bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geometrical and chemical effects of water diffusion in silicate gels: Molecular dynamics and random walk simulations
Authors: Hatori Takuma , Matsubara Ryuta , Inagaki Yaohiro , Ishida Keisuke , Ohkubo Takahiro 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUnderstanding mass transport in the alteration layers of glass surfaces is a crucial component of the safety assessment of nuclear waste glass. In this work, we model such an alteration layer as a silicate gel with water through a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation with a reactive force field. Gels with various water contents (WCs) ranging from 5.1 to are produced via high‐temperature annealing with water and silica. It is found that an increase in the water content destroys the polymerized structure of the silicate network and promotes the formation of silanol groups. The pore size and water connectivity formed by the silicate networks are investigated for the modeled gels. Gel with a WC of is composed of isolated water in the pores; in contrast, pores filled with interconnected water are formed in gel with a WC of . The water diffusivity in the modeled gel is calculated using the mean‐squared displacement at various temperatures. An attempt is made to formulate a linear relationship between the water diffusivity and porosity derived from the MD simulation. The porosity is calculated using a probe atom with a radius, which was optimized from a linear relationship between the water diffusivity and porosity. This approach successfully explains the water diffusivity in terms of the porosity. Random walk (RW) simulations for the structures derived from the MD simulations are performed to determine the geometrical effects of the pores. The diffusivity obtained from RW simulation is compared with the results of the MD simulations, which include chemical interactions such as the formation and breakage of hydrogen bonds. This comparison highlights how geometrical effects and chemical interactions contribute to water diffusivity depending on the WC.
Free‐standing 0.9Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐0.1Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 thick films produced by water‐based tape‐casting method
Authors: Dunce Marija , Plyushch Artyom , Birks Eriks , Svirskas Šarūnas , Banys Jūras , Jankauskas Paulius , Bikse Liga , Atvars Arturs , Freimanis Otto , Leimane Madara , Bundulis Arturs 
Published: June 2024

Abstract(1‐x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐xSr1‐1.5yBiyTiO3 solid solutions attract increased interest as lead‐free ferroelectrics perspective for sensors, actuators, and energy storage applications. However, thick films of this composition are of great demand, as they could serve as a good compromise between the bulk ceramics and thin films—due to the advantage in realization of miniaturized devices without reducing the power and sensitivity of target devices, as in the case of thin films, and ability to accommodate application of much higher electric fields compared to bulk ceramics. In the present research, for the first time, we have produced free‐standing 0.9Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐0.1Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 thick films by water‐based tape‐casting method, using just two organic chemicals, which is an eco‐friendly production approach having only several successful attempts in the case of ferroelectric materials before. We conducted a detailed study focusing on development of microstructure at various sintering temperatures and consequences of evaporation of Bi during the production. Our findings show how the choice of the sintering temperature can help in improvement of density of the thick films, reaching 98.9%, and changing the grain size. It is demonstrated that a secondary phase appears predominantly on the free surface of the films. We propose a method for effective minimization of its formation—by the choice of appropriate embedding powder media during the sintering.
Squiggle Game, from a Psychotherapy to an Educational Creativity Method. Drawing and Designing Together
Authors: Chevalier Julie , Terrien Pascal , Bonnet Christian , Gimenez Guy , Poplimont Christine , Tortochot Éric 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe paper presents an experiment with a squiggle game in a design class: a joint drawing activity. The squiggle game, which comes from psychoanalysis, has been adapted to a teaching‐learning situation in order to observe how graphic design practices and skills develop through creativity. The hypothesis is that the game impacts the training of participants, including teachers, by developing their creativity through the co‐construction that occurs between them. A qualitative methodology based on activity theory has been set up, consisting of two phases of experimentation in a vocational training class in France. The results are based on a semiotic and cognitive analysis of the drawing activity through its components and the participants' discourse about their drawings during self‐confrontations. The discussion creates a dialogue between several research paradigms in educational sciences, psychology, and psychoanalysis within artistic disciplines. It leads to the identification of four creativity methods that impact the teaching‐learning processes generated by the squiggle game: the game of abstract random drawing in pairs; the figurative patterns sought through combinations of strokes (complementation); opposition between very strong former and current routines of drawing or behaviours; and rebounding from the other's prompts towards new dynamics.
Tag SNP selection for prediction of adaptation traits in Braford and Hereford cattle using Bayesian methods
Authors: Reimann Fernando A. , Campos Gabriel S. , Junqueira Vinícius S. , Comin Helena B. , Sollero Bruna P. , Cardoso Leandro L. , da Costa Rodrigo F. , Boligon Arione A. , Yokoo Marcos J. , Cardoso Fernando F. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study utilized Bayesian inference in a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic markers associated with traits relevant to the adaptation of Hereford and Braford cattle breeds. We focused on eye pigmentation (EP), weaning hair coat (WHC), yearling hair coat (YHC), and breeding standard (BS). Our dataset comprised 126,290 animals in the pedigree. Out of these, 233 sires were genotyped using high‐density (HD) chips, and 3750 animals with medium‐density (50 K) single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips. Employing the Bayes B method with a prior probability of π = 0.99, we identified and tagged single nucleotide polymorphisms (Tag SNPs), ranging from 18 to 117 SNPs depending on the trait. These Tag SNPs facilitated the construction of reduced SNP panels. We then evaluated the predictive accuracy of these panels in comparison to traditional medium‐density SNP chips. The accuracy of genomic predictions using these reduced panels varied significantly depending on the clustering method, ranging from 0.13 to 0.65. Additionally, we conducted functional enrichment analysis that found genes associated with the most informative SNP markers in the current study, thereby providing biological insights into the genomic basis of these traits.
Liposome nanoparticle conjugation and cell penetrating peptide sequences (CPPs) enhance the cellular delivery of the tau aggregation inhibitor RI‐AG03
Authors: Reich Niklas , Parkin Edward , Dawson Neil 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGiven the pathological role of Tau aggregation in Alzheimer's disease (AD), our laboratory previously developed the novel Tau aggregation inhibitor peptide, RI‐AG03. As Tau aggregates accumulate intracellularly, it is essential that the peptide can traverse the cell membrane. Here we examine the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of RI‐AG03, in both a free and liposome‐conjugated form. We also characterize the impact of adding the cell‐penetrating peptide (CPP) sequences, polyarginine (polyR) or transactivator of transcription (TAT), to RI‐AG03. Our data show that liposome conjugation of CPP containing RI‐AG03 peptides, with either the polyR or TAT sequence, increased cellular liposome association three‐fold. Inhibition of macropinocytosis modestly reduced the uptake of unconjugated and RI‐AG03‐polyR‐linked liposomes, while having no effect on RI‐AG03‐TAT‐conjugated liposome uptake. Further supporting macropinocytosis‐mediated internalization, a ‘fair’ co‐localisation of the free and liposome‐conjugated RI‐AG03‐polyR peptide with macropinosomes and lysosomes was observed. Interestingly, we also demonstrate that RI‐AG03‐polyR detaches from liposomes following cellular uptake, thereby largely evading organellar entrapment. Collectively, our data indicate that direct membrane penetration and macropinocytosis are key routes for the internalization of liposomes conjugated with CPP containing RI‐AG03. Our study also demonstrates that peptide‐liposomes are suitable nanocarriers for the cellular delivery of RI‐AG03, furthering their potential use in targeting Tau pathology in AD.
Shifting paradigms: A collective and structural strategy for addressing healthcare inequity
Authors: Monteiro Sandra , Acai Anita , Kahlke Renate , Chan Teresa M. , Sukhera Javeed 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHealthcare inequity is a persistent systemic problem, yet many solutions have historically focused on “debiasing” individuals. Individualistic strategies fit within a competency‐based medical education and assessment paradigm, whereby professional values of social accountability, patient safety, and healthcare equity are linked to an individual clinician's competence. Unfortunately, efforts to realise the conceptual linkages between medical education curricula and goals to improve healthcare equity fail to address the institutional values, policies, and practices that enable structural racism. In this article, we explore alternative approaches that target collective and structural causes of health inequity. We first describe the structural basis of healthcare inequity by identifying the ways in which institutional culture, power and privilege erode patient‐centred care and contribute to epistemic injustice. We then outline some reasons that stereotypes, which are a culturally supported foundation for discrimination, bias and racism in healthcare, cannot be modified effectively through individualistic strategies or education curricula. Finally, we propose a model that centres shared values for leadership by individuals and institutions with consistency in goal setting, knowledge translation, and talent development. Figure 1 summarises the key recommendations. We have provided cases to supplement this work and facilitate discussion about the model's application to practice.
Embryonic and larval development of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and its sensitivity to incubation temperature
Authors: Fraz Shamaila , Laframboise Lisa , Manzon Richard , Somers Christopher M. , Wilson Joanna Y. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe ontogenetic development in teleost fish is sensitive to temperature, and the developmental rate has a direct relationship with the environmental temperature within a species' thermal tolerance limit. Temperature determines time to and survival at hatching. Yellow perch is a North American species of ecological and commercial importance, and its phenology is vulnerable to climate change. The embryonic development of yellow perch was comparable to closely related members of the family Percidae. Developmental progression was fastest at 18°C and slowest at 12°C, with medial progression at 15°C. Time to hatch and swim‐up, feeding onset, and exogenous feeding phases were different across all incubation temperatures regardless of a gradual post‐hatch warming of the 12 and 15°C groups to a common garden temperature of 18°C. Incubation temperature may lower the rate of survival to hatch at 15°C and had complex impacts on developmental abnormalities. Temperature had significant effects on the development rate, time of hatch, survival, and incidence of developmental abnormalities. Early ontogenetic thermal history in ectotherms is an important factor determining phenotypic variation. It will be important to link the thermally induced changes in development described here to the physiological and morphological differences and to link the developmental abnormalities to functional performance.
Sustainability‐informed dietetics education: key messages for educators and national dietetics associations
Authors: Browne Sarah , Corish Clare , Nordin Stacia , Carlsson Liesel 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundDietetics curricula currently fail to meet the educational needs of the future dietetic workforce to contribute expertise in sustainable, healthy food systems in the settings in which dietitians work. A ‘Global Networking Event on Sustainable Food Systems in Nutrition and Dietetics Education’ was held in June 2023 with the goals of building relationships among international stakeholders and informing the development of shared curricula.MethodsPlenary lectures, panels and roundtable discussions were held over 2 days, designed to provide the background required to generate informed actions. Topics included recent research from practice and education, competency standards and relevant policy documents, examples from the field, ‘big questions’ about scope and student perspectives. Key messages were summarised thematically to inform educators and national dietetics associations.ResultsFifty‐five delegates attended from 11 nations representing education, research, dietetic associations, industry and diverse practice backgrounds. Key priorities identified for educators included co‐development of curricular frameworks and pedagogical theory, practical training supports and solutions to limited time and expertise. Key recommendations for national dietetics associations included strategic promotion of sustainable food systems in dietetic roles and practical supports.ConclusionsOutcomes are anticipated to stimulate ongoing discussion, collaboration and actions on sustainable food systems education within the dietetics profession leading to shared curricular models and supports.
Cocreating eating disorder education solutions: A design thinking approach to dietetics curricula in Australia
Authors: Heafala Alana , Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn , Ball Lauren , Mitchell Lana J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundAs the prevalence of eating disorders continues to increase, there is an urgent need to equip the emerging dietetics workforce to provide care to this growing population. The present study aimed to describe a five‐step design thinking process that was applied to brainstorm ideas and develop and test solutions for consideration in the future.MethodsA pragmatic, five‐step design thinking approach was used during a 1‐day, in‐person design thinking retreat. Purposive sampling was used to identify key stakeholders, including subject matter, learning and teaching, as well as lived experience experts, dietetics students and recent graduates. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse brainstormed and design solution ideas.ResultsSeventeen participants attended the design thinking retreat in April 2023. Four education prototypes were developed and tested by stakeholders including: (1) a change to accreditation requirements for dietetics curricula; (2) a multimodal learning package for penultimate year students; (3) embedding disordered eating and eating disorder content into existing curriculum and upskilling educators; and (4) codesigning an eating disorder module.ConclusionsThe design thinking retreat engaged a variety of stakeholders in curriculum design resulting in an array of prototype approaches that aimed to embed eating disorder content into university curricula. Further research is needed to test the prototypes and understand what impact this has on dietetics students' feelings of preparedness to provide care to people seeking this support.
Association between telomere length and anorexia of ageing: a cross‐sectional study conducted with community‐dwelling older people
Authors: Vieira Ricardo Antônio , Nunes Daniella Pires , Lima Daniela Braga , Rocha Greiciane da Silva , Corona Ligiana Pires , Santos‐Orlandi Ariene Angelini dos , Sampaio Eliza de Souza , Rodrigues Priscila Cristina de Oliveira Garcia , de Brito Tábatta Renata Pereira 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo verify whether shorter telomere length is associated with anorexia of ageing in community‐dwelling older people.MethodsConducted as a cross‐sectional investigation, the study enrolled 448 participants residing in an urban area of a municipality in Brazil. Relative telomere length in blood samples was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), whereas the presence of anorexia of ageing was determined using the Simplified Appetite Nutritional Questionnaire. Data analysis employed multiple logistic regression.ResultsAmong the 448 older individuals surveyed, 70.69% were female, and the predominant age bracket ranged from 60 to 69 years (45.08%). Approximately 25% exhibited the shortest telomeric length, with a corresponding anorexia of ageing prevalence of 41.16%. Older individuals with diminished telomere lengths displayed an increased likelihood of experiencing anorexia of ageing (odds ratio [OR] = 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12–3.29), independent of factors such as gender, age group, depressive symptoms, pain and performance in basic daily life activities.ConclusionsThe observed association between anorexia of ageing and a telomeric biomarker underscores the imperative to meticulously evaluate the nutritional dimensions of older people, with a view to implementing interventions that may enhance their overall health status.
A comparison of fixation and immunofluorescence protocols for successful reproducibility and improved signal in human left ventricle cardiac tissue
Authors: Taper Matthew , Carrington Glenn , Peckham Michelle , Lal Sean , Hume Robert D. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractImmunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) are crucial techniques for studying cardiac physiology and disease. The accuracy of these techniques is dependent on various aspects of sample preparation and processing. However, standardised protocols for sample preparation of tissues, particularly for fresh‐frozen human left ventricle (LV) tissue, have yet to be established and could potentially lead to differences in staining and interpretation. Thus, this study aimed to optimise the reproducibility and quality of IF staining in fresh‐frozen human LV tissue by systematically investigating crucial aspects of the sample preparation process. To achieve this, we subjected fresh‐frozen human LV tissue to different fixation protocols, primary antibody incubation temperatures, antibody penetration reagents, and fluorescent probes. We found that neutral buffered formalin fixation reduced image artefacts and improved antibody specificity compared to both methanol and acetone fixation. Additionally, incubating primary antibodies at 37°C for 3 h improved fluorescence intensity compared to the commonly practised 4°C overnight incubation. Furthermore, we found that DeepLabel, an antibody penetration reagent, and smaller probes, such as fragmented antibodies and Affimers, improved the visualisation depth of cardiac structures. DeepLabel also improved antibody penetration in CUBIC cleared thick LV tissue fragments. Thus, our data underscores the importance of standardised protocols in IF staining and provides various means of improving staining quality. In addition to contributing to cardiac research by providing methodologies for IF, the findings and processes presented herein also establish a framework by which staining of other tissues may be optimised.
Restoring function to inactivating G protein‐coupled receptor variants in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis1
Authors: Radomsky Tarryn , Anderson Ross C. , Millar Robert P. , Newton Claire L. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractG protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are central to the functioning of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG axis) and include the rhodopsin‐like GPCR family members, neurokinin 3 receptor, kappa‐opioid receptor, kisspeptin 1 receptor, gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptor, and the gonadotropin receptors, luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor and follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor. Unsurprisingly, inactivating variants of these receptors have been implicated in a spectrum of reproductive phenotypes, including failure to undergo puberty, and infertility. Clinical induction of puberty in patients harbouring such variants is possible, but restoration of fertility is not always a realisable outcome, particularly for those patients suffering from primary hypogonadism. Thus, novel pharmaceuticals and/or a fundamental change in approach to treating these patients are required. The increasing wealth of data describing the effects of coding‐region genetic variants on GPCR function has highlighted that the majority appear to be dysfunctional as a result of misfolding of the encoded receptor protein, which, in turn, results in impaired receptor trafficking through the secretory pathway to the cell surface. As such, these intracellularly retained receptors may be amenable to ‘rescue’ using a pharmacological chaperone (PC)‐based approach. PCs are small, cell permeant molecules hypothesised to interact with misfolded intracellularly retained proteins, stabilising their folding and promoting their trafficking through the secretory pathway. In support of the use of this approach as a viable therapeutic option, it has been observed that many rescued variant GPCRs retain at least a degree of functionality when ‘rescued’ to the cell surface. In this review, we examine the GPCR PC research landscape, focussing on the rescue of inactivating variant GPCRs with important roles in the HPG axis, and describe what is known regarding the mechanisms by which PCs restore trafficking and function. We also discuss some of the merits and obstacles associated with taking this approach forward into a clinical setting.
The effects of enoxaparin treatment in a xenograft mouse model of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A pilot study
Authors: Ekici Yeliz , Soluk‐Tekkesin Merva , Küçüksezer Umut Can , Celebioglu Hazal Banu Olgun , Tuncer Erman Bulent , Bedeloglu Elcin , Tuncer Feyza Nur 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies suggest that enoxaparin may have therapeutic effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma. We aimed to assess this effect utilizing xenograft mouse model through evaluations of proliferation and angiogenesis markers at the RNA and protein levels.MethodsMice were divided into enoxaparin treatment (n = 4), positive control (n = 4) and negative control (n = 3) groups. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed utilizing Bcl‐2, Bax and Ki‐67 antibodies. Expression levels of proliferation and apoptosis related genes were calculated utilizing qRT‐PCR. Time‐dependent proliferation assays were performed in OSC‐19 and HEK293 cell‐lines.ResultsBax antibody showed positive staining in the cytoplasm and nuclei of tumor cells, while Bcl‐2 antibody displayed staining only in the cytoplasm. A proliferation index of 15%–20% was found in all groups with the Ki‐67 marker indicating no metastasis. Enoxaparin treatment caused decrease in BCL2, BAX and CCNB1 genes' expressions. Compared to HEK293, proliferation assays demonstrated higher division rates in OSC‐19 with a significant decrease in viability after 96 h.ConclusionReduced BCL‐2 expression indicates a regression of tumor growth, but reduced BAX expression is not correlated with increased apoptosis. Despite the aggressive nature of OSC‐19, our results showed a low cell viability with a high division rate when compared with the control HEK293. This paralleled our in vivo findings that showed absence of lymph node metastasis across all mice groups. This discrepancy with the literature suggests that further investigations of the underlying mechanisms and protein‐level analyses are needed to draw definitive conclusions about the effect of enoxaparin on OSC‐19 behavior.