bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of storage temperature and time on measurement of serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentration using point‐of‐care and commercial laboratory analyzers in cats and dogs
Authors: Brans Marleen , Marynissen Sofie , Mortier Femke , Duchateau Luc , Daminet Sylvie , Paepe Dominique
Published: August 2023

Background

Stability of serum symmetric dimethylarginine (sSDMA) during short‐ and long‐term storage has not been assessed for the immunoassay of the Point‐of‐Care IDEXX Catalyst DX (POC) analyzer and the Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique of IDEXX commercial laboratory (CL). Also, the agreement between both analyzers is questioned.

Objectives

To determine (a) the effect of storage time and temperature on sSDMA measured by POC and CL; (b) the agreement between sSDMA measured by POC and CL; and (c) the imprecision of the POC.

Animals

Serum of cats (n = 17) and dogs (n = 18) with a range of SDMA concentrations (6 to >100 μg/dL).

Methods

Based on an equivalence trial with predefined equivalence range (−3.0 to +3.0 μg/dL) and using T0 as baseline, stability was evaluated after 24 hours at 22°C and 4°C (POC); after 7 days at 4°C (POC and CL) and after 10 and 24 months at −24°C and −80°C (CL). Bland‐Altman plots enabled method comparison. Imprecision of the POC was assessed by duplicate sSDMA measurements at T0.

Results

The POC analyzer produced equivalent sSDMA measurements if samples were stored for 24 hours at 4°C (95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.5‐2.0 μg/dL), but not when stored for 24 hours at room temperature (RT; 95% CI: −4.1 to 0.5 μg/dL) or after 7 days at 4°C (95% CI: −3.6‐1.0 μg/dL). The CL analyzer was less affected by preanalytical variation with clinically similar results obtained when samples were stored for 7 days at 4°C (95% CI: −2.2 to 2.4 μg/dL) and for at least 24 months at −24°C (95% CI: −1.7 to 2.9 μg/dL) and −80°C (95% CI: −1.5 to 3 μg/dL). A relevant mean difference of −2.3 μg/dL between both analyzers was found. Duplicate POC measurements were equivalent (95% CI: −2.6 to 2.0 μg/dL).

Conclusions

Delayed analysis may significantly change sSDMA depending on storage and measurement conditions. Interchangeable use of assays should be done with caution because analytical variation could be interpreted as clinically relevant change.
Rethinking the Caribbean Basin Initiative: A case study of US foreign policy toward the Caribbean
Authors: Quashie Emanuel P.
Published: August 2023

An analysis of the history of US–Latin America and Caribbean relations shows that the Monroe Doctrine has been revamped through the Caribbean Basin Initiative. This article provides a concise overview of the Initiative. Then, we report empirical findings from a qualitative study conducted in the Caribbean, which discusses the most salient problems associated with the Initiative. The findings show that Caribbean Basin Initiative‐related problems stem mostly from the fact that it is a goods‐only agreement; moreover, the initiative's rules of origin, unilateral nature, and uncertainty are exacerbated by the fact that most beneficiaries are service‐oriented economies, they suffer from a supply constraint, and they lack the competitive edge with larger economies that export similar goods to the United States. These problems can be ameliorated through a rethinking of the Caribbean Basin Initiative.
Elementary students' engagement in transduction and creative and critical thinking
Authors: Pantaleo Sylvia
Published: August 2023

Student engagement in the process of transduction concomitantly affords them with opportunities to develop and express their critical and creative thinking competences. Reconfiguring or remaking knowledge or meaning in modes other than those of the original sources of information requires affective, imaginative and cognitive activity by sign‐makers. In this article, I present examples of elementary students' transduction work and discuss their semiotic meaning‐making with reference to the concepts of critical and creative thinking. During the study featured in this article, Grade 4 students engaged in the process of transduction when participating in activities about elements of visual art and design and conventions of the medium comics, when exploring picturebooks and graphic novels and when composing and explaining their own multimodal texts. The students' transmodal meaning‐making showed how, in the context of the research classrooms, the purposefully designed pedagogy and activities both required and nurtured students' critical and creative thinking, which simultaneously provided the students with opportunities to extend their knowledge and deepen their understandings of the concepts and curriculum content under study.
Philopatry influences the genetic population structure of the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) at multiple spatial scales
Authors: Swift Dominic G. , O'Leary Shannon J. , Grubbs R. Dean , Frazier Bryan S. , Fields Andrew T. , Gardiner Jayne M. , Drymon J. Marcus , Bethea Dana M. , Wiley Tonya R. , Portnoy David S.
Published: August 2023

Understanding how interactions among microevolutionary forces generate genetic population structure of exploited species is vital to the implementation of management policies that facilitate persistence. Philopatry displayed by many coastal shark species can impact gene flow and facilitate selection, and has direct implications for the spatial scales of management. Here, genetic structure of the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) was examined using a mixed‐marker approach employing mitochondrial control region sequences and 4339 SNP‐containing loci generated using ddRAD‐Seq. Genetic variation was assessed among young‐of‐the‐year sampled in 11 sites in waters of the United States in the western North Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico. Spatial and environmental analyses detected 68 nuclear loci putatively under selection, enabling separate assessments of neutral and adaptive genetic structure. Both mitochondrial and neutral SNP data indicated three genetically distinct units—the Atlantic, eastern Gulf, and western Gulf—that align with regional stocks and suggest regional philopatry by males and females. Heterogeneity at loci putatively under selection, associated with temperature and salinity, was observed among sites within Gulf units, suggesting local adaptation. Furthermore, five pairs of siblings were identified in the same site across timescales corresponding with female reproductive cycles. This indicates that females re‐used a site for parturition, which has the potential to facilitate the sorting of adaptive variation among neighbouring sites. The results demonstrate differential impacts of microevolutionary forces at varying spatial scales and highlight the importance of conserving essential habitats to maintain sources of adaptive variation that may buffer species against environmental change.
Barley TAPETAL DEVELOPMENT and FUNCTION1 (HvTDF1) gene reveals conserved and unique roles in controlling anther tapetum development in dicot and monocot plants
Authors: Hua Miaoyuan , Yin Wenzhe , Fernández Gómez José , Tidy Alison , Xing Guangwei , Zong Jie , Shi Shuya , Wilson Zoe A.
Published: August 2023

The anther tapetum helps control microspore release and essential components for pollen wall formation. TAPETAL DEVELOPMENT and FUNCTION1 (TDF1) is an essential R2R3 MYB tapetum transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana; however, little is known about pollen development in the temperate monocot barley.

Here, we characterize the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) TDF1 ortholog using reverse genetics and transcriptomics.

Spatial/temporal expression analysis indicates HvTDF1 has tapetum‐specific expression during anther stage 7/8. Homozygous barley hvtdf1 mutants exhibit male sterility with retarded tapetum development, delayed tapetum endomitosis and cell wall degeneration, resulting in enlarged, vacuolated tapetum surrounding collapsing microspores. Transient protein expression and dual‐luciferase assays show TDF1 is a nuclear‐localized, transcription activator, that directly activates osmotin proteins. Comparison of hvtdf1 transcriptome data revealed several pathways were delayed, endorsing the observed retarded anther morphology. Arabidopsis tdf1 mutant fertility was recovered by HvTDF1, supporting a conserved role for TDF1 in monocots and dicots.

This indicates that tapetum development shares similarity between monocot and dicots; however, barley HvTDF1 appears to uniquely act as a modifier to activate tapetum gene expression pathways, which are subsequently also induced by other factors. Therefore, the absence of HvTDF1 results in delayed developmental progression rather than pathway failure, although inevitably still results in pollen degeneration.
The problem of the body in Romantic Studies: On the strengths and limits of New Materialism
Authors: Arndal Martin Fog
Published: August 2023

Within the last couple of years, the recently established field of research called “New Materialism” has made its entry into studies of Romanticism, and especially that of the Romantic body. Hitherto a subject explored through the guises of medicine, anatomy, and physiology on the one hand and deconstruction and poststructuralism on the other, the body is now being re‐interpreted within a field that itself has vowed a return to the material and its agentive interconnectedness with other matter. On that, Romantic studies of the body deliver, however, looking at the body through a new materialist framework is not entirely unproblematic. In this essay, I will look at some of the upsides and downsides of the merger of Romanticism, body studies, and New Materialism.
Risk factors for anisometropia in schoolchildren: A population‐based, longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Lee Chia‐Wei , Chiang Chi‐Chen , Tsai Der‐Chong , Tsai Ching‐Yao , Liou Yiing Mei
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To investigate the incidence rate and risk factors for anisometropia among young schoolchildren.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study, the Myopia Investigation Study in Taipei, was conducted in primary schools in Taipei City. Children were recruited for biannual comprehensive eye examinations over 2 years. Cycloplegic autorefraction and slit lamp examinations were performed biannually. Data on demographic information, parental history, lifestyle and near‐work activities were collected using parent‐administered questionnaires at the first and final visits. Anisometropia was defined as ≥1 D difference in the spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error.

Results

A total of 7035 8‐year‐old children completed the 2‐year follow‐up evaluations. The average annual incidence of anisometropia was 3.8%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline SE (odds ratio [OR]: 0.87 95% CI: 0.80–0.95) and female sex (OR: 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.50) were significantly associated with incident anisometropia. Among lifestyle risk factors, spending <1 h per day in after‐school outdoor activities on weekdays (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.08–1.76) and performing near work at a distance <30 cm (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.08–1.64) were significantly associated with an increased risk of incident anisometropia. In the multiple linear regression analysis, the inter‐eye difference in SE increased significantly in children performing near work at distances <30 cm (adjusted β = 0.03; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

This study indicated the annual incidence of anisometropia in Taiwanese schoolchildren. Less time spent outdoors and shorter eye‐to‐object distances during near work increased the risk of incident anisometropia.
Approaching 25 years of progress towards Fusarium head blight resistance in southern soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Boyles Richard E. , Ballén‐Taborda Carolina , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Costa Jose , Cowger Christina , DeWitt Noah , Griffey Carl A. , Harrison Stephen A. , Ibrahim Amir , Johnson Jerry , Lyerly Jeanette , Marshall David S. , Mason R. Esten , Mergoum Mohamed , Murphy J. Paul , Santantonio Nicholas , Saripalli Gautam , Sutton Russell , Tiwari Vijay , van Sanford David , Winn Zachary J.
Published: August 2023

Tremendous progress has been made in variety development and host plant resistance to mitigate the impact of Fusarium head blight (FHB) since the disease manifested in the southeastern United States in the early 2000s. Much of this improvement was made possible through the establishment of and recurring support from the US Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative (USWBSI). Since its inception in 1997, the USWBSI has enabled land‐grant institutions to make advances in reducing the annual threat of devastating FHB epidemics. A coordinated field phenotyping effort for annual germplasm screening has become a staple tool for selection in public and private soft red winter wheat (SRWW) breeding programmes. Dedicated efforts of many SRWW breeders to identify and utilize resistance genes from both native and exotic sources provided a strong foundation for improvement. In recent years, implementation of genomics‐enabled breeding has further accelerated genetic gains in FHB resistance. This article reflects on the improvement of FHB resistance in southern SRWW and contextualizes the monumental progress made by collaborative, persistent, and good old‐fashioned cultivar development.
Hybrid delivery of behavioral health screening and prevention intervention for pediatric heart transplant recipients and families: A randomized pilot study
Authors: Wijesekera Kanchana , Kiff Cara , Aralis Hilary , Sinclair Maegan , Bursch Brenda , Alejos Juan C. , Lester Patricia
Published: August 2023

Background

A significant number of pediatric heart transplant recipients and their families experience post‐traumatic stress symptoms following transplantation, which can impact recipient behavioral and medical health outcomes. Preventive behavioral health interventions may improve outcomes, especially if interventions can be delivered at a distance to decrease barriers to mental health care. This pilot study examined the acceptability and accessibility of an evidence‐informed resilience training program delivered using a video telehealth platform. A secondary aim was to assess the preliminary efficacy of the intervention on recipient behavioral health outcomes, perceived barriers to recipient medication adherence, parent behavioral health outcomes, and family functioning.

Methods

Seventeen heart transplant recipients (8–18 years old) and their families were recruited and randomly assigned to a treatment as usual (n = 8) or an intervention group (n = 9). Baseline assessment data collected included demographic information and validated behavioral health measures. Follow‐up assessments included the validated measures and acceptability and satisfaction ratings.

Results

The study demonstrated that the program has high acceptability by recipients and parents, and a positive impact on recipients and parents, including significant reductions in youth behavioral difficulties as well as parent depression and post‐traumatic stress symptoms.

Conclusions

Results of this study are promising and call for further evaluation of hybrid delivery models for behavioral health screening and prevention interventions for pediatric heart transplant recipients and their families.
Potassium alleviates over‐reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain and helps to maintain photosynthetic function under salt‐stress
Authors: Che Yanhui , Fan Dayong , Teng Zhiyuan , Yao Tongtong , Wang Zihan , Zhang Hongbo , Sun Guangyu , Zhang Huihui , Chow Wah Soon
Published: August 2023

Potassium ions enhance photosynthetic tolerance to salt stress. We hypothesized that potassium ions, by minimizing the trans‐thylakoid proton diffusion potential difference, can alleviate over‐reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain and maintain the functionality of the photosynthetic apparatus. This study investigated the effects of exogenous potassium on the transcription level and activity of proteins related to the photosynthetic electron‐transport chain of tobacco seedlings under salt stress. Salt stress retarded the growth of seedlings and caused an outflow of potassium ions from the chloroplast. It also lowered qP (indicator of the oxidation state of QA, the primary quinone electron acceptor in Photosystem II (PSII) and YPSII (average photochemical yield of PSII in the light‐adapted state) while increasing YNO+NF (nonregulatory energy dissipation in functional and nonfunctional PSII), accompanied by decreased expression of most light‐harvesting, energy‐transduction, and electron‐transport genes. However, exogenous potassium prevented these effects due to NaCl. Interestingly, lincomycin (an inhibitor of the synthesis of chloroplast‐encoded proteins in PSII) significantly diminished the alleviation effect of exogenous potassium on salt stress. We attribute the comprehensive NaCl‐induced downregulation of transcription and photosynthetic activities to retrograde signaling induced by reactive oxygen species. There probably exist at least two types of retrograde signaling induced by reactive oxygen species, distinguished by their sensitivity to lincomycin. Exogenous potassium appears to exert its primary effect by ameliorating the trans‐thylakoid proton diffusion potential difference via a potassium channel, thereby accelerating ATP synthesis and carbon assimilation, alleviating over‐reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain, and maintaining the functionality of photosynthetic proteins.
Opportunity recognition in academic spin‐offs: a contingency approach
Authors: Camelo‐Ordaz Carmen , Diánez‐González Juan Pablo , Franco‐Leal Noelia , Sousa‐Ginel Elena
Published: August 2023

This paper analyses the factors that influence opportunity recognition (OR) of academic spin‐offs (ASOs) from a contingency perspective. We focus on factors linked to the academic entrepreneur and propose that their relevance for explaining OR in ASOs depends on the context in which these firms operate: discovery (the necessary information for entrepreneurs to assess the new opportunities is available in the market) versus creation (complete information about opportunity exploitation and the likelihood of achieving certain outcomes is not available in the market). Results obtained in a sample of 167 Spanish ASOs show that, in a discovery context, academic entrepreneurs' OR is positively related to entrepreneurial self‐efficacy, previous managerial experience and access to academic and industry networks. In a creation context, only entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and access to industry networks become critical to OR, whereas previous managerial experience exerts a negative effect. Our results also show that the most relevant factor in a discovery context is previous managerial experience, while in a creation context, entrepreneurial self‐efficacy is the most significant.
Geographical Tensions Within Municipalities? Evidence from Swedish Local Governments☆
Authors: Erlingsson Gissur Ó. , Öhrvall Richard , Wallman Lundåsen Susanne
Published: August 2023

When Sweden transformed its geography of local government in 1952 and 1962–1974, the number of municipalities was reduced from 2,498 to 278. The reforms were infused by the “central place theory,” which aimed to identify a larger town as the “local capital” (centralort) for each municipality. The centralort became the municipalities' political and administrative center, responsible for providing public services to surrounding settlements. Taking our point of departure in this historical legacy, as well as the literature on “geographies of discontent,” we ask whether there are geographical tensions within today's Swedish municipalities. Are there differences in satisfaction, trust, and views on the future of one's place of residence when comparing the centralort with its surrounding settlements? Using two datasets—Statistics Sweden's citizen survey carried out in 241 municipalities and Trustbarometer in 49 municipalities—we find that citizens in the centralort are more satisfied with democracy than those in peripheries, where individuals residing in the municipalities' most rural parts are the most dissatisfied. Moreover, different issues are perceived as more pressing and salient in the centralort compared to surrounding settlements.
Enjoy exercise more: The effects of dual‐channel evaluative conditioning on implicit attitudes toward exercise
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Guoli , Dang Junhua
Published: August 2023

Researchers have been looking for effective interventions to promote physical activity due to its great impact on both physical and mental health. In two studies, the current research investigated (1) whether evaluative conditioning could increase implicit attitudes toward exercise; (2) whether dual‐channel evaluative conditioning had a greater influence compared to single‐channel evaluative conditioning. In Study 1, results from 32 participants (7 males, 25 females; Mage = 19.470, SDage = 1.174) were used to compare the audiovisual dual‐channel with the visual single‐channel evaluative conditioning. In Study 2, we analyzed data from 100 participants (35 males, 65 females; Mage = 20.990, SDage = 3.141) and compared the visual‐kinesthetic dual‐channel with the visual single‐channel evaluative conditioning. The results showed that individuals' implicit attitudes toward exercise were more positively affected by dual‐channel than single‐channel evaluative conditioning.
The associations of cultural worldviews, political orientation, and trust with COVID‐19 risk beliefs in the U.S.
Authors: Cheng Ivy , Taber Jennifer M. , Simonovic Nicolle , Coifman Karin G. , Sidney Pooja G. , Was Christopher A. , Thompson Clarissa A.
Published: August 2023

Given that risk beliefs predict engagement in behaviors to prevent disease, it is important to understand the factors associated with risk beliefs. In the present paper, we conducted path analyses to investigate the associations of belief systems (political orientation and cultural worldviews of individualism and hierarchy) with COVID‐19 risk beliefs (i.e., perceived likelihood, perceived severity, and worry about disease; Studies 1 and 2), and the indirect effect through trust in information sources in these relationships (Study 1). Two online panels of U.S. adults were surveyed at three timepoints during the COVID‐19 pandemic (Study 1: baseline n = 1,667, 1‐year follow‐up n = 551; Study 2: n = 404). Results of path analyses indicated that, across studies and timepoints, when controlling for political orientation, trust, and demographic factors, greater individualism had consistent significant direct effects on lower perceived severity and worry about COVID‐19, whereas greater hierarchy had consistent significant direct effects on lower perceived severity. However, after accounting for cultural worldviews of individualism and hierarchy (and trust and demographic factors), none of the associations among political orientation and any of the three COVID‐19 risk beliefs were significant. The test of indirect effects indicated that individualism and hierarchy were indirectly associated with lower perceived severity of and worry about COVID‐19 through less trust. The findings suggest that cultural worldviews of individualism and hierarchy play a role in shaping people's risk beliefs.
DYW cytidine deaminase domains have a long‐range impact on RNA recognition by the PPR array of chimeric plant C‐to‐U RNA editing factors and strongly affect target selection
Authors: Yang Yingying , Oldenkott Bastian , Ramanathan Shyam , Lesch Elena , Takenaka Mizuki , Schallenberg‐Rüdinger Mareike , Knoop Volker
Published: August 2023

The protein factors for the specific C‐to‐U RNA editing events in plant mitochondria and chloroplasts possess unique arrays of RNA‐binding pentatricopeptide repeats (PPRs) linked to carboxy‐terminal cytidine deaminase DYW domains via the extension motifs E1 and E2. The E1 and E2 motifs have distant similarities to tetratricopeptide repeats known to mediate protein–protein interactions but their precise function is unclear. Here, we investigate the tolerance of PPR56 and PPR65, two functionally characterized RNA editing factors of the moss Physcomitrium patens, for the creation of chimeras by variably replacing their C‐terminal protein regions. Making use of a heterologous RNA editing assay system in Escherichia coli we find that heterologous DYW domains can strongly restrict or widen the spectrum of off‐targets in the bacterial transcriptome for PPR56. Surprisingly, our data suggest that these changes are not only caused by the preference of a given heterologous DYW domain for the immediate sequence environment of the cytidine to be edited but also by a long‐range impact on the nucleotide selectivity of the upstream PPRs.
HECT‐type ubiquitin ligase KAKTUS mediates the proteasome‐dependent degradation of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor KRP2 during trichome morphogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xue Baoyong , Zhang Chi , Wang Yali , Liu Lu , Wang Wenjia , Schiefelbein John , Yu Fei , An Lijun
Published: August 2023

Trichome development is a fascinating model to elaborate the plant cell differentiation and growth processes. A wealth of information has pointed to the contributions of the components associated with cell cycle control and ubiquitin/26S proteasome system (UPS) to trichome morphogenesis, but how these two pathways are connected remains obscure. Here, we report that HECT‐type ubiquitin ligase KAKTUS (KAK) targets the cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor KRP2 (for kip‐related protein 2) for proteasome‐dependent degradation during trichome branching in Arabidopsis. We show that over‐expression of KRP2 promotes trichome branching and endoreduplication which is similar to kak loss of function mutants. KAK directly interacts with KRP2 and mediates KRP2 degradation. Mutation of KAK results in the accumulation of steady‐state KRP2. Consistently, in kak pKRP2:KRP2‐GFP plants, the trichome branching is further induced compared with the single mutant. Taken together, our studies bridge the cell cycle control and UPS pathways during trichome development and underscore the importance of post‐translational control in epidermal differentiation.
Comprehensive genome‐wide analysis of the DREB gene family in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis): evidence for the role of PeDREB28 in plant abiotic stress response
Authors: Hu Xin , Liang Jianxiang , Wang Wenjia , Cai Changyang , Ye Shanwen , Wang Nannan , Han Fangying , Wu Yuxin , Zhu Qiang
Published: August 2023

Dehydration response element binding (DREB) proteins are vital for plant abiotic stress responses, but the understanding of DREBs in bamboo, an important sustainable non‐timber forest product, is limited. Here we conducted a comprehensive genome‐wide analysis of the DREB gene family in Moso bamboo, representing the most important running bamboo species in Asia. In total, 44 PeDREBs were identified, and information on their gene structures, protein motifs, phylogenetic relationships, and stress‐related cis‐regulatory elements (CREs) was provided. Based on the bioinformatical analysis, we further analyzed PeDREBs from the A5 group and found that four of five PeDREB transcripts were induced by salt, drought, and cold stresses, and their proteins could bind to stress‐related CREs. Among these, PeDREB28 was selected as a promising candidate for further functional characterization. PeDREB28 is localized in nucleus, has transcriptional activation activity, and could bind to the DRE‐ and coupling element 1‐ (CE1) CREs. Overexpression of PeDREB28 in Arabidopsis and bamboo improved plant abiotic stress tolerance. Transcriptomic analysis showed that broad changes due to the overexpression of PeDREB28. Furthermore, 628 genes that may act as the direct PeDREB28 downstream genes were identified by combining DAP‐seq and RNA‐seq analysis. Moreover, we confirmed that PeDREB28 could bind to the promoter of pyrabactin‐resistance‐like gene (DlaPYL3), which is a homolog of abscisic acid receptor in Arabidopsis, and activates its expression. In summary, our study provides important insights into the DREB gene family in Moso bamboo, and contributes to their functional verification and genetic engineering applications in the future.
Removal of UK‐donor deferral for variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease: A large donation gain in Australia
Authors: Hoad Veronica C. , Seed Clive R. , Kiely Philip , Styles Claire E. , McManus Hamish , Law Matthew , Kaldor John , Gosbell Iain B.
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

Until 25 July 2022, people who spent more than 6 months in the United Kingdom during the variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) risk period 1980–1996 (UK donors) were deferred from blood donation in Australia. Regulatory approval to remove the deferral was underpinned by published mathematical modelling predicting negligible vCJD transmission risk increase with a gain of 58,000 donations.

Materials and Methods

The donor questionnaire retained the UK deferral screening question until a version update effective 12 February 2023, which enabled identification of the newly eligible cohort of UK donors. Their donations were tracked for a 6‐month period (25 July 2022–24 January 2023) and compared with baseline Lifeblood donation metrics and predicted gains.

Results

A total of 38,462 UK donors attended to donate 78,762 times in the 6 months. Of these, 32,358 donors (females = 19,456, males = 12,902) successfully donated 67,914 times representing 8.4% of total collections.

Conclusion

Cessation of the UK deferral resulted in donation gains exceeding modelled predictions because of a higher than predicted number of donors who donated at a higher rate. Had these newly eligible donors not donated, overall donation numbers would have been 88% of target rather than the 96% achieved.
Identification of a novel variant c.761C>T onABO*B.01gene in ABO glycosyltransferases associated with Bweakphenotype
Authors: Lei Hang , Zhang Hui , Guo Liujun , Xiang Dong , Wang Xuefeng , Liu Xi , Cai Xiaohong
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

ABO antigens are produced from H antigen by the activity of glycosyltransferase enzyme encoded by theABOgene. Variants in theABOgene can produce a weak ABO phenotype. In this study, we identify a novelABO*BWallele and investigate the underlying mechanism leading to the Bweakphenotype.

Materials and Methods

The ABO phenotype and genotype of the sample were determined using serological and direct DNA sequencing methods. We assessed the impact of the novel variant by three‐dimensional modelling to predict protein stability changes (ΔΔG), and carried out an in vitro expression assay. The total glycosyltransferase transfer capacity in the supernatant of transfected cells was also examined.

Results

Serological analysis confirmed the Bweakphenotype in the subject, and gene sequencing identified a novel variant c.761C>T (p.A254V) on theABO*B.01allele, resulting in aBW‐var/O.01.02genotype. In silico analysis suggested that the p.A254V variant on theBallele may reduce the stability of glycosyltransferase B (GTB), as indicated by the ΔΔGvalues. In vitro expression studies showed that the variant p.A254V impaired H to B antigen conversion, although it did not affect the expression of GTB.

Conclusion

We identified a novelBWallele and demonstrated that the variant c.761C>T (p.A254V) can cause the Bweakphenotype by reducing the stability of GTB.
Implementation of a coagulation component into a phosphate kinetics model in haemodialysis therapy: A tool for detection of clotting problems?
Authors: Laursen Sisse H. , Boel Lise , Brandi Lisbet , Christensen Jeppe H. , Vestergaard Peter , Hejlesen Ole K.
Published: August 2023

A coagulation component should be considered in phosphate kinetics modelling because intradialytic coagulation of the extracorporeal circuit and dialyser might reduce phosphate removal in haemodialysis. Thus, the objective of this study was to add and evaluate coagulation as an individual linear clearance reduction component to a promising three‐compartment model assuming progressive intradialytic clotting. The model was modified and validated on intradialytic plasma and dialysate phosphate samples from 12 haemodialysis patients collected during two treatments (HD1 and HD2) at a Danish hospital ward. The most suitable clearance reduction in each treatment was identified by minimizing the root mean square error (RMSE). The model simulations with and without clearance reduction were compared based on RMSE and coefficient of determination (R2) values. Improvements were found for 17 of the 24 model simulations when clearance reduction was added to the model. The slopes of the clearance reduction were in the range of 0.011–0.632/h. Three improvements were found to be statistically significant (|observed z value| > 1.96). A very significant correlation (R2 = 0.708) between the slopes for HD1 and HD2 was found. Adding the clearance reduction component to the model seems promising in phosphate kinetics modelling and might be explained, at least in part, by intradialytic coagulation. In future studies, the model might be developed further to serve as a potentially useful tool for the quantitative detection of clotting problems in haemodialysis.
The sound production of Aplodinotus grunniens in the presence of boat sounds
Authors: Somogyi Nicholas A. , Rountree Rodney A.
Published: August 2023

Archived soundscape data from Lake Champlain, New York, were used to examine the effect of anthropogenic sounds produced by recreational boating on freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) soniferous behavior. Drum progressed from sporadic calling during the day to calls that increasingly overlapped culminating in a chorus in the late afternoon and evening. The response of drum to boat noise appeared to differ among these states, perhaps reflecting differences in the underlying behaviors. In response to boat noise, freshwater drum spawning choruses occurred later in the day, thus avoiding the noisiest periods. The peak frequency and knock rate of calls also increased in the presence of boat noise. Of the acoustical adjustments observed, the most strongly shown were those which increased the likelihood of signal reception, suggesting a Lombard effect response. Therefore, these data suggest freshwater drum have plasticity in their acoustical behavior, potentially shifting chorusing time, and altering sound characteristics to optimize communication in the presence of anthropogenic noise. However, additional work is needed to further clarify the response of freshwater drum to anthropogenic noise.
The Impact of a Short-Term Ketogenic Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet on Biomarkers of Intestinal Epithelial Integrity and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: McKay Alannah K.A. , Wallett Alice M. , McKune Andrew J. , Périard Julien D. , Saunders Philo , Whitfield Jamie , Tee Nicolin , Heikura Ida A. , Ross Megan L.R. , Sharma Avish P. , Costa Ricardo J.S. , Burke Louise M.
Published: August 2023

Endurance exercise can disturb intestinal epithelial integrity, leading to increased systemic indicators of cell injury, hyperpermeability, and pathogenic translocation. However, the interaction between exercise, diet, and gastrointestinal disturbance still warrants exploration. This study examined whether a 6-day dietary intervention influenced perturbations to intestinal epithelial disruption in response to a 25-km race walk. Twenty-eight male race walkers adhered to a high carbohydrate (CHO)/energy diet (65% CHO, energy availability = 40 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1) for 6 days prior to a Baseline 25-km race walk. Athletes were then split into three subgroups: high CHO/energy diet (n = 10); low-CHO, high-fat diet (LCHF: n = 8; <50 g/day CHO, energy availability = 40 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1); and low energy availability (n = 10; 65% CHO, energy availability = 15 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1) for a further 6-day dietary intervention period prior to a second 25-km race walk (Adaptation). During both trials, venous blood was collected pre-, post-, and 1 hr postexercise and analyzed for markers of intestinal epithelial disruption. Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein concentration was significantly higher (twofold increase) in response to exercise during Adaptation compared to Baseline in the LCHF group (p = .001). Similar findings were observed for soluble CD14 (p < .001) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (p = .003), where postexercise concentrations were higher (53% and 36%, respectively) during Adaptation than Baseline in LCHF. No differences in high CHO/energy diet or low energy availability were apparent for any blood markers assessed (p > .05). A short-term LCHF diet increased intestinal epithelial cell injury in response to a 25-km race walk. No effect of low energy availability on gastrointestinal injury or symptoms was observed.
The Effect of the Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Muscle Activity: A Multichannel Electromyography Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Suskens Jozef J.M. , Maas Huub , van Dieën Jaap H. , Kerkhoffs Gino M.M.J. , Goedhart Edwin A. , Tol Johannes L. , Reurink Gustaaf
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a Nordic hamstring exercise intervention on biceps femoris long head, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus muscle’s activity and relative contributions through multichannel electromyography. Twenty-four injury-free male basketball players (mean age 20 [3] y) were randomly assigned to a 12-week intervention (n = 13) or control group (n = 11). The primary outcome measures were normalized muscle activity (percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction, %MVIC) and relative contribution of hamstring muscles over 12 weeks. No effects were found on any of the primary outcome measures. Between-group differences over 12 weeks were 2.7%MVIC (95% confidence interval 95% CI, −0.7 to 6.1) for the biceps femoris long head, 3.4%MVIC (95% CI, −1.4 to 8.2) for the semitendinosus, and 0.8%MVIC (95% CI, −3.0 to 4.6) for the semimembranosus, P = .366. Between-group differences over 12 weeks were 1.0% relative contribution (%con; 95% CI, −3.0 to 5.1) for the biceps femoris long head, 2.2% relative contribution (95% CI, −2.8 to 7.2) for the semitendinosus, and −3.3% relative contribution (95% CI, −6.4 to −0.1) for the semimembranosus P = .258. A positive value implies a higher value for the Nordic group. A Nordic hamstring exercise intervention did not affect the level of muscle activity and relative contribution of hamstring muscles in performance of the Nordic hamstring exercise.
A Digital Twin Framework for Precision Neuromusculoskeletal Health Care: Extension Upon Industrial Standards
Authors: Saxby David J. , Pizzolato Claudio , Diamond Laura E.
Published: August 2023

There is a powerful global trend toward deeper integration of digital twins into modern life driven by Industry 4.0 and 5.0. Defense, agriculture, engineering, manufacturing, and urban planning sectors have thoroughly incorporated digital twins to great benefit across their respective product lifecycles. Despite clear benefits, a digital twin framework for health and medical sectors is yet to emerge. This paper proposes a digital twin framework for precision neuromusculoskeletal health care. We build upon the International Standards Organization framework for digital twins for manufacturing by presenting best available computational models within a digital twin framework for clinical application. We map a use case for modeling Achilles tendon mechanobiology, highlighting how current modeling practices align with our proposed digital twin framework. Similarly, we map a use case for advanced neurorehabilitation technology, highlighting the role of a digital twin in control of systems where human and machine are interfaced. Future work must now focus on creating an informatic representation to govern how digital data are passed to, from, and within the digital twin, as well as specific standards to declare which measurement systems and modeling methods are acceptable to move toward widespread use of the digital twin framework for precision neuromusculoskeletal health care.
Assessing Student Ratings of Developmental Experiences in a High School Physical Education Leadership Program
Authors: Wright Paul M. , Richards Kevin Andrews , Ressler James D.
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Although physical education (PE) leadership programs are widespread, little research has examined the PE leaders’ perceptions of these experiences. The purpose of this study was to assess student ratings of developmental experiences in a PE leadership program compared with ratings of the typical PE student experience. Method: A matched case-control study design was used to assess high school students’ (n = 186) subscale scores on the Youth Experience Survey 2.0. Data were analyzed using matched-pairs t tests, and Cohen’s d was used as a measure of effect size. Results: As hypothesized, PE leaders reported significantly higher levels of positive experiences and no significant differences on negative experiences. Discussion/Conclusions: Little is known about what happens in most PE leadership programs. Results presented here support claims that PE can support meaningful leadership development. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Marine heatwaves threaten cryptic coral diversity and erode associations among coevolving partners
Authors: Starko Samuel , Fifer James E. , Claar Danielle C. , Davies Sarah W. , Cunning Ross , Baker Andrew C. , Baum Julia K.
Published: August 2023

Climate change–amplified marine heatwaves can drive extensive mortality in foundation species. However, a paucity of longitudinal genomic datasets has impeded understanding of how these rapid selection events alter cryptic genetic structure. Heatwave impacts may be exacerbated in species that engage in obligate symbioses, where the genetics of multiple coevolving taxa may be affected. Here, we tracked the symbiotic associations of reef-building corals for 6 years through a prolonged heatwave, including known survivorship for 79 of 315 colonies. Coral genetics strongly predicted survival of the ubiquitous coral,
Porites
(massive growth form), with variable survival (15 to 61%) across three morphologically indistinguishable—but genetically distinct—lineages. The heatwave also disrupted strong associations between these coral lineages and their algal symbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae), with symbiotic turnover in some colonies, resulting in reduced specificity across lineages. These results highlight how heatwaves can threaten cryptic genotypes and decouple otherwise tightly coevolved relationships between hosts and symbionts.
DDM1-mediated R-loop resolution and H2A.Z exclusion facilitates heterochromatin formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhou Jincong , Lei Xue , Shafiq Sarfraz , Zhang Weifeng , Li Qin , Li Kuan , Zhu Jiafu , Dong Zhicheng , He Xin-jian , Sun Qianwen
Published: August 2023

Programmed constitutive heterochromatin silencing is essential for eukaryotic genome regulation, yet the initial step of this process is ambiguous. A large proportion of R-loops (RNA:DNA hybrids) had been unexpectedly identified within Arabidopsis pericentromeric heterochromatin with unknown functions. Through a genome-wide R-loop profiling screen, we find that DDM1 (decrease in DNA methylation 1) is the primary restrictor of pericentromeric R-loops via its RNA:DNA helicase activity. Low levels of pericentromeric R-loops resolved by DDM1 cotranscriptionally can facilitate constitutive heterochromatin silencing. Furthermore, we demonstrate that DDM1 physically excludes histone H2A variant H2A.Z and promotes H2A.W deposition for faithful heterochromatin initiation soon after R-loop clearance. The dual functions of DDM1 in R-loop resolution and H2A.Z eviction are essential for sperm nuclei structure maintenance in mature pollen. Our work unravels the cotranscriptional R-loop resolution coupled with accurate H2A variants deposition is the primary step of constitutive heterochromatin silencing in Arabidopsis, which might be conserved across eukaryotes.
Antiferromagnetic magnon spintronic based on nonreciprocal and nondegenerated ultra-fast spin-waves in the canted antiferromagnet α-Fe
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Authors: El Kanj Aya , Gomonay Olena , Boventer Isabella , Bortolotti Paolo , Cros Vincent , Anane Abdelmadjid , Lebrun Romain
Published: August 2023

Spin-waves in antiferromagnets hold the prospects for the development of faster, less power-hungry electronics and promising physics based on spin superfluids and coherent magnon condensates. For both these perspectives, addressing electrically coherent antiferromagnetic spin-waves is of importance, a prerequisite that has been so far elusive, because, unlike ferromagnets, antiferromagnets couple weakly to radiofrequency fields. Here, we demonstrate the detection of ultra-fast nonreciprocal spin-waves in the dipolar exchange regime of a canted antiferromagnet using both inductive and spintronic transducers. Using time-of-flight spin-wave spectroscopy on hematite (α-Fe
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), we find that the magnon wave packets can propagate as fast as 20 kilometers/second for reciprocal bulk spin-wave modes and up to 6 kilometers/second for surface spin-waves propagating parallel to the antiferromagnetic Néel vector. We lastly achieve efficient electrical detection of nonreciprocal spin-wave transport using nonlocal inverse spin-Hall effects. The electrical detection of coherent nonreciprocal antiferromagnetic spin-waves paves the way for the development of antiferromagnetic and altermagnet-based magnonic devices.
Free-electron Brewster-transition radiation
Authors: Chen Ruoxi , Chen Jialin , Gong Zheng , Zhang Xinyan , Zhu Xingjian , Yang Yi , Kaminer Ido , Chen Hongsheng , Zhang Baile , Lin Xiao
Published: August 2023

We reveal a mechanism to enhance particle-matter interactions by exploiting the pseudo-Brewster effect of gain materials, presenting an enhancement of at least four orders of magnitude for light emission. This mechanism is enabled by the emergence of an unprecedented phase diagram that maps all phenomena of free-electron transition radiation into three distinct phases in a gain-thickness parameter space, namely, the conventional, intermediate, and Brewster phases, when an electron penetrates a dielectric slab with a modest gain and a finite thickness. Essentially, our revealed mechanism corresponds to the free-electron transition radiation in the Brewster phase, which also features ultrahigh directionality, always at the Brewster angle, regardless of the electron velocity. Counterintuitively, we find that the intensity of this free-electron Brewster-transition radiation is insensitive to the Fabry-Pérot resonance condition and, thus, the variation of slab thickness, and moreover, a weaker gain could lead to a stronger enhancement for light emission.
Experimental realization of convolution processing in photonic synthetic frequency dimensions
Authors: Fan Lingling , Wang Kai , Wang Heming , Dutt Avik , Fan Shanhui
Published: August 2023

Convolution is an essential operation in signal and image processing and consumes most of the computing power in convolutional neural networks. Photonic convolution has the promise of addressing computational bottlenecks and outperforming electronic implementations. Performing photonic convolution in the synthetic frequency dimension, which harnesses the dynamics of light in the spectral degrees of freedom for photons, can lead to highly compact devices. Here, we experimentally realize convolution operations in the synthetic frequency dimension. Using a modulated ring resonator, we synthesize arbitrary convolution kernels using a predetermined modulation waveform with high accuracy. We demonstrate the convolution computation between input frequency combs and synthesized kernels. We also introduce the idea of an additive offset to broaden the kinds of kernels that can be implemented experimentally when the modulation strength is limited. Our work demonstrate the use of synthetic frequency dimension to efficiently encode data and implement computation tasks, leading to a compact and scalable photonic computation architecture.