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The development of multi‐mode fluorescent patterns has attracted widespread attention, particularly for applications in high‐density information storage and highly secure encryption. However, the fabrication process of multi‐mode fluorescent patterns generally involves tedious and expensive steps. Specifically, in the fabrication technology of elastic full‐color fluorescent patterns, there is still a lack of ideal patterning preparation technology that can overcome the solvent orthogonality problem associated with multi‐color fabrication while ensuring both high elasticity and luminescence efficiency of the pattern. Herein, the multi‐mode elastic fluorescent patterns are successfully fabricated by multiple transferring of the quantum dots (QDs) from the carrier substrates to the elastomeric PDMS substrate via femtosecond laser‐induced forward transfer (FsLIFT) technology. Due to its solvent‐free nature, absence of masking requirements, and no need for annealing during FsLIFT processing, the multiple transferred QD films achieve independent patterns and does not interfere with each other, providing a strong promise for the fabrication of multi‐mode elastic full‐color patterns. Based on these stretchable fluorescent patterns, multi‐visual encryption techniques are successfully demonstrated. The proposed FsLIFT technology offers an efficient and straightforward strategy for fabricating multi‐mode fluorescent patterns with potential applications in advanced commercial security information encryption and dynamic camouflage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mounting body of evidences suggests that patients with chronic heart failure (HF) frequently experience cognitive impairments, but the neuroanatomical mechanism underlying these impairments remains elusive. In this retrospective study, 49 chronic HF patients and 49 healthy controls (HCs) underwent brain structural MRI scans and cognitive assessments. Cortical morphology index (cortical thickness, complexity, sulcal depth and gyrification) were evaluated. Correlations between cortical morphology and cognitive scores and clinical variables were explored. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for predicting 3‐year major adverse cardiovascular events. Compared with HCs, patients with chronic HF exhibited decreased cognitive scores (p <.001) and decreased cortical thickness, sulcal depth and gyrification in brain regions involved cognition, sensorimotor, autonomic nervous system (family‐wise error correction, all p values <.05). Notably, HF duration and New York Heart Association (NYHA) demonstrated negative correlations with abnormal cortex morphology, particularly HF duration and thickness in left precentral gyrus (r = −.387, p =.006). Cortical morphology characteristics exhibited positive associations with global cognition, particularly cortical thickness in left pars opercularis (r =.476, p <.001). NYHA class is an independent risk factor for adverse outcome (p =.001). The observed correlation between abnormal cortical morphology and global cognition suggested that cortical morphology may serve as a promising imaging biomarker and provide insights into neuroanatomical underpinnings of cognitive impairment in patients with chronic HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hairy tofu is a famous Chinese snack that is made from soybeans and rich in various nutrients. In order to further explore the antioxidant peptides of hairy tofu hydrolysates, seven proteases were used to hydrolyze hairy tofu. The results of in vitro radical scavenging activity showed that hairy tofu hydrolysates obtained by pancreatin exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. After Sephadex G‐25 gel filtration and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC), 97 peptides were identified in the most antioxidant fraction using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Among them, nine peptides were synthesized and their antioxidant activities were assessed using a H2O2‐induced oxidative 293T cell model. Finally, four peptides (QCESHK, LAWNEGR, NLQGENEWDQK, and FTEMWR) at concentrations of < 50 μg/ml significantly decreased the malondialdehyde content compared with the model group, displaying in vivo antioxidant activity and low cytotoxicity. Overall, this research provided the choice of using hairy tofu peptides as antioxidant products in the pharmaceutical and food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to examine determinants of undernutrition among children under 2 years of age. Design and Methods: A matched case‐control study design was conducted to recruit 300 mothers comprising 100 mothers with an undernourished child (case group) and 200 mothers with a healthy child (control group). Measurements consisted of demographic characteristics of children data, mother's data, household data, mother's knowledge of child undernutrition, mother's knowledge of nutrition, complementary feeding practices, and undernutrition parameters of the children. A conditional logistic regression was used to identify determinants of undernutrition. The risk of undernutrition was estimated by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was defined as any p value of <.05. Results: Findings showed that mother's knowledge of undernutrition (AOR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91−0.98), mother's knowledge of nutrition (AOR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85−0.96), and mother's knowledge (AOR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.67−0.91) and behavior of complementary feeding practices (AOR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94−0.99) were significant determinants of undernutrition (p <.05). Practice Implications: Mothers with high scores on knowledge of undernutrition, knowledge of nutrition, and knowledge and behaviors of complementary feeding practices would benefit the children under 2 years to reduce the risk of undernutrition. Healthcare professionals (i.e., pediatric nurses and community health nurses) should provide early assessment of knowledge related to undernutrition, nutrition, and complementary feeding practices for mothers with children under 2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have been widely studied in display panels due to their near‐unity fluorescence quantum yield and the ability to tune colors across a wide gamut. However, the challenge persists in creating full‐color QD arrays with the necessary precision for high‐resolution display applications in the next generation. This paper introduces a femtosecond laser‐induced forward transfer (FsLIFT) technology that integrates deposition pattern and alignment in a single transfer step. This development enables the fabrication of high‐resolution full‐color QD films. The ability of FsLIFT to precisely locate red, green, and blue QDs in a designated position allows to obtain arbitrarily shaped full‐color patterns and pixel arrays with a resolution of 1.78 µm. In addition, the potential for optoelectronic devices is ensured by the preserved photophysical properties, high smoothness, and continuity of the transferred QD films. Consequently, the light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are successfully fabricated based on the transferred QD films. This study expects that the introduced straightforward patterning technology, offering high freedom, precision, and repeatability, will contribute to advancing the development of full‐color high‐resolution displays based on QDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After almost three‐quarters of a century during which contact dermatologists have often struggled to comprehend the relationship between metal allergy and failure of metal‐alloy containing implant, it is possible to say that a relationship does exist, particularly for cobalt and chromium, but also for nickel. There is still debate as to whether allergy develops as a consequent of failure but thenceforth contributes to it, or whether sensitisation starts first and induces failure secondarily—opinion probably favours the first. Metal‐on‐polypropylene articulations were associated with few metal allergic problems but now are less favoured by orthopaedists due to plastic wear products causing osteolysis and pseudotumour formation through local inflammation. New metal alloys are regularly being introduced such that interested dermatologists need to stay on top of the situation. The jury is still out as to whether the recent favouring of titanium‐containing alloys will confirm them to be more inert allergenically. Case reports do show some clinical reactions to titanium‐containing implants and patch test series have inferred sometimes quite a high background rate of allergy, but interpretation must be tempered by the awareness that titanium salts on patch testing have a tendency to cause irritant reactions. Blood monitoring of metal ion values is now recommended in certain situations after joint replacement and increasing levels may be an indication that allergy with joint failure can develop, in which case patch testing is indicated, and suggested series are available. Predictive patch testing, whilst generally not recommended in the past, has been introduced into some protocols often by non‐dermatologists, such that it is now needed for temporo‐mandibular joint and Nuss bar insertion, and it can be anticipated that this may become more commonplace in the future. One of the major current deficits for patch testers is standardised guidance on which preparation or preparations to use for suspected titanium allergy. One suggestion is 0.5% titanium sulphate in petrolatum, though experience in at least one centre suggests the use of a battery of titanium salts might be desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oxidative stress is an early event in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and maybe a pivotal point of interaction governing AD pathogenesis; oxidative stress contributes to metabolism imbalance, protein misfolding, neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a major contributor to oxidative stress. As vital sources of ROS, mitochondria are also the primary targets of ROS attack. Seeking effective avenues to reduce oxidative stress has attracted increasing attention for AD intervention. Methods: We developed liposome‐packaged Ligustilide (LIG) and investigated its effects on mitochondrial function and AD‐like pathology in the APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mouse model of AD, and analyzed possible mechanisms. Results: We observed that LIG‐loaded liposome (LIG‐LPs) treatment reduced oxidative stress and β‐amyloid (Aβ) deposition and mitigated cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice. LIG management alleviated the destruction of the inner structure in the hippocampal mitochondria and ameliorated the imbalance between mitochondrial fission and fusion in the APP/PS1 mouse brain. We showed that the decline in cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) and A‐kinase anchor protein 1 for PKA (AKAP1) was associated with oxidative stress and AD‐like pathology. We confirmed that LIG‐mediated antioxidant properties and neuroprotection were involved in upregulating the PKA/AKAP1 signaling in APPswe cells in vitro. Conclusion: Liposome packaging for LIG is relatively biosafe and can overcome the instability of LIG. LIG alleviates mitochondrial dysfunctions and cognitive impairment via the PKA/AKAP1 signaling pathway. Our results provide experimental evidence that LIG‐LPs may be a promising agent for AD therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionospheric total electron content (TEC) is a key indicator of the space environment. Geophysical forcing from above and below drives its spatial and temporal variations. A full understanding of physical and chemical principles, available and well‐representable driving inputs, and capable computational power are required for physical models to reproduce simulations that agree with observations, which may be challenging at times. Recently, data‐driven approaches, such as deep learning, have therefore surged as means for TEC prediction. Owing to the fact that the geophysical world possesses a sequential nature in time and space, Transformer architectures are proposed and evaluated for sequence‐to‐sequence TEC predictions in this study. We discuss the impacts of time lengths of choice during the training process and analyze what the neural network has learned regarding the data sets. Our results suggest that 12‐layer, 128‐hidden‐unit Transformer architectures sufficiently provide multi‐step global TEC predictions for 48 hr with an overall root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of ∼1.8 TECU. The hourly variation of RMSE increases from 0.6 TECU to about 2.0 TECU during the prediction time frame. Plain Language Summary: Total electron content (TEC) is an important quantity and indicator in the space environment. One benefit of a good TEC estimation is to improve satellite positioning accuracy. Since physical models are limited to available and well‐representable driving inputs, recent studies on TEC prediction have leaned toward data‐driven approaches, such as deep learning. We need a sequence‐to‐sequence prediction model for the time‐series data, where Transformers have been an excellent architecture in recent years. In this paper, we use a Transformer encoder to build a prediction model and explore the input and output structure of the model, to understand how temporal and spatial dimensions affect the TEC prediction problem. We also discuss the prediction tasks of different time lengths to analyze what the neural network has learned since the given data are based on some integration and fitting methods. Key Points: Transformer‐based neural architectures with careful input layouts are efficient and effective for spatio‐temporal data modelingProposed self‐attention layers provide state‐of‐the‐art global predictions with an root‐mean‐square error of less than 2 TECU without geo‐related informationLocal total electron content extractions from 2D global predictions show a good agreement with the Central Weather Bureau observations for 99.5% of the time [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sequential proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by γ‐secretases generates amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides and defines the proportion of short‐to‐long Aβ peptides, which is tightly connected to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Here, we study the mechanism that controls substrate processing by γ‐secretases and Aβ peptide length. We found that polar interactions established by the APPC99 ectodomain (ECD), involving but not limited to its juxtamembrane region, restrain both the extent and degree of γ‐secretases processive cleavage by destabilizing enzyme–substrate interactions. We show that increasing hydrophobicity, via mutation or ligand binding, at APPC99‐ECD attenuates substrate‐driven product release and rescues the effects of Alzheimer's disease‐associated pathogenic γ‐secretase and APP variants on Aβ length. In addition, our study reveals that APPC99‐ECD facilitates the paradoxical production of longer Aβs caused by some γ‐secretase inhibitors, which act as high‐affinity competitors of the substrate. These findings assign a pivotal role to the substrate ECD in the sequential proteolysis by γ‐secretases and suggest it as a sweet spot for the potential design of APP‐targeting compounds selectively promoting its processing by these enzymes. Synopsis: Sequential proteolysis of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by γ‐secretase generates various amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides, whose length correlates with pathogenicity of Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐associated mutations. Here, the ectodomain of the APP substrate is found to define Aβ length by promoting product release and destabilizing enzyme–substrate interactions. Polar residues in the APPC99 ectodomain (APPC99‐ECD) drive product release by destabilizing enzyme–substrate interactions.Increased hydrophobicity in the substrate ECD increases both efficiency and extent of sequential γ‐secretase‐mediated proteolysis of APP and Notch.γ‐Secretase inhibitors (GSIs) DAPT and semagacestat act as high‐affinity competitors of substrates.GSI‐mediated displacement of partially digested Aβ peptides, facilitated by the APPC99‐ECD, explains paradoxical increases in longer Aβ peptides.Mitigation of APPC99‐ECD‐driven product release rescues the increased production of longer Aβ peptides linked to pathogenic variants in γ‐secretase and APP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily members acyl‐ACP reductases FabG and FabI are indispensable core enzymatic modules and catalytic orientation controllers in type‐II fatty acid biosynthesis. Herein, we report their distinct substrate allosteric recognition and enantioselective reduction mechanisms. FabG achieves allosteric regulation of ACP and NADPH through ACP binding across two adjacent FabG monomers, while FabI follows an irreversible compulsory order of substrate binding in that NADH binding must precede that of ACP on a discrete FabI monomer. Moreover, FabG and FabI utilize a backdoor residue Phe187 or a "rheostat" α8 helix for acyl chain length selection, and their corresponding triad residues Ser142 or Tyr145 recognize the keto‐ or enoyl‐acyl substrates, respectively, facilitating initiation of nucleophilic attack by NAD(P)H. The other two triad residues (Tyr and Lys) mediate subsequent proton transfer and (R)‐3‐hydroxyacyl‐ or saturated acyl‐ACP production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) is a condition commonly encountered in otolaryngology clinics. However, its molecular pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the genetic underpinnings of childhood USNHL and analyze the associated audiological features. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively recruited cohort. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Methods: We enrolled 38 children with USNHL between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021, and performed physical, audiological, imaging, and congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) examinations as well as genetic testing using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) targeting 30 deafness genes. The audiological results were compared across different etiologies. Results: Causative genetic variants were identified in 8 (21.1%) patients, including 5 with GJB2 variants, 2 with PAX3 variants, and 1 with the EDNRB variant. GJB2 variants were found to be associated with mild‐to‐moderate USNHL in various audiogram configurations, whereas PAX3 and EDNRB variants were associated with profound USNHL in flat audiogram configurations. In addition, whole‐genome sequencing and extended NGS targeting 213 deafness genes were performed in 2 multiplex families compatible with autosomal recessive inheritance; yet no definite causative variants were identified. Cochlear nerve deficiency and cCMV infection were observed in 9 and 2, respectively, patients without definite genetic diagnoses. Conclusion: Genetic underpinnings can contribute to approximately 20% of childhood USNHL, and different genotypes are associated with various audiological features. These findings highlight the utility of genetic examinations in guiding the diagnosis, counseling, and treatment of USNHL in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability of high‐energy‐density lithium metal batteries depends on the uniformity of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on lithium metal anodes. Rationally improving SEI uniformity is hindered by poorly understanding the effect of structure and components of SEI on its uniformity. Herein, a bilayer structure of SEI formed by isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) additives in localized high‐concentration electrolytes was demonstrated to improve SEI uniformity. In the bilayer SEI, LiNxOy generated by ISDN occupies top layer and LiF dominates bottom layer next to anode. The uniformity of lithium deposition is remarkably improved with the bilayer SEI, mitigating the consumption rate of active lithium and electrolytes. The cycle life of lithium metal batteries with bilayer SEI is three times as that with common anion‐derived SEI under practical conditions. A prototype lithium metal pouch cell of 430 Wh kg−1 undergoes 173 cycles. This work demonstrates the effect of a reasonable structure of SEI on reforming SEI uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sleep quality and depression during pregnancy often affect women's adaptation to motherhood and are linked with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Using a prospective cohort study comprising 190 pregnant women in central Taiwan, we investigated the trajectories of sleep quality and depressive symptoms and their associated predictors in perinatal women from pregnancy to postpartum. Sleep and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, respectively, from mid‐pregnancy to 3 months postpartum. We used group‐based trajectory modelling and logistic regression modelling to analyse the data collected from the structured questionnaires. Pregnant women (50.5% primipara) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 32.3 (4.1) years were included. We identified three distinctive classes of sleep quality trajectories during the perinatal period: 'stable good' (18.4%), 'increasing poor' (48.9%), and 'stable poor' (32.6%). We further detected three stable trajectories of depressive symptoms: 'stable low' (36.3%), 'stable mild' (42.1%), and 'stable high' (21.6%). A significant association between sleep quality and depression trajectories was evident (p < 0.001). High fatigue symptoms and low social support predicted the high trajectories of poor sleep and depressive symptoms. Distinctive dynamic sleep quality and stable depression trajectories were characterised. Our findings revealed that both the sleep and depression trajectories were closely associated with one another, with common predictors of fatigue symptoms and social support. The early assessment of maternal sleep and depression status is important for identifying at‐risk women and initiating interventions tailored to perinatal women to improve their sleep and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An asymmetric intramolecular hydroalkylation of unactivated internal olefins with tethered cyclic ketones was realized by the cooperative catalysis of a newly designed chiral amine (SPD‐NH2) and PdII complex, providing straightforward access to either bridged or fused bicyclic systems containing three stereogenic centers with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee) and diastereoselectivity (up to >20 : 1 dr). Notably, the bicyclic products could be conveniently transformed into a diverse range of key structures frequently found in bioactive terpenes, such as Δ6‐protoilludene, cracroson D, and vulgarisins. The steric hindrance between the Ar group of the SPD‐NH2 catalyst and the branched chain of the substrate, hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the N−H of the enamine motif and the C=O of the directing group MQ, and the counterion of the PdII complex were identified as key factors for excellent stereoinduction in this dual catalytic process by density functional theory calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We used a genome‐wide discovery approach to identify methylation markers associated with metastasis in men with localized prostate cancer (PCa), as better identification of those at high risk of metastasis can inform treatment decision‐making. Methods: We identified men with localized PCa at Kaiser Permanente California (January 1, 1997–December 31, 2006) who did not receive curative treatment and followed them for 10 years to determine metastasis status. Cases were chart review‐confirmed metastasis, and controls were matched using density sampling. We extracted DNA from the cancerous areas in the archived diagnostic tissue blocks. We used Illumina's Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip for methylation interrogation. We used conditional logistic regression and Bonferroni's correction to identify methylation markers associated with metastasis. In a separate validation cohort (2007), we evaluated the added predictive utility of the methylation score beyond clinical risk score. Results: Among 215 cases and 404 controls, 31 CpG sites were significantly associated with metastasis status. Adding the methylation score to the clinical risk score did not meaningfully improve the c‐statistic (0.80–0.81) in the validation cohort, though the score itself was statistically significant (p < 0.01). In the validation cohort, both clinical risk score alone and methylation marker score alone are well calibrated for predicted 10‐year metastasis risks. Adding the methylation score to the clinical risk score only marginally improved predictive risk calibration. Conclusion: Our findings do not support the use of these markers to improve clinical risk prediction. The methylation markers identified may inform novel hypothesis in the roles of these genetic regions in metastasis development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of dynamic 3D codes is widely studied, especially for smart information protection and advanced dynamic information encryption. However, it is challenging to fabricate information carriers with full color, dynamic properties under external stimuli, and high capacity, which restricts their applications. Here, microsized dynamic full color fluorescent 3D codes are successfully fabricated using the multilayer‐independent femtosecond laser‐induced forward transfer (FsLIFT) technology, which achieves simultaneous high‐resolution transferring and patterning. The combination and excitation of multilayered quantum dots film with different colors and patterns ensure dynamic information transformation of the 3D codes. Due to the high spatial resolution of the FsLIFT, the minimum line width of the patterns can reach 1.78 µm, which ensures a high capacity for encoding. In addition, the decoding process of the microsized dynamic fluorescent 3D codes only requires smartphones, microscope patches, and portable light sources. Finally, the facile fabrication and decoding process as well as the customizable patterning abilities demonstrate the practical application potential for the advanced dynamic coding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the factors that cause reproductive isolation and their relative importance in species divergence is crucial to our understanding of speciation processes. In most species, natural selection is commonly considered to play a large role in driving speciation. Based on whole genome re‐sequencing data from 27 Populus alba and 28 Populus adenopoda individuals, we explored the factors related to reproductive isolation of these two closely related species. The results showed that the two species diverged ~5–10 million years ago (Ma), when the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau reached a certain height and the inland climate of the Asian continent became arid. In highly differentiated genomic regions, the relative divergence (FST) and absolute divergence (dxy) were significantly higher than the genomic background, θπ and shared polymorphisms decreased whereas fixed differences increased, which indicated that natural selection played a key role in the reproductive isolation of the two species. In addition, we found several genes that were related to reproduction that may be involved in explaining the reproductive isolation. Using phylogenetic trees resolved from haplotype data of Populus tomentosa and P. adenopoda, the maternal origin of P. tomentosa from P. adenopoda was likely to be located in Hubei and Chongqing Provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of novel anti‐infectives requires unprecedented strategies targeting pathways which are solely present in pathogens but absent in humans. Following this principle, we developed inhibitors of lipoic acid (LA) salvage, a crucial pathway for the survival of LA auxotrophic bacteria and parasites but non‐essential in human cells. An LA‐based probe was selectively transferred onto substrate proteins via lipoate protein ligase (LPL) in intact cells, and their binding sites were determined by mass spectrometry. Probe labeling served as a proxy of LPL activity, enabling in situ screenings for cell‐permeable LPL inhibitors. Profiling a focused compound library revealed two substrate analogs (LAMe and C3) as inhibitors, which were further validated by binding studies and co‐crystallography. Importantly, LAMe exhibited low toxicity in human cells and achieved killing of Plasmodium falciparum in erythrocytes with an EC50 value of 15 μM, making it the most effective LPL inhibitor reported to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Entwicklung neuer Antiinfektiva erfordert innovative Strategien zur gezielten Ausnutzung von Stoffwechselwegen in Krankheitserregern, die in menschlichen Zellen abwesend sind. Basierend auf diesem Prinzip haben wir Hemmstoffe der Liponsäure (LA) Wiederverwertung entwickelt, einem entscheidenden Stoffwechselweg für das Überleben von LA‐auxotrophen Bakterien und Parasiten, der jedoch in menschlichen Zellen nicht essentiell ist. Eine auf LA basierende Sonde wurde selektiv über die Lipoatproteinligase (LPL) auf Substratproteine in intakten Zellen übertragen, und ihre Bindungsstellen wurden mittels Massenspektrometrie bestimmt. Die Intensität der Markierung mit der Sonde diente als Maß für die Aktivität von LPL und ermöglichte intrazelluläre Selektion für zellpermeable LPL‐Hemmer. Das Testen einer vorselektierten Substanzbibliothek ergab zwei Substratanaloga (LAMe und C3) als Hemmstoffe, die durch Bindungsstudien und Co‐Kristallographie weiter validiert wurden. Bemerkenswert ist, dass LAMe eine geringe Toxizität in menschlichen Zellen aufwies und eine Abtötung von Plasmodium falciparum in Erythrozyten mit einem EC50‐Wert von 15 μM erreichte, was diesen Stoff zum bisher wirksamsten LPL‐Hemmer macht, der jeher berichtet wurde. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Schizophrenia is associated with abnormal hippocampal structure and function. Available evidence suggests that the anterior and posterior hippocampus are differentially affected by schizophrenia pathology. This study was designed to provide new insight into the anterior and posterior hippocampus in schizophrenia from the perspective of functional connectivity. Methods: Based on resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 71 schizophrenia patients and 74 normal controls, we utilized a data‐driven approach to functionally segment the hippocampus into anterior and posterior segments and then investigated the functional connectivity patterns within and between the two hippocampal networks at the network, edge, and nodal levels. Results: We found that schizophrenia patients showed hyperconnectivity of both the anterior and posterior hippocampal networks. We also observed that the network alterations appear somewhat greater in the anterior hippocampal network than the posterior network, the left side than the right, and the intranetwork connectivity than the internetwork connectivity. Conclusion: The results reveal convergent and divergent intranetwork and internetwork connectivity patterns of the anterior and posterior hippocampus in schizophrenia, providing novel and important insights into the mechanisms of hippocampal pathology in schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: We compared the ranking of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) among the leading causes of death (LCODs) between those according to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) lists by sex. METHOD: The number of deaths in each LCOD category was obtained from CDC WONDER. RESULTS: According to the WHO list, ADRD was the second LCOD from 2005 to 2013, the first from 2014 to 2020, and the third in 2021, respectively, for women and was the second in 2018 and 2019, the third in 2020, and the fourth in 2021, respectively, for men. According to the NCHS list, Alzheimer's disease was the fourth in 2019 and 2020 for women and was the seventh from 2016 to 2019 for men. DISCUSSION: The ranking of ADRD among the LCODs according to the WHO list was higher than those according to the NCHS list. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting wall deflection is important to provide a critical reference to evaluate the current construction conditions and prevent potential damage risks of adjacent facilities during excavations. This paper presents a combination of a beam on elastic foundation model (BEFM) and the Bayesian framework to realize effective probabilistic predictions of wall deflection at various depths in braced excavations. First, a finite element solving algorithm to calculate wall deflection for the BEFM is developed and incorporated into the Bayesian framework. Next, the most suitable distribution pattern for soil resistance and an appropriate set of uncertain parameters in the BEFM are determined through the application of the Bayesian model selection technique. Meanwhile, the uncertain parameters are updated. A prediction is then made using the optimal model and corresponding posterior probability distributions of the updated parameters at each stage. The parameter updating and prediction process are repeated as additional field observations become available during construction. The performance of the proposed method is examined using a field case study. The results show that this method provides a satisfactory approach to predict both the magnitudes and profile of deflection when considering uncertainties. Additionally, comparisons with a Bayesian updating framework using a surrogate model (i.e., the KJHH model) indicate higher updating efficiency of the developed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Drug‐induced extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS) remains a major problem in clinical psychiatry. This study aimed to examine the factor structure of drug‐induced extrapyramidal symptoms observed in patients with schizophrenia and assessed using the Drug‐Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS). Methods: The participants were 1478 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia whose EPS was assessed using the DIEPSS in India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan in the 2016 REAP AP‐4 study. The records of the participants were randomly divided into two subgroups: the first for exploratory factor analysis of the eight DIEPSS items, and the second for confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The factor analysis identified three factors: F1 (gait and bradykinesia), F2 (muscle rigidity and tremor), and F3 (sialorrhea, akathisia, dystonia, and dyskinesia). Conclusion: The results suggest that the eight individual items of the DIEPSS could be composed of three different mechanisms: acute parkinsonism observed during action (F1), acute parkinsonism observed at rest (F2), and central dopaminergic mechanisms with pathophysiology other than acute parkinsonism (F3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing Ohmic contact systems or achieving low contact resistance is significant for high‐performance semiconductor devices. This work comprehensively investigates the interfacial properties of CrX2N4 (X = C, Si) based field‐effect transistors (FETs) with different metal (Ag, Au, Cu, Ni, Pd, Pt, Ti, and graphene) electrodes by using electronic structure calculations and quantum transport simulations. It is highlighted that the stronger interlayer coupling allows CrC2N4 to form an n‐type Ohmic contact with Ti electrode in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the absence of tunneling barrier at the CrC2N4–Ti interface greatly improves the electron injection efficiency. On the other hand, the studied metals form Schottky contact with CrC2N4 at the lateral interface due to Fermi level pinning (FLP) effects. Surprisingly, the strong FLP effects restrict the Schottky barrier heights of CrSi2N4‐metal contacts to a narrow range. Where Ag, Au, Ni, Pd, Pt, Ti electrodes and Ag, Ti electrodes form ideal ohmic contact with CrSi2N4 in the vertical and lateral directions, respectively, while the other metals form quasi‐ohmic contact. Ti exhibits the highest contact performance as the electrode in both CrC2N4 and CrSi2N4 based FETs. The findings may provide fundamental understanding for designing high‐performance and energy‐efficient FETs based on CrX2N4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced electrolyte design is essential for building high‐energy‐density lithium (Li) batteries, and introducing anions into the Li+ solvation sheaths has been widely demonstrated as a promising strategy. However, a fundamental understanding of the critical role of anions in such electrolytes is very lacking. Herein, the anionic chemistry in regulating the electrolyte structure and stability is probed by combining computational and experimental approaches. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals, the solvents and anions in Li+ solvation sheaths exhibit enhanced and decreased reductive stability compared with free counterparts, respectively, which agrees with both calculated and experimental results of reduction potentials. Accordingly, new strategies are proposed to build stable electrolytes based on the established anionic chemistry. This work unveils the mysterious anionic chemistry in regulating the structure–function relationship of electrolytes and contributes to a rational design of advanced electrolytes for practical Li metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serious safety risks caused by the high reactivity of lithium metal against electrolytes severely hamper the practicability of lithium metal batteries. By introducing unique polymerization site and more fluoride substitution, we built an in situ formed polymer‐rich solid electrolyte interphase upon lithium anode to improve battery safety. The fluorine‐rich and hydrogen‐free polymer exhibits high thermal stability, which effectively reduces the continuous exothermic reaction between electrolyte and anode/cathode. As a result, the critical temperature for thermal safety of 1.0 Ah lithium‐LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 pouch cell can be increased from 143.2 °C to 174.2 °C. The more dangerous "ignition" point of lithium metal batteries, the starting temperature of battery thermal runaway, has been dramatically raised from 240.0 °C to 338.0 °C. This work affords novel strategies upon electrolyte design, aiming to pave the way for high‐energy‐density and thermally safe lithium metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of rechargeable lithium (Li) batteries is highly correlated with the structure of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The properties of a working anode are vital factors in determining the structure of SEI; however, the correspondingly poor understanding hinders the rational regulation of SEI. Herein, the electrode potential and anode material, two critical properties of an anode, in dictating the structural evolution of SEI were investigated theoretically and experimentally. The anode potential is identified as a crucial role in dictating the SEI structure. The anode potential determines the reduction products in the electrolyte, ultimately giving rise to the mosaic and bilayer SEI structure at high and low potential, respectively. In contrast, the anode material does not cause a significant change in the SEI structure. This work discloses the crucial role of electrode potential in dictating SEI structure and provides rational guidance to regulate SEI structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Although mesophyll conductance (gm) is known to be sensitive to temperature (T), the mechanisms underlying the temperature response of gm are not fully understood. In particular, it has yet to be established whether interspecific variation in gm–T relationships is associated with mesophyll anatomy and vein traits. In the present study, we measured the short‐term response of gm in eight crop species, and leaf water potential (Ψleaf) in five crop species over a temperature range of 15–35°C. The considered structural parameters are surface areas of mesophyll cells and chloroplasts facing intercellular airspaces per unit leaf area (Sm and Sc), cell wall thickness (Tcw), and vein length per area (VLA). We detected large interspecific variations in the temperature responses of gm and Ψleaf. The activation energy for gm (Ea,gm) was found to be positively correlated with Sc, although it showed no correlation with Tcw. In contrast, VLA was positively correlated with the slope of the linear model of Ψleaf–T (a), whereas Ea,gm was marginally correlated with VLA and a. A two‐component model was subsequently used to model gm–T relationships, and the mechanisms underlying the temperature response of gm are discussed. The data presented here indicate that leaf anatomy is a major determinant of the interspecific variation in gm–T relationships. Significance Statement: The mechanisms underlying the temperature response of gm are not fully understood, the data presented here indicate that leaf anatomy is a major determinant of the interspecific variation in gm–T relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D perovskites have been considered as promising candidates for optoelectronic devices due to their good optical and electronic properties compared to 3D perovskites with significantly higher stability. Considering the commercial applications involving displays, image sensors, and fluorescent anti‐counterfeiting labels, the patterning technique of 2D perovskites is urgently required. However, existing patterning approaches still have challenges in high‐resolution fabrication. Here, a facile femtosecond laser direct writing method to fabricate arbitrarily patterned 2D perovskite films with well‐defined profiles and uniform fluorescence properties is developed. The flexible, fine, and non‐thermal diffused patterning abilities of femtosecond laser facilitate diverse 2D perovskite patterns exhibiting bright emission without any pinholes and cracks, as well as high resolution of approximate 2 µm line width. Based on this efficient patterning technique, this study demonstrates fluorescent anti‐counterfeiting labels (quick response code embedded with microlines) based on 2D perovskite films with high humidity stability, which can be identified from 43% to 96% relative humidity. This high‐resolution, reliable, efficient, and facile patterning technique for 2D perovskites with high humidity stability provides a promising technical route for 2D perovskite‐based optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: TP53 loss‐of‐function is commonly found in aggressive prostate cancer. However, a highly‐efficient therapy for this tumor subtype is still lacking. In this study, we investigated the relationship between TP53 mutation status and autophagy in prostate cancer and assessed the efficacy of autophagy inhibitors on TP53‐deficient tumors. Methods: We first evaluated the expression patterns of p53 and autophagy‐related proteins, namely LC3B, ULK1 and BECLIN1, as well as their relationship in treatment‐naïve and castration‐resistant prostate cancer specimens through immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, we generated a Trp53‐deleted genetically‐engineered mouse model, established prostate tumor organoid lines from the mice and assessed the efficacy of autophagy inhibitors in overcoming Enzalutamide resistance in the tumor organoid model. We also investigated the impact of TP53 re‐expression in modulating responses to autophagy inhibitors using LNCaP cell line, which harbored a TP53 missense mutation. Lastly, we attempted to identify potential autophagy‐related genes that were crucial for TP53‐deficient tumor maintenance. Results: TP53 loss‐of‐function was associated with increased levels of autophagy‐related proteins in aggressive prostate cancers and Trp53‐deleted genetically‐engineered mouse‐derived tumors. Moreover, the generated androgen receptor‐independent tumor organoids were highly vulnerable to autophagy inhibition. Upon TP53 re‐expression, not only did the surviving LNCaP cells demonstrate resistance, but they also showed growth advantage in response to autophagy inhibition. Lastly, PEX14, an important peroxisomal regulator was differentially upregulated in aggressive tumors with TP53 loss‐of‐function mutations, thus implying the importance of peroxisome turnover in this tumor subtype. Conclusion: Our results support the potential use of autophagy inhibitors in prostate cancers that contain TP53 loss‐of‐function mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is a great interest in determining whether the expression of the programmed cell death ligand 1 is correlated with the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma; however, primary tumor biopsies can only provide limited information. Therefore, we explored the expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 on circulating tumor cells, which is a potential predictor of therapeutic response. Methods: Circulating tumor cells were isolated from 20 clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients based on cell surface markers targeting clear cell renal cell carcinoma using IsoFlux device, followed by identification according to cell morphology and immunofluorescence studies. Programmed cell death ligand 1 expression status and clinical correlations were also analyzed. Results: Before treatment with programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors, circulating tumor cells were detected in all patients, ranging from 1 to 22 (median 7), with 75% (15/20) of the patients having programmed cell death ligand 1 + circulating tumor cells. Circulating tumor cell programmed cell death ligand 1 expression did not correlate with the immunohistochemical staining of programmed cell death ligand 1 in primary tumors. During treatment with programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors, the disease control rate was much higher in the patients harboring programmed cell death ligand 1 + circulating tumor cells (73%, 11/15) than others (20%, 1/5). We also found that changes in total circulating tumor cell numbers and programmed cell death ligand 1 + circulating tumor cell counts correlated well with the disease outcome. Conclusion: We showed that the presence of programmed cell death ligand 1 + circulating tumor cells before programmed cell death protein 1 inhibition treatment could be a prognosis predictive factor and that the dynamic changes in circulating tumor cell numbers may be used to monitor the therapeutic response. Our study confirms the possibility of programmed cell death ligand 1 + circulating tumor cell detection in clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients' blood samples, which can potentially be used as an individualized immunotherapy molecular biomarker for real‐time exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioinspired palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of amino acid derivatives containing a vinyl iodide moiety by C−H activation enabled rapid access to a wide range of functionalized proline derivatives with an exocyclic olefin. To demonstrate the practicality of this methodology, the functionalized prolines were used as intermediates for the synthesis of several natural products: lucentamycin A, oxotomaymycin, oxoprothracarcin, and barmumycin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lifespan of practical lithium (Li)‐metal batteries is severely hindered by the instability of Li‐metal anodes. Fluorinated solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) emerges as a promising strategy to improve the stability of Li‐metal anodes. The rational design of fluorinated molecules is pivotal to construct fluorinated SEI. Herein, design principles of fluorinated molecules are proposed. Fluoroalkyl (−CF2CF2−) is selected as an enriched F reservoir and the defluorination of the C−F bond is driven by leaving groups on β‐sites. An activated fluoroalkyl molecule (AFA), 2,2,3,3‐tetrafluorobutane‐1,4‐diol dinitrate is unprecedentedly proposed to render fast and complete defluorination and generate uniform fluorinated SEI on Li‐metal anodes. In Li–sulfur (Li−S) batteries under practical conditions, the fluorinated SEI constructed by AFA undergoes 183 cycles, which is three times the SEI formed by LiNO3. Furthermore, a Li−S pouch cell of 360 Wh kg−1 delivers 25 cycles with AFA. This work demonstrates rational molecular design principles of fluorinated molecules to construct fluorinated SEI for practical Li‐metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although water‐soluble graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have shown various promising bio‐applications due to their intriguing optical and chemical properties, the large heterogeneity in compositions, sizes, and shapes of these GQDs hampers the better understanding of their structure‐properties correlation and further uses in terms of large‐scale manufacturing practices and safety concerns. It is shown here that a water‐soluble atomically‐precise GQD (WAGQD‐C96) is synthesized and exhibits a deep‐red emission and excellent sonodynamic sensitization. By decorating sterically hindered water‐soluble functional groups, WAGQD‐C96 can be monodispersed in water without further aggregation. The deep‐red emission of WAGQD‐C96 facilitates the tracking of its bio‐process, showing a good cell‐uptake and long‐time retention in tumor tissue. Compared to traditional molecular sonosensitizers, WAGQD‐C96 generates superior reactive oxygen species and demonstrates excellent tumor inhibition potency as an anti‐cancer sonosensitizer in in vivo studies. A good biosafety of WAGQD‐C96 is validated in both in vitro and in vivo assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical crystals are ideal materials for complex functional and durable optical components, but their good stability and hardness bring about difficulties in high‐precision machining and require surface roughness below λ/10. Femtosecond laser ablation is a widely applicable processing method indifferent to material types, but its 3D fabrication capability is limited by the accumulation of ablated debris and rough ablated surface. This work demonstrates a universal and flexible technology for the fabrication of crystalline micro‐optics with required shape and surface roughness for the most demanding optical phase control. The cavitation‐assisted ablation by a direct laser writing mode is followed by a high‐temperature treatment to remove the rough non‐crystalline layer caused by ablation. The annealing at temperatures below the melting point of the crystal reduces the roughness down to ≈2 nm without changing the structure shape. This virtue of maintaining the designed shape without change, which is impossible during thermal morphing of 3D surfaces of glasses, allows for a previously unavailable flexibility of surface finish for the most demanding optical micro‐optical elements made in this study. This universal technology with nanoscale resolution and free‐form 3D manufacturing capability is applicable for various crystals and provides a new way to fabricate micro‐/integrated‐optics and nonlinear optical elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cycling stability of lithium metal batteries is steadily improving. The safety issues, which mainly result from the employment of flammable solvents, should be strongly considered for practical Li metal batteries. Nonflammable solvents can mitigate fire hazards; however, their employment irreversibly deteriorates the cycling stability of working batteries owing to intrinsic high reactivity against Li metal. Herein, regulating solvation structure in a dimethylacetamide (DMAC)‐based electrolyte is proposed to achieve compatibility between cycling stability and nonflammability of electrolytes. DMAC, a nonflammable solvent, is employed to construct a nonflammable localized high‐concentration electrolyte (LHCE). In the DMAC‐based LHCE, there are abundant aggregate clusters resulting in the formation of anion‐derived solid electrolyte interphase to circumvent parasitic reactions between DMAC solvents and Li metal and to improve the uniformity of Li deposition, which ensures the compatibility between cycling stability under practical conditions and nonflammability of electrolytes. This work opens an emerging avenue to construct long‐cycling and safe Li metal batteries by manipulating solvation structure in nonflammable electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022, more than 100 000 non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) diagnoses are expected, yet few risk factors are confirmed. In this study, data from six US‐based cohorts (568 717 individuals) were used to examine body size and risk of NHL. Over more than 20 years of follow‐up, 11 263 NHLs were identified. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated associations with NHLs for adult body mass index (BMI), height, weight change, waist circumference and predicted fat mass. Adult height was broadly associated with NHL, but most strongly with B‐cell NHLs among non‐White participants (e.g. HRBLACK = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.62–2.62). However, the strongest association among the anthropometric traits examined was for young adult BMI and risk of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), particularly those who maintained a higher BMI into later adulthood. Individuals with BMI over 30 kg/m2 throughout adulthood had more than double the DLBCL risk (HR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.71–4.17) compared to BMI 18.5–22.9 kg/m2. Other anthropometric traits were not associated with NHL after controlling for BMI. These results suggest that sustained high BMI is a major driver of DLBCL risk. If confirmed, we estimate that up to 23.5% of all DLBCLs (and 11.1% of all NHLs) may be prevented with avoidance of young adult obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methyltransferase EZH2 plays an important role in regulating chromatin conformation and gene transcription. Phosphorylation of EZH2 at S21 by AKT kinase suppresses its function. However, protein phosphatases responsible for the dephosphorylation of EZH2-S21 remain elusive. Here, it is demonstrated that EZH2 is highly expressed in the ocular lens, and AKT-EZH2 axis is important in TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). More importantly, it is identified that MYPT1/PP1 dephosphorylates EZH2-S21 and thus modulates its functions. MYPT1 knockout accelerates EMT, but expression of the EZH2-S21A mutant suppresses EMT through control of multiple families of genes. Furthermore, the phosphorylation status and gene expression modulation of EZH2 are implicated in control of anterior subcapsular cataracts (ASC) in human and mouse eyes. Together, the results identify the specific phosphatase for EZH2-S21 and reveal EZH2 dephosphorylation control of several families of genes implicated in lens EMT and ASC pathogenesis. These results provide important novel information in EZH2 function and regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed the regio‐ and enantioselective N—H functionalization of N‐alkylaniline with pyrazolones derived ketimines as electrophiles, providing a variety of chiral pyrazolones containing a tetrasubstituted stereocenter bearing a new N,N'‐acetal motif in excellent yields and high enantioselectivities. This strategy was featured by low catalyst loading, mild conditions, and high efficiency and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lifespan of high‐energy‐density lithium metal batteries (LMBs) is hindered by heterogeneous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The rational design of electrolytes is strongly considered to obtain uniform SEI in working batteries. Herein, a modification of nitrate ion (NO3−) is proposed and validated to improve the homogeneity of the SEI in practical LMBs. NO3− is connected to an ether‐based moiety to form isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) to break the resonance structure of NO3− and improve the reducibility. The decomposition of non‐resonant −NO3 in ISDN enriches SEI with abundant LiNxOy and induces uniform lithium deposition. Lithium–sulfur batteries with ISDN additives deliver a capacity retention of 83.7 % for 100 cycles compared with rapid decay with LiNO3 after 55 cycles. Moreover, lithium–sulfur pouch cells with ISDN additives provide a specific energy of 319 Wh kg−1 and undergo 20 cycles. This work provides a realistic reference in designing additives to modify the SEI for stabilizing LMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An advanced automatic crash notification (AACN) system can predict the injuries of a vehicle's occupants when the vehicle is involved in a collision accident. The rear‐seat occupants are at significant risk in collision accidents owing to an inferior protection system and the absence of mandatory seat belt laws. However, only a few studies have focused on the injury prediction for rear‐seat occupants, which can be used in AACN system. Therefore, an injury prediction algorithm is proposed for rear‐seat occupants. Initially, a rear‐seat occupant simulation model is established and verified and the relationship between the head, neck, and chest injury levels and velocity variation is examined. Then, a rear‐seat occupant injury prediction algorithm is developed and AACN terminal is constructed to analyse the effects of the algorithm. The comparison of the obtained results with actual accident data validated that the proposed algorithm can effectively evaluate the injury levels of rear‐seat occupants. The study findings can enhance the prediction accuracy of all occupants' injury levels based on their positions inside the vehicle and improve the efficiency of rescue operations, particularly in the case of rear‐seat occupants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex differences in behaviour partly arise from the sexual dimorphism of brain anatomy between males and females. However, the sexual dimorphism of the tree shrew brain is unclear. In the present study, we examined the detailed distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide‐immunoreactive (VIP‐ir) neurons and fibres in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and VIP‐ir fibres in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) of male and female tree shrews. The overall volume of the SCN in male tree shrews was comparable with that in females. However, males showed a significantly higher density of VIP‐ir cells and fibres in the SCN than females. The shape of the VIP‐stained area in coronal sections was arched, elongated or oval in the lateral division (STL) and the anterior part of the medial division (STMA) of the BST and oval or round in the posterior part of the medial division of the BST (STMP). The volume of the VIP‐stained BST in male tree shrews was similar to that in females. The overall distribution of VIP‐ir fibres was similar between the sexes throughout the BST except within the STMA, where darkly stained fibres were observed in males, whereas lightly stained fibres were observed in females. Furthermore, male tree shrews showed a significantly higher intensity of Nissl staining in the medial preoptic area (MPA) and the ventral part of the medial division of the BST than females. These findings are the first to reveal sexual dimorphism in the SCN, BST and MPA of the tree shrew brain, providing neuroanatomical evidence of sexual dimorphism in these regions related to their roles in sex differences in physiology and behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is rare and fatal; survival in most cases is only about one year. Mortality rate is, therefore, a good proxy measure of incidence rate. However, the specific International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code for MM was not available until the Tenth Revision ICD (ICD‐10). Little is known on which Ninth Revision ICD (ICD‐9) codes were assigned for MM in the ICD‐9 era. Methods: We used a 1996 double‐coded mortality file compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics to calculate the detection rate (DR) and confirmation rate (CR) of selected ICD‐9 codes. Results: Of 2386 decedents whose underlying cause of death was MM (ICD‐10 code C45), the DR (deaths) of corresponding ICD‐9 code was 57% (1365) for code 199 "malignant neoplasm without specification of site;" 19% (448) for code 162.9 "malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus, and lung, unspecified;" 13% (310) for code 163 "malignant neoplasm of pleura;" and 11% (271) for other codes. The CR (deaths) for the aforementioned three ICD‐9 codes were 4.0% (1365/33,942), 0.3% (448/150,342), and 70.8% (310/438), respectively. Conclusions: The three ICD‐9 codes (199, 162.9, and 163) were the most commonly used codes for MM and composed nine‐tenths of all MM deaths in the years before the ICD‐10 was introduced. Using only ICD‐9 code 163, the code most often used as the surrogate measure of MM in mortality studies in the ICD‐9 era, capture may have been only 13% of all MM deaths in the US, and the estimated number of MM deaths missed in 1996 would be 2086. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]