Search

Constructing structural materials from sustainable raw materials is considered an efficient way to reduce the potential threat posed by plastics. Nevertheless, challenges remain regarding combining excellent mechanical and thermal properties, especially the balance of strength and toughness. Here, we report a 3D nanofiber network interfacial design strategy to strengthen and toughen all‐natural structural materials simultaneously. The introduced protonated chitosan at the interface between the surface oxidized 3D nanonetwork of bacterial cellulose forms the interfacial interlocking structure of nanonetworks, achieving a robust physical connection and providing enough physical contact sites for chemical crosslinking. The obtained sustainable structural material successfully integrates excellent mechanical and thermal properties on the nanoscale of cellulose nanofibers, such as light weight, high strength, and superior thermal expansion coefficient. The relationship between structural design and comprehensive mechanical property improvement is analyzed in detail, providing a universal perspective to design sustainable high‐performance structural materials from nanoscale building blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Consteel electric arc furnace (EAF) has gained rapid development in the field of EAF steelmaking due to its advantageous features including short tap‐to‐tap time, low production energy consumption, and waste heat recovery. However, the low heat transfer efficiency from gas to scrap has remained a persistent technical challenge in Consteel EAF. This research establishes a scrap preheating model for the Consteel EAF to comprehensively investigate the heat transfer efficiency from gas to scrap. The calculation results demonstrate that the heat transfer efficiency from gas to scrap can be effectively enhanced by increasing the initial gas velocity and scrap porosity. Specifically, raising the initial gas velocity from 0.9 to 1.5 m s−1 improves convective and radiative heat exchange, leading to increased heat transfer efficiency from gas to scrap at the same positions within the scrap layer. Moreover, increasing the scrap porosity from 0.92 to 0.98 significantly enhances the heat transfer efficiency through augmented radiation heat exchange. Notably, the improvement in heat transfer efficiency resulting from increased porosity is considerably greater than that achieved through increased gas velocity. The findings of this study hold significant practical implications for the actual field production operations in the horizontal continuous feeding system of EAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to valuable products possesses huge potential to alleviate environmental and energy crisis. It is well known that Ag favors the conversion of CO2 to CO but the exposed active sites and stability are still rather limited. In this study, a novel one‐dimensional Ag‐based metal‐organic framework (1D Ag‐NIM‐MOF) was successfully synthesized and used in the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) for the first time. As a result, the Faradaic efficiency of CO achieved 94.5% with current density of 12.5 mA·cm–2 in an H‐type cell and 98.2% with current density of 161 mA·cm–2 in a flow cell at –1.0 V (vs. RHE), which stands as a new benchmark of Ag‐based MOFs in the electrocatalytic CO2RR. The excellent performance of 1D Ag‐NIM‐MOF is attributed to its peculiar one‐dimensional structure, which is beneficial for diffusion of reactants and products, and exposure of much more catalytic sites. Compared to commercial Ag nanoparticles, 1D Ag‐NIM‐MOF exhibits superior electrocatalytic CO2RR performance with higher catalytic activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keratin 17 (K17) is frequently overexpressed, associated with poor prognosis in various cancers, and contributes to p27 degradation during cancer progression. Using immunohistochemistry, we evaluated K17 and p27 expression and assessed their biological behavior and prognostic significance in 326 colorectal cancers. High K17 expression was associated with poorly differentiated tumors, high pT classification, and lymph node metastases. Low p27 expression was associated with large tumors, high pT classification, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastases. The overall survival of patients with high K17 expression was significantly worse than that of patients with low K17 expression [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.805, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.169–2.787; p = 0.007]. Patients with low p27 expression showed significantly worse overall survival than those with high p27 expression (HR = 3.082, 95% CI 1.722–5.517; p < 0.001). When combining the results of K17 and p27 expression, the K17highp27low expression group showed the worst overall survival. On the contrary, the K17high/lowp27high group showed the best overall survival (p < 0.001). Therefore, K17highp27low expression is an independent poor prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. Thus, high K17 and low p27 expression correlate with aggressive clinicopathologic behavior and can be used as poor prognostic markers in colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We obtained the effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere (Te) in the Eurasian Basin using the fan‐shaped wavelet method. For ultraslow spreading ridges, the magmatic heat input is insufficient to form continuous quasisteady‐state magma lenses along the axis, resulting in significant variability in the rheological strength of the lithosphere. We suggested that the tectonic inheritance resulted in the different lithospheric rheology of WVZ and SMZ, consequently leading to distinct tectonic‐magmatic activities. The SMZ with less magmatic activity has a weaker lithosphere than that of the EVZ with extensive magmatism. We propose that the lithospheric rheology and thermal structure of ultraslow spreading ridge may be influenced not by the amount of magma supply but by the mode of magma emplacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, we used the whole‐exome sequencing (WES) approach to obtain genomic profiles from 92 marrow samples of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients before haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We identified 129 mutations in 45 driver genes. Fifty‐five patients (59.8%) carried at least 1 driver mutation. The splicing factor U2AF1 was the most frequently mutated in the cohort (21 cases, 23%), followed by BCOR (9 cases, 10%), ASXL1 (8 cases, 9%), TET2 (6 cases, 7%), NPM1 (5 cases, 5%), RUNX1 (5 cases, 5%), and SETBP1 (5 cases, 5%). WES also identified 49 possible oncogenic variants in six genes (PIEZO1, LOXHD1, MYH13, DNAH5, DPH1, and USH2A) that were associated with overall survival (OS) or relapse‐free survival (RFS) in MDS after transplantation. Multivariate analysis showed mutations in DNAH5 and USH2A to be independent risk factors for OS. Mutations in DNAH5 and LOXHD1 were risk factors for worse RFS. The Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System retained its independent prognostic significance for RFS after multivariate analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important halophyte in the Yellow River Delta, the Amaranthaceae C3Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall. has attracted much attention for the "red carpet" landscape, and could be simply divided into red and green phenotypes according to the betacyanin content in the fleshy leaves. However, S. salsa has not been sequenced yet, which limited people's understanding of this species at the molecular level. We constructed a high‐quality chromosome‐scale reference genome by combining high‐throughput sequencing, PacBio single molecule real‐time sequencing, and Hi‐C sequencing techniques with a genome size of 445.10 Mb and contigs N50 of 2.94 Mb. Through the annotation of the S. salsa genome, 298.76 Mb of the repetitive sequences and 23 965 protein‐coding genes were identified, of which the proportion of long terminal repeats type in the repetitive sequences was the most abundant, about 50.74% of the S. salsa genome. Comparative genomics indicated that S. salsa underwent a whole‐genome duplication event about 146.15 million years ago (Ma), and the estimated divergence time between S. salsa and Suaeda aralocaspica was about 16.9 Ma. A total of four betacyanins including betanidin, celosianin II, amaranthin and 6′‐O‐malonyl‐celosianin II were identified and purified in both phenotypes, while two significantly up‐regulated betacyanins (celosianin II and amaranthin) may be the main reason for the red color in red phenotype. In addition, we also performed transcriptomics and metabolomics in both phenotypes to explore the molecular mechanisms of pigment synthesis, and a series of structural genes and transcription factors concerning with betacyanin production were selected in S. salsa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trophic niche is the result of the long‐term evolution of species and can reflect the pressures they experience in habitats. The whole‐genome sequencing of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) has indicated that populations distributed in Qinling (QIN) and non‐QIN probably diverged 300 ky ago. Although many studies regarding foraging strategy, habitat preference, and niche partition have been conducted on these populations, there is still a lack of precise quantification of trophic niches. Here, we calculated and compared isotopic trophic niche widths of giant pandas from Sichuan (SC) and QIN populations by measuring carbon and nitrogen isotopes of their hairs; combined with data from sympatric mammals, we explored the relative trophic positions of giant pandas in the ecosystem, respectively. The Stable Isotope Bayesian Ellipses in R (SIBER) model results showed the trophic niche width of QIN pandas was 3.44‰2, which was significantly bigger than those of the SC population (2.03‰2), with an overlapping about 1.45‰2; and they both occupied a unique position in the context, almost one trophic level lower than herbivores. Then, we determined the isotopic ratios of the main foods from the habitats of these pandas; the results suggested that the isotopic difference between bamboo shoots and other parts plus the various feeding selections of pandas on them accounted for pandas' trophic niche widths. We considered the higher nutrition availability and digestible food resources giving QIN pandas a wider trophic niche than pandas from SC. This conclusion provides a new insight into the resource use and trophic ecology of giant pandas and is important to develop refined management plans for the two populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a widely used technique in diagnostic pathology and biomedical research, but there is still a need to shorten the operation process and reduce the cost of antibodies. This study aims to assess a novel IHC technique that incorporates mechanical microvibration (MMV) to expedite the process, reduce antibody consumption, and enhance staining quality. MMV was generated using coin vibration motors attached to glass slides mounted with consecutive tissue sections. Multiple antibodies targeting various antigens were used to stain cancerous and normal tissues, with and without microvibration. Various parameters were tested, including incubation durations, temperatures, and antibody dilutions. The novel method showed the potential to achieve comparable or superior outcomes in significantly less time, utilizing over 10 times less antibody than controls. MMV improved specific staining quality, yielding stronger, and better‐defined positive reactions. This was validated through a multicenter double‐blind assessment and quantitative image analysis. The possible mechanisms were also investigated. MMV shortens immunohistochemical staining duration, reduces antibody usage, and enhances staining specificity, likely by accelerating antibody movement and diffusion. These improvements translate to time and cost savings, offering clinical and financial value for diagnostic pathology and biomedical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant efforts are devoted to optimizing the efficiency of triboelectric energy harvesting systems, particularly through the design of an advanced power management system (PMS) for Triboelectric Nanoenerators (TENGs). A critical aspect of PMS is the design and control of switches. However, existing switches face significant limitations. For spark switches, precise control cannot be achieved, and electronic switches can only operate at voltages below several hundred volts which is limited by the risk of electrical breakdown. To address these limitations, a hybrid electronic‐spark switch power management system (HESS) is proposed. HESS changes the connection of capacitors from parallel to series by deploying a maximum voltage tracking switch components at the peak voltage point, resulting in a much‐elevated voltage level to activate the spark switch. This approach achieves precise control of the spark switch for the first time and significantly reduces the operating voltage of electronic switches. Through simulation and experimental verification, HESS achieves the control at a voltage level of 1.8 kV for spark switch, with an electrical component breakdown voltage of only 450 V. The power density of the HESS is 29.8 mW Hz−1 m−2, which is a new record for electronic switches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanofunctionalization of alkenes via radical‐initiated cyano migration was a straightforward pathway to access alkyl nitriles. Herein, By the synergistic merger of photoredox catalysis and Brønsted base catalysis, a mild protocol of alkylcyanation of unactivated alkenes with protic C(sp3)−H feedstocks via intramolecular 1,4‐cyano group migration was reported. This method was enabled in an atom‐, and step‐economy manner, delivering a series of γ‐cyanoester derivatives in moderate to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsatellite‐stable colorectal cancer (MSS‐CRC) exhibits resistance to programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) therapy. Improving the infiltration and tumor recognition of cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTLs) is a promising strategy, but it encounters huge challenges from drug delivery and mechanisms aspects. Here, a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) coated with apoptotic body membranes derived from MSS‐CRC cells is engineered for the co‐delivery of ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) and atractylenolide‐I (Att) to MSS‐CRC, named as Ab@Rg1/Att‐ZIF. This system is selectively engulfed by Ly‐6C+ monocytes during blood circulation and utilizes a "hitchhiking" mechanism to migrate toward the core of MSS‐CRC. Ab@Rg1/Att‐ZIF undergoes rapid disassembly in the tumor, released Rg1 promotes the processing and transportation of tumor antigens in dendritic cells (DCs), enhancing their maturation. Meanwhile, Att enhances the activity of the 26S proteasome complex in tumor cells, leading to increased expression of major histocompatibility complex class‐I (MHC‐I). These coordinated actions enhance the infiltration and recognition of CTLs in the center of MSS‐CRC, significantly improving the tumor inhibition of PD‐1 treatment from ≈5% to ≈69%. This innovative design, involving inflammation‐guided precise drug co‐delivery and a rational combination, achieves synergistic engineering of the tumor microenvironment, providing a novel strategy for successful PD‐1 treatment of MSS‐CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise control over polarity in field‐effect transistors (FETs) plays a pivotal role in the design and construction of complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) logic circuits. In particular, achieving such precise polarity control in 2D semiconductors is crucial for the further development of advanced electronic applications beyond unit devices. This paper presents a systematic investigation on the reversible transition of carrier types in a 2D MoTe2 semiconductor under different annealing atmospheres. Photoemission spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that annealing processes in vacuum and in ambient air induce a modification in the density of states, resulting in alterations in p‐type or n‐type characteristics. These reversible changes are attributed to the physisorption and elimination of oxygen on the surface of MoTe2. Furthermore, it is found that the device geometry affects the polarity of the transistor. By strategically manipulating both the annealing conditions and the geometric configuration, the n‐ and p‐type unipolar characteristics of MoTe2 FETs are successfully modulated and ultimately demonstrating that the functionality of not only a complementary inverter with a high voltage gain of ≈20, but also more complex logic circuits of NAND and NOR gates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations have identified the global minimum structure of the 16‐valence electron Si3Cu3− cluster, which features a planar tetracoordinate silicon (ptSi) in a rhombic arrangement. The Si3 and Cu3 triangles are interconnected by a Si2/Cu2 edge, forming an ordered chain‐like structure. Besides the conventional 2c–2e σ‐bond connecting Si3 and Cu3, the stability of this cluster is reinforced by a delocalized 3c–2e σ‐bond in Cu3 and a π‐bond in Si3. Our study provides experimental confirmation of a planar hypercoordinate heavier Group 14 element, opening possibilities for exploring similar structures in two‐dimensional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA‐based data storage is a new technology in computational and synthetic biology, that offers a solution for long‐term, high‐density data archiving. Given the critical importance of medical data in advancing human health, there is a growing interest in developing an effective medical data storage system based on DNA. Data integrity, accuracy, reliability, and efficient retrieval are all significant concerns. Therefore, this study proposes an Effective DNA Storage (EDS) approach for archiving medical MRI data. The EDS approach incorporates three key components (i) a novel fraction strategy to address the critical issue of rotating encoding, which often leads to data loss due to single base error propagation; (ii) a novel rule‐based quaternary transcoding method that satisfies bio‐constraints and ensure reliable mapping; and (iii) an indexing technique designed to simplify random search and access. The effectiveness of this approach is validated through computer simulations and biological experiments, confirming its practicality. The EDS approach outperforms existing methods, providing superior control over bio‐constraints and reducing computational time. The results and code provided in this study open new avenues for practical DNA storage of medical MRI data, offering promising prospects for the future of medical data archiving and retrieval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Erianin, crepidatin, and chrysotobibenzyl are typical medicinal polymethoxylated bibenzyls (PMBs) that are commercially produced in Dendrobium species. PMBs' chemo‐diversity is mediated by the manifold combinations of O‐methylation and hydroxylation in a definite order, which remains unsolved. To unequivocally elucidate the methylation mechanism of PMBs, 15 possible intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway of PMBs were chemically synthesized. DcOMT1–5 were highly expressed in tissues where PMBs were biosynthesized, and their expression patterns were well‐correlated with the accumulation profiles of PMBs. Moreover, cell‐free orthogonal tests based on the synthesized intermediates further confirmed that DcOMT1‐5 exhibited distinct substrate preferences and displayed hydroxyl‐group regiospecificity during the sequential methylation process. The stepwise methylation of PMBs was discovered from SAM to dihydro‐piceatannol (P) in the following order: P → 3‐MeP → 4‐OH‐3‐MeP → 4‐OH‐3,5‐diMeP → 3,3'(4′),5‐triMeP → 3,4,4′,5‐tetraMeP (erianin) or 3,3′,4,5‐tetraMeP (crepidatin) → 3,3′,4,4′,5‐pentaMeP (chrysotobibenzyl). Furthermore, the regioselectivities of DcOMTs were investigated by ligand docking analyses which corresponded precisely with the catalytic activities. In summary, the findings shed light on the sequential catalytic mechanisms of PMB biosynthesis and provide a comprehensive PMB biosynthetic network in D. catenatum. The knowledge gained from this study may also contribute to the development of plant‐based medicinal applications and the production of high‐value PMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) displays high heterogeneity. The majority of TNBC cases are characterized by high Ki‐67 expression. TNBC with low Ki‐67 expression accounts for only a small fraction of cases and has been relatively less studied. Methods: This study analyzed a large single‐center multiomics TNBC data set, combined with a single‐cell data set. The clinical, genomic, and metabolic characteristics of patients with low Ki‐67 TNBC were analyzed. Results: The clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed in 2217 TNBC patients. Low Ki‐67 TNBC was associated with a higher patient age at diagnosis, a lower proportion of invasive ductal carcinoma, increased alterations in the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathway, upregulated lipid metabolism pathways, and enhanced infiltration of M2 macrophages. High Ki‐67 TNBC exhibited a higher prevalence of TP53 gene mutations, elevated nucleotide metabolism, and increased infiltration of M1 macrophages. Conclusions: We identified specific genomic and metabolic characteristics unique to low Ki‐67 TNBC, which have implications for the development of precision therapies and patient stratification strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify subtypes of job crafting among Chinese nurses and to explore the characteristics of different subtypes and their relationship with work engagement. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Methods: A survey of 350 clinical nurses was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023. Identify profile categories for nurses' job crafting using a latent profile analysis. Logistic regression and ANOVA were used to explore the characteristics of different categories of nurses' job crafting in terms of sociodemographic, work engagement variables. Results: Ultimately 3 latent profiles are identified: low job crafting (Class 1, N = 177, 50.7%), moderate job crafting (Class 2, N = 136, 38.9%), high job crafting (Class 3, N = 37, 10.5%). Nurses who are female, aged 31 to 40 and married are more likely to be grouped into Class 2. Nurses with a middle level of title are more likely to be grouped as Class 3. Nurses with high levels of work engagement are more likely to be grouped as Class 2 and Class 3 rather than Class 1. Conclusion: The job crafting has a distinctly classified character among Chinese nurses. 89.6% of nurses were at a low to medium level of job crafting, work engagement is an important predictor of nurses' job crafting. Nursing Managers should focus on the low job crafting group and develop targeted interventions to help nurses improve their job crafting and work engagement levels. Patient or Public Contribution: None. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice grain number is a crucial agronomic trait impacting yield. In this study, we characterized a quantitative trait locus (QTL), GRAIN NUMBER 1.1 (GN1.1), which encodes a Flowering Locus T‐like1 (FT‐L1) protein and acts as a negative regulator of grain number in rice. The elite allele GN1.1B, derived from the Oryza indica variety, BF3‐104, exhibits a 14.6% increase in grain yield compared with the O. japonica variety, Nipponbare, based on plot yield tests. We demonstrated that GN1.1 interacted with and enhanced the stability of ADP‐ribosylation factor (Arf)‐GTPase‐activating protein (Gap), OsZAC. Loss of function of OsZAC results in increased grain number. Based on our data, we propose that GN1.1B facilitates the elevation of auxin content in young rice panicles by affecting polar auxin transport (PAT) through interaction with OsZAC. Our study unveils the pivotal role of the GN1.1 locus in rice panicle development and presents a novel, promising allele for enhancing rice grain yield through genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sesame seed hull contains a substantial concentration of minerals. During the roasting, these minerals assume a catalytic function in the degradation of the sesame seed hull pectin. In this work, the effect of four inorganic chloride salts on the structure and thermal degradation products of sesame hull pectin during heating was investigated. The results indicated that, during roasting, chloride salts catalysed the degradation of pectin polysaccharide side chain regions more than the linear main chain. The introduction of chloride salts reduced the rate of mass loss from sesame hull pectin and resulted in a shift of the main peak towards a lower temperature range. The introduction of KCl and NaCl resulted in a significant decrease in the yield of furans and an increase in the proportion of small molecules such as acids and aldehydes in the thermal degradation products of sesame peel pectin, suggesting that the presence of KCl and NaCl facilitated the fragmentation of the sugar units. In contrast, MgCl2 and CaCl2 clearly facilitated the formation of furans and exhibited a discernible catalytic effect on the degradation of acidic substances. This study contributes to the understanding of the effect of minerals on the degradation behaviours of pectin in sesame hulls during sesame processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, sesame hull oil (SHO) was extracted to characterise its composition. SHO was heated to determine the volatiles and their effect on the quality of cold‐pressed dehulled sesame oil (SO). Seventeen fatty acids, four lignans (1088.65 mg/100 g), tocopherols (284.17 mg/100 g) mainly in the γ‐form, and sterol (1722.16 mg/100 g, 4.67 times more than in sesame kernel oil) were detected in SHO. After heating, the volatiles found in SHO were mainly aldehydes and acids, represented by hexanal (fatty, green aroma) and 3‐methyl‐butanoic acid (fatty, rancid aroma), respectively. The acid value, peroxide value, anisidine value, and turbidity of SO increased significantly after adding SHO, and the scavenging ability of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was enhanced. The oxidation induction times of SO with the addition of SHO ranged from 8.93 to 9.53 h. The present study provides information about SHO and a new direction for the utilisation of sesame hulls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐cost organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices have shown enormous potential in large‐scale industrial applications. And it has attracted widespread attention in the past few decades. However, the photophysical characteristics of these budget‐friendly materials haven't been explored much. Here, low‐cost small materials, including small molecule 1 (asm1) with ortho‐fluorinated side chain and small molecule 2 (asm2) with meta‐fluorinated side chain were selected to probe the fluorination effect on the absorption spectra, electrochemical energy levels, electrostatic potential (ESP), etc. The results show that the molecules asm1 and asm2 have good planarity of the backbone. And the meta‐fluorinated side chain of asm2 contributes more to the highest occupied molecular orbital and less to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital than asm1. Moreover, differences in ESP are found between donor and acceptor materials. Furthermore, strong and broad light absorption in the visible region of these low‐cost molecules is observed, resulting in a better short‐circuit current density for the devices constructed by the donors asm1, asm2, and acceptor Y6. In addition, more charge transfer mechanisms are characterized for the asm1/Y6 system. The introduction of ortho‐fluorination in the conjugated side chain of the molecule is a favorable approach, which will provide theoretical guidance for further molecular design experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In addressing the quantization noise challenge in high impedance fault (HIF) localization within resonant distribution networks, we propose a cutting‐edge, explainable deep learning approach that significantly advances existing methods. This approach utilizes differential zero‐sequence voltage (DZSV) and zero‐sequence current (ZSC) and introduces a novel “Vague” classification to improve localization accuracy by effectively managing quantization noise‐distorted signals. This approach extends beyond the conventional binary classification of “Fault” and “Sound,” incorporating a multi‐scale feature attention (MFA) mechanism for enriched internal explainability and applying gradient‐weighted class activation mapping (Grad‐CAM) to visualize critical input areas precisely. Our model, validated in an industrial prototype, exhibits unparalleled adaptability across various environmental conditions, including environmental noise, variable sampling rates, and triggering deviations. Comparative analysis reveals that our approach outperforms existing methods in managing diverse fault scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents an impending global health challenge. Current management strategies often face setbacks, emphasizing the need for preclinical models that faithfully mimic the human disease and its comorbidities. The liver disease progression aggravation diet (LIDPAD), a diet‐induced murine model, extensively characterized under thermoneutral conditions and refined diets is introduced to ensure reproducibility and minimize species differences. LIDPAD recapitulates key phenotypic, genetic, and metabolic hallmarks of human MASLD, including multiorgan communications, and disease progression within 4 to 16 weeks. These findings reveal gut‐liver dysregulation as an early event and compensatory pancreatic islet hyperplasia, underscoring the gut‐pancreas axis in MASLD pathogenesis. A robust computational pipeline is also detailed for transcriptomic‐guided disease staging, validated against multiple harmonized human hepatic transcriptomic datasets, thereby enabling comparative studies between human and mouse models. This approach underscores the remarkable similarity of the LIDPAD model to human MASLD. The LIDPAD model fidelity to human MASLD is further confirmed by its responsiveness to dietary interventions, with improvements in metabolic profiles, liver histopathology, hepatic transcriptomes, and gut microbial diversity. These results, alongside the closely aligned changing disease‐associated molecular signatures between the human MASLD and LIDPAD model, affirm the model's relevance and potential for driving therapeutic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) is reported to improve mood disorders in perimenopausal women and gut microbiome composition is altered during menopausal period. The possible role of microbiome in the treatment effect of melatonin on menopausal depression remains unknown. Here, it is shown that melatonin treatment reverses the gut microbiota dysbiosis and depressive‐like behaviors in ovariectomy (OVX) operated mice. This effect of melatonin is prevented by antibiotic cocktails (ABX) treatment. Transferring microbiota harvested from adolescent female mice to OVX‐operated mice is sufficient to ameliorate depressive‐like behaviors. Conversely, microbiota transplantation from OVX‐operated mice or melatonin‐treated OVX‐operated mice to naïve recipient mice exhibits similar phenotypes to donors. The colonization of Alistipes Inops, which is abundant in OVX‐operated mice, confers the recipient with depressive‐like behaviors. Further investigation indicates that the expansion of Alistipes Inops induced by OVX leads to the degradation of intestinal tryptophan, which destroys systemic tryptophan availability. Melatonin supplementation restores systemic tryptophan metabolic disorders by suppressing the growth of Alistipes Inops, which ameliorates depressive‐like behaviors. These results highlight the previously unrecognized role of Alistipes Inops in the modulation of OVX‐induced behavioral disorders and suggest that the application of melatonin to inhibit Alistipes Inops may serve as a potential strategy for preventing menopausal depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing self‐adaptive oscillators that can continuously, stably, and tunably transform external stimulus into mechanical work is high demand for soft robots, energy harvesters and object conveyors. However, these systems are challenging to develop because of the single mesogenic anisotropy and simple material constituents obtained by a traditional technique. Here, a photoactivated self‐adaptive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) oscillator with controlled nanoassembly‐directed hierarchically anisotropic structure is demonstrated by developing the highly‐aligned silver nanowire (AgNW) assemblies (HAs) to guide the orientation and polymerization of LC molecules. The fabricated HAs‐LCE film exhibits tunable multiple anisotropies on mesogenic alignment, composition, density gradient across the thickness and mechanical behaviors. Combined with excellent photo‐driven bending deformation, the HAs‐LCE cantilever performs a self‐sustained, periodic and steady oscillation self‐propelled by negative feedback loops under a continuous NIR laser. Impressively, triggered by synergetic deformations of anisotropically responsive architecture, self‐adaptive oscillations are first achieved with self‐tunable frequencies spanning from 4.1 to 13.2 Hz to accommodate variable light intensity, showing enormous and distinctive potentials for optical modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to provide an updated analysis of suicide characteristics in China from 2002 to 2021, with the aim of informing the development of evidence‐based suicide prevention strategies. Methods: The Ministry of Health‐Vital Registration System (MOH‐VR) provided the data on suicide mortality, which enabled us to examine the average annual percentage change (AAPC) in suicide rates using a Poisson regression model. Results: Notably, there has been a significant decline in suicide rates observed in both urban and rural areas. In the early years of the study period, higher suicide rates were observed among females compared to males; however, a shift occurred after 2005, with male suicide rates surpassing those of females. Except for 2005, rural areas consistently exhibited higher suicide rates than urban areas. Furthermore, suicide rates exhibited an increasing trend with age, irrespective of gender or region. Conclusion: These findings highlight a decreasing trend in suicide rates in China over the past two decades, although gender and regional disparities persist. Going forward, sustained efforts in suicide prevention, with a specific focus on mental health, are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: At present, due to the lack of early observation methods, the effect of the 'accordion' technique on the treatment of nonunion of the docking site varies greatly. In this study, color Doppler ultrasound was used to observe the docking site's local changes and investigate the relationship between local microenvironment changes and bone healing after the accordion technique. Methods: 30 patients with tibial bone transport treated at the Department of Orthopedics, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, from May 2018 to June 2022, were analyzed retrospectively. Paired‐sample t‐tests were used for data that conformed to a normal distribution, and paired rank‐sum tests were used for before‐and‐after comparisons that did not conform to a normal distribution. There were 26 males and 4 females, aged 47.3 ± 11.7 years. Before bone transport, the defect gap between tibial bone ends was 6.80 ± 3.61 cm. The steps of the accordion technique were as follows: compression for 7 days, ultrasonic study of the microenvironment at the docking site, distraction for 12 days, latency for 7 days, compression for 14 days, then static fixation and radiological study until complete bone healing. Ultrasound was used to detect the size of the hematoma after 7 days of pressure, and the changes in blood flow before and after the 'accordion' operation. Results: All patients were followed up for 11.9 ± 1.9 months. At the last follow‐up, 22 patients achieved bone healing at the docking site after the treatment of the 'accordion' technique. There was a linear negative correlation between the size of the hematoma and the time of bone healing at the docking site (r = −0.639, p < 0.01). According to the Paley healing criteria, 18 of the 22 patients were excellent, and 4 patients were good. Conclusion: Hematoma is necessary for the 'accordion' technique's success in the treatment of nonunion. The size of the hematoma is negatively related to the time of bone healing. The 'accordion' technique can increase the blood flow of tissue around the docking site. Ultrasound can be used to monitor the changes in the microenvironment at the docking site during the 'accordion' technique and guide the exact plan and prognosis of the 'accordion' technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In vitro single‐cell experiments may yield inconsistent results compared to clinical trials. To enhance the reliability of cosmetic active ingredient screening, a coculture model of B16F10‐HaCaT cells was established in vitro based on the structural characteristics of human skin, thereby improving the credibility of experimental outcomes. Currently, most cosmetic whitening additives primarily target simple efficacy goals such as inhibiting tyrosinase activity or melanin transfer. Therefore, investigating novel and efficient whitening additives has become a prominent research focus. Objectives: The aim is to establish an in vitro cell coculture model for more reliable experimental results and investigate the mechanism by which Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil inhibits melanin production and transfer. Methods: The impact of different concentrations of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil on cocultured cell proliferation rate was assessed using cck8 assay. Tyrosinase inhibition ability in cocultured cells was tested using levodopa as a substrate. Melanin production inhibition ability in coculture cells was evaluated by lysing cells with sodium hydroxide. The effect of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil on dendrite‐related gene expression levels was examined through qPCR analysis. Additionally, Western blotting was employed to study the effect of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil on dendrite‐related protein expression levels. Results: Different concentrations of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil did not affect the proliferation activity of cocultured cells. A specific concentration of α‐MSH increased cell tyrosinase activity, cellular melanin content, as well as Rac1, Cdc42, and PAR‐2 gene and protein expression related to dendritic formation. Treatment with a certain concentration of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil resulted in decreased tyrosinase activity and melanin content in cells along with downregulated expression levels of Rac1, Cdc42, and PAR‐2 genes and proteins associated with dendritic formation. Conclusions: Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil at specific concentrations exhibits the ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity, decrease melanin content, and possesses the potential to impede melanin transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

QSimon algorithm (a full quantum version of Simon's algorithm) is used to find periods in commitment functions and does not require classical calculations. However, QSimon algorithm circuit is incomplete, and the implementation of an essential component (solving boolean linear equations) has high resource consumption. This work further studies QSimon algorithm and applies QSimon algorithm to attack the offset two‐round (OTR) scheme. QSimon algorithm is established by quantum boolean linear equations solving algorithm and general quantum truncation technique, which can obtain the period of any truncated function with overwhelming probability. The confidentiality and integrity of the OTR scheme are compromised by employing QSimon algorithm. The attacks ensure a high success rate and realize exponential speedup compared with classical versions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have reported the functional role, biochemical features and synthesis pathway of podophyllotoxin (PTOX) in plants. In this study, we employed combined morphological and molecular techniques to identify an endophytic fungus and extract PTOX derivatives. Based on the analysis of ITS sequences and the phylogenetic tree, the isolate was classified as Penicillium herquei HGN12.1C, with a sequence identity of 98.58%. Morphologically, the HGN12.1C strain exhibits white colonies, short‐branched mycelia and densely packed hyphae. Using PacBio sequencing at an average read depth of 195×, we obtained a high‐quality genome for the HGN12.1C strain, which is 34.9 Mb in size, containing eight chromosomes, one mitochondrial genome and a GC content of 46.5%. Genome analysis revealed 10 genes potentially involved in PTOX biosynthesis. These genes include VdtD, Pinoresinollariciresinol reductase (PLR), Secoisolariciresinol dehydrogenase (SDH), CYP719A23, CYP71BE54, O‐methyltransferase 1 (OMT1), O‐methyltransferase 3 (OMT3), 2‐ODD, CYP71CU and CYP82D61. Notably, the VdtD gene in fungi shares functional similarities with the DIR gene found in plants. Additionally, we identified peltatin, a PTOX derivative, in the HGN12.1C extract. Docking analysis suggests a potential role for the 2‐ODD enzyme in converting yatein to deoxypodophyllotoxin. These findings offer invaluable insights into the synthesis mechanism of PTOX in fungi, shedding light on the relationship between host plants and endophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine whether social support and psychological resiliency are significant mediators of the associations between risk perception and quality of working life in Chinese nurses working with infectious diseases. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey of 879 nurses in infectious diseases department of specialty or general hospitals in China completed online questionnaires on the nurses' risk perception questionnaire, quality of working life, psychological resilience and the social support rating scale. Results: Our study observed that risk perception directly negatively influences the quality of working life of infectious disease nurses, while psychological resilience and social support positively chain mediate this relationship. Conclusion: Critical elements impacting the quality of working life of infectious disease nurses are risk perception, psychological resilience and social support. Managers may think about decreasing the level of risk perception and enhancing the quality of working life of infectious disease nurses by enhancing their psychological resilience and providing support. Public Contribution: The quality of working life of infectious disease nurses should be a priority for nursing management; it is critical to maintain their health and well‐being, raise the quality of care and lower turnover. Managers should create resilience‐building programmes and support tools to assist nurses properly perceive risks and adopt protective strategies to deal with them to improve the quality of working life for nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, six groups of carrots were designed and fermented using Weissella paramensenteroides MbWp142 (WP), Levilactobacillus brevis GDMCC 1.773 (LS), Leuconostoc mesenteroides GDMCC 1.774 (SE), mixed fermentation of three lactic acid bacteria (WP + LS + SE), pasteurisation group (BG) and natural fermentation group (CK). GC–MS results indicated that inoculation of WP + LS + SE increased the types and contents of flavour substances such as alcohols, esters and hydrocarbons. Compared with other experimental groups, the peak nitrite value in the LS group was lower due to the production of organic acids by lactic acid bacteria. Sensory evaluation revealed that the quality and flavour of carrot fermented by LS were superior to those fermented by SE, WP and WP + LS + SE. Therefore, Levilactobacillus brevis used as a starter for fermenting carrot can enhance product quality and reduce nitrite accumulation during fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a major potato (Solanum tuberosum) pest, infesting over 16 million km2 and causing substantial economic losses. The insect cuticle forms an apical extracellular matrix (ECM) envelope covering exposed organs to direct morphogenesis and confer structural protection. While select chitinase (Cht) genes have proven essential for larval development, their potential activities directing ECM remodeling underlying adult wing maturation remain undefined. RESULTS: We investigated the expression patterns and performed an oral RNA interference (RNAi) screen targeting 19 LdChts in late‐instar L. decemlineata larvae. Subsequently, we assessed their effects on adult eclosion and wing characteristics. Knockdown of LdCht5, LdCht7, LdCht10, LdIDGF2, and LdIDGF4, as well as others from Group IV (LdCht15, LdCht12, LdCht17, and LdCht13) and Groups VII–X (LdCht2, LdCht11, LdCht1, and LdCht3), resulting in shrunken, misshapen elytra with reduced areal density, as well as transverse wrinkling and impaired wing‐tip folding in hindwings. Scanning electron micrographs revealed eroded elytral ridges alongside thinned, ruptured hindwing veins, indicative of mechanical fragility post‐LdCht suppression. Spectroscopic analysis uncovered biomolecular alterations underlying the elytral anomalies, including decreases in peaks representing chitin, proteins, and lipids. This loss of essential ECM components provides evidence for the fragility, wrinkling, and shrinkage observed in the RNAi groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings elucidate the crucial role of chitinases in the turnover of chitinous cuticles on beetle wings, offering insights into RNAi‐based control strategies against this invasive pest. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study rigorously compares the clinical efficacy of three surgical methodologies for treating gynecomastia while providing guidance for future surgical modality selection. We analyzed records of 77 gynecomastia patients treated between January 2015 and October 2022. Patients were categorized into three groups: Group A (subcutaneous gland resection via areola incision), Group B (liposuction combined with single‐hole endoscopic gland resection), and Group C (liposuction combined with three‐hole endoscopic gland resection). Parameters assessed included patient demographics, intraoperative bleeding, surgical duration, hospitalization duration, costs, postoperative drainage, complications, and patient satisfaction. Group A had significantly shorter operation time and lower cost than Groups B and C (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative drainage (P > 0.05). Group A had a higher incidence of subcutaneous fluid complications. All groups achieved 100% overall postoperative efficiency. Group B demonstrated superior outcomes for scarring and patient satisfaction. All three surgical modalities effectively treat gynecomastia. Circumareolar incision subcutaneous gland resection is optimal for mild to moderate cases due to reduced operation time and cost. Liposuction with single‐hole endoscopic gland resection and three‐hole endoscopic gland resection offers fewer complications and discreet incisions. Notably, the liposuction and single‐hole endoscopic approach yielded superior postoperative patient satisfaction, aligning with minimally invasive principles and warranting broad clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic factors and survival outcomes of patients with surgically treated high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (NECC). Methods: This multicenter, retrospective study involved 98 cervical cancer patients with stage IA2–IIA2 and IIIC1/2p high‐grade NECC. We divided the patients into two groups based on histology: the pure and mixed groups. All clinicopathologic variables were retrospectively evaluated. Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier methods were used for analysis. Results: In our study, 60 patients were in the pure group and 38 patients were in the mixed group. Cox multivariate analysis showed that mixed histology was a protective factor impacting overall survival (OS) (P = 0.026) and progression free survival (PFS) (P = 0.018) in surgically treated high‐grade NECC. Conversely, survival outcomes were negatively impacted by ovarian preservation (OS: HR, 20.84; 95% CI: 5.02–86.57, P < 0.001), age >45 years (OS: HR, 4.50; 95% CI: 1.0–18.83, P = 0.039), tumor size >4 cm (OS: HR, 6.23; 95% CI: 2.34–16.61, P < 0.001), parity >3 (OS: HR, 4.50; 95% CI: 1.02–19.91, P = 0.048), and perineural invasion (OS: HR, 5.21; 95% CI: 1.20–22.53, P = 0.027). Kaplan–Meier survival curves revealed notable differences in histologic type (OS: P = 0.045; PFS: P = 0.024), chemotherapy (OS: P = 0.0056; PFS: P = 0.0041), ovarian preservation (OS: P = 0.00031; PFS: P = 0.0023), uterine invasion (OS: P < 0.0001; PFS: P < 0.0001), and depth of stromal invasion (OS: P = 0.043; PFS: P = 0.022). Conclusion: Patients with mixed histologic types who undergo surgery for high‐grade NECC have a better prognosis. Meanwhile, ovarian preservation, tumor size >4 cm, parity >3, age >45 years and perineural invasion were poor prognostic predictors. Therefore, patients with high‐risk factors should be considered in clinical practice. Synopsis: Patients with surgically treated NECC who had mixed histologic types, underwent ovariectomy, and received adjuvant EP chemotherapy had a better prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study optimizes the main parameters of the cold‐side heat exchanger (CHE) longitudinal fin, including fin quantity (Nf), fin thickness (Tf), and fin height (Hf), to enhance the performance of motorcycle exhaust thermoelectric generator units (TGUs) utilizing the computational fluid dynamics approach. The investigation shows that these parameters significantly affect the dissipation area of the CHE heat and the outside air velocity distribution in fin gaps, resulting in the fluctuation of TGU output power. The output power increases with respect to Hf; nevertheless, it first increases as Nf and Tf increase but decreases dramatically when Nf or Tf becomes too large. Besides, Hf significantly affects output power, and its impact is almost independent of Tf and Nf, and vice versa; meanwhile, Tf and Nf have a strong relation. This study proposes two Hf of 40 and 60 mm along with the optimal Tf of 1 mm and Nf of 29, providing significantly high output power, low weight, and compact size for TGU. This work contributes insight into the effect of CHE parameters on the TGU performance, and it is a crucial case study for selecting suitable heat sink parameters for TGU, considering practical requirements and conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the relationship between the weight‐adjusted‐waist index (WWI) and all‐cause mortality as well as cardiovascular mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods: We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018 and the UK Biobank database. Restricted cubic spline curves and Cox proportional hazards models were employed to assess hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all‐cause mortality. Results: In the UK Biobank database, compared with the lowest WWI quartile, the HR for all‐cause and cardiovascular death in the highest quartile was 1.846 (95% CI 1.687‐2.019) and 2.118 (95% CI 1.783‐2.517), respectively, in the fully adjusted model. In the NHANES database, compared with the lowest WWI quartile, the highest quartile had an HR of 1.727 (95% CI 1.378‐2.163) for all‐cause death and 1.719 (95% CI 1.139‐2.595) for cardiovascular death in the fully adjusted model. Conclusions: Our study indicates that WWI has a long‐term synergistic negative impact on all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The WWI is an independent predictor of mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N4‐acetylcytidine (ac4C) is essential for the development and migration of tumor cells. According to earlier research, N‐acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) can increase messenger RNAs (mRNAs) stability by catalyzing the synthesis of ac4C. However, little is known about NAT10 expression and its role in the acetylation modifications in prostate cancer (PCa). Thus, the biological function of NAT10 in PCa is investigated in this study. Compared to paraneoplastic tissues, the expression of NAT10 is significantly higher in PCa. The NAT10 expression is strongly correlated with the pathological grade, clinical stage, Gleason score, T‐stage, and N‐stage of PCa. NAT10 has the ability to advance the cell cycle and the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), both of which raise the malignancy of tumor cells. Mechanistically, NAT10 enhance the stability of high mobility group AT‐hook 1 (HMGA1) by acetylating its mRNA, thereby promoting cell cycle progression to improve cell proliferation. In addition, NAT10 improve the stability of Keratin 8 (KRT8) by acetylating its mRNA, which promotes the progression of EMT to improve cell migration. This findings provide a potential prognostic or therapeutic target for PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]