Engineering ratchet-based particle separation via extended shortcuts to isothermality.

Microscopic particle separation plays a vital role in various scientific and industrial domains. Conventional separation methods relying on external forces or physical barriers inherently exhibit limitations in terms of efficiency, selectivity, and adaptability across diverse particle types. To overcome these limitations, researchers are constantly exploring new separation approaches, among which ratchet-based separation is a noteworthy method. However, in contrast to the extensive numerical studies and experimental investigations on ratchet separation, its theoretical exploration appears weak, particularly lacking in the analysis of energy consumption involved in the separation processes. The latter is of significant importance for achieving energetically efficient separation. In this paper, we propose a nonequilibrium thermodynamic approach, extending the concept of shortcuts to isothermality, to realize controllable separation of overdamped Brownian particles with low energy cost. By utilizing a designed ratchet potential with temporal period τ, we find in the slow-driving regime that the average particle velocity v[over ¯]_{s}∝(1-D/D^{*})τ^{-1}, indicating that particles with different diffusion coefficients D can be guided to move in distinct directions with a preset D^{*}. It is revealed that an inevitable portion of the energy cost in separation depends on the driving dynamics of the ratchet, with an achievable lower bound W_{ex}^{(min)}∝L^{2}|v[over ¯]_{s}|. Here, L is the thermodynamic length of the driving loop in the parametric space. With a sawtooth potential, we numerically test the theoretical findings and illustrate the optimal separation protocol associated with W_{ex}^{(min)}. Finally, for practical considerations, we compare our approach with the conventional ratchets in terms of separation velocity and energy consumption. The scalability of the current framework for separating various particles in two-dimensional space is also demonstrated. This paper bridges the gap between thermodynamic process control and particle separation, paving the way for further thermodynamic optimization in ratchet-based particle separation.

Tunable unconventional kagome superconductivity in charge ordered RbV3Sb5 and KV3Sb5.

Unconventional superconductors often feature competing orders, small superfluid density, and nodal electronic pairing. While unusual superconductivity has been proposed in the kagome metals AV3Sb5, key spectroscopic evidence has remained elusive. Here we utilize pressure-tuned and ultra-low temperature muon spin spectroscopy to uncover the unconventional nature of superconductivity in RbV3Sb5 and KV3Sb5. At ambient pressure, we observed time-reversal symmetry breaking charge order below [Formula: see text] 110 K in RbV3Sb5 with an additional transition at [Formula: see text] 50 K. Remarkably, the superconducting state displays a nodal energy gap and a reduced superfluid density, which can be attributed to the competition with the charge order. Upon applying pressure, the charge-order transitions are suppressed, the superfluid density increases, and the superconducting state progressively evolves from nodal to nodeless. Once optimal superconductivity is achieved, we find a superconducting pairing state that is not only fully gapped, but also spontaneously breaks time-reversal symmetry. Our results point to unprecedented tunable nodal kagome superconductivity competing with time-reversal symmetry-breaking charge order and offer unique insights into the nature of the pairing state.

Discovery of conjoined charge density waves in the kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5.

The electronic instabilities in CsV3Sb5 are believed to originate from the V 3d-electrons on the kagome plane, however the role of Sb 5p-electrons for 3-dimensional orders is largely unexplored. Here, using resonant tender X-ray scattering and high-pressure X-ray scattering, we report a rare realization of conjoined charge density waves (CDWs) in CsV3Sb5, where a 2 × 2 × 1 CDW in the kagome sublattice and a Sb 5p-electron assisted 2 × 2 × 2 CDW coexist. At ambient pressure, we discover a resonant enhancement on Sb L1-edge (2s→5p) at the 2 × 2 × 2 CDW wavevectors. The resonance, however, is absent at the 2 × 2 × 1 CDW wavevectors. Applying hydrostatic pressure, CDW transition temperatures are separated, where the 2 × 2 × 2 CDW emerges 4 K above the 2 × 2 × 1 CDW at 1 GPa. These observations demonstrate that symmetry-breaking phases in CsV3Sb5 go beyond the minimal framework of kagome electronic bands near van Hove filling.

Clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of long non-coding RNA myocardial infarction-associated transcript in multiple cancers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the meta-analysis was to explore the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) in various cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched multiple databases, including PubMed, China National Knowledge 53 Infrastructure (CNKI), Springer, Web of Science, and Cochrane, for articles on the prognostic value of lncRNA MIAT in various cancers before 25 March 2021. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were adopted to evaluate the clinicopathological features and outcomes of cancers. The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset was used to identify the differential expression and prognostic significance of lncRNA MIAT. RESULTS: We enrolled 14 publications, including 1,573 cancer patients. Higher lncRNA MIAT expression was significantly related to worse overall survival (OR=3.13, 95% CI: 2.47-3.96, p<0.05), regardless of cancer types, sample size, and follow-up time of the included studies. Additionally, higher lncRNA MIAT expression was associated with larger tumour sizes (OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.24-2.26, p<0.05), advanced clinical stage (OR=4.79, 95% CI: 3.38-6.79, p<0.05), lymph nodes metastasis (OR=7.33, 95% CI: 4.61-11.67, p<0.05), and distant metastasis (OR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.88-3.66, p<0.05), but not associated with age and gender. We found no publication bias, and sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were reliable. CONCLUSIONS: Higher lncRNA MIAT expression may predict larger tumour sizes, advanced clinical stage, metastasis of cancers, and lower overall survival rate. LncRNA MIAT may serve as a useful clinicopathological and prognostic biomarker for cancers.

Identification and analysis of HD-Zip genes involved in the leaf development of Liriodendron chinense using multidimensional analysis.

Homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play important roles in different biological processes, especially leaf development. However, no studies to date have identified the HD-Zip genes in Liriodendron chinense nor characterized their functions. We identified the HD-Zip genes in L. chinense by analysing the phylogeny, chromosome location, structure, conserved motif, cis-regulatory elements, synteny, post-transcriptional regulation and expression patterns of these genes during leaf development. A total of 36 LcHD-Zip genes were identified and divided into four subfamilies (HD-Zip I to IV). Synteny analysis revealed that segmental duplication was the main force driving the expansion of LcHD-Zip genes. These 36 LcHD-Zip genes exhibited 11 different expression patterns. Pattern 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 genes may play important roles in leaf development, such as leaf initiation, leaf polarity establishment, leaf shape development, phytohormone-mediated leaf growth and leaf epidermal structure formation. Four HD-Zip III genes were targeted by microRNAs (miRNAs), and the miR165/166a-HD-Zip regulatory module formed regulated leaf initiation and leaf polarity establishment. Overall, LcHD-Zip genes play key roles in leaf development of L. chinense. This work provides a foundation for the functional verification of HD-Zip genes identified in this study.

Low-dissipation engines: Microscopic construction via shortcuts to adiabaticity and isothermality, the optimal relation between power and efficiency.

We construct a microscopic model of low-dissipation engines by driving a Brownian particle in a time-dependent harmonic potential. Shortcuts to adiabaticity and shortcuts to isothermality are introduced to realize the adiabatic and isothermal branches in a thermodynamic cycle, respectively. We derive an analytical formula of the efficiency at maximum power with explicit expressions of dissipation coefficients under the optimized protocols. When the relative temperature difference between the two baths in the cycle is insignificant, this expression satisfies the universal law of efficiency at maximum power up to the quadratic term of the Carnot efficiency. For large relative temperature differences, the efficiency at maximum power tends to be 1/2. Furthermore, we analyze the issue of power at any given efficiency for general low-dissipation engines and then obtain the supremum of the power in three limiting cases, respectively. These expressions of maximum power at given efficiency provide the optimal relations between power and efficiency which are tighter than the results in previous references.

Suprafascial plane endoscopy versus open carpal tunnel release for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome: Use of the Accordion Severity Grading System.

This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of modified endoscopic technique with a single portal from an external carpal tunnel approach for surgical operations in a suprafascial plane superficial to the transverse carpal ligament. Reversible nerve injury risk is threefold greater with a conventional endoscopic method than with open carpal tunnel release (OCTR), and this suprafascial plane endoscopic release (SPER) should circumvent the problem of hardware in the carpal tunnel encountered with the conventional endoscopic method and liable to cause iatrogenic damage to the median nerve. However, the surgical consequences of the new technique have not been studied. To fill this gap, a retrospective therapeutic study was conducted to compare negative outcomes versus open surgery. The Accordion Severity Grading System was used to grade complications from 0 to 3 according to necessity of treatment. Sequela and failure rates were also compared between the SPER and OCTR groups. Eighty-eight cases in 72 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (ICTS) met the inclusion criteria. SPER was performed in 28 hands in 27 patients, and OCTR in 60 hands in 49 patients. The results showed no significant difference in complication, sequela, or failure rates between groups (p > 0.05). Suprafascial plane endoscopic release, has certain advantages over the open method and was validated as a safe and effective method of treating ICTS.

Double Superconducting Dome and Triple Enhancement of T_{c} in the Kagome Superconductor CsV_{3}Sb_{5} under High Pressure.

CsV_{3}Sb_{5} is a newly discovered Z_{2} topological kagome metal showing the coexistence of a charge-density-wave (CDW)-like order at T^{*}=94 K and superconductivity (SC) at T_{c}=2.5 K at ambient pressure. Here, we study the interplay between CDW and SC in CsV_{3}Sb_{5} via measurements of resistivity, dc and ac magnetic susceptibility under various pressures up to 6.6 GPa. We find that the CDW transition decreases with pressure and experience a subtle modification at P_{c1}≈0.6-0.9 GPa before it vanishes completely at P_{c2}≈2 GPa. Correspondingly, T_{c}(P) displays an unusual M-shaped double dome with two maxima around P_{c1} and P_{c2}, respectively, leading to a tripled enhancement of T_{c} to about 8 K at 2 GPa. The obtained temperature-pressure phase diagram resembles those of unconventional superconductors, illustrating an intimated competition between CDW-like order and SC. The competition is found to be particularly strong for the intermediate pressure range P_{c1}≤P≤P_{c2} as evidenced by the broad superconducting transition and reduced superconducting volume fraction. The modification of CDW order around P_{c1} has been discussed based on the band structure calculations. This work not only demonstrates the potential to raise T_{c} of the V-based kagome superconductors, but also offers more insights into the rich physics related to the electron correlations in this novel family of topological kagome metals.

Equilibrium free-energy differences from a linear nonequilibrium equality.

Extracting equilibrium information from nonequilibrium measurements is a challenge task of great importance in understanding the thermodynamic properties of physical, chemical, and biological systems. The discovery of the Jarzynski equality illumines the way to estimate the equilibrium free-energy difference from the work performed in nonequilibrium driving processes. However, the nonlinear (exponential) relation causes the poor convergence of the Jarzynski equality. Here, we propose a concise method to estimate the free-energy difference through a linear nonequilibrium equality which inherently converges faster than nonlinear nonequilibrium equalities. This linear nonequilibrium equality relies on an accelerated isothermal process which is realized by using a unified variational approach, named variational shortcuts to isothermality. We apply our method to an underdamped Brownian particle moving in a double-well potential. The simulations confirm that the method can be used to accurately estimate the free-energy difference with high efficiency. Especially during fast driving processes with high dissipation, the method can improve the accuracy by more than an order of magnitude compared with the estimator based on the nonlinear nonequilibrium equality.

[Research advances on the effects and mechanism of curcumin in promoting diabetic wound healing].

Diabetic wound is a common complication of diabetes, and the effect of current treatment is still poor. Curcumin has many pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and improving insulin resistance. In this paper, the research advances on the effects and mechanism of curcumin in promoting diabetic wound healing were mainly reviewed.

[Re-examination of malaria diagnosis in Hubei Provincial Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory from 2017 to 2019].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the re-examination results of malaria cases captured from the National Notifiable Communicable Disease Reporting System in Hubei Provincial Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory from 2017 to 2019, so as to pro- vide the scientific evidence for improving the malaria control capability in the province. METHODS: Microscopy and nested PCR assay were performed to re-examine the diagnosis of malaria cases registered in the National Notifiable Communicable Disease Reporting System in Hubei Provincial Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory from 2017 to 2019, and the coincidences of ma- laria diagnosis and malaria parasite species were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 410 malaria cases were reported in Hubei Province from 2017 to 2019 according to the data retrieved from the National Notifiable Communicable Disease Reporting System. Among the 407 samples re-examined by Hubei Provincial Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory from 2017 to 2019, the diag- nosis 374 malaria cases were confirmed, with an overall coincidence of 91.89% (374/407) for malaria diagnosis and 89.04% (333/374) for parasite species identification. The coincidence rates of malaria diagnosis and parasite species identification were 50.00% to 100.00% and 66.67% to 100.00% in 16 cities (prefectures) of Hubei Province during the re-examinations, which both varied in regions (χ2 = 40.46 and 42.30, both P values < 0.01). The coincidence rates of Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae and P. ovale identification were 95.80%, 100.00%, 58.33% and 51.92% during the re-examinations, respectively (χ2 = 76.66, P < 0.01). The consistency rate between microscopic and nested PCR results was 89.83% (362/403). CONCLUSIONS: The overall diagnostic quality of malaria is high in medical institutions at all levels in Hubei Province; however, the diagnostic capability of malaria remains to be improved in some regions.

[Analysis on transmission chain of a cluster epidemic of COVID-19, Nanchang].

Objective: Based on an investigation of an outbreak of COVID-19 in Nanchang, to understand the transmission process, analyze the infectivity of the cases in incubation period and asymptomatic carrier, and evaluate the transmission risks in different exposures. Methods: Case investigation was based on the traditional epidemiological survey, combined with analysis based on big data about population movement trajectories. Transmission chain was identified to indicate transmission relationship. Results: A total of 27 cases were found in this cluster epidemic, including 25 confirmed cases, 1 suspected case (index case) and 1 asymptomatic carrier. A total of 347 close contacts were found. The secondary attack rate was 7.2% (25/347). The infection rates in close contacts of the first, second, third and fourth generation cases were 52.6% (10/19), 6.1% (13/213), 2.3% (2/88) and 0.0% (0/27), respectively. Asymptomatic carrier caused household transmission. The infection rates in close contacts after having meals, sharing rooms/beds, having work contacts, having neighbor contacts, having same time medical services or sharing wards and sharing vehicles with the patients were 10.6%(17/160), 10.0%(20/201), 5.3%(5/94), 0.0%(0/30), 0.0%(0/18) and 0.0%(0/17), respectively. Conclusions: The infection source of this cluster epidemic was a suspected case from Wuhan. Analysis based on big data about population movement trajectories can help to search the cases and close contacts accurately. The proposed epidemic prevention and control measures based on this investigation were effective.

Stochastic thermodynamics with odd controlling parameters.

Stochastic thermodynamics extends the notions and relations of classical thermodynamics to small systems that experience strong fluctuations. The definitions of work and heat and the microscopically reversible condition are two key concepts in the current framework of stochastic thermodynamics. Herein, we apply stochastic thermodynamics to small systems with odd controlling parameters and find that the definition of heat and the microscopically reversible condition are incompatible. Such a contradiction also leads to a revision to the fluctuation theorems and nonequilibrium work relations. By introducing adjoint dynamics, we find that the total entropy production can be separated into three parts, with two of them satisfying the integral fluctuation theorem. Revising the definitions of work and heat and the microscopically reversible condition allows us to derive two sets of modified nonequilibrium work relations, including the Jarzynski equality, the detailed Crooks work relation, and the integral Crooks work relation. We consider the strategy of shortcuts to isothermality as an example and give a more sophisticated explanation for the Jarzynski-like equality derived from shortcuts to isothermality.

Correlation of MiR-152 expression with VEGF expression in placental tissue of preeclampsia rat and its influence on apoptosis of trophoblast cells.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-152 in the placental tissues of preeclampsia (PE) rats and its correlation with the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and to investigate the influence of miR-152 on the apoptosis of trophoblast cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model of PE was established, the total RNA and total protein in the placental tissues were extracted, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to determine the expression level of miR-152 in the placental tissues. The rats were divided into miR-152 high expression group (High group) and miR-152 low expression group (Low group) according to the expression level of miR-152. RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting assay were performed to detect the expressions of VEGF messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein, respectively, in the placental tissues of the two groups of rats. Meanwhile, the BeWo trophoblast cell lines were used in in-vitro experiment, which were divided into Control group and miR-152 mimic group. 10 µL miR-152 mimic were added into each well plate in miR-152 mimic group, and 24 h later, TUNEL staining and flow cytometry were utilized to assess the cell apoptosis in both groups. At the same time, the expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in the two groups of cells were measured using Western blotting assay. RESULTS: The expression level of miR-152 in the placentas of PE rats was increased markedly compared with that of normal rats. The expression levels of VEGF mRNA and protein in the rat placenta in High group were notably higher than those in Low group. In vitro experiment results indicated that miR-152 mimic could promote the apoptosis of BeWo trophoblast cells, up-regulate the pro-apoptotic gene Bax and inhibit the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of miR-152 is increased in the placental tissues of PE rats, and it is positively correlated with VEGF. In addition, the increased miR-152 expression can promote the apoptosis of trophoblast cells.

Proteomics and microscopy tools for the study of antimicrobial resistance and germination mechanisms of bacterial spores.

Bacterial spores are ubiquitous in nature and can withstand both chemical and physical stresses. Spores can survive food preservation processes and upon outgrowth cause food spoilage as well as safety risks. The heterogeneous germination and outgrowth behavior of isogenic spore populations exacerbates this risk. A major unknown factor of spores is likely to be the inherently heterogeneous spore protein composition. The proteomics methods discussed here help in broadening the knowledge about spore structure and identification of putative target proteins from spores of different spore formers. Approaches to synchronize Bacillus subtilis spore formation, and to analyze spore proteins as well as the physiology of spore germination and outgrowth are also discussed. Live-imaging and fluorescence microscopy techniques discussed here allow analysis, at single cell level, of the 'germinosome', the process of spore germination itself, spore outgrowth and the spore intracellular pH dynamics. For the latter, a recently published improved pHluorin (IpHluorin) under control of the ptsG promoter is applicable. While the data obtained from such tools offers novel insight in the mechanisms of bacterial spore awakening, it may also be used to probe candidate antimicrobial compounds for inhibitory effects on spore germination and strengthen microbial risk assessment.

[Application of Touch DNA in Investigation Practice].

With the continuous development of DNA extraction and testing technology, the DNA left at a crime scene plays a decisive role in the determination of criminal suspects in criminal investigation. But in the meanwhile, the anti-reconnaissance awareness of suspect is growing, which leads to a decrease of evidence left at scene during and after a crime. Therefore, in the process of evidence collection at scene, the finding and extraction of touch biological evidence, and the DNA detection are more and more important. At present, the proportion of touch evidence at the crime scene increases, which plays an increasingly important role in the detection of cases. However, with the characteristics of minute quantities, small size and secrecy, these touch evidence is difficult to be observed. What's more, various forms of pollution at the scene greatly accelerate the degradation rate of trace material, thus, the test and analysis of such material has become the emphasis and difficulty of the forensic evidence identification. This article reviews different kinds, collection and extraction methods of touch DNA, the factors that affect the detection and the problems may meet in the detection for providing an application prospect to the forensic practice.

Physiological responses to swimming fatigue in juvenile largemouth bronze gudgeon Coreius guichenoti.

Stepped velocity tests were conducted on juvenile largemouth bronze gudgeon Coreius guichenoti in a swim tunnel respirometer, and oxygen consumption increased with swimming speed to fatigue and then decreased during recovery. Serum levels of total protein, glucose and triglycerides initially decreased, increased at fatigue and then decreased during recovery. Levels stabilized after 120 min, corresponding to the time necessary to recover from fatigue.

The regulatory role of dopamine receptor D1 on PP2A via SUMO-1 modification.

OBJECTIVE: Renal dopamine receptor D1 played a critical role in the regulation of body blood pressure. Under hypertension, over-phosphorylation of D1 receptor impaired its function. G protein kinase 4 (GRK4) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) exerted the effect to phosphorylate and de-phosphorylate D1 receptor. A current study revealed that the inhibition of GRK4 cannot normalize the phosphorylation level of D1 receptor. Meanwhile, the PP2A was activated under hypertension, indicating abnormal de-phosphorylation function of D1 receptor, the reason for which remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of SUMO-1 modification on the regulation of dopamine receptor D1 to PP2A. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bioinformatics software predicted SUMO modification site in dopamine receptor D1. Cultured CHO cells were transfected with mutants of renal dopamine receptor D1. Co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot tested the interaction between over-phosphorylated D1 receptor and PP2A. Laser confocal microscopy examined their co-localization. RESULTS: Bioinformatics predicted two SUMO modification sites K265 and K402 in dopamine receptor D1. Co-immunoprecipitation assay revealed weakened interaction between PP2A and phosphorylated D1 receptor, impeding the de-phosphorylation and normal function of D1 receptor. CONCLUSIONS: Two SUMO modification sites existed in dopamine receptor D1, the phosphorylation of which, due to SUMO modification, can interact with PP2A, leading to the inhibition of D1 de-phosphorylation and normal function, thus providing new insights for treatment and prevention of hypertension.

General neck condition for the limit shape of budding vesicles.

The shape equation and linking conditions for a vesicle with two phase domains are derived. We refine the conjecture on the general neck condition for the limit shape of a budding vesicle proposed by Jülicher and Lipowsky [Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 2964 (1993)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.70.2964; Phys. Rev. E 53, 2670 (1996)1063-651X10.1103/PhysRevE.53.2670], and then we use the shape equation and linking conditions to prove that this conjecture holds not only for axisymmetric budding vesicles, but also for asymmetric ones. Our study reveals that the mean curvature at any point on the membrane segments adjacent to the neck satisfies the general neck condition for the limit shape of a budding vesicle when the length scale of the membrane segments is much larger than the characteristic size of the neck but still much smaller than the characteristic size of the vesicle.

Single molecule RNA sequencing uncovers trans-splicing and improves annotations in Anopheles stephensi.

Single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing has recently been used to obtain full-length cDNA sequences that improve genome annotation and reveal RNA isoforms. Here, we used one such method called isoform sequencing from Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) to sequence a cDNA library from the Asian malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi. More than 600 000 full-length cDNAs, referred to as reads of insert, were identified. Owing to the inherently high error rate of PacBio sequencing, we tested different approaches for error correction. We found that error correction using Illumina RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) generated more data than using the default SMRT pipeline. The full-length error-corrected PacBio reads greatly improved the gene annotation of Anopheles stephensi: 4867 gene models were updated and 1785 alternatively spliced isoforms were added to the annotation. In addition, six trans-splicing events, where exons from different primary transcripts were joined together, were identified in An. stephensi. All six trans-splicing events appear to be conserved in Culicidae, as they are also found in Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti. The proteins encoded by trans-splicing events are also highly conserved and the orthologues of these proteins are cis-spliced in outgroup species, indicating that trans-splicing may arise as a mechanism to rescue genes that broke up during evolution.