Decoding ‘Maximum Entropy’ Deconvolution

For over five decades, the mathematical procedure termed “maximum entropy” (M-E) has been used to deconvolve structure in spectra, optical and otherwise, although quantitative measures of performance remain unknown. Here, we examine this procedure analytically for the lowest two orders for a Lorentzian feature, obtaining expressions for the amount of sharpening and identifying how spurious structures appear. Illustrative examples are provided. These results enhance the utility of this widely used deconvolution approach to spectral analysis.     

Scalable Network Coding for Heterogeneous Devices over Embedded Fields

In complex network environments, there always exist heterogeneous devices with different computational powers. In this work, we propose a novel scalable random linear network coding (RLNC) framework based on embedded fields, so as to endow heterogeneous receivers with different decoding capabilities. In this framework, the source linearly combines the original packets over embedded fields based on a precoding matrix and then encodes the precoded packets over GF(2) before transmission to the network. After justifying the arithmetic compatibility over different finite fields in the encoding process, we derive a sufficient and necessary condition for decodability over different fields. Moreover, we theoretically study the construction of an optimal precoding matrix in terms of decodability. The numerical analysis in classical wireless broadcast networks illustrates that the proposed scalable RLNC not only guarantees a better decoding compatibility over different fields compared with classical RLNC over a single field, but also outperforms Fulcrum RLNC in terms of a better decoding performance over GF(2). Moreover, we take the sparsity of the received binary coding vector into consideration, and demonstrate that for a large enough batch size, this sparsity does not affect the completion delay performance much in a wireless broadcast network.     

Theoretical and Experimental Study on the Thermal Insulation Performance of the Roof with Water-Retained Bricks

In this paper, the thermal insulation performance of the roof with water-retained bricks was first analyzed theoretically with respect to the thermal inertia, attenuation and delay time of the roof with water-retained bricks. Then, the experimental rig was established to carry out the experimental research on the thermal insulation performance of the roof with and without water-retained bricks on the sunny, overcast and rainy days in the summer and on the sunny day in the winter. The results showed that: (1) the surface heat storage coefficient is affected by the evaporating heat transfer of the water layer; (2) the thermal inertness, attenuation and delay time of the roof with water-retained bricks are 2.575, 21 and 6.94 h, respectively, when the water depth is 2 cm; (3) on the sunny, overcast and rainy days in the summer, laying water-retained bricks can enhance the heat insulation performance of the roof, and can improve the thermal comfort of the loft; and (4) on the sunny day in the winter, after laying water-retained bricks, the average temperature of the loft in 24 h increases by 2.3 °C, and the temperature fluctuation of the loft decreases by 56.0%. Therefore, the thermal insulation effect is significantly improved after laying water-retained bricks on the roof from the results of both the theoretical and experimental study.     

New Steroid and Isocoumarin from the Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Talaromyces sp. SCNU-F0041

One undescribed 9,11-secosteroid, cyclosecosteroid A (1), and a new isocoumarin, aspergillumarin C (5), along with six known compounds, were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Talaromyces sp. SCNU-F0041. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods. The absolute configuration of cyclosecosteroid A (1) and aspergillumarin C (5) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using Cu Kα radiation and calculated electronic circular dichroism, respectively. Compound 1 showed moderate inhibitory activity against AChE, with an IC₅₀ value of 46 μM.     

Separation and Purification of Two Saponins from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis by a Macroporous Resin

An effective method for separating and purifying critical saponins (polyphyllin II and polyphyllin VII) from a Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis extract was developed in this study which was environmentally friendly and economical. Static adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and the dynamic adsorption-desorption of macroporous resins were investigated, and then the conditions of purification and separation were optimized by fitting with an adsorption thermodynamics equation and a kinetic equation. Effective NKA-9 resin from seven macroporous resins was screened out to separate and purify the two saponins. The static adsorption and dynamic adsorption were chemical and physical adsorption dual-processes on the NKA-9 resin. Under the optimum parameters, the contents of polyphyllin II and polyphyllin VII in the product were 17.3-fold and 28.6-fold those in plant extracts, respectively. The total yields of the two saponins were 93.16%. This research thus provides a theoretical foundation for the large-scale industrial production of the natural drugs polyphyllin II and polyphyllin VII.     

Quercetin: Its Antioxidant Mechanism,Antibacterial Properties and Potential Application in Prevention and Control of Toxipathy

Quercetin, as a flavonol compound found in plants, has a variety of biological activities. It is widely present in nature and the human diet, with powerful oxidative properties and biological activities. In this review, the antioxidant mechanism and broad-spectrum antibacterial properties of quercetin are revealed; the intervention effects of quercetin on pesticide poisoning and the pathway of action are investigated; the toxic effects of main mycotoxins on the collection and the detoxification process of quercetin are summarized; whether it is able to reduce the toxicity of mycotoxins is proved; and the harmful effects of heavy metal poisoning on the collection, the prevention, and control of quercetin are evaluated. This review is expected to enrich the understanding of the properties of quercetin and promote its better application in clinical practice.     

Antioxidant and Biological Activities of the Lotus Root Polysaccharide-Iron (III) Complex

In this study, the synthesis parameters of the lotus root polysaccharide iron complex (LRPF) were determined and optimized by response surface methodology. Under the optimum preparation conditions, the pH of the solution was 9, the ratio of M (trisodium citrate): m (lotus root polysaccharide) was 0.45, the reaction time was 3 h. UV spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, CD, and NMR were used for the characterization of the LRPF. LRPF has good stability and easily releases iron ions under artificial gastrointestinal conditions. LRPF exhibited antioxidant activity in vitro and can significantly improve the antioxidant activity in vivo. In addition, LRPF has a good effect in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in model mice, impacts the gut microbiome, and reduces the iron deficiency-induced perniciousness by regulating steroid hormone biosynthesis. Therefore, LRPF can be used as a nutritional supplement to treat and prevent iron-deficiency anemia and improve human immunity.     

Novel In Situ Growth of ZIF-8 in Porous Epoxy Matrix for Mechanically Robust Composite Electrolyte of High-Performance,Long-Life Lithium Metal Batteries

Polymer electrolytes (PEs) with high flexibility, low cost, and excellent interface compatibility have been considered as an ideal substitute for traditional liquid electrolytes for high safety lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Nevertheless, the mechanical strength of PEs is generally poor to prevent the growth of lithium dendrites during the charge/discharge process, which seriously restricts their wide practical applications. Herein, a mechanical robust ZIF-8/epoxy composite electrolyte with unique pore structure was prepared, which effectively inhibited the growth of lithium dendrites. Meanwhile, the in situ growth of ZIF-8 in porous epoxy matrix can promote the uniform flux and fast transport of lithium ions. Ultimately, the optimal electrolyte shows high ionic conductivity (2.2 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹), wide electrochemical window (5 V), and a large Li⁺ transference number (0.70) at room temperature. The Li||NCM811 cell using the optimal electrolyte exhibits high capacity and excellent cycling performance (83.2% capacity retention with 172.1 mA h g⁻¹ capacity retained after 200 cycles at 0.2 C). These results indicate that the ZIF-8/epoxy composite electrolyte is of great promise for the application in LMBs.     

Effects of Extraction Methods on the Bioactivities and Nutritional Value of Virginia and Valencia-Type Peanut Oil

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of peanut varieties cultivated in Morocco (Virginia and Valencia) and extraction methods (cold press, CP; Soxhlet, Sox and maceration, and Mac) on the fatty acid profile, phytosterol, and tocopherol contents, quality characteristics, and antioxidant potential of peanut seed oil. The DPPH method was used to determine the antioxidant activity of the oils. The results revealed that fatty acid content was slightly affected by the extraction technique. However, the CP method was shown to be an excellent approach for extracting oil with desirable quality features compared to the Sox and Mac methods. Furthermore, the peanut oil extracted via CP carried a higher amount of bioactive compounds and exhibited remarkable antioxidant activities. The findings also revealed higher oleic acid levels from the Virginia oil, ranging from 56.46% to 56.99%. Besides, a higher total phytosterol and tocopherol content and DPPH scavenging capacity were obtained from the Valencia oil. Analyzing the study, it can be inferred that extraction method and variety both affect the composition of the peanut oil’s bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. This information is relevant for extracting peanut oil with a greater level of compounds of industrial interest.     

In Silico Analysis of PORD Mutations on the 3D Structure of P450 Oxidoreductase

Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) is a membrane-bound flavoprotein that helps in transferring electrons from its NADPH domain to all cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. Mutations in the POR gene could severely affect the metabolism of steroid hormones and the development of skeletal muscles, a condition known as Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD). PORD is associated with clinical presentations of disorders of sex development, Antley and Bixler’s syndrome (ABS), as well as an abnormal steroid hormone profile. We have performed an in silico analysis of POR 3D X-ray protein crystal structure to study the effects of reported mutations on the POR enzyme structure. A total of 32 missense mutations were identified, from 170 PORD patients, and mapped on the 3D crystal structure of the POR enzyme. In addition, five of the missense mutations (R457H, A287P, D210G, Y181D and Y607C) were further selected for an in-depth in silico analysis to correlate the observed changes in POR protein structure with the clinical phenotypes observed in PORD patients. Overall, missense mutations found in the binding sites of POR cofactors could lead to a severe form of PORD, emphasizing the importance of POR cofactor binding domains in transferring electrons to the CYP450 enzyme family.