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It remains challenging to manipulate the nature of photoluminescence as either fluorescence or phosphorescence for a correlated cluster series. In this work, two correlated nanoclusters, Au5Ag11(SR)8(DPPOE)2 and Pt1Ag16(SR)8(DPPOE)2 with comparable structure features, were synthesized and structurally determined. These two alloy nanoclusters displayed distinct photoluminescent nature—the Au5Ag11 nanocluster is fluorescent, whereas the Pt1Ag16 nanocluster is phosphorescent. The decay processes of the excited electrons in these two nanoclusters have been explicitly mapped out by both experimental and theoretical approaches, disclosing the mechanisms of their fluorescence and phosphorescence. Specifically, the metallic compositions of the nanocluster kernels mattered in determining their photoluminescent nature. The results herein provide an intriguing nanomodel that enables us to grasp the origin of photoluminescence at the atomic level, which further paves the way for fabricating novel nanoclusters or cluster‐based nanomaterials with customized photophysical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a novel asymmetric radical cyclization of alkenes via stereospecific homolytic substitution of sulfinamides. This reaction produces a variety of cyclic sulfinamides with excellent stereocontrol. The protocol features broad functional group tolerance, high product diversity, and easy accessibility to feedstocks, and outlines a new pathway for the synthesis of chiral cyclic sulfinamides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative assessment of the harmful phenomenon of medium and large‐caliber muzzle smoke provides crucial support for the development of advanced propellants. Based on the current maximum area method and integration method of transmittance curve of examining muzzle smoke, the Trace Analysis Model of Muzzle Smoke (TAMMS) is proposed. First, based on the characteristics of few mass exchanges and relatively fixed expansion center of muzzle smoke cloud formed by high‐pressure release with the slow‐release zone, a muzzle smoke characteristic quantity model refers to the area and the concentration corresponding to each other was established. Secondly, a test system was built to experimentally verify the smoke characteristic quantity model, and the test error analysis was carried out. The research results show that the Trace Analysis Model of Muzzle Smoke takes into account the relationship between smoke area and transmittance over time and can more ideally characterize the muzzle smoke volume. The results of parallel testing and analysis of 7 sets of traditional 35 mm guns show good reproducibility, with a measurement uncertainty less than 0.5 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LiCoO2 (LCO) is the most successful cathode material for commercial lithium‐ion batteries. Cycling LCO to high potentials up to 4.5 V or even 4.6 V can significantly elevate the capacity but cause structural degradation due to the serious surface side reaction between the highly oxidized Co4+ and O− species with organic electrolytes. To tackle this concern, a new strategy, constructing cation and anion dual gradients at the surface of LCO (DG‐LCO), is proposed. Specifically, the electrochemically inactive cation and anion are selected to substitute Co3+ and O2− at the surface in a gradated manner, thus minimizing the highly oxidized Co4+ and O− species at high potentials and suppressing the induced surface side reactions. Unexpectedly, this dual gradient design leads to a spinel‐like surface structure coherently with bulk layered structure, which facilitates Li+ diffusion kinetics. Thus, DG‐LCO achieves high capacity and excellent cycling stability at 4.6 V (≈216 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C, a capacity retention of 88.6% after 100 cycles in 1.8 A h pouch full cell at 1 C), as well as improved rate capability (≈140 mA h g−1 at 5 C). These studies provide useful guidelines for future design of cathode materials with long lifespan and high rate capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An isolated bone fragment from the posterolateral tibial plateau retrieved from the patellofemoral compartment is a rarely seen Schatzker type II tibial plateau fracture and is prone to misdiagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this injury mechanism has not been previously described. Case presentation: A 63‐year‐old female sustained left knee pain and activity limitation after falling off an electric bicycle. Local hospital ignored the intra‐articular bone fragment and failed to provide effective treatment. This case described an uncommon Schatzker type II tibial plateau fracture with an isolated bone fragment, its physical examination and radiological findings, the potential injury mechanism, and surgical protocol. Conclusions: Combining the physical examination and radiological findings to evaluate the potential injury mechanism is important for developing an appropriate surgical protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Biological nitrogen fixation performed by diazotrophs forms a cornerstone of Earth's terrestrial ecosystem productivity. However, the composition, diversity and distribution of soil diazotrophs are poorly understood across different soil ecosystems. Furthermore, the biological potential of the key diazotroph species in relation to key environmental parameters is unknown. To address this, we used meta‐analysis approach to merge together 39 independent diazotroph amplicon sequencing (nifH gene) datasets consisting of 1988 independent soil samples. We then employed multiple statistical analyses and machine‐learning approaches to compare diazotroph community differences and indicator species between terrestrial ecosystems on a global scale. The distribution, composition and structure of diazotroph communities varied across seven different terrestrial ecosystems, with community composition exhibiting an especially clear effect. The Cyanobacteria were the most abundant taxa in crust ecosystems (accounting for ~45% of diazotrophs), while other terrestrial ecosystems were dominated by Proteobacteria, including Alpha‐, Beta‐ and Gamma‐Proteobacteria (accounting for ~70% of diazotrophs). Farmland ecosystems harboured the highest and crust ecosystems the lowest alpha and phylogenetic diversities. Azospirillum zeae, Skermanella aerolata and four Bradyrhizobium species were identified as key indicator species of potential diazotroph activity. Overall, diazotroph abundances and distribution were affected by multiple environmental parameters, including soil pH, nitrogen, organic carbon, C:N ratio and annual mean precipitation and temperature. Together, our findings suggest that based on the relative abundance and diversity of nifH marker gene, diazotrophs have adapted to a range of environmental niches globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cresols are valuable phenolic chemicals which are mainly separated from coal tar. The separation of cresols using sustainable technology is of importance for comprehensive utilization of coal tar. In this work, for extracting o‐, m‐, and p‐cresol from the model coal tar, an ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([Emim][DCA]) was prepared. The influence of ionic liquid dosage, extraction time, and temperature on separating o‐, m‐, and p‐cresol was explored. The extraction efficiency was determined from the experimental results to assess the extraction ability of [Emim][DCA]. With the optimal conditions, o‐, m‐, and p‐cresol were extracted efficiently from the model coal tar and the extraction efficiencies of o‐cresol, m‐cresol, and p‐cresol were up to 99.50%, 99.65%, 98.38%, respectively. In the meantime, the extraction mechanism was determined by calculation of σ‐profile, interaction energy, and electron density. The results showed that [Emim][DCA] and cresols formed the complexes by hydrogen bond. The formation of hydrogen bond was verified by the FTIR spectra, which is helpful for designing the related ionic liquids for recovering the phenolic compounds from coal tar. In addition, the recyclability of the [Emim][DCA] was explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High nitrogen (N) fertilizer inputs accelerate soil acidification and degradation in tea plantations, thus posing a threat to soil microbial diversity, species composition, and ecosystem service functions. The effects of organic fertilizer and biochar applications on improving soil fertility have been extensively studied on cropland; however, little is known about their effectiveness in promoting soil multifunctionality on rapidly expanding acidic soils in tea plantations. In this study, we conducted a two‐year field experiment in a subtropical tea plantation to investigate the effects of organic fertilizer substitution and biochar amendment on soil microbial communities and multifunctionality. The results showed that soil multifunctionality was enhanced in plots amended with organic fertilizer and biochar. Soil multifunctionality was significantly and positively correlated with alpha‐diversity of bacteria but not fungi. We also found that organic fertilizer substitution and biochar amendment improved soil multifunctionality by altering the abundance of keystone species. The abundance of keystone species classified as module hubs in the bacterial co‐occurrence network contributed significantly and positively to soil multifunctionality. In contrast, the keystone species categorized as module hubs in the fungal co‐occurrence network negatively affected soil multifunctionality. Soil pH was a key driver of soil microbial community composition, indicating that the increase in soil pH under organic fertilizer and biochar amendment had a crucial role in biological processes. These results suggest that organic substitution and biochar amendment are beneficial in preventing soil degradation and maintaining soil multifunctionality in subtropical tea plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A metal‐free deformylative Minisci‐type reaction is disclosed by using aliphatic aldehydes as alkyl radical precursors. The reaction proceeds via a sequence of hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) from aldehyde and decarbonylation under mild photochemical conditions. The transformation offers many advantages including good regioselectivity, broad substrate scope, and easy operation. The reaction is also amenable to late‐stage functionalization of complex heteroarenes, and can be readily performed on gram scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conformal integration of electronics on complex curvilinear surfaces remains challenging, especially for those devices made of non‐stretchable materials. Transforming as‐fabricated planar sheets onto curved surfaces requires the materials to be flexible and stretchable, which is intrinsically in conflict with the nature of non‐stretchable materials. Here, a novel assembly strategy for conformal electronics is proposed that utilizes kirigami design at the structural level for the non‐stretchable planar sheets to conformally and completely wrap the curved surfaces, and employs self‐healing materials to connect the sheets at the seams. Conductive self‐healing materials are used to ensure the electrical conductivity of the functional materials so as to assure device functionality. The transformation from a planar kirigami sheet to a sphere surface demonstrates this strategy, which is designed and predicted by theoretical and numerical studies and realized by experiments. Simple examples such as a conformal heater and a multifunctional wind sensing system on a spherical surface demonstrate the wide potential applications of the proposed strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The separation performance of a membrane is not only related to the membrane, but also to the operating conditions. The operation conditions of superhydrophobic zeolitic imidazolate framework‐90 (S‐ZIF‐90)/polydimethylsiloxane hybrid membranes for pervaporation were optimized using response surface methodology. The separation performances of hybrid membranes were evaluated by regulating the rotation rate, operation temperature, and feed concentration. The regression equations between the operation variables and the separation performance of the hybrid membranes were established and applied to predict and optimize the separation performance of these membranes. The main effects, quadratic effects, and interactions of the three variables on the permeation flux and the separation factor of hybrid membranes were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Scallops are the third largest aquaculture mollusks product, while they are highly perishable during storage. The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of high pressure processing (HPP) on physicochemical and sensorial properties of scallop (Mizuhopecten yessoensis) during refrigeration storage. The scallop adductor muscle was treated with different pressures (200, 300, 400 and 500 MPa, 5 min) and iced storage for 28 days. Results showed that HPP delayed microbial growth as pressure increased. HPP (≥400 MPa) resulted in myosin and actin denaturation, increased hardness, whiteness, pH and promoted water migration. However, preliminary sensory analysis showed no significant difference between pressure‐treated and control adductor muscles in appearance, odour, texture and overall acceptability after cooking. In addition, pressure‐treated adductor muscles (≥300 MPa) remained edible after 28 days of storage. Overall, these results can provide basic knowledge for the storage of pressure‐treated scallop meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although arboreal camera trapping is a growing field, it has rarely been used for monitoring plant‐frugivore interactions in the trees. Frugivore foraging behavior generally occurs in trees, hence arboreal camera trapping can be a potentially useful tool for frugivory research. We developed a camera trap sampling method to monitor plant‐frugivore interactions during mature fruiting periods. We used this method to monitor 318 individuals (camera sites) of 18 fleshy‐fruit plant species on 22 subtropical land‐bridge islands in the Thousand Island Lake, China. We recorded a total of at least 52 frugivorous animals, including a ground‐foraging bird species (Lophura nycthemera) and several mammals with foraging behaviors in the trees. We also recorded 4399 independent interaction events, including 275 unique plant‐bird interactions. We proposed a framework to classify interaction types and performed a sampling completeness test. We found that a sampling strategy that covered approximately a third of the fruit maturation period when most fruits were ripe was sufficient to sample plant‐frugivore interactions. Our results demonstrated that our sampling method with camera transects is reliable to monitor plant‐frugivore interactions in a fragmented landscape. This study helps to lay the methodological foundation for building networks of plant‐frugivore interactions with arboreal camera trapping on large spatial/temporal scales. As a non‐invasive, labor‐saving, and largely unbiased sampling method, the field application of arboreal camera trapping in different regions can advance the technology of biodiversity monitoring and lead to more accurate biodiversity inventories in arboreal environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammation has been associated with the development of lung cancer. In this study, we examined the association between C‐reactive protein (CRP) and lung cancer in a prospective cohort study and used Mendelian randomization (MR) to clarify the causality. We included 420 977 participants from the UK Biobank (UKB) in the analyses; 1892 thereof were diagnosed with lung cancer during the follow‐up. Hazards ratios (HRs) of CRP concentrations were estimated by Cox proportional hazard models and two approaches of MR analysis were performed. Besides, we added CRP concentrations to epidemiological model of lung cancer to evaluate its prediagnostic role through time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Elevated CRP levels were associated with a 22% increased lung cancer risk per 1 SD increase (HR = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18‐1.26). Positive associations were observed in small cell lung cancer (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.10‐1.33), lung adenocarcinoma (HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.11‐1.23) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (HR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.14‐1.31). No genetical association of circulating CRP levels and lung cancer risk was observed in MR analysis. When added to a risk model of lung cancer, CRP improved the performance of model as long as 8 years among current smokers (basic model: C‐statistic = 0.78 [95% CI = 0.75‐0.80]; CRP model: C‐statistic = 0.79 [95% CI = 0.76‐0.81]; Pnonadjusted =.003, Padjusted =.014). Our results did not support the causal association of circulating CRP with lung cancer risk. However, circulating CRP could be a prediagnostic marker of lung cancer as long as 8 years in advance for current smokers. What's new? Chronic inflammation has been associated with the development of lung cancer. Here, the authors examined the association between circulating C‐reactive protein (CRP) and lung cancer in a prospective cohort study and used Mendelian randomisation to clarify the causality. Circulating CRP levels were significantly associated with the risk of lung cancer across different histological subtypes. Although the etiological role of CRP in lung cancer remains unproven, CRP improved lung cancer risk prediction by allowing pre‐diagnosis as long as 8 years in advance among current smokers. The study provides additional evidence for the utility of CRP measurements in lung cancer risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressing demand for reducing the dependence of the costly Co and Ni elements has recently made Mn‐rich layered oxides much more attractive as potential cathodes for rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries. Although the Co and Ni effects in Ni‐rich cathodes are investigated in detail, there is still a serious lack of fundamental understandings of the influences of the Co and Ni substitution on the structural and electrochemical properties of the Mn‐rich layered cathodes. Here, Co‐substituted, Co and Ni co‐substituted, and Ni‐substituted Mn‐rich layered cathodes Li(Mn, Ni, Co)O2 are consciously designed to explore the roles of Co and Ni. These results elucidate that Co4+ is destructive for the structural stability of Mn‐rich cathodes due to the increased instability in the lattice oxygen, especially at high potentials, thereby delivering poor cycling stability, while Ni substitution of Co introduces Li/Ni mixing to enhance the lattice oxygen stability and suppress phase segregation and irreversible phase transition, leading to much improved cycling stability. These findings complement the elemental chemistry of the Co‐, Ni‐, and Mn‐based layered oxide cathodes, and benefit the development of Co‐free Mn‐rich layered cathode materials for future rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates how the COVID‐19 pandemic and related public health measures affected the consumption of food away from home (FAFH) among Chinese consumers. We obtained access to the complete sales records from a major restaurant chain in China, for 111 sites located in 12 cities, covering over 5.6 million high‐frequency dining transactions made between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. By applying a high‐dimensional fixed‐effects model, we found that, on average, consumers spent more and ordered more calories (as well as carbohydrates, protein, fat, and sodium) after the COVID‐19 outbreak than in the pre‐COVID‐19 period. Our results do not support the hypothesis that COVID‐19 led to healthier eating behaviors during and after the pandemic. Our results underline the importance of nutrition education and awareness programs to mitigate unhealthy eating habits generated by the pandemic and of the continued role of FAFH after the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer screening by computed tomography (CT) reduces mortality but exhibited high false‐positive rates. We established a diagnostic classifier combining chest CT features with bronchial transcriptomics. Patients with CT‐detected suspected lung cancer were enrolled. The sample collected by bronchial brushing was used for RNA sequencing. The e1071 and pROC packages in R software was applied to build the model. Eventually, a total of 283 patients, including 183 with lung cancer and 100 with benign lesions, were included into final analysis. When incorporating transcriptomic data with radiological characteristics, the advanced model yielded 0.903 AUC with 81.1% NPV. Moreover, the classifier performed well regardless of lesion size, location, stage, histologic type or smoking status. Pathway analysis showed enhanced epithelial differentiation, tumor metastasis, and impaired immunity were predominant in smokers with cancer, whereas tumorigenesis played a central role in nonsmokers with cancer. Apoptosis and oxidative stress contributed critically in metastatic lung cancer; by contrast, immune dysfunction was pivotal in locally advanced lung cancer. Collectively, we devised a minimal‐to‐noninvasive, efficient diagnostic classifier for smokers and nonsmokers with lung cancer, which provides evidence for different mechanisms of cancer development and metastasis associated with smoking. A negative classifier result will help the physician make conservative diagnostic decisions. What's new? While lung cancer screening by low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) is associated with reduced lung cancer mortality, its high false‐positive rate means that many patients are unnecessarily subjected to invasive diagnostic testing. Here, the authors devised a diagnostic classifier using chest features and information on gene expression derived from a combination of two minimally invasive techniques, standard chest CT and bronchial brushing. The model successfully predicted the risk of malignant pulmonary lesions in both smokers and non‐smokers and exhibited a strong negative predictive value. In addition, pathway analyses yielded evidence for different mechanisms of lung cancer development and metastasis associated with smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radical‐mediated difunctionalization of alkenes provides a promising approach to introduce one alkenyl or alkynyl group to target compounds. However, simultaneous installation of two unsaturated C−C bonds via alkene difunctionalization remains elusive, attributable to the high instability and transient lifetimes of alkenyl and alkynyl radicals. Herein, we report the photocatalytic 1,2‐alkynylalkenylation and 1,2‐enynylalkenylation of alkenes for the first time, triggered by the intermolecular addition of a stabilized allenyl radical to an alkene. A portfolio of strategically designed, easily accessible dual‐function reagents are applied to a radical docking‐migration cascade. The protocol has broad substrate scope and efficiently increases the degree of unsaturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of C‐heteroatom bonds represents an important type of bond‐forming reaction in organic synthesis and often provides a fast and efficient access to privileged structures found in pharmaceuticals, agrochemical and materials. In contrast to conventional Pd‐ or Cu‐catalyzed C‐heteroatom cross‐couplings under high‐temperature conditions, recent advances in homo‐ and heterogeneous Ni‐catalyzed C‐heteroatom formations under mild conditions are particularly attractive from the standpoint of sustainability and practicability. The generation of NiIII and excited NiII intermediates facilitate the reductive elimination step to achieve mild cross‐couplings. This review provides an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art approaches for mild C‐heteroatom bond formations and highlights the developments in photoredox and nickel dual catalysis involving SET and energy transfer processes; photoexcited nickel catalysis; electro and nickel dual catalysis; heterogeneous photoredox and nickel dual catalysis involving graphitic carbon nitride (mpg‐CN), metal organic frameworks (MOFs) or semiconductor quantum dots (QDs); as well as more conventional zinc and nickel dual catalyzed reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansion microscopy has enabled super resolution imaging of biological samples. The accurate measurement of expansion factor and distortion typically requires locating and imaging the same region of interest in the sample before and after expansion, which is often time‐consuming to achieve. Here we introduce a convenient method for relocation by utilizing isolated porcine glomeruli as landmarks during expansion. Following heat denaturation and proteinase K digestion protocols, the glomeruli exhibit expansion factor of 3.5 to 4 (only 7%‐16% less expanded than the hydrogel), and 1% to 2% of relative distortion. Due to its appropriate size of 100 to 300 μm, the location of the glomerulus in the sample are visible to eyes, while its detailed shape only requires bright field microscopy. For expansion factors ranging from 3 to 10, the region in the vicinity of the glomerulus can be easily re‐identified, and sometimes allows quantification of expansion factor and distortion under bright field without fluorescent labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree mortality is an important ecological process influencing multiple functions of forest ecosystems. Previous studies have shown two basic size–mortality patterns, including a competition‐driven declining and a disturbance‐driven increasing mortality rate with tree size. Subtropical forests, which have a high species diversity and subject to frequent monsoon disturbances, are widely distributed in eastern Asia. However, the tree size–mortality pattern in the mature subtropical forests remains unclear.Here we analysed patterns of size‐dependent mortality from tree species to forest community using a 5‐year inventory data from 117 species and 163,612 individuals in a 20‐ha forest dynamic plot in a mature subtropical monsoon evergreen forest in eastern China. To explain the spatial variability in mortality patterns, two major biotic drivers (competition and tree size) and multiple local‐scale environmental factors were further analysed.Our results showed that tree size was the best predictor of tree mortality at the scales of both species and community. A species‐level analysis identified four size–mortality patterns that are shaped by species‐specific attributes such as maximum size and life form. For 27 out of 92 species that comprised 59% of tree individuals, the relationship between size and mortality exhibited a U‐shaped pattern of a first decline followed by an increase. An overall community‐scale size‐dependent mortality also showed a U‐shaped pattern.Tree mortality was also influenced by the competition and environmental conditions, but the relative importance varied widely across tree sizes and species. The competition showed significant correlations with the mortality of small trees while the effect of environmental conditions on mortality was strongest for large trees. A principal component analysis showed that a combination of biotic and abiotic factors explained 42.3% of the spatial variation in mortality at large sizes.Synthesis. Our results reveal four identifiable size‐dependent mortality patterns that differ across diverse species, jointly leading to a U‐shaped size–mortality pattern at the community level. This finding calls for the need to establish the details of every potential size–mortality pattern with consideration of the different effects of biotic and abiotic factors on tree mortality of specific size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the seismic design of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures and upgrade existing RC frame structures that have insufficient seismic design, a new suitable seismic upgraded solution, the installation of viscoelastic haunch bracing‐dampers (VHBD) to increase the seismic performance of RC frames, is proposed in this paper. For a comprehensive and systematical research about this new upgraded frames system, a comparative study on the seismic performance between 15 RC frame structure specimens by adding the VHBD with different design parameters and one common RC frame structure specimen is performed under sinusoidal dynamic loading. The specific items of seismic performance mainly include hysteresis performance, load‐bearing capacity, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, and additional damping ratio, and so on. First, on the basic of this, the material‐scale damage evolution of structure specimens at each stage is qualitatively analyzed. Then, six reasonable material‐scale damage indexes that can describe the damage evolution of the structures precisely are proposed. Finally, a quantitative comparative analysis on the material‐scale damage evolution of structure specimens in the whole process is carried out under different design parameters. The research results indicate that the upgraded scheme (reasonable design parameters of λ and θ) proposed in this study can improve the seismic performance of RC frame structures to the appropriate level required for the design, in terms of load‐bearing capacity, stiffness, energy dissipation capacity, and damping ratio. At the same time, the failure mode of the structures can be well controlled. The occurred damage at beam‐column joints is reasonably transferred to the beam area, which can guarantee the seismic design requirements of "strong joints and weak components." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark important for genome stability and gene expression. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the 5‐methylcytosine DNA glycosylase/demethylase DEMETER (DME) controls active DNA demethylation during the reproductive stage; however, the lethality of loss‐of‐function dme mutations has made it difficult to assess DME function in vegetative tissues. Here, we edited DME using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) /CRISPR‐associated protein 9 and created three weak dme mutants that produced a few viable seeds. We also performed central cell‐specific complementation in a strong dme mutant and combined this line with mutations in the other three Arabidopsis demethylase genes to generate the dme ros1 dml2 dml3 (drdd) quadruple mutant. A DNA methylome analysis showed that DME is required for DNA demethylation at hundreds of genomic regions in vegetative tissues. A transcriptome analysis of the drdd mutant revealed that DME and the other three demethylases are important for plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses in vegetative tissues. Despite the limited role of DME in regulating DNA methylation in vegetative tissues, the dme mutants showed increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal pathogens. Our study highlights the important functions of DME in vegetative tissues and provides valuable genetic tools for future investigations of DNA demethylation in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a notorious pest of cruciferous plants. In temperate areas, annual populations of DBM originate from adult migrants. However, the source populations and migration trajectories of immigrants remain unclear. Here, we investigated migration trajectories of DBM in China using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped using double-digest RAD (ddRAD) sequencing. We first analyzed patterns of spatial and temporal genetic structure among southern source and northern recipient populations, then inferred migration trajectories into northern regions using discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), assignment tests, and spatial kinship patterns. RESULTS: Temporal genetic differentiation among populations was low, indicating that sources of recipient populations and migration trajectories are stable. Spatial genetic structure indicated three genetic clusters in the southern source populations. Assignment tests linked northern populations to the Sichuan cluster, and central–eastern populations to the southern and Yunnan clusters, indicating that Sichuan populations are sources of northern immigrants and southern and Yunnan populations are sources of central–eastern populations. First-order (full-sib) and second-order (half-sib) kin pairs were always found within populations, but ∼ 35–40% of third-order (cousin) pairs were found in different populations. Closely related individuals in different populations were found at distances of 900–1500 km in ∼ 35–40% of cases, while some were separated by > 2000 km. CONCLUSION: This study unravels seasonal migration patterns in the DBM. We demonstrate how careful sampling and population genomic analyses can be combined to help understand cryptic migration patterns in insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N‐Fused heterocycles are of particular use and upmost importance in multiple fields. Herein, we disclose a conceptually new approach for the rapid assembly of N‐fused heteroarenes from alkenes. A portfolio of strategically designed heterocyclization reagents are readily prepared for the cascade reaction. A plethora of N‐fused heteroarenes including seven types of heterocyclic core are furnished. The protocol features a broad functional‐group compatibility and high product diversity, and provides a practical tool for late‐stage heteroarene elaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Co-IP has been widely used to examine I in vivo i protein-protein interactions, especially for strong and stable protein interactions, it needs to be performed with great experimental caution for weak or transient interactions, such as those that occur between a kinase and its substrates. Under normal conditions, TOR kinase phosphorylates ABA receptors (PYR1/PYL/RCARs) to abolish their ABA binding ability, thereby preventing stress signaling activation and promoting plant growth. In the presence of abscisic acid or environmental stress, activated SnRK2s transiently phosphorylate Raptor1B, a regulatory component of the TOR complex, to inhibit plant growth. As phosphorylation of hundreds of proteins has been shown to be dependent on SnRK2s (Umezawa et al., 2013; Wang et al., 2013, 2018, 2020), it is not surprising there are other kinases/signal components that can mediate stress adaptation processes downstream of SnRK2s. [Extracted from the article]

A hydrophilic copolymer (MA‐APEA) containing carboxylic acid group and ethylene oxide group is synthesized from maleic anhydride (MA) and allyloxy polyethoxy carboxylic acid (APEA) in free radical polymerization and its structure is characterized using FT‐IR, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer and gel permeation chromatographic techniques. Seven polymer solutions with different degrees of deprotonation are prepared by adding caustic solution to the polymer solution. Effects of the degree of deprotonation of the polymer on curbing calcium scale and the corrosion inhibition of low carbon steel are studied. Influences of the operating conditions on inhibition against CaCO3 scale by the polymer with different degrees of deprotonation are also investigated. Effects of the degree of deprotonation on CaCO3 deposits/precipitate are analyzed using scanning electronic microscope and X‐ray diffraction. The results show that different degrees of deprotonation of the polymer have different influences on different calcium scale and corrosion inhibition of low carbon steel. The performance of the polymer to withstand high alkalinity and high hardness and high temperature decreases with increase in the degree of deprotonation. The change in the degree of deprotonation influences the conversion of aragonite and vaterite to calcite, and hardly impacts the crystal morphology of CaCO3 crystals. MA‐APEA has proven to be an excellent calcium scale inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation carbon stock (Cveg) in global forests, which is important for C cycle‐climate feedbacks, commonly increases with forest age. Due to the allometric growth of plants, the nonlinear increase in Cveg with woody fraction (fw) is expected across space. However, it remains unclear whether such a nonlinear relationship between Cveg and fw can be constrained by observations and further used to benchmark Earth system models (ESMs). Here, based on the in situ measurements at 1,145 forest sites, we found that the nonlinear relationship between Cveg and fw followed an exponential equation (i.e., Cveg=bea·fw). Then, we showed that such an exponential dependence of Cveg on fw also exists in ESMs of CMIP5 and CMIP6 (all P < 0.01), even though age‐dependent processes have not been incorporated in most models. However, the exponential Cveg‐fw relationship varied greatly among the models, and the coefficient b was systematically lower in the ESMs (0.08 ± 0.11; mean ± SD) than the observations (0.28). Based on a compiled forest age data set, we further found that the observed nonlinear increase of Cveg with forest age across the Northern Hemisphere (>30°N) was not captured by ESMs. These findings reveal a high disagreement on the spatially nonlinear relationship between vegetation carbon stock and woody fraction in current ESMs. The exponential relationship based on observations provides one useful benchmark for ESMs when they implement the age‐dependent processes in the future. Plain Language Summary: Forest age plays an important role in vegetation carbon stock (Cveg) predictions. This study detects a nonlinear increase of Cveg with woody fraction (fw) in aging forests across 1,145 in situ observations. The nonlinear Cveg‐fw relationship was then used to benchmark the age impacts on Cveg predictions in Earth system models (ESMs). Combined with a global forest age data set, we show that current ESMs divergently represent the relationship between Cveg and forest age. Our study suggests that the Cveg‐fw relationship could be one useful benchmark for evaluating ESMs. Key Points: Observations constrain an exponential relationship in Cveg and fwThe exponential relationship in Cveg and fw could be one useful benchmark for ESMsESMs show divergent relationships between Cveg and forest age [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐throughput gene sequencing has identified various genetic variants as the culprits for some common hereditary cancers. However, the heritability of a substantial proportion of cancers remains unexplained, which may result from rare deleterious mutations hidden in a myriad of nonsense genetic variations. This poses a great challenge to the understanding of the pathology and thus the rational design of effective treatments for affected patients. Here, whole genome sequencing is employed in a representative case in which one monozygotic twin is discordant for lung inflammatory myofibroblastoma to disclose rare tumor‐related mutations. A missense single nucleotide variation rs61955126 T>C in the lysine methyltransferase SETD8 (accession: NM_020382, SETD8C302R) is exposed. It is shown that SETD8 is vital for genomic integrity by promoting faithful DNA replication, and its C302R mutation downregulates the p53/p21 pathway. Importantly, the SETD8C302R mutation significantly increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to WEE1 inhibition. Given that WEE1 inhibitors have shown great promise for clinical approval, these results impart a potential therapeutic approach using WEE1 inhibitor for cancer patients carrying the same mutation, and indicate that genome sequencing and genetic functional studies can be integrated into individualized therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary of main observation and conclusion: A novel, rational‐designed approach to access various heteroaryl‐substituted alkyl thioethers was developed via docking‐migration cascade process. By utilizing three components involving alkene, dual‐function reagent, and thioetherificating reagent, radical heteroarylalkylation of alkenes followed by thiolation of the alkyl radical intermediates proceeded smoothly, manifesting well compatibility of substrates and cascade transformations. Furthermore, this protocol also features mild conditions, broad substrate scope, and wide product diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free radical mediated alkylation of alkenes is a challenging and largely unmet goal. Disclosed here is a conceptually novel "polarity umpolung" strategy for radical alkylation of alkenes using a portfolio of easily accessed, difunctional alkylating reagents. This strategy is achieved by substituting inherently nucleophilic alkyl radicals with electrophilic sulfone‐bearing surrogates, thus inverting the usual mode of reactivity. Along with alkylation, either an heteroaryl or oximino group is concurrently incorporated into the alkenes by a consecutive docking and migration process, leading to valuable products. The reaction displays a broad functional‐group tolerance under mild reaction conditions. The protocol opens new vistas for the late‐stage modification of complex natural products and drug molecules containing alkene moieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In eukaryotic cells, gene expression is greatly influenced by the dynamic chromatin environment. Epigenetic mechanisms, including covalent modifications to DNA and histone tails and the accessibility of chromatin, create various chromatin states for stress‐responsive gene expression that is important for adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. Recent studies have revealed that many epigenetic factors participate in abiotic stress responses, and various chromatin modifications are changed when plants are exposed to stressful environments. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the cross‐talk between abiotic stress response pathways and epigenetic regulatory pathways in plants. Our review focuses on epigenetic regulation of plant responses to extreme temperatures, drought, salinity, the stress hormone abscisic acid, nutrient limitations and ultraviolet stress, and on epigenetic mechanisms of stress memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first electrochemical approach for nickel‐catalyzed cross‐electrophile coupling was developed. This method provides a novel route to 1,1‐diarylalkane derivatives from simple and readily available alkyl and aryl halides in good yields and excellent regioselectivity under mild conditions. The procedure shows good tolerance for a broad variety of functional groups and both primary and secondary alkyl halides can be used. Furthermore, the reaction was successfully scaled up to the multigram scale, thus indicating potential for industrial application. Mechanistic investigation suggested the formation of a nickel hydride in the electroreductive chain‐walking arylation, which led to the development of a new nickel‐catalyzed hydroarylation of styrenes to provide a series of 1,1‐diaryl alkanes in good yields under mild reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been documented that Helicobacter hepaticus (H hepaticus) infection is linked to chronic hepatitis and liver cancer. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying progression of the H hepaticus‐induced hepatic inflammation to cellular hepatocarcinoma is still limited. Materials and methods: In our study, male BALB/c mice were infected by H hepaticus for 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks. Histopathology, H hepaticus colonization dynamics, select signaling pathways, and expression of key inflammatory cytokines in the liver were examined. Results: We found that H hepaticus was detectible in feces of mice at 7 days postinfection (DPI) by PCR, but it was not detected in the livers by PCR until 8 weeks postinfection (WPI). In addition, abundance of colonic and hepatic H hepaticus was progressively increased over the infection duration. H hepaticus‐induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were aggravated over the infection duration, and necrosis or cirrhosis developed in the infected liver at 24 WPI H hepaticus infection increased levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Moreover, mRNA levels of Il‐6 and Tnf‐α were significantly elevated in the livers of H hepaticus‐infected mice compared to uninfected control from 8 WPI to 24 WPI. Furthermore, Stat3, nuclear factor‐κB (p65), and MAPK (Erk1/2 and p38) were activated by H hepaticus infection. Conclusions: These data demonstrated that male BALB/c mice can be used as a new mouse model of H hepaticus‐induced liver diseases and that the H hepaticus‐induced liver injury is triggered by NF‐κB, Jak‐Stat, and MAPK signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkynes are an important class of organic molecules due to their utility as versatile building blocks in synthesis. Although efforts have been devoted to the difunctionalization of alkynes, general and practical strategies for the direct hydroalkylation and alkylarylation of terminal alkynes under mild reaction conditions are less explored. Herein, we report a photoredox/nickel dual‐catalyzed anti‐Markovnikov‐type hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes as well as a one‐pot arylalkylation of alkynes with alkyl carboxylic acids and aryl bromides via a three‐component cross‐coupling. The results indicate that the transformations proceed via a new mechanism involving a single‐electron transfer with subsequent energy‐transfer activation pathways. Moreover, steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence‐spectroscopy measurements, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and wavefunction analysis have been performed to give an insight into the catalytic cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical transformations based on cascade reactions have the potential to simplify the preparation of diverse and architecturally complex molecules dramatically. Herein, we disclose an unprecedented and efficient method for the cross‐coupling of radical precursors, dienes, and electrophilic coupling partners via a photoredox‐ and nickel‐enabled cascade cross‐coupling process. The cascade reaction furnishes a diverse array of saturated carbo‐ and heterocyclic scaffolds, thus providing access to a quick gain in C−C bond saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A radical‐mediated monofluoroalkylative alkynylation of alkenes is disclosed for the first time. The reaction demonstrates a remarkably broad substrate scope in which both activated and unactivated alkenes are suitable starting materials. The concurrent addition of an alkynyl and a monofluoroalkyl group onto an alkene proceeds through a docking–migration sequence, affording a vast array of valuable fluoroalkyl‐substituted alkynes. Many complex natural products and drug derivatives are readily functionalized, demonstrating that this method can be used for late‐stage alkynylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Component Method is well established and incorporated in Part 1.8 of Eurocode3 for the design of connections of steel frameworks. It is primarily intended to provide the elastic joint stiffness, although Part 1.8 includes provisions for also determining the inelastic moment‐rotation response from the elastic limit to the ultimate moment. The latter provisions are empirical and use an established experimentally‐based nonlinear equation to define the inelastic response. The Component Method has been further developed in recent years to determine the inelastic response using bi‐linear springs with elastic and inelastic ranges. Procedures have also been developed at the University of Sydney to extend the Method into the post‐ultimate range by defining tri‐linear springs with elastic, inelastic and softening ranges. As well, recent research at the University of Sydney has produced a simple way to predict the moment‐rotation response under fracture of components, thus enabling the Method to capture the full moment‐rotation behaviour. The ability of the Method to predict full‐range moment‐rotation behaviour is especially useful for design by advanced analysis and progressive collapse analysis, as it allows both members and connections to be checked for stiffness and strength as part of the analysis. In parallel, an ongoing joint project between Sydney University and Tongji University on the strength of beam‐to‐upright connections in rack structures has extended to Component Method to cold‐formed steel connections which include tang‐connectors and bolts. The paper provides an overview of these recent developments of the Component Method, including the opportunity to incorporate the Method in a fully nonlinear procedure for the direct design of steel frameworks including connections by advanced analysis, also referred to as the Direct Design Method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal cancer in central nervous system. It is urgently needed to look for novel therapeutics for GBM. Oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) is a cytokine receptor gene of IL‐6 family and has been reported to be involved in regulating GBM tumorigenesis. However, the role of OSMR regulating the disrupted immune response in GBM need to be further investigated. Three gene expression profiles, Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data set (GSE16011), were enrolled in our study and used for OSMR expression and survival analysis. The expression of OSMR was further verified with immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis in glioma tissues. Microenvironment cell populations‐counter (MCP‐counter) was applied for analyzing the relationship between OSMR expression and nontumor cells. The functions of OSMR in GBM was investigated by Gene Ontology, Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene set variation analysis and so on. The analysis of cytokine receptor activity‐related genes in glioma identifies OSMR as a gene with an independent predictive factor for progressive malignancy in GBM. Furthermore, OSMR expression is a prognostic marker in the response prediction to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. OSMR contributes to the regulation of local immune response and extracellular matrix process in GBM. Our findings define an important role of OSMR in the regulation of local immune response in GBM, which may suggest OSMR as a possible biomarker in developing new therapeutic immune strategies in GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camera trapping technology - which allows images of organisms to be obtained remotely from the field - has advanced rapidly in recent decades, and its infrared capability has become a standard tool in wildlife monitoring, especially for detecting ground-dwelling endothermic animals (O'Connell I et al i . 2011). Comparison of species richness and detection between line transects, ground camera traps, and arboreal camera traps. Plant-frugivore interactions revealed by arboreal camera trapping. [Extracted from the article]

Internal consistency implies, at a minimum, that the thermodynamic relationships, reference and standard states, and activity coefficient models are consistently applied to all data within a given TDF. A TDF provides equilibrium constants for reactions involving solids, aqueous species, gases, adsorbed surface species, and ion-exchange species. A TDF may also provide parameters for modeling kinetics of mineral dissolution and precipitation, activity coefficients of aqueous species, and fugacity coefficients of gaseous species. [Extracted from the article]

Glycyrrhizin is a bioactive triterpenoid saponin extracted from a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, glycyrrhiza, and has been reported to protect the organs such as liver and heart from injuries. However, there is no report about the effects of glycyrrhizin on atrophic age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). This study investigated the effects of glycyrrhizin on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in vitro and retina of mice in vivo treated with sodium iodate (SI). Glycyrrhizin significantly inhibited SI‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreased apoptosis of RPE in vitro. The underlying mechanisms included increased phosphorylation of Akt, and increased expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor2 (Nrf‐2) and HO‐1, thereby protecting RPE from SI‐induced ROS and apoptosis. Furthermore, glycyrrhizin significantly decreased the apoptosis of retinal cells in vivo, resulting in the inhibition of thinning of retina, decreasing the number of drusen and improving the function of retina. These findings suggested that glycyrrhizin may be a potential candidate for the treatment of atrophic AMD in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chemoautotrophic ammonia‐oxidizers and nitrite‐oxidizers are responsible for a significant amount of soil nitrate production. The identity and composition of these active nitrifiers in soils under different long‐term fertilization regimes remain largely under‐investigated. Based on that soil nitrification potential significantly decreased in soils with chemical fertilization (CF) and increased in soils with organic fertilization (OF), a microcosm experiment with DNA stable isotope probing was further conducted to clarify the active nitrifiers. Both ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) were found to actively respond to urea addition in soils with OF and no fertilizer (CK), whereas only AOB were detected in soils with CF. Around 98% of active AOB were Nitrosospira cluster 3a.1 in all tested soils, and more than 90% of active AOA were Nitrososphaera subcluster 1.1 in unfertilized and organically fertilized soils. Nitrite oxidation was performed only by Nitrospira‐like bacteria in all soils. The relative abundances of Nitrospira lineage I and VI were 32% and 61%, respectively, in unfertilized soils, and that of Nitrospira lineage II was 97% in fertilized soils, indicating long‐term fertilization shifted the composition of active Nitrospira‐like bacteria in response to urea. This finding indicates that different fertilizer regimes impact the composition of active nitrifiers, thus, impacting soil nitrification potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible‐light induced, palladium catalyzed alkylations of α,β‐unsaturated acids with unactivated alkyl bromides are described. A variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl bromides are activated by the photoexcited palladium metal catalyst to provide a series of olefins at room temperature under mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic investigations and density functional theory (DFT) studies suggest that a photoinduced inner‐sphere mechanism is operative in which a barrierless, single‐electron transfer oxidative addition of the alkyl halide to Pd0 is key for the efficient transformation. Excited‐state palladium catalyzed decarboxylative alkylation of α,β‐unsaturated acids is achieved by a barrierless approach under visible light irradiation at room temperature with good stereoselectivity. Detailed DFT calculations with experimental evidence suggest a neutral decarboxylative pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]