bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between stocking rate and production of stocker hybrid tilapia and water quality in a mixtotrophic biofloc system
Authors: Green Bartholomew W. , Rawles Steven D. , Ray Candis L. , McEntire Matthew E.
Published: June 2024

Intensified production of stocker‐size tilapia can be accomplished using the biofloc technology production system. Stocker‐size tilapia (ca. 10–200 g/fish) are raised for subsequent stocking for grow‐out to market size. The relationship between stocking rate and the production of stocker‐size hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis aureus × O. niloticus) was evaluated in two studies in outdoor mixotrophic biofloc tanks. Hybrid tilapia were stocked in 18.6‐m2 (15.7‐m3) tanks at 50–150 fish/m2 (59–178 fish/m3) in 25 fish/m2 (30 fish/m3) increments in Study 1 and grown for 141–143 days. Stocking rates evaluated in 4.7‐m2 (3.6‐m3) tanks during Study 2 over 78–79 days ranged from 100 to 300 fish/m2 (132–396 fish/m3) in 25 fish/m2 (33 fish/m3) increments. Linear regression models best described growth to stocker size in both studies. Fish yield increased linearly with stocking rate and ranged from 20.1 to 38.3 kg/m3. Individual weight at harvest was inversely related to stocking rate and ranged from 389.8 to 163.4 g/fish and 155.2 to 81.4 g/fish in Studies 1 and 2, respectively. Partial budget analyses suggested positive net changes in profit with incremental increases in stocking rate for producing a 75‐g stocker. Water quality concentrations were impacted directly by daily feed ration and total feed fed, which increased linearly with stocking rate. In Study 2, whole‐body dry matter, protein, protein retention, and lipid were unaffected by stocking rate, whereas whole‐body ash increased with stocking rate. Whole‐body energy retention significantly decreased with stocking rate. The outdoor mixotrophic biofloc production system is well suited for intensive production of hybrid tilapia stockers. However, additional replicated research and economic analysis are needed to evaluate stocking rate and culture duration to produce specific‐sized stocker hybrid tilapia.
Urotherapy and biofeedback resistant dysfunctional voiding: How to deal with?
Authors: Dönmez M. İrfan , Selvi Ismail , Oktar Tayfun , Ziylan Orhan
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To analyze the management strategies in the children who had treatment‐resistant dysfunctional voiding (DV).

Methods

Among 75 children with DV who underwent pelvic floor biofeedback therapy (BF) between 2013 and 2020, 16 patients (14 girls, 87.5%) with a mean age of 9.81 ± 2.53 years that showed incomplete clinical response following urotherapy and initial BF sessions were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic and clinical characteristics, DVSS, and uroflowmetry parameters were recorded before and after the initial BF sessions. Subsequent treatments after initial BF and clinical responses of patients were noted.

Results

Clinical success was observed in one patient by addition of an anticholinergic and in three patients with combination of salvage BF sessions and anticholinergics, whom had predominant overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. The success rate of TENS alone and in combination with other treatment modalities was 88.8% (8/9 patients). In addition, salvage BF sessions (range 2 to 3) enabled clinical success in five (50%) of 10 cases as a combination with anticholinergics or TENS. In case of incomplete emptying without OAB, adequate clinical response to Botulinum‐A was observed during an average follow‐up of 29 months in two boys who did not respond to alpha‐blockers, even though one required repeat injection after 10 months. The total clinical success rate was 87.5% (14/16 patients) after a median follow‐up of 24 months. VV‐EBC and Qmax increased by a mean of 30.89% and 7.13 mL/min, respectively, whereas DVSS decreased by a mean of 8.88 points and PVR‐EBC decreased by a median of 19.04%.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that clinical success in resistant DV was achieved by various combination treatments in the majority of children. However, a small group may still have persistent, bothersome symptoms despite multiple treatment modalities.
Proteomic profiling of polyglucosan bodies associated with glycogenin‐1 deficiency in skeletal muscle
Authors: Visuttijai Kittichate , Hedberg‐Oldfors Carola , Costello Daniel J. , Bermingham Niamh , Oldfors Anders
Published: June 2024

Aims

Polyglucosan storage disorders represent an emerging field within neurodegenerative and neuromuscular conditions, including Lafora disease (EPM2A, EPM2B), adult polyglucosan body disease (APBD, GBE1), polyglucosan body myopathies associated with RBCK1 deficiency (PGBM1, RBCK1) or glycogenin‐1 deficiency (PGBM2, GYG1). While the storage material primarily comprises glycans, this study aimed to gain deeper insights into the protein components by proteomic profiling of the storage material in glycogenin‐1 deficiency.

Methods

We employed molecular genetic analyses, quantitative mass spectrometry of laser micro‐dissected polyglucosan bodies and muscle homogenate, immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses in muscle tissue from a 45‐year‐old patient with proximal muscle weakness from late teenage years due to polyglucosan storage myopathy.

Results

The muscle tissue exhibited a complete absence of glycogenin‐1 due to a novel homozygous deep intronic variant in GYG1 (c.7+992T>G), introducing a pseudo‐exon causing frameshift and a premature stop codon. Accumulated proteins in the polyglucosan bodies constituted components of glycogen metabolism, protein quality control pathways and desmin. Muscle fibres containing polyglucosan bodies frequently exhibited depletion of normal glycogen.

Conclusions

The absence of glycogenin‐1, a protein important for glycogen synthesis initiation, causes storage of polyglucosan that displays accumulation of several proteins, including those essential for glycogen synthesis, sequestosome 1/p62 and desmin, mirroring findings in RBCK1 deficiency. These results suggest shared pathogenic pathways across different diseases exhibiting polyglucosan storage. Such insights have implications for therapy in these rare yet devastating and presently untreatable disorders.
Activation of PKC affects the ventricular restitution properties and arrhythmogenesis through L‐type Ca+ current
Authors: Zhang Feng , Fan Jianing , Lei Fuhua , Liu Tao , Lin Dawei , Qin Mu , Cheng Wenbo
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in action potential duration (APD) restitution and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VAs).

Methods and results

Rabbits hearts were isolated and prepared for Langendorff perfusion technique. The stimuli–extra‐stimulus (S1–S2) method and dynamic S1 pacing protocol were performed to construct APD restitution and to induce APD alternans or VA, respectively, at 10 sites throughout the ventricular chamber. Administration of phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA) (100 nM) (n = 15) greatly steepened the restitution curves (Smax > 1) (p < .01) at each site compared to the control group (n = 15). Furthermore, treatment with PMA also induced larger spatial dispersions of Smax (p < .05) and decreased the thresholds of the VA and APD alternans (p < .01). However, perfused with the PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide (BIM) (500 nM) (n = 10), reversibly flattened the APD restitution curves at each site (Smax < 1), decreased the spatial dispersions of Smax, and increased the thresholds of APD alternans and VA. According to the results of patch‐clamp, peak amplitude of L‐type Ca2+ current was significantly increased by addition of PMA compared with control (CTL) group (p < .05). Antagonize this current with verapamil (n = 10) can fully inhibited the PMA induced increasing of Smax and inducibility of VA and alternans.

Conclusion

PKC activation increased the dispersion of APD restitution and thus led to occurrence of VA, which possibly related to the increased Ca2+ influx.
Point‐of‐care STI testing in rural settings: A feasibility project
Authors: Townsend Haley , Hobbs Jill , Kaylor Sara , Cody Shameka , Callihan Mike
Published: June 2024

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be a health concern in the United States, particularly in rural settings. Point‐of‐care (POC) STI testing is useful in overcoming access barriers in these settings. The purpose of this project was to implement POC STI testing to increase access to care in rural settings and test the feasibility of this model. Six mobile health clinics were implemented by a nurse‐led team in three rural communities in the Blackbelt region of Alabama utilizing the Binx IO® to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Mobile clinic volunteers participated in focus groups to determine provider satisfaction with clinic workflow. The mobile health clinics were a feasible way to increase access to STI testing in rural settings with reported provider and client satisfaction in work flow.
New insights into cancer pathology learned from the dynamics of cancer‐associated fibroblasts
Authors: Ishii Genichiro
Published: June 2024

Paget's “Seed and Soil” theory, proposed in 1889, emphasizes the importance of the microenvironment where cancer cells grow in metastatic sites. Over a century later, this concept remains a cornerstone in comprehending cancer biology and devising treatment strategies. The “Seed and Soil” theory, which initially explained how cancer spreads to distant organs, now also applies to the tumor microenvironment (TME) within primary tumors. This theory emphasizes the critical interaction between cancer cells (“seeds”) and their surrounding environment (“soil”) and how this interaction affects both tumor progression within the primary site and at metastatic sites. An important point to note is that the characteristics of the TME are not static but dynamic, undergoing substantial changes during tumor progression and after treatment with therapeutic drugs. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), recognized as the principal noncancerous cellular component within the TME, play multifaceted roles in tumor progression including promoting angiogenesis, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and regulating immune responses. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the findings regarding how the dynamics of CAFs contribute to cancer progression and drug sensitivity. Understanding the dynamics of CAFs could provide new insights into cancer pathology and lead to important advancements in cancer research and treatment.
Genes putatively involved in Phaseolus vulgaris resistance against Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. phaseoli revealed by a genome‐wide association study
Authors: Alves Francisco Henrique Nunes da Silva , Cruz Giovanni Carlos da Silva , Coelho Luis Alexandre Peixoto , Sousa Adryelle Anchieta , Carneiro José Eustáquio de Souza , Badel Jorge Luis
Published: June 2024

Carioca and black bean groups play a significant role in Latin American common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) consumption, serving as excellent sources of nutrients. One of the most significant threats for common bean production is common bacterial blight (CBB), a disease caused by the gram‐negative bacteria Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. phaseoli (Xpp) and Xanthomonas citri pv. fuscans (Xcf). An effective method for managing this disease is the use of plant genetic resistance. However, it is not known whether the same or overlapping sets of genes are associated with resistance to both pathogens. This study aimed to identify a repertoire of genes potentially associated with resistance to Xpp and compare it with that previously reported for Xcf. Eighty carioca and black common bean cultivars that had previously been challenged with Xcf were inoculated with a strain of Xpp, and a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) using single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and disease severity data was conducted. Three carioca and three black bean cultivars exhibited high levels of resistance to Xpp. Five SNPs with the highest −log10(p) values unveiled genes coding for diverse putative biochemical functions, including a light‐regulated Lir1 protein, a proton‐dependent oligopeptide transporter family protein, a metallo‐dependent phosphatase‐like protein, a WPP domain‐interacting tail‐anchored protein 2 and a pectin lyase‐like superfamily protein. No overlap between this repertoire of genes with that reported for Xcf was found. These findings provide important insights into genes potentially involved in the P. vulgaris resistance to Xpp and the complexity of the resistance response to CBB.
Endodermal suberin restricts root leakage of cesium: a suitable tracer for potassium
Authors: Vestenaa Morten Winther , Husted Søren , Minutello Francesco , Persson Daniel Pergament
Published: June 2024

An urgent challenge within crop production is to maintain productivity in a world plagued by climate change and its associated plant stresses, such as heat, drought and salinity. A key factor in this endeavor is to understand the dynamics of root suberization, and its role in plant‐water relations and nutrient transport. This study focuses on the hypothesis that endodermal suberin, acts as a physical barrier preventing radial potassium (K) movement out of the vascular tissues during translocation. Previous attempts to experimentally support this idea have produced inconsistent results. We developed a Laser Ablation‐Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) method, allowing us to visualize the distribution of mineral elements and track K movement. Cesium (Cs), dosed in optimized concentrations, was found to be an ideal tracer for K, due to its low background and similar chemical/biological properties. In suberin mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana, we observed a positive correlation between suberin levels and K translocation efficiency, indicating that suberin enhances the plant's ability to retain K within the vascular tissues during translocation from root to shoot. In barley (Hordeum vulgare), fully suberized seminal roots maintained higher K concentrations in the stele compared to younger, less suberized root zones. This suggests that suberization increases with root maturity, enhancing the barrier against K leakage. In nodal roots, suberin was scattered towards the phloem in mature root zones. Despite this incomplete suberization, nodal roots still restrict outward K movement, demonstrating that even partial suberin barriers can significantly reduce K loss. Our findings provide evidence that suberin is a barrier to K leakage during root‐to‐shoot translocation. This understanding is crucial to maintain crop productivity in the face of climate change.
How to explain the beneficial effects of leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin
Authors: Blanco Juan , García Angel , Hermida‐Nogueira Lidia , Castro Ana B.
Published: June 2024

The survival of an organism relies on its ability to repair the damage caused by trauma, toxic agents, and inflammation. This process involving cell proliferation and differentiation is driven by several growth factors and is critically dependent on the organization of the extracellular matrix. Since autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) are fibrin matrices in which cells, growth factors, and cytokines are trapped and delivered over time, they are able to influence that response at different levels. The present review thoroughly describes the molecular components present in one of these APCs, leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐PRF), and summarizes the level of evidence regarding the influence of L‐PRF on anti‐inflammatory reactions, analgesia, hemostasis, antimicrobial capacity, and its biological mechanisms on bone/soft tissue regeneration.
Selective revealing for building ecosystems: a conjoint experiment with managers of established firms
Authors: Neudert Pia Kerstin , Kreutzer Markus , Burmeister‐Lamp Katrin
Published: June 2024

Researchers have identified selective revealing, that is, the voluntary, purposeful, and irrevocable disclosure of information to third parties, as a mechanism in ecosystem building. However, there is a lack of understanding of the ecosystem‐level factors that drive managers' decisions to share such information in emerging ecosystems. To shed light on how managers of established firms engage in selective revealing when building ecosystems, we draw on the resource‐based view. We theorise about the information revealing behaviour of established firms' managers, based on the threats of substitution and imitation that cause trade‐offs in emerging ecosystems of established firms and new ventures. We test our hypotheses with a choice‐based conjoint experiment analysing 640 decisions of managers responsible for ecosystem building. We find that managers from established firms are more likely to engage in selective revealing when the ecosystem aims at radical innovation (over incremental innovation), when other established firms have high knowledge diversity (over a low knowledge diversity), and when new ventures demonstrate technological superiority (over being on par with established firms' technologies). Our study therefore illuminates which ecosystem‐level constructs influence managers' decisions to reveal information when co‐building ecosystems, even when no immediate payoff is recognisable.
Hot and fast: seed ecology for restoration relevant species in the Argyle region of the east Kimberley, Australia
Authors: Just Michael , Albert Bradley , Pedrini Simone , Turner Shane , Dixon Kingsley
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the germination requirements of 12 plant species native to the Argyle region of the east Kimberley, a biodiverse monsoonal tropical region characterized by high temperatures, high evaporation, and episodic seasonal rainfall. The research involved quality assessment of mature seeds, followed by dormancy alleviation and laboratory‐based germination to determine the responses of seeds to a range of temperatures (5–40°C) in terms of germination speed (T10), mean germination time, and maximum germination proportion. Data were then modeled to calculate the optimal temperature to support germination for each species. The results showed that germination rapidly commences in response to a wide range of temperatures typical of the wet season (November–February) in the east Kimberley, though germination for most species was still high (>50%) after exposure to temperatures as low as 15°C. Mean optimal temperature for germination across all species was 25.8 ± 1.5°C, with minimal variation between most species, the exception being Dodonaea physocarpa, which preferred cooler temperatures (Topt = 14.0°C). The speed of germination was also rapid (T10 = 1–3 days) across all species at the optimal germination temperature. The findings suggest that temperature is not a limiting factor for germination in this region and that the onset and intensity of the wet season are the most significant factors determining successful germination, emergence, and seedling establishment. The study underscores the importance of species‐specific understanding of environmental temperatures required for seed germination in seed‐based restoration efforts and informs the planning of direct seeding works, thus enhancing restoration outcomes.
Reducing nest box entrance diameter impacts mammal occupancy
Authors: Hendry Alexander , Rogers Andrew M. , Kark Salit
Published: June 2024

Tree hollows are an important resource for cavity‐nesting birdlife. When large, old trees are removed from a landscape, nest boxes are often installed as part of restoration efforts to replace lost natural cavities. If nest boxes are to be successful conservation tools, non‐target species, particularly competitive and predatory species, need to be prevented from entering nest boxes. Several different modifications to nest boxes aimed at excluding non‐target species have been trialed in previous studies. We tested the effectiveness of reducing the entrance diameter of nest boxes to exclude non‐target species in Southeast Queensland, Australia. We used restrictor plates to reduce the entrance diameter of nest boxes from 90 to 60 and 50 mm and compared the wildlife occupancy of nest boxes with these three entrance diameters. We found that Common brushtail possums, a predator of cavity‐nesting birds and eggs, were significantly less likely to occupy nest boxes with reduced entrance diameters and were excluded from nest boxes with a 50‐mm entrance diameter. Squirrel gliders occupied nest boxes with all three entrance diameters. Introduced species, namely the Common myna and the European honeybee, also occupied nest boxes with restrictor plates. Installation of nest boxes with reduced entrance diameters is a simple and effective strategy to exclude brushtail possums from nest boxes. However, a reduced entrance diameter cannot exclude other non‐target species, and we suggest that other exclusion strategies should be used in conjunction with reduced entrance diameters to increase the occupation of nest boxes by native birds.
First steps in restoring Río de la Plata grasslands: the importance of harvest method and season
Authors: Pañella Pedro G. , Guido Anaclara , Pereira Marcelo , Lezama Felipe
Published: June 2024

Current trends in agricultural intensification lead to degraded grasslands, requiring their restoration through native species reintroduction. Various techniques are available for harvesting seeds from donor sites. However, little is known about their performance in South American C3/C4 mixed grasslands, where studies are scarce. Their particular species composition and phenology, with different flowering periods, require specific harvest strategies. We evaluated mechanical seed harvest in a northern Uruguay grassland, part of Río de la Plata grasslands. Performance of two mechanical harvest methods (seed‐stripper and dry hay) was compared in two harvest seasons (late‐spring and mid‐summer). The evaluation considered the quantity and identity of harvested seeds, and their germination in a greenhouse. Hand collections were made to assess standing seed yield. For each seed mixture, efficiency of mechanical harvests (number of seeds and seedlings compared to hand collection), proportion of germinated seeds, species transfer relative to donor site, and composition were calculated. Results revealed trade‐offs between harvests: seed‐stripper in late‐spring presented low seed collection efficiency (2% for seeds, 5% for seedlings) and species richness (43% transfer), but high seed germination (64%), showing selectivity toward winter species; seed‐stripper in mid‐summer and dry hay in both seasons showed high seed collection efficiency (42–154% for seeds, 26–50% for seedlings) and species richness (65–80% transfer), resembling donor site, albeit lower seed germination (9–20%). Seed‐stripper performance varied between seasons, while dry hay remained consistently effective. These results are pioneering for grassland restoration in Uruguay, encouraging future studies to focus on establishment in the field.
A bibliometric analysis and visualization of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia
Authors: Chen Jianhua , Luo Chao , Ju Peijun , Tu Sijing , Shi Si , Wang Zhaoqin , Wu Huangan
Published: June 2024

Objective

To identify major contributors, current research status, and to forecast research trends and future development prospects on acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Weipu, WanFang databases, and the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), PubMed, and Scopus databases. The search strategy included relevant terms for HZ, PHN, acupuncture, and moxibustion. The reference type was limited to articles or reviews, with a publication date from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2023. Data analysis was performed using CiteSpace software, focusing on author, institution, source, and keyword distributions, and temporal trends.

Results

A total of 1612 publications were identified from both Chinese and English databases. The analysis revealed a rising trend in publication numbers in the English database, with a significant increase observed in 2020. In the Chinese database, publication activity exhibited two peaks in 2019 and 2023. Guohua Lin and Jingchun Zeng were the most prolific authors in the Chinese and English databases, respectively. The Chengdu University of TCM and Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University were the most active institutions. The keyword analysis revealed “herpes zoster” as the most frequent keyword in the Chinese database, while “postherpetic neuralgia,” “acupuncture,” and “management” were prominent in the English database. The study also identified several therapeutic approaches, including fire needle therapy and electroacupuncture, which have shown efficacy in treating HZ and PHN. Animal studies provided insights into the mechanisms of these therapies, suggesting potential modulation of neuroinflammatory markers and intracellular signaling pathways.

Conclusion

The bibliometric analysis underscores the growing interest in acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for HZ and PHN. It highlights the contributions of key authors and institutions while pinpointing potential areas for future research. The study advocates for the necessity of large‐scale, multi‐center clinical trials and further basic mechanical research to optimize these therapies. Moreover, it also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to strengthen the evidence base and expand the global impact of this traditional treatment modality.
HLA‐C mismatching improves outcomes following lung transplantation
Authors: Hiho Steven J. , Levvey Bronwyn J. , Diviney Mary B. , Brooks Andrew G. , Holdsworth Rhonda , Snell Gregory I. , Westall Glen P. , Sullivan Lucy C.
Published: June 2024

HLA (HLA) are a major barrier to transplant success, as HLA‐A and ‐B molecules are principal ligands for T‐cells, and HLA‐C for Killer cell Immunoglobulin‐like Receptors (KIR), directing Natural Killer (NK) cell function. HLA‐C molecules are designated “C1” or “C2” ligands based on residues 77 and 80, which determine the NK cell responses. Here, we investigated donor/recipient HLA‐C mismatch associations with the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) following lung transplantation (LTx). 310 LTx donor/recipient pairs were Next Generation Sequenced and assessed for C1 and C2 allotypes. PIRCHE scores were used to quantify HLA mismatching between donor/recipients at amino acid level and stratify recipients into low, moderate or highly mismatched groups (n = 103–104). Associations between C ligands and freedom from CLAD was assessed with Cox regression models and survival curves. C2/C2 recipients (n = 42) had less CLAD than those with C1/C1 (n = 138) or C1/C2 genotypes (n = 130) (p < 0.05). Incidence of CLAD was lower in C2/C2 recipients receiving a mismatched C1/C1 allograft (n = 14), compared to matched (n = 8) or heterozygous (n = 20) allografts. Furthermore, ~80% of these recipients (C2/C2 recipients receiving C1/C1 transplants) remained CLAD‐free for 10 years post‐LTx. Recipients with higher HLA‐C mismatching had less CLAD (p < 0.05) an observation not explained by linkage disequilibrium with other HLA loci. Our data implicates a role for HLA‐C in CLAD development. HLA‐C mismatching was not detrimental to LTx outcome, but potentially beneficial, representing a paradigm shift in assessing donor/recipient matching. This may inform better selection of donor/recipient pairs and potentially more targeted approaches to treating CLAD.
The 18th International HLA & Immunogenetics workshop project report: Creating fully representative MHC reference haplotypes
Authors: Pollock Nicholas R. , Farias Ticiana D. J. , Kichula Katherine M. , Sauter Jürgen , Scholz Stephan , Nii‐Trebi Nicholas I. , Khor Seik‐Soon , Tokunaga Katsushi , Voorter Christina E. , Groeneweg Mathijs , Augusto Danillo G. , Arrieta‐Bolaños Esteban , Mayor Neema P. , Edinur Hisham Atan , ElGhazali Gehad , Issler Hellen C. , Petzl‐Erler Maria Luiza , Oksenberg Jorge R. , Marin Wesley M. , Hollenbach Jill A. , Gendzekhadze Ketevan , Cita Rafael , Stelet Vinícius , Rajalingam Raja , Koskela Satu , Clancy Jonna , Chatzistamatiou Theofanis , Houwaart Torsten , Kulski Jerzy , Guethlein Lisbeth A. , Parham Peter , Schmidt Alexander H. , Dilthey Alexander , Norman Paul J.
Published: June 2024

A fundamental endeavor of the International Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIW) was assembling a collection of DNA samples homozygous through the MHC genomic region. This collection proved invaluable for assay development in the histocompatibility and immunogenetics field, for generating the human reference genome, and furthered our understanding of MHC diversity. Defined by their HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C and ‐DRB1 alleles, the combined frequency of the haplotypes from these individuals is ∼20% in Europe. Thus, a significant proportion of MHC haplotypes, both common and rare throughout the world, and including many associated with disease, are not yet represented. In this workshop component, we are collecting the next generation of MHC‐homozygous samples, to expand, diversify and modernize this critical community resource that has been foundational to the field. We asked laboratories worldwide to identify samples homozygous through all HLA class I and/or HLA class II genes, or through whole‐genome SNP genotyping or sequencing, to have extensive homozygosity tracts within the MHC region. The focus is non‐Europeans or those having HLA haplotypes less common in Europeans. Through this effort, we have obtained samples from 537 individuals representing 294 distinct haplotypes, as determined by their HLA class I and II alleles, and an additional 50 haplotypes distinct in HLA class I or II alleles. Although we have expanded the diversity, many populations remain underrepresented, particularly from Africa, and we encourage further participation. The data will serve as a resource for investigators seeking to characterise variation across the MHC genomic region for disease and population studies. [Correction added on [24 July 2024], after first online publication: the Abstract was inadvertently remove and has been reinstated in this version.]
Computational assessment of the aesthetic quality of map colors
Authors: Wu Mingguang , Sun Yanjie , Xia Xianqin
Published: June 2024

Crafting beautiful map colors is challenging for not only experts but also novices, suggesting the need for an aesthetic quality assessment of map colors for the effective design of maps and visualizations. To fill this gap, we present a computational method to assess the aesthetic quality of map colors. First, we couple the idea of computational aesthetics with map aesthetic principles and identify four and two basic types of aesthetic features in terms of order and complexity, respectively. Then, we collect 2000 map samples and derive 149 aesthetic metrics by instantiating the above aesthetic features while considering the spatial weights and figure–ground organization of the map samples. We also recruit participants (N = 438) to rate the aesthetic quality of the map colors. Finally, we train an aesthetic predictor by fitting those aesthetic metrics with user ratings. The experimental results show that the proposed method can assess aesthetic quality of map colors with high accuracy (R2 = 0.73 on the training set and R2 = 0.65 on the validation set). We also explore the dominant aesthetic metrics that positively and negatively influence aesthetic appreciation, as well as those metrics that have no significant influence. This work offers a portable and flexible aesthetic quality assessment approach for map colors and can be further improved by considering complex symbols, spatial structures, and color–semantic and color–emotion associations.
An overview of systematic reviews of clinical studies of platelet‐rich plasma for venous ulcers
Authors: Shi Tianbo , Hu Shouci , Hui Jing , Ji Yue , Zhang Yalan
Published: June 2024

To evaluate the clinical evidence of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of venous ulcers (VUs). Electronic searches were conducted through the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase and PubMed. AMSTAR‐2 was used to assess the methodological quality. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. According to AMSTAR‐2, the methodological quality of the included reviews was generally inadequate owing to the limitations of entries 2, 4 and 7. Due to bias risk and imprecision, the evidence quality of the outcome measures was inadequate. In conclusion, PRP may have a therapeutic effect on VUs. However, this conclusion must be treated with caution due to methodological flaws of the included systematic reviews and meta‐analyses.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Education and Training Studies, Vol. 12, No. 3
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: June 2024

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 12, Number 3 Ashraf Elsafty, Eslsca University, EgyptChris Mutseekwa, Bindura University of Science Education, ZimbabweEhab Gouda Tolba, Mansoura University, EgyptFathia Lahwal, Elmergib University, LibyaGianpiero Greco, University of Study of Bari, ItalyJacinthe Rihan, Ain Shams University, EgyptJoel Maligaya Cuadra, NU Laguna, PhilippinesJohn Mark Asio, Gordon College, PhilippinesJonathan Chitiyo, University of Pittsburgh Bradford, USAJuan Marcelo Gomez, Seneca Polytechnic, CanadaJulio Cesar André, Center for Studies and Development of Health Education-CEDES, BrazilLinda J. Rappel, Yorkville University/University of Calgary, CanadaMaria Pavlis Korres, Hellenic Open University, GreeceNiveen M. Zayed, MENA College of Management, JordanRichard H. Martin, Mercer University, USARichard Penny, University of Washington Bothell, USASabrine Chbichib, The Higher Institute of Computing and Multimedia Gabes Tunisia, TunisiaSenem Seda Şahenk Erkan, Marmara University, TurkeyStamatis Papadakis, University of Crete, Greece  Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of, The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAE-mail: jets@redfame.comURL: http://jets.redfame.com
Tempering Procedure Effects on the Impact Toughness in Simulated Heat Affected Zone of Grade 22 Steel
Authors: Jang Eun , Alexandrov Boian , McCracken Steve , Barborak Darren
Published: June 2024

Welding of thick low alloy steel components without elevated preheat imposes rapid cooling rates that may promote martensite formation in the coarse-grained heat affected zone (CGHAZ). Freshly formed martensite contains a distorted and supersaturated matrix with high dislocation densities. As a result, impact toughness properties of these regions are inherently low and postweld tempering procedures are typically required. Conventional postweld heat treatment (PWHT) involves extended isothermal holds at elevated temperature, which allows for considerable softening of the martensitic structure but has been found to have less effect on improving impact toughness. In contrast, short-term tempering processes with rapid heating and cooling rates and short exposures to elevated temperatures have been shown to greatly improve impact toughness through a shift in the kinetics of martensite tempering that produces high number densities of refined carbides. Temper bead welding (TBW) was developed for in-service repair of thick steel components where PWHT is impractical or not possible. With TBW, the heat-affected zone is tempered by one or more rapid reheat cycles from overlapping weld beads or weld layers. This study compares the Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact toughness and fracture morphology of the CGHAZ in the as-welded condition, with conventional PWHT, with a single TBW reheat and with multiple TBW reheats for an SA-387 Grade 22 alloy steel.
Prediction of Steam Turbine Blade Erosion Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation Data and Hierarchical Machine Learning
Authors: Fukamizu Issei , Komatsu Kazuhiko , Sato Masayuki , Kobayashi Hiroaki
Published: June 2024

The information of the degree of blade erosion is vital for the efficient operation of steam turbines. However, it is nearly impossible to directly measure the degree of blade erosion during operation. Moreover, collecting sufficient data of eroded cases for predictive analysis is challenging. Therefore, this paper proposes a blade erosion prediction method using numerical simulation and machine learning. Pressure data of several blade erosion cases are collected from the numerical turbine simulation. The machine learning approach involves training on collected simulation data to predict the degree of erosion for the first-stage stator (1S) and the first-stage rotor blade (1R) from internal pressure data. The proposed erosion prediction model employs a two-step hierarchical approach. First, the proposed model predicts the 1S erosion degree using the k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) regression. Second, the proposed model estimates the 1R erosion degree with linear regression models. These models are tailored for each of the 1S erosion degrees, utilizing pressure data processed through fast Fourier transform (FFT). The evaluation shows that the proposed method achieves the prediction of the 1S erosion with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.000693 mm and the 1R erosion with an MAE of 0.458 mm. The evaluation results indicate that the proposed method can accurately capture the degree of turbine blade erosion from internal pressure data. As a result, the proposed method suggests that the erosion prediction method can be effectively used to determine the optimal timing for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).
Evaporation Dynamics of Deionized Water Droplets on Rough Substrates: The Coupling of Stick-Jump Motion and Evaporation
Authors: Bin Liu , Li Zhuorui , Bi Lisen , Hu Hengxiang , Zeng Tao , Li Rui , Theodorakis Panagiotis E.
Published: June 2024

Substrate roughness can greatly affect the evaporation of sessile droplets, thus determining the efficiency of applications, such as ink-jet printing and coating. Here, we conduct experiments on the evaporation of de-ionized water droplets on glass substrates with roughness in the range 0.1–0.2 μm to investigate its effect on the dynamics of the contact angle and radius, as well as the heat and mass transfer during evaporation. We discover a “stick-jump” phenomenon as part of a five-stage process that is determined by the evolution characteristics of the contact angle and radius and includes the volume expansion, first stick, second stick, jump and final stages. Moreover, we find that the evaporation mode of the droplets is not affected by the increase of substrate roughness, whereas the heat and mass transfer processes intensify with the increase of substrate roughness in the presence of nonuniform evaporation effects. Also, the pinning–depinning mechanism of the “stick-jump” phenomenon during evaporation is carefully analyzed in terms of the Gibbs free energy, thus establishing a relation among Gibbs and excess Gibbs free energies and substrate roughness, which predicts the evaporation dynamics of the droplet. We anticipate that this study unravels key aspects of the droplet evaporation mechanisms on rough substates toward optimizing and advancing relevant technology applications.
Low-resistivity molybdenum-carbide thin films formed by thermal atomic layer deposition with pressure-assisted decomposition reaction
Authors: Ha Min-Ji , Kang Na-Gyeong , Kim Woo-Hee , Park Tae Joo , Park Tae-Eon , Ahn Ji-Hoon
Published: June 2024

The rapid increase in the resistivity of thin metal films as their thickness decreases to sub-10 nm, known as the resistivity size effect, is an important issue that must be addressed to ensure device performance in ultraminiaturized semiconductor devices. Molybdenum carbide (MoCx) has been studied as a candidate for emerging interconnection materials because it can maintain a low resistivity even at a low thickness. However, reports on stable precursors with guaranteed reactivity for atomic layer deposition (ALD) remain limited; moreover, the process of forming low-resistance MoCx thin films must be studied. In this study, we propose a new route to form low-resistivity MoCx thin films by thermal ALD with partial ligand dissociation by controlling the process pressure to enhance the reactivity of the Mo precursor with reactants. Following the proposed deposition process and subsequent annealing, uniform and continuous thin films were formed (even at a sub-5 nm thickness), with an extremely low resistivity of approximately 130 μΩ cm. Therefore, the proposed method can be applied as a next-generation interconnect process; notably, high-quality thin films can be formed through pressure-assisted decomposition, even with a lack of thermal energy during the ALD process.
“Falling Behind,” “Letting Go,” and Being “Outsprinted” as Distinct Features of Pacing in Distance Running
Authors: Foster Carl , Barroso Renato , Bok Daniel , Boullosa Daniel , Casado Arturo , Cortis Cristina , Fusco Andrea , Hanley Brian , Skiba Philip , de Koning Jos J.
Published: June 2024

Introduction: In distance running, pacing is characterized by changes in speed, leading to runners dropping off the leader’s pace until a few remain to contest victory with a final sprint. Pacing behavior has been well studied over the last 30 years, but much remains unknown. It might be related to finishing position, finishing time, and dependent on critical speed (CS), a surrogate of physiologic capacity. We hypothesized a relationship between CS and the distance at which runners “fell behind” and “let go” from the leader or were “outsprinted” as contributors to performance. Methods: 100-m split times were obtained for athletes in the men’s 10,000-m at the 2008 Olympics (N = 35). Split times were individually compared with the winner at the point of “falling behind” (successive split times progressively slower than the winner), “letting go” (large increase in time for distance compared with winner), or “outsprinted” (falling behind despite active acceleration) despite being with the leader with 400 m remaining. Results: Race times ranged between 26:55 and 29:23 (world record = 26:17). There were 3 groups who fell behind at ∼1000 (n = 11), ∼6000 (n = 16), and ∼9000 m (n = 2); let go at ∼4000 (n = 10), ∼7000 (n = 14), and ∼9500 m (n = 5); or were outkicked (n = 6). There was a moderate correlation between CS and finishing position (r = .82), individual mean pace (r = .79), “fell behind” distance (r = .77), and “let go” distance (r = .79). D′ balance was correlated with performance in the last 400 m (r = .87). Conclusions: Athletes displayed distinct patterns of falling behind and letting go. CS serves as a moderate predictor of performance and final placing. Final placing during the sprint is related to preservation of D′ balance.
Measuring Active Transportation on National Health Surveys in Canada From 1994 to 2020
Authors: Borhani Parya , Walker Kathryn L. , Butler Gregory P. , Lavergne Valérie , Contreras Gisèle , Prince Stephanie A.
Published: June 2024

Background: Active transportation (AT), described as self-powered modes of travel (eg, walking and cycling), is an important source of health-promoting physical activity. While AT behaviors have been measured on national health surveys in Canada for over 2 decades, historic prevalence has not been previously reported. We aimed to document the measures of AT on Canada’s various national health surveys, examine AT over time, and interpret them within the context of evolving methods of assessment. Methods: We compiled and summarized the questions used to measure AT among Canadians on 4 national health surveys: National Population Health Survey (1994–1998), Canadian Community Health Survey (2000–2020), Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2019), and the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study (2010–2018). Among youth and adults (12+ y), we summarized over time: (1) the prevalence of AT participation and (2) time spent in AT (in hours per week) among those who report any AT participation. Where possible, we reported separate estimates of walking and cycling and produced an aggregate estimate of total AT. We stratified results by age group and sex. Results: Changes in AT survey questions over time and between surveys limit the interpretation and comparability of temporal trends. Nevertheless, a consistently higher proportion of females report walking, while a higher proportion of males report cycling. Irrespective of mode, males report spending more total time in AT. Participation in AT tends to decrease with age, with youth reporting the highest rates of AT and young adults often spending the most time in AT. Conclusions: Monitoring trends in AT can help assess patterns of behavior and identify whether promotion strategies are needed or whether population interventions are effective. Our evaluation of AT over time is limited by questions surveyed; however, consistent differences in AT by age and sex are evident over time. Moving forward, ensuring consistency of AT measurement over time is essential to monitoring this important behavior.
Climate change education in U.S. middle schools: changes over five pivotal years
Authors: Plutzer Eric , Branch Glenn , Townley Amanda L.
Published: June 2024

Climate change education is both important and challenging. Prior research suggests that many secondary school science teachers in the United States were conveying “mixed messages” to students that legitimized scientifically unwarranted explanations of recent global warming. In this paper, we focus on US climate education at the middle school level and assess whether teacher attention to recent global warming, and whether the messages conveyed to students, changed between 2014 and 2019. Pooling data from two nationally representative probability surveys of middle school science teachers, we show significant advances on several key criteria, but the prevalence of mixed messages remained high. Exploratory analysis suggests that improvements were spurred partly by the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards by many states and by partly by shifts in the personal views of science educators.