Silencing of early auxin responsive genes MdGH3-2/12 reduces the resistance to Fusarium solani in apple

Apple replant disease(ARD)has led to severe yield and quality reduction in the apple industry.Fusarium solani(F.solani)has been identified as one of the main microbial pathogens responsible for ARD.Auxin(indole-3-acetic acid,IAA),an endogenous hormone in plants,is involved in almost all plant growth and development processes and plays a role in plant immunity against pathogens.Gretchen Hagen3(GH3)is one of the early/primary auxin response genes.The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of MdGH3-2 and MdGH3-12 in the defense response of F.solani by treating MdGH3-2/12 RNAi plants with F.solani.The results show that under F.solani infection,RNAi of MdGH3-2/12 inhibited plant biomass accumulation and exacerbated root damage.After inoculation with F.solani,MdGH3-2/12 RNAi inhibited the biosynthesis of acid-amido synthetase.This led to the inhibition of free IAA combining with amino acids,resulting in excessive free IAA accumulation.This excessive free IAA altered plant tissue structure,accelerated fungal hyphal invasion,reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes(SOD,POD and CAT),increased the reactive oxygen species(ROS)level,and reduced total chlorophyll content and photosynthetic ability,while regulating the expression of PR-related genes including PR1,PR4,PR5 and PR8.It also changed the contents of plant hormones and amino acids,and ultimately reduced the resistance to F.solani.In conclusion,these results demonstrate that MdGH3-2 and MdGH3-12 play an important role in apple tolerance to F.solani and ARD.

Adaptive Optimal Output Regulation of Interconnected Singularly Perturbed Systems With Application to Power Systems

This article studies the adaptive optimal output regulation problem for a class of interconnected singularly perturbed systems(SPSs) with unknown dynamics based on reinforcement learning(RL).Taking into account the slow and fast characteristics among system states,the interconnected SPS is decomposed into the slow time-scale dynamics and the fast timescale dynamics through singular perturbation theory.For the fast time-scale dynamics with interconnections,we devise a decentralized optimal control strategy by selecting appropriate weight matrices in the cost function.For the slow time-scale dynamics with unknown system parameters,an off-policy RL algorithm with convergence guarantee is given to learn the optimal control strategy in terms of measurement data.By combining the slow and fast controllers,we establish the composite decentralized adaptive optimal output regulator,and rigorously analyze the stability and optimality of the closed-loop system.The proposed decomposition design not only bypasses the numerical stiffness but also alleviates the high-dimensionality.The efficacy of the proposed methodology is validated by a load-frequency control application of a two-area power system.

Insight into the behavior at the hygroscopicity and interface of the hydrophobic imidazolium-based ionic liquids

How to completely remove the water from ionic liquids(ILs)is difficult for researchers because of the hygroscopicity of ILs.In order to study the hygroscopicity of ILs,two kinds of ILs,1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate([Bmim][PF6])and 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)([Bmim][NTf_(2)])were investigated by molecular dynamics simulations.Although[Bmim][PF6]and[Bmim][NTf_(2)]are hydrophobic,both of the ILs could absorb water molecules from the vapor.In this work,the process of absorbing water from the vapor phase was studied,and the water molecules could disperse into the IL.Aggregation was observed with increasing the water concentration.Although the absorbed water increases obviously,the amount of free water and small cluster in the ILs does not change significantly and always stays at a certain level.The amount of free water and small cluster in[Bmim][PF6]is more than that in[Bmim][NTf_(2)],which is consistent with their hydrophobicity.In addition,the liquid-vacuum and liquid–liquid interfaces of the ILs were simulated and analyzed in detail.The number density distribution and angle distribution indicated that[Bmim]+cations arrangement regularly at the IL-vacuum interface.The butyl chain point to the vacuum,while the imidazlium ring is close to the IL phase region and perpendicular to the interface.While at the IL-water interface,the cations and anions are disordered.

Cohort profile: design and methods of the Chinese colorectal, breast, lung, liver, and stomach cancer screening trial(C-BLAST)

Given the rapid changes in social structure(urbanization),economic structure(industrialization),and demographic structure(population aging)in China,cancer has become a major public health problem1.Extensive evidence has indicated that screening can decrease cancer mortality,particularly among high-risk groups,and several representative national and regional cancer screening programs have been launched in China to cope with the increasing burden of cancer.

高效光电调控钙钛矿量子点阻变存储性能

光电阻变存储器(RRAM)因其微型化、集成化和多功能等优点成为下一代非易失性存储器中最有前途的竞争者。采用低温旋涂法合成具有绿色荧光的无机CsPbBr_(3)量子点(QDs)为阻变功能层,制备了高效光电调控的Ag/CsPbBr_(3) QDs/ITO RRAM器件。该器件具有良好的抗疲劳性能和保持特性。在光照触发下,Ag/CsPbBr_(3) QDs/ITO器件的开关比(ON/OFF比)约为3.2×10^(3),较暗态增大了约24倍;写入电压(VSET)为2.88 V,较暗态降低了约13.3%。电场作用下Br−和Ag+双离子迁移形成混合导电细丝的通断是Ag/CsPbBr_(3) QDs/ITO器件阻变的主要机制。经光照激发作用,CsPbBr_(3) QDs薄膜内缺陷密度的减少促进光电流的增大,促进了Ag/CsPbBr_(3) QDs/ITO器件低阻态(LRS)阻值和VSET减小、进而提高器件ON/OFF比。高效光电调控全无机钙钛矿RRAM技术推动了高密度信息存储器的快速发展。

Lignin derived absorbent for efficient and sustainable CO_(2) capture

High and cost-efficient capture of CO_(2) is a prerequisite and an inevitable path of carbon emission reduction. To address the challenges(high cost, low efficiency, less sustainability, etc.) of existing petroleum-based CO_(2) absorbents, herein, a class of efficient and sustainable lignin-based absorbents were resoundingly prepared by grafting the active amine group on a lignin derived compound vanillin and alkali lignin. The results demonstrated that vanillin modified by acrylamide achieved the excellent absorption capacity among the three absorbents, whose ability was 0.114 g CO_(2) per gram of absorbent under 25 ℃ and 100 kPa. In addition, the absorbent retained stable absorbability of CO_(2) after 6 cycles.The absorbing capacity of the absorbent formed by the coupling of vanillin and acrylamide to CO_(2) was much greater than their own(i.e. 0 g CO_(2) ·g^(-1)vanillin, 0.01 g CO_(2) ·g^(-1) acrylamide, respectively).Detailed information revealed the multi-site synergistic absorption mechanism, in which CO_(2) has C and O double interactions with the amide group of the absorbent, and single interaction with the hydroxyl oxygen on the benzene ring of the absorbent. The absorption capacity of modified lignin for CO_(2) is as high as 0.12 g CO_(2) per gram of absorbent, which is comparable with that of model compound vanillin.This work not only provides a new idea for the design of bio-absorbents for CO_(2) capture, but explores the application potential of lignin-based materials.

Identification of the E2F1-RAD51AP1 axis as a key factor in MGMT-methylated GBM TMZ resistance

Objective:Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III(EGFRvIII)is a constitutively-activated mutation of EGFR that contributes to the malignant progression of glioblastoma multiforme(GBM).Temozolomide(TMZ)is a standard chemotherapeutic for GBM,but TMZ treatment benefits are compromised by chemoresistance.This study aimed to elucidate the crucial mechanisms leading to EGFRvIII and TMZ resistance.Methods:CRISPR-Cas13a single-cell RNA-seq was performed to thoroughly mine EGFRvIII function in GBM.Western blot,realtime PCR,flow cytometry,and immunofluorescence were used to determine the chemoresistance role of E2F1 and RAD51-associated protein 1(RAD51AP1).Results:Bioinformatic analysis identified E2F1 as the key transcription factor in EGFRvIII-positive living cells.Bulk RNA-seq analysis revealed that E2F1 is a crucial transcription factor under TMZ treatment.Western blot suggested enhanced expression of E2F1 in EGFRvIII-positive and TMZ-treated glioma cells.Knockdown of E2F1 increased sensitivity to TMZ.Venn diagram profiling showed that RAD51AP1 is positively correlated with E2F1,mediates TMZ resistance,and has a potential E2F1 binding site on the promoter.Knockdown of RAD51AP1 enhanced the sensitivity of TMZ;however,overexpression of RAD51AP1 was not sufficient to cause chemotherapy resistance in glioma cells.Furthermore,RAD51AP1 did not impact TMZ sensitivity in GBM cells with high O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase(MGMT)expression.The level of RAD51AP1 expression correlated with the survival rate in MGMT-methylated,but not MGMT-unmethylated TMZ-treated GBM patients.Conclusions:Our results suggest that E2F1 is a key transcription factor in EGFRvIII-positive glioma cells and quickly responds to TMZ treatment.RAD51AP1 was shown to be upregulated by E2F1 for DNA double strand break repair.Targeting RAD51AP1 could facilitate achieving an ideal therapeutic effect in MGMT-methylated GBM cells.

Effects of Different Cations on the Flocculation and Sedimentation of Static Fine-Grained

Natural water bodies mostly contain cations,and the type and content of these cations are the main factors affecting the flocculation of fine-grained cohesive sediments and the floc sedimentation rate at the interface between clear and turbid water.From the microscopic aspect,this study examined the changing patterns of porosity and the fractal dimension of the flocs of fine-grained cohesive sediments.Sedimentation experiments under different sediment contents and electrolyte conditions were conducted,and microscopic images of the flocs were analysed using Image-Pro Plus(IPP)and MATLAB based on the fractal theory.From the macroscopic aspect,this study experimentally investigated the flocculation and sedimentation of fine-grained cohesive sediments and proposed a sedimentation rate equation by introducing an ion concentration-related parameter into an existing sedimentation rate equation(stagnation zone)based on the adsorption isotherm equation.The equation proposed in this study was validated with measured data.The calculated values were in good agreement with the measured values,with a relative error of 16%.The findings of this study provide a reference for further research on the flocculation and sedimentation of fine-grained cohesive sediments in different water bodies.

Dynamic development model for long gap discharge streamer-leader system based on fractal theory

Establishing a long air gap discharge model considering the streamer-leader transition and randomness of the discharge path is of great signiflcance to improve the accuracy of discharge characteristic prediction and optimize external insulation design.Based on fractal theory and thermal ionization theory of streamer-leader transition,this work establishes a dynamic development model for the long air gap discharge streamer-leader system,which includes streamer inception,streamer development,leader inception,development of streamer-leader system and flnal jump.The positive discharge process of a 3 m rod plate is simulated to obtain the fractal distribution of the discharge path and the law of leader development for comparison with the discharge test results.The results show that the simulation model is similar to test results in the development characteristics of leader path distribution,each stage time and leader velocity.Finally,a simulation calculation of a 50%breakdown voltage of the rod-plate gap and ball-plate gap is carried out,with results fairly consistent with test data,proving the effectiveness and practicality of the model.

Synergistic stabilization of CsPbI_(3) inorganic perovskite via 1D capping and secondary growth

Cesium lead iodide(CsPbI_(3)) perovskite has gained great attention in the photovoltaic(PV) community because of its unique optoelectronic properties, good chemical stability and appropriate bandgap for sunlight harvesting applications. However, compared to solar cells fabricated from organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites, the commercialization of devices based on all-inorganic CsPbI_(3) perovskites still faces many challenges regarding PV performance and long-term stability. In this work, we discovered that tetrabutylammonium bromide(TBABr) post-treatment to CsPbI_(3) perovskite films could achieve synergistic stabilization with both TBA+cation intercalation and Br-doping. Such TBA^(+) cation intercalation leads to onedimensional capping with TBAPb I3 perovskite formed in situ, while the Br-induced crystal secondary growth helps effectively passivate the defects of CsPbI_(3) perovskite, thus enhancing the stability. In addition, the incorporation of TBABr can improve energy-level alignment and reduce interfacial charge recombination loss for better device performance. Finally, the highly stable TBABr-treated CsPbI_(3)-based perovskite solar cells show reproducible photovoltaic performance with a champion efficiency up to 19.04%, while retaining 90% of the initial efficiency after 500 h storage without encapsulation.

Modification to solution-diffusion model for performance prediction of nanofiltration of long-alkyl-chain ionic liquids aqueous solutions based on ion cluster

Mathematical modeling for nanofiltration of ionic liquids(ILs) solutions could assist to understand transfer mechanism and predict experimental values. In this work, modeling by solution-diffusion model for nanofiltration of long-alkyl-chain ILs aqueous solutions was proposed. Molecular simulations were performed to validate the existence of ion cluster in long-alkyl-chain ILs aqueous solution. Based on the results of simulations, parameters used in the solution-diffusion model were modified, such as concentration of ILs and diameter of ion cluster.The modeling process was developed for three long-alkyl-chain ILs aqueous solutions with different concentrations(1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride: [C6 mim]Cl, [C8 mim]Cl, [C10 mim]Cl). The calculated values obtained from modified solution-diffusion model could well match the experimental values.

基于堆栈降噪自编码器和LBP的人脸识别算法

针对传统的人脸识别算法的鲁棒性弱,分类准确率不高,运算速率较慢的缺点,基于局部二值模式(Local Binary Pattern)和堆栈式降噪自编码器(Stack Denoising Autoencoders)模型,提出了一种LBP + SDAE新的人脸表情识别算法。首先,先对图像进行直方图均衡化处理,用LBP提取特征,接着进行尺度归一化处理后用SDAE二次提取特征并且去噪,降维,最后用SVM分类。该方法不仅提高了分类的准确率,而且加快了运算的速率。在数据集Yale上进行验证,表明相对于以前传统的人脸识别算法,它具有更高的准确率和较强的鲁棒性。

Ectopic expression of AANAT or HIOMT improves melatonin production and enhances UV-B tolerance in transgenic apple plants

Melatonin is involved in plant responses to various environmental stresses.Although many studies have demonstrated that the tolerance of plants to stress is improved by exogenous melatonin,the role of endogenous melatonin metabolism in the response of apples to UV-B stress remains unclear.Here,the human melatonin biosynthesis-related enzyme genes AANAT or HIOMT were transformed into‘GL-3'apple,and the transgenic lines were treated with UV-B stress.The ectopic expression of AANAT or HIOMT significantly increased the melatonin content in apples.After UV-B stress,the tolerance of apple lines with ectopic expression of AANAT or HIOMT was markedly improved.The decrease in chlorophyll fluorescence,the generation of reactive oxygen species and the shrinkage of stomata caused by UV-B stress were alleviated by AANAT or HIOMT ectopic expression.In addition,the total phenolic content was markedly increased in the transgenic lines compared with the WT(wild type).The increase in phenolic compounds was related to the increase in benzoic acid,hydroxycinnamic acid,dihydrochalcones and flavanols,among which increases in chlorogenic acid,phloridzin and procyanidin B1 content were most prominent.Furthermore,the transgenic lines did not only promote the expression of genes related to phenolic synthesis under UV-B stress,but they also increased the accumulation of phenolic compounds by inhibiting the expression of MdPPO and MdPOD related to phenolic degradation.In summary,our results demonstrate that AANAT-or HIOMT-mediated melatonin synthesis improved the tolerance of apples to UV-B stress,mainly by scavenging reactive oxygen species,increasing photosynthetic capacity and increasing total phenolic content.

Digital twin modeling and controlling of optical power evolution enabling autonomous-driving optical networks:a Bayesian approach

Optical networks are evolving toward ultrawide bandwidth and autonomous operation.In this scenario,it is crucial to accurately model and control optical power evolutions(OPEs)through optical amplifiers(OAs),as they directly affect the signal-to-noise ratio and fiber nonlinearities.However,a fundamental contradiction arises between the complex physical phenomena in optical transmission and the required precision in network control.Traditional theoretical methods underperform due to ideal assumptions,while data-driven approaches entail exorbitant costs associated with acquiring massive amounts of data to achieve the desired level of accuracy.In this work,we propose a Bayesian inference framework(BIF)to construct the digital twin of OAs and control OPE in a data-efficient manner.Only the informative data are collected to balance the exploration and exploitation of the data space,thus enabling efficient autonomous-driving optical networks(ADONs).Simulations and experiments demonstrate that the BIF can reduce the data size for modeling erbium-doped fiber amplifiers by 80%and Raman amplifiers by 60%.Within 30 iterations,the optimal controlling performance can be achieved to realize target signal/gain profiles in links with different types of OAs.The results show that the BIF paves the way to accurately model and control OPE for future ADONs.

Targeted therapy of kidney disease with nanoparticle drug delivery materials

With the development of nanomedicine,nanomaterials have been widely used,offering specific drug delivery to target sites,minimal side effects,and significant therapeutic effects.The kidneys have filtration and reabsorption functions,with various potential target cell types and a complex structural environment,making the strategies for kidney function protection and recovery after injury complex.This also lays the foundation for the application of nanomedicine in kidney diseases.Currently,evidence in preclinical and clinical settings supports the feasibility of targeted therapy for kidney diseases using drug delivery based on nanomaterials.The prerequisite for nanomedicine in treating kidney diseases is the use of carriers with good biocompatibility,including nanoparticles,hydrogels,liposomes,micelles,dendrimer polymers,adenoviruses,lysozymes,and elastin-like polypeptides.These carriers have precise renal uptake,longer half-life,and targeted organ distribution,protecting and improving the efficacy of the drugs they carry.Additionally,attention should also be paid to the toxicity and solubility of the carriers.While the carriers mentioned above have been used in preclinical studies for targeted therapy of kidney diseases both in vivo and in vitro,extensive clinical trials are still needed to ensure the short-term and long-term effects of nano drugs in the human body.This review will discuss the advantages and limitations of nanoscale drug carrier materials in treating kidney diseases,provide a more comprehensive catalog of nanocarrier materials,and offer prospects for their drug-loading efficacy and clinical applications.

The challenge of defining rare genetic programs by single-cell RNA sequencing:Insights from phloem studies

Single-cell RNA sequencing technology provides unprecedented opportunities to capture the spatiotemporal aspects of genetic programs that drive cell differentiation.Phloem is a subtype of vascular tissue that is crucial for transporting sugars,proteins,and other organic molecules.Its critical role in the redistribution of carbon between photosynthetically active“source”organs(leaves,shoots)and“sink”tissues/organs incapable of fixing carbon(wood,storage organs,root system,etc.)has made phloem development and its transcriptional regulation a prime research focus.

Isolation of exogenous fungi from Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and preliminary analysis of toxigenic fungi

Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma(Sanqi in Chinese)is a precious traditional Chinese herbal medicine.It has the effect of dispersing blood stasis and stopping bleeding,reducing swelling and fixing pain.However,it tends to contaminate with harmful fungi during storage,which may make it much less effective.In order to understand the fungal contamination of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and master its composition of the exogenous fungi.The surface fungi of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma samples collected from six Chinese provinces and districts were investigated by using dilution plate method.Detection of aflatoxins by UPLC-MS/MS.The results showed that Penicillium citrinum was dominantly isolated from Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma samples from No.1 to No.4.Aspergillus flavus,which produces aflatoxin,was dominantly isolated from Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma samples from No.5 and No.6.In addition,kinds of mycotoxin were assayed which were produced by three of those identified A.flavus.All three fungi strains produced aflatoxin B1(AFB1)and one strain HBSQ1-5 additionally produced other three kinds of mycotoxin,AFB2,AFG1 and AFG2.It is the results implied that it will be very important to take serious cautions when using Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma.As well as,understanding the composition of the exogenous fungi of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and the strains of toxin-producing fungi,which can play an important role in guiding the storage of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma.

Effects of anions and alkyl chain length of imidazolium-based ionic liquids at the Au(111)surface on interfacial structure:a first-principles study

The interfacial structure and adsorption mechanism of imidazolium-based ionic liquids(ILs)on Au(111)surface were investigated via first-principles calculation.Electron density analysis and Bader charge analysis were used to explore the electronic structure of Au(111)-ILs interface.Computations show that the alkyl chain length and anions play a significant role in designing Au(111)-ILs interfacial structure.On the one hand,the stability of interface and adsorption energy tend to be enhanced as the alkyl chain length increases.It attributes to the methylene group of alkyl chain which could easily anchor on the gold interface.On the other hand,the difference in anions makes the adsorption behavior quite different.The adsorption energy follows the order:[C_(n)mim][Br]>[C_(n)mim][Cl]>[Cnmim][TFSA]>[C_(n)mim][OAc]>[C_(n)mim][PF6]>[C_(n)mim][BF_(4)].The nonfluorinated ILs(containing Br,Cl,and O atoms of anions)always have a drastic charge transfer among gold-ILs interface.However,the larger van der Waals(vdWs)volumes of the fluorinated anions have a more diffused electron density which lead to the relatively weak interaction.To sum up,a detailed and systematic investigation of the variation of anions and alkyl chain length of ILs which will affect the interfacial structure is fully studied.The above study could be helpful to understand electrode-electrolyte microscopic interface and design of functional materials for energy storage.

团队学习法在老年慢性肾功能不全教学中的应用

老年慢性肾功能不全是肾脏病教学中的重点和难点内容。为了提高肾脏病学的教学质量,我们采用团队学习法(TBL)替代传统教学法。TBL教学法主要包括:组建团队、管理团队、反馈问题、解决问题、学生互评等方面。TBL教学法能够增强学生参与感,增加学生的学习兴趣,有助于培养学生的自主学习能力,从而促进其对临床知识与技能的掌握。

Recent progress in perovskite solar cells:material science

Perovskite solar cells represent a promising third-generation photovoltaic technology with low fabrication cost and high power conversion efficiency.In light of the rapid development of perovskite materials and devices,a systematic survey on the latest advancements covering a broad range of related work is urgently needed.This review summarizes the recent major advances in the research of perovskite solar cells from a material science perspective.The discussed topics include the devices based on different type of perovskites(organic-inorganic hybrid,all-inorganic,and lead-free perovskite and perovskite quantum dots),the properties of perovskite defects,different type of charge transport materials(organic,polymeric,and inorganic hole transport materials and inorganic and organic electron transport materials),counter electrodes,and interfacial materials used to improve the efficiency and stability of devices.Most discussions focus on the key progresses reported within the recent five years.Meanwhile,the major issues limiting the production of perovskite solar cells and the prospects for the future development of related materials are discussed.