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Background: Gremlin1 is a multifunctional protein whose expression is demonstrated to be involved in a series of physiology and pathological processes. The association between Gremlin1 and apcial periodontitis (AP) has been established. M1-polarized macrophages are crucial immune cells that exacerbate the progression of apical periodontal inflammatory response, but the function of Gremlin1 during macrophages activation in periapical lesions is still unclear. This study attempts to explore the regulatory effects of Gremlin1 on macrophage polarization on apical periodontitis microenviroment. Methods: Clinical specimens were used to determine the expression of Gremlin1 in periapical tissues by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Then, the disease models of periapical inflammation in rats were established, and adenovirus- associated virus (AAVs) was used to blockade Gremlin1 expression. Lentivirus carrying sh-Gremlin1 particles were used to transfect THP-1 induced M1-subtype macrophages. To assess the expression of associated molecules, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining were performed. Results: Gremlin1 was significantly up-regulated in the periapical tissues of subjects with AP as identified by IHC staining, and positively correlated with levels of M1 macrophage-associated genes. Rats AP model with inhibition of Gremlin1 in periapical lesions exhibited limited infiltration of macrophages and decreased expression of M1 macrophage-related genes in periapical lesions. Furthermore, Gremlin1 blockade substantially decreased the Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway activation level. The in vitro experiments confirmed the above results. Conclusion: Taken together, current study illustrated that the Gremlin1 suppression in periapical lesions inhibited M1 macrophage polarization through Notch1/Hes1 axis. Moreover, Gremlin1 may act as a potential candidate in the treatment of AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Trichomonads are among the most prevalent intestinal parasites with a worldwide distribution which can infect many animals, resulting in economic losses and threatening public health. The donkey raising industry in Shanxi Province is relatively well-developed; however, it is not yet known whether donkeys in Shanxi Province were infected with Tetratrichomonas buttreyi and Pentatrichomonas hominis. Thus, 815 fecal samples were collected from donkeys in three representative geographical locations in Shanxi Province to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of T. buttreyi and P. hominis in donkeys using molecular approaches. The overall prevalence of T. buttreyi and P. hominis in donkeys in Shanxi Province was 25.4% and 0.7%, respectively. Genetic analysis revealed that all P. hominis sequences obtained in this study were identified as genotype CC1, suggesting possible zoonotic potential. This is the first report of T. buttreyi and P. hominis prevalence in donkeys worldwide, which not only extends the geographical distribution of trichomonads but also expands the host spectrum. The findings also have implications for the prevention and control of trichomonad infections in donkeys in Shanxi Province. Two species of trichomonads, Tetratrichomonas buttreyi and Pentatrichomonas hominis, are common intestinal parasites that can impact animal health and productivity. Severe infection by these parasites can lead to diarrhea and wasting in affected animals. Notably, P. hominis is known to cause diarrhea and has the potential to be transmitted between animals and humans. Donkeys hold significant economic importance in China's agricultural sector. However, whether donkeys are infected with T. buttreyi and P. hominis remains unknown globally. To address this gap in knowledge, 815 fecal samples were collected from donkeys in three representative regions in Shanxi Province, North China. Then, the presence and genetic characteristics of T. buttreyi and P. hominis were examined using species-specific PCR primers amplifying the small subunit ribosomal RNA genes. The overall prevalence was detected to be 25.4% (207/815) for T. buttreyi and 0.7% (6/815) for P. hominis in donkeys in Shanxi Province. All obtained P. hominis sequences were identified as genotype CC1. Genetic analysis revealed that all P. hominis isolates from donkeys were clustered into the same branch with isolates detected in humans, suggesting possible zoonotic transmission. This study is the first to report the occurrence and prevalence of T. buttreyi and P. hominis in donkeys globally. These findings expand the host range of trichomonads and improve our understanding of their genetic diversity and zoonotic potential, providing essential baseline data for the prevention and control of these parasites in donkeys in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of large reservoirs has modified the process of water and sediment transport downstream, resulting in changes in the morphology of the river cross-section. Changes in water and sand transport and cross-sectional morphology are reflected in the rating curve at the cross-section. This study analyzed the variations in the rating curve at the Huayuankou (HYK) section and their influencing factors, and conducted water level predictions based on this relationship. The findings revealed that while the annual mean water level has shown a declining tendency over the past 20 years, the annual mean discharge has shown a constant pattern. The rating curve at this stretch narrowed from a rope-loop type curve in its natural condition to a more stable single curve as a result of the construction of the dam upstream of the HYK section. The effect of pre-flood section morphology and the water–sediment process on the scattering degree of the rating curve is inverse; increasing roughness and hydraulic radius decreases scattering degree, while increasing sand content and sand transport rate increases scattering degree. Using the measured data from 2020 as an example, the feasibility of predicting cross-sectional water levels using the rating curve was verified. The prediction results were accurate when the flow was between 1000 and 2800 m3/s; However, when the flow was between 2800 and 4000 m3/s, the forecast results were typically slightly lower than the measured values. Overall, the method demonstrates good predictive accuracy. Insight from the method can be used to predict water levels to better inform decision making about water resources management, and flood emergency response in the lower Yellow River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of large reservoirs has modified the process of water and sediment transport downstream, resulting in changes in the morphology of the river cross-section. Changes in water and sand transport and cross-sectional morphology are reflected in the rating curve at the cross-section. This study analyzed the variations in the rating curve at the Huayuankou (HYK) section and their influencing factors, and conducted water level predictions based on this relationship. The findings revealed that while the annual mean water level has shown a declining tendency over the past 20 years, the annual mean discharge has shown a constant pattern. The rating curve at this stretch narrowed from a rope-loop type curve in its natural condition to a more stable single curve as a result of the construction of the dam upstream of the HYK section. The effect of pre-flood section morphology and the water–sediment process on the scattering degree of the rating curve is inverse; increasing roughness and hydraulic radius decreases scattering degree, while increasing sand content and sand transport rate increases scattering degree. Using the measured data from 2020 as an example, the feasibility of predicting cross-sectional water levels using the rating curve was verified. The prediction results were accurate when the flow was between 1000 and 2800 m3/s; However, when the flow was between 2800 and 4000 m3/s, the forecast results were typically slightly lower than the measured values. Overall, the method demonstrates good predictive accuracy. Insight from the method can be used to predict water levels to better inform decision making about water resources management, and flood emergency response in the lower Yellow River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we have developed a non-enzymatic, isothermal amplification assay (NIA sensor) based on a catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction for quantifying the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila. Through detection of the MUC-1437 gene (limit of detection: 8.3 fM) in a dynamic range from 10 fM to 1 nM, the NIA sensor shows high sensitivity and selectivity in preclinical models of mice fed a normal or high-fat diet (HFD), and treated with antibiotics (ATB). The NIA sensor, which operates without the use of any enzymes, leading to simplicity and cost-effectiveness, has great potential for biosensing research and clinical diagnostic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution on urban road surfaces is one of the major environmental concerns. However, knowledge on the distribution variability of PAHs in road dusts (RDS) and stormwater is limited, which would restrict the further risk evaluation and mitigation implementation of PAHs in road stormwater runoff. This study collected RDS samples and stormwater samples on fourteen urban roads in Shenzhen, China. This study investigated the variation of sixteen PAHs species in RDS and stormwater, and further evaluated the intrinsic and extrinsic factors which influence PAHs accumulation on urban road surfaces. The research outcomes showed significant differences on spatial distribution of PAHs in RDS and in stormwater. The land use types, industrial, commercial and port areas and vehicular volume have a positive relationship with PAHs abundance while dust particle size showed a negative correlation with PAHs abundance. For two phases in stormwater, fluctuation of PAHs with the rainfall duration in total dissolved solid (TDS) was more intensive than in dissolved liquid phase (DLP). This indicated when PAHs attached to RDS enter stormwater, most of PAHs still tend to be on solid particles than in liquid. The study outcomes are expected to contribute to efficient designs of PAHs polluted stormwater mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lower course of the Yellow River is a "hanging river" across the hinterland of China, and the safety of its flood control measures/systems is closely tied to the stability of the nation. Ensuring high-quality, sustainable development of the lower Yellow River floodplain while maintaining flood safety is crucial for the entire Yellow River Basin. Previous studies have primarily focused on the overall development of the Yellow River Basin or the economic–ecological coupling development of cities along the river, often neglecting the flood safety development of the floodplain. This study optimizes the socio-economic–flood-safety–ecological (SFE) system of the typical downstream Landong floodplain within the Yellow River Basin. The system dynamics model (SDM) can simulate the dynamic behavior of SFE systems by constructing mathematical models that incorporate feedback loops and time delays. The primary components include causal loop modules and stock-flow modules. Then, a coupling coordination degree model for the Landong floodplain is established using a comprehensive subjective and objective weighting method, assessing the SFE system's coordination under five scenarios: inertial development, economic development, environmental protection, flood safety, and sustainable development. The results of historical and validity tests indicate that the SDM can effectively simulate the coupling coordination degree of the SFE system. The study results suggest that the coupling coordination degree increases the most under the sustainable development scenario, indicating that the development of the Landong floodplain should not only focus on socio-economic growth, but should also consider flood safety and ecological concerns. In addition, comprehensive regulation from socio-economic, flood safety, and ecological environment indicators are necessary to achieve high-quality, coordinated development. This study has significant implications for policy formulation and management to achieve high-quality and sustainable development in the downstream floodplain of the Yellow River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU), which is a novel and environmentally friendly variety of polyurethane, replaces organic solvents with water. It has been extensively utilized in diverse fields encompassing coatings, textile finishing, building decoration, adhesives, plastic chemistry, and others. However, WPU is inherently flammable and releases a significant amount of smoke production during the combustion process. This research presents an original fire‐resistant Waterborne Polyurethane (WPU) with a newly‐integrated flame‐retardant component comprising a triazine phosphoramidate segment derived from 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxo‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) within its primary structure. In comparison to pure WPU, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of flame‐retardant WPU (FRWPU) increased from 19.6% to 29.2%. In UL‐94 testing, the FRWPU film achieved a V‐0 rating with only 6% retarding component. Additionally, in cone calorimetry tests, Total Heat Release (THR), peak Heat Release Rate (pHRR), Total Smoke Production (TSP), Smoke Production Rate (SPR), and peak Carbon Monoxide Production Rate (pCOP) are decreased by 27.7%, 16.2%, 64.6%, 61.3%, and 77.8%, respectively. The greater degree of graphitization observed in the residual carbon substantially impeded heat exchange and the emission of smoke during combustion. Flame‐retardant intermediate segments greatly improved the FRWPUs' ability to suppress smoke and remain flame‐retardant. The creation and formulation of aqueous polyurethanes that are flame‐retardant can benefit greatly from the insights and references offered by this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has rapidly evolved into a surveillance society. While much attention has been paid to describing the leviathan represented by the presence of surveillance cameras in China, empirical evidence on the mechanisms of the creep of surveillance remains limited. Using data collected through fieldwork and in-depth interviews, this study explores the spread of surveillance cameras and the resistance encountered in a middle school in northern China. We find that surveillance cameras were first introduced for security purposes, but their application was quickly expanded to discipline students and avoid responsibilities in school management. We further explore the resistance to the creep made possible by the existence of exempted spaces, the difficulty of self-surveillance, and what might be called the boomerang effect. Through the case study of a middle school, this research sheds light on the formation of the Chinese surveillance society from a bottom-up approach and contributes to the global literature on surveillance creep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a serious pulmonary vascular disease characterized by residual thrombi in the pulmonary arteries and distal pulmonary microvascular remodeling. The pathogenesis of CTEPH remains unclear, but many factors such as inflammation, immunity, coagulation and angiogenesis may be involved. Monocytes are important immune cells that can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells and play an important role in thrombus formation. However, the distribution, gene expression profile and differentiation trajectory of monocyte subsets in CTEPH patients have not been systematically studied. This study aims to reveal the characteristics and functions of monocytes in CTEPH patients using single-cell sequencing technology, and to provide new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of CTEPH. Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) were performed to analyze the transcriptomic features of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy controls, CTEPH patients and the tissues from CTEPH patients after the pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). We established a CTEPH rat model with chronic pulmonary embolism caused by repeated injection of autologous thrombi through a central venous catheter, and used flow cytometry to detect the proportion changes of monocyte subsets in CTEPH patients and CTEPH rat model. We also observed the infiltration degree of macrophage subsets in thrombus tissue and their differentiation relationship with peripheral blood monocyte subsets by immunofluorescence staining. Results: The results showed that the monocyte subsets in peripheral blood of CTEPH patients changed significantly, especially the proportion of CD16+ monocyte subset increased. This monocyte subset had unique functional features at the transcriptomic level, involving processes such as cell adhesion, T cell activation, coagulation response and platelet activation, which may play an important role in pulmonary artery thrombus formation and pulmonary artery intimal remodeling. In addition, we also found that the macrophage subsets in pulmonary endarterectomy tissue of CTEPH patients showed pro-inflammatory and lipid metabolism reprogramming features, which may be related to the persistence and insolubility of pulmonary artery thrombi and the development of pulmonary hypertension. Finally, we also observed that CD16+ monocyte subset in peripheral blood of CTEPH patients may be recruited to pulmonary artery intimal tissue and differentiate into macrophage subset with high expression of IL-1β, participating in disease progression. Conclusion: CD16+ monocytes subset had significant gene expression changes in CTEPH patients, related to platelet activation, coagulation response and inflammatory response. And we also found that these cells could migrate to the thrombus and differentiate into macrophages with high expression of IL-1b involved in CTEPH disease progression. We believe that CD16+ monocytes are important participants in CTEPH and potential therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Media multitasking is widespread, yet its relationship with creativity remains unclear. This study employs a combination of measures, including the media multitasking questionnaire, alternative uses task (AUT) for divergent thinking, Chinese compound remote association task (CCRAT) for convergent thinking, and a creative problem-solving task, to examine the relationship between media multitasking and creativity. Extreme values grouping [one standard deviation above or below the mean of the media multitasking index (MMI)], median value grouping, and regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between media multitasking and creativity. The results revealed the following findings: (1) across the three analysis methods, there was no significant relationship between media multitasking and performance on the AUT task. However, within the range of one standard deviation above or below the mean of the MMI, media multitasking showed a significant positive correlation with fluency, flexibility, and total scores on the AUT task. (2) Media multitasking significantly predicted the accuracy of responses on the CCRAT task positively. (3) Media multitasking significantly predicted lower scores on the applicability of creative problemsolving tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shunbei 5 (SB5) strike-slip fault, situated in the central Tarim basin, is distinguished by its considerable length, significant variations in planar orientation, and intricate multi-stage tectonic evolution. This study delves into the geometric, kinematic, and dynamic features of both the southern and northern parts of the SB5 fault, utilizing the latest seismic data from the Fuman Oilfield, and examines the factors influencing the fault's planar deflection. The fault can be categorized into three structural deformation layers based on lithological features and fault features: the deep structural deformation layer below TЄ3), characterized by basement rifting and limited strike-slip activity; the middle structural deformation layer (TЄ3-TO3), marked by vigorous strike-slip movements and the dominance of flower structures; and the shallow structural deformation layer (TO3-TP), featuring echelon-type normal faults and boundary graben faults, specifically in the southern SB5 fault. The fault activity is more pronounced in its southern SB5 fault compared to the northern, with the weakest activity at the TЄ 3 interface and the peak at the TO3 interface. The southern SB5 fault transitions to sinistral slip at the TO3 interface, while the northern SB5 fault shifts from dextral to sinistral slip at the TC interface, highlighting variable slip directions across different interfaces. Rifts are extensively distributed within the Precambrian basement along the SB5 fault. The initial strike-slip fault rupture, which is primarily localized in these areas, exerts a significant influence on the formation of the S-shaped fault plane. This process involves four distinct evolution stages: the embryonic stage of strike-slip activity during the Middle- Late Cambrian; the intense strike-slip fault activity stage during the Middle-Late Ordovician; the reactivation stage of deep strike-slip fault in the Silurian; and the connection and reactivation stage during the Devonian-Carboniferous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short large-amplitude magnetic field structures (SLAMSs) are often seen upstream of quasi-parallel shocks. They play vital roles near the quasi-parallel shock, such as decelerating solar wind ions and contributing to the dissipation and reformation of the shock. The formation process of these structures has attracted great attention and has long been realized in simulation. However, their formation mechanism is still full of mysteries. Here, using magnetospheric multiscale mission (MMS) observation, we provide direct observations of the SLAMS formation and destruction processes. SLAMS growth is powered by solar wind ions and shock-reflected ions through the ion-ion non-resonant mode. Reconnection occurs between and inside SLAMSs during their growth; however, these cumulative changes in magnetic field topology and the dissipation of the magnetic field energy contribute to the destruction of the SLAMS. These observations shed new light on the dissipation and reformation of the shock both in space physics and astrophysics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kmeria septentrionalis is a critically endangered tree endemic to Guangxi, China, and is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. The lack of genetic information and high-quality genome data has hindered conservation efforts and studies on this species. In this study, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of K. septentrionalis. The genome was initially assembled to be 2.57 Gb, with a contig N50 of 11.93 Mb. Hi-C guided genome assembly allowed us to anchor 98.83% of the total length of the initial contigs onto 19 pseudochromosomes, resulting in a scaffold N50 of 135.08 Mb. The final chromosome-level genome, spaning 2.54 Gb, achieved a BUSCO completeness of 98.9% and contained 1.67 Gb repetitive elements and 35,927 coding genes. This high-quality genome assembly provides a valuable resource for understanding the genetic basis of conservation-related traits and biological properties of this endangered tree species. Furthermore, it lays a critical foundation for evolutionary studies within the Magnoliaceae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum‐confined perovskite CsPbBr3 Nanoplatelets (NPLs) have recently emerged as promising blue‐emitting materials for perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Yet, their susceptibility to optical instability in solid films under ambient conditions poses a significant hindrance. This study introduces a novel chelating strategy that utilizes metal manganese ions and multidentate ligands, markedly improving the structural stability, and emission efficiency of NPLs. The approach involves adding Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) to the perovskite precursor solution, which allows for strong coordination to surface [PbBr6]4− octahedrons via its multiple chelation sites. Ensuing metal manganese ion integration during the purification phase addresses Pb2+ and Br− site vacancies, culminating in near‐perfect octahedral structures with significantly fewer vacancies. These metal manganese ions are then further immobilized on the NPLs surface by the chelating effect of unbound DTPA functional groups. The resultant CsPbBr3 NPLs films demonstrate an impressive PLQY of 66%, showcasing remarkable air stability with consistent blue emission for up to 5 days. The CsPbBr3 NPLs‐based PeLEDs show electroluminescence at 460 nm with a current efficiency of 1.07 cd A−1 and a maximum luminance of 220 cd m−2. The proposed chelating strategy positions perovskite NPLs as an extremely promising prospect in future applications of high‐definition displays and high‐quality lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the cos 2 ϕ h azimuthal asymmetry contributed by the coupling of the Boer–Mulders function and the Collins function in K ± - and Λ -hyperon-produced SIDIS process. The asymmetry is studied under the transverse-momentum-dependent (TMD) factorization framework at the leading order by considering the TMD evolution effects that utilize the parametrization for non-perturbative Sudakov form factors. The DGLAP evolution effects of the collinear counterpart of the Collins function of the final-state hadrons are considered by introducing the approximated evolution kernels. We utilize the available parametrization for the proton Boer–Mulders function and the Collins function of K ± . For the Collins function of the Λ hyperon, the result of the diquark spectator model is adopted due to the absence of parametrization. The numerical results of the cos 2 ϕ h azimuthal asymmetry are obtained in the kinematic regions of EIC and EicC. It can be shown that the asymmetry is much smaller than the Sivers asymmetry, which means that the convolution of the Boer–Mulders function and the Collins function may not be the main contributor to the cos 2 ϕ h asymmetry. We emphasize the importance of future measurement of the cos 2 ϕ h asymmetry to unravel different contributors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current research on rural houses in China mainly focuses on improving energy efficiency, with relatively few studies addressing energy-saving measures and enhancing thermal comfort for residents. Therefore, this paper focuses on existing rural houses in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, as the research object. Through on-site measurements and questionnaire surveys, it was found that the average indoor temperature of rural houses is 28.5 °C in summer and below 10 °C in winter, failing to meet the comfort needs of the villagers. To further study human thermal comfort, a linear regression method was used to establish an indoor Mean Thermal Sensation (MTS) model for Nantong's rural houses. The neutral temperature in summer was found to be 26.46 °C, and an adaptive thermal comfort model for rural residents in the Nantong area was established. Through single-factor simulation and orthogonal experiments, the optimal comprehensive energy-saving renovation scheme was proposed. Finally, a typical rural house in Zhangzhuang Village was used as a case for building renovation practice. After the renovation, the number of thermal comfort hours increased by 145 h per year, the thermal comfort compliance rate reached 47.07%, and the overall energy-saving rate was 57.41%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic reconnection, an essential mechanism in plasma physics that changes magnetic topology and energizes charged particles, plays a vital role in the dynamic processes of the Jovian magnetosphere. The traditional Vasyliūnas cycle only considers the effect of magnetic reconnection at the nightside magnetodisk. Recently, magnetic reconnection has been identified at the dayside magnetodisk in Saturn's magnetosphere and can impact dayside auroral processes. In this study, we provide the first evidence that the dayside magnetodisk reconnection can also occur at Jupiter. Using data from the Galileo and Voyager 2 spacecraft, we have identified 18 dayside reconnection events with radial distances in the range of 30–60 Jupiter radii (RJ). We analyzed the particle (electron and ion) flux, energy spectra, and characteristic energy of these dayside events and compared them to the nightside events. The statistical results show that the energy spectra and characteristic energy of electrons/ions in dayside and nightside magnetic reconnection events are comparable. On average, the characteristic energy of ions on the dayside is higher than that on the nightside. Based on the limited data set, we speculate that the occurrence rate of dayside magnetodisk reconnection should be significant. The dayside Jovian magnetodisk reconnection seems to have a comparable effect on providing energetic particles as that at nightside and to be one of the key processes driving dynamics within the Jovian magnetosphere. Plain Language Summary: Jupiter has the strongest magnetic field among the planets in our solar system. Particles in the space around Jupiter are affected by its magnetic field. Changes in the strength and structure of the local magnetic field, known as magnetic reconnection, cause those particles to undergo rapid acceleration leading to their energization. In the past, magnetic reconnection was thought to be difficult to occur on Jupiter's dayside magnetodisk. In contrast, the recent observation of reconnection at Saturn's dayside magnetodisk strongly implied the possibility of a similar process at Jupiter. In this paper, taking advantage of the archived data from the Galileo and Voyager 2 spacecraft, we provide the first evidence that the dayside magnetodisk reconnection can occur at Jupiter and have an important effect on the energization of particles. Key Points: Dayside magnetodisk reconnection events at 30–60 RJ are identified in the Jovian magnetosphere for the first time18 dayside events are analyzed to compare with nightside events regarding particle flux, energy spectra, and characteristic energyMagnetodisk reconnection at the dayside is as effective as that at the nightside in providing energetic particles to the magnetosphere [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Blastocystis spp. and Giardia duodenalis are two prevalent intestinal parasites with a worldwide distribution that can infect humans and animals, resulting in significant public health concerns and economic losses. For goats, infection with the two parasites can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, which is not conducive to the development of stockbreeding. Shanxi Province is one of the largest goats breeding provinces in China. However, the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. and G. duodenalis in black goats in Shanxi Province remains unknown. Thus, 1200 fecal samples of black goats were collected in five representative geographical locations in Shanxi Province to examine the presence and genotypes of G. duodenalis and Blastocystis spp. by using a molecular approach. The results showed that the total infection rates of G. duodenalis and Blastocystis spp. were 7.5% and 3.5%, respectively. The presence and genotypes of G. duodenalis were determined based on three established loci (tpi, bg, and gdh). Among the detected assemblages B and E of G. duodenalis, the most prevalent assemblage was E in black goats in the five study areas. One novel MLG (MLG-E12) was identified by multilocus genotypes (MLGs) analysis. Through DNA sequence analysis, four subtypes of Blastocystis spp. were found in black goats, namely ST5, ST10, ST14, and ST30, among which ST10 was the dominant subtype in this study. This is the first report of Blastocystis spp. and G. duodenalis infection in black goats in Shanxi Province, which not only enhances our understanding of the genetic diversity of Blastocystis spp. and G. duodenalis in black goats in China but also provides essential baseline data for the prevention and control of Blastocystis spp. and G. duodenalis infection in black goats in the study areas. Blastocystis spp. and Giardia duodenalis are two prevalent zoonotic intestinal parasites that can cause severe diarrhea and intestinal diseases in humans and many animals. Black goat (Capra hircus) farming is increasingly important in China due to the remarkable adaptability, high reproductive performance, rapid growth rate, and significant economic value of black goats. A number of studies have indicated that black goats are the potential reservoir of multiple zoonotic protozoans in China; however, the prevalence and zoonotic status of G. duodenalis and Blastocystis spp. in black goats in Shanxi Province is still unknown. Thus, a total of 1200 fecal samples of black goats were collected from several representative regions at different altitudes in Shanxi Province and were examined for the presence and genotypes of G. duodenallis and Blastocystis spp. by amplifying the beta-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) loci of G. duodenalis and SSU rRNA of Blastocystis spp. using PCR and sequence analysis methods, respectively. The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis and Blastocystis spp. in black goats in Shanxi Province were 7.5% and 3.5%, respectively. Two assemblages (B and E) of G. duodenalis and four subtypes (ST5, ST10, ST14, and ST30) of Blastocystis spp. were identified, with assemblage E and ST10 as the prevalent genotype and subtype in black goats, respectively. One novel multilocus genotype (MLG) was identified in MLG-E and was designated as MLG-E12. For both G. duodenalis and Blastocystis spp., the prevalence was significantly related to the region and age groups (p < 0.05). This is the first report on the prevalence of G. duodenalis and Blastocystis spp. in black goats in Shanxi Province. These results not only provide baseline data for the prevention and control of both parasites in black goats in Shanxi Province, but also enhance our understanding of the genetic composition and zoonotic potential of these two parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex pheromones play crucial role in mating behavior of moths, involving intricate recognition mechanisms. While insect chemical biology has extensively studied type I pheromones, type II pheromones remain largely unexplored. This study focused on Helicoverpa armigera, a representative species of noctuid moth, aiming to reassess its sex pheromone composition. Our research unveiled two previously unidentified candidate type II sex pheromones—3Z,6Z,9Z-21:H and 3Z,6Z,9Z-23:H—in H. armigera. Furthermore, we identified HarmOR11 as an orphan pheromone receptor of 3Z,6Z,9Z-21:H. Through AlphaFold2 structural prediction, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, we elucidated the structural basis and key residues governing the sensory nuances of both type I and type II pheromone receptors, particularly HarmOR11 and HarmOR13. This study not only reveals the presence and recognition of candidate type II pheromones in a noctuid moth, but also establishes a comprehensive structural framework for PRs, contributing to the understanding of connections between evolutionary adaptations and the emergence of new pheromone types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:We aimed to develop a free-breathing (FB) cardiacDTI (cDTI)method based on short-axis PROPELLER (SAP) andM2motion compensated spin-echo EPI (SAP-M2-EPI) to mitigate geometric distortion and eliminate aliasing in acquired diffusion-weighted (DW) images, particularly in patients with a higher body mass index (BMI). Theory and Methods: The study involved 10 healthy volunteers whose BMI values fell into specific categories: BMI <25 (4 volunteers), 25< BMI <28 (5 volunteers), and BMI >30 (1 volunteer). We compared DTI parameters, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and helix angle transmurality (HAT), between SAP-M2-EPI and M2-ssEPI. To evaluate the performance of SAP-M2-EPI in reducing geometric distortions in the left ventricle (LV) compared to CINE and M2-ssEPI, we utilized the DICE similarity coefficient (DSC) and assessed misregistration area. Results: In all volunteers, SAP-M2-EPI yielded high-quality LV DWIs without aliasing, demonstrating significantly reduced geometric distortion (with an average DSC of 0.92 and average misregistration area of 90mm²) and diminished signal loss due to bulk motion when compared to M2-ssEPI. DTI parameter maps exhibited consistent patterns across slices withoutmotion related artifacts. Conclusion: SAP-M2-EPI facilitates free-breathing cDTI of the entire LV, effectively eliminating aliasing and minimizing geometric distortion compared to M2-ssEPI. Furthermore, it preserves accurate quantification of myocardial microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress immune responses and inflammation. Here, we described the distinct nonimmunological role of Tregs in fracture healing. The recruitment from the circulation pool, peripheral induction, and local expansion rapidly enriched Tregs in the injured bone. The Tregs in the injured bone displayed superiority in direct osteogenesis over Tregs from lymphoid organs. Punctual depletion of Tregs compromised the fracture healing process, which leads to increased bone nonunion. In addition, bone callus Tregs showed unique T-cell receptor repertoires. Amphiregulin was the most overexpressed protein in bone callus Tregs, and it can directly facilitate the proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic precursor cells by activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways. The results of loss- and gain-function studies further evidenced that amphiregulin can reverse the compromised healing caused by Treg dysfunction. Tregs also enriched in patient bone callus and amphiregulin can promote the osteogenesis of human pre-osteoblastic cells. Our findings indicate the distinct and nonredundant role of Tregs in fracture healing, which will provide a new therapeutic target and strategy in the clinical treatment of fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paclitaxel (trade name Taxol) is a rare diterpenoid with anticancer activity isolated from Taxus. At present, paclitaxel is mainly produced by the semi-synthetic method using extract of Taxus tissues as raw materials. The studies of regulatory mechanisms in paclitaxel biosynthesis would promote the production of paclitaxel through tissue/cell culture approaches. Here, we systematically identified 990 transcription factors (TFs), 460 microRNAs (miRNAs), and 160 phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) in Taxus chinensis to explore their interactions and potential roles in regulation of paclitaxel synthesis. The expression levels of enzyme genes in cone and root were higher than those in leaf and bark. Nearly all enzyme genes in the paclitaxel synthesis pathway were significantly up-regulated after jasmonate treatment, except for GGPPS and CoA Ligase. The expression level of enzyme genes located in the latter steps of the synthesis pathway was significantly higher in female barks than in male. Regulatory TFs were inferred through co-expression network analysis, resulting in the identification of TFs from diverse families including MYB and AP2. Genes with ADP binding and copper ion binding functions were overrepresented in targets of miRNA genes. The miRNA targets were mainly enriched with genes in plant hormone signal transduction, mRNA surveillance pathway, cell cycle and DNA replication. Genes in oxidoreductase activity, protein-disulfide reductase activity were enriched in targets of phasiRNAs. Regulatory networks were further constructed including components of enzyme genes, TFs, miRNAs, and phasiRNAs. The hierarchical regulation of paclitaxel production by miRNAs and phasiRNAs indicates a robust regulation at post-transcriptional level. Our study on transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of paclitaxel synthesis provides clues for enhancing paclitaxel production using synthetic biology technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regional industry network (RIN) is a type of financial network derived from industry networks that possess the capability to describe the connections between specific industries within a particular region. For most investors and financial analysts lacking extensive experience, the decision-support information provided by industry networks may be too vague. Conversely, RINs express more detailed and specific industry connections both within and outside the region. As RIN analysis is domain-specific and current financial network analysis tools are designed for generalized analytical tasks and cannot be directly applied to RINs, new visual analysis approaches are needed to enhance information exploration efficiency. In this study, we collaborated with domain experts and proposed V4RIN, an interactive visualization analysis system that integrates predefined domain knowledge and data processing methods to support users in uploading custom data. Through multiple views in the system panel, users can comprehensively explore the structure, geographical distribution, and spatiotemporal variations of the RIN. Two case studies were conducted and a set of expert interviews with five domain experts to validate the usability and reliability of our system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The etiology of gallstone disease (GSD) has not been fully elucidated. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to scrutinize and provisionally authenticate the distinctive expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in GSD. Methods: RiboNucleic Acid (RNA) sequencing was used on four paired human gallbladder samples for the purpose of this study. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were identified and subjected to analysis of their biological functions. The Pearson's correlation coefficients between DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs were computed to construct a co-expression network delineating their associations. Furthermore, both cis- and trans-regulatory networks of selected lncRNAs were established and visualized. Additionally, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was constructed. To validate the RNA-sequencing data, we performed a Quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) on 10 paired human gallbladder samples, assessing the expressions of the top 4 DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs in gallstone and control samples. Results: A total of 934 DEmRNAs and 304DElncRNAs were successfully identified. Functional enrichment analysis indicated a predominant involvement in metabolic-related biological functions. Correlation analysis revealed a strong association between the expressions of 597 DEmRNAs and 194 DElncRNAs. Subsequently, both a cis-lncRNA-mRNA and a trans-lncRNA-Transcription Factor (TF)-mRNA regulatory network were meticulously constructed. Additionally, a ceRNA network, comprising of 24 DElncRNAs, 201 DEmRNAs, and 120 predicted miRNAs, was established. Furthermore, using RT-qPCR, we observed significant upregulation of AC004692.4, HECW1-IT1, SFRP4, and COMP, while LINC01564, SLC26A3, RP1-27K12.2, and GSTA2 exhibited marked downregulation in gallstone samples. Importantly, these findings were consistent with the sequencing. Conclusion: We conducted a screening process to identify DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs in GSD. This approach contributes to a deeper understanding of the genetic factors involved in the etiology of gallstones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-based Prussian white (PW) is considered a superior cathode material for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) because of its three-dimensional open framework structure, high potassium content, and low cost; however, a dramatic distortion of low-spin (LS) Fe-C octahedra typically occurs upon the extraction of second K+, leading to a deteriorated structure as well as poor rate and cycling performance, thus limiting their practical applications. In this work, FeHS vacancies were successfully incorporated into the lattice structure of PW by simply controlling synthesis temperatures in the presence of the chelating agent potassium citrate, which was confirmed by a series of structural characterizations. A low reaction temperature is found to suppress the incorporation of Fe into the PW structure and therefore leads to the formation of more FeHS vacancies. As a result, a sample synthesized at the lowest temperature (0 °C) exhibits a more prominent charge-discharge plateau at a high potential region that corresponds to the enhanced activity of FeLS and best K+ storage properties, including a reversible capacity of 117.2 mA h g-1 at a current rate of 30 mA g-1, 80.7% capacity retention at 10C after 1000 cycles, and excellent rate capability. Kinetic analysis and impedance spectroscopy clearly revealed enhanced charge transfer/ion diffusion and a stable host structure upon cycling for the samples synthesized at lower temperatures, further demonstrating the critical role of FeHS vacancies for efficient K+ storage. In general, this work provides an efficient and simple strategy to create cation vacancies in the PW cathode, which enables the development of high-performance potassium-ion batteries and can be extended to other related energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese cobaltite (MnCo2O4) is a promising electrode material because of its attractive redox chemistry and excellent charge storage capability. Our previous work demonstrated that the octahedrally-coordinated Mn are prone to react with the hydroxyl ions in alkaline electrolyte upon electrochemical cycling and separates on the surface of spinel to reconstruct into d-MnO2 nanosheets irreversibly, thus results in a change of the reaction mechanism with Kþ ion intercalation. However, the low capacity has greatly limited its practical application. Herein, we found that the tetrahedrally-coordinated Co2þ ions were leached when MnCo2O4 was equilibrated in 1 mol L-1 HCl solution, leading to the formation of layered CoOOH on MnCo2O4 surface which is originated from the covalency competition induced selective breakage of the CoT-O bond in CoT-O-CoO and subsequent rearrangement of free CoO6 octahedra. The as-formed CoOOH is stable upon cycling in alkaline electrolyte, exhibits conversion reaction mechanism with facile proton diffusion and is free of massive structural evolution, thus enables utilization of the bulk electrode material and realizes enhanced specific capacity as well as facilitated charge transfer and ion diffusion. In general, our work not only offers a feasible approach to deliberate modification of MnCo2O4's surface structure, but also provides an in-depth understanding of its charge storage mechanism, which enables rational design of the spinel oxides with promising charge storage properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Extended Quantum Molecular Dynamics (EQMD) model is one of the few QMD-like transport approaches that can describe the α -clustering structure with efficient computational power. However, compared to most QMD-like models, the choice of equation of state (EOS) for nuclear matter is very limited. In this work, a Monte Carlo integral method is employed to calculate the density integration with non-integer exponent. We demonstrate the superiority of our approach by studying the isovector giant dipole resonance (IVGDR). This improvement will be beneficial for the EQMD model to study more valuable effects for heavy ion collisions in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the high‐time‐resolution data from the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, precursor waves upstream of foreshock transient (FT) shocks are statistically investigated using the four‐spacecraft timing method. The wave frequencies and wave vectors determined in the plasma rest frame (PRF) are shown to follow the cold plasma dispersion relation for whistler waves. Combining with the feature of the right‐hand polarization in the PRF, the precursors are identified as whistler‐mode waves around the lower hybrid frequency. The occurrence of whistler precursors is independent of the Alfvén Mach number and the FT shock normal angle. More importantly, all the whistler precursors have group velocities pointing upstream in the shock frame, suggesting the dispersive radiation to be a possible generation mechanism. The study improves the understanding of not only the whistler precursors but also the overall FT shock dynamics. Plain Language Summary: The characteristics of the precursor waves upstream of foreshock transient (FT) shocks are determined in the plasma rest frame using the multi‐point measurements from the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission with appropriate separation scales. The statistical results demonstrate for the first time that the precursors upstream of FT shocks are lower hybrid frequency whistler‐mode waves. The presence or absence of large amplitude whistler precursors does not depend on the FT shock normal angle and the Alfvén Mach number. These results have important implications on the nature of the whistler precursors and the dynamics of the FT shocks. Key Points: Precursor waves upstream of foreshock transient shocks are found to follow the whistler wave dispersion relation in the plasma rest frameThe occurrence of whistler precursors is independent of the Alfvén Mach numbers and normal angles of the foreshock transient shocksThe observed wave characteristics are consistent with that the precursors are generated through the dispersive radiation mechanism [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of styrene–acrylic emulsion (SAE) as a modifier and interfacial agent on the interfacial bond performance of ordinary Portland cement–aluminate cement–gypsum (PAG) repair mortar. The hydration products and interfacial microstructure are analyzed via x‐ray diffraction (XRD), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrate that the addition of SAE can effectively enhance the tensile bond strength and flexural bond strength of the PAG repair mortar, and the optimal addition amount of SAE is 10 wt%. The tensile and flexural bond strengths of the PAG repair mortar with SAE interfacial agent at 40% concentration are 1.38 and 1.34 times than those of the mortar without the interfacial agent, respectively. XPS and FTIR analyses reveal that the carboxyl groups in SAE and Ca2+ generated from cement hydration form Ca2+–carboxyl complexes. The SEM and XRD analyses indicate that SAE can alter the distribution and size of crystals at the bond interface and considerably reduce the thickness of the bond interface; however, SAE cannot change the type of hydration products at the bond interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Splicing factor proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ) is a multifunctional protein that controls various biological functions. As a potential therapeutic target and a promising prognostic indicator, the potential effects and processes of SFPQ in HCC require further investigation. Methods: The RNA sequencing data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus, International Cancer Genome Consortium, and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases to analyze SFPQ expression and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We utilized the LinkedOmics database to identify co-expressed genes. A Venn diagram was constructed to determine the overlapping genes between the DEGs and the co-expressed genes. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the overlapping genes and DEGs. Furthermore, our study involved functional enrichment analysis, a protein-protein interaction network analysis, and an analysis of immune cell infiltration. The cBioPortal and Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub were utilized to investigate the genetic alterations of SFPQ and the single-cell transcriptome visualization of the tumor microenvironment. A ceRNA network was established with the assistance of the ENCORI website. Finally, we elucidated the clinical significance of SFPQ in HCC by employing Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression, and prognostic nomogram models. Results: The expression of SFPQ in HCC tissues was significantly elevated compared to normal tissues. GSEA results indicated that increased expression of SFPQ was associated with pathways related to HCC. The ceRNA network, including SFPQ, hsa-miR-101-3p, AC023043.4, AC124798.1, AC145207.5, and GSEC, was constructed with the assistance of ENCORI. High SFPQ expression was related to a poor prognosis in HCC and its subtypes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that elevated SFPQ expression is an independent predictive factor. Conclusions: The overexpression of SFPQ may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker, indicating a poor prognosis in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Count time series (e.g., daily deaths) are a very common type of data in environmental health research. The series is generally autocorrelated, while the widely used generalized linear model is based on the assumption of independent outcomes. None of the existing methods for modelling parameter-driven count time series can obtain consistent and reliable standard error of parameter estimates, causing potential inflation of type I error rate. Methods: We proposed a new maximum significant ρ correction (MSRC) method that utilizes information of significant autocorrelation coefficient ρ estimate within 5 orders by moment estimation. A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to evaluate and compare the finite sample performance of the MSRC and classical unbiased correction (UB-corrected) method. We demonstrated a real-data analysis for assessing the effect of drunk driving regulations on the incidence of road traffic injuries (RTIs) using MSRC in Shenzhen, China. Moreover, there is no previous paper assessing the time-varying intervention effect and considering autocorrelation based on daily data of RTIs. Results: Both methods had a small bias in the regression coefficients. The autocorrelation coefficient estimated by UB-corrected is slightly underestimated at high autocorrelation (≥ 0.6), leading to the inflation of the type I error rate. The new method well controlled the type I error rate when the sample size reached 340. Moreover, the power of MSRC increased with increasing sample size and effect size and decreasing nuisance parameters, and it approached UB-corrected when ρ was small (≤ 0.4), but became more reliable as autocorrelation increased further. The daily data of RTIs exhibited significant autocorrelation after controlling for potential confounding, and therefore the MSRC was preferable to the UB-corrected. The intervention contributed to a decrease in the incidence of RTIs by 8.34% (95% CI, -5.69–20.51%), 45.07% (95% CI, 25.86–59.30%) and 42.94% (95% CI, 9.56–64.00%) at 1, 3 and 5 years after the implementation of the intervention, respectively. Conclusions: The proposed MSRC method provides a reliable and consistent approach for modelling parameter-driven time series with autocorrelated count data. It offers improved estimation compared to existing methods. The strict drunk driving regulations can reduce the risk of RTIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Serological responses following hepatitis B vaccination are crucial for preventing hepatitis B (HBV). However, the potential relationship between serumlipid levels and immunity from HBV vaccination remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, we conducted an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data spanning from 2003 to 2016. Multivariable weighted logistic regression models, generalized linear analysis, stratified models, smooth curve fitting, segmentation effect analysis and sensitivity analysis were utilized to assess the relationships. Results: After adjusting for relevant covariates, we observed that low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were independently linked to a significantly lower seroprotective rate. Compared to HDL levels of = 60 mg/dL, the odds ratios (ORs) for individuals with borderline levels (40-59 mg/dL for men, 50-59 mg/dL for women) and low levels (< 40 mg/dL for men, < 50 mg/dL for women) were 0.83 (95% CI 0.69-0.99) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.56-0.78), respectively. This association was particularly pronounced in individuals aged 40 or older. Conversely, higher levels of the triglyceride to HDL (TG/HDL) ratio (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84-0.98), total cholesterol to HDL (Chol/HDL) ratio (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64-0.92), and low-density lipoprotein to HDL (LDL/HDL) ratio (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.96) were associated with a decreased likelihood of seroprotection. Conclusion: This study suggests that lipid levels may play a role in modulating the immune response following HBV vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has committed to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2060 to combat global climate change, which will require unprecedented deployment of negative emissions technologies, renewable energies (RE), and complementary infrastructure. At terawatt-scale deployment, land use limitations interact with operational and economic features of power systems. To address this, we developed a spatially resolved resource assessment and power systems planning optimization that models a full year of power system operations, sub-provincial RE siting criteria, and transmission connections. Our modeling results show that wind and solar must be expanded to 2,000 to 3,900 GW each, with one plausible pathway leading to 300 GW/yr combined annual additions in 2046 to 2060, a three-fold increase from today. Over 80% of solar and 55% of wind is constructed within 100 km of major load centers when accounting for current policies regarding land use. Large-scale low-carbon systems must balance key trade-offs in land use, RE resource quality, grid integration, and costs. Under more restrictive RE siting policies, at least 740 GW of distributed solar would become economically feasible in regions with high demand, where utility-scale deployment is limited by competition with agricultural land. Effective planning and policy formulation are necessary to achieve China's climate goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better characterize the properties of surface-initiated polymers, simultaneous bulk- and surface-initiated polymerizations are usually carried out by assuming that the properties of the surface-initiated polymers resemble those of the bulk-initiated polymers. Through a Monte Carlo simulation using a heterogeneous stochastic reaction model, it was discovered that the bulk-initiated polymers exhibit a higher molecular weight and a lower dispersity than the corresponding surface-initiated polymers, which indicates that the equivalent assumption is invalid. Furthermore, the molecular weight distributions of the two types of polymers are also different, suggesting different polymerization mechanisms. The results can be simply explained by the heterogeneous distributions of reactants in the system. This study is helpful to better understand surface-initiated polymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) is the rate-limiting and pivotal enzyme of the general phenylpropanoid pathway, but few reports have been found on PAL genes in Pinus yunnanensis. In the present study, three PAL genes were cloned and identified from P. yunnanensis seedlings for the first time, namely, PyPAL-1, PyPAL-2, and PyPAL-3. Our results indicated that the open-reading frames of PyPAL genes were 2184, 2157, and 2385 bp. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that PyPALs have high homology with other known PAL genes in other plants. In vitro enzymatic analysis showed that all three PyPAL recombinant proteins could catalyze the deamination of L-phenylalanine to form trans-cinnamic acid, but only PAL1 and PAL2 can catalyze the conversion of L-tyrosine to ρ-coumaric acid. Three PyPAL genes were expressed in different tissues in 1-year-old P. yunnanensis, and such genes had different expression patterns. This study lays a foundation for further understanding of the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in P. yunnanensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aiming at the 3.5 GHz world interoperability for microwave access band and 5.8 GHz industrial scientific medical band, a dual‐band antenna operating in omnidirectional mode is proposed. The antenna uses a single‐layer dielectric substrate made of FR‐4, which is cheap and easy to process. It uses circular patches and metal branches to generate orthogonal electric fields to achieve circular polarization. At the same time, the upper patch is symmetrically slotted in a T shape, so that the patch produces two resonance frequencies. The measured impedance bandwidth of the antenna in circular polarization on‐body mode and linear polarization on‐body mode is 110 MHz (3.41–3.52 GHz) and 460 MHz (5.42–5.88 GHz), respectively. In addition, the antenna shows good performance under bending conditions and close to human tissue. At the same time, the low specific absorption rate value proves that the antenna is safe to wear on the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]