bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional synchrotron beam characterization from a single interferogram
Authors: Nikolic Bojan , Carilli Christopher L. , Thyagarajan Nithyanandan , Torino Laura , Iriso Ubaldo
Published: November 2024

Double-aperture young interferometry is widely used in accelerators to provide a one-dimensional beam measurement. We improve this technique by combining and further developing techniques of nonredundant, two-dimensional, aperture masking, and self-calibration from astronomy. Using visible synchrotron radiation, tests at the ALBA synchrotron show that this method provides an accurate two-dimensional beam transverse characterization, even from a single 1 ms interferogram. The nonredundancy of the aperture mask in the technique enables it to be resistant to spatial phase fluctuations that might be introduced by vibration of optical components or in the laboratory atmosphere.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Experimental testing of a modified active disturbance rejection control for microphonics reduction in a 9-cell TESLA superconducting cavity
Authors: Elejaga A. , Jugo J. , Echevarria P. , Neumann A. , Ushakov A. , Knobloch J.
Published: November 2024

This work shows the results obtained with a novel modified active disturbance rejection control (MADRC) algorithm when controlling the detuning of a 9-cell TESLA superconducting radio frequency cavity. This type of control is essential in SRF cavities with high loaded quality factors since they are extremely sensitive to detuning due to their extremely narrow bandwidth. The modification of the active disturbance rejection control is based on loop shaping techniques and confers ease of design and implementation, as well as an improved behavior in presence of delay. To begin with, a theoretical design of the controller based on an experimental transfer function of the cavity is carried out and its performance is compared with that of a proportional integral control. In this preliminary test, the simulation results indicate a remarkable performance superiority of the MADRC. Later, the controller is tested on a TESLA cavity validating both the MADRC algorithm and its design methodology, and achieving a peak detuning reduction of 63%, as well as an rms reduction of 80% with respect to the open loop.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Feasibility study of true muonium discovery with the CERN-SPS H4 positron beam
Authors: Gargiulo Ruben , Palmisano Stefano , Di Meco Elisa
Published: November 2024

True muonium (μ+μ−) is one of the heaviest and smallest electromagnetic bound states not containing hadrons, and has never been observed so far. In this work we show that the spin-1 TM state (ortho-TM) can be observed at a discovery level of significance in three months at the CERN SPS North-Area H4A beam line, using 43.7 GeV secondary positrons. In this way, by impinging the positrons on multiple thin low-Z targets, ortho-TM, which decays predominantly to e+e−, can be produced from e+e−→TM interaction on resonance (s∼2mμ).

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Parity and lepton masses in the left-right symmetric model
Authors: Kuchimanchi Ravi
Published: November 2024

Curiously, in the minimal left right symmetric model chiral symmetry that protects the electron’s mass (me), due to parity (P), implies in the symmetry limit the vanishing of its neutrino mixing angles. We break the chiral symmetry softly (or spontaneously if it is gauged) to generate the observed large neutrino mixing angles at the tree-level. The electron then acquires its mass on renormalization group equation (RGE) running due to its neutrino’s mixing, and in turn determines the B−L gauge symmetry breaking scale (vR) to be 1010  GeV≲vR≤1015  GeV. If the muon’s mass is also generated radiatively, the B−L breaking scale is ∼1014−15  GeV. Regardless of the high scale of vR, this is a testable model since on RGE running and P breaking, a large strong CP phase (θ¯≫10−10) which depends logarithmically on vR is generated if there is O(1) CP violation in leptonic Yukawa couplings. Hence we expect that leptonic CP phases including the Dirac CP phase δCP of the PMNS matrix must be consistent with 0 or 180o to within a degree, which can be verified or excluded by neutrino experiments such as DUNE and Hyper-Kamiokande. In lieu of P, if charge conjugation C is used, the same results follow. However with C and no P, axions would likely need to be added anyway, in which case there is no constraint on δCP.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Cosmic ray-boosted dark matter at IceCube
Authors: Cappiello Christopher V. , Liu Qinrui , Mohlabeng Gopolang , Vincent Aaron C.
Published: November 2024

Cosmic ray (CR) upscattering of dark matter is considered as one of the most straightforward mechanisms to accelerate ambient dark matter, making it detectable at high threshold, large volume experiments. In this work, we revisit CR upscattered dark matter signals at the IceCube detector, focusing on lower energy data than was considered before. We consider both scattering with electrons and nuclei. In the latter, we include both elastic and deep-inelastic scattering computations. As concrete examples, we consider two benchmark models; fermion dark matter with vector and scalar mediators. We compare our model projections with the most current constraints and show that the IceCube detector can detect CR-boosted dark matter especially with masses below ∼100  keV when scattering with electrons and ∼MeV in the nucleon scattering case.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Efficiently catching entangled microwave photons from a quantum transducer with shaped optical pumps
Authors: Zhong Changchun
Published: November 2024

A quantum transducer, when working as a microwave and optical entanglement generator, provides a practical way to coherently connect optical communication channels and microwave quantum processors. Recent experiments on a quantum transducer verifying entanglement between the microwave and optical photons show the promise of approaching that goal. While flying optical photons can be efficiently controlled or detected, the microwave photon needs to be stored in a cavity or converted to the excitation of a superconducting qubit for further quantum operations. However, it remains challenging to efficiently capture or detect a single microwave photon with an arbitrary time profile. This work focuses on this challenge in the setting of an entanglement-based quantum transducer and proposes a solution by shaping the optical pump pulse. By Schmidt decomposing the output entangled state, we show that the microwave-optical photon pair takes a specific temporal profile that is controlled by the optical pump. The microwave photon from the transducer can be nearly perfectly absorbed by a receiving cavity with tunable coupling and is ready to be converted to the excitation of superconducting qubits, enabling further quantum operations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Tensor-networks-based learning of probabilistic cellular automata dynamics
Authors: Casagrande Heitor P. , Xing Bo , Munro William J. , Guo Chu , Poletti Dario
Published: November 2024

Algorithms developed to solve many-body quantum problems, like tensor networks, can turn into powerful quantum-inspired tools to tackle issues in the classical domain. This work focuses on matrix product operators, a prominent numerical technique to study many-body quantum systems, especially in one dimension. It has been previously shown that such a tool can be used for classification, learning of deterministic sequence-to-sequence processes, and generic quantum processes. We further develop a matrix product operator algorithm to learn probabilistic sequence-to-sequence processes and apply this algorithm to probabilistic cellular automata. This new approach can accurately learn probabilistic cellular automata processes in different conditions, even when the process is a probabilistic mixture of different chaotic rules. In addition, we find that the ability to learn these dynamics is a function of the bitwise difference between the rules and whether one is much more likely than the other.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Conic sections in ferroelectric nematics: Experiments and mathematical modeling
Authors: Kumari Priyanka , Kurochkin Olexandr , Nazarenko Vassili G. , Lavrentovich Oleg D. , Golovaty Dmitry , Sternberg Peter
Published: November 2024

The domain structure of a fluid ferroelectric nematic is dramatically different from the domain structure of solid ferroelectrics since it is not restricted by rectilinear crystallographic axes and planar surface facets. We demonstrate that thin films of a ferroelectric nematic seeded by colloidal inclusions produce domain walls (DWs) in the shape of conics such as a parabola. These conics reduce the bound charge within the domains and at the DWs. An adequate description of the domain structures requires one to analyze the electrostatic energy, which is a challenging task. Instead, we demonstrate that a good approximation to the experimentally observed polydomain textures is obtained when the divergence of spontaneous polarization—which causes the bound charge—is heavily penalized by assuming that the elastic constant of splay in the Oseen-Frank energy is much larger than those for twist and bend. The model takes advantage of the fact that the polarization vector is essentially parallel to the nematic director throughout the sample.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Level of financial disclosures for listed insurance companies using ISO 31000: empirical evidence from Jordan and Palestine
Authors: Al-Khazaleh Suhaib , Badwan Nemer , Qubbaj Ihab , Almashaqbeh Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In light of the complex risk and transparency regulations, this paper investigates the factors influencing the level of risk management disclosure by insurance firms in Jordan and Palestine. The characteristics examined were ownership structure, which covers public, institutional and management ownership on risk management disclosure (RMD) utilizing ISO 31000, as well as profitability, leverage, liquidity and firm size.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the aim of this study, a quantitative research methodology was used. Based on the total number of observations, 232 purposeful annual observations for the study sample were collected between 2016 and 2023 for 10 insurance companies listed on the Palestine stock exchange (Palestinian companies) with 80 observations and 19 companies listed on the Amman stock exchange (Jordanian companies) with 152 observations. This study uses panel data regression with fixed effects models. By employing the 2SLS approach, we comprehensively address the main endogeneity concerns and problems in risk management disclosure RMD of insurance firms in Jordan and Palestine.

Findings

The results show that risk management disclosure is significantly influenced by the liquidity and size of an organization. Furthermore, RMD is not significantly affected by profitability, debt, public ownership, institutional ownership or liquidity, whereas business size has a favorable influence.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study may not be generalizable to firms in other countries because of the limitations of insurance firms in Palestine and Jordan. Study replication in future studies should consider the potential for bias and differences in data interpretation when utilizing qualitative methodologies to evaluate RMD.

Practical implications

The practical implications emphasize how crucial it is for investors, practitioners and stakeholders to choose firms that are large and have little liquidity because this is linked to high levels of risk management transparency. This knowledge can offer investors an important direction for assessing possible risks and transparency in risk management within the insurance sector framework. The study recommends that the governments of Palestine and Jordan enact laws requiring risk management disclosure according to the ISO 31000:2018 standard, especially in the insurance industry.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by illuminating the relationship between firm size, liquidity and risk management disclosure in insurance companies operating in Jordan and Palestine. Therefore, investors should choose large, relatively liquid companies with strong risk management disclosure. This study offers theoretical insights that may be used as a guide for other research, improving the understanding of the variables influencing risk management disclosure in insurance companies and advancing scientific understanding.
Internal corporate venturing: riding the relational rollercoaster through sensemaking and sensegiving reconfiguration
Authors: Tunstall Richard , Pittaway Luke , Van Rensburg Deryck J. , Corbett Andrew C.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Internal corporate venturing is a vehicle for firms to realize strategic and financial goals through entrepreneurial ventures. Prior research presents a strategic process in which individual managers make rational choices based on their formal roles and top-down corporate objectives. Recent work has challenged this by adopting a relational approach using a macro-level perspective highlighting cultural and institutional logics. This study augments and develops this relational approach by contributing a micro-level perspective by focusing on managers engaged in developing ventures in large organizations. The data show how internal corporate venturing (ICV) actors use discursive practices to make sense of their relationship contexts and develop interpretive repertoires to give sense to their decisions and shape their future strategies. The data illustrate how corporate venturing actors make sense of their uncertain experience and develop insider-outsider strategies by balancing three competing interpretive repertories, which form the basis of strategies supporting an entrepreneurial future in an organizational context.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty-two interviews were conducted with ICV actors, including senior directors of corporate venturing units in multinational corporations and their venture project leaders. The authors conducted a micro-level study through an interpretive sensemaking analysis of managers' “talk.” Interviews are considered through three lenses: “functional talk” (why they said it), “interpretive themes” (what they said) and “interpretive repertoires” (how they said it).

Findings

The perceived challenges experienced by the participants through their relationships were identified. Participants emphasized balancing project and organizational role risk in pursuing venture development, leading to a perceived dependent trust relationship between supporters. Three interpretive repertories were identified through which participants positioned their explanations of their relationship contexts in ICV. Participants used these to discursively frame their corporate venturing practices and position their future strategies.

Originality/value

A new framework of corporate venture sensemaking and sensegiving reconfiguration is provided to explain how managers discursively resolve conflicting relationship pressures while maintaining personal positioning. The paper shows how conflicting interpretive repertoires and personal interpretations are generated through a discursive practice comprising sensemaking and sensegiving reconfiguration processes to shape their future strategies. The paper contributes to theory by explicating the relational perspective of ICV at the micro-level and demonstrates how this is influenced by the discursive practices of managers leading the ICV activity.
On a cold standby repairable deteriorating system subject to random shocks and stochastic lead time via phase type quasi-renewal processes
Authors: Shenbagam R. , Yedida Sarada
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The objective of this article is to investigate a shock model for a cold standby repairable deteriorating system with non-negligible phase type quasi-renewal process maintenance times and threshold with spare.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to assess the significance of a property of phase type quasi-renewal processes, it is easy to evaluate the theory concept of a cold standby repairable deteriorating system subject to random shocks and stochastic lead time via phase type quasi-renewal processes.

Findings

The current research work obtained an optimal replacement policy N* analytically and numerically for a cold standby repairable deteriorating system with spare using a phase type quasi-renewal process.

Originality/value

The study of a random threshold shock model for a cold standby repairable deteriorating system with spare via-phase type quasi-renewal processes has not been reported anywhere in the literature. In addition, in such a context, an optimal replacement policy N* has not been obtained analytically. The current research paper is to bridge the gap in the literature. The numerical example presented indicates that a maintenance policy suggested in this article aids in generating a significantly.
Revising AACSB-accredited BBA and MBA core curricula: Kotter’s 8 steps in action
Authors: McKee Rob Austin , Botsford Morgan Whitney
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to chronicle a major curricular change initiative involving BBA and MBA core program reviews and revisions at an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-accredited College of Business. The authors provide rationales for the change effort that likely mirror those of similar institutions. Kotter’s 8 steps for transforming organizations (1995) are overlaid with the sequence of actions taken by the key change agents. Several examples of specific changes are provided to illustrate how the initiative was planned and completed, aligned with Kotter’s 8 steps.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports a case study of action research conducted during an extensive curricular change intervention undertaken at the focal institution. It includes details regarding how key change agents collected data to support the initiative, including conducting a survey, meeting with stakeholder groups and collecting information about other institutions.

Findings

The curricular review and revision process is challenging but navigable with a clear plan. Kotter’s 8 steps provide a solid foundation for such initiatives that can be tailored to the desired outcome(s) and the context within which the change is being pursued. Key takeaways and recommendations are interwoven within the narrative, intending to guide ambitious readers through a similar curricular change process with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in its focus on a major curricular change initiative within an AACSB-accredited College of Business. It goes a step beyond a typical narrative case study by incorporating action research grounded in Kotter’s well-supported change management paradigm. As such, this paper represents a unique contribution to the literature.
We are ready for halal tourism, aren’t we? Exploring readiness of non-Muslim perspective in Thailand
Authors: Dabamona Samsudin Arifin , Chompupor Philaiwan , Ghuangpeng Siriwan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Thailand’s halal tourism concept from non-Muslim students’ perspective and explore their perceptions and awareness of local community toward Muslim tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative survey with 75 participants who were representatives of non-Muslim students majoring in tourism in their second semester at Mahasarakham University in Thailand. Constructivist grounded theory is applied inductively to data analysis, with support from NVivo software (V.12).

Findings

The findings showed that the notion of halal or halal tourism is less widely understood as a whole and, at the same time, is an expression that is less commonly used in student participants’ locations. Much of the understanding is perceived through an accidental acquisition where the concept of halal tourism or halal takes place. In addition, much focus is placed on honoring and offering additional options for those who want to experience halal tourism and equality in every religion.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative survey adopted does not optimally capture the views of student participants. Furthermore, this research was conducted exclusively on students majoring in tourism and hospitality at Mahasarakham University in the northeastern region of Thailand. This resulted in a limited understanding of research results.

Practical implications

This study suggested the large surge in the global Muslim population demands further understanding and education regarding halal principles and Muslim tourism for the benefit of students and the tourism industry, undertaken by local academic institutions, particularly those offering tourism and hospitality programs.

Social implications

Meeting the needs of Muslim tourists does not eliminate their responsibility for the demands of adapting to cultural attributes and beliefs in the host community environment.

Originality/value

This study promotes comprehension regarding the perceptions of non-Muslim students regarding the notion of halal tourism and their preparedness to establish themselves as halal tourism destinations. In addition, it provides an overview of participants’ knowledge of the local community environment and halal tourism and contributes to the voids in halal tourism research, particularly regarding its weaknesses and challenges to the industry’s future development.
Fetal Heart Rate Analysis in Pregnancies Complicated by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Multicentre Observational Study
Authors: Chivers Sian , Ovadia Caroline , Vasavan Tharni , Lucchini Maristella , Hayes‐Gill Barrie , Pini Nicolò , Fifer William Paul , Williamson Catherine
Published: November 2024

Objective

Establish whether pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated with a fetal cardiac phenotype that predisposes to arrhythmia; utilising measurements derived from non‐invasive abdominal fetal ECG.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Three tertiary obstetric units, United Kingdom.

Population

Women aged ≥ 16 years with either GDM or uncomplicated pregnancy (control) who were > 20 weeks gestational age.

Methods

The MonicaAN24 non‐invasive abdominal fetal ECG monitor was fitted for overnight recording.

Main Outcome Measure

Calculation of the fetal heart rate (FHR) and fetal heart rate variability (HRV) time domain metrics standard deviation of normal‐to‐normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and the PR, QRS, QT intervals was performed. Groups were compared using linear regression models (stratified by sleep state) and adjusted for fetal sex and ethnicity.

Results

Ninety‐six participants were included. For HRV in sleep state 1F, SDNN was higher for GDM than control participants 12.56 (10.45–16.62)ms versus 8.58 (5.83–9.73)ms [p = 0.01] [median (IQR)]. There were no differences in SDNN in sleep state 2F. No differences were identified in RMSSD in either sleep states or in the cardiac time intervals. We observed a negative correlation between HRV and body mass index/HbA1c and a positive correlation between FHR and body mass index/HbA1c in sleep states 1F/2F.

Conclusions

Alterations of HRV and FHR rate may be associated with a diagnosis of GDM, likely secondary to altered autonomic function in utero.
(Re)producing uneven waterscapes in South China: the materiality and spatiality of the Dongshen inter‐basin water supply project
Authors: Wang Raymond Yu
Published: November 2024

This paper explores the production and reproduction of changing hydrosocial dynamics in South China since the construction of the Dongshen Water Supply Project (DWSP), an inter‐basin water transfer that supplies approximately 70% to 80% of freshwater from Mainland China to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Drawing on the idea of the waterscape, I conceptualise the DWSP as an embodiment of power and socio‐environmental relations, encompassing a wide array of physical objects, institutions, and agencies. I show that, on one hand, the DWSP has expanded, improved, and renewed its physical forms over the past six decades and intertwined with various institutional and administrative changes that consolidate its role. On the other hand, the materialisation of the DWSP has been associated with diverging spatial configurations in both water‐exporting and water‐receiving areas. That has exacerbated disparities in water access, conservation responsibilities, and socioeconomic opportunities, perpetuating uneven waterscapes. This historical‐material examination of the DWSP provides a nuanced understanding of how power and social relations can manifest through water and how hydraulic infrastructure is intimately linked with development, governance, and inequalities over space and time.
Optimizing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum viability in the gastrointestinal tract and its impact on gut microbiota–brain axis through zein microencapsulation
Authors: Zeng Jie , Lyu Yang , Huang Xueying , Leung Ho‐Kit , Zhao Shanting , Zhang Jianzhuo , Wang Yi , Wang David Y.
Published: November 2024

Evidence suggests that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) can positively influence gut microbiota, subsequently affecting brain function via the gut–brain axis. However, the oral administration of LP may subject it to damage from gastric acid. To address this issue, a microencapsulation system was developed to protect LP and enhance its viability in the gastrointestinal tract. In the study, zein‐microencapsulated LP (MLP) was prepared using the phase separation method. We found that the optimal conditions to encapsulate LP (9 log CFU/mL) were a zein concentration of 10 mg/mL and a zein‐to‐bacteria mass ratio of 5:1. Scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis demonstrated that MLP exhibited a microstructure with an approximate diameter of 4 µm. Findings also revealed that microencapsulation markedly improved the in vitro survival rate of LP compared to free cells and allowed for controlled release. Subsequent in vivo studies in mice showed that this encapsulation not only boosted the colonization of LP but also ameliorated the imbalance of gut microbiota associated with depression. An analysis of the intestinal microbiota in mice identified 13 genera that exhibited significant shifts in abundance due to the depressive states. The administration of MLP reversed these microbial changes, underscoring its therapeutic potential. Additionally, the study examined the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The administrated MLP was found to reverse the inflammation in both the intestine and hippocampus of mice with depression. Behavioral assessments in mouse models corroborated the efficacy of MLP in preventing depression, positioning it as a promising daily supplement.
Cyclodextrin as a singular oligosaccharide: Recent advances of health benefit and in food applications
Authors: Sevim Sumeyra , Sanlier Nevin
Published: November 2024

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides derived from the enzymatic degradation of starch. Their distinct molecular shape, which resembles a truncated cone with a hydrophobic interior and a hydrophilic outer surface, enables the formation of inclusion complexes via host–guest interactions. These complexes facilitate beneficial modifications such as enhancing the solubility and stabilizing unstable guest molecules. By forming inclusion complexes with bioactive components and drugs, CDs can increase the bioavailability of these compounds, providing benefits in the treatment of various diseases. Particularly, β‐CD can form complexes by trapping hydrophobic molecules such as cholesterol in its hydrophobic cavity. Moreover, CDs are considered significant soluble dietary fibers due to their resistance against human digestive enzymes and their utilization by intestinal microbiota. All these features suggest that CDs could encapsulate phospholipids and food components, potentially improving or preventing metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological disorders by blocking the absorption of carbohydrates, fats, and cholesterol. This review seeks to investigate the clinical effects and mechanisms of action considering all their potential properties and their relevance to health by utilizing in vivo, in vitro, animal, and human studies.
Sensory and hedonic perception of meat versus ultra‐processed plant‐based meat analogs: A comparative study
Authors: Olegario Lary Souza , Zalama Laura , González‐Mohino Alberto , Joaquín Marian Faridy García , Ventanas Sonia
Published: November 2024

Nowadays, consumption habits are changing for different reasons, and animal products are being replaced by plant‐based analogs. Some of these analogs are classified as ultra‐processed foods (UPFs) according to NOVA criteria (food classification system). Within this scenario, little is known about consumers’ sensory response regarding these new products. One main challenge of plant‐based UPFs is imitating both the sensory characteristics and the hedonic experience of meat consumption. Although numerous studies explore the sensory profile of ultra‐processed vegan products, we found no comparisons between the sensory profiles of plant‐based analogs and their corresponding meat products. The present study aimed to compare the dynamic sensory profiles, specifically focusing on flavor and texture attributes, of animal‐based food (beef and chicken meat) and their corresponding commercial ultra‐processed plant‐based meat analogs (seitan and Mediterranean chick'n pieces) and to establish the adequacy of the intensity of certain sensory characteristics (attributes) and their impact on the acceptability of meat analogs. This was conducted using the time‐intensity technique with fourteen trained panelists and just about right scales with 59 consumers, evaluating the acceptability of the products with a 7‐point hedonic scale. The dynamic perception results for the analogs significantly differed from those of beef and chicken, specifically showing higher intensity in “nonmeat” attributes such as gumminess, mushroom flavor, vegetable flavor, and spiciness. The attributes that characterize the chicken analog are more suitable than the attributes that characterize seitan. The acceptability of seitan was not significantly influenced by the attribute suitability results. However, poor juiciness showed a significant penalty on its acceptance for the chicken analog. These identified differences highlight the need to evaluate and adjust the sensory characteristics of plant‐based products that attempt to imitate traditional meat products.

Practical Application

The time‐intensity technique was effective in identifying differences in the consumption experience between meat and the respective plant‐based analogs. Inadequate taste and texture characteristics can decrease the acceptability of the analogs. The identification of these characteristics is crucial for the food industry to understand consumer preferences regarding meat substitutes.
Ameliorative effects of Bacillus subtilis C10 on alcoholic liver injury in mice
Authors: Wang Qingyun , Wang Meiting , Chen Jihong , Zhang Wen , Lv Xucong
Published: November 2024

Bacillus subtilis has been reported to maintain the homeostasis of intestinal flora. In this study, a mouse model of alcoholic liver injury (ALI) was constructed to study the ameliorative effect of B. subtilis C10 on ALI and to further clarify its mechanism of action. Significant correlations between intestinal flora and biochemical indicators of ALI were found by statistical correlation analysis. Supplementation with B. subtilis C10 modulated the equilibrium of gut flora by reducing the population of detrimental bacteria while enhancing the numbers of beneficial microorganisms, which resulted in an improvement in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in the liver. The results of RT‐qPCR showed that B. subtilis C10 intervention regulated the main regulatory factors of liver lipid metabolism (PPAR‐α, SREBP‐1c) and interfered with Nrf‐2/Ho‐1 signal pathway, which in turn ameliorated alcohol‐induced lipid metabolism disorder and liver peroxidation stress. In addition, liver metabonomic analysis showed that B. subtilis C10 intervention reduced the production of harmful metabolites and increased beneficial metabolites in the liver, thereby reversing the metabolic disturbances caused by excessive alcohol consumption. KEGG analysis showed that B. subtilis C10 intervention modulated liver metabolic disorders and accelerated lipid metabolism by regulating glutathione metabolic pathway, purine metabolic pathway, pantothenic acid and CoA biosynthesis pathway, ABC transporter protein pathway, and HIF‐1 signaling pathway. Taken together, these findings suggest that B. subtilis C10 ameliorates ALI by modifying the structure of intestinal flora and liver metabolic pathways to attenuate alcohol‐exposure‐induced liver oxidative damage and lipid metabolism abnormalities.

Practical Application

Bacillus subtilis C10 is an effective probiotic intervention that significantly ameliorated alcoholic liver injury in mice through the gut–liver axis. B. subtilis C10 can be used as a dietary probiotic to develop functional foods with beneficial effects for the population of excessive alcohol consumption.
USP5‐dependent HDAC1 promotes cisplatin resistance and the malignant progression of non–small cell lung cancer by regulating RILP acetylation levels
Authors: Lu Rongguo , Jin Yulin , Zheng Mingfeng
Published: November 2024

Background

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, with cisplatin (DDP) resistance being a significant challenge in its treatment. Histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) has been implicated in the regulation of NSCLC progression; however, its role in the resistance of NSCLC to DDP remains unclear.

Methods

The mRNA levels of HDAC1, ubiquitin specific peptidase 5 (USP5), and Rab interacting lysosomal protein (RILP) were analyzed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of HDAC1, multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) and RILP was detected by western blotting assay or immunohistochemistry assay. The IC50 value of DDP was determined using a cell counting kit‐8 assay, while cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion were assessed using 5‐Ethynyl‐2’‐deoxyuridine assay, flow cytometry, and trans well invasion assay, respectively. Cancer stem‐like cell properties were analyzed by a sphere formation assay. The interaction between USP5 andHDAC1 was investigated using MG132 assay and co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP).RILP acetylation was analyzed by a Co‐IP assay. A xenograft mouse model assay was employed to study the in vivo effects of HDAC1 silencing on DDP sensitivity.

Results

HDAC1 expression was upregulated in DDP‐resistant NSCLC tissues and cells. Silencing HDAC1 enhanced the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to DDP, inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and the formation of microspheres and induced cell apoptosis. USP5 was found to deubiquitinate and stabilize HDAC1 in DDP‐resistant NSCLC cells. Moreover, HDAC1 overexpression reversed the effects induced by USP5 silencing. HDAC1 also sensitized Rab‐interacting lysosomal protein (RILP) acetylation in DDP‐resistant NSCLC cells, and RILP upregulation counteracted the effects of HDAC1 overexpression in DDP‐resistant NSCLC cells. HDAC1 silencing also improved the sensitivity of tumors to DDP in vivo.

Conclusion

USP5‐dependentstabilization of HDAC1 contributed to cisplatin resistance and the malignancy of NSCLC by diminishing the levels of RILP acetylation, which suggested that targeting the HDAC1‐USP5axis might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for overcoming DDP resistance in NSCLC patients.
Comparison of venous and calculated blood gas values to arterial values in critically ill patients
Authors: Lumholdt Mads , Andreasen Jo Bønding , Damgaard Kjeld , Christensen Erika Frischknecht , Leutscher Peter Derek Christian , Rasmussen Bodil Steen
Published: November 2024

Background

Arterial blood gas (ABG) values are important in the assessment of critically ill patients. However, arterial puncture may be challenging to perform in these patients. The venous‐to‐arterial conversion method (v‐TAC) is used to convert venous blood gas values to calculated values meant to resemble arterial values. Calculated pH and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) values have shown good agreement with arterial values in stable patients, but performance of the method in patients with severe acid–base disturbances is unknown. We aim to evaluate venous and calculated blood gas value congruency with arterial values in critically ill patients.

Methods

Critically ill adult patients with abnormal arterial pH (<7.35 or >7.45) admitted to an intensive care unit were included in this study. Patients were divided in groups based on arterial pH (alkalemia, moderate acidaemia and severe acidaemia). ABG samples were obtained from arterial catheters and venous samples simultaneously from peripheral or central venous catheters. Venous blood gas values were converted to calculated values using the v‐TAC software. Both venous and calculated values of pH, PCO2 and partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) were compared to arterial values in scatterplots and using the Spearman's Rank Correlation.

Results

Arterial and venous sample pairs were obtained from 28 patients, and 24 venous values were converted using the v‐TAC method. Scatterplots showed similar congruency of venous and calculated pH and PCO2 values to arterial values. However, one patient in the severe acidaemia group had arterial pH 7.07 and venous pH 7.04, but calculated pH 7.42. Spearman's Rank Correlation rho showed no correlation of venous and calculated PO2 values compared to arterial values (p = .989 and p = .361).

Conclusion

Venous and calculated pH and PCO2 values showed similar congruency with arterial values in patients with alkalemia and moderate acidaemia, while the method was unreliable in a patient suspected of severe metabolic acidaemia.
IL‐17 Producing T to Foxp3+CD4+ Regulatory T Cell Ratio as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker in Women With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Its Implications for Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy
Authors: Park Jin‐Sol , Song Ah‐Yun , Bae Ju‐Young , Han Jae Won , Kim Tae Hyun , Kim Chul‐Jung , Lee Sung Ki
Published: November 2024

Problem

The imbalance in the Th17/Regulatory T (Treg) cell ratio is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This study aimed to determine a cut‐off for the Th17/Treg cell ratio to predict pregnancy outcomes in RPL and evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) based on this cut‐off value.

Method of Study

This retrospective cohort study included 49 idiopathic RPL and 75 controls. The subgroups of IL‐17+ T cell to Foxp3+ T cell ratios in peripheral blood were measured using flow cytometry. The cut‐off values of Th17/Treg cell ratios were determined by the ROC curve to distinguish between RPL and controls. The IVIG treatment effectiveness in pregnancy outcome was compared between high‐ and low‐ratio groups. Pearson correlation assessed the Th17/Treg cell ratio's relationship with NK cell cytotoxicity (NKC), NK cell percentage, and Th1/Th2 cell ratio.

Results

Using the ROC curve, we identified six Th17/Treg cell ratio markers with diagnostic value, and the following two, CD3+IL‐17+ T cell/CD3+Foxp3high T cell ratio (sensitivity at 97%) and CD4+IL‐17+ T cell/CD3+Foxp3high T cell ratio (specificity at 93.61%), showed the highest statistical significance in diagnosing idiopathic RPL. Among the six diagnostic markers, in terms of predicting pregnancy outcomes with IVIG treatment, CD3+IL‐17+ T cell/CD4+Foxp3+ T cell ratio was the most valuable prognostic marker. In RPL women with high CD3+IL‐17+ T cell/CD4+Foxp3+ T cell ratio (≥ 1.096), the live birth rate (LBR) was improved with IVIG treatment. (IVIG treatment, 78.57% vs. no IVIG, 28.57%, p = 0.026). On the other hand, RPL women with low CD3+IL‐17+ T cell/CD4+Foxp3+ T cell ratio did not demonstrate the effectiveness of IVIG (LBRs with IVIG treatment, 50.00% vs. no IVIG, 84.62%, p = 0.219). In a correlation study, the CD3+IL‐17+ T cell/CD4+Foxp3+ T cell ratio was an independent prognostic marker, showing no correlation with NKC, NK cell percentage, and Th1/Th2 cell ratio.

Conclusion

The CD3+IL‐17+ T/CD4+Foxp3+ T cell ratio may serve as a valuable marker for understanding the pathogenesis of RPL, predicting pregnancy outcomes, and selecting candidates for immunotherapy. Our study demonstrates that IVIG treatment can significantly improve LBR in women with a high CD3+IL‐17+ T/CD4+Foxp3+ T ratio, offering a promising therapeutic approach for this challenging condition.
Regional anaesthesia research priorities: a Regional Anaesthesia UK (RA‐UK) priority setting partnership involving patients, carers and healthcare professionals
Authors: Lewis Owen , Lloyd James , Ferry Jenny , Macfarlane Alan J. R. , Womack Jonathan , El‐Boghdadly Kariem , Shelton Clifford L. , Schaff Olivia , Quick Tom J. , Smith Andrew F. , Cannons Karin , Pearson Annabel , Heelas Leila , Rodger Daniel , Marshall John , Pellowe Carol , Bowness James S. , Kearns Rachel J.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Regional anaesthesia provides important clinical benefits to patients but is underutilised. A barrier to widespread adoption may be the focus of regional anaesthesia research on novel techniques rather than evaluating and optimising existing approaches. Research priorities in regional anaesthesia identified by anaesthetists have been published, but the views of patients, carers and other healthcare professionals have not been considered previously. Therefore, we launched a multidisciplinary research priority setting partnership that aimed to establish key regional anaesthesia research priorities for the UK.

Methods

Research suggestions from key stakeholders (defined by their interaction with regional anaesthesia) were gathered using an online survey. These suggestions were analysed to identify common themes and then combined to formulate indicative research questions. After an extensive literature review, unanswered and partially answered questions were prioritised via an interim online survey and then ranked as a top 10 list during a final live virtual multidisciplinary prioritisation workshop.

Results

In total, 210 individuals completed the initial survey and suggested 518 research questions. Fifty‐seven indicative questions were formed, of which three were considered fully answered after literature review and one not feasible. The interim online survey received 335 responses, which identified the 24 highest priority questions from the 53 presented. At the final live prioritisation workshop, through a nominal group process, we identified the top 10 regional anaesthesia research priorities. These aligned with three broad thematic areas: pain management (two questions); patient safety (six questions); and recovery from surgery (two questions).

Discussion

This initiative has resulted in a list of research questions prioritised by patients, carers and a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals that should be used to inform and support future regional anaesthesia research in the UK.
Avascular necrosis in sickle cell disease needs more definitive treatment options
Authors: Galadanci Najibah A. , Kanter Julie
Published: November 2024

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a bone disease caused by a temporary or definitive loss of the blood supply to bone resulting in cellular death. In people with sickle cell disease (SCD), AVN is one of the most common causes of severe chronic pain. Currently, there are very few treatment options for AVN and the current study by Casale et al. demonstrates how the use of patient‐reported outcomes can bring us one step closer to identifying optimal treatments for this debilitating condition in SCD.

Commentary on: Casale et al. Long‐term outcomes of Avascular Necrosis in Sickle Cell Disease using joint‐specific patient‐reported outcome measures: Results from a multicentre study. Br J Haematol 2025; 206:310‐319.
TRIM47 promotes hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers progression through promoting K63‐linked ubiquitination of vimentin
Authors: Qin Shichao , Chang Fen , Sun Xiangkai , Li Zinan , Wang Yin , Lei Dapeng
Published: November 2024

Hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers which belong to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are the two most malignant types of head and neck cancer, characterized by a low 5‐year survival rate, high recurrence and metastasis rate. It is vital to explore strategies to suppress metastasis and improve prognosis for patients with these cancers. In this research, we analyzed the clinical data and found that E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM47 was upregulated in cancer tissues of hypopharyngeal cancer and was closely associated with poor survival outcomes. In terms of mechanism, we performed tandem affinity chromatography and denatured Ni‐NTA Agarose pulldown. As a result, TRIM47 was found to interact with vimentin and control vimentin stabilization through ubiquitination, specifically in the form of K63 chains. Importantly, through experiments of cancer cell viability and migration, we found that TRIM47 could enhance the proliferation and metastasis abilities of cancer cells in a vimentin‐dependent manner, thus promoting the advancement of hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers. TRIM47 was verified to regulate cancer cells metastasis in vivo using metastasis models. All these results imply that TRIM47 emerges as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and metastasis prediction of hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers and represents a promising therapeutic target.
Integrin‐α5 expression and its role in non‐small cell lung cancer progression
Authors: Ka Mirei , Matsumoto Yoko , Ando Takahiro , Hinata Munetoshi , Xi Qian , Sugiura Yuriko , Iida Takahiro , Nakagawa Natsuki , Tokunaga Masakatsu , Watanabe Kousuke , Kawakami Masanori , Ushiku Tetsuo , Sato Masaaki , Oda Katsutoshi , Kage Hidenori
Published: November 2024

Integrins are transmembrane receptors that facilitate cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix and neighboring cells. Aberrant expression of integrins has been associated with tumor progression and metastasis in various cancer types. Integrin alpha‐5 (ITGA5) is an integrin subtype that serves as a receptor for fibronectin, fibrinogen, and fibrillin‐1. The purpose of this study was to elucidate how ITGA5 expression plays a role in human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our clinical data, along with data retrieved from The Cancer Genome Database (TCGA), revealed that high ITGA5 expression in NSCLC patients was associated with a lower recurrence‐free survival and overall survival. In our in vitro functional assays, ITGA5 overexpression in human NSCLC cell lines resulted in increased cell size, adhesion, and migration properties, while knockdown of ITGA5 restored the phenotypes. Correspondingly, knockdown and inhibition of ITGA5 in endogenously high‐expressing NSCLC cell lines resulted in decreased cell size, adhesion, migration, and proliferation. The antiproliferative effect was also confirmed by a reduction in Ki‐67 without discernible changes in apoptosis. Collectively, these findings reveal the significant role of ITGA5 in various functional behaviors in NSCLC, providing a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC patients with high ITGA5 expression.