Preparation of layer-assembled W/O/W-type microencapsulated beads and application in solid-state fermentation

In this study, microcapsule beads-0-3-layers (M-0-3 indicates microencapsulated beads with 0, 1, 2, and 3 layers) were prepared, their properties were measured and characterized, and the effects of M-0-3 on solid-state fermentation were investigated. The results showed that in a liquid environment, the releasing glucoamylase activities of M-0-3 were 55.77%, 47.67%, 45.85%, and 42.87% in 360 h, respectively. In the solid environment, the reducing sugar production efficiency of M-0-3 was 29.84%, 27.72%, 19.16%, and 15.93% in 15 days, respectively. Adding M-0-3 improved the alcohol and reduced sugar content while decreasing the residual starch content of the Jiupei, indicating that adding M-0-3 was beneficial to the solid-state fermentation of Baijiu. Solid-state fermentation simulation experiments illustrated that microcapsule beads play a positive role in the production of Baijiu, enhancing raw material utilization and yield of Baijiu production.

Effects of tea addition on antioxidant capacity, volatiles, and sensory quality of beer

Green tea has great potential to enhance the quality of beer. In this study, green tea was added at different stages of beer brewing, and evaluated the antioxidant capacity, volatile components, as well as sensory quality. The results showed that the addition of green tea during the start of boiling has great potential for application, and the green tea beer (GTB) had remarkable antioxidant properties (ABTS radical scavenging ability, 8.67 mmol TE/L; DPPH radical scavenging ability, 3.97 mmol TE/L; reducing power, 3.28 mmol TE/L), and an excellent sensory quality (acceptance, 6.09/9). HPLC analysis indicated that the principal phenolics in GTB were catechin and caffeic acid, in addition, the relative amounts of ferulic acid, gallic acid can be used to differentiate between GTB and beer. HS-SPME-GC-MS analyses showed that ethyl caprylate, ethyl nonanoate, ethyl caprate, linalool, and phenethyl alcohol were potentially significant for the aroma profile of GTB.

Quantitative analysis of key components in Qingke beer brewing process by multispectral analysis combined with chemometrics

In order to monitor the Qingke beer brewing process in real time, this paper presents an analytical method for predicting the content of key components in the wort during the mashing and boiling stages using multi-spectroscopy combined with chemometrics. The results showed that the Neural Networks (NN) model based on Raman spectroscopy (RPD = 3.9727) and the NN model based on NIR spectroscopy (RPD = 5.1952) had the best prediction performance for the reducing sugar content in the mashing and boiling stages; The partial least Squares (PLS) model based on Raman spectroscopy (RPD = 2.7301) and the NN model based on Raman spectroscopy (RPD = 4.3892) predicted the content of free amino nitrogen best; The PLS model based on UV-Vis spectroscopy (RPD = 4.0412) and the NN model based on Raman spectroscopy (RPD = 4.0540) are most suitable for the quantitative analysis of total phenols. The results can be used as a guide for real-time control of wort quality in industrial production.

Preparation of glucoamylase microcapsule beads and application in solid-state fermentation

BACKGROUND

Baijiu brewing adopts the solid-state fermentation method, using starchy raw materials, Jiuqu as saccharifying fermenting agent, and distilled spirits made by digestion, saccharification, fermentation and distillation. In the late stages of solid-state fermentation of Baijiu, the reduced activity of glucoamylase leads to higher residual starch content in the Jiupei, which affects the liquor yield. The direct addition of exogenous glucoamylase leads to problems such as the temperature of the fermentation environment rising too quickly, seriously affecting the growth of microorganisms.

RESULTS

To solve the problem of reduced activity of glucoamylase in the late stage of solid-state fermentation of Baijiu, microcapsule beads (M-B) based on microcapsule emulsion were prepared and the effect of M-B on solid-state fermentation of Baijiu was investigated. The results showed that the release of M-B before and after drying was 53.27% and 25.77% in the liquid state (120 h) and 29.84% and 22.62% in the solid state (15 days), respectively. Adding M-B improved the alcohol by 0.33 %vol and reducing sugar content by 0.51%, reduced the residual starch content by 1.21% of the Jiupei, and had an insignificant effect on the moisture and acidity of the Jiupei.

CONCLUSION

M-B have excellent sustained-release properties. The addition of M-B in solid-state fermentation significantly increased the alcohol content, reduced the residual starch content of Jiupei, ultimately improving the starch utilization rate and liquor yield of Baijiu brewing. The preparation of M-B provides methods and approaches for applying other active substances and microorganisms in the brewing of Baijiu. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Expression and application of aflatoxin degrading enzyme gene in Pichia pastoris

In this study, three aflatoxin degrading enzyme genes, tv-adtz, arm-adtz and cu-adtz, were heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris. The protein expression of the enzyme solution was detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the results showed that specific protein bands were detected and the target genes were successfully integrated into Pichia pastoris. The enzyme activities and detoxification efficiency of TV-ADTZ, Arm-ADTZ and Cu-ADTZ crude enzyme solutions were detected, and the highest enzyme activities were up to 3.57, 4.30, and 2.41 U mL-1 , and the highest degradation rates were up to 45.58%, 60.0% and 34.21%, respectively. Arm-ADTZ with the best degradation effect was selected and designed for detoxification application experiments to test its detoxification efficiency of AFB1 in aqueous phase and in the process of moldy ground corn and preparation of DDGS, respectively, and the degradation rates reached 78.94%, 56.48%, and 24.31% after 24 h of reaction, respectively. Thus, it can be seen that the aflatoxin-degrading enzyme gene was successfully integrated into Pichia pastoris and secreted for expression, and the expressed product could effectively degrade AFB1 .

Effect of the addition of mung bean, corn, and sweet potato starch on the properties of konjac gel

Konjac gel (KG) food is a popular choice among consumers due to its delicious taste, low-calorie content, and ability to provide satiety. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the addition of mung bean starch (MBS), corn starch (CS), and sweet potato starch (SPS) on the water solubility, gel strength, microstructure, and viscosity of KG. The experimental results showed that MBS exhibited the largest amylose content (47.07 ± 1.71%), and SPS had the lowest amylose content (27.92 ± 1.24%). With the increase of starch concentration, the gel strength and viscosity of KG increased, the KG with 3% MBS had higher water solubility and stronger gel strength, and the KG with 3% SPS had better viscosity. In addition, according to the scanning electron microscope, the microstructure of KG without starch was a porous honeycomb, and the network structure of CS/KG was more orderly and uniform. The microstructure of MBS/KG was tightly wrinkled, while the honeycomb structure of SPS/KG was more orderly and the network outline was clearer. The addition of starch could improve the quality of KG, the type of starch used had different effects.

Preventive Effect of 6-shogaol on D-galactosamine Induced Hepatotoxicity Through NF-?B/MAPK Signaling Pathway in Rats

This analysis aims to see whether 6-shogaol could protect rats against D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced Hepatotoxicity. The Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=6). Group 1 received a standard diet, Group 2 received an oral administration of 6-shogaol (20 mg/kg b.wt), Group 3 received an intraperitoneal injection of D-GalN (400 mg/kg b.wt) on 21st day, and Group 4 received an oral administration of 6-shogaol (20mg/kg b.wt) for 21 days and D-GalN (400 mg/kg b.wt) injection only on 21st day. The hepatic marker enzymes activity, lipid peroxidative markers level increased significantly and antioxidant activity/level significantly reduced in D-GalN-induced rats. 6-shogaol Pretreatment effectively improves the above changes in D-GalN-induced rats. Further, inflammatory marker expression and MAPK signaling molecules were downregulated by 6-shogaol. These findings showed that 6-shogaol exerts hepatoprotective effects via the enhanced antioxidant system and attenuated the inflammation and MAPK signaling pathway in D-GalN-induced rats.

Immobilized glucoamylase based on ZIF-8: Preparation, response surface optimization, characterization

The glucoamylase@ZIF-8 was prepared using ZIF-8 material as the carrier in this study. The preparation process was optimized by response surface methodology, and the stability of glucoamylase@ZIF-8 was determined. The material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the optimum preparation process of glucoamylase@ZIF-8 was 1.65 mol 2-methylimidazole, 5.85 mL glucoamylase, 33°C stirring temperature, 90 min stirring time, and 84.0230% ± 0.6006% embedding rate. At 100°C, the free glucoamylase completely lost its activity, whereas the glucoamylase@ZIF-8 still had a retained enzyme activity of 12.0123% ± 0.86158%; at pH 3-6, the highest activity of glucoamylase@ZIF-8 was 95.9531% ± 0.96181%, and about 80% of glucoamylase activity could be retained under alkaline conditions. When the ethanol concentration was 13%, the retained enzyme activity was 7.9316% ± 0.19805%, significantly higher than free enzymes. The K_m of glucoamylase@ZIF-8 and free enzyme were 1235.6825 and 80.317 mg/mL, respectively. V_max was 0.2453 and 0.149 mg/(mL min), respectively. The appearance, crystal strength, and thermal stability of glucoamylase@ZIF-8 were improved after optimization, and they had high reusability.

Effect of Multiple Rounds of Enrichment on Metabolite Accumulation and Microbiota Composition of Pit Mud for Baijiu Fermentation

Pit mud (PM) is the main component of Baijiu (traditional Chinese liquor), and its microorganisms are the primary sources of the aroma of Chinese strong-flavor Baijiu (SFB). Enrichment plays an important role in the selection of functional microorganisms in PM. Herein, the PM of SFB was submitted to six rounds of enrichment using clostridial growth medium (CGM), and changes in the metabolite accumulation and microbiota composition were evaluated. Based on the metabolite production and microbiota composition, the enrichment rounds were classified as the acclimation stage (round 2), main fermentation stage (rounds 3 and 4), and late fermentation stage (rounds 5 and 6). Species within the genus Clostridium dominated in the acclimation stage (65.84-74.51%). In the main fermentation stage, the dominant microbial groups were producers of butyric acid, acetic acid, and caproic acid, which included Clostridium (45.99-74.80%), Caproicibacter (1.45-17.02%), and potential new species within the order of Oscillataceae (14.26-29.10%). In the late stage of enrichment, Pediococcus dominated (45.96-79.44%). Thus, the main fermentation stage can be considered optimal for the isolation of acid-producing bacteria from PM. The findings discussed herein support the development and application of functional bacteria by bioaugmentation, and contribute to improving the quality of PM and SFB production.

Enhancing the foaming properties of brewer's spent grain protein by ultrasound treatment and glycation reaction

The denaturation state and relatively poor solubility of brewer's spent grain protein (BSGP) have limited its industrial application. Ultrasound treatment and glycation reaction were applied to improve the structural and foaming properties of BSGP. The results showed that all ultrasound, glycation, and ultrasound-assisted glycation treatments increased the solubility and surface hydrophobicity of BSGP while decreasing its zeta potential, surface tension and particle size. Meanwhile, all these treatments resulted in a more disordered and flexible conformation of BSGP, as observed by CD spectroscopy and SEM. After grafting, the result of FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the covalent binding of -OH between maltose and BSGP. Ultrasound-assisted glycation treatment further improved the free SH and S-S content, which might be due to -OH oxidation, indicating that ultrasound promoted the glycation reaction. Furthermore, all these treatments significantly increased the foaming capacity (FC) and foam stability (FS) of BSGP. Notably, BSGP treated with ultrasound showed the best foaming properties, increasing the FC from 82.22% to 165.10% and the FS from 10.60% to 131.20%, respectively. In particular, the foam collapse rate of BSGP treated with ultrasound-assisted glycation was lower than that of ultrasound or traditional wet-heating glycation treatment. The enhanced hydrogen bonding ability and hydrophobic interaction between protein molecules caused by ultrasound and glycation might be responsible for the improved foaming properties of BSGP. Thus, ultrasound and glycation reactions were efficient methods for producing BSGP-maltose conjugates with superior foaming properties.

Preparation and characterization of glucoamylase microcapsules prepared by W/O/W type complex coacervation freeze drying

Glucoamylase was often used in the brewing industry but was unstable to several environmental factors and reacted quickly to produce fermentable sugar, which limited its applications. Microencapsulation could effectively overcome the drawbacks. This study evaluated the feasibility of the preparation of glucoamylase microcapsules (GM) using W/O/W complex coacervation-freeze-drying method. The parameters of the microcapsules were optimized by the response surface optimization design: core-wall ratio at 1:1, wall-material concentration at 8%, and coagulation time for 20 min. Under current condition, the final microencapsulation efficiency reached 85.64 ± 1.60%. Glucoamylase could be slowly released for more than 96 h in the liquid state, and could react slowly for more than 336 h in the solid state. The optimized GM were incubated for 1 h, and the relative enzyme activity was better than that of free glucoamylase under high temperature conditions. The water capacity, solubility, morphology, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were conducted. Glucoamylase exhibited good sustained release characteristics. The microcapsules were more resistant to environmental stimuli and showed stronger robustness after optimization. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Saccharification enzymes are often used in the winemaking industry, and direct addition will cause the fermentation process to heat up too quickly, resulting in the inactivation of microorganisms and saccharification enzymes, affecting the efficiency of saccharification enzymes. Therefore, microcapsules are used to encapsulate the saccharification enzyme, and its efficacy is slowly released for a long time during the fermentation process.

FT-IR combined with chemometrics in the quality evaluation of Nongxiangxing baijiu

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for developing a reliable method to assess the quality of liquor in the baijiu industry quickly and accurately. The present study sought to establish a strategy for rapid quantitative analysis of the primary flavor components in Nongxiangxing baijiu. Under the experimental conditions, 7 of the 10 major flavor components in Nongxiangxing baijiu could be quantified effectively, such as ethyl butyrate (R²p = 0.9942), ethyl lactate (R²p = 0.9438), n-butanol (R²p = 0.9048), isobutanol (R²p = 0.9696), acetic acid (R²p = 0.9600), butyric acid (R²p = 0.8448), caproic acid (R²p = 0.9971). This result indicates that FT-IR combined with quantitative chemometric modeling could be a potential approach for rapid quality assessment of Nongxiangxing baijiu. Overall, this study provides a theoretical basis for subsequent related studies on Nongxiangxing baijiu.

Association between Intrinsic Capacity and Sarcopenia in Hospitalized Older Patients

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to clarify the association between intrinsic capacity (IC) and sarcopenia in hospitalized older patients.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Hospital-based.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included 381 inpatients aged ≥ 60 years (225 men and 156 women).

MEASUREMENTS

IC was evaluated in five domains defined by the World Health Organization: cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination), locomotion (Short Physical Performance Battery test), vitality (Short-Form Mini Nutritional Assessment), sensory (self-reported hearing and vision) and psychological (5-item Geriatric Depression Scale) capacities. IC composite score (0-5) was calculated based on five domains, with lower scores representing greater IC. Sarcopenia was defined in accordance with the criteria recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019. Multiple linear and logistic regressions were performed to explore the associations between IC composite score and IC domains with sarcopenia and its defining components.

RESULTS

The mean age of 381 patients included was 81.95±8.42 years. Of them, 128 (33.6%) patients had sarcopenia. The median IC composite score was 1 (1, 2). Cognition, locomotion, vitality, sensory and psychological capacities were impaired in 22.6%, 63.5%, 18.9%, 27.3% and 11.3% of patients. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that favorable IC domain scores in cognition, locomotion and vitality were associated with a stronger handgrip strength. A higher vitality score was associated with a greater appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), and a higher locomotion score was associated with a greater gait speed. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only vitality impairment was associated with sarcopenia. A higher IC composite score was associated with higher risks of sarcopenia, as well as low ASMI, handgrip strength and gait speed.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that a more serious impairment of IC was associated with a greater risk of sarcopenia. Vitality was the domain most strongly associated with sarcopenia. IC may be employed to detect and manage sarcopenia.

Research progress of glucoamylase with industrial potential

Glucoamylase is one of the most widely used enzymes in industry, but the development background and existing circumstances of industrial glucoamylase were not described by published articles. CiteSpace, a powerful tool for bibliometric, was used to analyze the past, existing circumstances, and trends of a professional field. In this study, 1820 Web-of-Science-indexed articles from 1991 to 2021 were collected and analyzed by CiteSpace. The research hotspots of industrial glucoamylase, like glucoamylase strain directional improvement, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, glucoamylase immobilization, application of glucoamylase in ethanol production, and "customized production" of porous starch, were found by analyzing countries, institutions, authors, keywords, and references of articles. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The research progress of glucoamylase with industrial potential was analyzed by CiteSpace, and a significant research direction of glucoamylase with industrial potential was found. This is helpful for academic and corporate audiences to understand the current situation of glucoamylase with industrial potential and carry out follow-up works.

Characterization of serum adiponectin and leptin in healthy perinatal dairy cows or cows with ketosis, and their effectson ketosis involved indices

We investigated changes in concentrations of ADP (adiponectin), LEP (leptin), BHBA (beta-hydroxybutyric acid), NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid), Glucose (Glu) and INS (insulin) in serum of healthy perinatal dairy cows and cows with ketosis. Twenty-one healthy cows and seventeen cows with ketosis from a herd of a total 60 Holstein cows (near dry period i.e. 56 days antepartum) were selected. Blood was collected through the tail vein every 7 days, from 56 day antepartum to 56 day postpartum. Serum ADP, LEP, BHBA, NEFA, Glu, and INS concentrations were determined, and ketosis was diagnosed through serum BHBA (≥1.2 mmol/L). We showed the concentration of serum adipokines and energy balancing indices were stable during antepar- tum period. However, ADP concentration increased while LEP decreased, and there were a significant increase in cows with ketosis compared to that of in healthy cows. Serum BHBA and NEFA concentrations increased significantly at first, and then gradually decreased in both healthy cows and cows with ketosis. However, cows with ketosis showed higher concentrations of BHBA and NEFA which restored later. The serum concentration of Glu in both healthy dairy cows and cows with ketosis showed a decreasing trend. INS concentration in healthy cows was decreased while it was increased in cows with ketosis. The results reflect the extent of hypo- glycemia and lipid mobilization postpartum, suggest IR exists in cows with ketosis while serum ADP and LEP might play roles in the development of ketosis.

Chicory fibre improves reproductive performance of pregnant rats involving in altering intestinal microbiota composition

AIM

Chicory fibre (CF) is rich in fructan, which always functions as a quality dietary fibre source during mammalian pregnancy; however, its effect on reproductive performance remains unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

40 pregnant SD rats were randomly allotted to receive one of four diets: basal diet (control group), basal diet + 5% CF, basal diet + 10% CF, and basal diet + 15% CF, respectively. We found that CF significantly increased the number born alive and total litter birth weight (P < 0·05), increased the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, mucins and antimicrobial peptides, accompanied by the increase of villi height and the decrease of crypts depth of pregnant SD rats (P < 0·05). We also observed that CF markedly increased the acetic acid, propanoic acid, butyric acid and total SCFAs concentrations in caecum contents and promoted the expression of SCFAs-related receptors (P < 0·05). Notably, rats fed CF increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (P < 0·001), decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, while markedly lowered the Firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio) (P < 0·05). Intriguingly, the number born alive and total litter birth weight were positively correlated with some probiotics and negatively correlated with other harmful bacteria by Pearson correlation analysis.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, CF can enhance intestinal barrier function and maintain intestinal health, and may improve reproductive performance by altering intestinal microbiota composition.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Adding suitable dietary fibre to the diet can improve the reproductive performance of sows. Indeed, there exist various problems in the application of traditional dietary fibres, including high insoluble fibre content and anti-nutritional factor level, and mycotoxin contamination. This study demonstrates that dietary CF supplementation improves reproductive performance and intestinal health. Thus, CF can be applied in pregnancy animals as a new dietary fibre additive in animal husbandry.

Relationship of adiponectin, leptin, visfatin and IGF-1 in cow's venous blood and venous cord blood with calf birth weight

The Intrauterine fetal development process is complicated and affected by many regulating factors such as maternal nutritional status, transcription factors and adipokines. Adipokines are kinds of active substances secreted by adipose tissue, including more than 50 kinds of molecules. To explore the correlation between calf birth weights and adipokines including adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1 in cows venous and venous cord blood. Fifty-four healthy multiparous Chinese Holstein cows were used; in which, cows with a calf weight less than 40 kg were included in group A (n=9); those with a calf weight between 40 kg~45 kg were included in group B (n=25) and ≥45 kg were included in group C (n=20), venous blood and cord venous blood was collected. An ELISA kit was used to evaluate the concentration of adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1, correlations between index-index and index-calf birth weight were analysed. In both cows venous and cord venous blood, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1 levels were significantly correlated with each other (p⟨0.01), and levels of these adipokines in venous blood were significantly higher than cord venous blood (p⟨0.01). Adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1 in venous cord blood were positively correlated with calf birth weights, and significantly correlated with calf birth weights respectively (p⟨0.01). Our study showed that adiponectin, leptin, and IGF-1 were found in venous blood and cord venous blood, and adiponectin, leptin, and IGF-1 in venous and cord venous blood potentially inter-regulated each other; adiponectin, leptin, and IGF-1 in venous blood were not significantly correlated with calf birth weights, while adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1 in venous cord blood were significantly correlated with calf birth weights, respectively.

Effect of butein and glucose on oxidative stress and p38 activation marker in non-small cell lung cancer cell

INTRODUCTION

Tumor microenvironment is known to alter the anticancer drug efficiency. One of the factors that get altered in cancer microenvironment is glucose concentration. Butein, an active principle from plant, known to have anticancer effect against different types of tumor. The objective of the study is to determine the effect of butein on glucose exposed non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLCCs).

METHODS

The current study deals with the effect of butein (6.25-50μM) on NSCLCCs treated with different concentrations (0-40 mM) of glucose.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Glucose concentration, 0 mM and 40 mM, was found to be lethal at 72 h. Viable cell numbers were statistically increased in 5-mM, 10-mM, and 20-mM glucose-treated cells. Butein at 12.5 µM inhibits (p < 0.05) glucose-induced cell proliferation. Butein inhibits glucose-induced proliferation through DNA damage and oxidative stress. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was elevated in 20-mM glucose-treated cells when compared to 5-mM glucose-treated cells, whereas butein treatment further increases glucose-induced mitochondrial ROS. Pharmacological inhibitor of glycolysis, such as 2-deoxy glucose (2-DG), was found to inhibit (p < 0.05) glucose-induced cells proliferation. Furthermore, 2-DG and butein showed synergistic anticancer effect. Butein treatment increases p38 phosphorylation. Inhibition of p38 phosphorylation and antioxidant pretreatment partially revert the glucose-induced cell proliferation. However, inhibition of p38 phosphorylation combined with antioxidant pretreatment completely reverts the anticancer effect of butein. The present study concludes through the evidence that butein could serve as a potential anticancer compound in tumor microenvironment.

Improvement of Multiple-Stress Tolerance and Ethanol Production in Yeast during Very-High-Gravity Fermentation by Supplementation of Wheat-Gluten Hydrolysates and Their Ultrafiltration Fractions

The effects of wheat-gluten hydrolysates (WGH) and their ultrafiltration fractions on multiple-stress tolerance and ethanol production in yeast during very-high-gravity (VHG) fermentation were examined. The results showed that WGH and WHG-ultrafiltration-fraction supplementations could significantly enhance the growth and viability of yeast and further improve the tolerance of yeast to osmotic stress and ethanol stress. The addition of MW < 1 kDa fractions led to 51.08 and 21.70% enhancements in cell-membrane integrity, 30.74 and 10.43% decreases in intracellular ROS accumulation, and 34.18 and 26.16% increases in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) in yeast under osmotic stress and ethanol stress, respectively. Moreover, WGH and WHG-ultrafiltration-fraction supplementations also improved the growth and ethanol production of yeast during VHG fermentation, and supplementation with the <1 kDa fraction resulted in a maximum biomass of 16.47 g/L dry cell and an ethanol content of 18.50% (v/v) after VHG fermentation.

Risperidone-induced topological alterations of anatomical brain network in first-episode drug-naive schizophrenia patients: a longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging study

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether the topological deficits of the white matter network documented in cross-sectional studies of chronic schizophrenia patients are due to chronic illness or to other factors such as antipsychotic treatment effects. To answer this question, we evaluated the white matter network in medication-naive first-episode schizophrenia patients (FESP) before and after a course of treatment.

METHOD

We performed a longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging study in 42 drug-naive FESP at baseline and then after 8 weeks of risperidone monotherapy, and compared them with 38 healthy volunteers. Graph theory was utilized to calculate the topological characteristics of brain anatomical network. Patients' clinical state was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Pretreatment, patients had relatively intact overall topological organizations, and deficient nodal topological properties primarily in prefrontal gyrus and limbic system components such as the bilateral anterior and posterior cingulate. Treatment with risperidone normalized topological parameters in the limbic system, and the enhancement positively correlated with the reduction in PANSS-positive symptoms. Prefrontal topological impairments persisted following treatment and negative symptoms did not improve.

CONCLUSIONS

During the early phase of antipsychotic medication treatment there are region-specific alterations in white matter topological measures. Limbic white matter topological dysfunction improves with positive symptom reduction. Prefrontal deficits and negative symptoms are unresponsive to medication intervention, and prefrontal deficits are potential trait biomarkers and targets for negative symptom treatment development.

An electric-field assisted growth control methodology for integrating ZnO nanorods with microstructures

The growth control of ZnO nanorods bridging over two microelectrodes in a three-electrode structure (the top cathode and anode, and the bottom gate) was realized using a wet chemical method with the assistance of an electric field generated by applying AC sine wave power on the top electrodes and a DC voltage on the bottom gate. A numerical control model for controlling the growth position, direction and density of ZnO nanorods on the microstructure was established based on the simulation of the electric-field distribution around the microstructures. The three input parameters in the numerical control model were defined as the peak-to-peak voltage of the AC sine wave (x1), the frequency of the AC sine wave (x2) and gate voltage (x3). Moreover, five output parameters (y1, y2, y3, y4, y5) in the model were defined as the electric field intensities at specific points on the electrodes to characterize the growth rate, direction, position and morphology of the ZnO nanorods integrated with the microelectrodes. The relationship between the defined outputs and inputs were established using 3(rd) polynomial fitting, which served as the numerical control model for the prediction of nanorod growth. The experimental results validated that growth control methodology provides us with an effective approach to integrate ZnO nanorods into devices.

Measurement of the target-normal single-spin asymmetry in deep-inelastic scattering from the reaction (3)He(↑)(e,e')X

We report the first measurement of the target-normal single-spin asymmetry in deep-inelastic scattering from the inclusive reaction 3)He(↑)(e,e')X on a polarized (3)He gas target. Assuming time-reversal invariance, this asymmetry is strictly zero in the Born approximation but can be nonzero if two-photon-exchange contributions are included. The experiment, conducted at Jefferson Lab using a 5.89 GeV electron beam, covers a range of 1.7<W<2.9  GeV, 1.0<Q(2)<4.0  GeV(2) and 0.16<x<0.65. Neutron asymmetries were extracted using the effective nucleon polarization and measured proton-to-(3)He cross-section ratios. The measured neutron asymmetries are negative with an average value of (-1.09±0.38)×10(-2) for invariant mass W>2  GeV, which is nonzero at the 2.89σ level. Our measured asymmetry agrees both in sign and magnitude with a two-photon-exchange model prediction that uses input from the Sivers transverse momentum distribution obtained from semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering.

Beam-target double-spin asymmetry A{LT} in charged pion production from deep inelastic scattering on a transversely polarized {3}He target at 1.4<Q{2}<2.7 GeV{2}

We report the first measurement of the double-spin asymmetry A{LT} for charged pion electroproduction in semi-inclusive deep-inelastic electron scattering on a transversely polarized {3}He target. The kinematics focused on the valence quark region, 0.16<x<0.35 with 1.4<Q{2}<2.7  GeV{2}. The corresponding neutron A{LT} asymmetries were extracted from the measured {3}He asymmetries and proton over {3}He cross section ratios using the effective polarization approximation. These new data probe the transverse momentum dependent parton distribution function g{1T}{q} and therefore provide access to quark spin-orbit correlations. Our results indicate a positive azimuthal asymmetry for π{-} production on {3}He and the neutron, while our π{+} asymmetries are consistent with zero.

Single spin asymmetries in charged pion production from semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering on a transversely polarized 3He Target at Q2 = 1.4-2.7 GeV2

We report the first measurement of target single spin asymmetries in the semi-inclusive (3)He(e,e'π(±))X reaction on a transversely polarized target. The experiment, conducted at Jefferson Lab using a 5.9 GeV electron beam, covers a range of 0.16 < x < 0.35 with 1.4 < Q(2) < 2.7 GeV(2). The Collins and Sivers moments were extracted from the azimuthal angular dependence of the measured asymmetries. The π(±) Collins moments for (3)He are consistent with zero, except for the π(+) moment at x = 0.35, which deviates from zero by 2.3σ. While the π(-) Sivers moments are consistent with zero, the π(+) Sivers moments favor negative values. The neutron results were extracted using the nucleon effective polarization and measured cross section ratios of proton to (3)He, and are largely consistent with the predictions of phenomenological fits and quark model calculations.

System size and energy dependence of jet-induced hadron pair correlation shapes in Cu+Cu and Au+Au collisions at square root sNN=200 and 62.4 GeV

We present azimuthal angle correlations of intermediate transverse momentum (1-4 GeV/c) hadrons from dijets in Cu+Cu and Au+Au collisions at square root sNN=62.4 and 200 GeV. The away-side dijet induced azimuthal correlation is broadened, non-Gaussian, and peaked away from Delta phi=pi in central and semicentral collisions in all the systems. The broadening and peak location are found to depend upon the number of participants in the collision, but not on the collision energy or beam nuclei. These results are consistent with sound or shock wave models, but pose challenges to Cherenkov gluon radiation models.

Measurement of direct photon production in p+p collisions at sqrt[s] = 200 GeV

Cross sections for midrapidity production of direct photons in p+p collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) are reported for transverse momenta of 3 < pT < 16 GeV/c. Next-to-leading order perturbative QCD (pQCD) describes the data well for pT >5 GeV/c, where the uncertainties of the measurement and theory are comparable. We also report on the effect of requiring the photons to be isolated from parton jet energy. The observed fraction of isolated photons is well described by pQCD for pT >7 GeV/c.

Azimuthal angle correlations for rapidity separated Hadron pairs in d+Au collisions at square root of sNN=200 GeV

Deuteron-gold (d+Au) collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider provide ideal platforms for testing QCD theories in dense nuclear matter at high energy. In particular, models suggesting strong saturation effects for partons carrying small nucleon momentum fraction (x) predict modifications to jet production at forward rapidity (deuteron-going direction) in d+Au collisions. We report on two-particle azimuthal angle correlations between charged hadrons at forward/backward (deuteron/gold going direction) rapidity and charged hadrons at midrapidity in d+Au and p+p collisions at square root of sNN=200 GeV. Jet structures observed in the correlations are quantified in terms of the conditional yield and angular width of away-side partners. The kinematic region studied here samples partons in the gold nucleus with x~0.1 to ~0.01. Within this range, we find no x dependence of the jet structure in d+Au collisions.

J/psi production and nuclear effects for d + Au and p + p collisions at square root of S(NN) = 200 GeV

J/psi production in d + Au and p + p collisions at square root of S(NN) = 200 GeV has been measured by the PHENIX experiment at rapidities -2.2 < y < +2.4. The cross sections and nuclear dependence of J/psi production versus rapidity, transverse momentum, and centrality are obtained and compared to lower energy p + A results and to theoretical models. The observed nuclear dependence in d + Au collisions is found to be modest, suggesting that the absorption in the final state is weak and the shadowing of the gluon distributions is small and consistent with Dokshitzer-Gribov-Lipatov-Altarelli-Parisi-based parametrizations that fit deep-inelastic scattering and Drell-Yan data at lower energies.

Dynamics of magnetic defects in heavy fermion LiV2O4 from stretched exponential 7Li NMR relaxation

7Li NMR measurements on LiV2O4 from 0.5 to 4.2 K are reported. A small concentration of magnetic defects within the structure drastically changes the nuclear magnetization relaxation versus time from a pure exponential as in pure LiV2O4 to a stretched exponential, indicating glassy behavior of the magnetic defects. The stretched exponential function is described as arising from a distribution of 7Li nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rates and we present a model for the distribution in terms of the dynamics of the magnetic defects. Our results explain the origin of recent puzzling 7Li NMR literature data on LiV2O4 and our model is likely applicable to other glassy systems.

Nuclear modification factors for hadrons at forward and backward rapidities in deuteron-gold collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV

We report on charged hadron production in deuteron-gold reactions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. Our measurements in the deuteron direction cover 1.4<eta<2.2, referred to as forward rapidity, and in the gold direction -2.0<eta<-1.4, referred to as backward rapidity, and a transverse momentum range p(T)=0.5-4.0 GeV/c. We compare the relative yields for different deuteron-gold collision centrality classes. We observe a suppression relative to binary collision scaling at forward rapidity, sensitive to low momentum fraction (x) partons in the gold nucleus, and an enhancement at backward rapidity, sensitive to high momentum fraction partons in the gold nucleus.

Double helicity asymmetry in inclusive midrapidity pi0 production for polarized p+p collisions at square root s = 200 GeV

We present a measurement of the double longitudinal spin asymmetry in inclusive pi(0) production in polarized proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV. The data were taken at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider with average beam polarizations of 0.27. The measurements are the first in a program to study the longitudinal spin structure of the proton, using strongly interacting probes, at collider energies. The asymmetry is presented for transverse momenta 1-5 GeV/c at midrapidity, where next-to-leading-order perturbative quantum chromodynamic (NLO pQCD) calculations well describe the unpolarized cross section. The observed asymmetry is small and is compared to a NLO pQCD calculation with a range of polarized gluon distributions.

Absence of suppression in particle production at large transverse momentum in sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV d+Au collisions

Transverse momentum spectra of charged hadrons with p(T)<8 GeV/c and neutral pions with p(T)<10 GeV/c have been measured at midrapidity by the PHENIX experiment at BNL RHIC in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. The measured yields are compared to those in p+p collisions at the same sqrt[s(NN)] scaled up by the number of underlying nucleon-nucleon collisions in d+Au. The yield ratio does not show the suppression observed in central Au+Au collisions at RHIC. Instead, there is a small enhancement in the yield of high momentum particles.

Design of a logarithmic k-space spiral trajectory

Spiral acquisitions are used in fast cardiac imaging because they traverse k-space efficiently and minimize flow artifacts. A variable pitch logarithmic spiral trajectory is designed to critically sample the low-frequency region in k-space and gradually undersample the high-frequency region. An approximate analytical expression for the trajectory provides a fast means to calculate the gradient waveforms and the sampled data points. A numerical method is introduced based on the trajectory curvature and the rate of change in the gradient magnitude with time for the composite Archimedean-logarithmic trajectory. The pulse sequence is implemented and images are acquired on phantoms and human hearts. The images show improved image resolution and some improvement in image quality as a result of increased extent in k-space and reduction in aliasing artifacts, respectively.

A single histidine residue determines the pH sensitivity of the pacemaker channel HCN2

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) cation channels control the rhythmic activity of heart and neuronal networks. The activation of these channels is regulated in a complex manner by hormones and neurotransmitters. In addition it was suggested that the channels may be controlled by the pH of the cytosol. Here we demonstrate that HCN2, a member of the HCN channel family, is directly modulated by the intracellular pH in the physiological range. Protons inhibit HCN2 channels by shifting the voltage dependence of channel activation to more negative voltages. By using site-directed mutagenesis, we have identified a single histidine residue (His-321) localized at the boundary between the voltage-sensing S4 helix and the cytoplasmic S4-S5 linker of the channel that is a major determinant of pH sensitivity. Replacement of His-321 by either arginine, glutamine, or glutamate results in channels that are no longer sensitive to shifts in intracellular pH. In contrast, cAMP-mediated modulation is completely intact in mutant channels indicating that His-321 is not involved in the molecular mechanism that controls modulation of HCN channel activity by cyclic nucleotides. Because His-321 is conserved in all four HCN channels known so far, regulation by intracellular pH is likely to constitute a general feature of both cardiac and neuronal pacemaker channels.

Cellular expression and functional characterization of four hyperpolarization-activated pacemaker channels in cardiac and neuronal tissues

Hyperpolarization-activated cation currents (I(h)) have been identified in cardiac pacemaker cells and a variety of central and peripheral neurons. Four members of a gene family encoding hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels (HCN1--4) have been cloned recently. Native I(h) currents recorded from different cell types exhibit distinct activation kinetics. To determine if this diversity of I(h) currents may be caused by differential expression of HCN channel isoforms, we investigated the cellular distribution of the transcripts of HCN1--4 in the murine sinoatrial node, retina and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) by in situ hybridization. In the sinoatrial node, the most prominently expressed HCN channel is HCN4, whereas HCN2 and HCN1 are detected there at moderate and low levels, respectively. Retinal photoreceptors express high levels of HCN1, whereas HCN2, 3 and 4 were not found in these cells. In DRG neurons, the dominant HCN transcript is HCN1, followed by HCN2. We next determined the functional properties of recombinant HCN1--4 channels expressed in HEK293 cells. All four channel types gave rise to I(h) currents but displayed marked differences in their activation kinetics. Our results suggest that the heterogeneity of native I(h) currents is generated, at least in part, by the tissue-specific expression of HCN channel genes.

Evaluating the evidence of effectiveness for preventive interventions: using a registry system to influence policy through science

In order to deal with the serious problems of drug use, delinquency, and mental health problems in this country, policy makers, communities, practitioners, and advocates need to identify prevention programs that have empirical support and at the same time meet their own community needs regarding acceptability, cost, and training, and supervision. An "evidence-based" approach to prevention, one that identifies the scientific knowledge about what prevention programs work, for whom, and under what circumstances, should play a critical part in this process. The premise of this evidence-based approach is that the wide adoption of prevention programs that have been found to be successful in rigorous evaluations, will lead to successful population-based prevention strategies. A web-based registry, or database that describes the available scientific information on individual preventive trials, would be of high potential use to policy makers engaged in prevention planning for their communities. This presentation describes a model registry based on descriptions of 167 preventive trials aimed at children aged 0-6. Empirical findings are presented regarding two critical components of the registry, the measurement of the quality of the trial and the strength of evidence for a beneficial effect produced by each intervention. Implications for the use of such a registry are also discussed.

Mutations in the S4 domain of a pacemaker channel alter its voltage dependence

In an attempt to study the functional role of the positively charged amino acids present in the S4 segment of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (HCN) channels, we have introduced single and sequential amino acid replacements throughout this domain in the mouse type 2 HCN channel (mHCN2). Sequential neutralization of the first three positively charged amino acids resulted in cumulative shifts of the midpoint voltage activation constant towards more hyperpolarizing potentials. The contribution of each amino acid substitution was approximately -20 mV. Amino acid replacements to neutralize either the first (K291Q) or fourth (R300Q) positively charged amino acid resulted in the same shift (about 20 mV) towards more hyperpolarized potentials. Replacing the first positively charged amino acid with the negatively charged glutamic acid (K291E) produced a shift of approximately -50 mV in the same direction. None of the above amino acid substitutions had any measurable effect on the time course of channel activation. This suggests that the S4 domain of HCN channels critically controls the voltage dependence of channel opening but is not involved in regulating activation kinetics. No channel activity was detected in mutants with neutralization of the last six positively charged amino acids from the S4 domain, suggesting that these amino acids cannot be altered without impairing channel function.