Manipulating Fe(II) spin states to achieve higher anti-tumor cell activities in multinuclear complexes.

Exploring the different spin states of central metals in the complex to regulate the anti-tumor activity of cancer cells is of great significance in drug design and clinical use. However, it is a challenge to build a strong coupling between spin states and anti-tumor activities in one system. Herein, we present two complexes {FeII2L2[PdII(CN)4]2}·2H2O (L = Bztpen (1), Bztppn (2); Bztpen = N-benzyl-N,N',N'-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine, Bztppn = N-benzyl-N,N',N'-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)propylenediamine) showing different cytotoxic activities actuated by fine-tuning the structure with different spin states of Fe(II). Magnetic susceptibility measurements and X-ray diffraction revealed that the Fe(II) ion in complexes 1 and 2 remains in the LS and HS state, respectively, at room temperature. Cytotoxicity tests indicate that complex 1 is more biologically effective than complex 2. In complex 2, however, the high-spin Fe(II) played a key role in regulating its in vitro antitumor effects and seems to be associated with ROS-mediated apoptosis. These findings offer a new avenue for developing anti-cancer drugs by designing complexes with different spin states.

Selective Vulnerability of GABAergic Inhibitory Interneurons to Bilirubin Neurotoxicity in the Neonatal Brain.

Hyperbilirubinemia (HB) is a key risk factor for hearing loss in neonates, particularly premature infants. Here we report that bilirubin (BIL)-dependent cell death in auditory brainstem of neonatal mice of both sexes is significantly attenuated by ZD7288, a blocker for hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel mediated current (Ih), or by genetic deletion of HCN1. GABAergic inhibitory interneurons predominantly express HCN1, on which BIL selectively acts to increase their intrinsic excitability and mortality by enhancing HCN1 activity and Ca2+-dependent membrane targeting. Chronic BIL elevation in neonatal mice in vivo increases the fraction of spontaneously active interneurons and their firing frequency, Ih and death, compromising audition at young adult stage in HCN1+/+, but not in HCN1-/- genotype. We conclude that HB preferentially targets HCN1 to injure inhibitory interneurons, fueling a feedforward loop in which lessening inhibition cascades hyperexcitability, Ca2+ overload, neuronal death and auditory impairments. These findings rationalize HCN1 as a potential target for managing HB encephalopathy.Significance Statement This study demonstrated that bilirubin preferentially targets GABAergic interneurons where it facilitates not only gating of HCN1 channels but also targeting of intracellular HCN1 to plasma membrane in calcium-dependent manner, resulting in neuronal hyperexcitability, injury and sensory dysfunction. These findings implicate HCN1 channel not only as a potential driver for auditory abnormalities in neonatal patients with bilirubin encephalopathy, but also potential intervention target for clinical management of neurological impairments associated with severe jaundice. Selective vulnerability of interneurons to neurotoxicity may be of general significance for understanding other forms of brain injury.

Assessment of the humoral immune status of varicella-zoster virus in patients with diffuse connective tissue diseases.

Background: Diffuse connective tissue diseases (DCTDs) require long-term immunosuppressive treatment, increasing the risk of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. This study aims to evaluate the humoral immune status against VZV in DCTD patients and explore factors that may influence their immune levels. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study that collected data from adult DCTD patients (≥18 years) attending our outpatient clinic. The geometric mean concentration (GMC) of VZV-specific IgG antibodies in the patients' sera was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: A total of 280 RA patients, 272 SLE + MCTD patients and 280 healthy controls were included. SLE + MCTD patients had significantly higher VZV IgG antibody levels than RA patients (p < 0.05) but showed no significant difference compared to healthy controls (p > 0.05). Notable differences were observed particularly among female patients and those aged 30-49 years, (p < 0.05). SLE + MCTD patients in an active disease state had significantly higher VZV IgG antibody titers than RA patients (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients with a history of herpes zoster, regardless of being in the SLE + MCTD, RA, or control group, exhibited higher VZV IgG titers (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although DCTD patients, particularly those with SLE and MCTD, exhibit higher VZV IgG antibody levels, they still face a higher risk of developing herpes zoster (HZ), which may be related to their underlying disease and immunosuppressive treatment. The presence of antibodies alone may not provide complete protection, necessitating consideration of cellular immune mechanisms. It is recommended to enhance monitoring of VZV antibody levels in high-risk patients and consider herpes zoster vaccination to reduce HZ-related complications.

Mapping the constituent preference of tree species for capturing particulate matter on leaf surfaces using single-particle mass spectrometry and supervised machine learning.

Respiratory health is negatively influenced by the dimensions and constituents of particulate matter (PM). Although mass concentration is widely acknowledged to be key to assessing dust retention by urban trees, the role of plant leaves in filtering PM from the urban atmosphere, particularly regarding the particle dimensions and chemical constituents of retained PM on the leaf, remains elusive. Here we combined single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry and a particle resuspension chamber to investigate how urban tree species capture PM constituents. Results indicate that leaves are efficient in capturing relatively larger particles (1.0-2.0 µm). Compositionally, airborne particles were mostly composed of elemental carbon (EC, 20%), organic carbon (OC, 17%), and secondary reaction products (13%). However, leaf surfaces revealed a preference for retaining crustal species, comprising 55% of captured particulates. Notably, specific tree species demonstrated varied affinities for different PM constituents: Osmanthus fragrans Lour. predominantly captured levoglucosan (LEV), indicative of its efficiency against biomass burning particles, whereas Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl and Sabina chinensis var. kaizuca W.C.Cheng & W.T.Wang were more effective in capturing heavy metals (HMs). XGBoost modelling identified indicator ions, e.g., CN-, NO3-, NO2-, PO3-, with SHAP values surpassing 0.035, suggesting a preferential adsorption of these ions among different tree species. These findings demonstrate that the particulate capture efficiency of urban tree species varies with species-specific leaf properties, particularly in their ability to selectively adsorb particles containing hazardous constituents such as LEV and HMs. This study provides a scientific basis for the strategic selection of tree species in urban forestry initiatives aimed at improving air quality and public health.

Cardiovascular health assessed by the new life's essential 8 and the prevalence of urinary incontinence in adults.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between cardiovascular health (CVH) measured by Life's Essential 8 (LE8) and the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI). METHOD: A cross-section study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2012. 22,609 people aged ≥ 20 years with complete information on LE8 metrics and UI questionnaires were enrolled. Participants were divided into three groups (low: < 50, moderate: ≥ 50 and < 80, high: ≥ 80) based on the cut-off of LE8. Weighted proportions, multivariable logistic regression analysis and stratified logistic regression were performed to examine the association between LE8 and the prevalence of three types of UI separately (stress UI (SUI), urge UI (UUI), mixed UI (MUI)) by confounding factors adjusted. Spline smooth was conducted to find whether a linear relationship existed. In addition, sensitive analyses were also conducted to observe the stability. RESULT: A total of 22,609 adults were involved in the study, and participants were divided into three groups (low 42.2 ± 6.3, moderate 66.1 ± 8.1, high 86.8 ± 5.1) according to the cut-off points of LE8. The multivariable logistic regression suggested that LE8 is inversely associated with the prevalence of SUI (OR = 0.98, 95%CI 0.98 to 0.99), UUI (OR = 0.98, 95%CI 0.98 to 0.99), and MUI (OR = 0.98, 95%CI 0.97 to 0.98) in the fully-adjusted model. Compared with the low group, people with high scores of LE8 had a lower prevalence of SUI (OR = 0.45, 95%CI 0.37 to 0.55), UUI (OR = 0.49, 95%CI 0.40 to 0.60), and MUI (OR = 0.41, 95%CI 0.30 to 0.55). The result of the sensitive analysis showed the robustness of the main analysis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of UI (SUI, UUI, or MUI) is inversely associated with the LE8 score, which suggests that maintaining a good CVH with a higher LE8 score is accompanied by lower prevalence rates of UUI, SUI, and MUI.

Effects of mono- or di-fluoro-substitution on spin crossover behavior in a pair of Schiff base-like FeII-coordination polymers.

Spin crossover (SCO) has long been a hot topic in the field of molecular magnetism owing to its unique bistability character. Rational control of thermal hysteresis and transition temperature (T1/2) is crucial for their practical applications, which rely on precise manipulation of the substituents of SCO coordinating ligands and molecular packing interactions. In this study, we designed two different bridging ligands (2-FDPB: 4,4'-(2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene)dipyridine; 2,3-FDPB: 4,4'-(2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene)dipyridine) featuring one and two fluoro substitution on the central benzene ring and applied a Schiff base-like equatorial tetradentate ligand {diethyl(E,E)-2,2'-[4,5-difluoro-1,2-phenyl-bis(iminomethylidyne)]bis(3-oxobutanoate)-(2-)-N,N',O3,O3'} (H2L) to coordinate with the FeII ion. Two FeII-coordination chain polymers [FeII(L)(2,3-FDPB)]·0.25CH2Cl2 (1) and [FeII(L)(2-FDPB)]·0.5CH3OH (2) were obtained. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/n space group with only one FeII center, while 2 crystallizes in the triclinic P1̄ space group with two independent FeII centers. Unlike the identical 2D layer stacking in 1, 2 exhibited alternating stacking of the extending 2D layers and meshed chains. Magnetic measurements revealed the typical thermally induced spin crossover behavior (SCO): 1 exhibited a 41 K-wide thermal hysteresis with transition temperatures of T1/2↑ = 245 K and T1/2↓ = 204 K, while 2 showed a higher transition temperature (T1/2 = 330 K) with no thermal hysteresis. Magneto-structural correlation studies suggest that the electron-withdrawing effect present in the fluoro substituents does not have a significant impact on the SCO behaviors. Despite the fluoro substituents having a similar atomic radius of hydrogen atoms, variations in the number of these substituents can alter the crystallization behavior of these complexes, which in turn affects the solvents, molecular stacking patterns, and intermolecular interactions, ultimately influencing the SCO behaviors.

Selective capture of PM2.5 by urban trees: The role of leaf wax composition and physiological traits in air quality enhancement.

Human health risks from particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) highlight the role of urban trees as bio-filters in air pollution control. However, whether the size and composition of particles captured by various tree species differ or not remain unclear. This study investigates how leaf attributes affect the capture of PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and pose significant health risks. Using a self-developed particulate matter (PM) resuspension chamber and single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer, we measured the size distribution and mass spectra of particles captured by ten tree species. Notably, Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl and Osmanthus fragrans Lour. are more effective at capturing particles under 1 µm, which are most harmful because they can reach the alveoli, whereas Ginkgo biloba L. and Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd. tend to capture larger particles, up to 1.6 µm, which are prone to being trapped in the upper respiratory tract. Leaf physiological traits such as stomatal conductance and water potential significantly enhance the capture of larger particles. The Adaptive Resonance Theory neural network (ART-2a) algorithm classified a large number of single particles to determine their composition. Results indicate distinct inter-species variations in chemical composition of particles captured by leaves. Moreover, we identified how specific leaf wax compositions-beyond the known sticky nature of hydrophobic waxes-contribute to particle adhesion, particularly highlighting the roles of fatty acids and alkanes in adhering particles rich in organic carbon and heavy metals, respectively. This research advances our understanding by linking leaf physiological and wax characteristics to the selective capture of PM2.5, providing actionable insights for urban forestry management. The detailed exploration of particle size and composition, tied to specific tree species, enriches the current literature by quantifying how and why different species contribute variably to air quality improvement. This adds a crucial layer of specificity to the general knowledge that trees serve as bio-filters, offering a refined strategy for planting urban trees based on their particulate capture profiles.

Bimodal Absorber Frequencies Shift Induced by the Coupling of Bright and Dark Modes.

In this paper, we demonstrate that the absorption frequencies of the bimodal absorber shift with the coupling strength of the bright and dark modes. The coupling between the bright mode and the dark mode can acquire electromagnetically induced transparency, we obtain the analytical relationship between the absorbing frequencies, the resonant frequencies, losses of the bright mode and dark mode, and the coupling strength between two modes by combining the coupled mode theory with the interference theory. As the coupling strength between the bright mode and the dark mode decreases, the two absorption peaks gradually move closer to each other, inversely, they will move away from each other. The simulation employs three distinct metasurface structures with coupling of the bright and dark modes, thereby verifying the generality of the theoretical findings.

An optimization approach to establish dynamical equivalence for soft and rigid impact models.

This paper studies a computational approach aimed at establishing equivalent dynamical responses within oscillatory impacting systems subject to soft and rigid constraints. The proposed method incorporates an adaptive differential evolution algorithm with the Metropolis criterion to determine the stiffness and damping parameters of the soft constraint for a prescribed coefficient of restitution governing the rigid constraint. The proposed algorithm aims to establish an equivalent dynamical response of the two models based on constraints regarding energy dissipation and contact time duration. Upon examining the dynamical responses of the two impact cases, they exhibit nearly identical outcomes in the two-parameter bifurcation diagrams when subjected to a large restitution coefficient. However, discrepancies arise between the results of the two models when the restitution coefficient is low. Detailed numerical tests, conducted using the proposed method, demonstrate enhanced effectiveness compared to previous techniques, such as the prediction formulas for the different related soft impact model outlined by Okolewski and Blazejczyk-Okolewska [Chaos 31(8), 083110 (2021)]. This method not only finds application in experimentally identifying the physical properties of an impact surface but also provides convenience in employing soft models within impacting systems, which could then avoid potential inaccuracies in handling discontinuities by some integrator during velocity jumps before and after impacts.

Deletion of the endothelial glycocalyx component endomucin leads to impaired glomerular structure and function.

Background: Endomucin (EMCN), an endothelial-specific glycocalyx component, was found to be highly expressed by the endothelium of the renal glomerulus. We reported an anti-inflammatory role of EMCN and its involvement in the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity through modulating VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) endocytosis. The goal of this study is to investigate the phenotypic and functional effects of EMCN deficiency using the first global EMCN knockout mouse model. Methods: Global EMCN knockout mice were generated by crossing EMCN-floxed mice with ROSA26-Cre mice. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze infiltrating myeloid cells in the kidneys. The ultrastructure of the glomerular filtration barrier was examined by transmission electron microscopy, while urinary albumin, creatinine, and total protein levels were analyzed from freshly collected urine samples. Expression and localization of EMCN, EGFP, CD45, CD31, CD34, podocin, albumin, and α-smooth muscle actin were examined by immunohistochemistry. Mice were weighed regularly, and their systemic blood pressure was measured using a non-invasive tail-cuff system. Glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting for RNA-seq. Transcriptional profiles were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes in both endothelium and podocytes, followed by gene ontology analysis of up- and down-regulated genes. Protein levels of EMCN, albumin, and podocin were quantified by Western blot. Results: EMCN -/- mice were viable with no gross anatomical defects in kidneys. The EMCN -/- mice exhibited increased infiltration of CD45 + cells, with an increased proportion of Ly6G high Ly6C high myeloid cells and higher VCAM-1 expression. EMCN -/- mice displayed albuminuria with increased albumin in the Bowman's space compared to the EMCN +/+ littermates. Glomeruli in EMCN -/- mice revealed fused and effaced podocyte foot processes and disorganized endothelial fenestrations. We found no significant difference in blood pressure between EMCN knockout mice and their wild-type littermates. RNA-seq of glomerular endothelial cells revealed downregulation of cell-cell adhesion and MAPK/ERK pathways, along with glycocalyx and extracellular matrix remodeling. In podocytes, we observed reduced VEGF signaling and alterations in cytoskeletal organization. Notably, there was a significant decrease in both mRNA and protein levels of podocin, a key component of the slit diaphragm. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a critical role of the endothelial marker EMCN in supporting normal glomerular filtration barrier structure and function by maintaining glomerular endothelial tight junction and homeostasis and podocyte function through endothelial-podocyte crosstalk.

Glutamate acts on acid-sensing ion channels to worsen ischaemic brain injury.

Glutamate is traditionally viewed as the first messenger to activate NMDAR (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor)-dependent cell death pathways in stroke1,2, but unsuccessful clinical trials with NMDAR antagonists implicate the engagement of other mechanisms3-7. Here we show that glutamate and its structural analogues, including NMDAR antagonist L-AP5 (also known as APV), robustly potentiate currents mediated by acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) associated with acidosis-induced neurotoxicity in stroke4. Glutamate increases the affinity of ASICs for protons and their open probability, aggravating ischaemic neurotoxicity in both in vitro and in vivo models. Site-directed mutagenesis, structure-based modelling and functional assays reveal a bona fide glutamate-binding cavity in the extracellular domain of ASIC1a. Computational drug screening identified a small molecule, LK-2, that binds to this cavity and abolishes glutamate-dependent potentiation of ASIC currents but spares NMDARs. LK-2 reduces the infarct volume and improves sensorimotor recovery in a mouse model of ischaemic stroke, reminiscent of that seen in mice with Asic1a knockout or knockout of other cation channels4-7. We conclude that glutamate functions as a positive allosteric modulator for ASICs to exacerbate neurotoxicity, and preferential targeting of the glutamate-binding site on ASICs over that on NMDARs may be strategized for developing stroke therapeutics lacking the psychotic side effects of NMDAR antagonists.

Association between magnesium depletion score and the prevalence of kidney stones in the low primary income ratio: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2007-2018.

INTRODUCTION: To explore the association between magnesium depletion score (MgDS) and the prevalence of kidney stones in the low primary income ratio (PIR). METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018. Within the low PIR, people aged ≥20 years with complete information on MgDS and kidney stones questionnaires were enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression and stratified logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between MgDS and the prevalence of kidney stones and recurrence of kidney stones by confounding factors adjusted. Stratified and interaction analysis was conducted to find whether some factors modified the association. In addition, sensitive analyses were also conducted to observe the stability. The work has been reported in line with the STROCSS criteria, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JS9/C781. RESULT: A total of 7,600 adults were involved in the study, and the individuals were classified into four groups: 0 points for MgDS (n=3,814), 1 point for MgDS (n=2,229), 2 points for MgDS (n=1,020), and ≥3 points for MgDS (n=537). The multivariable logistic regression suggested that a positive association between MgDS and the prevalence of kidney stones (OR=1.123, 95%CI 1.019 to 1.238) in the fully-adjusted model. Compared with the lowest group, people with ≥3 points of MgDS had a had a significant relationship with kidney stones (OR=1.417, 95%CI 1.013 to 1.983). No significant association was observed between the recurrence of kidney stones and MgDS. The result of the sensitive analysis showed the robustness of the main analysis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of kidney stones is inversely associated with MgDS, which suggests that maintaining a higher MgDS is accompanied by higher prevalence rates of kidney stones in the low PIR.

TNFAIP1 promotes macrophage lipid accumulation and accelerates the development of atherosclerosis through the LEENE/FoxO1/ABCA1 pathway.

Macrophage lipid accumulation is a critical contributor to foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 1 (TNFAIP1) is closely associated with cardiovascular disease. However, its role and molecular mechanisms in atherogenesis remain unclear. TNFAIP1 was knocked down in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells and apolipoprotein-deficient (apoE-/-) mice using lentiviral vector. The expression of lncRNA enhancing endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression (LEENE), Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) and ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) was evaluated by qRT-PCR and/or western blot. Lipid accumulation in macrophage was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography and Oil red O staining. RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assay were performed to verify the interaction between LEENE and FoxO1 protein. Atherosclerotic lesions were analyzed using HE, Oil red O and Masson staining. Our results showed that TNFAIP1 was significantly increased in THP-1 macrophages loaded with oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Knockdown of TNFAIP1 enhanced LEENE expression, promoted the direct interaction of LEENE with FoxO1 protein, stimulated FoxO1 protein degradation through the proteasome pathway, induced ABCA1 transcription, and finally suppressed lipid accumulation in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. TNFAIP1 knockdown also up-regulated ABCA1 expression, improved plasma lipid profiles, enhanced the efficiency of reverse cholesterol transport and attenuated lesion area in apoE-/- mice. Taken together, these results provide the first direct evidence that TNFAIP1 aggravates atherosclerosis by promoting macrophage lipid accumulation via the LEENE/FoxO1/ABCA1 signaling pathway. TNFAIP1 may represent a promising therapeutic target for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Characterizing leaf-deposited particles: Single-particle mass spectral analysis and comparison with naturally fallen particles.

The size and composition of particulate matter (PM) are pivotal in determining its adverse health effects. It is important to understand PM's retention by plants to facilitate its atmospheric removal. However, the distinctions between the size and composition of naturally fallen PM (NFPM) and leaf-deposited PM (LDPM) are not well-documented. Here we utilize a single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer, coupled with a PM resuspension chamber, to analyze these differences. We find that LDPM particles are 6.8-97.3 % larger than NFPM. Employing a neural network algorithm based on adaptive resonance theory, we have identified distinct compositional profiles: NFPM predominantly consists of organic carbon (OC; 31.2 %) and potassium-rich components (19.1 %), whereas LDPM are largely composed of crustal species (53.9-60.6 %). Interestingly, coniferous species retain higher OC content (11.5-13.7 %) compared to broad-leaved species (0.5-1.2 %), while the levoglucosan content exhibit an opposite trend. Our study highlights the active role of tree leaves in modifying PM composition beyond mere passive capture, advocating for a strategic approach to species selection in urban greening initiatives to enhance PM mitigation. These insights provide guidance for urban planners and environmentalists in implementing nature-based solutions to improve urban air quality.

Initiating PeriCBD to probe perinatal influences on neurodevelopment during 3-10 years in China.

Adverse perinatal factors can interfere with the normal development of the brain, potentially resulting in long-term effects on the comprehensive development of children. Presently, the understanding of cognitive and neurodevelopmental processes under conditions of adverse perinatal factors is substantially limited. There is a critical need for an open resource that integrates various perinatal factors with the development of the brain and mental health to facilitate a deeper understanding of these developmental trajectories. In this Data Descriptor, we introduce a multicenter database containing information on perinatal factors that can potentially influence children's brain-mind development, namely, periCBD, that combines neuroimaging and behavioural phenotypes with perinatal factors at county/region/central district hospitals. PeriCBD was designed to establish a platform for the investigation of individual differences in brain-mind development associated with perinatal factors among children aged 3-10 years. Ultimately, our goal is to help understand how different adverse perinatal factors specifically impact cognitive development and neurodevelopment. Herein, we provide a systematic overview of the data acquisition/cleaning/quality control/sharing, processes of periCBD.

Crystallization-Inspired Design and Modeling of Self-Assembly Lattice-Formation Swarm Robotics.

Self-assembly formation is a key research topic for realizing practical applications in swarm robotics. Due to its inherent complexity, designing high-performance self-assembly formation strategies and proposing corresponding macroscopic models remain formidable challenges and present an open research frontier. Taking inspiration from crystallization, this paper introduces a distributed self-assembly formation strategy by defining free, moving, growing, and solid states for robots. Robots in these states can spontaneously organize into user-specified two-dimensional shape formations with lattice structures through local interactions and communications. To address the challenges posed by complex spatial structures in modeling a macroscopic model, this work introduces the structural features estimation method. Subsequently, a corresponding non-spatial macroscopic model is developed to predict and analyze the self-assembly behavior, employing the proposed estimation method and a stock and flow diagram. Real-robot experiments and simulations validate the flexibility, scalability, and high efficiency of the proposed self-assembly formation strategy. Moreover, extensive experimental and simulation results demonstrate the model's accuracy in predicting the self-assembly process under different conditions. Model-based analysis indicates that the proposed self-assembly formation strategy can fully utilize the performance of individual robots and exhibits strong self-stability.

First Report of Paramyrothecium breviseta Causing Target Spot on Amorphophallus muelleri in Yunnan, China.

Amorphophallus muelleri is an Araceae plant with perennial tuber, widely used in food, pharmaceutical and chemical industry due to its richness in glucomannan. In April 2022, an outbreak of a target spot on A. muelleri plantlets was observed in a nursery in Ruili, Yunnan, China. The leafstalks of the diseased plantlets in the nursery turned brown and decayed (Fig.1 A-B), then gradually some water-soaked spots on the true leaves developed along the veins (Fig.1 A). Subquencely, the spots on the true leaves turned dark green to white-grayish in the center, which formed light to dark brown concentric rings with a target-like appearance surrounded by a yellow halo (Fig.1 C). When the temperature was 20-34℃ and the relatively humidity was 25-80%, dark-green to black sporodochia with white hypha appeared on the lower and upper leaf surfaces. Finally, 5-8% of the plants surveyed on 800 m2 of one-year-old plantlets in the nursery showed the symptoms and some plants with infected leafstalks would be death. Similar symptoms were also observed on about 10% of the transplanted plants surveyed on 12000 m2 (1.2 ha) of two-year-old plantlets in the field. Five diseased leaves from five distinct plantlets in the nursery were collected for pathogen isolation. Leaf pieces(5 x 5 mm) were cut from the edge of necrotic lesions, and surface-sterilized with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min, 75% ethanol for 30 s, then rinsed 5 times by sterilized distilled water, finally put the leaf pieces on sterilized filter paper for 3-5 minutes to dry them and transferred onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) in petri dishes at 25℃ for three days. Five pure cultures identical to colony and conidial characteristics were isolated from five individual plants. The representative pure culture (M1) was grayish-white and circular colonies were 7.50 cm in diamter after 15 days at 25℃, with dark green concentric rings of sporodochia, the dorsal view of the colonies were yellowish. Conidia were aseptate, smooth, cylindrical, 5.00-6.25 (5.71) x 1.25-1.67 (1.63) µm (n = 20) rounded at both ends. A spore suspension (1 x 106 spores/ml) was prepared by harvesting spores from 15-day-old cultures grown in the dark at 25℃, then a thirty-ml of spore suspension was sprayed on the healthy leaves of 10 two-year-old plantlets. Thirty-ml of sterile water was sprayed on the healthy leaves of another 10 seedlings and used as the control. All seedlings were placed in a nursery at 20 to 34℃ and a relative humidity of 25 to 80%. Similar symptoms (Fig.1 D-F) to those observed in the nursery and field developed on all the 10 seedlings inoculated with M1 after two days, but not on the control leaves. The pathogenicity tests were repeated for three times. Fungal cultures reisolated from the infected leaves were identical to the original colonies and conidia, completing Koch's postulates. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS, primers ITS1 and ITS4) region of ribosomal DNA (OQ553785), calmodulin (cmdA, primers CAL-228F and CAL2Rd)(OQ559103), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2, primers RPB2-5F2 and RPB2-7cR) (OQ559104) and ß-tubulin (tub2, primers Bt2a and Bt2b) (OQ559105) of M1 had 100%, 98.52%, 98.98% and 98.98% identity with the sequences of Paramyrothecium breviseta CBS544.75 (KU846289 for ITS, KU846262 for cmdA, KU846351 for rpb2, and KU846406 for tub2), respectively. In the phylogenic tree based on ITS, cmdA, rpb2 and tub2 gene sequences, the pure culture M1 clustered with P. breviseta CBS544.75, SDBR-CMU387, DRL4 and DRL3, which has been reported as the pathogen of leaf spot of Coffea arabica in China, C. canephora in China and Thailand (Wu et al. 2021; Withee et al. 2022). Molecular and morphological observations showed the pure culture M1 were P. breviseta (Withee et al. 2022), in addition the disease was named as target spot dueing to the typical target symptom on the leaves. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. breviseta on A. muelleri from Yunnan, China, as well as worldwide. This disease can caused serious economic losses of A. muelleri dueing to that it can result 5-8% death of the plants in the nursery.

Reversible light-induced spin state switching in a dinuclear Fe(II) spin crossover complex.

A dinuclear Fe(II) spin crossover (SCO) complex with the formula [Fe2L5(NCS)4]·2DMF·2H2O (1) was synthesised from 1-naphthylimino-1,2,4-triazole (L). Complex 1 exhibits an incomplete thermally induced spin transition with a transition temperature T1/2 of 95 K and a thermally trapped metastable high-spin state at low temperatures. Furthermore, it undergoes a reversible light-induced spin crossover by alternate irradiation with 532 and 808 nm lasers.

Endomucin selectively regulates vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 endocytosis through its interaction with AP2.

The endothelial glycocalyx, located at the luminal surface of the endothelium, plays an important role in the regulation of leukocyte adhesion, vascular permeability, and vascular homeostasis. Endomucin (EMCN), a component of the endothelial glycocalyx, is a mucin-like transmembrane glycoprotein selectively expressed by venous and capillary endothelium. We have previously shown that knockdown of EMCN impairs retinal vascular development in vivo and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 isoform (VEGF165)-induced cell migration, proliferation, and tube formation by human retinal endothelial cells in vitro and that EMCN is essential for VEGF165-stimulated clathrin-mediated endocytosis and signaling of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is an essential step in receptor signaling and is of paramount importance for a number of receptors for growth factors involved in angiogenesis. In this study, we further investigated the molecular mechanism underlying EMCN's involvement in the regulation of VEGF-induced endocytosis. In addition, we examined the specificity of EMCN's role in angiogenesis-related cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase endocytosis and signaling. We identified that EMCN interacts with AP2 complex, which is essential for clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Lack of EMCN did not affect clathrin recruitment to the AP2 complex following VEGF stimulation, but it is necessary for the interaction between VEGFR2 and the AP2 complex during endocytosis. EMCN does not inhibit VEGFR1 and FGFR1 internalization or their downstream activities since EMCN interacts with VEGFR2 but not VEGFR1 or FGFR1. Additionally, EMCN also regulates VEGF121-induced VEGFR2 phosphorylation and internalization.