A Robust Anti-Thermal-Quenching Phosphor Based on Zero-Dimensional Metal Halide Rb3InCl6:xSb3.

High-power phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (hp-WLEDs) have been widely involved in modern society as outdoor lighting sources. In these devices, due to the Joule effect, the high applied currents cause high operation temperatures (>500 K). Under these conditions, most phosphors lose their emission, an effect known as thermal quenching (TQ). Here, we introduce a zero-dimensional (0D) metal halide, Rb3InCl6:xSb3+, as a suitable anti-TQ phosphor offering robust anti-TQ behavior up to 500 K. We ascribe this behavior of the metal halide to two factors: (1) a compensation process via thermally activated energy transfer from structural defects to emissive centers and (2) an intrinsic structural rigidity of the isolated octahedra in the 0D structure. The anti-TQ phosphor-based WLEDs can stably work at a current of 2000 mA. The low synthesis cost and nontoxic composition reported here can herald a new generation of anti-TQ phosphors for hp-WLED.

The significance of heart rate variability in patients with frequent premature ventricular complex originating from the ventricular outflow tract.

BACKGROUND: As an indicator of cardiac autonomic nervous activity, heart rate variability (HRV) is closely linked to premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). However, its role in patients with frequent PVCs originating from the ventricular outflow tract remains unclear. HYPOTHESIS: Here, we hypothesize that there may be alterations in HRV among patients with frequent PVCs originating from the ventricular outflow tract, which could play significant roles in the management of such patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, including 106 patients with frequent outflow tract PVCs and 106 healthy participants as controls. HRV was assessed based on the 24-hour Holter recording. The originating foci of PVCs were identified during radiofrequency catheter ablation. RESULTS: Patients with frequent outflow tract PVCs exhibited decreased levels of high frequency (HF), standard deviation of all NN intervals, and standard deviation of the average NN intervals, but increased ratios of low frequency to HF (LF/HF ratio), even after propensity score-matched analysis. Further investigation revealed that patients with PVCs originating from right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) had much higher LF/HF ratios. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the LF/HF ratio was independently associated with PVCs originating from RVOT. Receiver operating characteristics curve indicated that the LF/HF ratio effectively determined the origin of PVCs (the area under the curve = 0.75, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with frequent outflow tract PVCs exhibited impaired HRV. Additionally, the LF/HF ratio played a significant role in determining the origin of outflow tract PVCs.

Microplastics induced the differential responses of microbial-driven soil carbon and nitrogen cycles under warming.

The input of microplastics (MPs) and warming interfere with soil carbon (C) or nitrogen (N) cycles. Although the effects of warming and/or MPs on the cycles have been well studied, the biological coupling of microbial-driven cycles was neglected. Here, the synergistic changes of the cycles were investigated using batch incubation experiments. As results, the influences of MPs were not significant at 15, 20, and 25 °C, and yet, high temperature (i.e., 30 °C) reduced the respiration of high-concentration MPs-amended soil by 9.80%, and increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by 14.74%. In contrast, high temperature did not change the effect of MPs on N. The decrease of microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and the constant of microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) indicated that microbial N utilization was enhanced, which might be attributed to the enrichments of adapted populations, such as Conexibacter, Acidothermus, and Acidibacter. These observations revealed that high temperature and MPs drove the differential response of soil C and N cycles. Additionally, the transcriptomic provided genomic evidence of the response. In summary, the high temperature was a prerequisite for the MPs-driven response, which underscored new ecological risks of MPs under global warming and emphasized the need for carbon emission reduction and better plastic product regulation.

A New Species of the Genus Gekko (Squamata: Sauria: Gekkonidae) from the Dabie Mountains, China.

This study describes a novel species of Gekko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) based on its distinct morphological features and molecular evidence, which was identified in the Dabie Mountains on the border of Anhui and Henan provinces of Central China. Gekko kaiyaisp. nov. could be distinguished from its congeners owing to its morphological characteristics, such as being a medium body sized gecko species (snout-vent length, 56.98-64.99 mm, n = 4, females; 50.03-61.56 mm, n = 11, males); nostrils scale in contact with rostral scale; tubercles on the dorsal and limb, while the upper forelimb is smooth with no tubercles; 22-33 interorbital scales between the anterior corners of the eyes; 157-209 ventral scales between mental and cloacal slit; 90-121 midbody scale rows; 30-43 ventral scale rows; 7-9 sub-digital lamellae on first fingers, 8-13 fourth fingers, 7-9 first toes, and 7-11 fourth toes; free of webbing in the fingers and toes; 9-12 pre-cloacal pores in males, which are absent in females; post-cloacal unilateral tubercles 1 (few 2); and a dorsum that is greyish white to dark brown, with 6-7 brown markings between the nape and sacrum. The phylogenetic tree based on the mitochondrial DNA sequences (16S, CYTB, and COI) indicated that Gekko kaiyaisp. nov. form an independent clade with strong support (100/1) and are a sister group to G. hokouensis. At the inter-species level, the genetic distances were all large, further confirming that an independent species had been identified. The discovery of this species implies that there are now 87 identified species in the genus Gekko, 22 of which can be found within China.

Consistency in responses to conspecific advertisement calls with various signal-to-noise ratios in both sexes of the Anhui tree frog.

Environmental noise has a significant negative impact on acoustic communication in most situations, as it influences the production, transmission, and reception of acoustic signals. However, how animals respond to conspecific sounds when there is interference from environmental noise, and whether males and females display convergent behavioral responses in the face of noise masking remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of conspecific male advertisement calls with different signal-to-noise ratios on male-male competition and female choice in the Anhui tree frog Rhacophorus zhoukaiyae using playback and phonotaxis experiments, respectively. The results showed that (1) female Anhui tree frogs preferentially selected the conspecific calls with higher SNR compared to calls with lower SNR; (2) males preferentially responded vocally to the conspecific calls with higher SNR compared to calls with lower SNR; and (3) males' competitive strategies were flexible in the face of noise interference. These results suggest that preferences of both sexes converge in outcome, and that male competitive strategies may depend on predictable female preferences. This study will provide an important basis for further research on decision-making in animals.

Comparative phylogeography reveals dissimilar genetic differentiation patterns in two sympatric amphibian species.

Global climate change is expected to have a profound effect on species distribution. Due to the temperature constraints, some narrow niche species could shift their narrow range to higher altitudes or latitudes. In this study, we explored the correlation between species traits, genetic structure, and geographical range size. More specifically, we analyzed how these variables are affected by differences in fundamental niche breadth or dispersal ability in the members of two sympatrically distributed stream-dwelling amphibian species (frog, Quasipaa yei; salamander, Pachyhynobius shangchengensis), in Dabie Mountains, East China. Both species showed relatively high genetic diversity in most geographical populations and similar genetic diversity patterns (JTX, low; BYM, high) correlation with habitat changes and population demography. Multiple clustering analyses were used to disclose differentiation among the geographical populations of these two amphibian species. Q. yei disclosed the relatively shallow genetic differentiation, while P. shangchengensis showed an opposite pattern. Under different historical climatic conditions, all ecological niche modeling disclosed a larger suitable habitat area for Q. yei than for P. shangchengensis; these results indicated a wider environment tolerance or wider niche width of Q. yei than P. shangchengensis. Our findings suggest that the synergistic effects of environmental niche variation and dispersal ability may help shape genetic structure across geographical topology, particularly for species with extremely narrow distribution.

Facet-Defect Tolerant Bi-Doped Cs2AgxNa1-xInCl6 Nanoplatelets with a Near-Unity Photoluminescence Quantum Yield.

We report the colloidal synthesis of Bi-doped Cs2AgxNa1-xInCl6 double perovskite nanoplatelets (NPLs) exhibiting a near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), a record emission efficiency for nanoscale lead-free metal halides. A combination of optical spectroscopies revealed that nonradiative decay processes in the NPL were suppressed, indicating a well-passivated surface. By comparison, nanocubes with the same composition and surface ligands as the NPLs had a PLQY of only 40%. According to our calculations, the type of trap states arising from the presence of surface defects depends on their specific location: defects located on the facets of nanocubes generate only shallow traps, while those at the edges result in deep traps. In NPLs, due to their extended basal facets, most of the surface defects are facet defects. This so-called facet-defect tolerant behavior of double perovskites explains the more efficient optical emission of NPLs compared to that of nanocubes.

Molecular insight into arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy caused by DSG2 mutations.

Mutant desmoglein 2 (DSG2) is the second most common pathogenic gene in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), accounting for approximately 10% of ACM cases. In addition to common clinical and pathological features, ACM caused by mutant DSG2 has specific characteristics, manifesting as left ventricle involvement and a high risk of heart failure. Pathological studies have shown extensive cardiomyocyte necrosis, infiltration of immune cells, and fibrofatty replacement in both ventricles, as well as abnormal desmosome structures in the hearts of humans and mice with mutant DSG2-related ACM. Although desmosome dysfunction is a common pathway in the pathogenesis of mutant DSG2-related ACM, the mechanisms underlying this dysfunction vary among mutations. Desmosome dysfunction induces cardiomyocyte injury, plakoglobin dislocation, and gap junction dysfunction, all of which contribute to the initiation and progression of ACM. Additionally, dysregulated inflammation, overactivation of transforming growth factor-beta-1 signaling and endoplasmic reticulum stress, and cardiac metabolic dysfunction contribute to the pathogenesis of ACM caused by mutant DSG2. These features demonstrate that patients with mutant DSG2-related ACM should be managed individually and precisely based on the genotype and phenotype. Further studies are needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms and to identify novel therapies to reverse or attenuate the progression of ACM caused by mutant DSG2.

Food patch use of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) varies with personality traits.

BACKGROUND: The classic optimal foraging theory (OFT) predicts animals' food patch use assuming that individuals in a population use the same strategy while foraging. However, due to the existence of animal personality, i.e. repeatable inter-individual differences and intra-individual consistency in behaviours over time and/or across contexts, individuals often exhibit different behavioural strategies, challenging the basic assumptions of the OFT. Here, we tested whether personality traits (boldness and exploration in open arena) of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica, 38 females and 34 males) influenced their patch use in two foraging experiments with different inter-patch distances (i.e. 2 m in Experiment 1 and 3 m in Experiment 2). RESULTS: The total feeding time and food intake of individuals did not differ between Experiment 1 and 2, but in both experiments, proactive (i.e. bolder and more explorative) individuals had longer feeding time and higher food intake than reactive individuals. In Experiment 1, proactive quails changed patches more frequently and had shorter mean patch residence time than reactive individuals, while the effects were not significant in Experiment 2. The quails reduced patch residence time along with feeding, and this trend was weakened in Experiment 2 which had longer inter-patch distance. CONCLUSIONS: The above results suggest that personality traits affect animals' patch use, while the effects might be weakened with longer inter-patch distance. Our study highlights that animal personality should be considered when investigating animals' foraging behaviours because individuals may not adopt the same strategy as previously assumed. Furthermore, the interaction between personality traits and inter-patch distances, which is related to movement cost and capacity of information gathering, should also be considered.

Interaction patterns between economic growth and atmospheric environment in China under the "carbon neutrality" target.

Clarifying the interaction patterns between economic growth and atmospheric environment (EG-AE) in China is important to achieve the "carbon neutrality" target. A conceptual framework of air pollutant emission in urban economic growth (APEUEG) was proposed to explore the interaction patterns in China from 2007 to 2017. The empirical analysis revealed that a N-shaped EKC exists between aerosol optical depth (AOD) and gross domestic product (GDP), with inflection points of $5000 and $27,000, respectively. Therefore, we speculated that when GDP per capita of a city exceeded $5000, the AOD gradually decreased. However, when GDP per capita of a city gained over $27,000, the economic growth and the atmospheric environment would be coordinated steadily. The interaction of EG-AE experienced three stages-pollution, improvement, and coordination-in China. Spatially, the interaction patterns of EG-AE presented five clusters, which were associated with the spatial distribution of city levels. China's prefecture-level cities have undergone the cluster of low AOD-low GDP (LL), the cluster of high AOD-high GDP (HH), and the cluster of low AOD-high GDP (LH), as urban level improves. By 2017, about 44% of Chinese cities had not completed the coordinated development yet. We found that policymakers should formulate differentiated urban greener economic development policies to reduce APEUEG.

Application of the Electromagnetic Method to the Spatial Distribution of Subsurface Saline and Fresh Water in the Coastal Mudflat Area of Jiangsu Province.

Interfacial zones straddling terrestrial and marine realms, colloquially known as mudflats, epitomize a dynamic nexus between these environments and are fundamental to the coastal ecosystem. The investigation of these regions is paramount for facilitating infrastructural developments including ports, wharfs, cross-sea bridges, and the strategic utilization of freshwater resources sequestered from mainland islands amid ongoing economic progress. Terrestrial realms conventionally employ electromagnetic techniques as efficacious modalities to delineate subterranean geological information, encompassing structural details and water-bearing strata. However, the peculiar topographic and geological nuances of mudflat regions pose substantial challenges for the efficacious application of electromagnetic methodologies. The present paper endeavors to address these challenges by suggesting innovative modifications to the existing instrumentation and evolving novel data acquisition techniques specifically tailored for electromagnetic exploration within mudflat environments. This paper delves into the electrical characteristics of water-bearing layers within mudflats, and ascertains details pertaining to the subterranean structure and the spatial distribution of fresh and saline water resources, through the holistic interpretation of a multitude of profiles.

Integrative systematics and evolutionary history of Berylmys bowersi (Mammalia, Rodentia, Muridae).

The Bower's Berylmys (Berylmys bowersi) is one of the largest rodent species with a wide distribution range in southern China and the Indochinese Peninsula. The taxonomy and evolutionary history of the B. bowersi is still controversial and confusing. In this study, we used two mitochondrial (Cyt b and COI) and three nuclear (GHR, IRBP, and RAG1) genes to estimate the phylogeny, divergence times, and biogeographic history of B. bowersi. We also explored morphological variations among the specimens collected across China. Our phylogenetic analyses indicated that the traditional B. bowersi contains at least two species: B. bowersi and B. latouchei. Berylmys latouchei was considered a junior synonym of B. bowersi distributed in eastern China, which is confirmed to be distinguishable at specific level because of its larger size, relatively larger and whiter hind feet, and several cranial traits. The estimated split of B. bowersi and B. latouchei was at the early Pleistocene (ca. 2.00 Mya), which might be the outcome of the combined effects of climate change in the early Pleistocene and isolation by the Minjiang River. Our results highlight the Wuyi Mountains in northern Fujian, China, as a glacial refugia during the Pleistocene and call for more intensive surveys and systematic revisions of small mammals in eastern China.

New insights into atomic layer BiOBr quantum dot/ZnAl-LDH composites in photocatalytic water treatment: Performance and mechanism.

Insufficient absorption sites and low charge separation notably limit the activation of photocatalytic molecular oxygen. In this study, atomic-layer BiOBr (BiOBr-QDs)/ZnAl-LDH composites with a considerable number of edges were developed to address the above-mentioned problems. The result of this study indicated the spatial separation of atomic-layer BiOBr-QDs/ZnAl-LDH's conduction band maximum (CBM) and valence band minimum (VBM). As a result, holes were produced on the substrate surface based on irradiation, and electrons were generated at the sites of the edge, such that ultra-fast charge separation can be carried out. The edges exposed massive adsorption sites in terms of oxygen molecules. Thus, electrons at the sites of the edge led to the reduction of absorbed oxygen molecules, thus exhibiting stronger photocatalytic •O2- production. Furthermore, the result confirmed that the atomic layer BiOBr-QDs/ZnAl-LDH are promising in environmental catalytic degradation for its increased activity of •O2- production. In this study, a novel insight into advanced photocatalyst design based on edge unsaturated ligand engineering at an atomic level is provided.

Effect of Prolonged Use of Dronedarone on Recurrence in Patients with Non-Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation After Radiofrequency Ablation (DORIS): Rationale and Design of a Randomized Multicenter, Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged use of anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD) beyond the post-ablation blanking period to maintain sinus rhythm has been adopted in clinical practice but without sufficient evidence. Dronedarone is an AAD valid for maintaining sinus rhythm with fewer side effects than other AAD for long-term use. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the effect of prolonged use of dronedarone on the recurrence of non-paroxysmal AF patients beyond 3 months within the first year after ablation. METHODS: Non-paroxysmal AF patients will receive dronedarone for 3 months after radiofrequency ablation. Patients without drug side effects and atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) recurrence will then be randomly divided into dronedarone and placebo groups and followed up until 1 year after ablation. The primary endpoint is the cumulative nonrecurrence rate post 3 months to 1 year after ablation. Patients will receive 7-day Holter monitoring (ECG patch) at 6, 9, and 12 months after ablation to evaluate AT recurrence. Secondary endpoints include dronedarone withdrawal due to side effects or intolerance of AT recurrence, time to the first recurrence, repeat ablation, electrical cardioversion, unscheduled emergency room visit, or re-hospitalization. CONCLUSION: This trial will evaluate whether prolonged use of dronedarone effectively reduces the recurrence rate after ablation in non-paroxysmal AF patients. The result of this trial will provide evidence for optimizing post-ablation anti-arrhythmic therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ; NCT05655468, 19-December-2022.

Lysogenic bacteriophages encoding arsenic resistance determinants promote bacterial community adaptation to arsenic toxicity.

Emerging evidence from genomics gives us a glimpse into the potential contribution of lysogenic bacteriophages (phages) to the environmental adaptability of their hosts. However, it is challenging to quantify this kind of contribution due to the lack of appropriate genetic markers and the associated controllable environmental factors. Here, based on the unique transformable nature of arsenic (the controllable environmental factor), a series of flooding microcosms was established to investigate the contribution of arsM-bearing lysogenic phages to their hosts' adaptation to trivalent arsenic [As(III)] toxicity, where arsM is the marker gene associated with microbial As(III) detoxification. In the 15-day flooding period, the concentration of As(III) was significantly increased, and this elevated As(III) toxicity visibly inhibited the bacterial population, but the latter quickly adapted to As(III) toxicity. During the flooding period, some lysogenic phages re-infected new hosts after an early burst, while others persistently followed the productive cycle (i.e., lytic cycle). The unique phage-host interplay contributed to the rapid spread of arsM among soil microbiota, enabling the quick recovery of the bacterial community. Moreover, the higher abundance of arsM imparted a greater arsenic methylation capability to soil microbiota. Collectively, this study provides experimental evidence for lysogenic phages assisting their hosts in adapting to an extreme environment, which highlights the ecological perspectives on lysogenic phage-host mutualism.

New insights into the phylogenetic relationships of Japanese knotweed (Reynoutriajaponica) and allied taxa in subtribe Reynoutriinae (Polygonaceae).

Japanese knotweed (Reynoutriajaponica) is native to East Asia, but has been introduced to the West where it is a noxious invasive weed. Taxonomically, Japanese knotweed is placed within subtribe Reynoutriinae (Polygonaceae), which also contains the austral genus Muehlenbeckia (incl. Homalocladium) and north temperate Fallopia. In the current study, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis using sequence data from six markers, two nuclear (LEAFYi2, ITS) and four plastid (matK, rbcL, rps16-trnK and trnL-trnF) to further resolve the evolutionary relationships within this group, using the widest sampling of in-group taxa to date. The results of this analysis confirmed that subtribe Reynoutriinae is a monophyletic group, characterised by the presence of extra-floral, nectariferous glands at the base of leaf petioles. Within the subtribe, four main clades were identified: Reynoutria, Fallopiasect.Parogonum, Fallopia s.s. (including Fallopia sects. Fallopia and Sarmentosae) and Muehlenbeckia. The Fallopia s.s. and Muehlenbeckia clades are sister to one another, while the Fallopiasect.Parogonum clade is immediately basal to them and Reynoutria basal to all three. Fallopia, as currently circumscribed, is paraphyletic as Muehlenbeckia is nested within it. To resolve this, we propose that species of Fallopiasect.Parogonum should be treated as a new genus, Parogonum (Haraldson) Desjardins & J.P.Bailey, gen. et stat. nov. Within Reynoutria, the allied specific and infraspecific taxa that fall under the name Japanese knotweed s.l. form a monophyletic group and their taxonomic status is discussed.

Effects of Eggshell Thickness, Calcium Content, and Number of Pores in Erosion Craters on Hatching Rate of Chinese Alligator Eggs.

The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis), found only in a small region in southeastern Anhui Province, is listed as critically endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its current declining population trend. Any abnormalities in the physical properties of an egg can decrease the hatching rate. In particular, eggshells play an essential role in embryo development, motivating us to analyze the microstructures of the eggshells of Chinese alligators. In this study, we categorized the eggshells into two groups, based on the hatching rates, and analyzed the relationship between the eggshell parameters (eggshell thickness, calcium content, and number of pores in erosion craters) and the hatching rate, as well as the relationships between the eggshell parameters. We found that the shells of the eggs with high hatching rates were thicker than those of the eggs with low hatching rates. There were also fewer erosion-crater pores on the surfaces of the eggs with high hatching rates than on the surfaces of the eggs with low hatching rates. Moreover, the shell Ca content was significantly higher in the eggs with high hatching rates than in the eggs with low hatching rates. Cluster modeling indicated that the highest hatching rate occurred when the eggshell thickness was 200-380 µm and there were 1-12 pores. These results suggest that eggs with adequate Ca contents, thicker shells, and less air permeability are more likely to hatch. Furthermore, our findings can inform future studies, which will be vital for the survival of the critically endangered Chinese alligator species.

Commercial dishes with gelatin-free microstructured inserts for elongated stem cell self-renewal and pluripotency.

Here, we report the scalable fabrication of 2i-functionalized micro-pyramid-array (µPyA/+2i) inserts for use in commercial multi-well plates, as the alternative cultivation platform for maintaining long-term self-renewal and pluripotency of multiple mESCs and mouse induced pluripotent stem cells. Relevant evidence including cell morphology characterization increased alkaline phosphatase activity, high expression of mESC self-renewal markers, decreased levels of differentiation-associated markers, and high proportion of self-renewal marker cells are provided. Further studies demonstrated that µPyA/+2i could cause a higher cell density in mESC colony, and induce gene expression changes. Subsequent studies showed that µPyA/+2i can influence the cytoskeleton and promote cell adhesion through Cldn-7 upregulation. In summary, these µPyA/+2i inserts offer flexible and gelatin-free micro-envriomnets to maintain long-term self-renewal and pluripotency of mESCs. Enabled by the microstructured inserst, the facile stem cell manipulation and transfer among culture dishes will broaden stem cells both in routine and translational applications.

A New Species of the Genus Achalinus (Squamata: Xenodermidae) from the Dabie Mountains, Anhui, China.

A new species of Xenodermid snake, Achalinus dabieshanensissp. nov., was described based on three specimens (two female and one male) collected from the Dabie Mountains of western Anhui Province. It can be distinguished from known congeners by a significant genetic divergence in the mitochondrial gene fragment COI (p-distance ≥ 9.4%) and the following combination of characteristics: (1) length of the suture between the internasals being distinctly shorter than between the prefrontals; (2) a single loreal; (3) dorsal scales strongly keeled, in 23 rows throughout the body; (4) two pairs of prefrontals; (5) six supralabials; (6) five infralabials; (7) temporals 2 + 2 + 3 (or 2 + 2 + 4); (8) 141-155 ventrals; (9) 45-55 subcaudals, unpaired; (10) anal entire; (11) weakly iridescent tinged, uniform, brown to black dorsum with vertebral scales and about three adjacent dorsal scales dark brown forming a longitudinal vertebral line from posterior margin of parietals to tail tip; (12) light brown venter, ventral shields wide, visible on both sides, light brown flanks, giving the appearance of a black subcaudal streak. The recognition of the new species increases the number of described Achalinus species to 22.