Three-atom-wide gold quantum rods with periodic elongation and strongly polarized excitons.

Atomically precise control over anisotropic nanoclusters constitutes a grand challenge in nanoscience. In this work, we report our success in achieving a periodic series of atomically precise gold quantum rods (abbrev. Au QRs) with unusual excitonic properties. These QRs possess hexagonal close-packed kernels with a constant three-atom diameter but increasing aspect ratios (ARs) from 6.3 to 18.7, all being protected by the same thiolate (SR) ligand. The kernels of the QRs are in a Au1-(Au3)n-Au1 configuration (where n is the number of Au3 layers) and follow a periodic elongation with a uniform Au18(SR)12 increment consisting of four Au3 layers. These Au QRs possess distinct HOMO-LUMO gaps (Eg = 0.6 to 1.3 eV) and exhibit strongly polarized excitonic transition along the longitudinal direction, resulting in very intense absorption in the near-infrared (800 to 1,700 nm). While excitons in gapped systems and plasmons in gapless systems are distinctly different types of excitations, the strongly polarized excitons in Au QRs surprisingly exhibit plasmon-like behaviors manifested in the shape-induced polarization, very intense absorption (~106 M-1 cm-1), and linear scaling relations with the AR, all of which resemble the behaviors of conventional metallic-state Au nanorods (i.e., gapless systems), but the QRs possess distinct gaps and very long excited-state lifetimes (10 to 2,122 ns), which hold promise in applications such as near-infrared solar energy utilization, hot carrier generation and transfer. The observation of plasmon-like behaviors from single-electron transitions in Au QRs elegantly bridges the distinct realms of single-electron and collective-electron excitations and may stimulate more research on excitonics and plasmonics.

Paracrine and autocrine signals induce and maintain mesenchymal and stem cell states in the breast.

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been associated with the acquisition of motility, invasiveness, and self-renewal traits. During both normal development and tumor pathogenesis, this change in cell phenotype is induced by contextual signals that epithelial cells receive from their microenvironment. The signals that are responsible for inducing an EMT and maintaining the resulting cellular state have been unclear. We describe three signaling pathways, involving transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß and canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling, that collaborate to induce activation of the EMT program and thereafter function in an autocrine fashion to maintain the resulting mesenchymal state. Downregulation of endogenously synthesized inhibitors of autocrine signals in epithelial cells enables the induction of the EMT program. Conversely, disruption of autocrine signaling by added inhibitors of these pathways inhibits migration and self-renewal in primary mammary epithelial cells and reduces tumorigenicity and metastasis by their transformed derivatives.

Global profiling of protein lactylation in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Lactylation, as a novel posttranslational modification, is essential for studying the functions and regulation of proteins in physiological and pathological processes, as well as for gaining in-depth knowledge on the occurrence and development of many diseases, including tumors. However, few studies have examined the protein lactylation of one whole organism. Thus, we studied the lactylation of global proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans to obtain an in vivo lactylome. Using an MS-based platform, we identified 1836 Class I (localization probabilities > 0.75) lactylated sites in 487 proteins. Bioinformatics analysis showed that lactylated proteins were mainly located in the cytoplasm and involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) and other metabolic pathways. Then, we evaluated the conservation of lactylation in different organisms. In total, 41 C. elegans proteins were lactylated and homologous to lactylated proteins in humans and rats. Moreover, lactylation on H4K80 was conserved in three species. An additional 238 lactylated proteins were identified in C. elegans for the first time. This study establishes the first lactylome database in C. elegans and provides a basis for studying the role of lactylation.

Circadian rhythm response and its effect on photosynthetic characteristics of the Lhcb family genes in tea plant.

BACKGROUND: The circadian clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, is responsible for predicting daily and seasonal changes in the environment, and adjusting various physiological and developmental processes to the appropriate times during plant growth and development. The circadian clock controls the expression of the Lhcb gene, which encodes the chlorophyll a/b binding protein. However, the roles of the Lhcb gene in tea plant remain unclear. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 16 CsLhcb genes were identified based on the tea plant genome, which were distributed on 8 chromosomes of the tea plant. The promoter regions of CsLhcb genes have a variety of cis-acting elements including hormonal, abiotic stress responses and light response elements. The CsLhcb family genes are involved in the light response process in tea plant. The photosynthetic parameter of tea leaves showed rhythmic changes during the two photoperiod periods (48 h). Stomata are basically open during the day and closed at night. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that most of the CsLhcb family genes were highly expressed during the day, but were less expressed at night. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that CsLhcb genes were involved in the circadian clock process of tea plant, it also provided potential references for further understanding of the function of CsLhcb gene family in tea plant.

Hierarchical Co2 P/CoS2 @C@MoS2 Composites with Hollow Cavity and Multiple Phases Toward Wideband Electromagnetic Wave Absorption.

The synergistic effect of hollow cavities and multiple hetero-interfaces displays huge advantages in achieving lightweight and high-efficient electromagnetic wave absorption, but still confronts huge challenges. Herein, hierarchical Co2 P/CoS2 @C@MoS2 composites via the self-sacrificed strategy and a subsequent hydrothermal method have been successfully synthesized. Specifically, ZIF-67 cores first act as the structural template to form core-shell ZIF-67@poly(cyclotriphosphazene-co-4,4'-sulfonyldiphenol) (ZIF-67@PZS) composites, which are converted into hollow Co2 P@C shells with micro-mesoporous characteristics because of the gradient structural stabilities and preferred coordination ability. The deposition of hierarchical MoS2 results in phase transition (Co2 P→Co2 P/CoS2 ), yielding the formation of hierarchical Co2 P/CoS2 @C@MoS2 composites with hollow cavities and multiple hetero-interfaces. Benefiting from the cooperative advantages of hollow structure, extra N,P,S-doped sources, lattice defects/vacancies, diverse incoherent interfaces, and hierarchical configurations, the composites deliver superior electromagnetic wave capability (-56.6 dB) and wideband absorption bandwidth (8.96 GHz) with 20 wt.% filler loading. This study provides a reliable and facile strategy for the precise construction of superior electromagnetic wave absorbents with efficient absorption attenuation.

Self-Templating Engineering of Hollow N-Doped Carbon Microspheres Anchored with Ternary FeCoNi Alloys for Low-Frequency Microwave Absorption.

Rational design and precision fabrication of magnetic-dielectric composites have significant application potential for microwave absorption in the low-frequency range of 2-8 GHz. However, the composition and structure engineering of these composites in regulating their magnetic-dielectric balance to achieve high-performance low-frequency microwave absorption remains challenging. Herein, a self-templating engineering strategy is proposed to fabricate hollow N-doped carbon microspheres anchored with ternary FeCoNi alloys. The high-temperature pyrolysis of FeCoNi alloy precursors creates core-shell FeCoNi alloy-graphitic carbon nano-units that are confined in carbon shells. Moreover, the anchored FeCoNi alloys play a critical role in maintaining hollow structural stability. In conjunction with the additional contribution of multiple heterogeneous interfaces, graphitization, and N doping to the regulation of electromagnetic parameters, hollow FeCoNi@NCMs exhibit a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -53.5 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 2.48 GHz in the low-frequency range of 2-8 GHz. Furthermore, a filler loading of 20 wt% can also be used to achieve a broader EAB of 5.34 GHz with a matching thickness of 1.7 mm. In brief, this work opens up new avenues for the self-templating engineering of magnetic-dielectric composites for low-frequency microwave absorption.

Optimizing Integrated-Loss Capacities via Asymmetric Electronic Environments for Highly Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption.

Asymmetric electronic environments based on microscopic-scale perspective have injected infinite vitality in understanding the intrinsic mechanism of polarization loss for electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption, but still exists a significant challenge. Herein, Zn single-atoms (SAs), structural defects, and Co nanoclusters are simultaneously implanted into bimetallic metal-organic framework derivatives via the two-step dual coordination-pyrolysis process. Theoretical simulations and experimental results reveal that the electronic coupling interactions between Zn SAs and structural defects delocalize the symmetric electronic environments and generate additional dipole polarization without sacrificing conduction loss owing to the compensation of carbon nanotubes. Moreover, Co nanoclusters with large nanocurvatures induce a strong interfacial electric field, activate the superiority of heterointerfaces and promote interfacial polarization. Benefiting from the aforementioned merits, the resultant derivatives deliver an optimal reflection loss of -58.9 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth is 5.2 GHz. These findings provide an innovative insight into clarifying the microscopic loss mechanism from the asymmetric electron environments viewpoint and inspire the generalized electronic modulation engineering in optimizing EM wave absorption.

The elicitor VP2 from Verticillium dahliae triggers defence response in cotton.

Verticillium dahliae is a widespread and destructive soilborne vascular pathogenic fungus that causes serious diseases in dicot plants. Here, comparative transcriptome analysis showed that the number of genes upregulated in defoliating pathotype V991 was significantly higher than in the non-defoliating pathotype 1cd3-2 during the early response of cotton. Combined with analysis of the secretome during the V991-cotton interaction, an elicitor VP2 was identified, which was highly upregulated at the early stage of V991 invasion, but was barely expressed during the 1cd3-2-cotton interaction. Full-length VP2 could induce cell death in several plant species, and which was dependent on NbBAK1 but not on NbSOBIR1 in N. benthamiana. Knock-out of VP2 attenuated the pathogenicity of V991. Furthermore, overexpression of VP2 in cotton enhanced resistance to V. dahliae without causing abnormal plant growth and development. Several genes involved in JA, SA and lignin synthesis were significantly upregulated in VP2-overexpressing cotton. The contents of JA, SA, and lignin were also significantly higher than in the wild-type control. In summary, the identified elicitor VP2, recognized by the receptor in the plant membrane, triggers the cotton immune response and enhances disease resistance.

Impact of Hepatic Pedicle Clamping on Long-Term Survival Following Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Stratified Analysis Based on Intraoperative Blood Transfusion Status.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic pedicle clamping (HPC) is frequently utilized during hepatectomy to reduce intraoperative bleeding and diminish the need for intraoperative blood transfusion (IBT). The long-term prognostic implications of HPC following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain under debate. This study aims to elucidate the association between HPC and oncologic outcomes after HCC resection, stratified by whether IBT was administered. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospectively collected data on patients with HCC who underwent curative resection from a multicenter database was studied. Patients were stratified into two cohorts on the basis of whether IBT was administered. The impact of HPC on long-term overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the two cohorts was assessed by univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: Of 3362 patients, 535 received IBT. In the IBT cohort, using or not using HPC showed no significant difference in OS and RFS outcomes (5-year OS and RFS rates 27.9% vs. 24.6% and 13.8% vs. 12.0%, P = 0.810 and 0.530). However, in the non-IBT cohort of 2827 patients, the HPC subgroup demonstrated significantly decreased OS (5-year 45.9% vs. 56.5%, P < 0.001) and RFS (5-year 24.7% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001) when compared with the subgroup without HPC. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified HPC as an independent risk factor of OS and RFS [hazard ratios (HR) 1.16 and 1.12, P = 0.024 and 0.044, respectively] among patients who did not receive IBT. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of HPC on the oncological outcomes following hepatectomy for patients with HCC differed significantly whether IBT was administered, and HPC adversely impacted on long-term survival for patients without receiving IBT during hepatectomy.

Deciphering the photophysical properties of naphthalimide derivatives using ultrafast spectroscopy.

Naphthalimide derivatives composed of donor-acceptor type structures hold significant promise across a wide range of applications. Here, the solvent polarity and viscosity controlled excited-state dynamics of a naphthalimide derivative with a donor-acceptor structure were studied using multiple spectroscopic techniques. From the stationary spectroscopic investigations, large Stokes shift and low fluorescence quantum yield were observed with increasing the solvent polarity, suggesting a more polar excited state relative to the ground state, which is evidenced by the Lippert-Mataga relationship. We also observe an enhanced fluorescence with a prolonged lifetime in a more viscous solution due to the restriction of excited-state molecular rearrangement. These observations result from the emerged twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) state. The ultrafast spectroscopy studies further unravel a solvent polarity dependent excited state evolution from the intramolecular charge transfer state to the TICT state, revealing that the TICT state can be populated only in strong polar solvents. Control experiments by tuning the solvent viscosity in ultrafast experiments were employed to verify the excited state molecular rearrangement subsequently. These observations collectively emphasize how fine-tuning the photophysical properties of naphthalimide derivatives can be achieved through strategic manipulation of solvent polarity and viscosity.

Experimental Study on Penetration of Smaller Inferior Vena Cava After Conical Filter Placement: Results in a Swine Model.

OBJECTIVES: Inferior vena cava (IVC) penetration is a prevalent complication following the placement of conical filters. However, there is a paucity of studies examining the penetration in smaller IVC. The objective of this study was to assess the time of penetration, the incidence of serious complications associated with penetration, and the process of IVC wall repair in the smaller IVC following the placement of a conical filter. METHODS: Twenty pigs were randomly assigned to two groups and received either Celect or Denali filters. Weekly follow-up imaging using computed tomography venography (CTV) of the IVC was conducted to monitor the position of the IVC filter struts until at least one strut was observed to be penetrating the vessel wall. At necropsy, a comprehensive gross and histological examination was performed on the IVC and adjacent anatomical structures in all animals. RESULTS: The puncture and cavography procedures were successfully conducted on all animals, and no significant differences were found in the mean diameter of the IVC between the Celect and Denali groups ( 15.89 ± 1.27 mm vs. 16.39 ± 1.39 mm, P ＜ 0.001). All filters were implanted without complications. CTV detected IVC penetration within nine weeks, confirmed during necropsy. The Celect group had a significantly earlier time of IVC penetration compared to the Denali group ( 2.43 ± 0.52 weeks vs. 6.81 ± 1.32 weeks, P ＜ 0.001). No evidence of filter tilt, fracture, migration, caval thromboses, retroperitoneal bleeding, wall hematoma, tearing of the IVC wall, or peripheral tissue and organ damage was observed during the CTV and subsequent necropsy. Additionally, histological analysis showed that the Celect group had a lower percentage area of collagen fiber compared to the Denali group (33.92% vs. 49.04%, P ＜ 0.001). The fiber proliferation was positively correlated linearly with the indwelling time of filter (r = 0.97, P ＜ 0.001) . CONCLUSIONS: Penetration can occur within a relatively brief period following the placement of the conical filter into the smaller IVC. Nevertheless, no short-term severe complications were observed in connection with the penetration. The proliferation of fibers in the IVC wall exhibited a positive linear correlation with the duration of filter indwelling.

The Accuracy and Reliability of Automated Oscillometric Measurement of Ankle-Brachial Index in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Comparing the accuracy and reliability of ankle-brachial index (ABI) measured by an oscillometric device with the Doppler method in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: 122 patients admitted to the department of interventional radiology with PAD were studied. ABI was measured with the 2 methods in random order. After excluding the inconclusive results, Doppler ABIs were compared with the oscillometric ABIs in each limb, the reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the accuracy and consistency were assessed by receiver operating characteristic curves and Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: In 122 patients (244 legs), 27 legs got inconclusive oscillometric results, 4 legs got inconclusive oscillometric and inconclusive dorsalis pedis artery Doppler results, 2 legs had oscillometric cuff pressure intolerance. Using Doppler ABI <0.9 as a diagnostic threshold, compared with the high Doppler ABI, oscillometric method had a sensitivity of 57.81%, a specificity of 95.18%, the ICC was 0.626 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.536-0.701), Bland-Altman method showed 11/211 (5.21%) difference points outside the 95% limits of agreement. Compared with the low Doppler ABI, oscillometric method had a sensitivity of 50.66%, a specificity of 98.31%, the ICC was 0.541(95% CI: 0.483-0.630), Bland-Altman method showed 11/211 (5.21%) difference points outside the 95% limits of agreement. Using 1.00 as the diagnostic threshold and considering error oscillometric results as abnormal ABIs, the sensitivity improved to 88.05% with high Doppler ABI and 81.42% with the low. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy and reliability of oscillometric ABI in patients with PAD is unsatisfied, which makes it not suitable as an alternative method in clinic disease assessment. Using 1.0 as the ABI oscillometric threshold for PAD diagnosis can improve the diagnostic value.

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of WSSV-Challenged Penaeus vannamei with Variable Resistance Levels.

The Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, is highly susceptible to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Our study explored the transcriptomic responses of P. vannamei from resistant and susceptible families, uncovering distinct expression patterns after WSSV infection. The analysis revealed a higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the susceptible family following WSSV infection compared to the resistant family, when both were evaluated against their respective control groups, indicating that the host resistance of the family line influences the transcriptome. The results also showed that subsequent to an identical duration following WSSV infection, there were more DEGs in P. vannamei with a high viral load than in those with a low viral load. To identify common transcriptomic responses, we profiled DEGs across families at 96 and 228 h post-infection (hpi). The analysis yielded 64 up-regulated and 37 down-regulated DEGs at 96 hpi, with 33 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated DEGs at 228 hpi, showcasing the dynamics of the transcriptomic response over time. Real-time RT-PCR assays confirmed significant DEG expression changes post-infection. Our results offer new insights into shrimp's molecular defense mechanisms against WSSV.

R2R3 MYB Transcription Factor GhMYB201 Promotes Cotton Fiber Elongation via Cell Wall Loosening and Very-Long-Chain Fatty Acid Synthesis.

Cotton fiber is the leading natural textile material, and fiber elongation plays an essential role in the formation of cotton yield and quality. Although a number of components in the molecular network controlling cotton fiber elongation have been reported, a lot of players still need to be functionally dissected to understand the regulatory mechanism of fiber elongation comprehensively. In the present study, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene, GhMYB201, was characterized and functionally verified via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. GhMYB201 was homologous to Arabidopsis AtMYB60, and both coding genes (GhMYB201At and GhMYB201Dt) were preferentially expressed in elongating cotton fibers. Knocking-out of GhMYB201 significantly reduced the rate and duration of fiber elongation, resulting in shorter and coarser mature fibers. It was found that GhMYB201 could bind and activate the transcription of cell wall loosening genes (GhRDLs) and also ß-ketoacyl-CoA synthase genes (GhKCSs) to enhance very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels in elongating fibers. Taken together, our data demonstrated that the transcription factor GhMYB201s plays an essential role in promoting fiber elongation via activating genes related to cell wall loosening and VLCFA biosynthesis.

Transcriptomic Approach Reveals Contrasting Patterns of Differential Gene Expression during Tannin Biodegredation by Aspergillus tubingensis in Liquid and Solid Cultures.

Tannins, one of the most common anti-nutritional factors in feed, can be effectively degraded by various enzymes secreted by Aspergillus tubingensis (A. tubingensis). The cultivation method of fungi significantly impacts gene expression, which influences the production of enzymes and metabolites. In this study, we analyzed the tannin biodegredation efficiency and the transcriptomic responses of A. tubingensis in liquid and solid cultures with tannin added. The observed morphology of A. tubingensis resembled typical fungal hyphae of mycelium submerged and grown in liquid cultures, while mainly spore clusters were observed in solid cultures. Furthermore, the tannin biodegredation efficiency and protein secretion of A. tubingensis in liquid cultures were significantly higher than in solid cultures. Additionally, 54.6% of the 11,248 differentially expressed genes were upregulated in liquid cultures, including AtWU_03490 (encoding ABC multidrug transporter), AtWU_03807 (ribonuclease III), AtWU_10270 (peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase), and AtWU_00075 (arabinogalactan endo-1,4-beta-galactosidase). Functional and gene ontology enrichment analyses indicated upregulation in processes including oxidation reduction, drug metabolism, and monocarboxylic acid metabolism. Overall, this study provides insight into the transcriptomic response to tannin biodegradation by A. tubingensis in different cultures and reveals that liquid cultures induce greater transcriptomic variability compared to solid cultures.

A medicine and food homology formula prevents cognitive deficits by inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress via activating AEA-Trpv1-Nrf2 pathway.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder frequently accompanied by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The medicine and food homology (MFH) has shown potential for treating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. This study aimed to provide a safe and efficient therapy for AD based on MFH. In this study, we develop a MFH formula consisting of egg yolk oil, perilla seed oil, raphani seed oil, cinnamon oil, and noni puree (EPRCN). To evaluate the ameliorative effects of EPRCN on AD-related symptoms, a mouse model of AD was constructed using intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine in ICR mice. Experimental results demonstrated that EPRCN supplement restored behavioral deficits and suppressed neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of scopolamine-induced mice. An in vitro study was then performed using induction of Aß(25-35) in glial (BV-2 and SW-1783) and neuron (SH-SY5Y) cell lines to examine the improvement mechanism of EPRCN on cognitive deficits. Multi-omics and in vitro studies demonstrated that these changes were driven by the anandamide (AEA)-Trpv1-Nrf2 pathway, which was inhibited by AM404 (an AEA inhibitor), AMG9810 (a Trpv1 inhibitor), and BT (an Nrf2 inhibitor). Consequently, EPRCN is an effective therapy on preventing cognitive deficits in mouse models of AD. In contrast to donepezil, EPRCN exhibits a novel modes action for ameliorating neuroinflammation. The mechanism of EPRCN on preventing cognitive deficits is mediated by improving neuroinflammation and oxidative stress via activating the AEA-Trpv1-Nrf2 pathway.

Reliability and validity evaluation of the Chinese version of the gender misconceptions of men in nursing (GEMINI) scale among nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Misconceptions about male nurses not only exacerbate the gender imbalance in the nursing profession but also negatively impact male nurses embarking on their careers. Currently, no tool exists to measure the gender biases toward males in nursing among nursing students in China. Consequently, the primary objective of this study is to assess the validity and reliability of the Chinese translation of the Gender Misconceptions of Men in Nursing (GEMINI) scale among nursing students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 1,102 nursing students from China who participated online. We utilized the Brislin translation technique with a forward-backward approach. To determine the factor structure within the Men in Nursing Gender Misconceptions Scale's Chinese version, both exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were applied. The scale's internal consistency was measured through the Cronbach's alpha coefficient, corrected item-total correlation, and a retest reliability assessment. RESULTS: The scale showed a content validity index of 0.938 and a retest reliability of 0.844. EFA indicated a two-factor structure for the translated instrument. CFA revealed a chi-square/degree of freedom of 3.837, an incremental fit index (IFI) of 0.952, a goodness-of-fit index (GFI) of 0.910, a comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.952, and an RMSEA of 0.073, all of which were within acceptable limits. The scale's Cronbach's α was 0.953, and the corrected item-total correlations ranged between 0.539 and 0.838. Gender-based misconceptions about men in nursing among students appeared to be influenced by their gender and whether they considered a nursing program as their first choice when applying for a major. Misconceptions about male nurses are greater among men and those who do not consider nursing programs as their first choice when applying for a major. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese adaptation of the GEMINI scale showcased high reliability and validity. It stands as a potential instrument to gauge gender misconceptions concerning male nurses among Chinese nursing students.

Noncovalent Interaction Guided Precise Photoluminescence Regulation of Gold Nanoclusters in Both Isolate Species and Aggregate States.

Designing luminophores bright in both isolate species and aggregate states is of great importance in many emerging cutting-edge applications. However, the conventional luminophores either emit in isolate species but quench in aggregate state or emit in aggregate state but darken in isolate species. Here we demonstrate that the precise regulation of noncovalent interactions can realize luminophores bright in both isolate species and aggregate states. It is firstly discovered that the intra-cluster interaction enhances the emission of atomically precise Au25(pMBA)18 (pMBA=4-mercaptobenzoic acid), a nanoscale luminophore, while the inter-cluster interaction quenches the emission. The emission enhancing strategies are then well-designed by both introducing exogenous substances to block inter-cluster interaction and surface manipulation of Au25(pMBA)18 at the molecular level to enhance intra-cluster interaction, opening new possibilities to controllably enhance the luminophore's photoluminescence in both isolate species and aggregate states in different phases including aqueous solution, solid state and organic solvents.

Aggregation Enhanced Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence through Spin-Orbit Coupling Regulation.

Integrating aggregation-induced emission (AIE) into thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters holds great promise for the advancement of highly efficient organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Despite recent advancements, a thorough comprehension of the underlying mechanisms remains imperative for the practical application of such materials. In this work, we introduce a novel approach aimed at modulating the TADF process by manipulating dynamic processes in excited states through aggregation effect. Our findings reveal that aggregation not only enhances both prompt and delayed fluorescence simultaneously but also imposes constraints on molecular reorientation. This constraint reinforces spin-orbit coupling and reduces the energy gap between singlets and triplets. These insights deepen our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms governing the aggregation effect on TADF materials and provide valuable guidance for the design of high-efficiency photoluminescent materials.

Global profiling of lysine lactylation in human lungs.

Lactate is closely related to various cellular processes, such as angiogenesis, responses to hypoxia, and macrophage polarization, while regulating natural immune signaling pathways and promoting neurogenesis and cognitive function. Lysine lactylation (Kla) is a novel posttranslational modification, the examination of which may lead to new understanding of the nonmetabolic functions of lactate and the various physiological and pathological processes in which lactate is involved, such as infection, tumorigenesis and tumor development. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), researchers have identified lactylation in human gastric cancer cells and some other species, but no research on lactylation in human lungs has been reported. In this study, we performed global profiling of lactylation in human lungs under normal physiological conditions, and 724 Kla sites in 451 proteins were identified. After comparing the identified proteins with those reported in human lactylation datasets, 141 proteins that undergo lactylation were identified for the first time in this study. Our work expands the database on human lactylation and helps advance the study on lactylation function and regulation under physiological and pathological conditions.