Degree Of Aggregation Research Articles

Dynamic changes of tenderness, moisture and protein in marinated chicken: the effect of different steaming temperatures.

The steam processing characteristics of chicken are a key factor in the simplicity and versatility of steamed chicken dishes. The aim of this study was to investigate in depth the changes in tenderness and water retention of marinated chicken at different slow steaming endpoint temperatures, and to further explore the effect of the evolution of protein conformations on the water status. The results showed that chicken samples' shear force peaked at 80 °C and decreased rapidly at 90 °C. As the steaming endpoint temperature increased between 50 and 90 °C, T21, T22, moisture content and centrifugal loss decreased, but P21, P22 and myofibril water-holding capacity showed regular changes. The electrophoretic bands and protein conformation changes showed that protein in marinated chicken underwent different degrees of denaturation, degradation and aggregation. And at 70 °C, with an increase of hydrophobic groups and crosslinking of disulfide bonds as well as an increase in the number of denatured sarcoplasmic proteins, the intermolecular network was enhanced, thus affecting the water retention. Water status of chicken meat heated at different steaming temperatures is closely related to the evolution of protein conformations. The present study serves as a robust theoretical foundation for enhancing the quality of steamed chicken products at an industrial scale. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of enzymatic modification on the structure and rheological properties of diluted alkali-soluble pectin fraction rich in RG-I

This study focuses on pectin covalently linked in cell walls from two sources, apples and carrots, that was extracted using diluted alkali, and it describes changes in the rheological properties of diluted alkali-soluble pectin (DASP) due to enzymatic treatment. Given DASP’s richness of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), RG-I acetyl esterase (RGAE), rhamnogalacturonan endolyase (RGL), and arabinofuranosidase (ABF) were employed in various combinations for targeted degradation of RG-I pectin chains. Enzymatic degradations were followed by structural studies of pectin molecules using atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as measurements of rheological and spectral properties. AFM imaging revealed a significant increase in the length of branched molecules after incubation with ABF, suggesting that arabinose side chains limit RG-I aggregation. Structural modifications were confirmed by changes in the intensity of bands in the pectin fingerprint and anomeric region on Fourier transform infrared spectra. ABF treatment led to a decrease in the stability of pectic gels, while the simultaneous use of ABF, RGAE, and RGL enzymes did not increase the degree of aggregation compared to the control sample. These findings suggest that the association of pectin chains within the DASP fraction may rely significantly on intermolecular interactions. Two mechanisms are proposed, which involve side chains as short-range attachment points or an extended linear homogalacturonan conformation favoring inter-chain interactions over self-association.

Tackling P3HT:Y‐Series Miscibility Through Advanced Processing for Tunable Aggregation

AbstractPolymer and small molecule blend thin films are of strong interest for organic electronics and particularly organic solar cells. The high miscibility in blends of ordinary P3HT and state‐of‐the‐art Y‐series non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) suppresses phase separation and aggregation challenging successful charge separation and transport. In a recent work, current‐induced doping (CID) is introduced, a method to precisely control the aggregation of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) in solution. The highly ordered pre‐aggregation in solution is used here to control the P3HT aggregation in neat films and blends with Y12 (BTP‐4F‐12). This results in a 25‐fold increase in hole mobility in P3HT organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) devices and tunability of the P3HT aggregate quality in the presence of Y12 over large ranges. At the same time, particularly the Y12 long‐range ordering is heavily suppressed by increasing P3HT aggregation. However, solvent vapor annealing (SVA) leads to an extraordinarily high Y12 ordering, changes in the crystal orientation of Y12, and a further improvement of P3HT aggregation. A broad range of different degrees of aggregation of both materials can therefore be obtained in the final thin films solely by changing processing parameters without changing the composition of the material system.

Influence of IDS and SDS compound ratio on pore structure and wettability of bituminous coal and anthracite: Experimental and simulation discussion

The pore and wetting characteristics of bituminous coal and anthracite treated with different proportions of tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDS) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were measured. The pore structure characteristics of the coal were studied via low-temperature nitrogen adsorption analysis and the Frenkel-Halsey-Hill fractal theory. Zeta potential measurements were conducted to quantitatively analyze the degree of aggregation or dispersion of coal particles dissolved in solution. Changes in the coal surface morphology were observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that when the ratio of IDS:SDS is 1:3, the specific surface area (SSA) values of bituminous coal and anthracite are the lowest. The composite reagent has a greater effect on improving the pore structure of anthracite than bituminous coal. Compared with bituminous coal, anthracite has better pore connectivity and a wider pore network. The absolute zeta potentials of bituminous coal and anthracite reach the maximum at an IDS:SDS ratio of 1:3, with values of 91.08 mV and 91.35 mV, respectively. The electrostatic potential distributions of the molecules show that the advantages of the electrostatic potential difference with water molecules enable IDS and SDS molecules to effectively attract water molecules and form hydrogen bonds, thus revealing the optimization mechanism of coal wettability.

Experimental study of fouling characteristics of CaCO3 precipitated crystal scale mixed with different particles in an alternating magnetic field environment

This paper is to study the effect of CaCO3 precipitated crystal scale mixed with different particles on the scaling characteristics under the action of electromagnetic field. The simulation of industrial field experiments, based on the electromagnetic water treatment dynamic experimental bench, change the type of particles, concentration, magnetic field strength, according to the experimental results of the thermal resistance and scale inhibition rate curve under different working conditions, through the scanning electron microscope microscopy analysis of the fouling samples, to study the effect of CaCO3 fouling mixed with different particles in the role of the magnetic field on the effect of the law on the deposition characteristics.The results show that: electromagnetic field on MgO particles dirt and CaCO3 dirt deposition have inhibition effect; CaCO3 and different concentrations of CaCO3 crystalline particles mixed, CaCO3 particles, the more the electromagnetic field on the formation of CaCO3 precipitation scale inhibition effect is not obvious; CaCO3 precipitation scale and MgO particles mixed in the magnetic field can significantly enhance the effect of the field of the inhibition of the scale, magnetic field Under the action of the magnetic field, as the content of MgO particles increases, the scale inhibition effect on the dirt is first enhanced and then weakened until it tends to be about 0. Scanning electron microscopy analyses showed that the morphology and degree of aggregation of calcium carbonate fouling crystals were influenced by MgO particles under the action of electromagnetic fields, and CaCO3 fouling was transformed from regular ortho-hexahedra to acicular aragonite and amorphous CaCO3, which made the stripping phenomenon more significant.Comprehensive experimental results and scanning electron microscopy analyses of fouling samples show that the mixture of CaCO3 solution with a small amount of MgO particles can be an effective means to inhibit the precipitation of crystalline fouling under the environment of alternating electromagnetic field. This study provides theoretical guidance for the application of alternating magnetic field in the future, and provides new ideas and methods for solving the problem of crystalline fouling in industry.

The impact of regional sports industry aggregation on residents’ health level in China

Health is the basis for human survival and development and is an important symbol to evaluate a country's economic growth and social progress. This article measures the degree of sports industry agglomeration in different regions of China and uses the Moran index to verify the existence of global autocorrelation in sports agglomeration. Next, the spatial Durbin model was used to verify the spatial spillover effect of sports industry agglomeration on the health level of residents, and the following conclusions were obtained.Firstly, there is spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity in the clustering level of China's sports industry. The spatial distribution is extremely uneven, and different regions have formed relatively stable spatial patterns. Secondly, the degree of aggregation of the sports industry can reduce the number of per capita visits and have a positive spatial spillover effect on the health of residents. Not only can it promote the health level of residents in the province, but it also has spatial spillover effects on surrounding areas.Finally, based on the research results, the following conclusions are proposed in this article. Policy recommendations include increasing investment in sports talent cultivation, accelerating the construction of sports center cities, and increasing residents' attention to sports to improve residents' health.

Synthesis of Perylene Diimide Modified by POSS and its Assembly Behavior in Solution and SBS Matrix

In this work, Perylene diimide derivatives 1,7- POSS-PDI-C12 (PPC) were synthesized using 1,7-Br-PDI- C12, 18-crown-6 ether as phase transfer agent, K2CO3 as catalyst and THF as solvent in a reaction system. Subsequently, the POSS-SH group was successfully introduced into the perylene imide bay site in high yield. The chemical structure and molecular weight of the products were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MALDI-TOF MS and FT-IR. The self-assembly behavior in different solvents was studied using the research solution self-assembly method. PPC remained in a single monomolecular state due to the bulky POSS group, which introduced large steric hindrance in the molecular packing, leading to the weakening of the π–π interactions. Then, the Composite thin films containing PPC in SBS was prepared. PPC do not exhibit significant force-chromic behavior owing to the dispersion of single- molecule states. This shows that in the construction of mechanochromic materials, chromophore molecules need to have a certain degree of aggregation in the matrix, but the aggregation degree should not be too high.

Analysis of Characteristics and Driving Mechanisms of Non-Grain Production of Cropland in Mountainous Areas at the Plot Scale-A Case Study of Lechang City.

With the continuous advancement of urbanization and industrialization, non-grain production on cropland (NGPCL) is gradually becoming more widespread. This phenomenon will compress the space for grain production and trigger a global food crisis. How to scientifically understand and effectively control NGPCL has become a scientific issue. This study, conducted at the plot scale, establishes a measurement index for NGPCL and further explores the characteristics and driving mechanisms of NGPCL in mountainous areas. The results indicate the following: (1) Compared to plots for food-growing, plots for non-grain production tend to be more dispersed, with terraces showing the most significant dispersion, while plains exhibit the highest degree of aggregation. (2) In terms of irrigation conditions, irrigated land and dry land are more likely to undergo NGPCL. In terms of topography, slope croplands have the highest probability of being used for NGPCL. (3) Regions with steeper slopes, higher elevations, greater differences in altitude from the settlement, farther distances from settlements and roads, yet closer proximity to forests, are more likely to engage in NGPCL. (4) Different plot characteristics have varying impacts on NGPCL. Plot characteristics primarily affect the costs and returns of grain production, driving farmers to change their production patterns and triggering NGPCL.

Multiple factors influenced the aggregation behavior of adult Eucryptorrhynchus scrobicuatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a notorious pest of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae). E. scrobiculatus adults typically aggregate under leaves and in soil crevices at the base of A. altissima in the field. We hypothesize that the environmental factors and conspecific signals determine their aggregation behavior. To test this, we investigated adult numbers in light-exposed and shaded areas of the sample trees and conducted experiments in both field and lab settings. Results revealed that (i) greater adult distribution in shaded areas; (ii) significant influence of temperature and illumination on aggregation tendency in the field; (iii) no gender-based difference in aggregation degree and maximum aggregation between light and dark; (iv) the host plant triggering the aggregation tendency, negatively affected in the absence; (v) the aggregation tendency of E. scrobiculatus weakened with the temperature gradually changing to ordinary temperature; and (vi) mutual attraction and chemical attraction between males and females. Thus, the aggregation behavior was influenced by factors including temperature, light intensity, host plant, and conspecific signals, but light's role was not obvious in the lab.

Poly(ionic liquid) Ionomers Help Prevent Active Site Aggregation, in Single-Site Oxygen Reduction Catalysts.

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) can produce clean electricity without the need for platinum-group metals at the cathode. To improve their durability and performance, most research investigations so far have focused on optimizing the catalyst and anion exchange membrane, while few studies have been dedicated to the effect of the ionomer. Herein, we address this gap by developing a poly(ionic liquid)-based ionomer and studying its effect on oxygen transport and oxygen reduction kinetics, in comparison to the commercial proton exchange and anion exchange ionomers Nafion and Fumion. Our study shows that the choice of ionomer has a dramatic effect on the morphology of the catalyst layer, in particular on iron aggregation. We also observed that the quality of the catalyst layer and the degree of iron aggregation can be correlated to the rheological properties of the catalyst ink. Moreover, this work highlights the impact of the ionomer on the resistance to oxygen transport and reports improved oxygen diffusion compared to Nafion, for poly(ionic liquid)s with fluorinated anions. Finally, the performance of the catalyst-ionomer layer for oxygen reduction was tested with a rotating disc electrode (RDE) and a gas diffusion electrode (GDE). We observed dramatic differences between the two configurations, which we attribute to the different morphologies of the catalyst layer. In summary, our study highlights the dramatic and overlooked effect of the ionomer and the limitations of the RDE in predicting fuel cell performance.

N-methylbenzothiazolium based theranostics as fluorescence imaging and photo-oxidation agents for Amyloid-β

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with an insidious onset of symptoms. At present, there are no treatments that can effectively stop or reverse the disease from progressing. The development of effective methods for early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease is therefore still urgently needed. In this article, we designed a family of Q-series probes (Q16∼Q21) that bind to Aβ aggregates by introducing different electron donors to bind to benzothiazole salts electron acceptors with different substituents to achieve imaging and photooxidation of aggregated Aβ proteins. The structure of the six probes was composed of N, N-dimethylaminophenyl and triphenylamine (donor groups), benzothiazole salts (acceptor groups), and π-conjugated double bonds. Among them, the probe Q17 with triphenylamine as the electron donor had a good singlet oxygen production efficiency, which can effectively carry out photooxidation after combining with Aβ aggregates, effectively reducing the degree of aggregation, and the cytotoxicity of Aβ aggregates was significantly reduced after bright light oxidation through cell experiments, which has great potentials in the treatment of Aβ photooxidation. On the other hand, probes Q16 and Q18 with N, N-dimethylaminophenyl as donors had excellent imaging abilities, good affinities for Aβ (Kd-Q16 = 26.95 nM, Kd-Q18 = 21.56 nM), can effectively image Aβ plaques in AD mouse brain slices and monitor the change of cell viscosity, and have a good application prospect in fluorescence imaging.

Spatial pattern analysis reveals intra-specific competition and fractal characteristics of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica populations in Xiaotaojia Gulley Watershed

The imprudent cultivation of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica has led to degradation in the watersheds surrounding Chongli County. This study investigates the artificial forests of P. sylvestris var. mongolica in the Xiaotaojiagou watershed, Chongli County. Twenty-five subplots measuring 20 m × 20 m were established at upper, upper-middle, middle, and lower positions within the watershed. Spatial distribution patterns and fractal characteristics of P. sylvestris var. mongolica were analyzed using univariate pair correlation function g(r), marked correlation functions (marked correlation function Kmm(r), marked variation function γm(r), and Schlather’s Im(r) function), and fractal dimensions (box-counting dimension, information dimension). The findings are as follows: (1) P. sylvestris var. mongolica in the middle section of the watershed displayed the largest average diameters at breast height and tree height, while those in the lower section exhibited the largest average crown width. (2) P. sylvestris var. mongolica populations in the upstream, middle, and downstream sections of the watershed exhibited three alternating states: aggregated distribution, uniform distribution, and random distribution. However, with increasing spatial scale, the distribution gradually tended towards randomness. P. sylvestris var. mongolica in the upper-middle section of the watershed showed aggregated distribution at scales of 1.5–32.5 m, transitioning to random distribution and then to uniform distribution with increasing spatial scale. (3) Individual attributes of P. sylvestris var. mongolica (diameter at breast height, tree height, and crown width) exhibited high correlation and facilitation in the upstream and upper-middle sections at small-to-medium scales, whereas negative correlations and inhibitions were observed in the middle and lower sections. These attributes tended to be uncorrelated with increasing spatial scale. (4) Fractal dimensions indicated that the degree of aggregation of P. sylvestris var. mongolica population was lowest in the downstream section of the watershed. In conclusion, spatial distribution patterns and intraspecies relationships of P. sylvestris var. mongolica populations are influenced by spatial scale and environmental conditions, particularly in more resource-competitive downstream areas. Effective management and protection of P. sylvestris var. mongolica populations require targeted measures such as adjusting afforestation density, improving soil conditions, and implementing differentiated ecological restoration strategies to alleviate intraspecies competitive pressures and promote population health and sustainable development.

АНАЛИЗ АГРЕГАЦИИ ТРОМБОЦИТОВ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С СИНДРОМОМ ДИАБЕТИЧЕСКОЙ СТОПЫ

Purpose. To analyze the aggregation function of platelets in patients with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS). Material and methods. Prospective clinical trial in which 31 patients participated have been conducted by us. To achieve this purpose, 2 groups have been formed: group 1 – patients with no history of diabetes (n=17); group 2 – patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 complicated by DFS (n=14). The studying of platelet aggregation was carried out once for first days after the admission of patients to the general somatic health care units, turbidimetric count method with an inductor: adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (concentrations of 0.3 mcg/ml, 0.6 mcg/ml, 1.25 mcg/ml and 2.5 mcg/ml were used), adrenaline (concentrations of 2.5 microns and 5.0 microns were used), collagen – 2 mg/ml. Results. In group 2 patients, the average platelet aggregation time, as well as in group 1, was lower than the reference values with an ADP inducer at a dose of 0.6 mcg/ml, 1.25 and 2.5 mcg/ml, and higher with adrenaline at a dose of 2.5 microns and with adrenaline at a dose of 5.0 microns. The degree of aggregation was lower than normal when used with all inducers except ADP 0.3 mcg/ml (normal), and the average platelet aggregation rate was lower with adrenaline. With the other inducers, platelet aggregation parameters were within the reference values. When adding inducers with all platelet aggregation parameters, significant differences were obtained between the two groups (p<0.05), and only when using ADP at doses of 0.6 mcg/ml, 1.25 mcg/ml and 2.5 mcg/ml, no significant differences were obtained for the aggregation rate parameter (p>0.05). Conclusion. In patients with DFS, compared with the people without diabetes mellitus type 2, the lowest degree of aggregation is noted with the use of ADP and adrenaline, the aggregation time is less with ADP, the aggregation rate is less with adrenaline and collagen 2 mg /ml. The degree of aggregation has increased with the use of collagen, and the aggregation time with adrenaline and collagen. The studying of platelet function is an important link in the laboratory control of spontaneous aggregation, which will limit the appearance of new vascular occlusions in patients with DFS.

Adsorption of Asphaltenes at Model Oil/Brine Interface: Influence of Solvent Polarity.

With the exploitation of heavy oil worldwide, the influence of asphaltene aggregation in the oil phase on the stability of crude oil emulsion has been paid more and more attention. Under this background, the effects of solvent polarity on model oil/brine water interfacial properties and emulsion stability are investigated in this study. It is demonstrated that there is a critical asphaltene concentration for the formation of a stable emulsion. This critical concentration is then found to increase from 80 to 500 ppm with the mixing ratio of methylnaphthalene to n-decane changed from 2:3 to 7:3. The dynamic light scattering experiment shows that the average aggregate size increases abruptly from 132.8 to 261.1 nm at 2:3 mixing ratio of methylnaphthalene to n-decane once the asphaltenes are added to above the critical concentration. Accordingly, the diffusion coefficient of the asphaltenes decreases sharply from 4.36 × 10-12 to 5.68 × 10-13 m2/s. Similar conclusions are also found for the other mixing ratios of 1:1, 3:2, and 7:3. Besides, the aggregation degree of asphaltenes weakens, and the diffusion coefficient enlarges at the same asphaltene concentration with the enhancement of the solvent polarity. Further, the interfacial experiments manifest that the equilibrium interfacial dilation modulus decreases from 38.42 to 23.65 mN/m with the mixing ratio of methylnaphthalene to n-decane increased from 2:3 to 7:3. It can thus be inferred that the structural strength of the interfacial film decreases with the enhancement of the solvent polarity.

Effects of molecular structure and charge state on the foaming and emulsifying properties of Spirulina protein isolates

Microalgae protein holds great potential for various applications in the food industry. However, the current knowledge regarding microalgae protein remains limited, with little information available on its functional properties. Furthermore, the relationship between its molecular structure and functional properties is not well defined, which limits its application in food processing. This study aims to addresses these gaps though an analysis of the emulsibility and foamability of various soluble protein isolates from two species of Spirulina (Arthospira platensis and Spirulina platensis), and the functional properties of Spirulina protein isolates in relation to its molecular structure and charge state. Results revealed that the degree of cross-linking and aggregation or folding and curling of protein tertiary structures was higher in the highly soluble Spirulina protein isolates (AP50% and SP50%) than in the low-solubility isolates (AP30% and SP30%). The foaming capacity (FC) of AP50% and SP50% was found to be lower than that of AP30% and SP30%. Spirulina protein isolates can stably adsorb at the air-water interface for at least 20 min and possessed good interfacial activity. A high pH value was found to promote cross-linking of protein particles at the oil-water interface, thereby reinforcing the internal network structure of emulsions and increasing viscosity. These findings provide preliminary insights for potential applications of Spirulina protein isolates in food production, especially towards quality improvement.

Bias correction in species distribution models based on geographic and environmental characteristics

Correcting sampling bias in species distribution models (SDMs) is challenging. The difficulty lies in accurately identifying and quantifying bias and the scarcity of samples, which greatly impedes the implementation of bias correction. Current methods often adjust the distribution of presence or background points within geographic or environmental spaces to correct the sampling bias in probability estimation within SDMs. However, these methods may lead to information loss, rely on subjective assumptions, and often separate geography and environment when correcting for bias. This study proposes a novel and easily implementable method termed “aggregation background.” This method selects background data based on the aggregation degree of presence points in the geographic and environmental feature space, thereby approximating the representation and correction of sampling bias in the presence samples. We compared this new method with other prevalent sampling bias correction methods in the existing literature by analyzing ecological authenticity. Under varying biases and sample sizes, the aggregation background and geographic filtering methods achieved more accurate species distribution predictions compared to the target group background and other methods. Notably, when the sample size was small (≤70), the aggregation background was superior to that obtained using the geographic filtering method. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the aggregation background in improving bias correction using limited available presence sample data, without relying on assumptions about sampling bias. Our method provides a new approach for correcting complex unknown biases in SDMs.

Green synthesis of chitosan- and fluoride-functionalized silver nanoparticles using Camellia sinensis: Characterization and dental applications

The development of new biocompatible and eco-friendly materials is essential for the future of dental practice, especially for the management of dental caries. In this study, a novel and simple method was applied for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the aqueous extract of Camellia sinensis (WT) and functionalized with chitosan (CHS) and NaF. The effects of WT_AgNPs application on demineralized dentin were evaluated for potential dental applications. The WT_AgNPs showed molecular groups related to organic compounds, potentially acting as reducing and capping agents. All AgNPs presented spherical shapes with crystal sizes of approximately 20 nm. Forty human molars were assigned to control: sound (SD) and demineralised dentine (DD), and experimental groups: WT_AgNPs, WT_AgNPs_NaF, and WT_AgNPs_CHS. Then, the NPs were applied to DD to evaluate the chemical, crystallographic, and microstructural characteristics of treated-dentine. In addition, a three-point bending test was employed to assess mechanical response. The application of WT_AgNPs indicated a higher mineralisation degree and crystallites sizes of hydroxyapatite than the DD group. SEM images showed that WT_AgNPs presented different degrees of aggregation and distribution patterns. The dentine flexural strength was significantly increased in all WT_AgNPs. The application of WT_AgNPs demonstrated remineralising and strengthening potential on demineralised dentine.

Corn Silk Polysaccharide Reduces the Risk of Kidney Stone Formation by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inhibiting COM Crystal Adhesion and Aggregation.

HK-2 cells were damaged by 100 nm COM crystals to build an injury model. The cells were protected by CSPs with -COOH contents of 3.92% (CSP0) and 16.38% (CCSP3), respectively. The changes in the biochemical indexes of HK-2 cells and the difference in adhesion amount and aggregation degree of nano-COM on the cell surface before and after CSP protection were detected. CSP0 and CCSP3 protection can obviously inhibit HK-2 cell damage caused by nano-COM crystals, restore cytoskeleton morphology, reduce intracellular ROS level, inhibit phosphoserine eversion, restore the polarity of the mitochondrial membrane potential, normalize the cell cycle process, and reduce the expression of adhesion molecules, OPN, Annexin A1, HSP90, HAS3, and CD44 on the cell surface. Finally, the adhesion and aggregation of nano-COM crystals on the cell surface were effectively inhibited. The carboxymethylated CSP3 exhibited a higher protective effect on cells than the original CSP0, and cell viability was further improved with the increase in polysaccharide concentration. CSPs can protect HK-2 cells from calcium oxalate crystal damage and effectively reduce the adhesion and aggregation of nano-COM crystals on the cell surface, which is conducive to inhibiting the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.

Sensitivity Analysis of Influencing Factors and Two-Stage Prediction of Frost Resistance of Active-Admixture Recycled Concrete Based on Grey Theory-BPNN.

Sensitivity analysis of influencing factors on frost resistance is carried out in this paper, and a two-stage neural network model based on grey theory and Back Propagation Neural Networks (BPNNs) is established for the sake of predicting the frost resistance of active-admixture recycled concrete quickly and accurately. Firstly, the influence degree of cement, water, sand, natural aggregate, recycled aggregate, mineral powder, fly ash, fiber and air-entraining agent on the frost resistance of active-admixture recycled-aggregate concrete was analyzed based on the grey system theory, and the primary and secondary relationships of various factors were effectively distinguished. Then, the input layer of the model was determined as cement, water, sand, recycled aggregate and air-entraining agent, and the output layer was the relative dynamic elastic modulus. A total of 120 datasets were collected from the experimental data of another author, and the relative dynamic elastic modulus was predicted using the two-stage BPNN prediction model proposed in this paper and compared with the BPNN prediction results. The results show that the proposed two-stage BPNN model, after removing less-sensitive parameters from the input layer, has better prediction accuracy and shorter run time than the BPNN model.

Versatile Fluorescence Lifetime-Based Copper Probe to Quantify Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Reveal Its Interaction with Protein Aggregation.

Mitochondria play a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, and the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) is an important signal of apoptosis. Additionally, protein misfolding and aggregation are closely related to diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancers. However, the interaction between MMP changes and disease-related protein aggregation was rarely studied. Herein, we report a novel "turn-on" fluorescent probe MitoRhB that specifically targets to mitochondria for Cu2+ detection in situ. The fluorescence lifetime (τ) of MitoRhB exhibits a positive correlation with MMP changes, allowing us to quantitatively determine the relative MMP during SOD1 (A4 V) protein aggregation. Finally, we found that (1) the increasing concentrations of copper will accelerate the depolarization of mitochondria and reduce MMP; (2) the depolarization of mitochondria can intensify the degree of protein aggregation, suggesting a new routine of copper-induced cell death mediated through abnormal MMP depolarization and protein aggregation.