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The corrosion behavior of 304 stainless steel in wet CO2 gas with or without CO and CO plus 400 ppmv SO2 was investigated in this study. Corrosion kinetics was studied by thermogravimetric analysis at 710°C for 100 h under three gas conditions. After isothermal exposure, the corroded coupons were characterized in detail by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, an electron probe microanalyzer, and transmission electron microscopy. CO addition to wet CO2 resulted in lower oxygen partial pressure and lower oxide growth kinetics. It also suppressed iron‐rich oxide nodule formation, as compared to the wet CO2 gas environment. A Cr‐depletion zone was observed underneath the oxide scale in the substrate, but no obvious internal carburization was observed in all three gas environments. A thin, protective oxide scale consisting of an outer layer of a Cr‐rich spinel and an inner Cr‐rich chromia layer was developed in CO‐containing gas conditions, with or without SO2. The effect of CO on oxidation and scale formation is discussed in comparison with that in wet CO2 conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the role of biomass burning (BB) in air pollution at upper‐northern Thailand, the source apportionment of size‐resolved carbonaceous aerosols from Chiang Mai was carried out based on the radiocarbon (14C) analysis. The fraction of modern carbon (F14C) was generally decreased with particle size increasing and with the highest and lowest values of 0.90 ± 0.04 and 0.61 ± 0.04, respectively. Elemental carbon, regardless of emission sources, and BB‐derived organic carbon (OCbb) showed unimodal size distribution patterns with peaks at 0.43–0.65 μm. Fossil‐fuel derived‐OC (OCf) displayed a bimodal mode with the major peak at 2.1–10 μm, and the minor one at 0.43–0.65 μm. The biogenic secondary organic aerosols (BSOA) showed a typical fine‐mode unimodal size distribution pattern during the high BB (HBB) season, and a bimodal mode during the low BB season. The BSOA concentration increased by 189% ± 80% due to the interaction with open BB plums during HBB season, which was quantified by a 14C‐involved random forest model. Besides, the concentration of biogenic primary organic aerosols also showed a significant increment during the HBB season, especially in sub‐microns. Our results highlight the critical importance of controlling open fires to reduce air pollutants and the potential exposure risk. Plain Language Summary: Large‐scale biomass burning (BB) activities take place annually in Southeast Asia. BB can emit large amounts of carbonaceous aerosols (CA) thus affecting human health and causing climate change. The particle size, directly affects how deep the particle can penetrate the human body, can be significantly changed by BB. In this study, BB‐derived CA contributed the most to the total concentration of CA. The concentration of BB‐derived CA in PM10 (particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 μm) was 12 times higher in high BB (HBB) season than in low BB (LBB) season. More specifically, BB‐derived CA in fine (PM1.1) and coarse (PM1.1–10) particles increased by roughly 13 and 5 times in HBB season compared to LBB season, respectively. Besides, BB enhanced the concentration of biogenic secondary organic aerosols by 180%, wherein 65% of the increment was allocated in PM1.1. Our results indicated that BB can not only emit particles or precursors of aerosol particles but also promote the generation of biogenic aerosols. And BB significantly enhanced the loading of CA, particularly in fine particles. Key Points: Fossil‐derived carbonaceous aerosols (CA) showed a bimodal mode size distribution patternNon‐fossil‐derived CA showed a typical fine‐mode unimodal size distribution patternBiomass burning greatly enhanced the production of biogenic secondary organic aerosols particularly in fine aerosols [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of continental emissions on the origin and formation mechanisms of atmospheric particulate nitrate (ρ‐NO3−) aerosols in the marine boundary layer remains unclear. Here, synchronous observations of nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15N–NO3−) and oxygen isotope anomaly (Δ17O–NO3−) in ρ‐NO3− were conducted across the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea in Eastern China. Nitrate concentrations, δ15N–NO3− and Δ17O–NO3− exhibited a pronounced north‐to‐south latitudinal gradient. Combined with backward air mass trajectory analysis, the high nitrate concentration and isotopic characteristics in the northern sea area were found to be affected by the continental outflow near China while the low values in the southern sea area were more related to the oceanic inflow. Stable isotope analysis in R (SIAR) indicated that near the northern sea area, the nitrate radicals (NO3) reacted with hydrocarbons (HC) or dimethyl sulfides (DMS) pathway (NO3 + HC/DMS) played a leading role in nitrate production, whereas the NO2 + OH pathway dominated near the southern sea area. Nitrate in the northern seas originated mainly from nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2, the gaseous precursor of nitrate) emitted from continental sources, especially coal combustion and biomass burning. While closer to the southern seas, the proportion of NOx generated in the marine environment (from ship and biogenic emissions) increased. Overall, the differential relative contributions of continental and marine atmospheric chemistry and NOx sources lead to the spatial distribution characteristics of atmospheric nitrate concentrations and isotopic values over the Yellow and Bohai Seas. Plain Language Summary: This study investigated the impact of emissions from land sources on the formation of nitrate particles in the air above the marine boundary layer. The researchers conducted observations of nitrogen and oxygen isotopes in nitrate particles across the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea in Eastern China. They found that nitrate concentrations and isotopic ratios showed a clear gradient from north to south. By analyzing the trajectory of air masses, they determined that high nitrate concentrations in the northern sea area were influenced by emissions from the nearby continent, while lower values in the southern sea area were more related to the ocean. The analysis also revealed that different chemical pathways were responsible for nitrate production in these regions. In the northern seas, nitrate production was primarily driven by the reaction of nitrate radicals with hydrocarbons or dimethyl sulfides, while in the southern seas, the dominant pathway involved the reaction of nitrogen dioxide with hydroxyl radicals. The study further showed that nitrate in the northern seas mainly originated from nitrogen oxides emitted by continental sources such as coal combustion and biomass burning, whereas closer to the southern seas, a larger proportion of nitrogen oxides were generated within the marine environment. Key Points: Continental outflow significantly affects the sources and formation mechanisms of atmospheric nitrate in nearshore marine areasAs continental outflow diminishes, local chemistry and marine‐generated NOx become pivotal in producing atmospheric NO3− in the open ocean. In polluted marine boundary layers, NO3 radical‐related chemistry may play a significant role in the formation of nitrate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic matter and its colored component, Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM), play a major role in global carbon budgets, and their fluxes provide an essential link between terrestrial and aquatic biogeochemical cycles. Satellite observations can uniquely capture the hydro‐biogeochemical connectivity of terrestrial and aquatic landscapes, across scales. Yet, accurate satellite retrievals of CDOM and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) dynamics remain challenging in urbanized estuaries and coasts. Here, we present an advanced unified algorithm for space‐based retrieval of coastal CDOM and DOC dynamics and its application in Long Island Sound—one of the world's most heavily urbanized estuaries that is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change stressors. A rich bio‐optical data set, encompassing a wide range of environmental conditions, was integrated into the algorithm training to retrieve DOC concentrations and CDOM spectral shape (i.e., spectral slope S275–295)—a proxy for DOC quality. The new algorithms were applied to full‐resolution satellite imagery from the Sentinel‐3 Ocean and Land Color Instrument (OLCI) after thoroughly evaluating the performance of six ocean color atmospheric correction approaches (ACOLITE, BAC, C2RCC, MUMM, l2gen, and Polymer). Evaluation of the algorithms yielded mean absolute percent differences of 28%, 12%, and 10% for aCDOM(300), S275–295, and DOC, respectively. Application of the algorithms to multi‐year satellite OLCI imagery captured, for the first time, the coupled impact of seasonal transitions, wind regimes, freshwater inputs, anthropogenic disturbances, and hydrological extremes (both intense precipitation and droughts) on DOC fluxes and CDOM quality at the ecosystem scale. Results have important implications for improved predictions of coastal biogeochemical fluxes in complex urban−estuary systems. Plain Language Summary: Accounting for more than half of the total organic carbon export from land to oceans, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) provides a critical link between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Earth observations from the vantage point of space can uniquely capture the hydrological and biogeochemical connectivity of terrestrial and aquatic landscapes, across spatiotemporal scales. However, accurate satellite retrievals of DOC and its colored component (CDOM) remain challenging in urbanized estuaries impacted by anthropogenic—both air and water—pollution and transient forcings. Here, we present an advanced, generalized algorithm for space‐based retrieval of coastal CDOM and DOC dynamics across different estuarine systems. After thorough evaluation of satellite imagery and its atmospheric correction, we applied this algorithm to examine carbon dynamics in Long Island Sound—one of the world's most urbanized estuaries that is particularly vulnerable to coastal hazards and climate change. Using multi‐year satellite imagery, we were able to capture, for the first time, the coupled impact of winds, riverine discharge, human activity, and extreme events (heavy storms and intense droughts) on DOC fluxes and CDOM quality at the larger ecosystem scale. This research is important for improving our understanding of the response of complex urban ecosystems to future pressures. Key Points: High performance of unified algorithms for satellite retrieval of both dissolved organic carbon (DOC) amount and quality across complex estuaries and river plumesOcean and Land Color Instrument satellite retrievals resolve biogeochemical gradients, from the urban land−water interface to the larger ecosystem scaleRiver discharge, wind regimes, and extreme events (both extreme precipitation and droughts) modulate estuarine DOC fluxes and quality [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sympathetic innervation plays a crucial role in maintaining energy balance and contributes to metabolic pathophysiology. Recent evidence has begun to uncover the innervation landscape of sympathetic projections and sheds light on their important functions in metabolic activities. Additionally, the immune system has long been studied for its essential roles in metabolic health and diseases. In this review, the aim is to provide an overview of the current research progress on the sympathetic regulation of key metabolic organs, including the pancreas, liver, intestine, and adipose tissues. In particular, efforts are made to highlight the critical roles of the peripheral nervous system and its potential interplay with immune components. Overall, it is hoped to underscore the importance of studying metabolic organs from a comprehensive and interconnected perspective, which will provide valuable insights into the complex mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation and may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein phosphatase magnesium‐dependent 1B (PPM1B) functions as IKKβ phosphatases to terminate nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling. NF‐κB signaling was constitutively activated in glioma cells. At present, little is known about the role of PPM1B in glioma. In the current study, we found that the expression of PPM1B was reduced in glioma tissues and cells, and decreased expression of PPM1B was related to poor overall survival of patients. Overexpression of PPM1B inhibited the proliferation and promoted apoptosis of glioma cells. Moreover, PPM1B overexpression reduced the phosphorylation of IKKβ and inhibited the nuclear localization of NF‐κBp65. PDTC, an inhibitor of NF‐κB signaling, reversed PPM1B‐knockdown‐induced cell proliferation. Furthermore, overexpression of PPM1B enhanced the sensitivity of glioma cells to temozolomide. In vivo experiments showed that overexpression of PPM1B could inhibit tumor growth, improve the survival rate of nude mice, and enhance the sensitivity to temozolomide. In conclusion, PPM1B suppressed glioma cell proliferation and the IKKβ‐NF‐κB signaling pathway, and enhanced temozolomide sensitivity of glioma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short‐tandem‐repeats (STR) profiles of MGc80‐3 and HeLa partially overlap, raising suspicion of contamination in the MGc80‐3 cell line. However, there has not been any relevant study demonstrating whether MGc80‐3 was fully replaced by HeLa cells, just mixed with HeLa cells (co‐existing), or was a somatic hybrid with HeLa cells. In addition to STR profiling, various approaches, including single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyping, polymerase chain reaction, screening for human papillomaviruses type 18 (HPV‐18) fragment, chromosome karyotyping, pathological examination of xenografts, tissue‐specific‐90‐gene expression signature and high‐throughput RNA sequencing were used to determine the nature of MGc80‐3. Our study found that the abnormal STR profile, partially overlapping with that of HeLa cells (64.62% to 71.64%), could not verify MGc80‐3 as a HeLa cell line. However, the STR 13.3 repeat allele in the D13S317 locus that seemed to be unique to HeLa cells was detected in MGc80‐3. Almost all the MGc80‐3 cells exhibited HPV‐18 fragments in the genome as well as certain HeLa marker chromosomes, such as M7 and M12. The molecular assay of the 90‐gene expression signature still considered MGc80‐3 as a stomach cancer using an algorithmic analysis. The expression pattern of multiple genes in MGc80‐3 was quite different from that in HeLa cells, which showed that certain characteristics belonged to gastric cancer cell lines. High throughput RNA sequencing showed the distinct patterns of gene expression in MGc80‐3. In conclusion, MGc80‐3 cell line is a somatic hybrid with HeLa cells rather than a pure gastric cancer cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The light absorption capacity of water‐soluble humic‐like substances (HULISWS) at the molecular level is crucial for reducing the uncertainties in modeling the radiative forcing. This study proposed a machine learning approach to allocate the light absorption coefficient at 365 nm (Abs365) of HULISWS into 8084 Fourier transform‐ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR‐MS) detached molecular markers and their potential functional groups. The ML model showed an acceptable uncertainty (<5%) to the whole Abs365 value based on the prediction errors. The results showed that five critical light‐absorbing molecules (C4H6O4NS, C8H6O4NS, C11H15O3N2, C12H15O3N2, and C19H21O6) could explain 74% (±3%) of the variation of Abs365 in the winter, whereas no crucial light‐absorbing molecules were found in the summer. Besides, the nitrogen‐containing functional groups were found to dominate (61% ± 8%) the molecular absorption near the 365 nm of the spectrum. This work illustrated how functional groups affect the absorption of HULISWS, providing critical information for future research of HULISWS on the molecular level. Plain Language Summary: Water‐soluble humic‐like substances are a crucial light‐absorbing component of fine particulate matter in China. Understanding the crucial light‐absorbing chromophores of the light‐absorbing mixtures was helpful in controlling the global warming event. In this study, CHON and CHONS species were found to dominate the light absorption coefficient of water‐soluble humic‐like substances in Nanjing by combining the machine learning algorithm with the FT‐ICR‐MS technique. Then, the dominant light‐absorbing molecules were further combined with the UV‐Vis spectra from the chemical database to further estimate the light‐absorbing functional groups. Our results indicated that nitrogen‐containing functional groups dominate the light‐absorbing ability of water‐soluble humic‐like substances. Key Points: Appropriate synthetic minority over‐sampling based few‐shot learning could decipher the light‐absorbing molecules from a small data setC4H6O4NS, C8H6O4NS, C11H15O3N2, C12H15O3N2, and C19H21O6 dominate the Abs365 of HULISWS in NanjingNitrogen‐containing functional groups dominate the light‐absorbing ability of HULISWS at a micro‐level [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoplankton distribution in macrotidal estuaries varies strongly due to highly dynamic conditions, contributing to the complexity of aquatic environments and marine ecosystems. Here the Changjiang River Estuary was analyzed as an example to explore this issue, based on field data collected through multiple cruises (including one covering a complete spring‐neap tidal cycle) and a fully coupled hydrodynamics‐sediment‐ecosystem numerical model. The composite analysis of all cruise data clearly showed that the chlorophyll concentrations were relatively low on lunar days 14–17 and 28–2, which corresponded to spring tides. Mechanistic analysis indicated that during spring tides, the river plume front retracts upstream with enhanced vertical mixing. This process restricts the transport of fluvial nutrients while increasing sediment resuspension, and therefore inhibiting net phytoplankton growth. During non‐spring tides, sediment resuspension was reduced but the river plume was further extended with slowed tidal currents, which enhanced the onshore light availability and offshore nutrient conditions and hence stimulated phytoplankton blooms in a larger area. The onshore shifting trend of the chlorophyll maximum region could last till the following neap tide with improved onshore light conditions and activate more conservative nutrients. The non‐conservation of nutrients augments the uncertainty of biomass variations during non‐spring periods. Besides in the spring‐neap tidal cycle, the phytoplankton variability between the perigean and apogean spring tides was also revealed. This study contributes to an improved understanding of intertidal variations of phytoplankton bloom and underlying physical‐sedimentological‐biological coupling mechanisms in tidal estuaries. Plain Language Summary: In macrotidal estuaries, the highly dynamic conditions lead to variations of phytoplankton distribution over multiple time scales, which prompts the complexity of aquatic environments and marine ecosystems. In this study, we explored the intertidal variability of phytoplankton adjacent to the Changjiang River Estuary through multiple observations and a fully coupled hydrodynamics‐sediment‐ecosystem numerical model. An inhibition of phytoplankton accumulation was observed during spring tide, especially during the perigean spring tide. The inhibition is altered during non‐spring tides due to the improvement of phytoplankton growth conditions. It also maintains an onshore shifting trend of chlorophyll maximum region from spring tide to neap tide. However, biomass variations remain uncertain due to the depletion of nutrients. This intertidal variability of phytoplankton is jointly determined by tide‐affected interactions between physical and biological processes. The results contribute to a better understanding of phytoplankton dynamics in global tidal estuaries. Key Points: Phytoplankton accumulation is inhibited during spring tides, especially during perigean spring tidesAn onshore extension trend of chlorophyll maximum regions could last from spring tides to neap tidesTide‐modulated biophysical interactions determine the intertidal variability of phytoplankton [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small intestinal health and enteritis incidence are tightly coupled to the homeostasis of intestinal stem cells (ISCs), which are sensitive to dietary alterations. However, little is known about the impact of food additives on ISC pool. Here, we demonstrate that chronic exposure to low‐dose TiO2 NPs, a commonly used food additive, significantly hampers primary human and mouse ISC‐derived organoid formation and growth by specifically attenuating Wnt signal transduction. Mechanistically, TiO2 NPs alter the endocytic trafficking of the Wnt receptor LRP6 and prevent the nuclear entry of β‐catenin. Notably, dietary TiO2 NPs elicit modest chronic stress in healthy intestines and considerably impede the recovery of radiation enteritis by perturbing the homeostasis of ISCs in vivo. Our results identify a health concern of TiO2 NP exposure on ISC homeostasis and radiation enteritis recovery. These findings suggest extra precaution during the treatment of radiation enteritis and provide new insights into food additive‐ISC interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a primary limitation of breast cancer chemotherapy. The common mechanism of MDR is various anticancer drugs can be effluxed by the cell membrane protein P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). Here, we found that ectopic overexpression of Shc3 was detected specifically in drug‐resistant breast cancer cells, consequently reducing sensitivity to chemotherapy and promoting cell migration by mediating P‐gp expression. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the interplay between P‐gp and Shc3 in breast cancer is unknown. We reported an additional resistance mechanism involving an increase in the active form of P‐gp after Shc3 upregulation. MCF‐7/ADR and SK‐BR‐3 cells can be sensitive to doxorubicin after knockdown of Shc3. Our results indicated that the interaction between ErbB2 and EphA2 is indirect and regulated by Shc3, and also, this complex is essential for activation of the MAPK and AKT pathways. Meanwhile, Shc3 promotes ErbB2 nuclear translocation, followed by a subsequent increase of the COX2 expression through ErbB2 binding to the COX2 promoter. We further demonstrated that COX2 expression was positively correlated with P‐gp expression and the Shc3/ErbB2/COX2 axis upregulates P‐gp activity in vivo. Our results show the crucial roles of Shc3 and ErbB2 in modulating P‐gp efficacy in breast cancer cells and suggest that Shc3 inhibition may enhance the sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs that target oncogene addiction pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic nitrate (NO3−) is a crucial component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in haze events in China. Understanding the formation mechanisms of nitrate and the sources of NOx was critical to control the air pollution. In this study, measurements of multiple isotope compositions of nitrate (δ18O‐NO3−, δ17O‐NO3−, and δ15N‐NO3−) in PM2.5 were conducted in Hangzhou from 9 October 2015 to 24 August 2016. Our results showed that oxygen anomaly of nitrate (Δ17O‐NO3−: 20.0‰–37.9‰) and nitrogen isotope of nitrate (δ15N‐NO3−: −2.9‰ to 18.1‰) values were higher in winter and lower in summer. Based on Δ17O‐NO3− observation and a Bayesian model, NO3 radical chemistry was found to dominate the nitrate formation in winter, while photochemical reaction (NO2 + OH) was the main pathway in summer. After considering the nitrogen isotopic fractionation in the NOx(g)‐NO3−(p) conversion, the average contributions of coal combustion, vehicle exhausts, biomass burning, and soil emission were 50% ± 9%, 19% ± 12%, 26% ± 15%, and 5% ± 4%, respectively, to nitrate aerosols during the whole sampling period. Coal combustion was the most important nitrate source in Hangzhou, especially in winter (∼56%). The contribution of soil emission increased significantly in summer due to active soil microbial processes under high temperature environment. Plain Language Summary: Inorganic nitrate is a crucial component of fine particulate matter in haze events in China. Understanding the formation mechanisms and sources of nitrate was critical to control the air pollution. In this study, measurements of multiple isotope compositions of nitrate showed that oxygen anomaly and nitrogen isotope of nitrate are distinct in winter and summer. Then, nitrate radical chemistry was found to dominate the nitrate formation in winter, while photochemical reaction (nitrogen dioxide with hydroxyl radical) was the main pathway in summer. After considering the nitrogen isotopic fractionation in the conversion from nitrogen oxides to nitrate particle, coal combustion was the most important nitrate source in Hangzhou, especially in winter (56%) and the contribution of soil emission increased significantly in summer under high temperature environment. Key Points: NO3 radical chemistry was dominant in nitrate production in the polluted atmosphere in HangzhouThe isotopic fractionation effect in the NOx(g)‐NO3−(p) conversion showed a greater impact on the source apportionment of nitrate aerosolsCoal combustion was the main source of nitrate aerosols in Hangzhou [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunable full‐color room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is charming due to its potentials in multiple anticounterfeitings, all‐color displays, and multichannel biomarkers. However, it is a huge challenge to achieve excitation‐dependent continuously adjustable full‐color RTP from a single‐component compound. Herein, two Zn(II)‐based organic coordination polymers are reported, which are the first examples characterized by blue, cyan, green, yellow, orange, and red continuously tunable phosphorescence with decent quantum efficiencies in response to variation of excitation energy at ambient conditions. The unique photoluminescence behavior is induced by the selective formation and decay of multiple triplet excited states, i.e., ligand‐centered 3π–π*, 3(ligand‐to‐ligand charge transfer), 3(halogen‐to‐ligand charge transfer), etc., in the coordination network based on the varying excitations. The population and stabilization of the unusual triplet excitons of Zn(II)‐based organic coordination polymers benefit from heavy atom effect of Br− ions and the restriction of molecular motion by crystallization. Here an insight is contributed for the construction of full‐color RTP materials, and metal‐organic coordination polymers are endowed with fresh features for extensive applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is an active and cutting‐edge topic in forensic science. With the emergence of a large number of NPS, their timely identification to prevent spread can pose a challenge to clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories. Three emerging NPS had been identified in recently seized materials, including two synthetic cannabinoids [N‐(1‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1‐oxobutan‐2‐yl)‐1‐(4‐fluorobutyl)‐1H‐indazole‐3‐carboxamide (4F‐AB‐BUTINACA) and N‐(1‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1‐oxobutan‐2‐yl)‐1‐phenethyl‐1H‐indazole‐3‐carboxamide (AB‐PHETINACA)] and a ketamine‐like substance [2‐(2‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐(ethylamino) cyclohexan‐1‐one(2F‐NENDCK)]. The three compounds were first identified by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT‐IR), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). These data may assist forensic analysts in analyzing the same substances or their homologous compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by sanguinarine and chelerythrine, various 2‐phenylphthalazin‐2‐ium salts as simple analogues were designed according to the structure of natural products. On the basis of previous research, this study evaluated the inhibition activity of these compounds on tumor cells, apoptosis induction as well as their structure‐activity relationship (SAR). The results indicated that the compounds showed IC50 values of 1.21–14.77 μM against NB4 cells and 4.68–17.44 μM against MKN‐45 cells, respectively, superior to positive control cis‐platinum with IC50 values of 2.39 and 11.36 μM or their model compound chelerythrine with IC50 values of 1.49 and 12.70 μM. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide and ultrastructure observation of cells suggested that these compounds could induce apoptosis of tumor cells. Meanwhile, 2‐(3,4‐Dichlorophenyl)phthalazin‐2‐ium Bromide‐induced apoptosis was dependent on the excessive formation of ROS and amplified by the mitochondrial pathway. The preliminary SAR indicated that substitution pattern on the N‐aromatic ring remarkably influenced the cytotoxicity of the compounds. The trend showed that the presence of electron‐donating groups caused a significant improvement of the cytotoxicity. And in many cases that the 3' site was the most advantageous substitution position for the enhancement of the cytotoxicity. Hence, the results demonstrated that the title compounds werea class of potential compounds for the development of novel antitumor drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long‐term stability are two vital issues for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, there is still a lack of suitable hole transport layers (HTLs) to endow PSCs with both high efficiency and stability. Here, NiOx nanoparticles are promoted as an efficient and 85 °C/85%‐stable inorganic HTL for high‐performance n‐i‐p PSCs, with the introduction of perovskite quantum dots (QDs) between perovskite and NiOx as systematic interfacial engineering. The QD intercalation enhances film morphology and assembly regulation of NiOx HTLs. Due to structure–function correlations, hole mobility within NiOx HTL is improved. And the hole extraction from perovskite to NiOx is also facilitated, resulting from reduced trap states and optimized energy level alignments. Hence, the promoted NiOx‐based n‐i‐p PSCs exhibit high PCE (21.59%) and excellent stability (sustaining 85 °C aging in air without encapsulation). Furthermore, encapsulated solar modules with QDs‐promoted NiOx HTLs show impressive stability during 85 °C/85% aging test for 1000 hours. With high transparency, QDs‐promoted NiOx is also demonstrated to be an advanced HTL for semitransparent PSCs. This work develops promising NiOx inorganic HTL in n‐i‐p PSCs for manufacturing next‐generation photovoltaic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an inorganic hole transport material (HTM), nickel oxide (NiOx) is widely used in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its low cost and intrinsic stability. However, on account of its poor film formation on perovskite, the low power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of regular NiOx‐based PSCs is a main obstacle for commercialization. Here, a solution‐processed inorganic/organic hybrid hole transporting system is developed to resolve this issue, thereby improving the PCE from 16.0% to 21.2%. Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is studied as the typical case, revealing that the performance improvement mainly lies in the synergistic interaction between NiOx and P3HT: 1) the introduction of P3HT improves assembly regularity and film uniformity of NiOx; 2) electron redistribution between P3HT and NiOx increases the Ni3+/Ni2+ ratio for higher hole mobility; 3) the feed‐back impact of NiOx on P3HT enhances molecular orientation of polymer chains in P3HT for better hole transport through polymer framework. Finally, the encapsulated solar cell modules with P3HT‐promoted NiOx maintains 91% of the initial efficiency after 1000 h aging at a harsh 85 °C/85% relative humidity condition. This finding provides a feasible approach for using NiOx‐based HTMs to realize high‐performance regular PSCs, paving the way for their commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hole transport materials (HTMs) play a requisite role in n–i–p perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The properties of HTMs, such as hole extraction efficiency, chemical compatibility, film morphology, ion migration barrier, and so on, significantly affect PSCs' power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and stabilities. Up till now, researchers have devoted much attention to developing new types of HTMs as well as promoting pristine HTMs using numerous strategies. In this Review, we summarize the design strategies of various common HTMs for n–i–p PSCs are comprehensively discussed from two separate aspects (additive and non‐additive engineering). Additive engineering generally tunes electronic properties of HTMs while non‐additive engineering basically modifies their steric structures. Critical analysis and comparison between these design strategies are provided, considering the overall PCEs and stabilities of PSCs. Finally, a brief perspective on future promising design strategies for HTMs is given, in order to fabricate efficient and stable n–i–p devices for the commercialization of PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatiotemporal organization of distinct biological processes in cytomimetic compartments is a crucial step towards engineering functional artificial cells. Mimicking controlled bi‐directional molecular communication inside artificial cells remains a considerable challenge. Here we present photoswitchable molecular transport between programmable membraneless organelle‐like DNA coacervates in a synthetic microcompartment. We use droplet microfluidics to fabricate membraneless non‐fusing DNA coacervates by liquid‐liquid phase separation in a water‐in‐oil droplet, and employ the interior DNA coacervates as artificial organelles to imitate intracellular communication via photo‐regulated uni‐ and bi‐directional transfer of biomolecules. Our results highlight a promising new route to assembly of multicompartment artificial cells with functional networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overexpression or activation of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) is common in cancer cells. Thus, targeting YAP may be a strategy for cancer therapy. Licochalcone A (LicA) is a primary active compound of licorice root and is known to have medicinal effects, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer effects. However, the anticancer pharmacological mechanism of LicA has not been investigated in cholangiocarcinoma. In this study, we investigated the antiproliferative effect of LicA and the underlying molecular mechanism in HCCC‐9810 and RBE human cholangiocarcinoma cells. Our experiments indicated that LicA suppressed the growth of cholangiocarcinoma cells through inactivation of the Hippo pathway. Pescadillo ribosomal biogenesis factor 1 (PES1) was notably upregulated and related to carcinogenesis. We also found that LicA suppressed the expression and nuclear localization of PES1, which was associated with the inhibition of YAP expression and transcriptional activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxalate is the product of the precursors that can eventually be oxidized into oxalate by atmospheric oxidants (O3, etc.) and then redistributed to the particle phase, which has an impact on acid rain, and even the climate. However, we are still unclear about the influence of typical atmospheric oxidants in different phases with different RH and pH on oxalates. Here, we analyzed the effects of typical oxidants at RH ≤ 30%, 30% < RH ≤ 80% of the atmosphere on oxalates in atmospheric particulates based on high‐resolution online observation in Nanjing: the chemical processes of O3, OX (=O3 + NO2), and Cl− in different RH all have an important influence on the oxalate level, especially at 30% < RH ≤ 80% with high humidity have greater influence. NO2 only affects the particulate oxalate at RH ≤ 30%; HONO shows a greater effect at RH ≤ 30%, and 30% < RH ≤ 80% in winter and summer, the atmospheric oxidants that dust participates in have little effect. At the same time, we also found the difference between the influence of pH on atmospheric oxalate in winter and summer at RH > 80%, among which high pH is beneficial to the formation of oxalate in summer, while in winter has a greater influence on oxalate at RH ≤ 30%. These results help us to systematically understand the influence and distribution of oxalate in the atmosphere by RH, pH, and typical atmospheric oxidants. Key Points: O3, OX, and Cl− at different humidity ranges in winter and summer have a great influence on atmospheric oxalateDust in winter and summer have similar effects on atmospheric oxalate levelsHigh pH is beneficial to the formation of oxalate at RH > 80% in summer and at RH ≤ 30% in winter [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported that loss of Hugl‐2 contributes to tumour formation and progression in vitro and in vivo. However, whether Hugl‐2 levels decrease during kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) and the mechanism involved remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether DNA methylation of Hugl‐2 reduces its expression, leading to the progression and poor prognosis of KIRC. Hugl‐2 methylation and mRNA expression and KIRC clinicopathological data were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and relationships among these factors were analyzed using UALCAN, MethHC, Wanderer and LinkedOmics web tools. We found that Hugl‐2 mRNA and protein levels were reduced in KIRC tissues. Moreover, Hugl‐2 mRNA levels were related to tumour grade and overall survival, and Hugl‐2 methylation was increased in KIRC. According to the results of methylation‐specific PCR, KIRC cells had higher Hugl‐2 DNA methylation levels than HKC cells. Moreover, Hugl‐2 DNA methylation correlated negatively with Hugl‐2 mRNA and was also related to the pathology and T stage of KIRC patients. KIRC patients with high Hugl‐2 DNA methylation also had shorter overall survival. Additionally, methylation of cg08827674, a Hugl‐2 probe, was related to pathologic stage, T stage, neoplasm histologic grade, serum calcium level without laterality, M stage, N stage, and ethnicity. Furthermore, treatment with the DNA methylation inhibitor decitabine resulted in upregulation of Hugl‐2 mRNA and protein levels in KIRC cell lines. These results indicate that Hugl‐2 DNA methylation may be both a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target in KIRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death globally. This study aimed to disclose the role of circular RNA circ_0072088 in NSCLC and illustrate its potential mechanism. Methods: Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was applied to detect the expression of circ_0072088, zinc finger RNA binding protein (ZFR), microRNA‐377‐5p (miR‐377‐5p) and NOVA alternative splicing regulator 2 (NOVA2). The viability, colony formation, cell cycle, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells were measured by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK8) assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay. Western blot assay was employed to examine the protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Cyclin D1, matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and NOVA2. The downstream targets of circ_0072088 and miR‐377‐5p were searched through using circular RNA Interactome and TargetScan databases, and the interaction between miR‐377‐5p and circ_0072088 or NOVA2 was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. in vivo tumor growth assay was used to evaluate the functions of circ_0072088 in the progression of NSCLC in vivo. Results: GSE101586 dataset and the analysis of tissue specimens showed that circ_0072088 was aberrantly upregulated in tumor tissues of lung cancer and NSCLC. Circ_0072088 interference caused marked suppression on the proliferation and motility of NSCLC cells. Circ_0072088 could negatively regulate miR‐377‐5p through direct combination. Circ_0072088 contributed to the progression of NSCLC through sponging miR‐377‐5p. MiR‐377‐5p could directly interact with NOVA2, and the overexpression of NOVA2 overturned miR‐377‐5p‐mediated influence on NSCLC cells. Circ_0072088 facilitated the progression of NSCLC in vivo. Conclusions: Circ_0072088 facilitated the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells through upregulating NOVA2 via functioning as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR‐377‐5p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Axonal injury results in long‐term neurological deficits in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has been reported to activate intracellular adaptor protein Disabled‐1 (Dab1) phosphorylation via its interaction with ApoE receptors. The Dab1 pathway acts as a regulator of axonal outgrowth and growth cone formation in the brain. Aims: We hypothesized that ApoE may alleviate axonal injury and regulate axonal regeneration via the Dab1 pathway after TBI. Results: In this study, we established a model of controlled cortical impact (CCI) to mimic TBI in vivo. Using diffusion tensor imaging to detect white matter integrity, we demonstrated that APOE‐deficient mice exhibited lower fractional anisotropy (FA) values than APOE+/+ mice at 28 days after injury. The expression levels of axonal regeneration and synapse plasticity biomarkers, including growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP43), postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD‐95), and synaptophysin, were also lower in APOE‐deficient mice. In contrast, APOE deficiency exerted no effects on the levels of myelin basic protein (MBP) expression, oligodendrocyte number, or oligodendrocyte precursor cell number. Neurological severity score (NSS) and behavioral measurements in the rotarod, Morris water maze, and Y maze tests revealed that APOE deficiency caused worse neurological deficits in CCI mice. Furthermore, Dab1 activation downregulation by the ApoE receptor inhibitor receptor‐associated protein (RAP) or Dab1 shRNA lentivirus attenuated the beneficial effects of ApoE on FA values, GAP43, PSD‐95, and synaptophysin expression, and neurological function tests. Additionally, the effects of ApoE on axonal regeneration were further validated in vitro. In a mechanical scratch injury model of primary cultured neurons, recombinant ApoE protein treatment enhanced axonal outgrowth and growth cone formation in injured neurons; however, these effects were attenuated by Dab1 shRNA, consistent with the in vivo results. Conclusion: Collectively, these data suggest that ApoE promotes axonal regeneration partially through the Dab1 pathway, thereby contributing to functional recovery following TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrate (NO3−) is a major contributing species to haze formation in Northern China. So far, formation processes and source apportionments of nitrate aerosols during haze pollution have not yet been well understood. In this study, the PM2.5 samples were collected in Beijing from 13 November to 24 December 2018. In addition to water‐soluble ions, oxygen (δ18O‐NO3−) and nitrogen (δ15N‐NO3−) isotopes in particulate NO3− were also determined, in order to investigate the formation pathways and potential sources of NO3− aerosols. The results showed that NO3− was a dominant species (43%) of secondary inorganic aerosols during the sampling period. The δ18O‐NO3− and δ15N‐NO3− values averaged at 83.8 ± 13.4 and 11.5 ± 5.0‰, respectively. Combining isotope compositions and Bayesian isotope mixing model, we found that heterogeneous reaction and gas phase oxidation contributed equally to nitrate formation during the sampling period. However, the contribution of heterogeneous processes to nitrate increased from 39% during the clean period to 64% during the haze period. On average, coal combustion, biomass burning, vehicle emissions, and soil emission contributed 50%, 26%, 20%, and 4%, respectively, to nitrate aerosols during the sampling period. Compared to the result in 2013, the significant decrease (~21%) of relative contribution of coal combustion to nitrate was due to strict reduction of coal consumption in Beijing. Finally, the relative contribution of traffic emissions to nitrate increased from 18% during the clean period to 30% during the haze period, suggesting that control of traffic emissions would be an important way to decrease nitrate concentrations and improve the air quality in Beijing. Key Points: Nitrate aerosols in Beijing during the haze events were mainly produced by hydrolysis of N2O5 under high humidity conditionsThe contribution of coal combustion to atmospheric nitrate decreased significantly after clean air actions implemented by Chinese governmentStrict control of traffic emissions would be an important way to decrease nitrate concentrations and improve the air quality in Beijing [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a decisive role in sonodynamic therapy (SDT). However, hypoxic microenvironment of tumors and short lifetime of ROS limit the implementation of SDT. In this work, an ultrasound (US)‐triggered ROS sustained supplier based on open source and reduce expenditure strategy was constructed. The mesoporous titanium dioxide nanoparticles (MTN) were used as carriers and sonosensitizers, to load US‐responsive perfluoropentane (PFP) and bleomycin (BLM), a blocking agent to reduce ROS scavenging. Thereafter, nanoparticles were wrapped by red blood cell membrane (RBCm) with TKD modification (TKD@RMPB). Under US irradiation, MTN disintegrated into small TiO2 nanoparticles to release PFP and BLM. PFP effectively supplied O2 to enhance ROS generation. Furthermore, BLM reduced the activity of SOD enzyme so that ROS clearance would decrease. This dual role contributed ROS explosive accumulation in tumor cells. In vitro results showed the ROS level of TKD@RMPB group was 3.62 times that of MTN group. Compared with MTN, the proportion of DNA damage in TKD@RMPB group increased by 2.23 times. Moreover, in vivo results indicated that TKD@RMPB could significantly reduce pulmonary fibrotic lesions caused by BLM, suggesting that TKD@RMPB realized simultaneous chemotherapy and SDT for HT‐29 colon cancer with high efficiency and low toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity (PRNRP) is a newly documented rare tumour type. Its molecular pathological features have thus far been very little studied. Methods and results: There were 13 PRNRP cases including 3 The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cases and our 10 cases in this study. The 3 TCGA cases were found by a combined analysis of GATA3 mRNA expression levels and digital slides from the TCGA papillary renal cell carcinoma project. KRAS codon 12 mutations were identified in the three PRNRPs from TCGA. Of our 10 PRNRP cases, the mutations were also discovered using Sanger sequencing in seven (77.8%) of nine cases with available DNA, where KRAS p.G12V (n = 3), p.G12D (n = 2), p.G12R (n = 1) and p.G12C (n = 1) alterations were found. PRNRP shared similar gene expression profiles with renal distal tubules via an interprofile correlation analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that genes involved in 'KEGG aldosterone regulated sodium reabsorption' or 'hallmark apical surface' were enriched in PRNRP. Moreover, polarised immunostaining patterns for L1CAM and EMA in the distal tubule were maintained in PRNRP. Conclusions: These results imply that the tumour potentially originates from the distal tubule, especially from the cortical collecting duct, and probably retains its cell polarity, except for nuclear inversion. We therefore propose that oncocytic papillary renal neoplasm with inverted nuclei (OPRNIN) is a better name for this tumour type. OPRNIN is a kidney site‐specific KRAS mutation neoplasm different from conventional papillary renal cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamoxifen (TAM) is a primary drug for treatment of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. However, TAM resistance remains a serious threat to breast cancer patients and may be attributed to increased stemness of breast cancer. Here, we show that discs large homolog 5 (DLG5) expression is down‐regulated in TAM‐resistant breast cancer and cells. DLG5 silencing decreased the sensitivity to TAM and increased the frequency and stemness of CD44+/CD24− breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) and TAZ, a transducer of the Hippo pathway, expression in MCF7 cells while DLG5 overexpression had opposite effects. TAZ silencing restored the sensitivity to TAM and reduced the frequency and stemness in TAM‐resistant breast cancer cells. Taken together, our data indicate that down‐regulated DLG5 expression increases the stemness of breast cancer cells by enhancing TAZ expression, contributing to TAM resistance in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress leads to melanocyte death and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. The nuclear factor, E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), is a critical transcription factor in protecting cells from oxidative damage. High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin‐associated nuclear protein and an extracellular damage‐associated molecular pattern molecule. Extracellular HMGB1 released from activated immune cells, necrotic or injured cells, becomes a proinflammatory mediator through binding to cell‐surface receptors of responding cells. In this study, we investigated the role of HMGB1 from melanocytes in the response to oxidative stress and the mechanism involved. We showed that HMGB1 is expressed by primary normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEMs). H2O2 treatment increased cytoplasmic translocation and extracellular release of HMGB1. HMGB1 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) led to decreased apoptosis of NHEMs. HMGB1 inhibition enhanced the expression of Nrf2 and its target genes. The expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant genes was downregulated after the supernatant of H2O2‐treated NHEMs was added to HMGB1‐deficient cells. HMGB1 knockdown by siRNA suppressed the expression of the autophagosome marker, LC3, and enhanced p62 expression. Coimmunoprecipitation with Keap1 showed a reduced Nrf2‐Keap1 interaction and an increased p62‐Keap1 interaction under oxidative stress. These data demonstrated that external stimuli (eg, oxidative stress) may trigger autocrine HMGB1 translocation and release by melanocytes, suppressing the expression of Nrf2 and downstream antioxidant genes to induce melanocyte apoptosis, and thereby participate in the pathological process of vitiligo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tamoxifen is a first‐line drug for hormone therapy (HT) in oestrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer patients. However, 20% to 30% of those patients are resistant to tamoxifen treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated as one of the mechanisms responsible for tamoxifen resistance. Our previous study indicated that decreased expression of the CRB3 gene confers stem cell characteristics to breast cancer cells. In the current investigation, we found that most of the breast cancer patient tissues resistant to tamoxifen were negative for CRB3 protein and positive for β‐catenin protein, in contrast to their matched primary tumours by immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, expression of CRB3 mRNA and protein was low, while expression of β‐catenin mRNA and protein was high in tamoxifen resistance cells (LCC2 and T47D TamR) contrast to their corresponding cell lines MCF7 and T47D. Similarly, CRB3 overexpression markedly restored the tamoxifen sensitivity of TamR cells by the MTT viability assay. Finally, we found that CRB3 suppressed the stemness of TamR cells by inhibiting β‐catenin signalling, which may in turn lead to a decrease in the breast cancer cell population. Furthermore, these findings indicate that CRB3 is an important regulator for breast cancer stemness, which is associated with tamoxifen resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury ( TBI) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in youth, but to date, effective therapies are still lacking. Previous studies revealed a marked response of apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) expression to the brain injury. The aim of this study was to determine the potential roles of ApoJ in functional recovery following TBI. After controlled cortex impact ( CCI), a TBI model, in adult wild-type mice, ApoJ expression was up-regulated since 6 h post-injury and sustained for 5 days. Animals infused with recombinant human ApoJ intraventricularly at 30 min prior to CCI showed significantly reduced oxidative stress (3-nitrotyrosine, 4-hydroxynonenal) and complement activation (C5b-9). In addition, ApoJ treatment was shown to suppress the inflammatory response (glial activation, cytokine expression), blood-brain barrier disruption (Evans blue extravasation), and cerebral edema (water content) induced by CCI. Concomitantly, improved neuronal maintenance and neurological behavioral performance were observed in ApoJ-treated mice compared with the vehicle group. These findings support a neuroprotective role of ApoJ via multifunctional pathways, providing a novel and encouraging treatment strategy for TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Text‐based completely automated public turing tests to tell computers and humans apart (CAPTCHAs) have been widely deployed across the Internet to defend against undesirable or malicious bot programmes. In this study, the authors provide a systematic analysis of text‐based CAPTCHAs and innovatively improve their earlier attack on hollow CAPTCHAs to expand applicability to attack all the text CAPTCHAs. With this improved attack, they have successfully broken the CAPTCHA schemes adopted by 19 out of the top 20 web sites in Alexa including two versions of the famous ReCAPTCHA. With success rates ranging from 12 to 88.8% (note that the success rate for Yandex CAPTCHA is 0%), they demonstrate the effectiveness of their attack method. It is not only applicable to hollow CAPTCHAs, but also to non‐hollow ones. As their attack casts serious doubt on the viability of current designs, they offer lessons and guidelines for designing better text‐based CAPTCHAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon-based cells could convert more solar energy to electrical energy if the cells could absorb more light. However, the nanostructured cells have demonstrated relatively low power conversion efficiency even when its reflection is very low; thus, they are still far from becoming real products of the photovoltaic industry. Here, nanoscale pseudo-pyramid textured multi-crystalline silicon (Pmc-Si) solar cells, with the best efficiency of ≈18.45%, are fabricated by using a metal-catalyzed chemical etching plus a post alkaline etching on an industrial production line. Such Pmc-Si solar cells have showed similar light trapping ability as single crystalline silicon solar cells of micrometer pyramid texture, and the improved efficiency is mainly ascribed to its enhanced light absorption while the nanostructured surface still keeps acceptable passivation quality, that is, the short-circuit current density has an increase of ≈300 mA cell-1, while the open-circuit voltage has only a slight decrease of ≈1 mV. Further elevations of the efficiency are expected by optimizing both micrometer- and nanotextures, and exploring more effective passivation technique. More excitingly, the technique presented here has been verified in the production line for several batches as a real technique of low cost and high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ash2L is a core component of the MLL family histone methyltransferases and has an important role in regulating the methylation of histone H3 on lysine 4. Here, we report the crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of Ash2L and reveal a new function of Ash2L. The structure shows that Ash2L contains an atypical PHD finger that does not have histone tail-binding activity. Unexpectedly, the structure shows a previously unrecognized winged-helix motif that directly binds to DNA. The DNA-binding-deficient mutants of Ash2L reduced Ash2L localization to the HOX locus. Strikingly, a single mutation in Ash2LWH (K131A) breaks the chromatin domain boundary, suggesting that Ash2L also has a role in chromosome demarcation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ability of dimorphic transition between yeast and hyphal forms in Candida albicans is one of the vital determinants for its pathogenicity and virulence. We isolated C. albicans SWI1 as a suppressor of the invasive growth defect in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant. Expression of C. albicans SWI1 in S. cerevisiae partially complemented the growth defect of a swi1 mutant in the utilization of glycerol. Swi1 is in a complex with Snf2 in C. albicans, and both proteins are localized in the nucleus independent of the growth form. Deleting SWI1 or SNF2 in C. albicans prevented true hyphal formation and resulted in constitutive pseudohypha-like growth in all media examined. Furthermore, swi1/swi1 mutant was defective in hypha-specific gene expression and avirulent in a mouse model of systemic infection. These data strongly suggest the conserved Swi/Snf complex in C. albicans is required for hyphal development and pathogenicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oxidative stress leads to melanocyte death and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. The nuclear factor, E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), is a critical transcription factor in protecting cells from oxidative damage. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-associated nuclear protein and an extracellular damage-associated molecular pattern molecule. Extracellular HMGB1 released from activated immune cells, necrotic or injured cells, becomes a proinflammatory mediator through binding to cell-surface receptors of responding cells. In this study, we investigated the role of HMGB1 from melanocytes in the response to oxidative stress and the mechanism involved. We showed that HMGB1 is expressed by primary normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEMs). H 2 O 2 treatment increased cytoplasmic translocation and extracellular release of HMGB1. HMGB1 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) led to decreased apoptosis of NHEMs. HMGB1 inhibition enhanced the expression of Nrf2 and its target genes. The expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant genes was downregulated after the supernatant of H 2 O 2 -treated NHEMs was added to HMGB1-deficient cells. HMGB1 knockdown by siRNA suppressed the expression of the autophagosome marker, LC3, and enhanced p62 expression. Coimmunoprecipitation with Keap1 showed a reduced Nrf2-Keap1 interaction and an increased p62-Keap1 interaction under oxidative stress. These data demonstrated that external stimuli (eg, oxidative stress) may trigger autocrine HMGB1 translocation and release by melanocytes, suppressing the expression of Nrf2 and downstream antioxidant genes to induce melanocyte apoptosis, and thereby participate in the pathological process of vitiligo., (© 2018 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.)