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Abnormal healing following skin injury, such as slow healing and scar formation, can significantly affect an individual's life. Complex treatment methods and cumbersome instruments have reduced the efficacy of treating such diseases. In this study, a novel biocompatible liquid metal (LM) composite wound dressing (LGPU) is designed by synthesizing polyurea polyurethane (PU) and blending it with LM modified with glutathione (GSH), a bioactive three‐peptide compound. The effects of external electrical stimulation (ES) on wound‐induced hair follicle neogenesis are explored. The dressings exhibited a few important properties, including conductivity, high stretchability, recyclability, and, most importantly, excellent self‐healing capacity, owing to the liquid nature of the LM fillers and the highly dynamic characteristics of hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, the combination therapy with LGPU and ES promoted fibroblast migration and accelerated wound healing. The wounds treated with the combination therapy fully healed in nine days, while the wounds in the blank group are still in a scabbing state. Remarkably, this treatment method can activate the regeneration and healthy growth of hair follicles at the site of injury, which is beneficial for reducing wound scarring. Collectively, this innovative therapy provides a facile strategy to accelerate skin wound healing and achieve scar‐free repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides an integrated 3D environment for living cells to communicate and display collective behaviors. In bottom‐up synthetic biology, several new types of synthetic prototissues (assemblies of synthetic protocells) are developed to mimic various aspects of cellular signaling. However, the spatiotemporal interplay between supporting matrix and protocells, which is critical for mimicking macroscopic responsiveness of multicellular organisms, has remained challenging to control. Herein, a modular strategy is reported to construct macroscopic prototissues with complex structures based on hierarchical assembly of matrix and polymeric protocells prepared by using CaCO3 sacrificial microparticle templates. Mechanical coordination between protocells and matrix allows for the transformation in response to both the presence and history of multiple stimuli. Taking advantage of the multi‐responsiveness, it further demonstrated an artificial form of metabolic behaviors where a digestive prototissue prey on a substrate‐containing prototissue by two‐way communication. Overall, the methodology presents a strategy to achieve mechanical and chemical communication in matrix containing, tissue‐like materials harboring the potential to reconstitute collective behaviors for bottom‐up synthetic biology and bioinspired engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Bile acids (BA) function as signalling molecules regulating glucose‐lipid homeostasis and energy expenditure. However, the expression of the apical sodium‐dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) in the kidney, responsible for renal BA reabsorption, is downregulated in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Using the db/db mouse model of DKD, this study aimed to investigate the effects of rescuing ASBT expression via adeno‐associated virus‐mediated delivery of ASBT (AAVASBT) on kidney protection. Methods: Six‐week‐old male db/db mice received an intraparenchymal injection of AAVASBT at a dose of 1 × 1011 viral genomes (vg)/animal and were subsequently fed a chow diet for 2 weeks. Male db/m mice served as controls. For drug treatment, daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonist guggulsterone (GS, 10 mg/kg) were administered one day after initiating the experiment. Results: AAVASBT treatment rescued renal ASBT expression and reduced the urinary BA output in db/db mice. AAVASBT treatment activated kidney mitochondrial biogenesis and ameliorated renal impairment associated with diabetes by activating FXR. In addition, the injection of FXR antagonist GS in DKD mice would reverse these beneficial effects by AAVASBT treatment. Conclusion: Our work indicated that restoring renal ASBT expression slowed the course of DKD via activating FXR. FXR activation stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis while reducing renal oxidative stress and lipid build up, indicating FXR activation's crucial role in preventing DKD. These findings further suggest that the maintenance of renal BA reabsorption could be a viable treatment for DKD. Summary at a glance: Restoring renal apical sodium‐dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) expression attenuates diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression through farnesoid X receptor activation, which promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and reduces oxidative stress and lipid accumulation.Modulating renal bile acid reabsorption via ASBT upregulation holds promise as a therapeutic approach for DKD management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncontrollable growth of Zn dendrites, irreversible dissolution of cathode material and solidification of aqueous electrolyte at low temperatures severely restrict the development of aqueous Zn‐ion batteries. In this work, 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFEA) with a volume fraction of 50% as a highly compatible polar‐solvent is introduced to 1.3 M Zn(CF3SO3)2 aqueous electrolyte, achieving stable high‐performance Zn‐ion batteries. Massive theoretical calculations and characterization analysis demonstrate that TFEA weakens the tip effect of Zn anode and restrains the growth of Zn dendrites due to electrostatic adsorption and coordinate with H2O to disrupt the hydrogen bonding network in water. Furthermore, TFEA increases the wettability of the cathode and alleviates the dissolution of V2O5, thus improving the capacity of the full battery. Based on those positive effects of TFEA on Zn anode, V2O5 cathode, and aqueous electrolyte, the Zn//Zn symmetric cell delivers a long cycle‐life of 782 h at 5 mA cm−2 and 2 mA h cm−2. The full battery still declares an initial capacity of 116.78 mA h g−1, and persists 87.73% capacity in 2000 cycles at −25 °C. This work presents an effective strategy for fully compatible co‐solvent to promote the stability of Zn anode, V2O5 cathode and aqueous electrolyte for high‐performance Zn‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy information is vulnerable to malicious denial of service (DoS) attacks due to the diversity and openness of the smart grid environment. In order to cope with the above challenges, this paper first proposes to adopt Markov hopping model to describe the random packet loss of measurement due to DoS attacks. Then, based on Holt two‐parameter exponential smoothing and untraced Kalman filtering techniques, a one‐step predictive value compensation method for measurement data loss is proposed, and an improved dynamic untraced particle filtering algorithm based on data fusion compensation strategy is designed. Finally, an IEEE‐30 bus system is used to simulate the proposed dynamic state estimation method, which proves that the proposed method can effectively resist DoS attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving reversible plating/stripping of zinc (Zn) anodes is crucial in aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs). However, undesired dendrite growth and parasitic side reactions severely deteriorate battery lifespan. The construction of stable protective coating is an effective strategy to enhance anode stability. In this study, a multifunctional nanodiamond (ND) inorganic layer is designed and constructed on both Zn and Cu electrodes that can both effectively inhibit dendrite growth and suppress Zn anode corrosion. Experimental results and theoretical calculations demonstrate that this artificial protective layer, with ultra‐high surface energy, enables the controlled creation of abundant nucleation sites (in the order of 1012 cm−2) for the homogenization of ion flux and electric field on the anode. It is found that zinc ions preferentially adhere to the diamond surfaces with lower diffusion barriers, leading to uniform zinc deposition. A symmetric cell with the ND‐protected Zn (Zn‐ND) anode exhibits reversible plating/stripping behavior for an impressive duration of over 3600 h at 1 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the MnO2||Zn full battery retains 90% of its initial capacity after 3500 cycles at 2 A g−1, and assembled hybrid capacitor operates smoothly over 65 000 cycles at 10 A g−1. These results underscore the potential of this coating as a promising solution for achieving highly stable Zn anodes for aqueous batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reversible bonding of microfluidic chips has been developing rapidly with the requirement of reusable microfluidic devices or the need to obtain the samples inside the chip. Traditional bonding methods for polymer‐based microfluidics, e.g., thermal bonding, permanently attach the substrate and cover plate. Sometimes, once the chip flow channel is blocked, it is difficult to clean and affect the reusability of the chip. This study proposes a new reversible bonding method for poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microfluidic chips with the help of stretch release adhesive strips. The designed microchannels were fabricated on the surface of PMMA plates using CO2 laser irradiation. Then, stretch release adhesive strips were used as an intermediate layer between the substrate (with microchannels) and another flat PMMA/PS/PC plate to seal the microchannel. The assembled chip sets were bonded at room temperature with bonding strength comparable with other permanent bonding methods. Experimental results show that simply pulling the adhesive layer by applying a shear force can easily detach the intermediate adhesive layer from both the substrate and cover plate to separate the bonded chipset. The proposed reversible bonding method is simple, rapid and has low residue and high bonding strength. Bacterial culture experiments were also conducted to verify the biocompatibility of the proposed bonding method. The proposed reversible bonding technique can be used for polymer‐based microfluidic devices that require sample recovery or chip reuse. Highlights: The stretch release adhesive strip can provide high bond strength.It allows easy peeling for reversible bonding.It bonds at room temperature with simple operation.It has good transparency for easy observation of experiments.It has good biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Due to the high level of organic acids – primarily citric acid – black, red, and white currants have an excessively sour taste, making taste adjustment during processing challenging. This study investigated and evaluated the effects of an inoculation dose of the acid‐reducing yeast Issatchenkia terricola WJL‐G4 on several aspect such as physicochemical properties, chromaticity, active substances, and antioxidant capacity. A sensory evaluation was also conducted. RESULTS: The results indicated that, when the inoculation dose increased from 2% to 12%, the total phenol, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin content, and antioxidant capacity in currant juice decreased. A low inoculation dose (2–4%) was beneficial for preserving the total phenol and total flavonoid content. Although the levels of most phenolic compounds decreased, the concentrations of caffeic acid, p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rutin, and epicatechin were significantly higher than the control after fermentation. Overall acceptability and taste scores of fermented currants improved compared with those of the control group. CONCLUSION: This experiment provided an effective solution, with a theoretical basis, to the problems of the sour taste and harsh flavor of currant juice. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate treatment of mass‐produced degraded batteries is desired to alleviate resource waste and environmental pollution caused by direct disposal. However, current technologies, which aim to recycle high‐value components from degraded batteries to refabricate new batteries, suffer from complex destruction‐refabrication processes and massive energy/resource inputs. Here it is found that without disassembling the degraded battery, the lost capacity is rejuvenated to its pristine state by simply applying electrical activation at a controlled voltage. It is shown that repeated application of electrical activation regenerates 22 life cycles for zinc‐ion batteries, increasing the total discharge energy by 78 times. The capacity rejuvenation by electrical activation originates from the transformation of redox‐inert Zn‐Mn‐O by‐products on the degraded cathode to redox‐active Mn‐O nanoribbons, which recovers diffusion kinetics of Zn2+/H+ charge carriers. Simultaneously, the dendrites on the degraded anode are flattened to prevent short circuits while maintaining the electrolyte integrity. The electrical activation strategy is extendable to other batteries, such as lithium batteries, promising tremendous economic and environmental benefits. Besides, electrical activation rejuvenates implanted batteries to avoid the pain and hazards of replacing degraded batteries with conventional surgeries. This work presents a general and commercially viable route to treat degraded batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 emissions reduction of urban residents is one of the main ways to mitigate climate change. Clarifying the key factors of carbon emissions can provide a reference basis for the government to formulate carbon reduction policies. The old urban community that widely exist in most cities in northern China is taken as the research object. Based on the fuzzy interpretive structural model and structural equation model, a new method is proposed to explore the influencing factors of household carbon emissions (HCEs). It is found that behavior change attitude and low‐carbon personal cognition are the two most important factors affecting HCE. Elderly families, high‐income families, and low‐education families are the groups with higher per capita HCE. Different suggestions were proposed to promote HCE reduction for the high‐income young tenants and low‐income elderly local residents in the community. In addition, by introducing multi‐agent judgment, the coupling model proposed in this study reduces the subjectivity caused by excessive reliance on single agent judgment in previous studies. It enhances the credibility of research conclusions and provides a good methodological reference for research in similar fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone lactylation is a metabolic stress‐related histone modification. However, the role of histone lactylation in the development of sepsis‐associated acute kidney injury (SA‐AKI) remains unclear. Here, histone H3K18 lactylation (H3K18la) is elevated in SA‐AKI, which is reported in this study. Furthermore, this lactate‐dependent histone modification is enriched at the promoter of Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) and positively correlated with the transcription. Correction of abnormal lactate levels resulted in a reversal of abnormal histone lactylation at the promoter of RhoA. Examination of related mechanism revealed that histone lactylation promoted the RhoA/Rho‐associated protein kinase (ROCK) /Ezrin signaling, the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), inflammation, cell apoptosis, and aggravated renal dysfunction. In addition, Ezrin can undergo lactylation modification. Multiple lactylation sites are identified in Ezrin and confirmed that lactylation mainly occurred at the K263 site. The role of histone lactylation is revealed in SA‐AKI and reportes a novel post‐translational modification in Ezrin. Its potential role in regulating inflammatory metabolic adaptation of renal proximal tubule epithelial cells is also elucidated. The results provide novel insights into the epigenetic regulation of the onset of SA‐AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing a reliable control of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) is challenging but essential for the full utilization of rare‐earth iron garnets in spintronic devices. In this study, a feasible approach to enhance the PMA of ferrimagnetic thulium iron garnet (TmIG) films is presented. This approach involves precise adjustments in cation stoichiometry and epitaxial strain state. By fine‐tuning the pre‐ablation process and oxygen partial pressure during pulsed laser deposition, a series of high‐quality TmIG films can grow with variable cation stoichiometry, i.e., the Tm/Fe molar ratio. The finding reveals that cation stoichiometry plays a crucial role in determining the magnetic properties of the TmIG films. Particularly, the stoichiometric TmIG film has the strongest PMA due to the maximized magnetostriction coefficient. Combining this stoichiometry optimization and strain engineering, an unprecedented PMA strength of ≈30 kJ m−3 for TmIG is achieved. This achievement demonstrates a simple and effective method for harnessing the magnetic properties of rare‐earth iron garnet films, paving the way for their advanced applications in next‐generation spintronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, symmetric Pearcey Gaussian beams (SPGBs) are studied in a Kerr medium. By varying the initial input power, the autofocusing ability of the beams is investigated, to find a clear restrictive relationship between the breath‐like structure and the initial input power. The critical collapse power is investigated when SPGBs change from discrete beams to regular breath‐like structure. Finally, the transmission of SPGBs is discussed under different phase modulation when SPGBs are affected by astigmatic, the whole beam is rotated and the angle of rotation can be controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suitable biomaterials with seed cells have promising potential to repair bone defects. However, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), one of the most common seed cells used in tissue engineering, cannot differentiate efficiently and accurately into functional osteoblasts. In view of this, a new tissue engineering technique combined with BMSCs and scaffolds is a major task for bone defect repair. Lentiviruses interfering with miR‐136‐5p or Smurf1 expression were transfected into BMSCs. The effects of miR‐136‐5p or Smurf1 on the osteogenic differentiation (OD) of BMSCs were evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition. Then, the targeting relationship between miR‐136‐5p and Smurf1 was verified by bioinformatics website analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay. Then, a rabbit femoral condyle bone defect model was established. miR‐136‐5p/BMSCs/β‐TCP scaffold was implanted into the defect, and the repair of the bone defect was detected by Micro‐CT and HE staining. Elevating miR‐136‐5p‐3p or suppressing Smurf1 could stimulate OD of BMSCs. miR‐136‐5p negatively regulated Smurf1 expression. Overexpressing Smurf1 reduced the promoting effect of miR‐136‐5p on the OD of BMSCs. miR‐136‐5p/BMSCs/β‐TCP could strengthen bone density in the defected area and accelerate bone repair. SmurF1‐targeting miR‐136‐5p‐modified BMSCs combined with 3D‐printed β‐TCP scaffolds can strengthen osteogenic activity and alleviate bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombus formation, poor pregnancy outcomes, and a proinflammatory response. H3K4me3‐related monocytes activation are key regulators of APS pathogenesis. Therefore, H3K4me3 CUT&Tag and ATAC‐seq are performed to examine the epigenetic profiles. The results indicate that the H3K4me3 signal and chromatin accessibility at the FOXJ2 promoter are enhanced in an in vitro monocyte model by stimulation with β2GPI/anti‐β2GPI, which mimics APS, and decreases after OICR‐9429 administration. Furthermore, FOXJ2 is highly expressed in patients with primary APS (PAPS) and is the highest in patients with triple‐positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Mechanistically, FOXJ2 directly binds to the SLAMF8 promoter and activates SLAMF8 transcription. SLAMF8 further interacts with TREM1 to stimulate TLR4/NF‐κB signaling and prohibit autophagy. Knockdown of FOXJ2, SLAMF8, or TREM1 blocks TLR4/NF‐κB and provokes autophagy, subsequently inhibiting the release of inflammatory and thrombotic indicators. A mouse model of vascular APS is established via β2GPI intraperitoneal injection, and the results suggest that OICR‐9429 administration attenuates the inflammatory response and thrombus formation by inactivating FOXJ2/SLAMF8/TREM1 signaling. These findings highlight the overexpression of H3K4me3‐mediated FOXJ2 in APS, which consequently accelerates APS pathogenesis by triggering inflammation and thrombosis via boosting the SLAMF8/TREM1 axis. Therefore, OICR‐9429 is a promising candidate drug for APS therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinated and stable development of economy–energy–environment (3E) systems represents a long‐term strategy for the sustainable development of humankind. Following the research idea of "indicator system construction—3E system evaluation—obstacles identification—optimization management," this article innovatively constructs a multiangle and comparable methodology system for evaluation and optimized management of the 3E system and considers the core cities of three economic circles in China as cases for empirical research. The results show that all the coordination degree levels were of good or high quality, which was at the highest level in the country. The sustainability degree of the three cities showed an upward trend; of these, Beijing had the highest sustainability degree, followed by Guangzhou and Shanghai. Obstacle degree analysis shows that technology investment and energy factors were common factors hindering sustainable development of the 3E systems of the three cities, and each city also had its own unique factors that acted as obstacles. On this basis, this article formulates region‐specific policy recommendations in order to provide a useful reference for top‐level design for the government. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:875–887. © 2023 SETAC Key Points: This article innovatively constructs a multiangle and comparable methodology system for evaluation and optimized management of the economy–energy–environment (3E) system.The sustainability degree of the three cities showed an upward trend; of these, Beijing had the highest sustainability degree, followed by Guangzhou and Shanghai.Obstacle degree analysis shows that technology investment and energy factors were common factors that hindered sustainable development of the 3E systems of the three cities, and each city also had its own unique factors that acted as obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever‐increasing complexity of environmental pollutants urgently warrants the development of new detection technologies. Sensors based on the optical properties of hydrogels enabling fast and easy in situ detection are attracting increasing attention. In this paper, the data from 138 papers about different optical hydrogels (OHs) are extracted for statistical analysis. The detection performance and potential of various types of OHs in different environmental pollutant detection scenarios were evaluated and compared to those obtained using the standard detection method. Based on this analysis, the target recognition and sensing mechanisms of two main types of OHs are reviewed and discussed: photonic crystal hydrogels (PCHs) and fluorescent hydrogels (FHs). For PCHs, the environmental stimulus response, target receptors, inverse opal structures, and molecular imprinting techniques related to PCHs are reviewed and summarized. Furthermore, the different types of fluorophores (i.e., compound probes, biomacromolecules, quantum dots, and luminescent microbes) of FHs are discussed. Finally, the potential academic research directions to address the challenges of applying and developing OHs in environmental sensing are proposed, including the fusion of various OHs, introduction of the latest technologies in various fields to the construction of OHs, and development of multifunctional sensor arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X‐ray scintillators have gained significant attention in medical diagnostics and industrial applications. Despite their widespread utility, scintillator development faces a significant hurdle when exposed to elevated temperatures, as it usually results in reduced scintillation efficiency and diminished luminescence output. Here we report a molecular design strategy based on a hybrid perovskite (TpyBiCl5) that overcomes thermal quenching through multi‐excited state switching. The structure of perovskite provides a platform to modulate the luminescence centers. The rigid framework constructed by this perovskite structure stabilized its triplet states, resulting in TpyBiCl5 exhibiting an approximately 12 times higher (45 % vs. 3.8 %) photoluminescence quantum yield of room temperature phosphorescence than that of its organic ligand (Tpy). Most importantly, the interactions between the components of this perovskite enable the mixing of different excited states, which has been revealed by experimental and theoretical investigations. The TpyBiCl5 scintillator exhibits a detection limit of 38.92 nGy s−1 at 213 K and a detection limit of 196.31 nGy s−1 at 353 K through scintillation mode switching between thermally activated delayed fluorescence and phosphorescence. This work opens up the possibility of solving the thermal quenching in X‐ray scintillators by tuning different excited states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improved electronic conductivity and ion diffusion efficiency of TiO2‐based anode materials have been extensively studied by introducing oxygen vacancies or creating amorphous structure. There has been little exploration of the synergistic effects by combining these two modification strategies into one TiO2‐based matrix. In addition, the structure–activity relationship and energy storage mechanism involved remain to be understood. Herein, a facile one‐step coreduction method is reported to successfully produce the oxygen vacancy‐doped amorphous TiO2 nanoparticles. The oxygen vacancy‐doped amorphous TiO2 anode exhibits significantly enhanced electrochemical activity and high‐rate stability (up to 87 mAh g−1 over 10 000 discharge/charge cycles at a current rate of 100 C). This outstanding electrochemical performance is attributable to the synergistic effects of amorphous structure and oxygen vacancies. Density functional theory calculations reveal the enhanced electronic conductivity and thermodynamically favorable lithium insertion architecture due to the introduction of oxygen vacancy and the construction of the amorphous skeleton. Dynamic analysis indicates that the lithium‐storage mechanism is a hybrid of surface capacitive storage and enhanced diffusion‐controlled ion insertion. This work opens up new pathways in developing novel anode materials for efficient energy storage from the wide spectrum of metal oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Staphylococcus aureus is a prominent foodborne pathogen causing Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) in dairy products. This study estimated S. aureus growth and thermal inactivation kinetic parameters and variability in various dairy products by conducting a meta‐analysis. Cheese exhibited a lower theoretical minimum temperature (Tmin), indicating favourable conditions for S. aureus growth even at lower temperatures. Tmin values for other matrices ranged from 5.0 to 7.2 °C, providing insights for production parameter formulation. Meanwhile, significant variations in the maximum population density (Ymax) are among dairy products at the same temperature. Keeping temperatures below 0 °C in pasteurised milk, raw milk and cheese limited Ymax to approximately 102–4 CFU mL−1, below the international toxicity threshold. Factors influencing D values were smaller than strain variability, and NaCl concentration emerged as a significant factor affecting S. aureus growth. These parameters can serve as references for quality control, safety and production optimisation in dairy product processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation in the testes induced by infection and autoimmunity contributes significantly to male infertility, a public health issue. Current therapies using antibiotics and broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective against non-bacterial orchitis and induce side effects. This highlights the need to explore the pathogenesis of orchitis and develop alternative therapeutic strategies. In this study, we demonstrated that Gasdermin D (GSDMD) was activated in the testes during uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC)-induced acute orchitis, and that GSDMD in macrophages induced inflammation and affected spermatogenesis during acute and chronic orchitis. In testicular macrophages, GSDMD promoted inflammation and antigen presentation, thereby enhancing the T-cell response after orchitis. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of GSDMD alleviated the symptoms of UPEC-induced acute orchitis. Collectively, these findings provide the first demonstration of GSDMD's role in driving orchitis and suggest that GSDMD may be a potential therapeutic target for treating orchitis. Synopsis: Inflammation in the testis triggered by infection or an autoimmune disorder may lead to male infertility. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC)-induced orchitis and experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) mouse models were used to identify the critical role of the Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of orchitis. The cleavage of GSDMD in testis is induced by UPEC infection. Gsdmdfl/flCx3cr1-cre mice are protected from UPEC-induced acute orchitis and chronic EAO. GSDMD deficiency reduces inflammatory response and antigen presentation capacities of macrophages, thereby impairing CD8 + T-cell response. The FDA-approved drug DMF inhibiting GSDMD activation alleviates UPEC-induced acute orchitis. Inflammation in the testis triggered by infection or an autoimmune disorder may lead to male infertility. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC)-induced orchitis and experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) mouse models were used to identify the critical role of the Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of orchitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large amount of Cr2O72− and glyphosate (GLYP) discharge cause serious water pollution. In this paper, two new MOFs (Zn‐DPIA and Cd‐DPIA) were synthesized, which have excellent selectivity and sensitivity in the detection of Cr2O72− and GLYP. The detection limits (LODs) of Zn‐DPIA sensing Cr2O72− and GLYP were 1.37 and 1.92 μM, respectively, and the LODs of Cd‐DPIA sensing Cr2O72− and GLYP were 1.19 and 1.42 μM, respectively. Cr2O72− and GLYP detection based on Zn‐DPIA and Cd‐DPIA in tap water is highly reliable based on high recovery rates (97% to 106% and 95% to 103%), indicating that Zn‐DPIA and Cd‐DPIA have practical application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alterations of the trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) mark in monocytes are implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to elucidate the role of H3K4me3‐mediated epigenetics in the pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Methods: H3K4me3 Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation and Assay for Transposase‐Accessible Chromatin were performed to determine the epigenetic profiles. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull‐down, co‐immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation were performed for mechanistic studies. Transmission electron microscopy and propidium iodide staining confirmed cell pyroptosis. Primary monocytes from patients with primary APS (PAPS) and healthy donors were utilised to test the levels of key molecules. A mouse model mimicked APS was constructed with beta2‐glycoprotein I (β2GPI) injection. Blood velocity was detected using murine Doppler ultrasound. Results: H3K4me3 signal and open chromatin at the ARID5B promoter were increased in an in vitro model of APS. The epigenetic factor ARID5B directly activated LINC01128 transcription at its promoter. LINC01128 promoted the formation of the BTF3/STAT3 complex to enhance STAT3 phosphorylation. Activated STAT3 interacted with the NLRP3 promoter and subsequently stimulated pyroptosis and apoptosis. ARID5B or BTF3 depletion compensated for LINC01128‐induced pyroptosis and apoptosis by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation. In mice with APS, β2GPI exposure elevated the levels of key proteins of pyroptosis and apoptosis pathways in bone marrow‐derived monocytes, reduced the blood velocity of the ascending aorta, increased the thrombus size of the carotid artery, and promoted the release of interleukin (IL)‐18, IL‐1β and tissue factor. Patients with PAPS had the high‐expressed ARID5B and LINC01128, especially those with triple positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between ARID5B and LINC01128 expression. Conclusion: This study indicated that ARID5B/LINC01128 was synergistically upregulated in APS, and they aggravated disease pathogenesis by enhancing the formation of the BTF3/STAT3 complex and boosting p‐STAT3‐mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis, thereby providing candidate therapeutic targets for APS. Highlights: The H3K4me3 mark and chromatin accessibility at the ARID5B promoter are increased in vitro model mimicked APS.ARID5B‐mediated LINC01128 induces pyroptosis and apoptosis via p‐STAT3 by binding to BTF3.ARID5B is high‐ expressed in patients with primary APS and positively correlated with LINC01128 expression.OICR‐9429 treatment mitigates pyroptosis and related inflammation in vivo and in vitro models mimicked APS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study evaluated the accuracy of dental implant placement using the robotic computer‐assisted implant surgery (r‐CAIS) technology in fully edentulous patients. Materials and Methods: Fully edentulous and terminal dentition patients were enrolled for r‐CAIS technology. Based on the cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination, a customized positioning marker and a preoperative surgical plan were created before surgery. During the implant surgery, the implant osteotomy and placement were automatically performed using an autonomous robotic surgery system under the surgeon's supervision. A postoperative CBCT scan was used to determine the discrepancies between the planned and placed implants. Results: Ten patients with 59 implants underwent autonomous robotic surgery. No adverse surgical events occurred. The deviations of global coronal, global apical, and angular were 0.67 ± 0.37 mm (95% CI: 0.58–0.77 mm), 0.69 ± 0.37 mm (95% CI: 0.59–0.78 mm), and 1.27° ± 0.59° (95% CI: 1.42°–1.11°), respectively. Conclusions: The autonomous r‐CAIS technology proved an accurate surgical approach for implant placement in fully edentulous patients due to the control of the angular deviation. Autonomous robotic surgery seems promising as an accurate technology for treating fully edentulous patients. However, further trials are required to provide more hard clinical evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whispering‐gallery‐mode (WGM) microcavities featuring distinguishable sharp peaks in a broadband exhibit enormous advantages in the field of miniaturized photonic barcodes. However, such kind of barcodes developed hitherto are primarily based on microcavities wherein multiple gain medias were blended into a single matrix, thus resulting in the limited and indistinguishable coding elements. Here, a surface tension assisted heterogeneous assembly strategy is proposed to construct the spatially resolved WGM hetero‐microrings with multiple spatial colors along its circular direction. Through precisely regulating the charge‐transfer (CT) strength, full‐color microrings covering the entire visible range were effectively acquired, which exhibit a series of sharp and recognizable peaks and allow for the effective construction of high‐quality photonic barcodes. Notably, the spatially resolved WGM hetero‐microrings with multiple coding elements were finally acquired through heterogeneous nucleation and growth controlled by the directional diffusion between the hetero‐emulsion droplets, thus remarkably promoting the security strength and coding capacity of the barcodes. The results would be useful to fabricate new types of organic hierarchical hybrid WGM heterostructures for optical information recording and security labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remodeling and stiffening of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a well‐recognized modulator of breast cancer progression. How changes in the mechanical properties of the ECM are converted into biochemical signals that direct tumor cell migration and metastasis remain poorly characterized. Here, we describe a new role for the autophagy‐inducing serine/threonine kinases ULK1 and ULK2 in mechanotransduction. We show that ULK1/2 activity inhibits the assembly of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions (FAs) and as a consequence impedes cell contraction and migration, independent of its role in autophagy. Mechanistically, we identify PXN/paxillin, a key component of the mechanotransducing machinery, as a direct binding partner and substrate of ULK1/2. ULK‐mediated phosphorylation of PXN at S32 and S119 weakens homotypic interactions and liquid–liquid phase separation of PXN, impairing FA assembly, which in turn alters the mechanical properties of breast cancer cells and their response to mechanical stimuli. ULK1/2 and the well‐characterized PXN regulator, FAK/Src, have opposing functions on mechanotransduction and compete for phosphorylation of adjacent serine and tyrosine residues. Taken together, our study reveals ULK1/2 as important regulator of PXN‐dependent mechanotransduction. Synopsis: The mechanotransduction‐related protein PXN/Paxillin is a direct binding partner and substrate of ULK1/2. By phosphorylating PXN, ULK1 inhibits the assembly of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions and as a consequence impedes contraction and migration of breast cancer cells. ULK1/2‐mediated phosphorylation of PXN at S32 and S119 regulates mechanotransduction and migration of breast cancer cells.ULK1/2 modulates the biomaterial properties of focal adhesions through PXN phosphorylation.ULK1/2 and FAK/Src act antagonistically in mechanotransduction through competitive phosphorylation of PXN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intestinal epithelium is the fastest renewing tissue in mammals and its regenerative process must be tightly controlled to minimize the risk of dysfunction and tumorigenesis. The orderly expression and activation of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) are the key steps in driving intestinal regeneration and crucial for intestinal homeostasis. However, the regulatory mechanisms controlling this process remain largely unknown. Here, it is discovered that evolutionarily conserved signaling intermediate in Toll pathways (ECSIT), a multi‐functional protein, is enriched along the crypt–villus axis. Intestinal cell‐specific ablation of ECSIT results in the dysregulation of intestinal differentiation unexpectedly accompanied with enhanced YAP protein dependent on translation, thus transforming intestinal cells to early proliferative stem "‐like" cells and augmenting intestinal tumorigenesis. Loss of ECSIT leads to metabolic reprogramming in favor of amino acid–based metabolism, which results in demethylation of genes encoding the eukaryotic initiation factor 4F pathway and their increased expression that further promotes YAP translation initiation culminating in intestinal homeostasis imbalance and tumorigenesis. It is also shown that the expression of ECSIT is positively correlated with the survival of patients with colorectal cancer. Together, these results demonstrate the important role of ECSIT in regulating YAP protein translation to control intestinal homeostasis and tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro‐optical frequency combs are miniaturized coherent light sources exhibiting a tremendous influence on precision spectroscopy, optical clocks, and high‐speed optical communications. The rare‐earth‐doped lithium niobate (LN) is a promising platform to integrate the lasers and comb sources on the same chip of single material. However, microcombs generated in rare‐earth‐doped LN thin film (LNTF) have not yet been fully explored. To explore the protocols of generating optical combs in ytterbium‐doped LNTF, the comb‐like laser is studied in the 1060 nm band, and the dissipative Kerr soliton is experimentally demonstrated in the telecom band in a Z‐cut wafer. The over‐coupled fundamental transverse electric mode with anomalous dispersion is excited at an on‐chip pump power of 75.7 mW to generate the robust bright soliton. The broadband spectrum of the Kerr soliton ranges from 1480 to 1660 nm with 110 comb lines, whose repetition rate is 197.8 GHz. The mode‐locking of the soliton can be achieved as a result of the photorefractive effect of ytterbium‐doped LNTF instead of complex feedback schemes. Numerical simulations are highly accordant with the experimental results. This work expands the microcomb‐generating platform and increases the potential for integrated on‐chip applications including precision ranging and frequency division. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutamine fructose‐6‐phosphate aminotransferase 2 (GFPT2) is a rate‐limiting enzyme in hexosamine biosynthesis involved in the occurrence and progress of many cancers. What role it plays in gastric cancer (GC) is still unclear. In this study, transcriptome sequencing data from the Harbin Medical University (HMU)‐GC cohort and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset were combined with the HMU‐TCGA training cohort to analyze the biological function and clinical significance of GFPT2. The correlation of GFPT2 with immune cells and stromal cells was analyzed in the GC immune microenvironment through transcriptome sequencing data and a public single‐cell sequencing database. In cell lines, GC tissues, and the tissue microarray, GFPT2 protein expression was confirmed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA of GFPT2 was highly expressed in the tumor (p < 0.001), and GC cells and tumors expressed high levels of GFPT2 protein. Compared to low expression, high GFPT2 mRNA expression was associated with higher levels of tumor invasion, higher pathological stages, and poor prognosis (p = 0.02) in GC patients. In a drug susceptibility analysis, GFPT2 mRNA expression was associated with multiple chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity, including docetaxel, paclitaxel, and cisplatin. Gene enrichment analysis found that GFPT2 was mainly primarily involved in the extracellular matrix receptor interaction pathway. The ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA algorithms showed that GFPT2 was associated with immune cell infiltration. In addition, GFPT2 was more likely to be expressed within cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and high levels of GFPT2 expression were highly correlated with four CAFs scores (all p < 0.05). Finally, a prognostic model to assess the risk of death in GC patients was constructed based on GFPT2 protein expression and lymph node metastasis rate. In conclusion, GFPT2 plays an essential role in the function of CAFs in GC. It can be used as a biomarker to assess GC prognosis and immune infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave‐ and current‐supported turbidity currents (WCSTCs) are one of the sediment delivery mechanisms from the inner shelf to the shelf break. Therefore, they play a significant role in the global cycles of geo‐chemically important particulate matter. Recent observations suggest that WCSTCs can transform into self‐driven turbidity currents close to the continental margin. However, little is known regarding the critical conditions that grow self‐driven turbidity currents out of WCSTCs. This is in part due to the knowledge gaps in the dynamics of WCSTCs regarding the role of density stratification. Especially the effect of sediment entrainment on the amount of sediment suspension has been overlooked. To this end, this study revisits the existing theoretical framework for a simplified WCSTC, in which waves are absent, that is, along‐shelf current‐supported turbidity current. A depth‐integrated advection model is developed for suspended sediment concentration. The model results, which are verified by turbulence‐resolving simulations, indicate that the amount of suspended sediment load is regulated by the equilibrium among positive/negative feedback between entrainment and cross‐shelf gravity force/density stratification, and settling flux dissociated with density stratification. It is also found that critical density stratification is not a necessary condition for equilibrium. A quantitative relation is developed for the critical conditions for self‐driven turbidity currents, which is a function of bed shear stress, entrainment parameters, bed slope, and sediment settling velocity. In addition, the suspended sediment load is analytically estimated from the model developed. Plain Language Summary: Turbidity currents are responsible for the rapid displacement of sediments to the deep ocean. The mechanisms that create them are numerous, but recent observations suggest that some of the marine turbidity currents originate from slowly moving turbidities driven by currents and waves, also known as wave‐ and current‐supported turbidity currents. To identify the parametric limits of the transition mentioned, the existing theoretical framework for slowly moving turbidity currents is re‐appraised, and the amount of sediments that can be carried by currents parallel to the shore is analytically evaluated. A parametric limit for the occurrence of fast‐moving self‐driven turbidity currents is developed. Key Points: A time‐dependent depth‐integrated advection model for suspended sediment concentration is developed for along‐shelf current‐supported turbidity currents (ACSTCs)Conditions that lead a slow‐moving ACSTC to vigorously growing turbidity current were analytically identifiedThe amount of sediment suspension carried by ACSTCs was analytically obtained [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the climate change aggravating the issues of energy security and food shortage, global agriculture suffers from great pressure, and how to promote sustainable agriculture has become one of the hot issues of concern in academia. This paper focuses on China, where efforts are being made to develop sustainable agriculture, and takes the western part of Shandong Province as the target of study. Based on the identification of factors that affect the promotion of the local circular agriculture implementation, AMOS was applied to construct and test the structural equation model and to explore the interaction mechanism between each variable. The study breaks through the traditional modes of data collection and is based on the actual farming conditions of the farmers currently, choosing to obtain data by means of questionnaires and field surveys. The 24 selected factors were analyzed by SPSS and AMOS software, and the total model weight of each factor were calculated separately. The top five key factors affecting the advancement of the model, namely government policy encouragement, preferential agricultural loans support, participation of specialized agricultural organizations, estimated revenue of the mode and farmers' awareness of environmental protection, are obtained with weight of 6.08%, 5.60%, 5.59%, 5.26% and 5.09%, respectively. Combined with data to focus on analysis, this paper puts forward some relevant countermeasures and suggestions to promote the integrated planting and breeding mode in accordance with local conditions, which can provide beneficial reference for government departments to make relevant policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionotronic artificial motion and tactile receptor (i‐AMTR) is essential to realize an interactive human‐machine interface. However, an i‐AMTR that effectively mimics the composition, structure, mechanics, and multi‐functionality of human skin, called humanoid i‐AMTR, is yet to be developed. To bridge this technological gap, this study proposes a strategy that combines molecular structure design and function integration to construct a humanoid i‐AMTR. Herein, a silk fibroin ionoelastomer (SFIE) with double cross‐linked molecular structure is designed to mimic the composition and structure of human skin, thereby resolving the conflict of stretchability, softness, and resilience, suffered by many previously reported ionotronics. Functionally, electromechanical sensing and triboelectricity‐based tactile perception are integrated into SFIE, to enable simultaneous perception of both motion and tactile inputs. By further leveraging the machine learning and Internet of Things (IoT) techniques, the proposed SFIE‐based humanoid i‐AMTR precisely senses the movement of human body and accurately sortball objects made of different materials. Notably, the success rate for 610 sorting tests reaches as high as 92.3%. These promising results essentially demonstrate a massive potential of humanoid i‐AMTR in the fields of sorting robots, rehabilitation medicine, and augmented reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ANP32B, a member of the acidic leucine‐rich nuclear phosphoprotein 32 kDa (ANP32) family of proteins, is critical for normal development because its constitutive knockout mice are perinatal lethal. It is also shown that ANP32B acts as a tumor‐promoting gene in some kinds of cancer such as breast cancer and chronic myelogenous leukemia. Herein, we observe that ANP32B is lowly expressed in B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) patients, which correlates with poor prognosis. Furthermore, we utilized the N‐myc or BCR‐ABLp190‐induced B‐ALL mouse model to investigate the role of ANP32B in B‐ALL development. Intriguingly, conditional deletion of Anp32b in hematopoietic cells significantly promotes leukemogenesis in two B‐ALL mouse models. Mechanistically, ANP32B interacts with purine rich box‐1 (PU.1) and enhances the transcriptional activity of PU.1 in B‐ALL cells. Overexpression of PU.1 dramatically suppresses B‐ALL progression, and highly expressed PU.1 significantly reverses the accelerated leukemogenesis in Anp32b‐deficient mice. Collectively, our findings identify ANP32B as a suppressor gene and provide novel insight into B‐ALL pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuroinflammation has been widely accepted as a cause of the degenerative process. Increasing interest has been devoted to developing intervening therapeutics for preventing neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease (PD). It is well known that virus infections, including DNA viruses, are associated with an increased risk of PD. In addition, damaged or dying dopaminergic neurons can release dsDNA during PD progression. However, the role of cGAS, a cytosolic dsDNA sensor, in PD progression remains unclear. Methods: Adult male wild‐type mice and age‐matched male cGAS knockout (cGas−/−) mice were treated with MPTP to induce neurotoxic PD model, and then behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA were conducted to compare disease phenotype. Chimeric mice were reconstituted to explore the effects of cGAS deficiency in peripheral immune cells or CNS resident cells on MPTP‐induced toxicity. RNA sequencing was used to dissect the mechanistic role of microglial cGAS in MPTP‐induced toxicity. cGAS inhibitor administration was conducted to study whether GAS may serve as a therapeutic target. Results: We observed that the cGAS‐STING pathway was activated during neuroinflammation in MPTP mouse models of PD. cGAS deficiency in microglia, but not peripheral immune cells, controlled neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity induced by MPTP. Mechanistically, microglial cGAS ablation alleviated the neuronal dysfunction and inflammatory response in astrocytes and microglia by inhibiting antiviral inflammatory signaling. Additionally, the administration of cGAS inhibitors conferred the mice neuroprotection during MPTP exposure. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings demonstrate microglial cGAS promote neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration during the progression of MPTP‐induced PD mouse models and suggest cGAS may serve as a therapeutic target for PD patients. Limitations of the Study: Although we demonstrated that cGAS promotes the progression of MPTP‐induced PD, this study has limitations. We identified that cGAS in microglia accelerate disease progression of PD by using bone marrow chimeric experiments and analyzing cGAS expression in CNS cells, but evidence would be more straightforward if conditional knockout mice were used. This study contributed to the knowledge of the role of the cGAS pathway in PD pathogenesis; nevertheless, trying more PD animal models in the future will help us to understand the disease progression deeper and explore possible treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple method for the synthesis of cyclopropane compounds via cross‐coupling reaction between tertiary cyclopropyl carbagermatranes and acyl chlorides was reported. Derivatives of acryloyl chloride and aliphatic acyl chloride also performed to be suitable substrates. This process can be used to introduce a wide range of functionalized cyclopropane groups and acyl groups directly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens), a highly destructive insect pest, poses a serious threat to rice (Oryza sativa) production worldwide. Jasmonates are key phytohormones that regulate plant defences against BPH; however, the molecular link between jasmonates and BPH responses in rice remains largely unknown. Here, we discovered a Poaceae‐specific metabolite, mixed‐linkage β‐1,3;1,4‐d‐glucan (MLG), which contributes to jasmonate‐mediated BPH resistance. MLG levels in rice significantly increased upon BPH attack. Overexpressing OsCslF6, which encodes a glucan synthase that catalyses MLG biosynthesis, significantly enhanced BPH resistance and cell wall thickness in vascular bundles, whereas knockout of OsCslF6 reduced BPH resistance and vascular wall thickness. OsMYC2, a master transcription factor of jasmonate signalling, directly controlled the upregulation of OsCslF6 in response to BPH feeding. The AT‐rich domain of the OsCslF6 promoter varies in rice varieties from different locations and natural variants in this domain were associated with BPH resistance. MLG‐derived oligosaccharides bound to the plasma membrane‐anchored LECTIN RECEPTOR KINASE1 OsLecRK1 and modulated its activity. Thus, our findings suggest that the OsMYC2‐OsCslF6 module regulates pest resistance by modulating MLG production to enhance vascular wall thickness and OsLecRK1‐mediated defence signalling during rice‐BPH interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolyte environments, including cations, anions, and solvents are critical for the performance delivery of cathodes of batteries. Most works focused on interactions between cations and cathode materials, in contrast, there is a lack of in‐depth research on the correlation between anions and cathodes. Here, we systematically investigated how anions manipulate the coulombic efficiency (CE) of cathodes of zinc batteries. We take intercalation‐type V2O5 and conversion‐type I2 cathodes as typical cases for profound studies. It was found that electronic properties of anions, including charge density and its distribution, can tune conversion or intercalation reactions, leading to significant CE differences. Using operando visual Raman microscopy and theoretical simulations, we confirm that competitive coordination between anions and I− can regulate CEs by modulating polyiodide diffusion rates in Zn−I2 cells. In Zn−V2O5 cells, anion‐tuned solvation structures vastly affect CEs through varying Zn2+ intercalation kinetics. Conversion I2 cathode achieves a 99 % CE with highly electron‐donating anions, while anions with preferable charge structures that interact strongly with Zn2+ afford an intercalation V2O5 a nearly 100 % CE. Understanding the mechanism of anion‐governed CEs will help us evaluate compatibility of electrolytes with electrodes, thus providing a guideline for anion selection and electrolyte design for high‐energy, long‐cycling zinc batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed enantioselective addition of aryl organometallic reagents to imines has emerged as one of the most powerful tools for the formation of optically active diarylmethylamines. Here, we report the first asymmetric reductive (hetero)arylations of imines using aryl and heteroaryl halides enabled by a chiral cobalt‐bisphosphine catalyst. This approach shows good functional group compatibility and complements the reported strategy without use of organometallic reagents. Mechanistic investigations supported that aryl‐cobalt, instead of an arylzinc reagent, was formed in situ in this reductive aryl‐addition event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochrome (Phy)‐regulated light signalling plays important roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, its function in rice defence against sheath blight disease (ShB) remains unclear. Here, we found that PhyB mutation or shade treatment promoted rice resistance to ShB, while resistance was reduced by PhyB overexpression. Further analysis showed that PhyB interacts with phytochrome‐interacting factor‐like 15 (PIL15), brassinazole resistant 1 (BZR1), and vascular plant one‐zinc‐finger 2 (VOZ2). Plants overexpressing PIL15 were more susceptible to ShB in contrast to bzr1‐D‐overexpressing plants compared with the wild‐type, suggesting that PhyB may inhibit BZR1 to negatively regulate rice resistance to ShB. Although BZR1 is known to regulate brassinosteroid (BR) signalling, the observation that BR signalling negatively regulated resistance to ShB indicated an independent role for BZR1 in controlling rice resistance. It was also found that the BZR1 ligand NAC028 positively regulated resistance to ShB. RNA sequencing showed that cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 8B (CAD8B), involved in lignin biosynthesis was upregulated in both bzr1‐D‐ and NAC028‐overexpressing plants compared with the wild‐type. Yeast‐one hybrid, ChIP, and transactivation assays demonstrated that BZR1 and NAC028 activate CAD8B directly. Taken together, the analyses demonstrated that PhyB‐mediated light signalling inhibits the BZR1‐NAC028‐CAD8B pathway to regulate rice resistance to ShB. Summary Statement: Phytochrome B mutation‐mediated shading condition increased rice resistance to sheath blight. In the light, Phytochrome B translocated from cytosol to nucleus where it interacts with and inhibits BZR1 function. BZR1 interacts with NAC028 to directly activate CAD8B to increase lignin contents by which rice resistance to sheath blight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normally, hydrogel electrolytes widely used in flexible energy storage devices have limited tolerance to different pHs. Most gel electrolytes will lose their compressible capability when the adaptable pH is changed. Herein, a poly(acrylamide3‐co‐(sulfobetaine methacrylate)1)@polyacrylamide (P(A3‐co‐S1)@PAM) hydrogel electrolyte equipped with a dual crosslinking network (DN) is successfully fabricated, which exhibits excellent tolerance to any pHs, endowing various energy storage devices including batteries and supercapacitors with superior mechanical durability. The batteries with mild and alkaline P(A3‐co‐S1)@PAM electrolytes display superior stability (over 3000 cycles). Additionally, a Zn||MnO2 battery based on the P(A3‐co‐S1)@PAM hydrogel electrolyte (mild) under 50% compression strain also shows excellent charge–discharge stability and high capacity at 152.4 mAh g−1 after 600 cycles. The strong reversible hydrogen bonds and electrostatic forces originating from zwitterionic structures of poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) play an important role in dissipating and dispersing energy imposed abruptly. Meanwhile, the zwitterionic structure and intermolecular NH⋯OC hydrogen bonds of the hydrogel lead to the property of acid resistance and alkali resistance. The tough and robust covalent crosslinking bonds and the tight arrangement of DN polymer chains enable the hydrogel electrolytes to recover their initial shape fast once unloading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrification in the rhizosphere is a crucial process in controlling nitrogen‐use efficiency (NUE) in flooded paddy soils. To understand the relationship between the nitrification ability of the rhizosphere and NUE, pot experiments using 15N tracer technique were conducted to investigate the impacts of the rhizosphere soil net nitrification rate on NUE and denitrification losses at different rice growth stages in two paddy soils, which were sampled from Jurong (JR) and Yancheng (YC) in Jiangsu Province in China. The results showed that the nitrification rate in JR rhizosphere soil was lower than in YC rhizosphere soil at all rice growth stages. The abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB), ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA), and pH in YC rhizosphere soils were always higher than in JR rhizosphere soils. Rice yield, biomass, NUE, leaf glutamine synthetase (GS) activity, and nitrate reductase (NR) activity were higher in JR soils with low nitrification rates than in YC soils with high nitrification rates (p < 0.05). In contrast, denitrification loss from JR soil (12.69%–23.41%) was lower than that from YC soil (26.83%–40.98%; p < 0.05) for each rice growth stage. The biomass and NUE decreased significantly as the net nitrification rate, the abundance of AOA and AOB of both the JR and YC rhizosphere soils increased (p < 0.05), and the denitrification loss was enhanced as the rhizosphere nitrification rate increased in the JR and YC soils (p < 0.05) during the rice growth period. The rhizosphere‐dominant AOB community Nitrosospira is the key factor affecting the nitrification rate and then decreasing rice NUE. In general, the rhizosphere nitrification rate in paddy soils is a primary factor controlling the rice NUE and denitrification loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Phytochrome B (PhyB), a red‐light receptor, plays important roles in diverse biological processes in plants; however, its function in NH4+ uptake and stress responses of plants is unclear. Here, we observed that mutation in indeterminate domain 10 (IDD10), which encodes a key transcription factor in NH4+ signaling, led to NH4+‐sensitive root growth in light but not in the dark. Genetic combinations of idd10 and phy mutants demonstrated that phyB, but not phyA or phyC, suppressed NH4+‐sensitive root growth of idd10. PhyB mutants and PhyB overexpressors (PhyB OXs) accumulated more and less NH4+, respectively, compared with wild‐type plants. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) revealed that PhyB negatively regulated NH4+‐mediated induction of Ammonium transporter 1;2 (AMT1;2). AMT1 RNAi plants with suppressed AMT1;1, AMT1;2, and AMT1;3 expression exhibited shorter primary roots under NH4+ conditions. This suggested that NH4+ uptake might be positively associated with root growth. Further, PhyB interacted with and inhibited IDD10 and brassinazole‐resistant 1 (BZR1). IDD10 interacted with BZR1 to activate AMT1;2. NH4+ uptake is known to promote resistance of rice (Oryza sativa) to sheath blight (ShB) and saline–alkaline stress. Inoculation of Rhizoctonia solani demonstrated that PhyB and IDD10 negatively regulated and AMT1 and BZR1 positively regulated resistance of rice to ShB. In addition, PhyB negatively regulated and IDD10 and AMT1 positively regulated resistance of rice to saline–alkaline stress. This suggested that PhyB–IDD10–AMT1;2 signaling regulates the saline–alkaline response, whereas the PhyB–BZR1–AMT1;2 pathway modulates ShB resistance. Collectively, these data prove that mutation in the PhyB gene enhances the resistance of rice to ShB and saline–alkaline stress by increasing NH4+ uptake. Significance Statement: PhyB interacts with and inhibits the activity of IDD10 and BZR1 to increase rice (Oryza sativa) resistance to sheath blight and saline–alkaline stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastin (ELN) fibers are essential constituents of the tumor microenvironment of gastric cancer (GC). However, few studies have investigated the clinical prognostic significance of ELN in GC. We screened for molecular markers that were highly related to distant metastasis by transcriptome sequencing. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Harbin Medical University (HMU) validation cohorts were used to validate ELN expression and to explore molecular mechanisms. Immunohistochemistry for ELN, vimentin (VIM), and fibroblast activation protein, and elastic fiber‐specific staining were used to evaluate the relationship between ELN and prognosis. R studio was used to construct a nomogram prognostic model. In this study, we found that ELN mRNA levels were significantly higher in cancer tissues and were associated with poor prognosis in TCGA and HMU patients. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that ELN was mainly enriched in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. The mRNA expression of ELN was positively correlated with fibroblast molecular markers, especially VIM. For validation, we collected a tissue microarray containing 180 pairs of samples. We found that ELN was positively correlated with VIM expression in cancer tissue but not in paracancerous tissues by immunohistochemistry staining. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the expression of ELN and lymph node metastasis rate were independent predictors for overall survival. Moreover, a nomogram model was used to evaluate the risk of death by combining the expression of ELN and lymph node metastasis rate. ELN may play an important role in the progression of GC by regulating EMT and is a useful prognostic indicator in predicting the prognosis of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene‐like 2D coordination polymers (GCPs) have been of central research interest in recent decades with significant impact in many fields. According to classical coordination chemistry, Cu(II) can adopt the dsp2 hybridization to form square planar coordination geometry, but not Cu(I); this is why so far, there has been few 2D layered structures synthesized from Cu(I) precursors. Herein a pair of isostructural GCPs synthesized by the coordination of benzenehexathiol (BHT) ligands with Cu(I) and Cu(II) ions, respectively, is reported. Spectroscopic characterizations indicate that Cu(I) and Cu(II) coexist with a near 1:1 ratio in both GCPs but remain indistinguishable with a fractional oxidation state of +1.5 on average, making these two GCPs a unique pair of Creutz–Taube mixed‐valence 2D structures. Based on density functional theory calculations, an intramolecular pseudo‐redox mechanism is further uncovered whereby the radicals on BHT ligands can oxidize Cu(I) or reduce Cu(II) ions upon coordination, thus producing isostructures with distinct electron configurations. For the first time, it is demonstrated that using Cu(I) or Cu(II), one can achieve 2D isostructures, indicating an unusual fact that a neutral periodic structure can host a different number of total electrons as ground states, which may open a new chapter for 2D materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]