bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PLCγ1 deficiency in chondrocytes accelerates the age‐related changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone
Authors: Zhao Qiubo , Chen Xiaolei , Qu Ning , Qiu Jinhua , Zhang Bing , Xia Chun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAgeing is the most prominent risk for osteoarthritis (OA) development. This study aimed to investigate the role of phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ) 1, previously linked to OA progression, in regulating age‐related changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone. d‐galactose (d‐Gal) was employed to treat chondrocytes from rats and mice or injected intraperitoneally into C57BL/6 mice. RTCA, qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation, matrix synthesis, senescence genes and senescence‐associated secretory phenotype, along with PLCγ1 expression. Subchondral bone morphology was assessed through micro‐CT. In mice with chondrocyte‐specific Plcg1 deficiency (Plcg1flox/flox; Col2a1‐CreERT), articular cartilage and subchondral bone were examined over different survival periods. Our results showed that d‐Gal induced chondrocyte senescence, expedited articular cartilage ageing and caused subchondral bone abnormalities. In d‐Gal‐induced chondrocytes, diminished PLCγ1 expression was observed, and its further inhibition by U73122 exacerbated chondrocyte senescence. Plcg1flox/flox; Col2a1‐CreERT mice exhibited more pronounced age‐related changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone compared to Plcg1flox/flox mice. Therefore, not only does d‐Gal induce senescence in chondrocytes and age‐related changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone, as well as diminished PLCγ1 expression, but PLCγ1 deficiency in chondrocytes may also accelerate age‐related changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone. PLCγ1 may be a promising therapeutic target for mitigating age‐related changes in joint tissue.
The Eczema Area and Severity Index: An update of progress and challenges in its measurement of atopic dermatitis after 20 years of use
Authors: Jacobson M. E. , Morimoto R. Y. , Leshem Y. A. , Howells L. , Williams H. C. , Grinich E. , Gerbens L. A. A. , Spuls P. I. , Schmitt J. , Staley B. , Baghoomian W. , Katoh N. , Thomas K. S. , Apfelbacher C. J. , Simpson E. L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe Eczema Area and Severity Index is an investigator‐assessed instrument reporting clinical signs of atopic dermatitis. The instrument is extensively validated in both adult and paediatric populations and recommended as a core outcome measure to assess clinical signs by the Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema initiative in clinical trials and was recently recommended as an option to measure signs in clinical practice. Here, we review the validation of the instrument using standard assessment criteria, explore controversies and challenges to its universal applicability and highlight future electronic adaptations. We find that the instrument demonstrates adequate performance in the measurement properties recommended by the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments initiative for instruments reporting clinical signs, is clinically interpretable, and is suitable for all atopic dermatitis severities. Some validation gaps remain. Information reporting on its performance in diverse populations, with emphasis on deeply pigmented skin, is promising though limited. Technological adaptations are demonstrating promising initial validation results and may facilitate remote and/or automated assessments assisting clinical care and decentralized clinical trials in the future. We find no strong evidence limiting its use in trials or clinical practice although questions pertaining to the effect of investigator training remain. We recommend that the Eczema Area and Severity Index be used in all interventional atopic dermatitis trials and be considered alongside other recommended clinical practice severity instruments.
Effect of induced electric field parameters on physiochemical characteristics and microorganism of orange juice
Authors: Yang Na , Jin Yamei , Zhou Yuyi , Zhou Xiaoqun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe induced electric field (IEF) was produced via an oscillating magnetic field, for direct heating of orange juice within a winding coil. During the process, the applied magnetic field was at the range from 0.07 to 1.43 T with 50 kHz. Then, the numerical relationships between excitation voltage, magnetic field, IEF, induced current density, magnetomotive force and energy efficiency were investigated. Since a rectangular wave of excitation voltage was applied, the sawtooth waveform of induced voltage or IEF loaded on the juice was observed. As the magnetic field increased, outlet temperature and induced current density in the juice was improved, the maximum values were 99.5°C and 0.50 A/cm2, respectively, at a conductivity 4.53 mS/cm for the residence time of 4.5 min. However, the efficiency of the process exhibited a negative correlation with the escalation of excitation voltage. At initial colony count about 4.50 log colony‐forming units/mL, the IEF pasteurization reduced all the aerobic microorganisms, molds, and yeasts in the juice, which were evaluated at detectable limits below 1 log colony‐forming units/mL. Moreover, all treatments had no significant effects on pH, total soluble solids and titratable acidity of the juice (p > 0.05). In particular, there was also no significant change in color parameters after IEF pasteurization (p > 0.05). It indicated a significant decrease in vitamin C and total phenolic content of the control groups (p > 0.05), but no significant change in carotenoid content was observed in all treated juice (p > 0.05). heating technology using IEF has the potential to the pasteurization of fruit juice.Practical applicationsInduction electric field technology has progressed rapidly in the past 2 years, it can use oscillating alternating magnetic field to realize the direct heating of liquid food. The process has thermal and non‐thermal effects, at 65–70°C, within 15–30 s to achieve the commercial asepsis of acidic liquid food. After the pasteurization, it can better maintain the color and flavor of the juice. We have assembled a laboratory prototype for testing in the early stage, the processing capacity is at the range of 0–10 L/h. Currently, the system has been able to reach the pilot production scale with the processing capacity of 100–500 L/h. Through the use of highly permeable magnetic materials, the energy consumption per ton of juice processing is controlled at 120 k·Wh level for the pasteurization and is expected to achieve a larger processing capacity in the future.
Treatment for chronic idiopathic constipation: Use and satisfaction from a nationwide survey of US participants
Authors: Lacy Brian E. , Xu Yanqing , Taylor Douglas C. A. , Kosch Katherine J. , Dobrescu Rachel , Morlock Amy , Morlock Robert , Rooker Ceciel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a disorder of gut–brain interaction characterized by a variety of bowel movement‐related and abdominal symptoms. A greater understanding of medication use and satisfaction with symptom control may provide insights to optimize patient care. Therefore, we explored these aspects of the disorder in adults with CIC.MethodsThis study assessed data collected from a large nationwide survey of adult participants in the United States, querying demographics, clinical characteristics, and comorbid conditions, as well as medication use, care‐seeking behaviors, and satisfaction with symptom control. Participants were grouped into the CIC cohort if they met Rome IV criteria, with controls matched 1:1 according to age, sex, race, region, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. All data were self‐reported.Key ResultsTwo thousand five hundred and thirty‐three participants with CIC were matched 1:1 to controls. In the CIC cohort, abdominal pain was the most reported symptom leading to medication use: 15.9% of respondents were receiving a prescription medication in addition to an over‐the‐counter medication, while 26.3% were taking neither. In addition, only one‐third were satisfied with the control of their symptoms; however, satisfaction was significantly higher in respondents taking a prescription medication (p < 0.001). The proportion of reported comorbidities was significantly higher in the CIC cohort versus the control cohort, with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression among the highest (p < 0.001 for all).Conclusions and InferencesThis study emphasizes the need for better communication regarding prescription medications and their benefits, with the goal of further improving CIC patients' overall symptoms.
Facing climate change: plant stress mitigation strategies in agriculture
Authors: Terán Fátima , Vives‐Peris Vicente , Gómez‐Cadenas Aurelio , Pérez‐Clemente Rosa M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractClimate change poses significant challenges to global agriculture, with rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events threatening crop yields. These changes exceed the adaptability thresholds of many crops, decreasing their yield and threatening food security. At plant physiological levels, climate change‐induced stressors disrupt photosynthesis, growth, and reproductive processes, contributing to a reduced productivity. Furthermore, the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture are exacerbated by anthropogenic factors, with agriculture itself contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. To mitigate these challenges, various approaches have been explored. This work reviews the most important physical, chemical, and biological strategies most commonly used in a broad range of agricultural crops. Among physical strategies, increasing water use efficiency without yield reduction through different irrigation strategies, and the use of foliar treatments with reflective properties to mitigate the negative effects of different stresses have been proven to be effective. Concerning chemical approaches, the exogenous treatment of plants with chemicals induces existing molecular and physiological plant defense mechanisms, enhancing abiotic stress tolerance. Regarding biological treatments, plant inoculation with mycorrhiza and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can improve enzymatic antioxidant capacity and mineral solubilization, favoring root and plant growth and enhance plant performance under stressful conditions. While these strategies provide valuable short‐ to medium‐term solutions, there is a pressing need for new biotechnological approaches aimed at developing genotypes resistant to stressful conditions. Collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders are essential to ensure global food security in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
Stability and Robustness Analysis and Optimization for Gain-Scheduled Control of Aero-Engines
Authors: Jiang Jincen , Yang Jiali , Wang Xiting , Yang Xiao , Hu Zhongzhi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Gain-scheduled control is widely applied in the aerospace domain, yet the selection of design points for gain-scheduling controllers to ensure stability and robustness throughout the range of scheduling variables remains theoretically unguided, requiring laborious trial-and-error to ensure control performance. Therefore, this paper proposes a theoretical method for design point selection through analysis and optimization processes to meet system stability and robustness requirements. First, the method characterizes the gain-scheduled control system as a polytopic linear parameter varying (LPV) system, wherein the design points of the gain-scheduled control system correspond to the vertices of the polytopic LPV system. Second, the method utilizes linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques to demonstrate the stability of a polytopic LPV system with a corresponding number of vertices, and by assessing the approximation degree between the polytopic LPV system and the gain-scheduled control system with an identical number of design points, it evaluates and ensures the stability of the latter, thereby establishing the minimal requirements for the number of design points. Finally, the method further refines the number of design points within the gain-scheduled control system to meet additional robustness and performance considerations. A case study on turbofan engine controls validates the proposed method. New design points, selected via stability and robustness analysis, enhance the system's steady-state phase margin and robustness against model uncertainties. Moreover, compared to a v-gap metric-based method, the proposed method exhibits similar performance in terms of stability, robustness, and tracking control; however, it requires fewer design points, resulting in less conservatism.
In Situ and Ex Situ Measurement of Stresses in Environmental Barrier Coatings
Authors: Hudyncia Hans , Shi Jun , Li Weizhou , Li Xiaodong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) offer a step improvement in temperature capability over the current best high-temperature superalloys for gas turbine applications. Silicon carbide (SiC)-based CMCs react with water vapor at temperature and therefore need an environmental barrier coating (EBC) for protection against the water vapor attack. EBC is typically deposited on a CMC component through air plasma spray (APS) process, which involves melting and fast quenching of molten ceramic powders (such as ytterbium disilicate and ytterbium monosilicate). The fast quenching and subsequent cool down to room temperature introduce residual stress in the EBC. In addition, EBC-coated CMC components often go through a heat treatment (HT) process afterwards. For Yb-silicates, this both stabilizes/crystalizes the EBC and increases hermiticity by healing cracks and pores. This heat treatment at elevated temperature changes the coating residual stress state. It is important to be able to measure the coating stresses during deposition and heat treatment so that APS process improvement and EBC coating life assessment can be made. This paper describes novel methods to measure coating stresses continuously during APS and during heat treatment up to 1400 °C, using an optical deformation and curvature-based approach.
Turbulent Burning Velocity of High Hydrogen Flames
Authors: Rajagopalan Hari Priya , Cole Renee , Wu David , Emerson Ben , Lieuwen Tim C. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The turbulent burning velocity (ST) is one of the most important combustion properties controlling combustor operability limits, directly influencing blowoff, flashback, and combustion instabilities. Hydrogen has particularly significant influences on the turbulent flame speed. This paper presents new H2/CH4 data of high pressure, high hydrogen turbulent burning velocities. The datasets were designed to address fundamental questions as well as provide engineering/design relevant insights. This paper presents new scaling analysis of fuel composition, pressure, and preheat temperature effects on turbulent burning velocity. We also discuss the importance of considering what is being held constant (temperature, flame speed, Reynolds number, etc.) when one is analyzing these sensitivities. Data show that hydrogen fraction and pressure cause an increase in turbulent flame speed; whether quantified as raw ST,GC or normalized as ST,GC/SL,0 or ST,GC/SL,max (where SL,0 and SL,max are the unstretched and stretched laminar flame speed, respectively). We also propose that observed increases in ST,GC with pressure are due to increases in Reynolds number and not a kinetics/stretch sensitivity effect. With increasing preheat temperature, ST,GC increases while its normalized value (ST,GC/SL,0 and ST,GC/SL,max) can either increase or decrease, depending upon fuel composition. We also show how these sensitivities vary, depending on whether these comparisons are made at constant raw turbulence intensity urms or at constant normalized urms/SL,0 or urms/SL,max.
A Comprehensive Thermodynamic Analysis of Gas Turbine Combined Cycles With Pressure Gain Combustion Based on Humphrey Cycle
Authors: Dubey Abhishek , Sorce Alessandro , Stathopoulos Panagiotis 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The paper describes a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of the gas turbine combined cycle (CC) equipped with pressure gain combustion (PGC) based on the Humphrey cycle. PGC is represented by a steady-state zero-dimensional constant volume combustion (CVC) model with practical loss models for a realistic interpretation. Simulations were performed in WTEMP (web-based thermo-economic modular program) software, a modular cycle analysis tool developed at the University of Genova. PGC gas turbine combined cycle is studied using methane as fuel with three different configurations of heat recovery steam generator, namely, one pressure level without reheat, two pressure levels with reheat and three pressure levels with reheat, in order to study a wide range of CC applications. An on-design performance map of the PGC gas turbine is presented, and a sensitivity analysis is performed to understand the impact of cycle loss parameters and turbine cooling technology. Results were analyzed at the optimistic and realistic PGC loss scenarios. For the PGC open cycle, with optimistic combustor losses, efficiency was higher than Joule at all operating conditions. However, with realistic combustor losses, a higher turbine inlet temperature (TIT) was found to alleviate some of the losses in the combustor, and at a pressure ratio of 25, a 1700 °C TIT cycle showed a benefit of 1.7 p.p., while 1300 °C TIT showed no advantage. Moreover, with the reduction in first turbine stage efficiency from pulsating outflow, only the high TIT cycle showed benefit at pressure ratios less than 15. Looking into combined cycles with realistic combustor losses, PGC was found to be advantageous in terms of specific work but not efficiency at actual operating conditions. However, with a further reduction of combustor-related losses, the PGC CC could outperform the Joule equivalent in terms of efficiency. The sensitivity analysis with losses showed that the mitigation of constant pressure combustion loss is more important than the inlet pressure loss for PGC in CC application. Finally, it was shown that the improvements in turbine cooling technology could increase the efficiency of a high TIT PGC combined cycle by 0.25 p.p. and specific work output by 4.1 p.p.
Insights into the genomic and phenotypic characteristics of
Bacillus
spp. strains isolated from biofilms in broiler farms
Authors: Guéneau Virgile , Jiménez Guillermo , Castex Mathieu , Briandet Romain 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

The characterization of surface microbiota living in biofilms within livestock buildings has been relatively unexplored, despite its potential impact on animal health. To enhance our understanding of these microbial communities, we characterized 11 spore-forming strains isolated from two commercial broiler chicken farms. Sequencing of the strains revealed them to belong to three species
Bacillus velezensis
,
Bacillus subtilis
, and
Bacillus licheniformis
. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and genes associated with antimicrobial secretion specific to each species. We conducted a comprehensive characterization of the biofilm formed by these strains under various conditions, and we revealed significant structural heterogeneity across the different strains. A macro-colony interaction model was employed to assess the compatibility of these strains to coexist in mixed biofilms. We identified highly competitive
B. velezensis
strains, which cannot coexist with other
Bacillus
spp. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy along with a specific dye for extracellular DNA, we uncovered the importance of extracellular DNA for the formation of
B. licheniformis
biofilms. Altogether, the results highlight the heterogeneity in both genome and biofilm structure among
Bacillus
spp. isolated from biofilms present within livestock buildings.

IMPORTANCE

Little is known about the microbial communities that develop on farms in direct contact with animals. Nonpathogenic strains of
Bacillus velezensis
,
Bacillus subtilis
, and
Bacillus licheniformis
were found in biofilm samples collected from surfaces in contact with animals. Significant genetic and phenotypic diversity was described among these
Bacillus
strains. The strains do not possess mobile antibiotic resistance genes in their genomes and have a strong capacity to form structured biofilms. Among these species,
B. velezensis
was noted for its high competitiveness compared with the other
Bacillus
spp. Additionally, the importance of extracellular DNA in the formation of
B. licheniformis
biofilms was observed. These findings provide insights for the management of these surface microbiota that can influence animal health, such as the use of competitive strains to minimize the establishment of undesirable bacteria or enzymes capable of specifically deconstructing biofilms.
Fecal transplant allows transmission of the gut microbiota in honey bees
Authors: Cabirol Amélie , Chhun Audam , Liberti Joanito , Kesner Lucie , Neuschwander Nicolas , Schaerli Yolanda , Engel Philipp 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

The study of the fecal microbiota is crucial for unraveling the pathways through which gut symbionts are acquired and transmitted. While stable gut microbial communities are essential for honey bee health, their modes of acquisition and transmission are yet to be confirmed. The gut of honey bees is colonized by symbiotic bacteria within 5 days after emergence from their wax cells as adults. Few studies have suggested that bees could be colonized in part via contact with fecal matter in the hive. However, the composition of the fecal microbiota is still unknown. It is particularly unclear whether all bacterial species can be found viable in the feces and can therefore be transmitted to newborn nestmates. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we revealed that the composition of the honey bee fecal microbiota is strikingly similar to the microbiota of entire guts. We found that fecal transplantation resulted in gut microbial communities similar to those obtained from feeding gut homogenates. Our study shows that fecal sampling and transplantation are viable tools for the non-invasive analysis of bacterial community composition and host-microbe interactions. It also implies that contact of young bees with fecal matter in the hive is a plausible route for gut microbiota acquisition.

IMPORTANCE
Honey bees are crucial pollinators for many crops and wildflowers. They are also powerful models for studying microbiome-host interactions. However, current methods rely on gut tissue disruption to analyze microbiota composition and use gut homogenates to inoculate microbiota-deprived bees. Here, we provide two new and non-invasive approaches that will open doors to longitudinal studies: fecal sampling and transplantation. Furthermore, our findings provide insights into gut microbiota transmission in social insects by showing that ingestion of fecal matter can result in gut microbiota acquisition.