Higher Relative Content Research Articles

Properties and photosynthetic promotion mechanisms of artificial humic acid are feedstock-dependent

AbstractThe artificial humic acids (AHA) approach contributes to achieving the carbon (C) emission peaking and neutrality goal through efficient recycling of waste biomasses and promotion of plant photosynthesis. However, the dependence of their production processes and photosynthetic promotion mechanisms on feedstocks remains unclear. In this study, waste biomasses including camphor leaves (CL), corn stalks (CS), peanut shells (PS), and mixed cyanobacteria (MC) have been respectively converted into artificial humic acids through an environmentally friendly hydrothermal humification approach. The dynamic humification process of different feedstocks and the composition, structural properties, and electron transfer capacity of AHA products were determined. Moreover, the different AHA products were applied to corn to explore their respective photosynthetic promotion mechanisms. High relative contents of lignin and C/N in feedstocks are not conducive to the formation of photodegradable substances and the redox property in AHA. The application of AHA increased the net photosynthetic rate and biomass C of corn by 70–118% and 22–39%, respectively. The AHA produced from higher H/C (0.19) and hemicellulose content (17.09%) in feedstocks (e.g., MC) increased corn photosynthesis by improving light energy capture and conversion efficiency in the PSII process. In contrast, the AHA produced from a higher content of lignin (19.81%) and C/N (7.67) in feedstocks (e.g., CS) increased corn photosynthesis by providing functional enzymes (proteins) and nutrients for leaves. This work provides new insights into the utilization of renewable resources, and the artificial humic acids approach sheds light on environmental sustainability by constructing a closed loop of C in environments. Graphical Abstract

Cu ions release and the formation of CuO/Cu2O during PEO based on the work function

The Cu ions release was investigated by the work function by scanning kelvin probe (SKP), and the formation of CuO/Cu2O was also researched by recording plasma discharges during plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of Ti-14Cu alloy with different morphologies Ti2Cu phase. It is found that L-Ti2Cu phases with lower work function enhances the escape of Cu valence electrons from the 4 s energy level more easily compared to the G-Ti2Cu and GL-Ti2Cu phases. Consequently, this leads to earlier Cu ions released from L-Ti2Cu phases as opposed to the G-Ti2Cu and GL-Ti2Cu phases. The earlier Cu+ released from L-Ti2Cu phases increases the formation of Cu2O and further oxidizes into CuO with increasing voltage, which lead to the enhanced the relative content of CuO. This enhancement contributes to improving antibacterial activity and tribocorrosion resistance due to stress response and lubrication effect by high relative content of CuO. This research provides a theoretical reference for the metal ions release of Ti-14Cu alloy in oxidation dissolution process of PEO and the formation of corresponding metal oxides.

Flavonoid substituted polysaccharides from Tamarix chinensis Lour. alleviate H1N1-induced acute lung injury via inhibiting complement system

Ethnopharmacological relevanceViral pneumonia is a highly pathogenic respiratory infectious disease associated with excessive activation of the complement system. Our previous studies found that the anticomplement polysaccharides from some medicinal plants could significantly alleviate H1N1-induced acute lung injury (H1N1-ALI). The leaves and twigs of Tamarix chinensis Lour. are traditionally used as a Chinese medicine Xiheliu for treating inflammatory disorders. Interestingly, its crude polysaccharides (MBAP90) showed potent anticomplement activity in vitro. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the therapeutic effects and possible mechanism of MBAP90 on viral pneumonia and further isolate and characterize the key active substance of MBAP90. Materials and methodsThe protective effects of MBAP90 were evaluated by survival tests and pharmacodynamic experiments on H1N1-ALI mice. Histopathological changes, viral load, inflammatory markers, and complement deposition in lungs were analyzed by H&E staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. An anticomplement homogenous polysaccharide (MBAP-3) was obtained from MBAP90 by bio-guided separation, and its structure was further characterized by methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy. ResultsOral administration of MBAP90 at a dose of 400 mg/kg significantly increased the survival rate of mice infected with the lethal H1N1 virus. In H1N1-induced ALI, mice treated with MBAP90 (200 and 400 mg/kg) could decrease the lung index, lung pathological injury, the levels of excessive proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-18, and IL-1β), and complement levels (C3c and C5b-9). In addition, MBAP-3 was characterized as a novel homogenous polysaccharide with potent in vitro anticomplement activity (CH50: 0.126 ± 0.002 mg/mL), containing 10.51% uronic acids and 9.67% flavonoids, which were similar to the composition of MBAP90. The backbone of MBAP-3 consisted of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →3,4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, and →3,4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, with branches comprising α-L-Araf-(1→, α-D-GlcpA-(1→, →4,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→ and →4)-β-D-Galp-(1 → . Particularly, O-6 of →4)-β-D-Galp-(1→ was conjugated with a flavonoid, myricetin. ConclusionsMBAP90 could ameliorate H1N1-ALI by inhibiting inflammation and over-activation of the complement system. These polysaccharides (MBAP90 and MBAP-3) with relative high contents of uronic acid and flavonoid substituent might be vital components of T. chinensis for treating viral pneumonia.

The occurrence of oxygen in lignite derivatives and residue from catalytic ethanolysis of Shengli lignite under an inert atmosphere

Lignite is rich in aromatic structures and oxygen atoms, which have the potential to produce organic oxygen-containing compounds. Investigating the cleavage of the >CH–O– bond and oxygen transfer behavior in the catalytic ethanolysis of lignite is indispensable. Herein, A difunctional catalyst composed of HZSM-5 and Ni nanoparticles was fabricated for splitting the >CH–O– bond in the absence of H2. It is found that the >CH–O– bond in Benzyloxy benzene (BOB) could be completely broken with ethanol in the absence of H2. Ethanol can be activated and release H+ over Ni/HZSM-5, which transfers and attacks the >CH–O– bond for obtaining toluene and phenols. The soluble portions from ethanolysis of Shengli lignite were analyzed with fourier transform infrared spectrometer and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer for tracking the migration of oxygen atoms. It is apparent that esters with higher relative content (32.6 %) were detected in soluble portion 1 (SP1), while alcohols (35.3 %) dominate catalytically soluble portion 1 (CSP1). Moreover, a large number of alkyl-substituted phenols were identified in both SP1 and CSP1. Additionally, related analysis of SL and residual coal manifested that >CH–O– and >C=O bonds were the main forms of existence in residue from catalytic ethanolysis of SL. In a word, exploring the occurrence of oxygen in catalytic ethanolysis of lignite has the potential to produce lignite-derived organic oxygenated chemicals.

Changes in the Metabolome and Nutritional Quality of Pulp from Three Types of Korla Fragrant Pears with Different Appearances as Revealed by Widely Targeted Metabolomics

Korla fragrant pear (Pyrus sinkiangensis Yü) fruits have a unique flavor and are rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, amino acids, and other nutrients. At present, the molecular basis of the quality differences among Korla fragrant pear fruits with a convex calyx and rough skin (RS), calyx shedding (SD), and a convex calyx (CV) remains unknown. To analyze the main metabolic components of Korla fragrant pear fruits and compare the antioxidant activities of these three fruits with different qualities, we used nutrient composition analysis and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS)-based widely targeted metabolomics approaches to analyze the changes in the quality characteristics of the pulp of these three Korla fragrant pear fruits with different appearances. The nutrient composition analysis showed that the fructose and glucose contents were not significantly different, and sucrose and vitamin C contents were significantly higher in SD fruits compared with CV and RS fruits. However, the levels of flavor substances such as titratable acids, total phenols, and total flavonoids were high in the pulp of RS fruits. The metabolomics results identified 1976 metabolites that were clustered into 12 categories, and phenolic acid and flavonoid metabolites were the most abundant. The differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in the fruits with different appearances were screened by multivariate statistical methods, and a total of 595 DAMs were detected. The analysis identified 300 DAMs between the CV and SD fruits, 246 DAMs between the RS and CV fruits, and 405 DAMs between the RS and SD groups. SD fruits contained the most metabolites with a high relative content, especially phenolic acids, lipids, amino acids and derivatives, alkaloids, and organic acids. Compared with CV fruits, flavonoid metabolism was more active in RS fruits, which also had a higher content of flavonoids, whereas the fewest metabolites were found in CV fruits, which also displayed less flavonoid accumulation. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the DAMs were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways of flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, confirming that CV fruits have decreased flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and accumulate fewer flavonoids than RS fruits, which may explain the less bitter and astringent flavor of CV fruits. However, the flavonoid content in RS fruits was very high, which may be one of the reasons why RS fruits have a harder pulp and are less juicy, more slaggy, and less flavorful. Moreover, the analysis of the antioxidant activity showed that during fruit development and maturation, RS fruits had stronger antioxidant activity than SD and CV fruits. These results provide a theoretical basis for improving the fruit quality of Korla fragrant pears and the processing of pear pulp.

Higher Toxicity of Gaseous Organics Relative to Particulate Matters Emitted from Typical Cooking Processes.

Cooking emission is known to be a significant anthropogenic source of air pollution in urban areas, but its toxicities are still unclear. This study addressed the toxicities of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gaseous organics by combining chemical fingerprinting analysis with cellular assessments. The cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species activity of gaseous organics were ∼1.9 and ∼8.3 times higher than those of PM2.5, respectively. Moreover, these values of per unit mass PM2.5 were ∼7.1 and ∼15.7 times higher than those collected from ambient air in Shanghai. The total oleic acid equivalent quantities for carcinogenic and toxic respiratory effects of gaseous organics, as estimated using predictive models based on quantitative structure-property relationships, were 1686 ± 803 and 430 ± 176 μg/mg PM2.5, respectively. Both predicted toxicities were higher than those of particulate organics, consistent with cellular assessment. These health risks are primarily attributed to the high relative content and toxic equivalency factor of the organic compounds present in the gas phase, including 7,9-di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, and 2-phenoxyethoxybenzene. Furthermore, these compounds and fatty acids were identified as prominent chemical markers of cooking-related emissions. The obtained results highlight the importance of control measures for cooking-emitted gaseous organics to reduce the personal exposure risks.

Overexpression of the Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier protease OTS1 gene enhances drought tolerance in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid).

Sugarcane is an economically important crop plant across the globe as it is the primary source of sugar and biofuel. Its growth and development are greatly influenced by water availability; therefore, in periods of water scarcity, yields are severely compromised. Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier (SUMO) proteases play an important role in stress responses by regulating the SUMO-related post-translational modification of proteins. In an attempt to enhance drought tolerance in sugarcane, this crop was genetically transformed with a cysteine protease (OVERLY TOLERANT TO SALT-1; OTS1) from Arabidopsis thaliana using particle bombardment. Transgenic plants were analysed in terms of photosynthetic capacity, oxidative damage, antioxidant accumulation and the SUMO-enrich protein profile was assessed. Sugarcane transformed with the AtOTS1 gene displayed enhanced drought tolerance and delayed leaf senescence under water deficit compared to the untransformed wild type (WT). The AtOTS1 transgenic plants maintained a high relative moisture content and higher photosynthesis rate when compared to the WT. In addition, when the transgene was expressed at high levels, the transformed plants were able to maintain higher stomatal conductance and chlorophyl content under moderate stress compared to the WT. Under severe water deficit stress, the transgenic plants accumulated less malondialdehyde and maintained membrane integrity. SUMOylation of total protein and protease activity was lower in the AtOTS1 transformed plants compared to the WT, with several SUMO-enriched proteins exclusively expressed in the transgenics when exposed to water deficit stress. SUMOylation of proteins likely influenced various mechanisms contributing to enhanced drought tolerance in sugarcane.

Effects of aqueous extracts and volatile oils prepared from Huaxiang Anshen decoction on p-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceInsomnia occurs frequently in modern society, and its common symptoms include difficulty in falling asleep and decreased sleep quality and time, memory, and attention. With the advantages of having few side-effects and reduced drug-dependence, a compound traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription called Huaxiang Anshen Decoction (HAD) has been widely used in clinical practice in China mainly for primary insomnia treatment. Although the effects of volatile oils from TCM herbs have been increasingly reported, volatile oils in HAD are conventionally neglected because of its preparation process and clinical usage. Therefore, exploring the anti-insomnia effects of volatile oils from HAD is of great importance. Aim of the studyThe sedative and hypnotic effects of the conventional aqueous extracts, the volatile oils from HAD, and their combinations were investigated. MethodsThe main components in HAD volatile oils (HAD-Oils), were analyzed through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The HAD volatile oil inclusion complex (HAD-OIC) was prepared with β-cyclodextrin, and characterized. P-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) was used to induce insomnia mice model and the test groups of HAD aqueous extract (HAD-AE), HAD-OIC and their combination (AE-OIC). An open field test was used in evaluating the mice's activities, and the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in mice sera, glutamate (Glu) in the hypothalamus, and γ-aminobutyric acid (γ-GABA) and dopamine (DA) in the brain tissues were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsA total 74 components in HAD-Oil were determined by GC/MS, and cyperenone (20.46%) and α-cyperone (10.39%) had the highest relative content. The characterization results of the physical phase showed that volatile oils were successfully encapsulated by β-cyclodextrin and HAD-OIC was produced. The average encapsulation rates of cyperenone and α-cyperone were 79.93% and 71.96%, respectively. The results of pharmacology study showed that all the test groups increased the body weight and decreased voluntary activity when compared with the model group (P < 0.05). The HAD-AE, HAD-OIC, and AE-OIC groups increased the levels of 5-HT in the sera and DA and Glu/γ-GABA in the brains, and AE-OIC groups showed better performance than the other test groups. ConclusionsHAD-Oil exerts sedative and hypnotic effects, which are increased when it is used with HAD-AEs. This result provides a favorable experimental evidence that volatile oils should be retained for the further development of HAD.

Identification and characterization of phenolamides in tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/Q-Exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry.

Phenolamides (PAs) are important secondary metabolites present in plants with multiple bioactivities. This study aims to comprehensively identify and characterize PAs in tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/Q-Exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry based on a lab-developed in-silico accurate-mass database. The PAs found in tea flowers were conjugates of Z/E-hydroxycinnamic acids (p-coumaric, caffeic and ferulic acids) with polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and agmatine). The positional and Z/E isomers were distinguished through characteristic MS2 fragmentation rules and chromatographic retention behavior summarized from some synthetic PAs. 21 types of PAs consisting of over 80 isomers were identified, and the majority of them were found in tea flowers for the first time. Among 12 tea flower varieties studied, they all possessed tris-(p-coumaroyl)-spermidine with the highest relative content, and C. sinensis 'Huangjinya' had the highest total relative contents of PAs. This study shows the richness and structural diversity of PAs in tea flowers.

Passive Soil Arching Effect in Aeolian Sand Backfills for Grillage Foundation.

The passive soil arching effect exists in many soil-grille interaction systems. Increasing mental grillage foundations are used for transmission lines in aeolian sand areas; thus, exploring the evolution mechanism of passive soil arching is crucial. This study investigates the evolution and influencing factors of passive soil arching through a series of tests using a trapdoor device and particle image velocimetry (PIV). The test results show that the evolution of the arching structure causes the aeolian sand deformation to gradually extend to the backfill surface and stationary zone, generating two triangular arching surfaces between the movable beams and sliding surface at the junction of the active and stationary zones. Cracks in the arching and sliding surfaces were connected to form a W-shaped shear band. The development of the soil pressure was divided into four arching structure stages. The different stages of the inner and outer arches of the bearing characteristics had strong differences. Taking the appearance of the first arch surface as the time point, the soil pressure changes abruptly and the inner and outer arches alternate to bear the as a major role. The beam spacing significantly affected the arching evolution. A smaller beam spacing formed an initial bending configuration with an inconspicuous arching structure and incomplete shear band. As the beam spacing increased, the arching shape changed from triangular to parabolic, sudden changes in the soil pressure were more pronounced, and the arch height increased. The relative density and water content had little impact on the arch shape and shear zone but significantly affected the arching strength, soil pressure transfer, and arching height. The medium and high relative densities and low water contents resulted in a stronger arching structure and greater arching height, while low relative densities and high water contents weakened the soil pressure transfer. The range values for the optimum beam spacing, relative density, and water contents are given based on the variation characteristics of the evaluated parameters (E, n) under different conditions.

Morphological Features and Morphometric Parameters of Peripheral Blood Eosinophiles in Raccoon Dogs &lt;i&gt;Nyctereutes procyonoides&lt;/i&gt; (Grey, 1834)

The aim of this work was to analyze the morphology and morphometric parameters of peripheral blood eosinophils and eosinophilic granules in raccoon dogs Nyctereutes procyonoides (Grey, 1834). On blood smears stained by Pappenheim, the composition of the leukocyte formula was determined, the morphological features and morphometric parameters of eosinophils and their granules were evaluated. Cytochemical methods revealed the localization of peroxidase and cationic proteins in eosinophils. ANOVA was used to assess the effect of sex. As a result of the study, it was found that raccoon dogs are characterized by a high relative content of eosinophils (7–10%), as well as the presence of large secretory granules in them. Along with the common eosinophils, there were cells with abnormal granularity (low number of secretory granules, the presence of vacuole-like granules that did not stain with the dyes used). The influence of sex was expressed in a higher proportion of eosinophils with abnormal granularity in males compared to females, while the latter had higher morphometric parameters (the number and average area of granules in one cell, the ratio of the area occupied by granules to the area of the cell). Since the causes of abnormally granular eosinophils in raccoon dogs are not completely clear, there is a need for further research into this issue.

Lignin Extracted from Various Parts of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Plant: Structural Characterization and Catalytic Depolymerization.

Castor is an important non-edible oilseed crop used in the production of high-quality bio-oil. In this process, the leftover tissues rich in cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are regarded as by-products and remain underutilized. Lignin is a crucial recalcitrance component, and its composition and structure strongly limit the high-value utilization of raw materials, but there is a lack of detailed studies relating to castor lignin chemistry. In this study, lignins were isolated from various parts of the castor plant, namely, stalk, root, leaf, petiole, seed endocarp and epicarp, using the dilute HCl/dioxane method, and the structural features of the as-obtained six lignins were investigated. The analyses indicated that endocarp lignin contained catechyl (C), guaiacyl (G) and syringyl (S) units, with a predominance of C unit [C/(G+S) = 6.9:1], in which the coexisted C-lignin and G/S-lignin could be disassembled completely. The isolated dioxane lignin (DL) from endocarp had a high abundance of benzodioxane linkages (85%) and a low level of β-β linkages (15%). The other lignins were enriched in G and S units with moderate amounts of β-O-4 and β-β linkages, being significantly different from endocarp lignin. Moreover, only p-coumarate (pCA) incorporated into the epicarp lignin was observed, with higher relative content, being rarely reported in previous studies. The catalytic depolymerization of isolated DL generated 1.4-35.6 wt% of aromatic monomers, among which DL from endocarp and epicarp have high yields and excellent selectivity. This work highlights the differences in lignins from various parts of the castor plant, providing a solid theory for the high-value utilization of the whole castor plant.

Qualitative and Difference Analysis of Sweet Cherry Fruit Volatile Organic Compounds under Different Cultivation Patterns Based on Gas Chromatography Ion Mobility Spectrometry

Gas chromatography ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) was used to detect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of Zheng5–5 sweet cherry fruits cultivar under three cultivation patterns [arched cover (PN), umbrella cover (SX), and open field (LD)]. VOCs were analyzed and compared using three-dimensional and two-dimensional top view visualization, fingerprint analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). A total of 24 VOCs (including monomers and dimers) were detected in PN, SX, and LD, and 19 of them were finally identified, mainly alcohols, aldehydes, acids, esters, and ketones. The VOCs of PN, SX, and LD were similar but significantly different in content. The three compounds with the highest relative content were 2-hexen-1-olD, ethanol, and hexanalD, with ranges of 13.71% (LD) to 22.31% (PN), 13.02% (SX) to 21.27% (LD), and 8.22% (LD) to 16.66% (PN), respectively. Esters are the main components that form the sweet cherry fruit aroma, with a relative content of LD&gt;PN&gt;SX. According to the PCA, fruit samples of PN, SX, and LD can be clearly distinguished, indicating significant differences in VOCs under different cultivation modes. The GC-IMS visual plots of PN, SX, and LD agreed with the PCA results, and their combination was suitable for characterizing the VOCs of sweet cherry fruits under different cultivation patterns. This study can provide a reference for evaluating the flavor characteristics of sweet cherry fruits with different cultivation patterns.

Geochemistry of an unconventional, saline lacustrine petroleum system: Dongpu depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China

Inter-salt shales are both important organic-rich sediments and shale oil exploration targets. This paper examines the controls on the composition of retained fluids in an inter-salt lacustrine shale oil system based on geochemical analysis of 125 samples with vitrinite reflectances of approximately 0.9% Ro from a 50 m shale-rich sequence between two evaporites. Core samples were immediately stored at −50 °C to reduce the evaporative loss of hydrocarbons. The sequence is highly heterogeneous and includes siltstone, argillaceous mudstone, calcareous mudstone, dolomitic mudstone, and argillaceous dolomite. Source rock samples with higher TOC contents (>1.0 wt%) and higher genetic potentials (S1 + S2 > 2.0 mg HC/g rock) are typically calcareous mudstone, dolomitic mudstone, and argillaceous dolomite, and contain predominantly type II kerogen. Salinity controlled both bottom water deoxygenation and the development of carbonate minerals, and the increase in aquatic organisms (including prokaryotes and eukaryotes) leads to a positive relationship between OM richness and quality. High TOC (>2.0 wt%) samples contain oil-prone kerogens and have high absolute contents of liquid hydrocarbons (S1-1 > 0.2 mg HC/g rock, S1-2 > 1.0 mg HC/g rock), and high relative contents of liquid hydrocarbons [(S1-1 + S1-2)/(S1-1 + S1-2 + S2-1) > 0.45]. The amount of oil retained in source rock horizons is mainly controlled by the sorptive properties of the solid phase organic matter. Oils (S1) within siltstones are derived from adjacent source intervals; multi-stage temperature pyrolysis shows that they are lighter – and thus more readily produced - than the oils retained within the source intervals. Although the absolute amounts of oil in siltstones are lower than those in the source intervals, a smaller fraction is sorbed on solid phase organic matter, so that there are similar amounts of moveable oil in siltstones and source rocks. Interbedded siltstones, organic-rich calcareous mudstones, dolomitic mudstones, and argillaceous dolomites are all favourable intervals for inter-salt shale oil development.

Extraction of natural dye from Oroxylumb indicum (L.) Kurz by using different solvents for Thai eri silk dyeing

Among various textile types in Thailand, silk is the largest market share. Thus, upgrading or developing either the dying process or the quality of fabric dried for Thai silk is still necessary. Natural dyes have become an interesting resource because they are more environmentally friendly than synthetic dyes. Thus, this work aims to study the effect of different solvents for dye extraction from Oroxylumb Indicum (L.) Kurz on Eri Thai silk dyeing. Each solvent used for extraction gave a different relative tannic acid and quercetin content. Therefore, this further leads to different properties of dyed fabrics, such as color properties and washing fastness index. From the different solvents studied, the yield of the extracted dyes was on the order of EtOH/water (50: 50) &gt; MeOH/water (50:50) &gt; MeOH ~ EtOH &gt; water. Then, the optimal ratios between EtOH and water in the efficient extraction were varied as follows water, EtOH/water (25: 75), EtOH/water (50: 50), EtOH/water (75:25), and EtOH. The result showed that EtOH/water (50: 50) was still the most effective for dye extraction. In addition, the effect of dose, temperature, and time of Oroxylumb Indicum (L.) Kurz was 8.0 g/L, 60 °C, and 60 min, which were considered optimal extraction conditions due to the high relative contents of tannic acid and quercetin. As a result, the fabric of Eri silk dyed has a high quality of fastness rating. Overall, these results could point out the use of extracted dye from Oroxylumb Indicum (L.) Kurz has the potential as an alternative dye for Eri Thai silk dyeing.

Effect of chemical regulators on the recovery of leaf physiology, dry matter accumulation and translocation, and yield-related characteristics in winter wheat following dry-hot wind

Dry-hot wind stress causes losses in wheat productivity in major growing regions worldwide, especially winter wheat in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain of China, and both the occurrence and severity of such events are likely to increase with global climate change. To investigate the recovery of physiological functions and yield formation using a new non-commercial chemical regulator (NCR) following dry-hot wind stress, we conducted a three-year field experiment (2018–2021) with sprayed treatments of tap water (control), monopotassium phosphate (CKP), NCR at both the jointing and flowering stages (CFS), and NCR only at the jointing stage (FSJ) or flowering stage (FSF). The leaf physiology, biomass accumulation and translocation, grain-filling process, and yield components in winter wheat were assessed. Among the single spraying treatments, the FSJ treatment was beneficial for the accumulation of dry matter before anthesis, as well as larger increases in the maximum grain-filling rate and mean grain-filling rate. The FSF treatment performed better in maintaining a high relative chlorophyll content as indicated by the SPAD value, and a low rate of excised leaf water loss in flag leaves, promoting dry matter accumulation and the contribution to grain after anthesis, prolonging the duration of grain filling, and causing the period until the maximum grain-filling rate reached earlier. The CFS treatment was better than any other treatments in relieving the effects of dry-hot wind. The exogenous NCR treatments significantly increased grain yields by 12.45–18.20% in 2018–2019, 8.89–13.82% in 2019–2020, and 8.10–9.00% in 2020–2021. The conventional measure of the CKP treatment only increased grain yield by 6.69% in 2020–2021. The CFS treatment had the greatest mitigating effect on yield loss under dry-hot wind stress, followed by the FSF and FSJ treatments, and the CKP treatment only had a minimal effect. In summary, the CFS treatment could be used as the main chemical control measure for wheat stress resistance and yield stability in areas with a high incidence of dry-hot wind. This treatment can effectively regulate green retention and the water status of leaves, promote dry matter accumulation and efficient translocation, improve the grain-filling process, and ultimately reduce yield losses.

Highly active catalysts of mesoporous Ce-Cr-mAl2O3 and reaction mechanism for N2O-assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene

The mesoporous Cr-mAl2O3 and Ce-Cr-mAl2O3 catalysts were prepared via a one-pot hydrothermal process for the N2O-assisted ethylbenzene (EB) selective oxidation to styrene, which was viewed as both a greenhouse recycling method and a new process for styrene (ST) production. It was found that 7Cr-mAl2O3 provided superior catalytic performance with respect to ST among Cr oxide-doped catalysts and that the Ce modification could further increase the ST yield to 54%. To clarify the promoting effect and mechanism of Ce-Cr species on catalytic performance, numerous types of characterization, particularly in-situ DRIFTS, were used. Results indicated that the favorable reducibility of catalyst was crucial for N2O activation. Carbon deposition was unavoidable during the reaction process, but adding Ce-Cr could reduce the stability of the deposited carbon and relief its detrimental effect on catalytic performance. The suitable surface acidity and high relative content of Cr6+ and Oα could be responsible for the excellent catalytic performance of Ce-7Cr-mAl2O3. In-situ DRIFTS not only identified the coupling effect between EB dehydrogenation and N2O decomposition but also proposed the possible reaction pathway that the adsorbed N2O reacted with the EB molecule, thereby providing a good explanation for the promoting effects of high content of N2O on the activity of Ce-7Cr-mAl2O3.

Effects of different conformations of polylysine on the anti-tumor efficacy of methotrexate nanoparticles

Drug delivery systems require that carrier materials have good biocompatibility, degradability, and constructability. Poly(amino acids), a substance with a distinctive secondary structure, not only have the basic features of the carrier materials but also have several reactive functional groups in the side chain, which can be employed as drug carriers to deliver anticancer drugs. The conformation of isomers of drug carriers has some influence on the preparation, morphology, and efficacy of nanoparticles. In this study, two isomers of polylysine, including ε-polylysine (ε-PL) and α-polylysine (α-PL), were used as drug carriers to entrap methotrexate (MTX) and construct nano-drug delivery systems. ε-PL/MTX nanoparticles with the morphology of helical nanorods presented a small particle size (115.0 nm), and relative high drug loading content (57.8 %). The anticancer effect of ε-PL/MTX nanoparticles was 1.3-fold and 2.6-fold stronger than that of α-PL/MTX nanoparticles in vivo and in vitro, respectively. ε-PL is an ideal drug carrier with potential clinical application prospects.

Failure characteristics analysis of crushed-stone-reinforced polymer (CSRP) composites under compressive load based on meso-mechanics

Adding crushed stones into the polymer can effectively improve the stiffness and engineering properties of the polymer. In this study, a meso finite element model is established to explore the influence of the matrix polymer, interfacial transition zone (ITZ), and crushed stone on the mechanical properties of crushed-stone-reinforced polymer (CSRP) composites, and analyze the failure mechanism of CSRP. The results showed that the elastic modulus and compressive strength of the CSRP increased significantly with an increase in the matrix polymer density and decreased with an increase in the low-density ITZ (LDITZ) relative content or ITZ thickness. An increase in the crushed stone content can increase the elastic modulus of the CSRP. Polymer density and LDITZ primarily affected the development of CSRP cracks. The modulus and strength of the LDITZ were lower than those of the matrix polymer. The failure began at LDITZ under load in the low-density CSRP owing to the high LDITZ relative content. The polymer and crushed stone are split simultaneously under load in the high-density CSRP owing to the strong mechanical properties of the matrix polymer and the low LDITZ relative content.

4-Vinyl Guaiacol exists widely in rhizosphere soil of Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) and has a strong negative effect on lily planting

Phenolics from the rhizosphere soil are a key factor that leads to obstacles in the continuous cropping system. While we tested the phenolics in the rhizosphere soil of Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor), a high relative content 4-Vinyl Guaiacol (4-VG) was firstly detected. Therefore, we attempted to explore the role of 4-VG stress in Lanzhou lily physiology and disease, and the potential enhanced effects of pathogenicity in Fusarium oxysporum B4 (F. oxysporum B4). The effects of different concentrations of 4-VG (0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1 mM) on the growth of F. oxysporum B4 and the production of fusaric acid were examined. The result indicated that 4-VG inhibited the growth of F. oxysporum B4 hypha, promoted spore germination, and increased fusaric acid content. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing of F. oxysporum B4 hypha after stress mediated by 0.5 mM 4-VG was performed to help characterize the response mechanism to 4-VG. Compared with the control group, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly related to the growth and fusaric acid synthesis of F. oxysporum B4. Except that, the increase of infection area formed after F. oxysporum B4 infected the squama of Lanzhou lily under the high concentration of 4-VG was measured and indicated that 4-VG played a role in the F. oxysporum B4 infection. The exogenous addition of 4-VG significantly inhibited the growth and health of Lanzhou lily. Under the dual stress of F. oxysporum B4 and different concentrations of 4-VG, it significantly enhanced the incidence and disease index of Lanzhou lily. These results suggest the key role of 4-VG from rhizosphere soil in the occurrence of Lanzhou lily Fusarium wilt.