bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta‐analyses on the accuracy of diagnostic tests for IgE‐mediated food allergy
Authors: Riggioni Carmen , Ricci Cristian , Moya Beatriz , Wong Dominic , van Goor Evi , Bartha Irene , Buyuktiryaki Betul , Giovannini Mattia , Jayasinghe Sashini , Jaumdally Hannah , Marques‐Mejias Andreina , Piletta‐Zanin Alexandre , Berbenyuk Anna , Andreeva Margarita , Levina Daria , Iakovleva Ekaterina , Roberts Graham , Chu Derek , Peters Rachel , du Toit George , Skypala Isabel , Santos Alexandra F.
Published: November 2023

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is updating the Guidelines on Food Allergy Diagnosis. We aimed to undertake a systematic review of the literature with meta‐analyses to assess the accuracy of diagnostic tests for IgE‐mediated food allergy. We searched three databases (Cochrane CENTRAL (Trials), MEDLINE (OVID) and Embase (OVID)) for diagnostic test accuracy studies published between 1 October 2012 and 30 June 2021 according to a previously published protocol (CRD42021259186). We independently screened abstracts, extracted data from full texts and assessed risk of bias with QUADRAS 2 tool in duplicate. Meta‐analyses were undertaken for food‐test combinations for which three or more studies were available. A total of 149 studies comprising 24,489 patients met the inclusion criteria and they were generally heterogeneous. 60.4% of studies were in children ≤12 years of age, 54.3% were undertaken in Europe, ≥95% were conducted in a specialized paediatric or allergy clinical setting and all included oral food challenge in at least a percentage of enrolled patients, in 21.5% double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges. Skin prick test (SPT) with fresh cow's milk and raw egg had high sensitivity (90% and 94%) for milk and cooked egg allergies. Specific IgE (sIgE) to individual components had high specificity: Ara h 2‐sIgE had 92%, Cor a 14‐sIgE 95%, Ana o 3‐sIgE 94%, casein‐sIgE 93%, ovomucoid‐sIgE 92/91% for the diagnosis of peanut, hazelnut, cashew, cow's milk and raw/cooked egg allergies, respectively. The basophil activation test (BAT) was highly specific for the diagnosis of peanut (90%) and sesame (93%) allergies. In conclusion, SPT and specific IgE to extracts had high sensitivity whereas specific IgE to components and BAT had high specificity to support the diagnosis of individual food allergies.
The role of pairwise matching in experimental design for an incidence outcome
Authors: Kapelner Adam , Krieger Abba M. , Azriel David
Published: November 2023

We consider the problem of evaluating designs for a two‐arm randomised experiment with an incidence (binary) outcome under a non‐parametric general response model. Our two main results are that the a priori pair matching design is (1) the optimal design as measured by mean squared error among all block designs which includes complete randomisation. And (2), this pair‐matching design is minimax, that is, it provides the lowest mean squared error under an adversarial response model. Theoretical results are supported by simulations and clinical trial data where we demonstrate the superior performance of pairwise matching designs under realistic conditions.
The Danish child and parent Gait Outcomes Assessment List questionnaires were reliable and valid for cerebral palsy
Authors: Nordbye‐Nielsen Kirsten , Maribo Thomas , Rahbek Ole , Narayanan Unni , Møller‐Madsen Bjarne
Published: November 2023

Aim

We investigated the reliability and validity of the Danish child and parent versions of the Gait Outcomes Assessment List (GOAL) questionnaires for ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

Translation and cultural adaptations were performed and content validity evaluated. Participants were enrolled between 2016 and 2018 from Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Children and parents completed the GOAL questionnaires twice for test–retest reliability. Discriminative validity was evaluated by comparing the child and parent GOAL scores between children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I and II. The concurrent validity of the GOAL questionnaires were investigated by comparing them with Challenge‐20, which assesses motor skills in children with CP.

Results

We studied 59 children (57% boys) with CP and GMFCS I‐II at a mean age of 10.6 years. Test–retest intra‐class correlations were excellent for the children (0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83–0.96) and good for the parents (0.83, 95% CI 0.67–0.91). GOAL scores decreased with increasing GMFCS (p < 0.05). Both versions correlated well. The mean children's scores were significantly (6.2/100) higher than the parents' (p < 0.001). The GOAL scores correlated positively with Challenge‐20.

Conclusion

The Danish GOAL child and parent questionnaires demonstrated good reliability and content and discriminative and concurrent validity.
Role of bradykinin and prostaglandin EP4 receptors in regulating TRPV1 channel sensitization in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Aldossary Sara A. , Alsalem Mohammad , Grubb Blair D.
Published: November 2023

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type‐1 (TRPV1) channels play key roles in chronic pain conditions and are modulated by different inflammatory mediators to elicit heat sensitisation. Bradykinin is a 9‐amino acid peptide chain that promotes inflammation. The aim of present study is to investigate how bradykinin and prostaglandin receptors (EP3 and EP4) modulate the sensitisation of TRPV1‐mediated responses. Calcium imaging studies of rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were employed to investigate the desensitizing responses of TRPV1 ion channels by capsaicin, and the re‐sensitization of TRPV1 by bradykinin, then to explore the role EP3 and EP4 receptors in mediating these bradykinin‐dependent effects. Immunocytochemistry was used to study the co‐expression and distribution of EP4, TRPV1, COX‐1 and B2 in rat DRG neurons. Desensitization was seen upon repeated capsaicin application, we show that bradykinin‐mediated sensitization of capsaicin‐evoked calcium responses in rat DRG neurons occurs is dependent on COX‐1 activity and utilizes a pathway that involves EP4 but not EP3 receptors. Immunocytochemical techniques revealed that EP4, TRPV1, COX‐1 and B2 proteins are expressed mainly in small diameter (<1000 μm2) cell bodies of rat DRG neurons which are typically nociceptors. The present study provides suggestive evidence for a potential signalling pathway through which bradykinin may regulate TRPV1 ion channel function via EP4 receptors. In addition to confirming existing knowledge, the anatomical distribution and colocalization of these proteins in DRG neurons as revealed by this study offer valuable insight.
Association of ABO and Rhesus blood groups with severe outcomes from non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 respiratory infection: A prospective observational cohort study in Bristol, UK 2020–2022
Authors: Hathaway Alice , Qian George , King Jade , McGuinness Serena , Maskell Nick , Oliver Jennifer , Finn Adam , Danon Leon , Challen Robert , Toye Ashley M. , Hyams Catherine ,   the Avon CAP Research Group
Published: November 2023

Despite significant global morbidity associated with respiratory infection, there is a paucity of data examining the association between severity of non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 respiratory infection and blood group. We analysed a prospective cohort of adults hospitalised in Bristol, UK, from 1 August 2020 to 31 July 2022, including patients with acute respiratory infection (pneumonia [n = 1934] and non‐pneumonic lower respiratory tract infection [NP‐LRTI] [n = 1184]), a negative SARS‐CoV‐2 test and known blood group status. The likelihood of cardiovascular complication, survival and hospital admission length was assessed using regression models with group O and RhD‐negative status as reference groups. Group A and RhD‐positive were over‐represented in both pneumonia and NP‐LRTI compared to a first‐time donor population (p < 0.05 in all); contrastingly, group O was under‐represented. ABO group did not influence cardiovascular complication risk; however, RhD‐positive patients with pneumonia had a reduced odds ratio (OR) for cardiovascular complications (OR = 0.77 [95% CI = 0.59–0.98]). Compared to group O, group A individuals with NP‐LRTI were more likely to be discharged within 60 days (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.17 [95% CI = 1.03–1.33]), while group B with pneumonia was less likely (HR = 0.8 [95% CI = 0.66–0.96]). This analysis provides some evidence that blood group status may influence clinical outcome following respiratory infection, with group A having increased risk of hospitalisation and RhD‐positive patients having reduced cardiovascular complications.
Identification of a 2‐phenylthiazole derivative acetylcholinesterase modulator with in vitro antitumor activity in breast cancer cells
Authors: Shi Xiao , Liu Peng , Ma Yanyan , Li Mingyuan , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhang Xinyue , Shi Dahua , Si Xinxin
Published: November 2023

Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) is a serine hydrolase with classical function to degrade acetylcholine and terminate neurotransmission. While “nonclassical” functions of AchE were involved in cell growth, death, invasion, etc. The expression and activity of AchE is changed in tumors, suggesting AChE inhibitors (AchEIs) may serve as potential antitumor drugs. In this study, the antitumor activity of a series of 2‐phenylthiazole derivatives originally designed and synthesized as AchEIs were investigated. One compound named A6, was screened out with superior antitumor efficacy, especially against breast cancer MCF‐7 cells. A6 significantly disrupted the amino acid metabolism and inhibited migration of MCF‐7. In addition, A6 induced apoptosis of MCF‐7 cells. To clarify how A6 affected on MCF‐7 cells, RNA‐seq analysis was conducted to evaluate the whole genome effect of A6 on gene expression. A total of 153 genes were increased, and the expression of 81 genes was decreased. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed A6 treatment mainly disrupted sterol/cholesterol pathway, Ras signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, etc. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis and cell viability test showed A6 plays anticancer role by regulating Best1 and HIST1H2BJ. These results indicate that AchEI A6 could be a potential antitumor agent for breast cancer patients and could help the development of novel therapies.
Echocardiography in Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion and Related Complications
Authors: Thakker Ravi , Faluk Mohammed Ali , Modi Shreyas , Ahmad Masood
Published: November 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a devastating disease with a large global prevalence. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a major source of thrombi in patients with AF. Echocardiography plays an important role in identifying LAA thrombi and has become an invaluable imaging tool in planning for LAA occlusion (LAAO) in patients intolerant to anticoagulation. This review article will discuss the role of echocardiography in selecting patients for LAAO, intraprocedural monitoring, and identifying procedure‐related complications.
Limited association between Wolbachia and Plasmodium falciparum infections in natural populations of the major malaria mosquito Anopheles moucheti
Authors: Mouillaud Théo , Berger Audric , Buysse Marie , Rahola Nil , Daron Josquin , Agbor Jean‐Pierre , Sango Sandrine N. , Neafsey Daniel E. , Duron Olivier , Ayala Diego
Published: November 2023

Since the discovery of natural malaria vector populations infected by the endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia, a renewed interest has arisen for using this bacterium as an alternative for malaria control. Among naturally infected mosquitoes, Anopheles moucheti, a major malaria mosquito in Central Africa, exhibits one of the highest prevalences of Wolbachia infection. To better understand whether this maternally inherited bacterium could be used for malaria control, we investigated Wolbachia influence in An. moucheti populations naturally infected by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. To this end, we collected mosquitoes in a village from Cameroon, Central Africa, where this mosquito is the main malaria vector. We found that the prevalence of Wolbachia bacterium was almost fixed in the studied mosquito population, and was higher than previously recorded. We also quantified Wolbachia in whole mosquitoes and dissected abdomens, confirming that the bacterium is also elsewhere than in the abdomen, but at lower density. Finally, we analyzed the association of Wolbachia presence and density on P. falciparum infection. Wolbachia density was slightly higher in mosquitoes infected with the malaria parasite than in uninfected mosquitoes. However, we observed no correlation between the P. falciparum and Wolbachia densities. In conclusion, our study indicates that naturally occurring Wolbachia infection is not associated to P. falciparum development within An. moucheti mosquitoes.
NTNH protein: more than a bodyguard for botulinum neurotoxins
Authors: Gao Linfeng , Jin Rongsheng
Published: November 2023

As one of the most fatal substances, botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) have never acted solo to accomplish their formidable missions. Most notably, nontoxic nonhemagglutinin (NTNH), a protein co‐secreted with BoNT by bacteria, plays critical roles to stabilize and protect BoNT by tightly associating with it to form the minimal progenitor toxin complex (M‐PTC). A new cryo‐EM structure of the M‐PTC of a BoNT‐like toxin from Weissella oryzae (BoNT/Wo) reveals similar assembly modes between M‐PTC/Wo and that of other BoNTs, yet also reveals some unique structural features of NTNH/Wo. These findings shed new light on the potential versatile roles of NTNH during BoNT intoxication.
Impact of food matrix components on the physicochemical properties, release properties and bioaccessibility of unencapsulated and encapsulated vitexin
Authors: Peanparkdee Methavee , Yooying Ratchadaporn , Sae‐tan Sudathip
Published: November 2023

Mung bean seed coat extract (ME), rich in antioxidants such as vitexin and iso‐vitexin, was encapsulated in egg yolk phosphatidylcholine to enhance its bioaccessibility and expand its application in food products. This study investigated the effect of the food matrix on the physical properties, chemical properties and release properties of bioactive compounds during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and analysed the morphology and chemical interactions of the samples. The ME and mung bean seed coat extract‐loaded phytosome particles (PS) were incorporated with four types of food ingredients including whey protein isolate, rice flour, butter and mixed ingredients. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity measured using DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were detected in ME incorporated with whey protein isolate. PS incorporated with butter gave the highest values of TPC, DPPH and FRAP. After simulated intestinal digestion, ME incorporated with whey protein isolate gave the highest TPC, while the highest DPPH and FRAP values were found in ME incorporated with rice flour. Higher values of TPC, DPPH and FRAP were observed when PS was incorporated with all types of food ingredients compared to PS alone. Results suggested that the addition of PS enhanced the bioaccessibility of food ingredients.
Comparative effectiveness of etanercept originator and biosimilar for treating rheumatoid arthritis: implications for cost‐savings
Authors: Deakin Claire T. , Littlejohn Geoffrey O. , Griffiths Hedley , Ciciriello Sabina , O'Sullivan Catherine , Smith Tegan , Youssef Peter , Bird Paul ,   the OPAL consortium
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

This study aimed to assess the comparative effectiveness of the etanercept (ETN) originator (Enbrel) and ETN biosimilar SB4 (Brenzys) as first‐line treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while also exploring the potential cost‐savings associated with this approach in Australia.

Methods

Clinical data were obtained from the Optimising Patient outcomes in rheumatoLogy Australian real‐world data set. Adult patients with RA who had initiated treatment with the ETN originator or biosimilar as their first‐recorded biologic or targeted synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug between 1 April 2017 and 31 December 2020 were included. Treatment persistence was analysed using survival analysis. Cost‐savings were estimated based on data reported by the Australian National Prescribing Service MedicineWise.

Results

Propensity score matching followed by inverse probability of treatment weighting selected patients taking originator (n = 209) or biosimilar (n = 141) with similar baseline characteristics and eliminated small differences in baseline disease activity. The median time for 50% of the patients to stop treatment was 19.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.7–36.4 months) for the originator and 22.4 months (95% CI, 15.0–33.1 months) for the biosimilar (P = 0.95). As a result of pricing policies established by the Australian Government, introduction of the ETN biosimilar would have resulted in a cost‐savings of over AU$9.5 million for 1 year of treatment for the patients reported in this study.

Conclusion

Treatment persistence using either ETN originator or biosimilar was similar. The cost of all brands of ETN markedly reduced upon listing of the ETN biosimilar, resulting in significant savings for the Australian Government.
Should performance at different race lengths be treated as genetically distinct traits in Coldblooded trotters?
Authors: Berglund Paulina , Andonov Sreten , Strandberg Erling , Eriksson Susanne
Published: November 2023

Speed, in the form of racing time per kilometre (km), is a performance trait of the Swedish–Norwegian Coldblooded trotter included in the joint Swedish–Norwegian genetic evaluation. A few popular stallions have dominated Coldblooded trotter breeding, which has led to an increasing average relationship between individuals in the population. This study investigated the scope for broadening the breeding goal by selecting for racing time per km over different race lengths (short: 1640 m, medium: 2140 m and long: 2640 m), as this could encourage the use of breeding sires that are less related to the population. Performance data on three‐ to 12‐year‐old Coldblooded trotters in all Swedish races run 1995–2021 were obtained from the Swedish Trotting Association. These data consisted of 46,356 observations for 8375 horses in short‐distance races, 430,512 observations for 11,193 horses in medium‐distance races and 11,006 observations for 3341 horses in long‐distance races. Variance components and genetic correlations were calculated using a trivariate animal model with Gibbs sampling from the BLUPF90 suite of programs. Breeding values for the three traits were then estimated using univariate animal models with the same fixed and random effects as in the trivariate model. Heritability estimates of 0.27–0.28 and genetic correlations between racing time per km at the different distances of 0.97–0.99 were obtained. Despite the strong genetic correlation between the traits, there was some re‐ranking among the top 10 and top 30 stallions based on distance‐specific breeding values. Estimated rank correlation between breeding values for racing time per km in short‐ and medium‐distance races was 0.86, while between short‐ and long‐distance races and between medium‐ and long‐distance races it was 0.61. Mean relationship within the top 10 and top 30 stallions based on breeding values for racing time per km at each distance was 0.31–0.33 and 0.23–0.24 while mean relationship to the rest of the population ranged from 0.17 to 0.18 for all groups, although the 10 and 30 top‐ranking stallions differed somewhat in the traits. Estimated average increase in inbreeding was 0.1% per year of birth and 1.2% per generation. The strong genetic correlation between racing time per km at different distances did not support their use as genetically distinct traits. Re‐ranking of stallions for racing time per km at different race lengths could favour the use of a larger number of stallions in breeding, but according to our results it would not promote the use of stallions that are less related to the total population. Other traits like longevity or health traits, for example, career length and orthopaedic status, may be more relevant in broadening the breeding goal and preventing a few sires dominating future breeding, and this would be interesting to study further.
Relationship between stable cesium concentration and body size of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and the effect of a size‐dependent shift in diet
Authors: Kurita Yutaka , Shirai Kotaro , Kubota Kaoru , Togashi Hiroyuki , Morita Takami
Published: November 2023

To understand the relationship between the radioactive cesium (Cs) concentration in muscle of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and the species' biological characteristics (size, sex, and age) under conditions of ecological equilibrium (i.e., distributed among ecosystem components over sufficient time, and with nearly constant ratios of Cs concentration in organisms to the concentration in water) as existed before the accident at the Fukushima Dai‐ichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), Japan, in 2011, we examined stable Cs, as it is thought to exist in equilibrium in the environment and behave similarly to radioactive Cs in aquatic animals. The concentration of stable Cs in 241 P. olivaceus (range 216–782 mm total length [TL]) collected in Sendai Bay, approximately 90 km north of the FDNPS, in June–July 2015 was expressed as an exponential function with size as an independent variable; the results show the concentration of stable Cs doubled with an increase in TL of 442 mm. Next, to evaluate the cause of the size‐dependent change in stable Cs concentration, we examined 909 individuals (200–770 mm TL) collected in September 2013–July 2015 to determine their feeding habit based on size. Analysis of the frequency of occurrence of prey organisms in stomach contents showed that sand lance Ammodytes japonicus (55–180 mm standard length [SL]) was the most consistently consumed across size classes. Analysis on a wet‐mass basis showed that A. japonicus and anchovy Engraulis japonicus (65–130 mm SL) were the main food of P. olivaceus sized 200–599 mm TL, whereas chub mackerel Scomber japonicus (120–230 mm SL) and two species of flatfishes (180–205 mm SL) were abundant in the diet of P. olivaceus sized ≥600 mm TL. All these prey items were presumed to have similar concentrations of stable Cs. Based on the above, the effect of diet on the relationship between stable Cs in muscle and fish size was considered negligible. That the diet of P. olivaceus largely did not change with size was also confirmed by C and N stable isotope ratios in P. olivaceus and their prey species. Therefore, the Cs–size relationship is probably determined by changes in the balance between the rate of Cs intake from food and seawater and the excretion rate during growth, both of which change as functions of body mass. Values of stable Cs concentrations among environmental components and animals appear to be a valid indicator for understanding the radioactive Cs distribution in the marine environment and aquatic animals under the equilibrium state, as existed before the 2011 nuclear accident.
Associations between self‐reported sleep, overnight memory consolidation, and emotion perception: A large‐scale online study in the general population
Authors: Sharman Rachel , Kyle Simon D. , Espie Colin A. , Tamm Sandra
Published: November 2023

Experimental studies suggest that short or disrupted sleep impairs memory consolidation, mood, and perception of emotional stimuli. However, studies have chiefly relied on laboratory‐based study designs and small sample sizes. The aim of this fully online and pre‐registered study was to investigate the association between sleep and overnight memory consolidation, emotion perception, and affect in a large, self‐selected UK sample. A total of 1646 participants (473 completed) took part in an online study, where they completed a declarative (word‐pairs) memory task, emotion perception task (valence ratings of images), and rated their affect within 2 h of bed‐time. The following morning, participants reported on their state affect, sleep for the previous night, completed a cued recall task for the previously presented word‐pairs, rated the valence of previously viewed images, and completed a surprise recognition task. Demographic data and habitual sleep quality and duration (sleep traits) were also recorded. Habitual sleep traits were associated with immediate recall for the word‐pairs task, while self‐reported sleep parameters for the specific night were not associated with overnight memory consolidation. Neither habitual sleep traits, nor nightly sleep parameters were associated with unpleasantness ratings to negative stimuli or overnight habituation. Habitual poor sleep was associated with less positive and more negative affect, and morning affect was predicted by the specific night's sleep. This study suggests that overnight emotional processing and declarative memory may not be associated with self‐reported sleep across individuals. More work is needed to understand how findings from laboratory‐based studies extrapolate to real‐world samples and contexts.
GWAS reveals a rapidly evolving candidate avirulence effector in the Cercospora leaf spot pathogen
Authors: Chen Chen , Keunecke Harald , Bemm Felix , Gyetvai Gabor , Neu Enzo , Kopisch‐Obuch Friedrich J. , McDonald Bruce A. , Stapley Jessica
Published: November 2023

The major resistance gene BvCR4 recently bred into sugar beet hybrids provides a high level of resistance to Cercospora leaf spot caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora beticola. The occurrence of pathogen strains that overcome BvCR4 was studied using field trials in Switzerland conducted under natural disease pressure. Virulence of a subset of these strains was evaluated in a field trial conducted under elevated artificial disease pressure. We created a new C. beticola reference genome and mapped whole genome sequences of 256 isolates collected in Switzerland and Germany. These were combined with virulence phenotypes to conduct three separate genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) to identify candidate avirulence genes. We identified a locus associated with avirulence containing a putative avirulence effector gene named AvrCR4. All virulent isolates either lacked AvrCR4 or had nonsynonymous mutations within the gene. AvrCR4 was present in all 74 isolates from non‐BvCR4 hybrids, whereas 33 of 89 isolates from BvCR4 hybrids carried a deletion. We also mapped genomic data from 190 publicly available US isolates to our new reference genome. The AvrCR4 deletion was found in only one of 95 unique isolates from non‐BvCR4 hybrids in the United States. AvrCR4 presents a unique example of an avirulence effector in which virulent alleles have only recently emerged. Most likely these were selected out of standing genetic variation after deployment of BvCR4. Identification of AvrCR4 will enable real‐time screening of C. beticola populations for the emergence and spread of virulent isolates.
Knockout of the sugar transporter OsSTP15 enhances grain yield by improving tiller number due to increased sugar content in the shoot base of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Li Mingjuan , Li Hongye , Zhu Qidong , Liu Dong , Li Zhen , Chen Haifei , Luo Jinsong , Gong Pan , Ismail Abdelbagi M. , Zhang Zhenhua
Published: November 2023

Sugar transporter proteins (STPs) play critical roles in regulating plant stress tolerance, growth, and development. However, the role of STPs in regulating crop yield is poorly understood.

This study elucidates the mechanism by which knockout of the sugar transporter OsSTP15 enhances grain yield via increasing the tiller number in rice.

We found that OsSTP15 is specifically expressed in the shoot base and vascular bundle sheath of seedlings and encodes a plasma membrane‐localized high‐affinity glucose efflux transporter. OsSTP15 knockout enhanced sucrose and trehalose‐6‐phosphate (Tre6P) synthesis in leaves and improved sucrose transport to the shoot base by inducing the expression of sucrose transporters. Higher glucose, sucrose, and Tre6P contents were observed at the shoot base of stp15 plants. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses of the shoot base demonstrated that OsSTP15 knockout upregulated the expression of cytokinin (CK) synthesis‐ and signaling pathway‐related genes and increased CK levels.

These findings suggest that OsSTP15 knockout represses glucose export from the cytoplasm and simultaneously enhances sugar transport from source leaves to the shoot base by promoting the synthesis of sucrose and Tre6P in leaves. Subsequent accumulation of glucose, sucrose, and Tre6P in the shoot base promotes tillering by stimulating the CK signaling pathway.
Sports in the State of Puntland-Somalia: Not Just Beyond a Physical Exercise
Authors: Mohamed Kalakaan Mohamed Musse
Published: November 2023

Revealing the status of sports in State of Puntland-Somalia, this article presents a new information and insights, in which of its kind has not presented before that reflects the reality and can be generalized to rest of Somalia at all. The study employed qualitative analysis of the FGDs and a semi-structured KII, collection of documented materials and observations that were participated in 39 (30 by FGDs, 9 by interview) sports community aged 25-65 years. Generally, the respondents validated the hypothesis of the study: Sports in Puntland is no just beyond a physical exercise by providing more information about the kinds of sports, sports clubs, their management, capacities; professionalism; governance; financial situation and source of revenue, sports facilities and the legal frameworks that shape their functionalities administratively and politically and other key challenges sports club encounter. The study found that sports in Puntland is administratively and politically failure because sport activities are outright amateurism-oriented rather than professionalism. Moreover, sports science as a disciple is not taught as academic programmes nor as a physical education in schools or as subject mainstreamed in the school curriculum. The study also uncovered that sport in Puntland is suffering for lacking technical capacity in sports management and inadequate and insufficient financial support. It seems that the government has no interest in sports in general because there are no governing documents in place, for example, sports policy, sports act, strategic plan and fundraising strategy. The only sport facility available in Puntland is soccer field owned and administered by the state government ministry in charge of sports. The study also revealed the sports in Puntland is just for physical exercise, and the only game performed in tournament format is a football and it is played by male, and held once in a blue moon.
Effect of Curing Time and Water to Binder Ratio on Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement Exposed to Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Moschetti Ilaria , Sarrasin Lola , Blain Guillaume , Mossini Eros , Mariani Mario , Abdelouas Abdesselam
Published: November 2023

Metallic Waste (MW) is one type of low and intermediate radioactive waste. It is estimated that the current fleet of civil nuclear power reactors throughout the world would produce about 500 000 tons of this kind of waste in the near future due to their advancing age. MW comes mainly from spent fuel reprocessing facility, storage ponds and reactor primary circuit systems. MW typically consists of stainless steels or nickel alloys, which are the primary components of nuclear installations. Aluminum and beryllium belong to this waste category and are also called Reactive Metallic Waste (RMW).

The major risk involved in trying to encapsulate RMW is corrosion, resulting in hydrogen release. In a specific pH range, MW forms a stable protective oxide coating. It is therefore important to employ matrices that provide a favorable environment, reducing the reactivity of MW and thus the production of hydrogen gas. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is not recommended for RMW encapsulation due to its extremely alkaline pore solution which favors corrosion. Moreover, the high content of free water may further contribute to H2 production due to water radiolysis. One of the potential matrices being considered for the encapsulation of RMW is Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement (MKPC), produced from the acid-base reaction between magnesium oxide (MgO) and dihydrogen potassium phosphate salt (KH2PO4). The lower pH ensures RMW remains inside the passivation range, while maintaining high performance characteristics, such as compressive strength and stability towards leaching.

To assess the applicability of MKPC as a containment matrix for radioactive RMW, it is important to evaluate its resistance to radiation, thus ascertaining the radiolytic production of H2, as well as its durability. In this study, a Cs-137 gamma source has been used to irradiate:

i. at 200 kGy samples with different curing ages, ranging from few days to 28 days, to shed light on the effects of irradiation during the curing period,

ii. at different doses samples with the same 28 days curing time (reference) to better understand the effect of the total absorbed dose,

iii. at 200 kGy samples with slightly different water to binder ratio to investigate the impact on radiolytic production of H2.

To evaluate possible radiation-induced modification of the structure and morphology of the MKPC, XRD and SEM-EDX have been used. Micro-gas chromatography analyses have been performed to determine the amount of radiolytic H2 released. The water immersion resistance of irradiated MKPC is also evaluated by a standard leaching protocol. Non irradiated MKPC samples have been tested as reference. The encouraging results obtained in this work further promote the use of MKPC for the encapsulation of RMW.
Geostatistics ALARA Principle for Waste Classification During Radiological Characterization
Authors: Desnoyers Yvon
Published: November 2023

Geostatistics provides innovative tools for the radiological characterization of nuclear facilities under decommissioning as well as contaminated sites for remediation. The relevance of this approach relies on the presence of a spatial continuity for radiological contamination. In this case, geostatistics provides reliable activity estimates, uncertainty quantification and risk analysis, which are essential decision-making tools for decommissioning and dismantling projects of nuclear installations.

Waste characterization is then performed taking all relevant information into account: historical knowledge, surface measurements and samples. Thanks to the multivariate processing, the different investigation stages can be rationalized as regards quantity and positioning.

Waste characterization is finally obtained through the analysis of probability maps of exceeding activity levels. The estimation support must be considered to discriminate punctual issues, such as hot spot identification, and waste production issues on larger areas. The main goal of this data processing remains an easier radiological waste management and the best waste categorization with acceptable investigation costs.

The combination between geostatistics outputs and technical/budget constraints leads to a very visual and helpful decision tool. Following the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonable Achievable), a balance between removed contamination and related treated volume can be discussed on sound results.
Advances in Radiographic Inspection and Characterization Techniques for L/ILW Radioactive Waste Which Cannot Be Brought to an Inspection Facility
Authors: Halliwell Stephen , Pickrell Matthew , Maziuk Robert
Published: November 2023

Many industries need X-ray Inspection of equipment and materials which, for many reasons, cannot be brought to an Inspection Facility and require radiographic imaging techniques where a portable imaging system is brought to an item of interest. For general industry these reasons include:

• Where X-ray inspection facilities exist, they may have been designed and built for well-defined purposes, but which are not capable of handling current requirements.

• Physical size is too large to move or to be accommodated in the available inspection facility.

• The item may be part of an operating plant.

• Relatively short duration inspection programs, which do not justify the investment of an installed inspection facility.

• Nuclear and defense related work with restrictions due to explosive or similar “energetic” contents, equipment subject to National Security regulations, nuclear materials and nuclear waste.

This paper describes the evolution, over the last 20 years, of x-ray inspection techniques that address the above challenges in the nuclear industry. Discussion of the latest x-ray inspection technology together with today’s research and development of x-ray sources and detectors will illustrate how previously impracticable inspection and characterization techniques and previously unachievable x-ray imaging performances can be applied for the inspection of nuclear plant and equipment and the characterization of nuclear waste.

The evolution of x-ray inspection covers the transition from analog x-ray to digital x-ray techniques, the experience from the use of mobile modular systems, and the introduction of High Energy Digital Radiography (HE-DR) and High Energy Computed Tomography (HE-CT) in portable and mobile modular configurations for use in field applications. The experience of using Limited Angle Computed Tomography (LA-CT) where space to perform conventional 360-degree scanning is not available is described.

The final section of the paper contains details of the current R&D program that will provide better imaging sensitivity for high energy x-ray techniques via new detector technology, and the current R&D programs that will provide more powerful small high energy x-ray sources, and specially configured transportable high energy x-ray sources. When combined they will deliver safe yet significantly enhanced inspection solutions for items in the field.
Release Measurements of Large Soil Amounts From Site Decommissioning – Challenges and Success
Authors: Klein Christoph , Langer Felix
Published: November 2023

NUKEM’s system FREMES (Free Release Measurement System) provides the possibility to radiologically characterize and sort large amounts of different bulk materials (like soil types, crushed building materials, shredded metals, etc.) in real time and with high throughputs. Although basically being a well-established measurement procedure, to reliably process large material quantities with many single measurements and a fully automated system is challenging and requires a concise effort.

Experience from commissioning and operation of two realizations of this system is presented in this article, showing the main challenges which were met, together with the key success factors, which helped dealing with them and closing the process to the customers’ satisfaction. Main challenges from the first project implementation were mainly technically, like design of a new system with up-to-date technologies and its many small optimizations and fixes, as well as unexpected conditions and events on site.

Careful preparation, and a constant process of optimizing the system during operation resulted in a reliable design, which proved itself in the second installation. There however, the general circumstances of the project were much more difficult. Intensive communication with by the customer, good planning, as well as most important a motivated team and the willingness of all parties for success proved here as key factors, as already in the project before. NUKEM’s team are therefore well prepared and ready for more applications in the future.
History and Advances in German HLLW Vitrification Technology With Joule Heated Liquid Fed Ceramic Melter
Authors: Fabian Michael , Steringer Anton , Wernz Wolfgang , Qingbin Zhao , Heyi Guo , Xiaoli Chen , Weisenburger Siegfried
Published: November 2023

History and current state of the German technology of Liquid Fed Ceramic Melter (LFCM) for High Level Liquid Waste (HLLW) vitrification are described. The development of the technology started at Karlsruhe Research Centre (now Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, KIT) in 1976. The LFCM technique was first time applied with radioactive waste by the PAMELA plant in Mol/Belgium (1985–1991), followed by the VEK plant (Verglasungseinrichtung Karlsruhe) 2009–2010 at the former German pilot reprocessing plant WAK (Wiederaufarbeitungsanlage Karlsruhe), and was used in the Vitrification Plant China (VPC) in Guangyuan/Sichuan Province (2020–2023). The hot operation of the PAMELA plant had primarily shown that flat-bottomed melter require significant design modifications when noble metals containing HLLW (Ru, Rh, and Pd) has to be processed. Otherwise, these constituents disturb the glass pool heating as well as the glass pouring operation and diminish the throughput capacity of the melter. This and some other experienced problems during the otherwise successful PAMELA operation have been overcome by advanced melter design used for VEK and VPC as well as for the future Chinese Diwopu plant melters.
Implementation of a Multi-Purpose Radioactive Waste Tracking System in the Framework of Radioactive Waste Management
Authors: Bianchilli Battistina , Andreozzi Claudio , Mauro Egidio , Del Gatto Marco , Sambatakakis Giorgio , Nucci Alessandro , Gallarati Martina
Published: November 2023

Nucleco S.p.A is an Italian operator in the field of radioactive waste management. The waste is generally accepted in the temporary storage and subsequently characterized via a combination of Non-Destructive and Destructive Techniques defined according to the radiological spectrum of the waste. The information on the origin, physical state and radiological content are used to define the waste treatment strategy. Treatment processes are performed inside Nucleco Solid radioactive waste Treatment Plant and Liquid radioactive waste Treatment Plant. Finally, the properly conditioned waste is packaged into qualified drums and safely stored in Nucleco temporary repositories.

In the framework of the above-mentioned activities, Nucleco developed a database (DB-waste) to centralize and manage all the information concerning radioactive waste, from collection to storage.

DB-waste is strongly connected to Nucleco process flow and plants and its features include recording of new data, consultation and querying of available information, preparation of documentation to be sent to the Regulatory Authority and update to meet compliance with both new legislative requirements and operating license of the Site. Moreover, in a future perspective, 3D reconstruction of Nucleco temporary storage could be implemented into DB-waste.
Experimental Characterization of Confined, Package-Level Direct Two-Phase Jet Impingement Cooling With Micro-Pin Fin Surface Enhancement
Authors: Wu Qianying , Gong Zheng , Chan Chih-Yao , Kwon Heungdong , Goodson Kenneth , Wei Tiwei
Published: November 2023

The forced liquid jet two-phase impinging cooling with surface enhancement will ensure that the liquid is replenished at the wick, delaying surface drying out and enhancing the maximum operational heat flux of the cooler. We developed a two-phase jet cooler with micro pin fin which can achieve very low chip-to-coolant resistance while significantly reducing the power consumption for a cooling system due to very low flow rate requirements. For a targeted heat flux of 400 W/cm2, we demonstrated a chip-to-coolant thermal resistance of 0.080 cm2-°C/W with a flow rate of 50 g/min and associated pressure drop of 1.11 kPa using an active pumping system. Moreover, the pressure drop inside the manifold is precisely monitored using our dedicated test structure inside the manifold. This study is the first to capture the temporal fluctuations of the pressure drop between the inlet and outlet of the jet manifold under various heat flux inputs and flow rates. Our outlet pressure condition measurements suggest that significant pressure fluctuations in the boiling chamber resulting from the bubble movement in the elongated tubing is detrimental to the boiling performance.
Thermal Property Estimation of Thin Layered Structures by Means of Thermoreflectance Measurement and NID Algorithm
Authors: Higuma Daiki , Thomsen Silveira João Vitor , Fushinobu Kazuyoshi
Published: November 2023

Laser-induced forward transfer (i.e. LIFT) is a powerful tool for micro and nanoscale digital printing of metals that uses a pulsed laser as the driving force. In metal LIFT process, the donor thin metal film is propelled to the receiving substrate and deposited on it. The shape of the deposited metal varies with the conditions of the donor during and after the laser heating. Thus, to accurately simulate the process, appropriate thermal properties and temperature respons of the donor must be given.

In this study, assuming a donor substrate with tens of nm of a metal layer and semi-infinite substrate compared with the metal layer, a 0.5 mm thick Si chip coated with 100 nm of gold was investigated by the combination of thermoreflectance method and NID algorithm.

Thermoreflectance method was used to obtain temperature decay on the surface of the sample after the nanosecond pulsed laser heating. In addition, a network identification by deconvolution (NID) algorithm was used to analyze the temperature response after pulsed laser excitation. The NID method can be used to extract the thermal time constants of the sample and further mathematical operations allow us to investigate the structure of the heat flow path and the thermal properties by making the cumulative structure function and differential structure function.

The structure functions were made from the temperature response of thermoreflectance experiment of the sample and their feasibility will be discussed.