Search

This article discusses a study conducted on Chinese patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) to understand the mechanisms of chemotherapy response and resistance. The study analyzed the multi-omics characteristics of tumor tissue, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in SCLC patients. The results showed that patients who responded well to chemotherapy had better survival outcomes. The study also identified potential molecular mechanisms, such as KDR mutation, PI3K amplification, and activation of VEGF and KRAS pathways, that contribute to chemotherapy resistance. The findings suggest that targeted therapies and immunotherapy may benefit patients who are resistant to chemotherapy. Further research is needed to determine the most appropriate treatments for recurring patients. [Extracted from the article]

The emerging optoelectronic neuromorphic devices are widely concerned due to their capability to integrate the functions of signal sensing, memory, and processing. Although significant advancements have been made in the study of individual optoelectronic synaptic devices, the development of hardware‐level image recognition systems based on photo‐synapse arrays remains a challenge. In this study, a crosstalk‐free, easy‐to‐integrate, and scalable 8 × 8 crossbar array for optical image sensing and storage is demonstrated using vertical two‐terminal ZnO photo‐synapses with the self‐denoising function. By designing peripheral circuits, a complete hardware‐level artificial visual system is constructed that successfully implements the real‐time pattern recognition tasks for 8 × 8 pixel images. The excellent performance of the photo‐synapse array shows its remarkable ability in highly efficient optic neuromorphic computing. Additionally, an in‐sensor reservoir computing (RC) system is constructed for image recognition of handwritten digits. The system achieves a high classification accuracy of 95.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: R‐CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) is a standard first‐line treatment for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, 20%–40% of patients survive less than 5 years. Novel prognostic biomarkers remain in demand. Methods: Baseline plasma autoantibodies (AAbs) were assessed in 336 DLBCLs. In the discovery phase (n = 20), a high‐density antigen microarray (∼21,000 proteins) was used to expound AAb profiles. In the verification phase (n = 181), with a DLBCL‐focused microarray, comparative results based on event‐free survival at 24 months (EFS24) and lasso Cox regression models of progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were integrated to identify potential biomarkers. They were further validated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in validation phase 1 (n = 135) and a dynamic cohort (n = 12). In validation phase 2, a two‐AAb‐based risk score was established. They were further validated in an immunohistochemistry cohort (n = 55) and four independent Gene Expression Omnibus datasets (n = 1598). Results: Four AAbs (CREB1, N4BP1, UBAP2, and DEAF1) were identified that showed associations with EFS24 status (p <.05) and superior PFS and OS (p <.05). A novel risk score model based on CREB1 and N4BP1 AAbs was developed to predict PFS with areas under the curve of 0.72, 0.71, 0.76, and 0.82 at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years, respectively, in DLBCL treated with R‐CHOP independent of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and provided significant additional recurrence risk discrimination (p <.05) for the IPI. CREB1 and N4BP1 proteins and messenger RNAs were also associated with better PFS and OS (p <.05). Conclusions: This study identified a novel prognostic panel of CREB1, N4BP1, DEAF1, and UBAP2 AAbs that is independent of the IPI in DLBCL. Autoantibodies (AAbs) have the potential for personalized monitoring of tumor recurrence. Serological AAbs against N4BP1, CREB1, DEAF1, and UBAP2 were independent of International Prognostic Index traditional risk factors for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone. Notably, two of these biomarkers, CREB1 and N4BP1, exhibited prognostic significance at multiple levels, including messenger RNA, protein, and AAb. These findings suggest that monitoring AAb levels during treatment may be a useful tool for predicting prognosis and guiding personalized treatment strategies for patients with DLBCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and bioequivalence profiles of 0.5‐g calcium dobesilate capsules in both fasting and fed states for the test drug and reference drug. A randomized‐sequence, single‐dose, open‐label, 2‐period crossover study was conducted in fasted and fed healthy Chinese volunteers (Chinese Clinical Trials Registry identifier: CTR202000268‐01). The fasting and fed studies, both involving 24 subjects, were conducted. A single dosage of either the reference or the test preparation was given to each eligible subject in a 1:1 ratio, followed by a 7‐day rest interval before the administration of the alternative formulation. After taking the capsules, plasma samples were taken for 48 hours, and using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, the calcium dobesilate level was determined. The PK parameters evaluated in the study included the maximum serum concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration, AUC from time 0 to infinity, half‐life, time to Cmax, and terminal elimination rate constant. In addition, the safety evaluation encompassed monitoring fluctuations in vitals (temperature, pulse, and blood pressure) and laboratory tests (urinalysis, hepatic function, blood biochemistry, and hematology), as well as recording the emergence of adverse events (AEs). The geometric mean ratio (GMR) of the test/reference medications was used to assess bioequivalence by determining if the 90% confidence intervals of the GMR fell within the predefined range of 80%‐125%. AEs were assessed as safety end points. The study included 48 healthy Chinese volunteers (with n = 24 each for the fasting and the fed conditions), and no subjects dropped out for any reason. The differences in the PK metrics for the test and reference drugs for both conditions were insignificant (P >.05). For bioequivalence, irrespective of whether the food was consumed or not, the range of the 90% confidence intervals of the GMR for Cmax, AUC from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration, and AUC from time 0 to infinity was between 80% and 125%. In the experiment, no serious AEs were recorded. Our findings revealed that the calcium dobesilate capsules used as the reference and the test drugs were both bioequivalent. Irrespective of whether the healthy Chinese volunteers consumed food or not, the PK and safety profiles were comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the blood concentration and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of 2 formulations under fasting and ed conditions in healthy Chinese volunteers and to evaluate whether the 2 preparations were bioequivalent. This trial screened 170 subjects. Thirteen subjects were assigned to the fasting trial and 18 subjects to the fed trial; 1 subject in the fed trial group was automatically withdrawn for personal reasons. Two cycles had a 14‐day washout period. This clinical study was a bioequivalence study, with PK parameters as end point indicators. The bioequivalence PK parameters were the maximal concentration (Cmax), area under the blood drug concentration‐time curve from 0 to 72 hours (AUC0‐72 h), and the time to peak plasma concentration (tmax) which were determined in human plasma by the liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method, and nonatrioventricular model analysis was used to determine Cmax, AUC0‐72 h, tmax, and other PK parameters. The incidence of adverse events was calculated on the basis of System Organ Classification and Preferred Terms. The results showed that the amlodipine besylate tablets met the equivalence range requirements of bioequivalence in the guidelines for human bioavailability and bioequivalence testing under fasting and fed conditions, compared to the fasting test; the tmax of the fed test was almost unchanged; and the Cmax and AUC0‐72 h showed no difference between fasting and fed conditions. It was confirmed that both formulations were well tolerated, and no new safety signals were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal barrier dysfunction is a prevalent pathogenic factor underlying various disorders. Currently there is no effective resolution. Previous studies have reported the potential anti‐inflammatory properties of lidocaine and its ability to alleviate visceral hypersensitivity in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, our study will further verify the effect of lidocaine on intestinal barrier dysfunction in IBS and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Method s : In this study, we investigated the role of lidocaine by assessing visceral hypersensitivity, body weight, inflammatory factors, fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran 4000 (FD4) flux, tight junctions (TJs) and spleen and thymus index in rats subjected to water avoidance stress (WAS) to mimic intestinal barrier dysfunction in IBS with and without lidocaine. In vitro, we investigated the role of corticotropin‐releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRHR2) in lidocaine‐treated Caco2 cells using small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting CRHR2. Key Results: In WAS rats, lidocaine significantly restored weight loss, damaged TJs, spleen index and thymus index and inhibited abdominal hypersensitivity as well as blood levels of markers indicating intestinal permeability, such as diamine oxidase (DAO), D‐lactic acid (D‐Lac) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Consequently, the leakage of FD4 flux from intestine was significantly attenuated in lidocaine group, and levels of intestinal inflammatory factors (IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α) were reduced. Interestingly, lidocaine significantly suppressed corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) levels in lamina propria cells, while the CRH receptor CRHR2 was upregulated in intestinal epithelial cells. In vitro, lidocaine enhanced the expression of CRHR2 on Caco‐2 intestinal epithelial cells and restored disrupted TJs and the epithelial barrier caused by LPS. Conversely, these effects were diminished by a CRHR2 antagonist and siRNA‐CRHR2, suggesting that the protective effect of lidocaine depends on CRHR2. Conclusions and Inferences: Lidocaine ameliorates intestinal barrier dysfunction in IBS by potentially modulating the expression of CRHR2 on intestinal epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are expected to be an attractive alternative in advanced energy storage devices due to large abundance and dependable security. Nevertheless, the undesirable energy density and operating voltage still hinder the development of AZIBs, which is intimately associated with the fundamental properties of the cathode. In this work, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) intercalated Mn0.07VOx (PVP‐MnVO) with a large interlayer spacing of 13.5 Å (against 12.5 Å for MnVO) synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method is adopted for the cathode in AZIBs. The experimental results demonstrate that PVP‐MnVO with expanded interlayer spacing provides beneficial channels for the rapid diffusion of Zn2+, resulting in a high discharge capacity of 402 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, superior to that of MnVO (275 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1). Meanwhile, the PVP molecule remains in the layer structure as a binder/pillar, which can maintain its structural integrity well during the charging/discharging process. Consequently, PVP‐MnVO cathode exhibits superior rate capability and cycling stability (89% retention after 4300 cycles at 10 A g−1) compared to that of MnVO (≈51% retention over 500 cycles at 2 A g−1). This work proposes a new approach to optimize the performance of vanadium‐based electrode materials in AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are gaining popularity as advanced energy storage devices that are economical, safe, and use resource‐abundant storage options. In this study, we have synthesized a bipolar phenothiazine organic scaffold known as 3,7‐bis(melaminyl)phenothiazin‐5‐ium iodide (PTDM), which is obtained by undergoing nucleophilic substitution through phenothiazinium tetraiodide hydrate (PTD) and melamine. Electrochemical results indicate that PTDM can act as a high‐potential cathode material for rechargeable AZIBs. In detail, the aqueous PTDM//Zn full cell exhibits a high average voltage of approximate 1.13 V, along with a specific capacity of 118.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. Furthermore, this demonstrated cell displays moderate long‐term cycling stability over 6400 cycles, which is encouraging and suggests potential for developing advanced organic electrode materials for rechargeable AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NaVPO4F has garnered significant attention as a promising cathode material for non‐aqueous sodium‐ion batteries due to its high theoretical specific capacity and appropriate potential. However, the dissolution of vanadium component of NaVPO4F in aqueous electrolytes has restricted its application in aqueous sodium‐ion batteries (ASIBs). Herein, we report the use of carbon‐coated NaVPO4F as a cathode material in ASIBs. This cathode material exhibited a discharge capacity of 111 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 in a concentrated 17 m NaClO4 aqueous solution and demonstrated capacity retention of 74.4 % over 100 cycles. The experimental results confirmed that the carbon coating on NaVPO4F and high‐concentration NaClO4 aqueous electrolyte exhibited positive effects in restraining vanadium dissolution. Additionally, when configuration with NaTi2(PO4)3@C as anode, the full cell exhibited a capacity of 43.9 mAh g−1 with an average operating voltage of 1.2 V at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 in a concentrated 17 m NaClO4 aqueous electrolyte. These outcomes underscore the potential of NaVPO4F@C as a promising cathode material for ASIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving citizens' water literacy level has gradually become one of the key elements to solve or alleviate water problems, which is of great significance in building a social water security system and promoting the harmonious development of man and nature. A fusion method—grounded systems analysis based on grounded theory and event systems theory is proposed in this study, which is used to explore the representation factors of water literacy and construct the main category chain through reverse tracking interview data and revealing each factor's mechanism. The research results show that: After encoding the original data, the water literacy characterization factor system including 4 main categories, 12 key categories, and 110 conceptualized sentences was obtained. The interaction between water knowledge and other main categories has a positive impact. There is no apparent direct relationship between water skills and water attitude, however, it can affect the implementation of water behavior. Water attitude can positively influence water behavior and has a moderating effect on each main category. The research conclusions can provide theoretical and decision‐making references for water literacy research, exploration, and practical work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio‐inspired machine visions have caused wide attentions due to the higher time/power efficiencies over the conventional architectures. Although bio‐mimic photo‐sensors and neuromorphic computing have been individually demonstrated, a complete monolithic vision system has rarely been studied. Here, a neuromorphic machine vision system (NMVS) integrating front‐end retinomorphic sensors and a back‐end convolutional neural network (CNN) based on a single ferroelectric‐semiconductor‐transistor (FST) device structure is reported. As a photo‐sensor, the FST shows a broadband (275–808 nm) retina‐like light adaption function with a large dynamic range of 20.3 stops, and as a unit of the CNN, the FST's weight can be linearly programmed. In total, the NMVS has a high recognition accuracy of 93.0% on a broadband‐dim‐image classification task, which is 20% higher than that of an incomplete system without the retinomorphic sensors. Because of the monolithic unit, the NVMS shows high feasibility for integrated bio‐inspired machine vision systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐light‐level photodetections are highly desired in the fields of astronomy and quantum information. However, the existing techniques suffer from high operation voltages and complexity of fabrication, which reduces its compatibility with complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS) based read‐out circuit and prevent the use of imaging. Here, a low‐light‐level phototransistor that employs a photo‐induced ferroelectric reversal mechanism in a ferroelectric semiconductor channel: α‐In2Se3 is demonstrated. It shows a record‐low noise‐equivalent power of 7.9 × 10−22 W Hz−1/2, a record‐high specific detectivity of 6.34 × 1017 Jones, and sensitivity approaching 20 photons in a photon‐counting mode, and fast time response of 260 µs/50 ns in the rise/decay period. It also works as an optoelectronic memory with an on/off ratio of 2.9 × 105, retention of longer than 10 years, and endurance of more than 106 cycles. Due to its high performance, simple architecture, and small operation voltage, the phototransistor provides a feasible platform for new‐generation low‐light‐level image sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D‐layered materials and van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) have attracted intense interests in optoelectronic applications. However, the performance of photovoltaic effect based on vdWHs is still unsatisfactory, which is subjected to many factors, including settled small built‐in potentials and low light absorptions. Here, a pronounced photovoltaic effect is reported in MoTe2/(C4H9NH3)2(CH3NH3)2Pb3I10/α‐In2Se3 ferroelectric p–i–n vdWHs. An all‐dry transfer method held in an inert environment is utilized to ensure a good materials' stability and high interfacial quality. The short‐circuit current density can increase three orders to 38 mA cm−2 by introducing perovskite; hence, the device works as a sensitive self‐powered photodetector with a photo on/off ratio of 2.4 × 105, a detectivity of 1.2 × 1012 Jones, and response times of 730 µs/620 µs. Moreover, the short‐circuit current density increases more than 25 times by enhancing the built‐in potential through programming the ferroelectric polarization of α‐In2Se3. In total, short‐circuit current density as high as 468 mA cm−2 is reached, which is one‐to‐two orders higher than that of typical lateral vdWHs. This work demonstrates the potential of high‐performance optoelectronic devices based on ferroelectric van der Waals p–i–n heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Melilotus species are used as green manure and rotation crops worldwide and contain abundant pharmacologically active coumarins. However, there is a paucity of information on its genome and coumarin production and function. Here, we reported a chromosome‐scale assembly of Melilotus albus genome with 1.04 Gb in eight chromosomes, containing 71.42% repetitive elements. Long terminal repeat retrotransposon bursts coincided with declining of population sizes during the Quaternary glaciation. Resequencing of 94 accessions enabled insights into genetic diversity, population structure, and introgression. Melilotus officinalis had relatively larger genetic diversity than that of M. albus. The introgression existed between M. officinalis group and M. albus group, and gene flows was from M. albus to M. officinalis. Selection sweep analysis identified candidate genes associated with flower colour and coumarin biosynthesis. Combining genomics, BSA, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and biochemistry, we identified a β‐glucosidase (BGLU) gene cluster contributing to coumarin biosynthesis. MaBGLU1 function was verified by overexpression in M. albus, heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, and substrate feeding, revealing its role in scopoletin (coumarin derivative) production and showing that nonsynonymous variation drives BGLU enzyme activity divergence in Melilotus. Our work will accelerate the understanding of biologically active coumarins and their biosynthetic pathways, and contribute to genomics‐enabled Melilotus breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Summary: Cleistogenes songorica (2n = 4x = 40) is a desert grass with a unique dimorphic flowering mechanism and an ability to survive extreme drought. Little is known about the genetics underlying drought tolerance and its reproductive adaptability. Here, we sequenced and assembled a high‐quality chromosome‐level C. songorica genome (contig N50 = 21.28 Mb). Complete assemblies of all telomeres, and of ten chromosomes were derived. C. songorica underwent a recent tetraploidization (~19 million years ago) and four major chromosomal rearrangements. Expanded genes were significantly enriched in fatty acid elongation, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and circadian rhythm pathways. By comparative transcriptomic analysis we found that conserved drought tolerance related genes were expanded. Transcription of CsMYB genes was associated with differential development of chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers, as well as drought tolerance. Furthermore, we found that regulation modules encompassing miRNA, transcription factors and target genes are involved in dimorphic flower development, validated by overexpression of CsAP2_9 and its targeted miR172 in rice. Our findings enable further understanding of the mechanisms of drought tolerance and flowering in C. songorica, and provide new insights into the adaptability of native grass species in evolution, along with potential resources for trait improvement in agronomically important species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, two distinct lineages of influenza B virus (IBV), B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineage, have been co‐circulating in human beings. Assessment of the prevalent lineage is key for the recommendation of the seasonal influenza vaccine composition and the evaluation of its efficacy. In this study, a multiplex qRT‐PCR assay for the discrimination of the IBV lineages was designed based on the genetic differences of the hemagglutinin genes between B/Yamagata and B/Victoria lineages. The assay was highly specific and able to discriminate the lineages of IBV without any non‐specific reaction against other influenza A viruses. The detection limit of the assay was determined to be 10 genome‐equivalent copies and 2.8 × 10‐2 50% tissue culture infectious doses (TCID50) of live IBV per reaction. Moreover, our assay was able to discriminate the lineages of IBVs in clinical samples with 100% accuracy, when compared with pyrosequencing. Our results indicate that this assay may represent an update of the existing qRT‐PCR assays and will be of great use for the rapid and accurate diagnosis and surveillance of the circulating IBVs. Highlights: A multiplex qRT‐PCR assay was developed to discriminate the lineages of IBV with high sensitivity and broad coverage.The detection limit of the assay was determined to be 10 genome‐equivalent copies and 2.8 × 10‐2 50% tissue culture infectious doses (TCID50) of live IBV.This assaywill be of great use for the rapid and accurate diagnosis andsurveillance of the circulating IBVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have seen a rapid development in the integration of information technology into China's higher education provision. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have played a vital role in spreading and sharing educational content in China, but problems have been identified with sustaining the learning process, leading to low completion rates. This study integrates the technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behavior to build a theoretical model of the mechanism behind MOOC learning performance. Data were collected from an online questionnaire (N = 638) completed by participants in MOOCs offered by Anhui Agricultural University. Structural equation modeling was then used to analyze the participants' self‐reported MOOC learning experience and outcomes and verify the hypothesized path to improving MOOC learning performance. The results indicate that perceived usefulness, learning attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and learning behavior had significant effects on learning performance, while perceived ease of use was not a significant factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal vents are considered as one of the most extremely harsh environments on the Earth. In this study, the complete mitogenomes of hydrothermal vent squat lobsters, Munidopsis lauensis and M. verrilli, were determined through Illumina sequencing and compared with other available mitogenomes of anomurans. The mitogenomes of M. lauensis (17,483 bp) and M. verrilli (17,636 bp) are the largest among all Anomura mitogenomes, while the A+T contents of M. lauensis (62.40%) and M. verrilli (63.99%) are the lowest. The mitogenomes of M. lauensis and M. verrilli display novel gene arrangements, which might be the result of three tandem duplication–random loss (tdrl) events from the ancestral pancrustacean pattern. The mitochondrial gene orders of M. lauensis and M. verrilli shared the most similarities with S. crosnieri. The phylogenetic analyses based on both gene order data and nucleotide sequences (PCGs and rRNAs) revealed that the two species were closely related to Shinkaia crosnieri. Positive selection analysis revealed that eighteen residues in seven genes (atp8, Cytb, nad3, nad4, nad4l, nad5, and nad6) of the hydrothermal vent anomurans were positively selected sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Metal oxide‐based nanomaterials are widely studied because of their high‐energy densities as anode materials in lithium‐ion batteries. However, the fast capacity degradation resulting from the large volume expansion upon lithiation hinders their practical application. In this work, the preparation of walnut‐like multicore–shell MnO encapsulated nitrogen‐rich carbon nanocapsules (MnO@NC) is reported via a facile and eco‐friendly process for long‐cycling Li‐ion batteries. In this hybrid structure, MnO nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed inside carbon nanoshells, which can simultaneously act as a conductive framework and also a protective buffer layer to restrain the volume variation. The MnO@NC nanocapsules show remarkable electrochemical performances for lithium‐ion batteries, exhibiting high reversible capability (762 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1) and stable cycling life (624 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1000 mA g−1). In addition, the soft‐packed full batteries based on MnO@NC nanocapsules anodes and commercial LiFePO4 cathodes present good flexibility and cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia (CIN) has been shown to be associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with various solid tumors. This study retrospectively assessed the association between timing of CIN and prognosis in 321 patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) who finished at least one cycle of chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and capecitabine (XELOX). Primary landmark analyses were restricted to 274 patients who received four cycles of chemotherapy and lived for more than 4 months. CIN was categorized as early‐onset and non‐early‐onset. The correlation between timing of CIN with survival was analyzed by the Kaplan‐Meier method and a Cox proportional hazards model. Relative to patients with non‐early‐onset CIN, those with early‐onset CIN had significantly longer times to disease progression (hazard ratio [HR] 0.574; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.453–0.729, P < 0.001) and death (HR: 0.607; 95% CI: 0.478–0.770, P < 0.001), consistent with results from the landmark group. In conclusion, timing of CIN may be a potential prognostic biomarker in patients with AGC receiving first‐line chemotherapy with XELOX. Early‐onset CIN predicts better survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The worldwide unrestrained emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) has caused serious environmental pollution and climate change issues. For the sustainable development of human civilization, it is very desirable to convert CO2 to renewable fuels through clean and economical chemical processes. Recently, electrocatalytic CO2 conversion is regarded as a prospective pathway for the recycling of carbon resource and the generation of sustainable fuels. In this review, recent research advances in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction are summarized from both experimental and theoretical aspects. The referred electrocatalysts are divided into different classes, including metal–organic complexes, metals, metal alloys, inorganic metal compounds and carbon‐based metal‐free nanomaterials. Moreover, the selective formation processes of different reductive products, such as formic acid/formate (HCOOH/HCOO−), monoxide carbon (CO), formaldehyde (HCHO), methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (CH3CH2OH), etc. are introduced in detail, respectively. Owing to the limited energy efficiency, unmanageable selectivity, low stability, and indeterminate mechanisms of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, there are still many tough challenges need to be addressed. In view of this, the current research trends to overcome these obstacles in CO2 electroreduction field are summarized. We expect that this review will provide new insights into the further technique development and practical applications of CO2 electroreduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRs) are functionally important in spermatogenesis, which is the self-renewal or differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Here, we report a novel role for miR-10b in regulating the self-renewal of mouse SSCs. We showed that miR-10b was highly expressed in mouse SSCs in vitro and enhanced SSC proliferation. Knockdown of miR-10b significantly increased the apoptosis of SSCs compared with controls. Kruppel-like factor 4 was found to be a target gene of miR-10b in the enhancement of SSC proliferation. These findings further our understanding of the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs and provide a basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here an all-purpose fibrous electrode based on MoS2 is demonstrated, which can be employed for versatile energy harvesting and storage applications. In this coaxial electrode, ultrathin MoS2 nanofilms are grown on TiO2 nanoparticles coated carbon fiber. The high electrochemical activity of MoS2 and good conductivity of carbon fiber synergistically lead to the remarkable performances of this novel composite electrode in fibrous dye-sensitized solar cells (showing a record-breaking conversion efficiency of 9.5%) and high-capacity fibrous supercapacitors. Furthermore, a self-powering energy fiber is fabricated by combining a fibrous dye-sensitized solar cell and a fibrous supercapacitor into a single device, showing very fast charging capability (charging in 7 s under AM1.5G solar illumination) and an overall photochemical-electricity energy conversion efficiency as high as 1.8%. In addition, this wire-shaped electrode can also be used for fibrous Li-ion batteries and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions. These applications indicate that the MoS2-based all-purpose fibrous electrode has great potential for the construction of high-performance flexible and wearable energy devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological role of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in keratinocytes and skin wound healing is completely unknown. The present study shows that CFTR is expressed in the multiple layers of keratinocytes in mouse epidermis and exhibits a dynamic expression pattern in a dorsal skin wound healing model, with diminishing levels observed from day 3 to day 5 and re-appearing from day 7 to day 10 after wounding. Knockdown of CFTR in cultured human keratinocytes promotes cell migration but inhibits differentiation, while overexpression of CFTR suppresses migration but enhances differentiation, indicating an important role of CFTR in regulating keratinocyte behavior. In addition, we have demonstrated a direct association of CFTR with epithelial junction formation as knockdown of CFTR downregulates the expression of adhesion molecules, such as E-cadherin, ZO-1 and β-catenin, and disrupts the formation of cell junction, while overexpression of CFTR enhances cell junction formation. More importantly, we have shown that ΔF508 cftr−/− mice with defective CFTR exhibit delayed wound healing as compared to wild type mice, indicating that normal function of CFTR is critical for wound repair. Taken together, the present study has revealed a previously undefined role of CFTR in regulating skin wound healing processes, which may have implications in injury repair of other epithelial tissues. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2049-2058, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of cascade energy transfer between different dye molecules, single‐excitation and low threshold coherent random lasing with a high quality factor (∼13 000) over the whole visible range is experimentally observed using gold–silver bimetallic porous nanowires with abundant nanogaps as the scatterers. These nanogaps with different sizes in the bimetallic nanowires can produce continuous plasmonic resonance spectra and provide strong feedback or gain channels for the stimulated emission from different dye molecules. It guarantees a low threshold of lasing. Moreover, multi gain media can provide broad tunability of the emission wavelength when the system is pumped by single‐wavelength pulses. It provides excellent flexibility for the design of multicolor output devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than just skin deep: Carbon‐coated CdS petalous particles have been synthesized through a one‐pot solvothermal method. The carbon nanocoating serves multiple functions, including protection of the CdS surface, enhancement of visible light absorption, and facilitating the separation of photogenerated charges. As a result, this CdS‐C nanohybrid photocatalyst exhibits significantly enhanced photostability and photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are ∼470,000 km2 of karst aquifers that feed many large springs in North China. Turbulent flow often exists in these karst aquifers, which means that the classical ground water model based on Darcy’s law cannot be applied here. Ground water data are rare for these aquifers. As a consequence, it is difficult to quantitatively investigate ground water flow in these karst systems. The purpose of this study is to develop a parsimonious model that predicts karst spring discharge using gray system theory. In this theory, a white color denotes a system that is completely characterized and a black color represents a system that is totally unknown. A gray system thus describes a complex system whose characteristics are only partially known or known with uncertainty. Using this theory, we investigated the karst spring discharge time series over different time scales. First, we identified three specific components of spring discharge: the long-term trend, periodic variation, and random fluctuation. We then used the gray system model to simulate the long-term trend and obtain periodic variation and random fluctuation components. Subsequently, we developed a predictive model for karst spring discharge. Application of the model to Liulin Springs, a representative example of karst springs in northern China, shows that the model performs well. The predicted results suggest that the Liulin Springs discharge will likely decrease over time, with small fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In search of novel angiostimulators, we performed a high-throughput screening of medicinal plants beneficial for blood circulation. From the panel of positive hits, Angelica sinensis was selected for further investigation. Purified down to a low-molecular-weight fraction and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, the material, named SBD.4A, revealed a particularly strong wound healing activity in the diabetic mouse wound-healing model, and in the human/severe combined immunodeficiency mouse chimera wound-healing model. In both models, SBD.4A compared favorably with the Food and Drug Administration-approved wound-healing drug becaplermin, suggesting that this botanical product could be a valuable treatment for difficult-to-heal wounds. Further high-performance liquid chromatography fractionation of SBD.4A yielded a hydrophilic fraction, which strongly stimulated endothelial cell proliferation, tridimensional endothelial cell network formation, as well as the proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts and type I collagen secretion. Because angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation are essential for wound healing, we propose that this liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry-defined hydrophilic fraction is at least partially responsible for the wound-healing activity of SBD.4A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have large second‐order optical nonlinearity owing to broken inversion symmetry in two‐dimensional (2D) crystals. However, despite the strong light–matter coupling in monolayer TMDCs, their nonlinear responses are ultimately limited by subnanometer thickness. Here, a dramatic enhancement of the second‐harmonic generation (SHG) is achieved from monolayer tungsten disulfide (WS2) incorporated onto a 2D silver (Ag) nanogroove grating with subwavelength pitch. By tuning surface plasmon mode and second‐harmonic frequency in resonance with the C exciton in WS2, a large SHG enhancement factor (≈400) and a large conversion efficiency (≈2.0 × 10–5) can be obtained. Furthermore, the azimuthal angle dependence of polarized SHG from monolayer WS2 can be manipulated by the nanogroove plasmonic mode. Based on this property, a polarization‐modulated optical encoding technique is demonstrated. The results suggest that 2D TMDC–plasmonic hybrid metasurface structures can provide an ideal integration platform for on‐chip nonlinear photonics and plasmonics. Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have large second‐order optical nonlinearity owing to broken inversion symmetry in 2D crystals, but their nonlinear responses are ultimately limited by subnanometer thickness. By incorporating onto a silver plasmonic metasurface, a dramatic enhancement of the second‐harmonic generation from monolayer tungsten disulfide is achieved with a large enhancement factor and a large conversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon‐coated CdS petalous nanostructures have been synthesized through a one‐pot solvothermal method, as described by Y. Hu, X. W. Lou, and co‐workers in their Communication on page 5636 ff. The carbon nanocoating serves multiple functions, including protection of the CdS surface, enhancement of visible‐light absorption, and facilitating the separation of photogenerated charges. As a result, this CdS–C nanohybrid photocatalyst exhibits significantly enhanced photostability and photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kohlenstoffbeschichtete CdS ‐ Partikel sind durch ein Eintopf ‐ Solvothermalverfahren erhältlich, wie Y. Hu, X. W. Lou et al. in der Zuschrift auf S. 5746 ff. beschreiben. Die Nanokohlenstoffbeschichtung erfüllt mehrere Funktionen: Sie schützt die CdS ‐ Oberfläche, sie verstärkt die Absorption im sichtbaren Bereich, und sie erleichtert die Trennung photochemisch erzeugter Ladungen. Dadurch verfügen die CdS ‐ C ‐ Partikel über eine deutlich verbesserte Photostabilität und Photokatalyseaktivität. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the title molecule, C(9)H(3)Cl(3)O(3), there are three short interactions involving the benzene H atoms and the chloro-formyl Cl atoms. In the crystal, mol-ecules stack along the a axis with no significant non-bonded inter-actions.