High-temperature capacitive energy stroage in polymer nanocomposites through nanoconfinement.

Polymeric-based dielectric materials hold great potential as energy storage media in electrostatic capacitors. However, the inferior thermal resistance of polymers leads to severely degraded dielectric energy storage capabilities at elevated temperatures, limiting their applications in harsh environments. Here we present a flexible laminated polymer nanocomposite where the polymer component is confined at the nanoscale, achieving improved thermal-mechanical-electrical stability within the resulting nanocomposite. The nanolaminate, consisting of nanoconfined polyetherimide (PEI) polymer sandwiched between solid Al2O3 layers, exhibits a high energy density of 18.9 J/cm3 with a high energy efficiency of ~ 91% at elevated temperature of 200°C. Our work demonstrates that nanoconfinement of PEI polymer results in reduced diffusion coefficient and constrained thermal dynamics, leading to a remarkable increase of 37°C in glass-transition temperature compared to bulk PEI polymer. The combined effects of nanoconfinement and interfacial trapping within the nanolaminates synergistically contribute to improved electrical breakdown strength and enhanced energy storage performance across temperature range up to 250°C. By utilizing the flexible ultrathin nanolaminate on curved surfaces such as thin metal wires, we introduce an innovative concept that enables the creation of a highly efficient and compact metal-wired capacitor, achieving substantial capacitance despite the minimal device volume.

Varied clinical presentations of RP1L1 variants in Chinese patients: a study of occult macular dystrophy and vitelliform macular dystrophy.

BACKGROUND: Occult Macular Dystrophy (OMD), primarily caused by retinitis pigmentosa 1-like 1 (RP1L1) variants, is a complex retinal disease characterised by progressive vision loss and a normal fundus appearance. This study aims to investigate the diverse phenotypic expressions and genotypic correlations of OMD in Chinese patients, including a rare case of Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy (VMD) associated with RP1L1. METHODS: We analysed seven OMD patients and one VMD patient, all with heterozygous pathogenic RP1L1 variants. Clinical assessments included Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), visual field testing, Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT), multifocal Electroretinograms (mfERGs), and microperimetry. Next-generation sequencing was utilised for genetic analysis. RESULTS: The OMD patients displayed a range of phenotypic variability. Most (5 out of 7) had the RP1L1 variant c.133 C > T; p.R45W, associated with central vision loss and specific patterns in SD-OCT and mfERG. Two patients exhibited different RP1L1 variants (c.3599G > T; p.G1200V and c.2880G > C; p.W960C), presenting milder phenotypes. SD-OCT revealed photoreceptor layer changes, with most patients showing decreased mfERG responses in the central rings. Interestingly, a unique case of VMD linked to the RP1L1 variant was observed, distinct from traditional OMD presentations. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the phenotypic diversity within OMD and the broader spectrum of RP1L1-associated macular dystrophies, including a novel association with VMD. The findings emphasise the complexity of RP1L1 variants in determining clinical manifestations, underscoring the need for comprehensive genetic and clinical evaluations in macular dystrophies.

Concurrent performance and security enhancement of ultrahigh-order DSM signals via null subcarriers.

In this paper, we propose leveraging null subcarriers in discrete multi-tone modulation (DMT) to process the DMT signal in both time and frequency domains. Additionally, we employ discrete memory enhanced chaos (DMEC) to scramble the signal in the frequency domain, thereby achieving physical layer signal encryption while ensuring a more uniform power distribution in the time-domain waveform. In our experimental demonstration, we achieved high-security transmission of a DSM-based 65536-QAM signal at a data rate of 16.01 Gb/s over a 25 km single-mode fiber (SMF) in an intensity-modulation direct-detection (IMDD) system. Additionally, in the transmission experiments for 13684-QAM and 65536-QAM signals, the proposed method demonstrated a receiver sensitivity gain of over 0.5 dB compared to the traditional DSM-based ultrahigh-order transmission.

The improvement of fibrinogen, Ang-1, VEGF, BDNF in post-operative patients with brain trauma through target task-oriented phase training.

Background: It aims to explore the effect of target task-oriented phase training on fibrinogen (Fbg), angiopoietin (Ang-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and quality of life in post-operative patients with brain trauma. Methods: 142 patients with brain trauma who were operated on in neurosurgery of our hospital from March 2020 to March 2023 were chosen and separated into two groups by random number table. The control group (n=71) received routine post-operative training. The experimental group (n=71) received target task-oriented training based on the control group, and the serum cell levels of nursing for 3, 7, and 14 days were compared. Improvement of limb function and quality of life after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of nursing care is observed.

Advanced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Modeling in Mice by Combination of Topical Elastase and Oral ß-aminopropionitrile.

The topical elastase murine model of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is enhanced when combined with ß-aminopropionitrile (BAPN)-supplemented drinking water to reliably produce true infrarenal aneurysms with behaviors that mimic human AAAs. Topically applying elastase to the adventitia of the infrarenal aorta causes structural damage to the elastic layers of the aortic wall and initiates aneurysmal dilation. Co-administering BAPN, a lysyl oxidase inhibitor, promotes sustained wall degeneration by reducing collagen and elastin crosslinking. This combination results in large AAAs that progressively expand, form intraluminal thrombus, and are capable of rupture. Refining surgical techniques, such as circumferentially isolating the entire infrarenal aortic segment, can help standardize the procedure for a consistent and thorough application of porcine pancreatic elastase despite different operators and anatomic variations between mice. Therefore, the elastase/BAPN model is a refined approach to surgically inducing AAA in mice, which may better recapitulate human aneurysms and provide additional opportunities to study aneurysm growth and rupture risk.

Controlled Reversible N-Terminal Modification of Peptides and Proteins.

A reversible modification strategy enables a switchable cage/decage process of proteins with an array of applications for protein function research. However, general N-terminal selective reversible modification strategies which present site selectivity are specifically limited. Herein, we report a general reversible modification strategy compatible with 20 canonical amino acids at the N-terminal site by the palladium-catalyzed cinnamylation of native peptides and proteins under biologically relevant conditions. This approach broadens the substrate adaptability of N-terminal modification of proteins and shows a potential impact on the more challenging protein substrates such as antibodies. In the presence of 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid, palladium-catalyzed deconjugation released native peptides and proteins efficiently. Harnessing the reversible nature of this protocol, practical applications were demonstrated by precise function modulation of antibodies and traceless enrichment of the protein-of-interest for proteomics analysis. This novel on/off strategy working on the N-terminus will provide new opportunities in chemical biology and medicinal research.

Discovery of novel ULK1 inhibitors through machine learning-guided virtual screening and biological evaluation.

Aim: Build a virtual screening model for ULK1 inhibitors based on artificial intelligence. Materials & methods: Build machine learning and deep learning classification models and combine molecular docking and biological evaluation to screen ULK1 inhibitors from 13 million compounds. And molecular dynamics was used to explore the binding mechanism of active compounds. Results & conclusion: Possibly due to less available training data, machine learning models significantly outperform deep learning models. Among them, the Naive Bayes model has the best performance. Through virtual screening, we obtained three inhibitors with IC50 of µM level and they all bind well to ULK1. This study provides an efficient virtual screening model and three promising compounds for the study of ULK1 inhibitors.

[Box: see text].

Angong Niuhuang Wan ameliorates LPS-induced cerebrovascular edema by inhibiting blood‒brain barrier leakage and promoting the membrane expression of AQP4.

Introduction: Angong Niuhuang Wan (AGNHW), developed during the Qing dynasty (18th century) for the treatment of consciousness disturbances caused by severe infections, has been used to treat brain edema caused by ischemia‒reperfusion. However, it remains unclear whether AGNHW can ameliorate vascular-origin brain edema caused by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). This study explored the ameliorative effects of AGNHW on LPS-induced cerebrovascular edema in mice, as well as the potential underlying mechanisms. Methods: A cerebrovascular edema model was established in male C57BL/6N mice by two intraperitoneal injections of LPS (15 mg/kg), at 0 and 24 h. AGNHW was administered by gavage at doses of 0.2275 g/kg, 0.455 g/kg, and 0.91 g/kg, 2 h after LPS administration. In control mice, normal saline (NS) or AGNHW (0.455 g/kg) was administered by gavage 2 h after intraperitoneal injection of NS. The survival rate, cerebral water content, cerebral venous FITC-dextran leakage, Evans blue extravasation, and expression of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-5, phosphorylated caveolin-1 (CAV-1), and cytomembrane and cytoplasmic aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) were evaluated. The cerebral tissue phosphoproteome, blood levels of AGNHW metabolites, and the relationships between these blood metabolites and differentially phosphorylated proteins were analyzed. Results: AGNHW inhibited the LPS-induced decrease in survival rate, increase in cerebral water content, decrease in VE-Cadherin expression and increase in phosphorylated CAV-1 (P-CAV-1). AGNHW treatment increased the expression of AQP4 on astrocyte membrane after LPS injection. AGNHW also inhibited the LPS-induced increases in the phosphorylation of 21 proteins, including protein kinase C-α (PKC-α) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), in the cerebral tissue. Eleven AGNHW metabolites were detected in the blood. These metabolites might exert therapeutic effects by regulating PKC-α and MAPK1. Conclusion: AGNHW can ameliorate cerebrovascular edema caused by LPS. This effect is associated with the inhibition of VE-Cadherin reduction and CAV-1 phosphorylation, as well as the upregulation of AQP4 expression on the astrocyte membrane, following LPS injection.

Spatiotemporally non-stationary evolution of groundwater levels in Poyang Lake Basin driven by meteorological and hydrological factors.

The complex relationship between wet-dry transition in the Poyang Lake basin and groundwater storage significantly affects the lake's hydrology, downstream ecological state, and overall security along the Yangtze River in China. There is, however, a notable lack of systematic exploration into how various factors drive spatiotemporal variability in groundwater level (GWL). Using local indicators of spatial association (LISA), spatial non-stationarity models, and multi-source data, our analysis explores the spatial distribution of GWL and quantifies the influence of driving factors on its spatiotemporal non-stationarity at annual and monthly scales. We also compare driving factor contributions in hilly, plain, and local areas within the Poyang Lake basin. Our findings reveal significant local clustering of GWL, indicating substantial spatial autocorrelation and geographic heterogeneity in GWL. Influencing factors exhibit non-stationary effects on GWL at spatial and temporal scales, with precipitation (P), ground surface elevation (GSE), and soil moisture (SM) being primary contributors, generally exerting positive effects. SM contributes most during dry years and normal periods. P and the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) have greater impacts in hilly areas, while GSE shows the opposite trend. Rainfall is a source of groundwater recharge, with a lagged response observed in GWL to rainfall in this basin. The lag time is about 1-2 months. Evapotranspiration is not the dominant discharge pathway. The decrease in GWL during the dry season is mainly due to reduced precipitation recharge and increased lateral groundwater discharge from areas of high hydraulic head to areas of low hydraulic head.

Deep learning and remote photoplethysmography powered advancements in contactless physiological measurement.

In recent decades, there has been ongoing development in the application of computer vision (CV) in the medical field. As conventional contact-based physiological measurement techniques often restrict a patient's mobility in the clinical environment, the ability to achieve continuous, comfortable and convenient monitoring is thus a topic of interest to researchers. One type of CV application is remote imaging photoplethysmography (rPPG), which can predict vital signs using a video or image. While contactless physiological measurement techniques have an excellent application prospect, the lack of uniformity or standardization of contactless vital monitoring methods limits their application in remote healthcare/telehealth settings. Several methods have been developed to improve this limitation and solve the heterogeneity of video signals caused by movement, lighting, and equipment. The fundamental algorithms include traditional algorithms with optimization and developing deep learning (DL) algorithms. This article aims to provide an in-depth review of current Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods using CV and DL in contactless physiological measurement and a comprehensive summary of the latest development of contactless measurement techniques for skin perfusion, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, heart rate variability, and blood pressure.

Novel pleuromutilin derivatives conjugated with phenyl-sulfide and boron-containing moieties as potent antibacterial agents against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

In response to the escalating threat of microbial resistance, a series of novel pleuromutilin derivatives, conjugated with phenyl-sulfide and boron-containing moieties, were designed and synthesized. Most derivatives, especially 14b and 16b, demonstrated significant efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains, as well as pleuromutilin-resistant strains. Compound 16b showed high stability in the liver microsomes of rats and humans, along with acceptable tolerance in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, compound 16b exhibited promising efficacy in MRSA-infected mouse models. Our data highlight the potential of conjugated pleuromutilin derivatives as valuable agents against drug-resistant bacteria.

Safety and efficacy of GD-11 in patients with ischaemic stroke: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: GD-11, a novel brain cytoprotective drug, was designed to be actively taken up and transported across the blood-brain barrier via the glucose transporter. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GD-11 for improving the recovery of patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial was conducted at 15 clinical sites in China. Patients aged 18-80 years with AIS within 48 hours were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive 160 mg GD-11, 80 mg GD-11 and placebo, two times a day for 10 days. The primary endpoint was a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-1 at 90 days after treatment. The safety outcome was any adverse events within 90 days. RESULTS: From 17 November 2022 to 22 March 2023, a total of 80 patients in the 160 mg GD-11 group, 79 patients in the 80 mg GD-11 group and 80 patients in the placebo group were included. The proportion of an mRS score of 0-1 at day 90 was 77.5% in the 160 mg GD-11 group, 72.2% in the 80 mg GD-11 group and 67.5% in the placebo group. Though no significant difference was found (p=0.3671), a numerically higher proportion was observed in the GD-11 group, especially in the 160 mg GD-11 group. The incidence of adverse events was similar across the three groups (p=0.1992). CONCLUSION: GD-11 was safe and well-tolerated. A dosage of GD-11 160 mg two times a day was recommended for a large trial to investigate the efficacy.

Joint constellation shaping optical modulation scheme based on a pair of common-bottomed trigonal cones.

A joint constellation shaping (JCS) three-dimensional (3D) 16-ary modulation scheme constructed with a pair of common-bottomed trigonal cones (CBTC) as primitives is proposed. Compared to the 3D traditional constellation (TC) and the 3D geometric constellation shaping (GS) structure previously proposed by our group (GGS), the constellation figure of merit (CFM) is improved by 0.3906 and 0.0097, respectively. Meanwhile, probabilistic shaping (PS) is employed to optimize the 3D-CBTC-16CAP constellation structure for the second time to enhance the CFM of the constellation further. Compared to the 3D-CBTC-16CAP, after PS the 3D-JCS-16CAP has a CFM improvement of 0.5014. Experiments are carried out to transmit the signals across a 2 km seven-core fiber. At the bit error rate (BER) threshold ∼3.8 × 10-3, the 3D-CBTC-16CAP scheme demonstrates an improvement in the receiver sensitivity by 0.76 and 0.39 dB compared with 3D-TC-16CAP and 3D-GGS-16CAP. In addition, the transmission effect of the signals after joint PS is verified. Experiments show that the proposed 3D-JCS-16CAP scheme has the most significant enhancement effect when used in conjunction with PS, and the receiver sensitivity is improved by about 0.97 and 0.34 dB compared with the 3D-JTC-16CAP (3D-TC-16CAP signal after joint PS) and 3D-JGGS-16CAP (3D-GGS-16CAP signal after the joint PS).

Isolation and Identification of Naphthalene-Degrading Bacteria and its Application in a Two-phase Partitioning Bioreactor.

Naphthalene is a persistent environmental pollutant for its potential teratogenic, carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. In this study, 10 strains of bacteria capable of degrading naphthalene were isolated from crude-oil contaminated soil. Among them, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida 2P exhibited prominent growth with 1000 mg/L naphthalene as the sole carbon source and degraded 94.15% of naphthalene in 36 h. Whole genome sequencing analysis showed that P. plecoglossicida 2P had a total of 22 genes related to naphthalene degradation, of which 8 genes were related to the salicylic acid pathway only, 5 genes were related to the phthalic acid pathway only, 8 genes were common in both the salicylic acid and phthalic acid pathways, and 1 gene was related to the gentisic acid pathway. P. plecoglossicida 2P was applied in a two-phase partition bioreactor (TPPB) to degrade naphthalene in wastewater. The optimal operating conditions of the reactor were obtained through response surface optimization: initial naphthalene concentration (C0) =1600 mg/L, bacterial liquid concentration (OD600) = 1.3, and polymer-to-wastewater mass ratio (PWR) = 2%. Under these conditions, the naphthalene degradation rate was 98.36% at 24 h. The degradation kinetics were fitted using the Haldane equation with a high coefficient of determination (R2=0.94). The present study laid foundations for naphthalene degradation mechanism of genus Pseudomonas and its potential application in TPPB.

NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Mediates Hepatitis E Virus-Induced Neuroinflammation.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a foodborne zoonotic pathogen that is supposed to be one of the most common causes of acute viral hepatitis. However, HEV infection has been recently associated with a wide spectrum of extrahepatic manifestations, particularly neurological disorders. Previous studies have shown that HEV is able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and induce inflammatory response of the central nervous system. However, the pathogenesis of HEV-induced neuroinflammation and tissue injury of the central nervous system have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, activation of NLRP3 inflammasome following HEV infection were investigated. In a gerbil model infected by HEV, brain histopathological changes including gliosis, neuronophagia and neuron injury were observed and expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1ß and IL-18 were elevated. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) are key components of the BBB that protects the brain from various challenges. Following HEV infection, virus-like particles range from 30 to 40 nm in diameter were observed in human BMECs (hBMECs). Enhanced expression levels of NLRP3 and subsequent ASC, caspase-1, IL-1ß and IL-18 were detected in infected cells. Treatment with MCC950 alleviated HEV infection induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, mitochondrial damage and VE-cadherin degradation. The findings provide new insights into HEV-associated neuroinflammation. Moreover, targeting NLRP3 inflammasome signalling is a promising therapeutic in HEV-induced neurological disorder.

Global deletion of G protein-coupled receptor 55 impairs glucose homeostasis during obesity by reducing insulin secretion and ß-cell turnover.

AIM: To investigate the effect of G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) deletion on glucose homeostasis and islet function following diet-induced obesity. METHODS: GPR55-/- and wild-type (WT) mice were fed ad libitum either standard chow (SC) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed at 9/10 and 19/20 weeks of dietary intervention. Insulin secretion in vivo and dynamic insulin secretion following perifusion of isolated islets were also determined, as were islet caspase-3/7 activities and ß-cell 5-bromo-20-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. RESULTS: GPR55-/- mice fed a HFD were more susceptible to diet-induced obesity and were more glucose intolerant and insulin resistant than WT mice maintained on a HFD. Islets isolated from HFD-fed GPR55-/- mice showed impaired glucose- and pcacahorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated insulin secretion, and they also displayed increased cytokine-induced apoptosis. While there was a 5.6 ± 1.6-fold increase in ß-cell BrdU incorporation in the pancreases of WT mice fed a HFD, this compensatory increase in ß-cell proliferation in response to the HFD was attenuated in GPR55-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS: Under conditions of diet-induced obesity, GPR55-/- mice show impaired glucose handling, which is associated with reduced insulin secretory capacity, increased islet cell apoptosis and insufficient compensatory increases in ß-cell proliferation. These observations support that GPR55 plays an important role in positively regulating islet function.

Acquired methemoglobinemia in a third trimester puerpera and her premature infant with sodium nitrite poisoning: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The common cause of sodium nitrite poisoning has shifted from previous accidental intoxication by exposure or ingestion of contaminated water and food to recent alarming intentional intoxication as an employed method of suicide/exit. The subsequent formation of methemoglobin (MetHb) restricts oxygen transport and utilization in the body, resulting in functional hypoxia at the tissue level. In clinical practice, a mismatch of cyanotic appearance and oxygen partial pressure usually contributes to the identification of methemoglobinemia. Prompt recognition of characteristic mismatch and accurate diagnosis of sodium nitrite poisoning are prerequisites for the implementation of standardized systemic interventions. CASE SUMMARY: A pregnant woman was admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University due to consciousness disorders and drowsiness 2 h before admission. Subsequently, she developed vomiting and cyanotic skin. The woman underwent orotracheal intubation, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and correction of internal environment disturbance in the ICU. Her premature infant was born with a higher-than-normal MetHb level of 3.3%, and received detoxification with methylene blue and vitamin C, supplemental vitamin K1, an infusion of fresh frozen plasma, as well as respiratory support via orotracheal intubation and IMV. On day 3 after admission, the puerpera regained consciousness, evacuated the IMV, and resumed enteral nutrition. She was then transferred to the maternity ward 24 h later. On day 7 after admission, the woman recovered and was discharged without any sequelae. CONCLUSION: MetHb can cross through the placental barrier. Level of MetHb both reflects severity of the sodium nitrite poisoning and serves as feedback on therapeutic effectiveness.

Effect of AC electric field on enhancing phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils in different pH soils.

To increase the efficiency of phytoremediation to clean up heavy metals in soil, assisted with alternating current (AC) electric field technology is a promising choice. Our experiments utilized the hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii Hance and the fast-growing, high-biomass willow (Salix sp.). We investigated the efficiency of AC field combined with S. alfredii-willow intercropping for removing Cd from soils with different pH values. In the AC electric field treatment with S. alfredii-willow intercropping, the available Cd content in acidic soil increased by 50.00% compared to the control, and in alkaline soil, the increase was 100.00%. Furthermore, AC electric field promoted Cd uptake by plants in both acidic and alkaline soils, with Cd accumulation in the aboveground increased by 20.52% (P < 0.05) and 11.73%, respectively. In conclusion, the integration of AC electric fields with phytoremediation demonstrates significant favorable effectiveness.

Cervical Brucella Spondylitis: A Case Report on Diagnosis and Surgical Management.

Background: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that can affect various organs, including the spine. Cervical spondylitis caused by Brucella is rare but can lead to significant morbidity if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 46-year-old female who presented with intermittent high fever and intractable neck, shoulder, and back pain for two months. She was diagnosed with Brucella cervical spondylitis based on clinical manifestations, Rose-Bengal Plate Agglutination Test (RBPT, positive), and cervical MRI findings. She was treated with a combination of antibiotics for at least two weeks, followed by surgical intervention including abscess clearance, partial vertebral resection, and titanium mesh bone fusion. Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed the presence of sheep Brucella DNA. The patient recovered well postoperatively with significant pain reduction and restoration of full mobility in the right upper limb. Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic value of RT-PCR and tissue biopsy in cervical brucellosis spondylitis. Our study found that anterior cervical subtotal corpectomy can restore cervical stability, clear abscess, and relieve spinal cord compression on the basis of drug treatment, with good clinical results.

An Arabidopsis Kinesin-14D motor is associated with midzone microtubules for spindle morphogenesis.

The acentrosomal spindle apparatus has kinetochore fibers organized and converged toward opposite poles; however, mechanisms underlying the organization of these microtubule fibers into an orchestrated bipolar array were largely unknown. Kinesin-14D is one of the four classes of Kinesin-14 motors that are conserved from green algae to flowering plants. In Arabidopsis thaliana, three Kinesin-14D members displayed distinct cell cycle-dependent localization patterns on spindle microtubules in mitosis. Notably, Kinesin-14D1 was enriched on the midzone microtubules of prophase and mitotic spindles and later persisted in the spindle and phragmoplast midzones. The kinesin-14d1 mutant had kinetochore fibers disengaged from each other during mitosis and exhibited hypersensitivity to the microtubule-depolymerizing herbicide oryzalin. Oryzalin-treated kinesin-14d1 mutant cells had kinetochore fibers tangled together in collapsed spindle microtubule arrays. Kinesin-14D1, unlike other Kinesin-14 motors, showed slow microtubule plus end-directed motility, and its localization and function were dependent on its motor activity and the novel malectin-like domain. Our findings revealed a Kinesin-14D1-dependent mechanism that employs interpolar microtubules to regulate the organization of kinetochore fibers for acentrosomal spindle morphogenesis.