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Seeking new cathode chemistry with high onset potential and compatibility with electrolytes has become a challenge for aqueous Zn ion batteries. Anion intercalation in graphite (4.5 V vs Li+/Li) possesses the potentiality but usually shows a competitive relationship with oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in aqueous solutions. Herein, a decoupled design is proposed to optimize a full utilization of perchlorate ion intercalation in graphite cathode by pH adjustment. Benefiting from the decoupled design, high Coulombic efficiency is obtained by decelerating the kinetic of OER in acidic media. The decoupled Zn‐graphite battery exhibits a wide potential window of 2.01 V, as well as an attractive energy density of 231 Wh kg−1. In addition, a Zn‐graphite battery with SO42−${\mathrm{SO}}_4^{2 - }$ insertion is assembled, which demonstrates the capability of the proposed decoupled strategy to integrate novel electrode chemistries for high‐performance aqueous Zn‐based energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the resting state, cortical neurons can fire action potentials spontaneously but synchronously (Up state), followed by a quiescent period (Down state) before the cycle repeats. Extracellular recordings in the infragranular layer of cortex with a micro‐electrode display a negative deflection (depth‐negative) during Up states and a positive deflection (depth‐positive) during Down states. The resulting slow wave oscillation (SWO) has been studied extensively during sleep and under anaesthesia. However, recent research on the balanced nature of synaptic excitation and inhibition has highlighted our limited understanding of its genesis. Specifically, are excitation and inhibition balanced during SWOs? We analyse spontaneous local field potentials (LFPs) during SWOs recorded from anaesthetised rats via a multi‐channel laminar micro‐electrode and show that the Down state consists of two distinct synaptic states: a Dynamic Down state associated with depth‐positive LFPs and a prominent dipole in the extracellular field, and a Static Down state with negligible (≈0mV$ \approx 0{\mathrm{\;mV}}$) LFPs and a lack of dipoles extracellularly. We demonstrate that depth‐negative and ‐positive LFPs are generated by a shift in the balance of synaptic excitation and inhibition from excitation dominance (depth‐negative) to inhibition dominance (depth‐positive) in the infragranular layer neurons. Thus, although excitation and inhibition co‐tune overall, differences in their timing lead to an alternation of dominance, manifesting as SWOs. We further show that Up state initiation is significantly faster if the preceding Down state is dynamic rather than static. Our findings provide a coherent picture of the dependence of SWOs on synaptic activity. Key points: Cortical neurons can exhibit repeated cycles of spontaneous activity interleaved with periods of relative silence, a phenomenon known as 'slow wave oscillation' (SWO).During SWOs, recordings of local field potentials (LFPs) in the neocortex show depth‐negative deflection during the active period (Up state) and depth‐positive deflection during the silent period (Down state).Here we further classified the Down state into a dynamic phase and a static phase based on a novel method of classification and revealed non‐random, stereotypical sequences of the three states occurring with significantly different transitional kinetics.Our results suggest that the positive and negative deflections in the LFP reflect the shift of the instantaneous balance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity of the local cortical neurons.The differences in transitional kinetics may imply distinct synaptic mechanisms for Up state initiation.The study may provide a new approach for investigating spontaneous brain rhythms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) is a progressive inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract associated with malnutrition, high levels of inflammation and calcium and magnesium deficiencies. However, the relationships between these symptoms are poorly defined. Method: Seventy‐six adult CD patients who had not yet started treatment and 83 healthy volunteers were recruited. The dietary intakes, serum calcium and magnesium levels, nutritional indicators and biochemical markers of disease activity were measured. Results: Most participants had inadequate magnesium and calcium intake. The serum magnesium and calcium levels, as well as nutritional and inflammatory indicators, differed significantly between CD patients and controls, especially in the active phase. Serum levels of magnesium and calcium correlated with both nutritional status and inflammation. The cut‐off values for CD development were 0.835 mmol/L (magnesium) and 2.315 mmol/L (calcium), whereas those for the active phase were 0.785 and 2.28 mmol/L, respectively. Conclusion: Adequate intake of magnesium and calcium may both improve the nutritional status of CD patients and reduce inflammation, benefiting disease relief. As both magnesium and calcium reflect CD status, they may be useful markers for CD diagnosis and disease activity. Highlights: CD patients suffer sustained calcium and magnesium deficiencies in both remission and active phase.The intake of dietary calcium and magnesium in Chinese CD patients is seriously inadequate.Serum magnesium and calcium levels can be used as biomarkers for the assessment of CD and its activity.Serum magnesium and calcium levels can act as a bridge between the nutritional and inflammatory conditions in CD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jujube peel pigment (JP), an ideal natural water‐soluble pigment extracted from jujube peel, mainly consists of flavonoids and possesses a wide range of physiological activities. In this study, JP‐loaded multivesicular liposomes (JP‐MVL) were prepared using the double emulsification method. JP‐MVL was characterized, and its encapsulation efficiency was determined using the UV‐Vis method. Furthermore, the release behavior and antioxidant capacity of JP‐MVL were evaluated in vitro. The results displayed in the structure of JP‐MVL were spherical with internal vesicles; the average particle size of JP‐MVL was 5.63 μm, and the zeta potential was −69.50 mV. Analysis of the release results indicated that the best‐fitting models in PBS (Phosphate buffered saline pH 7.4) and 0.9% NaCl were the Higuchi and first‐order kinetic models, respectively. The cytotoxicity of JP‐MVL at the appropriate concentrations was negligible and had a good protective effect against UVB‐induced photodamage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium metal batteries (NMBs) have attracted increasing attention as next‐generation rechargeable batteries. How to improve their cycling stability and safety under limited sodium excess conditions, ideally zero sodium excess (i.e., anode‐free architecture), is highly desired yet remains challenging. Herein, it is demonstrated that sodium formate (HCOONa), one component of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) naturally formed on sodium metal anode, is a promising candidate for designing high‐performance artificial SEI layers, which can suppress the sodium dendrite formation and reduce the side reactions between sodium and the electrolyte. Profiting from the HCOONa interface, the Na|Na3V2(PO4)3 battery with a high mass loading of Na3V2(PO4)3 (10 mg cm−2) exhibits a superior cycling stability with an ultralow decay rate of 0.004% per cycle over 800 cycles. More impressively, a single molecular layer of HCOONa in situ formed on commercial copper current collector helps to extend the lifespan of the anode‐free Cu|Na3V2(PO4)3 battery to 400 cycles with 88.2% capacity relation, representing the longest cycle lifetime reported in anode‐free NMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Prospection" refers to the ability to mentally simulate one's future episodes. Negative bias in prospection, which includes both reduced positivity and enhanced negativity, is considered to be closely related to the development and maintenance of depression. However, there is a relative paucity of measures that adequately assess negative bias in prospection in depressed people. The current study developed and initially validated the Negative Bias in Prospection Scale (NBPS) using a nonclinical sample (n = 959). The validity and reliability of the NBPS were investigated in several ways. Results suggested the 14 NBPS items loaded onto three factors, namely the "Increased negativity," the "Reduced positivity," and the "Overgeneralization." The NBPS demonstrated decent internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Further, the NBPS was strongly associated with severity of depressive symptoms. Moreover, the NBPS was correlated in a theoretically meaningful way with other measures of future‐oriented cognitions or negative biases. In conclusion, the NBPS has promising preliminary psychometric properties. It will be an efficient tool for exploring dysfunctional prospection in depression and provides a novel measure for mechanism of change in prospection‐based interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial destabilization induced by pathogen infection has severely affected plant quality and output, such as Anoectochilus roxburghii, an economically important herb. Soft rot is the main disease that occurs during A. roxburghii culturing. However, the key members of pathogens and their interplay with non‐detrimental microorganisms in diseased plants remain largely unsolved. Here, by utilizing a molecular ecological network approach, the interactions within bacterial communities in endophytic compartments and the surrounding soils during soft rot infection were investigated. Significant differences in bacterial diversity and community composition between healthy and diseased plants were observed, indicating that the endophytic communities were strongly influenced by pathogen invasion. Endophytic stem communities of the diseased plants were primarily derived from roots and the root endophytes were largely derived from rhizosphere soils, which depicts a possible pathogen migration image from soils to roots and finally the stems. Furthermore, interactions among microbial members indicated that pathogen invasion might be aided by positively correlated native microbial members, such as Enterobacter and Microbacterium, who may assist in colonization and multiplication through a mutualistic relationship in roots during the pathogen infection process. Our findings will help open new avenues for developing more accurate strategies for biological control of A. roxburghii bacterial soft rot disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweetness and pungency sensation are two of common flavors in snack foods and cuisines, and appropriate intake regulates physical and mental health. In this study, 20 panelists were used as the subjects; the rated difference from control method was used to determine the recognition threshold of five kinds of Sichuan pepper oleoresins and sweeteners, while the Taste Activity Value (TAV), Scoville Units (SU), and relative intensity (RI) of different stimuli were obtained using formula conversion. Meanwhile, generalized labeled magnitude scale (gLMS) was used to rate the suprathreshold intensity of the stimuli at five different concentrations. The results showed that the power exponents of the pungent stimuli were between 0.5801 and 0.8081, while the power exponents of the sweet stimuli were between 0.4709 and 0.9020. Moreover, the RI of five different Sichuan pepper oleoresins and sweeteners were calculated based on the power functions. Furthermore, the fitting models for pungency and sweetness were lnRI = 0.8580*lnSPU‐8.5528 (R2 =.5964, p <.01) and lnRI = 0.8230*lnSSU‐4.1574 (R2 =.8998, p <.01), respectively. Practical Applications: The relative intensity (RI) and the Scoville Unit (SU) methods are typically used to evaluate the intensity of sweetness and pungency, respectively. However, previous studies confirmed that the SU of the stimuli was poorly correlated with its suprathreshold intensity. Furthermore, differences in psychophysical parameters, such as sensory quality and time persistence, limited the determination of the sweetener RI. Therefore, studying the relationship between the SU and RI of sweeteners and Sichuan pepper oleoresins would be useful for predicting suprathreshold intensity according to the SU of sweetness or pungent stimuli, providing a mutual reference for the RI and SU results, while promoting the sensory quality control of sweet and pungent foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural details of carbon materials directly affect their properties as an electrode material, such as specific capacitance and coulomb efficiency. Therefore, the structural analysis of carbon materials has always been an important step in the mechanistic insight into their roles in electrochemical energy storage. Raman spectroscopy, as molecular spectroscopy technique, has been widely used in understanding the lattice vibration mechanics of carbon materials and providing information on the chemical structure at molecular level, as well as microstructure analysis of carbon materials. In addition, the development of correlative‐Raman technology enables clarifying more comprehensive and accurate structural information for carbon‐based materials. With this information, it is of great significance to guide the construction of advanced carbon‐based electrode materials for energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: Chromatographic purification of Sigesbeckia glabrescens extracts led to three undescribed ent‐pimarane diterpenoid dimers, named glabreside A—C (1—3). Their structures were confirmed by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, and the structures of compound 1 and 3 were confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The results of anti‐inflammatory activity assay showed that glabreside C (3) exhibited the most potent inhibition activity on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in BV2 microglia compared with the other two compounds. Glabreside C also increased the protein expression level of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) in LPS‐stimulated BV2 cells. Mechanistically, glabreside C exerts its anti‐inflammatory effect by inhibiting AKT/MAPKs signaling pathway. These findings indicate the vital role of ent‐pimarane diterpenoid dimers in explaining the anti‐inflammatory activity of S. glabrescens and provide important evidence for further development and utilization of Sigesbeckiae Herba. These results also suggest that glabreside C is a potential lead compound for anti‐inflammatory drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic, non‐healing wounds pose significant challenges for public health, particularly in the context of diabetes, and carry significant economic consequences. This article introduces a new solution in the form of a wireless theranostic patch, developed to meet the critical need for real‐time monitoring and targeted treatments to facilitate optimal healing. The patch incorporates advanced materials that are both multifunctional and electro‐responsive, leveraging a sophisticated blend of smart hydrogels and wearable bioelectronics to support diabetic wound management with unparalleled efficacy. With electro‐responsive multifunctional polymer hydrogels at its core, the patch delivers a stretchable, antimicrobial, and moist environment for the wound, with added benefits such as conductivity and visibility. The materials also allow for continuous and autonomous monitoring of glucose and pH levels, providing precise and personalized treatments like insulin delivery via iontophoresis and electrical stimulation. Animal models have demonstrated that this integrated system is highly adaptable, effectively promoting wound closure and healing. Overall, the wireless theranostic system offers an exciting prospect for personalized healthcare solutions, adopting a patient‐centric approach that prioritizes real‐time, targeted care for chronic wounds. Its incorporation of advanced materials and electro‐controlled treatments paves the way for new and innovative approaches to wound management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecologic diseases using transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) or transumbilical laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (TU‐LESS). Methods: A total of 314 patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign uterine disease at West China Second University Hospital between October 2018 and December 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. vNOTES (n = 157) and TU‐LESS (n = 157) recipients were matched 1:1 in terms of uterine volume. The operation time, blood loss, postoperative decrease in hemoglobin, uterus weight, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pain score at 12 h, postoperative indwelling catheter time, and other clinical indicators were compared between the two groups. Results: All 314 patients successfully completed the surgery, and the two groups had similar baseline characteristics, with no statistical difference. Regarding intraoperative outcomes, the operation time was shorter in the vNOTES group than in the TU‐LESS group (80 vs 100 min, P = 0.04), and there were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion rate, postoperative decrease in hemoglobin, or uterine weight. Concerning postoperative outcomes, vNOTES hysterectomy was significantly superior to TU‐LESS hysterectomy in terms of the length of hospital stay (3 vs 4 days, P < 0.001), visual analog scale score for pain at 12 h after surgery (P = 0.04), postoperative indwelling catheter time (39.5 vs 64.0 h, P < 0.001), and postoperative exhaust time (24.0 vs 42.0 h, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between the two groups. Conclusion: vNOTES and TU‐LESS seem safe and feasible for hysterectomy, but vNOTES hysterectomy was more conducive to the postoperative rehabilitation of patients, with less trauma, less pain, and better cosmetic effects than TU‐LESS hysterectomy. As an emerging surgical approach, more studies, including large‐sample, multicenter, randomized controlled trials, are needed to validate our findings. Synopsis: vNOTES hysterectomy was found to be comparable and more conducive to the postoperative rehabilitation of patients to TU‐LESS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high‐efficiency transmitted acoustic focusing lenses based on the Helmholtz resonator (HR) metasurface is reported. The proposed lenses demonstrate superior focusing performances, which can provide deep‐subwavelength resolution. The proposed lenses demonstrate superior focusing performances, in which the performances of acoustic focusing metasurface is investigated in details and the bandwidth of the metasurface with hybrid resonant structures is broadened. For the former, the effects of different numerical apertures, different focusing distances, and different incidence angles are investigated. At the same time, off‐axis focusing and spherical wave focusing lenses are also demonstrated. For the latter, by spacing the HR elements with different resonant frequencies, a broad‐band acoustic lens is also designed and achieved, in which the favorable focusing performance can be realized in a relative wider frequency range. The proposed designs provide great potential applications in many scenarios, such as nondestructive testing, ultrasonic medical treatment and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study concentrates on exploring the synergistic effect of shikonin on cisplatin against oral cancer. Methods: To analyze the IC50 value of shikonin, gradient concentrations of shikonin were added to the oral cancer cell culture medium. After the cisplatin‐resistant cell line was established, the effects of cisplatin and shikonin on the survival rate, proliferation, apoptosis and related pathway protein expression of common/drug‐resistant oral cancer cells were compared through MTT, clone formation, flow cytometry, and Western blot experiments. β‐catenin, which had the most significant expression changes, was overexpressed and silenced, and used to design a reverse validation. Results: Shikonin inhibited the viability of oral cancer cells. Although cisplatin killed some cancer cells, its effect on drug‐resistant cancer cells was significantly reduced. The addition of shikonin enhanced the sensitivity of drug‐resistant cells to cisplatin. Shikonin regulated key proteins in cell proliferation and apoptosis‐related pathways. Among them, shikonin generated the most evident inhibitory effect on β‐catenin. Therefore, β‐catenin overexpression plasmid/siβ‐catenin was transfected into the cells. Silenced β‐catenin was found to reinforce the damaging effect of cisplatin on cancer cells, and overexpressed β‐catenin reversed the effect of shikonin. Conclusion: By down‐regulating β‐catenin expression, shikonin improves the sensitivity of drug‐resistant oral cancer cells to cisplatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robust Anode-Free Sodium Metal Batteries Enabled by Artificial Sodium Formate Interface (Adv. Anode-free batteries, sodium dendrites, sodium formate, sodium metal anodes, sodium metal batteries Keywords: anode-free batteries; sodium dendrites; sodium formate; sodium metal anodes; sodium metal batteries EN anode-free batteries sodium dendrites sodium formate sodium metal anodes sodium metal batteries 1 1 1 06/13/23 20230609 NES 230609 B Sodium Metal Batteries b In article number 2204125, Xiaoliang Fang and co-workers develop an artificial formate sodium interface with rapid ion conduction and high mechanical strength for constructing high-performance sodium metal batteries. [Extracted from the article]

Living erythrocyte (red blood cell, RBC) membranes present rich ultrastructural and dynamic details, which require synchronous super‐resolution imaging and single‐molecule tracking to be revealed. Yet, it poses a serious challenge to achieve these dual functions in a single probe, due to the rigid and conflicting photophysical demands of the different techniques. Herein, we rationally developed a far‐red boron dipyrromethene membrane probe with blinking capability and persistent single‐molecule emission, and constructed a microfluidic platform for noninvasive trapping and long‐term imaging of RBCs. By combining them, multi‐dimensional super‐resolution reconstructions and single‐molecule tracking were achieved at the molecular scale on living human RBC membranes in a high‐throughput manner. Our integrated system defines a quantitative method for analyzing RBC membranes under physiological and pathological conditions, improving precision and revealing new perspectives for future disease diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living erythrocyte (red blood cell, RBC) membranes present rich ultrastructural and dynamic details, which require synchronous super‐resolution imaging and single‐molecule tracking to be revealed. Yet, it poses a serious challenge to achieve these dual functions in a single probe, due to the rigid and conflicting photophysical demands of the different techniques. Herein, we rationally developed a far‐red boron dipyrromethene membrane probe with blinking capability and persistent single‐molecule emission, and constructed a microfluidic platform for noninvasive trapping and long‐term imaging of RBCs. By combining them, multi‐dimensional super‐resolution reconstructions and single‐molecule tracking were achieved at the molecular scale on living human RBC membranes in a high‐throughput manner. Our integrated system defines a quantitative method for analyzing RBC membranes under physiological and pathological conditions, improving precision and revealing new perspectives for future disease diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large adiabatic temperature change along with a wide operating temperature region is usually required for the electrocaloric materials to fulfill their refrigeration function. In general, doping foreign ions into BaTiO3 is the frequently utilized strategy in order to obtain excellent electrocaloric materials for the practical application. In the current paper, BaTiO3 lead‐free ferroelectric ceramics were doped by Ca2+ and Sn4+ simultaneously in order to generate a coexistence state at room temperature, where ferroelectric domains and nanodomains exit. As a result, a large polarization and a wide operating temperature range were finally induced. It is found that Ba0.9Ca0.1Ti0.85Sn0.15O3 has a maximum adiabatic temperature change of 0.85 K and an excellent working temperature region (65 K, ∆T > 90% Tmax) was achieved under an electric field of 50 kV/cm. The above phenomenon indicates that the modified BaTiO3 ceramics can be a good potential electrocaloric material in the state of cross‐existence of ferroelectric domains and nanodomains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sonodynamic activities of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with different morphologies, gold nanospheres (GNSs), gold nanoflowers (GNFs) and gold nanorods (GNRs), were explored by multi‐spectroscopic methods, in which the lesion degree of human serum albumin (HSA) was used as assessment index. The results revealed that three GNPs all had certain sonosensitivity but varying from different morphologies. It was also found that GNPs concentration and ultrasonic parameters were all critical influencing factors of sonodynamic injury HSA. Investigating the physical damage mechanism, the results indicated that the secondary and tertiary structure of HSA were compromised by ultrasound (US) combined with GNPs, so that the conformation of HSA was altered and the function was variously disturbed due to GNPs different morphologies. Studying the chemical damage mechanism, the results discovered that the yield of singlet oxygen (1O2) produced by GNPs with various morphologies combined with US was significant difference. Therefore, comprehensively analyzing the research results under different factors, the order of sonodynamic activities of GNPs was GNSs≈GNFs>GNRs. These findings may provide reference for the application of GNPs as sonosensitizers in sonodynamic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immobilizing DNA with high accessibility at the interface is attractive but challenging. Current methods often involve multiple chemical reactions and derivatives. In this study, an endonuclease, TC1, is introduced to develop a robust strategy for immobilizing DNA with enhanced accessibility. TC1 enables direct immobilization of DNA onto a solid support through self‐catalytic DNA covalent coupling and robust solid adsorption capabilities. This method demonstrates high accessibility to target molecules, supported by the improved sensitivity of DNA hybridization and aptamer‐target recognition assays. TC1‐mediated DNA immobilization is a one‐pot reaction that does not require chemical derivatives, making it promising for the development of high‐performance DNA materials and technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Föppl‐von Kármán equations describing deformation of flexible thin plates are established on the basis of moderately large‐deflection and small rotation angle. For many years, the equations have been regarded as a classical and effective model used for the analysis of flexible thin plate problems, and at the same time, this model has also been constantly evolving and improving. The improvements for the model, however, come mainly from properties of materials perspective, but seldom from the deformation of plate perspective. In this study, we revisit Föppl‐von Kármán equations from the viewpoint of deformation concerning rotation angle. A new form for the classical equations without a small‐rotation‐angle assumption is derived, for the first time, by giving up the basic assumption that the sine function of the rotation angle equals to the first‐order derivative of the corresponding displacement, thus improving the governing equations while enhancing the nonlinearity. The abandonment of the small‐rotation‐angle assumption reveals such a fact that the second‐order derivative of displacement in classical equations originates from the curvature and twist of plates. Due to the complexity of the equations derived, its perturbation solution is obtained under cylindrical bending with two opposites fully fixed. Results indicate that via cylindrical bending, a two‐dimensional plate or membrane problem is easily associated with a one‐dimensional beam or cable problem. Results also show that the abandonment of the small‐rotation‐angle assumption will contribute to the free development of the deflection curve rotation of the plate, while at the same time, the deflection value will tend to decrease to agree with the deformation of the plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitumen extracted from oil sands is a highly viscous fluid; thus, its transportation via pipelines in its original form resembles a major challenge. Partial upgrading is a recently proposed approach that aims to reduce bitumen's viscosity to meet the pipeline specifications. To optimize the process and make it more cost‐effective, a novel approach is proposed and researched in this study. Ionic surfactants were for the first time employed to promote thermal cracking reactions and dispersion of asphaltenes in bitumen at elevated upgrading temperatures. Three surfactants representing the cationic, nonionic, and anionic charges were studied at the thermal upgrading conditions (360–400◦C) at their optimal addition ratios to mimic the bitumen partial upgrading conditions. The results demonstrated that the cationic surfactant (dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, DTAB) surpassed the other two surfactants and that with the addition of only 0.25 wt% of it, it can effectively reduce the viscosity of bitumen by up to 60% more than the upgraded bitumen with no additives under the same upgrading temperature. The Saturates, Aromatics, Resins, and Asphaltene analysis revealed that the contents of saturates and aromatics within the upgraded bitumen were also enhanced when DTAB was added. Moreover, the detailed asphaltene nanostructural analysis using X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the addition of the cationic surfactant (DTAB) resulted in an increased asphaltene nanostructural disorder, smaller polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons size, and increased fringe curvature, as compared with the upgraded bitumen's asphaltene with no surfactants. Hence, the results have suggested that DTAB, a cheap and readily available ionic surfactant, can serve as a potential upgrading additive for designing partial upgrading procedures to produce upgraded bitumen with much less viscosity at lower upgrading temperatures. This upgrading technique will result in an upgraded bitumen that requires significantly reduced volumes of diluent for transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CH3OH is an energy carrier that can be generated from renewable resources and be used as a fuel in fuel cells and internal combustion engines and a platform chemical for the synthesis of value‐added chemicals or gasoline. Carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation is one of the widely researched methods to generate methanol. The traditional CO2 hydrogenation reaction method (requires high H2 pressure and temperatures) has attracted considerable attention. However, the new emerging field of catalysis referred to as nonthermal plasma (NTP) catalysis has also been developed extensively for methane reforming and CO2 hydrogenation to methane and CO. The plasma‐assisted approach not only presents remarkable advantages, such as room temperature and atmospheric H2 pressure but also has great potential to be powered by renewable electricity in a flexible way since it can be easily switched on/off. In this account, we review the recent articles published on methanol synthesis from CO2 and H2 using NTP. We reviewed and discussed the mechanism of this reaction under NTP, the modification of the reactor configurations, and the rationale behind the catalyst design. In the end, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each of these works and the future perspectives of this interesting privileged reaction. We believe this review is of interest to researchers active in sustainable heterogeneous catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribocatalysis is vitally important for electrochemistry, energy conservation, and water treatment. Exploring eco‐friendly and low‐cost tribocatalysts with high performance is crucial for practical applications. Here, the highly efficient tribocatalytic performance of FeOOH nanorods is reported. The factors related to the tribocatalytic activity such as nanorod diameter, surface area, and surface roughness are investigated, and the diameter of the FeOOH nanorods is found to have a significant effect on their tribocatalytic performance. As a result, under ultrasonic excitation, the optimized FeOOH nanorods exhibit superior tribocatalytic degradation toward rhodamine B (RhB), acid orange 7, methylene blue, methyl orange dyes, and their mixture. The RhB and mixed dyes are effectively degraded within 20 min (k = 0.179 min−1) and 35 min (k = 0.089 min−1), respectively, with the FeOOH nanorods showing excellent reusability. Moreover, antibiotics, such as tetracycline hydrochloride, phenol, and bisphenol A are efficiently degraded. Investigation of the catalytic mechanism reveals that the friction‐generated h+ as well as these yielded •OH and •O2− active radicals participate in the catalytic reaction. This work not only shed light on the design of high‐performance tribocatalyst but also demonstrates that by harvesting mechanical energy, the FeOOH nanorods are promising materials for removing organic contaminants in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoalexins play a crucial role in plant immunity. However, the mechanism of how phytoalexin is primed by beneficial microorganisms against broad‐spectrum pathogens remains elusive. This study showed that Bacillus cereus AR156 could trigger ISR against broad‐spectrum disease. RNA‐sequencing and camalexin content assays showed that AR156‐triggered ISR can prime the accumulation of camalexin synthesis and secretion‐related genes. Moreover, it was found that AR156‐triggered ISR elevates camalexin accumulation by increasing the expression of camalexin synthesis genes upon pathogen infection. We observed that the priming of camalexin accumulation by AR156 was abolished in cyp71a13 and pad3 mutants. Further investigations reveal that in the wrky33 mutant, the ability of AR156 to prime camalexin accumulation is abolished, and the mediated ISR against the three pathogens is significantly compromised. Furthermore, PEN3 and PDR12, acting as camalexin transporters, participate in AR156‐induced ISR against broad‐spectrum pathogens differently. In addition, salicylic acid and JA/ET signalling pathways participate in AR156‐primed camalexin synthesis to resist pathogens in different forms depending on the pathogen. In summary, B. cereus AR156 triggers ISR against Botrytis cinerea, Pst DC3000 and Phytophthora capsici by priming camalexin synthesis. Our study provides deeper insights into the significant role of camalexin for AR156‐induced ISR against broad‐spectrum pathogens. Summary statement: Beneficial rhizobacterium AR156 triggered ISR by enhancing camalexin accumulation in Arabidopsis, with WRKY33 acting as a positive regulator. PEN3 and PDR12 are involved in AR156‐induced ISR. Salicylic acid and JA/ET signalling pathways participate in AR156‐primed camalexin synthesis to resist various pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zeamines produced by Dickeya oryzae are potent polyamine antibiotics and phytotoxins that are essential for bacterial virulence. We recently showed that the RND efflux pump DesABC in D. oryzae confers partial resistance to zeamines. To fully elucidate the bacterial self‐protection mechanisms, in this study we used transposon mutagenesis to identify the genes encoding proteins involved in zeamine resistance in D. oryzae EC1. This led to the identification of a seven‐gene operon, arnEC1, that encodes enzyme homologues associated with lipopolysaccharide modification. Deletion of the arnEC1 genes in strain EC1 compromised its zeamine resistance 8‐ to 16‐fold. Further deletion of the des gene in the arnEC1 mutant background reduced zeamine resistance to a level similar to that of the zeamine‐sensitive Escherichia coli DH5α. Intriguingly, the arnEC1 mutants showed varied bacterial virulence on rice, potato, and Chinese cabbage. Further analyses demonstrated that ArnBCATEC1 are involved in maintenance of the bacterial nonmucoid morphotype by repressing the expression of capsular polysaccharide genes and that ArnBEC1 is a bacterial virulence determinant, influencing transcriptional expression of over 650 genes and playing a key role in modulating bacterial motility and virulence. Taken together, these findings decipher a novel zeamine resistance mechanism in D. oryzae and document new roles of the Arn enzymes in modulation of bacterial physiology and virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) consists of a broad spectrum of conditions, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the advanced form of NAFLD. TAF15 is a DNA and RNA binding protein and is involved in crucial inflammatory signalling pathways. We aimed to investigate the role of TAF15 in the progression of NASH and the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: We generated mice with hepatocyte‐specific knockdown and overexpression of TAF15 using a specific adeno‐associated virus (AAV). NASH models were established by feeding mice high‐fat and high‐cholesterol diets and methionine‐ and choline‐deficient diets. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation and dual‐luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the effect of TAF15 on FASN transcription. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays were conducted to explore the interaction of TAF15 and p65. In vitro coculture systems were established to study the interactions of hepatocytes, macrophages and HSCs. Results: TAF15 was significantly increased in the livers of mouse NASH models and primary hepatocyte NASH model. Knockdown of TAF15 inhibited steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis, while overexpression of TAF15 promoted NASH phenotypes. Mechanistically, TAF15 bound directly to the promoter region of FASN to facilitate its expression, thereby promoting steatosis. Moreover, TAF15 interacted with p65 and activated the NF‐κB signalling pathway, increasing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and triggering M1 macrophage polarization. Treatment with the FASN inhibitor orlistat partially reversed the phenotypes. Conclusions: These results suggested that TAF15 exacerbated NASH progression by regulating lipid metabolism and inflammation via transcriptional activation of FASN and interacting with p65 to activate the NF‐κB signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Vitamins B6 and B12 are involved in metabolic processes that decrease neural excitation and increase inhibition. This double‐blind study investigated the effects of supplementation for 1 month with a high‐dose of B6 or B12, compared to placebo, on a range of behavioural outcome measures connected to the balance between neural inhibition and excitation. Methods: 478 young adults were recruited over five linked phases. Self‐reported anxiety (N = 265) and depression (N = 146) were assessed at baseline and after supplementation. Several sensory measures acted as assays of inhibitory function and were assessed post‐supplementation only; these were surround suppression of visual contrast detection (N = 307), binocular rivalry reversal rate (N = 172), and a battery of tactile sensitivity tests (N = 180). Results: Vitamin B6 supplementation reduced self‐reported anxiety and induced a trend towards reduced depression, as well as increased surround suppression of visual contrast detection, but did not reliably influence the other outcome measures. Vitamin B12 supplementation produced trends towards changes in anxiety and visual processing. Conclusions: Our results suggest that high‐dose Vitamin B6 supplementation increases inhibitory GABAergic neural influences, which is consistent with its known role in the synthesis of GABA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in human health. In this article, egg white polypeptide (EWP) was used as the reducing agent and stabiliser to prepare a novel type of EWP‐selenium complex nanoparticles (EWP‐SeNPs). Particle size, morphology, FT‐IR, stability, and functional properties of EWP‐SeNPs were characterised. The results showed that EWP‐SeNPs were 30–50 nm in diameter and were spherical. The SeNPs complexed with the EWP through O‐ and N‐ containing groups. This reaction was entropy‐driven spontaneous and the binding force was mainly hydrophobic. The stability of EWP‐SeNPs was best at pH = 10. Moreover, EWP‐SeNPs showed significantly inhibitory effect on HepG‐2 cells in the range of 6.2500 to 50.0000 μg mL−1. Anti‐bacterial effect occurred when the concentration of EWP‐SeNPs was 1.2500 mg mL−1. This study would provide a green method for synthesising stable SeNPs, which was helpful for further evaluation in the food field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has established the quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) model to predict formaldehyde hydroformylation activity using a class of phosphine‐Rh complexes and computational mechanistic pathway analysis. A group of computational parameters (e. g. cone angle, G‐parameter, buried volume, CO vibration frequency, NBO charge, HOMO and LUMO energy, Rh−P distance) describing the complex structural (e. g. steric and electronic) features were achieved for descriptor database of monodentate phosphine ligands. Mathematical modelling of the catalytic results with the descriptors via multivariate linear regression reveals the hydroformylation rate is principally under electronic control within the investigated ligands. Computational mechanistic analysis demonstrates significant impact of electronic feature on TOF‐determining transition state/intermediate and energetic span. The H2 distortion energy analysis elucidates the variation of energetic span of the transition states related to H2 oxidation addition, rationally accounting for the reaction outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteocalcin (OCN) is a bone‐derived and vitamin K dependent hormone that affects energy metabolism and vascular calcification. The relationship between serum OCN and vascular function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is uncertain. This study investigated the association between serum OCN and vascular function as expressed with reactive hyperemia index (RHI) and augmentation index (AIx) measured by Endo‐PAT 2000 device. This cross‐sectional analysis was based on 256 pre‐dialysis CKD patients who had completed the Endo‐PAT 2000 test and serum OCN at the First Center of Chinese PLA Hospital from November 2017 to December 2019. Based on whether the RHI was less than 1.67, the patients were divided into endothelial dysfunction and normal endothelial function groups. Multiple logistic and linear regression were used to analyze the association between OCN and vascular function. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine the effects of OCN on vascular function in different CKD populations. After multivariate adjustment, CKD with low OCN were more likely to have endothelial dysfunction (OR: 0.794; 95%CI: 0.674‐0.934; P =.006); on the contrary, patients with high OCN had a higher degree of arterial stiffness (standardized β: 0.174; P =.003). Subgroup analyses showed that higher OCN was associated with severe arterial stiffness but a better endothelial function in young (age < 65 years, PRHI/PAIx@75 =.027/.011), male (PRHI/PAIx@75 =.040/.016), patients with a history of hypertension (PRHI/PAIx@75 =.004/.009) or diabetes (PRHI/PAIx@75 =.005/.005), and in early CKD (PRHI/PAIx@75 =.014/.015). In conclusion, serum OCN correlates with vascular function in CKD patients: beneficial for endothelial function but detrimental to arterial stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Dairy cattle mastitis has long been one of the most common and costly diseases in the dairy industry worldwide, due to its significant impact on milk production and animal welfare. Among all mastitis causing bacterial pathogens, Klebsiella pneumoniae causes the largest milk loss. To better understand the genomic features of this population, 180 K. pneumoniae strains isolated from dairy cattle mastitis milk in 11 U.S. states were sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis classified all mastitis‐causing K. pneumoniae into two major phylogroups, with exclusive predominance in phylogroup KpI. Analysis of more than 61 sequence types, 51 capsular types and 12 lipopolysaccharide O‐antigen types revealed great genomic diversity of this K. pneumoniae population. Approximately 100 gene units in accessory genomes were detected with significantly higher prevalence in bovine mastitis strains, compared to human‐sourced or dairy environmental strains. The most notable genes were identified associated with ferric citrate uptake, lactose fermentation and resistance to heavy metals. The acquired antimicrobial resistance genes were identified in sporadic mastitis strains. This comprehensive genomic epidemiological study provides insights for a better understanding of the virulence of mastitis‐causing K. pneumoniae strains and may lead to the development of novel diagnostic tools and preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylene (ET) is an important gaseous plant hormone. It is highly desirable to develop fluorescent probes for monitoring ethylene in living cells. We report an efficient RhIII‐catalysed coupling of N‐phenoxyacetamides to ethylene in the presence of an alcohol. The newly discovered coupling reaction exhibited a wide scope of N‐phenoxyacetamides and excellent regioselectivity. We successfully developed three fluorophore‐tagged RhIII‐based fluorogenic coumarin‐ethylene probes (CEPs) using this strategy for the selective and quantitative detection of ethylene. CEP‐1 exhibited the highest sensitivity with a limit of detection of ethylene at 52 ppb in air. Furthermore, CEP‐1 was successfully applied for imaging in living CHO‐K1 cells and for monitoring endogenous‐induced changes in ethylene biosynthesis in tobacco and Arabidopsis thaliana plants. These results indicate that CEP‐1 has great potential to illuminate the spatiotemporal regulation of ethylene biosynthesis and ethylene signal transduction in living biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylene (ET) is an important gaseous plant hormone. It is highly desirable to develop fluorescent probes for monitoring ethylene in living cells. We report an efficient RhIII‐catalysed coupling of N‐phenoxyacetamides to ethylene in the presence of an alcohol. The newly discovered coupling reaction exhibited a wide scope of N‐phenoxyacetamides and excellent regioselectivity. We successfully developed three fluorophore‐tagged RhIII‐based fluorogenic coumarin‐ethylene probes (CEPs) using this strategy for the selective and quantitative detection of ethylene. CEP‐1 exhibited the highest sensitivity with a limit of detection of ethylene at 52 ppb in air. Furthermore, CEP‐1 was successfully applied for imaging in living CHO‐K1 cells and for monitoring endogenous‐induced changes in ethylene biosynthesis in tobacco and Arabidopsis thaliana plants. These results indicate that CEP‐1 has great potential to illuminate the spatiotemporal regulation of ethylene biosynthesis and ethylene signal transduction in living biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plant intracellular nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) receptors play critical roles in mediating host immunity to pathogen attack. We use tomato Sw‐5b::tospovirus as a model system to study the specific role of the compartmentalized plant NLR in dictating host defenses against the virus at different infection steps.We demonstrated here that tomato NLR Sw‐5b distributes to the cytoplasm and nucleus, respectively, to play different roles in inducing host resistances against tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) infection. The cytoplasmic‐enriched Sw‐5b induces a strong cell death response to inhibit TSWV replication. This host response is, however, insufficient to block viral intercellular and long‐distance movement. The nuclear‐enriched Sw‐5b triggers a host defense that weakly inhibits viral replication but strongly impedes virus intercellular and systemic movement. Furthermore, the cytoplasmic and nuclear Sw‐5b act synergistically to dictate a full host defense of TSWV infection.We further demonstrated that the extended N‐terminal Solanaceae domain (SD) of Sw‐5b plays critical roles in cytoplasm/nucleus partitioning. Sw‐5b NLR controls its cytoplasm localization. Strikingly, the SD but not coil‐coil domain is crucial for Sw‐5b receptor to import into the nucleus to trigger the immunity. The SD was found to interact with importins. Silencing both importin α and β expression disrupted Sw‐5b nucleus import and host immunity against TSWV systemic infection.Collectively, our findings suggest that Sw‐5b bifurcates disease resistances by cytoplasm/nucleus partitioning to block different infection steps of TSWV. The findings also identified a new regulatory role of extra domain of a plant NLR in mediating host innate immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylene (ET) is an important gaseous plant hormone. It is highly desirable to develop fluorescent probes for monitoring ethylene in living cells. We report an efficient RhIII‐catalysed coupling of N‐phenoxyacetamides to ethylene in the presence of an alcohol. The newly discovered coupling reaction exhibited a wide scope of N‐phenoxyacetamides and excellent regioselectivity. We successfully developed three fluorophore‐tagged RhIII‐based fluorogenic coumarin‐ethylene probes (CEPs) using this strategy for the selective and quantitative detection of ethylene. CEP‐1 exhibited the highest sensitivity with a limit of detection of ethylene at 52 ppb in air. Furthermore, CEP‐1 was successfully applied for imaging in living CHO‐K1 cells and for monitoring endogenous‐induced changes in ethylene biosynthesis in tobacco and Arabidopsis thaliana plants. These results indicate that CEP‐1 has great potential to illuminate the spatiotemporal regulation of ethylene biosynthesis and ethylene signal transduction in living biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]