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Many functional materials are approaching their performance limits due to inherent trade‐offs between essential physical properties. Such trade‐offs can be overcome by engineering a material that has an ordered arrangement of structural units, including constituent components/phases, grains, and domains. By rationally manipulating the ordering with abundant structural units at multiple length scales, the structural ordering opens up unprecedented opportunities to create transformative functional materials, as amplified properties or disruptive functionalities can be realized. In this perspective article, a brief overview of recent advances in the emerging ordered functional materials across catalytic, thermoelectric, and magnetic materials regarding the fabrication, structure, and property is presented. Then the possibility of applying this structural ordering strategy to highly efficient neuromorphic computing devices and durable battery materials is discussed. Finally, remaining scientific challenges are highlighted, and the prospects for ordered functional materials are made. This perspective aims to draw the attention of the scientific community to the emerging ordered functional materials and trigger intense studies on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was demonstrated recently that the nano-optical and nanoelectronic properties of VO2 can be spatially programmed through the local injection of oxygen vacancies by atomic force microscope writing. In this work, we study the dynamic evolution of the patterned domain structures as a function of the oxygen vacancy concentration and the time. A threshold doping level is identified that is critical for both the metal–insulator transition and the defect stabilization. The diffusion of oxygen vacancies in the monoclinic phase is also characterized, which is directly responsible for the short lifetimes of sub-100 nm domain structures. This information is imperative for the development of oxide nanoelectronics through defect manipulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconfigurable devices offer the ability to program electronic circuits on demand. In this work, we demonstrated on-demand creation of artificial neurons, synapses, and memory capacitors in post-fabricated perovskite NdNiO3 devices that can be simply reconfigured for a specific purpose by single-shot electric pulses. The sensitivity of electronic properties of perovskite nickelates to the local distribution of hydrogen ions enabled these results. With experimental data from our memory capacitors, simulation results of a reservoir computing framework showed excellent performance for tasks such as digit recognition and classification of electrocardiogram heartbeat activity. Using our reconfigurable artificial neurons and synapses, simulated dynamic networks outperformed static networks for incremental learning scenarios. The ability to fashion the building blocks of brain-inspired computers on demand opens up new directions in adaptive networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine therapy has become the fundamental treatment option for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2-negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). While treatments incorporating cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4 and 6 inhibitors are more prevalent than ever, comparisons among those regimens are scarce. The aim of the present study was to identify the most effective maintenance treatment for patients with HR+ and HER2- mBC. To this end, databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched from inception to August, 2023. The endpoints comprised overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). For dichotomous variants, hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) were generated, while standard mean difference (SMD) was used for consecutive variants by Bayesian network meta-analysis to make pairwise comparisons among regimens, to determine the optimal therapy. These processes were conducted using Rstudio 4.2.2 orchestrated with STATA 17.0 MP. A total of 16 randomized controlled trials including 7,174 patients with 11 interventions were analyzed. Compared with aromatase inhibitor (AI), palbociclib plus AI (PalboAI) exhibited a significantly longer PFS up to the 36th month of follow-up [HR=1.7; 95% credible interval, 1.36-2.16], including on the 3rd [OR=2.22; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-4.47], 6th (OR=2.39; 95% CI, 1.21-4.69), 12th (OR=1.94; 95% CI, 1.34-2.79), 18th (OR=2.38; 95% CI, 1.65-3.44), 24th (OR=2.39; 95% CI, 1.67-3.43), 30th (OR=2.10; 95% CI, 1.62-2.74) and 36th (OR=2.66; 95% CI, 1.37-5.18) month of follow-up. Additionally, abemaciclib plus fulvestrant exhibited significant effects compared with AI alone between 12 and 36 months. Ribociclib plus fulvestrant, ribociclib plus AI and dalpiciclib plus AI exerted significant effects compared with AI alone between 12 and 30 months. Considering the effect on OS and PFS together with adverse reactions, safety, medical compliance and route of administration, PalboAI was found to be the optimal treatment for HR+/HER2-mBC. However, additional head-to-head clinical trials are warranted to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we described a novel, simple, and scalable method for isolating and purifying natural mangiferin from fresh mango leaves. An ultrasonic-assisted method was used to extract mangiferin from mango leaves using methanol as the solvent. The yields of the mangiferin crude extract and purified mangiferin recrystallized from a mixture of methanol and trichloromethane (10:1, v/v) were 1.41% (purity 86.5%) and 0.75% (purity > 99.6%), respectively. The purity of mangiferin was assessed by UV spectroscopy and HPLC. The structure of the purified compound was confirmed spectroscopically by UV, IR, Q-TOF/MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The method described herein to isolate mangiferin was simple, inexpensive, rapid, and efficient. Moreover, we, for the first time, obtained mangiferin with a purity of more than 99.6% using this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species Coomaniella (Coomaniella) dentata sp. nov. from Guangxi Province, China, is described and placed in the C. (C.) chinensis species-group. The variability is discussed, and a new adult host plant is recorded. New distributional records are given for C. biformissima Jendek & Kalashian, 1999 and C. lingafelteri Jendek & Pham, 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oomyzus spiraculus Song, Fei & Cao sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) is described and illustrated as a gregarious larval-pupal endoparasitoid of Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae). Differentiation between O. spiraculus and its similar species is discussed and a key to differentiate the female and male of these species is provided. DNA barcodes of O. spiraculus and O. scaposus are analyzed and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elementary basis of intelligence in organisms with a central nervous system includes neurons and synapses and their complex interconnections forming neural circuits. In non-neural organisms such as slime mold with gel-like media, viscosity modulation enables adaptation to changing environments. At a larger scale, collective intelligence emerges via social interactions and feedback in animal colonies. Learning and memory are therefore multi-scale features that evolve as a result of constant interactions with the environment. There is growing interest in emulating such features of intelligence in computing machines and autonomous systems. Materials that can respond to their environment in a manner similar to organisms (referred to as "organismic materials") therefore may be of interest as hardware components in artificial intelligence machines. In this brief review, we present a class of semiconductors called correlated oxides as candidates for learning machines. The term "correlated" refers to the fact that electrons in such lattices strongly interact and the ground state is not what is predicted by classical band theory. Such materials can undergo insulator–metal transitions at near ambient conditions under external stimuli such as thermal or electrical fields, strain, and chemical doping. Depending on the mechanism driving the transition, intermediate states can be metastable with different volatilities, and the time scales of phase change can be controlled over many orders of magnitude. The change in electronic properties can be sharp or gradual, leading to digital or analog behavior. These properties enable the realization of artificial neurons and synapses and emulate the associative and non-associative learning characteristics found in various organisms. We examine microscopic properties concerning electronic and structural transitions leading to collective behavior and theoretical treatments of the ground state and dynamical response, showcasing VO2 as a model system. Next, we briefly review algorithms designed from the plasticity demonstrated by phase changing systems. We conclude the brief review with suggestions for future research toward realizing non-von Neumann machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Surface magnetic dummy molecularly imprinted polymers for cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside have been prepared for the first time. • Efficiently determined the synthesis system of DMMIPs by NIP library screening method. • The DMMIPs exhibited excellent selectivity, magnetism and reproducibility. • The proposed DMMIPs was successfully applied in the separation and purification of anthocyanins. Abstract In this work, a novel synthetic strategy for separation media which quickly specific recognize anthocyanins was developed by dummy molecular imprinting technology and magnetic separation technology. Rutin, similar to cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside structure, was selected as a virtual template. The appropriate molecular imprinting system was selected by NIP library screening method, 4-vinyl pyridine and acetonitrile as functional monomer and solvent respectively. The molecularly imprinted layer was formed on the surface of the magnetic carrier to prepare dummy magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers. The microstructures of prepared composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Adsorption kinetics, isothermal adsorption curves and selective specificity were investigated to further reveal the specific recognition mechanism of the adsorbents on anthocyanins. The dummy molecularly imprinted polymers showed a short kinetic equilibrium time, high selectivity (comparing with quercetin and naringin), and satisfying adsorption capacity for anthocyanins. The binding capacity and the imprinting factor of dummy molecularly imprinted polymers can reach 15.69 mg g−1 and 2.05, respectively. In addition, the purity of cyanidin-3- O -rutinoside in the crude extract from Lonicera caerulea increased to 89% after the adsorption of dummy magnetic molecular imprinted polymers. Many favorable capabilities of the prepared molecularly imprinted polymers also provided the basis for further application for separation and purification of anthocyanins in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite nickelates belong to a family of strongly correlated materials, which have drawn broad attention due to their thermally induced metal-to-insulator transition. Recent discoveries show that orbital filling mediated by ion intercalation can trigger a colossal non-volatile conductivity change in nickelates. The coupling and interaction between two types of charge carriers (i.e., ions and electrons) enable nickelate as an exotic mixed conductor for electronic, biological, and energy applications. In this Perspective, we first summarize the fundamentals and recent progresses in the manipulation of ground states of perovskite nickelates by controlling orbital filling via ion intercalation. Then, we present a comprehensive overview of perovskite nickelate as a unique platform for vast cutting-edge research fields, including neuromorphic computing, bio-electronic interfaces, as well as electrocatalysis applications by taking advantage of such electron-filling-controlled modulation phenomena. Finally, we provide an overview of future perspectives and remaining challenges toward the exploitation and commercialization of quantum nickelates for future multidisciplinary research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urea transporters (UTs) are transmembrane proteins that transport urea molecules across cell membranes and play a crucial role in urea excretion and water balance. Modeling the functional characteristics of UTs helps us understand how their structures accomplish the functions at the atomic level, and facilitates future therapeutic design targeting the UTs. This study was based on the crystal structure of Desulfovibrio vulgaris urea transporter (dvUT). To model the binding behavior of urea molecules in dvUT, we constructed a cooperative binding model. To model the substitution of urea by the urea analogue N,N′-dimethylurea (DMU) in dvUT, we calculated the occupation probability of DMU along the urea pore and the ratio of the occupation probabilities of DMU at the external (S ext ) and internal (S int ) binding sites, and we established the mutual substitution rule for binding and substitution of urea and DMU. Based on these calculations and modelings, together with the use of the Monte Carlo (MC) method, we further modeled the urea flux in dvUT, equilibrium urea binding to dvUT, and the substitution of urea by DMU in the dvUT. Our modeling results are in good agreement with the existing experimental functional data. Furthermore, the modelings have discovered the microscopic process and mechanisms of those functional characteristics. The methods and the results would help our future understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the diseases associated with impaired UT functions and rational drug design for the treatment of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials exhibiting electronic phase transitions have attracted widespread attention. By switching between metallic and insulating states under external stimuli, the accompanying changes in the electrical and optical properties can be harnessed in novel electronic and optical applications. In this work, a laterally confined conductive pattern is inscribed into an otherwise insulating VO2 thin film using ultraviolet light, inducing an almost four orders of magnitude decrease in electrical resistivity of the exposed area. The metallic imprint remains in VO2 after ultraviolet light exposure and can be completely erased by a short low temperature anneal. The ability to optically pattern confined metallic structures provides new opportunities for reconfigurable photonic and plasmonic structures, as well as re-writable electric circuitry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LaVO3 thin films were grown on SrTiO3 (001) by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy. A volatile metalorganic precursor, vanadium oxytriisopropoxide (VTIP), and elemental La were co-supplied in the presence of a molecular oxygen flux. By keeping the La flux fixed and varying the VTIP flux, stoichiometric LaVO3 films were obtained for a range of cation flux ratios, indicating the presence of a self-regulated growth window. Films grown under stoichiometric conditions were found to have the largest lattice parameter, which decreased monotonically with increasing amounts of excess La or V. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering measurements were carried out to confirm film compositions. Stoichiometric growth of complex vanadate thin films independent of cation flux ratios expands upon the previously reported self-regulated growth of perovskite titanates using hybrid molecular beam epitaxy, thus demonstrating the general applicability of this growth approach to other complex oxide materials, where a precise control over film stoichiometry is demanded by the application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bidirectional modulation of synaptic weight lays the basis for learning and memory in the brain, and the development of brain‐inspired photonic synaptic devices is hindered by deficient light‐stimulated inhibition. In this report, a type of organic thin film neuromorphic devices with a planar two‐terminal architecture, featuring as the inhibitory regulation of synaptic weight over two orders of magnitude upon selective UV illumination is developed. The in situ monitoring on the floating electrode potential and the corresponding simulation results demonstrate the effect of cumulative hole trapping in the polymer electret layer, which modulates the device conductance in a nonvolatile manner. Remarkably, UV‐induced long‐term depression is accompanied by enhanced short‐term potentiation in the device that may preserve a stable level of total synaptic activities. The UV‐stimulated inhibition and the adaptive short‐term plasticity, as well as the ON and OFF responses to light in the organic photonic synaptic device, suggest its potential applications in photonic neuromorphic computing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the requirement of cutting precision and rfficiency of metal band sawing machine, a sawing load detection system of band sawing machine was designed, a expert system intelligent recognition strategy based on rough set data analysis! RSDA) was proposed. Cutting vibration signal was real-time collected by this system, the eigenvalue which was extracted by signal proceesing part was stored in database of expert system, cutting load was recognized through the comparative analysis of diagnostic model. The results indicate that, the cutting load detection system has characteristics of high recognition rate and fast response, the detection precision can reach one thousandth of load testing range. This system can meet the needs of on-line identification of band saw cutting load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling is a critical aspect of cardiac remodelling following myocardial infarction. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are physiological inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade the ECM proteins. TIMP-3 is highly expressed in the heart and is markedly downregulated in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Cell-based gene therapy can enhance the effects of cell transplantation by temporally and spatially regulating the release of the gene product. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of TlMP-3 gene-transfected vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in modifying heart structure and function in rats when transplanted 3 days after myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Anesthetised rats were subjected to coronary artery ligation followed 3 days later by thoracotomy and transplantation of TlMP-3 gene-transfected VSMCs, untransfected VSMCs or medium injected directly into the Ischaemic myocardium. We assessed left ventricular structure and function by echocardiography and morphometiy, and measured the levels of myocardial matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2, MMP-9), TIMP-3 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNE-α) at 4 weeks post-myocardial infarction. Results: Transplantation of TlMP-3 gene-transfected VSMCs and untransfected VSMCs significantly decreased scar expansion and ventricular dilatation 25 days post-transplantation (4 weeks after MI). MMPs and TNF-α levels were reduced in the transplantation groups when compared to the group that was given an injection of medium only. Transplantation of TIMP-3 gene-transfected VSMCs was more effective in preventing progressive cardiac dysfunction, ventricular dilatation and in reducing MMP-2, MMP-9 and TNF-α levels when compared to the transplantation of untransfected VSMCs. ConclusioTK: TIMP-3 gene transfection was associated with attenuated left ventricular dilation and recovery of systolic function after MI compared with the control. TlMP-3 transfection enhanced the effects of transplanted VSMCs in rats by inhibiting matrix degradation and inflammatory cytokine expression, leading to improved myocardial remodelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Airport networks are a kind of complex systems that display significant fluctuations. To describe this kind of phenomena a dynamical fluctuation model is proposed. In this model the fluctuations in growth rates of weight are exponential. There are two adjustable parameters: the exponent and the creation probability of a new node. characterizes the tendency to retain an “optimal” allocation of weights (size of components) for a given kind of networks. reflects the interactive effect between the weight fluctuation and variation of nodes and links (topological structure) for each real network. For airport networks the exponent is 0.4 and the creation probability is equal to 0.018 (China), 0.025 (US), 0.03 (Brazil) and 0.04 (Europe). This model quantitatively describes and reproduces these real airport networks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber has yielded a wide diversity of polyphagan beetles, but the fossil record of Buprestidae is comparatively sparse. Cretaceous buprestids in amber with exquisite morphological details are invaluable for understanding character evolution and the origin and diversification of extant subfamilies. Here we report an enigmatic jewel beetle, Dictyorachys callidictyus Li, Volkovitsh & Cai gen. et sp. nov., based on a wellpreserved specimen entombed in mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar. The unusual character combination of Dictyorachys is not consistent with any of the known buprestid subfamilies, which is therefore tentatively classified as Buprestidae incertae sedis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are encoded by multigene families and play important roles in plant physiology. One full-length cDNA encoding an Arabidopsis LTP3 homologue was isolated from maize by RT-PCR and named as ZmLTP3. RT-PCR analysis indicated that the ZmLTP3 expression is induced by salicylic acid (SA), mannitol and salt. Furthermore, in different tissues the ZmLTP3 displayed different expression patterns, indicating that ZmLTP3 may play multiple roles in stress resistance. Over-expression of ZmLTP3 in wild-type Arabidopsis resulted in the increased salt tolerance. Under salt stress condition, compared to wild-type (WT) plants, transgenic Arabidopsis grew better, had higher seedling fresh (FW), dry weight (DW), seed yields, proline content and lower MDA content and relative electric conductivity level. Our results suggest that maize ZmLTP3 might encode a member of LTPs family and play roles in salt resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characteristically, uterine myometrial cells (MCs) are proliferative, inducing angio- genesis within the female reproductive organ. We evaluated whether MCs implanted into myocardium could also induce angiogenesis and restore heart function after injury. MCs were isolated from the adult rat uterus and cultured for three studies: 1) Intracellular VEGF levels were measured in MCs cultured with progesterone (10-11, 10-9, and 10-7 M) (n = 6 tests per group). 2) Blood vessel density was evaluated 8 days after MCs (3 × 106 or 6 × 106), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), or endothelial cells (n = 6 rats per group) were injected with matrigel into the subcutaneous tissue of adult rats. 3) MCs, SMCs (5 × 106/rat), or media were injected into a transmural scar 3 wk after cryoinjury in rat hearts (n = 12 rats per group), and heart function, blood vessel density, and myocardial scar size and thickness were evaluated 5 wk later. In study 1, cultured MCs expressed VEGF, with levels significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated by progesterone at an optimal dose of 10-11 M. In study 2, MCs injected into the subcutaneous tissue with matrigel induced significantly more blood vessels, especially large-diameter vessels, than did SMCs or endothelial cells (P < 0.01 for all groups). This angiogenic effect was greatest (P < 0.01) at higher doses of MCs and was enhanced by progesterone (10-11 M). In study 3, MCs implanted into the injured myocardium increased blood vessel density at the implant area, reduced scar size, and improved cardiac function relative to SMCs and media. Overall, MCs induced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, prevented cardiac remodeling, and improved heart functional recovery after cardiac injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-adaptive precise altorithm in the time domain was employed to solve 2-D nonlinear coupled heat and moisture transfer problems. By expanding variables at a discretized time interval, the variations of variables can be described more precisely, and a nonlinear coupled initial and boundary value problem was converted into a series of recurrent linear boundary value problems which are solved by FE technique. In the computation, no additional assumption and the nonlinear iteration are required, and a criterion for self-adaptive computation is proposed to maintain sufficient computing accuracy for the change sizes of time steps. In the numerical comparison, the variations of material properties with temperature, moisture content, and both temperature and moisture content are taken into account, respectively. Satisfactory results have been obtained, indicating that the proposed approach is capable of dealing with complex nonlinear problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new scheme of time stepping for solving the dynamic viscoelastic problems are presented. By expanding variables at a discrete time interval, FEM based recurrent formulae are derived. A self-adaptive algorithm for different sizes of time steps can be carried out to improve computing accuracy. Numerical validation shows satisfactory performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new scheme of time stepping for solving the dynamic viscoelastic problems are presented. By expanding variables at a discrete time interval, FEM based recurrent formulae are derived. A self-adaptive algorithm for different sizes of time steps can be carried out to improve computing accuracy. Numerical validation shows satisfactory performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of organic light‐emitting diode (OLED), through‐space charge transfer (TSCT) thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters have demonstrated remarkable achievements. Nevertheless, realizing both deep‐blue emission and high efficiency by the TSCT strategy remains a persistent challenge. Here, the novel donor‐π‐donor‐σ‐acceptor (D‐π‐D‐σ‐A) type deep‐blue TSCT emitter, namely D‐tCz‐BO, is formulated to investigate its performance in OLED. D‐tCz‐BO show a narrow deep‐blue emission and efficient TADF character (λPL = 448, FWHM = 54 nm, ΦPL = 82%, and ΔEST = 0.09 eV). More importantly, the OLED based on D‐tCz‐BO as the emitter showed a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 20.5%, with a Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinate of (0.14, 0.12). This represents one of the best deep‐blue TSCT‐TADF emitters to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials with multifunctionality affect society enormously. However, the inability to surmount multiple functionality trade-offs limits the discovery of next-generation multifunctional materials. Departing from conventional alloying design philosophy, we present a hierarchical nanostructure (HNS) strategy to simultaneously break multiple performance trade-offs in a material. Using a praseodymium-cobalt (PrCo5) ferromagnet as a proof of concept, the resulting HNS outperforms contemporary high-temperature ferromagnets with a 50 to 138% increase in electrical resistivity while achieving their highest energy density. Our strategy also enables an exceptional thermal stability of coercivity (−0.148%/°C)—a key characteristic for device accuracy and reliability—surpassing that of existing commercial rare-earth magnets. The multifunctionality stems from the deliberately introduced nanohierarchical structure, which activates multiple micromechanisms to resist domain wall movement and electron transport, offering an advanced design concept for multifunctional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) is the most common malignancy in the head and neck region, characterized by high mortality and a propensity for metastasis. Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid isolated from brown algae, exhibits pharmacological properties associated with the suppression of tumor proliferation and metastasis. Nevertheless, its potential to inhibit HPSCC proliferation and metastasis has not been fully elucidated. This study represents the first exploration of the inhibitory effects of fucoxanthin on two human pharyngeal squamous carcinoma cell lines (FaDu and Detroit 562), as well as the mechanisms underlying those effects. The results showed dose-dependent decreases in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HPSCC cells after fucoxanthin treatment. Further studies indicated that fucoxanthin caused a significant reduction in the expression levels of proteins in the phosphoinositide 3−kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, as well as the downstream proteins matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)−2 and MMP−9. Specific activators of PI3K/AKT reversed the effects of fucoxanthin on these proteins, as well as on cell proliferation and metastasis, in FaDu and Detroit 562 cells. Molecular docking assays confirmed that fucoxanthin strongly interacted with PI3K, AKT, mTOR, MMP−2, and MMP−9. Overall, fucoxanthin, a functional food component, is a potential therapeutic agent for HPSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-neural cholinergic system plays a critical role in regulating immune equilibrium and tissue homeostasis. While the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the enzyme catalyzing acetylcholine biosynthesis, has been well documented in lymphocytes, its role in the myeloid compartment is less understood. Here, we identify a significant population of macrophages (Mϕs) expressing ChAT and synthesizing acetylcholine in the resolution phase of acute peritonitis. Using Chat-GFP reporter mice, we observed marked upregulation of ChAT in monocyte-derived small peritoneal Mϕs (SmPMs) in response to Toll-like receptor agonists and bacterial infections. These SmPMs, phenotypically and transcriptionally distinct from tissue-resident large peritoneal macrophages, up-regulated ChAT expression through a MyD88-dependent pathway involving MAPK signaling. Notably, this process was attenuated by the TRIF-dependent TLR signaling pathway, and our tests with a range of neurotransmitters and cytokines failed to induce a similar response. Functionally, Chat deficiency in Mϕs led to significantly decreased peritoneal acetylcholine levels, reduced efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils, and a delayed resolution of peritonitis, which were reversible with exogenous ACh supplementation. Intriguingly, despite B lymphocytes being a notable ChAT-expressing population within the peritoneal cavity, Chat deletion in B cells did not significantly alter the resolution process. Collectively, these findings underscore the crucial role of Mϕ-derived acetylcholine in the resolution of inflammation and highlight the importance of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in immune regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of the trifluoromethyl (CF3) group into organic compounds has garnered substantial interest because of its significant role in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Here, we report a hydroxylamine‐mediated radical process for C(sp2)−H trifluoromethylation of terminal alkenes. The reaction shows good reactivity, impressive E/Z selectivity (up to >20 : 1), and broad functional group compatibility. Expansion of this approach to perfluoroalkylation and late‐stage trifluoromethylation of bioactive molecules demonstrates its promising application potential. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction follows a radical addition and subsequent elimination pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct and simple surface engineering of indium tin oxide (ITO) by appropriate Ar plasma treatment was used to induce the carrier injection hotspot effect, similar to reported indirect approaches based on the introduction of additional nanostructures on ITO. Surface characterization analyses and electric field simulations indicate the formation of small-sized and dense injection hotspots on the treated ITO. Efficient electron injection was achieved in both inverted organic light-emitting diodes and corresponding electron-only devices employing the treated ITO as bottom cathode. The present results show that, in addition to the electronic structure, the microscopic morphology at the contacts could also play a critical role in achieving efficient carrier injection in organic electronic/optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For bulk SmCo3 system hard-soft magnetic nanocomposites, it remains a challenge to fabricate an anisotropic magnet by forming a strong texture for the nanocrystalline SmCo3 phase. In this paper, we report the fabrication of a bulk anisotropic SmCo3/Fe(Co) nanocomposite magnet with a strong (00 l) texture for the SmCo3 phase and a small grain size of 21 nm for the Fe(Co) phase. Good results were achieved by controlling the nucleation and growth of the nanocrystals from the amorphous matrix using large stress and strain. The synthesized magnet exhibited a high-energy product of 17.0 MGOe, which was 26% larger than the reported highest value of 13.5 MGOe for SmCo3-based nanocomposites and 314% higher than 4.1 MGOe for the corresponding pure SmCo3 magnets. Moreover, these magnets possessed small remanence and coercivity temperature coefficients of α = −0.018%/°C and β = −0.24%/°C, which were much lower than those α = −0.14%/°C and β = −0.31%/°C for pure SmCo3 magnets and α = −0.073%/°C and β = −0.30%/°C for SmCo3/Fe(Co) isotropic nanocomposite. These findings are an important step toward the practical application of the SmCo3-based nanocomposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of biopharmaceuticals, specifically adalimumab, in the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The study compares the drug levels and immunogenicity of adalimumab originator and a biosimilar called IBI303 in Chinese patients with axSpA. The results show that both drugs had similar efficacy and safety profiles, with no significant differences in drug levels or immunogenicity. The study suggests that biosimilars can be a cost-effective alternative to the originator drug, but further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of anti-drug antibody accumulation on drug efficacy. The authors recommend conducting multicenter studies in China to validate the findings. [Extracted from the article]

Many phenomena show that in a favorable circumstance an agent still has an updating possibility, and in an unfavorable circumstance an agent also has a possibility of holding its own state and reselecting its neighbors. To describe this kind of phenomena an Ising model on evolution networks was presented and used for consensus formation and separation of opinion groups in human population. In this model the state-holding probability p and selection-rewiring probability q were introduced. The influence of this mixed dynamics of spin flips and network rewiring on the ordering behavior of the model was investigated. p hinders ordering of opinion networks and q accelerates the dynamical process of networks. Influence of q on the ordering and separating stems from its effect on average path length of networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immortalized human hepatocytes (IHH) could provide an unlimited supply of hepatocytes, but insufficient differentiation and phenotypic instability restrict their clinical application. This study aimed to determine the role of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A (HNF4A) in hepatic differentiation of IHH, and whether encapsulation of IHH overexpressing HNF4A could improve liver function and survival in rats with acute liver failure (ALF). Primary human hepatocytes were transduced with lentivirus-mediated catalytic subunit of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) to establish IHH. Cells were analyzed for telomerase activity, proliferative capacity, hepatocyte markers, and tumorigenicity (c-myc) expression. Hepatocyte markers, hepatocellular functions, and morphology were studied in the HNF4A-overexpressing IHH. Hepatocyte markers and karyotype analysis were completed in the primary hepatocytes using shRNA knockdown of HNF4A. Nuclear translocation of β-catenin was assessed. Rat models of ALF were treated with encapsulated IHH or HNF4A-overexpressing IHH. A HNF4A-positive IHH line was established, which was non-tumorigenic and conserved properties of primary hepatocytes. HNF4A overexpression significantly enhanced mRNA levels of genes related to hepatic differentiation in IHH. Urea levels were increased by the overexpression of HNF4A, as measured 24 h after ammonium chloride addition, similar to that of primary hepatocytes. Chromosomal abnormalities were observed in primary hepatocytes transfected with HNF4A shRNA. HNF4α overexpression could significantly promote β-catenin activation. Transplantation of HNF4A overexpressing IHH resulted in better liver function and survival of rats with ALF compared with IHH. HNF4A improved hepatic differentiation of IHH. Transplantation of HNF4A-overexpressing IHH could improve the liver function and survival in a rat model of ALF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Requisite to growing stoichiometric perovskite thin films of the solid-solution A'1-xAxBO3 by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy is understanding how the growth conditions interpolate between the end members A'BO3 and ABO3, which can be grown in a self-regulated fashion, but under different conditions. Using the example of La1-xSrxVO3, the two-dimensional growth parameter space that is spanned by the flux of the metal-organic precursor vanadium oxytriisopropoxide and composition, x, was mapped out. The evolution of the adsorption-controlled growth window was obtained using a combination of X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, reflection high-energy electron-diffraction (RHEED), and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. It is found that the stoichiometric growth conditions can be mapped out quickly with a single calibration sample using RHEED. Once stoichiometric conditions have been identified, the out-of-plane lattice parameter can be utilized to precisely determine the composition x. This strategy enables the identification of growth conditions that allow the deposition of stoichiometric perovskite oxide films with random A-site cation mixing, which is relevant to a large number of perovskite materials with interesting properties, e.g., high-temperature superconductivity and colossal magnetoresistance, that emerge in solid solution A' 1-xAxBO3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid memristor based on the bilayer structure of indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is developed, which demonstrates device state updates in an analog manner with high reliability. The IGZO/PVA heterojunction is crucial for the realization of the memristive characteristics, presumably associated with oxygen ion redistribution across the IGZO/PVA interface. The hybrid memristor may act as an electronic synapse, being capable of emulating synaptic potentiation with good linearity, synaptic depression, and paired-pulse facilitation. It highlights potential applications of the oxide-polymer heterojunction in the exploration of neuromorphic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming and climate change are gaining traction in recent years. As a major cause of global warming, carbon emissions were centered to China's climate change policy initiatives. Nevertheless, the existing policy discourse has yet reached a consensus on the optimal modeling method for carbon emissions prediction that is well-informed of both policy goals and the time-series pattern of carbon emissions. This paper fills the gap by promoting a novel data-driven decision model for carbon emissions prediction that is based on the extended belief rule base (EBRB) inference model. The new decision model consists of three components: 1) an indicator integration method, which aims to generate a few group indicators from a large number of statistical indicators; 2) a new EBRB construction method, which aims to consider the management policy goals for constructing EBRB; 3) a new ER-based inference method, which aims to predict carbon emissions based on time series change of relevant factors. The effectiveness of the proposed decision model has been tested against carbon emissions management data from 30 provinces in China. Experimental results demonstrate that the model will offer powerful reference value in the policy decision-making process, which will help to meet policy requirements for carbon emissions. • Proposing statistical indicators integration method for group indicator. • Considering the management policy goals in EBRB construction. • Proposing an ER-based inference model based on time series analysis. • Providing a case study for carbon dioxide emissions prediction of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is associated with a profound perturbation in myelopoiesis that results in the accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to promote disease progression. Recent studies in mice suggest that tumor-derived factors could regulate the differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the bone marrow and subsequently contribute to dysregulation of hematopoiesis. However, the nature and role of HPSCs in patients with cancer remain unknown. Here we show, in detailed studies of the peripheral blood from 133 untreated patients with seven different types of tumors, that the composition of circulating HSPCs was significantly altered in patients with solid tumors. The frequencies of circulating granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMPs) were increased four to seven fold in all types of tumors examined, and the circulating hematopoietic precursors exhibited myeloid bias with a skew toward granulocytic differentiation in patients with solid tumors. These myeloid precursors are selectively enriched in tumor tissues, and the high levels of circulating GMPs were positively correlatedwith disease progression. By using cord blood-derived CD34+ cells, we developed an in vitro short-term culture model to effectively induce the rapid generation ofMDSCs. We found that, among the factors produced by various tumors, GM-CSF, granulocyte colony- stimulating factor, and IL-6 could not only promote themyeloidbiased differentiation, but also induce the differentiation of myeloid precursors into functional MDSCs. These findings suggest that the altered circulating HSPCs may serve as an important link between dysregulated bone marrow hematopoiesis and accumulated MDSCs in patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper develops a novel boundary meshless approach, Laplace transformed boundary particle method (LTBPM), for numerical modeling of time fractional diffusion equations. It implements Laplace transform technique to obtain the corresponding time-independent inhomogeneous equation in Laplace space and then employs a truly boundary-only meshless boundary particle method (BPM) to solve this Laplace-transformed problem. Unlike the other boundary discretization methods, the BPM does not require any inner nodes, since the recursive composite multiple reciprocity technique (RC-MRM) is used to convert the inhomogeneous problem into the higher-order homogeneous problem. Finally, the Stehfest numerical inverse Laplace transform (NILT) is implemented to retrieve the numerical solutions of time fractional diffusion equations from the corresponding BPM solutions. In comparison with finite difference discretization, the LTBPM introduces Laplace transform and Stehfest NILT algorithm to deal with time fractional derivative term, which evades costly convolution integral calculation in time fractional derivation approximation and avoids the effect of time step on numerical accuracy and stability. Consequently, it can effectively simulate long time-history fractional diffusion systems. Error analysis and numerical experiments demonstrate that the present LTBPM is highly accurate and computationally efficient for 2D and 3D time fractional diffusion equations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: The family Lucanidae Latreille, 1804, has long been considered to be one of the most archaic groups in the superfamily Scarabaeoidea and contains more than 110 genera and about 1300 extant species. Most adult lucanids display obvious sexual dimorphism as males are often larger and possess well-developed and variable mandibles used to compete with other males. For a long period of time, researchers of stag beetles have had problems and disputes, because many views are only speculation and cannot be supported by the evidence of fossil specimens. In this paper, we describe and illustrate a new fossil species from the Early Cretaceous of northeastern China: Prolucanus beipiaoensis gen. et sp. nov. Based on this well-preserved specimen, a new genus is established, representing the first record of the fossil Lucaninae in China and the oldest reliable record of the subfamily. A new stag beetle fossil is described from the Yixian Formation in northeastern China. A new genus is established based on this well-preserved specimen. Prolucanus beipiaoensis gen. et sp. nov. is firmly placed in the extant lucanid subfamily Lucaninae based on its broad prosternal process and geniculate antennae. Our discovery represents the first fossil record of Lucaninae from the Late Mesozoic of China and the oldest reliable record belonging to the subfamily. We also summarize the fossil species of stag beetles found in China and the described fossil species of the subfamily Lucaninae found in the world. A key to all fossil genera of Lucanidae from China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the impact of donor age on the efficacy of myocardial cellular therapy for ischemic cardiomyopathy. Characteristics of smooth muscle cells (SMC), bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs), and skeletal muscle cells (SKMCs) from young, adult, and old rats were compared in vitro. Three weeks after coronary ligation, 3.5 million SMCs (n = 11) or MSCs (n = 9) from old syngenic rats or culture medium (n = 6) were injected into the ischemic region. Five weeks after implantation, cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and the Langendorff apparatus. In the in vitro study, the numbers and proliferation of MSCs from fresh bone marrow and SKMCs from fresh tissue but not SMCs were markedly diminished in old animals (P < 0.05 both groups). SKMCs from old animals did not reach confluence. After treatment with 5-azacytidine (azacitidine), the myogenic potential of old MSCs was decreased compared with young MSCs. In the in vivo study, both SMC and MSC transplantation induced significant angiogenesis compared with media injections (P < 0.05 both groups). Transplantation of SMCs but not MSCs prevented scar thinning (P = 0.03) and improved ejection fraction and fractional shortening (P < 0.05). Load-independent indices of cardiac function in a Langendorff preparation confirmed improved function in the aged SMC group (P = 0.01) but not in the MSC group compared with the control group. In conclusion, donor age adversely impacts the efficacy of cellular therapy for myocardial regeneration and is cell-type dependent. SMCs from old donors retain their ability to improve cardiac function after implantation into ischemic myocardium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ustekinumab (UST), a newly-used biologic targeting p40 subunit of IL12 and IL23 in China, exerts a confirmed therapeutic effect on the induction and maintenance therapies for refractory Crohn's disease (CD). Therapeutic drug monitoring based on trough and antibody concentration is of core importance when treating patients who lose response to UST. We aimed to analyze the UST exposure-response relationship in CD treatment in the real-world setting.Methods: We retrospectively enrolled patients with CD who received UST between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021, at the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) center of the Sun Yat-Sun Affiliated Sixth Hospital. Baseline characteristic information, biomarker examination, clinical outcomes determined by the Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI), and endoscopic outcomes evaluated using a simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD) at week 16/20 were collected. The optimal UST cut-off trough concentration was identified using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.Results: Nineteen eligible patients were included in the study, the mean age was 29.1 ± 9.1 years and the mean disease duration was 5.5 ± 4.7 years. At the initiation of the study, 89.5% of the patients had been exposed to prior biologics, 42.1% had previous CD-related surgeries, and 52.6% had perianal diseases. At week 16/20 after the UST initiation, clinical response, clinical remission, endoscopic response, and endoscopic remission were 89.5%, 84.2%, 42.2%, and 73.7%, respectively. The cut-off optimal trough concentration for UST was 1.12 μg/mL, as determined by the ROC with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78, sensitivity of 87.5%, and specificity of 72.7%. Patients with a UST trough concentration > 1.12 μg/mL had a significantly higher rate of endoscopic remission than those without (70.0% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.02).Conclusions: UST is an effective therapeutic option for refractory CD treatment. A UST trough concentration above 1.12 μg/mL was associated with endoscopic remission at week 16/20 after UST initiation. Trial registration This study was approved and retrospectively registered by the Ethics Committee of Sun Yat-Sen University (2021ZSLYEC-066, March 29, 2021) and the Clinical Trial Registry (NCT04923100, June 10, 2021). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly worldwide, causing significant mortality. There is a mechanistic relationship between intracellular coronavirus replication and deregulated autophagosome–lysosome system. We performed transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from COVID-19 patients and identified the aberrant upregulation of genes in the lysosome pathway. We further determined the capability of two circulating markers, namely microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) and (p62/SQSTM1) p62, both of which depend on lysosome for degradation, in predicting the emergence of moderate-to-severe disease in COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization for supplemental oxygen therapy. Logistic regression analyses showed that LC3B was associated with moderate-to-severe COVID-19, independent of age, sex and clinical risk score. A decrease in LC3B concentration <5.5 ng/ml increased the risk of oxygen and ventilatory requirement (adjusted odds ratio: 4.6; 95% CI: 1.1–22.0; P  = 0.04). Serum concentrations of p62 in the moderate-to-severe group were significantly lower in patients aged 50 or below. In conclusion, lysosome function is deregulated in PBMCs isolated from COVID-19 patients, and the related biomarker LC3B may serve as a novel tool for stratifying patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 from those with asymptomatic or mild disease. COVID-19 patients with a decrease in LC3B concentration <5.5 ng/ml will require early hospital admission for supplemental oxygen therapy and other respiratory support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling material properties at the nanoscale is a critical enabler of high performance electronic and photonic devices. A prototypical material example is VO2, where a structural phase transition in correlation with dramatic changes in resistivity, optical response, and thermal properties demonstrates particular technological importance. While the phase transition in VO2 can be controlled at macroscopic scales, reliable and reversible nanoscale control of the material phases has remained elusive. Here, reconfigurable nanoscale manipulations of VO2 from the pristine monoclinic semiconducting phase to either a stable monoclinic metallic phase, a metastable rutile metallic phase, or a layered insulating phase using an atomic force microscope is demonstrated at room temperature. The capability to directly write and erase arbitrary 2D patterns of different material phases with distinct optical and electrical properties builds a solid foundation for future reprogrammable multifunctional device engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new polysaccharide is isolated from Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc. pine nuts. • The compositions and structural characterization of PNP40c-1 are identified. • PNP40c-1 shows hepatoprotective effect against CCl 4 -induced liver damage in vitro. A new purified polysaccharide (PNP40c-1) with a molecular weight of 2.06 × 105 Da was obtained from pine nuts (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.). Structural analysis indicated that PNP40c-1 is a homogeneous heteropolysaccharide composed of arabinose, rhamnose and glucose in a molar ratio of 2.98:1.00:0.52. The major backbone consisted of →3,4)- α - l -Ara p (1→, →4)- α - l -Ara p 3Me(1→, →3)- α - l -Rha p (1→ and →6)- β - d -Glc p (1→, and the side chain is β - d -Glc p -(1→ linked at C4-position of →3,4)- α - l -Ara p (1→. In addition, the hepatoprotective effect of PNP40c-1 was investigated by human hepatocyte cell line L02 treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4). Results suggested that PNP40c-1 could protect L02 cells from CCl 4 -induced damage by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), increasing the level of non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH), suppressing lipid perioxidation and further reducing the leakage of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Hence, PNP40c-1 could be a promising functional food to serve as hepatoprotective agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]