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Abstract To ensure the reliable transmission with increased spectral efficiency of the small information block, this article proposes the novel distributed generalized Reed‐Solomon coded differential spatial modulation (DGRSC‐DSM) scheme in the relay cooperation manner. Two different generalized Reed‐Solomon (GRS) codes with identical lengths are deployed at the source and relay, respectively, where the relay utilizes the subcode of the GRS code, which can construct an ultimate code having a unique algebraic structure at the destination. In addition, the Global search algorithm (Algorithm 1) is developed to obtain an optimal selection mode at the relay, resulting in the final code with an optimal code weight enumeration. Since the complexity of this algorithm is extremely high, the low‐complexity Parity‐position local search algorithm (Algorithm 2) is then proposed to get the suboptimal mode. Monte‐Carlo results indicate that there is a minimal disparity in performance between the two proposed algorithms that both effectively enhance the system performance. Moreover, based on the optimized final code and the special construction of GRS code, the novel Smart‐joint decoding algorithm is first presented at the destination which can fully exploit two‐way information data and further lower the bit error rate (BER) of the DGRSC‐DSM scheme. Also, the analytical union bound of the proposed scheme is formulated over the quasi‐static Rayleigh fading channel, which illustrates a tight fit at the high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) regions.

Abstract Background Thymoma is a primary tumor of the thymus, commonly located in the anterior mediastinum. Most thymomas are benign or low‐grade malignant, but they can invade surrounding organs or metastasize. The primary treatment for thymoma is surgical resection. Traditional methods involve open thoracotomy, but it is traumatic, with slow recovery and many complications. In recent years, with the development of thoracoscopic techniques, thoracoscopic total thymectomy has gradually become the preferred method for small size thymomas due to its minimally invasive, safe, and effective. Methods This paper introduces a thoracoscopic extend thymectomy technique, the subxiphoid video–assisted thoracoscopic extend thymectomy with sternal suspension. This method involves placing hooks at the upper and lower ends of the sternum to suspend the sternum upward, increasing the thoracic cavity space and facilitating thoracoscopic operations. This research reviews the clinical data of 59 patients with early‐stage thymomas treated with this technique at our center since 2020 and analyzes the perioperative therapeutic efficacy and safety. It also compares the outcomes with those of 17 patients who underwent thoracoscopic approaches. Results The results show that subxiphoid video–assisted thoracoscopic total thymectomy with sternal suspension is an innovative and effective surgical method, achieving the same tumor eradication as other thoracic surgeries. The flexible switching of observation ports provides a more comprehensive surgical field, reduces surgical trauma and complications, and improves the surgical outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Abstract The prolonged war in Ukraine is having a strong impact on all sectors of the Ukrainian society, including biomedical research. Although the material and psychological conditions are challenging, the country and its researchers are courageously managing to continue their activities. This perspective paper describes the multiple challenges faced by Ukrainian biomedical researchers during wartime and outlines strategies to support and enhance collaboration with the global scientific community. Ukraine has a rich scientific history and modern expertise in biomedical research, and developing more international collaborations with Ukraine can have mutual benefits for all involved parties.

Abstract Background Primary thymic adenocarcinoma (PTAC) is an extremely rare disease with a poor prognosis. In the present study, we sought to analyze the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with PTAC. Methods A total of 14 patients with PTAC treated at our center from January 2000 to January 2019 were included in this study. We retrospectively collected information on sex, age, history of smoking, family history of cancer, comorbidities, symptoms, imaging tests, serum tumor marker levels, tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) staging, and treatment records. Follow‐up information was obtained by telephone interviews or outpatient clinic visit. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to investigate the clinicopathological factors associated with survival. Results Among 14 patients with PTAC, there were five males and nine females, with an average age of 48.7 ± 9.3 years. A total of 23.1% of the patients had a history of smoking. The clinical symptoms of the patients were nonspecific and seven patients had elevated levels of serum tumor markers. Surgery was performed for nine patients, among which only four received R0 resection. The median survival time of the 14 patients was 16.0 months, and the 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 57.1%, 35.7% and 21.4%, respectively. TNM stage was identified as an independent prognostic factor for PTAC patients (the median survival time of stage I–IIIA vs. stage IV was 44.0 months vs. 9.0 months, p = 0.002). Conclusions PTAC is highly aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. Surgical treatment is feasible, but R0 resection is challenging. TNM staging is significantly associated with patient survival.

Background More women than men experience recurrent strokes. Medication adherence is critical to prevent recurrence; however, studies investigating sex differences are limited. We examined sex differences in poststroke medication adherence, overall and by drug class, and identified influencing factors. Methods and Results Patients with first‐ever ischemic stroke were identified from a population‐based study (2008–2019). At 90 days after a stroke, self‐reported medication adherence was defined as never or rarely missing a dose in a typical week for each secondary stroke prevention medication (antihypertensives, cholesterol‐lowering drugs, antiplatelets, anticoagulants). We generated prevalence ratios (PRs) using modified Poisson models to assess sex differences with and without adjustment for potential confounding factors, including demographics, social factors, health system–related, lifestyle‐related, health condition–related, prestrokehealth–related, and stroke‐related factors. Among 1324 participants (48.4% women, 58.0% Mexican American individuals), women were more likely to report nonadherence to cholesterol‐lowering drugs (PR, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.14–2.84]) and antiplatelets (PR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.003–2.34]). Adjusting for obesity attenuated while adjusting for age, marital status, access to care, smoking, and alcohol consumption accentuated sex differences. Race and ethnicity modified the sex difference in nonadherence to cholesterol‐lowering drugs (Pinteraction=0.054) such that the sex difference was larger in Mexican American individuals (PR, 3.00 [95% CI, 1.65–5.48]) than in non‐Hispanic White individuals (PR, 1.30 [95% CI, 0.52–3.27). No significant sex differences were found for nonadherence to antihypertensives and overall nonadherence. Conclusions Poststroke medication nonadherence was more prevalent among women than men. This was partially due to the confounding effects of lifestyle, marital status, and access to care, suggesting potential subgroups for interventions to improve adherence.

Abstract Background Intensive glycemic control is insufficient to reduce the risk of heart failure in patients with diabetes mellitus. While the hyperglycemic memory in the diabetic cardiomyopathy has been well documented, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study tried to investigate whether the dysregulated proteins/biological pathways, which persistently altered in diabetic hearts during normoglycemia, participate in the hyperglycemic memory. Methods Hearts of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice, with or without intensive glycemic control using slow‐release insulin implants, were collected. Proteins from total heart samples and subcellular fractions were assessed by mass spectrometry, Western blotting, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. mRNA sequencing was used to determine whether the persistently altered proteins were regulated at the transcriptional or post‐transcriptional level. Results Western blot validation of several proteins with high pathophysiological importance, including MYH7, HMGCS2, PDK4, and BDH1, indicated that mass spectrometry was able to qualitatively, but not quantitatively, reflect the fold changes of certain proteins in diabetes. Pathway analysis revealed that the peroxisome, PPAR pathway, and fatty acid metabolism could be efficiently rescued by glycemic control. However, dysregulation of oxidative phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species persisted even after normalization of hyperglycemia. Notably, mRNA sequencing revealed that dysregulated proteins in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway were not accompanied by coordinated changes in mRNA levels, indicating post‐transcriptional regulation. Moreover, literature review and bioinformatics analysis suggested that hyperglycemia‐induced persistent alterations of miRNAs targeted genes from the persistently dysregulated oxidative phosphorylation pathway, whereas, oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction‐induced ROS regulated miRNA expression, which thereby might sustained the dysregulation of miRNAs. Conclusions Glycemic control cannot rescue hyperglycemia‐induced alterations of subcellular proteins in the diabetic heart, and persistently altered proteins are involved in multiple functional pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation. These findings might provide novel insights into hyperglycemic memory in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

ABSTRACT Background Most colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are at an advanced stage when they are first diagnosed. Risk factors for predicting overall survival (OS) in advanced stage CRC patients are crucial, and constructing a prognostic nomogram model is a scientific method for survival analysis. Methods A total of 2956 advanced stage CRC patients were randomised into training and validation groups at a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to screen risk factors for OS and subsequently construct a prognostic nomogram model for predicting 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, 8‐ and 10‐year OS of advanced stage CRC patients. The performance of the model was demonstrated by the area under the curve (AUC) values, calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). Kaplan–Meier curves were used to plot the survival probabilities for different strata of each risk factor. Results There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in the 32 clinical variables between patients in the training and validation groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses demonstrated that age, location, TNM, chemotherapy, liver metastasis, lung metastasis, MSH6, CEA, CA199, CA125 and CA724 were risk factors for OS. We estimated the AUC values for the nomogram model to predict 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, 8‐ and 10‐year OS, which in the training group were 0.826 (95% CI: 0.807–0.845), 0.836 (0.819–0.853), 0.839 (0.820–0.859), 0.835 (0.809–0.862) and 0.825 (0.779–0.870) respectively; in the validation group, the corresponding AUC values were 0.819 (0.786–0.852), 0.831 (0.804–0.858), 0.830 (0.799–0.861), 0.815 (0.774–0.857) and 0.802 (0.723–0.882) respectively. Finally, the 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, 8‐ and 10‐year OS rates for advanced stage CRC patients were 73.4 (71.8–75.0), 49.5 (47.8–51.4), 43.3 (41.5–45.2), 40.1 (38.1–41.9) and 38.6 (36.6–40.8) respectively. Conclusion We constructed and validated an original nomogram for predicting the postoperative OS of advanced stage CRC patients, which can help facilitates physicians to accurately assess the individual survival of postoperative patients and identify high‐risk patients.

ABSTRACT Background Carnivore parvovirus is commonly detected in canines and felines and results in a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea, with a high lethality rate. In recent years, the gradual restoration of urban ecosystems coupled with a lack of natural predators means that wild raccoon dogs have gradually entered residential neighbourhoods in Shanghai, and the carnivore parvovirus carried by such canines may seriously affect their health and that of dogs and cats in these neighbourhoods. Objectives Therefore, it is essential to monitor wild raccoon dogs for carnivore parvovirus. Methods The wild raccoon samples were collected from the residential area of Shanghai and screened for parvovirus, followed by virus isolation and sequence comparison analysis. Results In this study, three strains of parvovirus, YSH1‐2022, YSH2‐2022 and GSW1‐2023, were isolated from anal and pharyngeal swab mixtures of 42 live raccoon dogs and two dead raccoon dogs in Shanghai, China. After alignment, it was found that the three strains of parvovirus were all located in the same branch as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), and the three VP2 genes had 100% homology with FPV VP2 genes isolated from Shanghai and Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. The homology of the three NS1 genes with FPV NS1 isolated from Shanghai and other places was 99.9%–100%. Conclusion This is the first report of FPV isolated from raccoon dogs. In this study, the host range and risk of infection of parvovirus were evaluated, providing data to support wildlife management and policy formulation in Shanghai.

Abstract Thermoelectric generators held great promise through energy harvesting from waste heat. Their practical application, however, is greatly constrained by poor raw material utilization and tedious processing in fabricating desired shapes. Herein, a state‐of‐the‐art process is reported for 3D printing the half‐Heusler (Nb0.88Hf0.12FeSb) thermoelectric material using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The multi‐dimensional intra‐ and inter‐granular defects created by this process greatly suppress thermal conductivity by providing numerous phonon scattering centers. The resulting LPBF‐fabricated half‐Heusler exhibits a high figure of merit ≈1.2 at 923 K and a single‐leg maximum efficiency of ≈3.3% at a temperature difference (ΔT) of 371 K. Hafnium oxide nanoparticles generated during LPBF effectively prevent crack propagation, ensuring competent mechanical performance and reliable thermoelectric output. The findings highlight the significant potential of LPBF in driving the next industrial revolution of highly efficient and customizable thermoelectric materials.

Abstract Background Apoptotic cell‐conditioned mesenchymal stem cells (AC‐MSCs) exhibit stronger T cell suppressive ability via cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2); however, whether AC‐MSCs exhibit enhanced therapeutic effects on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unknown. Methods Splenocytes from MRL/MPJ‐Faslpr (MRL/lpr) mice were cocultured with AC‐MSCs, and the proportion of plasma cells was determined by flow cytometry. MSCs, AC‐MSCs, COX2 knockdown MSCs, and COX2 knockdown AC‐MSCs were infused into MRL/lpr mice (n = 10/group). Survival rates and lupus symptoms, including proteinuria, kidney injury, renal immune complex deposition, and autoantibody production, were assessed. Additionally, the number of plasma cells and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured. Results The AC‐MSCs significantly inhibited plasma cells via PGE2 after 24 h coculture in vitro, whereas MSCs did not. In the MRL/lpr mice, AC‐MSC treatment led to a significantly higher survival rate than phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) treatment (90% vs. 50%, p

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) telephone is reliable for the follow‐up and management of hypertensives. It takes less time and is equivalent to manual follow‐up to a high degree. We conducted a reliability study to evaluate the efficiency of AI telephone follow‐up in the management of hypertension. During May 18 and June 30, 2020, 350 hypertensives managed by the Pengpu Community Health Service Center in Shanghai were recruited for follow‐up, once by AI and once by a human. The second follow‐up was conducted within 3–7 days (mean 5.5 days). The mean length time of two calls were compared by paired t‐test, and Cohen's Kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the reliability of the results between the two follow‐up visits. The mean length time of AI calls was shorter (4.15 min) than that of manual calls (5.24 min, P

Abstract In order to cope with the grid fluctuation caused by large‐scale wind power connected to the grid, the wind thermal power generation system has been proposed and extensively studied. The wind thermal power generation system uses a wind turbine to drive a heat generation device to heat the heat storage medium, which is further exchanged to drive a turbine to generate electricity. A superconducting magnetic eddy current heater (SMH) is proposed for the characteristics of wind thermal power generation system, which uses non‐resistive, large current‐carrying superconducting coils for excitation, and has high output efficiency and power density. The working principle of magnetic eddy current heating is analysed, and the structure of SMH with no ferromagnetic material and two heating screens inside and outside is proposed according to the characteristics of SMH. An analytical model of the SMH is established, and the influence of the structure and materials of the SMH on the magnetic field distribution is analysed. Based on this, a 22‐pole SMH was designed and analysed for output power at 10–20 rpm. A three‐dimensional magnetism‐stress combined analysis model of SMH is established, and the strain and stress characteristics of SMH are simulated under the condition of maximum output power, which verifies the feasibility of the mechanical properties of existing superconducting materials for application in SMH.

Abstract A novel framework for adaptive energy management, rooted in deep learning principles, is proposed to minimize fuel consumption in extended‐range electric vehicles amidst intricate driving scenarios. This innovative approach integrates a long short‐term memory (LSTM) network for pattern recognition across three driving patterns and an adaptive fuzzy controller. To mitigate the impact of poor hyperparameter selection on recognition accuracy, Gray Wolf Optimization is employed to optimize the hidden layer nodes, training times, and learning rate of the LSTM. Simultaneously, a genetic algorithm is utilized to optimize the vertex coordinates of the fuzzy control membership function, enabling the adaptive adjustment of parameters in the fuzzy energy management strategy. The condition recognition model accurately identifies the vehicle's driving status and seamlessly transitions to an energy management strategy tailored to the present conditions. This ensures optimal operation, enhancing overall fuel efficiency and performance. The simulation results robustly validate the efficacy of this approach: the GWO‐LSTM network achieves an impressive 97.7% accuracy in recognizing working conditions, surpassing the 88.9% accuracy of the traditional LSTM network. Furthermore, the fuel consumption reduction achieved by the adaptive fuzzy energy management strategy amounts to 11.9% compared with the conventional fuzzy energy management approach. This outcome underscores the tangible enhancement in vehicle fuel economy resulting from the seamless integration of deep learning techniques.

Abstract Heteroaromatic N‐oxides, renowned for their highly polar N─O bond and robust structure, exhibit significant bioactivities and have played a pivotal role in various drug development projects since the discovery of Minoxidil. Moreover, heteroaromatic N‐oxides, featuring axially chiral biaryl frameworks, are indispensable as Lewis base catalysts and ligands in organic synthesis. Despite their importance, synthesizing these chiral compounds is challenging, necessitating chiral starting materials or resolution processes. Catalytic strategies rely on the functionalization of heteroaromatic N‐oxide compounds, leading to products with a relatively limited skeletal diversity. This study introduces a Cu‐catalyzed atroposelective method for synthesizing biaryl N‐oxides via de novo heteroaromatic N‐oxide ring formation. This mild and efficient approach achieves excellent stereoselectivities (up to 99:1 er), enabling the production of a wide array of N‐oxides with novel heteroaromatic scaffolds. The axially chiral N‐oxide product 3f demonstrates high stereoselectivity and recyclability as a Lewis base catalyst. Additionally, product 3e exhibits promising therapeutic efficacy against triple‐negative breast cancer, with IC50 values of 4.8 and 5.2 µm in MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐468 cells, respectively. This research not only advances the synthesis of challenging chiral heteroaromatic N‐oxides but also encourages further exploration of N‐oxide entities in the discovery of bioactive small molecules.

Abstract Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with aberrant pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell (PASMC) function and vascular remodeling. MiR‐30d plays an important role in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular disorders. However, the function of miR‐30d in PAH progression remained unknown. Our study shows that circulating miR‐30d level is significantly reduced in the plasma from PAH patients. In miR‐30d transgenic (TG) rats, overexpressing miR‐30d attenuates monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Increasing miR‐30d also inhibits platelet‐derived growth factor‐bb (PDGF‐bb)‐induced proliferation and migration of human PASMC. Metadherin (MTDH) and phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A) are identified as direct target genes of miR‐30d. Meanwhile, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) acts as a positive upstream regulator of miR‐30d. Using miR‐30d knockout (KO) rats treated with sildenafil, a PDE5A inhibitor that is used in clinical PAH therapies, it is further found that suppressing miR‐30d partially attenuates the beneficial effect of sildenafil against MCT‐induced PH and vascular remodeling. The present study shows a protective effect of miR‐30d against PAH and pulmonary vascular remodeling through targeting MTDH and PDE5A and reveals that miR‐30d modulates the beneficial effect of sildenafil in treating PAH. MiR‐30d should be a prospective target to treat PAH and pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Abstract Dynamic manipulation of an object's infrared radiation characteristics is a burgeoning technology with significant implications for energy and information fields. However, exploring efficient stimulus–spectral response mechanism and realizing simple device structures remains a formidable challenge. Here, a novel dynamic infrared emissivity regulation mechanism is proposed by controlling the localized surface plasmon resonance absorption of aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanocrystals through ultraviolet photocharging/oxidative discharging. A straightforward device architecture that integrates an AZO nanocrystal film with an infrared reflective layer and a substrate, functioning as a photo‐induced dynamic infrared emissivity modulator, which can be triggered by weak ultraviolet light in sunlight, is engineered. The modulator exhibits emissivity regulation amount of 0.72 and 0.61 in the 3–5 and 8–13 µm ranges, respectively. Furthermore, the modulator demonstrates efficient light triggering characteristic, broad spectral range, angular‐independent emissivity, and long cyclic lifespan. The modulator allows for self‐adaptive daytime radiative cooling and nighttime heating depending on the ultraviolet light in sunlight and O2 in air, thereby achieving smart thermal management for buildings with zero‐energy expenditure. Moreover, the potential applications of this modulator can extend to rewritable infrared displays and deceptive infrared camouflage.

Abstract Background Currently, creating more effector T cells and augmenting their functions is a focal point in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treatment research. T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain molecule 4 (TIM‐4), known for promoting cancer progression in various malignancies, is implicated in the suppressive immune microenvironment of tumors. Analyzing of the role of TIM‐4 in the immune regulation of PDAC can offer novel insights for immune therapy. Methods We analyzed the TIM‐4 expression in tumor specimens from PDAC patients. Meanwhile, multiple fluorescent immunohistochemical staining was used to study the distribution characteristics of TIM‐4, and through tissue microarrays, we explored its correlation with patient prognosis. The influence of TIM‐4 overexpression on cell function was analyzed using RNA‐seq. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used for verification. Finally, the relationship between TIM‐4 and T lymphocytes was analyzed by tissue microarray, and the impacts of TIM‐4 on T cell subsets were observed by cell coculture technology and a mouse pancreatic cancer in situ model. Results In PDAC, TIM‐4 is mainly expressed in tumor cells and negatively correlated with patient prognosis. TIM‐4 influences the differentiation of Treg by inhibiting IL‐6 secretion in pancreatic cancer cells and facilitates the proliferation of pancreatic cancer in mice. Additionally, the mechanism may be through the CD8+ effector T cells (CD8+Tc). Conclusion TIM‐4 has the potential to be an immunotherapeutic target or to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy for PDAC.

Background This study was conducted to determine optimal predictive ability of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) measurements at baseline, 24 hours, and change from baseline to 24 hours after thrombolysis on functional recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke who participated in the ENCHANTED (Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study). Methods and Results ENCHANTED was an international, multicenter, 2×2 quasifactorial, prospective, randomized open trial of low‐dose versus standard‐dose intravenous alteplase and intensive versus guideline‐recommended blood pressure lowering in thrombolysis‐eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke. Absolute (baseline minus 24 hours) and percentage (absolute change/baseline × 100) changes in NIHSS scores were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses assessed performance of different NIHSS measurements on 90‐day favorable functional recovery (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2) and excellent functional recovery (mRS score 0–1). Youden index was used to identify optimal predictor cutoff points. A total of 4410 patients in the ENCHANTED trial were enrolled. The 24‐hour NIHSS score had the highest discriminative ability for predicting favorable 90‐day functional recovery (mRS score 0–2; area under the curve 0.866 versus 0.755, 0.689, 0.764; P

Abstract Objectives To determine the imaging details and diagnostic information of the treatment response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) of rectal adenocarcinoma at 9.4T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by ex vivo. Methods Fifteen cases with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) followed by radical surgery after nCRT between September 2022 and February 2023 were recruited. Resected specimens were fixed in a perfluoropolyether‐filled test tube and scanned with a 3.0T and 9.4T MRI system ex vivo. The residual tumor depth and MRI‐based tumor regression grade (TRG) were subjectively assessed and then compared with the pathological findings. Results The ex vivo 9.4T T2WI without fat suppression clearly differentiated tumor tissue, fibrosis and normal rectal wall, which clearly corresponded to the pathologic tissues of the rectal specimens. The TRG could be accurately assessed on ex vivo 9.4T images in 13/15 specimens (86.7%), while in 11/15 specimens (73.3%) on ex vivo 3.0T images. Conclusion Ex vivo 9.4T MR imaging clearly displayed the components of rectal wall and proved excellent diagnostic performance for evaluating the treatment response to nCRT, which allow radiologists to understand and then assess more accurately the TRG of LARC after nCRT.

Abstract A wireless signal transmission technology based on acoustic carrier is proposed, which overcomes the limitation of electromagnetic signal shielding and shows great potential for in‐site monitoring of sliding electrical contact used in gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS)/gas‐insulated transmission line (GIL). Here, the state parameter of the sliding electrical contact is modulated onto the frequency domain of an ultrasound wave. As a mechanical wave, the ultrasonic wave is immune to electromagnetic shielding, so that it could carry the sensing signal to penetrate the metal shielding layer and transmit to the external terminals of GIS/GIL. The principle and signal modulation process of the acoustic carrier based transmission system have been demonstrated in detail. Both simulation and experiment have been conducted to analyse the system characteristics as well as optimise the system configuration. As a proof‐of‐concept application, the in situ and on‐line monitoring of the thermal rise of a slide electrical contact both in a current loading equivalent model and a prototype of GIS is demonstrated. Experimental results fit well with the physical process, and show a good measurement accuracy of 0.6% and temperature sensitivity of 400 Hz/°C.

ABSTRACT Objective This study was designed to examine the correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels across non‐diabetic, pre‐diabetic, and diabetic adults from Northwest China. Materials and Methods This study utilized data from a cross‐sectional survey conducted in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, which investigated the prevalence and risk factors of cardiovascular disease. All subjects underwent tests for SUA and FPG levels. Generalized additive models and two‐piecewise linear regression models were applied to explore the relationships between SUA and FPG level. The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index was examined as a measure of insulin resistance, with an analysis of its mediating effects on the association between SUA and FPG level. Results A total of 10,217 individuals aged 18 and over were included. Generalized additive models verified the inverted U‐shaped association between SUA and FPG levels, and the inflection points of FPG levels in the curves were 6.5 mmol/L in males and 8.8 mmol/L in females. The TyG index is an intermediate variable in the relationship between SUA levels and elevated FPG levels, with mediating effects of 12.82% (P

Abstract The unique structural features of hard carbon (HC) make it a promising anode candidate for sodium‐ion batteries (SIB). However, traditional methods of preparing HC require special equipment, long reaction times, and large energy consumption, resulting in low throughputs and efficiency. In our contribution, a novel synthesis method is proposed, involving the formation of HC nanosheets (NS‐CNs) within minutes by creating an anoxic environment through flame combustion and further introducing sulfur and nitrogen sources to achieve heteroatom doping. The effect of heterogeneous element doping on the microstructure of HC is quantitatively analyzed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and image processing technology. Combined with density functional theory calculation, it is verified that the functionalized HC exhibits stronger Na+ adsorption ability, electron gain ability, and Na+ migration ability. As a result, NS‐CNs as SIB anodes provide an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 542.7 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, and excellent rate performance with a reversible capacity of 236.4 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 1200 cycles. Furthermore, full cell assembled with NS‐CNs as the can present 230 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 150 cycles. Finally, in/ex situ techniques confirm that the excellent sodium storage properties of NS‐CNs are due to the construction of abundant active sites based on the novel synthesis method for realizing the reversible adsorption of Na+. This work provides a novel strategy to develop novel carbons and gives deep insights for the further investigation of facile preparation methods to develop high‐performance carbon anodes for alkali‐ion batteries.

Abstract Distribution system (DS) communication failures following extreme events often degrade monitoring and control functions, thus preventing the acquisition of complete global DS component state information, on which existing post‐disaster DS restoration methods are based. This paper proposes methods of inferring the states of DS components in the case of incomplete component state information. By using the known DS information, the operating states of unobservable DS branches and buses can be inferred, providing complete information for DS performance restoration before full communication recovery.

Abstract Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a complicated and recurrent intestinal disease. Currently available drugs for UC treatment are scarce, therefore, novel therapeutic drugs for the UC are urgently to be developed. Gingerenone A (GA) is a phenolic compound known for its anti‐inflammatory effect, but its effect on UC remains unknown. Here, it is shown that GA protects mice against UC, which is closely associated with inhibiting intestinal mucosal inflammation and enhancing intestinal barrier integrity in vivo and in vitro. Of note, RNA sequencing analysis demonstrates an evident correlation with IL‐17 signaling pathway after GA treatment, and this effect is further corroborated by Western blot. Mechanistically, GA directly interacts with IL‐17RA protein through pull‐down, surface plasmon resonance analysis and molecular dynamics simulation. Importantly, lentivirus‐mediated IL‐17RA/Act1 knock‐down or GA co‐treatment with brodalumab/ixekizumab significantly impairs the protective effects of GA against DSS‐induced inflammation and barrier dysfunction, suggesting a critical role of IL‐17RA signaling for GA‐mediated protection against UC. Overall, these results indicate that GA is an effective agent against UC mainly through the direct binding of IL‐17RA to inhibit inflammatory signaling activation.

Abstract Material science has historically evolved in tandem with advancements in technologies for characterization, synthesis, and computation. Another type of technology to add to this mix is machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). Now increasingly sophisticated AI‐models are seen that can solve progressively harder problems across a variety of fields. From a material science perspective, it is indisputable that machine learning and artificial intelligence offer a potent toolkit with the potential to substantially accelerate research efforts in areas such as the development and discovery of new functional materials. Less clear is how to best harness this development, what new skill sets will be required, and how it may affect established research practices. In this paper, those question are explored with respect to increasingly more sophisticated ML/AI‐approaches. To structure the discussion, a conceptual framework of an AI‐ladder is introduced. This AI‐ladder ranges from basic data‐fitting techniques to more advanced functionalities such as semi‐autonomous experimentation, experimental design, knowledge generation, hypothesis formulation, and the orchestration of specialized AI modules as stepping‐stones toward general artificial intelligence. This ladder metaphor provides a hierarchical framework for contemplating the opportunities, challenges, and evolving skill sets required to stay competitive in the age of artificial intelligence.

Abstract Distributed energy resources (DERs) provide flexible load restoration strategies, which can effectively enhance the resilience of active distribution systems (ADSs). Whereas, the widespread DERs in ADSs complicates the supply‐demand relationship and make the system resilience difficult to access. Therefore, this paper proposes a simulation‐based resilience assessment algorithm of ADSs considering the microgrid formation based on grid‐edge DERs. Microgrid formation is used to depict the resilience gain of grid‐edge DERs on ADSs. Specifically, a resilience assessment framework for ADSs is firstly proposed, where the uncertainty of component state and supply‐demand is modelled based on probability statistics. Then the mixed integer linear programming is used to search for optimal load restoration strategies with microgrid formation. On this basis, a set of resilience indices are defined to quantitatively analyse the resilience of ADSs, and a resilience assessment algorithm with uncertainty scenario generation is proposed to obtain these indices. Furthermore, extensive numerical results based on a modified IEEE 123‐bus feeder validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Abstract Recent studies have reported the role of the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3R), a member of the G‐protein coupled receptor superfamily, encoded by the CHRM3 gene, in cardiac function and the regulation of blood pressure (BP). The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of CHRM3 genetic variants with salt sensitivity, longitudinal BP changes, and the development of hypertension in a Chinese population. We conducted a chronic dietary salt intervention experiment in a previously established Chinese cohort to analyze salt sensitivity of BP. Additionally, a 14‐year follow‐up was conducted on all participants in the cohort to evaluate the associations of CHRM3 polymorphisms with longitudinal BP changes, as well as the incidence of hypertension. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs10802811 within the CHRM3 gene displayed significant associations with low salt‐induced changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP), while rs373288072, rs114677844, and rs663148 exhibited significant associations with SBP and MAP responses to a high‐salt diet. Furthermore, the SNP rs58359377 was associated with changes in SBP and pulse pressure (PP) over the course of 14 years. Additionally, the 14‐year follow‐up revealed a significant association between the rs619288 polymorphism and an increased risk of hypertension (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.06‐2.87, p = .029). This study provides evidence that CHRM3 may have a role in salt sensitivity, BP progression, and the development of hypertension.

Abstract Normoalbuminuria has recently been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and vascular aging is proposed as the early manifestation of cardiovascular disease. Here, the authors aimed to examine the association of high‐normal albuminuria and vascular aging in a Chinese cohort. From our previously established cohort, 1942 participants with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or urinary albumin‐creatinine ratio (UACR)

Abstract Realizing bicontinuous fibrillar charge transport networks in the photoactive layer has been considered a promising method to achieve high‐efficiency organic solar cells (OSCs); however, this has been rarely achieved due to the interference of molecular organization of donor and acceptor components during solution casting. In this contribution, the fibrillization of polymer donor PM6 and small molecular nonfullerene acceptor L8‐BO is realized with the assistance of conjugated polymer D18‐Cl. Atomic force microscopy and photo‐induced force microscopy reveal that PM6 and D18‐Cl co‐assemble into long and slender fibrils within wide blending ratios due to their high compatibility; in contrast, the fibrillization of L8‐BO can be encouraged with the incorporation of 1% D18‐Cl. By utilizing a pseudo‐bulk heterojunction (p‐BHJ) active layer fabricated by layer‐by‐layer deposition, the optimized PM6+20% D18‐Cl/L8‐BO+1% D18‐Cl OSCs obtain bicontinuous fibril networks, leading to enhanced exciton dissociation and charge transport processes and superior power conversion efficiency of 19.2% (certified 18.91%) compared to 18.8% of the PM6:D18‐Cl:L8‐BO ternary BHJ OSCs.

Abstract The optimization of magnetics in power converters switching at high frequencies is needed to achieve high power density and high efficiency. This work provides the design and optimization process of a coupled inductor used in a three‐phase interleaved buck converter that is part of a two‐stage motor drive circuit. The converter uses wide‐bandgap switch devices to reduce switching losses under high‐frequency operation and a coupled inductor that integrates three independent inductors to reduce the number and size of magnetic components. The relationship between the equivalent inductance of the coupled inductor and the coupling coefficient is analysed for different core shapes under various duty cycles. The optimization procedure for the three‐phase coupled inductor core structure is presented that allows for the coupling coefficient to be reduced by adding magnetic volume to reduce the inductor current ripple, while the core loss is reduced by 10.5%. A prototype of the 500‐W three‐phase interleaved converter that operates at 500 kHz with the proposed integrated magnetics technology was tested in experiment, exhibiting a maximum efficiency of 98.63% at full load power.

Abstract The relationship between spatial distribution and phylogeny has been widely debated in recent decades. To understand biogeographic and evolutionary history relationships and to explore the interspecific similarities and phylogenetic correlations of niche characteristics, we collected and recorded all distribution points for eight species of rhubarb on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, used different methods to describe the ecological niche, and explored the relationship between phylogeny, ecological niche, and distribution range. The results reveal that: (1) the ranges of optimal environmental variables for species with close kinship are not exactly the same, ecologically similar species are not necessarily sister species, and the overlap of rhubarb has no significant correlation with phylogeny. Therefore, the impact of ecological dimensions on species formation is greater than that of geographical latitude for the eight species of rhubarb. (2) Among the eight species of rhubarb, the breadth of ecological niche is positively correlated with the current suitable habitat area and negatively correlated with fluctuations in future suitable habitat area. In the future, except for Rheum tanguticum and Rheum palmatum, the suitable planting areas for the other six species of rhubarb will decrease as greenhouse gas emissions concentrations and time increase. Therefore, species with smaller ecological niches are at a greater risk of habitat loss compared to species with larger ecological niches. (3) In both existing and future distribution prediction models of rhubarb, we observed that both the widely distributed Rheum spiciforme and the niche narrow Rheum nobile, all eight species of rhubarb are present in the Hengduan Mountains, based on our analysis, we propose that the Hengduan Mountains should be regarded as a priority conservation area for rhubarb, to preserve the species' biodiversity. Our study lays the groundwork for identifying evolutionary trends in ecological specialization.

Abstract In recent years, eco‐driving for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) has been studied with the emerging connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies to improve the mobility, fuel economy and safety of HEVs. This paper develops a hierarchical eco‐driving control strategy for HEV platoons consisting of CAVs and human‐driven vehicles (HDVs) to improve fuel economy at signalized intersections. For each platoon, the speed trajectories of CAVs are optimized in the upper layer controller using model predictive control (MPC) to minimize the total fuel consumption of the whole platoon. For each HEV, the optimal power split between the engine and the battery is obtained in the lower layer controller using adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy (A‐ECMS). The time‐varying powertrain efficiencies of HEVs are explicitly considered in the speed trajectory optimization. At last, simulation studies are conducted using MATLAB and VISSIM to evaluate the performances of the strategy in mixed traffic scenarios and different CAV penetration rates. Simulation results indicate that compared with the single vehicle control strategy, the proposed strategy can improve the average fuel economy by up to 8.34% and considering the time‐varying powertrain efficiencies of HEVs in the optimization can further reduce the fuel consumption by up to 1.23%.

Abstract Background Diagnosing and treating synchronous multiple primary lung cancers (sMPLC) are complex and challenging. This study aimed to report real‐world data on the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of patients with early‐stage sMPLC. Materials and Methods A single‐center cohort study was carried out and a large number of patients with early‐stage sMPLC were included. A single‐ or two‐stage surgery was performed to remove the primary and co‐existing lesions. The “X” strategies, including ablation, SBRT, and EGFR‐TKIs treatment, were applied to treat the high‐risk residual lesions. Wide panel‐genomic sequencing was performed to assess the genetic heterogeneity of the co‐existing lesions. Results A total of 465 early‐stage sMPLC patients with 1198 resected lesions were included. Despite most patients being histologically different or harboring different genetic alternations, about 7.5% of the patients had the same histological type and driver gene mutation changes, comprehensive re‐evaluation is thus needed. The “Surgery + X” strategy showed remarkable efficacy and safety in treating multiple lesions. Follow‐up data revealed that the T2 stage (p = 0.014) and the solid presence of a primary lesion (p

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and deadly primary brain tumor in adults. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard systemic therapy in GBM but has limited and restricted efficacy. Better treatments are urgently needed. The role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) is increasingly described in GBM pathophysiology. A key molecular mediator of ER stress, the spliced form of the transcription factor x‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1s) may constitute a novel therapeutic target; here we report XBP1s expression and biological activity in GBM. Tumor samples from patients with GBM (n = 85) and low‐grade glioma (n = 20) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for XBP1s with digital quantification. XBP1s expression was significantly increased in GBM compared to low‐grade gliomas. XBP1s mRNA showed upregulation by qPCR analysis in a panel of patient‐derived GBM cell lines. Inhibition of XBP1 splicing using the small molecular inhibitor MKC‐3946 significantly reduced GBM cell viability and potentiated the effect of TMZ in GBM cells, particularly in those with methylated O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyl transferase gene promoter. GBM cells resistant to TMZ were also responsive to MKC‐3946 and the long‐term inhibitory effect of MKC‐3946 was confirmed by colony formation assay. In conclusion, this data reveals that XBP1s is overexpressed in GBM and contributes to cancer cell growth. XBP1s warrants further investigation as a clinical biomarker and therapeutic target in GBM.

Abstract The rapid accumulation of sequenced plant genomes in the past decade has outpaced the still difficult problem of genome‐wide protein‐coding gene annotation. A substantial fraction of protein‐coding genes in all plant genomes are poorly annotated or unannotated and remain functionally uncharacterized. We identified unannotated proteins in three model organisms representing distinct branches of the green lineage (Viridiplantae): Arabidopsis thaliana (eudicot), Setaria viridis (monocot), and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlorophyte alga). Using similarity searching, we identified a subset of unannotated proteins that were conserved between these species and defined them as Deep Green proteins. Bioinformatic, genomic, and structural predictions were performed to begin classifying Deep Green genes and proteins. Compared to whole proteomes for each species, the Deep Green set was enriched for proteins with predicted chloroplast targeting signals predictive of photosynthetic or plastid functions, a result that was consistent with enrichment for daylight phase diurnal expression patterning. Structural predictions using AlphaFold and comparisons to known structures showed that a significant proportion of Deep Green proteins may possess novel folds. Though only available for three organisms, the Deep Green genes and proteins provide a starting resource of high‐value targets for further investigation of potentially new protein structures and functions conserved across the green lineage.

Abstract Background The evidence of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) was limited. This study aimed to develop dynamic and visual nomogram models to predict the unfavorable outcome of MT in BAO online. Methods BAO patients treated with MT were screened. Preoperative and postoperative nomogram models were developed based on clinical parameters and imaging features. An independent dataset was collected to perform external validation. Web‐based calculators were constructed to provide convenient access. Results A total of 127 patients were included in the study, and 117 of them were eventually included in the analysis. The nomogram models showed robust discrimination, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of 0.841 (preoperative) and 0.916 (postoperative). The calibration curves showed good agreement. The preoperative predictors of an unfavorable outcome were previous stroke, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission, and the posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (pc‐ASPECTS). The postoperative predictors were previous stroke, NIHSS at 24 h, and pc‐ASPECTS. Conclusion Dynamic and visual nomograms were constructed and validated for the first time for BAO patients treated with MT, which provided precise predictions for the risk of an unfavorable outcome. The preoperative model may assist clinicians in selecting eligible patients, and the postoperative model may facilitate individualized poststroke management.

Abstract Introduction Sotos syndrome (SS) is an overgrowth disease characterized by distinctive facial features, advanced bone age, macrocephaly, and developmental delay is associated with alterations in the NSD1 gene. Here, we report a case of a 4‐year‐old female child with SS caused by NSD1 gene nonsense mutation. Methods Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was applied for probands and her parents. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the mutation. We performed the literature review using PubMed and found 12 articles and 14 patients who presented with SS. Results The patient showed typical facial features of SS, hand deformities, and seizure. WES revealed de novo heterozygous variant: NSD1 (NM_022455.5), c.6095G > A, p.TRP2032*. We also reviewed the phenotype spectrum of 14 patients with SS, who exhibited a variety of clinical phenotypes, including developmental delay, seizures, scoliosis, hearing loss, cardiac and urinary system abnormalities, and so on. Discussion The lack of correlation between mutation sites or types and phenotypes was summarized by literature reviewing. The NSD1 protein contains 14 functional domains and this nonsense mutation was located in SET domain. Early appearance of the termination codon leads to protein truncation. Haploinsufficiency of the NSD1 gene causes the overgrowth disorders.

Abstract Cutaneous melanoma represents around over 90% of all melanoma. With more effective treatments able to extend patients' survival, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is increasingly becoming an important endpoint in cancer clinical trials. They are often secondary outcomes measured in phase III randomized controlled trials and their implementation, collection, analysis, and reporting can be challenging methodologically. For these reasons, an increasing number of international recommendations introduced the standards regarding the conduct of HRQOL. In this systematic review, we appraise the adequacy of HRQOL reporting in phase III randomized controlled trials of stage III‐IV cutaneous melanoma and the clinical issues of immunotherapy and small‐molecular‐targeted therapy on HRQOL. Our search strategy totally got 55 articles, and only 13 studies met all inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that most treatments did not yield significant improvements in HRQOL but kept baseline levels, accompanied by prolonged survival and acceptable toxicity. Except for some existing limitations, reporting of HRQOL has made encouraging progress during the period covered by our search, but some aspects still need further optimization.

Abstract Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) still remains a life‐threatening disorder with poor prognosis. The right ventricle (RV) adapts to the increased afterload by a series of prognostically significant morphological and functional changes, the adaptive nature should also be understood in the context of ventricular interdependence. We hypothesized that left ventricle (LV) underfilling could serve as an important imaging marker for identifying maladaptive changes and predicting clinical outcomes in PAH patients. We prospectively enrolled patients with PAH who underwent both cardiac magnetic resonance and right heart catheterization between October 2013 and December 2020. Patients were categorized into four groups based on their LV and RV mass/volume ratio (M/V). LV M/V was stratified using the normal value (0.7 g/mL for males and 0.6 g/mL for females) to identify patients with LV underfilling (M/V ≥ normal value), while RV M/V was stratified based on the median value. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality, and the composite endpoints included all‐cause mortality and heart failure‐related readmissions. A total of 190 PAH patients (53 male, mean age 37 years) were included in this study. Patients with LV underfilling exhibited higher NT‐proBNP levels, increased RV mass, larger RV but smaller LV, lower right ventricular ejection fraction, and shorter 6‐min walking distance. Patients with LV underfilling had a 2.7‐fold higher risk of mortality than those without and LV M/V (hazard ratio [per 0.1 g/mL increase]: 1.271, 95% confidence interval: 1.082–1.494, p = 0.004) was also independent predictors of all‐cause mortality. Moreover, patients with low LV M/V had a better prognosis regardless of the level of RV M/V. Thus, LV underfilling is an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with PAH, and it could be an important imaging marker for identifying maladaptive changes in these patients.

Abstract Electrocatalytic urea synthesis via coupling of nitrate with CO2 is considered as a promising alternative to the industrial urea synthetic process. However, the requirement of sub‐reaction (NO3RR and CO2RR) activities for efficient urea synthesis is not clear and the related reaction mechanisms remain obscure. Here, the construction, breaking, and rebuilding of the sub‐reaction activity balance would be accompanied by the corresponding regulation in urea synthesis, and the balance of sub‐reaction activities was proven to play a vital role in efficient urea synthesis. With rational design, a urea yield rate of 610.6 mg h−1 gcat.−1 was realized on the N‐doped carbon electrocatalyst, superior to that of noble‐metal electrocatalysts. Based on the operando SR‐FTIR measurements, we proposed that urea synthesis arises from the coupling of *NO and *CO to generate the key intermediate of *OCNO. This work provides new insights and guidelines into urea synthesis from the aspect of activity balance.

Abstract Neuromorphic vision based on photonic synapses has the ability to mimic sensitivity, adaptivity, and sophistication of bio‐visual systems. Significant advances in artificial photosynapses are achieved recently. However, conventional photosyanptic devices normally employ opaque metal conductors and vertical device configuration, performing a limited hemispherical field of view. Here, a transparent planar photonic synapse (TPPS) is presented that offers dual‐side photosensitive capability for nearly panoramic neuromorphic vision. The TPPS consisting of all two dimensional (2D) carbon‐based derivatives exhibits ultra‐broadband photodetecting (365–970 nm) and ≈360° omnidirectional viewing angle. With its intrinsic persistent photoconductivity effect, the detector possesses bio‐synaptic behaviors such as short/long‐term memory, experience learning, light adaptation, and a 171% pair‐pulse‐facilitation index, enabling the synapse array to achieve image recognition enhancement (92%) and moving object detection.

Abstract Cleistogenes songorica, as a clustered grass, is the main grassland flora of the Stipa breviflora desert grassland. Some studies have shown that the constructive species of S. breviflora (sparse cluster type) is prone to cluster fragmentation; however, research on C. songorica is relatively rare. Then will the C. songorica plant population (dense cluster type) also have cluster fragmentation under the influence of intense grazing? To answer this question, we used variance analysis and geo‐statistical methods. The spatial distribution of C. songorica in S. breviflora desert steppe in Inner Mongolia was measured under four grazing intensities (no grazing, CK, 0 sheep·ha−1·half year−1; light grazing, LG, 0.93 sheep·ha−1·half year−1; moderate grazing, MG, 1.82 sheep·ha−1·half year−1; and heavy grazing, HG, 2.71 sheep·ha−1·half year−1) and four scales (10 cm × 10 cm, 20 cm × 20 cm, 25 cm × 25 cm, 50 cm × 50 cm). We then analyzed C. songorica whether fragmentation was present. The results showed that increased grazing intensity is associated with increased density and decreased height, coverage, and standing crop of C. songorica. The spatial distribution of C. songorica was affected by structural factors, and spatial heterogeneity decreased with increased spatial scale. With increased grazing intensity and spatial scale, the patch area of C. songorica gradually increased and tended toward band distribution. In summary, increased grazing intensity and spatial scale led to weakened heterogeneity of C. songorica spatial distribution and increased consistency.

Abstract The emergence and prevalence of mobile colistin resistance gene mcr have dramatically compromised the clinical efficacy of colistin, a cyclopeptide antibiotic considered to be the last option for treating different‐to‐treat infections. The combination strategy provides a productive and cost‐effective strategy to expand the lifespan of existing antibiotics. Structural‐activity relationship analysis of polymyxins indicates that the fatty acyl chain plays an indispensable role in their antibacterial activity. Herein, it is revealed that three saturated fatty acids (SFAs), especially sodium caprate (SC), substantially potentiate the antibacterial activity of colistin against mcr‐positive bacteria. The combination of SFAs and colistin effectively inhibits biofilm formation and eliminates matured biofilms, and is capable of preventing the emergence and spread of mobile colistin resistance. Mechanistically, the addition of SFAs reduces lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modification by simultaneously promoting LPS biosynthesis and inhibiting the activity of MCR enzyme, enhance bacterial membrane damage, and impair the proton motive force‐dependent efflux pump, thereby boosting the action of colistin. In three animal models of infection by mcr‐positive pathogens, SC combined with colistin exhibit an excellent therapeutic effect. These findings indicate the therapeutic potential of SFAs as novel antibiotic adjuvants for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria in combination with colistin.

Abstract Oncolytic bacteria are the most promising tumor target vector. Questions also remain regarding finding a balance between the therapeutic efficacy and safety of oncolytic bacteria. The critical measure of how this balance is maintained is the improvement in tumor colonization. Attenuated Salmonella typhimurium (VNP20009) as the only Salmonella strain to be evaluated in a clinical trial is a potential tumor therapeutic bacterium. A delivery system with controlled release of VNP after being loaded into neutrophils, which significantly increases the tumor‐targeting of VNP and enhances its therapeutic efficacy in a melanoma lung metastasis model is constructed. To improve the synergistic therapeutic effect, a PD1 nanobody is applied to this system (NE(PD1nb)). NE(PD1nb) activate dendritic cells (DCs) differentiation and stimulate the M1‐like differentiation of macrophages, and induce CD4+ T‐cells maturity and cytotoxic CD8+ T‐cells activation through DCs tumor antigen presentation.

Abstract Although lipophilic membrane dyes (LMDs) or probes (LMPs) are widely used to label extracellular vesicles (EVs) for detection and purification, their labelling performance has not been systematically characterized. Through concurrent side scattering and fluorescence detection of single EVs as small as 40 nm in diameter by a laboratory‐built nano‐flow cytometer (nFCM), present study identified that (1) PKH67 and PKH26 could maximally label ∼60%–80% of EVs isolated from the conditioned cell culture medium (purity of ∼88%) and ∼40%–70% of PFP‐EVs (purity of ∼73%); (2) excessive PKH26 could cause damage to the EV structure; (3) di‐8‐ANEPPS and high concentration of DiI could achieve efficient and uniform labelling of EVs with nearly 100% labelling efficiency for di‐8‐ANEPPS and 70%–100% for DiI; (4) all the four tested LMDs can aggregate and form micelles that exhibit comparable side scatter and fluorescence intensity with those of labelled EVs and thus hardly be differentiate from each other; (5) as the LMD concentration went up, the particle number of self‐aggregates increased while the fluorescence intensity of aggregates remained constant; (6) PKH67 and PKH26 tend to form more aggregated micelles than di‐8‐ANEPPS and DiI, and the effect of LMD self‐aggregation can be negligible at optimal staining conditions. (7) All the four tested LMDs can label almost all the very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles, indicating potential confounding factor in plasma‐EV labelling. Besides, it was discovered that DSPE‐PEG2000‐biotin can only label ∼50% of plasma‐EVs. The number of LMP inserted into the membrane of single EVs was measured for the first time and it was confirmed that membrane labelling by lipophilic dyes did not interfere with the immunophenotyping of EVs. nFCM provides a unique perspective for a better understanding of EV labelling by LMD/LMP.

Abstract Neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 4‐like (NEDD4L), a member of the E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligases, encoded by NEDD4L gene, was found to be involved in in salt sensitivity by regulating sodium reabsorption in salt‐sensitive rats. The authors aimed to explore the associations of NEDD4L genetic variants with salt sensitivity, blood pressure (BP) changes and hypertension incidence in Chinese adults. Participants from 124 families in Northern China in the Baoji Salt‐Sensitive Study Cohort in 2004, who received the chronic salt intake intervention, including a 7‐day low‐salt diet (3.0 g/day) and a 7‐day high‐salt diet (18 g/day), were analyzed. Besides, the development of hypertension over 14 years was evaluated. NEDD4L single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs74408486 was shown to be significantly associated with systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses to low‐salt diet, while SNPs rs292449 and rs2288775 were significantly associated with pulse pressure (PP) response to high‐salt diet. In addition, SNP rs4149605, rs73450471, and rs482805 were significantly associated with the longitudinal changes in SBP, DBP, MAP, or PP at 14 years of follow‐up. SNP rs292449 was significantly associated with hypertension incidence over the 14‐year follow‐up. Finally, this gene‐based analysis found that NEDD4L was significantly associated with longitudinal BP changes and the incidence of hypertension over the 14‐year follow‐up. This study indicated that gene polymorphism in NEDD4L serve an important function in salt sensitivity, longitudinal BP change and development of hypertension in the Chinese population.

Abstract Background Pazopanib is an approved multitarget anticancer agent for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is also under clinical investigation for other malignancies, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, the potential anti‐SCLC mechanisms of pazopanib remain unclear. Methods Cell viability was evaluated by CCK‐8, apoptotic cell detection was conducted using annexin V/PI staining followed by flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis was used to detect the apoptotic‐related molecules and ER‐stress pathway effectors. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was determined by DCFH‐HA staining followed by flow cytometry. An NCI‐H446 xenograft model was established to evaluate pazopanib on tumor suppression in vivo. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess the proliferative activity of xenograft in NCI‐H446 cell‐bearing NOD‐SCID mice. Results Pazopanib dose‐ and time‐dependently inhibited SCLC cell proliferation induced significant apoptosis in SCLC cell lines, increased cleaved‐caspase3 and Bax, and decreased Bcl‐2. Moreover, the PERK‐related ER‐stress pathway was potently activated by pazopanib treatment, inhibiting ER‐stress by salubrinal significantly reversing pazopanib‐mediated apoptosis in SCLC cell lines. Furthermore, pazopanib‐induced intracellular ROS levels increased, while inhibiting ROS by NAC significantly reversed pazopanib‐induced apoptosis in SCLC cells. In addition, pazopanib significantly suppressed NCI‐H446 xenograft growth and decreased Ki67 positive cells in the tumor. Conclusion Our findings indicate that pazopanib induces SCLC cell apoptosis through the ER‐stress process via upregulation of ROS levels. Further investigation of relevant biomarkers to accurately select patients for benefit from pazopanib should be further investigated.

Abstract Superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) exist in many biological organisms endowed by spectacular surface topographies, which provide important insights to drive a paradigm shift in design of engineering surfaces. Based on this, extensive progresses have been developed on bionic superhydrophobic strategies. Among them, SHSs based on topography of copper oxides exhibit considerable application prospects because of the steerability and diversity of topography, as well as additional performances, such as antibiosis, anticorrosion and catalysis. We first present a brief overview of the discovery of natural SHSs as well as fundamental understanding of surface wetting performance. Then, the structural effects in superhydrophobic systems based on the topographies of biological organisms and copper oxides are described. Finally, we highlight the perspectives on the novel design strategies of copper oxide‐based SHSs that adapt to various practical applications.