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Bolting time is a critical trait that affects crop yield, adaptability, and overall productivity, making its regulation vital for agricultural success. In this study, we explored the genetic mechanisms controlling flowering time in radish (Raphanus sativus) via a combination of quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and genome-wide association study (GWAS). By developing an F2 population from a cross between the relatively late-bolting variety ‘L432’ and the early-bolting variety ‘L285’, we identified 12 QTLs associated with bolting time. Furthermore, a GWAS performed on 60 East Asian radish accessions revealed 14 candidate genes potentially involved in flowering and bolting regulation. FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC2) was the major candidate gene explaining the early and late bolting types. One locus was commonly detected from QTL and GWAS on chromosome 4, where CONSTANS-like (COL4) is located. To validate these findings, SNP markers were designed and applied to F2 populations, revealing a correlation between marker presence and bolting phenotypes. These results offer valuable insights into the molecular control of bolting time in radish and identify candidate genes for use in marker-assisted breeding. These findings could enhance breeding efforts for optimizing bolting time in various radish markets.

Background: Delivery workers repeatedly get in and out of trucks and walk or run to deliver packages during work. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a well-known non-traumatic overuse injury of the lateral side of the knee caused by frequent knee flexion and extension. Hip muscle strength is among the factors that prevent lower extremity injuries. Although many studies have examined the relationship between ITBS and hip muscle strengths, there was no study comparing hip muscle strength and ratio between delivery workers with and without ITBS. Objects: This study aimed to compare hip muscle strength and hip internal/external rotator and adductor/abductor strength ratios between delivery workers with and without ITBS. Methods: Fourteen delivery workers with ITBS matched inclusion criteria in the present study among 20 participants. Because total sample size was required 28 subjects by G*power program (ver. 3.1.9.4; University of Trier), 14 delivery workers without ITBS were recruited. Hip muscle strengths were measured in a side-lying position using a Smart KEMA pulling sensor (KOREATECH Co. Ltd.). An independent t-test was used to compare hip muscle strengths and hip internal/external rotator and hip adductor/abductor strength ratios between delivery workers with and without ITBS. Results: The adductor/abductor strength ratio was significantly greater in delivery workers without ITBS than in those with ITBS (p < 0.05). The strengths of the hip abductor, hip adductor, hip internal rotator, hip external rotator, and the ratio of internal/external rotator strengths were not significantly different between the delivery workers with and without ITBS (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study’s findings showed that delivery workers with ITBS had significantly lesser adductor/abductor strength ratio, while the strengths of the hip abductor and adductor muscles did not differ significantly. These results suggest that adductor/abductor strength ratio should be considered when evaluating and treating ITBS in delivery workers.

Conventional OPAs incorporating a diffraction grating were mainly developed to achieve a two-dimensional spot beam-based scan, which inevitably requires a wide range of wavelength tuning, leading to unaffordable complexity and limited scanning speed. In this study, we demonstrate a hybrid OPA that capitalizes on a silicon nitride line beam emitter based on tapered waveguides array, which facilitates efficient line beam scanning exhibiting flexible vertical field-of-views (FOVs) at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The line beam is horizontally scanned by driving an array of hybrid-integrated thermo-optic polymer phase modulators. The vertical FOV can be flexibly adjusted by varying the tip widths of the tapers and thus the angular divergence of emitted beams, leading to flexible FOVs ranging from 30° × 14° to 30° × 47°. A lens module is particularly devised and tethered to the OPA, thereby further tailoring and amplifying the FOVs along vertical and horizontal directions. The proposed hybrid OPA in conjunction with a lens module was practically manufactured to efficiently substantiate desired line beam scanning, achieving FOVs ranging from 51° × 0.6° to 51° × 10.3°. The developed line-beam-based OPA is anticipated to play an integral role in embodying an advanced LiDAR system featuring fast beam scanning.

Background: This study analyzed the practice of dental medical dispute prevention rules of dental hygienists to present an improvement plan for improving perceived importance and practice and provide data for the development of effective medical dispute prevention programs.Methods: A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted targeting dental hygienists who were providing assistance at dental hospitals and dental clinics in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do regions from March 22 to April 28, 2022. The questionnaire collected from 273 dental hygienists consisted of eight questions on general characteristics, 30 questions on medical dispute experience, and 14 questions on medical dispute prevention. Results: Complaints showed a high experience rate in ‘Consultation & reservation’, medical disputes in ‘Patient handling (unkind) related’, and ‘Prosthesis installation and cement removal’. In both the importance and practice of medical dispute prevention rules, ‘Preservation of medical records and other medical-related data’ was high, and ‘Management of patients on standby for a long time’ was low in terms of practice. ‘Lack of time’ and ‘Lack of manpower’ were cited as reasons for not resolving dental treatment disputes. The importance of dental dispute prevention rules was found to be significant according to age and position, and it was also found to affect the level of practice. Conclusion: Seventy-six-point six percent of the respondents said that education on the prevention of medical disputes was necessary, although they lacked recognition of prevention rules compared to their perceptions and experiences. This study suggested specifying prevention rules in dental hygiene subjects and expanding education, improvement of dental treatment system, revise the law on the range of work to improve the recognition and practice of prevention rules.

Ogura male sterile cytoplasm is widely used for radish breeding. In this study, high-resolution melting (HRM) markers associated with Rft and Rfo, major restorer-of-fertility genes in Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in radish, were developed. Genetic mapping was carried out using F2 populations derived from crosses between male-sterile Ogura CMS lines and male-fertile lines. Identification of the Rft and Rfo loci was achieved through SNP-based genotyping and linkage grouping. HRM markers were subsequently developed based on flanking sequences of SNPs linked to these loci. For the Rft gene, a set of 117 SNPs was selected within a candidate region on chromosome 5, and 14 HRM markers were successfully developed. Genotyping of F2 showed high correlation between three markers and the phenotype. Regarding the Rfo gene, a set of 27 HRM markers was designed based on flanking sequences of SNPs located on chromosomes 9 and 0. Genotyping in the Rfo segregating population identified a single marker, RSRF27, that accurately distinguished the male sterility phenotype. Validation of the developed markers was performed in populations containing both Rft and Rfo genes, confirming their utility for genotyping and demonstrating that these two genes independently contribute to male sterility recovery. Overall, this study provides HRM markers that can be used for genotyping Rft and Rfo and contributes to a deeper understanding of male sterility restoration mechanisms in Ogura CMS.

Stroke in young patients requires thorough evaluation as they often lack risk factors. Antiphospholipid syndrome can cause arterial thrombosis and pregnancy loss; hence, differential diagnoses should include seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome. We report a case of recurrent ischemic stroke caused by recurrent dissection in a patient with a history of pregnancy loss. A 33-year-old woman was admitted with global aphasia and right hemiparesis. During intra-arterial thrombectomy, a left middle cerebral artery dissection was detected. After 5.5 years, she was re-admitted for dysarthria, left facial palsy, subtle left hemiparesis, and right middle cerebral artery dissection. She tested negative for autoimmune diseases and vasculitis. However, underlying pathologic conditions could not be excluded because of the unique disease course. Finally, she was diagnosed with seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome. The concept of seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome has been proposed for patients with clinical features suggestive of antiphospholipid syndrome but with negative titers. However, this syndrome can only be diagnosed by exclusion. Furthermore, arterial dissection should be considered to be its main pathology. Antiphospholipid syndrome itself can be a risk factor for arterial dissection because it weakens the vessel walls. Therefore, diagnosis is important to prevent future complications in young patients with recurrent cerebral artery dissection, especially those associated with pregnancy-related morbidities.

An 80-year-old female with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension presented with sudden onset of sequential bilateral visual loss. The best visual acuity was light perception in the right eye and finger counting in the left eye, however, bilateral fundus did not reveal optic disc edema. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed acute embolic stroke and diffusion restriction in the posterior portion of both optic nerves. The 24-h Holter monitor showed persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) with rapid ventricular response. The presence of painless and severe visual loss at onset unaccompanied by optic disc edema in the patient with newly detected uncontrolled AF and multiple embolic infarctions favored a diagnosis of non-arteritic posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION). The current case contributes to better understanding of PION pathophysiology and associated risk factors, indicating a possible relationship between non-arteritic PION and uncontrolled AF and embolic cerebral infarction.

Abstract Optical phased array (OPA) devices are being actively investigated to develop compact solid-state beam scanners, which are essential in fields such as LiDAR, free-space optical links, biophotonics, etc. Based on the unique nature of perfluorinated polymers, we propose a polymer waveguide OPA with the advantages of low driving power and high optical throughput. Unlike silicon photonic OPAs, the polymer OPAs enable sustainable phase distribution control during beam scanning, which reduces the burden of beamforming. Moreover, by incorporating a tunable wavelength laser comprising a polymer waveguide Bragg reflector, two-dimensional beam scanning is demonstrated, which facilitates the development of laser-integrated polymeric OPA beam scanners.

Strawberry is an allo-octoploid crop with high genome heterozygosity and complexity, which hinders the sequencing and the assembly of the genome. However, in the present study, we have generated a chromosome level assembly of octoploid strawberry sourced from a highly homozygous inbred line ‘Wongyo 3115’, using long- and short-read sequencing technologies. The assembly of ‘Wongyo 3115’ produced 805.6 Mb of the genome with 323 contigs scaffolded into 208 scaffolds with an N50 of 27.3 Mb after further gap filling. The whole genome annotation resulted in 151,892 genes with a gene density of 188.52 (genes/Mb) and validation of a genome, using BUSCO analysis resulted in 94.10% complete BUSCOs. Firmness is one of the vital traits in strawberry, which facilitate the postharvest shelf-life qualities. The molecular and genetic mechanisms that contribute the firmness in strawberry remain unclear. We have constructed a high-density genetic map based on the ‘Wongyo 3115’ reference genome to identify loci associated with firmness in the present study. For the quantitative trait locus (QTL) identification, the ‘BS F2’ populations developed from two inbred lines were genotyped, using an Axiom 35K strawberry chip, and marker positions were analyzed based on the ‘Wongyo 3115’ genome. Genetic maps were constructed with 1,049 bin markers, spanning the 3,861 cM. Using firmness data of ‘BS F2’ obtained from 2 consecutive years, five QTLs were identified on chromosomes 3-3, 5-1, 6-1, and 6-4. Furthermore, we predicted the candidate genes associated with firmness in strawberries by utilizing transcriptome data and QTL information. Overall, we present the chromosome-level assembly and annotation of a homozygous octoploid strawberry inbred line and a linkage map constructed to identify QTLs associated with fruit firmness.

Marker-assisted background selection is a powerful molecular tool that can enhance breeding efficiency through the analysis of a large number of markers representing the entire genomic background for precise selection. In the present study, the transcriptomes of 38 cucumber inbred lines with diverse traits were sequenced for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mining for practical application to commercial cucumber breeding. A total of 62,378 high-quality SNPs were identified, of which 2462 SNPs were chosen based on the stringent filtering parameters. Finally, 363 evenly distributed common background selection markers (BMs) were developed and validated through polymorphism analysis and phylogenetic analysis using breeding materials with different genetic backgrounds; 327 out of 363 common BMs were useful for background selection. Moreover, the results of the phylogenetic analysis carried out using 50 selected core BMs were consistent with those for 327 common BMs. However, when the genotypes of breeding materials belonging to only the Baekdadagi-type were analyzed, the 327 common BMs showed a significant reduction in polymorphisms within the biased genomic locations. To address this issue, 59 highly polymorphic markers were selected as Baekdadagi BMs, as they showed better selection ability for the Baekdadagi-type. The 327 common BMs developed in the present study will enable efficient marker-assisted background selection in cucumber. Additionally, to reduce the genotyping cost, we suggested an alternative background selection strategy using both evenly distributed core BMs and biased Baekdadagi BMs for the improvement of commercial cucumber breeding programs.

Doctoral education in business schools is focused on a functional approach to research training. While this approach is necessary, it rarely encompasses reflexivity in qualitative research, despite its importance. This paper provides the groundwork for educators in business schools to reconsider the conventional approach to teaching qualitative methods. It draws on my personal and professional experience as a key resource to shape its examination of doctoral education in conducting qualitative research. The paper offers points of reflection on the struggle students may face in conducting rigorous qualitative research without appropriately understanding the influence of self with previous experience, preconceived ideas, feelings, and even appearance. By emphasizing reflexivity, this paper urges business schools to move away from functional training on research conventions to instead improve students' process of discovery by emphasizing interactive and transformational components of qualitative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophyll is an important factor facilitating plants to capture, allocate and transforms light energy and plays a major role in yield formation. Strawberry is one of the most important fruit crops worldwide. Breeding strawberry for better light utilization by improving photosynthetic efficiency can improve the yield potential. In strawberry, genetic studies have been done for several traits, but no reports on the genetic mapping of chlorophyll content in leaves. In the present study, we used two independent F2 mapping populations (BS-F2 and BC-F2) and, Axiom 35 K strawberry chip and genotyping-by-sequencing derived single nucleotide polymorphisms based linkage maps to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling leaf chlorophyll content. SPAD values were used to estimate the leaf chlorophyll content of parental lines and F2 populations. A total of seven QTLs, including major and minor effects, common and specific to populations, were identified across the strawberry genome explaining phenotypic variation (R2) ranging from 1.4 to 26.4%. Candidate genes associated with the photosynthesis and chlorophyll content were inferred in commonly detected QTLs. This work thus provides not only information for novel loci controlling chlorophyll content in strawberry leaves but also forms the basis for future marker assisted breeding in strawberry to select the plants for required chlorophyll content.

Onion (2n = 2x = 16) has been a nutritional, medicinal and economically valuable vegetable crop all over the world since ancient times. To accelerate the molecular breeding in onion, genetic linkage maps are prerequisite. However, construction of genetic linkage maps of onion remains relatively rudimentary due to a large genome (about 16.3 Gbp) as well as biennial life cycle, cross-pollinated nature, and high inbreeding depression. In this study, we constructed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based genetic linkage map of onion in an F2 segregating population derived from a cross between the doubled haploid line ‘16P118’ and inbred line ‘Sweet Green’ through genotyping by sequencing (GBS). A total of 207.3 Gbp of raw sequences were generated using an Illumina HiSeq X system, and 24,341 SNPs were identified with the criteria based on three minimum depths, lower than 30% missing rate, and more than 5% minor allele frequency. As a result, an onion genetic linkage map consisting of 216 GBS-based SNPs were constructed comprising eight linkage groups spanning a genetic length of 827.0 cM. Furthermore, we identified the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the sucrose, glucose, fructose, and total sugar content across the onion genome. We identified a total of four QTLs associated with sucrose (qSC4.1), glucose (qGC5.1), fructose (qFC5.1), and total sugar content (qTSC5.1) explaining the phenotypic variation (R2%) ranging from 6.07–11.47%. This map and QTL information will contribute to develop the molecular markers to breed the cultivars with high sugar content in onion.

Abstract Background Tibial aperture fixation with a bioabsorbable interference screw is a popular fixation method in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). An interference screw containing β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) to improve bony integration and biocompatibility was recently introduced. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes and radiological results of tunnel enlargement effect between the 2 bioabsorbable fixative devices of pure poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) interference screws and β-TCP-containing screws, for tibial interference fixation in ACLR using hamstring autografts. Methods Eighty consecutive patients who had undergone double-bundle ACLR between 2011 to 2012 were prospectively reviewed and randomly divided into two groups based on the type of tibial interference screw: 28 were assigned to the pure PLLA screw group (Group A), while the other 29 were assigned to the β-TCP-containing screw fixation group (Group B). Clinical evaluations and radiological analyses were conducted in both groups with a minimum 2- year follow-up. Results There was no significant difference in subjective or objective clinical outcome between the 2 groups. In radiological analyses, the use of a β-TCP-containing screw reduced tunnel widening in the portion of the tunnel with screw engagement compared to the pure PLLA screw, while the use of a β-TCP-containing screw resulted in greater tunnel enlargement in the proximal portion of the tunnel without screw engagement than use of a pure PLLA screw. Conclusion Use of a β-TCP-containing interference screw in tibial aperture fixation reduced tunnel enlargement in the vicinity of the screw, whereas greater enlargement occurred proximal to the screw end relative to use of a pure PLLA interference screw. These paradoxical enlargements in use of β-TCP containing screws suggest that for reducing tunnel enlargement, the length of the interference screw should be as fit as possible with tunnel length in terms of using soft grafts. Level of Evidence: II, Prospectively comparative study. Trial registration Retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. (NCT02754674) , Date of trial registration: February 10, 2016.

Watermelon (Citrulluslanatus) is an economically important fruit crop worldwide. Gummy stem blight (GSB) is one of the most damaging diseases encountered during watermelon cultivation. In the present study, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with GSB resistance in an F2 population derived from a cross between maternal-susceptible line ‘920533’ (C. lanatus) and the paternal-resistant line ‘PI 189225’ (C. amarus). The resistance of 178 F2 plants was assessed by two different evaluation methods, including leaf lesion (LL) and stem blight (SB). To analyze the QTLs associated with GSB resistance, a linkage map was constructed covering a total genetic distance of 1070.2 cM. QTL analysis detected three QTLs associated with GSB resistance on chromosome 8 and 6. Among them, two QTLs, qLL8.1 and qSB8.1 on chromosome 8 identified as major QTLs, explaining 10.5 and 10.0% of the phenotypic variations localizing at same area and sharing the same top markers for both LL and SB traits, respectively. A minor QTL, qSB6.1, explains 9.7% of phenotypic variations detected on chromosome 6 only for the SB trait. High-throughput markers were developed and validated for the selection of resistant QTLs using watermelon accessions, and commercial cultivars. Four potential candidate genes were predicted associated with GSB resistance based on the physical location of flanking markers on chromosome 8. These findings will be helpful for the development of watermelon cultivars resistant to GSB.

Watermelon (Citrulus lantus) is an important horticultural crop which belongs to the Curcubitaceae family. The nutraceutical potential of watermelon has been illustrated by several researchers, which makes it a better choice of functional food. Watermelon has been used to treat various ailments, such as cardio-vascular diseases, aging related ailments, obesity, diabetes, ulcers, and various types of cancers. The medicinal properties of watermelon are attributed by the presence of important phytochemicals with pharmaceutical values such as lycopene, citrulline, and other polyphenolic compounds. Watermelon acts as vital source of l-citrulline, a neutral-alpha amino acid which is the precursor of l-arginine, an essential amino acid necessary for protein synthesis. Supplementation of l-citrulline and lycopene displayed numerous health benefits in in vitro and in vivo studies. Similarly, the dietary intake of watermelon has proven benefits as functional food in humans for weight management. Apart from the fruits, the extracts prepared from the seeds, sprouts, and leaves also evidenced medicinal properties. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of benefits of watermelon for the treatment of various ailments.

High-speed coherent optical communication has been expanding to handle the ever-increasing data traffic, and the large modulation bandwidth of electro-optic (EO) polymer modulators has been especially appreciated. However, to be useful in optical communication, the EO polymer device should address several issues, such as thermal stability, photo-oxidation, and bias drift. In this work, as a part of the experiments to address these challenges, an EO polymer with a fluorinated polyimide backbone is utilized to create EO polymer modulators with improved thermal stability. A coplanar electrode structure is introduced to enhance the poling efficiency and reduce the bias drift.

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is well-known to induce premature aging, which is mediated by matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) activity. A 9-mer peptide, CopA3 (CopA3) was synthesized from a natural peptide, coprisin, which is isolated from the dung beetle Copris tripartitus. As part of our continuing search for novel bioactive natural products, CopA3 was investigated for its in vitro anti-skin photoaging activity. UV-induced inhibition of type-I procollagen and induction of MMP-1 were partially prevented in human skin fibroblasts by CopA3 peptide in a dose-dependent manner. At a concentration of 25 μM, CopA3 nearly completely inhibited MMP-1 expression. These results suggest that CopA3, an insect peptide, is a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of skin aging.