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Background: Chronic back pain affected 619 million people globally in 2020 which accounts for a heavy disease burden causing tremendous productivity losses. Current therapies including ibuprofen, duloxetine, and opioids might cause side effects and even severe drug use disorders. Therefore, a non‐pharmacologic therapy with better or equivalent efficacy and fewer side effects is needed. Methods: We did a multi‐center, single‐blinded, randomized, positive drug controlled, clinical trial. Patients with chronic back pain in moderate severity were randomized into receiving hot stone massage or flurbiprofen plaster group. Both interventions were 2 weeks with a follow‐up of 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the score of the Global Pain Scale (GPS) from baseline to week 2. Secondary outcomes included Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ), Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Short Form‐36 (SF36) from baseline to week 2 and week 6. Exploratory outcome assessment included the muscle thickness measured by ultrasound. Any adverse event was monitored throughout the study period. Results: A total of 120 patients were enrolled in this trial. At 2 weeks GPS decreased significantly in the hot stone massage group compared to the flurbiprofen group (difference between groups = ‐8.1 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] ‐15.8 to ‐0.3, p = 0.047). Moreover, hot stone massage also showed more improvement at 2 weeks compared to flurbiprofen, including NRS (‐0.5 points, 95% CI ‐1.0 to ‐0.1, p = 0.029), PSEQ (5.4 points, 95% CI 0.5 to 10.2, p = 0.030), and mental component of Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) (1.7 points, 95% CI 0.4 to 2.9, p = 0.010), but not in CPAQ (p = 0.131), HADS (p = 0.303 for depression, p = 0.399 for anxiety), or SF‐36 (p = 0.129 for physical component, p = 0.246 for social component, p = 0.076 for fatigue component). A total of two participants in the hot stone massage group reported mild pain on skin surface when receiving the procedure at the first intervention session. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Programmable metasurfaces have brought significant advance to electromagnetic (EM) and related fields, making it easier and more efficient to manipulate the EM waves and realize higher tuning flexibility and range. However, how to achieve independent control of each unit of the programmable metasurface in a low‐overhead and wireless manner remains a challenge. Here, a laser‐programmable microwave metasurface is proposed and constructed, in which each unit can be controlled remotely by laser intensity in real time. The key is to design an ultra‐compact photoelectric passive boost circuit and integrate it into the meta‐unit. In this case, the light sensing‐to‐power‐to‐control‐to‐microwave manipulation process can be fully realized on the highly integrated meta‐unit, and thus the metasurface can be completely programmed at the unit level by laser coding patterns, without any wire connections and external power suppliers. As experimental demonstration, a phase‐coding laser‐programmable microwave metasurface is presented using a laser array. To show the capabilities of the metasurface, 2D beam scanning and vortex beam generation are demonstrated using 1‐bit phase modulations under the laser illuminations. This approach offers an effective route for the space lasers to manipulate microwaves accurately, which is helpful in developing advanced functional devices, passive platforms, and photoelectric hybrid systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated velocity and anisotropic structure of the crust beneath the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau to better understand its deformation and evolution mechanism. We performed H‐κ and Pms anisotropy analyses to obtain crustal thickness, Vp/Vs ratio, fast polarization direction, and splitting time from 711 stations, and further conducted quality control using slowness, harmonic and statistical analyses. The Songpan‐Ganzi Block has a large splitting time and a fast polarization direction roughly parallel to the GPS motion and SKS fast direction. It also shows an overall high but complex distribution of Vp/Vs ratio, and large variations in crustal thickness, indicating that crustal deformation is likely caused by crustal shortening and lower crustal flow. The northern Sichuan‐Yunnan Rhombic Block (SYRB) is featured by a thick crust and high Vp/Vs ratio, suggesting that the crust is likely inflated by partial melting lower crustal rocks. The subblock also exhibits a strong azimuthal anisotropy with a splitting time greater than 0.6 s. The fast polarization direction aligns with the nearly N‐S extended direction and rotates clockwise in front of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP). The observed anisotropy agrees with aligned amphibole minerals under a simple shear condition, supporting a southward lower crust flow being diverted by the ELIP. Anisotropy measurements on the southern SYRB are less robust and widely scattered, suggesting a deformation mechanism different from the northern SYRB. In addition, the southeastern margin of the Sichuan Basin shows a systematic pattern of crustal anisotropy consistent with a pure shear deformation mechanism. Plain Language Summary: We studied the crustal structure and deformation beneath the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. By analyzing teleseismic data from 727 stations, we measured crust thickness, Vp/Vs ratio, and azimuthal anisotropy using receiver functions. Our findings show a complex crustal behavior pattern in the eastern Tibet margin. In the Songpan‐Ganzi Block, crustal shortening and lower crust flow seem to be causing deformation. The northern Sichuan‐Yunnan Rhombic Block, with its thick crust and high Vp/Vs ratio, appears to be influenced by partial melting of lower crust rocks. And a southward lower crust flow being diverted by the Emeishan Large Igneous Province. The eastern and southern part of this block shows a different pattern, indicating a unique deformation mechanism. Additionally, the southeastern margin of the Sichuan Basin appears to undergo a distinct type of crustal deformation. Key Points: A new crustal model with much more reliable and denser Pms anisotropic measurements is built in the eastern Tibetan MarginSongpan‐Ganzi Block is likely deformed by crustal shortening and lower crustal flowChannel flow may exist in the west low velocity zone (LVZ) while absent at the east LVZ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we present a unified chemical synthesis of three subgroups of cephalotaxus diterpenoids. Key to the success lies in adopting a synthetic strategy that is inspired by biosynthesis but is opposite in nature. By employing selective one‐carbon introduction and ring expansion operations, we have successfully converted cephalotane‐type C18 dinorditerpenoids (using cephanolide B as a starting material) into troponoid‐type C19 norditerpenoids and intact cephalotane‐type C20 diterpenoids. This synthetic approach has enabled us to synthesize cephinoid H, 13‐oxo‐cephinoid H, 7‐oxo‐cephinoid H, fortalpinoid C, 7‐epi‐fortalpinoid C, cephanolide E, and 13‐epi‐cephanolide E. Furthermore, through the development of an intermolecular asymmetric Michael reaction between β‐oxo esters and β‐substituted enones, we have achieved the enantioselective synthesis of advanced intermediates within our synthetic sequence, thus formally realizing the asymmetric total synthesis of the cephalotaxus diterpenoids family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cephalopod skin is capable of fast color changing enabled by tunable skin transparency as well as structure color. Under this inspiration, herein, a flexible surface with unique hierarchical structure that integrates both transparency change in chemical color (optical scattering) and structure coloration (optical interfering) is developed by harnessing wrinkling instability, thanks to the interfacial Au catalysis in soft lithography. As a result, a hierarchical structure in terms of wrinkled film overlaid by nano‐dome array is obtained in the flexile surface. Experiments find that subject to biaxial strains from 0% to 60%, the hierarchical surface first experiences a transition from nontransparent to transparent owing to the flattening of the wrinkles and then exhibits iridescence structure color shifting from blue to red. The switchable and dynamical tunable mechanochromic characteristics are demonstrated in a smart window, offering potentials for developing flexible devices with optical multiple functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the relationship between the yield of 1,3‐propanediol (1,3‐PDO) and the flux change of the Clostridium butyricum metabolic pathway, an optimized calculation method based on dynamic flux balance analysis was used by combining genome‐scale flux balance analysis with a kinetic model. A more comprehensive and extensive metabolic pathway was obtained by optimization calculations. The primary extended branches include: the dihydroxyacetone node, which enters the pentose phosphate pathway; the α‐oxoglutarate node, which has synthetic metabolic pathways for glutamic acid and amino acids; and the serine and homocysteine nodes, which produce cystathionine before homocysteine enters the methionine cycle pathway. According to the expanded metabolic network, the flux distribution of key nodes in the metabolic pathway and the relationship between the flux distribution ratio of nodes and the yield of 1,3‐PDO were analyzed. At the dihydroxyacetone node, the flux of dihydroxyacetone converted to dihydroxyacetone phosphate was positively correlated with the yield of 1,3‐PDO. As an important intermediate product, the flux change in the metabolic pathway of α‐oxoglutarate reacting with amino acids to produce glutamic acid is positively correlated with the yield. When pyruvate was used as the central node to convert into lactic acid and α‐oxoglutarate, the proportion of branch flux was negatively correlated with the yield of 1,3‐PDO. These studies provide a theoretical basis for the optimization and further study of the metabolic pathway of C. butyricum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial esophageal fistula (AEF) is a lethal complication that can occur post atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Esophageal injury (EI) is likely to be the initial lesion leading to AEF. Endoscopic examination is the gold standard for a diagnosis of EI but extensive endoscopic screening is invasive and costly. This study was conducted to determine whether fecal calprotectin (Fcal), a marker of inflammation throughout the intestinal tract, may be associated with the existence of esophageal injury. Methods: This diagnostic study was conducted in a cohort of 166 patients with symptomatic AF undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation from May 2020 to June 2021. Fcal tests were performed 1–7 days after ablation. All patients underwent endoscopic ultrasonography 1 or 2 days after ablation. Results: The levels of Fcal were significantly different between the EI and non‐EI groups (404.9 µg/g (IQR 129.6–723.6) vs. 40.4 µg/g (IQR 15.0–246.2), p <.001). Analysis of ROC curves revealed that a Fcal level of 125 µg/g might be the optimal cut‐off value for a diagnosis of EI, giving a 78.8% sensitivity and a 65.4% specificity. The negative predictive value of Fcal was 100% for ulcerated EI. Conclusions: The level of Fcal is associated with EI post AF catheter ablation. 125 µg/g might be the optimal cut‐off value for a diagnosis of EI. Negative Fcal could predict the absence of ulcerated EI, which could be considered a precursor to AEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photonic structures designed at sub‐wavelength scales have emerged as a promising avenue for various energy applications, including cooling devices, water harvesting, photovoltaics, and personal thermal management, which have significantly transformed the global energy landscape. Particularly, flexible photonic radiative cooling films, which facilitate heat dissipation from surfaces by emitting it into outer space via infrared radiation, have achieved great progress in recent years. In this review, the different approaches used to design photonic structures for manipulating solar reflectance and optimizing thermal emittance are summarized. On this basis, this review discusses advancements in flexible radiative cooling films that have been meticulously adhere to these design principles, alongside their cooling effects over recent years. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of the progress is presented in the photonic integration with new functionality and the fabrication techniques of photonic structures. Lastly, this review highlights the remarkable potential of radiative coolers in various fields. In prospect, the widespread adoption of flexible photonic radiative cooling films holds immense promise for diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a novel alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO‐TA) has been widely used and has caused ubiquitous water pollution. However, its adverse effects on aquatic organisms are still not well known. In the present study, zebrafish at different life stages were exposed to 0, 5, 50, and 100 μg/L of HFPO‐TA for 21 days to investigate reproductive toxicity in zebrafish. The results showed that HFPO‐TA exposure significantly inhibited growth and induced reproductive toxicity in zebrafish, including a decrease of the condition factor, gonadosomatic index, and the average number of eggs. Histological section observation revealed that percentages of mature oocytes and spermatozoa were reduced, while those of primary oocytes and spermatocytes increased. In addition, exposure to HFPO‐TA at three stages induced a significant decrease in the hatching rate, while the heart rate and normal growth rate of F1 offspring were only significantly inhibited for the exposure from fertilization to 21 days postfertilization (dpf). Compared with the exposure from 42 to 63 dpf, the reproductive toxicity induced by HFPO‐TA was more significant for the exposure from fertilization to 21 dpf and from 21 to 42 dpf. Expression of the genes for cytochrome P450 A1A, vitellogenin 1, estrogen receptor alpha, and estrogen receptor 2b was significantly up‐regulated in most cases after exposure to HFPO‐TA, suggesting that HFPO‐TA exhibited an estrogen effect similar to PFOA. Therefore, HFPO‐TA might disturb the balance of sex steroid hormones and consequently induce reproductive toxicity in zebrafish. Taken together, the results demonstrate that exposure to HFPO‐TA at different life stages could induce reproductive toxicity in zebrafish. However, the underlying mechanisms deserve further investigation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2490–2500. © 2023 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a concise and divergent synthesis of the complex hasubanan alkaloids metaphanine and oxoepistephamiersine from commercially available and inexpensive cyclohexanedione monoethylene acetal. Our synthesis features a palladium‐catalyzed cascade cyclization reaction to set the tricyclic carbon framework of the desired molecules, a regioselective Baeyer–Villiger oxidation followed by a MeNH2 triggered skeletal reorganization cascade to construct the benzannulated aza[4.4.3]propellane, and a strategically late‐stage regio‐/diastereoselective oxidative annulation of sp3 C−H bond to form the challenging THF ring system and hemiketal moiety in a single step. In addition, a highly enantioselective alkylation of cyclohexanedione monoethylene acetal paved the way for the asymmetric synthesis of target molecular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Semen Aesculi, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has a long history of use for treating chest and abdominal pain with distension. In addition, the horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) is another species of Aesculus in Europe and has notable clinical significance in alleviating chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, and postoperative edema. Thus, highlighting the comparative study of Semen Aesculi and horse chestnut may broaden clinical applications. Objectives: To conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis on the chemical profiling of these two varieties and determine whether they have equivalent clinical efficacy by integrating plant metabolomics and multivariate statistical methods. Methods: Initially, a comprehensive characterisation was performed using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS) platform, and in total 44 active ingredients were identified. Then, untargeted metabolomics combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) was applied for the discrimination of a German species and three official Chinese species. Next, 24 marker compounds responsible for the discrimination of different species were screened out and used to predict the species of unknown samples by genetic algorithm‐optimised support vector machine (GA‐SVM) with a high prediction accuracy. Finally, a heatmap visualisation was employed for clarifying the distribution of the identified active ingredients. Results: The three species of Chinese Semen Aesculi showed distinct separation from each other, while European horse chestnut and Aesculus chinensis Bunge were similar in chemical composition. Conclusions: This work provided experimental evidence for further expanding the clinical application of Chinese Semen Aesculi and promoted the species identification and quality control of Semen Aesculi. Semen Aesculi has long been used as a Chinese herbal medicine. However, another species named horse chestnut, is more popular in Europe. To determine whether these two varieties are equivalent in clinical efficacy, a comparative analysis based on metabolomics and chemometrics were built for profiling. The result showed that the Chinese species showed distinct separation, while horse chestnut and Aesculus chinensis Bunge were resemblant in composition. This work provided evidence for further expanding the clinical application of Chinese Semen Aesculi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Programmable metamaterials and metasurfaces have gained great interest due to real‐time electromagnetic control and digital information processing capabilities. Different from traditional electrically‐controlled programmable metasurfaces, recently, light‐controlled programmable metasurfaces have been presented, on which the microwaves can be manipulated and modulated wirelessly in the space domain or time domain by incident light. More importantly, such the metasurface platform offers an efficient interface to link directly light and microwave signals, showing huge potential to develop wave‐based optoelectronic hybrid devices and relevant applications. Here, we review some of these recent developments, focusing particularly on the mechanisms of light‐controlled programmable metasurfaces and their fascinating functions from remote microwave control to hybrid signal processing. We survey related implementation methods based on the hybrid integrations of microwave digital metasurfaces and different photoresponsive components including photodiodes, photoresistors, infrared modules, and light sensors, as well as discuss their unique advantages. In the summary, the perspective on the challenges and future directions of light‐controlled programmable metasurfaces are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is a high-risk pathogenic toxin for hepatic diseases. Excessive mitophagy is a hallmark in Cd-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a key regulator for mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis. Here, Cd exposure upregulated MCU expression and increased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake are found. MCU inhibition through siRNA or by Ru360 significantly attenuates Cd-induced excessive mitophagy, thereby rescues mitochondrial dysfunction and increases hepatocyte viability. Heterozygous MCU knockout mice exhibit improved liver function, ameliorated pathological damage, less mitochondrial fragmentation, and mitophagy after Cd exposure. Mechanistically, Cd upregulates MCU expression through phosphorylation activation of cAMP-response element binding protein at Ser133(CREBS133) and subsequent binding of MCU promoter at the TGAGGTCT, ACGTCA, and CTCCGTGATGTA regions, leading to increased MCU gene transcription. The upregulated MCU intensively interacts with voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 1 (VDAC1), enhances its dimerization and ubiquitination, resulting in excessive mitophagy. This study reveals a novel mechanism, through which Cd upregulates MCU to enhance mitophagy and hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this study we aimed to assess the clinicopathological characteristics and long‐term prognosis of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) having distinct steatosis distribution patterns. Methods: Clinicopathological data of 238 individuals with biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD were collected. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis‐clinical research network (NASH‐CRN) and steatosis, activity and fibrosis (SAF)/fatty liver inhibition of progression (FLIP) algorithm were used. Cumulative incidence of liver‐related events (LREs) was compared by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors for steatosis distribution. Results: Eligible patients were categorized into three groups based on their steatosis distribution, including azonal steatosis (AS) (62 [26.1%]), perivenular steatosis (PVS) (147 [61.8%]), and the pan‐acinar steatosis (PAS) groups (29 [12.1%]). There were significantly higher ballooning grade and disease activity (P < 0.05), more severe fibrosis (P < 0.001), and a higher cumulative incidence of LREs (hazard ratio [HR] 8.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.34–27.35, P < 0.0001) in the AS group than in the PVS and PAS groups after a median of 3.6‐year follow‐up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% CI 1.06–1.16, P < 0.001) might be independently associated with AS distribution, and PNPLA3 rs738409 CG/GG genotype (OR 3.36, 95% CI 0.98–11.47, P = 0.053) might also play a role. Conclusions: AS is associated with more severe disease activity and fibrosis stage in NAFLD, and predisposes toward poor prognosis. Age might be an independent predictor for AS in NAFLD, while PNPLA3 rs738409 CG/GG genotype might also play a role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratories (IELabs) enable the construction of national‐to‐local‐scale multi‐regional input–output (MRIO) models. These IELabs have been proven to be especially important for analyzing research questions that warrant sub‐national spatial detail. The field of industrial ecology has clearly progressed from the time of national‐only input–output tables. Here, we present a newly developed tool called NLab—"nested IELab"—that nests sub‐national MRIO tables within global country‐scale MRIOs. This capability allows for the investigation of interactions between sub‐national production and consumption systems, with global systems interlinked via international trade. We provide a technical and mathematical roadmap for construction of nested input–output tables in the NLab, and demonstrate this capability through a real‐world assessment of the Western Australian wine industry. Our results suggest that nested MRIO tables provide an added layer of detail at a regional level, when undertaking consumption‐based footprint assessments, leading to improved assessment of quantification of regional impacts. The NLab presented in this work provides tools for analysis of complex trade linkages between industries at various scales, which has the further potential to open avenues for policy‐makers to analyze the implications of local decisions at a global level, and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new chemically stable metalloporphyrin‐bridged metal‐catechol frameworks, InTCP‐Co and FeTCP‐Co, were constructed to achieve artificial photosynthesis without additional sacrificial agents and photosensitizers. The CO2 photoreduction rate over FeTCP‐Co considerably exceeds that obtained over InTCP‐Co, and the incorporation of uncoordinated hydroxyl groups, associated with catechol, into the network further promotes the photocatalytic activity. The iron‐oxo coordination chain assists energy band alignment and provides a redox‐active site, and the uncoordinated hydroxyl group contributes to the visible‐light absorptance, charge‐carrier transfer, and CO2‐scaffold affinity. With a formic acid selectivity of 97.8 %, FeTCP‐OH‐Co affords CO2 photoconversion with a reaction rate 4.3 and 15.7 times higher than those of FeTCP‐ Co and InTCP‐Co, respectively. These findings are also consistent with the spectroscopic study and DFT calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: His bundle pacing (HBP) is a physiological pacing strategy to preserve the electrical synchrony of ventricular conduction and left ventricular (LV) function. Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has emerged as an alternative physiological pacing technique. Objective: To evaluate cardiac electrical and mechanical synchrony comparing LBBP and HBP in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Consecutive patients with symptomatic bradycardia and AF were enrolled from January to June of 2019. The cardiac electrical and mechanical synchrony in different pacing mode were evaluated at baseline and after implantation. Results: Both HBP and LBBP were performed in 20 patients. LBBP significantly widened the QRS duration compared with the intrinsic conduction (113.2 ± 14.5 vs. 96.5 ± 16.2 ms; p =.01), while HBP did not (104.5 ± 22.3 vs. 96.5 ± 16.2 ms; p =.12). Both LBBP and HBP patients had similar LV myocardial strain measurements for the mechanical synchrony evaluation without significant change compared with baseline. There was no significant difference in right ventricular synchrony measurement between LBBP and HBP. Compared to HBP, LBBP had less interventricular synchrony (IMVD, 14.7 ± 9.2 vs. 3.1 ± 12.7 ms, p <.01; Ts‐LV‐RV, 37.9 ± 10.7 vs. 18.5 ± 10.8 ms, p <.001). Conclusions: Although LBBP's a physiological pacing mode can achieve a similar cardiac electrical and mechanical synchronization when compared to HBP, LBBP results in modest delay in RV activation, and the clinical implication remains to be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limited Na‐storage capacity of graphite anodes for sodium‐ion batteries (∼110 mAh g−1) is significantly enhanced by the incorporation of nanosized Sn (17 wt%). The composite (SntGraphite), prepared by simple annealing of graphite with SnCl2, shows a specific capacity of 223 mAh g−1 (at 50 mA g−1) combined with excellent cycle life (i. e. 96 % of capacity retention after 2,200 cycles at 1 A g−1) and initial Coulomb efficiency (90 %). The combined storage of sodium in graphite (by solvent co‐intercalation) and Sn (by alloy formation) is followed by in situ X‐ray diffraction and in situ electrochemical dilatometry (ECD). While the additional tin almost doubles the electrode capacity, its contribution to the electrode expansion (∼3 %) is surprisingly small. The use of SntGraphite as anode for sodium‐ion hybrid capacitors with activated carbon as cathode provides a maximum energy and power density of ∼93 Wh kg−1 and 7.8 kW kg−1, with a capacity retention of ∼80 % after 8,000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), energy delivery toward the left atrial posterior wall may cause esophageal injury (EI). Ablation index (AI) was introduced to estimate ablation lesion size, however, the impact of AI technology on the risk of EI has not been explored. Method: From March 2019 to December 2019, 60 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing first‐time ablation were prospectively enrolled. The first 30 consecutive patients were ablated with the AI target value of 400 (AI‐400 group), and the later 30 consecutive patients were ablated with the AI target value of 350 at the posterior wall (AI‐350 group). Endoscopic ultrasonography was used to evaluate EI postablation. EI was classified as a category 1 (erythema or erosion) or a category 2 (hematoma or ulceration). Results: Compared with the AI‐400 group (59.9 ± 8.4 years; male, 60%), the AI‐350 group (59.1 ± 9.9 years; male, 50%) had a lower incidence of EI (3.3% vs 26.7%, P =.03). There was no significant difference in the percentage of first‐pass PVI between the AI‐400 group and the AI‐350 group (left PVI: 80% vs 73.4%, P =.54; right PVI: 80% vs 60%, P =.1). Neither ablation time nor fluoroscopy time was significantly different between the AI‐400 group and the AI‐350 group. Conclusions: AF ablation guide by AI target value of 350 may reduce esophageal thermal injury and has a similar efficiency on the acute success rate of first‐pass PVI compared with an AI target value of 400 at the posterior wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Programmable metasurfaces allow dynamic and real‐time control of electromagnetic (EM) waves in subwavelength resolution, holding extraordinary potentials to establish meta‐systems. Achieving independent and real‐time controls of orthogonally‐polarized EM waves via the programmable metasurface is attractive for many applications, but remains considerably challenging. Here, a polarization‐controlled dual‐programmable metasurface (PDPM) with modular control circuits is proposed, which enables a dibit encoding capability in modifying the phase profiles of x‐ and y‐polarized waves individually. The constructed extended interface circuit is able to extend the number of control interfaces from a field programmable gate array by orders of magnitude and also possesses memory function, which enhance hugely the rewritability, scalability, reliability, and stability of PDPM. As a proof‐of‐concept, a wave‐based exclusive‐OR logic gate platform for spin control of circularly‐polarized waves, a fixed‐frequency wide‐angle dual‐beam scanning system, and a dual‐polarized shared‐aperture antenna are demonstrated using a single PDPM. The proposed PDPM opens up avenues for realizing more advanced and integrated multifunctional devices and systems that have two independent polarization‐controlled signal channels, which may find many applications in future‐oriented intelligent communication, imaging, and computing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to estimate the optimal cut‐off values of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) for diagnosing and staging fibrosis in non‐obese and obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: NAFLD patients diagnosed by liver biopsy according to the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network scoring system were enrolled in this study. Non‐obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) less than 25 kg/m2. LSM was performed by experienced physicians within 2 weeks before or after liver biopsy. Results: A total of 158 patients were included. Average BMI of the non‐obese (n = 68) and obese (n = 90) groups was 23.2 ± 1.6 and 27.9 ± 2.5 kg/m2, respectively. After adjusted for age, fibrosis stage, steatosis grade and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the obese group had a LSM of 3.522 kPa higher than the non‐obese patients (P = 0.003). LSM values of the non‐obese patients had a lower trend when stratified by fibrosis stage, especially in cirrhosis (F4; P = 0.021). Applying separate cut‐off values for patients with NAFLD in individual fibrosis stage, 5.8 vs 7.5 kPa (≥ F1), 7.6 vs 8.5 kPa (≥ F2), 9.1 vs 11.2 kPa (≥ F3), and 12.5 vs 14.3 kPa (F4), improved their diagnostic odds ratios compared with overall cut‐off values. In the non‐obese NAFLD group, using a separate cut‐off avoided underestimating 9.1% of patients with cirrhosis. Conclusions: Non‐obese NAFLD group had lower LSM than the obese group. Different cut‐off values should be used to measure liver fibrosis stage in non‐obese and obese NAFLD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic variations of cytochrome P450 (CYP) influence the inter‐individual differences in drug response. Here, we collected 8682 variants of 57 CYP genes and cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) from a large‐scale sequencing project in Chinese, Chinese Millionome Database (CMDB). In addition, 52 294 variants from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) had been simultaneously identified and analysed. Rare variants with a variant allele frequency (VAF) < 0.01 comprised 41.4% (3594/8682) of identified variations in the CMDB, while 98.1% (51 320/52 294) in the gnomAD were rare. Out of 8682 variants in the CMDB, 66.9% (5808/8682) were in introns and only 4.3% (377/8682) were missense variants. In contrast, 36.2% (18 929/52 294) variants in the gnomAD were missense. The common alleles with a VAF over 0.1 were found in CYP1A2*1C, CYP1A2*1F, CYP2C19*2, CYP2D6*2, CYP2D6*10, CYP3A5*3 and CYP4F2*3, with a VAF of 0.161, 0.6, 0.27, 0.274, 0.678, 0.92 and 0.233, respectively. The growing number of genetic variations in CYP genes as more genomes are sequenced would increase the power to predict drug metabolism and response based on the genotype of the particular individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Repeat ablation strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after multiple ablation procedures is known to be challenging. This study evaluated the insights of adjunctive ablation for epicardial arrhythmogenic substrates in those patients via a percutaneous epicardial approach. Methods and Results: Thirty‐five consecutive patients with AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence, who had two or more prior ablation procedures, were enrolled from September 2016 to December 2018. In addition to a standard endocardial approach, epicardial mapping and ablation were performed via a percutaneous subxiphoid access in the electrophysiology lab. Adjunctive epicardial ablations for left lateral ridge (LLR) were performed in 31 of 35 patients (88.6%) for efficient transmural lesions with pacing capture loss. Marshall Bundle (MB) potentials were documented on epicardial LLR in three patients and abolished by direct epicardial ablation. Bachmann's bundle (BB) was ablated as an epicardial conduction gap in four patients with a refractory anterior wall line. Two epicardial AT/AF triggers were detected followed by successful termination with epicardial ablation. No periprocedural complications occurred. About 23 of 35 patients (65.7%) remained free from AF/AT after 23.2 ± 9 months of the procedure. Conclusions: Patients with multiple failed prior AF procedures refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy might warrant a percutaneous epicardial mapping and ablation strategy, with adjunctive therapy for targeting LLR/MB, BB, and underlying epicardial triggers in addition to a standard endocardial approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early postnatal stage is a critical period of hippocampal neurodevelopment and also a period of high vulnerability to adverse life experiences. Recent evidence suggests that nectin‐3, a cell adhesion molecule, mediates memory dysfunction and dendritic alterations in the adult hippocampus induced by postnatal stress. But it is unknown whether postnatal nectin‐3 reduction alone is sufficient to alter hippocampal structure and function in adulthood. Here, we down regulated hippocampal expression of nectin‐3 and its heterophilic adhesion partner nectin‐1, respectively, from early postnatal stage by injecting adeno‐associated virus (AAV) into the cerebral lateral ventricles of neonatal mice (postnatal day 2). We found that suppression of nectin‐3, but not nectin‐1, expression from the early postnatal stage impaired hippocampus‐dependent novel object recognition and spatial object recognition in adult mice. Moreover, AAV‐mediated nectin‐3 knockdown significantly reduced dendritic complexity and spine density of pyramidal neurons throughout the hippocampus, whereas nectin‐1 knockdown only induced the loss of stubby spines in CA3. Our data provide direct evidence that nectins, especially nectin‐3, are necessary for postnatal hippocampal development of memory functions and structural integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

English Writing Assignments and Students' Self-Perceived Writing Needs: A Survey of Undergraduates at a Chinese University Our urge to investigate the status quo of English writing tasks and students' self-perceived writing needs in higher education in China has arisen out of our work at the university writing center where we noticed that the genres for which we aim to provide tutorial are inconsistent with students' self-expressed needs. The analysis reveals that students in general have taken only a small portion of English writing courses (2.13 out of 13 EWCs per student) and English-medium disciplinary content courses (6.42 out of 80 EMCs per student) that are offered to them despite individual differences. English major students have taken more EWCs ( I M i = 2.98, I SD i = 1.49) than non-English major students ( I M i = 1.56, I SD i = 2.54), I t i (294) = 6.11, I p i <.001, I d i = 0.68, and more EMCs ( I M i = 9.04, I SD i = 4.62) than non-English major students ( I M i = 4.66, I SD i = 2.62), I t i (172) = 9.48, I p i <.001, I d i = 1.17. [Extracted from the article]

Second language (L2) writing involves the allocation of attentional resources at different stages (for example, retrieving syntactic structures and vocabulary items from long-term memory; monitoring the accurateness of the written output by exploiting grammatical knowledge). However, as Li acknowledged, since most studies in the meta-analysis did not report how L2 writing was evaluated, the reason why L2 writing is not significantly correlated with L2 aptitude remains to be explored. It is possible that timed narrative writing requires learners to retrieve sentence patterns and vocabulary items that they learned through explicit classroom instruction; therefore, LLAMA D was not significantly correlated with L2 writing score. [Extracted from the article]

Mitochondrial stress has been acknowledged as the pathogenesis for tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced septic cardiomyopathy. Recently, MAP kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP1) downregulation and mitochondrial fragmentation modulate the mitochondrial stress via multiple molecular mechanisms. Thereby, the goal of our current work is to figure out the functional role of mitochondrial fragmentation in TNF‐α‐induced septic cardiomyopathy. Our results exhibited that MKP1 expression was significantly repressed in hearts treated by TNF‐α. Overexpression of MKP1 sustained cardiac function and attenuated cardiomyocytes death in TNF‐α‐treated hearts. At the molecular levels, decreased MKP1 induced mitochondrial stress, as indicated by mitochondrial calcium overloading, mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial antioxidant downregulation, mitochondrial membrane potential reduction, mitochondrial bioenergetics suppression, mitochondrial proapoptotic factors liberation, and caspase‐9 apoptotic pathway activation. To the end, we illustrated that MKP1‐modulated mitochondrial stress via mitochondrial fragmentation; reactivation of mitochondrial fragmentation abolished the protective effect of MKP1 overexpression on mitochondrial function. Further, MKP1 affected mitochondrial division in a mechanism through the JNK–MIEF1 axis. Blockade of JNK pathway abolished the regulatory actions of MKP1 on mitochondrial division. Altogether, our results identify MKP1 as a novel cardioprotective factor in TNF‐α‐related septic cardiomyopathy via affecting mitochondrial division by the way of JNK–MIEF1 signaling pathway. Therefore, MKP1 expression, mitochondrial fragmentation modification, and JNK–MIEF1 pathway modulation may be considered as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of cardiac injury induced by sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of cationic gemini surfactants CmH2m + 1N+(CH2CH2OH)2(CH2)sN+(CH2CH2OH)2CmH2m + 1 2Br−, referred to as m‐s‐m (OH) (m = 8,10,12, s = 3,4), were prepared by quaternization of dihydroxyethyl tertiary amines with dibromoalkane. The dihydroxyethyl tertiary amines were synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of diethanolamine with bromoalkane. The characterization of the m‐s‐m (OH) surfactants was performed using 1H NMR and MS. The surface activities and aggregation behavior in aqueous solution of the m‐s‐m (OH) surfactants were studied using surface tension measurements, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The surface tension and critical micellar concentration of these surfactants in aqueous solution decreased dramatically due to the introduction of hydroxyethyl at the head group. The micelles and/or vesicles formed in the aqueous solution of m‐s‐m (OH) surfactants were strongly dependent upon the lengths of spacer chains and carbon chains. The number of vesicles increases and that of micelles decreases when the lengths of spacer chains and carbon chains increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver injury is an important cause of serious liver disease. This study aims to explore the effects of miR‐217 targeting NAT2 on hepatocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy following carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)‐induced liver injury. Rat models of CCL4‐induced liver injury were established. Healthy Wistar rats were randomized into the normal, blank, negative control (NC), microRNA‐217 (miR‐217) mimic, miR‐217 inhibitor, small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐N‐acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), and miR‐217 inhibitor + siRNA‐NAT2 groups. NAT2 activity was evaluated with reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatographic method. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect NAT2 protein positive rate. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to examine expressions of miR‐217, NAT2, Bcl‐2, Bax, p35, LC3‐II, Becline‐1, and the ratio of caspase‐3/cleaved caspase‐3. Autophagy, proliferation, and cell cycle distribution were determined by electron microscope, CCK‐8, and flow cytometry. NAT2 protein positive rate and miR‐217, NAT2, Bcl‐2, and p35 expressions were higher and Bax, LC3‐II, and Becline‐1 expressions and the ratio of caspase‐3/cleaved caspase‐3 lower in the normal group than the other six groups. Compared with the blank and NC groups, in the miR‐217 mimic and siRNA‐NAT2 groups, Bax, LC3‐II, and Becline‐1 expressions and the ratio of caspase‐3/cleaved caspase‐3, and hepatocyte apoptosis and autophagy increased, while NAT2, Bcl‐2, and p35 expressions and hepatocyte proliferation decreased; opposite results were observed in the miR‐217 inhibitor group. Collectively, miR‐217 targeting NAT2 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis and autophagy of hepatocytes in CCL4‐induced liver injury. miR‐217 targeting NAT2 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis and autophagy of hepatocytes in CCL4‐induced liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In Locusta migratoria, we found that two chitin biosynthesis genes, UDP N‐acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase gene LmUAP1 and chitin synthase gene LmCHS1, are expressed mainly in the integument and are responsible for cuticle formation. However, whether these genes are regulated by 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) is still largely unclear. Here, we showed the developmental expression pattern of LmUAP1, LmCHS1 and the corresponding 20E titer during the last instar nymph stage of locust. RNA interference (RNAi) directed toward a common region of the two isoforms of LmEcR (LmEcRcom) reduced the expression level of LmUAP1, while there was no difference in the expression of LmCHS1. Meantime, injection of 20E in vivo induced the expression of LmUAP1 but not LmCHS1. Further, we found injection‐based RNAi of LmEcRcom resulted in 100% mortality. The locusts failed to molt with no apolysis, and maintained in the nymph stage until death. In conclusion, our preliminary results indicated that LmUAP1 in the chitin biosynthesis pathway is a 20E late‐response gene and LmEcR plays an essential role in locust growth and development, which could be a good potential target for RNAi‐based pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Hollow microspheres (HM) of ceramic, silica, and glass-filled silicone rubber (SR) composites were prepared, and the effects of hybrid HM on thermal and mechanical properties of composites were investigated. The results indicate that hybrid HM can effectively improve the thermal insulation property of HM/SR composites. Especially, for sample 15S, the thermal conductivity and thermal degradation temperature reached 0.1273 W/m K and 521 °C (45 °C higher than that of neat SR), respectively. Besides, thermal insulation performance was improved, showing as a temperature of 103.2 °C after 15 min heating, which is 37.8 °C lower than that of SR. The tensile strength of composites was enhanced from 1.92 MPa at 11.56 vol % hollow silica microspheres (HSM) loading to 3.08 MPa at 21.88 vol % HSM loading. Moreover, the compressive strength was improved from 3.33 to 5.68 MPa by introducing more hollow ceramic microspheres into the matrix, in this case, from 7.79 to 15.33 vol %. Furthermore, the failure mechanism was analyzed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lower respiratory tract illness is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, however, information about the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of LRTIs caused by HMPV and HBoV in China is limited. Objectives: Human bocavirus (HBoV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) are two important viruses for children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). We aimed to assay the correlation between viral load and clinical characteristics of HBoV and HMPV with LRTI in Changsha, China. Methods: Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) from children with LRTI were collected. Real‐time PCR was used to screen HBoV and HMPV. Analyses were performed using SPSS 16.0 software. Results: Pneumonia was the most frequent diagnosis. There was no significant difference between HBoV‐ and HMPV‐positive patients in age (P = .506) or hospitalization duration (P = .280); 24.1% and 18.2% were positive for HBoV and HMPV. HBoV infections peaked in summer (32.2%), and HMPV infections peaked in winter (28.9%). The HBoV‐positive patients had a shorter hospitalization duration than the HBoV‐negative patients (P = .021), and the HMPV‐positive patients had a higher prevalence of fever than the HMPV‐negative patients (P = .002). The HBoV viral load was significantly higher among patients aged <1 year (P = .006). The mean HBoV and HMPV viral loads were not significantly different between patients with single infections and coinfections. Patients infected with HBoV only were older than those coinfected with HBoV and other respiratory viruses (P = .005). No significant difference was found in the clinical characteristics of patients infected with HMPV only and those coinfected with HMPV and other respiratory viruses. Conclusion: Pneumonia was the most frequent diagnosis caused by HBoV and HMPV. Neither HBoV nor HMPV viral load was correlated with disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For finding novel bioactive compounds with significant antifungal activities, 17 novel benzoxazole derivatives containing a 1,2,3-triazole moiety were synthesized by the copper(II) acetylacetonate-catalyzed cyclization reaction between 2-aminophenol derivatives and 1 H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbaldehyde derivatives ( 4a), which were prepared through three steps using aromatic amine as the starting material. Antifungal activities of the prepared compounds were evaluated against Botrytis cinerea (BC) and Fusarium Verticillium (FV). The test results indicated that compounds 5b, 5c, 5h, and 5n show good inhibitory effects on fungi. The preliminary structure-activity relationship is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the seismic performance of a hybrid coupled wall (HCW) system with replaceable steel coupling beams (RSCBs) at four intensities of ground motion shaking. The performance of the HCW system is benchmarked against the traditional reinforced concrete coupled wall (RCW). Nonlinear numerical models are developed in OpenSees for a representative wall elevation in a prototype 11-story building designed per modern Chinese codes. Performance is assessed via nonlinear dynamic analysis. The results indicate that both systems can adequately meet code defined objectives in terms of global and component behavior. Behavior of the two systems is consistent under service level earthquakes, whereas under more extreme events, the HCW system illustrates enhanced performance over the RCW system resulting in peak interstory drifts up to 31% lower in the HCW than the RCW. Larger drifts in the RCW are because of reduced coupling action induced by stiffness degradation of RC coupling beams, whereas the stable hysteretic responses and overstrength of RSCBs benefit post-yield behavior of the HCW. Under extreme events, the maximum beam rotations of the RSCBs are up to 42% smaller than those of the RC coupling beams. Moderate to severe damage is expected in the RC coupling beams, whereas the RSCBs sustain damage to the slab above the beam and possible web buckling of shear links. The assessment illustrates the benefits of the HCW with RSCBs over the RCW system, because of easy replacement of the shear links as opposed to costly and time-consuming repairs of RC coupling beams. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]