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Introduction: Hyperglycemia is closely related to trophoblast dysfunction during pregnancy and results in suppressed invasion, migration, and pro‐inflammatory cell death of trophoblasts. Hyperglycemia is a dependent risk factor for gestational hypertension accompanied by decreased placental growth factor (PLGF), which is important for maternal and fetal development. However, there is currently a lack of evidence to support whether PLGF can alleviate trophoblast cell dysfunction caused by high blood sugar. Here, we aim to clarify the effect of hyperglycemia on trophoblast dysfunction and determine how PLGF affects this process. Methods: The changes in placental tissue histomorphology from gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients were compared with those of normal placentas. HTR8/SVneo cells were cultured in different amounts of glucose to examine cellular pyroptosis, migration, and invasion as well as PLGF levels. Furthermore, the levels of pyroptosis‐related proteins (NLRP3, pro‐caspase1, caspase1, IL‐1β, and Gasdermin D [GSDMD]) as well as autophagy‐related proteins (LC3‐II, Beclin1, and p62) were examined by Western blotting. The GFP‐mRFP‐LC3‐II system and transmission electron microscopy were used to detect mitophagy levels, and small interfering RNAs targeting BCL2 Interacting Protein 3 (siBNIP3) and PTEN‐induced kinase 1 (siPINK1) were used to determine the role of mitophagy in pyroptotic death of HTR‐8/SVneo cells. Results: Our results show that hyperglycemia upregulates NLRP3, pro‐caspase1, caspase1, IL‐1β at the protein level in GDM patients. High glucose (HG, 25 mM) inhibits viability, invasion, and migration of trophoblast cells while suppressing superoxide dismutase levels and promoting malondialdehyde production, thus leading to a senescence associated beta‐gal‐positive cell burst. PLGF levels in nucleus and the cytosol are also inhibited by HG, whereas PLGF treatment inhibited pyroptosis‐related protein levels of NLRP3, pro‐caspase1, caspase1, IL‐1β, and GSDMD, Gasdermin D N‐terminal domain (GSDMD‐N). HG‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and BNIP3 and PINK1/Parkin expression. Knocking down BINP3 and PINK1 abolished the protective role of PLGF by preventing mitophagy. Conclusion: PLGF inhibited hyperglycemia, while PLGF reversed hyperglycemic injury by promoting mitophagy via the BNIP3/PINK1/Parkin pathway. Altogether, these results suggest that PLGF may protect against trophoblast dysfunction in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy‐based electrocatalytic oxidation for hydrogen production in complex reaction environments such as industrial wastewater and human urine demands high‐performing catalysts to conduct switchable urea oxidation reactions (UOR) and traditional oxygen evolution reactions (OER). Here, a novel bifunctional nanosheet electrocatalyst is reported, Ir‐Ni3N, which exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity for both OER and UOR under alkaline conditions. Specifically, the overpotentials at 100 mA cm−2 for OER and UOR are 1.59 and 1.37 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) respectively, which are superior to most of the recently reported nickel‐based catalysts. Accordingly, a comprehensive mechanism for competitive catalytic activities of Ni and Ir sites in Ir‐Ni3N and the switch between OER and UOR that guarantees consistent hydrogen production is proposed. This study provides a feasible strategy for continuous hydrogen production aided by reagent‐adaptive electrocatalysts in urea‐containing wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the thermodynamic equilibria and domain structures of ferroelectrics is critical to establishing their structure–property relationships that underpin their applications from piezoelectric devices to nonlinear optics. Here, we establish the strain condition for strain phase separation and polydomain formation and analytically predict the corresponding domain volume fractions and wall orientations of, relatively low symmetry and theoretically more challenging, monoclinic ferroelectric thin films by integrating thermodynamics of ferroelectrics, strain phase equilibria theory, microelasticity, and phase‐field method. Using monoclinic KxNa1 − xNbO3(0.5 < x < 1.0) thin films as a model system, we establish the polydomain strain–strain phase diagrams, from which we identify two types of monoclinic polydomain structures. The analytically predicted strain conditions of formation, domain volume fractions, and domain wall orientations for the two polydomain structures are consistent with phase‐field simulations and in good agreement with experimental results in the literature. The present study demonstrates a general, powerful analytical theoretical framework to predict the strain phase equilibria and domain wall orientations of polydomain structures applicable to both high‐ and low‐symmetry ferroelectrics and provide fundamental insights into the equilibrium domain structures of ferroelectric KxNa1 − xNbO3 thin films that are of technology relevance for lead‐free dielectric and piezoelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of soil phosphorus (P) fixation and release have a critical impact on the availability of P and the risk of environmental loss. Investigation of the effects of corn stalk and corn stalk biochar on the P adsorption–desorption characteristics of brown earth can provide a theoretical basis for the rational return of crop stalk to the field and improving the availability of soil P. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation provided a better fit than the Freundlich equation for the curve of soil P adsorption and equilibrium solution P concentration. Biochar application increased the maximum adsorption capacity (MAC) and maximum buffer capacity (MBC) of the soil for P by 8.5% and 17.2%, respectively. Corn stalk and its biochar reduced the P adsorption saturation (DPS) by 41.8% and 31.9%, respectively, but increased the amount of readily desorbable P (RDP) by 39.7% and 154.4%, respectively. The application of corn stalk and its biochar improved the soil P desorption rate at substrate P concentrations of less than 5 mg L−1, whereas significant reductions in the soil P desorption rate were observed between 5 mg L−1 and 30 mg L−1, and no significant effects were observed at P concentrations over 40 mg L−1. In addition, the total P and Olsen‐P contents of the soil were significantly associated with the P adsorption–desorption process (p <.05). Therefore, corn stalk and corn stalk biochar can enhance the capacity of soil for P adsorption, with a stronger effect observed for biochar than for corn stalk, and the rate of P desorption from treated soil is dependent on P concentration in the soil solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleomagnetic records of middle Neoproterozoic (820 to 780 Ma) rocks display high amplitude directional variations that lead to large discrepancies in paleogeographic reconstructions. Hypotheses to explain these data include rapid true polar wander (TPW), a geomagnetic field geometry that deviates from a predominantly axial dipole field, a hyper‐reversing field (>10 reversals/Ma), and/or undiagnosed remagnetization. To test these hypotheses, we collected 1,057 oriented cores over a 85 m stratigraphic succession in the Laoshanya Formation (Yangjiaping, Hunan, China). High precision U‐Pb dating of two intercalated tuff layers constrain the age of the sediments between 809 and 804 Ma. Thermal demagnetization isolates three magnetization components residing in hematite which are not time‐progressive but conflated throughout the section. All samples possess a north and downward directed component in geographic coordinates at temperatures up to 660°C that is ascribed to a Cretaceous overprint. Two components isolated above 660°C reveal distinct directional clusters: one is interpreted as a depositional remanence, while the other appears to be the result of a mid‐Paleozoic (460 to 420 Ma) remagnetization, which is likely widespread throughout South China. The high‐temperature directions are subtly dependent on lithology; microscopic and rock magnetic analyses identify multiple generations of hematite that vary in concentration and distinguish the magnetization components. A comparison with other middle Neoproterozoic paleomagnetic studies in the region indicates that the sudden changes in paleomagnetic directions, used elsewhere to support the rapid TPW hypothesis (ca. 805 Ma), are better explained by mixtures of primary and remagnetized components, and/or vertical axis rotations. Plain Language Summary: Paleomagnetic directions recorded in 820 to 780 million year old rocks from South China exhibit large amplitude changes that vary rapidly, which have been interpreted to indicate extraordinarily fast motion of Earth's crust and mantle, up to 90° within a 5 million year span, with respect to the spin axis of the core. This hypothetical phenomenon, called rapid true polar wander (TPW), could be responsible for dramatic global environmental change at that time. To test this theory, we collected over 1,000 samples from a well exposed section where the incongruous directions are found. Our measurements suggest that some of the rocks acquired a new magnetic signal during a pervasive remagnetization event in South China around 440 million years ago, long after original deposition of the rocks. New hematite growth has a demagnetization spectrum that partially overlaps or completely obscures the original magnetic signal, which was previously unrecognized. This implies that rapid TPW is likely an artifact of magnetic overprinting in ancient rocks from South China. Our results suggest that South China was in a relatively stable position at high latitudes 809 to 804 million years ago. We find no evidence to support exceptionally fast continental drift or an abnormal geomagnetic field geometry during that time. Key Points: High‐precision ID‐TIMS U‐Pb dating yields deposition ages of the Laoshanya Formation (Yangjiaping, South China) between 809 and 804 MaDiscordant paleomagnetic directions in the red beds are a conflation of three temporally distinct field records residing in hematiteOur results do not support rapid true polar wander or abnormal magnetic field geometry around 805 Ma [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is an effective ameliorator for soil quality improvement and nutrient reuse from biomass; however, the effect of biochar application on soil potassium (K) availability, plant K uptake, and the underlying mechanisms have not been well‐elucidated. To address this, the variation in the soil K forms, soil aggregate stability, and aggregate‐associated K concentration, as well as maize K uptake, were investigated in a field experiment after 9 years of biochar amendment. The treatments included no biochar and NPK fertilizer (CK); NPK fertilizer treatment (F); biochar applied annually at the rate of 2.625 t ha−1 (C1), and biochar applied annually at rate of 2.625 t ha−1 with NPK fertilizers (C1F); one‐time biochar applied with NPK fertilizers, with biochar rate of 31.5 (C2F) and 47.25 t ha−1 (C3F). The results showed that after 9 years of field application, biochar inhibited the downward K migration to the deeper layer, thus increasing water‐soluble potassium (WSK), exchangeable potassium (EK), non‐exchangeable potassium (NEK), and total potassium (TK) in 0–20 cm soil, with C1F exhibiting better performance than C2F and C3F. Biochar also increased aggregate‐associated EK, NEK, and TK pools, mainly due to an increase in the macroaggregate proportion (>0.25 mm). Biochar amendment promoted maize K uptake by an average of 35.69%, the path analysis indicated that the positive effect was an outcome of the synergetic effect of the increase in surface soil WSK content and promoted macroaggregate EK pools, which was primarily attributed to biochar improved soil properties, including soil organic carbon, pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and cation exchange capacity. These factors explained 76% of the variance in maize K uptake. In conclusion, biochar is an effective ameliorator for improving soil K content and availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the role of the NLRP3/GSDMD pathway in causing paravertebral muscle injury in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The study found that abnormal paraspinal muscle development can affect the progression and rehabilitation of scoliosis. The activation of the NLRP3/GSDMD pathway was identified as a key factor in paraspinal muscle injury in AIS, and a nano-drug delivery system was designed to effectively inhibit this damage. The article provides insights into the pathogenesis and potential personalized treatment options for addressing abnormal changes in the paraspinal muscles in patients with AIS. [Extracted from the article]

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal deformity in young women, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. The primary pathogenic factors contributing to its development include genetics, abnormal bone metabolism, and endocrine factors. Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AIS by regulating its occurrence and progression. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are also involved in the pathogenesis of AIS, and their role in regulating BMSCs in patients with AIS requires further evaluation. In this review, we discuss the relevant literature regarding the osteogenic, chondrogenic, and lipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The corresponding mechanisms of ncRNA‐mediated BMSC regulation in patients with AIS, recent advancements in AIS and ncRNA research, and the importance of ncRNA translation profiling and multiomics are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the fiber bundles in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients using differential and correlational tractography in a longitudinal analysis. Diffusion MRI data were acquired in 34 mTBI patients at 7 days (acute stage) and 3 months or longer (chronic stage) after mTBI. Trail Making Test A (TMT‐A) and Digital Symbol Substitution Test changes were used to evaluate the cognitive performance. Longitudinal correlational tractography showed decreased anisotropy in the corpus callosum during the chronic mTBI stage. The changes in anisotropy in the corpus callosum were significantly correlated with the changes in TMT‐A (false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.000094). Individual longitudinal differential tractography found that anisotropy decreased in the corpus callosum in 30 mTBI patients. Group cross‐sectional differential tractography found that anisotropy increased (FDR = 0.02) in white matter in the acute mTBI patients, while no changes occurred in the chronic mTBI patients. Our study confirms the feasibility of using correlational and differential tractography as tract‐based monitoring biomarkers to evaluate the disease progress of mTBI, and indicates that normalized quantitative anisotropy could be used as a biomarker to monitor the injury and/or repairs of white matter in individual mTBI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil nitrogen (N) transformation is vital in determining farmland N availability. Although many studies have investigated the effect of biochar on N retention and loss via leaching and gaseous emissions, few have determined the dynamics of gross N transformation during crop growth in long‐term biochar‐amended soils and compared the effect of the biochar with that of its feedstock. In this study, we conducted a five‐time field measurement of soil gross N turnover rates via 15N isotope pool dilution during maize growth in 2021. Three treatments were employed, including no amendment, biochar and straw applied annually at rates of 2.63 and 7.50 t ha−1, respectively, since 2013. The results showed that biochar did not change the rate of gross N mineralisation when compared with no amendment, but straw increased it by 139% in August, resulting in significantly higher cumulative gross N mineralisation than biochar and no amendment (701 vs 489 and 499 mg kg−1 in 200 d). The inconsistent influence was attributed to the fact that inherent biochar‐N was recalcitrant and could not be mineralized like the straw. The gross nitrification rate was decreased by 72.9% and 77.4% by biochar and straw application, respectively, in June relative to no amendment, but then it increased from July to August in the straw treatment as a result of the elevated gross N mineralisation rate. The decreased nitrification in the biochar treatment was an outcome of the synergetic effect of a low ammonium pool (−59.4%) and a high gross ammonium immobilisation rate (+263%), which was likely due to excessive fertilizer N loss and abiotic adsorption to biochar. Meanwhile, biochar amendment inhibited bacterial 16S and fungal ITS genes, as well as ureC and bacterial and archaea‐amoA gene copies. In conclusion, straw is more effective than biochar at improving soil N transformation and availability in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the simple preparation method of glycerol metal chelates and effectively expand the application field of glycerol metal chelates and biomass glycerol, the micro‐nanopowders such as glycerin zinc (Gly‐Zn), and glycerin bismuth (Gly‐Bi) were prepared by the solid‐phase reaction, using sodium benzene sulfonate as a catalyst and template. Theoretical calculation of deprotonation reaction energy of glycerol and zinc chloride, bismuth nitrate was performed with the framework of DFT, and their structures were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The thermal stability of Gly‐Zn and Gly‐Bi for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is discussed by TG. The results show that the deprotonation reaction of glycerol with zinc chloride or bismuth nitrate mainly occurs in the dehydrogen of secondary hydroxyl (OsecH) and primary hydroxyl (OprimH) of glycerol molecules, and the H of OsecH is more active than that of the OprimH. The obtained Gly‐Zn and Gly‐Bi have good micromorphology with the rod‐like and bar‐like respectively. Applied them as thermal stabilizers to PVC processing, the reaction kinetic constant (k, s−1) is an order of kPVC > kPVC/Gly‐Zn > kPVC/Gly‐Bi. After the additions of 10% Gly‐Zn and 10% Gly‐Bi, the thermal stability time (min) of PVC, PVC/Gly‐Zn and PVC/Gly‐Bi is 45, 54.43 and 71.47, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is characterized by insulin secretion deficiencies and systemic insulin resistance (IR) in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the liver. Although the mechanism of T2DM is not yet fully known, inflammation and insulin resistance play a central role in the pathogenesis of T2DM. G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in endocrine and metabolic processes as well as many other physiological processes. GPR50 (G protein‐coupled receptor 50) is an orphan GPCR that shares the highest sequence homology with melatonin receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GPR50 on inflammation and insulin resistance in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. GPR50 expression was observed to be significantly increased in the adipose tissue of obese T2DM mice, while GPR50 deficiency increased inflammation in 3T3‐L1 cells and induced the phosphorylation of AKT and insulin receptor substrate (IRS) 1. Furthermore, GPR50 knockout in the 3T3‐L1 cell line suppressed PPAR‐γ expression. These data suggest that GPR50 can attenuate inflammatory levels and regulate insulin signaling in adipocytes. Furthermore, the effects are mediated through the regulation of the IRS1/AKT signaling pathway and PPAR‐γ expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To construct a prediction model based on functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) to predict atrial fibrillation recurrence after the post‐circular pulmonary vein radiofrequency ablation (CPVA). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 289 patients with PAF who underwent CPVA for the first time. The patients were randomly divided into modeling group and verification group at the ratio of 75:25. In the modeling group, the multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze and construct a prediction model for post‐CPVA recurrence in PAF patients, which was then validated in the verification group. Results: (1) After 3–6 months of follow‐up, the patients were divided into sinus rhythm group (252 cases) and recurrence group (24 cases); (2) In the modeling group, the age, left atrial diameter (LAD), and the degree of MR (mild, moderate, severe) were higher in recurrence group than that of the sinus rhythm group, and the left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAV) was lower in recurrence group (all p <.05). (3) A model for predicting the recurrence of PAF after radiofrequency ablation was constructed in the modeling group. The equation was: Logit(P) = −3.253 +.092 × age + 1.263 × mild MR + 2.325 × moderate MR + 5.111 × severe MR −.113 × LAAV. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model was.889 in modeling group and.866 in verification group, and the difference was not statistically significant (p >.05). Conclusion: The prediction model of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after CPVA in PAF patients has good predictive efficacy, specificity, and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex environments of plants force them to prioritize their immune responses to stimuli occurring simultaneously, including colonization by microbes or nutrient availability. Little is known about how the interplay between endophytes and nutrient status affects the immune responses of both plants and fungi. We primarily monitored immune responses in rice following inoculation with the endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambaris under different nitrogen (N) conditions. Ph. liquidambaris promoted plant growth under low N (LN) conditions, concomitant with higher root colonization. Plant production of oxidative signals, including hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide, was activated by Ph. liquidambaris colonization under LN conditions, while salicylic acid (SA) was maintained at high levels and was involved in controlling rice‐fungal interactions. High N (HN) conditions enhanced the ability of Ph. liquidambaris in suppressing plant cell death and the ability of roots to degrade Ph. liquidambaris cell walls. Furthermore, under both LN and HN conditions, the activity of plant defence‐associated enzymes and fungal antioxidases was not affected in the interactive association. Our data reveal the alteration of plant immunity, including oxidative signalling and plant cell death, by fungal colonization in response to external N conditions and identify SA signalling as a potential controller for rice‐Ph. liquidambaris interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yield and quality of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) is seriously affected by Phytophthora infestans. The long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) Sl‐lncRNA39896 is induced after P. infestans infection and was previously predicted to act as an endogenous target mimic (eTM) for the microRNA Sl‐miR166b, which function in stress responses. Here, we further examined the role of Sl‐lncRNA39896 and Sl‐miR166b in tomato resistance to P. infestans. Sl‐miR166b levels were higher in Sl‐lncRNA39896‐knockout mutants than in wild‐type plants, and the mutants displayed enhanced resistance to P. infestans. A six‐point mutation in the region of Sl‐lncRNA39896 that binds to Sl‐miR166b disabled the interaction, suggesting that Sl‐lncRNA39896 acts as an eTM for Sl‐miR166b. Overexpressing Sl‐miR166b yielded a similar phenotype to that produced by Sl‐lncRNA39896‐knockout, whereas silencing of Sl‐miR166b impaired resistance. We verified that Sl‐miR166b cleaved transcripts of its target class III homeodomain‐leucine zipper genes SlHDZ34 and SlHDZ45. Silencing of SlHDZ34/45 decreased pathogen accumulation in plants infected with P. infestans. Additionally, jasmonic acid and ethylene contents were elevated following infection in the plants with enhanced resistance. Sl‐lncRNA39896 is the first known lncRNA to negatively regulate resistance to P. infestans in tomato. We propose a novel mechanism in which the lncRNA39896–miR166b–HDZ module modulates resistance to P. infestans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postpartum depression has been one of the most common psychological disorders in patients during postpartum period. The constant anxiety and depression during this period seriously affect the physiological and psychological health of both the mother and infant. Evidence‐based nursing has been widely applied in clinical practice and has achieved remarkable results. However, the effect of evidence‐based nursing on postpartum depression remains unclear. Pregnant women who were not diagnosed with postpartum depression during hospitalisation (Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale [EPDS] ≤ 13 points) but prone to postpartum depression (EPDS scores of 9–13) were recruited into the study. They were randomly divided into the Intervention group (N = 60) and Control group (N = 60). Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), EPDS and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to investigate the psychological outcomes of puerperae during and after the 6‐week intervention. Both the intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses showed that 6 weeks of evidence‐based nursing intervention significantly reduced the incidence of postpartum depression. The application of the evidence‐based nursing also improved the patients' satisfaction degree and effectively alleviated their anxiety according to both the intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses. Evidence‐based nursing intervention had positive effects against anxiety and depression in the postpartum period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the soil, plant roots associated with fungi often encounter uneven distribution of nitrate (NO3−)/ammonium (NH4+) patches, but the mechanism underlying N form‐influenced plant–fungal interactions remains limited. We inoculated Arabidopsis with a root endophyte Phomopsis liquidambaris, and evaluated the effects of P. liquidambaris on plant performance under NO3− or NH4+ nutrition. Under NO3− nutrition, P. liquidambaris inoculation promoted seedling growth, whereas under NH4+ nutrition, P. liquidambaris suppressed seedling growth. Under high NH4+ conditions, fungus‐colonized roots displayed increased NH4+ accumulation and NH4+ efflux, similar to the effect of ammonium stress caused by elevated NH4+ levels. Notably, this fungus excluded NH4+ during interactions with host roots, thereby leading to increased NH4+ levels at the plant–fungal interface under high NH4+ conditions. A nitrite reductase‐deficient strain that excludes NO3− but absorbs NH4+, decreased NH4+ levels in Arabidopsis shoots and rescued plant growth and nitrogen metabolism under high NH4+ levels. Transcriptomic analysis highlighted that P. liquidambaris had altered transcriptional responses associated with plant response to inorganic N forms. Our results demonstrate that fungus‐regulated NO3−/NH4+ dynamics at the plant–fungal interface alters plant response to NO3−/NH4+ nutrition. This study highlights the essential functions of root endophytes in plant adaptation to soil nitrogen nutrients. Brief Summary: We determined how to root endophyte affects plant response to different forms of N. Our results suggest that root endophyte differentially regulates plant response to NO3− and NH4+ nutrition through modulating N fluxes at the plant–fungal interface rather than through regulating defense responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aircraft measurement campaigns have revealed that super coarse dust (diameter >10 μm) surprisingly accounts for approximately a quarter of aerosols by mass in the atmosphere. However, most global aerosol models either underestimate or do not include super coarse dust abundance. To address this problem, we use brittle fragmentation theory to develop a parameterization for the emitted dust size distribution that includes emission of super coarse dust. We implement this parameterization in the Community Earth System Model (CESM) and find that it brings the model in good agreement with aircraft measurements of super coarse dust close to dust source regions. However, the CESM still underestimates super coarse dust in dust outflow regions. Thus, we conclude that the model underestimation of super coarse atmospheric dust is in part due to the underestimation of super coarse dust emission and likely in part due to errors in deposition processes. Plain Language Summary: Aircraft measurements have found surprisingly large concentrations of super coarse atmospheric dust (diameter >10 μm), which accounts for approximately a quarter of particulate matter mass in the atmosphere. However, current atmospheric models do not include or cannot reproduce this abundance of super coarse dust. Here we develop a parameterization for the emission of super coarse dust. We evaluate this new parameterization in the Community Earth System Model (CESM) and find that it enables the model to reproduce in situ aircraft measurements of super coarse atmospheric dust near dust source regions. However, the CESM still underestimates super coarse atmospheric dust over dust outflow regions, possibly due to errors in deposition processes. We further find that the equivalent effect of possible errors in dust deposition processes during transport is to decrease the effective dust aerosol density in the CESM to an order of magnitude of its physical value of ∼2,500 kg/m3. Thus, we conclude that the underestimation of super coarse atmospheric dust by models is in part due to the underestimation of the emission of super coarse dust and likely in part due to errors in deposition processes. Key Points: We develop a model parameterization for the size distribution of emitted dust aerosols that includes emission of super coarse dustThe parameterization enables models to reproduce measurements of super coarse atmospheric dust near dust source regionsThe remaining underestimation of super coarse dust over dust outflow regions is likely due to errors in models' deposition processes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cathaysian Coastal Mountains are thought to be an ancient high‐topographic feature that existed along the margin of South China. They are characterised by extensive Jurassic–Cretaceous magmatism; however, their formation mechanism and timing remains uncertain. In this paper, we present sedimentological and detrital zircon analyses from Cretaceous–Eocene strata and drainage sediments from Hainan Island. Our analyses show a change in provenance from a proximal Cathaysian Coastal arc source in Cretaceous strata to a widely distributed intra‐island granite source in the Eocene strata and modern river sediments. Reconstruction of the crustal thickness evolution for the South China margin from Eu/Eu*‐in‐zircon proxy shows significant crustal thickening during the Late Jurassic–Cretaceous, thereby suggesting the existence of the Cathaysian Coastal Mountains. Together with a compilation of detrital zircon U‐Pb ages in the northern basins of the South China Sea margin, we conclude that the Cathaysian Coastal Mountains extended from the Red River region to Taiwan along the South China margin during the Late Jurassic–Cretaceous and then collapsed/eroded from northeast to southwest during the Eocene–Miocene. This large mountain range supplied detrital sediments to the marginal basins in the northern South China Sea and formed a topographic barrier that prohibited moist Pacific air to reach the relatively arid inland area of South China during the Late Jurassic–Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a broad‐spectrum antitumour agent; however, its clinical application is impeded due to the cumulative cardiotoxicity. The present study aims to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of microRNA‐495‐3p (miR‐495‐3p) in Dox‐induced cardiotoxicity. Herein, we found that cardiac miR‐495‐3p expression was significantly decreased in Dox‐treated hearts, and that the miR‐495‐3p agomir could prevent oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, cardiac mass loss, fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction upon Dox stimulation. In contrast, the miR‐495‐3p antagomir dramatically aggravated Dox‐induced cardiotoxicity in mice. Besides, we found that the miR‐495‐3p agomir attenuated, while the miR‐495‐3p antagomir exacerbated Dox‐induced oxidative stress and cellular injury in vitro. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that miR‐495‐3p directly bound to the 3′‐untranslational region of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), downregulated PTEN expression and subsequently activated protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) pathway, and that PTEN overexpression or AKT inhibition completely abolished the cardioprotective effects of the miR‐495‐3p agomir. Our study for the first time identify miR‐495‐3p as an endogenous protectant against Dox‐induced cardiotoxicity through activating AKT pathway in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hainan Island lies near the Red River Fault, a prominent tectonic feature produced by the India‐Asia collision. There, we carried out a geochronologic and paleomagnetic study on Cretaceous rocks in order to better understand the kinematic history of the region. U‐Pb zircon dating of tuff intercalated in red bed sedimentary rocks yielded a concordant age of 106.6 ± 0.3 Ma; a mafic dyke intruding the red beds yielded a concordant age of 104.6 ± 0.7 Ma. Stepwise demagnetization experiments on 448 sedimentary rock samples and 191 dyke samples isolate solely normal polarities. Paleomagnetic directions of the dykes cluster in two distinct populations in geographic coordinates, indicating that dyke intrusion occurred in two pulses of limited duration (secular variation was not averaged) after tilting of the sediments. Baking of the sediments from the dykes only occurred near the contacts. Together with published data, the mean directions of 104 sites most tightly group at 58.3 ± 3.2% unfolding, indicative of a synfolding remagnetization, which can be constrained to have occurred within a 2 Myr period between sedimentation and dyke intrusion. We suggest that warm (50–100°C) fluid interaction during basin development led to new mineral growth spawning chemical remagnetization. The corresponding paleomagnetic pole at 81.5°N, 145.2°E (A95 = 2.4°) is indistinguishable from the coeval Eurasian reference pole, suggesting the South China Block has remained fixed to Eurasia since 105 Ma. A contour map of paleomagnetic rotations from 115 studies in the region shows that the Red River Fault roughly demarcates rotation magnitudes/signs, suggestive of a major tectonic boundary. Plain Language Summary: Highly stable magnetic remanences of hematite‐bearing sedimentary rocks (red beds) form the basis of numerous paleomagnetic studies. However, an on‐going scientific debate called the "red bed controversy" stems from the relative timing when the remanence was acquired (primary = detrital vs. secondary = chemical). Our article concerns a paleomagnetic and geochronologic study of Cretaceous red beds and cross cutting dykes from Hainan Island (South China). Radiometric‐dating of tuff intercalated in the red beds and the crosscutting mafic dykes, combined with paleomagnetic analyses of 639 samples, allows us to precisely constrain the age of a pervasive synfolding remagnetization at ca. 105 Ma. Together with electron microscopy, we demonstrate the existence of a chemical remanent magnetization (CRM) that occurred within 2 Myr of the depositional age of the sediments. We also show that the dykes had limited thermal influence on the wall rocks. Importantly, the red beds that have CRMs do not suffer from inclination shallowing—the paleolatitude is very compatible with that predicted from the reference curve, suggesting the relative configuration between South China and Siberia has remained constant since 105 Ma. Key Points: Chemical remagnetization of Cretaceous sedimentary rocks in Hainan is dated between 106.6 Ma and 104.6 MaAuthigenic growth of iron oxides and sulfides in the Cretaceous sediments occurred within 2 Myr of depositionThe South China Block has remained fixed to Eurasia since the Cretaceous (105 Ma) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China's socioeconomic and population structures have evolved markedly during the past few decades, and consequently, monitoring the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) is crucial. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PD within Chinese communities, particularly in older people. Methods: A nationwide study of 24,117 participants, aged 60 years or older, was carried out in 2015 using multistage clustered sampling. All participants were initially screened using a nine‐item questionnaire, from which those suspected of having PD were examined by neurologists and a diagnosis was given, according to the 2015 Movement Disorder Society Clinical Diagnostic Criteria. Results: The prevalence of PD was 1.37% (95% confidence interval 1.02%–1.73%) in people aged over 60 years. Thus, the estimated total number of people in China with PD could be as high as 3.62 million. Conclusions: Although the PD population prevalence percentage did not change significantly, the total number of PD sufferers has increased with the increased population, which poses a significant challenge in a rapidly aging population. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: A detailed chemical study on the Hainan soft coral Sinularia crass has resulted in the isolation and characterization of eleven casbane‐type diterpenoids, named sinucrassins A—K (1—11), along with six known related ones (12—17). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and comparison with the reported data. The absolute configurations of new compounds were determined by the X‐ray diffraction analysis and computer‐assisted structural elucidation including 13C NMR data calculation and time‐dependent density functional theory/electronic circular dichroism calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Return of crop straw and its biochar to the agricultural field decreases pressure on phosphorus (P) resources and reduces leaching and P runoff. We conducted a 5‐year field trial from 2013 to 2017 to study the capability of maize straw and its biochar to retain soil P, which was quantified by investigating the distribution of P fractions in the soil profile (0–100 cm) and soil aggregates of different grain sizes. The impact of soil treatments with nitrogen‐phosphorus‐potassium (NPK) fertiliser alone or combined with biochar or maize straw were examined. We found that maize straw and its biochar increased soil aggregate stability, which showed an increase in mean weight diameter, geometric mean diameter, and aggregates with diameter > 250 μm. Maize straw and its biochar promoted both inorganic (dicalcium phosphate dehydrate [Ca2‐P], octocalcium phosphate [Ca8‐P], aluminium phosphate [Al‐P], iron phosphate [Fe‐P], hydroxyapatite [Ca10‐P], and occluded phosphate [O‐P]) and organic (labile organic phosphorus, LOP, and moderately labile organic phosphorus, MLOP) P accumulation and stabilization in soil aggregates, especially in small macroaggregates of 250–2000 μm. Total phosphorus (TP), Ca8‐P, Fe‐P, LOP, MLOP, moderately resistant organic phosphorus (MROP) and highly resistant organic phosphorus (HROP) were enhanced by maize straw and its biochar, whereas Ca2‐P and O‐P were decreased in the 0–20‐cm topsoil. We measured decreased TP, Fe‐P, O‐P and Ca10‐P in the 40–100‐cm soil layer following maize straw and biochar deposition, whereas higher Ca2‐P, Al‐P, MROP and HROP were obtained in maize straw‐supplemented soil relative to NPK fertiliser treatment in the 20–100‐cm soil layer. Thus, maize straw and its biochar can be used to effectively improve soil structure to support P retention and biochar has the potential to reduce P leaching from the soil profile. Highlights: Maize straw and its biochar effectively improved soil structure to support P retentionInorganic and organic P fractions mainly accumulated in the small macroaggregate fractionBiochar has the potential to reduce P leaching in the soil profile [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Rice spikelet rot disease (RSRD) is an emerging disease that significantly reduces rice yield and quality. In this study, we evaluated the potential use of the broad‐spectrum endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambaris B3 as a biocontrol agent against RSRD. We also compared the control effects of different treatments, including chemical fungicides and treatment with multiple strains and single strains in combination or individually, against RSRD. The objective of this study was to find an effective and environmentally friendly control strategy to reduce the occurrence of RSRD and improve the rice yield. RESULTS: In pot experiments, the effect of B3 alone was better than that of fungicide or combined measures. The results showed that root colonization by B3 significantly reduced the incidence and disease index of RSRD by 41.0% and 53.8%, respectively. This was related to enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, and to significantly upregulated expression levels of OsAOX, OsLOX, OsPAL, and OsPR10 in rice. Moreover, B3 improved the diversity of the bacterial community rather than the fungal community in the rice rhizosphere. It also led to a decrease in Fusarium proliferatum colonization and fumonisin content in the grain. Finally, root development was markedly promoted after B3 inoculation, and the yield improved by 48.60%. The result of field experiments showed that the incidence of RSRD and the fumonisin content were observably reduced in rice receiving B3, by 24.41% and 37.87%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambaris B3 may become an effective tool to relieve rice spikelet rot disease. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disease in pregnant women with a prevalence from 1.4% to 14% based on the population studied. The number of patients with GDM is increasing annually, and yet, the treatment for GDM remains limited. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential of dendrobine against GDM. For this purpose, a genetic mouse model of GDM was established. GDM mice were orally administered with 20 mg/kg dendrobine daily from the beginning of pregnancy to delivery. It was found that dendrobine significantly ameliorated the symptoms of GDM, as evidenced by reduced maternal body‐weight and blood glucose levels, as well as increased insulin levels and insulin sensitivity in GDM mice. Dendrobine also remarkably attenuated the impairments to offspring, such as decreased birth‐weight and birth size. Moreover, dendrobine reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by T helper 17 (Th17) cells, including interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐17. Furthermore, we found that dendrobine also reduced the population of Th17 cells in GDM mice. In conclusion, dendrobine could effectively alleviate GDM in mice and might serve as a potential therapeutic drug candidate for GDM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 is a promising route to convert waste products to valuable chemicals. Search for suitable and efficient CO2 reduction electrocatalysts with high C2:C1 selectivity holds great promise. Herein, for the first time we have developed a molten salt oxidized method to modify the morphology and oxidation state of a Cu‐foam catalyst. The catalyst displayed a current density of 30 mA cm−2 (−1.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode) and an ethylene/methane ratio of 870. We provide insight into the improved performance of the catalysts by cross section scanning transmission electron microscopy and quasi in situ soft X‐ray spectroscope, which show that copper oxides are surprisingly reconstructed with Cu (I) and Cu (0) on the surface during the reaction. First principle calculations also demonstrate that the partly reduced Cu2O (111) surface has a high reactivity and selectivity for C2+ products. Furthermore, the molten salt treated catalysts could be applied to the direct synthesis of multi‐carbon fuels, including C3‐C4 compounds in high CO2 pressure electrocatalytic reduction. Our results demonstrate that molten salt are both the oxidizing agent and reaction medium, which is a promising approach for synthesis of highly active CO2 electrocatalysts, which may open a new way for industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tuoyun volcanics from the Tian Shan range (Central Asia) give an opportunity to investigate the variability of the Earth's magnetic field during the Cretaceous and Early Paleogene. In the paper we focus on Maastrichtian‐Paleocene basalts and report new paleomagnetic results from 70 lava flows (respectively 45 directional groups) sampled near Tuoyun village (75.33°E; 40.18°N) from three distinct sections. Combined with previous results, our new data set yields a virtual geomagnetic pole at φS = 180.2°E, ϑS = 49.5°N with an angular standard deviation S=20.8∘|18.8∘23.1∘ (for N = 93 directional groups). The mean inclination Is = 36.2° is indicative of an emplacement of the Tuoyun volcanics at a paleolatitude around 20°N, consistent with the high dispersion k = 14.6 of the directions. Such an inclination value is 10–15° lower than the predictions from the apparent polar wander paths for stable Europe and East Asia. This observation can be partly explained by crustal shortening within the East Asian plate during the India‐Asia convergence, but also needs to invoke a local field anomaly in Central Asia as previously proposed. Our absolute paleointensity experiments conducted on two lava flows and two baked sedimentary layers yield a mean virtual dipole moment of 58.9 ± 6.9 ZA·m2, consistent with the values at 60–70 Ma in the global paleointensity database. Compared to relative paleointensity results during the Cretaceous Normal Superchron and during the Plio‐Pleistocene, the relative variability in intensity—supposed to be a proxy for the geodynamo's activity—estimated here at 31 ± 5% (N = 15) from pseudo‐Thellier experiments possibly corroborates a correlation between geomagnetic reversal frequency and paleosecular variation rate during the past 120 Myr. Key Points: Low paleoinclinations at Tuoyun may stem from crustal shortening during the India‐Asia collisionPaleomagnetic directions at Tuoyun may also reflect a local field anomaly in Central AsiaThe new results possibly support a correlation between magnetic reversal frequency and paleosecular variation rate during the past 120 Myr [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of high glucose (HG) level on the proliferation, migration and invasion of trophoblasts and determine the role of placental growth factor (PLGF) in the process. Methods: HTR8‐S/Vneo was treated with different concentrations of d‐glucose (0, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 μM) at different times (0, 6, 12 and 24 h). qRT‐PCR and Western blot analyses were used to measure PLGF expression. The protein level of PLGF was measured by immunofluorescence. Cell proliferation was assessed with CCK‐8 analysis. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to evaluate cell migration and invasion. Intercellular ROS was detected with DCFH‐DA. Results: After d‐glucose treatment, the viability decreased in 25 and 30 μM groups. The HG group (25 μM) showed inhibited cell migration and invasion ability. The mRNA and protein levels of PLGF decreased under HG condition. Elevated ROS production was also detected in the HG group. Knocked‐down PLGF expression enhanced increased ROS production and decreased cell migration and invasion, which reverted to the original levels after PLGF was overexpressed. Conclusion: High glucose treatment inhibited HTR8‐S/Vneo viability, migration and invasion by downregulating PLGF expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the resistance of plants to infection by pathogens via interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs). Long non‐coding RNAs are cleaved by miRNAs to produce phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs), which, as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), function as decoys for mature miRNAs, thus inhibiting their expression, and contain pre‐miRNA sequences to produce mature miRNAs. However, whether lncRNAs and miRNAs mediate other molecular mechanisms during plant resistance to pathogens is unknown. In this study, as a positive regulator, Sl‐lncRNA15492 from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Zaofen No. 2) plants affected tomato resistance to Phytophthora infestans. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments and RNA ligase‐mediated 5′‐amplification of cDNA ends (RLM‐5′ RACE) also revealed that Sl‐miR482a was negatively involved in tomato resistance by targeting Sl‐NBS‐LRR genes and that silencing of Sl‐NBS‐LRR1 decreased tomato resistance. Sl‐lncRNA15492 inhibited the expression of mature Sl‐miR482a, whose precursor was located within the antisense sequence of Sl‐lncRNA15492. Further degradome analysis and additional RLM‐5′ RACE experiments verified that mature Sl‐miR482a could also cleave Sl‐lncRNA15492. These results provide a mechanism by which lncRNAs might inhibit precursor miRNA expression through antisense strands of lncRNAs, and demonstrate that Sl‐lncRNA15492 and Sl‐miR482a mutually inhibit the maintenance of Sl‐NBS‐LRR1 homeostasis during tomato resistance to P. infestans. Significance Statement: Sl‐lncRNA15492 suppresses the expression of mature Sl‐miR482a because pre‐Sl‐miR482a is located on the antisense sequence of Sl‐lncRNA15492, leading to increased accumulation of Sl‐NBS‐LRR and enhanced resistance of tomato. When excessive amounts of Sl‐NBS‐LRR accumulate, mature Sl‐miR482a cleaves Sl‐lncRNA15492 to relieve the suppression of pre‐Sl‐miR482a, leading to an increase in accumulation of mature Sl‐miR482a and decreasing Sl‐NBS‐LRR accumulation, thus maintaining Sl‐NBS‐LRR homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, the quality properties of fresh noodles with tea polyphenols (TPs), including rheological and texture properties, were characterised. The changes of gluten protein second structure, free thiol group (‐SH) content and TPs content were evaluated in fresh noodles during storage time. The results showed that the flour farinograph and extensograph properties could be improved by 0.9% TPs. All of textural parameters exhibited significant decrease (P < 0.05) along with the storage time, including hardness, springiness and tensile force of fresh noodles, while the shelf life of noodles containing TPs was longer than that of non‐TPs noodles. In addition, TPs inhibited the transformation of glutenin macropolymer (GMP) into SDS‐soluble glutenin in the fresh noodles. Furthermore, the increase in free thiol group, the decrease of α‐helix structure and the change of TPs content mostly occurred during the first 9 days. These results indicated that TPs could prolong the shelf life of fresh noodles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Form metallischer Nanopartikel (NPs) ist einer der Schlüsselfaktoren für die katalytische Reaktivität. Die jüngsten In‐situ‐TEM‐Beobachtungen zeigen, dass eine dynamische Umformung von Metall‐NPs unter Reaktionsbedingungen erfolgt, was zu einem Haupthindernis für das umfassende Verständnis des katalytischen Mechanismus auf molekularer Ebene wird. In diesem Kurzaufsatz geben wir einen Überblick über die neuesten Fortschritte bei der Charakterisierung und Modellierung der Gleichgewichtsform von Metall‐NPs in verschiedenen reaktiven Umgebungen mithilfe einer Kombination hochmoderner Experimente in Form von In‐situ‐Umgebungs‐Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie und eines neu entwickelten Multiskalen‐Strukturrekonstruktions‐Modells. Die erzielte quantitative Übereinstimmung zwischen den experimentellen Beobachtungen und der theoretischen Modellierung zeigt, dass der grundlegende Mechanismus für das Umformungsphänomen durch anisotrop veränderte Oberflächenenergien unter Gasadsorption angetrieben wird. Die voraussagbare Umformung von Metall‐NPs ebnet den Weg für das rationale Design von wirklich effizienten Nanokatalysatoren in realen Reaktionen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shape of metal nanoparticles (NPs) is one of the key factors determining their catalytic reactivity. Recent in situ TEM observations show that dynamic reshaping of metal NPs occurs under the reaction conditions, which becomes a major hurdle for fully understanding catalytic mechanisms at the molecular level. This Minireview provides a summary of the latest progress in characterizing and modeling the equilibrium shape of metal NPs in various reactive environments through the joint effort of state‐of‐the‐art in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy experiments and a newly developed multiscale structure reconstruction model. The quantitative agreement between the experimental observations and theoretical modeling demonstrate that the fundamental mechanism of the reshaping phenomenon is driven by anisotropically changed surface energies under gas adsorption. The predictable reshaping of metal NPs paves the way for the rational design of truly efficient nanocatalysts in real reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of flowering in root‐fungal symbiosis is not well understood. Because flowering and fungal symbionts are supported by carbohydrates, we hypothesized that flowering modulates root‐beneficial fungal associations through alterations in carbohydrate metabolism and transport. We monitored fungal colonization and soluble sugars in the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana following inoculation with a mutualistic fungus Phomopsis liquidambari across different plant developmental stages. Jasmonate signalling of wild‐type plants, sugar transport, and root invertase of wild‐type and jasmonate‐insensitive plants were exploited to assess whether and how jasmonate‐dependent sugar dynamics are involved in flowering‐mediated fungal colonization alterations. We found that flowering restricts root‐fungal colonization and activates root jasmonate signalling upon fungal inoculation. Jasmonates reduce the constitutive and fungus‐induced accumulation of root glucose and fructose at the flowering stage. Further experiments with sugar transport and metabolism mutant lines revealed that root glucose and fructose positively influence fungal colonization. Diurnal, jasmonate‐dependent inhibitions of sugar transport and soluble invertase activity were identified as likely mechanisms for flowering‐mediated root sugar depletion upon fungal inoculation. Collectively, our results reveal that flowering drives root‐fungus cooperation loss, which is related to jasmonate‐dependent root soluble sugar depletion. Limiting the spread of root‐fungal colonization may direct more resources to flower development. In the present study, we determined whether and how plant flowering affects root‐fungal mutualism. Our results revealed a novel metabolic network in which plant flowering‐mediated root fungal colonization is related to jasmonate‐dependent root glucose and fructose deprivation. The reductions of root glucose and fructose were probably due to the inhibitions of phloem sugar transport and root soluble invertase activity. Our results highlight importance of plant flowering in root microbiota composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate pre-cesarean prophylactic balloon placement (PBP) in the internal iliac artery among women with pernicious placenta previa.Methods: The present retrospective study included women with pernicious placenta previa who underwent cesarean delivery at Shanghai Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China, between March 1, 2011, and June 30, 2017. Data were compared between patients who did and did not undergo PBP.Results: Among 42 patients included, 20 underwent PBP and 22 did not. Mean ± SD estimated blood loss was 2900.00 ± 2352.21 mL in the PBP group, and 4549.77 ± 2366.67 mL in the non-PBP group (P=0.025). The amount of transfused red blood cells was 8.40 ± 7.14 U and 13.00 ± 7.93 U (P=0.018), respectively. No patients in the PBP group developed postoperative disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, compared with 3 (14%) in the non-PBP group (P=0.087). In the PBP and non-PBP groups, the hospital stay duration was 7.40 ± 3.07 and 8.68 ± 2.58 days (P=0.029), and there were 1 and 7 patients who had obstetric hysterectomies (P=0.027), respectively. Two patients experienced PBP-related adverse events, including thrombosis and re-bleeding. There were no deaths.Conclusion: Pre-cesarean PBP in the internal iliac artery was a safe and effective treatment that could reduce the incidence of both postpartum hemorrhage and hysterectomy among women with pernicious placenta previa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand more about long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as potential prediction biomarkers or therapeutic targets for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to find more lncRNA candidates related to obesity and T2DM.Methods: In this study, a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity-T2DM mouse model was used, and a mRNA and lncRNA expression map was drawn up in adipose tissue by microarray technology. Then Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were performed and revealed that the most associated genes and pathways were metabolism-related ones. The candidate lncRNA expression was further validated in adipose tissue from HFD-induced mice by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.Results: Transcriptome analyses were performed to show expression profiles of mRNAs and lncRNAs in epididymal adipose tissue in the obesity-T2DM mice. A total of 124 lncRNAs and 1,606 mRNAs were differentially expressed between the chow and HFD groups. Then, an mRNA-lncRNA coexpression network was constructed. Based on a series of analyses, 15 candidate lncRNAs were screened, and their expression was further validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.Conclusions: The results reveal significant differences between the transcriptomes of the HFD and control groups in adipose tissue that provide clues to the molecular mechanisms of diet-induced metabolic disorders as well as biomarkers of risk for these disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of Cenozoic climate patterns in Asia has been linked to uplift of the Tibetan Plateau (TP), retreat of the Paratethys Sea, and global cooling. However, less attention has been placed on the latitudinal change of the TP. Here we report new climate modeling to explore how modern climate changes as a function of topographic growth and spatial migration of the TP. Our results show that the northward displacement of the uplifted proto‐TP within the subtropics can significantly affect the wind and precipitation pattern over East‐Central Asia. By compiling proxy‐based climatic records, paleolatitudinal and paleoelevational evolution models of the proto‐TP, and in comparison with previous modeling under a global paleogeography, we suggest that the northward migration of the proto‐TP in the Paleogene could have intensified the aridity in Central Asia, but its influence on East Asian precipitation and monsoonal circulation could be dependent on the paleogeography and other boundary conditions. Plain Language Summary: The evolution of the Asian monsoons and aridification of Asia's interior are thought to be driven by Tibetan‐Himalayan uplift. Recent geological observations suggest that the uplifted proto‐Tibetan Plateau (proto‐TP) migrated northward in the subtropics since the early Eocene and reached its present position by the latest Oligocene. We therefore simulated the effects of this process on East‐Central Asian climate. Our climate modeling shows the northward migration of the high proto‐TP from 21–29°N to 29–37°N can significantly change the present‐day wind and precipitation patterns over East‐Central Asia. Especially, Central Asia become drier because of the displacement of the anomalous dry belt caused by large‐scale atmospheric subsidence. We further suggest that forcing by the paleolatitudinal migration of the high proto‐TP within the subtropics from the Eocene to the earliest Miocene could have drove the Central Asian paleoclimate to dryer conditions, but migration might not be the sole parameter that governed the East Asian monsoon during the Paleogene. Key Points: The high proto‐Tibetan Plateau migrating northward can notably influence the modern East‐Central Asian climate systemCentral Asian aridification increased with the northward migration of the proto‐Tibetan Plateau in the PaleogeneThe impact of Paleogene proto‐Tibetan Plateau migration on East Asian climate could be dependent on boundary conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greater India comprises a part of the Indian plate that subducted under Asia to help form the Tibetan Plateau. Defining the size of the Greater India is thus a key constraint to model the India‐Asia collision, growth of the plateau, and the tectonic evolution of the Neo‐Tethyan realm. We report Early Cretaceous paleomagnetic data from the central and eastern Tethyan Himalaya that yield paleolatitudes consistent with previous Early Cretaceous paleogeographic reconstructions. These data suggest Greater India extended at least 2,675 ± 720 and 1,950 ± 970 km farther north from the present northern margin of India at 83.6°E and 92.4°E, respectively. An area of lithosphere ≥4.7 × 106 km2 was consumed through subduction, thereby placing a strict limit on the minimum amount of Indian lithosphere consumed since the breakup of Gondwanaland. Plain Language Summary: Greater India is part of the Indian plate, subsequently subducted under Asia, that helped create the Tibetan Plateau. The amount of Greater Indian crust therefore plays a critical role to address key problems in continental geodynamics. To what extent can continental crust be subducted? How much crust was derived from horizontal shortening of existing crust? How much of Tibet was created by subducted buoyant, continental crust? We provide paleomagnetic evidence that defines the minimum size of Greater India. Our data show that a lithospheric area of ≥4.7 × 106 km2 was subducted, which supports the notion that the growth of Tibetan Plateau in the Cenozoic occurred by adding buoyant material to its base. Key Points: Early Cretaceous paleomagnetic data from the central and eastern Tethyan Himalaya yield paleolatitudes of 30.5 ± 4.9 °S and 39.6 ± 7.6 °SGreater India extended 2,675 ± 720 and 1,950 ± 970 km farther north from the present northern margin of India at 83.6 °E and 92.4 °E at ~130 MaAn area of ≥ 4.7 × 106 km2 of Greater Indian lithosphere was consumed by subduction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA1916 (miR1916) is one of the nonconserved miRNAs that respond to various stresses in plants, but little has been known at present about its mechanisms in biotic stresses. In this study, the expression of Solanum lycopersicum (sly)‐miR1916 in tomato was found to be down‐regulated after infection with Phytophthora infestans or Botrytis cinerea. Tomato plants that overexpressed sly‐miR1916 displayed significant enhancement in susceptibility to P. infestans and B. cinerea infection, as well as increased tendency to produce reactive oxygen species. Silencing of sly‐miR1916 by short tandem target mimic and artificial microRNA strategies caused the tomato plants to become more tolerant to adverse conditions. In addition, lower sly‐miR1916 expression could up‐regulate the expression of strictosidine synthase (STR‐2), UDP‐glycosyltransferases (UGTs), late blight resistance protein homolog R1B‐16, disease resistance protein RPP13‐like, and MYB transcription factor (MYB12), which ultimately resulted in the accumulation of α‐tomatine and anthocyanins via STR‐2, UGT, and MYB12. Furthermore, ectopic expression of sly‐miR1916/STR‐2 significantly changed the tolerance of tobacco to B. cinerea. Taken together, the results demonstrated that sly‐miR1916 might regulate the expression of STR‐2, UGT, and MYB12 in tomato plant, conferring sensitivity to biotic stress via modulating α‐tomatine and anthocyanins. The sly‐miR1916 acts as negative regulator of defense responses against Phytophthora infestans and Botrytis cinerea infection via modulating STR‐2, UGT, R1B‐16, RPP13‐like and MYB12, α‐tomatine and anthocyanins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, novel carbon nanotube (CNT) and transition‐metal oxides (TMOs) nanoparticle catalysts were prepared and their effects on the thermal decomposition of potassium perchlorate (KP) were investigated. Nanocatalysts have been widely studied because of their excellent properties, such as the high surface energies of nanoparticles and their ease of agglomeration adversely affect their catalytic performances. Good dispersion is the key to good nanocatalytic activity. The composite catalysts were prepared by loading a nanocatalyst on CNTs; this improves nanoparticle dispersion, promotes electron transfer during the reaction, and increases the catalytic effect. Different types of CNT‐based composite catalysts and their corresponding single nanocatalysts were each added to KP. The effects of the catalysts on the thermal decomposition of KP were studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The activity of each catalyst was evaluated on the basis of the changes in the thermal decomposition peaks and the apparent decomposition heats. The results show that the activity of a composite catalyst in KP thermal decomposition is much higher than that of its corresponding single nanocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Our previous studies indicated that tomato WRKY1 transcription factor acts as a positive regulator during tomato resistance to Phytophthora infestans. However, the molecular mechanism of WRKY1‐mediated resistance regulation remains unclear. Here, we used a comparative transcriptome analysis between wild‐type and WRKY1‐overexpressing tomato plants to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and long non‐coding RNAs (DELs), and we examined long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA)‐gene networks. The promoter sequences of the upregulated DEGs and DELs were analyzed. Among 1073 DEGs and 199 DELs, 1 kb 5′‐upstream regions of 59 DEGs and 22 DELs contain the W‐box, the target sequence of the WRKY1. The results of promoter−β‐glucuronidase (GUS) fusion and yeast one‐hybrid assay showed that lncRNA33732 was activated by WRKY1 through sequence‐specific interactions with the W‐box element in its promoter. The overexpression and silencing analysis of lncRNA33732 in tomato showed that lncRNA33732 acts as a positive regulator and enhanced tomato resistance to P. infestans by induction of the expression of respiratory burst oxidase (RBOH) and increase in the accumulation of H2O2. When the expression of RBOH gene was inhibited in tomato plants, H2O2 accumulation decreased and resistance were impaired. These findings suggest that lncRNA33732 activated by WRKY1 induces RBOH expression to increase H2O2 accumulation in early defense reaction of tomato to P. infestans attack. Our results provide insights into the WRKY1−lncRNA33732−RBOH module involved in the regulation of H2O2 accumulation and resistance to P. infestans, as well as provide candidates to enhance broad‐spectrum resistance to pathogens in tomato. Significance Statement: This study describes that WRKY1 can activate the expression of lncRNA33732 through sequence‐specific interactions with the W‐box element in its promoter, and that lncRNA33732 can induce RBOH expression to increase H2O2 accumulation during early defense reactions. Our results provide insights into the WRKY1−lncRNA33732−RBOH module involved in the regulation of H2O2 accumulation and resistance to P. infestans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses high‐quality two‐dimensional (2‐D) seismic and well data to analyse seismic stratigraphy and deep‐water Pliocene sediments in the Qiongdongnan Basin (QDNB), South China Sea. Eight major seismic facies were identified based on the amplitude, continuity, configuration, and external geometry of seismic reflections. Among them, sigmoid progradational configurations, oblique progradational configurations, mound‐shaped chaotic configurations, and mound‐shaped hummocky configurations are newly identified seismic facies indicative of provenance and water system significance. They were interpreted as a Pliocene‐aged eastern shelf‐edge delta, a western shelf‐edge delta, and eastern and western submarine fans in QDNB. Consequently, two sets of Pliocene shelf‐edge delta‐continental slope canyon‐submarine fan systems were established in the QDNB. From the approximately NNW–SSE progradation of the shelf‐edge delta, the characteristics of the approximately ENE–WSW distributed continental slope system, and the definition of a source‐to‐sink system, as well as previous heavy mineral research, we conclude the existence of two Pliocene sources from Hainan Island in the northern QDNB, corresponding to the Lingshui River and Wanquan River. Two independent and complete source‐to‐sink systems (S2S‐2, S2S‐3) were distinguished from the northern Hainan Island to the basin area. S2S‐2 is located in the western QDNB, which includes the Lingshui River‐western shelf‐edge delta‐continental slope canyon‐submarine fan. This source‐to‐sink system has more sand‐rich material and better reservoir conditions than S2S‐3 in the eastern basin, predominantly due to a higher quality granite parent rock, abundant provenance, and a large‐scale delta and submarine fan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scylla paramamosain is one of the most common and serious food allergens in Asia. Therefore, research on its prevalence, accurate diagnosis, and IgE‐binding pattern of the allergens is crucial. Objective: To identify the IgE epitopes of the myosinogen allergens in S. paramamosain using phage peptide library. Methods: The prevalence of allergy to crabs (AC) and of sensitization was analysed using a questionnaire and a serological assay. BAT was performed by flow cytometry, and its diagnostic performance was evaluated in relation to allergens purified from crab myosinogen. IgE‐binding epitopes were identified by phage display using the IgE from patients with AC. Sequence‐ and structure‐based bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify allergenic epitopes. Results: Crab was the most common cause of food allergies in this study. Subjects with AC (n = 30) with clear clinical symptoms were identified by immunoblotting and BAT. All of the myosinogen allergens triggered basophil activation; surface expression of CD63 and CD203c was higher in patients allergic to AK and FLN c than in patients allergic to SCP and TIM. In addition to six conformational epitopes of SCP, six linear epitopes and eight conformational epitopes of AK were identified. Five linear epitopes and three conformational epitopes of TIM, nine linear and ten conformational epitopes of FLN c were also identified, and the sequence VH(I/T) L was appeared in epitopes of both TIM and FLN c. The number of epitopes showed consistency with the value of BAT. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: BAT can be used for accurate diagnosis of AC. Identification of particular allergenic motifs could be a valuable tool for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of food allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flavonoid luteolin is a common flavone released from peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) residues. Luteolin accumulates in consecutively monocultured soil and affects the growth and nodulation of continuously cropped peanut. A microcosm experiment was performed to determine the effects of luteolin released from peanut residue on peanut nodule formation and on the rhizosphere soil microbial community. Luteolin reached a maximum concentration of 0.42 μg g-1 soil in litterbag experiments, and the half-life of luteolin at 2.5 to 40 μg g-1 soil varied from 1.13 to 2.91 d. Results from pot experiments indicate that soil with luteolin treatment inhibited peanut seedling nodulation and growth, soil dehydrogenase activity, microbial biomass carbon content, biofilm formation, and chemotactic response of Rhizobium sp. and changed the microbial community structures and abundances at concentration of luteolin as low as 0.42 μg g-1 in soil. This might explain why peanut performs poorly with continuous consecutive monocropping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: DNA replication is a fundamental process for the faithful transmission of genetic information in all living organisms. Many endogenous and environmental signals impede fork progression during DNA synthesis, which induces replication errors and DNA replication stress. Chromatin remodeling factors regulate nucleosome occupancy and the histone composition of the nucleosome in chromatin; however, whether chromatin remodeling factors are involved in the DNA replication stress response in plants is unknown. We reveal that chromatin remodeling factor CHR18 plays important roles in DNA replication stress in Arabidopsis thaliana by interacting with the DNA replication protein RPA1A. According to the genetic analysis, the loss of function of either CHR18 or RPA1A confers a high sensitivity to DNA replication stress in Arabidopsis. CHR18 interacts with RPA1A in both yeast cells and tobacco epidermal cells. The coexpression of RPA1A and CHR18 enhances the accumulation of CHR18 in nuclear foci in plants. CHR18 is a typical nuclear‐localized chromatin remodeling factor with ATPase activity. Our results demonstrate that during DNA synthesis in plants, RPA1A interacts with CHR18 and recruits CHR18 to nuclear foci to resolve DNA replication stress, which is important for cell propagation and root growth in Arabidopsis plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the magnitude of intra‐Asian crustal shortening and the collision age of Lhasa–Qiangtang terranes requires quantitative constraints on the crustal motion. The key to this is defining the palaeogeography of the Tibetan Plateau, which constitutes a poorly known factor over the entire convergence history. New detrital zircon U–Pb geochronological and palaeomagnetic data from the terrestrial Abushan Formation in the Qiangtang terrane demonstrate that central Tibet was located at 27.5 ± 3.0°N during the time interval of ~111–83 Ma. Our results suggest 7.5 ± 2.9° continental shortening has occurred between central Qiangtang and Mongolia during the India–Asia convergence. Declination anomaly indicates the central Qiangtang terrane has experienced significant clockwise rotation (57.3 ± 3.9°) relative to stable Eurasia. The compilation of palaeomagnetic results since the Cretaceous reveals ~8.5° northward drift of the Lhasa terrane from 123 ± 9 to 97 ± 7 Ma and the palaeolatitudinal overlap between the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes after ~111–103 Ma. Together with the onset age of the terrestrial Abushan Formation, our results provide the youngest timing (ca. ~111–103 Ma) for the closure of the Bangong Meso‐Tethys Ocean, as well as for the final collision of the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed on a high-surface-area support are normally used as heterogeneous catalysts. Recent in situ experiments have shown that structure reconstruction of the NP occurs in real catalysis. However, the role played by supports in these processes is still unclear. Supports can be very important in real catalysis because of the new active sites at the perimeter interface between nanoparticles and supports. Herein, using a developed multiscale model coupled with in situ spherical aberration-corrected (Cscorrected) TEM experiments, we show that the interaction between the support and the gas environment greatly changes the contact surface area between the metal and support, which further leads to the critical change in the perimeter interface. The dynamic changes of the interface in reactive environments can thus be predicted and be included in the rational design of supported metal nanocatalysts. In particular, our multiscale model shows quantitative consistency with experimental observations. This work offers possibilities for obtaining atomicscale structures and insights beyond the experimental limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]