Absorption Pattern Research Articles

Does lactoferrin extracted from caprine colostrum has similar digestion and absorption pattern with that from caprine mature milk?

Does lactoferrin extracted from caprine colostrum has similar digestion and absorption pattern with that from caprine mature milk?

Differences in slow-release characteristics and release kinetics of three selenium nanoparticles from different synthesis strategies: Revealing the advantages synthesized by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

The controlled release of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) is pivotal significance in improving bioavailability and mitigating potential side effects. Three types of SeNPs, Selenium nanoparticles synthesized by chemical method (CSeNPs), extracellular polysaccharide-encapsulated selenium nanoparticles (EPS-SeNP), and selenium nanoparticles synthesized by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LacSeNPs), were synthesized in this study using chemical reduction, polysaccharide-assisted, and microbial reduction methods, respectively. The selenium release kinetics of the nanoparticles were investigated in simulated gastrointestinal with five kinetics models. CSeNPs released 67.80% of selenium in simulated gastric fluids (SGF) and, depicting a Brownian motion fraction of 81.0. EPS-SeNPs released 77.38% of selenium in SGF while only releasing 16.28% in simulated intestinal fluids (SIF). The release process was primarily affected by changes in the nanoparticle structure after Super Case II Transport in SGF and the zero-order model in SIF. The zero-order model provided the best fit for releasing LacSeNP profiles in the SGF. In SIF, the release mechanism of LacSeNPs was regulated by combination of diffusion and carrier swelling or erosion, leading to non-Fickian diffusion. Therefore, synthetic nanoparticle methods determine their structures and compositions, leading to differences in their release kinetics and release mechanisms. Notably, the release of LacSeNPs in the SGF aligns with the absorption patterns of selenium within the human body. The current study elucidates the potential application advantages of SeNPs synthesized using microbial means as selenium-enriched supplements.

Assessing Human Iron Kinetics Using Stable Iron Isotopic Techniques.

Stable iron isotope techniques are critical for developing strategies to combat iron deficiency anemia, a leading cause of global disability. There are four primary stable iron isotope methods to assess ferrokinetics in humans. (i) The fecal recovery method applies the principles of a metabolic balance study but offers enhanced accuracy because the amount of iron isotope present in feces can be directly traced back to the labeled dose, distinguishing it from endogenous iron lost in stool from shed intestinal cells. (ii) In the plasma isotope appearance method, plasma samples are collected for several hours after oral dosing to evaluate the rate, quantity, and pattern of iron absorption. Key metrics include the time of peak isotope concentration and the area under the curve. (iii) The erythrocyte iron incorporation method measures iron bioavailability (absorption and erythrocyte iron utilization) from a whole blood sample collected 2 weeks after oral dosing. Simultaneous administration of oral and intravenous tracers allows for separate measurements of iron absorption and iron utilization. These threemethods determine iron absorption by measuring tracer concentrations in feces, serum, or erythrocytes after administration of a tracer. In contrast, (iv) in iron isotope dilution, an innovative new approach, iron of natural composition acts as the tracer, diluting an ad hoc modified isotopic signature obtained via prior isotope administration and equilibration with body iron. This technique enables highly accurate long-term studies of iron absorption, loss, and gain. This review discusses the application of these kinetic methods and their potential to address important questions in hematology andiron biology.

Thermal performance attenuation characteristics of solar collector field in solar district heating system

In centralized solar district heating systems, the optical performance attenuation of the solar collector field significantly impacts the system’s heating efficiency and economics. However, accurate lifecycle models for the optical performance attenuation of solar collector fields are still needed. In this paper, the attenuation patterns of transmittance, absorption, and emissivity are systematically established through accelerated attenuation tests and calculation models. Based on this, a lifecycle model for optical performance attenuation was developed using TRNSYS and applied to a centralized solar heating system in Langkazi, XiZang. The results indicate that low inlet temperatures and high flow rates reduce optical performance attenuation, with ultraviolet damage of the glass cover being the main cause of performance attenuation, accounting for 74.5 % of heat loss. A 15-year lifecycle analysis shows that performance attenuation in the solar collector field results in a 16.7 % reduction in effective heat collection, a decrease in the solar fraction from 66.1 % to 55.1 %, and a 32.4 % increase in auxiliary heat supply. Increasing the heating area or thermal storage to collection area ratio helps mitigate optical attenuation. Based on this, from the perspective of mitigating the attenuation of collection efficiency, the thermal storage to collection area ratio should exceed 0.2 m3/m2, and the solar fraction is recommended to be kept below 0.7. Additionally, considering optical attenuation, the levelized cost of heat increases by over 0.03 CNY/kWh when the thermal storage to collection area ratio exceeds 0.2 m3/m2. The results provide a methodological basis for more accurate design of the solar heating system.

Comparative analysis of acoustic testing methods of a multi-layered material: uncovering the membrane effect

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the differences observed when evaluating the acoustic properties of a multi-layered material using different standardized methods. The primary focus is on the membrane effect of the upper aluminum layer, which has been shown to contribute to the overall acoustic absorption. This phenomenon, crucial for applications requiring enhanced acoustic performance at lower frequencies, is observed in tests conducted with large sample sizes but remains undetected in impedance tube measurements. Through a series of experiments, including reverberant chamber, impedance tube, and in-situ absorption measurements, this study investigates the complexities of accurately estimating sound absorption characteristics in multi-layered materials. Additionally, 2D colormaps to visualize the spatial distribution of sound absorption across different samples are examined, offering deeper insights into the uneven absorption patterns that standard testing methods may overlook. The experimental findings highlight the importance of selecting an appropriate evaluation technique for multi-layered materials, particularly in applications where acoustic performance is critical at lower frequencies.

Impact of Thickness-Dependent Nanophotonic Effects on the Optical Response of Color Centers in Hexagonal Boron Nitride.

Among a broad diversity of color centers hosted in layered van der Waals materials, the negatively charged boron vacancy (VB-) center in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is garnering considerable attention for the development of quantum sensing units on a two-dimensional platform. In this work, we investigate how the optical response of an ensemble of VB- centers evolves with the hBN thickness in a range of a few to hundreds of nanometers. We show that the photoluminescence intensity features a nontrivial evolution with thickness, which is quantitatively reproduced by numerical calculations taking into account thickness-dependent variations of the absorption, radiative lifetime, and radiation pattern of VB- centers. Besides providing an important resource to optimize the performances of quantum sensing units based on VB- centers in hBN, the thickness-dependent nanophotonic effects discussed in this work generally apply to any type of color center embedded in a van der Waals material.

Construction and validation of a nomogram model for predicting different sites of ankle pain in runners with chronic ankle instability

This study aimed to establish a risk prediction nomogram model for anterolateral, mediolateral, and posterolateral ankle pain in runners with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and analyse the potential risk factors for pain at different ankle sites. Thirty recreational runners with CAI who reported ankle pain in the anterolateral, mediolateral, or posterolateral regions were recruited for this study. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data during running were collected using motion capture system, 3-D force platform, and surface electromyography system. These data were used to generate a dynamic nomogram. The results showed that anterolateral ankle pain in runners with CAI may be caused by insufficient gastrocnemius muscle strength (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73–0.97), excessive ground reaction force (GRF, OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.25–6.22), and an increased percentage of ankle energy absorption (OR 9.11, 95% CI 1.50–77.79). Mediolateral ankle pain might be contributed by greater ankle inversion angle (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.00) and GRF (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.17–4.31). Moreover, posterolateral ankle pain was predicted by increased ankle adduction angle (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00–1.12), increased GRF (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.07–4.80), and decreased dynamic stability (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05–0.68). To prevent ankle pain, runners with CAI should be encouraged to focus on improving the neuroreceptor sensitivity of the gastrocnemius muscles, and retraining their energy absorption patterns.

In-vivo Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Venlafaxine HCl Sustained Release Tablet Formulation.

An optimized Venlafaxine SR tablets formulation, was chosen for in‐vivo study against the commercial marketed Venlafaxine SR formulation. The non-compartmental pharmacokinetic specifications of both reference and standard were determined, after dosing via oral route. The peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of optimized Venlafaxine SR tablets was found as 964.66 ± 53.15ng/ml in 5 hr, while Cmax of marketed Venlafaxine SR tablets formulation was found as 872.33 ± 28.43 ng/ml in same time i.e. 5 hr. The Cmax data suggests that absorption of drug in plasma from was in sustained manner from both the formulations, showing typical absorption pattern of SR product. The AUC0-t for optimized and marketed Venlafaxine SR tablets was found to be 12981.63 ± 505.25 and 12023.83 ± 668.29 ng/ml*h, while AUC0-∞ was found to be 13921.51 ± 417.40 and 13099.63 ± 742.21 ng/ml*h, respectively. The PK parameter showed the Tmax and AUC for optimized Venlafaxine SR tablets as compared to its marketed product formulation. Pharmacokinetic parameter clearly suggested prolong release and availability of Venlafaxine in plasma from SR tablets formulation. Overall, the results suggest that the optimized SR formulation of Venlafaxine provides effective extended and controlled drug delivery, highlighting its potential clinical relevance in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.

Isolation, Characterization and Molecular Identification of Multidrug Resistance from Candida Species from Various Clinical Samples.

Background and Purpose: The most prevalent fungus pathogens in humans are said to be Candida species. Candida pathogens have become more common in the last several years. But in the absence of any risk factors, these infections are uncommon. To that end, the current study set out to identify the species of Candida responsible for various clinical samples and establish the risk factors for candiduria. Materials and Methods: The 100 samples from patients who were suspected of having an aging, diabetes, prolonged hospital stays, organ transplantation, recurring bacterial infections, antibiotic use and catheter use were used in the current investigation. Of them, 100 instances involved candidiasis out of which 20 are MDR. Using the germ tube test, colony staining on CHROMagar medium, intracellular beta-glucosidase enzyme activity, and glucose absorption pattern, several species of Candida were identified. Afterwards, internal transcribed spacer region DNA sequencing verified the colonies with the same morphology. Results: Based on the findings, Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei were identified as 40, 32, 18, and 10% of the isolates, respectively. Diabetes, bacterial infections, and urinary tract infections were the most common predisposing factors (23%); however, it was proven in all patients that one or more other predisposing variables existed. Patients with these serious infections can only be treated with a restricted number of antifungal agents from a small number of drug classes. Resistance can be intrinsic or acquired; as a result, acquired resistance either develops in response to antifungal selection pressure in the particular patient or, less frequently, results from the horizontal transmission of resistant strains between patients. Multidrug resistance is 20%, but more and more reports of it have been observed in several Candida species, most notably C. glabrata and more recently C. auris. The factors that contribute to multidrug resistance include overall antifungal use (fluconazole and amphotericin B), subtherapeutic drug levels at infection/colonization sites, drug sequestration in the biofilm matrix, and, in the event of outbreaks, suboptimal infection control. Conclusion: The most common fungal species, according to the results, was C. albicans. Furthermore, bacterial infections were more common. We go over the molecular causes of resistance, treatment and preventative methods.

Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria correlate with picophytoplankton across the Atlantic Ocean but show unique vertical bioenergetics

AbstractAerobic anoxygenic phototrophic (AAP) bacteria are a common part of microbial communities in the sunlit ocean. They contain bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a)‐based photosystems that harvest solar energy for their metabolism. Across different oceanic regions, AAP bacteria seem to be more abundant in eutrophic areas, associated with high chlorophyll concentrations. While most previous studies focused on surface samplings, there is limited information regarding their vertical distribution in euphotic zones of the major ocean basins. Here, we hypothesized that AAP bacteria will follow a similar structure to the chlorophyll depth profile across areas with different degrees of stratification. To test this hypothesis, we enumerated AAP cells and determined bulk water BChl a concentrations along the photic zone of a latitudinal transect in the South and Central Atlantic Ocean. Overall, the distribution of AAP bacteria was highly correlated to that of chlorophyll a and to the abundance of picophytoplankton across both vertical and horizontal gradients. Furthermore, estimated light energy captured across the water column showed that, while AAP bacteria share a common latitudinal pattern of light absorption with picophytoplankton, they display a unique vertical arrangement with highest photoheterotrophic activity in the top 50 m of the surface ocean.

Identification of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia based on a Deep Forest and near-infrared spectroscopy analysis method

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) typically do not exhibit distinct differences in clinical manifestations and auxiliary examination results, which leads to a high misdiagnosis rate. However, significant differences in treatment approaches and prognosis between these two diseases underscore the critical need for an accurate diagnosis of AD and VaD. In this study, serum samples from 33 patients with AD patients, 37 patients with VaD, and 130 healthy individuals were collected, employing near-infrared aquaphotomics technology in combination with deep learning for differential diagnoses. Through an analysis of water absorption patterns among different diseases via aquaphotomics, the efficacies of traditional machine learning methods (Support Vector Machine and Decision Trees) and deep learning approaches (Deep Forest) in modeling were compared. Ultimately, by leveraging feature extraction techniques in conjunction with deep learning, a differential diagnostic model for AD and VaD was successfully developed. The results revealed that aquaphotomics could identify a certain correlation between the number of hydrogen bonds in water molecules and the development of AD and VaD; the deep learning model was found to be superior to traditional machine learning models, achieving an accuracy of 98.67 %, sensitivity of 97.33 %, and specificity of 100.00 %. The bands identified using the Competitive Adaptive Reweighting Algorithm method, primarily located at approximately 1300–1500 nm, showed a significant correlation with water molecules containing four hydrogen bonds. These results highlighted the potential role of the water molecule hydrogen-bond network in disease development and were consistent with the aquaphotomics analysis results. Therefore, the differential diagnostic model developed by integrating near-infrared spectroscopy and deep learning was proven to be effective and feasible, providing accurate and rapid diagnostic methods for AD and VaD diagnoses.

Assessing the physiological responses and uptake patterns of lanthanum and yttrium in rice and Phytolacca americana L.

The effects of rare earth elements (REEs) on plant physiology and bioaccumulation characteristics vary significantly. As a result, considerable attention has been directed towards the effects and toxicity of REEs on plants. REEs migrate and transform in the environment and are absorbed by plant roots. However, different plants exhibit varying capacities to absorb REEs, leading to diverse impacts on their growth. In our study, we subjected seedlings of rice and Phytolacca americana L. to a gradient of lanthanum and yttrium (La + Y) concentrations to evaluate the physicochemical effects and uptake patterns of these elements. We meticulously measured variables such as biomass, root length, and elemental concentrations of La and Y, as well as macronutrients (P, Na, K, Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca) and micronutrients (Cu, Zn) to decode the physiological responses to varying levels of La + Y exposure. Based on the known dualistic nature of REEs interaction with plants, our results reveal that the threshold of REEs to different plants is different, and this conclusion can serve well for the formulation of rare earth pollution remediation strategies. Importantly, the accumulation of La and Y in P. americana L. roots was significantly greater than in rice roots, by an order of magnitude, reflecting the unique uptake capacities of hyperaccumulators. Additionally, this research found that nutrient dynamics and the absorption patterns of La and Y within the plants diverged, suggesting that La uptake in P. americana L. may occur via Ca2+ ion channels. These insights enhance our understanding of REE-plant interactions and have broader implications for agriculture and environmental health.

Synthesis ADMET molecular docking, MD simulation and MM-PBSA investigations of a novel hetero-steroid with Anti-proliferative and Anti-inflammatory properties

Two novel steroidal derivatives 2 and 3were synthesized, one by aldol condensation and the other by further reaction of the adduct formed, with ethyl cyanoacetate. The synthesized compounds have been characterized using ¹H, ¹³C NMR, UV and FT-IR Spectroscopy. The in-silico identification of potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity with regard to the synthesized compounds was performed. ADMET analysis of the synthesized compounds were performed to check their pharmacokinetic behaviour as well as potential ability to act as major drug candidates. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations provided insights into synthesized compounds that binds in the active sites of all the proteins selected strongly indicating that both of them can act as versatile anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drug while ADMET analysis showed compound 2 to be least toxic and depicts good absorption pattern which can further contribute as major bioactive compound with therapeutic potential.

Study on the chemical composition of Gegen-Tianma decoction and its absorbed constituents in rat plasma, brain based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and DESI-MSI

In traditional Chinese medicinal practices, Gegen (GG) and Tianma (TM) are widely utilized for headache relief, but their material basis has not been comprehensively characterized. This research utilized ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) for precise determination of Gegen-Tianma's (GGTM) material composition, and employed desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) to pinpoint the brain-absorbed components and various metabolites post oral administration to rats. A total of 80 chemical constituents were identified from GGTM, 11 prototypes and 18 metabolites were identified from plasma. The brain tissue was identified in total 4 prototypes and 5 metabolites, these constituents were basically located in the prefrontal cortex and thalamus. The absorption patterns of components in the rat brain aligned with the varied distribution of metabolites within the brain. This study provides a solid theoretical basis for in-depth exploration of potential drug targets and elucidation of the specific mechanism of action of GGTM in the treatment of migraine.

Rapid supervised levothyroxine absorption test in refractory hypothyroidism: suggestion for assessing absorption using two blood samples in low-resource settings.

Refractory hypothyroidism is associated with high morbidity and increased healthcare expenditure. In general, the use of the levothyroxine absorption test looks promising in evaluating refractory hypothyroidism but has shown significant variability in protocols in multiple settings. We intended to assess the usefulness of the levothyroxine absorption test in a low-resource setting and to assess the factors associated with refractory hypothyroidism. A cross-sectional study among age-matched 25 cases of refractory hypothyroidism and 24 treatment-responsive hypothyroid controls was conducted. A supervised levothyroxine absorption test was performed with levothyroxine 1000 μg tablets after a 10-h fast, and serum free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) levels were measured at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Student's t-test, and logistic regression were used in the analysis. Results showed no significant difference in age, body weight, etiology of hypothyroidism, interfering medications, thyroxine storage, and ingestion technique in cases and controls. Cases had a longer duration of hypothyroidism and males had a higher peak FT4 concentration. During pooled analysis, serum FT4 peaked at 3 h with an increment of 149.4% (128.4-170.5%) from baseline and plateaued thereafter. The absolute value of FT4 at 3 h was 41.59 (s.d. 14.14) pmol/L (3.23 ng/dL). We concluded that there was no significant difference in the pattern of levothyroxine absorption in both groups. The most common cause of refractory disease was pseudo-malabsorption. Rapid supervised levothyroxine absorption test with two blood samples for FT4 at baseline and at the peak of absorption (3 h) is simple, convenient, and cost-effective, particularly in low-resource settings.

Microbial Biogeography along the Gastrointestinal Tract of a Wild Chinese Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi).

The gut microbiota plays an important role in host nutrient absorption, immune function, and behavioral patterns. Much research on the gut microbiota of wildlife has focused on feces samples, so the microbial composition along the gastrointestinal tract of wildlife is not well reported. To address this gap, we performed high-throughput sequencing of 16s rRNA genes and ITs rRNA genes in the gastrointestinal contents of a wild adult male Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) to comparatively analyze the microbial diversity of different gastrointestinal regions. The results showed that the dominant bacterial phyla were Firmicutes (66.19%) and Bacteroidetes (22.7%), while the dominant fungal phyla were Ascomycetes (72.81%). The highest bacterial diversity was found in the stomach, and the highest fungal diversity was found in the cecum. The microbial communities of the large intestine and small intestine were of similar structures, which were distinct from that of the stomach. These results would facilitate the continued exploration of the microbial composition and functional diversity of the gastrointestinal tract of wild Chinese muntjacs and provide a scientific basis for microbial resource conservation of more wildlife.

In-orbit detection of the spectral smile for the Mars Mineral Spectrometer

As a payload of Tianwen-1 (TW-1), the Mars Mineral Spectrometer (MMS) is tasked with acquiring hyperspectral data of the Martian surface to detect material composition. Microdeformations in optical, mechanical, and thermal components result in the MMS experiencing spectral response distortion in orbit, leading to systematic changes in pixel central wavelengths and full width at half maximum (FWHM). Known as the spectral smile, this distortion compromises the accuracy of reflectance inversion and material composition detection. This study introduces a method for detecting the spectral smile through the Martian atmospheric absorption channel, capitalizing on the distinct characteristics of the atmospheric composition and absorption patterns of Mars. A suitable technical route for in-orbit spectral smile detection was established and tested using simulation experiments and MMS-acquired hyperspectral data. Results suggest that the proposed method can attain central wavelength shifts with a maximum error of 0.32 nm and FWHM variations with a maximum error of 1.95 nm. Employing in-orbit spectral smile detection markedly enhances the correction of Martian atmospheric absorption and provides technical support for Martian surface reflectance inversion. https://github.com/wubingnote/MMS-Spectral-Smile.

Research on flexural mechanical properties and mechanism of green ecological coir fiber foamed concrete (CFFC)

To explore the effect and mechanism of coir fiber on the performance of foamed concrete, the flexural performance test, pore characteristics and microstructure test of coir fiber foamed concrete with different content were carried out. First, Image-Pro Plus (image processing software) was used to study the pore morphology, porosity, average pore diameter, and pore roundness of CFFC with various fibers dosage (0, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%) by binarization processing method. Then, a total of eighteen specimens, divided into six groups, were used to investigate the effect of CF dosage on flexural strength, toughness, energy absorption, and failure patterns of FC through a three-point flexural test. Furthermore, the microscopic properties of coir fiber foamed concrete (CFFC) were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray detector (XRD) to explain the influence mechanism of CF on FC flexural properties. According to the research, CF can affect the pore characteristics of CFFC and improve its flexural performance. When CF content is 1.5–2.0%, the porosity, diameter and roundness of CFFC have lower values of 68.6%, 1.96 mm and 1.29. After the fiber dosage reaches 1.5%, the CFFC failure mode changed to plastic damage, the flexural strength increased from 0.33 to 0.73 MPa, and the toughness energy absorption value was increased from 0.05 to 1.4 J. The optimum dosage of coir fiber is 2.0% for improving the flexural mechanical properties of FC. CF affects the process of hydration reaction of CFFC, but does not change the type of hydration product. However, the flexural performance of FC would decrease with excessive dosage of CF (> 2.0%) due to accelerating the formation of Ca(OH)2. CFFC can solve problems such as brittleness and easy cracking existing in traditional foamed concrete, and it can be used in the field of pavement engineering, foundation backfill and lightweight wall structure with CF dosage of 15–2.0%.

Water-use characteristics of Populus euphratica trees in response to flood and groundwater depth in desert oasis

Populus euphratica, as the dominant species in arid desert area, plays an important role in maintaining the stability of desert ecosystem. However, P. euphratica water-use characteristics at different sizes and the effects of flooding and groundwater depth on water use remain unclear. In this study, the hydrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of xylem water, soil water, and floods were measured and coupled with the MixSIAR model to investigate the water-use patterns of P. euphratica at different sizes, flood periods (before, during, and after floods), and groundwater depths in the Taklimakan Desert hinterland. The carbon isotope composition of P. euphratica leaves was determined to investigate the water-use efficiency (WUE) of P. euphratica. The water-use patterns of P. euphratica at different sizes were consistent because of its reproductive mode (aswxual root tiller reproduction). P. euphratica showed a greater degree of ecological plasticity during different flood periods. Before the flood, the main water sources for P. euphratica were deep-soil-layer (140–220 cm) and near-groundwater-layer (220–300 cm). During the flood, it could absorb the flood directly, reducing water absorption from deep-soil-layer and near-groundwater-layer. After the flood, it resumed water absorption from deep-soil-layer and near-groundwater-layer. P. euphratica water absorption patterns differed at different groundwater depths. In the shallow and middle groundwater depth sample plots, the water sources were the deep-soil and near-groundwater layers, and the population of P. euphratica grew well. In the deep sample plot, water absorption was mainly near the groundwater layer, and the P. euphratica population showed a decreasing trend, further explaining the degradation of P. euphratica in terms of water-use patterns. WUE is related to the growth stage of P. euphratica and the water conditions of the living environment; the more mature the P. euphratica, the more deficit the water conditions, and the higher the WUE. This study provides a basis for maintaining the stability of P. euphratica forests in arid deserts and for water allocation.

Structural correlation to linear and non-linear optical properties of Bi3+ ion doped Li2O–SrO–B2O3 glasses: Optical switching and limiting applications

A series of bismuth doped lithium strontium borate glasses are synthetized using melt-quench technique. Compositional modification resulted in the maximum refractive index (2.306) and lowest optical bandgap (3.36 eV) for 2 mol% of Bi2O3. Raman as well as FTIR investigations reveal the presence of diborate, dipentaborate and metaborate ring type structural units and structural interconversions occur between diborate and metaborate rings. These structural interconversions are in support of the trends observed in linear and non-linear optical properties. Photoluminescence spectra reveal a prominent emission peak around 572 nm corresponding to the 2P3/2 → 2P1/2 transition. Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage (CIE) and correlated colour temperature (CCT) studies indicate the glasses emit greenish-yellow light around 7172 K. Z-scan approach is utilised to examine non-linear optical properties with a nanosecond pulsed laser operating at 532 nm. Z-scan investigation revealed good optical nonlinearity in all the glasses. Open aperture normalized transmittance spectra is used to evaluate the values of non-linear absorption coefficient (ꞵ) and optical limiting. ꞵ is in the range of 0.42–3.2x10−10 mW−1 and optical limiting values are in the range of 1.642–2.078x1012 Wm−2. Z-scan studies reveal RSA and RSA to SA (W- patterns) which suggests that the investigated glasses show saturable absorption (SA) as well as reverse saturable absorption (RSA) pattern. According to these findings, the glasses under investigation are promising materials for solid state lasers, greenish-yellow LEDs, compositional tuning optical switching and limiting applications.