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Societal Impact Statement: Unraveling the genetic intricacies and evolutionary history of Asian Hickories through advanced genome sequencing gives valuable insights into their ecological adaptations. Understanding the impact of historical dynamics, climate fluctuations, and geographical barriers on Asian hickories not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also empowers policymakers with evidence‐based decisions and guides conservationists in their efforts to protect vulnerable species. The identification of potential habitats, especially for the endangered Carya kweichowensis, offers a promising avenue for targeted conservation efforts, aligning with global initiatives to preserve Earth's precious biodiversity, but also ensures the conservation of a vital genetic reservoir for nut‐bearing economic tree species. Summary: Biogeographic characteristics of disjunct distribution play a vital role in plant geography and the endangered mechanism. The whole genome resequencing provides an opportunity to study the genetic relationship, population diffusion, and floristic evolution of disjunctive‐distribution flora. Based on the SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) data generated by the whole genome deep resequencing of five EA (Eastern Asian) Carya species, we constructed the phylogenetic tree, genetic structure, and species distribution modeling to clarify the phylogenetic relationships and to predict the potential distribution area of EA Carya. Phylogenetic analysis of Carya revealed two distinct clades, separating EA Carya from NA (North America) Carya. C. kweichowensis, an endangered species, showed the lowest nucleotide diversity and the earliest divergence among studied EA Carya species. Species distribution modeling predicted suitable habitats for five EA Carya species, revealing the potential distribution of endangered C. kweichowensis. Importantly, minimal spatial overlap was observed among distribution regions of EA Carya species during different time periods. The uneven regional distribution of EA Carya is believed to be a consequence of Quaternary climate fluctuations, mountain barriers hindering species dispersal, and the limited cold tolerance of these trees. EA Carya highlights the significant role of climate and geological changes in their regional distribution and migration routes in Asia. Furthermore, the discovery of potential habitats offers a promising avenue for the conservation of C. kweichowensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathies (ME) are frequently associated with mutations of mitochondrial DNA, but the pathogenesis of a subset of ME (sME) remains elusive. Here we report that haploinsufficiency of a mitochondrial inner membrane protein, Mic60, causes progressive neurological abnormalities with insulted mitochondrial structure and neuronal loss in mice. In addition, haploinsufficiency of Mic60 reduces mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular ATP production, increases reactive oxygen species, and alters mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complexes in neurons in an age‐dependent manner. Moreover, haploinsufficiency of Mic60 compromises brain glucose intake and oxygen consumption in mice, resembling human ME syndrome. We further discover that MIC60 protein expression declined significantly in human sME, implying that insufficient MIC60 may contribute for pathogenesis of human ME. Notably, systemic administration of antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine largely reverses mitochondrial dysfunctions and metabolic disorders in haplo‐insufficient Mic60 mice, also restores neurological abnormal symptom. These results reveal Mic60 is required in the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and function, and likely a potential therapeutics target for mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The full-automatic optical-fiber coil winding equipment is a complex electromechanical system which contains signal acquisition, data processing, communications, and motor control. In the complex electromechanical system, the subsystems rely on wired or wireless network technology to complete the real-time perception, coordinate, accurate, and dynamitic control, and information exchange services. The paper points to the full-automatic optical-fiber coil winding equipment with the characteristics of cyber-physical system to research its numerical design. We present a novel compound tension control system based on the experimental platform dSPACE to achieve semiphysical simulation of compound tension control system and examine the functions of control system.

Practical training models can be a viable and effective educational tool that allows surgeons to acquire specific surgical techniques or skills. However, a suitable animal training model for reconstruction after a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has not yet been reported. Therefore, we explored the feasibility and safety of establishing an animal training model for digestive tract reconstruction after a simulated PD using mongrel dogs. We used the anatomical similarity between the canine and human digestive tract to simulate the digestive tract reconstruction after pancreatoduodenectomy. A hepatobiliary surgeon performed simulated PD digestive reconstructions on 6 mongrel canines. Pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ), biliary-enteric anastomosis (BEA), and jejuno-jejunal anastomosis (JJ) were performed sequentially. The survival rate, surgical operation time, complications, body weight changes, gross specimen, and pathological examination of the anastomotic region were observed 30 days after surgery. The survival rate 30 days after surgery was 100%. Total mean operative time was 230.5 ± 39.7 min. The operative time for PJ, BEA, and JJ was calculated as 21.5 ± 7 min, 21.7 ± 8.7 min, and 13.2 ± 1.8 min, respectively. An incision infection occurred in 1 case (16.7%); there was 1 case of ascites (16.7%), and 1 case of vomiting (16.7%). The total protein and total bilirubin indicators of the 6 dogs and the serum amylase index of 5 dogs 30 days postoperatively were within the normal range. The 6th dog's serum amylase was approximately double the normal value, possibly due to pancreatitis. Observing the gross specimen, the mucosa of the anastomosis was intact and smooth. Masson staining showed that the bile duct and jejunum anastomosis, the pancreas, and jejunum of the 6 canines were all integrated with rich collagen. Establishing an animal model for digestive tract reconstruction after a simulated PD in canines is feasible and safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advance in the direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offers the potentials to eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide and makes universal screening more urgent. A point-of-care (POC) oral anti-HCV assay, the Fortune assay, was developed and its performance was evaluated. Individuals with or without HCV infection were recruited in three Centers. Paired oral and serum samples were tested using the Fortune and InTec anti-HCV assays. The Kehua serum anti-HCV assay served as a supplemental test to verify the discordant results. Some oral samples were also tested using the OraQuick anti-HCV assay. Furthermore, the Fortune assay results were compared with the documented RNA results. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the Fortune assay was 93.11%, 98.48%, and 96.58%, respectively (n = 1,022). Consistency between the Fortune and OraQuick assays was 96.35% (264/274); the Fortune assay detected additional 8 positive oral samples missed by the OraQuick assay. The Fortune assay demonstrated a 97.46% (115/118) positivity among the viremic patients. Furthermore, its sensitivity was HCV genotype independent. In conclusion, the Fortune assay was highly specific and accurate. It had comparable sensitivity as the serum assays for the diagnosis of active HCV infection. It provides a completely non-invasive and reliable tool for HCV screening in the DAA era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy has been one of the most preferable surgical treatments for early esophageal cancer. Some scholars suggested that the thoracic duct should be routinely ligated to reduce the incidence of postoperative chylothorax, while another group raised an objection. As a classic indicator of immune function, T lymphocyte subsets can be applied to assess the effects of prophylactic thoracic duct ligation during thoracoscopic esophagectomy.Methods: A total of 60 patients were recruited and randomized into thoracic duct ligation group and nonligation group. Venous blood was collected before and after video-assisted esophagectomy. The lymphocyte count and percentage, T lymphocyte subsets percentage were measured with fully automatic hemacytometer analyzer and flow cytometry. The difference between two groups was compared with t-test and the classified data were compared with Chi-square test.Results: No significant difference was observed in peripheral blood CD3+, CD3+CD4+, and CD3+CD8+ lymphocyte percentage between the two groups before operation (P > 0.05). The mean value of peripheral blood CD3+, CD3+CD4+ lymphocyte percentage in ligation group was obviously less than that of in nonligation group after operation (P < 0.05). The mean of CD3+CD8+ lymphocyte percentage in ligation group was obviously higher than that of in nonligation group after operation (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Ligation of thoracic duct during esophagectomy could lead to decreased percentage of T lymphocyte and CD4+ Tlymphocyte, especially after arch of azygos vein had been transected. The thoracic duct should be selectively ligated during esophagectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Four new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Zn3(L)(OH)(H2O)5]·NMP·2H2O}n (1), {[H2N(Me)2][Zn2(L)(H2O)]·DMF·H2O}n (2), {[Co5(L)2(H2O)11]·2H2O}n (3) and {[Mn5(L)2(H2O)12]·6H2O}n (4), were assembled employing a symmetrical V-shaped rigid multicarboxylic acid ligand H5L (H5L = 2,4-di(3′,5′-dicarboxylphenyl)benzoic acid) with different metal ions, resulting in versatile frameworks as well as various types of coordination modes of H5L. 1 forms a three-dimensional (3D) 4-connected sra net based on trinuclear [Zn3(μ3-OH)(μ2-COO)(μ1-COO)4] clusters, while 2 displays a 3D (4,6)-connected net based on two types of binuclear [Zn2(μ2-COO)2(μ1-COO)4] and [Zn2(μ2-COO)4] clusters. 3 and 4 contain similar [M3(μ2-COO)4(μ1-COO)2] (3, M = Co; 4, M = Mn) clusters but result in different 4-connected 3D and 2D frameworks, respectively. 1 and 2 show solid-state luminescence properties at ambient temperature. Meanwhile, 1 shows high selectivity and sensitivity for not only Fe3+ cations but also for CrO42−, Cr2O72− and MnO4− anions via a luminescence quenching effect with a low detection limit, which thus means that it could be a potential crystalline material for detecting these anions. The mechanisms of the quenching effect and sensing properties of 1 are discussed in detail. In addition, 3 and 4 have the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions between the metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new complexes based on 5-(triazol-1-yl)nicotinic acid (HL), namely [Cu2(L)3(H2O)(OH)]n (1), [Co(L)2(H2O)2]n (2), [Mn(L)2(H2O)2]n (3), {[Co(L)(H2O)0.5(DMF)0.5(NO3)0.5]·(Cl)0.5·DMF·2H2O}n (4), {[Cu(L)(O)0.5]·CH3OH·2.5H2O}n (5) and {[Co2(L)4(H2O)]·2DMA·2H2O}n (6), were synthesized under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions. The L− ligand in 1–6 reveals various coordination modes and forms diverse secondary building units (SBUs) in the final structures. Complex 1 shows a 2D layered structure with a rare (3,8)-connected topology based on tetranuclear [Cu4(COO)6(H2O)2(OH)2N6] SBUs. 2 and 3 are isostructural and display 2D 4-connected sql nets with a point symbol of (44·62). 4 and 5 have similar spatial 3D porous frameworks, which can be simplified as a (3,6)-connected 2-nodal net via dinuclear [Co2(COO)2(O)2(NO3)(N)4] SBUs and [Cu2(COO)2(O)(N)4] SBUs, respectively. 6 is a 3D porous framework constructed by dinuclear [Co2(COO)4(H2O)(N)4] motifs with a uninodal 4-connected qtz net. The magnetic properties and gas sorption behaviour of these complexes were investigated carefully, showing that 3 exhibits ferrimagnetic character and 4 demonstrates its effective storage capacity for CO2 as well as high selectivity for CO2 over CH4 under ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A copper-catalyzed domino cyclization of propargylic alcohols with tosyl isocyanate for the synthesis of oxazolidinones has been developed. Various propargylic alcohols with an aryl or alkyl substituents worked smoothly to afford the corresponding oxazolidinones in moderate to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SIRT1, a class III histone deacetylase, acts as a negative regulator for many transcription factors, and plays protective roles in inflammation and atherosclerosis. Transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) has been previously shown to play pro-inflammatory roles in endothelial cells. Inhibition of NFAT signaling may be an attractive target to regulate inflammation in atherosclerosis. However, whether NFAT transcriptional activity is suppressed by SIRT1 remains unknown. In this study, we found that SIRT1 suppressed NFAT-mediated transcriptional activity. SIRT1 interacted with NFAT, and the NHR and RHR domains of NFAT mediated the interaction with SIRT1. Moreover, we found that SIRT1 primarily deacetylated NFATc3. Adenoviral over-expression of SIRT1 suppressed PMA and calcium ionophore Ionomycin (PMA/Io)-induced COX-2 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), while SIRT1 RNAi reversed the effects in HUVECs. Moreover, inhibition of COX-2 expression by SIRT1 in PMA/Io-treated HUVECs was largely abrogated by inhibiting NFAT activation. Furthermore, SIRT1 inhibited NFAT-induced COX-2 promoter activity, and reduced NFAT binding to the COX-2 promoter in PMA/Io-treated HUVECs. These results suggest that suppression of NFAT transcriptional activity is involved in SIRT1-mediated inhibition of COX-2 expression induced by PMA/Io, and that the negative regulatory mechanisms of NFAT by SIRT1 may contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects in atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mitochondria amplify caspase-dependent apoptosis by releasing proapoptotic proteins, especially cytochrome c. This process is accompanied by mitochondrial cristae remodeling. Our studies demonstrated that mitofilin, a mitochondrial inner membrane protein, acted as a cristae controller to regulate cytochrome c release during apoptosis. Knockdown of mitofilin in HeLa cells with RNAi led to fragmentation of the mitochondrial network and disorganization of the cristae. Mitofilin-deficient cells showed cytochrome c redistribution between mitochondrial cristae and the intermembrane space (IMS) upon intrinsic apoptotic stimuli. In vitro cytochrome c release experiments further confirmed that, compared with the control group, tBid treatment led to an increase in cytochrome c release from mitofilin-deficient mitochondria. Furthermore, the cells with mitofilin knockdown were more prone to apoptosis by accelerating cytochrome c release upon the intrinsic apoptotic stimuli than controls. Moreover, mitofilin deficiency did not interfere with the activation of proapoptotic member Bax upon intrinsic apoptotic stimuli. Thus, mitofilin distinctly functions in cristae remodeling and controls cytochrome c release during apoptosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We describe efficient and flexible enantioselective syntheses of the active enantiomers of the pheromones of pine sawflies, including the species Diprion jingyuanensis, their homologs and, stereoisomers, as well as those identified from the Chinese species Diprion jingyuanensis, i.e., 126. A total of 48 compounds, including acetates 78- 101 and propanoates 102- 125, have been synthesized. Our general approach towards these compounds originated from the commercially available chirons diethyl ( S)- and ( R)-malates, as well as ethyl ( R)-3-hydroxybutanoate. The Seebach asymmetric methylation was employed in a key step to control additional configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise regulation of mtDNA transcription and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is crucial for human health. As a component of mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS), Mic60 plays a central role in mitochondrial morphology. However, it remains unclear whether Mic60 affects mitochondrial transcription. Here, we report that Mic60 interacts with mitochondrial transcription factors TFAM and TFB2M. Furthermore, we found that Mic60 knockdown compromises mitochondrial transcription and OXPHOS activities. Importantly, Mic60 deficiency decreased TFAM binding and mitochondrial RNA polymerase (POLRMT) recruitment to the mtDNA promoters. In addition, through mtDNA immunoprecipitation (mIP)-chromatin conformation capture (3C) assays, we found that Mic60 interacted with mtDNA and was involved in the architecture of mtDNA D-loop region. Taken together, our findings reveal a previously unrecognized important role of Mic60 in mtDNA transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Earlier kinetics of serum HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) and its predictive value on sustained virological response (SVR) were investigated in patients with genotype 1 HCV infection during antiviral treatment.Methods: In a multi-centered, randomized and positive drug-controlled phase IIb clinical trial on type Y peginterferon α-2b ( NCT01140997), forty-eight CHC patients who participated in pharmacokinetics were randomly divided into 4 cohorts and treated with PegIFNα (type Y peginterferon α-2b 90 μg, 135 μg, 180 μg and PegIFNα-2a 180 μg, respectively, once a week) and ribavirin (< 75 kg, 1000 mg daily and ≥ 75 kg, 1200 mg daily) for 48 weeks, and then followed up for 24 weeks. 32 patients infected with genotype 1 HCV and completed the whole process were included in this study. HCV RNAs were detected at baseline, and weeks 4, 12, 24, 48 and 72 using Cobas TaqMan. ARCHITECT HCVcAg was performed at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h in addition to the above time points. The receiver operating curves (ROCs) were performed to study the predictive values of HCVcAg decline on SVR.Results: Following antiviral treatment, serum HCVcAg levels rapidly declined within the first week and correlated well with corresponding HCV RNA at baseline, weeks 4, 12, 24, 48 and 72 (rs = 0.969, 0.928, 0.999, 0.983, 0.985 and 0.946, respectively, P < 0.001). All of the areas under the receiver operating curves (AUROCs) were more than 0.80 and showed good predictive power on SVR at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h. The144 h was the best predictive time point of HCVcAg decline on SVR because of its largest AUROC (more than 0.90).Conclusions: Early kinetics of serum HCVcAg predicts SVR very well in genotype 1 CHC patients during antiviral treatment, and its reduction value at 144 h is an earlier and stronger predictor on SVR than rapid virological response and early virological response. (TRN: NCT01140997). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]