bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raphael Lemkin: The Constant Negotiator
Authors: Hartwell Leon
Published: March 2021

Raphael Lemkin (June 24, 1900–August 28, 1959) was a lawyer, a Polish Jew, a refugee, a humanitarian, and most of all, an extraordinary negotiator. He dedicated his entire life toward the criminalization of genocide under international law. Lemkin achieved a lot in his short life, especially considering the slow evolution of international law. Most significantly, in 1945, he persuaded Nuremberg’s prosecutors to add the word “genocide” to one of the indictments against Nazi leaders. Following the Nuremberg trials, he lobbied states to adopt a United Nations (U.N.) Convention on Genocide, which he successfully did by 1948. After its adoption by the U.N., Lemkin then launched a massive campaign to convince states to ratify the Genocide Convention, which came into force in 1951. This article analyzes the negotiation techniques and strategies that Lemkin successfully employed in pursuit of his goals.
A plant‐unique ESCRT component, FYVE4, regulates multivesicular endosome biogenesis and plant growth
Authors: Liu Chuanliang , Zeng Yonglun , Li Hongbo , Yang Chao , Shen Wenjin , Xu Min , Xiao Zhidan , Chen Tongsheng , Li Baiying , Cao Wenhan , Jiang Liwen , Otegui Marisa S. , Gao Caiji
Published: March 2021

During evolution, land plants generated unique proteins that participate in endosomal sorting and multivesicular endosome (MVE) biogenesis, many of them with specific phosphoinositide‐binding capabilities. Nonetheless, the function of most plant phosphoinositide‐binding proteins in endosomal trafficking remains elusive.

Here, we analysed several Arabidopsis mutants lacking predicted phosphoinositide‐binding proteins and first identified fyve4‐1 as a mutant with a hypersensitive response to high‐boron conditions and defects in degradative vacuolar sorting of membrane proteins such as the borate exporter BOR1‐GFP.

FYVE4 encodes a plant‐unique, FYVE domain‐containing protein that interacts with SNF7, a core component of ESCRT‐III (Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport III). FYVE4 affects the membrane association of the late‐acting ESCRT components SNF7 and VPS4, and modulates the formation of intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) inside MVEs. The critical function of FYVE4 in the ESCRT pathway was further demonstrated by the strong genetic interactions with SNF7B and LIP5. Although the fyve4‐1, snf7b and lip5 single mutants were viable, the fyve4‐1 snf7b and fyve4‐1 lip5 double mutants were seedling lethal, with strong defects in MVE biogenesis and vacuolar sorting of ubiquitinated membrane proteins.

Taken together, we identified FYVE4 as a novel plant endosomal regulator, which functions in ESCRTing pathway to regulate MVE biogenesis.
4sc‐202 and Ink‐128 cooperate to reverse the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in OSCC
Authors: Yang Xi , Sun Tianyu , Zhao Yajing , Liu Shuying , Liang Xueyi
Published: March 2021

Treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma remains a challenge due to a high incidence of treatment resistance, which is followed by tumor recrudescence and metastasis to the lymph nodes. Thus, it is important to explore novel inhibitors of OSCC. Here, we aimed to identify drugs that may cooperate with histone deacetylase inhibitors to reverse the EMT, inhibit EMT and cell migration and invasion, and contribute to therapeutic efficacy. We found that treatment with 4sc‐202 potently reversed the EMT and thereby inhibited cell migration and invasion in vitro, in part by inducing expression of the FoxO1 tumor‐suppressor gene. Furthermore, 4sc‐202 also synergized with Ink‐128 to inhibit tumor migration and invasion in vitro. Mechanistically, 4sc‐202 induced FoxO1 expression, whereas Ink‐128 promoted nuclear translocation of FoxO1. Our findings indicated that FoxO1 might reverse the EMT by interacting with Twist1 in OSCC. In conclusion, we identified an effective combination therapy involving class I histone deacetylase and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1/2 inhibition that effectively blocked the EMT of tumor cells by upregulating FoxO1 expression to inhibit Twist1 transcription. These data have implications for developing new targets for early diagnosis and treatment of OSCC.
Effect of probiotics on gingival inflammation and oral microbiota: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Jiaxuan , Liu Zhenmin , Huang Jiaqi , Tao Renchuan
Published: March 2021

To evaluate the effect of probiotics on gingival inflammation and oral microbiota in patients suffering from plaque‐induced gingivitis. PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and EMBASE were electronically searched until December 2020. The quality of included studies was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. The differences were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% of confidence interval (95% CI). I2 test was performed to evaluate the heterogeneity of the studies. All analyses were performed using Review Manager (version 5.3). Eleven randomized and controlled trials were included, enrolling 554 patients. All comparisons displayed that oral probiotics had no significant improvement in the Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) of patients with plaque‐induced gingivitis. In terms of microecology, no significant difference in the volumes of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), the concentration of IL‐1β, and the counts of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) were found between the probiotic group and the placebo group. There exists no clear evidence that oral probiotics have positive effect on gingival inflammation and oral microecological environment of patients with plaque‐induced gingivitis.
Associations between visual function and magnitude of refractive error for emmetropic to moderately hyperopic 4‐ and 5‐year‐old children in the Vision in Preschoolers ‐ Hyperopia in Preschoolers Study
Authors: Ciner Elise B , Kulp Marjean Taylor , Pistilli Maxwell , Ying Gui‐Shuang , Maguire Maureen , Candy T Rowan , Moore Bruce , Quinn Graham ,   the Vision In Preschoolers ‐ Hyperopia In Preschoolers (VIP‐HIP) Study Group
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To evaluate associations between visual function and the level of uncorrected hyperopia in 4‐ and 5‐year‐old children without strabismus or amblyopia.

Methods

Children with spherical equivalent (SE) cycloplegic refractive error of −0.75 to +6.00 on eligibility testing for the Vision in Preschoolers–Hyperopia in Preschoolers (VIP‐HIP) study were included. Children were grouped as emmetropic (<1D SE myopia or hyperopia), low hyperopic (+1 to <+3D SE) or moderate hyperopic (+3 to +6D SE). Children with anisometropia or astigmatism (≥1D), amblyopia or strabismus were excluded. Visual functions assessed were monocular distance visual acuity (VA) and binocular near VA with crowded HOTV charts, accommodative lag using the Monocular Estimation Method and near stereoacuity by ‘Preschool Assessment of Stereopsis with a Smile’. Visual functions were compared as continuous measures among refractive error groups.

Results

554 children (mean age 58 months) were included in the analysis. Mean SE (SD) {N} for emmetropia, low and moderate hyperopia were +0.52D (0.49) {N = 270}, +2.18D (0.57) {N = 171} and +3.95D (0.78) {N = 113}, respectively. There was a consistent trend of poorer visual function with increasing hyperopia (p < 0.001). Although all children had age‐normal distance VA, logMAR (Snellen) VA of 0.00 (6/6) or better was achieved (distance, near) among more emmetropic (52%, 26%) and low hyperopic (47%, 15%) children than moderate hyperopes (25%, 9%). Mean (SD) distance logMAR VA declined from emmetropic 0.05 (0.10), to low hyperopic 0.06 (0.10) to moderately hyperopic children 0.12 (0.11) (p < 0.001); A mild progressive decrease in near VA also was observed from the emmetropic 0.13 (0.11) to low hyperopic 0.15 (0.10) to moderate hyperopic 0.19 (0.11) groups, (p < 0.001). Accommodative responses showed an increased lag with increasing hyperopia (ρ = 0.50, p < 0.001). Median near stereoacuity for emmetropes, low and moderate hyperopes was 40, 60 and 120 sec arc, respectively. The percentage of these groups with no reduced near visual functions was 83%, 61%, and 34%, respectively.

Conclusions

Decreasing visual function was associated with increasing hyperopia in 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds without strabismus or amblyopia. As hyperopia with reduced visual function has been associated with early literacy deficits, near visual function should be evaluated in these children.
Discovery and characterization of small molecule inhibitors of cystathionine gamma‐synthase with in planta activity
Authors: Bloch Itai , Haviv Hadar , Rapoport Irena , Cohen Elad , Shushan Rotem Shelly Ben , Dotan Nesly , Sher Inbal , Hacham Yael , Amir Rachel , Gal Maayan
Published: March 2021

The synthesis of essential amino acids in plants is pivotal for their viability and growth, and these cellular pathways are therefore targeted for the discovery of new molecules for weed control. Herein, we describe the discovery and design of small molecule inhibitors of cystathionine gamma‐synthase, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of methionine. Based on in silico screening and filtering of a large molecular database followed by the in vitro selection of molecules, we identified small molecules capable of binding the target enzyme. Molecular modelling of the interaction and direct biophysical binding enabled us to explore a focussed chemical expansion set of molecules characterized by an active phenyl‐benzamide chemical group. These molecules are bio‐active and efficiently inhibit the viability of BY‐2 tobacco cells and seedlings growth of Arabidopsis thaliana on agar plates.
Influence of Functional Groups on the Ene Reaction of Singlet Oxygen with 1,4‐Cyclohexadienes†
Authors: Fudickar Werner , Metz Melanie , Mai‐Linde Yasemin , Krüger Tobias , Kelling Alexandra , Sperlich Eric , Linker Torsten
Published: March 2021

The photooxygenation of 1,4‐cyclohexadienes has been studied with a special focus on regio‐ and stereoselectivities. In all examples, only the methyl‐substituted double bond undergoes an ene reaction with singlet oxygen, to afford hydroperoxides in moderate to good yields. We explain the high regioselectivities by a “large‐group effect” of the adjacent quaternary stereocenter. Nitriles decrease the reactivity of singlet oxygen, presumably by quenching, but can stabilize proposed per‐epoxide intermediates by polar interactions resulting in different stereoselectivities. Spiro lactams and lactones show an interesting effect on regio‐ and stereoselectivities of the ene reactions. Thus, singlet oxygen attacks the double bond preferentially anti to the carbonyl group, affording only one regioisomeric hydroperoxide. If the reaction occurs from the opposite face, the other regioisomer is exclusively formed by severe electrostatic repulsion in a perepoxide intermediate. We explain this unusual behavior by the fixed geometry of spiro compounds and call it a “spiro effect” in singlet oxygen ene reactions.
Intergovernmental Implementation in a Time of Uncooperative Federalism: Immigration Enforcement and Federal Secure Communities Program, 2011–14
Authors: Schreckhise William D. , Chand Daniel E.
Published: March 2021

Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Secure Communities (SComm) program produces substantial county‐level variation in immigrant removals. We examine the role components of uncooperative federalism and immigration federalism play in shaping this variation. We do so by employing multilevel mixed‐effects negative binomial regression models to predict the numbers of removals by ICE under the S‐Comm program at the county‐level. Building on past examinations of the program, we integrate additional explanations for the variation in removal rates, including the role of immigration‐related state and county policies, such as so‐called “sanctuary” laws. We find that state and county policies, as well as other political, social, and economic factors predict local implementation of the federal S‐Comm program.
LSD and ketanserin and their impact on the human autonomic nervous system
Authors: Olbrich Sebastian , Preller Katrin H. , Vollenweider Franz X.
Published: March 2021

The interest in lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has sparked again due to its supposed positive effects on psychopathological conditions. Yet, most research focuses on the actions of LSD on the central nervous system. The interaction with the autonomic nervous system (ANS) has been neglected so far. Therefore, the aim was to assess the effects of LSD and the serotonin 2A receptor antagonist ketanserin on the ANS as assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) measures and their correlation with subjective drug‐induced effects in a randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover trial. Thus, ANS activity was derived from electrocardiogram recordings after intake of placebo, LSD or ketanserin, and LSD by calculating R‐peak‐based measures of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. Repeated measure ANOVA and partial correlation for HRV measures and subjective experience questionnaires were performed. LSD predominantly increased sympathetic activity, while ketanserin counteracted this effect on the ANS via an increase of parasympathetic tone. Sympathetic activity was positively and parasympathetic activity negatively associated with psychedelic effects of LSD. Furthermore, Placebo HRV measures predicted subjective experiences after LSD intake. The association between trait ANS activity and LSD‐induced subjective experiences may serve as a candidate biomarker set for the effectiveness of LSD in the treatment of psychopathological conditions.
Use of nutraceuticals in the stallion: Effects on semen quality and preservation
Authors: Bazzano Marilena , Laus Fulvio , Spaterna Andrea , Marchegiani Andrea
Published: March 2021

Nutritional supplements are widely used in the equine industry with the aim of improving horse health, sports or reproductive performances. Over the years, a number of studies have focused on investigating the effects of several dietary compounds on the quality and preservation of stallion semen. This paper reviews the literature available on the use of nutritional supplementation for the improvement of reproductive performance and semen quality in equine species, critically appraising the benefits and negative effects of several compounds found in complementary feeds such as PUFAs from different sources, vitamins and antioxidants, carnitine and botanical extracts. Different nutraceuticals have been highlighted to improve stallion fertility by providing optimal levels of antioxidants, with the most promising results obtained by the combination of PUFAs and antioxidants that resulted to be essential for the maintenance of normal reproductive functions and the reduction of cryodamage in cooled and frozen equine semen.
The Vaca Muerta transgression (Upper Jurassic), Neuquén Basin, Argentina: Insights into the evolution and timing of aeolian–marine transitions
Authors: Paz Maximiliano , Ponce Juan José , Mángano M. Gabriela , Buatois Luis A. , Carmona Noelia Beatriz , Wetzel Andreas , Pereira Egberto , Rodríguez Maximiliano Nicolás
Published: March 2021

Considering the evolution of aeolian to marine transitions for the geological record, either catastrophic or gradual transgressive scenarios showing high or low rates of coastal migration have been proposed. A critical evaluation of modern analogues suggests that a catastrophic transgression shares many characteristics with Holocene transgressions, yet they are caused by different rates of sea‐level rise. The present study provides insights into the evolution of aeolian to marine transitions in order to discuss these alternative scenarios of sea‐level rise. For this purpose, a sedimentological and ichnological analysis was carried out on ten stratigraphic sections of the Picún Leufú area, Argentina. There, marine deposits of the Vaca Muerta Formation accumulated over the aeolian deposits of the Quebrada del Sapo Formation during the early Tithonian. The sedimentary evolution of the transition can be summarized in: (i) a shutdown of aeolian dune field deposition, generating a planation surface in somewhat elevated areas and reworked megadunes in lowlands; (ii) beach sedimentation caused by episodic marine flooding that contributed to megadune reworking; and (iii) deposition in an embayed marginal‐marine setting at the coast, recorded by bay margin bindstone, proximal bay and distal bay sedimentation. This transition indicates very rapid coastline migration and a condensed Transgressive Systems Tract succession throughout the study area. Rates of sea‐level rise similar to Holocene ones (millimetres to centimetres per year) may have produced the transition between the Quebrada del Sapo and Vaca Muerta formations. The Late Jurassic represents a non‐glacial time, and the global sea‐level maximum highstand pre‐dated the Vaca Muerta transgressive event. Thus, part of the sea‐level rise has to be attributed to tectonic/thermal subsidence and compaction of underlying strata, which may have generated these atypical rapid rates of sea‐level rise.
Psychological impairments after ACL injury – Do we know what we are addressing? Experiences from sports physical therapists
Authors: Piussi Ramana , Krupic Ferid , Senorski Carl , Svantesson Eleonor , Sundemo David , Johnson Urban , Hamrin Senorski Eric
Published: March 2021

Psychological impairments can follow an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and can impact the rehabilitation process. Our aim was to investigate experiences of sports physical therapists (PTs) in addressing psychological impairments in patients after ACL injury. We conducted four focus group interviews with fourteen sports PTs. The PTs’ experiences of working with psychological impairments after ACL injury were summarized in four main categories: (1) “Calling for a guiding light”, where PTs stated that the most common method of acquiring knowledge on addressing psychological impairments was through discussions with colleagues, and, at the same time, PTs expressed an insufficient knowledge of how to address psychological impairments; (2) “Meeting the burden of psychological impairments” where PTs stated that psychological impairments are greater than physical; (3) “Trying to balance physical and psychological aspects” where patient education and assessments were reported to be important in order to understand psychological impairments during rehabilitation; and (4) “Goal setting: a helpful challenge” where sports PTs expressed a need for specific knowledge of the rehabilitation of psychological impairments following ACL injury. To help provide the current best practice, we encourage researchers to develop psychologically centered interventions for rehabilitation after an ACL injury, and PTs to stay up‐to‐date with the literature published on the subject, including to implement eventual interventions.
Teaching and learning in multiplicative situations: A case study of tutoring an elementary school student with a learning disability
Authors: Hord Casey , Kastberg Signe , Draeger Andrea L.
Published: March 2021

The researchers conducted a qualitative case study to describe the teaching and learning of a third grade student with a learning disability as he worked on multiplicative tasks with a tutor. The student’s strategies, at participatory and anticipatory levels of understanding, were analyzed to inform instructional decisions we made to support the student’s work. The teacher and the student utilized manipulatives, gestures, and diagrams to support their conversations about multiplicative situations. The student struggled with some multiplicative situations and the tutor made adjustments to the difficulties of the posed tasks and provided visual support for his memory and processing to respond to these struggles. We describe this student’s strengths as a problem‐solver and how he thrived when given the supports he needed and the opportunities to think critically as well as his struggles with tasks posed that were not yet within his reach as a learner. We also discuss the complexity of the challenging instructional decisions that teachers have to make with students like the participant in this study.
Infectious disease consultation is effective in boosting vaccine coverage in patients awaiting kidney transplantation: A French prospective study
Authors: Runyo Florence , Matignon Marie , Audureau Etienne , Vindrios William , Boueilh Anna , Gomart Camille , Grimbert Philippe , Gallien Sébastien , Melica Giovanna
Published: March 2021

Recommended preventive strategies before kidney transplantation include screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and updating of the recommended vaccines. We prospectively evaluated in dedicated infectious diseases consultations, from 2014 to 2018, the clinical and vaccination data of new adult kidney allograft candidates. Patients were offered an updated vaccination schedule, if appropriate, and were screened for LTBI using chest imaging and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA). Overall, 467 patients with median age of 58 [46‐66] years were evaluated, of whom 302 patients (65%) were men (sex ratio 1.83), and 333 (71%) were on dialysis. Main causes of renal insufficiency were diabetes (25%) and autoimmune nephropathies (18%). The vaccination coverage was low and varied according to the different types of vaccines and patients. Vaccination or immunization rates were 24%, 6%, 54%, and 51% for tetanus‐diphtheria‐polio‐acellular pertussis, Pneumococcus, hepatitis B, and seasonal influenza, respectively. ID consultation successfully rose patients' vaccinations coverage, in fulfillment with recommendations, in 465 (99%) patients. LTBI treatment was administered in 78 (16.7%) patients and caused drug‐related adverse events in 9 (11%). A dedicated infectious disease consultation should become a critical tool for coordinating infection prevention strategies.
Altered strategy of prophylactic anti‐D administration in pregnancy to cover term and post‐term – a pilot study
Authors: Wikman Agneta , Mörtberg Anette , Jalkesten Elisabeth , Jansson Yvonne , Karlsson Anita , Tiblad Eleonor , Ajne Gunilla
Published: March 2021

Background and objective

Routine antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis (RAADP) to RhD‐negative women is most often administered in gestational age (GA) 28–30 weeks with the next anti‐D dose administered postpartum. The aim of this study was to analyse the proportion of RhD‐negative women where RAADP is not detectable at term and in a pilot study to investigate whether RAADP administered in GA 28 and 38 results in detectable levels at term, post‐term and post‐delivery.

Materials and methods

In a retrospective analysis, 4280 RhD‐negative women carrying anRHDpositive fetus were included and the proportion with a negative antibody screen at delivery was determined. In the second part, 39 pregnancies were included prospectively, a second dose of RAADP was administered in GA 38 weeks, and anti‐D was quantified before the second dose and then weekly for 5 weeks.

Results

In the retrospective analysis, 20·5% (856/4280) with RAADP administered in GA 28 were negative in routine antibody screening at delivery. In the small prospective study, 18% (7/39) had a negative antibody screen and 26% (10/39) had levels below 0·005 IU/ml, in the quantification assay, in GA 38. Anti‐D prophylaxis administered in GA 38 showed detectable levels of anti‐D up to 30 days post‐delivery, with concentration at delivery 0·060 ± 0·034 IU/ml (mean ± SD).

Conclusion

Approximately 20% of the RhD‐negative women show non‐detectable levels of anti‐D at term. A second dose of RAADP at GA 38 results in stable concentrations of anti‐D at term, post‐term and post‐delivery, but with large interindividual variation.
Activity‐based cost of platelet transfusions in medical and surgical inpatients at a US hospital
Authors: Hofmann Axel , Ozawa Sherri , Shander Aryeh
Published: March 2021

Background and objectives

Previous studies by the Cost of Blood Consensus Conference (COBCON) have used a comprehensive, standardized and generalizable activity‐based costing (ABC) model to estimate the cost of red blood cell transfusions and plasma transfusion. The objective of this study was to determine the total cost of platelet transfusions in a real‐world US hospital inpatient setting.

Materials and methods

This database analysis study retrospectively collected costs for all activities related to platelet transfusion in a single‐acute care US teaching hospital in 2017. Costs were collected in a stepwise manner using a custom ABC model which mapped the technical, administrative and clinical processes involved in the transfusion of platelets.

Results

For the 15 024 inpatients included in the analysis, 6335 (42·2%) were given a blood type and screen, and 941 (6·3%) received a transfusion of one or more blood products. A total of 333 platelet units were transfused in 131 patients (mean 2·54 units per patient): 211 (63·4%) units in medical inpatients and 122 (36·6%) in surgical inpatients. The total cost was $1359·99 per platelet unit, corresponding to $3457·06 per inpatient. Acquisition costs made up the largest proportion of the total cost (45·1%) followed by direct and indirect overheads (38·7%) and hospital processes costs (16·3%).

Conclusion

This is the first study to use an ABC costing model to determine the full cost of platelet transfusions within a US inpatient setting. This provides a useful reference point for comparisons with other transfusion products, and considerations for cost reduction.
Genome‐wide DNA and phenotypic information supports recent colonization of South American grasslands by Correndera Pipit (Aves, Motacillidae)
Authors: Norambuena Heraldo V. , van Els Paul , Victoriano Pedro F. , Knowles Lacey
Published: March 2021

Anthus correndera has a wide distribution in southern South America with several subspecies assigned to the taxon. We take an integrative approach, analysing genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data collected using ddRAD sequencing, songs and linear morphological data, to evaluate the evolutionary history of A. correndera and divergence of each subspecies. The final genomic data set of 11,467 SNPs for 40 individuals supports a primary divergence of two main lineages: one in the Andean highlands and another in the lowlands. Estimated divergence times suggest the Andean and lowland groups diverged around 135.5 to 99 thousand years ago (Ka), whereas divergence among populations within each group was much more recent, ranging from 54.7 Ka among the Andean populations to as recent as 20.6 Ka among the lowland populations. Analyses of territorial songs showed slight differences between all operational taxonomic units; however, morphological differences were apparent only between geographically distant populations (i.e. Puna vs. South Georgia). Based on multiple lines of evidence, we propose to reduce the number of subspecies within the correndera complex to three: A. c. calcaratus on the Andean Altiplano (treating A. c. catamarcae as a junior synonym), A. c. correndera in the lowlands (treating A. c. chilensis and A. c. grayi as junior synonyms), and A. c. antarcticus on South Georgia.
Mitogenomic phylogeny of mud snails of the mostly Atlantic/Mediterranean genusTritia(Gastropoda: Nassariidae)
Authors: Yang Yi , Abalde Samuel , Afonso Carlos L.M. , Tenorio Manuel J. , Puillandre Nicolas , Templado José , Zardoya Rafael
Published: March 2021

The mud snails endemic to the East Atlantic/Mediterranean region (genusTritia; subfamily Nassariinae) account for the second highest diversity within the family Nassariidae (Gastropoda: Buccinoidea). In order to understand how the diversity of species, shell morphologies and ecological traits evolved within this genus, a robust phylogenetic framework is needed, yet still unavailable due to high levels of homoplasy in shell morphology, the main trait used for their taxonomic classification. Here, the near‐complete mitogenomes of 20 species representing more than half of the diversity ofTritiawere sequenced. All mitogenomes ofTritiashared the same gene order, which is identical to the consensus reported for caenogastropods. The reconstructed phylogeny indicates that all analysedTritiaspecies formed a natural group exceptTritia vaucheri,which was sister to an early diverging clade within subfamily Nassariinae that includes species of genusReticunassasister toNassarius jacksonianusandNassariussp. WithinTritia, the North‐west Atlantic speciesTritia obsoletawas placed as the sister group of three mostly East Atlantic/Mediterranean clades (I‐III), prompting the reinstatement of the genusIlyanassa. The latter three clades corresponded to different shell features (I, shell mostly with marked sculpture; II, shell with strong nodules and small size; and III, smooth shell). ForTritia incrassata, the analysed specimens from Norway and from the Spanish Mediterranean coasts showed notable genetic divergence, which may indicate the existence of cryptic species. The ancestral character state reconstruction of protoconch inferred that the ancestor ofTritiahad planktotrophic larvae and that a transition to lecithotrophy occurred independently at least three times within Nassariinae. The reconstructed chronogram dated the origin ofTritiain the Oligocene and main diversification events during the Miocene to Pleistocene, correlated with drastic shifts in local paleoecosystems caused by cooling events, eustatic sea level changes and the Messinian Salinity Crisis that favoured temperate taxa.
Nonlinear Dynamic Modeling and Vibration Analysis of Faulty Rolling Bearing Based on Collision Impact
Authors: Zheng Longkui , Xiang Yang , Sheng Chenxing
Published: March 2021

This study proposes a new nonlinear dynamic model of rolling bearing faults based on a collision impact system. The dynamic model accounts for the collision impact system consisting of the rolling elements and localized faults according to the nonlinear Hertzian contact. First, considering the impact of the rolling element and fault structure, the collision impact system between rolling element and localized fault is established, and the vibration responses of the collision impact system can be obtained. Second, the overall rolling bearing is treated as a mass-spring model, and the contact between the rolling element and raceway is treated as a nonlinear spring that conforms to the Hertzian contact deformation theory. Third, according to the Lagrange equation, overall potential energy, overall kinetic energy, elastic potential energy, and kinetic energy of the collision impact system are used to describe the vibration characteristics. Considering the impact of collision impact systems, a nonlinear dynamic model of rolling bearing faults is established. The simulated acceleration results based on the nonlinear dynamic model are compared to experimental results. The comparison indicates that the numerical model can be used to predict the vibration characteristics of rolling bearings faults effectively.
Exploiting Redundancies for Workspace Enlargement and Joint Trajectory Optimization of a Kinematically Redundant Hybrid Parallel Robot
Authors: Wen Kefei , Gosselin Clément
Published: March 2021

In this paper, possibilities for workspace enlargement and joint trajectory optimization of a (6 + 3)-degree-of-freedom kinematically redundant hybrid parallel robot are investigated. The inverse kinematic problem of the robot can be solved analytically, which is a desirable property of redundant robots, and is implemented in the investigations. A new method for detecting mechanical interferences between two links which are not directly connected is proposed for evaluating the workspace. Redundant degrees-of-freedom are optimized in order to further expand the workspace. An approach for determining the desired redundant joint coordinates is developed so that a performance index can be minimized approximately when the robot is following a prescribed Cartesian trajectory. The presented approaches are readily applicable to other kinematically redundant hybrid parallel robots proposed by the authors.
Stiffness Evaluation of an Adsorption Robot for Large-Scale Structural Parts Processing
Authors: Chen Jiakai , Xie Fugui , Liu Xin-Jun , Bi Weiyao
Published: March 2021

Efficient and economical processing of large-scale structural parts is in increasing need and is also a challenging issue. In this paper, an adsorption machining robot for processing of large-scale structural parts is presented. It has potential advantages in flexible, efficient, and economical processing of large-scale structural parts because of the adsorption ability. Stiffness is one of the most important performance for machining robots. In order to investigate the stiffness of the robot in the workspace, the kinematics of the adsorption manipulator, the five-axis machining manipulator, and the adsorption machining robot is derived step by step. Then with the help of finite element analysis (FEA), a stiffness modeling method considering the compliance of the base is proposed. A stiffness isotropy index is put forward to evaluate the robot’s overall stiffness performance by taking all possible working conditions into consideration. Based on the index, stiffness evaluation in the reachable workspace is carried out and an optimized workspace is identified considering the overall stiffness magnitude, stiffness isotropy, and workspace volume, which will be used in the machining process. The stiffness modeling method and stiffness isotropy index proposed in the paper are universal and can be applied to other parallel robots.
Digital Twin-Driven Human-Centered Design Frameworks for Meeting Sustainability Objectives
Authors: Onan Demirel H. , Irshad Lukman , Ahmed Salman , Tumer Irem Y.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a manifesto for the future design of human-made systems and engage this reflection by promoting a computational human factors engineering (HFE) approach. In this paper, we concentrate on the fact that human well-being and sustainability objectives are inseparable. Thus, this paper’s primary focus is to demonstrate a simulation-based computational design methodology, digital human-in-the-loop (D-HIL), which utilizes the digital human modeling (DHM) platform to inject HFE design principles early in design. The D-HIL methodology enables human, product, and systems data to be coupled with computational toolkits; thus, bringing opportunities for facilitating ergonomics decision-making to be part of the digital twin (DT)-driven design. We presented two frameworks originating from our recent work in D-HIL research: (1) prototyping toolbox and (2) human error and functional failure reasoning (HEFFR) as means for realizing sustainability goals through DT-based design. While our preliminary studies show that both tools show promise in terms of realizing the sustainability goals, they are limited to only goals that relate to cost. In our future work, we plan to explore models and computational tools from non-traditional engineering domains to expand our frameworks’ scope to realizing sustainability goals that go beyond cost estimations.
A Zero Trust Hybrid Security and Safety Risk Analysis Method
Authors: Papakonstantinou Nikolaos , Van Bossuyt Douglas L. , Linnosmaa Joonas , Hale Britta , O’Halloran Bryan
Published: March 2021

Designing complex, socio-technical, cyber-physical systems has become increasingly challenging in recent years. Interdependencies between engineering domains can lead to emergent behavior that is difficult to predict and manage. The recent shift toward model-based design has demonstrated significant advantages for minimizing these challenges (McDermott et al. 2020. Benchmarking the benefits and current maturity of model-based systems engineering across the enterprise. results of the model-based systems engineering (MBSE) maturity survey, part 1: Executive summary. Technical Report SERC-2020-SR-001, Systems Engineering Research Center.). Further, the early identification of safety and security design weaknesses in safety-critical systems leads to reduced redesign costs in later design phases (Yang and EI-Haik, 2003. Design for Six Sigma. McGraw-Hill, New York City; Clausing and Frey, 2005. Improving system reliability by failure-mode avoidance including four concept design strategies. Systems Engineering, 8(3), pp. 245–261.). As a result, this article contributes the Multidisciplinary Early Design Risk Assessment Framework (MEDRAF) methodology for early combined safety and security assessment based on interdisciplinary dependency models of a system. The focus is on factors contributing to the estimation of the probabilities of successful attacks on system components. The Zero Trust paradigm is applied in which all humans, hardware, and processes interacting with the system are considered to pose a security risk. A calculation of security-related probability estimates is presented which is dependent on the current global security environment. Subsequently, security and safety probability estimates are combined to present an overall safety-security risk calculation using hybrid safety-security trees. The risk values help designers assess the loss of specific key components and safety functions. The methodology is demonstrated with a case study of a spent fuel pool cooling system in a nuclear reactor. The results of the case study show that the risk of losing one key system component doubles when combining security and safety compared to only assessing safety events. This paper is based on a paper presented at the CIE 2020 conference (Papakonstantinou et al., 2020. Towards a zero trust hybrid security and safety risk analysis method. In International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, American Society of Mechanical Engineers.).
Low Muscular Strength, Weight Status, and Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014
Authors: Pilli Nicholas M. , Kybartas Tyler J. , Lagally Kristen M. , Laurson Kelly R.
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the association between muscular strength and metabolic syndrome (MetS), with a specific focus on the role of weight status, using a nationally representative sample of US youth. Methods: The analysis included 409 boys and 415 girls from the 2011 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 12 and 18 years of age. The prevalence of MetS was defined using age- and sex-specific criteria for abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Strength was assessed via handgrip dynamometer and expressed as age- and sex-specific z scores of relative strength. Low strength was defined as a relative strength below the 25th percentile. Analyses controlled for age, sex, race/ethnicity, physical activity, and weight status. Results: The sample prevalence of MetS was approximately 5.3%. However, MetS prevalence was 18.5% in overweight/obese youth with low strength. The adjusted odds of MetS were 3.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.5–6.3, P < .001) times higher for overweight/obese youth with low strength versus sufficient strength. Conclusion: Muscular strength is predictive of adolescent MetS, specifically in those with unhealthy weight status. Approximately one in 5 overweight/obese youth with low strength had MetS. These findings highlight the relevance of muscular strength in youth cardiometabolic morbidities.
Impact of COVID-19 on School-Aged Male and Female Health-Related Fitness Markers
Authors: Wahl-Alexander Zachary , Camic Clayton L.
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 on male and female anthropometric variables and physical performance. Methods: This study utilized a mixed (time [PRE vs POST], gender [male vs female]) methods design to examine changes in the body mass index and physical fitness performance measures prior to and following closures. Data were collected from 264 third through eighth graders. This sample consisted of 131 males and 133 females. The data was collected through anthropometric (body mass index) and physical performance measures and was analyzed with separate 2 × 2 mixed-factorial analyses of variance (time [PRE, POST] × gender [male, female]). Results: The findings indicated both males and females exhibited mean increases in the body mass index (+10.6%; 18.8–20.8 kg·m−2, P < .001, partial η2 = .627) and decreases in push-ups (−35.6%; 7.3–4.7 repetitions, P < .001, partial η2 = .371), sit-ups (−19.4%; 22.7–18.3 repetitions, P < .001, partial η2 = .420), and the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test (−26.7%; 31.4–22.4 laps, P < .001, partial η2 = .644) scores from PRE to POST. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that both males and females exhibited significant anthropometric and physical performance losses during the Coronavirus disease 2019 shutdown.
Analyzing Possible Native Functions of the Quinolone Resistance Gene
qnr
in Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Gil-Marqués María Luisa , Jacoby George A. , Hooper David C.
Published: March 2021

The worldwide distribution of
qnr
genes found on plasmids and their presence on the chromosomes of aquatic bacteria, such as
Vibrio vulnificus
, one of the suspected sources, suggests an origin before the development of synthetic quinolones. However, their native function remains unknown.
Clinical and Pharmacological Considerations for Concomitant Administration of Posaconazole and Isavuconazole with Letermovir
Authors: Terrier Jean , Zanella Marie-Céline , Masouridi-Levrat Stavroula , Kronig Ilona , Chalandon Yves , Vernaz Nathalie , Van Delden Christian , Papanicolaou Genovefa , Neofytos Dionysios
Published: March 2021

We sought in this case-control retrospective study to compare posaconazole and isavuconazole (PCZ and IVC, respectively) plasma trough concentration (
C
trough
) levels in high-risk allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients who received letermovir (LET) or not. PCZ/IVC
C
trough
levels were not found to be significantly different between cases and controls, as they were 1.31 mg/liter (median) (interquartile range [IQR], 0.90) versus 1.36 mg/liter (IQR, 1.16) (
P
 = 0.31) and 3.20 mg/liter (IQR, 2.40) versus 2.35 mg/liter (IQR, 1.50) (
P
 = 0.17), respectively.
Efficacy and Associated Drug Exposures of Isavuconazole and Fluconazole in an Experimental Model of Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Kovanda Laura L. , Sass Gabriele , Martinez Marife , Clemons Karl V. , Nazik Hasan , Kitt Therese M. , Wiederhold Nathan , Hope William W. , Stevens David A.
Published: March 2021

Coccidioides
spp. are important pathogens in regions where they are endemic, and new treatment options are needed. Here, isavuconazonium sulfate (ISAVUSULF) and fluconazole (FLU) were evaluated in experimental disseminated coccidioidomycosis to characterize drug exposures associated with efficacy. Broth macrodilution was performed on
Coccidioides
isolates to measure minimal effective concentrations (MEC) and minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFC).
Lipid Composition Analysis Reveals Mechanisms of Ethanol Tolerance in the Model YeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lairón-Peris M. , Routledge S. J. , Linney J. A. , Alonso-del-Real J. , Spickett C. M. , Pitt A. R. , Guillamón J. M. , Barrio E. , Goddard A. D. , Querol A.
Published: March 2021

Many microbial processes are not implemented at the industrial level because the product yield is poorer and more expensive than can be achieved by chemical synthesis. It is well established that microbes show stress responses during bioprocessing, and one reason for poor product output from cell factories is production conditions that are ultimately toxic to the cells.
Combination Adjuvants Affect the Magnitude of Effector-Like Memory CD8 T Cells and Protection against Listeriosis
Authors: Lee Woojong , Larsen Autumn , Kingstad-Bakke Brock , Marinaik Chandranaik B. , Suresh M.
Published: March 2021

The development of T cell-based subunit protein vaccines against diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria remains a challenge for immunologists. Here, we have identified a nanoemulsion adjuvant, Adjuplex (ADJ), which enhanced dendritic cell (DC) cross-presentation and elicited effective memory T cell-based immunity to
Listeria monocytogenes
.
Different Resource Allocation in a Bacillus subtilis Population Displaying Bimodal Motility
Authors: Syvertsson Simon , Wang Biwen , Staal Jojet , Gao Yongqiang , Kort Remco , Hamoen Leendert W.
Published: March 2021

To cope with sudden environmental changes, bacteria can use a bet-hedging strategy and generate different types of cells within a population—so-called bimodal differentiation. For example, a
Bacillus subtilis
culture can contain both motile and nonmotile cells.
Essential Gene Analysis in Acinetobacter baumannii by High-Density Transposon Mutagenesis and CRISPR Interference
Authors: Bai Jinna , Dai Yunfei , Farinha Andrew , Tang Amy Y. , Syal Sapna , Vargas-Cuebas Germán , van Opijnen Tim , Isberg Ralph R. , Geisinger Edward
Published: March 2021

New approaches are urgently needed to control
A. baumannii
, one of the most drug-resistant pathogens known. To facilitate the development of novel targets that allow inhibition of the pathogen, we performed a large-scale identification of genes whose products the bacterium needs for growth.
Rapid ResaImipenem/Acinetobacter NP Test for Detection of Carbapenem Susceptibility/Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Nordmann Patrice , Sadek Mustafa , Tinguely Camille , Poirel Laurent
Published: March 2021

The rapid ResaImipenem/
Acinetobacter
NP test was developed for the identification of carbapenem resistance among
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates. The principle of this test is based on the reduction of resazurin (a viability colorant) by metabolically active bacterial cells, hence detecting bacterial growth, in the presence of a defined concentration of imipenem chosen to be slightly above that defining imipenem resistance (6 μg/ml).
Analysis of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Isolates Recovered from Deceased Mammals of a German Zoo Animal Collection
Authors: Hammerl J. A. , vom Ort N. , Barac A. , Jäckel C. , Grund L. , Dreyer S. , Heydel C. , Kuczka A. , Peters H. , Hertwig S.
Published: March 2021

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
is an important pathogen for both humans and animals. It can infect livestock, as well as pets and wild animals.
A Pseudomonas aeruginosa Antimicrobial Affects the Biogeography but Not Fitness of Staphylococcus aureus during Coculture
Authors: Barraza Juan P. , Whiteley Marvin
Published: March 2021

Many human infections result from the action of multispecies bacterial communities. Within these communities, bacteria have been proposed to directly interact via physical and chemical means, resulting in increased disease and antimicrobial tolerance.
Phylogenomics Reveals thatAsaiaSymbionts from Insects Underwent Convergent Genome Reduction, Preserving an Insecticide-Degrading Gene
Authors: Comandatore Francesco , Damiani Claudia , Cappelli Alessia , Ribolla Paulo Eduardo Martins , Gasperi Giuliano , Gradoni Francesco , Capelli Gioia , Piazza Aurora , Montarsi Fabrizio , Mancini Maria Vittoria , Rossi Paolo , Ricci Irene , Bandi Claudio , Favia Guido
Published: March 2021

We have studied genome reduction within several strains of the insect symbiontAsaiaisolated from different species/strains of mosquito and medfly. Phylogenetically distant strains ofAsaia, despite following a common pattern involving the loss of genes related to genome stability, have undergone independent genome reductions, highlighting the peculiar role of specific metabolic pathways in the symbiotic relationship betweenAsaiaand its host.
Dynamic Dissection of the Endocytosis of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Coronavirus Cooperatively Mediated by Clathrin and Caveolae as Visualized by Single-Virus Tracking
Authors: Li Yangyang , Wang Jian , Hou Wei , Shan Yanke , Wang Shouyu , Liu Fei
Published: March 2021

Emerging and re-emerging coronaviruses cause serious human and animal epidemics worldwide. For many enveloped viruses, including coronavirus, it is evident that breaking the plasma membrane barrier is a pivotal and complex process, which contains multiple dynamic steps.