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Aim Methods Results Conclusion The purpose of this retrospective patient chart review was to analyze the clinical data of 52 patients with benign parotid tumors who underwent modified buried vertical mattress sutures and to assess the postoperative complication rate and patient scarring.A total of 52 patients with benign parotid tumors underwent total parotidectomy and modified buried vertical mattress suture. Variables included general characteristics (age, gender, tumor diameter, and pathologic type), surgical indicators (suture time, wound healing time, operative time, hospital stay, bleeding volume, and drainage volume), complication rates, and Sunnybrook facial neurological function score, visual scar scale (VSS) score and patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) score.Most tumors were less than 3 cm in diameter, with pleomorphic adenomas being the most common. Suture time was 14.83 ± 1.61 min, operative time was 58.90 ± 15.76 min and hospital stay were 5.12 ± 0.96 days. Postoperatively, salivary fistulae developed in one patient, Frey's syndrome in two patients, temporary facial paralysis in six patients and temporary numbness in the incision area in six patients. At 6 months postoperatively, 86.5% of patients had a Sunnybrook score of more than 80, and VSS scores and POSAS scores were between one and two.The postoperative complication rate was 30.8%, and the scarring in the facial incision area was mild and close to normal skin at 3 years postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti‐inflammatory compounds, delivered as a payload to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) by carriers, still cannot treat inflammatory bowel diseases without avoiding side effects. Here, we developed payload‐free protein nanoparticles (PNPs) that crossed GIT to retain in the colon and treat colitis by restoring intestinal barrier integrity by modulating gut microbiome and metabolome. Specifically, PNPs, orally administered to mice with acute colitis, reached the colon within three hours. Consequently, PNPs improve gut microbiota dysbiosis to reverse metabolism balance, suppressing the expression of tumor‐necrosis factor α and toll‐like receptor 4 that restores the intestinal barrier integrity. PNPs then ameliorated colon inflammation and attenuated gut microbiota dysbiosis by exerting probiotic effects on gut microbiota, treating colitis in a week more effectively than the clinically often used 5‐aminosalicylic acid without causing undesired side effects. Such PNPs represent safe, sustainable, and cost‐effective therapeutics for treating inflammatory and metabolic diseases by eliminating microbial and metabolomic imbalance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) have garnered significant attention across diverse fields; however, accomplishing on‐demand, large‐scale, and highly efficient preparation of BNNSs remains a challenge. Here, an on‐demand preparation (OdP) method combining high‐pressure homogenization and short‐time ultrasonication is presented; it enables a highly efficient and controllable preparation of BNNSs from bulk hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN). The homogenization pressure and number of cycles are adjusted, and the production efficiency and yield of BNNSs reach 0.95 g g−1h−1 and 82.8%, respectively, which significantly exceed those attained by using existing methods. The universality of the OdP method is demonstrated on h‐BN raw materials of various bulk sizes from various producers. Furthermore, this method allows the preparation of BNNSs having specific sizes based on the final requirements. Both simulation and experimental results indicate that large BNNSs are particularly suitable for enhancing the thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties of dielectric polymer nanocomposites. Interestingly, the small BNNS‐filled photonic nanocomposite films fabricated via the OdP method exhibit superior daytime radiative cooling properties. Additionally, the OdP method offers the benefits of low energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fossil energy use. These findings underscore the unique advantages of the OdP method over other techniques for a high‐efficiency and controllable preparation of large BNNSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 1 gene (MEN1), which is known to be a tumor suppressor gene in lung tissues, encodes a 610 amino acid protein menin. Previous research has proven that MEN1 deficiency promotes the malignant progression of lung cancer. However, the biological role of this gene in the immune microenvironment of lung cancer remains unclear. In this study, we found that programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) is upregulated in lung‐specific KrasG12D mutation‐induced lung adenocarcinoma in mice, after Men1 deficiency. Simultaneously, CD8+ and CD3+ T cells are depleted, and their cytotoxic effects are suppressed. In vitro, PD‐L1 is inhibited by the overexpression of menin. Mechanistically, we found that MEN1 inactivation promotes the deubiquitinating activity of COP9 signalosome subunit 5 (CSN5) and subsequently increases the level of PD‐L1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Burn and scald injuries are the fourth most common type of trauma. Pediatric burns account for a high proportion of the total number of burn patients and impose a high burden on public health. Understanding the epidemiology of pediatric burns can help improve science education and reduce the incidence of burn injuries. Methods: This study is a single‐center retrospective study. One thousand five hundred and twenty‐seven pediatric burn patients admitted to our burn center from January 2016 to December 2020 were included. Demographic and epidemiological data of included patients were extracted and analyzed. The correlations of categorical data were tested by the Chi‐square tests, and differences of continuous data were tested by the Kruskal–Wallis tests. A p‐value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The results showed that children under 3 years of age were most susceptible to burn and scald injuries. Burn injuries were most likely to occur in the season of winter and at the place of home. 56.6% of included patients did receive first aid measures, while 1.8% received gold‐standard first aid. Clinical variables related to the severity of injuries were statistically different between patients with and without cooling measures in first aid. Linear regression models showed that emergency treatment of burns in children and adolescents was associated with outcome indicators, including number of operations, total operation duration per total burn surface area (TBSA), cost per TBSA, and length of stay per TBSA. Conclusions: This study summarized the epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric burn patients admitted to a burn center in northern China. Adopting cooling measures in first aid can reduce the severity of injuries and reduce the burden on the medical system. Education on burn prevention and first aid measures to caregivers of children, especially preschool children, should be strengthened. Key points: Understanding the epidemiology of pediatric burns can help improve science education and reduce the incidence of burn injuries.This study aimed to analyze epidemiological and clinical variables of pediatric burn patients in a burn center in northern China.Children under 3 years of age were most susceptible to burn and scald injuries.Burn injuries in pediatric patients were most likely to occur in the season of winter and at the place of home.Adopting cooling measures in first aid can reduce the severity of burn injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive daytime radiative cooling dissipates heat from surfaces by reflecting sunlight and emitting infrared radiation to the cold outer space, featuring a zero‐energy consumption. Polymer‐dielectric radiative cooling coatings have received significant attention because of their scalable preparation, low cost, and ease of use. However, current dielectric scatterers reveal limited solar reflectance in the polymer‐dielectric coatings due to the optical crowding, which reduces cooling effect and hinders practical application. Employing a scalable emulsion templated method, reversed yolk–shell dielectric scatterers (RYSS) are developed to alleviate optical crowding effects in polymer‐dielectric coatings. This results in coatings with a solar reflectance of ≈97.4% and an infrared emittance of ≈96.9%, while achieving a substantial reduction in scatterers content. Besides, simulation results show that RYSS outperforms core–shell, hollow, and solid scatterers in enhancing solar reflectance. Using phase change materials as emulsion templates, RYSS with high heat storage effectively enhance daytime cooling and reduce nighttime over‐cooling. Moreover, cooling experiments on concentrating photovoltaics demonstrate a temperature drop of 42 °C (≈26.2 times extension of lifetime) and a notable 22% increase in open‐circuit voltage. This work suggests that RYSS presents a promising solution to overcome the challenges of radiative cooling materials and pave the way for their practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two five‐coordinate mononuclear DyIII single‐molecule magnets [(TrapenTMS)Dy(L)] (Trapen=tris(2‐aminobenzyl) amine; TMS=SiMe3; L=OPMe31, OPEt32) have been synthesized by the reaction of [(TrapenTMS)Dy(THF)] and OPMe3, OPEt3, respectively. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were fully established by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The centre DyIII ions of both complexes exhibit distorted triangular bipyramid geometries, varying with different neutral ligands L on the apex. The TrapenTMS ligand forms the pyramid base of the trigonal bipyramid. Subtle structural modifications of the axial O‐ligand terminal substituent result in different dynamic magnetic behaviors. Magnetic data analysis reveals that 1 and 2 exhibit the characteristic behavior of SMM without a dc field, accompanying an unambiguous quantum tunneling of the magnetization. Field‐induced slow magnetic relaxation was observed for 1 and 2 under an applied bias dc field of 1000 Oe, the relaxation energy barriers are 107 K and 88 K for 1 and 2, respectively. We have investigated the differences in magnetism and magnetic anisotropy between the two complexes by ab initio calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilized middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse models and HT‐22 cell oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) models to investigate the therapeutic effects of melatonin on ischemic brain injury. In the experiments, MCAO mice were treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg doses of melatonin, and H‐T22 cells underwent OGD/R treatment and were administered different concentrations of melatonin. The results showed that melatonin significantly reduced ischemic brain area, neural damage, cerebral edema, and neuronal apoptosis in MCAO mice. In the HT‐22 cell model, melatonin also improved cell proliferation ability, reduced apoptosis, and ROS production. Further mechanistic studies found that melatonin exerts protective effects by inhibiting ferroptosis, an iron‐dependent form of regulated cell death, through regulation of the ACSL4/CYP1B1 pathway. In MCAO mice, melatonin decreased lipid peroxidation, ROS production, and ACSL4 protein expression. Overexpression of CYP1B1 increased ACSL4 ubiquitination and degradation, thereby increasing cell tolerance to ferroptosis, reducing ACSL4 protein levels, and decreasing ROS production. CYP1B1 knockdown obtained opposite results. The CYP1B1 metabolite 20‐HETE induces expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXO10 by activating PKC signaling, which promotes ACSL4 degradation. In the OGD/R cell model, inhibition of CYP1B1 expression reversed the therapeutic effects of melatonin. In summary, this study demonstrates that melatonin protects the brain from ischemic injury by inhibiting ferroptosis through regulation of the ACSL4/CYP1B1 pathway, providing evidence for new therapeutic targets for ischemic brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynaecological malignancies with poor prognosis and lack of effective treatment. The improvement of the situation of ovarian cancer urgently requires the exploration of its molecular mechanism to develop more effective molecular targeted drugs. In this study, the role of human ribosomal protein l35a (RPL35A) in ovarian cancer was explored in vitro and in vivo. Our data identified that RPL35A expression was abnormally elevated in ovarian cancer. Clinically, high expression of RPL35A predicted short survival and poor TNM staging in patients with ovarian cancer. Functionally, RPL35A knock down inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration, enhanced apoptosis, while overexpression had the opposite effect. Mechanically, RPL35A promoted the direct binding of transcription factor YY1 to CTCF in ovarian cancer cells. Consistently, RPL35A regulated ovarian cancer progression depending on CTCF in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, RPL35A affected the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells through PPAR signalling pathway. In conclusion, RPL35A drove ovarian cancer progression by promoting the binding of YY1 and CTCF promoter, and inhibiting this process may be an effective strategy for targeted therapy of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tislelizumab, an anti‐programmed cell death protein 1 monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated improved survival benefits over standard of care for multiple cancer indications. We present the clinical rationale and data supporting tislelizumab dose recommendation in patients with advanced tumors. The phase I, first‐in‐human, dose‐finding BGB‐A317‐001 study (data cutoff [DCO]: August 2017) examined the following tislelizumab dosing regimens: 0.5–10 mg/kg every 2 weeks (q2w), 2–5 mg/kg q2w or q3w, and 200 mg q3w. Similar objective response rates (ORRs) were reported in the 2 and 5 mg/kg q2w or q3w cohorts. Safety outcomes (grade ≥3 adverse events [AEs], AEs leading to dose modification/discontinuation, immune‐mediated AEs, and infusion‐related reactions) were generally comparable across the dosing range examined. These results, alongside the convenience of a fixed q3w dose, formed the basis of choosing 200 mg q3w as the recommended dosing regimen for further clinical use. Pooled exposure–response (E–R) analyses by logistic regression using data from study BGB‐A317‐001 (DCO: August 2020) and three additional phase I/II studies (DCOs: 2018–2020) showed no statistically significant correlation between tislelizumab pharmacokinetic exposure and ORR across multiple solid tumor types or classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, nor was exposure associated with any of the safety end points evaluated over the dose range tested. Hence, tislelizumab showed a relatively flat E–R relationship. Overall, the totality of data, including efficacy, safety, and E–R analyses, together with the relative convenience of a fixed q3w dose, provided clinical rationale for the recommended dosing regimen of tislelizumab 200 mg q3w for multiple cancer indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impacts occur everywhere, and they pose a serious threat to human health and production safety. Flexible materials with efficient cushioning and energy absorption are ideal candidates to provide protection from impacts. Despite the high demand, the cushioning capacity of protective materials is still limited. In this study, an integrated bionic strategy is proposed, and a bioinspired structural composite material with highly cushioning performance is developed on the basis of this strategy. The results demonstrated that the integrated bionic material, an S‐spider web‐foam, has excellent energy storage and dissipation as well as cushioning performance. Under impact loading, S‐spider web‐foam can reduce peak impact forces by a factor of 3.5 times better than silicone foam, achieving unprecedented cushioning performance. The results of this study deepen the understanding of flexible cushioning materials and may provide new strategies and inspiration for the preparation of high‐performance flexible cushioning materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permanent crosslinked network imparts chemical and mechanical stability to crosslinked elastomers, making their recycling a serious environmental issue. The decomposition products of pentaaryl diazoxide in the structure of hydantoin epoxy resin are nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and it is an environmentally friendly resin material. Here, we demonstrate a reversible covalent bonding reaction catalyzed by Zn2+ between the ester bond formed by the hydantoin epoxy resin and the acid anhydride, and construct a reversible crosslinked network structure of the environmentally friendly acid anhydride/hydantoin epoxy resin material. The strength, hardness and toughness of the cured material are greatly improved by optimizing its ratio. The ester exchange bonding can be reversible with temperature, which leads to the shape memory capability of the synthesized cured material. The cured product of HMY1 was recovered with ethylene glycol and completely dissolved at 180°C for 11 h. Ethylene glycol was volatilized at 190°C to obtain decomposed epoxy oligomer (DEO), which was added to the HMY1 resin system (the amount of DEO was 30 wt% of the total mass of the resin), and the network structure was cross‐linked to enable it to be recovered and remanufactured. Thus, this work provides a new avenue for the environmentally friendly development of recyclable, reconfigurable, and thermally adaptable shape‐memory hydantoin epoxy materials. Highlights: Hydantoin epoxy resin eventually breaks down into non‐toxic CO2 and N2.Hydantoin epoxy and methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride form a reversible dynamic chemical bond catalyzed by Zn2+.Ethylene glycol can recover and reuse the solidified product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐grade heat (<100 °C) energy sources possess considerable untapped potential for sustainable power generation. Liquid thermocells (LTCs) represent an innovative solution to convert low‐grade heat into electricity. The performance of LTCs relies on the combined effects of the Seebeck coefficient (Se), electrical conductivity (σeff), and thermal conductivity (κeff). While previous studies have predominantly focused on enhancing Se and σeff, κeff has received limited attention. Therefore, in this study, an electrochemically active biphasic liquid thermocell (EAB‐LTC) composed of ferrocene (Fc) and Fe(CN)63−${\mathrm{Fe}}({\mathrm{CN}})_6^{3 - }$ in an ethanol‐aqueous biphasic system is proposed. The self‐reaction of the redox couple enhances Se, while the biphasic nature of the system suppresses thermal convection, resulting in reduced κeff. Compared to the conventional single‐phase LTC utilizing Fe(CN)63−${\mathrm{Fe}}({\mathrm{CN}})_6^{3 - }$ / Fe(CN)64−${\mathrm{Fe}}({\mathrm{CN}})_6^{4 - }$, the Se is increased by nearly threefold, accompanied by a more than threefold enhancement in output power. The application of the EAB‐LTC module is successfully demonstrated in powering electronic devices, thereby establishing a novel pathway for advancing high‐performance LTCs and presenting a promising approach toward achieving carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Human adenovirus 7 (HAdV‐7) is an important viral pathogen of severe pneumonia in children and a serious threat to health. Methods: A cohort of 45 pediatric patients diagnosed with HAdV‐7‐associated severe pneumonia and admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2018 to January 2020 were included. Risk factors of death were analyzed by the Cox proportional risk mode with Clinical data, serum, and nasopharyngeal aspirate adenovirus load, Genome analysis, Olink proteomics, and cytokine profile between dead and surviving patients were also analyzed. Results: A total of 45 children with a median age of 12.0 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 6.5, 22.0) were included (female 14), including 14 (31.1%) who died. High serum viral load was an independent risk factor for mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–4.49, p = 0.039). BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1), interleukin‐5 (IL‐5), and IL‐9 levels were significantly correlated with serum viral load (p = 0.0400, 0.0499, and 0.0290; r = 0.4663, 0.3339, and −0.3700, respectively), with significant differences between the dead and survival groups (p = 0.021, 0.001, and 0.021). Conclusions: Severe cytokine storm‐associated high serum viral load after HAdV‐7 infection may be the main mechanism responsible for poor prognosis in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) has become a significant public health issue worldwide. This can result in loss of spinal function affecting patient health and quality of life. Artificial total disc replacement (A‐TDR) is an effective approach for treating symptomatic DDD that compensates for lost functionality and helps patients perform daily activities. However, because current A‐TDR devices lack the unique structure and material characteristics of natural intervertebral discs (IVDs), they fail to replicate the multidirectional stiffness needed to match physiological motions and characterize anisotropic behavior. It is still unclear how the multidirectional stiffness of the disc is affected by structural parameters and material characteristics. Herein, a bioinspired intervertebral disc (BIVD‐L) based on a representative human lumbar segment is developed. The proposed BIVD‐L reproduces the multidirectional stiffness needed for the most common physiological kinematic behaviors. The results demonstrate that the multidirectional stiffness of the BIVD‐L can be regulated by structural and material parameters. The results of this research deepen knowledge of the biomechanical behavior of the human lumbar disc and may provide new inspirations for the design and fabrication of A‐TDR devices for both engineering and functional applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It's a big challenge to use commercial catalysts in the non‐electric industries because complex flue gas containing alkali metals, heavy metals and SO2 could deactivate catalysts. In this study, we demonstrate that inherent SO42− modified V2O5/CeO2 catalysts exhibit remarkable resistance to multi‐poisons including K, Pb and SO2. The mechanisms of multiple poisoning resistance are revealed, and the evolutions of interactions between various poisons and different catalysts are elucidated. It is evidenced that K or Pb could bond on the inherent SO42− sites of catalysts; the interaction of K with Pb could impair the poisoning effects of K&Pb on catalysts; the newly formed surface SO42− species with the introduction of SO2 could bond with K dominantly, decrease the interaction between K and Pb, and relieve the effects of Pb on catalysts. K&Pb&SO2 co‐poisoned catalysts still maintain high adsorption of NH3/NH4+ and NOx species and a superior NOx reduction efficiency via the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood reaction pathway, leading to the ultra‐strong resistance of multi‐poisons. This work successfully achieves efficient and stable NOx removal in the presence of K&Pb&SO2, and sheds light on the interactions between various poisons and different catalysts, which is significant to abate NOx emissions for non‐electric industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, layered oxides have been extensively studied as promising cathode materials for sodium ion batteries. However, layered oxides undergo complex phase transitions during charge‐discharge process, which adversely affects the electrochemical performance. High‐entropy layered oxides as a unique design concept can effectively improve the cycling performance of cathode materials by virtue of the 2D ion migration channels between the layers. Based on the concepts of high‐entropy and layered oxides, this paper reviews the research status of high‐entropy layered oxides in the field of sodium‐ion batteries, focusing on the connection between high‐entropy and layered oxide phase transitions during electrochemical charging and discharging. Finally, the advantages of layered cathode materials based high‐entropy are summarized, and the opportunities and challenges of future high‐entropy layered materials are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyanionic material, specifically the NASICON‐type material, is considered a promising cathode material for Na‐ion batteries (SIBs) because of its stable structure and high operating voltage. Further, it improves the energy density correlated with the well utilization of all Na in the compound. For Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF), the extraction of the third Na, reported as the electrochemical inactivated, can be realized at a high voltage region while forming an irreversible tetragonal phase. In this study, we introduce Ti doping to the Na2VTi(PO4)2F3 (NVTPF) material; we reveal that the Ti‐doped NVTPF could effectively suppress the irreversible phase transformation, thus successfully harnessing Na in a wide voltage range. Experimental study discloses that the Ti‐substituted Na2VTi(PO4)2F3 could take up the Na+ from Amam phase to Cmc21 phase between 1.0 V and 4.8 V reversibly accounting for the 2 Na+ transportation that shows favorable Na+ kinetics and structural stability. Our research provides the strategy to stabilize the polyanion structure upon charging at a high voltage range and inspires the utilization of full sodium in the polyanionic materials, which could be considered as a material design for future conventional applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the nitrogen isotope composition of individual amino acids in collagen extracted from human bone samples from the Gaoshan, Yingpanshan, and Xinyicun sites in Sichuan, where the isotope baseline is unavailable or incomparable with the isotopic data derived from human remains. It aims to understand the food compositions of the inhabitants at these sites, spanning the period from the late Neolithic to the middle Bronze Age, during which time agriculture and domestication of animals were introduced to the region and became increasingly important. The δ15N values of two amino acids, phenylalanine (δ15NPhe) and glutamic acid (δ15NGlu), indicate that the peoples on the Chengdu Plain mainly consumed terrestrial foods. The contribution of aquatic resources to their diet was limited. A possible explanation for the low dependence on aquatic foods is that the developed agriculture and domestication of animals offered sufficient foods. Such subsistence economies and dietary patterns were shaped in the early Baodun period (ca. 2,500–2000 BCE) at the latest and did not seem to change when transiting to the Bronze Age. This study also assesses the significance of these subsistence practices in supporting the social development of the Chengdu Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). However, only limited information is available regarding its seasonality and its relationship with birth month. A retrospective hospital‐based study was carried out from June 2009 to May 2019 in Chongqing, southwest of China. LRTI cases under 5 years were enrolled in this study and PCR was used to detect 8 respiratory viruses. RSV seasonality was determined using "average annual percentage" (AAP) and "percent positivity" method. A total of 6991 cases were enrolled in this study, with an RSV positivity of 34.5%. From June 2009 to May 2019, we analyzed RSV epidemic season during 10 RSV epidemic years in Chongqing using two methods. The result of AAP method was similar to that of percent positivity method with a 30% threshold, which showed an epidemic season of roughly October to March in the subsequent year, with a small peak in June. On average, the RSV epidemic season in RSV‐A dominant years typically started earlier (week 42 for RSV‐A vs. week 46 for RSV‐B), ended earlier (week 12 for RSV‐A vs. week 14 for RSV‐B), lasted longer (24 weeks for RSV‐A vs. 22 weeks for RSV‐B), and reached its peak earlier (week 2 for RSV‐A vs. week 3 for RSV‐B) than in RSV‐B dominant years. The proportion of severe LRTI was higher in cases of single infection with RSV‐A compared to those of single infection with RSV‐B (26.3% vs. 22.3%, p = 0.024). Among infants under 1 year, those born in May and August through December were more likely to be infected with RSV. Infants born 1–2 months before the epidemic season were relatively more susceptible to RSV infection. In Chongqing, the RSV epidemic was seasonal and usually lasted from October to March of next year with a small peak in summer. Infants born 1–2 months before the epidemic season were relatively more susceptible to RSV infection and this population should be targeted while developing RSV immunization strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of cancer, the clear and accurate tumor imaging and image‐guided multimodal synergistic therapy are highly in demand. Here, bismuth (Bi)‐based mesoporous‐silica‐coated nanoparticles (BMSNs) are successfully fabricated with the silica shell thickness being lower than the Bi nanoparticle diameter. Then, an MCF‐7 breast cancer‐targeting peptide (termed AR) is modified onto the surface of BMSNs. The obtained nanoparticles (BMSN‐AR) show a significantly higher loading of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). The resultant BMSN‐AR‐DOX can agglomerate in the tumor site, enabling enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging of the whole tumor. Under 808 nm near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, the BMSN‐AR‐DOX also effectively converts light energy into thermal energy to achieve synergistic chemo‐photothermal therapy in vivo. The chemo‐photothermal combination therapy is found to be more effective than chemotherapy or photothermal therapy alone. This work demonstrates that tumor‐homing peptides can guide nanoparticles to tumors and allow the nanoparticles to enhance cancer imaging and photothermal/chemo combination therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant functional traits are increasingly recognised as being impacted by soil abiotic and biotic factors. Yet, the question to what extent the coupling between community‐level above‐ and below‐ground traits is affected by soil conditions remains open.In a field experiment in dune grassland, we quantified the responses of both community‐level leaf and root traits to changes in soil abiotic and biotic conditions using soil inoculation by living and sterile soil inocula originated from different dune ecosystems.Altered soil conditions resulted in a strong decoupling in responses of community‐level leaf and root traits. Changes in soil abiotic conditions imposed by soil inoculation were more important in determining the decoupling of the leaf vs root relationships than additions of soil biota. Altered soil abiotic factors influenced both leaf and root traits at the community level and caused the entire community‐level trait spectrum to shift, while experimental additions of living soil inocula only significantly influenced root traits towards longer and thinner roots.Synthesis. Our results bring direct evidence that, at a plant community level, the dynamics of plant above‐ground traits are not informative of below‐ground traits. Particularly, below‐ground abiotic processes are a major driver of commonly observed trait spectra. We suggest that future study is required to test the general pattern of leaf and root correlations across different ecosystems under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than 80% of adolescent and young adult cancer patients (AYACPs) experienced psychological distress. Physical activity and behavioral activation are effective to relieve the psychological distress in AYACPs. Methods: Participants aged 15–39 years diagnosed with malignant tumors were included. A total of 143 eligible AYACPs were randomly assigned to three groups. The treatment‐as‐usual group (N = 48) received routine care, the physical activity group (N = 47) received 8 weeks of physical activity program based on intelligent wearable devices, and the behavioral activation group (N = 48) received an internet‐based modified behavioral activation program for 8 weeks. Objective outcome measures included salivary cortisol and testosterone. Results: Linear mixed‐model analyses showed significant differences between treatment‐as‐usual, physical activity and behavioral activation in salivary cortisol, as well as total scores on depression and anxiety, physical activity, self‐efficacy, and social support. Significantly stronger effect sizes for physical activity group compared with behavioral activation group were found on physical activity (d = 0.53) (1 week after intervention), moderate activity (d = 0.61), and walking activity (d = 0.57) (3‐month follow‐up). Conclusions: Intelligent, wearable, device‐based physical activity program is more effective in alleviating anxiety and depression, reducing saliva cortisol, and improving physical activity in AYACPs than internet‐based modified behavioral activation program. Intelligent, wearable, device‐based physical activity program can reduce the time cost of AYACPs to ensure that the intervention is carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertility is a significant concern among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors and their caregivers, especially after their completion of cancer treatment programs. Concerns about fertility affect not only cancer patients' psychological well‐being, but also all aspects of their medical treatments, including treatment protocol, decision‐making, and treatment adherence. In this scoping review, the PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang electronic databases were searched according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews. The searches identified 669 articles, 54 of which met the inclusion criteria. Reviewers extracted the data on the study characteristics, measurements, positive factors, negative factors, and additional themes. This scoping review included studies from 10 countries. Most studies were quantitative using a cross‐sectional design. The prevalence of reproductive concerns among AYA cancer survivors ranged from 44% to 86%, and 28% to 44% of the survivors experienced moderate to severe concerns. The specific implementation of fertility consultation, including timing, consult frequency, and content, deserves ongoing exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatlands, with high spatial variability in ecotypes and microforms, constitute a significant part of the boreal landscape and play an important role in the global carbon (C) cycle. However, the effects of this peatland heterogeneity within the boreal landscape are rarely quantified. Here, we use field‐based measurements, high‐resolution land cover classification, and biogeochemical and atmospheric models to estimate the atmosphere‐ecosystem C fluxes and the corresponding radiative effect (RE) for a boreal landscape (Kaamanen) in northern Finland. Our result shows that the Kaamanen catchment currently functioned as a sink of carbon dioxide (CO2) and a source of methane (CH4). Peatlands (26% of the area) contributed 22% of the total CO2 uptake and 89% of CH4 emissions; forests (61%) accounted for 78% of CO2 uptake and offset 6% of CH4 emissions; water bodies (13%) offset 7% of CO2 uptake and contributed 11% of CH4 emissions. The heterogeneity of peatlands accounted for 11%, 88%, and 75% of the area‐weighted variability (deviation from the area‐weighted mean among different land cover types (LCTs) within the catchment) in CO2 flux, CH4 flux, and the combined RE of CO2 and CH4 exchanges over the 25‐year time horizon, respectively. Aggregating peatland LCTs or misclassifying them as nonpeatland LCTs can significantly (p < 0.05) bias the regional CH4 exchange and RE estimates, while differentiating between drier noninundated and wetter inundated peatlands can effectively reduce the bias. Current land cover products lack such details in peatland heterogeneity, which would be needed to better constrain boreal C budgets and global C‐climate feedbacks. Plain Language Summary: Peatlands form part of the boreal landscapes exhibiting diverse types and microforms that have different characteristics of topography, hydrology, vegetation, and soil. Our understanding is still limited concerning how boreal peatlands, especially their inherent heterogeneities, affect the regional biosphere‐atmosphere exchange of carbon and related climate effects, and what level of detail is needed to characterize them in land cover maps. By combining remote sensing information, field measurements, and biogeochemical modeling, we showed that, among different land cover types, peatlands played a dominant role in the variability of methane (CH4) flux (88%) and the combined radiative climate effect due to carbon dioxide and CH4 exchanges (75% over the 25‐year time horizon). Possible aggregation and misclassification of peatland types could induce significant biases in the regional CH4 balances and radiative effect estimates, but the distinction of noninundated drier and inundated wetter peatland types could reduce these biases effectively. Key Points: The atmosphere‐ecosystem carbon exchange of a heterogeneous boreal landscape was determinedPeatlands (26% area) contributed 22% total carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake and 89% methane (CH4) emission; forests offset 6% CH4 emission and water bodies 7% CO2 uptakeDifferentiating between noninundated drier and inundated wetter peatlands improved radiative effect estimates [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium‐ion batteries, which are viewed as the alternative candidate for lithium‐ion batteries, are now receiving extensive attention in recent years. This is because of the earth's abundance, the widespread sodium resource, and the low cost of battery production. Despite tremendous effort has been made to improve the battery performance of sodium‐ion batteries, several serious problems hinder the large‐scale practical applications. These problems such as low energy density and efficiency, poor cycle life, and low charge/discharge rate are largely determined by fundamental mechanism issues of electrode materials that are not sufficiently understood yet. Therefore multiple techniques should be used to get an in‐depth understanding of material properties. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the material characterization technique is provided and hope it could improve the battery research for all the scientific researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of efficient ocean wave sensors for monitoring the marine environment and revealing dynamic changes has been a major challenge. In this study, a self‐powered bionic coral wave sensor (BCWS) based on a triboelectric nanogenerator is proposed. The BCWS captures wave data, which are useful for marine engineering construction, marine resource development, and marine disaster warning. It is mainly composed of triboelectric perceiving units (60 mm in length, 10 mm in width, and 1.5 mm in thickness) encapsulated in coral tentacles, a fixation mechanism, a buoyancy tray, and a counterweight mechanism. With the help of its bio‐inspired structural design, the BCWS effectively improves the signal response time and sensitivity in the 3D perception of wave information. In particular, the coral tentacles stimulated by a load cause contact‐separation between fluorinated ethylene propylene and conductive ink electrodes, thereby generating electric signals. This analysis of the experimental data reveals that the BCWS perceives wave height, wave frequency, wave period, and wave direction with millimeter accuracy. To demonstrate the applicability and stability of the BCWS, several of its potential functions are illustrated, including controlling light emitting diodes, perceiving wave information in the ocean, and assisting overboard rescue. The results show that the BCWS provides an intelligent solution for modern marine monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing efficient adsorbent materials is crucial for adsorption and separation to realize the purification of energy source and raw chemicals. Here, we report a novel and robust 3D In‐based MOF built up with fluorine‐functionalized ligands, QMOF‐2F, with improved separation properties of C2‐light hydrocarbons over methane at room temperature respect isoreticular non‐fluorinated MOF. QMOF‐2F shows a remarkable chemical stability in different solvents, including water, and pH (2–12). DFT calculations support the key role of fluorine‐functionalization on the improved performance of QMOF‐2F. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into useful products is a promising technology from environmental and economic viewpoints. However, the efficiency of current photocatalytic materials is still unsatisfactory. In this work, a robust S‐scheme heterojunction composed of 3D ZnO hollow spheres wrapped by 2D g‐C3N4 layers is fabricated. The electrostatic attraction between both components not only facilitates the exfoliation of g‐C3N4 layers but also strengthens the photocatalyst framework. The prepared g‐C3N4/ZnO photocatalyst afforded an enhanced CH4 production rate, which is ≈40 and 7 times higher than those of pure ZnO and g‐C3N4, respectively. The improved activity is attributed to the extended light absorption and suppressed charge carrier recombination. Moreover, apart from traditional techniques, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is used to probe charge movement in the fabricated S‐scheme heterojunction. An observable shift of the relevant EPR peak is noticed after the construction of g‐C3N4/ZnO heterostructure, indicating the electron transfer process. This study sheds light on S‐scheme heterojunctions as efficient candidates for CO2 photocatalytic conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We undertook a more comprehensive analyses than our previous study (Yi et al., International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2018, 28, 636–644) at the Gaoshan site (~2500–2000 cal. BC) to expand our understanding of the different roles of rice and millets to human subsistence strategies, diachronic shift of human diets, diversity of human life histories and cultural influence (dental ablation) to human population. Materials and Methods: Carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses of human (ribs and long bones, n = 68) and animal (n = 15) bones as well as carbonized seeds from rice and millets (n = 8) were undertaken. Human bones were directly AMS‐14C dated. In addition, sequential sampling of 16 individuals with varied age and sex and cultural contexts for isotopic analysis was also conducted. Results: The calibrated dating results (n = 27) indicate that there existed two periods of occupation at the site, ~2500–2200 BC and ~2200–1900 BC. Moderate high δ15N values were found in the crops. Isotopic data from bone collagen suggest that the humans mainly relied on C3‐based animal protein and were supplemented by C4‐based foods. This isotopic pattern is also seen in pigs. Significant difference of human δ13C values (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.05) between the two periods was observed. Compared to the bones, the isotopic data of human dentine serial sections show a much wider variability and higher δ13C values. Discussion: The crops (millets and rice) were probably manured. Human individuals subsisted on rice/millet agriculture and pigs in general. In combination with the radiocarbon dates, the increase of C3 (rice) consumption by the humans was found from the early (2500–2200 cal. BC) to late (2200–2000 cal. BC) periods, indicating the intensification of rice agriculture through time. However, four categories of human life histories during childhood are identified given different isotopic profiles of dentine sections, demonstrating that C3 (rice) and C4 (millets)‐based foods played different roles in human lives. Even though, there were similar weaning practices among the human populations. It is surprising that human individuals with dental ablation, cultural characteristic in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Valley, consumed more millets during childhood in the early period than those without dental ablation in the late period. Our study here provides novel insights into cultural dynamics and the interplay between rice and millets in rice‐millet agricultural system during the Late Neolithic in Southwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuromorphic computing using multilevel nonvolatile memories as synapses offers opportunities for future energy‐ and area‐efficient artificial intelligence. Among these memories, artificial synapses based on current‐induced magnetization switching driven by spin–orbit torques (SOTs) have attracted great attention recently. Herein, the gradient descent algorithm, a primary learning algorithm, implemented on a 2 × 1 SOT synaptic array is reported. Successful pattern classifications are experimentally realized through the tuning of cycle‐to‐cycle variation, linearity range, and linearity deviation of the multilevel SOT synapse. Also, a larger m × n SOT synaptic array with m controlling transistors is proposed and it is found that the classification accuracies can be improved dramatically by decreasing the cycle‐to‐cycle variation. A way for the application of spin–orbit device arrays in neuromorphic computing is paved and the crucial importance of the cycle‐to‐cycle variation for a multilevel SOT synapse is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to replicate the microenvironment of biological tissues creates unique biomedical possibilities for stem cell applications. Current fabrication methods are limited by either the control on feature size and shape, or by the throughput and size of the replicas. Here, a novel platform is reported that combines thermal scanning probe lithography (tSPL) with innovative methodologies for the low‐cost and high‐throughput nanofabrication of large area quasi‐3D bone tissue replicas with high fidelity, sub‐15 nm lateral precision, and sub‐2 nm vertical resolution. This bio‐tSPL platform features a biocompatible polymer resist that withstands multiple cell culture cycles, allowing the reuse of the replicas, further decreasing costs and fabrication times. The as‐fabricated replicas support the culture and proliferation of human induced mesenchymal stem cells, which display broad therapeutic and biomedical potential. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that bio‐tSPL can be used to nanopattern the bone tissue replicas with amine groups, for subsequent tissue‐mimetic biofunctionalization. The achieved level of time and cost‐effectiveness, as well as the cell compatibility of the replicas, make bio‐tSPL a promising platform for the production of tissue‐mimetic replicas to study stem cell‐tissue microenvironment interactions, test drugs, and ultimately harness the regenerative capacity of stem cells and tissues for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocarditis is a common heart disease which lacks effective treatment till now. Baicalin possesses plenty of activities, including anti-inflammation. In this investigation, we attempted to investigate the influences of Baicalin on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-evoked H9c2 cells.Cells viability, apoptosis, and expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins were, respectively, measured utilizing CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and western blot. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were detected through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blot and qRT-PCR. miR-21 expression was detected through qRT-PCR and was silenced using cell transfection. The expressions of NF-κB and PDCD4/JNK pathways related proteins were measured through western blot. We found that LPS stimulation induced cell apoptosis and upregulation of IL-6 and TNF-α. Baicalin treatment effectively suppressed LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis. The NF-κB and PDCD4/JNK pathways were blocked by Baicalin. Additionally, the enhanced expression of miR-21 triggered by LPS was further elevated by Baicalin. Further study revealed that the inhibiting effects of Baicalin on LPS-evoked injury were largely attenuated by knockdown of miR-21. Moreover, the associated NF-κB and JNK pathways, which were suppressed by Baicalin treatment, were then activated by knockdown of miR-21. Our present study revealed that Baicalin alleviated LPS-evoked inflammatory injury via suppressing the NF-κB and PDCD4/JNK pathways through regulating miR-21 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish hydrolysates are an attractive option for preparing composite gel foods. However, not much is known regarding their gel properties. Here, we investigated the effect of the autoclaving treatment (121°C, 10 min) on the microstructure and properties of the giant squid hydrolysate‐konjac glucomannan–κ‐carrageenan–locust bean gum gel (GSH‐P gel). The nuclear magnetic resonance proton spin–spin relaxation time (T2) measurements indicated that autoclaving led to stronger water‐binding ability of the GSH‐P gel. The rheological measurements indicated that autoclaving led to significantly higher viscoelastic modulus and gel strength. The results of confocal laser scanning microscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering indicated that the phase separation of polysaccharides and proteins/peptides was enhanced by autoclaving, and the polysaccharides swelled better, resulting in less, but ordered, network structures. Autoclaving had a similar, but insignificant, positive effect on the polysaccharide (P) gel. Thus, GSH seems to play an important role in the process of polysaccharide gelation. This study shows that autoclaving can alter the structure and improve the properties of the GSH‐P gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new, practical, and hundred‐gram scale synthesis of saflufenacil, a protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor herbicide, is described. The key intermediate N‐methyl‐N‐isopropyl sulfamide (12) is obtained from sulfuryl chloride isocyanate, t‐butanol, and N‐methyl‐N‐isopropylamine in 74.8% yield over 3 steps. Saflufenacil is prepared in 48.6% yield over 8 steps and 98.7% purity (HPLC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation and migration of Schwann cells contribute to axonal outgrowth and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury. Studies have found that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were abnormally expressed after peripheral nerve injury and they played vital roles in peripheral nerve regeneration. LncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) was increased in the cerebral cortex surrounding the injury site of mice after traumatic brain injury, and it promoted the functional recovery in mice. However, its role and mechanism in peripheral nerve injury remain unknown. The expression of NEAT1, miR‐34a, and Special AT‐rich sequence‐binding protein‐1 (Satb1) was detected in the sciatic nerve of mice after sciatic nerve crush at 0, 1, 4 and 7 days. The effects of NEAT1 on the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells were detected by 5‐Ethynyl‐20‐deoxyuridine (Edu) and transwell by gain‐ and loss‐of‐functions. The mechanism was focused on the miR‐34a/Satb1 pathway. In addition, the effect of NEAT1 in Schwann cells on axon outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons was further investigated. We found that the NEAT1 and Satb1 expression was increased, whereas miR‐34a was reduced, in injured sciatic nerve at different time points. Overexpression of NEAT1 promoted, whereas knockdown of NEAT1 suppressed the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells. NEAT1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate the Satb1 expression via sponging miR‐34a. NEAT1 enhanced the axon outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons via regulating the miR‐34a and Satb1 expression. In conclusion, NEAT1 promotes the proliferation and migration of Schwann cell via miR‐34a/Satb1, which may provide a new approach to peripheral nerve regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When analyzing bivariate outcome data, it is often of scientific interest to measure and estimate the association between the bivariate outcomes. In the presence of influential covariates for one or both of the outcomes, conditional association measures can quantify the strength of association without the disturbance of the marginal covariate effects, to provide cleaner and less-confounded insights into the bivariate association. In this work, we propose estimation and inferential procedures for assessing the conditional Kendall's tau coefficient given the covariates, by adopting the quantile regression and quantile copula framework to handle marginal covariate effects. The proposed method can flexibly accommodate right censoring and be readily applied to bivariate survival data. It also facilitates an estimator of the conditional concordance measure, namely, a conditional C index, where the unconditional C index is commonly used to assess the predictive capacity for survival outcomes. The proposed method is flexible and robust and can be easily implemented using standard software. The method performed satisfactorily in extensive simulation studies with and without censoring. Application of our methods to two real-life data examples demonstrates their desirable practical utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control of chemoselectivity is a special challenge for the reduction of nitroarenes bearing one or more unsaturated groups. Here, we report a flower‐like Rh/α‐FeOOH catalyst for the chemoselective hydrogenation of nitrostyrene to vinylaniline over full conversion, which benefits the new functionalized aminostyrene because the multisubstituted aminostyrenes are usually commercially unavailable. This catalyst does not only show desirable selectivity for the vinylanilines, but also exhibits the inertness to various other reducible groups over wide reaction duration. The catalytic selectivity for the reduction of the nitro group towards vinyl group was investigated by the control experiments and FT‐IR analysis. We have found that the abundant hydroxyl groups in the α‐FeOOH may contribute to the improvement of catalytic activity and selectivity. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibits excellent stability and keeps its catalytic performance even after 6 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family of four mononuclear DyIII β‐diketonate complexes with formulas [Dy(tmhd)3(Br2‐bpy) (1), [Dy(tmhd)3(Br‐bpy)] (2), [Dy(tmhd)3(dppz)] (3), and [Dy(tmhd)3(mcdpq)] (4) (tmhd=2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐3,5‐heptanedione, Br2‐bpy=5,5′‐dibromo‐2,2′‐bipyridine, Br‐bpy=5‐bromo‐2,2′‐bipyridine, dppz=dipyrido [3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine, mcdpq=2‐methoxyl‐3‐cyanodipyrido[3,2‐f:2,3′‐h]quinoxaline) were prepared by modifying the capping N‐donor coligands. DyIII centers in these complexes feature an N2O6 octacoordinate environment with distorted square‐antiprismatic D4d symmetry. Magnetic investigations evidenced single‐ion magnet behavior in all complexes with energy barriers Ueff of 42.10 (1), 61.47, (2), 77.53 (3), and 2.51 K (4) in the absence of static field, as well as 206.03 (1), 224.13 (2), 247.76 (3), and 49.70 K (4) under applied dc field (Hdc=1500 Oe for 1 and 2; Hdc=1200 Oe for 3 and 4). The different natures of the N‐donor ligands induce changes in both the coordination geometry and their intermolecular interactions, which severely impact their magnetic dynamics. The disparities in their magnetic behaviors and the uniaxial anisotropies are also explained and substantiated by theoretical calculations. Cap variations: A combination of electron‐donating β‐diketonate ligands and different capping N‐donor coligands led to a family of four mononuclear DyIII complexes exhibiting nearly identical D4d symmetry but differing magnetic dynamics, which were elucidated by a combination of magnetic investigations and ab initio calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we present results of a pilot project that measured δ13C and δ15N values in bone collagen (ribs and femora) as well as dentin serial sections to examine individual dietary life histories at a Late Neolithic (4500 bp) site known as Gaoshan Ancient City (高山古城) located on the Chengdu Plain in Sichuan Province, China. The isotopic data of the bones indicate that humans consumed C3‐based foods, which corresponds to the dominance of rice agriculture in this region. However, the isotopic data of the dentin serial sections of five individuals display much more positive δ13C values than those of the bones, strongly suggesting that millets (a C4 crop) contributed substantially to human diets during the weaning process and early childhood. Furthermore, the isotopic profiles of dentin sections of the first molars and canines demonstrate that the cession of weaning was individually variable and completed between ~2.5 and 4 years of age. Although limited in scope, this pilot study offers new evidence of millet consumption during human growth and development even though individuals relied on rice exclusively as adults. Moreover, our study provides another perspective with which to rethink the role that millets played during the development and spread of millet agriculture to the south of China in terms of cultural exchange and migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface charge accumulation on spacer is an important factor to cause surface flashover. An experimental set‐up is established to measure surface potential over a truncated cone‐type spacer under DC voltage in SF6 gas at atmospheric pressure using a Kelvin vibrating electrostatic probe. The surface charge density is calibrated based on multipoint measurement technique, which takes the influence of electrostatic probe into account. The experimental results show that surface charge distribution patterns can be divided into three classes including centrosymmetric distribution, spot‐like distribution, and cloud‐like distribution. The symmetrically distributed charges are injected by electrode, which migrate along spacer surface through the surface conductivity. While the charges showing spot‐like and cloud‐like distribution are generated by the ionisation of SF6 due to local electrical field concentrated. Besides, the hetero‐charges are more easily to be saturated with different charging durations and the polarity of the net charge is the same as that of applied voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternating block polyurethanes (abbreviated as PULA- alt-PEG) and random block polyurethanes (abbreviated as PULA- ran-PEG) based on biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared. Results showed that alternating block polyurethane gives higher crystal degree, higher mechanical properties, more patterned and rougher surface than the random counterpart, due to the regular and controlled structure. Water absorptions of the polyurethanes were in the range of 620 to 780%. Cytocompatibility of the amphiphilic block polyurethanes (PU) (water static angle 41.4°-61.8°) was assessed by CCK-8 assay using human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Wound healing evaluation of the PU foam scaffolds was carried out by full-thickness SD rat model experiment, with medical gauze as control. It was found that the skin of rat in PU groups was fully covered with new epithelium without any significant adverse reactions and PU dressings give much rapid and better healing than medical gauze. Histological examination revealed that PU dressings suppress the infiltration of inflammatory cells and accelerate fibroblast proliferation. It was also demonstrated that PULA- alt-PEG exhibits obvious better healing effect than PULA- ran-PEG does. This study has demonstrated that without further modification, plain alternating block polyurethane scaffold would help wound recovery efficiently. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1200-1209, 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain an electron-density map from a macromolecular crystal the phase problem needs to be solved, which often involves the use of heavy-atom derivative crystals and concomitant heavy-atom substructure determination. This is typically performed by dual-space methods, direct methods or Patterson-based approaches, which however may fail when only poorly diffracting derivative crystals are available. This is often the case for, for example, membrane proteins. Here, an approach for heavy-atom site identification based on a molecular-replacement parameter matrix (MRPM) is presented. It involves an n-dimensional search to test a wide spectrum of molecular-replacement parameters, such as different data sets and search models with different conformations. Results are scored by the ability to identify heavy-atom positions from anomalous difference Fourier maps. The strategy was successfully applied in the determination of a membrane-protein structure, the copper-transporting P-type ATPase CopA, when other methods had failed to determine the heavy-atom substructure. MRPM is well suited to proteins undergoing large conformational changes where multiple search models should be considered, and it enables the identification of weak but correct molecular-replacement solutions with maximum contrast to prime experimental phasing efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a method for presenting crystals of soluble and membrane proteins growing in the lipid cubic or sponge phase for in situ in situ diffraction data collection at cryogenic temperatures is introduced. The method dispenses with the need for the technically demanding and inefficient crystal-harvesting step that is an integral part of the lipid cubic phase or in meso in meso method of growing crystals. Crystals are dispersed in a bolus of mesophase sandwiched between thin plastic windows. The bolus contains tens to hundreds of crystals, visible with an in-line microscope at macromolecular crystallography synchrotron beamlines and suitably disposed for conventional or serial crystallographic data collection. Wells containing the crystal-laden boluses are removed individually from hermetically sealed glass plates in which crystallization occurs, affixed to pins on goniometer bases and excess precipitant is removed from around the mesophase. The wells are snap-cooled in liquid nitrogen, stored and shipped in Dewars, and manually or robotically mounted on a goniometer in a cryostream for diffraction data collection at 100 K, as is performed routinely with standard, loop-harvested crystals. The method is a variant on the recently introduced in meso in situ in meso in situ serial crystallography (IMISX) method that enables crystallographic measurements at cryogenic temperatures where crystal lifetimes are enormously enhanced whilst reducing protein consumption dramatically. The new approach has been used to generate high-resolution crystal structures of a G-protein-coupled receptor, α-helical and β-barrel transporters and an enzyme as model integral membrane proteins. Insulin and lysozyme were used as test soluble proteins. The quality of the data that can be generated by this method was attested to by performing sulfur and bromine SAD phasing with two of the test proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nerve repair scaffolds from novel alternating block polyurethanes (PUCL- alt-PEG) based on PCL and PEG without additional growth factors or proteins were prepared by a particle leaching method. The scaffolds have pore size 10−20 µm and porosity 92%. Mechanical tests showed that the polyurethane scaffolds have maximum loads of 5.97 ± 0.35 N and maximal stresses of 8.84 ± 0.5 MPa. Histocompatiblity of the nerve repair scaffolds was tested in a SD rat model for peripheral nerve defect treatment. Two types of treatments including PUCL- alt-PEG scaffolds and autografts were compared in rat model. After 32 weeks, bridging of a 12 mm defect gap by the regenerated nerve was observed in all rats. The nerve regeneration was systematically characterized by sciatic function index (SFI), electrophysiology, histological assessment including HE staining, immunohistochemistry, ammonia sliver staining, Masson's trichrome staining and TEM observation. Results revealed that nerve repair scaffolds from PUCL- alt-PEG exhibit better regeneration effects compared to autografts. Electrophysiological recovery was seen in 90% and 87% of rats in PUCL- alt-PEG and autograft groups respectively. Biodegradation in vitro and in vivo shows good degradation match of PUCL- alt-PEG scaffolds with nerve regeneration. It demonstrates that plain nerve repair scaffolds from PUCL- alt-PEG biomaterials can achieve peripheral nerve regeneration satisfactorily. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103: 2355-2364, 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo-responsive block copolymer mPEG-b-poly(Tyr)-g-NB was prepared by introduction of o-nitrobenzyl ester group into the side chain of amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly( α-hydroxy acids) (mPEG-b-poly(Tyr)) containing pendent alkynyl group via copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction. The amphiphilic mPEG-b-poly(Tyr) was synthesized via the ring-opening polymerization of O-carboxyanhydrides, with monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) as macroinitiator. The molecular structure, self-assembly, and photo-controlled release of the obtained mPEG-b-poly(Tyr)-g-NB were thoroughly investigated. mPEG-b-poly(Tyr)-g-NB could self-assemble into spherical micelles in water and showed disassembly under UV light irradiation, which was demonstrated by means of UV-vis spectroscopy, scan electron microscopes, and dynamic light scattering measurement. Fluorescence emission measurements demonstrated that Nile red, encapsulated by micelles, can be released upon UV irradiation. This study provides a convenient way to construct smart poly( α-hydroxy acids)-based nanocarriers for controlled release of hydrophobic drugs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]