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Polypropylene (PP) is a classical organic material for dielectric capacitor, exhibiting typical linear charge–discharge characteristics. However, its low energy density fails to meet the operating requirements of high‐power and energy storage systems. In this study, techniques such as spray‐coating, lamination hot‐pressing, melt blending, and in situ melt‐drawing are employed to fabricate PP‐based sandwich‐structured composite dielectrics. The outer layers consist of BN nanosheets (BNNSs)/PP composite, while the middle layer comprises Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3@Polydopamine (BST@PDA)/PP. The introduction of BNNSs with a wide bandgap improves the breakdown strength of composites. BST@PDA increases the overall polarization of the composites and alleviates the local electric field concentration caused by hetero‐interfacial field distortion. When the filling concentration of BNNSs is 0.10 wt% and that of BST@PDA nanowires is 3 wt%, the composite demonstrates a high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss. Additionally, the sandwich‐structured composite, exhibiting a high charge–discharge efficiency of 97.80%, presents enhanced breakdown strength (Eb ~ 453 MV/m) and increased energy storage density (Ue ~ 5.67 J/cm3), which are 39.38% and 189.29% higher than neat PP (325 MV/m, 1.96 J/cm3), respectively. This study offers a viable and efficient approach to augment the energy storage density of PP‐based dielectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Eleocharis vivipara, an amphibious sedge in the Cyperaceae family, has several remarkable properties, most notably its alternate use of C3 photosynthesis underwater and C4 photosynthesis on land. However, the absence of genomic data has hindered its utility for evolutionary and genetic research. Here, we present a high‐quality genome for E. vivipara, representing the first chromosome‐level genome for the Eleocharis genus, with an approximate size of 965.22 Mb mainly distributed across 10 chromosomes. Its Hi–C pattern, chromosome clustering results, and one‐to‐one genome synteny across two subgroups indicates a tetraploid structure with chromosome count 2n = 4x = 20. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that E. vivipara diverged from Cyperus esculentus approximately 32.96 million years ago (Mya), and underwent a whole‐genome duplication (WGD) about 3.5 Mya. Numerous fusion and fission events were identified between the chromosomes of E. vivipara and its close relatives. We demonstrate that E. vivipara has holocentromeres, a chromosomal feature which can maintain the stability of such chromosomal rearrangements. Experimental transplantation and cross‐section studies showed its terrestrial culms developed C4 Kranz anatomy with increased number of chloroplasts in the bundle sheath (BS) cells. Gene expression and weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed overall elevated expression of core genes associated with the C4 pathway, and significant enrichment of genes related to modified culm anatomy and photosynthesis efficiency. We found evidence of mixed nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ‐ malic enzyme and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase type C4 photosynthesis in E. vivipara, and hypothesize that the evolution of C4 photosynthesis predates the WGD event. The mixed type is dominated by subgenome A and supplemented by subgenome B. Collectively, our findings not only shed light on the evolution of E. vivipara and karyotype within the Cyperaceae family, but also provide valuable insights into the transition between C3 and C4 photosynthesis, offering promising avenues for crop improvement and breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromyography (EMG) and acoustic myography (AMG) play crucial roles in assessing muscle function, providing valuable insights into neural control, muscle activation, and fatigue levels. However, the current landscape reveals a gap in dual‐modal stretchable sensing patches, highlighting the need for comfortable and wearable solutions in the field of in situ monitoring of synchronous EMG and AMG sensing. In this work, a dual‐modal stretchable patch (DMSP) is developed that fully integrates a multi‐channel EMG electrode with AMG sensors. It possesses stable electromechanical properties even at strains exceeding 200%. With an overall modulus of under 40 kPa and a skin adhesion force surpassing 30 N m−1, the DMSP exhibits exceptional durability, enduring 1000 stretching cycles. The DMSP enables in situ simultaneous monitoring of EMG and AMG signals from sternocleidomastoid muscle during neck rotation where the mechanical strain reaches up to 30%. The DMSP proves instrumental in characterizing muscle activity, facilitating in‐depth research on muscle movement, and thus enhancing clinical outcomes in rehabilitation medicine and physical therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Force‐related discoloration materials are highly valuable because of their characteristics of visualization, easy operation, and environment friendliness. Most force‐related discoloration materials focus on polymers and depend on bond scission, which leads to insensitivity and unrecoverable. Small‐molecule systems based on well‐defined molecular structures and simple composition with high sensitivity would exhibit considerable mechanochromic potential. However, to date, researches about force‐related discoloration materials based on small molecule solution remain limited and are rarely reported. In this study, we developed a repeatable and instantaneous discoloration small molecule solution system by simple one‐pot synthesis method. It exhibited an instantaneous chromic change from yellowish to dark green under shaking and reverting back to yellow within 1 minute after removal of the shaking. Experimental results confirmed that the discoloration mechanism is attributed to the oscillation accelerating the production of unstable ortho‐OH phenoxyl radical. The newly developed shaking‐induced discoloration small molecule system (SDSMS) promises in field of mechanical force sensing and optical encryption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high electronic conductivity and tailorable structural properties of MXene materials make them promising candidates for energy storage. However, their poor chemical instability and self‐stacking effect greatly limit their application, especially in aqueous systems. Here, using a eutectic etching approach, hydroxylated borophene is used as a trifunctional mediator to construct robust Ti3C2Tx‐based MXene/B self‐assembled film electrodes for zinc‐ion capacitors (ZICs). Due to this mediator, the as‐formed strong interfacial binding within the heterostructure can give rise to an integrated modification effect and promote high‐efficiency interface energy storage. One is to strengthen the thermodynamic stability of local Ti─O bonds and inhibit the irreversible degradation of MXene; two is to enlarge the interface space of the MXene electrode and boost the ion transport; three is to improve the interfacial Zn2+ trapping ability without affecting Zn2+ migration on the MXene surface. Thus, the MXene/B electrode exhibits a high areal capacitance (537.9 mF cm−2) at a current density of 0.2 mA cm−2 and an extraordinary cycling stability at 1 mA cm−2, with 99.64% retention after 40 000 cycles, which far surpasses that of most previous reports. This work provides a pathway for overcoming the interface storage limit of MXene electrodes to construct high‐performance ZICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specialised microenvironment, termed niche, provides extrinsic signals for the maintenance of residential stem cells. However, how residential stem cells maintain niche homeostasis and whether stromal niche cells could convert their fate into stem cells to replenish lost stem cells upon systemic stem cell loss remain largely unknown. Here, through systemic identification of JAK/STAT downstream targets in adult Drosophila testis, we show that Escargot (Esg), a member of the Snail family of transcriptional factors, is a putative JAK/STAT downstream target. esg is intrinsically required in cyst stem cells (CySCs) but not in germline stem cells (GSCs). esg depletion in CySCs results in CySC loss due to differentiation and non‐cell autonomous GSC loss. Interestingly, hub cells are gradually lost by delaminating from the hub and converting into CySCs in esg‐defective testes. Mechanistically, esg directly represses the expression of socs36E, the well‐known downstream target and negative regulator of JAK/STAT signalling. Finally, further depletion of socs36E completely rescues the defects observed in esg‐defective testes. Collectively, JAK/STAT target Esg suppresses SOCS36E to maintain CySC fate and repress niche cell conversion. Thus, our work uncovers a regulatory loop between JAK/STAT signalling and its downstream targets in controlling testicular niche homeostasis under physiological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale Methods Results Conclusions In the era of burgeoning digital technology, healthcare is a challenging transformative change towards virtual and digital platforms. Internet‐based healthcare services are emerging as a popular trend within the medical area. User experience (UX) is paramount for the healthcare service, as it significantly influences experience satisfaction and fosters user viscosity. Gaining a profound understanding of users' demands and crafting services that align with their expectations is essential.Consequently, exploring an effective design approach for the digital healthcare service that prioritizes UX along with utilizing a comprehensive evaluation methodology to handle UX data, is of profound importance. This study introduces a design methodology for Internet‐based healthcare products grounded in the UX and mental (UX‐M) model. Aiming to refine the Internet‐based healthcare product design by integrating insights from the experience data, it employs the Delphi‐ANP and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation to determine evaluation indexes and conduct experiential assessments.The UX evaluation results of existing schemes are compared with the proposed design scheme of the intelligent guidance and internet hospital. The findings indicate that the UX evaluation of Internet‐based medical services with the proposed method outperforms the existing schemes.On the one hand, UX research of Internet‐based healthcare products can significantly enhance service satisfaction for patients utilizing online medical treatments. On the other hand, the analysis of experience‐based evaluation empowers designers to refine and improve UX design of Internet‐based medical services. Such research endeavors are critical for enhancing the overall quality of service offerings and elevating user satisfaction in the digital healthcare landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Heavy metal pollution poses a significant risk to human health and wreaks havoc on agricultural productivity. Phytoremediation, a plant‐based, environmentally benign, and cost‐effective method, is employed to remove heavy metals from contaminated soil, particularly in agricultural or heavy metal‐sensitive lands. However, the phytoremediation capacity of various plant species and germplasm resources display significant genetic diversity, and the mechanisms underlying these differences remain hitherto obscure. Given its potential benefits, genetic improvement of plants is essential for enhancing their uptake of heavy metals, tolerance to harmful levels, as well as overall growth and development in contaminated soil. In this study, we uncover a molecular cascade that regulates cadmium (Cd2+) tolerance in cotton, involving GhRCD1, GhbHLH12, GhMYB44, and GhHMA1. We identified a Cd2+‐sensitive cotton T‐DNA insertion mutant with disrupted GhRCD1 expression. Genetic knockout of GhRCD1 by CRISPR/Cas9 technology resulted in reduced Cd2+ tolerance in cotton seedlings, while GhRCD1 overexpression enhanced Cd2+ tolerance. Through molecular interaction studies, we demonstrated that, in response to Cd2+ presence, GhRCD1 directly interacts with GhbHLH12. This interaction activates GhMYB44, which subsequently activates a heavy metal transporter, GhHMA1, by directly binding to a G‐box cis‐element in its promoter. These findings provide critical insights into a novel GhRCD1–GhbHLH12–GhMYB44–GhHMA1 regulatory module responsible for Cd2+ tolerance in cotton. Furthermore, our study paves the way for the development of elite Cd2+‐tolerant cultivars by elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing the genetic control of Cd2+ tolerance in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Concrete‐encased columns reinforced with one built‐up steel core are widely used as mega columns in high‐rise buildings. Due to the enormous size of the steel core, multiple steel segments have to be welded and spliced on‐site, which might inflict detrimental impacts on the integrity and ductility of the columns. To solve this practical issue, one method using multiple steel sections to replace one gigantic built‐up section is proposed. However, whether those columns reinforced with individual steel sections could have the same capacity as the ones reinforced with one steel core and whether the current design method relying on strain compatibility is still applicable to design such columns remain unknown. In this study, one column specimen reinforced with multiple steel sections is tested and the test results are utilized to calibrate finite element models. Afterward, finite element (FE) analysis is performed on concrete‐encased columns reinforced with multiple steel sections to numerically examine the load capacity of those columns. Based on the numerical analysis, a design method based on modified strain distribution is proposed. Numerical results indicate that concrete‐encased columns reinforced with multiple steel sections exhibit similar performance compared with the one reinforced with one steel core, showing great potential to be applied as mega columns in high‐rise buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are typical electro‐active polymers that can achieve an electro‐actuated deformation under an applied electric field. However, obtaining a large low‐field‐actuated strain of DEs is still a key challenge, which is critical to their practical application range. Herein, a typical CaCu3Ti4O12@TiO2 (CCTO@TiO2) core–shell‐structured nanowires were synthesized by the micro‐emulsion method. Additionally, a series of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐based DE composites combining variable proportions of CCTO@TiO2 were prepared. The CCTO@TiO2 nanowires with the design of both decreasing dielectric constant from core to shell and a high aspect ratio can provide larger heterogeneous interfaces for the DE composites, leading to a promoted interfacial polarization. The maximum electro‐actuated strain of 37.66% is achieved from the DE composite incorporated with 20 wt% CCTO@TiO2 when subjected to a relatively low electric field of 40 V/μm, which is 14 times higher than that of pure PDMS (strain ~2.5%). Moreover, the composite exhibits the largest electro‐actuated strain (45.83%) under the electric field approaching its breakdown strength of 43.57 V/μm. The results demonstrate that the one‐dimensional core–shell nanowires have a positive effect on improving the low‐field‐actuated strain of DE composites. This research reveals an effective and feasible method to prepare the DE composites exhibiting enhanced low‐field electro‐actuated characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: Stomata can reflect the plant's adaptation to environmental changes. However, the variation patterns of stomatal traits across different habitats and their relationships with environmental drivers are still poorly understood. Here, we assessed the extent of interspecific and intraspecific variation in stomatal traits in two typical riparian forests, and investigated how stomatal traits adapt to habitat change as well as trait–environment relationships. Location: The Irtysh River Basin in China. Methods: We measured the stomatal density (SD), stomatal size (SS), and stomatal relative area (SRA) of dominant plant species from two riparian forests: (1) a riparian forest in the valley and (2) a riparian forest in the pediment plain. We analyzed the stomatal trait variation patterns of dominant plant species in different habitats. We then quantified the magnitude of intraspecific and interspecific stomatal trait variability and evaluated the relationships between stomatal traits and environmental factors. Results: We found that SD and SRA were significantly higher in pediment plain forests than in valley forests, whereas SS was not significantly different between these habitats. The SD and SRA of trees in pediment plain forests were significantly higher than those in valley forests, whereas there were no significant differences in understory plants between habitats. The interspecific variation in each stomatal trait was significantly higher than the intraspecific variation. Stomatal traits were more related to the soil environment than to climatic factors. Conclusions: Response strategies of stomatal traits to habitat changes differed between species and functional groups, and trait–environment relationships depended on the habitat type of the riparian forest. Our analysis of stomata trait variation implies adaptive strategies in species of natural riparian forest. Insights into trait–environment relationships could be used to predict carbon and water cycling, and vegetation changes in riparian forests of arid regions, especially in the context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of perovskites in the field of photocatalyst has been greatly limited due to their poor stability. Herein, the easy‐to‐prepare CsPbBr3/TiO2 heterostructure nanocrystals are employed as photocatalysts. The results confirm that the strong interfacial connection and efficient charge separation can be observed in CsPbBr3/TiO2 heterostructure crystals by natural crystal growth. Consequently, the generation of superoxide radicals, which is beneficial for the photocatalytic properties, is obviously increased. The CsPbBr3/TiO2 heterostructure nanocrystals completely degrade Rhodamine B in just 4 min. In addition, it is also found that the nonquantum dot CsPbBr3 crystals can be naturally encapsulated by the stable and compact TiO2 nanoparticles without complex synthesis process, which finally provides an excellent protection for the stability of CsPbBr3 perovskite. The CsPbBr3/TiO2 heterostructure nanocrystals can exhibit almost no degradation of photocatalytic performance exceeding 8 months in oceanic climate (10 °C ≤ T ≤ 32 °C, 20% ≤ RH ≤ 100%), showing a remarkable stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co3O4 emerges as a promising substitute in the field of anode electrode materials for the next‐generation of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Nevertheless, challenges such as volumetric effects during cycling and insufficient conductivity have resulted in its subpar cycle stability, which impedes its practical application. In this study, we successfully employed a straightforward method to design and synthesize double hemispherical nano‐Co3O4/C composite materials derived from MOF‐74(Co). Benefiting from its nano‐porous structure combined with carbon materials, the resulting Co3O4/C electrode manifests outstanding electrochemical performance. Specifically, the obtained Co3O4/C electrode exhibits a notably high reversible cycle capacity (1151.9 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1), exemplary rate capability, and outstanding long‐cycle performance (maintaining a capacity of 366.2 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 1400 cycles). This research introduces a novel approach for the development of innovative anode materials for LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the association between periodontitis, all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality, and its prognostic utility among adults with diabetes. Materials and Methods: Periodontal health records were retrieved from the NHANES database for 4297 participants with diabetes aged >30 years at baseline during 1988–1994, 1999–2004 and 2009–2014. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for moderate/severe periodontitis with all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in participants with diabetes. Area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess predictive value. Results: During a median follow‐up of 15.41 years, 1701 deaths occurred. After multivariate adjustments, moderate/severe periodontitis was significantly associated with increased risk of all‐cause (HR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.07–1.50; p =.005) and cardiovascular disease (CVD)‐related (HR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03–1.76, p =.031) mortality in participants with diabetes. The absolute risk difference based on the cumulative incidence information was 0.022 (5‐year, 95% CI: 0.021–0.023) and 0.044 (10‐year, 95% CI: 0.041–0.048). Periodontitis improved the prediction of all‐cause (AUC: 0.652; 95% CI: 0.627–0.676) and CVD‐related (AUC: 0.649; 95% CI: 0.624–0.676) mortality over standard risk factors (all‐cause: AUC: 0.631; 95% CI: 0.606–0.656; CVD‐related: AUC: 0.629; 95% CI: 0.604–0.655). Conclusions: Moderate/severe periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of all‐cause and CVD‐related mortality in adults with diabetes. Periodontitis might represent a marker for residual risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Manganese ion (Mn2+) is reported to promote the antitumor immune response by activating the cGAS‐STING pathway, but it is unknown whether Mn2+ can prevent the malignant transformation of precancerous lesions. The effects of Mn2+ in treating oral leukoplakia (OLK) were explored in this work. Methods: Peripheral blood Mn analysis of the patients was performed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP–AES). A coculture model of dendritic cells (DCs)/macrophages, CD8+ T cells, and dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOKs) was employed to analyze the role and mechanism of Mn2+ in a simulated OLK immune microenvironment. Western blot, RT–PCR, flow cytometry, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were adopted to detect the mechanism of Mn2+ in this model. 4‐nitroquinoline oxide (4NQO)‐induced OLK mice were used to assess the role of Mn2+ in suppressing OLK progression, and a novel Mn2+‐loaded guanosine‐tannic acid hydrogel (G‐TA@Mn2+ hydrogel) was fabricated and evaluated for its advantages in OLK therapy. Results: The content of Mn in patients' peripheral blood was negatively related to the progression of OLK. Mn2+ promoted the maturation and antigen presentation of DCs and macrophages and enhanced the activation of CD8+ T cells in the coculture model, resulting in effective killing of DOKs. Mechanistic analysis found that Mn2+ enhanced the anti‐OLK immune response by activating the cGAS‐STING pathway. Moreover, Mn2+ suppressed the development of 4NQO–induced carcinogenesis in the mouse model. In addition, the G‐TA@Mn2+ hydrogel had better anti‐OLK effects. Conclusions: Mn2+ enhanced the anti‐OLK immune response by activating the cGAS‐STING pathway, and the G‐TA@Mn2+ hydrogel is a potential novel therapeutic approach for OLK treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a successive energy transfer (sEnT) strategy to enable a dehydrogenative 6π‐photocyclisation, without the need for an external oxidant is reported, in which the energetically unfavourable dehydrogenation is driven by energy transfer. The valuable applicability of this method was demonstrated by the scaffold hopping of indole containing bioactive molecules, as well as by the succinct synthesis of naturally occurring tetracyclic furocarbazole alkaloids. Moreover, experimental and computational studies were conducted to elucidate the reaction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late flowering is a serious bottleneck in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) agriculture production. Although key genes governing flowering time have been reported in many species, the regulatory network of flowering in pumpkin remains largely obscure, thereby impeding the resolution of industry‐wide challenges associated with delayed fruit ripening in pumpkin cultivation. Here, we report an early flowering pumpkin germplasm accession (LXX‐4). Using LXX‐4 and a late flowering germplasm accession (HYM‐9), we constructed an F2 segregation population. A significant difference in FLOWERING LOCUS T‐LIKE 2 (FTL2) expression level was identified to be the causal factor of the flowering time trait discrepancy in LXX‐4 and HYM‐9. Moreover, we have shown that a 21 bp InDel in the FTL2 promoter was the key reason for the waxing and waning of its transcript level. The 21 bp deletion excluded a repressor‐AGL19 and recruited activators‐BBX7, WRKY40 and SVP to the FTL2 promoter in LXX‐4. Together, our data add a useful element to our knowledge which could be used to simplify breeding efforts for early‐maturing pumpkin. Summary statement: An InDel in FTL2 promoter exclude repressor AGL19 and recruit activators BBX7, WRKY40 and SVP to the promoter, leading to increase of FTL2 transcript level and early floral initiation under short‐day conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, key generation schemes based on the reciprocity of wireless channels have gained widespread attention in the field of wireless physical layer security. However, due to the openness of wireless channels, eavesdroppers may obtain partial legitimate keys by eavesdropping on the wireless channel. To address this issue, this paper proposes a wireless channel coding scheme that induces an "avalanche" of errors for eavesdroppers, which could maximize eavesdropper's bit error rate. The design of this scheme is based on the significant differences between the eavesdropping channel and the legitimate channel, and the average bit key disagreement ratio of the keys generated by the legitimate channel is around 8%. The scheme selects polar codes with strong error correction capabilities and chooses a coding rate matching the error level of the legitimate channel, forcing the eavesdropping channel's error rate into an "avalanche" state, where the error rate approaches 50%. This paper presents the structure of the encoder and determines the coding rate through simulation. Simulation results demonstrate that this scheme can significantly degrade the error rate of the eavesdropping channel while ensuring the prevention of eavesdroppers from obtaining secret information transmitted through the legitimate channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ dual‐modal detection of electrophysiology (EP) and blood oxygen (BO) during muscle–vascular activity is crucial for healthcare and human–machine interaction. It requires an integrated monitoring system: a transparent electrode for EP detection directly adhered to skin and a near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRs) layer for BO detection. In particular, the multi‐channel, highly transparent, stretchable electrodes should be well developed. In this study, 16‐channel transparent ionotronic electrodes are fabricated based on a stretchable and printable ionogel, demonstrating excellent properties such as high transparency, large stretchability, wet adhesion, biocompatibility, softness, and long‐term stability. The electrode exhibits stable contact impedance for 24 h and a 2‐week periodic EP monitoring. The 16‐channel transparent ionotronic electrode outperforms stretchable gold electrodes by providing stable EP monitoring with minimal interference in NIRs for blood oxygen detection. An in situ negative correlation is found between EP intensity and blood oxygen level over time. This study paves the way for designing transparent ionotronics for synchronous optical‐related monitoring and highlights the potential use of an in situ dual‐modal monitoring system for the study of muscle–vascular coupling in neurocience and rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an abnormal lipid accumulation disease in hepatocytes. The existing drugs for NAFLD have some side effects, so new therapeutic agents are required to be explored. In this study, the effect and mechanism of icariin (ICA) on high‐fat diet‐induced NAFLD were investigated. Firstly, a high‐fat diet was used to construct a NAFLD rat model and HepG2 cells were treated with 1 mM free fatty acid (FFA). After ICA treatment, the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBil), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) were measured; liver injury and lipid deposition were observed by H&E and Oil Red O staining; interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐12, and IL‐6 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, qRT‐PCR and western blot were performed to detect miR‐206 expression and NF‐κB/MAPK pathway‐related protein expression in liver tissues and cells. After a variety of trials, we discovered that compared with the NAFLD group, ICA significantly reduced ALT, AST, TBil, TG, TC, and LDL‐C levels and increased HDL‐C levels, and improved liver tissue injury and lipid deposition. Moreover, ICA reduced IL‐1β, IL‐12, and IL‐6 levels in liver tissues and cells as well as inhibited MAPK and NF‐κB‐related protein expression in the liver tissues. Notably, ICA could significantly increase miR‐206 expression in liver tissues and cells. Further experiments confirmed that inhibition of miR‐206 was able to reverse the effect of ICA on NAFLD. In conclusion, ICA can alleviate NAFLD by upregulating miR‐206 to mediate NF‐κB and MAPK pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate prediction of photovoltaic power generation is a critical technical problem for utilizing solar energy. Aiming at the problem that the model parameters are difficult to obtain in applying photovoltaic power prediction methods, this paper has used long‐term monitoring data of output power, various meteorological data, and solar irradiation intensity of photovoltaic modules. This paper establishes the functional relationship between the output power of photovoltaic modules and the irradiation intensity through Pearson correlation analysis. By deducing the distribution relationship of irradiation intensity, the prediction model of irradiation intensity based on peak sunshine hours and sunshine duration is constructed and based on 340 sites across the country 64 years peak sunshine hours and sunshine duration query database. In this work, the theoretical value of the prediction model on sunny days is close to the measured value (R2 = 0.918–0.985). The solar radiation intensity on rainy days is weak, and the prediction accuracy is low (R2 = 0.838–0.930). The relative errors between the sunshine duration and the peak sunshine hours in the database are less than 4.55% and 4.79%, respectively, under sunny conditions in each quarter, indicating that the accuracy of the database meets the actual needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial polarity is critical for proper functions of epithelial tissues, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. The evolutionarily conserved transmembrane protein Crumbs (Crb) is a key regulator of epithelial polarity. Both Crb protein and its transcripts are apically localized in epithelial cells. However, it remains not fully understood how they are targeted to the apical domain. Here, using Drosophila ovarian follicular epithelia as a model, we show that epithelial polarity is lost and Crb protein is absent in the apical domain in follicular cells (FCs) in the absence of Diamond (Dind). Interestingly, Dind is found to associate with different components of the dynactin‐dynein complex through co‐IP‐MS analysis. Dind stabilizes dynactin and depletion of dynactin results in almost identical defects as those observed in dind‐defective FCs. Finally, both Dind and dynactin are also required for the apical localization of crb transcripts in FCs. Thus our data illustrate that Dind functions through dynactin/dynein‐mediated transport of both Crb protein and its transcripts to the apical domain to control epithelial apico‐basal (A/B) polarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plant somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a multifactorial developmental process where embryos that can develop into whole plants are produced from somatic cells rather than through the fusion of gametes. The molecular regulation of plant SE, which involves the fate transition of somatic cells into embryogenic cells, is intriguing yet remains elusive.We deciphered the molecular mechanisms by which GhRCD1 interacts with GhMYC3 to regulate cell fate transitions during SE in cotton. While silencing of GhMYC3 had no discernible effect on SE, its overexpression accelerated callus formation, and proliferation.We identified two of GhMYC3 downstream SE regulators, GhMYB44 and GhLBD18. GhMYB44 overexpression was unconducive to callus growth but bolstered EC differentiation. However, GhLBD18 can be triggered by GhMYC3 but inhibited by GhMYB44, which positively regulates callus growth. On top of the regulatory cascade, GhRCD1 antagonistically interacts with GhMYC3 to inhibit the transcriptional function of GhMYC3 on GhMYB44 and GhLBD18, whereby a CRISPR‐mediated rcd1 mutation expedites cell fate transition, resembling the effects of GhMYC3 overexpression. Furthermore, we showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in SE regulation.Our findings elucidated that SE homeostasis is maintained by the tetrapartite module, GhRCD1–GhMYC3–GhMYB44–GhLBD18, which acts to modulate intracellular ROS in a temporal manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quorum‐sensing (QS) is an essential mechanism of microbial self‐regulation. In this work, the presence of QS in Acetobacter pasteurianus was demonstrated, and N‐acyl‐homoserine lactones N‐C4‐HSL and N‐C8‐HSL were identified as the signal molecules. The exogenous addition of N‐C4‐HSL, N‐C8‐HSL, N‐C10‐HSL, and N‐C12‐HSL result in the reduction in biomass, and lead to 11.56%, 11.91%, 7.94%, and 4.69% decrease in acetic acid production, respectively, when compared with the control. A hypothetical N‐acylhomoserine lactonase (AHL lactonase) 0046 was overexpressed in A. pasteurianus CGMCC 3089, and the recombinant strain exhibites a 17.38% and 12.75% increase in the biomass and the acetic acid production rate, respectively. Those results prove the negative regulation of QS on acetic acid fermentation, and overexpression of 0046 protein alleviates this negative effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood) occurs frequently in protected areas of north China and is a serious threat to vegetables. Chemical control is the main method used to kill greenhouse whitefly; however, this has led to the selection of resistance to chemical pesticides. Therefore, the study of pesticide resistance is of great significance for the sustainable management of greenhouse whitefly. From 2019 to 2021, the development of flupyradifurone resistance in greenhouse whitefly was assessed in the entomological Laboratory of Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University of China. After F7 generations of screening, the resistance increased 15.33 times. Synergistic agents were significantly enhanced, and the activities of multifunctional oxidase, carboxylesterase, and glutathione sulfur transferase were significantly increased in resistant strains compared with sensitive strains of the greenhouse whitefly. Sixteen detoxifying enzyme genes were detected by using RT‐PCR, and the expression levels of 11 detoxifying enzyme genes were significantly increased in resistant strains. These include eight P450 genes in the CYP4, CYP6, CYP18, CYP301, CYP304, and CYP314 families; two CarE genes in the Clade C and Clade E families; and one GST gene in the Sigma family. Several of these family members have been reported as detoxification enzyme genes of metabolic insecticide. This study showed that P450, CarE and GST together resulted in moderate resistance to flupyradifurone in greenhouse whitefly. The analysis revealed several overexpressed detoxification enzyme genes that will be the focus of future studies on the mechanism of resistance to flupyradifurone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stretchable ultra‐narrow (e.g., 10 µm in width) microelectrodes are crucial for the electrophysiological monitoring of single cells providing the fundamental understanding to the working mechanism of neuro network or other electrically functional cells. Current fabrication strategies either focus on the preparation of normal stretchable electrodes with hundreds of micrometers or millimeters in width by using inorganic conductive materials or develop conductive organic polymer gel for ultra‐narrow electrodes which suffer from low stretchability and instability for long‐term implantation, therefore, it is still highly desirable to explore bio‐interfacial ultra‐narrow stretchable inorganic electrodes. Herein, a hybrid strategy is reported to prepare ultra‐narrow multi‐channel stretchable microelectrodes without using photolithography or laser‐assisting etching. A 10 µm × 10 µm monitoring window is fabricated with enhanced interfacial impedance by the special rough surface. The stretchability achieves to 120% for this 10 µm‐width stretchable electrode. Supported by these superior properties, it is demonstrated that the stretchable microelectrodes can detect electrophysiological signals of single cells in vitro and collect electrophysiological signals more precisely in vivo. The reported strategy will open up the accessible preparation of the fine‐size stretchable microelectrode. It will significantly improve the resolution of monitoring and stimulation of inorganic stretchable electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechano‐responsiverelease of small molecules has received extensive attention in ultrasound (US)‐controlled drug release in recent years because it can achieve non‐invasive, spatiotemporally controlled precise drug release. However, the vast majority of small molecules mechano‐release reported so far are based on polymer systems, which suffer from complex preparations and single mechano‐response. Here, an isoguanosine (isoG) visualized mechano‐responsive supramolecular self‐assembly (isoG‐VMRSS) system was successfully constructed by a one‐pot reaction. It is completely composed of small molecules, which allows for multiple mechano‐responsive releases of isoG (at least 9 times) and ultimately has potential for application in US drug release. A combined experimental‐computational approach reveals the supramolecular network structure (formed by the joint action of related metal coordination bonds, boronate ester bonds and hydrogen bonds mediated by isoG) gradually formed inside the system is the underlying internal mechanism. Therefore, it provides a new and effective idea of small molecule release in the field of mechanochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) features the loss of cholinergic neurons in the mesopontine area. There is no available approach to repair the damaged cholinergic neurons. Neural stem cell (NSC)‐based therapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of AD. However, it is a challenge to direct the NSCs to specifically differentiate into cholinergic neurons. Herein, calcium folate (CaFO) nanoparticles are synthesized through a facile nanoprecipitation approach for promoting the differentiation of NSCs into functional cholinergic neurons. After uptake by NSCs, the CaFO nanoparticles are distributed in the lysosomes (pH< 5.5) and can be decomposed into Ca2+ and folic acid in the acidic environment. The Ca2+ can accelerate the differentiation rate of NSCs while the folic acid can direct the NSCs to differentiate into cholinergic neurons. The in vitro experiments demonstrate that under the stimulation of CaFO nanoparticles, the NSCs differentiate into functional cholinergic neurons within 5 d. Animal experiments prove that the CaFO nanoparticles also promote the neuronal differentiation of NSCs in vivo, leading to the improvement in the cognitive memory ability of AD mice. This study provides a new strategy to induce the quick differentiation of NSCs into functional cholinergic neurons, which is promising for the treatment of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis, a chronic degenerative cartilage disease, is the leading cause of movement disorders among humans. Although the specific pathogenesis and associated mechanisms remain unclear, oxidative stress‐induced metabolic imbalance in chondrocytes plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis. In this study, a trimanganese tetroxide (Mn3O4) nanozyme with superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐like and catalase (CAT)‐like activities is designed to reduce oxidative stress‐induced damage and its therapeutic effect is investigated. In vitro, Mn3O4 nanozymes are confirmed to reprogram both the imbalance of metabolism in chondrocytes and the uncontrolled inflammatory response stimulated by hydrogen peroxide. In vivo, a cross‐linked chondroitin sulfate (CS) hydrogel is designed as a substrate for Mn3O4 nanozymes to treat osteoarthritis in mouse models. As a result, even in the early stage of OA (4 weeks), the therapeutic effect of the Mn3O4@CS hydrogel is observed in both cartilage metabolism and inflammation. Moreover, the Mn3O4@CS hydrogel maintained its therapeutic effects for at least 7 days, thus revealing a broad scope for future clinical applications. In conclusion, these results suggest that the Mn3O4@CS hydrogel is a potentially effective therapeutic treatment for osteoarthritis, and a novel therapeutic strategy for osteoarthritis based on nanozymes is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to meet the ever‐increasing demands of complex engineering applications, it is necessary to design the polymer‐based composites with the synergistic improvements in strength and toughness. Herein, the novel carbon nanotubes (CNT)‐bismaleimide (BMI) hybrid construction (CBH) was prepared through mechanical blending and pulverizing. The as‐prepared CBH with a stable structure and well‐regulated morphological construction was employed as a special functional filler to endow the epoxy‐based composites with a significantly enhanced overall mechanical property. Due to CBH can provide a multiscaled interfacial interaction with matrix, the composite loaded with 1 wt% CBH exhibited the synchronously improved both tensile modulus (1.31 GPa) and toughness (1.89 MJ m−3), which are 27.18% and 209.83% higher than those of pure epoxy, respectively. Moreover, good interfacial compatibility between CBH and matrix allows the composite loaded with 1 wt% CBH to exhibit the thermal conductivity of 0.18 W m−1 K−1, which was 28.57% higher than pure epoxy (0.14 W m−1 K−1). Be different from many other CNTs‐loaded counterparts, the aligned‐CNTs loaded composite showed a well‐maintained insulating feature. The novel carbon nanotubes‐polymer hybrid construction expands the application range of epoxy‐based insulating composites by optimizing their mechanical and thermal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) implantation is a promising option for liver repair, but their poor retention in the injured liver milieu critically blunts therapeutic effects. The aim is to clarify the mechanisms underlying massive MSC loss post‐implantation and establish corresponding improvement strategies. MSC loss primarily occurs within the initial hours after implantation into the injured liver milieu or under reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress. Surprisingly, ferroptosis is identified as the culprit for rapid depletion. In ferroptosis‐ or ROS‐provoking MSCs, branched‐chain amino acid transaminase‐1 (BCAT1) is dramatically decreased, and its downregulation renders MSC susceptible to ferroptosis via suppressing the transcription of glutathione peroxidase‐4 (GPX4), a vital ferroptosis defensing enzyme. BCAT1 downregulation impedes GPX4 transcription via a rapid‐responsive metabolism‐epigenetics coordinating mechanism, involving α‐ketoglutarate accumulation, histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation loss, and early growth response protein‐1 upregulation. Approaches to suppress ferroptosis (e.g., incorporating ferroptosis inhibitors in injection solvent and overexpressing BCAT1) significantly improve MSC retention and liver‐protective effects post‐implantation. This study provides the first evidence indicating that excessive MSC ferroptosis is the nonnegligible culprit for their rapid depletion and insufficient therapeutic efficacy after implantation into the injured liver milieu. Strategies suppressing MSC ferroptosis are conducive to optimizing MSC‐based therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric capacitors are fundamental energy storage components in electronics and electric power systems due to their unique ultrahigh power density. However, their relatively low energy storage density is a long‐standing challenge which greatly limits their practical application range. Chitosan (CS) and montmorillonite (MMT) are two kinds of materials that exist abundantly on the earth with natural surface charges. The positively charged CS and negatively charged MMT can be self‐assembled into the typical sandwich‐structured CS/MMT/CS 2D structure through an electrostatic attraction. Loading these surface‐charged sandwich‐structured nanosheets into poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐based composite with a weight fraction as tiny as 0.3 wt.%, an ultrahigh energy storage density of 32.5 J cm−3 accompanied with a high efficiency of 64% are concurrently achieved with a very low cost and scalable process. Guided by finite element simulation, it is revealed that a number of electric potential wells that exist in the charged sandwich nanosheets impede the acceleration of internal charges and hinder the growth of electrical trees. The results offer a novel paradigm for exploring ultrahigh energy storage density capacitors in an economical way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is considered to be one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers. Caspase‐8 (CASP8) is a key protein of cross‐talk signaling in a variety of cancers. However, the role of CASP8 expression in the prognosis of patients with ESCA has remained unexplored. Hence, it is needed to explore the clinical significance of CASP8 expression in ESCA. Methods: The expression and prognosis of CASP8 were investigated in ESCA using the UALCAN, GEDS, TIMER, and OncoLnc databases. The CASP8 genetic variations in ESCA were assessed using the cBioPortal database. The correlation between CASP8 expression and tumor immune invasion and immune cell surface indicators was examined using the TIMER and TISIDTISIDB datasets. Meanwhile, the abundance of the immunological cells in the tumor and healthy tissues was assessed by the CIBERSORT method. Next, information on the co‐expressed genes of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ESCA‐tumor and ESCA‐healthy tissues was obtained using the cBioPortal, UALCAN, and Coexpedia databases. Subsequently, the PPI network was constructed and the GO and KEGG pathways were analyzed using the SIRING database. Finally, CASP8 mRNA and protein expression in the ESCA tissues and matched adjacent healthy tissues were analyzed using qRT‐PCR, immune‐blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the relationship between clinicopathological features and CASP8 expression was assessed. Results: ESCA tissues had higher levels of CASP8 mRNA and protein expression compared to healthy tissues. patients with an elevated level of CASP8 expression had poor overall survival (OS). CASP8 expression was significantly correlated with the degree of differentiation (P = 0.004) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.044). There were diverse patterns of association between immunological cell surface biomarkers and CASP8 expression. Conclusion: ESCA showed significant levels of CASP8 expression which may serve as a prognostic biomarker correlated to immune infiltrates in ESCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric elastomer (DE) as an important electro‐active polymer (EAP), is capable of providing a large elastic deformation under an external electric field. However, the excellent electro‐actuated performance is usually obtained under high electric fields, which greatly limits the practical application range of DE, especially in the field of in vivo organisms. Thus, it is essential to make a reasonable structural regulation to achieve an effectively improved electro‐actuation of DE materials under low driving electric fields. Herein, a typical BaTiO3@TiO2 entirely‐inorganic core‐shell construction was prepared through the micro‐emulsion method. Meanwhile, a series of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐based DE composites incorporated with different fractions of BaTiO3@TiO2 were synthesized by solution blending and compression molding. The BaTiO3@TiO2 core‐shell construction endows DE composites with an enlarged heterogeneous interface and enhanced interfacial polarization synchronously, which is also benefit to maintain the flexibility of DE materials. The buffer effect offered by TiO2 shell is helpful to alleviate the local electric field concentration at the fillers‐matrix interface in DE when being withstood an exponentially‐growing electric field. Specifically, the maximum electro‐actuated strain of 21% under a low electric field (40 V·μm−1) is obtained from the DE composite filled with 4 wt% BaTiO3@TiO2, which is 290% higher than that of pristine PDMS (5.38% at 40 V·μm−1). It is shown that the well‐designed inorganic core‐shell construction can effectively improve the electromechanical conversion capability of DE composites. This study provides a promising approach to obtain an optimized electro‐actuation under low electric fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Cotton's fundamental requirements for long periods of growth and specific seasonal temperatures limit the global arable areas that can be utilized to cultivate cotton. This constraint can be alleviated by breeding for early‐maturing varieties. By delaying the sowing dates without impacting the boll‐opening time, early‐maturing varieties not only mitigate the yield losses brought on by unfavorable weathers in early spring and late autumn but also help reducing the competition between cotton and other crops for arable land, thereby optimizing the cropping system. This review presents studies and breeding efforts for early‐maturing cotton, which efficiently pyramid early maturity, high‐quality, multiresistance traits, and suitable plant architecture by leveraging pleiotropic genes. Attempts are also made to summarize our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying early maturation, which involves many pathways such as epigenetic, circadian clock, and hormone signaling pathways. Moreover, new avenues and effective measures are proposed for fine‐scale breeding of early‐maturing crops to ensure the healthy development of the agricultural industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have revealed that the influence of diurnal temperature on spring phenology is asymmetric, and the faster night‐time warming in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) has a complex impact on spring phenology. Our understanding from the sensitivity of the start of the growing season (SOS) to daytime (ST_daytime) and night‐time temperatures (ST_night‐time) has urgently needs to be improved. In this study, the SOS sensitivity to diurnal temperature in the middle and high latitudes of the NH (>30°N) from 1982 to 2015 is estimated. The results indicate that although SOS showed stronger sensitivity to daytime than night‐time temperature in most parts of the study areas, the influence of daytime temperature on SOS is decreasing, while the influence of night‐time temperature on SOS is increasing. The variations in ST_daytime and ST_night‐time along the latitude gradient were significantly correlated with the warming rate of the preseason diurnal temperature (p <.01). The SOS between 40°N and 70°N was more sensitive to daytime temperature, while ST_night‐time was higher than ST_daytime at other latitudes due to topography and rapid night‐time warming. On the altitude gradient, the SOS was more sensitive to daytime temperature in areas below 800 and 2,000–4,000 m. ST_night‐time exceeded ST_daytime at other altitudes owing to night‐time warming relief of the severe restrictions on phenological processes and the reduction in frost risk. To reach a comprehensive characterization of the interaction between vegetation and climate systems, the current study suggests more investigation on the response of SOS to diurnal temperature on large scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Registration of 3D spatial data and models is a fundamental task in applications such as mapping, positioning and virtual/augmented reality. Most of the existing 3D registration methods such as iterative closest point (ICP) and recent learning‐based methods are dedicated to point cloud registration, and rely heavily on point‐wise correspondences, which limits their ability to address registration problems across different data types. Since man‐made objects and buildings usually contain many planar surfaces, it is possible to use the planes for accurate registration of different data and models. In this paper, a unified registration framework is proposed consisting of a plane extraction module, which can extract planes from various forms of spatial data such as point clouds or surface‐based 3D models, and a registration module, which performs automatic registration based on the extracted planes. Tests show that the proposed method can handle small‐overlap registration across all these data types with high success rates. The result of point cloud registration also indicates that the method achieves better accuracy as compared to ICP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic‐assisted extraction is a rapid and effective extraction method that uses ultrasound energy and solvents to extract target compounds from various plant matrices. In this study, the ultrasonic‐assisted extraction conditions of sour jujube were optimized. A five‐level central composite design (CCD) with four variables was used to evaluate ultrasonic treatment variables influencing the total saponin content (TSC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total phenolic content (TPC) extracted from sour jujube. The solvent concentration, extraction time, ultrasonic power, and solid‐to‐liquid (S/L) ratio were optimized using aqueous ethanol and methanol solutions as extraction solvents. A central composite design (CCD) was used for an in‐depth study, and then the optimal value that could produce the maximum TPC, TFC, TSC, and four in vitro antioxidant activities (scavenging activity of hydroxyl free radicals, ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), phosphomolybdic acid reduction method, and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity) was determined. Hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress experiment confirmed that the Jujube extract could have an antioxidant role in vivo. The relationship between the contents of three compounds and the antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo was further studied. The results showed that optimizing methanol and ethanol extraction process parameters could improve target components' extraction efficiency. Under the optimum conditions, the TFC and TPC yields of sour jujube by ethanol are better than methanol, while the yield of TSC by methanol is better than ethanol. In vivo data showed that Jujube extract protects against the adverse effects of oxidative stress and improves the life span of female and male Drosophila. This study provides a valuable reference for the full use of Ziziphus jujube, as well as a new direction in food development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The instantaneous and repeatable force‐related discoloration response (from yellowish to dark green) of a simply synthesized small‐molecule solution system is attributed to the accelerated generation of an ortho‐OH phenoxyl radical under shaking. More information can be found in the Research Article by J. Wang, J. Liu and co‐workers (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401762)...By Yujie Yan; Tiannan Liu; Jiale Zhang; Hang Zhao; Qianming Chen; Jiongke Wang and Jiang LiuReported by Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

Inosine is proven to promote the proliferation and function of CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+ T) under glucose restriction and enhance the efficacy of programmed cell death protein ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) blockade therapy. However, systemic administration of high frequencies and large doses of inosine and anti‐PD‐L1 antibody (aPDL1) is required, which inevitably reduces bioavailability and causes severe immunological side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a drug delivery system to achieve gradient release of inosine and aPDL1 for local immunotherapy. In this study, an inosine‐based supramolecular hydrogel, inosine‐phenylenediboronic‐isoguanosine (IPBisoG), is successfully developed following a simple one‐pot procedure. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that the biocompatible and biodegradable IPBisoG hydrogel displays excellent stability and self‐healing properties. Furthermore, the IPBisoG hydrogel is shown to achieve the gradual and sequential release of inosine and aPDL1. Inosine, which enhances the proliferation and function of CD8+ T cells, together with aPDL1, the blocker of the immunosuppressive pathway in tumor microenvironment, can highly enhance the in vivo efficacy of PD‐L1 blockade therapy. The employment of IPBisoG hydrogel is also shown to trigger systemic immune responses. These results demonstrate that IPBisoG hydrogel can be a promising platform for tumor‐local immunotherapy in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has drawn extensive attention owing to its noninvasive and great tissue penetration depth. However, the physical encapsulation of photothermal agents may lead to their rapid release. Dual‐functional hydrogel systems that integrate functions and carriers can potentially solve this problem. In this work, we successfully developed a dual‐functional guanosine(G)‐based hydrogel integrating the photothermal effect and localized delivery by introducing dynamic borate ester utilizing the photothermal property of PDA‐AuNPs and the self‐assembly ability of G. Both in vitro and in vivo results confirmed that the GBPA hydrogel not only exhibited excellent photothermal toxicity, stability, injectability, and biocompatibility, but also possessed high photothermal antitumor activity. These results suggested that the GBPA hydrogel could be used as a dual‐functional hydrogel integrating photothermal effect and localized delivery in one system, which would possibly provide a new opportunity for the design of new dual‐functional hydrogels for highly efficient cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube arrays on the surface of metallic titanium has been demonstrated as a practical approach for improving the biocompatibility of titanium orthopedic implants. However, it remains a challenge to form strong bonds between such TiO2‐based systems and the surrounding bone due to their lack of osseointegration ability. Herein, inspired by the intercalation mechanism of rechargeable batteries, a feasible electrochemical strategy is developed to insert high‐concentration bioactive zinc ions into the lattices of TiO2 nanotube arrays with a controlled release performance and without nanostructure collapse. The zinc ion‐inserted TiO2 nanotube arrays give titanium implants that exhibit excellent osteogenesis properties due to the synergistic effect of the nanotube topography and the release of zinc ions. Using the proposed electrochemical zinc insertion technique, the prepared substrates can trigger the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro and subsequent implant‐to‐bone osseointegration in vivo. This study establishes a feasible and general electrochemical method to enhance the bioactivity and osseointegration of titanium implants, thereby providing a promising strategy for bone tissue repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of inorganic particles can endow polymer matrices with different new features, thereby realizing an optimization to the structural and functional properties of composite. The overall properties of composites are greatly influenced by both fillers dispersion and fillers‐polymer interfacial interaction. However, to simultaneously improve these mentioned two issues is still a critical challenge in the field of polymer‐based nanocomposite. Herein, a typical core‐shell structured mesoporous silica‐coated silica (SiO2@mSiO2) construction was successfully synthesized by using a bi‐phase method. The SiO2@mSiO2 filled polyethylene (PE) nanocomposite was fabricated through a precisely controlled melt‐mixing approach. Benefiting from the additional mesoporous SiO2 shell, both the dispersion of SiO2@mSiO2 and the SiO2@mSiO2‐PE matrix interfacial interaction are improved. Moreover, the stress–strain behavior, temperature‐dependent mechanical property, thermal stability, and electrical insulating property of SiO2@mSiO2/PE composite were studied in detail. It is found that SiO2@mSiO2 core‐shell nanoparticles are capable of not only making a balance between the strength and toughness of the PE‐based composite, but also improving the thermal stability of the composite. In addition, the SiO2@mSiO2/PE composite exhibited an enhanced breakdown strength (256.4 MV·m−1) when filled with as small as 1 wt% SiO2@mSiO2, which is 108% higher than neat PE. All these optimized features are attributed to the well‐designed core‐shell structure. These experimental results provide a promising way to design and fabricate future advanced composite with excellent structural and functional properties in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are low cost with a promising theoretical capacity and inherent safety, and thus have drawn increasing attention as prospective energy storage devices in large‐scale energy storage systems. However, severe dendrite growth and side reaction problems hinder the practical application of ZIBs. Here, molecular sieves with ordered mesoporous channels are constructed to tailor the local electrolyte solvation structure on the zinc surface. Different high‐concentration solvation structures can be realized by adjusting the pore diameter of the molecular sieve, and the optimal pore geometry is a mesoporous channel with a diameter of 2.5 nm that induces the formation of a locally concentrated electrolyte and affords a lower Zn2+ de‐solvation energy in Mobil composition of matter number 41 (MCM41). The resulting MCM41‐Zn anode exhibits high cycling stability for Zn stripping/plating under different current densities (over 1800 h at 1 mA cm–2, 1 mAh cm–2, and 2200 h at 5 mA cm–2, 1 mAh cm–2). Moreover, the CaV8O20·nH2O//MCM41‐Zn full cell shows a high capacity of 274.2 mAh g−1 and a long lifespan (no capacity decay after 1000 cycles at 4 A g–1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cells maintain adult tissue homeostasis under physiological conditions. Uncontrolled stem cell proliferation will lead to tumorigenesis. How stem cell proliferation is precisely controlled is still not fully understood. Phosphorylation of Yun is essential for ISC proliferation. Yun is essential for the proliferation of normal and transformed intestinal stem cells. Our mass spectrometry and biochemical data suggest that Yun can be phosphorylated at multiple residues in vivo. Interestingly, we show that the phosphorylation among these residues is likely interdependent. Furthermore, phosphorylation of each residue in Yun is important for its function in ISC proliferation regulation. Thus, our study unveils the important role of post‐translational modification of Yun in stem cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]