Exogenous melatonin preserves quality and inhibits browning of fresh-cut feijoa through regulation of oxidative stress and phenylpropanoid metabolism during cold storage.

Background: In recent years, the increasing demand for healthy, convenient, and ready-to-eat food has led to fresh-cut fruit becoming increasingly popular. However, mechanical damage during processing accelerates deterioration, resulting in browning, 'off' flavors, softening, and reduced shelf life.

Results: Treatment with 0.

Benzocyclobutenyl Silicone-Acrylic Resin: A Photo/Thermal Curing Hybrid Structure for High-Performance Photoimageable Dielectrics.

Advancements in integrated circuit technology have heightened the importance of photoresist materials with superior dielectric properties, thermal stability, and patterning precision. Although traditional acrylic resins exhibit excellent photo-curing characteristics, their high dielectric constants, limited thermal stability, and hygroscopic nature restrict their utility in semiconductor applications. In this study, 4-acryloylbenzocyclobutene (BCB-V-COOH) was synthesized via a Heck reaction between 4-bromobenzocyclobutene and acrylic acid.

Research on gamma image reconstruction method for estimating radiation source distance using the dichotomy method.

To enhance the precision of locating unidentified radiation sources with a coded aperture camera, this study introduces a refined Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization (MLEM) algorithm. This algorithm incorporates the dichotomy method to estimate the distance to the radiation source, followed by a superimposition of the calculated system response matrix to predict the source's position within the imaging area. Initially, a system response matrix table is created, listing potential distances from the radiation source to the camera in ascending order.

Enhanced Energy Storage and Mechanical Properties of BT-Based Relaxor Ferroelectric Ceramics via Composition Optimization Strategy.

Barium titanate (BT)-based lead-free ceramics are extensively utilized in capacitors, owing to their superior energy storage capabilities. However, pure BT ceramics are limited by high remnant polarization () and low breakdown strength (), which hinder their energy storage performance. In this work, an optimization strategy is implemented by introducing Bi(MgNb)O (BMN) and NaTaO (NT) components into the BT ceramics to obtain a relaxor ferroelectric ceramic with markedly enhanced energy storage properties and excellent mechanical characteristics.

DELLA protein RGL2 integrates with FLOWERING LOCUS T to mediate growth and seasonal dormancy in poplar.

Seasonal growth is a survival mechanism evolved by perennial trees in the process of adaptation to different latitudinal and seasonal climate changes. Gibberellins (GA) participate in the induction of dormancy and bud break in trees. DELLA proteins may modulate GA signaling, but their role in regulating seasonal growth of poplar has not been elucidated yet.

The Effects of Six Cultivars on the Life Table Parameters of the Green Peach Aphid (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

The contents of glucosinolates and erucic acid clearly vary in seeds, but a few studies still focus on the effects of cultivars on the life table parameters of . In this study, the life history parameters of in six cultivars were examined at 25 ± 1 °C, 50 ± 10% RH, and a photoperiod of 14 h of light/10 h of dark under laboratory conditions. The results showed that significant differences exist in the life table parameters of in six cultivars.

The Protective Role of Caring Parenting Styles in Adolescent Bullying Victimization: The Effects of Family Function and Constructive Conflict Resolution.

Based on attachment theory and the McMaster family functioning model, this study explores the protective role and mechanisms of a caring parenting style in protecting adolescents from bullying, from the perspective of the family environment. Study 1, conducted in Southwest China with middle school students (n = 4582), investigates the relationship between a caring parenting style and adolescent bullying victimization through a large-scale cross-sectional survey. The results show that both parents' caring parenting styles are significantly negatively correlated with adolescent bullying victimization.

The advantages in crop yields and carbon footprints of maize-soybean relay strip intercropping.

Intercropping can improve nutrient utilization, but the mechanisms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy use, and carbon footprint in rain-fed cereal-legume intercropping remain unclear. Hence, a two-year field trial was conducted to evaluate cropping systems' productivity, carbon footprint, energy inputs, and outputs. The cropping systems include monocropping maize (M) and soybean (S), maize-soybean relay strip intercropping (IMS), and maize-soybean alternate row relay intercropping (CMS).

Effect of irradiation insecticidal technology on microbiome, physicochemical properties of strong-flavor Baijiu Daqu.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of utilizing high-energy electron beam irradiation for insecticidal purposes in Strong-flavor Baijiu Daqu (SBD) and to ascertain the irradiation threshold tolerable by SBD. According to the standard plate counting method, Illumina-MiSeq sequencing method and relevant industry testing standards, the effects of different irradiation doses (0-3.55 kGy) on the microbiome and Physicochemical properties of SBD were determined.

High-efficient immobilization of uranium by biochar loaded mixed microorganisms composed of Bacillus and Pseudomonas.

Microbial remediation has prominent advantages in the prevention and control of uranium-contaminated soil. However, its efficiency in uranium immobilization remains suboptimal. Here, a biochar loaded mixed microorganisms was innovatively constructed, composed of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas putida, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3:2:2:3 ratio).

Elucidating polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics degradation mechanisms and metabolic pathways via pectin-biochar mediated fungal consortia.

The contamination of water bodies by polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) microplastics (MPs) represents a growing environmental concern worldwide. Biodegradation offers a sustainable solution for mitigating this pollution, but is often hindered by slow degradation rates. This study investigates the combined use of novel fungal consortia QMFC1 and QMFC2 [comprising Aspergillus niger, Cunninghamella elegans (reported here for the first time for MPs degradation), and Aspergillus flavus] and pectin-biochar beads (PBBs) to enhance the degradation of PE and PP in contaminated water.

Effects of U stress on physiological tolerance characteristics and mineral element distribution of sunflower seedlings.

The metabolism of plant mineral nutrients is crucial for plant growth and development and is a key parameter for characterising the growth state of plants in various environments. However, as a non-essential element for plants, radionuclide uranium readily accumulates in the roots, causing root toxicity and metabolic disorders of plant mineral nutrients. We used hydroponic sunflowers as experimental materials to explore the uranium tolerance features of sunflower seedlings and to compare the absorption of mineral nutrients by different root components and organs of the sunflower.

Bacteria-mediated sulfur cycle and cadmium stabilization in an anaerobic-aerobic coupled system.

Although cadmium stabilization through dissimilatory sulfate reduction (DSR), mediated by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) has been extensively studied, the mutual interactions between cadmium and sulfur-cycle systems co-regulated by SRB and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) remain poorly characterized. We examined physiological responses (growth kinetics, sulfur valence transitions, Cd tolerance) to determine how bacterially mediated bidirectional sulfur cycling influences cadmium speciation. Results demonstrate that SRB (Enterobacter quasihormaechei) immobilizes Cd anaerobically, forming CdS, as confirmed by XRD, FTIR, and SEM/EDS analyses.

Critical Roles of Heterogeneous Electrocatalysts for Advanced Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are gaining attention due to their high theoretical energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. However, issues such as the polysulfide shuttle effect and sluggish redox kinetics lead to low sulfur utilization efficiency and poor cycling lifespan, hindering their commercial viability. Heterogeneous catalysts have become essential for regulating sulfur in high-performance Li-S batteries.

Enhanced Electron Transfer via the Interface Engineering of MoS/MXene for Uranium Reduction and Organic Pollutants Degradation under Sunlight.

Photocatalytic methods are extensively used in the treatment of uranium-containing wastewater. However, the reduction of uranium in natural sunlight remains a central challenge. This work proposed a MoS nanoflower-coupled TiC MXene reduction cocatalyst for bifunctional catalytic systems to remove U(VI) and degrade organic pollutants under natural sunlight.

Research on high sensing performance and multi-band terahertz tunable perfect absorption device.

In this paper, a multi-band terahertz tunable perfect absorption device with high detection performance is proposed. The device has a simple structure, consisting of AlCuFe microstructure, SiO dielectric layer and Au substrate, and has seven resonance peaks (M-M) with high absorption rate, with an average absorption rate of 98.4%.

Carbon nanotubes decorated with zinc oxide quantum dots enable high-efficiency lithium-sulfur batteries.

This work decorates carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with highly active zinc oxide (ZnO) quantum dots to form ZnO@CNT architectures. Such a "conductivity-polarity coupling" strategy efficiently rationalizes sulfur evolution procedures, leading to remarkable battery performance. We use minimal catalyst loading (quantum dot level) to control the battery performance outcomes, offering a promising pathway for advancing the practical deployment of lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs).

Black Tea Aqueous Extract Extends Yeast Longevity via Antioxidant Gene Activation: Transcriptomic Analysis of Anti-Aging Mechanisms.

Although tea polyphenols have antiaging potential, the molecular interplay between black tea components and cellular longevity remains unclear. This study has pioneered a dual approach combining lifespan assays with comprehensive transcriptomics to dissect how black tea aqueous extract (BTAE) extends the chronological lifespan (CLS). Remarkably, BTAE induced a dose-dependent lifespan extension (34.

Cultivating microalgal biofilms on three soils under exogenous phosphorus and iron.

Biological crusts serve as the initiator of soil development and play a crucial role in soil ecological restoration. In this study, microalgae biofilms were cultivated on three simulated problem soils (saline soil, limestone, and tufa sand) with the addition of phosphogypsum and pyrite tailings. During the 50-day culture period, chlorophyll-a and exopolysaccharide contents rosed in saline soil and limestone compared to the control group, with significant increases in limestone.

Thiazole-Bimodulated Covalent Organic Frameworks for Synergistic Water Harvesting and Photosplitting.

Vapor-phase photocatalytic hydrogen evolution offers a method to alleviate pure water scarcity, minimize mass transfer resistance, and avoid photocatalyst poisoning. Due to the limited research on water sorption kinetics and photogenerated charge carrier dynamics, the interaction mechanism between photocatalysts and water molecules remains unclear. Thus, we herein design covalent organic frameworks (COFs) using different thiazole configurations to enhance the efficiency of water harvesting and photosplitting.

Dynamic Imaging of Solvent Exchange-Induced Interlayer Shifting in Single Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks.

The interlayer shifting of two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is a critical issue affecting their sorption and catalytic properties. However, current analytical tools often measure static and averaged stacking properties from bulk samples, restricting a comprehensive understanding of the interlayer shifting process in individual 2D COFs. Here, we report real-time dynamic imaging of the solvent exchange-induced interlayer shifting in single 2D COFs using in situ dark-field optical microscopy (DFM).

Robust regularized blind system identification with application to adaptive speech dereverberation.

The normalized multichannel frequency-domain least-mean square (NMCFLMS) algorithm is a prominent method for blind identification of multichannel acoustic systems. However, the NMCFLMS algorithm relies on a constant, determined by a block of microphone signals, to define the regularization parameter. This setup makes the algorithm sensitive to variations in speech segments and noise conditions.

γ-Ray irradiated polyacrylamide networks enable high-performance Li||S pouch cells.

Binders are essential for maintaining positive electrode integrity in Li||S batteries and significantly affect their performance. However, commercial linear binders often have disordered networks, poor binding efficiency, and insufficient mechanical strength. To address these challenges, three-dimensional covalent binders offer a promising solution.

Vanadyl Complex-Mediated Molecular Engineering Enables Homogeneous Modulation of Lithium-Sulfur Chemistry.

The large-scale commercial application of lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) is hindered by several critical challenges, including severe lithium polysulfide shuttling, sluggish kinetics of sulfur redox reactions, and unstable lithium anode surface. These issues significantly restrict the discharge capacity, cycling life, and safety of LSBs. Herein, the vanadyl acetylacetonate (VO) complex, characterized by a high donor number, is used as an effective homogeneous catalyst to address these cross-cutting problems.

Uniform Electric Fields-assisted MnO/rGO Electrode for High-Performance Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Manganese-based oxides hold significant promise as commercially viable cathodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). However, their practical applications are currently hindered by several challenges, including poor conductivity, slow ion transport, and structural instability. In this study, we develop a high-performance V-MnO/rGO cathode via electrostatic self-assembly.