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To explore the effect of a chitosan-based preservative solution (10 mg/mL chitosan + 5 mg/mL tea polyphenol + 2 000 U/mL lysozyme) on the change in the muscle proteome of grass carp during cold storage, differential proteomic analysis of fresh fish and nine-day-stored fish with or without (control) preservative treatment was conducted by two-dimensional electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (2DE-MS). The results showed that the 2DE map of the preservative-treated group was not obviously different from that of the fresh group, except for a decrease in the abundance of fast troponin T and an increase in the abundance of slow troponin T and adenylate kinase isoenzyme. However, the 2DE profile of the control group differed greatly from that of the fresh group in both the number and signal intensity of protein spots. Further analysis showed that the abundance of fast troponin T, tropomodulin 4, synaptopodin 2 and pyruvate kinase type M were down-regulated, while the abundance of myosin heavy chain, myosin light chain 1, α-actin, α-tropomyosin and intermediate light meromyosin were up-regulated. Moreover, compared with the preservative-treated group, the abundance of three troponins T were decreased, while the abundance of myosin heavy chain, intermediate light meromyosin, α-actin, α-tropomyosin and creatine kinase M-type were increased in the control group, suggesting that creatine kinase could serve as an indicator for evaluating grass carp muscle spoilage. This study demonstrates that the chitosan-based composite preservative can maintain the stability of grass carp muscle protein during cold storage.

Using first‐principles calculations, two C4N monolayers with a zigzag buckled (ZB) structure are proposed. The ZB C4N monolayers contain raised‐C (raised‐N) atoms with sp3 hybridization, different from the traditional 2D graphene‐like carbon nitride materials with sp2 hybridization. Interestingly, the band structures of the ZB C4N monolayers exhibit quasi‐1D Dirac nodal line resulting from the corresponding quasi‐1D structure of the zigzag carbon chains, which is essentially different from the conventional ring‐shaped nodal line. The quasi‐1D Dirac nodal line exhibits the following features: i) gapless Dirac points, ii) varying Fermi velocity, and iii) a slightly curved band along the high‐symmetry path. All these features are successfully explained by the proposed tight‐binding model that includes interactions up to the third nearest neighbor. The Fermi velocity of the 2D system can reach 105 m s−1, which is promising for applications in high‐speed electronic devices. The topological flat band structure of the corresponding 1D system determined by the Zak phase and band inversion is edge‐dependent, which is a weak topological state and can be explained by the 2D Su‐Schrieffer‐Heeger (SSH) model. The quasi‐1D Dirac Fermions and SSH edge states make the ZB C4N monolayers promising for nanoelectronics applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reaction mechanism of wulfenite with an aqueous sodium sulfide solution and thereby provide guidance for the sulfidization flotation and sodium sulfide leaching of wulfenite. For this purpose, dissolution/leaching behavior analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were performed. The dissolution/leaching analysis indicated that sodium sulfide can induce the dissolution of PbMoO4. The XRD and Raman spectra results demonstrated that PbMoO4 was replaced by PbS at the wulfenite–sodium sulfide solution interface, and the sulfidized wulfenite particles had a PbMoO4/PbS core–shell structure. The XPS results also indicated the transformation of PbMoO4 to PbS. The FESEM images showed the growth of PbS nanoparticles on the surface of wulfenite and the dissolution pits after treatment with sodium sulfide solution. These findings showed that wulfenite sulfidization proceeds through an interface-coupled dissolution–precipitation mechanism. In the presence of sodium sulfide solution, the less stable PbMoO4 dissolves, and the more stable PbS phase precipitates, both of which are coupled at the wulfenite–sodium sulfide aqueous solution interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the problem of poor thermal stability of the current D-allulose 3-epimerase (DAEase), the ancestor sequences of DAEase with different catalytic domains were reconstructed by big data mining, reasonable modification and ancestor sequence reconstruction (ASR) strategy under the guidance of phylogenetic information. The expression vectors of the ancestor sequences were constructed, and DAEase A13 with significantly enhanced thermal stability was screened by recombinant expression and molecular docking, and its enzymatic properties were characterized. In addition, the molecular mechanism of thermal stability enhancement of DAEase A13 was revealed based on structural analysis and molecular dynamics. The results showed that the half-life of A13 constructed based on ASR strategy could reach 8.4 h at 70 °C, indicating that its thermal stability was significantly enhanced compared with that of wild-type (WT) enzyme. The maximum conversion rate of A13 reached 31%, indicating that the catalytic activity of A13 was slightly higher than that of WT enzyme. The structural and molecular dynamics analysis revealed that the increase in hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction in ASR A13 was the main factor responsible for maintaining the stability of the enzyme's molecular structure at high temperatures. The results showed that ASR strategy could modify DAEases to enhance the stability, activity or hybridity, which could provide superior biocatalyst sources for various industrial applications of functional sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the first, use of eco-friendly welan gum as a new depressant in galena-pyrite flotation separation. The depression mechanism were examined using micro-flotation and various characterization techniques. The selective depression performance of welan gum on pyrite was found to effectively enhance the galena/pyrite flotation separation index. Compared with the addition of NaBX alone, the grade of Pb in the produced concentrate increased by more than 28% (from 40.86% to 70.02%). And it was possible to recover 87.79% of galena and only 15.98% of pyrite. There was an accentuated increase in the electronegativity of the pyrite surface by more than ~ 8 mV after treatment with welan gum alone compared to an increase of ~ 1 mV for galena, which can be explained by the fact that welan gum selectively adsorbed on the pyrite surface in significant amounts. As a result, the subsequent adsorption of xanthate is prevented. This finding has been further proven by adsorption measurement results. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Time-of-Flight secondary ion mass spectrometry results indicated that the hydroxyl groups in welan gum showed acid – base interactions with the metal hydroxylated species anchored on the mineral surfaces, which may be the main driving force in the adsorption process. Differences in the amount of metal hydroxide on the mineral surface, as well as the electrical affinity of metal ions in metal hydroxide, contributed to the selective adsorption of welan gum. Therefore, welan gum can be regarded as a potential pyrite-depressant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible grippers are a promising and pivotal technology for robotic grasping and manipulation tasks. Remarkably, magnetorheological (MR) materials, recognized as intelligent materials with exceptional performance, are extensively employed in flexible grippers. This review aims to provide an overview of flexible robotic grippers and highlight the application of MR materials within them, thereby fostering research and development in this field. This work begins by introducing various common types of flexible grippers, including shape memory alloys (SMAs), pneumatic flexible grippers, and dielectric elastomers, illustrating their distinctive characteristics and application domains. Additionally, it explores the development and prospects of magnetorheological materials, recognizing their significant contributions to the field. Subsequently, MR flexible grippers are categorized into three types: those with viscosity/stiffness variation capabilities, magnetic actuation systems, and adhesion mechanisms. Each category is comprehensively analyzed, specifying its unique features, advantages, and current cutting-edge applications. By undertaking an in-depth examination of diverse flexible robotic gripper types and the characteristics and application scenarios of MR materials, this paper offers a valuable reference for fellow researchers. As a result, it facilitates further advancements in this field and contributes to the provision of efficient gripping solutions for industrial automation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organ transplant recipients with hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection bears high risk to develop chronic hepatitis, which is generally associated with immunosuppressive therapies. This study aimed to identify the incidence and predictors of de novo HEV infection in patients after receiving transplantation. We performed a large retrospective study to investigate the prevalence of anti‐HEV at baseline, incidence of de novo HEV infection after transplantation, and the risk factors of HEV infection among patients with liver transplant in China. A total of 407 liver transplant recipients were examined for the presence of anti‐HEV immunoglobulin G, IgM antibodies, and HEV RNA in serum. Basal indexes in individuals with evidence of post‐transplant HEV infection were compared with those without evidence of that, and risk factors associated with HEV infection were assessed. The prevalence of anti‐HEV at pretransplant in liver transplant recipients was 25.8% (105/407). Serum‐negative conversion occurred in 34 (32.38%) of 105 liver transplant patients. Sixty‐five out of 302 patients had de novo HEV infection after transplantation, with a cumulative incidence of 42.74% during follow‐up. After transplantation, HEV infection was associated with liver failure (p = 0.012), hypoproteinemia (p = 0.030) and higher level of r‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p = 0.022) before transplantation. Graft rejection (OR = 0.075; p = 0.045) was negatively associated with serum‐negative conversion in patients who had positive anti‐HEV antibody before transplantation. The incidence of de novo HEV infection after transplantation were higher in China. Liver failure, hypoproteinemia, and GGT elevation may be associated with HEV infection after liver transplantation. This study suggests that prevention and control of HEV infection after liver transplantation should be paid attention in patients bearing these risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a 4–5R rolling mechanism based on the spatial extension design of a planar 6R single-loop chain. By analyzing the locomotion of the planar equivalent form, a modular gait theory integrating different modes of gait with high efficiency, low energy consumption, and high speed is established. A unified kinematic strategy expression, encapsulated in the form of the gait period table, is tailored for the kinematic chain's gait on the flat terrain. A contrast gait is conducted to ascertain its velocity parameters and volatility of the center of mass (CM). By optimizing the corresponding indicators, two distinct gait patterns are achieved: a faster speed gait that prioritizes increased speed and a steady gait that emphasizes stability with reduced CM volatility. Drawing from the mobility analysis and simulation outcomes of the planar 6R single-loop kinematic chain, a theory of locomotion for a closed-chain linkage mechanism in space is proposed. A locomotion strategy on the flat ground is derived, and a unified evaluation index is proposed. Finally, the feasibility of the two working modes is verified using a physical prototype. The theoretical work in this paper simplifies the design process of closed-chain linkage robots and improves the mobility performance of closed-chain linkage robots. It lays the foundation for researching new types of closed-chain linkage robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, extensive research has been conducted to explore the utilization of machine learning (ML) algorithms in various direct-detected and (self)-coherent short-reach communication applications. These applications encompass a wide range of tasks, including bandwidth request prediction, signal quality monitoring, fault detection, traffic prediction, and digital signal processing (DSP)-based equalization. As a versatile approach, ML demonstrates the ability to address stochastic phenomena in optical systems networks where deterministic methods may fall short. However, when it comes to DSP equalization algorithms such as feed-forward/decision-feedback equalizers (FFEs/DFEs) and Volterra-based nonlinear equalizers, their performance improvements are often marginal, and their complexity is prohibitively high, especially in cost-sensitive short-reach communications scenarios such as passive optical networks (PONs). Time-series ML models offer distinct advantages over frequency-domain models in specific contexts. They excel in capturing temporal dependencies, handling irregular or nonlinear patterns effectively, and accommodating variable time intervals. Within this survey, we outline the application of ML techniques in short-reach communications, specifically emphasizing their utilization in high-bandwidth demanding PONs. We introduce a novel taxonomy for time-series methods employed in ML signal processing, providing a structured classification framework. Our taxonomy categorizes current time-series methods into four distinct groups: traditional methods, Fourier convolution-based methods, transformer-based models, and time-series convolutional networks. Finally, we highlight prospective research directions within this rapidly evolving field and outline specific solutions to mitigate the complexity associated with hardware implementations. We aim to pave the way for more practical and efficient deployment of ML approaches in short-reach optical communication systems by addressing complexity concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress, which often occurs repeatedly across the world, can cause multiple and long-term effects on plant growth. However, the repeated drought–rewatering effects on plant growth remain uncertain. This study was conducted to determine the effects of drought–rewatering cycles on aboveground growth and explore the underlying mechanisms. Perennial ryegrass plants were subjected to three watering regimes: well-watered control (W), two cycles of drought–rewatering (D2R), and one cycle of drought–rewatering (D1R). The results indicated that the D2R treatment increased the tiller number by 40.9% and accumulated 28.3% more aboveground biomass compared with W; whereas the D1R treatment reduced the tiller number by 23.9% and biomass by 42.2% compared to the W treatment. A time-course transcriptome analysis was performed using crown tissues obtained from plants under D2R and W treatments at 14, 17, 30, and 33 days (d). A total number of 2272 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. In addition, an in-depth weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was carried out to investigate the relationship between RNA-seq data and tiller number. The results indicated that DEGs were enriched in photosynthesis-related pathways and were further supported by chlorophyll content measurements. Moreover, tiller-development-related hub genes were identified in the D2R treatment, including F-box/LRR-repeat MAX2 homolog (D3), homeobox-leucine zipper protein HOX12-like (HOX12), and putative laccase-17 (LAC17). The consistency of RNA-seq and qRT-PCR data were validated by high Pearson's correlation coefficients ranging from 0.899 to 0.998. This study can provide a new irrigation management strategy that might increase plant biomass with less water consumption. In addition, candidate photosynthesis and hub genes in regulating tiller growth may provide new insights for drought-resistant breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloquialization has been identified as one of the most crucial change processes of the English language, through which written genres gradually shift towards spoken styles. Colloquialism refers to the synchronous features resulting from colloquialization. There is limited research into the lexical and phrasal patterns indicating colloquialism in Chinese or how Chinese colloquialism manifests in different spoken and written genres. To extract the lexical and phrasal patterns indicating colloquialism in Chinese, this study used a corpus-driven approach to determine and compare keywords and phrase frames from two training Chinese corpora and those keywords and phrase frames with higher frequencies were retained for further testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]