bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NIR‐I/III afterglow induced by energy transfers between Er and Cr codoped in ZGGO nanoparticles for potential bioimaging
Authors: Yang Jian , Jiang Rongyun , Meng Yangqi , Zhao Yangyang , Wang Mingwei , Zhu Hancheng , Yan Duanting , Liu Chunguang , Xu Changshan , Liu Yuxue 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHerein, Cr3+ and Er3+ codoped zinc gallogermanate (ZGGO) nanoparticles with average size of ~60 nm was synthesized via a hydrothermal path. It was found that near infrared (NIR)‐III (~1540 nm) afterglow was realized in ZGGO:Cr3+,Er3+ nanoparticles based on the successive energy transfer (ET) from Cr3+ to Er3+ after the stoppage of low‐dose (60 mSv) X‐ray irradiation. Meanwhile, the upconverted afterglow at 696 nm was produced via the ET from Er3+ to Cr3+ under different NIR light (808, 980, and 1532 nm) irradiations. Our results demonstrated that an X‐ray pre‐irradiation and a subsequent 980‐nm light re‐excitation might be a good strategy for realizing potential bioimaging. In particular, local‐tissue NIR‐I afterglow imaging using Cr3+ and Er3+ codoped ZGGO nanoparticles can be easily acquired by one‐step 980‐nm laser radiation. Furthermore, NIR‐I/III afterglow mechanisms of ZGGO:Cr3+,Er3+ nanoparticles after stopping X‐ray or different NIR lights (808, 980, and 1532 nm) irradiations were given.
Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma – phenotypes and mutations in 64 patients
Authors: Harjama L. , Karvonen V. , Kettunen K. , Elomaa O. , Einarsdottir E. , Heikkilä H. , Kivirikko S. , Ellonen P. , Saarela J. , Ranki A. , Kere J. , Hannula‐Jouppi K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundHereditary palmoplantar keratodermas (PPK) represent a heterogeneous group of rare skin disorders with epidermal hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, with occasional additional manifestations in other tissues. Mutations in at least 69 genes have been implicated in PPK, but further novel candidate genes and mutations are still to be found.ObjectivesTo identify mutations underlying PPK in a cohort of 64 patients.MethodsDNA of 48 patients was analysed on a custom‐designed in‐house panel for 35 PPK genes, and 16 patients were investigated by a diagnostic genetic laboratory either by whole‐exome sequencing, gene panels or targeted single‐gene sequencing.ResultsOf the 64 PPK patients, 32 had diffuse (50%), 19 focal (30%) and 13 punctate (20%) PPK. None had striate PPK. Pathogenic mutations in altogether five genes were identified in 31 of 64 (48%) patients, the majority (22/31) with diffuse PPK. Of them, 11 had a mutation in AQP5, five in SERPINB7, four in KRT9 and two in SLURP1. AAGAB mutations were found in nine punctate PPK patients. New mutations were identified in KRT9 and AAGAB. No pathogenic mutations were detected in focal PPK. Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in PPK‐associated and other genes were observed in 21 patients that might explain their PPK. No suggestive pathogenic variants were found for 12 patients.ConclusionsDiffuse PPK was the most common (50%) and striate PPK was not observed. We identified pathogenic mutations in 48% of our PPK patients, mainly in five genes: AQP5, AAGAB, KRT9, SERPINB7 and SLURP1.
Description of a new perchlet, Chelidoperca formosa, from southwestern Taiwan (Peciformes: Serranidae)
Authors: Tang Chi‐Ngai , Ho Hsuan‐Ching 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA new perchlet species is described on the basis of four specimens collected from southwestern Taiwan. It is similar to congeners with relatively few lateral‐line scales (35–38) and can be distinguished by having third to sixth dorsal‐fin spines notably long; eighth and ninth dorsal‐fin spines notably short; developed gill rakers 1 + 7–8; scale rows between lateral line and sixth dorsal‐fin spine 4 (the dorsalmost half‐sized); tip of upper corner of caudal fin reddish; four reddish bands midlaterally on body with groups of melanophores in these bands. DNA barcoding analysis reveals the new species is a distinct lineage and closest to Chelidoperca microdon. The average interspecific genetic distance calculated by the K2P model is 15.4%, whereas the mean distance from the new species to C. microdon is 18.3%. The inferred phylogenetic tree supports monophyly of Chelidoperca. Including the new species, six nominal species of Chelidoperca are recognized in Taiwanese waters.
Evaluation of the frequency and intensity of favipiravir‐associated yellow‐green fluorescence in lunulae, hair, and face
Authors: Turan Çağrı , Metin Nurcan , Utlu Zeynep , Yıldız Türkan Tuğba , Caferoğlu Sakat Selcen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe detected yellow‐green fluorescence in the face, hair and lunulae of patients using favipiravir.AimWe evaluated the frequency and intensity of favipiravir‐associated fluorescence.Patients/Methods.The participants comprised patients who had taken at least a single dose of favipiravir and been examined no later than 30 days after the last dose. The gender, age, body mass index (BMI), Fitzpatrick's skin‐type, hair color, N‐acetylcysteine use, presence and the intensity of fluorescent reflection under Wood's light in the lunulae of the fingernails, hair, and the face were recorded.ResultsThere were 275 patients, 144 (52.4%) of whom were women. 165 (57.9%) had used treatment for a maximum of 5 days, 99 (34.7%) for 6–10 days, and 21 (7.4%) for more than ten days. Using more than 22 tablets of favipiravir increased the probability of detecting fluorescence in the lunulae by 6.72 (2.61–17.23) times. Using more than 28 tablets increased the risk of fluorescence in hair and the T‐zone by 5.92 (2.43–14.71) and 2.88 (1.11–7.47) times, respectively. No relationship was found between the fluorescence intensity in any localization and the total dose. However, we determined a negative correlation between the elapsed time after the last dose and the fluorescence intensity in the lunulae and the T‐zone (p=0.036; p=0.031; respectively). It was noted that BMI negatively correlated with the fluorescence intensity in the lunulae (p=0.001). Skin type was related to intensity for all localizations (p<0.001). Fluorescence was found in the lunulae with significantly less frequency in patients using N‐acetylcysteine (p=0.040).ConclusionsWe must be aware of favipiravir‐induced phototoxicity.
Allelic polymorphism at foxo contributes to local adaptation in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Betancourt Nicolas J. , Rajpurohit Subhash , Durmaz Esra , Fabian Daniel K. , Kapun Martin , Flatt Thomas , Schmidt Paul 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe insulin/insulin‐like growth factor signalling pathway has been hypothesized as a major determinant of life‐history profiles that vary adaptively in natural populations. In Drosophila melanogaster, multiple components of this pathway vary predictably with latitude; this includes foxo, a conserved gene that regulates insulin signalling and has pleiotropic effects on a variety of fitness‐associated traits. We hypothesized that allelic variation at foxo contributes to genetic variance for size‐related traits that vary adaptively with latitude. We first examined patterns of variation among natural populations along a latitudinal transect in the eastern United States and show that thorax length, wing area, wing loading, and starvation tolerance exhibit significant latitudinal clines for both males and females but that development time does not vary predictably with latitude. We then generated recombinant outbred populations and show that naturally occurring allelic variation at foxo, which exhibits stronger clinality than expected, is associated with the same traits that vary with latitude in the natural populations. Our results suggest that allelic variation at foxo contributes to adaptive patterns of life‐history variation in natural populations of this genetic model.
The association of soluble CD163, a novel biomarker of macrophage activation, with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its underlying physiological disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Semnani‐Azad Zhila , Blanco Mejia Sonia , Connelly Philip W. , Bazinet Richard P. , Retnakaran Ravi , Jenkins David J. A. , Harris Stewart B. , Hanley Anthony J. 
Published: April 2021

SummaryThis systematic review investigates the association of sCD163, a novel biomarker of macrophage activation, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin resistance, and beta‐cell dysfunction. Sixteen studies (seven cross‐sectional, two case–control, one nested case–control, three prospective cohort, and three experimental) were identified. Most studies demonstrated that elevated sCD163 concentrations were associated with increased insulin resistance. Cross‐sectional, case–control, and nested case–control studies showed higher sCD163 in subjects with T2DM compared with healthy individuals. An 18‐year follow‐up prospective cohort study showed that elevated baseline sCD163 was a strong predictor of T2DM incidence. Prospective cohort studies demonstrated that baseline measures and longitudinal changes in sCD163 were positively associated with insulin resistance; however, associations with beta‐cell function were inconsistent. Two experimental studies evaluated the relationship of sCD163 with T2DM and HOMA‐IR after weight‐reducing interventions. After very low‐calorie diet treatments, sCD163 concentration declined significantly in patients with T2DM but was not associated with insulin resistance. Bariatric surgery did not significantly impact sCD163 levels. In a double‐blind randomized controlled trial, resveratrol supplementation significantly reduced circulating sCD163 in T2DM patients. Current studies demonstrate the potential utility of sCD163 as an early biomarker of T2DM risk and highlight a potential mechanism linking obesity with T2DM onset.
SLCO4A1‐AS1 regulates laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell phenotypes via the Wnt pathway
Authors: Zhang Feng , Mao Dehong , He Zhongmei , Li Weichun , Zhang Xu , Li Linglong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimLong non‐coding RNAs were widely reported to regulate laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), a prevalent tumor in the head and neck. We aimed to investigate the role of solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 4A1 antisense RNA 1 (SLCO4A1‐AS1) in LSCC.Materials & methodsCCK‐8 and colony formation assays were conducted to examine the viability and proliferation of LSCC cells. The apoptosis of LSCC cells was evaluated using flow cytometry and TUNEL assays. The distribution of SLCO4A1‐AS1 in LSCC cells was detected by subcellular fractionation assay. The interaction between molecules was confirmed using luciferase reporter assay.ResultsSLCO4A1‐AS1 was overexpressed in LSCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, silenced SLCO4A1‐AS1 repressed the proliferation and facilitated apoptosis of LSCC cells. Mechanistical investigation revealed that SLCO4A1‐AS1 was a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to upregulate SETD7 by binding with miR‐7855‐p. Additionally, SLCO4A1‐AS1 positively regulated the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway by upregulating SETD7. Rescue experiments demonstrated that SLCO4A1‐AS1 promoted LSCC proliferation and inhibited LSCC apoptosis by upregulation of SETD7 and activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.ConclusionSLCO4A1‐AS1 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of LSCC cells by upregulation of SETD7 in a miR‐7855‐5p dependent way to activate the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Working through the fog of a pandemic: Street‐level policy entrepreneurship in times of crises
Authors: Gofen Anat , Lotta Gabriela , Marchesini da Costa Marcelo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractImposing significant challenges for both street‐level implementation and policy (re)design, crises alter the environment for street‐level policy entrepreneurship (SLPE), wherein street‐level bureaucrats engage in policy formulation processes to secure future policy outcomes. Nevertheless, like street‐level implementation in general, SLPE is studied during ordinary times but rarely during crises. Focusing on community‐health workers in Brazil during the Covid‐19 crisis uncovered a defensive motivation for SLPE, which aimed to legitimize community healthcare as an integral part of pandemic treatment, reforming the government's hitherto neglectful approach to community health services. Moreover, the continuing crisis created an unusually prolonged window of opportunity for securing community healthcare provision. By utilizing collective efforts and drawing on powerful politicians' mobilization, SLPE during crisis shares similarities with, yet differs from, SLPE during ordinary times, while further closing the interstices between local, professional, and political perspectives in the formulation of policy decisions.
English in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Thomas Suneeta 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper provides a sociolinguistic profile of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a focus on the status and functions of English in contemporary UAE society. With less than a 12 per cent local population, the UAE presents a unique linguistic laboratory for the spread of English among an expanding foreign and a shrinking local demographic. Contributing to the current literature on English in Expanding Circle countries, I first present a sociohistorical review of foreign and English language presence in the UAE from the ninth century to the present day. By employing archival research, governmental artifacts, and first‐hand observations, I follow this with a description of contemporary users and the four functions of English in the UAE context. The paper then provides a summary of users’ attitudes towards English and Arabic and concludes with an evaluation of key findings and avenues for future research.
Implementation of Semi-Heuristic Reasoning for Boundedness Analysis of Design Optimization Models
Authors: Rao J. R. J. , Papalambros P. Y. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A production system performing global boundedness analysis of optimal design models has been implemented in the OPS5 programming environment. The system receives as input an initial model monotonicity table and derives global facts about boundedness and constraint activity using monotonicity principles. Additional facts may be discovered by heuristic search of implicit elimination sequences that examine boundedness of reduced models with active constraints eliminated. The global facts generated automatically by this reasoning system can be used either for a global solution, or for a combined local-global active set strategy.
Statistical Machine Learning for the Cognitive Selection of Nonlinear Programming Algorithms in Engineering Design Optimization
Authors: Hoeltzel D. A. , Chieng W. H. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In order to overcome the problem of lack of generality in nonlinear programming (NLP) test problem formulation and to introduce the concept of cognitive NLP method switching, statistical machine learning has been applied to a sample data base of nonlinear programming problems. Reasonable conclusions have been drawn about an optimization problem type and a corresponding sequence of NLP solution algorithms, using statistical pattern recognition applied to local (vs. global) design information. A program, referred to as OPTDEX-OLDM, with the capability of learning from statistical pattern recognition is discussed. The statistical aspects and algorithmic optimization of the nonlinear programming problem are emphasized in this discussion. A clustering process has been performed on attributes assigned to the NLP problem sample data base, and an example which describes this statistical clustering process is discussed.
The Complementary Roles of Symbolic Computing and Numerical Optimization in Engineering Design Software
Authors: Ellsworth R. , Parkinson A. , Cain F. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In many engineering design problems, the designer converges upon a good design by iteratively evaluating a mathematical model of the design problem. The trial-and-error method used by the designer to converge upon a solution may be complex and difficult to capture in an expert system. It is suggested that in many cases, the design rule base could be made significantly smaller and more maintainable by using numerical optimization methods to identify the best design. The expert system is then used to define the optimization problem and interpret the solution, as well as to apply the true heuristics to the problem.
An example of such an expert system is presented for the design of a valve anti-cavitation device. Because of the capabilities provided by the optimization software, the expert system has been able to outperform the expert in the test cases evaluated so far.
Nonlinear Goal Programming Techniques in the Synthesis of Mechanisms
Authors: Krishnamurty S. , Turcic D. A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The development of an effective optimization approach for the solution of synthesis problems in mechanisms is presented. The optimization procedure is based on the technique of nonlinear goal programming. In this approach, the generalized variables describing the mechanism are determined by first prioritizing the various objectives of the problem and then by minimizing the value of the achievement function, which represents how closely the designed mechanism meets the specified set of requirements.
The following are the main advantages to such an optimization technique. The many conflicting objectives inherent in any design can be included directly in the optimization process. Such a treatment will avoid the need to introduce constraints artificially and/or to combine the objectives into a single objective. This will allow all feasible optimal solutions to be identified. This technique also requires only simple function evaluations and, hence, the optimization process will be both time and cost efficient.
Two synthesis examples of industrial type mechanisms are presented and the results are discussed. The proposed design technique produced accurate and acceptable solutions in both cases. This method was found to be computationally robust and effective in yielding optimal solutions to mechanism synthesis problems.
Mechanism Optimization Using Zero-Order Methods and Penalty Functions: A Comparison of Incremented Versus Nonincremented Penalty Parameter
Authors: Klatt M. A. , Reinholtz C. F. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This paper explores the use of two different penalty parameter strategies applied to mechanism optimization using zero-order methods. For the cases studied, a large, nonincremented value of the penalty parameter appears to be superior to the conventional sequential unconstrained minimization technique.
A Procedure for Comparative Evaluation of Design for Assembly Methodologies
Authors: Darlow M. S. , Avidar D. M. , Steiner M. W. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
It has been generally agreed that it is necessary to include assembly considerations during product design in order to produce a cost-effective design. To this end, a number of design for assembly (DFA) methodologies have been proposed. This presents the designer with a choice of methodology and little or no criteria on which to base a decision. This paper presents a comparative evaluation procedure which has been developed as a tool to help the designer select the DFA methodology which is most appropriate for a particular situation. This tool is a step-by-step procedure for evaluating and selecting a DFA method from a group of alternatives by bringing together factors and criteria used to measure their characteristics and capabilities. This paper presents the details of this evaluation procedure and applies it to three DFA methodologies, to illustrate its use. The results of the evaluation presented herein are interesting, although the subjective nature of the criteria and the ratings limits their usefulness. Rather, the point of this paper is that the evaluation method described, modified for individual needs and tastes, can be used to provide useful results for that individual.
Optimal Control of a Flexible Assembly System
Authors: Pourbaba B. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The performance of a flexible assembly system consisting of a set of work stations linked by a set of transporter stations is modeled by a Markovian queueing network in steady state. Its optimal behavior is characterized such that the throughput rate from the system is maximized, while the probability of finding an arbitrary workpiece waiting inside either each work station or each transporter station in addition to an allowable lenght of time will be sufficiently close to zero.
Design and Implementation of an Intelligent CAD System
Authors: Jakiela M. J. , Papalambros P. Y. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
System requirements and system design for integrating a production rule program and a computer aided design system are presented. An implementation using a commercially available graphics modeling system is described. A “suggestive mode” interface is programmed as an example with application to design for automated assembly. Initial use of the implementation indicates that encoding production rules is more difficult than with conventional text-only knowledge-based systems, but that this system is a more effective way to use artificial intelligence techniques in design.
NC Machining Algorithms for CSG Solids
Authors: Tan S. T. , Yuen M. F. , Sze W. S. , Wong W. Y. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This paper presents two algorithms for NC (Numerical Control) machining of engineering parts defined as a CSG (Constructive Solid Geometry) (1) model. The algorithms are respectively for automatically roughing out the approximate shape using octree and quadtree encoding techniques and for machining the final shape with fine cuts. In this paper, the two algorithms are referred to as rough machining and fine machining and form the Hong Kong University’s NC module for the PADL-2 solid modelling system developed by the Production Automation Project of Rochester University. The NC module with its own command language is embedded into PADL-2. Parts defined with the PADL-2 system can be machined using this module on a 3-axis machining centre via a hardwired link. Examples of the parts machined with this set-up are also illustrated in this paper.
Controlling Vibration in Remote Manipulators
Authors: Singer N. C. , Seering W. P. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Robotic manipulators for use in space have flexible structures and as a result have special control problems. These manipulators change their vibrational characteristics as they change in orientation. The Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (RMS) was chosen as a typical system and experiments were performed using the Draper Laboratory software model of the arm (DRS). First, the workspace of the manipulator was characterized in terms of the robot’s first two modes of vibration. Next, some feedforward experiments were performed on the computer model to show the promise of vibration reduction using feedforward control.
Reliability Analysis of Function Generating Mechanisms Through Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Crawford R. H. , Rao S. S. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Due to normal variations in dimensions inherent in the manufacture of the components of a mechanism, there is a small probability of not meeting the accuracy predicted by a deterministic representation of the mechanism. The reliability of a mechanism can be defined as the probability of deviation from its specified function. This paper presents a Monte Carlo simulation approach for the reliability analysis of function generating mechanisms. The approach is illustrated by considering the reliability analysis of a four-bar straight-line mechanism. The effect of the probability distribution of the random parameters on the overall reliability is also investigated. The Monte Carlo approach can be coupled with the known statistical properties of the production techniques to significantly increase the production yield of mechanisms that satisfy specified reliability requirements.