogenicity of the Zagreb procedure with two doses of the vaccine on Day 0 was superior to the Essen procedure with one dose of vaccine, that is, the former had a higher seroconversion rate and RVNA titer. The non-inferiority criterion of immunogenicity was met for the whole population, the population aged 10–18 years and ≥18 years, and the pre-immunization antibody-positive population. The incidences of all AEs, solicited AEs, and unsolicited AEs in both groups were not statistically significant, and no vaccination-related SAEs were observed. Conclusion: The investigated vaccine is safe, its immunogenicity is non-inferior to that of the control vaccine, and the efficacy of the Zagreb procedure is superior to that of the Essen procedure 7 days after the first dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deoxynivalenol (DON, Vomitoxin) is a threatening mycotoxin that mainly produces oxidative stress and leads to hepatotoxicity in poultry. Antioxidant dietary supplements dramatically boost immunity, safeguarding animals from DON poisoning. Luteolin (LUT) is an active plant-derived compound that poses influential antioxidants. This study explored the effectiveness of LUT in combination with activated charcoal (AC) in detoxifying DON in broilers. The 180 one-day broiler chickens were allocated into five different groups having six replicates in each group, provided with ad libitum feed during the trial period (28 days) as follows: in the control group, basal diet (feed with no supplementation of LUT, AC or DON); in group 2, a basal diet added with 10 mg/kg DON from contaminated culture (DON); in group 3, a basal diet augmented by 350 mg/kg LUT and DON 10 mg/kg (DON + LUT); in group 4, a basal diet supplemented by DON 10 mg/kg + AC 200 mg/kg (DON + AC); and in group 5, a basal diet supplemented by 10 mg/kg DON + 350 mg/kg LUT + 200 mg/kg AC (DON + LUT + AC). Concerning the control group, the DON-treated broilers demonstrated a significant decrease in growth performance (p < 0.05) and serum immunoglobulin (p < 0.05) contents, negatively changing the serum biochemical contents and enzymatic activities and an increase in histopathological liver lesions. Furthermore, DON substantially increased (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and decreased total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in the serum and liver. The intake of AC and LUT to the DON-contaminated diet decreased DON residue in the liver and potentially reduced the adverse effects of DON. Considering the results, supplementation of LUT with mycotoxin adsorbent has protective effects against mycotoxicosis caused by DON. It could be helpful for the development of novel treatments to combat liver diseases in poultry birds. Our findings may provide important information for applying LUT and AC in poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein aggregation is one of the hallmarks of aging and aging-related diseases, especially for the neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and others. In these diseases, many pathogenic proteins, such as amyloid-β, tau, α-Syn, Htt, and FUS, form aggregates that disrupt the normal physiological function of cells and lead to associated neuronal lesions. Protein aggregates in NDs are widely recognized as one of the important targets for the treatment of these diseases. Natural products, with their diverse biological activities and rich medical history, represent a great treasure trove for the development of therapeutic strategies to combat disease. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that natural products, by virtue of their complex molecular scaffolds that specifically bind to pathogenic proteins and their aggregates, can inhibit the formation of aggregates, disrupt the structure of aggregates and destabilize them, thereby alleviating conditions associated with NDs. Here, we systematically reviewed studies using natural products to improve disease-related symptoms by reducing or inhibiting the formation of five pathogenic protein aggregates associated with NDs. This information should provide valuable insights into new directions and ideas for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing technology, the microbial community structure in the gut of three tropical sea cucumber species, Holothuria atra, Stichopus chloronotus, and S. monotuberculatus, and their habitat sediments were analyzed. The OTUs in the gut contents of S. monotuberculatus, S. chloronotus, H. atra, and their sediments were 2489 ± 447, 1912 ± 235, 1628 ± 150, and 4162 ± 94, respectively. According to alpha diversity analysis (Ace, Chao1, Shannon, Simpson), the richness and diversity of microflora in the gut of all three sea cucumber species were significantly lower than that in sediments (p < 0.01). Anosim analysis showed that the intra-group differences were less than the inter-group differences (R > 0), and the microbial community composition of the sediment was distinctly different from those of three sea cucumber species (p < 0.05). UPGMA tree and Anosim analysis also revealed that the gut microbial communities of H. atra and S. chloronotus were more similar than that of S. monotuberculatus. Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum in all samples, and there was no significant difference in relative abundance among all groups. Actinobacteria was also a dominant phylum, and the relative abundance in S. chloronotus was significantly higher than that in other samples (p < 0.05). Potential probiotics and sequences related to Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas that may be developed for sea cucumber culture were also found in the study. It is speculated that the main reason for the difference in microbial communities between gut microbiota and environmental sediments may be the unique and quite different environment in the digestive tract of sea cucumbers. Whereas, the differences in gut microbiota among the three sea cucumber species were caused by selective feeding. These findings may provide basic data for tropical sea cucumber gut microflora studies and assist in the sea ranching and aquaculture development of the tropical sea cucumber species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]