bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive effect of antithyroid antibody for relapse of Graves' disease
Authors: Yoshizawa Kazuko , Aso Keiko , Satoh Mari
Published: April 2021

Background

The remission rate in children with Graves' disease (GD) after 2–6 years of antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment is 40–50%. It has been reported that it is difficult to predict the GD prognosis based on the thryroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibody (TRAb) level at the cessation of ATD treatment. We studied whether the persistence of negative TRAb at ATD treatment cessation increased the remission rate in pediatric patients with GD.

Methods

We included 22 patients diagnosed with GD who discontinued ATD treatment after confirmation of negative TRAb on two or more consecutive tests. Remission was defined as the maintenance of normal thyroid function, including serum TSH level, with negative TRAb more than 2 years after ATD discontinuation.

Results

Of the 22 patients, 12 achieved remission (remission rate 54.5%), with no significant between‐group difference in the median duration of ATD treatment in the remission and relapse groups (4.4 vs 3.9 years). Of the 10 patients who relapsed, four (40.0%) relapsed within 2 years after ATD discontinuation, and 4 (40.0%) relapsed more than 5 years after ATD discontinuation.

Conclusions

The persistence of negative TRAb at ATD treatment cessation might indicate prolonged duration of remission but does not increase the final remission rate in patients with childhood‐onset GD.
Ruthenium‐based Photoactive Metalloantibiotics†
Authors: Jain Avijita , Garrett Noah T. , Malone Zachary P.
Published: April 2021

Antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most urgent public health problems. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a promising therapy to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. The aPDT combines a photosensitizer and light to generate reactive oxygen species to induce bacterial inactivation. Ruthenium polypyridyl complexes are significant because they possess unique photophysical properties that allow them to produce reactive oxygen species upon photoirradiation, which leads to cytotoxicity. These antimicrobial agents cause bacterial cell death by DNA and cytoplasmic membrane damage. This article presents a comprehensive review of photoactive antimicrobial properties of kinetically inert and labile ruthenium complexes, nanoparticles coupled photoactive ruthenium complexes, and photoactive ruthenium nanoparticles. Additionally, limitations of current ruthenium‐based photoactive antimicrobial agents and future directions for the development of antibiotic‐resistant photoactive antimicrobial agents are discussed. It is important to raise awareness for the ruthenium‐based aPDT agents in order to develop a new class of photoactive metalloantibiotics capable of combating antibiotic resistance.
Germination, viability and dormancy of 47 species from threatened tropical montane grassland in southeast Brazil: Implications forex situconservation
Authors: de Andrade L. G. , Sánchez‐Tapia A. , de Andrade A. C. S.
Published: April 2021

To mitigate anthropogenic impacts on plant diversity in tropical montane grasslands, one of the most threatened ecosystems in Brazil, it will be essential to developex situconservation strategies to preserve wild species. The lack of basic research on the seed storage behaviour of grassland species may, however, limit their use for reintroduction and restoration projects.

We investigated seed storage behaviour at the community level by comparing the effects of cold–low RH (10 °C; 10% RH) and freezing–low RH (20 °C; 10% RH) conditions on seed viability, germination and dormancy of 47 species.

Fresh seeds of 43% of the species showed primary dormancy. More than half of the species showed high seed survival responses (viability >60%) under both storage temperatures. Despite a variety of dormancy responses among the different species, the low RH storage conditions tested released dormancy for most species during 12‐ and 30‐month storage times. Multivariate analysis of the best (freezing–low RH, 30 months) storage condition evidenced the formation of five distinct groups, three with species having high conservation potential in seed banks.

Although further studies are needed to test dormancy‐breaking treatments and improve seed conservation practices, this first approach to assessing seed banking techniques could contribute to demand for locally adapted seeds for ecological restoration projects in tropical montane grasslands.
Silicon modulates nitro‐oxidative homeostasis along with the antioxidant metabolism to promote drought stress tolerance in lentil plants
Authors: Biju Sajitha , Fuentes Sigfredo , Gupta Dorin
Published: April 2021

Lentil is the fifth most important grain legume growing in arid/semi‐arid regions of the world. Drought is one of the major constraints leading up to 50% of production losses just in lentil. Application of silicon (Si) has been shown to be a promising solution to improve drought tolerance; however, the biochemical mechanisms and interactions involved are not fully understood, especially in legumes. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Si on drought stress tolerance of lentil genotypes. Seven lentil genotypes with different drought tolerance levels (tolerant, moderately tolerant and sensitive) were subjected to moderate and severe drought stress at the onset of the reproductive stage. Results showed that different drought stress treatments significantly decreased the above ground biomass, water status and the concentration of chlorophyll pigments, whereas Si supplementation of drought stressed lentil genotypes significantly improved the same traits, irrespective of their drought tolerant levels. On the other hand, Si effect on osmoregulation leads to a decline in the membrane damage and osmolytes (proline and glycine betaine) concentration in drought‐stressed lentil. Application of Si to drought‐stressed lentil plants significantly maintained the nitro‐oxidative homeostasis by balancing the concentrations of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and nitrous oxide, thereby reducing the oxidative damage caused due to drought stress. Furthermore, Si supplementation also stimulated the efficiency of the glutathione (GSH)‐ascorbate (ASC) cycle by increasing the concentrations of GSH and ASC as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes like ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, dehydro‐ascorbate reductase and nitrate reductase for better protection of cell membranes from reactive oxygen species. Although Si showed the same regulatory mechanisms in all the studied genotypes to protect lentil plants from moderate and severe drought stress, the defensive role of Si against drought stress was more conspicuous in drought sensitive genotypes than in the tolerant ones. Thus, this study suggests the protective role of Si on drought‐stressed lentil genotypes through the modulation of nitro‐oxidative homeostasis and antioxidant defence responses.
Influence of maternal and additive genetic effects on offspring growth traits in Beetal goat
Authors: Magotra Ankit , Bangar Yogesh C. , Chauhan Ashish , Malik B.S. , Malik Z.S.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of the present study was to obtain estimates of variance components and genetic parameters for direct and maternal effects on various growth traits in Beetal goat by fitting four animal models, attempting to separate direct genetic, maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects under restricted maximum likelihood procedure. The data of 3,308 growth trait records of Beetal kids born during the period from 2004 to 2019 were used in the present study. Based on best fitted models, the direct additive h2 estimates were 0.06, 0.27, 0.37, 0.17 and 0.10 for birth weight (BWT), weight at 3 (WT3), 6 (WT6), 9 (WT9) and 12 (WT12) months of age, respectively. Maternal permanent environmental effects significantly contributed for 10% and 7% of total variance for BWT and WWT, respectively, which reduced direct heritability by 40 and 10% for respective traits from the models without these effects. For average daily gain (ADG1) and Kleiber ratios (KR1) up to weaning period (3 months) traits, maternal permanent environmental effects accounted for 7% and 8% of phenotypic variance, respectively, and resulted in a reduction of 6.6% and 5.4% in direct h2 of respective traits. For post‐weaning traits, the maternal effects were non‐significant (p > .05) which indicates diminishing influence of mothering ability for these traits. High and positive genetic correlations were obtained among WT3‐WT6, WT6‐WT9 and WT9‐WT12 with correlations of 0.96 ± 0.25, 0.84 ± 0.23 and 0.90 ± 0.13, respectively. Thus, early selection at weaning age can be practised taking into consideration maternal variation for effective response to selection in Beetal goat.
Dynamics of Money Market Interest Rates in Ghana: Time‐Frequency Analysis of Volatility Spillovers
Authors: Akosah Nana Kwame , Alagidede Imhotep Paul , Schaling Eric
Published: April 2021

As the second longest practicing inflation targeting economy in Africa, it is of interest to investigate the degree to which policy interest rate influences other money market rates so as to gauge the overall effectiveness of monetary policy transmission in Ghana. This study evaluates the degree of connectedness among money market rates and also determines the most dominant money market rate(s) in Ghana. The basic finding is that the monetary policy rate has a low‐to‐moderate influence on volatility dynamics of other money market rates in Ghana across historical time‐interval and time‐frequency domains. This is a reflection of a generally weak capability of policy interest rate to drive other market rates in Ghana. Both monetary policy rate and Treasury bill rate are net transmitters of shocks, while interbank, lending and saving rates are net receivers of shocks in the money market. However, the Treasury bill emerges as the largest shock transmitter in the money market, across all forecast horizons and analytical domains. The lending rate is the largest shock recipient in the money market, largely from the Treasury bill rate which suggests ample evidence of fiscal dominance in Ghana. The study accentuates the exigency for monetary and fiscal policies to expeditiously address the domestic structural bottlenecks, especially in the financial sector and the fragile fiscal profile, in order to strengthen policy transmission in Ghana.
Allelic variants of the NLR protein Rpi‐chc1 differentially recognize members of the Phytophthora infestans PexRD12/31 effector superfamily through the leucine‐rich repeat domain
Authors: Monino‐Lopez Daniel , Nijenhuis Maarten , Kodde Linda , Kamoun Sophien , Salehian Hamed , Schentsnyi Kyrylo , Stam Remco , Lokossou Anoma , Abd‐El‐Haliem Ahmed , Visser Richard G.F. , Vossen Jack H.
Published: April 2021

Phytophthora infestans is a pathogenic oomycete that causes the infamous potato late blight disease. Resistance (R) genes from diverse Solanum species encode intracellular receptors that trigger effective defense responses upon the recognition of cognate RXLR avirulence (Avr) effector proteins. To deploy these R genes in a durable fashion in agriculture, we need to understand the mechanism of effector recognition and the way the pathogen evades recognition. In this study, we cloned 16 allelic variants of the Rpi‐chc1 gene from Solanum chacoense and other Solanum species, and identified the cognate P. infestans RXLR effectors. These tools were used to study effector recognition and co‐evolution. Functional and non‐functional alleles of Rpi‐chc1 encode coiled‐coil nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat (CNL) proteins, being the first described representatives of the CNL16 family. These alleles have distinct patterns of RXLR effector recognition. While Rpi‐chc1.1 recognized multiple PexRD12 (Avrchc1.1) proteins, Rpi‐chc1.2 recognized multiple PexRD31 (Avrchc1.2) proteins, both belonging to the PexRD12/31 effector superfamily. Domain swaps between Rpi‐chc1.1 and Rpi‐chc1.2 revealed that overlapping subdomains in the leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) domain are responsible for the difference in effector recognition. This study showed that Rpi‐chc1.1 and Rpi‐chc1.2 evolved to recognize distinct members of the same PexRD12/31 effector family via the LRR domain. The biased distribution of polymorphisms suggests that exchange of LRRs during host–pathogen co‐evolution can lead to novel recognition specificities. These insights will guide future strategies to breed durable resistant varieties.
OsTTG1, a WD40 repeat gene, regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in rice
Authors: Yang Xinghai , Wang Junrui , Xia Xiuzhong , Zhang Zongqiong , He Jie , Nong Baoxuan , Luo Tongping , Feng Rui , Wu Yanyan , Pan Yinghua , Xiong Faqian , Zeng Yu , Chen Can , Guo Hui , Xu Zhijian , Li Danting , Deng Guofu
Published: April 2021

Anthocyanins play an important role in the growth of plants, and are beneficial to human health. In plants, the MYB‐bHLH‐WD40 (MBW) complex activates the genes for anthocyanin biosynthesis. However, in rice, the WD40 regulators remain to be conclusively identified. Here, a crucial anthocyanin biosynthesis gene was fine mapped to a 43.4‐kb genomic region on chromosome 2, and a WD40 geneOsTTG1(Oryza sativa TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1) was identified as ideal candidate gene. Subsequently, a homozygous mutant (osttg1) generated by CRISPR/Cas9 showed significantly decreased anthocyanin accumulation in various rice organs.OsTTG1was highly expressed in various rice tissues after germination, and it was affected by light and temperature. OsTTG1 protein was localized to the nucleus, and can physically interact with Kala4, OsC1, OsDFR and Rc. Furthermore, a total of 59 hub transcription factor genes might affect rice anthocyanin biosynthesis, andLOC_Os01g28680andLOC_Os02g32430could have functional redundancy withOsTTG1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that directional selection has driven the evolutionary divergence of theindicaandjaponica OsTTG1alleles. Our results suggest thatOsTTG1is a vital regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, and an important gene resource for the genetic engineering of anthocyanin biosynthesis in rice and other plants.
TGD5 is required for normal morphogenesis of non‐mesophyll plastids, but not mesophyll chloroplasts, in Arabidopsis
Authors: Itoh Ryuuichi D. , Nakajima Kohdai P. , Sasaki Shun , Ishikawa Hiroki , Kazama Yusuke , Abe Tomoko , Fujiwara Makoto T.
Published: April 2021

Stromules are dynamic membrane‐bound tubular structures that emanate from plastids. Stromule formation is triggered in response to various stresses and during plant development, suggesting that stromules may have physiological and developmental roles in these processes. Despite the possible biological importance of stromules and their prevalence in green plants, their exact roles and formation mechanisms remain unclear. To explore these issues, we obtained Arabidopsis thaliana mutants with excess stromule formation in the leaf epidermis by microscopy‐based screening. Here, we characterized one of these mutants, stromule biogenesis altered 1 (suba1). suba1 forms plastids with severely altered morphology in a variety of non‐mesophyll tissues, such as leaf epidermis, hypocotyl epidermis, floral tissues, and pollen grains, but apparently normal leaf mesophyll chloroplasts. The suba1 mutation causes impaired chloroplast pigmentation and altered chloroplast ultrastructure in stomatal guard cells, as well as the aberrant accumulation of lipid droplets and their autophagic engulfment by the vacuole. The causal defective gene in suba1 is TRIGALACTOSYLDIACYLGLYCEROL5 (TGD5), which encodes a protein putatively involved in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐to‐plastid lipid trafficking required for the ER pathway of thylakoid lipid assembly. These findings suggest that a non‐mesophyll‐specific mechanism maintains plastid morphology. The distinct mechanisms maintaining plastid morphology in mesophyll versus non‐mesophyll plastids might be attributable, at least in part, to the differential contributions of the plastidial and ER pathways of lipid metabolism between mesophyll and non‐mesophyll plastids.
Membrane concentrate management for textile wastewater with thermally activated persulfate oxidation method
Authors: Yabalak Erdal , Ozay Yasin , Vatanpour Vahid , Dizge Nadir
Published: April 2021

In this study, concentrated textile wastewater using NF270 membrane was further treated by thermally activated persulfate (TAP) oxidation method. First, the effluent of the textile wastewater treatment plant was treated using NF270 membrane, and the concentrated stream was obtained. Second, the TAP method was applied using the central composite design (CCD) optimization method. The steady‐state permeate flux of NF270 was obtained as 3.4, 6.8, 17.4 L/m2.h, respectively, for 10, 15, 20 bars pressure. COD concentration and color in concentrated stream increased from 880 mg/L and 2960 Pt‐Co to 1120 mg/L and 4860 Pt‐Co, respectively, when operating pressure increased from 10 to 20 bars. The results obtained from the CCD optimization method showed that the experimental and predicted values showed a good fit in both chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color removals models. The maximum experimental values of COD and color removal efficiencies were obtained 69% and 95%, respectively, at 370 K temperature, 60 mM K2S2O8 concentration, and 80 min treatment time. The NF270 concentrated stream was also filtrated from the 2nd stage of NF270 membrane after TAP treatment. The results showed that TAP degradation of concentrated stream improved the 2nd stage of NF270 membrane flux compared without degradation. The proposed TAP method was successfully used to further the treatment of textile wastewater concentrated stream for NF270 membrane.
A New Design of a Pinwheel-Shaped High-G Combustor
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Zishuo , Tang Hao
Published: April 2021

High-g combustor (HGC) is a significant branch of the ultracompact combustor, an innovative gas turbine combustor with the ability to shorten the combustor length and improve engine efficiency. To improve the feasibility of the HGC concept, a new HGC was designed to substitute the conventional combustor of a KJ66 small turbine engine. The KJ66 was modified to fit an instrumentation system and test bench to conduct relative experiments. Based on the experiment results, design iterations were conducted relying on simulation methods. The design iteration was comprised of six primary configurations, of which the first four configurations focused on establishing an appropriate high-centrifugal environment to accelerate primary combustion, while the last two modifications focused on improving overall combustion performance. In configuration 4, a pinwheel-shaped swirl inlet was designed to successfully create the high-g environment and balance the flow distribution while bringing insignificant total pressure loss. One modification of configuration 4 was a grid inlet design that divided the inlet channel into several subchannels to constrain the inlet flow and establish an ideal high-g environment. The other modification was a divergent mainstream channel to encourage the dilution process and improve the exit temperature profile. The final design could save at least 1/3 of combustor length while maintaining the same level of performance as the original combustor. Further, the engine was predicted to save at least 12% of the total engine weight and improve at least 14% of the engine thrust-to-weight ratio.
Toward A Mobile Robot for Vibration Control and Inspection of Power Lines
Authors: Kakou Paul-Camille , Barry Oumar
Published: April 2021

As power demand across communities increases, focus has been given to the maintenance of power lines against harsh environments such as wind-induced vibration (WIV). Inspection robots and fixed vibration absorbers (FVAs) are the current solutions. However, both solutions are currently facing many challenges. Inspection robots are limited by their size and considerable power demand, while FVAs are narrowband and unable to adapt to changing wind characteristics and thus are unable to reposition themselves at the antinodes of the vibrating loop. In view of these shortcomings, we propose a mobile damping robot (MDR) that integrates inspection robots mobility and FVAs WIV vibration control to help maintain power lines. In this effort, we model the conductor and the MDR by using Hamilton’s principle, and we consider the two-way nonlinear interaction between the MDR and the cable. The MDR is driven by a proportional-derivative (PD) controller to the optimal vibration location (antinodes) as the wind characteristics vary. The numerical simulations suggest that the MDR outperforms FVAs for vibration mitigation. Furthermore, the key parameters that influence the performance of the MDR are identified through a parametric study. The findings could setup a platform to design a prototype and experimentally evaluate the performance of the MDR.
Experimental Visualization and Analysis of Multiphase Immiscible Flow in Fractured Micromodels Using Micro-Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Haque Najrul , Singh Anugrah , Saha Ujjwal K.
Published: April 2021

The study of fluid flow through fractured porous media has drawn immense interest in the fields of soil hydrology, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), and others. In this work, a low-cost fractured micromodel with regular pore geometry is fabricated and visualization experiments are performed to study the flow field produced by single- and two-phase immiscible flows. The fractured micromodel is fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. The micro-particle image velocimetry (PIV) method is applied to map the flow velocity, both at the throat and near the fracture region of micromodel. In two-phase flow, imbibition flow experiments are performed to investigate the effects of fracture on the front migration caused by the trapping mechanism of residual fluid (displaced phase). The velocity distribution obtained for the two-phase flow revealed many peculiarities that are completely different from the single-phase flow pattern. These peculiarities create instabilities that yield random preferential flow paths near the pockets of stagnant fluid. Such dynamic events are quantified by mapping the velocity magnitude of flow fields. No effects of fracture are seen in the single-phase flow where uniform flow patterns are observed in the porous region. However, for the two-phase flow, more pockets of trapped fluids are found at the junction of two fractures.
Drilling Data-Based Approach to Build a Continuous Static Elastic Moduli Profile Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Siddig Osama , Alafnan Saad , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez
Published: April 2021

Young's modulus is a principle geomechanical property that reflects the material stiffness. Good knowledge about rock mechanical properties significantly facilitates fracturing design and in-situ stresses estimation. Conventionally, rock elastic properties are estimated either experimentally or using well log data, known as static and dynamic respectively. Conducting experiments on core samples is costly, time-consuming and does not provide continuous information. While dynamic Young's modulus provides a complete profile, however, it needs the availability of acoustic logs and its estimations differ from the static values. The objective of this paper is to create a continuous profile of Young's modulus using the drilling rig sensors records. The presented approach relies on the fact that the drilling data such as drill pipe torque, weight on bit and rate of penetration are available at an early stage without additional cost. Three machine-learning algorithms were used to correlate the drilling data with Young's modulus: random forest, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system and functional network. Two different datasets were used in this study, one construct and test the model, while the other was hidden from the algorithms and used later to validate the built models. The two datasets contain over 3900 data points and cover different types of rocks. Two out of the three methods utilized yielded a remarkable match between the given and predicted values. The correlation coefficients ranged between 0.92 and 0.99 average absolute percentage errors were less than 13%. Supported by these results, the utilization of drilling data and artificial intelligence techniques to predict the elastic moduli is promising. This approach could be investigated for other geomechanical properties, besides, the performance of other machine-learning methods for the same purpose.
Computation of Spatial Displacements From Geometric Features
Authors: Ravani B. , Ge Q. J.
Published: April 2021

This paper develops the theoretical foundation for computations of spatial displacements from the simple geometric features of points, lines, planes and their combinations. Using an oriented projective three space with a Clifford Algebra, all these three features are handled in a similar fashion. Furthermore, issues related to uniqueness of computations and minimal number of required features are discussed. It is shown that contrary to the common intuition, specification of a minimum of four points (planes) or three lines (each pair being non-planar) are necessary for computation of a unique displacement. Only when the sense of the orientations of these features are specified then the minimal number of required features reduces to three for points and planes and two for lines. The results, in addition to their theoretical interest in computational geometry of motion, have application in robot calibration.
Nonlinear Programming Using Logic Methods
Authors: Lu Peng , Siddall James N.
Published: April 2021

The algorithm presented here combines Boolean logic analysis with heuristic search to solve the general 0-1 polynomial programming problem. It can also be extended to solve continuous variable problems, after the problem has been converted to discrete polynomial form. Logic relations embedded in 0-1 variables are explored by a simple consensus operation to serve as the main minimization strategy. The procedure for sequential generation of prime implicants avoids rapidly increasing the number of prime implicants when problems become large. The computational results indicate that this algorithm is quite reliable for 0-1 problem formulations.
A Multi-Expert System for Sheet Metal Part Design
Authors: Wilson William R. D. , Wang Jyhwen
Published: April 2021

A multi-expert system approach for the design of sheet metal parts, and its implementation is described. The system uses a frame-based, object-oriented representation scheme to model the part design as well as the expert knowledge. To facilitate the collaborative design process, a blackboard architecture is used. Heuristic search methods that guide the collaborative design process are presented. The advantages offered by such a multi-expert system are also discussed.
Optimal Design of Resonance Suppression Helical Springs
Authors: Lin Yuji , Hodges P. H. , Pisano A. P.
Published: April 2021

Based on a previously developed and verified helical spring dynamic model, optimization and FFT routines have been added to the spring dynamic model as controlling and postprocessing units to form a computer-based optimal design tool. The objective function minimized is the amplitude of spring resonance. Design variables are the coefficients of a polynomial which describes the variation of the diameter of spring wire along the spring helix. Constraints are the maximum fatigue stress on any location of spring wire, the minimum and maximum wire diameter, and the maximum required spring force. In a case study for an automobile engine valve spring, resonant harmonic power has been reduced by 47%, given the newly designed spring a potential to be used at 8.3% higher engine speed before potential valve toss occurs.
An Object-Oriented Feature-Based CAD/CAPP/CAM Integration Framework
Authors: Wang Ming-Tzong
Published: April 2021

This paper presents an object-oriented feature-based CAD/CAPP/CAM integration framework in a concurrent engineering environment. The framework which is still under development at Yuan-Ze’s automation center is a layered hierarchy based on an object-oriented feature-based part model. The part model serves as a central database for design, process planning, and manufacturing related activities. Feature-based design approach in conjunction with feature recognition approach is incorporated in this integration framework. This dual approach can balance overall computational efficiency and modeling complexity of the interface between design and process planning.

There are three levels at the process planning stage : primary level, secondary level and detailing level. The primary level is concerned with the issues of intermediate shape generation. At the secondary process planning level the intermediate specifications of features and workpieces are determined. The detailing level elaborates on the selection of corresponding facilities and parameters for each manufacturing operation. This manufacturing information is used to drive the downstream CAM activities such as NC part programming, production control and scheduling, operation setup and so forth.
Hybrid Approach to Plant Layout Design Using Constraint-Directed Search and an Optimization Technique
Authors: Fujita Kikuo , Akagi Shinsuke , Hase Hiroaki , Nakatogawa Tetsundo , Takeuchi Makoto
Published: April 2021

A hybrid type approach to plant layout design is presented with a constraint-directed search procedure and a mathematical optimization technique. In layout design, a plant must be arranged to satisfy spatial constraints imposed by its components. In our approach the whole space of a plant building is divided into the finite compartments with a modular size in order to separate the description of the layout into the combinational part and the dimensional part. According to it, the approach consists of two steps. In the first step, a constraint-directed search procedure is applied for fixing the combinational relations among plant components so as to satisfy the spatial layout conditions. In the second step, an optimization technique is applied for determining the actual dimensions of compartments so as to minimize size of a plant building considering size of components. In the optimization, mixed-integer programming and sequential linear programing are combined and the formulation is carried out automatically from the result of the first step. This hybrid approach has been applied to the design of a nuclear power plant in order to check its validity and effectiveness.
Optimization of a Spherical Five Bar Parallel Drive Linkage
Authors: Ouerfelli Mohamed , Kumar Vijay
Published: April 2021

The spherical five bar parallel drive linkage is investigated for use as a spherical manipulator or as a pointing mechanism. The direct and inverse kinematics are derived for a general 5-R linkage. Kinematic and dynamic optimization yields a geometry in which all link lengths are equal to a right angle.
A Boolean Local Improvement Method for General Discrete Optimization Problems
Authors: Lu Peng , Siddall James N.
Published: April 2021

The paper proposes a new approach to solving the discrete design optimization problem by combining Boolean logic methods with conventional nonlinear optimization. A continuous variable optimum is first found, and then the Boolean method searches the local region for the discrete variable optimum.
A Counterexample to Signal-to-Noise Ratio As a Measure of Design Robustness
Authors: Wilde Douglass J.
Published: April 2021

Maximizing signal-to-noise ratio generates off-center designs that can be far from robust. To demonstrate this in engineering terms, a counterexample is constructed by relaxing a physically unnecessary constraint in Taguchi’s robust circuit design illustration. In this new case the badly off-center design obtained by maximizing signal-to-noise ratio is not even as robust as the worst of the centered designs. This did not occur in the original example because the artificial constraint, relaxed in the counterexample, fortuitously held the maximum signal-to-noise ratio design near the robust least variation design.
Quantifying Design Feasibility Using Probabilistic Feasibility Analysis
Authors: Eggert R. J.
Published: April 2021

Engineered products are designed for manufacture using nominal values and tolerances. As such, finished products will more or less satisfy design specifications depending on the actual materials and manufacturing processes used. Design feasibility, therefore, depends on how these variations impact specified constraints. Probabilistic feasibility analysis can be used to extend conventional feasibility analysis. By using moment matching and simulation, the probability of points occurring in the design space can be evaluated. The resulting values establish the limits of feasibility and the amount of feasibility in between. The nature of variation in mechanical design is introduced along with concepts of variation propagation in functions of random variables. Moment matching methods are applied to illustrative cases consisting of deterministic and probabilistic constraint equations, resulting in three dimensional feasibility mappings of each design space.
Structural Optimization With Nonlinear Goal Programming Using Powell’s Method
Authors: El-Sayed Mohamed E. M. , Jang T. S.
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a method for solving structural optimization problems using nonlinear goal programming techniques. The developed method removes the difficulty of having to define an objective function and constraints. It also has the capacity of handling rank ordered design objectives or goals. The formulation of the structural optimization problem into a goal programming form is discussed. The resulting optimization problem is solved using Powell’s conjugate direction search algorithm. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, as a design tool, the solutions of some numerical test cases are included.
A sono-anatomical and cadaveric study of ultrasound-guided retrolaminar block
Authors: Aamir Fahd , Cronin Michael , Lee Peter , Iohom Gabriella , Shorten George
Published: April 2021

Aim: Retrolaminar block (RB) is known to confer chest wall analgesia but, its mechanism has not been established. Our primary objective was to determine if the spread of injectate following RB extends to the paravertebral space (PVS). Second-ary objectives were to determine the predefined anatomical areas and nervous tissues contacted by injectate; the effect of volume on spread; and the extent to which experts can predict PVS spread based on examination of US videos of the injection. Material and methods: US-guided RB was performed on cadavers using a single injection technique of 10, 20 or 30 ml dye. Anatomical dissection was performed to identify the extent of spread of injectate to the retrolaminar, intercostal and PVS. Ultrasound recordings of the injection were independently evaluated by experts in US-guided regional anaesthesia. Results: Spread of injectate to the ipsilateral PVS was identified in 6/10 dissected regions (0/1, 1/3 and 5/6 when injectate volumes of 10, 20 and 30ml were administered respectively). The extent of cephalad-caudad spread within the PVS varied from 1 to 3 levels. Expert interpretation of ultrasound images regarding spread to the PVS demonstrated poor correlation with dye staining observed on dissection. Conclusions: Injectate spread following RB demonstrated substantial variability. Inconsistent spread to the ipsilateral PVS may account for clinically occurring incomplete blocks. The likelihood of spread to the ipsilateral PVS was greater when a larger volume was injected. Expert evaluation of the dynamic ultrasound images obtained at injection can-not reliably predict spread to the PVS.
Clinical value of thoracic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Wu , Xu Kun , Li Yiying , Hao Meifang , Yang Yongsheng , Liu Xiaofang , Huang Xiaochun , Huang Yuqin , Ye Qianjun
Published: April 2021

Aims: The present study investigated and evaluated the accuracy of thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. Material and methods: The PubMed, Em-base and the Cochrane library databases were searched till March 2019 to retrieve relevant articles and the overall diagnostic accuracy of TUS in PE diagnosis was evaluated by meta-analysis. Results: Overall, 16 studies including 1,916 patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Of these, 762 (39.8%) had confirmed PE. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) of TUS for PE were 82% (95% confidence interval (CI), 72%–88%), 89% (95% CI, 79%–95%), and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88–0.93), respectively. Other efficacy parameters assessed demonstrated a positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of (7.6; 95% CI, 4.0–14.5), negative likelihood ratio of (NLR) (0.21; 95% CI, 0.14–0.30), and diagnostic odds’ ratio (DOR) of (36.86; 95% CI, 21.41–63.48). Conclusions: The current study suggested that although TUS cannot safely rule out PE, it is likely to be used as an aid or guidance to establish procedures and help to improve the diagnostic deficits in patients with PE.
Hamstring and Quadriceps Muscle Strength in Youth to Senior Elite Soccer: A Cross-Sectional Study Including 125 Players
Authors: Ishøi Lasse , Krommes Kasper , Nielsen Mathias F. , Thornton Kasper B. , Hölmich Per , Aagaard Per , Penalver Juan J.J. , Thorborg Kristian
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Increasing age, high quadriceps strength, and low hamstring muscle strength are associated with hamstring strain injury in soccer. The authors investigated the age-related variation in maximal hamstring and quadriceps strength in male elite soccer players from under-13 (U-13) to the senior level. Methods: A total of 125 elite soccer players were included from a Danish professional soccer club and associated youth academy (first tier; U-13, n = 19; U-14, n = 16; U-15, n = 19; U-17, n = 24; U-19, n = 17; and senior, n = 30). Maximal voluntary isometric force was assessed for the hamstrings at 15° knee joint angle and for the quadriceps at 60° knee joint angle (0° = full extension) using an external-fixated handheld dynamometer. Hamstring-to-quadriceps strength (H:Q) ratio and hamstring and quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric force levels were compared across age groups (U-13 to senior). Results: Senior players showed 18% to 26% lower H:Q ratio compared with all younger age groups (P ≤ .026). Specific H:Q ratios (mean [95% confidence interval]) were as follows: senior, 0.45 (0.42–0.48); U-19, 0.61 (0.55–0.66); U-17, 0.56 (0.51–0.60); U-15, 0.59 (0.54–0.64); U-14, 0.54 (0.50–0.59); and U-13, 0.57 (0.51–0.62). Hamstring strength increased from U-13 to U-19 with a significant drop from U-19 to the senior level (P = .048), whereas quadriceps strength increased gradually from U-13 to senior level. Conclusion: Elite senior soccer players demonstrate lower H:Q ratio compared with youth players, which is driven by lower hamstring strength at the senior level compared with the U-19 level combined with a higher quadriceps strength. This discrepancy in hamstring and quadriceps strength capacity may place senior-level players at increased risk of hamstring muscle strain injuries.
#HealthyKidsQuarantined: Supporting Schools and Families With Virtual Physical Activity, Physical Education, and Nutrition Education During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Whalen Laurel , Barcelona Jeanne , Centeio Erin , McCaughtry Nathan
Published: April 2021

When COVID-19 shuttered Michigan schools, 52 elementary and middle schools statewide were in various stages of implementation of comprehensive health programs, including the integration of physical activity, physical education, and nutrition education. To support the transition to a virtual learning environment, #HealthyKidsQuarantined was launched, providing virtual physical activity, physical education, and nutrition education curriculum and resources. Content was distributed weekly via e-mail to teachers and families alongside a daily social media campaign that disseminated resources to a national audience. Results identified significant content usage by schools (21,300 views/downloads) and engagement through social media (9,800 views/downloads). Teachers, students, and families expressed value in the health content provided, stating it was a support needed in a time of chaos. This study suggests that providing virtual health content may be a feasible way to sustain school and family investment in comprehensive youth health. Furthermore, by utilizing multiple dissemination strategies, virtual programming may be an effective mechanism to expand reach.
Validation of microscopic magnetochiral dichroism theory
Authors: Atzori M. , Ludowieg H. D. , Valentín-Pérez Á. , Cortijo M. , Breslavetz I. , Paillot K. , Rosa P. , Train C. , Autschbach J. , Hillard E. A. , Rikken G. L. J. A.
Published: April 2021

The union between magnetism and chirality is finally validated.
XYZeq: Spatially resolved single-cell RNA sequencing reveals expression heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Lee Youjin , Bogdanoff Derek , Wang Yutong , Hartoularos George C. , Woo Jonathan M. , Mowery Cody T. , Nisonoff Hunter M. , Lee David S. , Sun Yang , Lee James , Mehdizadeh Sadaf , Cantlon Joshua , Shifrut Eric , Ngyuen David N. , Roth Theodore L. , Song Yun S. , Marson Alexander , Chow Eric D. , Ye Chun Jimmie
Published: April 2021

XYZeq is a novel scalable platform that directly encodes spatial location from tissue into single-cell RNA sequencing libraries.
Researchers decry planned road near St. Helens
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: April 2021

Project could help avert catastrophic flooding, but threatens research plots.
After vaccine failures, France laments biomedical decline
Authors: Rabesandratana Tania
Published: April 2021

Researchers blame a squeeze in basic research funding and scarce venture capital for biotech startups.
Replication timing maintains the global epigenetic state in human cells
Authors: Klein Kyle N. , Zhao Peiyao A. , Lyu Xiaowen , Sasaki Takayo , Bartlett Daniel A. , Singh Amar M. , Tasan Ipek , Zhang Meng , Watts Lotte P. , Hiraga Shin-ichiro , Natsume Toyoaki , Zhou Xuemeng , Baslan Timour , Leung Danny , Kanemaki Masato T. , Donaldson Anne D. , Zhao Huimin , Dalton Stephen , Corces Victor G. , Gilbert David M.
Published: April 2021

Replication timing organizes epigenome

The temporal order of DNA replication is conserved from yeast to humans, but its biological significance remains unclear. Klein
et al.
eliminated the protein RIF1, a master regulator of replication timing, in several human cell lines. RIF1 loss during the G1 phase of the cell cycle resulted in a heterogeneous, nearly random replication timing program from the first S phase that persisted even in stable RIF1-null clones. Altered replication timing was followed by replication-dependent redistribution of active and repressive histone modifications and alterations in genome architecture. These results support a model in which replication timing orchestrates the epigenetic state of newly replicated chromatin.

Science
, this issue p.
371
Broadband directional control of thermal emission
Authors: Xu Jin , Mandal Jyotirmoy , Raman Aaswath P.
Published: April 2021

Broadband thermal beaming

Thermal radiation emits over a wide range of wavelengths and over a wide range of angles. Xu
et al.
constructed a material that allows a range of wavelengths to emit over a much narrower range of angles. This property allowed the authors to beam thermal energy preferentially in one direction. The strategy requires carefully exploiting stacks of epsilon-near-zero films in which the angular range of thermal emission is controlled by the film thickness. This design could be useful in thermal camouflage and passive radiative cooling applications.

Science
, this issue p.
393
Fluctuations shape plants through proprioception
Authors: Moulia Bruno , Douady Stéphane , Hamant Olivier
Published: April 2021

Plant proprioception

Plants are battered inside and out by mechanical forces such as gravity, wind, or a passerby plucking a flower. Moulia
et al.
review what is known about how plants sense and interpret mechanical forces to guide growth and development. Minute fluctuations in mechanical cues form the basis of a developmental proprioception system that ensures steady growth despite variable environments.

Science
, this issue p.
eabc6868
Higher-dimensional supersymmetric microlaser arrays
Authors: Qiao Xingdu , Midya Bikashkali , Gao Zihe , Zhang Zhifeng , Zhao Haoqi , Wu Tianwei , Yim Jieun , Agarwal Ritesh , Litchinitser Natalia M. , Feng Liang
Published: April 2021

Supersymmetric switch-on

A common route to enhancing the output light from a laser system is to couple multiple lasers to form an array. However, crosstalk and interference between different modes of the individual lasers are generally detrimental to performance, leading to instabilities, and could ultimately be damaging to the laser cavities. Qiao
et al.
worked with the mathematical framework of supersymmetry, a theory developed in high-energy physics to attempt to describe the makeup and properties of particles, to design a stable two-dimensional laser array. Based on symmetry arguments, the method is scalable and could prove to be a practical platform with which to design and develop complex photonic systems.

Science
, this issue p.
403
Science journalism grows up
Authors: Blum Deborah
Published: April 2021

By the early 1920s, an unlikely pair—a powerful national newspaper publisher and a California-based zoologist—decided that they'd had enough. Enough of half-baked reporting on research results, enough of stories that left readers confused about even the basic principles of science. They wanted something better. They wanted reporting that encouraged a “scientific habit of mind,” a citizenry aware of the role of research in everyday life.
Cavatappi artificial muscles from drawing, twisting, and coiling polymer tubes
Authors: Higueras-Ruiz Diego R. , Shafer Michael W. , Feigenbaum Heidi P.
Published: April 2021

Cavatappi are lightweight, fluidic, muscle-like actuators made from drawing, twisting, and coiling inexpensive polymer tubes.
The melanocortin-3 receptor is a pharmacological target for the regulation of anorexia
Authors: Sweeney Patrick , Bedenbaugh Michelle N. , Maldonado Jose , Pan Pauline , Fowler Katelyn , Williams Savannah Y. , Gimenez Luis E. , Ghamari-Langroudi Masoud , Downing Griffin , Gui Yijun , Hadley Colleen K. , Joy Stephen T. , Mapp Anna K. , Simerly Richard B. , Cone Roger D.
Published: April 2021

Pharmacological manipulation of the melanocortin-3 receptor bidirectionally controls feeding, providing a therapeutic target for eating disorders.
Calcium Prevents Biofilm Dispersion in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Nishikawa Masaki , Kobayashi Kazuo
Published: April 2021

Bacteria growing as biofilms are notoriously difficult to eradicate and sometimes pose serious threats to public health. Bacteria escape from biofilms by degrading them when biofilm conditions deteriorate.