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To enhance the stability of floating wind turbine platforms, this study combines the structural characteristics of helical side plates and proposes the installation of serrated helical side plates on Spar wind turbine platforms. Based on potential flow theory, the present study employs blade element momentum theory and radiation‐diffraction theory. Upon establishing a dynamic data link library, wind‐wave coupling was implemented, and the dynamic response characteristics of platforms with different helical side plates were compared. The results indicate that in the frequency domain analysis, the platform with serrated helical side plates demonstrates reduced sensitivity to waves, with a particularly notable increase in added mass in the heave direction, suggesting excellent hydrodynamic performance. In the time domain analysis, improvements in the platform's surge and heave stability performances were observed, measuring 10.99% and 10.64%, respectively, in extreme conditions. Owing to the unique features of the serrated structure, the tension in the mooring chains on the wave‐facing side is reduced, thereby effectively lowering the fatigue load on the mooring chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Lutetium‐177 (Lu‐177) prostate‐specific membrane antigen radioligand therapy (PSMA‐RLT) is a promising therapy for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), but there is limited data of its efficacy and safety in Asian population. We aim to explore the clinical outcomes of Lu‐177 PSMA‐RLT in this population. Methods: We evaluated 84 patients with progressive mCRPC receiving Lu‐177 PSMA‐RLT between 9 May 2018 and 21 February 2022. Lu‐177‐PSMA‐I&T was administered at 6–8‐week intervals. Primary end point was overall survival (OS), and secondary end points included prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) progression‐free survival (PFS), PSA response rate, clinical response, toxicity assessment, and prognostic indicators. Results: The median OS and PSA PFS were 12.2 and 5.2 months, respectively. PSA decline of ≥50% was observed in 51.8% of patients. Patients achieving PSA response had longer median OS (15.0 vs. 9.5 months, p =.03) and PSA PFS (6.5 vs. 2.9 months, p <.001). Pain score improvement was seen in 19 out of 34 patients. A hematotoxicity of ≥grade 3 was observed in 13 out of 78 patients. Multivariable analyses showed that PSA velocity, alkaline phosphatase, hemoglobin (Hb), and the number of treatment cycles were independent prognostic indicators for OS. The retrospective design was the main limitation of the study. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated a similar safety and efficacy of Lu‐177 PSMA‐RLT in Asian mCRPC patients compared to the existing literature. A PSA decline ≥50% was associated with longer OS and PSA PFS. Several prognostic indicators for patient outcomes were also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid capacity fading and structural collapse, along with other deep‐rooted challenges in the high‐voltage region, are insufficient to meet the requirements for commercial applications of O3‐type layered cathodes. Hereby, rare earth metal (RE) within the IIIB group are utilized as the robust dopants for O3‐NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 (NFM) to achieve the purpose of reconstructing the crystal lattice and regulating the interlayer structure. The inactive RE3+ acts as a pillar, reinforces the TMO6 octahedron, and broadens the Na+ diffusion layer in the configuration of O‐Na‐O‐TM (RE)‐O‐Na‐O, giving rise to the enhanced crystal stability and accelerating the transmission of sodium ions. More impressively, the scandium incorporation is working as a "vitamin" that improves Ni/Fe redox reversibility, alleviating the irreversible P3‐O3'‐P3' phase transformation and further restraining the disordered Fe migration into the neighboring Na layer, which is firmly validated by in situ X‐ray diffraction coupled with the synchrotron X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. Consequently, the as‐designed NFM‐Sc exhibits impressive rate capability (82.5 mAh g−1 at 10 C) and excellent cycle stability with 80.2% capacity retention after 500 cycles at the high voltage of 4.2 V. Given this, the elaborate work may shed new insight into the operational mechanism of rare metal through strategically regulating the structure for sodium‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite has great potential to fabricate deep‐red light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) owing to excellent color purity, thermal stability, and carrier mobility. However, fabricating high‐quality CsPbI3 thin films for high‐performance LEDs remains challenging. While it is demonstrated that hydrogen bonds between organic ammonium cations and molecule additives can lead to high‐quality organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite films, this method cannot be applied to CsPbI3 thin films due to the absence of hydrogen bonds between Cs+ ions and additives. In this study, an amorphous complex‐seed‐crystal growth process to fabricate high‐quality γ‐CsPbI3 cuboid crystallite thin films, is reported. During the initial annealing, the metastable intermediates formed crystal nucleate seeds and transformed into amorphous complex intermediates, maintaining stability at an elevated temperature for perovskite crystallization. With prolonged annealing, the amorphous complex around the nucleate seeds gradually converts to γ‐CsPbI3 perovskite, enabling us to fabricate CsPbI3 thin films with high crystallinity and orientation. The resulting deep‐red LEDs exhibit a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 16.5% and a high maximum luminance of 3158 cd m−2. Moreover, the devices show significantly suppressed efficiency roll‐off, maintaining an EQE of 14.8% even under a high current density of 500 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was to translate the Pieper–Zulkowski pressure ulcer knowledge test (PZ‐PUKT) into Traditional Chinese and evaluate its psychometric properties as well as identify the predictors of knowledge on pressure injury. The PZ‐PUKT was translated into Traditional Chinese (TC‐PZ‐PUKT), and its content validity was evaluated. A total of 296 nurses participated in this study and completed the 72‐item TC‐PZ‐PUKT online. The reliability of the TC‐PZ‐PUKT was analysed by evaluating its internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Hierarchical regression was used to determine factors associated with TC‐PZ‐PUKT scores. Content validity was achieved with a score of 0.986. Internal consistency was observed to be reliable, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.858. The mean knowledge score on the TC‐PZ‐PUKT was 72.5%, with a 1‐week test–retest reliability of r = 0.849. Education level, certification as a wound specialist and self‐learning through reading articles, books or guidelines on pressure injury were significantly associated with TC‐PZ‐PUKT scores. The TC‐PZ‐PUKT is a valid and reliable tool. Education level, certification as a wound specialist and self‐learning regarding pressure injury are related to knowledge of pressure injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a uniform nanorod (NR) array is etched onto the surface of Micro‐Light‐Emitting‐Diodes (µLEDs) and mix Ag nanoparticles (NPs) with QDs to fill the gaps between the nanorods. Simultaneously, the study utilizes graphene to connect individual nanorods and enhance current spreading. The nanorod array's structure significantly reduces the distance between the QDs and the quantum well (QW), reducing energy loss from the excitation light source through a non‐radiative energy transfer (NRET) mechanism. Additionally, the Ag NPs function as localized surface plasmons (LSPs), further enhancing the CCE of QDs via the absorption resonance. In this study, the effects of two types of Ag NPs are compared with different absorption resonance peaks on device performance. The results demonstrate that Ag NPs with absorption resonance peaks matching the emission wavelength of QDs play a more crucial role in the system. This configuration achieves a CCE of 77.78% for µLEDs with nanorod arrays, operating at a current of 10 mA. Compared to the conventional µLED structure with QDs only on the surface, the proposed method improves the CCE of µLEDs by an impressive 86.5%. This outcome underscores the significant contribution of the NR structure and LSPs in enhancing the CCE of QD‐µLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: The Phyllanthaceae family comprises a diverse range of plants with medicinal, edible, and ornamental value, extensively cultivated worldwide. Polyploid species commonly occur in Phyllanthaceae. Due to the rather complex genomes and evolutionary histories, their speciation process has been still lacking in research. In this study, we generated chromosome‐scale haplotype‐resolved genomes of two octoploid species (Phyllanthus emblica and Sauropus spatulifolius) in Phyllanthaceae family. Combined with our previously reported one tetraploid (Sauropus androgynus) and one diploid species (Phyllanthus cochinchinensis) from the same family, we explored their speciation history. The three polyploid species were all identified as allopolyploids with subgenome A/B. Each of their two distinct subgenome groups from various species was uncovered to independently share a common diploid ancestor (Ancestor‐AA and Ancestor‐BB). Via different evolutionary routes, comprising various scenarios of bifurcating divergence, allopolyploidization (hybrid polyploidization), and autopolyploidization, they finally evolved to the current tetraploid S. androgynus, and octoploid S. spatulifolius and P. emblica, respectively. We further discuss the variations in copy number of alleles and the potential impacts within the two octoploids. In addition, we also investigated the fluctuation of metabolites with medical values and identified the key factor in its biosynthesis process in octoploids species. Our study reconstructed the evolutionary history of these Phyllanthaceae species, highlighting the critical roles of polyploidization and hybridization in their speciation processes. The high‐quality genomes of the two octoploid species provide valuable genomic resources for further research of evolution and functional genomics. Significance Statement: Our study reconstructed the evolutionary history of these Phyllanthaceae species, highlighting the critical roles of polyploidization and hybridization in their speciation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements for an industry in an n‐oligopolistic model and investigates the relationship between the degree of industry concentration and the degree of ESG requirements. It is shown that the factors influencing the degree of ESG requirements include the number of firms, the elasticity of market demand, and the market concentration ratio. In the case of linear market demand, the degree of requirements is negatively affected by firm number only, regardless of the elasticity of market demand or market concentration ratio. In addition, the degree of ESG requirements is positively (negatively) related to the industry profit/concentration, when market demand is convex (concave). This paper demonstrates that the degree of ESG requirements is sensitive to firm number, market demand, and market concentration ratio and serves as a pragmatic reference for the government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electric eel is known as the most powerful creature to generate electricity with a discharge voltage up to 860 V and peak current up to 1 A. These surprising properties are the results of billions of years of evolution on the electrical biological structure and bulk, and now have triggered great research interest in electric eel biomimetics for designing innovated configurations and components of energy storage and conversion devices. In this review, first, the bioelectrical behavior of electric eels is surveyed, followed by the physiological structure to reveal the discharge characteristics and principles of electric organs and electrocytes. Additionally, underlying electrochemical mechanisms and models for calculating the potential and current of electrocytes are presented. Central to this review is the recent progress of electric‐eel‐inspired innovations and applications for energy storage and conversion, particularly including novel power sources, triboelectric nanogenerators, and nanochannel ion‐selective membranes for salinity gradient energy harvesting. Finally, insights on the challenges at the moment and the perspectives on the future research prospects are critically compiled. It is suggested that energy‐related electric eel biomimetics will greatly boost the development of next‐generation high performance, green, and functional electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halide superionic conductors (SICs) are drawing significant research attention for their potential applications in all‐solid‐state batteries. A key challenge in developing such SICs is to explore and design halide structural frameworks that enable rapid ion movement. In this work, we show that the close‐packed anion frameworks shared by traditional halide ionic conductors face intrinsic limitations in fast ion conduction, regardless of structural regulation. Beyond the close‐packed anion frameworks, we identify that the non‐close‐packed anion frameworks have great potential to achieve superionic conductivity. Notably, we unravel that the non‐close‐packed UCl3‐type framework exhibit superionic conductivity for a diverse range of carrier ions, including Li+, Na+, K+, and Ag+, which are validated through both ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and experimental measurements. We elucidate that the remarkable ionic conductivity observed in the UCl3‐type framework structure stems from its significantly more distorted site and larger diffusion channel than its close‐packed counterparts. By employing the non‐close‐packed anion framework as the key feature for high‐throughput computational screening, we also identify LiGaCl3 as a promising candidate for halide SICs. These discoveries provide crucial insights for the exploration and design of novel halide SICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Further commercialization of Ni‐rich layered cathodes is hindered by severe structure/interface degradation and kinetic hindrance that occur during electrochemical operation, which leads to safety risks and reduced range in electric vehicles (EVs). Herein, by selecting elements with different solubility properties, a multifunctional strategy that synchronously fabricates perovskite‐type SrZrO3 coating and Sr/Zr co‐doping is employed to strengthen the structure/interface stability and the Li+ transport mobility of LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 (NCM). Perovskite‐type SrZrO3 protective layers formed on the particle surface can substantially mitigate the unexpected interfacial side reactions and surface phase transitions. In addition, a robust crystal framework is constructed by optimizing local O coordination through the introduction of strong Zr−O bonds. Notably, Li+ diffusion kinetics is effectively improved due to expanded cell parameters and O‐Li‐O slab spacing with the incorporation of large‐diameter Sr pillar ions, as revealed by X‐ray diffraction. As a result, the Sr/Zr‐modified NCM achieves a remarkable capacity retention of 99.4% after 200 cycles at 1 C, and a high rate capacity of 168.9 mAh g−1 at 10 C. This work opens new avenues to develop high‐performance NCM cathodes with high energy and high power for EVs with long calendar life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and risk factors for subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and its correlation with objective cognition decline (OCD) among community‐dwelling older adults is inconsistent. METHODS: Older adults underwent neuropsychological and clinical evaluations to reach a consensus on diagnoses. RESULTS: This study included 7486 adults without mild cognitive impairment and dementia (mean age: 71.35 years [standard deviation = 5.40]). The sex‐, age‐, and residence‐adjusted SCD prevalence was 58.33% overall (95% confidence interval: 58.29% to 58.37%), with higher rates of 61.25% and 59.87% in rural and female subgroups, respectively. SCD global and OCD language, SCD memory and OCD global, SCD and OCD memory, and SCD and OCD language were negatively correlated in fully adjusted models. Seven health and lifestyle factors were associated with an increased risk for SCD. DISCUSSION: SCD affected 58.33% of older adults and may indicate concurrent OCD, which should prompt the initiation of preventative intervention for dementia. Highlights: SCD affects 58.33% of older adults in China.SCD may indicate concurrent objective cognitive decline.Difficulty finding words and memory impairments may indicate a risk for AD.The presence of SCD may prompt preventative treatment initiation of MCI or dementia.Social network factors may be initial targets for the early prevention of SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood‐based tumor liquid biopsies are promising as an alternative or complement to tissue biopsies due to their noninvasiveness, convenience, and safety, and there is still a great demand for the discovery of new biomarkers for these biopsies. Here, nanoscale distribution patterns of subcellular structures in platelets, as imaged by structured illumination superresolution fluorescence microscopy, as a new type of potential biomarker for tumor liquid biopsies are presented. A standardized protocol for platelet sample preparation and developed an automated high‐throughput image analysis workflow is established. The diagnostic capability based on the statistical analysis of 280 000 superresolution images of individual platelets from a variety of tumor patients, benign mass patients, and healthy volunteers (n = 206) is explored. These results suggest that the nanoscale distribution patterns of α‐granules in platelets have the potential to be biomarkers for several cancers, including glioma and cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, facilitating not only diagnosis but also therapeutic monitoring. This study provides a promising novel type of platelet parameter for tumor liquid biopsies at the subcellular level rather than the existing cellular or molecular level and opens up a new avenue for clinical applications of superresolution imaging techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black‐headed penduline tit (Remiz macronyx) is a poorly known bird species mainly distributed in Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. The distribution of black‐headed penduline tit is disjointed and fragmented, and it occurs only along lakes or rivers surrounded by extensive reedbeds. Four subspecies of R. macronyx have been recognized (macronyx, neglectus, nigricans, and ssaposhnikowi). The ssaposhnikowi subspecies was previously known to occur only around lakes in southeastern Kazakhstan. In this study, we reported the first confirmed breeding record of R. m. ssaposhnikowi in the Nalati wetland, Ili, Xinjiang, China, extending the distribution range of the black‐headed penduline tit by 350 km to the east. We also obtained new information about the morphology and breeding behavior of R. m. ssaposhnikowi, which can be useful for the taxonomy of penduline tits, especially in distinguishing black‐headed penduline tits from Eurasian penduline tits (R. pendulinus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe‐Mn based layered oxides are recognized as promising cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) with high capacities and earth‐abundant ingredients. However, their real‐world applications are still constrained by fast capacity decay accompanied with the requirements of deeper insights into the principles behind. Herein, taking O3‐NaxFe1/2Mn1/2O2 as a classic sample, the capacity fading mechanism of Fe‐Mn based layered oxides is comprehensively investigated through combined techniques. For the first time, it is revealed that Fe migration is merely triggered after the oxidation of ≈0.3 mol Fe3+ based on solid proofs from ex situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy, which implies the crucial role of the accumulated structural distortion induced by Jahn–Teller active Fe4+. O3‐P3 phase transition during cycling is obviously constrained along with Fe migration as evidenced by in situ/ex situ X‐ray diffraction, well interpreting the intensified polarization and the resulting large capacity loss. More importantly, within the desodiation depth (≈80% of sodium extraction) where Fe migration is almost absent, the capacity fading is dominantly rooted in the Fe4+ activated and Mn‐dissolution aggravated surface passivation as confirmed by mass/X‐ray spectroscopies and electrochemical analysis. These renewed understandings of the fast capacity decay in Fe‐Mn based layered oxides offer clearer clues for designing desirable cathodes for SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelium‐specific ETS transcription factor 1 (ESE1) has been implicated in epithelial homeostasis, inflammation, as well as tumorigenesis, and cancer progression. However, numerous studies have reported contradictory roles—as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor of ESE1 in different cancers, and its function in the development and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has remained largely unexplored. Herein, we report that ESE1 was found upregulated in primary PDAC compared to normal pancreatic tissue, but high expression of ESE1 correlated to better relapse‐free survival in patients with PDAC. Interestingly, ESE1 was found to exhibit dual roles in regulation of malignant properties of PDAC cells in that its overexpression promoted cell proliferation, whereas its downregulation enhanced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. In the context of TGF‐β‐induced EMT, ESE1 is markedly downregulated at post‐transcriptional level, and reconstituted ESE1 expression partially reversed TGF‐β‐induced EMT marker expression. Furthermore, we identify AGR2 as a novel transcriptional target of ESE1 that participates in TGF‐β‐induced EMT in PDAC. Collectively, our findings reveal an ESE1/AGR2 axis that interacts with TGF‐β signaling to modulate EMT phenotype in PDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 63-year-old man with relapsed B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL) characterized by distinctive granular inclusion bodies. Topics discussed include the diagnostic challenges posed by these inclusion bodies, the use of flow cytometry to confirm B-PLL recurrence, and the successful treatment response to venetoclax combined with rituximab, highlighting its efficacy in managing disease progression.

The article presents a rare case of solitary central nervous system relapse in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in a 51-year-old male. It highlights initial treatment response with idarubicin and arsenic trioxide, central nervous system (CNS) relapse symptoms post-maintenance therapy, and management strategies involving high-dose cytarabine and methotrexate for neurological improvement and disease control.

Background: Recently, a data‐driven regression analysis method was developed to utilize the resting‐state (rs) blood oxygenation level–dependent signal for cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) mapping (rs‐CVR), which was previously optimized by comparing with the CO2 inhalation‐based method in health subjects and patients with neurovascular diseases. Purpose: To investigate the agreement of rs‐CVR and the CVR mapping with breath‐hold MRI (bh‐CVR) in patients with gliomas. Study Type: Retrospective. Population: Twenty‐five patients (12 males, 13 females; mean age ± SD, 48 ± 13 years) with gliomas. Field Strength/Sequence: Dynamic T2*‐weighted gradient‐echo echo‐planar imaging during a breath‐hold paradigm and during the rs on a 3‐T scanner. Assessment: rs‐CVR with various frequency ranges and resting‐state fluctuation amplitude (RSFA) were assessed. The agreement between each rs‐based CVR measurement and bh‐CVR was determined by voxel‐wise correlation and Dice coefficient in the whole brain, gray matter, and the lesion region of interest (ROI). Statistical Tests: Voxel‐wise Pearson correlation, Dice coefficient, Fisher Z‐transformation, repeated‐measure analysis of variance and post hoc test with Bonferroni correction, and nonparametric repeated‐measure Friedman test and post hoc test with Bonferroni correction were used. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Compared with bh‐CVR, the highest correlations were found at the frequency bands of 0.04–0.08 Hz and 0.02–0.04 Hz for rs‐CVR in both whole brain and the lesion ROI. RSFA had significantly lower correlations than did rs‐CVR of 0.02–0.04 Hz and a wider frequency range (0–0.1164 Hz). Significantly higher correlations and Dice coefficient were found in normal tissues than in the lesion ROI for all three methods. Data Conclusion: The optimal frequency ranges for rs‐CVR are determined by comparing with bh‐CVR in patients with gliomas. The rs‐CVR method outperformed the RSFA. Significantly higher correlation and Dice coefficient between rs‐ and bh‐CVR were found in normal tissue than in the lesion. Level of Evidence: 3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The cysteine674 (C674) thiol of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2 is easily and irreversibly oxidized under atherosclerotic conditions. However, the contribution of the C674 thiol redox status in the development of atherosclerosis remains unclear. Our goal was to elucidate the possible mechanism involved.Experimental Approach: Heterozygous SERCA2 C674S knock-in mice in which half of the C674 was substituted by serine (S674) were used to mimic the removal of the reactive C674 thiol, which occurs under pathological conditions. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and cardiac endothelial cells (ECs) were used for intracellular Ca2+ , macrophage adhesion, and protein expression analysis. The whole aorta and aortic root were isolated for histological analysis.Key Results: Cell culture studies suggest the partial substitution of SERCA2 C674 increased intracellular Ca2+ levels and induced ER stress in both BMDMs and ECs. The release of proinflammatory factors and macrophage adhesion increased in SKI BMDMs. In ECs, overexpression of S674 induced endothelial inflammation and promoted macrophage recruitment. SKI mice developed more severe atherosclerotic plaque and macrophage accumulation. Additionally, 4-phenyl butyric acid, an ER stress inhibitor, suppressed ER stress and inflammatory responses in BMDMs and ECs, and alleviated atherosclerosis in SKI mice.Conclusions and Implications: The substitution of SERCA2 C674 thiol accelerates the development of atherosclerosis by inducing ER stress and inflammation. Our findings highlight the importance of SERCA2 C674 redox state in the context of atherosclerosis and open up a novel therapeutic strategy to combat atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new C21 steroids, named 12‐O‐acetyl‐(20S)‐O‐(N‐methyl)anthraniloyl sarcostin‐5α,6β‐hexahydroxypregnane (1) and 12‐O‐acetyl‐(20S)‐O‐(N‐methyl)anthraniloyl sarcostin 3‐O‐β‐D‐cymaropyranoside (2), together with eight known compounds (3–10) were isolated from the dried whole plants of Gymnema tingens. The structures of the new compounds were established by extensive 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra with mass spectroscopy data. Compounds 1–9 were tested for glucose uptake in L6 cells, and compounds 3 and 4 showed the most potent glucose uptake activity with the enhancement by 2.98‐ and 3.36‐fold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a succinct synthesis of benzotrithiophene (BTT) core‐based new hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) with t‐butyl terminal substituents, using boron‐ and tin‐free threefold direct C−H/C−Br couplings as key transformations. One of the synthesized oligoaryls (YKP05) incorporating additional 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) moiety as π‐spacers displayed significantly improved power conversion efficiency of up to 15.1 % while fabricated in perovskite solar cells as hole‐transporting layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Synaptogyrin‐2 (SYNGR2) plays an important role in regulating membrane traffic in non‐neuronal cells. However, the role of SYNGR2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Methods: All original data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases and integrated via R 3.5.3. SYNGR2 expression was explored in the TCGA and GEO databases. The correlations between SYNGR2 and cancer immune characteristics were analyzed via the TIMER and TISIDB databases. Results: In general, SYNGR2 was predominantly overexpressed and had reference values in the diagnosis and prognostic estimation of ESCC. Upregulated SYNGR2 was associated with poorer overall survival, disease‐specific survival and T stage in ESCC. Mechanistically, we identified hub genes that included a total of 38 SYNGR2‐related genes, which were tightly associated with the protein polyubiquitination pathway in ESCC patients. SYNGR2 expression was negatively related to the infiltrating levels of T helper cells. SYNGR2 methylation was positively correlated with the expression of chemokines (CCL2 and CXCL12), chemokine receptors (CCR1 and CCR2), immunoinhibitors (CXCL12 and TNFRSF4) and immunostimulators (CSF1R and PDCD1LG2) in ESCC. Conclusion: SYNGR2 may be used as a biomarker for determining prognosis and immune infiltration in ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacity fading and safety concerns accompanied other deep‐rooted challenges have severely hindered commercial development of Ni‐rich layered cathodes. Herein, a robust Sr‐doped Ni‐rich cathode is structurally designed by the reconstruction of the crystal lattice and electronic distribution. Notably, the orbital hybridization between Ni 3d (t2g) and O 2p is remarkably reinforced owing to the shortened NiO bond enabled by the electrostatic interaction between Ni and Sr atoms, giving rise to the enhanced crystal structure. Theoretically, the formation energy of oxygen vacancies is greatly increased due to the intensified electronic polarization between Ni and O states evoked by the weak electronegativity of Sr, resulting in the alleviation of lattice oxygen loss. More impressively, the distances of LiO bonds and the OLiO slab are also extended on account of the electrochemically inactive Sr ion functioning as a pillar, further promoting the transmission of lithium ions. Therefore, the as‐designed Sr‐modified NCM delivers an ultrahigh capacity retention of 98.5% after 150 cycles. This work provides a powerful mechanistic incentive to increase the stability of the crystal phase and electrochemical performance for Ni‐rich layered cathodes through appropriate chemical and mechanical engineering, facilitating the practical applications of Ni‐rich cathodes in high‐performance electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YAP1, a key mediator of the Hippo pathway, plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Alternative splicing of human YAP1 mRNA results in two major isoforms: YAP1‐1, which contains a single WW domain, and YAP1‐2, which contains two WW domains, respectively. We here investigated the functions and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of the two YAP1 isoforms in the context of EGF‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Human NSCLC cell lines express both YAP1‐1 and YAP1‐2 isoforms—although when compared to YAP1‐1, YAP1‐2 mRNA levels are higher while its protein expression levels are lower. EGF treatment significantly promoted YAP1 expression as well as EMT process in NSCLCs, whereas EGF‐induced EMT phenotype was significantly alleviated upon YAP1 knockdown. Under normal culture condition, YAP1‐1 stable expression cells exhibited a stronger migration ability than YAP1‐2 expressing cells. However, upon EGF treatment, YAP1‐2 stable cells showed more robust migration than YAP1‐1 expressing cells. The protein stability and nuclear localization of YAP1‐2 were preferentially enhanced with EGF treatment. Moreover, EGF‐induced EMT and YAP1‐2 activity were suppressed by inhibitor of AKT. Our results suggest that YAP1‐2 is the main isoform that is functionally relevant in promoting EGF‐induced EMT and ultimately NSCLC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Molecular pathways and networks associated with sporadic PD (sPD) subtypes are still unclear. We applied a systems biology approach to identifying proteomic signatures associated with sPD, cognitive and motor scaled scores, brain volumetric measurements, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) phosphorylated‐tau (p‐tau), total‐tau (t‐tau), alpha‐synuclein (a‐syn), and amyloid‐beta (a‐beta) levels. Methods: We used CSF proteomic data of sPD from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort (n = 377 sPD vs. 182 controls) and built an elastic‐net logistic regression model, adjusting for age, sex, and principal components, for sPD risk prediction using glmnet[1]. We performed correlation of baseline proteome with cognitive (MoCA) and motor assessments (UPDRS‐I, II, and III), neuroimaging data (Dopamine transporter scan; DaTscan of mean bilateral caudate, putamen, and striatum thickness (mm)), and CSF biomarkers. We implemented weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) to group co‐expression CSF proteins for sPD and to subtype sPD by CSF biomarkers using WGCNA[2] and ConsensusClusterPlus[3]. Results: We found a CSF proteomic signature (59 proteins) differentially expressed in sPD compared to controls linked to neurotrophin, endocytosis, and chemokine signaling. There are 82 and 68 proteins differentially expressed in UPDRS‐II and UPDRS‐III scores. Three, 13, and 11 proteins were associated with caudate, putamen, and striatum volumes. We found proteins correlated with p‐tau (n = 1394), t‐tau (n = 1577), a‐syn (n = 1427), and a‐beta (n = 847) levels. We implemented a predictive model with 33 proteins for sPD (AUC = 0.83) that outperformed the models with UPDRS‐I (AUC = 0.71), MoCA (AUC = 0.67), p‐tau (AUC = 0.56), t‐tau (AUC = 0.61), a‐syn (AUC = 0.54), and a‐beta (AUC = 0.57) but underperformed UPDRS‐III (AUC = 0.99) or putamen (AUC = 0.99). WGCNA indicates CSF biomarkers are highly correlated to six protein modules for subtyping sPD: each module was enriched for different pathways, ME1 (SNARE and MAPK signaling), ME9 (autophagy), ME7 (lysosome and MAPK), ME6 (immune response), ME10 (proteostasis and phagocytosis), and ME2 (longevity regulating and mTOR). Those modules defined two subtypes of sPD by p‐tau levels (9.93 pg/mL, AUC = 0.909). MoCA (p = 0.035), t‐tau (p = 3.2×10−60), a‐beta (p = 1.7×10−22), and a‐syn (p = 4.6×10−32) were significantly lower in the subtype with low levels of p‐tau. Conclusions: Integrating molecular profiling and clinical scale scores improves the prediction of sPD risk and identifies sPD subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The DAD1 (defender against apoptotic cell death) gene is a negative regulator of programmed cell death. It plays important roles in plant growth, development, environmental adaptation, and aging. We examined whether and how the expression of DAD1 gene is affected by the promoter changes in the allotetraploid upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). We compared the expression status of the genes in the leaves of an elite cultivar and a wild variety of G. hirsutum, and cloned and analyzed a 1.3‐kb promoter region of the genes in two cotton types. Results revealed that the expression of a subgenomic homoeolog of DAD1 (DAD1At) was significantly upregulated in leaves of the cultivated cotton when compared with that in a wild cotton. In addition, we identified 18 variations, including 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms and four indels between the promoters of the two cotton types. We detected at least 10 of 18 variations in the promoters related to possible cis‐regulatory elements. Further transient tobacco assays using heterogeneous DAD1At promoter::GUS fusion showed that the activity of the DAD1At promoter in the cultivated cotton was stronger than that in the wild cotton, which suggested a dynamic change in the DAD1At promoter during genetic divergence of the two cottons. This study provides an example of how gene expression could be affected by specific changes in the gene promoter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating research has revealed that src‐homology domain 2‐containing protein tyrosine phosphatase‐2 (SHP2), an oncogenic protein tyrosine phosphatase, is associated with liver fibrosis. Currently, it is still unclear whether SHP2 affects liver fibrosis by influencing the apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). In present study, we investigate effects of SHP2 expression changes on liver fibrosis, with special emphasis on the apoptosis of HSC. Using adenovirus vector, wild‐type SHP2 gene and short hairpin RNA targeting SHP2 were introduced into rats with liver fibrosis and LX‐2 cells in vitro. The expressions of type I and III collagen, pathological and functional changes, collagen deposition in rat liver and apoptosis of LX‐2 cells were detected by immunohistochemical and HE staining, automated biochemical analyzer, Masson trichrome staining, and TUNEL. This study showed that overexpression of SHP2 exacerbated dysfunction, inflammatory damage, collagen deposition and increased expression of type I and III collagen in rat liver reduced apoptosis of LX‐2 cells. On the contrary, low expression of SHP2 alleviated the aforementioned detection indicators of rats and promoted apoptosis of LX‐2 cells. In conclusion, the downregulation of SHP2 expression alleviates liver fibrosis by inducing the apoptosis of HSC, while overexpressed SHP2 exacerbates liver fibrosis by inhibiting the apoptosis of HSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyltransferase Set2‐mediated methylation of histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36), which involves the addition of up to three methyl groups at this site, has been demonstrated to function in many chromatin‐coupled events. The methylation of H3K36 is known to recruit different chromatin effector proteins, affecting transcription, mRNA splicing and DNA repair. In this study, we engineered two yeast set2 mutants that lack H3K36 mono/dimethylation (H3K36me1/2) and trimethylation (H3K36me3), respectively, and characterized their roles in the production of antisense transcripts under nutrient‐rich conditions. Using our new bioinformatics identification pipeline analysis, we are able to identify a larger number of antisense transcripts in set2∆ cells than has been published previously. We further show that H3K36me1/2 or H3K36me3 redundantly repressed the production of antisense transcripts. Moreover, gene ontology (GO) analysis implies that H3K36me3‐mediated antisense transcription might play a role in DNA replication and DNA damage repair, which is independent of regulation of the corresponding sense gene expression. Overall, our results validate a coregulatory mechanism of different H3K36 methylation states, particularly in the repression of antisense transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel design to implement eyeglasses‐style Maxwellian‐view near‐eye display for augmented reality. In our design, holographic optical element is fabricated and used as an off‐axis lens array to expand the eyebox for near‐eye display. A prototype with eyeglasses‐style compact form factor was successfully developed using a micro projector module as the display source and the prototype is successfully to achieve 60° wide field‐of‐view (FOV) and 10mm×10mm eyebox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the effects of health coaching on self‐management and quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to evaluate whether self‐efficacy and patient activation mediate the effect of health coaching on self‐management and QOL. Design and Methods: A single‐center, parallel‐group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 108 patients with stages 1 to 3a CKD participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to a health‐coaching intervention group or a usual care control group. Participants' QOL (World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale), self‐management (CKD Self‐Management instrument), patient activation (Patient Activation Measure), and self‐efficacy (CKD Self‐Efficacy instrument) were measured at baseline, immediately after, and 6 weeks after the intervention. Findings: Health coaching improved QOL, self‐management, patient activation, and self‐efficacy at postintervention and at 12 weeks' follow‐up. Health coaching had a significant indirect effect on QOL through improvements in patient activation. Health coaching exerted a significant indirect effect on self‐management through improvements in self‐efficacy and patient activation. Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that health coaching can effectively improve QOL and self‐management. A health‐coaching intervention can raise self‐efficacy and activation levels through which self‐management and QOL further improve. Clinical Relevance: Health‐coaching strategies can be used to assist patients with early‐stage CKD in reaching their health goals and becoming activated in self‐management of their diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germline mutation in the PTEN gene is the genetic basis of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome with the affected individuals harboring features of autism spectrum disorders. Characterizing a panel of 14 autism‐associated PTEN missense mutations revealed reduced protein stability, catalytic activity, and subcellular distribution. Nine out of 14 (64%) PTEN missense mutants had reduced protein expression with most mutations confined to the C2 domain. Selected mutants displayed enhanced polyubiquitination and shortened protein half‐life, but that did not appear to involve the polyubiquitination sites at lysine residues at codon 13 or 289. Analyzing their intrinsic lipid phosphatase activities revealed that 78% (11 out of 14) of these mutants had twofold to 10‐fold reduction in catalytic activity toward phosphatidylinositol phosphate substrates. Analyzing the subcellular localization of the PTEN missense mutants showed that 64% (nine out of 14) had altered nuclear‐to‐cytosol ratios with four mutants (G44D, H123Q, E157G, and D326N) showing greater nuclear localization. The E157G mutant was knocked‐in to an induced pluripotent stem cell line and recapitulated a similar nuclear targeting preference. Furthermore, iPSCs expressing the E157G mutant were more proliferative at the neural progenitor cell stage but exhibited more extensive dendritic outgrowth. In summary, the combination of biological changes in PTEN is expected to contribute to the behavioral and cellular features of this neurodevelopmental disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although fluorescent materials based on diphenylamine (DPA) conjugated with cyanostilbene (CS) have been developed for biological applications as aggregation‐induced emission chromophores with long‐wavelength emissions, only DPACS derivatives of very high polarity and low polarity have been investigated previously. Herein, we report three DPACS‐capped amino acid amphiphiles – DPACS‐G, DPACS‐S, and DPACS‐D – of various hydrophobicities. Their self‐assembly and photophysical properties in aqueous media are dependent upon the nature of their amino acid residues. Interestingly, under alkaline conditions, the introduction of a serine (S) residue in the DPACS chromophore (i. e., DPACS‐S) resulted in a self‐assembled hydrogel and the formation of nanorods with aggregation‐induced emission enhancement characteristics. Experimental and theoretical studies of DPACS‐S revealed that π–π stacking, electrostatic interactions, and extended intermolecular hydrogen bonding were the main driving forces behind its self‐assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the performance of gastroenterologists major in western medicine in diagnosing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome types of functional dyspepsia (FD), postprandial distress (PDS) and epigastric pain syndromes (EPS) based on the main symptoms, with that of traditional TCM practitioners in outpatient services. Methods: Patients with PDS or EPS were enrolled in the study from six tertiary referral centers between January 2016 and December 2017. Their symptoms were first diagnosed by medical doctors, and then by the TCM practitioners. The diagnostic agreement between the gastroenterologists and the TCM practitioners was calculated. The patients' data and their types of FD syndrome were collected and analyzed. Results: In total 160 patients, including 81 with PDS and 79 with EPS were enrolled. The total diagnostic consistency rate between the gastroenterologists and TCM practitioners was 86.3%, while that of PDS and EPS was 85.2% and 87.3%, respectively. The most common type of PDS diagnosed by TCM practitioners was liver‐stomach disharmony syndrome (33.3%), spleen deficiency and qi‐stagnation syndrome (33.3%), while that for EPS was liver‐stomach disharmony syndrome (36.7%). Conclusions: Gastroenterologists had a high diagnostic agreement about the types of FD syndromes based on differential diagnosis of the main symptoms, compared with TCM practitioners. This may aid gastroenterologists in selecting Chinese medicine for FD‐based on syndrome differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: His‐Purkinje system pacing has been demonstrated as a synchronized ventricular pacing strategy via pacing His‐Purkinje system directly, which can decrease the incidence of adverse cardiac structure alteration compared with right ventricular pacing (RVP). The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to compare the effects of His‐Purkinje system pacing and RVP in patients with bradycardia and cardiac conduction dysfunction. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched from the establishment of databases up to 15 December 2019. Studies on long‐term clinical outcomes of His‐Purkinje system pacing and RVP were included. Chronic paced QRS duration, chronic pacing threshold, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV), all‐cause mortality, and heart failure hospitalization were collected for meta‐analysis. Results: A total of 13 studies comprising 2348 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. Compared with RVP group, patients receiving His‐Purkinje system pacing showed improvement of LVEF (mean difference [MD], 5.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.38‐6.92), shorter chronic paced QRS duration (MD, − 39.29; 95% CI, − 41.90 to − 36.68), higher pacing threshold (MD, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.71‐0.89) and lower risk of heart failure hospitalization (odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44‐0.96) during the follow‐up. However, no statistical difference existed in LVEDV, LVESV and all‐cause mortality between the two groups. Conclusion: Our meta‐analysis suggests that His‐bundle pacing is more suitable for the treatment of patients with bradycardia and cardiac conduction dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to compare the performance of acellular nerves prepared by different decellularization methods, screening out the optimal decellularization protocol, repairing the sciatic nerve defects in rats by the allogeneic transplantation, and evaluating the effect of regenerative nerve on the function reconstruction. The Sondell, SB‐SDS, TnBP, and the high/low permeation methods were used to decellularize donor nerves. Nerves without any treatment were as the control group. The histological results were evaluated by HE staining and toluidine blue (TB) staining. The proliferation activity of L929 cells was detected by CCK‐8 assay. The adhesion of Schwann cells was observed and quantified by SEM. Balb/c mice were used to evaluate the cellular and humoral immunogenicity of the nerve scaffolds. The rat sciatic nerve defect model was applied to observe the repair effect of acellular nerve scaffold in vivo. To SB‐SDS group, it remained the original state of the nerves, with no observed nucleus and axons, the neurotoxicity grade detected by CCK‐8 being almost 0, and it kept the largest number of Schwann cells adhered to the acellular nerve and the better morphology. Further, it showed that the selected SB‐SDS rats acellular nerve scaffold could promote the nerve repair of the rats by HE staining and TB staining. We could conclude that the acellular nerve matrix prepared by the SB‐SDS method effectively removes the cellular components in the nerve tissue and retains the main components of the extracellular matrix of the nerve tissue, whose rats decellularized nerve scaffold could promote the sciatic nerve repair better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of epidermal growth factor receptor uncommon mutation (EGFRum) is relatively low and patients harboring EGFRum are resistant to the first‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). However, the mechanism of primary resistance remains unclear. Medical records of 98 patients who had never been treated by TKI and who accepted icotinib treatment were collected and followed. The circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) were detected and analyzed using the next‐generation sequencing (NGS) platform after progression on icotinib. The potential primary resistance mechanism of icotinib was explored. A total of 21 (21.4%) and 48 (49%) patients developed primary and acquired resistance to icotinib, respectively. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) of primary resistance patients was 1.8 months (0.5‐2.3, 95% CI = 1.50‐2.10). Before treatment, 52.4% (11/21) of patients carried S768I, 23.8% (5/21) L861Q, 14.3% (3/21) G719X and 14.3% (3/21) exon 20‐ins mutations. Approximately 23.8% (5/21) of patients harbored the combined pattern mutations and 76.2% (16/21) of patients harbored the single pattern mutations. The combined pattern with EGFR classical mutation (EGFRcm) had worse PFS than the combined with EGFRum and single pattern (P <.05). There were 6 (28.57%) patients with acquired EGFR extracellular domain mutation, 5 (23.81%) with BCL2L11 loss (BIM deletion polymorphism), 3 (14.29%) with MET amplification, 1 (4.76%) with ERBB2 amplification, 1 (4.76%) with MYC amplification, 1 (4.76%) with PTEN mutation, 1 (4.76%) with PIK3CA mutation and 3 (14.29%) with unknown status. EGFR extracellular domain mutation, BCL2L11 loss, PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signaling pathway (PTEN and PIK3CA mutations), MET amplification, ERBB2 amplification or MYC amplification might contribute to molecular mechanisms of primary resistance to icotinib in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer harboring uncommon mutant epidermal growth factor receptor. Combined targeted therapy or chemotherapy should be considered in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The on‐purpose‐modulated dendritic cells (DCs) have shown charming effects on restoring immune regulatory functions in subjects with immune diseases. Objective: This study aims to construct DCs carrying chimerical antigen (Ag) peptides (CAP‐DCs) to induce interleukin (IL)‐17+ inducible Tregs (iTregs) to alleviate food allergy (FA) in a murine model. Methods: In this study, we constructed CAP‐DCs. The CAP is a fusion protein, consisting of a segment of recombinant scFv of anti‐DEC205 antibody and an ovalbumin (OVA) epitope (IC). A murine OVA‐FA model was developed to test the effects of CAP‐DCs on suppressing the allergic response in the intestine. Results: The CAP‐DCs are characterized as that a complex of scFv‐IC is presented on the surface of the cells, moderately express CD80 and CD86 as well as IL‐6, IL‐23, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and CCR9. After being passively transferred with CAP‐DCs or injection of scFv‐IC, Ag‐specific IL‐17+ Foxp3+ iTregs were induced in the intestinal lamina propria of FA mice. The iTregs showed immune suppressive effects on Ag‐specific Th2 response. FA mice were adoptively transferred with the CAP‐DCs or scFv‐IC injection, which resulted in a significant decrease in the number of Ag‐specific Th2 cells and suppression of FA response in an Ag‐specific manner. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: CAP‐DCs can ameliorate FA response by inducing Ag‐specific IL‐17+ Foxp3+ iTregs and suppressing Ag‐specific Th2 response. To generate CAP‐DCs has the translational potential in the treatment of FA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response to icotinib in advanced non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) with EGFR uncommon mutation (EGFRum) is unclear. Here we reported the efficacy and potential resistance mechanism of icotinib in Chinese EGFRum NSCLC patients. Between July 2013 and November 2016, 3117 NSCLC patients were screened for EGFRum in a multi‐center study in China. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was detected and analyzed using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) after progression from icotinib. The efficacy, safety and the potential resistance mechanism of icotinib were explored. After a median follow‐up of 6.2 months, 69 patients (70.41%) developed disease progression, the objective rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 13.27% and 29.59% respectively, and the median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 5.5 months (95% CI: 1.2‐13.0 months). Both complex‐pattern with EGFR classical mutations (EGFRcm) and single‐pattern have better PFS than complex‐pattern without EGFRcm (median PFS was 7.2 (95% CI: 4.65‐9.75), 5.2 (95% CI: 3.24‐7.16) and 3.2 (95% CI: 2.97‐3.44) months, respectively, P <.05); patients harboring S768I mutation had the worst PFS than others (2.0 months, P <.05). Diarrhea was the most frequent side effect (42.9%). Forty‐eight (69.6%) patients developed drug resistance after 3.0 months and 81.2% of them acquired T790M mutation. Better response was observed in complex‐pattern with the EGFRcm group. S768I mutation carriers may not benefit from icotinib. Acquired T790M mutation was common in icotinib‐resistant EGFRum NSCLC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the intermittency of the renewable generation and constantly changing load demand, the battery energy storage systems (BESSs) have become a required solution to future power systems. In this study, the BESS is modelled as an agent. The authors propose an event-trigger finite-time consensus approach to maintain the supply-demand balance and minimise the total power loss associated with charging/discharging inefficiency. The proposed consensus algorithm can guarantee all BESSs to converge to an optimal operation point in finite-time. A situation where the charging power of each individual BESS has a constraint is considered. Furthermore, event-triggered feedback is considered to reduce the frequency of agents' communicating with their neighbours. The communication bandwidth and energy can be saved corresponding to the goal of economic requirement. Finally, some simulation cases are further presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the efficacy of vascular closure devices (VCDs) for hemostasis following transfemoral percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Methods: This two‐group pre–post‐test observational study with purposive sampling enrolled 73 patients between January, 2014 and February, 2015. The patients were allocated to either the intervention (vascular closure devices group, n = 34) or the control group (manual compression [MC] group, n = 39). Questionnaires were used to assess their demographic and clinical characteristics, vascular complications, visual analogue scale score for pain, and discomfort levels. Pain and discomfort were measured before and after the PCI. Results: Vascular complications were observed in 15 (44.1%) VCD patients and 13 (33.3%) MC patients, with no significant between‐group difference. However, the VCD patients had a higher relative risk of bruising, hematomas, and need for further treatment. After the PCI, the pain scores and discomfort levels increased significantly in both groups, but the VCD patients had more successful hemostasis, less pain, and less physical and psychological discomfort (lower‐limb numbness, shoulder pain, restlessness, and worrying about walking ability, being unable to lift heavy objects in the future, and taking time off from work). Conclusion: The VCDs seem to be superior to the MCs, providing more successful hemostasis, less pain and discomfort, and earlier ambulation after a transfemoral PCI. These findings aid clinical nurses in understanding the risk of vascular complications, discomfort, and pain that are associated with VCD use for improving the quality of clinical care and help clinicians in determining the appropriate hemostatic method for patients undergoing a transfemoral PCI, particularly in the Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene inactivated in over 30% of human cancers. It encodes a lipid phosphatase that serves as a gatekeeper of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase signaling pathway. Germline mutation frequently occurs in this gene in patients diagnosed with PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS). PHTS individuals are characterized by macrocephaly, benign growth of multiple tissues and increased tumor risk. In addition, autistic phenotypes are found in 10–20% of individuals carrying the germline PTEN mutation with macrocephaly. In this report, 13 suspected PHTS patients were screened for mutation in the PTEN gene. A missense variant (c. 302T > C) substituting the isoleucine at codon 101 to a threonine, a single nucleotide insertion (c. 327‐328insC) causing a frame shift mutation and termination at codon 109, and a nonsense variant (c. 1003C > T) truncated the protein at codon 335 were identified. The I101T mutation significantly reduced PTEN protein expression levels by 2.5‐ to 4.0‐fold. Mechanistically, I101T reduced the protein half‐life of PTEN possibly due to enhanced polyubiquitination at Lysine 13. However, the I101T mutant retained almost 30% of the lipid phosphatase activity of the wild‐type protein. Finally, the I101T mutant has reduced phosphorylation at a PTEN auto‐dephosphorylation site at Threonine 366 and a lowered ratio of nuclear to cytosolic protein level. These partial losses of multiple PTEN biochemical functions may contribute to the tissue overgrowth and autistic features of this PHTS patient. Autism Res2018, 11: 1098–1109. © 2018 The Authors Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Lay Summary: The genetics of autism spectrum disorders is highly complex with individual risk influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Mutation in the human PTEN gene confers a high risk of developing autistic behavior. This report revealed that PTEN mutations occurred in 23% of a selected group of Hong Kong patients harboring autistic features with gross overgrowth symptoms. Detailed characterization of a PTEN mutation revealed reduced protein stability as one of the underlying mechanisms responsible for reduced PTEN activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]