bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chirality‐Dependent Reprogramming of Macrophages by Chiral Nanozymes
Authors: Zhang Yu , Cui Tingting , Yang Jie , Huang Ying , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: June 2023

It is known that extracellular free radical reactive oxygen species (ROS) rather than intracellular ROS plays a non‐substitutable role in regulation of tumor‐suppressing (M1) tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) polarization. However, most therapeutic nanoplatforms mainly provide intracellular ROS and exhibit insufficient accumulation near TAMs, which strongly limits the macrophage‐based immunotherapeutic effects. Here we design and synthesize chiral MoS2/CoS2 nanozymes with peroxidase (POD)‐like and catalase (CAT)‐like activities to efficiently modulate TAMs polarization and reverse tumor immunosuppression by harnessing their chirality‐specific interactions with biological systems. MoS2/CoS2 nanoparticles coordinated with d‐chirality (d‐NPs, right‐handed) show improved pharmacokinetics with longer circulating half‐life and higher tumor accumulation compared with their l (left‐handed)‐ and dl (racemate)‐counterparts. Further, d‐NPs can escape from macrophage uptake in the tumor microenvironment (TME) with the aid of cell‐unpreferred opposite chirality and act as extracellular hydroxyl radicals (⋅OH) and oxygen (O2) generators to efficiently repolarize TAMs into M1 phenotype. On the contrary, l‐NPs showed high cellular uptake due to chirality‐driven homologous adhesion between l‐NPs and macrophage membrane, leading to limited M1 polarization performance. As the first example for developing chiral nanozymes as extracellular‐localized ROS generators to reprogram TAMs for cancer immunotherapy, this study opens an avenue for applications of chiral nanozymes in immunomodulation.
Ligand‐Controlled Regiodivergence in Nickel‐Catalyzed Vinylcyclopropane Rearrangement
Authors: Irifune Keiichi , Yamazaki Ken , Nakamuro Takayuki , Murakami Masahiro , Miura Tomoya
Published: June 2023

A ligand‐controlled regiodivergence in Ni‐catalyzed rearrangement of vinylcyclopropanes to 1,4‐ or 1,5‐disubstituted cyclopentenes is reported. The 1,4‐ or 1,5‐disubstituted cyclopentene is selectively obtained depending on the choice of ligands. Detailed kinetic studies and density functional theory calculations on the catalytic cycle revealed that the product selectivity is determined at the reductive elimination step from the six‐membered η1‐allyl intermediate.
Curcumin‐based bioactive heterocycles derived via multicomponent reactions
Authors: Nagargoje Amol A. , Shaikh Mubarak H. , Shingate Bapurao B.
Published: June 2023

Curcumin is an important phytochemical, found in the Asian countries, especially in the Indian subcontinent. The use of this “privileged natural product” in the diversity‐oriented synthesis of curcumin‐based heterocycles via multicomponent reactions (MCRs) is the subject of interest for many medicinal chemists across the globe. This review particularly focuses on the reactions involving curcuminoids as one of the reactants in the MCRs of curcuminoid to synthesize curcumin‐based heterocycles. Also, the various pharmacological activities of curcumin‐based heterocycles generated via the MCR approach are discussed. The research work published in the last 10 years is in the focus of this review article.
Distributed observer design for interconnected nonlinear systems with faults and disturbances based on dynamic event conditions
Authors: Guo Bin , Dian Songyi , Zhao Tao , You Xingxing
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the observer design schemes for interconnected nonlinear systems with actuator faults, sensor faults, external disturbances, and limited measured resources. A novel effective distributed estimation scheme is presented for the interconnected nonlinear system to estimate the states, faults, and lumped disturbances, simultaneously. To save communication resources and to improve information utilization, an adaptive event condition is designed in the sensor channel, and the triggered values are utilized to design the observer. Especially, to handle the sensor fault, the output is separated into two parts, and the estimation is realized with the help of a normal one. In the first part of this study, a class of interconnected nonlinear systems with partial loss of effectiveness of sensor fault is considered, and an event‐based distributed estimation scheme is established. In the second part, a class of more universal feedback interconnected nonlinear with both partial loss sensor fault and bias sensor fault is investigated. An augment system is formulated by an augmented vector composed of state and sensor faults. And then the estimation scheme is realized by utilizing the presented event‐based distributed observer. The convergence abilities of both the two conditions are proved and, finally, the estimation performances of the presented observer are verified by a numerical simulation system and an inverted pendulum system.
Improved self‐oscillating control of a quadratic buck converter for constant voltage applications
Authors: Goudarzian Alireza
Published: June 2023

A great number of switching power supplies are used to provide a variable voltage for resistive‐inductive loads. However, some applications in industry, require a regulated current with a constant voltage such as battery charging systems, LED drivers, and laboratory equipment for power converters connected to PV cells. Additionally, some constant voltage systems are intrinsically unstable, and therefore, they cannot be used without a closed‐loop compensatory circuit. Hence, this article describes a novel smooth starter system behaving as a current source for constant voltage applications. The proposed technology is implemented by a quadratic buck converter, and then, a self‐oscillating control technique is applied for performing the output current regulation of the converter, which is capable of aiding to improve the system performance, stabilize the overall system, protect the converter from transient current oscillations, and provide an acceptable control performance. In addition to practical aspects, soft starter methods and limitation of the constant voltage power converter are mentioned and described in this article. The designed structure has not only the advantages of smooth response and simplicity to construct but also performs a nearly zero steady‐state error regulation. The power stage, the control scheme, and the modulator are explained in detail and validated by experiments.
Event‐triggered model predictive control of switched systems with denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Yan Jingjing , Shi Lixiang , Xia Yuanqing , Zhang Yingqi
Published: June 2023

Observer‐based model predictive control (MPC) for the discrete‐time switched systems suffered by event‐triggered mechanism and denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks is discussed in this paper. We assume that the switch is slow enough and the attacker's energy is limited. To save network resources, an event‐triggered mechanism is designed based on dwell time and triggered error. Under the coupled influence of attack and trigger, a complex mismatch of system mode and controller mode occurs, which brings difficulties to the transformation of MPC optimization problem. To address this problem, a new performance index coefficient is designed by using the increasing/decreasing law of Lyapunov function. On this basis, the transformation of the optimization problem is realized. Then, the controller gain and observer gain for the attack‐free case are designed to guarantee the exponential convergence of the closed‐loop system. In the presence of attacks, we obtain the upper bound of attack duty cycle, below which the exponential convergence of the system can still be archived. An example is illustrated at last to verify the validity of the main results.
Softwaretools in der Lehre des Fachgebietes Bauphysik an der RPTU in Kaiserslautern
Authors: Carrigan Svenja , Kornadt Oliver
Published: June 2023

Diese Artikelserie stellt den Einsatz von Computerprogrammen in der Hochschullehre der Bauphysik und Gebäudetechnik für Architekten und Bauingenieure vor. Das Fachgebiet Bauphysik/Energetische Gebäudeoptimierung (Fachbereich Bauingenieurwesen) der RPTU in Kaiserslautern bietet Vorlesungen und Seminare für Studierende des Bauingenieurwesens im Bachelor und Master und für Studierende der Architektur im Bachelor an. Darüber hinaus werden Veranstaltungen für andere Studiengänge angeboten. Softwaretools kommen vornehmlich im Vertiefungsmodul „Bauphysik – Energieeffizienz und Modellierung“ des Master‐Studiengangs „Konstruktiver Ingenieurbau“ des Bauingenieurwesens zum Einsatz. Die Studierenden werden in die Grundlagen der bauphysikalischen Modellbildung und Simulation eingeführt. Fokus der Lehrveranstaltungen ist es, die Methodenkompetenz der Erlernung und korrekten Anwendung von Simulationsprogrammen zu erwerben und das Verständnis der bauphysikalischen Vorgänge in Bauteil, Raum und Gebäude zu vertiefen.
Engineering Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for high‐yield production of germacrene A, a precursor of β‐elemene via combinatorial metabolic engineering strategies
Authors: Fordjour Eric , Liu Chun‐Li , Hao Yunpeng , Sackey Isaac , Yang Yankun , Liu Xiuxia , Li Ye , Tan Tianwei , Bai Zhonghu
Published: June 2023

β‐elemene is one of the most commonly used antineoplastic drugs in cancer treatment. As a plant‐derived natural chemical, biologically engineering microorganisms to produce germacrene A to be converted to β‐elemene harbors great expectations since chemical synthesis and plant isolation methods come with their production deficiencies. In this study, we report the design of an Escherichia coli cell factory for the de novo production of germacrene A to be converted to β‐elemene from a simple carbon source. A series of systematic approaches of engineering the isoprenoid and central carbon pathways, translational and protein engineering of the sesquiterpene synthase, and exporter engineering yielded high‐efficient β‐elemene production. Specifically, deleting competing pathways in the central carbon pathway ensured the availability of acetyl‐coA, pyruvate, and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate for the isoprenoid pathways. Adopting lycopene color as a high throughput screening method, an optimized NSY305N was obtained via error‐prone polymerase chain reaction mutagenesis. Further overexpression of key pathway enzymes, exporter genes, and translational engineering produced 1161.09 mg/L of β‐elemene in a shake flask. Finally, we detected the highest reported titer of 3.52 g/L of β‐elemene and 2.13 g/L germacrene A produced by an E. coli cell factory in a 4‐L fed‐batch fermentation. The systematic engineering reported here generally applies to microbial production of a broader range of chemicals. This illustrates that rewiring E. coli central metabolism is viable for producing acetyl‐coA‐derived and pyruvate‐derived molecules cost‐effectively.
Optimising Electrical Interfacing between the Trimeric Copper Nitrite Reductase and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Contaldo Umberto , Padrosa David Roura , Jamet Hélène , Albrecht Martin , Paradisi Francesca , Le Goff Alan
Published: June 2023

The immobilization of copper‐containing nitrite reductase (NiR) from Alcaligenes faecalis on functionalised multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrodes is reported. It is demonstrated that this immobilization is mainly driven by hydrophobic interactions, promoted by the modification of MWCNTs with adamantyl groups. Direct electrochemistry shows high bioelectrochemical reduction of nitrite at the redox potential of NiR with high current density of 1.41 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the desymmetrization of the trimer upon immobilization induces an independent electrocatalytic behavior for each of the three enzyme subunits, corroborated by an electron‐tunneling distance dependence.
Heterobimetallic Hydrides with a Germanium(II)‐Zinc Bond
Authors: Mahawar Pritam , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Maron Laurent , Spaniol Thomas P. , Okuda Jun
Published: June 2023

In the presence of TMEDA (TMEDA=N,N,N’,N’‐tetramethylethylenediamine), zinc dihydride reacted with germanium(II) compounds (BDI−H)Ge (1) and [(BDI)Ge][B(3,5‐(CF3)2C6H3)4] (3) (BDI‐H = HC{(C=CH2)(CMe)(NAr)2}, BDI = [HC(CMeNAr)2]; Ar = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3) by formal insertion of the germanium(II) center into the Zn−H bond of polymeric [ZnH2]n to give neutral and cationic zincagermane with a H−Ge‐Zn−H core [(BDI−H)Ge(H)‐(H)Zn(tmeda)] (2) and [(BDI)Ge(H)‐(H)Zn(tmeda)][B(3,5‐(CF3)2C6H3)4] (4), respectively. Compound 2 eliminated [ZnH2] giving diamido germylene 1 at 60 °C. Compound 2 and deuterated analogue 2‐d2 exchanged with [ZnH2]n and [ZnD2]n in the presence of TMEDA to give a mixture of 2 and 2‐d2. Compounds 2 and 4 reacted with carbon dioxide (1 bar) at room temperature to form zincagermane diformate [(BDI−H)Ge(OCHO)‐(OCHO)Zn(tmeda)] (5) and formate bridged digermylene [({BDI}Ge)2(μ‐OCHO)]+[B(C6H3(CF3)2)4] (6) along with zinc formate [(tmeda)Zn(μ‐OCHO)3Zn(tmeda)][B(C6H3(CF3)2)4] (7), respectively. The hydridic nature of the Ge−H and Zn−H bonds in 2 and 4 was probed by reactions with Brönsted and Lewis acids.
Superionic Conductivity in Sodium Zirconium Chloride‐Based Compounds
Authors: Inoishi Atsushi , Nojima Akinobu , Tanaka Maika , Suyama Miyuki , Okada Shigeto , Sakaebe Hikari
Published: June 2023

All‐solid‐state sodium batteries are attracting intensive attention, and chloride‐based solid electrolytes are promising candidates for use in such batteries because of their high chemical stability and low Young's modulus. Here, we report new superionic conductors based on polyanion‐added chloride‐based materials. Na0.67Zr(SO4)0.33Cl4 showed a high ionic conductivity of 1.6 mS cm−1 at room temperature. X‐ray diffraction analysis indicated that the highly conducting materials are mainly a mixture of an amorphous phase and Na2ZrCl6. The conductivity might be dominated by the electronegativity of the central atom of the polyanion. Electrochemical measurements reveal that Na0.67Zr(SO4)0.33Cl4 is a sodium ionic conductor and is suitable for use as a solid electrolyte in all‐solid‐state sodium batteries.
A retrospective look at developments in size exclusion chromatography from the early Hamielec research era to the present day
Authors: McManus Neil T.
Published: June 2023

At the start of Archie Hamielec's research career, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) (including gel permeation chromatography [GPC]) was in its infancy as an analytical and preparative laboratory technique in polymer science and engineering. As described below, Archie Hamielec saw its potential early in his academic career and was among the group of pioneers who took it from a developing technique to what it is now. His group's work was instrumental in improving the understanding of the mechanism of separation in SEC and setting up best procedures for sample handling. In addition, much work was done to assess detectors to improve data collection and to obtain consistent/reliable measurements. Importantly, he established it as a key method for obtaining molecular size information to support research in polymer reaction engineering. Nowadays we take it for granted that we can use SEC to obtain molecular weight data rapidly and reliably with user‐friendly computer‐aided analyses. This ease of routine practicality stems from the base that the early researchers built. Although now it is a well‐developed (almost ‘black box’) method there are still areas of novel interest into analysis of complex polymer samples. This has led to modern developments forging ahead in expanding the applicability of SEC as an analytical technique with the exploitation of multi‐detector systems and novel detectors.
Fluorescence Imaging of Nanoparticle Uptake into Liquid‐Liquid Phase‐Separated Droplets
Authors: Kojima Keitaro , Tomita Shunsuke , Kamimura Masao
Published: June 2023

Liquid‐liquid phase separation (LLPS) in living cells has received considerable attention in the biomedical research field. This study is the first to report nanoparticle (NP) uptake into LLPS droplets. Fluorescent dye, Nile red loaded polystyrene NPs (NR‐PSt NPs) uptake into model LLPS droplets consisting of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) was visualized using fluorescence imaging. Fluorescence imaging showed that the LLPS droplets had a quick NP uptake behavior. Furthermore, temperature changes (4–37 °C) significantly affected the NP uptake behavior of the LLPS droplets. Moreover, the NP‐incorporated droplets displayed high stability under strong ionic strength conditions (1 M NaCl). ATP measurements displayed that ATP was released from the NP‐incorporated droplets, indicating that the weakly negatively charged ATP molecules and strongly negatively charged NPs were exchanged, which resulted in the high stability of the LLPS droplets. These fundamental findings will contribute to the LLPS studies using various NPs.
Development of bandwidth‐enhanced X–Ku band reflectarray antenna using a novel design strategy
Authors: Narayanasamy Kavitha , Mohammed Gulam Nabi Alsath , Karthie S.
Published: June 2023

This paper reports the development of a reflectarray (RA) antenna using overlapping tri‐resonance phase distribution to produce enhanced bandwidth performance in X/Ku band frequencies. The RA with square aperture (24 cm) operating from 11 to 15.8 GHz is constructed using unit cells with concentric Malta cross and square ring developed on Diclad substrate isolated from the ground through a 2.5‐mm air layer. Variation in the concentric element's size along with the length of the delay line connected to the square ring offers a 518° phase range. The distribution of the 529 RA elements is done using the phase variations observed at 12, 13, and 14 GHz. The optimized design of the proposed antenna offers a simulated peak gain of 27.43 dBi at 12 GHz and a 1‐dB gain bandwidth of 38%. The experimental validation of the fabricated prototype exhibits a peak gain of 27.4 dBi at 12 GHz with a sidelobe level (SLL), and cross‐polarization level less than −15.6 dB, and −28 dB respectively, and a 1‐dB gain bandwidth of 37%. The enhanced performance characteristics of the proposed X/Ku wideband reflectarray antenna befit the uplink and downlink operations of fixed satellite services (FSS).
Comparing ICD‐11 and DSM‐5 eating disorder diagnoses with the Munich eating and feeding disorder questionnaire (ED‐Quest)
Authors: Quadflieg Norbert , Voderholzer Ulrich , Meule Adrian , Fichter Manfred Maximilian
Published: June 2023

Objective

The new ICD‐11 eating disorders (ED) guidelines are similar to the DSM‐5 criteria. One difference to the DSM‐5 is the inclusion of subjective binges in the definition of bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge‐eating disorder (BED). The aim of this study was to identify differences between the ICD‐11 guidelines and DSM‐5 ED criteria, which could impact access to medical care and early treatment.

Method

Data of 3863 ED inpatients who completed the Munich Eating and Feeding Disorder Questionnaire were analyzed using standardized diagnostic algorithms for DSM‐5 and ICD‐11.

Results

Agreement of diagnoses was high (Krippendorff's α = .88, 95% CI [.86, .89]) for anorexia nervosa (AN; 98.9%), BN (97.2%) and BED (100%), and lower for other feeding and eating disorders (OFED; 75.2%). Of the 721 patients with a DSM‐5 OFED, 19.8% were diagnosed with AN, BN or BED by the ICD‐11 diagnostic algorithm, reducing the number of OFED diagnoses. One‐hundred and twenty‐one patients received an ICD‐11 diagnosis of BN or BED because of subjective binges.

Discussion

For over 90% of patients, applying either DSM‐5 or ICD‐11 diagnostic criteria/guidelines resulted in the same full‐threshold ED diagnosis. Sub‐threshold and feeding disorders exhibited a discrepancy of 25%.

Public Significance Statement

For about 98% of inpatients, the ICD‐11 and DSM‐5 agree on the same specified eating disorder diagnosis. This is important when comparing diagnoses made by different diagnostic systems. Including subjective binges in the definition of bulimia nervosa and binge‐eating disorder contributes to improved ED diagnoses. Clarifying the wording of diagnostic criteria at several places could further increase this agreement.
Survival of overwintering nymphs of the small brown planthopper and its contribution to emergence timing
Authors: Matsukura Keiichiro , Sanada‐Morimura Sachiyo , Fujii Tomohisa , Matsumura Masaya , Shiba Takuya
Published: June 2023

This study developed a model for predicting the emergence timing of the first generation of the small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus, by clarifying the effects of low temperature on survival and development of overwintering nymphs. In laboratory experiments, only temperatures below 0°C decreased nymph survival, although indirect chilling injury began to occur at about 4°C. No nymphs survived for longer than 7 days at −4°C. The developmental zero of overwintering nymphs was estimated to be 5.18°C. A model developed based on these survival and development parameters accurately predicted the distribution and emergence timing of the first generation of L. striatellus in the Kyushu region of Japan. Under future climate conditions predicted by the HadGEM2‐ES and MRI‐CGCM3 climate models under the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 projections, L. striatellus is expected to show range expansion and advancement of emergence timing, although the degree of change varies among models and projections. Gaining a precise understanding of the overwintering biology of insect pests such as L. striatellus will help us accurately evaluate and predict future risks to crops under climate change.
Construction of β‐Phenylalanine Derivatives through Pd‐Catalyzed, C(sp2)−H (ortho) Functionalization
Authors: Narang Urja , Singh Prabhakar , Arulananda Babu Srinivasarao
Published: June 2023

This paper describes the Pd(II)‐catalyzed, picolinamide‐directing‐group‐aided C(sp2)−H (ortho) functionalization of racemic and enantiopure β‐phenylalanines and 3‐amino‐3‐phenylpropanols (1,3‐amino alcohols). The C(sp2)−H (ortho) functionalizations including arylation, bromination, iodination, and alkoxylation were attempted. The C(sp2)−H (ortho) arylation reactions gave biaryl or terphenyl‐type β‐phenylalanine scaffolds, halogenation and methoxylation reactions gave ortho C−H halogenated or methoxylated β‐phenylalanines. Additionally, the C−H arylation of an ortho‐methyl substituted β‐phenylalanine containing both C(sp2)−H and remote C(sp3)−H bonds was investigated. β‐Phenylalanine is an arylated β‐amino acid motif present in various natural products, bioactive molecules, and β‐peptides and it is a precursor to medicinally active compounds. Accordingly, this work contributes to the expansion of the library of unnatural β‐phenylalanine (β‐amino acid) derivatives through site‐selective C−H functionalization.
Functional roles and cancer variants of the bifunctional glycosylase NEIL2
Authors: Hua Anh B. , Sweasy Joann B.
Published: June 2023

Over 70,000 DNA lesions occur in the cell every day, and the inability to properly repair them can lead to mutations and destabilize the genome, resulting in carcinogenesis. The base excision repair (BER) pathway is critical for maintaining genomic integrity by repairing small base lesions, abasic sites and single‐stranded breaks. Monofunctional and bifunctional glycosylases initiate the first step of BER by recognizing and excising specific base lesions, followed by DNA end processing, gap filling, and finally nick sealing. The Nei‐like 2 (NEIL2) enzyme is a critical bifunctional DNA glycosylase in BER that preferentially excises cytosine oxidation products and abasic sites from single‐stranded, double‐stranded, and bubble‐structured DNA. NEIL2 has been implicated to have important roles in several cellular functions, including genome maintenance, participation in active demethylation, and modulation of the immune response. Several germline and somatic variants of NEIL2 with altered expression and enzymatic activity have been reported in the literature linking them to cancers. In this review, we provide an overview of NEIL2 cellular functions and summarize current findings on NEIL2 variants and their relationship to cancer.
Early initiation of breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and experiencing feeding challenges are associated with malnutrition
Authors: Garti Humphrey , Bukari Mohammed , Wemakor Anthony
Published: June 2023

Malnutrition remains a public health concern amidst low proportions of the core infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, yet, data on specific child feeding practices that are associated with undernutrition are rare. Hence, this study sought to assess child feeding practices and their association with undernutrition among young children. An analytical cross‐sectional design was used among mothers/caregivers with children aged 6–23 months, attending child welfare clinics in Techiman municipality, Ghana. Simple random sampling was used to select 8 health facilities, and 403 participants were selected from those facilities using proportional stratification. A 24‐h dietary recall based on seven food groups was used to collect data on children's dietary intake and used to derive WHO child feeding indicators. The length, weight, and age of children were taken and used to compute anthropometric z‐scores. The proportions of children who met their minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were 44%, 56%, and 36% respectively. Children 6–8 months [AOR=2.24, CI (1.037–4.841); p = .04] and 9‐11 months [AOR=2.47, CI (1.096–5.573); p = .029], those who were not breastfed within the first hour of delivery [AOR = 3.56, CI (1.833–6.912), p < .001], and those who were bottle fed [AOR = 2.87, CI (1.374–5.973); p = .005] were more likely to be wasted. Children 6–8 months [AOR = 0.29, CI (0.126–0.672); p = .004] and 9–11 months [AOR = 0.24, CI (0.104–0.544); p = .001] and those who experienced feeding challenges [AOR = 0.52, CI (0.301–0.905); p = 0.021] were protected against stunting. The percentages of children who met their MDD, MMF, and MAD were low and not associated with undernutrition. Early initiation of breastfeeding and bottle feeding were associated with acute malnutrition and experiencing feeding challenges was associated with chronic malnutrition. Promoting appropriate child feeding practices can reduce the risk of undernutrition.
Effects of antimicrobial peptide and tributyrin on fecal microflora and blood indices of female calves
Authors: Gao Junling , Dong Jianan , Sun Zhe , Wang Tao , Guan Yanling , Sun Yue , Qin Guixin , Zhang Xuefeng , Zhen Yuguo
Published: June 2023

This study evaluated the effects of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and tributyrin (TB) on dairy calves in terms of growth performance, immunity, oxidative stress, and intestinal microflora. A total of 40 female calves were divided into four treatment groups (n = 10): basal diet +0.015% essential oil, basal diet +0.03% AMP, basal diet +0.15% TB, and basal diet +0.03% AMP + 0.15% TB. AMP and TB supplementation increased the average daily gain (ADG) and weaning weight, while reducing diarrhea occurrence. Additionally, AMP and TB supplementation reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde (MDA), while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels. However, the combined use of AMP and TB did not significantly affect the average daily feed intake, ADG, weaning weight, or diarrhea incidence but decreased ROS levels, while increasing SOD levels as well as MDA and IgM levels. Moreover, AMP and TG supplementation increased the relative abundance of several beneficial fiber‐ and mucin‐degrading bacteria in the gut, in contrast to combined AMP and TB supplementation. The 16S rRNA results showed that AMP supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐014 and [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes group (p < .01), and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐005 and Christensenellaceae_R‐7_group (p < .01). The TB supplementation significantly increased the abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐005 (p < .01), and significantly decreased the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐014, [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes group and Christensenellaceae_R‐7_group (p < .01). The combined use of AMP and TB significantly increased the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Bacteroides (p < .01), and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐014, [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes group and Christensenellaceae_R‐7_group (p < .01). In summary, diets supplemented with either AMP or TB improved the intestinal microflora, growth performance, and health of weaned calves, but combined use was detrimental to calf performance.
Proteolysis and therapeutic potential of bioactive peptides derived from Cheddar cheese
Authors: Shafique Bakhtawar , Murtaza Mian Anjum , Hafiz Iram , Ameer Kashif , Basharat Shahnai , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A.
Published: June 2023

Cheddar cheese‐derived bioactive peptides are considered a potential component of functional foods. A positive impact of bioactive peptides on diet‐related chronic, non‐communicable diseases, like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, has been observed. Bioactive peptides possess multifunctional therapeutic potentials, including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory effects, anti‐thrombotic, and phyto‐pathological activities against various toxic compounds. Peptides can regulate human immune, gastrointestinal, hormonal, and neurological responses, which play an integral role in the deterrence and treatment of certain diseases like cancer, osteoporosis, hypertension, and other health disorders, as described in the present review. This review summarizes the categories of the Cheddar cheese‐derived bioactive peptides, their general characteristics, physiological functions, and possible applications in healthcare.
The predictability of iron ore futures prices: A product‐material lead–lag effect
Authors: He Mengxi , Wang Yudong , Zhang Yaojie
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the lead–lag effects between product futures and raw material futures. Results show that returns on product futures lead returns on raw material futures: lagged product futures returns can significantly predict raw material futures returns in‐ and out‐of‐sample. This product‐material lead–lag effect is mainly driven by bad news and is a short‐term phenomenon. Moreover, returns on product futures, especially those based on bad news, can provide substantial economic gains to investments in raw material futures. The lead–lag effect is associated with frictions in the information diffusion from product futures markets to raw material futures markets and the slower response of raw material futures markets to common market information.
Digitizing Ottoman daily weather observations of Halkali Agricultural School in Istanbul, Turkiye (1896–1917)
Authors: Yilmaz Ferhat , Tsamados Michel , Osborn Dan
Published: June 2023

Daily weather observations measured by students and staff at Halkali Agricultural School (a school opened in 1892 on agriculture and animal husbandry during the Ottoman period) from 1896 to 1917 in Istanbul, Turkiye have been transcribed from the original publications into digital form and translated from Ottoman Turkish (the Perso‐Arabic script) to English (Latin alphabet). Over 55,000 observations of daily maximum, minimum and average temperature; rainfall, soil and under soil (0.25 m) temperature; humidity, pressure and wind speed were recovered. In addition, weather observations taken in Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute from 1911 to 1936 and taken in Florya Meteorological Station from 1937 to 2022 could inform long‐term temperature changes in Istanbul. The publication of a new historical data set that includes, for the first time, digitized and quality‐controlled daily meteorological observations in Istanbul will enhance the understanding of weather changes in Turkiye back to the late 19th century. These observations will be used to fill gaps in existing temperature and pressure records and to the improvement of the accuracy of reanalysis products prior to the 1950s. It will be the first data set publication of other parameters such as soil temperature, wind speed and humidity for that period in that region. Data are available on the CEDA Archive in csv file format.
Herausforderung Bodenklassifizierung – Möglichkeiten und Vorteile der Drucksondierung
Authors: Oberhollenzer Simon , Hauser Laurin , Marte Roman , Tschuchnigg Franz , Schweiger Helmut F.
Published: June 2023

Baugrundgutachten, welche die Klassifizierung der Untergrundverhältnisse beinhalten, sind die Grundlage für Projektierungsarbeiten und oftmals eine wesentliche Vertragsgrundlage für die Vergabe von Bauleistungen. Verschiedene Standards, z. B. die ISO 14688‐1 und der Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), werden in der Praxis herangezogen, um den Boden basierend auf seiner Korngrößenverteilung und Plastizität zu charakterisieren. Alternativ kann eine indirekte Klassifizierung mittels Drucksondierungen unter Verwendung von Bodenverhaltensdiagrammen erfolgen. Im gegenständlichen Beitrag werden die Klassifizierungsansätze basierend auf den physikalischen Eigenschaften des Bodens (ISO 14688‐1, USCS) und Ergebnisse von In‐situ‐Tests, an diversen Versuchsfeldern und Baustellen verglichen. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass die Bodenverhaltensdiagramme nach Robertson (2009, 2016) und Schneider et al. (2008) in alpinen Beckenverfüllungen zur Abschätzung der Korngrößenverteilung verwendet werden können, wenngleich in feinkörnigen Böden eine bessere Übereinstimmung mit dem USCS, im Vergleich zur ISO 14688‐1, erzielt wird. Zusätzlich wurden neue Klassifizierungen für die Bodenverhaltensdiagramme entwickelt, welche einen verbesserten Rückschluss auf die Korngrößenverteilung ermöglichen. Weitere Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass eine Abschätzung der Korngrößenverteilung seitens des/der GeotechnikerIn in feinkörnigen Böden große Erfahrung benötigt und deutlich streuen kann.
Contingencies in the effects of job‐based pay dispersion on employee attitudes
Authors: Tenhiälä Aino , Kepes Sven , Jokela Markus
Published: June 2023

When does pay dispersion elicit positive or negative employee attitudes? A review of the pay dispersion literature indicates a controversy around this vital question and suggests that numerous contingency factors moderate the effects of pay dispersion. In an empirical study of four Finnish companies consisting of 141 work units, we examine contingencies in attitudinal reactions to job‐based pay dispersion among blue‐collar workers. Based on archival pay data matched with employee survey responses (n = 536), we find that perceptions of pay basis legitimacy, task interdependence, and an individual's pay standing within the work unit explain the strength and direction of the relation between job‐based pay dispersion and employee attitudes (i.e., work engagement and organizational commitment). Our findings have implications for the design of pay systems and contribute to a better appreciation of the complexities underlying employee attitudinal responses to pay dispersion.
Rhine flood stories: Spatio‐temporal analysis of historic and projected flood genesis in the Rhine River basin
Authors: Rottler Erwin , Bronstert Axel , Bürger Gerd , Rakovec Oldrich
Published: June 2023

The genesis of floods in large river basins often is complex. Streamflow originating from precipitation and snowmelt and different tributaries can superimpose and cause high water levels, threatening cities and communities along the riverbanks. For better understanding the mechanisms (origin and composition) of flood events in large and complex basins, we capture and share the story behind major historic and projected streamflow peaks in the Rhine River basin. Our analysis is based on hydrological simulations with the mesoscale Hydrological Model forced with both meteorological observations and an ensemble of climate projections. The spatio‐temporal analysis of the flood events includes the assessment and mapping of antecedent liquid precipitation, snow cover changes, generated and routed runoff, areal extents of events, and the above‐average runoff from major sub‐basins up to 10 days before a streamflow peak. We introduce and assess the analytical setup by presenting the flood genesis of the two well‐known Rhine floods that occurred in January 1995 and May 1999. We share our extensive collection of event‐based Rhine River flood genesis, which can be used in‐ and outside the scientific community to explore the complexity and diversity of historic and projected flood genesis in the Rhine basin. An interactive web‐based viewer provides easy access to all major historic and projected streamflow peaks at four locations along the Rhine. The comparison of peak flow genesis depending on different warming levels elucidates the role of changes in snow cover and precipitation characteristics in the (pre‐)Alps for flood hazards along the entire channel of the Rhine. Furthermore, our results suggest a positive correlation between flood magnitudes and areal extents of an event. Further hydro‐climatological research is required to improve the understanding of the climatic impact on the Rhine and beyond.
Leaky dams augment afforestation to mitigate catchment scale flooding
Authors: Barnes Mhari S. , Bathurst James C. , Lewis Elizabeth , Quinn Paul F.
Published: June 2023

Despite calls for large‐scale afforestation to alleviate flooding, the effectiveness of such action remains unclear. Simulations with the SHETRAN hydrological model are therefore carried out for the 335‐km2 Irthing catchment and its 1‐10‐km2 headwater catchments in northwest England to determine: (a) whether forests can reduce flood peak discharges in a large catchment; (b) the proportion of the catchment that requires afforestation to be effective; and (c) the extent to which a combination of afforestation and natural flood management features (leaky dams) improves upon afforestation on its own. Four‐year simulations were run with a range of forest covers and extents of leaky dam installation, the latter modelled as a channel hydraulic resistance. Hydrograph, flood frequency and peak discharge magnitude responses to forest cover simulated (and observed) in the headwater catchments are replicated in simulations at the full scale. Afforestation on its own can reduce the frequency of given flood magnitudes but has a variable impact on individual peak discharge magnitudes. For the Irthing, a 76% forest cover reduces the mean discharge of 20 peaks in a partial duration flood series by 10% relative to the current 21% forest cover but reduces the largest peak by only 2.5%. Accompanying adverse effects include 17.5% reduction in long‐term runoff and loss of agricultural land. By contrast, leaky dams mitigate flood frequencies and peak discharges effectively, over a range of discharge magnitudes, with no reduction of annual runoff. The dam installation required for a 10% mean peak discharge reduction reduces the largest peak by 22%. The flow resistance increases by which the dams are simulated have still to be translated into specific dam designs. Nevertheless, and considering the figures indicatively, dam installation in 20% of the Irthing streams with Strahler orders of 1–3 achieves a 10% peak discharge reduction with only 35% forest cover and 7.5% runoff reduction. The study illustrates the potential for a dense network of leaky dams to augment the impact of afforestation on flood mitigation, especially at the largest discharges, while minimizing adverse impacts on water resources and food security.
Abnormal uterine bleeding in a 2‐month‐old infant: Workup, instrumentation, and endoscopic management—A case report
Authors: Zamarripa Leyva Jose Manuel , Kway Venance Basil , Zamora Zamora Karla Yatzareth , Jimenez Esquivel Rosa Margarita , Ling Garcia Jose Pablo , Martinez Martinez Raul , Gomez Hernandez Nadia Judith , Martinez Trejo Zulema , Gonzalez Garcia Grecia Krystel , Mendoza Huerta Manuel
Published: June 2023

Synopsis

A case report of a 2‐month‐old patient with severe abnormal uterine bleeding and vascular neoplastic malformation who was diagnosed and managed by endoscopic and vessel embolization therapy.
The gendered health consequences of persistent exposure to short sleep duration during adolescence
Authors: Park Gum‐Ryeong , Kim Jinho
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Despite evidence that sleep duration is associated with adolescent health, there remain several gaps in the literature. Little is known about: (1) the extent to which persistent exposure to short sleep duration is associated with adolescent health and (2) whether this association varies by gender.

Methods

Using six waves of longitudinal data from the 2011–2016 Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (N = 6147), this study examined whether persistent exposure to short sleep duration is related to two adolescent health outcomes (overweight status and self‐rated health). Fixed effects models were estimated to account for individual‐level heterogeneity.

Results

Short sleep duration was associated with being overweight and self‐rated health in different ways for boys and girls. Gender‐stratified analysis suggests that, for girls, the risk of being overweight increased for 5 years in a row as short sleep duration persisted. Prolonged short sleep duration also resulted in a continued decline in girls' self‐rated health. For boys, persistent exposure to short sleep duration predicted a lower likelihood of being overweight up to the fourth year, but then began to recover. No association between persistent exposure to short sleep duration and self‐rated health was observed for boys.

Conclusion

Persistent exposure to short sleep duration was found to be more harmful to the health of girls than boys. Promoting longer sleep duration during adolescence may be an effective intervention to improve adolescent health, especially for girls.
How Latiné engineering students resist White male engineering culture: A multi‐institution analysis of academic engagement
Authors: Garriott Patton O. , Carrero Pinedo Ayli , Hunt Heather K. , Navarro Rachel L. , Flores Lisa Y. , Desjarlais Cerynn D. , Diaz David , Brionez Julio , Lee Bo Hyun , Ayala Evelyn , Martinez Leticia D. , Hu Xiaotian , Smith Megan K. , Suh Han Na , McGillen Gloria G.
Published: June 2023

Background

Although participation rates vary by field, Latiné and women engineers continue to be underrepresented across most segments of the engineering workforce. Research has examined engagement and persistence of Latiné and White women in engineering; however, few studies have investigated how race, ethnicity, gender, and institutional setting interact to produce inequities in the field.

Purpose

To address these limitations, we examined how Latina, Latino, and White women and men students' engagement in engineering was informed by their intersecting identities and within their institutional setting over the course of a year.

Method

We interviewed 32 Latina, Latino, and White women and men undergraduate engineering students attending 11 different predominantly White and Hispanic Serving Institutions. Thematic analysis was used to interpret themes from the data.

Results

Our findings illustrate how Latinas, Latinos, and White women developed a strong engineering identity, which was critical to their engagement in engineering. Students' engineering identity was grounded in their perceived fit within engineering culture, sense of purpose for pursuing their degree, and resistance to the dominance of White male culture in engineering. Latinas described unique forms of gendered, racialized marginalization in engineering, whereas Latinas and Latinos highlighted prosocial motivations for completing their degree.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that institutional cultures, norms, and missions are critical to broadening participation of Latinas, Latinos, and White women in engineering. Disrupting White male culture, leveraging Latiné students' cultural wealth, and counter‐framing traditional recruitment pitches for engineering appear to be key in these efforts.
Taxonomical, functional, and cytopathological characterization of Bacillus spp. from Lake Magadi, Kenya, against Rhizoctonia solani Kühn in Phaseolus vulgaris L
Authors: Wekesa Tofick B. , Wafula Eliud N. , Kavesu Ndinda , Sangura Robert M.
Published: June 2023

A decline in common bean production and the ineffectiveness of synthetic chemical products in managing plant pathogens has led to exploiting Kenyan soda lakes as an alternative search for biocontrol agents. This study aimed to identify phylogenetically Bacillus spp. from Lake Magadi and their antagonistic activity against Rhizoctonia solani under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The 16 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) subunit sequences of six bacterial strains isolated from Lake Magadi showed diversity similar to the Bacillus genus; Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus pumilus. In vitro, antagonism showed varied mycelium inhibition rates of fungi in the coculture method. Enzymatic assays showed the varied ability of isolates to produce phosphatase, pectinase, chitinase, protease, indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), and hydrogen cyanide (HCD). The in vivo assay showed M09 (B. velezensis) with the lowest root mortality and incidence of postemergence wilt. Pre‐emergence wilt incidence was recorded as lowest in M10 (B. subtilis). Isolate M10 had the highest phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) for defense enzymes, while polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase were recorded as highest in M09. For the phenolic content, M10 recorded the highest phenolic content. In conclusion, Lake Magadi harbors Bacillus spp, which can be used as a potential biocontrol of R. solani.
Influence of B‐site cation in lattice dynamics of bilayered Ruddlesden–Popper Sr3B2O7 (B = Zr, Mo, Sn, Hf) compounds
Authors: Saini Neenu , Jindal Ruby , Tripathi Archana
Published: June 2023

The Raman and infrared (IR) wavenumbers for the Ruddlesden–Popper Srn + 1BnO3n + 1 (B = Zr, Mo, Sn, Hf) bilayered tetragonal compounds with n = 2 of symmetry
and phase I4/mmm (Z = 2) have been analyzed with Wilson's GF matrix method. Theoretical assignments for the optical wavenumbers have been reported for the first time for the bilayered tetragonal Sr3Zr2O7, Sr3Mo2O7, Sr3Sn2O7, and Sr3Hf2O7 compounds in phase I4/mmm with the use of 10 short‐range force constants. Using the available data of the isostructural compounds Sr3Ti2O7, Sr3Mn2O7, and Sr3Fe2O7, we have tried to calculate the vibrational modes of the Sr3B2O7 (B = Zr, Mo, Sn, Hf) compounds in phase I4/mmm by the comparative method. Also, we have compared all these Sr3B2O7 (B = Zr, Mo, Sn, Hf) compounds together in terms of wavenumbers and force constants. The appropriate optical vibrational modes have been assigned to the bilayered tetragonal Sr3B2O7 (B = Zr, Mo, Sn, Hf) compounds in phase I4/mmm. The impact of cation‐B (B = Zr, Mo, Sn, Hf) exchange on the lattice dynamics of the tetragonal bilayered Sr3B2O7 (B = Zr, Mo, Sn, Hf) isostructural compounds has been analyzed by comparison of the zone center vibrational modes, force constants, and bond lengths. To understand the structure more clearly, an attempt is also made to analyze the effect of B‐cations on the affected apical bonds. It was observed that the B‐site substitutions have the least influence on the Sr layer and the equatorial bonds of octahedra; meanwhile, the outer apical bonds of the octahedra have shown the maximum impact. For each normal mode of the bilayered tetragonal Sr3B2O7 (B = Zr, Mo, Sn, Hf) Ruddlesden–Popper phase, the potential energy distribution (PED) has been analyzed for the noteworthy effects of short‐range force constants on calculated wavenumbers.