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Low-cost thermoelectric materials with simultaneous high performance and superior plasticity at room temperature are urgently demanded due to the lack of ever-lasting power supply for flexible electronics. However, the inherent brittleness in conventional thermoelectric semiconductors and the inferior thermoelectric performance in plastic organics/inorganics severely limit such applications. Here, we report low-cost inorganic polycrystalline Mg 3 Sb 0.5 Bi 1.498 Te 0.002 , which demonstrates a remarkable combination of large strain (~ 43%) and high figure of merit zT (~ 0.72) at room temperature, surpassing both brittle Bi 2 (Te,Se) 3 (strain ≤ 5%) and plastic Ag 2 (Te,Se,S) and organics ( zT  ≤ 0.4). By revealing the inherent high plasticity in Mg 3 Sb 2 and Mg 3 Bi 2 , capable of sustaining over 30% compressive strain in polycrystalline form, and the remarkable deformability of single-crystalline Mg 3 Bi 2 under bending, cutting, and twisting, we optimize the Bi contents in Mg 3 Sb 2- x Bi x ( x  = 0 to 1) to simultaneously boost its room-temperature thermoelectric performance and plasticity. The exceptional plasticity of Mg 3 Sb 2- x Bi x is further revealed to be brought by the presence of a dense dislocation network and the persistent Mg-Sb/Bi bonds during slipping. Leveraging its high plasticity and strength, polycrystalline Mg 3 Sb 2- x Bi x can be easily processed into micro-scale dimensions. As a result, we successfully fabricate both in-plane and out-of-plane flexible Mg 3 Sb 2- x Bi x thermoelectric modules, demonstrating promising power density. The inherent remarkable plasticity and high thermoelectric performance of Mg 3 Sb 2- x Bi x hold the potential for significant advancements in flexible electronics and also inspire further exploration of plastic inorganic semiconductors. Authors realize simultaneous high thermoelectric performance and high plasticity in Mg-based semiconductors at room temperature, demonstrating their great potential for use in flexible thermoelectrics.

Rural Revitalization (RR) is a key national strategy in China aimed at sustainable rural development and has gained significant attention. Given the unique characteristics of different villages, understanding differentiated paths to achieve RR is essential. This study introduces a new “5I Framework” (INDUS-INHAB-INDOC-INFRA-INCOM) to assess RR’s overall development status (ODS) and differentiated paths. Then, using western China as a case, this study employs entropy weight, the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS), fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), and hierarchical clustering to categorize differentiated RR paths into “4L Category” (Lots-Learning-Labor-Living). Context-specific recommendations are provided for each category. “5I” and “4L” are derived from their initial letters for easier recall and global dissemination. Our findings reveal ODS’s temporal fluctuations between Acceptable and Good Grades (0.3 and 0.6), with Chongqing’s villages showing a downward trend (from 0.439 to 0.407); the findings also reveal spatial differences in ODS, as northern villages generally score higher due to distinct characteristics. Seven differentiated paths to RR are identified, highlighting varying dimensions essential for RR success: INFRA is crucial across all high ODS paths, while INHAB and INDOC are not always central. Besides, these paths are grouped into four clusters via hierarchical clustering, indicating that RR can be achieved by integrating “lots” of aspects, enhancing “learning” and cultural status among residents, requiring villagers’ “labor” to support agriculture, or improving the “living” environment. The clustered categories enhance the applicability of our proposed countermeasures in similar contexts. The “5I Framework” facilitates theoretical understanding and evaluation of RR, while the “4L Category” underpinned by the “5I Framework” promotes effective implementation practices—both representing innovations of this study.

WRKY transcription factors play crucial roles in regulation mechanism leading to the adaption of plants to the complex environment. In this study, AhWRKY family was comprehensively analyzed using bioinformatic approaches in combination with transcriptome sequencing data of the drought-tolerant peanut variety 'L422'. A total of 158 AhWRKY genes were identified and named according to their distribution on the chromosomes. Based on the structural features and phylogenetic analysis of AhWRKY proteins, the AhWRKY family members were classified into three (3) groups, of which group II included five (5) subgroups. Results of structure and conserved motifs analysis for the AhWRKY genes confirmed the accuracy of the clustering analysis. In addition, 12 tandem and 136 segmental duplication genes were identified. The results indicated that segmental duplication events were the main driving force in the evolution of AhWRKY family. Collinearity analysis found that 32 gene pairs existed between Arachis hypogaea and two diploid wild ancestors (Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis), which provided valuable clues for phylogenetic characteristics of AhWRKY family. Furthermore, 19 stress-related cis-acting elements were found in the promoter regions. During the study of gene expression level of AhWRKY family members in response to drought stress, 73 differentially expressed AhWRKY genes were obtained to have been influenced by drought stress. These results provide fundamental insights for further study of WRKY genes in peanut drought resistance.

Anaerobic co-digestion was conducted on the solid residues after three-phase separation of kitchen waste (KWS) and waste-activated sludge (WAS), the synergistic effects and process performance were studied during co-digestion at different ratios of KWS to WAS. KWS and WAS mix ratios of 0:1, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 and 1:0 (based on TS). The results showed that a ratio of KWS to WAS of 1:1 got a very high methane recovery with a methane yield of 310.45 ± 30.05 mL/g VSadded. The highest concentration of free ammonia among all reaction systems was only 70.23 ± 5.53 mg/L, which was not enough to produce ammonia inhibition in the anaerobic co-digestion system. However, when the KWS content exceeded 50%, methane inhibition and prolongation of the lag phase were observed due to the accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and during the lag phase. Microbial community analysis showed that various bacterial groups involved in acid production and hydrolysis were mainly dominated by phylum Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Hydrogenotrophic methanogen was found to dominate all archaeal communities in the digesters. Co-digestion of KWS with WAS significantly increased the relative abundance of Methanobacterium compared with anaerobic digestion of WAS alone.

Background Peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) is a grain legume crop that originated from South America and is now grown around the world. Peanut growth habit affects the variety’s adaptability, planting patterns, mechanized harvesting, disease resistance, and yield. The objective of this study was to map the quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with peanut growth habit-related traits by combining the genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) and bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) methods. Results GWAS was performed with 17,223 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 103 accessions of the U.S. mini core collection genotyped using an Affymetrix version 2.0 SNP array. With a total of 12,342 high-quality polymorphic SNPs, the 90 suggestive and significant SNPs associated with lateral branch angle (LBA), main stem height (MSH), lateral branch height (LBL), extent radius (ER), and the index of plant type (IOPT) were identified. These SNPs were distributed among 15 chromosomes. A total of 597 associated candidate genes may have important roles in biological processes, hormone signaling, growth, and development. BSA-seq coupled with specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) method was used to find the association with LBA, an important trait of the peanut growth habit. A 4.08 Mb genomic region on B05 was associated with LBA. Based on the linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay distance, we narrowed down and confirmed the region within the 160 kb region (144,193,467–144,513,467) on B05. Four candidate genes in this region were involved in plant growth. The expression levels of Araip.E64SW detected by qRT-PCR showed significant difference between ‘Jihua 5’ and ‘M130’. Conclusions In this study, the SNP (AX-147,251,085 and AX-144,353,467) associated with LBA by GWAS was overlapped with the results in BSA-seq through combined analysis of GWAS and BSA-seq. Based on LD decay distance, the genome range related to LBA on B05 was shortened to 144,193,467–144,513,467. Three candidate genes related to F-box family proteins ( Araip.E64SW , Araip.YG1LK , and Araip.JJ6RA ) and one candidate gene related to PPP family proteins ( Araip.YU281 ) may be involved in plant growth and development in this genome region. The expression analysis revealed that Araip.E64SW was involved in peanut growth habits. These candidate genes will provide molecular targets in marker-assisted selection for peanut growth habits.

BackgroundNeutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis) has been rarely reported in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). We aimed to explore the involvement of NETosis in the inflammation of PsA.MethodsSerum myeloperoxidase–DNA (MPO-DNA) complex was detected by a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared among 74 patients with PsA, 58 patients with psoriasis (PsO), and 20 healthy controls. The association of MPO–DNA level with disease activity index at baseline and follow-up was analyzed in patients with PsA. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of MPO–DNA for treatment response.ResultsMPO–DNA complex level in serum was significantly increased in patients with PsA/PsO compared to healthy controls ( p < 0.001). The level of MPO–DNA was positively associated with DAPSA score and its components (including TJC, SJC, PGA, VAS-pain and CRP, r = 0.25–0.409, all p -values < 0.05). Serum MPO–DNA level was downregualted at 12 weeks after treatment compared to baseline ( p = 0.022). The decrease of MPO–DNA level was more dramatic in patients with PsA who achieved both ACR50 and PASI50 response than those achieving neither of them at 12 weeks ( p = 0.023). ROC analysis revealed that the serum MPO–DNA level predicted both ACR50 and PASI50 achievement at week 12 ( p = 0.04; 95% CIs, 0.56–0.94). Moreover, the baseline MPO–DNA level ( p = 0.009; 95% CIs, 0.748–1) and change of MPO–DNA at week 12 from baseline ( p = 0.004; 95% CIs, 0.802–1) were associated with the achievement of both ACR70 and PASI75 response at week 24.ConclusionsNETosis plays an important role in psoriatic diseases. The level of MPO–DNA complex in serum reflects disease activity. Serum MPO–DNA complex may be a useful biomarker to predict the therapeutic response in PsA.

Background The IL-33/ST2 pathway plays a crucial role in the development of essential hypertension (EH). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between EH and genetic variations in this pathway in the Chinese Han population. Methods A total of 1,151 EH patients and 1,135 healthy controls were included in the study. Sixteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the interleukin-33 ( IL-33 ) and interleukin-1receptor associated protein ( IL-1RAcP ) genes were genotyped using the Sequenom MassArray and TaqMan assays. Genotype and allele frequencies were compared between the EH patients and controls using logistic regression analysis. Results The rs16865597 SNP in the IL-1RAcP gene was found to be associated with the risk of EH. Specifically, the presence of the C allele of rs16865597 was negatively correlated with EH susceptibility in both the additive model ( P  = 0.014, OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.59–0.94) and the recessive model ( P  = 0.011, OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.56–0.93). Additionally, rs16865597 was linked to a reduced risk of EH in specific subgroups, including males (OR add = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.56–0.94, P  = 0.015), nonsmokers (OR add = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.54–0.96, P  = 0.023), nondrinkers (OR add = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.53–0.93, P  = 0.013), and individuals with low BMI (OR add = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51–0.92, P  = 0.013). Moreover, the C genotype of rs16865597 was strongly associated with higher interleukin-10 levels in vivo. Conclusion The rs16865597 SNP is significantly associated with a reduced risk of EH in the Chinese Han population, potentially due to its role in immune regulation.

Background There may be unexplored interactions between family health, personality, and smoking that could help provide new perspectives on tobacco control. Objective To examine the relationship between the health of one’s family and their smoking habits, as well as investigate the potential influence of personality on this relationship. Methods For this cross-sectional investigation, a national survey conducted in China in 2022 recruited a total of 21,916 individuals. The Family Health Scale was utilized to assess the health of the family. The 10-item Big Five Inventory scale was utilized to assess the Big five personality traits. The relationship between big five personality, family health, and smoking were investigated using binary and linear logistic regression. The indirect effects mediated by Big five personality were analyzed using mediation analysis with Sobel tests, and the indirect effects were composited using the Karlson-Holm-Breen method. Results The overall prevalence of smoking in the study population was 14.87%, 26.19% for males and 3.54% for females. Urban and rural smoking prevalence was 13.81% and 16.10% respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between smoking and family health (odds ratio 0.964, 95% CI 0.959, 0.970, P  < 0.001) with covariates controlled. The Karlson-Holm-Breen composition facilitated the connection between extraversion (47.81%) and nervousness (52.19%). Conclusions Preventive interventions for smoking behavior should prioritize family health and the Big five personality as significant areas to focus on. According to this study, in addition to implementing various interventions for different personalities, family health should be strengthened to reduce smoking behavior.

More than anthocyanins pigments displaying red, blue and purple, in flowers, fruits and leaves, which determine economic traits of crops and ornamental plants, they play multiple functional roles in plant-environment interactions which protect plants from biotic and abiotic stresses (Zhang et al., 2014;Landi et al., 2015;Qi et al., 2020). Interaction between flavonoids of plants and their environments Wine grapes are often grown in regions characterized by dry and warm summers, and a proper irrigation strategy is essential for obtaining high-quality berries and wines (Buesa et al., 2021;Palai et al., 2022;Romero et al., 2022).Palai et al.studied that effect of the regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on berry flavonoid content and its related biosynthetic pathways in Sangiovese grapevines, including the moderate (RDI-1M) or severe (RDI-1S) water deficit from pea-size berry to veraison, moderate (RDI-2M) or severe (RDI-2S) water deficit from veraison through harvest, and severe during the lag-phase (RDI-LS). [...]exogenous flavonoid treatment of inoculated plants led to fewer and smaller powdery mildew spots on the wheat leaves. [...]flavonoids is suggested to confer resistance to powdery mildew in wheat. Identification of function of candidate genes/loci involved in flavonoid accumulation, growth and development of plants Flavonol synthases play important role in regulating flavonoid metabolism, specifically the flavonol and anthocyanin branching pathways (Vu et al., 2015).Guo et al.used the targeted LC–MS to determine flavonoid-related substances in overexpression of GbFLSa in Populus poplar and CK, and revealed the content of proanthocyanins including catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin and gallocatechin, as well as expression levels of two DFRs, three ANSs and two LARs in transgenic poplars were significantly lower than that in nontransgenic plants.

Earth represents an ecological building material that is thought to reduce the carbon footprint at a point in its life cycle. However, it is very important to eliminate the undesirable properties of soil in an environmentally friendly way. Cement-stabilized rammed earth, as a building material, has gradually gained popularity due to its higher and faster strength gain, durability, and availability with a low percentage of cement. This paper covers a detailed study of hollow compressed cement-stabilized earth-block masonry prisms to establish the strength properties of hollow compressed cement-stabilized earth-block masonry. The test results for masonry prisms constructed with hollow compressed cement-stabilized blocks with two different strength grades and two earth mortars with different strengths are discussed.