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We use seismic ambient noise recorded by dense ocean bottom nodes (OBNs) in the Gorgon gas field, Western Australia, to compute time‐lapse seafloor models of shear‐wave velocity. The extracted hourly cross‐correlation (CC) functions in the frequency band 0.1–1 Hz contain mainly Scholte waves with very high signal‐to‐noise ratio. We observe temporal velocity variations (dv/v) at the order of 0.1% with a peak velocity change of 0.8% averaged from all station pairs, from the conventional time‐lapse analysis with the assumption of a spatially homogeneous dv/v. With a high‐resolution reference (baseline) model from full waveform inversion of Scholte waves, we present an elastic wave equation based double‐difference inversion (EW‐DD) method, using arrival time differences between the reference and time‐lapsed Scholte waves, for mapping temporally varying dv/v in the heterogeneous subsurface. The time‐lapse velocity models reveal increasing/decreasing patterns of shear‐wave velocity in agreement with those from the conventional analysis. The velocity variation exhibits a ∼24‐hr cycling pattern, which appears to be inversely correlated with the diurnal variations in sea level height, possibly associated with dilatant effects for porous, low‐velocity shallow seafloor and rising pore pressure with higher sea level. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using dense passive seismic surveys and wave‐equation time‐lapse inversion for quantitative monitoring of subsurface property changes in the horizontal and depth domain. Plain Language Summary: Unlike seismic waves generated by earthquakes or human‐made sources, seismic ambient noise (passive seismic) is the ubiquitous background vibration of the solid Earth recorded by seismic sensors. We use seismic interferometry to extract Scholte waves at hourly intervals from ambient noise data collected by dense ocean bottom nodes. Scholte waves travel along the interface between the ocean and the seafloor. This workflow facilitates continuous passive monitoring of the seafloor, without using human‐made seismic sources. Conventional passive monitoring techniques usually assume a spatially homogeneous relative velocity changes. With this assumption, the waveform differences on the extracted Scholte waves reveal temporal variations in the velocity of shear waves up to 0.8%. The velocity variation in this study exhibits a ∼24‐hr cycling pattern, which seems inversely correlated with diurnal variations in sea level height, possibly associated with dilatant effects for porous, low‐velocity shallow seafloor and rising pore pressure with high sea level. Furthermore, we push the limits of passive monitoring with advanced wave‐equation based inversion technique, allowing us to mapping the velocity change into detailed spatial distribution. Therefore we not only infer how velocity changes in time, but also provide insights on where the velocity changes occur in 3‐D beneath the seabed. Key Points: We present a method for space‐time monitoring of subsurface velocity changes in the horizontal and depth domain using seismic ambient noiseWe compute time‐lapse images of seafloor seismic velocity and observe diurnal shear‐wave velocity changes up to 0.8%The wave‐equation based method is suitable for 4‐D subsurface passive monitoring using dense seismic arrays [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered noble metal nanomaterials (NMN) possess adjustable optical, electrical, and biocompatible properties that make them excellent tools for probing the nano‐bio‐interface. Understanding their interactions with biomolecules, cells, and tissues at the nano‐bio‐interface is crucial in designing these nanomaterials for biomedical applications. This review summarizes the structure, properties, synthesis, and passivation methods of noble metal nanoparticles, as well as the construction strategy and detection technology of the nano‐bio‐interface to provide important information about their uptake, distribution, metabolism, and degradation in vivo and in vitro. The related action mechanisms include the kinetic and thermodynamic processes of the nano‐bio‐interface, the driving forces for its formation, and the chemical reactions at the nano‐bio‐interface. By exploring the action mechanism of the nano‐bio‐interface, the antibacterial properties and cytotoxicity of NMN could be better understood, and open up more extensive biological applications. Finally, the future trends of NMNs in the biological field and the challenges encountered in realizing these technologies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing N use efficiency (NUE) is desirable in turfgrass management. Traditional definition of NUE in turfgrass is essentially the inverse of nitrogen concentration in the clippings and is often evaluated once in a growing season. In this experiment, we followed the Brenderse and Aerts' definition of NUE as the product of mean residence time (MRT) and nitrogen productivity (NP). The objective of this experiment was to identify NP changes over time in Kentucky bluegrass cultivars at different N levels under deficit irrigation. Nine Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and two hybrid bluegrass cultivars from 10 phenotypic classes were tested under N rates of 10 and 40 g m−2. Deficit irrigation at 60% of the evapotranspiration was imposed. The results showed interaction effects on NP from N level, irrigation, and cultivar. Low‐N treatment resulted in higher NP values as compared to high‐N for 'Merit' and 'Martha'. No NP difference existed between N or irrigation levels for 'Blue ghost', 'Geronimo', 'Heidi', 'Bandera', 'Impact', 'Fielder', 'Jackrabbit', and 'Park'. 'Rhythm' showed lower NP values in high‐N combined with full irrigation compared to other treatments. In general, increasing N levels resulted in lower NP, but higher nitrate reductase activity (NaR) and higher net photosynthesis. No N by irrigation interaction effect was detected for effective quantum yield or NaR. In conclusion, leaf‐level NP was shown to be an effective parameter for in‐season monitoring of the above‐ground NUE of Kentucky bluegrass, which provided more dynamic information than clipping yields or a one‐time NUE calculation based on traditional definition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly efficient blue quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) are still a challenge for displays and solid‐state lighting due to light trapping in a device. Herein, an internal diffraction wrinkle pattern is used to demonstrate a spectrum‐independent enhancement strategy for light out‐coupling. The optimized device with wrinkle pattern shows a peak external quantum efficiency of 15.25% and a maximum luminance of 13 134 cd m−2, and the enhancement of those is 23% and 28%, respectively. The improvement of device performance can be attributed to the extraction of waveguide light by the internal wrinkle pattern used as a diffraction grating. Moreover, simulation also shows that wrinkle pattern is an attractive option to improve the performances of blue QLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elucidation of species diversity and distribution is critical within the fields of evolution, genetics, and conservation. The genus Sibynophis contains rare snakes that have historically received little attention. In this study, we conducted comprehensive sampling and use both mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers to explore Sibynophis species diversity within China. Our findings revealed that S. c. miyiensis should be considered synonymous with S. c. grahami, and S. c. grahami should be gave a specific rank as S. grahami. In addition, we discovered S. triangularis was new to China and Myanmar. Based on the specimens and molecular phylogeny results, we redefined the species distribution boundaries of each Chinese species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn‐air battery is a promising next‐generation energy storage device. Its performance, however, is limited by a high overpotential resulted from the slow kinetics of the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This study reports a simple strategy for preparation of a fluorine‐doped Co−N−C composite as highly efficient electrocatalyst for ORR. The C@PVI‐(TPFC)Co‐800 catalyst was prepared by pyrolysis of F‐containing Co‐corrole that was assembled on PVI‐functionalized carbon black through the axial imidazole coordination (PVI=polyvinylimidazole, TPFC=5,10,15‐triperfluorophenyl‐21H, 22H‐corrole). The C@PVI‐(TPFC)Co‐800 catalyst exhibited much more positive ORR half‐wave potential (E1/2=0.88 V vs. RHE) than its counterpart C@PVI‐(TPC)Co‐800 (E1/2=0.82 V, TPC=5,10,15‐triphenyl‐21H, 22H‐corrole) without F‐doping in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte. C@PVI‐(TPFC)Co‐800 also achieved a greater kinetic current density and enhanced durability in alkaline media. In addition, a Zn‐air battery with C@PVI‐(TPFC)Co‐800 loaded at the cathode delivered much higher peak power density (Pmax=141 mW/cm2) and open‐circuit voltage (OCV=1.45 V) over the C@PVI‐(TPC)Co‐800 counterpart (Pmax=110 mW/cm2, OCV=1.39 V) and the commercial 20 % Pt/C (Pmax=119 mW/cm2, OCV=1.42 V) as well. The promoted catalyst performance for ORR was attributed to the increased specific surface area, more defects generated, and reduced electron density distribution around the Co metal center after F‐doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the survival prediction value of lymph node ratio (LNR) and preoperative thyroglobulin (Tg) in the prognosis of thyroid papillary carcinoma (PTC). Methods: A total of 495 patients with PTC and lymph node metastasis treated at the Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were selected for a retrospective study. The disease‐free survival (DFS) of patients was the follow‐up endpoint. DFS was calculated for all patients. The Cox proportional risk regression model and nomogram were used to predict the survival prognosis of PTC with lymph node metastasis by index. LNR and preoperative Tg level cutoff values were obtained using ROC curves. To express DFS, Kaplan–Meier survival curves were created. Using 3‐ and 5‐year calibration curves and AUC values, the prognostic models' precision and discrimination were assessed. Clinical decision curve analysis was used to forecast clinical benefitability. Finally, the results were validated using internal cross‐validation. Results: The cutoff values of LNR and preoperative Tg level were 0.295 and 50.24, respectively, and they were divided into two groups according to the cutoff values. Multifactorial Cox regression models showed that NLNM, LNR, and preoperative Tg level (all p < 0.05) were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of PTC with lymph node metastasis. Kaplan–Meier curves showed higher DFS rates in the group with low NLNM (<10), LNR (<0.295), and preoperative Tg level (<50.24) groups. The 3‐year and 5‐year calibration curves showed good agreement. A ROC curve analysis was performed on the nomogram model, and its AUC values at 3 and 5 years were, respectively, 0.805 and 0.793. Clinical decision curves indicate good clinical benefit. Finally, internal cross‐validation demonstrated the legitimacy of the prognostic model. Conclusion: The LNR and preoperative Tg levels, in combination with other independent factors, were effective in predicting the survival prognosis for patients with PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: High yield and stress resistance are the major prerequisites for successful crop cultivation, and can be achieved by modifying plant architecture. Evolutionarily conserved growth‐regulating factors (GRFs) control the growth of different tissues and organs of plants. Here, we provide a systematic overview of the expression patterns of GRF genes and the structural features of GRF proteins in different plant species. Moreover, we illustrate the conserved and divergent roles of GRFs, microRNA396 (miR396), and GRF‐interacting factors (GIFs) in leaf, root, and flower development. We also describe the molecular networks involving the miR396–GRF–GIF module, and illustrate how this module coordinates with different signaling molecules and transcriptional regulators to control development of different plant species. GRFs promote leaf growth, accelerate grain filling, and increase grain size and weight. We also provide some molecular insight into how coordination between GRFs and other signaling modules enhances crop productivity; for instance, how the GRF–DELLA interaction confers yield‐enhancing dwarfism while increasing grain yield. Finally, we discuss how the GRF‐GIF chimera substantially improves plant transformation efficiency by accelerating shoot formation. Overall, we systematically review the conserved and divergent roles of GRFs and the miR396–GRF–GIF module in growth regulation, and also provide insights into how GRFs can be utilized to improve the productivity and nutrient content of crop plants. Significance Statement: Growth‐regulating factors (GRFs) are evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that control the growth of tissues and organs in different plant species. Our work systematically reviews the conserved and divergent roles of GRFs and the miR396–GRF/GIF module in growth regulation and stress adaptation and also provides insights into how GRFs can be utilized to improve crop yield, stress resistance, and nutrient content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We tried to show the effect of sinomenine (SIN) in diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) and the related underlying mechanism. Methods: Network pharmacological analysis and bioinformatics analysis were carried out for identification of the active ingredients of Sinomenium acutum and the related genes. The DPNP rat model was constructed and primary rat spinal cord microglial cells were isolated for in vitro cell experiments. The therapeutic role of SIN in DPNP was determined in vivo and in vitro through analysis of microglial cell activation and inflammatory response. Results: Therapeutic role of S. acutum in DPNP was mainly achieved by regulating 14 key genes, among which the target gene prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) of SIN might be the key gene. An in vivo experiment showed that SIN inactivated the inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 alpha–X‐box binding protein 1 pathway by downregulating PTGS2, which relieved pain symptoms in DPNP rats. It was confirmed in vivo that SIN inhibited the pathway through PTGS2 to alleviate the activation of spinal cord microglial cells and inflammatory response. Conclusion: SIN decreases the expression of PTGS2 to inactivate the inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 alpha–X‐box binding protein 1 signaling pathway, which inhibits microglial activation, as well as the release of inflammatory factors, thus alleviating DPNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crustal thickness plays a key role in many geological processes. However, it remains challenging to quantify crustal thickness in the geological past. Here we propose an Extremely Randomized Trees algorithm‐based machine learning model to recover crustal thickness of old geological regions. The model is trained using major oxide and trace element compositions of 1,480 young intermediate to felsic rocks from global arcs and collisional orogens and geophysical measurements of crustal thickness. The model provides better estimations of crustal thickness than the commonly used methods based on Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N when applied to the testing data. The validity of this model is further demonstrated by its applications to the Kohistan–Ladakh, Gangdese and Talkeetna arcs, where paleocrustal thicknesses have been well constrained. We then use this model to construct the Mesozoic crustal thickness evolution of the Erguna Block in the southeast of the Mongol–Okhotsk suture belt. The closure time of the suture zone is still debated. Our results suggest that the crustal thickness of the Erguna Block increased from 43 ± 9 km at 210 Ma to 62 ± 7 km at 180 Ma, remained constant between 180 and 150 Ma, and then thinned to 36 ± 4 km at 120 Ma. These results suggest that the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean closed in the Early–Middle Jurassic and the thickened crust was stretched during the Cretaceous. We show that the thick crust and compression‐extension transition seem to be favorable for the formation of porphyry copper deposits in the Erguna Block during the Late Jurassic. Plain Language Summary: Crustal thickness influences surface processes, magmatic compositions, formation of porphyry deposits, and regional lithospheric strength and stress regime, and its evolution may track tectonic paradigm changes. Although present crustal thickness can be detected by geophysical methods, it is more difficult to quantify crustal thickness in the geological past. We propose a machine learning model that is trained with major oxide and trace element compositions of magmatic rocks to quantify crustal thickness. The performance of our machine learning model on the testing data and several collisional zones shows that it provides a better crustal thickness estimate than the widely used Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N methods. As a case study, we apply this model to the Mesozoic magmatic belt in the Erguna Block southeast of the Mongol–Okhotsk suture in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, and suggest that the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean closed at ∼180 Ma. Key Points: The machine learning model provides better estimations of crustal thickness than the commonly used methods based on Sr/Y and (La/Yb)NThe reconstructed crustal thicknesses of the Kohistan–Ladakh, Talkeetna and Gangdese arcs are consistent with previous studiesThe crustal thickness evolution of Erguna Block suggests Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean closed at ∼180 Ma [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superconductivity becomes more interesting when it encounters dimensional constraint or topology because it is of importance for exploring exotic quantum phenomena or developing superconducting electronics. Here, the coexistence of naturally formed surface superconducting state and 3D topological Dirac state in single crystals of BaMg2Bi2 is reported. The electronic structure obtained from the first‐principles calculations demonstrates that BaMg2Bi2 is an ideal Dirac material, in which the Dirac point is very close to the Fermi level and no other energy band crosses the Fermi level. Superconductivity up to 4.77−−5.17 K can be observed under ambient pressure in the measurements of resistivity. The anisotropic upper critical field and angle dependent magnetoresistance reveals the 2D characteristic of superconductivity, indicating that superconductivity occurs on the surface of the sample and is absent in the bulk state. The study not only provides BaMg2Bi2 as a suitable platform to study the interplay between superconductivity and topological Dirac state but also indicates that MgBi‐based materials may be a promising system for exploring new superconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimized approach to producing lattice‐matched heterointerfaces for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution has not yet been reported. Herein, we present the synthesis of lattice‐matched Mo2C−Mo2N heterostructures using a gradient heating epitaxial growth method. The well lattice‐matched heterointerface of Mo2C−Mo2N generates near‐zero hydrogen‐adsorption free energy and facilitates water dissociation in acid and alkaline media. The lattice‐matched Mo2C−Mo2N heterostructures have low overpotentials of 73 mV and 80 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in acid and alkaline solutions, respectively, comparable to commercial Pt/C. A novel photothermal‐electrocatalytic water vapor splitting device using the lattice‐matched Mo2C−Mo2N heterostructure as a hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst displays a competitive cell voltage for electrocatalytic water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimized approach to producing lattice‐matched heterointerfaces for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution has not yet been reported. Herein, we present the synthesis of lattice‐matched Mo2C−Mo2N heterostructures using a gradient heating epitaxial growth method. The well lattice‐matched heterointerface of Mo2C−Mo2N generates near‐zero hydrogen‐adsorption free energy and facilitates water dissociation in acid and alkaline media. The lattice‐matched Mo2C−Mo2N heterostructures have low overpotentials of 73 mV and 80 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in acid and alkaline solutions, respectively, comparable to commercial Pt/C. A novel photothermal‐electrocatalytic water vapor splitting device using the lattice‐matched Mo2C−Mo2N heterostructure as a hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst displays a competitive cell voltage for electrocatalytic water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, the scaled‐up manufacturing and efficient drug loading of exosomes are two existing challenges limiting the clinical translation of exosome‐based drug delivery. Herein, a facile magnetic extrusion method is developed for preparing endosome‐derived vesicles, also known as exosome mimetics (EMs), which share the same biological origin and similar morphology, composition, and biofunctions with native exosomes. The high yield and consistency of this magnetic extrusion method help to overcome the manufacturing bottleneck in exosome research. Moreover, the proposed standardized multi‐step method readily facilitates the ammonium sulfate gradient approach to actively load chemodrugs such as doxorubicin into EMs. The engineered EMs developed and tested here exhibit comparable drug delivery properties as do native exosomes, and potently inhibit tumor growth by delivering doxorubicin in an orthotopic breast tumor model. These findings demonstrate that EMs can be prepared in a facile and scaled‐up manner as a promising biological nanomedicine for cancer drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective isolation of phosphoproteins is of great significance in biological applications. Herein, titanium dioxide‐functionalized dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles are prepared via a post‐grafting method for selective capture of phosphoproteins. The fabricated nanoparticles possess a unique central‐radial pore structure with a surface area of 666.66 m2/g and a pore size of 22.2 nm. The high‐binding affinity of TiO2 with the phosphate groups facilitates the selective adsorption of phosphoproteins. Moreover, the open central‐radial pore structure endows the dendritic mesoporous nanoparticles with better adsorption performance toward phosphoproteins with respect to the commercial titanium dioxide nanoparticles and titanium dioxide‐functionalized conventional mesoporous silica nanoparticles by providing more accessible affinity sites. At pH 2, an adsorption capacity of 157.2 mg/g is derived for β‐casein. The feasibility of the as‐prepared dendritic material in real biological sample assay is demonstrated by the selective isolation of phosphoproteins from defatted milk, as illustrated by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psocodean species are emerging as significant sanitary and stored‐product pests, posing threats to human health and global food security. Out of an estimated 10 000 species, the whole genome sequences of only 4 species have been published. Genomic resources are crucial for establishing effective pest control and enhancing our understanding of the evolution of psocodean species. In this study, we employed Illumina and PacBio sequencing along with Hi‐C scaffolding techniques to generate a chromosome‐level genome assembly for the parthenogenetic booklouse Liposcelis bostrychophila. The assembled genome of this booklouse measures 291.67 Mb in length and comprises 9 chromosomes. Notably, the genome of L. bostrychophila exhibits a high level of heterozygosity and features a distinctive nonhomologous chromosome. This heterozygous characteristic of the parthenogenetic booklouse genome may arise from high mutation rates, based on genomic variations analysis across multiple generations. Our analysis revealed significantly expanded gene families, primarily associated with the detoxification and feeding habits of L. bostrychophila. These include integument esterases (ESTs), ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes and gustatory receptors (GRs). The high‐quality genome sequence of L. bostrychophila provides valuable resources for further study on the molecular mechanisms of stress resistance. It enables researchers to identify crucial functional genes and facilitates research on the population genetics, evolution and phylogeny of booklice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to comprehensively explore the nutrition and gait of AD patients at different stages and the relationship between them. Methods: A total of 85 AD patients were consecutively enrolled in this cross‐sectional study and divided into the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD (AD‐MCI) and the dementia due to AD (AD‐D) groups. Demographic information, nutritional status, and gait performance were compared between the two groups, and the correlation between nutritional status and gait performance was subsequently analyzed by Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses. Results: The AD‐D group had lower scores on Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and MNAm scales, lower levels of urea nitrogen, folic acid, and vitamin B12 in blood, and higher homocysteine level than those in the AD‐MCI group (all p < 0.05). The AD‐D group had slower step speed, shorter step length, and shorter stride length than those in the AD‐MCI group (all p < 0.05). AD patients with decreased scores of MNA and MNAm scales, and declined levels of urea nitrogen and vitamin B12 in blood had reduced gait speed and gait cadence, and prolonged step length time and stride length time, whereas homocysteine showed the almost opposite results (all p < 0.05). In the AD‐MCI group, the score of scale was negatively correlated with the coefficient of variation (CV) of stride length, and the folic acid level was negatively correlated with the CV of stride length and cadence (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: AD patients at the dementia stage had worse nutritional status and gait performance than those at the MCI stage, which was associated with worse global cognition and activities of daily living. Poorer nutritional status was associated with higher gait variability in patients at the MCI stage and with poorer gait performance in patients at the dementia stage. Early identification and intervention of patients with nutritional risk or malnutrition may improve gait performance, thus reducing the risk of falling and cognitive decline, as well as the mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic water splitting coupled with the production of highly value‐added organic chemicals is of significant importance, which represents a very promising pathway for transforming green solar energy into chemical energy. Herein, we report a composite photocatalyst CdIn2S4@MIL‐53‐SO3Ni1/2, which is highly efficient on prompting water splitting for the production of H2 in the reduction half‐reaction and selective oxidation of organic molecules for the production of highly value‐added organic chemicals in the oxidation half‐reaction under visible light irradiation. The superior photocatalytic properties of the composite photocatalyst CdIn2S4@MIL‐53‐SO3Ni1/2 should be ascribed to coating suspended ion catalyst (SIC), consisting of redox‐active NiII ions in the anionic pores of coordination network MIL‐53‐SO3−, on the surface of photoactive CdIn2S4, which endows photogenerated electron‐hole pairs separate more efficiently for high rate production of H2 and selective production of highly value‐added organic products, demonstrating great potential for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including the lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) subtypes, is a malignant tumor type with a poor 5‐year survival rate. The identification of new powerful diagnostic biomarkers, prognostic biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets in NSCLC is urgently required. Methods: The UCSC Xena, UALCAN, and GEO databases were used to screen and analyze differentially expressed genes, regulatory modes, and genetic/epigenetic alterations in NSCLC. The UCSC Xena database, GEO database, tissue microarray, and immunohistochemistry staining analyses were used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic values. Gain‐of‐function assays were performed to examine the roles. The ESTIMATE, TIMER, Linked Omics, STRING, and DAVID algorithms were used to analyze potential molecular mechanisms. Results: NR3C2 was identified as a potentially important molecule in NSCLC. NR3C2 is expressed at low levels in NSCLC, LUAD, and LUSC tissues, which is significantly related to the clinical indexes of these patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggests that the altered NR3C2 expression patterns have diagnostic value in NSCLC, LUAD, and especially LUSC patients. Decreased NR3C2 expression levels can help predict poor prognosis in NSCLC and LUAD patients but not in LUSC patients. These results have been confirmed both with database analysis and real‐world clinical samples on a tissue microarray. Copy number variation contributes to low NR3C2 expression levels in NSCLC and LUAD, while promoter DNA methylation is involved in its downregulation in LUSC. Two NR3C2 promoter methylation sites have high sensitivity and specificity for LUSC diagnosis with clinical application potential. NR3C2 may be a key participant in NSCLC development and progression and is closely associated with the tumor microenvironment and immune cell infiltration. NR3C2 co‐expressed genes are involved in many cancer‐related signaling pathways, further supporting a potentially significant role of NR3C2 in NSCLC. Conclusions: NR3C2 is a novel potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune cells have an uncertain function during the progression of extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (ENKTL). The present study determined the distribution, phenotype, and clinical significance of B lymphocytes in ENKTL. Immunohistochemistry indicated high infiltration of CD20+ B lymphocytes in the tumour tissues of 40% of the patients, and that a high infiltration correlated with better overall survival. Moreover, B lymphocytes had an active mature phenotype in situ and suppressed the proliferation of ENKTL cells in vitro. These results suggest that tumour infiltration of CD20+ B lymphocytes may be a new prognostic indicator for patients with ENKTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the roles of apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 on the neuropathology and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Methods: AD patients were divided into the APOE ε4 carrier and the APOE ε4 non‐carrier groups according to APOE genotype. Demographic information, cognitive function, the levels of neuropathological proteins and neuroinflammatory factors in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were compared between the two groups, and their correlations were subsequently analyzed. Results: β amyloid protein (Aβ)1–42 level from the APOE ε4 carrier group was significantly lower than that from the non‐carrier group (p = 0.023), which was associated with worse cognitive function. The nitric oxide (NO) level was significantly elevated in the APOE ε4 carrier group compared to the non‐carrier group (p = 0.016), which was significantly and positively correlated with the Trail Making Test (TMT)‐A‐time (r = 0.21, p = 0.026) and TMT‐B‐time (r = 0.38, p < 0.01). Conclusion: APOE ε4 is associated with poorer cognition, particularly the early symptoms of memory, language, and attention. APOE ε4 is associated with lower Aβ1–42 level, and the more numbers of APOE ε4 are carried, the lower level of Aβ1–42 is measured. APOE ε4 is associated with elevated NO level, which is linked to the impaired attention and executive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific plate is widely credited for the destruction of the eastern North China Craton. However, how the Pacific plate subduction has affected the off‐craton lithospheric mantle in northeastern China is less clear, as few studies have focused on the lithospheric mantle‐derived xenoliths in that region. We report petrography, mineral and rock chemistry, and in situ isotopic compositions of Sr in clinopyroxene and O in olivine for 20 peridotite and 11 pyroxenite xenoliths hosted by the Cenozoic volcanic rocks at Jiaohe and Shuangliao localities. The peridotites include lherzolites, harzburgites, and a wehrlite, many are metasomatized. Group 1 garnet pyroxenites have high Al2O3, Ni, and Mg#; positive Eu and Sr anomalies; and olivine δ18O values of 4.8–5.1‰, which we attribute to recycling of oceanic crustal components to the asthenosphere and their reactions with host peridotites. Groups 2 and 3 pyroxenites are garnet‐free and contain peridotite‐like pyroxenes; we argue that they were formed by reactions of lithospheric peridotites with evolved melts derived from recycled oceanic crust. In addition, one pyroxenite contains orthopyroxene surrounded by fine‐grained olivine and clinopyroxene, while another pyroxenite and the wehrlite contain zoned clinopyroxene with gradual increases in Na2O, (La/Yb)N, Sr, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios and decreases in Ti/Eu from core to rim. These characteristics record infiltration of a carbonatite melt shortly before the transport of the xenoliths. The inferred carbonatite melt has 87Sr/86Sr ≥ 0.70415 and mantle‐like olivine δ18O and originated from carbonated asthenosphere. Our results, together with previous studies on the host basalts, suggest that subducted crustal materials were initially transported to the asthenosphere beneath northeastern China to produce carbonate‐bearing domains. Upwelling of the carbonated asthenosphere produced carbonatite melts that migrated upward and metasomatized the overlying lithospheric mantle. Key Points: Pyroxenites from northeastern China formed by reactions of peridotites with recycled oceanic crust‐derived silicate meltsInfiltration of carbonated asthenosphere‐derived carbonatite melts into the lithospheric mantle produced wehrliteUpwelling of asthenosphere was the major factor in the evolution of the lithospheric mantle beneath northeastern China [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lithospheric mantle beneath the Xing'an Massif (XM), northeast China, was formed at the Paleoproterozoic or even earlier, but its thermal state and structure remain poorly understood. To address this issue, we calculate pressure–temperature (P–T) arrays for mantle xenoliths entrained by Cenozoic basalts from the XM, using major‐element‐based and rare earth element (REE)‐based two‐pyroxene thermometry as well as single clinopyroxene barometry. Samples (include spinel or garnet lherzolites and harzburgites, dunite and pyroxenite) come from the Keluo, Nuomin, and Aershan regions, which are located on either side of the North–South Gravity Lineament (NSGL). To the west of the NSGL, in the Nuomin and Aershan regions, mantle xenoliths yield consistent REE‐based and major‐element‐based temperatures, suggesting that these samples were derived from stable thermal conditions. Garnet peridotites from these regions yield pressures of 2.37–3.01 GPa and temperatures of 1066–1303°C, revealing a high geothermal gradient (corresponding to a surface heat flow of 70–80 mW/m2) and a crustal thicknesses of ~37 km. The lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary determined from the intersection of this geotherm with the mantle adiabat occurs at a depth of ~100 km, which is much shallower than the lithospheric thickness calculated by geophysical analyses (140–160 km). This discrepancy may have resulted from locally upwelling hot asthenosphere. Low‐temperature (800–900°C) peridotites from the Nuomin and Aershan are chemically fertile with low olivine Mg# values and high modal clinopyroxene contents. By contrast, high‐temperature (1050–1350°C) peridotites consist mainly of refractory harzburgites or clinopyroxene‐poor lherzolites. These facts reveal that the lithospheric mantle beneath the Nuomin and Aershan regions is characterized by juvenile mantle dominating shallow levels and ancient mantle occurring at greater depths. To the east of the NSGL, some Keluo mantle xenoliths yield higher REE‐based temperatures (839–863°C) than major‐element‐based temperatures (<800°C), indicating cooling by thermal relaxation. This cooling process produced a low geothermal gradient (~45 mW/m2) in the lithosphere beneath the Keluo region. The mantle xenoliths comprise both fertile lherzolites and refractory harzburgites without correlation between mineral compositions and temperatures, suggesting that the lithospheric mantle beneath the Keluo region is characterized by juvenile mantle mixed with ancient mantle at all depths. The results show contrasting thermal state and structure of the lithospheric mantle on either side of the NSGL within the XM, which are attributed to a previous cooling process in the Keluo region and local upwelling of hot asthenosphere beneath the Aershan and Nuomin regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium‐doped diamond‐like carbon (Ti‐DLC) coatings with Ti concentration of 4 at.% (Ti4at.%‐DLC) and 27 at.% (Ti27at.%‐DLC) were prepared by a hybrid ion beam deposition system for comparison. The tribological behaviors of Ti‐DLC coatings under dry friction and boundary lubrication conditions were systematically investigated. Results showed that, under dry friction, the Ti4at.%‐DLC coating displayed lower friction coefficient (0.07) and wear rate due to the continuous transfer film formed in the sliding interface, while Ti27at.%‐DLC coating was worn out at initial stage due to severe abrasive wear. And under boundary lubrication, both the Ti4at.%‐DLC and Ti27at.%‐DLC coatings showed excellent tribological properties attributing to the formation of oil film between sliding interface. In particular, Ti27at.%‐DLC performed the lowest wear rate of 1.12 × 10−16 m3 N−1 m−1 in this friction case. In conclusion, compared with Ti27at.%‐DLC coating, Ti4at.%‐DLC coating exhibited better tribological performances both under dry friction and boundary lubrication. The present result provides guidance for the selection of DLC coatings according to the realistic environment of starved‐oil and rich‐oil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lenglongling fault (LLLF) is located along the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and forms a part of the Tianzhu seismic gap along the Qilian‐Haiyuan fault zone. Little is known about the recurrence of large earthquakes along the LLLF nor the associated seismic hazards of the gap. Here the six most recent surface rupturing paleoearthquakes of the LLLF are revealed by measurement of offset landforms, trench excavations, and radiocarbon dating. They are labeled E1–E6 from youngest to oldest, and their timings are constrained to the following time ranges: 636–498 to present, 2951–1155, 4016–3609, 5325–4476, 7284–6690, and 8483–7989 years BP, respectively. The LLLF displays evidence of fresh, recent surface rupture, and the trench sections reveal that the fault ruptured to the ground surface during the most recent event. Based on this fresh surface rupture and historical earthquake records, the latest event E1 was most likely the 1927 M8.0 Gulang earthquake. In conjunction with previous studies, Gulang earthquake might be a complicated event characterized by the combined rupture of both strike‐slip and thrust faults. The average recurrence interval of the six paleoearthquakes is 1643 ± 568 years, and the coefficient of variation is 0.34, indicating that the LLLF follows a quasiperiodic recurrence model. Based on this new understanding of the last event, the LLLF may not be a part of the Tianzhu seismic gap. However, an earthquake of up to MW7.6 could still rupture the gap sections composed of the Jinqianghe, Maomaoshan, and Laohushan faults. Key Points: Six recent surface rupturing paleoearthquakes of the Lenglongling fault were revealed by trench excavationsThe most recent event of the Lenglongling fault was most likely the 1927 M8.0 Gulang earthquakeThe Lenglongling fault may follow a quasiperiodic recurrence model [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic diaryliodoniums are an important class of high‐valent aromatic iodine reagents for the synthesis of various axially chiral biaryls and biaryl compounds. Moreover, transition‐metal‐catalyzed annulation has been established for the construction of various heterocyclic rings and ladder‐type π‐conjugated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with readily available cyclic diaryliodoniums as the starting materials. As halogen‐bonding donors, cyclic aryliodoniums have been explored as organocatalysts in a variety of organic reactions. In this review, the application progress of cyclic diaryliodoniums has been systematically outlined, which highlights recent developments in the application reactions of cyclic diaryliodoniums, including synthetic application, limitations and reaction mechanisms in representative cascade reactions to provide insights for the development prospects of cyclic diaryliodoniums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the synergism of two couples of antihypertensive drugs (amlodipine + telmisartan and amlodipine + candesartan) on blood pressure reduction in vivo by both SynergyFinder 3.0 and probability sum test. Spontaneously hypertensive rats were treated with intragastric administration of amlodipine (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg), telmisartan (4, 8, and 16 mg/kg), candesartan (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg), nine combinations for amlodipine and telmisartan, and nine combinations for amlodipine and candesartan. The control rats were treated by 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium. Blood pressure was recorded continuously up to 6 h after administration. Both SynergyFinder 3.0 and the probability sum test were used to evaluate the synergistic action. The synergisms calculated by SynergyFinder 3.0 are consistent with the probability sum test both in two different combinations. There is an obviously synergistic interaction between amlodipine and telmisartan or candesartan. The combinations of amlodipine and telmisartan (2 + 4 and 1 + 4 mg/kg) and amlodipine and candesartan (0.5 + 4 and 2 + 1 mg/kg) might exert an optimum synergism against hypertension. Compared with the probability sum test, SynergyFinder 3.0 is more stable and reliable to analyze the synergism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viridovipera stejnegeri is one of the most common pit vipers in Asia, with a wide distribution in southern China and Vietnam. We investigated historical demography and explored how the environment and climatic factors have shaped genetic diversity and the evolutionary history of this venomous snake. A total of 171 samples from 47 localities were sequenced and analysed for two mitochondrial gene fragments and three nuclear genes. Gene trees reveal the existence of two well-supported clades (Southwest China and Southeast China) with seven distinct and strongly supported, geographically structured subclades within V. stejnegeri. Estimation of divergence time and ancestral area suggests that V. stejnegeri originated at ~6.0 Ma in the late Miocene on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. The estimated date of origin and divergence of the island populations of Taiwan and Hainan closely matches the geological origin of the both islands. The mt DNA gene tree reveals the presence of west-east diversification in V. stejnegeri populations. Complex orogenesis and heterogeneous habitats, as well as climate-mediated habitat differentiation including glacial cycles, all have influenced population structure and the distribution of this taxon. The validity of V. stejnegeri chenbihuii is questionable, and this subspecies most probably represents an invalid taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the first in a series wherein efficient computational methods are developed and implemented to accurately quantify the transport, deposition, and clearance of the microsized particles (range of interest: 2 to 10 µm) in the human respiratory tract. In particular, this paper (part I) deals with (i) development of a detailed 3D computational finite volume mesh comprising of the NOPL (nasal, oral, pharyngeal and larynx), trachea and several airway generations; (ii) use of CFD Research Corporation's finite volume Computational Biology (CoBi) flow solver to obtain the flow physics for an oral inhalation simulation; (iii) implement a novel and accurate nodal inverse distance weighted Eulerian-Lagrangian formulation to accurately obtain the deposition, and (iv) development of Wind-Kessel boundary condition algorithm. This new Wind-Kessel boundary condition algorithm allows the 'escaped' particles to reenter the airway through the outlets, thereby to an extent accounting for the drawbacks of having a finite number of lung generations in the computational mesh. The deposition rates in the NOPL, trachea, the first and second bifurcation were computed, and they were in reasonable accord with the Typical Path Length model. The quantitatively validated results indicate that these developments will be useful for (i) obtaining depositions in diseased lungs (because of asthma and COPD), for which there are no empirical models, and (ii) obtaining the secondary clearance (mucociliary clearance) of the deposited particles. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific cochaperonin, chloroplast chaperonin (Cpn)20, consisting of two tandem Gro ES-like domains, is present abundantly in plant and algal chloroplasts, in addition to Cpn10, which is similar in size to Gro ES. How Cpn20 oligomers, containing six or eight 10-kDa domains, cooperate with the heptameric ring of chaperonin at the same time as encountering symmetry mismatch is unclear. In the present study, we characterized the functional cooperation of cochaperonins, including two plastidic Cpn20 homo-oligomers from Arabidopsis (AtCpn20) and Chlamydomonas (Cr CPN20), and one algal Cr CPNs hetero-oligomer, consisting of three cochaperonins, Cr CPN11, Cr CPN20 and Cr CPN23, with two chaperonins, Escherichia coli Gro EL and Chlamydomonas Cr CPN60. AtCpn20 and Cr CPNs were functional for assisting both chaperonins in folding model substrates ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase from Rhodospirillum rubrum (RrRubisco) in vitro and complementing Gro ES function in E. coli. Cr CPN20 cooperated only with Cr CPN60 (and not Gro EL) to refold RrRubisco in vitro and showed differential complementation with the two chaperonins in E. coli. Cochaperonin concatamers, consisting of six to eight covalently linked 10-kDa domains, were functionally similar to their respective native forms. Our results indicate that symmetrical match between chaperonin and cochaperonin is not an absolute requisite for functional cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study aims to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with induced abortion among married women in rural areas of Anhui Province, China. Material and Methods A multistage probability sampling method was used to identify a representative sample of 53 652 married women aged 18-49 years in rural areas of Anhui Province, China. All women were interviewed in the form of a standardized questionnaire. Results We found that 32.0% (16 800) of these women had had at least one induced abortion: 21.1% (11 090) of women had had one; 7.6% (3976) of women had had two; and 4.1% (1734) of women had had at least three. The number of induced abortions per 100 pregnancies was found to be 22.0. Multivariate analysis showed that education, the age of a woman at her first marriage, number of total births, number of total pregnancies, and contraceptive methods were significant predictors for induced abortion after controlling for women's current age, employment and family yearly income. Conclusion The study shows that the prevalence of induced abortion is still very high among married women in rural China, and highly effective methods of contraception (sterilization, intrauterine device) decrease women's recourse to induced abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect of overexpression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein ( COMP) on bone morphogenetic protein-2 ( BMP-2) induced osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells ( MSCs). In this study, we used liposomes to transfect MSCs with plasmid encoding COMP and then induced the transfected MSCs to differentiate in osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation media containing BMP-2. Methods MSCs transfected with plasmid DNA encoding recombinant human COMP were induced to differentiate into osteocytes and chondrocytes by BMP-2. Real-time polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) assays of osteogenesis-related markers (collagen type I alpha 1, runt-related transcription factor 2, osteopontin, bone gla protein) and chondrogenesis-related markers (collagen type II alpha 1, sry-related high-mobility group box 9, Aggrecan) was performed to evaluate the process of cell differentiation. Cell differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase ( ALP) and Alizarin red S stains for osteogenic differentiation and alcian blue staining for chondrogenic differentiation. Results Real-time PCR assay showed significantly greater COMP expression by MSCs when COMP gene had been transfected into the cells ( P < 0.01). Overexpression of COMP down-regulated expression of osteogenesis-related markers and up-regulated expression of chondrogenesis-related markers. ALP staining and Alizarin red S staining were weakened, whereas alcian blue staining was enhanced. Conclusion Overexpression of COMP inhibits BMP-2-induced osteogenic differentiation and promotes BMP-2-induced chondrogenic differentiation. These findings may provide new insights for cartilage tissue engineering. The experiments in the present study were all in vitro, which has potential limitations. Further in vivo studies to investigate the effects of COMP in animal models are necessary, which will be the next step in our research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) deposition significantly affects the soil carbon (C) cycle process of forests. However, the influence of different types of N on it still remained unclear. In this work, ammonium nitrate was selected as an inorganic N (IN) source, while urea and glycine were chosen as organic N (ON) sources. Different ratios of IN to ON (1 : 4, 2 : 3, 3 : 2, 4 : 1, and 5 : 0) were mixed with equal total amounts and then used to fertilize temperate forest soils for 2 years. Results showed that IN deposition inhibited soil C cycle processes, such as soil respiration, soil organic C decomposition, and enzymatic activities, and induced the accumulation of recalcitrant organic C. By contrast, ON deposition promoted these processes. Addition of ON also resulted in accelerated transformation of recalcitrant compounds into labile compounds and increased CO2 efflux. Meanwhile, greater ON deposition may convert C sequestration in forest soils into C source. These results indicated the importance of the IN to ON ratio in controlling the soil C cycle, which can consequently change the ecological effect of N deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocrusts are prevalent and participate in many soil organic carbon (C) processes in drylands. The predicted increase in aridity will expand the biocrust cover and significantly impact soil organic C dynamics. However, how biocrusts change soil organic C decomposition and what factors drive the effect in response to climate warming remains largely unknown at a continental scale.We measured microbial respiration and its temperature sensitivity (Q10) in bare soil lacking biocrusts and two universal biocrusted soils (cyanobacterial‐ and moss‐crusted soil) from 43 sites across a precipitation gradient from 39 to 443 mm to evaluate the relative effects of biocrusts on Q10 and the driving forces in northern China's dryland.Microbial respiration increased and Q10 decreased with increasing precipitation in bare soil, cyanobacterial‐ and moss‐crusted soil. Biocrusts positively affected microbial respiration, with a more substantial magnitude by moss crusts than cyanobacterial crusts. Biocrusts negatively impacted Q10, and the magnitudes were similar between moss and cyanobacterial crusts. Most importantly, the relative effects of biocrusts on microbial respiration and Q10 increased with decreasing precipitation.The positive effects of biocrusts on soil organic C content and microbial biomass carbon were positively correlated with the level of increased microbial respiration. Contrastingly, the magnitude of reduced Q10 was attributed to the biocrusts' positive effects on soil organic C quality and adverse effects on the ratio of fungal to bacterial PLFAs (F:B).Our study provides strong evidence that biocrusts decrease the temperature sensitivity of microbial respiration in northern China's dryland. This result suggests that the predicted expanding biocrust cover is crucial for maintaining the soil organic C stability by buffering the positive impacts of climate warming on soil organic C decomposition in drylands. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinicopathologic features of an MXI1::NUTM1 fusion neoplasm; a new molecular variant of the family of NUTM1-rearranged neoplasm I NUTM1 i -rearranged neoplasms (NRNs) have been identified in a variety of tumours, including NUT carcinomas (NC), sarcoma, porocarcinoma, and lymphoma.1,2 NC is an aggressive type of poorly differentiated carcinoma with a dismal prognosis,3 and commonly located in the chest or head and neck midline regions. Tumour cells had ovoid nuclei with vesicular chromatin, single small but prominent nucleoli, and a small to moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm, some with a more prominent rhabdoid appearance. [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] gl Characterization of this tumour by immunohistochemical (IHC) showed some tumour cells expressed NUT protein in a strong fashion, and some had faint NUT staining (Figure 2A). [Extracted from the article]

The primary role of yeast Ara1, previously mis-annotated as a D-arabinose dehydrogenase, is to catalyze the reduction of a variety of toxic α,β-dicarbonyl compounds using NADPH as a cofactor at physiological pH levels. Here, crystal structures of Ara1 in apo and NADPH-complexed forms are presented at 2.10 and 2.00 Å resolution, respectively. Ara1 exists as a homodimer, each subunit of which adopts an (α/β)8-barrel structure and has a highly conserved cofactor-binding pocket. Structural comparison revealed that induced fit upon NADPH binding yielded an intact active-site pocket that recognizes the substrate. Moreover, the crystal structures combined with computational simulation defined an open substrate-binding site to accommodate various substrates that possess a dicarbonyl group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifunctional material: A remarkable case of a single‐molecule magnet that demonstrates white‐light emission and ferroelectricity was observed in a butterfly‐shaped chiral DyIII4 cluster, [Dy4(μ‐bpt)4(μ3‐OH)2(μ‐OMe)2(NO3)4]⋅3 MeOH (bpt=3,5‐bis(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4‐trizolate, see figure). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat is fundamental for facilitating various life activities in animals, for instance, snakes procure essential energy for survival and reproduction by selecting ambush microhabitats. While there has been extensive research on the selection of microhabitat for feeding in terrestrial and aquatic snakes, little is known about arboreal snakes. In the present study, we analyzed the ambush microhabitat preferences of Viridovipera stejnegeri, a widely distributed Asian pitviper in China, conducted association analysis between snake microhabitat and prey microhabitat and abundance to determine the ro5le of microhabitat selection in feeding. Employing random forest analysis and habitat selection functions, we further constructed a predictive framework for assessing the probability of ambush site selection by V. stejnegeri. Our results revealed that V. stejnegeri exhibited a distinct microhabitat preference for ambush prey. Among the 13 environmental factors assessed, V. stejnegeri showed pronounced preferences towards 12 of these factors, including climatic factors, geographical factors, and vegetation factors. Furthermore, although the preferences of V. stejnegeri overlapped substantially with those of its prey across multiple habitat factors, food abundance shows no significant association with various habitat factors of V. stejnegeri, and does not have significant predictive effect on habitat selection of V. stejnegeri. Therefore, we infer that V. stejnegeri does not preferentially select microhabitats with the highest food abundance, which does not support the hypothesis that "snakes select habitats based on the spatial distribution of prey abundance." By analyzing the characteristics of vegetation, geography, and climate, we conclude that V. stejnegeri tends to choose microhabitats with better ambush conditions to increase attack success rate, thereby achieving the optimal feeding success rate at the microhabitat scale, which is in line with the predictions of optimal foraging theory. This study provides new insights into the predation ecology and habitat selection of snakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several phylogeographic studies of Asian snakes have been conducted, most have focused on pitvipers, with non‐venomous snakes, such as colubrids or natricids, remaining poorly studied. The Chinese keelback water snake (Trimerodytes percarinatus Boulenger) is a widespread, semiaquatic, non‐venomous species occurring in China and southeastern Asia. Based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, we explored the population genetic structure, genetic diversity, and evolutionary history of this species. MtDNA‐based phylogenetic analysis showed that T. percarinatus was composed of five highly supported and geographically structured lineages. SNP‐based phylogenetic analysis, principal component analysis, and population structure analysis consistently revealed four distinct, geographically non‐overlapping lineages, which was different from the mtDNA‐based analysis in topology. Estimation of divergence dates and ancestral area of origin suggest that T. percarinatus originated ~12.68 million years ago (95% highest posterior density: 10.36–15.96 Mya) in a region covering southwestern China and Vietnam. Intraspecific divergence may have been triggered by the Qinghai‐Xizang Plateau uplift. Population demographics and ecological niche modeling indicated that the effective population size fluctuated during 0.5 Mya and 0.002 Mya. Based on the data collected here, we also comment on the intraspecific taxonomy of T. percarinatus and question the validity of the subspecies T. p. suriki. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several phylogeographic studies of Asian snakes have been conducted, most have focused on pitvipers, with non‐venomous snakes, such as colubrids or natricids, remaining poorly studied. The Chinese keelback water snake (Trimerodytes percarinatus Boulenger) is a widespread, semiaquatic, non‐venomous species occurring in China and southeastern Asia. Based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, we explored the population genetic structure, genetic diversity, and evolutionary history of this species. MtDNA‐based phylogenetic analysis showed that T. percarinatus was composed of five highly supported and geographically structured lineages. SNP‐based phylogenetic analysis, principal component analysis, and population structure analysis consistently revealed four distinct, geographically non‐overlapping lineages, which was different from the mtDNA‐based analysis in topology. Estimation of divergence dates and ancestral area of origin suggest that T. percarinatus originated ~12.68 million years ago (95% highest posterior density: 10.36–15.96 Mya) in a region covering southwestern China and Vietnam. Intraspecific divergence may have been triggered by the Qinghai‐Xizang Plateau uplift. Population demographics and ecological niche modeling indicated that the effective population size fluctuated during 0.5 Mya and 0.002 Mya. Based on the data collected here, we also comment on the intraspecific taxonomy of T. percarinatus and question the validity of the subspecies T. p. suriki. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Facile Magnetic Extrusion Method for Preparing Endosome-Derived Vesicles for Cancer Drug Delivery (Adv. Funct. Keywords: cancer; drug delivery; exosome mimetics; iron oxide nanoparticles; magnetic extrusion EN cancer drug delivery exosome mimetics iron oxide nanoparticles magnetic extrusion 1 1 1 10/29/21 20211026 NES 211026 B Endosome-Derived Vesicles b In article number 2008326, Peng Guo, Marsha A. Moses, and co-workers develop a facile magnetic extrusion method to create endosome-derived vesicles, called exosome mimetics (EMs), which share the same biological origin and similar morphology, composition, and biofunctions with native exosomes. Cancer, drug delivery, exosome mimetics, iron oxide nanoparticles, magnetic extrusion. [Extracted from the article]

Aim To investigate the population history and demographics of Jerdon's pitviper, Protobothrops jerdonii, and elucidate how the unique physical conditions and heterogeneous mountain environments resulting from the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau shaped the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of the species. Location China and Vietnam. Methods We sequenced and analysed a total of 1752 base pairs from two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome b (cyt b) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit (ND4), for 81 specimens sampled from 27 localities across the species' range, and a total of 464 base pairs from two nuclear genes for 28 representative samples from all mitochondrial DNA lineages. Based on these data, we constructed the genealogical relationships and estimated the divergence times of the mitochondrial DNA clades. Results The mitochondrial DNA results revealed the existence of five distinct, strongly supported and geographically structured DNA lineages within populations of P. jerdonii that are paraphyletic with respect to Protobothrops xiangchengensis. Estimation of divergence dates suggested that P. jerdonii possibly evolved in the western Hengduan Mountains region c. 6.6 Ma in the late Miocene. Nuclear DNA data did not provide sufficient resolution to distinguish the mitochondrial DNA lineages. Main conclusions Based on the present-day distribution and intraspecific genealogy, the evolutionary history of P. jerdonii can be explained by a pattern of dispersal followed by vicariance. All lines of evidence suggest that historical biogeographical factors, particularly the north-south orientation of the higher mountains, as well as low-elevation areas in western China, had the greatest influence on the population structure, lineage formation and species distribution of this snake. However, highly heterogeneous habitats and glacial cycles appear to have affected patterns of intraspecific differentiation. While our mitochondrial data provide evidence for clear phylogeographical structure, our small sampling of nuclear genes does not, suggesting that nuclear markers may not have had sufficient time to coalesce to match patterns observed in the mitochondrial data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hsp33/YOR391Cp is a member of the ThiI/DJ-1/PfpI superfamily. Hsp33 was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and its crystal structure was determined at 2.40 Å resolution. Structural comparison revealed that Hsp33 adopts an α/β-hydrolase fold and possesses the putative Cys-His-Glu catalytic triad common to the Hsp31 family, suggesting that Hsp33 and Hsp31 share similar aminopeptidase activity, while structural deviations in helices α2-α3 of the core domain might be responsible for the access of different peptide substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guo, P., Jadin, R.C., Malhotra, A. and Li, C. 2009. An investigation of the cranial evolution of Asian pitvipers (Serpentes: Crotalinae), with comments on the phylogenetic position of Peltopelor macrolepis— Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 402–407. We investigated the evolution of 12 cranial characters of 31 species of Asian pitvipers by examining the character state changes on a consensus tree modified from broadly consistent molecular results. We found that these characters appear stable with only one intraspecific polymorphism. Nine of the 12 characters form useful synapomorphies, whereas three are ambiguous and evolutionarily plastic. Clades that are supported with numerous apomorphies are the Trimeresurus group [consisting of the recently defined genera Trimeresurus sensu Malhotra and Thorpe (2004) , Parias, Popeia, Viridovipera, Himalayophis, and Cryptelytrops] and the genera Protobothrops, Parias, and Viridovipera. Two species previously considered as congeners but now known to be distantly related, Ovophis monticola and ‘ Ovophis’ okinavensis, have nearly identical character states, demonstrating substantial convergence in cranial characters. Finally, we attempt to infer the phylogenetic position of Peltopelor macrolepis by comparing its cranial features with that of other pitvipers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Receptor-like proteins (RLPs) are involved in both plant defense and developmental processes. Previous genetic and biochemical studies show that the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor-like protein CLAVATA2 (CLV2) functions together with CLAVATA1 (CLV1) and CORYNE (CRN) in Arabidopsis to limit the stem cell number in shoot apical meristem, while in root it acts with CRN to trigger a premature differentiation of the stem cells after sensing the exogenously applied peptides of CLV3p, CLE19p or CLE40p. It has been proposed that disulfide bonds might be formed through two cysteine pairs in the extracellular LRR domains of CLV1 and CLV2 to stabilize the receptor complex. Here we tested the hypothesis by replacing these cysteines with alanines and showed that depletions of one or both of the cysteine pairs do not hamper the function of CLV2 in SAM maintenance. In vitro peptide assay also showed that removal of the cysteine pairs did not affect the perception of CLV3 peptides in roots. These observations allow us to conclude that the formation of disulfide bonds is not needed for the function of CLV2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes (CREG) is a recently described glycoprotein that plays a critical role in keeping cells or tissues in mature, homeostatic states. To understand the relationship between CREG and its membrane receptor, mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor (M6P/IGF2R), we first generated stable NIH3T3 fibroblasts by transfection of pDS_shCREGs vectors, which produced an approximately 80% decrease in CREG levels both in the lysate and in the media. We used fluorescence activated cell sorting and a bromide deoxyuridine incorporation assay to identify whether CREG knockdown promoted the cell proliferation associated with the increase of IGF-II in NIH3T3 fibroblasts. Proliferation was markedly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by re-addition of recombinant CREG protein into the media, and this was mediated by the membrane receptor M6P/IGF2R. We subsequently confirmed the direct interaction of CREG and M6P/IGF2R by both immunoprecipitation-Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. We found that expression of CREG correlated with localization of the receptor in NIH3T3 fibroblasts but did not affect its expression. Our findings indicated that CREG might act as a functional regulator of M6P/IGF2R to facilitate binding and trafficking of IGF-II endocytosis, leading to growth inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transfection of sense cDNA of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnTV) into H7721 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells resulted in the decreased expression of surface sialyl Lewis X (SLex), a sialylated fucose-containing antigen. The enzymatic mechanisms were speculated to be the concomitantly decreased expression of α1,3-fucosyltransferase (FucT)-III, -VI, -VII and the branching enzyme of O-glycans, core 2-β1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (C2GnT)-I, -II. These two glycosyltransferase families were suggested to be the key enzymes in the synthesis of SLex. The expression of α2,3-sialyltransferase (ST3)-IV, but not ST3-I, -II and -III was elevated by sense GnTV. However, it did not cause the increase of SLex synthesis. Transfection of antisense GnTV into H7721 cells showed entirely opposite effects on the expression of above-mentioned SLex and glycosyltransferases as the sense GnTV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]