In Situ Electrochemical Evolution of Amorphous Metallic Borides Enabling Long Cycling Room-/Subzero-Temperature Sodium-Sulfur Batteries.

Room temperature sodium-sulfur batteries (RT Na-S) have garnered significant attention for their high energy density and cost-effectiveness, positioning them as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries. However, they encounter challenges such as the dissolution of sodium polysulfides and sluggish kinetics. Introducing high-activity electrocatalysts and enhancing the density of active sites represents an efficient strategy to enhance reaction kinetics. Here, an amorphous Ni-B material that undergoes electrochemical evolution to generate the NiSx phase within an operational sodium-sulfur battery, contrasting with the crystalline NiB counterpart is fabricated. Electrochemical cycling facilitated the establishment of an interface between the amorphous Ni-B and NiSx, leading to heightened catalytic activity and improved reaction kinetics. Consequently, batteries utilizing the amorphous Ni-B showcased a notable initial specific capacity of 1487 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1, exhibiting exceptional performance under high current densities of 5 A g-1, in low-temperature conditions (-10 °C), with high sulfur loading, and in pouch cell configurations.

PRR promotes hypertensive renal injury by activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and inflammation infiltration in mice.

Hypertension stands out as a substantial independent risk factor in the progression of chronic kidney disease; however, the exact pathological mechanisms remain elusive. Our preliminary studies find that Wnt/ß-catenin control renin-angiotensin system (RAS) expression, thus playing an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and renal fibrosis. As an integral component of the RAS, the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) plays a crucial role in the activation of the RAS and hypertension. Recent studies suggest a reciprocal relationship between PRR and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, potentially contributing to hypertensive renal fibrosis development. To assess the role of PRR in mediating hypertensive nephropathy, we manipulated this signaling by over expression of PRR ligand or blockade of PRR by siPRR. In vivo, PRR induction promoted hypertension, proteinuria, renal fibrosis, inflammatory response and ß-catenin activation in Ang II induced hypertension mice. Conversely, blockade of PRR inhibited Ang II mediated hypertension, renal fibrosis and inflammation. In vitro, PRR over expression renal tubular cells exacerbated the Ang II induced fibrotic response and inflammation. Moreover, PRR was upregulated in hypertensive nephropathy patients, and correlated with renal function and renal fibrosis. These results indicate that PRR interact with Wnt/ß-catenin signaling promote the progression of hypertensive nephropathy. PRR could be served as a biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertensive renal fibrosis.

Recombinant Polymerase Amplification Coupled with CRISPR/Cas12a Detection System for Rapid Visual Detection of Porcine Circovirus 3.

The porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) infection is an emerging disease associated with clinical signs of porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS)-like clinical signs. Currently, there is a lack of effective vaccines and therapeutics against this disease. Therefore, rapid, effective, sensitive, and specific detection methods are crucial for the timely identification, prevention, and control of PCV3. In this study, we developed one- and two-pot visual detection methods for PCV3 using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas12a detection system combined with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). These two methods demonstrated no cross-reactivity with eight other swine viruses and exhibited minimum detection limits of five and two copies of viral DNA, respectively, revealing their high specificity and sensitivity. During a clinical sample detection within 30 min, the coincidence rates between the one- and two-pot detection methods and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were 100%. In conclusion, both one- and two-pot RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection methods have significant potential for the rapid, sensitive, and specific visual detection of PCV3.

Intra- and inter-host origin, evolution dynamics and spatial-temporal transmission characteristics of circoviruses.

Introduction: Since their identification in 1974, circoviruses have caused clinicopathological diseases in various animal species, including humans. However, their origin, transmission, and genetic evolution remain poorly understood. Methods: In this study, the genome sequences of circovirus were obtained from GenBank, and the Bayesian stochastic search variable selection algorithm was employed to analyzed the evolution and origin of circovirus. Results: Here, the evolutionary origin, mode of transmission, and genetic recombination of the circovirus were determined based on the available circovirus genome sequences. The origin of circoviruses can be traced back to fish circovirus, which might derive from fish genome, and human contributes to transmission of fish circovirus to other species. Furthermore, mosquitos, ticks, bats, and/or rodents might play a role as intermediate hosts in circovirus intra- and inter-species transmission. Two major lineages (A and B) of circoviruses are identified, and frequent recombination events accelerate their variation and spread. The time to the most recent common ancestor of circoviruses can be traced back to around A.D. 600 and has been evolving at a rate of 10-4 substitutions site-1 year-1 for a long time. Discussion: These comprehensive findings shed light on the evolutionary origin, population dynamics, transmission model, and genetic recombination of the circovirus providing valuable insights for the development of prevention and control strategies against circovirus infections.

Anionic Chemistry Modulation Enabled Environmental Self-Charging Aqueous Zinc Batteries: The Case of Carbonate Ions.

Anionic chemistry modulation represents a promising avenue to enhance the electrochemical performance and unlock versatile applications in cutting-edge energy storage devices. Herein, we propose a methodology that involves anionic chemistry of carbonate anions to tailor the electrochemical oxidation-reduction reactions of bismuth (Bi) electrodes, where the conversion energy barrier for Bi (0) to Bi (III) has been significantly reduced, endowing anionic full batteries with enhanced electrochemical kinetics and chemical self-charging property. The elaborately designed batteries with an air-switch demonstrate rapid self-recharging capabilities, recovering over 80 % of the electrochemical full charging capacity within a remarkably short timeframe of 1 hour and achieving a cumulative self-charging capacity of 5 Ah g-1. The aqueous self-charging battery strategy induced by carbonate anion, as proposed in this study, holds the potential for extending to various anionic systems, including seawater-based Cl- ion batteries. This work offers a universal framework for advancing next-generation multi-functional power sources.

E3 ligase RNF2 inhibits porcine circovirus type 3 replication by targeting its capsid protein for ubiquitination-dependent degradation.

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is closely associated with various diseases, such as the porcine dermatitis, nephropathy syndrome, and multisystemic clinicopathological diseases. PCV3-associated diseases are increasingly recognized as severe diseases in the global swine industry. Ring finger protein 2 (RNF2), an E3 ubiquitin ligase exclusively located in the nucleus, contributes to various biological processes. This ligase interacts with the PCV3 Cap. However, its role in PCV3 replication remains unclear. This study confirmed that the nuclear localization signal domain of the Cap and the RNF2 N-terminal RING domain facilitate the interaction between the Cap and RNF2. Furthermore, RNF2 promoted the binding of K48-linked polyubiquitination chains to lysine at positions 139 and 140 (K139 and K140) of the PCV3 Cap, thereby degrading the Cap. RNF2 knockdown and overexpression increased or decreased PCV3 replication, respectively. Moreover, the RING domain-deleted RNF2 mutant eliminated the RNF2-induced degradation of the PCV3 Cap and RNF2-mediated inhibition of viral replication. This indicates that both processes were associated with its E3 ligase activity. Our findings demonstrate that RNF2 can interact with and degrade the PCV3 Cap via its N-terminal RING domain in a ubiquitination-dependent manner, thereby inhibiting PCV3 replication.IMPORTANCEPorcine circovirus type 3 is a recently described pathogen that is prevalent worldwide, causing substantial economic losses to the swine industry. However, the mechanisms through which host proteins regulate its replication remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that ring finger protein 2 inhibits porcine circovirus type 3 replication by interacting with and degrading the Cap of this pathogen in a ubiquitination-dependent manner, requiring its N-terminal RING domain. Ring finger protein 2-mediated degradation of the Cap relies on its E3 ligase activity and the simultaneous existence of K139 and K140 within the Cap. These findings reveal the mechanism by which this protein interacts with and degrades the Cap to inhibit porcine circovirus type 3 replication. This consequently provides novel insights into porcine circovirus type 3 pathogenesis and facilitates the development of preventative measures against this pathogen.

Trend analysis and age-period-cohort effects on morbidity and mortality of liver cancer from 2010 to 2020 in Guangzhou, China.

Introduction: Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant gastrointestinal tumors worldwide. This study intends to provide insight into the epidemiological characteristics and development trends of liver cancer incidence and mortality from 2010 to 2020 in Guangzhou, China. Methods: Data were collected from the Cancer Registry and Reporting Office of Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Cross-sectional study, Joinpoint regression (JPR) model, and Age-Period-Cohort (APC) model were conducted to analyze the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) trend of liver cancer among the entire study period. Results: The age-standardized incidence and mortality of liver cancer in Guangzhou showed an overall decreasing trend. The disparity in risk of morbidity and mortality between the two sexes for liver cancer is increasing. The cohort effect was the most significant among those born in 1965~1969, and the risk of liver cancer incidence and mortality in the total population increased and then decreased with the birth cohort. Compared with the birth cohort born in 1950~1954 (the reference cohort), the risk of liver cancer incidence and mortality in the males born in 1995~1999 decreased by 32% and 41%, respectively, while the risk in the females decreased by 31% and 32%, respectively. Conclusions: The early detection, prevention, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer in Guangzhou have made remarkable achievements in recent years. However, the risk of liver cancer in the elderly and the middle-aged males is still at a high level. Therefore, the publicity of knowledge related to the prevention and treatment of liver cancer among the relevant population groups should be actively carried out to enhance the rate of early diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer and to advocate a healthier lifestyle.

Potential Role of MAP3K14 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Study Based on Comprehensive Bioinformatical Analysis and Validation.

According to reports, MAP3K14 is considered an oncogene and is aberrantly expressed in various types of tumor cells. Its abnormal expression is closely associated with the occurrence and progression of various cancers. MAP3K14 also plays a significant role in the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related hepatocellular carcinoma and its connection to tumor stem cells. The prognostic value of MAP3K14 in HCC, as well as its potential functions and roles, requires further elucidation. We evaluated the potential role of MAP3K14 in HCC based on data mining from a range of public databases. The bioinformatics analysis of TCGA, GEO, TIMER, cBioportal, Kaplan-Meier plotter, MethSurv, ENCORI and CellMiner databases was carried out. The expression of MAP3K14 protein in HCC was detected by immunohistochemical method. The mRNA and protein expression levels of MAP3K14 in tumor tissues were higher than those in normal tissues (p < 0.05). The expression of MAP3K14 was correlated with Pathologic T stage (p=0.026), Pathologic stage (p=0.032), Tumor status (p=0.024) and AFP (p=0.002). HCC patients with high expression of MAP3K14 had poor overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS) and recurrence free survival (RFS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the Pathologic stage (p < 0.001) and MAP3K14 expression levels (p < 0.05) is an independent prognostic factor affecting the survival of patients with liver cancer. GO/KEGG analysis suggested that key biological processes (PI3K-Akt signaling pathway) may be the mechanism promoting HCC development. In addition, MAP3K14 was significantly correlated with the infiltrating levels of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells (p < 0.05). MAP3K14 is up-regulated in HCC and is closely related to the prognosis of HCC patients. MAP3K14 may serve as a potential biomarker for poor prognosis of HCC.

SQSTM1 downregulates avian metapneumovirus subgroup C replication via mediating selective autophagic degradation of viral M2-2 protein.

Avian metapneumovirus subgroup C (aMPV/C), an important pathogen causing acute respiratory infection in chickens and turkeys, contributes to substantial economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. aMPV/C has been reported to induce autophagy, which is beneficial to virus replication. Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/P62), a selective autophagic receptor, plays a crucial role in viral replication by clearing ubiquitinated proteins. However, the relationship between SQSTM1-mediated selective autophagy and aMPV/C replication is unclear. In this study, we found that the expression of SQSTM1 negatively regulates aMPV/C replication by reducing viral protein expression and viral titers. Further studies revealed that the interaction between SQSTM1 and aMPV/C M2-2 protein is mediated via the Phox and Bem1 (PB1) domain of the former, which recognizes a ubiquitinated lysine at position 67 of the M2-2 protein, and finally degrades M2-2 via SQSTM1-mediated selective autophagy. Collectively, our results reveal that SQSTM1 degrades M2-2 via a process of selective autophagy to suppress aMPV/C replication, thereby providing novel insights for the prevention and control of aMPV/C infection.IMPORTANCEThe selective autophagy plays an important role in virus replication. As an emerging pathogen of avian respiratory virus, clarification of the effect of SQSTM1, a selective autophagic receptor, on aMPV/C replication in host cells enables us to better understand the viral pathogenesis. Previous study showed that aMPV/C infection reduced the SQSTM1 expression accompanied by virus proliferation, but the specific regulatory mechanism between them was still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that SQSTM1 recognizes the 67th amino acid of M2-2 protein by the interaction between them, followed by M2-2 degradation via the SQSTM1-mediated selective autophagy, and finally inhibits aMPV/C replication. This information supplies the mechanism by which SQSTM1 negatively regulates viral replication, and provides new insights for preventing and controlling aMPV/C infection.

DEAD-box RNA helicase 21 interacts with porcine circovirus type 2 Cap protein and facilitates viral replication.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the etiological agent of PCV2-associated diseases that pose a serious threat to the swine industry. PCV2 capsid (Cap) protein has been shown to interact with DEAD-box RNA helicase 21 (DDX21), an important protein that regulates RNA virus replication. However, whether the interaction between DDX21 and the PCV2 Cap regulates PCV2 replication remains unclear. Herein, by using western blotting, interaction assays, and knockdown analysis, we found that PCV2 infection induced the cytoplasmic relocation of DDX21 from the nucleolus in cultured PK-15 cells. Moreover, the nuclear localization signal (NLS) of PCV2 Cap interacted directly with DDX21. The NLS of PCV2 Cap and 763GSRSNRFQNK772 residues at the C-terminal domain (CTD) of DDX21 were essential for the dual interaction. Upon shRNA-mediated DDX21 depletion in PK-15 cells, we observed impaired PCV2 replication via a lentivirus-delivered system, as evidenced by decreased levels of viral protein expression and virus production. In contrast, the replication of PCV2 increased in transiently DDX21-overexpressing cells. Our results indicate that DDX21 interacts with PCV2 Cap and plays a crucial role in virus replication. These results provide a reference for developing novel potential targets for prevention and control of PCV2 infection.

Global validation of data-assimilative electron ring current nowcast for space weather applications.

The hazardous plasma environment surrounding Earth poses risks to satellites due to internal charging and surface charging effects. Accurate predictions of these risks are crucial for minimizing damage and preparing for system failures of satellites. To forecast the plasma environment, it is essential to know the current state of the system, as the accuracy of the forecast depends on the accuracy of the initial condition of the forecast. In this study, we use data assimilation techniques to combine observational data and model predictions, and present the first global validation of a data-assimilative electron ring current nowcast during a geomagnetic storm. By assimilating measurements from one satellite and validating the results against another satellite in a different magnetic local time sector, we assess the global response and effectiveness of the data assimilation technique for space weather applications. Using this method, we found that the simulation accuracy can be drastically improved at times when observations are available while eliminating almost all of the bias previously present in the model. These findings contribute to the construction of improved operational models in estimating surface charging risks and providing realistic 'source' populations for radiation belt simulations.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0050386 suppresses non-small cell lung cancer progression via regulating the SRSF3/FN1 axis.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for 85% of all cases. Circular RNAs(circRNA) play crucial roles in regulating the progression of lung cancer. Despite the identification of a large number of circRNAs, their expression patterns, functions, and mechanisms of action in NSCLC development remain unclear.This study aims to investigate the transcriptional expressions, functions, and potential mechanisms of circRNA hsa_circ_0050386 in NSCLC. METHODS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized for the analysis of hsa_circ_0050386 expression. Cell proliferation was detected using the IncuCyte Live Cell Analysis System and clone formation assays. Migration and invasion of NSCLC cells were evaluated through Transwell assays. Flow cytometry was performed to assay cell cycle and apoptosis. Western blot was used to investigate protein expression. Protein binding analysis was conducted by employing pull-down assays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and mass spectrometry. The role of hsa_circ_0050386 in vivo was evaluated through the use of a xenograft model. RESULTS: The study discovered that hsa_circ_0050386 displayed lower expression levels in NSCLC tissues when compared to adjacent normal tissues. Patients exhibiting lower levels of hsa_circ_0050386 expression exhibited an inverse correlation with the Clinical Stage, T-stage, and M-stage of NSCLC. Functionally, hsa_circ_0050386 suppressed the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells both in vitro and in vivo. A comprehensive examination exposed the interaction between hsa_circ_0050386 and RNA binding protein Serine and arginine-rich splicing factor 3 (SRSF3), resulting in the down-regulation of Fibronectin 1 (FN1) expression, which inhibits the progression of NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that hsa_circ_0050386 suppresses the malignant biological behavior of NSCLC cells by down-regulating the expression of FN1, and may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.

A Receptor Integrin ß1 Promotes Infection of Avian Metapneumovirus Subgroup C by Recognizing a Viral Fusion Protein RSD Motif.

Avian metapneumovirus subgroup C (aMPV/C) causes respiratory diseases and egg dropping in chickens and turkeys, resulting in severe economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Integrin ß1 (ITGB1), a transmembrane cell adhesion molecule, is present in various cells and mediates numerous viral infections. Herein, we demonstrate that ITGB1 is essential for aMPV/C infection in cultured DF-1 cells, as evidenced by the inhibition of viral binding by EDTA blockade, Arg-Ser-Asp (RSD) peptide, monoclonal antibody against ITGB1, and ITGB1 short interfering (si) RNA knockdown in cultured DF-1 cells. Simulation of the binding process between the aMPV/C fusion (F) protein and avian-derived ITGB1 using molecular dynamics showed that ITGB1 may be a host factor benefiting aMPV/C attachment or internalization. The transient expression of avian ITGB1-rendered porcine and feline non-permissive cells (DQ cells and CRFK cells, respectively) is susceptible to aMPV/C infection. Kinetic replication of aMPV/C in siRNA-knockdown cells revealed that ITGB1 plays an important role in aMPV/C infection at the early stage (attachment and internalization). aMPV/C was also able to efficiently infect human non-small cell lung cancer (A549) cells. This may be a consequence of the similar structures of both metapneumovirus F protein-specific motifs (RSD for aMPV/C and RGD for human metapneumovirus) recognized by ITGB1. Overexpression of avian-derived ITGB1 and human-derived ITGB1 in A549 cells enhanced aMPV/C infectivity. Taken together, this study demonstrated that ITGB1 acts as an essential receptor for aMPV/C attachment and internalization into host cells, facilitating aMPV/C infection.

Co/Mon Invigorated Bilateral Kinetics Modulation for Advanced Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Sluggish sulfur redox kinetics and Li-dendrite growth are the main bottlenecks for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Separator modification serves as a dual-purpose approach to address both of these challenges. In this study, the Co/MoN composite is rationally designed and applied as the modifier to modulate the electrochemical kinetics on both sides of the sulfur cathode and lithium anode. Benefiting from its adsorption-catalysis function, the decorated separators (Co/MoN@PP) not only effectively inhibit polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttle and accelerate their electrochemical conversion but also boost Li+ flux, realizing uniform Li plating/stripping. The accelerated LiPSs conversion kinetics and excellent sulfur redox reversibility triggered by Co/MoN modified separators are evidenced by performance, in-situ Raman detection and theoretical calculations. The batteries with Co/MoN@PP achieve a high initial discharge capacity of 1570 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C with a low decay rate of 0.39%, uniform Li+ transportation at 1 mA cm-2 over 800 h. Moreover, the areal capacity of 4.62 mAh cm-2 is achieved under high mass loadings of 4.92 mg cm-2. This study provides a feasible strategy for the rational utilization of the synergistic effect of composite with multifunctional microdomains to solve the problems of Li anode and S cathode toward long-cycling Li-S batteries.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward seasonal influenza vaccine among college students under the COVID-19 pandemic in South China.

BACKGROUND: The control measures of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had influenced the activity of the influenza virus, and we were wondering the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward seasonal influenza vaccine among college students were having at the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Online questionnaire survey of the college students was conducted and the data was collected anonymously, cross-sectional study were used to describe the distribution of the KAP. RESULTS: There were 815 respondents in our study. Most participants have a high recognition of the effectiveness and safety of the influenza vaccine. However, a low awareness rate of influenza vaccine knowledge and vaccination rate (18%) against influenza was observed among college students. The education level and major would have a higher weight on the influence of KAP among the college students. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the sex (OR = 2.163, p < .001), age (OR = 2.242, p < .001), heard of the influenza vaccine (OR = 2.655, p = .014), and "How necessary do you think vaccinating every year is?" (OR = 3.947, p < .001) of the college students were the main factors that affect the KAP on influenza vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided an insight into the KAP of influenza vaccine among college students in South China. The vaccination rate and acceptability of influenza vaccine in college students are higher than that in the whole population.

Ubiquitination-dependent degradation of nucleolin mediated by porcine circovirus type 3 capsid protein.

IMPORTANCE: Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is an emerging pathogen that causes multisystem disease in pigs and poses a severe threat to the swine industry. However, the mechanisms of how PCV3 uses host proteins to regulate its own life cycle are not well understood. In this study, we found that PCV3 capsid protein interacts with nucleolin and degrades it. Degradation of nucleolin by the PCV3 capsid protein requires recruitment of the enzyme RNF34, which is transported to the nucleolus from the cytoplasm in the presence of the PCV3 capsid protein. Nucleolin also decreases PCV3 replication by promoting the release of interferon ß. These findings clarify the mechanism by which nucleolin modulates PCV3 replication in cells, thereby facilitating to provide an important strategy for preventing and controlling PCV3 infection.

A large-scale nationwide study of urinary phenols in the Chinese population.

Bisphenol A (BPA), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and their substitutes are commonly used in everyday products. However, large-scale internal exposure levels of them in China, the factors influencing on them, and the associated health risks were not systematically investigated still. In the present study, there were 1157 morning urine samples collected from residents of 26 provincial capitals in China for the measurement of BPA and seven bisphenol analogues, as well as TBBPA and its substitutes, i.e., tetrachlorobisphenol A and 4,4'-sulphonylbis(2,6-dibromophenol). The concentrations of Σ8bisphenols and Σ3TBBPAs ranged from

Evolutionary Origin, Genetic Recombination, and Phylogeography of Porcine Kobuvirus.

The newly identified porcine Kobuvirus (PKV) has raised concerns owing to its association with diarrheal symptom in pigs worldwide. The process involving the emergence and global spread of PKV remains largely unknown. Here, the origin, genetic diversity, and geographic distribution of PKV were determined based on the available PKV sequence information. PKV might be derived from the rabbit Kobuvirus and sheep were an important intermediate host. The most recent ancestor of PKV could be traced back to 1975. Two major clades are identified, PKVa and PKVb, and recombination events increase PKV genetic diversity. Cross-species transmission of PKV might be linked to interspecies conserved amino acids at 13-17 and 25-40 residue motifs of Kobuvirus VP1 proteins. Phylogeographic analysis showed that Spain was the most likely location of PKV origin, which then spread to pig-rearing countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Within China, the Hubei province was identified as a primary hub of PKV, transmitting to the east, southwest, and northeast regions of the country. Taken together, our findings have important implications for understanding the evolutionary origin, genetic recombination, and geographic distribution of PKV thereby facilitating the design of preventive and containment measures to combat PKV infection.

A missing dusk-side loss process in the terrestrial electron ring current.

The Earth's magnetic field traps charged particles which are transported longitudinally around Earth, generating a near-circular current, known as the ring current. While the ring current has been measured on the ground and space for many decades, the enhancement of the ring current during geomagnetic storms is still not well understood, due to many processes contributing to its dynamics on different time scales. Here, we show that existing ring current models systematically overestimate electron flux observations of 10-50 keV on the nightside during storm onset. By analyzing electron drift trajectories, we show that this systematic overestimation of flux can be explained through a missing loss process which operates in the pre-midnight sector. Quantifying this loss reveals that the theoretical upper limit of loss has to be reached over a broad region of space in order to reproduce the observations. This missing loss may be attributed to inaccuracies in the parameterization of the loss due to chorus wave interactions, combined with the scattering by electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic waves which is currently not included in ring current models.

Diffuse auroral precipitation driven by lower-band chorus second harmonics.

Diffuse aurora at the Earth's high latitude regions is mainly caused by the low-energy (0.1-30 keV) electron precipitation which carries the major energy flux into the nightside upper atmosphere. Previous studies have demonstrated that combined scattering by the upper- and lower- band chorus waves acts as the dominant cause of diffuse auroral precipitation, but that is not necessarily the case as these two types of waves do not always occur simultaneously, with the lower-band more often. Here we report that the lower-band chorus satisfying the preferred condition can generate their second harmonics so as to trigger the diffuse auroral electron precipitation. We find that the lower-band chorus alone can only cause the precipitation of electrons greater than 4 keV, while the self-consistently generated second harmonic is weak but still able to result in the electron precipitation below 4 keV. The combined effect of those modes results in the observed pancake electron distributions and the diffuse aurora. Our results clearly demonstrate an alternative but universal mechanism of chorus-driven diffuse aurora in the Earth, which may also apply to the auroral formation in other planetary magnetospheres.