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Objective: To investigate the effects of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) on chronic kidney disease (CKD) and abnormal albuminuria and the interaction between MAFLD and diabetes on abnormal albuminuria. Methods: Data of participants in the American 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Hepatic steatosis was defined as median controlled attenuation parameter ≥248 dB/m, which was measured by ultrasound transient elastography. MAFLD was defined by evidence of hepatic steatosis on ultrasound in addition to any metabolic dysregulation. Hepatic fibrosis was detected by FibroScan and quantified by parameter of stiffness (E). Hepatic fibrosis was defined as E ≥ 9.7 kPa. As component of CKD, reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was defined as<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and abnormal albuminuria was defined as urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g. Results: Data pertaining to 5119 participants were included in the analysis, with 40.6% hepatic normal, 52.1% MAFLD, and 7.2% hepatic fibrosis. Multivariable regression analyses showed that for abnormal albuminuria, the odds ratio (OR) was 0.82 (0.65–1.04) for MAFLD group and 1.73 (1.14.–,2.63) for hepatic fibrosis group, both taking the hepatic healthy group as reference. As for reduced eGFR, the OR was 0.68 (0.51–0.92) for MAFLD group and 0.93 (0.56–1.53) for hepatic fibrosis group. Diabetes was significantly related to greater risk of abnormal albuminuria (3.04 [2.70–3.42]) and reduced eGFR (1.53 [1.33–1.77]). With regard to the prevalence of abnormal albuminuria, the OR was 1.64 (1.03–2.60) for those with hepatic fibrosis only, 3.30 (2.80–3.89) for those with diabetes only, and 5.05 (3.30–7.72) for those with both two conditions. But there were neither additive interaction (relative excess risk due to interaction 0.56 [−1.41–.53], p =.577) nor multiplicative interaction (OR 0.81 [0.45–1.47], p =.492) between hepatic fibrosis and diabetes on the prevalence of abnormal albuminuria. Conclusion: MAFLD with hepatic fibrosis is an independent risk factor for abnormal albuminuria, but it does not have interaction with diabetes on abnormal albuminuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the ampicillin and amoxicillin resistance in Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC14917 during the laboratory evolution in culture medium, including a gradually increasing concentration of antibiotic. In ampicillin and amoxicillin environment, both evolved strains obtained high levels of resistance. After the subsequent passage in antibiotic‐free medium, amoxicillin‐resistant strains returned to sensitive level, but resistance to ampicillin remained stable. The homology‐based analysis showed that the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in the gut would not occur in these mutant genes. This study could serve as evidence supporting the safe use of L. plantarum ATCC14917 in clinical practice when ampicillin and amoxicillin were concurrently used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Goat milk can be important for human nutrition because of its nutritional value, which may be attributed to its richness in protein, lactose, fat, and other bioactive components. This study compared the diversity and composition of gut microbiota in response to whole goat milk and its major fractions (milk fat, casein, milk whey, whey protein, and whey supernatant). Goat milk, its major fractions, and sterile distilled water (for the control group) were administered to mice intragastrically, and gut microbiota were compared in these groups using metagenomic analysis. RESULTS: We observed distinct patterns of gut microbiota from different diet groups. The sample distance heatmap showed that, compared with other goat milk fractions, gut microbiota in the casein group was more similar to that in the whole goat‐milk group. The relative abundance of the genus Lactobacillus increased significantly after whole goat‐milk treatment; the milk whey fraction increased the abundance of Blautia; milk fat and milk whey related fractions treatment promoted the population of Bacteroides. The network analysis showed that genera Lactobacillus and Lactococcus were negatively associated with Helicobacter and Acinetobacter, respectively. CONCLUSION: Fractions of goat milk could contain different gut microbiota from whole goat milk. Consumption of certain goat milk fractions could increase the ingestion of beneficial bacteria and inhibit the growth of some pathogenic bacteria. Our results could provide the basis for the research into and development of goat‐milk based functional foods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Angiogenesis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The atypical mitogen‐activated protein kinase 4 (MAPK4) has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, the potential role of MAPK4 in the tumor angiogenesis of NSCLC remains unclear. Methods: Adult male C57BL/6 wild‐type mice were randomly divided into the control group and p‐siMAPK4 intervention group, respectively. The cell proliferation was analyzed with flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining. The vascular density in tumor mass was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. The expressions of MAPK4 and related signaling molecules were detected by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining, and so on. Results: We found that the expression of MAPK4, which was dominantly expressed in local endothelial cells (ECs), was correlated with tumor angiogenesis of NSCLC. Furthermore, MAPK4 silencing inhibited the proliferation and migration abilities of human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs). Global gene analysis showed that MAPK4 silencing altered the expression of multiple genes related to cell cycle and angiogenesis pathways, and that MAPK4 silencing increased transduction of the extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway but not Akt and c‐Jun n‐terminal kinase pathways. Further analysis showed that MAPK4 silencing inhibited the proliferation and migration abilities of HUVECs cultured in tumor cell supernatant, which was accompanied with increased transduction of the ERK1/2 pathway. Clinical data analysis suggested that the higher expression of MAPK4 and CD34 were associated with poor prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Targeted silencing of MAPK4 in ECs using small interfering RNA driven by the CD34 promoter effectively inhibited tumor angiogenesis and growth of NSCLC in vivo. Conclusion: Our results reveal that MAPK4 plays an important role in the angiogenesis and development of NSCLC. MAPK4 may thus represent a new target for NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous genome-wide association study revealed that a SNP, ASGA0040372, located upstream of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 3 ( GPAT3), is related to growth traits in Duroc pigs. In this study, we aimed to extensively investigate the genetic variation of GPAT3 and to further verify the contribution of ASGA0040372 to growth traits and its effect on promoter activity. Our data, obtained based on gene cloning and rapid amplification of cDNA ends experiments, showed that there are 14 exons and three alternative splicing variants. Five SNPs were detected, including ASGA0040372 and four novel SNPs. Furthermore, the five SNPs obtained were used to confirm their genetic effects on pig growth by an association study in a Duroc pig population. The results indicated that three SNPs ( ASGA0040372, RS331766122 and RS346215414) are highly associated with average daily gain or days to 100 kg traits ( P-value < 0.05). Subsequent analysis suggested that the promoter region of GPAT3 gene, from -950 to -500 bp, exhibited the highest activity. We also observed that ASGA0040372 (A/G) alleles have significantly different effects on promoter transcriptional activities, which leads to differential expression of GPAT3. Taken together, we conclude that the GPAT3 gene is associated with pig growth and that ASGA0040372 influences promoter activity of GPAT3 in pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the relationship between the molecular configuration and dipole moment of some fluorinated liquid crystals (LCs). The geometries of the molecules were preliminarily optimized at empirical AM1 and then were further optimized at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The dipole moment has been calculated. It is strongly influenced by the position and number of fluorine substituents in the benzene ring of the molecule. The polarizability, mean polarizabilities, and anisotropic polarizability of the phenylbicyclohexane (PBC) fluorine substituents are also given and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering of organic single crystal toward controllable and aligned patterns at microscale is crucial to the realization of highly integrated organic photonic devices and optoelectronics. However, precise positioning and controllable morphology of crystal structures is still challenging due to the strict conditions for crystal growth. In this paper, a solution based crystal regulation strategy with the assistance of template‐constrained growth method and femtosecond laser processing technology is developed to prepare aligned crystalline microribbon arrays. Simple solvent evaporation results in the random distribution and orientation of self‐assembled crystalline microribbons while it tends to form highly crystalline and orderly microribbon arrays assisted by the confined template microchannels. The large‐scale microribbon array can be fabricated as organic photodetectors with sensitive and fast response under 405 nm illumination. By virtue of the femtosecond laser processing technique, the microribbon arrays are precisely processed into a series of crystal subunits and each microribbon subunit can function as an individual microcavity resonator to produce stable, high‐quality organic laser. The facile solution based template‐constrained self‐assembly and femtosecond laser processing method provide novel strategies to generate highly oriented and controllable crystal structures for the potential applications in integrated organic lasers and optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tunable fiber optic (FO) long‐range surface plasmon (LRSP) sensor with strong coupling is developed and demonstrated theoretically in this article. The sensor consists of a square lattice array of Ag nanodisks resting on the FO end face. Utilizing nanodisks with small diameters leads to the pronounced excitation of two distinct and independent resonant modes: surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) and LRSP. A systematic investigation is performed to evaluate the sensing performance and capabilities of the sensor, focusing on its bulk and surface sensitivity. Significantly, the LRSP mode demonstrates high sensitivity and favorable linearity in response to refractive index (RI) changes, with an exceptionally high figure of merit (FOM). On the contrary, the SPP mode is regarded as an ideal self‐referencing mode due to its immunity to RI fluctuations. The enlargement of nanodisks diameters results in a swift redshift in the LRSP wavelength, leading to a strong coupling with the SPP mode. This coupling facilitates the transfer of electric fields within the SPP mode, promotes sensing capabilities, and enables the realization of dual‐channel sensing functionality. The occurrence of strong coupling phenomena along with the use of FO substrates provides an innovative option for achieving multifunctionality and miniaturization in sensor platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary High‐quality genome of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) represents a valuable resource and tool for understanding genome evolution and environmental adaptation as well as its genetic improvement. However, the existing rosemary genome did not provide insights into the relationship between antioxidant components and environmental adaptability. In this study, by employing Nanopore sequencing and Hi‐C technologies, a total of 1.17 Gb (97.96%) genome sequences were mapped to 12 chromosomes with 46 121 protein‐coding genes and 1265 non‐coding RNA genes. Comparative genome analysis reveals that rosemary had a closely genetic relationship with Salvia splendens and Salvia miltiorrhiza, and it diverged from them approximately 33.7 million years ago (MYA), and one whole‐genome duplication occurred around 28.3 MYA in rosemary genome. Among all identified rosemary genes, 1918 gene families were expanded, 35 of which are involved in the biosynthesis of antioxidant components. These expanded gene families enhance the ability of rosemary adaptation to adverse environments. Multi‐omics (integrated transcriptome and metabolome) analysis showed the tissue‐specific distribution of antioxidant components related to environmental adaptation. During the drought, heat and salt stress treatments, 36 genes in the biosynthesis pathways of carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid and flavonoids were up‐regulated, illustrating the important role of these antioxidant components in responding to abiotic stresses by adjusting ROS homeostasis. Moreover, cooperating with the photosynthesis, substance and energy metabolism, protein and ion balance, the collaborative system maintained cell stability and improved the ability of rosemary against harsh environment. This study provides a genomic data platform for gene discovery and precision breeding in rosemary. Our results also provide new insights into the adaptive evolution of rosemary and the contribution of antioxidant components in resistance to harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: Recent researches had reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) played a role in skin photoaging. Our previous study found that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression was changed in the UVA‐irradiated skin fibroblasts, but the regulating network of noncoding RNA in UV‐induced skin changes has not been elucidated well. Here, we investigated the interactions of miRNA‐lncRNA‐mRNAs in skin photoaging mechanisms. Methods: Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were irradiated with UVA at 10 J/cm2 once a day lasting for 14 days. miRNA expression profiles were detected by high‐throughput sequencing. miRNAs changed significantly were identified by qRT‐PCR. Functional annotation analysis and pathway enrichment were carried out using Gene Ontology and KEGG, and predicted miRNA‐lncRNA‐mRNA interactions were performed via bioinformatic analysis. Results: 34 differentially expressed miRNAs (>1.5‐fold changes, P <.05) after UVA irradiation were identified to interact with distinct lncRNAs. miRNA‐lncRNA‐mRNA network prediction and regulatory role analysis showed that the gene expression of cellular process, cell part, and binding was mainly coordinated in UVA‐irradiated fibroblasts. miRNA‐lncRNA‐mRNA‐signal transduction pathway analysis showed that TNF signaling pathway, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, and lysosome were mainly affected after UVA irradiation. Conclusion: miRNA‐lncRNA‐mRNA network played a critical part in skin photoaging. Our research provided novel insights into the repeated UVA‐induced skin damage in noncoding RNA regulatory field and might help to further understand the delicate interplay of gene regulation at the noncoding RNA level in photoaged skin and UV‐induced skin cancers in future researching and provide novel insights into the repeated UVA‐damaging pathology and potential targets for preventing human skin photoaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A design method for highly‐selective bandpass filters based on novel dual‐mode fan‐shaped patch resonator (FSPR) is presented in this article. Different from traditional dual‐mode patch filters, two higher‐order modes TM020 and TM110 are utilised to generate a passband, and the two resonant frequencies can be controlled well by its radius and angle. A dual‐mode filter with two transmission zeros (TZs) is implemented by using one FSPR, and locations of TZs can be controlled well. To further improve the selectivity of FSPR filters, four‐pole filters based on two identical dual‐mode FSPRs with co‐directional and reverse‐directional cascade are simulated, fabricated and measured. Furthermore, three‐ and four‐pole filters based on dual‐mode FSPR and single‐mode uniform impedance resonators are proposed, which are also simulated, fabricated, and measured. The later proposed filters not only achieve high selectivity and wide stopband, but also have simple structure and small size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ALAS1 is a member of the α‐oxoamine synthase family, which is the first rate‐limiting enzyme for heme synthesis and is important for maintaining intracellular heme levels. In the ovary, ALAS1 is associated with the regulation of ovulation‐related mitochondrial P450 cytochromes, steroid metabolism, and steroid hormone production. However, there are few studies on the relationship between ALAS1 and reproductive traits in goats. In this study, a mutation located in the promoter region of ALAS1 (g.48791372C>A) was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the kidding number of Yunshang black goats. Specifically, the mean kidding number in the first three litters and the kidding numbers of all three litters were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in individuals with the CA genotype or AA genotype than in those with the CC genotype. To further investigate the regulatory mechanism of ALAS1, the expression of ALAS1 in goat ovarian tissues with different genotypes was verified by real‐time quantitative PCR. The results showed that the expression of ALAS1 was significantly higher in the ovaries of individuals with AA genotype than those with AC and CC genotypes (p < 0.01), and the expression trend of transcription factor ASCL2 was consistent with ALAS1. Additionally, the ALAS1 g.48791372C>A mutation created a new binding site for the transcription factor ASCL2. The luciferase activity assay indicated that the mutation increased the promoter activity of ALAS1. Overexpression of the transcription factor ASCL2 induced increased expression of ALAS1 in goat granulosa cells (p < 0.05). The opposite trend was shown for the inhibition of ASCL2 expression. The results of real‐time quantitative PCR, EdU and Cell Counting Kit‐8 assays indicated that the transcription factor ASCL2 increased the proliferation of goat granulosa cells by mediating the expression of ALAS1. In conclusion, the transcription factor ASCL2 positively regulated the transcriptional activity and expression levels of ALAS1, altering granulosa cell proliferation and the kidding number in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On refluxing nitroarenes with NaOH and PEG 400 in benzene varying yields of the corresponding azoxybenzenes are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial carbazole derivatives are widely used as typical electron donors in room‐temperature phosphorescence materials. The high phosphorescence quantum yield (Φp) and short lifetime (τp) of the carbazole‐based (9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)isonicotinonitrile (P‐34N) crystal are distinguished by quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics method. Two inducements are accounted for the high Φp of P‐34N: i) large spin–orbit coupling (0.63 cm−1) induces fast intersystem crossing (ISC) of the lowest singlet excited state (S1) to the lowest triplet excited state (T1), ii) the intermolecular π–π interactions stabilize triplet excitons. Meanwhile, the 3(n, π*) →1(π, π*) of P‐34N favors the nonradiative decay of T1to the ground state (S0), and thus, causes short τp. In contrast to P‐34N, the low Φp of 6‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)nicotinonitrile (P‐24N) crystal results from the effective reverse ISC process induced by small ΔEST (0.3 eV) between S1 state and the higher triplet state (T2), and the long τp is due to the unfavorable orbital reversals of T1 (π, π*)→S0 (π, π*) transition and the internal conversion process of T2 → T1. This work presents a reasonable interpretation of the Φp and τp of two carbazole‐based crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, constructing van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures based on different 2D materials has been a highly effective way to obtain desired electronic and optical properties. Herein, on the basis of first‐principles calculations, a 2D vdW heterostructure is constructed by vertically stacking the indirect‐bandgap gallium nitride (GaN) and silicane (SiH) monolayers. For the formed heterostructure, the structural, electronic, and optical properties are all computed. The obtained results show that the heterostructure is a direct‐bandgap semiconductor with typical type‐II band alignment. Furthermore, the linearly tunable bandgap, together with the robust type‐II band alignment, can be realized by applying vertical strains or external electric fields. It is also found that both monolayers exhibit the same UV absorption range and the notably enhanced UV absorption is obtained after forming the heterostructure. In particular, the maximum absorptivity can reach to 21.6%. These results are expected to provide useful references for the design of ultraviolet optoelectronic devices based on the 2D GaN/SiH vdW heterostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Skin photoaging, main causes of skin aging, is induced by chronic UV irradiation. LncSPRY4‐IT1, a broadly expressed lncRNA, takes part in various biological functions by combining with functional protein molecules. However, the role of LncSPRY4‐IT1 in skin photoaging process has not been characterized. This study is to investigate the interacting proteins of LncSPRY4‐IT1 by combining RNA pull‐down, high‐throughput, and bioinformatic analysis. Methods: Human skin fibroblasts (HDFs) were exposed to 10 J/cm2 UVA irradiation, once a day for 14 days. LncSPRY4‐IT1 expression was qualified via RT‐PCR. In vitro RNA pull‐down assays and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis were used to identify the LncSPRY4‐IT1‐related proteins. Functional annotation analysis and pathway enrichment were preformed via Gene Ontology and KEGG. Results: LncSPRY4‐IT1 expression in photoaging fibroblasts was increased 1.66 ± 0.23 folds. 181 LncSPRY4‐IT1‐interacting proteins in UVA‐induced photoaging skin fibroblast irradiation were identified, of which 56 proteins with two or more unique peptides, 73 proteins related to RNA processing, and 5 proteins related to DNA processing. High‐throughput and bioinformatic analysis showed that LncSPRY4‐IT1‐targeting proteins were involved in cellular process, metabolic process, biological regulation, and cell part in skin photoaging process. The KEGG revealed that LncSPRY4‐IT1‐targeting proteins were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways. Conclusion: The results of our studies illuminate how LncSPRY4‐IT1 formed a LncRNA‐protein regulatory network in skin photoaging mechanisms and suggest that LncSPRY4‐IT1 may serve as a novel upstream intervention target for the prevention and treatment of photoaging and related skin diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) of organic molecules has been drawing continuously considerable interests. It is not only one of the most basic processes in life but also exists in wide of application fields. In this work, we theoretically make a thorough inquiry about molecular excited state trends and ESIPT procedures for the novel highly miscible 2,5‐bis (benzoxazol‐2‐yl)thiophene‐3,4‐diol‐ethyl (BBTE) molecule. Based on DFT and TDDFT means, we first examine and certify hydrogen bond O1–H2···N3 role in BBTE. Probing into molecular structure and infrared (IR) vibrational behaviors, we validate O1–H2···N3 of BBTE is enhanced in S1 state via photo‐induced excitation. Accessorial negative electronic densities over N3 atom facilitate attracting hydrogen proton, which caters to the truth of strengthening hydrogen bond in S1. In addition, frontier orbital gap indicates the solvent polarity plays vital roles in affecting excited state courses for BBTE. By means of potential energy curves (PECs) in three kinds of solvents, we propose the ultrafast ESIPT mechanism for BBTE with explaining previous experimental characteristics. Along the way of ESIPT, we present the regulation mechanism for BBTE via solvent polarities. The enhanced hydrogen bond and charge redistribution facilitate excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction for 2,5‐bis (benzoxazol‐2‐yl)thiophene‐3,4‐diol‐ethyl (BBTE) system. Frontier orbital gap reveals that solvent polarity could play vital roles in controlling excited state dynamical behaviors for BBTE compound. Solvent polarity could regulate and control the ultrafast ESIPT behavior for BBTE molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Singlet fission (SF) is a spin‐allowed conversion process, in which one singlet exciton is replaced by a pair of triplet excitons resided on adjacent molecules. To rationalize this phenomenon, a multiexcitonic spin‐zero triplet‐pair state is generally hypothesized as an intermediate state for SF. However, the details of its formation during the fission process, and its subsequent evolution over time are still remain unclear. Thus, this work provides a model of the SF system for triisopropylsilylethynyl‐pentacene by using femtosecond time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. A mixed state of singlet and multiexciton, which mediates the ultrafast SF process is directly observed. This work represents a new viewpoint for the research on SF intermediates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) offer tremendous opportunities in designing multifunctional electronic devices. Due to the ultrathin nature of 2D materials, the gate‐induced change in charge density makes amplitude control possible, creating a new programmable unilateral rectifier. The study of 2D vdWHs‐based reversible unilateral rectifier is lacking, although it can give rise to a new degree of freedom for modulating the output state. Here, a InSe/GeSe vdWH‐FET is constructed as a gate‐controllable half wave rectifier. The device exhibits stepless adjustment from forward to backward rectifying performance, leading to multiple operation states of output level. Near‐broken band alignment in the InSe/GeSe vdWH‐FET is a crucial feature for high‐performance reversible rectifier, which is shown to have backward and forward rectification ratio of 1:38 and 963:1, respectively. Being further explored as a new bridge rectifier, the InSe/GeSe device has great potential in future gate‐controllable alternating current/direct current convertor. These results indicate that 2D vdWHs with near‐broken band alignment can offer a pathway to simplify the commutating circuit and regulating speed circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the emergence of inorganic–organic hybrid perovskites a few years ago, there have been many promising achievements in the field of green and red perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Nevertheless, the performance of blue‐light PeLEDs faces challenges. In this work, the unique synergy obtained by introducing two different ligands to successfully form quasi‐2D perovskite films, which can exhibit stable blue‐light emission, is utilized. The fabricated PeLEDs have a maximum external quantum efficiency of 2.62% and a half lifetime (T50) of 8.8 min. Meanwhile, the electroluminescence spectrum with its peak located at 485 nm, demonstrates improved stability by applying different voltage bias. The finding in this work offers a new way to achieve steady blue PeLEDs with high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A photoresponsive organogel surface (POS), which integrates characteristics of the photothermal property of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the low hysteresis feature of lubricant‐infused organogels, is shown. A photothermally induced dynamic temperature gradient can be formed rapidly at the location of near‐infrared‐light irradiation (NIR) on POS with suitable Fe3O4 nanoparticles content. Thus, various droplets (e.g., water, glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and ethanol) can be transported effectively and nimbly (e.g., along desired trajectories with controllable velocity and direction, even run uphill and deliver solid particles). This work reveals a synergistic effect between the asymmetrical droplet deformation and the inside Marangoni flows, which forms a unique driving force for droplet transport with high efficiency. This finding offers insight into the design of novel responsive interface materials for droplet transportation, which would be significant for laboratory‐on‐a‐chip contexts, mass transportation, and microengines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for optical fiber group delay measurement is proposed and experimentally demonstrated based on laser beat frequency. When the laser wavelength in the optical fiber resonator changes, the time delay through the optical fiber under test will change accordingly, leading to a change of round trip time in the optical fiber laser resonator. While the round trip time is the reciprocal of the minimum beat frequency, the group delay of the optical fiber under test which is placed in the fiber laser resonator can be easily obtained by measuring the beat frequency variation via the radio frequency spectrum analyzer. The optical fiber laser resonator utilized in experiments is composed of two reflectors: one is a sagnac loop composed of a coupler, the other is a composite structure composed of an optical circulator connected with a Fiber Fabry-Perot Tunable Filter. The group delay of the single-mode fiber and the dispersion compensating fiber are measured respectively in a relatively wide spectral range. Experimental results show that this method is feasible. Furthermore, this method is of very simple structure and low cost compared with other conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro RNAs play important roles in controlling the embryonic stem cell ( ESC) state. Although much is known about micro RNAs maintaining ESC state, micro RNAs that are responsible for promoting ESC differentiation are less reported. Here, by screening 40 micro RNAs pre-selected by their expression patterns and predicted targets in Dgcr8-null ESCs, we identify 14 novel differentiation-associated micro RNAs. Among them, miR-27a and miR-24, restrained by c-Myc in ESC, exert their roles of silencing self-renewal through directly targeting several important pluripotency-associated factors, such as Oct4, Foxo1 and Smads. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of all miR-27/24 in ESCs leads to serious deficiency in ESC differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, depleting of them in mouse embryonic fibroblasts can evidently promote somatic cell reprogramming. Altogether, our findings uncover the essential role of miR-27 and miR-24 in ESC differentiation and also demonstrate novel micro RNAs responsible for ESC differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time-dependent density functional theory method was performed to investigate the excited-state hydrogen-bonding dynamics of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,8-naphthalimide (2a) and N-(3-hydroxyethyl)-1,8-naphthalimide (3a) in methanol (meoh) solution. The ground and excited-state geometry optimizations, electronic excitation energies, and corresponding oscillation strengths of the low-lying electronically excited states for the complexes 2a + 2meoh and 3a + 2meoh as well as their monomers 2a and 3a were calculated by density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory methods, respectively. We demonstrated that the three intermolecular hydrogen bonds of 2a + 2meoh and 3a + 2meoh are strengthened after excitation to the S1 state, and thus induce electronic spectral redshift. Moreover, the electronic excitation energies of the hydrogen-bonded complexes in S1 state are correspondingly decreased compared with those of their corresponding monomer 2a and 3a. In addition, the intramolecular charge transfer of the S1 state for complexes 2a + 2meoh and 3a + 2meoh were theoretically investigated by analysis of molecular orbital. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]