Radical Homopolymerization of Linear α-Olefins Enabled by 1,4-Cyano Group Migration.

α-Olefins are valued and abundant building blocks from fossil resources. They are widely used to provide small-molecule or polymeric products. Despite numerous advantages of radical polymerization, it has been well-documented as textbook knowledge that α-olefins and their functionalized derivatives cannot be radically homopolymerized because of the degradative chain transfer side reactions. Herein, we report our studies on the homopolymerization of thiocyanate functionalized α-olefins enabled by 1,4-cyano group migration under radical conditions. By this approach, a library of ABC sequence-controlled polymers with high molecular weights can be prepared. We can also extend this strategy to the homopolymerization of α-substituted styrenic and acylate monomers which are known to be challenging to achieve. Overall, the demonstrated functional group migration radical polymerization could provide new possibilities to synthesize polymers with unprecedented main chain sequences and structures. These polymers are promising candidates for novel polymeric materials.

CgCFEM1 Is Required for the Full Virulence of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is widely distributed and causes anthracnose on many crops, resulting in serious economic losses. Common fungal extracellular membrane (CFEM) domain proteins have been implicated in virulence and their interaction with the host plant, but their roles in C. gloeosporioides are still unknown. In this study, a CFEM-containing protein of C. gloeosporioides was identified and named as CgCFEM1. The expression levels of CgCFEM1 were found to be markedly higher in appressoria, and this elevated expression was particularly pronounced during the initial stages of infection in the rubber tree. Absence of CgCFEM1 resulted in impaired pathogenicity, accompanied by notable perturbations in spore morphogenesis, conidiation, appressorium development and primary invasion. During the process of appressorium development, the absence of CgCFEM1 enhanced the mitotic activity in both conidia and germ tubes, as well as compromised conidia autophagy. Rapamycin was found to basically restore the appressorium formation, and the activity of target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase was significantly induced in the CgCFEM1 knockout mutant (∆CgCFEM1). Furthermore, CgCFEM1 was proved to suppress chitin-triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and change the expression patterns of defense-related genes. Collectively, we identified a fungal effector CgCFEM1 that contributed to pathogenicity by regulating TOR-mediated conidia and appressorium morphogenesis of C. gloeosporioides and inhibiting the defense responses of the rubber tree.

Roles of CgEde1 and CgMca in Development and Virulence of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Anthracnose, induced by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, poses a substantial economic threat to rubber tree yields and various other tropical crops. Ede1, an endocytic scaffolding protein, plays a crucial role in endocytic site initiation and maturation in yeast. Metacaspases, sharing structural similarities with caspase family proteases, are essential for maintaining cell fitness. To enhance our understanding of the growth and virulence of C. gloeosporioides, we identified a homologue of Ede1 (CgEde1) in C. gloeosporioides. The knockout of CgEde1 led to impairments in vegetative growth, conidiation, and pathogenicity. Furthermore, we characterized a weakly interacted partner of CgEde1 and CgMca (orthologue of metacaspase). Notably, both the single mutant ΔCgMca and the double mutant ΔCgEde1/ΔCgMca exhibited severe defects in conidiation and germination. Polarity establishment and pathogenicity were also disrupted in these mutants. Moreover, a significantly insoluble protein accumulation was observed in ΔCgMca and ΔCgEde1/ΔCgMca strains. These findings elucidate the mechanism by which CgEde1 and CgMca regulates the growth and pathogenicity of C. gloeosporioides. Their regulation involves influencing conidiation, polarity establishment, and maintaining cell fitness, providing valuable insights into the intricate interplay between CgEde1 and CgMca in C. gloeosporioides.

Late creation of vascular access increased post-hemodialysis mortality, hospitalization, and health-care expenditure: A population-based cohort study in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The optimal timing of vascular access (VA) creation for hemodialysis (HD) and whether this timing affects mortality and health-care utilization after HD initiation remain unclear. Thus, we conducted a population-based study to explore their association. METHODS: We used Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database to analyze health-care outcomes and utilization in a cohort initiating HD during 2003-2013. We stratified patients by the following VA creation time points: >180, 91-180, 31-90, and ≤30 days before and ≤30 days after HD initiation and examined all-cause mortality, ambulatory care utilization/costs, hospital admission/costs, and total expenditure within 2 years after HD. Cox regression, Poisson regression, and general linear regression were used to analyze mortality, health-care utilization, and costs respectively. RESULTS: We identified 77,205 patients who started HD during 2003-2013. Compared with the patients undergoing VA surgery >180 days before HD initiation, those undergoing VA surgery ≤30 days before HD initiation had the highest mortality-15.92 deaths per 100-person-years, crude hazard ratio (HR) 1.56, and adjusted HR 1.28, the highest hospital admissions rates- 2.72 admission per person-year, crude rate ratio (RR) 1.48 and adjusted RR 1.32, and thus the highest health-care costs- US$31,390 per person-year, 7% increase of costs and 6% increase with adjustment within the 2-year follow-up after HD initiation. CONCLUSIONS: Late VA creation for HD can increase all-cause mortality, hospitalization, and health-care costs within 2 years after HD initiation. Early preparation of VA has the potential to reduce post-HD mortality and healthcare expenses for the ESKD patients.

Integrated analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome provides insights into anthocyanin biosynthesis of cashew apple.

The cashew apple remains an underutilized agricultural product despite its abundance as a by-product of cashew nut production. Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments responsible for red, purple, and blue hues in plant tissues and have various health-promoting properties. To investigate the anthocyanin biosynthesis in cashew apples, fruits with varying peel colors from three cultivars were subjected to integrative analyses with metabolomics and transcriptomics. Through a UPLC-ESI-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics analysis, a total of 26 distinct anthocyanin compounds were identified in the fruits of the three cashew cultivars. Subsequent quantification revealed that Pelargonidin-3-O-galactoside, Petunidin-3-O-arabinoside, and Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside were the primary contributors responsible for the red pigmentation in cashew apple peels. Following transcriptomic analysis showed that the expression levels of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes were predominantly higher in the red cashew apples as compared to the other two cultivars. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed that eight potential transcription factors implicated in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Among these, four transcription factors exhibited positive correlations with both anthocyanin contents and anthocyanin biosynthetic gene expression, while the remaining four transcription factors displayed negative correlations. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of anthocyanin biosynthesis in cashew apple peels.

The Relationship Between Theta Power, Theta Asymmetry and the Effect of Escitalopram in the Treatment of Depression.

Objective: Only about one-third of depressed patients respond to initial antidepressant treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to find effective predictors of antidepressants. The purpose of our study was to learn the relationship between EEG theta power, theta asymmetry, and the efficacy of escitalopram. Methods: The study included 34 patients with depression. Before and after each patient's course of treatment, EEG data was gathered. Both the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) were evaluated simultaneously. The natural logarithm of right frontal theta power minus left frontal theta power was used to calculate inter-electrode theta asymmetry (AT). Results: First, our study found no statistically significant difference between intra-electrode theta power and inter-electrode AT before and after treatment (P ≥ 0.05). When we later looked at the data regarding treatment effects, the findings revealed that patients (n = 9) who did not respond to treatment had lower baseline theta power at C4 [6.190 (2.000, 12.990) vs 15.800 (7.255, 22.330), z = -2.166, P = 0.030]. The two groups had no difference in other electrodes (P ≥ 0.05). The AT of C3/C4 in non-responders (n = 9) was lower [0.012 (0.795) vs 0.733 (0.539), t = -3.224, P = 0.005]. However, there was no difference in inter-electrode AT between the two groups in F3/F4 and F7/F8 (P ≥ 0.05). We finally show that the theta power at C4 was negatively correlated with HAMD scores before treatment (r = -0.346, P = 0.045). Conclusion: Our findings determined that increased theta power and positive asymmetry in the right frontal-central area correlate with favourable escitalopram treatment, providing a basis for finding predictive markers for antidepressants.

An ultra-thin and highly efficient electromagnetic interference shielding composite paper with hydrophobic and antibacterial properties.

Facing the increasing electromagnetic interference (EMI) pollution in the living environment, it is a new trend to explore an efficient EMI shielding material with facile fabrication and a wide range of application scenarios. A hydrophobic composite paper composed of silver nanowires (AgNWs) and kapok microfibers cellulose (MFC) was modified by methyl trimethoxy silane (MTMS) through a simple method. As a result, the composite paper has a good EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 61.7 dB with electrical conductivity of 695.41 S/cm. The modification of MTMS improved the thermal stability performance of composite paper, which also increased its water contact angle to 113°. The free silver ions (Ag+) released from AgNWs can kill surrounding microbial bacteria, endowing the composite paper with good antibacterial property. Water resistance and antibacterial property enable MTMS/AgNWs/MFC composite paper to cope with complex application environments.

Keystroke Biometrics as a Tool for the Early Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment of Parkinson's Disease.

(1) Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Early diagnosis and reliable clinical assessments are essential for appropriate therapy and improving patients' quality of life. Keystroke biometrics, which capture unique typing behavior, have shown potential for early PD diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate keystroke biometric parameters from two datasets to identify indicators that can effectively distinguish de novo PD patients from healthy controls. (2) Methods: Data from natural typing tasks in Physionet were analyzed to estimate keystroke biometric parameters. The parameters investigated included alternating-finger tapping (afTap) and standard deviations of interkey latencies (ILSD) and release latencies (RLSD). Sensitivity rates were calculated to assess the discriminatory ability of these parameters. (3) Results: Significant differences were observed in three parameters, namely afTap, ILSD, and RLSD, between de novo PD patients and healthy controls. The sensitivity rates were high, with values of 83%, 88%, and 96% for afTap, ILSD, and RLSD, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed a significantly negative correlation between typing speed and number of words typed with the standard motor assessment for PD, UPDRS-III, in patients with early PD. (4) Conclusions: Simple algorithms utilizing keystroke biometric parameters can serve as effective screening tests in distinguishing de novo PD patients from healthy controls. Moreover, typing speed and number of words typed were identified as reliable tools for assessing clinical statuses in PD patients. These findings underscore the potential of keystroke biometrics for early PD diagnosis and clinical severity assessment.

Association of Chronic Kidney Disease with Cardiovascular Disease in Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the cardiotoxicity of cancer treatment and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, cancer patients are at higher risk of developing CVD. However, limited research exists on the correlation between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CVD risk in cancer patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study selected cancer patients aged ≥20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 2015 to 2020. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between CKD and CVD in cancer patients. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the association among different groups of cancer patients. RESULTS: We included 1,700 adult cancer patients (52.53% were females). After multivariable adjustment for covariates including traditional CVD factors, CKD was significantly associated with CVD, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) and p value of 1.61 (1.18, 2.19) and 0.004. Subgroup analyses after multivariable adjustment showed a significant correlation between CKD and increased CVD risk in the following cancer patients: age ≥60 years, males, white ethnicity, and individuals with or without traditional CVD factors (obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension). CONCLUSIONS: CKD remains a significant factor in the higher risk of CVD among adult cancer patients in the United States, even after adjustment for traditional CVD risk factors. Therefore, to reduce the risk of CVD in cancer patients, it is important to treat CKD as a non-traditional risk factor for CVD and actively manage it.

A Novel Effector, FSE1, Regulates the Pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 to Banana by Targeting the MYB Transcription Factor MaEFM-Like.

Phytopathogenic fungi secretes a range of effectors to manipulate plant defenses. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4) is a soil-borne pathogen that causes destructive banana wilt disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind Foc TR4 effectors and their regulation of pathogenicity is helpful for developing disease control strategies. In the present study, we identified a novel effector, Fusarium special effector 1 (FSE1), in Foc TR4. We constructed FSE1 knock-out and overexpression mutants and investigated the functions of this effector. In vitro assays revealed that FSE1 was not required for vegetative growth and conidiation of Foc TR4. However, inoculation analysis of banana plantlets demonstrated that knock-out of FSE1 increased the disease index, while overexpression of FSE1 decreased it. Microscope analysis suggested that FSE1 was distributed in the cytoplasm and nuclei of plant cells. Furthermore, we identified an MYB transcription factor, MaEFM-like, as the target of FSE1, and the two proteins physically interacted in the nuclei of plant cells. In addition, Transient expression of MaEFM-like induced cell death in tobacco leaves. Our findings suggest that FSE1 is involved in the pathogenicity of Foc TR4 by targeting MaEFM-like.

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Cg2LysM contributed to virulence toward rubber tree through affecting invasive structure and inhibiting chitin-triggered plant immunity.

Fungal chitin, as a typical microorganism-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), was recognized by plant LysM-containing protein to induce immunity called pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). To successfully infect host plant, fungal pathogens secreted LysM-containing effectors to inhibit chitin-induced plant immunity. Filamentous fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides caused rubber tree anthracnose which resulted in serious loss of natural rubber production worldwide. However, little is known about the pathogenesis mediated by LysM effector of C. gloeosporioide. In this study, we identified a two LysM-containing effector in C. gloeosporioide and named as Cg2LysM. Cg2LysM was involved not only in conidiation, appressorium formation, invasion growth and the virulence to rubber tree, but also in melanin synthesis of C. gloeosporioides. Moreover, Cg2LysM showed chitin-binding activity and suppression of chitin-triggered immunity of rubber tree such as ROS production and the expression of defense relative genes HbPR1, HbPR5, HbNPR1 and HbPAD4. This work suggested that Cg2LysM effector facilitate infection of C. gloeosporioides to rubber tree through affecting invasive structure and inhibiting chitin-triggered plant immunity.

Cellulose nanocrystals-based bio-composite optical materials for reversible colorimetric responsive films and coatings.

Photonic materials with a tunable chiral nematic structure that can selectively reflect light dynamically are valuable for applications in smart responsive materials. Here, we prepared potential photonic composites with a chiral nematic structure by forming cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and waterborne polyurethane (WPU) composites with different compositions on different substrates by evaporation-induced self-assembly. With increasing WPU content, the reflected wavelength increased from 400 to 680 nm, which was mainly caused by the increase of the chiral nematic pitch. In addition, the mechanical properties were better for higher WPU content. WPU was sensitive to small amounts of moisture in ethanol owing to the swollen WPU after absorbing water will increase the helical pitch. The reversible red shift induced by moisture was approximately 100 nm. When wood was used as the substrate, the CNCs still self-assembled to form chiral nematic structures and the adhesion forces of the composites to the wood substrate were strong. By using MgCl2 solution as an ink, invisible patterns can be written on the coating, which can be revealed temporarily by ethanol. In addition, the invisible pattern of photonic coating is rewritable. The easily prepared environmentally friendly photonic composite has great potential in sensors, anti-counterfeiting labels and smart decorative coatings.

A comparison of clinical characteristics of psychiatric inpatients in three hospitals from Western China and America.

BACKGROUND: Different countries have differences in social and cultural context and health system, which may affect the clinical characteristics of psychiatric inpatients. This study was the first to compare cross-cultural differences in the clinical characteristics of psychiatric inpatients in three hospitals from Western China and America. METHODS: Overall, 905 and 1318 patients from three hospitals, one in America and two in Western China, respectively, were included. We used a standardised protocol and data collection procedure to record inpatients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between hospitals from the two countries. Positive symptoms were the main reason for admission in the Chinese hospitals, while reported suicide and self-injury symptoms more frequently led to hospital admission in America. Moreover, there were more inpatients with combined substance abuse in the American hospital (97.6% vs. 1.9%, P < 0.001). The length of stay (LOS) in America was generally shorter than in China (10.5 ± 11.9 vs. 20.7 ± 13.4, P < 0.001). The dosage of antipsychotic drugs used in the American hospital was higher than in China (275.1 ± 306.9 mg vs. 238.3 ± 212.5 mg, P = 0.002). Regression analysis showed that male sex, older age, retirees, being admitted because of physical symptoms, and using higher doses of antipsychotic drugs were significantly associated with longer hospitalisation in the American hospital (P < 0.05). Comparatively, patients who were divorced, experiencing suicidal ideation, admitted involuntarily, admitted because of physical, depression, or anxiety symptoms, and using higher doses of antipsychotic drugs had longer hospitalisation in Chinese hospitals (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant variations in clinical characteristics of inpatients were found between hospitals from Western China and America. The LOS in Chinese hospitals was significantly longer, but patients used higher doses of antipsychotic drugs in the American hospital. Admission due to physical symptoms and the use of higher dosage drugs were related to longer LOS in both countries.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting of post-irradiation stenosis of the vertebral artery.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) in patients with medically refractory post-irradiation stenosis of the vertebral artery (PISVA) have not been clarified. AIM: This retrospective study evaluated the safety and outcomes of PTAS in patients with severe PISVA compared with their radiation-naïve counterparts (non-RT group). METHODS: Patients with medically refractory severe symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis and undergoing PTAS between 2000 and 2021 were classified as the PISVA group or the non-RT group. The periprocedural neurological complications, periprocedural brain magnetic resonance imaging, the extent of symptom relief, and long-term stent patency were compared. RESULTS: As compared with the non-RT group (22 cases, 24 lesions), the PISVA group (10 cases, 10 lesions) was younger (62.0 ± 8.6 vs 72.4 ± 9.7 years, P = 0.006) and less frequently had hypertension (40.0% vs 86.4%, P = 0.013) and diabetes mellitus (10.0% vs 54.6%, P = 0.024). Periprocedural embolic infarction was not significantly different between the non-RT group and the PISVA group (37.5% vs 35.7%, P = 1.000). At a mean follow-up of 72.1 ± 58.7 (3-244) months, there was no significant between-group differences in the symptom recurrence rate (0.00% vs 4.55%, P = 1.000) and in-stent restenosis rate (10.0% vs 12.5%, P = 1.000). CONCLUSION: PTAS of severe medically refractory PISVA is effective in the management of vertebrobasilar ischemic symptoms in head and neck cancer patients. Technical safety and outcome of the procedure were like those features in radiation-naïve patients.

Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses provide insights into metabolic networks during cashew fruit development and ripening.

Cashew nut is a popular food around the world. The high-resolution profiles and dynamics of metabolomes in cashew fruits are poorly understood till now. In this study, we analyzed the temporal metabolome of cashew nut via a non-targeted method based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS, and analyzed that of cashew apple via a widely targeted method based on UHPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS (MRM). Furthermore, we performed integrative analyses of temporal metabolome and transcriptome data, characterized the accumulation of specific metabolites, and identified the transcriptional changes during cashew fruit development. Specifically, we found that phosphatidylinositol species were the predominant fractions in the unsaturated glycerophospholipids, and we identified a transcription factor that was the potential regulator of phosphatidylinositol biosynthesis. Analysis of cashew apple revealed metabolic genes and transcription factors involved in sugar biosynthesis. Taken together, our results provide insights into metabolic networks during cashew fruit development and generate a valuable resource for further cashew breeding studies.

Long-Term Risks of Stroke in Patients With Type A Aortic Dissection: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Background Patients with type A aortic dissection (TAAD) have a high short-term risk of stroke. However, whether patients with TAAD have an increased long-term risk of stroke is still undetermined, and our study aims to address this knowledge gap. Methods and Results A nationwide retrospective cohort study was conducted using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. We included patients with TAAD as well as age- and sex-matched aortic disease-free individuals between 2003 and 2016. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was performed to balance patient characteristics between the groups. The primary outcome was the development of stroke, regardless of subtype; the secondary outcomes were the risk of developing either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. The hazard ratios (HRs) of stroke were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. After inverse probability of treatment weighting, 3556 and 7023 patients were categorized into the TAAD and aortic disease-free cohorts, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 5.71 years. The HRs for overall, ischemic, and hemorrhagic strokes in the TAAD cohort were 3.01 (95% CI, 2.40-3.78), 3.18 (95% CI, 2.47-4.10), and 2.32 (95% CI, 1.58-3.41), respectively, compared with the aortic disease-free cohort. Consistent trends of higher stroke risk in patients with TAAD were revealed in the analyses stratified by age; sex; antiplatelet use; and history of hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Conclusions Our study findings revealed that patients with TAAD had an increased long-term risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Further studies are warranted to establish optimal strategies for stroke prevention in these patients.

Simultaneous detection of antibody responses to multiple SARS-CoV-2 antigens by a Western blot serological assay.

The nucleic acid test is still the standard assessment for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by human infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In addition to supporting the confirmation of disease cases, serological assays are used for the analysis of antibody status and epidemiological surveys. In this study, a single Western blot strip (WBS) coated with multiple Escherichia coli (E. coli)-expressed SARS-CoV-2 antigens was developed for comprehensive studies of antibody profiles in COVID-19 patient sera. The levels of specific antibodies directed to SARS-CoV-2 spike (S), S2, and nucleocapsid (N) proteins were gradually increased with the same tendency as the disease progressed after hospitalization. The signal readouts of S, S2, and N revealed by the multi-antigen-coated WBS (mWBS)-based serological assay (mWBS assay) also demonstrated a positive correlation with the SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing potency of the sera measured by the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) assays. Surprisingly, the detection signals against the unstructured receptor-binding domain (RBD) purified from E. coli inclusion bodies were not observed, although the COVID-19 patient sera exhibited strong neutralizing potency in the PRNT assays, suggesting that the RBD-specific antibodies in patient sera mostly recognize the conformational epitopes. Furthermore, the mWBS assay identified a unique and major antigenic epitope at the residues 1148, 1149, 1152, 1155, and 1156 located within the 1127-1167 fragment of the S2 subunit, which was specifically recognized by the COVID-19 patient serum. The mWBS assay can be finished within 14-16 min by using the automatic platform of Western blotting by thin-film direct coating with suction (TDCS WB). Collectively, the mWBS assay can be applied for the analysis of antibody responses, prediction of the protective antibody status, and identification of the specific epitope. KEY POINTS: • A Western blot strip (WBS) coated with multiple SARS-CoV-2 antigens was developed for the serological assay. • The multi-antigen-coated WBS (mWBS) can be utilized for the simultaneous detection of antibody responses to multiple SARS-CoV-2 antigens. • The mWBS-based serological assay (mWBS assay) identified a unique epitope recognized by the COVID-19 patient serum.

Synergistic effects of multiword sequences structure, function, frequency and association on raters' evaluations of essay quality.

Despite accumulated research findings confirming the link of multiword sequences (MWSs) structures and functions to essay quality, as well as the connection between MWSs statistical features (e.g., their frequency and association strengths in BNC/COCA) and writing quality, to date no study integrated these two separate lines of investigations. It remains to investigate whether and how MWSs structures, functions and their statistical features jointly affect writing quality. Drawing on 900 rated argumentative essays composed by Chinese grade 12 students in National Matriculation Test, the present study employed CollGram to automatically identify the nativelike 4-word sequences in these essays and to analyze their frequency and Mutual Information (MI) scores in COCA. The structures and functions of frequent nativelike 4-word sequences were also analyzed manually. A serial of linear mixed-effect models was constructed to investigate their main effects as well as interaction effects on essay scores. The best fit model revealed the links of higher essay scores to higher MI scores, to more noun-phrase sequences, to more stance sequences, as well as to fewer referential sequences. Additionally, the interaction of prepositional phrase sequences and their frequency in COCA affected essay scores, so did the interaction of verb phrase sequences and their MI in COCA, as well as the interaction of noun phrase sequences and their MI in COCA. The findings provide new insights into the complex interaction between MWSs structures, functions and their statistical features, as well as their joint effects on writing quality.

Oxygen Vacancies in Bismuth Tantalum Oxide to Anchor Polysulfide and Accelerate the Sulfur Evolution Reaction in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

The shuttling effect of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and the sluggish conversion kinetics of polysulfides into insoluble Li2S2/Li2S severely hinders the practical application of Li-S batteries. Advanced catalysts can capture and accelerate the liquid-solid conversion of polysulfides. Herein, we try to make use of bismuth tantalum oxide with oxygen vacancies as an electrocatalyst to catalyze the conversion of LiPSs by reducing the sulfur reduction reaction (SRR) nucleation energy barrier. Oxygen vacancies in Bi4TaO7 nanoparticles alter the electron band structure to improve instinct electronic conductivity and catalytic activity. In addition, the defective surface could provide unsaturated bonds around the vacancies to enhance the chemisorption capability with LiPSs. Hence, a multidimensional carbon (super P/CNT/Graphene) standing sulfur cathode is prepared by coating oxygen vacancies Bi4TaO7-x nanoparticles, in which the multidimensional carbon (MC) with micropores structure can host sulfur and provide a fast electron/ion pathway, while the outer-coated oxygen vacancies with Bi4TaO7-x with improved electronic conductivity and strong affinities for polysulfides can work as an adsorptive and conductive protective layer to achieve the physical restriction and chemical immobilization of lithium polysulfides as well as speed up their catalytic conversion. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of different components, the S/C@Bi3TaO7-x coin cell cathode shows superior cycling and rate performance. Even under a high level of sulfur loading of 9.6 mg cm-2, a relatively high initial areal capacity of 10.20 mAh cm-2 and a specific energy density of 300 Wh kg-1 are achieved with a low electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 3.3 µL mg-1. Combined with experimental results and theoretical calculations, the mechanism by which the Bi4TaO7 with oxygen vacancies promotes the kinetics of polysulfide conversion reactions has been revealed. The design of the multiple confined cathode structure provides physical and chemical adsorption, fast charge transfer, and catalytic conversion for polysulfides.