Tight Network Research Articles

An amino acid ionic liquid-based biphasic solvent with low viscosity, small rich-phase volume, and high CO2 loading rate for efficient CO2 capture

In order to achieve efficient CO2 capture, a novel biphasic solvent based on diethylenetriamine serine ionic liquid/polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether/water ([DETA][SER]/NHD/H2O) was developed. This study achieved low viscosity by weakening the hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions within the pure ionic liquid (IL) by adding NHD and H2O to [DETA][SER]. Additionally, due to the low polarity and fewer hydrogen bonds formed by NHD, it is separated. The formation of a tight hydrogen bond network in the rich-phase after the reaction enables the enrichment of the product. Based on this, the optimal mass ratio of [DETA][SER]/NHD/H2O is determined to be 20 wt%/40 wt%/40 wt%. The viscosity of this solvent is 7.82 mPa·s, with a total absorption load of 1.26 mol·mol−1 IL, where the rich-phase load accounts for 99 % of the total load and occupies only 37 % of the volume. The mechanism of CO2 capture was investigated using 13C NMR, revealing the formation of zwitterions from the reaction of the primary amines on [DETA]+ and [SER]− with CO2. Subsequently, proton transfer and hydrolysis of the carbamate esters were observed. Notably, NHD was found to promote phase separation without participating in chemical reactions. These findings demonstrate the potential of this biphasic solvent system as a high-capacity solution for CO2 capture.

Preparation of a superior soy protein adhesive with high solid content by enzymatic hydrolysis combined with cross-linking modification

The production of traditional wood adhesives relies on petrochemical resources and puts enormous pressure on the ecosystem. Therefore, it is important to use bio-based soy protein adhesives to replace traditional adhesives. However, soy protein adhesives have the problems of low solid content, high viscosity and poor water resistance. In this study, we combined enzymatic hydrolysis with cross-linking modification to reduce the molecular mass of soy protein and increase the solid content of adhesive, constructed a uniform and tight covalent bond cross-linking network in the adhesive. Through this modification strategy, we prepared a soy protein adhesive with high solid content, suitable viscosity and excellent bonding strength. The results showed that compared with 0-SPI adhesive, the viscosity of 4-SPI-18/PA/TA adhesive decreased by 61.6%, reached 21899 mPa·s. Meanwhile, the residual rate of the adhesive increased by 18% (59%), the moisture absorption rate reduced by 7.8% to reach 3.8%. The dry/wet shear strength of modified adhesive increased by 56.1% (1.28 MPa) and 44.3% (0.88 MPa), respectively, and the tensile strain at break increased by 58.1% (14.84%). This is because enzymolysis improved its coating performance, and formed mechanical interlocking with wood. In addition, the amount of SPI increased, and more protein molecules participated in the cross-linking reaction, forming a more uniform and compact cross-linking network structure in the adhesive, effectively improving the bonding strength and toughness. This study provides a novel approach for the preparation of cleaning and tenacious adhesives, aiming to explore a green development model.

Preparation of hyaluronic acid-loaded liquid-core hydrogel beads with acceptable mechanical properties and thermal stability.

Hyaluronic acid liquid-core hydrogel beads (HA-LHB) is a good way for oral intake of HA. However, HA may affect the reaction-diffusion of sodium alginate (SA) and Ca2+ leading to poor mechanical properties, since HA is a polyanionic electrolyte having electrostatic effect and a certain spatial site-blocking effect. The mechanical properties of HA-LHB were modified from bathing solution, core solution and secondary calcium bath time. The mechanical properties varied with the SA structure and concentration in bathing solution, where SA with high G (guluronic acid) segment compounded with SA with high M (mannuronic acid) segment at a mass ratio of 7:3 with a 11 g kg-1 concentration showed the best mechanical properties. The secondary calcium bath can greatly improve the mechanical properties due to the tight network formed by bidirectional crosslinking, and 15 min reaction reached the plateau if Ca2+ is sufficient. And the mechanical properties were positively correlated with calcium lactate concentration only at <70 g kg-1 in core solution, but the diffusion of Ca2+ was hindered by the tight gel network at higher concentrations. Moreover, the mechanical properties can be maintained during heat treatment, due to the rearrangement of alginate network structure. Our results suggested that the problem of poor mechanical properties of LHB in the presence of high HA concentration can be avoided by process control, which may broaden the development of HA and popping boba market. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Multi-omic analysis of precocious puberty girls: pathway changes and metabolite validation.

Precocious puberty (PP) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting the physical and mental wellbeing of children. Identifying the triggering factors of PP has become a central issue. This study seeks to investigate the metabolomic and transcriptomic alterations in PP. First, 37 school-aged girls diagnosed with PP and 25 age-matched prepubertal control girls were recruited, and the fecal samples were collected for non-targeted metabolomic analysis to screen for differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs). Subsequently, an animal model of PP was constructed by danazol administration to neonatal female rats, and both fecal non-targeted metabolomics and serum next-generation transcriptomic sequencing were performed to screen DEMs and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PP. Moreover, the DEM co-existing in clinical and animal models was administrated to PP rats to explore the role of the target metabolite in PP. A total of 24 DEMs in PP clinical samples and 180 DEMs and 425 DEGs in PP animal samples were identified. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that these DEMs and DEGs were enriched in disease-associated pathways, including fatty acid synthesis, glycerolipid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling pathway, forming a tight DEM-DEG pathway regulatory network. Further DEM validation demonstrated that thymine supplementation delayed the opening of the vagina and development of PP in model rats. This study reveals that the metabolomic and transcriptomic changes, along with enriched pathways, are implicated in PP based on clinical and animal analyses. The findings may provide new strategies and research avenues for PP treatment.

Impact of β-casein phenotype on the physical properties of skim milk powders and their subsequent digestion characteristics

This study investigated the physical properties of skim milk powders containing β-casein A1/A1, A1/A2 or A2/A2 phenotypes and determined their digestion properties. Rehydrated skim milk powders all had a type A heat coagulation profile (HCT); although A2/A2 milk had a different local maximum and minimum HCT, compared to A1/A1 and A1/A2 milks. Differences in the rehydration properties of milk powders appeared to be related to the presence of β-casein A1 in reconstituted A1/A1 and A1/A2 milks since they were characterised by smaller casein micelles and greater levels of κ-casein, compared to A2/A2 milk. All reconstituted samples displayed protein aggregation and coagulum formation within the first 5 min of gastric digestion, at which time the pH ranged from 6.0 to 5.5. During digestion of reconstituted A2/A2 milk, casein breakdown was slower, compared to that of A1/A1 or A1/A2 milks. The final gastric clot obtained from the A2/A2 sample possessed a tight protein network, containing a greater level of calcium and aggregated β-sheets. In this regard, the dry weight of the separated clot after the final gastric phase was significantly higher by 29 and 68 % in A2/A2 digesta compared to that in A1/A1 or A1/A2 digests, respectively. Overall, this study shows that for rehydrated skim milk powders there was a significant difference in the level of gastric protein-breakdown between milks containing β-casein A1 and milk containing only β-casein A2. This may have significant implications during in vivo gastric digestion and emptying.

Gelation of crocodile myofibrillar protein – κ-carrageenan mixtures in two low-NaCl solution

Crocodile meat is a novel reptile meat source, but its processing method is rare. This study investigated the effect of κ-carrageenan addition and partial substitution of NaCl on the gel properties of crocodile myofibrillar protein (CMP). Result showed that CMP formed gel when temperature above 60 ℃. The water-holding capacity, gel strength, denaturation degree, sulfhydryl content covalent bond and hydrophobic bond of gel in KCl solution were significantly higher than those in CaCl2 solution (P < 0.05). K+ induced CMP to form a tight network structure with uniform small pores though covalent and hydrophobic bonds, but the gel properties were reduced by κ-carrageenan. In CaCl2 solution, κ-carrageenan improved the gel structure by filling the protein network through hydrogen bonding. Therefore, it can be concluded that KCl is better than CaCl2 in the manufacturing of low-sodium crocodile foods. Moreover, κ-carrageenan was only beneficial to gel quality in CaCl2 solution.

Functional Nanostructures from Sol-Gel Synthesis Using Keggin Polyoxometallate Phosphotungstic Acid as a Precursor.

Subjecting phosphotungstic acid solutions to low pH in combination with introduction of polyvalent cations led to the formation of nanostructured microspheres of approximately 2 μm in size, as shown by scanning electron microscopy, which were almost insoluble and resistant to degradation at neutral and high pH. These microspheres were composed of secondary nanospheres with diameters around 20 nm as revealed by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Investigations of the crystal structure of a potential intermediate of this process, namely, acidic lanthanum phosphotungstate, [La(H2O)9](H3O)3[PW12O40]2(H2O)19, showed a tight network of hydrogen bonding, permitting closer packing of phosphotungstic acid anions, thereby confirming the mechanism of the observed self-assembly process. The new material demonstrated promising electrochemical properties in oxygen evolution reactions with the high stability of the obtained electrode material.

A Double-Layer Coupled Network Model of Network Density Effects on Multi-Stage Innovation Efficiency Dynamics: Agent-Based Modeling Methods

This paper proposes a double-layer coupled network model to analyze the multi-stage innovation activities of online, and the model consists of two layers: the online layer, which represents the virtual interactions among innovators, and the offline layer, which represents the physical interactions among innovators. The model assumes that the innovation activities are influenced by both the online and offline network structures, as well as the coupling effect between them. And it simulates the entire innovation process including knowledge diffusion and knowledge recombination. The model also incorporates the concept of network density, which measures the degree of network connectivity and cohesion (network structure). Observing the network density influence on innovation efficiency during the innovation process is realized through setting the selection mechanism and the knowledge recombination mechanism. The coupling relationship between the two layers of network density on the three stages of innovation is further discussed under the theoretical framework of the innovation value chain. Simulation and experimental results suggest that when the offline network density is constant, a higher online network density is not always better. When the online network density is low, the sparse structure of the online network reduces innovation efficiency. When the online network density is high, the structural redundancy caused by the tight network structure prevents innovation efficiency from improving. The results of the study help enterprises to adjust and optimize the internal cooperation network structure at different stages of innovation in order to maximize its effectiveness and improve the innovation efficiency of enterprises.

Abnormal blockage of water flow in valveless nanopumps

In the narrow orifice of a cone-shaped channel, blockage can occur for granular matter. However, water molecules can enter into and even permeate through carbon nanotubes of diameters down to 0.8 nm at ultrafast rates. Here we demonstrate by molecular dynamics simulations that clogging can also emerge unexpectedly in the water flowing through a nanoscale valve-less pump. The designed pump features two truncated carbon nanocones, with the narrowest region having a diameter of 1.2 nm (larger than that of (6, 6) carbon nanotube), linked to a fluid cavity volume, and is powered by the vibration of a graphene sheet. In the low frequency range, water molecules can be driven through the nanocones effectively by the vibration of the graphene sheet. The maximum flux reaches 83 ns&lt;sup&gt;–1&lt;/sup&gt;, which is approximately 20 times the measured value of (3.9 ± 0.6) ns&lt;sup&gt;–1&lt;/sup&gt; for aquaporin-1. However, at higher frequencies, water molecules suffer blockage at the narrow exits. Much unlike granular matter, high-frequency vibration cannot restore water flow. The key to this phenomenon is that in the narrow exits of two nanocones acting as diffuser/nozzle, the number density of water molecules rapidly increases with frequency increasing, the tight hydrogen-bonding network is formed, and the mean lifetime of hydrogen bonds increases dramatically under high-frequency vibrations. High frequency fluctuations in the middle chamber make H-bond network between water molecules in the narrow exits more stable. The probability density distribution of water exhibits a non-equilibrium transition from a disordered state to ordered state. This work reveals a new mechanism of water flowing/blocking in a nanoscale valve-less pump based on two asymmetrical nanocones, offers valuable insights into understanding nonequilibrium jamming transition in nanoscale fluid.

Binarized Spiking Neural Network with blockchain based intrusion detection framework for enhancing privacy and security in cloud computing environment

Cloud computing (CC) is prone to attacks, which upsurges complication and erudition. By this, its origins provocative implications can enterprise data veracity, concealment, and accessibility. To overwhelm these issues, a Binarized Spiking Neural Network with block chain based deputized proof of stake consensus (DPoS) algorithm fostered intrusion detection scheme is proposed in this manuscript to enhance the privacy and the security on the cloud computing Environment (EP-DPoSBC-ES-BS4NN-IDS-CC). The data is amassed from NSL-KDD benchmark dataset. The first-level privacy process is carried with block chain based deputized proof of stake consensus (DPoS) algorithm. The secondary level privacy process is carried out by utilizing the pre-processing and the feature selection process. For, pre-processing, proposed Basic interlude gradient filtering (BIGF) are utilized to eradicate the unsolicited content and filtering pertinent data. The pre-processing outcome is supplied to the feature selection phase. Here, the ideal features are taken with the help of Weightiness espoused feature assortment approaches (WEFA). The data is classified as normal or abnormal based on Binarized Spiking Neural Network. Subsequently, the proposed EP-DPoSBC-ES-BS4NN-IDS-CC is examined under some performance metrics. The proposed technique attains 12.94 %, 17.68 %, 17.99 % and 13.96 % improved accuracy; 59.9 %, 50 %, 31.45 % and 48.17 % lower Computation Time and 3.19 %, 0.83 %, 2.1 % and 5.43 % higher AUC than the existing methods. Customers and cloud service providers may find this framework useful as a decision-support tool in helping them move their data in a safe, timely, and reliable manner. In future work, a prototype of the approach will develop in real-world scenario, capably inside a tight network of connected computers. It allows evaluate effectively in real-world utility.

Absorption rate and thermal shock resistance of Co2O3-Fe2O3-mullite-based ceramics for solar heat absorbers

Mullite ceramic materials have a number of excellent properties that make them an excellent choice for solar heat absorber materials in Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems. In this study, the effects of adding Co2O3 and Fe2O3 on the properties of mullite-based ceramics were studied, aiming to get excellent absorption rate and thermal shock resistance. The results show that the sample C2 (45.05 wt% 75 calcined bauxite, 45.05 wt% Suzhou clay, 9 wt% Fe2O3, 3 wt% Co2O3) sintered at 1400 °C has the best comprehensive performance, with a bending strength of 143.28 MPa and a solar absorption rate of 92.2 % in the wavelength range of 0.3–2.5 μm. The bending strength increased by 31.36 % after thermal shock cycles for 30 times (1000 °C ∼ room temperature, air cooling). Generation of iron cobalt spinel and lattice distortion caused by Fe3+ and Co3+ into the mullite lattice combined to promote the absorption rate. In the meantime, the main crystalline phase columnar mullite showed a tight continuous interlaced network structure. The fracture mode was mainly transgranular fracture, which endowed C2 excellent thermal shock resistance.

Leaf growth - complex regulation of a seemingly simple process.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of plant development is crucial to successfully steer or manipulate plant growth in a targeted manner. Leaves, the primary sites of photosynthesis, are vital organs for many plant species, and leaf growth is controlled by a tight temporal and spatial regulatory network. In this review, we focus on the genetic networks governing leaf cell proliferation, one major contributor to final leaf size. First, we provide an overview of six regulator families of leaf growth in Arabidopsis: DA1, PEAPODs, KLU, GRFs, the SWI/SNF complexes, and DELLAs, together with their surrounding genetic networks. Next, we discuss their evolutionary conservation to highlight similarities and differences among species, because knowledge transfer between species remains a big challenge. Finally, we focus on the increase in knowledge of the interconnectedness between these genetic pathways, the function of the cell cycle machinery as their central convergence point, and other internal and environmental cues.

Effects of Transglutaminase on Myofibrillar Protein Composite Gels with Addition of Non-Meat Protein Emulsion.

The emulsions prepared by three non-meat proteins, sodium caseinate (SC), soy protein isolate (SPI) and egg white protein (EPI), were individually added to the continuous phase of myofibrillar protein (MP) sol to form MP composite gels to simulate meat products. The research aimed to investigate the effects of Transglutaminase (TGase) on the physicochemical properties, microstructure and water phase distribution of non-meat protein emulsion MP composite gels. The results of this study revealed that TGase played a crucial role in forming a tight gel network structure in the composite gels. This enhanced their ability to retain water and improved their overall gel strength. Additionally, TGase increased the gel formation temperature of myofibrillar proteins. Electrophoresis analysis showed that when catalyzed by TGase, there was a lighter band compared to those not catalyzed by TGase. This indicated that the addition of TGase facilitated cross-linking interactions between meat proteins and non-meat proteins in the composite gels. Furthermore, microscopy observations demonstrated that composite gels treated with TGase exhibited a more uniform microstructure. This could be attributed to an acceleration in relaxation time T2. The uniform network structure restricted the movement of water molecules in the gel matrix, thereby improving its water-holding capacity. Overall, these findings highlight how incorporating non-meat proteins into myofibrillar systems can be effectively achieved through enzymatic treatment with TGase. Such modifications not only enhanced important functional properties but also contributed towards developing alternative meat products with improved texture and moisture retention abilities.

Community Networks with a Family Focus: Success Factors in Implementing a TANF Funded Housing Support Program

Although the US safety net includes housing supports, finding and securing affordable housing remains a challenge for many low-income families. As a block grant to states, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a potential mechanism for creating additional supports for housing, which some states such as New Jersey pursue. This qualitative study focuses on three New Jersey counties with positive track records of implementing those additional supports. Research questions concern what factors contributed to successful implementation of the housing supportive Emergency Assistance Program on a county level and how these factors interacted to impact program effectiveness. From thematic coding of interviews with government and nonprofit staff at the state and county levels (N = 17), document reviews, and meeting observations, this study found that the program was incorporated as one piece of a family-centered approach to social service provision. Having a tight network between service providers with strong commitment to the program, vital in previous social service research as well as the current study, fed into that family-centered approach and successful implementation. Future research should examine how to build staff buy-in and mission-driven approaches with a family focus as well as center the voices of participants in these programs.

Does pervasive interconnected network of cellulose nanocrystals in nanocomposite membranes address simultaneous mechanical strength/water permeability/salt rejection improvement?

In this research work, we investigated the effect of two cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-related parameters, namely aspect ratio and loading content on the mechanical and desalination performance of a cellulose diacetate (CDA) model membrane system. Dispersion of high aspect ratio (HAR) CNCs in the CDA resulted in different types of nanoassembly, represented by evaluating the mechanical efficacy coefficient (CFE), viscoelastic responses and separation performance of the nanocomposite membranes. Accordingly, 0.15 and 0.25 wt% showed random isolated dispersion and tight polymer-nanorod network, while 0.50 and 0.75 wt% conformed to nanorods' pervasive interconnected network (PIN) through side-by-side aggregation and intensive bundle alignment, respectively. Specifically, the nanocomposite membrane containing 0.50 wt% HAR-CNCs simultaneously demonstrated improved mechanical strength along with mitigated water permeability/salt rejection tradeoff for brackish water desalination. This concurrent boosting was attributed to the effective mechanical reinforcement mechanism induced by the percolating network along with its partial aggregation-caused bi-continuous and electrostatically-controlled nano-pathways, orchestrating the separation tradeoff. It confirmed our hypothesis that a nanocomposite membrane with metamaterial characteristic could be obtained via manipulating the dispersion state of CNC rods in the CDA, triggering coincided optimization of mechanical strength and desalination performance.

Use of basic amino acids to improve gel properties of PSE-like chicken meat proteins isolated via ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction.

To improve the gel quality of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like chicken protein isolate (PPI) obtained via ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction (UAE), l-lysine (l-Lys), l-arginine (l-Arg), or l-histidine (l-His) were used and the effects on the thermal gelling characteristics of PPI were studied. Compared with the nonbasic amino acid addition group, the addition of l-His/l-Arg/l-Lys significantly increased the solubility and absolute zeta potential of PPI, whereas reduced the particle size and turbidity (p<0.05). They enhanced the gel strength and textural properties of PPI (p<0.05) and reduced the cooking loss of PPI in the following order: l-Lys>l-Arg>l-His. The solubility, gel strength, and hardness of PPI with l-Lys were increased by 18.6%, 44.6%, and 57.6%, respectively, and cooking loss was decreased by 18.1%. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging revealed that basic amino acids addition decreased the water mobility in PPI gels with increasing immobile water content. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the addition of basic amino acids promoted the formation of a more uniform and tight network microstructure in PPI gels. The α-helix content was decreased, whereas the β-sheet content was increased in PPI gels after basic amino acid addition. Therefore, addition of basic amino acids, especially l-Lys, enhances the gel properties of PPI. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study revealed that adding basic amino acids effectively improved the gel properties of PPI obtained via UAE method, with l-Lys exerting the best improvement effect. Our findings highlight the application value of PSE-like meat by the improvement of gel characteristics of PPI, providing a theoretical reference for the processing and utilization of PPI.

The Preparation and Properties of Amino-Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Based Antibacterial Hydrogel Loaded with ε-Polylysine.

In this paper, amino-carboxymethyl chitosan (ACC) was prepared through amino carboxymethylation, which introduces -COOH and -NH2 groups to the chitosan (CS) chains. Meanwhile, dialdehyde starch (DAS) was produced by oxidizing corn starch using sodium periodate. To attain the optimal loading and long-time release of ε-polylysine (ε-PL), the ACC/DAS hydrogels were synthesized through the Schiff base reaction between the amino group on ACC and the aldehyde group in DAS. The molecular structure, microcosmic properties, loading capacity, and bacteriostatic properties of the four types of hydrogels containing different mass concentrations of ACC were investigated. The results showed that the dynamic imine bond C=N existed in the ACC/DAS hydrogels, which proved that the hydrogels were formed by the cross-linking of the Schiff base reaction. With the increasing mass concentration of the ACC, the cross-sectional morphology of the hydrogel became smoother, the thermal stability increased, and the swelling behavior was gradually enhanced. The tight network structure improved the ε-PL loading efficiency, with the highest value of 99.2%. Moreover, the loading of ε-PL gave the hydrogel good antibacterial properties. These results indicate that ACC/DAS hydrogel is potential in food preservation.

Lack of neutralization of Chlamydia trachomatis infection by high avidity monoclonal antibodies to surface-exposed major outer membrane protein variable domain IV

Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of sexually transmitted diseases causing frequent, long-lasting, and often asymptomatic recurrent infections resulting in severe reproductive complications. C. trachomatis is an intracellular Gram-negative bacterium with a biphasic developmental cycle in which extracellular, infectious elementary bodies (EB) alternate with the intracellular replicating reticulate bodies (RB). The outer membrane of EB consists of a tight disulfide cross-linking protein network. The most essential protein is the 42 kDa major outer membrane protein (MOMP) that contributes to the rigid structural integrity of the outer membrane. MOMP is a transmembrane protein with a β-barrel structure consisting of four variable domains (VD) separated by five constant domains. VDIV possesses surface-exposed species-specific epitopes recognized by the immune system and, therefore, functions as a candidate for vaccine development. To analyze the protective contribution of antibodies for a MOMP vaccine, we investigated the specificity and binding characteristics of two monoclonal antibodies (MAb)224.2 and MAb244.4 directed against C. trachomatis serovar D MOMP. By immunoelectron microscopy, we found that both MAb bind to the surface of C. trachomatis EB. By epitope mapping, we characterized the MOMP epitope as linear consisting of 6 amino acids: 322TIAGAGD328. By ELISA it was shown that both antibodies bind with a higher avidity to the chlamydial surface compared to binding to monomeric MOMP, indicating that the antibodies bind divalently to the surface of C. trachomatis EB. Despite strong binding to the chlamydial surface, the antibodies only partially reduced the infectivity. This may be explained by the observation that even though both MAb covered the EB surface, antibodies could not be regularly detected on EB after the uptake into the host cell.

Measuring the impact of a failing participant in payment systems

Large banks and critical financial market infrastructures (FMIs) that are not able to fulfill their payment obligations, for example following a bankruptcy or cyber-attack, can be a source of financial instability and contagion in the financial system. This paper develops a composite risk indicator to evaluate the criticality of participants in a large value payment system network, combining liquidity risk (i.e. size of incoming and outgoing payments) and systemic impact or interconnections between network participants in one approach. It is applied, as a proof of concept, to the TARGET2 payment system that links banks and FMIs in a tight network of interdependencies. We find that the most critical participants in TARGET2 are other payment systems (large value and retail) because of the underlying gross size of their payment flows. Some banks may be critical, but this is mainly due to their interconnectedness with other TARGET2 participants. Central counterparties and central securities depositories are less critical to the payment system. Our findings can be used by (1) financial stability experts to evaluate the impact of a failing critical participant in the financial system, and (2) central banks in their role as payment system operator and overseer. Besides, it feeds into policy discussions on payment system access, oversight, and crisis management.

Phycocyanin/lysozyme nanocomplexes to stabilize Pickering emulsions for fucoxanthin encapsulation

Food-grade Pickering emulsions with plant proteins have attracted increasing interest in recent years. In this work, we report a type of phycocyanin (PC) electrostatic nanocomplex fabricated following a complexation between PC and lysozyme (Lys). The aim was to investigate toward investigating the performance of phycocyanin-Lysozyme (PC-Lys) nanocomplexes in stabilizing Pickering emulsions and protecting fucoxanthin (FX) from degradation. The properties of the PC-Lys nanocomplexes were characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and three-phase contact angle. Using PC-Lys nanocomplexes as emulsifiers, Pickering emulsions were successfully prepared. Pickering emulsions stabilized by PC-Lys nanocomplexes generated a tight three-dimensional network structure, which increased the memory modulus and viscoelasticity of the emulsion. Furthermore, the produced Pickering emulsions considerably increased the chemical stability and bioavailability of FX. Overall, our study showed that PC-Lys nanocomplexes have the potential for use in Pickering emulsion construction with enhanced protective effects on loaded lipophilic ingredients.