bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Probabilistic Method for the Performance Evaluation of Manipulators: Part I — Methodology
Authors: Rastegar J. , Singh J. R. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A totally new probabilistic method is introduced which can be used to obtain a global map of the distribution of the velocity and force transmission characteristics of robotic manipulators. The method yields the global distributions of volumes of the velocity and force ellipsoids, the eigenvectors, the eigenvalues, and the condition numbers. It utilizes the most basic definition of the properties of the mapping functions between the joint coordinates and the Cartesian (task) coordinates. The method is extremely simple, numerical in nature, and readily implementable on a computer. It requires very simple and limited analytical formulations. No inverse calculations are involved. The method furnishes a very simple and effective tool for solving a number of synthesis, performance evaluation, and task planning problems. In Part II of this paper, the method is utilized for optimal positioning of task spaces within workspaces of manipulators. Several examples are presented.
Comparison of Methods for Determining Screw Parameters of Finite Rigid Body Motion From Initial and Final Position Data
Authors: Fenton R. G. , Shi X. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Five methods for determining the screw parameters of finite rigid body motion using position data of three non-collinear points are compared on the basis of their efficiency, accuracy, and sensitivity to data error. It is found that the method based on Rodrigues’ Formula (Bottema & Roth’s method) is the most efficient. Angeles’ method and Laub & Shiflett’s method provide approximately the same level of accuracy, which is superior to that of the other methods. In terms of sensitivity, Bottema & Roth’s method is preferable On the basis of this study it is recommended that Bottema & Roth’s method to be used if uncertainty exists in the data since it can provide a solution efficiently, accurately, and it is the least sensitive to data error.
Laryngotracheal and pharyngoesophageal traumatic injuries from US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2003–2017
Authors: Coulter Michael , Mickelson R C , Dye J L , Myers E E , Ambrosio A A 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionLaryngotracheal and pharyngo-oesophageal trauma present military providers with especially difficult, life-threatening challenges. Although effective treatment strategies are crucial, there is no clear consensus. This study of combat injuries from Iraq and Afghanistan describes initial treatment outcomes.MethodsUS service members who sustained ‘laryngotracheal’ and ‘pharyngoesophageal’ injuries while deployed in military operations from 2003 to 2017 were identified from the Expeditionary Medical Encounter Database. Those with inhalation or ingestion injuries and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) <16 were excluded. Data on demographics, survival, mechanism and type of injury and diagnostic and therapeutic intervention were recorded.ResultsA total of 111 service members met inclusion criteria. Nearly one-third (32.4%) were killed in action (KIA) or died of wounds (DoW). Fatality was not significantly associated with age, theatre of operation, type of injury or mechanism of injury, but was associated with a higher ISS and those in the Marines. Although survival rates were not significantly different, the frequency of these injuries decreased after the introduction of cervical collar protection in 2007. Of those who DoW or survived, 41.1% required a surgical airway. Tracheobronchoscopy was performed in 25.6%, oesophagoscopy in 20.0% and oesophagram in 6.7%. Of the 85 with penetrating neck injuries, 43 (50.6%) underwent neck exploration, in which 31 (72.1%) required intervention.ConclusionsSevere laryngotracheal and pharyngo-oesophageal injuries have a high fatality rate and demand prompt treatment from skilled providers. Further work will elucidate preventive measures and clear management algorithms to optimise outcomes.
Cancer Cells Retrace a Stepwise Differentiation Program during Malignant Progression
Authors: Saghafinia Sadegh , Homicsko Krisztian , Di Domenico Annunziata , Wullschleger Stephan , Perren Aurel , Marinoni Ilaria , Ciriello Giovanni , Michael Iacovos P. , Hanahan Douglas 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET) comprise two molecular subtypes, relatively benign islet tumors (IT) and invasive, metastasis-like primary (MLP) tumors. Until now, the origin of aggressive MLP tumors has been obscure. Herein, using multi-omics approaches, we revealed that MLP tumors arise from IT via dedifferentiation following a reverse trajectory along the developmental pathway of islet β cells, which results in the acquisition of a progenitor-like molecular phenotype. Functionally, the miR-181cd cluster induces the IT-to-MLP transition by suppressing expression of the Meis2 transcription factor, leading to upregulation of a developmental transcription factor, Hmgb3. Notably, the IT-to-MLP transition constitutes a distinct step of tumorigenesis and is separable from the classic proliferation-associated hallmark, temporally preceding accelerated proliferation of cancer cells. Furthermore, patients with PanNET with elevated HMGB3 expression and an MLP transcriptional signature are associated with higher-grade tumors and worse survival. Overall, our results unveil a new mechanism that modulates cancer cell plasticity to enable malignant progression.

Significance:
Dedifferentiation has long been observed as a histopathologic characteristic of many cancers, albeit inseparable from concurrent increases in cell proliferation. Herein, we demonstrate that dedifferentiation is a mechanistically and temporally separable step in the multistage tumorigenesis of pancreatic islet cells, retracing the developmental lineage of islet β cells.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2355
Saving Lives and Livelihoods in the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Have We Learned, Particularly from Asia?
Authors: Kok Derek Qi Ren , Woo Wing Thye 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The key practices in successful government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic are (1) early border controls to contain the initial spread of the virus from abroad; (2) rapidly increasing the capacity of national health systems in terms of mobilizing staff, securing supplies (e.g., protective equipment and respiratory devices), and optimizing space (e.g., ensuring adequate numbers of acute and intensive care beds) to scale up testing-tracing-treating infrastructure; (3) promoting individual hygienic behavior such as social distancing and face mask use, which requires, respectively, active government enforcement of regulations against holding spreader events, and strong government intervention in the market to ensure adequate supplies; (4) fiscal measures to extend disaster relief to workers, businesses, and vulnerable populations; and (5) clear, concise, and consistent communications from leaders and authorities.
International cooperation must have a key role in the fight against the pandemic. So far, a global response to the crisis has been glaringly absent. Although it is understandable that countries prioritize their own needs, it must be understood that no country is safe until every other country is also safe. Global access to future vaccines, supplies, tests, and treatments is the only way to ensure the virus is truly eradicated within a country. The richer countries should establish a global fund to provide the poor countries with the needed vaccine, and to enhance their efforts in testing, tracing, and treating COVID-19 cases.
Decontextualization: Making Sentences Stand-Alone
Authors: Choi Eunsol , Palomaki Jennimaria , Lamm Matthew , Kwiatkowski Tom , Das Dipanjan , Collins Michael 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Models for question answering, dialogue agents, and summarization often interpret the meaning of a sentence in a rich context and use that meaning in a new context. Taking excerpts of text can be problematic, as key pieces may not be explicit in a local window. We isolate and define the problem of sentence decontextualization: taking a sentence together with its context and rewriting it to be interpretable out of context, while preserving its meaning. We describe an annotation procedure, collect data on the Wikipedia corpus, and use the data to train models to automatically decontextualize sentences. We present preliminary studies that show the value of sentence decontextualization in a user-facing task, and as preprocessing for systems that perform document understanding. We argue that decontextualization is an important subtask in many downstream applications, and that the definitions and resources provided can benefit tasks that operate on sentences that occur in a richer context.
Legal Guarantees for the Safety of China’s Offshore Oil and Gas Facilities: Status, Defects and Countermeasures
Authors: Cheng Shihui 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The safety of offshore oil and gas facilities is a deep concern in relation to the security of China’s fossil energy supply. At present, there are a series of international law protection systems with the offshore facility safety zone system as the core. Most of world’s major maritime countries have established offshore oil and gas facilities protection systems in the form of domestic legislation in accordance with relevant international law, and some of them have adopted measures expanding the scope of their safety zones to strengthen protection. However, there remain some defects in the existing international law system. Therefore, the Chinese government needs to promptly clarify its position on issues related to the offshore facilities safety zone system, and propose the formulation of a specialised convention.
On the settling depth of meltwater escaping from beneath Antarctic ice shelves
Authors: Arnscheidt Constantin W. , Marshall John , Dutrieux Pierre , Rye Craig D. , Ramadhan Ali 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAntarctic glacial meltwater is thought to play an important role in determining large-scale Southern Ocean climate trends, yet recent modeling efforts have proceeded without a good understanding of how its vertical distribution in the water column is set. To rectify this, here we conduct new large-eddy simulations of the ascent of a buoyant meltwater plume after its escape from beneath an Antarctic ice shelf. We find that the meltwater’s settling depth is primarily a function of the buoyancy forcing per unit width of the source and the ambient stratification, consistent with the classical theory of turbulent buoyant plumes and in contrast to previous work that suggested an important role for centrifugal instability. Our results further highlight the significant role played by localized variability in stratification; this helps explain observed interannual variability in the vertical meltwater distribution near Pine Island Glacier. Because of the vast heterogeneity in mass loss rates and ambient conditions at different Antarctic ice shelves, a dynamic parameterization of meltwater settling depth may be crucial for accurately simulating high-latitude climate in a warming world; we discuss how this may be developed following this work, and where the remaining challenges lie.
A Review of Occlusion as a Tool to Assess Attentional Demand in Driving
Authors: Kujala Tuomo , Kircher Katja , Ahlström Christer 
Published: April 2021

Objective The aim of this review is to identify how visual occlusion contributes to our understanding of attentional demand and spare visual capacity in driving and the strengths and limitations of the method. Background The occlusion technique was developed by John W. Senders to evaluate the attentional demand of driving. Despite its utility, it has been used infrequently in driver attention/inattention research. Method Visual occlusion studies in driving published between 1967 and 2020 were reviewed. The focus was on original studies in which the forward visual field was intermittently occluded while the participant was driving. Results Occlusion studies have shown that attentional demand varies across situations and drivers and have indicated environmental, situational, and inter-individual factors behind the variability. The occlusion technique complements eye tracking in being able to indicate the temporal requirements for and redundancy in visual information sampling. The proper selection of occlusion settings depends on the target of the research. Conclusion Although there are a number of occlusion studies looking at various aspects of attentional demand, we are still only beginning to understand how these demands vary, interact, and covary in naturalistic driving. Application The findings of this review have methodological and theoretical implications for human factors research and for the development of distraction monitoring and in-vehicle system testing. Distraction detection algorithms and testing guidelines should consider the variability in drivers’ situational and individual spare visual capacity.
Public Compliance With Social Distancing Measures and SARS-CoV-2 Spread
Authors: Liu Hongjie , Chen Chang , Cruz-Cano Raul , Guida Jennifer L. , Lee Minha 
Published: April 2021

Objective We quantified the association between public compliance with social distancing measures and the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the first wave of the epidemic (March–May 2020) in 5 states that accounted for half of the total number of COVID-19 cases in the United States. Methods We used data on mobility and number of COVID-19 cases to longitudinally estimate associations between public compliance, as measured by human mobility, and the daily reproduction number and daily growth rate during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. Results The 5 states mandated social distancing directives during March 19-24, 2020, and public compliance with mandates started to decrease in mid-April 2020. As of May 31, 2020, the daily reproduction number decreased from 2.41-5.21 to 0.72-1.19, and the daily growth rate decreased from 0.22-0.77 to –0.04 to 0.05 in the 5 states. The level of public compliance, as measured by the social distancing index (SDI) and daily encounter-density change, was high at the early stage of implementation but decreased in the 5 states. The SDI was negatively associated with the daily reproduction number (regression coefficients range, –0.04 to –0.01) and the daily growth rate (from –0.009 to –0.01). The daily encounter-density change was positively associated with the daily reproduction number (regression coefficients range, 0.24 to 1.02) and the daily growth rate (from 0.05 to 0.26). Conclusions Social distancing is an effective strategy to reduce the incidence of COVID-19 and illustrates the role of public compliance with social distancing measures to achieve public health benefits.
Cleft Lip and Palate in Infants With Prenatal Opioid Exposure
Authors: Langa Olivia , Cappitelli Alex T. , Ganske Ingrid M. 
Published: April 2021

Objective: This study examines phenotypic presentation and perioperative outcomes of cleft-related procedures for infants with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and prenatal opioid exposure. Design: This is a retrospective review of infants with prenatal opioid exposure treated for CL/P from 2008 to 2018. Setting: Patients cared for at a tertiary center from 2008 to 2018. Patients/Participants: Eighteen patients with documented prenatal opioid exposure and CL/P had primary repairs in our unit. Main Outcome Measure(s): The phenotypes of CL/P were characterized. Demographic data regarding additional exposures, as well as associated medical and social comorbidities were recorded. Outcome variables included operative delays, perioperative complications, and loss of follow-up. Results: Isolated cleft palate (CP; 67%) was overrepresented among patients with prenatal opioid exposure and CL/P, as was Robin sequence (50% in isolated CP). Fifty-six percent had exposure to additional substances. A majority (67%) had other medical conditions or anomalies, and 17% had known genetic syndromes. Seventy-two percent were in state custody. Thirty-nine percent of exposed patients had delays in their planned operative dates due to medical and/or social factors. There were no postoperative readmissions following cleft procedures. Lack of follow-up was noted in 33% of patients. Conclusions: Infants with CL/P who have prenatal opioid exposure are likely to have additional medical conditions and complex social challenges.
Shiga-Like Toxin Produced by Local Isolates of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Induces Apoptosis of the T47 Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Pinatih Komang Januartha Putra , Suardana I Wayan , Widiasih Dyah Ayu , Suharsono Hamong 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: It has been suggested that Shiga-like toxins produced by Escherichia coli O157:H7 could be used as novel therapeutic agents against malignant tumors. In addition, the antitumor potency of local isolates from Indonesia, which are known to be less toxic than the control isolate ATCC 43894, has not yet been tested. The study aimed to analyze local strains of E. coli O157:H7 as a proapoptosis agent on the T47 breast cancer cell line. Methods: As many as 30 culture cells of T47D breast cancer cell line were subjected to purified extracts of Shiga-like toxin originating from 5 local isolates of E. coli O157:H7: KL-48(2), SM-25(1), SM-7(1), DS-21(4), and 1 isolate ATCC 43894 which was used as a control. Toxin production of each isolate was detected using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the treatment of cell lines was observed for 24 hours, with 2 replications; 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide tests and acridine orange/ethidium bromide double staining assays were used for detection and analyses of apoptosis. Results: The study showed 2 local strains of E. coli O157:H7 (codes KL-48(2) and SM-25(1)) had toxins positive at titer 5 and 10 μg/100 μL. These titers were lower than the control isolate ATCC 43894, but they had a necrosis effect higher ( P < .05), ie, 80.3%, than control isolate, ie, 63.3%. Other local strain SM-25(1) also had a good necrosis effect. It has a nondifferent necrosis effect ( P > .05) with the control isolate ATCC 43894, ie, 13.0% from 13.3%. Conclusion: This study concludes that the Shiga toxin produced by E. coli O157:H7 local isolate (Indonesia) has potential as a proapoptotic and/or necrotic agent for treating T47 breast cancer cell lines, as effectively as ATCC 43894 control isolates.
The effects of supervised versus home Pilates-based core stability training on lower extremity muscle strength and postural sway in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Güngör Feray , Tarakci Ela , Özdemir-Acar Zeynep , Soysal Aysun 
Published: April 2021

Background: Pilates-based core stability training (PBCST) is a controlled form of exercise that may improve the transmission of torque from the upper extremities and trunk to the lower extremities by enabling the core muscles to activate effectively. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PBCST given as supervised or home-based on lower extremity strength and postural control in multiple sclerosis. Methods: Fifty individuals were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups. Primary outcome measures were knee muscle strength and postural sway in different conditions. The supervised group received PBCST 2 days per week for 8 weeks at the clinic, and the other group performed PBCST at home. Exercises were progressed every 2 weeks in both groups. Results: Between groups, the supervised group was mostly superior to the home group ( p < 0.05). A significant improvement was noted in all parameters in both groups, except some sub-parameters of postural sway in home PBCST ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Supervised PBCST was determined to be more effective than home PBCST in improving strength, postural control, core stability, physical capacity, and fatigue. Although supervised training is the primary choice, home training can be recommended to patients who have limitations attending supervised sessions.
Paper trails: Using letter writing to understand social isolation and poverty in a rural community
Authors: Frank Jennifer M , Granruth Laura Brierton , Girvin Heather , Leffler Brittany 
Published: April 2021

Summary Letter writing was used as a qualitative research strategy to access the narratives of individuals living in rural poverty. Undergraduate social work students in a freshman seminar course were paired with participants of a local agency to engage in a letter writing exchange about life experiences. Community members who volunteered to participate in the letter-writing exchange were identified via their participation in services offered by a local, community-based agency that is situated in a rural community. In the fall of 2018, a sample of 20 community members and 28 students participated in two rounds of letter exchange. Findings The letter-writing exchange was an effective way to collect data. The content of the letters enhanced students’ understanding of the daily experiences of individuals living in rural poverty. Data collected demonstrated that social isolation remains a central concern among poor, rural residents. Letter writing supported a sense of personal connection between students and community members; these social connections may have attenuated the pain of social isolation that many community members experience. Applications Narrative inquiry and the use of letter writing as a research methodology allowed us access to greater understanding about the lived experience of rural poverty. People living in rural poverty experience a layered isolation that keeps them separate from resources and each other. Letter writing provided connection and rich data that enhanced our understanding of this community.