Highly Robust Room-Temperature Interfacial Ferromagnetism in Ultrathin Co2Si Nanoplates.

The reduced dimensionality and interfacial effects in magnetic nanostructures open the feasibility to tailor magnetic ordering. Here, we report the synthesis of ultrathin metallic Co2Si nanoplates with a total thickness that is tunable to 2.2 nm. The interfacial magnetism coupled with the highly anisotropic nanoplate geometry leads to strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and robust hard ferromagnetism at room temperature, with a Curie temperature (TC) exceeding 950 K and a coercive field (HC) > 4.0 T at 3 K and 8750 Oe at 300 K. Theoretical calculations suggest that ferromagnetism originates from symmetry breaking and undercoordinated Co atoms at the Co2Si and SiO2 interface. With protection by the self-limiting intrinsic oxide, the interfacial ferromagnetism of the Co2Si nanoplates exhibits excellent environmental stability. The controllable growth of ambient stable Co2Si nanoplates as 2D hard ferromagnets could open exciting opportunities for fundamental studies and applications in Si-based spintronic devices.

Bone marrow CD8+ Trm cells induced by IL-15 and CD16+ monocytes contribute to HSPC destruction in human severe aplastic anemia.

Idiopathic severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a disease of bone marrow failure caused by T-cell-induced destruction of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), however the mechanism remains unclear. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of PBMCs and BMMCs from SAA patients and healthy donors and identified a CD8+ T cell subset with a tissue residency phenotype (Trm) in bone marrow that exhibit high IFN-γ and FasL expression and have a higher ability to induce apoptosis in HSPCs in vitro through FasL expression. CD8+ Trm cells were induced by IL-15 presented by IL-15Rα on monocytes, especially CD16+ monocytes, which were increased in SAA patients. CD16+ monocytes contributed to IL-15-induced CD38+CXCR6+ pre-Trm differentiation into CD8+ Trm cells, which can be inhibited by the CD38 inhibitor 78c. Our results demonstrate that IL-15-induced CD8+ Trm cells are pathogenic cells that mediate HSPC destruction in SAA patients and are therapeutic targets for future treatments.

Microwave coupled Zeeman splitting spectroscopy of a cesium nPJ Rydberg atom.

We perform measurements of microwave spectra of cesium Rydberg 51S1/2 → 51PJ transitions with the linewidth approaching the Fourier limit. A two-photon scheme excites the ground-state atoms to the Rydberg 51S1/2 state, and a weak microwave photon couples the Rydberg transition of 51S1/2 → 51PJ. The hyperfine structure of 51P1/2 can be clearly resolved with a narrow linewidth microwave spectra by using the method of ion detection. Furthermore, we investigate the Zeeman effect of the 51P1/2,3/2 state. The theoretical calculations reproduce the measurement well. Our experimental measurements provide a reliable technical solution for the investigation of high angular momentum Rydberg states, which is conducive to further realizing the coherent manipulation of Rydberg energy levels and improving the sensitivity of electromagnetic field measurement.

Recent advances in microbial fuel cell-based self-powered biosensors: a comprehensive exploration of sensing strategies in both anode and cathode modes.

With the rapid development of society, it is of paramount importance to expeditiously assess environmental pollution and provide early warning of toxicity risks. Microbial fuel cell-based self-powered biosensors (MFC-SPBs) have emerged as a pivotal technology, obviating the necessity for external power sources and aligning with the prevailing trends toward miniaturization and simplification in biosensor development. In this case, vigorous advancements in MFC-SPBs have been acquired in past years, irrespective of whether the target identification event transpires at the anode or cathode. The present article undertakes a comprehensive review of developed MFC-SPBs, categorizing them into substrate effect and microbial activity effect based on the nature of the target identification event. Furthermore, various enhancement strategies to improve the analytical performance like accuracy and sensitivity are also outlined, along with a discussion of future research trends and application prospects of MFC-SPBs for their better developments.

Contribution of the stereoscopic representation of motion-in-depth during visually guided feedback control.

Considerable studies have focused on the neural basis of visually guided tracking movement in the frontoparallel plane, whereas the neural process in real-world circumstances regarding the influence of binocular disparity and motion-in-depth (MID) perception is less understood. Although the role of stereoscopic versus monoscopic MID information has been extensively described for visual processing, its influence on top-down regulation for motor execution has not received much attention. Here, we orthogonally varied the visual representation (stereoscopic versus monoscopic) and motion direction (depth motion versus bias depth motion versus frontoparallel motion) during visually guided tracking movements, with simultaneous functional near-infrared spectroscopy recordings. Results show that the stereoscopic representation of MID could lead to more accurate movements, which was supported by specific neural activity pattern. More importantly, we extend prior evidence about the role of frontoparietal network in brain-behavior relationship, showing that occipital area, more specifically, visual area V2/V3 was also robustly involved in the association. Furthermore, by using the stereoscopic representation of MID, it is plausible to detect robust brain-behavior relationship even with small sample size at low executive task demand. Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of the stereoscopic representation of MID for investigating neural correlates of visually guided feedback control.

Green space and its types can attenuate the associations of PM2.5 and its components with prediabetes and diabetes-- a multicenter cross-sectional study from eastern China.

BACKGROUND: The effect of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) components on prediabetes and diabetes is of concern, but the evidence is limited and the specific role of different green space types remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the relationship of PM2.5 and its components with prediabetes and diabetes as well as the potential health benefits of different types and combinations of green spaces. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in eastern China by using a multi-stage random sampling method. Health screening and questionnaires for 98,091 participants were performed during 2017-2020. PM2.5 and its five components were estimated by the inverse distance weighted method, and green space was reflected by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), percentages of tree or grass cover. Multivariate logistic regression and quantile g-computing were used to explore the associations of PM2.5 and five components with prediabetes and diabetes and to elucidate the potential moderating role of green space and corresponding type combinations in these associations. RESULTS: Each interquartile range (IQR) increment of PM2.5 was associated with both prediabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 1.15, 95%CI [confidence interval]: 1.10-1.20) and diabetes (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.11-1.25), respectively. All five components of PM2.5 were related to prediabetes and diabetes. The ORs of PM2.5 on diabetes were 1.49 (1.35-1.63) in the low tree group and 0.90 (0.82-0.98) in the high tree group, respectively. In the high tree-high grass group, the harmful impacts of PM2.5 and five components were significantly lower than in the other groups. CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that PM2.5 and its components were associated with the increased risk of prediabetes and diabetes, which could be diminished by green space. Furthermore, the coexistence of high levels of tree and grass cover provided greater benefits. These findings had critical implications for diabetes prevention and green space-based planning for healthy city.

Heatwave characteristics complicate the association between PM2.5 components and schizophrenia hospitalizations in a changing climate: Leveraging of the individual residential environment.

BACKGROUND: In the era characterized by global environmental and climatic changes, understanding the effects of PM2.5 components and heatwaves on schizophrenia (SCZ) is essential for implementing environmental interventions at the population level. However, research in this area remains limited, which highlights the need for further research and effort. We aim to assess the association between exposure to PM2.5 components and hospitalizations for SCZ under different heatwave characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a 16 municipalities-wide, individual exposure-based, time-stratified, case-crossover study from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2020, encompassing 160736 hospitalizations in Anhui Province, China. Daily concentrations of PM2.5 components were obtained from the Tracking Air Pollution in China dataset. Conditional logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between PM2.5 components and hospitalizations. Additionally, restricted cubic spline models were used to identify protective thresholds of residential environment in response to environmental and climate change. RESULTS: Our findings indicate a positive correlation between PM2.5 and its components and hospitalizations. Significantly, a 1 µg/m3 increase in black carbon (BC) was associated with the highest risk, at 1.58% (95%CI: 0.95-2.25). Exposure to heatwaves synergistically enhanced the impact of PM2.5 components on hospitalization risks, and the interaction varied with the intensity and duration of heatwaves. Under the 99th percentile heatwave events, the impact of PM2.5 and its components on hospitalizations was most pronounced, which were PM2.5 (2-4d: 4.59%, 5.09%, and 5.09%), sulfate (2-4d: 21.73%, 23.23%, and 25.25%), nitrate (2-4d: 17.51%, 16.93%, and 20.31%), ammonium (2-4d: 27.49%, 31.03%, and 32.41%), organic matter (2-4d: 32.07%, 25.42%, and 24.48%), and BC (2-4d: 259.36%, 288.21%, and 152.52%), respectively. Encouragingly, a protective effect was observed when green and blue spaces comprised more than 17.6% of the residential environment. DISCUSSION: PM2.5 components and heatwave exposure were positively associated with an increased risk of hospitalizations, although green and blue spaces provided a mitigating effect.

Mapping of spastic muscle activity after stroke: difference between passive stretch and active contraction.

BACKGROUND: Investigating the spatial distribution of muscle activity would facilitate understanding the underlying mechanism of spasticity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of spastic muscles during passive stretch and active contraction by high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG). METHODS: Fourteen spastic hemiparetic subjects and ten healthy subjects were recruited. The biceps brachii (BB) muscle activity of each subject was recorded by HD-sEMG during passive stretch at four stretch velocities (10, 60, 120, 180˚/s) and active contraction at three submaximal contraction levels (20, 50, 80%MVC). The intensity and spatial distribution of the BB activity were compared by the means of two-way analysis of variance, independent sample t-test, and paired sample t-test. RESULTS: Compared with healthy subjects, spastic hemiparetic subjects showed significantly higher intensity with velocity-dependent heterogeneous activation during passive stretch and more lateral and proximal activation distribution during active contraction. In addition, spastic hemiparetic subjects displayed almost non-overlapping activation areas during passive stretch and active contraction. The activation distribution of passive stretch was more distal when compared with the active contraction. CONCLUSIONS: These alterations of the BB activity could be the consequence of deficits in the descending central control after stroke. The complementary spatial distribution of spastic BB activity reflected their opposite motor units (MUs) recruitment patterns between passive stretch and active contraction. This HD-sEMG study provides new neurophysiological evidence for the spatial relationship of spastic BB activity between passive stretch and active contraction, advancing our knowledge on the mechanism of spasticity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2000032245.

Toxicity of common biocides used in aquaculture to embryos and larvae of Brachymystax tsinlingensis Li.

Brachymystax tsinlingensis Li is a threatened fish species endemic to China. With the problems of environmental factors and seeding breeding diseases, it is important to further improve the efficiency of seeding breeding and the basis of resource protection. This study investigated the acute toxicity of copper, zinc and methylene blue (MB) on hatching, survival, morphology, heart rate (HR) and stress behaviour of B. tsinlingensis. Eggs (diameter: 3.86 ± 0.07 mm, weight: 0.032 ± 0.004 g) of B. tsinlingensis were selected randomly from artificial propagation and developed from eye-pigmentation-stage embryos to yolk-sac stage larvae (length: 12.40 ± 0.02 mm, weight: 0.03 ± 0.001 g) and exposed to different concentrations of Cu, Zn and MB for 144 h in a series of semi-static toxicity tests. The acute toxicity tests indicated that the 96-h median lethal concentration (LC50 ) values of the embryos and larvae were 1.71 and 0.22 mg l-1 for copper and 2.57 and 2.72 mg l-1 for zinc, respectively, whereas the MB LC50 after 144-h exposure for embryos and larvae were 67.88 and 17.81 mg l-1 , respectively. The safe concentrations of copper, zinc and MB were 0.17, 0.77 and 6.79 mg l-1 for embryos and 0.03, 0.03 and 1.78 mg l-1 for larvae, respectively. Copper, zinc and MB treatments with concentrations greater than 1.60, 2.00 and 60.00 mg l-1 , respectively, led to a significantly low hatching rate and significantly high embryo mortality (P < 0.05), and copper and MB treatments with concentrations greater than 0.2 and 20 mg l-1 led to significantly high larvae mortality (P < 0.05). Exposure to copper, zinc and MB resulted in developmental defects, including spinal curvature, tail deformity, vascular system anomalies and discolouration. Moreover, copper exposure significantly reduced the HR of larvae (P < 0.05). The embryos exhibited an obvious change in behaviour, converting from the normal behaviour of emerging from the membrane head first to emerging tail first, with probabilities of 34.82%, 14.81% and 49.07% under copper, zinc and MB treatments, respectively. The results demonstrated that the sensitivity of yolk-sac larvae to copper and MB was significantly higher than that of embryos (P < 0.05) and that B. tsinlingensis embryos or larvae might be more resistant to copper, zinc and MB than other members of the Salmonidae family, which benefits their resource protection and restoration.

Comparative proteome profiles of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua rhizomes (Rhizoma Ploygonati) in response to different levels of cadmium stress.

BACKGROUND: The Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua rhizomes (also known as Rhizoma Polygonati, RP) are consumed for their health benefits. The main source of the RP is wild P. cyrtonema populations in the Hunan province of China. However, the soil Cadmium (Cd) content in Huanan is increasing, thus increasing the risks of Cd accumulation in RP which may end up in the human food chain. To understand the mechanism of Cd accumulation and resistance in P. cyrtonema, we subjected P. cyrtonema plants to four levels of Cd stress [(D2) 1, (D3) 2, (D4) 4, and (D5) 8 mg/kg)] compared to (D1) 0.5 mg/kg. RESULTS: The increase in soil Cd content up to 4 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase in tissue (root hair, rhizome, stem, and leaf) Cd content. The increase in Cd concentration variably affected the antioxidant enzyme activities. We could identify 14,171 and 12,115 protein groups and peptides, respectively. There were 193, 227, 260, and 163 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in D2, D3, D4, and D5, respectively, compared to D1. The number of downregulated DEPs increased with an increase in Cd content up to 4 mg/kg. These downregulated proteins belonged to sugar biosynthesis, amino acid biosynthesis-related pathways, and secondary metabolism-related pathways. Our results indicate that Cd stress increases ROS generation, against which, different ROS scavenging proteins are upregulated in P. cyrtonema. Moreover, Cd stress affected the expression of lipid transport and assembly, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, sugar biosynthesis, and ATP generation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that an increase in soil Cd content may end up in Huangjing. Cadmium stress initiates expression changes in multiple pathways related to energy metabolism, sugar biosynthesis, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The proteins involved in these pathways are potential candidates for manipulation and development of Cd stress-tolerant genotypes.

The impact of hazes on schizophrenia admissions and the synergistic effect with the combined atmospheric oxidation capacity in Hefei, China.

OBJECTIVES: Currently, most epidemiological studies on haze focus on respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, etc. However, the relationship between haze and mental health has not been adequately explored. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of hazes on schizophrenia admissions and to further explore the potential interaction effect with the combined atmospheric oxidative indices (Ox and Oxwt). METHODS: We collected 5328 cases during the cold season from 2013 to 2015 in Hefei, China. By integrating the Poisson Generalized Linear Models with the Distributed Lag Non-linear Models, the association between haze and schizophrenia admissions was evaluated. The interaction between hazes and two combined oxidation indexes was tested by stratifying hazes and Ox, and Oxwt. RESULTS: Haze was found to be significantly linked to an increased risk of hospitalization for schizophrenia, and a 9-day lag effect on schizophrenia (lag 3-lag 11), with the largest effect on lag 6 (RR = 1.080, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.046-1.116). Males, females, and <40 y (people under 40 years old) were sensitive to hazes. Furthermore, in the stratified analysis, we found synergies between two combined oxidation indexes and hazes. The interaction relative risk (IRR) and relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) between Ox and hazes were 1.170 (95% CI: 1.071-1.277) and 0.149 (95% CI: 0.045-0.253), respectively. For Oxwt, the IRR and RERI were 1.179 (95% CI: 1.087-1.281) and 0.159 (95% CI: 0.056-0.263), respectively. It is noteworthy that this synergistic effect was significant in males and <40 y when examining the various subgroups in the interaction analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that exposure to haze significantly increases the risk of hospitalization for schizophrenia. More significant public health benefits can be obtained by prioritizing haze periods with high combined atmospheric oxidation capacity.

The global burden of schizophrenia and the impact of urbanization during 1990-2019: An analysis of the global burden of disease study 2019.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: The burden of schizophrenia is increasing. Assessing the global distribution of schizophrenia and understanding the association between urbanization factors and schizophrenia are crucial. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a two-stage analysis utilizing public data from GBD (global burden of disease) 2019 and the World Bank. First, the distribution of schizophrenia burden at the global, regional, and national levels as well as temporal trends was analyzed. Then, four composite indicators of urbanization (including demographic, spatial, economic, and eco-environment urbanization) were constructed from ten basic indicators. Panel data models were used to explore the relationship between urbanization indicators and the burden of schizophrenia. RESULTS: In 2019, there were 23.6 million people with schizophrenia, an increase of 65.85% from 1990, and the country with the largest ASDR (age-standardized disability adjusted life years rate) was the United States of America, followed by Australia, and New Zealand. Globally, the ASDR of schizophrenia rose with the sociodemographic index (SDI). In addition, six basic urbanization indicators including urban population proportion, employment in industry/services proportion, urban population density, the population proportion in the largest city, GDP, and PM2.5 concentration were positively associated with ASDR of schizophrenia, with the largest coefficients being urban population density. Overall, demographic, spatial, economic, and eco-environment urbanization all had positive effects on schizophrenia, and the estimated coefficients indicated that demographic urbanization was the most significant influence. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided a comprehensive description of the global burden of schizophrenia and explored urbanization as a factor contributing to the variation in the burden of schizophrenia, and highlighted policy priorities for schizophrenia prevention in the context of urbanization.

Dissociation of ultracold cesium Rydberg-ground molecules.

We report the experimental measurements of the decay rate of polar cesium nD5/2 - 6S1/2 Rydberg-ground molecules with a large principal quantum number range of 35 ≤ n ≤ 40. Rydberg molecules are prepared employing the method of two-photon photoassociation and the molecular (atomic) ions, due to autoionization (blackbody photoionization), are detected with a microchannel plate detector. The decay rate Γ of the vibrational ground state of the deep and shadow bound molecules for triplet (TΣ) and mixed singlet-triplet (S,TΣ) are measured by fitting the molecular population with the exponential function. Comparing with the parent atom, the decay rate of the polar Rydberg-ground molecule shows an obvious increase with a magnitude of a few µs. The possible dissociation mechanism of polar Rydberg-ground molecules including a collisional decay, blackbody induced decay, and coupling of adjacent Rydberg states and tunneling decay are discussed in detail. The theoretical model is induced to simulate the measurements, showing agreement.

Association of outdoor artificial light at night with metabolic syndrome and the modifying effect of tree and grass cover.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies show that outdoor artificial light at night (ALAN) is linked to metabolic hazards, but its association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association of outdoor ALAN with MetS in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. METHODS: From 2017-2020, we conducted a cross-sectional study in a total of 109,452 participants living in ten cities of eastern China. MetS was defined by fasting blood glucose (FG), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), blood pressure (BP), and waist circumference (WC). In 2021, we followed up 4395 participants without MetS at the baseline. Each participant's five-year average exposure to outdoor ALAN, as well as their exposure to green space type, were measured through matching to their address. Generalized linear models were used to assess the associations of outdoor ALAN with MetS. Stratified analyses were performed by sex, age, region, physical activity, and exposure to green space. RESULTS: In the cross-sectional study, compared to the first quantile (Q1) of outdoor ALAN exposure, the odds ratios (ORs) of MetS were 1.156 [95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.111-1.203] and 1.073 (95 %CI: 1.021-1.128) respectively in the third and fourth quantiles (Q3, Q4) of outdoor ALAN exposure. The follow-up study found that, compared to the first quantile (Q1) of outdoor ALAN exposure, the OR of MetS in Q4 of ALAN exposure was 1.204 (95 %CI: 1.019-1.422). Adverse associations of ALAN with MetS components, including high FG, high TG, and obesity, were also found. Greater associations of ALAN with MetS were found in males, the elderly, urban residents, those with low frequency of physical activity, and those living in areas with low levels of grass cover and tree cover. CONCLUSIONS: Outdoor ALAN exposure is associated with an increased MetS risk, especially in males, the elderly, urban residents, those lacking physical activity, and those living in lower levels of grass cover and tree cover.

Leaf Spot caused by Alternaria alternata on Macleaya cordata in China.

Macleaya cordata is a perennial herb that belongs to the Papaveraceae and is typically prescribed as a traditional antibacterial medicine in China (Kosina et al. 2010). The extract from M. cordata has been widely used in the manufacturing of natural growth promoters as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in the livestock industry (Liu et al. 2017), and the products are marketed in 70 countries such as Germany, China, etc (Ikezawa et al. 2009). During the summer of 2019, symptoms of leaf spot were observed on M. cordata (cv. HNXN-001) in two commercial fields (approximately 1, 300 m2 and 2, 100 m2) of Xinning county, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province, China, where approximately 2 to 3% of the plants were affected. The initial symptoms were irregular black and brown spots on the leaves. The lesions expanded and coalesced, eventually leading to leaf blight. Six symptomatic basal leaf sections from six plants from two fields were surface disinfested in 0.5% NaClO for 1 min, then 75% ethanol for 20 s, rinsed in sterile water three times, air dried, and placed onto potato dextrose agar (PDA), one dish for samples from a single leaf. Plates were incubated at 26°C in darkness. Nine strains with similar morphological characters were isolated, and one representative isolate ( BLH-YB-08) was used for morphological and molecular characterization. The colonies on PDA were grayish-green with white round margins. Conidia were typically obclavate to obpyriform, brown to dark brown, and 12.0 to 35.0 × 6.0 to 15.0 µm, and with 1 to 5 transverse septa and 0 to 2 longitudinal septa (n=50). Isolates were identified as Alternaria sp. on the basis of mycelial characteristics, color, and conidial morphology. To confirm identity of the pathogen, DNA was extracted from isolate BLH-YB-08 with the DNAsecure Plant Kit (TIANGEN, Biotech, China). The glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), actin (ACT), 28S nrDNA (LSU), 18S nuclear ribosomal DNA (SSU), histone 3 (HIS3), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA, and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF) genes ( Berbee et al. 1999; Carbone and Kohn. 1999; Glass and Donaldson. 1995; White et al. 1990.) were amplified and sequenced. Sequences were deposited into the GenBank database. They were 100% sequence identity of GAPDH (OQ224996) with A. alternata strain AA2-8 (MH65578; 578/578bp), 100% sequence identity of RPB2 (OQ190460) with A. alternata strain SAX-WN-30-2 ( MK605877; 933/933bp), 100% sequence identity of ACT (OQ923292) with A. alternata strain FCBP0352 (OL830257; 939/939 bp), 100% sequence identity of LSU (OQ891167) with A. alternata XL14 (MG839509 ; 908/908 bp), 100% sequence identity of SSU (OQ139544) with A. alternata strain BJ19.4.1(OM736063; 1,067/1,067 bp), 100% sequence identity of HIS3 (MT454856) with A. alternata YJ-CYC-HC2 (OQ116440 ; 442/442 bp), 100% sequence identity of ITS (MT212225) with A. alternata CS-1-3 (OQ947366; 543/543bp), and 100% sequence identity of TEF (OQ190461) with A. alternata strain YZU 221185 (OQ512730; 252/252 bp). To test pathogenicity, the isolate BLH-YB-08 was cultured on PDA for 7 days to prepare conidial suspensions and the spore concentration adjusted to a final concentration of 1×106 spores/ml. The leaves of five potted 45-day-old M. cordata (cv. HNXN-001) plants were sprayed with conidial suspensions, and five control potted plants were wiped with 75% alcohol and washed five times with sterile distilled water. They were then sprayed with sterile distilled water. Plants were placed in a greenhouse at 25 to 30°C with 90% relative humidity. Pathogenicity tests were conducted twice. Fifteen days after inoculation, lesions were found on inoculated leaves, and the symptoms were the same as those in the field, whereas the controls were healthy. A fungus was consistently isolated from the inoculated leaves and identified as A. alternata by DNA sequencing of the GAPDH, ITS, and HIS3 genes, fulfilling Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot on M. cordata caused by A. alternata in China. Understanding its etiology may help to control this fungal pathogen, thus reducing economic losses. Funding: Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation General Project (2023JJ30341) Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation Youth Fund (2023JJ40367) Seed Industry Innovation Project of Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department Special project for the construction of Chinese herbal medicine industry technology system in Hunan Province "Xiangjiuwei" Industrial Cluster Project of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

STING mediates neuroinflammatory response by activating NLRP3-related pyroptosis in severe traumatic brain injury.

Long-term neurological deficits after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), including cognitive dysfunction and emotional impairments, can significantly impair rehabilitation. Glial activation induced by inflammatory response is involved in the neurological deficits post-TBI. This study aimed to investigate the role of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) signaling in a rodent model of severe TBI. Severe TBI models were established using weight-drop plus blood loss reinfusion model. Selective STING agonist ADU-S100 or antagonist C-176 was given as a single dose after modeling. Further, NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 or activator nigericin, or caspase-1 inhibitor VX765, was given as an intracerebroventricular injection 30 min before modeling. After that, a novel object recognition test, open field test, force swimming test, western blot, and immunofluorescence assays were used to assess behavioral and pathological changes in severe TBI. Administration of C-176 alleviated TBI-induced cognitive dysfunction and emotional impairments, neuronal loss, and inflammatory activation of glia cells. However, the administration of STING agonist ADU-S100 exacerbated TBI-induced behavioral and pathological changes. In addition, STING activation exacerbated pyroptosis-associated neuroinflammation via promoting glial activation, as evidenced by increased cleaved caspase-1 and GSDMD N-terminal expression. In contrast, the administration of C-176 showed anti-pyroptotic effects. The neuroprotective effects of C-176 were partially reversed by the NLRP3 activator, nigericin. Collectively, glial STING is responsible for neuroinflammation post-TBI. However, pharmacologic inhibition of STING led to a remarkable improvement of neuroinflammation partly through suppressing NLRP3 signaling. The STING-NLRP3 signaling is a potential therapeutic target in TBI-induced neurological dysfunction.

Damage-Free and Time-Saving Platform Integrated by a Flow Membrane Separation Device and a Dual-Target Biofuel Cell-Based Biosensor for Continuous Sorting and Detection of Exosomes and Host Cells in Human Serum.

The growth relationship between exosomes (EXOs) and the host cells is highly desired for tumor evaluations, which puts forward high demand on the accurate and convenient acquisition of their individual quantitative information. However, the tedious and destructive separation process and the requirement of dual-channel detection make it become an extremely challenging task. Herein, we integrated an enzymatic biofuel cell (EBFC)-powered biosensor with a flow cell-supported membrane separation device (FMSC) to develop a continuous separation and detection platform for EXOs and host cancer cells in human serum. The FMSC equipped with an aluminum oxide membrane served as a size-dependent sorting unit to nondestructively extract EXOs from human serum within 5 min, representing a 99.3% reduction in isolating time compared to ultracentrifugation. The EBFC-powered biosensors modified with different aptamers on anodes and cathodes were used as a dual-channel sensing unit. By regulating the controlling valves of different fluid passages, the extracted EXOs and residual host cells could be successively inputted into EBFC-powered biosensors, which generated a segmental degradation in output performance due to the EXO-and host cell-caused increase in the steric hindrance of anodes and cathodes, respectively. Based on these degradations, we obtained the quantitative information of EXOs and host cells with a record-breaking sensitivity (EXOs: 5.59 × 103 particles/mL and host cells: 25 cells/mL). Moreover, the growth relationship between EXOs and host cells was also built, which would be beneficial for the disclosure of the growth state or even more detailed biology information of tumor.

Autler-Townes splitting of three-photon excitation of cesium cold Rydberg gases.

We demonstrate the three-photon Autler-Townes (AT) spectroscopy in a cold cesium Rydberg four-level atom by detecting the field ionized Rydberg population. The ground state |6S1/2〉, two intermediate states |6P3/2〉 and |7S1/2〉 and Rydberg state |60P3/2〉 form a cascade four-level atomic system. The three-photon AT spectra and AT splittings are characterized by the Rabi frequency Ω852 and Ω1470 and detuning δ852 of the coupling lasers. Due to the interaction of two coupling lasers with the atoms, the AT spectrum has three peaks denoted with the letters A, B and C. Positions of the peaks and relative AT splittings, γAB and γBC, strongly depend on two coupling lasers. The dependence of the AT splitting, γAB and γBC, on the coupling laser detuning, δ852, and Rabi frequency, Ω852 and Ω1470 are investigated. It is found that the AT splitting γAB mainly comes from the first photon coupling, whereas the γBC mainly comes from the second photon coupling with the atom. The three-photon AT spectra and relevant AT splittings are simulated with the four-level density matrix equation and show good agreement with the theoretical simulations considering the spectral line broadening. Our work is of great significance both for further understanding the interaction between the laser and the atom, and for the application of the Rydberg atom based field measurement.

Ultimate low leakage and EOT of high-κdielectric using transferred metal electrode.

The increase of gate leakage current when the gate dielectric layer is thinned is a key issue for device scalability. For scaling down the integrated circuits, a thin gate dielectric layer with a low leakage current is essential. Currently, changing the dielectric layer material or enhancing the surface contact between the gate dielectric and the channel material is the most common way to reduce gate leakage current in devices. Herein, we report a technique of enhancing the surface contact between the gate dielectric and the metal electrode, that is constructing an Au/Al2O3/Si metal-oxide-semiconductor device by replacing the typical evaporated electrode/dielectric layer contact with a transferred electrode/high-κdielectric layer contact. The contact with a mild, non-invasive interface can ensure the intrinsic insulation of the dielectric layer. By applying 2-40 nm Al2O3as the dielectric layer, the current density-electrical field (J-E) measurement reveals that the dielectric leakage generated by the transferred electrode is less than that obtained by the typical evaporated electrode with a ratio of 0.3 × 101 âˆ¼ 5 × 106atVbias = 1 V. Furthermore, atJ = 1 mA cm-2, the withstand voltage can be raised by 100-102times over that of an evaporated electrode. The capacitance-voltage (C-V) test shows that the transferred metal electrode can efficiently scale the equivalent oxide layer thickness (EOT) to 1.58 nm, which is a relatively smaller value than the overall reported Si-based device's EOT. This finding successfully illustrates that the transferred electrode/dielectric layer's mild contact can balance the scaling of the gate dielectric layer with a minimal leakage current and constantly reduce the EOT. Our enhanced electrode/dielectric contact approach provides a straightforward and effective pathway for further scaling of devices in integrated circuits and significantly decreases the overall integrated circuit's static power consumption (ICs).

Association between sequential extreme precipitation-heatwaves events and hospitalizations for schizophrenia: The damage amplification effects of sequential extremes.

OBJECTIVES: In the context of frequent global extreme weather events, there are few studies on the effects of sequential extreme precipitation (EP) and heatwaves (HW) events on schizophrenia. We aimed to quantify the effects of the events on hospitalizations for schizophrenia and compare them with EP and HW alone to explore the amplification effect of successive extremes on health loss. METHODS: A time-series Poisson regression model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model was applied to estimate the association between sequential EP and HW events (EP-HW) and schizophrenia hospitalizations. The effects of EP-HW with different intervals and intensities on the admission of schizophrenia were compared. In addition, we calculated the mean attributable fraction (AF) and attributable numbers (AN) per exposure of extreme events to reflect the amplification effect of sequential extreme events on health hazards compared with individual extreme events. RESULTS: EP-HW increased the risk of hospitalization for schizophrenia, with significant effects lasting from lag0 (RR and 95% CI: 1.150 (1.041-1.271)) to lag11 (1.046 (1.000-1.094)). Significant associations were found in the subgroups of male, female, married people, and those aged≥ 40 years old. Shorter-interval (0-3days) or higher-intensity EP-HW (both precipitation ≥ P97.5 and mean temperature ≥ P97.5) had a longer lag effect compared to EP-HW with longer intervals or lower intensity. We found that the mean AF and AN caused by each exposure to EP-HW (AF: 0.074% (0.015%-0.123%); AN: 4.284 (0.862-7.118)) were higher than those induced by each exposure to HW occurring alone (AF:0.032% (0.004%-0.058%); AN:1.845 (0.220-3.329)). CONCLUSIONS: Sequential extreme precipitation-heatwaves events significantly increase the risk of hospitalizations for schizophrenia, with greater impact and disease burden than independently occurring extremes. The impact of consecutive extremes is supposed to be considered in local sector early warning systems for comprehensive public health decision-making.