Flavonoid extracts from chrysanthemum with appropriate anthocyanins turn blue when exposed to iron ions

Although some species that accumulate only cyanidin(Cy)in nature can produce blue flowers through iron ions,there has been no evidence of blue chrysanthemums being generated in this manner.This study revealed that flavonoid extracts from the ray florets of the chrysanthemum cultivar‘Wandai Fengguang’turned blue when exposed to Fe^(3+).Samples that could turn blue were labeled as CB(Cy-determined blue flowers),while samples that did not turn blue were labeled as CN(Cy-determined non-blue flowers).After a series of experiments,a stable screening system was established using flavonoid extracts containing NaAc buffer at pH 5.5 and a total anthocyanin concentration(TAC)of 30 μmol·L^(-1),and the addition of Fe^(3+)from 0 to 0.25 μmol·L^(-1)allowed for the selection of five CB samples from 39 chrysanthemum cultivars.All five CB samples exhibited flower color phenotypes that belonged to Cluster-I with redness(a*)values ranging from 29.03 to 45.99,yellowness(b*)values from-11.31 to 3.77,and brightness(L*)values from 29.07 to 45.99.Additionally,the ratio of TAC to total luteolin concentration(TLC)was found to be a critical factor for distinguishing between CB and CN samples.To realize the desired blue hue in the flavonoid extracts with the participation of Fe^(3+),a TAC to TLC ratio of 2.25 and above is required.Moreover,the protoplasts and ray florets of CB samples that turned blue with the involvement of Fe^(2+)showed great potential for cultivating blue chrysanthemums through ferric-anthocyanin chelate.Overall,this study reveals that blue flowers can be cultivated through the increase in the iron ion concentration,combined with the accumulation of Cy.

Correlation between Neutrophil Percentage-to-albumin Ratio and Coronary Heart Disease Complicated with Diabetes Mellitus

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore the relationship between neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio(NPAR)and coronary heart disease complicated with diabetes.[Methods]A total of 603 patients with coronary heart disease who underwent coronary angiography in Pingquan County Hospital from January,2023 to December,2023 and met the inclusion criteria were included as the research object.All the patients were divided into a coronary heart disease complicated with diabetes group(CAD+T2DM group)(n=298 cases)and a control group(CAD group)(n=305 cases),according to patients medical history,heart color ultrasound and biochemical test results.The clinical data,biochemical test results and coronary artery imaging data of patients were recorded,and the Gensini score was calculated.The neutrophil percentage(NEUT%)and albumin count were determined to calculate NPAR.[Results]The NPAR value of the coronary heart disease complicated with diabetes mellitus group was(1.6±0.42),which was significantly higher than that of the control group(1.47±0.49),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The area under the ROC curve was 0.619(95%CI:0.591-0.675,P<0.05),and the prediction of coronary heart disease complicated with diabetes using NPAR showed a Youden index of 0.31,a sensitivity of 60.4%,a specificity of 40.3%,and a best cut-off score of 1.4506.[Conclusions]The neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio(NPAR)is closely related to coronary heart disease complicated with diabetes mellitus,and NPAR has clinical application value in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease complicated with diabetes mellitus.

Adaptive optics based on machine learning: a review

Adaptive optics techniques have been developed over the past half century and routinely used in large ground-based telescopes for more than 30 years.Although this technique has already been used in various applications,the basic setup and methods have not changed over the past 40 years.In recent years,with the rapid development of artificial in-telligence,adaptive optics will be boosted dramatically.In this paper,the recent advances on almost all aspects of adapt-ive optics based on machine learning are summarized.The state-of-the-art performance of intelligent adaptive optics are reviewed.The potential advantages and deficiencies of intelligent adaptive optics are also discussed.

Tobacco Rattle Virus-induced Phytoene Desaturase (PDS) Silencing in Centaurea cyanus

Virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS)is a genetic tool used to assess gene function.Tobacco rattle virus(TRV)is a VIGS vector commonly used to induce endogenous gene silencing in plants.However,there is no VIGS system established for Centaurea spp.We evaluated the effectiveness of a TRV-based VIGS system using phytoene desaturase(PDS)as a reporter gene in Centaurea cyanus.Three methods including pressure-,vacuum-and apical meristem-infiltrationwere tested to infect C.cyanus seedlings.Photobleached leaveswere only obtained using apicalmeristem-infiltration after a 14 d treatment.The CcPDS transcripts in photobleached leaves were significantly reduced compared with that in green leaves treated with empty TRV.Four C.cyanus cultivars were tested to detect their VIGS responses,and‘Dwarf Tom Pouce Blue’was the most sensitive.The agro-infiltration condition was optimized by screening for the optimal seedling stage as well as the optimum Agrobacterium density for efficient silencing.Seedlings with four true leaves and infiltration with an Agrobacterium density of OD_(600)0.5 were optimal conditions to obtain more photobleached leaves and more intense photobleached phenotype.The results demonstrated the feasibility of TRV-based VIGS for functional analysis of genes in C.cyanus.

The loss of function of HEL,which encodes a cellulose synthase interactive protein,causes helical and vine-like growth of tomato

Helical growth is an economical way for plant to obtain resources.The classic microtubule–microfibril alignment model of Arabidopsis helical growth involves restriction of the appropriate orientation of cellulose microfibrils appropriately in the cell walls.However,the molecular mechanism underlying tomato helical growth remains unknown.Here,we identified a spontaneous tomato helical(hel)mutant with right-handed helical cotyledons and petals but left-handed helical stems and true leaves.Genetic analysis revealed that the hel phenotype was controlled by a single recessive gene.Using map-based cloning,we cloned the HEL gene,which encodes a cellulose interacting protein homologous to CSI1 of Arabidopsis.We identified a 27 bp fragment replacement that generated a premature stop codon.Transgenic experiments showed that the helical growth phenotype could be restored by the allele of this gene from wild-type Pyriforme.In contrast,the knockout mutation of HEL in Pyriforme via CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in helical growth.These findings shed light on the molecular control of the helical growth of tomato.

Physicochemical factors affecting the wettability of copper mine blasting dust

To investigate the factors affecting the wettability of copper mine blasting dust,the primary blasting dust was collected from an open-pit copper mine and separated into hydrophilic blasting dust(HLBD)and hydrophobic blasting dust(HBBD)using water flotation method.The physicochemical properties of HLBD and HBBD were measured and compared with each other.The properties included particle size distributions(PSDs),micromorphologies,pore structures,mineral components and surface organic carbon functional groups.The results show that particle size and pore structure of the blasting dust are the main factors affecting its wettability.Specifically,particle size of HBBD is smaller than that of HLBD,and their respiratory dust(less than 10μm)accounts for 61.74 vol%and 53.00 vol%,respectively.The pore structure of HBBD is more developed,and the total pore volume of HBBD is 1.66 times larger than that of HLBD.The identical mineral compositions were detected in HLBD and HBBD by X-rays diffraction(XRD);however,the surface organic hydrophobic component of HBBD is slightly larger than that of HLBD,this may be the reason for the poor wettability of HBBD.This study is significant to understand the effects of physicochemical properties of copper mine blasting dust on its wettability.

Clinical evidence of traditional Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of chronic heart failure

Objective: To summarize clinical evidence of traditional Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of chronic heart failure systematically and comprehensively. Method:By retrieving in the database of VIP, WanFang, CNKI, PubMed, Cochrane Library, the qualifying results obtained in the databases above are summarized into the grading evidence including systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, case studies, basic research these five levels. Results: The numbers of the articles included are 12 systematic reviews, 413 randomized controlled trials, 68 observational studies, 15 case reports and 187 fundamental researches. Conclusion: It is concluded that basing on the clinical evidence of different levels, traditional Chinese medicine has prominent ability of preventing and treatment chronic heart failure.

联盟信息缺失下的合作博弈比例分离解及其应用

本文研究了合作博弈理论,在部分联盟信息缺失的基础上将联盟形成过程和比例分配结合起来,提出了部分联盟信息缺失下的比例分离解的概念。首先,在部分联盟信息缺失的情况下利用给定的权重,依据回报率高的联盟先加入大联盟,得出大联盟合适的划分,之后按照加入顺序对划分联盟的边际贡献基于权重进行比例分配。其次,在公理刻画部分基于最高回报一致性进行了研究,得出三个刻画定理。最后,将新的解概念应用到区域建设问题中,以一带一路某地区为例,分析了该地区修建高铁时各国合理的出资比例。

Cooperative coupling of photocatalytic production of H_(2)O_(2) and oxidation of organic pollutants over gadolinium ion doped WO_(3) nanocomposite

This work reported the lanthanide ion(Gd^(3+))doped tungsten trioxide(Gd-WO_(3))nanocrystal for remarkable promoted photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and simultaneous in-situ H_(2)O_(2)production.With doped lanthanide ion(Gd^(3+)),Gd-WO_(3)showed a much broad and enhanced solar light absorption,which not only promoted the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of organic compounds,but also provided a suitable bandgap for direct reduction of oxygen to H_(2)O_(2).Additionally,the isolated Gd^(3+)on WO_(3)surface can efficiently weaken the*OOH binding energy,increasing the activity and selectivity of direct reduction of oxygen to H_(2)O_(2),with a rate of 0.58 mmol L^(-1)g^(-1)h^(-1).The in-situ generated H_(2)O_(2)can be subsequently converted to·OH based on Fenton reaction,further contributed to the overall removal of organic pollutants.Our results demonstrate a cascade photocatalytic oxidation-Fenton reaction which can efficiently utilize photo-generated electrons and holes for organic pollutants treatment.

Population structure and genome‑wide evolutionary signatures reveal putative climate‑driven habitat change and local adaptation in the large yellow croaker

The large yellow croaker(Larimichthys crocea)is one of the most economically valuable marine fsh in China and is a notable species in ecological studies owing to a serious collapse of wild germplasm in the past few decades.The stock division and species distribution,which have important implications for ecological protection,germplasm recovery,and fshery resource management,have been debated since the 1960s.However,it is still uncertain even how many stocks exist in this species.To address this,we evaluated the fne-scale genetic structure of large yellow croaker populations distributed along the eastern and southern Chinese coastline based on 7.64 million SNP markers.Compared with the widely accepted stock boundaries proposed in the 1960s,our results revealed that a climate-driven habitat change probably occurred between the Naozhou(Nanhai)Stock and the Ming-Yuedong(Mindong)Stock.The boundary between these two stocks might have shifted northwards from the Pearl River Estuary to the northern area of the Taiwan Strait,accompanied by highly asymmetric introgression.In addition,we found divergent landscapes of natural selection between the stocks inhabiting northern and southern areas.The northern population exhibited highly agminated signatures of strong natural selection in genes related to developmental processes,whereas moderate and interspersed selective signatures were detected in many immune-related genes in the southern populations.These fndings establish the stock status and genome-wide evolutionary landscapes of large yellow croaker,providing a basis for conservation,fsheries management and further evolutionary biology studies.

Improving flow and fluidization quality of fine and ultrafine particles via nanoparticle modulation

Fine and ultrafine particles possess great potential for industrial applications ascribed from their huge specific surface area and ability to provide good gas–solid contact.However,these powders are inherently cohesive,making it challenging to achieve smooth flow and fluidization.This challenge can be well-resolved by nanoparticle modulation(nano-modulation),where a small amount of nanoparticles is uniformly mixed with the cohesive fine/ultrafine powders.Through nano-modulation,the fluidization system of cohesive powders exhibits distinguishable minimum fluidization velocity,enlarged bed expansion ratio(particularly the dense phase expansion),and scarcer,smaller,and slower moving bubbles,indicating improved flow and fluidization quality.The purpose of the current work is to systematically summarize the state-of-the-art progress in the fluidization and utilization of fine and ultrafine particles via the nanoparticle modulation method.Accordingly,a broader audience can be enlightened regarding this promising fine/ultrafine particle fluidization technology,so as to provoke their attention and encourage interdisciplinary integration and industry-academia collaborative research.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC_(f)/SiBCN ceramic matrix composites

SiC fiber reinforced SiBCN ceramic matrix composites(CMCs)have been prepared by mechanical alloying and consolidated by hot pressing.During the sintering process,amorphous SiC fibers crystallized seriously and transformed into-SiC.Meanwhile,the interfacial carbothermal reactions caused the strong bonding between the matrix and fibers.As a result,SiCf/SiBCN fractured in a typical catastrophic manner.Room-temperature mechanical properties reached the maximums for the CMC samples sintered at 1900℃/60 MPa/30 min.The density,flexural strength,Young’s modulus and fracture toughness are 2.56±0.02 g/cm^(3),284.3±17.9 MPa,183.5±11.1 GPa and 2.78±0.14 MPa·m^(1/2),respectively.

Discovery of nitazoxanide-based derivatives as autophagy activators for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Drug repurposing is an efficient strategy for new drug discovery.Our latest study found that nitazoxanide(NTZ),an approved anti-parasite drug,was an autophagy activator and could alleviate the symptom of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).In order to further improve the efficacy and discover new chemical entities,a series of NTZ-based derivatives were designed,synthesized,and evaluated as autophagy activator against AD.All compounds were screened by the inhibition of phosphorylation of p70S6K,which was the direct substrate of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)and its phosphorylation level could reflect the mTOR-dependent autophagy level.Among these analogs,compound 22 exhibited excellent potency in promotingβ-amyloid(Aβ)clearance,inhibiting tau phosphorylation,as well as stimulating autophagy both in vitro and in vivo.What’s more,22 could effectively improve the memory and cognitive impairments in APP/PS1 transgenic AD model mice.These results demonstrated that 22 was a potential candidate for the treatment of AD.

Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks toward sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) membranes for high concentration direct methanol fuel cell

Low methanol permeability of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) is greatly important for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Here, sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) based semiinterpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) are successfully prepared by interpenetrating SPEEK into the in-situ synthesized crosslinking networks. The polymeric networks are formed by the covalent bonds between bromobenzyl groups of bro mo methylated poly (phenylene oxide) and amine groups of diamine linkers as well as the ionic bonds between amine species and sulfonated groups. Two linkers without and with sulfonated groups are applied to fabricate the semi-IPNs. The core properties of the membranes, like phase separation, water uptake, proton conductivity and methanol permeability, are systematically studied and compared. The DMFCs assembled by using the semi-IPN membranes display better performance than Nafion 117 in high concentration methanol solutions. The present work provides a facile way to prepare PEMs with enhanced DMFC performance.

Additive Manufacturing Fiber Preforms for Structured Silica Fibers with Bismuth and Erbium Dopants

Dear Editor Silica optical fibers have attracted a lot of attention because they are widely used in communications and sensing,and forming today’s internet backbone.Driving much of the Internet-of-Things(IoT)evolution,optical fibers are expanding from a single function transmission technology to perform multiple functions and a growing need for various custom-design application-specific optical fibers.Current optical fiber manufacturing based on chemical vapor deposition(CVD)technologies together with stack-and-draw approaches used for structured optical fibers faces numerous challenges in enabling more complex geometries multimaterial composite fibers and multicore fibers.The additive manufacturing,or 3D printing,offers a solution to address all those challenges,and may potentially disrupt the optical fibers fabrication and bring in an evolution to IoT.

Active spatial control of photothermal heating and thermo-actuated convective flow by engineering a plasmonic metasurface with heterodimer lattices

Thermo-plasmonics, using plasmonic structures as heat sources, has been widely used in biomedical and microfluidic applications. However, a metasurface with single-element unit cells, considered as the sole heat source in a unit cell, functions at a fixed wavelength and has limited control over the thermo-plasmonically induced hydrodynamic effects. Plasmonic metasurfaces with metal disk heterodimer lattices can be viewed to possess two heat sources within a unit cell and are therefore designed to photo-actively control thermal distributions and fluid dynamics at the nanoscale. The locations of heat sources can be switched, and the direction of the convective flow in the central region of the unit cell can be reversed by shifting the wavelength of the excitation source without any change in the excitation direction or physical actuation of the structural elements. The temperature and velocity of a fluid are spatiotemporally controlled by the wavelength selectivity and polarization sensitivity of the plasmonic metasurface. Additionally, we investigate the effects of geometric parameters on the surface lattice resonances and their impact on the temperature and fluid velocity of the optofluidic system. Our results demonstrate excellent optical control of these plasmonic metasurface heating and thermal convection performances to design flexible platforms for microfluidics.

Analysis of gamma-emitting radionuclides in soils around high energy accelerators

Objective To investigate the specific activities of gamma radionuclides in the soils around high energy accelerators,and to analyze the influence of rays emitted by nuclides with characteristic peaks at similar energy points on nuclide measurement results,in order to provide reference for the accurate identification of radionuclides.Methods GR5021 high-purity germanium gamma spectroscopy system was used to measure the specific activities of gamma-emitting radionuclides 226Ra,232Th,238U,40K and artificial radionuclides 54Mn,52Mn,7Be,22Na,59Fe,95Zr in six soil samples around three kinds of high energy accelerators,and the theoretical counts of the characteristic peak of 835.7keV were compared with the measured counts of the characteristic peak of 54Mn.Results The specific activity ranges of gamma-emitting radionuclides 226Ra,232Th,238U and 40K in the soils around three kinds of high energy accelerators were 55.5–171,34.9–99.9,21.9–79.3 and 247–680 Bq/kg,respectively.The specific activities of artificial radionuclides 52Mn,7Be,22Na,59Fe and 95Zr were basically lower than the minimum detection limit.A characteristic peak was found at the energy point of 835.7keV in six soil samples,and the corresponding total absorption peak counts were from 228Ac of 232Thdecay daughter.Conclusions The specific activities of gamma-emitting radionuclides were at the normal natural background levels.The specific activities of artificial radionuclides were basically lower than the minimum detection limits.For 232Th,when its specific activity is above 40 Bq/kg,characteristic peak of its decay daughter 228Ac could be misjudged as characteristic peak of 54Mn.