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Effects of subcritical solvents (propane, dimethyl ether (DME), and their 1:1 mixed solvents) and extraction temperatures (30 to 60 °C) on oat lipids and phospholipid extraction are investigated using the Patricelli kinetic model and thermodynamic analysis. The mass‐transfer coefficient (k1) of the washing stage is approximately ten times higher than the diffusion stage under different solvents and temperature conditions. Compared with the subcritical propane and mixed solvents, the maximum equilibrium yield of oat lipids and phospholipids are obtained using subcritical DME. With increased extraction temperature from 30 to 60 °C, the equilibrium yield of phospholipids increases, whereas the equilibrium yield of lipids increases to 5.30% at 40 °C and then decreases. The enthalpy and entropy changes for phospholipid extraction are higher than those for lipid extraction. The Gibbs free energy for phospholipid extraction rapidly decreases with increased extraction temperature. A loose endosperm of oat grain is observed, and the concentration of lipids in the bran layer is higher than in the endosperm. In conclusion, kinetic and thermodynamic analyses statistically prove that DME is more effective than propane and mixes solvents for extracting lipids and phospholipids from oat flakes, and that phospholipid extraction strongly depends on temperature. Practical Application: The removal of lipids and phospholipids benefits oat‐product processing and storage. However, traditional industrial n‐hexane extraction usually requires a high‐temperature process for solute–solvent separation, which may result in low quality of the meal. Subcritical‐fluid extraction is a rising technology for lipid and phospholipid extraction. The yields of lipids and phospholipids using subcritical dimethyl ether (DME) is higher than those propane and its mixed solvents. The temperature dependence of phospholipid extraction is more active than that of lipid extraction. Thus, use of subcritical DME is a promising lipid‐extraction technique to obtain solvent-free oat oil and high‐quality defatted oat flour with potential application in the oat‐processing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lattice dynamics are often regarded as signatures of the underlying crystal structure. Here, a first‐principle‐based effective Hamiltonian method combined with molecular dynamics simulations is used to study dynamical behaviors of CsPbI3 perovskite across temperature and structural phase transitions. A single (short‐range tilting) parameter in this effective Hamiltonian is varied in order to make the temperature range of the intermediate tetragonal P4/mbm phase, existing in‐between the cubic Pm3¯m and orthorhombic Pnma phases, either broader than observed or completely disappearing. Comparing the dynamics of these different cases allows one to conclude that real CsPbI3 perovskite should have i) two iodine‐octahedral‐tilt related modes that differ in frequency but both significantly soften as the temperature decreases within the cubic phase toward the Pm3¯m‐to‐P4/mbm transition; and ii) one mode that maintains a very low frequency (of the order of 1.0 cm−1) in the entire region of P4/mbm stability, as a result of the temporal exploration of various structural states. Such latter sub‐THz mode mixes fluctuations of antiphase iodine tiltings and Cs antipolar motions because of a trilinear energetic coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are novel biomarkers of various cancers. CircRNAs can sponge miRNAs and regulate target mRNAs, which was called competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA). This study was designed to identify circRNAs related to patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and the first to select three independent Gene Expression Omnibus microarrays covering circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs for multiple analyses. The data of clinical cases applied in our study were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We successfully conducted a circRNA/miRNA/mRNA ceRNA network related to ccRCC patients via R software and Cytoscape including 8 circRNAs, 6 miRNAs, and 49 mRNAs. The prognosis‐associated subnet covered 8 circRNAs, 6 miRNAs, and 22 mRNAs. Quantitative real‐time PCR was applied to measure our prediction in three renal cell lines and 23 pairs of tissues. Small interfering RNA targeting the back‐splice region of hsa_circ_0001167 was further implied to confirm the regulation. Ultimately, hsa_circ_0001167/hsa‐miR‐595/CCDC8 regulatory axis was identified in this study, which may serve as prognostic indicators. Lower levels of hsa_circ_0001167 and CCDC8 were potentially correlated with worse patient survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our findings support experimental evidence showing that Syndecan-1 may contribute to brain ischemia-reperfusion injury and blood-brain barrier damage, and indicate that Syndecan-1 shedding occurs during vascular occlusion. Keywords: acute ischemic stroke; glycocalyx; ischemia-reperfusion injury; large vessel occlusion; Syndecan-1 EN acute ischemic stroke glycocalyx ischemia-reperfusion injury large vessel occlusion Syndecan-1 1648 1650 3 09/05/22 20221001 NES 221001 Endothelial Syndecan-1 is a principal constituent of glycocalyx which is now considered a cornerstone in ischemia-reperfusion-related endothelial dysfunction as it participates in microvascular reactivity, endothelium interaction with blood constituents, and vascular permeability.1 Numerous pathologies such as trauma, inflammation, stroke, and ischemia-reperfusion injury can lead to increased shedding of Syndecan-1.1,2 The shedding of Syndecan-1 and the temporal pattern of its release may represent important biomarkers serving as early-stage predictors of organ damage. During the hyper-acute period after stroke, there occurs a significant elevation of the level of Syndecan-1 in the intracranial blood distal from the occlusion site, suggesting that Syndecan-1 shedding initiates already during vascular occlusion. [Extracted from the article]

Aims: The diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms relies upon the demonstration of histological parameters that can be focal and prone to subjective interpretation. We evaluated the utility of NRAS Q61R immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions after determining its specificity and sensitivity as a surrogate marker for RAS Q61R mutation. Method and results: NRAS Q61R IHC was performed on 282 primary or metastatic thyroid lesions from 256 patients. RAS mutation status was collected from patients' charts. Sensitivity and specificity of NRAS Q61R IHC for detecting a RAS Q61R mutation was calculated. IHC‐positive cases were reviewed to determine the diagnostic utility of NRAS Q61R IHC. NRAS Q61R immunopositivity was seen in non‐neoplastic, benign and malignant thyroid lesions. NRAS Q61R antibody cross‐reactivity led to the detection of NRAS Q61R, KRAS Q61R and HRAS Q61R proteins. Among primary thyroid carcinomas, immunopositivity was most frequent in papillary thyroid carcinomas, follicular variant (48.0%). The sensitivity and specificity of NRAS Q61R IHC in detecting RAS Q61R mutation was 90.6% and 92.3%, respectively. When positive, the NRAS Q61R stain was determined to be helpful in demonstrating infiltration, tumour size, capsular and/or vascular invasion and multifocality. Conclusion: NRAS Q61R IHC is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of RAS Q61R mutations in thyroid pathology and is particularly relevant in follicular‐patterned neoplasms. When evaluated alongside histological features, NRAS Q61R immunoreactivity can be instrumental in the diagnosis and classification of thyroid nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth and characterization of Cr,Nd:Y3Al5O12 (YAG) crystal are reported. By improving the synthesis and sintering processes of polycrystalline materials, as well as the temperature gradient and annealing atmosphere, a high quality crystal with size of ϕ30 mm × 110 mm is obtained by using the Czochralski technique. After measuring the concentrations of dopant Cr3+ and Nd3+ within the different parts of the grown crystal, it is found that the distribution of dopant ions is uniform throughout the crystal. The fluorescence spectra of Cr,Nd:YAG crystal exhibit intense emissions at 1064 nm under excitations of 808 and 450 nm. The fluorescence lifetime of Nd: 4F3/2 level is obtained to be 234.2 µs. The maximum average output power reaches 7.87 W with a slope efficiency of 31.2% for near‐infrared laser at 1063.9 nm. The above results indicate that Cr,Nd:YAG crystal is a promising gain media for all‐solid state lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging introduced depth of invasion (DOI) into the pT category of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. However, we noted multiple practical obstacles in accurately measuring DOI histologically in our daily practice. Methods and results: To compare the prognostic effects of DOI and tumour thickness (TT), a meticulous pathology review was conducted in a retrospective cohort of 293 patients with AJCC 7th edition pT1/T2 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Overall survival (OS) and nodal metastasis rate at initial resection were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. We found that TT and DOI were highly correlated with a correlation coefficient of 0.984. The upstage rate was only 6% (18 of 293 patients) when using TT in the pT stage compared with using DOI. More importantly, DOI and TT, as well as pT stage using DOI and pT stage using TT, performed identically in predicting risk of nodal metastasis and OS. Conclusions: We therefore propose to replace DOI, a complicated measurement with many challenges, with TT in the pT staging system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphite anodes show great potential for potassium storage, however, their capacity fades quickly owing to substantial interlayer expansion/shrinkage (i.e., up to 60%) induced structural degradation. Here, Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets are used as a fast electron/potassium‐ion dual‐function conductor to construct the framework of all‐integrated graphite nanoflake (GNF)/MXene (GNFM) electrodes. The continuous MXene framework constructs a 3D channel for fast electron/potassium‐ion transfer and endows GNFM electrodes with a high structural stability. Owing to this unique MXene framework, GNFM electrodes exhibit much enhanced potassium storage performances than that of the conventional polymer‐bonded electrodes even at high mass loadings. Moreover, GNFM electrodes also show impressive cyclability in non‐flammable electrolytes and are further used as anodes to assemble novel non‐flammable potassium‐ion capacitors that show an excellent cyclability and high energy/power densities (113.1 Wh kg–1 and 12.2 kW kg–1). New insights into phase transition mechanism in GNFM electrodes are verified by operando XRD. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that MXene can promote electron transfer and potassium diffusion in the heterointerface between GNF and MXene. Therefore, the results demonstrate that all‐integrated GNFM electrodes designed with MXene as multifunctional frameworks provide a new paradigm for producing efficient potassium storage anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More and more silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been released into the aquatic environment due to their widespread use, which may result in harmful effects on aquatic organisms. Environmental risk assessments of AgNPs on aquatic organisms in the natural environment (including light, sound, etc.) are indispensable. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the influence of light on the toxicity of AgNPs to Tetrahymena pyriformis. Silver nanoparticles, which were synthesized by reduction of silver nitrate with sodium borohydride, ranged in size from 5 to 20 nm with most particles approximately 10 nm. The authors performed AgNPs toxicity assays under a simulated natural environment with sunlight. The results indicated that the toxicity of AgNPs is higher than silver ion in the environment without light, but under the light condition, the toxicity of AgNPs decreased greatly. After 24 h of incubation with AgNPs, the inhibition ratio was 69.2 ± 7% in the dark and 35.5 ± 2% in the light, and the degree of inhibition was reduced by 33.7%. However, the effect of light on Ag+ could be negligible. Further investigation indicated that the light irradiation could induce the growth of AgNPs and sequentially form bulk agglomeration. This decreased the surface area and the number of bare Ag atoms, resulting in a slower release rate and less Ag+ ions released from AgNPs. At the same time, bulk agglomeration induced the deposition of part of the AgNPs to the aquatic bottom, which decreased the amount of AgNPs existing in water. All these phenomena led to the weakened toxicity of AgNPs in a light irradiation environment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1630-1638. © 2012 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermally Driven Amorphous-Crystalline Phase Transition of Carbonized Polymer Dots for Multicolor Room-Temperature Phosphorescence (Advanced Optical Materials 16/2021) Anti-counterfeiting, carbonized polymer dots, phosphorescence, thermally stimulated, topological transition Keywords: anti-counterfeiting; carbonized polymer dots; phosphorescence; thermally stimulated; topological transition EN anti-counterfeiting carbonized polymer dots phosphorescence thermally stimulated topological transition 1 1 1 08/23/21 20210818 NES 210818 Multicolor carbon dots-based materials offer a variety of opportunities for potential applications in bioimaging, optoelectronic devices, and information security. [Extracted from the article]

Keywords: anti-counterfeiting; carbonized polymer dots; phosphorescence; thermally stimulated; topological transition EN anti-counterfeiting carbonized polymer dots phosphorescence thermally stimulated topological transition 1 1 1 02/15/22 20210815 NES 210815 Multicolor carbon dots-based materials offer a variety of opportunities for potential applications in bioimaging, optoelectronic devices, and information security. Thermally Driven Amorphous-Crystalline Phase Transition of Carbonized Polymer Dots for Multicolor Room-Temperature Phosphorescence (Advanced Optical Materials 16/2021) Anti-counterfeiting, carbonized polymer dots, phosphorescence, thermally stimulated, topological transition. [Extracted from the article]

The development of new and efficient methodology for the construction of optically active molecules is of great interest in both synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry fields. To this end, the personal account summarizes our studies on the development of electron‐deficient alkenes, allenes, and alkynes containing single activator as new dipolarophiles for Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric cycloaddition reactions. These new dipolarophiles can participate in Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric [3+2] and [4+2] cycloadditions through Pd‐π‐allyl 1,3‐ and 1,4‐zwitterions in‐situ generated by the reaction of Pd(0) catalyst with vinyl aziridines, vinyl epoxides, vinyl cyclopropanes, 4‐vinyl‐1,3‐dioxan‐2‐ones, and vinyl benzoxazinanones. These [3+2] and [4+2] cycloadditions provide efficient approaches to a wide range of enantiomerically enriched five‐ and six‐membered ring compounds containing contiguous chiral centers with high to excellent chemo‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivities. The utilities of these protocols are demonstrated by transformation of the cycloadducts into other useful chiral building blocks. DFT calculations reveal the dissimilar reactivity of different electron deficient alkenes and rationalize the mechanism and stereo‐control of the reaction. A Pd‐catalyzed inverse [3+2] cycloaddition is disclosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Loss of chlorophyll (Chl) is a hallmark of leaf senescence, which may be regulated by Chl catabolic genes, including NON‐YELLOW COLORING 1 (NYC1)‐like (NOL). The objective of this study was to determine molecular factors and metabolic pathways underlying NOL regulation of leaf senescence in perennial grass species. LpNOL was cloned from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and found to be highly expressed in senescent leaves. Transient overexpression of LpNOL accelerated leaf senescence and Chl b degradation in Nicotiana benthamiana. LpNOL RNA interference (NOLi) in perennial ryegrass not only significantly blocked Chl degradation in senescent leaves, but also delayed initiation and progression of leaf senescence. This study found that NOL, in addition to functioning as a Chl b reductase, could enact the functional stay‐green phenotype in perennial grass species, as manifested by increased photosynthetic activities in NOLi plants. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that NOL‐mediated functional stay‐green in perennial ryegrass was mainly achieved through the modulation of Chl catabolism, light harvesting for photosynthesis, photorespiration, cytochrome respiration, carbohydrate catabolism, oxidative detoxification, and abscisic acid biosynthesis and signaling pathways. Significance Statement: Chlorophyll (Chl) degradation is a hallmark of leaf senescence. Here, we demonstrated that blocking a Chl catabolic gene, LpNOL, in perennial ryegrass results in functional stay‐green associated with metabolic modulation of Chl metabolism, light harvesting, photorespiration, cytochrome respiration, carbohydrate catabolism, oxidative detoxification, and abscisic acid biosynthesis and signaling to maintain the ability of photosynthesis and reactive oxygen species clearance, and metabolic energy supply, while inhibiting sugar accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with a theoretical energy density of 2567 Wh kg−1 are very promising next‐generation energy storage systems, but suffer from the insulativity of sulfur and Li2S, the shuttle effect due to the dissolution and migration of polysulfides, and the lithium dendrite issue. MXenes, a family of 2D transition metal carbides/nitrides, which have metallic conductivity, structural variety, strong chemical adsorption ability to polysulfides, effective catalytic effect for fast kinetics, and inducing effect for uniform growth of Li, exhibit promising potential for high‐performance Li–S batteries. In this review, the recent progress and achievements of MXene‐based Li–S batteries are summarized, including the use of MXenes in sulfur cathode, interlayer between cathode and separator, and Li anode. The architecture construction and chemical modification of MXenes, as well as hybridization with other materials are demonstrated. The enhancement on electrochemical performance and the related mechanisms of MXenes and MXene‐based composites are discussed. Finally, challenges and perspectives of MXenes for Li–S battery application are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently reported that degradation of S-nitrosocysteine in homogenates of porcine aorta increased severalfold in the presence of Mg2+ ions [Kostka, P., Xu, B. & Skiles, E.H. (1999) J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 33, 665–670]. The objective of the present study was to examine this in greater detail. The rate of S-nitrosocysteine degradation by aortic homogenates in the presence of Mg2+ ions exhibited differential sensitivity to chelators of iron ions. Terpyridine and diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (5–500 µm) caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of S-nitrosocysteine decay, whereas deferoxamine (100 µm) was ineffective. o-Phenanthroline (250 µm), a selective chelator of Fe2+ ions, potentiated the reaction at low initial concentrations of S-nitrosocysteine (≤ 15 µm) and inhibited the reaction at higher concentrations. The inhibitory effects of o-phenanthroline were related to suppression of S-nitrosocysteine decay by cysteine-mediated reduction of Fe3+. In the presence of o-phenanthroline, S-nitrosocysteine decomposition followed saturable kinetics with K0.5 = 3.8 ± 0.3 µm and h = 1.8 ± 0.1 (mean ± SE, n = 4). Comparison of the rates of S-nitrosocysteine decay in different subcellular fractions showed selective association with the cytosolic fraction, as documented by copurification with lactate dehydrogenase activity. At non-limiting concentrations of S-nitrosocysteine, the rate of degradation in the cytosolic fraction was 4.1 ± 0.3 nmol·min-1·(mg protein)-1 (n = 4). It is concluded that the cytosolic fraction of porcine aorta contains a protein factor, presumably an enzyme, capable of catalyzing heterolytic decomposition of the S–NO bond of S-nitrosocysteine in a process involving redox cycling of iron ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Metastasis to the thyroid gland is a rare occurrence that may pose a diagnostic challenge. In this study, we aimed to report the clinicopathological features, immunoprofile, molecular alterations and outcome of 30 patients treated at our centre from 2003 to 2019. Methods and results: The most common site of the primary tumour was the kidney, followed by the lung, lower gastrointestinal tract and breast. In seven (23%) patients, the thyroid metastases were resected prior to the diagnosis of the primary tumours. Six patients (20%) had thyroid as the sole metastatic site. Three (10%) patients harboured tumour‐to‐tumour metastasis; 71% had a unilateral unifocal thyroid mass, which might be mistaken for a primary thyroid tumour. Among the 13 cases that were initially diagnosed at an outside hospital, four (31%) were misinterpreted as a thyroid primary. An immunohistochemical panel of thyroid follicular cell markers was most useful to differentiate primary thyroid tumours from metastasis. Molecularly, the metastasis showed alterations characteristic of the primary tumour, which may be helpful in establishing the diagnosis and primary site. Although the prognosis was poor, with a 5‐year disease specific survival of 58%, a long‐term cure was possible in cases with oligometastasis successfully treated with surgery. Conclusions: Metastasis to the thyroid gland is an uncommon phenomenon, with an incidence of 0.36% in all thyroid malignancies. It may present as a solitary thyroid mass before the discovery of the primary tumour, posing a diagnostic challenge. Although the overall prognosis is poor, a subset of patients with oligometastasis can be managed surgically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zero‐dimensional (0D) hybrid metal halides are promising light emitters. However, it is still challenging to accurately design their structures with targeted photoluminescence properties. Herein, high pressure is used to change the self‐trapped exciton (STE) emission of 0D (bmpy)9[ZnBr4]2[Pb3Br11] (bmpy: 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium). Under initial compression, the simultaneous contraction and distortion of photoactive [Pb3Br11]5− vary the equilibrium of STE emissions between different excited states, tuning the emission color from yellow green to cyan. Notably, sufficient structural distortion under continuous compression leads to the formation of more and deeper STE states, exhibiting an unprecedented broadband white‐light emission. This study reveals the structure‐dependent optical properties of 0D hybrid metal halides, providing novel insights into the mechanism of STE emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technology called sandwich‐type sheeting was used to produce noodles with potato flakes. The technical parameters of sheeting were first optimized. Then the processing and eating qualities of potato noodles made with sandwich‐type sheeting and conventional sheeting were compared. Results showed that the optimal moisture of inner‐layer dough and outer‐layer dough was 41 and 37%, respectively. The suitable ratio of the thickness of inner layer to that of outer layer was 3:1. The tensile strength of the sandwich‐type dough sheet was 1.285 times higher than that of conventional dough sheet. The cooking loss of the sandwich‐type noodles was 37.0% lower than that of conventional noodles, and the adhesiveness decreased by 51.0%. In the sandwich‐type noodles, the compact gluten network structure of outer wheat layer prevented the leaching of soluble substances in the inner layer added with potato flakes, improving the cooking and eating qualities of potato noodles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zero‐dimensional (0D) hybrid metal halides are promising light emitters. However, it is still challenging to accurately design their structures with targeted photoluminescence properties. Herein, high pressure is used to change the self‐trapped exciton (STE) emission of 0D (bmpy)9[ZnBr4]2[Pb3Br11] (bmpy: 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium). Under initial compression, the simultaneous contraction and distortion of photoactive [Pb3Br11]5− vary the equilibrium of STE emissions between different excited states, tuning the emission color from yellow green to cyan. Notably, sufficient structural distortion under continuous compression leads to the formation of more and deeper STE states, exhibiting an unprecedented broadband white‐light emission. This study reveals the structure‐dependent optical properties of 0D hybrid metal halides, providing novel insights into the mechanism of STE emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic manganese (Mn) exposure can disturb mitochondrial homeostasis leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, which is involved in Mn‐induced neurodegenerative diseases. Resveratrol (RSV), as a promoter of mitochondrial biogenesis, plays a significant role against mitochondrial dysfunction. However, whether RSV can relieve Mn‐induced neuronal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction remains unknown. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a main mitochondrial sirtuin, is an important regulator of mitochondria to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. Therefore, this study investigated whether SIRT3 was required for RSV alleviating Mn‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in primary cultured neurons from C57BL/6 mice. Here, we showed that Mn (100 and 200 μM) exposure for 24 hr caused significant neuronal damage and mitochondrial dysfunction through increasing mitochondrial ROS, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate level, and leading to mitochondrial network fragmentation, which could be ameliorated by RSV pretreatment in primary cultured neurons. Additionally, our results also indicated that RSV could activate the SIRT1/PGC‐1α signaling pathway and alleviate Mn‐induced disruption of mitochondrial biogenesis by increasing SIRT1 expression and activity, enhancing deacetylation of PGC‐1α. Furthermore, SIRT3 over‐expression increased deacetylation of mitochondrial transcription factor A and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number. Oppositely, silencing SIRT3 increased acetylation of mitochondrial transcription factor A and decreased mtDNA copy number. Our results showed SIRT3 was required for the protective effect of RSV in mitochondrial biogenesis. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that RSV could ameliorate Mn‐induced neuronal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction in primary cultured neurons through activating the SIRT1/ PGC‐1α signaling pathway, and that SIRT3 is required for promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and attenuating Mn‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of subcritical solvents (propane, dimethyl ether (DME), and their 1:1 mixed solvents) and extraction temperatures (30 to 60 °C) on oat lipids and phospholipid extraction are investigated using the Patricelli kinetic model and thermodynamic analysis. The mass‐transfer coefficient (k1) of the washing stage is approximately ten times higher than the diffusion stage under different solvents and temperature conditions. Compared with the subcritical propane and mixed solvents, the maximum equilibrium yield of oat lipids and phospholipids are obtained using subcritical DME. With increased extraction temperature from 30 to 60 °C, the equilibrium yield of phospholipids increases, whereas the equilibrium yield of lipids increases to 5.30% at 40 °C and then decreases. The enthalpy and entropy changes for phospholipid extraction are higher than those for lipid extraction. The Gibbs free energy for phospholipid extraction rapidly decreases with increased extraction temperature. A loose endosperm of oat grain is observed, and the concentration of lipids in the bran layer is higher than in the endosperm. In conclusion, kinetic and thermodynamic analyses statistically prove that DME is more effective than propane and mixes solvents for extracting lipids and phospholipids from oat flakes, and that phospholipid extraction strongly depends on temperature. Practical Application: The removal of lipids and phospholipids benefits oat‐product processing and storage. However, traditional industrial n‐hexane extraction usually requires a high‐temperature process for solute–solvent separation, which may result in low quality of the meal. Subcritical‐fluid extraction is a rising technology for lipid and phospholipid extraction. The yields of lipids and phospholipids using subcritical dimethyl ether (DME) is higher than those propane and its mixed solvents. The temperature dependence of phospholipid extraction is more active than that of lipid extraction. Thus, use of subcritical DME is a promising lipid‐extraction technique to obtain solvent-free oat oil and high‐quality defatted oat flour with potential application in the oat‐processing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a frequently occurring disease with unknown etiology, which makes treatment a challenge. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of dexamethasone on LDH and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. General Methods: An LDH rat model was established by nucleus pulposus implantation. The activity of the lipocalin type prostaglandin D synthase (L‐PGDS)/phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) axis was evaluated by Western blotting. Paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency were assessed by the Von Frey hairs method and the thermal dolorimeter of Hargreaves, respectively. The 21‐point Basso‐Beattie‐Bresnahan scale was used to assess the locomotor function of rats. Pathological changes in the affected region were analyzed by hematoxylin‐eosin staining. Immunofluorescence was used to measure the expression of microtubule‐associated protein (MAP‐2). Findings: Lumbar disc herniation markedly increased thermo‐mechanical allodynia and induced dorsal root ganglion (DRG) degeneration by inactivating the L‐PGS/PI3K/Akt pathway. Dexamethasone restored the L‐PGDS/PI3K/Akt pathway and relieved LDH‐induced thermo‐mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, overexpression and knockdown of L‐PGDS respectively attenuated and worsened LDH‐triggered thermo‐mechanical allodynia and tissue degeneration by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Pretreatment with dexamethasone partially abrogated the effect of L‐PGDS knockdown through PI3K/Akt activation. Conclusions: Dexamethasone relieves LDH‐mediated radicular pain by exerting anti‐inflammatory effects and reducing the suppression of L‐PGDS induced by LDH. Meanwhile, the activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway was decreased, possibly due to the attenuated inflammation induced by dexamethasone. Our results revealed the underlying mechanism of dexamethasone, which might be helpful in reducing the side effects of dexamethasone and provide more focused therapy in LDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumbar skeletal muscle index (SMI) and total psoas index (TPI) measured by preoperative computed tomography were used to assess sarcopenia. About TPI, the total psoas area (TPA, mm SP 2 sp ) on both sides of the L3 axial plane was assessed, and then the TPI (TPI = TPA/(height (m) × height (m))) was normalized to the patient's height. Due to the lower BMI of sarcopenia patients, we examined the relationship among TPI, SMI, and BMI. [Extracted from the article]

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have potential applications in gas storage, catalysis, proton conduction, sensing, and chemical removal etc., due to their highly crystalline structure, good stability, porosity, as well as structural and functional controllability. Herein, by using electron‐rich group, 2,5‐bis(methylthio)terephthalaldehyde (BMTA), and electron–deficient group, 1,3,5‐tris‐(4‐aminophenyl)triazine (TAPT) as building blocks, TAPT‐BMTA‐COF is constructed through Schiff‐base reaction. TAPT‐BMTA‐COF has high crystallinity, porosity, big Brunauer−Emmett−Teller surface area (BET), good chemical and thermal stability, and commendable solvatochromic properties. It can be used as the water sensing scaffold to detect the trace water in organic solvents due to the fluorescence quenching of the COF caused by the interaction between water and TAPT‐BMTA‐COF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are vital constituents in mediating cell‐to‐cell communication within the tumor microenvironment. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the interplay between TAMs and tumor cells that guide cell fate are largely undetermined. Extracellular vesicles, also known as exosomes, which are derived from TAMs, are the components exerting regulatory effects. Thus, understanding the underlying mechanism of "onco‐vesicles" is of crucial importance for prostate cancer (PCa) therapy. In this study, we analyzed micro RNA sequences in exosomes released by THP‐1 and M2 macrophages and found a significant increase in miR‐95 levels in TAM‐derived exosomes, demonstrating the direct uptake of miR‐95 by recipient PCa cells. In vitro and in vivo loss‐of‐function assays suggested that miR‐95 could function as a tumor promoter by directly binding to its downstream target gene, JunB, to promote PCa cell proliferation, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. The clinical data analyses further revealed that higher miR‐95 expression results in worse clinicopathological features. Collectively, our results demonstrated that TAM‐mediated PCa progression is partially attributed to the aberrant expression of miR‐95 in TAM‐derived exosomes, and the miR‐95/JunB axis provides the groundwork for research on TAMs to further develop more‐personalized therapeutic approaches for patients with PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, UV‐LED was employed as a novel light source to investigate the degradation of a representative antibiotic compound, chloramphenicol (CAP), in the absence or presence of H2O2. The UV‐LED irradiation showed a higher capability for degradation of CAP than conventional UV‐Hg vapor lamps. Effects of the initial CAP concentration, UV wavelength, and light intensity on the degradation of CAP by UV‐LED were evaluated. Introduction of H2O2 evidently enhanced the degradation efficiency of CAP due to the production of reactive hydroxyl radicals. Results showed that the UV‐LED/H2O2 removed CAP by up to 95% within 60 min at pH 5.0, which was twice as that achieved by the UV‐LED alone. The degradation products were identified to propose plausible degradation pathways. Moreover, the formation potentials of typical carbonaceous disinfection by‐products (C‐DBPs) and nitrogenous disinfection by‐products (N‐DBPs) were assessed for the CAP polluted water treated by the UV‐LED alone and UV‐LED/H2O2 processes. Results indicate unintended formation of certain DBPs, thereby highlighting the importance of health risk assessments before practical application. This study opens a new avenue for developing environment‐friendly and high‐performance UV‐LED photocatalytic reactors for abatement of CAP pollution in water. Practitioner points: UV‐LED bore higher capability to degrade CAP than low‐pressure Hg lamp.The optimal performance to degrade CAP can be achieved at the UV wavelength of 280 nm.The degradation efficiency under UV‐LED/H2O2 process was double of that under UV‐LED process.TCM, DCAN, and TCNM formation were higher under the existence of UV‐LED radiation.The addition of H2O2 had greater influence on the formation of DCAcAm than the introduction of UV‐LED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXenes with metallic conductivity, high pseudo‐capacitance and 2D structure, are promising flexible electrode materials for supercapacitors, but suffer from the restacking issue, which hinders ion accessibility and causes sluggish ion kinetics. Herein, a simple in situ ice template strategy is proposed to fabricate free‐standing, flexible 3D porous Ti3C2Tx/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) film (3D‐PMCF) by freeze‐drying Ti3C2Tx‐based hydro‐films without any postprocessing. During the freeze‐drying process, small ice grains are in situ transformed from the residual water molecules in the Ti3C2Tx interlayer and then act as a self‐sacrifice template to construct a 3D porous network. CNTs introduced in the hydro‐film increase the amount of interlayer water and the resultant porosity. The 3D structure of Ti3C2Tx significantly increases the exposed surface active sites and accelerates the ion transport, meanwhile maintaining good flexibility. Consequently, the flexible 3D‐PMCF film delivers a capacitance of 375 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1 and retains 251.2 F g−1 at 1000 mV s−1 with excellent cycling stability, much superior to the conventional densely stacked Ti3C2Tx film. Being assembled into a symmetric supercapacitor, an energy density of 9.2 Wh kg−1 is realized. This work demonstrates a simple and efficient route for constructing high‐performance and flexible 3D MXene film electrodes for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a prime candidate for non‐grain‐based bioenergy feedstock production. Improved drought tolerance and higher water use efficiency (WUE) are important for its successful field establishment and production, especially on marginal lands. Aquaporins are key channels and regulators for water transportation and maintenance of cellular water status. In this study, the functional role of an aquaporin gene, PvPIP2;9, in switchgrass was studied. Expression of PvPIP2;9 was regulated by diurnal oscillation and osmotic stress. Constitutive over‐expressing PvPIP2;9 in switchgrass significantly improved its leaf length, plant height, aboveground biomass and biomass protein contents under both drought‐ and non‐stressed conditions, and also resulted in higher cellulose content in drought‐stressed transgenic than wild‐type plants. Under 21 days of drought treatment, transgenic plants showed less electrolyte leakage rates, but higher relative water contents, photochemical efficiencies, chlorophyll contents and WUE, indicating that PvPIP2;9 positively regulated plant drought tolerance. Moreover, expression patterns of all 14 switchgrass PIP2 subfamily genes were checked during the drought treatment, and the result showed that over‐expressing PvPIP2;9 also affected transcript levels of most other PIP2 genes. Together, this study showed that improved biomass yield, drought tolerance and higher WUE can be achieved by manipulating the expression of PvPIP2;9 and also suggested PIP2 subfamily genes were transcriptionally regulated in a coordinated manner, which can be used for potential targets for crop drought resistance breeding efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dear Editor, Breast cancer (BC) is the commonest cancer worldwide, with an estimated 2.26 million newly diagnosed cases in 2020 according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer World Cancer Reports.1 With the in-depth study of BC, the role of chronic inflammation and intricate association with obesity for the risk of BC remains to be studied. We also performed a meta-analysis by BMI categories to determine the modifying role of BMI in CRP effects for BC risk in overall and postmenopausal subgroups separately. Association of C-reactive protein with breast cancer is stronger for the potentially obese women: A Chinese case-control study and meta-analysis of 19 studies Besides, it was found that a total of 7 studies involving 28,9634 women assessed the risks of BC with elevated CRP levels according to BMI categories (Figure S1). [Extracted from the article]

Background and Aim: The presence and severity of upper gastrointestinal mucosal lesions have not been evaluated using esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in patients receiving ticagrelor plus aspirin or alone after myocardial revascularization. We assessed upper gastrointestinal mucosal injury and the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients receiving 1 year of antiplatelet therapy after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: In this single‐center prospective substudy of a randomized trial, 231 patients completing 1‐year antiplatelet therapy (ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily plus aspirin 100 mg once daily, ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily, or aspirin 100 mg once daily, in 81, 80, and 70 patients, respectively) after CABG underwent 13C urea breath testing and EGD. Gastroduodenal lesions were assessed by modified Lanza score, and reflux esophagitis was evaluated according to Los Angeles classification. Additionally, at least one ulcer ≥ 5 mm was separately analyzed. Results: Among 231 patients, EGD showed 28 (12.1%) with ulcers ≥ 5 mm, which were detected in 13.6% (11/81) of ticagrelor plus aspirin recipients, 8.8% (7/80) of ticagrelor recipients, and 14.3% (10/70) of aspirin recipients, and 24 (10.4%) had reflux esophagitis. Eighty‐eight (38.1%) patients had a positive 13C urea breath testing after 1 year of treatment, and one patient received eradication therapy during follow up. Nineteen (8.2%) patients received a PPI for ≥ 6 months. Conclusions: Severe upper gastrointestinal mucosal lesions were more frequently observed in patients treated with ticagrelor plus aspirin and aspirin monotherapy than in patients treated with ticagrelor monotherapy for 1 year post‐CABG. Prophylactic use of PPIs might be inadequate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous studies have provided evidence of the high expression of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in multiple solid tumors; however, its prognostic relationship with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) remains controversial. We performed a meta‐analysis to better understand the prognostic potential of LDH in mPCa. Methods: In our investigation, we included PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library as web‐based resources, as well as studies published before January 2020 on the predictive value of LDH in mPCa. We independently screened the studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, evaluated the quality of the literature, extracted the data, and used RevMan 5.3 and STATA12.0 software for analysis. Result: From the 38 published studies, the records of 9813 patients with mPCa were included in this meta‐analysis. We observed that higher levels of LDH in patients with mPCa were significantly associated with poorer overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.91‐2.47, P <.00001) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (HR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.20‐2.13, P =.001). The subgroup analyses indicated that the negative prognostic impact of higher levels of LDH on the oncologic outcomes of mPCa was significant regardless of ethnicity, publication year, sample size, analysis type, treatment type, age, and disease state. Conclusion: Our analysis suggested the association between a higher level of LDH and poorer OS and PFS in patients with mPCa. As a parameter that can be conveniently evaluated, the LDH levels should be included as a valuable biomarker in the management of mPCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Effectiveness of maternal antiviral prophylaxis in mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been extensively explored in studies where standard immunoprophylaxis is well secured to the newborns. This real‐world study aims to test if maternal antiviral prophylaxis can safeguard the newborn when immunoprophylaxis administration was delayed or missed. Methods: Hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive pregnant women were categorized into mothers with HBV DNA levels ≥2 × 105 IU/mL receiving nucleos(t)ide analogue during the third trimester; mothers with HBV DNA levels ≥2 × 105 IU/mL without antiviral treatment; and those with HBV DNA levels <2 × 105 IU/mL without antiviral treatment. The immunoprophylaxis procedure was collected and verified by the delivery medical document and logbook of biological product usage. The primary end point was the rate of chronic HBV infection (CHB) in infants. Results: From 2011 to 2017, 251 mother‐child pairs were enrolled. Among 187 infants of mothers with HBV DNA levels ≥2 × 105 IU/mL, none developed CHB when mothers received antiviral treatment, as compared to 13.0% (10/77) of infants born to untreated mothers (P <.001). None of the infants of mothers with HBV DNA levels <2 × 105 IU/mL were infected. Stratified by the time of immunoprophylaxis administration after birth, maternal antiviral prophylaxis predominately benefited infants who failed to receive immunoprophylaxis within 24 hours (100% [6/6] vs 0% [0/2], P =.036) and those who received delayed immunoprophylaxis between 2 and 24 hours (18.8% [3/16] vs 0% [0/32], P =.032). Conclusions: Antiviral prophylaxis in high viraemic mothers is effective in contingencies of missed or delayed neonatal immunoprophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A luminescent cocrystal system is reported to undergo crystal‐to‐crystal phase transformation from yellow‐emitting polymorph I to green‐emitting polymorph II, triggered by THF fuming or heating, and the green emission can recover to the initial yellow emission by grinding. The established spectroscopic and crystallographic analyses demonstrate that the phase transition occurred and benefits from the combined effect of similar molecular arrange sequence and unique alteration of intermolecular interactions from halogen/hydrogen bonds in I to π–π stacking in II. Furthermore, I and II exhibit red‐shift emission under hydrostatic pressure. The emission of I and II shows a red‐shift and recovers towards the initial emission upon acid–base fuming. This is a rare example of reversible luminescent switching of cocrystal based upon crystal‐to‐crystal phase transition, and provides an alternative strategy to develop multi‐stimuli responsive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A luminescent cocrystal system is reported to undergo crystal‐to‐crystal phase transformation from yellow‐emitting polymorph I to green‐emitting polymorph II, triggered by THF fuming or heating, and the green emission can recover to the initial yellow emission by grinding. The established spectroscopic and crystallographic analyses demonstrate that the phase transition occurred and benefits from the combined effect of similar molecular arrange sequence and unique alteration of intermolecular interactions from halogen/hydrogen bonds in I to π–π stacking in II. Furthermore, I and II exhibit red‐shift emission under hydrostatic pressure. The emission of I and II shows a red‐shift and recovers towards the initial emission upon acid–base fuming. This is a rare example of reversible luminescent switching of cocrystal based upon crystal‐to‐crystal phase transition, and provides an alternative strategy to develop multi‐stimuli responsive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A texture analysis method for evaluating the processing quality of noodle dough with a high Tartary buckwheat flour (BF) content was established. And then the improvement of wheat flour (WF), wheat gluten (WG), and pre‐gelatinized Tartary buckwheat flour (PBF) for the processing quality of buckwheat noodle dough was compared quantitatively, and the mechanism was explored through the observation of gluten network in dough sheets. Texture results showed that the coefficients of variation of tensile strength and adhesiveness of dough sheets among 16 groups were 17.76% and 40.72%, respectively, and the intragroup variation coefficients were only 4.17% and 7.07%, respectively. The tensile strength of dough sheets was significantly positively correlated with gluten index of WF and WG. In addition, with the increase of WG and PBF addition, the tensile strength and adhesiveness of dough sheets showed a linearly increase trend. Furthermore, the gluten network in the dough sheets containing WF or WG with high gluten index distributed more evenly and compactly than that with low gluten index. The dough sheet with 9% PBF showed more uniform gluten network, compared with that without added PBF. Overall, texture analysis of dough sheet can be used to evaluate the processing quality of noodle dough containing 70% BF, and the WF and WG with high gluten index had better improvement than PBF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective evaluation methods for the elasticity, smoothness, and softness of cooked udon noodles were established on the basis of texture analysis. Noodles with different diameters and amylose contents were prepared to verify the reliability of the proposed evaluation methods. Results revealed that the elasticity of udon noodles could be examined by using the method that involved rinsing cooked noodles with 10°C cold water for 30 s and stretching a single strand of cooked noodle at 3 mm/s with an A/KIE probe until broken. The stiffness of the sample at 3.5 mm could be determined to indicate the elasticity caused by the size of dried udon noodles. The softness and smoothness of cooked udon noodles could be examined when cooled and drained for 30 s by using an heavy duty platform/pasta firmness/stickiness rig probe. The elasticity of cooked udon noodles increased as their diameter increased, and their smoothness and softness significantly increased as the amylose content decreased (p <.05). Texture analysis could be used to quickly and accurately indicate the elasticity, softness, and smoothness of cooked udon noodles. The texture characteristics of udon noodles were related to their formulation, processing, and size. Establishing an adaptability evaluation method for the quality of udon noodles is a prerequisite for optimizing processing technologies and developing new products. Thus far, limited research has focused on objective methods for evaluating the texture of cooked udon noodles. This work developed valuable instrumental methods for examining the elasticity, softness, and smoothness of cooked udon noodles and provided noodle manufacturers a tool for selecting udon noodle formulations and processing technology based on texture analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Radical nephrectomy (RN) was the standard treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, recent studies have found that partial nephrectomy (PN) could achieve similar effects as radical nephrectomy, and has the advantages of less bleeding and shorter hospital stay. The choice of surgical strategies has become a concern of clinicians, which could be guided by renal score introduced by Kutikov et al Therefore, we conducted this meta‐analysis to clarify the value of renal score of determining surgical strategies and predicting complications. Methods: The keywords "RENAL score," "renal nephrometry score," or "nephrometry score" were used to retrieve electronic databases for relevant literature up to Feb 2020, including PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library. Surgical strategies and complications are outcome measures. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) is applied to assess the effect size. Results: A total of 20 studies met the selection criteria for meta‐analysis. There was significant difference in RN operation rate for each subgroup (low‐moderate: RR = 3.50, 95% Cl = 2.60‐4.71, P <.001; low‐high: RR = 6.29, 95% Cl = 4.40‐9.00, P <.001; moderate‐high: RR = 1.80, 95% Cl = 1.39‐2.32, P <.001).The overall incidence of complications from high renal score group was significantly higher than that in low renal score group (low‐moderate: RR = 1.32, 95% Cl = 1.03‐1.69, P =.026; low‐high: RR = 2.45, 95% Cl = 1.48‐4.07, P =.001; moderate‐high: RR = 1.75, 95% Cl = 1.17‐2.61, P =.007). Conclusions: This meta‐analysis indicated that renal score is an efficient tool for determining surgical strategies and predicting complications in PN. More prospective research is essential to verify the predictive value of renal score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to explore the biological role of resveratrol (RES) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the underlying mechanism. The adjuvant‐induced arthritic rats were administered RES on the 12th day after model establishment, and then arthritis assessment, oxidative stress measurement, histological examination, and immunohistochemical staining were performed. The primary rat fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) were isolated and treated with RES in vitro and then cell proliferation and apoptosis assay were examined. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, luciferase reporter assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) determination, western blot, and quantitative real time‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were performed to investigate the mechanisms. RES administration decreased arthritis scores and serum levels of antioxidant enzymes, attenuated paw swelling, synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cartilage degradation, as well as inhibited synoviocyte proliferation in synovial tissues. Further investigation indicated that RES inhibited ROS production and FLS proliferation through activating the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. NF‐κB was confirmed to negatively regulate miR‐29a‐3p and miR‐23a‐3p expression by directly binding to its promoter. Mechanistic analyses further revealed that Kelch‐like erythroid cell‐derived protein with CNC homology (ECH)‐associated protein 1 (Keap1), a negative regulator of Nrf2, was a downstream target of miR‐29a‐3p, while miR‐23a‐3p directly targeted cullin3 (cul3), a master regulator of ubiquitination and degradation of Nrf2. Together, the present study provided evidence that RES ameliorated RA through activation of Nrf2‐ARE signaling pathway via SIRT1/NF‐κB/miR‐29a‐3p/Keap1 and SIRT1/NF‐κB/miR‐23a‐3p/cul3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic single crystals are of interest for optoelectronic applications due to their highly ordered molecular stacking and small defect concentration, giving the possibility of high mobility and luminescence efficiency. To achieve lasing in large flat single crystals, a simple "pick and place" method of mounting organic single crystals onto distributed feedback gratings is demonstrated. Efficient lasing is achieved with three kinds of active organic single crystals, indicating the potential for broad application of the method for making single crystal lasers using distributed feedback gratings. Detailed investigations of the anisotropic refractive index and waveguide simulations further confirm that distributed feedback can provide efficient ways of fabricating organic single crystal lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing single‐molecule parallel circuits with multiple conduction channels is an effective strategy to improve the conductance of a single molecular junction, but rarely reported. We present a novel through‐space conjugated single‐molecule parallel circuit (f‐4Ph‐4SMe) comprised of a pair of closely parallelly aligned p‐quaterphenyl chains tethered by a vinyl bridge and end‐capped with four SMe anchoring groups. Scanning‐tunneling‐microscopy‐based break junction (STM‐BJ) and transmission calculations demonstrate that f‐4Ph‐4SMe holds multiple conductance states owing to different contact configurations. When four SMe groups are in contact with two electrodes at the same time, the through‐bond and through‐space conduction channels work synergistically, resulting in a conductance much larger than those of analogous molecules with two SMe groups or the sum of two p‐quaterphenyl chains. The system is an ideal model for understanding electron transport through parallel π‐stacked molecular systems and may serve as a key component for integrated molecular circuits with controllable conductance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing single‐molecule parallel circuits with multiple conduction channels is an effective strategy to improve the conductance of a single molecular junction, but rarely reported. We present a novel through‐space conjugated single‐molecule parallel circuit (f‐4Ph‐4SMe) comprised of a pair of closely parallelly aligned p‐quaterphenyl chains tethered by a vinyl bridge and end‐capped with four SMe anchoring groups. Scanning‐tunneling‐microscopy‐based break junction (STM‐BJ) and transmission calculations demonstrate that f‐4Ph‐4SMe holds multiple conductance states owing to different contact configurations. When four SMe groups are in contact with two electrodes at the same time, the through‐bond and through‐space conduction channels work synergistically, resulting in a conductance much larger than those of analogous molecules with two SMe groups or the sum of two p‐quaterphenyl chains. The system is an ideal model for understanding electron transport through parallel π‐stacked molecular systems and may serve as a key component for integrated molecular circuits with controllable conductance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The virtual power plant is a new type of energy management platform, which can aggregate a variety of distributed energy resources as a single generation unit to participate in the electricity market. When intermittent renewables make up a large share of the VPP, it will lead to high penalty costs in electricity market transactions. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the internal power output and trading strategy of the virtual power plants to improve the overall operational economy. This paper deeply analyses the trading mechanism of the electricity market and models the risk cost of virtual power plants in the electricity market. Then a Stackelberg game model is established and the objective function is established to maximize the profit of the virtual power plant and minimize the cost of purchasing electricity by users. Finally, the results of a realistic case study are provided to show that the proposed approach can reduce the bidding bias of a virtual power plant in the electricity market, increase operating profit and reduce the cost of electricity purchasing. In addition, the impact of the load type and bidding method on the economy on a virtual power plant is analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression by tumour cells (TC) is a mechanism for tumour immune escape through down‐regulation of antitumour T cell responses and is a target for immunotherapy. PD‐L1 status as a predictor of treatment response has led to the development of multiple biomarkers with different reference cut‐offs. We assessed pathologist consistency in evaluating PD‐L1 immunopositivity by examining the inter‐ and intraobserver agreement using various antibody clones and different cancer types. Methods and results: PD‐L1 expression in TC and immune cells (IC) was manually scored in 27 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC), 30 urothelial carcinoma (UC) and breast carcinoma (BC) using three commercial clones (SP263, SP142, 22C3) and one platform‐independent test (E1L3N). For interobserver agreement, PD‐L1 status was evaluated blindly by three pathologists. For intraobserver agreement, PD‐L1 expression was re‐evaluated following a wash‐out period. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), overall percentage agreement (OPA) and κ‐values were calculated. Using clinical algorithms, the percentage of PD‐L1‐positive cases in HSCC, BC and UC were 15–81%, 47–67% and 7–43%, respectively. The percentage of PD‐L1 positive cases relied heavily on the algorithm/cut‐off values used. Almost perfect interobserver agreement was achieved using SP263 and E1L3N in HSCC, 22C3, SP142 and E1L3N in BC and 22C3 in UC. The SP142 clone in UC and HSCC showed moderate agreement and was associated with lower ICC and decreased intraobserver concordance. Conclusions: Excellent inter‐ and intraobserver agreement can be achieved using SP263, 22C3 and E1L3N, whereas PD‐L1 scoring using SP142 clone is associated with a higher level of subjectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression by tumour cells (TC) is a mechanism for tumour immune escape through down‐regulation of antitumour T cell responses and is a target for immunotherapy. PD‐L1 status as a predictor of treatment response has led to the development of multiple biomarkers with different reference cut‐offs. We assessed pathologist consistency in evaluating PD‐L1 immunopositivity by examining the inter‐ and intraobserver agreement using various antibody clones and different cancer types. Methods and results: PD‐L1 expression in TC and immune cells (IC) was manually scored in 27 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC), 30 urothelial carcinoma (UC) and breast carcinoma (BC) using three commercial clones (SP263, SP142, 22C3) and one platform‐independent test (E1L3N). For interobserver agreement, PD‐L1 status was evaluated blindly by three pathologists. For intraobserver agreement, PD‐L1 expression was re‐evaluated following a wash‐out period. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), overall percentage agreement (OPA) and κ‐values were calculated. Using clinical algorithms, the percentage of PD‐L1‐positive cases in HSCC, BC and UC were 15–81%, 47–67% and 7–43%, respectively. The percentage of PD‐L1 positive cases relied heavily on the algorithm/cut‐off values used. Almost perfect interobserver agreement was achieved using SP263 and E1L3N in HSCC, 22C3, SP142 and E1L3N in BC and 22C3 in UC. The SP142 clone in UC and HSCC showed moderate agreement and was associated with lower ICC and decreased intraobserver concordance. Conclusions: Excellent inter‐ and intraobserver agreement can be achieved using SP263, 22C3 and E1L3N, whereas PD‐L1 scoring using SP142 clone is associated with a higher level of subjectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediator of DNA damage checkpoint protein 1 (MDC1) is involved in DNA damage repair and has been linked to tumor invasion, metastasis, and prognosis. This study investigated the effects of MDC1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in vitro and in vivo. RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of MDC1 was performed in two OSCC cell lines (Tca‐8113 and KB). Real‐time PCR and western blotting were performed to determine expression of mRNA and protein, respectively, of MDC1. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Colony‐formation assays were performed by staining with 0.5% crystal violet. Cell migration and invasion were detected by Transwell assays. The role of MDC1 in OSCC was examined in vivo via injection of Tca‐8113 cells transfected with MDC1 small interfering (si)RNA or negative‐control siRNA into a mouse xenograft model of OSCC. Our results showed that MDC1 knockdown decreased cell proliferation. Inhibition of MDC1 decreased colony formation of Tca‐8113 and KB cells by 62% and 68%, respectively, and MDC1 knockdown reduced the number of migratory and invasive cells compared with the control group. Moreover, the xenograft mouse model of MDC1 knockdown showed reduced tumor growth. Our study suggests that MDC1 plays a role in tumorigenesis and might be a potential target for the treatment of patients with OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic overexposure to manganese (Mn) has been verified to induce mitochondrial dysfunction, which is related to oxidative damage. The autophagic‐lysosomal degradation pathway plays a vital role in the removal of impaired mitochondria through a specific quality control mechanism termed mitophagy. However, trehalose functions as an inducer of autophagy by an mTOR‐independent mechanism, and little data report its effect on Mn‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction. To explore the possibility that trehalose could be effective in interfering with the Mn‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction, we used trehalose (2% and 4% (g/vol (mL))) in a mouse model of manganism. Our data showed that mice developed weary motor and behavioural deficits after exposure to Mn for 6 weeks. Overexposure to Mn resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal cell damage in the basal nuclei of mice, which could be ameliorated by trehalose pre‐treatment. Moreover, our results indicated that trehalose pre‐treatment significantly reduced the oxidative damage and enhanced the activation of mitophagy. The findings clearly demonstrated that trehalose could relieve Mn‐induced mitochondrial and neuronal cell damage through its antioxidative and mitophagy‐inducing effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune infiltration of tumors has been increasingly accepted as a prognostic factor in colon cancer. Here, we aim to develop a novel immune signature, based on estimated immune landscape from tumor transcriptomes, to predict the overall survival of patients with colon cancer. The compositions of 22 immune cell subtypes from three microarray datasets were characterized with the CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm. A prognostic immunoscore (PIS) model for overall survival prediction was established by using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized regression analysis. A total of 17 immune cell markers were screened out in the LASSO model and were then aggregated to generate the PIS. In the training cohort (n = 490), patients with high PIS exhibited a remarkably poorer overall survival than those with low PIS. Similar results were obtained in patients with different TNM stages and in patients receiving adjunctive chemotherapy or not. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that the PIS was an independent predictor for overall survival in colon cancer (hazard ratio: 2.734, 95% confidence interval: 2.052–3.643, p < .001). The prognostic capability of PIS was also confirmed in the testing cohort (n = 245) and the entire cohort (n = 735). As for biological implications, the PIS was significantly associated with some immune checkpoints, inflammatory factors, epithelial–mesenchymal transformation regulators, and many known signaling pathways in cancer. The results of our study provide a novel and promising immune signature for overall survival prediction of patients with colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: De‐domestication is a unique evolutionary process during which crops re‐acquire wild‐like traits to survive and persist in agricultural fields without the need for human cultivation. The re‐acquisition of seed dispersal mechanisms is crucial for crop de‐domestication. Common wheat is an important cereal crop worldwide. Tibetan semi‐wild wheat is a potential de‐domesticated common wheat subspecies. However, the crucial genes responsible for its brittle rachis trait have not been identified.Genetic mapping, functional analyses and phylogenetic analyses were completed to identify the gene associated with Qbr.sau‐5A, which is a major locus for the brittle rachis trait of Tibetan semi‐wild wheat.The cloned Qbr.sau‐5A gene is a new Q allele (Qt) with a 161‐bp transposon insertion in exon 5. Although Qt is expressed normally, its encoded peptide lacks some key features of the APETALA2 family. The abnormal functions of Qt in developing wheat spikes result in brittle rachises. Phylogenetic and genotyping analyses confirmed that Qt originated from Q in common wheat and is naturally distributed only in Tibetan semi‐wild wheat populations.The identification of Qt provides new evidence regarding the origin of Tibetan semi‐wild wheat, and new insights into the re‐acquisition of wild traits during crop de‐domestication. See also the Commentary on this article by Ellstrand, 224: 550–551. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a novel non‐unit line protection for modular multilevel converter‐based (MMC) multi‐terminal high‐voltage direct current (MTDC) grids. On the basis of the symmetrical component analysis, the initial values of positive‐sequence voltage travelling waves (PSVTWs) generated by the fault are first investigated. Then, according to the TW theory and the inherent composition of the primary equipment of MMC‐MTDC grids, the initial values of PSVTWs on both sides of the series inductor are obtained in Laplace domain. Moreover, a fast fault line protection based on the positive‐sequence voltage on the series inductor at the line terminal is proposed. Besides, the method of the protection threshold determination is elaborated and is independent of simulation. Finally, extensive simulation studies are carried out in a four‐terminal MMC‐MTDC grid. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed line protection method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]