bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Rhodococcus equi strains isolated from foals in Chile
Authors: Zúñiga María Paz , Badillo Elena , Abalos Pedro , Valencia Eduardo David , Marín Pedro , Escudero Elisa , Galecio Juan Sebastian 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRhodococcus equi is responsible for foal pneumonia worldwide, with a significant economic impact on the production and breeding of horses. In Chile, the first case was reported in 2000, and since then, its incidence has been increasing. Distinctive characteristics of R. equi as an intracellular pathogen in macrophages, emergence of virulence plasmids encoding surface lipoprotein antigens, and appearance of antibiotic resistance against macrolides and rifampicin have significantly complicated the treatment of R. equi pneumonia in foals. Therefore, in vitro susceptibility studies of first-line and newer antibiotics against R. equi are the first step to establishing effective treatments and optimizing new therapeutic options. The aim of the present study is to determine the susceptibility profile of fourteen strains of R. equi isolated from foals in Chile to several antibiotics of the macrolide group including azithromycin, amikacin, tildipirosin and gamithromycin as well as others such as rifampicin, doxycycline and ceftiofur. Identification of R. equi in collected isolates from foals in Chile has been performed by CAMP test and PCR based on detecting of the gene encoding the 16 S rRNA. The presence of genes encoding virulence plasmids was also determined using PCR. Results obtained have demonstrated presence of virulent R. equi strains in Chile. In vitro susceptibility pattern to different antibiotics has shown better results for doxycycline and rifampicin similar to previous studies performed. Current macrolides have been evaluated in order to consider alternative treatment options in a context of emerging resistance to classic macrolides and rifampicin, obtaining better results with gamithromycin (MIC range of 0.125 to 128 mg/ml) than with tildipirosin (MIC range of 16 to 128 mg/ml). An adequate diagnosis of bacterial susceptibility based on antibiograms is necessary to treat the Rhodococcus equi infection in foals.
Ultralow friction PTFE/PEEK heterolayer: A new solid lubrication approach toward simplicity
Authors: Sun Wei , Ye Jiaxin , Song Qingrui , Feng Yi , Liu Xiaojun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTribological applications of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are often limited by technological complexity to overcome its poor wear resistance. Here, a PTFE/polyetheretherketone (PEEK) heterolayer (HL) was proposed and evaluated as a new solid lubrication solution. Pin-on-disk tribometry found the lowest friction coefficient (μ) of 0.031 and ultralow wear for the PEEK/HL under typical conditions. The friction coefficient of the HL surpasses those of the state-of-the-art polymeric coatings/composites by at least 200%, and approaches that of highly lubricated interfaces. Mechanistic investigations revealed multi-length physical and chemical heterogeneity of the HL that best facilitates a tribofilm with high subsurface stability and surface instability. The technological simplicity and robustness of the HL’s high lubricity make it a promising new type of solid lubrication toward greater reliability and longevity.
Why Circular Business Models Fail And What To Do About It: A Preliminary Framework And Lessons Learned From A Case In The European Union (Eu)
Authors: Baldassarre Brian , Calabretta Giulia 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe circular economy aims to decouple economic growth from negative environmental impacts. To achieve this goal, circular economy concepts and policies must be implemented in practice by organizations through new circular business models. However, organizations often fail to implement circular business models on the market at scale. This is a major problem in business innovation practice, while a knowledge gap about the underlying implementation challenges remains in the scientific literature. More research on the subject is needed. The objective of this study is contributing to shed light into the gap with empirical insights. Using an action research method within an EU innovation project, this article proposes a preliminary empirical framework that links the value proposition, creation, delivery, and capture dimensions of a circular business models with specific cultural, regulatory, economic, and technical barriers that might hinder implementation. Based on the framework, four lessons to support managerial action are provided. Future research might build upon this work by systematically collecting and structuring more granular empirical data about the specific reasons why new circular business models fail to be implemented by organizations, across different sectors and geographical areas.
Development of a Qualitative Tool for Sustainability Assessment and Application of the Tool to Benchmark Electronic Smart Labels
Authors: Hakola Liisa , Smolander Maria , Orko Inka , Sokka Laura , Välimäki Marja 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis paper presents a sustainability benchmarking tool, the GreenTool, to compare different electronic product concepts, specifically printed ones, with each other from the sustainability perspective. The purpose is to increase awareness of different aspects of sustainability and support the design of more sustainable electronics. This tool is built on European and global sustainability regulations and recommendations, and it considers environmental, economic, and social sustainability aspects in seven different criteria, each with several sub-criteria that are the actual categories used in the comparison. The tool uses scientific and industrial information as input, as well as a technical understanding of the new and baseline concepts to be compared to properly support sustainability benchmarking. In this paper, we further present an example comparison of four smart label product concepts, one of which is the commercial baseline concept, and the other three are developmental concepts. The biggest differences among the product concepts were found in the categories of ‘raw materials’, ‘manufacturing’, and ‘logistics’ criteria, where the developmental concepts based on manufacturing by printing and bio-based materials gave environmental benefits over the baseline. In the other criteria, the differences were smaller, but the developmental concepts also provided slight improvements in sustainability. The GreenTool can be considered suitable for qualitative sustainability comparisons in product concept design.
Syntabulin regulates neuronal excitation/inhibition balance and epileptic seizures by transporting syntaxin 1B
Authors: Ke Pingyang , Gu Juan , Liu Jing , Liu Yan , Tian Xin , Ma Yuanlin , Meng Yuan , Xiao Fei 
Published: June 2023

AbstractEpilepsy is a widespread neurological disorder affecting more than 65 million people, but the mechanisms of epilepsy remains unknown. Abnormal synaptic transmission has a crucial role in the occurrence and development of epilepsy. Here, we found that syntabulin, a neuronal transporter, was mainly localized in neurons, and its expression was increased in epileptic tissues. Knockdown of syntabulin increased susceptibility and severity of epilepsy, whereas overexpression of syntabulin had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, in the epileptic brain tissue, syntabulin mainly translocated syntaxin 1B (STX1B) rather than syntaxin 1A (STX1A) to the presynaptic membrane, which resulted in increased presynaptic transmitter release. Further studies showed that syntabulin had a more significant effect on presynaptic functionality of GABAergic activity over that of excitatory synapses and resulted in an excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance, thereby regulating the epileptic phenotype. In addition, we found that the increased expression of syntabulin in epileptic brain tissue was mainly regulated by transcription factor TFAP2A. In summary, syntabulin plays a protective role in epilepsy by maintaining a proper E/I balance in the hippocampus.
Multifunctional microelectronic fibers enable wireless modulation of gut and brain neural circuits
Authors: Sahasrabudhe Atharva , Rupprecht Laura E. , Orguc Sirma , Khudiyev Tural , Tanaka Tomo , Sands Joanna , Zhu Weikun , Tabet Anthony , Manthey Marie , Allen Harrison , Loke Gabriel , Antonini Marc-Joseph , Rosenfeld Dekel , Park Jimin , Garwood Indie C. , Yan Wei , Niroui Farnaz , Fink Yoel , Chandrakasan Anantha , Bohórquez Diego V. , Anikeeva Polina 
Published: June 2023

AbstractProgress in understanding brain–viscera interoceptive signaling is hindered by a dearth of implantable devices suitable for probing both brain and peripheral organ neurophysiology during behavior. Here we describe multifunctional neural interfaces that combine the scalability and mechanical versatility of thermally drawn polymer-based fibers with the sophistication of microelectronic chips for organs as diverse as the brain and the gut. Our approach uses meters-long continuous fibers that can integrate light sources, electrodes, thermal sensors and microfluidic channels in a miniature footprint. Paired with custom-fabricated control modules, the fibers wirelessly deliver light for optogenetics and transfer data for physiological recording. We validate this technology by modulating the mesolimbic reward pathway in the mouse brain. We then apply the fibers in the anatomically challenging intestinal lumen and demonstrate wireless control of sensory epithelial cells that guide feeding behaviors. Finally, we show that optogenetic stimulation of vagal afferents from the intestinal lumen is sufficient to evoke a reward phenotype in untethered mice.
Esr1+ hypothalamic-habenula neurons shape aversive states
Authors: Calvigioni Daniela , Fuzik Janos , Le Merre Pierre , Slashcheva Marina , Jung Felix , Ortiz Cantin , Lentini Antonio , Csillag Veronika , Graziano Marta , Nikolakopoulou Ifigeneia , Weglage Moritz , Lazaridis Iakovos , Kim Hoseok , Lenzi Irene , Park Hyunsoo , Reinius Björn , Carlén Marie , Meletis Konstantinos 
Published: June 2023

AbstractExcitatory projections from the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) to the lateral habenula (LHb) drive aversive responses. We used patch-sequencing (Patch-seq) guided multimodal classification to define the structural and functional heterogeneity of the LHA–LHb pathway. Our classification identified six glutamatergic neuron types with unique electrophysiological properties, molecular profiles and projection patterns. We found that genetically defined LHA–LHb neurons signal distinct aspects of emotional or naturalistic behaviors, such as estrogen receptor 1-expressing (Esr1+) LHA–LHb neurons induce aversion, whereas neuropeptide Y-expressing (Npy+) LHA–LHb neurons control rearing behavior. Repeated optogenetic drive of Esr1+ LHA–LHb neurons induces a behaviorally persistent aversive state, and large-scale recordings showed a region-specific neural representation of the aversive signals in the prelimbic region of the prefrontal cortex. We further found that exposure to unpredictable mild shocks induced a sex-specific sensitivity to develop a stress state in female mice, which was associated with a specific shift in the intrinsic properties of bursting-type Esr1+ LHA–LHb neurons. In summary, we describe the diversity of LHA–LHb neuron types and provide evidence for the role of Esr1+ neurons in aversion and sexually dimorphic stress sensitivity.
Synthesis and characterization of nanocatalyst Cu2+/mesoporous carbon for amidation reactions of alcohols
Authors: Ghafuri Hossein , Hanifehnejad Peyman , Rashidizadeh Afsaneh , Tajik Zeinab , Dogari Hanieh 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this research, mesoporous carbon (MC) with high efficiency (0.65 g yield from 1.0 g MCM-41 and 1.25 g sucrose) was successfully prepared by adding carbon precursor (sucrose) in a single step with ultrasonic waves, which reduces time and energy cost. Then, the Cu2+/Mesoporous carbon nanocatalyst (Cu2+/MC) was synthesized by adding Cu(NO3)2 in a single step and applied as a catalyst in amidation reactions of alcohols. Also, Cu2+/MC was characterized using different spectroscopic methods and techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), N2 adsorption analysis (BET), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Moreover, to show the catalytic merits of Cu2+/MC, various primary and secondary amines and ammonium salts were applied in the amidation of alcohols. Easy synthesis method, recyclability, excellent yields (80–93%), and simple work-up are some noticeable strengths of using Cu2+/MC as a catalyst in this reaction.
Moral reframing of messages about mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kaplan Jonas T. , Vaccaro Anthony , Henning Max , Christov-Moore Leonardo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWhen communicating about political issues, messages targeted to resonate with the core values of the receiver may be effective, an approach known as moral reframing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we tested the relationships between moral values and mask-wearing in a sample (N = 540) of self-identified liberals, conservatives, and moderates in the United States. Anti-mask attitudes were stronger in conservatives, and were associated with increased concerns for in-group loyalty, national identity, and personal liberty. We then crafted messages about the benefits of mask-wearing framed to resonate with these moral concerns, and in a pre-registered study of N = 597 self-identified U.S. conservatives, tested the effect of moral reframing on anti-mask attitudes and behaviors. Messages framed in terms of loyalty, with appeals to the protection of the community and America, were effective in reducing anti-mask beliefs, compared with unrelated control messages and messages delivering purely scientific information, and these changes in belief persisted for at least 1 week. Exploratory analyses showed that participants who saw loyalty-framed messages reported wearing masks in public more frequently in the subsequent week. This study provides evidence that framing messages about health behaviors in terms of group loyalty may be one productive way of communicating with conservative audiences.
Techno-economic assessment of co-production of edible bioplastic and food supplements from Spirulina
Authors: Chalermthai Bushra , Charoensuppanimit Pongtorn , Nootong Kasidit , Olsen Bradley D. , Assabumrungrat Suttichai 
Published: June 2023

AbstractLarge amount of plastic wastes harming the environment have raised concerns worldwide on finding alternatives to non-biodegradable plastics. Microalgae has been found as a potential source for bioplastic production, besides its more common application in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry. In this study, the objective was to techno-economically evaluate the large-scale co-production of Spirulina powder as food supplements and edible bioplastic for food packaging. The scale of production was large enough to satisfy 1% of local (Thailand) plastic demand (i.e., approx. 1200 MT y−1), and 1% of the global Spirulina demand (approx. 1000 MT y−1) as food supplements. Results showed that the co-production of the Spirulina powder and bioplastic revealed an attractive venture with a payback time (PBT) as low as 2.6 y and ROI as high as 38.5%. This was because the revenues generated were as high as US$ 55.6 million y−1, despite high capital (US$ 55.7 million) and operating (US$ 34.9 million y−1) costs. Sensitivity analysis showed differences in the profitability based on variations of major parameters in the study, where the split ratio of biomass used for food supplement versus bioplastic production and the bioplastic’s selling price were found to be the most sensitive.
The dynamics analysis of Gompertz virus disease model under impulsive control
Authors: Wang Linjun , She Aiqing , Xie Youxiang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe pandemic of Gompertz virus disease remains a pressing issue in agricultural production. Moreover, the dynamics of various infectious diseases is usually investigated by the method of mathematical modelling. A new mathematical model for dynamics on Gompertz virus disease impulsive system is proposed and analyzed in this paper. We prove the dynamic characteristics about the permanence and globally exponential stability of Gompertz virus disease model. Moreover, we also give the sufficient condition that one positive solution which satisfies $$E(t) \ge q_2$$

E

(
t
)

≥

q
2

if $$R_{1*}> 1$$

R

1

∗

>
1

exists. Eventually, numerical simulations are utilized to validate the validity of the theoretically analyzed conclusion in this paper.
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

AbstractClostridium 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

AbstractBoron 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

AbstractA 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

AbstractPreventive 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.