bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase 1 study on the safety and efficacy of E6011, antifractalkine antibody, in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Naganuma Makoto , Hibi Toshifumi , Tsubouchi Hirohito , Oketani Kiyoshi , Katsurabara Toshinori , Hojo Seiichiro , Takenaka Osamu , Kawano Tetsu , Imai Toshio , Kanai Takanori
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim

E6011 is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting fractalkine (FKN), a CX3C chemokine, which regulates leukocyte trafficking during inflammation. We evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of E6011 in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and also performed preliminary pharmacodynamic (PD) and efficacy assessments.

Methods

This study included a 12‐week multiple ascending dose (MAD) phase (2, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks, n = 6, 8, 7, and 7, respectively) and a 40‐week Extension phase (n = 12) at the same dose as the MAD phase. Serum E6011, serum total FKN (free soluble FKN and E6011‐FKN complex) as a PD marker and CD activity index were evaluated. The primary outcome was safety assessment in the MAD phase.

Results

Twenty‐seven (96%) of 28 patients had previously been treated with anti‐tumor necrosis factor α agents. During the MAD phase, adverse events (AEs) occurred in 18 (64%). The most common AE was nasopharyngitis (five patients, 18%). No severe AEs occurred. Serious AEs occurred in three patients, progression of CD in two, and anemia in one. Serum E6011 concentrations increased dose‐dependently after infusion and reached a plateau around 4–6 weeks. Serum total FKN rose simultaneously. Five (18%) patients developed anti‐E6011 antibodies during the study. Overall, clinical response and clinical remission were observed at Week 12 in 40% (10/25) and 16% (4/25) of active CD patients, respectively.

Conclusion

E6011 was well‐tolerated and might be effective in CD patients. These findings need to be clarified in a randomized controlled study.
Visfatin exacerbates hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in a methionine‐choline‐deficient diet mouse model
Authors: Heo Yu Jung , Choi Sung‐E , Lee Nami , Jeon Ja Young , Han Seung Jin , Kim Dae Jung , Kang Yup , Lee Kwan Woo , Kim Hae Jin
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges from simple steatosis to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, which is characterized by hepatic inflammation that can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Visfatin, an adipocytokine, was reported to induce pro‐inflammatory cytokines and can be associated with liver fibrosis. We investigated the role of visfatin on hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in a methionine‐choline‐deficient (MCD)‐diet‐induced steatohepatitis mouse model.

Methods

Eight‐week‐old male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly assigned into one of three groups: (1) saline‐injected control diet group; (2) saline‐injected MCD diet group; and (3) visfatin‐injected MCD diet group (n = 8 per group). Mice were administered intravenous saline or 10 μg/kg of recombinant murine visfatin for 2 weeks. Histologic assessment of liver and biochemical and molecular measurements of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, reactive oxidative stress (ROS), inflammation, and fibrosis were performed in livers from these animals.

Results

Visfatin injection aggravated hepatic steatosis and increased plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations. Visfatin increased inflammatory cell infiltration (as indicated by F4/80, CD68, ly6G, and CD3 mRNA expression) and expression of chemokines in the liver. Visfatin also increased the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐6) and activated fibrosis markers (CTGF, TIMP1, collagen 1α2, collagen 3α2, αSMA, fibronectin, and vimentin) in liver. Livers of visfatin‐injected mice showed upregulation of ER stress and ROS and activation of JNK signaling.

Conclusions

These results suggest that visfatin aggravates hepatic inflammation together with induction of ER and oxidative stress and exacerbates fibrosis in an MCD‐diet‐fed mouse model of NAFLD.
Caregiver support and place of death among older adults
Authors: Lei Lianlian , Gerlach Lauren B. , Powell Victoria D. , Maust Donovan T.
Published: February 2021

Background/objectives

As home becomes the most common place of death in the United States, information about caregiver support and place of death is critical to improve patient and caregiver experiences at end of life. We seek to examine (1) the association between family care availability and place of death; and (2) caregiving intensity associated with place of death.

Design

2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving; nationally representative cross‐sectional study of deceased older adults and last‐month‐of‐life (LML) caregivers.

Setting

United States; all places of deaths.

Participants

Three‐hundred and seventy‐five decedents and 267 LML caregivers.

Measurements

Place of death (home, hospital, and nursing or hospice facility), family care availability (spouse/partner, household size, number of daughters and sons), caregiving intensity (hours of help provided at LML and a binary indicator for high care‐related emotional difficulty).

Results

38.9% of older adults died at home, followed by hospital (33.1%), and nursing or hospice facility (28.0%). In an adjusted multinomial logistic regression, decedents with larger household size (odds ratio [OR]: 0.441; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.269–0.724) and more daughters (OR: 0.743 [95% CI: 0.575–0.958]) had lower odds of dying in nursing or hospice facility relative to dying at home. For older adults who died at home, caregivers provided 209.8 h of help at LML. In contrast, when death occurred in nursing or hospice facility, caregivers provided 91.6 fewer hours of help, adjusted for decedent and caregiver characteristics. Dying in hospital was associated with higher odds of caregiver emotional difficulty relative to home deaths (OR: 4.093 [95% CI: 1.623–10.323]).

Conclusions

Household size and number of daughters are important determinants of place of death. Despite dying at home being associated with more hours of direct caregiving; caregiver emotional strain was experienced as higher for hospital deaths. Better support services for end‐of‐life caregivers might improve patient and caregiver experiences for home and hospital deaths.
Effect of different shapes of recipient site creation micro‐blades at varying angles and wound injury
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Ismail Muhammad
Published: February 2021

Background

Wound injury is a critical issue in hair restoration. The shape and size of blades cause varying degree of tissue trauma.

Aims

To check (mathematically) the tissue trauma (injury) caused by different shapes of the blades at varying angles.

Patients/Methods

The trigonometric theories were applied to each shape and angles to calculate the surface area (correlating with the tissue injury). These shapes included rectangular blade, 30°‐angled blades, 60°‐angled blade, 30°‐sapphire blade, and 60°‐sapphire blade. The surface areas were calculated at 90°, 45°, 30°, and 15° insertion angles.

Results

The 30°‐sapphire blade caused the least injury followed by 30°‐angled blade. The rectangular blade had the largest surface area and hence will produce the maximum amount of tissue injury. The blade at 90° produced maximum injury whereas the blade entering at 15°, produced lowest amount of tissue injury. The blade in sagittal direction caused less injury as compared to the blade in coronal direction.

Conclusion

The 30°‐sapphire blade caused the least tissue injury whereas the rectangular blade caused maximum injury. The amount of tissue injury decreases as the angle of insertion decreases and vice versa.
The Impact of Quarantines, Lockdowns, and ‘Reopenings’ on the Commercialization of Science: Micro and Macro Issues
Authors: Siegel Donald S. , Guerrero Maribel
Published: February 2021

In 2020, almost all research labs in industry, academia, and the government were shut down for long periods of time by political leaders to control the spread of the coronavirus. We consider the “micro” and “macro” implications of ongoing coronavirus disruptions in scientific research and the dissemination and commercialization of that research. We have identified three key unanswered research questions regarding these unprecedented disruptions: (1) How is the pandemic affecting conventional measures of scientific output (the quantity and quality of basic research) and performance, social networks, and the strategic management of innovation? (2) How is the pandemic affecting technology transfer offices, incubators, accelerators, science and technology parks, and other aspects of the innovation ecosystem? (3) How do pandemic disruptions affect micro‐level factors, such as role conflict, identity, work‐life balance, equity, diversity, inclusion, “championing,” leadership, and organizational justice?
Deep Learning Corpus Callosum Segmentation as a Neurodegenerative Marker in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Platten Michael , Brusini Irene , Andersson Olle , Ouellette Russell , Piehl Fredrik , Wang Chunliang , Granberg Tobias
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose

Corpus callosum atrophy is a sensitive biomarker of multiple sclerosis (MS) neurodegeneration but typically requires manual 2D or volumetric 3D‐based segmentations. We developed a supervised machine learning algorithm, DeepnCCA, for corpus callosum segmentation and relate callosal morphology to clinical disability using conventional MRI scans collected in clinical routine.

Methods

In a prospective study of 553 MS patients with 704 acquisitions, 200 unique 2D T2‐weighted MRI scans were delineated to develop, train, and validate DeepnCCA. Comparative FreeSurfer segmentations were obtained in 504 3D T1‐weighted scans. Both FreeSurfer and DeepnCCA outputs were correlated with clinical disability. Using principal component analysis of the DeepnCCA output, the morphological changes were explored in relation to clinical disease burden.

Results

DeepnCCA and manual segmentations had high similarity (Dice coefficients 98.1.11%, 89.3.76%, for intracranial and corpus callosum area, respectively through 10‐fold cross‐validation). DeepnCCA had numerically stronger correlations with cognitive and physical disability as compared to FreeSurfer: Expanded disability status scale (EDSS) ±6 months (r = –.22 P = .002; r = –.17, P = .013), future EDSS (r = –.26, P<.001; r = –.17, P = .012), and future symbol digit modalities test (r = .26, P = .001; r = .24, P = .003). The corpus callosum became thinner with increasing cognitive and physical disability. Increasing physical disability, additionally, significantly correlated with a more angled corpus callosum.

Conclusions

DeepnCCA (https://github.com/plattenmichael/DeepnCCA/) is an openly available tool that can provide fast and accurate corpus callosum measurements applicable to large MS cohorts, potentially suitable for monitoring disease progression and therapy response.
X/Y shaped periorbital reconstructive surgery following enucleation or exenteration in dogs and cats: 24 cases (2013–2020)
Authors: Vlachomitrou I. E. , Cinti F. , Kumaratunga V. , Nuti M. , Pisani G.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To describe the X/Y shaped periorbital reconstruction technique following enucleation or exenteration in dogs and cats and to evaluate its cosmetic and functional results.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of dogs and cats from two different institutions that required enucleation or exenteration, followed by an additional X or Y plasty using fibrous periorbital tissue for cosmetic reasons, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were evaluated clinically at 1–2 weeks, 2 months and 6 months. The eyelid sinking was scored as absent or present.

Results

Nineteen dogs and five cats were included in the study. Twelve dogs and three cats had an enucleation, while the remaining seven dogs and two cats underwent exenteration. In the short‐term follow up, three patients had periorbital oedema. Sixty days and 6 months post‐surgery, two cats and two dogs showed eyelid depression. These two dogs were both dolichocephalic breeds. The rest of the patients showed no eyelid sinking, while the periorbital oedema observed in the short‐term follow up in the two dogs and one cat had completely resolved. The four patients with ocular neoplasia did not have the 6 months follow up, because of fatal metastatic disease or euthanasia.

Clinical Significance

The X/Y periorbital reconstructive procedure is quick, easy to perform and it provided satisfying long‐term cosmetic results, except for four cases that developed eyelid depression.
Transient postoperative glycosuria after isoflurane exposure in two dogs
Authors: Cha J. , Shin C. W. , Son W.‐G.
Published: February 2021

The present report describes two surgical cases involving the development of sudden glycosuria after isoflurane anaesthesia, despite the dogs having normal blood glucose levels and renal glucose reabsorption. The glycosuria manifested 1 day after surgery and resolved spontaneously within 2 days in both cases. Considering that the surgeries (subcutaneous mandibular mass removal and fracture repair) were unrelated to the kidneys, and there were no remarkable events during anaesthesia, the glycosuria may have been associated with the isoflurane anaesthesia. There have been several previous reports of glycosuria in human patients following transient proximal tubule dysfunction due to volatile anaesthetics. This case report suggests the possibility of transient renal dysfunction following isoflurane anaesthesia in these two clinically healthy dogs. However, considering the observational nature of this report, it can not be excluded that any other procedure performed in these animals was responsible of the observed glycosuria.
The impact of DAA‐mediated HCV eradication on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte trajectories in HIV/HCV coinfected patients: Data from the ICONA Foundation Cohort
Authors: Bandera Alessandra , Lorenzini Patrizia , Taramasso Lucia , Cozzi‐Lepri Alessandro , Lapadula Giuseppe , Mussini Cristina , Saracino Annalisa , Ceccherini‐Silberstein Francesca , Puoti Massimo , Quiros‐Roldan Eugenia , Montagnani Francesca , Antinori Andrea , d’Arminio Monforte A. , Gori Andrea ,   For the Icona Foundation Cohort
Published: February 2021

HCV infection has been hypothesized as a contributor of poor CD4+ recovery in patients living with HIV (PLWHIV). Aim of this study was to evaluate CD4+, CD8+ cells and CD4/CD8 ratio trends before and after HCV treatment with direct acting agents (DAA) in PLWHIV. HIV/HCV patients enrolled in ICONA and HepaICONA cohorts with HIV‐RNA≤50 copies/ml who achieved a sustained viral response after DAA treatment were studied. A linear regression model was used to investigate CD4+, CD8+ and CD4/CD8 changes 12 months before and after DAA treatment. A total of 939 HIV/HCV patients were included, 225 (24.0%) female, median age: 53 years (IQR 50–56). At DAA initiation, CD4+ T cell count was <350 cells/mm3 in 164 patients (17.5%), and 246 patients (26.2%) had liver stiffness>12.5 kPa. Trends of CD4+ and CD4/CD8 ratio were similar before and after DAA in all study populations (CD4+ change +17.6 cells/mm3 (95%CI −33.5; 69.4, p = 0.494); CD4/CD8 change 0.013 (95%CI −0.061; 0.036, p = 0.611). However, patients treated with ribavirin (RBV)‐free DAA showed a significant decrease in CD8+ cells (−204.3 cells/mm3, 95%CI −375.0;‐33.4, p = 0.019), while patients treated with RBV experienced CD8+ cell increase (+141.2 cells/mm3, 95%CI 40.3; 242.1, p = 0.006). In conclusion, HCV eradication following DAA treatment does not seem to have an impact on CD4+ T cell recovery in PLWHIV. However, a fast decline of CD8+T cells has been observed in patients treated without RBV, suggesting a favourable effect of HCV clearance on the general state of immune activation.
Interaction between metabolic syndrome and alcohol consumption, risk factors of liver fibrosis: A population‐based study
Authors: Pose Elisa , Pera Guillem , Torán Pere , Gratacós‐Ginès Jordi , Avitabile Emma , Expósito Carmen , Díaz Alba , Graupera Isabel , Rubio Ana B. , Ginès Pere , Fabrellas Núria , Caballeria Llorenç
Published: February 2021

Background and aims

Alcohol and metabolic syndrome (MS) coexist frequently as cofactors of liver disease. Previous studies suggest a deleterious effect of MS in advanced alcohol‐related liver disease (ArLD). However, it is unknow whether MS can increase the risk of liver fibrosis in early stages of ArLD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MS on liver fibrosis in subjects with alcohol consumption from a population‐based cohort.

Methods

The number of subjects include 1760(58%) of 3014 who were randomly selected from the community consumed alcohol and were classified as current drinkers, divided in moderate (n = 1222) or high‐risk drinkers (n = 275) (>21 units/week men, >14 units/week women for high‐risk drinkers), or former drinkers (n = 263). Liver fibrosis was estimated by measuring liver stiffness(LS) with transient elastography (TE).

Results

Prevalence of significant LS using cutoff values of TE of 8 and 9.1kPa was increased in high‐risk compared with moderate or former drinkers and lifetime abstainers. In subjects with alcohol consumption, LS was associated with male gender, AST, ALT, years of consumption, and MS. In high‐risk drinkers, MS and intensity of consumption were the only factors associated with significant LS (OR 3.7 and 4.6 for LS ≥ 8 kPa and 3.9 and 9.2 kPa for LS ≥ 9.1 kPa, respectively). Presence of significant liver fibrosis in the liver biopsy was higher among high‐risk as compared with moderate or former drinkers.

Conclusion

MS increases the risk of liver fibrosis in subjects with alcohol consumption. Among high‐risk drinkers, only MS and consumption of high amount of alcohol are associated with risk of liver fibrosis.
Systematic evaluation of allergic phenotypes of rhinitis in children and adolescents
Authors: Prieto Ana , Rondón Carmen , Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , Muñoz Candelaria , Testera‐Montes Almudena , Bogas Gador , Nuñez Cuadros Esmeralda , Campo Paloma , Torres Maria J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Three allergic phenotypes of rhinitis have been described in adults: allergic rhinitis (AR), local allergic rhinitis (LAR), and dual allergic rhinitis (DAR, coexistence of AR and LAR). Nevertheless, most centers follow a diagnostic approach only based on skin prick test and serum allergen–specific IgE (collectively called atopy tests, AT). This approach prevents the recognition of LAR and DAR, the diagnosis of which requires a nasal allergen challenge (NAC). Here, we investigate the existence of LAR and DAR phenotypes in children and adolescents, and the misdiagnosis rate associated with a work‐up exclusively based on AT.

Methods

Clinical data were obtained during physician‐conducted interviews, and AT and NAC were systematically performed in 5‐ to 18‐year‐old patients with chronic rhinitis. The misdiagnosis rate was defined as the proportion of cases where AT and NAC results were discordant.

Results

A total of 173 patients (mean age 15.1 years, 39.9% male) completed the study. AR (positive AT and NAC), LAR (negative AT and positive NAC), DAR (positive AT and NAC for some allergens and negative AT and positive NAC for other allergens), and non‐allergic rhinitis (negative NAC) were diagnosed in 45.7%, 24.9%, 11.6%, and 17.9% of individuals, respectively. The clinical profile was comparable among allergic phenotypes, but allergic patients had a significantly earlier rhinitis onset, higher conjunctivitis prevalence, and more severe disease than NAR individuals. A diagnostic work‐up exclusively based on AT misclassified 37.6% of patients.

Conclusions

LAR and DAR represent relevant differential diagnosis in pediatric rhinitis. NAC increases the diagnostic accuracy of clinical algorithms for rhinitis in children and adolescents.
A thin line between life and death: Radial sap flux failure signals trajectory to tree mortality
Authors: Hammond William M. , Johnson Daniel M. , Meinzer Frederick C.
Published: February 2021

This article comments on: Seeking the “point of no return” in the sequence of events leading to mortality of mature trees
Assessment of the accuracy of testicular dysfunction detection in male donkey (Equus asinus) with the aid of colour‐spectral Doppler in relation to plasma testosterone and serum nitric oxide levels
Authors: Abdelnaby Elshymaa A. , Emam Ibrahim A. , Fadl Aya M.
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to determine the usefulness of colour and pulsed Doppler modes for the accurate diagnosis of donkeys suffering from subfertility to determine whether testicular vascularity assessment could be an indicator for sperm functionality. The study sample was composed of 10 male donkeys with normospermia (control group) and 10 donkeys with hypospermia. Animals underwent scrotal circumference measurement, testicular Doppler examination, seminal evaluation, blood sampling and hormonal assay. Semen volume and concentration were significantly (p ≤ .05) lower in the subfertile group (30.25 ± 1.22 ml and 89.44 ± 2.55 × 106/ml) as compared with the control group (82.76 ± 1.65 ml and 452.78 ± 1.25 × 106/ml), and total sperm/ejaculation was significantly (p ≤ .05) higher in the normal donkeys (28.30 ± 2.32 × 109/total ejaculated) as compared with the subfertile group. Intratesticular coloured area showed a marked decline in the hypospermic males. There was no significant difference between the two groups in testosterone level, although the normal group showed an increase in nitric oxide metabolites. Both Doppler indices of the three branches of the testicular artery were elevated significantly (p ≤ .05) in abnormal donkeys, whereas Doppler peak systolic and end‐diastolic velocities were increased in the normal group. Male donkeys with subfertility demonstrated lower arterial vascularity parameters in the form of intratesticular coloured area and blood flow rate; therefore, the most optimal parameters for differentiating subfertile hypospermic from normospermic donkeys were found to be the two Doppler indices, velocities parameters, testicular blood flow rate and nitric oxide levels.
Engagement increases people willingness to sustain restored areas beyond financial incentives
Authors: Mazón Marina , Rebolledo Valentina , Ojeda‐Luna Tatiana , Romero Oscar
Published: February 2021

Monitoring of socioeconomic impacts has often been ignored in restoration projects. Here, we design a multi‐criteria matrix to evaluate the socioeconomic implications of the Ecuadorian National Plan of Forest Restoration at local scale. We also aimed to identify the drivers that led to project sustainability, which was defined as peoples' willingness to continue restoration activities without economic incentives. The multi‐criteria matrix was translated into surveys for the technicians and local people who participated in the project. They were applied to six parishes of southern Ecuador. Between 2% to 43% of parish populations were engaged with the projects. No local business initiatives were created and economic incentives were only related to monetary payments. In half of the parishes, people were consulted about which species should be planted. About 45% of participants claimed to have received training during the restoration project. Higher community participation was perceived in implementation than in planning or monitoring. Most people agreed that the projects benefited the community either through improvements to water or through short‐term cash income obtained during planting activities. High participation and satisfaction levels significantly increased the likelihood of participants continuing with the restoration activities even without monetary incentive. Our results suggest the economic contributions of the project should go beyond short‐term payments and should be rooted in long‐term benefits to land productivity. This study helps to identify additional non‐monetary benefits, such as continuous technical assistance or social conflict resolution, that may be crucial for long‐term sustainability of restoration projects.
Ecological countermeasures for preventing zoonotic disease outbreaks: when ecological restoration is a human health imperative
Authors: Reaser Jamie K. , Witt Arne , Tabor Gary M. , Hudson Peter J. , Plowright Raina K.
Published: February 2021

Ecological restoration should be regarded as a public health service. Unfortunately, the lack of quantitative linkages between environmental and human health has limited recognition of this principle. The advent of the COVID‐19 pandemic provides the impetus for further discussion. We propose ecological countermeasures as highly targeted, landscape‐based interventions to arrest the drivers of land use‐induced zoonotic spillover. We provide examples of ecological restoration activities that reduce zoonotic disease risk and a five‐point action plan at the human‐ecosystem health nexus. In conclusion, we make the case that ecological countermeasures are a tenet of restoration ecology with human health goals.
Incorporating Method Dissatisfaction into Unmet Need for Contraception: Implications for Measurement and Impact
Authors: Rothschild Claire W. , Brown Win , Drake Alison L.
Published: February 2021

While unmet need for contraception is commonly used to assess programmatic needs, it inadequately captures the complexity of fertility and contraceptive preferences, including women's satisfaction with their contraceptive method. In their 2019 commentary, Sarah Rominski and Rob Stephenson propose reclassifying dissatisfied current users as having an unmet need for contraception. As revising the current definition based on their proposal would require significant investment to update survey and monitoring systems, understanding the potential impact on current estimates of unmet need is critical. We estimated the impact of this approach in a Kenyan cohort of modern contraceptive users. We found the prevalence of method dissatisfaction ranges from 6.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6–7.8%) to 18.9% (95% CI 17.1–20.9%); if applied nationally, this results in a large (approximately 25–70%) increase in Kenya's current estimate of unmet need for any contraception. Our findings suggest a large impact on unmet need estimates for equivalent populations. Overall, we advocate for better measurements of method satisfaction and acceptability, with metrics developed that are robust to socioeconomic gradients and validated in low‐ and middle‐income settings to ensure women's contraceptive needs are captured equitably.
Conceptualizing homonationalism: (Re‐)Formulation, application, and debates of expansion
Authors: Winer Canton , Bolzendahl Catherine
Published: February 2021

Although the concept of homonationalism is still relatively new, it has already undergone substantial reformulation from its original conception. Moreover, the concept has been the subject of substantial debate. Originally formulated by Jasbir Puar specifically in a US context, the concept sought to capture the reciprocal relationship between LGBTQ + movements/identities and nationalism/imperialism. The concept has since expanded in scope both geographically and analytically, applied to contexts outside of the United States, and increasingly analyzed as a global, inescapable phenomenon. This expansion has been sharply criticized with arguments that the concept has been overextended. Such critiques argue that the extension of the concept's scope has limited homonormativity's utility both critically and analytically. In this article, we seek to outline how the concept is applied and used as well as the debates emerging from the concept—and from its reformulation in particular. We also identify areas where further clarity related to the concept is needed. Given the concept's complexity and multifaceted usage, we suggest that future research engage carefully in the debates sparked by its development.
Trade policy responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic crisis: Evidence from a new data set
Authors: Evenett Simon , Fiorini Matteo , Fritz Johannes , Hoekman Bernard , Lukaszuk Piotr , Rocha Nadia , Ruta Michele , Santi Filippo , Shingal Anirudh
Published: February 2021

This paper presents new high‐frequency data on trade policy changes targeting medical and food products since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic, documenting how countries used trade policy instruments in response to the health crisis on a week‐by‐week basis. The data set reveals a rapid increase in trade policy activism in February and March 2020 in tandem with the rise in COVID‐19 cases but also uncovers extensive heterogeneity across countries in both their use of trade policy and the types of measures used. Some countries acted to restrict exports and facilitate imports, others targeted only one of these margins, and many did not use trade policy at all. The observed heterogeneity suggests numerous research questions on the drivers of trade policy responses to COVID‐19, on the effects of these measures on trade and prices of critical products, and on the role of trade agreements in influencing the use of trade policy.
Isophorone‐induced light‐independent lipid peroxidation and loss of cell membrane integrity
Authors: Izumi Masataka , Sunohara Yukari , Yamaguchi Takuya , Fujii Yoshiharu , Matsumoto Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

Isophorone (3,5,5‐trimethylcyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐one) is a plant‐derived volatile compound with strong phytotoxic activity. Here, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of isophorone, and to this end, the effects of isophorone on shoot fresh weight, chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage, and lipid peroxidation of Lactuca sativa L. and photosynthetic electron transport activity in chloroplast isolated from Spinacia oleracea L. were investigated. Isophorone induced light‐independent decreases in shoot fresh weight and light‐dependent chlorosis. In addition, increased electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation occurred under light conditions. However, the inhibitory activity on photosynthetic electron transport was unexpectedly low, and electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation were induced even under dark conditions. These results suggest that the inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport is not the main mechanism of action of isophorone and that the phytotoxic effects are mainly due to light‐independent oxidative damage and subsequent loss of cell membrane integrity.
Loss of peripheral vestibular input alters the statistics of head movement experienced during natural self‐motion
Authors: Zobeiri Omid A. , Ostrander Benjamin , Roat Jessica , Agrawal Yuri , Cullen Kathleen E.
Published: February 2021

Key points

Sensory systems are adapted to the statistical structure of natural stimuli, thereby optimizing neural coding.

Head motion during natural activities is first sensed and then processed by central vestibulo‐motor pathways to influence subsequent behaviour, thereby establishing a feedback loop.

To investigate the role of this vestibular feedback on the statistical structure of the head movements, we compared head movements in patients with unilateral vestibular loss and healthy controls.

We show that the loss of vestibular feedback substantially alters the statistical structure of head motion for activities that require rapid online feedback control and predict this change by modelling the effects of increased movement variability.

Our findings suggest that, following peripheral vestibular loss, changes in the reliability of the sensory input to central pathways impact the statistical structure of head motion during voluntary behaviours.

It is widely believed that sensory systems are adapted to optimize neural coding of their natural stimuli. Recent evidence suggests that this is the case for the vestibular system, which senses head movement and contributes to essential functions ranging from the most automatic reflexes to voluntary motor control. During everyday behaviours, head motion is sensed by the vestibular system. In turn, this sensory feedback influences subsequent behaviour, raising the questions of whether and how real‐time feedback provided by the vestibular system alters the statistical structure of head movements. We predicted that a reduction in vestibular feedback would alter head movement statistics, particularly for tasks reliant on rapid vestibular feedback. To test this proposal, we recorded six‐dimensional head motion in patients with variable degrees of unilateral vestibular loss during standard balance and gait tasks, as well as dynamic self‐paced activities. While distributions of linear accelerations and rotational velocities were comparable for patients and age‐matched healthy controls, comparison of power spectra revealed significant differences during more dynamic and challenging activities. Specifically, consistent with our prediction, head movement power spectra were significantly altered in patients during two tasks that required rapid online vestibular feedback: active repetitive jumping and walking on foam. Using computational methods, we analysed concurrently measured torso motion and identified increases in head–torso movement variability. Taken together, our results demonstrate that vestibular loss significantly alters head movement statistics and further suggest that increased variability and impaired feedback to internal models required for accurate motor control contribute to the observed changes.
Effects of High Fidelity Modeling of Multirotor Drones
Authors: Hoang Samantha , Marsh Laurel , Aliseda Alberto , Shen I. Y.
Published: February 2021

This paper examines two different factors that will affect energy consumption for multi-rotor drones with more than four rotors. First, the choice of aerodynamic model for the rotor blades is examined. Two aerodynamic models, the blade element theory (BET) model and lumped blade (LB) model, are compared using vertical, roll, pitch, and yaw trajectories. The BET and LB models produced very different trajectories with identical inputs, especially in the vertical and yaw trajectories which differed by 87.9% and 52.5%, respectively. The BET and LB models also result in different energy usages with the LB model consistently predicting 36% more energy consumption. The second factor studied is the choice of rotor groupings. For a multi-rotor drone, different rotor groupings may result in different energy usages; two groupings are considered. The same four basic trajectories are compared. The results show that the two groupings have an energy difference of 4.7–4.9% for each of the roll, pitch, and yaw directions which implies that each grouping has a base energy consumption inherent to it. Then, possible energy compounding effects are explored by examining a complex trajectory. The complex trajectory yields a 9.26% energy difference between the two groupings but further examination reveals that the difference is due to differences in the final trajectory not energy compounding effects. Thus, it is concluded that the aerodynamic model and rotor groupings are two important factors that must be considered when energy consumption needs to be minimized.
Linking Inspection and Measurement to Process Parameters
Authors: Daniel Brett T. , West Geoff A. W. , Cardew-Hall Michael
Published: February 2021

A methodology is proposed that models manufacturing processes and learns shape deformations that are the result of out-of-tolerance components. Then during inspection, a deformed shape is analysed and the process parameter values determined. This is different to the traditional approach to tolerancing which is very much an additional procedure to design and doesn’t consider process parameter variation, just shape variation.
Multi-Part Setup Planning for Sheet Metal Bending Operations
Authors: Gupta Satyandra K. , Bourne David Alan
Published: February 2021

Most process planning systems solve process planning problem for individual parts. Quite often, many different parts can be produced on shared setups. However, plans generated by current process planning systems fail to exploit this commonality between setups and try to generate optimal setups for individual parts.

In this paper, we present an algorithm for multi-part setup planning. This algorithm takes a family of parts and tries to find a composite setup plan that can work for every part in the part family. Our setup planning algorithm employs a new two-step approach to handle multi-part setup planning problems. First, we identify the setup constraints imposed by various bending operations in the part family. These setup constraints describe spatial constraints on sizes and locations of various tooling stages in the setup. After identifying setup constraints, we try to generate setup plans that can satisfy all setup constraints. Any setup plan that satisfies all setup constraints is capable of accommodating every part in the part family.

Setup changes constitute a major portion of the production time in batch production environments. We believe that multipart setup planning technique can be used to significantly cut down the total number of setups and increase the overall throughput.
Physical Modeling of Mechanical Objects of Constrained Movement
Authors: Horváth Imre , Kuczogi György
Published: February 2021

Presented is a computational method for physical modeling of mechanical objects of constrained movement. In a physical modeling environment, an object’s behavior is modeled as it is implied by its geometry and substance, and the appearing physical (mechanical, thermal, and other) phenomena. The developed software is able to describe various forms of movement of a rigid object, configure obstacles in the space, check for collisions of the moving object with the obstacles, and compute post-collision trajectories of the object. The motivation for the background research is an industrial problem, namely, spatial positioning of moving objects without using extra energy. The novelty of this work is in (a) the interactive definition of constituents of the modeling environment, (b) the integrated simulation of an arbitrary sequence of spatial movements and multiple collisions, and (c) the applicability to preliminary design of mechanical equipment. The process of physical modeling has been implemented in six phases: (a) geometric modeling and determination of the substantial attributes of the object, (b) computing of the pre-defined movements, (c) specification and positioning obstacles in the space, (d) checking for single and multiple collisions, (e) computing of post-collision movements, and (f) controlling of multiple and repeated events. Among others, the developed software is able to compute compound movements in the space and any sequence of eccentric collisions with four types of obstacles.
FIX-DES: A Computer-Aided Modular Fixture Configuration Design System
Authors: Ma W. , Lei Z. , Rong Y.
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a computer-aided modular fixture design system: FIX-DES. When fixturing requirements are specified as locating/clamping surfaces and points, a fixture configuration will be automatically generated by (1) selecting fixture elements from a fixture element database to form fixture units based on fixture element assembly relationships and (2) placing the fixture units and elements into position on a baseplate while the fixturing requirements and assembly relationships (e.g., hole alignment) are maintained. The fixture element assembly relationships can be automatically established when the geometric models and fixturing functions of the fixture elements are specified so that the FIX-DES system can be easily applied to different fixture systems. The system also provides the interactive design and design modification functions for human expert involvement. The system was developed with core programs in C/C++ and interface programs in a specific CAD environment. The system has been successfully applied in industry and can be easily transferred to other CAD systems. The overall structure of the FIX-DES system is introduced in the paper. The development of the automated fixture configuration design (AFCD) functions are presented in detail. Finally a fixture configura-tion design example is given to illustrate the application of the system.
A Method of Inverse Kinematics Solution for a Class of Robotic Manipulators
Authors: Balkan Tuna , Özgören M. Kemal , Arikan M. A. Sahir , Baykurt H. Murat
Published: February 2021

A semi-analytical method and a computer program are developed for inverse kinematics solution of a class of robotic manipulators, in which four joint variables are contained in wrist point equations. For this case, it becomes possible to express all the joint variables in terms of a joint variable, and this reduces the inverse kinematics problem to solving a nonlinear equation in terms of that joint variable. The solution can be obtained by iterative methods and the remaining joint variables can easily be computed by using the solved joint variable. Since the method is manipulator dependent, the equations will be different for kinematically different classes of manipulators, and should be derived analytically. A significant benefit of the method is that, the singular configurations and the multiple solutions indicated by sign ambiguities can be determined while deriving the inverse kinematic expressions. The developed method is applied to a six-revolute-joint industrial robot, FANUC Arc Mate Sr.
Prescribing Human Motion Patterns for Assembly Processes Associated With Manual Lifting
Authors: Chang Chien-Chi , Brown Don R. , Bloswick Donald S. , Hsiang Simon M.
Published: February 2021

Based on the spacetime optimization method, a computer simulation system using a five-link dynamic musculoskeletal human model was built to generate the optimum manual lifting motion patterns. Five subjects’ lifting motion data was collected by a motion tracking system. Using the anthropometric data from the subjects, the spacetime algorithm generated the optimal lifting patterns for each subject according to objective function and constraints. The simulation results indicated that:

• this computer system can create a suitable lifting motion patterns for each individual,

• various objective functions and constraints will create different lifting motion patterns, and

• prescribed lifting patterns can successfully reduce the overall value of lower back compressive force, which is associated with injury incidence rates in manual tasks, during the lifting period when compared to the value that was calculated from the original measured lifting motion patterns.

This system may provide a lifting techniques training tool or be used by ergonomists to help design or evaluate the workstation to prevent injury in manufacturing environments which require workers to perform lifting tasks.
Geometric Assistance for the Construction of Non-Polyhedral Solids From Orthographic Views
Authors: Hubbard Carol , Kim Yong Se
Published: February 2021

As the extensive use of solid models becomes widespread, it is important to have a mechanism by which existing engineering drawings can be converted into solid models. Therefore, a geometric assistant which can aid in the construction of solid models is beneficial. In this paper, we present key operations for a system called the Assistant for the Rapid Construction of Solids (ARCS), that provides this assistance given a set of two orthographic views. ARCS is based on the Visual Reasoning Tutor (VRT), a system we developed that provides users with the geometric framework to build polyhedral solids from their orthographic views. However, the geometric domain of ARCS encompasses non-polyhedral solids with cylindrical and spherical surfaces, such as those found in typical mechanical parts. We have devised the Cylindrical and Spherical Warping operations to create cylindrical and spherical surfaces, which use interactive computer graphics that guide a human user to build non-polyhedral faces of a solid. These operations are then illustrated with an example using ARCS to create the solid model of a typical mechanical part from its orthographic projections.
COVIRDS: Shape Modeling in a Virtual Reality Environment
Authors: Dani Tushar H. , Chu Chi-Cheng P. , Gadh Rajit
Published: February 2021

Rapid shape creation and visualization of solid models remains a tedious task despite advances in the field of Computer Aided Design (CAD)/Solid Modeling. CAD systems require a significant level of detail, such as vertices, edges, and faces to be specified by the user, even before the simplest of shapes can be created and viewed. In addition, most CAD systems have an essentially 2D interface for designing artifacts. This makes artifact visualization, for example by interactive rotation, difficult since all manipulations have be achieved by 2D translation of the mouse or by typing in the required angles of rotation. The limited visualization capability and the requirement to create shapes through the specification of low level entities is especially cumbersome in the concept shape design stage. This paper describes the Conceptual Virtual Design System, COVIRDS, a tool for product concept design. COVIRDS provides an intuitive voice and hand input-based interface for modeling of products using a ‘construction’ approach. Product shape models are created by ‘attaching’ simpler parametrically defined ‘Shape Elements’ to other elements to create more complex models. Voice commands are used to instantiate shape elements and change their parameters, for example, the width, length and height of a block element. 3D hand input is used for positioning shape elements during element attachment. The voice and hand input-based interface together with a stereoscopic visual display facilitates rapid creation and visualization of concept shape models.
VR Based Integration of Technical and Shape Design Processes in Product Development
Authors: Brandt Christoph , Lemke Jörg
Published: February 2021

The use of proven modules in engineering design is a common approach that can be understood as one of the key elements in engineering design helping to speed up product development. Today manufacturers have to be aware of the fact that there are tight links between a products shape, its functional design and the overall product structure. The “form follows function” paradigma is no longer valid for most modern products. It is obvious that there is a strong demand to reduce the expenses in technical design by supporting the communicational needs between the technical and industrial designers during the entire design process with the help of appropriate CAE tools. This paper presents an approach to integrate technical and shape design processes using advanced visualisation tools and VR technology.
Improved Interaction and Visualization of Finite Element Data for Virtual Prototyping
Authors: Haase Helmut , Preß Thilo
Published: February 2021

This paper discusses the properties of possible virtual prototyping systems using finite element analysis and reports on a prototype implementation of such a system in order to illustrate the concepts.

Virtual reality user interfaces will improve some existing applications and lead to new application domains. Several crucial points such as overall system architecture, speed and intuitivity of interaction, and visualization quality of results are identified and possible solutions are suggested. This includes a flexible virtual hand interaction with adjustable finger size. In particular a level of detail technique for finite element data based on element shape functions is presented which can greatly improve visualization quality as compared to common visualization approaches. This level of detail technique provides a flexible tool to adjust the exactness of visualization to rendering time (i.e., degree of interactivity) constrains. The concepts are currently being implemented within a testbed called VEIFEL (Virtual Environment Investigation of Finite ELement data). A report of this work and of resulting experiences is given.