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Alterations in zinc transporter expression in response to zinc loss protect cardiac cells from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms how cardiac cells sense zinc loss remains unclear. Here, we found that zinc deficiency induced ubiquitination and degradation of the protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3), which can alleviate myocardial I/R injury by activating STAT3 to promote the expression of ZIP family zinc transporter genes. The RING finger domain within PIAS3 is vital for PIAS3 degradation, as PIAS3-dRing (missing the RING domain) and PIAS3-Mut (zinc-binding site mutation) were resistant to degradation in the setting of zinc deficiency. Meanwhile, the RING finger domain within PIAS3 is critical for the inhibition of STAT3 activation. Moreover, PIAS3 knockdown increased cardiac Zn2+ levels and reduced myocardial infarction in mouse hearts subjected to I/R, whereas wild-type PIAS3 overexpression, but not PIAS3-Mut, reduced cardiac Zn2+ levels, and exacerbated myocardial infarction. These findings elucidate a unique mechanism of zinc sensing, showing that fast degradation of the zinc-binding regulatory protein PIAS3 during zinc deficiency can correct zinc dyshomeostasis and alleviate reperfusion injury. [Display omitted] • Zinc deficiency induces the activation of STAT3, which acts as a transcription factor to promote upregulation of ZIP family zinc transporter gene expression, thereby compensating for Zn2+ loss. • PIAS3 can sense intracellular Zn2+ deficiency through its ubiquitination-mediated degradation and regulate the activity of STAT3. • Ring finger domain plays a critical role in PIAS3's ubiquitination and degradation by releasing Zn2+ in response to Zn2+ deficiency. • Knockdown of PIAS3 protected mouse hearts from I/R injury, whereas overexpression of PIAS3 exacerbated injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs) enable unique surface heat dissipation on nanoscale polarized membranes, countering reduced lattice thermal conductivity (κ) from decreased membrane thickness (d) and increased temperature (T). SrTiO 3 , a polar perovskite material, supports SPhPs across a wide Reststrahlen band linked to its substantial polarizability. However, limited studies explore SPhPs' role in SrTiO 3 heat transfer. Moreover, the d , T , and dielectric mismatch (Δ ɛ) in the upper and lower media sandwiching the membrane can modulate the SPhPs' resonance, affecting the polaritonic in-plane κ. This study thoroughly investigates the correlation between SPhPs and polaritonic κ of SrTiO 3 in symmetric and asymmetric systems. The predicted polaritonic κ of 100-nm-thick suspended SrTiO 3 membrane can reach 18.60 W/mK at 300 K, more than doubling the lattice κ. High ambient dielectric constant, elevated temperature, and reduced thickness redshift the thermal hot spot of SPhPs resonant modes in membrane to a lower frequency, predominantly influencing the polaritonic κ. Our work centers on investigating the significant potential of SPhPs to augment in-plane heat transfer, offering valuable insights into the feasibility of thermal management for microelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase formation mechanism, microstructure and superconducting properties of Nb 3 Al prepared by mechanical alloying and subsequent sintering were systematically investigated in this work. It was found that when the milling time is less than 16h, the Nb 3 Al is formed via the reaction between the Nb 2 Al that crystallizes from Nb–Al amorphous phase and residual Nb during subsequent sintering process. Whereas the milling time exceeds 16h, the Nb 3 Al transforms directly from Nb–Al supersaturated solid solution (Nb(Al) ss) during subsequent sintering process. Due to this difference in phase formation route, the grain size of M16h sintered sample is larger than that of M12h and M20h sintered samples. Besides, the intergranular connectivity of M16h sintered sample is the poorest among them. These factors make the critical current density (J c) of M16h sample abnormally lower than that of both M12h and M20h samples. According to these results, the highest J c (about 1 × 104 A cm−2 at 4.2K, 6T) is obtained for the sample prepared by 20h ball milling and subsequent sintering at 850°Cfor 5h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by conceptual analyses of awe as a self-transcendent emotion and the small-self hypothesis, we aim to explore the role of trait awe—one's chronic tendency to experience awe—in dampening individuals' violation of integrity through social dominance orientation. Four empirical studies (N = 4034) with cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental designs were performed. Study 1 (N = 1612) used a set of scales to initially investigate the relationships among trait awe, social dominance orientation, and integrity violation. Study 2 (N = 2027) used a novel contextualized scenario-based measure to capture integrity violation, thereby further testing hypotheses. Study 3 (N = 173) adopted a three-month, two-wave longitudinal design to retest whether trait awe was negatively associated with integrity violation via social dominance orientation. Study 4 (N = 222) employed a moderation-of-process design. Manipulating social dominance orientation showed that it causally mediated the relationship between trait awe and integrity violation. These studies converged to confirm that awe-prone individuals are less inclined to engage in integrity violation due to their lower levels of social dominance orientation. This work not only corroborates the significance of trait awe in dampening integrity violation but also illuminates the underlying mechanism by which trait awe influences integrity violation. • Four studies examined the dampening effect of trait awe on integrity violation. • People with higher trait awe are less likely to engage in integrity violation. • Social dominance orientation mediates the link between trait awe and integrity violation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, magnetite (Fe 3 O 4) nanomaterial was efficiently separated from the complex matrix of coal fly ash by a novel cyclic magnetic extraction device. Separated magnetite nanomaterial was selectively purified by a simple pretreatment method. The purified magnetite nanomaterial with particle size distribution of 40–400 nm was prepared for catalyzing mesotrione degradation in the bio-electro Fenton process. Under the optimal conditions, mesotrione was rapidly degraded at the rate of 1.6 mg/L/h for cathodic Fenton oxidation, which was 3.2 and 5.3 times higher than that of microbial electrochemical degradation in the microbial fuel cell anode (0.5 mg/L/h) and traditional microbial fermentation (0.3 mg/L/h), respectively. With the unique crystal structure, CFA-recycled magnetite nanomaterial exhibited stronger catalysis performance in mesotrione degradation than the commercial magnetite nanomaterial. Meanwhile, the loss rate of CFA-recycled magnetite nanomaterial was only 2.1 ± 0.4% compared with that of 20.8 ± 1.4% for commercial magnetite nanomaterial after three cycles, indicating CFA-recycled magnetite nanomaterial shows significant chemical stability and reusability. This work demonstrated the feasibility of CFA-recycled magnetite nanomaterial as an efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly catalyst for develop green and sustainable bio-electro Fenton process. [Display omitted] • Recycled Fe 3 O 4 nanomaterial enhanced bio-electro Fenton in MES degradation. • Recycled Fe 3 O 4 nanomaterial exhibited chemical stability and reusability. • CFA-recycled Fe 3 O 4 nanomaterial is a promising catalyst to develop sustainable Fenton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, two temperature cycling ranges, 20–29 °C and 20–32 °C, were used to promote bloom development on model chocolate, and control samples were stored at a constant 20 °C. Bloom formation was characterised based on visual inspection and surface colour analysis, while fat polymorphic transformation was monitored, and surface microstructure was examined. The control samples were highly bloom resistant and may exhibit solid-state polymorphic transformation. However, melt-mediated polymorphic transformation occurred under cycling temperatures; separated fat crystals formed on the chocolate surface under 20–29 °C cycling, while surface roughening occurred under 20–32 °C cycling, leading to differing bloom appearance. Additionally, the liquid fat content was higher when the temperature was cycled to 32 °C, than to 29 °C, and accordingly, bloom formation was also quicker. The pumping and capillary effects under the cycling temperatures led to fat migration to the chocolate surface, differing from the potential mechanism in the control samples. Highlights • Relationship between fat polymorphic transformation and bloom formation was studied. • V-to-VI polymorphic transformation was different at varied storage temperatures. • Pumping action and capillary effect caused fat movement during temperature cycling. • Bloom appearance was highly associated with the chocolate surface microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elimination of pyraclostrobin by simultaneous microbial degradation and Fenton oxidation was achieved in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) system. After 12 h of incubation, the removal rate of pyraclostrobin was 1.4 mg/L/h at the anode and 1.7 mg/L/h at the cathode. The pyraclostrobin concentration was less than the detection limit (0.1 mg/L) after 72 h at the anode and 24 h at the cathode. The air flow rate, temperature, and pH of the catholyte had significant effects on the generation of H 2 O 2 . The maximum production of H 2 O 2 was 1.2 mg/L after reaction for 20 h during the Fenton process. Microbial community analysis indicated that functional bacteria in the genera Chryseobacterium , Stenotrophomonas , Arcobacter , and Comamonas were predominant in the anodic biofilm. In conclusion, the MFC-Fenton system provides an effective approach for treating environmental contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle size effect on fat bloom formation in chocolate was studied. Model chocolates with 68% (w/w) sand particles of varying particle size distributions (D90 of 18.7, 29.3, 41.4 and 51.1  μm) were produced and stored under cycling temperatures of 20 °C (7 h) and 29 °C (17 h). Fat bloom formation was evaluated by the change of surface whiteness during 60 days’ storage, whilst the associated changes of melting temperatures were determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The melting temperatures increased significantly (P < .05) from 31.5 to 35.7 °C with storage time due to polymorphic transformation of fat; the increase in onset temperature indicated reduced liquid fat content which decreased the rate of bloom formation from 9 days of storage. Image analysis showed that smaller particle sizes had higher particle packing density, decreasing the radius of inter-particle channels for fat movement. Therefore, the samples with smaller particle size were more resistant to fat migration and had less changes of surface whiteness, thus bloom rate was slower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we consider the existence of nonoscillatory solutions for system of higher-order neutral differential equations with distributed coefficients and delays. We use the B a n a c h contraction principle to obtain new sufficient conditions for the existence of nonoscillatory solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant progress has been made in the development of the small pressurized water reactors (SPWR). Unique characteristics of the SPWR deliver challenges to its control system design. In order to facilitate the control system design process and enhance its efficiency, it is important and necessary to establish a control system design and validation platform. Using shared memory technology, an engineering simulator coupled with MATLAB/Simulink is employed to achieve this objective. Shared memory is an efficient method to exchange data within programs. Dynamic data exchange and simulation time synchronization methods are particularly treated. To verify the platform, an SPWR with its control system is modeled using the platform and the simulator. Thermal-hydraulic modeling of the SPWR is carried out using Relap5, and its nodalization is introduced. The objectives of the control strategy are to maintain the average coolant temperature linearly varying with the reactor power and steam pressure constant. A preliminary SPWR control system is designed with proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers, and is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink associated with the engineering simulator. Subsequently, in order to evaluate the performance of the established simulation platform, transients of abrupt load changes and wide range load changes are simulated and simulation results are verified against those obtained from the engineering simulator alone. It is demonstrated that simulation results of both platforms are consistent with each other, which proves that the coupling of engineering simulator and MATLAB/Simulink is successful. Therefore, the established simulation platform can be committed to control system design and validation. Furthermore, it is revealed that the designed control strategy is able to regulate the process parameters such as coolant average temperature and steam pressure to the desired values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous increase of large-scale activities, it is easy to occur serious stampedes. This study focuses on sporting venues to study stampede accidents in large-scale activities for quantitative and dynamic risk analysis. A comprehensive risk analysis model for stampede accidents is established containing 96 nodes that take into account human error, site failure, environmental impact, and management deficiency, and it is applicable for most sports venues as the relevant inputs can be consistent with reality. First, the bow-tie method is applied for risk identification, and the catastrophe theory is introduced to better handle the expert system and statistics to establish the Bayesian network. Then, scenario analysis is implemented to dynamically predict the consequences, and sensitivity analysis is conducted to quantitatively identify the critical factors of the stampedes. It is identified that the failure of emergency lighting and indicating signs contribute more to the occurrence of a stampede, and the effective emergency measures are critical to reducing the casualties and economic losses. This paper could quantitatively assess the stampede risks and find out the critical hazards of stampede accidents in detail to provide technical and managerial support for most sports venues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution primarily caused by NO has a severe impact on environment and health, and researchers are now actively investigating the removal of NO using CO as a reducing agent. Catalytic removal of NO using CO usually occurs between 200 °C and 400 °C, and methods for preparing catalysts with good catalytic activity that can scavenge NO at low temperatures and their reaction mechanism remain challenging. In this study, we derived a catalyst based on two-dimensional hydrotalcite and attained 96.6% conversion of NO at only 150 °C. The CuCoAl-LDO catalyst exhibited a high specific surface area of 125.5 m2/g, and its mechanism was studied extensively via material characterization, in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. Results showed that Al doping could effectively augment the specific surface area of the Cu-based catalyst to expose more active sites. Furthermore, Cu+-□-Co3+ surface synergistic oxygen vacancies are formed on the surface of the catalyst owing to the synergistic effect between copper and cobalt, which can promote the redox cycle of copper and cobalt species. The presence of Cu+–CO species is essential for improving the activity of the CuCoAl-LDO catalyst at low temperatures. The proposed reaction mechanism of scavenging NO using CO on the surface of the CuCoAl-LDO catalyst offers new ideas for developing highly efficient CO-selective catalytic reduction denitrification catalysts at low temperatures. [Display omitted] • Oxygen vacancy on the Cu+-□-Co3+ surface of the CuCoAl-LDO catalyst effectively improves catalytic activity. • Adding Al strongly increases the specific surface area of the CuCoAl-LDO catalyst. • CuCoAl-LDO catalyst attains 96.6% NO conversion at a low temperature of 150 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous and frequently fatal malignancy. The ten-eleven translocation (TET)-mediated DNA demethylation is known to be critically associated with AML pathogenesis. Through chemical compound screening, we find that the opioid receptor agonist, loperamide hydrochloride (OPA1), significantly suppresses AML cell viability. The potential therapeutic effects of opioid receptor agonists, especially OPA1, are verified in AML cells in vitro and mouse and human AML models in vivo. OPA1-induced activation of OPRM1 signaling enhances the transcription of TET2 and thus activates both catalytic-dependent and -independent functions of TET2. Notably, AMLs with TET2 mutations or chemotherapy resistance are sensitive to OPA1 as well. Our results reveal the OPRM1- TET2 regulatory axis in AML and suggest that opioid agonists, particularly OPA1, a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antidiarrheal drug, have therapeutic potential in AML, especially in TET2 -mutated and chemotherapy-resistant AMLs, which have a poor prognosis. [Display omitted] • Opioid signaling agonists have therapeutic potential in AML • Opioid signaling activates TET2 transcription and increases global 5hmC level • TET2 enzymatic activity-dependent and -independent functions in OPA1 response • The OPRM1- TET2 regulatory axis is involved in AML The regulatory pathway of the TET-mediated DNA demethylation remains unclear in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Zhao et al. report the beneficial therapeutic effects of opioid-receptor agonists, especially loperamide hydrochloride (OPA1) in AML, as OPA1 induces the activation of the OPRM1-TET2 regulatory axis in TET2-mutated and chemotherapy-resistant AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Consider the even-order nonlinear neutral differential equation and the associated differential inequality Using Lebesgue’s dominated convergence theorem, a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of eventually positive and bounded solutions is obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• 1-MCP delays the senescence process in cabbage. • 1-MCP maintains the desirable quality properties in cabbage. • 1-MCP reduces the loss of certain health-promoting compounds in cabbage. Freshly harvested cabbages were treated with air (control group) or 1 μL L−1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) for 12 h, followed by storage for 8 d at 25 ± 1 °C. The effects of 1-MCP on postharvest deterioration characteristics, antioxidant capacity, health-promoting compounds and nitrite accumulation in cabbage leaves were investigated. Treatment with 1-MCP significantly extended the shelf life, reduced postharvest deterioration, retarded chlorophyll degradation and inhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde and nitrite in cabbage. Ethylene production and respiration rate were also inhibited by 1-MCP. Furthermore, 1-MCP treatment delayed the decrease in total glucosinolates, sulforaphane and folic acid during storage. High levels of ascorbic acid, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were also maintained in 1-MCP-treated cabbage. This study demonstrates that 1-MCP is a potential postharvest treatment to delay the senescence process, maintain desirable quality properties and reduce the loss of certain health-promoting compounds in cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of extrinsic factors on the formation of hollow microcapsules (HMs) using fava bean legumin. It was found that the ability of HM formation was highly dependent on NaCl concentration, heating temperature and pH value, where the optimum conditions were 0.05 M NaCl, temperature close to 80 °C and pH 7.17. The protein concentration in the range of 2–10 g/L had minimal influence on the ability of HM formation, while higher protein concentration contributed to form more HMs. The size of the majority of particles allocated within a fine micrometer size range of 1–10 μm and the hollow internal structure exhibited either one vacuole or multi-vacuoles. Formation of NaCl-induced relatively stable, small protein micro-domains could be regard as a precursor of the subsequent HM formation via heating, and the hollow structure could be induced by a balance of partial dispersion of proteins from the clusters to the aqueous phase and formation of permanent linking between the remaining proteins. Image 1 • Fava bean legumin formed hollow microcapsules (HMs) with size of 1–10 μm. • HMs had single- or multi-vacuoles and their shape and microstructure differed. • HM formation was pH, ion strength and temperature dependent. • HM formation was less protein concentration dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faba bean (FB) 11s protein was found to form hollow microcapsules (HMs) upon heating. The microstructure of HMs were characterized by microscopes; the HMs can have multiple vacuoles and the HM wall was composed of a layer of compact protein particles. At pH 4.0–5.0, below the isoelectronic point of the 11s protein, the HMs were able to encapsulate high amount of FITC-dextran and the driving force was the surface charge difference. As the pH was modified to 6.9, the HMs pre-treated with pH 4.0 and 5.0 exhibited pH-responsive release of FITC-dextran, while those pre-treated with pH 4.5 retained FITC-dextran within the HMs. However, the HMs did not show ionic strength-responsive permeability. Additionally, addition of HMs into semi-solid gelatine-agar samples significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the hardness, chewiness and gumminess of the samples, while the surface whiteness index increased. The FB 11s protein HMs have been proven to keep their structure in gel samples, therefore, showed great potential to be applied in such semi-solid food systems. Image 1 • Faba bean 11s protein was found to form hollow microcapsules upon heating. • The hollow microcapsules fabricated from faba bean 11s protein were pH-sensitive. • Encapsulating and releasing of FITC-dextran was achieved by controlling solution pH. • Hollow microcapsule addition affected the texture properties of model foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The BBD model could effectively simulate and optimize the H 2 O 2 generation. • The in situ electro-Fenton process showed high removal efficiency for mesotrione. • The MFC-Fenton system realized simultaneous mesotrione removal in anode and cathode. The aim of this work was to investigate the performance of electro-Fenton process coupling with microbial fuel cell for removal of herbicide mesotrione. After a six months acclimation, the anodic biofilm exhibited stable degradation ability to herbicide mesotrione, and the bioelectricity generated by the anodic biofilm could be utilized to in-situ generate H 2 O 2 in cathode. Under the optimized conditions, the mesotrione removal rates reached 0.83 mg L-1h−1 for anodic microbial degradation and 1.39 mg L-1h−1 for cathodic Fenton oxidation, respectively. The bacteria possessing functions of compounds degradation (e.g. Petrimonas , Desulfovibrio , and Mycobacterium) and electrons transfer (e.g. Petrimonas , Cloacibacillus , and Azospirillum) were selectively enriched in anodic biofilm. Therefore, with the advantages of pollutant removal by simultaneous microbial degradation and Fenton oxidation, the MFC-Fenton offer a promising and sustainable approach for wastewater treatment and refractory contaminants elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dark personality traits (DPT) were associated with adolescents' cyber aggression (CA). • Belief in virtuous humanity (BVH) played a mediating role. • Self-control moderated the direct relation between DPT (excluding Narcissism) and CA. • The path from BVH to CA was also moderated by self-control. Cyber aggressive behavior among adolescents is a widespread concern. However, little is known about the influencing factors and psychological mechanism of cyber aggressive behavior in adolescents. This study examined whether dark personality traits would be associated with cyber aggression in adolescents, whether belief in virtuous humanity would mediate the relationship between dark personality traits and cyber aggression, and whether self-control would play a moderating role in the links. A total of 675 Chinese college students completed a series of anonymous questionnaires regarding dark personality traits, belief in virtuous humanity, self-control, and cyber aggression. Results showed the following: (1) dark personality was positively related to cyber aggression in adolescents; (2) belief in virtuous humanity mediated the relationship between dark personality traits (i.e., Machiavellianism and psychopathy) and cyber aggression; (3) self-control play a moderating role in the relationship between dark personality traits (i.e., Machiavellianism and psychopathy) and cyber aggression, and the relationship between belief in virtuous humanity and cyber aggression. This study could help demonstrate the risk and protective factors and psychological mechanism of cyber aggressive behavior in adolescents. Some theoretical and practical implications and limitations were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the phenomenon of hollow microcapsule formation through simple heat treatment of soy 11s protein solution. Microscopies were used to monitor the morphological changes of proteins in the aqueous phase during fabrication; the corresponding changes in zeta potential, protein solubility and composition were examined. In the presence of 0.05 M sodium chloride, the 11s protein self-assembled into irregular flocs, which transformed into microgels or hollow microcapsules upon heating at 80 °C for 20 min. The key protein flocs-microcapsule transformation occurred within the first 60 s of heating and the microcapsules formed their perfect hollow spherical structure in 4 min of heating. A mechanism was proposed to describe the hollow structure formation in microcapsules. The samples with protein concentration of 2 g/L had more microgels formed, while those with 5 and 10 g/L protein was mainly composed of hollow microcapsules. It was found that as the particle radius approached the wall thickness, microgels formed instead of microcapsules. Image 1 • Morphological evolution of protein aggregates in the aqueous phase was shown. • The key protein flocs-microcapsule transformation occurred within 60 s of heating. • Microgels formed instead of microcapsules when the radius was smaller than 2.2 μm. • Hollow microcapsule formation were irrelevant to specific protein components. • A potential microcapsule formation routine was proposed based on the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultrasonication was applied to the thawing process of bighead carp. • Differences of thawing methods on quality of slow/fast frozen bighead carp were compared. • Shorten thawing time by ultrasound was observed. • Fast frozen samples lost massive water after water immersion or ultrasonic thawing. • Freezing-thawing cycles did not affect the primary protein structure of fish samples. Effects of ultrasound-assisted thawing (UAT), air thawing (AT) and water immersion thawing (WIT) on the quality of slow freezing (SF)/fast freezing (FF) bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) fillets were investigated. The thawing time of AT, WIT and UAT were 138, 30 and 12 min, respectively, indicating that UAT improved the thawing efficiency. UAT maintained the color and pH, and inhibited the lipid oxidation of SF/FF samples. For SF samples, thawing methods did not affect water retention and muscle structure. However, massive water loss and muscle destruction were observed in FF-WIT and FF-UAT samples. The AT did not produce any structural muscle damage; instead, it maintained the water retention in FF samples and prevented the FF fish fillets from massive water loss. No significant difference in the primary protein structure was observed among all samples. UAT can be an alternative strategy to the traditional thawing of SF fish fillets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soy glycinin could self-assemble into nanoparticles, microgels or hollow microcapsules depending on the extrinsic conditions. This research compares ion- and/or pH-induced particle formation through simple heat treatment of soy glycinin (80 °C, 5 min and 600 r/min), and the difference of zeta potential, particle size, hydrophobicity and their relevance to particle morphology were investigated. The results showed that only a combination of monovalent cation (K+ or Na+) and monovalent anion (Cl−) promoted the formation of hollow microcapsules with coexistence of microgels (protein solution pH: 7.2), whereas a reduce in pH inhibited hollow microcapsule formation upon heating, either in the presence of electrolytes or not. Strategies for size reduction of microparticles were also studied, either by increasing the shear stress during heating or through ultrasound pre-treatment of soy glycinin. In general, native soy glycinin was favorable for the formation of hollow microcapsules than the partially denatured, and the hollow microcapsule formation was highly sensitive to the extrinsic conditions. Image 1 • Hollow microcapsules formed by adding monovalent cation and anion. • pH-induced phase separation led to the formation of solid nanoparticles. • Ultrasound pretreatment or applying shear stress reduced the microparticle size. • Native soy glycinin was preferable to be used to form hollow microcapsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nb 3 Al superconductors with high superconducting performance are of interest as potential materials for using in high magnetic fields. The phase formation mechanism plays a vital role in preparing high quality Nb 3 Al superconductor, especially with better superconducting transition temperature (T c). In this work, the phase evolution of Nb Al system during mechanical alloying and subsequent sintering process was studied, and the corresponding kinetics mechanism of Nb 3 Al phase formation was investigated in detail. It was found that the Nb 3 Al phase can be formed through two different routes: one is reaction between Nb 2 Al and Nb, the other is transformation from Nb Al supersaturated solid solution (Nb(Al) ss) directly. Mechanical alloying promotes the transformation of Nb Al pre-alloyed powders from local Nb Al amorphous to Nb(Al) ss , controlling the different formation routes of Nb 3 Al phase. According to the kinetics calculation of the Nb 3 Al phase formation during sintering process, the values of activation energy (E) for the reaction between Nb 2 Al and Nb forming Nb 3 Al is higher than that for the transformation from Nb(Al) ss to Nb 3 Al in the initial stage, but decreases sharply with the reaction going on. Moreover, Nb 3 Al bulk synthesized via reaction between Nb 2 Al and Nb obtained a higher value of T c (about 15.8 K) compared with the Nb 3 Al bulk synthesized via Nb(Al) ss. The results in our work suggest that the phase formation mechanism of Nb 3 Al during mechanical alloying and subsequent sintering process actually influence their final superconductivity performance and can give an effective guide for optimizing the technique of preparing Nb 3 Al superconductors. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Two formation routes of Nb 3 Al phase are found during mechanical alloying and subsequent sintering. • The formation of Nb 3 Al phase is dominated by interface reaction and random nucleation. • Nb 3 Al bulk synthesized via reaction between Nb 2 Al and Nb obtained a higher value of T c. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CO methanation reaction has been widely used in the fields of synthetic natural gas and ammonia (NH 3). This study improves the CO methanation performance using a two-dimensional NiAl-layered double oxide (2D NiAl-LDO) decorated by SiO 2 nanoparticles and reduced under hydrogen atmosphere. The as-obtained H–NiAl-LDO/SiO 2 exhibited a high specific surface area of 240.5 m2/g and high surface-adsorbed oxygen of 20.77%. Furthermore, it had an excellent CO conversion of 100% at 300 °C and 96.87% at 250 °C, which was much better than those of H–NiAl-LDO (84.03% at 300 °C and 0% at 250 °C). We believe that it provides an additional strategy to easily and effectively improve CO methanation performance and shows potential for the application of similar catalysts. • The H–NiAl-LDO/SiO 2 performs excellent low temperature CO methanation performance. • Additive SiO 2 increases the specific surface area of the catalyst. • The addition of SiO 2 is beneficial to the formation of surface adsorbed oxygen. • Si–O–Al and Si–O–Ni bonds promote H 2 and CO adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intrinsic link of ferroptosis to neurodegeneration, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, has set promises to apply ferroptosis inhibitors for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we report that the natural small molecule hinokitiol (Hino) functions as a potent ferroptosis inhibitor to rescue neuronal damages in vitro and in vivo. The action mechanisms of Hino involve chelating irons and activating cytoprotective transcription factor Nrf2 to upregulate the antioxidant genes including solute carrier family 7 member 11, glutathione peroxidase 4 and Heme oxygenase-1. In vivo studies demonstrate that Hino rescues the deficits of locomotor activity and neurodevelopment in zebrafishes. In addition, Hino shows the efficient blood-brain barrier permeability in mice, supporting the application of Hino for brain disorders. Paclitaxel is one of the most widely used broad-spectrum antineoplastic agents. However, its neurotoxic side effect is a severe concern. We demonstrate that the neurotoxicity of paclitaxel is ferroptosis-related and Hino also alleviates the paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity without compromising its cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Hino also salvages the neurobehavioral impairment by paclitaxel in zebrafishes. Collectively, the discovery of Hino as a novel ferroptosis inhibitor and disclosure of its action mechanisms establish a foundation for the further development of Hino as a neuroprotective agent. [Display omitted] • Hinokitiol significantly enhances cell viability of RSL3-or 6-OHDA-induced PC12 cells and is more potent than DFO. • Hinokitiol exerts neuroprotection through iron chelation and modulation of the Nrf2 pathway. • Hinokitiol rescues the deficits of locomotion and neurodevelopment in 6-OHDA-treated zebrafish model. • Hinokitiol alleviates the ferroptosis-related neurotoxicity induced by paclitaxel without affecting anti-tumor activity. • Hinokitiol shows the efficient blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A Bayesian-Catastrophe-EPE model for LNG risk assessment is proposed. • The BCEPE model can objectively quantify the causal relationship of LNG risks. • Roll over and misoperation are identified as the critical hazards of LNG leakage. • Risk (hazard) correlations are quantified to provide technical supports for effectively controlling risks. Increasing quantities of natural gas are transported as liquefied natural gas (LNG) worldwide, and LNG is also proposed for use as a clean fuel for ships and trucks. This scenario raises concerns for the safety of LNG bunkering and storage at ports, due to the potentially severe accidents that may arise from LNG leakage. In this paper, an integrated quantitative risk assessment model for LNG bunkering and storage at ports based on Bayesian-Catastrophe-EPE (Energy transfer theory, Preliminary hazard analysis and Evolution tree) method was proposed. The energy-based EPE model was used to derive Bayesian network (BN) causal structure, and the catastrophe theory was employed to deal with experts' judgment to determine the conditional probability tables of BN. The proposed BN-based risk assessment model can provide a novel perspective to identify hazards and risks, and to assess the evolution process of LNG accidents from causes to consequences. The results of scenario analysis of typical LNG accidents demonstrate the soundness and applicability of the proposed model. Moreover, sensitivity analysis was implemented to identify critical hazards and quantify the correlations between each element considered in LNG accidents. The proposed risk assessment framework is of great significance to widen the technical tools available to support safety assessment and loss prevention of LNG bunkering and storage at ports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Maillard reaction in the aqueous system with and without ultrasound treatment was used to prepare conjugates between soy protein isolate (SPI) and citrus pectin (CP)/apple pectin (AP). Ultrasound treatment at a power of 450 W and a temperature of 70 °C significantly accelerated the conjugation processes between SPI and pectin samples and led to much greater grafting extents compared to the traditional wet heating. A higher degree of graft of the SPI-CP conjugates was achieved at a shorter ultrasound duration compared to the SPI-AP conjugates, possibly attributed to the larger molecular weight and the more flexible structure of AP. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the formation of SPI-pectin conjugates. Analysis of the protein secondary and tertiary structures suggested that the attachment of CP or AP changed the spatial conformation of SPI and led to a looser protein structure. In addition to the grafting process, ultrasound was also observed to play a marked role in unfolding the SPI resulting in more favorable structures for the Maillard reaction. Furthermore, the application of ultrasound to the conjugation process significantly increased the surface hydrophobicity and emulsifying properties of both conjugates, indicating that ultrasound can be a desirable method for protein-polysaccharide conjugation. Image 1 • Ultrasound enhanced the conjugation process resulting in higher grafting extents. • Formation of the conjugates was confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis. • The ultrasound-assisted conjugation process led to looser protein structures. • Ultrasound increased the H 0 and the emulsifying properties of the conjugates. • Both pectin samples are capable of forming excellent conjugates by ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A powerful and fast glycopeptide/glycan enrichment method is critical for the efficiency and throughput of mass spectrometry (MS)-based glycoproteomic and glycomic analyses, especially for large-scale sample analysis. Here, we report an ultrafast and effective method for both intact N-glycopeptide and N-glycan enrichment and apply it to human serum samples. In this method, a natural hydrophilic material, bacterial cellulose (BC), was adopted and fully optimized for enrichment. This method offers the following advantages: (i) The enrichment material has natural hydrophilicity and is low-cost, biocompatible, biodegradable and easily accessible; (ii) the whole enrichment procedure is remarkably simple and fast. It takes only 10 min for intact glycopeptides/glycans to be easily purified from mixtures; (iii) the specificity of this method is over 94% for both glycan and glycopeptide enrichment; and (iv) the outstanding specificity of this technique enables high isolation efficiency for the enrichment of both intact glycopeptides and glycans. A total of 36 N-glycans and 31 N-glycopeptides were identified from human immunoglobulin G (IgG). The glycan and glycopeptide absorption capacity of BC was as high as 333 μg/mg and 250 μg/mg (IgG/BC) respectively. The selectivity for glycan and glycopeptide enrichment reached 1:100 (IgG/bovine serum albumin (BSA), molar ratio) and 1:200 (maltoheptaose (DP7)/BSA, molar ratio), respectively. Furthermore, a total of 159 N-glycans and 523 N-glycopeptides were identified in human serum by using this method. Overall, the BC-based enrichment method we present here provides an ultrafast and highly efficient method for the enrichment of both N-glycopeptides and N-glycans in complex samples and shows great potential in large-scale glycoproteomic and glycomic analyses. Image 1 • Bacterial cellulose has natural hydrophilicity and is cost-friendly. • The whole enrichment procedure is remarkably simple and fast (10 min). • This method enables enrichment of both intact N-glycopeptides and N-glycans. • The enrichment specificity is over 94% for both N-glycans and N-glycopeptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutamate stimuli and hyperactivation of its receptor are predominant determinants of ischemia-induced cytotoxic cerebral edema, which is closely associated with protein nanoparticle (PN)-induced increases in osmotic pressure. Herein, we investigated the electrochemical and mechanical mechanisms underlying the neuron swelling induced by PNs via the co-activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit (NMDAR) and excitatory metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). We observed that co-activation of ionic glutamate receptor NMDAR and Group I metabotropic mGluRs promoted alteration of PN-induced membrane potential and increased intracellular osmosis, which was closely associated with calcium and voltage-dependent ion channels. In addition, activation of NMDAR-induced calmodulin (CaM) and mGluR downstream diacylglycerol (DAG)/protein kinase C α (PKCα) were observed to play crucial roles in cytotoxic hyperosmosis. The crosstalk between CaM and PKCα could upregulate the sensitivity and sustained opening of sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1)-transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 4 (TRPM4) and transmembrane protein 16 A (TMEM16A) channels, respectively, maintaining the massive Na+/Cl- influx, and the resultant neuron hyperosmosis and swelling. Intracellular PNs and Na+/Cl- influx were found to be as potential targets for cerebral edema treatment, using the neurocyte osmosis system and a cerebral ischemic rat model. This study highlights PNs as a key factor in "electrochemistry-tension" signal transduction controlling Na+/Cl- ion channels and increased osmotic pressure in ischemia-induced cytotoxic edema. Moreover, enhanced sensitivity in both Na+ and Cl- ion channels also has a crucial role in cerebral edema. [Display omitted] • Co-activation of NMDAR and Group I mGluRs promotes PNs-induced neuronal hyperosmosis. • PNs exert electrophysiological effects and activate ion channels. • PKCα and CaM enhance sensitivity of SUR1-TRPM4 and TMEM16A channel currents. • PNs and Na+ /Cl- influx as potential targets for cerebral edema treatment. • Electrochemistry-tension signal transduction controls cytotoxic cerebral edema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon nitride based materials have emerged as the promising candidates for high-power electronics and next-generation gate dielectrics. Herein, the crucial characteristics of electron mobility and lattice thermal conductivity of β -Si 3 N 4 are investigated from first-principles. The predicted electron mobility and averaged lattice thermal conductivity is 228.4 cm2/Vs and 325.06 W/m·K at 300 K, which demonstrates a good agreement with literature data. The electron mobility exhibits strong temperature-dependence at a low carrier concentration where the polar-optical phonon scattering dominates. For the heavy doping case, the ionized impurity scattering becomes dominant. A well-trained momentum tensor potential (MTP) with an accuracy comparable to density functional theory shows advantages in predicting thermal transport properties over a large-scale system containing thousands of atoms. The relaxation lifetimes for heat-carrying acoustic phonons are over tens of picoseconds which can explain the high thermal conductivity of β -Si 3 N 4 , but the nanoscale grain size crucially limits the thermal transport properties. • POP scattering primarily limits electron mobility at low doping concentrations. • Electron mobility is temperature-independent at heavily doping concentrations. • The MTP potential is trained with an accuracy comparable to DFT. • Long lifetimes for heat-carrying acoustic phonons are predicted. • The nanoscale grain size crucially limits thermal conductivity of β -Si 3 N 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer cell invasion and metastasis are closely related to intracellular tension. The cell-polarity protein, Par3, is a mechanical transmitter that affects cytoskeletal forces and determines breast cancer aggressiveness. Increased Par3 tension caused by aPKC inactivation is involved in filopodia and lamellipodia formation. Blocking the connection between Par3 and aPKC increases breast cancer aggressiveness both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, aPKC-induced Par3 cytoplasmic translocation results in JAM-A phase separation and microfilament depolymerization, which is associated with increased intracellular protein nanoparticle-induced osmotic pressure. This study demonstrated the effects of aPKC on Par3 tension and osmotic pressure in breast cancer metastasis, and introduced Par3-associated mechanical mechanisms as potential targets for breast cancer treatment. [Display omitted] • Par3 mechanical signal is positive related to breast cancer migration. • aPKC-induced Par3 cytoplasmic translocation results in JAM-A phase separation and microfilament depolymerization. • Par3 cytoplasmic translocation increases osmotic pressure. • Par3 integrates inward cytoskeletal force and outward osmotic pressure to promote breast cancer mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has caused a huge burden of disease. Few studies have explored individuals' environmental exposure level and the impact of multiple environmental exposures on obesity. The aim of this study was to explore individual air pollution exposure evaluation, and the association between and multiple environmental factors and obesity among adult residents in rural areas of China. In this study, 8400 residents of 14 districts and counties in eastern of China were selected by multistage stratified cluster sampling, and a total of 8377 residents were included in the final analysis. We adopted BMI (Body Mass Index) > 28 kg/m2 as the definition of obesity. First, an individual air pollution evaluation model was established based on the monitoring data of air pollution stations closest to residential address, different demographic characteristics of residents and daily living habits using generalized linear model and random forest model. Then, we used Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) and Quantile g-Computation (QgC) models to explore multiple environmental exposures on obesity. The results showed that six air pollutants were significantly positively associated with obesity, and green space had a significant protective effect on obesity. The BKMR model showed that the effects of different air pollutants on obesity were significantly enhanced by each other, while green space significantly reduced the positive effect of air pollution on obesity. The QgC model showed a significant positive association with obesity when all environmental factors were exposed as a whole, especially in males, higher household incomes and young people. It suggested that relevant authorities should improve regional air quality and green space to reduce the burden of disease caused by obesity. [Display omitted] • We evaluated individual air pollution exposure of residents in Anhui Province. • There was a positive association between air pollution and obesity. • Green space was negatively associated with obesity. • Green space could attenuate effect of air pollution on obesity. • Multiple environmental exposure was positively associated with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial food packaging with a sustained release of antimicrobial agents plays a key role in maintaining food quality and food safety. In this study, polyelectrolyte gellan gum (GG)-chitosan (CS) multilayer film was fabricated by layer-by-layer assembly technology with the incorporation of thyme essential oil (TEO) coarse emulsion (TEOC) or nanoemulsion (TEON). The microstructure of GG-CS three-layered film was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The red fluorescent signals in confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images indicated smaller droplets and more uniform distribution of TEON prepared by ultrasonic treatments, which was consistent with the particle size results and porous structure in SEM images. The film incorporated with 6% TEON exhibited higher antimicrobial activity than that with 6% TEOC, and it significantly reduced E. coli populations in liquid model system. Moreover, films incorporated with TEON showed improved mechanical flexibility (elongation at break) and UV blocking property in comparison to TEOC. This developed GG-CS three-layered film loading with TEON was expected to be a potential antimicrobial material with sustained release property for food packaging applications. Image 1 • Tri-layered films with thyme essential oil (TEO) emulsion were fabricated. • Release rate of TEO from film was dependent on food simulants. • Ultrasonified TEO nanoemulsion (TEON) enhanced antimicrobial activity. • TEON improved the mechanical flexibility and UV blocking ability of film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low-water solid mixing was used for starch-(thermostable α-amylase)-Ca system of bioextrusion. • CaSO 4, C 6 H 10 O 6 Ca and CaCl 2 increased enzyme activity during bioextrusion. • The increased activity (low enzyme level): SO 4 2ˉ> C 6 H 10 O 6 2ˉ > Clˉ > control > NO 3 ˉ > OHˉ ≈ PO 4 3ˉ. • The increased activity (high enzyme level): C 6 H 10 O 6 2ˉ≈ Clˉ ≈ SO 4 2ˉ > control > PO 4 3 > OHˉ > NO 3 ˉ. The effect of six anions (Clˉ, OHˉ, NO 3 ˉ, SO 4 2ˉ, C 6 H 10 O 6 2ˉ and PO 4 3ˉ) on a starch (St)-enzyme (thermostable α -amylase, TαA)-calcium (Ca) system was investigated in a low-moisture solid state. Two levels of Ca salts (1 and 10 mmol/100 g St) added to potato starch with and without TαA were analyzed by FT-IR, DSC and SEM. The surface morphologies of the St-Ca complexes were different in the presence of various anions, and the residual Ca salts around the St granules might decrease the enzymatic action. For bioextrusion, TαA (0.5‰ and 1.5‰) were introduced for a relatively low Ca content (1 mmol/100 g). Significant differences in enzyme activity were observed, increasing the activity of TαA by SO 4 2ˉ (146.54 %) > C 6 H 10 O 6 2ˉ > Clˉ > control > NO 3 ˉ > OHˉ ≈ PO 4 3ˉ and C 6 H 10 O 6 2ˉ (123.20 %) ≈ Clˉ ≈ SO 4 2ˉ > control > PO 4 3 > OHˉ > NO 3 ˉ for the low and high enzyme levels, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]