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We investigate the collapse and expansion dynamics of a linear polyelectrolyte (PE) with hydrodynamic interactions. Using dissipative particle dynamics with a bead–spring PE model, long-range electrostatics, and explicit ions, we examine how the timescales of collapse tcol and expansion texp depend on the chain length N and obtain scaling relationships tcol ∼ Nα and texp ∼ Nβ. For neutral polymers, we derive values of α = 0.94 ± 0.01 and β = 1.97 ± 0.10. Interestingly, the introduction of electrostatic interaction markedly shifts α to α ≈ 1.4 ± 0.1 for salt concentrations within c = 10−4 to 10−2 M. A reduction in the ion-to-monomer size ratio noticeably reduces α. On the other hand, the expansion scaling remains approximately constant, β ≈ 2, regardless of the salt concentration or ion size considered. We find β > α for all conditions considered, implying that expansion is always slower than collapse in the limit of long polymers. This asymmetry is explained by distinct kinetic pathways of collapse and expansion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt (NaCl), is an essential nutrient for survival, while excessive salt can be detrimental. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, internal taste organs in the pharynx are critical gatekeepers impacting the decision to accept or reject a food. Currently, our understanding of the mechanism through which pharyngeal gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) sense high salt are rudimentary. Here, we found that a member of the ionotropic receptor family, Ir60b, is expressed exclusively in a pair of GRNs activated by high salt. Using a two-way choice assay (DrosoX) to measure ingestion volume, we demonstrate that IR60b and two co-receptors IR25a and IR76b are required to prevent high salt consumption. Mutants lacking external taste organs but retaining the internal taste organs in the pharynx exhibit much higher salt avoidance than flies with all taste organs but missing the three IRs. Our findings highlight the vital role for IRs in a pharyngeal GRN to control ingestion of high salt.

BACKGROUND: Information on salt consumption patterns is needed to inform the need for and design of salt reduction strategies. OBJECTIVES: In northern Ghana, this study aimed to estimate household consumption of salt, including salt from bouillon, and compare (estimated) women and childrens salt intake to global recommendations; to estimate the proportion of salt consumed from bouillon; and to identify factors, including knowledge, attitudes, and practices, associated with household salt consumption. METHODS: Employing mixed-methods methodology, we conducted a pilot survey (n = 369 households enrolled) and focus group discussions (FGDs; n = 20) in Tolon and Kumbungu districts (14 urban, 14 rural clusters) (clinicaltrials.gov registry: NCT04632771). Households reported purchases of discretionary salt (DS, table salt) and bouillon cubes. DS and total salt (TS; DS+salt from bouillon) consumption for women (15-49 y) and children (2-5 y) were estimated using the Adult Male Equivalent method and compared with global recommendations (

Epitaxial NiO and CrN thin films were deposited on a single-crystal A l 2 O 3 (1 1 ¯ 02) (r-plane sapphire) using magnetron sputtering. The two materials were intentionally deposited into two different deposition chamber designs and under different conditions (temperature, pressure, gases, and energy of sputtered particles). Despite the differences in the deposition condition and material system, both materials had the same feature with uncommon tilted epitaxial growth. Through an in-depth x-ray diffraction analysis of the NaCl (B1)-structured materials on r-plane sapphire, the full twin domain epitaxial relations were determined and can be described as (110) NaCl (B 1) ∥ (4 4 ¯ 03) A l 2 O 3 and [ 1 1 ¯ 2 ] NaCl (B 1) ∥ [ 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 20 ] A l 2 O 3 . This relationship differs from the previously observed orientation of (100) NaCl (B 1) ∥ (1 1 ¯ 02) A l 2 O 3 and [ 100 ] NaCl (B 1) ∥ [ 10 1 ¯ 0 ] A l 2 O 3 . These results are of general relevance for the growth of the extended NaCl (B1)-structured cubic material family onto a r-plane sapphire substrate where similar epitaxial growth can be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitaxial NiO and CrN thin films were deposited on a single-crystal A l 2 O 3 (1 1 ¯ 02) (r-plane sapphire) using magnetron sputtering. The two materials were intentionally deposited into two different deposition chamber designs and under different conditions (temperature, pressure, gases, and energy of sputtered particles). Despite the differences in the deposition condition and material system, both materials had the same feature with uncommon tilted epitaxial growth. Through an in-depth x-ray diffraction analysis of the NaCl (B1)-structured materials on r-plane sapphire, the full twin domain epitaxial relations were determined and can be described as (110) NaCl (B 1) ∥ (4 4 ¯ 03) A l 2 O 3 and [ 1 1 ¯ 2 ] NaCl (B 1) ∥ [ 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 20 ] A l 2 O 3 . This relationship differs from the previously observed orientation of (100) NaCl (B 1) ∥ (1 1 ¯ 02) A l 2 O 3 and [ 100 ] NaCl (B 1) ∥ [ 10 1 ¯ 0 ] A l 2 O 3 . These results are of general relevance for the growth of the extended NaCl (B1)-structured cubic material family onto a r-plane sapphire substrate where similar epitaxial growth can be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hofmeister series characterizes the ability of salt anions to precipitate polyampholytes/proteins. However, the variation of protein size in the bulk solution of acids and the effect of salts on the same have not been studied well. In this article, the four acids (CH3COOH, HNO3, H2SO4, and HCl) and their effects on the hydrodynamic radius (RH) of gelatin in the bulk solution are investigated. The effects of Na salt with the same anions are also considered to draw a comparison between the interactions of acids and salts with polyampholytes. It is suggested that the interactions of polyampholytes with acids are different from those of salts. The interaction series of polyampholytes with acids with respect to the RH of the polyampholyte is C H 3 CO O − > N O 3 − > C l − > S O 4 2 − whereas the interaction series with salts is S O 4 2 − > C H 3 CO O − > C l − > N O 3 − . These different interactions are due to equilibration between acid dissociation and protonation of polyampholytes. Another important factor contributing to the interactions in weak acids is the fact that undissociated acid hinders the movement of dissociated acid. Experiments and simulations were performed to understand these interactions, and the results were identical in terms of the trend in RH (from the experiments) and the radius of gyration (Rg) (from the simulations). It is concluded that the valence of ions and dissociation affect the interaction in the case of acids. However, the interactions are influenced by the kosmotropic and chaotropic effect, hydration, and mobility in the case of salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of personalized sweat sodium replacement on drinking behavior, sodium and water balance, and thermophysiological responses during and after ultraendurance running in hot conditions. Methods: Nine participants (7 male, 2 female) completed two 5-hour treadmill runs (60% maximum oxygen uptake, 30°C ambient temperature), in a double-blind randomized crossover design, consuming sodium chloride (SODIUM) capsules to replace 100% of previously assessed losses or placebo (PLACEBO). Fluid was consumed ad libitum. Results: No effect of SODIUM was observed for ad libitum fluid intake or net fluid balance (P >.05). Plasma sodium concentration increased in both trials, but to a greater extent in SODIUM at 2.5 hours (mean [SD]: 4 [4] mmol·L−1 vs 1 [5] mmol·L−1; P <.05) and postexercise (4 [3] mmol·L−1 vs 1 [5] mmol·L−1; P <.05). Plasma volume change was not different between trials (P >.05) but was strongly correlated with sodium balance in SODIUM (r =.880, P <.01). No effect of sodium replacement was observed for heart rate, rectal temperature, thermal comfort, perceived exertion, or physiological strain index. During the 24 hours postexercise, ad libitum fluid intake was greater following SODIUM (2541 [711] mL vs 1998 [727] mL; P =.04), as was urinary sodium excretion (NaCl: 66 [35] mmol, Pl: 21 [12] mmol; P <.01). Conclusions: Personalized sweat sodium replacement during ultraendurance running in hot conditions, with ad libitum fluid intake, exacerbated the rise in plasma sodium concentration compared to no sodium replacement but did not substantially influence overall body-water balance or thermophysiological strain. A large sodium deficit incurred during exercise leads to substantial renal sodium conservation postexercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is a powerful experimental tool to probe the local structure in materials with the core hole excitations. Here, the oxygen K-edge XAS spectra of the NaCl solution and pure water are computed by using a recently developed GW-Bethe-Salpeter equation approach, based on configurations modeled by path-integral molecular dynamics with the deep-learning technique. The neural network is trained on ab initio data obtained with strongly constrained and appropriately normed density functional theory. The observed changes in the XAS features of the NaCl solution, compared to those of pure water, are in good agreement between experimental and theoretical results. We provided detailed explanations for these spectral changes that occur when NaCl is solvated in pure water. Specifically, the presence of solvating ion pairs leads to localization of electron-hole excitons. Our theoretical XAS results support the theory that the effects of the solvating ions on the H-bond network are mainly confined within the first hydration shell of ions, however beyond the shell the arrangement of water molecules remains to be comparable to that observed in pure water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleation, the birth of a stable cluster from a disorder, is inherently stochastic. Yet up to date, there are no quantitative studies on NaCl nucleation that accounts for its stochastic nature. Here, we report the first stochastic treatment of NaCl-water nucleation kinetics. Using a recently developed microfluidic system and evaporation model, our measured interfacial energies extracted from a modified Poisson distribution of nucleation time show an excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. Furthermore, analysis of nucleation parameters in 0.5, 1.5, and 5.5 pl microdroplets reveals an interesting interplay between confinement effects and shifting of nucleation mechanisms. Overall, our findings highlight the need to treat nucleation stochastically rather than deterministically to bridge the gap between theory and experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triose phosphate utilization (TPU) limitation is one of the three biochemical limitations of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation rate in C3 plants. Under TPU limitation, abrupt and large transitions in light intensity cause damped oscillations in photosynthesis. When plants are salt-stressed, photosynthesis is often down-regulated particularly under dynamic light intensity, but how salt stress affects TPU-related dynamic photosynthesis is still unknown. To elucidate this, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) was grown with and without sodium chloride (NaCl, 100 mM) stress for 13 d. Under high CO2 partial pressure, rapid increases in light intensity caused profound photosynthetic oscillations. Salt stress reduced photosynthetic oscillations in leaves initially under both low- and high-light conditions and reduced the duration of oscillations by about 2 min. Besides, salt stress increased the threshold for CO2 partial pressure at which oscillations occurred. Salt stress increased TPU capacity without affecting Rubisco carboxylation and electron transport capacity, indicating the up-regulation of end-product synthesis capacity in photosynthesis. Thus salt stress may reduce photosynthetic oscillations by decreasing leaf internal CO2 partial pressure and/or increasing TPU capacity. Our results provide new insights into how salt stress modulates dynamic photosynthesis as controlled by CO2 availability and end-product synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pair of novel polymorphic ionic cocrystals of 3,4‐dicyanotelluradiazole and tetraphenylphosphonium bromide are synthesized and are characterized by single‐crystal XRD. Strong and directional non‐covalent chalcogen bonds (ChB) between Te and Br are analyzed via solid‐state NMR to reveal large and anisotropic J(125Te,79/81Br) coupling tensors, providing unequivocal evidence for non‐Fermi contact contributions across ChBs. Along with large 79/81Br quadrupolar couplings for the Br− anions, these data provide new tools to characterize chalcogen bonds and to differentiate between ChB polymorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization of additives was achieved for hydrogen and butyric acid production modelled through a three-level Box-Behnken Design of the response surface methodology. Seventeen runs were designed with variables of sodium chloride (0.1–5 g/L), sodium thiosulphate (0–200 mg/L) and minerals (Zinc, iron, cupper and nickel (0–0.8 mM). The model fit to a cubic model with a high R2 of 96% and P value of 0.03. Some of the interactive variables have significant effect on butyrate production. The butyrate concentrations were close to the predicted ones. The model showed that higher butyric acid concentrations were observed with low sodium chloride and high sodium thiosulphate and minerals concentrations. Butyrate/Acetate ratios (BA/A), hydrogen production yield and rates increased with mean values of the independent variables. A cumulative hydrogen formation of 155 mL, yield of 2.6 mmol H 2 /mmol lactose, and rate of 3.6 mL/g/h was observed with the highest BA/AA ratio obtained from experiments. [Display omitted] • Box-Behnken design was applied to enhance butyric acid production. • A modified third-order polynomial regression models were developed with high accuracy. • The interactive variables have significant effect on butyric acid production. • The biohydrogen amount produced was the highest among the literature compared. • The highest BA/AA ratio maximizing butyric acid gave a high hydrogen production potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims. Salt exclusion is an important attribute for wine grapes since many countries have limits to the concentration of sodium (Na+) and/or chloride (Cl−) tolerated in wine. The aim was to investigate whole plant capacity for Na+ and Cl‾ exclusion and the within-plant partitioning of accumulated ions to better understand these important salt tolerance traits. Methods and Results. Rooted cuttings of 140 Ruggeri and K51-40 (good and poor shoot Cl− excluders, respectively) and five hybrids from a cross between the two genotypes were used. When challenged with salinity, 140 Ruggeri limited the accumulation of Cl− and Na+ in the stem, petioles, and laminae and had a significantly lower whole plant concentration of Cl− and Na+ when compared to K51-40. The latter indicates that 140 Ruggeri accumulates less Cl− and Na+ than K51-40 by a lower uptake or a potentially greater efflux by roots, or both. While K51-40 accumulated significantly more Na+, it was able to retrieve it from the xylem; store it in the roots, stem, and petiole; and keep the lamina concentration comparable to that of 140 Ruggeri. Petioles of all genotypes appeared to play a role in limiting Cl− accumulation in laminae and particularly for K51-40, to limit Na+ accumulation in laminae. Conclusions. The grapevine capacity for Cl− and Na+ exclusion can be defined primarily as the lower net accumulation on a whole plant basis, reflecting the difference between the uptake and any efflux that may occur. Lower root to shoot transport is a key factor in shoot Cl− and Na+ exclusion. Petiole accumulation assists in limiting the Cl− and Na+ accumulation in the laminae. Significance of the Study. The study addressed the knowledge gap by examining Cl− and Na+ exclusion on a whole plant basis, highlighting a range of within-plant mechanisms that act in limiting the accumulation of both ions in the laminae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt efflorescence is one of the critical problems for the preservation of immovable silicate relics. Salt efflorescence mainly comes from continuous cycles of crystallization/dissolution or hydration/dehydration of salts in confined pores in silicate relics. Many protocols have been developed in attempts to alleviate possible salt damages with minor success because of endless water and salt feed from underground. In this study, we propose and design a novel technique for salt damage prevention and protection of immovable relics. Materials with higher water-absorbing ability than matrix are applied to control the water and salt migration direction in simulated sand samples. The distribution of moisture content on the surface of sand is followed by hyperspectral imaging. It appears that water and salt molecules will preferentially transport towards positions containing higher water-absorbing material. Both organic and inorganic high water-absorbing materials show effective in controlling the water and salt migration direction, which provides a new approach for the prevention and protection of salt efflorescence in silicate cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a new generation of anticorrosion pigments for paints remains an important challenge to replace the usual sparingly-soluble pigments and thus avoid the dissemination of heavy metals in the environment and the formation of holes in polymer coatings. For this purpose, α-zirconium hydrogenophosphate (Zr(HPO4)2·H2O, denoted as α-ZrP) was intercalated with the corrosion inhibitor 2-aminobenzimidazole (ABIM). Various microstructural analyses have proven the insertion of ABIM in the interlayer space by an acid–base exchange reaction and allowed us to propose a structural model for the new ABIM-ZrP pigment. The anticorrosion properties on zinc of the ABIM-ZrP, characterized by electrochemical measurements in 0.1 M NaCl, are due to the release of ABIM molecules by an ion-exchange reaction and the pH-buffer effect of α-ZrP and the amine group of ABIM. Compared to the commercial aluminium tri-phosphate (ATP) pigment, an alkyd-polymer coating loaded with the ABIM-ZrP pigment shows very interesting electrochemical behaviour by avoiding the blistering of the polymer coating and the beginning of zinc corrosion. This effect may be due to both the tortuous effect brought by the platelet shape of the pigments and the release of ABIM once the water uptake of the polymer becomes significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EC 19529−4430 was identified as a helium-rich star in the Edinburgh–Cape (EC) Survey of faint-blue objects and subsequently resolved as a metal-poor extreme helium (EHe) star in the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) survey of chemically peculiar hot subdwarfs. This paper presents a fine analysis of the SALT high-resolution spectrum. EC 19529−4430 has |$T_{\rm eff} = 20\, 700 \pm 250$|  K, |$\log g /{\rm cm\, s^{-2}} = 3.49\pm 0.03$|⁠ , and an overall metallicity some 1.3 dex below solar; surface hydrogen is |$\approx 0.5~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| by number. The surface CNO ratio 1:100:8 implies that the surface consists principally of CNO-processed helium and makes EC 19529−4430 the coolest known carbon-poor and nitrogen-rich EHe star. Metal-rich analogues include V652 Her and GALEX J184559.8−413827. Kinematically, its retrograde orbit indicates membership of the Galactic halo. No pulsations were detected in TESS photometry and there is no evidence for a binary companion. EC 19529−4430 most likely formed from the merging of two helium white dwarfs, which themselves formed as a binary system some 11 Gyr ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline and mesocrystalline zinc ferrite were successfully fabricated via a solvo-thermal method using different salt precursors. This study found that when iron sulfate salt was used as a precursor, polycrystalline zinc ferrite was formed. Polycrystalline zinc ferrite is a well-dispersed 400-nm sphere solid particle. Primary nano-crystals have highly preferred orientations; however, defects exist among the particles. When iron chloride salt was used as a substitute as a prime material, mesocrystalline zinc ferrite was synthesised. The products are shaped as hollow-spheres with an average size of approximately 500 nm and are composed of nano-crystal sub-units aligned in a highly oriented crystallographic structure. Zinc ferrite mesocrystalline samples have many voids, and the inter-spaces of their structure indicate the high porosity hollow-sphere architecture of zinc ferrite. The experimental results show that specific adsorption of Cl− and SO 4 2− ions on the surface plays a crucial role during the growth process of products with different morphologies and crystallographic structures. Cl− adsorption on the surface may promote the formation of mesocrystal hollow-sphere particles; whereas, SO 4 2− gives rise to polycrystalline solid spheres. The use of the as-prepared products as catalysts for the photo-Fenton degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) with an H 2 O 2 oxidant under visible-light irradiation and the effects of reaction conditions, including pH, catalyst amount and H 2 O 2 contratentation on the removal of RhB, were investigated. The reuse of the catalysts and a possible catalytic mechanism were also proposed. These results indicate that mesocrystalline hollow-sphere zinc ferrite is a favourable catalyst for dye degradation photo-Fenton processes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the late stage of underground brine mining in salt lakes, the method of injecting fresh water is often used to extract the salt from the brine storage medium. This method of freshwater displacement breaks the original water–rock equilibrium and changes the evolution process of the original underground brine. To explore the mechanism of salt release in saline water-bearing media under conditions of relatively fresh lake water dissolution, this paper analyzes the changes in the chemical parameters of brine from 168 sampling points in the Mahai salt lake in the Qaidam Basin at three stages (before exploitation, during exploitation, and late exploitation) by correlation analysis, ion ratio analysis, and other methods and investigate the variations in porosity and the evolution laws of brine. The results show that the changes in the main ion content and brine mineralization during the exploitation process are small. The changes in Ca2+ content are significant due to the low solubility of calcium minerals, the precipitation of gypsum during the mixing process, and the adsorption of cations by alternating with Ca2+. Primary intergranular pore skeletons are easily corroded to form secondary pores, which increase the geological porosity. Na+ and Cl- are the dominant ions in the brine in the study area, but the concentration of Ca2 + decreased significantly under the influence of mining, by 41.7% in the middle period and 24.5% in the late period. The correlation between Ca2+ and salinity changes significantly in different mining stages, and the reason for the decrease of Ca2+ may be due to the influence of mineral dissolution, mixing, and anion-cation exchange. The porosity of the layer in the study area showed the opposite trend of Ca2+, and the porosity increased first and then decreased. The innovation of this paper lies in analyzing the reasons and mechanisms of the disturbance of artificial dissolution mining on stratum structure by comparing the hydrochemical characteristics and porosity of underground brine storage media in three different mining stages. The research in this paper provides a theoretical basis for the calculation of brine resource reserves and the sustainable development of underground brine in salt lake areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphen, ein transparentes, zweidimensionales, leitfähiges Material, hat verschiedenen wässrigen technologischen Systemen, wie Entsalzungsmembranen, chemischen Sensoren, Energiespeichern und Energieumwandlungsgeräten, neue Perspektiven eröffnet. Informationen auf molekularer Ebene von Graphen im Kontakt mit wässrigen Elektrolyten, wie z. B. Wasserorientierung und die Struktur von Wasserstoffbrückenbindungen, sind jedoch nach wie vor schwer fassbar oder umstritten. Hier setzen wir oberflächenspezifische heterodyne detektierte Summenfrequenzspektroskopie (HD‐SFG) ein, um die molekulare Wasserstruktur an einer frei schwebenden Graphen/Wasser‐Grenzfläche zu untersuchen.Wir vergleichen die Antwort des Luft/Graphen/Wasser Systems mit der der Luft/Wasser‐Grenzfläche. Unsere Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass das χyyz2 ${{\chi }_{yyz}^{\left(2\right)}}$ ‐Spektrum, des Luft/Graphen/Wasser‐Systems von den obersten 1–2 Wasserschichten in Kontakt mit Graphen herrührt, wobei das Graphen selbst keine signifikantes SFG‐Signal erzeugt. Im Vergleich zum Signal an der Luft/Wassergrenzfläche beeinflusst das Vorhandensein von Monolagen‐Graphen Wasser an der Grenzfläche nur schwach. Graphen wirkt sich schwach auf die hängende O−H‐Gruppe aus, indem es ihre Frequenz durch die Wechselwirkung mit der Graphenschicht senkt, und hat eine geringe Wirkung auf die Wasserstoffbrücken‐gebundene O−H‐Gruppe. Molekulardynamiksimulationen bestätigen unsere experimentellen Beobachtungen. Unsere Arbeit bietet einen molekularen Einblick in die Grenzflächenstruktur an einer suspendierten Graphen/Wasser‐Grenzfläche, die für verschiedene technologische Anwendungen von Graphen relevant ist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Members of the ACR gene family are commonly involved in various physiological processes, including amino acidmetabolismand stress responses. In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the study of ACR genes in plants. However, little is known about their characteristics and function in maize. Methods: In this study, ACR genes were identified from the maize genome, and their molecular characteristics, gene structure, gene evolution, gene collinearity analysis, cis-acting elements were analyzed. qRT-PCR technology was used to verify the expression patterns of the ZmACR gene family in different tissues under salt stress. In addition, Ectopic expression technique of ZmACR5 in Arabidopsis thaliana was utilized to identify its role in response to salt stress. Results: A total of 28 ZmACR genes were identified, and their molecular characteristics were extensively described. Two gene pairs arising from segmented replication events were detected in maize, and 18 collinear gene pairs were detected between maize and 3 other species. Through phylogenetic analysis, three subgroups were revealed, demonstrating distinct divergence between monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Analysis of ZmACR cis-acting elements revealed the optional involvement of ZmACR genes in light response, hormone response and stress resistance. Expression analysis of 8 ZmACR genes under salt treatment clearly revealed their role in the response to salt stress. Ectopic overexpression of ZmACR5 in Arabidopsis notably reduced salt tolerance compared to that of the wild type under salt treatment, suggesting that ZmACR5 has a negative role in the response to salt stress. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings confirmed the involvement of ZmACR genes in regulating salt stress and contributed significantly to our understanding of the molecular function of ACR genes in maize, facilitating further research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional lithium salts are difficult to meet practical application demand of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) under high voltages and temperatures. LiPF6, as the most commonly used lithium salt, still suffers from notorious moisture sensitivity and inferior thermal stability under those conditions. Here, we synthesize a lithium salt of lithium perfluoropinacolatoborate (LiFPB) comprising highly‐fluorinated and borate functional groups to address the above issues. It is demonstrated that the LiFPB shows superior thermal and electrochemical stability without any HF generation under high temperatures and voltages. In addition, the LiFPB can form a protective outer‐organic and inner‐inorganic rich cathode electrolyte interphase on LiCoO2 (LCO) surface. Simultaneously, the FPB− anions tend to integrate into lithium ion solvation structure to form a favorable fast‐ion conductive LiBxOy based solid electrolyte interphase on lithium (Li) anode. All these fantastic features of LiFPB endow LCO (1.9 mAh cm−2)/Li metal cells excellent cycling under both high voltages and temperatures (e.g. 80 % capacity retention after 260 cycles at 60 °C and 4.45 V), and even at an extremely elevated temperature of 100 °C. This work emphasizes the important role of salt anions in determining the electrochemical performance of LMBs at both high temperature and voltage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decatungstate is a potent photocatalyst for hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) but faces degradation issues when using a typical tetra-n-butylammonium salt. Herein, we employed tetraphenylphosphonium as a countercation to yield a highly durable and efficient HAT photocatalyst, enabling α-oxygenation of amides to their corresponding imides using O2 as an oxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diverse array of simple benzoin compounds featuring aryl and heteroaryl substituents were prepared from corresponding aldehydes, achieving moderate to excellent yields. To achieve this, a library of NHC precursors was designed and synthesized from imidazole and benzimidazole. Our custom‐designed NHC precursors (L1–L10) varied in size and structure. Built on imidazolinium and benzimidazolinium salts, these catalysts sported substituents at the N1 and N3 positions ranging from compact groups like butyl or benzyl to the much bulkier anthracenyl group. Treatment with a base transforms these salts into highly effective NHC precursors. After being activated, these NHCs become highly effective catalysts for the benzoin condensation reaction. We tested all the NHC precursors we made and found that L10, the one containing the large and bulky anthracenyl group attached to a benzimidazolium ring, worked the best for making benzoin derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open-ocean polynyas formed over the Maud Rise, in the Weddell Sea, during the winters of 2016-2017. Such polynyas are rare events in the Southern Ocean and are associated with deep convection, affecting regional carbon and heat budgets. Using an ocean state estimate, we found that during 2017, early sea ice melting occurred in response to enhanced vertical mixing of heat, which was accompanied by mixing of salt. The melting sea ice compensated for the vertically mixed salt, resulting in a net buoyancy gain. An additional salt input was then necessary to destabilize the upper ocean. This came from a hitherto unexplored polynya-formation mechanism: an Ekman transport of salt across a jet girdling the northern flank of the Maud Rise. Such transport was driven by intensified eastward surface stresses during 2015-2018. Our results illustrate how highly localized interactions between wind, ocean flow and topography can trigger polynya formation in the open Southern Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerning the emerging power-to-gas technologies, which are considered the most promising technology for seasonal renewable energy storage, Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) has gained attention in the last few years. For safe and efficient storage, possible hydrogen losses due to dissolution into the aquifer must be estimated accurately. Due to safety concerns, experimental measurements of hydrogen solubility in brine at reservoir conditions are limited. In this study, a PVT cell is used to characterize the solubility of hydrogen and its mixtures with methane in saline water/brine. The experiments were carried out at 45, 50, and 55°C and from 1 bar up to 500 bar, mimicking a significant range of possible reservoir conditions. Two brine samples representative of two different reservoirs were tested. Two mixtures of methane and hydrogen (10 mol% H2 and 50 mol% H2, respectively) were considered, along with pure hydrogen, to account for the presence of methane in the primary phase of hydrogen storage in a depleted gas reservoir. In the current paper, a comparison of the experimental results with literature models is provided. At the experiment conditions, the impact of the differences in the composition of the two analyzed brines as well as the impact of the analyzed range of temperatures was not significant. Conversely, a non-negligible variation in terms of the slope of the solubility curve was observed as a function of the gas mixture composition: the curve increased more steeply as the percentage of hydrogen reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water‐soluble mixture of a novel diallylammonium salt photoinitiator based on 2‐hydroxy‐1‐[4‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy) phenyl]‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanone (Irgacure 2959 or I2959) and diallylammonium tosylate has been prepared. It shows excellent water‐solubility of 6.8 wt% in water, much greater than the solubility of I2959 (<2 wt%). It has a strong absorbance at 269 nm (ε ~ 15731) in methanol. It exhibits 15.6 times higher migration stability than I2959 due to its monomeric nature. Its photoinitiating efficiency of 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA, Mn = 575 D) was found to be similar to I2959. PEGDA hydrogels prepared using the synthesized photoinitiator (PI) were found to have highly porous structures (15.44 μm) compared with those using I2959. PEGDA film prepared using this PI has demonstrated antibacterial properties against gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442) and gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 23235) bacterial species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2300 mg/d for adults to reduce cardiovascular and hypertension risk. Salt substitutes could play a role to help individuals reach this goal. This systematic review examined the evidence from randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness and harms of salt substitution for mortality, cardiovascular events, and adverse events after at least 6 months. Background: Salt substitution is a simple yet increasingly promising strategy to improve cardiovascular outcomes. Purpose: To evaluate the long-term effects of salt substitution on cardiovascular outcomes. Data Sources: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and CINAHL searched from inception to 23 August 2023. Trial registries, citation analysis, and hand-search were also done. Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing provision of or advice to use a salt substitute with no intervention or use of regular salt among adults for 6 months or longer in total study duration. Data Extraction: Two authors independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Primary outcomes include mortality, major cardiovascular events (MACE), and adverse events at 6 months or greater. Secondary and post hoc outcomes include blood pressure, cause-specific mortality, and urinary excretion at 6 months or greater. Random-effects meta-analyses were done and certainty of effect estimates were assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Data Synthesis: Of the 16 included RCTs, 8 reported on primary outcomes. Most (n  = 7 of 8) were done in China or Taiwan, 3 were done in residential facilities, and 7 included populations of older age (average 62 years) and/or with higher-than-average cardiovascular risk. In this population, salt substitute may reduce risk for all-cause mortality (6 RCTs; 27 710 participants; rate ratio [RR], 0.88 [95% CI, 0.82 to 0.93]; low certainty) and cardiovascular mortality (4 RCTs; 25 050 participants; RR, 0.83 [CI, 0.73 to 0.95]; low certainty). Salt substitute may result in a slight reduction in MACE (3 RCTs; 23 215 participants; RR, 0.85 [CI, 0.71 to 1.00]; very low certainty), with very low-certainty evidence of serious adverse events (6 RCTs; 27 995 participants; risk ratio, 1.04 [CI, 0.87 to 1.25]) Limitations: The evidence base is dominated by a single, large RCT. Most RCTs were from China or Taiwan and involved participants with higher-than-average cardiovascular risk; therefore, generalizability to other populations is very limited. Conclusion: Salt substitution may reduce all-cause or cardiovascular mortality, but the evidence for reducing cardiovascular events and for not increasing serious adverse events is uncertain, particularly for a Western population. The certainty of evidence is higher among populations at higher cardiovascular risk and/or following a Chinese diet. Primary Funding Source: National Health and Medical Research Council. (PROSPERO: CRD42022327566) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obtaining and interpreting blood gases and electrolytes is fundamental to the management of many critically ill patients. In such conditions, the speed and accuracy of tests, particularly ABG and electrolytes, to detect and monitor metabolic derangements is very important. Even though most ABG equipment can measure electrolyte concentrations, 2 separate samples -one whole blood and the other -serum are drawn and sent for analysis. Also there is a lack of consensus on the interchangeability of the values of electrolytes obtained from the two machines, which prevents the use of just one sample for the estimation of both these analytes. This study is being undertaken to assess the concordance between whole blood electrolytes measured by a point-of-care device and serum electrolytes measured in an auto-analyzer. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional, data of samples from patients hospitalized, in a tertiary care between January 2017 to March 2018. Patients of all age groups tested for electrolytes i.e. Sodium, Potassium and Chloride were both by the ABL800 FLEX from RADIOMETER COPENHAGEN (Direct ISE technology) and Dimension Clinical Chemistry System from SIEMENS (Indirect ISE technology). Results & Conclusion: There were a total of 255 samples were used for the study in whom electrolytes was done by both ABG analyser and Chemistry Analyser. The values of sodium potassium and chloride done on ABG analyser and the Chemistry analyser the p value was statistically significant it was found to have a strong positive correlation (r = 0.8325 for K+; r = 0.8763 for Na+; and r = 0.8695 for Cl-). Furthermore, the Bland Altman plot showed that the values were lying between the 95% CI of the mean difference which shows there is a good agreement between the two instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities may be at higher risk of salt intake than recommended given the use of a combination of discretionary sources and exposure to processed foods within a western country. This survey aimed to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward dietary salt and the acceptability of salt substitutes in the CALD communities. An online cross‐sectional survey was conducted among adults who self‐reported being a part of a CALD community, which was defined as non‐Indigenous cultural groups in Australia having cultural or linguistic connections with their overseas place of birth, ancestry or ethnic origin, religion, preferred language or language spoken at home. A total of 218 respondents opened the survey link. A total of 196 completed the entire survey. The majority of respondents (162, 83%) were aware that high salt intake causes serious health problems. Altogether 134 (69%) respondents were aware that there is a recommended amount for daily salt consumption although only 59 (44%) knew precise recommendations as <5 g salt per day. Around one quarter of the respondents rarely or never looked for ‟low in salt" or ‟reduced salt" messages on food labels when shopping. Over half specified they always or often added salt during cooking or preparing foods in the household. Almost 4 in 5 CALD respondents were willing to reduce their salt intake for health and 3 in 4 were open to trying a salt substitute. Further research into the utility of a salt substitute intervention in the Australian CALD community is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objectives: A central venous catheter (CVC)—a type of central venous access device (CVAD)—is the most common intervention for critical illnesses. Obstruction of the CVC can lead to fatal consequences. Thus, it is critical to maintain catheter lumen patency. The CVC occlusion rate in a hospital in Taiwan was 33%. This project aimed to decrease the CVC occlusion rate in acute care. Methods: This project was conceptually informed by the JBI Evidence-Based Model of Healthcare, in particular, the conceptualization of evidence implementation as inclusive of context analysis, implementation, and evaluation of outcomes using evidence-based quality indicators. As part of the seven-phase implementation process, we used audit and feedback in a pre- and post-test design to measure baseline compliance. Based on the initial audit, we developed an implementation strategy responsive to the identified gaps in compliance. We then undertook a final audit to measure changes in compliance to evaluate our implementation effects. The JBI software, PACES, and the situational analysis software, GRiP, were used for data collection and implementation planning. There were six evidence-based criteria, with a sample size of 30 nurses for each criterion. The team carried out the project from September 2022 to January 2023. Results: Post-implementation audit compliance rates increased to 100% for the following criteria: the organization had a standardized flushing and locking solution protocol (0%), the CVAD lumen was locked upon completion of the final flush (10%), a single-dose system was used for flushing and locking the CVAD (60%), and preservative-free 0.9% sodium chloride was used to flush the CVAD (60%). Furthermore, the CVC occlusion rate decreased from 33% to 5%. Conclusions: The project successfully decreased the rate of CVC occlusion and increased the competence of nurses in acute care settings. The implementation of best practices in clinical care should focus on leadership, cross-department coordination, education, and innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high salt content of food waste (FW) severely limits microbial physiological activity and reduces its biodegradability. In this study, a salt‐tolerant thermophilic bacterial agent that consists of four different substrate degradation functional strains was evaluated for efficient high salt and oily FW in solid‐state aerobic biodegradation disposers. The phy‐chemical properties, enzyme activities, microbial community structure, and function during the biodegradation process were evaluated under high salt (5%) stress. The results showed that the agent promoted the degradation rate, increased the matrix temperature, decreased the moisture content (MC), and enhanced enzyme activities without putrid smell. High‐throughput sequencing indicated community structure succession between different groups and the positive contribution of the inoculated functional strains. During the FW biodegradation process, the Bacillus sp. inoculated was the dominant genus in the agent group. Furthermore, CCA further confirmed the positive effects of the four inoculated strains on high salt and oily FW aerobic biodegradation. Functional prediction and metabolite results both confirmed that the agent was more efficient in carbon, amino acid, and lipid metabolism, which demonstrated that the synthetic microbial consortium holds a potential advantage for efficiency and subsequent resource utilization for organic fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current manuscript focuses on the isolation of a potent lipase-producing mesophilic bacteria and explores the optimization of culture parameters to enhance lipase production. From a total of 83 bacterial isolates, after screening on tributyrin agar plate, rhodamine olive oil agar plate, and submerged fermentation studies, the isolate VT 1 with a lipase activity of 23.85 U/mL was selected. The potent isolate VT 1 was identified as Serratia marcescens (accession number OM757842) based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and standard morphological and biochemical procedures. The lipase production was optimized by a statistical approach using response surface methodology after identifying the significant factors with Plackett-Burman design using Design-Expert, version 11 software. Nutrient factors- peptone, yeast extract, sodium chloride, and olive oil- were identified as the significant factors. Its optimization via central composite design of response surface methodology with Design-Expert, version 11 (olive oil: 50 mL/L, sodium chloride: 8.87 g/L, peptone: 8.15 g/L, yeast extract: 10 g/L) resulted in an enhanced experimental lipase activity of 55.95 U/mL in comparison to the predicted lipase activity of 56.858 U/mL. The study brought forth the isolation of a lipase-producing Serratia marcescens strain VT 1 and highlighted the importance of optimizing culture parameters for augmented production of lipase. The optimization via response surface methodology resulted in a 2.34-fold increase in lipase production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Manganese application can mitigate salinity stress. • Manganese application reduced the Na ions in the roots and increased the k in the plants. • mTERF expressions of plants under salinity stress differ according to the severity and duration of the stress. Salinity has been the subject of research for many years. However, salt stress studies on ornamental plants have increased recently. It is very important to determine the responses of bedding flowers, which are widely used in landscaping, to salt stress, and to strengthen the defense against stress. Ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleareacea L.) is widely used bedding flower in winter. The aim of this study was determining the effects of foliar application of manganese (Mn) on morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular parameters in ornamental cabbage ('Pigeon Purple F1′) under salt stress. Plants were irrigated with 4 different irrigation solutions which containing 0 [control], 75, 150 and 300 mM NaCl concentrations and Mn (4000 ppm) was sprayed to the leaves on 0, 7th and 14th days of the salt stress application. The application of manganese did alleviate the negative effects of salinity on shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight in 75 mM NaCl plants. Ion leakage for 0 and 75 mM NaCl decreased with foliar spraying of Mn, but relative water content of plants did not change with Mn application. Lipid peroxidation (7.6 %) and H 2 O 2 (hydrogen peroxide) (21.3 %) contents increased with Mn foliar spraying. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase activity did not change with Mn application under salinity. The highest catalase activity obtained from 150 mM (13.81 Unit g −1 leaf) and 300 mM NaCl (16.00 Unit g −1 leaf) which treated with Mn. Root Na content was lower with Mn-treated plants when compared control plants under salt stress. Foliar spraying of Mn significantly increased the K content of the plants. Furthermore, Na/K and Na/Ca ratios which are important indicators for salt stress also decreased by Mn application under saline conditions. In addition, m TERF genes were measured by using the q-RT PCR. In most cases, mTERF expression was slightly induced by salinity, while manganese application generally led to downregulation of mTERFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of salt reduction by NaCl sprinkling and NaCl substitution with 25% calcium lactate on the quality of blue cheese were evaluated. Sprinkling reduced sodium content by 35% and substitution reduced sodium content by 47%. The salt‐reduced cheeses had a higher calcium content, vitamin B2, B6, and B12 levels, and a higher rate of proteolysis. Sensory and texture profile analysis found that the salt‐reduced cheeses had a less salty taste and were less firm. These methods enabled significant salt reduction but had negative effects on the cheese properties, and so further work is needed to diminish these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This multiscale study aimed to evaluate the effects of different salts (NaCl, KCl, MgCl 2 , and CaCl 2) on the foaming capacity (FC) and foam stability (FS) of model protein systems (MPS) for infant formula via changes in surface and structural properties. Our results showed that the FC and FS of MPS were increased with the addition of NaCl, KCl, and MgCl 2 , whereas CaCl 2 significantly decreased FC (79.5 ± 10.6%) and increased FS (93.2 ± 2.2%). The surface hydrophobicity was increased and the net charge and surface tension were reduced after the addition of salts. Structural analysis revealed the reduction of intensity of intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy and UV absorption, and the conversion of α-helix into β-strand, which was attributed to protein agglomeration. Additionally, MgCl 2 and CaCl 2 exhibited larger size and lower net charge compared with NaCl and KCl, indicating a greater ability to bind to charged amino acids and form larger aggregates. Correlation analysis indicated that FC was positively related to adsorbed protein and β-turn and negatively correlated with particle size. In addition, FS showed a positive correlation with β-strand, apparent viscosity, and zeta potential. However, it exhibited a negative correlation with β-turn, α-helix, and sulfhydryl content. These results provide a theoretical reference for further understanding of the effect of salts on the foaming properties of MPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the policies of Socialist Poland towards the non-aligned Pan-African state of Mali during the Presidency of Modibo Keita (1960-1968). Mali was one of three 'radical' West African states in which the Eastern bloc and the People's Republic of China made inroads in the first post-colonial decade. Poland, like other Eastern bloc countries, placed great emphasis in its public diplomacy on support of 'Third World' countries as they freed themselves from colonialism. The article shows that, in the case of Mali, these publicly stated aims sharply contrasted with socialist Poland's policies on the ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcriptional regulatory networks are pivotal components of plant's response to salt stress. However, plant adaptation strategies varied as a function of stress intensity, which is mainly modulated by climate change. Here, we determined the gene regulatory networks based on transcription factor (TF) TF_gene co-expression, using two transcriptomic data sets generated from the salt-tolerant "Tebaba" roots either treated with 50 mM NaCl (mild stress) or 150 mM NaCl (severe stress). The analysis of these regulatory networks identified specific TFs as key regulatory hubs as evidenced by their multiple interactions with different target genes related to stress response. Indeed, under mild stress, NAC and bHLH TFs were identified as central hubs regulating nitrogen storage process. Moreover, HSF TFs were revealed as a regulatory hub regulating various aspects of cellular metabolism including flavonoid biosynthesis, protein processing, phenylpropanoid metabolism, galactose metabolism, and heat shock proteins. These processes are essentially linked to short-term acclimatization under mild salt stress. This was further consolidated by the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis showing structural and plant growth adjustment. Conversely, under severe salt stress, dramatic metabolic changes were observed leading to novel TF members including MYB family as regulatory hubs controlling isoflavonoid biosynthesis, oxidative stress response, abscisic acid signaling pathway, and proteolysis. The PPI network analysis also revealed deeper stress defense changes aiming to restore plant metabolic homeostasis when facing severe salt stress. Overall, both the gene co-expression and PPI network provided valuable insights on key transcription factor hubs that can be employed as candidates for future genetic crop engineering programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Debranched starch (DBS) is widely used for the preparation of retrograded resistant starch type 3 due to its linear molecular feature. Upon application, interactions of the DBS with food ingredients can cause rheological and textural changes in cooked foods. This study aimed to investigate the individual effects of salt, sucrose and native starch at varying concentrations on gelation and rheological behaviour of debranched cassava starch (DBCS). Adding salt (NaCl; 0.5%–2.0% w/w) delayed gel formation. Frequency sweep tests of these gels indicated an apparent elastic solid‐like behaviour with or without salt. However, the gel weakened with increasing salt concentration. This result was confirmed by reduced gel hardness and gumminess. Unlike salt, adding sugar (sucrose; 5%–15% w/w) and native cassava starch (0.5%–20.0% w/w) enhanced gel formation. Gels incorporating sucrose or native starch displayed elastic solid‐like behaviour and had higher stiffness than the control. However, the dependence of their elastic moduli on frequency differed. The G′ and G″ of DBCS gels with native starch fluctuated with frequency. Texture analysis confirmed that the gels incorporating sucrose or native starch had higher strength than the control. In conclusion, salt delays gelation and reduces gel strength while sucrose and native starch show the opposite effects. Further research on the effects of other food ingredients especially protein and lipid as well as mixed ingredients on DBS gel properties is needed to gain a better understanding of DBS gel behaviours in real food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The two major storage proteins of soymilk are the globulins 7S and 11S. Freeze–thaw fractionation is a simple method for separating these proteins in raw soymilk. In this study, we assessed the freeze–thaw fractionation ability of raw soymilk under various pH (4.3–11.6) conditions and added salt (sodium chloride) concentrations (0.00–0.67 mol L−1). RESULTS: We successfully achieved fractionation within a pH range of 5.8–6.7 and when the salt concentration was 0.22 mol L−1 or lower. Analysis of particle size distribution and microscopic examination of soymilk revealed no direct correlation between particle size and freeze–thaw fractionation ability. Interestingly, it was confirmed that the ranges of zeta potential values associated with successful freeze–thaw fractionation in raw soymilk remained consistent across different pH and salt concentration conditions. These ranges were between −23 and −28 mV at pH levels ranging from 5.8 to 6.7 and between −18 and −29 mV at added salt concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.22 mol L−1. CONCLUSION: The pH and salt concentration in raw soymilk markedly influence the freeze–thaw fractionation process. We confirmed that the range of zeta potential values where fractionation was possible remained consistent under various pH and salt concentration conditions. These findings suggest that the zeta potential value might serve as an indicator for evaluating the freeze–thaw fractionation ability of raw soymilk. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]