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Twenty-one compounds were isolated and elucidated from the roots of Rhodiola rosea L. , including two new compounds (1–2), along with nineteen known compounds (3 - 21), compounds 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 , 13 , 17 , 21 were isolated for the first time from Plants of the Sedum family and compounds 14 , 20 were separated for the first time from the genus Sedum. In the present study, the structures of the compounds were investigated by NMR spectroscopy by comparing the data with those reported in the literature. Moreover, all isolates were tested for their neuroprotective activities aga BV NM. C, inst CoCl 2 -induced injury in PC12 cells. As a result, compound 7 showed better neuroprotective effects with cell viability (56.56 ± 1.2)% at 20 μ M. [Display omitted] • A new phenolic compound and an aliphatic chain compound were isolated from Rhodiola rosea L. • Seven compounds were isolated from Plants of the Sedum family for the first time. • Two compounds were isolated from the genus Sedum for the first time. • Compound 7 (Mallonanosid A) had better neuroprotective effects with cell viability of (56.56 ± 1.2) % at 20 μ M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The summer precipitation in Northeast China (NEC) can usually be divided into two stages, namely the Northeast China cold vortex (NECV) influencing stage in early summer (May–June) and the monsoon influencing stage in midsummer (July–August). In this study, the influence of NECV on the precipitation at multi‐timescales during different summer periods is studied. The results show that even in midsummer, though the effect of the western Pacific subtropical high is strengthened, the NECV still has the major impact on the precipitation over NEC. High co‐variability could be found between the daily precipitation and the NECV index in each month. The running correlation with an 11‐day window between precipitation and the NECV index also proves that the NECV has large impact on the precipitation over NEC during the whole summer. Key linkage of NECVs and the precipitation in midsummer can still be detected in synoptic extreme rainfall events. The composite analysis shows that, for the heavy rainfall extremes in NEC, the dominant circulation is an obvious 'negative–positive–negative' vorticity pattern at high latitudes of Asia. The positive vorticity in the pattern corresponds to stronger and more active NECV. That means the NECV is still the most critical factor affecting the NEC precipitation in midsummer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the concept of "healthy lifestyle" deeply rooted in people's minds, the sports service industry is thriving, which has resulted in intense competition. The sports service industry must improve its service quality to be competitive. Customer orientation is the key factor for enterprises to gain competitive advantage. With the in-depth understanding of internal marketing in the service industry. Managers have realized that treating employees as internal consumer is a good way to improve their satisfaction and gain customer orientation. However, what internal marketing strategies will have a positive effect on internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation of private-owned sports center employees are still unclear. In this investigation, a total of 326 employees from the private-owned sports center were used to investigate the effects of internal marketing strategies on internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation. All employees were asked to complete a questionnaire on 5-point scale. A path model was used to investigate the direct and indirect effects of hypothetical measurements on internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation. The findings suggested that internal communication, administrative support, and educational training were important factors affecting internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation. We concluded that the implementation of internal marketing strategies could improve internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation, and higher levels of internal consumer satisfaction will encourage employees to have higher degrees of customer orientation. Therefore, the implementation of internal marketing strategy was beneficial to the development of private-owned sports centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sea cucumbers are very sensitive to the influence of environmental factors, and will vomit their intestines and undergo tissue degradation under certain stimuli. In order to determine the effect of endogenous enzymes in the sea cucumber intestine on the body wall during body wall softening, intestine extracts and crude collagen fibers were prepared, respectively. The endogenous enzymes belonging to serine proteases were identified by gelatin zymography. The rheological property results showed that the addition of sea cucumber intestinal extracts reduced the viscosity of crude collagen fibers from 32.7 Pa·s to 5.3 Pa·s. The serine protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride inhibited the activity of intestinal extracts, and maintained the viscoelasticity of crude collagen fibers. In this paper, endogenous enzymes in sea cucumber intestinal extracts were identified as serine endopeptidases, which caused softening of the body wall. Sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus will vomit their intestines during certain stimulations, and the collagen of the body wall will then be degraded. To define the effect of the sea cucumber intestine extracts on the body wall, the intestinal extracts and crude collagen fibers (CCF) of sea cucumber A. japonicus were prepared. According to the gelatin zymography, the type of endogenous enzymes in intestinal extracts were mainly serine endopeptidases with optimal activities at pH 9.0 and 40 °C. According to the rheology results, the viscosity of 3% CCF decreased from 32.7 Pa·s to 5.3 Pa·s by adding intestine extracts. The serine protease inhibitor phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride inhibited the activity of intestinal extracts and increased the viscosity of collagen fibers to 25.7 Pa·s. The results proved that serine protease in the intestinal extracts participated in the process of body wall softening in sea cucumbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gel properties and microstructure of scallop male gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs) were investigated by combing with κ‐carrageenan (κ‐C) and locust bean gum (LBG). It was shown that the initial elastic module of SMGHs/κ‐C 0.1 Hz got marked improvement from 202.3 Pa to 326.7 Pa and the melting temperature also increased 6°C with the addition of LBG. According to the data of low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance, the relaxation time T23 markedly reduced in SMGHs/κ‐C/LBG, representing the migration of water might result in a strong bind among SMGHs, κ‐C, and LBG. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the existence of hydrogen bonding between LBG and SMGHs/κ‐C. Low‐temperature scanning electron microscopy showed that the SMGHs/κ‐C/LBG ternary complexes possessed smaller voids and more dense network structures. These results could provide more possibilities for the application of SMGHs and polysaccharide complexes in functional hydrogel development. Novelty impact statement: We evaluated the gel and microstructure properties of ternary composite gel consisted of protein hydrolysates from male gonad of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) (SMGHs), κ‐carrageenan (κ‐C), and locust bean gum (LBG). The results showed that the addition of κ‐C and LBG significantly improved the gel properties of SMGHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, hydrolysates of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) roe were prepared by trypsin (Try‐pcRHs) and papain (Pap‐pcRHs). The degree of hydrolysis (DH), molecular weight distribution and iron chelating capacity of hydrolysates were investigated. Moreover, the chelation mechanism of iron‐hydrolysates complex also was investigated by amino acid composition analysis, fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, fluorescence spectrophotometer and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. These results showed that Try‐pcRHs exhibited higher iron chelating ability with the EC50 value of 0.14 mg/ml than Pap‐pcRHs, which may be due to the higher DH and content of peptide <1 KDa. Furthermore, the Asp, Glu, Ser, Pro, Ile, Phe and His in Try‐pcRHs might contribute to the chelation reaction, and the groups of ‐COOH, C=O, N‐H and C‐O were involved in chealtiong of Try‐pcRHs with iron. Therefore, Try‐pcRHs have the potential to be used as iron supplements in food industries. Practical Applications: Large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) roes are the main by‐products in the large yellow croaker processing. Previous studies have found that protein isolates from P. crocea roes composed of vitellogenin B, vitellogenin C and vitellogenin contain a large number of serine residues. In this study, we prepared hydrolysates from large yellow croaker roes, and the results showed that trypsin‐hydrolyzed large yellow croaker roes exhibited great iron‐chelating ability and has the potential to be used as a safe and healthy iron supplements in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the gel and microstructure properties of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) male gonads hydrolysates (SMGHs) combined with xanthan gum (XG). SMGHs/XG hydrogel matrix properties and structures were elucidated via different analysis tools such as rheometry, LF‐NMR, FTIR, AFM, and Cryo‐SEM. The addition of XG significantly improved the rheological properties of SMGHs, as indicated by 3.1‐fold G′ and 1.3‐fold melting temperature with increasing the XG dose to 5.6 mg/ml. The corresponding decrease in the T23 relaxation time from 450.3 to 365.6 ms also signified the strong binding between SMGHs and XG. SMGHs/XG also had a higher proton density (T1 and T2 weighted images) due to the higher bound and free water content of the hybrid gel systems, respectively. Additionally, the blueshift in the amide I and II bands in SMGHs/XG further indicated stronger electrostatic interactions between SMGHs and XG. Such scenarios resulted in a well‐distributed and compact network with a rougher surface of SMGHs/XG in comparison to pure SMGHs and XG, as assessed by AFM and SEM. These results suggest that SMGHs/XG gel could be a potential hybrid gel applied in the food industry. Practical Application: Scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) male gonads are edible, but are usually discarded during processing of scallop adductor. Because of its rich nutrition and gelation properties, scallop male gonads have a potential role in developing marine source‐protein as a functional food base. The SMGHs/XG binary gel would be potentially applied in delivery system in food and biological fields. Further study is undergoing to apply SMGHs/XG binary gel to embed bioactive compounds, such as curcumin and β‐carotene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Climate warming and increasing nitrogen (N) deposition have influenced plant nutrient status and thus plant carbon (C) fixation and vegetation composition in boreal peatlands. Phenols, which are secondary metabolites in plants for defense and adaptation, also play important roles in regulating peatland C dynamics due to their anti-decomposition properties. However, how the phenolic levels of different functional types of plants vary depending on nutrient availability remain unclear in boreal peatlands. Methods Here, we investigated total phenols contents (TPC) and total tannins contents in leaves of 11 plant species in 18 peatlands of the Great Hing'an Mountains area in northeastern China, and examined their variations with leaf N and phosphorus (P) and underlying mechanisms. Important Findings Shrubs had higher TPC than graminoids, indicating less C allocation to defense and less uptake of organic N in faster-growing and nonmycorrhizal graminoids than in slower-growing and mycorrhizal shrubs. For shrubs, leaf TPC decreased with increasing N contents but was not influenced by changing leaf phosphorus (P) contents, which suggested that shrubs would reduce the C investment for defense with increasing N availability. Differently, leaf TPC of graminoids increased with leaf N contents and decreased with leaf P contents. As graminoids are more N-limited and less P-limited, we inferred that graminoids would increase the defensive C investment under increased nutrient availability. We concluded that shrubs would invest more C in growth than in defense with increasing N availability, but it was just opposite for graminoids, which might be an important mechanism to explain the resource competition and encroachment of shrubs in boreal peatlands in the context of climate warming and ever-increasing N deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, cold-set large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) roe protein isolate (pcRPI) gels were prepared by glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) at different concentrations. The 0.1% and 0.2% GDL induced pcRPI at 50 mg/mL to form cold-set gels, while pcRPI suspension with 0.4% GDL addition still showed a fluid state. The pcRPI gel induced by 0.2% GDL showed better rheological properties and its G' value was about 5.1 times than that of 0.1% GDL. In addition, pcRPI gels induced by 0.1% and 0.2% GDL showed similar water holding capacity, and 0.2% GDL-induced pcRPI gels showed a special T 2 peak in 2249.0 ms which might represent free water on the surface of the gel. Furthermore, the higher total number of junctions, vessels percentage area, and lower lacunarity indicated a denser three-dimensional network structure in pcRPI gels induced by 0.1% and 0.2% GDL. Particle size tests and AFM results further confirmed that GDL induced pcRPI to form cold-set gels by promoting the formation of protein aggregates. Therefore, 0.1–0.2% GDL are suitable to prepare pcRPI cold-set gels. These results may deepen the understanding on cold-set pcRPI gels induced by GDL. • Pseudosciaena crocea roe protein isolates (pcRPI) had potential to form cold-set gels. • 0.2% glucono-δ-lactone (GDL)-induced pcRPI gels showed good rheological properties. • The 0.1–0.2% GDL induced pcRPI gels had a dense three-dimensional network structure. • GDL-induced pcRPI gels were promoted by the formation of protein aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After half a century's exploration, four types of commercial hydrocarbon flow-the conventional gas,tight gas,shale gas and tight oil are found from Sinian to Jurassic vertically in the Sichuan Basin.The conventional gas was found in Leikoupo Formation of Middle Triassic and the marine carbonate rock stratigraphy which is below Leikoupo Formation. To predict the future exploration direction of conventional gas, we summarize the geological conditions and concentration basically, then evaluate the conventional gas resource potential and analyze the residual resource distribution. The results indicate that: (1)Conventional-gas geological conditions have obvious tectonic division, and there are four sets of extensive hydrocarbon source beds and many sets of pore reservoirs in Sichuan Basin.(2)Conventional gas enrichment is mainly controlled by high quality source rocks, sedimentary facies of platform edge and high energy shoal inside the platform,paleo-tectonics and reservoir combination,etc., and is characterized by that near source distribution of large gas fields.Sedimentary facies zone controlled reservoirs, ancient erosion surfaces improved reservoir and permeability conditions, and inherited ancient uplift controlled oil and gas accumulation.Migration ascendant reservoir combination is favorable for the formation of large and middle scale gas fields. (3)The basic conventional gas geological conditions based on the “layer”,using the genetic method,statistical method,Delphi synthesis, reveal that conventional gas resources are 12.5×1012m3 in Sichuan Basin. Combined with the distribution characteristics of the residual resources, this paper points out the general exploration direction of Sichuan Basin in the future.The main exploration strata are Dengying Formation, Longwangmiao Formation and Middle Permian;the central and eastern areas of Sichuan Basin will be developed, the southern areas of Sichuan will be excavated,and the western and northern areas of Sichuan Basin will be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities have distinctly enhanced the deposition levels of atmospheric nitrogen (N) pollutants into terrestrial ecosystems, but whether and to what extents soil carbon (C) and N status have been influenced by elevated N inputs remain poorly understood in the 'real' world given related knowledge has largely based on N-addition experiments. Here we reported soil organic C (OC) and total N (TN) for twenty-seven forests along a gradient of N deposition (22.4–112.9 kg N/ha/yr) in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region of northern China, a global hotspot of high N pollution. Levels of soil TN in forests of the BTH region have been elevated compared with investigations in past decades, suggesting that long-term N deposition might cause soil TN increases. Combining with major geographical and environmental factors among the study forests, we found unexpectedly that soil moisture and pH values rather than N deposition levels were major regulators of the observed spatial variations of soil OC and TN contents. As soil moisture and pH values increased with mean annual precipitation and temperature, respectively, soil C and N status in forests of the BTH region might be more responsive to climate change than to N pollution. These evidence suggests that both N deposition and climate differences should be considered into managing ecosystem functions of forest resources in regions with high N pollution. Unlabelled Image • Soil OC and TN were investigated for forests in a global hotspot of N pollution. • Soil TN increased in forests of the BTH region during past decades. • Spatial variations of soil OC and TN were mainly regulated by moisture and pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Based on the daily precipitation data of Northeastern China (NEC), this research study utilized the monthly mean geopotential height field and vertical velocity field data obtained by NCEP/NCAR reanalysis. In addition, the monthly mean SST (sea surface temperature) data obtained by NOAA reconstruction, along with the calculations of NEC precipitation generated on the occurrence date of the annual early summer (June) northeast cold vortex (NECV) (hereinafter referred to as the cold vortex precipitation) were used to analyze the variation characteristics of cold vortex precipitation. The aim of this study was to explain the physical mechanism of the previous SST factors which had influenced the cold vortex precipitation through the force of atmospheric circulations, from the perspective of a statistical analysis. Finally, sensitivity tests of the AM2.1 atmospheric circulation model were conducted to verify the statistical analysis results. The results revealed that since 1961 there had been a significant increase trend in the early summer cold vortex precipitation. The relationships between the NEC early summer cold vortex precipitation and the previous SST were divided into three periods. During the period ranging from 1961 to 1979 (hereinafter referred to as Phase 1), a NAT anomaly positive phase during March to May resulted in the blocking highs of the Ural Mountains and the Sea of Okhotsk becoming strengthened (“dual blocking pattern”) in the early summer, which in turn led to increased early summer cold vortex precipitation. During the period ranging from 1980 to 2000 (hereinafter referred to as Phase 2), a higher Kuroshio SST in April to May stimulated an EU-like teleconnection pattern in the early summer over Eastern Asia. As a result, the cold vortex precipitation in early summer was reduced. After 2001 (hereinafter referred to as Phase 3), the NAT anomaly negative phase during March to May induced strengthened blocking patterns on the northwestern side of Lake Baikal in the early summer, which was accompanied by a strengthened northeastern cold vortex (a pattern of “higher in the north, lower in the south”). Also, an upward vertical velocity anomaly appeared over the NEC, which resulted in increased early summer cold vortex precipitation. The sensitivity tests of this study's numerical model reproduced the force effects of the Kuroshio SST in Phase 2, and the NAT in Phase 3 on the EU-like teleconnection pattern, and the pattern of “higher in the north, lower in the south”. These findings further corroborated the aforementioned results. Highlights • Since 1961 there had been a significant increase trend in the early summer cold vortex precipitation. • During 1961-1979, a NAT anomaly positive phase during March to May resulted in the “dual blocking pattern”. • During 1980-2000, a higher Kuroshio SST in April to May stimulated an EU-like pattern in early summer. • After 2001, the NAT anomaly negative phase in spring induced a pattern of “higher in the north, lower in the south”. • The sensitivity tests of this study’s numerical model reproduced the force effects provided by the statistical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to characterize the electrostatic complexation between scallop Patinopecten yessoensis male gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs) and κ -carrageenan/xanthan gum (KC/XG) within pH 12–1 at different hydrolysate/polysaccharide ratios (9:1–1:9) and to investigate the influence of pH and ratios on gelation and microstructural properties for widening the application of marine-derived source. According to the phase diagram of SMGHs/KC/XG, pH c hold a constant value around pH 8.5, pH φ1 gradually shifted from 4.2 to 2.8, and pH max fluctuated within 2.4-1.4 as ratios decreasing from 9:1–2:8. Additionally, SMGHs/KC/XG showed higher gel strength in acid condition, as decreasing pH promoted the electrostatic attractive interactions within positively charged patches in SMGHs and negatively charged sulfate and carboxyl groups in KC/XG causing more tightly packed structures formation. Moreover, decreasing ratios from 9:1 to 3:7 could further enhance the gel strength of SMGHs/KC/XG, ascribing to the stronger gelation ability of polysaccharides and enough neutralization. Moreover, SMGHs/KC/XG exhibited well-organized microstructures with smaller pore sizes, denser and more homogeneous networks at more acid domains, supporting stronger gel strength. Therefore, this study provides theoretical and methodological basis for designing novel SMGHs/KC/XG hydrogels with considerable gel strength and microstructures through understanding the complex coacervation at different pH and ratios. • pH and ratio largely regulate turbidity changes of SMGHs/KC/XG complexes. • pH c exhibits ratio-independent, and pH φ1 , pH max exhibit ratio-dependent behaviors. • Higher KC/XG proportion supports stronger gel strength in soluble phases. • More SMGHs/KC/XG neutralization promotes gel formation in insoluble coacervate phase. • SMGHs/KC/XG exhibits well-organized and compact networks at acid condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Close relationships between ticks and microbial communities are important for tick fitness and pathogen colonization and transmission. Haemaphysalis longicornis, distributed widely in China, can carry and transmit various pathogens and pose serious damages to public health and economics. However, little is known about the broader array of microbial communities and symbionts in H. longicornis under natural conditions. In the present study, we investigated the composition of bacterial communities associated with H. longicornis and evaluated the putative symbionts., Methods: The eubacterial 16S rRNA gene clone libraries of H. longicornis were constructed and analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequencing. In addition, diagnostic PCR was performed to assess the prevalence, vertical transmission and infection sites of the symbionts in H. longicornis., Results: Vertically-transmitted symbionts, potential pathogens and allochthonous nonpathogenic bacteria were identified from the field-collected H. longicornis. Three types of symbionts (Coxiella-like, Arsenophonus-like and Rickettsia-like symbionts) were identified in a single host simultaneously. A series of analyses revealed the vertical transmission, prevalence, and infection sites of these symbionts. However, only Coxiella-like bacteria were transmitted stably in the laboratory-reared ticks. In addition, we identified a novel Coxiella-like agent with 95.31% sequence similarity to the taxon described previously., Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that natural H. longicornis harboured a diverse array of microbial communities. Three types of symbionts were identified in a single host simultaneously. Moreover, high prevalence, vertical transmission and the infection sites supported an obligate symbiotic association between Coxiella symbiont and its host. The role of Coxiella symbiont in the host fitness and the interaction among microbial communities remained to be elucidated. Our investigation of microbial communities in the ticks revealed the complexity of ecological interactions between host and microbe and provided insight for the biological control of ticks.