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The development of high active and stable Pt−M (M=transition metals) electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The main challenge of Pt−M electrocatalysts is their instability, mainly due to the leaching of M. In this study, we report the design of P and O co‐doped octahedral PtCo alloy on Ketjen carbon black (Px‐Oct PtCo/C) through a seed‐mediated synthesis. In‐situ FTIR spectroscopy revealed that P0.61‐Oct PtCo/C has the lowest d‐band center, thereby enhancing the catalytic activity. The strong interaction formed by chemical bond between O and Co in Px‐Oct PtCo/C, observed by EXAFS spectra effectively inhibited the dissolution of Co and improved the ORR stability. The mass activity and specific activity of P0.61‐Oct PtCo/C can reach 0.61 A mgPt−1 and 2.4 mA cm−2, respectively, which is 4.1 times and 10.9 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C. After 50,000 potential cycles, the loss of mass activity is only 25 %, surpassing the DOE 2025 target of less than 40 % loss after 30,000 cycles. This study offers an alternative approach to enhancing the activity and durability of Pt−M electrocatalysts for the ORR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐solid‐state batteries are emerging as potential successors in energy storage technologies due to their increased safety, stemming from replacing organic liquid electrolytes in conventional Li‐ion batteries with less flammable solid‐state electrolytes. However, all‐solid‐state batteries require precise control over cycling pressure to maintain effective interfacial contacts between materials. Traditional uniaxial cell holders, often used in battery research, face challenges in accommodating electrode volume changes, providing uniform pressure distribution, and maintaining consistent pressure over time. This study introduces isostatic pouch cell holders utilizing air as pressurizing media to achieve uniform and accurately regulated cycling pressure. LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 | Li6PS5Cl | Si pouch cells are fabricated and tested under 1 to 5 MPa pressures, revealing improved electrochemical performance with higher cycling pressures, with 2 MPa as the minimum for optimal operation. A bilayer pouch cell with a theoretical capacity of 100 mAh, cycled with an isostatic pouch cell holder, demonstrated a first‐cycle Coulombic efficiency of 76.9% and a discharge capacity of 173.6 mAh g−1 (88.1 mAh), maintaining 83.6% capacity after 100 cycles. These findings underscore the effectiveness of isostatic pouch cell holders in enhancing the performance and practical application of all‐solid‐state batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pregnant women may need to undergo non‐obstetric surgery under general anesthesia owing to medical needs, and pregnant women frequently experience sleep disturbances during late gestation. Preclinical studies demonstrated that maternal isoflurane exposure (MISO) or maternal sleep deprivation (MSD) contributed to cognitive impairments in offspring. Research studies in mice have revealed that SD can aggravate isoflurane‐induced cognitive deficits. However, it remains unclear whether MSD aggravates MISO‐induced cognitive deficits in offspring. The purpose of this research was to explore the combined effects of MSD and MISO on offspring cognitive function and the role of neuroinflammation and synaptic function in the process of MSD + MISO. Methods: Pregnant mice were exposed to 1.4% isoflurane by inhalation for 4 h on gestational day (GD) 14. Dams were then subjected to SD for 6 h (12:00–18:00 h) during GD15–21. At 3 months of age, the offspring mice were subjected to the Morris water maze test to assess cognitive function. Then the levels of inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory markers and synaptic function‐related proteins were assessed using molecular biology methods. Results: The results of this study demonstrated that MISO led to cognitive dysfunction, an effect that was aggravated by MSD. In addition, MSD exacerbated the maternal isoflurane inhalation, leading to an enhancement in the expression levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and a reduction in the hippocampal levels of IL‐10, synaptophysin, post‐synaptic density‐95, growth‐associated protein‐43, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that MSD aggravated the cognitive deficits induced by MISO in male offspring mice, and these results were associated with neuroinflammation and alternations in synaptic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung cancer, with high morbidity and mortality, is the commonest respiratory system neoplasm, which seriously endangers the life safety of patients. In this study, the effect of PRPS2 on cell progression was preliminarily investigated. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining, western blot and reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) were performed to verify the expression level of PRPS2 in lung cancer. Lung cancer cell lines with stable downregulation of PRPS2 were constructed in A549 cells and NCIH460 cells. The function of PRPS2 silencing on the proliferation ability was verified by the EdU and cell colony formation experiment. Scratch and transwell tests were conducted to verify the role of PRPS2 silencing on the migratory and invasive ability of cells. The impact of PRPS2 silencing on cell apoptosis and cell cycle was verified by flow cytometry test. The effects of PRPS2 silencing on apoptosis‐associated proteins were assessed by western blot assay. The function of PRPS2 silencing on tumor growth in vivo was studied through xenograft tumor experiment. Results: In comparison with normal tissues, PRPS2 was upregulated in lung cancer tissues. PRPS2 knockdown notably hindered the migratory ability, invasive ability and proliferation, but accelerated cell apoptosis. In vivo experiments confirmed that PRPS2 silencing blocked the growth of transplanted tumors. Conclusion: In lung cancer, PRPS2 silencing suppressed the malignant progression, indicating that PRPS2 might be a novel biomarker for lung cancer treatment and diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the association between persistent hypertension and the compromise of both micro‐ and macro‐circulatory functions is well recognized, a significant gap in quantitative investigations exploring the interplay between microvascular and macrovascular injuries still exists. In this study, the authors looked into the relationship between brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and hypertensive retinopathy in treated hypertensive adults. The authors conducted a cross‐sectional study of treated hypertensive patients with the last follow‐up data from the China Stoke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT) in 2013. With the use of PWV/ABI instruments, baPWV was automatically measured. The Keith‐Wagener‐Barker classification was used to determine the diagnosis of hypertensive retinopathy. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the connection between baPWV and hypertensive retinopathy were determined using multivariable logistic regression models. The OR curves were created using a multivariable‐adjusted restricted cubic spline model to investigate any potential non‐linear dose‐response relationships between baPWV and hypertensive retinopathy. A total of 8514 (75.5%) of 11,279 participants were diagnosed with hypertensive retinopathy. The prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy increased from the bottom quartile of baPWV to the top quartile: quartile 1: 70.7%, quartile 2: 76.1%, quartile 3: 76.7%, quartile 4: 78.4%. After adjusting for potential confounders, baPWV was positively associated with hypertensive retinopathy (OR = 1.05, 95% CI, 1.03–1.07, p <.001). Compared to those in the lowest baPWV quartile, those in the highest baPWV quartile had an odds ratio for hypertensive retinopathy of 1.61 (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.37–1.89, p <.001). Two‐piece‐wise logistic regression model demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between baPWV and hypertensive retinopathy with an inflection point of 17.1 m/s above which the effect was saturated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Drought is a deleterious abiotic stress factor that constrains crop growth and development. Post‐translational modification of proteins mediated by the ubiquitin–proteasome system is an effective strategy for directing plant responses to stress, but the regulatory mechanisms in wheat remain unclear. In this study, we showed that TaSDIR1‐4A is a positive modulator of the drought response. Overexpression of TaSDIR1‐4A increased the hypersensitivity of stomata, root length and endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) content under drought conditions. TaSDIR1‐4A encodes a C3H2C3‐type RING finger protein with E3 ligase activity. Amino acid mutation in its conserved domain led to loss of activity and altered the subcellular localization. The membrane‐bound transcription factor TaWRKY29 was identified by yeast two‐hybrid screening, and it was confirmed as interacting with TaSDIR1‐4A both in vivo and in vitro. TaSDIR1‐4A mediated the polyubiquitination and proteolysis of the C‐terminal amino acid of TaWRKY29, and its translocation from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. Activated TaWRKY29 bound to the TaABI5 promoter to stimulate its expression, thereby positively regulating the ABA signalling pathway and drought response. Our findings demonstrate the positive role of TaSDIR1‐4A in drought tolerance and provide new insights into the involvement of UPS in the wheat stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorder, presents considerable therapeutic challenges due to its complex and elusive pathophysiology. Method of study:We employed three machine learning algorithms to identify potential biomarkers within a training dataset, comprising GSE138518, GSE155489, and GSE193123. The diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers was rigorously evaluated using a validation dataset using area under the curve (AUC) metrics. Further validation in clinical samples was conducted using PCR and immunofluorescence techniques. Additionally, we investigate the complex interplay among immune cells in PCOS using CIBERSORT to uncover the relationships between the identified biomarkers and various immune cell types. Results: Our analysis identified ACSS2, LPIN1, and NR4A1 as key mitochondriarelated biomarkers associated with PCOS. A notable difference was observed in the immune microenvironment between PCOS patients and healthy controls. In particular, LPIN1 exhibited a positive correlation with resting mast cells, whereas NR4A1 demonstrated a negative correlation with monocytes in PCOS patients. Conclusion: ACSS2, LPIN1, and NR4A1 emerge as PCOS-related diagnostic biomarkers and potential intervention targets, opening new avenues for the diagnosis and management of PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high‐voltage spinel lithium nickel manganese oxide (LNMO) with an operating voltage of 4.8 V is a promising cathode material for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, LNMO/graphite (LNMO/Gr) full cells suffer capacity fading, which limits their practical applications. In this study, lithium metaborate (LBO) is applied on the LNMO surface to improve the full cell performance via a dry mixing method. The LBO‐coated LNMO delivers much better cycling stability than the uncoated LNMO in full cells with a practical 3 mAh cm−2 areal capacity. Different characterizations are performed to understand the coating effect to track the boron and its impact on the cathode, electrolyte, and anode. The LBO‐coated LNMO owns a 5 nm cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) with mitigated phase change after long‐term cycling. The uncoated LNMO has negligible CEI with obvious phase change. However, no boron can be detected on the surface of the coated sample. Electrolyte and anode analyses indicate that the coating acts as an additive reservoir, gradually dissolves into the electrolyte, and generates BF4− species. As a result, Nickel/Manganese (Ni/Mn) dissolution from LNMO and the extensive generation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the anode side is mitigated, thus improving the full‐cell cycling stability to a great extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) protein, which is frequently mutated in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), is a master regulator of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) that is involved in oxidative stresses. However, whether VHL possesses HIF-independent tumor-suppressing activity remains largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that VHL suppresses nutrient stress-induced autophagy, and its deficiency in sporadic ccRCC specimens is linked to substantially elevated levels of autophagy and correlates with poorer patient prognosis. Mechanistically, VHL directly binds to the autophagy regulator Beclin1, after its PHD1-mediated hydroxylation on Pro54. This binding inhibits the association of Beclin1-VPS34 complexes with ATG14L, thereby inhibiting autophagy initiation in response to nutrient deficiency. Expression of non-hydroxylatable Beclin1 P54A abrogates VHL-mediated autophagy inhibition and significantly reduces the tumor-suppressing effect of VHL. In addition, Beclin1 P54-OH levels are inversely correlated with autophagy levels in wild-type VHL-expressing human ccRCC specimens, and with poor patient prognosis. Furthermore, combined treatment of VHL-deficient mouse tumors with autophagy inhibitors and HIF2α inhibitors suppresses tumor growth. These findings reveal an unexpected mechanism by which VHL suppresses tumor growth, and suggest a potential treatment for ccRCC through combined inhibition of both autophagy and HIF2α. Synopsis: PHD1-mediated prolyl hydroxylation targets HIF-1α for VHL-dependent ubiquitination and is a key step in the cell's oxygen sensing machinery. This work shows that PHD1 and VHL also inhibit Beclin1 and autophagy initiation, with dysregulation leading to clear-cell renal cell carcinoma progression. PHD1 mediates Beclin1 Pro54 hydroxylation on pre-autophagosomal structures in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma cells. VHL binds to Pro54-hydroxylated Beclin1 and prevents the association between ATG14L and Beclin1/VPS34. VHL inhibits VPS34-dependent PI(3)P production, autophagy initiation, and kidney tumor growth. The Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase binds to proline-hydroxylated Beclin1, inhibiting the initiation of autophagy and blocking kidney tumor growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxic environments like those present at high altitudes may negatively affect brain function. Varying levels of hypoxia, whether acute or chronic, are previously shown to impair cognitive function in humans. Assessment and prevention of such cognitive impairment require detection of cognitive changes and impairment using specific cognitive function assessment tools. This paper summarizes the findings of previous research, outlines the methods for cognitive function assessment used at a high altitude, elaborates the need to develop standardized and systematic cognitive function assessment tools for high‐altitude hypoxia environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroidal hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. A physiological‐level GCs have a crucial function in maintaining many cognitive processes, like cognition, memory, and mood, however, both insufficient and excessive GCs impair these functions. Although this phenomenon could be explained by the U‐shape of GC effects, the underlying mechanisms are still not clear. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of GCs may provide insight into the treatments for cognitive and mood‐related disorders. Methods: Consecutive administration of corticosterone (CORT, 10 mg/kg, i.g.) proceeded for 28 days to mimic excessive GCs condition. Adrenalectomy (ADX) surgery was performed to ablate endogenous GCs in mice. Microinjection of 1 μL of Ad‐mTERT‐GFP virus into mouse hippocampus dentate gyrus (DG) and behavioral alterations in mice were observed 4 weeks later. Results: Different concentrations of GCs were shown to affect the cell growth and development of neural stem cells (NSCs) in a U‐shaped manner. The physiological level of GCs (0.01 μM) promoted NSC proliferation in vitro, while the stress level of GCs (10 μM) inhibited it. The glucocorticoid synthesis blocker metyrapone (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and ADX surgery both decreased the quantity and morphological development of doublecortin (DCX)‐positive immature cells in the DG. The physiological level of GCs activated mineralocorticoid receptor and then promoted the production of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT); in contrast, the stress level of GCs activated glucocorticoid receptor and then reduced the expression of TERT. Overexpression of TERT by AD‐mTERT‐GFP reversed both chronic stresses‐ and ADX‐induced deficiency of TERT and the proliferation and development of NSCs, chronic stresses‐associated depressive symptoms, and ADX‐associated learning and memory impairment. Conclusion: The bidirectional regulation of TERT by different GCs concentrations is a key mechanism mediating the U‐shape of GC effects in modulation of hippocampal NSCs and associated brain function. Replenishment of TERT could be a common treatment strategy for GC dysfunction‐associated diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor cells often overexpress immune checkpoint proteins, including CD47, for immune evasion. However, whether or how oncogenic activation of receptor tyrosine kinases, which are crucial drivers in tumor development, regulates CD47 expression is unknown. Here, it is demonstrated that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation induces CD47 expression by increasing the binding of c‐Src to CD47, leading to c‐Src‐mediated CD47 Y288 phosphorylation. This phosphorylation inhibits the interaction between the ubiquitin E3 ligase TRIM21 and CD47, thereby abrogating TRIM21‐mediated CD47 K99/102 polyubiquitylation and CD47 degradation. Knock‐in expression of CD47 Y288F reduces CD47 expression, increases macrophage phagocytosis of tumor cells, and inhibits brain tumor growth in mice. In contrast, knock‐in expression of CD47 K99/102R elicits the opposite effects compared to CD47 Y288F expression. Importantly, CD47‐SIRPα blockade with an anti‐CD47 antibody treatment significantly enhances EGFR‐targeted cancer therapy. In addition, CD47 expression levels in human glioblastoma (GBM) specimens correlate with EGFR and c‐Src activation and aggravation of human GBM. These findings elucidate a novel mechanism underlying CD47 upregulation in EGFR‐activated tumor cells and underscore the role of the EGFR‐c‐Src‐TRIM21‐CD47 signaling axis in tumor evasion and the potential to improve the current cancer therapy with a combination of CD47 blockade with EGFR‐targeted remedy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancement of catalytic activity is always limited by the dilemma in activation and desorption due to Sabatier principle. Locating the Sabatier optimum by manipulating catalyst electronic structure has been a long‐standing challenge in heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, we presented a generic strategy to continuously tailor the Pt 5d state occupancy via tuning the PtOMn electronic linkage over Al2O3‐confined MnOx islands, aiming at accommodating the CH cleavage and product desorption capabilities in dehydrogenation of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (monocyclic/bicyclic hydrides). Rising Mn valence can decrease the Pt 5d state occupancy through more electron transfer from Pt 5d to O 2p due to the strong π‐donation of O 2p to Mn 3d. This will lead to the lower initial CH activation energy barrier while higher product desorption energy barrier. An intermediate Pt 5d filling of ~8.4 in PtMn2O3/Al2O3 enables the balanced level of product desorption and CH activation, thus ensuring a superior dehydrogenation activity. The electron structure‐adsorption‐performance modulation mechanism described herein provides a benchmark to locate the Sabatier optimum for the metal catalyst design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematic induction of structural defects at the atomic level is crucial to metal nanocluster research because it endows cluster‐based catalysts with highly reactive centers and allows for a comprehensive investigation of viable reaction pathways. Herein, by substituting neutral phosphine ligands for surface anionic thiolate ligands, we establish that one or two Au3 triangular units can be successfully introduced into the double‐stranded helical kernel of Au44(TBBT)28, where TBBT=4‐tert‐butylbenzenethiolate, resulting in the formation of two atomically precise defective Au44 nanoclusters. Along with the regular face‐centered‐cubic (fcc) nanocluster, the first series of mixed‐ligand cluster homologues is identified, with a unified formula of Au44(PPh3)n(TBBT)28−2n (n=0–2). The Au44(PPh3)(TBBT)26 nanocluster having major structural defects at the bottom of the fcc lattice demonstrates superior electrocatalytic performance in the CO2 reduction to CO. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the active site near the defects significantly lowers the free energy for the *COOH formation, the rate‐determining step in the whole catalytic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communities of bacteria, especially symbionts, are vital for the growth and development of insects and other arthropods, including Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED), a destructive and invasive insect pest. However, the infection density patterns and influence factors of bacteria in whiteflies, which mainly include symbionts, remain largely unclear. To reveal the different density patterns of Cardinium in B. tabaci MED populations and the impacts of high temperatures on whiteflies with different Cardinium density infection patterns, 2 isofemale lines isolated from B. tabaci MED from the same geographical population of China and from B. tabaci MED collected from other countries and locations were examined using several techniques and methods, including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and 2b‐RAD sequencing. The results showed that there were 2 different infection density patterns of Cardinium in B. tabaci MED (including 1 high‐density pattern and 1 low‐density pattern). For whiteflies with low‐density Cardinium, conventional PCR could not detect Cardinium, but the other techniques confirmed that there was a low level of Cardinium within hosts. High temperature significantly decreased the diversity of bacterial communities: the relative titer of Cardinium increased but the density of Rickettsia decreased in the isofemale line with high‐density Cardinium. However, high temperature did not influence the diversity and symbiont density in the line with low‐density Cardinium. Moreover, high temperature influenced the functions of bacterial communities in whiteflies with high‐density Cardinium but did not affect the bacterial functions in whiteflies with low‐density Cardinium. Our results provide novel insights into the complex associations between symbionts and host insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prelithiation as a facile and effective method to compensate the lithium inventory loss in the initial cycle has progressed considerably both on anode and cathode sides. However, much less research has been devoted to the prelithiation effect on the interface stabilization for long‐term cycling of Si‐based anodes. An in‐depth quantitative analysis of the interface that forms during the prelithiation of SiOx is presented here and the results are compared with prelithiaton of Si anodes. Local structure probe combined with detailed electrochemical analysis reveals that a characteristic mosaic interface is formed on both prelithiated SiOx and Si anodes. This mosaic interface containing multiple lithium silicates phases, is fundamentally different from the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formed without prelithiation. The ideal conductivity and mechanical properties of lithium silicates enable improved cycling stability of both prelithiated anodes. With a higher ratio of lithium silicates due to the oxygen participation, prelithiated SiO1.3 anode improves the initial coulombic efficiency to 94% in full cell and delivers good cycling retention (77%) after 200 cycles. The insights provided in this work can be used to further optimize high Si loading (>70% by weight) based anodes in future high energy density batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dry process is a promising fabrication method for all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) to eliminate energy‐intense drying and solvent recovery steps and to prevent degradation of solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) in the wet process. While previous studies have utilized the dry process to enable thin SSE films, systematic studies on their fabrication, physical and electrochemical properties, and electrochemical performance are unprecedented. Here, different fabrication parameters are studied to understand polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder fibrillation and its impact on the physio‐electrochemical properties of SSE films, as well as the cycling stability of ASSBs resulting from such SSEs. A counter‐balancing relation between the physio‐electrochemical properties and cycling stability is observed, which is due to the propagating behavior of PTFE reduction (both chemically and electrochemically) through the fibrillation network, resulting in cell failure from current leakage and ion blockage. By controlling PTFE fibrillation, a bilayer configuration of SSE film to enable physio‐electrochemically durable SSE film for both good cycling stability and charge storage capability of ASSBs is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐solid‐state sodium ion batteries (AS3iBs) are highly sought after for stationary energy storage systems due to their suitable safety and stability over a wide temperature range. Hard carbon (HC), which is low cost, exhibits a low redox potential, and a high capacity, is integral to achieve a practical large‐scale sodium‐ion battery. However, the energy density of the battery utilizing this anode material is hampered by its low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). Herein, two strategies, namely i) additional pyrolysis and ii) presodiation by thermal decomposition of NaBH4, are explored to improve the ICE of pristine HC. Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical characterizations elucidate that the thermal treatment increases the Csp2 content in the HC structure, while the presodiation supplies the sodium to occupy the intrinsic irreversible sites. Consequently, presodiated HC exhibits an outstanding ICE (>99%) compared to the thermally treated (90%) or pristine HC (83%) in half‐cell configurations. More importantly, AS3iB using presodiated HC and NaCrO2 as the anode and cathode, respectively, exhibits a high ICE of 92% and an initial discharge energy density of 294Whkgcathode−1$294\ {\rm Wh}\ {\rm{kg}}_{{\rm{cathode}}}^{ - 1}$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop a simple and general method for improving the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) performances of materials is of great significance. In this work, two pairs of CPL‐active homochiral metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) P/M‐Et and P/M‐Et(Cd) with eta topology are reported. In comparison to the reported isomorphic Zn‐imidazolate MOFs P‐Me and M‐Me, both luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) and photoluminescence quantum yields (ΦPL) of P‐Et and M‐Et are largely improved by simply changing the methyl group to an ethyl group of ligands in P‐Et and M‐Et. Furthermore, the |glum| values are significantly amplified up to 0.015 from 0.0057 by introducing the non‐luminescent halogenated aromatics, while an enhanced fluorescence efficiency is observed simultaneously (from 27.2% to 47.3%). The figure of merit value is about 40 times larger than that of P‐Me and M‐Me. Similarly, the CPL performances of P/M‐Et(Cd) are improved by about five times after encapsulating fluorobenzene molecules. This work represents a new and simple method for developing CPL‐active MOF materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐equilibrium defects often dictate the macroscopic properties of materials. They largely define the reversibility and kinetics of processes in intercalation hosts in rechargeable batteries. Recently, imaging methods have demonstrated that transient dislocations briefly appear in intercalation hosts during ion diffusion. Despite new discoveries, the understanding of impact, formation and self‐healing mechanisms of transient defects, including and beyond dislocations, is lacking. Here, operando X‐ray Bragg Coherent Diffractive Imaging (BCDI) and diffraction peak analysis capture the stages of formation of a unique metastable domain boundary, defect self‐healing, and resolve the local impact of defects on ionic diffusion in NaxNi1−yMnyO2 intercalation hosts in a charging sodium‐ion battery. Results, applicable to a wide range of layered intercalation materials due to the shared nature of framework layers, elucidate new dynamics of transient defects and their connection to macroscopic properties, and suggest how to control the nanostructure dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoralen is a major component of Fructus Psoraleae that could induce liver injury. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were administered with psoralen at doses of 80 mg/kg for 3, 7 and 14 days. Blood and liver samples were collected for serum biochemistry and histopathology examinations, respectively. Psoralen led to liver injury with significantly increased liver weight and liver coefficient and up regulated serum ALT, AST and TG but down regulated serum TC and TP. The expression of bile acid‐associated transporters and enzymes was detected by western blot, and the results showed that psoralen significantly down‐regulates the expressions of CYP7A1, CYP27A1, BSEP and OSTα protein while up‐regulates the expressions of HMGCR and FASN, resulting in the obstacles of bile acid efflux in the liver. The contents of 24 kinds of bile acids in the liver were measured by LC–MS/MS, and the results showed that psoralen led to the accumulation of unconjugated bile acids in the liver, such as ALCA and CA, which were more severe in male mice than female mice. It was indicated that psoralen may disrupt the balance of bile acid metabolism by inhibiting the expression of the efflux transporter, which then leads to liver damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible‐light copper photocatalysis has recently emerged as a viable technology for building sustainable synthetic processes. To broaden the applications of phosphine‐ligated copper(I) complexes, we describe herein an effective metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐supported copper(I) photocatalyst for multiple iminyl radical‐mediated reactions. Due to site isolation, the heterogenized copper photosensitizer has a significantly higher catalytic activity than its homogeneous counterpart. Using a hydroxamic acid linker to immobilize copper species on MOF supports affords the heterogeneous catalysts with high recyclability. The post‐synthetic modification sequence on MOF surfaces allows for the preparation of previously unavailable monomeric copper species. Our findings highlight the potential of using MOF‐based heterogeneous catalytic systems to address fundamental challenges in the development of synthetic methodologies and mechanistic investigations of transition‐metal photoredox catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic pruritic inflammatory disease of the skin involving neuro‐immune communication. Neuronal mechanism‐based therapeutic treatments remain lacking. We investigated the efficacy of intravenous lidocaine therapy on atopic dermatitis and the underlying neuro‐immune mechanism. Experimental Approach: Pharmacological intervention, immunofluorescence, RNA‐sequencing, genetic modification and immunoassay were performed to dissect the neuro‐immune basis of itch and inflammation in atopic dermatitis‐like mouse model and in patients. Key Results: Lidocaine alleviated skin lesions and itch in both atopic dermatitis patients and calcipotriol (MC903)‐induced atopic dermatitis model by blocking subpopulation of sensory neurons. QX‐314, a charged NaV blocker that enters through pathologically activated large‐pore ion channels and selectivity inhibits a subpopulation of sensory neurons, has the same effects as lidocaine in atopic dermatitis model. Genetic silencing NaV1.8‐expressing sensory neurons was sufficient to restrict cutaneous inflammation and itch in the atopic dermatitis model. However, pharmacological blockade of TRPV1‐positive nociceptors only abolished persistent itch but did not affect skin inflammation in the atopic dermatitis model, indicating a difference between sensory neuronal modulation of skin inflammation and itch. Inhibition of activity‐dependent release of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) from sensory neurons by lidocaine largely accounts for the therapeutic effect of lidocaine in the atopic dermatitis model. Conclusion and Implications: NaV1.8+ sensory neurons play a critical role in pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and lidocaine is a potential anti‐inflammatory and anti‐pruritic agent for atopic dermatitis. A dissociable difference for sensory neuronal modulation of skin inflammation and itch contributes to further understanding of pathogenesis in atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common driver gene mutation in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. With the introduction of EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the treatment prospects and prognosis of NSCLC patients with EGFR‐sensitive mutations have significantly improved. Nonetheless, therapies targeting NSCLC are still associated with a risk of primary or secondary nonclassical drug resistance mutations. In recent years, the research and methodology have led to the continuous discovery of new drugs and drug resistance targets. These explorations have also resulted in continuously discovering new drugs. Consequently, rapid advancements have been made to overcome NSCLC drug resistance. This study aimed to review the current dilemma of targeted therapy for EGFR mutation‐positive NSCLC and the coping strategies for these difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Hispolon, a polyphenolic compound with antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, is a potential chemotherapy agent. However, few studies have investigated the anti‐cancer mechanism of hispolon in oral cancer. This present study used the cell viability assay, clonogenic assay, fluorescent nuclear staining, and flow cytometry assay to analyse the apoptosis‐inducing effects of hispolon in OSCC cells. After hispolon treatment, the apoptotic initiators, cleaved caspase‐3, −8, and − 9, were upregulated, whereas the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein‐1 (cIAP1) was downregulated. Furthermore, a proteome profile analysis using a human apoptosis array revealed the overexpression of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) by hispolon, which was determined to be involved in caspase‐dependent apoptosis. Moreover, cotreatment with hispolon and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors revealed that hispolon induces apoptosis in OSCC cells through activation of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathway and not the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) or p38 pathway. These findings indicate that hispolon may exert an anticancer effect on oral cancer cells by upregulating HO‐1 and inducing caspase‐dependent apoptosis by activating the JNK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The north temperate region was characterized by a warm climate and a rich thermophilic flora before the Eocene, but early diversifications of the temperate biome under global climate change and biome shift remain uncertain. Moreover, it is becoming clear that hybridization/introgression is an important driving force of speciation in plant diversity. Here, we applied analyses from biogeography and phylogenetic networks to account for both introgression and incomplete lineage sorting based on genomic data from the New World Vitis, a charismatic component of the temperate North American flora with known and suspected gene flow among species. Biogeographic inference and fossil evidence suggest that the grapes were widely distributed from North America to Europe during the Paleocene to the Eocene, followed by widespread extinction and survival of relicts in the tropical New World. During the climate warming in the early Miocene, a Vitis ancestor migrated northward from the refugia with subsequent diversification in the North American region. We found strong evidence for widespread incongruence and reticulate evolution among nuclear genes within both recent and ancient lineages of the New World Vitis. Furthermore, the organellar genomes showed strong conflicts with the inferred species tree from the nuclear genomes. Our phylogenomic analyses provided an important assessment of the wide occurrence of reticulate introgression in the New World Vitis, which potentially represents one of the most important mechanisms for the diversification of Vitis species in temperate North America and even the entire temperate Northern Hemisphere. The scenario we report here may be a common model of temperate diversification of flowering plants adapted to the global climate cooling and fluctuation in the Neogene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis‐induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a life‐threatening disorder with intricate pathogenesis. Macrophage pyroptosis reportedly plays a vital role in ALI. Although it has been established that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) can reduce sepsis‐induced organ injury, the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan (SV) for sepsis has been largely understudied. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of SV in sepsis‐induced ALI. Caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) were used to induce polymicrobial sepsis and related ALI. The therapeutic effects of SV in CLP mice were subsequently assessed. Gasdermin D (GSDMD)−/− mice were used to validate the signalling pathways affected by SV. In vitro, mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) and Raw264.7 cells were treated with SV following exposure to lipopolysaccharide and adenosine triphosphate. Finally, the serum obtained from 42 septic patients was used for biochemical analysis. Compared to the other ARBs, SV yielded more pronounced anti‐inflammatory effects on macrophages. In vivo, SV decreased mortality rates, significantly reduced lung damage and prevented the inflammatory response in CLP mice. In addition, SV suppressed GSDMD‐mediated macrophage pyroptosis in mice. In BMDMs and Raw264.7 cells, the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐pyroptosis properties of SV were verified. SV treatment effectively inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and prevented macrophage pyroptosis in a GSDMD‐dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that septic individuals had considerably higher serum angiotensin II levels. Overall, we found that SV might prevent ALI in CLP mice by inhibiting GSDMD‐mediated pyroptosis of macrophages. Thus, SV might be a viable drug for sepsis‐induced ALI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies suggest that fetal growth restriction (FGR) caused by gestational cholestasis is associated with elevated serum cholic acid (CA). Here, we explore the mechanism by which CA induces FGR. Pregnant mice except controls were orally administered with CA daily from gestational day 13 (GD13) to GD17. Results found that CA exposure decreased fetal weight and crown‐rump length, and increased the incidence of FGR in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, CA caused placental glucocorticoid (GC) barrier dysfunction via down‐regulating the protein but not the mRNA level of placental 11β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐2 (11β‐HSD2). Additionally, CA activated placental GCN2/eIF2α pathway. GCN2iB, an inhibitor of GCN2, significantly inhibited CA‐induced down‐regulation of 11β‐HSD2 protein. We further found that CA caused excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress in mouse placentas and human trophoblasts. NAC significantly rescued CA‐induced placental barrier dysfunction by inhibiting activation of GCN2/eIF2α pathway and subsequent down‐regulation of 11β‐HSD2 protein in placental trophoblasts. Importantly, NAC rescued CA‐induced FGR in mice. Overall, our results suggest that CA exposure during late pregnancy induces placental GC barrier dysfunction and subsequent FGR may be via ROS‐mediated placental GCN2/eIF2α activation. This study provides valuable insight for understanding the mechanism of cholestasis‐induced placental dysfunction and subsequent FGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite significant progress in energy retention, lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) face untenable reductions in cycle life under extreme fast‐charging (XFC) conditions, which primarily originate from a variety of kinetic limitations between the graphite anode and the electrolyte. Through quantitative Li+ loss accounting and comprehensive materials analyses, it is directly observed that the operation of LIB pouch cells at 4 C||C/3 (charging||discharging) results in Li plating, disadvantageous solid‐electrolyte‐interphase formation, and solvent co‐intercalation leading to interstitial decomposition within graphite layers. It is found that these failure modes originate from the insufficient properties of conventional electrolytes, where employing a designed ester‐based electrolyte improved the capacity retention of these cells from 55.9% to 88.2% after 500 cycles when operated at the aforementioned conditions. These metrics are the result of effective mitigation of the aforementioned failure modes due to superior Li+ transport and desolvation characteristics demonstrated through both experimental and computational characterization. This work reveals the vital nature of electrolyte design to XFC performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and sensitive method using in vivo microdialysis coupled with UPLC–MS/MS was established to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of Shuang Hu tincture (SHZTN). Xevo TQ‐S was used to analyze the active ingredients of mesaconitine, hypaconitine, 4‐hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid and N‐(2, 3‐dimethyl phenyl)‐2‐ aminobenzoic acid of SHZTN. Samples were prepared using a methanol precipitation method and the internal standards lannaconitine and p‐hydroxybenzoic acid were added. The method validation was conducted according to the guidelines of the Pharmacopoeia of China. A good linear range was obtained in the range of 1–2,000 ng/ml. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions were less than 14.7%, and the accuracy range of all the analytes was −10.5–9.3%. The recovery of each analyte was over 95.5%, and matrix effects can be neglected. After a single dose of 20 mg/kg SHZTN, the area under the curve and peak concentration of the five active ingredients were significantly increased by transdermal compared with oral administration, which indicated the high bioavailability of SHZTN. The time to peak concentration of all compounds was <3.4 h, and the half‐life was <15.4 h, which indicated that the five compounds have the best absorption and rapid elimination. The method was successfully developed and applied to the pharmacokinetic study of SHZTN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective, open-label trial (NCT04720469) screened 16 consecutive mrET patients who had undergone MRgFUS thalamotomy at least 1 year prior (MRgFUS SB 1 sb ). Herein, staged, bilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy was safe in a small sample of patients with mrET. Keywords: essential tremor; bilateral; thalamotomy; focused ultrasound; safety EN essential tremor bilateral thalamotomy focused ultrasound safety 1559 1561 3 10/24/23 20231001 NES 231001 Staged, open-surgical lesioning of the thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus to abate medication-refractory essential tremor (mrET) has been historically associated with a high frequency of adverse events (AEs), including speech and balance impairments.[1] More recently, the real-time imaging and thermometry guidance offered by magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) have allowed for minimally-invasive thalamotomies with increased focal accuracy to address upper limb tremor in ET patients.[2] Qualitative and semi-quantitative trials evaluating the safety of staged, bilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy have reported AEs that were mostly transient with mild to moderate severity based on patients' and physicians' perceived deficits.[[3], [5]] However, a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the potential post-thalamotomy changes in stance and gait balance (ie, equilibrium), and oro-motor function is lacking. We comprehensively evaluated the incidence and severity of AEs, including changes in equilibrium, speech, and cognition, following staged, bilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy for patients with mrET. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an important type of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) potentially leading to orofacial pain and jaw dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important in TMD diagnosis; however, its diagnostic ability for DJD remains unknown. Objective: To explore the utility of MRI in diagnosing DJD according to the latest diagnostic criteria for TMD and detecting condylar bone abnormalities and their severity. Methods: Overall, 122 participants were examined using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and MRI. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI for detecting DJD and different types of TMJ condylar bone abnormalities were calculated (considering CBCT as gold standard); in addition, we tested MRI and CBCT's consistency in scoring five types of condylar bone abnormalities. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for DJD were 95.3% and 43.1%, respectively. The MRI sensitivities for condylar flattening, erosion, osteophytes, sclerosis and cysts were 98.6%, 96.2%, 79.4%, 50%, and 79.2% (specificity, 53.6%, 48.3%, 81.6%, 83.3%, and 88.2%, respectively), respectively. The consistency between MRI and CBCT in assessing the severity of condylar bone abnormalities was fair‐to‐moderate (kappa coefficient: 0.278–0.491). The inter‐observer consistency for CBCT was good, whereas for MRI, it was relatively poor. Conclusion: MRI can detect DJD and condylar bone abnormalities. However, MRI could not efficiently detect the severity of condylar bone abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lithium metal anode is essential for next‐generation high‐energy‐density rechargeable Li‐metal batteries. Although extensive studies have been performed to prolong the cycle life of Li‐metal batteries, the calendar life, which associates with the chemical corrosion of Li metal in liquid electrolytes, has not been quantitatively understood. Here, by combing the titration gas chromatography method and cryogenic focused ion beam, a quantitative relationship between the chemical corrosion rate and electrochemically deposited Li morphology in various liquid electrolyte systems is established. It has been identified that the corrosion rate is dominated by the porosity of the deposited Li. The larger the porosity of deposited Li has, the faster the corrosion rate will be. Strategies to mitigate the chemical corrosion on Li thus to extend the calendar life of Li‐metal batteries are further proposed. By strictly controlling the stacking pressure during Li plating, Li deposits with ultra‐low porosity can be achieved, suppressing the corrosion rate to 0.08 ± 0.16%/day compared with 1.71 ± 0.19%/day of the high‐porosity Li. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Zr‐based amorphous alloy (thickness = 2 mm) is welded by laser welding. The phase composition and microstructure of the welding joints under different laser powers are analyzed by optical microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties of the welded joints under different laser powers are examined using microhardness and tensile testers. The glass forming ability and thermal stability of the welded joints are investigated using differential scanning calorimetry. With an increase in laser power, the degree of crystallization of welded joints increases, their microhardness is in the range 502.3–546.9 HV0.2, and tensile strength is up to 583 MPa (75% of that of the Zr‐based amorphous alloy). Through the research of the article, it can be found that when the laser power increases, the crystallization degree of the welded joint first increases rapidly and then tends to be stable. The lower laser power should be used as far as possible in the case of penetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practical application of lithium (Li) metal anode (LMA) is still hindered by non‐uniformity of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), formation of "dead" Li, and continuous consumption of electrolyte although LMA has an ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity and a very low electrochemical redox potential. Herein, a facile protection strategy is reported for LMA using a double layer (DL) coating that consists of a polyethylene oxide (PEO)‐based bottom layer that is highly stable with LMA and promotes uniform ion flux, and a cross‐linked polymer‐based top layer that prevents solvation of PEO layer in electrolytes. Li deposited on DL‐coated Li (DL@Li) exhibits a smoother surface and much larger size than that deposited on bare Li. The LiF/Li2O enriched SEI layer generated by the salt decomposition on top of DL@Li further suppresses the side reactions between Li and electrolyte. Driven by the abovementioned advantageous features, the DL@Li||LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 cells demonstrate capacity retention of 92.4% after 220 cycles at a current density of 2.1 mA cm–2 (C/2 rate) and stability at a high charging current density of 6.9 mA cm–2 (1.5 C rate). These results indicate that the DL protection is promising to overcome the rate limitation of LMAs and high energy‐density Li metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: GBA1 mutation is the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). Replacement of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase) slows neurodegeneration in PD models and may be a promising disease-modifying therapy in patients with PD. However, recombinant GCase has limited penetration through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Microbubble-mediated magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) can reversibly disrupt the BBB for drug delivery.Methods: This open-label phase I study investigated the safety and feasibility of MRgFUS putaminal delivery of intravenous GCase at escalating doses (15 to 30 to 60 IU/kg) every 2 weeks in four patients with PD with GBA1 mutations.Results: BBB permeability was achieved and restored in all patients as quantified by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging after treatment. There were no serious adverse events. Two patients developed transient dyskinesia after treatment. Blinded Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor scores off medication decreased by 12% at 6 months from baseline (from 26 ± 9 to 22 ± 6). Standardized uptake value ratio on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging in the treated putamen reduced from 1.66 ± 0.14 to 1.27 ± 0.08.Conclusions: Results from this study demonstrate the safety and feasibility of MRgFUS GCase delivery in PD and support further investigation of this approach. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinel‐type LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) is one of the most promising 5 V‐class cathode materials for Li‐ion batteries that can achieve high energy density and low production costs. However, in liquid electrolyte cells, the high voltage causes continuous cell degradation through the oxidative decomposition of carbonate‐based liquid electrolytes. In contrast, some solid‐state electrolytes have a wide electrochemical stability range and can withstand the required oxidative potential. In this work, a thin‐film battery consisting of an LNMO cathode with a solid lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) electrolyte is tested and their interface before and after cycling is characterized. With Li metal as the anode, this system can deliver stable performance for 600 cycles with an average Coulombic efficiency >99%. Neutron depth profiling indicates a slight overlithiated layer at the interface prior to cycling, a result that is consistent with the excess charge capacity measured during the first cycle. Cryogenic electron microscopy further reveals intimate contact between LNMO and LiPON without noticeable structure and chemical composition evolution after extended cycling, demonstrating the superior stability of LiPON against a high voltage cathode. Consequently, design guidelines are proposed for interface engineering that can accelerate the commercialization of a high voltage cell with solid or liquid electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stomata are a pivotal adaptation of land plants and control gas exchange. While most plants present solitary stomata, some plant species experiencing chronic water deficiency display clustered stomata on their epidermis; for instance, limestone‐grown begonias. Moreover, the membrane receptor TOO MANY MOUTHS (TMM) plays a major role in spacing stomata on the epidermis in Arabidopsis, but the function of its Begonia orthologs is unknown. We used two Asian begonias, Begonia formosana (single stomata) and B. hernandioides (clustered stomata), to explore the physiological function of stomatal clustering. We also introduced the Begonia TMMs into Arabidopsis tmm mutants to study the function of Begonia TMMs. B. hernandioides showed higher water use efficiency under high light intensity, smaller stomata, and faster pore opening than B. formosana. The short distance between stomata in a cluster may facilitate cell‐to‐cell interactions to achieve synchronicity in stomatal movement. Begonia TMMs function similarly to Arabidopsis TMM to inhibit stomatal formation, although complementation by TMM from the clustered species was only partial. Stomatal clustering in begonias may represent a developmental strategy to build small and closer stomata to achieve fast responses to light which provides tight support between stomatal development and environmental adaption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (EELS) is widely applied combining with transmission electron microscopes with high spatial resolution, but its interpretation is a challenging task. One of the reasons is that the factors affecting EELS are very complicated. In this paper, we focus on the several factors involved in density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The sensitivity of calculated energy‐loss near‐edge structure (ELNES) to spin order, pressure and on‐site Coulomb energy U has been discussed. Since EELS technique detects the local environment of atoms, the influence of spin order cannot be ignored. The chemical shifts and peak intensity of ELNES are also closely related to corresponding pressure. The correlation effects are very important for transition metal compounds and play a key role in EELS simulations. An overview of the effects of these factors on the ELNES is presented with the help of Wien2k code. The antiferromagnetic order results in the decreasing of intensities of related peaks and the moving of the peaks to high energy loss. The decreasing of lattice parameters causes the ELNES peaks to shift to high energy loss, and the peak shifts at the higher energy loss are more significant. The increase of correlation effect leads to the ELNES peaks to shift to high energy loss accompanied by the increase of the relative intensity of the peaks which locate at higher energy loss. Our work helps to understand how these factors affect EELS and to explain and predict the experimental EELS spectra. Through the discussion of these factors, we propose that some factors could not be ignored in EELS simulations. Lay description: Transmission electron microscope (TEM) is a powerful scientific instrument, which can be used for small size imaging. In recent decades, it has helped scientists to make important discoveries such as carbon nanotube and quasicrystal and has been widely used in materials science, condensed matter physics, structural biology and other fields. The principle of transmission electron microscope is similar to that of optical microscope, but its resolution is far superior to that of optical microscope. Compared with the resolution of optical microscope about 300 nm, the resolution of transmission electron microscope can reach 0.039 nm at present. In addition to excellent spatial resolution, transmission electron microscope has many functions such as structural analysis, elemental composition analysis and electronic structure analysis. TEM can be also used to carry out in situ observation and time resolution observation. Because of its several advantages mentioned above, transmission electron microscopy attracts much attention since its birth in the early 1930s. The early TEM was considered to be used only to magnify the observed object, but the electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (EELS) gives it the ability to determine the composition of the sample and analyse the electronic structure. EELS is widely applied combining with transmission electron microscopes with high spatial resolution, but its interpretation is a challenging task. One of the reasons is that the factors affecting EELS are very complicated. In this paper, we focus on several factors involved in density functional theory calculations. The sensitivity of calculated energy‐loss near‐edge structure to spin order, lattice compression and expansion, and on‐site Coulomb energy is discussed. Since EELS technique detects the local environment of atoms, the influence of spin order cannot be ignored. The chemical shift and peak intensity of EELS are also closely related to corresponding lattice parameters. The correlation effects are very important for transition metal compounds and play a key role in EELS simulations. Our work helps to understand how these factors affect EELS and to explain and predict the experimental EELS spectra. Through the discussion on these factors, we provide a useful guidance for more precise EELS simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(S)‐equol, the most active metabolite of the soybean isoflavones in vivo, has exhibited various biological activities and clinical benefits. Existing studies on the heterologous biosynthesis of (S)‐equol via the engineered E. coli constructed have been significantly progressed. In the present study, the engineered E. coli was further improved to be more suitable for (S)‐equol production. The four enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of (S)‐equol and another GDH for NADPH regeneration were combined to construct the recombinant E. coli BL21(DE3). The optimal conditions for (S)‐equol production were explored, respectively. The yield of equol reached 98.05% with 1 mM substrate daidzein and 4% (wt/vol) glucose. Even when the substrate concentration increased to 1.5 mM, (S)‐equol could maintain a high yield of 90.25%. Based on the 100 ml one‐pot reaction system, (S)‐equol was produced with 223.6 mg/L in 1.5 h. The study presented a more suitable engineered E. coli for the production of (S)‐equol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐rich layered oxides (LRLO) have attracted great interest for high‐energy Li‐ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacity. However, capacity decay and voltage fade during the cycling impede the practical application of LRLO. Herein, the use of lithium bis‐(oxalate)borate (LiBOB) as an electrolyte additive is reported to improve the cycling stability in high voltage LRLO/graphite full cells. The cell with LiBOB‐containing electrolyte delivers 248 mAh g−1 initial capacity and shows no capacity decay after 70 cycles as well as 95.5% retention after 150 cycles over 4.5 V cycling. A systematic mechanism study for the LiBOB‐enabled cycling performance improvement is conducted. Analytical electron microscopy under cryo‐condition confirms the formation of a uniform interphase and less phase transformation on the LRLO particle, accompanied by less voltage decay in the cathode. The formation of B‐F species is identified in the cycled electrolyte, elucidating the HF scavenger effect of LiBOB. Due to less HF corrosion on both electrode interphases, a reduced amount of transition metal dissolution and redeposition on the graphite is proved, thereby mitigating the capacity decay in LRLO/graphite full cells. These findings suggest that the borate additive is a promising strategy to optimize high voltage electrolyte for the industrialization of LRLO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium/fluorinated graphite (Li/CFx) primary batteries show great promise for applications in a wide range of energy storage systems due to their high energy density (>2100 Wh kg–1) and low self‐discharge rate (<0.5% per year at 25 °C). While the electrochemical performance of the CFx cathode is indeed promising, the discharge reaction mechanism is not thoroughly understood to date. In this article, a multiscale investigation of the CFx discharge mechanism is performed using a novel cathode structure to minimize the carbon and fluorine additives for precise cathode characterizations. Titration gas chromatography, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cross‐sectional focused ion beam, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy with electron energy loss spectroscopy are utilized to investigate this system. Results show no metallic lithium deposition or intercalation during the discharge reaction. Crystalline lithium fluoride particles uniformly distributed with <10 nm sizes into the CFx layers, and carbon with lower sp2 content similar to the hard‐carbon structure are the products during discharge. This work deepens the understanding of CFx as a high energy density cathode material and highlights the need for future investigations on primary battery materials to advance performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: miRNAs and mRNAs have been significantly implicated in tumorigenesis and served as promising prognostic biomarkers for human cancer. Hence, this study was aimed to develop the pivotal miRNA biomarkers‐based prognostic signature for salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma. Methods: The miRNA and mRNA expression data were integrated from the gene expression omnibus database to study their involvement in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma development and progression. Gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes were conducted to analyze the biological pathways. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR was used to verify the expression of selected miRNAs in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and corresponding normal tissues. Results: There were 386 differentially expressed genes: 158 upregulated and 228 downregulated genes and 102 differentially expressed miRNAs: 78 upregulated and 24 downregulated miRNAs in the salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma samples. A miRNA‐mRNA network containing 11 miRNAs and 199 genes was subsequently constructed. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis revealed that the genes targeted by the 11 miRNAs were mostly involved in tumor‐related pathways and processes, such as miRNAs in cancer, focal adhesion, neurotrophin signaling pathway, and the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. Among them, 4 miRNAs (miR‐375, miR‐494, miR‐34c‐5p, and miR‐331‐3p) were selected to verify by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR in 36 pairs of collected salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and adjacent nontumor samples. Overall survival analysis revealed that the higher expression of miR‐331‐3p was significantly associated with a worst overall survival and multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that hsa‐miR‐331‐3p could be an independent prognostic factor for salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma. Conclusion: Our results revealed that 4‐miRNAs signature was a powerful prognostic biomarker for salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma, which provide a basis for exploring deeper mechanisms regarding the progression of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma, and leading to the development of potential therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The medicinal plant Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is rich in specialized 4′‐deoxyflavones, which are reported to have many health‐promoting properties. We assayed Scutellaria flavones with different methoxyl groups on human cancer cell lines and found that polymethoxylated 4′‐deoxyflavones, like skullcapflavone I and tenaxin I have stronger ability to induce apoptosis compared to unmethylated baicalein, showing that methoxylation enhances bioactivity as well as the physical properties of specialized flavones, while having no side‐effects on healthy cells. We investigated the formation of methoxylated flavones and found that two O‐methyltransferase (OMT) families are active in the roots of S. baicalensis. The Type II OMTs, SbPFOMT2 and SbPFOMT5, decorate one of two adjacent hydroxyl groups on flavones and are responsible for methylation on the C6, 8 and 3′‐hydroxyl positions, to form oroxylin A, tenaxin II and chrysoeriol respectively. The Type I OMTs, SbFOMT3, SbFOMT5 and SbFOMT6 account mainly for C7‐methoxylation of flavones, but SbFOMT5 can also methylate baicalein on its C5 and C6‐hydroxyl positions. The dimethoxylated flavone, skullcapflavone I (found naturally in roots of S. baicalensis) can be produced in yeast by co‐expressing SbPFOMT5 plus SbFOMT6 when the appropriately hydroxylated 4′‐deoxyflavone substrates are supplied in the medium. Co‐expression of SbPFOMT5 plus SbFOMT5 in yeast produced tenaxin I, also found in Scutellaria roots. This work showed that both type I and type II OMT enzymes are involved in biosynthesis of methoxylated flavones in S. baicalensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: : Infective endocarditis (IE) confers significant mortality and morbidity in patients with underlying mitral stenosis (MS), with both diseased native valves and after valvular procedures. Purpose: : We examined the clinical and echocardiographic parameters in association with the development of IE on patients with significant MS. Methods: : A total of 478 consecutive patients with index echocardiographic diagnosis of significant mitral stenosis (mitral valve area <1.5 cm2) were included. Patients were grouped into those with or without IE on at least 5 years of follow‐up. Baseline clinical, echocardiographic profile and clinical outcomes were compared. Results: : IE was observed in 4.4% (n = 21) of the cohort. These patients were younger (45.3 ± 14.6 vs. 53.2 ± 15.5 years, p = 0.022) at the time of MS diagnosis. NT‐proBNP was higher in patients who developed IE (13529 ± 12230 vs. 4381 ± 5875 pg/ml, p < 0.001), with larger left atrial diameter (54.4 ± 10.1 vs. 49.9 ± 9.5 mm, p = 0.040) and elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP, 62.3 ± 17.2 vs. 47.2 ± 16.5 mmHg, p = 0.026). There was no significant difference in terms of MS severity, other concomitant valvulopathies, or etiology (rheumatic or degenerative) of MS. Patients who smoked had higher incidence of IE (33.3% vs. 14.2%, log‐rank 7.27, p = 0.007). After adjusting for age, valve procedure and PASP, patients who smoked remained at elevated risk of IE (adjusted hazards ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 1.18–7.56, p = 0.021). Conclusion: : IE occurs in a proportion of patients with MS. Smoking, younger age of diagnosis of MS as well as dilated left atria with elevated PASP may be associated with an elevated risk of this complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) active materials by self‐assembly is still in its challenge. In this work, a family of homochiral metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and metal–organic cages (MOCs) are constructed by solvothermal subcomponent self‐assembly. These MOFs feature an eta topology with trifold helical chains, while the MOCs adopt a cubic cage structure. The chiral ligands show two distinct types of conformations: "opened" and "closed" in MOFs and MOCs, respectively. Although homochiral MOFs and MOCs show similar spectra of circular dichroism and photoluminescence with similar quantum yields and lifetimes, the MOFs yield clear CPL signals and the CPL of MOCs are silent. The turn‐on CPL in MOFs achieved by tuning the conformation of ligands and controlling self‐assembly provides a new approach for development of CPL‐active MOF materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]