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Aerosol particles play important roles in regional air quality and global climate change. In this study, we analyzed 2 years (2011–2013) of measurements of submicron particles (6–800 nm) at a suburban site in the western Yangtze River Delta (YRD) of eastern China. The number concentrations (NCs) of particles in the nucleation, Aitken and accumulation modes were 5300 ± 5500, 8000 ± 4400, 5800 ± 3200 cm−3, respectively. The NCs of total particles are comparable to those at urban/suburban sites in other Chinese megacities, such as Beijing, but about 10 times higher than in the remote western China. Long-range and regional transport largely influenced number concentrations and size distributions of submicron particles. The highest and lowest accumulation-mode particle number concentrations were observed in air masses from the YRD and coastal regions, respectively. Continental air masses from inland brought the highest concentrations of nucleation-mode particles. New particle formation (NPF) events, apparent in 44 % of the effective measurement days, occurred frequently in all the seasons except winter. The frequency of NPF in spring, summer and autumn is much higher than other measurement sites in China. Sulfuric acid was found to be the main driver of NPF events. The particle formation rate was the highest in spring (3.6 ± 2.4 cm−3 s−1), whereas the particle growth rate had the highest values in summer (12.8 ± 4.4 nm h−1). The formation rate was typically high in relatively clean air masses, whereas the growth rate tended to be high in the polluted YRD air masses. The frequency of NPF events and the particle growth rates showed a strong year-to-year difference. In the summer of 2013, associated with a multi-week heat wave and strong photochemical processes, NPF events occurred with larger frequency and higher growth rates compared with the same period in 2012. The difference in the location and strength of the subtropical high pressure system, which influences the air mass transport pathways and solar radiation, seems to be the cause for year-to-year differences. This study reports, up to now, the longest continuous measurement records of submicron particles in eastern China and helps to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the main factors controlling the seasonal and year-to-year variation of the aerosol size distribution and NPF in this region.

Semiconductor compounds are widely used for photocatalytic hydrogen production applications, where photogenerated electron–hole pairs are exploited to induce catalysis. Recently, powders of a metallic oxide (Sr 1− x NbO 3 , 0.03< x <0.20) were reported to show competitive photocatalytic efficiencies under visible light, which was attributed to interband absorption. This discovery expanded the range of materials available for optimized performance as photocatalysts. Here we study epitaxial thin films of SrNbO 3+ δ and find that their bandgaps are ∼4.1 eV. Surprisingly, the carrier density of the conducting phase exceeds 10 22  cm −3 and the carrier mobility is only 2.47 cm 2  V −1  s −1 . Contrary to earlier reports, the visible light absorption at 1.8 eV (∼688 nm) is due to the plasmon resonance, arising from the large carrier density. We propose that the hot electron and hole carriers excited via Landau damping (during the plasmon decay) are responsible for the photocatalytic property of this material under visible light irradiation. Metallic oxide SrNbO 3 has been identified as an efficient hydrogen evolution photocatalyst. Here, Venkatesan and co-workers show that its visible light absorption stems from plasmon resonance, thanks to its large carrier density (despite a large 4.1 eV bandgap), as opposed to from an interband transition.

Electronic correlations play important roles in driving exotic phenomena in condensed matter physics. They determine low-energy properties through high-energy bands well-beyond optics. Great effort has been made to understand low-energy excitations such as low-energy excitons in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), however their high-energy bands and interlayer correlation remain mysteries. Herewith, by measuring temperature- and polarization-dependent complex dielectric and loss functions of bulk molybdenum disulphide from near-infrared to soft X-ray, supported with theoretical calculations, we discover unconventional soft X-ray correlated-plasmons with low-loss, and electronic transitions that reduce dimensionality and increase correlations, accompanied with significantly modified low-energy excitons. At room temperature, interlayer electronic correlations, together with the intralayer correlations in the c -axis, are surprisingly strong, yielding a three-dimensional-like system. Upon cooling, wide-range spectral-weight transfer occurs across a few tens of eV and in-plane p–d hybridizations become enhanced, revealing strong Coulomb correlations and electronic anisotropy, yielding a two-dimensional- like system. Our result shows the importance of strong electronic, interlayer and intralayer correlations in determining electronic structure and opens up applications of utilizing TMDCs on plasmonic nanolithrography. Electronic and interlayer correlations are expected to affect the electronic and optical properties of transition metal dichalcogenides. Here, by using spectroscopic ellipsometry in the broad energy range, the authors uncover new electronic transitions and correlated plasmons in bulk MoS 2 .

BackgroundImmunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV), also named Henoch–Schönlein purpura, is a systemic vasculitis characterized by the deposition of IgA1-dominant immune complexes in small vessels that often involves the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, and kidney [1-3]. Research indicated increased frequencies of circulating activated B cells and plasmablasts in IgAV, which may serve as the source of the rising IgA levels [4]. T follicular helper (Tfh) 17 cells are considered to support the activation of B cells and help germinal center (GC) B cells switch to high-affinity IgA production. In human, Tfh17 cells prompt naive B cells to produce higher concentrations of IgA [5]. T cell-deficient mice that receive an adoptive transfer of Th17-Tfh cells show induced development of IgA-expressing GC B cells and an increase in the concentration of IgA. Transfer of non-Tfh17 phenotype CD4+ T cells leads to higher amounts of IgG in serum but fails to increase the serum IgA level [6]. Therefore, targeted therapy against Tfh17 cells may specifically inhibit the secretion of IgA and thereby ameliorate IgAV condition.ObjectivesOur previous study has confirmed that Tfh17 cells increase in the peripheral blood of IgAV patients [7]. However, there is no further study on the pathogenesis of IgAV. To evaluate the pathological role of Tfh17 cells in IgAV, we investigated the mechanism responsible for the differentiation of Tfh17 and the production of IgA in IgAV patients and IgAV rats respectively, and explored how to ameliorate IgAV by modulating Tfh17 generation.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells from IgAV patients were analyzed by flow cytometry. In vitro culture was performed to assess the modulation of cytokine-induced phenotypes. IgAV rat model was established by intragastric administration of mixed solution, intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin and Freund’s adjuvant. IgAV rats were used to explore the therapeutic effects of IL-6 blockade and the regulatory functions of IL-6 and TGF-β-producing dendritic cells in Tfh17 cells. Serum cytokine and IgA levels were measured by ELISA while histopathological changes were evaluated by H&E and PAS staining. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect T cell and GC B cell phenotypes in circulation and tissues of IgAV rats.ResultsFrequency of CD4+CXCR5+CCR6+ Tfh17 cells were increased in IgAV patients and associated with disease severity. IL-6 promoted the dendritic cell production of TGF-β and Tfh17 differentiation. Blockade of IL-6 signaling using tocilizumab inhibited Tfh17 differentiation, resulting in reduction of the germinal center and IgA production. Suppression of Tfh17 cells using IL-6 blockade greatly ameliorated clinical symptoms such as hemorrhagic rash and bloody stool and decreased IgA deposition and mesangial proliferation in the kidney in IgAV rats.ConclusionOur findings suggest that suppression of Tfh17 differentiation can alleviate IgA-mediated vasculitis and may permit the development of tailored medicines for treating IgAV.References[1]Davin JC, Coppo R. Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis in Children. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2014, 10 (10): 563-573.[2]Pillebout E, Sunderkötter C. IgA vasculitis. Semin Immunopathol. 2021, 43 (5): 729-738.[3]Thervet E, Pillebout E, Guillevin L, et al. Outcome after childhood Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Lancet. 2003, 361 (9351): 81.[4]Kawakami T, Watabe H, Mizoguchi M, et al. Elevated serum IgA anticardiolipin antibody levels in adult Henoch-Schönlein Purpura. Br J Dermatol. 2006, 155 (5): 983-987.[5]Morita R, Schmitt N, Bentebibel SE, et al. Human blood CXCR5(+)CD4(+) T cells are counterparts of T follicular cells and contain specific subsets that differentially support antibody secretion. Immunity. 2011, 34 (1): 108-121.[6]Hirota K, Turner JE, Villa M, et al. Plasticity of Th17 cells in Peyer’s patches is responsible for the induction of T cell-dependent IgA responses. Nat Immunol. 2013, 14 (4): 372-379.[7]Ma X, Nakayamada S, Wang J. Multi-Source Pathways of T Follicular Helper Cell Differentiation. Front Immunol. 2021, 12: 621105.Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsNone Declared.

The tumor-suppressor RUNX3 has a critical role in a lineage determination, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Lozenge ( Lz ), a Drosophila homolog of mammalian RUNX family members, has integral roles in these processes and specifically in eye cell fate determination. To elucidate the genetic modifiers of Lz/RUNX3 , we performed a large-scale functional screen in a fly mutant library. The screen revealed genetic interactions between the Lz , Rac and Hippo pathways. Analysis of interactions among these genes revealed that the defective phenotype resulting from activation of Yki , an end point effector of the Hippo pathway, was suppressed by Lz and enhanced by Rac-Trio . Molecular biological analysis using mammalian homologs reveled that LATS1/2-mediated YAP phosphorylation-facilitated dissociation of the YAP-TEAD4 complex and association of the YAP-RUNX3 complex. When cells were stimulated to proliferate, activated RAC-TRIO signaling inhibited LATS1/2-mediated YAP phosphorylation; consequently, YAP dissociated from RUNX3 and associated with TEAD, thereby replacing the YAP-RUNX3 complex with YAP-TEAD. RUNX3 contributed to both association and dissociation of YAP-TEAD complex, most likely through the formation of the YAP-TEAD-RUNX3 ternary complex. Ectopic expression of RUNX3 in MKN28 gastric cancer cells reduced tumorigenicity, and the tumor-suppressive activity of RUNX3 was associated with its ability to interact with YAP. These results identify a novel regulatory mechanism, mediated by the Hippo and RAC-TRIO pathways, that changes the binding partner of YAP.

Oxygenated organic molecules (OOMs) are the crucial intermediates linking volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) in the atmosphere, but comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of OOMs and their formation from VOCs is still missing. Ambient observations of OOMs using recently developed mass spectrometry techniques are still limited, especially in polluted urban atmospheres where VOCs and oxidants are extremely variable and complex. Here, we investigate OOMs, measured by a nitrate-ion-based chemical ionization mass spectrometer at Nanjing in eastern China, through performing positive matrix factorization on binned mass spectra (binPMF). The binPMF analysis reveals three factors about anthropogenic VOC (AVOC) daytime chemistry, three isoprene-related factors, three factors about biogenic VOC (BVOC) nighttime chemistry, and three factors about nitrated phenols. All factors are influenced by NOx in different ways and to different extents. Over 1000 non-nitro molecules have been identified and then reconstructed from the selected solution of binPMF, and about 72 % of the total signals are contributed by nitrogen-containing OOMs, mostly regarded as organic nitrates formed through peroxy radicals terminated by nitric oxide or nitrate-radical-initiated oxidations. Moreover, multi-nitrates account for about 24 % of the total signals, indicating the significant presence of multiple generations, especially for isoprene (e.g., C5H10O8N2 andC5H9O10N3). Additionally, the distribution of OOM concentration on the carbon number confirms their precursors are driven by AVOCs mixed with enhanced BVOCs during summer. Our results highlight the decisive role of NOx in OOM formation in densely populated areas, and we encourage more studies on the dramatic interactions between anthropogenic and biogenic emissions.

The cultivated peanut, A. hypogaea L., is an important oil and food crop globally.High-density genetic linkage mapping is a valuable and effective method for exploring complex quantitative traits. In this context, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) of 146 lines was developed by crossing Huayu28 and P76. We developed 433,679 high-quality SLAFs, of which 29,075 were polymorphic. 4,817 SLAFs were encoded and grouped into different segregation patterns. A high-resolution genetic map containing 2,334 markers (68 SSRs and 2,266 SNPs) on 20 linkage groups (LGs) spanning 2586.37 cM was constructed for peanut. The average distance between adjacent markers was 2.25 cM. Based on phenotyping in seven environments, QTLs for oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2) and the ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid (O/L) were identified and positioned on linkage groups A03, A04, A09, B09 and B10. Marker2575339 and Marker2379598 in B09 were associated with C18:1, C18:2 and O/L in seven environments, Marker4391589 and Marker4463600 in A09 were associated with C18:1, C18:2 and O/L in six environments. This map exhibits high resolution and accuracy, which will facilitate QTL discovery for essential agronomic traits in peanut.

The Amazon Basin plays key roles in the carbon and water cycles, climate change, atmospheric chemistry, and biodiversity. It has already been changed significantly by human activities, and more pervasive change is expected to occur in the coming decades. It is therefore essential to establish long-term measurement sites that provide a baseline record of present-day climatic, biogeochemical, and atmospheric conditions and that will be operated over coming decades to monitor change in the Amazon region, as human perturbations increase in the future. The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) has been set up in a pristine rain forest region in the central Amazon Basin, about 150 km northeast of the city of Manaus. Two 80 m towers have been operated at the site since 2012, and a 325 m tower is nearing completion in mid-2015. An ecological survey including a biodiversity assessment has been conducted in the forest region surrounding the site. Measurements of micrometeorological and atmospheric chemical variables were initiated in 2012, and their range has continued to broaden over the last few years. The meteorological and micrometeorological measurements include temperature and wind profiles, precipitation, water and energy fluxes, turbulence components, soil temperature profiles and soil heat fluxes, radiation fluxes, and visibility. A tree has been instrumented to measure stem profiles of temperature, light intensity, and water content in cryptogamic covers. The trace gas measurements comprise continuous monitoring of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and ozone at five to eight different heights, complemented by a variety of additional species measured during intensive campaigns (e.g., VOC, NO, NO2, and OH reactivity). Aerosol optical, microphysical, and chemical measurements are being made above the canopy as well as in the canopy space. They include aerosol light scattering and absorption, fluorescence, number and volume size distributions, chemical composition, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations, and hygroscopicity. In this paper, we discuss the scientific context of the ATTO observatory and present an overview of results from ecological, meteorological, and chemical pilot studies at the ATTO site.

To compare the in-vitro antibacterial effects of branded and its locally produced cefuroxime sodium against ATCC29213, clinical strains of methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) 164342 and methicillin-sensitive coagulase-negative (MSCNS) 117933, and ATCC25922, and to provide a reference for their clinical use. An in-vitro antibacterial susceptibility test, time-kill curve and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) modeling was used in the comparison. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the two types of cefuroxime sodium were identical against four bacterial strains; both types of cefuroxime sodium had MICs of 0.5 μg/mL, 8 μg/mL, 0.5 μg/mL, and 0.25 μg/mL against ATCC 29213, ATCC 25922, M164342 and MSCNS117933, respectively. There were no significant differences in the time-kill curves of the two forms against the four strains at three concentrations. At drug concentrations of 2×MIC and 4×MIC, the bacterial count of all the strains decreased from 6 log CFU/mL to around 4 log CFU/mL. The bactericidal efficacies of the two agents were generally similar in the pharmacokinetics model of simulated intravenous drug administration of 1 g q8h. Only the PD parameter of bactericidal rate (KR) for ATCC 29213 and the area difference between the drug bactericidal curve and the bacterial growth control curve (I ) for ATCC25922 were statistically different. The KR and I of the locally produced form were 0.73±0.10 logCFU·h/mL and 83.73±12.69 logCFU·h/mL, respectively, while the KR and I of the branded form were 1.19±0.07 logCFU·h/mL and 104.02±16.28 logCFU·h/mL, respectively. The in-vitro antibacterial effect of locally produced cefuroxime sodium against and is comparable to that of branded cefuroxime sodium.

Traffic sign detection is an important part of autonomous driving technology, and it is also important to have a large-scale dataset applicable to Chinese traffic scenarios. The article proposes a text-based self-labelled traffic sign dataset which consists of 3153 images, of which 2903 images are used for training and 250 images are used for validation. And an improved YOLOv7 algorithm is provided that incorporates the BiFormer attention mechanism into the YOLOv7 network to enhance its ability to detect small objects. This approach has the advantage of improved accuracy but may increase runtime. To mitigate this problem, the improved YOLOv7 network undergoes model pruning to compress the model size and increase its speed. Experimental results show that the improved YOLOv7 network in this paper improves the average accuracy by 2.9% while maintaining almost the same speed as the original network. After testing, the model has a real-time effect and practical significance. In conclusion, the text-based self-annotated dataset and the improved YOLOv7 network proposed in this paper have important reference values for text-based traffic sign recognition in automatic driving assistance systems.