Search

Skepticism is regarded as a prerequisite for detecting errors. Individuals with higher skepticism towards ChatGPT are better equipped to discern truth from false claims. However, empirical research directly examining ChatGPT skepticism is currently lacking. This study aims to adapt a measurement tool suitable for ChatGPT skepticism and to investigate the correlation between different cognitive styles and ChatGPT skepticism. A total of 999 college students recruited from Taiwan completed the questionnaire. The results showed that cognitive styles (i.e. performance-based analytic cognitive style, self-reported analytic cognitive style, accuracy motivation, and evidence-over-cues style) could positively predict ChatGPT skepticism. Specifically, evidence-over-cues style and performance-based analytic cognitive style were the strongest predictors of ChatGPT skepticism. Accuracy motivation had the weakest effect on ChatGPT skepticism. These findings deepen our understanding of the explanatory from cognitive styles to ChatGPT skepticism and help us better comprehend the judgment process involved in adopting AI-generated content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: LIF has emerged as a key target in pancreatic cancer (PDAC) due to its role in promoting chemoresistance by driving tumor progression and promoting an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Early clinical trial data testing anti-LIF treatment in patients proved safe but with limited efficacy, suggesting the need to be combined with other therapies such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the antitumor efficacy and mechanism of action resulting from combination therapy consisting of chemotherapy (gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel), anti-LIF, and anti-PD-L1 in mouse models of PDAC. We demonstrated that this triple combination therapy significantly improved antitumor efficacy compared to monotherapy or dual combinations of these therapies. Mechanistically, this combination therapy not only reduced the aggressiveness of tumor cells but also enhanced antitumor immunity, especially through CD8 T cells. Our preclinical data provide the rationale for ongoing or future clinical trials investigating the combination of anti-PD-L1 with anti-LIF and chemotherapy in PDAC. Background/Objectives: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), expecting to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths by 2030, resists immune checkpoint therapies due to its immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a key target in PDAC, promoting stemness, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and therapy resistance. Phase 1 clinical trials showed anti-LIF therapy is safe but with limited efficacy, suggesting better outcomes when combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy. Methods: We assessed the combination of chemotherapy (gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel) and dual blockade of LIF and PD-L1 on tumor growth and survival in orthotopic and spontaneous PDAC models. Flow cytometry and scRNA-seq were utilized to monitor the antitumor immune response. The role of key immune cells was further confirmed by depleting these immune cells, including CD4, CD8, or inflammatory monocytes. Results: Sequential treatment with chemotherapy (gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel) and dual blockade of LIF and PD-L1 significantly improved antitumor efficacy compared to monotherapy or dual combinations of these therapies. This chemo/anti-LIF/anti-PD-L1 approach reduced EMT in tumor cells and enhanced the antitumor immune response, primarily through CD8 T cells, as depleting CD8 cells largely abrogated the effect of treatment. This combination therapy also shifted macrophages and dendritic cells towards an antitumor phenotype. Conclusions: The combination of chemotherapy, anti-LIF, and anti-PD-L1 not only targeted tumor cells but also augmented the anti-tumor immune response. These findings strongly support advancing chemo/anti-LIF/anti-PD-L1 combination therapy to clinical trials in PDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the framework of field inversion and machine learning, an adaptive modification for Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes-based turbulence models is proposed for the simulation of low-pressure turbine cascades involving flow separation. This method adjusts the results of turbulence by modifying the source terms correspondingly at different spatial locations. First, the specific regions for modification are obtained by Gaussian mixture models adaptively according to the baseline results and the spatial distribution of the correction term is inferred by an ensemble-based inversion method with effective utilization of high-fidelity data. Then a corrective model form of the flow quantities calculated with the baseline model is established by the Gradient Boosting Decision Tree model and used for the simulation of T106 cascade cases. The results demonstrate that with the adaptive modified turbulence model, reduced deficiency on predicting the load distribution can be obtained. The modified model can also predict a more accurate separation onset by damping eddy viscosity in separated region for case out of the training set. With correction added to the turbulence model solely in a specific region, the computational cost can be reduced compared with full-field inversion, and the method can be possibly applied in simulating the three-dimensional flow considering rotation effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of the Metaverse has increased in realizability with the rapid development of emerging technology, and this has led to the need for cognition of how to create a Metaverse world in educational settings. However, there is still little discussion in the existing research on teachers’ understanding of Metaverse literacy and their need for learning. In order to expand the understanding of this issue, in this study we developed a Metaverse literacy scale to assess teachers’ understanding of Metaverse literacy and their need for learning about the Metaverse. Adapting the importance-performance quadrant analysis approach, we integrated four quadrants: Keep up with professional development, possible motivation for future professional development, low priority for professional development, and prospective professional development. Results indicated that the need for learning to use Metaverse technology in the educational field is low, as most of the questions fell into the “Prospective professional development” quadrant. The attributes located in this quadrant can threaten teaching practices designed to attract students to face the Metaverse age. The results imply that Metaverse-related technologies can be used by college teachers to develop their students’ Metaverse literacy and to promote teachers’ and students’ Metaverse literacy competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient spontaneous molecular oxygen (O2) activation is expected in advanced oxidation processes. However, it remains a great challenge to promote the reactants adsorption and accelerate the interfacial electron transfer to boost the activation kinetic of O2. Herein, defect‐rich N‐doped reduced graphene oxide/CoFe2O4 (NGCF‐OV) membrane containing asymmetric Co‐OV‐Fe sites is prepared for O2 activation. The intrinsic catalytic activity is that the asymmetric Co‐OV‐Fe sites regulate the O─O bond length, promoting more and faster electron transfer to O2 for selectively producing 1O2. Meanwhile, the adjacent graphitic N sites help confine organics to the surface and thus greatly shorten the reaction distance of 1O2 and improve its utilization efficiency. The NGCF‐OV membrane demonstrates complete degradation of bisphenol A within a retention time of 86 ms, achieving a k‐value of 0.047 ms−1, which exceeds the performance of most Fenton‐like systems. This work provides new horizons for designing an efficient and stable catalytic membrane, enriching the domain of advanced wastewater treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matcha, a powder processed from tea leaves, has a unique green tea flavor and appealing color, in addition to many other sought after functional properties for a wide range of formulated food applications (e.g., dairy products, bakery products, and beverage). The properties of matcha are influenced by cultivation method and processing post-harvest. The transition from drinking tea infusion to eating whole leaves provides a healthy option for the delivery of functional component and tea phenolics in various food matrix. The aim of this review is to describe the physico-chemical properties of matcha, the specific requirements for tea cultivation and industrial processing. The quality of matcha mainly depends on the quality of fresh tea leaves, which is affected by preharvest factors including tea cultivar, shading treatment, and fertilization. Shading is the key measure to increase greenness, reduce bitterness and astringency, and enhance umami taste of matcha. The potential health benefits of matcha and the gastrointestinal fate of main phenolics in matcha are covered. The chemical compositions and bioactivities of fiber-bound phenolics in matcha and other plant materials are discussed. The fiber-bound phenolics are considered promising components which endow matcha with boosted bioavailability of phenolics and health benefits through modulating gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and safe hemostasis is crucial for the survival of bleeding patients in prehospital care. It is urgent to develop high performance hemostatic material to control the massive hemorrhage in the military field and accidental trauma. In this work, an efficient protein hemostat of thrombin was immobilized onto commercial gauze, which was mediated by self-polymerization and anchoring of tannic acid (TA). Through TA treatment, the efficient immobilization of thrombin was achieved, preserving both the biological activity of thrombin and the physical properties of the dressing, including absorbency, breathability, and mechanical performance. Moreover, in the presence of TA coating and thrombin, Gau@TA/Thr could obviously shortened clotting time and enriched blood components such as plasma proteins, platelets, and red blood cells, thereby exhibiting an enhanced in vitro coagulation effect. In SD rat liver volume defect and artery transection hemorrhage models, Gau@TA/Thr still had outstanding hemostatic performance. Besides, the Gau@TA/Thr gauze had inherent antibacterial property and demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. All results suggested that Gau@TA/Thr would be a potential candidate for treating uncontrollable hemorrhage in prehospital care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial instability is a common problem during bio-production based on microbial hosts. Halomonas bluephagenesis has been developed as a chassis for next generation industrial biotechnology (NGIB) under open and unsterile conditions. However, the hidden genomic information and peculiar metabolism have significantly hampered its deep exploitation for cell-factory engineering. Based on the freshly completed genome sequence of H. bluephagenesis TD01, which reveals 1889 biological process-associated genes grouped into 84 GO-slim terms. An enzyme constrained genome-scale metabolic model Halo-ecGEM was constructed, which showed strong ability to simulate fed-batch fermentations. A visible salt-stress responsive landscape was achieved by combining GO-slim term enrichment and CVT-based omics profiling, demonstrating that cells deploy most of the protein resources by force to support the essential activity of translation and protein metabolism when exposed to salt stress. Under the guidance of Halo-ecGEM, eight transposases were deleted, leading to a significantly enhanced stability for its growth and bioproduction of various polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) including 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) homopolymer PHB, 3HB and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) copolymer PHBV, as well as 3HB and 4-hydroxyvalerate (4HB) copolymer P34HB. This study sheds new light on the metabolic characteristics and stress-response landscape of H. bluephagenesis , achieving for the first time to construct a long-term growth stable chassis for industrial applications. For the first time, it was demonstrated that genome encoded transposons are the reason for microbial instability during growth in flasks and fermentors. [Display omitted] • 84 GO-slim terms were classified to study the stress response of Halomonas. • A translation-dependent stress regulation pattern of Halomonas was uncovered. • Halo-ecGEM was developed for fermentation simulation with good fit. • A growth stable chassis WZY278ΔTns was developed aftter 8 transposases deletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New taxonomic and faunistic data for three species of the genus Sinlathrobium Assing, 2013 from China are provided. Sinlathrobium assingi Chen & Peng, sp. nov. (Chongqing: West Daba Shan) and Sinlathrobium chenzhilini Chen & Peng, sp. nov. (Guangxi: Maoer Shan) are described and illustrated. Additional records from Chongqing, detailed bionomic data and female sexual characters of S. lobrathioides (Assing, 2012) are provided. A key to the species of Sinlathrobium is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Repeated exposure to cocaine induces microglial activation. Cocaine exposure also induces a release of high mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) from neurons into the extracellular space in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). HMGB1 is an important late inflammatory mediator of microglial activation. However, whether the secretion of HMGB1 acts on microglia or contributes to cocaine addiction is largely unknown. Methods: Rats were trained by intraperitoneal cocaine administration and cocaine‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Expression of HMGB1 was regulated by viral vectors. Activation of microglia was inhibited by minocycline. Interaction of HMGB1 and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) was disrupted by peptide. Results: Cocaine injection facilitated HMGB1 signaling, together with the delayed activation of microglia concurrently in the NAc. Furthermore, the inhibition of HMGB1 or microglia activation attenuated cocaine‐induced CPP. Box A, a specific antagonist to interrupt the interaction of HMGB1 and RAGE, abolished the expression of cocaine reward memory. Meanwhile, the inhibition of HMGB1–RAGE interaction suppressed cocaine‐induced microglial activation, as well as the consolidation of cocaine‐induced memory. Conclusion: All above results suggest that the neural HMGB1 induces activation of microglia through RAGE, which contributes to the consolidation of cocaine reward memory. These findings offer HMGB1–RAGE axis as a new target for the treatment of drug addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small round cell tumor (SRCT) is a group of malignancy with similar optical microscopic morphology. Despite its low incidence, SRCT has a high malignant degree and poor prognosis. Besides, atypical clinical symptoms make it difficult in preoperative diagnosis. Case report: A 67-year-old man was presented to the outpatient service with dysuria and weak urine stream lasting for 3 months. After oral treatment with tamsulosin and finasteride for 2 months, the symptoms worsen. Transurethral prostate holmium laser enucleation was operated and postoperative pathology result revealed small blue round cell malignant tumor. Further immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization examination indicated Ewing-like SRCT. So a Da Vinci Robotic prostatectomy was performed further and whole-genome sequencing was conducted. Several gene mutations including RAF1, ARID1A, SMARCA4, and BCL2L11 were found but no FDA-approved drug could treat specifically. Then the patient received Ewing-type therapeutic regimens treatment and has been followed up to date (over 24 months). Conclusion: Because of its non-elevated serum PSA level, prostate SRCT is often ignored as a possibility of malignant tumor and regarded as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The possibility of prostate SRCT need to be considered if dysuria symptoms could not alleviate significantly after a period of oral treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the causes, counseling, and prevention strategies for maladaptive and deviant behaviors in schools. It highlights the persistence of issues such as bullying, violence, and addictive behaviors in schools worldwide, and the need to explore the causes and effects of these behaviors. The article also emphasizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' psychological health and the importance of psychological health education. It suggests various research topics related to student engagement, stress, addictive behaviors, vulnerable student groups, and leadership. The article concludes by emphasizing the ongoing need for research and intervention measures to address maladaptive and deviant behaviors in schools. [Extracted from the article]

Predictability and robustness are challenges for bioproduction because of the unstable intracellular synthetic activities. With the deeper understanding of the gene expression process, fine-tuning has become a meaningful tool for biosynthesis optimization. This study characterized several gene expression elements and constructed a multiple inducible system that responds to ten different small chemical inducers in halophile bacterium Halomonas bluephagenesis. Genome insertion of regulators was conducted for the purpose of gene cluster stabilization and regulatory plasmid simplification. Additionally, dynamic ranges of the multiple inducible systems were tuned by promoter sequence mutations to achieve diverse scopes for high-resolution gene expression control. The multiple inducible system was successfully employed to precisely control chromoprotein expression, lycopene and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) biosynthesis, resulting in colorful bacterial pictures, optimized cell growth, lycopene and PHB accumulation. This study demonstrates a desirable approach for fine-tuning of rational and efficient gene expressions, displaying the significance for metabolic pathway optimization. • Gene expression elements and multiple inducible systems were constructed in Halomonas bluephagenesis. • Multiple inducible systems with diverse scopes were achieved for high-resolution gene expression control. • Chromoprotein expression, lycopene and (PHB) biosynthesis were tuned with multiple inducible systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high unoccupied d band energy of FeS2 basically results in weak orbital coupling with water molecules, consequently leading to sluggish water dissociation kinetics. Herein, we demonstrate that the N-induced doping effect and phase transition engineering (FeS2 to N-Fe7S8) can downshift the unoccupied d orbitals and strengthen the interfacial orbital coupling to boost the water dissociation kinetics. The fabricated N-Fe7S8/carbon cloth (CC) displays superb hydrogen evolution reaction performance with a low overpotential (89 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and small Tafel slope (105 mV dec−1) under alkaline conditions. It is revealed that the electronic structure of Fe is modulated by N doping and phase transition. The downshifted d band energy can strengthen water adsorption and reduce the energy barrier of water dissociation. Our work provides a new strategy to modify metal sulfide electrocatalysts for electrochemical energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bis(imino)pyridyl iron‐based ethylene oligomerization catalysts have the advantages of mild reaction conditions, high activity and high selectivity to linear α‐olefins. However, barriers, such as high polymer content in the product mixture and large methylaluminoxane (MAO) dosage, are still limitations for the development of these systems at the industrial scale. In this study, new cocatalysts are prepared by the reaction of alkylaluminums with urea and its derivatives, and successfully used to activate iron‐based catalysts. It is found that the type and molar ratio of alkylaluminum and urea have significant influence on the performance of the cocatalysts. The activity of the preferred triisobutylaluminum/urea activated systems reaches more than 3.0 × 108 g (mol‐Fe)−1 h−1, and the polymer content can be controlled to be less than 2 wt.%. Notably, the catalytic system exhibits good high temperature stability, the activity can still reach 1.0 × 108 g (mol‐Fe)−1 h−1 even at 120 °C. Further 1H NMR studies show that alkylaluminum can react with the NH moieties of urea, forming complex alkylaluminum clusters, even aluminoxane‐like structures. This study offers a promising family of cocatalysts, making it possible to simultaneously improve their performance and reduce their cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressureless sintering (PLS) technique holds substantial potential in manufacturing cost-effective composites with intricate shapes. Nonetheless, it can lead to reduced density in titanium matrix composites (TMCs), affecting their mechanical properties. This study introduces a novel approach to producing high-density TMCs utilizing polymer encapsulation on hydride-dehydride (HDH) TC4 particles through wet mixing. The coexistence of the sintering Si-B-Ti/Al-C-N liquid phases and a dual approach to deoxidizing HDH TC4 particles synergistically enhance the compactness of the TMCs, achieving densities as high as 98.5 % during PLS. The densification mechanisms for (TiB+TiC+Ti 3 Si)/TC4 composites under different conditions kinetics were revealed by calculating the effective grain growth exponent and activation energy. The (TiB+TiC+Ti 3 Si)/TC4 composite, produced through PLS at 1300 ℃ for 1.5 hours, exhibits exceptional properties with a compressive strength of 2087 MPa and a fracture strain of 41.7 %. This research will provide a feasible avenue for developing high-performance TMCs using the polymer as the reinforcement source and low-cost HDH TC4 powder during PLS. • High-density (TiB+TiC+Ti 3 Si)/TC4 composites were successfully fabricated via pressureless sintering. • The long TiB nanowires, spheroidal TiC, and rod-like Ti 3 Si are in-situ derived by the unique SLS growth mechanism. • Dual-strategy of active deoxidation effect originated from the reducing pyrolysis gases and passive prevention of O based on polymer shell-layer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rare cadmium-containing windmill-like heteropolyoxoniobate macrocycle has been successfully synthesized with stable 1-D cyclic cluster aggregates. The compound exhibited promising basic catalytic ability for Knoevenagel condensation with a high yield under mild reaction conditions and high cycling stability. The theoretical calculation showed that the promising basic catalytic ability is due to the dense and stronger basic sites of the surface terminal O atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the shortcomings of traditional layered structure for broadband wave-transmitting applications, a novel porosity gradient structure is proposed. The precise turning of the relative permittivity of each layer and their simultaneous shrinkage during sintering are the keys to design and fabrication. Porous BN/Si 3 N 4 composites with different porosities were prepared by incorporation of pore former, tape casting and gas pressure sintering. Results show that the obtained composites with different porosities exhibit low and similar shrinkage after sintering at 1900 °C, which is mainly due to the bridging effect between rapidly growing β-Si 3 N 4 rod. When the porosity increases from 33.2% to 59.4%, the relative permittivity decreases from 4.00 to 2.38. Moreover, the composites with different porosities have excellent mechanical properties, with bending strength and fracture toughness of 180 ± 10–36 ± 4 MPa and 3.2 ± 0.30–0.85 ± 0.10 MPa·m−1/2, respectively, which is attributed to the bridging and pull-out strengthening effects of the elongated β-Si 3 N 4 grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Stress or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein upregulated MyD88 expression in microglia. • Inducible expression of MyD88 in the mPFC increased stress susceptibility via activation of p38-MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. • Knockout or pharmacological inhibition of MyD88 ameliorated depressive-like behavior. • TJ-M2010-5, a novel synthesized targeting inhibitor of MyD88 dimerization, alleviated stress- or SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein-induced depression-type behavioral abnormalities. Increasing evidence supports the pathogenic role of neuroinflammation in psychiatric diseases, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and neuropsychiatric symptoms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, the precise mechanism and therapeutic strategy are poorly understood. Here, we report that myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), a pivotal adaptor that bridges toll-like receptors to their downstream signaling by recruiting the signaling complex called 'myddosome', was up-regulated in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) after exposure to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein. The inducible expression of MyD88 in the mPFC primed neuroinflammation and conferred stress susceptibility via amplifying immune danger signals, such as high-mobility group box 1 and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Overexpression of MyD88 aggravated, whereas knockout or pharmacological inhibition of MyD88 ameliorated CSDS-induced depressive-like behavior. Notably, TJ-M2010-5, a novel synthesized targeting inhibitor of MyD88 dimerization, alleviated both CSDS- and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced depressive-like behavior. Taken together, our findings indicate that inhibiting MyD88 signaling represents a promising therapeutic strategy for stress-related mental disorders, such as MDD and COVID-19-related neuropsychiatric symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the distribution patterns of plant diversity in Kenya, how climatic fluctuations and orogeny shaped them, and the formation of its β‐diversity. Location: Kenya, East Africa. Taxon: Angiosperms. Methods: We quantified patterns of turnover and nestedness components of phylogenetic β‐diversity for angiosperm species among neighbouring sites using a well‐resolved phylogenetic tree and extensive distribution records from public databases and other published sources. We applied clustering methods to delineate biota based on pairwise similarities among multiple sites and used a random assembly null model to assess the effects of species abundance distribution on phylogenetic β‐diversity. Results: The phylogenetic turnover of the Kenyan flora, intersecting with the biodiversity hotspots Eastern Afromontane, Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa, and Horn of Africa, shows a non‐monotonic pattern along a latitudinal gradient that is strongly structured into volcanic and coastal areas. The other areas are mainly dominated by phylogenetic nestedness, even in the eastern part of the equatorial region parallel to the volcanic area. Phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic structure analyses explain the mechanism of the observed phylogenetic turnover and nestedness patterns. We identified five phytogeographical regions in Kenya: the Mandera, Turkana, Volcanic, Pan Coastal and West Highland Regions. Conclusions: Variations in turnover gradient and coexistence are highly dependent on the regional biogeographical history resulting from climatic fluctuations and long‐lasting orogeny, which jointly shaped the biodiversity patterns of the Kenyan flora. The nestedness component dominated climatically unstable regions and is presumed to have been caused by heavy local species extinction and recolonization from the Volcanic Region. The high turnover component in climatically stable regions may have preserved old lineages and the prevalence of endemic species within narrow ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient mechanical properties have become one of the important bottlenecks restricting the application of single-layer broadband transparent ceramics. Herein, porous Si 3 N 4 ceramics were successfully fabricated by tape casting and pressureless sintering with different size (5–30μm) and amount (20–40 vol%) of pore-forming agent (Polystyrene (PS) microspheres). By adding 60 vol% pore-forming agent with a particle size of 5μm, the porosity of porous Si 3 N 4 reaches 71.4 % with a relative permittivity as low as 2.2, while maintaining satisfactory mechanical properties. Its flexural strength and fracture toughness can reach 59.0 MPa and 1.20 MPa·m1/2, respectively, which is attributed to its highly interlocking porous structure induced by elongated β-Si 3 N 4 grains. Its single-layer structure with a wall thickness of 4–10 mm delivers a transmission of over 80 % in the entire X and Ku bands at an incidence angle range of 0–70°, indicating its wide application prospects in broadband transmission radomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Comprehensive overview of nitrate and uranium removal via microorganisms. • Clostridium sp. PXL2 can remove U(VI) and nitrate simultaneously from groundwater. • U(VI) was removed effectively under enzyme-catalyzed conditions. • Denitrifying bacteria likely play a crucial role in the bioremediation of uranium. • Uranium existed in the form of crystalline UO 2 within the pH range of 0 to 7 and Eh range of −0.4 to 0 V. This review starts with the issue of groundwater contamination in uranium mining areas using acid leaching methods which is threatening drinking water safety, and provides a comprehensive overview of biological remediation technologies for nitrate and uranium contamination in groundwater. Bacterial genera with remediation potential is summarized and theoretical support for applying microorganisms to remove uranium and nitrate simultaneously is discussed comprehensively. Denitrification is the primary mechanism for nitrate removal from groundwater, dual benefits of agricultural waste utilization and environmental pollution control could be achieved by using lignocellulosic waste (e.g. agricultural waste) as a carbon source. Hydrogen is a clean and ideal electron donor for autotrophic denitrification, and removal rate of autotrophic denitrification could be well enhanced via membrane biofilm reactor (MBR) as well as preventing hydrogen leakage. Compared to biosorption and/or biomineralization, stimulating microorganisms to reduce U(VI) to U(IV) is also a promising pathway. Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) could play a supportive role in biological remediation. Clostridium sp. PXL2 could remove U(VI) and nitrate simultaneously from groundwater, while Hydrogenophaga and Thiobacillus genera show satisfied remediation effects in autotrophic denitrification and uranium reduction processes. Uranium exists in the form of crystalline UO 2 within the pH range of 0–7 and Eh range of −0.4 to 0 V. Therefore, this review proposes a brand-new methodology for autotrophic denitrification and uranium reduction by utilizing hydrogen as sole electron donor, with pH and Eh regulation through the control of hydrogen and autotrophic denitrification, and maintaining the U-C-O-H system under reduction conditions. There is a reason to believe that this will be a promising environmentally friendly and effective biological remediation method if implemented successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing methods for arbitrary-shaped text detection in natural scenes face two critical issues, i.e., (1) fracture detections at the gaps in a text instance; and (2) inaccurate detections of arbitrary-shaped text instances with diverse background context. To address these issues, we propose a novel method named Intra- and Inter-Instance Collaborative Learning (I3CL). Specifically, to address the first issue, we design an effective convolutional module with multiple receptive fields, which is able to collaboratively learn better character and gap feature representations at local and long ranges inside a text instance. To address the second issue, we devise an instance-based transformer module to exploit the dependencies between different text instances and a global context module to exploit the semantic context from the shared background, which are able to collaboratively learn more discriminative text feature representation. In this way, I3CL can effectively exploit the intra- and inter-instance dependencies together in a unified end-to-end trainable framework. Besides, to make full use of the unlabeled data, we design an effective semi-supervised learning method to leverage the pseudo labels via an ensemble strategy. Without bells and whistles, experimental results show that the proposed I3CL sets new state-of-the-art results on three challenging public benchmarks, i.e., an F-measure of 77.5% on ArT, 86.9% on Total-Text, and 86.4% on CTW-1500. Notably, our I3CL with the ResNeSt-101 backbone ranked the 1st place on the ArT leaderboard. Code is available at www.github.com/ViTAE-Transformer/ViTAE-Transformer-Scene-Text-Detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation is aimed to evaluate thermal effects of the high-velocity particle impingement on the coating quality in CGDS (cold gas dynamic spray). To achieve this, the authors used an explicit time integration approach to predict interface temperatures and deformation profiles of the substrate, as well as, their relationship in commercial solver ABAQUS 6.13. Copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) materials were specified to particle and substrate, respectively. Two essential process parameters, including six different impact velocities (300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 m/s) and three different particle sizes (1, 5, 15 µm), were involved in all simulations. There are very good agreements between the simulated and the published that the non-uniform interface temperature and the poor/failure particle deposition have the direct relationship with either impact velocity or particle size. Once again this study strongly demonstrates the thermal effect of the high-velocity particle impingement on coating quality in CGDS, in turn providing insights into process parameter selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal catheter ablation (CA) strategy for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) and heart failure (HF) remains uncertain. Between 2016 and 2020, 118 consecutive patients with PeAF and HF who underwent the CA procedure in two centers were retrospectively evaluated and divided into the pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)-only and PVI + additional ablation groups. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed at baseline, one month, and 12 months after the CA procedure. The HF symptoms and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvements were analyzed. Fifty-six patients underwent PVI only, and 62 patients received PVI with additional ablation. Compared with the baseline, a significant improvement in the LVEF and left atrial diameter postablation was observed in all patients. No significant HF improvement was detected in the PVI + additional ablation group than in the PVI-only group (74.2% vs. 71.4%, P = 0.736), but the procedure and ablation time were significantly longer (137.4 ± 7.5 vs. 123.1 ± 11.5 min, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the change in TTE parameters and the number of rehospitalizations. For patients with PeAF and HF, CA appears to improve left ventricular function. Additional ablation does not improve outcomes and has a significantly longer procedure time. Trial registration number is as follows: ChiCTR2100053745 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bitter and astringent taste of tea and tea extract is still not favored by many consumers, which limits its applications to bakery foods and functional foods. Many bitter and astringent compounds in tea leaves are susceptible, which transform during tea processing or can be modified by food production technologies. Besides, the accumulations of the major bitter and astringent compounds in fresh tea leaves, such as alkaloids and flavonoids, can be regulated by agronomic practices. Many attempts have been made to reduce the bitter and astringent compounds, in order to improve the sensory quality of tea and tea products. The aim of this review is to describe the characteristics of major bitter and astringent compounds in different types of teas as well as the bitterness and astringency reducing strategies from the aspects of preharvest, processing and post-processing. Alkaloids, catechins, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, flavonol glycosides, and theaflavins importantly contribute to the bitter and astringent taste of tea infusion, the contents of which can be modulated during preharvest, processing, and post-processing. Shade treatment is a conventional agronomic practice to reduce the bitterness and astringency of tea. Processing methods like oxidation, roasting/baking and microbial fermentation effectively reduce the bitter and astringent intensities of teas, but have restricted applications to special types of tea. There is a need of new compounds or strategies to decrease the bitterness and astringency of tea and tea products. Employment of these bitterness and astringency reducing strategies should consider the appearance or application requirements of final products. • Tea taste can be modulated from preharvest, processing, and post-processing. • Shade treatment is an agronomic practice to reduce bitterness and astringency. • PPO-induced enzymatic reaction reduces the bitterness and astringency of tea. • Bitter and astringent flavonoids are susceptible to high temperature. • Microbes transform alkaloids and flavonoids to reduce bitterness and astringency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluoroalkyl chemicals are one of the most stable substances in industry and have become ubiquitous contaminants owing to their persistence in the environment. This study enrolled 1,953 participants aged ≥40 years old using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We selected four perfluoroalkyl chemicals with a detection frequency of more than 80%, including perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship of serum perfluoroalkyl chemicals with COPD and airflow limitation. We evaluated the interaction between perfluoroalkyl chemicals and lung function using multivariate linear regression analyses. Our results showed that the prevalence of COPD was not significantly related to serum PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS. Airflow limitation was positively linked with serum PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS. However, these significant differences were not robust after adjustment of all confounders of interest. Serum PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS were all positively related to the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF). However, only PFOA remained significantly linked with the FEV1 and FVC after covariate adjustment. These results indicated that there was no significant interaction between exposure to perfluoroalkyl chemicals and the prevalence of COPD. Higher levels of serum PFOA appeared to be related to higher measures of FEV1 and FVC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die selektive C‐F‐Bindungsfunktionalisierung von Perfluoralkyl‐Einheiten birgt ein großes Potenzial für den Zugang zu funktionalisierten fluororganischen Verbindungen, stellt jedoch aufgrund der hohen C‐F‐Bindungsstärke und den damit verbundenen Selektivitätsproblemen eine Herausforderung dar. Wir berichten über einen neuen katalytischen Ansatz zur selektiven Funktionalisierung der starken C‐F‐Bindungen in polyfluorierten aliphatischen Estern und Amiden. Diese einfache Reaktion verläuft mild und operativ und mit divergenten Umsetzungen, einschließlich Hydrodefluorierung, Defluoralkylierung und Defluoralkenylierung, die eine Vielzahl von wichtigen teilfluorierten Motiven liefern. Unkomplizierte nachgeschaltete chemische Umsetzungen zu fluorierten Alkoholen, Aminen und Arzneimittelderivaten unterstreichen die Relevanz der Transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective C−F bond functionalization of perfluoalkyl units has huge potential towards accessing functionalized organofluorinated compounds, but remains challenging due to the high C−F bond strength and inherent selectivity challenges. We report a new catalytic approach to the selective functionalization of strong C−F bonds in polyfluorinated aliphatic esters and amides. This simple reaction proceeds in mild and operational fashion with divergent conversions, including hydrodefluorination, defluoroalkylation, and defluoroalkenylation, affording a diverse array of important partially fluorinated motifs. Straightforward downstream chemistry towards fluorinated alcohols, amines and drug derivatives highlights the potential of the protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flora of China is well known for its high diversity and endemism. Identifying centers of endemism and designating conservation priorities are essential goals for biodiversity studies. However, there is no comprehensive study from a rigorous phylogenetic perspective to understand patterns of diversity and endemism and to guide biodiversity conservation in China. We conducted a spatial phylogenetic analysis of the Chinese angiosperm flora at the generic level to identify centers of neo‐ and paleo‐endemism. Our results indicate that: (i) the majority of grid cells in China with significantly high phylogenetic endemism (PE) were located in the mountainous regions; (ii) four of the nine centers of endemism recognized, located in northern and western China, were recognized for the first time; (iii) arid and semiarid regions in Northwest China were commonly linked to significant PE, consistent with other spatial phylogenetic studies worldwide; and (iv) six high‐priority conservation gaps were detected by overlaying the boundaries of China's nature reserves on all significant PE cells. Overall, we conclude that the mountains of southern and northern China contain both paleo‐endemics (ancient relictual lineages) and neo‐endemics (recently diverged lineages). The areas we highlight as conservation priorities are important for broad‐scale planning, especially in the context of evolutionary history preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fractures occur in association with manipulation and because of the complexity of the coronary artery, and they can cause a series of serious complications, such as myocardial infarction and secondary thrombosis. Common treatments for fractured guidewires include conservative, interventional and surgical methods.Case Presentations: A 67-year-old male was admitted to our institute. He had recurrent chest tightness and chest pain for half a month, which worsened in one day. He was diagnosed with acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Guidewire fracture was caused by improper manipulation during percutaneous coronary intervention. We successfully performed rotational atherectomy to remove the fractured guidewire. His symptoms, and condition improved 6 weeks after the removal of fractured guidewire.Conclusion: Physicians should have higher requirements for the quality of the guidewires and operation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Elevation is an important factor that influences bioregionalisation in mountainous areas, but its effects are not well known. Taking the Sino‐Himalayan flora as a case, we aimed to test the effect of elevation on bioregionalisation and provide a regionalisation scheme of the Sino‐Himalayan flora. Location: The Sino‐Himalaya (East Himalaya, the Hengduan Mountains and the Yunnan Plateau in China). Taxon: Angiosperms. Methods: We compiled distribution data and elevation ranges of angiosperms in the Sino‐Himalaya and adjacent areas and reconstructed a species‐level phylogenetic tree of 19,313 angiosperm species. The area was divided into 398 grid cells, each 1 × 1°. Nine datasets of different elevation ranges were then used to delineate the flora of the Sino‐Himalaya and adjacent areas using the phylogenetic dissimilarity approach. Results: A comparison of nine regionalisation schemes of the Sino‐Himalayan flora based on different elevation range datasets revealed that more than half of grid cells were allocated to more than one subregion. Most of these grid cells were located in areas with a wide range of elevation and/or at the boundaries between subregions. After revising the subregion allocations of eight shifting grid cells, we generated a phylogeny‐ and elevation‐based regionalisation scheme of three regions, comprising eight subregions, for the Sino‐Himalayan flora. Main conclusions: By integrating phylogenetic and elevational information, the Sino‐Himalaya can be divided into three floristic regions: the Yunnan Plateau region, the Hengduan Mountains region and the East Himalaya region. Our study provides novel insights into the regionalisation of the flora and highlights the importance of incorporating elevation data in the bioregionalisation of areas with a broad elevational range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel and highly efficient 3D cobalt-molybdenum catalytic foam was developed. • The synergy of pore confinement and co-catalytic effects was achieved in the MC@NCF/PMS system. • The formed Mo-S/O-Co and Mo-N-Co/C bonds accelerated interfacial electron transfer, promoting higher 1O 2 yield. • This study will guide integrated nanoconfined MOF derivatives design to further enhance deep water purification technology. The activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) through nanoconfinement and co-catalytic effects has demonstrated considerable promise in environmental remediation. Nevertheless, the attainment of persistent efficiency and specificity for pollutant degradation remains a formidable obstacle. Herein, we proposed a solvent-free molten approach to convert a mixture of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) and MoS 2 into 3D integrated cobalt-molybdenum bimetallic nitrogen-doped porous carbon foam with catalytic/co-catalytic performance (MC@NCF). The integrated materials exhibited exceptional efficiency in degrading contaminants based on the synergy of pore confinement and co-catalytic effects, achieving almost 100 % tetracycline degradation in 10 min with a k-value as high as 112.44 min−1·M−1, which was superior to the existing catalysts reported so far. The experimental findings revealed that the structural adjustment of MC@NCF significant accelerated the mass transfer through the formation of interfacial Mo-S/O-Co and Mo-N-Co/C bonds electron-tuning bridges between pore-confined micro-units, leading to the increased singlet oxygen (1O 2) yield. Therefore, the MC@NCF exhibited more remarkable stability without interference from coexisting inorganic ions and cations, humic acid, and water matrices. Moreover, a flow-through nanoreactor was constructed and acquired efficient reactivity with negligible biotoxicity, and easy nanocatalyst recycling after continuous operation. The possible reactivity mechanism was identified by Frontier molecular orbital theory HOMO-LUMO, Fukui function, LC-MS, EPR, in-situ ATR-FTIR, and Raman analyses. Our results will guide integrated "catalytic/co-catalytic" nanoconfined MOF derivatives design to further enhance deep water purification technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an article published in Advanced Functional Materials, researchers Jianming Pan, Xiaoguang Duan, Jun Zhao, and their colleagues introduce a composite material called NGCF-OV that contains asymmetric oxygen vacancies. This material is capable of activating molecular oxygen to produce highly reactive singlet oxygen, which can be used for efficient water pollutant removal. The researchers also developed an integrated membrane that creates a nanoconfined catalysis environment, enhancing the removal of surface pollutants and reducing the energy required for oxygen activation. This research provides valuable insights into the development of efficient water decontamination methods. [Extracted from the article]

We report the synthesis of β‐lactams from α‐ketoacylsilanes and imines, which proceeds via a formal [2+2] photochemical cycloaddition with in situ generation of siloxyketene. This mild and operationally simple reaction proceeds in an atom‐economic fashion with broad substrate scope, including aldimines, ketimines, hydrazones, and fused nitrogen heterocycles, affording a variety of important β‐lactams with satisfactory diastereoselectivities in most cases. This reaction also features good functional‐group tolerance, facile scalability and product diversification. Experimental and computational studies suggest that α‐ketoacylsilanes can serve as photochemical precursors by engaging in a 1,3 silicon shift to the distal carbonyl group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wir berichten über die Synthese von β‐Lactamen aus α‐Ketoacylsilanen und Iminen, die über eine formale photochemische [2+2]‐Cycloaddition unter in situ‐Generierung von Siloxyketenen erfolgt. Diese milde und operativ einfache Reaktion verläuft atomökonomisch mit einem breiten Substratspektrum, einschließlich Aldiminen, Ketiminen, Hydrazonen und kondensierten Stickstoff‐Heterocyclen, und liefert eine Vielzahl wichtiger β‐Lactame mit zumeist guten Diastereoselektivitäten. Diese Reaktion zeichnet sich auch durch eine hohe Toleranz funktioneller Gruppen, einfache Skalierbarkeit und Produktdiversifizierung aus. Experimentelle und quantenchemische Studien legen nahe, dass α‐Ketoacylsilane als Vorstufen von Siloxyketenen dienen können, die unter photochemischen Bedingungen eine [1,3]‐Siliciumverschiebung durchlaufen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel CoFe alloy and CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles encapsulated in N -doped microtube composites (CoFe-NMTs) were firstly fabricated through in-situ pyrolysis of simple-source PBA. As expected, CoFe-NMTs-800 exhibited excellent catalytic activity for PMS activation to depredate tetracycline in a wide pH (2.55–9.55) and in the presence of Cl−, HCO 3 −, H 2 PO 4 − and humic acid (HA). Subsequently, CoFe-NMTs-800 was immobilized into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane as catalytic self-cleaning membrane, the fabricated membrane maintained excellent removal efficiency and self-cleaning property for TC degradation (over 90%) in TC/HA coexistence system. Furthermore, SO 4 −, OH and 1O 2 were responsible for TC degradation and SO 4 − was a major contributor. Recently, the development of dual functional catalytic membrane for the synergistic degradation and filtration of persistent pollutants has attracted considerable attention in environmental remediation. Herein, novel CoFe alloy and CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles encapsulated in N -doped microtube composites (CoFe-NMTs) were firstly fabricated through in-situ pyrolysis of simple-source Prussian blue analogues (PBA). As expected, this unique structure not only inhibited the nanoparticles agglomeration, but also provided a "highway" that accelerated the Co3+/Co2+ and Fe3+/Fe2+ redox cycles. Therefore, CoFe-NMT-800 (0.1 g/L, pyrolyzed at 800 °C) achieved over 90% tetracycline (TC, 30 mg/L, 0.1821 min−1) removal after 30 min at a wide pH (2.55–9.55) by coupling with peroxymonosulfate (PMS, 0.3 g/L), which dramatically outperformed the majority of the reported catalysts (such as Co 3 O 4 , CoFe alloy, CoFe 2 O 4 and N -doped carbon nanotubes, etc.). Additionally, CoFe-NMTs-800 also exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the existence of inorganic anions (Cl−, HCO 3 − and H 2 PO 4 −) and natural organic matters (humic acid (HA)). Subsequently, CoFe-NMTs-800 was immobilized into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane as catalytic self-cleaning membrane via applying phase-inversion technology. It was found that CoFe-NMTs-800/PVDF membrane not only maintained high removal efficiency for TC degradation (over 90%) in TC/HA coexistence system, but also effectively eliminated the adverse effect of membrane fouling. Besides, the fabricated membrane also showed desirable reusability and neglectable metal leaching (0.003 mg/L Fe and 0.015 mg/L) with almost constant flux after five cycles. The quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results clearly indicated that sulfate radicals (SO 4 −), hydroxyl radicals (OH and singlet oxygen (1O 2) were responsible for TC degradation and SO 4 − was a major contributor. Significantly, this work was very meaningful to construct novel catalytic self-cleaning membrane for water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is a field crop that is playing an emerging role in the provision of healthy and sustainable plant‐based value‐added ingredients for the food and nutraceutical industries. This article reviews the characteristics of chickpea (composition, health properties, and techno‐functionality) and chickpea grain that influence their use as whole foods or ingredients in formulated food. It covers the exploitation of traditional and emerging processes for the conversion of chickpea into value‐added differentiated food ingredients. The influence of processing on the composition, health‐promoting properties, and techno‐functionality of chickpea is discussed. Opportunities to tailor chickpea ingredients to facilitate their incorporation in traditional food applications and in the expanding plant‐based meat alternative and dairy alternative markets are highlighted. The review includes an assessment of the possible uses of by‐products of chickpea processing. Recommendations are provided for future research to build a sustainable industry using chickpea as a value‐added ingredient. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fe-Co@NC-CNTs were fabricated via N -molecule assisted pyrolysis of MOFs. • Fe-Co@NC-CNTs/PVDF catalytic membrane was fabricated through directional freezing technique. • Fe-Co@NC-CNTs/PVDF membrane achieved almost 100% bisphenol A (BPA). • Fe-Co@NC-CNTs/PVDF membrane exhibited ideal catalytic self-cleaning property in humic acid (HA)-BPA coexistence system. • Fe-Co@NC-CNTs/PVDF membrane maintained the excellent reusability and ultrahigh water flux. Currently, carbon-based catalysts integrated with macroporous catalytic membrane have aroused considerable attention for environmental remediation because of its practicability and high efficiency. Herein, nitrogen doped carbon nanotube hybrids (Fe-Co@NC-CNTs) decorated with multiple active species (Fe 3 Co 7 /CoFe 2 O 4 @Fe/Co N C) were designed through N -molecule assisted pyrolysis of bimetallic (Fe/Co) metal–organic frameworks, and then immobilized on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane to construct macroporous Fe-Co@NC-CNTs/PVDF catalytic membrane via directional freezing technique, where active sites were efficiently exposed for oxidants and target pollutants. As expected, Fe-Co@NC-CNTs/PVDF membrane successfully achieved almost 100% bisphenol A (BPA) degradation after 40 min via PMS activation, which was significantly overperformed the majority of conventional carbon-based catalysts. Besides, we found that Fe-Co@NC-CNTs/PVDF membrane not only exhibited ideal catalytic and self-cleaning property in humic acid (HA)-BPA coexistence system, but also maintained the excellent reusability and ultrahigh water flux (10464.45 L m−2 h−1) even after 5 cycles. Notably, in EPR analysis and quenching experiments, it was found that sulfate radicals (SO 4 ·− and ·OH) and singlet oxygen (1O 2) participated the degradation process while 1O 2 made a major contribution. More significantly, this study is very meaningful for the development of novel catalytic self-cleaning membranes with PMS activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon infection with insect-borne microbial pathogens, plants are exposed to two types of damage simultaneously. Over the past decade, numerous molecular studies have been conducted to understand how plants respond to pathogens or herbivores. However, investigations of host responses typically focus on a single stress and are performed under static laboratory conditions. In this review, we highlight research that sheds light on how plants deploy broad-spectrum mechanisms against both vector-borne pathogens and insect vectors. Among the host genes involved in multistress resistance, many are involved in innate immunity and phytohormone signaling (especially jasmonate and salicylic acid). The potential for genome editing or chemical modulators to fine-tune crop defensive signaling, to develop sustainable methods to control insect-borne diseases, is discussed. There is increasing evidence that the interaction between plant host and vector-borne pathogens, can only be understood from a tripartite viewpoint, pathogen–vector–plant. Some aspects of plant innate immunity are also applicable to interactions between plants and phloem-infecting pathogens or herbivore vectors. Phytohormones and their regulation network via transcription factors, are at the forefront of the interactions between plant and vector-borne pathogens. Pathogens and herbivores have evolved strategies to convergently target jasmonic acid signaling at the jasmonate ZIM (JAZ)-MYC hub. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recently, treatment with proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulators has improved the prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM). However, in a complex real-world situation, the patient's ability to undergo regular and timely treatment as prescribed in clinical trials has not been studied, as well as the impact of extended treatment intervals due to different reasons. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment interval and clinical characteristics of 122 patients with primary myeloma in our hospital and explore the prognostic effects of different treatment intervals. Methods: In total, 122 patients with MM were analyzed retrospectively in our hospital from January 2007 to June 2018. The clinical and laboratory data (such as age, International Staging System [ISS] stage, chromosome, etc.) and subsequent treatment intervals were analyzed. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival. The Kaplan-Meier method was used in survival analysis, and the log-rank test was used to test survival difference. p < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: We found that prolonging the interval treatments (>28 days) shortened the OS in the younger and high-risk subgroups. On the contrary, the OS of the older and low-risk subgroups was not shortened. OS was also shortened in patients who were suitable for transplantation but did not receive a transplant. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that extension of treatment interval was a risk factor for OS shortening. In addition, prolonged treatment interval was due to iatrogenic and family reasons. Conclusion: Extended treatment interval is unfavorable in young and high-risk MM patients and those suitable for transplantation but who did not receive a transplant. However, it has a faint impact on the elderly and low-risk subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diapensia L. is the second largest genus of Diapensiaceae. The taxonomic treatment within Diapensia and relationships within Diapensiaceae have been disputed. Chloroplast genome sequence data have proved to be useful for plant phylogenetic analyses and species delimitation. In this study, we de novo sequenced and assembled 22 chloroplast genomes of 15 species of Diapensiaceae, including all recognized species of Diapensia with multiple samples. A super‐matrix containing a total of 107 genes and 18 taxa was constructed for phylogenetic analyses to resolve phylogenetic relationships among genera of the family and within Diapensia. The resulting phylogenetic tree showed the following strongly supported relationships: (Galax, (Pyxidanthera, (Berneuxia, ((Schizocodon, Diapensia), and Shortia s.s.)))). The dated phylogeny and reconstructed lineage‐through‐time plot for the family indicated rapid diversification in the Neogene and an acceleration of diversification rate after c. 8 Ma. Biogeographic analysis suggested that Diapensia originated in the Northeast Asian mountains approximately 6.06 Ma, followed by northward dispersal to the Arctic and southwestward dispersal to the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains. Phylogenetic relationships within Diapensia were well resolved. Based on the phylogenetic results, we proposed to reinstate the species status of Diapensia bulleyana Forrest ex Diels, and raised D. purpurea f. albida to the species rank (D. albida [W. E. Evans] J. F. Ye comb. & stat. nov.). The distribution ranges of all species delineated based on the phylogenetic results were revised accordingly based on specimen occurrences. Our study adds new examples for the power of plastid genome data for resolving phylogenetic relationships and clarifying taxonomic disputes among closely related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, researchers have discovered the direct impact of the tumor mechanical environment on the growth, drug uptake and prognosis of tumors. While estimating the mechanical parameters (solid stress, fluid pressure, stiffness) can aid in the treatment planning and monitoring, most of these parameters cannot be quantified noninvasively. Shear wave elastography (SWE) has shown promise as a means of noninvasively measuring the stiffness of soft tissue. However, stiffness is still not a recognized imaging biomarker. While SWE has been shown to be capable of measuring tumor stiffness in humans, much important research is done in small animal preclinical models, where tumors are often too small for the resolution of traditional SWE tools. Single-track location SWE (STL-SWE) has previously been shown to overcome the fundamental resolution limit of SWE imposed by ultrasound speckle, which may make it suitable for preclinical imaging. Using STL-SWE, in this work, we demonstrate, for the first time, that the stiffness changes occurring inside metastatic murine pancreatic tumors can be monitored over long time scales (up to 9 weeks). To prevent the respiration motion from degrading the STL-SWE estimates, we developed a real-time software-based respiration gating scheme that we implemented on a Verasonics ultrasound imaging system. By imaging the liver of three healthy mice and performing correlation analysis, we confirmed that the respiration-gated STL-SWE data was free from motion corruption. By performing coregistered power-doppler imaging, we found that the local variability in liver shear wave speed (SWS) measurements increased from 5.4% to 9.9% due to blood flow. We performed a longitudinal study using a murine model of pancreatic cancer liver metastasis to assess the temporal changes (over nine weeks) in SWS in two groups: a controlled group receiving no treatment (n=8), and an experimental group (n=6) treated with Gemcitabine, a chemotherapy agent. We independently evaluated tumor burden using bioluminescence imaging (BLI). The initial and endpoint SWS measurements were statistically different (p<0.05). Additionally, when the liver SWS exceeded 2.5 ± 0.3 and 2.73 ± 0.34 m/s in untreated and treated mice, respectively, the death of the mice was imminent within approximately 10 days. The time taken for the SWS to exceed the thresholds was 17 days (on average) longer in Gemcitabine treated mice compared to the untreated ones. The survival statistics corroborated the effectiveness of Gemcitabine. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a monotonic relationship between SWE measurements (SWS) and BLI measurements (radiance) for tumors whose radiance exceeded $1\times 10^{7}$ photons/s/cm2/sr. Longitudinal measurements on the liver of four healthy mice revealed a maximum coefficient of variation of 11.4%. The results of this investigation demonstrate that with appropriate gating, researchers can use STL-SWE for small animal imaging and perform longitudinal studies using preclinical cancer models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substitutionally doped Si1-xMnx thin films were fabricated by a magnetron cosputtering method at a low growth temperature. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to investigate the structures of the Si1-xMnx thin films. The XRD results exhibit that no secondary phases such as metallic Mn or Mn–Si compound can be detected. The detailed analysis of the extended XAFS together with the x-ray absorption near-edge structure spectra at the Mn K-edge unambiguously reveals that the doped Mn atoms are incorporated into the Si matrix and substitute for the Si sites in the Si lattice. The results clearly indicate that the Mn occupations in silicon thin films are quite sensitive to the growth conditions and the postannealing treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ni n CeOx (n = 1–3) and Ni 2.5 Pd 0.1 CeO x nanofibers by electrospinning was reported. • For Ni 2.5 Pd 0.1 CeOx, CO 2 conv. = 90.4 % and CH 4 selec. = 99.6 % at 230 °C. • EPR, Raman, and O 1s XPS confirmed Pd2+ doping increased oxygen vacancies. • In-situ infrared indicated Ni 2.5 Pd 0.1 CeO x followed formate pathways. • DFT calculations suggested Pd2+ doping increased CO 2 adsorption energy. CO 2 methanation at low temperatures is still a challenge. Herein, Ni n CeO x (n = 1–3) and Ni 2.5 Pd 0.1 CeO x nanofibers by electrospinning is reported. The main advantage of this method is to obtain the highly dispersed precursor of palladium, nickel, and cerium, overcoming the difficulty of uniform mixing in conventional preparation methods. The Ni 2.5 Pd 0.1 CeO x nanofiber catalyst exhibited outstanding catalytic performance at low temperatures (CO 2 conversion rate = 90.4 %, CH 4 selectivity = 99.6 % at 230 °C) along with exceptional stability over 300 h. EPR, Raman, and O 1s XPS confirmed that Pd2+ doping increased oxygen vacancy concentration. In-situ infrared spectroscopy indicated that CO 2 methanation on Ni 2.5 CeO x and Ni 2.5 Pd 0.1 CeO x catalysts followed the formate pathways. Pd2+ doping increased the number of surface oxygen vacancies and hydroxyl groups, thus increasing the amount of bicarbonates and formates. DFT calculations suggested that Pd2+ doping increased CO 2 adsorption energy, and confirmed surface hydroxyl groups and bicarbonate being beneficial for CO 2 methanation, consequently enhancing the activity of Ni 2.5 Pd 0.1 CeO x catalyst especially at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound can be focused into deep tissues with millimeter precision to perform noninvasive ablative therapy for diseases such as cancer. In most cases, this ablation uses high intensity ultrasound to deposit nonselective thermal or mechanical energy at the ultrasound focus, damaging both healthy bystander tissue and cancer cells. Here, we describe an alternative low intensity (ISPTA < 5 W/cm2) pulsed ultrasound approach that leverages the distinct mechanical properties of neoplastic cells to achieve inherent cancer selectivity. We show that ultrasound applied at a frequency of 0.5–0.67 MHz and a pulse duration of >20 ms causes selective disruption of a panel of breast, colon, and leukemia cancer cell models in suspension without significantly damaging healthy immune or red blood cells. Mechanistic experiments reveal that the formation of acoustic standing waves and the emergence of cell-seeded cavitation lead to cytoskeletal disruption, expression of apoptotic markers, and cell death. The inherent selectivity of this low intensity pulsed ultrasound approach offers a potentially safer and thus more broadly applicable alternative to nonselective high intensity ultrasound ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of phakic posterior chamber intraocular lens with a central hole (ICL V4c) in treating patients with moderate to high myopia. Methods. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trial, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and China Science Periodical Database (CSPD) were searched online. The search included publications from the building of the library until December 2018. All randomized controlled trials containing moderate to high myopia treated by phakic posterior chamber intraocular lens with a central hole were collected. Literature search, screening literature, data extraction, and quality evaluation were independently performed by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results. Meta-analysis results based on five randomized controlled trials showed that ICL V4c and ICL without a central hole had similar UCVA results (SMD = 0.08, 95% CI (−0.71, 0.88), P=0.84), SE (SMD = −0.18, 95% CI (−0.52, 0.15), P=0.29), BCVA (SMD = −0.27, 95% CI (−0.93, 0.40), P=0.43), and IOP (SMD = 0.03, 95% CI (−0.24, 0.30), P=0.84), and the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, no complications that could jeopardize vision occurred. Conclusions. Implanting ICL V4c in patients with moderate to high myopia is safe and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degree to which climate warming will stimulate soil organic carbon (SOC) losses via heterotrophic respiration remains uncertain, in part because different or even opposite microbial physiology and temperature relationships have been proposed in SOC models. We incorporated competing microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE)–mean annual temperature (MAT) and enzyme kinetic–MAT relationships into SOC models, and compared the simulated mass‐specific soil heterotrophic respiration rates with multiple published datasets of measured respiration. The measured data included 110 dryland soils globally distributed and two continental to global‐scale cross‐biome datasets. Model–data comparisons suggested that a positive CUE–MAT relationship best predicts the measured mass‐specific soil heterotrophic respiration rates in soils distributed globally. These results are robust when considering models of increasing complexity and competing mechanisms driving soil heterotrophic respiration–MAT relationships (e.g., carbon substrate availability). Our findings suggest that a warmer climate selects for microbial communities with higher CUE, as opposed to the often hypothesized reductions in CUE by warming based on soil laboratory assays. Our results help to build the impetus for, and confidence in, including microbial mechanisms in soil biogeochemical models used to forecast changes in global soil carbon stocks in response to warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catechins, present in many fruits and vegetables, have many health benefits, but they are prone to degradation. Nano- and micro-particle systems have been used to stabilise catechins when exposed to adverse environments and to improve their bioavailability after ingestion. This review discusses the inherent properties of various catechins, the design of delivery formulations and the properties of catechin-loaded nano- and micro-particles. The protection afforded to catechins during exposure to harsh environmental conditions and gastrointestinal tract transit is reviewed. The bioavailability and efficacy of encapsulated catechins, as assessed by various in vitro and in vivo conditions, are discussed. Bioavailability based on uptake in the upper gut alone underestimates the bioavailability as polyphenols. The caveats with interpretation of bioavailability based on various tests are discussed, when taking into consideration the pathways of catechin metabolism including the role of the gut microflora. However, taken together, the weight of the evidence suggests that there are potentially improved health benefits with the use of appropriately designed nano- and micro-particles for delivery of catechins. Further systematic studies on the metabolism and physiological effects of encapsulated catechins in vivo and clinical trials are needed to validate the bioefficacy of the encapsulated catechins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]