bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiplex genome engineering in Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 using CRISPR-Cas12a
Authors: Patinios Constantinos , de Vries Stijn T. , Diallo Mamou , Lanza Lucrezia , Verbrugge Pepijn L. J. V. Q. , López-Contreras Ana M. , van der Oost John , Weusthuis Ruud A. , Kengen Servé W. M.
Published: June 2023

Clostridium species are re-emerging as biotechnological workhorses for industrial acetone–butanol–ethanol production. This re-emergence is largely due to advances in fermentation technologies but also due to advances in genome engineering and re-programming of the native metabolism. Several genome engineering techniques have been developed including the development of numerous CRISPR-Cas tools. Here, we expanded the CRISPR-Cas toolbox and developed a CRISPR-Cas12a genome engineering tool in Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052. By controlling the expression of FnCas12a with the xylose-inducible promoter, we achieved efficient (25–100%) single-gene knockout of five C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 genes (spo0A, upp, Cbei_1291, Cbei_3238, Cbei_3832). Moreover, we achieved multiplex genome engineering by simultaneously knocking out the spo0A and upp genes in a single step with an efficiency of 18%. Finally, we showed that the spacer sequence and position in the CRISPR array can affect the editing efficiency outcome.
5-Aminolevulinic acid increases boronophenylalanine uptake into glioma stem cells and may sensitize malignant glioma to boron neutron capture therapy
Authors: Fukumura Masao , Nonoguchi Naosuke , Kawabata Shinji , Hiramatsu Ryo , Futamura Gen , Takeuchi Koji , Kanemitsu Takuya , Takata Takushi , Tanaka Hiroki , Suzuki Minoru , Sampetrean Oltea , Ikeda Naokado , Kuroiwa Toshihiko , Saya Hideyuki , Nakano Ichiro , Wanibuchi Masahiko
Published: June 2023

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a high-LET particle radiotherapy clinically tested for treating malignant gliomas. Boronophenylalanine (BPA), a boron-containing phenylalanine derivative, is selectively transported into tumor cells by amino acid transporters, making it an ideal agent for BNCT. In this study, we investigated whether the amino acid 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) could sensitize glioma stem cells (GSCs) to BNCT by enhancing the uptake of BPA. Using human and mouse GSC lines, pre-incubation with ALA increased the intracellular accumulation of BPA dose-dependent. We also conducted in vivo experiments by intracerebrally implanting HGG13 cells in mice and administering ALA orally 24 h before BPA administration (ALA + BPA-BNCT). The ALA preloading group increased the tumor boron concentration and improved the tumor/blood boron concentration ratio, resulting in improved survival compared to the BPA-BNCT group. Furthermore, we found that the expression of amino acid transporters was upregulated following ALA treatment both in vitro and in vivo, particularly for ATB0,+. This suggests that ALA may sensitize GSCs to BNCT by upregulating the expression of amino acid transporters, thereby enhancing the uptake of BPA and improving the effectiveness of BNCT. These findings have important implications for strategies to improve the sensitivity of malignant gliomas to BPA-BNCT.
Miniaturized V-band circularly polarized leaky-wave antenna with continuous radiation coverage using modified waveguide and metasurface CSRRs
Authors: Torabi Yalda , Oraizi Homayoon , Araghi Ali , Khalily Mohsen
Published: June 2023

A miniaturized V-band leaky-wave antenna (LWA) with circular polarization and backward-broadside-forward radiation based on a modified half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (M-HMSIW) is presented. The proposed M-HMSIW structure employs broadside coupled complementary split ring resonators to replace metallic vias, resulting in low-cost and fully-planar fabrication advantages over conventional HMSIWs. Each unit cell of the proposed LWA consists of an M-HMSIW in combination with two horizontal stubs and a cross-shaped complementary electric LC slot to provide a proper circular polarization with a composite right/left-handed property. Using this structure, the balanced condition can be obtained for the unit cell; hence a continuous backward-to-forward scanning, including broadside, is achieved. As a result, the proposed LWA with a radiator length of only 3.8λ0provides wide-angle beam scanning from − 53° to + 54° over the frequency range of 61.2 GHz to 73.4 GHz, while maintaining an excellent circular polarization between − 25° and 25°. The maximum gain of the LWA is 11.1 dB which is satisfactory, considering its compactness. The antenna’s performance is experimentally verified, and close agreement between the simulations and measurements is observed.
Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) endemicity and performance of preventive chemotherapy intervention programme in Nigeria (in year 2021)
Authors: Oyeyemi Oyetunde T. , Okunlola Oluyemi A.
Published: June 2023

Preventive chemotherapy (PC) is an important tool to address transmission and reduce morbidities associated with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). The aim of the study is to assess the PC implementation programme coverage and relate the same to the endemicity of STH in Nigeria. The secondary data collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) through the expanded special project for elimination of neglected tropical diseases (ESPEN) and made available at the ESPEN portal was used for the study. The PC implementation coverage and frequency of treatment were evaluated and related to STH endemicity levels in Nigeria. STH was actively transmitted in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The southern part of Nigeria was more endemic compared with northern Nigeria. There was no PC intervention in preschoolers and effective PC coverage (19.3%) fell below the WHO ≥ 75% PC coverage index benchmark in school children. The percentages of children that harbour low, moderate, and high STH infections were 41.5, 41.6, and 13.4%, respectively. Multiple treatments did not necessarily reduce the endemicity of STH on certain occasions. STH continues to be a public health threat in Nigeria. The current treatment strategies should be reviewed to accommodate preschoolers in PC implementation programmes. Treatment should be integrated with the WASH programme in order to achieve a lasting impact.
Detection of pyridine derivatives by SABRE hyperpolarization at zero field
Authors: Put Piotr , Alcicek Seyma , Bondar Oksana , Bodek Łukasz , Duckett Simon , Pustelny Szymon
Published: June 2023

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool used in modern science and technology. Its novel incarnation, based on measurements of NMR signals without external magnetic fields, provides direct access to intramolecular interactions based on heteronuclear scalar J-coupling. The uniqueness of these interactions makes each zero-field NMR spectrum distinct and useful in chemical fingerprinting. However, the necessity of heteronuclear coupling often results in weak signals due to the low abundance of certain nuclei (e.g., 15N). Hyperpolarization of such compounds may solve the problem. In this work, we investigate molecules with natural isotopic abundance that are polarized using non-hydrogenative parahydrogen-induced polarization. We demonstrate that spectra of hyperpolarized naturally abundant pyridine derivatives can be observed and uniquely identified whether the same substituent is placed at a different position of the pyridine ring or different constituents are placed at the same position. To do so, we constructed an experimental system using a home-built nitrogen vapor condenser, which allows for consistent long-term measurements, crucial for identifying naturally abundant hyperpolarized molecules at a concentration level of ~1 mM. This opens avenues for future chemical detection of naturally abundant compounds using zero-field NMR.
High-plex immunofluorescence imaging and traditional histology of the same tissue section for discovering image-based biomarkers
Authors: Lin Jia-Ren , Chen Yu-An , Campton Daniel , Cooper Jeremy , Coy Shannon , Yapp Clarence , Tefft Juliann B. , McCarty Erin , Ligon Keith L. , Rodig Scott J. , Reese Steven , George Tad , Santagata Sandro , Sorger Peter K.
Published: June 2023

Precision medicine is critically dependent on better methods for diagnosing and staging disease and predicting drug response. Histopathology using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained tissue (not genomics) remains the primary diagnostic method in cancer. Recently developed highly multiplexed tissue imaging methods promise to enhance research studies and clinical practice with precise, spatially resolved single-cell data. Here, we describe the ‘Orion’ platform for collecting H&E and high-plex immunofluorescence images from the same cells in a whole-slide format suitable for diagnosis. Using a retrospective cohort of 74 colorectal cancer resections, we show that immunofluorescence and H&E images provide human experts and machine learning algorithms with complementary information that can be used to generate interpretable, multiplexed image-based models predictive of progression-free survival. Combining models of immune infiltration and tumor-intrinsic features achieves a 10- to 20-fold discrimination between rapid and slow (or no) progression, demonstrating the ability of multimodal tissue imaging to generate high-performance biomarkers.
Emerging conjugated polymers for heterogeneous photocatalytic chemical transformation
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wei Wenxin , Zhang Kai A. I.
Published: June 2023

Design strategies for efficient π-conjugated polymer-based photocatalysts, and the progress achieved in light-driven chemical transformations using them.
Effects of semicore electrons on stopping power in helium-irradiated aluminum nanosheets
Authors: Pang Su-Na , Wang Feng , Sun Ya-Ting , Mao Fei , Gao Cong-Zhang
Published: June 2023

Our studies show that the semicore electron contributes significantly to the electronic stopping in helium-irradiated Al nanosheets.
Utilising bio-based plasticiser castor oil and recycled PLA for the production of conductive additive manufacturing feedstock and detection of bisphenol A
Authors: Crapnell Robert D. , Arantes Iana V. S. , Whittingham Matthew J. , Sigley Evelyn , Kalinke Cristiane , Janegitz Bruno C. , Bonacin Juliano A. , Paixão Thiago R. L. C. , Banks Craig E.
Published: June 2023

The production of electrically conductive additive manufacturing feedstocks from recycled poly(lactic acid) (rPLA), carbon black (CB), and bio-based plasticiser castor oil is reported herein.
Quantitative framework development for understanding the relationship between doping and photoelectrochemical energy conversion of TiO2
Authors: Markose Aparna , Das Debanita , Ravindran Prasanth
Published: June 2023

This review suggests an alternative quantitative framework for developing and establishing the relationship between doping and photoelectrochemical energy conversion in TiO2 based devices.
The iron-manganese bimetal-MOF with double mimic enzyme: DFT verification and colorimetric detection of Cr(vi)
Authors: Bai Dehong , Xue Ziyu , Li Shaohui , Meng Ran , Zhang Dongxia , Zhou Xibin
Published: June 2023

This study was found for the first time that the iron-manganese bimetal-MOF (FexMny-MOF) had dual mimic enzyme activity. Density functional theory (DFT) proved this mechanism, and the oxidase-like enzyme of the catalyst was used for the sensitive detection of Cr(vi).
Insight into the kinetic behavior of microwave-assisted synthesis of NaX zeolite from lithium slag
Authors: Huang Shaozu , Wang Yu , Zhang Lin , Zhu Shenjie , Ma Zhengfei , Cui Qun , Wang Haiyan
Published: June 2023

Using microwave-assisted technology to shorten the synthesis time of NaX zeolite and proposing the reaction mechanism for synthesizing NaX zeolite from waste lithium slag.
Recent advances in membrane mimetics for membrane protein research
Authors: Young John William
Published: June 2023

Membrane proteins are a highly relevant class of biological molecules and comprise ∼60% of current drug targets. Before being analyzed by structural, biochemical, and biophysical methods, membrane proteins must first be extracted from cellular membranes — often using detergents. Detergent-extracted membrane proteins are amenable to analysis by structural, biochemical, and biophysical techniques. In certain cases, however, detergents can disturb native protein conformations and/or biological activity. This has led to the development of membrane mimetics, which stabilize membrane proteins in a native membrane-like environment that is water-soluble and detergent-free. This review provides an overview of recent developments in the membrane mimetic field, with a focus on nanodiscs, Saposin lipid nanoparticles (SapNPs), peptidiscs, and SMA lipid particles (SMALPs) — and highlights their utility for supporting biophysical, biochemical, and structural characterization of membrane proteins and complexes.
Hearing Health Care Stakeholders' Perspectives on Teleaudiology Implementation: Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Pathways Forward
Authors: Mui Boaz , Muzaffar Jameel , Chen Jinsong , Bidargaddi Niranjan , Shekhawat Giriraj Singh
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to explore how teleaudiology is perceived by Australian-based hearing health care stakeholders (clients, clinicians, students, academics, and industry partners) to inform future teleaudiology implementation.

Method:

Five cross-sectional online surveys were adopted, and a total of 366 stakeholders responded (173 clients, 110 clinicians, 58 students, 19 academics, and six industry partners).

Results:

Results show that 55% of clients and over 90% of clinicians, students, academics, and industry partners knew what teleaudiology was. Experience in teleaudiology appointments was shared by 85% of clinicians and 7% of clients. Moreover, 98% of clients were not offered any teleaudiology appointments. Teleaudiology apps were used by 66% of clinicians and 26% of clients. Both clients and clinicians acknowledged the benefits of teleaudiology including convenience and accessibility and identified drawbacks, such as loss of personal interaction and communication difficulty. About 80% of students and academics reported inclusion of teleaudiology within their universities' curriculum but only to a limited extent. Low teleaudiology uptake rates in placement clinics, as well as insufficient funding and staffing, were suggested as barriers to learning and teaching teleaudiology. Industry partners were generally confident in training clinicians to use teleaudiology products and teaching students on teleaudiology, but only one industry partner had been invited by universities for teaching purposes.

Conclusions:

Low teleaudiology use and reserved attitudes toward widespread teleaudiology implementation were observed among clients. Clinicians, students, academics, and industry partners generally displayed positive attitudes toward teleaudiology use. Increasing awareness of teleaudiology services and collaboration between stakeholders are crucial in promoting teleaudiology uptake.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23519292
The Effectiveness of the Probiotic Additives Use in the Breeding of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Lysenko Yury , Koshchaev Andrey , Luneva Albina , Nikolaenko Samvel , Epishina Tatiana
Published: June 2023

The research paper presents the results of the use of a new probiotic feed additive containing a dry culture of lactic acid bacteria and fillers of plant origin in the diet of young poultry. The use of probiotics in the diet of broiler chickens showed that outdoor and cage keeping conditions did not significantly affect the economic and productive parameters of poultry, while the use of feed additives in their diet provided an increase in the preservation of Ross 308 cross by 6.0 and 4.0%, the live weight gain by 5.6 and 5.5%, and the slaughter yield of gutted chicken carcasses by 3.2 and 4.0%, as well as the decrease in the feed conversion by 4.4 and 3.9%. In broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 cross, the feed additive provided an increase in the preservation of livestock by 4.0 and 6.0%, the increase in the live weight by 6.6%, the slaughter yield of the gutted poultry carcass by 2.1 and 2.7%, as well as the decrease in feed conversion by 5.9 and 5.4%. As a result of the research, it is recommended to introduce a new microbial feed additive in the diet at a dose of 0.7 kg per 1 ton of feed additionally throughout the entire growing period to improve the preservation, increase the live weight of poultry, meat productivity and its quality, and reduce the cost of compound feed to obtain a unit of production for broiler chickens of Ross 308 and Cobb 500 crosses.
Efficiency of winter wheat crops harrowing with simultaneous application of solid mineral fertilizers
Authors: Serguntsov Alexander , Yudina Elena
Published: June 2023

Proper care of plants during the growing season is the main factor in obtaining high yields. To produce a high-quality product, it is necessary to carry out soil cultivation, plant protection and fertilizing in time. However, the above operations increase the cost of the products received. We propose the development of a multifunctional unit with which it is possible to combine two technological operations, harrowing with simultaneous application of mineral fertilizers. This technical solution will reduce labor costs, increase productivity, and reduce the number of technical means used.
Tо Ecological Monitoring of Self- Propelled Field Sprinklers
Authors: Belousov Sergey V. , Tsybulevsky Valery V. , Roshchupkin Stanislav I. , Belousova Anna I.
Published: June 2023

An improved method for making a decision on choosing the best self-propelled sprayer from alternative options is proposed. It refers to new developments in various fields of environmental monitoring and analysis of field self-propelled sprinklers, but which substantiate the studied factors characterizing each unit. The factors are taken with real values of calculated parameters, for which the desirability function and weighty coefficients are developed using the method of pairwise comparison of calculated parameters of absolute and relative rank places and the percentile function. The dependence of the transfer of calculated parameters of the unit from real values to dimensionless ones for the y’ scale is clarified, according to which the desirability function is calculated, and then a generalized parameter characterizing the complex evaluation of the unit in respect to the weighting coefficient of each estimated parameter. The decision is made according to the maximum value of the parameters of integrated assessment of the sprinkler, in this task for the sprinkler TUMAN-1 (Russia), for which the value of the parameter of integrated assessment is obtained.
On the issue of dynamics of two-tier mechanical hydroponic installations with rigid load-bearing elements
Authors: Sokolenko Oksana , Kurasov Vladimir
Published: June 2023

Hydroponic green forage (HGF) is a high-quality ecological product containing a full range of required nutrients and vitamins. A two-tier hydroponic installation with rigid load-bearing elements has been developed at Kuban State Agrarian University named after I. T. Trubilin. The purpose of the research is to determine the strength and mass complex ratios that ensure stable dynamics of movement of all elements of the system during the operation of a two-tier hydroponic installation. The derivation and solution of differential equations of the dynamics of the elements of the installation is given. As a result of experimental studies, it is proved that the maximum deviation of the center of mass of the system, tray-crop-guides does not exceed 15 cm. Based on theoretical studies, the ratio of the parameters of the system under consideration was determined, in which there is no beating phenomenon. The lengths of the load-bearing elements should not be different, and the ratio of the weights of the loaded and free trays should vary within 0.15–0.25.
Development of low-loss minimal exposure technique for thallium foil fabrication
Authors: Conner Jennifer , Zach Mike , Blackburn Donald
Published: June 2023

Despite its availability as a solid bead or ingot, non-isotopic thallium metal is no longer commercially produced as a foil because of its high toxicity. To conduct fundamental studies on the material, the Stable Isotope Materials and Chemistry Group (SIMC) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) was approached to develop a safe method to process thallium and produce 40 non-isotopic thallium foils. The commercially sourced metal was consolidated into an ingot by melting the material in a special tube furnace under a reducing atmosphere. The resulting ingot was cold rolled using a work-hardened, stainless-steel pack and oil lubricant before cutting the final foils to 2.5 × 2.5 cm2 area and thickness of 50–75 mg/cm2. The appropriate safeguards used at each step are outlined to ensure the safe and consistent production of high-quality foils. The low-loss process enables future requests for isotopic thallium and other hazardous and rare materials.
Actinide and lanthanide thin-layer developments using a drop-on-demand printing system
Authors: Renisch Dennis , Düllmann Christoph E. , Abrosimov Roman , Eberhardt Klaus , Kindler Birgit , Lommel Bettina , Lukacova Jana , Mokry Christoph , Oberstedt Stephan , Pohjalainen Ilkka , Runke Jörg , Schwab Tanyel , Sirleaf Christopher
Published: June 2023

Actinide and lanthanide thin layers with specific requirements regarding thickness, homogeneity, chemical purity, mechanical stability, and backing properties are applied in a multitude of physics and chemistry experiments. A novel target preparation method, the so-called “Drop-on-Demand” (DoD) technique, based on a commercial nanoliter (nL) dispenser is applied since a few years in the Nuclear Chemistry unit at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. The wetting behaviour of the nL droplets on the substrate’s surface is a key parameter determining the spatial distribution of the deposited material after evaporation. By switching from aqueous to organic solvents as well as by substrate surface modifications, the wetting behaviour can be influenced. Recent investigations on this influence and applications of the DoD method are presented. The produced actinide deposits were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, by α spectroscopy as well as by radiographic imaging.
Manufacture of Tl targets by electrodeposition for the study of excitation functions of 203Pb
Authors: Sounalet Thomas , Alliot Cyrille , Audouin Nadia , Bozovic Nicolas , Brelet Fabien , Dureau Remy , Guertin Arnaud , Haddad Ferid , Kamalakannan Keerthana , Nigron Etienne , Tarinas Maryne
Published: June 2023

Natural Tl targets were manufactured by electrochemical deposition on a foil gold backing. The electrochemical parameters were defined after several experiments and reverse pulse potential was chosen to avoid the formation of filaments and dendrites. Once these parameters were established, enriched 205Tl targets were manufactured on a gold foil backing to be used to measure the cross sections for 203Pb production by deuteron induced reactions. The production yield was calculated from our excitation functions and was found to be 54 MBq/µAh in the energy interval 32.5 MeV – 30 MeV.
Das biomechanische E-Staging: In-vivo-Biomechanik beim Keratokonus
Authors: Flockerzi Elias , Xanthopoulou Kassandra , Munteanu Cristian , Daas Loay , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold
Published: June 2023

Die ABCD-Klassifikation des Keratokonus nach Belin ermöglicht eine Stadieneinteilung des Keratokonus basierend auf den Kriterien Vorder- (A) und Rückflächenverkrümmung (B), dünnster
Pachymetrie (C) und bestkorrigiertem Visus mit Brille (D). Diese Parameter ermöglichen auch eine Progressionsbeurteilung, berücksichtigen jedoch nicht die korneale Biomechanik. Die korneale
Biomechanik ermöglicht mit dem Corvis ST (Oculus, Wetzlar, Deutschland) zunächst die Trennung zwischen gesunden und Keratokonus-Hornhäuten mittels Corvis Biomechanischem Index (CBI) und
Tomografisch-Biomechanischem Index (TBI). Bei hoher Reliabilität der Corvis-ST-Messungen in unterschiedlichen Keratokonus-Stadien wurde daher ein biomechanischer Parameter für
Keratokonus-Hornhäute entwickelt, der eine biomechanische Stadieneinteilung des Keratokonus ermöglicht und der auf dem linearen Term des CBI basiert. Dieser Corvis Biomechanische Faktor
(CBiF) ist zugleich Grundlage der Einführung des biomechanischen E-Stagings, was die ABCD-Klassifikation um den Eckpfeiler der kornealen Biomechanik erweitert. Der Artikel zeigt Stärken und
Limitationen der ABCDE-Klassifikation auf. Der (vermeintlich) „einseitige Keratokonus“ erweist sich zumeist als Momentaufnahme einer stark asymmetrisch ausgeprägten Keratektasie. Der
reguläre Astigmatismus ist mitunter eine wichtige Differenzialdiagnose zur Keratektasie und schwierig von dieser abzugrenzen. Zudem wird die Anwendung des biomechanischen E-Stagings zur
Progressionsbeurteilung des Keratokonus und nach Behandlung mittels kornealem Crosslinking oder Implantation intrakornealer Ringsegmente demonstriert und diskutiert.
Selektives Trockenstellen auf bayerischen Betrieben – eine
Fallserie
Authors: Sorge Ulrike S. , Huber-Schlenstedt Reglindis , Schierling Katharina
Published: June 2023

Bei dieser Fallserie wurde die Umsetzung des selektiven Trockenstellens auf 90
bayerischen Milchviehbetrieben bezüglich der Reduktion von
antibiotischen Behandlungen zum Trockenstellen sowie deren Auswirkung auf die
Eutergesundheit untersucht. Zwischen 2016 und 2021 wurden die Betriebe teilweise
für mehr als 3 Jahre hierbei begleitet und jährlich
Viertelgemelksproben aller laktierenden Kühe der Herden genommen sowie
Behandlungs- und Probemelkergebnisse ausgewertet. In einigen Herden wurden zu
Beginn kontagiöse Erreger (Streptococcus agalactiae oder
Streptococcus canis) nachgewiesen und durchschnittlich waren
62% der Kühe zu Beginn antibiotisch zum Trockenstellen behandelt
worden. Die Häufigkeit von Trockensteherbehandlungen schwankte von Jahr
zu Jahr bei den Betrieben, zeigte aber im Durchschnitt eine sinkende Tendenz.
Die Eutergesundheit der Herden (Zellzahl) blieb über die Jahre
annähernd gleich, die kuhassoziierten Erreger wurden weniger. Lediglich
ab Jahr 3 stieg die Neuinfektionsrate während der Trockenstehphase.
Evaluation of multifactorial digestive disorders in a dairy herd at
different stages of lactation
Authors: Schären-Bannert Melanie , Wippermann Wolf , Wöckel Adriana , Vogel Laura , Waurich Benno , Rachidi Fanny , Fröhlich Franz , Felgentreu Christina , Wittich Julia , Bannert Erik , Hermenau Guntram , Hufe Peter , May Detlef , Dänicke Sven , Swalve Hermann , Starke Alexander
Published: June 2023

The manager of a large dairy herd (total confinement, total mixed ration feeding,
10130 kg milk sold per cow and year) requested a workup of a digestive
disorder problem that had been ongoing for several years. The cows were at all
stages of lactation, and the incidence proportion (events/100 cows at
risk) of digestive disorders was approximately 5 to 10%. The clinical
picture included an abnormal demeanor of varying severity and signs that
differed among the cows. The latter included decreased milk production and
physical activity, low body condition score, abnormal rumen motility and
stratification, small intestinal dilatation, diarrhea, undigested fiber
particles in the feces, fever and abdominal pain.

The following approach was used to investigate the digestive disorder
problem:

1. The herd was assessed for production levels, housing requirements, feeding
protocols and animal health management. The latter comprised evaluation of
different animal scores, metabolic profile analysis, diagnosis of disease,
culling records and slaughter data. The results revealed risk factors concerning
the feeding and animal health monitoring, (e. g. in dry matter intake
and silage quality management, disease detection and diagnosis in fresh cows).
The assessment also identified a high occurrence of digestive disorders of
unknown origin.

2. Fifteen cows that represented the ongoing digestive disorder problem were
selected to undergo clinical examination, hematological analysis, urinalysis,
and ultrasonography of the ventral abdomen. The clinical examinations revealed
different digestive disorders, which were mainly inflammatory in nature, in all
the cows. Eight cows had localized reticuloperitonitis and 13 had left displaced
abomasum with different degrees of displacement and adhesions between the
abomasum and reticulum attributable to reticuloperitonitis.

Our results revealed a multifactorial problem caused by several risk factors
relating to animal health and feeding management protocols that resulted in
different types of digestive disorders. The wires from damaged tires used to
hold the pit silo tarps in place were identified as a possible traumatic cause
of the reticuloperitonitis. Treatment, prevention and follow-up of the different
conditions were discussed.
Hop-derived Humulinones Reveal Protective Effects in in vitro Models of Hepatic Steatosis, Inflammation and Fibrosis
Authors: Mahli Abdo , Thasler Wolfgang E. , Biendl Martin , Hellerbrand Claus
Published: June 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as leading cause of liver disease worldwide. Specific pharmacologic therapy for NAFLD is a major unmet medical need. Recently, iso-alpha
acids, hop-derived bitter compounds in beer, have been shown to beneficially affect NAFLD pathology. Humulinones are further hop derived bitter acids particularly found in modern styles of
beer. So far, biological effects of humulinones have been unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of humulinones in in vitro models for hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis.
Humulinones dose-dependently inhibited fatty acid induced lipid accumulation in primary human hepatocytes. Humulinones reduced the expression of fatty acid uptake transporter CD36 and key
enzymes of (de novo) lipid synthesis. Conversely, humulinones increased the expression of FABP1, CPT1 and ACOX1, indicative for increased lipid combustion. Furthermore, humulinones
ameliorated steatosis induced pro-inflammatory gene expression. Furthermore, humulinones significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic factors in control as
well as lipopolysaccharide treated activated hepatic stellate cells, which play a key role in hepatic fibrosis. In conclusion, humulinones beneficially affect different pathophysiological
steps of NAFLD. Our data suggest humulinones as promising therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
An Efficient One-Pot, Three-Component Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Pyrroles under Catalyst- and Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Maheswari C. Uma , Karthiyayini Gnanaoli , Rajkumar Deepan Babu , Nagarajan Subbiah , Sridharan Vellaisamy
Published: June 2023

An environmentally benign, catalyst- and solvent-free, three-component synthesis of tetrasubstituted pyrroles was established. The reaction proceeds via a nucleophilic attack of primary amine on dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate followed by Michael addition with β-nitrostyrene and successive intramolecular cyclization and aromatization to yield 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted pyrroles in good to excellent yields. A wide range of primary amines including aromatic amines and benzylamines were coupled with differently substituted β-nitrostyrenes and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate. Furthermore, compared to previous reported methods, the present study is highly atom economical and environmentally benign and can be scaled up.
C–H Functionalization of Arenes via NHC-Supported Ni/Al Bimetallic Catalysis
Authors: Shi Shi-Liang , Jiang Binyang
Published: June 2023

Despite the C–H functionalization of arenes offering an efficient synthetic route towards functionalized aromatic compounds with high atom- and step-economy, the low reactivity of the C–H bond makes this transformation rather challenging. Compared with mono-metal catalysis, the introduction of bimetallic catalysis would greatly enhance the reactivity and selectivity of this transformation. In this review, we highlight recent progress in the C–H functionalization of arenes via NHC-Ni/Al catalysis. The added aluminum as a co-catalyst would activate arene through Lewis acid-base interaction, and regioselectivity could be controlled through the synergism of NHC-Ni and Al. This strategy could be also applied in enantioselective C–H alkylation with well-designed chiral NHC ligands.

1 Introduction

2 C–H Addition to Alkynes via C–H Activation

3 C–H Alkylation via Ni/Al Bimetallic Catalysis

3.1 Racemic Hydroarylation with Alkenes

3.2 Asymmetric Hydroarylation with Alkenes

4 Conclusion and Outlook
Halogenative Annulation Reactions of Alkyne-Tethered N- and O-Containing Arenes: Methods for Accessing Aryl-Fused Halogenated N- and O-Heterocycles
Authors: Thongsornkleeb Charnsak , Tummatorn Jumreang , Ruchirawat Somsak
Published: June 2023

Halogenative annulation of alkyne-tethered N- and O-containing arenes represents a general strategy for the construction of various halogenated N- and O-heterocycles. The methods employed are useful in producing valuable synthetic building blocks carrying C(sp2)–halide functional groups, which are useful synthetic handles, especially for cross-coupling reactions and a myriad of other transformations. When the alkyne is tethered to the heteroatom via an aromatic ring, the reaction gives rise to aryl-fused halogenated heterocycles. In this Short Review, various past and present halogenative annulation methods to construct aryl-fused halogenated N- and O-heterocycles are examined, with a focus on more recent technologies and the various roles of the participating halogenating agents. Additionally, future directions for this age-old, but still very useful, reaction are considered.

1 Introduction

2 Synthesis of Aryl-Fused Halogenated N-Heterocycles

2.1 Aryl-Fused Halogenated 5-Membered N-Heterocycles

2.2 Aryl-Fused Halogenated 6-Membered N-Heterocycles

2.3 Aryl-Fused Halogenated 7-Membered N-Heterocycles

3 Synthesis of Halogenated O-Heterocycles

3.1 Aryl-Fused Halogenated 5-Membered O-Heterocycles

3.2 Aryl-Fused Halogenated 6-Membered O-Heterocycles

3.3 Aryl-Fused Halogenated 7-Membered O-Heterocycles

4 Conclusion
Discursive strategies in the branding of Fortune Global 500 Chinese manufacturing companies
Authors: Li Dongmei , Chow Ung T’chiang
Published: June 2023

Company profiles are increasingly used to construct the corporate brand of Fortune Global 500 Chinese Manufacturing Companies (FG500CMCs). However, the communication of the corporate brand through the company profile is not sufficiently explored. This article explored the discursive strategies that were exploited to construct the desired brand identities of the FG500CMCs. Through the approach of critical genre analysis, it is found that the branding of the FG500CMCs is realized by the strategic organization of rhetorical moves, the purposeful employment of rhetorical devices, and tactical wording. All the obligatory moves identified primarily highlight a set of attributes indicating the strengths, competitiveness, and superiority of the FG500CMCs. This projects the distinctiveness of the brand identities of the companies. The strengths, competitiveness, and superiority are constructed by deploying graduation resources, appropriating numerical resources, adopting high-end and high-tech-related terms, and exploiting endorsement, authentication, and altruism. Besides analyzing the lexico-grammatical features and discursive techniques, this article also investigates how the FG500CMCs’ particular attributes and strengths are covertly conveyed through the strategic organization and distribution of the moves. This provides a more comprehensive explication and thus gives new insights into the body of knowledge on the discursive construction of corporate branding. With grounded elaboration on the tactful use of language and covert arrangement of the moves, this article also sheds light on the content design of the ‘company profile’ for shaping stakeholders’ and the public’s perception of the corporate brand.
A multiscale approach to coupled nuclear and electronic dynamics. I. Quantum-stochastic Liouville equation in natural internal coordinates
Authors: Campeggio Jonathan , Cortivo Riccardo , Zerbetto Mirco
Published: June 2023

Multiscale methods are powerful tools to describe large and complex systems. They are based on a hierarchical partitioning of the degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) of the system, allowing one to treat each set of d.o.f. in the most computationally efficient way. In the context of coupled nuclear and electronic dynamics, a multiscale approach would offer the opportunity to overcome the computational limits that, at present, do not allow one to treat a complex system (such as a biological macromolecule in explicit solvent) fully at the quantum mechanical level. Based on the pioneering work of Kapral and Ciccotti [R. Kapral and G. Ciccotti, J. Chem. Phys.110, 8919 (1999)], this work is intended to present a nonadiabatic theory that describes the evolution of electronic populations coupled with the dynamics of the nuclei of a molecule in a dissipative environment (condensed phases). The two elements of novelty that are here introduced are (i) the casting of the theory in the natural, internal coordinates, that are bond lengths, bond angles, and dihedral angles; (ii) the projection of those nuclear d.o.f. that can be considered at the level of a thermal bath, therefore leading to a quantum-stochastic Liouville equation. Using natural coordinates allows the description of structure and dynamics in the way chemists are used to describe molecular geometry and its changes. The projection of bath coordinates provides an important reduction of complexity and allows us to formulate the approach that can be used directly in the statistical thermodynamics description of chemical systems.
A numerical study on the effect of pressure on sustainable aviation fuel and jet fuel blends thermally induced secondary atomization
Authors: Guida Paolo , Ceschin Alberto , Canciani Chiara , Im Hong G. , Roberts William L.
Published: June 2023

Thermally induced secondary atomization (TISA) is a complex phenomenon that accelerates phase change in the combustion chamber. It occurs if multi-component fuels, having a wide boiling range, are exposed to high temperatures. Several airlines are recently experimenting with bio- and fossil fuels blends. However, the characteristics of droplet TISA are primarily unknown because of the challenges associated with experimental activities like suspended or falling droplets. In this scenario, numerical models become essential to study TISA. That is why a new multi-component, multi-phase volume of fluid computational fluid dynamics solver was developed to simulate droplets TISA. The solver takes advantage of the OpenFOAM framework and uses the isoAdvector methodology. The bio- and fossil fuels were represented by n-heptane and n-hexadecane, respectively, to simplify the problem. Evaporation was implemented by assuming that the mixture could only boil at that temperature. Surface tension and other relevant mixture properties were considered as a function of species concentration and temperature to replicate all phenomena comprehensively. An analysis of bubble expansion based on the Rayleigh–Plesset equation preceded the breakup tests. The test cases consisted of a droplet suspended in microgravity having a bubble initialized at the interface. The bubble eventually expanded, and the bubble cap collapsed, leading to the micro-explosion. A parametric study of breakup cases under different pressures and at a fixed temperature of 1200 K was performed. The atomization mechanism was tested at 1, 3, 10, and 20 bar and compared. It was observed that while high pressure slows down the process, it finally leads to a higher surface area. This behavior was confirmed by testing two different bubble sizes. Together with the atomization intensity, also the morphology of the particles changed. At atmospheric pressure, the maximum surface area was reached when the droplet had a disk-like shape, while at higher pressures, it evolved in an elongated shape.
Study on the co-pyrolysis behaviors of sewage sludge and Enteromorpha prolifera and the adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI) in water using pyrolysis residue
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Qi Xiaowen , Wang Junzhi , Luo Siyi , Zuo Zongliang
Published: June 2023

The thermal–chemical conversion method has significant potential for the recovery of organic matter present in sewage sludge (abbreviated as SS), offering broad market prospects. In this study, a novel approach is proposed for the preparation of a composite adsorbent, named SS-EP, derived from the co-pyrolysis residue of sewage sludge and Enteromorpha prolifera. An orthogonal experiment was designed to investigate the performance of the adsorbent, and the results revealed that the optimal conditions were achieved when the SS proportion was 40%, the concentration of zinc chloride was 0.1 mol/l, the pyrolysis temperature was 500 °C, and the pyrolysis time was 30 min. Notably, the SS-EP composite adsorbent exhibited pronounced efficacy in the removal of Cr(VI) under both acidic and neutral conditions, achieving a removal rate exceeding 97%. Furthermore, the concentration of heavy metals in the leaching solution of the adsorbent was found to be significantly lower than the limit specified in the GB5085.3-2007 standard. Regeneration experiments demonstrated that even after the third regeneration, the SS-EP composite adsorbent maintained a removal rate of 70% for Cr(VI).
The future of fish and fisheries in Australia: prioritisation of research needs through a horizon scanning approach
Authors: Williams Samuel M. , Tibbetts Ian R. , Holmes Bonnie J.
Published: June 2023

Context In Australia, the health of our marine, estuarine and freshwater fishes are of critical importance. The aquatic and marine ecosystems, and the fishes that occupy them each have an important role in our country’s ecological, economic, cultural and social wealth. Climate change, resource over-exploitation, invasive animals and diseases, and habitat degradation are just a few of the burgeoning threats that researchers and managers must address to ensure the prosperity of Australia’s natural fisheries resources. In addition, differences in legislative frameworks among jurisdictions hinder our ability to coherently manage fish resources at scales that are relevant biologically, ecologically and socially. Aims Here, we identify the key research priorities for fish and fisheries research in Australia, across seven thematic fields of study. Methods Research priorities were evaluated using a horizon scanning approach which identified research questions related to the field of fish and fisheries research in Australia. Key results A total of 284 unique research questions were categorised and prioritised, resulting in the formation of the top 10 highest priority research questions across each of the seven themes. Conclusions The outcomes from this work can be used to directly complement ongoing work from research providers working in the field of fish and fisheries as well as the development of new areas of research. Implications The priorities identified will enable researchers and policy makers to identify critical knowledge gaps, develop collaborative research programs, investigate novel approaches, and to improve transparency around decision-making processes.
U=U, PrEP and the unrealised promise of ending HIV-related stigma
Authors: Wells Nathanael
Published: June 2023

There is now widespread consensus that by reducing HIV viral load to undetectable levels, HIV treatment also eliminates the risk of HIV sexual transmission. Advocates have hoped that eliminating the risk of HIV will be accompanied by a reduction of HIV-related stigma. These hopes have yet to be realised and people living with HIV continue to report stigma and sexual rejection. The burden of challenging HIV-related stigma has largely fallen on people living with HIV. It is time for those who are HIV-negative to also take on some of the burden in challenging HIV stigma.
Strain and voltage control of the magnetic anisotropy in Co2MnSi thin film
Authors: Peng Hua , Chen Gang
Published: June 2023

The strain effect on the magnetic anisotropy (MA) in free-standing Co2MnSi(001) thin film and the voltage control MA in Au-capped MgO/Co2MnSi thin film are investigated within the framework of density functional theory. We find that the MA of free-standing film with MnSi-termination is sensitive upon strain, while the magnetic easy axis changes from in-plane to out-of-plane under the applied in-plane 1% extension strain. The MA of Au-capped Co2MnSi/MgO shows a ∧-shaped electric-field dependence and a large voltage-controlled MA value (VCMA) of 225 fJ (Vm)−1. The VCMA is caused by the change of the spin-flip term, which is related to the energy shift of the Co dz
2 minority-spin band near the Fermi level. Based on this study, it is expected that Co2MnSi can potentially be used in magnetoelectric spintronic devices.
Antiferromagnetic order and its interplay with superconductivity in CaK(Fe1−x
Mn
x
)4As4
Authors: Wilde J M , Sapkota A , Ding Q-P , Xu M , Tian W , Bud’ko S L , Furukawa Y , Kreyssig A , Canfield P C
Published: June 2023

The magnetic order for several compositions of CaK(Fe

1
−
x

Mn
x
)4As4 has been studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and neutron diffraction. Our observations for the Mn-doped 1144 compound are consistent with the hedgehog spin vortex crystal (hSVC) order which has previously been found for Ni-doped

Ca
K

Fe
4

As
4

. The hSVC state is characterized by the stripe-type propagation vectors

(
π
0
)

and

(
0
π
)

just as in the doped 122 compounds. The hSVC state preserves tetragonal symmetry at the Fe site, and only this SVC motif with simple antiferromagnetic (AFM) stacking along
c
is consistent with all our observations using NMR Mössbauer spectroscopy, and neutron diffraction. We find that the hSVC state in the Mn-doped 1144 compound coexists with superconductivity, and by combining the neutron scattering and Mössbauer spectroscopy data we can infer a quantum phase transition, hidden under the superconducting dome, associated with the suppression of the AFM transition temperature (T
N) to zero for x ≈ 0.01. In addition, unlike several 122 compounds and Ni-doped 1144, the ordered magnetic moment is not observed to decrease at temperatures below the superconducting transition temperature (T
c).
Quaternary 2D monolayer Cu2Cl2Se2Hg2: anisotropic carrier mobility and tunable bandgap for transistor and photocatalytic applications
Authors: Xu Yuehua , Long Qianqian , Zeng Qiang , Li Daqing , Li Pengfei
Published: June 2023

Despite the advantages of quaternary two-dimensional (2D) materials, fewer studies have been done on them than binary 2D materials. Calculations of quaternary 2D monolayer Cu2Cl2Se2Hg2 based on density functional theory and Green’s function surface analysis provide insights into its structural, dynamic, and thermal stability. This material has a direct band gap of 0.91/2.0 eV (Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof/Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof) and demonstrates anisotropic carrier mobility. The electron mobility in the a direction is 1.2 × 103 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is significantly higher than the hole mobility of 0.48 × 103 cm2 V−1 s−1. In the b direction, the electron mobility is 1.01 × 103 cm2 V−1 s−1 and is 8.9 times larger than the hole mobility of 0.11 × 103cm2 V−1 s−1. The light absorption coefficients of Cu2Cl2Se2Hg2 are 1.0 × 105 cm−1 and 2.5 × 105 cm−1 in the visible and ultraviolet ranges, respectively. Uniaxial strain leads to an anisotropic alteration in the band gap and band edge position. By manipulating the strain direction and level in Cu2Cl2Se2Hg2, it is possible to increase the current ON/OFF ratio for field-effect transistors (FETs) and to facilitate photocatalytic water splitting through a redox reaction. The research reveals that Cu2Cl2Se2Hg2, a 2D monolayer in the quaternary form, has promising capabilities as an alternative for creating crystal-oriented FETs and photocatalytic water splitting systems.