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Molecular imaging is a non‐invasive imaging method that is widely used for visualization and detection of biological events at cellular or molecular levels. Stimuli‐responsive linkers that can be selectively cleaved by specific biomarkers at desired sites to release or activate imaging agents are appealing tools to improve the specificity, sensitivity, and efficacy of molecular imaging. This review summarizes the recent advances of stimuli‐responsive linkers and their application in molecular imaging, highlighting the potential of these linkers in the design of activatable molecular imaging probes. It is hoped that this review could inspire more research interests in the development of responsive linkers and associated imaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) that exhibit dynamic phase‐transition behavior under external stimuli could have great potential in adsorptive separations. Here we report on a zinc‐based microporous MOF (JNU‐80) and its reversible transformation between two crystalline phases: large pore (JNU‐80‐LP) and narrow pore (JNU‐80‐NP). Specifically, JNU‐80‐LP can undergo a dehydration‐induced cluster consolidation under heat treatment, resulting in JNU‐80‐NP with a reduced channel that allows exclusion of di‐branched hexane isomers while high adsorption of linear and mono‐branched hexane isomers. We further demonstrate the fabrication of MOF‐polymer composite (JNU‐80‐NP‐block) and its application in the purification of di‐branched isomers from liquid‐phase hexane mixtures (98 % di‐branched) at room temperature, affording the di‐branched hexane isomers with 99.5 % purity and close to 90 % recovery rate over ten cycles. This work illustrates an interesting dehydration‐induced cluster consolidation in MOF structure and the ensuing channel shrinkage for sieving di‐branched hexane isomers, which may have important implications for the development of MOFs with dynamic behavior and their potential applications in non‐thermal driven separation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic plants have a heterotrophic lifestyle, in which they withdraw all or part of their nutrients from their host through the haustorium. Despite the release of many draft genomes of parasitic plants, the genome evolution related to the parasitism feature of facultative parasites remains largely unknown. In this study, we present a high‐quality chromosomal‐level genome assembly for the facultative parasite Pedicularis kansuensis (Orobanchaceae), which invades both legume and grass host species in degraded grasslands on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. This species has the largest genome size compared with other parasitic species, and expansions of long terminal repeat retrotransposons accounting for 62.37% of the assembly greatly contributed to the genome size expansion of this species. A total of 42,782 genes were annotated, and the patterns of gene loss in P. kansuensis differed from other parasitic species. We also found many mobile mRNAs between P. kansuensis and one of its host species, but these mobile mRNAs could not compensate for the functional losses of missing genes in P. kansuensis. In addition, we identified nine horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events from rosids and monocots, as well as one single‐gene duplication events from HGT genes, which differ distinctly from that of other parasitic species. Furthermore, we found evidence for HGT through transferring genomic fragments from phylogenetically remote host species. Taken together, these findings provide genomic insights into the evolution of facultative parasites and broaden our understanding of the diversified genome evolution in parasitic plants and the molecular mechanisms of plant parasitism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li‐rich Mn‐based layered oxides (LLO) hold great promise as cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their unique oxygen redox (OR) chemistry, which enables additional capacity. However, the LLOs face challenges related to the instability of their OR process due to the weak transition metal (TM)‐oxygen bond, leading to oxygen loss and irreversible phase transition that results in severe capacity and voltage decay. Herein, a synergistic electronic regulation strategy of surface and interior structures to enhance oxygen stability is proposed. In the interior of the materials, the local electrons around TM and O atoms may be delocalized by surrounding Mo atoms, facilitating the formation of stronger TM─O bonds at high voltages. Besides, on the surface, the highly reactive O atoms with lone pairs of electrons are passivated by additional TM atoms, which provides a more stable TM─O framework. Hence, this strategy stabilizes the oxygen and hinders TM migration, which enhances the reversibility in structural evolution, leading to increased capacity and voltage retention. This work presents an efficient approach to enhance the performance of LLOs through surface‐to‐interior electronic structure modulation, while also contributing to a deeper understanding of their redox reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐synthetic modification plays a crucial role in precisely adjusting the structure and functions of advanced materials. Herein, we report the self‐assembly of a tubular heterometallic Pd3Cu6L16 capsule that incorporates Pd(II) and CuL1 metalloligands. This capsule undergoes further modification with two tridentate anionic ligands (L2) to afford a bicapped Pd3Cu6L16L22 capsule with an Edshammer polyhedral structure. By employing transition metal ions, acid, and oxidation agents, the bicapped capsule can be converted into an uncapped one. This uncapped form can then revert back to the bicapped structure on the addition of Br− ions and a base. Interestingly, introducing Ag+ ions leads to the removal of one L2 ligand from the bicapped capsule, yielding a mono‐capped Pd3Cu6L16L2 structure. Furthermore, the size of the anions critically influences the precise control over the post‐synthetic modifications of the capsules. It was demonstrated that these capsules selectively encapsulate tetrahedral anions, offering a novel approach for the design of intelligent molecular delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐organic cages (MOCs) are supramolecular coordination complexes that have internal cavities for hosting guest molecules and exhibiting various properties. However, the functions of MOCs are limited by the choice of the building blocks. Post‐synthetic modification (PSM) is a technique that can introduce new functional groups and replace existing ones on the MOCs without changing their geometry. Among many PSM methods, covalent PSM is a promising approach to modify MOCs with tailored structures and functions. Covalent PSM can be applied to either the internal cavity or the external surface of the MOCs, depending on the functionality expected to be customized. However, there are still some challenges and limitations in the field of covalent PSM of MOCs, such as the balance between the stability of MOCs and the harshness of organic reactions involved in covalent PSMs. This concept article introduces the organic reaction types involved in covalent PSM of MOCs, their new applications after modification, and summarizes and provides an outlook of this research field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hollow nanoporous carbon architectures (HNCs) present significant utilitarian value for a wide variety of applications. Facile and efficient preparation of HNCs has long been pursued but still remains challenging. Herein, we for the first time demonstrate that single‐component metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) crystals, rather than the widely reported hybrid ones which necessitate tedious operations for preparation, could enable the facile and versatile syntheses of functional HNCs. By controlling the growth kinetics, the MOFs crystals (STU‐1) are readily engineered into different shapes with designated styles of crystalline inhomogeneity. A subsequent one‐step pyrolysis of these MOFs with intraparticle difference can induce a simultaneous self‐hollowing and carbonization process, thereby producing various functional HNCs including yolk‐shell polyhedrons, hollow microspheres, mesoporous architectures, and superstructures. Superior to the existing methods, this synthetic strategy relies only on the complex nature of single‐component MOFs crystals without involving tedious operations like coating, etching, or ligand exchange, making it convenient, efficient, and easy to scale up. An ultra‐stable Na‐ion battery anode is demonstrated by the HNCs with extraordinary cyclability (93 % capacity retention over 8000 cycles), highlighting a high level of functionality of the HNCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of energy‐saving technology for the efficient separation of olefin and paraffin is highly important for the chemical industry. Herein, we report a self‐assembled Fe4L6 capsule containing a hydrophobic cavity, which can be used to encapsulate and separate propylene/propane. The successful encapsulation of propylene and propane by the Fe4L6 cage in a water solution was documented by NMR spectroscopy. The binding constants K for the Fe4L6 cage toward propylene and propane were determined to be (5.0±0.1)×103 M−1 and (2.1±0.7)×104 M−1 in D2O at 25 °C, respectively. Experiments and theoretical studies revealed that the cage exhibited multiple weak interactions with propylene and propane. The polymer‐grade propylene (>99.5 %) can be obtained from a mixture of propylene and propane by using the Fe4L6 cage as a separation material in a U‐shaped glass tube. This work provides a new strategy for the separation of olefin/paraffin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Mandarin wine has high added value, which can extend the industry chain of mandarins with excellent economic results. However, innovative fermentation methods are urgently needed to improve the typical taste and flavor characteristics of mandarin wine. In this study, the effect and underlying mechanism of co‐fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe on the characteristics of mandarin wine were investigated based on integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. RESULTS: In comparison with fermentation with only S. cerevisiae, the mandarin wine produced from co‐fermentation with S. cerevisiae and Sc. pombe had a higher pH value, lower malic acid content, and more abundant free amino acids, resulting in better sensory evaluation scores. The introduction of Sc. pombe extended the stage of alcoholic fermentation and enhanced the richness and diversity of volatile compounds, especially floral and fruity aroma compounds, including ethyl hexanoate, ethyl caprylate, ethyl enanthate, 1‐heptanol, and phenylethyl alcohol. he significantly differential metabolites and varying genes were mainly found in pathways of glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, the citrate cycle, and amino acid metabolism. CONCLUSION: Co‐fermentation with S. cerevisiae and Sc. pombe showed advantages in producing distinctive taste and flavor of mandarin wine in comparison with fermentation with only S. cerevisiae. This study can inspire new co‐fermentation strategies to improve the sensory quality of mandarin wine. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Realizing high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) in the near‐infrared (NIR) region is challenging and valuable for luminescent material, especially for thermally activated delay fluorescence (TADF) material. In this work, we report two achiral cyclic trinuclear Au(I) complexes, Au3(4‐Clpyrazolate)3 and Au3(4‐Brpyrazolate)3 (denoted as Cl−Au and Br−Au), obtained through the reaction of 4‐chloro‐1H‐pyrazole and 4‐bromo‐1H‐pyrazole with Au(I) salts, respectively. Both Cl−Au and Br−Au exhibit TADF with high PLQY (>70 %) in the NIR I (700–900 nm) (λmax = 720 nm) region, exceeding other NIR−TADF emitters in the solid state. Photophysical experiments and theoretical calculations confirmed the efficient NIR−TADF properties of Cl−Au and Br−Au were attributed to the small energy gap ΔE(S1‐T2) (S = singlet, T = triplet) and the large spin‐orbital coupling induced by ligand‐to‐metal‐metal charge transfer of molecular aggregations. In addition, both complexes crystallize in the achiral Pna21 space group (mm2 point group) and are circularly polarized light (CPL) active with maxima luminescent dissymmetry factor |glum| of 3.4 × 10−3 (Cl−Au) and 2.7 × 10−3 (Br−Au) for their crystalline powder samples, respectively. By using Cl−Au as the emitting ink, 3D‐printed luminescent logos are fabricated, which own anti‐counterfeiting functions due to its CPL behavior dependent on the crystallinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separation of acetylene (C2H2) from carbon dioxide (CO2) or ethylene (C2H4) is industrially important but still challenging so far. Herein, we developed two novel robust metal organic frameworks AlFSIX‐Cu‐TPBDA (ZNU‐8) with znv topology and SIFSIX‐Cu‐TPBDA (ZNU‐9) with wly topology for efficient capture of C2H2 from CO2 and C2H4. Both ZNU‐8 and ZNU‐9 feature multiple anion functionalities and hierarchical porosity. Notably, ZNU‐9 with more anionic binding sites and three distinct cages displays both an extremely large C2H2 capacity (7.94 mmol/g) and a high C2H2/CO2 (10.3) or C2H2/C2H4 (11.6) selectivity. The calculated capacity of C2H2 per anion (4.94 mol/mol at 1 bar) is the highest among all the anion pillared metal organic frameworks. Theoretical calculation indicated that the strong cooperative hydrogen bonds exist between acetylene and the pillared SiF62− anions in the confined cavity, which is further confirmed by in situ IR spectra. The practical separation performance was explicitly demonstrated by dynamic breakthrough experiments with equimolar C2H2/CO2 mixtures and 1/99 C2H2/C2H4 mixtures under various conditions with excellent recyclability and benchmark productivity of pure C2H2 (5.13 mmol/g) or C2H4 (48.57 mmol/g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the metastatic patterns of synchronous bone metastasis (SBM) and metachronous bone metastasis (MBM) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: This study included bone metastases in NPC patients from 2005 to 2016 in a Chinese hospital. Cohort 1 was collected from 2005 to 2010 for discovery, and Cohort 2 from 2011 to 2016 for validation. The chi‐squared test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Kaplan–Meier technique were used to compare site, time, and survival between cohorts 1 and 2. Prognostic factors were analyzed using univariate or multivariate Cox regression. Results: Cohort 1 had 112 individuals with SBM and 394 with MBM, and cohort 2 had 328 with SBM and 307 with MBM. The thoracic vertebra was the most frequently affected site of metastasis. Patients with SBM more often had metastasis to the cervical vertebrae compared with patients with MBM (34.5% vs. 22.3%, p < 0.05). Patients with SBM had better overall survival (42.2 months, 95% CI: 33.9–50.7) than patients with MBM (24.9 months, 95% CI: 22.2–28.7). Age at bone metastasis detection, metastasis to other organs, and more bone metastasis locations were associated with worse prognosis. The majority of MBMs occurred at 7 to 18 months after NPC diagnosis. Conclusion: Radiotherapy does not modify the metastatic patterns of NPC bone metastases. Patients with SBM tend to have metastasis to the cervical vertebra, which is close to the nasopharynx. Paying more attention to bone metastases during follow‐up in the first 2 years after an NPC diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an economically important legume, Vicia sativa is commonly used as fodder for livestock and in health‐promoting foods for human consumption; however, cold stress is one of the most important limitations to its utilization at high altitudes. The shoot tissues of three cold‐resistant (Lan1, Lan2, and Lan3) and three cold‐sensitive (368, 521, and 538) accessions were collected after cold (4°C) treatment for 0, 6, and 48 h to assess their molecular regulatory mechanisms during cold stress via integrative analyses of their transcriptomes and metabolomes. Our Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed that the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids was the most enriched pathway in the cold stress response of V. sativa. A total of 18 differential metabolites were obtained in the biosynthesis of the phenylpropanoid pathway, and 722 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed a significant positive correlation with naringenin and p‐coumaric acid following a weighted gene co‐expression network analysis, while 84 DEGs showed significant negative associations. Moreover, four DEGs were overexpressed in yeast, and it was indicated that their biological function is to confer cold tolerance. These results provide a valuable resource for understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of V. sativa's response to cold stress and furthering the development of breeding research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop a simple and general method for improving the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) performances of materials is of great significance. In this work, two pairs of CPL‐active homochiral metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) P/M‐Et and P/M‐Et(Cd) with eta topology are reported. In comparison to the reported isomorphic Zn‐imidazolate MOFs P‐Me and M‐Me, both luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) and photoluminescence quantum yields (ΦPL) of P‐Et and M‐Et are largely improved by simply changing the methyl group to an ethyl group of ligands in P‐Et and M‐Et. Furthermore, the |glum| values are significantly amplified up to 0.015 from 0.0057 by introducing the non‐luminescent halogenated aromatics, while an enhanced fluorescence efficiency is observed simultaneously (from 27.2% to 47.3%). The figure of merit value is about 40 times larger than that of P‐Me and M‐Me. Similarly, the CPL performances of P/M‐Et(Cd) are improved by about five times after encapsulating fluorobenzene molecules. This work represents a new and simple method for developing CPL‐active MOF materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The membrane‐tethered protease Tiki antagonizes Wnt3a signaling by cleaving and inactivating Wnt3a in Wnt‐producing cells. Tiki also functions in Wnt‐receiving cells to antagonize Wnt signaling by an unknown mechanism. Here, we demonstrate that Tiki inhibition of Wnt signaling at the cell surface requires Frizzled (FZD) receptors. Tiki associates with the Wnt‐FZD complex and cleaves the N‐terminus of Wnt3a or Wnt5a, preventing the Wnt‐FZD complex from recruiting and activating the coreceptor LRP6 or ROR1/2 without affecting Wnt‐FZD complex stability. Intriguingly, we demonstrate that the N‐terminus of Wnt3a is required for Wnt3a binding to LRP6 and activating β‐catenin signaling, while the N‐terminus of Wnt5a is dispensable for recruiting and phosphorylating ROR1/2. Both Tiki enzymatic activity and its association with the Wnt‐FZD complex contribute to its inhibitory function on Wnt5a. Our study uncovers the mechanism by which Tiki antagonizes Wnt signaling at the cell surface and reveals a negative role of FZDs in Wnt signaling by acting as Tiki cofactors. Our findings also reveal an unexpected role of the Wnt3a N‐terminus in the engagement of the coreceptor LRP6. Synopsis: Tiki associates with the Wnt‐FZD complex on the cell surface, cleaves the N‐terminus of FZD‐bound Wnt3a or Wnt5a, and prevents the Wnt‐FZD complex from binding to and activating coreceptors LRP6 or ROR1/2. This study uncovers the mechanism of Tiki function in Wnt‐receiving cells. Tiki interacts with the Wnt‐FZD complex on the cell surface.Tiki cleaves the N‐terminus of FZD‐bound Wnt3a or Wnt5a.Tiki prevents the Wnt‐FZD complex from binding to and activating coreceptors LRP6 or ROR1/2.The N‐terminus of Wnt3a is required for interacting with LRP6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐synthetic modification (PSM) is an effective approach for the tailored functionalization of metal‐organic architectures, but its generalizability remains challenging. Herein we report a general covalent PSM strategy to functionalize PdnL2n metal‐organic cages (MOCs, n=2, 12) through an efficient Diels–Alder cycloaddition between peripheral anthracene substituents and various functional motifs bearing a maleimide group. As expected, the solubility of functionalized Pd12L24 in common solvents can be greatly improved. Interestingly, concentration‐dependent circular dichroism and aggregation‐induced emission are achieved with chiral binaphthol (BINOL)‐ and tetraphenylethylene‐modified Pd12L24, respectively. Furthermore, Pd12L24 can be introduced with two different functional groups (e.g. chiral BINOL and achiral pyrene) through a step‐by‐step PSM route to obtain chirality‐induced circularly polarized luminescence. Moreover, similar results are readily observed with a smaller Pd2L4 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper ion (Cu2+) is a highly toxic environmental pollutant with bioaccumulative properties, making its rapid and selective detection important for environmental and health monitoring. In this study, highly fluorescent carbon nanodots by the electrolysis of Congo Red are developed, which are denoted as CR‐CDs and exhibit high quantum yield and pH‐responsive character. The pH response behavior is applied for pH test in soft drinks with high accuracy. Cu2+ causes dramatic fluorescence quenching due to the formation of cupric amine complex and the occurrence of inner filter effect. The signal changes in fluorescence spectroscopy allow a detection limit of Cu2+ at 0.13 μM. The response is highly specific toward Cu2+ over other metal ions. In addition, the practicability of the sensor is validated by accurate Cu2+examination in running water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Diffusion‐weighted imaging lesions (DWILs) are associated with unfavorable outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We proposed a novel predictive nomogram incorporating DWILs. Methods: A total of 738 patients with primary ICH in a tertiary hospital were prospectively enrolled as a training cohort. DWILs were defined as remote focal hyperintensities on DWI corresponding to low intensities on apparent diffusion coefficient images and remote from the focal hematoma. The outcome of interest was modified Rankin Scale scores of 4–6 at 90 days after onset. Multivariate logistic regression was used to construct a nomogram. Model performance was tested in the training cohort and externally validated with respect to discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness in another institute. Additionally, the nomogram was compared with the ICH score in terms of predictive ability. Results: Overall, 153 (20.73%) and 23 (15.54%) patients developed an unfavorable outcome in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, anemia, infratentorial location, presence of DWILs, and prior ICH were associated with unfavorable outcome. Our ANAID‐ICH nomogram was constructed according to the aforementioned variables; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.842 and 0.831 in the training and validation sets, respectively. With regard to the 90‐day outcome, the nomogram showed a significantly higher predictive value than the ICH score in both cohorts. Conclusions: The ANAID‐ICH nomogram comprising age, NIHSS score, anemia, infratentorial location, presence of DWILs, and prior ICH may facilitate the identification of patients at higher risk for an unfavorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Drought is a major environmental factor that limits the production of alfalfa (Medicago sativa). In the present study, M. sativa NUCLEAR TRANSPORT FACTOR 2‐LIKE (MsNTF2L) was identified as a nucleus‐, cytoplasm‐, and plasma membrane‐localized protein. Its transcriptional expression was highly induced by ABA and drought stress. Overexpression of MsNTF2L in Arabidopsis resulted in hypersensitivity to ABA during both the seed germination and seedling growth stages. However, transgenic Arabidopsis plants exhibited enhanced tolerance to drought stress by reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing the expression of stress/ABA‐inducible genes. Consistently, analysis of MsNTF2L overexpression (OE) and RNA interference (RNAi) alfalfa plants revealed that MsNTF2L confers drought tolerance through promoting ROS scavenging, a decrease in stomatal density, ABA‐induced stomatal closure, and epicuticular wax crystal accumulation. MsNTF2L highly affected epicuticular wax deposition, as a large group of wax biosynthesis and transport genes were influenced in the alfalfa OE and RNAi lines. Furthermore, transcript profiling of drought‐treated alfalfa WT, OE, and RNAi plants showed a differential drought response for genes related to stress/ABA signaling, antioxidant defense, and photosynthesis. Taken together, these results reveal that MsNTF2L confers drought tolerance in alfalfa via modulation of leaf water loss (by regulating both stomata and wax deposition), antioxidant defense, and photosynthesis. Significance Statement: By studying the drought‐inducible genes of alfalfa (Medicago sativa), we discovered that the nucleus‐, cytoplasm‐, and plasma membrane‐localized protein NUCLEAR TRANSPORT FACTOR 2‐LIKE improves drought tolerance by modulating leaf water loss (by regulating both stomata and wax deposition), antioxidant defense, and photosynthesis. This gene might be targeted in future breeding programs to improve drought tolerance in alfalfa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of their misuse and poor management, antibiotics pose a significant threat to the ecological environment and human health. The development of highly sensitive and effective sensors to detect such environmental contaminants is a crucial and challenging task. As a new class of desirable biocompatible materials, biological metal‐organic frameworks are considered as a viable platform for sensing applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of biological luminescent metal‐organic framework [Zn6Ad4(BPDC‐(OH)2)4]n (JNU‐104) using adenine (Ad) and 2,2′‐dihydroxy‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid [BPDC‐(OH)2] as organic linkers. JNU‐104 serves as a robust and sensitive luminescent sensor for detecting tetracycline antibiotics in aqueous media with low limits of detection (LODs) of 0.023, 0.029 and 0.024 μM for tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC), and chlortetracycline (CTC), respectively. Furthermore, the MOF‐based test strips show a rapid and visualizable luminescence response to tetracycline antibiotics, making JNU‐104 a promising candidate for practical applications in sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacity fading and voltage decay is one of the biggest obstacles for the practical application of Li‐rich layered oxides due to the serious surface‐related detrimental reactions. Herein, we develop a versatile and scalable method to construct a robust surface‐integrated structure. All the designed samples deliver outstanding capacity and voltage stability, among which the Zn‐treated sample possesses the best electrochemical performance. Its capacity retention is larger than 90 % after 400 cycles with a voltage decay ratio as small as 0.73 mV per cycle. What is more, the rules of surface‐integrated structure with different cations in terms of capacity and voltage stability is further deciphered by combining with density function theory (DFT) calculations. It is found that to obtain advanced Li‐rich layered oxide cathodes, cations in Li‐sites should firstly ensure the binding energy of the surface‐integrated structure in a lower level and then provide Bader charge for the nearest O atoms as small as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coagulation is a critical pathogenic process in Staphylococcus aureus. Although the agglutination of S. aureus has been studied for a long time, the genes involved in this process are not completely clear. We performed tube agglutination and dynamic turbidimetry tests to identify novel genes involved in reduced plasma coagulation. A total of 15 genes were identified, including coa, clfA, vwbp, saeS, agrA, trpC, spdC, mroQ, cydA, qoxC, sucC, pyrP, menH, threonine aldolase, and truncated transposase for IS1272. The functions of these genes include bicomponent regulation, membrane transport, energy metabolism and biosynthesis, respectively. cydA, spdC, and mroQ genes were further studied by gene knockout and complementation. Results of gene knockout and complementation and real‐time‐qPCR proved that cydA, spdC, and mroQ genes are necessary for plasma coagulation. Furthermore, the survival ability of 7 day mice decreased significantly when cydA, spdC, and mroQ genes had been knocked out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the ameliorating effects of low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on Sprague Dawley rat myelosuppression induced by cell cycle specificity drugs (docetaxel, mitotic phase sensitive; and etoposide, gap 2 phase sensitive). Methods: Rats were respectively administered docetaxel (100 mg/kg) or etoposide (110 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection for 4 consecutive days. Then the rats were divided randomly into a LIPUS group and a non‐LIPUS group. In the LIPUS group, the right femoral metaphysis of rats was treated by LIPUS (acoustic intensity, 200 mW/cm2; frequency, 0.3 MHz; and duty cycle, 20%) for 20 minutes on 7 consecutive days from day 5. The rats of the non‐LIPUS group were treated without ultrasound output. A blood cell count, an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and hematoxylin–eosin staining were applied to detect the results. Results: Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound significantly promoted the counts of bone marrow nucleated cells, white blood cells, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, stem cell factor, and intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 and reduced the counts of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 whether in the docetaxel or etoposide group (P <.05). Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound only increased the expression level of IgM in the docetaxel group but decreased the level of interleukin 6 in the etoposide group (P <.05). Conclusions: Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound has potential to be a noninvasive treatment for myelosuppression caused by different cell cycle–sensitive chemotherapy drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike many crop seeds which are large in size, forage seeds are relatively small. Moreover, some forage seeds from the same genus, or even different genera, share similar morphologies in terms of colour, size, weight and so on. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and burr medic (Medicago polymorpha L.) also share similar morphology. However, alfalfa is a perennial, cross‐pollinated herbaceous species, whereas burr medic is considered an annual, self‐pollinating plant. Therefore, a universal and rapid method of discriminating burr medic seeds from alfalfa seeds or other similar forage seeds from different plant species is needed. Previous methods of discriminating similar‐looking forage seeds have been shown to be unreliable or time consuming. Here, a universal method that combines polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis techniques was developed to discriminate alfalfa and burr medic. Based on the differences in the lengths of homologous genes caused by insertions and deletions between two species, a pair of primers was designed to discriminate the accessions of 15 alfalfa and 9 burr medic via visualizing the clearly different PCR amplicon sizes. In addition, the melting curve analysis was performed to investigate the specificity and reliability of the primer pair. The results showed two different melting peaks between the two species, further demonstrating this method can accurately and sensitively identify the two species. Thus, we believe that this method has the great potential to be extensively applied for the identification of contaminated seeds and breeding of forages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐energy‐density lithium‐rich layered oxides (LLOs) hold the greatest promise to address the range anxiety of electric vehicles. Their application, however, has been prevented by fast voltage decay and capacity fading for years, which mainly originate from irreversible transition‐metal migration and undesirable cathode‐electrolyte interfacial reactions. Herein, a Ti‐based surface integrated layer and bulk doping, which greatly improve the voltage and capacity stability of LLOs is synchronously constructed. More importantly, STEM and Raman results demonstrate that continuous and uniform surface Ti‐based integrated layer is a spinel‐like rocksalt structure with Fd‐3m space group, which is built through by several the replacement of Li ions in surface several atomic layers by Ti ions. After 500 cycles, Ti‐150 sample delivers a capacity retention of 85%, and its voltage decay rate from the 30th to the 500th cycle is only ≈0.72 mV/cycle. Spectral results and DFT calculations suggest that bulk Ti‐doping mitigates the migration of Mn and Ni ions in the bulk, while Ti‐based integrated layer significantly suppresses surface structure evolution and interfacial reactions by impeding the generation of surface Li vacancies during Li extraction as well as preventing direct contact between electrolyte and active materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: East Asia exhibits complex geomorphological and climatic characteristics. The aim of this study was to test whether the so‐called three‐step landforms of China, together with the East China Sea (ECS), have acted to shape specific phylogeographical patterns and affected the biogeographical history of the species belonging to the East Asian Flora. Location: China and Japan. Taxon: Kerria japonica (L.) DC. Methods: Three chloroplast DNA regions and 15 nuclear microsatellite (nSSR) loci were sequenced and genotyped in 576/450 individuals of K. japonica. Phylogeographical analyses were performed to assess the genetic structure, historical gene flow and demographical history of these individuals, and climatic factors were examined to determine their effects on phylogeographical breaks. Furthermore, time‐calibrated phylogenetic trees and ancestral range reconstruction were used to infer the biogeographical history of K. japonica. Potential habitats at present and during the last glacial maximum (LGM) were identified using ecological niche modelling. Results: Distinct phylogeographical breaks were found across the ECS and along the boundary of the three‐step landforms of China. Low historical gene flow and significant climatic differences were detected in each pair of adjacent regions. The results of molecular dating and ancestral range reconstruction indicated that K. japonica originated in North America during the mid‐Miocene (14.76 Ma), and intra‐specific diversification began in the late Miocene (7.78 Ma). Compared to the relatively stable distribution range of Chinese populations, Japanese populations experienced range expansion after the LGM in response to Quaternary climate change. Main conclusions: Kerria japonica has a complex biogeographical history, with a mid‐Miocene origin in North America and subsequent migration into East Asia via the Bering land bridge. The onset of intra‐specific diversification was probably associated with Asian monsoon intensifications, while exposure to the ECS floor facilitated the formation of the Japanese lineage in the late Miocene. The spatiotemporal population differentiation on the Chinese mainland demonstrates the significant role of biogeographical divides delineated by the three‐step landforms of China and provides clues to understand the floristic regionalization and evolutionary history of plant diversity in East Asia, especially with respect to the Hengduan Mountains, Central China and East China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geoclimatic factors related to the uplift of the Himalaya and the Quaternary climatic oscillations influence the population genetic connectivity in the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains (HHM) biodiversity hotspot. Therefore, to explore the relative roles played by these two factors, we examined the population dynamics and dispersal corridors of Incarvillea arguta (Royle) Royle incorporating ensemble species distribution modelling (SDM). Thirty‐seven populations were genotyped using plastid chloroplast DNA and low copy nuclear gene (ncpGS) sequences. Phylogeographic analysis was carried out to reveal the genetic structure and lineage differentiation. Ensemble SDMs were carried out for distributional change in the last glacial maximum, present, and future. Finally, the least cost path method was used to trace out possible dispersal corridors. The haplotypes were divided into four clades with strong geographical structure. The late Miocene origin of I. arguta in the western Himalaya ca. 7.92 Ma indicates lineage diversification related to the uplift of the HHM. The variability in habitat connectivity revealed by SDM is due to change in suitability since the Pleistocene. A putative dispersal corridor was detected along the drainage systems and river valleys, with strong support in the eastern Hengduan Mountains group. Our results support the signature of geoclimatic influence on population genetic connectivity of I. arguta in the HHM. We proposed that the major drainage systems might have assisted the rapid dispersal of isolated riverine plant species I. arguta in the HHM. The population genetic connectivity, using the fine‐tuned ensemble SDMs, enables scientists and policymakers to develop conservation strategies for the species gene pool in the HHM biodiversity hotspots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) is an obstacle for practical application of Li‐rich Mn‐based layered oxides (LLOs), which is closely related with the irreversible oxygen evolution owing to the overoxidized reaction of surface labile oxygen. Here we report a NH4F‐assisted surface multicomponent integration technology to accurately control the ICE, by which oxygen vacancies, spinel‐layered coherent structure, and F‐doping are skillfully integrated on the surface of treated LLOs microspheres. Though the regulation on the removed amount of labile oxygen by surface integrated structure, the ICE of LLOs cathodes can adjust from starting value to 100 %. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, refined X‐ray diffraction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy show that the removed labile oxygen mainly comes from Li2MnO3‐like structure. Even operating at a high cut‐off voltage of 5 V, the capacity retention of integrated sample at 200 mA g−1 is still larger than 98 % after 100 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to select optimal candidates benefiting from the addition of induction chemotherapy (IC) to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in stage II–IVa nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) based on Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA and nodal maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax‐N) of [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Patients and materials: A total of 679 patients diagnosed with stage II–IVa (except N0) NPC were retrospectively included in this study. Overall survival was the primary endpoint. Survival differences between different groups were compared using the log‐rank test. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Both high levels of EBV DNA (>1500 copies/mL) and SUVmax‐N (>12.3) indicated worse survival conditions. All patients were divided into low‐ and high‐risk groups based on these two biomarkers. The risk group was an independent prognostic factor in OS, progression‐free survival (PFS), and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) (all p‐values<0.05). The addition of IC to CCRT was associated with survival improvement in OS, PFS, and DMFS in high‐risk patients, while no survival difference was found between CCRT and IC+CCRT in low‐risk patients. Conclusions: Our study can help clinicians select stage II–IVa NPC patients who benefit from IC, which is important in guiding individual treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage decay and capacity fading are the main challenges for the commercialization of Li‐rich Mn‐based layered oxides (LLOs). Now, a three‐in‐one surface treatment is designed via the pyrolysis of urea to improve the voltage and capacity stability of Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 (LMNO), by which oxygen vacancies, spinel phase integration, and N‐doped carbon nanolayers are synchronously built on the surface of LMNO microspheres. Oxygen vacancies and spinel phase integration suppress irreversible O2 release and help lithium ion diffusion, while N‐doped carbon nanolayer mitigates the corrosion of electrolyte with excellent conductivity. The electrochemical performance of LMNO after the treatment improves significantly; the capacity retention rate after 500 cycles at 1 C is still as high as 89.9 % with a very small voltage fading rate of 1.09 mV cycle−1. This three‐in‐one surface treatment strategy can suppress the voltage decay and capacity fading of LLOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pair of enantiomers of three‐dimensional (3D) chiral coordination polymers (CCPs) were successfully constructed by using achiral components 4,2′:6′,4′′‐terpyridyl precursors and Cu2+ through spontaneous resolution (1 a). By utilising feeding controlled chiral‐templated induction and chiral auxiliary behaviour of optically pure camphor sulfonate (CSA), the enantioenriched (1 b‐P and 1 b‐M) and CSA captured (1 c‐P and 1 c‐M) CCPs were successfully synthesised, respectively. The chiral information of the corresponding products was confirmed by X‐ray single crystal diffraction and solid‐state CD spectra. Meanwhile, the formation processes of 1 b‐P and 1 b‐M were monitored through solution CD spectra, UV/Vis spectra and ESI‐TOF MS. Based on these results, a reasonable chiral‐templated induction mechanism of forming 1 b‐P and 1 b‐M was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of combining pretreatment Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA level and cervical node necrosis (CNN) for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) receiving intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). A total of 607 incident nonmetastatic NPC patients treated with IMRT ± chemotherapy were reviewed. Patients were divided into four groups based on EBV DNA level and CNN status. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS). Kaplan‐Meier curves with log‐rank test were applied to compare survival outcomes and the Cox proportional model was used to identify independent prognostic factors. Pretreatment EBV DNA level and CNN status were independent prognostic factors. Patients in the low‐level EBV DNA group or non‐CNN group had significantly better 5‐year PFS. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that CNN was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.927, 95% CI: 1.129‐3.290, P = .016), PFS (HR = 1.492, 95% CI: 1.005‐2.214, P = .047), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) (HR = 1.661, 95% CI: 1.044‐2.644, P = .032), but not locoregional relapse‐free survival. EBV DNA levels correlated significantly with CNN with a correlation coefficient of.324 (P < .001). Compared with low‐level EBV DNA and non‐CNN grouping, high‐level EBV DNA and CNN grouping had poor PFS. The combined classification was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P < .001), PFS (P = .001), and DMFS (P = .018). Pretreatment plasma EBV DNA level and CNN status both closely correlated with prognosis of NPC patients in the IMRT era. Combined EBV DNA level and CNN status improves risk stratification and prognostic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solvothermal reaction of adenine, 1,3,6,8‐tetrakis(p‐benzoic acid)pyrene (H4TBAPy), and Zn(NO3)2 in DMF afforded a three‐dimensional anionic bioMOF 1. It features one‐dimensional tubular channels with exposed Watson–Crick faces and nitrogen‐rich purines, which endows 1 with multiple adsorption sites on its polar surface, translating into high selectivity of C2 hydrocarbons over C1. Moreover, an isostructural bioMOF 1‐NH2 was synthesized by using 2‐aminoadenine in place of adenine, resulting in additional amine groups pointing toward the channel cavity. The added strong adsorption sites have been demonstrated to be able to further increase the selectivity of C2 hydrocarbons over C1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cushion plants exhibiting adaptive convergence in cold and dry environments are keystone and foundation species in the alpine/subnival habitat on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP). To date, little attention has been paid to the molecular phylogeny, origin, and biogeography of cushion plants on the QTP. We investigated the molecular phylogeny of classic cushion Arenaria subg. Dolophragma, A. subg. Eremogoneastrum, and Thylacospermum on the QTP, within the framework of the Caryophyllaceae. A new Thylacospermum‐Dolophragma clade was identified using combined plastid markers (rps16, matK, trnL‐trnF, trnS‐trnfM) and nuclear ribosomal DNA. Molecular divergence dating suggested that Thylacospermum and A. subg. Dolophragma originated in the middle to late Miocene (11.68 Ma). Combined with ancestral range reconstruction, there is an indication that all species of cushion Arenaria (A. subg. Dolophragma, A. subg. Eremogoneastrum) originated during/after the late Pliocene, and the QTP was their ancestral area. Furthermore, ecological niche modeling showed that the areas occupied by the three studied cushion plants during the last glacial maximum (LGM) was broader than that of their present distribution, implying a reduction in their range after the LGM. This evidence clearly illustrates that multistage uplift of the QTP and bordering mountains since the Miocene associated with climatic change (worldwide cooling, aridification in Central Asia, Quaternary glaciation) played a role in triggering and facilitating the speciation and/or evolutionary radiations of the species studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐assembled functional supramolecular metallopolymers have demonstrated application potential in cancer therapy. Herein, a copper polypyridyl complex was found able to self‐assemble into a supramolecular metallopolymer driven by the intermolecular interactions, which could enhance the uptake in cancer cells through endocytosis, and thus effectively inhibiting tumor growth in vivo without damaging to the major organs. This study provides a facile way to achieve enhanced anticancer efficacy by using self‐assembled metallopolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A visible‐light‐promoted aerobic oxidative hydroxylation of boronic acids using phthalocyanine zinc as an easily available photosensitizer has been developed. It provided a direct access to synthesize aliphatic alcohols and phenols from boronic acids. The advantages of this approach included the low catalyst loading (0.5 mol%), high efficient, the use of O2 as an oxygen source, wide substrate range, the simple operational process, and mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gain‐adaption mechanism of a dual level to the super‐twisting algorithm (STA) for adaptive sliding mode design is studied. The proposed dual level method first tunes a third‐order sliding mode observer to exactly estimate the magnitude level of external disturbances, and then adjusts the two gains (α,β) of STA online simultaneously such that a second‐order sliding mode can take place with small rectifying gains. The gains of the third‐order sliding mode observer are adjusted by exploring the homogeneous property such that only one auxiliary parameter L is needed to be tuned. The magnitude of this parameter L increases until the error between the observer output and actual disturbance disappears. While driving the sliding variable to the sliding mode surface of STA, one gain β of the STA automatically converges to an adjacent area of the perturbation magnitude in finite time. The other gain α is adjusted by the gain β to guarantee the robustness of the STA. This method requires no intervention during adaptation. The usefulness is illustrated by an example of designing an equivalent control‐based sliding mode control with the proposed adaptive STA for a perturbed linear time‐invariant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of planar organic fluorophores (R=phenyl, naphthalenyl, pyrenyl) and luminescence promotors (X=Cl, Br, I) were equipped, respectively, on the alternatively arranged vertices of cubic ZnII‐imidazolate cages through orthogonal subcomponent self‐assembly. It was found that supramolecular interactions, especially weak C−H⋅⋅⋅X interactions, play a key role in activating an efficient radiative pathway, coupled with reduced nonradiative decay rate through metal coordination, therefore significantly boosting the emission quantum yields of the system. This finding provides a strategy that utilizes molecular geometry and supramolecular interactions to modulate the emission efficiency of luminescent cage‐based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Li-rich layered oxides (LLOs) have the highest capacity of any cathodes used, the rate capability of LLOs falls short of meeting the requirements of electric vehicles and smart grids. Herein, a layered-spinel microsphere/reduced graphene oxide heterostructured cathode (LS-rGO) is prepared in situ. This cathode is composed of a spinel phase, two layered structures, and a small amount of reduced graphene oxide (1.08 wt% of carbon). The assembly delivers a considerable charge capacity (145 mAhg-1) at an ultrahigh charge-discharge rate of 60 C (12 Ag-1). The rate capability of LS-rGO is influenced by the introduced spinel phase and rGO. X-ray absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data indicate that Cr ions move from octahedral lattice sites to tetrahedral lattice sites, and that Mn ions do not participate in the oxidation reaction during the initial charge process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ischemic stroke is one of the most common diseases with a high burden of neurological deficits, disability and death. Zinc finger protein 208 ( ZNF208) was found to be involved in coronary heart disease, although little information is available about its association with ischemic stroke. We performed the present case-control study to clarify the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within ZNF208 and the risk of ischemic stroke in a southern Chinese Han population. Methods A total of 799 subjects (400 cases and 399 healthy controls) were enrolled in the present study. Five SNPs within ZNF208 gene were selected and genotyped using Sequenom MassARRY technology (Sequenom, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Data management and statistical analyses were conducted using Sequenom Typer, version 4.0, and a chi-squared test, as well as unconditional logistic regression. Results Statistical results showed that three variants were associated with the risk of ischemic stroke under allele models (rs2188971, rs2188972, rs8103163 and rs7248488). The variant rs2188972 was also associated with the risk of ischemic stroke in a recessive model after adjustment for age and sex. Haplotype analysis suggested that a significant difference existed between the Ars2188972 Trs2188971 Ars8103163 Ars7248488 haplotype and the risk of ischemic stroke, although this disappeared after adjustment for sex and age. Conclusions The results obtained in the present study indicate a potential association between ZNF208 variants and the risk of ischemic risk in a southern Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroid receptor coactivator-3 ( SRC-3), a transcriptional coactivator for nuclear receptors and other transcription factors, plays an important role in the genesis and progression of several cancers. However, studies investigated the role of SRC-3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas ( ESCCs) are limited, and the role of SRC-3 in tumor progression remains unclear. We examined the expression of SRC-3 in 8 ESCC cell lines and 302 human ESCC tissues by qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, ESCC cell lines were subjected to proliferation and invasion assays, tumorigenicity assay, flow cytometry assay, qPCR, Western blot, and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation assay to investigate the role of SRC-3 in cancer progression. SRC-3 was overexpressed in 48% of cases and correlated with poor overall ( P = 0.0076) and progression-free ( P = 0.0069) survival of surgically resected ESCC patient. Cox regression analysis revealed that SRC-3 is an independent prognostic marker. Furthermore, we found that activation of insulin-like growth factor ( IGF)/ AKT) was involved in the SRC-3 on the cell growth and invasiveness in two ESCC cell lines, Eca109 and EC18 cells. SRC-3 overexpression is clinically and functionally relevant to the progression of human ESCC, and might be a useful molecular target for ESCC prognosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel isohedral 3-periodic net (i.e. a net with one kind of tile), showing a Cairo pentagonal tiling projection on the Euclidean plane, has been identified in a series of site-modified CuCN/CuSCN networks, namely, [Cu6(SCN)2(CN)6⋅Ni(tpy)2] n ( 1), [Cu6(SCN)(CN)7⋅Ni(tpy)2] n ( 2) and [Cu6(CN)8⋅Ni(tpy)2] n ( 3) (tpy=2,2′:6′′,2′′-terpyridine). These infinite inclusion compounds were prepared via a solvothermal sulfur migration reaction with subtle modification to fine-tune the sulfur content. The chiroptical activity of single crystals, which arises from the intrinsically chiral net, was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and solid-state circular dichroism spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The Himalaya-Hengduan Mountain (HHM) biodiversity hotspot including the 'sky islands' of Southwest China harbour exceptional plant diversity and endemicity at subnival summits (most of them exceeding 4300 m a.s.l.). This study is the first using a comparative phylogeographical framework to gain insights into the temporal origin of this highly fragmented subnival flora, and the historical factors shaping its genetic architecture as exemplified by four perennial herbs. Location Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains, China. Methods Based on nuclear and/or chloroplast (cp) DNA sequences for each of the four studied species, we performed AMOVA and mismatch distributional analyses to assess molecular structure, diversity and demographic history in relation to current and last glacial distributions using ecological niche modelling (ENM). Time-calibrated phylogenetic reconstructions of cpDNA data were used to infer species-specific stem and crown ages. Results Our time estimates suggest that these species originated during the Late Pliocene or early-to-mid Pleistocene, whereas their onset of diversification generally falls into the mid-Pleistocene. All four species exhibited island-like population genetic structures, with all of them showing signatures of recent population growth and/or spatial expansion based on cpDNA. By contrast, ENM indicated that species broad-scale distributions remained fairly stable over the last glacial/post-glacial cycle. Main conclusions The temporal origin of the four subnival HHM species is likely associated with tectonic changes in the region, while their near-simultaneous onset of diversification during the 'Naynayxungla Glaciation' (0.72-0.50 Ma) could reflect initial population divergence through climate-induced habitat fragmentation. Despite a rather stable distributional history, geographical population isolation and localized range expansion/contractions likely resulted in significant genetic structure and differentiation over the last glacial/ post-glacial cycle. Overall, the present results are strongly indicative of shared evolutionary histories and phylogeographical structures among subnival plants from the 'sky island system' of the HHM region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore mild cognitive dysfunction and/or spatial working memory impairment in patients with primary onset middle-age type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM] using ethology (behavior tests) and blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI).Materials and Methods: Eighteen primary onset T2DM patients and 18 matched subjects with normal blood glucose levels were all tested using the Montreal cognitive assessment scale test, the Wechsler Memory Scale Chinese-revised test, and scanned using BOLD-fMRI (1.5T, EPI sequence) while performing the n-back task to find the activation intensity of some cognition-related areas.Results: The ethology results showed that T2DM patients had a mild cognitive impairment and memory dysfunction (P < 0.05). The fMRI scan identified a neural network consisting of bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), bilateral premotor area (PreMA), bilateral parietal lobe (PA), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) / supplementary motor area (SMA) that was activated during the n-back task, with right hemisphere dominance. However, only the right PA and ACC/SMA showed a load effect via quantitative analysis in the T2DM group; the activation intensity of most working memory-related brain areas for the T2DM group were lower than for the control group under three memory loads. Furthermore, we found that the activation intensity of some cognition-related areas, including the right insular lobe, left caudate nucleus, and bilateral hippocampus/parahippocampal gyrus were lower than the control group under the memory loads.Conclusion: Diabetes-related brain damage of primary onset middle-age T2DM patients with right DLPFC-posterior parietal lobe and parahippocampal gyrus default network causes impairment of spatial working memory and mild cognitive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological function arises by the assembly of individual biomolecular modules into large aggregations or highly complex architectures. A similar strategy is adopted in supramolecular chemistry to assemble complex and highly ordered structures with advanced functions from simple components. Here we report a series of diamond-like supramolecular frameworks featuring mesoporous cavities, which are assembled from metal-imidazolate coordination cages and various anions. Small components (metal ions, amines, aldehydes, and anions) are assembled into the hierarchical complex structures through multiple interactions including covalent bonds, dative bonds, and weak CH⋅⋅⋅X (X=O, F, and π) hydrogen bonds. The mesoporous cavities are large enough to trap organic dye molecules, coordination cages, and vitamin B12. The study is expected to inspire new types of crystalline supramolecular framework materials based on coordination motifs and inorganic ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]