Discovery of Two Families of VSb-Based Compounds with V-Kagome Lattice

We report the structure and physical properties of two newly discovered compounds AV_(8)Sb_(12)and AV_(6)Sb_(6)(A=Cs,Rb),which have C_(2)(space group:Cmmm)and C_(3)(space group:R3 m)symmetry,respectively.The basic Vkagome unit appears in both compounds,but stacking differently.AV_(2)Sb_(2) layer is sandwiched between two V_(3)Sb_(5)layers in AV_(8)Sb_(12),altering the V-kagome lattice and lowering the symmetry of kagome layer from hexagonal to orthorhombic.In AV_(6)Sb_(6),the building block is a more complex slab made up of two half-V_(3)Sb_(5)layers that are intercalated by Cs cations along the c-axis.Transport property measurements demonstrate that both compounds are nonmagnetic metals,with carrier concentrations at around 10^(21)cm^(-3).No superconductivity has been observed in CsV_(8)Sb_(12)above 0.3 K under in situ pressure up to 46 GPa.Compared to CSV_(3)Sb_(5),theoretical calculations and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy reveal a quasi-two-dimensional electronic structure in CsV_(8)Sb_(12)with C_(2)symmetry and no van Hove singularities near the Fermi level.Our findings will stimulate more research into V-based kagome quantum materials.

A Perceptual Video Coding Based on JND Model

In view of the fact that the current high efficiency video coding standard does not consider the characteristics of human vision, this paper proposes a perceptual video coding algorithm based on the just noticeable distortion model (JND). The adjusted JND model is combined into the transformation quantization process in high efficiency video coding (HEVC) to remove more visual redundancy and maintain compatibility. First of all, we design the JND model based on pixel domain and transform domain respectively, and the pixel domain model can give the JND threshold more intuitively on the pixel. The transform domain model introduces the contrast sensitive function into the model, making the threshold estimation more precise. Secondly, the proposed JND model is embedded in the HEVC video coding framework. For the transformation skip mode (TSM) in HEVC, we adopt the existing pixel domain called nonlinear additively model (NAMM). For the non-transformation skip mode (non-TSM) in HEVC, we use transform domain JND model to further reduce visual redundancy. The simulation results show that in the case of the same visual subjective quality, the algorithm can save more bitrates.

手性晶体CoSi中拓扑费米弧的电荷不稳定性

拓扑边界态出现在拓扑非平庸态和平庸态之间的边界上,通常是无间隙的或被称为金属态.例如,拓扑绝缘体的表面态是无间隙的狄拉克态.这些金属拓扑边界态往往可以被近自由费米子很好的描述.如果拓扑边界态具有显著的电子-电子相互作用的行为,无间隙的边界态会转变为有间隙的有序态,例如密度波态或超导态,这在理论上是非常有趣的,但目前还缺少相关的实验证据.本文报道了在Co Si(001)表面观察到了电子-电子相互作用驱动的、在拓扑边界态上形成的非公度电荷密度波(CDW). CDW的波矢随温度的变化而变化,这与拓扑表面费米弧随温度的演化相吻合. CDW相的取向由费米弧的手性决定,这暗示了CDW与费米弧之间存在直接的联系.该发现将促进在拓扑材料边界上寻找更多相互作用驱动的有序态,例如超导和磁性.

Multiple Dirac points including potential spin-orbit Dirac points in nonsymmorphic HfGe0.92Te

The search for new materials with Dirac points has been a fascinating subject of condensed matter physics.Here we first report the growth and band structure of HfGe_(0.92)Te single crystals featuring three different types of Dirac points.HfGe_(0.92)Te crystallizes in a nonsymmorphic tetragonal space group P4/nmm(No.129),having a square Ge-atom plane with vacancies of about 8%.Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy(ARPES),the Dirac nodal line composed of conventional Dirac points vulnerable to spin-orbit coupling(SOC)is observed,accompanied by robust Dirac points protected by the nonsymmorphic symmetry against SOC and vacancies.In particular,spin-orbit Dirac points(SDPs)originating from the surface formed under significant SOC could exist based on ARPES and calculations.Quasi-two-dimensional(quasi-2D)characteristics are confirmed by angular-resolved magnetoresistance.HfGe_(0.92)Te bulk crystals can be easily exfoliated to flakes with a thickness of approximately 5 nm for the quasi-2D nature.Thus,HfGe_(0.92)Te provides a good platform to explore exotic topological phases or topological properties with three different types of Dirac points,which is a potential candidate to achieve novel 2D SDPs.

An iASPP-derived short peptide restores p53-mediated cell death in cancers with wild-type p53

Background:Inhibitor of apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53(iASPP)is an evolutionarily conserved p53 inhibitor.Mechanistically,iASPP can accelerate tumorigenesis by inhibiting the transactivation function of p53.Targeting the interaction between iASPP and p53 may be a potential therapy for restoring the activity of p53 in tumors.Methods:We constructed an iASPP-derived peptide,called A8,that was derived from the C-terminus of iASPP.Here,we transfected A8 into two wildtype(WT)p53 cell lines,U2OS and A549,and then determined the number of apoptotic cells.The mechanism by which A8 affected apoptosis was further examined by immunoprecipitation(IP),Dual-Luciferase reporter assays,and chromatin IP assays.Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blots were also used to examine the expression levels of apoptosis-related factors.Results:Our data demonstrate that A8 can increase apoptosis rates in WT p53 cell lines.Functional analysis suggested that A8 restored the transcriptional function and DNA binding activities of p53 toward the Bax and PUMA gene promoters.Moreover,A8 reduced cell proliferation and inhibited tumor growth in xenograft nude mice.Conclusions:These data provide a new approach for restoring the tumor suppressor function of p53 in cancer cells that express WT p53 and therefore may serve as a novel cancer treatment strategy.

H5亚型流感病毒HA头部球状结构域在毕赤酵母中的高效表达及其免疫原性分析

为了研究H5亚型流感病毒HA蛋白中头部球状结构的免疫原性及其基因优化对蛋白表达的影响,本研究构建了重组真核表达载体pPICZ?A-H5HA,并将其转化至毕赤酵母,经筛选获得重组菌株。SDS-PAGE和Western blotting结果分析显示,目的蛋白可在酵母中高效分泌表达,发酵液上清中目的蛋白浓度高达0.2 mg/mL,分子量约为37kDa。将酵母发酵上清经浓缩、纯化后,获得重组目的蛋白H5HA。将不同剂量的H5HA与不同佐剂联用后分别以滴鼻和肌肉注射两种方式免疫试验动物,进行免疫效力的评价。试验结果表明,H5HA具有较好的免疫原性,可诱导SPF鸡产生较高水平的IgG (血凝抑制效价达1∶64、病毒中和抗体效价为1∶218),最佳使用剂量为50μg/羽,与白油佐剂联用时效果最佳,且肌肉注射方式的免疫效果优于滴鼻方式。研究结果为H5亚型流感病毒亚单位疫苗的研制提供了理论支撑。

一种超高灵敏的埃博拉病毒胶体碳侧流免疫层析检测方法的建立

埃博拉出血热(Ebola hemorrhagic fever, EHF)由于其高感染性和高致死率特点,快速鉴别诊断并实施隔离是最有效的防止疫情扩散的措施。文中建立了一种可以快速、高灵敏筛查埃博拉病毒(Ebolavirus,EBOV)感染的现场检测技术,用碳纳米颗粒标记抗EBOV基质蛋白VP40兔多克隆抗体,组装成一种可在15min内检测埃博拉病毒的胶体碳侧流免疫层析试纸条。将标记胶体碳颗粒的兔多抗喷涂于玻璃纤维素膜上制备碳标垫;以1mg/mL的抗VP40单克隆抗体(McAb,4B7F9)和羊抗兔IgG,按照2μL/cm的包被量印迹于硝酸纤维膜上,分别作为检测线与质控线,组装试纸条。该试纸条能够特异地检测EBOV重组VP40蛋白、EBOV病毒样颗粒(Virus-like particles,VLP)和灭活EBOV,而与马尔堡病毒样颗粒(MARV-VLP)、流感病毒A/PR/8 (IAV/PR/8)、黄热病毒(YFV-17D)、登革热病毒2型(DEN2)无交叉反应,显示良好的特异性,对1 500份阴性血清进行检测,假阳性率为1.3‰,仅为WHO授权ReEBOV^(TM)胶体金试纸的1/100;该胶体碳试纸条检测灭活EBOV的最低检出限为100 ng/mL (相当于10~6 copies/mL),远优于ReEBOV^(TM)胶体金试纸条检出限(10μg/mL,相当于10~8 copies/mL)。热稳定性评价显示试纸条可在室温稳定保存1年以上。文中建立的EBOV胶体碳免疫层析试纸条能够快速、超高灵敏、特异地检测EBOV,为现场快速筛查EBOV感染提供一种新方法。

B型流感病毒研究进展

B型流感病毒为单股负链分节段RNA病毒,常在全球范围内以与A型流感病毒共流行的方式引起流感的局部暴发或季节性流行,对儿童、青少年、老人等特定人群易感,且感染儿童及青少年后引起的死亡率较高,给人类的公共卫生健康造成了严重威胁。B型流感病毒与A型相比更容易引发患者发生并发症,且其在流行季节造成的疾病负担甚至超过A型。近期,特别是2017年入冬后,B型流感病毒在我国的很多地区成为了引起流感发生的优势毒株,给人们的健康生活带来极大困扰。鉴于此,文中从B型流感病毒的结构、流行病学、免疫学及防治等方面进行了综述,旨在增强人们对该病毒的认识,为B型流感的防控提供借鉴和参考。

短期重复口服鸡α干扰素体内抑制H9N2亚型流感病毒复制

为研究口服鸡α干扰素最佳的给药频率及与灭活病毒联合使用对鸡群的影响,文中将构建的原核表达质粒pET-22b-ChIFN-α转入大肠杆菌Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3),宿主菌经诱导表达收获重组包涵体蛋白,经变性、纯化、复性后获得重组鸡α干扰素。SDS-PAGE结果分析显示,目的蛋白可在原核表达载体中高效表达,发酵液上清中目的蛋白浓度高达0.2 mg/mL,分子量约为20 kDa。将鸡α干扰素稀释至活性为2.5×10~4 U/羽份,与灭活H9N2亚型流感病毒联用以口服的方式免疫无特定病原(SPF)鸡群,试验结果表明,短期(96 h)重复免疫3次,鸡α干扰素具有较好的安全性,可诱导鸡群的外周血、脾脏及胸腺产生较高水平的抗病毒相关的诱导基因,攻毒结果显示鸡α干扰素使用次数为连续使用3–5 d鸡群排毒率最低,体现出较好的抗流感病毒能力。本研究结果获得了鸡α干扰素的最佳免疫频率及免疫时间,为干扰素的最佳临床应用方法提供理论支撑。

RIG-I敲除293T细胞系的建立及其对B型流感病毒复制的影响

CRISPR/Cas9基因编辑技术是通过人工设计的单向导RNA(Single-guide RNA,sgRNA)指导Cas9蛋白对目的基因靶位点进行特异性的识别、结合和切割后,通过细胞的非同源末端连接或同源末端重组修复机制来完成对基因组的敲除与敲入的编辑技术。RIG-I是机体的一种模式识别受体,能够识别胞质中的含5′-三磷酸基团的RNA,并通过与下游信号分子MAVS相互作用,激活IRF3/7和NF-κB,从而启动I型干扰素和炎性因子的表达。已有研究表明,B型流感病毒(IBV)在感染早期能够上调RIG-I的表达水平。为了探索RIG-I是否为B型流感病毒激活抗病毒天然免疫信号通路的主要受体及其对IBV复制的影响,本研究利用CRISPR-Cas9技术对293T细胞中的RIG-I基因进行了敲除,经嘌呤霉素压力筛选到了一株稳定敲除RIG-I基因的293T(RIG-I-/-293T)细胞系。Western blotting检测发现,IBV或仙台病毒感染后该细胞系中RIG-I不再表达,说明该敲除细胞系构建成功。IBV感染RIG-I-/-293T细胞后,干扰素、炎性因子及干扰素刺激基因的转录水平与野生型293T细胞相比明显下降,并且在RIG-I-/-293T细胞中检测不到p65和IRF3磷酸化,表明IBV感染早期细胞因子的表达主要依赖于RIG-I信号通路的激活。IBV在野生型及RIG-I-/-293T细胞中的多步生长曲线表明,RIG-I可抑制IBV的复制。以上结果表明,RIG-I敲除的293T细胞系构建成功,RIG-I是IBV激活下游抗病毒天然免疫信号通路的主要受体之一,且对IBV的复制具有负调控作用,该研究为探索IBV的感染机制奠定了基础。

A New Filter Collaborative State Transition Algorithm for Two-Objective Dynamic Reactive Power Optimization

Dynamic Reactive Power Optimization(DRPO) is a large-scale, multi-period, and strongly coupled nonlinear mixed-integer programming problem that is difficult to solve directly. First, to handle discrete variables and switching operation constraints, DRPO is formulated as a nonlinear constrained two-objective optimization problem in this paper. The first objective is to minimize the real power loss and the Total Voltage Deviations(TVDs), and the second objective is to minimize incremental system loss. Then a Filter Collaborative State Transition Algorithm(FCSTA) is presented for solving DRPO problems. Two populations corresponding to two different objectives are employed. Moreover, the filter technique is utilized to deal with constraints. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through the results obtained for a 24-hour test on Ward & Hale 6 bus, IEEE 14 bus, and IEEE 30 bus test power systems. To substantiate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms, the obtained results are compared with different approaches in the literature.

CypA Regulates AIP4-Mediated M1 Ubiquitination of Influenza A Virus

Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase that interacts with the matrix protein (M1) of influenza A virus (IAV) and restricts virus replication by regulating the ubiquitin–proteasome-mediated degradation of M1. However,the mechanism by which CypA regulates M1 ubiquitination remains unknown. In this study, we reported that E3 ubiquitin ligase AIP4 promoted K48-linked ubiquitination of M1 at K102 and K104, and accelerated ubiquitin–proteasome-mediated degradation of M1. The recombinant IAV with mutant M1 (K102 R/K104 R) could not be rescued, suggesting that the ubiquitination of M1 at K102/K104 was essential for IAV replication. Furthermore, CypA inhibited AIP4-mediated M1 ubiquitination by impairing the interaction between AIP4 and M1. More importantly, both the mutations of M1 (K102 R/K104 R) and CypA inhibited the nuclear export of M1, indicating that CypA regulates the cellular localization of M1 via inhibition of AIP4-mediated M1 ubiquitination at K102 and K104, which results in the reduced replication of IAV.Collectively, our findings reveal a novel ubiquitination-based mechanism by which CypA regulates the replication of IAV.

Interferon as a Mucosal Adjuvant for an Influenza Vaccine in Pigs

Interferon,a natural protein that is produced by a variety of cells during viral infection,activates the transcription of multiple functional genes in cells,regulates synergy among various signaling pathways,and mediates many biological functions such as antiviral activity,immune regulation,and cell growth.However,clinical research on interferon in livestock is lacking.In this study,recombinant porcine interferon(PoIFNα)was used as an adjuvant,in combination with inactivated influenza virus,to vaccinate 6-week-old pigs via nasal infusion.The transcription of target genes was then monitored and the functions of PoIFNαwere determined with respect to the activation of mucosal immunity.We found that a combination of low-dose PoIFNαand in activated influenza virus could significantly up-regulate the expression of immunoregulatory cytokines such as IL-2,IL-1β,IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-10 by real-time PCR,suggesting the induction of a strong mucosal innate immune response after administration.In addition,low-dose PoIFNαcan significant enhancing the transcription of genes encoding homing factors including CCR9 and CCR10(P<0.001),thereby resulting in the induction of higher levels of HA-specific antibodies(P<0.05),which can be determined by ELISA and IFA.Post-immunization challenges with H1N1 virus demonstrated that PoIFNot,combined with inactivated influenza virus,could alleviate clinical signs in pigs during the early stages of viral infection.These studies reveal low-dose PoIFNαas a potential mucosal adjuvant for influenza virus in pigs.

Multi-Agent Modeling and Simulation in the AI Age

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence(AI)technology and its successful application in various fields,modeling and simulation technology,especially multi-agent modeling and simulation(MAMS),of complex systems has rapidly advanced.In this study,we first describe the concept,technical advantages,research steps,and research status of MAMS.Then we review the development status of the hybrid modeling and simulation combining multi-agent and system dynamics,the modeling and simulation of multi-agent reinforcement learning,and the modeling and simulation of large-scale multi-agent.Lastly,we introduce existing MAMS platforms and their comparative studies.This work summarizes the current research situation of MAMS,thus helping scholars understand the systematic technology development of MAMS in the AI era.It also paves the way for further research on MAMS technology.

The self-assembled nanoparticle-based trimeric RBD mRNA vaccine elicits robust and durable protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in mice

As COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly worldwide and variants continue to emerge,the development and deployment of safe and effective vaccines are urgently needed.Here,we developed an mRNA vaccine based on the trimeric receptor-binding domain(RBD)of the SARS-CoV-2 spike(S)protein fused to ferritin-formed nanoparticles(TF-RBD).Compared to the trimeric form of the RBD mRNA vaccine(T-RBD),TF-RBD delivered intramuscularly elicited robust and durable humoral immunity as well as a Th 1-biased cellular response.After further challenge with live SARS-CoV-2,immunization with a two-shot low-dose regimen of TF-RBD provided adequate protection in hACE2-transduced mice.In addition,the mRNA template of TF-RBD was easily and quickly engineered into a variant vaccine to address SARS-CoV-2 mutations.The TF-RBD multivalent vaccine produced broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies against Alpha(B.1.1.7)and Beta(B.1.351)variants.This mRNA vaccine based on the encoded self-assembled nanoparticle-based trimer RBD provides a referenee for the design of mRNA vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2.

Effective suppression of mode distortion induced by amplifiers stimulated Raman scattering in high-power fiber

Mode distortion induced by stimulated Raman scattering(SRS)has become a new obstacle for the further development of high-power fiber lasers with high beam quality.Here,an approach for effective suppression of the SRS-induced mode distortion in high-power fiber amplifiers has been demonstrated experimentally by adjusting the seed power(output power of seed source)and forward feedback coefficient of the rear port in the seed source.It is shown that the threshold power of the SRS-induced mode distortion can be increased significantly by reducing the seed power or the forward feedback coefficient.Moreover,it has also been found that the threshold power is extremely sensitive to the forward feedback power value from the rear port.The influence of the seed power on the threshold power can be attributed to the fact that the seed power plays an important role in the effective length of the gain fiber in the amplifier.The influence of the forward feedback coefficient on the threshold power can be attributed to the enhanced SRS configuration because the end surface of the rear port together with the fiber in the amplifier constitutes a half-opening cavity.This suppression approach will be very helpful to further develop the high-power fiber amplifiers with high beam quality.

A Projection Pursuit Dynamic Cluster Model Based on a Memetic Algorithm

A Projection Pursuit Dynamic Cluster(PPDC) model optimized by Memetic Algorithm(MA) was proposed to solve the practical problems of nonlinearity and high dimensions of sample data, which appear in the context of evaluation or prediction in complex systems. Projection pursuit theory was used to determine the optimal projection direction; then dynamic clusters and minimal total distance within clusters(min TDc) were used to build a PPDC model. 17 agronomic traits of 19 tomato varieties were evaluated by a PPDC model. The projection direction was optimized by Simulated Annealing(SA) algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO), and MA. A PPDC model,based on an MA, avoids the problem of parameter calibration in Projection Pursuit Cluster(PPC) models. Its final results can be output directly, making the cluster results objective and definite. The calculation results show that a PPDC model based on an MA can solve the practical difficulties of nonlinearity and high dimensionality of sample data.

Nucleoprotein phosphorylation site(Y385)mutation confers temperature sensitivity to influenza A virus due to impaired nucleoprotein oligomerization at a lower temperature

Mutations in viral proteins can lead to the cold adaption of influenza A virus and the cold-adapted virus is an important vaccination instrument.Here,we identify a novel strain of influenza A virus with cold sensitivity conferred by a mutation at a phosphorylation site within the nucleoprotein(NP).The highly conserved tyrosine 385 residue(Y385)of NP was identified as a phosphorylation site by mass spectrometry.The constructive NP phosphorylation mimicked by Y385 E mutation was fatal for virus replication,while the continuous Y385 dephosphorylation mimicked by Y385 F mutation had little impact on virus replication in vitro.Notably,the Y385 F virus showed much lower replicative capacity in turbinates of mice compared with the wild type virus.Moreover,the replication of Y385 F virus was significantly reduced in both A549 and MDCK cells grown at 33℃,when compared to that at 37℃.These results indicated that the Y385 F mutation led to cold sensitivity of virus.We further found that the cold sensitivity of Y385 F virus could be attributed to diminished NP oligomerization rather than any changes in intracellular localization.Taken together,these findings suggest that the phosphorylation of NP may be a critical factor that regulates the temperature sensitivity of influenza A virus.

A recombinant receptor-binding domain in trimeric form generates protective immunity against SARSCoV-2 infection in nonhuman primates

A safe and effective vaccine is critical to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.Here,we developed a trimeric SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain(RBD)subunit vaccine candidate that simulates the natural structure of the spike(S)trimer glycoprotein.Immunization with the RBD trimer-induced robust humoral and cellular immune responses,and a high level of neutralizing antibodies was maintained for at least 4.5 months.Moreover,the antibodies that were produced in response to the vaccine effectively cross-neutralized the SARS-CoV-2501Y.V2 variant(B.1.351).Of note,when the vaccine-induced antibodies dropped to a sufficiently low level,only one boost quickly activated the anamnestic immune response,conferring full protection against a SARSCoV-2 challenge in rhesus macaques without typical histopathological changes in the lung tissues.These results demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 RBD trimer vaccine candidate is highly immunogenic and safe,providing long-lasting,broad,and significant immunity protection in nonhuman primates,thereby offering an optimal vaccination strategy against COVID-19.

A Multilevel Splitting Algorithm for Quick Sampling

To reduce intermediate levels of splitting process and enhance sampling accuracy, a multilevel splitting algorithm for quick sampling is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the selected area of the elite set is expanded to maintain the diversity of the samples. Secondly, the combined use of an adaptive difference evolution algorithm and a local searching algorithm is proposed for the splitting procedure. Finally, a suite of benchmark functions are used for performance testing. The results indicate that the convergence rate and stability of this algorithm are superior to those of the classical importance splitting algorithm and an adaptive multilevel splitting algorithm.