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The current study examined a multiple mediator model based on the control‐value theory. A sample of 433 Chinese junior middle school students participated in questionnaires assessing teacher‐student relationships (TSRs), academic emotions, academic value (AV), and academic self‐efficacy (ASE). English test scores were collected as an indicator of students' English academic performance. The results indicated the following: (a) for academic enjoyment, the TSR has an effect on academic achievement through the chain intermediary of AV and ASE; (b) for academic relaxation, the TSR has an effect on English academic achievement through the single intermediary of academic relaxation and the chain intermediary of AV, ASE, and academic relaxation; (c) for academic anxiety, the TSR has an effect on English academic achievement through the single intermediary of AV, the single intermediary of academic anxiety, and the chain intermediary of AV, ASE, and academic anxiety; (d) for academic boredom, the TSR has an effect on English academic achievement through the single intermediary of academic boredom. These findings enrich the relevant research on the control‐value theory and provide important insights for improving students' English academic achievement. Highlights: The teacher‐student relationship predicted English academic achievementThe academic value and academic self‐efficacy predicted English academic achievementAcademic enjoyment/relaxation positively predicts English academic achievement and academic anxiety/boredom negatively predicts English academic achievement [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure and mechanical properties of marine 10Ni5CrMoV steel are systematically investigated at tempering temperatures ranging from 630 to 670 °C. With increasing tempering temperature, several key parameters exhibit notable changes: the volume fraction of reversed austenite decreases from 17.36% to 13.39%. The equivalent grain size increases from 0.91 to 1.09 μm. The equivalent diameter of precipitates increases from 59 to 79 nm. The dislocation density decreases from 0.82 × 10−15 to 0.51 × 10−15 m−2. As the tempering temperature increases, the pinning effect of precipitates on dislocations and martensite laths decreases. This leads to reductions in both dislocation strengthening and precipitation strengthening mechanisms. Consequently, the yield strength of the specimen decreases from 876 to 683 MPa. The increase in the ductile‐brittle transition temperature of the specimens from −116 to −95 °C can be attributed to several factors. First, the increase in precipitate size reduces the critical nucleation stress of cleavage cracks and promotes the nucleation of such cracks. Additionally, the decrease in dislocation density mobility leads to a reduction in the dimple nucleation rate, thereby diminishing the role of dimples in hindering crack propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature has witnessed an upsurge of interest in model selection in diverse fields and optimization applications. Despite the substantial progress, model selection remains a significant challenge when covariates are highly correlated, particularly within economic and financial datasets that exhibit cross‐sectional and serial dependency. In this paper, we introduce a novel methodology named factor augmented regularized model selection with weak factors (WeakFARM) for generalized linear models in the presence of correlated covariates with weak latent factor structure. By identifying weak latent factors and idiosyncratic components and employing them as predictors, WeakFARM converts the challenge from model selection with highly correlated covariates to that with weakly correlated ones. Furthermore, we develop a variable screening method based on the proposed WeakFARM method. Comprehensive theoretical guarantees including estimation consistency, model selection consistency and sure screening property are also provided. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by extensive simulation studies and a real data application in economic forecasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study on double expressor lymphoma (DEL) subtypes and the therapeutic mechanism of epigenetic agents. The study identified three subtypes of DEL with unique characteristics and found that DEL had an inferior survival compared to double negative lymphoma (DNL). The subtypes of DEL were associated with different cell-of-origin and genetic classifications. The study also analyzed the effects of tucidinostat and doxorubicin treatment on different oncogenic transcriptional factors and signaling networks in these subtypes. The results showed distinct molecular heterogeneity and a complex tumor microenvironment in DEL, which contribute to resistance to standard treatment. However, tucidinostat plus doxorubicin demonstrated broad-spectrum sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. The study provides insights for optimizing current treatment paradigms in DEL. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: This study aims to comprehensively analyze the clinical characteristics and identify the differentially expressed genes associated with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) in patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). Methods: A retrospective investigation was conducted from July 2019 to June 2022, involving 40 pediatric cases of DRE linked to FCD. Subsequent follow‐ups were done to assess post‐surgical outcomes. Transcriptomic sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were used to examine differential gene expression between the FCD and control groups. Results: Among the 40 patients included in the study, focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures (13/40, 32.50%) and epileptic spasms (9/40, 22.50%) were the predominant seizure types. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed frequent involvement of the frontal (22/40, 55%) and temporal lobes (12/40, 30%). In cases with negative MRI results (13/13, 100%), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET‐CT) scans revealed hypometabolic lesions. Fused MRI/PET‐CT images demonstrated lesion reduction in 40.74% (11/27) of cases compared with PET‐CT alone, while 59.26% (16/27) yielded results consistent with PET‐CT findings. FCD type II was identified in 26 cases, and FCD type I in 13 cases. At the last follow‐up, 38 patients were prescribed an average of 1.27 ± 1.05 anti‐seizure medications (ASMs), with two patients discontinuing treatment. After a postoperative follow‐up period of 23.50 months, 75% (30/40) of patients achieved Engel class I outcome. Transcriptomic sequencing and qRT‐PCR analysis identified several genes primarily associated with cilia, including CFAP47, CFAP126, JHY, RSPH4A, and SPAG1. Significance: This study highlights focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures as the most common seizure type in patients with DRE due to FCD. Surgical intervention primarily targeted lesions in the frontal and temporal lobes. Patients with FCD‐related DRE showed a promising prognosis for seizure control post‐surgery. The identified genes, including CFAP47, CFAP126, JHY, RSPH4A, and SPAG1, could serve as potential biomarkers for FCD. Plain Language Summary: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical data of individuals affected by focal cortical dysplasia and analyze transcriptomic data from brain tissues. We found that focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures were the most prevalent seizure type in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy. In cases treated surgically, the frontal and temporal lobes were the primary sites of the lesions. Moreover, patients with focal cortical dysplasia‐induced drug‐resistant epilepsy exhibited a favorable prognosis for seizure control after surgery. CFAP47, CFAP126, JHY, RSPH4A, and SPAG1 have emerged as potential pathogenic genes for the development of focal cortical dysplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is vital to develop highly efficient non‐doped blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with high color purity and low‐efficiency roll‐off for applications in display and lighting. Herein, two blue D‐A fluorophores TPA‐PO and TPA‐DPO are designed and synthesized, in which phenanthro[9,10‐d]oxazole (PO) acts as the acceptor and triphenylamine as the donor. TPA‐PO and TPA‐DPO display good thermal stability and efficient luminescence efficiency in neat film. Results based on photophysical property and theoretical calculation demonstrate that TPA‐PO and TPA‐DPO possess the hybridized local and charge‐transfer (HLCT) feature, which can utilize the triplet exciton to achieve highly efficient electroluminance (EL). The non‐doped OLEDs with TPA‐PO/TPA‐DPO as pure emissive layer show the uniform EL emission peak at 468 nm, corresponding to CIE coordinates of (0.168, 0.187) and (0.167, 0.167), respectively. The TPA‐DPO‐based non‐doped OLEDs provide the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 7.99 % and high exciton utility efficiency of 48.4 %~72.6 %. Moreover, the TPA‐DPO‐based device exhibits low‐efficiency roll‐off, still maintaining the EQE of 6.03 % at the high luminance of 5000 cd m−2. Those findings state clearly that PO is a promising building block of blue fluorophore with a potential HLCT feature to be applied in non‐doped OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous cultivation of faba beans often results in a high occurrence of Fusarium wilt. Nevertheless, this issue can be successfully managed through wheat‐faba bean intercropping. Our objective is to elucidate the function of non‐host wheat in combating faba bean Fusarium wilt. We assessed the impact of wheat on the development of faba bean Fusarium wilt through field and pot experiments, and examined and identified the compounds in the root exudates of wheat. The influence of wheat root exudates on Fusarium commun mycelial growth and spore multiplication was investigated through indoor culture experiments. Wheat‐faba bean intercropping significantly reduced the occurrence of Fusarium wilt in field trials. Root separation experiments in pots indicated that wheat root exudates might play a vital role in this outcome. The exogenous addition of wheat root exudates to faba bean grown alone notably decreased the occurrence and severity of Fusarium wilt. Furthermore, the exogenous addition of wheat root exudates effectively hindered the growth and reproduction of Fusarium commun's mycelium. And, wheat root exudates contained six compounds with relatively high concentrations, including salicylic acid, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, glutamic acid, and threonine, all of which inhibited the growth and spore formation of Fusarium commun. In a wheat‐faba bean intercropping system, these six compounds found in the root exudate of non‐host wheat can help control Fusarium wilt in faba bean by inhibiting the mycelial growth and sporulation of Fusarium commun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is an effective phenolic antioxidant that can scavenge hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions. Herein, the protective effects and mechanisms leading to CGA‐induced porcine parthenogenetic activation (PA) in early‐stage embryos were investigated. Our results showed that 50 μM CGA treatment during the in vitro culture (IVC) period significantly increased the cleavage and blastocyst formation rates and improved the blastocyst quality of porcine early‐stage embryos derived from PAs. Then, genes related to zygotic genome activation (ZGA) were identified and investigated, revealing that CGA can promote ZGA in porcine PA early‐stage embryos. Further analysis revealed that CGA treatment during the IVC period decreased the abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased the abundance of glutathione and enhanced the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in porcine PA early‐stage embryos. Mitochondrial function analysis revealed that CGA increased mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels and upregulated the mitochondrial homeostasis‐related gene NRF‐1 in porcine PA early‐stage embryos. In summary, our results suggest that CGA treatment during the IVC period helps porcine PA early‐stage embryos by regulating oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Far‐red‐emitting (700−740 nm) phosphors are essential for the fabrication of plant lighting phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes (pc‐LEDs). However, the development of highly efficient, thermally stable, and spectrally matched far‐red phosphors still remains a challenge. Herein, far‐red GdAlO3:Cr3+ (GAO:Cr3+) phosphors were synthesized via solid‐state reaction and investigated for plant lighting pc‐LED applications. A low‐temperature flux‐assisted synthesis strategy was adopted to improve the crystalline quality, suppress the defect formation, and maintain the valence state of Cr3+ in the phosphors, finally leading to significant luminescent enhancement (∼10 times). The GAO:Cr3+ phosphors show the 2E sharp‐line emissions around 730 nm, which is highly matched with the far‐red absorption band of plants. The optimized GAO:0.01Cr3+ phosphor exhibits a high internal quantum efficiency of 98.3% and zero thermal quenching even up to 250°C. The fabricated pc‐LED can generate an overall output power of 78.1 mW at 100 mA drive current, with a high energy conversion efficiency of 25.3%. The findings demonstrate the great potential of GAO:Cr3+ as far‐red‐emitting phosphor materials for plant growth pc‐LED applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study concerns the practical fixed‐time consensus tracking problem of second‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems (MASs) with switching topologies. The neural network (NN) and adaptive technique are adopted to compensate the unknown nonlinearities of the followers. Then, an adaptive NN‐based fixed‐time controller is designed under switching interaction topologies. In order to give the rigorous proof of the practical fixed‐time consensus tracking, a novel lemma for analyzing the practical fixed‐time stability of the switched error system is firstly established, then by constructing appropriate topology‐dependent multiple Lyapunov functions, we theoretically show that the practical fixed‐time consensus tracking of the closed‐loop MASs can be ensured provided that the dwell time of the switching topologies is larger than a predefined threshold and further the involved control parameters are suitably selected. Moreover, the settling time estimation is explicitly given, which is regardless of the system's initial values. The theoretical results are finally verified via a numerical simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rust is a system‐level programming language with advantages in memory safety. It ensures that any Rust programs without unsafe code should not incur undefined behaviours. However, unsafe code still plays an essential role in Rust to achieve low‐level control. Therefore, a major design pattern of Rust programs is interior unsafe, which wraps unsafe code as safe APIs and handles all undefined behaviours internally. Rust standard library already provides a rich set of safe APIs to facilitate Rust code development. Nevertheless, due to unfamiliarity with these APIs, developers may misuse unnecessary unsafe code and suffer memory‐safety risks. In this paper, we investigate an approach to mitigate replaceable unsafe code. We first analyse unsafe APIs of the Rust standard library and summarize their common usage patterns. Each pattern corresponds to one or several code samples in our knowledge base. Then, we develop an approach to automatically recognize the usage pattern and recommend corresponding code samples. Our approach leverages dataflow analysis to exclude impossible patterns and employs a BERT‐based machine learning model to find the most similar pattern among the rest. We have conducted evaluation experiments with 472 unsafe code snippets collected from GitHub projects and successfully recognized the pattern of 394 snippets. We hope our approach can assist developers in detecting unnecessary unsafe code and suggesting safe alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aero‐engine turbine blades are subject to combined high and low cycle fatigue (CCF) loadings during operations. In this paper, a modified nonlinear cumulative damage model is developed based on linear damage accumulation theory and static toughness exhaustion to predict the CCF life of turbine blades and common blade materials. An interaction factor is created to reflect the integrated effect of high cycle fatigue and low cycle fatigue (HCF‐LCF). Available test data from TC4 alloy and other two alloy materials, together with two turbine blades are utilized to validate the robustness and accuracy of the proposed approach. Comparative results demonstrate that the proposed model holds better performance in life predictions under CCF loadings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study set up four nitrogen application levels (0, 45, 90 and 135 kg/ha) and two planting systems (faba bean monocropping and faba bean and wheat intercropping) to investigate the incidence of faba bean Fusarium wilt under different treatments and determine the resistance enzyme activities and gene expression, protein expression, and other indexes of faba bean plants. At all N levels, faba bean and wheat intercropping controlled faba bean Fusarium wilt by decreasing the content of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion in faba bean roots, increasing the enzyme activity and gene expression of the superoxide dismutase and the gene expression of pathogenesis‐related protein 1 (VfPR1), VfPR2, VfPR5 and VfPR10 disease resistance proteins in the roots, with the most significant effects at the N2 level (90 kg/ha). Further investigation of the impact of intercropping on faba bean roots using the N2 treatment showed that faba bean–wheat intercropping upregulated 288 proteins and downregulated 179 proteins compared with monocropping, and the functions of the upregulated proteins were mainly related to energy metabolism, antioxidant enzymes, stress and DNA repair. GO functional analysis showed that the upregulated proteins were mainly focused on the involvement in amide biological processes. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that faba bean–wheat intercropping upregulated proteins involved in glutathione metabolism and ascorbic acid metabolism. In summary, at the N2 level, faba bean–wheat intercropping effectively mitigated root oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant and disease resistance mechanisms in faba bean roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of oral bovine serum albumin (BSA) on plasma amino acid profile and growth performance in blunt snout bream fed high‐fat and high‐energy diets. A total of 360 fish (average weight: 45.84 ± 0.07 g) were randomly divided into three groups in four replicates and fed with the control, high‐fat diet (HFD), and high‐energy diet (HED), respectively. After 12 weeks of feeding, fish were orally administered with 10% BSA for 10 h, with the blood and liver sample obtained at 10 h. The results showed no remarkable difference (p > 0.05) in final weight, weight gain rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and daily growth rate among dietary treatments. However, fish fed HFD and HED obtained significantly higher energy and nitrogen retention content than the control. Plasma valine and histidine content were more prevalent in fish fed the control diet than in HFD and HED groups. However, BSA significantly enhanced this content with higher values observed in arginine and alanine content than in control diets at 10 h. Significantly higher liver and plasma Aspartate aminotransferase, Xanthine oxidase, and Glutamate dehydrogenase content were found in the HFD than in the control group. However, the administration of BSA at 10 h improved these parameters similar to the control. Meanwhile, protease, Lipase, aminopeptidase N, carboxypeptidase A, and Na+ K+‐ATPase were influenced significantly (p < 0.001) by sampling time, dietary treatments, and their interaction. Fish fed with the HFD and HED significantly downregulated (p < 0.05) the akt, bcat2, 4e‐bp1, s6k1, and tor expression compared to the control. However, BSA administration at 10 h improved these genes similar to the control. This study indicated that oral BSA administration could benefit plasma amino acid through the TOR signaling pathway in blunt snout bream fed high‐fat and high‐energy diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in various biological processes by influencing the translation of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) through post‐transcriptional regulation. The miR‐184‐3p has been identified as an abundant conserved miRNA in insects. However, less is known about its functions in insect–plant virus interactions. RESULTS: The function of miR‐184‐3p in regulation of plant viral infection in insects was investigated using a rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) and Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén) interaction system. We found that the expression of miR‐184‐3p increased in L. striatellus after RBSDV infection. Injection of miR‐184‐3p mimics increased RBSDV accumulation, while treatment with miR‐184‐3p antagomirs inhibits the viral accumulation in L. striatellus. Ken, a zinc finger protein, was identified as a target of miR‐184‐3p. Knockdown of Ken increased the virus accumulation and promoted RBSDV transmission by L. striatellus. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that RBSDV infection induces the expression of miR‐184‐3p in its insect vector L. striatellus. The miR‐184‐3p targets Ken to promote RBSDV accumulation and transmission. These findings provide a new insight into the function of the miRNAs in regulating plant viral infection in its insect vector. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Defects in RARS2 cause cerebellopontine hypoplasia type 6 (pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 6, PCH6, OMIM: #611523), a rare autosomal recessive inherited mitochondrial disease. Here, we report two male patients and their respective family histories. Methods: We describe the clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of these patients. Whole‐exome sequencing was used to identify the genetic mutations. Results: One patient showed hypoglycemia, high lactic acid levels (fluctuating from 6.7 to 14.1 mmol/L), and frequent seizures after birth, with progressive atrophy of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and pons. The other patient presented with early infantile developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (EIDEEs) with an initial developmental delay followed by infantile epileptic spasm syndrome (IESS) at 5 months old, with no imaging changes. Whole‐exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous RARS2 variants c.25A>G (p.I9V) with c.1261C>T (p.Q421*) and c.1A>G (p.M1V) with c.122A>G (p.D41G) in these two patients. Of these loci, c.1261C>T and c.122A>G have not been previously reported. Significance: Our findings have expanded the RARS2 gene variant spectrum and present EIDEEs and IESS as phenotypes which deepened the association between PCH6 and RARS2. Plain Language Summary: Defects in RARS2 cause cerebellopontine hypoplasia type 6, a rare autosomal recessive inherited mitochondrial disease. Two patients with RARS2 variants were reported in this article. One patient showed hypoglycemia, high lactic acid levels, and frequent seizures after birth, with progressive atrophy of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and Page 3 of 21 Epilepsia OpenFor Review Only pons. The other patient presented with an initial developmental delay followed by refractory epilepsy at 5 months old, with no imaging changes. Our findings deepened the association between PCH6 and RARS2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim is to study the disease suppression efficiency, yield loss rate, and yield benefits of intercropped faba bean against chocolate spot under nitrogen (N) input, to clarify the effectiveness of intercropping faba beans in controlling chocolate spot and its contribution to yield increase. Results: Four N input levels and disease suppression treatments were discovered when faba bean–wheat intercropped was used. Adding N enhanced the chocolate spot's area under disease progression curve (AUDPC) by 27.1–69.9%. In contrast to monoculture, intercropping reduced the AUDPC of the chocolate spot by 32.4–51.0% (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the relative control efficacy (RCE) of intercropping at the EShan site was better. With disease suppression or non‐suppression, N input increased grain yield loss and its components in faba bean. The total yield advantage effect (TE) and disease‐suppression effect (DSE) of faba bean intercropped at the two experimental sites were significantly increased under N input (N1 and N2 level). The proportion of recovery yield due to intercropping suppressed disease (DSE/TE ratio) in EShan (52.1%) was higher than that in Xundian (40.9%), and the DSE of intercropping played an indispensable role in the two sites. Regression analysis of AUDPC and grain yield loss amount showed that one unit increase in chocolate spot AUDPC could cause a grain yield loss of 0.38–0.86 kg ha−1. The partial land equivalent ratio (pLER) of intercropping faba beans at the EShan site was > 0.33. Conclusion: In conclusion, intercropped faba bean with N treatment (45–90 kg ha−1) was the best choice for maximizing the intercropping disease control effect. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cropping causes adverse effects, including increased secretion of autotoxic substances (benzoic acid) and incidence of diseases (Fusarium wilt). Fusarium commune infects faba bean seedlings and is treated with different benzoic acid concentrations. Therefore, this investigation analysed the association of benzoic acid with faba bean wilt incidence and the mechanisms involved. Furthermore, seedling growth, tissue structure, Fusarium wilt incidence, cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) activity, lignin levels, and leaf photosynthetic parameters were assessed. The results indicated that fungal infection markedly reduced biomass and photosynthesis in the faba bean. Microscopic analysis showed slightly thickened stems' xylem vessels. Benzoic acid treatment with F. commune infection substantially increased F. commune‐mediated CWDEs activity in the faba bean stem and lignin level but reduced photosynthesis and biomass, elevating Fusarium wilt incidence. Furthermore, broken tissues, xylem thickening, and stem cavities were observed. The investigation indicated that benzoic acid treatment and F. commune infection‐induced stem lignin might be a resistance response; however, increased pathogenicity and reduced photosynthesis enhanced susceptibility and aggravated Fusarium wilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Nitazoxanide is a therapeutic anthelmintic drug. Our previous studies found that nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide activated adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signals. As AMPK activation and/or STAT3 inhibition are targets for treating pulmonary fibrosis, we hypothesized that nitazoxanide would be effective in experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Experimental Approach: The mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate of cells was measured by using the high‐resolution respirometry system Oxygraph‐2K. The mitochondrial membrane potential of cells was evaluated by tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) staining. The target protein levels were measured by using western blotting. The mice pulmonary fibrosis model was established through intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. The examination of the lung tissues changes were carried out using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and Masson staining. Key Results: Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide activated AMPK and inhibited STAT3 signalling in human lung fibroblast cells (MRC‐5 cells). Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced proliferation and migration of MRC‐5 cells, collagen‐I and α‐smooth muscle cell actin (α‐SMA) expression, and collagen‐I secretion from MRC‐5 cells. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced Smad2/3 activation in mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE‐12 cells). Oral administration of nitazoxanide reduced the bleomycin‐induced mice pulmonary fibrosis and, in the established bleomycin‐induced mice, pulmonary fibrosis. Delayed nitazoxanide treatment attenuated the fibrosis progression. Conclusions and Implications: Nitazoxanide improves the bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, suggesting a potential application of nitazoxanide for pulmonary fibrosis treatment in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age‐related chronic neurological disorder, mainly characterized by the pathological feature of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) aggregation, with the exact disease pathogenesis unclear. During the onset and progression of PD, synaptic dysfunction, including dysregulation of axonal transport, impaired exocytosis, and endocytosis are identified as crucial events of PD pathogenesis. It has been reported that over‐expression of α‐syn impairs clathrin‐mediated endocytosis (CME) in the synapses. However, the underlying mechanisms still needs to be explored. In this study, we investigated the molecular events underlying the synaptic dysfunction caused by over‐expression of wild‐type human α‐syn and its mutant form, involving series of proteins participating in CME. We found that excessive human α‐syn causes impaired fission and uncoating of clathrin‐coated vesicles during synaptic vesicle recycling, leading to reduced clustering of synaptic vesicles near the active zone and increased size of plasma membrane and number of endocytic intermediates. Furthermore, over‐expressed human α‐syn induced changes of CME‐associated proteins, among which synaptojanin1 (SYNJ1) showed significant reduction in various brain regions. Over‐expression of SYNJ1 in primary hippocampal neurons from α‐syn transgenic mice recovered the synaptic vesicle density, clustering and endocytosis. Using fluorescence‐conjugated transferrin, we demonstrated that SYNJ1 re‐boosted the CME activity by restoring the phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate homeostasis. Our data suggested that over‐expression of α‐syn disrupts synaptic function through interfering with vesicle recycling, which could be alleviated by re‐availing of SYNJ1. Our study unrevealed a molecular mechanism of the synaptic dysfunction in PD pathogenesis and provided a potential therapeutic target for treating PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The necessity for the development and enhancement of teacher commitment to satisfying students' learning needs in response to the COVID crisis is increasingly highlighted. It is not known, however, how to increase commitment in schoolteachers to boost online teaching in light of the fact that they, too, are struggling to cope with the rapid, unexpected change. A total of 601 teachers from primary and secondary schools across China participated in this study, with an average teaching experience of 15.9 years. Structural equation modelling was used to verify the significance of contextual, cognitive, affective and behavioural factors in boosting teachers' commitment to online teaching. The findings demonstrated that teacher agency played a complete mediating role in the predicting power of other factors to teacher commitment. Therefore, it was recommended that attention be paid to the practice and opportunities for teacher agentic actions, which necessitates real encounters with online teaching, allowing teachers to act meaningfully and initiate a new set of teaching strategies. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic The large‐scale transition to emergency online teaching serves as the catalyst for creating a blended or hybrid model of education provision in the long term.How hard teachers work to perform at their best and overcome obstacles to support students' learning needs in new environment relies on the intensity of teacher commitment to change.Online and blended learning requires teachers to not only be prepared for a diverse learning environment but also to build and rebuild their own identity as future teachers.What this paper adds This study adds to our knowledge of how traditional F2F classroom teachers reinvented their roles and responsibilities in response to the pandemic‐driven challenges based on real‐world experiences.As a result of the COVID‐19 lockdown school closures, schoolteachers' commitment to enhancing online teaching efforts has increased.The study highlights the complete mediating role of teacher agency in the predicting power of cognitive and affective factors to teacher commitment.Implications for practice and/or policy To learn more about how to be a good online teacher, future teachers need greater deliberate effort in diverse online teaching activities.Future teachers should be equipped with not only new technological and remote instructional strategies and skills, but also with confidence in, value for, and actual experiences with online teaching in a technology‐rich environment.For teachers to obtain hands‐on experience in integrating technology with distance teaching pedagogy at a time of rapid change, schools should have some days online and offer blended learning opportunities wherever possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate, at population and individual patient levels, the sustained response of reduction in migraine headache days in patients with migraine treated with galcanezumab. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of double‐blind galcanezumab studies in patients with migraine: two 6‐month episodic migraine (EM; EVOLVE‐1/EVOLVE‐2), one 3‐month chronic migraine (CM; REGAIN), and one 3‐month treatment‐resistant migraine (CONQUER). Patients received monthly subcutaneous galcanezumab 120 mg (after 240 mg initial loading dose), galcanezumab 240 mg, or placebo. In the EM and CM studies, the proportions of patients with ≥50% and ≥75% (EM only) reduction from baseline in average monthly migraine headache days from Months 1 to 3 and Months 4 to 6 were evaluated. A mean monthly response rate was estimated. The sustained effect was defined as maintaining ≥50% response for ≥3 consecutive months in the patient‐level data for EM and CM. Results: A total of 3348 patients with EM or CM from the EVOLVE‐1/EVOLVE‐2 (placebo, n = 894, galcanezumab, n = 879), REGAIN (placebo, n = 558, galcanezumab, n = 555), and CONQUER (EM: placebo, n = 132, galcanezumab, n = 137; CM: placebo, n = 98, galcanezumab, n = 95) studies were included. Patients were predominantly female, White, and had monthly migraine headache day averages ranging from 9.1 to 9.5 days (EM) and 18.1 to 19.6 days (CM). In patients with EM and CM, 19.0% and 22.6% of galcanezumab‐treated patients, respectively, had significantly higher maintenance of ≥50% response for all months in the double‐blind period compared to 8.0% and 1.5% of placebo‐treated patients. The odds ratios (OR) of achieving clinical response for EM and CM were double with galcanezumab (OR = 3.0 [95% CI 1.8, 4.8] and OR = 6.3 [95% CI 1.7, 22.7], respectively). At the individual patient level, of patients who had ≥75% response at Month 3 in the galcanezumab 120 and 240 mg dose groups and placebo group, 39.9% (55/138) and 43.0% (61/142), respectively, of galcanezumab‐treated patients maintained ≥75% response during Months 4–6 compared to 32.7% (51/156) with placebo. Conclusion: More galcanezumab‐treated patients achieved ≥50% response within the first 3 months of treatment compared to placebo; responses were sustained during Months 4–6. The odds of achieving ≥50% response were double with galcanezumab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous cropping severely affects faba bean growth, mainly due to pathogen and autotoxic substance accumulation. Here, we used faba bean monocropping (M) and intercropping with wheat (I), with stress treatments of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae (FOF) alone (F) and combined with cinnamic acid (F + C), to analyze seedling growth, defense‐related enzymes, levels of resistance‐associated substances, and protein expression profiles in roots. The results showed that intercropping mitigated the inhibitory effects of FOF and cinnamic acid. FOF resulted in increased activities of defense‐related enzymes as well as levels of resistance‐associated substances. Proteomic analysis showed that 22 proteins were upregulated following FOF inoculation (M + F), and 6 proteins were downregulated after the addition of cinnamic acid (M + F + C) in monocropping plants; these proteins were mainly involved in pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism, energy, and the cytoplasm. Comparison of monocropping and intercropping indicated that the upregulated proteins were mostly associated with stress and defense, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, maintenance of cellular homeostasis, and protein synthesis. KEGG analysis revealed that intercropping increased enrichment in pathways associated with metabolism, ribosomes, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, proteasomes, pyruvate metabolism, and pentose and glucuronate interconversions. The results indicated that intercropping mitigated growth inhibition by FOF and cinnamic acid by increasing energy production, maintaining normal cellular functions, and promoting the synthesis of defense‐associated secondary metabolites. These findings provide a basis for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of intercropping in controlling resistance to Fusarium wilt in the faba bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a moderated‐mediation model to investigate the relationship between green innovation, as measured by green patent stocks, and firms' stock market value, as measured by Tobin's Q. Using longitudinal data drawn from 351 heavily polluting firms in China's A‐share market from 2007 to 2018, we find that green innovation is likely to affect firms' stock market value positively. A 1% increase in the green innovation over assets index will enhance by 0.18% the Tobin's Q at the firm level. Environmental compliance costs significantly mediate the green innovation‐firms' stock market value association by 8.5%. We also emphasize the positive moderating role of technological collaboration with public research organizations on green innovation‐environmental compliance costs linkage. Our results emphasize that the recurrent question in the extant literature "does it pay to be green?" should be substituted by "how and under what conditions does it pay to be green for firms?" and further stress how firms obtain sustainable development in the environment and economy through green innovation. Implications for firms and investors are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in the CNOT1 gene lead to an incurable rare neurological disorder mainly manifested as a clinical spectrum of intellectual disability, developmental delay, seizures, and behavioral problems. In this study, we investigated a classical splice site variant of CNOT1 (c.1343+1G>T) associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, which was a master regulator, orchestrating gene expression, RNA deadenylation, and protein ubiquitination. To link CNOT1 dysfunction with the neurodevelopmental phenotype observed in a patient, in vitro minigene assay was used to verify the effect of CNOT1 gene splice site variant c.1343+1G>T on mRNA splicing. We also explored the impact of transient transfection introducing modified U1 snRNA on correcting the splicing variant. Through minigene expression in mammalian cells, we demonstrated that the variant induced complete exon 12 skipping, which explained the patient's clinical condition and provided additional genetic diagnosis evidence for the clinical significance of the variant. Moreover, we confirmed that the aberrant splice pattern could be partially corrected by the modified U1 snRNA at the mRNA level, which provided strong evidence for the therapeutic potential of modified U1 snRNA in neutralizing the hazardous effect of incorrect splicing patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical biomarkers in the central nervous system can provide valuable quantitative measures to gain insight into the etiology and pathogenesis of neurological diseases. Glutamate, one of the most important excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain, has been found to be upregulated in various neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, epilepsy, chronic pain, and migraines. However, quantitatively monitoring glutamate release in situ has been challenging. This work presents a novel class of flexible, miniaturized probes inspired by biofuel cells for monitoring synaptically released glutamate in the nervous system. The resulting sensors, with dimensions as low as 50 by 50 μm, can detect real‐time changes in glutamate within the biologically relevant concentration range. Experiments exploiting the hippocampal circuit in mice models demonstrate the capability of the sensors in monitoring glutamate release via electrical stimulation using acute brain slices. These advances could aid in basic neuroscience studies and translational engineering, as the sensors provide a diagnostic tool for neurological disorders. Additionally, adapting the biofuel cell design to other neurotransmitters can potentially enable the detailed study of the effect of neurotransmitter dysregulation on neuronal cell signaling pathways and revolutionize neuroscience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mucormycosis is a rare form of invasive, rapidly progressive and lethal opportunistic fungal infection caused by Mucorales. Although Rhizopus arrhizus (R. arrhizus) is the most commonly isolated Mucorales worldwide, infections caused by Apophysomyces variabilis (A. variabilis) are increasing. Objectives and Methods: We present a case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by A. variabilis in an immunocompetent woman. In order to further understand the characteristics of the strain isolated from the patient, we identified the strain through ITS sequencing, assessed the ability to tolerate salt concentrations and temperature conditions, in addition to performing in vitro drug susceptibility testing against common antifungal agents. Results: The strain showed 98.76% identity with A. variabilis in the NCBI database, and it was found to tolerate higher temperatures and salt concentrations than previously reported strains. The strain was sensitive to amphotericin B and posaconazole, but not to voriconazole, itraconazole, 5‐fluorocytosine and echinocandins. Conclusions: This case indicates that Mucorales caused by A. variabilis should be recognised as an emerging pathogen that can cause a high mortality rate in the absence of prompt diagnosis and proper treatment in China, aggressive surgical debridement combined with prompt and appropriate antifungal treatment may improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Piezo1 channels are mechanosensitive cationic channels that are activated by mechanical stretch or shear stress. Endothelial Piezo1 activation by shear stress caused by blood flow induces ATP release from endothelial cells; however, the link between shear stress and endothelial ATP production is unclear. Experimental Approach: The mitochondrial respiratory function of cells was measured by using high‐resolution respirometry system Oxygraph‐2k. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration was evaluated by using Fluo‐4/AM and mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration by Rhod‐2/AM. Key Results: The specific Piezo1 channel activator Yoda1 or its analogue Dooku1 increased [Ca2+]i in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and both Yoda1 and Dooku1 increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates (OCRs) and mitochondrial ATP production in HUVECs and primary cultured rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs). Knockdown of Piezo1 inhibited Yoda1‐ and Dooku1‐induced increases of mitochondrial OCRs and mitochondrial ATP production in HUVECs. The shear stress mimetics, Yoda1 and Dooku1, and the Piezo1 knock‐down technique also demonstrated that Piezo1 activation increased glycolysis in HUVECs. Chelating extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA or chelating cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA‐AM did not affect Yoda1‐ and Dooku1‐induced increases of mitochondrial OCRs and ATP production, but chelating cytosolic Ca2+ inhibited Yoda1‐ and Dooku1‐induced increase of glycolysis. Confocal microscopy showed that Piezo1 channels are present in mitochondria of endothelial cells, and Yoda1 and Dooku1 increased mitochondrial Ca2+ in endothelial cells. Conclusion and Implications: Piezo1 channel activation stimulates ATP production through enhancing mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in vascular endothelial cells, suggesting a novel role of Piezo1 channel in endothelial ATP production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifunctional electrocatalysts with superior activity and durability are of great importance for electrocatalytic water splitting. Herein, hierarchical structured CoO/CoP heterojunctions are successfully designed as highly efficient and freestanding bifunctional electrocatalysts toward overall water splitting. The unique microstructure combining two‐dimensional nanosheets with one‐dimensional nanowires enables numerous exposed active sites, shortened ion‐diffusion pathways, and enhanced conductivity, significantly improving performance. Such freestanding electrodes achieve high current density over 400 mA cm−2 at low overpotentials and have exceptional electrocatalytic activity as well as long‐term durability for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions under alkaline conditions. Remarkably, a high current density of 20 mA cm−2 is generated at a low cell voltage of 1.56 V in an alkaline water electrolyzer, originating from synergistic interactions between CoO and CoP exposing active sites and facilitating charge transfer and enhancing kinetics. This work provides new insight into designing low‐cost but high‐performance bifunctional electrocatalysts for practical water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between T1 and T2 relaxation times of synthetic MRI (SyMRI) and gestational age (GA) in each hemisphere of preterm and term newborns at the initial 28 days of birth. Methods: Seventy preterm and full‐term infants were prospectively included in this study. All subjects completed 3.0 T routine MRI and SyMRI (MAGiC) one‐stop scanning within 28 days of birth (aged 34–42 W at examination). The SyMRI postprocessing software (v8.0.4) was used to measure the T1 and T2 relaxation values of each brain region. The linear regression equations of quantitative relaxation values with GA were established to compare the variation speed in each brain region. Results: A significant linear and negative correlation was found between relaxation times and GA in the neonate cerebral cortex and subcortical gray and white matter regions (All p<.05). The relaxation time of the left centrum semiovale decreased with maximum variance with increasing GA among all white matter regions (T1: b = –51.45, β = –0.65, p <.0001; T2: b = –8.77, β = –0.71, p <.0001), whereas the right posterior limb of internal capsule showed minimal variance (T1: b = –27.94, β = –0.60, p <.0001; T2: b = –3.25, β = –0.68, p <.0001). Among all gray matter regions, the right globus pallidus and thalamus indicated the most significant decreasing degree of T1 and T2 relaxation values with GA (right globus pallidus T1: b = –33.14, β = –0.64, p <.0001; right thalamus T2: b = –3.94, β = –0.81, p <.0001), and the right and left occipital lobes indicated the least significant decreasing degree of T1 and T2 relaxation values with GA, respectively (right occipital lobes T1: b = –11.18, β = –0.26, p =.028; left occipital lobes T2: b = –1.22, β = –0.27, p =.024). Conclusions: SyMRI could quantitatively evaluate the linear changes of T1 and T2 relaxation values with GA in brain gray and white matter of preterm and term neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between the microclimate of the intercropping faba bean canopy and yield, and its response to nitrogen application, was studied in the crop canopy to clarify that intercropping and nitrogen application changed the microclimate of the faba bean canopy and affected the yield. Results: In field experiments in Eshan and Xundian, the growth index, light transmittance, interception rate of photosynthetic effective radiation, temperature, relative humidity, and yield of the faba bean were determined using three planting methods (wheat monoculture, faba bean monoculture, and wheat‐faba bean intercropping) and four nitrogen application levels, N0 (0 kg/hm2), N1 (45 kg/hm2), N2 (90 kg/hm2), and N3 (180 kg/hm2). The results showed that the application of nitrogen improved the growth index of monoculture and intercropping broad beans significantly, reduced the canopy light transmittance and temperature significantly, and increased the interception rate and relative humidity of photosynthetic effective radiation significantly. Compared with N0, the yield of broad bean in both places was the highest in N1, which increased by 14% (Eshan) and 15% (Xundian). Conclusion: Multiple linear stepwise regression and path analysis showed that the decrease in canopy light transmittance during the faba bean pod‐setting stage and the interception rate of photosynthetic effective radiation during pod‐bulging stage, caused by excessive nitrogen application, were the main climatic and ecological factors limiting the increase in the intercropping faba bean yield in Eshan and Xundian respectively. The optimum nitrogen application rate recommended in production is 45 kg/hm2, to reduce the nitrogen application rate and maximize the productivity of the wheat and faba bean system. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of financial openness on financial sector development and income inequality. We use the de jure and de facto measures of financial openness across 78 countries from 1980 to 2019. By employing a system generalized method of moments (GMM) with 5‐year averaged data and a novel push and pull modeling framework, we obtain three key results. First, the de jure measure of financial openness exacerbates income inequality and is sensitive to banking crises and conflict intensity. Second, the de facto measure spurs stock value traded in emerging market economies (EMEs) and declines domestic credit in Africa. Third, the interaction between de facto measures with schooling and governance factors affects financial sector development and income inequality. We highlighted that the mere usage of the de jure measure and their interaction is incorrect. The key implication is that valuable information about the real impact of openness can be obtained from the de facto measures and their interaction with favorable macroeconomic fundamentals, governance factors, and adverse nonpolicy factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normally, the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) on Fe‐based materials is unfavorable due to the poisoning of reaction sites by CO products. By modulating the electronic structures of Fe sites via carbonization, the CO binding strength can be optimized to facilitate the CO2RR. In the present study, a dual N‐elimination strategy is adopted to synthesize and stabilize a rarely reported iron carbide phase Fe2C nanoclusters with a mean diameter of 1.07 nm trapped in topological carbon defects. Notably, the ultrafine Fe2C clusters present an excellent performance on electrocatalytic CO2RR, which can drive a current density of 8.53 mA cm−2 with Faradaic efficiency of 97.1% for CO production at −0.7 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the nanometric Fe2C cluster possesses much weaker binding with CO than the Fe crystalline surfaces and other iron carbides, thus promoting the CO desorption and overall CO2RR process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed sorting based on deep neural networks is one of the important applications of seed variety identification and quality purification. However, DNNs is difficult to deploy on embedded devices since the consumption of computational and storage resource. To address these problems, this paper proposes a pipeline‐style neural network framework for real‐time seed sorting. First, we propose a novel algorithm, 2D information entropy, pruning redundant filters to realize structured pruning. Then, the pruning rate of each convolution layer is determined by visualizing the results of 2D entropy. Meanwhile, the pruned network is fine‐tuned to recover the performance. Finally, TensorRT is utilized to optimize and accelerate the pruned model for deployment in Jeston Nano. Experiments on two large‐scale seed‐sorting datasets demonstrate the significant improvement of the proposed method over existing model compression methods. Experimental results on Jeston Nano show that the pruned model 2EFP‐E achieves a single image inference speed of 107 FPS, with the best accuracy of 95.94% on the red kidney bean dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modified surfactants can regulate their adsorption at the target surface and are essential for various separation applications such as froth flotation. Thioether‐containing hydroxamic acid (BTHA) is an excellent oxidized‐ore collector with poor dispersibility. Herein, acylamino, which possesses the ability to improve the surfactants' self‐assembly and dispersion, was introduced to synthesize N‐[6‐(hydroxyamino)‐6‐oxohexyl] benzylthioacetamide (BTAHA); thus, applying it to cassiterite flotation. Surface tension, adsorption capacity, in situ AFM, and surface energy results reveal BTAHA displays strong bubble stability and readily adsorbs onto the mineral's surface, promoting hydrophobic flotation. BTAHA is an effective cassiterite collector and has good separation effects on cassiterite against calcite. It can form Van der Waals forces and five‐membered hydroxamate‐(O,O)‐Sn rings with Sn atoms on cassiterite surfaces via thioether and hydroxamate groups. Meanwhile, the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bond between the amide groups facilitates the self‐assembly of the collectors on the cassiterite surface, and has broad industrial application prospects in various separation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poplar clearwing moth, Paranthrene tabaniformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) is a serious wood‐boring pest of several trees. The ultramorphology of the antennae and proboscis sensilla of adult P. tabaniformis was examined using scanning electron microscope to determine their structures and sex‐specific differences. The results showed that the antennae of both sexes are composed of three segments: scape, pedicel and flagellum. Female antennae are clavate while male antennae are pectinate. The number of flagellomeres for females was significantly greater than for males. Seven different types of sensilla were identified on antennae of both males and females: Böhm sensilla, sensilla squamiformia, sensilla trichodea (three subtypes), sensilla chaetica, sensilla coeloconica, and sensilla auricillica (two subtypes), and apical sensors. Three different types of sensilla were found on the proboscis of adult P. tabaniformis: sensilla styloconica, sensilla chaetica, and sensilla basiconica (three subtypes). The sexual dimorphism difference in the number, distributional pattern, the length and the basal width of various sensilla on the antennae and proboscis were determined. This study clarifies the types and sexual dimorphism of the antennal and proboscis sensilla of adult P. tabaniformis and provides useful theoretical foundations for studies on behavioral mechanisms and functions of sensilla of P. tabaniformis. Research Highlights: Various types of sensilla on the antennae and proboscis of adults Paranthrene tabaniformis were observed. The sexual dimorphism of various sensilla on the antennae and proboscis were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable electronics play important roles in noninvasive, continuous, and personalized monitoring of multiple biosignals generated by the body. To unleash their full potential for the next‐generation human‐centered bio‐integrated electronics, wireless sensing capability is a desirable feature. However, state‐of‐the‐art wireless sensing technologies exploit rigid and bulky electronic modules for power supply, signal generation, and data transmission. This study reports a battery‐free device technology based on a "two‐part" resonance circuit model with modularized, physically separated, and detachable functional units for magnetic coupling and biosensing. The resulting platform combines advantages of electronics and microfluidics with low cost, minimized form factors, and improved performance stability. Demonstration of a detachable sweat patch capable of simultaneous recording of cortisol concentration, pH value, and temperature highlights the potential of the "two‐part" circuit for advanced, transformative biosensing. The resulting wireless sensors provide a new engineering solution to monitoring biosignals through intimate and seamless integration with skin surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an optimal planning strategy is proposed for EV charging stations by considering travel demand based on non‐cooperative game theory. In the proposed methodology, a realistic and stochastic charging demand distribution was obtained with the travel chain of an EV and the associated probability density function. Based on the charging demand of EV owners and a multi‐operator scenario, a two‐stage effective and practical charging station planning model was established. The first stage of the planning model optimized the location of charging stations to decrease the total deadhead mileage of the EVs with the cooperation of the charging station operators. In the second stage, the operators were committed to increasing their economic benefits by developing a charging station capacity strategy in the framework of the non‐cooperative game. Furthermore, the combination of an adaptive mutation particle swarm optimization algorithm (AMPSO) and approximate Nash equilibrium had a better effect in reducing the difficulty of solving the game model and obtaining an optimal planning strategy. Finally, the results of the case study demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed methodology for improving the charging experience of the EV owners and achieving a balance of benefits among multiple charging station operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly sensitive and selective electrochemical biosensor for catechol (CC) detection was developed by immobilizing tyrosinase (TYR) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with sulfide minerals (SFMs) in the co‐adsorption of acridine orange (AO). The sensor employed natural SFMs as the substrate material and utilized AO as a molecular recognition probe to create synergy effect for TYR to detect catechol. The developed TYR/AO/SFMs/GCE biosensors were characterized by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive analysis of X‐rays spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectra, X‐ray fluorescence, and electrochemical analysis. The results show that the sensors have excellent electrochemical activity for the detection of catechol (CC) under optimized conditions. The linear ranges were 0.1–50 μM, 0.1–10 μM, 0.1–50 μM and 0.1–100 μM for galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite, respectively, with the detection limits of 1.18 μM, 0.29 μM, 0.54 μM and 0.68 μM, respectively. The sensors also have good reproducibility, stability, repeatability and anti‐interference ability. AO is essential to increase the adsorbed amount and provides suitable orientation of the adsorbed TYR on these sulfide minerals' surfaces. In consideration of cost‐effective and rich resources of sulfide minerals, easily physical adsorption method, combination of organic dye, minerals and enzymes, this strategy paves a new way to design other novel electrochemical biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury (SCII) is a severe complication driven by apoptosis and neuroinflammation. An increase in the expression of c‐Fos, a member of the AP‐1 family, is known as a neuronal activation marker in SCII. The AP‐1 family is composed of Jun, Fos, and is associated with the regulation of cytokines expression and apoptosis. Fra‐1 is a member of the Fos family, however, the contribution of Fra‐1 to SCII is still unclear. In our study, Fra‐1 was highly upregulated especially in neurons and microglia and promoted apoptosis by changing the expression of Bax/Bcl‐2 after SCII. Furthermore, we found that Fra‐1 directly regulated the transcription expression of S100A8. We demonstrated that knockdown of Fra‐1 alleviated S100A8 mediated neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory factor release, thus improved motor function after SCII. Interestingly, we showed that administration of TAK‐242, the TLR4 inhibitor, to the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced rats suppressed the activation of the ERK and NF‐κB pathways, and further reduced Fra‐1 expression. In conclusion, we found that Fra‐1‐targeted S100A8 was expressed the upstream of Fra‐1, and the Fra‐1/S100A8 interaction formed a feedback loop in the signaling pathways activated by SCII. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron subvariants, BA.1 and BA.2, are being progressively displaced by BA.5 in many countries. To provide insight on the replacement of BA.2 by BA.5 as the dominant SARS‐CoV‐2 variant, we performed a comparative analysis of Omicron BA.2.12.1 and BA.5.2 variants in cell culture and hamster models. We found that BA.5.2 exhibited enhanced replicative kinetics over BA.2.12.1 in vitro and in vivo, which is evidenced by the dominant BA.5.2 viral genome detected at different time points, regardless of immune selection pressure with vaccine‐induced serum antibodies. Utilizing reverse genetics, we constructed a mutant SARS‐CoV‐2 carrying spike F486V substitution, which is an uncharacterized mutation that concurrently discriminates Omicron BA.5.2 from BA.2.12.1 variant. We noticed that the 486th residue does not confer viral replication advantage to the virus. We also found that 486V displayed generally reduced immune evasion capacity when compared with its predecessor, 486F. However, the surge of fitness in BA.5.2 over BA.2.12.1 was not due to stand‐alone F486V substitution but as a result of the combination of multiple mutations. Our study upholds the urgency for continuous monitoring of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variants with enhanced replication fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The anthelmintic drug nitazoxanide has a mitochondrial uncoupling effect. Mitochondrial uncouplers have been proven to inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation of macrophages and improve dyslipidaemia. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate that nitazoxanide would protect against atherosclerosis. Experimental Approach: The mitochondrial oxygen consumption of cells was measured by using the high‐resolution respirometry system, Oxygraph‐2K. The proliferation and migration of A10 cells were measured by using Edu immunofluorescence staining, wound‐induced migration and the Boyden chamber assay. Protein levels were measured by using the western blot technique. ApoE (−/−) mice were fed with a Western diet to establish an atherosclerotic model in vivo. Key Results: The in vitro experiments showed that nitazoxanide and tizoxanide had a mitochondrial uncoupling effect and activated cellular AMPK. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited serum‐ and PDGF‐induced proliferation and migration of A10 cells. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in RAW264.7 macrophages, the mechanism by which involved the AMPK/IκBα/NF‐κB pathway. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide also induced autophagy in A10 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that oral administration of nitazoxanide reduced the increase in serum IL‐1β and IL‐6 levels and suppressed atherosclerosis in Western diet‐fed ApoE (−/−) mice. Conclusion and Implications: Nitazoxanide inhibits the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE (−/−) mice fed on a Western diet. In view of nitazoxanide being an antiprotozoal drug already approved by the FDA, we propose it as a novel anti‐atherosclerotic drug with clinical translational potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goals of this study were to evaluate the role of salicylic acid (SA) in causing autotoxic stress in the faba bean root system and explore how the co‐culture of faba bean (Vicia faba) with wheat (Triticum aestivum) alleviates this stress. We designed a hydroponic pot experiment to study the effects of exogenous SA on the occurrence of Fusarium wilt, seedling growth, physiological resistance of faba bean and pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae (FOF). The results showed that SA significantly increased the incidence and disease index of faba bean Fusarium wilt, inhibited the growth of seedlings and reduced the physiological resistance of faba bean. An in vitro study of FOF found that SA increased the ability of the organism to produce fusaric acid, cellulase and pectinase, which increased the susceptibility of faba bean to Fusarium wilt. Interestingly, co‐cultivation with wheat significantly reduced the content of SA in exudates from the faba bean roots, which directly reduced the deleterious effects of SA. In addition, co‐cultivation could increase the activity of peroxidase and catalase, reduce the content of malondialdehyde, thus improving the ability of faba bean to defend itself. In conclusion, we found that SA, as an autotoxic substance, aggravates the occurrence of Fusarium wilt on faba bean and affects the growth of this crop. However, co‐cultivation of faba bean with wheat could alleviate this autotoxicity. This study has discovered a possible mechanism that could explain how co‐cultivation can alleviate the obstacles in cropping systems and control Fusarium wilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single‐cycle infectious virus can elicit close‐to‐natural immune response and memory. One approach to generate single‐cycle severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is through deletion of structural genes such as spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N). Transcomplementation of the resulting ΔS or ΔN virus through enforced expression of S or N protein in the cells gives rise to a live but unproductive virus. In this study, ΔS and ΔN BAC clones were constructed and their live virions were rescued by transient expression of S and N proteins from the ancestral and the Omicron strains. ΔS and ΔN virions were visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Virion production of ΔS was more efficient than that of ΔN. The coated S protein from ΔS was delivered to infected cells in which the expression of N protein was also robust. In contrast, expression of neither S nor N was detected in ΔN‐infected cells. ΔS underwent viral RNA replication, induced type I interferon (IFN) response, but did not form plaques. Despite RNA replication in cells, ΔS infection did not produce viral progeny in culture supernatant. Interestingly, viral RNA replication was not further enhanced upon overexpression of S protein. Taken together, our work provides a versatile platform for development of single‐cycle vaccines for SARS‐CoV‐2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soilborne Fusarium wilt is a key factor restricting the cultivation of faba bean. Intercropping faba bean and wheat effectively alleviate faba bean Fusarium wilt. This study analyzed the mechanism by which cinnamic acid promotes Fusarium wilt and the mechanism that enables intercropping alleviated Fusarium wilt. Faba beans were inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae (FOF), while the controls were not inoculated. Different concentrations of cinnamic acid were added to the inoculated plants to study the occurrence of Fusarium wilt, seedling growth, the activities of cell wall degradation enzyme (CWDESs) produced by FOF in the root, defense enzymes, total phenolics and lignin, levels of expression of the pathogenesis‐related genes (PRs) PR1, PR2, and PR10, and changes in the submicroscopic cell wall structure of the roots under monocropping and intercropping systems. Cinnamic acid increased the activities of CWDEs produced by FOF in the roots, increased the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and polyphenol oxidase and the contents of total phenolics and lignin, and upregulated the levels of expression of PRs in the root, but it decreased the activity of peroxidase. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations identified severe damage and disruption of the root cell walls, and numerous FOF mycelia entered the cytoplasm from the cell wall. The combination of these factors increased the occurrence of Fusarium wilt. The activities of CWDEs produced by FOF in the roots decreased by intercropping wheat with faba bean, which increased the resistance of the root cell walls to infection and decreased the Fusarium wilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]