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Aims/Introduction: We investigated the relationship of circulating TSP‐1 mRNA and miR‐194 with diabetic kidney disease's degree. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 167 hospitalized type 2 diabetes patients in the endocrinology department. Patients were split into three groups according to urinary microalbumin: A, B and C. The control group comprised healthy outpatients (n = 163). The quantities of microribonucleic acid (miR)‐194 and thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the participants' circulation were measured using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Circulating TSP‐1 mRNA (P = 0.024) and miR‐194 (P = 0.029) expressions significantly increased in type 2 diabetes patients. Circulating TSP‐1 mRNA (P = 0.040) and miR‐194 (P = 0.007) expression levels differed significantly among the three groups; circulating TSP‐1 mRNA expression increased with urinary microalbumin. However, miR‐194 declined in group B and increased in group C. Circulating TSP‐1 mRNA was positively correlated with cystatin‐c (r = 0.281; P = 0.021) and microalbumin/creatinine ratio (UmALB/Cr; r = 0.317; P = 0.009); miR‐194 was positively correlated with UmALB/Cr (r = 0.405; P = 0.003). Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis showed cystatin‐c (β = 0.578; P = 0.021) and UmALB/Cr (β = 0.001; P = 0.009) as independent factors for TSP‐1 mRNA; UmALB/Cr (β = 0.005; P = 0.028) as an independent factor for miR194. Areas under the curve for circulating TSP‐1 mRNA and miR194 were 0.756 (95% confidence interval 0.620–0.893; sensitivity 0.69 and specificity 0.71, P < 0.01) and 0.584 (95% confidence interval 0.421–0.748; sensitivity 0.54 and specificity 0.52, P < 0.01), respectively. Conclusions: Circulating TSP‐1 mRNA and miR‐194 expressions significantly increased in type 2 diabetes patients. The microalbumin group had lower levels of miR‐194 (a risk factor that is valuable for type 2 diabetes kidney disease evaluation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung cancer (LC) is currently the number one malignancy death rate disease in China, and its disease burden is serious. The study aimed to analyze trends of LC and its risk factor attributable disease in China from 1990 to 2019 and predict the next 41 years. Methods: The average annual percentage change (AAPC) was used to analyze the trend of LC and its risk factor attributable incidence, deaths, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) rate in China from 1990 to 2019, collected in the Global Burden of Disease 2019. Cochran–Armitage trends examine trends in lung cancer disease burden by sex, age, and attributable risk factor groups in China from 1990 to 2019. In addition, based on data on death and DALYs rate due to LC and its risk factors between 1990 and 2019, an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was developed to predict the change in the trend of burden of disease due to LC and its risk factors over the next 41 years, and the model was evaluated using the model parameters root mean square error, mean absolute error, and mean absolute percentage error. Results: From 1990 to 2019, the incidence, mortality and DALYs of LC were all increased. Among the eight risk factors associated with lung cancer, the DALYs rate and mortality rate of lung cancer risk factors for Chinese residents increased from 1990 to 2019, except for household air pollution from solid fuels and diet low in fruit, which showed a decrease; among them, the DALYs rate and mortality rate due to ambient particulate matter pollution showed the greatest increase with AAPC values of 2.880 and 3.310, respectively, while DALYs and mortality rates due to household air pollution from solid fuels showed the largest decreases, with AAPC values of −4.755 and −4.348, respectively. The results of the ARIMA model predictions show that both the mortality rate and the rate of DALYs for lung cancer are increasing yearly, and it is predicted that the rate of DALYs for lung cancer by 2060 will reach 740.095/100 000 and the mortality rate will reach 35.151/100 000. It is expected that by 2060, the top four risk factors for lung cancer in China will be, in order of DALYs rate and mortality rate, smoking, ambient particulate matter pollution, high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG), and secondhand smoke, with HFPG showing the greatest increase. Conclusions: The LC burden increased from 1990 to 2019 in China, the LC burden that could be attributed to HFPG will continue to increase in the next 40 years, and will be the third most factor by 2060. Targeted interventions are warranted to facilitate the prevention of LC and improvement of health‐related quality of life patients with LC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modulation of light underpins a central part of modern optoelectronics. Conventional optical modulators based on refractive‐index and absorption variation in the presence of an electric field serve as the workhorse for diverse photonic technologies. However, these approaches based on electro‐refraction or electro‐absorption effect impose limitations on frequency converting and signal amplification. Lanthanide‐activated phosphors offer a promising platform for nonlinear frequency conversion with an abundant spectrum. Here, we propose a novel approach to achieve frequency conversion and digital modulation of light signal by coupling lanthanide luminescence with an electrically responsive ferroelectric host. The technological benefits of such paradigm‐shifting solution are highlighted by demonstrating a quasi‐continuous and enhancement of the lanthanide luminescence. The ability to locally manipulate light emission can convert digital information signals into visible waveforms, and visualize electrical logic and arithmetic operations. The proof‐of‐concept device exhibits perspectives for developing light‐compatible logic functions. These results pave the way to design more controllable lanthanide photonics with desired opto‐electronic coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li‐O2 batteries, known for their impressive theoretical specific energy, face significant practical challenges, including slow kinetics, voltage hysteresis, and reduced cycle life. In this study, a novel approach is introduced utilizing a bimetallic metal‐organic framework known as Fe‐UiO‐66 as a multifunctional photocatalyst to enhance the oxygen‐related reactions in photo‐assisted Li‐O2 batteries. In contrast to UiO‐66, Fe‐UiO‐66 exhibits an extended response to visible light, as confirmed through UV–vis and photoluminescence spectra. Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis provides further validation of the pivotal role played by O2− radicals in the electrochemical processes. Additionally, computations are employed to elucidate the distinct function of Fe centers and the underlying reaction mechanisms. Li‐O2 batteries with Fe‐UiO‐66 cathodes have a reduced charge/discharge voltage difference of 0.14 V under illumination and operate stably for 500 cycles. This work encourages MOF‐based photocathode development for Li‐O2 batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In silicon photonics, BaTiO3 (BTO) emerges as a promising electro‐optic (EO) integrated material due to its excellent EO modulation capabilities. Nevertheless, the EO response of multi‐domain BTO thin films tends to be lower than that of bulk materials. BTO thin films are fabricated with strong EO responses utilizing the pulsed laser deposition technique. Considering the importance of the SrTiO3 (STO) buffer layer, a series of epitaxial BTO thin films are deposited on STO substrates with engineered domain alignment. Given the contribution of domain variants in BTO thin films to their EO response, specific electrode patterns are designed to enhance their performance. An effective Pockels coefficient of 286 pm V−1 is determined for the BTO thin film via the transmission geometry method, which surpasses recent reports. Through domain engineering in the BTO thin film, the remarkable enhancement in the EO response arising from in‐plane polarization (a‐axis) characteristics is confirmed. Simultaneously, utilizing the Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) optical probe, deep exploration into the domain dynamics within BTO thin films is conducted. These findings provide insights into the contribution of domain variants to the EO response and shed light on further developing silicon‐based heterogeneously integrated devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the influence of z‐pins on the impact resistance and residual tensile properties of composite large curvature components through low‐velocity impact and tension‐after‐impact tests to explore the damage mechanism. Unpinned and z‐pinned specimens with different diameters (0.3 and 0.5 mm) and spacing (3, 4, and 5 mm) were impacted at energies of 28 J and 14 J + 14 J and were stretched until failure. The theoretical models were used to predict impact dent depth and tensile strength, and the effectiveness of z‐pins and damage patterns were characterized by force‐time/displacement curves and through visual observation. The agreement between the experiments and predictions can thus validate the presented approach. Through the low‐velocity impact test, it is found that z‐pins with higher density and smaller diameter make the impact dent shallower and the surface damage less, thus showing better performance. Later, the impacted specimens mainly show delamination, explosion, breakage, and splitting after tension. During the first stage of the force‐displacement curves, since z‐pins mitigate the delamination, tensile strength shows a 29.58%–59.17% increase while in the third stage, a decrease of 3.95%–15.12% occurs due to initial damage caused by z‐pins. Highlights: Different impact energies are implemented on large curved CFRP laminates of z‐pins with different diameters and spacing to explore the damage mechanism.Low‐velocity impact and tension‐after‐impact (TAI) tests are used to simulate the centrifugal force of the blade subjected to impact and rotation after impact.Z‐pinned group with a small diameter and high density causes less damage and tensile strength in the first stage increases while decreasing in the third stage compared with the unpinned group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella is an idiopathic asthenoteratozoospermia characterized by absent, short, coiled, angulation, and irregular‐caliber flagella. Genetic variants of DNAH1 gene have been identified as a causative factor of multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella and intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an available strategy for infertile males with dynein axonemal heavy chain 1 defects to conceive. Objectives: To identify novel variants and candidate mutant hotspots of DNAH1 gene related to multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella and male infertility in humans. Materials and methods: The DNAH1 variants were identified by whole exome sequencing and confirmed with Sanger sequencing. Papanicolaou staining, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and immunostaining were performed to investigate the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of spermatozoa. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was applied for the assisted reproductive therapy of males harboring biallelic DNAH1 variants. Results: We identified 18 different DNAH1 variants in 11 unrelated families, including nine missense variants (p.A2564T, p.T3657R, p.G1862R, p.L2296P, p.T4041I, p.L611P, p.A913D, p.R1932Q, p.R2356W) and nine loss‐of‐function variants (c.2301‐1G>T, p.Q1518*, p.R1702*, p.D2845Mfs*2, p.P3909Rfs*33, p.Q4040Dfs*33, p.Q4058*, p.E4060Pfs*61, p.V4071Cfs*54). A total of 66.7% (12/18) of the identified variants were novel. Morphological analysis based on Papanicolaou staining and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the typical multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella characteristics of dynein axonemal heavy chain 1‐deficient spermatozoa. Immunostaining further revealed the absence of inner dynein arms but not outer dynein arms, which induced a general ultrastructural disorganization, such as the loss of central pair and mis‐localization of the microtubule doublets and outer dense fibers. To date, seven affected couples have accepted the intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment, and three of them have given birth to five healthy babies. Discussion and conclusion: These findings further expand the variant spectrum of DNAH1 gene related to multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella and male infertility in humans, thus providing new information for the molecular diagnosis of asthenoteratozoospermia. The favorable fertility outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection will facilitate the genetic counseling and clinical treatment of infertile males with multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The occurrence, growth, and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) are connected to the hypercoagulable state of blood (CRC). This study aimed to identify significant coagulation factors to predict metastasis and prognosis of CRC. Methods: Thrombomodulin (TM), thrombin‐antithrombin complex (TAT), α2‐plasmininhibitor‐plasmin complex (PIC), and tissue plasminogen activator‐inhibitor complex (t‐PAIC) were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay using Sysmex HISCL5000 automated analyzers. The Sysmex CS 5100 automatic blood coagulation analyzer was used to detect d‐dimer (DD), fibrin degradation product (FDP), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), international normalized ratio (INR), fibrinogen (Fbg), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Area under the curve (AUC) and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used to assess the diagnostic efficacy of markers. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to calculate survival probabilities. Independent prognostic factors and the nomogram were developed using single‐factor and multifactor cox regression analysis model. Results: The following indicators (TM, TAT, PIC, t‐PAIC, DD, FDP, PT, INR, APTT, and Fbg) were markedly higher in CRC patients than in healthy controls, and they were higher in the metastasis (M) group than in the nonmetastasis (NM) group. The combination "TAT + PIC + DD + FDP + Fbg" can distinguish M from NM with exceptional sensitivity and specificity. Patients with CRC who had high levels of TAT, PIC, DD, FDP, Fbg, TM, tPAIC, PT, and INR had significantly shorter survival. Conclusion: The prognosis of CRC patients can be predicted by coagulation indicators. The independent predictive variables for overall survival were found to be TM and DD. To forecast CRC patient survival, a nomogram was created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the clinical benefits of androgen deprivation therapy, most patients with advanced androgen‐dependent prostate cancer (ADPC) eventually relapse and progress to lethal androgen‐independent prostate cancer (AIPC), also termed castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). MiRNAs can be packaged into exosomes (Exos) and shuttled between cells. However, the roles and mechanisms of exosomal miRNAs involved in CRPC progression have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we find that miR‐222‐3p is elevated in AIPC cells, which results in remarkable enhancement of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability. Furthermore, Exos released by AIPC cells can be uptaken by ADPC cells, thus acclimating ADPC cells to progressing to more aggressive cell types in vitro and in vivo through exosomal transfer of miR‐222‐3p. Mechanistically, Exos‐miR‐222‐3p promoted ADPC cells transformed to AIPC‐like cells, at least in part, by activating mTOR signaling through targeting MIDN. Our results show that AIPC cells secrete Exos containing miRNA cargo. These cargos can be transferred to ADPC cells through paracrine mechanisms that have a strong impact on cellular functional remodeling. The current work underscores the great therapeutic potential of targeting Exo miRNAs, either as a single agent or combined with androgen receptor pathway inhibitors for CRPC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the factors affecting the quality of accelerated rehabilitation for patients with cervical spinal cord injury, therefore, to propose targeted improvement strategies and provide reference for promoting the quality of nursing care for accelerated rehabilitation. Design: This descriptive qualitative inquiry followed the COREQ guidelines. Methods: From December 2020 to April 2021, 16 subjects including orthopaedic nurses, nursing management experts, orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthesiologists and physical therapists experienced in accelerated rehabilitation were selected by objective sampling method to conduct semi‐structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview content. Results: Through analysis and summary of the interview data, the following two themes and nine sub‐themes were finally extracted. Factors related to the quality of accelerated rehabilitation structure include: construction of multidisciplinary teams, thorough system guarantee and adequate staffing. Factors related to the quality of accelerated rehabilitation process include: inadequate training and assessment, lack of medical staff's awareness, incapability of the accelerated rehabilitation team members, poor multidisciplinary communication and collaboration, lack of patient's awareness, and ineffective health education. Conclusion: Quality of implementation of accelerated rehabilitation can be improved by maximizing the role of multidisciplinary team, establishing a flawless accelerated rehabilitation system, increasing allocation of nursing resources, enhancing knowledge of medical staff, improving their awareness of accelerated rehabilitation, establishing personalized clinical pathways of accelerated rehabilitation, increasing communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary disciplines, and improving health education of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing efficient electrocatalysts based on metal–organic framework (MOF) nanosheet arrays (MOFNAs) with controlled active heterointerface for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is greatly desired yet challenging. Herein, a facile strategy for the synthesis of MOF‐based nanosheet arrays (γ‐FeOOH/Ni‐MOFNA) is developed with abundant heterointerfaces between Ni‐MOF and γ‐FeOOH nanosheets by introducing linker defects to the former. The experimental and theoretical results show the key role of linker defects in inducing the growth of secondary γ‐FeOOH nanosheets onto the surface of Ni‐MOFNAs, which further leads to the formation of interfacial Ni/Fe dual sites with high oxygen evolution activity. Notably, the resulting γ‐FeOOH/Ni‐MOFNA exhibits excellent OER performance with low overpotentials of 193 and 222 mV at 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. Furthermore, the study of the structure–performance relationship of MOF‐based heterostructures reveals that Ni sites at the interface of the γ‐FeOOH/Ni‐MOFNA have higher activity than those at the interface of NiFe layered double hydroxide and Ni‐MOFNA. This study provides a new prospect on heterostructured electrocatalysts with highly active sites for enhanced OER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We have modified the internal sinus elevation by combining it with the sinus mucoperiosteum stripping procedure, which further increases the indications for the internal lift. Similar long‐term clinical follow‐up studies and three‐dimensional finite element analyses are rare. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of the modified internal sinus floor elevation method in patients with low residual bone height using a three‐dimensional (3D) finite element model and report on the long‐term outcomes. Materials and Methods: Overall, 99 implants were placed in 86 patients. All patients were followed‐up for 3–24 months. The modified internal sinus floor elevation was dynamically simulated using a 3D finite element model, and the stress of the sinus membrane was measured. Results: In trial group A (modified internal sinus floor elevation group), 57 implants were placed in 52 patients. The sinus floor height was lifted by 6.5 mm (95%confidence interval (CI): 6.2–6.8). The perforation rate was 8.8%, and the implant survival rate was 96.5%. In control group B (external sinus floor elevation group), 42 implants were placed in 34 patients. The sinus floor height was lifted by 8.8 mm (95%CI: 8.4–9.3). The perforation rate was 14.3%, and the implant survival rate was 100%. In trial group A, compared with the control group B, perforation decreased by 5.5% (odds ratio = 0.50 and 95%CI: 0.14–1.78; p = 0.282), and the sinus floor lift height was 2.3 mm lower (95%CI, 1.8–2.9; p < 0.001). The finite element analysis showed that the peak stress of the sinus membrane increased with an increase in height elevation and degree of membrane separation. Conclusion: Our findings indicate the positive clinical outcomes in patients with low RBH associated with the modified internal sinus elevation procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sirt1 is an NAD+‐dependent deacetylase that protects against premature aging and cell senescence. Aging accompanied by oxidative stress leads to a decrease in Sirt1 levels and activity, but the regulatory mechanism that connects these events remains unclear. Here, we reported that Nur77, which shares similar biological pathways with Sirt1, was also decreased with age in multiple organs. Our in vivo and in vitro results revealed that Nur77 and Sirt1 decreased during aging and oxidative stress‐induced cell senescence. Deletion of Nr4a1 shortened the lifespan and accelerated the aging process in multiple mouse tissues. Overexpression of Nr4a1 protected the Sirt1 protein from proteasomal degradation through negative transcriptional regulation of the E3 ligase MDM2. Our results showed that Nur77 deficiency markedly aggravated aging‐related nephropathy and elucidated a key role for Nur77 in the stabilization of Sirt1 homeostasis during renal aging. We proposed a model wherein a reduction of Nur77 in response to oxidative stress promotes Sirt1 protein degradation through MDM2, which triggers cell senescence. This creates additional oxidative stress and provides positive feedback for premature aging by further decreasing Nur77 expression. Our findings reveal the mechanism by which oxidative stress reduces Sirt1 expression during aging and offers an attractive therapeutic strategy for targeting aging and homeostasis in organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evergrowing diversity of encrypted and anonymous network traffic makes network management more formidable to manage the network traffic. An intelligent system is essential to analyse and identify network traffic accurately. Network management needs such techniques to improve the Quality of Service and ensure the flow of secure network traffic. However, due to the usage of non‐standard ports and encryption of data payloads, the classical port‐based and payload‐based classification techniques fail to classify the secured network traffic. To solve the above‐mentioned problems, this paper proposed an effective deep learning‐based framework employed with flow‐time‐based features to predict heterogeneous secure network traffic best. The state‐of‐the‐art machine learning strategies (C4.5, random forest, and K‐nearest neighbour) are investigated for comparison. The proposed 1D‐CNN model achieved higher accuracy in classifying the heterogeneous secure network traffic. In the next step, the proposed deep learning model characterises the major categories (virtual private network traffic, the onion router network traffic, and plain encrypted network traffic) into several application types. The experimental results show the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed deep learning framework, which yields improved predictive power compared to the state‐of‐the‐art machine learning techniques employed for secure network traffic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As one of the most devastating cancers, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a short survival time and poor prognosis. Pescadillo ribosomal biogenesis factor 1 (PES1) plays a critical role in the progression of numerous cancers. However, its role and underlying mechanisms in HNSCC remain unclear. Methods: A variety of bioinformatic approaches were used to identify the expressions, prognostic and diagnostic value of PES1 in HNSCC. qRT‐PCR, immunofluorescence (IF) assay, western blotting and immunohistochemical (IHC) were used to evaluate the expression of PES1 in HNSCC cell lines and clinical tissues. PES1 was knocked down in TU177 and FaDu cells which have high PES1 expression. The effects of PES1 on cell proliferation and tumour growth in HNSCC were elevated by colony formation, CCK8 assays and tumorigenicity assay in nude mice. The effects on cisplatin (CDDP) sensitivity upon silencing of PES1 were assessed using a patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) model. Results: PES1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for HNSCC and negatively associated with the overall survival rate. Silencing of PES1 reduces HNSCC cell proliferation and tumour growth. Moreover, PES1 inhibition significantly sensitises HNSCC cells to cisplatin. Furthermore, we found a PES1 has a high correlation with c‐Myc and plays an essential role in the tumour immune microenvironment. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that PES1 is associated with tumour growth and drug resistance and served as a potential cancer marker for diagnosis and a putative therapeutic target for HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel thermoplastic fluorinated polyacrylate films possessing excellent mechanical performance are prepared by emulsion polymerization latex using adjustable amphiphilic star macro‐reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (macro‐RAFT) agent as surfactants in this work. First, star macro‐RAFT agent equipped with six amphiphilic arms is synthesized via two‐step RAFT polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl acrylate (TFEA) in the presence of hexa‐functional RAFT agents. The surface activities of the as‐synthesized amphiphilic star macro‐RAFT agents in aqueous solutions are studied. Subsequently, various fluorinated polyacrylate latexes are obtained by conducting emulsion polymerization of 2,2,3,4,4,4‐hexafluorobutyl acrylate (HFBA) and butyl acrylate (BA) using the amphiphilic star macro‐RAFT agents as both RAFT agents and surfactants. The latex particle morphologies are studied by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and particle size is measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The effects of PAA segment length, HFBA/BA mole ratio, and TFEA segment length on the surface morphologies of the fluorinated polyacrylate films are illustrated by investigating the surface properties using water contact angle test and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Finally, the elastomeric films obtained by directly casting the prepared fluorinated polyacrylate latexes show excellent comprehensive properties such as tensile strength over 4 MPa, elongation at break ≈700%, permanent deformation below 25%. Water absorption test is also provided as a reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper stamen filament elongation is essential for pollination and plant reproduction. Plant hormones are extensively involved in every stage of stamen development; however, the cellular mechanisms by which phytohormone signals couple with microtubule dynamics to control filament elongation remain unclear. Here, we screened a series of Arabidopsis thaliana mutants showing different microtubule defects and revealed that only those unable to sever microtubules, lue1 and ktn80.1234, displayed differential floral organ elongation with less elongated stamen filaments. Prompted by short stamen filaments and severe decrease in KTN1 and KTN80s expression in qui‐2 lacking five BZR1‐family transcription factors (BFTFs), we investigated the crosstalk between microtubule severing and brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. The BFTFs transcriptionally activate katanin‐encoding genes, and the microtubule‐severing frequency was severely reduced in qui‐2. Taken together, our findings reveal how BRs can regulate cytoskeletal dynamics to coordinate the proper development of reproductive organs. Synopsis: Stamen elongation is required for successful pollination and reproduction in plants. Here, brassinosteroid‐activated BZR1‐family transcription factors (BFTFs) are shown to control stamen filament elongation via promotion of katanin‐mediated microtubule‐severing. Mutations in genes encoding regulators of microtubule severing lead to defects in stamen filament elongation.Loss of katanin function or a deletion of all five BFTFs impairs cell elongation in stamen filaments.Brassinosteroid treatment or BFTF activation induces transcription of katanin‐encoding genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myopia and keratoconus have become common corneal diseases that threaten the quality of human vision, and keratoconus is one of the most common indications for corneal transplantation worldwide. Collagen crosslinking (CXL) using riboflavin and ultraviolet A (UVA) light is an effective approach for treating ophthalmic disorders and has been shown clinically not only to arrest further progression of keratoconus but also to improve refractive power for cornea. However, CXL surgery irradiated by UVA has various potential risks such as surface damage and endothelial cell damage. Here, near‐infrared femtosecond laser‐based two‐photon CXL was first applied to ex vivo human corneal stroma, operating at low photon energy with high precision and stability. After two‐photon CXL, the corneal stiffness can be enhanced by 300% without significantly reducing corneal transparency. These findings illustrate the optimized direction that depositing high pulses energy in corneal focal volume (not exceeding damage threshold), and pave the way to 3D CXL of in vivo human cornea with higher safety, precision, and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic field‐responsive mechanical deformation enables remote control of dynamic devices including micro‐robotic machines and smart surfaces. Metal–insulator transition (MIT) of vanadium dioxide (VO2) is developed for micro devices that are electrically or optically activated, but none of these is electromagnetic field‐responsive. Herein, a micro‐pillar array composed of epitaxial VO2 nanobeams that are asymmetrically coated with Cr, Au, and silicon oxide layers is demonstrated. Localized Joule heat, induced by the eddy current effect within the Cr or Au metal layer under an electromagnetic field, provides a high‐sensitive thermal response that triggers MIT of VO2, thus activates bending and relaxing of the micro‐pillars. For accurate and site‐specific control of the bending, layers of amorphous silicon oxide are added to the structure to endow tunable stiffness through electron beams‐matter interaction. These micro‐pillars are optimized to be a 2D, tractable surface on which directional transportation by remote control of the electromagnetic field in a liquid medium is realized. This discovery provides novel ideas for the design of electromagnetic field‐responsive structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to wetland degradation due to socio‐economic development, attention to ecological conservation and restoration is increasing globally. In China, more than 1100 wetland conservation and restoration projects were implemented over the past decade. However, the net effects of socio‐economic development and ecological conservation and restoration on ecosystem health have received little empirical examination. We analyzed the spatial–temporal dynamics of ecosystem health in Hengshui Lake Wetland Nature Reserve in northern China, and demonstrated the dual effect of the above‐mentioned factors on ecosystem health. The results indicated that ecosystem health increase due to conservation and restoration offset the decrease due to socio‐economic development, which resulted in a significant increase in the net value by 34.6% over the past 19 years. Wetland conservation and restoration dominated ecosystem health improvement in most study regions, while population growth determined the decrease in ecosystem health in residential regions and transportation land, thus intensifying the spatial heterogeneity. Crucially, targeted and practical conservation strategies have been provided according to the low index and regions, together with its main driving factors. The net effects, spatial heterogeneity and management strategies revealed by this case‐study provide critical implications for large‐scale wetland ecosystems that are pervasive degradation induced by socio‐economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of impurity gases (N2, CO2) in natural gas is critical to the efficient use of natural gas. In this work, the selective adsorption for N2 and CO2 over CH4 on MIL‐100 (M) (M=4Cr, 10Cr, 6Fe, 1In, 1Sc, 3V) is studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The calculated adsorption energy of the large‐size cluster model (LC) of MIL‐100 (M) shows that the 4MIL‐100 (4Cr) is the best at the refinement of natural gas due to the lower adsorption energy of CH4 (−2.58 kJ/mol) in comparison with that of N2 (−21.49 kJ/mol) and CO2 (−23.82 kJ/mol). 1MIL‐100 (1Sc) and 1MIL‐100 (6Fe) can also achieve selective adsorption and follows the order 4MIL‐100 (4Cr)>1MIL‐100 (1Sc)>1MIL‐100 (6Fe). In the research of the selective adsorption mechanism of MIL‐100 (M) (M=4Cr, 1Sc, 6Fe), the independent gradient model (IGM) indicates that these outstanding adsorbents interact with CO2 and N2 mainly through the electrostatic attractive interaction, while the van der Walls interaction dominates in the interaction with CH4. The atomic Projected Density of State (PDOS) further confirms that CH4 contributes least to the intermolecular interaction than that of CO2 and N2. Through the scrutiny of molecular orbitals, it is found that electrons transfer from the gas molecule to the metal site in the adsorption of CO2 and N2. Not only does the type of the metallic orbitals, but also the delocalization of the involved orbitals determines the selective adsorption performance of MIL‐100. Both Cr and Sc share their dz2 ${{d}_{{z}^{2}}}$ orbitals with the gases, making 1MIL‐100 (1Sc) another potential effective separator for CH4. Additionally, the comparison of adsorption energy and PDOS shows that the introduction of ligands such as benzene impedes the electron donation from gas molecules (CO2, N2) to the metal site, indicating electron‐withdrawing ligands will further favor the adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamically encircling the exceptional point (EP) of an anti‐parity‐time (anti‐PT) symmetric system can achieve chiral mode switching between symmetry‐broken eigenmodes, which is especially important for developing nanophotonic devices. However, the realization of anti‐PT‐symmetric systems on a chip still remains significantly challenging as precisely controlling the parameters of nanophotonic structures is difficult. Herein, a novel anti‐PT‐symmetric system is designed and constructed on a silicon‐on‐insulator chip by taking advantage of subwavelength gratings to help engineer nanophotonic structures. Consequently, on‐chip chiral switching between symmetry‐broken eigenmodes is experimentally realized by dynamically encircling the EP in parametric space of the proposed anti‐PT‐symmetric system. Moreover, the achieved chiral mode switching exhibits high output power ratios (≥ 6.4 dB) at 1550 nm, wide‐band response that covers C‐band completely, and great thermal stability up to 90 °C, which indicate desirable performance features for practical applications in optical communication. This study paves an avenue for realizing on‐chip chiral switching between symmetry‐broken modes, which shows great promise for developing nanophotonic devices, such as optical switching, logic gates, and isolators, in optical telecommunication bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Devices operating with excitons have promising prospects for overcoming the dilemma of response time and integration in current generation of electron‐ or/and photon‐based elements and devices. In combination with the advantages of emerging twistronics and valleytronics, the atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductors open up new opportunities for pursuing practical excitonic devices, where the strong exciton binding energy enables operating exciton at room temperature. The essential and foremost step toward exciton devices is the control of spatiotemporal exciton flux, which is density‐dependent and affected by the complex many‐body interactions. It can be effectively controlled by the strain, electric field, electron‐doping, and local dielectric environment. Intriguingly, exotic phenomena such as exciton condensation, electron‐hole liquid, exciton Hall effects, and exciton halo effects can be occurred in 2D exciton system, providing new possibilities for excitonic devices. Up to now, the proof‐of‐principle of room temperature exciton devices, including excitonic switching and transistor, exciton guides, and excitonic nanolaser, have been realized. Here the authors review the recent advances in molding 2D exciton flux from basic principle, manipulation, exotic phenomena to promising applications and discuss the opportunities and challenges in pushing the frontiers of room temperature excitonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural variations (SVs) are important DNA polymorphisms that contribute to genetic diversity and evolution in humans, animals, and plants. In this study, we present a novel swine SV dataset of 79,919 deletions, 23,638 duplications, and 9333 inversions with average sequence depths of 24.1× from 24 varieties of worldwide pig populations, encompassing 305 individuals. Genotypes of SVs, particularly deletions, can accurately group individuals based on their population identity. We showed that exon‐covering deletions were subject to negative selection. Fixation index and differential allele frequency analysis identified highly differentiated SVs between European and Asian indigenous pigs, including deletions in NR6A1 and PLAG1, which are significantly associated with vertebrate numbers and growth performances, respectively. The growth‐enhancing allele at the deletion in PLAG1 was shared by European commercial pigs and Northern Chinese indigenous pigs including Laiwu and Min pigs, suggesting potential introgression from European commercial breeds into Chinese indigenous breeds. Moreover, we uncovered highly differentiated SVs in 139 genes between domesticated pigs and wild boars in Asia, temperature and altitude adaptation‐associated SVs in 41 genes, and population‐specific SVs in 718 genes. This study provides novel insights into the role of porcine SVs in domestication, environmental adaptation, and breed formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most available four‐dimensional (4D)‐magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are limited by insufficient image quality and long acquisition times or require specially designed sequences or hardware that are not available in the clinic. These limitations have greatly hindered the clinical implementation of 4D‐MRI. Purpose: This study aims to develop a fast ultra‐quality (UQ) 4D‐MRI reconstruction method using a commercially available 4D‐MRI sequence and dual‐supervised deformation estimation model (DDEM). Methods: Thirty‐nine patients receiving radiotherapy for liver tumors were included. Each patient was scanned using a time‐resolved imaging with interleaved stochastic trajectories (TWIST)–lumetric interpolated breath‐hold examination (VIBE) MRI sequence to acquire 4D‐magnetic resonance (MR) images. They also received 3D T1‐/T2‐weighted MRI scans as prior images, and UQ 4D‐MRI at any instant was considered a deformation of them. A DDEM was developed to obtain a 4D deformable vector field (DVF) from 4D‐MRI data, and the prior images were deformed using this 4D‐DVF to generate UQ 4D‐MR images. The registration accuracies of the DDEM, VoxelMorph (normalized cross‐correlation [NCC] supervised), VoxelMorph (end‐to‐end point error [EPE] supervised), and the parametric total variation (pTV) algorithm were compared. Tumor motion on UQ 4D‐MRI was evaluated quantitatively using region of interest (ROI) tracking errors, while image quality was evaluated using the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), lung–liver edge sharpness, and perceptual blur metric (PBM). Results: The registration accuracy of the DDEM was significantly better than those of VoxelMorph (NCC supervised), VoxelMorph (EPE supervised), and the pTV algorithm (all, p < 0.001), with an inference time of 69.3 ± 5.9 ms. UQ 4D‐MRI yielded ROI tracking errors of 0.79 ± 0.65, 0.50 ± 0.55, and 0.51 ± 0.58 mm in the superior–inferior, anterior–posterior, and mid–lateral directions, respectively. From the original 4D‐MRI to UQ 4D‐MRI, the CNR increased from 7.25 ± 4.89 to 18.86 ± 15.81; the lung–liver edge full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum decreased from 8.22 ± 3.17 to 3.65 ± 1.66 mm in the in‐plane direction and from 8.79 ± 2.78 to 5.04 ± 1.67 mm in the cross‐plane direction, and the PBM decreased from 0.68 ± 0.07 to 0.38 ± 0.01. Conclusion: This novel DDEM method successfully generated UQ 4D‐MR images based on a commercial 4D‐MRI sequence. It shows great promise for improving liver tumor motion management during radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the incidence of acute liver injury (ALI) is increasing year by year, and infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) can also induce ALI, but there are still no targeted therapeutic drugs. ZnO–NiO particles is mainly used to clean up reactive oxygen species (ROS) in industrial wastewater, and it is insoluble in water. Its excellent properties are discovered and improved by adding shuttle‐based bonds to make it more water‐soluble. ZnO‐NiO@COOH particles are synthetically applied to treat ALI. The p‐n junction in ZnO–NiO@COOH increases the surface area and active sites, thereby creating large numbers of oxygen vacancies, which can quickly adsorb ROS. The content in tissues and serum levels of L‐glutathione (GSH) and the GSH/oxidized GSH ratio are measured to assess the capacity of ZnO–NiO@COOH particles to absorb ROS. The ZnO–NiO@COOH particles significantly reduce the expression levels of inflammatory factors (i.e., IL‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α), macrophage infiltration, and granulocyte activation. ZnO‐NiO@COOH rapidly adsorb ROS in a short period of time to block the generation of inflammatory storms and gain time for the follow‐up treatment of ALI, which has important clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that the high conductivity of two‐dimensional laminated transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) contributes to the outstanding electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding by the reflection of electromagnetic waves (EWs), it is difficulty to improve EMI shielding by pursuing higher conductivity due to the limitation of intrinsic properties. Here, we achieve superior EMI shielding by introducing the absorption of EWs in MXenes with micro‐sized wrinkles which are induced by abundant Ti vacancies under chemical etching. The shielding effectiveness is up to 107 dB at a thickness of 20 μm. Combining with atomic‐scale structure observation and the first‐principles calculations, it is concluded that the promotion of EMI shielding originates from the resonant absorption of formed electric dipoles induced by the asymmetrical distribution of charge densities near Ti vacancies. Our results could open a new vista for developing two‐dimensional EMI shielding materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexoelectricity refers to the linear coupling between electric polarization and strain gradients, and exhibits in all materials with arbitrary crystal symmetries. Recent breakthroughs on synthesizing high‐quality freestanding perovskite oxides have provided new opportunities to couple this universal effect to various functionalities. In particular, the interplay between flexoelectricity and upconversion emission in lanthanide doped freestanding perovskite oxide SrTiO3:Er3+ nanomembranes is experimentally demonstrated. The tunable flexoelectricity leads to an over fourfold enhancement in upconversion photoluminescence (PL) through strain gradient engineering. The observed significant PL enhancement can be ascribed to the strain gradient induced polarization, or more fundamentally, inversion symmetry breaking. Furthermore, this behavior is reversible and exhibits excellent antifatigue characteristics even after 104 bending cycles. The showcased strong coupling between flexoelectricity and photoluminescence in nonpolar materials offers dramatically greater design freedom for various strain‐tunable optoelectronic devices, regardless of the lattice symmetry of the constituent materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma is highly heterogeneous with diverse genomic alterations and partial therapeutic responses. The emergence of drug‐resistant tumor cell clones accompanied by a high AXL expression level is one of the major challenges for anti‐tumor clinical care. Recent studies have demonstrated that high AXL expression in melanoma cells mediated drug resistance, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and elevated survival of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Given that we have identified several non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin potently induce the degradation of AXL, we questioned whether NSAIDs could counteract the AXL‐mediated neoplastic phenotypes. In this study, we found that NSAIDs downregulate PKA activity via the PGE2/EP2/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and interrupt the PKA‐dependent interaction between CDC37 and HSP90, resulting in an incorrect AXL protein folding and finally AXL degradation through the ubiquitination‐proteasome system (UPS) pathway. Furthermore, NSAIDs not only sensitized the MEK inhibitor treatment but also reduced EMT and relapse mediated by AXL in tumor tissue. Our findings suggest that the combination of inhibitors and NSAIDs, especially aspirin, could be a simple but efficient modality to treat melanoma in which AXL is a key factor for drug resistance, metastasis, and relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Chinese medicine is made from the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. (Compositae), known as Cangzhu. In this study, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was used to identify and quantify the volatile oils of different organs of A. lancea from four regions of China: Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan, and Hubei provinces. The volatile oils of A. lancea were qualitatively and quantitatively characterized using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry combined with laser microdissection. The results identified 21 components in A. lancea, the majority of the components were found in the rhizomes, followed by the fibrous roots, flowers, leaves, and stems. According to the contents of volatile oils in A. lancea, it was divided into Dabieshan (mainly includes hinesol and β‐eudesmol) and Maoshan types (mainly includes atractylon and atractylodin), and the ratios of hinesol:β‐eudesmol:atractylon:atractylodin were 17.06:4.55:0:1, 12.66:11.71:0.99:1, 7.43:6.23:0:1, and 0.13:0.16:1.52:1 in A. lancea from AH, HN, HB, and JS, respectively. Tissue‐specific study indicated that Dabieshan type mainly includes elemol, hinesol, and β‐eudesmol in the periderm and secretory cavities of A. lancea, whereas Maoshan type mainly includes atractylon, atractylodin, little hinesol, and β‐eudesmol in the secretory cavities. Conversely, no volatile oils were detected in the cortex, phloem, xylem, vascular ray, or pith. This study provides a foundation for further evaluation and utilization of A. lancea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal curing of acrylate adhesive consisting of acrylate monomer or prepolymer and 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) initiator is quite common. However, the two‐component adhesive is not suitable for large areas, large gap bonding, or potting because of its fast‐curing speed and intense heat release. To solve these problems, microencapsulating the initiator AIBN in the adhesive and controlling its release is proposed. Here, a new series of polyaniline microcapsules loaded with AIBN for the preparation of delayed‐release initiator were synthesized via an emulsification‐polymerization method. The coumarone indene resins were doped in polyaniline to control the release of the encapsulated AIBN. The characterization results indicate that the coumarone indene resin had been successfully mixed into the microcapsule polyaniline shell, and the interior of the microcapsules doped with resin had a rich pore structure. When a Span 80 and Tween 80 composite emulsifying system was used and its concentration was controlled at 0.1%–1.0%, the resulting microcapsules were homogeneous with good dispersibility. The release of the microcapsule was slow, and the release rate and release time could be precisely controlled by adjusting the type and doping amount of coumarone indene resin in the microcapsule shell material as well as the external temperature. For example, when the doping amount of coumarone indene resins in the PANI shell material increased from 0.2 to 1.0 g or when the temperature ranges from 75to 85°C, the release time of AIBN from the microcapsule decreased from 9 to 2 h and 12 to 3 h, respectively. With increasing demands for high performance delayed‐release initiators, the prepared polyaniline microcapsules loaded with AIBN show great potential for practical applications in adhesive, self‐healing coating, and petroleum exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kuroshio intrusion into the South China Sea (SCS) varies seasonally and interannually under different climatic conditions. To characterize the intensity of the climate‐driven Kuroshio intrusion and its impact on the phytoplankton community in the northeastern South China Sea (NESCS), two cruises were conducted during the 2015/16 El Niño event. In situ observations and remote sensing data showed that the Kuroshio strongly intruded into the SCS in both summer and winter. The summer phytoplankton community was dominated by cyanobacteria (Trichodesmium erythraeum), associated with high surface temperature, shallower mixed layer depth, and low nutrient concentrations. The winter phytoplankton community was mainly dominated by cosmopolitan diatoms (Thalassiosira diporocyclus, Thalassionema nitzschioides, and Chaetoceros socialis), associated with low surface temperature, deeper mixed layers, and relatively higher nutrient concentrations. Meanwhile, the elevated abundance of T. erythraeum coupled well with the Kuroshio intrusion index during the El Niño summer. The phytoplankton network was unstable in summer but not in winter, induced by the Kuroshio intrusion. Our findings show that intensified Kuroshio intrusion during the El Niño event was a vital driving force for reshaping phytoplankton community dynamics of the NESCS through lateral advection and affecting temperature, mixed layer depth, and nutrient supply. Plain Language Summary: In this study, we report the impacts of intensified Kuroshio intrusion on the phytoplankton community of the northeastern South China Sea during the 2015/16 El Niño event. We investigate the intensity of the climate‐driven Kuroshio intrusion and its impact on the phytoplankton community. The phytoplankton community exhibited apparent seasonal variations, dominated by cyanobacteria and diatoms in summer and winter, respectively. The intensified Kuroshio intrusion contributed to higher abundance of cyanobacteria Trichodesmium erythraeum during the El Niño summer. In addition, Kuroshio intrusion significantly reduced phytoplankton network stability in summer but not in winter. Key Points: Seasonal variability of the phytoplankton community in the northeastern South China Sea is closely associated with the strength of Kuroshio intrusionThe intensified Kuroshio intrusion triggered higher cyanobacteria Trichodesmium erythraeum abundance during the El Niño summerKuroshio intrusion significantly reduced phytoplankton network stability in summer but not in winter [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the improvements in laboratory testing procedures and the quality and safety management for large‐scale population screening for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Methods: Because of epidemic prevention and control needs in Hebei Province, on January 7, 2021, the Health Commission of Zhejiang Province sent a medical team to Hebei Province, to carry out SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid testing. Screening for the SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid test was performed using reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Practical tests and repeated process optimization were adopted to explore the optimal solution for improving laboratory testing procedures and the quality of and safety management for large‐scale population screening for SARS‐CoV‐2. Results: The Zhejiang medical team completed 250,000 pooled SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid samples in 24 days in Shijiazhuang, with a peak daily testing capacity of 40,246 samples testing. There were no false‐negative or false‐positive results, and no laboratory personnel was infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. Significant achievements have been made in SARS‐CoV‐2 prevention and control. Conclusions: This report summarizes the effort of the medical team regarding their management of the quality and safety of laboratory tests and proposes corresponding empirical recommendations to provide a reference for future large‐scale population screening SARS‐CoV‐2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manipulation of ferroelectric polarization and associated domain is at the heart of ferroelectric‐based applications. Polarization switching is typically achieved by a static or pulsed electric field, which however suffers from limitations associated with the requirement of circuitry access and the sluggish switching time. To circumvent abovementioned challenges, significant effort has been devoted to optical control of ferroelectric polarization, which can provide tremendous potential to develop ferroelectric devices with more freedom and to extend transient operation down to picosecond time scale. In this review, both the phenomena and the mechanism of optical control over polarization and associated domain evolution are explored in various kinds of ferroelectrics, including oxide perovskites, van der Waals ferroelectrics, and ferroelectric heterostructures, etc. All‐optical fabrication of 3D nonlinear photonic crystals based on femtosecond laser‐induced ferroelectric domain inversion is presented. In particular, some intriguing examples of terahertz field‐induced polarization reversal and paraelectric‐to‐ferroelectric phase transition are highlighted. The review concludes with a brief summary of the related branches, and discusses the challenges as well as the potential directions of this emerging field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damaged skin cannot prevent harmful bacteria from invading tissues, causing infected wounds and even serious tissue damage. Traditional treatments can not only kill pathogenic bacteria, but also suppress the growth of beneficial bacteria, thus destroying the balance of the damaged skin microbial ecosystem. Here, a living bacterial hydrogel scaffold is reported that accelerates infected wound healing through beneficial bacteria secreting antibacterial substances. Lactobacillus reuteri, a common probiotic, is encapsulated in hydrogel microspheres by emulsion polymerization and further immobilized in a hydrogel network by covalent cross‐linking of methacrylate‐modified hyaluronic acid. Owing to light‐initiated crosslinking, the hydrogel dressing can be generated in situ at the wound site. This hydrogel scaffold not only protects bacteria from immune system attack, but also prevents bacteria from escaping into the local environment, thus avoiding potential threats. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments show that it has excellent ability against harmful bacteria and anti‐inflammatory capabilities, promoting infected wound closure and new tissue regeneration. This work may open up new avenues for the application of living bacteria in the clinical management of infected wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a fibrotic skin disease characterised by over‐productive collagen and excessive inflammatory reaction, which can be functionally and cosmetically problematic. A scar‐prone constitute will accelerate HS formation and functional disorder, which deserves systemic therapy with oral medicine. To examine the oral therapeutic effectiveness on HS with convincing evidence of gross view and histological improvement, a rabbit ear HS model was employed with oral administration of asiaticoside (AS) at the doses of 12 and 24 mg kg−1 d−1 daily for 60 consecutive days. Gross observation and histological findings showed that oral AS treatment could significantly inhibit HS formation in a dose dependent manner. Semi‐quantification of scar elevation index at days 7, 15, 30, and 60, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction at days 30 and 60 also provided the evidences of reduced scar thickness and inhibited fibrotic gene expressions of collagens I, III, TGF‐β1, interleukins 1β, 6 and 8, and enhanced gene expression of SMAD 7 and PPAR‐γ with a dose‐dependent manner. These results indicated that AS is likely to serve as a systemic therapeutic agent of HS treatment for those who may have scar‐prone constitute via anti‐inflammation, inhibiting fibrotic process, and enhancing matrix degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this article, we develop the adaptive error feedback regulator design for one‐dimensional heat equation with a nonlocal term and disturbances which are located all the channels. First, we construct a transformation to transform the original system into the first auxiliary system, and in this system the measurable tracking error becomes output, both the disturbances located at the in‐domain and the control end are transformed to the uncontrolled end. Next, we design an observer for the first auxiliary system and an estimation mechanism for unknown parameters based on measurable tracking error. Then, by another transformation, we obtain the second auxiliary system, in which the disturbances and the reference signal are collocated with the control. Finally, the adaptive error feedback regulator is designed by using the backstepping method. The simulation results show that the regulator makes the tracking error asymptotically tend to zero and the state of the closed‐loop system is bounded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Microeukaryotes play key ecological roles in the microbial web of aquatic ecosystems. However, large knowledge gaps urgently need to be filled regarding the biogeography with associated shaping mechanisms and co‐occurrence patterns of microeukaryotes under freshwater‐saltwater gradients, especially true in tropical regions. Here, we investigated microeukaryotes of six mixed freshwater‐saltwater regions in the Pearl River Estuary and surrounding coasts in southern China, with salinity ranging 0.1–32.0% and distances spanned up to 500 km, using molecular ecological methods. Results indicate that the biogeography of abundant and rare microeukaryotic communities was similar, both their co‐occurrence patterns and biogeographical patterns were driven by deterministic and stochastic processes. The environmental factors with higher selective pressure than dispersal limitation meant that the role of deterministic process in structuring communities was more significant than that of stochastic process, and salinity played important role in structuring both microeukaryotic communities and networks. The abundant communities had stronger influence on entire microeukaryotic communities and seemed to be more sensitive to environmental changes than their rare counterparts, while rare ones had stronger interspecific relationships. Finally, the geographic scale and environmental gradients of study regions should firstly be clarified in future research on the ecological processes of microeukaryotes before conclusions are drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]