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This research aimed to investigate the characteristics of casein phosphopeptides in Chinese human milk, and their potential relationship to infant growth. Using the liquid chromatography-Orbitrap-mass spectrometry technique, a total of 15 casein phosphopeptides were identified from 200 human milk samples. Also, our results indicate that casein phosphopeptides were phosphorylated with only one phosphate. The relative concentrations of casein phosphopeptides at 6 months postpartum were increased compared with milk at 2 months (FDR < 0.05). Significantly positive correlations were observed between casein phosphopeptides and infant growth, as shown by four casein phosphopeptides were positively correlated with the infants' weight-for-age Z -scores (r s range from 0.20 to 0.29), and three casein phosphopeptides were positively correlated with the infants' length-for-age Z-scores (r s range from 0.19 to 0.27). This study is the first to reveal the phosphorylated level and composition of casein phosphopeptides in Chinese human milk, and their potential relationship with infant growth. [Display omitted] • First discovery of the composition of casein phosphopeptides in Chinese human milk. • Casein phosphopeptides in human milk were found to be hypo-phosphorylated. • Casein phosphopeptides increased with the duration of lactation. • Casein phosphopeptides were positively correlated to infant weight and length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A systematic study of the crystallization properties of mullite in slag. • The kinetic characterization parameters of mullite were obtained. • Provided optimized conditions for smooth slagging of slag with high SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 content. Mullite crystallization leading to poor slag discharge, is the bottleneck of solid fuel gasification. In order to quantify the crystallization behavior and prevent slag blocking, the crystallization thermodynamics and kinetics of slags in the main crystalline phase region of mullite were studied using FactSage, XRD, SEM-EDS and DSC. Mullite crystallization temperatures ranged from 1189 °C to 1325 °C, and an increase in the cooling rate reduced the mullite onset crystallization temperature as detected by DSC. Kinetic analysis showed that mullite possesses strong nucleation capacity and crystallize tendency, and the minimum activation energy of crystallization of slags was 304.4 kJ/mol. The Si-O-Al structure was regarded as the key short-range ordered structure for mullite crystallization ability, and its concentration was reduced by increasing SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3. Then the crystallization tendency could be weakened by adjustment of SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3. Meanwhile, slags with SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 = 2.0 or Fe 2 O 3 ≤ 15 wt% showed weak crystallization tendency or glassy slag, which was favorable for slagging operation. The results of this study can provide theoretical guidance for the smooth slagging of ash slag in the main crystalline phase of mullite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The antiatherosclerosis effect of T. ananas saponin extracts was firstly discussed. • It reduced aortic plaque size and levels of serum lipid and inflammatory cytokines. • It regulated inflammation and lipid synthesis in the liver and adipose tissue. • It might modulate lipid metabolism by promoting the diversity of intestinal flora. • T. ananas was a beneficial natural resource for the prevention of atherosclerosis. As one of the most nutrient-rich marine species, Thelenota ananas has various effects, but its antiatherosclerosis activity has yet to be plumbed in depths. In this work, T. ananas saponin extracts were used to assess the effect on atherosclerosis development in the apoE −/− mice. In detail, the saponin treated groups clearly showed an inhibitory effect on the size of aortic atheromatous plaque, and the levels of serum lipid and inflammatory cytokines compared with the atherosclerosis model mice. Interestingly, the saponin extracts decreased the lipid profiles and oxidation in the visceral fat, and markedly altered the expressions of key proteins related to lipid synthesis and inflammation in the liver. Furthermore, saponin extracts promoted the diversity of the fecal bacterial colonies which has a close correlation with lipid metabolism. The results above revealed that T. ananas saponin extracts may be a beneficial natural resource for the prevention of atherosclerosis by modulating lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Henan area is climatologically situated in the transition between northern and southern China and the transition is reported to be highly sensitive to climate changes during the Holocene. To better understand the Holocene climatic and environmental changes in Henan area where high-quality data are lacking, this paper first reviewed those published palaeoenvironmental records in attempt to provide a low-resolution framework of the Holocene environmental changes in Henan area, and then synthesized the moisture proxy records from the surrounding areas in attempt to define a high-resolution trend of the Holocene moisture variation for our target site (i.e., Zhengzhou within Henan area). Two major conclusions can be drawn. First, the high-resolution Holocene moisture curve for our target site well follows the general moisture trend of China and the curve is well corroborated by two recently-reported data sets: one from Mangshan loess-palaeosol sequence and another from Laomu-Dongshiya Cave. Second, our synthesis supports an earlier notion stating that the "Holocene Moisture Optimum" in China was a delayed response to the oceanic "Holocene Thermal Optimum". The latter might in turn be a delayed response to the summer insolation peak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Face masks are key personal protective equipment for reducing exposure to viruses and other environmental hazards such as air pollution. Integrating flexible and wearable sensors into face masks can provide valuable insights into personal and public health. The advantages that a breath-monitoring face mask requires, including multi-functional sensing ability and continuous, long-term dynamic breathing process monitoring, have been underdeveloped to date. Here, we design an effective human breath monitoring face mask based on a flexible La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 (LSMO)/Mica respiration sensor. The sensor's capabilities and systematic measurements are investigated under two application scenes, namely clinical monitoring mode and daily monitoring mode, to monitor, recognise, and analyse different human breath status, i.e. , cough, normal breath, and deep breath. This sensing system exhibits super-stability and multi-modal capabilities in continuous and long-time monitoring of the human breath. We determine that during monitoring human breath, thermal diffusion in LSMO is responsible for the change of resistance in flexible LSMO/Mica sensor. Both simulated and experimental results demonstrate good discernibility of the flexible LSMO/Mica sensor operating at different breath status. Our work opens a route for the design of novel flexible and wearable electronic devices. [Display omitted] • Flexible La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 /Mica respiration sensor shows super-stability and multi-modal capabilities. • Thermal diffusion is responsible for the change of resistance. • Flexible La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 /Mica respiration sensor can operate at different breath modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A compact dual-channel sensor is proposed and demonstrated. • The sensor can detect temperature and refractive index simultaneously. • The two detection channels are independent and do not interfere with each other. • The sensor structure is simple and easy to prepare. To improve the integration of sensors and meet the trend of miniaturization of devices, we propose and demonstrate a compact dual-channel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) fiber sensor for detecting refractive index (RI) and temperature. In this sensor, we chose the simplest structure of optical fiber: no-core fiber (NCF), as the sensing probe. Then the silver film was deposited on the NCF surface using magnetron sputtering to excite the SPR effect. Two sensing channels were constructed on the NCF, one channel deposited with silver film for RI detection, and another channel deposited with PDMS and silver film for temperature detection. Such a construction makes the sensor compact and small. The performance of the proposed sensor is studied theoretically and experimentally. The experiment shows that the maximum sensitivity of the sensor is 3039 nm/RIU and 3.53 nm/°C when the RI ranges from 1.333 to 1.375 and the temperature ranges from 0 °C to 70 °C, respectively. The significant advantage of our proposed sensor is its simple, compact, and easy-to-prepare structure, which opens up a new direction for device miniaturization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute myocardial dysfunction in patients with sepsis is attributed to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiomyocyte loss; however, specific drugs for its prevention are still lacking. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) has been proven to contribute to the prevention of various cardiovascular diseases by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation. This study was performed to investigate the functions and mechanism of action of THC in septic cardiomyopathy.Methods: After the oral administration of THC (120 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days, a mouse model of sepsis was established via intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg) injection. Following this, cardiac function was assessed, pathological section staining was performed, and inflammatory markers were detected.Results: Myocardial systolic function was severely compromised in parallel with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and enhanced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in mice with sepsis. These adverse changes were markedly reversed in response to THC treatment in septic mice as well as in LPS-treated H9c2 cells. Mechanistically, THC inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, by upregulating mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1, to block the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK). Additionally, THC enhanced the levels of antioxidant proteins, including nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2, superoxide dismutase 2, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, while decreasing gp91phox expression. Furthermore, upon THC treatment, Bcl-2 expression was significantly increased, along with a decline in Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression, which reduced cardiomyocyte loss.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that THC exhibited protective potential against septic cardiomyopathy by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation through the regulation of JNK/ERK signaling. The findings of this study provide a basis for the further evaluation of THC as a therapeutic agent against septic cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Central Plains of China witnessed a crucial cultural transformation towards the end of the Longshan period from a chiefdom-like society to a state-level society that has been speculated to be associated with regionally favorable environmental conditions. However, this speculation has not yet been substantiated. We first compiled the information on human migrations and extreme floods during the late Longshan period and then compared the relationships of human settlements with hydrogeomorphic settings in the Central Plains between the Longshan and Xinzhai-Erlitou periods. Our comparison shows that the course of the Yellow River was relatively stable during the Longshan period in the eastern Central Plains, where abundant highlands might have existed for human dwellings. However, geologically and archaeologically documented extreme floods that occurred at ~ 4000 cal. yr BP changed hydrogeomorphic settings in key locations along the Yellow River. The northern Henan area and the bordering area of Henan, Shandong and Anhui Provinces were subjected to frequent crevasses from flooding of the Yellow River at ~ 4000 cal. yr BP, which might have forced human migrations. Consequently, the northern Henan area and the bordering area of the three provinces lacked human settlements, whereas the western Central Plains contained concentrated human settlements during the Xinzhai-Erlitou period. We propose that the success of the above-mentioned cultural transformation was likely causally associated with hydrogeomorphic setting changes in the lower Yellow River Basin. Specifically, the frequent crevasses from flooding of the Yellow River at ~ 4000 cal. yr BP in the eastern alluvial plain regions made the western hilly and mountainous regions of present-day Henan Province the "refuge" for eastern immigrants during the late Longshan period. After the floods, human reoccupation and subsequent population increase beyond the local optimum carrying capacity within the Luoyang Basin during the Erlitou period might be a key driver of local social complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Active components of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) were identified. • MLE improves cardiac function and glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic mice. • 1-Deoxynojirimycin is the main component responsible for myocardial protection. • MLE has potential as a myocardial protective drug for diabetes mellitus. Mulberry leaves are used in Chinese traditional medicine to prevent diabetes and the preventive and therapeutic effects of MLE have been seen in preclinical models. Herein, mulberry leaf extract (MLE) was analyzed to identify its active components. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed that MLE contained 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ, 5.47%), chlorogenic acid (CA, 1.21%), resveratrol (RESV, 0.39%), scopoletin (Sco, 0.09%), and astragaloside (AS, 0.04%). Mice with induced diabetic cardiomyopathy were treated with MLE or each of its main components for 12 weeks. MLE and 1-DNJ significantly improved cardiac function, body weight, and glucose and lipid metabolism, while reducing myocardial fibrosis. Moreover, 1-DNJ reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, inhibited the TGF-β pathway, prevented the expression of α-SMA and Smad2/3, as well as collagen 1 and 3. Collectively, these findings suggest that1-DNJ is the main active component of MLE that protects the diabetic myocardium and regulates the TGF β–Smad2/3 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to detect the comprehensive fatty acid (FA) profile in human milk, including total fatty acids (total FAs), Sn-2 fatty acids (Sn-2 FAs), and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), and further analyzed the influence of the sampling regions on human milk FA profile. The results showed that oleic acid (C18:1n9c), palmitic acid (C16:0), and linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) were the main FA species in total FAs, and Sn-2 C16:0 was the dominant Sn-2 FA species. Moreover, the PLFAs were mainly comprised of PL C16:0, PL stearic acid (PL C18:0), PL C18:1n9c, and PL C18:2n6c. Furthermore, FAs showed geographical differences, such as the highest content of linolenic acid (C18:3n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3) of total FAs was observed in Lanzhou and Weihai, respectively. Therefore, these results provide more FA data for the Chinese human milk database, and further enrich the theoretical information for the development of infant formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time monitoring of structural health status is very important for supersonic aircraft, since the long-term operation in harsh service environments, such as high temperatures, can cause potential damage. Structural health monitoring (SHM) based on lamb wave has been approved to be a critical technique for the reliable operation of supersonic aircraft, but is limited by the operating temperature of conventional piezoelectric sensors, which makes it difficult to meet the high-temperature monitoring requirements. The BiFeO 3 –BaTiO 3 ceramics exhibit excellent piezoelectric properties and high Curie temperature (T c), making them promising for high-temperature SHM of supersonic aircraft. Here, we fabricated a piezoelectric sensor using 0.67BiFeO 3 -0.33BaTiO 3 -0.25%molMnO 2 (BF33BTMN-025) ceramic, which exhibits a piezoelectric charge constant (d 33) of 135 pC/N at room temperature and a T c of 448 °C. The BF33BTMN-025 ceramic sensor operates effectively at temperatures up to 200 °C and maintains stable damage monitoring sensitivity as well. Compared with Pb(Zr, Ti)O 3 (PZT), BaTiO 3 (BTO) and other piezoelectric sensors commonly used in SHM field, the BF33BTMN-025 ceramic sensor has a higher operating temperature and a comparable sensitivity. Our work demonstrates that the BF33BTMN-025 ceramic sensor can be employed as piezoelectric sensor for high-temperature SHM, which has a wide application potential in the field of real-time monitoring of supersonic aircraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic evaluation of hybrid transmission is a complicated numerical calculation problem in the finite time domain. Currently, employing traditional dynamic programming methods to evaluate a single design scheme consumes a lot of time, making it arduous to effectively compare performance disparities across various design schemes. This paper introduces a dynamic programming method based on matrix operations, enabling the determination of maximum energy-saving potential in hybrid transmission while reducing the evaluation time for a single design scheme from hours to less than 10 s. It unifies the design variables, constraints, and optimization objectives for multi-gear and multi-mode series–parallel hybrid transmissions (MGMM-SPHTs) during economic evaluation. By solving the performance of tens of thousands of design schemes, it is found that increasing the number of engine direct drive gears from 1 to 2 enhances the economy and power performance of series–parallel hybrid transmissions. For the optimal design scheme of Type-B vehicles, this enhancement results in a 1.712% increase in energy-saving efficiency and a 30.5% increment in power performance. Furthermore, this paper elucidates the adaptive relationship between MGMM-SPHTs and different vehicle types, revealing the energy-saving mechanisms under varied design schemes. This paper holds the promise of offering theoretical underpinnings and methodological instruments for selecting technical routes and optimizing design parameters for MGMM-SPHTs. [Display omitted] • A dynamic programming method utilizing matrix operations is proposed. • A comprehensive performance evaluation framework for MGMM-SPHTs is designed. • Swift economic evaluations of MGMM-SPHTs across extensive design variations are achieved. • The energy-saving mechanism inherent in MGMM-SPHTs is uncovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This work explains that TiO 2 and ZnO can significantly modulate the resonance wavelength range of SPR sensors. • It is experimentally demonstrated that the two oxide films have the effect of enhancing the sensitivity of the SPR sensor. • The dual-channel sensor prepared using the cascade method of two oxide films has a wide sensing bandwidth. • The performance of the proposed dual-channel sensor is highly stable and not easily oxidized. In order to broaden the bandwidth of SPR dual-channel sensors, this work proposes to tune the resonance wavelength range of the sensors using a cascade of ZnO and TiO 2 films. The two oxides are transversely deposited on Ag-based no-core fiber to form a dual-channel sensor that can be used for refractive index (RI) and temperature measurements. Among them, Ag/ZnO is used for RI sensing and Ag/TiO 2 /PDMS is used for temperature sensing. The simulation and experimental results show that ZnO and TiO 2 have the effect of broadening the resonance wavelength range by 44 nm and 72 nm, respectively. In addition, when the two oxides are added to the Ag-based sensor, the SPR valley is red-shifted, and the sensitivity is enhanced. The experimental results also show that the two oxides make the silver film less susceptible to oxidation and enhance the stability of the sensor. Numerical results show that the maximum RI sensitivity of the sensor is 4630 nm/RIU, and the temperature sensitivity is 5.8 nm/°C. The range of the object to be measured is 1.333–1.385, 0–50 °C. This ability to broaden the sensor bandwidth provides a new direction for designing and applying high-performance multi-channel SPR sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This work utilizes TiO 2 film to tune the sensing bandwidth and the resonance wavelength range to the near-infrared band. • A dual-channel sensor with wide bandwidth is proposed. • The experimental results show that the RI range of the sensor is 1.333–1.385, and the temperature range is 10–80 ℃. • The sensor has simple structure and good repeatability. Facing the diversity and complexity of the types of parameters to be measured, multi-channel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) fiber sensors provide an excellent solution. However, the sensing bandwidth is a key factor affecting the sensor performance. In this paper, we explore a method to modulate the sensing bandwidth using the TiO 2 film. A dual-channel SPR sensor with a wide sensing bandwidth is proposed. In this sensor, no-core fiber (NCF) is used as the sensing probe, and multimode fibers are used for the transmission of optical signals. The sensor has a cascaded composite film structure, the region coated with Ag film as the refractive index sensing region and the region coated with Ag/TiO 2 /PDMS as the temperature sensing region. The experimental results show that the sensing bandwidth of the sensor varies for different TiO 2 coating times. It indicates that the TiO 2 film can regulate the sensing bandwidth flexibly. Therefore, to achieve the optimal sensing effect, the TiO 2 coating time can be flexibly adjusted according to the RI characteristics of the environment. The maximum sensitivity of this dual-channel sensor is 4.5 nm/°C and 3151 nm/RU when the temperature range is between 10 and 80 °C and the RI range is between 1.333 and 1.385, respectively. In addition, we discuss the repeatability and stability of this dual-channel sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human milk (HM) provides optimal nutrition for infants, but infant formula (IF) serves as a potential alternative to HM when breastfeeding is not an option. However, IF possesses a more intense aroma than HM, and it is often challenging to reduce this disparity due to its stringent production regulations. Therefore, investigating the interaction between HM proteins and odor molecules is essential for comprehending the distinct odor characteristics of HM and guiding improvements in IF to mimic the aroma of HM. This research aims to characterize the HM odor and explore the influence of HM α -lactalbumin (HMLB) on the release of HM odor skeleton compounds (OSC) using a combination of computer simulation, human perceptions, and instrumental analyses. A total of 20 OSCs were identified. Notably, the release of most of these compounds was negatively correlated with the HM protein content, with the strongest negative correlations being observed for hexanal, nonanal, and decanal (|R| ≥ 0.7, P < 0.01). The molecular docking simulations demonstrated that HMLB inhibited the volatilization of hexanal, nonanal, and decanal, thereby increasing the odor threshold of these odor compounds (61.94 %, 241.5 %, and 198.6 %). This inhibition was mainly achieved through the formation of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, a finding corroborated by multi-spectroscopic analysis. Overall, the experimental results provide valuable insights into the odor mechanism of HM and contribute to the development of IF that mimics the HM odor. [Display omitted] • Twenty odor skeleton components (OSC) that make up HM odor were characterized. • Most of the OSCs were negatively correlated with the total protein content of HM. • Non-covalent interactions of OSCs with α -lactalbumin (HMLB) affected their release. • The quenching of OSCs fluorescence by HMLB was based on a static mechanism. • The odor thresholds of OSCs were significantly increased by HMLB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Note: The angle between them close to 0° indicates positive relevance, while the angle close to 180° implies negative relevance. The long projection of a vector to another vector indicates the strong relevance between them. • Decrease in active chlorine content favors immobilization of Zn, Pb and Cd. • Increase in liquid polymerization degree promotes immobilization of Zn, Pb and Cd. • A low deformation temperature (DT) promotes immobilization of Zn, Pb and Cd. • A rapid formation of liquid phase is detrimental to immobilization of Zn, Pb and Cd. Due to effective detoxification, thermal treatment is a preferred treatment technology of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash. However, immobilization behavior of heavy metals during thermal treatment is unclear. In this work, a circulated fluidized bed fly ash with SiO 2 addition and a grate furnace fly ash with high silica-aluminum coal ash addition were used to investigate combined effect of active chlorine content, liquid polymerization degree, temperature of initial liquid phase formation and liquid phase formation rate on the immobilization ratios of Zn, Pb and Cd by principle component analysis (PCA). The results show that the decrease in active chlorine content favors the immobilization of Zn, Pb and Cd because chlorination volatilization is reduced. Both the increase in liquid polymerization degree and the formation of initial liquid phase at low temperature promote the immobilization of Zn, Pb and Cd for physical encapsulation. However, a rapid formation of liquid phase is not favorable for the immobilization of Zn, Pb and Cd, because transfer of heavy metals between crystals and liquid phase is impeded by high viscosity of liquid phase during fusion. The results can provide a reference for how to achieve the immobilization of heavy metals by adjusting the chemical composition of MSWI fly ash during thermal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Hypertension in obesity has become a major threat for public health. Omentin-1, a novel adipokine, is down-regulated in obesity. Tetrahydroxystilbene glycoside (TSG) is the main ingredient extracted from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (PMT), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb safely used for protecting cardiovascular systems over bimillennium. This study aims to examine (i) the impact of omentin-1 downregulation on obesity-related hypertension in murine models and the underlying mechanisms; (ii) whether tetrahydroxystilbene glycoside (TSG) improved endothelial dysfunction and obesity-associated hypertension via the increase of omentin-1. (TSG-treated) male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and omentin-1 knockout (OMT-/-) mice were used. In vitro , human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mature adipocytes differentiated from human visceral preadipocyte (HPA-v) were maintained in a co-culture system. TSG was the main active component of PMT reducing systolic blood pressure and improving endothelial vasodilation. Fortnight-TSG treatment (100 mg/kg/day) increased serum omentin-1 level, also activated Akt/eNOS signaling and enhanced NO bioactivity; decreased expression of NOX2 and p22phox, suppressed production of superoxide and peroxynitrite anion. OMT-/- mice showed elevated blood pressure and impaired endothelial vasorelaxation, whereas hypotensive effect of TSG was blunted. In co-culture system, TSG incubation promoted binding of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and Itln-1 promoter in adipocytes, activated Akt/eNOS/NO signaling and attenuated oxidative/nitrative stress in HUVECs. Suppression of Itln-1 with siRNA significantly blocked the protective effect of TSG in vitro. Down-regulation of omentin-1 induces endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in obesity. TSG treatment (at least partially) increases omentin-1 via promoting binding of PPAR-γ and Itln-1 promoter in adipose tissues, subsequently exerts protective effects on endothelial function via activating Akt/eNOS/NO signaling and attenuating oxidative/nitrative stress. These results suggest that TSG could be developed as a promising anti-hypertension agent that protects against endothelial dysfunction and obesity-associated cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ninety-four odor-active compounds were identified from HM by DHS-GC × GC-O-MS. • Nonanal and octanal were the most important odor-active compounds in most HM. • Fat content was closely related to the amounts of odor-active compounds in HM. • Aldehydes have most abundant species and the highest correlation with fat content. • HM odor attributes were contributed by synergistic effect of odor-active compounds. Odor is an important indicator of human milk (HM) quality, with a proven function. Here, the effect of inter-individual nutrient differences on key odor-active compounds (OACs) and odor attributes of HM samples was investigated using flavor analysis techniques and correlation network analysis. A total of ninety-four OACs were identified from 30 HMs, of which 24 key OACs could represent the basic odor characteristics of HMs. Fat content was closely related to the amounts of OACs, with aldehydes being the most abundant species and having the highest correlation with fat content. Of them, nonanal and octanal were the most important OACs in HM, having both high flavor dilution factor (2 ∼ 64, 4 ∼ 128) and odor activity values (<1 ∼ 37, 2 ∼ 36) in most samples. Additionally, different pattern of synergism between key OACs contribute to each odor attribute of HM. These findings will provide insights for subsequent in-depth studies of HM flavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Stunning stress resulted in textural softening and poor water retention of fillets. • Stunning stress led to myofibril fragmentation and detachment from sarcolemma. • Stunning stress facilitated cathepsin B and L releases in myofibrils. • Myofibril segmentation and increased cathepsin contributed to fillet softening. This study aimed to investigate the effect of stunning stress on textural properties and water-holding capacity (WHC) of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) fillets and its underlying mechanisms based on intrinsic proteases activity, myofibril microstructure, and myowater dynamic measurements. The results suggested that compared with the non-stressful percussion, ice/water and gill cut stunning resulted in accelerated muscle tenderization with intensive myofibril disintegration and sarcolemma-myofibril detachments. Myowater mobility and distribution were altered by stunning stress, in which gill cut facilitated the migration of immobilized water and free water, thus enhancing the centrifugation loss. In addition, stunning stress promoted the activation of endogenous proteases and the release of cathepsin B and L from lysosomes to myofibrils, which showed significant (P < 0.01) correlations with decreased shear force and elevated myofibril fragmentation index of fillets. Therefore, faster accumulation of cathepsins and myofibril disintegration together contributed to the weakening of texture and WHC in stunning-stressed fish fillets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Thiessen polygon concept was applied to analyze how Neolithic sites were gathered and the features of agriculture, living environment and transportation in the Huaibei Plain, Anhui Province, East China, in the Shishanzi cultural period (8.0–6.5 ka BP), Dawenkou cultural period (6.5–4.5 ka BP), and Longshan cultural period (4.5–4.0 ka BP). The Thiessen polygon analysis method was effective in determining the settlement center of the region and helped to confer the complex relationships among agriculture, the living environment and transportation during the Neolithic Age. From the Shishanzi cultural period to the Longshan cultural period, a growing number of small polygons showed enhancement in the degree of gathering and cultural communication. In the Dawenkou and Longshan cultural periods, the central part of Huaibei Plain was the settlement center and the distance from the center of each Thiessen polygon to its edges was decreasing. This indicates that the ancients' dependence on agriculture and development conditions increased over the three cultures. The development of Neolithic cultures was also affected by the environmental changes in the Huaibei Plain. From the Shishanzi cultural period to the Longshan cultural period, the climate tended to be dry, and the area of marsh decreased. However, there was little change in temperature, which was beneficial to the ancients' lives and production. Not only did cultural sites and small polygons increase constantly, but groups of sites and settlement centers also appeared in the central part of plain and areas along the main stream of the Huai River. The Neolithic culture developed vigorously, and the abilities of ancients to adapt to environment and transform nature gradually improved. The NW to SE direction of the small polygons' distribution suggests the control of the ancient rivers on transportation in the Huaibei Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the biochemical changes (proteins degradation, total volatile basic nitrogen, biogenic amines, volatile organic compounds, nucleotides catabolism and related enzymes) of bighead carp samples inoculated with four different bacteria ( Shewanella putrefaciens , Aeromonas sobria , Acinetobacter bohemicus , and Pseudomonas helmanticensis ) during storage at 4 ± 1 °C. A. sobria exhibited the strongest proteolytic activity. A. sobria , P. helmanticensis , and S. putrefaciens were responsible for putrescine production, whereas S. putrefaciens was the sole producer of cadaverine. Alcohols and S-compounds were mainly released by A. sobria and S. putrefaciens , respectively. The fastest degradation rates of hypoxanthine riboside and hypoxanthine were found in samples inoculated with P. helmanticensis and S. putrefaciens . Inosine nucleosidase was mainly resulted by A. sobria , P. helmanticensis and S. putrefaciens , whereas xanthine oxidase was derived from both fish muscle and secretions of P. helmanticensis and S. putrefaciens . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phonon and electronic properties of Ti 2 SiC have been investigated by first-principles calculations using the plane-wave pseudopotential method. The structural and elastic properties of Ti 2 SiC are briefly discussed, and its dynamical stability is confirmed by phonon spectra. The electronic density of state, electron charge density and Mulliken population analysis have been explored to discuss the electronic properties and bonding behaviors of Ti 2 SiC, which indicts that Ti 2 SiC is anisotropic and its bonding nature is a combination of covalent, ionic and metallic. The present calculation results compare satisfactorily with the previous theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigated fifteen Neolithic cities distributed in a crescent-shaped belt along the middle Yangtze River from the period between ∼4750 and 3050 BC (∼6.7–5.0 cal. ka BP). The belt consists of a low-lying medial alluvial plain surrounded by hills more than 50 m a.s.l. (above sea level). The Neolithic cities within this belt occupied three distinct topographies, the highlands of alluvial plains, the lower foothills, and the surrounding hills. All the cities were situated adjacent to the lowest level tributaries or smallest lakes, and had complex trench defense systems, with rivers and lakes interlinking the trenches, and most of the cities had defensive moats. Construction peaks of defensive fortifications occurred during the Daxi (4550–3050 BC) and Qujialing cultures (3050–2650 BC), while most Neolithic cities were abandoned in the late Shijiahe period (∼2250 BC). Based on assessments on the locality, age, construction, and the detailed information on the geographical characteristics of the Neolithic cities, the sites of Neolithic cities were tightly associated with the development history of East civilization, and the rise of the cities is well correlated with the warm and humid climate in mid-Holocene (∼5.2 cal. ka BP, or ∼3250 BC), while the decline of the ancient cities is related with the dry and cold climate in mid-late Holocene (∼4.2 cal. ka BP, or ∼2250 BC). The development and decline of these cities were also well linked with water accessibility, topography, and the occurrence of droughts, floods and other extreme events during the mid-Holocene. Such environment conditions and climate changes played significant roles for the ancient people to determine the location, structure, and morphology of the cities. Although the military considerations were also important, we cannot simply consider the prehistoric city construction in the middle Yangtze River was a passive defense against foreign invasion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The flowchart to show the effect of Dencichine from Panax notoginseng on STZ-induced nephrotoxicity. Firstly, the ten most highly concentrated components of Panax notoginseng were screened in vitro. Secondly, The STZ-induced DN rat model on a high-fat-high-glucose diet was used to investigate the renal protective effect of Panax notoginseng and Dencichine. Finally, their underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated by immunology and molecular biology methods. As a result, glycolipid metabolism and renal function were improved, kidney damage was relieved by reducing collagen and glycogen deposition, and collagen deposition and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation were inhibited through inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. • We studied the anti-diabetic nephropathy properties of Panax notoginseng in vitro and in vivo after screening its ten main components. We found that Panax notoginseng inhibited high glucose induced mesangial cell proliferation and collagen secretion. • Dencichine can significantly improve disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic nephropathy (DN), improve renal function, and significantly improve renal injury caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus. • Dencichine can delay the progression of diabetic nephropathy to renal fibrosis by reducing the accumulation of the extracellular matrix, inhibiting the proliferation of mesangial cells, and inhibiting the transformation of renal epithelial mesenchymal cells. • Dencichine can significantly inhibit the expression of TGF-β and Smad 2 in the TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway, and up-regulate the expression of Smad7, an endogenous inhibitor. It is suggested that the mechanism by which dencichine improves renal injury in diabetic nephropathy may be related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most serious and dangerous chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. Panax notoginseng has been widely used with great efficacy in the long-term treatment of kidney disease. However, the mechanism by which it exerts its effects has not been fully elucidated. We sought to identify the major components of Panax notoginseng that are effective in reducing the symptoms of DN in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of cell proliferation and collagen secretion were used to screen the ten most highly concentrated components of Panax notoginseng. The STZ-induced DN rat model on a high-fat-high-glucose diet was used to investigate the renal protective effect of Panax notoginseng and dencichine and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Among the ten components analysed, dencichine (β -N- oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid) was the most protective against DN. Dencichine and Panax notoginseng attenuated glucose and lipid metabolic disorders in STZ-induced DN rats on a high-fat-high-glucose diet. In the untreated DN rats, we observed albuminuria, renal failure, and pathological changes. However, treatment with dencichine and Panax notoginseng alleviated these symptoms. We also observed that dencichine suppressed the expression of TGF-β1 and Smad2/3, which mediates mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in the glomerulus, and enhanced the expression of Smad7, the endogenous inhibitor of the TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway. From these results, we concluded that dencichine is the main compound in Panax notoginseng that is responsible for alleviating renal injury in the experimental DN model. Its mechanism may be related to the reduction of the deposition of ECM in glomeruli and inhibition of the epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) by inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]