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Water-in-oil (W/O) Pickering emulsions have a broad range of potential for use in the food industries. However, because of the scarcity of edible W/O-type particles, the production and stabilization of W/O Pickering emulsion is challenged. Sucrose esters (SEs) have great promise as W/O-type particles, whose properties vary with fatty acid moiety attached. This study investigated the effect of fatty acid residue type on the interface activity of SE and corresponding emulsion properties, in order to select the most suitable SE. Sucrose stearate (SE-S), sucrose palmitate (SE-P), sucrose laurate (SE-L), sucrose erucic acid ester (SE-E) and sucrose oleate (SE-O) were applied. Results showed that the saturation of fatty acid residues caused the difference of crystallinity of SE: SE-S＞SE-P＞SE-L＞SE-E＞SE-O. The lower crystallinity resulted in the increased hydrophilicity of SE-O with a closer θ (101.4°) to 90°, which facilitated interfacial adsorption and rearrangement, and larger decrease of interfacial tension (3.93 mN/m). Consequently, SE-O was capable of stabilizing more water volume fraction (75%). Moreover, the emulsion stabilized by SE-O was observed smaller droplet sizes, higher gel strength, and physical stability. The results revealed that SE-O was more appropriate for the preparation of W/O Pickering emulsion. • Higher hydrophilicity of SE-O favored interfacial adsorption and rearrangement. • SE-O could reduce the interfacial tension more largely. • SE-O was capable of stabilizing more water volume fraction, as high as 75%. • W/O Pickering emulsion made by SE-O had improved stability and gel structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to prepare an all-natural water-in-oil high internal phase Pickering emulsion (W/O-HIPPE) using diosgenin/soybean phosphatidylethanolamine complex (DGSP) and investigate the 3D printing performance. Results suggested that the self-assembly of diosgenin crystal was modified by SP in DGSP (diosgenin-SP ratios at 3:1 and 1:1), revealing a variation from large-size outward radiating needle-like to small-size granular-like shape, which facilitated closely packing at the interface. Hydrophilicity of DGSP was also increased (contact angle varying from 133.3 o to 106.4 o), ensuring more adequate interfacial adsorption to reduce interfacial tension more largely (6.5 mN/m). Thus, the W/O-HIPPE made by DGSP with diosgenin-SP = 1:1, exhibited smaller droplets and better freeze/thawing stability. The W/O-HIPPE was also measured improved rheological properties for 3D printing: satisfied shear-thinning behavior, higher recovery and self-supporting (viscoelasticity and deformation resistance). Consequently, the W/O-HIPPE allowed for printing more delicate patterns. This work provided guidance to prepare W/O-HIPPE for 3D printing. • An all-natural W/O-HIPPE was prepared by 3.0 wt% of DGSP particle. • Higher hydrophilicity of DGSP facilitated sufficient interfacial adsorption. • Small-size granular-like crystal of DGSP helped closely packing at the interface. • DGSP-based W/O-HIPPE had higher F/T stability and printability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SP had higher diffusion rate towards the interface in MO. • SP showed better interfacial adsorption capacity in MO. • Interfacial layer formed by SP showed higher deformation resistance in MO. • All-natural W/O emulsion containing 65% water fraction was formed by SP with MO. Water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion holds great potential in designing fat-reduced foods. However, due to the lack of W/O-type surfactant, formation of all-natural W/O emulsion is challenged. This study aimed to investigate the effect of oil phase on interfacial adsorption of soybean phosphatidylethanolamine (SP) and stability of W/O emulsion. Five oils, including medium chain triglycerides oil (MO), coconut oil (CO), palm kernel oil (PKO), sunflower oil (SO) and rapeseed oil (RO), were selected. Results showed that diffusion rate of SP to the interface ranked as MO > CO > PKO > SO ≈ RO, increasing interfacial adsorption from 50.2 % to 85.3 %. Higher interfacial adsorption improved the deformation resistance of interfacial layer, causing more significant decrease in interfacial tension (3.54 mN/m). So, the largest water fraction (65 %) was stabilized by SP with MO and CO, and exhibited smaller droplet sizes and better stability. Consequently, shorter-chain oil was more suitable for preparing W/O emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With development of globalization, the geographic separation of production caused consumption of a region was linked to pollution emitted by another region. In this process, dramatic growth of CO 2 emissions embodied in international trade attracted attention of relevant studies. Existing literatures have paid much attention on the empirical research of CO 2 flows between developed and developing countries, while studies of CO 2 emissions embodied in North-North trade were often overlooked. To partly fill the research gap, the study assessed CO 2 emissions embodied in Germany-US trade during 2000–2015, which was viewed as an example of the empirical research on CO 2 flows in North-North trade. On the basis of the estimation, we conducted a structural decomposition analysis on CO 2 emissions embodied in Germany-US trade. The decomposition focused on five driving forces that dominated the change of CO 2 emission flows. The result showed that Germany ran both the surplus of export CO 2 emissions and surplus of trade volume with the US. The share of Germany-US export CO 2 emissions to total export CO 2 emissions of Germany was greater than US-Germany export CO 2 emissions to total export CO 2 emissions of the US, which, to some extent, indicated significance of the US in Germany's external trade was greater than importance of Germany in overseas trade of the US. Decline of the two ratios above showed a trend of transferring CO 2 emissions to developing countries by the two countries. By comparison of sectoral CO 2 distribution, the categories of "manufacturing" and "services" dominated most emissions in the trade. According to structural decomposition analysis, CO 2 emission intensity and per capita final consumption caused most growth and reduction of emissions in the first 10 years, while in the next 5 years production structure of two countries played the most important role in change of embodied emissions. And the trend seemed to continue in the future. Unlabelled Image • Investigating CO 2 emissions embodied in Germany-US trade for 2000–15 • Explore main sectors that dominated CO 2 emissions embodied in the trade • SDA of CO 2 flows embodied in Germany-US trade for 2000–15 • Exploring how carbon intensity and final consumption affected emissions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many methods have been proposed and developed in research into neutron spectrum unfolding. In this work, three artificial intelligence optimization methods—genetic algorithms, radial basis function neural networks and generalized regression neural networks—were developed on the basis of former research to retrieve the neutron spectrum. Sixty-three neutron spectra were unfolded on the basis of the same response functions with the three methods, and three indexes—the mean squared error, the spectral quality and the sphere reading quality—were applied with the aim to compare the generalized unfolding performance. The results obtained with the three methods show that the unfolded neutron spectra are mostly acceptable using three methods without the initial guess spectra and that the generalized regression neural network method is the fastest and most accurate method with the most powerful generalization ability. • Three artificial intelligence methods are described and optimized. • Sixty-three spectra are unfolded with use of three artificial intelligence optimization methods. • The three optimization methods can effectively unfold neutron spectra. • The generalized regression neural network method is the fastest and most accurate among the three methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most natural rock masses are anisotropic, but there is no simple and effective method to quickly and accurately calculate the stress at any point in the tunnel with an arbitrary shape in orthotropic rock masses. In this paper, first, the hole shapes of the z 1 - and z 2 -planes are calculated from the hole shapes of the z -plane, and then the outer regions of these two planes are mapped to the ζ 1 - and ζ 2 -planes, respectively, and an efficient algorithm to determine the mapping function is provided. After mapping, the stress boundary conditions originally expressed by z as the independent variable are transformed into ζ 1 and ζ 2 as the independent variables, posing new difficulties to the solution of the stress boundary condition. To solve the stress boundary conditions, in this paper, the power series solution and the boundary collocation method are proposed, and two complex potential functions expressed by series are obtained. The stress and displacement of each point on and outside the hole can be easily calculated because the form of the two mapping functions is simple. Finally, the correctness of this method is evaluated by comparing the stress calculated using this method with the stress calculated using the previous methods and numerical simulation software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The unification of efficient removal of impurities and preparation of high-value products from PG was achieved. • A chloride-free binary system of Na 2 SO 4 and H 2 SO 4 was designed. • Co-crystalline P was completely released and dissolved by phase transition in the binary system. • α-HH shape and size were controlled by seeding. • The formation of regular large α-HH weakened physical adsorption and increased P leaching. In this study, we achieved deep removal of co-crystalline phosphorus (P) impurities and synchronous preparation of high-value-added products from PG by phase transformation under mild conditions. The co-crystalline P was released entirely during the dissolution of phase transition from dihydrate gypsum (DH) to α-hemihydrate gypsum (α-HH) in Na 2 SO 4 solutions, which was necessary to efficiently eliminate P impurities. Adding H 2 SO 4 to Na 2 SO 4 solutions dissolved the released P impurities and made them exist mainly in H 3 PO 4 form which was challenging to chemically adsorb or bind to calcium sulfate in the presence of SO 4 2− during α-HH crystallization. After regulating the phase transformation and P species in Na 2 SO 4 –H 2 SO 4 solutions, the P leaching efficiency reached 83.8 %. Moreover, α-HH shape and size were controlled by seeding in the mixed solutions. The formation of large short-columnar α-HH, which was identified as high-strength gypsum, suppressed the physical adsorption of P on the product surface and further increased the leaching efficiency to above 97 %. This work pioneered a cost-effective approach for clean and high-value utilization of industrial gypsum residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In energy harvesting relaying, channel estimation needs to be performed to acquire channel state information at the relay and at the destination. Thus, the data packet from the source to the relay contains three parts: pilot for channel estimation, data symbols and pilots for harvesting. The data packet from the relay to the destination contains two parts: data symbols and pilots for estimation. In this paper, for a fixed packet size, the outage and bit error rate performances are analysed and then optimized with respect to power allocation between different parts in the data packet. The cumulative distribution function of the end-to-end signal-to-noise ratio is derived in closed-form, based on which outage and error rate can be calculated. Numerical results show the existence of the optimal values of the numbers of pilots for channel estimation and for energy harvesting, when the total size is fixed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban regeneration has emerged as a response to the process of decay in historic districts. Based on a detailed literature review and the distinctive features of this mode of project practice in China, the current paper examines critical success factors (CSFs) in historic district regeneration projects. These factors are grouped into six main dimensions, namely, external environment, project characteristics, participants, project implementation, organization governance and the conservation of historic and cultural values. The internal relations among the identified CSFs are developed with the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) Method. This is followed by a case study showing the use of these results. Project K (a renovation project) and Project J (a redevelopment project) are selected to explore and compare their critical success paths (CSPs) with the optimized Critical Path Method (CPM), drawing on project management methods. The results show that Project K relies on the strength of the real estate market to achieve development of cultural industries with cultural characteristics, while Project J creates a strong cultural atmosphere to attract tourists and then increases cultural propaganda efforts, with an operating income used to achieve cultural continuity. Both cultural operation modes can achieve the cultural objectives of the project with a different CSP. The identification of CSFs, their internal relations, and the CSPs are explored in two cases, which provide useful guidance to project parties planning to participate in dynamic management of historic district regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfluidic systems can accelerate clinical translation of nanoparticles due to their ability to generate nanoparticles in a well-controlled and reproducible manner. In this study, a single-step process based on microfluidic focusing (MF) was employed to synthesize transferrin-conjugated lipid nanoparticles (Tf-LNPs) and the method was compared with a multi-steps bulk mixing (BM) method. The results indicate that this single-step MF process enables rapid and efficient synthesis of Tf-LNPs, which were named Tf-LNPs-MF. Tf-LNPs-MF was shown to have a smaller size and more uniform structures compared to LNPs produced by multi-steps BM method (Tf-LNPs-BM). Furthermore, efficient cellular uptake of Tf-LNPs-MF in vitro as well as greater tumor inhibition in vivo proved that Tf-LNPs-MF had higher siRNA delivery efficiency in vitro and in vivo . Taken together, this single-step microfluidic synthesis significantly simplified the Tf-LNPs production and improved their drug delivery properties and may serve as a valuable tool for developing new cancer therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A constraint-incidence matrix representing the serial chain is newly defined. • A serial-chain database is established to assist the design of parallel robots. • A type synthesis method for metamorphic parallel robots is proposed. • Nine novel metamorphic parallel robots are synthesized. In comparison with traditional parallel robots, metamorphic parallel robots (MPRs) have the advantages of variable topology and mobility and can be applied under some complex working conditions. In this study, MPRs are divided into two categories according to the variation of mechanism-constraint systems. Subsequently, the constraint-incidence matrix is defined to describe serial chains and a serial-chain database is established. Based on the constraint screw theory, the desired reconfigurable chains can be synthesized by selecting similar serial chains in the serial-chain database, so as to construct the desired MPRs. Furthermore, the proposed synthesis method is demonstrated in detail through the type synthesis of two kinds of MPRs, and nine novel MPRs are synthesized. The proposed synthesis method provides a new theoretical tool for designing MPRs and has the advantages of intuition and easy operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of CaCl 2 on metabolism of glucosinolates (GLs) and formation of isothiocyanates (ITCs), as well as the antioxidant capacity of broccoli sprouts, were investigated. The results showed that CaCl 2 treatment enhanced BrST5b (sulfotransferase 5b) and limited AOP2 (2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase 2) expression, which increased GLs biosynthesis. CaCl 2 also promoted the gene expression of myrosinase (MYR) and its activity, and thus increased ITCs formation. Three ITCs and two nitriles were found in the hydrolysate of broccoli sprouts. CaCl 2 treatment increased the content of 1-isothiocyanato butane significantly. Then, CaCl 2 increased the formation of ITCs by regulating gene expression and enzyme activity. After CaCl 2 treatment, the antioxidant capacity of sprouts increased and the formed ITCs mainly contributed to total antioxidant capacity and DPPH• scavenging capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broccoli sprouts have attracted much attention in recent years for their abundant phytochemicals such as glucosinolates and sulforaphane. In this study, zinc sulphate (ZnSO 4 ) as a sulphur (S)-source was compared with potassium sulphate (K 2 SO 4 ) and methionine (Met), significantly increased glucosinolates content and stimulated sulforaphane formation by enhancing myrosinase activity and gene expressions related to glucoraphanin biosynthesis and sulforaphane formation in broccoli sprouts. However, it resulted in a stress effect on sprout growth. Thus, ZnSO 4 is a suitable S-source to improve sulforaphane formation in broccoli sprouts via its stress effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rethinking developed countries' contributions to carbon reduction through scenario analysis. • An environmental-extended multi regional input output approach was developed. • Global CO2 emissions would increase by 1.53% in the scenario without trades between germany and other countries. • Increase in emissions in developing countries was greater than in developed countries without free trade. • Germany's contributions in carbon emission reduction were underestimated. The pollution paradise hypothesis states that international trade shifts pollution from developed countries to developing countries, ignoring the positive effects that the participation of developed countries in international trade has on the reduction of carbon emissions. To evaluate a country's contribution to carbon reduction comprehensively, this paper constructed a framework for calculating carbon emissions in two trade scenarios using a multi-regional input-output model. It took Germany as an example, analyzing it at global, national, and sectoral levels. The main findings were as follows: firstly, Germany's contributions to the reduction of emissions may have been underestimated. Without Germany, global embodied CO 2 emissions would have increased by 1.53% on average during the research period. Secondly, Germany's participation in international trade contributed to carbon reduction in developing countries, particularly China and Russia. This was due to the lower intensity of Germany's carbon emissions. Finally, at the sectoral level, changes to carbon emissions in different trade scenarios mainly came from "manufacturing" and "electricity, gas and water supplies". As a result, corresponding policy suggestions were proposed. Studying Germany confirmed that trade protectionism did not benefit the environment and free trade was a better choice. However, more evidence is required to see whether this conclusion would be true for other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bean curd refuse-okara, a byproduct of tofu (soybean cake) production, contains more than 20% total solid (TS), making it difficult to use as a substrate for anaerobic methane fermentation without dilution. This study focused on the batch methane fermentation of okara in anaerobic digesters under mesophilic (36 °C) conditions. Inoculum was mixed with different amounts of okara, and their final moisture content was adjusted to 90%. Methane production at 13 different substrate-to-inoculum ratios (S/Is), ranging from 0.1 to 3.0, were determined. The results indicated that despite the TS loading of 10%, which is significantly higher than that of traditional methane fermentation, okara was fermented to methane at the highest methane-based degradation of 93%. When the S/I values ranged from 0.1 to 0.6, methane yields indicated a linear relationship with the S/I value. Methane yield reached its maximum at S/I values of 0.6–0.9. In contrast, methane yield decreased when the S/I exceeded 1.0, due to higher accumulation of volatile fatty acid (VFA), which significantly inhibits fermentation. After 19 days of mesophilic digestion, maximum methane yields of 478–495 ml CH4 g VS-1 were achieved at S/I values of 0.6–0.9, which corresponds to 90–93% methane-based degradation of okara. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Robust SnO 2 -based anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are currently suffering from extremely large volume changes which may lead to quick capacity decay in the cycling process. Recent researches indicate that amorphous materials can improve the cycling performances of LIBs, inspiring us to create amorphous coatings as accommodations for the stress caused by volume expansion. Here, a hydrothermal amorphous FeO(OH) coated ultrafine SnO 2 nanocrystals on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) anode materials for LIBs are prepared from the precursor of H 2 SnO 3 @Fe(OH) 3 fabricated by a double hydrolysis reaction. Due to the disorder of the atomic arrangement of amorphous state, the FeO(OH) coatings have excellent elasticity, which can buffer the volume expansion of SnO 2 nanoparticles as well as themselves. Moreover, the amorphous coatings together with CNTs conductive networks can also suppress the agglomeration of SnO 2 nanoparticles during the cycling process. The flexible amorphous coatings, well dispersed and ultrafine active particles, as well as highly conductive networks in the constructed architecture endows this novel anode materials a good long-cycle stability and rate performance, so that a high specific capacity of 400 mA h g−1 can be retained at 2 C (1.44 A g−1) after 500 cycles. Amorphous-FeO(OH)/crystalline-ultrafine-SnO 2 loaded by CNTs are prepared. The amorphous FeO(OH) coatings have buffering effect on the volume change of SnO 2 and the CNTs networks can significantly enhance the conductivity of FeO(OH)/SnO 2. Thanks to the unique architecture, SnO 2 anode exhibits an excellent lithium storage performance. [Display omitted] • Preparation of CNT@FeO(OH)/SnO 2 composites by electrostatic self-assembly and electrostatic adsorption. • The amorphous FeO(OH) coatings can well buffer the volume change of SnO 2 during the charge/discharge process. • SnO 2 anode delivers more than 400 mA h g−1 capacity at a big current density of 1.44 A g−1 after 500 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a complex systematic process, urban renewal needs to balance the multiple goals that transfer the original socio-economic foundation to the contemporary social-economic needs under a multi-stakeholder environment. The urban renewal mode decision determines the planning direction in an urban renewal project. How to select options from different urban renewal modes before implementation phase has been a decision-making dilemma. No existing method yet is available to give a satisfactory solution. Therefore, an existing experience-based method for analyzing and summarizing rules of urban renewal mode decision is suitable for this study. This paper adopts experience-based mining method to extract practical experiences from previous urban renewal projects for supporting urban renewal mode decisions with involvement of multi-stakeholder. Data are retrieved from materials of urban renewal projects in China, and an experience-based mining system of urban renewal mode decisions is constructed through text mining and case experience engine. The results reveal that: (1) Urban renewal mode decisions can be supported by experience extracted from case base of urban renewal mode decisions; (2) Urban renewal modes can be classified to development modes (conservation, renovation and redevelopment), resettlement modes (on-site resettlement and off-site resettlement), mode decisions relate to development foundation, development demand and multi-stakeholders' decision-making role; (3) Different groups of stakeholders represent differentiated renewal demand preferences. The decision-making roles of some groups are not fully available in current urban renewal practices. The experience-based mining approach provides practical support for urban renewal mode decisions that could be relevant key points for guidance of future urban renewal decision-making in China. • Urban renewal balances the multiple goals under a multi-stakeholder environment. • An experience-based mining system is developed to support mode decisions. • Development foundation and demand are key determinants for decision-making. • Multi-stakeholder should fully express their own decision-making preference. • Three development modes and two resettlement modes are classified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Added global carbon emissions have mainly come from China and India since 2012, which indicates importance of two countries in curbing global CO 2 emissions. Thus, their respective mitigation lessons have more realistic significance in developing more effective mitigation strategy. This study compared the dynamic evolution of their CO 2 emissions and driving factors behind changes, in order to find similarities and differences of two countries, and provide available policy implications to further reduce carbon emissions. Firstly, both China's and India's carbon emissions have been increasing during 2000-14: 3.4–9.9 Gt and 0.9–2.0 Gt, respectively. However, tendency of two countries varied differently: growth of China 's CO 2 have slowed down after the 2008 financial crisis, while India 's emissions were still accelerating at a high level on account of growing share of carbon-intensive energy in the whole energy structure. From the national and sectoral perspectives, both trends of carbon emissions from two countries have been analyzed. According to structural decomposition analysis, efficiency gains and slowdown of economic growth in China contributed to most decline of CO 2 but both production and consumption structures urged emissions up, while structure effects in India slightly reduced its CO 2 but low emission efficiency and expansion of trade scales caused growth of emissions. On this basis, firstly, China should optimize production structures by upgrading industries, while India should promote energy transformation and improve energy efficiencies. Secondly, strengthening cooperation and communications with developed countries with advanced technology and experience may make more progress in climate change for two countries. Experience and lessons of emission reduction deriving from the two would also provide references for other regions. Image 1 • Investigating CO 2 emissions of China and India for 2000–2014. • Explore main sources and sectors that dominated CO 2 emissions. • Improving efficiency and optimizing energy structure offset China's emission growth. • Optimizing its consumption structure offset India's emission growth. • Optimizing their consumption structure should be considered in China and India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term stability of water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions remains an urgent problem that limits their further application in the food industry. Moreover, the healthier products are increasingly required, which has inspired the entire or partial replacement of synthetic or semisynthetic emulsifiers in food products with natural amphiphilic lecithins. Therefore, it is essential to develop high-quality lecithins and better understand the factors that affect the emulsifying ability of lecithins in W/O emulsions. This review presents the effects of the oil phase chain length, temperature and phospholipid composition on the spontaneous curvature of phospholipid monolayers, which determines the emulsifying ability of lecithins. The changes in phospholipid composition varied with different raw materials, and degumming methods and physical fractionation (deoiling methods and ethanol fractionation) were further described. Effects of proteins, polysaccharides, and inorganic salts in water as well as zein particles and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) as coemulsifiers on the emulsifying ability of lecithins in W/O emulsions were analyzed and illustrated to provide new insights on the mechanism. Current studies have highlighted the entire or partial replacement of PGPR using lecithins or phosphatidylcholine-depleted lecithins in W/O emulsions and W/O/W double emulsions. Whey protein isolates or polysaccharides help to prevent coalescence for long-term stability. Furthermore, rapeseed and camelina seed using enzymatic and acid degumming respectively, were proposed to enrich phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylinositol in lecithins for W/O emulsions. The present review may be helpful for selecting effective lecithins in W/O emulsions to promote practical application in food products. • W/O emulsion using lecithin/PGPR has similar stability to that only with PGPR. • WPI is better than other proteins to cooperate with lecithins for W/O emulsion. • PC-deleted lecithins have potential to be used alone in W/O emulsion. • Lecithin based W/O emulsion is superior to prepare W/O/W emulsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In US-Japan trade, Japan ran both economic export surplus and export CO 2 emission surplus with the US. Positive net monetary exports for Japan were actually a kind of economic losses of the US, while positive net export CO 2 emissions, or net CO 2 emissions embodied in US-Japan trade, were regarded as pollution transfer from U.S. to Japan. However, due to lack of unified measurement units and standards between the two research fields, it is difficult to directly assess whether positive effects of U.S. via carbon transfer outweigh negative effects caused by economic losses. The study transforms absolute values of net monetary exports and net export CO 2 emissions from 2000 to 2011 in US-Japan trade into two ratios: the ratio of net monetary exports to GDP of U.S. and the ratio of net embodied CO 2 emissions to total CO 2 emissions of the US. By comparison, the result shows that on average, net monetary exports between U.S. and Japan accounted for 0.45% of American GDP, while ratio of net export emissions to aggregate consumption-based CO 2 emissions of U.S. kept about 0.20% during the research period concerned, which indicated that negative effects of economic losses in U.S. outweighed positive effects via carbon transfer in US-Japan trade. Furthermore, a structural analysis of CO 2 emissions embodied in US-Japan trade during the 11 years is given. The most significant driver was emission coefficients, defined as CO 2 emissions per unit of energy consumption. The driving force of emission coefficients led to dramatic reduction in CO 2 flows from Japan to the US and thus caused decrease of net export emissions, which also explained the major reason for the low ratio of export emissions to total CO 2 emissions of the US. Finally, according to sectoral distributions of CO 2 flows between Japan and the US, emission sources of two countries presented different characteristics. • Aimed to uncover economic and environmental loss and gains in US-Japan trade. • Economic losses of U.S. outweighed its environmental benefits via carbon transfer with Japan. • Emission coefficients contribute most to CO 2 emissions embodied in US-Japan trade. • Manufacturing in Japan exports more than half of whole embodied CO 2 emissions to the US. • Sectoral distributions of export CO 2 emissions in U.S. are more balanced than that of Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop an edible water-in-oil high internal phase Pickering emulsion (W/O-HIPPE) using 1.0 wt% of biocompatible and biodegradable sucrose stearate (SE)/soybean phosphatidylethanolamine (SP) complex. Results showed that crystal self-assembly of SE was changed with SP in SE/SP complexes (SE/SP ratio = 0.75:0.25, 0.5:0.5), exhibiting a variation from large-size four clover-like to small-size granular-like shapes, which contributed to closely packing at the interface. Hydrophilicity was also increased with a θ reducing from 136.2° to 118.2°. The higher hydrophilicity of the complex facilitated interfacial adsorption, which was beneficial in reducing interfacial tension more largely (decreased by 78.6%). The interfacial layer was generated and acted as a physical barrier against droplet coalescence and phase inversion, forming W/O-HIPPEs with long-term stability over 30 days. This study provided guidance for food-grade W/O-HIPPE formation. • An edible W/O-HIPPE was prepared by 1.0 wt% of biocompatible SE/SP complex. • W/O-HIPPE had long-term storage stability exceeding 30 days. • Wettability of complex was moderated, preventing desorption from the interface. • Interface film (SE/SP = 0.75:0.25) had higher anti-deformation to avoid destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using desirability function, four indexes including mycelium dry weight, intracellular polysaccharide, adenosine and mannitol yield were uniformed into one expected value ( Da ) which further served as the assessment criteria. In our present study, Plackett–Burman design was applied to evaluate the effects of eight variables including initial pH, rotating speed, culture temperature, inoculum size, ventilation volume, culture time, inoculum age and loading volume on Da value during Marasmius androsaceus submerged fermentation via a five-liter fermentor. Culture time, initial pH and rotating speed were found to influence Da value significantly and were further optimized by Box–Behnken design. Results obtained from Box–Behnken design were analyzed by both response surface regression (Design-Expert.V8.0.6.1 software) and artificial neural network combining the genetic algorithm method (Matlab2012a software). After comparison, the optimum M. androsaceus submerged fermentation conditions via a five-liter fermentor were obtained as follows: initial pH of 6.14, rotating speed of 289.3 rpm, culture time of 6.285 days, culture temperature of 26 °C, inoculum size of 5%, ventilation volume of 200 L/h, inoculum age of 4 days, and loading volume of 3.5 L/5 L. The predicted Da value of the optimum model was 0.4884 and the average experimental Da value was 0.4760. The model possesses well fitness and predictive ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to fabricate chitosan-protocatechuic acid (CSPA) conjugates by free radical grafting method and use them as novel emulsifiers to inhibit lipid oxidation and delay the photodegradation rate of curcumin in polysaccharide-based high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). Results of UV–vis, FT-IR and 1H NMR spectra demonstrated that PA had been successfully bonded to chitosan (CS) through ester and amino linkages. CSPA conjugates (especially those with the ratio of CS to PA of 1:0.75) showed significantly increased water solubility and antioxidant activity than CS monomer. Furthermore, compared with sole OSA starch (OSAS), the electrostatic combination of CS and CSPA conjugate with OSAS could further reduce the interfacial tension, which was conducive to their adsorption at the oil-water interface. The introduction of CS and CSPA conjugate also increased the viscosity of aqueous phase and promoted the formation of gel-like percolating network structure, thereby effectively preventing droplets coalescence and endowing HIPEs with ideal viscoelasticity. More importantly, the contents of lipid hydroperoxide (24.09 μmol/g oil) and malondialdehyde (166.71 nmol/g oil) in HIPEs prepared by OSAS-CS-CSPA complexes were lower than those stabilized by OSAS, OSAS-CS and OSAS-CSPA complexes during accelerated storage. In addition, HIPEs prepared by OSAS-CS-CSPA complexes showed stronger protection capacity on curcumin against ultraviolet irradiation and natural light degradation. This study will provide useful information and technical reference for the fabrication of antioxidant polysaccharide-based HIPEs delivery vehicles. [Display omitted] • CSPA conjugate was successfully synthesized by free radical grafting reaction. • CSPA conjugate exhibited improved water solubility and antioxidant activity. • HIPEs prepared by OSAS-CS-CSPA complexes showed enhanced lipid oxidation stability. • Curcumin loaded in OSAS-CS-CSPA-stabilized HIPEs showed higher retention rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the relationships between endogenous NO signal transduction pathways, the antioxidant system and isoflavone accumulation induced by UV-B radiation in soybean sprouts. Results showed that UV-B-triggered NO generation induced isoflavone accumulation by up-regulating the activity and gene expression of key enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia lyase, PAL; chalcone isomerase, CHI; chalcone synthase, CHS; isoflavone synthase, IFS) that participate in isoflavone biosynthesis and enhanced the antioxidant system by regulating levels of antioxidants (glutathione reductase, GR; glutathione S-transferase, GST; ascorbate peroxidase, APX; glutathione GSH; ascorbic acid, ASC), antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, SOD; peroxidase, POD; catalase, CAT) and their gene expression. These effects were inhibited by the addition of a specific NO-scavenger, carboxy-PTIO (cPTIO). The inhibition was reversed through application of the exogenous NO donor, SNP. Overall, NO is an essential signaling molecule, mediating UV-B-induced isoflavone accumulation and the antioxidant system enhancement in soybean sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical trials have demonstrated the beneficial effects of Peony-Glycyrrhiza Decoction (PGD) in alleviating antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia (hyperPRL) in schizophrenic patients. In previous experiment, PGD suppressed prolactin (PRL) level in MMQ cells, involving modulating the expression of D 2 receptor (DRD 2 ) and dopamine transporter (DAT). In the present study, hyperPRL female rat model induced by dopamine blocker metoclopramide (MCP) was applied to further confirm the anti-hyperpPRL activity of PGD and underlying mechanism. In MCP-induced hyperPRL rats, the elevated serum PRL level was significantly suppressed by either PGD (2.5–10 g/kg) or bromocriptine (BMT) (0.6 mg/kg) administration for 14 days. However, in MCP-induced rats, only PGD restored the under-expressed serum progesterone (P) to control level. Both PGD and BMT administration restore the under-expression of DRD 2 , DAT and TH resulted from MCP in pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Compared to untreated group, hyperPRL animals had a marked reduction on DRD 2 and DAT expression in the arcuate nucleus. PGD (10 g/kg) and BMT (0.6 mg/kg) treatment significant reversed the expression of DRD 2 and DAT. Collectively, the anti-hyperPRL activity of PGD associates with the modulation of dopaminergic neuronal system and the restoration of serum progesterone level. Our finding supports PGD as an effective agent against hyperPRL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zebrafish is broadly used as a model organism in gene loss-of-function studies in vivo , but its employment in vitro is greatly limited by the lack of efficient gene knockdown approaches in zebrafish cell lines such as ZF4. In this article, we attempted to induce silencing of telomere associated genes in ZF4 by applying the frequently-used siRNA transfection technology and a novel moiety-linked morpholino (vivo-MO). By proceeding with integrated optimization of siRNAs transfection and vivo-MOs treatment, we compared five transfection reagents and vivo-MOs simultaneously to evaluate the efficiency of terfa silencing in ZF4. 48 h after siRNAs transfection, Lipofectamine™ 3000 and X-tremeGENE™ HP leaded to knockdown in 35% and 43% of terfa transcription, respectively, while vivo-MO- terfa modulated 58% down-expression of zfTRF2 in contrast to vivo-MO- ctrl 72 h after treatment. Further siRNAs transfection targeting telomere associated genes by X-tremeGENE™ HP showed silencing in 40–68% of these genes without significant cytotoxicity and off-target effect. Our results confirmed the feasibility of gene loss-of-function studies in a zebrafish cell line, offered a systematic optimizing strategy to employ gene silencing experiments, and presented Lipofectamine™ 3000, X-tremeGENE™ HP and vivo-morpholinos as candidate gene silencing approaches for zebrafish in vitro gene loss-of-function studies. Successfully knockdown of shelterin genes further opened a new field for telomeric study in zebrafish. • Gene loss-of-function studies were capable in zebrafish in vitro. • Vivo-morpholinos were recommended for gene knockdown in zebrafish cells. • Optimizing strategies were offered for siRNAs transfection in zebrafish cells. • Telomere associated genes were silenced by siRNAs transfection in zebrafish cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI), moderate mitophagy is a protective or adaptive mechanism because of clearing defective mitochondria accumulates during MIRI. However, excessive mitophagy lead to an increase in defective mitochondria and ultimately exacerbate MIRI by causing overproduction or uncontrolled production of mitochondria. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced kinase 1 (Pink1), Parkin, FUN14 domain containing 1 (FUNDC1) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2)/adenovirus E1B19KD interaction protein 3 (BNIP3) are the main mechanistic regulators of mitophagy in MIRI. Pink1 and Parkin are mitochondrial surface proteins involved in the ubiquitin-dependent pathway, while BNIP3 and FUNDC1 are mitochondrial receptor proteins involved in the non-ubiquitin-dependent pathway, which play a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and mitochondrial quality. These proteins can induce moderate mitophagy or inhibit excessive mitophagy to protect against MIRI but may also trigger excessive mitophagy or insufficient mitophagy, thereby worsening the condition. Understanding the actions of these mitophagy mechanistic proteins may provide valuable insights into the pathological mechanisms underlying MIRI development. Based on the above background, this article reviews the mechanism of mitophagy involved in MIRI through Pink1/Parkin pathway and the receptor mediated pathway led by FUNDC1 and BNIP3, as well as the related drug treatment, aim to provide effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of MIRI. [Display omitted] • Mitophagy mediated by Pink1/Parkin, FUNDC1and BNIP3 has a double-sided effect on MIRI. • Inhibiting excessive mitophagy and promoting insufficient mitophagy can mitigate MIRI. • Maintaining the dynamic balance of mitophagy plays an important role in treating MIRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]