bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demography, education, and research trends in the interdisciplinary field of disease ecology
Authors: Brandell Ellen E. , Becker Daniel J. , Sampson Laura , Forbes Kristian M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMicro‐ and macroparasites are a leading cause of mortality for humans, animals, and plants, and there is great need to understand their origins, transmission dynamics, and impacts. Disease ecology formed as an interdisciplinary field in the 1970s to fill this need and has recently rapidly grown in size and influence. Because interdisciplinary fields integrate diverse scientific expertise and training experiences, understanding their composition and research priorities is often difficult. Here, for the first time, we quantify the composition and educational experiences of a subset of disease ecology practitioners and identify topical trends in published research. We combined a large survey of self‐declared disease ecologists with a literature synthesis involving machine‐learning topic detection of over 18,500 disease ecology research articles. The number of graduate degrees earned by disease ecology practitioners has grown dramatically since the early 2000s. Similar to other science fields, we show that practitioners in disease ecology have diversified in the last decade in terms of gender identity and institution, with weaker diversification in race and ethnicity. Topic detection analysis revealed how the frequency of publications on certain topics has declined (e.g., HIV, serology), increased (e.g., the dilution effect, infectious disease in bats), remained relatively common (e.g., malaria ecology, influenza, vaccine research and development), or have consistently remained relatively infrequent (e.g., theoretical models, field experiments). Other topics, such as climate change, superspreading, emerging infectious diseases, and network analyses, have recently come to prominence. This study helps identify the major themes of disease ecology and demonstrates how publication frequency corresponds to emergent health and environmental threats. More broadly, our approach provides a framework to examine the composition and publication trends of other major research fields that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Optimal design and operation of conventional, solar electric, and solar thermal district cooling systems
Authors: Alghool Dana M. , ElMekkawy Tarek Y. , Haouari Mohamed , Elomri Adel 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis research investigates the integration of solar energy with traditional cooling technologies using solar electric cooling systems. A holistic optimization process is introduced to enable the cost‐effective design of such technology. Two mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) models are developed, one for a baseline conventional cooling system and the other for a solar electric cooling system. The MILP models determine the optimal system design and the hourly optimal quantities of electricity and cold water that should be produced and stored while satisfying the cooling demand. The models are tested and analyzed using real‐world data, and multiple sensitivity analyses are conducted. Finally, an economic comparison of solar thermal and solar electric cooling systems against a baseline conventional cooling system is performed to determine the most cost‐effective system. The findings indicate that the photovoltaic panels used in solar electric cooling cover 42% of the chiller demand for electricity. Moreover, the solar electric cooling system is found to be the most cost‐effective, achieving ~5.5% and 55% cost savings compared with conventional and solar thermal cooling systems, respectively. A sensitivity analysis shows that the efficiency of photovoltaic panels has the greatest impact on the annual cost of solar electric cooling systems—their annual cost only increases by 10% when the price of electricity increases by 20%, making solar electric the most economical system.
Forecasting stock return volatility: The role of shrinkage approaches in a data‐rich environment
Authors: Dai Zhifeng , Li Tingyu , Yang Mi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis paper employs the prevailing shrinkage approaches, the lasso, adaptive lasso, elastic net, and ridge regression to predict stock return volatility with a large set of variables. The out‐of‐sample results reveal that shrinkage approaches exhibit superior performance relative to the benchmark of the autoregressive model and a series of competing models in terms of the out‐of‐sample R‐square and the model confidence set. By using shrinkage methods to allocate portfolio, a mean–variance investor can obtain significant economic gains. Overall, our findings confirm that shrinkage approaches can effectively improve stock return volatility forecasting in a data‐rich environment.
Distinct patterns of progressive gray and white matter degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Ishaque Abdullah , Ta Daniel , Khan Muhammad , Zinman Lorne , Korngut Lawrence , Genge Angela , Dionne Annie , Briemberg Hannah , Luk Collin , Yang Yee‐Hong , Beaulieu Christian , Emery Derek , Eurich Dean T. , Frayne Richard , Graham Simon , Wilman Alan , Dupré Nicolas , Kalra Sanjay 
Published: December 2021

AbstractProgressive cerebral degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains poorly understood. Here, three‐dimensional (3D) texture analysis was used to study longitudinal gray and white matter cerebral degeneration in ALS from routine T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Participants were included from the Canadian ALS Neuroimaging Consortium (CALSNIC) who underwent up to three clinical assessments and MRI at four‐month intervals, up to 8 months after baseline (T0). Three‐dimensional maps of the texture feature autocorrelation were computed from T1‐weighted images. One hundred and nineteen controls and 137 ALS patients were included, with 81 controls and 84 ALS patients returning for at least one follow‐up. At baseline, texture changes in ALS patients were detected in the motor cortex, corticospinal tract, insular cortex, and bilateral frontal and temporal white matter compared to controls. Longitudinal comparison of texture maps between T0 and Tmax (last follow‐up visit) within ALS patients showed progressive texture alterations in the temporal white matter, insula, and internal capsule. Additionally, when compared to controls, ALS patients had greater texture changes in the frontal and temporal structures at Tmax than at T0. In subgroup analysis, slow progressing ALS patients had greater progressive texture change in the internal capsule than the fast progressing patients. Contrastingly, fast progressing patients had greater progressive texture changes in the precentral gyrus. These findings suggest that the characteristic longitudinal gray matter pathology in ALS is the progressive involvement of frontotemporal regions rather than a worsening pathology within the motor cortex, and that phenotypic variability is associated with distinct progressive spatial pathology.
Metformin regulates macrophage polarization via the Shh signaling pathway to improve pulmonary vascular development in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Xiang Xiaowen , Zhou Lin , Lin Zhiwei , Qu Xia , Chen Yanru , Xia Hongping 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMetformin has potential anti‐inflammatory properties and accelerates wound healing by enhancing vascular development. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of metformin on pulmonary vascular development and the underlying mechanism. Newborn mice were subcutaneously injected with metformin from day 2 after exposure to hyperoxia. Pulmonary vascular development, inflammation, and Shh signaling pathway‐related protein expression were evaluated by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. M2 macrophage polarization was measured by flow cytometry. The effect of metformin on macrophage polarization was determined using RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to 90% oxygen in vitro. The role of metformin and purmorphamine on M1 and M2 polarization was observed by flow cytometry. M2 polarization of pulmonary macrophages was inhibited after hyperoxic exposure, and metformin increased the number of M2 macrophages in the lung on postnatal day 14. Metformin upregulated CD31 expression and suppressed inflammation in the lung of mice exposed to hyperoxia on postnatal days 7 and 14. Metformin downregulated the Gli1 expression in macrophages in the lung after exposure to hyperoxia on postnatal day 14. In vitro studies showed that metformin inhibited the Gli1 expression in RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to 90% oxygen, which was reversed after purmorphamine pretreatment. Exposure to 90% oxygen inhibited the polarization of M2 macrophages, whereas metformin increased the number of M2 macrophages. Purmorphamine reversed the effects of metformin on M2 polarization and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) upregulation in RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to hyperoxia. In conclusion, metformin regulates macrophage polarization via the Shh signaling pathway to improve pulmonary vascular development in bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Working while studying: Employment premium or penalty for youth?
Authors: Dedehouanou Sènakpon Fidèle Ange , Tiberti Luca , Houeninvo Gbodja Hilaire , Monwanou Djohodo Inès 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMost youths in developing countries leave school with only a general academic education level, slowing down their transition to the labour market. We analyse whether work experience during school can ease youth transition to first job in Benin. Using data from the 2014 School‐to‐Work Transition Survey (SWTS), we estimate a three‐equation model to control for endogenous treatment assignment and sample selection and a hazard frailty model. We find that working while studying eases transition from school to first job. However, these findings were significant only for men and youth who left school with at least a secondary education.
Oral treatment for mucopolysaccharidosis VI: Outcomes of the first phase IIa study with odiparcil
Authors: Guffon Nathalie , Chowdary Pratima , Teles Elisa Leão , Hughes Derralynn , Hennermann Julia B. , Huot‐Marchand Philippe , Faudot‐Vernier Elodie , Lacombe Olivier , Fiquet Anne , Richard Marie‐Paule , Abitbol Jean‐Louis , Tallandier Mireille , Hendriksz Christian J. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) disorders are a group of rare, progressive lysosomal storage diseases characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and classified according to the deficient enzyme. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) of MPS VI has limited effects on ophthalmic, cardiovascular, and skeletal systems. Odiparcil is an orally available small molecule that results in the synthesis of odiparcil‐linked GAGs facilitating their excretion and reducing cellular and tissue GAG accumulation. Improve MPS treatment was a Phase 2a study of the safety, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of two doses of odiparcil in patients with MPS VI. The core study was a 26‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in patients receiving ERT and an open‐label, noncomparative, single‐dose cohort not receiving ERT. Patients aged ≥ 16 years receiving ERT were randomized to odiparcil 250 or 500 mg twice daily or placebo. Patients without ERT received odiparcil 500 mg twice daily. Of 20 patients enrolled, 13 (65.0%) completed the study. Odiparcil increased total urine GAGs (uGAGs), chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate concentrations. A linear increase in uGAG levels and odiparcil exposure occurred with increased odiparcil dose. Odiparcil demonstrated a good safety and tolerability profile. Individual analyses found more improvements in pain, corneal clouding, cardiac, vascular, and respiratory functions in the odiparcil groups vs placebo. This study confirmed the mechanism of action and established the safety of odiparcil with clinical beneficial effects after only a short treatment duration in an advanced stage of disease. Further assessment of odiparcil in younger patients is needed.
Development of a breastfeeding duration risk nomogram for use in postpartum Chinese women
Authors: Li Jun‐Yan , Huang Yi‐Yan , Huang Yi , Du Mei‐Chen , Xu Jing , Li Lu , Redding Sharon R. , Ouyang Yan‐Qiong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPrevious studies have investigated influencing factors of early discontinuation of breastfeeding, but few studies have developed an easy‐to‐use tool to identify risk of breastfeeding cessation at 6 months after birth. This research team aimed to develop and validate an exclusive breastfeeding duration risk nomogram in Chinese mothers. A longitudinal cohort survey was conducted. Data were collected from 394 postpartum women in three hospitals in Hubei Province, China from December 2017 to December 2018. The LASSO regression model was used to screen for optimized factors in an exclusive breastfeeding duration model. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to construct a prediction model. Discrimination and calibration were assessed using a C‐index and calibration curve, and internal validity was established using bootstrapping validation. Factors integrated in the prediction risk nomogram were monthly household income (odds ratio [OR] = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.95, 1.80]), experiences of breastfeeding (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: [0.92, 1.63]), attitude (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: [0.94, 3.16]), self‐efficacy (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: [1.40, 4.29]), perceived insufficient milk supply (OR = 0.12, 95% CI: [0.06, 0.25]) and postpartum depression (OR = 0.06, 95% CI: [0.02, 0.17]). The model displayed good discrimination with a C‐index of 0.87 (95% CI: [0.84, 0.91]) and good calibration. The C‐index interval validation was confirmed to be 0.86. This study resulted in the development of a novel nomogram with good accuracy to aid healthcare professionals in assessing the probability of a mother discontinuing exclusive breastfeeding at the breast before 6 months.
Warrior burial of the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age: The phenomenon of women warriors from the Jrapi cemetery (Shirak Province, Armenia)
Authors: Khudaverdyan Anahit Y. , Yengibaryan Azat A. , Khachatryan Hamazasp H. , Hovhanesyan Arshak A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractStudy of the bone remains of two female warriors from Jrapi (Shirak Province, Armenia) burial ground (Burial 3) revealed a multiple array of traumatic lesions, which shed light on their daily activities, occupation, and warfare practice. Both women had compressive cranial lesions with the signs of healing. A bronze arrowhead once embedded in the soft tissues of the intercostal space was discovered as well as a canal in the lower epiphysis of the tibia probably left by the broken point of a bronze arrowhead. The women were likely horse riders and archers. The remains unearthed in Burial N 3 belonged to two females who seemed to live as professional warriors and were buried as individuals of rank. This tomb is the third burial discovered in Armenia that provides evidence on female warriors.
Insights into the diagnostic efficacy and macroscopic appearance of endocranial bony changes indicative of tuberculous meningitis: Three example cases from the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Skeletal Collection
Authors: Spekker Olga , Hunt David R. , Berthon William , Molnár Erika , Pálfi György 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRecently, the combined macroscopic and statistical evaluation of 427 identified pre‐antibiotic era skeletons from the Terry Collection (Washington, DC, USA) revealed that there is a positive association between tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and four endocranial alteration types, namely, granular impressions (GIs), abnormal blood vessel impressions (ABVIs), periosteal appositions (PAs), and abnormally pronounced digital impressions (APDIs). Although all the four lesion types can be used as diagnostic criteria for TBM in the paleopathological practice, they do not have the same diagnostic value. The first aim of the current paper is to further highlight the diagnostic value of GIs, ABVIs, PAs, and APDIs by calculating and discussing their diagnostic sensitivity and specificity estimate values, as well as their association with each other from the 427 identified pre‐antibiotic era skeletons of the Terry Collection. The second aim is to demonstrate three example cases from the Terry Collection, who exhibit bony changes on the inner skull surface that are representative of the macromorphological appearance and co‐occurrence of GIs, ABVIs, PAs, and APDIs (in different combinations). Based on the generated sensitivity and specificity estimate values, GIs are sufficient enough on their own to make a definitive diagnosis of TBM, whereas ABVIs, PAs, and APDIs are not specific to the disease but can be of tuberculous origin. The χ2 test results regarding the association of ABVIs, PAs, and APDIs revealed that their co‐occurrence with each other (in any possible combination) is significantly more common in individuals who died of TB than in those who died of non‐TB causes—it implies that the chance of them being tuberculous in origin is higher when they simultaneously occur with each other. The three cases demonstrated in detail in the paper provide paleopathologists with a stronger basis for identifying TBM in ancient human remains that reveal endocranial alterations resembling that of the presented cases.
Neighborhood social cohesion and physical activity and obesity outcomes among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander individuals
Authors: Wang Monica L. , Narcisse Marie‐Rachelle , Alatorre Selenne , Kozak Andrea T. , McElfish Pearl A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveNative Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) individuals report high obesity rates and low physical activity (PA) levels. This study examined associations between neighborhood social cohesion, obesity, and PA among NHPI adults.MethodsCross‐sectional data from the 2014 NHPI National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. Social cohesion was assessed using a summative scale and categorized as low, medium, and high. PA was measured via self‐report and categorized as insufficiently active (0‐149 min/wk) or sufficiently active (150+ min/wk). Obesity status was based on self‐reported height and weight measures converted into standard BMI categories. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated odds of obesity and sufficient PA associated with social cohesion level.ResultsThe study sample included n = 2,590 NHPI adults. Compared with those in low social cohesion neighborhoods, participants in high social cohesion neighborhoods had increased sufficient PA odds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.19‐2.12; p = 0.003) and decreased obesity odds (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40‐0.83; p = 0.005). No associations were observed between social cohesion and obesity and PA outcomes comparing individuals in medium versus low social cohesion neighborhoods.ConclusionsHigh social cohesion was associated with reduced obesity odds and increased sufficient PA odds. Findings highlight the importance of enhancing social connectivity as a potential strategy to promote PA and healthy weight among NHPI individuals.
Monolithic Newton‐multigrid FEM for the simulation of thixotropic flow problems
Authors: Begum Naheed , Ouazzi Abderrahim , Turek Stefan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis contribution is concerned with the application of Finite Element Method (FEM) and Newton‐Multigrid solvers to simulate thixotropic flows. The thixotropic stress dependent on material microstructure is incorporated via viscosity approach into generalized Navier‐Stokes equations. The full system of equations is solved in a monolithic framework based on Newton‐Multigrid FEM Solver. The developed solver is used to analyse the thixotropic viscoplastic flow problem in 4:1 contraction configuration.
Measured and simulated examination of the propagation paths of structure‐borne sound using the structural intensity for fibre reinforced injection moulded thermoplastic parts
Authors: Netzband Dennis , Ujma Andreas , Moritzer Elmar 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn product development e.g. electromobility, engineers need to place special emphasis on acoustics. A large number of automotive interior components consist of injection‐moulded thermoplastic parts. If required these lightweight components are reinforced with fibres or fillings. This reinforcement leads to a higher vibration sensitivity and higher natural frequencies. Due to the fact that the auditory threshold decreases with a rising excitation frequency, a conflict of objective between acoustics and lightweight components exists. In order to influence the acoustic behaviour in early development stages, the structure‐borne sound including its source and propagation paths have to be analysed. An appropriate parameter by which to visualise these pieces is the structural intensity (STI) which is calculated by the product of velocity and stress. Previous investigations have mainly focused on the behaviour of isotropic materials e.g. steel calculated using FEM. An experimental determination of the STI is a challenge since the stress of a vibrating structure cannot be directly measured. Furthermore the experimental determination is limited to the surface of the structure. First investigations using FEM were carried out to examine composite materials with a unidirectional fibre orientation and revealed a high potential to influence the structural behaviour in acoustic matters, i.e. the transmission of structure‐borne sound. Therefore a current research project deals with the opportunities to influence the vibro‐acoustic behaviour of injection moulded parts using the structural intensity. In this paper a method is presented to examine the influence of fibres, fillings and geometric modifications on the STI for injection moulded parts using FEM. A method to measure the STI for orthotropic parts is also presented. In addition to a comparison between the measured and the simulated results, a look‐ahead at planned future investigations in the research project is given.
A homogenisation approach for shell structures using scaled boundary isogeometric analysis on RVE‐level
Authors: Mester Leonie , Klarmann Simon , Klinkel Sven 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis contribution deals with a homogenisation approach for shell structures. A coupled multiscale approach also known as FE2 is used, which satisfies the Hill‐Mandel condition. The macroscopic structure is modelled with shell elements. Assuming periodicity of the mesostructure, which fulfils the scale separation requirement, allows the definition of a representative volume element (RVE). Using the RVE, equivalent homogeneous material parameters are obtained in order to define the overall structure. The shell strains obtained on the macroscopic scale are applied to the RVE. To model the mesostructure as 3D solids, the boundary representation from CAD is adopted. Next, Isogeometric analysis (IGA) is used for the solution on the boundary. In order to analyse the interior of the solid, IGA is combined with the scaled boundary finite element method. While the boundary is approximated using NURBS functions, the interior is approximated by B‐Splines, contrary to the use of an analytical solution in classical SBFEM. As a result, nonlinear problems can be covered. Furthermore, this approach facilitates the direct use of CAD models for analysis, which is especially useful for complex geometries on the mesostructure, e.g. for modelling laminar textile structures, such as woven fabrics or laid webs. Star‐shaped domains needed for the analysis are obtained by subdivision of the overall domain. Using NURBS basis functions for the approximation of the boundary can be problematic because the position of the control points, in contrast to the nodes in FEM, does not necessarily equal the physical coordinates. To enforce prescribed boundary conditions in the framework of homogenisation, this leads to difficulties. To overcome this problem a transition element is utilized to couple the shell kinematics on the macrostructure with the 3D solid on the mesostructure. This results in a method able to use complex geometries from CAD models as representative volume elements for shell structures.