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Background: Accumulating evidence supports the involvement of adaptive immunity in the development of radiation‐induced brain injury (RIBI). Our previous work has emphasized the cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells in RIBI. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence and potential roles of cytotoxic CD4+ T cells (CD4+ CTLs) in RIBI to gain a more comprehensive understanding of adaptive immunity in this context. Main Text: Utilizing single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq), we analyzed 3934 CD4+ T cells from the brain lesions of four RIBI patients and identified six subclusters within this population. A notable subset, the cytotoxic CD4+ T cells (CD4+ CTLs), was marked with high expression of cytotoxicity‐related genes (NKG7, GZMH, GNLY, FGFBP2, and GZMB) and several chemokine and chemokine receptors (CCL5, CX3CR1, and CCL4L2). Through in‐depth pseudotime analysis, which simulates the development of CD4+ T cells, we observed that the CD4+ CTLs exhibited signatures of terminal differentiation. Their functions were enriched in protein serine/threonine kinase activity, GTPase regulator activity, phosphoprotein phosphatase activity, and cysteine‐type endopeptidase activity involved in the apoptotic signaling pathway. Correspondingly, mice subjected to gamma knife irradiation on the brain showed a time‐dependent infiltration of CD4+ T cells, an increase of MHCII+ cells, and the existence of CD4+ CTLs in lesions, along with an elevation of apoptotic‐related proteins. Finally, and most crucially, single‐cell T‐cell receptor sequencing (scTCR‐seq) analysis at the patient level determined a large clonal expansion of CD4+ CTLs in lesion tissues of RIBI. Transcriptional factor‐encoding genes TBX21, RORB, and EOMES showed positive correlations with the cytotoxic functions of CD4+ T cells, suggesting their potential to distinguish RIBI‐related CD4+ CTLs from other subsets. Conclusion: The present study enriches the understanding of the transcriptional landscape of adaptive immune cells in RIBI patients. It provides the first description of a clonally expanded CD4+ CTL subset in RIBI lesions, which may illuminate new mechanisms in the development of RIBI and offer potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L., SB), as a multi-functional plant, is widely grown in Asia, Europe and Canada. The berries and leaves of SB contain a diverse array of health-supporting phytochemicals, which are also related to the sensory qualities of berry and berry products. This review summarizes the biologically active key-compounds of the berries and leaves of SB, their health-promoting effects, as well as the contributions to the sensory quality of the berries. The target compounds consist of sugars, sugar derivatives, organic acids, phenolic compounds and lipophilic compounds (mainly carotenoids and tocopherols), which play an important role in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions, as well as in metabolic health. In addition, these compounds contribute to the orosensory qualities of SB berries, which are closely related to consumer acceptance and preference of the products. Studies regarding the bioavailability of the compounds and the influence of the processing conditions are also part of this review. Finally, the role of the sensory properties is emphasized in the development of SB products to increase utilization of the berry as a common meal component and to obtain value-added products to support human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian follicle development depends on the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells and is a complex biological process. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway can regulate ovarian follicle development, and β-catenin, encoded by catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1), is the core component of this pathway. Although several studies of the mechanisms by which the Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates cell proliferation in humans and mammals have reported, it remains unclear how β-catenin functions in poultry. To investigate the function of β-catenin in laying hens' follicle development, we evaluated the effect of CTNNB1 on cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) isolated from laying hens. We demonstrated that CTNNB1 significantly affected the expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1) and v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (c-Myc) (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), key genes related to cell cycle and proliferation, to promote cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase, and thus accelerate granulosa cell proliferation. CTNNB1 did not however affect apoptosis or the expression of related genes baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) and BCL2 apoptosis regulator (Bcl-2). Overexpression of transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF4) resulted in increased expression of CCND1 , accelerated cell cycle progression, and granulosa cell proliferation. Direct physical interaction between β-catenin and TCF4 was demonstrated by immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation. The proliferation of granulosa cells was inhibited by silencing CCND1 ; overexpression of TCF4 in CCND1 -silenced cells restored their proliferation rate to normal levels. These results indicate that the interaction of TCF4 and β-catenin promotes CCND1 expression which in turn accelerates the cell cycle process of laying hen hierarchical follicular granulosa cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A monolithic supercapacitor electrode of a KNi0.67Co0.33PO4·H2O-graphene composite hydrogel supported on Ni foam (KNCP-GH/NF) is first prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method, which achieves notable improvements in the electrode surface area and mass-loading of active materials. The KNCP-GH/NF electrode enjoys a hierarchical open-porous structure, where the KNCP-GH composite hydrogel fills in the voids in NF and the porous graphene hydrogel (GH) simultaneously provides a large support surface for growing active KNCP nanoflowers. Accordingly, the KNCP-GH/NF electrode exhibits a strikingly high capacity of 3240 mC cm−2 (876 C g−1) at 2 mA cm−2 and a satisfactory rate performance with 78.3% retention at 100 mA cm−2. Further, an all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor, constituted by using KNCP-GH/NF and Fe2P/GH/NF as the cathode and anode, respectively, and PVA-KOH as the solid-state gel electrolyte, delivers a high energy density of 69.2 W h kg−1 (3.9 mW h cm−3) and a power density of 13 229 W kg−1 (720 mW h cm−3) as well as notable cyclability with 81.2% capacity retention after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles. These attractive performances suggest a promising potential for a hierarchically structured KNCP-GH/NF electrode for the high-performance energy storage application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate sugars, organic acids, flavonol glycosides (FGs), proanthocyanidins and volatiles as flavour compounds in sea buckthorn (SB) berries of five cultivars and to predict the sensory properties of berries. The profiles of flavour compounds in SB berries varied significantly among the cultivars. Total proanthocyanidins and FGs were highest in 'Pertsik' and 'Raisa', respectively. Total volatiles were highest in 'Vorobyevskaya' and lowest in 'Raisa'. A previously established PLS model was used to predict the sensory properties of SB berries based on the non‐volatile flavour compounds. The mouth‐drying astringency can be predicted the most reliably, which has the highest regression coefficients with quinic acid, isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐sophoroside‐7‐O‐rhamnoside and total proanthocyanidins. Bitterness cannot be predicted using the model. 'Pertsik' berries were predicted to be more mouth‐drying astringency and sour than those of 'Raisa'. The research supports the cultivar selection in cultivation and industry of SB berries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing the Community Atmospheric Model version 4, the role of Arctic sea ice concentration (SIC) in triggering the Ural Blocking (UB) event formation on subseasonal timescale is investigated. Taking eight zonal flows as the reference states, the optimal Arctic SIC perturbations that trigger zonal flows into UB events on subseasonal timescale are obtained with the conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation approach. The numerical results show that the Arctic SIC decline in the Greenland, Barents and Okhotsk Seas can trigger zonal flows into UB events on a timescale of four pentads (20 days). Further diagnosis shows that the SIC decline in these regions locally warms the low troposphere via diabatic processes in the first pentad. Then, dynamic processes, such as temperature advection, modulate the temperature in the middle troposphere and weaken the meridional temperature gradient between the Arctic and mid-latitudes upstream of the Ural sector. The weakened meridional temperature gradient further decelerates the background zonal flow near the Ural sector and triggers UB formation in four pentads. This investigation highlights the role of Arctic SIC in the Greenland, Barents and Okhotsk Seas in triggering the formation of UB events on subseasonal timescale. The spatial characteristics of the optimal SIC perturbations may provide scientific support for SIC target observations in capturing the precursor of UB formation and improving UB prediction skills on subseasonal timescale. • Arctic sea ice concentration is a predictability source for subseasonal Ural blocking (UB) predictions. • Sea ice decline in Greenland, Barents and Okhotsk Seas favors the UB formation in subseasonal timescale. • The optimal sea ice perturbations trigger UB formation by weakening the meridional temperature gradient between Arctic and mid-latitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Infusions were prepared from sea buckthorn leaves processed with different methods. • Phenolics, metal-chelating and antioxidative activities of infusions were studied. • Cultivar had major effect on phenolic compounds in sea buckthorn leaves. • Flavonol glycosides were more stable than ellagitannins during leaf processing. Abstract Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides , SB) leaves contain wide-ranging bioactive compounds. Processing of the leaves into beverages/food presents great potential for supporting human health. The research aimed to investigate the impact of different processing methods on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of tea-type infusions prepared from SB leaves. Leaves of two SB cultivars, 'Terhi' and 'Tytti', were processed with different methods commonly used for tea processing. Phenolic compounds in the infusions were analyzed with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode-Array Detection and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Isorhamnetin-3- O -glucoside-7- O -rhamnoside, isorhamnetin-3- O -rutinoside and kaempferol-3- O -hexoside-7- O -rhamnoside were the three major flavonol glycosides, stachyurin and casuarinin were the most abundant ellagitannins. The infusions of 'Tytti' contained more total phenolics than those of 'Terhi' (p < 0.05). High temperature processing resulted in higher content of total phenolics and ellagitannins in the infusions compared with low temperatures (p < 0.05). Thermal processing decreased the antioxidant activities of the infusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep disturbances are common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. However, the underlying neuropathological mechanisms are largely unclear. Previous studies have revealed the important role of the thalamus in the potential mechanisms of sleep disorders. We hypothesized that the sleep disturbances in ESRD patients may correspond to metabolic changes of thalamus and the uremic factors may have a vital contribution on these changes. We performed multi-voxel 1H-MRS of bilateral thalami in 27 ESRD patients who currently receiving hemodialysis treatment and 21 age-matched healthy volunteers. ESRD patients underwent Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale and restless legs syndrome (RLS) rating scale assessment. Laboratory blood tests including serum creatinine, serum urea, cystatin-C, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphorus levels, hemoglobin and hematocrit were performed in all ESRD patients close to the time of the MR examination. We found correlations among elevated PTH, higher PSQI score and RLS rating score in ESRD patients. ESRD patients displayed decreased N-acetylaspartate and creatine ratio (NAA/Cr) of thalami compared with controls. There were significantly negative correlation between NAA/Cr and serum PTH level or PSQI score. The metabolic changes of thalami played an important role in the neuropathological mechanisms of lower sleep quality in ESRD patients. Secondary hyperparathyroidism as one of the main uremia-related factors was closely related to abnormal metabolites of the thalamus in patients with ESRD, revealing the crosstalk procedure between renal impairment and brain function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of ethyl β - d -glucopyranoside (EG) to sensory profile of sea buckthorn ( Hippophaë rhamnoides ssp . rhamnoides ) was studied. The content of natural existing EG varied between 0.6 and 19.8 g/L in the sea buckthorn studied. The taste threshold of pure EG was estimated in water solution as 1.1 ± 1.3 g/L, and the suprathreshold aqueous EG solution (5.0 g/L) was perceived mainly as bitter. In aqueous sugar-acid mixtures, acids were the major contributors to sourness and astringency, whereas the added EG or sugars showed little impact on the overall sensory profile. EG addition increased the bitterness of sea buckthorn juice. The sensory profiles of the juices were dominated by intense sourness correlating with the malic acid content. The bitterness of the juices correlated with the EG content as well as the ratios EG/acids and EG/sugars. EG content shall be considered when selecting raw materials for industrial processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Circadian rhythm disruption promoted the development of periodontitis by promoting the proinflammatory response. • Kdm6a deficiency in macrophages alleviated periodontitis. • The aggravation of periodontitis by CRD can be attenuated by Kdm6a deletion in macrophages. Macrophages are highly implicated in the progression of periodontitis, while circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) promotes the inflammatory response of macrophages in many diseases. However, the effects of CRD on periodontitis and the role of macrophages in this process remain unclear. Histone lysine demethylase 6a (Kdm6a), a histone demethylase, has recently been identified as a key regulator of macrophage-induced inflammation. Here, we established an experimental periodontitis model by injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis with or without periodontal ligation in mice exposed to an 8-h time shift jet-lag schedule every 3 days. By histomorphometry, tartrate acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, RT-qPCR, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis, we found that CRD promoted the inflammatory response, alveolar bone resorption, macrophage infiltration and Kdm6a expression in macrophages. Macrophage-specific Kdm6a knockout mice were further used to elucidate the effects of Kdm6a deficiency on periodontitis. Kdm6a deletion in macrophages rescued periodontal tissue inflammation, osteoclastogenesis, and alveolar bone loss in a mouse model of periodontitis. These findings suggest that CRD may intensify periodontitis by increasing the infiltration and activation of macrophages. Kdm6a promotes the inflammatory response in macrophages, which may participate in aggravated periodontitis via CRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoplankton are crucial to marine ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. This study investigates the characteristics and causes of the interannual variation of the surface chlorophyll a (chl a) in the southern tropical Indian Ocean (STIO). We find that in addition to the Seychelles-Chagos thermocline ridge (SCTR) upwelling zone in the southwestern basin, large interannual variability also shows up in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean (SETIO; 6°–18°S, 70°–92°E). The chl a in the SCTR shows two dominant periods of four years and two years, whereas it shows a dominant period of six years and a weaker period of three years in the SETIO. Surface wind forcing anomalies within the STIO, but not the Indonesian throughflow, cause the interannual chl a anomaly. In the SETIO region, the thermocline dynamics control the chl a variation via a combination of equal contributions from local Ekman pumping and remote Rossby waves generated by the wind stress curl from the east. In the SCTR region, the thermocline dynamics explain only about 67% of the chl a variation, with a larger contribution from the remotely generated Rossby waves than local Ekman pumping. The circulation in the western basin also contributes to the chl a variation by transporting western equatorial chl a to this region during the boreal summer-fall. Both the Indian Ocean Dipole and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation act to modulate the chl a variation in the STIO. They make comparable contributions in the SETIO, while the Indian Ocean Dipole plays a more important role in the SCTR. • Interannual variation of chlorophyll in the southern tropical Indian Ocean. • There are two regions with different interannual variability in chlorophyll. • The variation of the thermocline is strongly associated with the chlorophyll. • Rossby waves and Ekman pumping account for different contributions in the two regions. • Atmospheric forcing over the Indian Ocean is more important for chlorophyll. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First documentation of the Pagoda Positive Carbon Excursion (PPCE) on Upper Yangtze Platform. • Astronomical tuning of 3 sections yielded similar PPCE durations of 4.0 ± 0.3 Myr. • PPCE is coeval with regional transgression-highstand and oscillating climate. The continuous and well exposed sections of the Upper Ordovician on the Upper Yangtze Platform were surveyed and sampled for δ13C and δ18O isotope and conodont fossils. The geochem-stratigraphic work in the Pagoda Formation has resulted in the recognition of a positive δ13C excursion, the Pagoda Positive δ13C Excursion (PPCE). The PPCE is a distinctive positive excursion occurring in the Middle-Late Katian, consists of three minor excursions ranging from 1.5 ‰ to 3 ‰, which has been identified in all the study sections on the Upper Yangtze Platform. The PPCE interval ranges through the conodont Hamarodus brevirameus and Protopandeordus inscrulptus conodont zones in ascending order, which indicates that the PPCE develops in the Middle-Late Katian of the Late Ordovician, while the Guttenberg δ13C Excursion (GICE) in the Baltoscandia and America extended from the Late Sandbian to the Early Katian. Spectral analysis of high-resolution magnetic susceptibility (MS) logs for the four study sections shows consistent wavelengths of ca. 2.0, 0.5, 0.18 and 0.15 m. The outcrop depth-series were tuned using 405-kyr long-eccentricity cycles and the astronomical tuning yields the duration of 3.7 to 4.4 myr for the PPCE event in different sections. This is the first documentation of the PPCE event on the Upper Yangtze Platform according to the geochemo-bio-cyclostratigraphy evidences, being identified within all portions of this platform in South China. It revised the previous description of the positive δ13C excursion of the Pagoda Formation on the Upper Yangtze Platform. The trigger of the PPCE was also briefly discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonol glycosides of wild sea buckthorn ( Hippophaë rhamnoides ssp. sinensis ) berries from China and cultivated berries ( H. rhamnoides ssp. mongolica ) from Finland and Canada were identified and quantified. Twenty-six flavonol glycosides were found with isorhamnetin and quercetin as the major aglycones. The contents of flavonol glycosides ranged 23–250 mg/100 g fresh berries and were significantly higher in the berries of ssp. sinensis than in those of ssp. mongolica . Among the cultivars of ssp. mongolica , the berries of ‘Oranzhevaya’ had the lowest (23 mg/100 g) content, and those of ‘Prevoshodnaya’ the highest content of flavonol glycosides (80 mg/100 g). Within the ssp. mongolica , the samples from Kittilä (Northern Finland) had higher levels of most flavonol glycosides than those from Turku (Southern Finland) and Québec. Among the ssp. sinensis berries of different growth sites, increasing trends were detected in the contents of most of the compounds as the altitude increased and as the latitude decreased. The wild berries (ssp. sinensis ) from Sichuan had remarkably high contents and unique profiles of flavonol glycosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropical Southeast Indian Ocean (SEIO) is a key area linking the global freshwater and heat exchanges. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) fundamentally modulates the Indian Ocean circulation and thus regulates the basin‐wide freshwater balance. However, our knowledge of this effect remains limited. Using observational‐based data sets, this study suggests that extreme positive IOD events have notable signatures on the three‐dimensional freshwater content of the SEIO, leading to the vertically opposite salinity anomalies in the surface and subsurface layers. The wind changes led to the northwestward extension of the South Equatorial Current and intensified Sumatra‐Java upwelling. The changing horizontal and vertical currents jointly result in the complicated salinity anomalies. The Equatorial Undercurrent serves as the conduit for water exchange between the equator and the SEIO. This work highlights a strong coupling between the equatorial circulation and the three‐dimensional freshwater inventory of the SEIO within the framework of the IOD. Plain Language Summary: The tropical Southeast Indian Ocean (SEIO) connects the three oceans and contributes to the global mass and heat exchanges. The changing freshwater storage and heat content in the SEIO impact regional and global climates. Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (pIOD) is a pattern of internal variability with anomalously low sea surface temperature off Sumatra and high sea surface temperature in the western Indian Ocean, with accompanying wind and precipitation anomalies. The IOD‐related wind anomalies drive the ocean circulation and thus regulate the freshwater content. However, the related process is not clear. This study suggests a framework of IOD regulating the three‐dimensional freshwater content in the SEIO. During the extreme pIOD phase, the abnormal horizontal and vertical currents jointly modulate mass and material distributions in the SEIO, leading to the salting anomalies in the surface layer but the freshening anomalies in the subsurface layer. This study also provides evidence for water exchange between the subsurface layer of the Indian Ocean equator and the surface layer of the SEIO. These findings are a crucial step toward fully understanding the three‐dimensional freshwater content in this critical area. Key Points: Extreme positive Indian Ocean Dipole has notable signatures on the three‐dimensional freshwater content in the Southeast Indian Ocean (SEIO)The combined effect of horizontal and vertical currents results in the vertically opposite salinity anomaliesThe Equatorial Undercurrent serves as an important conduit for water exchange between the equator and the SEIO [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurovascular (NV) decoupling is a potential neuropathologic mechanism of cognitive impairment in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Hemodialysis improves cognitive impairment at 24 h post‐dialysis, which suggests a potential neuroprotective effect of hemodialysis treatment on the brain. We investigated the effects of hemodialysis treatment on the reversal of NV decoupling associated with cognitive improvement. A total of 39 patients with ESRD and 39 healthy controls were enrolled. All patients were imaged twice during a dialysis session: before hemodialysis (T1pre‐dialysis) and at 24 h after dialysis (T2post‐dialysis). The healthy controls were imaged once. NV coupling was characterized based on correlation coefficients between four types of blood oxygen level‐dependent signals and cerebral blood flow (CBF). A battery of neuropsychological and blood tests was performed before the imaging. Patients with ESRD showed improvements in memory and executive function at T2post‐dialysis compared with that at T1pre‐dialysis. At both T1pre‐dialysis and T2post‐dialysis, patients with ESRD had lower amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF)–CBF coupling than healthy controls. Additionally, patients with ESRD had higher ALFF–CBF coupling at T2post‐dialysis than at T1pre‐dialysis. Higher memory scores, higher hemoglobin level, lower total plasma homocysteine level, lower systolic blood pressure variance, and lower ultrafiltration volume were associated with higher ALFF–CBF coupling in patients with ESRD after a hemodialysis session. These findings indicate that partial correction of anemia and hyperhomocysteinemia, stable systolic blood pressure, and fluid restriction may be closely linked to the reversal of NV decoupling and improvement in cognition in patients with ESRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amisulbrom (AML), a sulfonamide fungicide used to control oomycete diseases, is regarded as a threat to aquatic species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of AML on fish using a zebrafish model. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0.0075 μM, 0.075 μM, and 0.75 μM AML. AML-treated zebrafish embryos exhibited severe developmental defects, including pericardial edema, blood-clot clustering, increased hatching rates, decreased heart rates, and abnormal hemoglobin distributions. Compared with controls, key marker genes associated with cardiovascular development (i.e., nkx2.5 , myh6 , myh7 , myl7 , alas2 , hbbe1 , hbbe2 , and gata1 a) were abnormally expressed in response to AML treatment, suggesting that AML might specifically affect cardiovascular development. These results provide a valuable reference for the effects of AML on zebrafish embryos and may help to further clarify the potential risks posed by AML to aquatic ecosystems. [Display omitted] • Exposure to amisulbrom caused developmental defects in zebrafish embryos. • Amisulbrom induced pericardial edema and slowed heart rates in zebrafish. • Amisulbrom disrupted the expression of cardiovascular development-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the Kuroshio Extension (KE) region play a key role in influencing midlatitude climate variations. This study investigates the impacts of SSTAs in the KE region (KE-SSTA) on East Asian climate during boreal autumn. The results reveal that positive KE-SSTA, changing the meridional temperature gradient in the lower troposphere, contributes to the formation of an anomalous quasi-barotropic anticyclonic circulation (AC) over the KE region. Such a configuration tends to be affected by wind through thermal wind adjustment. Simultaneously, it is also impacted by eddy activity related to the strengthened atmospheric baroclinicity through transient eddy feedback. By both means, obvious descending motion and warm advection are generated, which increases tropospheric temperature through adiabatic heating and further maintains the abnormal AC over the KE region. This anomalous circulation changes wind in the east of the East Asian trough, which favors the transportation of warm and wet air from the midlatitude northwest Pacific and further causes the increase of temperature in northeastern East Asia. Moreover, it also leads to the convergence and divergence of water vapor fluxes in Northeast Asia and eastern North China, favoring the increase and decrease of precipitation in the two regions, respectively. The above responsive characteristics of the midlatitude atmospheric circulation to positive KE-SSTA can be confirmed by numerical experiments. These results suggest that anomalous SST in the KE region can be used as a potentially effective predictability source for autumn climate variations in the mid- to high latitudes of East Asia. Significance Statement: Anomalous variations of sea surface temperature (SST) in the Kuroshio Extension (KE) region play an essential role in influencing midlatitude climate variations. Considering the importance of autumn climate in East Asia to agricultural production, this study aims to explore the relationship between the East Asian climate and autumn SST anomaly in the KE region (KE-SSTA), and to understand how KE-SSTA effects East Asian climate during boreal autumn. Our results suggest that KE-SSTA can be used as one of the effective predictors of East Asian climate, which will contribute to the improvement of short-term climate prediction levels over East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reduced levels of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PKG-I) in vasculature have been shown to contribute to diabetic vascular dysfunctions. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this report, using primary rat aortic smooth muscle cells (VSMC), we investigated the mechanisms of glucose-mediated regulation of PKG-I expression. Our data showed that high glucose (30 mM glucose) exposure significantly reduced PKG-I production (protein and mRNA levels) as well as PKG-I activity in cultured VSMC. Glucose-mediated decreases in PKG-I levels were inhibited by a superoxide scavenger (tempol) or NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors (diphenylene iodonium or apocynin). High glucose exposure time-dependently increased superoxide production in VSMC, which was abolished by tempol or apocynin treatment, but not by other inhibitors of superoxide-producing enzymes (L-NAME, rotenone, or oxypurinol). Total protein levels and phosphorylated levels of p47phox (an NADPH oxidase subunit) were increased in VSMC after high glucose exposure. Transfection of cells with siRNA–p47phox abolished glucose-induced superoxide production and restored PKG-I protein levels in VSMC. Treatment of cells with PKC inhibitor prevented glucose-induced p47phox expression/phosphorylation and superoxide production and restored the PKG-I levels. Decreased PKG-I protein levels were also found in femoral arteries from diabetic mice, which were associated with the decreased DEA-NONOate-induced vasorelaxation. Taken together, the present results suggest that glucose-mediated down-regulation of PKG-I expression in VSMC occurs through PKC-dependent activation of NAD(P)H oxidase-derived superoxide production, contributing to diabetes-associated vessel dysfunctions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The wide-crown medium type favors the tree height growth and leaf yield. • Crown types significantly affects isorhamnetin contents. • Selection of a wide-crown medium type will increase active substance contents. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) has attracted much attention due to its medicinal properties, such as its high flavonoid and lactone contents. To improve its content of active substances through phenotypic selection, variation in crown type and its association with the main active substance contents were investigated at four test sites. The results showed significant differences in the tree height (HT), diameter at breast height (DBH), branching angle (BA), leaf area (LA), and leaf density among the crown types. The results also indicated that the isorhamnetin contents in Ginkgo leaves differed significantly among the crown types and tended to increase with increasing crown size, suggesting the effectiveness of the classification in crown types and its potential use in selective breeding. Trees with the wide-crown medium type had the highest growth rate in HT and DBH, and the greatest leaf yield. Selection of wide-crown medium types will greatly increase active substance contents, but selection of individuals whose crown type has a high content is also necessary to fully exploit the variation among Ginkgo individuals and enhance breeding efficiency. This study will provide a basis and effective method for selection, breeding, and industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the neurovascular coupling (NVC) dysfunction in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients related with cognitive impairment. Twenty-five ESRD patients and 22 healthy controls were enrolled. To assess the NVC dysfunctional pattern, resting-state functional MRI and arterial spin labeling were explored to estimate the coupling of spontaneous neuronal activity and cerebral blood perfusion based on amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF)-cerebral blood flow (CBF), fractional ALFF (fALFF)-CBF, regional homogeneity (ReHo)-CBF, and degree centrality (DC)-CBF correlation coefficients. Multivariate partial least-squares correlation and mediation analyses were used to evaluate the relationship among NVC dysfunctional pattern, cognitive impairment and clinical characteristics. The NVC dysfunctional patterns in ESRD patients were significantly decreased in 34 brain regions compared with healthy controls. The decreased fALFF-CBF coefficients in the cingulate gyrus (CG) were associated positively with lower kinetic transfer/volume urea (Kt/V) and lower short-term memory scores, and were negatively associated with higher serum urea. The relationship between Kt/V and memory deficits of ESRD patients was partially mediated by the fALFF-CBF alteration of the CG. These findings reveal the NVC dysfunction may be a potential neural mechanism for cognitive impairment in ESRD. The regional NVC dysfunction may mediate the impact of dialysis adequacy on memory function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although abnormal accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein is thought to be the main cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD), emerging evidence suggests a pivotal vascular contribution to AD. Aberrant amyloid β induces neurovascular dysfunction, leading to changes in the morphology and function of the microvasculature. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms between Aβ deposition and vascular injuries. Recent studies have revealed that pericytes play a substantial role in the vasculopathy of AD. Additional research is imperative to attain a more comprehensive understanding. Methods: Two-photon microscopy and laser speckle imaging were used to examine cerebrovascular dysfunction. Aβ oligomer stereotactic injection model was established to explain the relationship between Aβ and vasculopathy. Immunofluorescence staining, western blot, and real-time PCR were applied to detect the morphological and molecular alternations of pericytes. Primary cultured pericytes and bEnd.3 cells were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results: Vasculopathy including BBB damage, hypoperfusion, and low vessel density were found in the cortex of 8 to 10-month-old 5xFAD mice. A similar phenomenon accompanied by pericyte degeneration appeared in an Aβ-injected model, suggesting a direct relationship between Aβ and vascular dysfunction. Pericytes showed impaired features including low PDGFRβ expression and increased pro-inflammatory chemokines secretion under the administration of Aβ in vitro, of which supernatant cultured with bEND.3 cells led to significant endothelial dysfunction characterized by TJ protein deficiency. Conclusions: Our results provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanism underlying Aβ-induced vasculopathy. Targeting pericyte therapies are promising to ameliorate vascular dysfunction in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the relationship between brain function changes and clinical serological indicators and behavioral cognitive assessment in patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE), and understand the pathogenesis of NPSLE from the perspective of imaging. Methods: The resting-state functional imaging data, clinical serological, and behavioral cognitive assessment scores of 28 patients with NPSLE and 22 healthy controls (HC) were prospectively collected. The resting-state amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) values obtained from the analysis and processing were correlated with the serological data and behavioral cognitive assessment scores to determine the relationship between these data. Results: The average age of the patients of the NPSLE group was older than that of the HC group; significant differences in education level, Auditory Verbal Learning Test Hua Shan Version (AVLT-H), and Trail Making Test scores were observed between the two groups. The NPSLE group demonstrated increased brain activity in the insula, precentral gyrus, and superior temporal gyrus, and decreased brain activity in the superior parietal gyrus. The ALFF value of the insula positively correlated with the Anti-β2gp1 antibody and negatively correlated with the anti-nucleosome antibody and the AVL-recall (RC) score. The ALFF of the precentral gyrus negatively correlated with the AVL-immediate recall (I). The ALFF value of the superior temporal gyrus negatively correlated with the AVL-RC score. The left superior parietal gyrus positively correlated with the c-reactive protein. The right superior parietal gyrus positively correlated with the System Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index and negatively correlated with the AVL-I score. Conclusion: Patients with NPSLE show different brain activity changes in different brain regions, and the abnormal brain regions are correlated with certain lupus antibodies, inflammatory factors, and cognitive assessment, thereby suggesting that the correlation between the three could provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of NPSLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One‐unit‐cell, single‐crystal, hexagonal CuInP2S6 atomically thin sheets of≈0.81 nm in thickness was successfully synthesized for photocatalytic reduction of CO2. Exciting ethene (C2H4) as the main product was dominantly generated with the yield‐based selectivity reaching ≈56.4 %, and the electron‐based selectivity as high as ≈74.6 %. The tandem synergistic effect of charge‐enriched Cu−In dual sites confined on the lateral edge of the CuInP2S6 monolayer (ML) is mainly responsible for efficient conversion and high selectivity of the C2H4 product as the basal surface site of the ML, exposing S atoms, can not derive the CO2 photoreduction due to the high energy barrier for the proton‐coupled electron transfer of CO2 into *COOH. The marginal In site of the ML preeminently targets CO2 conversion to *CO under light illumination, and the *CO then migrates to the neighbor Cu sites for the subsequent C−C coupling reaction into C2H4 with thermodynamic and kinetic feasibility. Moreover, ultrathin structure of the ML also allows to shorten the transfer distance of charge carriers from the interior onto the surface, thus inhibiting electron‐hole recombination and enabling more electrons to survive and accumulate on the exposed active sites for CO2 reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One‐unit‐cell, single‐crystal, hexagonal CuInP2S6 atomically thin sheets of≈0.81 nm in thickness was successfully synthesized for photocatalytic reduction of CO2. Exciting ethene (C2H4) as the main product was dominantly generated with the yield‐based selectivity reaching ≈56.4 %, and the electron‐based selectivity as high as ≈74.6 %. The tandem synergistic effect of charge‐enriched Cu−In dual sites confined on the lateral edge of the CuInP2S6 monolayer (ML) is mainly responsible for efficient conversion and high selectivity of the C2H4 product as the basal surface site of the ML, exposing S atoms, can not derive the CO2 photoreduction due to the high energy barrier for the proton‐coupled electron transfer of CO2 into *COOH. The marginal In site of the ML preeminently targets CO2 conversion to *CO under light illumination, and the *CO then migrates to the neighbor Cu sites for the subsequent C−C coupling reaction into C2H4 with thermodynamic and kinetic feasibility. Moreover, ultrathin structure of the ML also allows to shorten the transfer distance of charge carriers from the interior onto the surface, thus inhibiting electron‐hole recombination and enabling more electrons to survive and accumulate on the exposed active sites for CO2 reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

End-stage kidney disease and mild cognitive impairment (ESKD-MCI) affect the quality of life and long-term treatment outcomes of patients affected by these diseases. Clarifying the morphological changes from brain injuries in ESKD-MCI and their relationship with clinical features is helpful for the early identification and intervention of MCI before it progresses to irreversible dementia. This study gathered data from 23 patients with ESKD-MCI, 24 patients with ESKD and non-cognitive impairment (NCI), and 27 health controls (HCs). Structural magnetic resonance studies, cognitive assessments, and general clinical data were collected from all participants. Voxel-based morphometry analysis was performed to compare grey matter (GM) volume differences between the groups. The patients' GM maps and clinical features were subjected to univariate regression to check for possible correlations. Patients with ESKD-MCI displayed significantly more impairments in multiple cognitive domains, including global cognition, visuospatial and executive function, and memory, compared to patients with ESKD-NCI. Using a more liberal threshold (P < 0.001, uncorrected), we found that compared to patients with ESKD-NCI, patients with ESKD-MCI exhibited clusters of regions with lower GM volumes, including the right hippocampus (HIP), parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), Rolandic operculum, and supramarginal gyrus. The volumes of the right HIP and PHG were negatively correlated with serum calcium levels. ESKD-MCI was associated with a subtle volume reduction of GM in several brain areas known to be involved in memory, language, and auditory information processing. We speculate that these slight morphometric impairments may be associated with disturbed calcium metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing the Community Atmosphere Model, version 4, the influence of Arctic sea-ice concentration (SIC) on the extended-range prediction of three simulated cold events (CEs) in East Asia is investigated. Numerical results show that the Arctic SIC is crucial for the extended-range prediction of CEs in East Asia. The conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation approach is adopted to identify the optimal Arctic SIC perturbations with the largest influence on CE prediction on the extended-range time scale. It shows that the optimal SIC perturbations are more inclined to weaken the CEs and cause large prediction errors in the fourth pentad, as compared with random SIC perturbations under the same constraint. Further diagnosis reveals that the optimal SIC perturbations first modulate the local temperature through the diabatic process, and then influence the remote temperature by horizontal advection and vertical convection terms. Consequently, the optimal SIC perturbations trigger a warming center in East Asia through the propagation of Rossby wave trains, leading to the largest prediction uncertainty of the CEs in the fourth pentad. These results may provide scientific support for targeted observation of Arctic SIC to improve the extended-range CE prediction skill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of Arctic sea ice concentration (SIC) on the subseasonal prediction of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) event is investigated by utilizing the Community Atmospheric Model version 4. The optimal Arctic SIC perturbations which exert the greatest influence on the onset of an NAO event from a lead of three pentads (15 days) are obtained with a conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation approach. Numerical results show that there are two types of optimal Arctic SIC perturbations for each NAO event, with one weakening event (marked as type-1) and another strengthening event (marked as type-2). For positive NAO events, type-1 optimal SIC perturbations mainly show positive SIC anomalies in the Greenland, Barents, and Okhotsk Seas, while type-2 perturbations mainly feature negative SIC anomalies in these regions. For negative NAO events, the optimal SIC perturbations have almost opposite patterns to those in positive events, although there are some differences among these SIC perturbations due to different atmospheric initial conditions. Further diagnosis reveals that the optimal Arctic SIC perturbations first modify the surface turbulent heat flux and the temperature in the lower troposphere via diabatic processes. Afterward, the temperature in the low troposphere is mainly affected by dynamic advection. Finally, potential vorticity advection plays a crucial role in the 500-hPa geopotential height prediction in the northern North Atlantic sector during pentad 4, which influences NAO event prediction. These results highlight the importance of Arctic SIC on NAO event prediction and the spatial characteristics of the SIC perturbations may provide scientific support for target observations of SIC in improving NAO subseasonal predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global consumption of nuts is steadily increasing in recent years. Tree nuts have many beneficial physiological functions because of the presence of diverse range of phytochemicals. However, nuts also contain some anti-nutritional compounds, such as birch pollen and phytic acid, negatively affecting bioavailability of nut. Total phenolic content and antioxidant ability of some tree nuts can be enhanced with thermal processing. Some novel non-thermal pasteurization applications in nuts processing industries can strengthen the bioaccessibility and bioavailability by reducing the antinutritional compounds and decreasing the allergenic protein solubility. The current review summarized the bioaccessibility of some typical phytochemicals in nuts and general impact of processing on them. The processing for nuts emphasis on the common means (roasting, peeling, etc.) and some novel treatments (e.g. pulsed electric field). In addition, the bioavailability of those phytochemicals mentioned in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Battery-type materials (e.g., transition metal phosphates) have been intensely explored in supercapacitors due to their rich electroactive sites and high theoretical capacity. Yet poor rate performance, resulting in a low energy density at high current density, limits their further applications. Herein, an improvement in rate performance resulting from enhanced surface capacitive behaviour contribution has been observed in a hierarchically structured Co3(PO4)2/Ni–Co–O@Ni foam (CPNO-12). The optimized CPNO-12 synthesized through a facile hydrothermal treatment also exhibits a striking gravimetric and areal capacity of 1410C g−1 (14 100 mC cm−2) at 5 mA cm−2 and superb cyclability (91% of retention at 50 mA cm−2 after 12 000 cycles), which can be attributed to its unique hierarchical porous structure and high mass loading per area. More importantly, a high-performance all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor with CPNO-12 and Fe2P/graphene hydrogel@Ni foam as positive and negative electrodes respectively has been assembled; the device delivering a maximum energy density of 95 W h kg−1 (32 mW h cm−3) and maximum power density of 4000 W kg−1 (800 mW cm−3) has the potential to power sophisticated systems. These attractive performances confirm that an enhancement of capacitive behaviour in battery-type materials holds the promise for fabricating high-performance supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Tibetan chicken has adapted well to high altitudes genetically after its long-term habitation in the plateau. In this study, we analyzed the selection signal of Tibetan black chickens (TBCs) and discovered genes associated with the characteristics of germplasm. Methods: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to identify the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and genetic structures in the genome of Tibetan black chickens. Further, we performed a comparative population genomics analysis between the genomic data obtained in this present study and the genomic data for five wild red jungle fowls (RJFs) accessed from the NCBI database (GenBank accession number PRJNA241474). Thereafter, the Fst and Pi selections were used to identify genes under positive selection in the Tibetan black chicken genome. Results: A total of 9,490,690 SNPs were identified in the Tibetan black chickens. In addition, the results from the gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that 732 genes of TBCs were enriched in a total of 210 GO terms with specific molecular functions such as regulation of cellular catabolic process, the MAPK signaling pathway, regulation of ion transport, growth, morphogenesis and lung alveolus development which may provide a better mechanism to facilitate oxygen transport and utilization in TBCs. Moreover, the results from the KEGG analysis showed that 732 genes of the TBCs were significantly enriched in the calcium signaling pathway, circadian entrainment (ADCY1, GNG7 and PER3), oxytocin signaling pathway and pathways of multiple neurodegeneration diseases. In addition, the CD86 antigen (CD86) was identified as a gene associated with the immune response in chickens. It was also revealed that genes such as TRIT1, HPCAL4, NT5C1A and HEYL were discovered under selection in Tibetan black chickens on chromosome 23. These genes may be related to the local adaptive characteristics of Tibetan black chickens, for instance, NT5C1A and HEYL may be involved in the high-altitude adaption of oxygen delivery in Tibetan black chickens. Conclusions: In summary, we found that selection mainly affects the disease resistance and cold acclimatization of Tibetan black chickens. Hence, these results may provide important genetic information for the evolution and breeding of Tibetan black chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Enzymatic acylation occurred on glucoside and rutinoside of anthocyanins (ACNs). • The relative proportions of ACNs did not affect the conversion yields of acylation. • Acylation with lauric acid enhanced the lipophilicity and thermostability. • Acylation improved the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in lipophilic environment. • UV–vis absorbance property and the antioxidant activity were maintained. Abstract Anthocyanin-rich fractions isolated from blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) including delphinidin-3- O -glucoside, delphinidin-3- O -rutinoside, cyanidin-3- O -glucoside and cyanidin-3- O -rutinoside were enzymatically acylated with lauric acid. All the four anthocyanins were successfully monoacylated, and their relative proportions did not affect the conversion yield. The acylation occurred at the 6″-OH position of the glucosides and at the rhamnose 4‴-OH of the rutinosides. The rutinoside moieties of the anthocyanins were successfully acylated for the first time, and the corresponding acylation sites were verified by NMR analysis. The acylation enhanced the lipophilicity. The hydrophilic anthocyanin rutinosides were more lipophilic after acylation. Introducing lauric acid into the anthocyanins significantly improved the thermostability and capacity to inhibit lipid peroxidation and maintained UV–vis absorbance and antioxidant activity. This research provides important insights into acylation of mixed anthocyanins with different glycosyl moieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probe for α-ketoglutaric acid (α-KA) usually provides low sensitivity, invisible colour change and complex procedure with surfacants, which limits the accurate, sensitive quantification and mornitoring of α-KA in biological samples. Essentially different from the routine sensing mechanism, a special mechanism of photo-induced electron transfer (PET) combining with large absorption red-shift (rather than emission) has been designed to develop a facile yet multifunctional probe for the simultaneous fluorimetric, absorption-ratiometric and colorimetric detections of α-KA in biological samples. Effective inhibition of PET ensured the intense fluorescence turn-on (60 fold) and qutie low detection limit (0.9 μM) for α-KA without need of any surfacants. Dramatical colour change caused by the large absorption red shift (100 nm) from UV–vis region enabled the colormetric analysis of α-KA by naked-eye. Meanwhile, the large absorption red shift also contributed to the ratiometric detection, allowing for the accurate quantification of α-KA in complex biological sample. With this probe, ratiometric detection, naked eye mornitoring and imaging of α-KA in serum, living cells and tissues are realized for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleuromeia Corda is an iconic lycopod genus in the Early Triassic floras of the world. Pleuromeia fossils are very significant in stratigraphy and palaeoenvironmental interpretation and have been regarded as an important Lower Triassic index fossil. Although some recent studies show that the genus occurred in the lower part of the Middle Triassic, no definite Pleuromeia has been reported from the late Middle Triassic and the younger strata so far. In this paper, some reproductive organ fossils of Pleuromeia from the upper Middle Triassic Tongchuan Formation in Shaanxi Province (belonging to the Ordos Basin), North China, are described for the first time, belonging to the new species Pleuromeia obovata Deng nov. sp. Highly accurate dating results of tuff layers indicate that the age of the new species is between 241.06 ± 0.12 Ma and 241.558 ± 0.093 Ma, equivalent to the early Ladinian. This is the youngest species of genus Pleuromeia so far. Spatiotemporal distribution of Pleuromeia indicates that the genus first appeared in the Induan (Early Triassic) in North China, occurred widespread and flourished in both Laurasia and Gondwana during the Olenekian (late Early Triassic), declined from the Anisian (early Middle Triassic), survived in the Ladinian in North China, and may have gone extinct as early as the end of the Middle Triassic. North China may well have included the place of origination and the last habitats of this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing easy-to-make and excellent bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting over a wide pH range is a challenging yet appealing topic. Herein, based on integration of vacancy engineering and electronic modulation, a high-performance v s -Ru-Ni 9 S 8 electrocatalyst for water splitting was constructed via a cost-effective one-step hydrothermal method. Under the synergistic regulation of Ru-doping and sulfur vacancies, the v s -Ru-Ni 9 S 8 exhibited the outstanding electrocatalytic performance and long-time durability, along with ultra-low OER overpotentials of 218 and 268 mV at 100 and 300 mA cm−2 in alkaline electrolyte and low HER overpotentials of 56, 131, 94 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in acidic, neutral, alkaline electrolyte. Impressively, 1.47 and 1.68 V of voltages were needed to achieve 10 and 300 mA cm−2 for the v s -Ru-Ni 9 S 8 (+, -) cell. Our DFT results revealed that the doping Ru atom played a crucial role in regulating electron density in OER, rather than served as a catalytic active site. More importantly, we corroborated the active Ni-vacancy pair composed of Ni atom and sulfur vacancy, as an active site, and its catalytic synergy in OER. Especially, a vacancy-metal synergetic mechanism for OER was suggested to correctly describe the OER process and the role of vacancy in catalytic process. Our work provides a simple and effective strategy for fabricating high-performance catalysts and an in-depth understanding of OER. [Display omitted] ● A high-performance nickel-based sulfide electrocatalyst for overall water splitting was constructed. ● Improving synergistically the catalytic activity via electronic modulation and vacancy engineering was revealed. ● An active Ni-vacancy pair as an active site and its catalytic synergy in OER were corroborated. ● A vacancy-metal synergetic mechanism for OER was suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A lower level of intracellular volume fraction in the corticospinal tract corresponded to a shorter overall survival of glioblastoma. • The prognosis differed between histological glioblastoma and molecular glioblastoma. • Glioblastoma affected side and contralateral differences are described by corticospinal tract based on multishell diffusion models. Advanced MR fiber tracking imaging reflects fiber bundle invasion by glioblastoma, particularly of the corticospinal tract (CST), which is more susceptible as the largest downstream fiber tracts. We aimed to investigate whether CST features can predict the overall survival of glioblastoma. In this prospective secondary analysis, 40 participants (mean age, 58 years; 16 male) pathologically diagnosed with glioblastoma were enrolled. Diffusion spectrum MRI was used for CST reconstruction. Fifty morphological and diffusion indicators (DTI, DKI, NODDI, MAP and Q-space) were used to characterize the CST. Optimal parameters capturing fiber bundle damage were obtained through various grouping methods. Eventually, the correlation with overall survival was determined by the hazard ratios (HRs) from various Cox proportional hazard model combinations. Only intracellular volume fraction (ICVF) and non-Gaussianity (NG) values on the affected tumor level were significant in all four groups or stratified comparisons (all P <.05). During the median follow-up 698 days, only the ICVF on the affected tumor level was independently associated with overall survival, even after adjusting for all classic prognostic factors (HR [95 % CI]: 0.611 [0.403, 0.927], P =.021). Moreover, stratification by the ICVF on the affected tumor level successfully predicted risk (P <.01) and improved the C-index of the multivariate model (from 0.695 to 0.736). This study demonstrates a relationship between NODDI-derived CST features, ICVF on the affected tumor level, and overall survival in glioblastoma. Independent of classical prognostic factors for glioblastoma, a lower ICVF on the affected tumor level might predict a lower overall survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dicroidium Gothan is an extinct seed fern that was widely distributed in Gondwana during the Triassic but has not yet been unequivocally recorded in Laurasia. In this paper, a new species of the genus, Dicroidium sinensis Sun et Deng sp. nov., is described from the Middle Triassic sediments of the Ordos Basin, northwestern China, based on macromorphology and cuticular structures. This is the first record of Dicroidium in China, indicating that the genus was not unique to Gondwana and was also present in Laurasia. Dicroidium seems to have originated in the palaeotropics in the Permian (e.g., Jordan) and then widespread and flourished in Gondwana and extended to Laurasia during the Middle-Late Triassic period, and disappeared in the Early Jurassic. This genus may have migrated from Jordan to Laurasia along the western coast of the Tethys. Additionally, galls found in the leaf of Dicroidium sinensis proves the interactions between plants and insects. • A new species of Gondwanan genus Dicroidium is first definite record in Laurasia. • Dicroidium appeared in Permian, flourished in Triassic and disappeared in the Jurassic. • Galls indicate that the interactions between plants and insects were strong in Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis who also present with status epilepticus (SE) often have a poor prognosis. The aim of this study is to explore simple and effective predictors for anti-NMDAR encephalitis accompanied with SE.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 65 anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients from January 2015 to December 2018 who admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Patients were divided into SE group and non-SE groups. Their pre-treatment data and 3-month follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed.Results: The results showed that compared with the non-SE group, the levels of serum uric acid (UA) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients with SE decreased significantly before treatment. Additionally, the levels of serum UA and HDL-C increased while the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased 3 months after treatment in the SE group. Compared with the non-SE group, the SE patients had higher modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores before (mRS1) and after treatment (mRS2). Serum UA concentrations before treatment showed significantly negative correlations with mRS1 (r = - 0.407, p < 0.01) and mRS2 (r = - 0.458, p < 0.001), while the level of serum CRP before treatment had strong positive correlations with mRS1 (r = 0.304, p < 0.05) and mRS2 (r = 0.301, p < 0.05) in anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that the combined detection of UA, HDL-C and CRP before treatment had a significantly higher value (the area under the curve = 0.848; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-0.957; p < 0.001) to predict anti-NMDAR encephalitis accompanied with SE than that of single detection.Conclusions: Hence, the combined detection of serum UA, HDL-C and CRP before treatment may be simple and effective indicators for predicting SE in anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which may be helpful in early stages to remind clinicians to be alert to the emergence of SE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mesoproterozoic Jixian System (1.6–1.4 Ga) in the Luonan area, southern margin of the North China Craton (NCC), is characterized by complete development, continuous sedimentation and a low degree of structural deformation, resulting in well-preserved palaeontological and paleoenvironmental records. Carbon, oxygen and strontium isotopes of 382 dolostone samples from the Jixian System in Xiong'er Rift, southern margin of the NCC are analysed for the restoration of paleoenvironment and stratigraphic correlation. The results show that the δ13C values of these samples mainly concentrate between −1.8‰ and 2.0‰, and the values can be divided into three segments. The δ18O values are mainly between −6.5‰ and −3.5‰, with frequent fluctuations and weak regularity. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio ranges from 0.7051 to 0.7139, with an average value of 0.7085. Its fluctuations have certain regularity and are negatively correlated with the carbon isotopes, indicating that the sea-level changes during the Jixian period in the southern margin of the NCC. The carbon isotope curve of the samples from the study section is very similar to those of the Xiong'er Rift and the Yanliao Rift of the NCC. The −3.2‰ δ13C negative excursion in the middle and upper parts of the Xunjiansi Formation corresponds to the δ13C negative excursion from the top of the Wumishan Formation to the bottom of the Tieling Formation in the Yanliao Rift. Combined with previous research data, the Jixian System that deposited in the Xiong'er Rift and the Yanliao Rift can be approximately correlated with each other. In addition, the carbon isotope data obtained from this study is comparable to global carbon isotope values during the same period. The rise and oscillation of carbon and strontium isotope values during this period may be a response to the break-up of the Colombian supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal dysfunction which has a potential impact on people's immune state and their quality of life. Here we investigated the effects of constipation on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods: Constipation was induced by loperamide in female C57BL/6 mice. The alternations of gut microbiota, permeability of intestinal barrier and blood-brain barrier, and histopathology of colon were assessed after constipation induction. EAE was induced in the constipation mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed from constipation mice into microbiota-depleted mice. Clinical scores, histopathology of inflammation and demyelination, Treg/Th17 and Treg17/Teff17 imbalance both in the peripheral lymphatic organs and central nervous system, cytokines include TGF-β, GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23 in serum were assessed in different groups.Results: Compared with the vehicle group, the constipation mice showed gut microbiota dysbiosis, colon inflammation and injury, and increased permeability of intestinal barrier and blood-brain barrier. We found that the clinical and pathological scores of the constipation EAE mice were severer than that of the EAE mice. Compared with the EAE mice, the constipation EAE mice showed reduced percentage of Treg and Treg17 cells, increased percentage of Th17 and Teff17 cells, and decreased ratio of Treg/Th17 and Treg17/Teff17 in the spleen, inguinal lymph nodes, brain, and spinal cord. Moreover, the serum levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-21 were decreased while the GM-CSF, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, and IL-23 were increased in the constipation EAE mice. In addition, these pathological processes could be transferred via their gut microbiota.Conclusions: Our results verified that constipation induced gut microbiota dysbiosis exacerbated EAE via aggravating Treg/Th17 and Treg17/Teff17 imbalance and cytokines disturbance in C57BL/6 mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical water splitting remains a long way from large-scale practical application due to the fact that the catalytic efficiency cannot satisfy the requirement, and thus reasonable design catalyst is particularly essential. Herein, a heteroatom-doped heterogeneous interfacial catalyst (Fe-CoN/CoS 2) has been successfully synthesized by nitridation and sulfidation process for water electrolysis. Strikingly, an ultralow OER overpotential (154 mV) at 10 mA·cm-2 for OER is achieved. Meanwhile, Fe-CoN/CoS 2 is of low HER overpotentials of 72 and 39 mV to drive current density of 10 mA·cm-2 in alkaline and acid condition, respectively. Furthermore, the electrolytic cell assembled with Fe-CoN/CoS 2 drives a voltage of 1.48 V at 10 mA·cm-2. The doping of Fe can further reinforce the interaction of heterointerface between CoN and CoS 2 , resulting in the interfacial coupling enhancement. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations verify the Fe-doping can alter the electronic structure around the heterointerface and boosts the intrinsic catalytic activity, thus reduces the adsorption energy barriers about H* and oxygen-containing intermediates. This work provides a significant insight into the understanding of transition metal ion-doping heterointerface for facilitating the catalytic activity. [Display omitted] • A high-performance Fe-doping CoN/CoS 2 was constructed, which displayed an ultra-low OER overpotential 154 mV at 10 mA·cm-2. • The Fe-doping can further reinforce the interaction between CoN and CoS 2 , resulting in the interfacial coupling enhancement. • The dopant-induced interfacial coupling enhancement effect was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fermentation process generally increased flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamic acids. • Fermentation decreased contents of hydroxybenzoic acids, procyanidins and flavonols. • Pear cultivar affected more on the phenolic profiles of beverages than the yeasts. • Hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols correlated with astringency. The effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Torulaspora delbrueckii on phenolic composition and sensory quality were characterized in the production of alcoholic beverages from selected pear cultivars with diverse biochemical characteristics. The fermentation process generally affected the phenolic composition by increasing the contents of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavan-3-ols and reducing the levels of hydroxybenzoic acids, procyanidins, and flavonols. Although the phenolic compositions and sensory properties of pear beverages depended primarily on pear cultivar selection, the applied yeast strains also played important roles in beverage quality. Fermentation with T. delbrueckii resulted in higher caffeoylquinic acid and quercetin-3- O -glucoside contents, higher rated intensities of 'cooked pear' and 'floral' odors and a sweeter taste than fermentation with S. cerevisiae. Moreover, higher concentrations of hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols correlated closely with astringency perception. Applying T. delbrueckii strains and breeding novel pear cultivars are important approaches to produce fermented beverages of high quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain–kidney crosstalk theory suggested that the brain and kidneys may be considered end organs on parallel trajectories and subject to shared risk factors, which are receiving increasing attention. Cognitive control deficits were frequently presented in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Whether or not cognitive control impairment is concerned with brain–kidney crosstalk is in need of further research. To detect the relationship between ESRD and cognitive control impairment, diffusion tensor imaging was collected in 64 healthy controls (HCs) and 64 patients with ESRD. Tract‐based spatial statistics and fixel‐based analysis were used to detect the difference of white matter (WM) microstructure and morphology between ESRD patients and HCs in the whole brain. Tractography atlas‐based analysis was also used to investigate the difference of diffusional characteristics along fiber bundles of interest between the two groups. For the whole‐brain analysis, ESRD patients showed WM microstructural alteration and fiber density variation in the cingulum. In addition, ESRD patients exhibited higher MD and RD than HCs along the anterior cingulum. Among all of the blood biochemistry tests that represent kidney disease to a degree, the stepwise regression analysis showed that only hemoglobin significantly contributed to the cognitive control deficits in ESRD patients. Mediation analysis proved that the relationship between hemoglobin and cognitive control deficits of ESRD patients was mediated by WM microstructural alteration of the cingulum. Our results indicated that the anterior cingulum was correlated with cognitive control deficits and mediated the impact of hemoglobin on cognitive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yanchang Formation is extensively developed in the Ordos Basin and its surrounding regions. As one of the best terrestrial Triassic sequences in China and the major oil-gas bearing formations in the Ordos Basin, its age determination and stratigraphic assignment are important in geological survey and oil-gas exploration. It had been attributed to the Late Triassic and regarded as the typical representative of the Upper Triassic in northern China for a long time, although some scholars had already proposed that the lower part of this formation should be of the Middle Triassic age in the mid-late 20th century. In this paper, we suggest that the lower and middle parts of the Yanchang Formation should be of the Ladinian and the bottom possibly belongs to the late Anisian of the Middle Triassic, mainly based on new fossils found in it and high resolution radiometric dating results. The main source rocks, namely the oil shales and mudstones of the Chang-7, are of the Ladinian Age. The upper part of the Yanchang Formation, namely the Chang-6 and the above parts, belongs to the Late Triassic. The uppermost of the Triassic is missed in most parts of the Ordos Basin. The Middle-Upper Triassic Series boundary lies in the Yanchang Formation, equivalent to the boundary between Chang-7 and Chang-6. The Ladinian is an important palaeoenvironmental turning point in the Ordos Basin. Palaeoenvironmental changes in the basin are coincidence with that of the Sichuan Basin and the main tectonic movement of the Qinling Mountains. It indicates that tectonic activities of the Qinling Mountains are related to the big palaeoenvironmental changes in both the Ordos and Sichuan Basins, which are caused by the same structural dynamic system during the Ladinian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Determining high‐resolution three‐dimensional (3‐D) crustal structures of the Qinling Orogenic Belt (QOB) can reveal significant evidences to enhance our understanding of its tectonic evolution. By jointly inverting group and phase velocity dispersion curves, we obtain a high‐resolution 3‐D shear wave velocity model for the QOB. According to the obviously layered features, which include an E‐W trending high‐velocity structure in the upper crust (0–10 km), a transitional zone in the middle crust (10–30 km), and an approximately N‐S trending low‐velocity zone in the middle‐lower crust (20–40 km), we elucidate the crustal structure as a flyover model to explain how the crust beneath the QOB was deformed under the perpendicular force systems from the NE‐SW and E‐W directions during the Meso‐Cenozoic. First, the apparent NE‐SW trending low‐velocity zone in the middle‐lower crust indicates that the low‐viscosity crustal materials beneath the northeastern Tibetan Plateau did not flow eastward into the eastern Qinling terrane during the Cenozoic. Second, the extension in the northern Qinling Mountains and Weihe Basin was not largely affected by the lateral crustal growth of the NE Tibetan Plateau, which might be the result of deep mantle upwelling and/or residual effects from the subduction of the western Pacific plate. Third, during the Mesozoic, the high‐velocity structures beneath the Hannan‐Micang and Shennongjia‐Huangling domes served as anchors resisting the northward subduction, rotation, and continuous collision of the Yangtze Block. The eastward extruding Hannan‐Micang dome served as an indenter that eventually shaped the present‐day asymmetric style of the Dabashan Orocline during the Cenozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepacyclotes Emmons is one of the most important Early-Middle Triassic lycopsids, a genus that became extinct during the Late Triassic-Jurassic. Due to its relatively short geological ranges, fairly wide geographic distributions, and strict palaeoecological requirements, this genus is important in stratigraphical correlation and palaeoenvironmental interpretation. Although this lycopsid has been studied for more than a century, there are less than 20 species of Lepacyclotes are known. In this paper, we report abundant new materials from the upper Middle Triassic of the Ordos Basin, North China for the first time. Two species are identified: Lepacyclotes zeilleri (Fliche) Retallack and L. ordosensis Deng sp. nov., with the former species yielding numerous in situ megaspores. Precise absolute dating of tuff layers intercalated in the strata bearing Lepacyclotes point to the early Ladinian (Middle Triassic). A comprehensive analysis of the previous data shows that the genus Lepacyclotes originated during the Early Triassic in multiple areas, flourished in late Early Triassic to early Middle, and strongly declined in the Middle Triassic. A few relicts survived in the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic. Lepacyclotes was adapted to salty, seawater-associated, or evaporative environments. Additionally, the generic diagnosis of Lepacyclotes is emended, and the relationships between the genus and its related genera have been discussed. • New materials of lycopsid Lepacyclotes zeilleri and a new species L. ordosensis are reported for the first time. • Lepacyclotes is of great stratigraphy significance due to its narrow geological range and wide geography distribution. • Lepacyclotes is adapted to salt-tolerant, seawater-associated or evaporative environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global management of wetlands to suppress greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, facilitate carbon (C) sequestration, and reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations while simultaneously promoting agricultural gains is paramount. However, studies that relate variability in CO2 and CH4 emissions at large spatial scales are limited. We investigated three-year emissions of soil CO2 and CH4 from the primary wetland types of the Liaohe Delta, China, by focusing on a total wetland area of 3287 km2. One percent is Suaeda salsa, 24% is Phragmites australis, and 75% is rice. While S. salsa wetlands are under somewhat natural tidal influence, P. australis and rice are managed hydrologically for paper and food, respectively. Total C emissions from CO2 and CH4 from these wetland soils were 2.9 Tg C/year, ranging from 2.5 to 3.3 Tg C/year depending on the year assessed. Primary emissions were from CO2 (~98%). Photosynthetic uptake of CO2 would mitigate most of the soil CO2 emissions, but CH4 emissions would persist. Overall, CH4 fluxes were high when soil temperatures were >18°C and pore water salinity <18 PSU. CH4 emissions from rice habitat alone in the Liaohe Delta represent 0.2% of CH4 carbon emissions globally from rice. With such a large area and interannual sensitivity in soil GHG fluxes, management practices in the Delta and similar wetlands around the world have the potential not only to influence local C budgeting, but also to influence global biogeochemical cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), its adaptor MyD88, the downstream transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), and type I interferons (IFN-I) are all required for resistance to infection with ectromelia virus (ECTV). However, it is not known how or in which cells these effectors function to promote survival. Here, we showed that after infection with ECTV, the TLR9-MyD88-IRF7 pathway was necessary in CD11c + cells for the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and the recruitment of inflammatory monocytes (iMos) to the draining lymph node (dLN). In the dLN, the major producers of IFN-I were infected iMos, which used the DNA sensor-adaptor STING to activate IRF7 and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling to induce the expression of IFN-α and IFN-β, respectively. Thus, in vivo, two pathways of DNA pathogen sensing act sequentially in two distinct cell types to orchestrate resistance to a viral disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amended species, Glossophyllum shensiense (Sze) Sun et Deng emend. nov. is described here based on the leaf macromorphology and cuticular structures of new materials from the Middle Triassic Tongchuan Formation in Huating County, Gansu Province, China. The species is characterized by large and lanceolate-shaped leaves, as well as regularly orientated stomata. Based on morphology and epidermal structure, all records under the specific name Glossophyllum shensiense (Sze) are re-examined, and three species were proposed, including one newly amended species and two new species: Glossophyllum panii Sun et Deng sp. nov. and Glossophyllum lanceolatum Sun et Deng sp. nov. Following a systematic re-examination of all species of the genus Glossophyllum published in the literature, a total of 12 species were recognized. The spatio-temporal distribution of Glossophyllum indicated that the genus first appeared in the Induan of the Early Triassic in Siberia, and spread to the southern Fergana in Central Asia and China during the Middle-Late Triassic. Its diversification and geographical distribution flourished during the Late Triassic, and declined and disappeared within the Late Triassic. Paleoclimate reconstruction suggested that Glossophyllum inhabits areas with warm and humid climates and is restricted to the temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere. • Glossophyllum shensiense is amended based on macromorphology and cuticular structures of new fossils. • Two new species of Glossophyllum are described and 12 species are recognized. • Glossophyllum appeared in Induan, flourished in Late Triassic and disappeared before the Jurassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]