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This article studies the problem of prescribed‐time constrained tracking control for a class of 2×2$$ 2\times 2 $$ hyperbolic partial differential equation (PDE) systems with actuator dynamics, which are described by a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Since the control input only appears in the ODE subsystem rather than directly on the boundary of PDE subsystem, the control task becomes quite challenging. The most important is that for the control of such ODE controlled PDE systems we mainly make the following two contributions: (1) the controlled output of the PDE system tracks the reference signal within the prescribed time; (2) the controlled output and all the actuator states are constrained. It is the first time that such a prescribed‐time constrained tracking control problem is addressed for the PDE‐ODE coupled system considered in this article. Through rigorous theoretical proof, it is demonstrated that all the system states and control signals are bounded and sufficiently continuous by configuring appropriate design parameters. Finally, the performance is investigated via numerical simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T cells play an important role in the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The mechanism underlying such T cell‐based kidney disease, however, remains elusive. Here the authors report that activated CD8 T cells elicit renal inflammation and tissue injury via releasing miR‐186‐5p‐enriched exosomes. Continuing the cohort study identifying the correlation of plasma level of miR‐186‐5p with proteinuria in FSGS patients, it is demonstrated that circulating miR‐186‐5p is mainly derived from activated CD8 T cell exosomes. Renal miR‐186‐5p, which is markedly increased in FSGS patients and mice with adriamycin‐induced renal injury, is mainly delivered by CD8 T cell exosomes. Depleting miR‐186‐5p strongly attenuates adriamycin‐induced mouse renal injury. Supporting the function of exosomal miR‐186‐5p as a key circulating pathogenic factor, intravenous injection of miR‐186‐5p or miR‐186‐5p‐containing T cell exosomes results in mouse renal inflammation and tissue injury. Tracing the injected T cell exosomes shows their preferential distribution in mouse renal tubules, not glomerulus. Mechanistically, miR‐186‐5p directly activates renal tubular TLR7/8 signal and initiates tubular cell apoptosis. Mutating the TLR7‐binding sequence on miR‐186‐5p or deleting mouse TLR7 largely abolishes renal tubular injuries induced by miR‐186‐5p or adriamycin. These findings reveal a causative role of exosomal miR‐186‐5p in T cell‐mediated renal dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable polymeric materials with high strength and outstanding toughness are necessary for real‐world applications in the fields of electronics, electrics, and packaging. Unfortunately, such performance portfolios in polymers remain challenging to achieve due to their different governing mechanisms. Inspired by the hydrogen‐bond (H‐bond) cross‐linking structure of spider silk, herein, strong and tough poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites with β‐cyclodextrin as a cross‐linker are developed. Benefiting from the H‐bond cross‐linking effect, the addition of 1.0 wt% of β‐cyclodextrin enables PVA to achieve a high tensile strength of 136.5 MPa, and a high elastic modulus of 3.0 GPa, in combination with a good toughness of 82.1 MJ m−3. In addition, the presence of β‐cyclodextrin improves the biodegradability of PVA composite by decreasing its crystalline size. Furthermore, PVA/β‐cyclodextrin composite combined with MXene has great potential as a sensor material for humidity and strain detection. This proof‐of‐concept opens numerous opportunities to create strong, tough, and biodegradable polymers for packing and sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endogenous circadian clock integrates cyclic signals of environment and daily and seasonal behaviors of organisms to achieve spatiotemporal synchronization, which greatly improves genetic diversity and fitness of species. This review addresses recent studies on the plant circadian system in the field of chronobiology, covering topics on molecular mechanisms, internal and external Zeitgebers, and hierarchical regulation of physiological outputs. The architecture of the circadian clock involves the autoregulatory transcriptional feedback loops, post‐translational modifications of core oscillators, and epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones. Here, light, temperature, humidity, and internal elemental nutrients are summarized to illustrate the sensitivity of the circadian clock to timing cues. In addition, the circadian clock runs cell‐autonomously, driving independent circadian rhythms in various tissues. The core oscillators responds to each other with biochemical factors including calcium ions, mineral nutrients, photosynthetic products, and hormones. We describe clock components sequentially expressed during a 24‐h day that regulate rhythmic growth, aging, immune response, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Notably, more data have suggested the circadian clock links chrono‐culture to key agronomic traits in crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This article addresses the plant‐model mismatch estimation problem for linear multiple‐input and multiple‐output systems operating under the dynamic matrix control (DMC) implementation of model predictive control. An autocovariance‐based method is proposed, aiming to identify parameter values that minimize the discrepancy between the theoretical autocovariance matrices derived from implementing the (explicit) DMC control law and the sampled autocovariance matrices calculated from operating data. We provide proof that the method results in unbiased estimates. A means for dealing with potential overfitting issues caused by the finite step response models used in DMC in practice is proposed. Several examples are presented to illustrated the theoretical developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this paper, we propose a simultaneous state estimation and fault estimation approach for a class of first‐order hyperbolic partial integral differential equation systems. Specifically, we consider the multiplicative boundary actuator and sensor faults, ie, unknown fault parameters multiplying by the boundary input or boundary state (ie, output). As a consequence, two difficulties arise immediately: (1) simultaneous estimation of both plant state and faults is a nonlinear problem due to the multiplication between fault parameters and plant signals; (2) no prior information is available to determine the type (actuator or sensor) of faults. To overcome these difficulties, this paper develops adaptive fault parameter update laws and embeds the resulting laws into the plant state observer design. First, we propose new approaches to estimate actuator fault and sensor fault, respectively. Next, we develop a novel method to simultaneously estimate actuator and sensor faults. The proposed observer and update laws, designed using only one boundary measurement, ensure both state estimation and fault parameter estimation. By choosing appropriate Lyapunov functions, we prove that the estimates of state and fault parameters converge to an arbitrarily small neighborhood of their true values. Numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed estimation approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In specific, miR-186-5p is enriched in exosomes of activated CD8 T cells and preferentially enters renal tubular cells where it directly binds endosomal TLR7/8 and initiates renal inflammation. CD8 T Cell-Derived Exosomal miR-186-5p Elicits Renal Inflammation via Activating Tubular TLR7/8 Signal Axis (Adv. Sci. 25/2023) In article number 2301492, Ke Zen, Zhihong Liu, and co-workers identify exosomal miR-186-5p from activated CD8 T cells as such circulating pathogenic factor that causes renal dysfunction. [Extracted from the article]

Focus is assumed to be able to enhance the salience of a focused constituent and thereby facilitate the interpretation of a pronoun that refers to a focused antecedent relative to an unfocused antecedent. To assess how discourse-based focus structure influences the interpretation of a pronoun and whether this process is modulated by the grammatical role of the antecedent, we conducted an ERP study in which the focus status of a pronoun's potential antecedents was manipulated by means of a wh-question-answer structure. We found that, relative to those in the focused position, pronouns referring to antecedents in the unfocused position evoked enhanced positive responses in both early (180-230 ms) and late time windows (400-800 ms). Moreover, while a larger positivity was evoked by object-referring pronouns compared to subject-referring pronouns in the 400-800 ms time window over the right hemisphere, there was no effect of grammatical role in the 180-230 ms time window. These findings indicate that, while the initial stage of pronoun resolution is modulated by focus information assigned via a wh-question structure, integration of the pronoun and its antecedent into a coherent discourse representation at the later stage could be constrained by various factors, including the focus status and possibly the grammatical role of the antecedent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated how topic shift and topic continuation influence pronoun interpretation in Chinese. ERPs recorded on pronouns in topic structure showed stronger and earlier late positive responses (P600) for the topic-shift than for the topic-continuation conditions. However, in nontopic structure where the subject (denoting only subjecthood), rather than the topic (denoting both topichood and subjecthood), acted as the antecedent of the pronoun, almost indistinguishable P600 responses were obtained on the pronoun regardless of whether it was referring to the subject (i.e., subject continuation) or the object (i.e., subject shift). Moreover, stronger and earlier P600 responses were elicited by pronouns in the topic-shift than in the subject-shift conditions, although there was no difference between the topic-continuation and the subject-continuation conditions. These findings suggest that topic shift results in greater difficulty in the resolution stage of referential processing, although the bonding process is not sensitive to the manipulation of topic status, and that topic has a privileged cognitive status relative to other nontopic entities (e.g., subject) in real-time language processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R6106 --> 875.18 --> Objective: Chloride and bicarbonate transport across the apical membrane via CFTR is critical for homeostasis of airway surface liquid and mucociliary clearance. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene resulting in mucus buildup, bacterial colonization, inflammation and respiratory insufficiency. F508del and nonsense mutations are the most common mutations characterized by defective protein processing and trafficking (F508del) or early termination of CFTR synthesis (G542X, R1162X). A combination of CFTR modulators (VX445/661/770; VX) has largely improved CFTR function in patients with F508del but is ineffective in nonsense mutations. We have shown that select amino acids (SAA) can modulate trafficking and activity of CFTR and alternative anion‐secretory pathways, and thus could improve clinical outcomes in CF patients. Hypothesis: SAA can stimulate anion secretion in primary HBEC with F508del/F508del, F508del/R1162X and G542X/G542X mutation. Methods: Transepithelial short‐circuit current (Isc) was measured in differentiated HBEC treated with DMSO or VX for 24h and bathed in vehicle or SAA in Ussing chambers. After blocking ENaC with benzamil, benzamil‐insensitive (anion) Isc was either continuously recorded for 90min, or sequentially blocked with CFTRinh172, CaCCinhA01 and bumetanide in 15min intervals. Isotope (36Cl) flux studies and whole‐cell patch clamp technique were used to confirm chloride movements, and CFTR and alternative anion‐secretory channel expression was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Results: Anion Isc increased in all mutations and was more sustained when exposed to SAA compared to vehicle (F508del: 15.4±0.5 vs 1.4±0.2; R1162X: 19.4±0.3 vs 2.3±0.3; G542X: 17.2±0.5 vs 1.6±0.2 µA.cm‐2; P<0.001). SAA recovered 48.7, 57.3 and 40.9% of normal Isc (21.9±0.5 µA.cm‐2). Treatment with VX increased anion Isc in F508del and R1162X (11.4±0.7 and 5.7±0.4 µA.cm‐2; P<0.001) but not in G542X (1.7±0.2 µA.cm‐2). In F508del, the CFTR response increased from 20.7% (non‐treated cells) to 32.9 and 85.5% of the anion Isc when treated with SAA or VX, and in R542X from 3.7% to 46.3 and 16.0%, respectively. Both, SAA and VX did not affect CaCC, but SAA increased the bumetanide‐sensitive Isc from 31.0 to 50.5% in F508del, and from 33.3 to 56.3% in R1162X, while VX reduced the bumetanide response to 5.4 and 4.5%. Isotope flux studies showed that SAA (‐0.21±0.08 μEq.h‐1.cm‐2) and VX (‐0.19±0.02 μEq.h‐1.cm‐2) increased net Cl‐ secretion in F508del when compared to vehicle (‐0.03±0.01 μEq.h‐1.cm‐2; P<0.05). SAA, but not VX increased Cl‐ secretion in G542X (‐0.21 0.07 vs ‐0.08±0.02 μEq.h‐1.cm‐2). In patch clamp recordings, SAA and VX resulted in a significant reduction in CFTRinh172 whole cell current in F508del. Immunofluorescence imaging demonstrated increased CFTR and alternative anion‐secretory channel expression along the apical membrane in SAA cells while VX showed increased expression of only CFTR. Conclusions: These studies demonstrate that SAA stimulates anion current and increases Cl‐ secretion via CFTR and alternative secretory pathways in different mutations, and could be beneficial in nonsense mutations but needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lock‐detector for the digital phase interpolator based clock and dada recovery circuit (PI‐CDR) is proposed. The simple method could commendably lock the PI‐control code when the CDR is locked, which eliminates the systematic phase noise of the recovered clock without reducing the jitter tolerance ability. The proposed architecture is implemented in 0.13 μm CMOS and occupies area of 0.18 mm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moving relays (MRs) have been proposed as a promising technology to improve the coverage performance of vehicular users. However, how MRs can influence non‐vehicular users is not yet studied. Using stochastic geometry, statistical analyses on the coverage performance of non‐vehicular users in the MR enabled cellular networks are made. An analytical framework for analysing downlink signal‐to‐interference ratio under the presence of MRs is developed. Based on the proposed framework, tractable expressions for coverage probability of non‐vehicular users connecting to MRs and macro base stations are derived, respectively. Simulation results verify the derived expressions. These analytical results show that non‐vehicular users can also improve their coverage performance by the MRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the electrochemical performance of batteries approaching the bottleneck gradually, it is increasingly urgent to solve the safety issue. Herein, all‐in‐one strategy is ingeniously developed to design smart, safe, and simple (3S) practical pouch‐type LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2||Graphite@SiO (NCM811||Gr@SiO) cell, taking full advantage of liquid and solid‐state electrolytes. Even under the harsh thermal abuse and high voltage condition (100 °C, 3–4.5 V), the pouch‐type 3S NCM811||Gr@SiO cell can present superior capacity retention of 84.6% after 250 cycles (based pouch cell: 47.8% after 250 cycles). More surprisingly, the designed 3S NCM811||Gr@SiO cell can efficiently improve self‐generated heat T1 by 45 °C, increase TR triggering temperature T2 by 40 °C, and decrease the TR highest T3 by 118 °C. These superior electrochemical and safety performances of practical 3S pouch‐type cells are attributed to the robust and stable anion‐induced electrode‐electrolyte interphases and local solid‐state electrolyte protection layer. All the fundamental findings break the conventional battery design guidelines and open up a new direction to develop practical high‐performance batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the strength of the pillar on the bearing characteristics of the backfill‐pillar system (BPS) based on the mechanism of backfill. Quantitative synergy relationships between backfill and pillar were defined and pointed out. There are four kinds of quantitative synergy relationships in the bearing process of the system. To verify the relationship, systems with different strengths of the pillar were selected to carry out numerical simulation experiments, and a mathematical calculation method to quantify synergy relationship in the BPS was designed. The results show that the system under the low strength of the pillar presents the overall increase in bearing characteristics, while the system under the high strength of the pillar presents "N"‐type bearing features. Four kinds of quantitative synergy relationships able to characterise the action mechanism between backfill and pillar in each stage of the bearing of the system. Through analysis and discussion, it was concluded that the essential reason for the difference in bearing characteristics is that the effect of displacement restraint, joint support, and passive compressive weaken with the increase of the strength of pillar. The effect of pillar strength on the internal synergy of BPS is well verified by numerical simulation test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corydalis austroshaanxiensis, a new species of Corydalis sect. Incisae Fedde (Papaveraceae) from Shaanxi, China, is described. It is most similar to C. pseudoincisa C.Y. Wu, Z.Y. Su & Lidén, but differs in the outer petals being retuse to emarginate, with dorsal crest (versus acuminate, rounded to shortly mucronate, without crest), lowermost pedicels that are conspicuously elongating and basally recurved in fruit (versus slightly elongating, straight, erect‐spreading), sepals that are 3–4 × ca 3 mm (versus 1.5–2.0 × ca 1.5 mm), lower petals that usually have a linear reddish tint at base (versus without reddish tint), capsules that are narrowly to broadly elliptic to obovoid (versus linear to narrowly oblong), and by the racemes corymbose, forming a very dense cluster of upper fruits (versus racemes not corymbose‐like, flower dense in anthesis, lax in fruit). The original materials of C. pseudoincisa is shown to be mosaic, and the original descriptions and illustrations annotated as C. pseudoincisa only fit in part C. pseudoincisa. A revised circumscription for C. pseudoincisa is thus provided. We suggest the need for caution when identifying additional specimens as paratypes that differ from the holotype in distinct characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work develops a network of adaptive boundary observers and studies the agreement between state and parameter estimates for a single target parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) system in the presence of structured and unstructured uncertainties. It is assumed that the unknown parameters take the form of either a structured uncertainty with unknown constant parameters or an unstructured uncertainty that can be neutralized by a radial basis function neural networks with unknown weights. The proposed adaptive observers consisting of m$$ m $$ agents in the network follow the structure of adaptive identifiers for the considered target PDE systems with the insertion of a penalty term in both the state and parameter estimates. Different from earlier efforts, the proposed adaptive laws include a penalty term of the mismatch between the parameter and state estimates generated by the other adjacent agents, which helps to accelerate the estimation of uncertainties. Additionally, the effects of these modifications on the agreement amongst the state and parameter estimates are investigated. Theoretical proofs are provided to show that the proposed approach guarantees the exponential convergence of estimation errors in the case of structured uncertainties and the ultimate boundedness of estimation errors in the case of unstructured uncertainties. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the design methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of solar‐driven interfacial evaporation and electricity co‐generation is considered a promising approach to simultaneously alleviate freshwater scarcity and the energy crisis. However, affected by intermittent solar irradiation/uncontrollable weather, the overall performance of solar‐driven evaporation in the real world is greatly reduced. Herein, inspired by antifreeze proteins in beetles that survive in extreme climates, all‐weather solar‐driven interfacial evaporators with a sandwich structure are designed. The top and bottom layers composed of MnO2‐modified cotton cloth are used for photothermal conversion and water transport, meanwhile, the middle layer made of a phase change microcapsule/hydrogel composite serves for heat storage and release. Under 1 kW m−2 irradiation, the evaporator exhibits a high evaporation rate of 2.67 kg m−2 h−1 and an efficiency of 89.5%. In the dark, the heat released from the phase change layer supports an evaporation rate of 0.43 kg m−2 h−1, 3.6 times that of pure water. Additionally, assembled with a thermoelectric module, the hybrid device achieves a stable output electricity power of 0.42 W m−2 under 1‐sun illumination and a prolonged output for 30 min in the dark. This work provides a novel approach for full‐time solar‐powered steam‐electricity co‐generation and a proof of concept for biomimetic steam generation/heat management integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Device‐to‐device communication fulfils its potential in terms of high resource utilisation, thus it has been a hot topic in the recent long‐term evolution standardisation process. The general scenario with multiple resource pool multiplexing instead of the one‐time reusing is considered. Meanwhile, the optimisation target focuses on device energy efficiency under certain system throughput insurance rather than the traditional system throughput. A modified genetic algorithm‐based scheme is applied to address the facing non‐deterministic polynomial‐time hard problem with higher convergence and lower complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased gut permeability is implicated in the initiation and extent of the cytokine inflammatory response associated with exertional heat stroke (EHS). The primary objective of this study was to determine if a five amino acid oral rehydration solution (5AAS), specifically designed for the protection of the gastrointestinal lining, would prolong time to EHS, maintain gut function and dampen the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) measured during EHS recovery. Male C57/BL6J mice instrumented with radiotelemetry were gavaged with 150 μL of 5AAS or H2O, and ≈12 h later were either exposed to an EHS protocol where mice exercised in a 37.5°C environmental chamber to a self‐limiting maximum core temperature (Tc,max) or performed the exercise control (EXC) protocol (25°C). 5AAS pretreatment attenuated hypothermia depth and length (p < 0.005), which are indicators of EHS severity during recovery, without any effect on physical performance or thermoregulatory responses in the heat as determined by percent body weight lost (≈9%), max speed (≈6 m/min), distance (≈700 m), time to Tc,max (≈160 min), thermal area (≈550°C∙min), and Tc,max (42.2°C). EHS groups treated with 5AAS showed a significant decrease in gut transepithelial conductance, decreased paracellular permeability, increased villus height, increased electrolyte absorption and changes in tight junction protein expression pattern suggestive of improved barrier integrity (p < 0.05). No differences were witnessed between EHS groups in acute phase response markers of liver, circulating SIR markers, or indicators of organ damage during recovery. These results suggest that a 5AAS improves Tc regulation during EHS recovery through maintaining mucosal function and integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a heterogeneous group of inflammatory central nervous system disorders caused by a misdirected immune response against self‐antigens expressed in the central nervous system. The thymus is a central organ in the immune system and thymic tumors are thought to be possible initiators of many neurological disorders. Recently, there is growing evidence that thymomas are associated with autoimmune encephalitis. Aims: Our study initially explored the characteristics of patients with autoimmune encephalitis combined with thymoma. Methods: We used patient data from January 1, 2011 to October 1, 2021 from the PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, and CNKI platforms to analyze overall demographics, frequency of symptoms and associations, and treatment prognosis outcomes. Results: A total of 68 patients were included. There were 39 female cases (57.4%). The mean age was 50 years (IQR 40–66 years). All had acute and subacute onset. The clinical manifestations were mostly cognitive changes (70.6%), mental disorders (57.4%), and epilepsy (50.0%). The most common neuronal antibody was alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities were present in 81.0% of patients, mostly in the hippocampus, temporal lobe, and some in cortical and subcortical areas. Abnormalities in the electroencephalogram (EEG) in 69.8% of patients. Treatment involved immunotherapy and thymoma treatment, with 79.7% of patients improving after treatment. While 20.3% of patients had a poor prognosis. Further, 14.8% of patients relapsed. Mental disorders, autonomic dysfunction, sleep disturbances, anti‐Ma2, and thymoma untreated were more frequent in patients with poor prognosis. Conclusion: Thymoma‐associated autoimmune encephalitis is a unique disease entity. Long‐term follow‐up of chest CT findings is recommended for patients with autoimmune encephalitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound is prepared by solid state reaction of Sm2O3, CaCO3, and Nb2O5 (1200 °C, 10 h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tb3Al5O12 ( TAG) transparent ceramics were prepared by a reactive sintering method using presintering in a muffle furnace combined with hot isostatic pressing ( HIP) sintering. The dilatometric, differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetric ( DSC- TG) curves and optical quality were investigated. The microstructure evolution of the TAG ceramic samples was clarified. Two successive transformations were found to generate a TAG phase, as observed in the dilatometric and DSC- TG curves and XRD patterns of TAG ceramics sintered at different temperature. The changes in average grain size and densification suggest that a 1600°C presintering temperature is suitable for HIP. The optical transmittance of the obtained 0.4 wt% TEOS: TAG transparent ceramics, which were fabricated by a new two-step sintering of presintering at 1600°C in a muffle furnace followed by HIP at 1650°C, can reach above 80% in the visible (vis) and near-infrared ( NIR) regions. Its transmittance was very close to the theoretical limit. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that TAG transparent ceramics with ideal optical quality were obtained without vacuum sintering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Global warming has profound impact on growth and development, and plants constantly adjust their internal circadian clock to cope with external environment. However, how clock‐associated genes fine‐tune thermoresponsive growth in plants is little understood.We found that loss‐of‐function mutation of REVEILLE5 (RVE5) reduces the expression of circadian gene EARLY FLOWERING 4 (ELF4) in Arabidopsis, and confers accelerated hypocotyl growth under warm‐temperature conditions.Both RVE5 and CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1) accumulate at warm temperatures and bind to the same EE cis‐element presented on ELF4 promoter, but the transcriptional repression activity of RVE5 is weaker than that of CCA1. The binding of CCA1 to ELF4 promoter is enhanced in the rve5‐2 mutant at warm temperatures, and overexpression of ELF4 in the rve5‐2 mutant background suppresses the rve5‐2 mutant phenotype at warm temperatures.Therefore, the transcriptional repressor RVE5 finetunes ELF4 expression via competing at a cis‐element with the stronger transcriptional repressor CCA1 at warm temperatures. Such a competition–attenuation mechanism provides a balancing system for modulating the level of ELF4 and thermoresponsive hypocotyl growth under warm‐temperature conditions. See also the Commentary on this article by Balcerowicz, 237: 9–11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of B cells is increased and the O-glycans of IgA1 are incompletely galactosylated in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Here we report that expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and Cosmc is decreased in B cells, and correlates with B cell number and the aberrant glycosylation of IgA1 in IgAN. Patients with IgAN exhibit higher miR-374b in B cells compared to controls. We show that miR-374b targets PTEN and Cosmc by luciferase assays and western blot analysis. Inhibition of miR-374b increased PTEN and Cosmc expression, and prevented cell proliferation and aberrant glycosylation of IgA1, thus representing a new therapeutic approach for IgAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bulk photovoltaic effect shift current (SC), a constant photocurrent generated by irradiating polar homogeneous non‐centrosymmetric materials has lately emerged as a possible option for next‐generation photovoltaic systems that may potentially overcome the Shockley–Queisser limits. The current work predicts gigantic and anisotropic SC with multiple peaks across a wide range of frequencies in pristine 2D monolayer α‐AsP and α‐NP based on first‐principle calculations. The dominant SC tensors components hosted by 2D monolayer α‐AsP and α‐NP are the in‐plane, and reaches peaks of −154 µАV−2, and 87 µАV−2, respectively, in the UV region. The SC magnitudes of the α‐AsP are not significantly affected by the spin‐orbital coupling, while in α‐NP, no such effect occurs. This study recommends new photovoltaic materials with strong SC peaks spread across the electromagnetic spectrum, largely within the UV region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is strongly dependent on the sulfur electrodes materials. Due to the chemical interaction between electrodes and intermediates produced in charging and discharging process, the Janus‐polar two dimensional (2D) electrode materials can enhance the electrochemical performance of Li–S battery by overcoming shuttle effect and increasing diffusion rates. Here, it is explored the structural, electronic, and dynamic characteristics of Li ion, S8 cluster, and lithium polysulfides adsorbed over Janus Phosphorus Nitride monolayer with blue phosphorene phase (b‐PN) by using first‐principles calculations. The reported findings highlight potential of the b‐PN monolayer as a good host material, given that the large absorption energies of different clusters vary from −0.47 to −3.78 eV, which can suppress shuttle effect effectively. These strong adsorptions are origin from the chemical interaction between nitrogen atoms of the b‐PN and Li atoms in lithium polysulfides in present work. Particularly, it is predicted that b‐PN monolayer has extremely small diffusion barriers for Li ion and Li2S8 clusters of 0.10 and 0.03 eV, which leading to a higher battery charge and discharge rate than reported graphene and MoS2. It is hoped that this efficient strategy for promising host materials of sulfur‐electrode guides the development of next‐generation lithium–sulfur batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circadian clock allows plants to actively adapt to daily environmental changes through temporal regulation of physiological traits. In response to drought stress, circadian oscillators gate ABA signalling, but the molecular mechanisms remain unknown, especially in crops. Here, we investigated the role of soybean circadian oscillators GmLCLa1, GmLCLa2, GmLCLb1 and GmLCLb2 in leaf water stress response. Under dehydration stress, the GmLCL quadruple mutant had decreased leaf water loss. We found that the dehydration treatment delayed the peak expression of GmLCL genes by 4 hr. In addition, the circadian clock in hairy roots also responded to ABA, which led to a free‐running rhythm with shortened period. Importantly, in the gmlclq quadruple mutant, diurnal expression phases of several circadian‐regulated ABA receptor, ABA catabolism and ABA signalling‐related genes were shifted significantly to daytime. Moreover, in the gmlclq mutant leaf, expression of GmPYL17, GmCYP707A, GmABI2 and GmSnRK2s was increased under water dehydration stress. In summary, our results show that GmLCLs act as negative regulators of ABA signalling in leaves during dehydration response. We investigated the molecular characteristics and the physiological function of circadian oscillators in soybean. We found the GmLCL quadruple mutant had decreased leaf water loss under dehydration stress, and GmLCLs act as negative regulators of ABA signalling in leaves during dehydration response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As sessile organisms, plants perceive, respond, and adapt to the environmental changes for optimal growth and survival. The plant growth and fitness are enhanced by circadian clocks through coordination of numerous biological events. In legume species, nitrogen‐fixing root nodules were developed as the plant organs specialized for symbiotic transfer of nitrogen between microsymbiont and host. Here, we report that the endogenous circadian rhythm in nodules is regulated by MtLHY in legume species Medicago truncatula. Loss of function of MtLHY leads to a reduction in the number of nodules formed, resulting in a diminished ability to assimilate nitrogen. The operation of the 24‐h rhythm in shoot is further influenced by the availability of nitrogen produced by the nodules, leading to the irregulated nyctinastic leaf movement and reduced biomass in mtlhy mutants. These data shed new light on the roles of MtLHY in the orchestration of circadian oscillator in nodules and shoots, which provides a mechanistic link between nodulation, nitrogen assimilation, and clock function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of the acquired resistance is one major obstacle during chemotherapy for cancer patients. Exosomes mediate intercellular communication and cause environmental changes in tumor progression by transmitting active molecules. In this study, the role of long noncoding RNA H19 within exosomes is elucidated in terms of regulating doxorubicin (DOX) resistance of breast cancer. As a result, increased H19 expression was observed in DOX‐resistant breast cancer cells in comparison with the corresponding parental cells. Suppression of H19 significantly lowered DOX resistance by decreasing cell viability, lowering colony‐forming ability, and inducing apoptosis. Moreover, extracellular H19 could be moved to sensitive cells via being incorporated into exosomes. Treating sensitive cells with exosomes from resistant cells increased the chemoresistance of DOX, while downregulation of H19 in sensitive cells abated this effect. Taken together, H19 could be delivered by exosomes to sensitive cells, leading to the dissemination of DOX resistance. Our finding highlights the potential of exosomal H19 as a molecular target to reduce DOX resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circadian pacemaker in plants is a hierarchical multioscillator system that directs and maintains a 24‐hr oscillation required for organism homeostasis and environmental fitness. Molecular clockwork within individual tissues and organs acts cell autonomously, showing differences in circadian expression of core oscillators and their target genes; there are functional dominance and coupling in the complex regulatory network. However, molecular characteristics of organ‐specific clocks are still unknown. Here, we showed the detached shoot and root possess dynamic circadian protein–protein interactions between clock core components, periodicity in organs exhibits a difference. The period length difference between shoot and root was not remarkable in prr7‐3 and prr7‐3 prr9‐1 mutants. In addition, the phase transition curve indicated that shoot and root clock respond differently to the resetting cues of ambient temperature. PRR9 and PRR7 compensate circadian period between 22°C and 28°C in shoot, not in root. The circadian rhythms of PRR9 or PRR7 transcript accumulation showed no difference at 22°C and 28°C in shoot, but differences were observed in root. In summary, our results reveal the specificity of dynamic circadian protein–protein interactions in organ‐autonomous clocks and the critical roles of PRR9 and PRR7 in mechanisms regulating temperature compensation in aerial shoot system. We found the difference of circadian period length of dynamic circadian protein–protein interactions between shoot and root. PRR9 and PRR7 were found to contribute significantly to organ‐specific circadian periodicity maintenance and in the temperature compensation of aerial shoot clock. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example in plants monitoring clock protein interactions in real time in individual organs. Having demonstrated the uniqueness and consistency of clock components function in aerial shoot and subterranean root, we are able to pose a variety of intriguing questions about the adaptive evolution and hierarchical coupling in the plant clock system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most lethal malignancy and is characterized by poor immunogenicity. Pancreatic cancer cells have various strategies to suppress host immune response, evade immune defenses, and facilitate tumor growth and development. As a mode of long‐range intercellular communication, cancer‐derived exosomes contribute to impairment of the immune system. However, the mechanisms that induce changes in the activities of signal transduction pathways in immune cells, which are influenced by tumor‐derived exosomes, are poorly understood. We (1) treated peripheral T lymphocytes with pancreatic cancer‐derived exosomes, tagged CD63 with tdTomato, to trace exosome transfer from pancreatic cancer cells to T lymphocytes; (2) carried out a cytotoxicity assay of exosome‐treated T lymphocytes using the Real Time Cellular Analysis system; (3) performed RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis to explore the pivotal signaling pathway that mediates apoptosis in exosome‐treated T lymphocytes; and (4) demonstrated the role of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in exosome‐induced T‐lymphocyte apoptosis. In conclusion, these results indicate that pancreatic cancer cells secrete exosomes, which are taken up by T lymphocytes to activate p38 MAPK, and then induce ER stress‐mediated apoptosis, ultimately causing immunosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin is a well‐studied neurohormone oscillating in a 24‐h cycle in vertebrates. Phytomelatonin is widespread in plant kingdom, but it remains elusive whether this newly characterized putative hormone underlies the regulation by daily rhythms. Here, we report phytomelatonin signaling, as reflected by changes in endogenous concentrations of phytomelatonin and expression of genes associated with biosynthesis of phytomelatonin (AtSNAT1, AtCOMT1, and AtASMT) and its receptor (AtPMTR1), shows 24‐h oscillations in Arabidopsis. The variation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and scavenging and expression of ROS‐related genes significantly decrease in pmtr1 and snat and increase in PMTR1‐OE seedlings, indicating the rhythmicity in phytomelatonin signaling is required for maintenance of ROS dynamics. Additionally, the ROS signaling feedback influences the expression of AtSNAT1, AtCOMT1, AtASMT, and AtPMTR1, suggesting the phytomelatonin and ROS signaling are coordinately interrelated. The pmtr1 mutant plants lose diurnal stomatal closure, with stomata remaining open during daytime as well as nighttime and mutants showing more water loss and drought sensitivity when compared with the wild‐type Col‐0 plants. Taken together, our results suggest that PMTR1‐regulated ROS signaling peaks in the afternoon and may transmit the darkness signals to trigger stomatal closure, which might be essential for high water‐use efficiency and drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In plants, the spatiotemporal expression of circadian oscillators provides adaptive advantages in diverse species. However, the molecular basis of circadian clock in soybean is not known. In this study, we used soybean hairy roots expression system to monitor endogenous circadian rhythms and the sensitivity of circadian clock to environmental stimuli. We discovered in experiments with constant light and temperature conditions that the promoters of clock genes GmLCLb2 and GmPRR9b1 drive a self‐sustained, robust oscillation of about 24‐h in soybean hairy roots. Moreover, we demonstrate that circadian clock is entrainable by ambient light/dark or temperature cycles. Specifically, we show that light and cold temperature pulses can induce phase shifts of circadian rhythm, and we found that the magnitude and direction of phase responses depends on the specific time of these two zeitgeber stimuli. We obtained a quadruple mutant lacking the soybean gene GmLCLa1, LCLa2, LCLb1, and LCLb2 using CRISPR, and found that loss‐of‐function of these four GmLCL orthologs leads to an extreme short‐period circadian rhythm and late‐flowering phenotype in transgenic soybean. Our study establishes that the morning‐phased GmLCLs genes act constitutively to maintain circadian rhythmicity and demonstrates that their absence delays the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive development. We investigated the molecular characteristics and the physiological function of circadian oscillators in soybean. We found that soybean circadian clock is very sensitive to ambient light/temperature signals, and GmLCL genes are required for self‐sustained circadian period length and the timing of flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Fibrinogen (Fg) is reported to participate in inflammation through Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, it remains unknown whether Fg might induce podocyte damage through TLR4 and be related to disease activity in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Methods: We observed Fg‐induced alterations in actin and apoptosis in cultured human podocytes transfected with or without TLR4 siRNA. Expression of TLR4, phospho‐p38 MAPK and phospho‐NF‐κB p65 was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) or western blotting, and we analysed urinary Fg levels in adriamycin‐treated mice and double immunofluorescence staining for TLR4, Fg and podocin. Urinary Fg changes were also analyzed in FSGS patients under prednisone treatment. Results: First, Fg dose‐dependently induced actin damage and apoptosis in cultured human podocytes, with an Fg‐induced increase in TLR4 expression, and TLR4 siRNA transfection prevented these effects. TLR4 knockdown inhibited activation of p38 MAPK and NF‐κB p65 in podocytes. Elevated urinary Fg levels were positively correlated with albuminuria in adriamycin‐treated mice, in which Fg and TLR4 colocalized and exhibited increased expression in podocytes. Additionally, elevated urinary Fg levels were positively correlated with 24‐h proteinuria and foot process width in FSGS patients. Urinary Fg levels were significantly decreased in patients with complete remission but not in those without remission. Conclusions: Fg induced podocytes injury via the TLR4‐p38 MAPK‐NF‐κB p65 pathway. In FSGS patients, urinary Fg levels reflect therapeutic response to prednisone and disease activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A versatile platform allowing capture and detection of normal and dysfunctional cells on the same patterned surface is important for accessing the cellular mechanism, developing diagnostic assays, and implementing therapy. Here, an original and effective method for fabricating binary polymer brushes pattern is developed for controlled cell adhesion. The binary polymer brushes pattern, composed of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] (POEGMA) chains, is simply obtained via a combination of surface‐initiated photopolymerization and surface‐activated free radical polymerization. This method is unique in that it does not utilize any protecting groups or procedures of backfilling with immobilized initiator. It is demonstrated that the precise and well‐defined binary polymer patterns with high resolution are fabricated using this facile method. PNIPAAm chains capture and release cells by thermoresponsiveness, while POEGMA chains possess high capability to capture dysfunctional cells specifically, inducing a switch of normal red blood cells (RBCs) arrays to hemolytic RBCs arrays on the pattern with temperature. This novel platform composed of binary polymer brush pattern is smart and versatile, which opens up pathways to potential applications as microsensors, biochips, and bioassays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was noted that circadian components function in plant adaptation to diurnal temperature cycles and freezing tolerance. Our genome-wide transcriptome analysis revealed that evening-phased COR27 and COR28 mainly repress the transcription of clock-associated evening genes PRR5, ELF4 and cold-responsive genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that CCA1 is recruited to the site containing EE elements of COR27 and COR28 promoters in a temperature-dependent way. Further genetic analysis shows COR28 is essential for the circadian function of PRR9 and PRR7. Together, our results support a role of COR27 and COR28 as nighttime repressors integrating circadian clock and plant cold stress responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R4974 --> 875.17 --> Introduction: Airway surface liquid is tightly regulated by ion channels and/or transporters, and plays a critical role in inflammatory airway diseases, such as ARDS, and in edema fluid clearance during lung injury. Although beta‐adrenergic agonists have been shown to improve alveolar fluid clearance, they have limited effect in late stages of ARDS due to reduced epithelial beta‐adrenergic receptor function or agonist delivery to target regions. CFTR, CLCA2, TMEM16A, and alternative Cl‐/HCO3‐ exchangers (e.g., SLC4 family) are known to be expressed in lung epithelia. Their relative contribution during late stages of lung injury where TH2 cytokines such as IL13 are elevated is not fully understood. The expression pattern of these anion channels are dysregulated in ARDS, and restoration of channel activities could improve fluid accumulation within the lung. In the present study, various anion channel and/or exchanger activities were measured in HBECs exposed to IL13. We have shown that select amino acids influence anion channel activity. Therefore, the effect of a proprietary amino acid formulation on specific anion channels were studied in IL13‐treated HBECs. Methods: Transepithelial short‐circuit current (Isc) was sequentially blocked using inhibitors for ENaC (benzamil), CFTR CFTRInh172), TMEM16A (CaCCInhA01) and Na+/K+/2Cl‐ co‐transporter (bumetanide) in differentiated HBECs mounted in Ussing chambers. Patch‐clamp whole‐cell recordings were performed to determine anion channel activity after IL13 treatment, and channel and/or exchanger expression was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Results: IL13 increased benzamil‐insensitive (anion) Isc (87.5 ± 4.7 µA.cm‐2 vs 21.9 ± 1.8 µA.cm‐2; P <0.001) and decreased CFTR Isc (1.4 ± 0.52 µA.cm‐2 vs 12.2 ± 0.83 µA.cm‐2; P <0.001) compared to controls. Amino acids reduced benzamil‐insensitive Isc (55.9 ± 4.8 µA.cm‐2; P <0.001) and increased CFTR Isc (6.7 ± 0.75 µA.cm‐2; P <0.001). There was no change in TMEM16A Isc with IL13 treatment. Bumetanide‐sensitive Isc was higher in IL13‐treated cells compared to controls (52.5 ± 3.6 µA.cm‐2 vs 5.5 ± 0.62 µA.cm‐2; P <0.001) suggesting anion secretion via alternate mechanisms, and amino acids decreased bumetanide‐sensitive anion secretion (20.5 ± 2.9 µA.cm‐2; P <0.001). Similarly, whole‐cell patch clamp recordings showed that amino acids restored the CFTR response in IL13‐treated cells. Immunofluorescence imaging demonstrated decreased CFTR expression with IL13, while amino acids recovered CFTR at the apical membrane. Conclusion: Treatment with IL13 increased anion secretion while reducing CFTR channel activity in HBECs. Amino acid formulation restored CFTR activity and decreased total anion current in the presence of IL13. These studies suggest anion secretion via alternate anion secretory pathways. Future studies should be directed at understanding the link between CFTR and alternate anion channels in conditions associated with elevated IL13, and how amino acids regulate these channel and/or exchanger functions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reports have shown that self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) can induce doping effects in graphene transistors. However, a lack of understanding persists surrounding the quantitative relationship between SAM molecular design and its effects on graphene. In order to facilitate the fabrication of next-generation graphene-based devices it is important to reliably and predictably control the properties of graphene without negatively impacting its intrinsic high performance. In this study, SAMs with varying dipole magnitudes/directions are utilized and these values are directly correlated to changes in performance seen in graphene transistors. It is found that, by knowing the z-component of the SAM dipole, one can reliably predict the shift in graphene charge neutrality point after taking into account the influence of the metal electrodes (which also play a role in doping graphene). This relationship is verified through density functional theory and comprehensive device studies utilizing atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electrical characterization of graphene transistors. It is shown that properties of graphene transistors can be predictably controlled with SAMs when considering the total doping environment. Additionally, it is found that methylthio-terminated SAMs strongly interact with graphene allowing for a cleaner graphene transfer and enhanced charge mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereoregular poly(phenylacetylene) derivatives bearing L-leucine ethyl ester pendants, poly-1 and poly-2a, were, respectively, synthesized by the polymerization of N-(4-ethynylphenylcarbamoyl)- L-leucine ethyl ester ( 1) and N-(4-ethynylphenyl-carbonyl)- L-leucine ethyl ester ( 2) using Rh(nbd)BPh4 as a catalyst, while stereoirregular poly-2b was synthesized by solid-state thermal polymerization of 2. Their chiral recognition abilities for nine racemates were evaluated as chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after coating them on silica gel. Both poly-1 and poly-2a with a helical conformation showed their characteristic recognition depending on coating solvents and the linkage groups between poly(phenylacetylene) and L-leucine ethyl ester pendants. Poly-2a with a shorter amide linkage showed higher chiral recognition than poly-1 with a longer urea linkage. Coating solvents played an important role in the chiral recognition of both poly-1 and poly-2a due to the different conformation of the polymer main chains induced by the solvents. A few racemates were effectively resolved on the poly-2a coated with a MeOH/CHCl3 (3/7, v/v) mixture. The separation factors for these racemates were comparable to those obtained on the very popular CSPs derived from polysaccharide phenylcarbamates. Stereoirregular poly-2b exhibited much lower chiral recognition than the corresponding stereoregular, helical poly-2a, suggesting that the regular structure of poly(phenylacetylene) main chains is essential to attain high chiral recognition. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nd-doped PbClF crystals were grown with modified Bridgman method. Broad and flat emission band at 1.0 μm was observed. The FWHM value of 0.0091 wt.% Nd3+-doped PbClF crystal at 1064 nm reached up to 30 nm with the peak emission cross-section of 1.05×10-19 cm2. All the results indicated that Nd-doped PbClF crystal should be a promising tunable and ultrafast laser material. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) is a natural biophysical phenomenon that underlies an emerging technique to monitor protein–protein interactions in living cells in real time. Here, we present a series of technical advances to enhance the utility of the BRET assay in plants. A series of recombination cloning vectors was generated to accelerate the expression of proteins tagged with Renilla luciferase or yellow fluorescent protein under transient assay conditions and in stable transgenic plants. Working in stably transformed Arabidopsis or tobacco, we then detected BRET between three pairs of candidate interaction partners: dimerization of the E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1, interaction between COP1 and the B-box protein STH, and interaction between the light regulatory bZip transcription factors HY5 and HYH. A codon-optimized version of the Renilla luciferase gene resulted in improved expression in Arabidopsis. Renilla luciferase was active in a variety of subcellular organelles, including plastids, mitochondria, peroxisomes and Golgi stacks. In a survey of the Arabidopsis light signaling machinery as a model system, we estimated the likelihood that a known protein–protein interaction can be documented using BRET. Finally, we show that Renilla luciferase may serve as a reporter of protein stability in a cycloheximide chase assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 215 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laser materials Sc2SiO5, Sc1.931Tm0.069SiO5, and Sc1.955Yb0.045SiO5 crystallize in monoclinic the space group C2/c with Z = 8 (single crystal XRD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]