Seed Storability in Rice: Physiological Foundations, Molecular Mechanisms, and Applications in Breeding

Long-term storage of crop seeds is critical for the conservation of germplasm resources, ensuring food supply, and supporting sustainable production. Rice, as a major food staple, has a substantial stock for consumption and production worldwide. However, its food value and seed viability tend to decline during storage. Understanding the physiological responses and molecular mechanisms of aging tolerance forms the basis for enhancing seed storability in rice. This review outlines the latest progress in influential factors, evaluation methods, and identification indices of seed storability. It also discusses the physiological consequences, molecular mechanisms, and strategies for breeding aging-tolerant rice in detail. Finally, it highlights challenges in seed storability research that require future attention. This review offers a theoretical foundation and research direction for uncovering the mechanisms behind seed storability and breeding aging-tolerant rice.

Sensitive skin syndrome: Research progress on mechanisms and applications

Sensitive skin is a clinical syndrome characterized by a hyper-reactive state of the skin,primarily on the face.It is accompanied by subjective symptoms such as burning,stinging,itching,and tightness when exposed to physical,chemical,or psychological stimuli.Objective signs,such as erythema,scales,and dilated blood vessels,may or may not be present.The discomfort associated with sensitive skin can be triggered by various endogenous and exogenous factors,which usually have no significant effect on the individual and do not induce irritant reactions.Sensitive skin often presents as a subjective state without clinical signs and exhibits diversity,posing challenges in sensitive skin research and care.This review summarizes the prevalence,key factors,pathophysiological mechanisms,diagnosis,and progress in daily care for sensitive skin.The aim is to provide a clearer and more systematic understanding of sensitive skin and offer guidance for sensitive skin care.

Microstructures,corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-6Zn-2X(Fe/Cu/Ni)alloys for plugging tool applications

Mg-6Zn-2X(Fe/Cu/Ni)alloys were prepared through semi-continuous casting,with the aim of identifying a degradable magnesium(Mg)alloy suitable for use in fracturing balls.A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the impacts of adding Cu and Ni,which result in finer grains and the formation of galvanic corrosion sites.Scanner electronic microscopy examination revealed that precipitated phases concentrated at grain boundaries,forming a semi-continuous network structure that facilitated corrosion penetration in Mg-6Zn-2Cu and Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloys.Pitting corrosion was observed in Mg-6Zn-2Fe,while galvanic corrosion was identified as the primary mechanism in Mg-6Zn-2Cu and Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloys.Among the tests,the Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloy exhibited the highest corrosion rate(approximately 932.9 mm/a)due to its significant potential difference.Mechanical testing showed that Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloy possessed suitable ultimate compressive strength,making it a potential candidate material for degradable fracturing balls,effectively addressing the challenges of balancing strength and degradation rate in fracturing applications.

Recent advances in phenazine-linked porous catalysts toward photo/electrocatalytic applications and mechanism

In recent years,porous organic catalysts have been developed and become research hotspots in photo/electrocatalysis due to their inherent pores,high specific surface area,chemical and thermal stability,and diverse functional building blocks.Phenazine-linked organic catalysts,exhibited excellent conjugation,electrical conductivity,chemical,and thermal stability,could bring in N atoms with specific numbers and positions to regulate electron levels,anchor metals,and absorb near-infrared light,which expands solar energy utilization.These advantages of the phenazine-linked catalysts attracted our group and numerous researchers to conduct experimental and computational work on photo/electrocatalytic applications and mechanisms.This review summarizes the recent significant research progress,synthesis methods,photo/electrocatalytic performance,and applications of relative phenazine-linked catalysts.Furthermore,the photo/electrocatalytic mechanism was systematized and summarized by combining experiments and density functional theory calculations simultaneously.

Application and mechanisms of Sanhua Decoction in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion is a process in which the blood supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted and subsequently restored.However,it is highly likely to lead to further aggravation of pathological damage to ischemic tissues or the nervous system.,and has accordingly been a focus of extensive clinical research.As a traditional Chinese medicinal formulation,Sanhua Decoction has gradually gained importance in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.Its main constituents include Citrus aurantium,Magnolia officinalis,rhubarb,and Qiangwu,which are primarily used to regulate qi.In the treatment of neurological diseases,the therapeutic effects of the Sanhua Decoction are mediated via different pathways,including antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and neurotransmitter regu-latory pathways,as well as through the protection of nerve cells and a reduction in cerebral edema.Among the studies conducted to date,many have found that the application of Sanhua Decoction in the treatment of neurological diseases has clear therapeutic effects.In addition,as a natural treatment,the Sanhua Decoction has received widespread attention,given that it is safer and more effective than traditional Western medicines.Consequently,research on the mechanisms of action and efficacy of the Sanhua Decoctions in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury is of considerable significance.In this paper,we describe the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and review the current status of its treatment to examine the therapeutic mechanisms of action of the Sanhua Decoction.We hope that the findings of the research presented herein will contribute to a better understanding of the efficacy of this formulation in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion,and provide a scientific basis for its application in clinical practice.

Machine learning applications on lunar meteorite minerals:From classification to mechanical properties prediction

Amid the scarcity of lunar meteorites and the imperative to preserve their scientific value,nondestructive testing methods are essential.This translates into the application of microscale rock mechanics experiments and scanning electron microscopy for surface composition analysis.This study explores the application of Machine Learning algorithms in predicting the mineralogical and mechanical properties of DHOFAR 1084,JAH 838,and NWA 11444 lunar meteorites based solely on their atomic percentage compositions.Leveraging a prior-data fitted network model,we achieved near-perfect classification scores for meteorites,mineral groups,and individual minerals.The regressor models,notably the KNeighbor model,provided an outstanding estimate of the mechanical properties—previously measured by nanoindentation tests—such as hardness,reduced Young’s modulus,and elastic recovery.Further considerations on the nature and physical properties of the minerals forming these meteorites,including porosity,crystal orientation,or shock degree,are essential for refining predictions.Our findings underscore the potential of Machine Learning in enhancing mineral identification and mechanical property estimation in lunar exploration,which pave the way for new advancements and quick assessments in extraterrestrial mineral mining,processing,and research.

Insights into the enhancement of food flavor perception:strategies,mechanism and emulsion applications

The core drivers of the modern food industry are meeting consumer demand for tasty and healthy foods.The application of food flavor perception enhancement can help to achieve the goals of salt-and sugar-reduction,without compromising the sensory quality of the original food,and this has attracted increasing research attention.The analysis of bibliometric results from 2002 to 2022 reveals that present flavor perception enhancement strategies(changing ingredient formulations,adding salt/sugar substitutes,emulsion delivery systems)are mainly carry out based on sweetness,saltiness and umami.Emulsion systems is becoming a novel research foci and development trends of international food flavor perception-enhancement research.The structured design of food emulsions,by using interface engineering technology,can effectively control,or enhance the release of flavor substances.Thus,this review systematically summarizes strategies,the application of emulsion systems and the mechanisms of action of food flavor perception-enhancement technologies,based on odor-taste cross-modal interaction(OTCMI),to provide insights into the further structural design and application of emulsion systems in this field.

Bioactivities,Mechanisms,Production,and Potential Application of Bile Acids in Preventing and Treating Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are a global public health problem,with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases on the rise worldwide.Therefore,their prevention and treatment are still major challenges.Bile acids are common metabolites in both hosts and microorganisms that play a significant role in controlling the metabolism of lipids,glucose,and energy.Bile acids have historically been utilized as first-line,valuable therapeutic agents for related metabolic and hepatobiliary diseases.Notably,bile acids are the major active ingredients of cow bezoar and bear bile,which are commonly used traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs)with the therapeutic effects of clearing heat,detoxification,and relieving wind and spasm.In recent years,the promising performance of bile acids against infectious diseases has attracted attention from the scientific community.This paper reviews for the first time the biological activities,possible mechanisms,production routes,and potential applications of bile acids in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.Compared with previous reviews,we comprehensively summarize existing studies on the use of bile acids against infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are leading causes of global morbidity and mortality.In addition,to ensure a stable supply of bile acids at affordable prices,it is necessary to clarify the biosynthesis of bile acids in vivo,which will assist scientists in elucidating the accumulation of bile acids and discovering how to engineer various bile acids by means of chemosynthesis,biosynthesis,and chemoenzymatic synthesis.Finally,we explore the current challenges in the field and recommend a development strategy for bile-acid-based drugs and the sustainable production of bile acids.The presented studies suggest that bile acids are potential novel therapeutic agents for managing infectious diseases and can be artificially synthesized in a sustainable way.

Application of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for premature ovarian insufficiency: Recent advances from mechanisms to therapeutics

The incidence of premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)is increasing worldwide,particularly among younger women,posing a significant challenge to fertility.In addition to menopausal symptoms,POI leads to several complications that profoundly affect female reproductive function and overall health.Unfortunately,current clinical treatment strategies for this condition are limited and often yield unsatisfactory outcomes.These approaches typically involve hormone repla-cement therapy combined with psychological support.Recently,mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)therapies for POI have garnered considerable attention in global research.MSCs can restore ovarian reproductive and endocrine functions through diverse mechanisms,including controlling differentiation,promoting angiogenesis,regulating ovarian fibrosis,inhibiting apoptosis,enhancing autocrine and paracrine effects,suppressing inflammation,modulating the immune system,and genetic regulation.This editorial offers a succinct summary of the application of MSC therapy in the context of POI,providing evidence for groundbreaking medical approaches that have potential to enhance reproductive health and overall well-being for women.

Unleashing the Potential of Unidirectional Mechanical Materials: Breakthroughs and Promising Applications

The emergence of mechanically one-way materials presents an exciting opportunity for materials science and engineering. These substances exhibit unique nonreciprocal mechanical responses, enabling them to selectively channel mechanical energy and facilitate directed sound propagation, controlled mass transport, and concentration of mechanical energy amidst random motion. This article explores the fundamentals of mechanically one-way materials, their potential applications across various industries, and the economic and environmental considerations related to their production and use.

Ferroelectricity of hafnium oxide-based materials:Current status and future prospects from physical mechanisms to device applications

The finding of the robust ferroelectricity in HfO_(2)-based thin films is fantastic from the view point of both the fundamentals and the applications.In this review article,the current research status of the future prospects for the ferroelectric HfO_(2)-based thin films and devices are presented from fundamentals to applications.The related issues are discussed,which include:1)The ferroelectric characteristics observed in HfO_(2)-based films and devices associated with the factors of dopant,strain,interface,thickness,defect,fabrication condition,and more;2)physical understanding on the observed ferroelectric behaviors by the density functional theory(DFT)-based theory calculations;3)the characterizations of microscopic and macroscopic features by transmission electron microscopes-based and electrical properties-based techniques;4)modeling and simulations,5)the performance optimizations,and 6)the applications of some ferroelectric-based devices such as ferroelectric random access memory,ferroelectric-based field effect transistors,and the ferroelectric tunnel junction for the novel information processing systems.

Regeneration of the heart:f rom molecular mechanisms to clinical therapeutics

Heart injury such as myocardial infarction leads to cardiomyocyte loss,fibrotic tissue deposition,and scar formation.These changes reduce cardiac contractility,resulting in heart failure,which causes a huge public health burden.Military personnel,compared with civilians,is exposed to more stress,a risk factor for heart diseases,making cardiovascular health management and treatment innovation an important topic for military medicine.So far,medical intervention can slow down cardiovascular disease progression,but not yet induce heart regeneration.In the past decades,studies have focused on mechanisms underlying the regenerative capability of the heart and applicable approaches to reverse heart injury.Insights have emerged from studies in animal models and early clinical trials.Clinical interventions show the potential to reduce scar formation and enhance cardiomyocyte proliferation that counteracts the pathogenesis of heart disease.In this review,we discuss the signaling events controlling the regeneration of heart tissue and summarize current therapeutic approaches to promote heart regeneration after injury.

MXene-Based Elastomer Mimetic StretchableSensors: Design, Properties, and Applications

Flexible sensors based on MXene-polymer composites are highly prospective for next-generation wearable electronics used in human-machine interfaces.One of the motivating factors behind the progress of flexible sensors is the steady arrival of new conductive materials.MXenes,a new family of 2D nanomaterials,have been draw-ing attention since the last decade due to their high electronic conduc-tivity,processability,mechanical robustness and chemical tunability.In this review,we encompass the fabrication of MXene-based polymeric nanocomposites,their structure-property relationship,and applications in the flexible sensor domain.Moreover,our discussion is not only lim-ited to sensor design,their mechanism,and various modes of sensing platform,but also their future perspective and market throughout the world.With our article,we intend to fortify the bond between flexible matrices and MXenes thus promoting the swift advancement of flexible MXene-sensors for wearable technologies.

Drug resistance mechanisms in cancers:Execution of prosurvival strategies

One of the quintessential challenges in cancer treatment is drug resistance.Several mechanisms of drug resistance have been described to date,and new modes of drug resistance continue to be discovered.The phenomenon of cancer drug resistance is now widespread,with approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths associated with drug resistance.Despite significant advances in the drug discovery process,the emergence of innate and acquired mechanisms of drug resistance has impeded the progress in cancer therapy.Therefore,understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance and the various pathways involved is integral to treatment modalities.In the present review,I discuss the different mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer cells,including DNA damage repair,epithelial to mesenchymal transition,inhibition of cell death,alteration of drug targets,inactivation of drugs,deregulation of cellular energetics,immune evasion,tumor-promoting inflammation,genome instability,and other contributing epigenetic factors.Furthermore,I highlight available treatment options and conclude with future directions.

Challenges and opportunities for battery health estimation:Bridging laboratory research and real-world applications

Addressing climate change demands a significant shift away from fossil fuels,with sectors like electricity and transportation relying heavily on renewable energy.Integral to this transition are energy storage systems,notably lithium-ion batteries.Over time,these batteries degrade,affecting their efficiency and posing safety risks.Monitoring and predicting battery aging is essential,especially estimating its state of health(SOH).Various SOH estimation methods exist,from traditional model-based approaches to machine learning approaches.

Overview of the immunological mechanisms in hepatitis B virus reactivation:Implications for disease progression and management strategies

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation is a clinically significant challenge in disease management.This review explores the immunological mechanisms underlying HBV reactivation,emphasizing disease progression and management.It delves into host immune responses and reactivation’s delicate balance,spanning innate and adaptive immunity.Viral factors’disruption of this balance,as are interac-tions between viral antigens,immune cells,cytokine networks,and immune checkpoint pathways,are examined.Notably,the roles of T cells,natural killer cells,and antigen-presenting cells are discussed,highlighting their influence on disease progression.HBV reactivation’s impact on disease severity,hepatic flares,liver fibrosis progression,and hepatocellular carcinoma is detailed.Management strategies,including anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches,are critically analyzed.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy during immunosuppressive treatments is explored alongside novel immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and prevent reactivation.In conclusion,this compre-hensive review furnishes a holistic view of the immunological mechanisms that propel HBV reactivation.With a dedicated focus on understanding its implic-ations for disease progression and the prospects of efficient management stra-tegies,this article contributes significantly to the knowledge base.The more profound insights into the intricate interactions between viral elements and the immune system will inform evidence-based approaches,ultimately enhancing disease management and elevating patient outcomes.The dynamic landscape of management strategies is critically scrutinized,spanning anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy in preventing reactivation during immunosuppressive treatments and the potential of innovative immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and proactively deter reactivation.

Role of methoxy and C_(α)-based substituents in electrochemical oxidation mechanisms and bond cleavage selectivity of β-O-4 lignin model compounds

In order to better understand the specific substituent effects on the electrochemical oxidation process of β-O-4 bond, a series of methoxyphenyl type β-O-4 dimer model compounds with different localized methoxyl groups, including 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-phenylethanone, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-phenylethanol, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanone, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanol, 2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanone, 2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanol have been selected and their electrochemical properties have been studied experimentally by cyclic voltammetry, and FT-IR spectroelectrochemistry. Combining with electrolysis products distribution analysis and density functional theory calculations, oxidation mechanisms of all six model dimers have been explored. In particular, a total effect from substituents of both para-methoxy(on the aryl ring closing to Cα) and Cα-OH on the oxidation mechanisms has been clearly observed, showing a significant selectivity on the Cα-Cβbond cleavage induced by electrochemical oxidations.

Hydrogen sulfide responsive nanoplatforms: Novel gas responsive drug delivery carriers for biomedical applications

Hydrogen sulfide(H_(2)S)is a toxic,essential gas used in various biological and physical processes and has been the subject of many targeted studies on its role as a new gas transmitter.These studies have mainly focused on the production and pharmacological side effects caused by H_(2)S.Therefore,effective strategies to remove H_(2)S has become a key research topic.Furthermore,the development of novel nanoplatforms has provided new tools for the targeted removal of H_(2)S.This paper was performed to review the association between H_(2)S anddisease,relatedH_(2)S inhibitory drugs,aswell as H_(2)S responsive nanoplatforms(HRNs).This review first analyzed the role of H_(2)S in multiple tissues and conditions.Second,common drugs used to eliminate H_(2)S,as well as their potential for combination with anticancer agents,were summarized.Not only the existing studies on HRNs,but also the inhibition H_(2)S combined with different therapeutic methods were both sorted out in this review.Furthermore,this review provided in-depth analysis of the potential of HRNs about treatment or detection in detail.Finally,potential challenges of HRNs were proposed.This study demonstrates the excellent potential of HRNs for biomedical applications.

Heating of nanoparticles and their environment by laser radiation and applications

This review considers the fundamental dynamic processes involved in the laser heating of metal nanoparticles and their subsequent cooling.Of particular interest are the absorption of laser energy by nanoparticles,the heating of a single nanoparticle or an ensemble thereof,and the dissipation of the energy of nanoparticles due to heat exchange with the environment.The goal is to consider the dependences and values of the temperatures of the nanoparticles and the environment,their time scales,and other parameters that describe these processes.Experimental results and analytical studies on the heating of single metal nanoparticles by laser pulses are discussed,including the laser thresholds for initiating subsequent photothermal processes,how temperature influences the optical properties,and the heating of gold nanoparticles by laser pulses.Experimental studies of the heating of an ensemble of nanoparticles and the results of an analytical study of the heating of an ensemble of nanoparticles and the environment by laser radiation are considered.Nanothermometry methods for nanoparticles under laser heating are considered,including changes in the refractive indices of metals and spectral thermometry of optical scattering of nanoparticles,Raman spectroscopy,the thermal distortion of the refractive index of an environment heated by a nanoparticle,and thermochemical phase transitions in lipid bilayers surrounding a heated nanoparticle.Understanding the sequence of events after radiation absorption and their time scales underlies many applications of nanoparticles.The applicationfields for the laser heating of nanoparticles are reviewed,including thermochemical reactions and selective nanophotothermolysis initiated in the environment by laser-heated nanoparticles,thermal radiation emission by nanoparticles and laser-induced incandescence,electron and ion emission of heated nanoparticles,and optothermal chemical catalysis.Applications of the laser heating of nanoparticles in laser nanomedicine are of particular interest.Significant emphasis is given to the proposed analytical approaches to modeling and calculating the heating processes under the action of a laser pulse on metal nanoparticles,taking into account the temperature dependences of the parameters.The proposed models can be used to estimate the parameters of lasers and nanoparticles in the various applicationfields for the laser heating of nanoparticles.

Deep tectonics and seismogenic mechanisms of the seismic source zone of the Jishishan M_(s)6.2 earthquake on December 18,2023,at the northeast margin of the Tibetan Plateau

On December 18,2023,an M_(s)6.2 earthquake occurred in Jishishan,Gansu Province,China.This earthquake happened in the eastern region of the Qilian Orogenic Belt,which is situated at the forefront of the NE margin of the Tibetan Plateau(i.e.,Qinghai-Tibet Plateau),encompassing a rhombic-shaped area that intersects the Qilian-Qaidam Basin,Alxa Block,Ordos Block,and South China Block.In this study,we analyzed the deep tectonic pattern of the Jishishan earthquake by incorporating data on the crustal thickness,velocity structure,global navigation satellite system(GNSS)strain field,and anisotropy.We discovered that the location of the earthquake was related to changes in the crustal structure.The results showed that the Jishishan M_(s)6.2 earthquake occurred in a unique position,with rapid changes in the crustal thickness,Vp/Vs,phase velocity,and S-wave velocity.The epicenter of the earthquake was situated at the transition zone between high and low velocities and was in proximity to a low-velocity region.Additionally,the source area is flanked by two high-velocity anomalies from the east and west.The principal compressive strain orientation near the Lajishan Fault is primarily in the NNE and NE directions,which align with the principal compressive stress direction in this region.In some areas of the Lajishan Fault,the principal compressive strain orientations show the NNW direction,consistent with the direction of the upper crustal fast-wave polarization from local earthquakes and the phase velocity azimuthal anisotropy.These features underscore the relationship between the occurrence of the Jishishan M_(s)6.2 earthquake and the deep inhomogeneous structure and deep tectonic characteristics.The NE margin of the Tibetan Plateau was thickened by crustal extension in the process of northeastward expansion,and the middle and lower crustal materials underwent structural deformation and may have been filled with salt-containing fluids during the extension process.The presence of this weak layer makes it easier for strong earthquakes to occur through the release of overlying rigid crustal stresses.However,it is unlikely that an earthquake of comparable or larger magnitude would occur in the short term(e.g.,in one year)at the Jishishan east margin fault.