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Drought stress is a critical environmental factor that significantly impacts plant growth and productivity. However, the transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes in response to drought stress in Camellia oleifera Abel. is still unclear. This study analyzed the transcriptome sequencing data of C. oleifera under drought treatments. A total of 20,674 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified under drought stress, with the number of DEGs increasing with the duration of drought. Specifically, 11,793 and 18,046 DEGs were detected after 8 and 15 days of drought treatment, respectively, including numerous upregulated and downregulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were primarily involved in various biological processes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that carbon metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, proteasome, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism were the main affected pathways. Among the DEGs, 376 protein kinases, 42 proteases, 168 transcription factor (TF) genes, and 152 other potential functional genes were identified, which may play significant roles in the drought response of C. oleifera. The expression of relevant functional genes was further validated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). These findings contribute to the comprehension of drought tolerance mechanisms in C. oleifera and bolster the identification of drought-resistant genes for molecular breeding purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood-contact devices are prone to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, coagulation, and the uncontrolled release of metal ions during implantation and service. Therefore, it is essential to make these multifunctional. Herein, a superhydrophobic DE@ZnS-ZnO@SA film (composed of dabigatran ester, zinc sulfite, zinc oxide, and stearic acid, respectively) is produced. The prepared film has non-adhesion and antibacterial properties, superior mechanical stability, durability, corrosion resistance, and is self-cleaning and blood-repellent. The results of the hemolysis, cytotoxicity, and other anticoagulant experiments revealed that the film had good blood compatibility, no cytotoxicity, and excellent anticoagulant properties. The film displays anticoagulant properties even after being immersed in Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) for 7 days. Furthermore, the film can spontaneously release H2S gas for 90 h after soaking in an acidic environment (pH = 6) for 90 h. This property improves the acidic microenvironment of the lesion and promotes the proliferation of endothelial cells by using H2S gas. In addition, the film can inhibit the uncontrollable release of Zn2+ ions, avoiding its toxicity even when immersed in an acid environment for 35 days. This time-sequential functionalized surface has the potential to typify the future of blood-contacting scaffolds for long-lasting use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North China Plain (NCP) serves as a critical grain-producing region in China, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the nation's food security. A comprehensive analysis of the carbon footprint (CF) related to the cultivation of major grain crops within this region and the proposal of strategies to reduce emissions through low-carbon production methods are crucial for advancing sustainable agricultural practices in China. This study employed the lifecycle assessment (LCA) method to estimate the CF of wheat, maize, and rice crops over a period from 2013 to 2022, based on statistical data collected from five key provinces and cities in the NCP: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, and Henan. Additionally, the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model was utilized to analyze the influencing factors. The results indicated that the carbon footprints per unit area (CFA) of maize, wheat, and rice increased between 2013 and 2022. Rice had the highest carbon footprint per unit yield (CFY), averaging 1.1 kg CO2-eq kg−1, with significant fluctuations over time. In contrast, the CFY of wheat and maize remained relatively stable from 2013 to 2022. Fertilizers contributed the most to CF composition, accounting for 48.8%, 48.0%, and 25.9% of the total carbon inputs for wheat, maize, and rice, respectively. The electricity used for irrigation in rice production was 31.8%, which was much higher than that of wheat (6.8%) and maize (7.1%). The LMDI model showed that the labor effect was a common suppressing factor for the carbon emissions of maize, wheat, and rice in the NCP, while the agricultural structure effect and the economic development effect were common driving factors. By improving the efficiency of fertilizer and pesticide utilization, cultivating new varieties, increasing the mechanical operation efficiency, the irrigation efficiency, and policy support, the CF of grain crop production in the NCP can be effectively reduced. These efforts will contribute to the sustainable development of agricultural practices in the NCP and support China's efforts to achieve its "double carbon" target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakchoi is a kind of nonheading Chinese cabbage being widely cultivated not only in China but also all over Asia. High temperature is a major limiting factor influencing the yield and quality of pakchoi, while the mechanism of pakchoi dealing with high-temperature challenges remains largely elusive. In the present study, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis, which was also validated by qPCR, of the heat-tolerant Xinxiaqing (XXQ) variant and Suzhouqing (SZQ) variant, which are heat-sensitive under high-temperature treatment. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses suggest that high-temperature-induced phytohormones signal transduction, especially auxin signal transduction, regulates the heat responses of pakchoi. Our further investigations imply that high-temperature-activated auxin signal plays a positive role in helping pakchoi deal with high-temperature challenge; IAA-pretreated pakchoi plants exhibited greater resistance to the high-temperature treatment, probably due to the induction of antioxidant activity. In addition, our study also identified six heat shock proteins/factors (HSPs/HSFs) whose up-regulation correlates with the elevated heat tolerance of pakchoi. Notably, among these high-temperature-induced heat-responsive factors, HSP20 and HSP26.5 are under the regulation of auxin signal, and this signal cascade contributes to enhancing the thermostability of pakchoi. In the present study, we identified crucial high-temperature-responsive factors and signaling pathways in pakchoi, which help in understanding the mechanism of pakchoi coping with high-temperature challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are considered a very promising technology to convert solar energy to electricity and a feasible option for the energy market because of the advantages of light weight, flexibility, and roll-to-roll manufacturing. They are mainly characterized by a bulk heterojunction structure where a polymer donor is blended with an electron acceptor. Their performance is highly affected by the design of donor–acceptor conjugated polymers and the choice of suitable acceptor. In particular, benzotriazole, a typical electron-deficient penta-heterocycle, has been combined with various donors to provide wide bandgap donor polymers, which have received a great deal of attention with the development of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) because of their suitable matching to provide devices with relevant power conversion efficiency (PCE). Moreover, different benzotriazole-based polymers are gaining more and more interest because they are considered promising acceptors in OSCs. Since the development of a suitable method to choose generally a donor/acceptor material is a challenging issue, this review is meant to be useful especially for organic chemical scientists to understand all the progress achieved with benzotriazole-based polymers used as donors with NFAs and as acceptors with different donors in OSCs, in particular referring to the PCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During field surveys and culture procedures, large growth disparities in Anguilla japonica have been observed. However, the potential causes are unknown. This study explored differences in digestive ability, metabolic levels, and transcriptomic profiles of appetite-related genes between growth-retarded eel (GRE) and normal-growing eel (NGE) under the same rearing conditions. The results showed that growth hormone (gh) mRNA expression in GREs was considerably lower than NGEs. The levels of total protein (TP), total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), blood ammonia (BA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in GREs were significantly lower than in NGEs. Conversely, levels of glucose (GLU), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were higher in GREs. The activities of SOD, CAT, and T-AOC levels were also significantly lower in GREs, as were the activities of glucose-related enzymes including hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PASE). Additionally, orexigenic genes (npy and ghrelin) were dramatically downregulated, whereas anorexigenic genes (crh and pyy) were significantly upregulated in GREs. These findings suggested that variances in growth hormone, metabolic activities, and appetite level could be associated with the different growth rates of A. japonica. The present research not only revealed the characteristics of the growth, metabolism, and appetite of GREs but also offered new perspectives into the substantial growth discrepancies in A. japonica, providing novel ideas for enhancing fish growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perennial herb Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai (Ranunculaceae) has been utilized as a traditional oriental medicine in China for numerous years. The principal pharmacological constituent of A. sinomontanum, lappaconitine (LA), exhibits analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-arrhythmic, and anti-epileptic activities. Due to its potent efficacy and non-addictive nature, LA is widely utilized in the management of cancer pain and postoperative analgesia. This review encompasses the research advancements pertaining to LA including extraction methods, separation techniques, pharmacological properties, chemical modifications, and clinical applications. Additionally, it offers insights into the potential applications and current challenges associated with LA to facilitate future research endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblasts are among the most abundant cell types in the human body, playing crucial roles in numerous physiological processes, including the structural maintenance of the dermis, production of extracellular matrix components, and mediation of inflammatory responses. Despite their importance, fibroblasts remain one of the least characterized cell populations. The advent of single-cell analysis techniques, particularly single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), has enabled detailed investigations into fibroblast biology. In this study, we present an extensive analysis of fibroblast surface markers suitable for cell sorting and subsequent functional studies. We reviewed over three thousand research articles describing fibroblast populations and their markers, characterizing and comparing subtypes based on their surface markers, as well as their intra- and extracellular proteins. Our detailed analysis identified a variety of distinct fibroblast subpopulations, each with unique markers, characteristics dependent on their location, and the physiological or pathophysiological environment. These findings underscore the diversity of fibroblasts as a cellular population and could lead to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review focuses on the use of a sulfonated pentablock copolymer commercialized as NexarTM in water purification applications. The properties and the use of sulfonated copolymers, in general, and of NexarTM, in particular, are described within a brief reference focusing on the problem of different water contaminants, purification technologies, and the use of nanomaterials and nanocomposites for water treatment. In addition to desalination and pervaporation processes, adsorption and photocatalytic processes are also considered here. The reported results confirm the possibility of using NexarTM as a matrix for embedded nanoparticles, exploiting their performance in adsorption and photocatalytic processes and preventing their dispersion in the environment. Furthermore, the reported antimicrobial and antibiofouling properties of NexarTM make it a promising material for achieving active coatings that are able to enhance commercial filter lifetime and performance. The coated filters show selective and efficient removal of cationic contaminants in filtration processes, which is not observed with a bare commercial filter. The UV surface treatment and/or the addition of nanostructures such as graphene oxide (GO) flakes confer NexarTM with coating additional functionalities and activity. Finally, other application fields of this polymer are reported, i.e., energy and/or gas separation, suggesting its possible use as an efficient and economical alternative to the more well-known Nafion polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modulated pressure waves propagating in the drilling fluids inside the drill string are a reliable real-time communication technology that transmit data from downhole to the surface during oil and gas drilling. In the analysis of pressure waves' propagation characteristics, the modeling of transient friction in non-Newtonian fluids remains a great challenge. This paper establishes a numerical model for transient pipe flow of power-law non-Newtonian fluids by using the weighted residual collocation method. Then, the Newton–Raphson method is applied to solve the nonlinear equations. The numerical method is validated by using the theoretical solution of Newtonian fluids and is proven to converge reliably with larger time steps. Finally, the influencing factors of the wall shear stress are analyzed using this numerical method. For shear-thinning fluids, the friction loss of periodic flow decreases with the increase in flow rate, which is opposite to the variation law of friction with the flow rate for stable pipe flow. Keeping the amplitude of pressure pulsation unchanged, an increase in frequency leads to a decrease in velocity fluctuations; therefore, the friction loss decreases with the increase in frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bayberry pomace, a nutrient-rich material abundant in dietary fiber (DF), has historically been underutilized due to a lack of thorough research. This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical and functional properties of the DF. Ultrasonic enzymatic treatment was performed to extract the total DF, which was then optimized to produce modified soluble dietary fiber (MSDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (MIDF). The optimized conditions yielded 15.14% of MSDF with a water-holding capacity (WHC) of 54.13 g/g. The DFs were evaluated for their structural, physicochemical, and functional properties. The MSDF showed a higher (p < 0.05) WHC, oil-holding capacity (OHC), swelling capacity (SC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and glucose adsorption capacity (GAC) (about 14.15, 0.88, 1.23, 1.22, and 0.34 times) compared to the DF. Additionally, the MSDF showed strong, superior radical scavenging and blood sugar-lowering capabilities, with a more porous surface morphology. A Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis indicated that enzymatic modification degraded the cellulose and hemicellulose, reducing the DF crystallinity. Overall, the results demonstrated that cellulase hydrolysis could effectively improve the physicochemical and functional properties of DF, thereby paving the way for its development into functional food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the integration of polarimetric imaging into robotic perception systems has increased significantly, driven by the accessibility of affordable polarimetric sensors. This technology complements traditional color imaging by capturing and analyzing the polarization characteristics of light. This additional information provides robots with valuable insights into object shape, material composition, and other properties, ultimately enabling more robust manipulation tasks. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the principles behind polarimetric imaging and its diverse applications within the field of robotic perception. By exploiting the polarization state of light, polarimetric imaging offers promising solutions to three key challenges in robot vision: Surface segmentation; depth estimation through polarization patterns; and 3D reconstruction using polarimetric data. This review emphasizes the practical value of polarimetric imaging in robotics by demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing real-world challenges. We then explore potential applications of this technology not only within the core robotics field but also in related areas. Through a comparative analysis, our goal is to elucidate the strengths and limitations of polarimetric imaging techniques. This analysis will contribute to a deeper understanding of its broad applicability across various domains within and beyond robotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bolting and flowering of vegetables are induced by vernalization in their early growth stage. This phenomenon is called premature bolting, and it has caused massive losses in production of vegetables such as cabbage, celery, carrot, radish, and spinach, etc. This review aimed to summarize studies on bolting and flowering pathways, physiological and biochemical changes, and underlined molecular mechanisms of various vegetable crop bolting involving genome and transcriptome analysis, and its association with vegetable breeding. This review could provide basic knowledge to carry out research on vegetable genetics and breeding and vegetable cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Based on the differences in otolith morphology and skeletal morphology, this study presents an investigation of the evolution of three Schizothoracinae species from two major river systems in Northwest China. A total of 138 samples were collected, and the morphological factors, morphological indices and Fourier transform coefficients of the otoliths were measured and analyzed to compare the morphological differences between the otoliths and bones. Morphological analysis of the otoliths of the three Schizothoracinae species revealed significant differences and cluster analysis further confirmed this relationship. At the same time, their skeletal morphology showed significant differences in the number of tentacles, pharyngeal teeth and vertebrae, as well as in the shape of several key bone blocks. The unique morphological characteristics and skeletal differences of the three Schizothoracinae species during their evolution are closely related to the geological changes in and water system evolution of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This study not only deepens our understanding of the evolution of plateau fishes and other species but also provides a scientific basis for understanding the conservation and evolutionary mechanism of plateau fishes, which is highly important for ecological protection and biodiversity conservation. Schizothoracinae species are the largest group of Cypriniformes that readily adapt to the natural conditions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This group has habitat characteristics and distribution patterns centered on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. To study the evolution of three Schizothoracinae species in Northwest China, the evolutionary characteristics of these species were explored based on differences in otolith morphology and skeletal morphology. From 2020 to 2022, 138 samples (63 Aspiorhynchus laticeps, 35 Diptychus maculatus and 40 Schizothorax pseudaksaiensis) were collected from the Tarim River and Ili River, 6 basic morphological parameters of otoliths were measured and converted into 6 morphological factors and 7 morphological indices. A total of 77 Fourier transform coefficients of each otolith were selected The first three principal components accounted for 92.834% of the total variation in 13 otolith morphological indices of the three Schizothoracinae species, and the overall discrimination rate was 94.20%. According to the principal component analysis of 77 Fourier harmonic values of otoliths, the first 20 principal components explained 97.233% of the total variation, and the overall discrimination rate was 100%. The results of the cluster analysis directly reflected the relationships between related species. The differences in the bone morphology of the three Schizothoracinae species were particularly reflected in the number of whiskers, pharyngeal teeth and vertebrae, and there were also significant differences in the shapes of the sphenotic (SP), pterotic (PTE), preoperculum (PO), branchiostegal ray (BRA) and basibranchial (BB) bones. Their unique morphological and skeletal characteristics are closely related to geological changes and water system evolutionary trends. This study contributes to the understanding of species identification and the evolutionary status of plateau fishes, provides a reference for further evolutionary classification and for assessing the evolutionary mechanisms of plateau fishes, and provides a scientific basis for phylogeny and germplasm resource protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Live fish transport often induces stress, while gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is considered to exhibit anti-stress effects. This study aims to explore the effects of GABA on alleviating the transport stress of tawny puffer (Takifugu flavidus) by detecting water quality parameters, plasma biochemical indices, energy metabolism indicators, and antioxidant indexes. The results indicated that 50 and 150 mg/L GABA treatments exert anti-stress effects significantly on the tawny puffer, which provides a scientific basis for the development of GABA as an effective additive for aquatic animals' live transport. Live fish transportation is crucial for managing aquaculture but can pose health risks to fish due to stressors encountered during transportation. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the central nervous system and is considered to exhibit anti-stress effects. This study aims to investigate the effects of GABA on the transport water quality, plasma biochemical indices, energy metabolism, and antioxidant capacity of tawny puffer (Takifugu flavidus) under transport stress. Tawny puffer were pretreated by immersing in aquariums containing GABA (final concentrations at 0, 5, 50, and 150 mg/L) seawater for 3 days; then, simulated transport was conducted using oxygen-filled polyethylene bags containing the same concentration of GABA seawater as the pretreatment period. Water samples, plasma, and liver were collected after 0, 6, and 12 h of transport. The results revealed that with the prolongation of transportation time, the control group's water quality deteriorated, stress-related plasma biochemical indices increased, glycolytic substrate contents decreased, glycolytic enzyme activities and product contents increased, and aerobic metabolic enzyme activities exhibited initial increases followed by declines, ATPase activities decreased, antioxidant enzyme activities decreased, and the lipid peroxidation marker contents increased. It is noteworthy that GABA treatment could avoid water quality deterioration during transportation, inhibit an elevation in stress-related biochemical indicators, regulate energy metabolism, and reduce oxidative damage in tawny puffer, especially at 50 and 150 mg/L concentrations. In summary, GABA treatment can effectively alleviate the transport stress of tawny puffer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regional differences in carbon dioxide (CO2) variations from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) over the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region from 2015 to 2021 are analyzed in this study. This study shows an annual increase and a seasonal cycle; the CO2 annual growth rate was about 2.63 ppm year−1, with the highest value being in spring and the lowest in summer. The spatial distribution is unbalanced, regional differences are prominent, and the CO2 concentration is lower in the north of the Jing-Jin-Ji region (like Zhangjiakou, Chengde, and Qinhuangdao). Land-type structures and population economy distributions are the key factors affecting CO2 concentration. By analyzing the land-type structures over Jing-Jin-Ji in 2020, we find that cropland, woodland, and grassland (CWG) are the main land cover types in Jing-Jin-Ji; the proportion of these three types is about 83.3%. The woodland areas in Zhangjiakou, Chengde, and Qinhuangdao account for about 65% of the total woodland areas in Jing-Jin-Ji; meanwhile, the grassland areas in these three regions account for 62% of the total grassland areas in Jing-Jin-Ji. CO2 concentration variation shows a high negative correlation with CWG land areas (coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.76). The regions with lower population and GDP secondary industry (SI) density also have lower CO2 concentration (like Zhangjiakou, Chengde, and Qinhuangdao), and the regions with higher population and GDP SI density also have higher CO2 concentration (like the southeast of Jing-Jin-Jin). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grain moisture content of maize inbred lines at maturity is one of the most important indicators for mechanical harvesting of kernels. In this study, 116 maize inbred lines from a wide range of sources were used as research materials and 30 traits of grain moisture content were analyzed using multivariate statistical analysis. The results showed that all 30 traits had some correlations. Principal component analysis downscaled the 30 traits into 10 principal component factors, reflecting 77.674% of the information in the original traits. Cluster analysis categorized the 116 inbred lines into 5 major groups containing 26, 29, 31, 16 and 14 inbred lines. Based on the D value of the overall evaluation, discriminant analysis reclassified the maize inbred lines by principal component scores and 98 maize inbred lines were correctly discriminated with a probability of 84.48%, which can be regarded as a relatively reliable clustering result. The stepwise regression method was further used to screen seven traits: GMC2, GDR1, HMC3, NH, GDR2, CD and EL and to establish a comprehensive evaluation model for the grain moisture content of maize inbred lines. Among 116 maize inbred lines, 14, represented by H21 and MS71, had the lowest grain moisture content at maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implantable and semi-implantable biosensors fabricated with biodegradable materials and nanomaterials have gained interest in the past few decades. Functionalized biodegradable materials and nanomaterials are usually employed to satisfy clinical and research requirements because of their advanced properties. Novel fabrication techniques were developed to improve the efficiency and accuracy. Different working mechanisms were facilitated to design different types of sensors. This review discusses the recent developments of implantable and semi-implantable biosensors. The materials and fabrications are browsed, and different types of biomedical sensors for different variables are discussed as a focused topic. The biomedical sensors are discussed according to the targets and working mechanisms, followed by a focus on the nervous system sensing to provide an inspiration that different variables can be studied simultaneously on the single system. In the end, challenges and prospects will be discussed. This review aims to provide information of materials, fabrication approaches, mechanisms, and the state of the art for inspiration in designing novel implantable and semi-implantable biomedical sensors for general diagnostic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burgeoning application of advanced information technology in the construction industry has led to the widespread adoption of smart construction sites (SCSs) in recent years. As a novel concept, smart construction site application maturity (SCS-AM) aims to identify the pivotal factors impeding the current progression of SCSs and foster the metamorphosis of the construction sector. Through a meticulous review of the existing literature, this study delineates 14 fundamental factors influencing SCS-AM. Employing both Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), alongside the acquisition of 217 valid questionnaires, practitioners' perceptions regarding these factors within the smart construction domain were examined. This study initially categorized the 14 factors into four dimensions by utilizing the EFA method: technological innovation and integration (TII), project management and implementation (PMI), collaboration mechanism and information sharing (CMIS), and standardization and compliance (SC). Subsequently, a first-order CFA was employed to elucidate the correlations between the observed variables and latent factors, while a second-order CFA was employed to delve into the interplay among the first-order factors and their collective influence on SCS-AM. The results underscore the paramount impact of standardization and compliance (SC) and technological innovation and integration (TII) on SCS-AM. By meticulously analyzing the key influencing factors, this study offers theoretical underpinnings for bolstering SCS-AM, thereby providing stakeholders such as governments and construction enterprises with strategic insights for future development endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present article, we propose a monolithically integrated Michelson interferometer using a λ = 4 µm InGaAs/InAlAs quantum cascade laser as the light source. By using simple fringe detection and a four-point interpolation on each fringe, we will be able to detect minimal object displacements of 500 nm—corresponding to 25% of half the laser emission wavelength. Such an interferometric photonic integrated circuit has interesting applications for precision computerized numerical controlled machines. Since the industrial standard of such machines currently consists of glass-based linear encoders with a resolution of 5 µm, our interferometer-based system will enable an improvement of at least one order of magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes exhibit great potential for the degradation of organic pollutants. In this study, P-doped biochar (PBC500) was successfully synthesized by the pyrolysis of H3PO4-impregnated cow manure waste and was employed to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the elimination of 17β-estradiol (E2). The characterization results showed that the surface area, defective structure, and functional groups (C=O and phosphorus-containing groups) of biochar increased after H3PO4 modification. PBC500 exhibited high PMS activation activity and excellent E2 degradation capacity; 97.91% of 3 mg/L E2 can be removed within 90 min using 0.2 g/L PBC500 and 1 mM PMS. Based on the quenching experiments and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, defective structures, C=O, and P-C groups on biochar act as active sites to promote the catalytic oxidation of E2 by generating O2− and 1O2. In addition, PBC500 displayed excellent reusability, achieving 65.15% E2 degradation after three reuse cycles. Overall, this study presented a new technique that supports a high efficiency, environmentally friendly, and low cost treatment method for E2 wastewater and simultaneously provided a new option for the resource utilization of livestock waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report on the fabrication of ZnO thin films doped with Ge via the ALD method. With an optimized amount of Ge doping, there was an improvement in the conductivity of the films owing to an increase in the carrier concentration. The optical properties of the films doped with Ge show improved transmittance and reduced reflectance, making them more attractive for opto-electronic applications. The band gap of the films exhibits a blue shift with Ge doping due to the Burstein–Moss effect. The variations in the band gap and the work function of ZnO depend strongly on the carrier density of the films. From the surface studies carried out using XPS, we could confirm that Ge replaces some of the Zn in the wurtzite structure. In the films containing Ge, the concentration of oxygen vacancies is also high, which is somehow related to the poor electrical properties of the films at higher Ge concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue fibrosis represents a complex pathological condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) components, resulting in impaired organ function. Fibroblasts are central to the fibrotic process and crucially involved in producing and depositing collagen-rich ECM. Apart from their primary function in ECM synthesis, fibroblasts engage in diverse activities such as inflammation and shaping the tissue microenvironment, which significantly influence cellular and tissue functions. This review explores the role of Yes-associated protein (Yap) and Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (Taz) in fibroblast signaling and their impact on tissue fibrosis. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms of Yap/Taz signaling in fibroblasts may reveal novel therapeutic targets for fibrotic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly sensitive, selective and recyclable histidine detection method based on magnetic Fe3O4@mTiO2 (M-TiO2) nanocomposites with SERRS was developed. Mesoporous M-TiO2 nanoparticles were functionalized with 4-aminothiophenol and then coupled with histidine through an azo coupling reaction in 5 min, producing the corresponding azo compound. The strong and specific SERRS response of the azo product allowed for ultrasensitive and selective detection for histidine with an M-TiO2 device loaded with Ag NPs due to the molecular resonance effect and plasmonic effect of Ag NPs under a 532 nm excitation laser. The sensitivity was further enhanced with the magnetic enrichment of M-TiO2. The limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 8.00 × 10−12 mol/L. The M-TiO2 demonstrated applicability towards histidine determination in human urine without any sample pretreatment. Additionally, the M-TiO2 device can be recycled for 3 cycles with the photodegradation of the azo product under UV irradiation due to TiO2-assisted and plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis. In summary, a multifunctional and recyclable M-TiO2 device was synthesized based on azo coupling and SERRS spectroscopy for ultra-sensitive and specific histidine sensing. In addition, the proposed system demonstrated the potential for the multiplex determination of toxic compounds in the fields of food safety, industrial production and environmental protection, which benefit from the fingerprint property and universality of SERRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACH2 (BTB Domain and CNC Homolog 2) is a transcription factor that serves as a central regulator of immune cell differentiation and function, particularly in T and B lymphocytes. A picture is emerging that BACH2 may function as a master regulator of cell fate that is exquisitely sensitive to cell activation status. In particular, BACH2 plays a key role in stabilizing the phenotype and suppressive function of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-derived human forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3)+ inducible regulatory T cells (iTregs), a cell type that holds great clinical potential as a cell therapeutic for diverse inflammatory conditions. As such, BACH2 potentially could be targeted to overcome the instability of the iTreg phenotype and suppressive function that has hampered their clinical application. In this review, we focus on the role of BACH2 in T cell fate and iTreg function and stability. We suggest approaches to modulate BACH2 function that may lead to more stable and efficacious Treg cell therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal-based tests are used for the control of vaccine quality. However, because highly purified and safe vaccines are now available, alternative approaches that can replace or reduce animal use for the assessment of vaccine outcomes must be established. In vitro tests for vaccine quality control exist and have already been implemented. However, these tests are specifically designed for some next-generation vaccines, and this makes them not readily available for testing other vaccines. Therefore, universal non-animal tests are still needed. Specific signatures of the innate immune response could represent a promising approach to predict the outcome of vaccines by non-animal methods. Type I interferons (IFNs) have multiple immunomodulatory activities, which are exerted through effectors called interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), and are one of the most important immune signatures that might provide potential candidate molecular biomarkers for this purpose. This paper will mainly examine if this idea might be feasible by analyzing all relevant published studies that have provided type I IFN-related biomarkers for evaluating the safety and efficacy profiles of vaccines using an advanced transcriptomic approach as an alternative to the animal methods. Results revealed that such an approach could potentially provide biomarkers predictive of vaccine outcomes after addressing some limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global water scarcity becomes increasingly acute, water demand forecasting has emerged as a critical component in water resource management and planning. This review aims to comprehensively survey and analyze the current state of research, existing issues, and development trends in the field of water demand forecasting. Presently, there are numerous studies on water demand forecasting; however, most of the forecasting results tend to be overestimated. On the mechanistic level, research has gradually shifted from considering single factors to accounting for the complex influences of multiple factors. This paper summarizes the mechanism of water demand from the three levels of agriculture, industry, and residential life. In terms of forecasting methods, various techniques have been explored and applied, particularly new methods based on artificial intelligence and machine learning, which have demonstrated significant advantages in improving forecasting accuracy and handling nonlinear relationships. Despite the notable progress and practical achievements in water demand forecasting, several challenges and issues remain. Future research should focus on diversifying methodologies, comprehensively considering multiple influencing factors, further refining forecasting models and technical systems, strengthening uncertainty and risk management, and emphasizing practical applications and policy guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytotoxins (CTs) are three-finger membrane-active toxins present mainly in cobra venom. Our analysis of the available CT amino acid sequences, literature data on their membrane activity, and conformational equilibria in aqueous solution and detergent micelles allowed us to identify specific amino acid residues which interfere with CT incorporation into membranes. They include Pro9, Ser28, and Asn/Asp45 within the N-terminal, central, and C-terminal loops, respectively. There is a hierarchy in the effect of these residues on membrane activity: Pro9 > Ser28 > Asn/Asp45. Taking into account all the possible combinations of special residues, we propose to divide CTs into eight groups. Group 1 includes toxins containing all of the above residues. Their representatives demonstrated the lowest membrane activity. Group 8 combines CTs that lack these residues. For the toxins from this group, the greatest membrane activity was observed. We predict that when solely membrane activity determines the cytotoxic effects, the activity of CTs from a group with a higher number should exceed that of CTs from a group with a lower number. This classification is supported by the available data on the cytotoxicity and membranotropic properties of CTs. We hypothesize that the special amino acid residues within the loops of the CT molecule may indicate their involvement in the interaction with non-lipid targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are still great uncertainties about effects of climate warming and no-tillage on soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents and pH in alpine farmlands. A warming (control; daytime warming, DW; nighttime warming, NW; all-day warming, DW + NW) and no-tillage (no-tillage vs. tillage) experiment was conducted in an alpine farmland of the Lhasa, Xizang since 2015. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium (TK), available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), active organic carbon, particulate organic carbon (POC), light fraction organic carbon, and heavy fraction organic carbon contents and pH at four depths (0–5, 5–15, 15–25, and 25–35 cm) were measured. Warming effects on concerned soil variables differed with warming time, soil depth, and no-tillage. No-tillage effects on concerned soil variables differed with warming-time (daytime, nighttime, and all-day warming) and soil depths. Therefore, daytime warming and nighttime warming have different effects on soil variables, although the effects of nighttime warming on soil variables are not always greater than those of daytime warming. Effects of daytime warming and nighttime warming on soil variables are not simple addition or subtraction effects. There are interactions between diurnal asymmetrical warming and no-tillage on soil variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhododendron plants have ornamental, commercial, and medicinal value to people. Flavonoids are one of the components used in traditional remedies, and Rhododendron plants are found to be rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids can reduce the risk of human disease and participate in the regulation of antioxidant defense systems in response to heat stress. Rhododendron prefers cold climates, so the relatively high temperatures of cities affect the extraction of medicinal ingredients and limit the cultivation environment. Recent studies found that the exogenous application of calcium acts to alleviate heat stress in Rhododendron plants. This study explores the mechanism by which exogenous calcium alleviates heat stress and the role of flavonoids in regulating the antioxidative system in Rhododendron × pulchrum Sweet using combined transcriptomic and metabolomic methods. The activities of peroxidase, catalase and superoxide enzymes were found to increase in response to heat stress and external CaCl2 in the leaves of R. × pulchrum. In total, 433 metabolic components and 370 DEGs were identified as being differentially expressed in response to heat stress and external calcium chloride (CaCl2) in the leaves of R. × pulchrum. These results illustrate that heat stress induces oxidative stress and that external CaCl2 can enhance the heat tolerance of Rhododendron. Flavonoid compounds are responsible for the antioxidant scavenging of reactive oxygen species in R. × pulchrum leaves exposed to heat stress and external calcium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cylindrical shell structures have excellent structural properties and load-bearing capacities in fields such as aerospace, marine engineering, and nuclear power. However, under high-pressure conditions, cylindrical shells are prone to cracking due to impact, corrosion, and fatigue, leading to a reduction in structural strength or failure. This paper proposes a static modeling method for damaged liquid-filled cylindrical shells based on the extended finite element method (XFEM). It investigated the impact of different initial crack angles on the crack propagation path and failure process of liquid-filled cylindrical shells, overcoming the difficulties of accurately simulating stress concentration at crack tips and discontinuities in the propagation path encountered in traditional finite element methods. Additionally, based on fluid-structure interaction theory, a dynamic model for damaged liquid-filled cylindrical shells was established, analyzing the changes in pressure and flow state of the fluid during crack propagation. Experimental results showed that although the initial crack angle had a slight effect on the crack propagation path, the crack ultimately extended along both sides of the main axis of the cylindrical shell. When the initial crack angle was 0°, the crack propagation path was more likely to form a through-crack, with the highest penetration rate, whereas when the initial crack angle was 75°, the crack propagation speed was slower. After fluid entered the cylindrical shell, it spurted along the crack propagation path, forming a wave crest at the initial ejection position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recombination of charges and thermal excitation of carriers at the interface between methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (PVK) and the carbon electrode are crucial factors that affect the optoelectronic performance of carbon-based hole transport layer (HTL)-free perovskite photodetectors. In this work, a method was employed to introduce SnS quantum dots (QDs) on the back surface of perovskite, which passivated the defect states on the back surface of perovskite and addressed the energy-level mismatch issue between perovskite and carbon electrode. Performance testing of the QDs and the photodetector revealed that SnS QDs possess energy-level structures that are well matched with perovskite and have high absorption coefficients. The incorporation of these QDs into the interface layer effectively suppresses the dark current of the photodetector and greatly enhances the utilization of incident light. The experimental results demonstrate that the introduction of SnS QDs reduces the dark current by an order of magnitude compared to the pristine device at 0 V bias and increases the responsivity by 10%. The optimized photodetector exhibits a wide spectral response range (350 nm to 750 nm), high responsivity (0.32 A/W at 500 nm), and high specific detectivity (>1 × 1012 Jones). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the Chinese hook snout carp (Opsariichthys bidens) is becoming increasingly popular due to its high nutritional value and delicious taste. However, anthropogenic influences have caused a rapid reduction in its population. Considering long-term development sustainability, it is essential to conduct research on its reproductive development. In this study, the germ-cell related genes dazl (Obdazl) and dnd (Obdnd) were cloned, and their expression patterns were revealed. RT-PCR analysis indicated that Obdazl and Obdnd were specifically expressed in gonads. In the testis, Obdazl and Obdnd RNAs have a similar expression pattern: their transcripts were abundant in spermatogonia, gradually decreased, and eventually disappeared during spermatogenesis. Early oocytes in the ovary exhibited strong expression of Obdazl and Obdnd RNAs and reduced remarkably after peak expression at III oocytes. Surprisingly, Obdazl RNA was dynamically found in perinuclear spots that finally aggregated into the Balbiani body (Bb) in the early oocytes. Moreover, Obdazl 3′ UTR enabled the reporter gene to be expressed stably in medaka PGCs, suggesting that dazl was identified as the germ cell marker in O. bidens, which may provide perspectives for further studies on the development of PGCs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been incorporated into the g-C3N4/ZIF-67 heterojunction system as a photosensitizer to enhance photocatalytic conversion of CO2-to-CO. The GQDs are deposited onto the surface of g-C3N4/ZIF-67 using a simple water bath procedure. As expected, GQDs/g-C3N4/ZIF-67 presents outstanding performance in CO2 photoreduction. Among the GQDs/g-C3N4/ZIF-67 ternary photocatalysts, 7 GQDs-CN/ZIF-67 exhibits the best photocatalytic CO2 reduction ability with a CO yield of 51.71 μmol g−1, which is 5.05 and 1.87 times more than pristine g-C3N4 (10.24 μmol g−1) and g-C3N4/ZIF-67 (27.65 μmol g−1), respectively. This result shows that upon combination of GQDs with ZIF-67/g-C3N4, GQDs can be used as photosensitizers to improve the optical absorption capacity of the photocatalyst. Furthermore, GQDs serve as electron channels, facilitating the transport of photo-induced electrons from ZIF-67 to g-C3N4, which promotes photogenerated carrier separation efficiency. This study innovatively adds GQDs to the heterojunction and applies the prepared ternary composite to the CO2 photoreduction, which inspires a novel direction for the design of non-noble metal photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring the smooth operation of rolling bearings requires a precise fault diagnosis. Particularly, identifying fault types under varying working conditions holds significant importance in practical engineering. Thus, we propose a reinforcement ensemble method for diagnosing rolling bearing faults under varying working conditions. Firstly, a reinforcement model was designed to select the optimal base learner. Stratified random sampling was used to extract four datasets from raw training data. The reinforcement model was trained by these four datasets, respectively, and we obtained four optimal base learners. Then, a sparse ANN was designed as the ensemble model and the reinforcement learning model that can successfully identify the fault type under variable work conditions was constructed. Extensive experiments were conducted, and the results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method over other intelligent approaches, with significant practical engineering benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article aims to address common research questions in passive polarized vision for robotics. What kind of polarization sensing can we embed into robots? Can we find our geolocation and true north heading by detecting light scattering from the sky as animals do? How should polarization images be related to the physical properties of reflecting surfaces in the context of scene understanding? This review article is divided into three main sections to address these questions, as well as to assist roboticists in identifying future directions in passive polarized vision for robotics. After an introduction, three key interconnected areas will be covered in the following sections: embedded polarization imaging; polarized vision for robotics navigation; and polarized vision for scene understanding. We will then discuss how polarized vision, a type of vision commonly used in the animal kingdom, should be implemented in robotics; this type of vision has not yet been exploited in robotics service. Passive polarized vision could be a supplemental perceptive modality of localization techniques to complement and reinforce more conventional ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tongmai Sini decoction (TSD), the classical prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine, consisting of three commonly used herbal medicines, has been widely applied for the treatment of myocardial infarction and heart failure. However, the absorbed components and their metabolism in vivo of TSD still remain unknown. In this study, a reliable and effective method using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS) was employed to identify prototype components and metabolites in vivo (rat plasma and urine). Combined with mass defect filtering (MDF), dynamic background subtraction (DBS), and neutral loss filtering (NLF) data-mining tools, a total of thirty-two major compounds were selected and investigated for their metabolism in vivo. As a result, a total of 82 prototype compounds were identified or tentatively characterized in vivo, including 41 alkaloids, 35 phenolic compounds, 6 saponins. Meanwhile, A total of 65 metabolites (40 alkaloids and 25 phenolic compounds) were tentatively identified. The metabolic reactions were mainly hydrogenation, demethylation, hydroxylation, hydration, methylation, deoxylation, and sulfation. These findings will be beneficial for an in-depth understanding of the pharmacological mechanism and pharmacodynamic substance basis of TSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the catalytic subunit of the Elongator complex, Elongator protein 3 (Elp3) plays a crucial role in multiple physiological processes, including growth, development and immune responses. Previous studies on Elp3 have focused on Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, Homo sapiens (human) or Mus musculus (mouse), whereas there are few reports on Elp3 in agricultural pests. Here, the role of TcElp3 in reproduction in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, was investigated, and the underlying mechanisms were explored. The results showed that RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of TcElp3 in female pupae led to decreased fecundity in female adults. Consistently, the injection of dsTcElp3 into female pupae decreased the mRNA levels of the vitellogenin (Vg)-encoding genes TcVg1 and TcVg2 in female adults. Notably, knockdown of TcElp3 upregulated the expression of forkhead box protein O (FOXO) at both the mRNA and the protein level in T. castaneum, and promoted the nuclear translocation of TcFOXO. Additionally, TcElp3 directly interacts with TcFOXO and the silencing of TcElp3 significantly decreased the acetylation level of TcFOXO. Overall, our studies reveal that Elp3 regulates beetle reproduction by interacting with FOXO and modulating its acetylation status., (© 2025 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.)

The applications of single-cell and spatial technologies in recent times have revolutionized the present understanding of cellular states and the cellular heterogeneity inherent in complex biological systems. These advancements offer unprecedented resolution in the examination of the functional genomics of individual cells and their spatial context within tissues. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed the historical development and recent progress in the field of single-cell and spatial genomics. We have reviewed the breakthroughs in single-cell multi-omics technologies, spatial genomics methods, and the computational strategies employed toward the analyses of single-cell atlas data. Furthermore, we have highlighted the advances made in constructing cellular atlases and their clinical applications, particularly in the context of disease. Finally, we have discussed the emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field., Competing Interests: Compliance and ethics. The authors declare that they have no conflict of Interest., (© 2024. Science China Press.)

Hexokinases (HXKs), which sense and catalyze cellular sugar, play a critical role in the growth and development of various plants, including wheat, a primary source of human calories frequently attacked by fungal pathogens. However, the evolutionary dynamics and functional diversification of HXKs in wheat, particularly their roles in plant defense, remain unclear. Here, we discovered that the wheat hexokinase gene family originated through multiple ancient gene duplications across different plant lineages and has undergone comprehensive, multidimensional functional specialization in gene expression, subcellular localization, enzyme activity, and regulation of plant defense responses. Gene expression analysis suggests that two-thirds of the TaHXK genes are responsive to fungal infection. Subcellular analysis reveals that while six TaHXKs are localized in mitochondria, three TaHXKs from different phylogenetic branches are sorted into other cellular compartments. Notably, biochemical analysis shows that TaHXKs in mitochondria differ in their glucose-catalyzing activity, with TaHXK5 and TaHXK3 exhibiting the highest and lowest enzyme activity, respectively. Consistently, transient expression analysis suggests that TaHXK5 induces various plant defense responses, while TaHXK3 is defective in activating some plant defense responses. Furthermore, inactivation of the glucokinase activity of TaHXK5 compromised its function in defense activation, suggesting that mitochondrial TaHXKs display functional divergence in both enzyme activity and defense-inducing activity that are intrinsically connected. Overall, our findings reveal that the multidimensional specialization events following the ancient duplication events may have shaped the functional diversity of HXKs in wheat, shedding light on their evolutionary dynamics and potentially contributing to the improvement of wheat defense., (© 2024 Society for Experimental Biology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The rapid development of miniaturized, high-frequency, and highly integrated microelectronic devices has brought about critical issues in electromagnetic compatibility and thermal management. In recent years, there has been significant interest in lightweight polymer-based composites that offer both electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and thermal conductivity. One promising approach involves constructing three-dimensional (3D) interconnection networks using functional fillers in the polymer matrix. These networks have been proven effective in enhancing the thermal and electrical conductivity of the composites. This mini-review focuses on the preparation and properties of 3D network-reinforced polymer composites, specifically those incorporating metal, carbon, ceramic, and hybrid networks. By comparing the effects of different filler types and distribution on the composite materials, the advantages of 3D interconnected conductive networks in polymer composites are highlighted. Additionally, this review addresses the challenges faced in the field of multifunctional thermal management and electromagnetic protection materials and provides insights into future development trends and application prospects of 3D structured composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of heterostructures within electrode materials is pivotal for enhancing electron and Li-ion diffusion kinetics. In this study, we synthesized CoO/MnO heterostructures to enhance the electrochemical performance of MnO using a straightforward electrostatic spinning technique followed by a meticulously controlled carbonization process, which results in embedding heterostructured CoO/MnO nanoparticles within porous nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (CoO/MnO/NC). As confirmed by density functional theory calculations and experimental results, CoO/MnO heterostructures play a significant role in promoting Li+ ion and charge transfer, improving electronic conductivity, and reducing the adsorption energy. The accelerated electron and Li-ion diffusion kinetics, coupled with the porous nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber structure, contribute to the exceptional electrochemical performance of the CoO/MnO/NC electrode. Specifically, the as-prepared CoO/MnO/NC exhibits a high reversible specific capacity of 936 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 200 cycles and an excellent high-rate capacity of 560 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1, positioning it as a competitive anode material for lithium-ion batteries. This study underscores the critical role of electronic and Li-ion regulation facilitated by heterostructures, offering a promising pathway for designing transition metal oxide-based anode materials with high performances for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To cultivate excellent lily germplasms, an interspecific hybrid (LC×SQ-01) was successfully obtained by using a cut-style pollination method in which the rare wild lily Lilium callosum was used as the female parent and the cut flower L. longiflorum 'Snow Queen' was used as the male parent. The morphological features of LC×SQ-01 included height, leaf length, and width, which were observed to be between those of the parents in the tissue-cultured seedlings. The height and leaf length of LC×SQ-01 were more similar to those of the male parent, and the width was between the widths of the parents for field-generated plants. The epidermal cell length and the guard cell and stoma sizes were between those of both parents in tissue-cultured and field-generated plants. In addition, the shapes of the epidermal cells and anticlinal wall in LC×SQ-01 were more analogous to those in the male parent, while the stoma morphology was different from that of both parents. Fourteen pairs of polymorphic SSR primers were identified in both parents, and the validity of LC×SQ-01 was demonstrated by PCR amplification using five pairs of SSR primers. Flow cytometry and root tip squashing assays revealed that LC×SQ-01 was a diploid plant, similar to its parents. Furthermore, the LC×SQ-01 hybrid was more resistant to B. cinerea than its parents, and it also showed much greater peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity than the parents. These results lay a foundation for breeding a new high-resistance and ornamental lily variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea plants have a long cultivation history in the world, but there are few studies on polysaccharides from fresh tea leaves. In this study, tea polysaccharides (TPSs) were isolated from fresh tea leaves. Then, we investigated the characteristics of TPSs during in vitro simulated digestion and fermentation; moreover, the effects of TPSs on gut microbiota were explored. The results revealed that saliva did not significantly affect TPSs' molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and reducing sugar content, indicating that TPSs cannot be digested in the oral cavity. However, TPSs were partially decomposed in the gastrointestinal tract after gastric and intestinal digestion, resulting in the release of a small amount of free glucose monosaccharides. Our in vitro fermentation experiments demonstrated that TPSs are degraded by gut microbiota, leading to short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and pH reduction. Moreover, TPSs increased the abundance of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium but reduced that of Escherichia, Shigella, and Enterococcus, demonstrating that TPSs can regulate the gut microbiome. In conclusion, TPSs are partially decomposed by gut microbiota, resulting in the production of SCFAs and the regulation of gut microbiota composition and function. Therefore, TPSs may be used to develop a prebiotic supplement to regulate the gut microbiome and improve host health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) is the main inorganic component of natural bone, which has been widely used as a reinforcing filler for polymers in bone materials, and it can promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. It can also produce interactions between cells and material surfaces through selective protein adsorption and has therefore always been a research hotspot in orthopedic materials. However, n-HA nano-particles are inherently easy to agglomerate and difficult to disperse evenly in the polymer. In addition, there are differences in trace elements between n-HA nano-particles and biological apatite, so the biological activity needs to be improved, and the slow degradation in vivo, which has seriously hindered the application of n-HA in bone fields, is unacceptable. Therefore, the modification of n-HA has been extensively reported in the literature. This article reviewed the physical modification and various chemical modification methods of n-HA in recent years, as well as their modification effects. In particular, various chemical modification methods and their modification effects were reviewed in detail. Finally, a summary and suggestions for the modification of n-HA were proposed, which would provide significant reference for achieving high-performance n-HA in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoplasmas are insect-transmitted bacterial pathogens associated with diseases in a wide range of host plants, resulting in significant economic and ecological losses. Perennial deciduous trees in the genus Paulownia are widely planted for wood harvesting and ornamental purposes. Paulownia witches' broom (PaWB) disease, associated with a 16SrI-D subgroup phytoplasma, is a destructive disease of paulownia in East Asia. The PaWB phytoplasmas are mainly transmitted by insect vectors in the Pentatomidae (stink bugs), Miridae (mirid bugs) and Cicadellidae (leafhoppers) families. Diseased trees show typical symptoms, such as branch and shoot proliferation, which together are referred to as witches' broom. The phytoplasma presence affects the physiological and anatomical structures of paulownia. Gene expression in paulownia responding to phytoplasma presence have been studied at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels by high throughput sequencing techniques. A PaWB pathogenic mechanism frame diagram on molecular level is summarized. Studies on the interactions among the phytoplasma, the insect vectors and the plant host, including the mechanisms underlying how paulownia effectors modify processes of gene expression, will lead to a deeper understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and to the development of efficient control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being regarded as one of the environmental problems endangering biodiversity and ecosystem health, acid rain has attracted wide attention. Here, we studied the effects of nitric acid rain (NAR) on the structure and diversity of microbial communities in agricultural soils by laboratory incubation experiments and greenhouse experiments. Our results indicated that NAR had an inhibitory effect on soil microorganisms, showing a significant reduction in the Chao1 index and Shannon index of soil bacteria. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, and Chloroflexi were the dominant bacterial phyla under NAR stress in this study. NAR significantly reduced the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, but significantly increased the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota and Chloroflexi, suggesting that NAR was unfavorable to the survival of Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. It is worth noting that the inhibitory or promoting effect of NAR on the dominant bacterial phyla gradually increased with increasing NAR acidity and treatment time. In addition, the study observed that the change in soil pH caused by NAR was the main reason for the change in soil bacterial community structure. In summary, the effects of NAR on soil microorganisms cannot be underestimated from the perspective of sustainable agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resistance loss and energy consumption when fluid flows through a tee in an HVAC system are severe. To improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, a novel tee with a U-shaped deflector is proposed, supported by experiments and numerical simulations. The resistance reduction mechanism of the U-shaped deflector was analyzed according to the viscous dissipation principle and the field synergy principle. The resistance reduction of the novel tee with different deflector angles and a traditional tee were compared. The results show that the resistance loss of the tee was mainly due to the flow separation and deformation of the fluid in the main branch. The relationship between the local resistance coefficient and the diameter ratio of the main-branch pipe was exponential, and the relationship between the local resistance coefficient and the diameter ratio of the main straight pipe was linear. The total resistance loss reduction rate of the tee with the addition of a 26° deflector was the highest, reaching 72.4%, the volume-weighted average synergy angle increased by 1°, and the viscous dissipation decreased by 21.7%. This study provides a reference for the resistance reduction design of complex local components such as tees in HVAC systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological environment of the Wuling Mountains region has been impacted by climate change and economic development, necessitating immediate reinforcement of ecological protection and restoration measures. The study utilized the normalized vegetation index (NDVI) as a proxy for ecological resilience. NDVI data from 2000 to 2020 were employed to compute the ecological resilience index of the Wuling Mountains area and to examine its spatial and temporal evolution as well as the factors influencing it. The findings indicate that: (1) The ecological resilience index increased in the Wuling Mountains area and Guizhou, Chongqing, and Hunan sub-areas but decreased in the Hubei sub-area. (2) The ecological resilience varies significantly in the Wuling Mountains area and the Guizhou, Hubei, and Hunan sub-regions, whereas it varies less in the Chongqing sub-region. (3) The primary elements influencing the ecological resilience capability of the Wuling Mountains area and its four sub-areas are climate conditions and socio-economic factors, respectively. The study can offer a scientific foundation for ecological conservation and restoration efforts in the Wuling Mountains area, as well as serve as a benchmark for measuring ecological resilience in other environmentally vulnerable regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosa roxburghii Tratt pomace is rich in insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). This study aimed to investigate the influence of three modification methods on Rosa roxburghii Tratt pomace insoluble dietary fiber (RIDF). The three modified RIDFs, named U-RIDF, C-RIDF, and UC-RIDF, were prepared using ultrasound, cellulase, and a combination of ultrasound and cellulase methods, respectively. The structure, physicochemical characteristics, and functional properties of the raw RIDF and modified RIDF were comparatively analyzed. The results showed that all three modification methods, especially the ultrasound–cellulase combination treatment, increased the soluble dietary fiber (SDF) content of RIDF, while also causing a transition in surface morphology from smooth and dense to wrinkled and loose structures. Compared with the raw RIDF, the modified RIDF, particularly UC-RIDF, displayed significantly improved water-holding capacity (WHC), oil-binding capacity (OHC), and swelling capacity (SC), with increases of 12.0%, 84.7%, and 91.3%, respectively. Additionally, UC-RIDF demonstrated the highest nitrite ion adsorption capacity (NIAC), cholesterol adsorption capacity (CAC), and bile salt adsorption capacity (BSAC). In summary, the combination of ultrasound and cellulase treatment proved to be an efficient approach for modifying IDF from RRTP, with the potential for developing a functional food ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]