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The production of ammonia (NH3) from nitrogen sources involves competitive adsorption of different intermediates and multiple electron and proton transfers, presenting grand challenges in catalyst design. In nature nitrogenases reduce dinitrogen to NH3 using two component proteins, in which electrons and protons are delivered from Fe protein to the active site in MoFe protein for transfer to the bound N2. We draw inspiration from this structural enzymology, and design a two‐component metal–sulfur–carbon (M−S−C) catalyst composed of sulfur‐doped carbon‐supported ruthenium (Ru) single atoms (SAs) and nanoparticles (NPs) for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO3−) to NH3. The catalyst demonstrates a remarkable NH3 yield rate of ~37 mg L−1 h−1 and a Faradaic efficiency of ~97 % for over 200 hours, outperforming those consisting solely of SAs or NPs, and even surpassing most reported electrocatalysts. Our experimental and theoretical investigations reveal the critical role of Ru SAs with the coordination of S in promoting the formation of the HONO intermediate and the subsequent reduction reaction over the NP‐surface nearby. Such process results in a more energetically accessible pathway for NO3− reduction on Ru NPs co‐existing with SAs. This study proves a better understanding of how M−S−Cs act as a synthetic nitrogenase mimic during ammonia synthesis, and contributes to the future mechanism‐based catalyst design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic photodetectors (OPDs) have attracted immense interest as solution‐processable optical signal‐capturing devices due to their various advantages, such as adjustable response range, excellent weak light response, lightweight, flexibility, and ease of processing on diverse substrates. Low dark current density (Jd) and high responsivity (R) are key requirements necessary for achieving a high specific detectivity (D*). Here, an effective strategy for preparing high‐performance OPDs with potential micro p‐i‐n structure by introducing insulating poly(aryl ether) (PAEN) into the organic photosensitive layer is reported. The PM6:PC71BM‐based OPDs are capable of significantly suppressing Jd while increasing R, which can be attributed to the multiple optimizations of morphology and charge transport caused by the addition of PAEN. As a result, the value of Jd (3.63 × 10−10 A cm−2) is two orders of magnitude lower than that of the device without PAEN (1.00 × 10−8 A cm−2) at −1 V bias. Combined with the increased R of 0.376 A W−1, the optimized device achieves a high D*of 3.45 × 1013 Jones (−1 V at 620 nm). The optimized OPDs demonstrate high performance that is comparable to commercial Si photodetectors (Hamamatsu S1133), paving the way for the direct market development of this cost‐effective organic photodetection technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa is cultivated extensively for its constituents, which are of significant economic worth. Large‐scale growth of C. pyrenoidosa in outdoor environments is subject to various stressors such as elevated temperature. The purpose of this study was to assess the protective effects of exogenous 24‐epibrassinolide (EBL) on C. pyrenoidosa under high‐temperature conditions. Compared to a temperature of 30°C, increasing the temperature to 43°C reduced the enzymatic capacity for carbon assimilation and resulted in the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus reducing photosynthesis and proliferation. It was observed that exogenous EBL protected C. pyrenoidosa cells against high temperatures, with an optimal EBL concentration of 100 nM, resulting in enhanced capacity for photosynthetic carbon assimilation with a notable reduction in the imbalance between the absorption of light and energy used under high‐temperature conditions. The addition of 100 nM EBL resulted in a 25.4% increase in cell density when exposed to elevated temperatures for 7 days. In addition, exogenous EBL reduced ROS production and increased the activities of critical antioxidant enzymes. This, in turn, mitigated heat‐induced oxidative damage, resulting in advantageous outcomes in terms of cellular development and maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: When interspecific gene flow is common, species relationships are more accurately represented by a phylogenetic network than by a bifurcating tree. This study aimed to uncover the role of introgression in the evolution of Osmanthus, the only genus of the subtribe Oleinae (Oleaceae) with its distribution center in East Asia. We built species trees, detected introgression, and constructed networks using multiple kinds of sequencing data (whole genome resequencing, transcriptome sequencing, and Sanger sequencing of nrDNA) combined with concatenation and coalescence approaches. Then, based on well‐understood species relationships, historical biogeographic analyses and diversification rate estimates were employed to reveal the history of Osmanthus. Osmanthus originated in mid‐Miocene Europe and dispersed to the eastern Tibetan Plateau in the late Miocene. Thereafter, it continued to spread eastwards. Phylogenetic conflict is common within the 'Core Osmanthus' clade and is seen at both early and late stages of diversification, leading to hypotheses of net‐like species relationships. Incomplete lineage sorting proved ineffective in explaining phylogenetic conflicts and thus supported introgression as the main cause of conflicts. This study elucidates the diversification history of a relict genus in the subtropical regions of eastern Asia and reveals that introgression had profound effects on its evolutionary history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia is a major emerging threat to coastal ecosystems, which is closely related to the decline in seagrass meadows, but its damage mechanism is still unclear. This study found that hypoxia at night significantly reduced the photosynthetic capacity of Enhalus acoroides after reillumination. Photosystem II (PSII) was damaged by high‐light stress during daytime low‐tide exposure, but high‐light‐damaged PSII of E. acoroides could recover part of its activity indark normoxic seawater to maintain the normal operation of photosynthesis after reillumination during the next day. However, hypoxia inhibited the recovery of damaged PSII under darkness. By transcriptomic analysis and inhibitor verification experiments, dark hypoxia was shown to inhibit respiration, thereby reducing ATP production and preventing ATP from being transported into chloroplasts, which, in turn, led to an insufficient supply of energy required for PSII to recover. This study demonstrated that hypoxia has several negative impacts on the photosynthetic apparatus of E. acoroides at night reducing photosynthetic capacity after reillumination, which may be an important factor leading to the decline of the seagrass meadows. Summary Statement: 1.Hypoxia lowers respiratory ATP production and prevents ATP from being transported into the chloroplasts, thus inhibiting high‐light‐damaged photosystem II (PSII) recovery of Enhalus acoroides at night.2.The inhibition of PSII recovery reduces the photosynthetic capacity of E. acoroides after reillumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXenes have recently emerged as a new class of electrocatalysts for diverse energy conversion reactions, but they are generally considered to be catalytically inert. Herein, a strategy of interfacial polarization is put forward to improve the catalytic activity of MXenes, with the construction of an interfacial structure consisting of black phosphorus (BP) nanoflakes and Nb2C MXene nanosheets for electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia as a proof of concept. The experimental and computational results reveal that a strong interfacial polarization is built between BP nanoflakes and Nb2C nanosheets in the prepared BP/Nb2C composite. The polarization of Nb centers by adjacent BP sites gives rise to the formation of positively centered Nb atoms and BP‐polarized Nb atoms, which synergistically catalyze the cleavage of N–O bonds in HNO2* to form NO*. In addition, the stabilization of monatomic *N by the BP/Nb2C composite is also enhanced compared with BP nanoflakes and Nb2C nanosheets. As a result, both the ammonia yield rate and Faraday efficiency of the BP/Nb2C composite are much higher than that of BP nanoflakes and Nb2C nanosheets. Overall, this work shows the great potential for constructing a strong interfacial polarization to improve the catalytic performance of MXenes‐based electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tartary buckwheat protein peptides have been shown to be able to inhibit angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), but the exact protein type has been less studied for ACE activity inhibition, and only a few types of ACE inhibitory peptides have been reported. In this study, we purified and identified ACE inhibitory peptides from albumin hydrolysate (AH). RESULTS: Albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin were extracted from Tartary buckwheat, and their ACE active peptides were obtained by a pepsin–trypsin sequential hydrolysis process. All four hydrolysates exhibited ACE inhibitory activity, and AH displayed the strongest ACE inhibition activity and the highest peptide yield (82.28%). At 0.2 mg mL−1, the inhibition rate of AH was 79.89%, followed by globulin hydrolysate at 71.84%, while prolamin hydrolysate and glutelin hydrolysate showed lower inhibition rates. The peptides with the highest inhibition rate were then isolated from AH using gel filtration chromatography and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography, and identified using nanoscale high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. After isolation and purification, 42 ACE inhibitory peptides were identified in the fraction with the highest inhibition rate, 14 of which were completely novel discoveries in this study. These 14 peptides showed potent ACE inhibitory effects through computer analysis. CONCLUSION: Tartary buckwheat albumin can be used as a good source of ACE inhibitory peptides and can be further developed and utilized as edible supplements or drugs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical degradation of guar gum solutions via the addition of a strong oxidant is a common process step in hydraulic fracturing. Unfortunately, this degradation step leads to the formation of an insoluble precipitate which clogs the porous rock formation, reducing efficiency, reducing oil recovery potential, and increasing energy costs. The chemical composition, particle size, and molecular weight distributions of the oxidatively degraded guar ("broken guar") are largely unknown, making it difficult to develop mitigation strategies. In this work, broken guar gum solutions are systematically analyzed to understand the origin of the observed residue. Our results indicate that cellulose fibers and proteins, rather than galactomannan oligomers, are the two major components (>50%) of the solid residue (the water‐insoluble fraction of broken guar). This finding suggests that removal of the cellulose fiber and proteins from the guar source material may be a potential residue mitigation strategy. Separately, we provide evidence for a potential second mitigation strategy employing chemical additives to reduce aggregation of the insoluble species, effectively reducing their potential to cause formation damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irradiation has become a mature processing approach for the quality control of many agricultural products. The effects of gamma irradiation at four different doses (2, 4, 6, and 8 kGy) on microbial quality, Hunter's parameter, lipid oxidation, hydrolyzed amino acids (HAAs), and flavor in spicy chicken were investigated. After treatment, all samples were stored at 4°C. The microbiological results showed that the total viable bacteria (TVB) and total coliform count (TCC) were significantly decreased dose dependently. Values of Δa*, Δb*, and ΔE* of the irradiated specimens were lower compared with the control samples, whereas the ΔL* of the irradiated specimens was higher compared with the controls. The peroxide value (POV) was increased by dose augmentation. Contents of HAAs were gradually decreased in both irradiated and control groups. The odor was affected by both doses of irradiation and storage time. Hence, we conclude that irradiation at a dose of 4.0 kGy barely affected physicochemical properties during storage and extended the shelf life of spicy chicken. This approach could be an alternative to control the quality of spicy chicken during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) combines the characteristics of gasoline engine and diesel engine with high thermal efficiency and low emissions. However, since there is no direct initiator of combustion, it is difficult to control the combustion timing in HCCI engines under complex working conditions. In this paper, Neural Network Predictive Control (NNPC) for combustion timing of the HCCI engine is designed and implemented. First, the black box model based on Elman neural network is designed and developed to estimate the combustion timing. The fuel equivalence ratio, intake valve closing timing, intake manifold temperature, intake manifold gas pressure, and engine speed are chosen as the system inputs. Then, a NNPC controller is designed to control combustion timing by controlling the intake valve closing timing. Simulation results show that the Elman neural network black box model is capable of estimating the HCCI engine combustion timing. In addition, regardless of whether the HCCI engine is in constant or complex condition, the designed NNPC controller is capable of keeping the combustion timing within the ideal range. In particular, under New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) working conditions, the maximum overshoot of the controller is 28.95% and the average error is 1.03 crank angle degree. It is concluded that the controller has good adaptability and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Osmanthus are economically important ornamental trees, yet information regarding their plastid genomes (plastomes) have rarely been reported, thus hindering taxonomic and evolutionary studies of this small but enigmatic genus. Here, we performed comparative genomics and evolutionary analyses on plastomes of 16 of the 28 currently accepted species, with 11 plastomes newly sequenced. Phylogenetic studies identified four main lineages within the genus that are here designated the: "Caucasian Osmanthus" (corresponding to O. decorus), "Siphosmanthus" (corresponding to O. sect. Siphosmanthus), "O. serrulatus + O. yunnanensis," and "Core Osmanthus: (corresponding to O. sect. Osmanthus + O. sect. Linocieroides). Molecular clock analysis suggested that Osmanthus split from its sister clade c. 15.83 Ma. The estimated crown ages of the lineages were the following: genus Osmanthus at 12.66 Ma; "Siphosmanthus" clade at 5.85 Ma; "O. serrulatus + O. yunnanensis" at 4.89 Ma; and "Core Osmanthus: clade at 6.2 Ma. Ancestral state reconstructions and trait mapping showed that ancestors of Osmanthus were spring flowering and originated at lower elevations. Phylogenetic principal component analysis clearly distinguished spring‐flowering species from autumn‐flowering species, suggesting that flowering time differentiation is related to the difference in ecological niches. Nucleotide substitution rates of 80 common genes showed slow evolutionary pace and low nucleotide variations, all genes being subjected to purifying selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular evolution, including nucleotide substitutions, plays an important role in understanding the dynamics and mechanisms of species evolution. Here, we sequenced whole plastid genomes (plastomes) of Quercus fabri, Quercus semecarpifolia, Quercus engleriana, and Quercus phellos and compared them with 14 other Quercus plastomes to explore their evolutionary relationships using 67 shared protein‐coding sequences. While many previously identified evolutionary relationships were found, our findings do not support previous research which retrieve Quercus subg. Cerris sect. Ilex as a monophyletic group, with sect. Ilex found to be polyphyletic and composed of three strongly supported lineages inserted between sections Cerris and Cyclobalanposis. Compared with gymnosperms, Quercus plastomes showed higher evolutionary rates (Dn/Ds = 0.3793). Most protein‐coding genes experienced relaxed purifying selection, and the high Dn value (0.1927) indicated that gene functions adjusted to environmental changes effectively. Our findings suggest that gene interval regions play an important role in Quercus evolution. We detected greater variation in the intergenic regions (trnH‐psbA, trnK_UUU‐rps16, trnfM_CAU‐rps14, trnS_GCU‐trnG_GCC, and atpF‐atpH), intron losses (petB and petD), and pseudogene loss and degradation (ycf15). Additionally, the loss of some genes suggested the existence of gene exchanges between plastid and nuclear genomes, which affects the evolutionary rate of the former. However, the connective mechanism between these two genomes is still unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the potential impacts of dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) systems on the urban road network with a particular focus on charging and energy consumption implications. The paper is motivated by the recent advancement of connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technology and innovations on smart transportation infrastructure. An eco‐driving model aiming at energy consumption reduction is developed and a DWPT system layout suitable for charging eco‐driving CAVs at a signalised intersection is proposed. The idea is demonstrated in a simulated environment with different market penetration rate (MPR) of CAVs travelling through a signalized intersection equipped with the proposed DWPT system. The results suggest that as MPR of CAV increases, the energy savings for both CAVs and human‐driven vehicles (HVs) will increase significantly. At full MPR of CAVs, the reduction of average energy consumption of all types of vehicles can reach up to 62%. The average energy transferred and stored per battery electric vehicle can increase by up to 5% and 10%, respectively. These promising results indicate that a well‐designed DWPT system layout together with the eco‐driving behaviour of CAVs can have a positive impact on the urban transportation system in terms of resulting energy consumption and emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosa roxburghii seed oil is obtained from the seeds left following pressing of the juice from R. roxburghii fruit. The total oil content of R. roxburghii seed was around 9.30%. The fatty acid profile of the oil was determined by gas chromatography (GC). Among the 11 fatty acids identified in the oil, seven were unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) (92.6%); four were saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (7.17%). Then, the kinetics of formation of trans‐fatty acids was studied by GC. Heat treatment of R. roxburghii seed oil showed an increase in the relative percentage of linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid isomers with increasing temperature and time. The formation of linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid isomers followed a zero‐order reaction. The presence of O2 enhanced the isomerization of these UFAs. In addition, the rate constants and activation energies for the geometrical isomerization of UFAs in R. roxburghii seed oil were presented. Overall, R. roxburghii seed oil contains high UFA contents. Heating temperature and duration and the presence of O2 should be considered to reduce the formation of trans‐fatty acids during thermal treatment of R. roxburghii seed oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and pH are important determinants and indicators of soil fertility and quality. Especially in forest, these soil properties are highly variable in space and time. However, more information on these properties in subtropical forests is needed to improve soil nutrients management and to sustain the productivity of subtropical forests. We collected a total of 838 forest topsoil samples (0–30 cm in depth) based on a 4‐km (E‐W) × 6‐km (S‐N) grid system in subtropical China. Geostatistics (i.e., global and local Moran's I) and geographical information system (GIS) techniques were applied to reveal the spatial distribution of N, P, and K contents and pH in subtropical forest soils. All the measured properties were highly variable. Soil N contents ranged from 9.55 mg kg−1 to 862.40 mg kg−1, P contents from 0.10 mg kg−1 to 195.40 mg kg−1, K contents from 10.00 mg kg−1 to 390.00 mg kg−1, and pH values from 2.69 to 8.09. The soil N, P and K contents correlated positively with soil organic carbon (SOC), while soil pH correlated negatively with SOC (P < 0.05). Global Moran's I revealed that soil N, P, and K contents and pH had significant positive spatial autocorrelations, and clear spatial patterns were identified based on local Moran's I. An exponential model was the best fitted model for soil N, P, K contents and pH. Spatial dependence was moderate for all studied soil variables, indicating that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors played a vital role in spatial heterogeneity. Distribution maps showed that soil N and K had similar spatial distribution patterns: a low value area surrounded by bands of higher values. A large‐scale low content area was observed in the spatial distribution map of soil P. An opposite trend was found for the spatial pattern of soil pH. The spatial distribution maps provide useful information for sustainable forest and environment management in subtropical China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the most common precipitation form, rain‐lead corona problems are inevitably faced by designers of transmission lines. Through long‐term observations of corona inception process under rain conditions by ultraviolet camera, a definition of minimum steady corona inception voltage is presented, which is more useful for practical application. To predict the minimum steady corona inception voltage, water droplet deformation model of smooth conductor is promoted based on the principle of minimising energy in this publication, which takes the influence of electric field force into consideration. Critical breakdown voltage and corresponding critical geometric dimensions of specific water droplet are calculated through the deformation model. The accuracy of the presented deformation model is proved to be >95%, by verification tests performed in a corona cage. Corona discharge model presented in the previous work is adopted to predict the water droplet corona inception voltage of given geometric dimensions. Finally, through the calculation results of both models, the defined minimum steady corona inception voltage of smooth conductor is calculated when there exist rain droplets on conductor lower surface. Also, the calculation error of minimum steady corona inception voltage is ∼8.0% when compared with the validation experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to electric field, meteorological conditions and insulator structure, the natural contamination of insulators is complex and so it is difficult to discuss the relationship between various factors and contamination. In this study, contamination characteristics of insulator in a circulating wind tunnel were studied. The results show that speed of the wind and its direction has an obvious influence on the pollution distribution on the insulator and under crosswind, contamination degree of top surface is greater than that of bottom surface and leeward side greater than the windward side. What is more, the contamination characteristics of insulator are affected by wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity (RH) and other factors. Wind speed increment will make its non‐soluble deposit density (NSDD) raise and the higher wind speed is, the more obvious non‐uniform pollution distribution of windward and leeward side becomes. When RH is up to 90%, the growth of NSDD becomes more rapid. The decrease of particle size and the rise of its concentration, NSDD will increase; the NSDD under uniform wind will increase. The results have certain reference significance for insulator design and selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of rice flour on the physicochemical properties of the raw material system and the quality of extruded potato–rice noodles were studied. The results demonstrated that the amylose content, pasting viscosities, storage modulus (G′), and loss modulus (G″) gradually increased with the included levels of rice flour, whereas the swelling power, solubility, and pasting temperature decreased with increasing rice flour content. The extruded potato–rice noodles exhibited desirable cooking qualities and textural properties with rice flour contents of up to 40%. Additionally, sensory evaluations revealed that the scores for chewiness, firmness, slipperiness, elasticity, and overall acceptability increased gradually with increasing rice flour content in the blends. Additionally, the results indicated the possibility of replacing potato flour with rice flour at a ratio of 6:4 to produce extruded potato–rice noodles of acceptable quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Corn, which is one of most important agricultural products worldwide, is prone to pollution by aflatoxins ( AFs) in many areas, thus seriously jeopardizing human health and threatening economic growth. This study evaluated the effects of ozone on the detoxification of AFs in corn flour ( CF) and the moisture content ( MC) thereof. RESULTS The detoxifying effects of ozone on CF became more obvious as the ozone concentration and exposure time increased. After CF was treated with 75 mg L−1 ozone for 60 min, the contents of AFB1, AFG1 and AFB2 decreased from 53.60, 12.08 and 2.42 µg kg−1 to 11.38, 3.37 and 0.71 µg kg−1, respectively, which are lower than the maximum limits of AFB1, AFG1, AFB2 and total AFs (20 µg kg−1) for CF regulated by the Chinese government. Ozonation significantly affected the MC of CF, and ozone at a higher concentration decreased the MC more drastically. After CF was exposed to 15, 30, 45 and 75 mg L−1 ozone for 60 min, the MC of CF decreased from 17.4% to below 15%, fulfilling the long-period storage requirements for CF. CONCLUSION Ozone is potentially applicable in effectively degrading the AFs in CF and in greatly decreasing the MC of CF. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2-aminoisoflavones studied exhibited some familiar fragmentation pathways, such as the formation of the retro-Diels-Alder ions. However, substitutions at C(2), C(3′), C(4′) and C(6) induced some specific decompositions of both mass spectrometric and pyrolytic origin. Pyrolytic decompositions reverse to the Mannich reaction occurred with all compounds to variable extents. The three compounds with the (Me)2NSO2 substitution at C(6) exhibited another type of pyrolytic reaction, namely the formation of products corresponding to ions of m/ z 272, 300 and 314, depending on the type of substitution at C(3′). The occurrence of an interesting 'ortho effect', the elimination of the elements of CH3O from C(3′) and C(4′), was also established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interleukin‐1 receptor 2 (IL‐1R2), as an anti‐inflammatory cytokine, is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of lung cancer. However, the role of IL‐1R2 polymorphisms in patients with lung cancer has yet to be fully elucidated. Methods: Six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL‐1R2 were genotyped in 259 patients and 346 healthy controls. We used the chi‐squared test, genetic model analysis, Haploview analysis, and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) to evaluate the potential association between IL‐1R2 polymorphisms and lung cancer susceptibility. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to analyze the expression level of IL‐1R2 and its association with the overall survival of lung cancer. Results: Our results found that rs3218977‐GG was associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17–0.87; p = 0.023), and rs2072472 had a significant risk‐increasing effect in the dominant model (AG + GG vs. AA: OR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.09–2.20; p = 0.015). The MDR model also revealed that rs2072472 is the most influential risk factor of lung cancer (testing accuracy = 0.543; cross‐validation consistency = 10/10; p = 0.032). In addition, our results indicated that the IL‐1R2 mRNA level was downregulated in lung cancer patients, whereas the high expression of IL‐1R2 was related to a poor prognosis in lung cancer. Conclusions: Our results suggest that genetic variants of IL‐1R2 may play a role in lung cancer susceptibility. Further population and functional validations of our findings are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown rice (BR) is nutritious but difficult to cook, which limits its consumption. In this study, a novel processing technology, solid‐state fermentation (SSF), is developed to improve the cooking quality of BR. After SSF treatment with Lactobacillus plantarum JYI‐3913, BR hardness (821.20 g) decreased by 36.91%, and its cooking time (19.69 min) is reduced by 29.07% compared to untreated BR (1301.72 g and 27.76 min, respectively). In addition, some small gullies and holes appear on the BR grain cortex, and the connections between the starch particles become looser. Cellulose and hemicellulose in BR exhibit a certain degree of degradation. Furthermore, the molecular structures of BR starch granules are damaged; the long chains of amylopectin are partially broken; the crystal structure of starch is partially destroyed; gelatinization enthalpy is decreased; and the setback value of starch is decreased. All of these characteristics make the BR easier to cook, and the cooked BR presents an improved taste and slower retrogradation. The results show that applied SSF treatment improves the cooking quality of BR. Solid‐State Fermentation by Lactobacillus plantarum may partially hydrolyze the starch granules and cortical fiber of brown rice, expand the access of water to endosperm, these are beneficial to the formation of hydrogen bonds between starch and water during the cooking process and therefore promotes the gelatinization of starch, and the effect is improved with the increase of fermentation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]