bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity in a restricted‐dispersal kissing bug: The centre–periphery hypothesis halfway
Authors: San Juan Esteban , Araya‐Donoso Raúl , Véliz David , Quiroga Nicol , Botto‐Mahan Carezza
Published: July 2021

The centre–periphery hypothesis (CPH) postulates that populations close to the centre of a species distribution will exhibit higher genetic diversity and lower genetic differentiation than populations located at the edge of the distribution. The centre of a species’ distribution might represent an optimum for the environmental factors influencing the species absolute fitness and, therefore, genetic diversity. In species with wide distribution, the geographical variation of biotic and abiotic variables is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms of the CPH. We evaluated the CPH and specifically tested which environmental variables better explained the patterns of genetic diversity in the kissing bug Mepraia spinolai, one of the main wild vectors of Chagas disease in southern South America, distributed across three Mediterranean climatic ecoregions in Chile. We analysed 2380 neutral single nucleotide polymorphisms to estimate genetic diversity. Mean winter temperature, mean summer temperature, vegetation cover, population abundance, proportion of winged individuals and female abdomen area were measured for each kissing bug population to construct a model. Lower genetic diversity was detected in populations at the edge of the distribution compared to those in the centre. However, genetic differentiation was not higher in the periphery. Genetic diversity was related to climatic and biological variables; there was a positive relationship with mean winter temperature and a negative association with mean summer temperature and body size. These results partially support the CPH and identify biotic (abdomen area) and abiotic (winter/summer temperatures) factors that would affect genetic diversity in this restricted‐dispersal species of epidemiological relevance.
Genome‐environment association methods comparison supports omnigenic adaptation to ecological niche in malaria vector mosquitoes
Authors: DeRaad Devon A. , Cobos Marlon E. , Alkishe Abdelghafar , Ashraf Uzma , Ahadji‐Dabla Koffi Mensah , Nuñez‐Penichet Claudia , Peterson A. Townsend
Published: July 2021

The concept of a fundamental ecological niche is central to questions of geographic distribution, population demography, species conservation, and evolutionary potential. However, robust inference of genomic regions associated with evolutionary adaptation to particular environmental conditions remains difficult due to the myriad of potential confounding processes that can generate heterogeneous patterns of variation across the genome. Here, we interrogate the potential role of genome environment association (GEA) testing as an initial step in building an understanding of the genetic basis of ecological niche. We leverage publicly available genomic data from the Anopheles gambiae 1000 Genomes (Ag1000g) Consortium to test the ability of multiple analytically unique GEA methods to handle confounding patterns of genetic variation, control false positive rates, and discern associations with broadly relevant climate variables from random allele frequency patterns throughout the genome. We found evidence supporting the ability of commonly implemented GEA methods to account for confounding patterns of spatial and genetic variation, and control false positive rates. However, we fail to find evidence supporting the ability of GEA tests to reject signals of adaptation to randomly simulated environmental variables, indicating that discerning between true signals of genome environment adaptation and genome environment correlations resulting from alternative evolutionary processes, remains challenging. Because signals of environmental adaptation are so diffuse and confounded throughout the genome, we argue that genomic adaptation to ecological niche is likely best understood under an omnigenic model wherein highly interconnected, genome‐wide gene regulatory networks shape genomic adaptation to key environmental conditions.
Towards equitable learning environments for medical education: Bias and the intersection of social identities
Authors: Bochatay Naike , Bajwa Nadia M. , Ju Mindy , Appelbaum Nital P. , van Schaik Sandrijn M.
Published: July 2021

Context

Medical educators are increasingly paying attention to how bias creates inequities that affect learners across the medical education continuum. Such bias arises from learners' social identities. However, studies examining bias and social identities in medical education tend to focus on one identity at a time, even though multiple identities often interact to shape individuals' experiences.

Methods

This article examines prior studies on bias and social identity in medical education, focusing on three social identities that commonly elicit bias: race, gender and profession. By applying the lens of intersectionality, we aimed to generate new insights into intergroup relations and identify strategies that may be employed to mitigate bias and inequities across all social identities.

Results

Although different social identities can be more or less salient at different stages of medical training, they intersect and impact learners' experiences. Bias towards racial and gender identities affect learners' ability to reach different stages of medical education and influence the specialties they train in. Bias also makes it difficult for learners to develop their professional identities as they are not perceived as legitimate members of their professional groups, which influences interprofessional relations. To mitigate bias across all identities, three main sets of strategies can be adopted. These strategies include equipping individuals with skills to reflect upon their own and others' social identities; fostering in‐group cohesion in ways that recognise intersecting social identities and challenges stereotypes through mentorship; and addressing intergroup boundaries through promotion of allyship, team reflexivity and conflict management.

Conclusions

Examining how different social identities intersect and lead to bias and inequities in medical education provides insights into ways to address these problems. This article proposes a vision for how existing strategies to mitigate bias towards different social identities may be combined to embrace intersectionality and develop equitable learning environments for all.
Zebrafish as a new model for rhododendrol‐induced leukoderma
Authors: Hayazaki Masumi , Hatano Osamu , Shimabayashi Saki , Akiyama Takumi , Takemori Hiroshi , Hamamoto Akie
Published: July 2021

Idiopathic leukoderma is a skin disorder characterized by patchy loss of skin pigmentation due to melanocyte dysfunction or deficiency. Rhododendrol (RD) was approved as a cosmetic ingredient in Japan in 2008. However, it was shown to induce leukoderma in approximately 20,000 customers. The prediction of cytotoxicity, especially to melanocytes in vivo, is required to avoid such adverse effects. Since the use of higher vertebrates is prohibited for medicinal and toxicological assays, we used zebrafish, whose melanocytes were regulated by mechanisms similar to mammals. Zebrafish larvae were treated with RD in breeding water for 3 days, which caused body lightening accompanied by a decrease in the number of melanophores. Interestingly, black particles were found at the bottom of culture dishes, suggesting that the melanophores peeled off from the body. In addition, RT‐PCR analysis suggested that the mRNA levels of melanophore‐specific genes were significantly low. An increase in the production of reactive oxygen species was found in larvae treated with RD. The treatments of the fish with other phenol compounds, which have been reported to cause leukoderma, also induced depigmentation and melanophore loss. These results suggest that zebrafish larvae could be used for the evaluation of leukoderma caused by chemicals, including RD.
Pluronic‐loaded Silver Nanoparticles/Photosensitizers Nanohybrids: Influence of the Polymer Chain Length on Metal‐enhanced Photophysical Properties
Authors: Mota Danielle Ramos , Lima Giovanni Alexsander Silva , de Oliveira Hueder Paulo Moisés , Pellosi Diogo Silva
Published: July 2021

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are incredibly versatile nanostructures that more recently have been exploited to create advanced optoelectronic materials due enhancement of local magnetic field after its irradiation. However, the use of AgNPs as nanoantennas to amplify photophysical properties of close photosensitizer (PS) molecules in photodynamic therapy is still underexplored. The reason for that is the difficulty to control crucial parameters such as silver‐PS distance in aqueous solution. In this scenario, here we propose a nanohybrid system where AgNP/PS distance is controlled by a thin layer of different Pluronic copolymers. The controllable distance and aqueous stability of proposed nanohybrids allow a tunable enhancement of fluorescence emission and singlet oxygen generation of some selected PS molecules. A detailed mechanism investigation demonstrated that the observed metal‐enhanced photophysics is due to magnetic field enhancement close to AgNP surface (AgNP/PS distance‐controlled effect) and the resonant coupling of AgNP hot electrons and HOMO‐LUMO energies of the PS (AgNP/PS spectral overlap‐controlled effect). These results show that the rational design in engineering new nanohybrid structures allowed photophysical improvement of PS molecules in aqueous solution in a tunable way and point out Pluronic‐based AgNP/PS nanohybrids as a smart material for further developments aiming at theranostic applications in photodynamic therapy.
Race, representation, and policy attitudes in U.S. public schools
Authors: Keiser Lael R. , Haider‐Markel Donald P. , Darolia Rajeev
Published: July 2021

Numerous institutions, such as the police, public schools, legislatures, and the courts face criticism for a lack of diversity and representation. According to various political theorists, the lack of representation of marginalized groups in public institutions worsens citizen attitudes. In response, some advocate for increasing passive representation within public institutions. However, different schools of thought exist about whether increasing representation of minorities is a zero‐sum game and worsens attitudes of historical majorities. We generate and test two hypotheses from these competing perspectives. We employ data from a national survey of students’ attitudes toward the fairness of school discipline using measures that match the different mechanisms found in theory. We find evidence that passive representation for African Americans predicts perceptions of fairness and corresponds to improved, rather than worsened, attitudes for whites. This supports the arguments of Mosher, and others, that increasing the representation of groups enhances legitimacy among the polity as a whole and is not zero‐sum.
The aquaponic principle—It is all about coupling
Authors: Baganz Gösta F. M. , Junge Ranka , Portella Maria C. , Goddek Simon , Keesman Karel J. , Baganz Daniela , Staaks Georg , Shaw Christopher , Lohrberg Frank , Kloas Werner
Published: July 2021

The aquaponic principle is the coupling of animal aquaculture (e.g. fish) with plant production (e.g. vegetables) for saving resources. At present, various definitions of aquaponics exist, some bearing the risk of misinterpretation by dismissing the original meaning or being contradictory. In addition, there is no standard terminology for the aspects of coupling between the aquaponic subsystems. In this study, we addressed both issues. (1) We developed new or revised definitions that are summarised by: Aquaponic farming comprises aquaponics (which couples tank‐based animal aquaculture with hydroponics) and trans‐aquaponics, which extends aquaponics to tankless aquaculture as well as non‐hydroponics plant cultivation methods. Within our conceptual system, the term aquaponics corresponds to the definitions of FAO and EU. (2) A system analysis approach was utilised to explore different aquaponic setups aiming to better describe the way aquaponic subsystems are connected. We introduced the new terms ‘coupling type’ and ‘coupling degree’, where the former qualitatively characterises the water‐mediated connections of aquaponic subsystems. A system with on‐demand nutrient water supply for the independent operating plant cultivation is an ‘on‐demand coupled system’ and we propose to deprecate the counterintuitive term ‘decoupled system’ for this coupling type. The coupling degree comprises a set of parameters to quantitatively determine the coupling's efficiency of internal streams, for example, water and nutrients. This new framework forms a basis for improved communication, provides a uniform metric for comparing aquaponic facilities, and offers criteria for facility optimisation. In future system descriptions, it will simplify evaluation of the coupling's contribution to sustainability of aquaponics.
Participatory active restoration of communal forests in temperate Himalaya, India
Authors: Rao Kottapalli Sreenivasa , Semwal Rajeev L. , Ghoshal Shankharoop , Maikhuri Rakesh K. , Nautiyal Sunil , Saxena Krishana Gopal
Published: July 2021

Potential of community participation and non‐timber forest species in forest restoration has been widely discussed but rarely demonstrated through long‐term empirical studies. An attempt was made to restore the communal forest in temperate Indian Himalaya by mixed planting of multipurpose broad‐leaved trees, bamboo, and medicinal herbs chosen by local people based on pooled indigenous and scientific knowledge. Funding was terminated after 7 years, while people–researcher interactions and monitoring of the restored forest and competing land uses/economic activities continued. People viewed co‐occurrence of gregarious flowering induced mortality of bamboo and excessive crop/beehive damage by wildlife in the 10th year as a setback. Further, they envisioned threats to intact forest from mounting timber demand. As a common mitigation measure, they planted in gaps fast‐growing and nitrogen‐fixing Alnus nepalensis excluded in the initial treatment for harboring pests, yielding inferior products, and its negative association with medicinal herbs/bamboo. After 20 years, transplanted trees/bamboos were over two times taller than the naturally regenerated ones. The plantation had 75% of belowground and 17% of aboveground carbon stocks and 39% of flowering plant species in intact forest and was economically more efficient than intact forest and farms. People did not expand the trial because of its ineffectiveness in mitigating new problems and satisfying new aspirations. Agricultural abandonment nullified restoration‐mediated carbon sequestration. There is a need of translating ecological concepts underlying cost‐effective restoration into practices and of policies supporting participatory long‐term adaptive forest restoration and its synergy with other economic activities in cultural landscapes.
Sinuous bar fingers of digitate shallow‐water deltas: Insights into their formative processes and deposits from integrating morphological and sedimentological studies with mathematical modelling
Authors: Xu Zhenhua , Plink‐Björklund Piret , Wu Shenghe , Liu Zhao , Feng Wenjie , Zhang Ke , Yang Zheng , Zhong Yacong
Published: July 2021

This paper helps to address the growing need to resolve the severe loss of deltaic lands by providing a new understanding for shallow‐water digitate delta growth. The integration of satellite image analysis of modern deltas, field studies of the Ganjiang Delta in the Poyang Lake and ‘Delft3D’ simulations further results in improved facies models for shallow‐water digitate deltas. These analyses show that shallow‐water digitate delta bar fingers are sinuous in contrast to the straight deep‐water digitate delta bar fingers. These differences are assigned to the effect of water depth on outflow hydraulics, where friction‐dominated shallow‐water delta effluents promote mouth bar deposition that then divert flow around the mouth bar, resulting in the formation of sinuous bar fingers. These effects are further strengthened by the meandering of the shallow‐water jet that increases lateral sediment transport, and by the higher flow resistance and lower gradient of the shallow‐water outflows. Our data and analyses further show differences in the morphology and deposits of the shallow‐water sinuous bar fingers, where some bar fingers develop sinuous and others meandering (with point bars) distributary channels. Lateral channel migration and point bar formation (meandering) occur as a secondary process that does not change the shape or width of the bar fingers themselves, and is suggested to be a function of slight initial differences in channel sinuosity. These differences in distributary channel morphology have a strong effect on bar finger facies distribution. Sediment cohesion is another important control on bar finger bending processes, because high cohesion promotes formation of enclosed bays, where their bank strength exceeds the centrifugal force of water flow. Lower sediment cohesion results in sinuous bar fingers without formation of enclosed bays. This work provides insights into natural and artificial shallow‐water digitate delta growth and provides new quantitative facies models for shallow‐water digitate deltas.
The role of the Home Literacy Environment for children's linguistic and socioemotional competencies development in the early years
Authors: Wirth Astrid , Ehmig Simone C. , Niklas Frank
Published: July 2021

Both linguistic and socioemotional competencies develop in early childhood in the context of children's learning environments at home and during interactions with their parents. To support linguistic competencies, the Home Literacy Environment (HLE) and shared reading routines play a crucial role. In turn, research also indicates associations between the HLE and children's socioemotional development. Based on a sample of N = 132 children with an average age of M = 37 months (SD = 4.00) at t1, this longitudinal study aimed at investigating the role of the HLE for the development of children's linguistic and socioemotional competencies in the early years. Children's receptive and expressive linguistic abilities were assessed with standardized tests and educators and parents reported on the HLE and shared reading routines, as well as children's socioemotional competencies and problem behavior three times across 1 year. In a structural equation model, children's HLE was a significant predictor of children's socioemotional competencies and problem behavior via linguistic abilities. Consequently, children's HLE and parental shared reading habits may be a good target for interventions to support young children's socioemotional learning by contributing to their linguistic development.
A molecular phylogeny of the parasitoid wasp subfamily Rogadinae (Ichneumonoidea: Braconidae) with descriptions of three new genera
Authors: Quicke Donald L. J. , Fagan‐Jeffries Erinn P. , Jasso‐Martínez Jovana M. , Zaldívar‐Riverón Alejandro , Shaw Mark R. , Janzen Daniel H. , Hallwachs Winnie , Smith M. Alex , Hebert Paul D. N. , Hrcek Jan , Miller Scott , Sharkey Michael J. , Shaw Scott R. , Butcher Buntika A.
Published: July 2021

A molecular phylogeny of the subfamily Rogadinae is presented for 469 species in 52 genera representing all tribes and subtribes. The data comprise cytochromecoxidase I sequences (DNA barcodes), together with a broad representation of 28S rDNA D2‐D3 expansion region, EF1‐αgene and 16S rDNA fragments. To test monophyly, most genera were represented by multiple species. The analysis of the complete dataset recovered a monophyletic Rogadinae with low support. All six tribes were recovered as monophyletic with the following relationships: (Rogadini, (Stiropiini, (Clinocentrini, (Betylobraconini, [Yeliconini, Aleiodini])))). Three new genera are recognized:AfrorogasQuickegen.n.(type speciesAfrorogas copelandiQuickesp.n.) for a mainland Afrotropical species;AmanirogasQuickegen.n.(type speciesAmanirogas isolatusQuickesp.n.), previously treated as aRogasspecies from Tanzania; andPapuarogasQuickegen.n.(type speciesP.dameniQuickesp.n.), for species from Papua New Guinea.IporhogasGranger is synonymized withTroporhogasCameron. The African generaMyoporhogasBrues,Scoporogasvan Achterberg and the endemic New Zealand genusRhinoprotomavan Achterberg are synonymized withAleiodes. A formal diagnosis of the Aleiodini Muesebeck is provided for the first time.

This published work has been registered on ZooBank,http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F24DC64C‐54B7‐45DA‐AB8E‐52DC3E34545C
Molecular phylogeny and classification of Nudariina (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) with emphasis on the genera Barsine Walker, Ammatho Walker and Ovipennis Hampson
Authors: Huang Si‐Yao , Volynkin Anton V. , Miao Zhi‐Peng , Tan Shun‐Yun , Wang Min , Fan Xiao‐Ling
Published: July 2021

We provide the first multi‐locus molecular phylogeny of the lichen moth genus Barsine Walker and related genera, focussing on the recently revised Ammatho Walker and Ovipennis Hampson. One mitochondrial (cytochromec oxidase subunit I) and three nuclear (EF‐1α, RpS5 and Wg) genes were sequenced for 114 taxa representing most of the known members from these genera, sourced mainly from continental East Asia. Phylogenetic topologies obtained from maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference were generally congruent. Based on these results, we propose the four genus‐groups: the Melanaema, Asuridia, Miltochrista and Asura groups. The following genera are described: Longarsine gen.n., Callidarsine gen.n., Fangclia gen.n. and Micrarsine gen.n. The following subgenera are raised to genera: Ammathella stat.n., Striatella stat.n., Conicornuta stat.n., Delineatia stat.n., Composine stat.n., Barsipennis stat.n., Coccinigripennis stat.n. and Processine stat.n. The following genera and combinations are restored: Idopterum stat.rev., Nebulene stat.rev. and Ovipennis postalba comb.rev. The genus Hampsonascia is synonymized with Sesapa (Sesapa).
Complications of traditional bonesetting in contemporary fracture care in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Onyemaechi Ndubuisi O. , Menson William Nii Ayitey , Goodman Xan , Slinkard Samantha , Onwujekwe Obinna E. , Enweani Ugochukwu N. , Nwankwo Okechukwu E. , Nwomeh Benedict C. , Nwariaku Fiemu E. , Ezeanolue Echezona E.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To provide an overview of the evidence on the prevalence and pattern of complications among patients treated by traditional bonesetting presenting for modern orthopaedic services in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC).

Methods

Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. Articles were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and Web of Science using the keywords “fracture care”, “traditional bonesetters” and “complications”. Papers included for review were original articles set in an LMIC that directly reported the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal complications of traditional bonesetters’ fracture treatment in LMIC settings.

Results

A total of 176 papers were screened for eligibility and 15 studies were finally included. Nine were prospective studies, six were retrospective studies. All were hospital‐based, observational studies that investigated the outcomes of treatment of fractures by traditional bonesetters published between 1986 and 2018. In total, this review covers 1389 participants with 1470 complications of fracture treatment.

Conclusion

Traditional bonesetting complications are associated with significant morbidity. However, traditional bonesetters have the potential to contribute positively to primary fracture care when they are trained.
Manipulating assimilate availability provides insight into the genes controlling grain size in sorghum
Authors: Tao Yongfu , Trusov Yuri , Zhao Xianrong , Wang Xuemin , Cruickshank Alan W. , Hunt Colleen , van Oosterom Erik J. , Hathorn Adrian , Liu Guoquan , Godwin Ian D. , Botella Jose R. , Mace Emma S. , Jordan David R.
Published: July 2021

Variation in grain size, a major determinant of grain yield and quality in cereal crops, is determined by both the plant’s genetic potential and the available assimilate to fill the grain in the absence of stress. This study investigated grain size variation in response to variation in assimilate supply in sorghum using a diversity panel (n = 837) and a backcross‐nested association mapping population (n = 1421) across four experiments. To explore the effects of genetic potential and assimilate availability on grain size, the top half of selected panicles was removed at anthesis. Results showed substantial variation in five grain size parameters with high heritability. Artificial reduction in grain number resulted in a general increase in grain weight, with the extent of the increase varying across genotypes. Genome‐wide association studies identified 44 grain size quantitative trait locus (QTL) that were likely to act on assimilate availability and 50 QTL that were likely to act on genetic potential. This finding was further supported by functional enrichment analysis and co‐location analysis with known grain number QTL and candidate genes. RNA interference and overexpression experiments were conducted to validate the function of one of the identified gene, SbDEP1, showing that SbDEP1 positively regulates grain number and negatively regulates grain size by controlling primary branching in sorghum. Haplotype analysis of SbDEP1 suggested a possible role in racial differentiation. The enhanced understanding of grain size variation in relation to assimilate availability presented in this study will benefit sorghum improvement and have implications for other cereal crops.
Industrial plans, export destinations and product quality
Authors: Dong Jiemiao , Mi Yinxia , Yu Zhuangxiong
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the links between policy support, export destinations and product quality. Depending on the export industry and target destination (policy support, income level), the theories suggest a competing relationship between policy support and high‐income exporting on quality upgrading. Consistent with the notion that policy support only matters when exporting to low‐income destinations, empirical results show that policy support improves exporters’ product quality and mitigates the inefficiency of the quality valuation mechanism when exporting to low‐income countries, but reduces product quality by distorting the quality valuation mechanism when exporting to high‐income countries. These results are robust within different measures of policy support and product quality. Heterogeneity analyses show that the impact of policy support and its relationship with high‐income exporting only held for firms with high extensive margins, while foreign ownership and export duration can mitigate the quality reduction impact caused by policy support for high‐income exporting.
SLUG is upregulated and induces epithelial mesenchymal transition in canine oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Noguchi Shunsuke , Hirano Kazuya , Tanimoto Nanami , Shimada Terumasa , Akiyoshi Hideo
Published: July 2021

SLUG, encoded by the Snai2 gene, is known to play a role in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), which contributes to cell invasion and metastasis in some types of human carcinomas. However, the mechanisms and roles of EMT in canine squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have not yet been elucidated. We have previously established canine oral SCC cell lines, including tonsillar SCC, and in this study, we evaluated the effects of SLUG on the phenotypes regarding EMT of canine SCC cells. First, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SLUG is upregulated in canine oral SCC tissues compared to that in non‐tumoural oral mucosa. Furthermore, gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function of SLUG revealed that SLUG partly contributed to migration and invasion of cells, as well as the upregulation of EMT markers such as vimentin and SNAIL. Thus, the current study suggests that SLUG promotes cell migration and invasion through EMT induction in canine oral SCC, as well as human cancers.
Review: How will climate change impact the ‘many little hammers’ of ecological weed management?
Authors: Birthisel Sonja Katherine , Clements Ruth S. , Gallandt Eric R.
Published: July 2021

Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations [CO2] and climate change are impacting farming worldwide. Ecological weed management (EWM) principles, including use of diverse tactics already employed by many farmers, may assist in adapting to and mitigating climate change. We systematically reviewed the literature on EWM and climate change and here summarise practical considerations related to changing efficacy and utility of non‐chemical EWM practices. Localised changes in precipitation will affect tillage and cultivation. We expect that mulching, transplanting and some weed seedbank management strategies, which add resiliency to a weed management programme, may show increased utility in a future with more extreme and variable weather. Innovations in autonomous robotic weeding technologies and cultivation tool design show promise in helping to overcome challenges related to low and variable cultivation efficacy and traditionally slow working rates. EWM practices that help farmers achieve multiple objectives and provide benefits beyond climate change adaptation, such as financial gains, may be most advantageous, the development of which could be facilitated by interdisciplinary research and outreach efforts. Overall, we conclude that in an increasingly variable climate, farmers will have to employ a greater diversity of weed management tactics in order to spread risk and enable climate resilience through farming systems diversification.
Listening to Dura Europos: An Experiment in Archaeological Image Sonification
Authors:   Carleton University, Graham Shawn , Simons Jaime
Published: July 2021

We present an experiment in sonifying archival archaeological imagery to make the act of looking at photography strange and weird. The sounds produced will then arrest us and slow us down, and make apparent to us the different ways that archaeological vision is constructed to particular effect/affect. It makes us alive to what is hidden or elided in the image itself; in slowing down, listening/looking/moving at one, we are moved towards enchantment, and engage in a kind of digital hermeneutics that reveals more than what the lens may have captured.
High Definition Metrology-Based Quality Improvement of Surface Texture in Face Milling of Workpieces With Discontinuous Surfaces
Authors: Li Guilong , Du Shichang , Wang Bo , Lv Jun , Deng Yafei
Published: July 2021

In face milling process, the quality of surface texture is vital for mechanical performance of workpieces. The quality of surface texture, especially for waviness, is directly affected by tool marks, a commonly observed phenomenon in face milling. However, appropriate approaches for evaluation and modeling of tool marks are absent to date. Limited to the resolution as well as the efficiency of conventional measurement instruments, the height data of tool marks is hard to be entirely obtained, leading to valuable information omission. Besides, most existing models of tool marks are established for general workpieces with regular geometry and continuous surfaces. Since the cutter-workpiece engagement mode has a significant impact on the generation of tool marks, current models could be inaccurate or invalid when dealing with workpieces with discontinuous surfaces. To overcome this shortage, a novel approach is proposed in this research, aimed at quality improvement of surface texture in face milling of workpieces with discontinuous surfaces. First, the evaluation indexes for tool marks are defined based on the recently developed high definition metrology (HDM). Second, the physical modeling of tool marks is presented, taking the face milling mechanism into account. Third, the physical-informed optimization model is developed to search for the optimal processing parameters for surface quality improvement. At last, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified by a face milling experiment on the engine blocks.
A Model-Based Method for System Reconfiguration
Authors: Qasim Lara , Hein Andreas Makoto , Olaru Sorin , Garnier Jean-Luc , Jankovic Marija
Published: July 2021

System reconfiguration is essential in complex systems management, as it is an enabler of system adaptability with regard to system evolutions. System evolutions have to be managed to ensure system effectiveness and efficiency through its whole life cycle, particularly when it comes to complex systems that take years of development and dozens of years of usage. In this context, system reconfiguration ensures system operation and maintains system “ilities” (e.g., reliability, availability, maintainability, testability, and safety). This research has been conducted in the context of a large international aerospace, space, ground transportation, defense, and security company. This research aims at supporting system reconfiguration during operations. Within current industrial practices, the development of reconfiguration support is challenging as it requires integrating data related to observations (from operations) and system design (from engineering). More specifically, there is a need to integrate and link relevant reconfiguration data concerning the system objectives, operational context, and level of functioning. This paper proposes integrating and linking this fundamental data within a reconfiguration method. MBSysRec is a multidisciplinary method that involves configuration generation and a multicriteria decision-making method for configuration evaluation and selection to support system reconfiguration during operations. The method has been implemented on two projects based on historical data. Resulting configurations have been discussed and assessed by system reconfiguration experts. A Search and Rescue (SAR) case study is used to demonstrate the method. The method is proven effective for finding relevant system configurations for reconfiguring the already deployed system to achieve search and rescue missions.
Implications of Competitor Representation for Profit-Maximizing Design
Authors: Yip Arthur H. C. , Michalek Jeremy J. , Whitefoot Kate S.
Published: July 2021

Design optimization studies that model competition with other products in the market often use a small set of products to represent all competitors. We investigate the effect of competitor product representation on profit-maximizing design solutions. Specifically, we study the implications of replacing a large set of disaggregated elemental competitor products with a subset of competitor products or composite products. We derive first-order optimality conditions and show that optimal design (but not price) is independent of competitors when using logit and nested logit models (where preferences are homogeneous). However, this relationship differs in the case of random-coefficients logit models (where preferences are heterogeneous), and we demonstrate that profit-maximizing design solutions using latent-class or mixed-logit models can (but need not always) depend on the representation of competing products. We discuss factors that affect the magnitude of the difference between models with elemental and composite representations of competitors, including preference heterogeneity, cost function curvature, and competitor set specification. We present correction factors that ensure models using subsets or composite representation of competitors have optimal design solutions that match those of disaggregated elemental models. While optimal designs using logit and nested logit models are not affected by ad hoc modeling decisions of competitor representation, the independence of optimal designs from competitors when using these models raises questions of when these models are appropriate to use.
Elucidating energetics and kinetics in environmentally relevant mixed gas plasmas
Authors: Van Surksum Tara L. , Fisher Ellen R.
Published: July 2021

Understanding energy distributions and kinetic processes in low temperature plasmas is vital to increase their utility for a range of applications, in particular pollution remediation. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was employed to elucidate energetic and kinetic trends for several diatomic species in CH4/N2 and CH4/H2O plasma systems. Vast differences in rotational and vibrational temperatures between dissimilar plasma species were observed, indicating the internal temperatures of excited state species are not equilibrated with each other. In combination with energy partitioning results, species formation and destruction rates within the plasma were derived from time-resolved OES data. The results provide insight into molecule formation pathways, including that the formation of CN may be related to excited nitrogen species available in CH4/N2 plasmas.
Preparation and electronic structure of the WSe2/graphene/NiSex/Ni(111) heterostructure
Authors: Sant Roberto , Cattelan Mattia , Agnoli Stefano , Granozzi Gaetano
Published: July 2021

In this work, a stacked heterostructure made up of single-layer WSe2 and graphene was created through a scalable and efficient way. Graphene was grown on a Ni (111) single crystal, producing an ordered and well-defined carbon overlayer that is strongly hybridized with the support, disrupting its peculiar conductive properties. A monolayer WSe2 was deposited on top of graphene by the simultaneous evaporation of metal W and elemental Se. We demonstrate here that the chalcogen can efficiently intercalate between graphene and the Ni surface, decoupling the two materials and forming a buffering NiSex layer. The concurrent selenization of both W and Ni effectively eliminates the need for an additional decoupling step in the synthesis of a free-standing graphene/Ni heterostructure. The formation process of the complex WSe2/Graphene/NiSex/Ni(111) heterostructure was studied by means of low-energy electron diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, angle-resolved ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, and ex situ Raman spectroscopy. These analyses confirm the presence of single-layer WSe2 on top of a free-standing graphene.
Postural Control in Older Adults During and Following a 12-Week Balance Training Intervention With Attentional Focus Instructions
Authors: Higgins Lauren Q. , Labban Jeffrey D. , Stout Ruth D. , Fairbrother Jeffrey T. , Rhea Christopher K. , Raisbeck Louisa D.
Published: July 2021

Adults (N = 54, 80.78 ± 6.08 years) who reported falling during the previous 12 months participated in a 12-week wobble board training program with internal focus or external focus (EF) instructions. Verbal manipulation checks were performed after training sessions as a self-report of the attentional foci used. The percentage of sessions in which participants reported using an EF (EFSR) was subsequently calculated. Mean velocity and mean power frequency in the anterior–posterior (MVELOAP and MPFAP) and medial–lateral (MVELOML and MPFML) direction were assessed during a 35-s wobble board task at Weeks 0, 6, 12, 13, 16, and 20, with the latter three as retention tests. Piecewise linear growth models estimated treatment effects on individual growth trajectories of MVELOAP and ML and MPFAP and ML during intervention and retention periods. Regardless of condition, MVELOML significantly decreased (π = −.0019, p = .005) and MPFML increased (π = .025, p < .02) during the intervention period. In analyses including interaction terms, participants in the EF group who reported greater EFSR had superior progression of MPFAP during the intervention (π = .0013, p = .025). Verbal manipulation checks suggest a preference for and advantage of EF for facilitating postural control performance and automaticity.
In Vitro
Activity of APX2041, a New Gwt1 Inhibitor, and
In Vivo
Efficacy of the Prodrug APX2104 against Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Shaheen Shareef K. , Juvvadi Praveen R. , Allen John , Shwab E. Keats , Cole D. Christopher , Asfaw Yohannes G. , Kapoor Mili , Shaw Karen Joy , Steinbach William J.
Published: July 2021

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) due to
Aspergillus fumigatus
is a deadly infection for which new antifungal therapies are needed. Here, we demonstrate the efficacy of a Gwt1 inhibitor, APX2041, and its prodrug, APX2104, against
A. fumigatus
.
Kinetic and Structural Characterization of the First B3 Metallo-β-Lactamase with an Active-Site Glutamic Acid
Authors: Wilson Liam A. , Knaven Esmée G. , Morris Marc T. , Monteiro Pedroso Marcelo , Schofield Christopher J. , Brück Thomas B. , Boden Mikael , Waite David W. , Hugenholtz Philip , Guddat Luke , Schenk Gerhard
Published: July 2021

The structural diversity in metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), especially in the vicinity of the active site, has been a major hurdle in the development of clinically effective inhibitors. Representatives from three variants of the B3 MBL subclass, containing either the canonical HHH/DHH active-site motif (present in the majority of MBLs in this subclass) or the QHH/DHH (B3-Q) or HRH/DQK (B3-RQK) variations were reported previously.
Functional and Structural Characterization of Acquired 16S rRNA Methyltransferase NpmB1 Conferring Pan-Aminoglycoside Resistance
Authors: Kawai Akito , Suzuki Masahiro , Tsukamoto Kentaro , Minato Yusuke , Doi Yohei
Published: July 2021

Posttranslational methylation of the A site of 16S rRNA at position A1408 leads to pan-aminoglycoside resistance encompassing both 4,5- and 4,6-disubstituted 2-deoxystreptamine (DOS) aminoglycosides. To date, NpmA is the only acquired enzyme with such a function.
Rethinking Remdesivir: Synthesis, Antiviral Activity, and Pharmacokinetics of Oral Lipid Prodrugs
Authors: Schooley Robert T. , Carlin Aaron F. , Beadle James R. , Valiaeva Nadejda , Zhang Xing-Quan , Clark Alex E. , McMillan Rachel E. , Leibel Sandra L. , McVicar Rachael N. , Xie Jialei , Garretson Aaron F. , Smith Victoria I. , Murphy Joyce , Hostetler Karl Y.
Published: July 2021

Remdesivir (RDV; GS-5734) is currently the only FDA-approved antiviral drug for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The drug is approved for use in adults or children 12 years or older who are hospitalized for the treatment of COVID-19 on the basis of an acceleration of clinical recovery for inpatients with this disease.
Phenotypic/Genotypic Profile of OXA-10-Like-Harboring, Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Using Validated Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic
In Vivo
Models To Further Evaluate Enzyme Functionality and Clinical Implications
Authors: Gill Christian M. , Brink Adrian , Chu Chun Yat , Coetzee Jennifer , Dimopoulos George , Moodley Clinton , Opperman Christoffel Johannes , Pournaras Spyros , Tenover Fred C. , Tickler Isabella A. , Tootla Hafsah Deepa , Vourli Sophia , Nicolau David P.
Published: July 2021

In vitro
MICs and
in vivo
pharmacodynamics of ceftazidime and cefepime human-simulated regimens (HSR) against modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM)-positive
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates harboring different OXA-10-like subtypes were described. The murine thigh model assessed ceftazidime (2 g every 8 h [q8h] HSR) and cefepime (2 g and 1 g q8h HSR).
PlasmodiumPreerythrocytic Vaccine Antigens Enhance Sterile Protection in Mice Induced by Circumsporozoite Protein
Authors: Daniel Shaji , Pichugin Alexander , Torano Holly , Renn Jonathan P. , Kwan Jennifer , Cowles Matthew V. , Conteh Solomon , Lambert Lynn E. , Alani Nada , MacDonald Nicholas J. , Dai Weili , Highsmith Kendrick , Anderson Charles , Gorres J. Patrick , Musgrove Javonn , Butler Brandi , Althubaiti Nouf , Dixit Saurabh , Zarling-Bejma Stasya , Krzych Urszula , Duffy Patrick E.
Published: July 2021

Preerythrocytic vaccines prevent malaria by targeting parasites in the clinically silent sporozoite and liver stages and preventing progression to the virulent blood stages. The leading preerythrocytic vaccine, RTS,S/AS01E (Mosquirix), entered implementation programs in 2019 and targets the major sporozoite surface antigen, circumsporozoite protein (CSP).
Vibrio cholerae TolC Is Required for Expression of the ToxR Regulon
Authors: Weng Yuding , Fields Edith G. , Bina Thomas F. , Budnick James A. , Kunkle Dillon E. , Bina X. Renee , Bina James E.
Published: July 2021

Vibrio cholerae
is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes the enteric disease cholera.
V. cholerae
colonization of the human intestine is dependent on the expression of both virulence genes and environmental adaptation genes involved in antimicrobial resistance. The expression of virulence genes, including the genes encoding the main virulence factors cholera toxin (CT) and the toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP), are coordinately regulated by the ToxR regulon.
Recombinant
Pseudomonas
Bionanoparticles Induce Protection against Pneumonic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection
Authors: Li Peng , Wang Xiuran , Sun Xiangwan , Cimino Jesse , Guan Ziqiang , Sun Wei
Published: July 2021

To develop an effective
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
outer-membrane-vesicle (OMV) vaccine, we eliminated multiple virulence factors from a wild-type (WT)
P. aeruginosa
strain, PA103, to generate a recombinant strain, PA-m14. Strain PA-m14 was tailored with a pSMV83 plasmid carrying the

pcrV-hitA
T

fusion gene to produce OMVs.
Sirtuin-Dependent Reversible Lysine Acetylation Controls the Activity of Acetyl Coenzyme A Synthetase in Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Jeter Victoria L. , Escalante-Semerena Jorge C.
Published: July 2021

This work provides the experimental evidence needed to support the assignment of function to three key enzymes, two of which control the reversible posttranslational modification of an active-site lysyl residue of the central metabolic enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase (
Cj
Acs). We can now generate
Campylobacter jejuni
mutant strains defective in these functions, so we can establish the conditions in which this mode of regulation of
Cj
Acs is triggered in this bacterium.