bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavonoids, gut microbiota, and host lipid metabolism
Authors: Zhou Miao , Ma Jie , Kang Meng , Tang Wenjie , Xia Siting , Yin Jie , Yin Yulong
Published: November 2023

Flavonoids are widely distributed in nature and have a variety of beneficial biological effects, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐obesity effects. All of these are related to gut microbiota, and flavonoids also serve as a bridge between the host and gut microbiota. Flavonoids are commonly used to modify the composition of the gut microbiota by promoting or inhibiting specific microbial species within the gut, as well as modifying their metabolites. In turn, the gut microbiota extensively metabolizes flavonoids. Hence, this reciprocal relationship between flavonoids and the gut microbiota may play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and functionality of the metabolism system. In this review, we mainly highlighted the biological effects of antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiobesity, and discussed the interaction between flavonoids, gut microbiota and lipid metabolism, and elaborated the potential mechanisms on host lipid metabolism.
Long‐Term In Situ Performance Comparison of Si and GaAs Solar Arrays in Medium Earth Orbit
Authors: Zhao Wenqi , Liu Guangming , Yang Ning , Ge Shengyin , Shen Zheng , Li Xuping
Published: November 2023

The present work analyzes the long‐term in situ comparison of Si and GaAs solar array based on two BeiDou Navigation Satellite System satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO). From the 6 year long‐term perspective, both Si and GaAs solar arrays exhibit significant yearly periodic variations in remote sensing current and temperature due to periodic variations in the Sun–satellite distance. The practical in situ photogenerated current degradation of Si and GaAs solar arrays in MEO orbits is analyzed by the light intensity and working temperature after calibrating. The annual degradation coefficients of Si and GaAs solar arrays are calculated to be 0.986 and 0.990, respectively, which means 13.2% and 9.6% current degradation for Si and GaAs solar arrays at the end of the 10 year life MEO satellite. Also, this article examines the temperature of the MEO orbit, with the working temperature ranging from −144.7 to 56.3 °C for Si solar array and −136.9 to 60.9 °C for GaAs solar array. The present work provides a critical accurate degradation parameter for the MEO satellite's precise design and the space application of the low‐cost silicon solar cell.
Optimizing carbon capture efficiency with direct capturing and amine: Insights from exegetic analysis
Authors: Majnoon Ali , Moosavian Seyed Farhan , Hajinezhad Ahmad
Published: November 2023

With climate change concerns on the rise, finding efficient and sustainable ways to separate carbon dioxide from industrial gas mixtures has become increasingly important. Membrane‐based gas separation technologies offer a promising solution due to their low energy consumption, low emissions, and ease of operation. In this study, we dug deep into theoretical energy consumption and practical optimization strategies for CO2 separation using such technologies. Our results showed that CO2 separation can be achieved with relatively low specific energy consumption, ranging from 0.09 to 0.27 MJe/kg CO2, depending on feed CO2 concentration. By conducting process simulations, we determined the optimal feed gas pressure and membrane surface area required to achieve a CO2 absorption ratio of 90% (mol). We also analyzed the effects of CO2 permeation and selectivity on energy consumption and membrane area, revealing that increasing both can significantly reduce energy consumption, albeit with more membrane surface area required. Using seepage flow circulation was found to be a particularly effective way to improve feed CO2 concentration and reduce energy consumption. To optimize and improve the capturing process, we conducted exergy analysis in each of the five stages of optimization, reporting Cooling Utilities (MW), Heating Utilities (MW), and Total Utilities (MW) for each step. Our results showed that in the optimal mode, Total Utilities (MW) were reported as 228.1, highlighting the potential of membrane‐based CO2 separation for carbon capture and storage applications. This study provides valuable insights and practical strategies for achieving efficient and sustainable CO2 separation.
Cereal sprout‐based food products: Industrial application, novel extraction, consumer acceptance, antioxidant potential, sensory evaluation, and health perspective
Authors: Maqbool Zahra , Khalid Waseem , Mahum  , Khan Anosha , Azmat Maliha , Sehrish Aqeela , Zia Sania , Koraqi Hyrije , AL‐Farga Ammar , Aqlan Faisal , Khan Khalid Ali
Published: November 2023

Cereal grains are a good source of macronutrients and micronutrients that are required for metabolic activity in the human body. Sprouts have been studied to enhance the nutrient profile. Moreover, secondary metabolites are examined as green food engineering technology that is used in the pharmaceutical, functional ingredients, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. The sprout‐based food is commonly used to enhance the quality of products by softening the structure of the whole grain and increasing the phytochemicals (nutritional value and bioactive compounds). These sprouting grains can be added to a variety of products including snacks, bakery, beverage, and meat. Consuming whole grains has been shown to reduce the incidence and mortality of a variety of chronic and noncommunicable diseases. Sprouting grains have a diversity of biological functions, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Cereal sprout‐based products are more beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal tract diseases. The novel extraction techniques (microwave‐existed extraction, pulse electric field, and enzyme‐associated) are applied to maintain and ensure the efficiency, safety, and nutritional profile of sprout. Nutrient‐dense sprouts have a low environmental impact and are widely accepted by consumers. This review explores for the first time and sheds light on the antioxidant potential, sensory evaluation, industrial applications, and health perspective of cereal sprout‐based food products.
Semi‐automatic identification of discontinuity parameters in rock masses based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle photography
Authors: Chen Na , Hao Yinchao , Wang Chuqiang , Zheng Jun
Published: November 2023

Efficient and accurate extraction of discontinuity geometric parameters is significant for evaluating the stability and seepage characteristics of a rock mass. Traditional means of rock discontinuity measurement are susceptible to the influence of terrain and have issues such as high operational workload and low efficiency. An approach was proposed to comprehensively and efficiently obtain the geometric parameter information of the discontinuity, using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which consists of the following five procedures: (1) measurement of a rock slope with UAV, (2) creation of three‐dimensional (3D) point cloud model for the slope, (3) voxel filtering of point cloud data, (4) planar segmentation based on modified region growing (MRG) algorithm, and (5) acquisition of parameter set of the discontinuity (orientation, trace length, and spacing). A new code, FacetDetect, has been developed based on this method to identify discontinuity from a 3D point cloud. Meanwhile, the trace length and spacing are calculated by the code written in Python. A comparison with the three‐point method reveals that most errors are less than 3° for dip angles and dip directions. These deviations are reasonable and confirm the reliability of the method. Overall, this method is a valuable reference for automatic discontinuity interpretation and related fields.
When Mistakes Multiply: How Inadequate Responses to Medical Mishaps Erode Trust in American Medicine
Authors: Schlesinger Mark , Grob Rachel
Published: November 2023

In this essay, we explore consequences of the systemic failure to track and to publicize the prevalence of patient‐safety threats in American medicine. Tens of millions of Americans lose trust in medical care every year due to safety shortfalls. Because this loss of trust is long‐lasting, the corrosive effects build up over time, yielding a collective maelstrom of mistrust among the American public. Yet no one seems to notice that patient safety is a root cause, because no one is counting. In addition to identifying the origins of this purblindness, we offer an alternative policy approach. This would call for government to transparently track safety threats through the systematic collection and reporting of patients’ experiences. This alternative strategy offers real promise for stemming the erosion of trust that currently accompanies patient‐safety shortfalls while staying consistent with Americans’ preferences for a constrained government role with respect to medical care.
“You have to trust yourself”: The Overlooked Role of Self‐Trust in Coping with Chronic Illness
Authors: Grob Rachel , Van Gorp Stacy , Evered Jane Alice
Published: November 2023

Self‐trust is essential to the well‐being of people with chronic illnesses and those who care for them. In this exploratory essay, we draw on a trove of health narratives to catalyze examination of this important but often overlooked topic. We explore how self‐trust is impeded at both personal and structural levels, how it can best be nourished, and how it is related to self‐advocacy. Because people's ability to trust themselves is intrinsically linked to the trust others have in them, we pay particular attention to the role that allies such as clinical professionals play in the development of self‐trust, highlighting the importance of eliciting patient narratives, of curious listening, and of compassionately raising questions. We also contrast the self‐trust paradigm with that of self‐management, which tends to replace the former's attention to patients’ experiences, abilities, qualities, or judgments with a professionally dominated discourse dedicated to addressing illness through behavior changes prescribed by clinicians. We close with a call to action, exhorting readers to focus on supporting self‐trust in health care settings and on creative research in this critical yet heretofore underrepresented domain.
What Patient‐Experience Data Reveal about Trust
Authors: Lee Thomas H. , Guney Senem , Mylod Deirdre E.
Published: November 2023

This essay analyzes two types of patient‐experience data to broaden and deepen understanding of trust in health care. Analysis of patients’ open‐ended comments shows a close connection between patients’ feelings of trust and their intent to recommend providers and provider organizations—a global measure to evaluate patients’ perceptions of care experiences. Patients’ comments also reveal the bidirectional building of trust between the patient and the caregiver. Trust gets built when patients perceive their caregivers to trust their knowledge of their bodies as well as when caregivers demonstrate caring behaviors that earn the patients’ trust. Patients’ ratings of a closed‐ended survey item on “confidence in provider” create the greatest differentiation for the global measure of patient experience—whether patients did or did not recommend a practice or provider. The essay also discusses related findings on pre‐visit friction and the use of humor by the caregiver to expand understanding of trust.
When Artists Go to Work: On the Ethics of Engaging the Arts in Public Health
Authors: Smith Patrick T. , Sonke Jill K.
Published: November 2023

Collaboration between the arts and health sectors is gaining momentum. Artists are contributing significantly to public health efforts such as vaccine confidence campaigns. Artists and the arts are well positioned to contribute to the social conditions needed to build trust in the health sector. Health professionals, organizations, and institutions should recognize not only the power that can be derived from the insights, artefacts, and expertise of artists and the arts to create the conditions that make trust possible. The health sector must also recognize that, while it can gain much from partnership with artists, artists risk much—namely, the public's trust—when they are in such partnerships. This essay unpacks these claims and considers the care and ethical considerations that must be brought to these partnerships to yield constructive pathways for ethical collaboration as well as for both establishing public trust and continuing to hold the health care profession accountable for becoming more trustworthy.
Proteasome inhibitors in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer: A systematic review of clinical evidence
Authors: Chua Alethea Dasha Wenning , Thaarun Thirumeninathan , Yang Hui , Lee Ainsley Ryan Yan Bin
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Nonsmall cell lung cancer accounts for over 85% of lung cancer incidences worldwide, and often has a poor prognosis. Proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib, have previously demonstrated evidence in preclinical and clinical models in the treatment of NSCLC both alone and as part of chemotherapeutic regimens.

Methods

Five databases were searched from inception to February 2023 to identify published clinical trial data and ongoing clinical trials on the use of proteasome inhibitors in treatment of NSCLC with a comprehensive search strategy.

Results

This review examines the clinical evidence from 21 completed and published phase I and II trials studying the use of bortezomib monotherapy and combination therapy in the treatment of NSCLC. Bortezomib/docetaxel combination resulted in longer median time‐to‐progression (TTP), median duration of response, median duration of disease control and median progression‐free survival (PFS) than bortezomib monotherapy, with concurrent administration having greater 6‐month PFS and median overall survival (OS) than sequential administration. Bortezomib/vorinostat with chemotherapy was well tolerated and effective. Bortezomib/gemcitabine/carboplatin, bortezomib/bevacizumab/carboplatin and bortezomib/paclitaxel/carboplatin combinations showed promising results and were of further investigational value.

Conclusion

Bortezomib showed some clinical promise in combination therapy but not monotherapy. It also demonstrated a manageable side effect profile. Combination regimens are of further investigation value in Phase II trials.
Characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women hospitalized with severe maternal outcomes in eastern Ethiopia: Results from the Ethiopian Obstetric Surveillance System study
Authors: Tura Abera Kenay , Knight Marian , Girma Sagni , Ahmed Redwan , Yuya Mohammed , Bekele Delayehu , Hassen Tahir Ahmed , Stekelenburg Jelle , van den Akker Thomas
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim of the present study was to identify facility‐based incidence of severe obstetric complications through a newly established obstetric surveillance system in eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

Monthly registration of obstetric hemorrhage, eclampsia, uterine rupture, severe anemia and sepsis was introduced in 13 maternity units in eastern Ethiopia. At each hospital, a designated clinician reported details of women admitted during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy from April 01, 2021 to March 31, 2022 developing any of these conditions. Detailed data on sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric complications and status at discharge were collected by trained research assistants.

Results

Among 38 782 maternities during the study period, 2043 (5.3%) women had any of the five conditions. Seventy women died, representing a case fatality rate of 3.4%. The three leading reasons for admission were obstetric hemorrhage (972; 47.6%), severe anemia (727; 35.6%), and eclampsia (438; 21.4%). The majority of the maternal deaths were from obstetric hemorrhage (27/70; 38.6%) followed by eclampsia (17/70; 24.3%).

Conclusion

Obstetric hemorrhage, severe anemia and eclampsia were the leading causes of severe obstetric complications in eastern Ethiopia. Almost one in 29 women admitted with obstetric complications died. Audit of quality of care is indicated to design tailored interventions to improve maternal survival and obstetric complications.
An ion‐percolating electrolyte membrane for ultrahigh efficient and dendrite‐free lithium metal batteries
Authors: Xu Yu‐Ting , Dai Sheng‐Jia , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Wu Xiong‐Wei , Guo Yu‐Guo , Zeng Xian‐Xiang
Published: November 2023

The development of lithium (Li) metal batteries has been severely limited by the formation of lithium dendrites and the associated catastrophic failure and inferior Coulombic efficiency which caused by non‐uniform or insufficient Li+ supply across the electrode–electrolyte interface. Therefore, a rational strategy is to construct a robust electrolyte that can allow efficient and uniform Li+ transport to ensure sufficient Li+ supply and homogenize the Li plating/stripping. Herein, we report an ion‐percolating electrolyte membrane that acts as a stable Li+ reservoir to ensure a near‐single Li+ transference number (0.78) and homogenizes Li+ migration to eradicate dendrite growth, endowing Li//LFP cell with an ultrahigh average Coulombic efficiency (ca. 99.97%) after cycling for nearly half of a year and superior cycling stability when pairing with LiCoO2 with limited Li amount and LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2. These estimable attributes demonstrate significant potential of utility value for the ion‐percolating electrolyte.

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Objective evaluation of tooth carving using homologous models
Authors: Oki Meiko , Nakayama Mirai , Tsuchida Yumi , Kamijo Shingo , Aoki Kazuhiro
Published: November 2023

Purpose/objectives

Tooth carvings are evaluated subjectively. However, subjective evaluations are associated with low intra‐ and inter‐evaluator reliability in providing feedback for the fabrication of better tooth carvings. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between subjective evaluation and the morphological characteristics of tooth carvings and their morphological characteristics using the feedback method in the low‐scoring group.

Methods

Between April 2013 and September 2021, 120 maxillary left first molar carvings fabricated by undergraduate students were subjectively evaluated by an experienced instructor using a five‐point scale. The tooth carvings were scanned to obtain three‐dimensional shape data and divided into two groups, the high‐ and low‐scoring groups, for principal component analysis. Homologous models with dimensions matching those of the average model were created, and principal component analysis was performed to evaluate the morphological characteristics of the tooth.

Results

Principal component analysis indicated that an objective evaluation was possible using homologous model. On increasing the subjective evaluation, the occlusal inclination angle and the cervical region of the tooth became steeper, and the shape of the occlusal surface resembled a parallelogram. In addition, large morphological differences were observed in the position of the cervical region of the tooth, height of contour, and shape of the occlusal surface in the low‐scoring group, whereas no such difference was observed in the high‐scoring group.

Conclusion

Objective evaluation of tooth carving was possible using homologous model. The evaluation of tooth morphological characteristics could be effective in providing feedback to undergraduate students.
Post‐lumbar puncture cerebral vein thrombosis
Authors: Marasco Vincenzo , Gianniello Francesca , Paolucci Aldo , Martinelli Ida , Capecchi Marco
Published: November 2023

Lumbar puncture (LP) is rarely complicated by cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT), especially if other risk factors coexist. We describe the case of a 28‐year‐old woman who developed CVT after corticosteroid treatment and LP performed for suspected multiple sclerosis. The day after LP, she developed intense headache and on Day 8 generalized tonic‐clonic seizures. A brain computed tomography scan showed thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus and cortical veins. Thrombophilia screening showed heterozygous G20210A prothrombin mutation. Anticoagulant therapy with low molecular weight heparin and then warfarin was administered until Day 16 after LP, when a brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a subdural hematoma. Warfarin was interrupted and dabigatran was started. The patient recovered completely, both from the initial thrombotic event and the hemorrhagic complication. This case highlights the importance to keep in mind CVT in the differential diagnosis of post‐LP headache not responsive to standard therapy, and suggests that dabigatran can be considered an effective and safe treatment of CVT.
Indigenous communities and sustainable development: A review and research agenda
Authors: Bansal Sanchita , Sarker Tapan , Yadav Anshita , Garg Isha , Gupta Mansi , Sarvaiya Harsha
Published: November 2023

This article examines the role of indigenous communities in promoting social change and accomplishing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using an integrative review, we offer an unbiased assessment of indigenous communities and SDGs. We contend that indigenous communities’ contribution to SDGs enhances technological innovations (via top‐down or bottom‐up approaches) and fosters social change. Our study identifies six themes: economy, ecology, livelihood, socio‐demographic factors, sustainable development, and politics, policies, and partnerships. For each theme and SDG, we pinpoint research gaps and propose potential directions. Given the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, joint initiatives to empower indigenous people, preserve their rights, and include them in decision‐making processes are critical. This study emphasizes the significance of using and strategizing indigenous knowledge in the face of environmental and other changes, thus advancing indigenous management theory. The article concludes by offering theoretical, practical, and policy implications for researchers, entrepreneurs, and the government.
Mitigating the adverse effects of AI with the European Union's artificial intelligence act: Hype or hope?
Authors: Wörsdörfer Manuel
Published: November 2023

In light of the rise of generative AI and recent debates about the socio‐political implications of large‐language models, chatbots, and the like, this paper analyzes the E.U.’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), the world's first comprehensive attempt by a government body to address and mitigate the potentially negative impacts of AI technologies. The paper critically analyzes the AIA from a business and computer ethics point of view—a perspective currently lacking in the academic (e.g., GBOE‐related) literature. It evaluates, in particular, the AIA's strengths and weaknesses and proposes reform measures that could help to strengthen the AIA. Among the AIA's strengths are its legally binding character, extra‐territoriality, ability to address data quality and discrimination risks, and institutional innovations such as the AI Board and publicly accessible logs and database for AI systems. Among its main weaknesses are its lack of effective enforcement, oversight, and control, absence of procedural rights and remedy mechanisms, inadequate worker protection, institutional ambiguities, insufficient funding and staffing, and inadequate consideration of sustainability issues. Reform suggestions include establishing independent conformity assessment procedures, strengthening democratic accountability and judicial oversight, introducing redress and complaint mechanisms, ensuring the participation and inclusion of workers, guaranteeing political independence of the AI Board, providing enhanced funding and staffing of market surveillance authorities, and mandating “green AI.”
Identification and classification of chill‐damaged versus sound kiwifruit using Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Samanali Garagoda Arachchige P. , Burritt David J. , Burdon Jeremy N. , Kerr Chelsea , Fraser‐Miller Sara J. , Gordon Keith C.
Published: November 2023

The early detection of fruit disorders is crucial to maintaining a consistent, high‐quality kiwifruit product. Chilling injury is a physiological disorder found in kiwifruit that can be challenging to identify until it reaches a severe stage or the fruit is cut and opened. Considering this, Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics was investigated for sound and chill‐damaged ‘Zesy002’ kiwifruit. We carried out spectral analysis on fruit harvested in 2018 and 2019. Damaged and sound fruit samples were separated based on spectral signatures from phenyl propanoids and sugars. Furthermore, the 2018 fruit sample set was used to construct, validate, and test models using support vector machine, principal component analysis–linear discriminant analysis, and partial least squares–discriminant analysis. Additionally, the robustness of the model was assessed using the 2019 fruit sample set considering test set accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Support vector machine models were developed and resulted in a 93% accuracy, 85% sensitivity, and 100% specificity to differentiate the test set fruit (2018 season). Principal component analysis–linear discriminant analysis models and partial least squares–discriminant analysis model built with the same data set gave >83% and 93% test accuracy, respectively. Models showed robustness with samples from the 2019 season. This study provides insights into the potential of using Raman spectroscopy for identifying chilling injury in kiwifruit.
Generalizing some key results from “alternative weighting schemes when performing matching‐adjusted indirect comparisons”
Authors: Zhang Landan , Jackson Dan
Published: November 2023

A recent paper proposed an alternative weighting scheme when performing matching‐adjusted indirect comparisons. This alternative approach follows the conventional one in matching the covariate means across two studies but differs in that it maximizes the effective sample size when doing so. The appendix of this paper showed, assuming there is one covariate and negative weights are permitted, that the resulting weights are linear in the covariates. This explains how the alternative method achieves a larger effective sample size and results in a metric that quantifies the difficulty of matching on particular covariates. We explain how these key results generalize to the case where there are multiple covariates, giving rise to a new metric that can be used to quantify the impact of matching on multiple covariates.
Sensory acceptability of sweet potatoes: Influence of the cultivar, cooking method and the city
Authors: Sosa M. , Garitta L. , Elizagoyen E. , Arce S. , Budde C. , Gabilondo J. , Ottaviano F. Gugole
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the sensory acceptability of four sweet potato cultivars (Beauregard, Morada‐INTA, Colorado‐INTA, and Arapey), considering two cooking methods: boiled and baked; and two cities, 9 de Julio (9DJ) and San Pedro (SP), of Buenos Aires province. 120 women were recruited in each city. A home use test was carried out. Each consumer received at home each sample in a bag containing three sweet potatoes and the evaluation form. The sensory acceptability of different characteristics of the samples was evaluated, before and after cooking. To inquire the reasons for consumption of each sample, the methodology check all that apply (CATA) was used.

Results

Of the two factors evaluated (city and cooking method), city had a significant influence when evaluating the samples. Participants of SP gave higher acceptability to Beauregard cultivar than 9DJ in most attributes. Colorado INTA had greater acceptability in some descriptors by the consumers of 9DJ. While Arapey and Morada INTA had the greatest acceptability in 9DJ trial. In CATA results 9DJ consumers associated the Beauregard cultivar with negative phrases: It tastes weird and It has little flavor/tasteless and to a lesser extent to The internal color is artificial and It breaks when cooking. While SP consumers characterized with negative phrases the Arapey and Morada INTA samples as follows: It changes color (brown) quickly, Its shape is not regular and When cooked, it has threads or fibers.

Conclusion

Consumer preferences provide opportunities for the development or improvement of new cultivars. It would be interesting to extend this study to other regions and/or countries.
Effects of co‐fermentation of high‐yield ester Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the quality of rice wine
Authors: Cui Rongrong , Liu Xueli , Wang Qifeng , Wang Shujia , He Jing , Zhou Shengli , Zhao Guozhong , Yao Yunping
Published: November 2023

Background

At present, rice wine has the characteristics of fast fermentation, energy saving, and simple production due to the addition of commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, this kind of fermented rice wine has the disadvantages of single flavor and weak taste. To address this concern, the combination of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non‐Saccharomyces yeast has been identified as an effective approach to enhance the quality of fermented rice wine. This research aims to further enhance the ethyl ester and higher alcohol components of rice wine by utilizing the co‐fermentation method of high‐yield ester Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, thereby increasing the aroma complexity of rice wine.

Results

According to the fermentation performance and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis, it was found that S. cerevisiae GJM and Z. rouxii SC01 have a strong metabolic ability for glucose and sucrose. Furthermore, the crucial alcohols such as isobutanol, isoamyl alcohol, and phenylethyl alcohol increased by 85%, 29%, and 138%, respectively, when compared to single S. cerevisiae GJM. Additionally, the ethyl acetate and phenylethylene acetate were increased by 1.35 and 1.45 times, respectively, when compared to single S. cerevisiae GJM. These findings were comparable with the results of sensory evaluation and electronic nose analysis, where the fruit flavor score and the content of mellow substances were found to be higher.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the co‐fermentation of S. cerevisiae and high‐yield ester Z. rouxii has the potential to enhance the quality and diversity of aroma in liquid rice wine.
Preparation and Specific Detection of Zn2+ Ions of Polyacylhydrazones with Polymerization‐Induced Emission
Authors: Guo Huiying , Huang Yu , Lin Jiayu , Hao Tingting , Zhang Pengfei , Zhao Ronghui , Cao Lili , Deng Kuilin
Published: November 2023

Herein, inspired by the specific detection of the commercial dithizone to Zn2+, a series of polyacylhydrazones (PAHZs) with polymerization‐induced emission (PIE) properties are successfully prepared and applied to the specific recognition and detection of Zn2+. It is found that all selected monomers do not emit fluorescence. In contrast, the as‐prepared PAHZs can emit strong fluorescence at 455 nm, due to the intramolecular aggregation of acylhydrazone groups along the macromolecular chains, indicating a significant PIE effect. As it is expected, the PAHZs can specifically recognize and detect Zn2+ ions from 17 metal ions by the significantly enhanced fluorescence with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 66 nM. Additionally, the complexation ratio of 2:1 between the repeating units in PAHZs and Zn2+, the coordination of Zn2+ with N and O atoms on acylhydrazone groups, and the fluorescence enhancement induced via intramolecular proton transfer are confirmed by 1H NMR and FT‐IR measurements. In conclusion, the successful preparation of PIE‐active PAHZs and the specific detection of Zn2+ ions provide a useful reference for the molecular design of new functional materials on the base of the traditional detection methods.
Well‐posedness of degenerate fractional differential equations with finite delay in complex Banach spaces
Authors: Bu Shangquan , Cai Gang
Published: November 2023

We study the well‐posedness of the degenerate fractional differential equations with finite delay: on Lebesgue–Bochner spaces and periodic Besov spaces , where and are closed linear operators in a complex Banach space satisfying , and are fixed, when , and the delay operator is a bounded linear operator from (resp. ) into . Using known operator‐valued Fourier multiplier theorems on and , we completely characterize the ‐well‐posedness and the ‐well‐posedness of above equations. We also give concrete examples that our abstract results may be applied.
Functional analysis of a novel splice site variant in the ASAH1 gene
Authors: Yan Shujuan , Fu Fang , Zhou Hang , Huang Ruibin , Wang You , Liao Can
Published: November 2023

Background

Acid ceramidase (ACDase) deficiency is an ultrarare autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder caused by pathogenic N‐acylsphingosine amidohydrolase (ASAH1) variants. It presents with either Farber disease (FD) or spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA‐PME).

Objective

The study aims to identify a novel splice site variant in a hydrops fetus that causes ASAH1‐related disorder, aid genetic counseling, and accurate prenatal diagnosis.

Methods

We report a case of hydrops fetalis with a novel homozygous mutation in ASAH1 inherited from non‐consanguineous parents. We performed copy number variation sequencing (CNV‐Seq) and whole exome sequencing (WES) on the fetus and family, respectively. Minigene splicing analyses were conducted to confirm the pathogenic variants.

Results

WES data revealed a splice site variant of the ASAH1 (c.458‐2A>T), which was predicted to affect RNA splicing. Minigene splicing analyses found that the c.458‐2A>T variant abolished the canonical splicing of intron 6, thereby activating two cryptic splicing products (c.456_458ins56bp and c.458_503del).

Conclusions

Overall, we identified a novel splice site variant in the mutational spectrum of ASAH1 and its aberrant effect on splicing. These findings highlight the importance of ultrasonic manifestation and family history of fetal hydrops during ASAH1‐related disorders and could also aid genetic counseling and accurate prenatal diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the shortest‐lived account of ASAH1‐related disorders in utero with severe hydrops fetalis.
Clinical study and genetic analysis of Cornelia de Lange syndrome caused by a novel MAU2 gene variant in a Chinese boy
Authors: Peng Yin , Zhu Ying , Wu Lin , Deng Fang
Published: November 2023

Background

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is mainly characterized by specific facial features, growth retardation, and bone deformities. Seven genes reportedly cause CdLS. Recent research has reported that loss‐of‐function variants affecting MAU2, which encodes a regulator of the cohesin complex, can cause CdLS. Thus far, only one MAU2‐CdLS case has been reported worldwide.

Methods

We detected a novel variant in MAU2 gene, NM_015329, c.526C>T (p.Arg176Trp) in a Chinese patient with CdLS, constructed a plasmid for in vitro transcriptional and protein level analysis, and analyzed the interaction between the MAU2/NIPBL complex using molecular dynamics (MD).

Results

The results showed that the level of the exogenous MAU2 mutant protein was significantly reduced compared with that of the exogenous wild‐type protein. However, MD analysis predicted an increased binding free energy between the MAU2 and NIPBL proteins that may impact the structural stability of the complex.

Conclusion

We investigated a MAU2‐CdLS case in a Chinese family, which strengthens the association between MAU2 variants and CdLS phenotypes. We therefore propose that MAU2 be included in the CdLS gene screening list.
Exponential stability of linear systems under a class of Desch–Schappacher perturbations
Authors: El Alaoui Safae , Ouzahra Mohamed
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we investigate the uniform exponential stability of the system
where the unbounded operator
is the infinitesimal generator of a linear
semigroup of contractions
in a Hilbert space
and
is a Desch–Schappacher operator. Then we give sufficient conditions for exponential stability of the above system. The obtained stability result is then applied to prove the uniform exponential stabilization of some bilinear partial differential equations.
X‐band dual‐band horn antenna with isoflux pattern for deep‐space applications
Authors: Liu Zhijia , Lu Fan , Duan Jiangnian , Jiang Hua , Sun Dayuan , Yang Dong , Fan Yong , Huang Yuhan
Published: November 2023

In this paper, an X‐band dual‐band dual‐polarized medium‐gain antenna (MGA) is designed for deep‐space satellite applications. The MGA has isoflux radiation patterns in the 7.145–7.19 and 8.40–8.45 GHz frequency bands. The concentric ring horn qualification model named MGA is developed for TIAN WEN‐2 (TW‐2) mission. MGA is fabricated and the measurements are conducted on it and its installation on the deck of the TW‐2 Radiation Mockup (RM). The performance evaluation of MGA and its corresponding RM measurements indicate an axial ratio lower than 4.0 dB and a gain higher than 5.8 dBic on the operational bandwidth at the coverage limit of 40° for all azimuth angles (φ). The calculated and measured data align exceedingly well, confirming that MGA satisfactorily meets the requirements for the forthcoming TW‐2 deep‐space spacecraft.
Stress analysis of elliptical tunnels in an orthogonally anisotropic elastic full‐space under non‐uniform in‐situ stress
Authors: Ai Zhi Yong , Ye Zi Kun , Huang Hong Wei , Hu Ke Xin
Published: November 2023

Non‐uniformly distributed in‐situ stress around the tunnel is a significant factor inducing various geohazards during tunnel excavation in the rock mass, and the anisotropy of the rock mass would further differentiate the in‐situ stress state around the tunnel. To ensure the safety of tunnel construction and operation, it is necessary to deeply analyze the stress distribution law and mechanical mechanism of the orthogonally anisotropic elastic media the around tunnel. This paper presents a complex variable function method for the elliptical tunnel in an orthogonally anisotropic elastic full‐space under non‐uniform in‐situ stress. To obtain the analytical solution, the affine transform and conformal mapping are applied to consider the orthogonal anisotropy of material and the ellipticity of the tunnel. A numerical series fitting method is introduced to describe the non‐uniformly distributed load, and then the stress solution around tunnel is further obtained. The comparisons with the existing literature, numerical solutions and model tests are provided to verify the correctness of the proposed method. Finally, the convergence study and the numerical analysis on the stress distribution are given graphically.
Fluid intake behavior in women with refractory overactive bladder undergoing third line therapy
Authors: Zhao Kelley , Harandi Arshia Aalami , Ramgopal Jennifer , Kim Jason , Weissbart Steven
Published: November 2023

Introduction and Objectives

Fluid intake has been shown to be related to urinary symptoms, but no studies to date have investigated the effect of fluid intake on urinary symptoms in women with refractory overactive bladder (OAB). As this group of women are considered to have a possible unique pathophysiologic mechanism of OAB, we investigated the relationship between fluid intake, fluid intake behavior, and urinary symptoms in women with refractory OAB.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study of women with refractory OAB was conducted by assessing the relationship between fluid intake and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women undergoing third line OAB therapies. Fluid intake and behavior were measured by the questionnaire based voiding diary and urinary symptoms were measured by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ‐FLUTS). The relationship between fluid intake and symptom severity was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation and χ2 tests.

Results

Of the 126 individuals undergoing third line therapy for OAB, 60 (48%) underwent intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection (BTX) injection, 42 (33%) peripheral tibial nerve stimulation, and 24 (19%) sacral neuromodulation. The mean total daily fluid intake was 2567.0 ± SD 1292.4 mL and did not differ significantly across treatment groups. Total fluid intake was weakly correlated with worse filling‐type LUTS (r = 0.241, p = 0.007), and there was no relationship between LUTS and caffeinated fluid intake. Half (52%) of the subjects reported current fluid restricting behavior to control urinary symptoms, but this behavior was not correlated with LUTS severity (all p > 0.05). Patients that currently use tobacco have greater LUTS (current = 25.8 ± SD 9.5, former = 14.8 ± SD 6.1, never = 15.0 ± SD 6.1; p < 0.001). BMI was also positively correlated with worse incontinence symptoms (r = 0.351, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Fluid intake along with other lifestyle factors, including tobacco use and weight, are minimally related to the symptomatology seen in women with refractory OAB. Further studies are needed to assess if behaviors change during treatment with third line therapies, and if these behavioral changes may affect treatment response.
Functional neuroimaging related to lower urinary tract sensations: Future directions for study designs and selection of patient groups: ICI‐RS 2023
Authors: de Rijk Mathijs M. , Drake Marcus J. , von Gontard Alexander , Solomon Eskinder , Dmochowski Roger , Schurch Brigitte , van Koeveringe Gommert A.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Neuroimaging studies have advanced our understanding of the intricate central nervous system control network governing lower urinary tract (LUT) function, shedding light on mechanisms for urine storage and voiding. However, a lack of consensus in methodological approaches hinders the comparability of results among research groups and limits the translation of this knowledge to clinical applications, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies and clinical utilization guidelines.

Methods

This paper reports the discussions of a workshop at the 2023 meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society, which reviewed uncertainties and research priorities to progress the field of neuroimaging in LUT control and dysfunction.

Results

Neuroimaging holds great potential for improving our understanding of LUT control and pathophysiological conditions. To date, functional neuroimaging techniques have not yet achieved sufficient strength to make a direct clinical impact. Potential approaches that can improve the clinical utilization of neuroimaging were discussed and research questions proposed.

Conclusions

Neuroimaging offers a valuable tool for investigating LUT control, but it's essential to acknowledge the potential for oversimplification when interpreting brain activity due to the complex neural processing and filtering of sensory information. Moreover, technical limitations pose challenges in assessing key brain stem and spinal cord centers, particularly in cases of neurological dysfunction, highlighting the need for more reliable imaging of these centers to advance our understanding of LUT function and dysfunction.
Dynamic smooth and stable obstacle avoidance for unmanned aerial vehicle based on collision prediction
Authors: Ma Haixu , Cai Zixuan , Xu Guoan , Yang Guang , Chen Guanyu
Published: November 2023

Autonomous dynamic obstacle avoidance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) based on collision prediction is critical for stable flight missions. UAVs must deal with high‐speed and nonlinearly moving obstacles that obey nonlinear dynamics, which are one of the numerous objects affecting stable flight. To satisfy the requirements of smooth flight and attitude stability, a novel dynamic smooth obstacle avoidance (QVA) method based on obstacle trajectory prediction is proposed. To predict the dynamic obstacle trajectories, a trajectory prediction (QLTP) method using a quasi‐linear parameter varying representations is proposed. The proposed QVA integrates the QLTP approach, velocity obstacle (VO) approach, and artificial potential field (APF) methods. The QVA detects an imminent collision based on the QLTP method, and then replans the UAV path based on the VO method at the time of the predicted collision. The UAV tracks planned waypoints for collision avoidance. To ensure the flight safety of the UAV, a virtual APF is constructed with waypoints as local targets and obstacles. The simulation results show that the proposed method performs better than the improved APF and VO methods in terms of the smoothness of the obstacle avoidance path and the stability of the UAV attitude.
Yinbarnini Ngukunginyi (Singing of Water)
Authors: Dixon Ray Dimakarri , Morgan Terry
Published: November 2023

Exploratory fracking has commenced in the Beetaloo Basin, adjacent to Mudburra Country. At the time of writing, the Northern Territory Government is preparing to issue production licences to the gas companies involved. Environmental groups and some Aboriginal traditional owners, however, are insisting that the potential impact on land, water, pastoral operations, and Aboriginal communities has not been properly taken into account. Amongst other things, they point to the existence of stygofauna – tiny creatures that live in the underground water – which, though known to the traditional owners for millennia, are relatively new to western science. (It is likely that a word for stygofauna existed in the Mudburra language, but as far as we know it has not survived.) Research to establish environmental baselines prior to the commencement of fracking indicates that the stygofauna perform a vital function in purifying the underground water, and that they would be seriously threatened by fracking operations. As part of the protest movement against fracking, the authors have composed a song about stygofauna to be taught to the Mudburra children at Newcastle Waters School.
A multicenter, double‐blind, randomized, controlled study of patients with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia treated with yokukansan for 12 weeks
Authors: Horiguchi Jun , Wake Rei , Murotani Kenta , Seno Haruo , Miyaoka Tsuyoshi , Inoue Ken
Published: November 2023

Aim

We conducted a 12‐week double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of yokukansan in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Patients with schizophrenia resistant to antipsychotics whose Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores were stable within five points were enrolled and assigned to the yokukansan or placebo group. Fifty‐three of the 61 consenting patients were allocated to the yokukansan (n = 27) and placebo (n = 26) groups.

Results

The changes in total and positive PANSS scores at 12 weeks were significantly greater in the yokukansan group than in the placebo group. There were no significant changes in other psychiatric symptom rating scores in either group. Adverse reactions were reported in six of 27 patients (22.2%) in the yokukansan group and five of 26 patients (19.2%) in the placebo group, all of which were nonserious.

Conclusion

Yokukansan is very safe and has clinical potential as a treatment for schizophrenia in combination with Western medicine.