bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The roles of Hippo/YAP signaling pathway in physical therapy
Authors: Pan Chunran , Hao Xiaoxia , Deng Xiaofeng , Lu Fan , Liu Jiawei , Hou Wenjie , Xu Tao
Published: April 2024

Cellular behavior is regulated by mechanical signals within the cellular microenvironment. Additionally, changes of temperature, blood flow, and muscle contraction also affect cellular state and the development of diseases. In clinical practice, physical therapy techniques such as ultrasound, vibration, exercise, cold therapy, and hyperthermia are commonly employed to alleviate pain and treat diseases. However, the molecular mechanism about how these physiotherapy methods stimulate local tissues and control gene expression remains unknow. Fortunately, the discovery of YAP filled this gap, which has been reported has the ability to sense and convert a wide variety of mechanical signals into cell-specific programs for transcription, thereby offering a fresh perspective on the mechanisms by which physiotherapy treat different diseases. This review examines the involvement of Hippo/YAP signaling pathway in various diseases and its role in different physical therapy approaches on diseases. Furthermore, we explore the potential therapeutic implications of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway and address the limitations and controversies surrounding its application in physiotherapy.
Combined effects of blood pressure and glucose status on the risk of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Toyama Maya , Satoh Michihiro , Nakayama Shingo , Hashimoto Hideaki , Muroya Tomoko , Murakami Takahisa , Hirose Takuo , Obara Taku , Nakaya Naoki , Mori Takefumi , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Imai Yutaka , Hozawa Atsushi , Metoki Hirohito
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to assess the combined effects of blood pressure (BP) and glucose status on chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence in young and middle-aged adults. We examined data from 1,297,341 Japanese individuals aged <60 years (60.1% men; mean age 41.4 ± 9.3 years) with no history of CKD at baseline. The interval-censored Cox proportional hazards model with covariates was used. During a median follow-up period of 2.1 years, new onset CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or proteinuria) occurred in 80,187 participants. In participants without antihypertensive treatment (AHT), the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) per 1-standard deviation, that is, 15 mmHg increase in systolic BP for CKD incidence, were 1.08 (1.07–1.09), 1.12 (1.10–1.13), and 1.15 (1.12–1.18) in normoglycemia, borderline glycemia, and diabetes groups, respectively. These ratios were significantly higher in the borderline glycemia and diabetes groups compared with those in the normoglycemia group (interaction p < 0.0001). The interaction between BP and borderline glycemia was evident when the outcome definition was restricted to proteinuria. In participants under AHT, systolic BP was most strongly associated with CKD risk in the diabetes group, although no significant interaction was observed. High BP and high glucose status may synergistically increase the incidence of CKD. Strict BP management may play an important role in the early prevention of CKD in individuals with worse glucose status within the young and middle-aged population.
NASA GeneLab derived microarray studies of Mus musculus and Homo sapiens organisms in altered gravitational conditions
Authors: Adamopoulos Konstantinos I. , Sanders Lauren M. , Costes Sylvain V.
Published: April 2024

One of the greatest challenges of humanity for deep space exploration is to fully understand how altered gravitational conditions affect human physiology. It is evident that the spaceflight environment causes multiple alterations to musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, immune and central nervous systems, to name a few known effects. To better characterize these biological effects, we compare gene expression datasets from microarray studies found in NASA GeneLab, part of the NASA Open Science Data Repository. In this review, we summarize these archived results for various tissues, emphasizing key genes which are highly reproducible in different mice or human experiments. Such exhaustive mining shows the potential of NASA Open Science data to identify and validate mechanisms taking place when mammalian organisms are exposed to microgravity or other spaceflight conditions. Our comparative meta-analysis findings highlight certain degrees of overlap and reproducibility in genes identified as differentially expressed within musculoskeletal tissues in each species across a variety of altered gravity conditions. However, the level of overlap between species was found to be significantly limited, partly attributed to the limited availability of human samples.
Amplified positive effects on air quality, health, and renewable energy under China’s carbon neutral target
Authors: Qin Yue , Zhou Mi , Hao Yueting , Huang Xin , Tong Dan , Huang Liangdian , Zhang Chuan , Cheng Jing , Gu Weiyi , Wang Licheng , He Xiaojia , Zhou Derong , Chen Qi , Ding Aijun , Zhu Tong
Published: April 2024

China pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 to combat global climate change, yet the resulting multi-aspect domestic impacts are not fully analysed due to an incomplete understanding of the underlying anthropogenic–natural interactions. Building an integrated cross-disciplinary modelling framework that can capture the feedbacks of changing aerosols on meteorology, here we highlight the amplified air quality, human health and renewable energy self-reinforcing synergies of China’s carbon neutral target in comparison to the baseline in 2015 and 2060. We find that owing to emissions reduction and more favourable meteorological conditions caused by less aerosol, achieving China’s carbon neutrality target in 2060 reduces national population-weighted PM2.5 concentrations and associated premature deaths by ~39 μg m−3 and 1.13 (95% confidence interval: 0.97–1.29) million while boosting provincial solar (wind) power performance by up to ~10% (~6%) with mostly decreased resource variability in comparison to the 2060 baseline. Enhanced renewable performance along with low-carbon energy transition may provide additional opportunities to address the remaining air pollution and associated human health damages upon achieving carbon neutrality. Our results highlight that global developing and polluting countries’ pledge for carbon neutrality can produce important positive feedbacks between aerosols mitigation, air quality improvement and enhanced renewable energy, which can be amplified via weakened aerosol–meteorology interactions and better atmospheric dispersion.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of the pygmy grasshopper Eucriotettix oculatus (Orthoptera: Tetrigoidea)
Authors: Li Ran , Qin Yingcan , Rong Wantao , Deng Wei-an , Li Xiaodong
Published: April 2024

The pygmy grasshoppers, which belong to the superfamily Tetrigoidea, exhibit remarkable environmental adaptability. However, no study has yet reported a reference genome for this group. In this study, we assembled a high-quality chromosome-scale genome of Eucriotettix oculatus, which survive in the environment heavily polluted by heavy metals, achieved through Illumina and PacBio sequencing, alongside chromosome conformation capture techniques. The resulting genome spans 985.45 Mb across seven chromosomes (range: 71.55 to 266.65 Mb) and features an N50 length of 123.82 Mb. Chr5 is considered to be the single sex chromosome (X). This genome is composed of 46.42% repetitive elements and contains 14,906 predicted protein-coding genes, 91.63% of which are functionally annotated. Decoding the E. oculatus genome not only promotes future studies on environmental adaptation for the pygmy grasshopper, but also provides valuable resources for in-depth investigation on phylogeny, evolution, and behavior of Orthoptera.
Comprehensiveness cuproptosis related genes study for prognosis and medication sensitiveness across cancers, and validation in prostate cancer
Authors: Yang Longfei , Tang Yifan , Zhang Yuwei , Wang Yang , Jiang Peng , Liu Fengping , Feng Ninghan
Published: April 2024

Cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) are important for tumor development. However, the functions of CRGs across cancers remain obscure. We performed a pan-cancer investigation to reveal the roles of CRGs across cancers. In an analysis of 26 cancers, 12 CRGs were differentially expressed, and those CRGs were found to have prognostic value across different cancer types. The expression of CRGs exhibited varied among tumors of 6 immune subtypes and were significantly correlated with the 16 sensitivities of drugs. The expression of CRGs were highly correlated with immunological subtype and tumor microenvironment (TME) of prostate cancer. We also established CRGs-related prognostic signatures that closely correlated with prognosis and drug sensitivity of prostate cancer patients. Single-cell RNA-seq revealed that several CRGs were enriched in the cancer cells. Finally, an in vitro experiment showed that elesclomol, a cuproptosis inducer, targets ferredoxin 1 and suppress cell viability in prostate cancer cells. In conclusion, we carried out a comprehensive investigation for determining CRGs in differential expression, prognosis, immunological subtype, TME, and cancer treatment sensitivity across 26 malignancies; and validated the results in prostate cancer. Our research improves pan-cancer knowledge of CRGs and identifies more effective immunotherapy strategies.
Evaluating the effects of mefenoxam on taxonomic and functional dynamics of nontarget fungal communities during carrot cultivation
Authors: Tagele Setu Bazie , Gachomo Emma W.
Published: April 2024

Ridomil Gold SL (45.3% a.i. mefenoxam) is a widely used chemical fungicide for the control of oomycetes. However, its impact on fungal communities remains unexplored. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine the effects of mefenoxam on the temporal dynamics of fungal taxonomic and functional diversities during carrot cultivation under four treatment groups: mefenoxam application with and without Pythium inoculation, and untreated control groups with and without Pythium inoculation. Our in vitro sensitivity assay showed that the maximum recommended concentration of mefenoxam, 0.24 ppm, did not suppress the mycelial growth of P. irregulare. At 100 ppm, mycelial growth was only reduced by 11.4%, indicating that the isolate was resistant to mefenoxam. MiSeq sequencing data revealed transient taxonomic variations among treatments 2 weeks post-treatment. Mortierella dominated the fungal community in the mefenoxam-Pythium combination treatment, as confirmed through PCR using our newly designed Mortierella-specific primers. Conversely, mefenoxam-Pythium combination had adverse effects on Penicillium, Trichoderma, and Fusarium, and decrease the overall alpha diversity. However, these compositional changes gradually reverted to those observed in the control by the 12th week. The predicted ecological functions of fungal communities in all Pythium and mefenoxam treatments shifted, leading to a decrease in symbiotrophs and plant pathogen functional groups. Moreover, the community-level physiological profiling approach, utilizing 96-well Biolog FF microplates, showed discernible variations in the utilization of 95 diverse carbon sources among the treatments. Notably, arbutin, l-arabinose, Tween 80, and succinamic acid demonstrated a strong positive association with Mortierella. Our findings demonstrate that a single application of mefenoxam at its recommended rate triggers substantial taxonomic and functional shifts in the soil fungal community. Considering this impact, the conventional agricultural practice of repeated mefenoxam application is likely to exert considerable shifts on the soil ecosystem that may affect agricultural sustainability.
Erythromycin mediates co-flocculation between cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and filamentous fungi in liquid cultivation without organic compounds
Authors: Pichaiyotinkul Panutchaya , Leksingto Jidapa , Sukkasam Nannaphat , In-na Pichaya , Incharoensakdi Aran , Monshupanee Tanakarn
Published: April 2024

Photoautotrophic cyanobacteria assimilate the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide as their sole carbon source for producing useful bioproducts. However, harvesting the cells from their liquid media is a major bottleneck in the process. Thus, an easy-to-harvest method, such as auto-flocculation, is desirable. Here, we found that cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 co-flocculated with a natural fungal contamination in the presence of the antibiotic erythromycin (EM) but not without EM. The fungi in the co-flocculated biomass were isolated and found to consist of five species with the filamentous Purpureocillium lilacinum and Aspergillus protuberus making up 71% of the overall fungal population. The optimal co-cultivation for flocculation was an initial 5 mg (fresh weight) of fungi, an initial cell density of Synechocystis of 0.2 OD730, 10 µM EM, and 14 days of cultivation in 100 mL of BG11 medium with no organic compound. This yielded 248 ± 28 mg/L of the Synechocystis-fungi flocculated biomass from 560 ± 35 mg/L of total biomass, a 44 ± 2% biomass flocculation efficiency. Furthermore, the EM treated Synechocystis cells in the Synechocystis-fungi flocculate had a normal cell color and morphology, while those in the axenic suspension exhibited strong chlorosis. Thus, the occurrence of the Synechocystis-fungi flocculation was mediated by EM, and the co-flocculation with the fungi protected Synechocystis against the development of chlorosis. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the EM-mediated co-flocculation was a result of down-regulation of the minor pilin genes and up-regulation of several genes including the chaperone gene for pilin regulation, the S-layer protein genes, the exopolysaccharide-polymerization gene, and the genes for signaling proteins involved in cell attachment and abiotic-stress responses. The CuSO4 stress can also mediate Synechocystis-fungi flocculation but at a lower flocculation efficiency than that caused by EM. The EM treatment may be applied in the co-culture between other cyanobacteria and fungi to mediate cell bio-flocculation.
Simple risk scoring using sinus rhythm electrocardiograms predicts the incidence of atrial fibrillation in the general population
Authors: Kamada Hiroyuki , Kawasoe Shin , Kubozono Takuro , Ninomiya Yuichi , Enokizono Kei , Yoshimoto Issei , Iriki Yasuhisa , Ikeda Yoshiyuki , Miyata Masaaki , Miyahara Hironori , Tokushige Koichi , Ohishi Mitsuru
Published: April 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmic disease. Prediction of AF development in healthy individuals is important before serious complications occur. We aimed to develop a risk prediction score for future AF using participants’ data, including electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements and information such as age and sex. We included 88,907 Japanese participants, aged 30–69 years, who were randomly assigned to derivation and validation cohorts in a ratio of 1:1. We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis and obtained the standardised beta coefficient of relevant factors and assigned scores to them. We created a score based on prognostic factors for AF to predict its occurrence after five years and applied it to validation cohorts to assess its reproducibility. The risk score ranged from 0 to 17, consisting of age, sex, PR prolongation, QT corrected for heart rate prolongation, left ventricular hypertrophy, premature atrial contraction, and left axis deviation. The area under the curve was 0.75 for the derivation cohort and 0.73 for the validation cohort. The incidence of new-onset AF reached over 2% at 10 points of the risk score in both cohorts. Thus, in this study, we showed the possibility of predicting new-onset AF using ECG findings and simple information.
A study of correlations between cephalometric measurements in Koreans with normal occlusion by network analysis
Authors: Jeong Seorin , Kim Sehyun , Lim Sung-Hoon , Yu Sun-Kyoung
Published: April 2024

Analyzing the correlation between cephalometric measurements is important for improving our understanding of the anatomy in the oral and maxillofacial region. To minimize bias resulting from the design of the input data and to establish a reference for malocclusion research, the aims of this study were to construct the input set by integrating nine cephalometric analyses and to study the correlation structure of cephalometric variables in Korean adults with normal occlusion. To analyze the complex correlation structure among 65 cephalometric variables, which were based on nine classical cephalometric analyses, network analysis was applied to data obtained from 735 adults (368 males, 367 females) aged 18–25 years with normal occlusion. The structure was better revealed through weighted network analysis and minimum spanning tree. Network analysis revealed cephalometric variable clusters and the inter- and intra-correlation structure. Some metrics were divided based on their geometric interpretation rather than their clinical significance. It was confirmed that various classical cephalometric analyses primarily focus on investigating nine anatomical features. Investigating the correlation between cephalometric variables through network analysis can significantly enhance our understanding of the anatomical characteristics in the oral and maxillofacial region, which is a crucial step in studying malocclusion using artificial intelligence.
Synergistic catalytic mechanism of red mud in the co-gasification of spirit-based distillers’ grains and sewage sludge
Authors: Zeng Xi , Wang Junliang , Yang Aijiang , Cao Yang
Published: April 2024

Experiments of co-gasification of spirit-based distillers’ grains (SDG) and sewage sludge (SS) were carried out with red mud (RM) by using a self-designed fixed-bed gasifier. The effects of RM addition, gasification reaction temperature, SS and SDG blending ratio and other factors on the gasification reaction characteristics and synergism were investigated. The results are as follow: RM had catalytic effect on SS and SDG co-gasification, which can enhance the gasification reaction and H2 yield; increasing the temperature can enhance the gasification reaction and reduce the syngas H2/CO; with the increase of SDG, the H2 yield gradually grew; with the rise of SS, the gasification reaction gradually augmented. The catalytic mechanism was mainly due to the redox cycle of Fe2O3 in RM, which can promote the water transfer reaction. At the same time, the eutectic mixture of K, Na, Ca, Fe and other metal elements at high temperatures was the main reason for the synergistic effect.
Association between being breastfed in infancy and adult colorectal cancer risk among Japanese men and women
Authors: Minami Yuko , Kanemura Seiki , Kusaka Jun , Kinouchi Makoto , Suzuki Shinichi , Iwasashi Hajime , Nishino Yoshikazu , Kakugawa Yoichiro , Miura Koh
Published: April 2024

It has been postulated that being breastfed in infancy affects not only health status in childhood but also disease risk in adulthood. To investigate the association of being breastfed with the risks of adult colorectal cancer and benign tumor, we conducted a case–control study including 1190 colorectal cancer and 1585 benign tumor cases and 5301 controls, admitted to a single hospital in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, between 1997 and 2013. History of having been breastfed was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire, and odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. There was no association between being breastfed and colorectal cancer risk (breastfed versus formula-only fed, OR = 1.21; 95% CI 0.87–1.67). There was also no association with the risk of benign tumor (OR = 1.04). On the other hand, analyses stratified by sex and birth year found heterogeneous associations. Women born after 1950 who had been breastfed tended to have increased risks of colorectal cancer (OR = 1.58) and benign tumor (OR = 1.51) relative to those who had been formula-only fed, although not statistically significant. In men born after 1950, being breastfed was associated with a significantly decreased risk of benign tumor (OR = 0.57; 95% CI 0.33–0.98).
Computationally guided synthesis of a hierarchical [4[2+3]+6] porous organic ‘cage of cages’
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Qu Hang , Avci Gokay , Hafizi Roohollah , Zhao Chengxi , Day Graeme M. , Jelfs Kim E. , Little Marc A. , Cooper Andrew I.
Published: April 2024

Here we report a two-step, hierarchical synthesis that assembles a trigonal prismatic organic cage into a more symmetric, higher-order tetrahedral cage, or ‘cage of cages’. Both the preformed [2+3] trigonal prismatic cage building blocks and the resultant tetrahedral [4[2+3]+6]cage molecule are constructed using ether bridges. This strategy affords the [4[2+3]+6]cage molecule excellent hydrolytic stability that is not a feature of more common dynamic cage linkers, such as imines. Despite its relatively high molar mass (3,001 g mol−1), [4[2+3]+6]cage exhibits good solubility and crystallizes into a porous superstructure with a surface area of 1,056 m2 g−1. By contrast, the [2+3] building block is not porous. The [4[2+3]+6]cage molecule shows high CO2 and SF6 uptakes due to its polar skeleton. The preference for the [4[2+3]+6]cage molecule over other cage products can be predicted by computational modelling, as can its porous crystal packing, suggesting a broader design strategy for the hierarchical assembly of organic cages with synthetically engineered functions.
Functional and structural insights into activation of TRPV2 by weak acids
Authors: Haug Ferdinand M , Pumroy Ruth A , Sridhar Akshay , Pantke Sebastian , Dimek Florian , Fricke Tabea C , Hage Axel , Herzog Christine , Echtermeyer Frank G , de la Roche Jeanne , Koh Adrian , Kotecha Abhay , Howard Rebecca J , Lindahl Erik , Moiseenkova-Bell Vera , Leffler Andreas
Published: April 2024

Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are involved in the surveillance or regulation of the acid-base balance. Here, we demonstrate that weak carbonic acids, including acetic acid, lactic acid, and CO2 activate and sensitize TRPV2 through a mechanism requiring permeation through the cell membrane. TRPV2 channels in cell-free inside-out patches maintain weak acid-sensitivity, but protons applied on either side of the membrane do not induce channel activation or sensitization. The involvement of proton modulation sites for weak acid-sensitivity was supported by the identification of titratable extracellular (Glu495, Glu561) and intracellular (His521) residues on a cryo-EM structure of rat TRPV2 (rTRPV2) treated with acetic acid. Molecular dynamics simulations as well as patch clamp experiments on mutant rTRPV2 constructs confirmed that these residues are critical for weak acid-sensitivity. We also demonstrate that the pore residue Glu609 dictates an inhibition of weak acid-induced currents by extracellular calcium. Finally, TRPV2-expression in HEK293 cells is associated with an increased weak acid-induced cytotoxicity. Together, our data provide new insights into weak acids as endogenous modulators of TRPV2.
TLR3 activation enhances abscopal effect of radiotherapy in HCC by promoting tumor ferroptosis
Authors: Qiu Liman , Ji Hongbing , Wang Kai , Liu Wenhan , Huang Qizhen , Pan Xinting , Ye Honghao , Li Zhenli , Chen Geng , Xing Xiaohua , Dong Xiuqing , Tang Ruijing , Xu Haipo , Liu Jingfeng , Cai Zhixiong , Liu Xiaolong
Published: April 2024

Radiotherapy (RT) has been reported to induce abscopal effect in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but such phenomenon was only observed in sporadic cases. Here, we demonstrated that subcutaneous administration of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist poly(I:C) could strengthen the abscopal effect during RT through activating tumor cell ferroptosis signals in bilateral HCC subcutaneous tumor mouse models, which could be significantly abolished by TLR3 knock-out or ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1. Moreover, poly(I:C) could promote the presentation of tumor neoantigens by dendritic cells to enhance the recruitment of activated CD8+ T cells into distant tumor tissues for inducing tumor cell ferroptosis during RT treatment. Finally, the safety and feasibility of combining poly(I:C) with RT for treating advanced HCC patients were further verified in a prospective clinical trial. Thus, enhancing TLR3 signaling activation during RT could provide a novel strategy for strengthening abscopal effect to improve the clinical benefits of advanced HCC patients.
Experimental and theoretical studies of pH-responsive iridium(iii) complexes of azole and N-heterocyclic carbene ligands
Authors: Hashemzadeh Tahmineh , Christofferson Andrew J. , White Keith F. , Barnard Peter J.
Published: April 2024

A series of nine luminescent iridium(iii) complexes with pH-responsive imidazole and benzimidazole ligands have been prepared and characterized.
Fluorescent graphene quantum dots-enhanced machine learning for the accurate detection and quantification of Hg2+ and Fe3+ in real water samples
Authors: Llaver Mauricio , Barrionuevo Santiago D. , Núñez Jorge M. , Chapana Agostina L. , Wuilloud Rodolfo G. , Aguirre Myriam H. , Ibañez Francisco J.
Published: April 2024

A combination of chemically functionalized-graphene quantum dots with a machine learning algorithm permits selectivity and accurate detection of Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions in real water samples.
A light-driven photosynthetic microbial fuel cell for carbon-negative bioelectricity production
Authors: Park Won Gyeong , Kim Minsoo , Li Shuwei , Kim Eunseo , Park Eun Joo , Yoo Jiin , Maile Nagesh , Jae Jungho , Kim Hyoung-il , Kim Jung Rae
Published: April 2024

A photosynthetic microbial fuel cell produces higher power density and simultaneously reuptakes CO2 produced from organic decomposition.
Insights into adsorbent materials for lithium extraction by capacitive deionization: reconceptualizing the role of materials informatics
Authors: Bai Liang , Xu Ruibo , Wu Wenjie , Ma Chenchen , Li Sheng , Gao Huimin , Luo Dan , Liu Botong , Melhi Saad , Zhao Yadong , Liu Zhong , Yamauchi Yusuke , Xu Xingtao
Published: April 2024

The potential of materials informatics in designing lithium extraction materials for capacitive deionization have been discussed.
Borophene: a piezocatalyst for water remediation
Authors: Sharma Aditi , Bhardwaj Upasana , Marinova Maya , Da Costa Antonio , Ferri Anthony , Royer Sébastien , Kushwaha Himmat Singh , Dhainaut Jérémy
Published: April 2024

Borophene, a novel 2D material, shows impressive piezocatalytic activity when exposed to ultrasonic vibrations, as evidenced by its capacity to degrade stable organic dyes in water within minutes.
Geminal-dithiol-based precursors for reactive sulfur species
Authors: Xu Shi , Ramush Geat , Yang Iris J. , Das Eshani , Shieh Meg , Xian Ming
Published: April 2024

The chemistry and reactivity of a free gem-dithiol, 1,3-diphenylpropane-2,2-dithiol, and its derivatives (S-nitrosothiol and dithiirane) are studied. These compounds can release H2S, NO, or induce S-persulfidation.
Crystalline modulation of zirconia for efficient nitrate reduction to ammonia under ambient conditions
Authors: Tao Zhiruo , Yin Haitao , Lv Yaxin , Guo Haoran , Chen Jun Song , Ye Xiaoyu , Xian Haohong , Sun Shengjun , Li Tingshuai
Published: April 2024

The crystalline structures of zirconia are modulated by scandium doping and proposed as a robust catalyst for nitrate reduction to ammonia. The tetragonal zirconia achieves a maximum ammonia yield in 0.1 M PBS with 0.1 M NO3−.
Interlayer Ag nanoparticle-anchored Mo,W:BVO/NiCo2O4 heterojunctions for the synergistic enhancement of photoelectrochemical water splitting activity
Authors: Zhai Wei , Wang Lin , Chu Shuai , Ding Lei , Li Jie , Chen Haichao , Jiao Zhengbo
Published: April 2024

Spinel oxide NiCo2O4 is introduced as an emerging material for photocatalytic oxygen precipitating catalysts.
Variable non-covalent interactions in the crystals of a series of 4-Y-benzyl pyrrolidine-1-carbodithioates: Y = Cl, Br, I, Me and NO2
Authors: Yeo Chien Ing , Kwong Huey Chong , Tan Sang Loon , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: April 2024

The Y group in (CH2CH2)2NC(S)SCH2C6H4-4-Y, Y = Cl, Br, I, Me and NO2, plays a preeminent role in the molecular packing.
Structural characterization of E22G Aβ1–42 fibrils via1H detected MAS NMR
Authors: Golota Natalie C. , Michael Brian , Saliba Edward P. , Linse Sara , Griffin Robert G.
Published: April 2024

Amyloid fibrils have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, the most prevalent example being Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Regulation of π–π interactions between single aromatic molecules by bias voltage
Authors: Xu Xiaona , Jia Keqiang , Qi Qiang , Tian Guangjun , Xiang Dong
Published: April 2024

π–π coupling between neighbouring aromatic molecules with rigid structure can be enhanced by the bias voltage, clarifying that the regulating effect, regardless of the structural flexibility, originates from the changes of the molecular dipole moment.
Practical considerations to optimize aquatic testing of particulate material, with focus on nanomaterials
Authors: Luederwald Simon , Davies Jordan , Fernandes Teresa F. , Praetorius Antonia , Sergent Jacques-Aurélien , Tatsi Kristi , Tell Joan , Timmer Niels , Wagner Stephan
Published: April 2024

Following available approaches included e.g., in existing OECD Test Guidelines and Guidance Documents for the aquatic testing of particulate materials such as nanomaterials and microplastics leads to various challenges to be considered.
Cation–π-induced mixed-matrix nanocomposite for the detection and removal of Hg2+ and azinphos-methyl towards environment remediation
Authors: Kaur Kamalpreet , Singh Gagandeep , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder
Published: April 2024

Organic-cation modified MWCNTs-based nanocomposite derived membrane to reduce environmental pollution.
Introducing the use of a recyclable solid electrolyte for waste minimization in electrosynthesis: preparation of 2-aryl-benzoxazoles under flow conditions
Authors: Ferlin Francesco , Valentini Federica , Campana Filippo , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: April 2024

The use of large amounts of a homogeneous electrolyte represents a major sustainability issue in electrosynthesis. Herein, we report the use of a solid and reusable electrolyte with excellent performance in the representative electrosynthesis of 2-arylbenzoxazoles.
Quality differentiation of Epimedium from different harvesting periods based on LC-MS and network pharmacology
Authors: Zhang Jianyu , Chen Yuru , Tang Yuchen , Guo Shubo , Ye Cheng , Li Wenlong
Published: April 2024

Epimedium is an essential genus of homologous plants used as medicine and food, which has various pharmacological effects and great utilization value in the market.
Comparative analysis of sulfated and sulfonated disaccharide analogs as TLR4 modulators and heparanase inhibitors
Authors: El-Abid Jamal , Koffi Teki Dindet Steve-Evanes K. L. C. , Bil Abed , Denys Agnès , Vallin Aurélie , Lefebvre Corentin , Allain Fabrice , Chagnault Vincent , Kovensky José
Published: April 2024

A novel approach in TLR4 modulation and heparanase inhibition through sulfonated disaccharide analogs.
Copper(ii) nanodots stabilized on Cassia fistula galactomannan: preparation and catalytic application towards fast solvent-free Biginelli reactions
Authors: Singh Bal Dev , Pandey Jyoti , Khanam Huda , Tiwari Bhoopendra , Azeez Tazeen , Mishra Ayushi , Kanchan Preeti
Published: April 2024

New Cu(ii) nanodots have been developed using biopolymeric polysaccharide galactomannan.
Antimicrobial sesterterpenoids with a unique 5/8/6/5 tetracyclic carbon-ring-system and diepoxide polyketides from a deep sea-sediment-sourced fungus Chaetomium globosum SD-347
Authors: Li Xiao-Dong , Li Xiao-Ming , Wang Bin-Gui , Li Xin
Published: April 2024

Two new tetracyclic sesterterpenoids and two new diepoxide polyketides with antimicrobial activity were characterized from the culture extract of Chaetomium globosum SD-347, a fungal strain derived from deep sea-sediment.
Fabrication of amorphous TiO2 hydrogen channels and graphene wrappers to enhance the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2 with extremely high cycle stability
Authors: Bu Fanqi , Wajid Ali , Yang Na , Gu Mengyue , Zhao Xuewen , Huang Lei , Ji Xin , Ding Shujiang , Cheng Yonghong , Zhang Jinying
Published: April 2024

Amorphous TiO2 hydrogen channels and graphene wrappers to enhance the hydrogen storage performance.
A cooperative template strategy to control the pore structure of ZIF-derived carbon for fuel cell cathodes
Authors: Huang Zhihong , Lu Mingjia , Liu Sucheng , Zhang Longhai , Chen Yangyang , Liang Lecheng , Zhang Jiaxi , Song Huiyu , Du Li , Cui Zhiming
Published: April 2024

The aim is to improve the mass transfer efficiency of the catalytic layer by controlling the ZIF-derived carbon pore structure of the fuel cell cathode using a co-templating strategy.
Donor–acceptor iron phthalocyanine-based hyper-crosslinked polymers with a modulated electronic structure for efficient oxygen reduction reaction in aluminum–air batteries
Authors: Dong Xinran , Luo Yingjian , Tao Shuhui , Liu Jiayao , Tan Xing , Lu Ze , Wang Gang , Chen Jinwei , Wang Ruilin , Zhang Jie
Published: April 2024

Poly-FePc-based HCPs with TTF modification are constructed and applied as ORR catalyst for Al–air batteries. The donor–acceptor structure was incorporated into poly-FePc-HCP to achieve structural and electronic regulation.
Nanocomposite of Nb-based binary phase for lowering the activation energy of Li+ intercalation as an anode for high-performance aqueous dual-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Dengyao , Matsuda Junko , Song Jun Tae , Watanabe Motonori , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: April 2024

A Nb-based binary-phase composite anode delivers a higher capacity in an aqueous dual-ion battery and suppresses water splitting to achieve a higher coulombic efficiency and long cycle life.
Acceptor–donor–acceptor-type molecules with large electrostatic potential difference for effective NIR photothermal therapy
Authors: Fan Kexin , Zhang Ludan , Zhong Qinqiu , Xiang Yanhe , Xu Bowei , Wang Yuguang
Published: April 2024

We explored a new way of utilizing the ESP difference to improve the molecular packing of (A–D–A) type molecules, and obtained a series of NIR PTAs with good PTT performance. The in vivo antitumor study demonstrates effective suppression of tumors.
Laser mode control based on chiral liquid crystal microcavities
Authors: Liu Zhonghao , Zhang Xiaojuan , Qu Guangyin , Li Siqi , Kuai Yan , Gao Jiangang , Liu Yu , Cao Zhigang , Yu Benli , Hu Zhijia
Published: April 2024

This article introduces a FRET system and achieves FRET for different laser modes by changing the pump position.
Recent progress on solar blind deep ultraviolet photodetectors based on metal halide perovskites
Authors: Yang Wanfang , Lei Yutian , Jin Zhiwen
Published: April 2024

This review introduced the research progress and present situation of solar blind detectors based on metal halide perovskite (MHP) in recent years from different dimensions: three-dimensional, two-dimensional, one-dimensional and zero dimensional.
Ring finger protein 138 inhibits transcription factor C/EBPα protein turnover leading to differentiation arrest in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Singh Anil Kumar , Upadhyay Vishal , Sethi Arppita , Chowdhury Sangita , Mishra Shivkant , Verma Shailendra Prasad , Bhatt Madan Lal Brahma , Trivedi Arun Kumar
Published: April 2024

E3 ubiquitin ligase, ring finger protein 138 (RNF138) is involved in several biological processes; however, its role in myeloid differentiation or tumorigenesis remains unclear. RNAseq data from TNMplot showed that RNF138 mRNA levels are highly elevated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) bone marrow samples as compared with bone marrow of normal volunteers. Here, we show that RNF138 serves as an E3 ligase for the tumor suppressor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBPα) and promotes its degradation leading to myeloid differentiation arrest in AML. Wild–type RNF138 physically interacts with C/EBPα and promotes its ubiquitin-dependent proteasome degradation while a mutant RNF-138 deficient in ligase activity though interacts with C/EBPα, fails to down-regulate it. We show that RNF138 depletion enhances endogenous C/EBPα levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from healthy volunteers. Our data further shows that RNF138-mediated degradation of C/EBPα negatively affects its transactivation potential on its target genes. Furthermore, RNF138 overexpression inhibits all-trans-retinoic acid-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells whereas RNF138 RNAi enhances. In line with RNF138 inhibiting C/EBPα protein turnover, we also observed that RNF138 overexpression inhibited β-estradiol (E2)-induced C/EBPα driven granulocytic differentiation in C/EBPα inducible K562-p42C/EBPα-estrogen receptor cells. Furthermore, we also recapitulated these findings in PBMCs isolated from AML patients where depletion of RNF138 increased the expression of myeloid differentiation marker CD11b. These results suggest that RNF138 inhibits myeloid differentiation by targeting C/EBPα for proteasomal degradation and may provide a plausible mechanism for loss of C/EBPα expression often observed in myeloid leukemia. Also, targeting RNF138 may resolve differentiation arrest by restoring C/EBPα expression in AML.
Association of the trimethylamine N-oxide with cardiovascular risk and vascular alterations in middle-aged patients with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Spasova Natalia , Somleva Desislava , Krastev Bozhidar , Ilieva Radostina , Borizanova Angelina , Svinarov Dobrin , Kinova Elena , Goudev Assen
Published: April 2024

Background: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is synthesized by the intestinal microbiota and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated TMAO levels across different CVD-risk patient groups, and evaluated associations between TMAO and vascular alterations (e.g., arterial stiffness, intima-media thickness [IMT], and the presence and grade of carotid artery plaques [CAPs]).

Methods: We examined 95 patients (58.5 ± 7.3 years): 40 with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), 40 with atherosclerosis risk factors (RF), and 15 controls. Arterial stiffness was measured by Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (C-F PWV). B-mode ultrasound was used to evaluate the presence and grade of CAPs and carotid IMT (CIMT). TMAO was measured by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and results were presented as the median (interquartile range).

Results: TMAO levels were higher in patients with ASCVD (251.5 [164.5] µg/l) when compared with patients with RFs (194.0 [174] µg/l, P=0.04) and controls (122.0 (77) µg/l, P<0.001). A significant correlation was observed between TMAO and PWV (r = 0.31, P=0.003), which was not confirmed after adjustment for RFs. TMAO levels were significantly correlated with plaque score (r = 0.46, P<0.001) and plaque height (r=0.41, P=0.003), and were independent predictors for grade III plaques (odds ratio [OR] = 1.002, confidence interval (CI) 95%: 1.000047–1.003, P=0.044).

Conclusions: TMAO levels are increased with expanded CVD risk. Across different types of vascular damage, TMAO is associated with atherosclerotic changes.
Investigating the Utility of a Compact Loudspeaker Array for Audiometric Testing
Authors: Zurek Patrick M. , Freyman Richard L. , Najem Fadi
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

This project addressed the uses of a loudspeaker array for audiometric measurements. It sought to evaluate a prototype compact array in terms of the reliability of test results across sound booths.

Method:

A seven-loudspeaker array was developed to deliver sounds from −60° to +60° on an arc with a radius of 0.5 m. The system was equipped with a head position sensing system to maintain the listener's head near the optimal test position. Three array systems were distributed to each of the two test sites for within-subject assessments of booth equivalence on tests of sound localization, speech reception in noise, and threshold detection. A total of 36 subjects participated, 18 at each test site.

Results:

Results showed excellent interbooth consistency on tests of sound localization using speech and noise signals, including conditions in which one or both ears were covered with a muff. Booth consistency was also excellent on sound field threshold measurements for detecting quasi-diffuse noise bands. Nonequivalence was observed in some cases of speech-in-noise tests, particularly with a small one-person booth. Acoustic analyses of in situ loudspeaker responses indicated that some of the nonequivalent comparisons on speech-in-noise tests could be traced to the effects of reflections.

Conclusions:

Overall, the results demonstrate the utility and reliability of a compact array for the assessment of localization ability, speech reception in noise, and sound field thresholds. However, the results indicate that researchers and clinicians should be aware of the reflection effects that can influence the results of sound field tests in which signal and noise levels from separate loudspeakers are critical.
The Classroom Communication and Collaboration Appraisal: A Comprehensive Tool for Assessing Communication and Collaboration in Classroom Environments
Authors: Mealings Kiri , Miles Kelly , Buchholz Joerg M.
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

The aim of this research note is to introduce a new appraisal form, the Classroom Communication and Collaboration (C3) Appraisal, designed to evaluate communication and collaboration within classroom settings.

Method:

A comprehensive synthesis of the key skills from a broad range of publications on successful communication and collaboration in the classroom was conducted. The resulting appraisal comprises 39 items across six scales: crafting clear messages, appropriateness of communication exchange, active listening, pragmatics and discourse, communication breakdown, and collaboration. To demonstrate its application, an exemplar usage of the C3 Appraisal involving a hearing child and a child with hearing loss engaged in a collaborative learning task is presented.

Results:

The C3 Appraisal allowed for the quality and successfulness of the collaborative learning task between the two children to be assessed and quantified across the six scales.

Conclusions:

These findings highlight the utility of the C3 Appraisal as a valuable tool for evaluating communication and collaboration in classroom environments. Next steps are to test the reliability and validity of the C3 Appraisal on a large data set.
Linking Mg II and [O II] spatial distribution to ionizing photon escape in confirmed LyC leakers and non-leakers
Authors: Leclercq Floriane , Chisholm John , King Wichahpi , Zeimann Greg , Jaskot Anne E. , Henry Alaina , Hayes Matthew , Flury Sophia R. , Izotov Yuri , Prochaska Xavier J. , Verhamme Anne , Amorín Ricardo O. , Atek Hakim , Bait Omkar , Blaizot Jérémy , Carr Cody , Ji Zhiyuan , Le Reste Alexandra , Ferguson Harry C. , Gazagnes Simon , Heckman Timothy , Komarova Lena , Marques-Chaves Rui , Östlin Göran , Saldana-Lopez Alberto , Scarlata Claudia , Schaerer Daniel , Thuan Trinh X. , Trebitsch Maxime , Worseck Gábor , Wang Bingjie , Xu Xinfeng
Published: April 2024

The geometry of the neutral gas in and around galaxies is a key regulator of the escape of ionizing photons. We present the first statistical study aimed at linking the neutral and ionized gas distributions to the Lyman continuum (LyC) escape fraction (fescLyC) in a sample of 22 confirmed LyC leakers and non-leakers atz ≈ 0.35 using the Keck Cosmic Web Imager (Keck/KCWI) and the Low Resolution Spectrograph 2 (HET/LRS2). Our integral field unit data enable the detection of neutral and low-ionization gas, as traced by Mg II, and ionized gas, as traced by [O II], extending beyond the stellar continuum for seven and ten objects, respectively. All but one object with extended Mg IIemission also show extended [O II] emission; in this case, Mg IIemission is always more extended than [O II] by a factor 1.2 on average. Most of the galaxies with extended emission are non or weak LyC leakers (fescLyC < 5%), but we find a large diversity of neutral and low-ionization gas configurations around these weakly LyC-emitting galaxies. Conversely, the strongest leakers (fescLyC > 5%) appear uniformly compact in both Mg IIand [O II] with exponential scale lengths ≲1 kpc. Most are unresolved at the resolution of our data. We also find a trend betweenfescLyCand the spatial offsets of the nebular gas and the stellar continuum emission. Moreover, we find significant anticorrelations between the spatial extent of the neutral and/or low-ionization gas and the [O III]/[O II] ratio, and Hβequivalent width, as well as positive correlations with metallicity and UV size, suggesting that galaxies with more compact neutral and/or low-ionization gas sizes are more highly ionized. The observations suggest that strong LyC emitters do not have extended neutral and/or low-ionization gas halos and ionizing photons may be emitted in many directions. Combined with high ionization diagnostics, we propose that the Mg II, and potentially [O II], spatial compactness are indirect indicators of LyC emitting galaxies at high redshift.
Type Ia supernova explosion models are inherently multidimensional
Authors: Pakmor Rüdiger , Seitenzahl Ivo R. , Ruiter Ashley J. , Sim Stuart A. , Röpke Friedrich K. , Taubenberger Stefan , Bieri Rebekka , Blondin Stéphane
Published: April 2024

Theoretical and observational approaches to settling the important questions surrounding the progenitor systems and the explosion mechanism of normal Type Ia supernovae have thus far failed. With its unique capability to obtain continuous spectra through the near- and mid-infrared, JWST now offers completely new insights into Type Ia supernovae. In particular, observing them in the nebular phase allows us to directly see the central ejecta and thereby constrain the explosion mechanism. We aim to understand and quantify differences in the structure and composition of the central ejecta of various Type Ia supernova explosion models. We examined the currently most popular explosion scenarios using self-consistent multidimensional explosion simulations of delayed-detonation and pulsationally assisted, gravitationally confined delayed detonation Chandrasekhar-mass models and double-detonation sub-Chandrasekhar-mass and violent merger models. We find that the distribution of radioactive and stable nickel in the final ejecta, both observable in nebular spectra, are significantly different between different explosion scenarios. Therefore, comparing synthetic nebular spectra with JWST observations should allow us to distinguish between explosion models. We show that the explosion ejecta are inherently multidimensional for all models, and the Chandrasekhar-mass explosions simulated in spherical symmetry in particular lead to a fundamentally unphysical ejecta structure. Moreover, we show that radioactive and stable nickel cover a significant range of densities at a fixed velocity of the homologously expanding ejecta. Any radiation transfer postprocessing has to take these variations into account to obtain faithful synthetic observables; this will likely require multidimensional radiation transport simulations.