The Major ana zero mode(MZM), which manifests as an exotic neutral excitation in superconductors, is the building block of topological quantum computing. It has recently been found in the vortices of several iron-base...The Major ana zero mode(MZM), which manifests as an exotic neutral excitation in superconductors, is the building block of topological quantum computing. It has recently been found in the vortices of several iron-based superconductors as a zero-bias conductance peak in tunneling spectroscopy. In particular, a clean and robust MZM has been observed in the cores of free vortices in(Li_(0.84)Fe_(0.16))OHFeSe. Here using scanning tunneling spectroscopy, we demonstrate that Major ana-induced resonant Andreev reflection occurs between the STM tip and this zero-bias bound state,and consequently, the conductance at zero bias is quantized as 2e^2/h. Our results present a hallmark signature of the MZM in the vortex of an intrinsic topological superconductor, together with its intriguing behavior.展开更多
Seven-day-old maize (Zea mays) plants were grown hydroponically for ten days in deprived nutrient solutions against the corresponding control grown under full nutrition;the effects of S-, N- or P-deprivation on lamina...Seven-day-old maize (Zea mays) plants were grown hydroponically for ten days in deprived nutrient solutions against the corresponding control grown under full nutrition;the effects of S-, N- or P-deprivation on laminas’ mean stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E) and photosynthetic rate (A) were monitored, along with the impact on the laminas’ total dry mass (DM), water amount (W), length and surface area (Sa). Furthermore, a time series analysis of each parameter’s response ratios (Rr), i.e. the treatment’s value divided by the corresponding control’s one, was performed. Under S-deprivation, the Rr of laminas’ mean gs, E, and A presented oscillations within a ±15% fluctuation zone, notably the “control” zone, whilst those of laminas’ total DM, water amount, surface area, and length included oscillation during the first days and deviation later on, presenting deviation during d10. Under the N-deprivation conditions all Rr time courses except the A one, included early deviations from the control zone without recovering. The deviation from the control zone appeared at d4. Under P-deprivation, all Rr time courses represented oscillations within the control zone. P-deprivation’s patterns resembled those of S-deprivation. Compared to the one of the S-deprivation, the P-one’s oscillations took place within a broader zone. Linear relationships among the various Rr patterns were found between gs-E, gs-A, E-A, DM-W and DM-Sa. In conclusion, the impact of P-deprivation appeared in an early stage and included an alleviation action, the one of N-deprivation appeared early with no alleviation action, whilst that of S-deprivation appeared later, being rather weaker when compared to the impact of the P-deprivation’s impact.展开更多
Dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane con-ductance regulator(CFTR) chloride channel causes cys-tic fibrosis, while inappropriate activity of this channeloccurs in secretory diarrhea and polycystic kidney di...Dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane con-ductance regulator(CFTR) chloride channel causes cys-tic fibrosis, while inappropriate activity of this channeloccurs in secretory diarrhea and polycystic kidney dis-ease. Drugs that interact directly with CFTR are there-fore of interest in the treatment of a number of diseasestates. This review focuses on one class of small mol-ecules that interacts directly with CFTR, namely inhibi-tors that act by directly blocking chloride movementthrough the open channel pore. In theory such com-pounds could be of use in the treatment of diarrheaand polycystic kidney disease, however in practice allknown substances acting by this mechanism to inhibitCFTR function lack either the potency or specificity forin vivo use. Nevertheless, this theoretical pharmaco-logical usefulness set the scene for the developmentof more potent, specific CFTR inhibitors. Biophysically,open channel blockers have proven most useful as ex-perimental probes of the structure and function of theCFTR chloride channel pore. Most importantly, the useof these blockers has been fundamental in developing afunctional model of the pore that includes a wide innervestibule that uses positively charged amino acid sidechains to attract both permeant and blocking anionsfrom the cell cytoplasm. CFTR channels are also subjectto this kind of blocking action by endogenous anionspresent in the cell cytoplasm, and recently this blocking effect has been suggested to play a role in the physio-logical control of CFTR channel function, in particular as a novel mechanism linking CFTR function dynamically to the composition of epithelial cell secretions. It has also been suggested that future drugs could target this same pathway as a way of pharmacologically increasing CFTR activity in cystic fibrosis. Studying open channel blockers and their mechanisms of action has resulted in significant advances in our understanding of CFTR as a pharmacological target in disease states, of CFTR chan-nel structure and function, and of how CFTR activity is controlled by its local environment.展开更多
Objective:To study the correlation of large conductance Ca2+ activated K+ channel (BKCa)α andβ subunit expression in uterine smooth muscle with the postpartum hemorrhage induced by uterine inertia.Methods: The puerp...Objective:To study the correlation of large conductance Ca2+ activated K+ channel (BKCa)α andβ subunit expression in uterine smooth muscle with the postpartum hemorrhage induced by uterine inertia.Methods: The puerperae who underwent cesarean section and had postpartum hemorrhage induced by uterine inertia in Panzhihua Women and Children Health Hospital between March 2015 and May 2017 were selected as the hemorrhage group of the study, and the puerperae who underwent cesarean section and were without postpartum hemorrhage in Panzhihua Women and Children Health Hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. Proper amount of uterine muscle tissue was collected during the cesarean section to measure the expression of BKCaα andβ subunits and the levels of contraction-related proteins in uterine muscle as well as the contraction characteristic parameters of the uterine muscle.Results: The mRNA expression and protein expression of BKCaα andβ subunits in uterine muscle tissue of hemorrhage group were significantly higher than those of control group;the contraction amplitude, contraction frequency and contraction activity of uterine muscle tissue as well as the OTR, COX2, CX43 and HSP27 levels in uterine muscle tissue of hemorrhage group were significantly lower than those of control group;the BKCaα andβ subunit expression in uterine muscle tissue of hemorrhage group were negatively correlated with the contraction amplitude, contraction frequency and contraction activity as well as the OTR, COX2, CX43 and HSP27 levels.Conclusion: The high expression of BKCa in uterine smooth muscle can reduce the uterine muscle contractility and decrease the levels of contraction-related proteins, and it is closely related to the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage induced by uterine inertia.展开更多
BACKGROUND Acute recurrent pancreatitis(ARP)is characterized by episodes of acute pancreatitis in an otherwise normal gland.When no cause of ARP is identifiable,the diagnosis of"idiopathic"ARP is given.Mutat...BACKGROUND Acute recurrent pancreatitis(ARP)is characterized by episodes of acute pancreatitis in an otherwise normal gland.When no cause of ARP is identifiable,the diagnosis of"idiopathic"ARP is given.Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator(CFTR)gene increase the risk of ARP by 3-to 4-times compared to the general population,while cystic fibrosis(CF)patients present with a 40-to 80-times higher risk of developing pancreatitis.CASE SUMMARY In non-classical CF or CFTR-related disorders,CFTR functional tests can help to ensure a proper diagnosis.We applied an individualized combination of standardized and new CFTR functional bioassays for a patient referred to the Verona CF Center for evaluation after several episodes of acute pancreatitis.The CFTR genotype was G542X+/-with IVS8Tn:T7/9 polymorphism.The sweat(Cl-)values were borderline.Intestinal current measurements were performed according to the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Standardized Operating Procedure.Recent nasal surgery for deviated septum did not allow for nasal potential difference measurements.Lung function and sputum cultures were normal;azoospermia was excluded.Pancreas divisum was excluded by imaging but hypoplasia of the left hepatic lobe was detected.Innovative tests applied in this case include sweat rate measurement by image analysis,CFTR function in monocytes evaluated using a membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent probe,and the intestinal organoids forskolin-induced swelling assay.CONCLUSION Combination of innovative CFTR functional assays might support a controversial diagnosis when CFTR-related disorders and/or non-classical CF are suspected.展开更多
AIM： To investigate the effect of tetramethylpyrazine （TMP）, an active compound from Ligustium Wollichii Franchat, on electrolyte transport across the distal colon of rodents and the mechanism involved.METHODS： Th...AIM： To investigate the effect of tetramethylpyrazine （TMP）, an active compound from Ligustium Wollichii Franchat, on electrolyte transport across the distal colon of rodents and the mechanism involved.METHODS： The short-circuit current （Isc） technique in conjunction with pharmacological agents and specific inhibitors were used in analyzing the electrolyte transport across the distal colon of rodents. The underlying cellular signaling mechanism was investigated by radioimmunoassay analysis （RIA） and a special mouse model of cystic fibrosis.RESULTS： IMP stimulated a conoentration-dependent rise in ISCl, which was dependent on both Cl^- and HCO3^-, and inhibited by apical application of diphenylamine-2,2＇-dicarboxylic acid （DPC） and glibenclamide, but resistant to 4,4＇-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2＇-disulfonic acid disodium salt hydrate （DIDS）. Removal of Na^＋ from basolateral solution almost completely abolished the Isc response to TMP, but it was insensitive to apical Na^＋ replacement or apical Na^＋ channel blocker, amiloride. Pretreatment of colonic mucosa with BAPTA-AM, a membrane-permeable selective Ca2＋ chelator, did not significantly alter the TMP-induced Iso No additive effect of forskolin and 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine （[BMX） was observed on the TMP-induced Isc, but it was significantly reduced by a protein kinase A inhibitor, H89.RIA results showed that TMP （1 mmol/L） elicited a significant increase in cellular cAMP production, which was similar to that elicited by the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin （10μmol/L）. The TMP-elicited Isc as well as forskolin- or IBMX-induced Isc were abolished in mice with homozygous mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator （CFTR） presenting defective CFTR functions and secretions.CONCLUSION： TMP may stimulate cAMP-dependent and CFTR-mediated Cl^- and HCO3^- secretion. This may have implications in the future development of alternative treatment for constipation.展开更多
We present the findings for the quantum conductance staircase of holes that is caused by the edge channels in the ultra-shallow p-type silicon quantum well (Si-QW), 2 nm, confined by the δ-barriers heavily doped with...We present the findings for the quantum conductance staircase of holes that is caused by the edge channels in the ultra-shallow p-type silicon quantum well (Si-QW), 2 nm, confined by the δ-barriers heavily doped with boron on the n-type Si (100) surface. This longitudinal quantum conductance staircase, Gxx, is revealed by the voltage applied to the Hall contacts, Vxy, to a maximum of 4e2/h. In addition to the standard plateau, 2e2/h, the variations of the Vxy voltage appear to exhibit the fractional forms of the quantum conductance staircase with the plateaus and steps that bring into correlation respectively with the odd and even fractional values.展开更多
The CO_2 released from respiring cells in woody tissues of trees can contribute to one of three fluxes:efflux to the atmosphere(E_A),internal xylem sap transport flux(F_T),and storage flux(DS).Adding those fluxes toge...The CO_2 released from respiring cells in woody tissues of trees can contribute to one of three fluxes:efflux to the atmosphere(E_A),internal xylem sap transport flux(F_T),and storage flux(DS).Adding those fluxes together provides an estimate of actual stem respiration(R_S).We know that the relative proportion of CO_2 in those fluxes varies greatly among tree species,but we do not yet have a clear understanding of the causes for this variation.One possible explanation is that species differ in stem radial CO_2 conductance(g_c).A high g_c would favor the E_A pathway and a low g_cwould favor the F_Tpathway.However,g_chas only been measured once in situ and only in a single tree species.We measured g_cusing two methods in stems of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.(ash)and Betula platyphylla Suk.(birch)trees in situ,along with R_S,E_A,F_T and DS.Stem radial CO_2 conductance was substantially greater in ash trees than in birch trees.Corresponding to that finding,in ash trees over 24 h,E_Aconstituted the entire flux of respired CO_2 ,and F_Twas negative,indicating that additional CO_2 ,probably transported from the root system via the xylem,was also diffusing into the atmosphere.In ash trees,F_T was negative over the entire 24 h,and this study represents the first time that has been reported.The addition of xylem-transported CO_2 to E_A caused E_Ato be 9% higher than the actual R_Sover the diel measurement period.Birch trees,which had lower g_c,also had a more commonly seen pattern,with E_A accounting for about 80% of the CO_2 released from local cell respiration and F_T accounting for the remainder.The inorganic carbon concentration in xylem sap was also lower in ash trees than in birch trees:2.7 versus 5.3 mmol L^(-1),respectively.Our results indicate that stem CO_2 conductance could be a very useful measurement to help explain differences among species in the proportion of respired CO_2 that remains in the xylem or diffuses into the atmosphere.展开更多
Seven-day-old maize (Zea mays) plants were grown hydroponically for ten days in N-deprived nutrient solution. The distribution profiles according to the position on the stem of the –N laminas stomatal conductance, tr...Seven-day-old maize (Zea mays) plants were grown hydroponically for ten days in N-deprived nutrient solution. The distribution profiles according to the position on the stem of the –N laminas stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate (1st-group) were monitored, along with the corresponding profiles of dry mass, water amount, water content, length, surface area, and specific surface area (2nd-group), relative to control. In the uppermost –N laminas, the changes within a parameter of the 1st-group were significantly higher and of the 2nd-group significantly lower than the control, respectively. Correlations of the corresponding values among the parameters of the 1st-or 2nd-group were linear. The parameters between groups correlated non-linearly. Transpiration rate was divided by the lamina’s dry mass correlated with surface area in a power-type function. The slopes of the response ratios linear relations between the various pairs of parameters could be used for simulation of a lamina’s response to the deprivation.展开更多
It is shown that the mean value of the capacitive current arising in the p-n-junction in a microwave field is zero, and the average value of the active current independently of the current value is different from zero...It is shown that the mean value of the capacitive current arising in the p-n-junction in a microwave field is zero, and the average value of the active current independently of the current value is different from zero and is equal to the current generated by the diode.展开更多
We demonstrate transitions of hopping behaviors for delocalized electrons through the discrete dopant-induced quantum dots in n-doped silicon junctionless nanowire transistors by the temperature-dependent conductance ...We demonstrate transitions of hopping behaviors for delocalized electrons through the discrete dopant-induced quantum dots in n-doped silicon junctionless nanowire transistors by the temperature-dependent conductance characteristics.There are two obvious transition platforms within the critical temperature regimes for the experimental conductance data,which are extracted from the unified transfer characteristics for different temperatures at the gate voltage positions of the initial transconductance gm peak in Vg1 and valley in Vg2. The crossover temperatures of the electron hopping behaviors are analytically determined by the temperature-dependent conductance at the gate voltages Vg1 and Vg2. This finding provides essential evidence for the hopping electron behaviors under the influence of thermal activation and long-range Coulomb interaction.展开更多
Quinoid structures are considered to be conducive to the charge transport of organic molecules,but this hypothesis is rarely proven at single-molecule level.Herein,as a proof of concept,the single-molecule conductance...Quinoid structures are considered to be conducive to the charge transport of organic molecules,but this hypothesis is rarely proven at single-molecule level.Herein,as a proof of concept,the single-molecule conductance of two furan-based isomers,3,3'-bis(4-(methylthio)phenyl)-2,2'-bifuran(2,2'-SMPBF)and 4,4'-bis(4-(methylthio)phenyl)-3,3'-bifuran(3,3'-SMPBF),is investigated by the scanning tunneling microscopy break junction(STM-BJ)technique and theoretical simulation.2,2'-SMPBF prefers to adopt a nearly planar conformation with intact alternating single and double bonds extended via2,2'-bifuran moiety and therefore exhibits goodπ-conjugation and a prominent quinoid structure.However,theπ-conjugation of 3,3'-SMPBF is interrupted due to ineffective cross-conjugation in the 3,3'-bifuran moiety,leading to the absence of a quinoid structure.2,2'-SMPBF displays switchable multiple conductances induced by the interconversion between folded and unfolded conformations and an abnormal rebound of conductance along with the increases of electrode displacement,which is demonstrated to be caused by the quinoid structure in a nearly planar conformation during the stretching process.However,3,3'-SMPBF without a quinoid structure in unfolded conformation exhibits extremely low conductance that cannot be captured in STM-BJ measurements.These results reveal the significant contribution of quinoid structure to molecular charge transport and provide valuable information on the structure-transport relationship for the design of efficient organic semiconductors.展开更多
Using the non-equilibrium Green’s function techniques with interatomic potentials, we study the temperature dependence and the crossover of thermal conductance from the usual behavior proportional to the cross-sectio...Using the non-equilibrium Green’s function techniques with interatomic potentials, we study the temperature dependence and the crossover of thermal conductance from the usual behavior proportional to the cross-sectional area at room temperature to the universal quantized behavior at low temperature for carbon nanotubes, silicon nanowires, and diamond nanowires. We find that this crossover of thermal conductance occurs smoothly for the quasi-one-dimensional materials and its universal behavior is well reproduced by the simplified model characterized by two parameters.展开更多
Heat sinks were invented to absorb heat from an electronic circuit conduct, and then to dissipate or radiate this heat to the surrounding supposedly, ventilated space, at a rate equal to or faster than that of its bui...Heat sinks were invented to absorb heat from an electronic circuit conduct, and then to dissipate or radiate this heat to the surrounding supposedly, ventilated space, at a rate equal to or faster than that of its buildup. Ventilation was not initially recognized as an essential factor to thermal dispersion. However, as electronic circuit-boards continued to heat up, circuit failure became a problem, forcing the inclusion of miniaturized high speed fans. Later, heat sinks with fins and quiet fans were incorporated in most manufactured circuits. Now heat sinks come in the form of a fan with fans made to function as fins to disperse heat. Heat sinks absorb and radiate excess heat from circuit-boards in order to prolong the circuit’s life span. The higher the thermal conductivity of the material used the more efficient and effective the heat sink is. This paper is an attempt to theoretically design a heat sink with a temperature gradient lower than that of the circuit board’s excess heat.展开更多
Transpiration element is included in the integrated stomatal conductance photosynthesis model by considering gaseous transfer processes, so the present model is capable to simulate the influence of boundary layer con...Transpiration element is included in the integrated stomatal conductance photosynthesis model by considering gaseous transfer processes, so the present model is capable to simulate the influence of boundary layer conductance. Leuning in his revised Ball's model replaced relative humidity with VPD s (the vapor pressure deficit from stomatal pore to leaf surface) and thereby made the relation with transpiration more straightforward, and made it possible for the regulation of transpiration and the influence of boundary layer conductance to be integrated into the combined model. If the differences in water vapor and CO 2 concentration between leaf and ambient air are considered, VPD s , the evaporative demand, is influenced by stomatal and boundary layer conductance. The physiological responses of photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal function, and the changes of intercellular CO 2 and water use efficiency to environmental factors, such as wind speed, photon flux density, leaf temperature and ambient CO 2, are analyzed. It is shown that if the boundary layer conductance drops to a level comparable with stomatal conductance, the results of simulation by the model presented here differ significantly from those by the previous model, and, in some cases, are more realistic than the latter.展开更多
The forming processes of 4,40-dipyridyl-based single-molecule junctions and mechanically induced conductance switching as well as the side-group effects are systematically investigated by applying the ab initio-based ...The forming processes of 4,40-dipyridyl-based single-molecule junctions and mechanically induced conductance switching as well as the side-group effects are systematically investigated by applying the ab initio-based adiabatic geometric optimization method and the one-dimensional transmission combined with three-dimensional correction approximation(OTCTCA)method.The numerical results show that for the 4,40-dipyridyl with a p-conjugated phenyl-phosphoryl or diphenylsilyl side group,the pyridyl vertically anchors on the second atomic layer of the pyramid-shaped Au tip electrode at small inter-electrode distances by laterally pushing the apical Au atom aside,which induces stronger pyridyl-electrode coupling and high-conductance state of the formed junctions.As the inter-electrode distance increases,the pyridyl shifts to the apical Au atom of the tip electrode.This apical Au atom introduces additional scatterings to the tunneling electrons and significantly decreases the conductance of the junctions.Furthermore,for the 4,40-dipyridyl with a phenyl-phosphoryl side group,the probability of manifesting the high-conductance state is decreased due to the oxygen atom reducing the probability of the pyridyl adsorbing on the second layer of Au tip electrode.In contrast,for the 4,40-dipyridyl with a nonconjugated cyclohexyl-phosphoryl side group,the steric hindrance from the bulky cyclohexyl group leads the molecule to preferentially form the O-Au contact,which prevents both the high conductance and mechanically induced conductance switching of the junction.Our results provide a theoretical understanding of the side-group effects on electronic transport properties of single-molecule junctions,offering an alternative explanation for the experimental observations.展开更多
Copper–carbon(Cu–C)composites have achieved great success in various fields owing to the greatly improved electrical properties compared to pure Cu,for example,a two-order-of-magnitude increase in current-carrying c...Copper–carbon(Cu–C)composites have achieved great success in various fields owing to the greatly improved electrical properties compared to pure Cu,for example,a two-order-of-magnitude increase in current-carrying capacity(ampacity).However,the frequent fuse failure caused by the poor thermal transport at the Cu–C heterointerface is still the main factor affecting the ampacity.In this study,we unconventionally leverage atomic distortion at Cu grain boundaries to alter the local atomic environments,thereby placing a premium on noticeable enhancement of phonon coupling at the Cu–C heterointerface.Without introducing any additional materials,interfacial thermal transport can be regulated solely through rational microstructural design.This new strategy effectively improves the interfacial thermal conductance by three-fold,reaching the state-of-the-art level in van der Waals(vdW)interface regulation.It can be an innovative strategy for interfacial thermal management by turning the detrimental grain boundaries into a beneficial thermal transport accelerator.展开更多
Recently,the strategy of tuning the dielectric parameters of absorbers for their excellent electromag-netic wave absorption(EMA)performance has attracted much attention.Among those candidates used for EMA application,...Recently,the strategy of tuning the dielectric parameters of absorbers for their excellent electromag-netic wave absorption(EMA)performance has attracted much attention.Among those candidates used for EMA application,high-entropy oxides(HEOs)can be implemented with this strategy due to their rich composition modulability.In this work,a series of implementation approaches varying from elemental design to structural modulation are employed to modulate the dielectric parameters of HEOs,resulting in their excellent EMA performance.The addition of Ti element optimizes the dipole distribution at the microscopic scales,improving the dielectric polarization of the materials.Moreover,a composite mate-rial is constructed by physically blending HEO with acetylene black(ACET),which significantly improves the macroscopic conduction loss of the material.The optimization of the dielectric genes of HEO/ACET is achieved with the blending effect and excellent EMA performance could be obtained.Among them,HEO with 17.5%ACET addition exhibits dual-band absorption,while Ti-HEO containing Ti element exhibits not only low-frequency absorption with reflection loss(RL)up to-29.81 dB at C-band but broadband absorption over 6 GHz as well as an optimal RL value up to-52.31 dB.In addition to the development of innovative EMA materials,this study offers a new perspective on how the EMA characteristics can be effectively regulated.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of Chinathe National Key R&D Program of China under Grant Nos2016YFA0300200,2017YFA0303004 and 2017YFA0303003the Key Research of Frontier Sciences of CAS under Grant No QYZDY-SSW-SLH001
文摘The Major ana zero mode(MZM), which manifests as an exotic neutral excitation in superconductors, is the building block of topological quantum computing. It has recently been found in the vortices of several iron-based superconductors as a zero-bias conductance peak in tunneling spectroscopy. In particular, a clean and robust MZM has been observed in the cores of free vortices in(Li_(0.84)Fe_(0.16))OHFeSe. Here using scanning tunneling spectroscopy, we demonstrate that Major ana-induced resonant Andreev reflection occurs between the STM tip and this zero-bias bound state,and consequently, the conductance at zero bias is quantized as 2e^2/h. Our results present a hallmark signature of the MZM in the vortex of an intrinsic topological superconductor, together with its intriguing behavior.
文摘Seven-day-old maize (Zea mays) plants were grown hydroponically for ten days in deprived nutrient solutions against the corresponding control grown under full nutrition;the effects of S-, N- or P-deprivation on laminas’ mean stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E) and photosynthetic rate (A) were monitored, along with the impact on the laminas’ total dry mass (DM), water amount (W), length and surface area (Sa). Furthermore, a time series analysis of each parameter’s response ratios (Rr), i.e. the treatment’s value divided by the corresponding control’s one, was performed. Under S-deprivation, the Rr of laminas’ mean gs, E, and A presented oscillations within a ±15% fluctuation zone, notably the “control” zone, whilst those of laminas’ total DM, water amount, surface area, and length included oscillation during the first days and deviation later on, presenting deviation during d10. Under the N-deprivation conditions all Rr time courses except the A one, included early deviations from the control zone without recovering. The deviation from the control zone appeared at d4. Under P-deprivation, all Rr time courses represented oscillations within the control zone. P-deprivation’s patterns resembled those of S-deprivation. Compared to the one of the S-deprivation, the P-one’s oscillations took place within a broader zone. Linear relationships among the various Rr patterns were found between gs-E, gs-A, E-A, DM-W and DM-Sa. In conclusion, the impact of P-deprivation appeared in an early stage and included an alleviation action, the one of N-deprivation appeared early with no alleviation action, whilst that of S-deprivation appeared later, being rather weaker when compared to the impact of the P-deprivation’s impact.
文摘Dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane con-ductance regulator(CFTR) chloride channel causes cys-tic fibrosis, while inappropriate activity of this channeloccurs in secretory diarrhea and polycystic kidney dis-ease. Drugs that interact directly with CFTR are there-fore of interest in the treatment of a number of diseasestates. This review focuses on one class of small mol-ecules that interacts directly with CFTR, namely inhibi-tors that act by directly blocking chloride movementthrough the open channel pore. In theory such com-pounds could be of use in the treatment of diarrheaand polycystic kidney disease, however in practice allknown substances acting by this mechanism to inhibitCFTR function lack either the potency or specificity forin vivo use. Nevertheless, this theoretical pharmaco-logical usefulness set the scene for the developmentof more potent, specific CFTR inhibitors. Biophysically,open channel blockers have proven most useful as ex-perimental probes of the structure and function of theCFTR chloride channel pore. Most importantly, the useof these blockers has been fundamental in developing afunctional model of the pore that includes a wide innervestibule that uses positively charged amino acid sidechains to attract both permeant and blocking anionsfrom the cell cytoplasm. CFTR channels are also subjectto this kind of blocking action by endogenous anionspresent in the cell cytoplasm, and recently this blocking effect has been suggested to play a role in the physio-logical control of CFTR channel function, in particular as a novel mechanism linking CFTR function dynamically to the composition of epithelial cell secretions. It has also been suggested that future drugs could target this same pathway as a way of pharmacologically increasing CFTR activity in cystic fibrosis. Studying open channel blockers and their mechanisms of action has resulted in significant advances in our understanding of CFTR as a pharmacological target in disease states, of CFTR chan-nel structure and function, and of how CFTR activity is controlled by its local environment.
文摘Objective:To study the correlation of large conductance Ca2+ activated K+ channel (BKCa)α andβ subunit expression in uterine smooth muscle with the postpartum hemorrhage induced by uterine inertia.Methods: The puerperae who underwent cesarean section and had postpartum hemorrhage induced by uterine inertia in Panzhihua Women and Children Health Hospital between March 2015 and May 2017 were selected as the hemorrhage group of the study, and the puerperae who underwent cesarean section and were without postpartum hemorrhage in Panzhihua Women and Children Health Hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. Proper amount of uterine muscle tissue was collected during the cesarean section to measure the expression of BKCaα andβ subunits and the levels of contraction-related proteins in uterine muscle as well as the contraction characteristic parameters of the uterine muscle.Results: The mRNA expression and protein expression of BKCaα andβ subunits in uterine muscle tissue of hemorrhage group were significantly higher than those of control group;the contraction amplitude, contraction frequency and contraction activity of uterine muscle tissue as well as the OTR, COX2, CX43 and HSP27 levels in uterine muscle tissue of hemorrhage group were significantly lower than those of control group;the BKCaα andβ subunit expression in uterine muscle tissue of hemorrhage group were negatively correlated with the contraction amplitude, contraction frequency and contraction activity as well as the OTR, COX2, CX43 and HSP27 levels.Conclusion: The high expression of BKCa in uterine smooth muscle can reduce the uterine muscle contractility and decrease the levels of contraction-related proteins, and it is closely related to the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage induced by uterine inertia.
基金Supported by Italian CF Research Foundation with the contributions of Delegazione FFC di Palermo e di Vittoria Ragusa Catania 2,No.FFC grants No.4/2013Delegazione FFC di Treviso Montebelluna La Bottega delle Donne,No.3/2014+3 种基金Delegazione FFC di Belluno,No.7/2016Delegazione FFC di Taranto Massafra,Cosenza sud,della Valpolicella,Guadagnin SRL,No.6/2018Delegazione FFC di Tradate Gallarate,No.13/2018CFFT-USA and Lega Italiana Fibrosi Cistica-Associazione Veneta ONLUS
文摘BACKGROUND Acute recurrent pancreatitis(ARP)is characterized by episodes of acute pancreatitis in an otherwise normal gland.When no cause of ARP is identifiable,the diagnosis of"idiopathic"ARP is given.Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator(CFTR)gene increase the risk of ARP by 3-to 4-times compared to the general population,while cystic fibrosis(CF)patients present with a 40-to 80-times higher risk of developing pancreatitis.CASE SUMMARY In non-classical CF or CFTR-related disorders,CFTR functional tests can help to ensure a proper diagnosis.We applied an individualized combination of standardized and new CFTR functional bioassays for a patient referred to the Verona CF Center for evaluation after several episodes of acute pancreatitis.The CFTR genotype was G542X+/-with IVS8Tn:T7/9 polymorphism.The sweat(Cl-)values were borderline.Intestinal current measurements were performed according to the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Standardized Operating Procedure.Recent nasal surgery for deviated septum did not allow for nasal potential difference measurements.Lung function and sputum cultures were normal;azoospermia was excluded.Pancreas divisum was excluded by imaging but hypoplasia of the left hepatic lobe was detected.Innovative tests applied in this case include sweat rate measurement by image analysis,CFTR function in monocytes evaluated using a membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent probe,and the intestinal organoids forskolin-induced swelling assay.CONCLUSION Combination of innovative CFTR functional assays might support a controversial diagnosis when CFTR-related disorders and/or non-classical CF are suspected.
基金Supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of Hong Kong, China
文摘AIM： To investigate the effect of tetramethylpyrazine （TMP）, an active compound from Ligustium Wollichii Franchat, on electrolyte transport across the distal colon of rodents and the mechanism involved.METHODS： The short-circuit current （Isc） technique in conjunction with pharmacological agents and specific inhibitors were used in analyzing the electrolyte transport across the distal colon of rodents. The underlying cellular signaling mechanism was investigated by radioimmunoassay analysis （RIA） and a special mouse model of cystic fibrosis.RESULTS： IMP stimulated a conoentration-dependent rise in ISCl, which was dependent on both Cl^- and HCO3^-, and inhibited by apical application of diphenylamine-2,2＇-dicarboxylic acid （DPC） and glibenclamide, but resistant to 4,4＇-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2＇-disulfonic acid disodium salt hydrate （DIDS）. Removal of Na^＋ from basolateral solution almost completely abolished the Isc response to TMP, but it was insensitive to apical Na^＋ replacement or apical Na^＋ channel blocker, amiloride. Pretreatment of colonic mucosa with BAPTA-AM, a membrane-permeable selective Ca2＋ chelator, did not significantly alter the TMP-induced Iso No additive effect of forskolin and 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine （[BMX） was observed on the TMP-induced Isc, but it was significantly reduced by a protein kinase A inhibitor, H89.RIA results showed that TMP （1 mmol/L） elicited a significant increase in cellular cAMP production, which was similar to that elicited by the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin （10μmol/L）. The TMP-elicited Isc as well as forskolin- or IBMX-induced Isc were abolished in mice with homozygous mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator （CFTR） presenting defective CFTR functions and secretions.CONCLUSION： TMP may stimulate cAMP-dependent and CFTR-mediated Cl^- and HCO3^- secretion. This may have implications in the future development of alternative treatment for constipation.
文摘We present the findings for the quantum conductance staircase of holes that is caused by the edge channels in the ultra-shallow p-type silicon quantum well (Si-QW), 2 nm, confined by the δ-barriers heavily doped with boron on the n-type Si (100) surface. This longitudinal quantum conductance staircase, Gxx, is revealed by the voltage applied to the Hall contacts, Vxy, to a maximum of 4e2/h. In addition to the standard plateau, 2e2/h, the variations of the Vxy voltage appear to exhibit the fractional forms of the quantum conductance staircase with the plateaus and steps that bring into correlation respectively with the odd and even fractional values.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31670476 and 31100284)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2572016CA02)
文摘The CO_2 released from respiring cells in woody tissues of trees can contribute to one of three fluxes:efflux to the atmosphere(E_A),internal xylem sap transport flux(F_T),and storage flux(DS).Adding those fluxes together provides an estimate of actual stem respiration(R_S).We know that the relative proportion of CO_2 in those fluxes varies greatly among tree species,but we do not yet have a clear understanding of the causes for this variation.One possible explanation is that species differ in stem radial CO_2 conductance(g_c).A high g_c would favor the E_A pathway and a low g_cwould favor the F_Tpathway.However,g_chas only been measured once in situ and only in a single tree species.We measured g_cusing two methods in stems of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.(ash)and Betula platyphylla Suk.(birch)trees in situ,along with R_S,E_A,F_T and DS.Stem radial CO_2 conductance was substantially greater in ash trees than in birch trees.Corresponding to that finding,in ash trees over 24 h,E_Aconstituted the entire flux of respired CO_2 ,and F_Twas negative,indicating that additional CO_2 ,probably transported from the root system via the xylem,was also diffusing into the atmosphere.In ash trees,F_T was negative over the entire 24 h,and this study represents the first time that has been reported.The addition of xylem-transported CO_2 to E_A caused E_Ato be 9% higher than the actual R_Sover the diel measurement period.Birch trees,which had lower g_c,also had a more commonly seen pattern,with E_A accounting for about 80% of the CO_2 released from local cell respiration and F_T accounting for the remainder.The inorganic carbon concentration in xylem sap was also lower in ash trees than in birch trees:2.7 versus 5.3 mmol L^(-1),respectively.Our results indicate that stem CO_2 conductance could be a very useful measurement to help explain differences among species in the proportion of respired CO_2 that remains in the xylem or diffuses into the atmosphere.
文摘Seven-day-old maize (Zea mays) plants were grown hydroponically for ten days in N-deprived nutrient solution. The distribution profiles according to the position on the stem of the –N laminas stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate (1st-group) were monitored, along with the corresponding profiles of dry mass, water amount, water content, length, surface area, and specific surface area (2nd-group), relative to control. In the uppermost –N laminas, the changes within a parameter of the 1st-group were significantly higher and of the 2nd-group significantly lower than the control, respectively. Correlations of the corresponding values among the parameters of the 1st-or 2nd-group were linear. The parameters between groups correlated non-linearly. Transpiration rate was divided by the lamina’s dry mass correlated with surface area in a power-type function. The slopes of the response ratios linear relations between the various pairs of parameters could be used for simulation of a lamina’s response to the deprivation.
文摘It is shown that the mean value of the capacitive current arising in the p-n-junction in a microwave field is zero, and the average value of the active current independently of the current value is different from zero and is equal to the current generated by the diode.
基金Project supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2016YFA0200503)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.61327813)
文摘We demonstrate transitions of hopping behaviors for delocalized electrons through the discrete dopant-induced quantum dots in n-doped silicon junctionless nanowire transistors by the temperature-dependent conductance characteristics.There are two obvious transition platforms within the critical temperature regimes for the experimental conductance data,which are extracted from the unified transfer characteristics for different temperatures at the gate voltage positions of the initial transconductance gm peak in Vg1 and valley in Vg2. The crossover temperatures of the electron hopping behaviors are analytically determined by the temperature-dependent conductance at the gate voltages Vg1 and Vg2. This finding provides essential evidence for the hopping electron behaviors under the influence of thermal activation and long-range Coulomb interaction.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U23A20594,22375066 and 21788102)Guang Dong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(No.2023B1515040003)。
文摘Quinoid structures are considered to be conducive to the charge transport of organic molecules,but this hypothesis is rarely proven at single-molecule level.Herein,as a proof of concept,the single-molecule conductance of two furan-based isomers,3,3'-bis(4-(methylthio)phenyl)-2,2'-bifuran(2,2'-SMPBF)and 4,4'-bis(4-(methylthio)phenyl)-3,3'-bifuran(3,3'-SMPBF),is investigated by the scanning tunneling microscopy break junction(STM-BJ)technique and theoretical simulation.2,2'-SMPBF prefers to adopt a nearly planar conformation with intact alternating single and double bonds extended via2,2'-bifuran moiety and therefore exhibits goodπ-conjugation and a prominent quinoid structure.However,theπ-conjugation of 3,3'-SMPBF is interrupted due to ineffective cross-conjugation in the 3,3'-bifuran moiety,leading to the absence of a quinoid structure.2,2'-SMPBF displays switchable multiple conductances induced by the interconversion between folded and unfolded conformations and an abnormal rebound of conductance along with the increases of electrode displacement,which is demonstrated to be caused by the quinoid structure in a nearly planar conformation during the stretching process.However,3,3'-SMPBF without a quinoid structure in unfolded conformation exhibits extremely low conductance that cannot be captured in STM-BJ measurements.These results reveal the significant contribution of quinoid structure to molecular charge transport and provide valuable information on the structure-transport relationship for the design of efficient organic semiconductors.
文摘Using the non-equilibrium Green’s function techniques with interatomic potentials, we study the temperature dependence and the crossover of thermal conductance from the usual behavior proportional to the cross-sectional area at room temperature to the universal quantized behavior at low temperature for carbon nanotubes, silicon nanowires, and diamond nanowires. We find that this crossover of thermal conductance occurs smoothly for the quasi-one-dimensional materials and its universal behavior is well reproduced by the simplified model characterized by two parameters.
文摘Heat sinks were invented to absorb heat from an electronic circuit conduct, and then to dissipate or radiate this heat to the surrounding supposedly, ventilated space, at a rate equal to or faster than that of its buildup. Ventilation was not initially recognized as an essential factor to thermal dispersion. However, as electronic circuit-boards continued to heat up, circuit failure became a problem, forcing the inclusion of miniaturized high speed fans. Later, heat sinks with fins and quiet fans were incorporated in most manufactured circuits. Now heat sinks come in the form of a fan with fans made to function as fins to disperse heat. Heat sinks absorb and radiate excess heat from circuit-boards in order to prolong the circuit’s life span. The higher the thermal conductivity of the material used the more efficient and effective the heat sink is. This paper is an attempt to theoretically design a heat sink with a temperature gradient lower than that of the circuit board’s excess heat.
文摘Transpiration element is included in the integrated stomatal conductance photosynthesis model by considering gaseous transfer processes, so the present model is capable to simulate the influence of boundary layer conductance. Leuning in his revised Ball's model replaced relative humidity with VPD s (the vapor pressure deficit from stomatal pore to leaf surface) and thereby made the relation with transpiration more straightforward, and made it possible for the regulation of transpiration and the influence of boundary layer conductance to be integrated into the combined model. If the differences in water vapor and CO 2 concentration between leaf and ambient air are considered, VPD s , the evaporative demand, is influenced by stomatal and boundary layer conductance. The physiological responses of photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal function, and the changes of intercellular CO 2 and water use efficiency to environmental factors, such as wind speed, photon flux density, leaf temperature and ambient CO 2, are analyzed. It is shown that if the boundary layer conductance drops to a level comparable with stomatal conductance, the results of simulation by the model presented here differ significantly from those by the previous model, and, in some cases, are more realistic than the latter.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12474286,22173052,and 12204281).
文摘The forming processes of 4,40-dipyridyl-based single-molecule junctions and mechanically induced conductance switching as well as the side-group effects are systematically investigated by applying the ab initio-based adiabatic geometric optimization method and the one-dimensional transmission combined with three-dimensional correction approximation(OTCTCA)method.The numerical results show that for the 4,40-dipyridyl with a p-conjugated phenyl-phosphoryl or diphenylsilyl side group,the pyridyl vertically anchors on the second atomic layer of the pyramid-shaped Au tip electrode at small inter-electrode distances by laterally pushing the apical Au atom aside,which induces stronger pyridyl-electrode coupling and high-conductance state of the formed junctions.As the inter-electrode distance increases,the pyridyl shifts to the apical Au atom of the tip electrode.This apical Au atom introduces additional scatterings to the tunneling electrons and significantly decreases the conductance of the junctions.Furthermore,for the 4,40-dipyridyl with a phenyl-phosphoryl side group,the probability of manifesting the high-conductance state is decreased due to the oxygen atom reducing the probability of the pyridyl adsorbing on the second layer of Au tip electrode.In contrast,for the 4,40-dipyridyl with a nonconjugated cyclohexyl-phosphoryl side group,the steric hindrance from the bulky cyclohexyl group leads the molecule to preferentially form the O-Au contact,which prevents both the high conductance and mechanically induced conductance switching of the junction.Our results provide a theoretical understanding of the side-group effects on electronic transport properties of single-molecule junctions,offering an alternative explanation for the experimental observations.
基金financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52222602 and 52476052)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(FRF-TP-22-001C1 and FRF-EYIT-23-05).
文摘Copper–carbon(Cu–C)composites have achieved great success in various fields owing to the greatly improved electrical properties compared to pure Cu,for example,a two-order-of-magnitude increase in current-carrying capacity(ampacity).However,the frequent fuse failure caused by the poor thermal transport at the Cu–C heterointerface is still the main factor affecting the ampacity.In this study,we unconventionally leverage atomic distortion at Cu grain boundaries to alter the local atomic environments,thereby placing a premium on noticeable enhancement of phonon coupling at the Cu–C heterointerface.Without introducing any additional materials,interfacial thermal transport can be regulated solely through rational microstructural design.This new strategy effectively improves the interfacial thermal conductance by three-fold,reaching the state-of-the-art level in van der Waals(vdW)interface regulation.It can be an innovative strategy for interfacial thermal management by turning the detrimental grain boundaries into a beneficial thermal transport accelerator.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52372289 and 52102368)the Guangdong Special Fund for key Areas(No.20237DZX3042)+1 种基金the State Key Laboratory of New Ceramic Materials Tsinghua University(No.KF202415)the Shenzhen Stable Support Project.
文摘Recently,the strategy of tuning the dielectric parameters of absorbers for their excellent electromag-netic wave absorption(EMA)performance has attracted much attention.Among those candidates used for EMA application,high-entropy oxides(HEOs)can be implemented with this strategy due to their rich composition modulability.In this work,a series of implementation approaches varying from elemental design to structural modulation are employed to modulate the dielectric parameters of HEOs,resulting in their excellent EMA performance.The addition of Ti element optimizes the dipole distribution at the microscopic scales,improving the dielectric polarization of the materials.Moreover,a composite mate-rial is constructed by physically blending HEO with acetylene black(ACET),which significantly improves the macroscopic conduction loss of the material.The optimization of the dielectric genes of HEO/ACET is achieved with the blending effect and excellent EMA performance could be obtained.Among them,HEO with 17.5%ACET addition exhibits dual-band absorption,while Ti-HEO containing Ti element exhibits not only low-frequency absorption with reflection loss(RL)up to-29.81 dB at C-band but broadband absorption over 6 GHz as well as an optimal RL value up to-52.31 dB.In addition to the development of innovative EMA materials,this study offers a new perspective on how the EMA characteristics can be effectively regulated.
