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The crossing of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for conventional anticancer drugs is still a big challenge in treating glioma. The biomimetic nanoparticle delivery system has attracted increasing attention and has a promising future for crossing the BBB. Herein, we construct a multifunctional biomimetic nanoplatform using the erythrocyte membrane (EM) with the tumor-penetrating peptide iRGD (CRGDK/RGPD/EC) as a delivery, and the inner core loaded with the chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide (TMZ). The resulting biomimetic nanoparticle has perfect biocompatibility and stealth ability, which will provide more chances to escape the reticuloendothelial system (RES) entrapment, and increase the opportunity to enter the tumor site. Moreover, the decorated iRGD has been extensively used to actively targeting and deliver therapeutic agents across the BBB into glioma tissue. We show that this biomimetic delivery of TMZ with a diameter of 22 nm efficiently slowed the growth of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and increased the survival rate of the 30 d from 0% to 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐organic cages (MOCs) are supramolecular coordination complexes that have internal cavities for hosting guest molecules and exhibiting various properties. However, the functions of MOCs are limited by the choice of the building blocks. Post‐synthetic modification (PSM) is a technique that can introduce new functional groups and replace existing ones on the MOCs without changing their geometry. Among many PSM methods, covalent PSM is a promising approach to modify MOCs with tailored structures and functions. Covalent PSM can be applied to either the internal cavity or the external surface of the MOCs, depending on the functionality expected to be customized. However, there are still some challenges and limitations in the field of covalent PSM of MOCs, such as the balance between the stability of MOCs and the harshness of organic reactions involved in covalent PSMs. This concept article introduces the organic reaction types involved in covalent PSM of MOCs, their new applications after modification, and summarizes and provides an outlook of this research field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landsat cloud and cloud shadow detection has a long heritage based on the application of empirical spectral tests to single image pixels, including the Landsat product Fmask algorithm, which uses spectral tests applied to optical and thermal bands to detect clouds and uses the sun-sensor-cloud geometry to detect shadows. Since the Fmask was developed, convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms, and in particular U-Net algorithms (a type of CNN with a U-shaped network structure), have been developed and are applied to pixels in square patches to take advantage of both spatial and spectral information. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess a new U-Net algorithm that classifies Landsat 8/9 Operational Land Imager (OLI) pixels with higher accuracy than the Fmask algorithm. The algorithm, termed the Learning Attention Network Algorithm (LANA), is a form of U-Net but with an additional attention mechanism (a type of network structure) that, unlike conventional U-Net, uses more spatial pixel information across each image patch. The LANA was trained using 16,861 512 × 512 30 m pixel annotated Landsat 8 OLI patches extracted from 27 images and 69 image subsets that are publicly available and have been used by others for cloud mask algorithm development and assessment. The annotated data were manually refined to improve the annotation and were supplemented with another four annotated images selected to include clear, completely cloudy, and developed land images. The LANA classifies image pixels as either clear, thin cloud, cloud, or cloud shadow. To evaluate the classification accuracy, five annotated Landsat 8 OLI images (composed of >205 million 30 m pixels) were classified, and the results compared with the Fmask and a publicly available U-Net model (U-Net Wieland). The LANA had a 78% overall classification accuracy considering cloud, thin cloud, cloud shadow, and clear classes. As the LANA, Fmask, and U-Net Wieland algorithms have different class legends, their classification results were harmonized to the same three common classes: cloud, cloud shadow, and clear. Considering these three classes, the LANA had the highest (89%) overall accuracy, followed by Fmask (86%), and then U-Net Wieland (85%). The LANA had the highest F1-scores for cloud (0.92), cloud shadow (0.57), and clear (0.89), and the other two algorithms had lower F1-scores, particularly for cloud (Fmask 0.90, U-Net Wieland 0.88) and cloud shadow (Fmask 0.45, U-Net Wieland 0.52). In addition, a time-series evaluation was undertaken to examine the prevalence of undetected clouds and cloud shadows (i.e., omission errors). The band-specific temporal smoothness index (TSIλ) was applied to a year of Landsat 8 OLI surface reflectance observations after discarding pixel observations labelled as cloud or cloud shadow. This was undertaken independently at each gridded pixel location in four 5000 × 5000 30 m pixel Landsat analysis-ready data (ARD) tiles. The TSIλ results broadly reflected the classification accuracy results and indicated that the LANA had the smallest cloud and cloud shadow omission errors, whereas the Fmask had the greatest cloud omission error and the second greatest cloud shadow omission error. Detailed visual examination, true color image examples and classification results are included and confirm these findings. The TSIλ results also highlight the need for algorithm developers to undertake product quality assessment in addition to accuracy assessment. The LANA model, training and evaluation data, and application codes are publicly available for other researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of seven implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation vault prediction formulae. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 328 patients (328 eyes) who underwent ICL implantation and the prediction accuracy of seven formulae: NK, KS, WH, Luo, Zhu, Hun, and ZZ were compared. Moreover, the accuracy of the seven formulae for different ICL sizes was compared. The formulae were tested using mean absolute prediction error (MAE), median absolute prediction error (MedAE), prediction error (PE) percentages at ± 50 µm, ± 100 µm, ± 200 µm, and ± 300 µm, and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: The PE of the seven formulae were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The KS (101.00 µm) and WH formulae (116.65 µm) had the smallest MedAE, followed by the Luo (123.62 µm), NK (141.50 µm), Hun (152.68 µm), ZZ (196.00 µm) and Zhu formula (225.98 µm). The highest percentage of PE in the range of ± 300µm was 94.3% and 93% for the KS and WH formulae, respectively. Among the different ICL size groupings, the KS formula predicted the smallest MedAE for 12.1 mm and 12.6 mm, whereas the Luo and WH formulae predicted the smallest MedAE for 13.2 mm and 13.7 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The KS and WH formulae provided better outcomes by predicting the vault with higher accuracy than of the NK, Hun, Luo, ZZ, and Zhu formulae. Trial Registration: ChiCTR2200065501. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Barber and Candès laid the theoretical foundation for a general framework for false discovery rate (FDR) control based on the notion of "knockoffs." A closely related FDR control methodology has long been employed in the analysis of mass spectrometry data, referred to there as "target–decoy competition" (TDC). However, any approach that aims to control the FDR, which is defined as the expected value of the false discovery proportion (FDP), suffers from a problem. Specifically, even when successfully controlling the FDR at level α, the FDP in the list of discoveries can significantly exceed α. We offer FDP‐SD, a new procedure that rigorously controls the FDP in the knockoff/TDC competition setup by guaranteeing that the FDP is bounded by α at a desired confidence level. Compared with the recently published framework of Katsevich and Ramdas, FDP‐SD generally delivers more power and often substantially so in simulated and real data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a large aperture two-dimensional (2D) piezoelectric laser scanner system with an onboard sensor to detect the scanner's deflection angle has been designed and prototyped. The proposed 2D laser scanner is driven using three amplified piezoelectric actuators assembled in an equilateral triangle configuration to provide structural stability and compactness. To overcome the nonlinearity that derives from the hysteresis effect of the piezoelectric actuators, the tip-tilt principle and the control schemes of the 2D scanner are analyzed and compared. Thanks to the combination of onboard sensing of the deflection angle of the scanner with the closed-loop control capability, this 2D scanner's features include a large aperture and high accuracy. The experimental results demonstrate that closed-loop control achieves higher control accuracy than the open-loop control approach, leading to a reduction in the relative error from 2%–4% to ∼0.5%, while the deflection angle tracking accuracy lies approximately within the 40 μrad range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the metastatic patterns of synchronous bone metastasis (SBM) and metachronous bone metastasis (MBM) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: This study included bone metastases in NPC patients from 2005 to 2016 in a Chinese hospital. Cohort 1 was collected from 2005 to 2010 for discovery, and Cohort 2 from 2011 to 2016 for validation. The chi‐squared test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Kaplan–Meier technique were used to compare site, time, and survival between cohorts 1 and 2. Prognostic factors were analyzed using univariate or multivariate Cox regression. Results: Cohort 1 had 112 individuals with SBM and 394 with MBM, and cohort 2 had 328 with SBM and 307 with MBM. The thoracic vertebra was the most frequently affected site of metastasis. Patients with SBM more often had metastasis to the cervical vertebrae compared with patients with MBM (34.5% vs. 22.3%, p < 0.05). Patients with SBM had better overall survival (42.2 months, 95% CI: 33.9–50.7) than patients with MBM (24.9 months, 95% CI: 22.2–28.7). Age at bone metastasis detection, metastasis to other organs, and more bone metastasis locations were associated with worse prognosis. The majority of MBMs occurred at 7 to 18 months after NPC diagnosis. Conclusion: Radiotherapy does not modify the metastatic patterns of NPC bone metastases. Patients with SBM tend to have metastasis to the cervical vertebra, which is close to the nasopharynx. Paying more attention to bone metastases during follow‐up in the first 2 years after an NPC diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salt stress seriously impacts the plantation and productivity of global alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Previously, we genetically defined the M. sativa DROUGHT-INDUCED UNKNOWN PROTEIN 1 (MsDIUP1) as a drought tolerance gene of alfalfa. However, whether it is associated with salt tolerance needs to be explored. Results: In this study, we re-classified MsDIUP1 as a putative novel late embryogenesis abundant protein, and found its promoter activity was strongly induced by salt and ABA treatment. Heterologous overexpression of MsDIUP1 in Arabidopsis led to enhanced salt tolerance and ABA insensitivity, with a higher fresh weight, lateral root number, primary root length, and survival rate compared to the wild-type (WT) plants. Similarly, homologous overexpression of MsDIUP1 also enhanced the salt tolerance of alfalfa over-expression (OE) plants, accompanied by reduced oxidative damage, higher K+/Na+ ratio, increased osmoprotectant accumulation, and improved photosynthetic capacity relative to the WT plants. In reverse, disruption of MsDIUP1 expression caused a salt-hypersensitive phenotype of alfalfa RNA interference (RNAi) plants, with higher oxidative damage, less osmoprotectant accumulation, and lower photosynthetic pigment content than that of the WT. These physiological discoveries were in accordance with differential transcript profiles of the relevant genes associated with stress signaling, antioxidant defense, and osmotic adjustment in the salt-treated alfalfa WT, OE, and RNAi lines. Furthermore, we found that alfalfa OE plants showed no apparent alteration in their forage quality compared with the WT plants. Conclusions: Overall, these results reveal that MsDIUP1 improves plant salt tolerance via regulating stress signaling, antioxidant defense, ion homeostasis, osmotic adjustment, and photosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐synthetic modification (PSM) is an effective approach for the tailored functionalization of metal‐organic architectures, but its generalizability remains challenging. Herein we report a general covalent PSM strategy to functionalize PdnL2n metal‐organic cages (MOCs, n=2, 12) through an efficient Diels–Alder cycloaddition between peripheral anthracene substituents and various functional motifs bearing a maleimide group. As expected, the solubility of functionalized Pd12L24 in common solvents can be greatly improved. Interestingly, concentration‐dependent circular dichroism and aggregation‐induced emission are achieved with chiral binaphthol (BINOL)‐ and tetraphenylethylene‐modified Pd12L24, respectively. Furthermore, Pd12L24 can be introduced with two different functional groups (e.g. chiral BINOL and achiral pyrene) through a step‐by‐step PSM route to obtain chirality‐induced circularly polarized luminescence. Moreover, similar results are readily observed with a smaller Pd2L4 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐synthetic modification (PSM) is an effective approach for the tailored functionalization of metal‐organic architectures, but its generalizability remains challenging. Herein we report a general covalent PSM strategy to functionalize PdnL2n metal‐organic cages (MOCs, n=2, 12) through an efficient Diels–Alder cycloaddition between peripheral anthracene substituents and various functional motifs bearing a maleimide group. As expected, the solubility of functionalized Pd12L24 in common solvents can be greatly improved. Interestingly, concentration‐dependent circular dichroism and aggregation‐induced emission are achieved with chiral binaphthol (BINOL)‐ and tetraphenylethylene‐modified Pd12L24, respectively. Furthermore, Pd12L24 can be introduced with two different functional groups (e.g. chiral BINOL and achiral pyrene) through a step‐by‐step PSM route to obtain chirality‐induced circularly polarized luminescence. Moreover, similar results are readily observed with a smaller Pd2L4 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Diffusion‐weighted imaging lesions (DWILs) are associated with unfavorable outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We proposed a novel predictive nomogram incorporating DWILs. Methods: A total of 738 patients with primary ICH in a tertiary hospital were prospectively enrolled as a training cohort. DWILs were defined as remote focal hyperintensities on DWI corresponding to low intensities on apparent diffusion coefficient images and remote from the focal hematoma. The outcome of interest was modified Rankin Scale scores of 4–6 at 90 days after onset. Multivariate logistic regression was used to construct a nomogram. Model performance was tested in the training cohort and externally validated with respect to discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness in another institute. Additionally, the nomogram was compared with the ICH score in terms of predictive ability. Results: Overall, 153 (20.73%) and 23 (15.54%) patients developed an unfavorable outcome in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, anemia, infratentorial location, presence of DWILs, and prior ICH were associated with unfavorable outcome. Our ANAID‐ICH nomogram was constructed according to the aforementioned variables; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.842 and 0.831 in the training and validation sets, respectively. With regard to the 90‐day outcome, the nomogram showed a significantly higher predictive value than the ICH score in both cohorts. Conclusions: The ANAID‐ICH nomogram comprising age, NIHSS score, anemia, infratentorial location, presence of DWILs, and prior ICH may facilitate the identification of patients at higher risk for an unfavorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Drought is a major environmental factor that limits the production of alfalfa (Medicago sativa). In the present study, M. sativa NUCLEAR TRANSPORT FACTOR 2‐LIKE (MsNTF2L) was identified as a nucleus‐, cytoplasm‐, and plasma membrane‐localized protein. Its transcriptional expression was highly induced by ABA and drought stress. Overexpression of MsNTF2L in Arabidopsis resulted in hypersensitivity to ABA during both the seed germination and seedling growth stages. However, transgenic Arabidopsis plants exhibited enhanced tolerance to drought stress by reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing the expression of stress/ABA‐inducible genes. Consistently, analysis of MsNTF2L overexpression (OE) and RNA interference (RNAi) alfalfa plants revealed that MsNTF2L confers drought tolerance through promoting ROS scavenging, a decrease in stomatal density, ABA‐induced stomatal closure, and epicuticular wax crystal accumulation. MsNTF2L highly affected epicuticular wax deposition, as a large group of wax biosynthesis and transport genes were influenced in the alfalfa OE and RNAi lines. Furthermore, transcript profiling of drought‐treated alfalfa WT, OE, and RNAi plants showed a differential drought response for genes related to stress/ABA signaling, antioxidant defense, and photosynthesis. Taken together, these results reveal that MsNTF2L confers drought tolerance in alfalfa via modulation of leaf water loss (by regulating both stomata and wax deposition), antioxidant defense, and photosynthesis. Significance Statement: By studying the drought‐inducible genes of alfalfa (Medicago sativa), we discovered that the nucleus‐, cytoplasm‐, and plasma membrane‐localized protein NUCLEAR TRANSPORT FACTOR 2‐LIKE improves drought tolerance by modulating leaf water loss (by regulating both stomata and wax deposition), antioxidant defense, and photosynthesis. This gene might be targeted in future breeding programs to improve drought tolerance in alfalfa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Galactosidase (β-Gal), confirmed to provide energy and participate in the galactosyl transfer reaction, is primarily over-expressed in ovarian cancer cells. Herein, detecting endogenous β-Gal is essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of primary ovarian cancer cells. In this study, we proposed two structurally related cationic Lanthanide(III) triamide complexes for highly sensitive and rapid detection of β-Gal. Moreover, LDEu02 showed a low detection limit (2.3 × 10−3 U/mL) and high specificity with high affinity for β-Gal, which had great potential to the detection of the β-Gal activity by using time-resolved fluorescence techniques. • Two novel Lanthanide(III) triamide complexes were designed and synthesized to determine the β-galactosidase activity. • LDEu02 showed highly sensitive and rapid detection of β-galactosidase. • LDEu02 showed a low detection limit and high specificity with high affinity for β-galactosidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacity fading and voltage decay is one of the biggest obstacles for the practical application of Li‐rich layered oxides due to the serious surface‐related detrimental reactions. Herein, we develop a versatile and scalable method to construct a robust surface‐integrated structure. All the designed samples deliver outstanding capacity and voltage stability, among which the Zn‐treated sample possesses the best electrochemical performance. Its capacity retention is larger than 90 % after 400 cycles with a voltage decay ratio as small as 0.73 mV per cycle. What is more, the rules of surface‐integrated structure with different cations in terms of capacity and voltage stability is further deciphered by combining with density function theory (DFT) calculations. It is found that to obtain advanced Li‐rich layered oxide cathodes, cations in Li‐sites should firstly ensure the binding energy of the surface‐integrated structure in a lower level and then provide Bader charge for the nearest O atoms as small as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacity fading and voltage decay is one of the biggest obstacles for the practical application of Li‐rich layered oxides due to the serious surface‐related detrimental reactions. Herein, we develop a versatile and scalable method to construct a robust surface‐integrated structure. All the designed samples deliver outstanding capacity and voltage stability, among which the Zn‐treated sample possesses the best electrochemical performance. Its capacity retention is larger than 90 % after 400 cycles with a voltage decay ratio as small as 0.73 mV per cycle. What is more, the rules of surface‐integrated structure with different cations in terms of capacity and voltage stability is further deciphered by combining with density function theory (DFT) calculations. It is found that to obtain advanced Li‐rich layered oxide cathodes, cations in Li‐sites should firstly ensure the binding energy of the surface‐integrated structure in a lower level and then provide Bader charge for the nearest O atoms as small as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The p-type 4H-SiC are ideal materials of substrate for high-power electronic devices. However, p-type 4H-SiC single crystal substrates with high quality, large size and low resistance could not be produced in China due to technological constraints. In this paper, Al doped p-type 4H-SiC single crystal substrates with a diameter of 4-inch were prepared by physical vapor transport (PVT). Dislocation defects were tested by the corrosion of KOH on the substrate. The crystal quality was characterized by high resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD), the crystal polytype was determined by Raman spectrum scanning, and the resistivity was measured by non-contact resistivity tester, respectively. It suggest that as-prepared substrates with low overall dislocation density and total resistivity (less than 0.5 Ω·cm) are prepared, meanwhile their crystal quality are good and crystal polytype is stable. Furthermore, the energy band structure and density of states of pristine 4H-SiC and Al doped p-type 4H-SiC were calculated via the first-principles plane wave ultra-soft pseudopotential method. The results show that the gap width decreases and the Fermi level passes through the valence band after the introduction of Al, which is considered as the characteristics of a p-type semiconductor. This elaborate study pave the way for the large-scale production of the p-type 4H-SiC substrate with high quality and low resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have prepared the metastable solid solutions of (Fe2O3)1−x(Al2O3)x (x = 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75) with the corundum-type structure through the mechanical alloying method and measured the low-temperature heat-capacity below 300 K using the Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS), which have not been measured so far since the solid solution is not available through the conventional synthesis procedure. The measured heat capacities exhibit similar general trends of temperature dependence with the pure α-Fe2O3 and α-Al2O3 listed in the JANAF thermodynamic table, while the measured values are a little higher than that of their weighted averages. This might be due to the defects or lattice distortion introduced at the preparation using the mechanical alloying method. Moreover, heat capacity anomaly was observed at low-temperature regions below 25 K, which grows larger and shifts toward the higher temperature with increasing aluminum substitution, which might be caused by the unexpected phase transition or point defects of cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to assess whether raised Serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) expressions modulates angiogenesis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to SPINK1 were noted to exhibit raised expressions of interleukin-8 (IL-8) as well as VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 cell adhesion molecules in a dose-dependent manner. In co-culture system of HUVECs and Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells, SPINK1 exposure also resulted in enhanced endothelial cell motility and ALL cells trans-endothelial migration. High concentrations of SPINK1 caused in vitro cellular reorganization into tubes in Matrigel-cultured HUVECs and induced in vivo vascularization and brain infiltration of NOD/SCID ALL model mice. The further transcriptomic analysis indicated that SPINK1 treatment altered several biological processes of endothelial cells and led to activation of the MAPK pathway. This study is the first to determine the neovascularization effects of raised SPINK1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractA series of amino acid ester trifluoroacetate derivatives was synthesized from scaberol C. They were screened for their inhibitory activity against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cells. Among them, compound 2 l showed significant cytotoxicity against A549 and H460 cells (IC50), and was more active than cisplatin (DDP). The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was overexpressed in NSCLC, which was the target of multiple cancer therapies and a strong prognostic indicator. Our previous studies reported that the target of scaberol C derivatives against NSCLC cells was EGFR. And then molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations indicated that 2 l can stably and covalently bind to the EGFR target protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) that exhibit dynamic phase‐transition behavior under external stimuli could have great potential in adsorptive separations. Here we report on a zinc‐based microporous MOF (JNU‐80) and its reversible transformation between two crystalline phases: large pore (JNU‐80‐LP) and narrow pore (JNU‐80‐NP). Specifically, JNU‐80‐LP can undergo a dehydration‐induced cluster consolidation under heat treatment, resulting in JNU‐80‐NP with a reduced channel that allows exclusion of di‐branched hexane isomers while high adsorption of linear and mono‐branched hexane isomers. We further demonstrate the fabrication of MOF‐polymer composite (JNU‐80‐NP‐block) and its application in the purification of di‐branched isomers from liquid‐phase hexane mixtures (98 % di‐branched) at room temperature, affording the di‐branched hexane isomers with 99.5 % purity and close to 90 % recovery rate over ten cycles. This work illustrates an interesting dehydration‐induced cluster consolidation in MOF structure and the ensuing channel shrinkage for sieving di‐branched hexane isomers, which may have important implications for the development of MOFs with dynamic behavior and their potential applications in non‐thermal driven separation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) that exhibit dynamic phase‐transition behavior under external stimuli could have great potential in adsorptive separations. Here we report on a zinc‐based microporous MOF (JNU‐80) and its reversible transformation between two crystalline phases: large pore (JNU‐80‐LP) and narrow pore (JNU‐80‐NP). Specifically, JNU‐80‐LP can undergo a dehydration‐induced cluster consolidation under heat treatment, resulting in JNU‐80‐NP with a reduced channel that allows exclusion of di‐branched hexane isomers while high adsorption of linear and mono‐branched hexane isomers. We further demonstrate the fabrication of MOF‐polymer composite (JNU‐80‐NP‐block) and its application in the purification of di‐branched isomers from liquid‐phase hexane mixtures (98 % di‐branched) at room temperature, affording the di‐branched hexane isomers with 99.5 % purity and close to 90 % recovery rate over ten cycles. This work illustrates an interesting dehydration‐induced cluster consolidation in MOF structure and the ensuing channel shrinkage for sieving di‐branched hexane isomers, which may have important implications for the development of MOFs with dynamic behavior and their potential applications in non‐thermal driven separation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional Desai model fails to calculate the bearing capacity of a beam effectively, which could lead to its failure. In order to solve this problem successfully, a new RAV analysis model is proposed to analyze the stress behavior of steel fiber reinforced concrete beams. The vertical effect of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams is analyzed by means of a rod element simulation. The analysis results of the beam large displacement effect are determined using multi-stage displacements. Based on the above two physical quantities, the stress finite element equation is determined. According to the finite element equation, the reliability and response characteristics of the beam are analyzed, and a new RAV behavior analysis model is formulated. The results show that compared with the Desai model, the new RAV model can improve the accuracy of calculating the beam bearing capacity limit by about 40% under the conditions of high, medium and low nonlinear stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gyroid materials have received considerable attention from scientists due to their beautiful structures and advanced functions. On the other side, metal–organic frameworks are inorganic–organic hybrid crystalline porous materials with atomic precision, and can provide good structural models and rich topologies for gyroid materials. In this review, we will briefly introduce the structures of gyroid metal–organic frameworks and their topologies. In addition, their applications in gas adsorption, catalysis, sensors, and luminescent materials are also discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐energy‐density lithium‐rich layered oxides (LLOs) hold the greatest promise to address the range anxiety of electric vehicles. Their application, however, has been prevented by fast voltage decay and capacity fading for years, which mainly originate from irreversible transition‐metal migration and undesirable cathode‐electrolyte interfacial reactions. Herein, a Ti‐based surface integrated layer and bulk doping, which greatly improve the voltage and capacity stability of LLOs is synchronously constructed. More importantly, STEM and Raman results demonstrate that continuous and uniform surface Ti‐based integrated layer is a spinel‐like rocksalt structure with Fd‐3m space group, which is built through by several the replacement of Li ions in surface several atomic layers by Ti ions. After 500 cycles, Ti‐150 sample delivers a capacity retention of 85%, and its voltage decay rate from the 30th to the 500th cycle is only ≈0.72 mV/cycle. Spectral results and DFT calculations suggest that bulk Ti‐doping mitigates the migration of Mn and Ni ions in the bulk, while Ti‐based integrated layer significantly suppresses surface structure evolution and interfacial reactions by impeding the generation of surface Li vacancies during Li extraction as well as preventing direct contact between electrolyte and active materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: East Asia exhibits complex geomorphological and climatic characteristics. The aim of this study was to test whether the so‐called three‐step landforms of China, together with the East China Sea (ECS), have acted to shape specific phylogeographical patterns and affected the biogeographical history of the species belonging to the East Asian Flora. Location: China and Japan. Taxon: Kerria japonica (L.) DC. Methods: Three chloroplast DNA regions and 15 nuclear microsatellite (nSSR) loci were sequenced and genotyped in 576/450 individuals of K. japonica. Phylogeographical analyses were performed to assess the genetic structure, historical gene flow and demographical history of these individuals, and climatic factors were examined to determine their effects on phylogeographical breaks. Furthermore, time‐calibrated phylogenetic trees and ancestral range reconstruction were used to infer the biogeographical history of K. japonica. Potential habitats at present and during the last glacial maximum (LGM) were identified using ecological niche modelling. Results: Distinct phylogeographical breaks were found across the ECS and along the boundary of the three‐step landforms of China. Low historical gene flow and significant climatic differences were detected in each pair of adjacent regions. The results of molecular dating and ancestral range reconstruction indicated that K. japonica originated in North America during the mid‐Miocene (14.76 Ma), and intra‐specific diversification began in the late Miocene (7.78 Ma). Compared to the relatively stable distribution range of Chinese populations, Japanese populations experienced range expansion after the LGM in response to Quaternary climate change. Main conclusions: Kerria japonica has a complex biogeographical history, with a mid‐Miocene origin in North America and subsequent migration into East Asia via the Bering land bridge. The onset of intra‐specific diversification was probably associated with Asian monsoon intensifications, while exposure to the ECS floor facilitated the formation of the Japanese lineage in the late Miocene. The spatiotemporal population differentiation on the Chinese mainland demonstrates the significant role of biogeographical divides delineated by the three‐step landforms of China and provides clues to understand the floristic regionalization and evolutionary history of plant diversity in East Asia, especially with respect to the Hengduan Mountains, Central China and East China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geoclimatic factors related to the uplift of the Himalaya and the Quaternary climatic oscillations influence the population genetic connectivity in the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains (HHM) biodiversity hotspot. Therefore, to explore the relative roles played by these two factors, we examined the population dynamics and dispersal corridors of Incarvillea arguta (Royle) Royle incorporating ensemble species distribution modelling (SDM). Thirty‐seven populations were genotyped using plastid chloroplast DNA and low copy nuclear gene (ncpGS) sequences. Phylogeographic analysis was carried out to reveal the genetic structure and lineage differentiation. Ensemble SDMs were carried out for distributional change in the last glacial maximum, present, and future. Finally, the least cost path method was used to trace out possible dispersal corridors. The haplotypes were divided into four clades with strong geographical structure. The late Miocene origin of I. arguta in the western Himalaya ca. 7.92 Ma indicates lineage diversification related to the uplift of the HHM. The variability in habitat connectivity revealed by SDM is due to change in suitability since the Pleistocene. A putative dispersal corridor was detected along the drainage systems and river valleys, with strong support in the eastern Hengduan Mountains group. Our results support the signature of geoclimatic influence on population genetic connectivity of I. arguta in the HHM. We proposed that the major drainage systems might have assisted the rapid dispersal of isolated riverine plant species I. arguta in the HHM. The population genetic connectivity, using the fine‐tuned ensemble SDMs, enables scientists and policymakers to develop conservation strategies for the species gene pool in the HHM biodiversity hotspots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) is an obstacle for practical application of Li‐rich Mn‐based layered oxides (LLOs), which is closely related with the irreversible oxygen evolution owing to the overoxidized reaction of surface labile oxygen. Here we report a NH4F‐assisted surface multicomponent integration technology to accurately control the ICE, by which oxygen vacancies, spinel‐layered coherent structure, and F‐doping are skillfully integrated on the surface of treated LLOs microspheres. Though the regulation on the removed amount of labile oxygen by surface integrated structure, the ICE of LLOs cathodes can adjust from starting value to 100 %. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, refined X‐ray diffraction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy show that the removed labile oxygen mainly comes from Li2MnO3‐like structure. Even operating at a high cut‐off voltage of 5 V, the capacity retention of integrated sample at 200 mA g−1 is still larger than 98 % after 100 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) is an obstacle for practical application of Li‐rich Mn‐based layered oxides (LLOs), which is closely related with the irreversible oxygen evolution owing to the overoxidized reaction of surface labile oxygen. Here we report a NH4F‐assisted surface multicomponent integration technology to accurately control the ICE, by which oxygen vacancies, spinel‐layered coherent structure, and F‐doping are skillfully integrated on the surface of treated LLOs microspheres. Though the regulation on the removed amount of labile oxygen by surface integrated structure, the ICE of LLOs cathodes can adjust from starting value to 100 %. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, refined X‐ray diffraction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy show that the removed labile oxygen mainly comes from Li2MnO3‐like structure. Even operating at a high cut‐off voltage of 5 V, the capacity retention of integrated sample at 200 mA g−1 is still larger than 98 % after 100 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li‐rich Mn‐based layered oxides (LLO) hold great promise as cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their unique oxygen redox (OR) chemistry, which enables additional capacity. However, the LLOs face challenges related to the instability of their OR process due to the weak transition metal (TM)‐oxygen bond, leading to oxygen loss and irreversible phase transition that results in severe capacity and voltage decay. Herein, a synergistic electronic regulation strategy of surface and interior structures to enhance oxygen stability is proposed. In the interior of the materials, the local electrons around TM and O atoms may be delocalized by surrounding Mo atoms, facilitating the formation of stronger TM─O bonds at high voltages. Besides, on the surface, the highly reactive O atoms with lone pairs of electrons are passivated by additional TM atoms, which provides a more stable TM─O framework. Hence, this strategy stabilizes the oxygen and hinders TM migration, which enhances the reversibility in structural evolution, leading to increased capacity and voltage retention. This work presents an efficient approach to enhance the performance of LLOs through surface‐to‐interior electronic structure modulation, while also contributing to a deeper understanding of their redox reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sigmoid colon cancer is a lethal disease and has a strong indication for surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery is one of the promising alternative treatment for this disease. Nowadays, the MicroHand S surgical system and the Da Vinci surgical system have been assembled in China. However, there is still no report to study the therapeutic effects of the two robotic-assisted surgical systems. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare clinical and economic outcomes of patients with sigmoid colon cancer undergoing robot-assisted radical surgery via The MicroHand S or Da Vinci surgical system.Methods: The clinical data of 45 patients with sigmoid colon cancer undergoing the MicroHand S or Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery at The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2017 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Results: Twenty-one patients received MicroHand S robotic-assisted radical surgery and 24 patients received Da Vinci robot-assisted radical surgery. No significant differences were observed in terms of operation time, number of lymph node harvested, blood loss, intestinal exhaust time, time of oral feeding resumption, volume of abdominal cavity 24-h drainage, hospital stay, complication and rate of conversion, removal time of drainage tube and catheter between MicroHand S and Da Vinci group. However, the MicroHand S group had significantly lower hospitalization costs (P = 0.002) and shorter time to get out of bed after surgery (P = 0.04). In addition, no recurrence and metastases were observed in both groups during the follow-up.Conclusions: In patients with sigmoid colon cancer, the Da Vinci surgical system did not show obvious clinical advantages compared to the MicroHand S surgical system in surgical outcomes. However, the MicroHand S surgical platform showed advantages in terms of the hospitalization costs and length of postoperative bedtime. The outcome of this study will probably result in a shift to the MicroHand S surgical system as treatment preference in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage decay and capacity fading are the main challenges for the commercialization of Li‐rich Mn‐based layered oxides (LLOs). Now, a three‐in‐one surface treatment is designed via the pyrolysis of urea to improve the voltage and capacity stability of Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 (LMNO), by which oxygen vacancies, spinel phase integration, and N‐doped carbon nanolayers are synchronously built on the surface of LMNO microspheres. Oxygen vacancies and spinel phase integration suppress irreversible O2 release and help lithium ion diffusion, while N‐doped carbon nanolayer mitigates the corrosion of electrolyte with excellent conductivity. The electrochemical performance of LMNO after the treatment improves significantly; the capacity retention rate after 500 cycles at 1 C is still as high as 89.9 % with a very small voltage fading rate of 1.09 mV cycle−1. This three‐in‐one surface treatment strategy can suppress the voltage decay and capacity fading of LLOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage decay and capacity fading are the main challenges for the commercialization of Li‐rich Mn‐based layered oxides (LLOs). Now, a three‐in‐one surface treatment is designed via the pyrolysis of urea to improve the voltage and capacity stability of Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 (LMNO), by which oxygen vacancies, spinel phase integration, and N‐doped carbon nanolayers are synchronously built on the surface of LMNO microspheres. Oxygen vacancies and spinel phase integration suppress irreversible O2 release and help lithium ion diffusion, while N‐doped carbon nanolayer mitigates the corrosion of electrolyte with excellent conductivity. The electrochemical performance of LMNO after the treatment improves significantly; the capacity retention rate after 500 cycles at 1 C is still as high as 89.9 % with a very small voltage fading rate of 1.09 mV cycle−1. This three‐in‐one surface treatment strategy can suppress the voltage decay and capacity fading of LLOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pair of enantiomers of three‐dimensional (3D) chiral coordination polymers (CCPs) were successfully constructed by using achiral components 4,2′:6′,4′′‐terpyridyl precursors and Cu2+ through spontaneous resolution (1 a). By utilising feeding controlled chiral‐templated induction and chiral auxiliary behaviour of optically pure camphor sulfonate (CSA), the enantioenriched (1 b‐P and 1 b‐M) and CSA captured (1 c‐P and 1 c‐M) CCPs were successfully synthesised, respectively. The chiral information of the corresponding products was confirmed by X‐ray single crystal diffraction and solid‐state CD spectra. Meanwhile, the formation processes of 1 b‐P and 1 b‐M were monitored through solution CD spectra, UV/Vis spectra and ESI‐TOF MS. Based on these results, a reasonable chiral‐templated induction mechanism of forming 1 b‐P and 1 b‐M was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of combining pretreatment Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA level and cervical node necrosis (CNN) for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) receiving intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). A total of 607 incident nonmetastatic NPC patients treated with IMRT ± chemotherapy were reviewed. Patients were divided into four groups based on EBV DNA level and CNN status. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS). Kaplan‐Meier curves with log‐rank test were applied to compare survival outcomes and the Cox proportional model was used to identify independent prognostic factors. Pretreatment EBV DNA level and CNN status were independent prognostic factors. Patients in the low‐level EBV DNA group or non‐CNN group had significantly better 5‐year PFS. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that CNN was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.927, 95% CI: 1.129‐3.290, P = .016), PFS (HR = 1.492, 95% CI: 1.005‐2.214, P = .047), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) (HR = 1.661, 95% CI: 1.044‐2.644, P = .032), but not locoregional relapse‐free survival. EBV DNA levels correlated significantly with CNN with a correlation coefficient of.324 (P < .001). Compared with low‐level EBV DNA and non‐CNN grouping, high‐level EBV DNA and CNN grouping had poor PFS. The combined classification was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P < .001), PFS (P = .001), and DMFS (P = .018). Pretreatment plasma EBV DNA level and CNN status both closely correlated with prognosis of NPC patients in the IMRT era. Combined EBV DNA level and CNN status improves risk stratification and prognostic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-fat diet can lead to fat deposition in the liver. Astaxanthin is reported to exert a hepatoprotective effect by affecting host fat metabolism. However, the molecular mechanism used by astaxanthin to regulate fat metabolism is still unclear. This study aimed to examine the function and molecular mechanism used by astaxanthin-enriched Oedocladium sp. in attenuating liver damage and fat deposition that was caused by a high-fat diet. The normal-fat diet (NF), high-fat diet (HF), and high-fat diet supplemented with Oedocladium sp. (HFO) were used to feed juvenile Trachinotus ovatus for 8 weeks. The findings of this study indicated that the HFO diet mitigated growth decline caused by the HF diet by improving digestibility and feed utilization. Meanwhile, the HFO diet reduced serum cholesterol and triglycerides as well as hepatic fat accumulation, alleviating inflammation, oxidative stress, and immunosuppression caused by an HF diet. Additionally, the HFO diet activated AMPK/ACC/CPT1 signal and suppressed the AMPK/SREBP1/FAS signal to promote the catabolism and transport of fat molecules and inhibit fat synthesis. This was regarded as an important regulatory mechanism that was used by Oedocladium sp. to alleviate the fat deposition induced by an HF diet. AMPK may be a key target for Oedocladium sp. to regulate fat metabolism. Therefore, Oedocladium sp., a promising source of astaxanthin, can be used in HF diets to enhance the health and productivity of farmed fish. • Oedocladium sp. supplementation mitigated the negative effects induced by high-fat diet on growth and immunity. • Oedocladium sp. improved the lipid metabolism and liver health and attenuated inflammation responses. • AMPK may be a key target for Oedocladium sp. to regulate fat metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to explore the effects of the ciliary sulcus angle (CSA) on accurate prediction of the vault after phakic implantable collamer lens (EVO ICL Model V4c) using the KS formula. Methods: Patients were classified according to the size of CSA: group A, narrow angle (CSA < 30°); group B, normal angle (CSA = 30–90°); and group C, wide angle (CSA > 90°). Further, differences between the actual vault dimensions at 3 months postoperatively and the preoperatively predicted vault dimensions in the three groups were analyzed. Results: This study included 223 eyes of 223 individuals. In groups A–C, the difference in the preoperative vault dimensions of the three groups predicted with the KS formula was not statistically significant (P = 0.056). The actual vault dimensions at 3 months postoperatively were significantly different between the three groups (P < 0.001). Moreover, the difference between the actual and predicted vaults by the KS formula was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In the 3 months, after surgery, the percentages of patients with a low vault (< 250 μm) were 0%, 3%, and 29% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Further, the percentages of patients with an ideal vault (250–750 μm) in the postoperative period were 66%, 84%, and 71% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Finally, the percentages of patients with a high vault (> 750 μm) in the postoperative period were 34%, 13%, and 0% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Notably, the distribution of the vault among the three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The size of CSA significantly affects the predictiveness of the vault by the KS formula, with the most pronounced effect on the angles < 30° and > 90°. Therefore, CSA should be considered when selecting the lens size using the KS formula preoperatively. Clinical Trial Registration number: ChiCTR2200065501. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (PP-NHL) is a rare entity with non-specific symptoms and radiographic findings, as well as a difficult preoperative diagnosis. A limited number of studies have described PP-NHL in Chinese patients. The goal of the present study was to improve early diagnosis by examining prognostic factors in patients with PP-NHL. Therefore, a total of 29 patients with PP-NHL were included in the study between January 2001 and June 2017, including 14 with aggressive-type and 15 with indolent-type lymphomas (10 male, 19 female; median age, 50.3 years; range, 19–87 years). Pulmonary nodules and masses (55.2%) were the most common radiographic features. The diagnostic yield was 80% (12/15) by endobronchial biopsy or transbronchial lung biopsy and 100% by computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy (11/11) or surgery (8/8). Elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels and systemic symptoms were observed considerably more often in patients with aggressive disease than in those with indolent disease. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 42, 32, and 21%, respectively, for all patients, 72, 57 and 43%, respectively, for patients with indolent lymphomas, and 13, 6 and 0%, respectively, for patients with aggressive lymphomas. The median OS rate for all patients was 12.0 months; however, the OS rate for patients with aggressive lymphomas was significantly shorter compared with those with indolent lymphomas (7.1 months vs. 16.6 months; P=0.002). Aggressive vs. indolent lymphoma status was indicated to be an independent prognostic factor for poor 5-year OS rate (hazard ratio, 5.98; P=0.014). In conclusion, bronchoscopic and CT-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsies were the most useful and least invasive procedures for diagnosing PP-NHL. Furthermore, aggressive PP-NHL was highly associated with poor 5-year OS rate and a poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We reviewed the asphalt mixes modified with lignin fiber and glass fiber. • Studied of rutting, water damage, thermal and fatigue cracking in asphalt mixes. • Lignin fiber improves the resistance to low temperature cracking in asphalt mixes. • Glass fiber improves the high temperature performance in asphalt mixes. • Both fibers improve fatigue performance and water stability in asphalt mixes. Abstract Low temperature thermal cracking, rutting, moisture damage and fatigue cracking are popular damages that appear in the asphalt mixture. These problems occur mainly because of the growth in the number of heavy load vehicles, design and construction errors and environmental condition that reduce the quality, performance and the service life of the pavement. Several previous studies showed that using additives like fibers to modify asphalt mixtures could enhance the efficiency and boost the quality and service life of the pavement. This paper presents a review of the role of lignin and glass fiber as a modifier in bituminous mixes. To evaluate some main mixture properties, some tests such as the low temperature bending, indirect tensile strength, the wheel loading tracking, Hamburg wheel tracking, Marshall immersion, freezing-thaw splitting, third-point bending fatigue and indirect tensile fatigue are applied to analyze rutting, low temperature cracking resistance, moisture damage resistance and fatigue resistance of asphalt mixture modified with lignin or glass fiber. Results denoted that the quality of asphalt mixture enhanced significantly by adding lignin fiber or glass fiber. Previous researches demonstrated an obvious improvement in low temperature performance in the pavement when adding 0.2–0.4% lignin fiber of asphalt mixtures, with a limited improvement of high temperature performance. On the contrary, the asphalt mixtures modified with 0.2–0.6% glass fiber of asphalt mixtures significantly improved the resistance of high temperature. So it is hard to improve all the performances of the mixture by using only a single admixture at the same time. Thus, a new way of modifying asphalt mixture that is called double-mixture technology or composite modification, which is able to enhance the overall properties of asphalt mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of cubic cobalt-imidazolate cages have been successfully synthesized via subcomponent self-assembly in different solvents under solvothermal conditions. The homovalent CoII and mixed-valence CoIII,II-imidazolate cages are assembled with control over the mixed solvent ratio of N,N-diethylformamide/ethanol, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐assembled functional supramolecular metallopolymers have demonstrated application potential in cancer therapy. Herein, a copper polypyridyl complex was found able to self‐assemble into a supramolecular metallopolymer driven by the intermolecular interactions, which could enhance the uptake in cancer cells through endocytosis, and thus effectively inhibiting tumor growth in vivo without damaging to the major organs. This study provides a facile way to achieve enhanced anticancer efficacy by using self‐assembled metallopolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A visible‐light‐promoted aerobic oxidative hydroxylation of boronic acids using phthalocyanine zinc as an easily available photosensitizer has been developed. It provided a direct access to synthesize aliphatic alcohols and phenols from boronic acids. The advantages of this approach included the low catalyst loading (0.5 mol%), high efficient, the use of O2 as an oxygen source, wide substrate range, the simple operational process, and mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alfalfa is the most extensively cultivated forage legume. Salinity is a major environmental factor that impacts on alfalfa's productivity. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying alfalfa responses to salinity, especially the relative contribution of the two important components of osmotic and ionic stress. Results: In this study, we constructed the first full-length transcriptome database for alfalfa root tips under continuous NaCl and mannitol treatments for 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h (three biological replicates for each time points, including the control group) via PacBio Iso-Seq. This resulted in the identification of 52,787 full-length transcripts, with an average length of 2551 bp. Global transcriptional changes in the same 33 stressed samples were then analyzed via BGISEQ-500 RNA-Seq. Totals of 8861 NaCl-regulated and 8016 mannitol-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Metabolic analyses revealed that these DEGs overlapped or diverged in the cascades of molecular networks involved in signal perception, signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, and antioxidative defense. Notably, several well characterized signalling pathways, such as CDPK, MAPK, CIPK, and PYL-PP2C-SnRK2, were shown to be involved in osmotic stress, while the SOS core pathway was activated by ionic stress. Moreover, the physiological shifts of catalase and peroxidase activity, glutathione and proline content were in accordance with dynamic transcript profiles of the relevant genes, indicating that antioxidative defense system plays critical roles in response to salinity stress. Conclusions: Overall, our study provides evidence that the response to salinity stress in alfalfa includes both osmotic and ionic components. The key osmotic and ionic stress-related genes are candidates for future studies as potential targets to improve resistance to salinity stress via genetic engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract High frequency alternating magnetic fields (AMF) have been widely used as a non-invasive method to induce local hyperthermia for antitumor treatment and to efficiently trigger drug release from various carriers. However, few studies have exploited the potential of targeted drug delivery to healthy cells or tissue and the use of low frequency AMF (LF-AMF) for intracellular triggered release. To achieve this goal, doxycycline was delivered with the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled magnetic microcapsules, and AMF with low frequency (50 Hz) was applied. The low frequency AMF had little effect on morphology of microcapsules, which upon exposure for 360 min caused no significant damage and had the advantage of minimizing heating effects. Nonetheless, microcapsule permeability increased as a function of exposure time when assessed using FITC-dextran (70 kDa) with the number of permeable microcapsules increased from 13.5% (20 min) to 52.8% (360 min). Increased permeability also enhanced in vitro doxycycline release in genetically engineered myoblast cells where EGFP expression is regulated by the tetracycline system, while targeted EGFP expression was observed by magnetically navigating the microcapsules to a site of interest. Upon LF-AMF exposure of 30 min, no cytotoxicity was observed, but intracellular doxycycline release was promoted and enhanced EGFP expression as demonstrated by EGFP fluorescence intensity measurement. This study reveals the possibility of targeted drug delivery and using LF-AMF as a non-cytotoxic intracellular trigger of drug release from microcapsules without alteration in cell viability. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A biofriendly low frequency alternating magnetic field (LF-AMF, 50 Hz) is used for triggered release. • Targeted delivery of doxycycline and switch-on of local cell activity is achieved with microcapsules. • The intracellular activity is further promoted with LF-AMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gain‐adaption mechanism of a dual level to the super‐twisting algorithm (STA) for adaptive sliding mode design is studied. The proposed dual level method first tunes a third‐order sliding mode observer to exactly estimate the magnitude level of external disturbances, and then adjusts the two gains (α,β) of STA online simultaneously such that a second‐order sliding mode can take place with small rectifying gains. The gains of the third‐order sliding mode observer are adjusted by exploring the homogeneous property such that only one auxiliary parameter L is needed to be tuned. The magnitude of this parameter L increases until the error between the observer output and actual disturbance disappears. While driving the sliding variable to the sliding mode surface of STA, one gain β of the STA automatically converges to an adjacent area of the perturbation magnitude in finite time. The other gain α is adjusted by the gain β to guarantee the robustness of the STA. This method requires no intervention during adaptation. The usefulness is illustrated by an example of designing an equivalent control‐based sliding mode control with the proposed adaptive STA for a perturbed linear time‐invariant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crocus sativus , known as "plant gold", is rich in carotenoids/apocarotenoids and possesses magnificent medicinal properties. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can remarkably enhance the production of carotenoids/apocarotenoids in C. sativus, but its regulatory network remains little understood. Herein, MeJA-induced saffron was sequenced using the combination of third generation long-read and next-generation short-read technology. A total of 75,649 high-quality non-redundant full-length transcripts were generated. Functional annotation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that post-translational modification was crucial to MeJA-induced saffron. In addition, most of the transcripts encoding enzymes in pathways were up-regulated which in accord with the increasing tendency of crocins content. Then 40 CsWRKYs, 19 CsMPKs were identified with in-depth sequence analysis and established the co-expression network of MPK-WRKY-enzyme through mathematical calculation. Finally, RT-qPCR was performed and a total of 2 CsWRKYs (CsWRKY38, 34) and 1 CsMPK (CsMPK6) with significant correlation were identified as good candidates for carotenoids/apocarotenoids biosynthetic regulation. Our results provide inspiration for blank research on post-translational modification of crocins biosynthesis in C. sativus. • Totals of 75,649 high-quality non-redundant full-length transcripts were obtained. • Forty CsWRKYs and nineteen MPKs were obtained. • CsWRKY and its interacting CsMPK involved in crocins biosynthesis was found. • Ninety-four key genes were screened by co-expression network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The "ampliative" Spiraea japonica complex was put forward. • Phylogeographical pattern is related to the regionalization of East Asian flora. • Genetic and diterpenoid alkaloids data support a transition belt in central China. • Diversification and demographic dynamics were shaped by the geological events. • Polyploidization contributed to the population expansion in east China. Each subkingdom of East Asian flora (EAF) has a unique evolutionary history, but which has rarely been described based on phylogeographic studies of EAF species. The Spiraea japonica L. complex, which is widespread in East Asia (EA), has received considerable attention because of the presence of diterpenoid alkaloids (DAs). It provides a proxy for understanding the genetic diversity and DA distribution patterns of species under various environmental conditions associated with the geological background in EA. In the present study, the plastome and chloroplast/nuclear DNA of 71 populations belonging to the S. japonica complex and its congeners were sequenced, combined with DA identification, environmental analyses, and ecological niche modelling, to investigate their phylogenetic relationships, genetic and DAs distribution patterns, biogeography, and demographic dynamics. An "ampliative" S. japonica complex was put forward, comprising all species of Sect. Calospira Ser. Japonicae , of which three evolutionary units carrying their respective unique types of DAs were identified and associated with the regionalization of EAF (referring to the Hengduan Mountains, central China, and east China). Moreover, a transition belt in central China with its biogeographic significance was revealed by genetic and DA distribution patterns from the perspective of ecological adaptation. The origin and onset differentiation of the "ampliative" S. japonica complex was estimated in the early Miocene (22.01/19.44 Ma). The formation of Japanese populations (6.75 Ma) was facilitated by the land bridge, which subsequently had a fairly stable demographic history. The populations in east China have undergone a founder effect after the Last Glacial Maximum, which may have been promoted by the expansion potential of polyploidization. Overall, the in-situ origin and diversification of the "ampliative" S. japonica complex since the early Miocene is a vertical section of the formation and development of modern EAF and was shaped by the geological history of each subkingdom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The instabilities of a pendent viscous thin film underneath two corrugated ceilings are studied numerically and theoretically in comparison with the case of a flat wall. With the same initial interface perturbations, it is shown numerically that both the supercritical instability and the subcritical instability can be retarded by the in-phase corrugated ceilings. The lubrication approximation is used to explain the retardation effect of the corrugated ceiling on the supercritical instability of the pendant film, where the linear growth rate is revealed to be power three of the initial film thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of planar organic fluorophores (R=phenyl, naphthalenyl, pyrenyl) and luminescence promotors (X=Cl, Br, I) were equipped, respectively, on the alternatively arranged vertices of cubic ZnII‐imidazolate cages through orthogonal subcomponent self‐assembly. It was found that supramolecular interactions, especially weak C−H⋅⋅⋅X interactions, play a key role in activating an efficient radiative pathway, coupled with reduced nonradiative decay rate through metal coordination, therefore significantly boosting the emission quantum yields of the system. This finding provides a strategy that utilizes molecular geometry and supramolecular interactions to modulate the emission efficiency of luminescent cage‐based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To functionalize novel chlorhexidine (CHX) particles with iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles and control their release kinetics in a dental resin using an external magnetic field. Methods Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated into spherical CHX particles and the powder was freeze dried. Resin disc specimens were produced using a UDMA-HEMA resin mixed with freeze dried spherical Fe 3 O 4 -CHX particles (5 wt.%), which were placed into a Teflon mould (10 mm diameter × 1 mm depth) and covered with a Mylar strip. A MACS magnet was left in contact for 0 min (Group 1), 5 min (Group 2) or 10 min (Group 3) and the resin discs subsequently light cured (Bluedent LED pen, Bulgaria) for 60 s per side. The resin discs were immersed in deionized water at various time points up to 650 h. UV–Vis absorbance was used to determine the CHX content. CHX released for each time point was determined. The functionalized CHX particles and resin discs were characterized using TEM, TGA, EDX and SEM. Results Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (20 nm) incorporated into the spherical CHX particles led to a mean (SD) particle size reduction from 17.15 (1.99) μm to 10.39 (2.61) μm. The presence of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles in the spherical CHX particles was confirmed with SEM, EDX, and TGA. SEM of Group 1 resin discs (no magnetic exposure) showed functionalized CHX spheres were homogeneously distributed within the resin discs. For resin discs which had magnetic exposure (5 or 10 min) the particles started to cluster nearer the surface (Group 2: 43.7%, Group 3: 57.3%), to a depth of 94 μm. UV–Vis absorbance revealed Group 1 resin discs had a cumulative CHX release of 4.4% compared to 5.9% for Group 2 and 7.4% for Group 3 resin discs, which had magnetic exposure (5, 10 min). Significance Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle functionalized CHX spheres demonstrated a magnetic field responsive property. A magnetic field responsive release of CHX may be useful in clinical situations where the drug can be directed to give a tailored release at the site of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous phylogeographical studies of the Sino-Himalaya (SH) regions have mainly focused on seed plants from forest or alpine grassland habitats, whereas the flora of the subnival summits, especially the ferns, has largely been ignored. Here, we report on phylogeographical studies on Polystichum glaciale, a rare fern endemic to the subnival belt of the SH region. Based on cpDNA/nDNA sequences, strikingly rich genetic diversity was detected in P. glaciale. Combined with the lack of ‘isolation by distance’ and the major genetic differentiation among populations revealed by AMOVA, they collectively suggested that P. glaciale exhibited island-like population genetic structure. Phylogeographical structure with two genetic groups (N vs. S) was further identified in P. glaciale by the SAMOVA based on cpDNA data, of which the geographical pattern was mainly associated with the biogeographical boundary between the northern and southern Hengduan Mountains at 29°N latitude. We concluded that extremely complex topography of SH region and highly fragmented subnival habitat have played a critical role in shaping phylogeographical structure and genetic differentiation of P. glaciale. Mismatch distribution analyses and ecological niche modelling suggested P. glaciale has undergone north-westward retreat after the LGM. Predictions of its future distribution indicated the possibility of compression within suitable subnival habitats. We suggest in situ conservation should be urgently implemented to preserve this rare fern. Our results represent a first framework for a comprehensive understanding of the biogeographical history of fern species associated with the subnival belt of the SH region and the effects of historical events on its genetic architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]