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Cobalt is a critical and strategic metal mainly found as associated element in several types of deposits, of which skarn‐type deposits are the major sources. Han‐Xing type skarn iron deposit, having high grade iron ore and associated cobalt, is a typical skarn‐type iron ore in China. But the complete recovery and exploitation of cobalt are restricted because of the lower grade of related cobalt and the dearth of prior research on its occurrence condition and enrichment mechanism. In this paper, pyrite from five typical ore deposits in the Han‐Xing area was studied by using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser‐ablation inductively‐coupled‐plasma mass‐spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) techniques to decipher the occurrence state and enrichment mechanism of associated cobalt in skarn‐type iron deposits. The results show that Co2+ replaces Fe2+ in pyrite through isomorphism. The distribution of cobalt in pyrite from different deposits varies greatly, that is, in the Xishimen iron deposit, the cobalt content is comparatively enriched in the pyrite's core. In contrast, in other deposits, the cobalt content is concentrated in the pyrite's rims, where it can be up to 1000 times higher than in the core. The cobalt mineralization in Han‐Xing area can be divided into several stages. The sulphur element of sulphide is mainly derived from evaporite, while cobalt mineralization occurred in the early stage with pyrite formation or in the late stage by metasomatism/cementation of Co‐rich ore‐forming fluid. The magma assimilated with the Ordovician evaporite not only promoted iron mineralization, but also became the main controlling factor for cobalt enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triply interlocked [2]catenane complexes featuring two identical, mechanically interlocked units are extraordinarily rare chemical compounds, whose properties and applications remain open to detailed studies. Herein, we introduce the rational design of a new ligand precursor, L1, suitable for the synthesis of six triply interlocked [2]catenanes by coordination‐driven self‐assembly. The interlocked compounds can be reversibly converted into the corresponding simple triangular prism metallacage by addition of H2O or DMF solvents to their CH3OH solutions, thereby demonstrating the importance of π⋅⋅⋅π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions in the formation of triply interlocked [2]catenanes. Moreover, extensive studies have been conducted to assess the remarkable photothermal conversion performance. Complex 6 a, exhibiting outstanding photothermal conversion performance (conversion efficiency in solution : 31.82 %), is used to prepare novel photoresponsive elastomer in combination with thermally activated liquid crystal elastomer. The resultant material displays robust response to near‐infrared (NIR) laser and the capability of completely reforming the shape and reversible actuation, paving the way for the application of half‐sandwich organometallic units in photo‐responsive smart materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a major threat to human health due to the limited energy supply, disordered cell metabolism, massive cardiomyocyte death, and restricted regeneration. Although currently available therapies may relieve myocardial damage, restoring the dysregulated energy metabolism to normal levels has not yet been achieved. MOTS‐c has recently been identified as a regulator of biological metabolism to combat aging; however, its role in reprogramming cardiac metabolism remains to be elucidated. Here, MOTS‐c is chemically conjugated to self‐assembling Q11 peptide to fabricate an injectable hydrogel (MQgel) aimed to improve mitochondria function and cardiomyocyte metabolism post‐MI. It is observed that MQgel effectively protects mitochondria from oxidative damage and normalized cardiomyocyte metabolism, including glucose uptake, glycolysis, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, thereby inhibiting cardiomyocyte death and enhancing cardiomyocyte activity. In a rat MI model, intramyocardial injection of MQgel successfully minimizes the infarct area and fibrosis, promotes angiogenesis, suppresses myocardial hypertrophy, and improves cardiomyocyte survival and metabolic enzyme activity, all of which collaboratively attenuate the maladaptive cardiac remodeling and boost cardiac function and tissue repair. The findings suggest that the self‐assembled mitochondria metabolism‐regulatory peptide hydrogel effectively treats MI, and cellular bioenergy modulation provides a new therapeutic approach for tissue repair after injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of polymorphism is ubiquitous in nature, the controlled manipulation of which not only increases our ontological understanding of nature but also facilitates the conceptualization and realization of novel functional materials. However, achieving targeted polymorphism in supramolecular assemblies (SAs) remains a formidable challenge, largely because of the constraints inherent in controlling the specific binding motifs of noncovalent interactions. Herein, we propose self‐adaptive aromatic cation‐π binding motifs to construct polymorphic SAs in both the solid and solution states. Using distinct discrete cation‐π‐cation and long‐range cation‐π binding motifs enables control of the self‐assembly directionality of a C2h‐symmetric bifunctional monomer, resulting in the successful formation of both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional crystalline SAs (2D‐CSA and 3D‐CSA). The differences in the molecular packing of 3D‐CSA compared with that of 2D‐CSA significantly improve the charge separation and carrier mobility, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity for the aerobic oxidation of thioanisole to methyl phenyl sulfoxide (yield of 99 % vs 57 %). 2D‐CSA, which has a vertical extended structure with favorable stronger interaction with toluene though face‐to‐face cation‐π interactions than methylcyclohexane, shows higher toluene/methylcyclohexane separation efficiency than 3D‐CSA (96.9 % for 2D‐CSA vs 56.3 % for 3D‐CSA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysregulation of iron metabolism has been associated with impaired chronic wound healing. However, changes in iron metabolism have yet to be reported in pressure injuries, a type of chronic wound. In this study, we aimed to investigate changes in iron metabolism and associated regulatory mechanisms in pressure injuries. We collected tissue biopsies and data from 20 consenting stage IV‐pressure injuries patients and 5 non‐pressure injuries patients hospitalised at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between March 2021 and June 2021. In addition, we measured the iron content by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and Prussian blue staining in deep tissue pressure injury mouse models. An Enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay measured the expression of ferritin, ferroportin‐1 and transferrin. Immunofluorescence staining, high‐throughput transcriptome sequencing, Western blot and RT‐qPCR further analysed the fundamental mechanisms regulating iron metabolism. In this study, we observed numerous inflammatory cells infiltrating the marginal tissues of stage IV pressure injury patients and in deep tissue pressure injury models. The expression levels of pro‐inflammatory factors, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin‐6, were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The iron level was proportional to the degree of progression, with the most significant change appearing on the third day in deep tissue pressure injury models (p < 0.05). Enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay results suggested abnormal gene expression was related to iron metabolism, including a substantial increase in ferritin and a significant decrease in the expression of ferroportin‐1 (p < 0.05). In addition, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot showed that the expression of macrophage membrane receptor CD163 was abnormally elevated (p < 0.05). Both high‐throughput transcriptome sequencing and qRT‐PCR results suggested aberrant expression of the CD163/Homx‐1‐mediated signalling pathway. Dysfunctional iron metabolism was suggested to be related to the aberrant CD163/Homx‐1 signalling pathway in deep tissue pressure injury models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Observational studies have found an association between autoimmune liver disease (AILD) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). However, the causal relationship between the two remains unknown. Clinical guidelines indicate that the coexistence of AILD with other autoimmune diseases may impact prognosis and quality of life; hence, early recognition and management of extrahepatic autoimmune diseases is particularly crucial. Against this backdrop, this study aimed to utilize Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to investigate the potential causal relationship between AILD and SS. Methods: We extracted summary statistics on AILD and SS from publicly available genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) databases to identify appropriate instrumental variables (IVs). The inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method was utilized as the primary approach, with the weighted median (WM) method and MR‐Egger method employed as supplementary methods to evaluate the potential causal relationship between the two conditions. Sensitivity analyses, including Cochran's Q test, MR‐polynomial residuals and outliers (MR‐PRESSO), MR‐Egger intercept test, and the leave‐one‐out test, were performed to assess the stability of the results. Results: The MR study results indicate a significant causal relationship between PBC and PSC with the risk of SS in the European population (IVW: odds ratio [OR] = 1.155, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.092–1.222, p <.001; IVW: OR = 1.162, 95% CI: 1.051–1.284, p =.003). A series of sensitivity analyses have confirmed the reliability of the results. Conclusions: Our study indicates that the presence of both PBC and PSC increases the susceptibility to SS. However, no reliable causal relationship was found between SS and the risk of PBC or PSC. These findings contribute to elucidating the potential pathogenic mechanisms of the disease and are of significant importance for the management of patients with PBC and PSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological and observational studies have indicated an association between Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). However, consistent conclusions have not been reached due to various limitations. In order to determine whether SS and PD are causally related, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study (MR) with two samples. Methods: Data for SS derived from the FinnGen consortium's R9 release (2495 cases and 365 533 controls). Moreover, data for PD were acquired from the publicly available GWAS of European ancestry, which involved 33 674 cases and 449 056 controls. The inverse variance weighted, along with four other effective methodologies, were employed to comprehensively infer the causal relationships between SS and PD. To assess the estimation's robustness, a number of sensitivity studies were performed. To determine the probability of reverse causality, we performed a reverse MR analysis. Results: There was no evidence of a significant causal effect of SS on PD risks based on the MR [odds ratio (OR) = 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.95–1.11; p =.45]. Similarly, no evidence supported the causal effects of PD on SS (OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.81–1.04; p =.20). These findings held up under rigorous sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: MR bidirectional analysis did not reveal any cause‐and‐effect relationship between SS and PD, or vice versa. Further study of the mechanisms that may underlie the probable causal association between SS and PD is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 3d–4f heterometallic complexes, namely [Ln2Co2(2,3‐DCB)10(phen)2] [Ln=Nd (1), Sm (2), Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5), Dy (6), Er (7)], were obtained through the self‐assembly reactions of Ln(NO3)3 ⋅ nH2O, Co(NO3)2 ⋅ 6H2O, 2,3‐dichlorobenzoic acid (2,3‐HDCB), NaOH and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) under solvothermal conditions. Their crystal structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. They were also characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermoanalysis (DTA). These seven complexes have the same molecular formula but different crystal structures. Complexes 1–3, 4 and 5 as well as 6 and 7 are crystallographically isomorphous, respectively. They all exhibit zero‐dimensional (0D) linear tetranuclear cluster structures. These 0D linear tetranuclear clusters can be further connected into a two‐dimensional (2D) supramolecular network via the extensive intermolecular π–π interactions between 2,3‐DCB and phen. The photoluminescent properties of 3, 5 and 6 and the magnetic properties of 1–2 and 4–7 were investigated. Complex 6 shows a slow magnetic relaxation behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An excellent anticorrosion Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite coating was successfully fabricated on LA43M magnesium alloy substrates via an in situ steam coating (SC) process and a subsequent hydrothermal treatment at different temperatures. The microstructure, composition and phase formation of the composite coatings were studied via X‐ray diffractometer, energy disperse spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The corrosion resistance of composite coatings was further investigated using electrochemical measurements and corrosion test. The results showed that LDH/SC composite coating has typical nanosheets microstructure, which effectively seal the defects of SC. As the hydrothermal temperature increases, the thickness and density of nanosheets increases, and the corrosion resistance was significantly improved. Especially, the Mg–Al LDH/SC composite coating prepared at 100°C was the most dense and thickness, and exhibited the optimal and long‐term anticorrosion resistance in 3.5 wt.% NaCl soultion. It has the lowest Icorr (1.767 × 10−8 A/cm2), which decreased by three and two orders of magnitude compared with the bare substrate and SC. Furthermore, it can maintain good chemical stability after immersion in the corrosion medium for 192 h and its hydrogen evolution rate (0.00416 mL·cm−2·h−1) and weight lost rate (0.00266 mg·cm−2·h−1) were the lowest compared with other samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the case of a female patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who also had early lung adenocarcinoma. The patient was initially treated with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), but these were ineffective. The patient was then switched to abatacept (ABA), a biological agent, which successfully controlled her disease without any adverse reactions. The article highlights the challenges of treating RA patients with comorbid tumors and discusses the safety and efficacy of different treatment options. However, further research and clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a case of hypophosphatemic osteochondrosis that mimicked the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) after the use of adefovir, a medication for chronic hepatitis B. The patient initially received a diagnosis of AS based on physical examination, serological examination, and imaging results. However, further investigation revealed that the symptoms were actually caused by hypophosphatemic osteochondrosis induced by long-term use of adefovir. The patient's symptoms improved after discontinuing adefovir and receiving alternative therapy. The article emphasizes the importance of considering a patient's symptoms and laboratory findings to avoid misdiagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

RNA aptamers provide useful biological probes and therapeutic agents. New methodologies to screen RNA aptamers will be valuable by complementing the traditional Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Meanwhile, repurposing clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated systems (Cas) has expanded their utility far beyond their native nuclease function. Here, CRISmers, a CRISPR/Cas‐based novel screening system for RNA aptamers based on binding to a chosen protein of interest in a cellular context, is presented. Using CRISmers, aptamers are identified specifically targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Two aptamer leads enable sensitive detection and potent neutralization of SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta and Omicron variants in vitro. Intranasal administration of one aptamer, further modified with 2'‐fluoro pyrimidines (2'‐F), 2'‐O‐methyl purines (2'‐O), and conjugation with both cholesterol and polyethylene glycol of 40 kDa (PEG40K), achieves effective prophylactic and therapeutic antiviral activity against live Omicron BA.2 variants in vivo. The study concludes by demonstrating the robustness, consistency, and potential broad utility of CRISmers using two newly identified aptamers but switching CRISPR, selection marker, and host species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case study of a 55-year-old man with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (rAxSpA) who experienced a reduction in back pain after engaging in unreasonable stretching and weight-bearing exercises. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a thoracic vertebral osteophyte with bone fissures and irregular bony erosions with endplate inflammation in the lumbar vertebral body, consistent with an Andersson lesion (AL). The article emphasizes the importance of appropriate exercise therapy for improving the function and prognosis of patients with rAxSpA, highlighting that high-intensity exercise may lead to spinal fractures. The authors declare no competing interests, and the data supporting the findings are available upon request. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: Skeletal muscle mass and function deteriorate with ageing. Adiponectin receptors (APNrs), mainly activated by adiponectin, participate in various physiological activities and have varying signalling pathways at different ages. This study aimed to explore whether discrepant performance exists in APNr activation regulating young and aged muscle satellite cells (MUSCs) and whether age‐related muscle dysfunction could be alleviated upon APNr activation. Methods: The gastrocnemius muscle phenotype was observed in male mice aged 2 and 18 months. An APNr agonist (AdipoRon) was used in vitro and in vivo to investigate the changes in cell biological behaviours and whether muscle dysfunction could be retarded after APNr activation. Results: Aged mice exhibited decreased muscle mass and increased fat infiltration. APNr activation inhibited C2C12 cells and young MUSCs (YMUSCs) proliferation but showed no obvious effect on aged MUSCs (AMUSCs). Moreover, APNr activation inhibited the migration of both YMUSCs and AMUSCs. Interestingly, APNr activation hampered the myogenic differentiation but advanced the adipogenic differentiation of YMUSCs, yet exact opposite results were presented in AMUSCs. It was demonstrated that Wnt and PI3K signalling pathways may mediate the phenotypic differences. Furthermore, in vivo experiments verified that APNr activation ameliorated age‐related muscle atrophy and excessive fat infiltration. Conclusions: APNr activation exerted dual effects on the regulation of myogenesis and adipogenesis of YMUSCs and AMUSCs and rescued age‐related skeletal muscle dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Noninvasive determination of Notch signaling is important for prognostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention in glioma. Purpose: To predict Notch signaling using multiparametric (mp) MRI radiomics and correlate with biological characteristics in gliomas. Study Type: Retrospective. Population: A total of 63 patients for model construction and 47 patients from two public databases for external testing. Field Strength/Sequence: A 1.5 T and 3.0 T, T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI), T2WI, T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), contrast‐enhanced (CE)‐T1WI. Assessment: Radiomic features were extracted from CE‐T1WI, T1WI, T2WI, and T2FLAIR and imaging signatures were selected using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Diagnostic performance was compared between single modality and a combined mpMRI radiomics model. A radiomic–clinical nomogram was constructed incorporating the mpMRI radiomic signature and Karnofsky Performance score. The performance was validated in the test set. The radiomic signatures were correlated with immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of downstream Notch pathway components. Statistical Tests: Receiver operating characteristic curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), Pearson correlation, and Hosmer–Lemeshow test. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The radiomic signature derived from the combination of all sequences numerically showed highest area under the curve (AUC) in both training and external test sets (AUCs of 0.857 and 0.823). The radiomics nomogram that incorporated the mpMRI radiomic signature and KPS status resulted in AUCs of 0.891 and 0.859 in the training and test sets. The calibration curves showed good agreement between prediction and observation in both sets (P= 0.279 and 0.170, respectively). DCA confirmed the clinical usefulness of the nomogram. IHC identified Notch pathway inactivation and the expression levels of Hes1 correlated with higher combined radiomic scores (r = −0.711) in Notch1 mutant tumors. Data Conclusion: The mpMRI‐based radiomics nomogram may reflect the intratumor heterogeneity associated with downstream biofunction that predicts Notch signaling in a noninvasive manner. Evidence Level: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been reported to be transmitted from tumor cells to immune cells via exosome and implicated in immune escape. However, the influence of ER stress on monocytes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells is largely unknown. Here, we observed the expression of ER stress markers (GRP78, ATF6, PERK, IRE1a, and XBP1s) in CLL cells. The increasing mRNA expression of these ER stress response components was positively correlated with more aggressive disease. Exosome from ER stress inducer tunicamycin (TM)‐primed CLL cells (ERS‐exo) up‐regulated the expression of ER stress marker on monocytes, indicating ER stress is transmissible in vitro via exosome. Treatment with ERS‐exo promoted the survival of monocytes and induced phenotypic changes with a significantly larger percentage of CD14+CD16+monocytes. Finally, we identified exosome‐mediated transfer of extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (eNAMPT) from ER stressed CLL cells into monocytes as a novel mechanism through which ERS‐exo regulated monocytes. Exosomal eNAMPT up‐regulated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) production which subsequently activated SIRT1‐C/EBPβ signaling pathway in monocytes. Our results suggest the role of ER stress in mediating immunological dysfunction in CLL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesia‐alumina layered double hydroxide (Mg‐Al LDH) films grown in situ on LA43M magnesium‐lithium (Mg‐Li) alloy were synthesized utilizing the hydrothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the surface morphologies, composition, and phase of the Mg‐Al films. The corrosion resistance of the Mg‐Al films was estimated via immersion experiment and hydrogen evolution test, and the tribological properties were investigated using tribological wear tests. The results showed that the thickness of the Mg‐Al LDH film enhanced, and the size of the LDH sheets increased as the hydrothermal temperature raised, resulting in the improvement of the corrosion and wear resistance. When the hydrothermal temperature reached 110°C, interlayer anions were loaded the most, and the film achieved the optimal thickness. The Mg‐Al LDH film had the optimum corrosion resistance and tribological properties. At this point, the weight loss of the film was 1.3560 mg·cm–2, and the average friction coefficient was.149. It demonstrated that synthesizing Mg‐Al LDH at a hydrothermal temperature of 110°C was an effective approach to improve the corrosion resistance of LA43M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive engineering with organic molecules is of critical importance for achieving high‐performance perovskite optoelectronic devices. However, experimentally finding suitable additives is costly and time consuming, while conventional machine learning (ML) is difficult to predict accurately due to the limited experimental data available in this relatively new field. Here, we demonstrate a deep learning method that can predict the effectiveness of additives in perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) with a high accuracy up to 96 % by using a small dataset of 132 molecules. This model can maximize the information of the molecules and significantly mitigate the duplicated problem that usually happened with previous models in ML for molecular screening. Very high efficiency PeLEDs with a peak external quantum efficiency up to 22.7 % can be achieved by using the predicated additive. Our work opens a new avenue for further boosting the performance of perovskite optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 derivative that has been used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers, and to prevent ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in many countries. Misoprostol can also be used for medical abortion. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic profiles of misoprostol tablets (test product) by comparing them with Cytotec (200 μg) (reference product). To assess the bioequivalence between test and reference products, a two‐sequence, two‐period crossover study was conducted with 48 healthy Chinese subjects enrolled under fasting conditions. A validated liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) assay was used to determine the concentration of misoprostol acid in plasma. A mixed model analysis of variance was used to calculate the bioequivalence of pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters. The point estimate of geometric mean ratios with 90% confidence intervals for the maximum observed concentration (Cmax) and the area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC0‐t) for misoprostol acid in reference and test products were 107.8% and 106.5%, respectively (range 80%–125%). Additionally, none of the secondary PK parameters presented significant differences. No severe or more than moderate adverse events were detected in the 48 subjects. However, one subject discontinued the treatment due to drug‐related gastrointestinal reactions. All adverse events were mild with rates of 19.2% and 22.9% after the administration test and reference products, respectively. Overall, the bioequivalence between the two misoprostol products was demonstrated in fasting conditions, and all subjects tolerated both treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical passivation via functional additives plays a critical role in achieving high performance perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Here, perovskite composite films for high performance PeLEDs by using zwitterion 3‐aminopropanesulfonic acid (APS) as the additive are developed. The sulfonic group of APS can simultaneously passivate deep and shallow level defects in perovskites via coordinate and hydrogen bonding, which leads to suppressed non‐radiative recombination and ion migration in the perovskite composite films. Based on this, PeLEDs with a peak external quantum efficiency of 19.2% and a half‐lifetime of 43 h at a constant current density of 100 mA cm−2 are obtained, representing one of the most stable and efficient PeLEDs under high current densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the associations of duration and quality of sleep during pregnancy with preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA).Methods: A prospective study was carried out on 1082 healthy women with singleton pregnancies from Chengdu, China. Self-report questionnaires, including duration and quality of sleep and other information, were administered at 8-12, 24-28, and 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. Data on gestational age and weight and length of the neonates were recorded after delivery. After controlling the potential confounders, a multivariable logistic regression model was performed to evaluate whether duration and quality of sleep were associated with preterm birth and SGA.Results: Participants with short duration of sleep during the third trimester were more likely to report preterm birth (odds ratio [OR] 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-4.81) and SGA (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.18-6.54). Participants with poor quality of sleep during the third trimester were at high risk for preterm birth (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.29-5.84) and SGA (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.19-5.38).Conclusion: Short duration and poor quality of sleep during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and SGA. Sleep characteristics should be assessed during prenatal evaluations to decrease adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: FtsZ is a tubulin‐like GTPase that polymerizes to initiate the process of cell division in bacteria. Heterocysts are terminally differentiated cells of filamentous cyanobacteria that have lost the capacity for cell division and in which the ftsZ gene is downregulated. However, mechanisms of FtsZ regulation during heterocyst differentiation have been scarcely investigated. The patD gene is NtcA dependent and involved in the optimization of heterocyst frequency in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. Here, we report that the inactivation of patD caused the formation of multiple FtsZ‐rings in vegetative cells, cell enlargement, and the retention of peptidoglycan synthesis activity in heterocysts, whereas its ectopic expression resulted in aberrant FtsZ polymerization and cell division. PatD interacted with FtsZ, increased FtsZ precipitation in sedimentation assays, and promoted the formation of thick straight FtsZ bundles that differ from the toroidal aggregates formed by FtsZ alone. These results suggest that in the differentiating heterocysts, PatD interferes with the assembly of FtsZ. We propose that in Anabaena FtsZ is a bifunctional protein involved in both vegetative cell division and regulation of heterocyst differentiation. In the differentiating cells PatD‐FtsZ interactions appear to set an FtsZ activity that is insufficient for cell division but optimal to foster differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can compete with endogenous RNAs to modulate the gene expression and contribute to oncogenesis and tumor metastasis. lncRNA NKX2‐1‐AS1 (NKX2‐1 antisense RNA 1) plays a pivotal role in cancer progression and metastasis; however, the contribution of aberrant expression of NKX2‐1‐AS1 and the mechanism by which it functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in gastric cancer (GC) remains elusive. NKX2‐1‐AS1 expression was detected in paired tumor and nontumor tissues of 178 GC patients by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR). Using loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function experiments, the biological functions of NKX2‐1‐AS1 were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Further, to assess that NKX2‐1‐AS1 regulates angiogenic processes, tube formation and co‐culture assays were performed. RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, a dual‐luciferase reporter assay, quantitative PCR, Western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays were performed to determine the potential molecular mechanism underlying this ceRNA. The results indicated that NKX2‐1‐AS1 expression was upregulated in GC cell lines and tumor tissues. Overexpression of NKX2‐1‐AS1 was significantly associated with tumor progression and enhanced angiogenesis. Functionally, NKX2‐1‐AS1 overexpression promoted GC cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis, while NKX2‐1‐AS1 knockdown restored these effects, both in vitro and in vivo. RIP and dual‐luciferase assays revealed that the microRNA miR‐145‐5p is a direct target of NKX2‐1‐AS1 and that NKX2‐1‐AS1 serves as a ceRNA to sponge miRNA and regulate angiogenesis in GC. Moreover, serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) is an explicit target for miR‐145‐5p; besides, the NKX2‐1‐AS1/miR‐145‐5p axis induces the translation of SERPINE1, thus activating the VEGFR‐2 signaling pathway to promote tumor progression and angiogenesis. NKX2‐1‐AS1 overexpression is associated with enhanced tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and poor prognosis in GC. Collectively, NKX2‐1‐AS1 functions as a ceRNA to miR‐145‐5p and promotes tumor progression and angiogenesis by activating the VEGFR‐2 signaling pathway via SERPINE1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods in small mountainous watersheds cover a wide spectrum of flow. They can range from clear water flows and hyperconcentrated flows to debris floods and debris flows, and calculation of the peak discharge is crucial for predicting and mitigating such hazards. To determine the optimal approach for discharge estimation, this study compared water flow monitoring hydrographs to investigate the performance of five hydrological models that incorporate different runoff yields and influx calculation methods. Two of the models performed well in simulating the peak discharge, peak time, and total flow volume of the water flood. The ratio (γ) of the monitored debris flood discharge (Qd) to the simulated water flow discharge (Qw) was investigated. Qualitatively, γ initially increased with Qw but then decreased when Qw exceeded a certain threshold, which corresponded to rainfall of 95 and 120 mm in a 6‐ and 24‐h event with a normal distribution of precipitation, respectively. The decrease might be attributable to a threshold of sediment availability being reached, beyond which increased flow rate is not matched by increased sediment input in the large watershed. Uncertainty of hydrological calculation was evaluated by dividing the catchment into sub‐basins and adopting different rainfall time steps as input. The efficiency of using a distributed simulation exhibited marginal improvement potential compared with a lumped simulation. Conversely, the rainfall time step input significantly affected the simulation results by delaying the peak time and decreasing the peak discharge. This research demonstrates the applicability of a discharge estimation method that combines a hydrological water flow simulation and an estimation of γ. The results were verified on the basis of monitored flow densities and videos obtained in two watersheds with areas of 2.34 and 32.4 km2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been reports that strength of hydratable alumina (HA)‐bonded castables without silica fume drops significantly at 600°C and decreases substantially again at 1000°C. But the strength variation of the HA‐bonded castables during the intermediate temperature range has not been investigated and elaborated from the perspective of phase evolution and microstructural change in the castables. In this work, the relationship between the change in the strength of castables and the microstructural characteristics of the HA‐bonded castables was investigated. The phase and microstructure evolution of HA‐bonded castables between 110°C and 1250°C were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). It has been found that strength drops of the HA‐bonded castables during heating process do not mainly happen at the temperature at which HA hydrates decompose, but at the temperature at which the structure of dehydrated HA hydrates disintegrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Handan–Xingtai region in the southern Taihang Mountains in central North China Craton hosts several skarn‐type iron deposits. Here we investigate an ore‐forming intrusion associated with a typical iron skarn deposit to explore the magmatic evolution from mineral zoning textures, and to constrain the ore genesis. We report results of X‐ray mapping of the composition of amphibole and plagioclase. The amphibole thermobarometers suggest: (a) magma chamber at a depth of 17 km; (b) two types of magma with different physical and chemical properties, one representing the main magma chamber with high water content, and the other characterized by more mafic composition and higher oxygen fugacity. The final emplacement depth of magma is estimated as ca. 1.5 km. The oxygen fugacity shows an obvious increase from the primary magma chamber to its emplacement depth. The zoning texture of plagioclase and amphibole suggest that the mafic magma was injected into felsic magma chamber many times, leading to magma mixing. We construct a petrogenetic and metallogenic model which envisages the following processes: (a) during 135–120 Ma, mantle‐derived magma and crust‐derived magma underwent mixing and homogenization at the crust–mantle boundary; (b) the hybrid magma rose to the middle crust and formed a magma chamber; (c) multiple injection of mafic magma into the felsic magma chamber resulted in oscillatory zoning; (d) the magma with high water content and higher modal content of plagioclase and amphibole formed through multiple magmatic injection‐mixing‐crystallization processes; and (f) the high water content and higher oxygen fugacity enabled the hybrid magma to rise to the shallow crust, where it released iron‐rich melt and fluids, which reacted with the surrounding limestones to generate the skarn‐ type iron deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer is induced by persistent infections with high‐risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which produce the early protein 6 of HPVs (E6)/E7 protein that is involved in cell transformation by interacting with several oncoproteins or tumor suppressors. However, the role of noncoding RNA in mediating the pathogenesis of cervical cancer remains unclear. Here, we report that the novel signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)‐microRNA‐223‐3p (miR‐223)‐TGFBR3/HMGCS1 axis regulated by the E6 protein controls cervical carcinogenesis. miR‐223 was highly expressed in cervical tumor tissues, whereas TGFBR3 or HMGCS1 was significantly downregulated. miR‐223 targeted the 3′‐UTRs of TGFBR3 and HMGCS1 and suppressed their expression, leading to increased anchorage‐independent growth and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. The increased expression of miR‐223 was mediated by the transcription factor STAT3, whose activity was enhanced by E6 in the context of interleukin (IL)‐6 stimulation. In addition, exosomal miR‐223 derived from CSCC cells induced IL‐6 secretion by monocyte/macrophage in a coculture system in vitro, and IL‐6 secretion, in turn, led to enhanced STAT3 activity in CSSC cells, forming a positive feedback loop. Furthermore, modified miR‐223 inhibitor effectively suppressed tumor growth in cell line‐derived xenograft model, suggesting that miR‐223 is a potential promising therapeutic target in CSCC. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the STAT3‐miR‐223‐HMGCS1/TGFBR3 axis functions as a key signaling pathway in cervical cancer progression and provides a new therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yixingzhai gold deposit is a quartz‐vein–type deposit accompanied by skarn iron and porphyry molybdenum mineralization. There are four crypto‐explosive breccia pipes which provide an important ore‐controlling structure. Here we investigate the composition and compositional zoning of the native gold, garnet, and epidote in the Tietangdong skarn breccia pipe through detailed petrography, electron probe microanalysis, and elemental mapping. The native gold compositions show that they were formed in a relative higher temperature condition. Based on their composition and optical characteristics, the zoning in garnet can be divided into three types. The garnets of Generations 1 and 3 show high contents of spessartine (2.91–10.17 mol%) and grossular (20.94–54.71 mol%) and anomalous birefringence, indicating that they formed under relatively higher pressure and temperature and lower oxygen fugacity. The garnets of Generation 2 are mainly composed of andradite (75.70–99.98 mol%) and show compositional homogeneity, with formation under relative lower pressure and temperature and higher oxygen fugacity conditions. Magmatic‐hydrothermal pulses and multiple crypto‐explosions could be the main geological processes that caused the formation of the zoning textures. Zoning in epidote is more complex than that in garnet, and from core to the rim, the iron content shows an abrupt increase and aluminium content shows decrease. There is also decrease in iron and increase in aluminium in the inner part. These features might record multiple crypto‐explosion processes. Combining the complex replacement features of iron oxides and sulphides in the breccia pipe, we suggest that the Tietangdong breccia pipe formed through several crypto‐explosions. The fluid system in the breccia pipe activated during multiple crypto‐explosions, and oxygen fugacity varied greatly, which was disadvantageous to the accumulation and precipitation of ore‐forming elements. Crypto‐explosions destroyed the ore bodies formed during the early stage, resulting in their scattered distribution throughout the breccia pipe. Cone fractures formed eventually with the shrinking of the cooling breccia pipe after the magmatism ceased. Those fractures provided important ore‐hosting structures for the gold mineralization during the late stage. Our research indicates that there is high prospecting potential for porphyry Mo, Cu, and Au deposits in the deeper domains of the breccia pipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two series of lanthanide‐organic coordination polymers (CPs) [Ln2(L1)3(H2O)4] [Ln = Nd (1), Sm (2), Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5), and Dy (6), H2L1 = 3‐methyl‐adipic acid] and [Ln4(L2)6(H2O)4] [Ln = Nd (7), Sm (8), Eu (9), Gd (10), Tb (11), and Dy (12), H2L2 = 3‐tert‐butyl‐adipic acid] have been synthesized by the solvothermal reactions of lanthanide salts with two types of flexible substituent adipates. All of these CPs were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, and thermal analysis. Structural analyses reveal that CPs 1–6 and 7–12 are isostructural, respectively. CPs 1–6 show a two‐dimensional (2D) layer constructed from the 3‐methyl‐adipate anions bridging two types of binuclear Ln2 units. The adjacent 2D layers are further extended into a three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular framework through the hydrogen‐bonding interactions. CPs 7–12 also exhibit a 2D structure. The carboxyl groups of 3‐tert‐butyl‐adipate link four types of TbIII ions to form a one‐dimensional (1D) inorganic TbIII chain. The neighboring 1D inorganic TbIII chains are further connected by the 3‐tert‐butyl‐adipate anions to construct a 2D network. The effect of substituent groups on the formation of adipate‐based lanthanide CPs as well as the photoluminescence and magnetic properties of 1–12 were investigated in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most genes in evolutionarily complex genomes are expressed to multiple protein isoforms, but there is not yet any simple high‐throughput approach to identify these isoforms. Using an oversimplified top‐down LC–MS/MS strategy, we detected, around the 26‐kD position of SDS‐PAGE, proteins produced from 782 genes in a Cdk4−/− mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line. Interestingly, only 213 (27.24%, about one‐fourth) of these 782 genes have their proteins with a theoretical molecular mass (TMM) 10% smaller or larger than 26 kD, that is, between 23 and 29 kD, the range set as allowed variation in SDS‐PAGE. These 213 proteins are considered as the wild type (WT). The remaining three‐fourths includes proteins from 66 (9.44%) genes with a TMM smaller than 23 kD and proteins from 503 (64.32%, nearly two‐thirds) genes with a TMM larger than 29 kD; these proteins are categorized into a larger‐group or a smaller‐group, respectively, for their appearance at a higher or lower position of SDS‐PAGE. For instance, at this 26‐kD position we detected proteins from the Rps27a, Snrpf, Hist1h4a, and Rps25 genes whose proteins' TMM is 8.6, 9.7, 11.4, and 13.7 kD, respectively, and detected proteins from the Plelc1 and Prkdc genes, whose largest isoform is 533.9 and 471.1 kD, respectively. We extrapolate that many of those proteins migrating unexpectedly in SDS‐PAGE may be isoforms besides the WT protein. Moreover, we also detected a Cdk4 protein in this Cdk4−/− cell line, thus wondering whether some of other gene‐knockout cells or organisms show similar incompleteness of the knockout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we present a multiscale approach for coupling the dynamics of void collapse at the microscale to simulations at the mesoscale. We solve the reactive Euler equations, with the energy equation augmented by a power deposition term. The reaction rate at the mesoscale is modelled using a pressure‐dependent power law. The deposition term is based on previous simulations of void collapse, modelled at the mesoscale as hot‐spots. The equation of state was previously calibrated for PBX 9501. The run‐to‐detonation distance is calculated as part of the numerical solution procedure. Results for 1‐D, 2‐D homogeneous, and 2‐D heterogeneous medium are presented, and show good agreement to experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solvothermal reactions of NiCl2⋅6H2O, Ln(NO3)3⋅nH2O, 3,4‐dichlorobenzoic acid (3,4‐HDCB), and 2,2′‐bipyridine (2,2′‐bpy) yielded eight zero‐dimensional (0D) Ni(II)‐Ln(III) heterometallic complexes NdNi2(3,4‐DCB)7(2,2′‐bpy)2 (1) and Ln2Ni2(3,4‐DCB)10(2,2′‐bpy)2 [Ln=Sm (2), Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5), Dy (6), Er (7), and Yb (8)]. Complexes 1–8 display three types of linear heterometallic clusters. Complex 1 is a trinuclear cluster, whereas complexes 2–8 are tetranuclear clusters. Complexes 2–8 posssess the same formula, but the coordination number of Ln(III) in 2–6 is different from that in 7 and 8. In 1–8, the adjacent polynuclear clusters are linked by the π–π interactions into a one‐dimensional (1D) supramolecular chain. The size of Ln(III) ions and the position of halogen substituents have important effects on the formation and structures of 1–8. The properties of photoluminescence and magnetism of 1–8 were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two DMTCNQ (DMTCNQ = 2,5‐dimethyl‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyano‐p‐quinodimethane) and DETCNQ (DETCNQ = 2,5‐diethyl‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyano‐p‐quinodimethane) gadolinium complexes [Gd(DMTCNQ)2(CH3OH)(H2O)6][DMTCNQ]·4H2O (1) and [Gd(DETCNQ)(H2O)7][2DETCNQ] (2) were synthesized by reactions of GdCl3·6H2O with Li(DMTCNQ) or Li(DETCNQ). X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that complexes 1 and 2 are discrete complexes. The central metal atom in 1 is coordinated by two DMTCNQ ligand radicals whereas that in 2 is coordinated by just one DETCNQ ligand radical. The adjacent molecules are connected by the intermolecular hydrogen bonds to form the two‐dimensional (2D) supramolecular layer structures, which are further packed into a three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular architecture through the π–π interactions between ligand radicals in 1 and 2. Magnetic investigation indicates that the antiferromagnetic interactions between spin carriers exists in 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aims: To investigate the critical role of Tim‐3 in the polarization of microglia in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)‐induced secondary brain injury (SBI). Methods: An in vivo ICH model was established by autologous whole blood injection into the right basal ganglia in rats. The primary cultured microglia were treated with oxygen‐hemoglobin (OxyHb) to mimic ICH in vitro. In this experiment, specific siRNA for Tim‐3 and recombinant human TIM‐3 were exploited both in vivo and in vitro. Results: Tim‐3 was increased in the brain after ICH, which mainly distributed in microglia, but not neurons and astrocytes. However, the blockade of Tim‐3 by siRNA markedly reduced secretion of inflammatory factors, neuronal degeneration, neuronal cell death, and brain edema. Meanwhile, downregulation of Tim‐3 promoted the transformation of microglia phenotype from M1 to M2 after ICH. Furthermore, upregulation of Tim‐3 can increase the interaction between Tim‐3 and Galectin‐9 (Gal‐9) and activate Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) pathway after ICH. Increasing the expression of Tim‐3 may be related to the activation of HIF‐1α. Conclusion: Tim‐3 may be an important link between neuroinflammation and microglia polarization through Tim‐3/Gal‐9 and TLR‐4 signaling pathways which induced SBI after ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The syntheses and crystal structures of eight lanthanide complexes with formula [Ln(2,5‐DCB)x(phen)y] are reported, which are characterized via single‐crystal, powder X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, photoluminescence measurement, and DC/AC magnetic measurement. These eight complexes are isostructural, and possess a discrete dinuclear structure. The adjacent dinuclear molecules are linked by the hydrogen bonding interactions into a one‐dimensional (1D) supramolecular chain. The neighboring 1D chains are further extended into a two‐dimensional (2D) supramolecular layer by the π–π stacking interactions. The photoluminescent properties of complexes 1 (NdIII), 2 (SmIII), 3 (EuIII), 5 (TbIII), 6 (DyIII), and 8 (YbIII) were investigated. Magnetic investigations also reveal the presence of ferromagnetic interactions in complexes 4 (GdIII), 6 (DyIII), and 7 (ErIII). Additionally, complex 6 (DyIII) demonstrates field‐induced slow magnetic relaxation behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in understanding the CRISPR/Cas9 system have provided a precise and versatile approach for genome editing in various species. However, no study has reported simultaneous knockout of endogenous genes and site‐specific knockin of exogenous genes in large animal models. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, this study specifically inserted the fat‐1 gene into the goat MSTN locus, thereby achieving simultaneous fat‐1 insertion and MSTN mutation. We introduced the Cas9, MSTN knockout small guide RNA and fat‐1 knockin vectors into goat fetal fibroblasts by electroporation, and obtained a total of 156 positive clonal cell lines. PCR and sequencing were performed for identification. Of the 156 clonal strains, 40 (25.6%) had simultaneous MSTN knockout and fat‐1 insertion at the MSTN locus without drug selection, and 55 (35.25%) and 101 (67.3%) had MSTN mutations and fat‐1 insertions, respectively. We generated a site‐specific knockin Arbas cashmere goat model using a combination of CRISPR/Cas9 and somatic cell nuclear transfer for the first time. For biosafety, we mainly focused on unmarked and non‐resistant gene screening, and point‐specific gene editing. The results showed that simultaneous editing of the two genes (simultaneous knockout and knockin) was achieved in large animals, demonstrating that the CRISPR/Cas9 system has the potential to become an important and applicable gene engineering tool in safe animal breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: For cementless femoral stems, there is debate as to whether a collar enhances primary stability and load transfer compared to collarless designs. Finite Element (FE) analysis has the potential to compare stem designs within the same cohort, allowing for subtle performance differences to be identified, if present. Subject‐specific FE models of intact and implanted femora were run for a diverse cohort (21 males, 20 females; BMI 16.4–41.2 kg/m2, age 50–80 yrs). Collared and collarless versions of Corail® (DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN) were sized and positioned using an automated algorithm that aligns the femoral/stem axes, preserves the head‐center location, and maximizes metaphyseal fit. Joint contact and muscle forces simulating peak forces in level gait and stair climbing and were scaled to the body mass and applied to each subject. Three failure scenarios were assessed: Potential for peri‐prosthetic fibrous tissue formation (stem micromotion), potential for peri‐prosthetic bone damage (equivalent strains), and calcar bone remodeling (changes in strain‐energy density). Comparisons were performed using paired t‐tests. Only subtle differences were found (mean 90th percentile micromotion: Collared = 86 µm, collarless = 92.5 µm, mean 90th percentile interface strains: Collared = 733 µϵ, collarless = 767 µϵ, and similar remodeling stimuli were predicted). The slight differences observed were small in comparison with the inter‐patient variability. Statement of clinical significance: Our results suggest that the presence/absence of a collar is unlikely to substantially alter the bone‐implant biomechanics nor the initial mechanical environment. Hence, a collar is likely to have minimal clinical impact. Analysis using different femoral stem designs is recommended before generalising these findings. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1185–1195, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Fusarium graminearum is a causal agent of wheat scab disease and a producer of deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxins. Treatment with exogenous cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) increases its DON production. In this study, to better understand the role of the cAMP–protein kinase A (PKA) pathway in F. graminearum, we functionally characterized the PKR gene encoding the regulatory subunit of PKA. Mutants deleted of PKR were viable, but showed severe defects in growth, conidiation and plant infection. The pkr mutant produced compact colonies with shorter aerial hyphae with an increased number of nuclei in hyphal compartments. Mutant conidia were morphologically abnormal and appeared to undergo rapid autophagy‐related cell death. The pkr mutant showed blocked perithecium development, but increased DON production. It had a disease index of less than unity and failed to spread to neighbouring spikelets. The mutant was unstable and spontaneous suppressors with a faster growth rate were often produced on older cultures. A total of 67 suppressor strains that grew faster than the original mutant were isolated. Three showed a similar growth rate and colony morphology to the wild‐type, but were still defective in conidiation. Sequencing analysis with 18 candidate PKA‐related genes in three representative suppressor strains identified mutations only in the CPK1 catalytic subunit gene. Further characterization showed that 10 of the other 64 suppressor strains also had mutations in CPK1. Overall, these results showed that PKR is important for the regulation of hyphal growth, reproduction, pathogenesis and DON production, and mutations in CPK1 are partially suppressive to the deletion of PKR in F. graminearum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple synthetic strategy of polyamide was described from melamine and terephalic acid via one‐step polycondensation. PdCl2 was then immobilized on the polyamide (denoted as Pd/MPA). Melamine and terephalic acid not only acted as monomers but also provided the ligand sites to help the polyamide to coordinate with Pd(II). The Pd/MPA catalyst was characterized by FT‐IR, TGA, SEM, TEM, XPS, N2 adsorption‐desorption and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The catalyst was used in Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reaction of various aryl halides, including less reactive chlorobenzene and benzyl chloride, to give the coupling products in moderate to excellent yields. High turnover frequencies (TOF) up to 29400 h‐1 can be also obtained. In addition, it behaved truly as a heterogeneous catalyst with high reusability after being recycled 6 times and palladium leaching was negligible during the process. This work provides a practical polyamide support to develop heterogeneous palladium catalysts with simple synthetic procedure and low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A porphyrin‐based polymer with high surface area was synthesized using 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin through a one‐pot Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction. Pd(II) was successfully supported on this polymer. This strategy provides an easy approach to produce highly stable Pd–porphyrin‐based polymer. The resulting Pd catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopies and N2 adsorption–desorption measurements. This porphyrin‐based polymer‐supported Pd was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction in water. The results demonstrated that this Pd catalyst indeed exhibited excellent catalytic activity and recycling performance in water, even for inactive aryl chloride substrate. A new heterogeneous strategy for catalyzing the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction in water is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel mandelic acid pyrazole amide compounds were synthesized and characterized. Moreover, their antiviral activities against tobacco mosaic virus were evaluated. The bioassay results indicated that as-prepared compounds showed antiviral activity against tobacco mosaic virus at a concentration of 500 g/mL. The curative activity of compound 4g is 59.5%, which was comparable with positive control ( Ningnanmycin, 61.0%). The inactivation activity of the compound 4l exhibited 80.1%, which was higher than that of Ningnanmycin (75.0%), and its protective activity was 88.7%, which is comparable with that of Ningnanmycin (90.7%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Two bis-triazole-bis-amide-based copper(II) pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylate coordination polymers (CPs), [Cu(2,3-pydc)(dtb)0.5(DMF)] ·2H2O ( 1) and [Cu(2,3-pydc)(dth)0.5(DMF)] ·2H2O ( 2) (2,3-H2pydc = pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid, dtb = N, N′-bis(4 H-1,2,4-triazole)butanamide, and dth = N, N′-bis(4 H-1,2,4-triazole)hexanamide), were synthesized under solvothermal conditions. CPs 1 and 2 show similar two-dimensional (2D) structures. In 1, the 2,3-pydc anions bridge the CuII ions into a one-dimensional (1D) chain. Such 1D chains are linked by the dtb ligands to form a 2D layer. The adjacent 2D layers are extended into a three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular architecture by hydrogen-bonding interactions. The electrochemical properties of 1 and 2 were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of determining the state region in which the current state point lies is referred to as the point location problem in the explicit model predictive control. In this paper, a two-level structure to store the state regions is proposed and two efficient methods for solving the point-location problem are developed; these are the two-level grid (TLG) method and the grid-BST method. The TLG method uses a tow-level hash table. Before building the two-level structure, the synonymy partitions are merged to reduce the memory storage demand. By setting each parameter in a triplet, the two-level hash table can reach its optimal state and balance the complexity among the memory storage, reprocessing (offline computation) and the online computation. The grid-BST method uses hash table as the first-level structure and builds the binary search tree in the hash grid in which there are many partitions. This two-level structure reduces reprocessing time significantly especially when the state partitions and the piecewise affine control laws (PWA control laws) are in a large number. Using the hyperplane (HP) as the node (not leaf node) of the tree, the method only stores all the different PWA control laws instead of the state partitions. The two proposed methods overcome the quick complexity growth when the number of polyhedral partitions increases and 2 numerical examples show the advantages of the proposed two methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]