Dynamical properties of quasiparticles in a tunable Kekul\'{e} graphene superlattice

We investigate the dynamical properties of quasiparticles in graphene superlattices with three typical Kekul\'{e} distortions (i.e., Kekul\'{e}-O, Kekul\'{e}-Y and Kekul\'{e}-M). On the one hand, we numerically show the visualized evolution process of Kekul\'{e} quasiparticles; while on the other hand, we analytically obtain the centroid trajectory of the quasiparticles, and both of them agree well with each other. The results reveal that the relativistic Zitterbewegung (ZB) phenomenon occurs in the Kekul\'{e} systems. Furthermore, through analyzing the frequency of ZB, we unveil the one-to-one relationship between ZB and Kekul\'{e} textures, i.e., the ZB frequenies of Kekul\'{e}-O, Kekul\'{e}-Y and Kekul\'{e}-M quasiparticles feature single, double and six frequencies, respectively. Finally, we propose a scheme to distinguish among different Kekul\'{e} textures from the dynamical perspective. The predictions in this paper are expected to be experimentally verified in the near future, so as to facilitate further research of Kekul\'{e} structures in solid materials or artificial systems

Network meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies and traditional conventional dichotomous agents for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

IntroductionMonoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against cytokines and chemokines or their receptors promise to be a potential therapeutic option to address chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aim to provide a comprehensive literature review of the improvement in FEV1 and safety when comparing mAbs with conventional dichotomous agents.MethodsWe systematically searched 3 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) up to August 1, 2023 to collect eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A frequentist network meta-analysis using a random-effects model was deployed to calculate mean differences (MD) for FEV1, relative risk (RR) of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and estimate the surface under cumulative rankings (SUCRA). A higher SUCRA indicates a better outcome.ResultsThis study included 23 RCTs involving a total of 20,853 patients. Overall, except for Dupilumab, mAbs did not significantly improve FEV1 compared to traditional conventional dichotomous agents. Among all the interventions included, Aclidinium bromide/Formoterol (AB/FF) (SUCRA 97.7%) ranked highest, followed by Umeclidinium/vilanterol (UMEC/VI) (SUCRA 93.5%), and Glycopyrrolate Formoterol Fumarate (GFF) (SUCRA 84.7%). Dupilumab (SUCRA 66.9%) ranked the fourth among all interventions but ranked the first among all the mAbs. Importantly, all mAbs demonstrated a good safety profile compared with placebo.ConclusionConsidering the improvement in FEV1 and its safety, the development of mAbs for COPD still holds significant clinical potential.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, CRD42023452714

Independent modulation of individual genomic component transcription and a cis-acting element related to high transcriptional activity in a multipartite DNA virus

Background: The genome of Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) consists of at least six circular, single-stranded DNA components of 1kb in length. Some BBTV isolates may also carry satellite DNA molecules that are not essential for BBTV infection. The relation between multipartite DNA virus replication and their transcriptional levels and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Results: To understand the coordinated replication and transcription of the multiple genomic components, the absolute amounts of each BBTV DNA component were measured by real-time PCR (qPCR), and their transcriptional levels were determined by RNAseq and reverse transcription-qPCR (qRT-PCR). Significant differences were found in the absolute amounts of individual BBTV genomic components. Transcriptional levels of each BBTV genomic component obtained from the RNAseq data matched closely to those obtained from qRT-PCR, but did not correspond to the absolute amount of each DNA component. The ratio of transcript over DNA copies ranged from 46.21 to 1059.44%, which was possibly regulated by the promoter region in the intergenic region of each component. To further determine this speculation, the promoter region of the DNA-S, -M or -N was constructed to the upstream of green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene for transient expression by agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. The qRT-PCR showed the highest transcriptional activity was promoted by DNA-N promoter, about 386.58% activity comparing with CaMV 35S promoter. Confocal microscopy observation showed that the intensity of green fluorescence was corresponding to that of qRT-PCR. Conclusions: Our data clearly showed that BBTV was able to control the transcriptional level of each DNA component independently by through the promoter sequences in the intergenic region. Moreover, a cis-acting element from DNA-N component had a high transcriptional activity.National Natural Science Foundation of China [31401709]; Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation [20153130]; Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund for Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences [19CXTD-33]; Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program, CSTC [CSTC-QN201704]Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

(3E,5E)-3,5-Bis(4-hy­droxy-3,5-di­methoxy­benzyl­idene)oxan-4-one monohydrate

In the title compound, C23H24O8·H2O, the six-membered ring of the oxan-4-one (tetra­hydro­pyran-4-one) ring displays an envelope conformation with the heterocyclic O atom at the flap position. The dihedral angles between the terminal benzene rings is 37.23 (10)°. Classical intermolecular O—H⋯O and weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds are present in the crystal structure