Absorption Pattern Research Articles

Optimizing sweet potato production: insights into the interplay of plant sanitation, virus influence, and cooking techniques for enhanced crop quality and food security.

This study investigates the impact of sweet potato plant sanitation on the yield and external and internal quality root storage exploring the nutritional content affected by various cooking methods (raw, boiled, and oven-cooked). The presence of viruses, and concretely of the sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV), in sweet potato propagation material is shown to significantly reduce yield and modify storage root quality. Notably, the research reveals a substantial improvement in crop yield and external quality, reinforcing the efficacy of plant sanitation methods, specifically apical meristem culture, in preserving the overall productivity of sweet potato crops. Furthermore, the investigation identifies a noteworthy decrease in starch content, suggesting a dynamic interaction between plant sanitation and starch metabolism in response to viral diseases. The study also delves into the alteration of mineral absorption patterns, shedding light on how plant sanitation influences the uptake of essential minerals in sweet potato storage roots. While the health status of the plants only slightly affected magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn) accumulation, indicating a potential resilience of mineral balance under virus-infected conditions. Moreover, the research identifies significant modifications in antioxidant levels, emphasizing the role of plant sanitation in enhancing the nutritional quality of sweet potatoes. Heat-treated storage roots, subjected to various cooking methods such as boiling and oven-cooking, exhibit notable differences in internal quality parameters. These differences include increased concentrations of total soluble solids (SS) and heightened levels of antioxidant compounds, particularly phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The observed increase in antioxidant capacity underscores the potential health-promoting benefits associated with plant sanitation practices. Overall, the study underscores the critical importance of plant sanitation in enhancing sweet potato production sustainability, contributing to food security, and supporting local agricultural economies. The results emphasize the need for further research to optimize plant sanitation methods and promote their widespread adoption globally, providing valuable insights into the complex relationships in food quality.

Silver molybdate: an excellent optical limiting material under nanoregime for photonic device application

There is a mounting demand for nonlinear optical materials with superior optical limiting performance which has a noticeable impact on protecting the delicate optical components from laser-induced damage. Transition metal molybdates have garnered attention in the nonlinear optics field due to their outstanding optical and luminescent properties, which give rise to widespread applications in next-generation optoelectronics devices. The structural confirmation of the as prepared silver molybdate nanoparticles were made by XRD and Raman spectroscopy analysis. The linear optical properties and the band gap of the synthesized material were studied using UV–Visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy. SEM analysis revealed the pebble like morphology of the silver molybdate nanostructures. The nonlinear responses of the samples were studied using open aperture z-scan approach with Nd:YAG pulsed laser (532 nm, 9 ns, 10 Hz). The sample exhibits reverse saturable absorption pattern attributed to the two photon absorption (2PA) mechanism. The obtained OL threshold value is in the order of 1012 which is suitable for fabricating optical limiters in nano second pulsed laser regime.

Nitrogen Loss and Migration in Rice Fields under Different Water and Fertilizer Modes.

Irrigating aquaculture wastewater in appropriate irrigation and drainage modes in paddy fields could reduce water and fertilizer loss. However, the precise mechanisms involved in the degradation and movement of nitrogen in various water and fertilizer modes are still not fully understood. This study involves conducting a controlled experiment using barrels to examine the effects of various water quality, irrigation and drainage methods, and fertilization levels. The aim is to analyze the patterns of nitrogen degradation, loss, migration, and absorption in surface water, underground drainage, and soil leakage at different depths. The results showed the following: (1) The paddy field has a significant purification effect on aquaculture wastewater after one day of irrigation, reached at 78.55-96.06%. (2) Aquaculture wastewater irrigation increased nitrogen concentration in the plough layer, which helps rice roots absorb nitrogen and boosts plant TN. (3) In special dry years, underground seepage is the predominant method of nitrogen loss, and underground drainage nitrogen concentration peaks 2-6 days after fertilization. (4) Under aquaculture wastewater irrigation, the TN loss load of II decreased by 27.65-42.45% than FSI. Compared with IA-80, the TN degradation rate of IA in surface water increased by 18.51%, TN loss load decreased by 5.48%, TN absorption rate significantly increased by 14.61%, and yield increased by 31.14% significantly. IA is recommended in special dry years, which can improve the TN absorption rate and ensure high yield while significantly reducing the loss load of nitrogen. The findings can provide a basis for the purification of aquaculture wastewater through paddy field ecosystems in response to fertilizer supply levels.

Use of Images Obtained by Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Random Forest for the Detection of Leaf Miner (Leucoptera coffeella) in Newly Planted Coffee Trees

Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of coffee beans in the world. Given this relevance, it is important to monitor the crop to prevent attacks by pests. This study aimed to detect leaf miner (Leucoptera coffeella) infestation in a newly planted crop based on vegetation indices (VI) derived from aerial images obtained by a multispectral camera embedded in a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) using random forest (RF). The study was conducted on the Cafua farm in the municipality of Lavras in southern Minas Gerais. The images were collected using a multispectral camera attached to a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). Collections were carried out on 30 July 2019 (infested crop) and 16 December 2019 (post chemical control). The RF package in R software was used to classify the infested and healthy plants. The t test revealed significant differences in band means between healthy and infested plants, favouring higher means in healthy plants. VI also exhibited significant differences, with EXR being higher in infested plants and GNDVI, GOSAVI, GRRI, MPRI, NDI, NDRE, NDVI and SAVI showing higher averages in healthy plants, indicating distinct spectral responses and light absorption patterns between the two states of the plant. Due to the spectral differences between the classes, it was possible to classify the infested and healthy plants, and the RF algorithm performed very well.

Spatially varying optical characteristics in quantum-dot molecules through interdot tunneling

In this paper, we investigate the spatially dependent absorption characteristics in structurally asymmetric quantum-dot molecules (QDMs), characterized by four energy levels interacting with position-dependent beams and varying system parameters. We explore the effects of detuning, standing wave intensity, and the relative phase of applied fields on the absorption patterns within the medium. A diverse array of patterns emerges, including cross-like structures, ring-like formations, and localized absorption maxima, illustrating the intricate interplay between these parameters and the spatial distribution of absorption features. The introduction of a vortex-shaped control field adds a new dimension to the study, revealing azimuthal dependence and providing a novel perspective for manipulating absorption and gain properties based on the orbital angular momentum of the control field. This work contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics governing spatially dependent absorption in QDMs, offering valuable insights for controlled manipulation and practical applications in quantum systems.

ENERGY ABSORPTION AND DEFORMATION PATTERN OF CIRCULAR HYBRID CRASH BOX SUBJECTED TO FRONTAL LOAD

Crashworthiness is related to the ability of a structure to reduce the effects of a collision risk of injury to passengers and the risk of damage to vital parts of the vehicle. Geometry design of crash box is one important parameter to increase crashworthiness performance by increasing energy absorption through progressive deformation. In previous studies, circular crash box absorbed higher energy than other geometry design. Besides that, another parameter is material design. In other studies, the hybrid model absorbs more energy with a less increasing mass. Hybrid crash box combine low-density and high-strength of composite materials with aluminium materials are affordable and ductile to increase energy absorption. This study aims to develop circular hybrid crash box by variating fibre orientation angle of composite and hybrid material configuration. Crash box design is investigated by using computer simulation with ANSYS Workbench. The crash box materials used are Carbon Toray T300 – Epoxy Resin (CCE) and Aluminium Alloy 6063 (AA6063). Eight of circular hybrid crash box models subjected to axial loading with a speed of 10 m/s. The frontal loading is modelled by setting impactor with mass of 100 kg. Energy absorption and deformation pattern were observed. The results showed that the Al-Ko45 model with orientation angle [45/- 45,-45/45]5 and hybrid material configuration of composite inside has highest energy absorption of 8.24 kJ. The deformation pattern in the aluminium part is mixed of concertina at the first stage then continued by diamond pattern, The deformation composite part is dominated by local buckling with transverse shearing. The fractions or folds of composite is functions like foam-filled filling folds of aluminium deformation to initiate progressive crushing folding that can increase the crashworthiness characteristic as the energy absorption.

Total phenol content of turmeric extract (curcuma longa L.) in vegetable oil using the ultrasonic method

Turmeric extract (Curcuma longa L.) in vegetable oil is an herbal oil rich in antioxidants called phenolics. Vegetable oil has the potential to be utilized as a solvent in herb extraction because it can extract bioactive components in plants because it is stable, safe, and ecologically friendly. The purpose of this study is to determine the secondary metabolites and total phenolic content of turmeric extract in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) with the addition of a surfactant (tween 80). The extraction method utilized was ultrasonic, with variations in surfactant dosage (0 - 30 g) and extraction time (10 - 25 minutes). FTIR spectrophotometer used to identify functional groups in herbal oils. The qualitative test showed that phenolic components, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids were detected in turmeric extracts EVOO and VCO both without and with tween 80. Based on statistical study, the extraction time and the amount of surfactant used significantly affect the overall phenol content of herbal oils. The maximum total phenolic content of turmeric extract EVOO and VCO was achieved after a 25-minute extraction with 30 g surfactant, namely 44.11 0.43 mg GAE/g and 35.22 0.43 mg GAE/g. Identification of the functional groups of herbal oils with the addition of tween 80 obtained absorption patterns namely O-H, C=O, C=C aromatic, C-O-C, and C-H.

Chestnut Wood Tannins in Broiler Diets: Pharmacokinetics, Serum Levels during Rearing, and Intestinal Absorption Pattern of Gallic Acid.

Studies on the bioavailability, serum levels, and absorption of hydrolyzable tannin compounds are lacking. In this study, we performed a pharmacokinetic trial, measured the serum levels of compounds in broilers that were reared with different feed added or not with tannins, and tested the digestibility of tannins throughout the intestinal tract. Only gallic acid and 4-O-methyl gallic acid were found in the serum. Moreover, gallic acid showed a 41.8% absolute oral bioavailability and a 72.3% relative bioavailability of gallic acid from chestnut extract compared to the standard. The rapid metabolization caused alternating serum levels during the day and night. These patterns were not affected by the feed type or the previous addition of tannins in the feed. The absorption and metabolization in the intestines occurred gradually throughout the intestinal tract. The latter was true for gallic acid as well as ellagic acid, which was not found in the serum. We can conclude that components from chestnut tannins are absorbed throughout all components of the intestinal tract and are eliminated quickly with little interaction from the feed and previous addition of tannins. Moreover, ellagic acid seems to be absorbed but would remain accumulated in the intestinal tissue or be metabolized by the microbiome.

The penetration resistance behavior and corresponding size effects of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composite laminates

Focusing on the energy absorption characteristics of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber laminated panels, this study conducts ballistic tests and numerical simulations using 6 mm spherical projectiles to impact the UHMWPE laminated panels. The residual velocity characteristics, energy absorption patterns, and failure modes of the UHMWPE laminated panels under steel ball impacts were analyzed. The results show that the residual velocity of the steel ball increases with the increase of the incident velocity. In the velocity range near the ballistic limit velocity, the residual velocity of the steel ball increases sharply. When the incident velocity exceeds 340 m/s, the increase in residual velocity gradually slows down, tending towards a straight line. When the steel ball velocity is less than 330 m/s, the energy absorption of the UHMWPE laminated panels exhibits linear growth with increasing velocity, with a maximum energy absorption of 47.3 J. In the 327–340 m/s velocity range, the energy absorption of the laminated panels drops sharply from 47 J to around 30 J. In the 340 m/s–600 m/s velocity range, the decline in energy absorption gradually becomes more moderate, decreasing to around 20 J. Beyond 500 m/s, the energy absorbed by the UHMWPE laminated panels stabilizes with increasing velocity, and the fiber tensile failure is the main form of energy absorption of UHMWPE composite laminates under ballistic impact. The failure process of UHMWPE laminated panels presents a multi-stage failure mode, including fiber shear failure, tensile failure, and delamination. As the projectile’s incident velocity increases, the damage mechanism of the UHMWPE laminated panels transitions from tensile-dominated to shear plugging-dominated. Through similarity theory analysis, under certain conditions, the ballistic limit velocity and the dimensionless parameter of unit energy absorption for the UHMWPE laminated panels satisfy geometric similarity.

Digestibility of crude nutrients and minerals in C57Bl/6J and CD1 mice fed a pelleted lab rodent diet

In laboratory animals, there is a scarcity of digestibility data under non-experimental conditions. Such data is important as basis to generate nutrient requirements, which contributes to the refinement of husbandry conditions. Digestibility trials can also help to identify patterns of absorption and potential factors that influence the digestibility. Thus, a digestibility trial with a pelleted diet used as standard feed in laboratory mice was conducted. To identify potential differences between genetic lines, inbred C57Bl/6 J and outbred CD1 mice (n = 18 each, male, 8 weeks-old, housed in groups of three) were used. For seven days, the feed intake was recorded and the total faeces per cage collected. Energy, crude nutrient and mineral content of diet and faecal samples were analyzed to calculate the apparent digestibility (aD). Apparent dry matter and energy digestibility did not differ between both lines investigated. The C57Bl/6 J mice had significantly higher aD of magnesium and potassium and a trend towards a lower aD of sodium than the mice of the CD1 outbred stock. Lucas-tests were performed to calculate the mean true digestibility of the nutrients and revealed a uniformity of the linear regression over data from both common laboratory mouse lines. The mean true digestibility of crude nutrients was > 90%, except for fibre, that of the minerals ranged between 66 and 97%.

Hit the Road: Spatial Characteristics of Labor Absorption in South Africa

Unequal spatial concentration is at the heart of economic imbalance in South Africa. This research aimed at spatially characterizing labor absorption patterns and exploring the link to spatial development. Labor absorption is often used as an indicator of labor market well-being and for many countries, the indicator is often more insightful than the unemployment rate. The research used secondary data to create a longitudinal data set of labor absorption, functional literacy, the ratio of urban population and gross domestic product growth rate, among others, at a municipal level. Exploratory spatial data analysis and thematic mapping were undertaken to illustrate the characteristics of the labor market, while spatial grouping created clusters of municipalities based on labor absorption. A positive upward trend was observed between labor absorption and the share of people in an urban area; that is, the more urban an area, the higher the labor absorption rate. Furthermore, the spatial clustering of municipalities highlighted linear patterns and when this was overlayed with roads and development corridors, clearly indicated the impact of regional spillovers. The findings suggest a more integrated focus on regional innovation policy to reduce spatial disparities in the economic landscape.

Using Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling to Study the Main Active Substances of the Anticancer Effect in Mice from Panax ginseng-Ophiopogon japonicus.

Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey, Hongshen, in Chinese) and Ophiopogonis Radix (Ophiopogon japonicus (L.f) Ker-Gawl., Maidong, in Chinese) are traditional Chinese herbal pairs, which were clinically employed to enhance the immune system of cancer patients. This study employed the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) spectrum-effect association model to investigate the antitumor active substances of P. ginseng and O. japonicus (PG-OJ). The metabolic processes of 20 major bioactive components were analyzed using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) in the lung tissue of tumor-bearing mice treated with PG-OJ. The ELISA method was employed to detect the levels of TGF-β1, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the lung tissue of mice at various time points, and to analyze their changes after drug administration. The results showed that all components presented a multiple peaks absorption pattern within 0.083 to 24 h post-drug administration. The tumor inhibition rate of tumor and repair rate of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 all increased, indicating a positive therapeutic effect of PG-OJ on A549 tumor-bearing mice. Finally, a PK-PD model based on the GBDT algorithm was developed for the first time to speculate that Methylophiopogonanone A, Methylophiopogonanone B, Ginsenoside Rb1, and Notoginsenoside R1 are the main active components in PG-OJ for lung cancer treatment.

Thin Calcification Predicts Lipid Component in Carotid Plaque—Relationship Between Lipid Distribution and Thin Calcification

BackgroundAccurately evaluating plaque characteristics is essential because lesions with lipid-rich plaque put patients at risk of thromboembolic complications from carotid artery stenting (CAS). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a diagnostic imaging modality that identifies lipid components from the near-infrared absorption pattern, but does not reveal the distribution of calcification. The purpose of this study was to investigate the calcification characteristics of unstable carotid plaques, focusing on relationships between the calcification characteristics revealed by computed tomography angiography (CTA) and the lipid core distribution derived from NIRS. MethodsParticipants in this retrospective analysis comprised 35 patients (29 men, 6 women; mean age, 76.0 years; range, 52–89 years) who underwent CAS in our institute between January 2021 and December 2022. We evaluated the thickness and length of carotid calcifications at the minimal lumen level from preoperative CTA and analyzed the relationship with maximal lipid core burden index (max-LCBI) from NIRS. ResultsStrong, negative linear correlations were observed between the thickness of calcification and max-LCBI at Area (any segment in a target lesion) (r=-0.795, p<0.001), max-LCBI at minimal lumen area (MLA) (r=-0.795, p<0.001) and LCBI at Lesion (rate of LCBI in entire plaque lesion) (r=-0.788, p<0.001), respectively. Significant negative linear correlations were observed between distribution of calcification length and max-LCBI at Area (r=-0.429, p=0.01), max-LCBI at MLA (r=-0.373, p=0.027) and LCBI at Lesion (r=-0.443, p=0.008). ConclusionsThin and ubiquitous carotid calcification was associated with LCBI values derived from NIRS indicative of carotid lipid plaque distribution, implying the possibility of predicting lesion instability.

Effects of magnetoelectric water irrigation combined with foliar iron fertilizer on the growth characteristics and iron absorption of spinach

Vegetable cultivation is highly profitable and can quickly generate earnings. The demand for vegetables is increasing daily compared with grain crops. However, the inefficient use of water resources and the lack of microelements in soil prevent improvements in vegetable quality and yield. This study conducted indoor pot experiments on spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.), including five concentrations of foliar iron (e.g., 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg/L) under conventional water and magnetoelectric water irrigation conditions. This experiment was conducted to clarify the effect of the combined application of magnetoelectric water and foliar iron fertilizer on the growth characteristics and iron absorption patterns of spinach. The results demonstrated that magnetoelectric water combined with the application of 15 mg/L foliar iron fertilizer was the most effective combination. These results occurred by (1) increasing the available iron content in the soil while promoting the accumulation of total nitrogen in spinach leaves and (2) increasing the chlorophyll content and maximum net photosynthetic rate of spinach leaves. This resulted in a significant increase of 31.91 % in the aboveground fresh weight of spinach and an iron enrichment coefficient of 40.12 %. Additionally, the accuracy of the logistic growth and light response model to simulate the growth and light response process of spinach was greater than 0.98, indicating good fitting effects. The increase in chlorophyll content was the main factor promoting spinach growth and iron absorption, and the prediction model of spinach yield based on chlorophyll content was well fitting. These results provide theoretical references and technical support for promoting magnetoelectric water irrigation technology combined with foliar iron fertilizer to improve vegetable yields.

Moisture diffusion analysis and their effects on the mechanical properties of organic particle filled natural fiber reinforced hybrid polymer composites

This investigation explores the water intake characteristics of hybrid composite samples composed of Wood Dust as organic filler (WD), Prosopis Juliflora as fiber (PJF), and epoxy as matrix. The specimens underwent immersion in both distilled and seawater environments for a duration of 240 hours. The composite samples, with compositions of 10WD + 30PJF + 60 PF, 20WD + 20PJF + 60 PF, and 30WD + 10PJF + 60 PF, were subjected to moisture content measurements at different intervals. Mechanical properties were tested following ASTM standards for both dry and wet conditions. Results indicate that seawater immersion leads to higher moisture absorption compared to distilled (condensed) water, with the fiber (PJF)-rich composite (30PJF +10WD + 60 PF) exhibiting the greatest water absorption. The water absorption pattern exhibited by the hybrid composite of WD/PJF/PF does not adhere to a Fickian behavior. Tensile, flexural, and impact properties were evaluated, with the (10WD + 30PJF + 60 PF) specimen showcasing superior performance in dry conditions, boasting a tensile character of 51 MPa, flexural (bending) strength of 60 MPa, and impact value of 1.4 KJ/m2. However, its strength diminishes upon exposure to distilled water and seawater. SEM analysis of fractured surfaces from seawater-exposed specimens provides additional insights. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the influence of immersion on moisture absorption and mechanical properties, emphasizing the prevalence of non-Fickian behavior and the varying performance of different compositions, with the (10WD + 30PJF + 60 PF) composition demonstrating remarkable strength under dry conditions.

Study on the Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities, and Clinical Application of Taxus.

Taxus, a rare and protected genus predominantly distributed across the Northern Hemisphere's temperate regions, has garnered global attention due to its significant potential in medical research and pharmaceutical development, bolstered by advancements in cultivation techniques and medical technology. This review primarily focuses on the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Taxus, underscoring the progress and potential of these components in clinical applications. Recent studies have revealed that Taxus contains not only taxane active components but also flavonoids and polysaccharides with distinct activities. These compounds from Taxus exhibit potent antitumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties with evident mechanisms of action. Notably, the representative compound, paclitaxel, has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating various cancers, such as ovarian, breast, and lung cancer. This paper also reviews the basic situation of Taxus drug formulations, with extracts primarily administered orally and monomeric taxanes typically via injection, reflecting a mature development stage with ongoing research into oral formulations. Finally, this review summarizes the pharmacokinetic characteristics of crucial compounds in Taxus, including their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion patterns in the human body. These pharmacokinetic profiles provide crucial guidance for evaluating the overall dosing regimen of Taxus and its components. The paper concludes with a forward-looking analysis of the potential applications of these compounds in disease treatment, envisioning their role in the future of medical and pharmaceutical advancements.

Composite alginate-based hydrogel delivery of antioxidant pumpkin protein hydrolysate in simulated gastrointestinal condition

Pumpkin seeds are rich in protein (24–36.5%). Some of them are consumed as nuts, while others are regarded as waste and used for feeding animals. Protein hydrolysates from pumpkin seeds possess some bioactive properties, such as anti-oxidant activity. In this work, various composite alginate hydrogels contain Aloe vera, CMC, and tragacanth have been employed to protect PSPH against degradation in simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGI) and regulate its release rate. The encapsulation efficiency of PSPH in plain alginate and beads with Aloe vera, CMC, and tragacanth combinations was 71.63, 75.63, 85.07, and 80.4%, respectively. The release rate of the plain alginate beads was %30.23 in the SGF and %52.26 in the SIF, and decreased in the composite-based beads. The highest decreasing rate in the antioxidant activity during SGI was observed in free PSPH, and the decreasing rate slowed down in the alginate-based composites. The swelling rate in plain alginate was %-23.43 and %25.43 in the SGF and SIF, respectively, and increased in the composite-based beads. The FTIR spectra of hydrogels before and after loading with PSPH showed identical absorption patterns and were similar to each other. Based on the data for SEM, it was revealed that substituting other polymers in polymer combinations with alginates resulted in a porosity reduction of the beads and smoother and more uniform surfaces. Based on the results, the combination of polysacchared with alginate could protect and increase the applicability of PSPH as a functional component in the food industry.

Spectrally Selective Ultra‐Broadband Solar Absorber Based on Pyramidal Structure

Here, a spectrally selective solar absorber is explored and an ultra‐broadband solar absorber is proposed based on pyramidal structure. The finite‐difference in time domain (FDTD) software is used to model the spectral characteristics and magnetic absorption patterns of this absorber. The emissivity of the absorber is less than 20% in the far‐infrared band over 6000 nm, showing good selectivity, and the total solar thermal conversion efficiency is very close to that of an ideal truncated selective solar absorber by analyzing the performance of our proposed absorber‐related indexes. By studying the high absorption band of the absorber, the selectivity can be better investigated in depth. Here, 200–4000 nm is chosed as the depth study band. The absorber possesses an ultra‐wide bandwidth of 3554 nm and an average absorption of over 97.4%, and in the 200–3754 nm band, the absorber has an ultra‐high absorption rate of more than 98.3%, and its thermal emitter has a high emission efficiency of 94% at a temperature of 1000 K. Notably, the weighted average absorption in the 280–4000 nm band at AM1.5 is as high as 98.86%, with a loss of only 1.14%. The ultra‐broadband absorption property of this solar absorber is mainly a joint effect of surface plasmon resonance coupling.

Exploration of material basis: Chemical composition profile, metabolic profile and pharmacokinetic characteristics in Xingbei Zhike granule

Headings ethnopharmacological relevanceXingbei Zhike granule (XBZK), a widely prescribed Chinese patent medicine, is known for its efficacy in clearing lung qi, relieving cough and reducing phlegm, as well as fever, dry and bitter taste, and irritability. Despite its clinical popularity, comprehensive investigations into its chemical composition, in vivo metabolism, and pharmacokinetic characteristics are limited. Aim of the studyThis study investigates the chemical composition, in vivo metabolism, and in vivo dynamics of XBZK to clarify its material basis and pharmacokinetic characteristics. Materials and methodsUltra-high performance liquid chromatography with Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Orbitrap-MS) was used to determine the chemical composition and in vivo metabolic profile of XBZK. Additionally, UPLC with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-MS/MS) was performed to quantify its main components and evaluate its in vivo dynamics in rat plasma. ResultsIn total, 57 components were identified in XBZK. Furthermore, 40 prototype components and 31 metabolites were detected in various biological matrices of rats, including plasma, tissues, bile, feces, and urine. After administration, the area under the curve (AUC) for ephedrine (Eph), pseudoephedrine (Peph), neotuberostemonine (Neo), amygdalin (Amy), and enoxolone (Eno) exhibited a strong linear relationship with the administered dose (r > 0.9) in all rats. And gender-related differences in the absorption of peiminine (Pmn), peimisine (Pms), and chrysin-7-O-glucuronide (Cog) were notable among rats, with male rats showing a dose-dependent pattern of absorption, while female rats exhibited minimal absorption. ConclusionsXBZK contains 57 components, primarily composed of flavonoids, alkaloids, and coumarins. The eight main components were rapidly absorbed and eliminated, with some, such as Eph, Peph, Neo, Amy and Eno, following a linear pharmacokinetic pattern. Furthermore, Pmn, Pms and Cog were well absorbed in male rats, showing a dose-dependent behavior.

First-Principles Investigation of the Optical Properties of Eumelanin Protomolecules.

Using first-principles calculations, we investigate the absorption spectra (in the near-infrared, visible, and first UV range) of the two most probable eumelanin tetrameric molecules exhibiting either a linear open-chain or a cyclic porphyrine-like configuration. In order to simulate a realistic molecular system, an implicit solvent model is used in our calculations to mimic the effect of the solvated environment around the eumelanin molecule. Although the presence of solvent is found not to significantly affect the absorption pattern of both molecules, the onset of the spectra are shifted toward higher energies, especially for the linear tetramer. Interestingly, the absorption spectra and optical onsets of the two molecules differ significantly both in a vacuum and in ethanol. However, the two predicted spectra do not allow us to definitely discriminate between the two configurations when comparing the theoretical predictions with the available experimental spectrum. In addition, a mix of the two eumelanin configurations (close to fifty-fifty) leads to a maximum overlap between theoretical and experimental spectra. Consequently, this theoretical research shows that deeper insight can be gained using beyond DFT techniques on the real form of eumelanin protomolecules present in living systems as well as on their possible use in hybrid solar cells.