bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet attenuates centromere‐mediated meiotic genome stability and alters gametophytic ploidy consistency in flowering plants
Authors: Fu Huiqi , Zhong Jiaqi , Zhao Jiayi , Huo Li , Wang Chong , Ma Dexuan , Pan Wenjing , Sun Limin , Ren Ziming , Fan Tianyi , Wang Ze , Wang Wenyi , Lei Xiaoning , Yu Guanghui , Li Jing , Zhu Yan , Geelen Danny , Liu Bing
Published: July 2024

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation influences development and genome stability in organisms; however, its impact on meiosis, a special cell division essential for the delivery of genetic information across generations in eukaryotes, has not yet been elucidated.

In this study, by performing cytogenetic studies, we reported that UV radiation does not damage meiotic chromosome integrity but attenuates centromere‐mediated chromosome stability and induces unreduced gametes in Arabidopsis thaliana.

We showed that functional centromere‐specific histone 3 (CENH3) is required for obligate crossover formation and plays a role in the protection of sister chromatid cohesion under UV stress. Moreover, we found that UV specifically alters the orientation and organization of spindles and phragmoplasts at meiosis II, resulting in meiotic restitution and unreduced gametes. We determined that UV‐induced meiotic restitution does not rely on the UV Resistance Locus8‐mediated UV perception and the Tapetal Development and Function1‐ and Aborted Microspores‐dependent tapetum development, but possibly occurs via altered JASON function and downregulated Parallel Spindle1.

This study provides evidence that UV radiation influences meiotic genome stability and gametophytic ploidy consistency in flowering plants.
Arabidopsis enters the single‐cell proteomics era
Authors: van Schie Monique , Weijers Dolf
Published: July 2024

This article is a Commentary on Montes et al. (2024), 244: 1750–1759.
Mereological Nihilism and Material Constitution
Authors: Thunder Simon
Published: July 2024

Mereological nihilists typically employ a paraphrase strategy in order to mitigate the apparent absurdity of their denial of the existence of composite objects. I argue here that the nihilist's paraphrase strategy is incomplete, because no schema for generating nihilistically acceptable paraphrases of sentences concerning material constitution has ever been given. Nor can an adequate schema be arrived at by generalising things that nihilists have already said. I fill this lacuna in the nihilist's account by developing and defending a novel paraphrase schema that makes essential reference to the determinable‐determinate relation that holds between arrangement‐properties instantiated by the simples.
A stage‐dependent seed defense response to explain efficient seed transmission of Xanthomonas citri pv. fuscans to common bean
Authors: Darrasse Armelle , Tarkowski Łukasz Paweł , Briand Martial , Lalanne David , Chen Nicolas W. G. , Barret Matthieu , Verdier Jerome
Published: July 2024

Although seed represents an important means of plant pathogen dispersion, the seed–pathogen dialogue remains largely unexplored. A multiomic approach was performed at different seed developmental stages of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) during asymptomatic colonization by Xanthomonas citri pv. fuscans (Xcf), At the early seed developmental stages, we observed high transcriptional changes both in seeds with bacterial recognition and defense signal transduction genes, and in bacteria with up‐regulation of the bacterial type 3 secretion system. This high transcriptional activity of defense genes in Xcf‐colonized seeds during maturation refutes the widely diffused assumption considering seeds as passive carriers of microbes. At later seed maturation stages, few transcriptome changes indicated a less intense molecular dialogue between the host and the pathogen, but marked by changes in DNA methylation of plant defense genes, in response to Xcf colonization. We showed examples of pathogen‐specific DNA methylations in colonized seeds acting as plant defense silencing to repress plant immune response during the germination process. Finally, we propose a novel plant–pathogen interaction model, specific to the seed tissues, highlighting the existence of distinct phases during seed–pathogen interaction with seeds being actively interacting with colonizing pathogens, then both belligerents switching to more passive mode at later stages.
Discrimination of relatedness drives rice flowering and reproduction in cultivar mixtures
Authors: Xu You , Li Feng‐Li , Li Lei‐Lei , Chen Xin , Meiners Scott J. , Kong Chui‐Hua
Published: July 2024

The improvement of performance and yield in both cultivar and species mixtures has been well established. Despite the clear benefits of crop mixtures to agriculture, identifying the critical mechanisms behind performance increases are largely lacking. We experimentally demonstrated that the benefits of rice cultivar mixtures were linked to relatedness‐mediated intraspecific neighbour recognition and discrimination under both field and controlled conditions. We then tested biochemical mechanisms of responses in incubation experiments involving the addition of root exudates and a root‐secreted signal, (–)‐loliolide, followed by transcriptome analysis. We found that closely related cultivar mixtures increased grain yields by modifying root behaviour and accelerating flowering over distantly related mixtures. Importantly, these responses were accompanied by altered concentration of signalling (–)‐loliolide that affected rice transcriptome profiling, directly regulating root growth and flowering gene expression. These findings suggest that beneficial crop combinations may be generated a‐priori by manipulating neighbour genetic relatedness in rice cultivar mixtures and that root‐secreted (–)‐loliolide functions as a key mediator of genetic relatedness interactions. The ability of relatedness discrimination to regulate rice flowering and yield raises an intriguing possibility to increase crop production.
Arachidonic acid‐derived dihydroxy fatty acids in neonatal cord blood relate symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and social adaptive functioning: Hamamatsu Birth Cohort for Mothers and Children (HBC Study)
Authors: Hirai Takaharu , Umeda Naoko , Harada Taeko , Okumura Akemi , Nakayasu Chikako , Ohto‐Nakanishi Takayo , Tsuchiya Kenji J. , Nishimura Tomoko , Matsuzaki Hideo
Published: July 2024

Aim

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with abnormal lipid metabolism, such as a high total ratio of omega‐6 to omega‐3 in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). PUFAs are metabolized to epoxy fatty acids by cytochrome P450 (CYP); then, dihydroxy fatty acid is produced by soluble epoxide hydrolase. This study examined the association between PUFA metabolites in the cord blood and ASD symptoms and adaptive functioning in children.

Methods

This prospective cohort study utilized cord blood to quantify PUFA metabolites of the CYP pathway. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS‐2) and Vineland Adaptive Behaviors Scales, Second Edition (VABS‐II) were used to assess subsequent ASD symptoms and adaptive functioning in children at 6 years. The analysis included 200 children and their mothers.

Results

Arachidonic acid‐derived diols, 11,12‐diHETrE was found to impact ASD symptom severity on the ADOS‐2‐calibrated severity scores and impairment in the socialization domain as assessed by the VABS‐II (P = 0.0003; P = 0.004, respectively). High levels of 11,12‐diHETrE impact social affect in ASD symptoms (P = 0.002), while low levels of 8,9‐diHETrE impact repetitive/restrictive behavior (P = 0.003). Notably, there was specificity in the association between diHETrE and ASD symptoms, especially in girls.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the dynamics of diHETrE during the fetal period is important in the developmental trajectory of children after birth. Given that the role of diol metabolites in neurodevelopment in vivo is completely uncharacterized, the results of this study provide important insight into the role of diHETrE and ASD pathophysiology.
C4 monocots and C4 dicots exhibit rapid photosynthetic induction response in contrast to C3 plants
Authors: Tanigawa Keiichiro , Yuchen Qu , Katsuhama Naoya , Sakoda Kazuma , Wakabayashi Yu , Tanaka Yu , Sage Rowan , Lawson Tracy , Yamori Wataru
Published: July 2024

Considering the prevalence of ever‐changing conditions in the natural world, investigation of photosynthetic responses in C4 plants under fluctuating light is needed. Here, we studied the effect of dynamic illumination on photosynthesis in totally 10 C3, C3–C4 intermediate, C4‐like and C4 dicots and monocots at CO2 concentrations of 400 and 800 μmol mol−1. C4 and C4‐like plants had faster photosynthetic induction and light‐induced stomatal dynamics than C3 plants at 400 μmol mol−1, but not at 800 μmol mol−1 CO2, at which the CO2 supply rarely limits photosynthesis. C4 and C4‐like plants had a higher water use efficiency than C3 plants at both CO2 concentrations. There were positive correlations between photosynthetic induction and light‐induced stomatal response, together with CO2 compensation point, which was a parameter of the CO2‐concentrating mechanism of C4 photosynthesis. These results clearly show that C4 photosynthesis in both monocots and dicots adapts to fluctuating light conditions more efficiently than C3 photosynthesis. The rapid photosynthetic induction response in C4 plants can be attributed to the rapid stomatal dynamics, the CO2‐concentrating mechanism or both.
Development of Four‐Item Attitudes toward People Living with Dementia Scale for population surveys
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroshige , Takaoka Manami , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko , Igarashi Ayumi
Published: July 2024

Background

This study developed a short version of a scale measuring attitudes toward people living with dementia, the Four‐Item Attitudes toward People Living with Dementia Scale (APDS4), that could be included in a large population survey.

Methods

We used three datasets from Japan: a web panel survey, a community‐based mail survey, and data from a randomised controlled trial on dementia education. The original scale used was the Attitudes toward People Living with Dementia Scale developed by Kim and Kuroda. Test–retest reliability and item response theory analyses were used to reduce the number of items. The reliability, internal consistency, validity, and responsiveness of the short version were evaluated.

Results

Six items with low test–retest reliability and four items with low discrimination parameters were removed from the 14‐item scale. The APDS4, consisting of four items, had test–retest reliability and internal consistency comparable to those of the original scale. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the APDS4 fit a unidimensional model. The validity of the APDS4 was confirmed by significant associations between the APDS4 scores and the original scale scores, knowledge of dementia, helping behaviour intentions toward people living with dementia, helping behaviour experience, attending the Dementia Supporter Training Course, and engagement in healthcare jobs. In a randomised controlled trial dataset, the APDS4 was more responsive to educational interventions than the original scale.

Conclusion

The shortened APDS4 was established as a reliable, validated, and responsive scale. This scale can be used efficiently in population surveys to evaluate dementia‐friendly initiatives at the community level.
Current disease treatments for the ornamental pet fish trade and their associated problems
Authors: Larcombe E. , Alexander M. E. , Snellgrove D. , Henriquez F. L. , Sloman K. A.
Published: July 2024

The trade in live ornamental fishes to be held as companion animals or displayed in public aquaria has an estimated global annual value of US$15–20 billion. Supply chains for ornamental pet fishes often involve many more parties than for fish farmed as food fishes, and at each stage, fishes are exposed to stressors including handling, confinement, crowding, mechanical disturbance, and poor water quality. If chronic, these stressors can compromise their immune system, making fishes more susceptible to pathogens. Mortality and morbidity from infectious disease can result in considerable welfare impacts and massive economic losses for the industry, and the range of infective agents seen in ornamental species is well documented. However, treating these diseases is not straightforward with practices varying greatly across the trade and with several approaches having unintended consequences, such as the emergence of resistant strains of pathogens. While disease treatments for a handful of fish species (e.g., koi, goldfish) have received focused research attention, for the home aquarium owner, there is an increasing reliance on products based on natural compounds which have received far less scientific attention. This review aims to highlight the gaps in our knowledge surrounding the range of disease treatments used across the ornamental pet fish trade, with a particular focus on freshwater tropical species destined for home aquaria. Consideration is given to the potential problems arising from these treatments, including microbial resistance and effects of treatments themselves on fish health and welfare.
Regression‐based network‐flow and inner‐matrix reconstruction
Authors: Lebacher Michael , Kauermann Göran
Published: July 2024

Network or matrix reconstruction is a general problem that occurs if the row‐ and column sums of a matrix are given, and the matrix entries need to be predicted conditional on the aggregated information. In this paper, we show that the predictions obtained from the iterative proportional fitting procedure (IPFP) or equivalently maximum entropy (ME) can be obtained by restricted maximum likelihood estimation relying on augmented Lagrangian optimization. Based on this equivalence, we extend the framework of network reconstruction, conditional on row and column sums, toward regression, which allows the inclusion of exogenous covariates and bootstrap‐based uncertainty quantification. More specifically, the mean of the regression model leads to the observed row and column margins. To exemplify the approach, we provide a simulation study and investigate interbank lending data, provided by the Bank for International Settlement. This dataset provides full knowledge of the real network and is, therefore, suitable to evaluate the predictions of our approach. It is shown that the inclusion of exogenous information leads to superior predictions in terms of and errors.
On the idea of freedom in modern African political philosophy
Authors: Táíwò Olúfẹ́mi
Published: July 2024

When Liberia, at its inception, adopted for her motto, “The Love of Freedom Brought Us Here,” they were registering their embrace of a core tenet of modernity: the idea that freedom was the primary state of humanity and that any form of social living that turned this free being into a bonded phenomenon, forces it to obey dictates and laws not of its own choosing, to bow before rulers it had no hand in electing, and to live at the behest of another must stand condemned. They were merely the latest, back then, instantiation of Africans as singers of freedom's song in the modern age. Unfortunately, neither theirs nor earlier iterations in the Haitian Revolution, much less later contributions by other Africans in the continent, are to be found routinely, if at all, in the annals of modern philosophy. In this essay, I bring to our awareness how African thinkers have domesticated the idea of freedom as a legacy of modernity in their world. This is one of the bodies of work that is obscured by the wall that I argue, in Against Decolonisation: Taking African Agency Seriously (Hurst Publishers, 2022), decolonizers have erected in their mistaking, wittingly or unwittingly, modernity for colonialism and/or Westernization.
Sociocultural perspectives on neurodiversity—An analysis, interpretation and synthesis of the basic terms, discourses and theoretical positions
Authors: Grummt Marek
Published: July 2024

The neurodiversity concept can now be found in many places. However, it is often misunderstood and many people are not aware of its complexity. The aim of this paper is to highlight the different facets of the term neurodiversity as well as the discourses around the neurodiversity movement in order to bring together the interconnections around identity politics, diversity and social disadvantage. This article is intended as a contribution to the advancement of neurodiversity studies, which could be understood as a branch of disability studies. Finally, it will be argued that neurodiversity can be understood (1) as a natural and equal diversity of neuronal structures, (2) as a concept of identity politics, (3) as social critique of hegemonic structures and practices, and (4) as a subject that can be examined systematically on the basis of a praxeological research methodology that integrates neurodiversity in the concept of performativity of embodied thought and action.
Allosensitisation in NHP results in cross‐reactive anti‐SLA antibodies not detected by a lymphocyte‐based flow cytometry crossmatch
Authors: Ladowski Joseph M. , Chapman Henry , DeLaura Isabel , Anwar Imran J. , Yoon Janghoon , Chen Zheng , Clark Adella , Chen DongFeng , Knechtle Stuart , Jackson Annette , Rogers Bruce , Kwun Jean
Published: July 2024

Xenotransplantation is a potential option for individuals for whom an acceptable human allograft is unavailable. Individuals with broadly reactive HLA antibodies due to prior exposure to foreign HLA are potential candidates for a clinical xenotransplant trial. It remains controversial if allosensitisation results in the development of cross‐reactive antibodies against SLA. This may require increased histocompatibility scrutiny for highly sensitised individuals prior to enrollment in a clinical trial. Serum samples were obtained from non‐human primates sensitised via serial skin transplantation from maximally MHC‐mismatched donor, as reported. Sera from pre‐ and post‐allosensitisation timepoints were assessed in a flow crossmatch (FXM) for IgM and IgG binding to pig splenocytes with or without red blood cell adsorption. Xenoreactive antibodies were eluted from pig splenocytes and screened on a single antigen HLA bead assay. A MHC Matchmaker algorithm was developed to predict potential conserved amino acid motifs among the pig, NHP, and human. Our sensitised NHP model was used to demonstrate that allosensitisation does not result in an appreciable difference in xenoreactive antibody binding in a cell‐based FXM. However, antibody elution and screening on single antigen HLA beads suggest the existence of potential cross‐reactive antibodies against SLA. The cross‐reactive IgG after allosensitisation were predicted by comparing the recipient Mamu alleles against its previous allograft donor Mamu alleles and the donor pig SLA alleles. Our study suggests that allosensitisation could elevate cross‐reactive antibodies, but a more sensitive assay than a cell‐based FXM is required to detect them. The MHC Matchmaker algorithm was developed as a potential tool to help determine amino acid motif conservation and reactivity pattern.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A*11:01:117 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: He Yizhen , Li Qi , Wang Fang , Chen Chen , Zhu Faming
Published: July 2024

HLA‐A*11:01:117 differs from HLA‐A*11:01:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 780 A>G.
Optimisation of global stem cell donor recruitment based on analysis of unsuccessful donor searches
Authors: Sauter Jürgen , Bernas Stefanie N. , Flaig Denis , Hofmann Jan A. , Maiers Martin , Foeken Lydia , Pingel Julia , Schmidt Alexander H.
Published: July 2024

Despite over 41 million registered potential volunteer stem cell donors worldwide, many patients in need of a transplant do not find an HLA‐matched unrelated donor or cord blood units, with the respective odds differing significantly between various populations. In this study, we analysed data of 2205 unsuccessful real‐life donor searches sent to the DKMS Registry to identify populations in which further donor recruitment would be associated with particularly large patient benefits. For that purpose, we estimated haplotype frequencies of 67 donor populations at various sample sizes and entered them into two different mathematical models. These models assessed patient benefits from population‐specific donor recruitment, operationalised by the number of originally unsuccessful searches that may become successful due to new donors. Consistently, across the different mathematical models and sample sizes, we obtained several countries from East and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines) and the population of Asians in the USA as countries/populations where donor recruitment activities would be particularly beneficial for patients. We also identified various countries in Southeast and Central Europe as possible target regions for donor recruitment with above‐average patient benefits. The results presented are registry‐specific in the sense that they were obtained by optimising unsuccessful searches that had been sent to the DKMS Registry. Therefore, it would be desirable to apply the presented methods to a global data set that includes all unsuccessful stem cell donor searches worldwide and uses population‐specific haplotype frequencies based on all donors available in the WMDA Search & Match Service.
Tribute to Peter Holmes and his statistical education achievements
Authors: Davies Neville , MacGillivray Helen
Published: July 2024

Peter Holmes, renowned teacher, statistical educator, and founding editor of this journal, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2024, age 86 years. Peter was one of the great UK pioneers of statistical education in the 20th and 21st centuries. He developed a reputation nationally and internationally for his teaching ability, innovative ideas for pedagogy, and resource creation for students and teachers in statistics. Many people benefitted from his skills and generosity of ideas, both in the United Kingdom and globally.
Prediabetes and the treatment outcome of tuberculosis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liang Lingbo , Su Qiaoli
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Diabetes has been related to higher risk and poor prognosis of patients with tuberculosis, while the influence of prediabetes on the treatment outcome of patients with tuberculosis remains not determined. A meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of prediabetes on treatment outcome of patients with tuberculosis.

Methods

Relevant cohort studies were acquired through a search of Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. To minimise the influence of between‐study heterogeneity, a randomised‐effects model was used to pool the results.

Results

Eight prospective cohort studies including 3001 patients with tuberculosis were available for the meta‐analysis. Among them, 752 (25.1%) were with prediabetes at baseline, and the patients were followed for a mean duration of 17.7 months. It was shown that compared to patients with normoglycemia, those with prediabetes were associated with a higher incidence of unfavourable treatment outcome (risk ratio [RR]: 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 1.96, p = 0.04; I2 = 56%). Subgroup analysis did not support that difference in study country (Asian or non‐Asian), diagnosis (pulmonary tuberculosis only or also with extrapulmonary tuberculosis), mean age, follow‐up duration, or study quality score had significant influence on the results (p for subgroup difference all >0.05). However, prediabetes at baseline was not associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality during follow‐up (RR: 1.59, 95% CI: 0.75 to 3.38, p = 0.23; I2 = 54%).

Conclusions

Patients with tuberculosis and prediabetes may have a higher risk of unfavourable treatment outcome compared to patients with normoglycemia.
Overexpression of FERONIA receptor kinase MdMRLK2 regulates lignin accumulation and enhances water use efficiency in apple under long‐term water deficit condition
Authors: Jing Yuanyuan , Pei Tingting , Zhang Shangyu , Li Chunrong , Zhan Minghui , Li Chao , Gong Xiaoqing , Mao Ke , Liu Changhai , Ma Fengwang
Published: July 2024

Water use efficiency (WUE) is crucial for apple tree fitness and survival, especially in response to climatic changes. The receptor‐like kinase FERONIA is reportedly an essential regulator of plant stress responses, but its role in regulating WUE under water deficit conditions is unclear. Here, we found that overexpressing the apple FERONIA receptor kinase gene, MdMRLK2, enhanced apple WUE under long‐term water deficit conditions. Under drought treatment, 35S::MdMRLK2 apple plants exhibited higher photosynthetic capacity and antioxidant enzyme activities than wild‐type (WT) plants. 35S::MdMRLK2 apple plants also showed increased biomass accumulation, root activity, and water potential compared to WT plants. Moreover, MdMRLK2 physically interacts with and phosphorylates cinnamoyl‐CoA reductase 1, MdCCR1, an enzyme essential for lignin synthesis, at position Ser260. This interaction likely contributed to increased vessel density, vascular cylinder area, and lignin content in 35S::MdMRLK2 apple plants under drought conditions. Therefore, our findings reveal a novel function of MdMRLK2 in regulating apple WUE under water deficit conditions.
Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Intake Closing Timing on Flow Field and Combustion Process in an Elliptical Rotary Engine
Authors: Yao Dasuo , Pei Yiqiang , Qin Jing , Wang Yingbo , Wang Tongjin
Published: July 2024

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of intake closing timing (ICT) on the flow field and combustion process in elliptical rotary engines. The model that can accurately describe the working process of the elliptical rotary engine was established, five kinds of ICTs were designed, and the influence of ICT on the flow field and combustion process was studied. The results show that the advance of the ICT can increase the intake mass flowrate and reduce the back flowrate, the volumetric efficiency is 86.1% at a 145-deg crank angle (°CA) before top dead center (BTDC), which is 7.6% higher than 125 °CA BTDC. The advance of the ICT improves the consumption speed, makes the combustion reaction more intense, and shortens the combustion time. When the ICT is 145 °CA BTDC, the crank angle when the burned mass fraction is 90% (CA90) is 19.4 °CA earlier than 125 °CA BTDC, the peak mass of hydroxy in a cylinder is 41.6% higher, and the peak pressure in a cylinder is 25.9% higher. With the advance of the ICT, the pressure and heat release in the cylinder are significantly increased, the peak temperature in the cylinder is increased, the rate of carbon monoxide generation is accelerated, and the mass of nitrogen oxide emission is significantly increased. However, advancing the ICT cannot improve the indicated thermal efficiency of the elliptical rotary engine. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the ICT of elliptical rotary engines.
High-Temperature Fatigue of Additively Manufactured Inconel 718: A Short Review
Authors: Alfred Samuel Onimpa , Amiri Mehdi
Published: July 2024

With the increasing interest in adopting additively manufactured (AM) IN718 for high-temperature applications, driven by the design and manufacturing flexibility offered by AM technologies, understanding its fatigue performance is crucial before full-scale adoption. This article reviews the recent literature on the high-temperature fatigue behavior of AM IN718. The review focuses on two primary stages of fatigue damage: fatigue crack initiation and fatigue crack growth. Notably, most existing studies have concentrated on fatigue crack initiation, and thus, this review emphasizes this aspect. In the fatigue crack initiation stage, discrepancies in low cycle fatigue (LCF) and high cycle fatigue (HCF) life performances are observed in the literature. Some studies have shown that the average room temperature fatigue life of AM IN718 is superior or comparable to that at high temperatures in the LCF regime. Conversely, in the HCF regime, high-temperature fatigue life is sometimes found to be superior to that at room temperature. However, other studies indicate no clear trend regarding the effect of temperature on the HCF life. Although various mechanisms have been proposed to either improve or degrade fatigue performance across the LCF, HCF, and very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regimes, the underlying reasons for the distinct behaviors in these regimes remain unclear. Competing mechanisms, such as surface oxide formation and thermally driven dislocations glide, can potentially enhance or reduce fatigue life. However, the interaction and control of these mechanisms over the fatigue strength of AM IN718 are not yet fully understood. Systematic studies are required to elucidate their roles in high-temperature fatigue. Microstructural investigations have suggested that controlling the formation and precipitation of deleterious secondary phases is crucial for tailoring the high-temperature fatigue strength of AM IN718. Therefore, it is imperative to design heat treatment protocols informed by a comprehensive understanding of phase formation kinetics to improve the high-temperature fatigue performance of AM IN718 compared to their traditionally manufactured counterparts. This is particularly important for IN718 parts manufactured using directed energy deposition technology, which currently lacks standardized heat treatment procedures. The review also identifies open research areas and provides recommendations for future work to address these gaps.
Effect of Friction on Critical Cutting Depth for Ductile–Brittle Transition in Material Removal Mechanism
Authors: Airao Jay , Malekan Mohammad , Budzik Michal , Aghababaei Ramin
Published: July 2024

The material removal process takes place due to phenomena such as plastic deformation and brittle fracture. A long continuous chip is formed when the plastic deformation dominates, whereas a fracture-induced discontinuous chip is formed when the brittle fracture dominates. The means of material removal changes at a certain cutting depth for a particular material, the so-called transition depth of cut (TDoC). This article aims to predict the TDoC while including the effect of friction between the tool and workpiece. We propose a modification to a recently developed model (Aghababaei et al., 2021, “Cutting Depth Dictates the Transition From Continuous to Segmented Chip Formation,” Phy. Rev. Lett., 127(23), pp. 235502) to incorporate the effect of friction. The model predicts a transitional depth of cut as a function of tool geometry, material properties, and friction. The model is supported by performing orthogonal cutting experiments on different polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyoxymethylene (POM), and polycarbonate (PC). The model is also compared with existing models in the literature, where an improvement in the prediction of TDoC is shown. Moreover, the effect of the friction coefficient and rake angle on the TDoC is discussed. The results show that transitional cutting depth is reduced by increasing the friction coefficient. Alternatively, the TDoC reaches its maximum at an optimum rake angle, which is a function of the specific material being cut. The model aids in accurately predicting the TDoC, a crucial factor for optimizing various material removal processes.
A taxonomy of magnetostatic field lines
Authors: Franklin Joel , Griffiths David , Schroeter Darrell
Published: July 2024

Contrary to widespread belief, magnetostatic field lines do not ordinarily form closed loops. Why, then, are they in fact closed for so many familiar examples? What other topologies are possible, and what current configurations generate them?
Effect of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Maximal Intensity Exercise in Trained Young Male Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Georgiou George D. , Antoniou Kyriaki , Antoniou Stephanie , Michelekaki Eleni Anna , Zare Reza , Ali Redha Ali , Prokopidis Konstantinos , Christodoulides Efstathios , Clifford Tom
Published: July 2024

Beta-alanine is a nonessential amino acid that is commonly used to improve exercise performance. It could influence the buffering of hydrogen ions produced during intense exercise and delay fatigue, providing a substrate for increased synthesis of intramuscular carnosine. This systematic review evaluates the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on maximal intensity exercise in trained, young, male individuals. Six databases were searched on August 10, 2023, to identify randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials investigating the effect of chronic beta-alanine supplementation in trained male individuals with an age range of 18–40 years. Studies evaluating exercise performance through maximal or supramaximal intensity efforts falling within the 0.5–10 min duration were included. A total of 18 individual studies were analyzed, employing 18 exercise test protocols and 15 outcome measures in 331 participants. A significant (p = .01) result was observed with an overall effect size of 0.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.09, 0.69]), in favor of beta-alanine supplementation versus placebo. Results indicate significant effects at 4 weeks of supplementation, effect size 0.34 (95% CI [0.02, 0.67], p = .04); 4–10 min of maximal effort, effect size 0.55 (95% CI [0.07, 1.04], p = .03); and a high beta-alanine dosage of 5.6–6.4 g per day, effect size 0.35 (95% CI [0.09, 0.62], p = .009). The results provide insights into which exercise modality will benefit the most, and which dosage protocols and durations stand to provide the greatest ergogenic effects. This may be used to inform further research, and professional or recreational training design, and optimization of supplementation strategies.
A Change-Point Method to Detect Meaningful Change in Return-to-Sport Progression in Athletes
Authors: Yung Kate K. , Teune Ben , Ardern Clare L. , Serpiello Fabio R. , Robertson Sam
Published: July 2024

Purpose: To explore how the change-point method can be used to analyze complex longitudinal data and detect when meaningful changes (change points) have occurred during rehabilitation. Method: This design is a prospective single-case observational study of a football player in a professional club who sustained an acute lower-limb muscle injury during high-speed running in training. The rehabilitation program was entirely completed in the football club under the supervision of the club’s medical team. Four wellness metrics and 5 running-performance metrics were collected before the injury and until the player returned to play. Results: Data were collected over 130 days. In the univariate analysis, the change points for stress, sleep, mood, and soreness were located on days 30, 47, 50, and 50, respectively. The change points for total distance, acceleration, maximum speed, deceleration, and high-speed running were located on days 32, 34, 37, 41, and 41, respectively. The multivariate analysis resulted in a single change point for the wellness metrics and running-performance metrics, on days 50 and 67, respectively. Conclusions: The univariate approach provided information regarding the sequence and time point of the change points. The multivariate approach provided a common change point for multiple metrics, information that would benefit clinicians to have a broad overview of the changes in the rehabilitation process. Clinicians may consider the change-point method to integrate and visualize data from multiple sources to evaluate athletes’ progression along the return-to-sport continuum.
Predicting Future Athletic Performance in Young Female Road Cyclists Based on Aerobic Fitness and Hematological Variables
Authors: Sitkowski Dariusz , Malczewska-Lenczowska Jadwiga , Zdanowicz Ryszard , Starczewski Michał , Pokrywka Andrzej , Żmijewski Piotr , Faiss Raphael
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether the initial levels of aerobic fitness and hematological variables in young female road cyclists are related to their athletic performance development during their careers. Methods: Results of graded exercise tests on a cycle ergometer and total hemoglobin mass (tHb-mass) measurements were analyzed in 34 female road cyclists (age 18.6 [1.9] y). Among them, 2 groups were distinguished based on their competitive performance (Union Cycliste Internationale world ranking) over the following 8 years. Areas under the curve in receiver-operating-characteristic curves were calculated as indicators of elite-performance prediction. Results: Initial graded exercise test variables (peak power, peak oxygen uptake, and power at 4 mmol/L blood lactate) were not significantly different in elite (n = 13) versus nonelite (n = 21) riders. In contrast, elite riders had higher tHb-mass expressed either in absolute measures (664 [75] vs 596 [59] g, P = .006) or normalized to body mass (11.2 [0.8] vs 10.3 [0.7] g/kg, P = .001) and fat-free mass (14.4 [0.9] vs 13.1 [0.9] g/kg, P < .001). Absolute and relative erythrocyte volumes were significantly higher in elite subjects (P ranged from < .001 to .006). Of all the variables analyzed, the relative tHb-mass had the highest predictive ability to reach the elite level (area under the curve ranged from .82 to .85). Conclusion: Measurement of tHb-mass can be a helpful tool in talent detection to identify young female road cyclists with the potential to reach the elite level in the future.
Athletic Performance Decline Over the Life Span: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses of Elite and Masters Track-and-Field Data
Authors: Pfeifer Brandon , Nelson W. Bradley , Hyldahl Robert D.
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Loss of muscle power has a significant impact on mobility in geriatric populations, so this study sought to determine the extent and time course of performance decline in power-centric events throughout the life span via retrospective analyses of masters and elite track-and-field data. Methods: Four track-and-field events were selected based on maximal power output: the 100-m dash, long jump, high jump, and triple jump. Elite and masters athlete data were gathered from the World Masters Outdoor Championships and the International Amateur Athletic Federation World Athletics Championships (17,945 individual results). Data were analyzed by fitting individual and group results to quadratic and linear models. Results: Average age of peak performance in all events was 27.8 (0.8) years for men and 28.3 (0.8) years for women. Athlete performance decline best matched a linear model for the 5 years following peak performance (mean R2 = .68 [.20]) and for ages 35–60, but best matched a quadratic model for ages 60–90 and 35–90 (mean R2 = .75 [.12]). The average rate of decline for the masters data ages 35–60 ranged from 0.55% per year for men’s 100-m dash to 1.04% per year for women’s long jump. A significant age × sex interaction existed between men and women, with men declining faster throughout life in all events except the 100-m dash. Conclusions: Performance decline begins in the early 30s and is linear through middle age. This pattern of decline provides a basis for further research on power-decline pathophysiology and preventive measures starting in the 30s.
Test–Retest Reliability and Usefulness of a Foot–Ankle Rebound-Jump Test for Measuring Foot–Ankle Reactive Strength in Athletes
Authors: Tourillon Romain , Fourchet François , Edouard Pascal , Morin Jean-Benoît
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the test–retest reliability and usefulness of the foot–ankle rebound-jump test (FARJT) for measuring foot–ankle reactive strength metrics in athletes. Methods: Thirty-six highly trained, healthy athletes (5 female; 21.5 [3.9] y; 1.80 [0.10] m; 72.7 [10.4] kg) performed 8 repeated bilateral vertical foot–ankle rebound jumps on 2 testing days. Testing days were 1 week apart, and these sessions were preceded by a familiarization session. Reactive strength metrics were calculated by dividing jump height (in meters) by contact time (in seconds) for the reactive strength index (RSI) and flight time (in seconds) by contact time (in seconds) for the reactive strength ratio (RSR). The mean of 4 jumps (excluding the first and last 2 jumps) on each testing session were considered for RSI and RSR reliability and usefulness analysis. Results: We found a high reliability of the FARJT for RSI (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > .90 and coefficient of variation [CV] = 12%) and RSR (ICC ≥ .90 and CV = 8%). Regarding their usefulness, both RSI and RSR were rated as “marginal” in detecting the smallest worthwhile change (typical error > smallest worthwhile change) and “good” in detecting a moderate change in performance. Conclusions: The results showed that a FARJT is a highly reliable test for measuring foot–ankle reactive strength in athletes and useful for quantifying changes, for example, following a training block. However, its usefulness as an accurate daily or weekly monitoring tool in practice is questionable.
Caffeine Abstinence in Habituated Users: Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction
Authors: Chatlaong Matthew A. , Carter Daphney M. , Miller William M. , Davidson Chance J. , Jessee Matthew B.
Published: July 2024

Context: Blood flow restriction resistance exercise studies often require caffeine abstinence to avoid cardiovascular effects that could change the blood flow restriction stimulus. However, effects may be attenuated for habituated users. Objective: To compare cardiovascular responses to blood flow restriction resistance exercise when habituated users consume or abstain from caffeine. Design: Thirty participants completed a 3-visit within-subject study beginning with familiarization and caffeine intake questionnaire. Methods: Visits 2 and 3 consisted of blood flow restriction resistance exercise (3 sets bicep curls to failure, 30% 1-repetition max, 40% arterial occlusion pressure [AOP]), following participants’ normal caffeine consumption (CAFF) or abstaining (ABS). AOP, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and heart rate were measured preexercise and postexercise. Prevalues and preexercise to postexercise change scores for SBP, DBP, AOP (all millimeters of mercury), heart rate (in beats per minute), and repetitions were compared between conditions. Results are represented as mean (SD). Results: Preexercise AOP was similar for CAFF (137.8 [14.4]) and ABS (137.1 [14.9], BF10 = 0.2), although pre-SBP was higher for CAFF (115.4 [9.8]) than ABS (112.3 [9.4], BF10 = 1.9). Pre-DBP was similar between conditions. The exercise-induced change in AOP was greater for CAFF (18.4 [11.2]) than ABS (13.2 [14.9]), though evidence was anecdotal (BF10 = 0.7). Exercise-induced changes in SBP, DBP, and heart rate were similar between conditions (all BF10 ≤ 0.40). More repetitions were completed for CAFF (63 [26]) than ABS (57 [17], BF10 = 2.1). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that for habituated users, maintaining daily caffeine habits will not have substantial effects on common cardiovascular variables relevant to blood flow restriction.
Test–Retest Reliability and Visual Perturbation Performance Costs During 2 Reactive Agility Tasks
Authors: Smith Ellen M. , Sherman David A. , Duncan Samantha , Murray Andy , Chaput Meredith , Murray Amanda , Bazett-Jones David M. , Norte Grant E.
Published: July 2024

Context: High secondary injury rates after orthopedic surgeries have motivated concern toward the construct validity of return-to-sport test batteries, as it is evident that common strength and functional assessments fail to elicit pertinent behaviors like visual search and reactive decision making. This study aimed to establish the test–retest reliability of 2 reactive agility tasks and evaluate the impact of visual perturbation on physical performance. Methods: Fourteen physically active individuals completed 2 agility tasks with reaction time (ie, 4 corner agility), working memory, and pathfinding (ie, color recall) components. Participants completed both tasks 4 times in 2 sessions scheduled 7 days apart. Outcomes included performance metrics of reaction time, time to target, number of targets, and total time assessed with reactive training timing gates. To assess test–retest reliability, we used intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Stroboscopic goggles induced visual perturbation during the fourth trial of each task. To assess the effect of visual perturbation, we used paired t tests and calculated performance costs. Results: The 4-corner agility task demonstrated excellent reliability with respect to reaction time (ICC3,1 = .907, SEM = 0.13, MDC = 0.35 s); time to light (ICC3,1 = .935, SEM = 0.07, MDC = 0.18 s); and number of lights (ICC3,1 = .800, SEM = 0.24, MDC = 0.66 lights). The color recall task demonstrated good-to-excellent test–retest reliability for time to lights (ICC3,1 = .818–.953, SEM = 0.07–0.27, MDC = 0.19–0.74 s); test time (ICC3,1 = .969, SEM = 5.43, MDC = 15.04 s); and errors (ICC3,1 = .882, SEM = 0.19, MDC = 0.53 errors). Visual perturbation resulted in increased time to target (P = .022–.011), number of targets (P = .039), and total test time (P = .013) representing moderate magnitude degradation of performance (d = 0.55–0.87, performance costs = 5%–12%). Conclusions: Both tasks demonstrated acceptable test–retest reliability. Performance degraded on both tasks with the presence of visual perturbation. These results suggest standardized reactive agility tasks are reliable and could be developed as components of dynamic RTS testing.
Exploring Recess Policies and Practices in Middle Schools: A School Leadership Perspective
Authors: Olsen Edward B. , Wyant James D. , Tsuda Emi , Kim Kyoung , Weiser Mia , Embry Colin , Di lusto Joseph , Koch John , Omar Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study explored school administrators’ perceptions and experiences in planning and implementing recess policies and practices in New Jersey middle schools. Method: A total of 168 surveys and 19 semistructured interviews were conducted on school administrators. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Semistructured interviews were analyzed using a phronetic iterative approach. Results: Phase 1 results showed that the participants supported and could offer recess. Major barriers included time demands and scheduling conflicts. The results of Phase 2 represented four themes: (a) the importance and benefits of middle school recess, (b) recess operation, (c) issues associated with middle school recess, and (d) resources to improve middle school recess. Conclusions: Professional development, stakeholder input, recess committees, recess plans and schedules, fundraisers/budgets, and laws are critical for planning and implementing recess policies and practices at the middle school level.