bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kynurenine promotes Calcitonin secretion and reduces cortisol in the Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Ikari Takahiro , Furusawa Yukihiro , Tabuchi Yoshiaki , Maruyama Yusuke , Hattori Atsuhiko , Kitani Yoichiro , Toyota Kenji , Nagami Arata , Hirayama Jun , Watanabe Kazuki , Shigematsu Atsushi , Rafiuddin Muhammad Ahya , Ogiso Shouzo , Fukushi Keisuke , Kuroda Kohei , Hatano Kaito , Sekiguchi Toshio , Kawashima Ryotaro , Srivastav Ajai K. , Nishiuchi Takumi , Sakatoku Akihiro , Yoshida Masa-aki , Matsubara Hajime , Suzuki Nobuo
Published: May 2023

Deep ocean water (DOW) exerts positive effects on the growth of marine organisms, suggesting the presence of unknown component(s) that facilitate their aquaculture. We observed that DOW suppressed plasma cortisol (i.e., a stress marker) concentration in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) reared under high-density condition. RNA-sequencing analysis of flounder brains showed that when compared to surface seawater (SSW)-reared fish, DOW-reared fish had lower expression of hypothalamic (i.e., corticotropin-releasing hormone) and pituitary (i.e., proopiomelanocortin, including adrenocorticotropic hormone) hormone-encoding genes. Moreover, DOW-mediated regulation of gene expression was linked to decreased blood cortisol concentration in DOW-reared fish. Our results indicate that DOW activated osteoblasts in fish scales and facilitated the production of Calcitonin, a hypocalcemic hormone that acts as an analgesic. We then provide evidence that the Calcitonin produced is involved in the regulatory network of genes controlling cortisol secretion. In addition, the indole component kynurenine was identified as the component responsible for osteoblast activation in DOW. Furthermore, kynurenine increased plasma Calcitonin concentrations in flounders reared under high-density condition, while it decreased plasma cortisol concentration. Taken together, we propose that kynurenine in DOW exerts a cortisol-reducing effect in flounders by facilitating Calcitonin production by osteoblasts in the scales.
Survey of knowledge, and attitudes to storage practices preempting the occurrence of filamentous fungi and mycotoxins in some Ghanaian staple foods and processed products
Authors: Kortei Nii Korley , Badzi Sandra , Nanga Salifu , Wiafe-Kwagyan Michael , Amon Denick Nii Kotey , Odamtten George Tawia
Published: May 2023

Mycotoxigenic fungi can infect and produce potent mycotoxins in foodstuffs prior to harvest, during harvest (field fungi), and in storage after harvest (storage fungi), which when ingested, can result in adverse health effects. This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices adopted by the Ghanaian populace to help mitigate the occurrence of molds and mycotoxins in foods. A cross-sectional survey involving a structured questionnaire was conducted with 642 respondents from twelve regions of Ghana. Descriptive statistics and analyses of variance were calculated. Correct Classification Rate (CCR) was measured to assess the utility of a logistic regression model. The results of the study showed that the majority of 299 (46.6%) of the respondents were between the ages of 18–25. Age and educational level were related to knowledge about the occurrence of fungi and mycotoxins in foods (p < 0.05). More than half the respondents, 50% indicated that they knew of aflatoxins as a major mycotoxin present in food. Higher education directly influenced on the knowledge of mycotoxicosis and the management of stored food to present intoxication by fungal metabolites. 502 (32.9%) knew that consuming foods with toxins could cause stomach aches. The most commonly consumed food commodity despite the presence of visible growth of fungi was bread (35.3%). The average KAP score for knowledge showed that, out of 100%, there was adequate knowledge (63.8%) among the members of the Ghanaian populace. Favorable environmental conditions of high humidity (> 85% ERH) and temperature (> 28–32 °C) enhance the proliferation of fungi in most foods and the attendant production of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and fumonisins are associated with several severe human and animal health conditions; mycotoxicosis was associated with high fever, pain, vomiting, suppression of immunity, cancer, etc. when these foods are consumed on regular basis for a prolonged length of time. Future examination of the food items used for the School Feeding Programme in Ghana will offer opportunities to examine the risks of feeding youth with fungal-contaminated food preparations from providers.
BAIAP2L2 is a novel prognostic biomarker related to migration and invasion of HCC and associated with cuprotosis
Authors: Wei Hui , Yang Jing , Chen Xia , Liu Mengxiao , Zhang Huiyun , Sun Weiming , Wang Yuping , Zhou Yongning
Published: May 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and its pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. IRSp53 family members, such as BAIAP2L1, participate in the progression of multiple tumors. However, the role of BAIAP2L2 in HCC remains unclear. This study comprehensively analyzed the potential role of BAIAP2L2 in HCC using bioinformatic techniques. The expression of BAIAP2L2 in HCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases and in vitro experiments. In addition, the prognostic value of BAIAP2L2 in HCC was analyzed using the TCGA database. TCGA and GEO database were used to analyze the role of BAIAP2L2 in immune features. We also explored the function of BAIAP2L2 in methylation and cuprotosis. The CellMiner database was used to analyze the relationship between BAIAP2L2 expression and drug sensitivity. Our study revealed that BAIAP2L2 is overexpressed in HCC and promotes the migration and invasion of HCC cells. BAIAP2L2 may affect the prognosis of HCC by regulating immunity, methylation, and cuprotosis. BAIAP2L2 is a novel HCC prognostic gene involved in immune infiltration associated with cuprotosis and may be a potential prognosis and therapeutic target for HCC.
Bending mechanics test and parameters calibration of ramie stalks
Authors: Si Shuning , Zhang Bin , Huang Jicheng , Shen Cheng , Tian Kunpeng , Liu Haolu , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: May 2023

Research and development of ramie harvesting equipment is a key link to revitalize ramie industry, problems such as the tendency of stalks to tangle and clog the machine are very problematic, seriously affect the quality and fluency of the harvester. The structure of ramie stalk is complex, and the mechanical properties of each component vary greatly, collision between stalk and machine creates complex stress relationship. By building a finite element model, it is possible to analyze the stress state of the stalk during bending from a microscopic perspective, and to analyze the complex stress–strain situation within the stalk. The purpose of this paper is to establish a standard ramie stalk bending finite element model to provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent kinematics and dynamics. Firstly, material experiments were carried out on ramie straw. The structural and mechanical parameters of the straw components were obtained through measurement and calculation tests, and the force–deformation curves for straw bending were obtained. Bending finite element simulations were carried out on the basis of mechanical tests, and the parameters such as dynamic friction coefficient, wood Poisson's ratio and bast Poisson's ratio were determined by the central combination design. Then established an accurate bending finite element simulation model of ramie stalk, the accuracy of the model was verified at the end. In this paper, the key parameters of the ramie stalk model were calibrated through a combination of material tests and simulations. All parameters of the ramie stalk model were finally obtained, and the bending mechanical properties of the ramie stalk were analysed by applying finite element analysis. This bending mechanics simulation model can be used for kinematic and dynamics simulation analysis of conveying and baling to provide a theoretical basis for the structural design of the harvester. The methods explored here can be applied to other slender straw crops.
Prenatal exposure to benzo[a]pyrene depletes ovarian reserve and masculinizes embryonic ovarian germ cell transcriptome transgenerationally
Authors: Lim Jinhwan , Shioda Toshihiro , Malott Kelli F. , Shioda Keiko , Odajima Junko , Leon Parada Kathleen N. , Nguyen Julie , Getze Samantha , Lee Melody , Nguyen Jonathon , Reshel Blakeley Samantha , Trinh Vienna , Truong Hong-An , Luderer Ulrike
Published: May 2023

People are widely exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Prior studies showed that prenatal exposure to BaP depletes germ cells in ovaries, causing earlier onset of ovarian senescence post-natally; developing testes were affected at higher doses than ovaries. Our primary objective was to determine if prenatal BaP exposure results in transgenerational effects on ovaries and testes. We orally dosed pregnant germ cell-specific EGFP-expressing mice (F0) with 0.033, 0.2, or 2 mg/kg-day BaP or vehicle from embryonic day (E) 6.5–11.5 (F1 offspring) or E6.5–15.5 (F2 and F3). Ovarian germ cells at E13.5 and follicle numbers at postnatal day 21 were significantly decreased in F3 females at all doses of BaP; testicular germ cell numbers were not affected. E13.5 germ cell RNA-sequencing revealed significantly increased expression of male-specific genes in female germ cells across generations and BaP doses. Next, we compared the ovarian effects of 2 mg/kg-day BaP dosing to wild type C57BL/6J F0 dams from E6.5–11.5 or E12.5–17.5. We observed no effects on F3 ovarian follicle numbers with either of the shorter dosing windows. Our results demonstrate that F0 BaP exposure from E6.5–15.5 decreased the number of and partially disrupted transcriptomic sexual identity of female germ cells transgenerationally.
An artificial neural network-based radiomics model for predicting the radiotherapy response of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients: a multicenter study
Authors: Xie Yuchen , Liu Qiang , Ji Chao , Sun Yuchen , Zhang Shuliang , Hua Mingyu , Liu Xueting , Pan Shupei , Hu Weibin , Ma Yanfang , Wang Ying , Zhang Xiaozhi
Published: May 2023

Radiotherapy benefits patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in terms of symptom relief and long-term survival. In contrast, a substantial proportion of ESCC patients have not benefited from radiotherapy. This study aimed to establish and validate an artificial neural network-based radiomics model for the pretreatment prediction of the radiotherapy response of advanced ESCC by using integrated data combined with feasible baseline characteristics of computed tomography. A total of 248 patients with advanced ESCC who underwent baseline CT and received radiotherapy were enrolled in this study and were analyzed by two types of radiomics models, machine learning and deep learning. As a result, the Att. Resnet50 pretrained network model indicated superior performance, with AUCs of 0.876, 0.802 and 0.732 in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, respectively. Similarly, our Att. Resnet50 pretrained network model showed excellent calibration and significant clinical benefit according to the C index and decision curve analysis. Herein, a novel pretreatment radiomics model was established based on deep learning methods and could be used for radiotherapy response prediction in advanced ESCC patients, thus providing reliable evidence for therapeutic decision-making.
Fuel-cell parameter estimation based on improved gorilla troops technique
Authors: Shaheen Abdullah , El-Sehiemy Ragab , El-Fergany Attia , Ginidi Ahmed
Published: May 2023

The parameter extraction of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is an active study area over the past few years to achieve accurate current/voltage (I/V) curves. This work proposes an advanced version of an improved gorilla troops technique (IGTT) to precisely estimate the PEMFC’s model parameters. The GTT's dual implementation of the migration approach enables boosting the exploitation phase and preventing becoming trapped in the local minima. Besides, a Tangent Flight Strategy (TFS) is incorporated with the exploitation stage for efficiently searching the search space. Using two common PEMFCs stacks of BCS 500W, and Modular SR-12, the developed IGTT is effectively applied. Furthermore, the two models are evaluated under varied partial temperature and pressure. In addition to this, different new recently inspired optimizers are employed for comparative validations namely supply demand optimization (SDO), flying foxes optimizer (FFO) and red fox optimizer (RFO). Also, a comparative assessment of the developed IGTT and the original GTT are tested to ten unconstrained benchmark functions following to the Congress on Evolutionary Computation (CEC) 2017. The proposed IGTT outperforms the standard GTT, grey wolf algorithm (GWA) and Particle swarm optimizer (PSO) in 92.5%, 87.5% and 92.5% of the statistical indices. Moreover, the viability of the IGTT is proved in comparison to various previously published frameworks-based parameter's identification of PEMFCs stacks. The obtained sum of squared errors (SSE) and the standard deviations (STD) are among the difficult approaches in this context and are quite competitive. For the PEMFCs stacks being studied, the developed IGTT achieves exceedingly small SSE values of 0.0117 and 0.000142 for BCS 500 and SR-12, respectively. Added to that, the IGTT gives superior performance compared to GTT, SDO, FFO and RFO obtaining the smallest SSE objective with the least STD ever.
Removing the association of random gene sets and survival time in cancers with positive random bias using fixed-point gene set
Authors: Maghsoudi Maryam , Aghdam Rosa , Eslahchi Changiz
Published: May 2023

Cancer research aims to identify genes that cause or control disease progression. Although a wide range of gene sets have been published, they are usually in poor agreement with one another. Furthermore, recent findings from a gene-expression cohort of different cancer types, known as positive random bias, showed that sets of genes chosen randomly are significantly associated with survival time much higher than expected. In this study, we propose a method based on Brouwer’s fixed-point theorem that employs significantly survival-associated random gene sets and reveals a small fixed-point gene set for cancers with a positive random bias property. These sets significantly correspond to cancer-related pathways with biological relevance for the progression and metastasis of the cancer types they represent. Our findings show that our proposed significant gene sets are biologically related to each cancer type available in the cancer genome atlas with the positive random bias property, and by using these sets, positive random bias is significantly more reduced in comparison with state-of-the-art methods in this field. The random bias property is removed in 8 of these 17 cancer types, and the number of random sets of genes associated with survival time is significantly reduced in the remaining 9 cancers.
Optically modified second harmonic generation in silicon oxynitride thin films via local layer heating
Authors: Lukeš Jakub , Kanclíř Vít , Václavík Jan , Melich Radek , Fuchs Ulrike , Žídek Karel
Published: May 2023

Strong second harmonic generation (SHG) in silicon nitride has been extensively studied—among others, in terms of laser-induced SHG enhancement in Si3N4 waveguides. This enhancement has been ascribed to the all-optical poling induced by the coherent photogalvanic effect. Yet, an analogous process for Si3N4 thin films has not been reported. Our article reports on the observation of laser-induced threefold SHG enhancement in Si3N4 thin films. The observed enhancement has many features similar to all-optical poling, such as highly nonlinear power dependence, cumulative effect, or connection to the Si3N4–Si interface. However, identical experiments for low-oxygen silicon oxynitride thin films lead to complex behavior, including laser-induced SHG reduction. Following a thorough experimental study, including the effects of repetition rate or pulse length, the observed results were ascribed to heat-induced SHG variation. In addition to revealing a new mechanism of laser-induced SHG variation, our results also provide a means to identify this mechanism.
Structural insights into the bi-specific cross-over dual variable antibody architecture by cryo-EM
Authors: Fernandez-Martinez David , Tully Mark D. , Leonard Gordon , Mathieu Magali , Kandiah Eaazhisai
Published: May 2023

Multi-specific antibodies (msAbs) are being developed as next generation antibody-based therapeutics. Knowledge of the three-dimensional structures, in the full antibody context, of their fragment antigen-binding (Fab) moieties with or without bound antigens is key to elucidating their therapeutic efficiency and stability. However, the flexibility of msAbs, a feature essential for their multi specificity, has hindered efforts in this direction. Cross-Over Dual Variable immunoglobulin (CODVIg) is a promising bispecific antibody format, designed to simultaneously target the interleukins IL4 and IL13. In this work we present the biophysical and structural characterisation of a CODVFab:IL13 complex in the full antibody context, using cryo-electron microscopy at an overall resolution of 4.2 Å. Unlike the 1:2 stoichiometry previously observed for CODVIg:IL4, CODVIg:IL13 shows a 1:1 stoichiometry. As well as providing details of the IL13-CODV binding interface, including the residues involved in the epitope-paratope region, the structure of CODVFab:IL13 also validates the use of labelling antibody as a new strategy for the single particle cryo-EM study of msAbs in complex with one, or more, antigens. This strategy reduced the inherent flexibility of the IL13 binding domain of CODV without inducing either structural changes at the epitope level or steric hindrance between the IL4 and IL13 binding regions of CODVIg. The work presented here thus also contributes to the development of methodology for the structural study of msAbs, a promising platform for cancer immunotherapy.
Perceptions and acceptability of the controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) model in The Gambia: a qualitative study
Authors: Dabira Edgard Diniba , Fehr Alexandra , Beloum Nathalie , Van geertruyden Jean-Pierre , Achan Jane , Erhart Annette , Martinez-Alvarez Melisa , D’Alessandro Umberto
Published: May 2023

Controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) studies, i.e. the deliberate infection of healthy volunteers with malaria parasites to study immune response and/or test drug or vaccine efficacy, are increasingly being conducted in malaria endemic countries, including in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there have been few studies on the perceptions and acceptability of CHMI by the local communities. This qualitative study assessed the perception and acceptability of such studies in The Gambia following the first CHMI study conducted in the country in March–May 2018. Data were collected through non-participant observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed using NVivo 12 software with an inductive-deductive approach. Sixty-seven participants were involved, including volunteers enrolled in the CHMI, community stakeholders and members of the Gambian Ethics Committee. Respondents expressed a positive view about CHMI. Key motivating factors for participation were the financial compensation, comprehensive health checks, and willingness to support malaria research. Risks associated with participation were considered low. Concerns raised included the frequency of bleeding and the blood volume collected.
Encouraging adoption of green manure technology to produce clean rice product
Authors: Valizadeh Naser , Jalilian Sara , Hallaj Zeynab , Esfandyari Bayat Samira , Hayati Dariush , Bazrafkan Khadijeh , Kianmehr Nazanin , Akbari Morteza
Published: May 2023

Green manure is used as an environmentally friendly technology to produce clean agricultural products. This technology not only helps reduce environmental and health concerns, but can also increase productivity. Green manure is especially needed in the production of paddy. Because rice as a strategic product is the main food of people in many countries of the world. Rice production using green manure can enable countries to develop and increase healthy production. However, the acceptance of this technology is low in many rice producing countries. In this regard, this study used an integrated and extended version of the theory of planned behavior to predict and encourage the adoption of green manure technology in Iran. To collect the required data, a cross-sectional survey was performed among Iranian rice growers and the results of hypothesis testing were analyzed using partial least squares-based structural equation modeling. The results revealed that moral norms of green manure, attitude towards green manure, perceived behavioral control on using green manure, and trialability of green manure have positive and significant effects on intention towards using green manure. In addition, bootstrap analysis showed that moral norms of green manure and trialability of green manure positively and significantly mediated the (indirect) effects of subjective norms towards application of green manure on intention towards using green manure. The results led to important practical and theoretical implications that could provide new insights for policy-makers, planners, and practitioners to develop and encourage the adoption of green manure technology to produce clean and healthy agricultural products.
High-resolution structural and functional retinal imaging in the awake behaving mouse
Authors: Feng Guanping , Joseph Aby , Dholakia Kosha , Shang Fei , Pfeifer Charles W. , Power Derek , Padmanabhan Krishnan , Schallek Jesse
Published: May 2023

The laboratory mouse has provided tremendous insight to the underpinnings of mammalian central nervous system physiology. In recent years, it has become possible to image single neurons, glia and vascular cells in vivo by using head-fixed preparations combined with cranial windows to study local networks of activity in the living brain. Such approaches have also succeeded without the use of general anesthesia providing insights to the natural behaviors of the central nervous system. However, the same has not yet been developed for the eye, which is constantly in motion. Here we characterize a novel head-fixed preparation that enables high-resolution adaptive optics retinal imaging at the single-cell level in awake-behaving mice. We reveal three new functional attributes of the normal eye that are overlooked by anesthesia: 1) High-frequency, low-amplitude eye motion of the mouse that is only present in the awake state 2) Single-cell blood flow in the mouse retina is reduced under anesthesia and 3) Mouse retinae thicken in response to ketamine/xylazine anesthesia. Here we show key benefits of the awake-behaving preparation that enables study of retinal physiology without anesthesia to study the normal retinal physiology in the mouse.
Boosting intracellular sodium selectively kills hepatocarcinoma cells and induces hepatocellular carcinoma tumor shrinkage in mice
Authors: Clemente Nausicaa , Baroni Simona , Fiorilla Simone , Tasso Francesco , Reano Simone , Borsotti Chiara , Ruggiero Maria Rosaria , Alchera Elisa , Corrazzari Marco , Walker Gillian , Follenzi Antonia , Crich Simonetta Geninatti , Carini Rita
Published: May 2023

Pharmacological treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a partial efficacy. Augmented Na+ content and water retention are observed in human cancers and offer unexplored targets for anticancer therapies. Na+ levels are evaluated upon treatments with the antibiotic cation ionophore Monensin by fluorimetry, ICP-MS, 23Na-MRI, NMR relaxometry, confocal or time-lapse analysis related to energy production, water fluxes and cell death, employing both murine and human HCC cell lines, primary murine hepatocytes, or HCC allografts in NSG mice. Na+ levels of HCC cells and tissue are 8-10 times higher than that of healthy hepatocytes and livers. Monensin further increases Na+ levels in HCC cells and in HCC allografts but not in primary hepatocytes and in normal hepatic and extrahepatic tissue. The Na+ increase is associated with energy depletion, mitochondrial Na+ load and inhibition of O2 consumption. The Na+ increase causes an enhancement of the intracellular water lifetime and death of HCC cells, and a regression and necrosis of allograft tumors, without affecting the proliferating activity of either HCCs or healthy tissues. These observations indicate that HCC cells are, unlike healthy cells, energetically incapable of compensating and surviving a pharmacologically induced Na+ load, highlighting Na+ homeostasis as druggable target for HCC therapy.
Relationship between oxide identity and electrocatalytic activity of platinum for ethanol electrooxidation in perchlorate acidic solution
Authors: You Xinyu , Han Jiaxing , Del Colle Vinicius , Xu Yuqiang , Chang Yannan , Sun Xiao , Wang Guichang , Ji Chen , Pan Changwei , Zhang Jiujun , Gao Qingyu
Published: May 2023

Water and its dissociated species at the solid‒liquid interface play critical roles in catalytic science; e.g., functions of oxygen species from water dissociation are gradually being recognized. Herein, the relationship between oxide identity (PtOHads, PtOads, and PtO2) and electrocatalytic activity of platinum for ethanol electrooxidation was obtained in perchlorate acidic solution over a wide potential range with an upper potential of 1.5 V (reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE). PtOHads and α-PtO2, rather than PtOads, act as catalytic centers promoting ethanol electrooxidation. This relationship was corroborated on Pt(111), Pt(110), and Pt(100) electrodes, respectively. A reaction mechanism of ethanol electrooxidation was developed with DFT calculations, in which platinum oxides-mediated dehydrogenation and hydrated reaction intermediate, geminal diol, can perfectly explain experimental results, including pH dependence of product selectivity and more active α-PtO2 than PtOHads. This work can be generalized to the oxidation of other substances on other metal/alloy electrodes in energy conversion and electrochemical syntheses.
Breaking universal limitations on quantum conference key agreement without quantum memory
Authors: Li Chen-Long , Fu Yao , Liu Wen-Bo , Xie Yuan-Mei , Li Bing-Hong , Zhou Min-Gang , Yin Hua-Lei , Chen Zeng-Bing
Published: May 2023

Quantum conference key agreement is an important cryptographic primitive for future quantum network. Realizing this primitive requires high-brightness and robust multiphoton entanglement sources, which is challenging in experiment and unpractical in application because of limited transmission distance caused by channel loss. Here we report a measurement-device-independent quantum conference key agreement protocol with enhanced transmission efficiency over lossy channel. With spatial multiplexing nature and adaptive operation, our protocol can break key rate bounds on quantum communication over quantum network without quantum memory. Compared with previous work, our protocol shows superiority in key rate and transmission distance within the state-of-the-art technology. Furthermore, we analyse the security of our protocol in the composable framework and evaluate its performance in the finite-size regime to show practicality. Based on our results, we anticipate that our protocol will play an important role in constructing multipartite quantum network.
High seismic velocity structures control moderate to strong induced earthquake behaviors by shale gas development
Authors: Li Junlun , Xu Jian , Zhang Haijiang , Yang Wen , Tan Yuyang , Zhang Fengshou , Meng Lingyuan , Zang Yang , Miao Siyu , Guo Chang , Li Zhenyue , Lu Renqi , Sun Jianbao
Published: May 2023

Moderate to strong earthquakes have been induced worldwide by shale gas development, however, it is still unclear what factors control their behaviors. Here we use local seismic networks to reliably determine the source attributes of dozens of M > 3 earthquakes and obtain a high-resolution shear-wave velocity model using ambient noise tomography. These earthquakes are found to occur close to the target shale formations in depth and along high seismic velocity boundaries. The magnitudes and co-seismic slip distributions of the 2018 Xingwen$${M}_{{{{{{\rm{L}}}}}}}5.7$$ML5.7and 2019 Gongxian$${M}_{{{{{{\rm{L}}}}}}}5.3$$ML5.3earthquakes are further determined jointly by seismic waveforms and InSAR data, and the co-seismic slips of these two earthquakes correlate with high seismic velocity zones along the fault planes. Thus, the distribution of high velocity zones near the target shale formations, together with the stress state modulated by hydraulic fracturing controls induced earthquake behaviors and is critical for understanding the seismic potentials of hydraulic fracturing.
Distribution and diversity of ‘Tectomicrobia’, a deep-branching uncultivated bacterial lineage harboring rich producers of bioactive metabolites
Authors: Peters Eike E , Cahn Jackson K B , Lotti Alessandro , Gavriilidou Asimenia , Steffens Ursula A E , Loureiro Catarina , Schorn Michelle A , Cárdenas Paco , Vickneswaran Nilani , Crews Phillip , Sipkema Detmer , Piel Jörn
Published: May 2023

Genomic and functional analyses of bacterial sponge symbionts belonging to the uncultivated candidate genus ‘Entotheonella’ has revealed them as the prolific producers of bioactive compounds previously identified from their invertebrate hosts. These studies also suggested ‘Entotheonella’ as the first members of a new candidate phylum, ‘Tectomicrobia’. Here we analyzed the phylogenetic structure and environmental distribution of this as-yet sparsely populated phylum-like lineage. The data show that ‘Entotheonella’ and other ‘Tectomicrobia’ are not restricted to marine habitats but widely distributed among terrestrial locations. The inferred phylogenetic trees suggest several intra-phylum lineages with diverse lifestyles. Of these, the previously described ‘Entotheonella’ lineage can be more accurately divided into at least three different candidate genera with the terrestrial ‘Candidatus Prasianella’, the largely terrestrial ‘Candidatus Allonella’, the ‘Candidatus Thalassonella’ comprising sponge-associated members, and the more widely distributed ‘Candidatus Entotheonella’. Genomic characterization of ‘Thalassonella’ members from a range of sponge hosts did not suggest a role as providers of natural products, despite high genomic similarity to ‘Entotheonella’ regarding primary metabolism and implied lifestyle. In contrast, the analysis revealed a correlation between the revised ‘Entotheonella’ 16S rRNA gene phylogeny and a specific association with sponges and their natural products. This feature might serve as a discovery method to accelerate the identification of new chemically rich ‘Entotheonella’ variants, and led to the identification of the first ‘Entotheonella’ symbiont in a non-tetractinellid sponge, Psammocinia sp., indicating a wide host distribution of ‘Entotheonella’-based chemical symbiosis.
Incongruence between transcriptional and vascular pathophysiological cell states
Authors: Fernández-Chacón Macarena , Mühleder Severin , Regano Alvaro , Garcia-Ortega Lourdes , Rocha Susana F. , Torroja Carlos , Sanchez-Muñoz Maria S. , Lytvyn Mariya , Casquero-Garcia Verónica , De Andrés-Laguillo Macarena , Muhl Lars , Orlich Michael M. , Gaengel Konstantin , Camafeita Emilio , Vázquez Jesús , Benguría Alberto , Iruela-Arispe M. Luisa , Dopazo Ana , Sánchez-Cabo Fátima , Carter Hannah , Benedito Rui
Published: May 2023

The Notch pathway is a major regulator of endothelial transcriptional specification. Targeting the Notch receptors or Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) dysregulates angiogenesis. Here, by analyzing single and compound genetic mutants for all Notch signaling members, we find significant differences in the way ligands and receptors regulate liver vascular homeostasis. Loss of Notch receptors caused endothelial hypermitogenic cell-cycle arrest and senescence. Conversely, Dll4 loss triggered a strong Myc-driven transcriptional switch inducing endothelial proliferation and the tip-cell state. Myc loss suppressed the induction of angiogenesis in the absence of Dll4, without preventing the vascular enlargement and organ pathology. Similarly, inhibition of other pro-angiogenic pathways, including MAPK/ERK and mTOR, had no effect on the vascular expansion induced by Dll4 loss; however, anti-VEGFA treatment prevented it without fully suppressing the transcriptional and metabolic programs. This study shows incongruence between single-cell transcriptional states, vascular phenotypes and related pathophysiology. Our findings also suggest that the vascular structure abnormalization, rather than neoplasms, causes the reported anti-Dll4 antibody toxicity.
Childhood asthma, allergies and risk of premenstrual disorders in young adulthood
Authors: Yang Yihui , Gong Tong , Camargo Carlos A. , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur A. , Bertone-Johnson Elizabeth , Lu Donghao
Published: May 2023

Emerging evidence suggests inflammation is involved in the development of premenstrual disorders (PMDs). We assessed whether childhood asthma and allergies, as inflammatory conditions that may share etiology with PMDs, are associated with risk of PMDs in adulthood. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 6,524 girls in the Growing Up Today Study between 1996 and 2013. Self- and mother-reported diagnoses of asthma and allergies before age 18 were assessed at baseline and updated multiple times during follow-up. Current premenstrual symptoms and cases of PMDs were evaluated using validated tools in 2013. Log-binomial and linear regressions were employed to assess the associations of asthma/allergies with PMDs and premenstrual symptoms (zscore), respectively. At a mean (s.d.) age of 25.7 (3.5) years, 19.3% of participants met the criteria for PMDs. Compared with girls free of asthma, those having asthma had an increased risk of PMDs (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 1.20 [95% CI 1.07 to 1.34]) and increased symptom score (β = 0.13 [95% CI 0.08 to 0.19]). Allergies were positively associated with PMDs (aRR 1.11 [95% CI 0.99 to 1.24]) and premenstrual symptoms (β = 0.09 [95% CI 0.04 to 0.14]). Specifically, the association with PMDs was statistically significant for food allergy (aRR 1.28 [95% CI 1.06 to 1.54]). The associations between asthma/food allergy and PMDs appeared more pronounced for probable premenstrual dysphoric disorder than for premenstrual syndrome. The findings, which show that individuals with childhood asthma or food allergy are at increased risk of PMDs in adulthood, may provide important evidence for future mechanistic research into inflammation and PMDs.
Delivery mechanism of doxorubicin by PEG–DPPE micelles on membrane invasion by dynamic simulations
Authors: Zhao Lina , Ren Meina , Wang Yanjiao , An Hailong , Sun Fude
Published: May 2023

The micelle-membrane interaction shows a stepwise form attributed to a rearrangement of the zwitterionic/anionic lipids upon absorption of the DOX-micelle complex on a membrane locality, following a rapid release of DOX to the bilayer interior.
Enantioselective synthesis of 3a-azido-pyrroloindolines by copper-catalyzed asymmetric dearomative azidation of tryptamines
Authors: Lin Cheng-Zhou , Jiang Ling-Feng , Zhang Guang-Yi , Zhou Fang-Shuai , Wu Shao-Hua , Cao Jing , Deng Qing-Hai
Published: May 2023

A facile strategy for the construction of enantioenriched 3a-azido-pyrroloindolinesviaa copper-catalyzed asymmetric dearomative azidation of tryptamines is presented.
Integrated separation and detection of exosomes via a label-free magnetic SERS platform
Authors: Han Lingfei , Zhu Chengcheng , Tan Zheng , Wang Jin , Liao Xuewei , Xia Xing-Hua , Wang Chen
Published: May 2023

Integrated separation and detection of exosomes via a label-free magnetic SERS platform using Fe3O4/Au NPs for cancer diagnosis.
On the role of wall thickness in determining the plasmonic properties of silver-gold nanocages
Authors: Shao Shikuan , Wang Ankai , Gupta Ria , Zou Shengli , Xia Xiaohu
Published: May 2023

Understanding the roles played by wall thickness in determining the plasmonic properties of Ag–Au nanocages from both experimental and theoretical perspectives.
The origin of twins in the growth of the (100) plane of a β-Ga2O3 crystal using EFG
Authors: Bu Yuzhe , Wei Jinshan , Sai Qinglin , Qi Hongji
Published: May 2023

The twins in the (010) plane of a (100) oriented β-Ga2O3 crystal by EFG. The formation of twin crystals is accompanied by the slip of the (102̄) plane.
Novel high-temperature phase and crystal structure evolution of CsCuBr3 halide identified by neutron powder diffraction
Authors: Abia Carmen , López Carlos A. , Gainza Javier , Rodrigues João Elias F. S. , Fernández-Díaz María T. , Céspedes Eva , Martínez José Luis , Alonso José Antonio
Published: May 2023

CsCuBr3 presents an orthorhombic phase (C2221) at 20–400 K, comprising dimer units of face-sharing [CuBr6] octahedra. At 420 K, a novel high-temperature phase is identified (P6522) containing infinite chains of [CuBr4] square-planar units.
A tetrahydroacridine derivative and its conjugate with gold nanoparticles: promising agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mojzych Ilona , Zawadzka Anna , Kaczyńska Katarzyna , Wojciechowski Piotr , Zając Dominika , Chotkowski Maciej , Wiktorska Katarzyna , Maurin Jan K. , Mazur Maciej
Published: May 2023

A new acetylcholinesterase inhibitor was synthesized. It has been demonstrated that both the compound itself and its conjugate with gold nanoparticles have potential applications in the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Mechanisms of glycine formation from aminoacetonitrile in space
Authors: Choe Joong Chul
Published: May 2023

A barrierless pathway for the formation of glycine from the reaction of NH2CH2CN + ˙OH + H2O with a catalytic H2O was found by CBS-QB3 calculation.
Polarization-independent plasmon-induced transparency and slow light effects in a fully continuous symmetric cross-shaped monolayer graphene structure
Authors: Wan Can , Xiong Cuixiu , Tan Meng , Wei Chengya , Wang Jie , Zhang Saiwen
Published: May 2023

We achieved polarization-independent optical responses and considerable slow light performance in a fully continuous symmetric cross-shaped monolayer graphene structure.
Quantum and semiclassical studies of nonadiabatic electronic transitions between N(4S) and N(2D) by collisions with N2
Authors: Lu Dandan , Galvão Breno R. L. , Varandas Antonio J. C. , Guo Hua
Published: May 2023

Quantum and semi-classical calculations for the excitation of N(4S) to N(2D) by collision with hyperthermal N2 are found to be slow.
A combined spectroscopic and computational investigation on the solvent-to-chromophore excited-state proton transfer in the 2,2′-pyridylbenzimidazole–methanol complex
Authors: Jarupula Ramesh , Khodia Saurabh , Shabeeb Muhammed , Maity Surajit
Published: May 2023

This article demonstrates experimental proof of excited state ‘solvent-to-chromophore’ proton transfer (ESPT) in the isolated gas phase PBI (2,2′-pyridylbenzimidazole)–CH3OH complex, aided by computational calculations.
Unravelling the adsorption and electroreduction performance of CO2 and N2 over defective and B, P, Si-doped C3Ns: a DFT study
Authors: Wang Dandan , Liu Xueting , Yang Huiru , Zhao Ziang , Liu Yucheng , Qu Xin , Yang Lihua , Feng Ming , Sun Zaicheng
Published: May 2023

PN–VC–C3N, and BN–C3N and PN–C3N are screened as the best and good electrocatalyst for CO2RR towards HCOOH with UL = −0.17 V, −0.38 V and −0.46 V, respectively. Moreover, SiC–C3N is an alternative electrocatalyst for the CO2RR to CH3OH.
Photocatalytic one-pot alkylation of nitrobenzene with benzyl alcohol for the precise synthesis of N-benzylideneaniline over F-doped Bi2MoO6 nanosheets
Authors: Zou Guangcheng , Cao Rui , Cui Conghui , Luo Yuqiang , Huang Chen , Cui Xinwei , Wang Zhiwen , Song Yujie
Published: May 2023

Selective chemisorption and activation of benzyl alcohol and nitrobenzene on F0.04-BMO-NSs via interface coordination Bi3+ (Mo6+)⋯OH–C– and Mo5+⋯O2N. Hydrogen transfer takes place from the alcohol to nitrobenzene precisely forming N-benzylideneaniline.
Modulation of iron spin states in highly distorted iron(iii) porphyrins: H-bonding interactions and implications in hemoproteins
Authors: Sahoo Dipankar , Mazumdar Rakesh , Pramanik Subhadip , Banerjee Sayantani , Patra Ranjan , Rath Sankar Prasad
Published: May 2023

A family of five- and six-coordinated Fe-porphyrins has been reported which enable us to scrutinize the effects of H-bonding interactions on the out-of-plane displacement of iron and its spin-state.
Nanosheets of two-dimensional photoluminescent lanthanide phosphonocarboxylate frameworks decorated with free carboxylic groups for latent fingerprint imaging
Authors: Luo Dan , He Hongjie , Jing Huiru , Ling Yun , Jia Yu , Yang Yongtai , Liu Xiaofeng , Chen Zhenxia , Deng Mingli
Published: May 2023

Nanosheets of 2-D lanthanide phosphonocarboxylate frameworks are exfoliated and the pendent carboxyl groups react with intrinsic amino groups in the ridges to form covalent bonds for strong labelling of fingerprints.
Syntheses and magnetic properties of a bis-bidentate nitronyl nitroxide radical based on triazolopyrimidine and its metal complexes
Authors: Xia Cheng-Cai , Zhang Xin-Yu , Zhang Cheng-Cheng , Li Gang , Wei Hai-Yan , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: May 2023

A triazolopyrimidine-substituted bis-bidentate nitronyl nitroxide radical with bridging and chelating abilities and its metal complexes with spin structures of 2p–3d, 2p–3d–2p, and 3d–2p–3d have been synthesized and characterized.
Vitamin D deficiency in early life regulates gut microbiome composition and leads to impaired glucose tolerance in adult and offspring rats
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Junyi , Zhang Jingyi , Liu Chunyan , Qu Chunbo , Na Lixin
Published: May 2023

Vitamin D deficiency in early life leads to impaired glucose tolerance in adult and offspring rats. This effect may be partly achieved by regulating gut microbiota including Desulfovibrio, Roseburia, Blautia as well as their co-metabolites.
l-Theanine attenuates heat stress-induced proteotoxicity and alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolismviaheat shock factor 1
Authors: Lin Ling , Han Shumin , Gong Zhihua , Ding Furong , Liu Zhonghua , Xiao Wenjun
Published: May 2023

l-Theanine alleviated heat stress-induced proteotoxicityviaHsf1/Hsp70 and heat stress-induced metabolic stress by acting on the interaction of Hsf1–AMPK.
Citrus tangerine pith extract alleviates hypoxia-induced ileum damage in mice by modulating intestinal microbiota
Authors: Yu Yijing , Li Ran , Pu Lingling , Pan Cunyao , Guo Changjiang , Wang Xinxing
Published: May 2023

Citrus tangerine pith extract (CTPE) supplementation effectively alleviated hypoxia-induced mucosal barrier damage of ileum, significantly down-regulated proinflammatory cytokines and increased abundance of probiotic Lactobacillus in mice.
Ionic liquids as a new cornerstone to support hydrogen energy
Authors: Liu Yanrong , Cui Jiayao , Wang Hao , Wang Ke , Tian Yuan , Xue Xiaoyi , Qiao Yueyang , Ji Xiaoyan , Zhang Suojiang
Published: May 2023

This work reviewed how ionic liquids support hydrogen energy technologies for production, storage and utilization.
Inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur catalyzed by trialkyl amines
Authors: Hwang Jae Hyuk , Lee Ji Mok , Seo Jong Hwi , Noh Guk Yun , Byun Wonmoo , Kim Seonggeon , Lee Woohwa , Park Sungmin , Kim Dong-Gyun , Kim Yong Seok
Published: May 2023

Under eco-friendly trialkyl amine catalysis, facile and fast low-temperature inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur using unreactive crosslinkers is enabled.
Biochemical and metabolic signatures are fundamental to drought adaptation in PGPR Enterobacter bugandensis WRS7
Authors: Arora Saumya , Babele Piyoosh K , Jha Prabhat Nath
Published: May 2023

Schematic representation of metabolomics and systems biology approaches to dissect drought induced physiological and metabolic responses and defence mechanism in PGPR Eb WRS7.
Mixtures of the [TMA][EPPS] ionic liquid with methanol, ethanol, or water: thermophysical properties and molecular interactions
Authors: Mustain Asalil , Gupta Bhupender S. , Taha Mohamed , Lee Ming-Jer
Published: May 2023

Self-buffering and biocompatible ionic liquids (ILs) derived from biological buffers, such as Good's buffers, have been recognized as potential innovative green agents for many practical applications.
Ionic liquid gel electrolyte with a WS2 electrode for highly stable high-voltage solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Rani Priyanka , Banerjee Rajdeep , Adhya Prama , Ray Samit K , Midya Anupam , Goswami Dipak K
Published: May 2023

Highly stable and efficient supercapacitor fabrication is reported using an optimum concentration of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIC) in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel electrolyte and bare WS2-based electrodes.
Acid-sensitive PEG-removable nanoscale liposomes for delivery of doxorubicin in A549/ADR therapy
Authors: Chen Hailiang , Liu Chenyu , Yu Simiao , Zhou Hengjun , Shafiq Farishta , Qiao Weihong
Published: May 2023

Acid-sensitive PEG-removable mPEG-NCH-DOB was prepared for modification of liposomes PHDGX to overcome the “PEG dilemma”. PHDGX can accelerate the release of DOX in acidic media and overcome the DOX resistance of A549/ADR at low DOX concentrations.
Derivatives of penta-, hexa-, and hepta-coordinated tin with Schiff bases and 1,10-phenanthroline: structure, redox and optoelectronic properties
Authors: Krylova Irina V. , Labutskaya Liliya D. , Markova Mariya O. , Balycheva Victoriya A. , Shangin Pavel G. , Akyeva Anna Ya. , Golovina Victoriya V. , Minyaev Mikhail E. , Lalov Andrey V. , Pechennikov Valery M. , Novikov Vasiliy T. , Egorov Mikhail P. , Syroeshkin Mikhail A.
Published: May 2023

Five new diethyltin derivatives with Schiff bases containing O- and S-substituents, as well as an N,N′-donor bidentate ligand, and their physicochemical properties.
Broken-gap type-III band alignment in monolayer halide perovskite/antiperovskite oxide van der Waals heterojunctions
Authors: Zhong Hongxia , Xu Zhengyu , Feng Chunbao , Wan Xiaoying , Li Jiahui , Wang Hai , Tang Gang
Published: May 2023

We show that Rb2CdCl4/Ba4OSb2 van der Waals heterostructures exhibit a rare type-III band alignment with a broken gap, which can be tuned by applying strain or an external electric field, paving the way for the novel tunnel field-effect transistors.
Shape optimization of a meniscus-adherent nanotip
Authors: Tian Shihao , Chen Xudong , Yuan Quanzi
Published: May 2023

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to explore the process of a meniscus-adherent nanotip dissolving into an optimized shape to shield the capillary effect.
Room temperature exciton formation and robust optical properties of CVD-grown ultrathin Bi2O2Se crystals on arbitrary substrates
Authors: Hossain Md Tarik , Jena Tadasha , Nath Upasana , Sarma Manabendra , Giri P. K.
Published: May 2023

Spectroscopic evidence of exciton formation at room temperature and robust optical properties of CVD-grown ultrathin Bi2O2Se crystals on arbitrary substrates.
Switch effect on controlled water splitting by biaxial strain regulating the promising two-dimensional Janus X2PAs (X = Si, Ge and Sn) photocatalyst
Authors: He Qi-Wen , Wu Yang , Yang Chun-Hua , Zhang He-Na , Tang Dai-Song , Shang Xiao , Wang Xiao-Chun
Published: May 2023

The reaction switch effect can control the microscopic photocatalytic process of water splitting on X2PAs (X = Si, Ge and Sn) monolayers through macroscopic mechanical strain.
Annulation of α-bromocinnamaldehydes to access 3-formyl-imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines and pyrimidines under transition metal-free conditions
Authors: Zhang Fanglian , Liu Jiameng , Luo Wenjun , Zhu Yuping , Xiao Yi , Ma Shuxian , Luo Feixian , Chen Zhengwang
Published: May 2023

An efficient synthesis of 3-formyl-imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines and pyrimidines under transition metal-free conditions.