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Protection against oxidative stress is a vital defense mechanism for Mycobacterium tuberculosis within the host. However, few transcription factors that control bacterial antioxidant defense are known. Here, we present evidence that SdrR, encoded by the MSMEG_5712 (Ms5712) gene, functions as an oxidative stress response regulator in Mycobacterium smegmatis. SdrR recognizes an 11-bp motif sequence in the operon's upstream regulatory region and negatively regulates the expression of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR). Overexpressing sdrR inhibited SDR expression, which rendered the strain oxidative more stress-sensitive. Conversely, sdrR knockout alleviates SDR repression, which increases its oxidative stress tolerance. Thus, SdrR responds to oxidative stress by negatively regulating sdr expression. Therefore, this study elucidated an underlying regulatory mechanism behind mycobacterial oxidative stress adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages infiltrating tumour tissues or residing in the microenvironment of solid tumours are known as tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs). These specialized immune cells play crucial roles in tumour growth, angiogenesis, immune regulation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. TAMs encompass various subpopulations, primarily classified into M1 and M2 subtypes based on their differentiation and activities. M1 macrophages, characterized by a pro-inflammatory phenotype, exert anti-tumoural effects, while M2 macrophages, with an anti-inflammatory phenotype, function as protumoural regulators. These highly versatile cells respond to stimuli from tumour cells and other constituents within the tumour microenvironment (TME), such as growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes. These stimuli induce their polarization towards one phenotype or another, leading to complex interactions with TME components and influencing both pro-tumour and anti-tumour processes. This review comprehensively and deeply covers the literature on macrophages, their origin and function as well as the intricate interplay between macrophages and the TME, influencing the dual nature of TAMs in promoting both pro- and anti-tumour processes. Moreover, the review delves into the primary pathways implicated in macrophage polarization, examining the diverse stimuli that regulate this process. These stimuli play a crucial role in shaping the phenotype and functions of macrophages. In addition, the advantages and limitations of current macrophage based clinical interventions are reviewed, including enhancing TAM phagocytosis, inducing TAM exhaustion, inhibiting TAM recruitment, and polarizing TAMs towards an M1-like phenotype. In conclusion, while the treatment strategies targeting macrophages in precision medicine show promise, overcoming several obstacles is still necessary to achieve an accessible and efficient immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a novel Ni-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling reaction of aryl bromides and alkyl iodides via a photoactive electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complex. This photo-induced process enables the efficient construction of C(sp2)–C(sp3) bonds in the absence of an external photocatalyst. Electronically and structurally diverse aryl bromides, as well as secondary and primary alkyl iodides could undergo this transformation smoothly. Natural product derivatives were employed successfully, and UV-vis spectroscopy was utilized to gain mechanistic insight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C (VC), encompasses a group of related water-soluble substances, which plays an important role in the physiologic processes and health of aquatic animals. Most aquatic animals have a limited capacity to synthesize VC, thus obtaining VC mainly from diets. To date, VC has been widely used as an aquatic feed additive due to its antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory abilities. However, the requirement for VC varies greatly among different aquatic animals. This updated review presents a general picture of the possible physiological function of VC for farmed aquatic animals, with emphasis on the information on growth, antioxidant status, immunity, diseases prevention, and reproductive performance, as well as the synergistic effects of VC with other micronutrients such as vitamin E, glucans, and metal elements during recent years. Furthermore, the interaction between dietary VC and the intestinal microbiota of aquatic animals have also been discussed. Understanding the beneficial function and mechanism of VC is of great significance for extending the application of VC in the aquaculture industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancement of digital transformation is of paramount importance for business development. This study employs machine learning to establish a predictive model for digital transformation, investigates crucial factors that influence digital transformation, and proposes corresponding improvement strategies. Initially, four commonly used machine learning algorithms are compared, revealing that the Extreme tree classification (ETC) algorithm exhibits the most accurate prediction. Subsequently, through correlation analysis and recursive elimination, key features that impact digital transformation are selected resulting in the corresponding feature subset. Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) values are then employed to perform an interpretable analysis on the predictive model, elucidating the effects of each key feature on digital transformation and obtaining critical feature values. Lastly, informed by practical considerations, we propose a quantitative adjustment strategy to enhance the degree of digital transformation in enterprises, which provides guidance for digital development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical and isotopic processes occur in every segment of the hydrological cycle. Hydrogeochemistry—the subdiscipline that studies these processes—has seen a transformation from "witch's brew" to credible science since 2000. Going forward, hydrogeochemical research and applications are critical to meeting urgent societal needs of climate change mitigation and clean energy, such as (1) removing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing gigatons of CO2 in soils and aquifers to achieve net‐zero emissions, (2) securing critical minerals in support of the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies, and (3) protecting water resources by adapting to a warming climate. In the last two decades, we have seen extensive activity and progress in four research areas of hydrogeochemistry related to water‐rock interactions: arsenic contamination of groundwater; the use of isotopic and chemical tracers to quantify groundwater recharge and submarine groundwater discharge; the kinetics of chemical reactions and the mineral‐water interface's control of contaminant fate and transport; and the transformation of geochemical modeling from an expert‐only exercise to a widely accessible tool. In the future, embracing technological advances in machine learning, cyberinfrastructure, and isotope analytical tools will allow breakthrough research and expand the role of hydrogeochemistry in meeting society's needs for climate change mitigation and the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dispersal by frugivorous birds facilitates plant invasions, but it is poorly known how invasive plants integrate into native communities in fragmented landscapes. We surveyed plant–frugivore interactions, including an invasive plant (Phytolacca americana), on 22 artificial land‐bridge islands (fragmented forests) in the Thousand Island Lake, China. Focusing on frugivory interactions that may lead to seed dispersal, we built ecological networks of studied islands both at the local island (community) and at landscape (metacommunity) levels. On islands with P. americana, we found that P. americana impacted local avian frugivory networks more on islands with species‐poor plant communities and on isolated islands. Moreover, as P. americana interacted mainly with local core birds (generalists), this indicates reduced seed dispersal of native plants on invaded islands. At the landscape level, P. americana had established strong interactions with generalist birds that largely maintain seed‐dispersal functions across islands, as revealed by their topologically central roles both in the regional plant–bird trophic network and in the spatial metanetwork. This indicates that generalist frugivorous birds may have facilitated the dispersal of P. americana across islands, making P. americana well integrated into the plant–frugivore mutualistic metacommunity. Taken together, our study demonstrates that the impact of plant invasion is context‐dependent and that generalist native frugivores with high dispersal potential may accelerate plant invasion in fragmented landscapes. These findings highlight the importance of taking the functional roles of animal mutualists and habitat fragmentation into account when managing plant invasions and their impact on native communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field observations in sedimentation and erosion-prone areas indicate that most natural sand deposits may contain a certain amount of non-plastic fines and are often under anisotropic stress conditions. A series of triaxial compression tests were performed on clean and silty sand with fines content fc ranging from 0 to 20% at an initial mean effective stress of p0′ = 100 kPa and varying consolidation conditions to understand the impact of initial stress anisotropy on undrained shear behavior. The results indicate that the state parameter ψ is a superior predictor for characterizing the responses of sand-fines mixtures compared to the global void ratio and relative density. A comparison of the behavior of clean and silty sand with a constant ψ (= − 0.03) confirms that the sample with 10% fc exhibits the strongest dilation and greatest shear resistance, irrespective of the consolidation conditions. It is also demonstrated that the initial stress anisotropy with a comparably higher static stress ratio ηs typically diminishes the shear strength of mixtures. However, the influence of initial stress anisotropy on soil stiffness is not unilateral. The sample consolidated to a negative ηs is stiffer than that under isotropic consolidation, while the presence of a positive ηs leads to a decrease in the secant Young's modulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CACNA1A gene encodes the alpha-1A subunit of P/Q type voltage-gated calcium channel Cav2.1, which is associated with a broad clinical spectrum and variable symptomatology. While few patients with progressive ataxia caused by CACNA1A missense variants have been reported, here we report three unrelated Chinese patients with progressive ataxia due to de novo missense variants in the CACNA1A gene, including a novel pathogenic variant (c.4999C > G) and a previously reported pathogenic variant (c.4037G > A). Our findings and a systematic literature review show the unique phenotype of progressive ataxia caused by missense variants and enlarge the genetic and clinical spectrum of CACNA1A. This suggests that in addition to routine screening for dynamic mutations, screening for CACNA1A variants is important for clinicians facing patients with progressive ataxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A SH0 wave directivity model is proposed to predict the displacement wavefield generated by a rectangular d24 PZT. • The model is validated through multi-physics FE simulation and experiments. • The model can serve as a tool for directivity modelling of rectangular PZT. • A size optimization method is introduced to design the d24 PZT for effectively generating bidirectional SH0 waves. Generating directional guided waves helps to avoid unwanted reflections while providing location information for defects. Bidirectional waves focus wave beams in two opposite directions, which can be applied for generating circumferential zero-order shear horizontal (SH0) waves for large-diameter pipe inspection. In this paper, a novel method for generating bidirectional SH0 waves through size optimization using face-shear (d 24) lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducer is proposed. A theoretical model is established based on the shear-lag model and the Huygens principle, which describes the generation and propagation of SH0 waves in thin plate by bonded d 24 PZT transducer. The theoretical model is validated by multi-physics finite element (FE) simulation results in terms of SH0 displacement wavefield. Based on the theoretical model, the performance of bidirectional SH0 wave generation is studied. The maximum bidirectional ratio that can be achieved by d 24 PZT within a size range (1–25 mm) under a five-cycle sinusoid tone-burst excitation at a center frequency range (50–300 kHz) is studied. Results show that over 20 dB effect can be achieved at the PZT with a specific aspect ratio. Laboratory experiments are conducted using d 24 PZT transducers at 50–300 kHz to validate the effect of bidirectional wave generation in practical detection scenarios. Experimental results show effects of over 20 dB within a certain frequency range can be achieved when using a PZT with a large aspect ratio, which agree well with the theoretical predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new polymerization strategy towards flavor precursors. • Grafting volatile flavors onto polyacrylate matrix. • A remarkable increase in thermal decomposition temperatures. • Effective release of target flavors during heating process. • Copolymerization of a hydrophilic monomer to improve solubility in alcohols. Herein we present a novel 'polymerization strategy' aimed at synthesizing flavor precursors, with a focus on enhancing their thermal stability and release properties. Three volatile flavors, menthol, methyl cyclopentenolone, and ethyl maltol, are reacted with acryloyl chloride to produce corresponding vinyl monomers. These monomers undergo radical polymerization to form homopolymers (P1 − P3). To improve solubility in alcohol solvents, a hydrophilic oligoethylene glycol monomer is introduced, copolymerized with the flavor containing monomers, resulting in copolymers (P4 − P6). An important advantage of these polymers lies in their significantly enhanced thermal stability, exhibiting an increase of approximately 100 to 200 °°C compared to small molecular flavors. Furthermore, our methodology enables efficient release of the target flavors upon heating, as evidenced by online analyses of volatiles from pyrolysis using fixed-bed reactor combined with single photoionization mass spectrometry (FBR-SPIMS) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC–MS). This work represents a practical and innovative approach to improving the thermal stability of volatile flavors and elevating their release temperature, offering promising applications in high-temperature food processing and tobacco industries. The grafting of volatile flavor compounds onto polyacrylate substrates represents a novel approach in the synthesis of flavor precursors. The polymer-supported flavor precursors realize enhanced thermal stability and improved efficacy in aroma release, particularly under elevated temperatures. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a renewable aromatic compound with enormous production potential, lignin has various potential high-value utilization pathways, but the success achieved in the field of photocatalysis is limited. Herein, this work prepares a new type of photocatalyst by modifying Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanotubes (CNT) with self-assembled lignin nanospheres for the photocatalytic production of H 2 O 2 and the degradation of azo dyes. Under light conditions, lignin enhances the production of H 2 O 2 through oxygen reduction and collaborates with carbon nitride tubes to generate O 2 − and 1O 2. Furthermore, carbon nitride tubes form electron-rich regions with lignin, promoting the transfer of electrons from adsorbed aromatic pollutants to this region, thereby facilitating their degradation. The experimental results indicate that the addition of 5 % lignin significantly enhances the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of azo dyes, with a degradation rate 1.87 times higher than that of the original carbon nitride tubes. Furthermore, CNL also have excellent degradation ability to pollutants in actual wastewater. This study provides new insights and prospects for the high-value utilization of lignin, enabling it to be used as a photocatalytic co-catalyst to participate in the photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants. • Photocatalyst CNL5 was synthesized by modifying carbon nitride with lignin, improving its photocatalytic activity. • Study on the mechanism of lignin-modified carbon nitride nanotubes photocatalytic production of H 2 O 2. • By π-π attraction, the electrons of pollutants participate in the photocatalytic reaction. • The application and challenges of high value utilization of lignin in photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid expansion of urban areas has caused a series of impacts on the ecological environment. Exploring the effects of urban sprawl on carbon emissions and its mechanisms is crucial for realizing sustainable development patterns and low-carbon city planning. This study integrates used nighttime light data and population grid data to construct an Urban Sprawl Index. It employs a spatial Durbin model to analyze the spatial impact of urban sprawl on carbon emissions, examining the mechanisms from the perspective of local land transfers. The research reveals the following findings: (1) Urban sprawl significantly contributes to a positive spatial spillover effect on carbon emissions, leading to increased emission levels in surrounding cities. (2) The overall local impact of urban sprawl on urban areas is not significant. It suppresses carbon emissions in municipal districts but increases them in counties, with these effects counterbalancing each other. (3) Mechanism analysis indicates that different types of land transfers have varied effects on carbon emissions in districts and counties, and the regulation of the floor area ratio regulation strengthens the impact of land transfers. (4) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the size of urban populations significantly reduces the local effects of sprawl on carbon emissions, while environmental regulations strength attenuate the impact of urban sprawl on carbon emissions in municipal districts. The findings of this study provide practical references and policy implications for formulating reasonable urban development and land use plans, facilitating the achievement of peak carbon and carbon neutrality goals. [Display omitted] • Urban sprawl significantly contributes to a positive spatial spillover effect on carbon emissions. • The overall local impact of urban sprawl on urban areas is negligible. • Urban sprawl cuts emissions in districts but raises them in counties, offsetting overall. • Different types of land transfers have varied effects on carbon emissions in districts and counties. • Floor area ratio rules heighten land transfer impacts on emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand joint emission reduction (JER) of upstream and downstream firms under a low-carbon operational environment, this study incorporates green technology, remanufacturing, low-carbon promotion, consumer environmental awareness (CEA), and mixed carbon policies (carbon tax + cap-and-trade) into a dynamic framework to investigate JER decisions of the upstream manufacturer and the downstream retailer. Applying the differential game theory, we consider low-carbon goodwill as the state variable and explore members' optimal decisions in four cases, namely, idealized case, noncooperative case, unilateral cost-sharing contract (UCSC) case, and bilateral cost-sharing contract (BCSC) case. Our results show that the noncooperative case leads to a loss of efficiency in joint emission reduction. Although the BCSC is more advantageous than the UCSC in improving the efficiency of JER, a profit redistribution mechanism needs to be included, and the profit distribution ratio should be controlled within a certain interval. Only in this situation do both parties prefer the BCSC. Additionally, the impact of mixed carbon policies and CEA on JER decisions, low-carbon goodwill, profits, and coordination are fully discussed, and it is found that in the face of stricter mixed carbon policies, the downstream retailer plays a moderating role only in cooperative cases. Several practical implications are concluded for JER, contract design, CEA, and carbon policies. Governments and firms can benefit from our research by gaining a deeper understanding of JER. • Differential game is applied to explore joint emission reduction (JER) decisions. • Upstream manufacturer depends on green technology and remanufacturing to realize green production. • Mixed carbon policies and consumer environmental awareness are considered. • Only in cooperative cases does the downstream retailer play a moderating role in JER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the rates of dissolution of rock-forming minerals close to equilibrium and their dependence on Δ G r , the Gibbs free energy of reaction, is essential for describing the temporal and spatial evolution of many environmental and engineering processes involving solid/fluid interactions. In the present study we used the isotope-doping method to quantify albite forward and net dissolution rates. Batch experiments were performed at 150, 180 °C and pH = 9 at near equilibrium and equilibrium conditions (-25 ≤ Δ G r ≤ + 8.2 kJ/mol) in 29Si spiked solutions which were undersaturated with the secondary Al-Si solid phases likely to precipitate. The forward dissolution rates normalized to the initial BET surface area were found to decrease continuously and monotonically with increasing time and Δ G r , achieving values 1.3 to 2.4 orders of magnitude lower at chemical equilibrium than initial far from equilibrium values, with the highest rate decrease for the highest solid to fluid ratio. These rate drops were accompanied by an increase in BET specific surface areas associated with the formation of widespread dissolution features. A decrease of albite forward dissolution rate together with an increase of its BET surface area was also observed as a function of reaction time at far from equilibrium conditions (Δ G r ≤ − 65 kJ/mol). These observations are consistent with a continuous decrease with time and increasing Δ G r of albite effective surface area linked to the formation of unreactive negative crystal facets, in addition to etch pits stopping nucleating above a critical value of Δ G r. Thus, the observed decrease in albite dissolution rate as equilibrium is approached is not linked primarily to the increase in the contribution of the backward reaction but rather to the decrease of the forward reaction rate in conjunction with the decrease in the density of reactive sites at the mineral surface. The results of this study show that the characterization of the effective surface area and its evolution with reaction time and chemical affinity is crucial to deriving robust dissolution rates of well-crystallized minerals like feldspars. Dissolution experiments in 29Si spiked solutions of samples with different history and well-characterized effective surface area and surface morphology should help to better quantify the rate laws controlling silicate minerals weathering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an improved matching pursuit (MP) method with a multicomponent interference dictionary (MCID) based on a pipeline guided wave reflection model. The proposed method separates the overlapped time domain reflections from the notch edges and extracts parameters such as amplitude, time of flight (TOF), and phase to identify the number and axial dimensions of notches in pipes. Firstly, the performance of the method in identifying parameters of overlapped components affected by noise and reverberation under different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and frequencies is analyzed using four error metrics. Secondly, finite-element (FE) models of pipes with a single notch and double notches are established, and the accuracy of the reflection model is validated by comparing the predicted amplitudes, TOF, and phase of reflections with the FE results. Finally, experimental validation is conducted on aluminum pipes with multiple notches. The consistency between the experimental results, theoretical results, and FE results in wave packet parameters confirmed the accuracy of the proposed reflection models. The method accurately captures the parameters of the reflections from each notch edge in the experimental pipes, enabling the identification of the number and axial dimensions of the notches. The method holds the potential for identifying a greater number of notches in pipelines and characterizing their axial dimensions. This can provide a reliable reference for developing maintenance plans based on pipeline operational conditions, thereby preventing major safety incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the effect of emodin on growth and intestinal microbiota of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) larvae. Five diets, including Con, E25, E50, E100 and E200 diet in which 0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg·Kg−1 emodin was supplemented. After a 30-day feeding trail, the results showed the specific growth rate (SGR) of larvae in E50, E100 and E200 group was significantly higher than that of control (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary emodin inclusion did not affect the SOD, CAT and GPx activity, while significantly decreased the MDA level (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary emodin (50 mg·Kg−1) notably enhanced the expression of immune related genes including nrf2 , il-1β , tgf-β , ifn-γ , ifn-i and irf3. Additionally, a higher relative abundance of Idiomarina and Halomonas , as well as a lower content of Mycoplasma was observed in E50 group, whereas Enterobacter content remarkably decreased in E200 group at genus level (p < 0.05). Finally, the M. salmoides larvae in E50 group exhibited a relative higher survival rate (p < 0.05), while larvae in E200 group showed a slightly higher mortality than that of control. Collectively, these results demonstrated that proper dosage of supplementing emodin (50 mg·Kg−1) in diet could lead to a promotion of growth performance, immunity, and a protective effect on M. salmoides larvae against MSRV infection. • Dietary emodin (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg·Kg−1) promoted the specific growth rate of M. salmoides larvae. • Dietary emodin (50 mg·Kg−1) notably enhanced the expression of immune related genes including il-1β , tgf-β , ifn-γ , ifn-i and irf3 in M. salmoides larvae. • Dietary emodin (50 mg·Kg−1) remarkably reduced the Mycoplasma content, while multiplied the Halomonas and Idiomarina abundance in intestine of M. salmoides larvae. • Dietary emodin (50 mg·Kg−1) dramatically increased the survival rate of M. salmoides larvae challenged with MSRV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury often results in chronic loss of micturition control, which is featured by bladder hyperreflexia and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. Previous studies showed that treatment of capsaicin reduces non-voiding bladder contractions in multiple animal injury models and human patients. However, its underlying neural mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, by injecting a RetroAAV into the bladder wall, we specifically targeted TRPV1+, a capsaicin receptor, bladder afferent neurons. Morphometric analysis revealed borderline increase of the soma size and significant spinal axon sprouting of TRPV1+ bladder afferent neurons post a complete T8 spinal cord crush. We further demonstrated that chronic chemogenetic inhibition of these DRG neurons improved micturition recovery after SCI by increasing voiding efficiency and alleviating bladder hyperreflexia, along with reduced morphological changes caused by injury. Our study provided novel insights into the structural and functional changes of TRPV1+ bladder afferent post SCI and further supports the clinical use of capsaicin as an effective treatment to improve bladder functions in patients with SCI. • AAV-Retro viral injection mediated chemogenetic manipulation of bladder afferent. • Sprouting of spinal terminations of TRPV1 bladder afferent after SCI. • Chemogenetic inactivation of TRPV1 bladder afferent after SCI improves micturition. • Chemogenetic inactivation of TRPV1 bladder afferent after SCI prevents axon sprouting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel herbal extracts formula (HE) comprising Scutellaria baicalensis , Taraxacum mongolicum , Biancaea sappan and Pulsatilla chinensis extract with a weight ratio of 3.0: 1.8: 3.0: 1.7, was selected based on bacteriostatic test in vitro. Subsequently, a 30-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary HE (0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.50 and 1.00%, respectively) inclusion on the performance of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The results unveiled that dietary HE 0.10% and HE 0.50% inclusion notably increased the specific growth rate (SGR) and antioxidant enzyme (SOD and GPX) activities in the intestine and liver of fish (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significantly greater height of villi and width of villi were observed in the HE 0.50% and HE 0.10% groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Conversely, histological examination indicated that dietary HE1.00% inclusion led to discernible injury to the intestines, with certain villi displaying breakage and shedding. Hematological parameters including white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC) were significantly increased, while the erythrocyte indices including average cellular hemoglobin (MCH), and average cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) remarkably decreased in fish fed HE inclusion compared to the basal diet. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis demonstrated that Cetobacterium , Aeromonas and Plesiomonas were the three dominant species in the intestines regardless of diet. Additionally, the LEfSe analysis revealed that Aeromonas was the most affected taxon, which significantly decreased in the HE 0.10%, HE 0.50% and HE 1.00% groups (p < 0.05), while the Cetobacterium content remarkably increased in HE 0.10% and HE 0.50% groups (p < 0.05). Finally, the highest survival rate of fish infected with Aeromonas veronii HZ012 was observed in the group supplemented with 0.50% HE. Collectively, our study revealed that the supplementation of HE at a proportion of 0.10–0.50% could lead to a promotion of growth performance, maintenance of liver and intestinal health, as well as a protective effect against A. veronii infection in largemouth bass. • Evaluating the in vitro antibacterial effect of the novel formula (HE) composed of four herbal extracts. • Dietary HE 0.10% and HE 0.50% promoted the growth, antioxidant capacity and intestinal Cetobacterium content in M. salmoides. • Dietary HE 0.10% and HE 0.50% increased the intestinal villi parameters in M. salmoides. • Dietary HE reduced the intestinal Aeromonas content and enhanced the resistance of M. salmoides against A. veronii infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric materials can transfer heat energy to electricity energy or vice versa. However, the transfer efficiency is restricted by the interdependent thermoelectric parameters. In this work, all the thermoelectric parameters are simultaneously optimized via the energy-dependent carrier and phonon scattering based on the nano-structuring interface design. As a result, not only the electrical conductivity is significantly enhanced by increasing the electron concentration, the Seebeck coefficient is maintained in a high value due to the energy-dependent carrier scattering mechanism. Otherwise, based on the stronger phonon scattering by the nanoinclusions and dislocations, the lattice thermal conductivity is markedly suppressed. And thus, a peak ZT =1.5 and an outstanding conversion efficiency η =9 % are achieved for Pb 0.995 Bi 0.005 Te/0.1 wt.%Fe 3 O 4 composite, indicating that the thermoelectric property of n-type PbTe can be elevated greatly by embedding Fe 3 O 4 nanoinclusions. This strategy of nano-structuring interface design can also be highly applicable in improving the performance of other state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are synthesized and released from damaged plants, playing a critical role in the interactions among plants, herbivorous pests, and their natural enemies. Recent research has focused on the regularity in the synthesis and release patterns of certain HIPVs, which are consistent with the behaviors of herbivores or their natural enemies. However, their instability has prevented the widespread use of HIPVs for crop protection. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the regular patterns of HIPVs synthesis and release, including the associated regulatory mechanisms and influence of endogenous/environmental factors. We also describe the potential utility of HIPVs for enhancing agricultural production. The information provided herein will help researchers better understand the functions and ecological significance of HIPVs, which may lead to the development of viable methods for monitoring and detecting agricultural pests and diseases, with implications for pest and disease control. • There is a circadian rhythm in the release of some HIPVs. • The release pattern of HIPVs is consistent with their biological function. • HIPVs synthesis and release are regulated by endogenous and environmental factors. • HIPVs are potential plant-derived anti-insect compounds for protecting crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• UHP treatment changed the quality and protein characteristics of fillets. • MF storage reduced the flora activity and water holding capacity of fillets. • UHP-MF delayed protein denaturation by inhibiting protein and lipid oxidation. • UHP-MF delayed quality deterioration by inhibiting flora activity and diversity. • UHP 300 -MF effectively extended the shelf life of fillets by at least 10 days. Ultra-high pressure (UHP) and magnetic field (MF) are emerging food preservation technologies, but the research on the effects of combined treatment (UHP-MF) on aquatic products quality is insufficient. Hence, we explored the effects of UHP-MF treatment on the protein properties, microbial action and quality characteristics of stored grass carp fillets. Results showed that 300 MPa UHP treatment combined with MF storage (UHP 300 -MF) delayed the protein oxidation of stored fillets by inhibiting the accumulation of protein radical and the formation of lipid pro-oxidation products, thus the quality (texture, color) deterioration caused by oxidation was deferred. Additionally, 16S rDNA bacteria flora analysis revealed that UHP 300 -MF treatment inhibited the flora activity and diversity of fillets, delayed the protein degradation and quality deterioration caused by microbial action. Overall, UHP 300 -MF treatment suppressed the lipid and protein oxidation as well as microbial action, retarded the quality deterioration, and prolonged the shelf life of stored fillets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The "clip-cycle" synthesis of 2-pyridazinones containing enaminonitriles from thioesters with dicyanohydrazones is achieved through a AgOAc-promoted acylation-cyclization-tautomerization cascade reaction. Moreover, the obtained 2-pyridazinones are further transformed into biologically significant bicyclic-fused pyridazinones exhibiting intriguing fluorescence emission properties. Additionally, quantum chemical calculations were performed to provide a rational explanation for the observed photophysical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal hydride (MH) heat storage has a relatively high energy density and can be used in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. However, in this system, the outlet temperature of the heat transfer fluid (HTF) has large fluctuations while discharging heat, which cannot satisfy the requirement of CSP plants. Therefore, this study proposes an MH-based heat storage system integrated with phase change materials (PCMs). A mathematical model was established to investigate the effects of the thickness of PCMs, HTF velocity, and the initial state of PCMs on heat-release performance. The results showed that the fluctuations can be effectively attenuated, and the fluid outlet temperature can be kept stable for a certain period by integrating PCMs. Plateaus in the curves of the MH bed and HTF outlet temperatures were observed, and the platform temperature and time are defined as the average temperature of two inflection points of the curve and their corresponding time difference, respectively. Increasing the thicknesses of PCMs can extend the platform time. Furthermore, the liquid phase of PCMs is conducive to improving the heat-release performance of the MH reactor with PCM. [Display omitted] • Integrating PCMs into the metal hydride reactor can improve heat release performance. • PCMs can attenuate the fluctuation of fluid outlet temperature of the reactor. • Increasing the PCM layer thicknesses extends the platform time of heat transfer fluid. • Appropriate PCM thicknesses of 9.6 mm is considered in metal hydride-PCM reactor. • Keeping PCMs in liquid phase can improve the heat-release performance of the reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating fin structures into metal hydride (MH) bed can enhance heat discharging performance of the reactor for thermochemical heat storage. In this study, based on the entransy theory, the entransy dissipation rate (E h,st) or the entransy dissipation (E h,tr) of a simplified two-dimensional (2D) steady-state or transient heat conduction model for the MH bed was used to be an objective to optimize the tree-shaped fin (TSF) structures. Furthermore, response surface method (RSM) was adopted to explore the relationship between E h,st or E h,tr and structural parameters (i.e., branch number N , branch level M , length ratio α, width index β , and angle ratio γ). The results show that RSM can effectively predict influences of structural parameters of TSFs on heat discharging performance. Based on RSM with entransy theory, the obtained optimal combination parameters were N = 8, M = 3, α = 1, β = 0.5, and γ = 1, corresponding to the maximum gravimetric exergy-output rate (GEOR) of 20.98 W/kg. Furthermore, the GEOR with optimized fins was 11.5 % higher than that with unoptimized TSFs. The optimization method based on the entransy theory was effective to optimize the TSF structures by solving 2D model instead of three-dimensional model, and shorten the calculation time for optimization. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cross‐coupling of trifluoromethyl arenes has been realized via multiphoton photoredox catalysis. Trifluoromethyl arenes were demonstrated to undergo selective mono‐defluorinative alkylation under mild reaction conditions providing access to a series of valuable α,α‐difluorobenzylic compounds. The reaction shows broad substrate scope and general functional group tolerance. In addition to the electron‐deficient trifluoromethyl arenes that are easily reduced to the corresponding radical anion, more challenging electron‐rich substrates were also successfully applied. Steady‐State Stern‐Volmer quenching studies indicated that the trifluoromethyl arenes were reduced by the multiphoton excited Ir‐based photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from differentiating induced stem cells maintain their original stemness and differentiating trends and possess strong immunoregulatory capability. Biomaterials equipped with EVs are very promising in regenerative medicine. However, surface EV‐decoration on osteoimplants remains a challenge, due to the complexity of traditional molecular conjugations and the fragility of EVs. Here, mussel‐like molecular adhesion is combined with bioorthogonal click conjugation to introduce EVs on titanium (Ti) implants. The biomimetic adhesion and clickable molecular linkage allow mild and stable tethering of pre‐osteogenic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐derived EVs on Ti implants. EV‐decorated implants exhibit significantly enhanced osseointegration on the bone‐implant surface under diabetic conditions, promoting increased expression of osteogenic genes. Modified surfaces impelled phenotypic alterations in macrophage polarization via multi‐pathway regulation, decreasing proinflammatory M1 macrophage formation, which can lead to the promotion of surface osteogenesis. On Ti rods implanted in a diabetic rat model, EV coating inhibited M1macrophages around the prosthesis, resulting in satisfactory long‐term osseointegration. This study offers a new perspective to represent a simple and effective means for surface EV decoration, providing an osteoimmunomodulatory effect to enhance the diabetic osseointegration of implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Case Presentation Conclusions Mobile bearing fracture is a rare long‐term complication of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), and relevant reports are sparse. Hence, its treatment options need further exploration.This study presents the case of fracture of a polyethylene insert that occurred 12 years after mobile bearing medial UKA in a 75‐year‐old overweight woman who then underwent surgical intervention at our institution. However, we encountered significant challenges in removing the fragments from the broken bearing, resulting in retention of the remaining one‐third of the fragment. We solved this problem by replacing the fractured insert with thicker mobile bearing. During the 1‐month postoperative follow‐up, the patient achieved good range of motion and excellent satisfaction, with no reported complications and a Knee Society Score of 90. Additionally, we reviewed the literature on the treatment for mobile bearing fractures after UKA.Bearing fracture is a rare cause of failure of mobile bearing UKA. This case highlights the challenges of UKA fracture bearing retrieval and underscores that mobile bearing replacement can be an effective intervention. The case we report shows that when removal of a residual meniscal bearing in a posterior dislocation is difficult to achieve, compromise may be an appropriate option because it does not cause additional complaints to the patient. This case emphasizes the importance of the surgeon having a thorough preoperative understanding of the location and potential pitfalls of fracture fragments in such situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effectiveness of robot-assisted surgery remains contentious due to the lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to elevate the level of evidence. We aimed to evaluate the postoperative radiographic outcomes of robot-assisted (RAS-THA) versus manual (M-THA) total hip arthroplasty. Methods: This multicenter RCT was performed from March 1, 2021 to December 1, 2021. Patients were randomly assigned to routine M-THA or to RAS-THA that used the TRex-RS orthopedic joint surgical navigation system. The primary outcome was to compare the acetabular component orientation, femoral stem alignment, femoral canal fill ratio, and leg length discrepancy between RAS-THA and M-THA using postoperative radiography. Subgroup analyses of the two groups stratified by surgical approach, gender, and BMI were also conducted. Results: Seventy-three participants were randomly allocated to the RAS-THA group, while seventy-two participants were assigned to the M-THA group. Compared to the M-THA group, the RAS-THA group exhibited less variability in the preoperative planning of the vertical center of rotation (VCOR; P < 0.001), demonstrated a significant advantage in femoral stem alignment (P = 0.004), and showed pronounced decreases in inequality and in the variability in leg length discrepancy (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the Lewinnek safe-zone ratio (P = 0.081) and the femoral canal fill ratio (P > 0.05) between the two groups. Further subgroup analysis also showed that the RAS-THA group had fewer horizontal center of rotation (HCOR) and leg length differences when stratified by surgical approach, gender, and overweight status. Conclusion: This RCT found that, regardless of the surgical approach, gender, or body mass index, RAS-THA can effectively improve the postoperative VCOR and significantly reduce the variability of leg length difference. RAS-THA should be considered an effective method to enhance surgical precision by achieving less variability in challenging patients with leg length discrepancies. Trial registration: ChiCTR2100044124. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Post-carotid endarterectomy (CEA) stroke poses significant risks. • TMEM166 is highly correlated with the occurrence of post-CEA stroke. • TMEM166 levels may serve as an early predictive indicator for post-CEA stroke. Postoperative stroke is a challenging and potentially devastating complication after elective carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We previously demonstrated that transmembrane protein 166 (TMEM166) levels were directly related to neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats. In this subsequent clinical study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of TMEM166 in patients suffering from post-CEA strokes. Thirty-five patients undergoing uncomplicated elective CEA and 8 patients who suffered ischemic strokes after CEA were recruited. We evaluated the protein level and expression of TMEM166 in patients diagnosed with postoperative strokes and compared it to those in patients who underwent uncomplicated elective CEA. Blood samples and carotid artery plaques were collected and analyzed. High expressions of TMEM166 were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western Blot in carotid artery plaques of all patients who underwent CEA. Furthermore, circulating TMEM166 concentrations were statistically higher in post-CEA stroke patients than in patients allocated to the control group. Mean plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers, including interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), were also elevated in patients with postoperative strokes. Therefore, based on these findings, we hypothesize that elevated TMEM166 levels, accompanied by a strong inflammatory response, serve as a useful biomarker for risk assessment of postoperative stroke following CEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion Total hip arthroplasty (THA) combined with proximal femoral reconstruction is a novel osteotomy technique developed to address severe hip deformities. There is a paucity of robust clinical and radiological evidence regarding the outcomes of this novel osteotomy technique. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of THA combined with proximal femoral reconstruction during the early follow‐up.This is a retrospective case series of 63 hips who underwent THA combined with proximal femoral reconstruction at a single institution between January 2020 and July 2023. The mean age of patients was 39.6 ± 12.6 years. The mean follow‐up was 25.6 ± 3.8 months. Surgical characteristics and perioperative variables were evaluated to assess the efficacy of this technique. Harris hip score (HHS) was utilized to evaluate hip function. Leg length discrepancy (LLD) was evaluated in X‐ray. The incidence of major adverse events including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), osteolysis, nonunion of the osteotomy, intraoperative femoral fracture, and infection was also evaluated. Paired‐samples t‐test was used to compare preoperative and postoperative HHS and LLD.The mean operative time was 125.1 min. The mean size of the acetabular components used was 45.2 mm, and the stem size was 7.5. The primary friction interface was ceramic‐on‐ceramic, accounting for 92.1% of cases. The average length of hospital stay was 8.5 days. The mean cost of treatment was 46,296.0 Yuan. There was a significant improvement in postoperative HHS (p < 0.001) and LLD (p < 0.001) compared to preoperative values. The incidence of deep venous thrombosis was 4.8%; osteolysis rates for the cup and stem were 4.8% and 6.4%, respectively. The non‐union and dislocation rates were 1.6% and 3.2%, respectively. There was no incidence of postoperative infection.The novel osteotomy surgical procedure yields reliable and impressive clinical and radiological outcomes, with minimal complications. We advocate for its use in complex primary THA cases involving severe proximal femoral deformities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Deep sowing is a traditional method for drought resistance in maize production, and mesocotyl elongation is strongly associated with the ability of maize to germinate from deep soil. However, little is known about the functional genes and mechanisms regulating maize mesocotyl elongation. In the present study, we identified a plant‐specific SIMILAR TO RCD‐ONE (SRO) protein family member, ZmSRO1e, involved in maize mesocotyl elongation. The expression of ZmSRO1e is strongly inhibited upon transfer from dark to white light. The loss‐of‐function zmsro1e mutant exhibited a dramatically shorter mesocotyl than the wild‐type in both constant light and darkness, while overexpression of ZmSRO1e significantly promoted mesocotyl elongation, indicating that ZmSRO1e positively regulates mesocotyl elongation. We showed that ZmSRO1e physically interacted with ZmbZIP61, an ortholog of Arabidopsis ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) and showed a function similar to that of HY5 in regulating photomorphogenesis. We found that ZmSRO1e repressed the transcriptional activity of ZmbZIP61 toward target genes involved in the regulation of cell expansion, such as ZmEXPB4 and ZmEXPB6, by interfering with the binding of ZmbZIP61 to the promoters of target genes. Our results provide a new understanding of the mechanism by which SRO regulates photomorphogenesis and highlight its potential application in deep sowing‐resistant breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the synthesis and characterization of various 1-thiaphenalene derivatives using a radical approach and photoredox catalysis. The reaction involves the intermolecular cyclization of 1-naphthalenesulfonyl chlorides and alkynes under mild conditions, resulting in high product diversity and broad functional-group tolerance. The authors provide a plausible reaction mechanism and experimental details for the synthesis of specific compounds, which were characterized using techniques such as NMR, HRMS, and IR spectroscopy. This information can be valuable for researchers studying these compounds or related topics. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: The specific role of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still not fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic pathways, including three epigenetic factors, microRNA (miRNA)‐22 (MIR22), ten‐eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 3 (TET3), and MT‐RNR2 like 2 (MTRNR2L2), in RA‐FLSs. Methods: The expression of MIR22, TET3, and MTRNR2L2 in the synovium of patients with RA and arthritic mice were determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. Mir22−/− and Tet3+/− mice were used to establish a collagen antibody–induced arthritis (CAIA) model. Mir22 angomir and Tet3 small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to illustrate the therapeutic effects on arthritis using a collagen‐induced (CIA) model. Bioinformatics, luciferase reporter assay, 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) dot blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation–qPCR, and hydroxymethylated DNA immunoprecipitation were conducted to show the direct repression of MIR22 on the TET3 and transcriptional activation of TET3 on MTRNR2L2. Results: The Mir22−/− CAIA model and RA‐FLS–related in vitro experiments demonstrated the inhibitory effect of MIR22 on inflammation. MIR22 can directly inhibit the translation of TET3 in RA‐FLSs by binding to its 3′ untranslated region in TET3. The Tet3+/− mice–established CAIA model showed less severe symptoms of arthritis in vivo. In vitro experiments further confirmed the proinflammatory effect of TET3 in RA. In addition, the CIA model was used to validate the therapeutic effects of Mir22 angomir and Tet3 siRNA. Finally, TET3 exerts its proinflammatory effect by promoting 5hmC production in the promoter of its target MTRNR2L2 in RA‐FLSs. Conclusion: The key role of the MIR22‐TET3‐MTRNR2L2 pathway in RA‐FLSs provided an experimental basis for further studies into the pathogenesis and related targets of RA from the perspective of FLSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent bacterial infections, impenetrable microbial biofilms, and irremediable antibiotic resistance are the most perilous threats in orthopedic implant‐associated infections (IAIs). Recently, chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has been considered a promising therapy, while the clinical practices for existing CDT agents are limited by the low therapeutic efficiency in physiological circumstances. Herein, it is demonstrated that silica‐copper nanosheets (Si@Cu NSs) exhibit a combined therapeutic photothermal‐chemodynamic strategy for IAIs treatment with superior capacity and biocompatibility. This unique design endows the nanostructure with enhanced copper‐based Fenton‐like properties via p‐d orbital hybridization by incorporating copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) on silicene nanosheets (Si NSs) matrix, integrating inherent photothermal performance of Si NSs with specific catalytic anti‐infection of Cu NCs against planktonic bacteria and biofilms both in vitro and in vivo. This study not only reveals the promising bio‐application prospects of 2D nanocatalytic biomaterials but also demonstrates the feasibility of constructing novel CDT agents by orbital hybridization for the catalytic treatment of IAIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient method for the radical difunctionalization of aromatic alkynes has been developed, resulting in the synthesis of a range of valuable triarylethenes. This approach utilizes strategically designed aryldiazonium salts with tertiary alcohol substitution as bifunctional reagents, along with cost-effective cuprous chloride as a catalyst. The method demonstrates remarkable Z-selectivity and is capable of gram-scale preparation. Additionally, a novel spin-trapping reagent has been developed based on the synthesized product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft tissue injuries (STIs) are the most common cause of extremity pain and motion dysfunction. Persistent inflammatory activation of immune cells characterized by senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and mitochondrial stress are considered the primary causes of STIs, a pathological process also termed inflammaging. Meanwhile, scavenging excessive "cellular waste" in the inflammaging microenvironment and further activating tissue repair processes remain elusive. Herein, an anti‐inflammaging photothermal hydrogel microneedle patch for treating STIs is developed. Taurine‐loaded Prussian blue nanoparticles (Taurine@PB) are encapsulated in a methacrylate‐based hyaluronic acid hydrogel (HAMA) and further fabricated into taurine@PB@HAMA@microneedles (TPH@MN) patches. The acidic microenvironment of chronic inflammation and mild photothermal effects promote taurine release and anti‐inflammaging immunomodulation, inhibiting mitochondrial stress via the SIRT3‐NF‐κB axis to promote glycolytic metabolic microenvironment of neutrophils reprogramming toward oxidative phosphorylation metabolism. Furthermore, TPH@MN activates macrophage efferocytosis and initiates the process of tissue repair. In mouse models of chronic diabetic wounds and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle injury, TPH@MN inhibits SASP expression and promotes STIs healing through thermosensitized anti‐inflammaging immunomodulation. In summary, TPH@MN circumvents the side effects of systemic administration, providing new translatable options in the treatment modalities for patients suffering from STIs worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radical difunctionalization of aliphatic alkynes provides direct access to valuable multi‐substituted alkenes, but achieving a high level of chemo‐ and stereo‐control remains a formidable challenge. Herein a novel photoredox neutral alkyne di‐functionalization is reported through functional group migration followed by a radical‐polar crossover and energy transfer‐enabled stereoconvergent isomerization of alkenes. In this sequence, a hydroxyalkyl and an aryl group are incorporated concomitantly into an alkyne, leading to diversely functionalized E‐allyl alcohols. The scope of alkynes is noteworthy, and the reaction tolerates aliphatic alkynes containing hydrogen donating C─H bonds that are prone to intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer. The protocol features broad functional group compatibility, high product diversity, and exclusive chemo‐ and stereoselectivity, thus providing a practical strategy for the elusive radical di‐functionalization of unactivated alkynes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Understanding microbial compositions and functions in arable soils is crucial for effective agroecosystem management. While many studies have explored this topic, large-scale investigations are lacking, resulting in the absence of consistent and reliable patterns of communities and functions of soil microorganisms. Methods: To address this gap, we performed an integrated analysis of published sequencing data from the soils of three main arable fields: upland, paddy, and paddy-upland rotation. Results: Bacterial diversity (richness, Shannon) was highest in upland soils. Actinobacteria and Planctomycetes were enriched in upland soils, while Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Nitrospirae preferred paddy and paddy-upland rotation soils. Bacteria in upland soils have a greater functional potential to decompose aromatic compounds, as well as for chitinolysis and ureolysis. Methanotrophy, methylotrophy, sulfur-related respiration, and most nitrogen metabolic processes were enriched in paddy fields. Bacteria in upland soils are characterized by increased dormancy potential and a faster response to resource input than those in paddy and paddy-upland rotation soils. Stochastic processes poorly contribute to the bacterial assembly in paddy soils, indicating strong environmental filtering due to anaerobic conditions. The spatial turnover in bacterial community composition was much faster than the functional potential, indicating high functional redundancy, especially in paddy soils. Edaphic factors were the major contributors to bacterial composition, whereas the cropland type influenced the predicted functions. Conclusions: Land use defines microbial composition, functional attributes, and ecological characteristics (e.g., dormancy potential, assembly processes, and functional redundancy). These findings deepen our knowledge of microbial biogeographic patterns in soils of agricultural ecosystems and provide new insights into sustainable cropland management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G be a special linear group over the real, the complex or the quaternion, or a special unitary group. In this note, we determine all special unipotent representations of G in the sense of Arthur and Barbasch–Vogan, and show in particular that all of them are unitarizable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare Earth Elements (REE) phosphates (monazite, xenotime, and rhabdophane) are critical REE-bearing minerals typically formed in hydrothermal and magmatic ore deposits. The thermodynamic properties of those REE minerals are crucial to understanding the solubility, speciation, and transport of REE complexes. However, the standard-state Gibbs free energy of formation (∆G°f) values reported for these minerals in the literature vary by up to 25 kJ mol−1. Here, we present linear free energy relationships that allow the evaluation and estimation of the ∆G°f values at 25 °C and 1 bar for the three minerals from the ionic radius (rREE3+) and the non-solvation Gibbs free energy contribution to the REE3+ aqua ion (∆G°n, REE3+): ∆G°f,monazite − 399.71 rREE3+ = 1.0059 ∆G°n,REE3+ − 2522.51; ∆G°f,xenotime − 344.08 rREE3+ = 0.9909 ∆G°n,REE3+ − 2451.53; and ∆G°f,rhabdophane − 416.17 rREE3+ = 1.0067 ∆G°n, REE3+ − 2688.86. Moreover, based on the new dataset derived for REE end-members, we re-fitted the binary Margules parameter (W) from previous theoretical calculations into linear correlations: W + 0.00204 ∆G°'n,monazite = 39.3549 ∆V + 0.0641; W + 0.00255 ∆G°'n,xenotime = 25.4885 ∆V − 0.0062. The internally consistent thermodynamic properties of these REE phosphates are incorporated into the computer program Supcrtbl, which is available online at Zhu's research website. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) represents the clonal expansion of hematopoietic stem cells and their progeny driven by somatic mutations. Accurate risk assessment of CH is critical for disease prevention and clinical decision-making. The size of CH has been showed to associate with higher disease risk, yet, factors influencing the size of CH are unknown. In addition, the characteristics of CH in long-lived individuals are not well documented. Here, we report an in-depth analysis of CH in longevous (=90 y old) and common (60~89 y old) elderly groups. Utilizing targeted deep sequencing, we found that the development of CH is closely related to age and the expression of aging biomarkers. The longevous elderly group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of CH and significantly higher frequency of TET2 and ASXL1 mutations, suggesting that certain CH could be beneficial to prolong life. Intriguingly, the size of CH neither correlates significantly to age, in the range of 60 to 110 y old, nor to the expression of aging biomarkers. Instead, we identified a strong correlation between large CH size and the number of mutations per individual. These findings provide a risk assessment biomarker for CH and also suggest that the evolution of the CH is influenced by factor(s) in addition to age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robust bacterial metabolism and the immunosuppression on peripheral immune cells cause biofilm‐associated infections (BAIs) extremely refractory to be eradicated via antibiotics alone. Herein, hierarchical mesoporous UiO‐66 metal–organic framework is decorated with selenite, polypyrrole, and macrophage membrane (MM) to develop a biomimetic nanosphere (USPM). Following the recruitment of USPM to the biofilm microenvironment (BME) via the pathogen‐targeting ability derived from MM. The BME‐responsive USPM can precisely release selenite to penetrate the loosened biofilm in synergy with near‐infrared‐induced mild photothermal therapy (mPTT). Selenite can quickly react with reducing substances to generate hydrogen selenide (H2Se) inside the biofilm. H2Se can competitively inhibit bacterial metabolic processes and disrupt biofilm metabolic homeostasis by cascade amplification effects. Furthermore, H2Se inside the biofilm further sensitizes photothermia to exert a precise local photothermal effect. Outside the biofilm, USPM can simultaneously promote the phagocytosis and autophagy of macrophages to kill and decompose the phagocytosed bacteria. Finally, the well‐decomposed bacterial antigens in macrophages can be presented to antigen‐presenting cells to arouse adaptive immune responses and enhance anti‐biofilm effectiveness further. Such powerful mPTT‐enhanced bacterial metabolic disruption and macrophagic autophagy‐promoted adaptive immune activation suggest an alternative therapeutic strategy to cure refractory BAIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel photoredox‐neutral 1,2,5‐trifunctionalization of α‐hydroxyhexenoates is disclosed. The radical cascade proceeds via heteroaryl migration‐enabled alkene fluoroalkylheteroarylation and radical‐polar crossover deuteration, leading to functionalized α‐deuterated lactic acid derivatives. The reaction features mild photochemical conditions and provides an efficient approach for the synthesis of valuable deuterated molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a challenge to make thorough but efficient experimental designs for the coupled mineral dissolution and precipitation studies in a multi-mineral system, because it is difficult to speculate the best experimental duration, optimal sampling schedule, effects of different experimental conditions, and how to maximize the experimental outputs prior to the actual experiments. Geochemical modeling is an efficient and effective tool to assist the experimental design by virtually running all scenarios of interest for the studied system and predicting the experimental outcomes. Here we demonstrated an example of geochemical modeling assisted experimental design of coupled labradorite dissolution and calcite and clayey mineral precipitation using multiple isotope tracers. In this study, labradorite (plagioclase) was chosen as the reactant because it is both a major component and one of the most reactive minerals in basalt. Following our isotope doping studies of single minerals in the last ten years, initial solutions in the simulations were doped with multiple isotopes (e.g., Ca and Si). Geochemical modeling results show that the use of isotope tracers gives us orders of magnitude more sensitivity than the conventional method based on concentrations and allows us to decouple dissolution and precipitation reactions at near-equilibrium condition. The simulations suggest that the precise unidirectional dissolution rates can inform us which rate laws plagioclase dissolution has followed. Calcite precipitation occurred at near-equilibrium and the multiple isotope tracer experiments would provide near-equilibrium precipitation rates, which was a challenge for the conventional concentration-based experiments. In addition, whether the precipitation of clayey phases is the rate-limiting step in some multi-mineral systems will be revealed. Overall, the modeling results of multi-mineral reaction kinetics will improve the understanding of the coupled dissolution–precipitation in the multi-mineral systems and the quality of geochemical modeling prediction of CO2 removal and storage efficacy in the basalt systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Simnotrelvir is an oral 3-chymotrypsin--like protease inhibitor that has been found to have in vitro activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and potential efficacy in a phase 1B trial. METHODS In this phase 2-3, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we assigned patients who had mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and onset of symptoms within the past 3 days in a 1:1 ratio to receive 750 mg of simnotrelvir plus 100 mg of ritonavir or placebo twice daily for 5 days. The primary efficacy end point was the time to sustained resolution of symptoms, defined as the absence of 11 Covid-19--related symptoms for 2 consecutive days. Safety and changes in viral load were also assessed. RESULTS A total of 1208 patients were enrolled at 35 sites in China; 603 were assigned to receive simnotrelvir and 605 to receive placebo. Among patients in the modified intention-to-treat population who received the first dose of trial drug or placebo within 72 hours after symptom onset, the time to sustained resolution of Covid-19 symptoms was significantly shorter in the simnotrelvir group than in the placebo group (180.1 hours [95% confidence interval {CI}, 162.1 to 201.6] vs. 216.0 hours [95% CI, 203.4 to 228.1]; median difference, -35.8 hours [95% CI, -60.1 to -12.4]; P=0.006 by Peto--Prentice test). On day 5, the decrease in viral load from baseline was greater in the simnotrelvir group than in the placebo group (mean difference [±SE], -1.51±0.14 log10 copies per milliliter; 95% CI, -1.79 to -1.24). The incidence of adverse events during treatment was higher in the simnotrelvir group than in the placebo group (29.0% vs. 21.6%). Most adverse events were mild or moderate. CONCLUSIONS Early administration of simnotrelvir plus ritonavir shortened the time to the resolution of symptoms among adult patients with Covid-19, without evident safety concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand from the extended reality and wearable electronics market has led to an increased focus on the development of flexible human-machine interfaces (HMI). These interfaces require efficient user input acquisition modules that can realize touch operation, handwriting input, and motion sensing functions. In this paper, we present a systematic review of triboelectric-based contact localization electronics (TCLE) which play a crucial role in enabling the lightweight and long-endurance designs of flexible HMI. We begin by summarizing the mainstream working principles utilized in the design of TCLE, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, we discuss the implementation methods of TCLE in realizing advanced functions such as sliding motion detection, handwriting trajectory detection, and artificial intelligence-based user recognition. Furthermore, we review recent works on the applications of TCLE in HMI devices, which provide valuable insights for guiding the design of application scene-specified TCLE devices. Overall, this review aims to contribute to the advancement and understanding of TCLE, facilitating the development of next-generation HMI for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) in basalt is being actively investigated as a scalable climate change mitigation option. Accurate geochemical modeling prediction of the extent and rate of CO 2 mineralization is a critical component in assessing the local and global feasibility and efficacy of this strategy. In this study, we review basalt-CO 2 -water interaction experimental studies conducted during the last two decades to determine whether they provide useable information for geochemical modeling. Most of the cited experiments generate data on the temporal evolution of water composition, and a few provide identification of secondary precipitates and their compositions, offering information about the reactivity of basalts and the likelihood of secondary carbonate mineralization at various temperatures, pHs, and p CO 2 conditions. However, most experiments provide insufficient information on the properties and quantity of secondary minerals formed, prohibiting accurate mass balance calculations and hence more quantitative geochemical modeling studies. Primary Ca, Mg, and Fe-bearing minerals in basalt control the availability of major ions released into aqueous solution for carbonate precipitation, and many secondary minerals, i.e., smectites, Ca-Mg-Fe carbonates, and zeolites, provide sinks for the same major ions, some of which are difficult to quantify experimentally. Thus, we have a "multi-source and multi-sink" inverse mass balance modeling problem with insufficient constraints on the bulk system in which the temporal evolution of major ions does not provide sufficient information on which mineral(s) dissolve or the sequence of dissolution and precipitation reactions. Going forward, this review highlights the need for providing better-constrained experimental data to calibrate basalt-CO 2 -water geochemical models. Hence, we propose that future experimental work should focus on trace elements and multiple isotopic tracers as well as emphasize the need for better characterization of the solid reaction products with modern analytical instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]