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Global warming is expected to have far‐reaching impacts on the frequency and intensity of extreme events, but the effects of anthropogenic warming on the emergence seasons of year‐maximum near‐surface wind speed (NSWS) remain poorly understood. We provide a comprehensive map of the changing emergence seasons of year‐maximum NSWS using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 projections. Our analysis reveals a rapid response of synoptic‐scale extreme NSWS to global warming, with consistent spatial patterns observed across various periods and warming scenarios. The most significant increase (∼16%) in the emergence season is projected to occur in December‐January‐February (DJF) over Mid‐high‐latitude Asia by the end of the 21st century. The study also anticipates changes in the emergence seasons of year‐maximum NSWS at a regional scale. These results deepen our understanding of the complex and interconnected nature of global climate change and underscore the need for concerted efforts in addressing this pressing challenge. Plain Language Summary: Global warming is indisputably triggering changes in the world's weather systems, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events. However, it is unclear how anthropogenic warming affects the timing of the annual strongest near‐surface wind speed (NSWS). In this study, we used state‐of‐the‐art global climate models to create a comprehensive map illustrating these NSWS patterns of response to global warming. We discovered that these changes are consistent across various time periods (near to long term) and warming scenarios (low to high warming), revealing a robust relationship between extreme NSWS and global warming. The most significant change is observed during December‐January‐February in Mid‐high‐latitude Asia, with an increase of about 16% by the end of the 21st century. Our findings suggest that we can expect more year‐maximum NSWS occurs in different regions during specific seasons: December‐January‐February in North America and Asia, March‐April‐May in Africa, June‐July‐August in Asia and West Africa, and September‐October‐November in South America and Australia. These results offer valuable insights for guiding adaptation efforts even if ambitious climate actions manage to limit global warming at a lower level. Key Points: Changing emergence seasons of the land year‐maximum near‐surface wind speed (NSWS) map is createdThere is a rapid response of emergence seasons of year‐maximum NSWS to anthropogenic warmingThe strongest increase (16%) in emergence season is projected to occur in December‐January‐February over Mid‐high‐latitude Asia [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective fault diagnosis method of bearing is the key to predictive maintenance of modern industrial equipment. With the single use of equipment failure mechanism or operation of data, it is hard to resolve multiple complex variable working conditions, multiple types of fault and equipment malfunctions and failures related to knowledge and data. In order to solve these problems, a fault diagnosis method based on the fusion of deep learning with a knowledge graph is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the knowledge rules of bearing data is used for entity extraction. Next, the multiscale optimized convolutional neural network (MOCNN) proposed in this paper is used for fault classification to achieve relationship extraction. Finally, the fault diagnosis graph of the bearing is constructed for fault-assisted decision-making as well as the detailed display of fault information. According to experiment analysis, the fault diagnosis model based on MOCNN proposed in this paper, which integrates the end-to-end convolutional neural network and the attention mechanism, still achieves an accuracy of 97.86% under the data set of 160 types of faults. Compared with the deep learning models such as Resnet and Inception in the noise environment of multiple working conditions and variable working conditions, the model proposed in this paper not only shows a faster convergence speed and stable performance, but also a higher accuracy in evaluation indicators, which is beneficial to practical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pacific-North American teleconnection (PNA) is one of the most important atmospheric modes in the Northern Hemisphere in modern climate. Through the PNA teleconnection, climate variations in the tropical Pacific have significant impacts on North America. However, whether there existed the PNA-like mode in the deep-time climate and how it evolved remain unknown. Here, we study the evolution of the PNA in the past 70 million years, using simulation results with the fully coupled Community Earth System Model version 1.2.2 (CESM1.2.2). Our simulation results show that there existed a PNA-like mode (referred to as PNA in this study) in the Cenozoic, but with different strengths and pathways. The strengths of the PNA were weaker over 70–40 million years ago (Ma) than that of the present, while it is comparable to the present over 30–10 Ma. Diagnosis indicates that the weaker strengths and distorted pathways of the PNA before ∼40 Ma are due to weaker meridional temperature gradients in warmer climates, which causes weakened extratropical westerly jet and altered extratropical waveguide of planetary-scale stationary waves. After ∼40 Ma, Earth climate became much colder, entering into the icehouse climate. Thus, the PNA pattern is close to the present state. • Pacific-North American teleconnection existed in the Cenozoic, but with different strengths and pathways. • The PNA was weaker and distorted more northward in the early Cenozoic. • Weaker wave guide in the early Cenozoic leads to weaker PNA pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the response of summer precipitation over central China to global warming via the 50‐member large‐ensemble simulations conducted with the Canadian Earth System Model Version 2. It is found that the model ensemble mean summer precipitation stagnates under warming of 1 to 3°C, while precipitation increases rapidly over central China after 3°C of warming. This phenomenon indicates a strong nonlinear relationship between precipitation change and global warming, and the effects due to natural internal variability are more substantial than those of CO2 forcing in the early warming stage. We further examine the factors responsible for the large uncertainty of the precipitation projection over central China under warming of 1 to 3°C. For the members producing a precipitation increase over central China, the geopotential height and sea level pressure changes show a positive North Atlantic Oscillation–like trend pattern over the North Atlantic and a southeastward propagating atmospheric teleconnection from the North Atlantic to China. The atmospheric teleconnection from the mid–high‐latitude Atlantic to China provides diverging winds in the upper troposphere, causing ascending motion, and contributes to increased precipitation over central China. Besides, an El Niño‐like trend pattern of sea surface temperature (SST) is apparent in the preceding winter, which could contribute to the formation a low‐level anticyclone trend over the western North Pacific (WNP) in the subsequent summer via modulating the SST anomalies in the Indian and Atlantic oceans. The northward water vapour transport in the western part of the anticyclone also favours increased precipitation in central China. The above processes also apply to decreased precipitation, except with opposite signs of anomalies. This study highlights the combined contributions of mid–high‐latitude teleconnection and the WNP anticyclone related to tropical Pacific SST to the uncertainty in the projection of precipitation over central China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury (MIRI) refers to the more serious myocardial injury after blood flow recovery, which seriously affects the prognosis of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. This study explored the new targets for MIRI treatment by investigating the effects of miR-190-5p and its downstream target on the structure and function of myocardial cells. Methods. We injected agomir miR-190-5p into the tail vein of rats to increase the expression of miR-190-5p in rat myocardial cells and made an I/R rat model by coronary artery occlusion. We used 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) detection, echocardiography, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to determine the degree of myocardial injury in I/R rats. In addition, we detected the expression of inflammatory factors and apoptosis-related molecules in rat serum and myocardial tissue to determine the level of inflammation and apoptosis in rat myocardium. Finally, we determined the downstream target of miR-190-5p by Targetscan system and dual luciferase reporter assay. Results. The expression of miR-190-5p in an I/R rat myocardium was significantly lower than that in normal rats. After treatment of I/R rats with agomir miR-190-5p, the ischemic area of rat myocardium and the concentration of LDH decreased. The results of echocardiography and HE staining also found that overexpression of miR-190-5p improved the structure and function of rat myocardium. miR-190-5p was also found to improve the viability of H9c2 cells in vitro and reduce the level of apoptosis of H9c2 cells. The results of Targetscan system and dual luciferase reporter assay found that miR-190-5p targeted to inhibit pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1). In addition, inhibition of PHLPP1 was found to improve the viability of H9c2 cells. Conclusion. Therefore, miR-190-5p can reduce the inflammation and apoptosis of myocardium by targeting PHLPP1, thereby alleviating MIRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most promising cathodes for Li‐ion batteries, Li‐rich layered oxides suffer from low Coulombic efficiency, severe capacity fading, and voltage decay, which are related to the aggregated Li@Mn6 superstructure units. Herein, a Co‐free Li‐rich oxide Li[Li1/4Mn1/2Ni1/6Al1/12]O2 through Al substitution of Co in Li[Li1/4Mn1/2Ni1/6Co1/12]O2, is designed. Combining the average structural refinement with the detailed local structural/chemical analysis, it is found that the introduced Al ions occupy the Mn sites in Li@Mn6 superstructure units, which further induces the partial replacement of the central Li ions in Li@Mn6 units by Ni2+. The modified superstructure units stabilize the anionic framework and suppress structural degradation during long‐term cycling. A superior cyclability (a capacity retention of 91.4% after 500 cycles at 1 C) is achieved. This work not only deepens the understanding into the mechanism of Al substitution, but also provides a novel route to design high‐performance Li‐rich cathodes by modifying the local functional units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Letter reports on the temperature-dependent optical gain and absorption features, including the quantum confined Stark effect, of an InAs/InGaAs quantum-dash laser directly grown on a (001) Si substrate, with the lasing wavelength within the range of 1.5–1.6 μm. The maximum optical net gain was 22 cm−1, and the internal optical loss was ∼–17 cm−1 at 20 °C. Measurements as a function of injection level indicate that while the required current densities are still high, the intrinsic performance is significantly better than that of similarly operated InAs quantum dots operating at 1.3 μm, and further effort on growth could be made to reduce the internal optical losses and non-radiative current density. Optical modal absorption spectra were measured as a function of reverse bias from 0 V to 6 V, and a 40 nm redshift was observed in the absorption edge due to the quantum confined Stark effect, suggesting potential applications of these materials in electro-absorption modulators grown on silicon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The development of sustainable agriculture and the increasing antibiotic resistance of human pathogens call for novel antimicrobial compounds. Here, we describe the extraction and characterization of a class of cationic circular lipopeptides, for which we propose the name relacidines, from the soil bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus MG64. Relacidines are composed of a fatty acid side chain (4‐methylhexanoic acid) and 13 amino acid residues. A lactone ring is formed by the last five amino acid residues and three positively charged ornithines are located in the linear fragment. Relacidines selectively combat Gram‐negative pathogens, including phytopathogens and human pathogens. Further investigation of the mode of action revealed that relacidine B binds to the lipopolysaccharides but does not form pores in the cell membrane. We also provide proof to show that relacidine B does not affect the biosynthesis of the cell wall and RNA. Instead, it affects the oxidative phosphorylation process of cells and diminishes the biosynthesis of ATP. Transcription of relacidines is induced by plant pathogens, which strengthens the potential of B. laterosporus MG64 to be used as a biocontrol agent. Thus, we identified a new group of potent antibiotic compounds for combating Gram‐negative pathogens of plants or animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are good alternatives for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which cause severe environmental problems worldwide. Even though many studies focus on PGPR, most of them are limited in plant-microbe interaction studies and neglect the pathogens affecting ruminants that consume plants. In this study, we expand the view to the food chain of grass-ruminant-human. We aimed to find biocontrol strains that can antagonize grass pathogens and mammalian pathogens originated from grass, thus protecting this food chain. Furthermore, we deeply mined into bacterial genomes for novel biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that can contribute to biocontrol. Results: We screened 90 bacterial strains from the rhizosphere of healthy Dutch perennial ryegrass and characterized seven strains (B. subtilis subsp. subtilis MG27, B. velezensis MG33 and MG43, B. pumilus MG52 and MG84, B. altitudinis MG75, and B. laterosporus MG64) that showed a stimulatory effect on grass growth and pathogen antagonism on both phytopathogens and mammalian pathogens. Genome-mining of the seven strains discovered abundant BGCs, with some known, but also several potential novel ones. Further analysis revealed potential intact and novel BGCs, including two NRPSs, four NRPS-PKS hybrids, and five bacteriocins. Conclusion: Abundant potential novel BGCs were discovered in functional protective isolates, especially in B. pumilus, B. altitudinis and Brevibacillus strains, indicating their great potential for the production of novel secondary metabolites. Our report serves as a basis to further identify and characterize these compounds and study their antagonistic effects against plant and mammalian pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Random testing (RT) is widely applied in the area of software testing due to its advantages such as simplicity, unbiasedness, and easy implementation. Adaptive random testing (ART) enhances RT. It improves the effectiveness of RT by distributing test cases as evenly as possible. Fixed Size Candidate Set (FSCS) is one of the most well-known ART algorithms. Its high failure-detection effectiveness only shows at low failure rates in low-dimensional spaces. In order to solve this problem, the boundary effect of the test case distribution is analyzed, and the FSCS algorithm of a limited candidate set (LCS-FSCS) is proposed. By utilizing the information gathered from success test cases (no failure-causing test inputs), a tabu generation domain of candidate test case is produced. This tabu generation domain is eliminated from the current candidate test case generation domain. Finally, the number of test cases at the boundary is reduced by constraining the candidate test case generation domain. The boundary effect is effectively relieved, and the distribution of test cases is more even. The results of the simulation experiment show that the failure-detection effectiveness of LCS-FSCS is significantly improved in high-dimensional spaces. Meanwhile, the failure-detection effectiveness is also improved for high failure rates and the gap of failure-detection effectiveness between different failure rates is narrowed. The results of an experiment conducted on some real-life programs show that LCS-FSCS is less effective than FSCS only when the failure distribution is concentrated on the boundary. In general, the effectiveness of LCS-FSCS is higher than that of FSCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The relative SST warming or cooling phases are primarily determined by the ocean dynamic effect. • Two complementary analysis methods are used to explain the change of global SST tendency. • Greenhouse effect caused by water vapor decrease offsets the CO 2 effect during the cooling phases. • The most important regions for the ocean dynamic effect are the Southern Ocean and tropical Pacific. Global mean surface temperature (GMST) during 1910–2012 experienced four alternated rapid warming and warming hiatus phases. Such a temporal variation is primarily determined by global mean sea surface temperature (SST) component. The relative roles of ocean dynamic and thermodynamic processes in causing such global mean SST variations are investigated, using two methods. The first method is ocean mixed layer heat budget analysis. The budget diagnosis result shows that the thermodynamic processes dominate in the rapid warming phases, while the ocean dynamics dominate during the hiatus phases. The second method relies on the diagnosis of a simple equilibrium state model. This model captures well the horizontal distribution of SST difference between two warmer and cooler equilibrium states during either the rapid warming or hiatus phases. It is found that the SST difference during the rapid warming phases is primarily controlled by the increase of downward longwave radiation as both column integrated water vapor and CO 2 increase during the phases. During the hiatus phases, the water vapor induced greenhouse effect offsets the CO 2 effect, and the SST cooling tendency is primarily determined by the ocean dynamics over the Southern Ocean and tropical Pacific. The SST pattern associated with the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) might be responsible for the remote and local ocean dynamic responses through induced wind change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an important biomarker for many diseases, monitoring of its activity turns to be of great significance for related disease diagnosis and treatment. Herein, we report a new colorimetric assay based on the enzyme-triggered in situ formation of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) with high oxidase-mimicking activity for ALP activity detection. ALP first hydrolyzes the ascorbic acid phosphate (AAP) substrate to produce ascorbic acid (AA); the produced AA with strong reducing capacity then transforms Ag+ into Ag NPs; compared with the Ag+ precursor, the in situ formed Ag NPs have much higher oxidase-like activity to catalyze the 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) color reaction mediated by dissolved O2 at neutral pH. On the basis of this principle, amplified colorimetric detection of ALP activity with a linear scope of 0.15–5 U L−1 and a limit of detection down to 0.037 U L−1 was realized. In addition, our assay exhibited specific response toward ALP against other biological enzymes and species. Accurate and reliable determination of ALP activity in human plasma was also demonstrated by our assay, suggesting its great potential as a facile and efficient tool for monitoring of ALP activity in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bacillus subtilis HS3 and Bacillus mycoides EC18 are two rhizosphere‐associated bacteria with plant growth‐promoting activity. The CRISPR‐Cas9 system was implemented to study various aspects of plant‐microbe interaction mechanisms of these two environmental isolates. The results show that fengycin and surfactin are involved in the antifungal activity of B. subtilis HS3. Moreover, this strain emits several other volatile organic compounds than 2,3‐butanediol, contributing to plant growth promotion. Confocal laser scanning microscopy observations of the GFP‐labelled strain showed that HS3 selectively colonizes root hairs of grass (Lolium perenne) in a hydroponic system. For B. mycoides EC18, we found that the wild‐type EC18 strain and a ΔasbA (petropectin‐deficient) mutant, but not the ΔdhbB (bacillibactin‐deficient) and ADKO (asbA and dhbB double knockout) mutants, can increase the plant biomass and total chlorophyll. All the mutant strains have a reduced colonization capability on Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa) roots, at the root tip and root hair region compared with the wild‐type strain. These results indicate that the siderophore, bacillibactin, is involved in the plant growth promoting activity and could affect the root colonization of B. mycoides. Collectively, the CRISPR‐Cas9 system we developed for environmental isolates is broadly applicable and will facilitate deciphering the mechanisms of Bacillus‐plant interactions. © 2018 The Authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diamond microchannel heat sink has attracted much attention recently owing to its excellent heat dissipation performance. However, the difficulty in processing expected microchannels on the self-supporting diamond substrate and the high price restrict its applications. In this paper, a new strategy is proposed to prepare diamond microchannels, that is, depositing diamond microchannels on a micro-grooved graphite substrate with a Mo nucleation layer. The effects of micro-grooves width on the deposition environment, structure, and diamond growth process are investigated by combining the experiments and numerical simulations. The results show that the electric field intensity at the center of the micro-groove bottom is the lowest, which increases gradually with the increase of the micro-groove width. This variation affects the diamond deposition in the micro-grooves. With the rise of the micro-groove width, the deposition form of the carbon atoms in the plasma translates from sp2 to sp3. The films deposited at the bottom center of the micro-grooves change from graphene nanosheets to a mixture of graphite and diamond, and then to well-crystallized diamond. The morphology of the diamond films translates from the graphite, and nanocrystalline diamond co-existed globular clusters to (110) oriented microcrystalline pyramid diamond grains with a rectangular top, and then to (111) oriented holonomic pyramid grains. Similar continuous and dense diamond films can also be obtained at the micro-groove top when the micro-groove width is over 630 μm. The investigation in this paper indicates that this new strategy is feasible and promising in manufacturing diamond microchannel heat sinks. [Display omitted] • Diamond microchannel is directly deposited on micro-grooved graphite by MPCVD. • Electric field intensity at groove bottom is the lowest, which increases with rising groove width. • Micro-grooves affects diamond deposition by affecting the electric field intensity. • Deposition form of C atoms, phases and morphology are the main aspects being affected. • A groove width over 630 μm enables the deposition of continuous diamond microchannel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the evolution and driving mechanisms of East Asian monsoon (EAM) precipitation during the past millennium has received considerable attention. Previous studies have focused on comparisons between relative mean dry/wet conditions and those linked to the Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies during the Medieval Warm Period (MWP) and the Little Ice Age (LIA); however, uncertainties remain regarding the relationship between precipitation changes and Pacific SST anomalies under sub-cool internal conditions within the LIA. Herein, we present a composite high-resolution monsoon precipitation record (from 1400 CE to the present) based on chroma and median grain size data from Lake Nvshan sediments in the Jiang-Huai (JH) region, central eastern China. The results indicate that more (less) precipitation in the JH region could be associated with the warm (cold) Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) phase on inter-decadal scales. We also observed an enhanced modulating effect of the PDO on JH precipitation during the late LIA. These changes in the modulating effect were likely a response to enhanced PDO amplitudes induced by increased effective radiative forcing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of coronary heart disease by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCT) is usually limited to the high restenosis rate after implantation of bare-metal stent. To solve the problem, the coating of PEGylated stereocomplex poly( l -lactide) (PEG−cPLA) was utilized on the surface modification of stainless steel (SS) sheet. Specifically, the 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-modified methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)−poly( d -lactide) (mPEG−PDLA) was grafted onto the surface of hydroxylated SS sheet through coupling reaction, and poly( l -lactide)−poly(ethylene glycol)−poly( l -lactide) (PLLA−PEG−PLLA) was coated onto the surface through stereocomplex interaction between DLA and LLA units. The increase of contact angle firstly confirmed the changes of surface composition and hydrophilicity for the PEG−scPLA-modified SS sheet. The decreased fibrinogen adsorption, down-regulated platelet activation, and improved adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) indicated the excellent biocompatibility of PEG−scPLA-modified SS sheet. In addition, the drug loading capability of SS sheet was greatly upregulated through the formation of scPLA coating on the surface, where fluorescein (FLU) was chosen as a model molecule. Overall, the surface modification of SS sheet with PEG−scPLA could enhance the comprehensive performances, such as biocompatibility and drug loading capability, demonstrating that PEG−scPLA is a promising coating of coronary stent for PCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyclic wetting–drying (W–D) effect as a typical form of weathering causes the engineering properties of rock degradation. Unlike previous research on soft sedimentary rocks, this study sought to investigate the influence of W–D cycles on the physical and mechanical properties of the black sandy dolostone. The results show that the surface hardness and uniaxial compressive strength decreased by 1.5% and 17.2%, respectively, after 12 W–D cycles. The behavior of water absorption of dolostone showed a logarithmic growth with W–D cycles. Analysis of the pH and electrical conductivity values of the soaking solution and microstructure of dolostone revealed that carbonate mineral and feldspar dissolution was the major reason to result in the increase in pore volume and micro-fissure. The oxidation of pyrite contained in the rock was deduced to accelerate the chemical reaction and rock degradation. The obtained results are expected to provide engineering values for rock mechanics studies when compared with in situ conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has extensively explored the "stilling" and "reversal" phenomena in annual near‐surface wind speed (NSWS). However, the variations in the strengths of these phenomena between different months remain unclear. Here the monthly changes in observed NSWS from 769 stations across China during 1979–2020 were analyzed. The analysis reveals a consistent decline in NSWS that ceased around 2011, followed by an increasing trend detected in all months except March, where a distinct hiatus is observed. The hiatus in March NSWS is primarily attributed to a significant reduction in NSWS over North and Northwest China. This reduction can be linked to the southward shift of the East Asian subtropical jet (EASJ), which resulted in a decreased meridional temperature gradient and weakened transient eddy activities across northern China. These findings emphasize the importance of considering changes in the EASJ to gain a comprehensive understanding of NSWS changes at regional scale. Plain Language Summary: Understanding how near‐surface wind has changed and identifying the factors driving these changes are crucial. This can help in developing adaptation strategies to increase society's resilience to possible future climate, such as understanding the future revenues of electricity production from wind farms. By analyzing wind observations from 769 stations across China since 1979, we confirmed a general decrease (stilling) that ceased around 2011, followed by a general significant increasing tendency (reversal) in all months but March. Indeed, March's wind series after 2011 showed a pause (i.e., hiatus) from the 1979–2011 slowdown. This hiatus was mainly caused by the general wind reduction across northern China since 2011, which differs from the wind increase observed in other regions. The slowdown in March from 2011 to 2020 is related to the southward shift of East Asian subtropical jet streams, which are fast‐flowing, narrow, and meandering air currents in the upper atmosphere. Jet streams play an important role in shaping both upper and lower air circulation and influence surface wind by transporting high and low‐pressure systems. Key Points: March near‐surface wind speed (NSWS) over China experienced a hiatus after 2011, distinct from other monthsThe observed hiatus in March NSWS was primarily caused by a significant reduction in NSWS over North and Northwest ChinaA southward shift of the East Asian subtropical jet may have contributed to the detected hiatus [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interferon γ-induced protein 10 kDa (IP10/CXCL10) is a chemokine related to endocrine disorders; however, the serum concentrations of IP10 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have not yet been reported. Therefore, we investigated whether IP10 is increased in PCOS patients and its potential clinical value in PCOS patients. Methods: For this research, the serum IP10, glucose, insulin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and total testosterone (TT) concentrations were measured in 60 women with PCOS and healthy controls. Results: The median IP10 concentration was 45.60 pg/mL [interquartile range (IQR):29.75, 79.69], which was significantly higher than that of the body mass index (BMI)-matched controls (median: 36.46 pg/mL; IQR:28.98, 45.80). In the multivariate linear regression analysis, hs-CRP and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA2-IR) were independent predictors of the IP10 values, while FSH was inversely associated with the IP10.No significant association was observed between the IP10 and BMI, glucose, LH and TT. Conclusions: The serum IP10 concentrations increase in women with PCOS, moreover, IP10 appears to be correlated with the inflammatory and IR statuses of PCOS. IP10 may be a potential biomarker to estimate the disease activity of PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Deep sea growth sea cucumber ( Stichopus japonicus) ( DSG-SC) is considered a most nutritious and luxurious seafood in Asia. This study compared the proximate composition and nutritional quality of collagen, polysaccharides, amino acids ( AAs) and fatty acids ( FAs) in DSG-SCs from different origins. RESULTS The contents of protein, ash, carbohydrate, fat, collagen, saturated fatty acids ( SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids ( MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFAs), total amino acids ( TAAs), essential amino acids ( EAAs), fucose and uronic acid differed among the origins. DSG-SC of Dalian origin had lower contents of ash, fat, uronic acid, TAAs and EAAs but higher contents of protein, collagen, PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid ( EPA), docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA) and fucose compared with the other origins. DSG-SCs had a higher proportion of PUFAs and were richer in polysaccharides than other seafood. Glutamate and glycine were the dominant AAs, while leucine and threonine were the most abundant EAAs. CONCLUSION DSG-SCs are a good source of collagen, polysaccharides (especially fucose), EAAs (especially leucine and threonine) and PUFAs (especially EPA and DHA). Dalian seems to be a promising origin to produce high-value sea cucumber with high PUFA, fucose, collagen and protein contents. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct epitaxy of III-V nanowires with InGaAs/InP multiple quantum wells on v-shaped trenches patterned silicon on insulator (SOI) substrates was realized by combining the standard semiconductor fabrication process with the aspect ratio trapping growth technique. Silicon thickness as well as the width and gap of each nanowire were carefully designed to accommodate essential optical properties and appropriate growth conditions. The III-V element ingredient, crystalline quality, and surface topography of the grown nanowires were characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and scanning electron microscope. Geometrical details and chemical information of multiple quantum wells were revealed by transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Numerical simulations confirmed that the optical guided mode supported by one single nanowire was able to propagate 50 μm with ∼30% optical loss. This proposed integration scheme opens up an alternative pathway for future photonic integrations of III-V devices on the SOI platform at nanoscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypeptide brushes are attractive platforms to generate functional and responsive interfaces that are of potential interest due to their possible biodegradability, biocompatibility and tunable secondary structures. Surface-initiated ringopening polymerization (SI-ROP) of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides represents a powerful and versatile strategy to generate polypeptide brushes. This review is an attempt to capture the state-of-the-art in this field and highlights the latest developments in several selected areas. In addition to presenting an overview of the synthetic methods that have been used to generate polypeptide brushes via SI-ROP, this article will discuss the preparation of patterned polypeptide brushes, the conformational properties of surface-tethered polypeptides, ways to control chain orientation at surfaces as well as properties and applications of these thin polymer films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the use of annular nano-voids in a metallic thin-film as programmable molecular sensors for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). To date, research into these structures has focused on the exploration of their extraordinary optical transmission attributes. We now show that by using advanced lithography and simulation tools, we can generate a porous SERS material for molecular interrogation. Using ultra-thin annular structures, rather than simple circular holes, allows us to reduce both the volume and cross-sectional area of the void, maximizing the electric-field confinement, while, importantly for SERS, producing resonant conditions in the visible region of the spectrum. By comparing our annular films with conventional circular films with the same resonant frequency, we show a significant improvement in the efficiency of Raman scatter, creating stronger signals that also contain more spectral information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design and synthesis of biodegradable stimuli-responsive polypeptides are important areas considering their promising applications in biomedical fields. This article summarizes the most recent progresses in the development of stimuli-responsive polypeptide materials prepared via ring-opening polymerization of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides. We discuss the design, synthesis and structure-property correlation of emerging materials including thermo-responsive, redox-responsive, photo-responsive and biomolecule responsive polypeptides. Considering the unique structural features of amino acids, we try to emphasize that the thermo-responsive properties not only depend on the amino acid structure but also rely on the secondary structures of polypeptides. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluate the performance of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models in simulating the observed global terrestrial near‐surface wind speed (NSWS) and project its future changes under three different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). Results show that the CESM2 has the best ability in reproducing the observed NSWS trends, although all models examined are generally not doing well. Based on projections of CESM2, the global NSWS will decrease from 2021 to 2100 under all three SSPs. The projected NSWS declines significantly over the north of 20°N, especially across North America, Europe, and the mid‐to‐high latitudes of Asia; meanwhile, it increases over the south of 20°N. Under SSP585, there would be more light‐windy days and fewer strong‐windy days than those under SSP245, which leads to a significant global NSWS decline. Robust hemispheric‐asymmetric changes in the NSWS could be due to the temperature gradient in the two hemispheres under global warming, with −1.2%, −3.5%, and −4.1% in the Northern Hemisphere, and 0.8%, 1.0%, and 1.5% in the Southern Hemisphere, for the near‐term (2021–2040), mid‐term (2041–2060), and long‐term (2081–2100), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quadruple-chain ladder polyphenylsiloxane (Ph-QCLP) was synthesized by a supramolecular template-directed stepwisecoupling and polymerization method including three steps: (1) Multifunctionalladder monomer M2with four Si–Cl,four Si–OMe, and four Si–N groups was designed and synthesizedby precoupling reaction. In solution M2s spontaneously self-assembled to be ladder superstructure(LS) by synergy of the hydrogen bonding and the π–πstacking interactions. Directed by LStemplate in a neutralcondition that guaranteed the Si–OMe and Si–N groupswere left undestroyed, M2s underwentcontrolled hydrolysis of Si–Cl groups and dehydrochlorinationpolymerization to be 1,3-di(3-aminophenylamino)-tetramethoxyl-disiloxane-bridgedladder polyphenylsiloxanes (DCLP). (2) A precursor, bis-m-phenylenediamine-bridged quadruple-chain ladder polyphenylsiloxanes(QCLP), was synthesized via the controlled hydrolysisof Si–OMe groups of DCLPfollowed by confineddehydration polymerization in an alkaline condition which guaranteedthe Si–N groups were still undestroyed. (3) The target Ph-QCLPwas obtained through synchronous bridge-cleavage andin situ condensation of QCLP. The whole reaction processwas well monitored by a concerted combination of FTIR, 1H NMR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and 29Si NMR measurements.In particular, 29Si NMR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA),and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results confirmed that Ph-QCLPpossessed well-defined quadruple-chain ladder structureand extremely high thermo-stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By combining three mutually immiscible polymeric components in a mixed-arm star block terpolymer architecture, we have observed the formation of a previously unknown class of multicompartment micelles in dilute aqueous solution. Connection of water-soluble poly(ethylene oxide) and two Hydrophobie but immiscible components (a polymeric hydrocarbon and a perfluorinated polyether) at a common junction leads to molecular frustration when dispersed in aqueous solution. The incompatible hydrophobic blocks form cores that are protected from the water by the poly(ethylene oxide) blocks, but both are forced to make contact with the polyethylene oxide) by virtue of the chain architecture. The structures that emerge depend on the relative lengths of the blocks and can be tuned from discrete multicompartment micelles to extended wormlike structures with segmented cores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the energy crisis and global warming, developing clean and sustainable energy is receiving increasing attention. Photocatalytic processes including water splitting, CO2 reduction, coenzyme regeneration, etc., provide ideal ways to utilize renewable solar resources. The photocatalyst plays a central role in photocatalytic processes. Organic porous polymers have recently gained extensive attention in photocatalysis. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as one of the organic porous polymers, have the characteristics of high crystallinity, porosity, and structural designability that make them perfect platforms for photocatalysis. In this minireview, the recent progress of 2D COFs as photocatalysts is summarized including the recent work. The synthesis of the diversified structures of the COFs including the different linkages is first introduced. Then, the photocatalytic applications of the 2D COFs including photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, CO2 conversion, coenzyme regeneration, and other traditional organic reaction are then discussed. Finally, conclusions and prospects are provided in the last section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the journal Clinical & Translational Medicine has identified potential biomarkers for diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) using tRNA-derived small non-coding RNAs (tsRNAs). The study found that certain tsRNAs showed significant differences in expression between SLE, LN, and healthy control groups. The researchers developed a diagnostic model using these tsRNAs that could distinguish between SLE and LN. However, the study was limited to a single-center sample, and further validation is needed through larger-scale investigations. The study was supported by various funding sources. [Extracted from the article]

Based on multiple datasets and methods, this study reveals a close relation between the South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM) onset and the occurrence frequency of extreme rainfall over Southeast Asia (including the Indochina Peninsula, Hainan Island, and the Philippines) in May. Specifically, an early SCSSM onset tends to be accompanied by a higher chance of extreme rainfall over Southeast Asia, while a late SCSSM onset is likely to coincide with less heavy rainfall in May. It is suggested that the amplitude of tropical synoptic-scale systems may play an important role in the linkage between the SCSSM onset and the extreme rainfall over Southeast Asia. Accompanying an early SCSSM onset, anomalous cyclonic circulation appears over the SCS and Philippine Sea, which tends to increase the quantity of midtroposphere moisture via moisture advection and Ekman pumping. Besides, the barotropic energy conversion (from mean kinetic to eddy kinetic energy) associated with this anomalous cyclone will facilitate the development of the synoptic-scale systems. The vertical easterly wind shear accompanying an early SCSSM onset will confine the synoptic-scale wave train to the lower troposphere, which is also favorable for its growth. Once these synoptic-scale systems develop, the baroclinic process (from eddy available potential energy to eddy kinetic energy) will further promote their development. As such, the intensity of synoptic-scale systems is much stronger in early than late SCSSM onset years. The increased moisture and vigorous synoptic-scale systems further lead to an increase in the occurrence of extreme rainfall over Southeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The group of bacterial non-ribosomally produced peptides (NRPs) forms a rich source of antibiotics, such as daptomycin, vancomycin, and teixobactin. The difficulty of functionally expressing and engineering the corresponding large biosynthetic complexes is a bottleneck in developing variants of such peptides. Here, we apply a strategy to synthesize mimics of the recently discovered antimicrobial NRP brevicidine. We mimicked the molecular structure of brevicidine by ribosomally synthesized, post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP) synthesis, introducing several relevant modifications, such as dehydration and thioether ring formation. Following this strategy, in two rounds peptides were engineered in vivo , which showed antibacterial activity against Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria susceptible to wild-type brevicidine. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a strategy to structurally and functionally mimic NRPs by employing the synthesis and post-translational modifications typical for RiPPs. This enables the future generation of large genetically encoded peptide libraries of NRP-mimicking structures to screen for antimicrobial activity against relevant pathogens. • Mimicry of NRPs by RiPP biosynthesis is a feasible strategy for drug discovery • The acyl chain of brevicidine can be mimicked by hydrophobic amino acid residues • The lactone ring of brevicidine can be functionally mimicked by a thioether ring • Engineered RiPPs display a similar antimicrobial mode of action as brevicidine Zhao et al. describe a strategy to synthesize mimics of the recently discovered antimicrobial non-ribosomal peptide, brevicidine. The engineered mimics show antimicrobial activities against pathogens susceptible to brevicidine, which demonstrate that conversion of NRPs to RiPPs is feasible and offer great opportunities for engineering a wide range of effective antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Analysis of drought-related genes in cassava shows the involvement of MeSPL9 in drought stress tolerance and overexpression of a dominant-negative form of this gene demonstrates its negative roles in drought stress resistance. Drought stress severely impairs crop yield and is considered a primary threat to food security worldwide. Although the SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like 9 (SPL9) gene participates extensively in numerous developmental processes and in plant response to abiotic stimuli, its role and regulatory pathway in cassava (Manihot esculenta) response to the drought condition remain elusive. In the current study, we show that cassava SPL9 (MeSPL9) plays negative roles in drought stress resistance. MeSPL9 expression was strongly repressed by drought treatment. Overexpression of a dominant-negative form of miR156-resistant MeSPL9, rMeSPL9-SRDX, in which a 12-amino acid repressor sequence was fused to rMeSPL9 at the C terminus, conferred drought tolerance without penalizing overall growth. rMeSPL9-SRDX-overexpressing lines not only exhibited increased osmoprotectant metabolites including proline and anthocyanin, but also accumulated more endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) and soluble sugars. Transcriptomic and real-time PCR analysis suggested that differentially expressed genes were involved in sugar or JA biosynthesis, signaling, and metabolism in transgenic cassava under drought conditions. Exogenous application of JA further confirmed that JA conferred improved drought resistance and promoted stomatal closure in cassava leaves. Taken together, our findings suggest that MeSPL9 affects drought resistance by modulating protectant metabolite levels and JA signaling, which have substantial implications for engineering drought tolerant crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary Copolymerization as an efficient strategy can provide an opportunity to create new closed‐loop recyclable polymeric materials with tailored properties that are generally inaccessible to the individual homopolymers. In this contribution, the bulk ring‐opening copolymerization of bio‐renewable δ‐caprolactone and trans‐hexahydro‐(4,5)‐benzofuranone was achieved to produce closed‐loop recyclable copolyesters by using an organobase/urea binary catalyst at room temperature. The obtained copolyesters exhibited composition‐dependent thermal properties. Remarkably, the obtained copolyesters were able to depolymerize back to recover the corresponding monomers under mild conditions. The copolyesters with suitable compositions can be directly used as pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs) that possessed comparable peel strength with the commercially available PSA scotch tapes. When the copolyesters were mixed with plasticizers, the as‐prepared PSAs exhibited desirable adhesive failure and can be used as removable post‐it note. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borane‐based Lewis acids (LA) play an indispensable role in the Lewis pair (LP) mediated polymerization. However, most borane‐based LPs are moisture‐ and air‐sensitive. Therefore, development of moisture and air‐stable borane‐based LP is highly desirable. To achieve this goal, the concept of "aggregation induced enlargement effects" by chemically linking multiple borane within a nanoscopic confinement was conceived to create macromolecular LA. Accordingly, an extremely moisture and air stable macromolecular borane, namely, PVP‐1B featuring poly(4‐vinylphenol) backbone, was constructed. The concentration of borane active site is greatly higher than average concentration due to local confinement. Therefore, an enhanced activity was observed. Moreover, the local LA aggregation effects allow its tolerance to air and large amount of chain transfer agent. Consequently, PVP‐1B showed remarkable efficiency for propylene oxide (PO) polymerization at 25 °C (TOF=27900 h−1). Furthermore, it enables generation of well‐defined telechelic poly (CHO‐alt‐CO2) diol (0.6–15.3 kg/mol) with narrow Đs via copolymerizing cyclohexene oxide and CO2 at 80 °C. This work indicates unifying multiple borane within a polymer in a macromolecular level shows superior catalytic performance than constructing binary, bi(multi)functional systems in a molecular level. This paves a new way to make functional polyethers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borane‐based Lewis acids (LA) play an indispensable role in the Lewis pair (LP) mediated polymerization. However, most borane‐based LPs are moisture‐ and air‐sensitive. Therefore, development of moisture and air‐stable borane‐based LP is highly desirable. To achieve this goal, the concept of "aggregation induced enlargement effects" by chemically linking multiple borane within a nanoscopic confinement was conceived to create macromolecular LA. Accordingly, an extremely moisture and air stable macromolecular borane, namely, PVP‐1B featuring poly(4‐vinylphenol) backbone, was constructed. The concentration of borane active site is greatly higher than average concentration due to local confinement. Therefore, an enhanced activity was observed. Moreover, the local LA aggregation effects allow its tolerance to air and large amount of chain transfer agent. Consequently, PVP‐1B showed remarkable efficiency for propylene oxide (PO) polymerization at 25 °C (TOF=27900 h−1). Furthermore, it enables generation of well‐defined telechelic poly (CHO‐alt‐CO2) diol (0.6–15.3 kg/mol) with narrow Đs via copolymerizing cyclohexene oxide and CO2 at 80 °C. This work indicates unifying multiple borane within a polymer in a macromolecular level shows superior catalytic performance than constructing binary, bi(multi)functional systems in a molecular level. This paves a new way to make functional polyethers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: Substantial progresses have been made toward the development of metal‐free catalysts for stereoselective ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of rac‐lactide. Yet the discovery of organic catalysts effective at ambient temperature remains a major challenge. Here, the bifunctional H‐bonding catalyst SQ‐1 containing a basic tertiary amine and squaramide motif proved to be good candidate for the stereoselective ROP of rac‐lactide at room temperature, yielding stereoregular polylactide with controlled molecular weights (up to 21.1 kg/mol) and high tacticity (PiESC up to 0.88). Furthermore, binary H‐bonding catalytic system consisting of squaramides (SQ‐2 to SQ‐6) and 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) could efficiently promote the ROP of rac‐lactide at room temperature within short reaction time. Among them, the most bulky squaramide SQ‐2 exhibited the best steroselectivity towards the ROP of rac‐lactide without transesterification side reactions during the polymerization process. The resulting polylactides were proved to have controlled molecular weights as high as 22.2 kg/mol and narrow distributions (1.10—1.24). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new type of star multifunctional polyisoprene liquid rubber 4-arm star hydroxyl terminated polyisoprene (4HTPI-Si) that can be used for rocket solid propellant matrix was designed and synthesized by anionic polymerization method. It was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-NMR) and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), and the mechanical properties of the cured product obtained by blending with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) liquid rubber, a traditional solid propellant matrix, were studied. The results show that the aliphatic alkyl lithium initiator with silane-protected hydroxyl group and silicon tetrachloride coupling agent can polymerize isoprene monomers to obtain 4HTPI-Si with narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.14). The molecular weight of the polymer can be precisely designed, the average functionality is very close to 4. In the polymer synthesized in nonpolar solvent, 1,4- structure accounts for the majority. By proper blending, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the cured product of commercial HTPB can be improved by 281% and 66.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reperfusion therapy is widely used to treat acute myocardial infarction. However, its efficacy is limited by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), which occurs paradoxically due to the reperfusion therapy and contributes to the high mortality rate of acute myocardial infarction. Systemic administration of drugs, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, to reduce MIRI is often ineffective due to the inadequate release at the pathological sites. Functional biomaterials are being developed to optimize the use of drugs by improving their targetability and bioavailability and reducing side effects, such as gastrointestinal irritation, thrombocytopenia, and liver damage. This review provides an overview of controlled drug delivery biomaterials for treating MIRI by triggering antioxidation, calcium ion overload inhibition, and/or inflammation regulation mechanisms and discusses the challenges and potential applications of these treatments clinically. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition layer prepared on the cemented carbide surface through double glow plasma surface alloying (DGPSA) is believed to be an effective strategy to improve the adhesion between the diamond and cemented carbide. In this work, to fully reveal and understand the behavior of double glow discharge plasma, DGPSA processes were studied using optical emission spectroscopy (OES), and the effect of the as-prepared TiMoTa transition layer on the diamond growth mechanism and adhesion property was analyzed. The microstructure, composition, and adhesion properties of TiMoTa transition layers and diamond coating were analyzed using SEM, TEM, XPS, XRD, and Rockwell C indentation. The results indicated that the intensity of the plasmas (Ti, Mo, and Ta) remained stable with the deposition time with the increase of deposition temperature, the electron temperature remained in the range of 1 × 104–1.4 × 104 K during the deposition process. OES results showed that the TiMoTa transition layer with a high deposition rate and high performance can be prepared by selecting the appropriate deposition temperature and time through DGPSA technique. The TiMoTa transition interlayers with nanocrystalline structure can effectively restrain the out-diffusion of Co and the in-diffusion of C, thereby effectively improving the adhesion between diamond and cemented carbide. Hence, the TiMoTa transition layer prepared through DGPSA technique offers an effective way to develop a good adhesion diamond coating on WC-Co substrate. • TiMoTa interlayers were prepared by double glow plasma surface alloying technique. • The deposition of TiMoTa interlayer was in situ investigated by OES. • The TiMoTa interlayer can serve as effective cobalt and carbon diffusion barrier. • Plasma is composed of Ti, Mo, Ta, and W atoms, monovalent Ar ions, and Ti ions. • TiMoTa is an optimal interlayer material for enhancing the adhesion of diamond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tomato plant growth is frequently hampered by a high susceptibility to pests and diseases. Traditional chemical control causes a serious impact on both the environment and human health. Therefore, seeking environment-friendly and cost-effective green methods in agricultural production becomes crucial nowadays. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) can promote plant growth through biological activity. Their use is considered to be a promising sustainable approach for crop growth. Moreover, a vast number of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for secondary metabolite production are being revealed in PGPR, which helps to find potential anti-microbial activities for tomato disease control. Results: We isolated 181 Bacillus-like strains from healthy tomato, rhizosphere soil, and tomato tissues. In vitro antagonistic assays revealed that 34 Bacillus strains have antimicrobial activity against Erwinia carotovora, Pseudomonas syringae; Rhizoctonia solani; Botrytis cinerea; Verticillium dahliae and Phytophthora infestans. The genomes of 10 Bacillus and Paenibacillus strains with good antagonistic activity were sequenced. Via genome mining approaches, we identified 120 BGCs encoding NRPs, PKs-NRPs, PKs, terpenes and bacteriocins, including known compounds such as fengycin, surfactin, bacillibactin, subtilin, etc. In addition, several novel BGCs were identified. We discovered that the NRPs and PKs-NRPs BGCs in Bacillus species are encoding highly conserved known compounds as well as various novel variants. Conclusions: This study highlights the great number of varieties of BGCs in Bacillus strains. These findings pave the road for future usage of Bacillus strains as biocontrol agents for tomato disease control and are a resource arsenal for novel antimicrobial discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary of main observation and conclusion: Hydrogels cross‐linked with metal ions (e.g., Ca2+) represent a promising class of bioinspired materials for a wide range of biomedical applications. Herein, we report a facile approach to obtain cross‐linked stimuli‐responsive supramolecular polypeptide hydrogels. The hydrogel is prepared by statistical/block copoly(L‐glutamate)s based copolymers cross‐linked with calcium ions. The incorporation of both oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) and glutamic acid residues in the polymer offers thermal‐responsive property and cooperative binding sites with Ca2+ ions simultaneously. We present a systematic study of the influence of calcium ions on the gelation behaviors of these copolymers. It is observed that the addition of calcium ions induces the formation of hydrogels. Increasing the concentration of Ca2+ ions can significantly enhance the gelation ability of the samples as indicated by increased storage modulus and decreased sol‐to‐gel transition temperature (Tsol‐gel). We further demonstrate that the influence of monomer distribution on the gelation behavior is trivial, which is possibly due to similar morphology of the self‐assemblies. The obtained hydrogels exhibit thermal‐responsive gelation behavior mediated by ion cross‐linking, which enables them to be ideal smart hydrogel system for many applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this study, the infrared thermography of 68 affected feet showed three conditions: high temperature, mixed temperature and low temperature. • Comparing the three infrared thermograms with the clinical data of the patients, it was found that the patients in hypothermia group had a long history, and the patients in hyperthermia group had a relatively short history. • In acute inflammation period, blood flow increased and temperature increased. • Infrared thermography showed that the inflammation area was high temperature and the boundary was unclear. • In chronic stage, the fibrous adhesion, degeneration and proliferation of tissue fibers, the focal area changed from hyperemia to ischemia, and infrared thermography showed hypothermia. • The pathological process of mixed temperature was a mixture of chronic and acute stages. • Infrared thermography showed that the main lesion was a mixture of high temperature and low temperature, which could not be clearly distinguished. These results suggest that the course of plantar fasciitis can be roughly judged by infrared thermography. Firstly, the principle of medical infrared thermography in the diagnosis of human internal lesions is described. Then the system composition, performance index and working environment of infrared thermal imager suitable for medical application are studied. These are the premise and key to get correct infrared thermal image. Finally, the clinical value of infrared thermal imaging technology is illustrated by the case of diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. Infrared thermography and clinical datas of 43 patients with plantar fasciitis were analyzed. The healthy feet of 30 healthy volunteers were taken as the control group. The results showed that infrared thermography of 60 healthy feet in 30 cases showed bilateral symmetry. The infrared thermography of 68 affected feet of 43 patients can be divided into three categories: 22 feet showed high temperature, 22 feet showed mixed temperature and 24 feet showed low temperature. There were significant differences between the three groups (P < 0.05); the degree of pain in the lesion area of the high temperature group, the mixed temperature group and the low temperature group were (6.890.56), (7.010.67) and (6.980.74), respectively. There was no significant difference between the three groups and between the two groups (P > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of the winter Arctic sea ice concentration (ASIC) anomaly on the succedent summer tropical cyclone genesis frequency (TCGF) over the western North Pacific (WNP) and provides a new insight into the underlying physical mechanisms. There is a significant time-lagged relation between winter ASIC anomalies over Greenland-Barents-Kara (GBK) seas and the following summer TCGF over the southeastern part of the WNP. This delayed association is attributable to large-scale circulation anomalies and the air-sea interaction processes over the North Pacific induced by the winter ASIC anomalies. Specifically, a higher winter ASIC over the GBK seas induces an atmospheric wave train that propagates southeastward to the North Pacific. The associated cyclonic anomaly over the mid-latitude North Pacific is accompanied by southwesterly wind anomalies over the subtropics and results in sea surface temperature (SST) warming by reducing upward surface heat fluxes. This SST warming is maintained and further extends southward to the tropical Pacific in the following summer via a wind-evaporation-SST feedback, which in turn forces overlying atmospheric circulation via a Gill-type atmospheric response, including a pair of cyclonic and anticyclonic anomalies in the low- and upper-level troposphere, respectively, over the WNP. These atmospheric anomalies favor TC genesis over the southeastern part of the WNP by decreasing the vertical wind shear and increasing the convection, low-level vorticity and humidity. The above processes apply to the years when lower ASIC winters are followed by decreased TC genesis over the southeastern part of the WNP except for opposite signs of SST and atmospheric circulation anomalies. This study suggests that the winter ASIC anomaly over the GBK seas is a potential predictor for the prediction of the WNP TCGF in the following summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Coronary atherosclerosis (CAS), a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, is a major cause of death worldwide. CAS is a chronic disease in the aorta that can be caused by dyslipidemia, abnormal glucose metabolism, endothelial cell dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) or fibrous connective tissue hyperplasia, immune inflammatory reactions, and many other factors. The pathogenesis of CAS is not fully understood, as it is a complex lesion complicated by multiple factors. Damage-response theories have put forward endothelial cell (EC) injury as the initiating factor for CAS; the addition of lipid metabolism disorders may enhance monocyte adhesion, increase the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and VSMCs, and accelerate the development of CAS. Furthermore, inflammatory and immune responses can create a vicious cycle of endothelial injury, which also plays key roles in the formation of CAS. Therefore, in order to elucidate the mechanisms controlling CAS, it is important to study the etiology of vascular cell dysfunction, abnormal energy and metabolism disorders, and immune and inflammatory reactions. Non-coding RNAs play regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of CAS, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs); lncRNAs have recently become a major focus for cardiovascular disease mechanisms, as they play numerous roles in the progression of CAS. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of coronary CAS, and their role in the prevention and treatment of coronary CAS. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoselective terpolymerization can produce polymer materials with diverse compositions and sequential structures, and thus have attracted considerable attention in the field of polymer synthesis. However, the intrinsic complexity of three‐component system also brings great chanllenge, in regard to the reactivity and selectivity of different monomers. Herein, we report the terpolymerization of CO2/epoxide/anhydride by a binary organocatalytic C3N3‐Py‐P3/TEB (triethylborane) system. Both the activity and chemoselectivity were highly dependent upon the molar ratio of C3N3‐Py‐P3 to TEB, and sequence‐controlled poly(ester‐carbonate) copolymers were readily synthesized through one‐pot/one‐step methodology by tuning the stoichiometric ratio of phosphazene/TEB. In particular, C3N3‐Py‐P3/TEB with a molar ratio of 1/0.5 exhibited an unprecedentedly high chemoselectivity for ring‐opening alternating copolymerization (ROAC) of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and phthalic anhydride (PA) first and then ROAC of CO2/CHO. Thus, well‐defined triblock polycarbonate‐b‐polyester‐b‐polycarbonate copolymers can be produced from the mixture of CO2, CHO and PA using a bifunctional initiator. With C3N3‐Py‐P3/TEB=1/1, tapered copolymers were obtained, while random copolymers with high content of polycarbonate (PC) were synthesized with further increasing the amount of TEB. The mechanism of the unexpected chemoselectivity was further investigated by DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoselective terpolymerization can produce polymer materials with diverse compositions and sequential structures, and thus have attracted considerable attention in the field of polymer synthesis. However, the intrinsic complexity of three‐component system also brings great chanllenge, in regard to the reactivity and selectivity of different monomers. Herein, we report the terpolymerization of CO2/epoxide/anhydride by a binary organocatalytic C3N3‐Py‐P3/TEB (triethylborane) system. Both the activity and chemoselectivity were highly dependent upon the molar ratio of C3N3‐Py‐P3 to TEB, and sequence‐controlled poly(ester‐carbonate) copolymers were readily synthesized through one‐pot/one‐step methodology by tuning the stoichiometric ratio of phosphazene/TEB. In particular, C3N3‐Py‐P3/TEB with a molar ratio of 1/0.5 exhibited an unprecedentedly high chemoselectivity for ring‐opening alternating copolymerization (ROAC) of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and phthalic anhydride (PA) first and then ROAC of CO2/CHO. Thus, well‐defined triblock polycarbonate‐b‐polyester‐b‐polycarbonate copolymers can be produced from the mixture of CO2, CHO and PA using a bifunctional initiator. With C3N3‐Py‐P3/TEB=1/1, tapered copolymers were obtained, while random copolymers with high content of polycarbonate (PC) were synthesized with further increasing the amount of TEB. The mechanism of the unexpected chemoselectivity was further investigated by DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although great successes have been achieved, the preparation of closed‐loop recyclable polyesters with high working temperatures still remains as a big challenge. Herein, we present the syntheses of a series of enantiopure bicyclic ether‐ester monomers by upcycling of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) bioplastic. The "living"/controlled ring‐opening polymerizations of these enantiopure monomers to produce stereoregular polyesters with controlled molecular weights and well‐defined chain ends were achieved. The effects of stereoconfiguration and substituent on polymerization kinetics and thermodynamics as well as the thermal properties of resultant polyesters were investigated. Of note, the stereoregular polyesters are semi‐crystalline materials with melting temperatures up to 176 °C, even higher than the commodity polyolefin plastics. These polyesters can be depolymerized back to recover pristine monomers, thus successfully establishing a closed‐loop life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although great successes have been achieved, the preparation of closed‐loop recyclable polyesters with high working temperatures still remains as a big challenge. Herein, we present the syntheses of a series of enantiopure bicyclic ether‐ester monomers by upcycling of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) bioplastic. The "living"/controlled ring‐opening polymerizations of these enantiopure monomers to produce stereoregular polyesters with controlled molecular weights and well‐defined chain ends were achieved. The effects of stereoconfiguration and substituent on polymerization kinetics and thermodynamics as well as the thermal properties of resultant polyesters were investigated. Of note, the stereoregular polyesters are semi‐crystalline materials with melting temperatures up to 176 °C, even higher than the commodity polyolefin plastics. These polyesters can be depolymerized back to recover pristine monomers, thus successfully establishing a closed‐loop life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study on evaporation and combustion phenomena of single suspended hydrocarbon droplets was conducted in sub- and super-critical pressure environments under normal gravity. Droplet temperature and photographs were obtained by utilizing embedded thermocouple and high-speed video camera respectively. Experimental results show equilibrium vaporization stage exists during droplet combustion in sub-critical pressure environments, which accords with quasi-steady assumption. However, the equilibrium vaporization stage disappears during droplet combustion in super-critical pressure environments, quasi-steady assumption is not applicable. Droplet combustion time decreases rapidly with the increase of ambient pressure at sub-critical conditions and phase equilibrium controls the droplet burning rate. In super-critical conditions, the interface between droplet and ambient gas becomes ambiguous, droplet combustion time does not decrease and approaches a stable value; phase change disappears and diffusion coefficient starts to affect the droplet burning rate. The trend change of combustion time variation at critical pressure indicates that the critical pressure point is an important basis for judging whether the droplet enters the super-critical combustion or not. The ratio of droplet evaporation time to droplet combustion time has little change in sub-critical pressure environments, but it decreases rapidly in super-critical pressure environments, this indicates droplet evaporation process completes earlier in super-critical pressure environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart polymeric materials have received extensive attention for various applications. Here, we reported a facile and efficient approach to prepare a class of pegylated polypeptoids by a combination of ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and post-modification strategy. Three different initiators were involved to mediate the polymerization of the monomers. Unlike the previously reported pegylated polypeptoids, the obtained polypeptoids show completely reversible thermoresponsive behaviors in aqueous solution after 8 heating and cooling cycles. In addition, the phase transition of the polypeptoid solutions can be very sharp (ΔT < 5 °C), which is comparable to poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). The influence of temperature on solution properties of the polypeptoids has been systematically studied. The clouding points (CPs) of the polypeptoids are highly tunable depending on the degree of polymerization (DP), the side-chain length, and the polymer concentration. We demonstrate that the thermoresponsive property of the polypeptoid may possibly arise from the incorporation of thioether groups and the branched molecular architecure of side chains. These features enable the pegylated polypeptoids potential candidates for next generation of smart polymeric materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]