Bio-Inspired Soft-Rigid Hybrid Smart Artificial Muscle Based on Liquid Crystal Elastomer and Helical Metal Wire.

Artificial muscles are of significant value in robotic applications. Rigid artificial muscles possess a strong load-bearing capacity, while their deformation is small; soft artificial muscles can be shifted to a large degree; however, their load-bearing capacity is weak. Furthermore, artificial muscles are generally controlled in an open loop due to a lack of deformation-related feedback. Human arms include muscles, bones, and nerves, which ingeniously coordinate the actuation, load-bearing, and sensory systems. Inspired by this, a soft-rigid hybrid smart artificial muscle (SRH-SAM) based on liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) and helical metal wire is proposed. The thermotropic responsiveness of the LCE is adopted for large reversible deformation, and the helical metal wire is used to fulfill high bearing capacity and electric heating function requirements. During actuation, the helical metal wire's resistance changes with the LCE's electrothermal deformation, thereby achieving deformation-sensing characteristics. Based on the proposed SRH-SAM, a reconfigurable blazed grating plane and the effective switch between attachment and detachment in bionic dry adhesion are accomplished. The SRH-SAM opens a new avenue for designing smart artificial muscles and can promote the development of artificial muscle-based devices.

A novel GSTe2 involved in metamorphosis by regulating 20E signal pathway in Tribolium castaneum.

Insect-specific epsilon glutathion S-transferases (GSTs) are a class of multifunctional GST superfamily, which play important roles in detoxification of xenobiotic substances. Most research on GSTs has focused on insecticide detoxification and resistance, with little research on other physiological functions. Here, we identified and cloned the novel GSTe2 from Tribolium castaneum (TcGSTe2). Recombinant TcGSTe2 protein was successfully overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified with affinity purification, which had high ability to catalyze the conjugation of reduced glutathione with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). The expression level of TcGSTe2 was significantly decreased after exposure with four insecticides, phoxim, λ-cyhalothrin, dichlorvos, and carbofuran, in larval stage. Interestingly, RNA interference knockdown of TcGSTe2 caused metamorphosis deficiency in larval and pupal stages by inhibiting the 20E signal pathway. Furthermore, exogenous 20E injection partially rescued this metamorphosis deficiency and also increased the expression levels of 20E downstream response genes. This study illustrated TcGSTe2 plays an important role at metamorphosis beside the insecticide detoxification and resistance in T. castaneum.

A new neuropeptide insect parathyroid hormone iPTH in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum.

In the postgenomics era, comparative genomics have advanced the understanding of evolutionary processes of neuropeptidergic signaling systems. The evolutionary origin of many neuropeptidergic signaling systems can be traced date back to early metazoan evolution based on the conserved sequences. Insect parathyroid hormone receptor (iPTHR) was previously described as an ortholog of vertebrate PTHR that has a well-known function in controlling bone remodeling. However, there was no sequence homologous to PTH sequence in insect genomes, leaving the iPTHR as an orphan receptor. Here, we identified the authentic ligand insect PTH (iPTH) for the iPTHR. The taxonomic distribution of iPTHR, which is lacking in Diptera and Lepidoptera, provided a lead for identifying the authentic ligand. We found that a previously described orphan ligand known as PXXXamide (where X is any amino acid) described in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis has a similar taxonomic distribution pattern as iPTHR. Tests of this peptide, iPTH, in functional reporter assays confirmed the interaction of the ligand-receptor pair. Study of a model beetle, Tribolium castaneum, was used to investigate the function of the iPTH signaling system by RNA interference followed by RNA sequencing and phenotyping. The results suggested that the iPTH system is likely involved in the regulation of cuticle formation that culminates with a phenotype of defects in wing exoskeleton maturation at the time of adult eclosion. Moreover, RNAi of iPTHRs also led to significant reductions in egg numbers and hatching rates after parental RNAi.

Intracranial Dermoid in Patients With Fibrous Dysplasia.

OBJECTIVES: Intracranial epidermoid cyst (EC) and craniofacial fibrous dysplasia (CFD) were histogenetically different rare congenital benign diseases. The coexistence of intracranial EC and CFD was extremely rare and had not been reported yet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiologic information of 3 patients diagnosed with concomitant EC and CFD at Beijing Tiantan Hospital from January 2003 to January 2021 and summarized their clinicopathological features, treatment modalities, and outcomes. In addition, we performed a systematic review of cases of the coexisting intracranial EC and other intracranial abnormalities to explore the potential connections. RESULTS: There were 2 women and 1 man with the mean age of 31 years old. Satisfactory resection was fulfilled for all the 3 ECs. CFD, however, was managed with watchful waiting. During the mean follow-up time of 58 months, all the ECs showed no sign of recurrence, and all the CFD lesions remained stable. Two EC specimens underwent genetic study, showing no GNAS mutations and negative G s α protein expression. In the literature review of concomitant intracranial EC and other intracranial abnormalities, 23 studies were included. With 5 reported cases, the intracranial aneurysm was found to be the most common intracranial disease that coexisted with EC. CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of intracranial EC and CFD was extremely rare. However, no convincing mechanism and evidence underlying such coexistence had been found. To provide more profound understanding about these 2 diseases and improve diagnosis and treatment strategy, further research and verification should be considered.

MiR-3017b contributes to metamorphosis by targeting sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase in Tribolium castaneum.

In recent years, increasing numbers of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to regulate insect metamorphosis. One thousand, one hundred fifty-four miRNAs have been previously identified from Tribolium castaneum by high-throughput sequencing; however, little is known about which miRNAs can participate in metamorphosis, leaving the role of miRNAs in regulating the underlying mechanism elusive. Here, we report the participation of miR-3017b in the metamorphosis of T. castaneum. Temporal profiles revealed that miR-3017b was highly expressed at the late larval stage, but significantly decreased at the early pupal stage. Overexpression of miR-3017b caused larval to pupal to adult metamorphosis arrested. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and miRNA-mRNA interaction assay illustrated that miR-3017b interacts with the coding sequence of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) and suppresses its expression. Knockdown of SERCA caused metamorphosis arrested, similar to that observed in miR-3017b overexpression beetles. Further functional mechanism analyses revealed that 20-hydroxyecdysone application downregulates miR-3017b and up-regulates SERCA expression. The expression level of downstream genes in the 20E pathway was disrupted after overexpressing miR-3017 and the knockdown of SERCA. These results provided evidence miR-3017b-SERCA contributes to metamorphosis by regulating the 20E pathway in T. castaneum. It could advance our understanding of the coordination of 20E and miRNA regulation in insect metamorphosis.

Three-dimensional printing-assisted precision microcatheter shaping in intracranial aneurysm coiling.

Optimal microcatheter shaping is essential for successful endovascular coiling procedures which is sometimes challenging. Our aim was not only to introduce a new shaping method using three-dimensional (3D) printed vessel models but also to prove its feasibility, efficiency and superiority. This was a retrospective cohort study. From September 2019 to March 2021, 32 paraclinoid aneurysms managed with endovascular coiling were retrospectively included and identified. Sixteen aneurysms were coiled using 3D microcatheter shaping method (3D shaping group), and traditional manual shaping method using shaping mandrels was adopted for another 16 patients (control group). The cost and angiographical and clinical outcomes between the two groups were compared, and the feasibility and effectiveness of the new 3D shaping method were evaluated and described in detail. With technical success achieved in 93.75%, most of the 16 shaped microcatheters using new shaping method could be automatically navigated into the target aneurysms without the assistance of microguidewires and could be assessed with favorable accessibility, positioning and stability. Twenty-seven out of 32 aneurysms (84.38%) were completely occluded with the rate of perioperative complications being 12.50%. Although there was no significant difference between the occlusion rates and complication rates of the two groups, the new shaping method could dramatically decrease the number of coils deployed and reduce the overall procedure time. Patient specific shaping of microcatheters using 3D printing may facilitate easier and safer procedures in coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms with shorter surgery time and less coils deployed.

Functional characterization of a special dicistronic transcription unit encoding histone methyltransferase su(var)3-9 and translation regulator eIF2γ in Tribolium castaneum.

Operons are rare in eukaryotes, where they often allow concerted expression of functionally related genes. While a dicistronic transcription unit encoding two unrelated genes, the suppressor of position-effect variegation su(var)3-9 and the gamma subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2γ) has been found in insecta, and its significance is not well understood. Here, we analyzed the evolutionary history of this transcription unit in arthropods and its functions by using model Coleoptera insect Tribolium castaneum. In T. castaneum, Tcsu(var)3-9 fused into the 80 N-terminal amino acids of TceIF2γ, the transcription of these two genes are resolved by alternative splicing. Phylogenetic analysis supports the natural gene fusion of su(var)3-9 and eIF2γ occurred in the ancestral line of winged insects and silverfish, but with frequent re-fission during the evolution of insects. Functional analysis by using RNAi for these two genes revealed that gene fusion did not invoke novel functions for the gene products. As a histone methyltransferase, Tcsu(var)3-9 is primarily responsible for H3K9 di-, and tri-methylation and plays important roles in metamorphosis and embryogenesis in T. castaneum. While TceIF2γ plays essential roles in T. castaneum by positively regulating protein translation mediated ecdysteroid biosynthesis. The vulnerability of the gene fusion and totally different role of su(var)3-9 and eIF2γ in T. castaneum confirm this gene fusion is a non-selected, constructive neutral evolution event in insect. Moreover, the positive relationship between protein translation and ecdysteroid biosynthesis gives new insights into correlations between translation regulation and hormonal signaling.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of perioperative outcomes in elderly patients with intracranial tumors.

We aimed to study the clinical and radiological characteristics of intracranial tumors and explore the possible predictive value of these characteristics in relation to perioperative outcomes in elderly patients. We retrospectively identified 1535 elderly patients (aged 65 years and older) with intracranial tumors who underwent surgical resection between 2014 and 2018 in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Factors associated with an increased risk of unfavorable perioperative performance and complications were investigated. Meningiomas were the most common tumors in the cohort (43.26%). The overall risk of perioperative death was 0.59%, and 42.80% of patients were discharged with unfavorable performance (Karnofsky Performance Scale [KPS] score ≤ 70). Of all patients, 39.22% had one or more complications after surgical resection. Aggressive surgery significantly lowered the rate of unfavorable perioperative outcomes (P = 0.000) with no increase in postoperative complications (P = 0.153), but it failed to be an independent predictor for perioperative outcomes in the multivariate analysis. Low performance status at admission (KPS ≤ 70) was independently associated with both unfavorable perioperative performance (P = 0.000) and complications (P = 0.000). In addition to the histopathological patterns of tumors, low performance status at admission is an independent predictor for both unfavorable perioperative performance and the occurrence of complications in elderly patients with intracranial tumors who have undergone surgical resections. However, age is not associated with perioperative outcomes in elderly patients.

Identification and functional characterization of methyl-CpG binding domain protein from Tribolium castaneum.

Methyl-CpG binding domain proteins (MBD) can specifically bind to methylated CpG sites and play important roles in epigenetic gene regulation. Here, we identified and functionally characterized the MBD protein in Tribolium castaneum. T. castaneum genome encodes only one MBD protein: TcMBD2/3. RNA interference targeting this gene at different developmental stages caused lethal phenotypes including metamorphosis deficiency in larvae and pupae, gastrointestinal system problems and fecundity deficiency in adult. Moreover, Tcmbd2/3 knockdown adult showed progressive reduced locomoter activity, a typical neurodegeneration phenotype. This is a common feature of DNA methylation in mammals and has not been found in other insects. However, band shift assays demonstrated that TcMBD2/3 could not bind to methylated DNA, indicating the essential roles of TcMBD2/3 is independent of DNA methylation. Our study provides Tcmbd2/3 plays important roles in T. castaneum and gives new insights into the potential mechanism of action of MBD proteins in insect.

Functional analysis of a novel orthologous small heat shock protein (shsp) hsp21.8a and seven species-specific shsps in Tribolium castaneum.

Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are important modulators of insect survival. Previous research revealed that there is only one orthologous cluster of shsps in insects. Here, we identified another novel orthologous cluster of shsps in insects by comparative analysis. Multiple stress experiments and function investigation of Tchsp21.8a belonging to this orthologous cluster and seven species-specific shsps were performed in the stored-grain pest Tribolium castaneum. The results indicated that expression of Tchsp21.8a showed weak responses to different stresses. However, expressions of most species-specific shsps exhibited hyper-responses to heat stress, and expressions of all species-specific shsps displayed diverse responses during other stresses to protect beetles in a cooperative manner. Additionally, Tchsp21.8a and species-specific Tcshsp19.7 played important roles in the development of T. castaneum, and all Tcshsps had a certain impact on the fecundity. Our work created a comprehensive reliable scaffold of insect shsps that can further provide instructive insights to pest bio-control.

Neuroimaging characteristics and long-term prognosis of myxoma-related intracranial diseases.

PURPOSE: Myxoma-related intracranial diseases were rarely documented in history. The main purpose of our study is to provide a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of the pathogenesis, imaging features, surgical procedures and pathology of such patients through long-term follow-up. METHODS: From March 2012 to July 2018, baseline information that included neuroimaging and neuropathology data from 12 cardiac myxoma patients with neurological symptoms were retrospectively analysed, and the treatment options were discussed. Nine patients underwent long-term postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: Twelve cardiac myxoma patients with neurological symptoms were identified, and among them, 10 patients were postoperative patients who had undergone excision of cardiac myxoma, 5 patients had received craniotomy, and the others had received conservative treatment. Positive neuroimaging findings were found in all patients, including cerebral infarction (12/12, 100%), multiple intracranial aneurysms (8/12, 67%), and extravascular metastasis (6/12, 50%). After a long-term average follow-up of 27 months, an increased number of metastatic lesions or an enlargement of the intracranial aneurysms was found in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroimaging findings of myxoma-related intracranial lesions were diversed and usually presented as multiple cerebral infarction, aneurysm formation, focal intracranial haemorrhage and space-occupying lesions. Progress is over a long period of time after primary tumour resection. It is necessary for patients to be regularly examined within 2 years after cardiac myxoma resection using MRI+CTA/MRA/DSA in order to be ruled out. Stable and effective chemotherapy drugs are urgently needed.

Latrophilin participates in insecticide susceptibility through positively regulating CSP10 and partially compensated by OBPC01 in Tribolium castaneum.

Latrophilin (LPH) is an adhesion G protein-coupled receptor (aGPCR) that participates in multiple essential physiological processes. Our previous studies have shown that lph is not only indispensable for the development and reproduction of red flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum), but also for their resistance against dichlorvos or carbofuran insecticides. However, the regulatory mechanism of lph-mediated insecticide susceptibility remains unclear. Here, we revealed that knockdown of lph in beetles resulted in opposing changes in two chemoreception genes, chemosensory protein 10 (CSP10) and odorant-binding protein C01 (OBPC01), in which the expression of TcCSP10 was downregulated, whereas the expression of TcOBPC01 was upregulated. TcCSP10 and TcOBPC01 were expressed at the highest levels in early pupal and late larval stages, respectively. High levels of expression of both these genes were observed in the heads (without antennae) of adults. TcCSP10 and TcOBPC01 were significantly induced by dichlorvos or carbofuran between 12 and 72 h (hrs) after exposure, suggesting that they are likely associated with increasing the binding affinity of insecticides, leading to a decrease in sensitivity to the insecticides. Moreover, once these two genes were knocked down, the susceptibility of the beetles to dichlorvos or carbofuran was enhanced. Additionally, RNA interference (RNAi) targeting of lph followed by exposure to dichlorvos or carbofuran also caused the opposing expression levels of TcCSP10 and TcOBPC01 compared to the expression levels of wild-type larvae treated with insecticides alone. All these results indicate that lph is involved in insecticide susceptibility through positively regulating TcCSP10; and the susceptibility could also further partially compensated for through the negative regulation of TcOBPC01 when lph was knockdown in the red flour beetle. Our studies shed new light on the molecular regulatory mechanisms of lph related to insecticide susceptibility.

CD155 knockdown promotes apoptosis via AKT/Bcl-2/Bax in colon cancer cells.

CD155, one of the nectin-like molecule family members, is involved in cell adhesion and motility. CD155 is overexpressed in several human cancers, but its role in proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer remains unclear. We found that CD155 was up-regulated in colorectal cancer tissues. CD155 knockdown via shRNA lentiviruses inhibited colon cancers cell migration and invasion, with a reduction in the expression of FAK, Src and MMP-2. CD155 down-regulation also suppressed colon cancer cell proliferation, accompanied by changing expressions of some molecules related to cell cycle. Finally, CD155 knockdown increased the expression ratio between Bax and Bcl-2, resulting in a significant increase in colon cancer cell apoptosis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CD155 is involved in not only migration and invasion but also proliferation and survival abilities of colon cancer cells, suggesting that CD155 is one of key molecules promoting the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer.

Transcriptome profiling analysis reveals the role of latrophilin in controlling development, reproduction and insecticide susceptibility in Tribolium castaneum.

Latrophilin of Tribolium castaneum (Tclph) has been reported to play crucial roles in growth, development and reproduction. However, the regulatory mechanism of Tclph associated with these physiology processes is unknown. Thus, the global transcriptome profiles between RNAi treated (ds-Tclph) and control larvae of T. castaneum were analyzed by RNA-sequencing. Totally, 274 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the ds-Tclph and control samples. These DEGs were classified into 42 GO functional groups, including developmental process, reproduction and stress response. The results indicated that knockdown of Tclph disturbed the antioxidant activity process, and partially inhibited the serine protease (SP) and lipase signaling pathways to regulate the development and reproduction as well as the decreasing of the stress response in T. castaneum. Additionally, knockdown of Tclph suppressed IMD immunity pathways which likely modulated the effects of Tclph on stress response. Interestingly, CSPs, ESTs, CYPs, AOXs and BGs were significantly down-regulated in ds-Tclph larvae, implying that they cooperated with Tclph to reduce the activity of cellular metabolism system. FMOs was up-regulated in ds-Tclph insects suggested it may be involved in detoxifying alkaloid of insect metabolism system. These results implied that Tclph participated in phase 0, I and II cellular detoxification. Furthermore, RNAi against Tclph increased larval susceptibility to carbamates and organophosphates insecticides, supporting that Tclph was indeed involved into the insecticide susceptibility in T. castaneum.

Identification and evolution of latrophilin receptor gene involved in Tribolium castaneum devolopment and female fecundity.

Latrophilins (LPHs) are adhesion G-protein-coupled receptors comprising three paralogous forms (LPH-1, LPH-2, and LPH-3) and known receptors for α-latrotoxin, which are involved in growth, development, adaptability, and schizophrenia and other diseases in vertebrates. However, the functions of LPH are poorly understood in most insects. Here, phylogenetic and synteny analysis indicated that LPH-1 and LPH-3 evolved separately from a common ancestor LPH-2. Then, latrophilin (Tclph) was cloned in Tribolium castaneum, and three alternatively spliced transcripts (Tclpha, Tclphb and Tclphc) were identified. All these three Tclphs were highest expressed at the early adult stage, and strongly expressed in central nervous system of adults. Larval RNA interference (RNAi) against Tclph caused 24% adult wing abnormal, 30% insect death, and led to 100% reductions in beetle fecundity. Fecundity deficiency was rescued by reciprocal crosses with wild-type females, but not males. And dissection results revealed that 63% of dsTclph female ovaries were atrophied. Further, exon-specific RNAi illustrated that neither knockdown of Tclpha nor Tclphc resulted in development defects and reductions in beetle fecundity. Thus, it indicated that Tclphb was essential for development and female fecundity in T. castaneum. Moreover, Tclph knockdown increased the expression of the foxo, plc, and pka genes, which most likely modulated the effects of Tclph on development and reproduction in T. castaneum.

Identification and comparative analysis of G protein-coupled receptors in Pediculus humanus humanus.

The body louse has the smallest genome size among the known genome-sequenced insects. Here, 81 GPCRs were identified in Pediculus humanus humanus, 56, 14, 6 and 5 GPCRs for family-A, -B, -C and -D, respectively. These GPCRs constitute the comparable repertoire of GPCRs with other insects. Moreover, it contains a more complete set of neuropeptide and protein hormone receptors not even than Acyrthosiphon pisum but also Drosophila melanogaster, for example, Sulfakinin, Corazonin, Trissin and PTHRL only presented in P. h. humanus but lost either in A. pisum or D. melanogaster. However, it has less duplication among the sub-families. Meanwhile, ACP, AVPL, HE6 receptors and Boss were also absent from P. h. humanus. These results indicated that the repertoire of GPCRs in P. h. humanus were not affected by its smallest genome size, and further suggested that P. h. humanus has a relatively original and concise GPCR regulation system.

Coexistence of meningioma and craniofacial fibrous dysplasia: a case series of clinicopathological study and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The co-existence of meningioma and craniofacial fibrous dysplasia (CFD) is rare. Due to the similar radiological characteristics, it is challenging to differentiate such co-existence from solitary hyperostotic meningioma resulting in a dilemma of prompt diagnosis and appropriate intervention. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective review of the data from 21 patients with concomitant meningioma and CFD who were treated at Beijing Tiantan Hospital from 2003 to 2021. We summarized their clinicopathological features and performed a comprehensive literature review. Additionally, we tested the characteristic pathogenic variants in exon 8 and 9 of GNAS gene and the expression of corresponding α-subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gαs) related to CFD to explore the potential interactions between these two diseases. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 4 men and 17 women (mean age, 45.14 years). CFD most commonly involved the sphenoid bone (n = 10) and meningiomas were predominantly located at the skull base (n = 12). Surgical treatment was performed in 4 CFD lesions and 14 meningiomas. Simpson grade I-II resection was achieved in 12 out of the 14 resected meningiomas and almost all of them were classified as WHO I grade (n = 13). The mean follow-up duration was 56.89 months and recurrence was noticed in 2 cases. Genetic study was conducted in 7 tumor specimens and immunohistochemistry was accomplished in 8 samples showing that though GNAS variant was not detected, Gαs protein were positively expressed in different degrees. CONCLUSIONS: We presented an uncommon case series of co-diagnosed meningioma and CFD and provided a detailed description of its clinicopathological features, treatment strategy and prognosis. Although a definite causative relationship had not been established, possible genetic or environmental interplay between these two diseases could not be excluded. It was challenging to initiate prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment for concomitant meningioma and CFD because of its similar radiological manifestations to meningioma with reactive hyperostosis. Personalized and multi-disciplinary management strategies should be adopted for the co-existence of meningioma and CFD.

Analysis of ginseng rusty root symptoms transcriptome and its pathogenesis directed by reactive oxygen species theory.

Ginseng rusty root symptoms (GRS) is a primary disease of ginseng, which seriously decreases the yield and quality of ginseng and causes enormous losses to ginseng production. GRS prevention and control is still challenging due to its unclear etiology. In this study, the phloem tissue of healthy Panax ginseng (AG), the nonred tissue of the phloem epidermis around the lesion (BG), and the red lesion site tissue of GRS (CG) were extracted for mRNA transcriptomic analysis; 35,958 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and were associated with multiple stress resistance pathways, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and iron ion binding. Further study showed that the contents of O2 •-, H2O2, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased in BG and CG tissues. Under anaerobic conditions caused by excessive soil moisture, the overproduction of ROS destroys cell membranes, simultaneously converting Fe2+ to Fe3+ and depositing it in the cell wall, which results in GRS, as evidenced by the success of the GRS induction test.

Assessing the determinants of renewable energy and energy efficiency on technological innovation: Role of human capital development and investement.

With rising global production and population, the globalized globe has also seen severe environmental damage. This is why renewable energy sources are important for the planet's future and human progress. In order to fight climate change and decrease emissions, promoting energy efficiency is one of the most valuable strategies. Trade patterns across borders, however, have significantly evolved. This analysis provides new evidence regarding the influence of technological progress, and more specifically, industrial innovation, on the OECD countries' international competitiveness. This article aims to analyse the effects of international commerce, FDI, and human capital on the development of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency measures, and cutting-edge technologies. In this analysis, we look at how different variables, including GDP per capita, trade, FDI, human capital, and urbanization, affect one another. To conduct the analysis, researchers used a pool of annual time series data from 2000 to 2019 for OECD economies. The long-term relationship between the variables is estimated using the AMG estimation, Cup-FM, and Cup-BC test. AMG estimation, Cup-FM estimation, and Cup-BC estimation were all used, providing valid results for the investigation. Research shows that energy efficiency, renewable energy, and technological innovation are negatively affected by FDI and urbanization but positively affected by GDP per capita, trade, and human capital. There is no statistically significant effect of human capital on the dependent variables. The estimated results also provide important policy consequences for the chosen and the other emerging economies in creating an adequate route ahead to sustainable development.

Chiral adaptive recognition with sequence specificity of aromatic dipeptides in aqueous solution by an achiral cage.

Sequence-specific recognition of peptides and proteins by synthetic compounds or systems remains a huge challenge in biocompatible media. Here, we report the chiral adaptive recognition (CAR) with sequence specificity of aromatic dipeptides in a purely aqueous solution using an achiral tetraphenylethene-based octacationic cage (1) as both a molecular receptor and chiroptical sensor. 1 can selectively bind and dimerize aromatic dipeptides to form 1 : 2 host-guest complexes with high binding affinity (>1010 M-2), especially up to ∼1014 M-2 for TrpTrp. Given the dynamic rotational conformation of TPE units, achiral 1 can exhibit chiral adaptive responses with mirror-symmetrical circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra to enantiomeric dipeptides via supramolecular chirality transfer in the host-guest complexes. Furthermore, this CAR with sequence specificity of 1 can be applied for molecular recognition of TrpTrp- or PhePhe-containing tetrapeptides, polypeptides (e.g., amyloid ß-peptide1-20 and somatostatin), and proteins (e.g., human insulin) with characteristic CD responses.