We propose how to achieve quantum nonreciprocity via unconventional photon blockade (UPB) in a compound device consisting of an optical harmonic resonator and a spinning optomechanical resonator. We show that, even with a very weak single-photon nonlinearity, nonreciprocal UPB can emerge in this system, i.e., strong photon antibunching can emerge only by driving the device from one side, but not from the other side. This nonreciprocity results from the Fizeau drag, leading to different splitting of the resonance frequencies for the optical counter-circulating modes. Such quantum nonreciprocal devices can be particularly useful in achieving back-action-free quantum sensing or chiral photonic communications. * miran@amu.edu.pl † jinghui73@gmail.com light, which is optimally sub-Poissonian in second order, g 2 (0) ≈ 0, and is generated in a weakly-nonlinear system allowing for multi-path interference (e.g., two linearlycoupled cavities, when one of them is also weakly coupled to a two-level atom). Thus, PB and UPB are induced by different effects: PB due to a large system nonlinearity and UPB via multi-path interference assuming even an extremely-weak system nonlinearity. Note that light generated via UPB can exhibit higher-order super-Poissonian photon-number statistics, g (n) (0) > 1 for some n > 2. Thus, UPB is, in general, not a good source of single photons. This short comparison of PB and UPB indicates that the term UPB, as coined in Ref.[39] and now commonly accepted, is fundamentally different from PB, concerning their physical mechanisms and properties of their generated light.Here, we propose to achieve and control nonreciprocal UPB with spinning devices. Nonreciprocal devices allow for the flow of light from one side but block it from the other. Thus, such devices can be applied in noisefree quantum information signal processing and quantum communication for cancelling interfering signals [40]. Nonreciprocal optical devices have been realized in OM devices [40][41][42], Kerr resonators [43][44][45], thermo systems [46][47][48], devices with temporal modulation [49,50], and non-Hermitian systems [51][52][53]. In a very recent experiment [54], 99.6% optical isolation in a spinning resonator has been achieved based on the optical Sagnac effect. However, these studies have mainly focused on the classical regimes; that is, unidirectional control of transmission rates instead of quantum noises. We also note that in recent works, single-photon diodes [55][56][57], unidirectional quantum amplifiers [58][59][60][61][62], and one-way quantum routers [63] have been explored. In particular, nonreciprocal PB was predicted in a Kerr resonator [64] or a quadratic OM system [65], which, however, relies on the conventional condition of strong single-photon nonlinearity. These quantum nonreciprocal devices have potential applications for quantum control of light in chiral and topological quantum technologies [66].

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a dominant regulator of ripening and quality in non-climacteric fruits. Strawberry is regarded as a model non-climacteric fruit due to its extensive genetic studies and proven suitability for transgenic approaches to understand gene function. Strawberry research has contributed to studies on color, flavor development and fruit softening, and in recent years ABA has been established as a core regulator of strawberry fruit ripening, whereas ethylene plays this role in climacteric fruits. Despite this major difference, several components of the interacting genetic regulatory network in strawberry, such as MADS-box and NAC transcription factors, are similar to those that operate in climacteric fruit. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the role of ABA biosynthesis and signaling and the regulatory network of transcription factors and other phytohormones in strawberry fruit ripening. In addition to providing an update on its ripening, we discuss how strawberry research has helped generate a broader and more comprehensive understandings of the mechanism of non-climacteric fruit ripening and focus attention on the use of strawberry as a model platform for ripening studies.

Both matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) and transforming growth factors-β1 (TGF-β1) are the important factors in the pathogenesis of the aortic aneurysm (AA) and aortic dissection (AD). Recent studies have shown that inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2) or NF-κB pathways is able to suppress aneurysm formation. The median layers of arterial walls are mainly the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), while the pathogenesis of AA and AD is closely related to the changes in the median layer structure. Thus, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying TGF-β1-induced MMP-9 expression in VSMC, the involvement of intracellular ROS and signaling molecules, including ERK1/2 and NF-κB. Rat vascular smooth muscle cells (A7r5) were used. MMP-9 expression was analyzed by gelatin zymography, western blot and RT-PCR. The involvement of intracellular ROS and signaling molecules including ERK1/2 and NF-κB in the responses was investigated using reactive oxygen scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and pharmacological inhibitors (U0126 and BAY11-7082), determined by ROS testing and western blot testing for their corresponding proteins. TGF-β1 induces MMP-9 expression via ROS-dependent signaling pathway. ROS production leads to activation of ERK1/2 and then activation of the NF-κB transcription factor. Activated NF-κB turns on transcription of the MMP-9 gene. The process in which TGF-β1 induces MMP9 expression involves the ROS-dependent ERK-NF-κB signal pathways in VSMC. This discovery raises a new regulation pathway in the VSMC, and it shows the potential to help to find a new solution to treating aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection.

The marvelously diverse Orchidaceae constitutes the largest family of angiosperms. The genus Cymbidium in Orchidaceae is well known for its unique vegetation, floral morphology, and flower scent traits. Here, a chromosome-scale assembly of the genome of Cymbidium ensifolium (Jianlan) is presented. Comparative genomic analysis showed that C. ensifolium has experienced two whole-genome duplication (WGD) events, the most recent of which was shared by all orchids, while the older event was the τ event shared by most monocots. The results of MADS-box genes analysis provided support for establishing a unique gene model of orchid flower development regulation, and flower shape mutations in C. ensifolium were shown to be associated with the abnormal expression of MADS-box genes. The most abundant floral scent components identified included methyl jasmonate, acacia alcohol and linalool, and the genes involved in the floral scent component network of C. ensifolium were determined. Furthermore, the decreased expression of photosynthesis-antennae and photosynthesis metabolic pathway genes in leaves was shown to result in colorful striped leaves, while the increased expression of MADS-box genes in leaves led to perianth-like leaves. Our results provide fundamental insights into orchid evolution and diversification.