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Summary This paper considers multiuser downlink transmission and detection in a multiple input‐multiple output (MIMO) visible light communication (VLC) system. We combine two promising techniques: space‐shift keying (SSK) and optical orthogonal codes (OOCs). Multiuser downlink transmission is realized by allowing each activated LED to transmit user‐specific OOC simultaneously. An OOC despreader is implemented at the front end of each user terminal (UT) to extract the desired signal and mitigate multiuser interference (MUI). The second part of UT receiver aims to extract the index of the corresponding active LED based on maximum likelihood (ML) or zero‐forcing (ZF) algorithm. The figure of merit we used to access the performance of the proposed downlink multiuser SSK system is the average symbol error rate (SER). Comprehensive Monte Carlo simulations have been undertaken for different system setup to evaluate SER at UT receiver. It is demonstrated that for a specified SER, the required SNR for ML‐based detection algorithm is 3 dB less than the ZF detector in the MUI‐free scenario. On the other hand, the ZF detector outperforms ML detector in the case with residual MUI and limited channel state information (CSI). Both algorithms are computationally attractive, hence can be put into practice in multiuser VLC MIMO system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the regulatory function of COL1A1 against the apoptosis of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and the potential function in congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV). Methods: Muscle tissues were collected from 20 children with CTEV and 20 children without CTEV, followed by detecting the expression of COL1A1 using the RT‐PCR method. COL1A1 was knocked down in H1 and H9 human ESCs using the RNA interference technology, followed by determining the level of COL1A1, PITX1, TBX4, HOXD10, Fas, FasL, and Bax using the Western blotting assay. Results: COL1A1 was found markedly upregulated in muscle tissues of CTEV children. In H1 and H9 human ESCs, compared to the empty vector, COL1A1, PITX1, TBX4, HOXD10, Fas, FasL, and Bax were found notably downregulated after transfected with the siRNA targeting COL1A1. Conclusion: COL1A1 induced the apoptosis of ESCs by mediating the PITX1/TBX4 signaling and might be a potential target for treating CTEV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain‐cultivated ginseng is typically harvested after 10 years, while ginseng aged over 15 years is considered wild ginseng. This study aims to differentiate mountain‐cultivated ginseng by age, as the fraudulent practice of selling low‐aged cultivated ginseng disguised as high‐aged one is damaging the market. In this study, LC‐MS analyzed 98 ginseng samples, and multivariate statistical analysis identified patterns between samples to select influential components. Machine learning models were developed to identify ginseng samples of different ages. The untargeted metabolomic analysis clearly divided samples aged 4‐20 years into three age groups. Twenty‐two potential age‐dependent biomarkers were discovered to differentiate the three sample groups. Three machine learning models were used to predict new samples, and the optimal model was selected. Some biomarkers could determine age phases according to the differentiation of mountain‐cultivated ginseng samples. These biomarkers were thoroughly analyzed for variation trends. The machine learning models established using the screened biomarkers successfully predicted the age group of new samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panax ginseng, a slow‐growing perennial herb, is the most praised and popular traditional medicinal herb. Mountain‐cultivated ginseng (MCG) and cultivated ginseng (CG) both belong to Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer. The market price and medical effects of this popular health product are closely related to its age. It is widely acknowledged that CG is typically harvested after 4–6 years of growth, but MCG is often collected after 10 years. Until now, the age identification of MCG or mountain wild ginseng (MWG) has remained a major challenge. In this study, we established a novel and rapid method for staining xylem vessels with phloroglucinol and identifying the "annual growth rings" of ginseng by utilizing a stereoscope, which serves as a reliable indicator of the age of MCG. Statistical analysis of the ring radius and the ring density of MCG aged from 1 to 20 years shows that the secondary xylem of MCG increases rapidly in the first 3 years but then gradually slows down from 4 to 10 years, and minor fluctuation is observed in the next 10 years. Meanwhile, the space between the growth rings (ring density) becomes increasingly small with age. This straightforward staining approach can reveal the age of MCG with remarkable clarity and can distinguish MCG from CG. Research Highlights: A novel rapid staining method for Panax ginseng was established.The age of mountain‐cultivated ginseng (MCG) can be identified by microscopic techniques.MCG and cultivated ginseng (CG) can be discriminated by microstructure characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qilian–Haiyuan fault zone in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau has been the source of strong earthquakes in the region. In its middle segment, the Jinqianghe fault is an important active fault within the Tianzhu seismic gap; however, little is known about its slip behavior. To present a new horizontal displacement distribution along this fault, we used WorldView‐2 stereo pairs and unmanned aerial vehicle‐based photogrammetry to construct digital elevation models to obtain a detailed tectono‐geomorphic interpretation and geomorphic offsets. The offset marker measurements yielded 135 geomorphic displacements and 8 offset clusters. Radiocarbon dating was used to establish the regional age sequence of the geomorphic units in offset fluvial terraces at four study sites. The displacements and ages linked the offset clusters with the geomorphic unit sequence; the Holocene strike‐slip rate of the Jinqianghe fault was estimated to 4.8–5.6 mm/a at ∼4–12 ka and 2.9–4.7 mm/a from ∼4 ka. Three recent earthquakes (with a recurrence interval of ∼1000 years) represent an active seismic period, revealing the potential seismic hazard along this fault because it has not ruptured in the last 1500 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries involve a reversible conversion reaction between sulfur and lithium sulfide (Li2S) via a series of soluble lithium polysulfide intermediates (LiPSs), enabling a high theoretical specific capacity of 1675 mAh g–1. However, this process exhibits large polarization and low sulfur utilization and suffers critical capacity fade. The primary approach to tackle the problem has so far been to infiltrate sulfur into nanostructured carbon. However, most studies using porous carbon as host materials have tested with high electrolyte to sulfur ratios (E/S) (generally > 15 µL mg−1) that compromise the cell‐level energy density. Here, a flower‐shaped porous carbon structure with nickel nanoparticles that can address the problems discussed above is designed. First, the 3D flower‐shaped carbon structure enables short ionic transport lengths. Second, the small pore diameters <10 nm and high specific surface areas > 3300 m2 g−1 with sufficient pore volume are ideal for charging performance for low E/S ratios. Finally, Ni nanoparticles are employed onto the flower‐shaped network to improve the reaction kinetics. Collectively, it is successfully demonstrated that the batteries with a high mass loading of 5 mg cm−2 and a 5 µL mg−1 E/S ratio can retain cycle retention of 70% after 150 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dinutuximab (ch14.18) was the first approved monoclonal antibody against the tumor‐associated antigen disialoganglioside GD2. Despite its success in treating neuroblastoma (NB), it triggers a significant amount of neuropathic pain in patients, possibly through complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). We hypothesized that modifying ch14.18 using antibody engineering techniques, such as humanization, affinity maturation, and Fc engineering, may enable the development of next‐generation GD2‐specific antibodies with reduced neuropathic pain and enhanced antitumor activity. In this study we developed the H3‐16 IgG1m4 antibody from ch14.18 IgG1. H3‐16 IgG1m4 exhibited enhanced binding activity to GD2 molecules and GD2‐positive cell lines as revealed by ELISA, and its cross‐binding activity to other gangliosides was not altered. The CDC activity of H3‐16 IgG1m4 was decreased, and the antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity was enhanced. The pain response after H3‐16 IgG1m4 antibody administration was also reduced, as demonstrated using the von Frey test in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. In summary, H3‐16 IgG1m4 may have potential as a monoclonal antibody with reduced side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyrinic metal–organic frameworks (PMOFs) are very appealing electrocatalytic materials, in part, due to their highly porous backbone, well‐defined and dispersed metal active sites, and their long‐range order. Herein a series of (Co)PCN222 (PCN: porous coordination network) (nano)particles with different sizes are successfully prepared by coordination modulation synthesis. These particles exhibit stability in 0.1 m HClO4 electrolyte with no obvious particle size or compositional changes observed after being soaked for 3 days in the electrolyte or during electrocatalysis. This long‐term stability enables the in‐depth investigation into the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction, and it is further demonstrated that the (Co)PCN222 particle size correlates with its catalytic activity. Of the three particle sizes evaluated (characteristic length scales of 200, 500, and 1000 nm), the smallest size demonstrates the highest mass activity while the largest size has the highest surface area normalized activity. Together these results highlight the importance of determining the structural stability of framework catalysts and provide insights into the important roles of particle size, opening new avenues to investigate and improve the electrocatalytic performance of this class of framework material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qilian Shan, located in the northeastern Tibet, is under strong tectonic activity and earthquake motion due to the propagation of the plateau. At the mountain front of the eastern Qilian Shan, the Tongziba River, in the southern Zhangye Basin, flows northward and successively cuts the Minle‐Damaying Fault and the Yonggu Anticline, two parallel structures within the Frontal Thrust system of the Qilian Shan. Here we present a detailed record of seven strath terraces of this river that documents the history of active deformation of the two structures. Based on the estimated crustal shortening distance from the deformed terraces and the terrace formation age constrained by AMS 14C and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, a horizontal slip rate of 1.4 ± 0.5 mm/year of the Minle‐Damaying Fault is constrained since 16.7 ± 1.8 kyr, and a shortening rate of 1.3 ± 0.4 mm/year across the Yonggu Anticline has been estimated in a similar time frame, respectively. In total, the shortening rate across the mountain front is estimated to be 2.7 ± 0.6 mm/year. GPS data show a similar modern shortening rate in this area, which indicates the rate of crustal shortening may be comparable in the modern and 104‐year scales. Our study supports a higher crustal shortening rate along the mountain front of the eastern Qilian Shan than that of the western Qilian Shan since the Late Quaternary. Key Points: The Minle‐Damaying Fault and the Yonggu Anticline have been active since at least 16.7 ± 1.8 kyrEstimated Late Quaternary shortening rate across the eastern Qilian Shan foreland is 2.7 ± 0.6 mm/year from terraces analysisCrustal shortening rate along the mountain front of the eastern Qilian Shan is probably higher than that of the western Qilian Shan [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐resolution topographic data sets have now become increasingly available, which allows for remotely measuring and analyzing offset features and their associated slip distributions at a very high resolution along a fault, hence providing important insights into the fault behavior. The West Helanshan Fault is a Holocene active right‐lateral strike‐slip fault located at the junction of the Tibetan Plateau, Alashan, and Ordos blocks. In this study, a 2‐m‐resolution DEM of the West Helanshan Fault was built from the WorldView‐3 stereo satellite images (0.5 m). Combined with the high‐resolution topography acquired from the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images based on the Structure from Motion (SfM) method, a total of 180 lateral offsets and 201 vertical displacements were acquired along ~50 km of the fault. By statistical analysis of the offset observations and constructing the cumulative slip profiles, we conclude that large paleoearthquakes have produced characteristic slip accumulation along the fault with a right‐lateral slip of ~3 m and a vertical slip of ~1 m, rupturing at least two segments of the fault simultaneously, which corresponds to a moment magnitude of Mw 7.1 ~ 7.5. The cumulative slip profiles suggest that the fault has likely propagated northward over its lifetime, and the south segment may be the most mature section of the fault where larger coseismic slip of earthquake ruptures may occur. The ratio of lateral to vertical displacement has remained constant (~3:1) through multiple successive events, indicating that the fault has maintained the same kinematic style over the last few thousands of years. Key Points: Large paleoearthquakes have produced characteristic slip along the fault with a lateral slip of ~3 m and a vertical slip of ~1 mThe fault has propagated northward over its lifetime, and larger coseismic slip of earthquakes may occur on the south segment of the faultThe fault has maintained the same kinematic style with a constant ratio of lateral to vertical displacement [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni,N‐doped carbon catalysts have shown promising catalytic performance for CO2 electroreduction (CO2R) to CO; this activity has often been attributed to the presence of nitrogen‐coordinated, single Ni atom active sites. However, experimentally confirming Ni−N bonding and correlating CO2 reduction (CO2R) activity to these species has remained a fundamental challenge. We synthesized polyacrylonitrile‐derived Ni,N‐doped carbon electrocatalysts (Ni‐PACN) with a range of pyrolysis temperatures and Ni loadings and correlated their electrochemical activity with extensive physiochemical characterization to rigorously address the origin of activity in these materials. We found that the CO2R to CO partial current density increased with increased Ni content before plateauing at 2 wt % which suggests a dispersed Ni active site. These dispersed active sites were investigated by hard and soft X‐ray spectroscopy, which revealed that pyrrolic nitrogen ligands selectively bind Ni atoms in a distorted square‐planar geometry that strongly resembles the active sites of molecular metal–porphyrin catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryopreservation in dimethyl sulfoxide and storage at -80 °C extends the shelf life of platelets to at least 2 years, allowing greater availability in rural and military areas. While cryopreserved platelets (CPPs) have been extensively characterized for coagulation and thrombin generation, reports on the mechanism of adverse reactions to CPPs transfusion are scarce. Here, we tested the hypothesis that CPPs facilitate phagocytosis by Kupffer cells and subsequently promote the inflammatory response in Kupffer cells.Study Design and Methods: P-selectin expression, glycoprotein Ibα clustering and phosphatidylserine (PS) surface exposure on platelets stored at 22 °C, 4 °C and - 80 °C for 3 days were examined by flow cytometry. The phagocytosis of mepacrine-labeled platelets coincubated with THP-1 cells was examined by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, and the release of cytokines from THP-1 cells was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: CPPs showed a marked enhancement of exposed PS but dramatically reduced glycoprotein Ibα expression and clustering compared with platelets stored at 4 °C. Activation of THP-1 cells was stronger by CPPs than by platelets stored at 22 °C and 4 °C. CPP interference tests using annexin V and anti-P-selectin showed that CPPs induced increases in PS- and P-selectin-mediated phagocytosis, as well as secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukins IL-1β and IL-6, but a decrease in transforming growth factor-β production in THP-1 cells. Surface-exposed PS was more effective than P-selectin for the activation of THP-1 cells.Conclusion: CPPs triggered PS and P-selectin-mediated phagocytosis by macrophages and stimulated the inflammatory response of macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northwest striking Qishan‐Mazhao fault (QMF) accommodates complex deformation in the Tibet‐Ordos transition zone. We studied the geologic and geomorphic expression of the QMF using interpretations of high‐resolution satellite images and structure‐from‐motion models combined with detailed field investigations. Displaced loess tablelands, stream channels, and fluvial terraces show that the QMF is predominately a left‐lateral strike‐slip fault with a minor normal component. The magnetic susceptibility and optically stimulated luminescence ages of offset fluvial terraces yield left‐lateral slip rates ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 mm/year. Regionally, the QMF and the Haiyuan fault (HYF) form a large right step, in which the Liupanshan Mountains are located. The QMF shares a similar orientation and sense of motion to the HYF, suggesting that the left‐lateral slip of the HYF is not completely absorbed as crustal shortening across the Liupanshan Mountains but is partially transferred to slip along the QMF. Key Points: The northwest striking QMF is a left‐lateral fault with a minor oblique normal componentLeft‐lateral slip of the HYF is partially transferred by slip (~0.5–1.0 mm/year) along the QMFTectonic deformation on the southwestern Ordos is strongly controlled by the northeastward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 3‐Hydroxy‐2‐oxindoles are valuable biologically active molecules, and efficient methods for their synthesis under mild condition are highly sought after. Here we report a base‐ and metal‐free C(sp3)−H hydroxylation of 2‐oxindoles promoted by commercially available inexpensive TEMPO and atmospheric air as a hydroxylation reagent at room temperature. This protocol provides a mild and simple strategy for the construction of C−O bonds in moderate to good yields with wide functional group tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a complex health issue and it can cause many health and social problems. Previous studies reported that lipase is a main target for obesity treatment. We synthesized R- exo-2-norbornyl- N- n-butylcarbamate and S- exo-2-norbornyl- N- n-butylcarbamate as potential pseudomonas lipase inhibitors to probe the enantioselectivity of the enzyme and demonstrated that R- exo-2-norbornyl- N- n-butylcarbamate had better enzyme enantioselectivity, ki and the docking model with Pseudomonas species lipase in our previous studies. In this article, we reported the property of the Pseudomonas species lipase inhibitors, R-and S- endo-2-norbornyl- N- n-butylcarbamate and compared the docking models of these two compounds with R- and S- exo-2-norbornyl- N- n-butylcarbamates by AutoDock. We found that S- endo-2-norbornyl- N- n-butylcarbamate has the best enantioselectivity, ki and docking model and this study could provide useful information about enzyme enantioselectivity for the development of Pseudomonas species lipase inhibitors for obesity treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-based materials with high electrical conductivity are of considerable interest because of their wide range of applications. The construction of a 3D, compactly interconnected graphene network can offer a huge increase in the electrical conductivity of polymer composites. However, it is still a great challenge to achieve desirable 3D architectures in the polymer matrix. Here, highly conductive polymer nanocomposites with 3D compactly interconnected graphene networks are obtained using a self-assembly process. Polystyrene (PS) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) are used as polymer matrixes. The obtained PS composite film with 4.8 vol% graphene shows a high electrical conductivity of 1083.3 S/m, which is superior to that of the graphene composite prepared by a solvent mixing method. The electrical conductivity of the composites is closely related to the compact contact between graphene sheets in the 3D structures and the high reduction level of graphene sheets. The obtained EVA composite films with the 3D graphene structure not only show high electrical conductivity but also exhibit high flexibility. Importantly, the method to fabricate 3D graphene structures in polymer matrix is facile, green, low-cost, and scalable, providing a universal route for the rational design and engineering of highly conductive polymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biphenyl-4-acyoxylate-4′- N-butylcarbamates 1-8 are synthesized from 4,4′-biphenol and are characterized as the pseudosubstrate inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase. In other words, the inhibitors bind to the enzyme and react with the enzyme to form the tetrahedral intermediates for the Ki steps, and then the tetrahedral intermediates exclude the leaving groups to form a common N-butycarbamyl enzyme intermediate for the kc steps. Due to a linear character of the 4,4′-biphenyl moiety, the 4′- N-butylcarbamate moieties of the inhibitors react with the Ser200 residue of the enzyme while the 4-acyoxylate moieties of the inhibitors, on the other hand, should fit in the peripheral anionic site of the enzyme, which is located at the mouth of the deep active site gorge. Thus, carbamates with varied acyl substituents at the 4-position of the biphenyl ring are good candidates for probing the quantitative structure activity relationships for the peripheral anionic site of the enzyme. The fact that the p Ki, log kc, and log Ki values are correlated with neither the Taft substituent constant (σ*) nor the Taft steric constant ( Es) indicates that the 4-acyoxylate moieties of the inhibitors are too far away from the reaction center. However, the p Ki, log kc, and log Ki values are linearly correlated with the Hansch hydrophobicity constant, π. The intensity constants (ψ) for these correlations are 0.16, −0.035, and 0.13, respectively. These results indicate that interactions between the 4-acyoxylate groups of the inhibitors and the peripheral anionic site of the enzyme are mainly hydrophobic ones. The correlation results are slightly improved by using the two-parameter correlations with the Taft substituent steric constant, Es, and π. For p Ki, log kc, and log Ki- Es-π correlations, the ψ values are 0.21, −0.021, and 0.19, respectively; the intensity constants for steric effect (δ) are 0.08, 0.022, and 0.10, respectively. Besides hydrophobic interactions, the two-parameter correlations also suggest that little steric hindrance occurs for the bulkier inhibitors to pass by the peripheral anionic site of the enzyme. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 19:234-243, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20087 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and psychological distress are common psychological problems in breast cancer (BC) patients and ultimately affecting their health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Heart rate variability (HRV) can reflect the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. However, the pathways through which HRV influences between FCR and HRQoL are unclear. This study preliminarily explored the intermediary role of HRV in FCR and HRQoL in BC patients. Methods: A total of 101 BC patients participated in this study. HRV parameters were measured by a 5‐min dynamic electrocardiogram. FCR, psychological distress and HRQoL were evaluated by the Fear of disease progression simplified scale (FOP‐Q‐SF), Distress thermometer and SF‐36 concise health survey. The intermediary effect model was established to test the intermediary effect of high frequency‐HRV (HF‐HRV) on FCR and HRQoL. Results: FCR and psychological distress were negatively correlated with HRV in the time domain, negatively correlated with HF‐HRV in the frequency domain, and positively correlated with low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF). HF‐HRV had a partial mediating effect on the FCR and physical health and mental health, with effects of 30.23% and 9.53%, respectively. Conclusion: FCR and psychological distress are correlated with HRV parameters in the time domain and the frequency domain, and we preliminarily believe that parasympathetic nerves play an important intermediary role between FCR and subjective physical and mental health. This may provide intervention information for improving the HRQoL of BC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pomelo flavedo extract (PFE) from the pomelo peel (an agricultural waste) is well known with many functional properties. In this study, the incorporation of PFE into the bio‐based polymer (pectin) for the formulation of the coating film was generally developed. The PFE showed a very high inhibitory effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.22 ± 0.37 mm of inhibition zone diameter), whereas Escherichia coli was found to be resistant to the PFE treatment. The incorporation of varying PFE contents into the pectin film with glycerol as a plasticizer for developing PFE‐Gly‐Pectin composite film and its effect on the film performance was investigated. PFE was found to reduce the swelling degree and increase the solubility of the Gly‐Pectin film as well as increase the flexibility of the resulting film. However, the molecular structure, structural morphology, and contact angle of the Gly‐Pectin film were insignificantly affected by the presence of PFE. The composite film at the PFE:Pectin ratio of 3.4 g/g was selected for the preliminary preservation of jackfruit bulbs which was stored at ambient temperature. As a result, coated jackfruit bulbs appeared to maintain a better quality after 3 days with an alleviated change in weight loss, color parameters, and total soluble solids, whereas the uncoated jackfruits showed signs of spoilage on Day 2 of the storage period. Therefore, the PFE conjugated pectin film suggested potential in the preservation of food materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid piezo/triboelectric nanogenerators (H‐P/TENGs) are developed to compensate the drawbacks of a single nanogenerator by synergizing high triboelectric output voltage and piezoelectric output current in continuous contact‐separation cycles. In particular, piezoelectric zinc oxide (ZnO) has been widely used due to its excellent orientation along the c‐axis and tunable growth structures. Herein, various growth structures of ZnO, unoriented, oriented, and hierarchical structures, are incorporated in H‐P/TENGs, enhancing their power densities from 6 to 17 times. Particularly, oriented ZnO nanorod/PVA (ZnR) achieves a maximum power density of 15.9 W m−2 (≈17‐fold increment compared to pristine PVA). The highly oriented ZnO growth along the c‐axis enables large deformation upon a vertical compression, subsequently generating a large piezoelectric polarization. Moreover, the enhancement mechanism via piezoelectric polarization is elucidated using a modified overlapped electron cloud model supported with Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements. The polarization of ZnO nanocomposites enlarges the difference in the highest electron energies (ΔE) between the two triboelectric layers, driving more electrons to transfer during contact electrification, thereby enriching their surface charge densities. This study highlights the significance of growth structure control in maximizing the piezoelectric responses of ZnO, consequently improving the output performances of H‐P/TENGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐performance ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/low‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (PE) mixture additives were proven to be effective for enhancing commercial high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) resins, which were synthesized by the complicated dual‐site immobilized catalyst system. In this paper, PE wax components were preadded in the polymerization reactor for in situ synthesizing the UHMWPE/PE wax binary blends with just a single SiO2/MgCl2 supported Z–N catalyst modified by the active site isolators. The influence of PE wax addition on the catalytic activity, molecular weight, thermodynamic property, particle size, and entanglement density was systematically researched. It was evidenced that the catalytic activity and molecular weight exhibit a linear relationship with the ethylene solubility caused by the PE wax addition. Besides, the competition between chain propagation/crystallization balance and PE wax long chains entanglement effect arising from the PE wax addition leads to the minimum entanglement density (GNt = 0.59) of UHPE‐20%. The disbalance of chain propagation rate and chain crystallization rate can be broken by PE particle fragmentation, inducing rapidly increased entanglements. Furthermore, with the synergistic disentanglement influence of reduced entanglements for UHMWPE and the chain diffusion ability for PE wax, the LU‐30 sample with a mixture of UHPE‐30% and linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) exhibits the optimum strength/stiffness/toughness properties. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and impact strength of LU‐30 reach 18.2 MPa (+4%), 172.1 MPa (+53.8%), 60.5 kJ/m2 (+13.1%), respectively, compared with those of pure LLDPE. The overall enhanced mechanical properties are attributed to the intensive signal intensity and tightly stacked form of shish‐kebab structures, which were verified by the two‐dimensional small angle X‐ray scattering and two‐dimensional wide angle X‐ray diffraction patterns. In addition, the in situ polymerization method of UHMWPE/PE wax with SiO2/MgCl2 supported Z–N catalysts exhibits a great probability of efficient utilization of low‐molecular‐weight polyethylene by‐products (PE wax). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Mesoproterozoic granite covering about 5 km2 is firstly recognized in the Zhusileng area, which is located between the northern Alxa Block and the South Gobi microcontinent. New geochronological data from this area provide new insight for understanding the Precambrian crustal evolution of the middle segment of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Based on the crystal shapes, internal textures, and high Th/U ratios, the zircons from this Mesoproterozoic granite are interpreted as magmatic origin. Meanwhile, LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dating shows that it was emplaced at 1458 ± 7.5 Ma. Published geochronological data and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of igneous rocks from the Zhusileng area and its vicinity are also compiled in this study. The Late Palaeozoic granitoids from the Zhusileng area have strongly negative εNd(t) values (−0.1 to −10.8), high (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.69657–0.73423) and old Nd model ages (0.9–1.8 Ga), suggesting the existence of Precambrian microcontinent in the Zhusileng area. Furthermore, the statistical analysis (or isotopic mapping) of Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of Palaeozoic granitoids from the middle segment of the southern CAOB also displays similar εNd(t) values and relatively old Nd model ages along the Hanshan Block, Zhusileng, Tsaggan Uul terrane, and Hutag Uul terrane. Therefore, we propose that those units may share a common basement during Mesoproterozoic to Early Neoproterozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients receiving cranial radiation face the risk of delayed brain dysfunction. However, an early medical imaging marker is not available until irreversible morphological changes emerge. Purpose: To explore the micromorphological white matter changes during the radiotherapy session by utilizing an along‐tract analysis framework. Study Type: Prospective. Population: Eighteen nasopharyngeal carcinoma (two female) patients receiving cranial radiation. Field Strength/Sequence: 3.0 T; Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and T1‐ and T2‐weighted images (T1W, T2W); computed tomography (CT). Assessment: Patients received three DTI imaging scans during the radiotherapy (RT), namely the baseline scan (1–2 days before RT began), the middle scan (the middle of the RT session), and the end scan (1–2 days after RT ended). Twelve fibers were segmented after whole‐brain tractography. Then, the fractional anisotropy (FA) values and the cumulative radiation dose received for each fiber streamline were resampled and projected into their center fiber. Statistical Tests: The contrast among the three scans (P1: middle scan–baseline scan; P2: end scan–middle scan; P3: end scan–baseline scan) were compared using the linear mixed model for each of the 12 center fibers. Then, a dose–responsiveness relationship was performed using Pearson correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Six of the 12 center fibers showed significant changes of FA values during the RT but with heterogeneous patterns. The significant changes along a specific center fiber were associated with their cumulative dose received (Genu: P1 r = −0.6182, P2 r = −0.5907; Splenium: P1 r = 0.4055, P = 0.1063, P2 r = 0.6742; right uncinate fasciculus: P1 r = −0.3865, P2 r = −0.4912, P = 0.0533; right corticospinal tract: P1 r = 0.4273, P = 0.1122, P2 r = −0.6885). Data Conclusion: The along‐tract analysis might provide sensitive measures on the early‐onset micromorphological changes. Level of Evidence: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fushan Depression is one of the prolific hydrocarbon‐bearing depressions in the Beibuwan Basin, South China Sea. In this study, a total of 133 mudstone samples, 18 well‐logging curves, and 12 seismic sections were analysed to investigate the geochemical features and spatial distribution of effective source rocks of the Palaeogene Liushagang Formation within a sequence stratigraphic geochemical framework. The results suggest that depositional centres of mudstones northward migrated from the central Huangtong Sag during the Liushagang period. Good hydrocarbon generation potential source rocks containing Type II kerogen occur in the transgressive systems tract (TST)–highstand systems tract (HST) of lower Liushagang sequence (SQls3), the middle Liushagang sequence (SQls2), and the lowstand systems tract (LST)–TST of upper Liushagang sequence (SQls1). The occurrence of effective source rock kitchens, which are mainly controlled by the thermal maturity is distributed in the strip‐shaped area of SQls3 sequence, the whole Huangtong Sag of SQls2 sequence, and the central and northern part of Huangtong Sag of SQls1 sequence, respectively. Fewer hydrocarbon accumulations were found in the southern slope due to the relatively deeper hydrocarbon generation threshold depth and to the limited occurrence of effective source rock kitchens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric nitrogen‐containing organic compounds (NOCs) are critical components of global nitrogen deposition and light‐absorption species. The sources and compositions of NOCs are complex and remain largely unknown. Here, NOCs in 55 ambient aerosol samples collected in Guangzhou, South China, were analyzed via ultrahigh‐resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry in negative‐ion and positive‐ion electrospray ionization (ESI) modes. The molecular compositions of NOCs measured via ESI– and ESI+ exhibited considerable differences. NOCs detected in the negative mode were mainly composed of highly oxygenated organic nitrates (O/N = 6), whereas NOCs detected in the positive mode were mainly composed of reduced nitrogen‐containing compounds (e.g., amides and amino acids). CHN compounds potentially corresponding to amines and alkaloids showed low abundance in the detection modes. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling and individual compound correlation analyses showed that the molecular compositions of NOCs were mainly affected by anthropogenic activities and meteorological parameters. For example, anthropogenic activities such as biomass burning and secondary nitrogen‐chemistry processes led to the accumulation of aromatic and highly oxygenated NOCs during winter. During summer, higher OH radical concentrations and temperatures will result in more prevalent or persistent reduced aliphatic NOCs, particularly lipid‐like amines. Some variables (e.g., relative humidity) have distinct effects on the variation of different types of NOCs. More research is needed to reveal the influencing mechanisms. This study clarifies the molecular compositions of NOCs and the mechanisms by which various factors influence the molecular variations. The findings can guide the assessment of NOCs evolution and deposition. Plain Language Summary: Negative and positive electrospray ionization coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI‐FT‐ICR‐MS) was used to characterize the molecular composition of nitrogen‐containing organic compounds (NOCs) from aerosol samples in Guangzhou. It was determined that a large amount of various NOCs are present in the samples, with NOCs in highly oxidative and reduced states can be roughly identified by distinct ionization modes. By combining the ESI‐FT‐ICR‐MS results and statistical analysis, the factors that associated with the distribution of NOCs and how these factors worked were identified. Anthropogenic activities and meteorological parameters (e.g., temperature and oxidation levels) are the two important drivers that led to the variations of NOCs, resulting to inverse molecular patterns with different response to aromatic/highly unsaturated and saturated structures, respectively. This study provides a useful clue for studying NOCs in complex system, bridges the links between the filed observation and knowledge about sources and formation pathways of NOCs that derived from controlled laboratory studies. Key Points: Most of identified CHON− species had O/N ≥ 3 and showed higher O/C ratios than CHON+ species; CHN only constituted small fraction of nitrogen‐containing organic compounds (NOCs)Biomass burning and secondary inorganic‐nitrogen processes lead to the accumulation of aromatic and phenolic NOCs during winterHigher OH radical concentrations and temperatures result in more prevalent or persistent reduced aliphatic NOCs in summer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the multiple mediating roles of social support and self‐control in the relationship between harmonious personality and work–family conflict. A total of 143 Chinese adults (137 male, 95.8%; aged 30.25 ± 7.85 years) participated in this longitudinal study. Data were collected at three time points, at intervals of 1 month. Self‐report questionnaires measuring social demographics and harmonious personality (Time 1), self‐control and social support (Time 2), and work–family conflict (Time 3) were administered. Self‐control and work–family conflict were negatively correlated. The relationship between harmony and work–family conflict was mediated by self‐control and social support. Possible paths were self‐control and multiple mediation by social support and self‐control. Our results confirmed the multiple mediating roles of social support and self‐control in the relationship between harmonious personality and work–family conflict. To achieve a better work–family balance, it is important not only to establish a harmonious interpersonal perspective and to enhance the social support from employers, colleagues, and family but also to ensure adequate self‐control resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that disentangling sentiment‐induced biases from fundamental expectations significantly improves the accuracy and consistency of probabilistic forecasts. Using data from 1994 to 2017, we analyze 15 stochastic models and risk‐preference combinations and in all possible cases a simple behavioral transformation delivers substantial forecast gains. Our results are robust across different evaluation methods, risk‐preference hypotheses, and sentiment calibrations, demonstrating that behavioral effects can be effectively used to forecast asset prices. We also implement a trading strategy that shows how behavioral biases can be exploited to generate trading profits. Further analyses confirm that our real‐world densities outperform forecasts recalibrated to avoid past mistakes and improve predictive models where risk aversion is dynamically estimated from option prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aberrant TAK1 (transforming growth factor β‐activated kinase 1) activity is known to be involved in a variety of malignancies, but the regulatory mechanisms of TAK1 remain poorly understood. GRAMD4 (glucosyltransferase Rab‐like GTPase activator and myotubularin domain containing 4) is a newly discovered p53‐independent proapoptotic protein with an unclear role in HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma). Results: In this research, we found that GRAMD4 expression was lower in HCC samples, and its downregulation predicted worse prognosis for patients after surgical resection. Functionally, GRAMD4 inhibited HCC migration, invasion and metastasis. Mechanistically, GRAMD4 interacted with TAK1 to promote its protein degradation, thus, resulting in the inactivation of MAPK (Mitogen‐activated protein kinase) and NF‐κB pathways. Furthermore, GRAMD4 was proved to recruit ITCH (itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase) to promote the ubiquitination of TAK1. Moreover, high expression of TAK1 was correlated with low expression of GRAMD4 in HCC patients. Conclusions: GRAMD4 inhibits the migration and metastasis of HCC, mainly by recruiting ITCH to promote the degradation of TAK1, which leads to the inactivation of MAPK and NF‐κB signalling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel mandelic acid derivatives containing a 1,3,4‐oxadiazothioether moiety were designed and synthesized. Bioassay results showed that some target compounds exhibited certain antifungal activity against six kinds of pathogenic fungi in vitro. Among the compounds, the EC50 values of T41 against Gibberella saubinetii, Verticillium dahlia and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were 31.0, 27.0 and 32.1 μg/ml, respectively, and the EC50 value of T14 against S. sclerotiorum was 14.7 μg/ml. The antifungal activity against the resistant fungus S. sclerotiorum indicated that this series of target compounds may have the similar action modes or sites as the commercialized succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor carboxin. A morphological study with fluorescence microscope demonstrated that T41 can significantly destroy the membrane integrity of G. saubinetii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions between crops and the atmosphere significantly impact surface energy and hydrology budgets, climate, crop yield, and agricultural management. In this study, a multipass land data assimilation scheme (MLDAS) is proposed based on the Noah‐MP‐Crop model. The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) method is used to jointly assimilate the leaf area index (LAI), soil moisture (SM), and solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) observations to predict sensible (H) and latent (LE) heat fluxes, gross primary productivity (GPP), etc. Such joint assimilation is demonstrated to be effective in constraining the model state variables (i.e., leaf biomass and SM) and optimizing key crop‐model parameters (i.e., specific leaf area [SLA], and maximum rate of carboxylation, Vcmax). The performance of the MLDAS is evaluated against observations at two AmeriFlux cropland sites, revealing good an agreement with the observed H, LE, and GPP. When using optimized model parameters (SLA and Vcmax) and jointly assimilating LAI, SM, and SIF observations, the MLDAS produces 34.28%, 26.90%, and 51.82% lower root mean square deviations for daily H, LE, and GPP estimates compared with the Noah‐MP‐Crop open loop simulation. Our findings also indicate that the H and LE predictions are more sensitive to SM measurements, while the GPP simulations are more affected by LAI and SIF observations. The results indicate that performances of physical models can be greatly improved by assimilating multi‐source observations within MLDAS. Plain Language Summary: Accurate estimations of water and carbon fluxes in croplands are required for monitoring crop yield, hydrology, and irrigation scheduling. Thus, many crop models are aimed at modeling crop dynamics to establish more accurate water, carbon, and energy processes. The data assimilation (DA) method can combine land surface and vegetation phenological information with a process‐based model to reduce the uncertainty in model variables and optimize model parameters. In this study, multi‐source observations of the land surface and vegetation phenology are assimilated into a land‐surface‐crop model to improve the water, carbon, and energy fluxes over croplands. This research involved the construction of a DA framework with multipass ensemble Kalman filter method. The results show that the assimilation of soil moisture observations significantly improves the surface heat fluxes estimates, while the assimilation of vegetation phenological observations significantly improves the vegetation dynamics and crop yield estimates. Key Points: The Multipass Land Data Assimilation Scheme (MLDAS) is proposed based on the Noah‐MP‐Crop modelLeaf area index (LAI), soil moisture (SM), and solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) measurements are assimilated into the MLDAS to predict sensible heat flux (H), latent heat flux (LE), and gross primary productivity (GPP)H and LE estimates are more sensitive to SM measurements, while the GPP retrievals are more affected by LAI and SIF observations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to prepare wheat bran arabinoxylans‐soy protein isolate (WBAXs‐SPI) emulsion‐filled gels with different oil contents and investigate their rheological, textural, water‐holding capacity (WHC), and microstructural properties. The rheological analysis results showed that the maximum correlation interaction occurs when the soybean oil concentration was 10%, and the elastic modulus (G′) reaches the highest value of 13,562 Pa. Interestingly, the WHC and texture change trend of WBAXs‐SPI emulsion‐filled gel were consistent with rheology. Meanwhile, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observation indicated that the emulsion‐filled gels formed an interpenetrating polysaccharide‐protein complex network system. Therefore, the filling emulsion performance could be adjusted by changing the concentration of oil droplets as the active filler. This provides the possibility of developing new food materials encapsulating fat‐soluble substances with a low oil rate and more stable structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saline irrigation compromises the utility of agricultural soil, limiting ion uptake and productivity worldwide. Electromagnetic water might provide a possible solution to enhance ion mobilization. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of saline irrigation on yield, metabolism and some physiological traits of potato over two growing seasons. The drip experiment treatments comprised the following: saline water (SW), electromagnetic saline water (MSW) and ground water (C) applied to three potato varieties (Spunta, Bellini and Alaska) since vegetative growth stage (12 days after planting). Results showed that soil salinity was reduced by 25% under MSW relative to SW. Both C and MSW had a promotional effect on root growth. Tuber number was increased with MSW in Spunta and Alaska. The highest values of photosynthesis, water status attributes and ion content of Alaska variety were associated with an elevated StSOS1 expression level. The effective osmotic adjustment with proline for Spunta and Alaska varieties was associated with differential expression of proline synthesis (StP5CS1) and catabolism (StP5CDH) genes. Accordingly, Alaska seems to be more resistant to salinity than Spunta and Bellini, and electromagnetic water may be useful to enhance potato production in areas suffering from water salinization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) have critical functions in acute leukemia (AL) pathogenesis, participating in its initiation and relapse. Thus, identifying new molecules to eradicate LSCs represents a high priority for AL management. This work identified E35, a novel Emodin derivative, which strongly inhibited growth and enhanced apoptosis of AL stem cell lines, and primary stem and progenitor cells from AL cases, while sparing normal hematopoietic cells. Furthermore, functional assays in cultured cells and animals suggested that E35 preferentially ablated primitive leukemia cell populations without impairing their normal counterparts. Moreover, molecular studies showed that E35 remarkably downregulated drug‐resistant gene and dramatically inhibited the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway. Notably, the in vivo anti‐LSC activity of E35 was further confirmed in murine xenotransplantation models. Collectively, these findings indicate E35 constitutes a novel therapeutic candidate for AL, potentially targeting leukemia stem and progenitor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being the largest extant amphibian in the world, the IUCN Critically Endangered Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus is a charismatic species with great international public interest. While threats such as commercial overexploitation and habitat degradation have been extensively documented to affect natural populations of A. davidianus, still no information is available about the species sensitivity to climate change.Here, we develop an ensemble of species distribution models (SDMs) for A. davidianus and projected its habitat suitability under present‐day and future climate change scenarios. We based our SDMs on bioclimatic and topographic predictors, and recent (2012–2018) field‐collected occurrence data across the whole distribution range of the species.The ensemble SDMs exhibited good predictive capacity and suggested that slope, maximum temperature of warmest month, precipitation of driest month, and isothermality are the most influential predictors in determining distribution patterns in this species. The projections of our models point to a pronounced impact of climate changes over A. davidianus, with more than two‐thirds of its suitable range expected to be lost in all scenarios of future climates tested.In concert with the numerous other threats that are affecting this species, climate change poses a serious hindrance to the long‐term survival of A. davidianus. We emphasise the urgent need of undertaking strict measures to manage this species and safeguard the few remaining available suitable habitats. We suggest that adaptive management strategies including designation of new reserves should be considered to mitigate the impacts of climate change on A. davidianus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thanks to the synthetic biology, the laborious and restrictive procedure for producing a target protein in living microorganisms by biotechnological approaches can now experience a robust, pliant yet efficient alternative. The new system combined with lab‐on‐chip microfluidic devices and nanotechnology offers a tremendous potential envisioning novel cell‐free formats such as DNA brushes, hydrogels, vesicular particles, droplets, as well as solid surfaces. Acting as robust microreactors/microcompartments/minimal cells, the new platforms can be tuned to perform various tasks in a parallel and integrated manner encompassing gene expression, protein synthesis, purification, detection, and finally enabling cell‐cell signaling to bring a collective cell behavior, such as directing differentiation process, characteristics of higher order entities, and beyond. In this review, we issue an update on recent cell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS) formats. Furthermore, the latest advances and applications of CFPS for synthetic biology and biotechnology are highlighted. In the end, contemporary challenges and future opportunities of CFPS systems are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The atmospheric moisture transport processes are of great importance to the occurrence and intensity of precipitation extremes. In this paper, we review the linkage between processes, including the large‐scale atmospheric circulation, atmospheric moisture transport, and extreme precipitation events. We first summarize the thermodynamic and dynamic processes and moisture transport trackings for historical precipitation extremes. We then focus on the contribution of three major atmospheric moisture transport pathways, that is, atmospheric rivers, low‐level jets, and tropical cyclones, to the occurrence and intensity of regional precipitation extremes. Studies on large‐scale atmospheric circulation driving water vapor transport for precipitation extremes over East Asia and North America were specifically reviewed for the understanding of physical mechanisms and predictability of moisture transport and extreme precipitation events. We then pay more attention to the effects of global warming on atmospheric moisture transport, and thus regional precipitation extremes from the perspectives of thermodynamic and dynamic changes of the atmosphere. In the end, we summarize future research challenges on the physical mechanisms of atmospheric moisture transport that are associated with regional precipitation extremes, especially under a warming climate. This article is categorized under: Science of Water > Water ExtremesScience of Water > Hydrological Processes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the population ages, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to well‐being in the elderly. The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of research on well‐being among elderly people conducted particularly within the framework of self‐determination theory and, more precisely, to study the relationships among basic psychological need satisfaction, motivation, and well‐being. Therefore, a systematic search of the literature was conducted using the databases PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Academic Onefile, MEDLINE, Science Direct, and ERIC to find studies published in English and French. China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was used to find studies published in Chinese. Ultimately, 23 studies (mainly from the United States, Canada, and Europe; no studies published in China were found) in the field of aging were used for the systematic analysis, 17 of which were used for the meta‐analysis. The results reported in these publications are relatively congruent with the idea that basic psychological need satisfaction and motivation (autonomous types) are positively associated with positive indicators of well‐being (meaning in life, life satisfaction, positive affect, self‐esteem, etc.) and negatively associated with negative indicators of well‐being (depression, apathy, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the subsidence characteristics, temporal–spatial variation, and their controlling factors of the Pearl River Mouth Basin, we have calculated and mapped 34 wells' subsidence via 1‐D backstripping method, from which 12 typical wells have been selected as a sample to compare. Three typical profiles also have been chosen to compile subsidence evolution profiles by 2‐D backstripping method. All wells were synthesized as the holistic subsidence of the whole basin. The results indicate that the holistic subsidence of the basin can be divided into three episodes: The first one was Eocene with the mean total subsidence rate of 85 m/Ma; the second episode was from Oligocene to Middle Miocene with the mean total subsidence rate of 146 m/Ma; and the third episode was from Late Miocene up to present, and its mean total subsidence rate was 104 m/Ma. It is a common phenomenon that variation of subsidence and evolution existing in different units during the same period as well as different periods in the same unit. According to the distribution of subsidence rate in the plane, the basin can be divided into three zones from east to west and several belts in the same zone from north to south for each period. The variant change of subsidence evolution is related to the phase of basin evolution and structural characteristics. The holistic subsidence of the whole basin is controlled by basin dynamics, and the temporal–spatial variation of subsidence is affected by both basin dynamics and structural framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The known mode of action of isoniazid (INH) is to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis following activation by the bacterial catalase-peroxidase enzyme KatG in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). This simplistic model fails to explain (a) how isoniazid penetrates waxy granulomas with its very low lipophilicity, (b) how isoniazid kills latent Mtb lacking a typical cell wall, and (c) why isoniazid treatment time is remarkably long in contrast to most other antibiotics. To address these questions, a novel comprehensive mode of action of isoniazid has been proposed here. Briefly, isoniazid eradicates latent tuberculosis (TB) by prompting slow differentiation of pro-inflammatory monocytes and providing protection against reactive species-induced "self-necrosis" of phagocytes. In the case of active TB, different immune cells form INH-NAD+ adducts to inhibit Mtb's cell wall biosynthesis. This additionally suggests that the antibacterial properties of INH do not rely on KatG of Mtb. As such, isoniazid-resistant TB needs to be re-evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates basin and regional‐scale eddy (turbulent)‐induced heat and salt transport associated with mesoscale eddies of the Bay of Bengal (BOB). A high level of eddy‐induced transport is found in four subregions: the western boundary of the northern BOB (NB), the western BOB (WB), the southwestern BOB near Sri Lanka (SWB), and the southeastern BOB (SEB). The main seasons for eddy‐induced heat transport in the NB and SWB are identified as the presummer (March to April) and summer monsoon (May to September) seasons, whereas the postsummer monsoon season (October to November) is the main season for the WB and SEB. It is found that not only meridional but also zonal eddy‐induced transport is significant, due to the semienclosed nature of the BOB, which restricts poleward transport in the northern part of the bay. An analysis of upper‐layer eddy energetics reveals that the main contributor to the increased eddy kinetic energy and thus the transport is baroclinic instability in the NB, SWB, and WB, while both barotropic and baroclinic instability are important in the SEB. Using a 2.5‐layer reduced gravity model, baroclinic instability in the NB, SWB, and SEB is further investigated. The results reveal that strong vertical velocity shear and weak stratification are essential for generating baroclinic instability, which enhances the seasonal eddy‐induced transport in the respective subregions. Plain Language Summary: We estimate eddy‐induced heat and salt transport in the Bay of Bengal basin to understand the general characteristics and the key process determining their spatial and seasonal distribution. A linear stability analysis of eddy energetics demonstrates that weak stratification and strong vertical velocity shear generated by the strengthening of mean zonal currents intensify baroclinic instability and enhance the eddy‐induced transport. In addition, it is found that the local wind‐stress curl and remote forcing from the equator partly contribute to the seasonal modulation of eddy‐induced heat transport. Key Points: Baroclinic instability controls the seasonal variation of eddy kinetic energy in the western boundary of the Bay of BengalThe strengthening of mean currents intensifies baroclinic instability and enhances seasonal eddy‐induced transportsEddies associated with local and remote forcing play an important role in the heat and salt transport in the Bay of Bengal [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysfunction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) may contribute to certain immune‐related pregnancy complications. Forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) is the key transcription factor of Treg. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the possible association between FOXP3 polymorphisms −924A/G (rs2232365) and −3279C/A (rs3761548) and immune‐related pregnancy complications. After reviewing 78 fully published studies, 10 studies fulfilled previously defined eligibility criteria and were used for meta‐analysis. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms showed a significant correlation with increased or reduced risk for immune‐related pregnancy complications. For rs3761548, women with allele A were significantly at a higher risk than women carrying allele C (odds ratio = 1.29, 95% confidence interval: 1.20–1.38; p = 0.001). For rs2232365, women with GG or AG genotype were at a higher risk than women with genotype AA, thereby, allele G was significantly associated with a higher risk than allele A. Our meta‐analysis supports the notion that immune‐related pregnancy complications might be linked to genetic variations in the FOXP3 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H‐type aluminosilicate zeolites are extensively used as solid‐acid catalysts and support materials in industrial catalysis. However, the conventional synthesis methods involving hydrothermal syntheses and ion‐exchange processes suffer from severe water pollution and toxic gas emissions. Herein, H‐type MFI zeolite catalysts with a unique stacked structure were directly synthesized in the presence of NH4F and with the help of zeolite confinement through a solvent‐free route without further ion‐exchange procedures. A range of ex situ and in situ characterization procedures were used to provide evidence of the simultaneous use of pre‐made ZSM‐5 and NH4F as a confined Al source and mineralizer, respectively. The confined zeolite framework of ZSM‐5 prevented the formation of AlFx species between NH4F and Al atoms, ensuring that the prepared samples had desirable acidic properties. Moreover, the resulting morphology could be controlled by using different silica substrates. The obtained H‐type MFI zeolites showed excellent catalytic performance in methanol‐to‐gasoline reactions owing to their unique structure and directly exposed acidic sites. The developed one‐pot strategy provides an alternative method for the facile synthesis of H‐type zeolites with defined morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]