Damage Monitoring of Steel Bars Based on Torsional Guided Waves.

Ultrasonic guided waves represent a new development in the field of non-destructive testing. Longitudinal guided waves are mostly used to monitor the damage of steel bars, but the received signal is usually degraded and noisy owing to its dispersive propagation and multimodal behavior, making its implementation and location challenging. The torsional mode of T (0, 1) is not dispersive in the propagation of a steel bar and only produces circumferential displacement. It was chosen, in this study, to conduct guided wave-based damage monitoring on steel bars to reduce the signal processing complexity. The defects of steel bars, including circular surface defects, internal defects, and uniform damage defects, were thoroughly investigated, respectively, using numerical simulation. The waves were excited and received using the pitch-and-catch technique and the collected monitoring signals were processed using Hilbert transformation to highlight the amplitude and time-of-flight values of the wave signals, which were used for defect identification. In this paper, the reflectivity of guided waves is compared between torsional waves and longitudinal waves, in each case. The impact of defect size changes on damage monitoring is studied and the sensitivity of both the wave frequency and the wave mode (L and T) is also discussed. The results show that the monitoring method based on the torsional wave T (0, 1) is more sensitive to surface defects than the conventional method based on longitudinal waves. The reflectivity of the torsional wave T (0, 1) can be twice that of the longitudinal wave L (0, 1) when the depth of the defect in the circumferential grooves is less than 50% of the diameter of the steel bar. It is more sensitive to shallow surface defects within half of the bar's radius, and it can also effectively identify defects under the conditions of the uniform damage defects of steel bars, even when the measurements are heavily noise-polluted. This proves the superiority of the torsional guided wave T (0, 1) in defect monitoring and provides a theoretical basis for the application of the torsional guided wave T (0, 1) in actual monitoring.

Ternary ReS2(1-x)Se2xalloys of different composition for Q-switched and mode-locked all-fiber laser.

This paper systematically studied the composition-controlled nonlinear optical properties and pulse modulation of ternary ReS2(1-x)Se2xalloys for the first time. The compositionally modulated characteristics of ReS2(1-x)Se2xon the band gap were simulated based on the first principles. We investigated the effect of the band gap on the saturable absorption properties. In addition, we demonstrated the modulation characteristics of different components ReS2(1-x)Se2xon 1.5 µm Q-switched pulse performance. The Q-switched threshold, repetition rate, and pulse duration increase as the S(sulfur)-element composition rise. And pulse energy also was affected by the S(sulfur)-element composition. The ReS0.8Se1.2SA was selected to realize a conventional soliton with high energy in the all-fiber mode-locked laser. The pulse was centered at 1562.9 nm with a pulse duration of 2.26 ps, a repetition rate of 3.88 MHz, and maximum pulse energy of 1.95 nJ. This work suggests that ReS2(1-x)Se2xhas great potential in laser technology and nonlinear optics, and widely extends the material applications in ultrafast photonics. .

Functional and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal Specific Roles of Dimocarpus longan DlRan3A and DlRan3B in Root Hair Development, Reproductive Growth, and Stress Tolerance.

Ran GTPases play essential roles in plant growth and development. Our previous studies revealed the nuclear localization of DlRan3A and DlRan3B proteins and proposed their functional redundancy and distinction in Dimocarpus longan somatic embryogenesis, hormone, and abiotic stress responses. To further explore the possible roles of DlRan3A and DlRan3B, gene expression analysis by qPCR showed that their transcripts were both more abundant in the early embryo and pulp in longan. Heterologous expression of DlRan3A driven by its own previously cloned promoter led to stunted growth, increased root hair density, abnormal fruits, bigger seeds, and enhanced abiotic stress tolerance. Conversely, constitutive promoter CaMV 35S (35S)-driven expression of DlRan3A, 35S, or DlRan3B promoter-controlled expression of DlRan3B did not induce the alterations in growth phenotype, while they rendered different hypersensitivities to abiotic stresses. Based on the transcriptome profiling of longan Ran overexpression in tobacco plants, we propose new mechanisms of the Ran-mediated regulation of genes associated with cell wall biosynthesis and expansion. Also, the transgenic plants expressing DlRan3A or DlRan3B genes controlled by 35S or by their own promoter all exhibited altered mRNA levels of stress-related and transcription factor genes. Moreover, DlRan3A overexpressors were more tolerant to salinity, osmotic, and heat stresses, accompanied by upregulation of oxidation-related genes, possibly involving the Ran-RBOH-CIPK network. Analysis of a subset of selected genes from the Ran transcriptome identified possible cold stress-related roles of brassinosteroid (BR)-responsive genes. The marked presence of genes related to cell wall biosynthesis and expansion, hormone, and defense responses highlighted their close regulatory association with Ran.

Three new red neutral and ionic iridium(III) complexes based on the same main ligand and auxiliary ligand but with different counterions for solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes.

Three new neutral and ionic phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes were successfully prepared using 1-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)isoquinoline as the main ligand, while the auxiliary ligand was 2-(2-1H-imidazolyl)pyridine. Three complexes (Ir1, Ir2, Ir3) showed red emission, peaking at 610, 609, and 615 nm, respectively, and they exhibited good solubility and excellent photophysical properties in different solvents, which is suitable to prepare organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) by solution method. Among the three OLEDs prepared by iridium(III) complexes using the solution method, the device based on Ir2 possessed better electroluminescent properties, and its maximum brightness, current efficiency (CE), power efficiency (PE), and the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) were 507.2 cd m-2 , 0.14 cd A-1 , 0.06 lm W-1 , and 0.14%. respectively, proving that the three complexes have a certain of potential for OLEDs applications and are expected to expand the applications of iridium(III) complexes for OLEDs.

CO Cofeeding Affects Product Distribution in CH3Cl Coupling over ZSM-5 Zeolite: Pressure Twists the Plot.

C1 coupling reactions over zeolite catalysts are central to sustainable chemical production strategies. However, questions persist regarding the involvement of CO in ketene formation, and the impact of this elusive oxygenate intermediate on reactivity patterns. Using operando photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy (PEPICO), we investigate the role of CO in methyl chloride conversion to hydrocarbons (MCTH), a prospective process for methane valorization with a reaction network akin to methanol to hydrocarbons (MTH) but without oxygenate intermediates. Our findings reveal the transformative role of CO in MCTH at the low pressures, inducing ketene formation in MCTH and boosting olefin production, confirming the Koch carbonylation step in the initial stages of C1 coupling. We uncover pressure-dependent product distributions driven by CO-induced ketene formation, and its subsequent desorption from the zeolite surface, which is enhanced at low pressure. Inspired by the above results, extension of the co-feeding approach to CH3OH as another simple oxygenate showcases the additional potential for improved catalyst stability in MCTH at ambient pressure.

In vitro digestive properties of Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharide by steam explosion pretreatment methods.

Dictyophora indusiata is medicinal and edible fungi containing various nutrients. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficient extraction and structural evolution of Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharide during the vitro digestion based on steam explosion pretreatment methods. In this study, the extraction rate of Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharide was optimized by steam explosion pretreatment methods, which was 2.46 folds that of the water extraction method. In addition, the digestion and fermentation properties of Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharide before and after steam explosion were evaluated in vitro by the changes of molecular weights, total and reducing sugars levels, surface morphology and functional groups, which showed that the structure of Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharide remained stable after salivary-gastric digestion, and partially entered the large intestine, where it could be utilized by gut microbiota. Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharide promoted the increase of beneficial bacteria Megamonas and increased the content of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, which was 2.17, 2.81, 2.43 folds that of the CON group after fermentation for 24 h, and 1.87, 2.77, 1.90 folds that of the CON group after fermentation for 48 h, respectively. This study will provide theoretical basis for the high value utilization of Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharide.

Efficient Spiking Neural Networks with Biologically Similar Lithium-Ion Memristor Neurons.

Benefiting from the brain-inspired event-driven feature and asynchronous sparse coding approach, spiking neural networks (SNNs) are becoming a potentially energy-efficient replacement for conventional artificial neural networks. However, neuromorphic devices used to construct SNNs persistently result in considerable energy consumption owing to the absence of sufficient biological parallels. Drawing inspiration from the transport nature of Na+ and K+ in synapses, here, a Li-based memristor (LixAlOy) was proposed to emulate the biological synapse, leveraging the similarity of Li as a homologous main group element to Na and K. The Li-based memristor exhibits ∼8 ns ultrafast operating speed, 1.91 and 0.72 linearity conductance modulation, and reproducible switching behavior, enabled by lithium vacancies forming a conductive filament mechanism. Moreover, these memristors are capable of simulating fundamental behaviors of a biological synapse, including long-term potentiation and long-term depression behaviors. Most importantly, a threshold-tunable leaky integrate-and-fire (TT-LIF) neuron is built using LixAlOy memristors, successfully integrating synaptic signals from both temporal and spatial levels and achieving an optimal threshold of SNNs. A computationally efficient TT-LIF-based SNN algorithm is also implemented for image recognition schemes, featuring a high recognition rate of 90.1% and an ultralow firing rate of 0.335%, which is 4 times lower than those of other memristor-based SNNs. Our studies reveal the ion dynamics mechanism of the LixAlOy memristor and confirm its potential in rapid switching and the construction of SNNs.

Microstructure and Friction Properties of AlCrTiVNbx High-Entropy Alloys via Annealing Manufactured by Vacuum Arc Melting.

To enhance the friction and wear properties of alloys, AlCrTiVNbx high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with various Nb contents were prepared using the arc melting technique and then annealed at 1000 °C for 2 h. The microstructure and hardness changes in the AlCrTiVNbx (x = 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) HEAs after casting and annealing were studied via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, optical microscopy and the Vickers hardness test. The MFT-EC400 ball disc reciprocating friction and wear tester was used to investigate the wear resistance of the HEAs before and after annealing. The results show that the annealed AlCrTiVNbx HEAs changed from a single-phase structure to a multi-phase structure, and the content of the face-center cubic (FCC) phase and hexagonal close-packed (HCP) phase further increases with the increase in Nb content. The hardness value of the annealed HEAs is greatly enhanced compared with the casting state, and the hardness of the Nb0.5 HEA is increased from 543 HV to 725 HV after annealing. The wear resistance of the alloys after the annealing treatment is also greatly improved, among which Nb0.5 has the best wear resistance. The average friction coefficient of Nb0.5 is 0.154 and the wear rate is 2.117 × 10-5 mm3/(N·m). We believe that the precipitation strengthening after the annealing treatment and the lubrication effect of the FCC phase are the reasons for the significant improvement in wear resistance. The morphology of the samples indicates that the wear mechanism of the alloy includes adhesive wear, abrasive wear and a certain degree of oxidation wear.

Blockade of V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation reprograms tumour-associated macrophages and improves efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In gastric cancer, the response rate of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitor is far from satisfactory, indicating additional nonredundant pathways might hamper antitumour immunity. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) has been reported in several malignancies as a novel immune-checkpoint. Nevertheless, the role of VISTA in gastric cancer still remains obscure. Our purpose is to explore the clinical significance and potential mechanism of VISTA in affecting gastric cancer patients' survival and immunotherapeutic responsiveness. METHODS: Our study recruited eight independent cohorts with a total of 1403 gastric cancer patients. Immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence, flow cytometry or intracellular flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, magnetic-activated cell sorting, smart-seq2, in vitro cell co-culture and ex vivo tumour inhibition assays were applied to investigate the clinical significance and potential mechanism of VISTA in gastric cancer. RESULTS: VISTA was predominantly expressed on tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), and indicated poor clinical outcomes and inferior immunotherapeutic responsiveness. VISTA+ TAMs showed a mixed phenotype. Co-culture of TAMs and CD8+ T cells indicated that VISTA+ TAMs attenuated effective function of CD8+ T cells. Blockade of VISTA reprogrammed TAMs to a proinflammatory phenotype, reactivated CD8+ T cells and promoted apoptosis of tumour cells. Moreover, blockade of VISTA could also enhance the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor, suggesting that blockade of VISTA might synergise with PD-1 inhibitor in gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed that VISTA was an immune-checkpoint associated with immunotherapeutic resistance. Blockade of VISTA reprogrammed TAMs, promoted T-cell-mediated antitumour immunity, and enhanced efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor, which might have implications in the treatment of gastric cancer.

All-Covalent Organic Framework Nanofilms Assembled Lithium-Ion Capacitor to Solve the Imbalanced Charge Storage Kinetics.

Free-standing covalent organic framework (COFs) nanofilms exhibit a remarkable ability to rapidly intercalate/de-intercalate Li+ in lithium-ion batteries, while simultaneously exposing affluent active sites in supercapacitors. The development of these nanofilms offers a promising solution to address the persistent challenge of imbalanced charge storage kinetics between battery-type anode and capacitor-type cathode in lithium-ion capacitors (LICs). Herein, for the first time, custom-made COFBTMB-TP and COFTAPB-BPY nanofilms are synthesized as the anode and cathode, respectively, for an all-COF nanofilm-structured LIC. The COFBTMB-TP nanofilm with strong electronegative-CF3 groups enables tuning the partial electron cloud density for Li+ migration to ensure the rapid anode kinetic process. The thickness-regulated cathodic COFTAPB-BPY nanofilm can fit the anodic COF nanofilm in the capacity. Due to the aligned 1D channel, 2D aromatic skeleton and accessible active sites of COF nanofilms, the whole COFTAPB-BPY//COFBTMB-TP LIC demonstrates a high energy density of 318 mWh cm-3 at a high-power density of 6 W cm-3, excellent rate capability, good cycle stability with the capacity retention rate of 77% after 5000-cycle. The COFTAPB-BPY//COFBTMB-TP LIC represents a new benchmark for currently reported film-type LICs and even film-type supercapacitors. After being comprehensively explored via ex situ XPS, 7Li solid-state NMR analyses, and DFT calculation, it is found that the COFBTMB-TP nanofilm facilitates the reversible conversion of semi-ionic to ionic C-F bonds during lithium storage. COFBTMB-TP exhibits a strong interaction with Li+ due to the C-F, C=O, and C-N bonds, facilitating Li+ desolation and absorption from the electrolyte. This work addresses the challenge of imbalanced charge storage kinetics and capacity between the anode and cathode and also pave the way for future miniaturized and wearable LIC devices.

[Research on Parkinson's disease recognition algorithm based on sample enhancement].

Parkinson's disease patients have early vocal cord damage, and their voiceprint characteristics differ significantly from those of healthy individuals, which can be used to identify Parkinson's disease. However, the samples of the voiceprint dataset of Parkinson's disease patients are insufficient, so this paper proposes a double self-attention deep convolutional generative adversarial network model for sample enhancement to generate high-resolution spectrograms, based on which deep learning is used to recognize Parkinson's disease. This model improves the texture clarity of samples by increasing network depth and combining gradient penalty and spectral normalization techniques, and a family of pure convolutional neural networks (ConvNeXt) classification network based on Transfer learning is constructed to extract voiceprint features and classify them, which improves the accuracy of Parkinson's disease recognition. The validation experiments of the effectiveness of this paper's algorithm are carried out on the Parkinson's disease speech dataset. Compared with the pre-sample enhancement, the clarity of the samples generated by the proposed model in this paper as well as the Fréchet inception distance (FID) are improved, and the network model in this paper is able to achieve an accuracy of 98.8%. The results of this paper show that the Parkinson's disease recognition algorithm based on double self-attention deep convolutional generative adversarial network sample enhancement can accurately distinguish between healthy individuals and Parkinson's disease patients, which helps to solve the problem of insufficient samples for early recognition of voiceprint data in Parkinson's disease. In summary, the method effectively improves the classification accuracy of small-sample Parkinson's disease speech dataset and provides an effective solution idea for early Parkinson's disease speech diagnosis.

The lysine methyltransferase SMYD2 facilitates neointimal hyperplasia by regulating the HDAC3-SRF axis.

Coronary restenosis is an important cause of poor long-term prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease. Here, we show that lysine methyltransferase SMYD2 expression in the nucleus is significantly elevated in serum- and PDGF-BB-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and in tissues of carotid artery injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia. Smyd2 overexpression in VSMCs (Smyd2-vTg) facilitates, but treatment with its specific inhibitor LLY-507 or SMYD2 knockdown significantly inhibits VSMC phenotypic switching and carotid artery injury-induced neointima formation in mice. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that SMYD2 knockdown represses the expression of serum response factor (SRF) target genes and that SRF overexpression largely reverses the inhibitory effect of SMYD2 knockdown on VSMC proliferation. HDAC3 directly interacts with and deacetylates SRF, which enhances SRF transcriptional activity in VSMCs. Moreover, SMYD2 promotes HDAC3 expression via tri-methylation of H3K36 at its promoter. RGFP966, a specific inhibitor of HDAC3, not only counteracts the pro-proliferation effect of SMYD2 overexpression on VSMCs, but also inhibits carotid artery injury-induced neointima formation in mice. HDAC3 partially abolishes the inhibitory effect of SMYD2 knockdown on VSMC proliferation in a deacetylase activity-dependent manner. Our results reveal that the SMYD2-HDAC3-SRF axis constitutes a novel and critical epigenetic mechanism that regulates VSMC phenotypic switching and neointimal hyperplasia.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of DWARF53 Gene in Response to GA and SL Related to Plant Height in Banana.

Dwarfing is one of the common phenotypic variations in asexually reproduced progeny of banana, and dwarfed banana is not only windproof and anti-fallout but also effective in increasing acreage yield. As a key gene in the strigolactone signalling pathway, DWARF53 (D53) plays an important role in the regulation of the height of plants. In order to gain insight into the function of the banana D53 gene, this study conducted genome-wide identification of banana D53 gene based on the M. acuminata, M. balbisiana and M. itinerans genome database. Analysis of MaD53 gene expression under high temperature, low temperature and osmotic stress based on transcriptome data and RT-qPCR was used to analyse MaD53 gene expression in different tissues as well as in different concentrations of GA and SL treatments. In this study, we identified three MaD53, three MbD53 and two MiD53 genes in banana. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that D53 Musa are equally related to D53 Asparagales and Poales. Both high and low-temperature stresses substantially reduced the expression of the MaD53 gene, but osmotic stress treatments had less effect on the expression of the MaD53 gene. GR24 treatment did not significantly promote the height of the banana, but the expression of the MaD53 gene was significantly reduced in roots and leaves. GA treatment at 100 mg/L significantly promoted the expression of the MaD53 gene in roots, but the expression of this gene was significantly reduced in leaves. In this study, we concluded that MaD53 responds to GA and SL treatments, but "Yinniaijiao" dwarf banana may not be sensitive to GA and SL.

Simultaneous determination of 58 glucocorticoid residues in milk by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Abuse of glucocorticoid veterinary drugs in dairy industry can potentially threat milk safety and consequently influence human health. Here a reliable method for determination of 58 glucocorticoid drug residues in milk was established by combining solid phase extraction with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The analytes were extracted with acetonitrile and cleanup with EMR-Lipid lipid removal column. The analytes were chromatographically separated using Poroshell EC-C18 column and acquired by electrospray ionization with multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The limit of quantification (S/N ≥ 10) ranged from 0.2 to 2.0 µg/kg and the limit of detection (S/N ≥ 3) ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 µg/kg. Average recoveries were from 71% to 113%, the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 15%, and the correlation coefficients (R2) of calibration curves exceeded 0.99. The method was applied to detect twenty milk products obtained from local supermarkets including ten pasteurized milk and ten UHT milk. Two endogenous glucocorticoids, i.e. hydrocortisone and cortisone were detected but not exceed the maximum residue limits (MRLs).

Optical feedback noise-immune cavity-enhanced optical heterodyne molecular spectrometry for sub-Doppler-broadened detection of C2H2: publisher's note.

This publisher's note contains a correction to Opt. Lett.49, 202 (2024)10.1364/OL.507004.

Universal Way to Enhance Solution-Processed High-κ Oxide Dielectrics Performance by Sulfate Incorporation.

Vacuum-free, solution-processable high-κ-oxide dielectrics are considered to be a key element for emerging low-cost flexible electronics. However, they usually suffer from low breakdown strength and frequency-dependent capacitance, which limit their broader applications. Here, we report a universal way to improve solution-based high-κ oxide dielectric properties (e.g., Al2O3, ZrO2, Ga2O3, Sc2O3, Ho2O3, and Sm2O3) by sulfate incorporation. In-depth characterization shows that sulfate incorporation could reduce hydrogen and oxygen vacancy-related defects in high-κ oxides, thereby improving the dielectric performance. The optimized S-doped high-κ oxides show smooth surface (rms < 0.20 nm), low leakage current (∼10-7 A/cm2@4 MV/cm), excellent dielectric breakdown strength (>10 MV/cm), and stable capacitance-frequency characteristics. Besides, oxide thin-film transistors based on these high-κ dielectrics exhibit excellent performance (e.g., mobility >20 cm2 V-1 s-1, on/off ratio of ∼107, threshold swing of ∼0.14 V dec-1, threshold voltage of ∼0 V, and hysteresis of ∼0.02 V). Thus, this work provides a general approach for the development of high-quality solution-based high-κ oxides for transistor circuitry.

Nonvisual system-mediated body color change in fish reveals nonvisual function of Opsin 3 in skin.

Body-color changes in many poikilothermic animals can occur quickly. This color change is generally initiated by visual system, followed by neuromuscular or neuroendocrine control. We have previously showed that the ventral skin color of the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) presents golden yellow in dark environment and quickly changes to silvery white in light environment. In the present study, we found that the light-induced whitening of ventral skin color was independent of visual input. Using light-emitting diode sources of different wavelength with same luminance (150 lx) but different absolute irradiance (0.039-0.333 mW/cm2), we further found that the blue light (λmax = 480 nm, 0.107 mW/cm2) is more effectively in induction of whitening of ventral skin color in compare with other light sources. Interestingly, the result of RT-PCR showed opsin 3 transcripts expressed in xanthophores. Recombinant protein of Opsin 3 with 11-cis retinal formed functional blue-sensitive pigment, with an absorption maximum at 468 nm. The HEK293T cells transfected with Opsin 3 showed a blue light-evoked Ca2+ response. Knock-down of Opsin 3 expression blocked the light-induced xanthosomes aggregation in vitro. Moreover, the light-induced xanthosomes aggregation was mediated via Ca2+-PKC and Ca2+-CaMKII pathways, and relied on microtubules and dynein. Decrease of cAMP levels was a prerequisite for xanthosomes aggregation. Our results provide a unique organism model exhibiting light-induced quick body color change, which was independent of visual input but rather rely on non-visual function of Opsin 3 within xanthophore.

Utilizing chitosan and pullulan for the encapsulation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZJ316 to enhance its vitality in the gastrointestinal tract.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZJ316 has demonstrated effective alleviation of gastritis and colitis, making it crucial to improve its viability within the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, Chitosan (CS) and pullulan (PUL) encapsulated nanofibers of ZJ316 were prepared using electrospinning, considering both the synergistic effects of prebiotics and probiotics and their protective effects. We found that increasing the CS ratio resulted in elevated conductivity of the polymer solution, while decreasing viscosity and pH. Scanning electron microscopy showed that at a CS: PUL ratio of 1:135, polymer filaments were difficult to form, and nanofiber diameter decreased with higher CS content. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the miscibility of CS and PUL, while ATR-FTIR demonstrated the presence of hydrogen bonding interactions between the two materials. Thermal analysis indicated that an increased CS concentration improved the thermal stability of the nanofibers. Based on these findings, the optimal CS:PUL ratio for electrospinning was determined to be 1:60. Encapsulation of ZJ316 in the nanofibers significantly enhanced its survival rate in simulated gastrointestinal fluid compared to free bacteria, with survival rates of 87.24 % (gastric) and 79.71 % (intestinal), respectively. This study provides valuable insights for the development of probiotic functional foods.

Bacteriocins: Curial guardians of gastrointestinal tract.

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiome secretes various metabolites that play pivotal roles in maintaining host physiological balance and influencing disease progression. Among these metabolites, bacteriocins-small, heat-stable peptides synthesized by ribosomes-are notably prevalent in the GI region. Their multifaceted benefits have garnered significant interest in the scientific community. This review comprehensively explores the methods for mining bacteriocins (traditional separation and purification, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence), their effects on the stomach and intestines, and their complex bioactive mechanisms. These mechanisms include flora regulation, biological barrier restoration, and intervention in epithelial cell pathways. By detailing each well-documented bacteriocin, we reveal the diverse ways in which bacteriocins interact with the GI environment. Moreover, the future research direction is prospected. By further studying the function and interaction of intestinal bacteriocins, we can discover new pharmacological targets and develop drugs targeting intestinal bacteriocins to regulate and improve human health. It provides innovative ideas and infinite possibilities for further exploration, development, and utilization of bacteriocins. The inevitable fact is that the continuously exploration of bacteriocins is sure to bring the promising future for demic GI health understanding and interference strategy.

Anisotropic Charge Migration on Perovskite Oxysulfide for Boosting Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting.

The synthesis of photocatalysts with both broad light absorption and efficient charge separation is significant for a high solar energy conversion, which still remains to be a challenge. Herein, a narrow-bandgap Y2Ti2O5S2 (YTOS) oxysulfide nanosheet coexposed with defined {101} and {001} facets synthesized by a flux-assisted solid-state reaction was revealed to display the character of an anisotropic charge migration. The selective photodeposition of cocatalysts demonstrated that the {101} and {001} surfaces of YTOS nanosheets were the reduction and oxidation regions during photocatalysis, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated a band energy level difference between the {101} and {001} facets of YTOS, which contributes to the anisotropic charge migration between them. The exposed Ti atoms on the {101} surface and S atoms on the {001} surface were identified, respectively, as reducing and oxidizing centers of YTOS nanosheets. This anisotropic charge migration generated a built-in electric field between these two facets, quantified by spatially resolved surface photovoltage microscopy, the intensity of which was found to be highly correlated with photocatalytic H2 production activity of YTOS, especially exhibiting a high apparent quantum yield of 18.2% (420 nm) after on-site modification of a Pt@Au cocatalyst assisted by Na2S-Na2SO3 hole scavengers. In conjunction with an oxygen-production photocatalyst and a [Co(bpy)3]2+/3+ redox shuttle, the YTOS nanosheets achieved a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 0.15% via a Z-scheme overall water splitting. Our work is the first to confirm anisotropic charge migration in a perovskite oxysulfide photocatalyst, which is crucial for enhancing charge separation and surface catalytic efficiency in this material.