bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel bioactive formulation derived from the conditioned medium of mesenchymal stromal cells reduces under‐eye dark circles in human volunteers
Authors: Bhat Samatha , Amirthalingam Muthukumar , Ballambat Sathish Pai , Bhupasandra Vasudev Meghana , Gupta Pawan Kumar , Padya Bharath Singh , Mutalik Srinivas , Seetharam Raviraja N.
Published: April 2021

Background

Under‐eye dark circles are a common condition observed in dermatology practice. Mesenchymal stromal cell‐derived conditioned medium (MSC‐CM) contains an array of growth factors and cytokines reported to promote periorbital rejuvenation and may be useful in removing the dark circle around the eyes.

Aims

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of developed bioactive formulation containing mesenchymal stromal cell‐derived conditioned medium in reducing the under‐eye dark circles.

Patients/Methods

We tested the safety profile of MSC‐CM along with antioxidants, in vitro using human melanocytes cultures. The bioactive formulation containing MSC‐CM was developed and tested for physicochemical parameters. The dermatological safety was evaluated by primary irritant patch‐test under complete occlusion on healthy human subjects. To elucidate its safety and efficacy, monocentric, open‐label, single‐arm study was carried out in 20 Indian female subjects for the duration of 12 weeks. Parameters such as eye puffiness, radiance, skin smoothness, even skin tone, periorbital fine lines and wrinkles, crow's feet, whitening, pigmentation, skin tightening, and refreshing/soothing effect were used to investigate the rejuvenating property of the bioactive formulation.

Results

Mesenchymal stromal cell‐derived conditioned medium along with antioxidants decreased the melanin content compared to the CM alone in the melanocyte cultures. Besides, the bioactive formulation was safe and emerged as a non‐irritant product. Improvement in the majority of the clinical parameters assessed through efficacy study was observed within 4 weeks of topical application of the formulation twice daily, and showed continued improvement for 12 weeks as evaluated by the dermatologists as well as self‐assessment by the subjects.

Conclusion

The bioactive formulation containing MSC‐CM was safe and effective in reducing the under‐eye dark circles and was beneficial in improving the overall appearance of the eye area.
Sentiment Trading and Hedge Fund Returns
Authors: CHEN YONG , HAN BING , PAN JING
Published: April 2021

In the presence of sentiment fluctuations, arbitrageurs may engage in different strategies leading to dispersed sentiment exposures. We find that hedge funds in the top decile ranked by sentiment beta outperform those in the bottom decile by 0.59% per month on a risk‐adjusted basis, with the spread being larger among skilled funds. We also find that about 10% of hedge funds have sentiment timing skill that positively correlates with fund sentiment beta and contributes to fund performance. Our findings show that skilled hedge funds can earn high returns by predicting and exploiting sentiment changes rather than betting against mispricing.
Agency, communion, and pubertal status: Separating between‐ and within‐person associations to examine social goals development
Authors: Meisel Samuel N. , Paul Matthew J. , Colder Craig R.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Agentic (status/independence) and communal (acceptance/connectedness) social goals are thought to shape how adolescents transact with their social environments. Despite their theoretical importance, little work has focused on the development of these higher order personality dimensions. Informed by developmental neuroscience and evolutionary psychology theoretical frameworks, the current study examined associations between pubertal status, a person's level of pubertal development at a single point in time, and agentic and communal social goals across early to middle adolescence.

Methods

This longitudinal study consisted of 387 (55% female) adolescents (Wave 1 M age = 12.1) who were assessed annually across three waves. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine growth in pubertal status and agentic and communal goals and to distinguish between‐ and within‐person associations between pubertal status and social goals.

Results

Within‐person pubertal status was concurrently associated with higher levels of agentic and communal goals. In the cross‐sectional and longitudinal models, between‐person pubertal status was associated with higher levels of agentic social goals. No support was found for social goals prospectively predicting pubertal status.

Conclusions

These findings provide support for the hypothesis that puberty, in part, may drive developmental shifts in the value adolescents place on close peer relationships and obtaining status and independence.
The intensity of COVID‐19 nonpharmaceutical interventions and labor market outcomes in the public sector
Authors: Marcén Miriam , Morales Marina
Published: April 2021

This paper examines whether the intensity of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has differentially impacted the public sector labor market outcomes. This extends the analysis of the already documented negative economic consequences of COVID‐19 and their dissimilarities with a typical economic crisis. To capture the intensity of the NPIs, we build a novel index (COVINDEX) using daily information on NPIs merged with state‐level data on out‐of‐home mobility (Google data). We show that among individuals living in a typical state, NPI enforcement during COVID‐19 reduces the likelihood of being employed (at work) by 5% with respect to the pre‐COVID period and the hours worked by 1.3% using data on labor market outcomes from the monthly Current Population Survey and difference‐in‐difference models. This is a sizable amount representing the sector with the higher job security during the pandemic. Public sector workers in a typical state are 4 percentage points more likely to be at work than salaried workers in the private sector and 7 percentage points more likely to be at work than self‐employed workers (the worst so far). Our results are robust to the endogeneity of the NPI measures and present empirical evidence of heterogeneity in response to the NPIs, with those in local employment being the hardest hit.
Competition and the risk of bank failure: Breaking with the representative borrower assumption
Authors: Dos Santos Ferreira Rodolphe , Modesto Leonor
Published: April 2021

We examine the relation between intensity of competition in the loan market and risk of bank failure, in a model with adverse selection. As well established, the presence of the two opposite margin and risk‐shifting effects creates conditions for nonmonotonicity: the conventional competition‐fragility view may be challenged at high interest rates. These rates may however be too high to be compatible with oligopolistic equilibrium conditions. The challenging competition‐stability view has been argued in terms of a representative borrower managing the profitability‐safeness trade‐off under moral hazard. However, the representative borrower assumption is not innocuous, playing down by construction the margin effect. The paper considers the adverse selection situation where that trade‐off is managed by banks facing heterogeneous borrowers, and shows analytically, in the case of a trapezoidal distribution of idiosyncratic and systemic risk factors, that the conventional view is always valid.
Examining the Relationship between Depression and the Progression of Burnout Among Japanese Athletes1,2
Authors: Amemiya Rei , Sakairi Yosuke
Published: April 2021

This study was an examination of the longitudinal relationship between burnout and depressive symptoms among Japanese athletes at three time periods. The participants were 143 university athletes (89 males, 54 females, mean age = 19.83 years, SD = 1.03 years) who completed the Burnout Scale for University Athletes (BOSA) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K‐10) at three time periods. The results indicated that among the number of athletes with moderate to severe depressive symptoms, approximately 28–35% of the athletes had moderate and 4.2–10.5% had severe depressive symptoms for about 6 months. Furthermore, cross‐lagged modeling showed that both interpersonal and emotional exhaustion toward athletic practice predicted a future lack of personal accomplishment and devaluation among athletes, varying slightly depending on time. Interpersonal exhaustion was the main burnout symptom that predicted future depressive symptoms among athletes. In addition, research suggested that the relationship between each burnout symptom and depression may be affected by the season. Therefore, selecting adequate methods of intervention based on the type of symptoms and the season might be necessary to prevent burnout in athletes.
CcPmk1 is a regulator of pathogenicity in Cytospora chrysosperma and can be used as a potential target for disease control
Authors: Xiong Dianguang , Yu Lu , Shan Huimin , Tian Chengming
Published: April 2021

Fus3/Kss1, also known as Pmk1 in several pathogenic fungi, is a component of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway that functions as a regulator in fungal development, stress response, mating, and pathogenicity. Cytospora chrysosperma, a notorious woody plant‐pathogenic fungus, causes canker disease in many species, and its Pmk1 homolog, CcPmk1, is required for fungal development and pathogenicity. However, the global regulation network of CcPmk1 is still unclear. In this study, we compared transcriptional analysis between a CcPmk1 deletion mutant and the wild type during the simulated infection process. A subset of transcription factor genes and putative effector genes were significantly down‐regulated in the CcPmk1 deletion mutant, which might be important for fungal pathogenicity. Additionally, many tandem genes were found to be regulated by CcPmk1. Eleven out of 68 core secondary metabolism biosynthesis genes and several gene clusters were significantly down‐regulated in the CcPmk1 deletion mutant. GO annotation of down‐regulated genes showed that the ribosome biosynthesis‐related processes were over‐represented in the CcPmk1 deletion mutant. Comparison of the CcPmk1‐regulated genes with the Pmk1‐regulated genes from Magnaporthe oryzae revealed only a few overlapping regulated genes in both CcPmk1 and Pmk1, while the enrichment GO terms in the ribosome biosynthesis‐related processes were also found. Subsequently, we calculated that in vitro feeding artificial small interference RNAs of CcPmk1 could silence the target gene, resulting in inhibited fungal growth. Furthermore, silencing of BcPmk1 in Botrytis cinerea with conserved CcPmk1 and BcPmk1 fragments could significantly compromise fungal virulence using the virus‐induced gene silencing system in Nicotiana benthamiana. These results suggest that CcPmk1 functions as a regulator of pathogenicity and can potentially be designed as a target for broad‐spectrum disease control, but unintended effects on nonpathogenic fungi need to be avoided.
Frequency of occurrence, seasonal variation and antifungal susceptibility of opportunistic Mucorales isolated from hospital soils in Iran
Authors: Vaezi Afsane , Walther Grit , Kurzai Oliver , Mahdi Diman , Dadashzadeh Mina , Nasri Elahe , Diba Kambiz , Badali Hamid , Fakhim Hamed
Published: April 2021

Background

Mucorales are opportunistic pathogens that can cause life‐threatening diseases predominantly in immunocompromised patients.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the frequency, seasonal variation and antifungal susceptibility of pathogenic Mucorales in the soil collected from seven hospitals in Urmia, Iran, between November 2017 and July 2018 in four different seasons.

Methods

Mucorales isolates obtained from soil were characterised based on conventional and molecular assays. In addition, in vitro antifungal susceptibility was performed using the CLSI M38Ed3 procedure.

Results

Out of 196 tested soil samples, 80 (40.8%) samples were positive for mucoralean fungi. Rhizopus arrhizus var. arrhizus (n = 47) was the most frequent species followed by Mucor circinelloides (n = 21) and Cunninghamella echinulata (n = 6). A seasonal variation in the frequency of Mucorales in soil was detected with a maximum of culture‐positive soil samples detected in wet autumn (43.2%) followed by winter (23.4%), summer (19.7%) and spring (13.6%). In vitro antifungal susceptibility testing for 80 environmental isolates exhibited MIC of ≤2 μg/ml for amphotericin B indicating the smallest range of MIC variation among the tested Mucorales (range: 0.125–2 μg/ml). Among the azoles, posaconazole was the most effective antifungals (GM MIC, 0.724 μg/ml).

Conclusions

We considered associations of species and seasonal frequencies between soil mucoralean fungi and mucormycosis. The effect of opportunistic Mucorales dominating in the soil and prevalent causative agents of mucormycosis in Iran reported in the literatures but more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.
A nutrigenetic approach to examine the relationship between vitamin B12 status and cardio‐metabolic traits in multiple ethnic groups – findings from the GeNuIne Collaboration
Authors: Surendran S. , Vimaleswaran K. S.
Published: April 2021

Low vitamin B12 concentration has been shown to be a risk factor for cardio‐metabolic traits in numerous observational studies; however, the relationship has remained inconsistent. It is possible that certain genotypes jointly contribute to cardio‐metabolic diseases and vitamin B12 deficiency, and these may be modulated by dietary factors. The main objective of this article is to summarise the findings from the GeNuIne (Gene‐Nutrient Interactions) Collaboration on the effect of gene–nutrient interactions on vitamin B12 concentrations and cardio‐metabolic disease risk factors in population‐based studies from different ethnic groups. Interactions between vitamin B12‐related single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and protein energy intake (%) on waist circumference (Pinteration =0.002) and body fat percentage (Pinteraction =0.034) were observed in Sri Lankan and Indonesian populations, respectively. In the study in Brazilian adolescents, the metabolic and vitamin B12‐related SNPs showed a significant interaction with dietary carbohydrate and protein intakes on oxidised low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and homocysteine concentrations, respectively. In the Asian Indian population, an association between obesity‐related SNPs and vitamin B12 concentrations (p = 0.018) was observed. In summary, these studies in multiple ethnic groups show that the association between genetically low vitamin B12 concentrations and cardio‐metabolic traits may be modified by dietary intake. Further studies utilising larger sample sizes are needed to confirm or refute our findings.
OPEC’s efforts on energy data transparency: Evidence from the Organization’s 60 year history
Authors: Hassani Hossein , Christodoulides Pantelis
Published: April 2021

Data transparency is fundamental in the monitoring of markets and provides the bases of data‐driven decision‐making among market players. Energy markets and principally the oil market are by nature dependent on accurate, timely and high‐quality data, particularly during periods of downturn, or structural change. High‐quality and timely energy data also play a vital role in contributing to energy market stability. This paper captures only a small part of the richness in OPEC efforts towards promoting energy and, particularly, oil data transparency throughout the Organization’s 60 year history. The Organization and its Member Countries are continuously manifesting their commitment towards a transparent oil market place by numerous freely available publications, such as the OPEC ASB, MOMR and the WOO, while at the same time strongly supporting JODI data collection and several other data‐related activities. The Organization and its Member Countries are pioneers in implementing new technologies, such as digitalisation and Big Data towards setting higher data quality standards.
Evaluation of photoreceptor function in inherited retinal diseases using rod‐ and cone‐enhanced flicker stimuli
Authors: Hathibelagal Amithavikram R , Bharadwaj Shrikant R , Jalali Subhadra , Subramanian Ahalya , Barbur John L
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Clinical assessment of rod and cone photoreceptor sensitivity often involves the use of extended dark adaptation times to minimise cone involvement or the use of bright adapting backgrounds to saturate rods. In this study we examine a new rod/cone sensitivity test, which requires minimal dark adaptation. The aim was to establish whether rod/cone sensitivity losses could be measured reliably in patients with retinal diseases that selectively affect rods or cones when compared to age‐matched subjects with normal vision.

Methods

Flicker modulation thresholds (FMTs) were measured psychophysically, using cone‐ and rod‐enhanced stimuli located centrally, and in four quadrants, at 5° retinal eccentricity in 20 patients (age range: 10–41 years) with cone‐dominated (Stargardt's disease or macular dystrophy; n = 13) and rod‐dominated (retinitis pigmentosa; n = 7) disease. These data were compared against age‐matched normals tested with identical stimuli.

Results

Across all retinal locations, cone FMTs in cone‐dominated diseases (Median ± IQR: 32.32 ± 28.15% for central location) were greater than a majority (83%; 49/59) of corresponding rod FMTs (18.7 ± 3.29%; p = 0.05) and cone FMTs of controls (4.24 ± 2.00%). Similarly, rod FMTs in rod‐dominant disease (14.99 ± 22.58%) were greater than a majority (88%; 29/39) of the corresponding cone FMTs (9.09 ± 10.33%) (p = 0.13) and rod FMT of controls (6.80 ± 2.60 %).

Conclusions

Cone‐specific deficits were larger than rod‐specific deficits in cone‐dominated diseases, and vice versa in rod‐dominated disease. These results suggest that the new method of assessing photoreceptor sensitivity has potential application in detecting specific rod/cone losses without the need for dark adaptation.
Who Is in the Middle: Social Class, Core Values, and Identities in India
Authors: Capelos Tereza , Basu Ipshita
Published: April 2021

This article examines how middle‐class identity is experienced and employed by traditional and neo‐middle‐class identifiers in India. The economically and socially heterogeneous middle‐class identifiers vote similarly, but we know very little about what they want out of politics. We focus on the subjective experiences of middle‐class identifiers, we theorize the expressive function of middle‐class identities, and we examine the socially and personally focused core values of traditional middle‐class identifiers and neo‐middle aspirers. We introduce the "Class as Social Identity" scale and analyze qualitative interviews with strong middle‐class identifiers (Study 1) and the 2006, 2012, and 2014 World Values Survey India segments (Study 2). The interviews show that upper middle class and lower middle class identifiers express similar socially focused values but different personally focused values. The WVS analyses show convergence of upper‐middle‐class and lower‐middle‐class identifiers on conservation and self‐transcendence in line with dominant political narratives and divergence on materialism, hedonism, and stimulation in line with their rising differences in income and every‐day life pressures. We discuss the significance of these findings for the understanding of the political function of middle‐class identities in India in the context of heightened Hindu nationalism and recent socioeconomic challenges aggravated by the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Incorporating non‐academics in academic spin‐off entrepreneurial teams: the vertical diversity that can make the difference
Authors: Ben‐Hafaïedh Cyrine , Micozzi Alessandra , Pattitoni Pierpaolo
Published: April 2021

To enhance the development of academic spin‐offs, surrogate (external) entrepreneurs are often added to the entrepreneurial team comprising academics. Existing research focused on entrepreneurial team diversity (horizontal member differences) and has mixed results. Vertical member differences (i.e., inequality) between academics and non‐academics are not addressed. However, strategic decision making is one of the main responsibilities of an entrepreneurial team. Decision‐making power, as reflected in ownership, in particular, is thus of the essence. Based on a sample of 164 Italian academic spin‐offs, this article investigates the impacts of both horizontal and vertical heterogeneity of entrepreneurial teams on the firms’ performance. The findings confirm that surrogate entrepreneurs generally make a positive contribution to academic spin‐off performance but become counter‐productive when their presence overpowers that of academics.
A Review of an Urban Living Lab Initiative
Authors: Tanda Adriano , De Marco Alberto
Published: April 2021

In 2016 the city of Turin, Italy, launched the Torino Living Lab initiative. By using the urban Living Lab approach, with firms, public bodies, universities, and communities collaborating to co‐create innovation, Turin aims to encourage, attract, and foster a growing and inclusive innovation environment. This article describes the efforts that Turin has made to design the initiative and presents a structured methodology to assess its results. The expectations and objectives of the initiative’s utilizers and the characteristics, impressions, habits, and behaviors of the citizens were collected before the initiative through a series of semi‐structured interviews and a survey. By comparing the obtained results with similar post‐mortem measurements, it is possible to assess the success of the initiative and evaluate its impacts. Finally, this study present interesting policy takeaways for cities wanting to implement urban Living Labs and identify best practices for their design, implementation, and management.
Is there a global super‐bourgeoisie?
Authors: Cousin Bruno , Chauvin Sébastien
Published: April 2021

In recent decades, accelerating processes of globalization and an increase in economic inequality in most of the world's countries have raised the question of the emergence of a new bourgeoisie integrated at the global level, sometimes described as a global super‐bourgeoisie. This group would be distinguished by its unequaled level of wealth and global interconnectedness, its transnational ubiquity and concentration in the planet's major global cities, its specific culture, consumption habits, sites of sociability and shared references, and even by class consciousness and capacity to act collectively. This article successively discusses how the social sciences have examined these various dimensions of the question and begun to provide systematic empirical answers.
The Democratic Dilemmas of Differentiated Integration: The Views of Political Party Actors
Authors: Kröger Sandra , Lorimer Marta , Bellamy Richard
Published: April 2021

Differentiated integration (DI) appeals as a pragmatic way of accommodating political and economic differences among member states (MS). However, it potentially challenges their equal standing in EU decision‐making, creating the possibility for some MS to dominate others. As such, it risks undermining the democratic legitimacy of the EU. Drawing on 35 interviews with party actors in seven MS, we find many shared these concerns, thereby questioning the acceptance of DI. While they considered DI could support self‐determination at the national level, they worried it might result in arbitrary exclusion and growing inequality at the EU level. To be non‐dominating, they contended differentiated policies must remain open for all to join, be based on clear criteria, and allow all MS a say, though only participating states should be entitled to vote on differentiated policies in the Council, whereas all MEPs should be able to vote in the European Parliament.
The novel HLA‐DQB1*06:03:27 allele characterised by sequence‐based typing in a European bone marrow donor
Authors: Boix Francisco , Chillón María Carmen , García‐Sánchez Sergio , Alcoceba Miguel , Marín‐Rubio Luis Alberto
Published: April 2021

A single nucleotide substitution in exon 3 of HLA‐DQB1*06:03:01 results in a new allele, HLA‐DQB1*06:03:27.
Determining MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 reductive activities of bovine and equine amniotic membranes homogenates using fluorescence resonance energy transfer
Authors: Capistrano da Silva Erotides , Gibson Daniel J. , Jeong Sunyoung , Zimmerman Kelli L. , Smith‐Fleming Kathryn M. , Martins Bianca da C.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)‐2 and ‐9 are present in corneal ulcers, and an imbalance between MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) leads to further corneal degradation. Amniotic membrane homogenate (AMH) has proteolytic properties beneficial for corneal healing, but it is unknown whether AMH possesses TIMPs or effectively inhibits MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activity.

Objective

To determine if bovine and equine AMH reduce in vitro MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activities associated with the presence of TIMPs.

Procedures

Undiluted and diluted twofold series (0‐fold to 16‐fold dilutions) of equine amniotic membrane homogenates (EAMH, n = 8) and bovine amniotic membrane homogenates (BAMH, n = 8) were subjected to fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and the fluorescence emitted was recorded over time. Average fluorescence was calculated versus recombinant concentration. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays for TIMPs 1–4 were applied to quantify TIMPs in the samples.

Results

AMH from both species were able to inhibit MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activities in vitro, and the inhibition efficacy decreased gradually with dilution. BAMH was significantly more effective than EAMH at inhibiting MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in vitro. TIMPs −2 and −3 were present in EAMH and BAMH. TIMP‐1 was detected only in BAMH, and TIMP‐4 was not detected in any samples.

Conclusion

Both EAMH and BAMH directly inhibited MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in vitro without dilution, and BAMH showed better inhibition of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 before and after dilution compared to EAMH.
Inequality averse and compassionate blood donor: implication for interventions
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn
Published: April 2021

Background and objectives

Blood donors, compared to non‐donors, are more likely to show a preference to help others either by sharing resources todirectlycompensate those in need orindirectlyby punishing those who act unfairly. Knowing the dominant cooperative preference for blood donors will inform the development of targeted interventions. We test which preference dominates and an initial intervention based on these findings.

Materials and methods

We report two studies. The first compares compensation and punishment preferences in blood donors and non‐donors (N = 372) using a third‐party‐compensation‐and‐punishment game. Based on the results of Study 1, Study 2 (N = 151) is a feasibility experiment of an intervention based on advantageous inequality aversion (‘As a healthy person, you can give blood and help those less healthy than you’.).

Results

Blood donors, compared to non‐donors, have a preference for compensation. Organ donors have a preference for punishment. Those exposed to the advantageous inequality aversion intervention, compared to control conditions, show a greater behavioural propensity to donate blood (this was especially the case for non‐donors).

Conclusion

Blood donors have a clear preference for direct helping through compensation that can be translated into a simple effective intervention to enhance blood donor recruitment and retention.
Blood donation in times of crisis: Early insight into the impact of COVID‐19 on blood donors and their motivation to donate across European countries
Authors: Chandler Torsten , Neumann‐Böhme Sebastian , Sabat Iryna , Barros Pedro Pita , Brouwer Werner , van Exel Job , Schreyögg Jonas , Torbica Aleksandra , Stargardt Tom
Published: April 2021

Background

In this survey, we aimed to provide early insight into the impact of COVID‐19 on blood donors and their motivation to donate during the crisis.

Study design and methods

We asked representative samples in 7 European countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands and the UK) about their blood donation activity and motivation to donate using an online survey. We analysed donor turnout during the COVID‐19 period descriptively and using logistic regression.

Results

Of the 7122 people that responded to the survey, 1205 (16·9%) blood donors were identified, with 33·8% donating during the first 4–5 months of the COVID‐19 period. We observed that around half of donors donated less than normal. The vast majority of donors that did donate made a special effort to do so in response to COVID‐19. The majority of donors were also not aware of their blood being tested for COVID‐19 antibodies. Although the perceived risk of infection among all respondents whilst donating blood was relatively low, those who anticipated a high risk of infection were much less likely to donate (OR = 0·540; P‐value = 0·006). Furthermore, those that were adherent to COVID guidelines were also less likely to donate (OR = 0·583; P‐value = 0·000).

Discussion

We suggest that blood collection services consider specialist campaigns that focus on the altruistic motivation of donors during the crisis and that they continue to communicate the additional safety measures in place with the aim of reducing the fear of infection whilst donating blood.
Preservation of neutralizing antibody function in COVID‐19 convalescent plasma treated using a riboflavin and ultraviolet light‐based pathogen reduction technology
Authors: Yonemura Susan , Hartson Lindsay , Dutt Taru S. , Henao‐Tamayo Marcela , Goodrich Raymond , Marschner Susanne
Published: April 2021

Background and objectives

Convalescent plasma (CP) has been embraced as a safe therapeutic option for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), while other treatments are developed. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is not transmissible by transfusion, but bloodborne pathogens remain a risk in regions with high endemic prevalence of disease. Pathogen reduction can mitigate this risk; thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of riboflavin and ultraviolet light (R + UV) pathogen reduction technology on the functional properties of COVID‐19 CP (CCP).

Materials and methods

COVID‐19 convalescent plasma units (n = 6) from recovered COVID‐19 research donors were treated with R + UV. Pre‐ and post‐treatment samples were tested for coagulation factor and immunoglobulin retention. Antibody binding to spike protein receptor‐binding domain (RBD), S1 and S2 epitopes of SARS‐CoV‐2 was assessed by ELISA. Neutralizing antibody (nAb) function was assessed by pseudovirus reporter viral particle neutralization (RVPN) assay and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT).

Results

Mean retention of coagulation factors was ≥70%, while retention of immunoglobulins was 100%. Starting nAb titres were low, but PRNT50 titres did not differ between pre‐ and post‐treatment samples. No statistically significant differences were detected in levels of IgG (P ≥ 0·3665) and IgM (P ≥ 0·1208) antibodies to RBD, S1 and S2 proteins before and after treatment.

Conclusion

R + UV PRT effects on coagulation factors were similar to previous reports, but no significant effects were observed on immunoglobulin concentration and antibody function. SARS‐CoV‐2 nAb function in CCP is conserved following R + UV PRT treatment.
A Distribution Method of Driving Torque for a Novel 3UPS-RR Redundant Solar Tracker
Authors: Cui Hengchun , Wu Jun , Li Qi
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a novel two-axis solar tracker with a redundant parallel mechanism and investigates the distribution method of driving torque. In view of the difference between the singular configuration of the redundant parallel mechanisms and that of the corresponding non-redundant ones, an index related to the minimum singular value of the Jacobian matrix is used to indicate the position of the singular configuration relative to the boundaries of the required workspace. The driving torque and energy consumption can be optimized with this index. Based on the fact that the direction of driving torque is opposite to that of rotor in most of the running processes, a distribution method of driving torque with the minimum energy consumption for the redundant parallel solar tracker is proposed. The distribution method is compared with the minimum norm solution which is adopted by the conventional redundant parallel mechanism. And energy consumption can be significantly reduced by adopting this method. In addition, the workspace and energy consumption of the redundant solar tracker and its non-redundant counterpart are compared. The results show that the redundant solar tracker has a larger workspace and lower energy consumption.
Design of Robotic Motion Platform Utilizing Continuous Contact Skating
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Gupta Varan , Agarwal Shantnav , Khatait Jitendra P.
Published: April 2021

The continuous contact-based skating technique utilizes the sideway movement of the two skates while changing the orientation of the two skates simultaneously. The skates remain in contact with the surface. A mathematical model mimicking a continuous skating technique is developed to analyze the kinematic behavior of the platform. Kinematic and dynamic equations of motion are derived for the nonholonomic constraints. Heuristic-based motion primitives are defined to steer the robotic platform. For the lateral movement of the platform, a creeping-based motion primitive is proposed. A prototype of the robotic platform is developed with three actuated degrees-of-freedom—orientation of two skates and distance between them. A multibody model of the platform is also developed in matlab. Analytical expressions are verified using simulation and experiments. The robotic platform follows the desired motion profiles. The motion profiles include straight-line motion, motion in a circular curve, and lateral creep-like motion of the platform. However, the initial deviation has been observed in both the simulations and experiments due to the slipping of the roller skate at the contact point with the surface. The platform can be effectively used in a structured environment.
Design, Dynamic Analysis, and Experimental Evaluation of a Hybrid Parallel–Serial Polishing Machine With Decoupled Motions
Authors: Xu Peng , Cheung Chi Fai , Li Bing , Wang Chunjin , Zhao Chenyang
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a novel six degrees-of-freedom (DOF) hybrid kinematic machine (HKM) is designed, analyzed, and evaluated for precision polishing. The design adopts a 3-DOF tripod-based parallel mechanism (PM) to locate the workpiece, a 2-DOF serial mechanism (SM) to orient the polishing tool, and a functional extension limb to provide a redundant DOF when polishing the workpieces with axially symmetrical shapes. Compared with the existing HKMs, the most distinctive feature is that the position and orientation adjustments of the tool with respect to the workpiece are decoupled during the synchronous machining, thus allowing the rotational tool center point (RTCP) function to be conveniently realized. For the developed HKM, the kinematics are studied systematically, including position, velocity, acceleration, and workspace. The dynamic model of the PM is derived by employing the principle of virtual work. For a pre-defined trajectory, the required driving forces are obtained through dynamic simulation. Based on these analyses, a laboratory prototype of the HKM is designed and developed. A preliminary accuracy assessment of the HKM is implemented with a double ball-bar, and a series of polishing experiments are conducted to show the capacity and feasibility of the developed HKM.
The Spherical Rolling-Flying Vehicle: Dynamic Modeling and Control System Design
Authors: Atay Stefan , Bryant Matthew , Buckner Gregory
Published: April 2021

This paper presents the dynamic modeling and control of a bi-modal, multirotor vehicle that is capable of omnidirectional terrestrial rolling and multirotor flight. It focuses on the theoretical development of a terrestrial dynamic model and control systems, with experimental validation. The vehicle under consideration may roll along the ground to conserve power and extend endurance but may also fly to provide high mobility and maneuverability when necessary. The vehicle uses a three-axis gimbal system that decouples the rotor orientation from the vehicle’s terrestrial rolling motion. A dynamic model of the vehicle’s terrestrial motion is derived from first principles. The dynamic model becomes the basis for a nonlinear trajectory tracking control system suited to the architecture of the vehicle. The vehicle is over-actuated while rolling, and the additional degrees of actuation can be used to accomplish auxiliary objectives, such as power optimization and gimbal lock avoidance. Experiments with a hardware vehicle demonstrate the efficacy of the trajectory tracking control system.
Rock Strength Prediction in Real-Time While Drilling Employing Random Forest and Functional Network Techniques
Authors: Gamal Hany , Alsaihati Ahmed , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Haidary Saleh , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez
Published: April 2021

The rock unconfined compressive strength (UCS) is one of the key parameters for geomechanical and reservoir modeling in the petroleum industry. Obtaining the UCS by conventional methods such as experimental work or empirical correlation from logging data are time consuming and highly cost. To overcome these drawbacks, this paper utilized the help of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict (in a real-time) the rock strength from the drilling parameters using two AI tools. Random forest (RF) based on principal component analysis (PCA), and functional network (FN) techniques were employed to build two UCS prediction models based on the drilling data such as weight on bit (WOB), drill string rotating speed (RS), drilling torque (T), stand-pipe pressure (SPP), mud pumping rate (Q), and the rate of penetration (ROP). The models were built using 2333 data points from well (A) with 70:30 training to testing ratio. The models were validated using unseen dataset (1300 data points) of well (B) which is located in the same field and drilled across the same complex lithology. The results of the PCA-based RF model outperformed the FN in terms of correlation coefficient (R) and average absolute percentage error (AAPE). The overall accuracy for PCA-based RF was R of 0.99 and AAPE of 4.3%, and for FN yielded R of 0.97 and AAPE of 8.5%. The validation results showed that R was 0.99 for RF and 0.96 for FN, while the AAPE was 4% and 7.9% for RF and FN models, respectively. The developed PCA-based RF and FN models provide an accurate UCS estimation in real-time from the drilling data, saving time and cost, and enhancing the well stability by generating UCS log from the rig drilling data.
Content Analysis as a Research Method: A Content Analysis of Content Analyses in Sport Communication
Authors: Schäfer Markus , Vögele Catharina
Published: April 2021

Content analysis is a popular method in communication and media research. However, to what extent and in which contexts it is used in sport communication research has hardly been investigated. In order to provide empirically grounded insight, the authors conducted a quantitative content analysis of scholarly journal articles using content analysis as a research method, focusing on three major international sport communication journals during the 10 years between 2010 and 2019 (N = 267). Results indicate that qualitative and quantitative methods are used equally while combinations with other methods are comparatively rare. The studies cover a broad portfolio of different topics. Social media as communication channels becomes an increasingly central issue of scientific exploration. Although the studies deal with 31 different sports in total, most of them focus on popular team sports such as football, basketball, soccer, baseball, and ice hockey.
Changes in Compliance With Physical Activity Guidelines and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality
Authors: Coelho-Ravagnani Christianne F. , Almeida Jeeser A. , Sui Xuemei , Ravagnani Fabricio C.P. , Pate Russell R. , Blair Steven N.
Published: April 2021

Background: The effects of compliance with the US Physical Activity (PA) Guidelines and changes in compliance over time on cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality are unknown. Methods: Male participants in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (n = 15,411; 18–100 y) reported leisure-time PA between 1970 and 2002. The frequency of and time spent in PA were converted into metabolic equivalent minutes per week. The participants were classified into remained inactive, became active, became inactive, or remained active groups according to their achievement of the PA guidelines along the follow-up, equivalent here to at least 500 metabolic equivalent minutes of PA per week. Cox regression adjusted for different models was used for the analyses, using age, body mass index, smoking and drinking status, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and parental history of CVD. Results: Over a mean follow-up of 6.2 years, 439 CVD deaths occurred. Consistently meeting the PA guidelines, compared with not meeting, was associated with a 54% (95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.67) decreased risk of CVD mortality. After controlling for all potential confounders, the risk reduction was 47% (95% confidence interval, 0.36–0.77). Conclusions: Maintaining adherence to the PA guidelines produces substantial reductions in the risk of CVD deaths in men. Furthermore, discontinuing compliance with the guidelines may offset the beneficial effects on longevity.
Ultrasound Measures of Intrinsic Foot Muscle Size and Activation Following Lateral Ankle Sprain and Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Fraser John J. , Koldenhoven Rachel , Hertel Jay
Published: April 2021

Context: Tibial nerve impairment and reduced plantarflexion, hallux flexion, and lesser toe flexion strength have been observed in individuals with recent lateral ankle sprain (LAS) and chronic ankle instability (CAI). Diminished plantar intrinsic foot muscles (IFMs) size and contraction are a likely consequence. Objectives: To assess the effects of ankle injury on IFM size at rest and during contraction in young adults with and without LAS and CAI. Setting: Laboratory. Design: Cross-sectional. Patients: A total of 22 healthy (13 females; age = 19.6 [0.9], body mass index [BMI] = 22.5 [3.2]), 17 LAS (9 females; age = 21.8 [4.1], BMI = 24.1 [3.7]), 21 Copers (13 females; age = 20.8 [2.9], BMI = 23.7 [2.9]), and 20 CAI (15 females; age = 20.9 [4.7], BMI = 25.1 [4.5]). Main Outcome Measures: Foot Posture Index (FPI), Foot Mobility Magnitude (FMM), and ultrasonographic cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, quadratus plantae, and flexor hallucis brevis were assessed at rest, and during nonresisted and resisted contraction. Results: Multiple linear regression analyses assessing group, sex, BMI, FPI, and FMM on resting and contracted IFM size found sex (B = 0.45; P < .001), BMI (B = 0.05; P = .01), FPI (B = 0.07; P = .05), and FMM × FPI interaction (B = −0.04; P = .008) accounted for 19% of the variance (P = .002) in resting abductor hallucis measures. Sex (B = 0.42, P < .001) and BMI (B = 0.03, P = .02) explained 24% of resting flexor digitorum brevis measures (P < .001). Having a recent LAS (B = 0.06, P = .03) and FMM (B = 0.04, P = .02) predicted 11% of nonresisted quadratus plantae contraction measures (P = .04), with sex (P < .001) explaining 13% of resting quadratus plantae measures (B = 0.24, P = .02). Both sex (B = 0.35, P = .01) and FMM (B = 0.15, P = .03) predicted 16% of resting flexor hallucis brevis measures (P = .01). There were no other statistically significant findings. Conclusions: IFM resting ultrasound measures were primarily determined by sex, BMI, and foot phenotype and not injury status. Routine ultrasound imaging of the IFM following LAS and CAI cannot be recommended at this time but may be considered if neuromotor impairment is suspected.
Kinematics and Esthetics of Grand Battement After Static and Dynamic Hamstrings Stretching in Adolescents
Authors: Dierick Frédéric , Buisseret Fabien , Filiputti Loreda , Roussel Nathalie
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of static and dynamic hamstring muscles stretching on kinematics and esthetics of grand battement (high velocity kicks) in adolescent recreational dancers. Sixteen participants were assessed before and immediately after both stretching modalities. Kinematics of movement was measured by an optoelectronic system and esthetics was scored by a jury of professional dancers. Both stretching modalities led to significant kinematic differences compared with without stretching. Significant linear correlations between kinematic parameters and esthetic scores have been observed: improving dancers’ physical performances has noticeable impact on the perception of their movements.
Artificial stimulus-response system capable of conscious response
Authors: Kim Seongchan , Roe Dong Gue , Choi Yoon Young , Woo Hwije , Park Joongpill , Lee Jong Ik , Choi Yongsuk , Jo Sae Byeok , Kang Moon Sung , Song Young Jae , Jeong Sohee , Cho Jeong Ho
Published: April 2021

A successful emulation of human conscious responses is demonstrated through an artificial stimulus-response system.
When modern humans met Neanderthals
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: April 2021

Ancient genomes from first moderns in Europe tell stories of diverse origins, ancient trysts.
A star is torn
Authors: Sokol Joshua
Published: April 2021

Nature's most magnetic objects, ripped apart in starquakes, can unleash powerful flashes of light.
Imaging cell lineage with a synthetic digital recording system
Authors: Chow Ke-Huan K. , Budde Mark W. , Granados Alejandro A. , Cabrera Maria , Yoon Shinae , Cho Soomin , Huang Ting-hao , Koulena Noushin , Frieda Kirsten L. , Cai Long , Lois Carlos , Elowitz Michael B.
Published: April 2021

intMEMOIR traces cell lineages

Cell lineage plays a pivotal role in cell fate determination. Chow
et al.
demonstrate the use of an integrase-based synthetic barcode system called intMEMOIR, which uses the serine integrase Bxb1 to perform irreversible nucleotide edits. Inducible editing either deletes or inverts its target region, thus encoding information in three-state memory elements, or trits, and avoiding undesired recombination events. Using intMEMOIR combined with single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization, the authors were able to identify clonal structures as well as gene expression patterns in the fly brain, enabling both clonal analysis and expression profiling with intact spatial information. The ability to visualize cell lineage relationships directly within their native tissue context provides insights into development and disease.

Science
, this issue p.
eabb3099
Pollen PCP-B peptides unlock a stigma peptide–receptor kinase gating mechanism for pollination
Authors: Liu Chen , Shen Lianping , Xiao Yu , Vyshedsky David , Peng Chao , Sun Xiang , Liu Zhiwen , Cheng Lijun , Zhang Hua , Han Zhifu , Chai Jijie , Wu Hen-Ming , Cheung Alice Y. , Li Chao
Published: April 2021

Competing signal peptides hold the key

When a pollen grain lands on a receptive flower's pistil, a complex dance leading to sexual reproduction begins. Liu
et al.
show some of the early steps that help to distinguish a compatible pollen grain from a random piece of dust. Normally, a stigmatic gatekeeper, the ANJEA–FERONIA receptor kinase complex, perceives signaling peptides produced by the stigma that drive the production of reactive oxygen species at the stigma papillae. Upon pollination, POLLEN COAT PROTEIN B-class peptides compete with those stigmatic peptides for binding to the stigmatic receptor kinase complex. The subsequent decline of stigmatic reactive oxygen species production allows hydration and opens the gates to pollen germination.

Science
, this issue p.
171
Recruiting T cells in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Yost Kathryn E. , Chang Howard Y. , Satpathy Ansuman T.
Published: April 2021

T cell dynamics reveal that immunotherapy responses may rely on peripheral T cells